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Erie PA News and Events for Friday May 9, 2008

Live thoroughbred racing returns to the Erie, PA, today Friday, May 9, when Presque Isle Downs and Casino commences its 2008 meeting. Presque Isle’s 100-day season will extend through September 27, with a daily post time of 5:30 pm. Admission and general parking throughout the meet will be FREE. Last year, Presque Isle’s inaugural meet was 25 days in length, and generated averages of 2,851 in daily attendance, $58,257 in daily on-track wagering and $585,680 in daily wagering from all sources. Last year, 25.5 percent of the races at Presque Isle were won by favorites. Thirty-five percent of the races were decided by winning margins of a half-length or less. The average return for a two-dollar win ticket was $15.96, and the average return for a two-dollar exacta was $126.65.

On May 9, 2004, Brittany Legler died of a heart attack from continual beatings by her adoptive mother Lisa Iarussi. Iarussi was sentenced to 7-14 years. Hope that the Erie County Office of Children and Youth is aware of the anniversary.

Ramond James Financial Services Inc purchased additional shares of Erie Insurance (Nasdaq: ERIE), bringing their current holdings to 11,350 shares as shown by filings made public on Wednesday. The stock of the Erie, PA based company is currently owned by 110 funds/institutions.

Morlite Vista Lighting is closing down and laying off 34 employees at Vista Lighting of Erie at 1805 Pittsburgh Ave in Erie on June 15. When I heard the rumor about them closing back in November, I emailed the company and received a ‘No comment’ statement.

Chairman of the National Security Initiative Roger London yesterday announced that The Honorable Tom Ridge of Erie, first Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security and former governor of Pennsylvania, will receive the organization’s esteemed Patriot Award, “We are excited and proud to award Governor Ridge this honor. He exemplifies the qualities represented by this award - honor, patriotism, efficacy and most importantly ingenuity.” “I’m honored to receive the Patriot Award,” said Ridge. “The innovation and creativity necessary to secure our nation comes from our innovators and entrepreneurs and I am honored that they count me among them.” The Patriot Award was developed by the National Security Initiative to recognize a great American who has defended our country with integrity, steadfast patriotism, effectiveness and inventiveness. The Award is given to a leader who has successfully confronted national threats to actively protect American citizens and secure the American way of life. Governor Ridge will be recognized and honored among the nation’s leading high-tech innovators dedicated to protecting America’s security at the American Security Challenge event on, June 5, 2008, at The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC.

The Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Museum of Rural Life will reopen Saturday. Meadowcroft Rockshelter is the oldest evidence of people in North America, dating back 16,000 years. Principal excavator Dr James Adovasio, director of the Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute, will will be part reopening to the general public following renovation of a state-of-the-art visitors’ center, making what is considered the oldest archaeological site in North America more accessible to the public. Mercyhurst maintains the rockshelter, where it conducts research and trains archaeologists as well as students from a variety of disciplines. First excavated in 1973 by Adovasio, Meadowcroft is a pivotal archaeological find.

Dawna T Mughal, PhD, associate professor and director, Gannon University dietetics program, recently was chosen by the Pennsylvania Dietetic Association for its Outstanding Dietician Award. Mughal received the award at the PADA’s annual meeting in Harrisburg. The PADA is an affiliate of the American Dietetic Association and promotes optimal nutrition, health, and well being. Mughal also serves as director of the Consortium Program in Dietetics in Erie, which consists of Gannon, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, and Mercyhurst College. Locally, her service roles have included the board of directors of the United Way of Erie County, board member of the International Institute of Erie, chair of the International Folk Ball, president of the board of directors of the Lake Erie Health and Education Council, and board member of the March of Dimes.

Mercer County commissioners have appointed Jason Hamilton as director of Mercer County Children and Youth Services. Hamilton has served as assistant CYS director for 2 1/2 years. Hamilton graduated from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in social work in 2001.

The Erie SeaWolves lost their fourth straight game on Thursday as they were swept by the Trenton Thunder, 7-2 at Jerry Uht Park. The loss drops the ‘Wolves to a season-worst three games under .500 at 15-18. The SeaWolves open up a three-game weekend home series against the Harrisburg Senators on Friday night…6:35 First Pitch. RHP Ben Fritz (1-0, 3.86 ERA) takes the mound for Erie while RHP Marco Estrada (3-2, 3.19 ERA) goes for the Senators. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a FREE 2008 SeaWolves team photo. Following the game, all fans are invited onto the field for a post-game autograph
session with the SeaWolves players and coaching staff.

A state historical marker commemorating magician Harry Kellar’s achievements will be unveiled by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), Mayor Joseph Sinnott, County Executive Mark DiVecchio and local community leaders in the heart of Erie’s cultural and entertainment district in Griswold Park on Fri, May 9 at 12 noon. Members of Kellar’s family will also be on hand for the celebration. Erie native Harry Kellar (1849-1922), who was known as the Dean of American Magicians, was Harry Houdini’s mentor and the inspiration for the Wizard in the Wizard of Oz. The May 9 event marks the 100th anniversary of Kellar’s final performance as a magician at Ford’s Theater in Baltimore, and the kickoff a national public television documentary and traveling exhibit that will chronicle his life. The documentary is being produced by Main Street Media, an independent production company based in North East. A short magic performance will follow the dedication ceremony. The public is welcome to attend. The ceremony is being hosted by the Erie Art Museum and the PHMC during National Preservation Month.

All An Act Theatre Productions presents Ron Clark’s “A Bench in the Sun” with opening night, tonight May 9 with performances through May 25. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 3 PM. All An Act Theatre Productions is located in Columbus Square, 652 West 17 Street, Erie PA 16502. Tickets are $8 for Adults and $5 for Students and Seniors. $1 of each admission benefits Community Shelter Services, providing shelter, help and hope to Erie’s homeless.

The Presque Isle Audubon Society, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, presents The Festival of the Birds at Presque Isle May 9-11, 2008. Enjoy the height of spring migration at Presque Isle State Park, a natural concentration point along the Atlantic flyway where 320 species of birds have been recorded. Take part in workshops and field trips geared for the beginner and the seasoned naturalist led by experts in the field such as Ted Floyd, Jerry McWilliams and Jen Brumfield. Attend the premiere of a film highlighting the birds, habitat and hot spots of Presque Isle in all seasons. Experience the rich variety of Presque Isle’s six distinct ecological zones including beaches, cattail islands, shrublands, aquatic habitats, and deciduous and pine tree forests. Registration will be held at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center on Friday. A single day registration for either Saturday or Sunday is $40. The full weekend registration is $65. For details, call (814) 860-4091. Schedule of events.

In celebration of The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2008 Preservation Month theme, “Place Matters,” the Erie Center for Design and Preservation is hosting a lecture, seminar and walking tour on May 9-10. All three events are FREE and open to the public. The internationally-known founder of the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation, Mr. Arthur Ziegler, will be the featured speaker at the Erie Center for Design and Preservation’s first public event. Ziegler’s lecture, “The Good Works of Historic Preservation,” will be delivered Friday, May 9 at 7 PM in the Orientation Theatre of the Erie Maritime Museum, adjacent to the Blasco Memorial Library on Erie’s Bayfront. Ziegler says “historic preservation should be looked upon as both a cultural and economic development tool, leading to community revitalization, local investment, jobs, and a better quality of life.” On Saturday morning, May 10, the Erie Center for Design and Preservation (ECDP) will sponsor a seminar on historic preservation. Topics include: an overview of the National Register of Historic Places, the economics of preservation, and the tax credits afforded to property owners who rehabilitate historic buildings. The seminar will be held Saturday, May 10 from 9 AM to Noon at the Erie Art Museum Annex, 20 East 5th Street. On Saturday afternoon, May 10 , Mr Jeff Kidder AIA of Kidder Wachter Architecture will offer a 90 minute architectural walking tour of lower State Street and Perry Square. Kidder will meet members of the tour on the front steps of the Erie Art Museum, 417 State Street at 1 PM. Kidder will discuss the history of the City of Erie, neighborhood changes and attributes of the remaining historic structures. Kidder believes that “historic preservation in Erie is an effective tool for managing growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride and maintaining community character while enhancing livability.” Kidder serves on the City of Erie Planning Commission, the Downtown Improvement District board, the Erie Center for Design and Preservation board, and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Historic Preservation board.

The Erie Playhouse presents “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” May 9-11 and 16-18 as part of their Youtheatre Series. Show times are Friday 7pm, Saturday 2pm and 7pm, Sunday 2pm. All seats $10 (+tax).

The Gem City Concert Band, under the direction of Scott Tomlison, will present their annual Spring Concert at two venues this spring. The first performance will be Sunday May 11 from 2:30 to 4 pm at All Season’s Marketplace and Flea Market at the Millcreek Mall Pavilion. While spending time with Mom, treat her to this FREE and open to the public performance. If you miss the Sunday show, you can catch the next performance on Tuesday evening, May 13th from 7:30 to 9 pm at the St John’s Lutheran Church Parish Center on 23rd and Peach Streets. This concert is also FREE and open to the public with plenty of off-street parking and handicapped accessibility. Some of the music on the program includes Alfred Reed’s Festival Prelude, Francis McBeth’s Chant and Jubilo, Robert Jager’s Carpathian Sketches, and a lively medley of sailing songs from Clare Grundman’s Fantasy on American Sailing Songs. For more information about Gem City Bands or the Spring Concerts, please visit online at www.GemCityBands.org or call (814) 899-8467.

The Awesome 80’s Prom is a brand new blast-from-the-past interactive show in the style of Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding set at Wanaget High’s Senior Prom…in 1989! The Erie Playhouse production will be held at the Masonic Temple, 8th and Peach. The Awesome 80’s Prom has a short run with shows on Sat May 10, Fri May 16, Sat May 17 and Sun May 18. Show time at 7 pm each evening. Tables of eight with ticket packages: General Admission - $20.60 per person. Prince/Princess Package - $31 per person includes: admission to the prom, prom photo, 1 free drink, favor, 80’s candy, after party. King/Queen Package - $52 per person includes: admission to the prom, prom photo, 2 hour open bar, favor, 80’s candy, after party.

The Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission is holding a seminar called Gaining Access to Europe on May 13 at the Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center, 7794 Peach Street in Erie. Cost is $50. You must register by May 6.

Discover RFID in the Food Industry with the 2008 RU ready for RFID? Conference on Wednesday May 14 at Penn State Behrend’s RFID Center of Excellence. This year’s conference features five sessions presented by companies experiencing the benefits of RFID, as well as organizations that are providing RFID solutions throughout the food industry. The information presented will not only help you understand ways in which RFID is being utilized in this industry, but also how to increase your productivity and improve processes related to food manufacturing, distribution, and retail. Also, be sure to check out the 2007 RU ready for RFID? Conference Highlights, containing downloads of the 2007 speakers’ presentations, and images from the event.

The musical “1776”, the first play in which members of the Erie Cathedral Prep Alumni have been invited back to perform, is scheduled for a four-day run in the Erie Cathedral Prep auditorium on the weekend of May 15-18. This production is the third and final performance for this year by the Prep Performing Arts Department, which is under the direction of Father Michael DeMartinis. The special guest director for the show is Almi Clerkin, the managing director of the Erie Playhouse. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at the Prep bookstore for $8 (adults) and $6 (children and seniors). Performances will be at 7:30 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and Sunday’s performance will be at 2 PM.

This May, the world’s best travel destination is on French Street as the Arts Council of Erie presents ‘Passport to Paris!’ The historic Warner Theatre lobby transforms into a Parisian boulevard for one night only Friday, May 16 - complete with artists, street performers, French cuisine and more! It’s an evening that’s sure to be tres magnifique! Tickets are $60 and benefit the Arts Council of Erie.

The 16th annual Edinboro Highland Games and Scottish Festival takes place on May 16-18 in Edinboro, PA. Events will be held in downtown Edinboro, Saturday on the campus of Edinboro University, and Sunday at venues around Edinboro. This year’s musical guests include the Chelsea House Orchestra, Melinda Crawford (2003 National Scottish Fiddle Champion), Maidens IV, and Bare Bones. Pipers and other musicians should check out the new Freestyle Piping competition. Come to the Edinboro Highland Games and “Take a cup’o kindness home!”

The Roadhouse Theatre at Theatre 145 presents An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein directed by Kim Mc. The show runs two weeks only: May May 16-17 and May 23-24. It will be held at Theatre 145, 145 West 11th St. The Roadhouse Theatre continues its Independent Stage Series with An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein starring the husband and wife comic duo Jeff and Kelly Rodland. This series of short skits are laugh out loud funny and the one-act evening offers several unpredictable surprises. But the style is unmistakable. Lauded poet, songwriter and author of children’s books, the incomparable Shel Silverstein’s short plays are deeply infused with the same wicked sense of humor that made him famous. All show times 8 pm - Doors open at 7:20. Tickets are $8 - General Seating no reservations necessary. Limited VIP seating is available at $12 - pre-paid reservations required; phone 459-8215. As usual BYOB with proper ID.

Join your friends for the 6th Annual Bike Around The Bay in Erie, PA. Gather with hundreds of tri state bicyclists on Saturday, May 17, in Erie, PA at the Intermodal Transportation Center on the Bayfront Parkway to bike around beautiful Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. The event is a fundraiser for the non-profit youth environmental education organization Lake Erie-Allegheny Earth Force. There is a 10 mile Town Tour, a 30 mile Bay Tour and a 50 mile Endurance Tour. Registration is $17 for individuals and $35 for families.

There will be a fundraiser for Drew Kauffman 4-9 pm on Saturday May 17 at the Knights of St John, 660 West 26 St. Tickets are $10 per person. Drew is being treated for brain tumors. For more information, call (814) 453-3248. Tickets will be available at the door. Donations can be made to Friends of Andrew Kauffman at any PNC Bank location.

In celebration of International Museum Day, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) will offer a “buy one general admission, get one general admission free” deal on Sunday, May 18. In Pennsylvania’s Great Lakes Region, the offer applies to both the Erie Maritime Museum and US Brig Niagara and the Drake Well Museum.

Theatre 145 will be holding open auditions for cast members of the musical “Remembering Janis.” This play a tribute to singer/songwriter Janis Joplin. “Remembering Janis” is set for a three week run starting on Friday, June 13, 2008. Cast members needed are: Speaker - This role is for a male or female, aged 30-50 years of age. The character is a 1960’s-70’s hippie type. There is no singing involved with his role. The speaker relates his/her memories of Joplin during her career between sets of “Janis’” songs. Be prepared with a 1 minute, in character, monologue. Auditions for the role of the speaker are scheduled for Monday, May 19 at 6 pm at Theatre 145, 145 West 11th St. For more information about the auditions please call Steve Opsanic at 814-873-5069

The Gannon University Small Business Development Center along with Paulsen Productions are sponsoring “From Service To Success”, a seminar for entrepreneurial veterans. It will be held May 20 at the Gannon Yehl Ballroom, 124 West 7th St in Erie. Cost is $15 and registration is required.

The Technology Council of Northwest PA brings you the 5th Annual Business Intelligence and Technology Summit (BITS) event that will be held on Wednesday, May 21 at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. This event presents an opportunity for IT managers, CEOs, and professionals to gather, discuss, and learn about the forces shaping our regions IT industry. This year’s BITS theme will focus on Emerging Technologies for Business. This one-day event will be host to a full day of seminars, workshops and product demonstrations. They will have 15 topic speakers, as well both a morning and luncheon keynote address. Morning keynote speaker is Nortel President and CEO Michael Zafivorski who is a graduate of Edinboro. Register online.

Alzheimer’s Association- Greater Pennsylvania Chapter presents “A Celebration of Caring, An Afternoon of Enlightenment and Recognition” on Thursday, May 22, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. Luncheon at The Regency at South Shore, 322 Washington Place, Erie, PA 16505. Featuring: Melanie Titzel, MS, Co-Chair Greater Pennsylvania Board of Directors and the presentation of the “Caring Touch” Award honoring outstanding performance in dementia patient care. Join us for an afternoon of enlightenment and recognition as you hear the touching story of Melanie Titzel’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease on a personal and professional level. The Caring Touch Awards are reserved for the “the best of the best” and offer you an excellent way to salute a deserving caregiver and recognize employee accomplishments This event is open to all professionals and family caregivers, and the community. For questions, please email Kristen Bires or call her at (814) 456-9200.

KillerWolf Films is holding meetings/open auditions for their new feature film “Warriors of the Apocalypse” on Friday May 23 and Friday May 30. They will be held at the Erie Playhouse Rehearsal space at 12th and Brandes Streets in Erie from 6-9 pm both days. Shooting commences Saturday July 19 and wraps Sunday July 27, with filming being in the Northwestern PA area and possibly a few dates on the NJ/PA/NY border. KillerWolf Films latest release, “Fist of the Vampire”, is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com and is to be released worldwide July 8 from Maxim Media International/Brain Damage Films. KillerWolf Films is co-owned by Erieite Len Kabasinski and Meadville,PA native Lisa McQuiston.

The 18th annual Erie Wild Rib Cook-off and Music Festival will be held May 28-31 at Perry Square in downtown Erie. Admission is FREE. This popular annual family event includes eight Professional National Award Winning Rib Cooking Teams offering the very best in BBQ cuisine. Added attractions include a selection of delicious festival foods, ongoing stage music, the “Kid ZONE” - a children’s fun area featuring scheduled Ride-A-Ribba-Rama packages, artist and crafts booths, educational and informational displays, specialty vendors and more. This festival has grown to attract over 50,000 visitors to Perry Square Park and the adjacent streets in Erie’s downtown district.

JR’s Last Laugh Comedy Night Event to benefit Because You Care will be held at 6:30 pm on Thursday, May 29. Comedian: Juston McKinney. Food and drinks are available before and during the show. Ticket price: $15.50 Juston McKinney is one of the hottest comedians in the country. Coming to us from New York City, he has headlined many of the clubs in NY such as Caroline’s, Comic Strip Live, Dangerfield’s, and Stand-up NY. He’s been featured at the Toyota Comedy Festival and on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and had his own show on Comedy Central. He is a US Comedy Arts Festival Award Winner, and delivers a funny, original, high energy performance, which has made him a huge hit all over the country. Call (814) 899-0061 to buy single tickets or blocks of tickets. Circle May 29 on your calendar today and plan to enjoy a great night of entertainment. Get your party together and share the night with friends and family! A big thank you to JR’s Last Laugh Comedy Club for sponsoring the 6th annual Comedy Night event. The money raised will help Because You Care pay for the spay and neuter of the many kittens taken in during April and May.

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.

The Saint Vincent Sports Medicine 2008 Edinboro Triathlon will be held March 31. You can register here.

On Saturday, June 7, 2008 there will be a Nautical Flea Market from 10 am to 1 pm at the BCMS (Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies) 40 Holland Street, Erie, PA. The event is FREE and is held in conjunction with Erie Safe Boating Day. All boaters (power/sail) are welcome. Tables for selling nautical wares are available FREE of charge but table reservations MUST be made by calling Linda Dunbar before May 28th at (814) 456-9060. A bulletin board will also be available to post items too large to display.

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.

The Erie Summer Festival of the Arts will be held June 27-29 at Liberty Park.

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.

Posted by Dennis at May 9, 2008 7:02 AM

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Posted by: Jeff Thoreson at May 9, 2008 9:05 PM

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