ErieBlogs.com: Erie PA News and Events for Sunday March 2, 2008

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Erie PA News and Events for Sunday March 2, 2008

Posted by Dennis on March 2, 2008

Two car washes are for sale. One is a bit of a surprise. Splash’s Auto Bath House at 2968 West 12th St is for sale. The listed price for the property is $599,000. Business and equipment is $90,000 extra. Splash’s has been operating for about a dozen years. If I remember right a doctor owns it. Also for sale is the self-serve car wash at 2313 Parade St which is listed for sale for $129,000. If you’re interested in either property, call your friendly local Erie Realtor like me.

The Erie Art Museum has launched its new website. The site offers visitors new, user-friendly access to information about the Museum’s programs, membership, classes, workshops, donations and more. “The website’s new enhanced interactivity allows users to register for classes, join the Museum, shop the online store and donate to the Museum’s annual fund or capital campaign,” said Tammy Roche, director of Marketing and Development for the Erie Art Museum. “Previously visitors were not able to perform these functions. Additionally, business benefits have been gained by Museum staff as we are now able to maintain the website internally because of a unique content management system.” The website was created by Dibello Design and Erie Art Museum Publication Coordinator Andrea Krivak. It was partially funded by an IT Kickstart Grant from EbizITPA.

The former Accupack Electronic Service building on West Rd in McKean was sold for $625,000.

Fabolous will be the opening act for OneRepublic for their concert at the Gannon University Hammermill Center in Erie on April 29.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has a proposal in place to open trout season two weeks earlier in 2009 in 13 western counties. Traditionally, trout season opens mid April. In 2009, plans are to open the season at the end of March. It would be a HUGE economic boost to Erie if it happens.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for US teens, but thanks to Erie Insurance and its Lookin’ Out program, and local Erie Insurance agents facilitating the program, students at 65 high schools are spreading the word about safe driving among their peers. Lookin’ Out is different from other safe driving programs, as it is rooted in a student-driven approach of positive peer influence. Through Lookin’ Out, teens create a series of events and activities addressing risk factors such as lack of seatbelt use, speeding and other reckless behavior, driving under the influence and distractions such as loud music and cell phone use. Since its 2001 inception, Lookin’ Out has been launched in more than 85 high schools and awarded more than $300,000 in grants. Lookin’ Out applications are accepted at any time.

The 10th ranked Gannon University men’s basketball team (25-3) beat Ashland 89-70. All five Gannon starters ended in double figures in a balanced scoring attack. Pierre Howard had 19, Joe Lindsey had 18, Kyle Goldcamp and Tyler Stoczynski had 17, and Vince Mosley had 14. Gannon plays Findlay in the GLIAC semifinals at 8 pm on March 7 at Grand Valley. Gannon and Findlay split their season series with each team winning on their home floor.

The Edinboro men’s basketball team clinched the top seed out of the PSAC Western Division on Saturday afternoon with an 80-77 overtime win over California (Pa). Both teams came in nationally-ranked, with California (Pa) ranked 14th in Division II and Edinboro 25th. The result also left both teams with 22-5 records overall and 11-1 in the PSAC West. That leaves the Fighting Scots hosting IUP, the fourth seed, in Tuesday’s PSAC quarterfinals, while California (Pa) will host third-seeded Clarion.

Penn State Behrend captured the 2008 AMCC men’s basketball tournament championship on Saturday, March 1 in the Junker Center gym, defeating defending-champion Lake Erie 57-54. With the win Behrend (23-4) receives the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. For Behrend, Kevin Buczynski (Erie Villa Maria) finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, and four big blocks in the win. Adam Kaiser (Erie Cathedral Prep) had 13 points including four clutch three point baskets. Tom Newman (Northwestern) finished with seven points, five boards, and four assists.

Senior Terry Smith poured in 26 points and made six 3-pointers, but the sixth-ranked Findlay proved to be too much, eliminating the Lakers from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Tournament 87-64 Saturday afternoon in Croy Gymnasium.

The Ashland women’s basketball team beat Gannon 70-45 in the GLIAC Tournament Quarterfinals. Gannon finished their season at 16-12.

The Edinboro women’s basketball team was eliminated from the PSAC playoffs with a 71-68 loss to California (Pa).

No 7 Mercyhurst wasted a two-goal lead halfway into the third period, but left the RMU Island Sports Center with a hard-fought 5-4 overtime win over Robert Morris. The Lakers end the regular season with an overall record of 24-7-3 and a CHA record of 9-2-1.

Zack Torquato netted the lone shootout goal and Jaroslav Janus turned aside 44 shots to lead the Erie Otters to a 4-3 win over the Owen Sound Attack in an Ontario Hockey League game played in front of 3,395 last night at the Tullio Arena. Torquato, who also scored shorthanded (for the third time in the last two games) in the opening minute of the third to tie the score at three, also collected an assist. Luke Gazdic and Nick Palmieri rounded out the scoring as the Otters improved to 15-42-2-2 on the season. The Otters wrap up the weekend Sunday afternoon contest in St Catharines against the Niagara IceDogs. The next Otters home game takes place Wednesday when the IceDogs visit for a 7:30 pm start at the Tullio Arena.

At the 2008 NCAA Division II East Region Wrestling Championships, Mercyhurst finished 3rd and Gannon 4th.

Mercyhurst and Canisius skated to a 5-5 overtime tie Saturday evening at the MIC. Mercyhurst’s record stands at 11-18-7 overall, 11-10-7 in Atlantic Hockey.

Wingate University’s Kyle Costello scored four goals, the final one coming in overtime, as the Bulldogs came from behind to upset No 3 Mercyhurst 7-6 Saturday in NCAA Division II men’s lacrosse action.

The 7th ranked Gannon women’s lacrosse team crushed Rollins 20-5 in their season opener. The Lady Knight’s face St Andrews Presbyterian (NC) today at noon.

The 2008 Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo will be held through March 2 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. Hours: 10 am-5 pm Sunday.

All An Act Productions presents Ray Cooney’s classic farce “Funny Money” at their space in Columbus Square with the final performance today, Sunday March 2 at 4 pm.

The Erie Playhouse presents the innovative and endearing Broadway hit musical Little Women, based on Louisa May Alcott’s novel premieres at the Playhouse, as it embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears, and a lifting of the spirit. Performances are scheduled through Sun Mar 9.

The Community Shelter Services Spaghetti Sauce Cook-Off will be held Noon-4 pm on Sunday March 2 at the Brewerie at Union Station. Taste and sample spaghetti sauce from local restaurants and vote who’s sauce is boss. The Erie Clowns will be there face-painting the children. Old Country Buffet’s bee mascot will also be there to hand out coupons to Old Country Buffet. WSEE’s morning show anchor, Raychel Vendetti, will be there defending her title as “The 2007 People’s Choice” winner. St Joe’s Club will also be there to defend their title as “The Judges Award.” And Luigi’s Grill will also be on-hand to defend their title as “The Chef’s Pick for 2007.” Other competitors include Skipperino’s Pizza, Jamie Brackley, Jenny Bizzarro. Pio’s Italian Restaurant, and newcomer Pasta Pete. Tickets are $10 per person, $5 per child and available at WSEE Studios at 1220 Peach Street, Topics Salon at 4528 Zuck Road, or at Community Shelter Services at 655 West 16th Street. FREE parking. Call (814) 455-4369 for more info. Community Shelter Services provides temporary emergency shelter, meals and referrals to homeless families and individuals.

Pink Martini will perform at the Mercyhust College Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on Sunday, March 2 at 7 pm. After playing a packed house on their first visit, Pink Martini returns this time drawing heavily on music from their new CD, Hey Eugene! Tickets run $25 for students to $45 for Gold Members. For tickets, call the box office at (814) 824-3000.

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. Too late. Classes are filled.

Gem City Jazz Ensemble will present a mid-winter concert on Tuesday March 4, at 7:30 pm at St John’s Parish Center, adjacent to St John’s Lutheran Church, 2216 Peach Street. The 20-member jazz band, under the leadership of Interim Director Ned Trautman, will perform such traditional charts as Mercer Ellington’s Things Ain’t What They Used To Be, Count Basie’s April in Paris, Joe Garland’s Leap Frog, and a Sammy Nestico arrangement of Just In Time. More contemporary charts to be performed include Denis DiBlasio’s Coconut Champagne, featuring Sam Seggi on bari sax, Zoot Suit Riot from the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, and the Theme from The Naked Gun. Plenty of off-street parking is available and the auditorium is wheelchair accessible. The concert is FREE and open to the public; however, free-will offerings for St. John’s will be accepted. For more information, visit online or phone 899-8467.

The eMarketing Learning Center at eBizITPA is debuting a new training opportunity, The Comprehensive Guide to Successful Email Marketing, on March 6, 2008 from 8:30 am to 4 pm. The full-day course, to be held at the Center for eBusiness and Advanced IT (eBizITPA) Training Center, 5340 Fryling Road, Suite 201, Erie, Pa, is committed to establishing a comprehensive understanding of e-mail marketing and providing easy steps to implement these skills as part of an overall marketing strategy. E-mail marketing is an efficient way to communicate, interact and build relationships with customers. According to the Direct Marketing Association, the ROI on e-mail marketing in 2008 is expected to hit $45.65 per dollar, more than double the ROI of other mediums. Ninety percent of Internet users check their e-mail multiple times daily. When this opportunity for exposure is combined with a high ROI, it is easy to see the benefits of e-mail marketing. “Especially in a time of slow economic growth, e-mail marketing is one of the most effective and affordable ways to stretch your marketing dollar,” says instructor Cathy von Birgelen. Von Birgelen is a certified e-mail marketing professional and tech-savvy strategic marketing consultant with more than 12 years of experience in e-marketing and business development efforts. She has consulted with many regional and national clients including GE, Choice Hotels, Procter and Gamble, Holcombs, Howard Industries, Troyer Farms, Blair.com, Gannon University and Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Von Birgelen is the program manager of the eMarketing Learning Center at eBizITPA. This course is being offered at an introductory rate of $299. Registration can be completed online at www.ebizitpa.org or by calling (814) 898-6500. The Center for eBusiness and Advanced Information Technology (eBizITPA), headquartered in Erie, Pa., is a statewide Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority Initiative, designed to help Pennsylvania enterprises understand and use information technology and e-business tools.

The costs and benefits of generating power onsite as well as financial incentives to reduce demand are two topics the Energy Roundtable will tackle during their next quarterly meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 6 at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at 301 Peninsula Drive in Erie. The agenda for the meeting includes: Financial Incentives to Reduce Demand; PJM Demand Response Programs and Basics of Onsite Power Generation. Registration is at 8:45 am, with the program running from 9 am to noon. The Energy Roundtable was formed in 2007 to help business, industry and other large energy users (such as schools and healthcare facilities) in northwest Pennsylvania reduce energy costs through improved energy management, energy efficiency and cutting edge technology. The group was initiated through a collaborative effort of the Manufacturers’ Association, the NW PA Industrial Resource Center, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation, Penelec and the NW Rural Electric Cooperative.
“Energy issues continue to be on the front burner for most of our members,” said Manufacturers’ Association Director of Government Affairs Sheila Sterrett. “This roundtable has provided a forum for large energy users to gather and share information.” “Each subsequent roundtable meeting has seen an increase in participation and exchange of ideas,” said Geoff Bristow, regional manager for the PA DEP. “Access to affordable energy is vital to any business and we hope this roundtable will continue to be a opportunity to collaborate and formulate solutions.” To register, call (814) 456-6299, fax 814/459-6058 or e-mail jmiller@nwirc.org. There is no charge for the event.

The 2008 National Christian Invitational Basketball Tournament will be held at Family First Sports Park March 6-8. The preps and postgrads will play March 13-15.

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.

Erie County Judge Michael Dunlavey will speak about international and Middle Eastern relations on Thursday, March 6, at 7:30 pm, in Mercyhurst North East’s Alex Theater, 16 W Division St, North East. Dunlavey is a retired two-star general in the U.S. Army Reserve and a Vietnam veteran with 30 years of military intelligence experience. He was put in charge of global anti-terrorism operations by US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld after the Sept 11 terrorist attacks, and oversaw interrogations at Naval Base Guantanamo Bay in Cuba from March to November 2002. The presentation is free and open to the public. Call (814) 725-6277 for more information.

The Erie Art Museum’s First Fridays program for preschool kids ages 3 to 6 is slated for Friday, March 7, 10-11 am at the Erie Art Museum, 411 State Street with activities inspired from the Museum’s Kids As Curators exhibit. First Fridays is a special program for 3-6 year olds and their families. Led by Museum staff, children and adults explore the art right in the galleries with storytelling, art-making and music. Cost is $5 per child and free for families with an Erie Art Museum family membership. Participants should meet at the Erie Art Museum Annex, 423 State Street. Space is limited. Please call ahead to reserve a place, (814) 459-5477.

Exhibition opening receptions and other gallery activities are planned for Gallery Night on Friday, March 7, 2008 from 7-10 pm at the Erie Art Museum, Glass Growers Gallery, Allen Stoneware Gallery, Kuhn’s Framing and Gift Gallery, Accents By The Bay, and Geary’s Studio 7 Gallery. EMTA will provide FREE Bayliner trolley transportation, courtesy of the galleries, from 7-10:30 pm. Service will be provided every 45-minutes; a route map is available in advance at all participating galleries. “We’ve been organizing a Gallery Night for one year now. And with each evening, we gain attendance - particularly from new patrons - and new galleries join us. This effort continues to be tremendously successful,” said John Vanco, director of the Erie Art Museum. Galleries will also offer $50 gift certificates as incentives for patrons visiting as many galleries as they can in the evening. Gallery Night is organized by the Erie Art Museum.

Get into the Irish spirit at the “Patti Sullivan and Friends Irish Concert,” Sunday, March 9, at 2 pm, in St Mary’s Chapel on the Mercyhurst North East campus, 16 W Division St., North East. Sullivan, MNE’s music director, will be joined by barbershop chorus Lake Erie Sound, the Rev Bill Sutherland, and Irish step dancers Rince Na Tiarna for an afternoon of entertainment. The performance is free and open to the public, and refreshments will follow. Call (814) 725-6277 for more information.

Learn how to create Old World Easter eggs at “Easter Eggstravaganza!” a hands-on workshop, on Wednesday, March 12, at 7:30 pm, in Miller Hall 116 on the Mercyhurst North East campus, 16 W Division St, North East. Larry Kozlowski, director of student life at MNE, will share his expertise and talent in this ancient, beautiful art form. The workshop is free and open to the public. Call (814) 725-6277 for more information.

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.

The Presque Isle Parrothead Club will hold a St Patrick’s Day Bash on Saturday March 15 at the Cathedral Center, 160 West 11th Street. Free parking behind Cathedral Center on West 10th. Music 8-midnight by DJ Michael John. Doors open at 7 pm. Ticket price includes beer, pop and snacks. BYOB, if you don’t want beer. $10 advance ticket, $12 at door. Prize for best dressed St Patty’s Day Attire. Basket of Cheer, raffle for an iPod Touch, raffle - $5/chance, 50/50 and more. For tickets call Heidi
Grumblatt at 384-0741 or via email her at heidi_grum@yahoo.com.

CNN special correspondent Soledad O’Brien will speak “From the Special Investigations Unit” at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, on Tuesday, March 18. O’Brien appears as part of the college’s annual Speaker Series. Her presentation begins at 7:30 pm in the McGarvey Commons of the Reed Union Building; admission is FREE and open to the public.

Arts and Drafts will be held March 27-29 at the Brewerie at Union Station. Over 30 artists will have their works exhibited, a number of local bands will perform in the 3 day arts celebration, and you’ll have the chance to enjoy excellent drafts from the Erie microbrewery. Admission is FREE. Hours are 12 noon to close each day.

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.

Calling all artists and those who love art! A community art show, “Throughout The Spectrum: Exploring Autism Through Art,” will be sponsored by the Barber National Institute in commemoration of Autism Awareness Month. The show, which provides an exciting opportunity to come together to discover all aspects of autism through various forms of artistic expression, will be held April 4-9 at the Barber National Institute. Who can submit art work include: Children and adults with autism spectrum disorders who want to share their creative work; Family members or professionals whose lives are touched by autism; and Artists from the community who want to show their support for autism. Entries will be accepted on Friday, March 14 and Monday, March 17 from 9 am - 4 pm, and on Saturday, March 15 from 9 am - noon in the north lobby of the Barber National Institute. The art show will be open for public viewing in the north complex of the Barber National Institute on Friday, April 4, and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, April 7, 8, and 9, from 9 am - 4 pm, and on Sunday, April 6, from 1-4 pm. Admission is FREE - all are encouraged to attend! For more information about making a submission, including an entry form, please call (814) 878-5903, or click here.

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.

The charity bellydance event, “Shimmy for a Cure”, will be held May 31 at the Erie Playhouse in downtown Erie, PA. This event will benefit the John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation.

Head Coach John T Reilly of Gannon University will conduct three sessions of basketball camp this summer. Sessions will be held June 9-13, June 23-27 and August 4-8. His coaching staff, area high school coaches and several of his players will serve as camp instructors. The sessions are designed as teaching camps that emphasize the fundamentals of the game of basketball. The camps are for students in Grades 3-10.

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.

The Manufacturers’ Association and Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority annual Roar on the Shore motorcycle rally will be held July 17-20, 2008. While downtown Erie serves as the hub of the rally, related events take place throughout the city and region. Most notably, two outdoor concerts featuring major artists will be held Friday and Saturday, July 18 and 19, at Liberty Park along Presque Isle Bay.