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Erie PA News and Events for Thursday January 10, 2008

A group of 10 port authority and municipal government officials met in Mentor, Ohio to discuss ferry service across Lake Erie. Nobody from the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority in Erie, PA attended. Ferry service between Fairport Harbor, Ohio to Port Burwell, Ontario and Cleveland, Ohio to Port Stanley, Ontario is in the planning stages. Ferry passenger service between Erie, PA and Port Dover, Ontario has been talked about but an official from Port Dover said they haven’t heard anything lately from the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority. The Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority contracted with Willard Marine at $700,000 for a 65 foot able to carry 46 passengers.

The first railroad line in Erie, PA was the Erie and Northeast Railroad. Their first train arriving 156 years ago today on January 10, 1852.

There is no doubt the area colleges and universities make a major economic impact to the area. This time of the year, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) is conducting interviews. Prospective students are flying into Erie, staying at hotels, eating at restaurants and spending money.

Shares of Spectrum Control (Nasdaq: SPEC) plummeted $4.38 (31percent) to $9.76 on disappointing earnings and sales. Spectrum reported net income of $3.2 million or 24 cents per share (23 cents diluted) on sales of $34.7 million. Wall Street was expecting 25 cents a share, on revenue of $36.5 million.

Tom Ridge of Erie, the nation’s first Secretary of Homeland Security and chief executive officer of Ridge Global, will serve as a senior advisor to TechRadium, a leading Texas-based security technology company that provides its patented alert and notification system IRIS (Immediate Response Information System) to a wide range of users from public schools and universities to military programs.

Erie Bronze and Aluminum of Erie, Pa had been keeping track of its production scheduling and costs with the same internally-designed system for more than 20 years. The system was adequate, but when the company made a move to modernize its facility, it was included in the plan. Erie Bronze and Aluminum looked to Synchro32 to provide a solution. Synchro32 is a UK based software company that offers integrated production control systems designed specifically for metalcasters and diecasters. The company phased in products as it completed the rest of the plant’s modernization, and now all products were tracked via Synchro32. Synchro32 worked with Erie Bronze and Aluminum to write in an additional module that allowed the company to make estimates of production rates and times. It keeps track of how long a job takes to make its way from one process to the next, which helps the company track whether a job is a good performer. Although based in the UK, Synchro32’s customer base is 47 percent US and Canadian.

The US Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania reported a 30 percent increase in filings for the first 3 quarters of 2007, 8,905, up from 6,828 for the first 3 quarters of 2006. The district covers Erie, Johnstown and Pittsburgh. The bankruptcy law changed two years ago which made it more difficult for individuals to seek court protection from their creditors. Since filings have been up in other districts as well, it’s believed there was a bit of a learning curve until attorneys figured out how to better work the law.

Julia left Erie, PA a week ago for a semester abroad in Ireland. She is blogging about her experiences on the Celtic Chronicles.

The Penn State Behrend men’s basketball team entered Wednesday night’s home game against the Allegheny Gators looking to create some offensive rhythm after a rough shooting win last Saturday against Fredonia State. Behrend (8-3) managed its way to a 16-point, 64-48 win after a strong shooting performance in the second twenty minutes. Kevin Buczynski (Erie Villa Maria) led the scoring with 22 points and eight rebounds. Allegheny (7-5) was led by Charlie Jaicks 16 markers, while Craig Devinney and George Raftis had 12 apiece.

The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League head onto the road for three games this weekend beginning Thursday in Windsor. Friday the Otters meet the Spirit in Saginaw before wrapping everything up Saturday night in Plymouth against the Whalers. All three games can be heard live on FOX Sports Radio AM 1330 The FAN and on-line on their web site (presented by the James H Cross Company). Thursday’s game begins with the pre-game show at 7:15 pm, Friday at 6:55 pm and Saturday at 6:50 pm.

Gannon University is ranked 13th and Mercyhurst College is 16th in this week’s NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association poll.

The NHL Central Scouting Service released their mid-term rankings of prospects for the 2008 entry draft. Three members of the Erie Otters were ranked. LW Jordan Skellett was ranked the 178th in North American skaters. In North American goaltenders, Jaroslav Janus was 24th and Shane Owen was 28th.

Florida running backs coach Stan Drayton has accepted an offer to coach the same position at Tennessee. Drayton is a grad of Allegheny College where he was a star running back for 3 years.

There are two college basketball doubleheaders in Erie tonight. Findlay at Gannon (women at 5:30 and men at 7:30) and Ashland at Mercyhurst (women at 6 and men at 8). The Gannon men are ranked 18th and the Findlay men are ranked 9th.

Join The Ophelia Project for an evening of fun at Jr’s Last Laugh Comedy Club and Restaurant on Thursday, January 10 at 6:30 pm. Tickets: $11 Advance ticket sale proceeds benefit The Ophelia Project, but you MUST mention Ophelia when you order tickets. For reservations, call Jr’s direct at (814) 461-0911. 5:30 Dinner available/6:00 pick up ticket/6:30 show *Must be 21 to attend* The Ophelia Project is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Erie, Pa. Recognized as a leader in assessing social conditions and advocating healthy, safe relationships, the organization partners with educational, civic and community leaders to educate and empower kids and adults across North America. Visit www.OpheliaProject.org or call 888-256-KIDS (5437) to learn more.

Enjoy great food and friendship at the annual Radio Association of Erie Holiday Party which will be held on Friday January 11 at the Zem Zem Shrine Club at W 38th and Zuck Roads. Social Hour will start at 6 pm with dinner at 6:30 pm. The cost for the buffet dinner is $15 per person. The menu will consist of: Sausage with peppers and onions, Rigatoni with meat, Breaded Chicken, Garden Salad, Relish Tray, Green Beans, Scalloped Potato, Rolls and Butter, Cake and Coffee and Tea. For reservations contact Neil Shea (N3ZNP), (814) 474-2346.

The Erie Playhouse Youtheatre presents “Narnia” Fri Jan 11 at 7 pm, Sat Jan 12 at 2 pm and 7 pm, Sun Jan 13 at 2 pm, Fri Jan 18 at 7 pm, Sat Jan 19 at 2 pm and 7 pm and Sun Jan 20 at 2 pm. From the excitement of the opening song to the soaring finale, the unique enchanted world of Narnia comes alive in an astonishing production filled with creatures and spirits of myth and fable.

Erie native Joe Zentis is having a signing at The Erie Book Store, 137 E 13th St, from 2-4 pm for his first book, “Lives of Quiet Inspiration: Volume 1” on Saturday Jan 12. Zentis, a Cathedral Prep grad, was born in Erie and lived in McKean.

Join instructors from The Bead Shoppe on Sat Jan 12 beginning at 10:30 am at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at Presque Isle for a fun day of jewelry making. You will be guided in using tools for beach glass drilling and complete a necklace and earrings at the end of class. Cost is $55.00 (includes all supplies and lunch). Please register by calling (814) 833-7424.

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) White Coat Ceremony will be held at the Warner Theatre on Sat Jan 12. The School of Pharmacy Class of 2010 ceremony starts at 10:30 am and the medical student Class of 2011 ceremony begins at 2 pm.

Gannon University will host a Financial Aid Workshop on Wednesday, January 16. The workshop will cover the entire financial aid process as well as a step-by-step review of the questions on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The workshop also will cover definitions of terms that parents and students should know and the various aid programs available. The workshop is free and open to the public and will begin at 6:30 pm in room 1200 of the university’s Palumbo Academic Center, 824 Peach Street. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at (814) 871-7337 or 1-800-GANNON-U (1-800-426-6668).

Mercyhurst North East is holding two orientation sessions for individuals interested in The Municipal Police Training Academy on Wednesday, Jan 16, from 2-4 pm, and Thursday, Jan 17, from 6-8 pm, both at the Michele and Tom Ridge Health and Safety Building on the campus of Mercyhurst North East, 16 West Division Street, North East, PA. MNE’s Police Training Academy, which begins March 3, is one of only sixteen certified academies in the state where individuals can earn Act 120 certification, required for many law enforcement jobs, including municipal police work.

As part of its series of Pink Ribbon Educational Events for breast cancer survivors and to promote breast cancer awareness, Saint Vincent will present a program on Thursday, January 17, from 6 to 8 pm at the McGarvey Learning Center at Saint Vincent Health Center, 232 West 25th Street, Erie, Pa. The event will feature music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and a brief talk on “Fact vs Fiction: Nutrition for Breast Cancer Survivors,” presented by Sandra Luthringer, RD, owner of Super Suppers. The event is supported by a grant from The Pittsburgh Affiliate of Susan G Komen for the Cure. Komen awarded a $75,000 grant to Saint Vincent Health Center to support a program offering restorative health services, education, support and specialized products for breast cancer survivors, particularly those who cannot afford it. Cost is $6. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (814) 866-4817.

The Erie Chamber Orchestra In residence at Gannon University will perform their annual ‘Tribute to Dr Martin Luther King, Jr’ on Friday, January 18 at 7:30 pm at St Patrick Church, 130 East Fourth Street in Erie. It will will feature the Shiloh Baptist Church Choir and Evangelist D M Jamerson, minister of music. The concert is FREE and open to the public.

There will be a Wine and Cheese Reception to welcome the new artists featured at the Nature Shop and Gallery in the Tom Ridge Environmental Center on Friday Jan 18, 6-8 pm. Ed Bernik will be signing copies of his book “Pennsylvania Wilds: Images from the Allegheny National Forest” and there will be signed copies of “Photoshop CS3 for Nature Photographers” by Ellen Anon.

The 25th annual McDonald’s High School Basketball Classic will be held in Erie PA on Friday, January 18 and Saturday January 18, 2008 at the Gannon University Hammermill Center. St Edward of Lakewood Ohio, Rice High School of NYC, Saint Patrick of Elizabeth NJ and Erie Cathedral Prep are in the powerful field. Adult General Admission tickets are $7 and Student General Admission are tickets are $5. Reserved tickets are $12.50.

The Mercyhurst College chapter of Kappa Gamma Pi education honor society will host the Third Annual Teaching and Learning Expo on Saturday, Jan 19, from 9 am to 1:30 pm in the Audrey Hirt Academic Center. About 100 area education students and teachers are expected to attend the event, at which they’ll be able to choose three workshops from 17 offerings. The cost of the program is $5, including a catered lunch. Act 48 credits are available for the morning workshops. For more information, email Dr Ruth Auld or call (814) 824-3370.

Daniel S Mead, president of Verizon Services Corp, will discuss how creation of a centralized business services unit saved the telecommunications giant $562 million in one year during an upcoming presentation for the Sam and Irene Black School of Business at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Mead, a Warren native and member of the college’s Council of Fellows, will speak at 6 pm on Tuesday, January 22, in the Samuel P “Pat” Black III Conference Center in the college’s Research and Economic Development Center. Admission to his talk is free and open to the public.

The Cleveland Indians Caravan will be rolling into Erie January 23, 2008 at the Dr Gertrude A Barber National Institute, 136 East Avenue. Doors open at 5 pm with a trivia contest and plenty of food and beverage. Cleveland Indians’ players, coaches and media staff will arrive at 6:30 pm to entertain Erie’s Tribe faithful, to answer fan’s questions and present a highlight film from last year’s baseball season. A donation of $8 per ticket will benefit programs at the Dr Gertrude A Barber National Institute. Tickets are available now through January 23rd at the Dr Gertrude A Barber National Institute (Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm) or at Hector’s Cafe, W 18th and Liberty Streets. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of January 23, if available.

The 2008 Erie RV, Camping and Powersport Expo will be held January 23-27 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. Hours: Wed 4-9 pm, Thurs Noon-9 pm, Fri 10 an to 8 pm and Sun 10 am to 5 pm. Free admission and free parking.

Glass Growers Gallery at 10 East Fifth St in Erie will be hosting an exhibit called ‘Spirital Thresholds’ by Annoel Krider. Color and design blend with tradition and balance in the southwestern inspired weavings of this fiber artist who also creates mixes-media objects and sculptures to further refine her vision. There will be an artists reception on Friday Jan 25 from 6-9 pm. The exhibit will be on display Jan 25 to March 11.

Your Day In Court: An Internet Security Workshop features William Shore of the Pittsburgh FBI office. The workshop will be held Noon-3 pm on Thursday, Jan 31 at the Ambassador Hotel and Conference Center; 7792 Peach Street in Erie. After a security breach, it is often too late to back track, recreate and document the environment in which the security breach occurred. From a strategic management viewpoint, this pitfall is often fatal. In court proceedings, the lack of defendable evidence can impact the success of litigation and create liability issues for your organization. This workshop is specifically designed to explain what steps should be taken following a security breach. Click here to register. This event is sponsored by: Software Technology Concepts, eBizITPA, the FBI and the Technology Council of Northwestern Pennsylvania.

The 14th annual Sarah Backstrom Memorial Women’s and Girl’s Hockey Tournament will be held in Erie February 8-10, 2008. Admission is FREE to all games. About 1,000 young ladies plus family and friends will be in town for the weekend. Hotel rooms will be hard to come by and expect delays at restaurants. Who was Sarah Backstrom? She was a feisty red headed defensewoman who gave all off her love of the game and passion to play it to the Erie Lady Lions. Sarah fought every battle to the end, with passion and determination. The Erie Lady Lions lost Sarah to Leukemia but have never lost her spirit.

The Association of Program Members (APM) of General Electric Transportation in Erie PA announced that it will be sponsoring the 13th Annual Winter Wishes Benefit Gala for the Foundation of Western Pennsylvania on February 16, 2008. Each year, the members of APM reach out to the community to collect donations for the silent auctions, live auctions and raffles that are held at the event. They also solicit “table sponsors” from local businesses. As a table sponsor, the business’ name appears on the centerpiece showing their support for this wonderful event as well as in any promotional materials that they put together for the function. The money raised with the auctioned items donated by local businesses will help provide funding for Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Community support of this event is recognition of the importance of this cause are greatly appreciated. Along with your assistance, GE will be able to make an impact on the day-to-day life of children whose lives are threatened.

The 2008 Erie Home and Garden Expo will be held February 21-24 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. Hours: Thursday 4-9 pm, Friday 2-9 pm, Sat 10 am - 8:30 pm and Sun 11 am to 5 pm.

The 10th annual MECA Bar Stool Open will be held on Saturday February 23, 2008 in downtown Erie, PA. Entry fee is $100 per team of 4 golfers, $25 per person. Must be 21 years of age or older to participate. Click here to for the registration form.

The 2008 Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo will be held February 29 - March 2 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. Hours: Noon-9 pm Friday, 10 am-8 pm Saturday and 10 am-5 pm Sunday.

The GE (NYSE: GE) 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on April 23, 2008 in Erie, Pennsylvania at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center.

Posted by Dennis at January 10, 2008 7:09 AM

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