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Erie PA News and Events for Saturday February 16, 2008
Posted by Dennis on February 16, 2008
At the US Bankruptcy Court in Erie PA, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Judge Thomas P Agresti is hearing the case of Countrywide Financial Corp v Sharon Diane Hill of Pittsburgh in a mortgage case being followed by many. Hill sued Countrywide after they had tried to foreclose even though she went through a bankruptcy plan and had caught up on her payments. Countrywide said she was still behind on escrow payments. Countrywide provided 3 letters to her to back up their claim. Turns out Countrywide faked the letters. An attorney for Countrywide said they had “recreated” the letters and they had actually never been sent. Countrywide Financial is the nation’s largest mortgage lender.
As American television stations across the country prepare to transition to an all-digital broadcast format, US Rep Phil English (R-Pa) urged local residents to learn more and gear up for the nationally mandated conversion to digital television (DTV) which will take place by February 2009. “Within the next year, TV stations will finally breach the digital divide by switching their broadcast format to all-digital, all the time,” English said. “While this national leap forward into the cutting-edge technology of the 21st century will free-up the airways to better assist first-responders, and improve imaging and programming options for television viewers, local residents should take the time to learn more about the digital update, and see what steps, if any, they need to take to ensure a seamless transition for their television equipment at home or in the office.” In 1996, Congress authorized the distribution of an additional broadcast channel to all full-power television stations in the country to begin a digital broadcast channel. For more than 10 years, the majority of television stations have been broadcasting on both digital and analog channels, however on February 17, 2009, all TV stations in the United States are required, by federal law, to end their analog broadcast and switch to an all digital format. This transition, which is known as the DTV transition, will not only provide viewers with improved picture and sound quality, but free up airwaves for police, fire and emergency personnel as well as increase wireless services for consumers. The end of analog broadcast does not mean that consumers must purchase new TVs nor will it require high definition television (HDTV) programming. However, if viewers currently receive over-the-air programming on an analog television using a broadcast antenna, either through “rabbit ears” on the TV set or an antenna on the roof, consumers will need to purchase a digital-to-analog converter box to continue watching broadcast television after February 17, 2009. The boxes cost approximately $40 to $70 dollars and are now available in stores. To request coupons from TV Converter Box Coupon Program, local residents can: apply online at www.dtv20009.gov; mail the coupon application to PO BOX 2000, Portland OR, 97208-2000; fax the application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632) or call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), TTY 1-877-530-2634. The coupons, which are being administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) are available while supplies last now until March 31, 2009.
A third-year student at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, has received a prestigious Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship from the US Department of State to support her studies abroad. Krystle Bell is a biology major with a microbiology option from Brooklyn, NY. She’s spending the spring semester at University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, taking courses in marine biology, coral reef research, anatomy, philosophy, and Aboriginal studies. Gilman International Scholarships were created through the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000 to assist students who receive federal Pell Grants to enroll in education abroad programs that they otherwise could not afford. Bell is Penn State Behrend’s second Gilman Scholarship recipient; Michael Long of North East, a junior political science major, spent the 2006-07 academic year studying at Beijing Foreign Studies University in China. Both Bell and Long also received assistance from Penn State Behrend’s John K Henne Scholarship for International Study, an endowment created at the college nine years ago by Titusville philanthropist John Henne.
National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation Senior Vice President Carl Carlotti presented Erie Art Museum Director John Vanco with a check for $25,000 from the National Fuel Gas Company Foundation in support of the Erie Art Museum’s Picture A Place capital campaign. The planned $9 million capital project consists of a link between the Museum’s Old Customs House Building on State Street and the Museum Annex, which fronts on both State and East Fifth Streets. Included will be four major galleries, a number of smaller galleries, a 250-person performance space, a public meeting space at a new unified entrance, and other visitor amenities. The Erie Art Museum has exceeded the half-way mark in its fundraising efforts.
Nearly $9,000 was raised to help support breast cancer research and awareness at the “Think Pink” game, hosted by Gannon Women’s Basketball, on Saturday, Feb 9, 2008. All proceeds will remain local and will be donated to the Erie Unit of the American Cancer Society - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. The game was a success in more than monetary measurements. An estimated 1,185 people attended the women’s game, reaching a season attendance high. “Think Pink” is a week-long breast cancer awareness campaign sponsored by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). The Gannon women’s team was inspired by team member Abby Bunstine of Chillicothe, Ohio, whose mother, Lynn Bunstine, was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Lynn also attended Saturday’s game and gave the opening prayer.
The Furniture Row Companies announced that the Furniture Row Shopping Center in Erie will be opening today. The store hours will be Mon-Sat 10 am - 9 pm and Sun 12 pm - 6 pm. The Oak Express and Bedroom Expressions stores previously located at 5942 Peach Street have relocated to the new Furniture Row Shopping Center at 6037 Peach Street where you can also shop Sofa Mart and Denver Mattress all at one location.
Bliley Technologies, a leading provider of crystal-based frequency control solutions for over 75 years, has launched its new B-Series, SMD ceramic crystals for the consumer electronics market. Fully RoHS compliant, shock resistant and designed for high-temperature reflow, the “ultra-miniatures” in the series include Bliley’s 2.5 mm x 2.0 mm package (16 MHz to 60 MHz frequency range), and the 3.2 mm x 2.5 mm (13 MHz to 54 MHz frequency range). Bliley Technologies is based in Erie, PA.
The Mercyhurst College women’s hockey team defeated Niagara 5-2 in a College Hockey America (CHA) game at the Ice Center. The Lakers won their 20th game of the season (20-6-3, CHA 5-1-1). The two teams will conclude the weekend series Saturday afternoon at 2.
Mercyhurst junior defenseman Bobby Phillips’ third goal of the season early in the third period proved decisive as Mercyhurst nipped Sacred Heart 4-3 in an Atlantic Hockey Association contest Friday night. The Lakers (11-15-5, AH 11-7-5) snapped a lengthy dry spell against the Pioneers who dropped to 12-14-3 and 12-8-3 respectively. Mercyhurst hadn’t defeated Sacred Heart since a 3-1 win in Erie November 19, 2005, and was 0-7-1 in the last eight meetings. The two teams will conclude the weekend series tonight at 7:05.
The 15th ranked Mercyhurst wrestling team received wins from Payne Lint, Brian Pogel, Hudson Harrison and Trevor Gallo but fell 22-12 to No 16 Findlay Friday in Croy Gymnasium.
It was certainly hard to tell on Friday night that the Edinboro wrestling team wrestled at Ohio State on Thursday evening, arriving back in Edinboro in the wee hours of the morning. The fact that the Fighting Scots, ranked 14th in the USA Today/NWCA/InterMat Top 25, had suffered a 23-13 loss to the sixth-ranked Buckeyes may have provided some motivation. The end result was Edinboro coming away with a 37-3 win over Buffalo, winning nine of ten matches.
Mike Machuga of Erie finished in 8th and cashed for $3,400 at the PBA Tour’s 2008 Pepsi Championship at Thunder-Alley.
Jaroslav Janus turned aside 35 shots to lead the Erie Otters to a 5-2 victory over the Niagara IceDogs in an Ontario Hockey League game played last night in front of 3,295 at the Tullio Arena. Zack Torquato sparked the offense with a goal and three assists while Shawn Szydlowski and Kelly Geoffrey each added a goal and an assist. Justin Hodgman and Luke Gazdic rounded out the Otters goal scoring. The Otters return to action tonight when the Erie GE Federal Credit Union presents the Otters and the Peterborough Petes. The first 1,000 fans into the game receive a free cowbell. In addition, one lucky fan will have the opportunity to win $5,000 in a puck shot sponsored by WSEE.
The Gannon women’s lacrosse team is ranked eighth in Lacrosse magazine’s annual NCAA Division II preseason rankings. Gannon returns 12 letterwinners and seven players who reached double digits in starting assignments from last year’s 12-4 squad. Their first game is March 1.
The Gannon University wrestling team will play host to the Limestone (SC) Saints at 7 pm Saturday, February 16 for a wrestling dual. The event will be held at the Hammermill Center, on the campus of Gannon University. Both programs are nationally ranked. Gannon (6-3) sits 12th in the NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association Top-20 poll; Limestone is 19th in the nation.
The Erie SeaWolves will be hosting their a Job Expo today, Saturday Feb 16 at the Erie Civic Center from 10 am until 2 pm. They are filling positions for the promotional team, ushers, mascots and other game day jobs. The ‘Wolves 2008 home opener is April 10, 2008 against the Binghamton Mets.
For beginners and more experienced skiers wanting to know more about the winter world around them, enjoy Guided Cross-Country Skiing on Saturdays at 1 pm at Presque Isle State Park. If there is no sufficient snow, a hike will take place instead. Bring your own skis or rent. FREE, rental fee only. Meet at the cross-country ski concession located at the picnic shelter area. For more info call (814) 833-7424.
Are you a stargazer? Learn about the lifecycles of stars at the Erie Planetarium show “The Stargazer” today Feb 16 at 1:30 pm. Follow a young boy as he becomes a professional astronomer. Appropriate for ages 8 and above. Then today at 3 pm “Why Coyote Howls: A Star Story” will be shown. This Sky Tellers program reveals a Chickasaw story about how constellations came to be. Appropriate for ages 5 and up. Cost for each show is $4 Adults, $3 Seniors, $2 Children, and $10 Family (2 Adults and up to 4 Children).
A group of Mercyhurst North East actors, under the direction of Michael Weiss, will present Agatha Christie’s classic thriller “The Mouse Trap,” on Feb 16 at 8 pm, and Feb. 17 at 2 pm, in Alex Theater on the MNE campus, 16 West Division Street, North East PA. This murder mystery follows a group of people that gather together in a remote part of the countryside and then discover that there is a murderer in their midst. All performances are free and open to the public.
The Ethnic Heritage Ensemble will perform in concert on Sunday Feb 17 at 3 pm at the Erie Art Museum Annex, 423 State Street in downtown Erie. FREE Admission, suggested donation $10. This all-star group includes Kahil El’Zabar, drums, earth drum, kalimba; Corey Wilkes, trumpet, flugelhorn, percussion; Ernest Dawkins, alto and tenor saxophones, percussion; and Fareed Haque, electric and acoustic guitar.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 17 from 12:30-3:30 pm and/or 8-11 pm and get ready to “rock and bowl” with the Erie Playhouse Family at Eastway Lanes, 4110 Buffalo Road. The cost for a Family/Team (4 or 5 bowlers) for one session is $80. Individual bowlers are welcome - Adults $20 and $15 for children 12 and under. Teams registering by Feb 14 will recieve a $10 discount. The cost includes 3 games, shoes (no discount if you bring your own) and unlimited pop and pizza. A cash bar and additional food will be available. Contests and games of chance throughout each bowling session.
On January 28, 2008, asteroid 2007 TU24 came within 300,000 miles of Earth—a safe distance, but one that reminds us that ours is not the only chunk of rock hurtling around the sun. Nearly 1,000 potentially hazardous asteroids, or PHAs, orbit the sun in the vicinity of Earth; one, Apophis, will be the subject of the next Open House Night in Astronomy at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Darren Williams, an associate professor of physics and astronomy at the college, will present the one-hour program “Asteroid Apophis: Will it Hit the Earth?” at 7:30 pm on Thursday, February 21, in 101 Otto Behrend Science Building. His FREE lecture is intended for a non-technical audience and suitable for children at least 8 years of age; astronomical observing at the college’s Mehalso Observatory will follow, weather permitting.
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.
Want a cure for the winter blahs? Got cabin fever? Come to the Community Board Game Night at Community United Church on Saturday Feb 23. Doors open at 7 pm, Games begin at 7:30 and end at 10 PM. Admission Donation: $2. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Under 18 years old must have guardian. This is an alcohol and smoke free event. Open to the public. We will play board games for groups such as Scruples, Pictionary, etc. Want to save on the admission? Bring grocery bags of empty recyclable aluminum beverage cans. For each bag, the admission will be reduced by 25 cents.
Rabbi Sydney Schwarz, named by Newsweek magazine in 2007 as one of the 50 most influential rabbis in America, will present the annual Samuel Schick Lecture at Allegheny College on Tuesday, Feb 26 at 7 pm in the Tillotson Room of the Tippie Alumni Center at Cochran Hall. Schwarz will speak on “Religion, Social Justice and the Common Good: A Jewish Perspective.” The presentation is FREE and open to the public.
Documentary filmmaker Christopher Quinn and John Bul Dau, one of three Lost Boys of Sudan profiled in Quinn’s prize-winning feature film God Grew Tired of Us, will visit Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, in February as part of the college’s Speaker Series. Quinn and Dau will speak at 7:30 pm on Thursday, February 28, in the Reed Union Building’s McGarvey Commons. Additionally, the film God Grew Tired of Us will be shown at 7 pm on Wednesday, February 27, in 117 Reed Union Building, and at noon on Friday, February 29, in the Samuel P “Pat” Black III Conference Center in the college’s Research and Economic Development Center. Admission to all three events is FREE and open to the public.
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.
Erie CareerLink is hosting Crystal Reports Training in both introductory and advanced sessions on March 3-6. Info and Registration form. Crystal Reports is a business intelligence application used to design and generate reports from a wide range of data sources. Several other applications, such as Microsoft Visual Studio, bundle an OEM version of Crystal Reports as a general purpose reporting tool. Crystal Reports became THE report writer when Microsoft released it with Visual Basic.
The Aspen Ensemble, a mixed quintet of flute, piano and strings drawn from the famed Aspen Music Festival, will perform at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, on Thursday, March 6. Aspen Ensemble appears at the college as part of Music at Noon: The Logan Series. The performance will begin at noon in the McGarvey Commons of the Reed Union Building; admission is FREE and open to the public.
Melanie Rae Thon, once named a Best Young American Novelist by Granta magazine, will give a public reading from her works on Thursday, March 6, as part of the Creative Writer’s Speaker Series at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Thon will read at 6 pm in the Larry and Kathryn Smith Chapel; a reception for her will begin at 4:30 pm in the chapel’s ground-floor meeting room. Both events are free and open to the public.
Gannon University’s Small Business Development Center is presenting the first annual WILD Conference on Thursday, March 13 from 8 am to 2 pm. The Conference will be held at the Ambassador Conference Center located at 7792 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16509. The Conference will involve “women presenting to women” and focus on the areas of: wellness, leadership and personal development. It is anticipated that 150-300 women from Northwestern Pennsylvania will attend this unique event. The nationally prominent Keynote speakers highlighting the day are: Soni Dimond, Publicist, Speaker, author of Life’s A PITCH! As well as CEO of Soni Dimond Media; Jean Gatz, author of Mama Said There’d be Days Like This: Stories and Strategies for Less Stressed Life. The First Annual WILD Conference Chairwoman is Leah Elizabeth Humphries, Owner and President of the following companies: Apple Creative Group, Leah Elizabeth Jewelry, and My Heart Ties. In addition, women businesses will exhibit their products and services throughout the day and there will be several opportunities to learn from seminars, panelists and individual speakers focusing on the knowledge, passion and energy of women helping women. Limited seating. Tickets $75 (includes breakfast, lunch and gift bag). Make your reservations now. Call (814) 871-SBDC (7232) or toll-free (877) 258-6648.
Pennsylvania Sea Grant is sponsoring a FREE one and a half day workshop March 13-14 at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie. The workshop will provide an update and overview of current ballast water policy, legislation and research as it applies to the Great Lakes. Scientists, legal experts, legislators, industry personnel and agency staff will discuss the current state of ballast water policy, pending legislation, proposed ballast water treatment methods and evaluating the current risk of introduction and spread of AIS to Great Lakes ports by foreign and domestic ships. For Registration form email Karla Kaczmarek, or Marti Martz.
As the signature event for Young Erie Professionals (yep!), the Generation-E Leadership Awards recognize young professionals who are paving the way to the future of Erie, Pennsylvania. Yep! has honored 34 individuals over the past three years who not only have chosen to live, work, and play in the Erie area, but who have made a lasting impact on our region. The 2008 winners will be recognized the evening of Friday, March 28 at the Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center.
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.
There will be a Rust Belt Bloggers Summit on July 11-12 in Erie. People from Youngstown, Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and other area cities will be attendance to discuss economic development issues in the region.
Posted by Dennis at February 16, 2008 8:02 AM
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