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Erie PA News and Events for Friday May 16, 2008
Posted by Dennis on May 16, 2008
A jubilant celebration will take place on Monday, May 19 beginning at 10:30 am at the corner of Manchester and West Lake Road, where only a pile of dirt presently exists. The celebration will mark the official ground breaking of the newest branch of the Erie County Public Library, the West County Library Branch (WCLB). To add to the jubilation, Michael Batchelor, president of The Erie Community Foundation, will make a major announcement of a $1.5 million match from the Blasco Endowment. “All money raised for the new library will be matched dollar for dollar via the endowment in order to build and enhance the new library,” said Batchelor. “Dr Blasco would have been most pleased to see this type of progress.” “The Blasco Endowment challenge grant will double the generosity of present and future donors,” said Jim Spiegel, chairman of the Erie County Public Library Foundation (ECPLF). “The West County Library Branch will be a community asset and a fabulous building enhancing the surrounding neighborhoods.” The ECPLF will contribute more than 65 percent of the total estimated construction cost of $2.5 million, and plans to raise the balance of the funds from the west county community. “We hope to secure participation from community and individual residents of West County, and we hope that the Blasco Endowment challenge encourages gift-giving,” Spiegel added. Representatives from the Erie County Public Library Foundation will unveil architect renderings and will announce major gifts already received for the campaign at the official ground breaking. As the largest branch in the library system, the new WCLB will be wireless, will hold 55-60,000 materials and will feature a community room that will seat 125 people that the community can use for meeting space. The new branch will also house a minimum of 12 state-of-the-art computers for patron use. Construction of the new library should be completed by November. The WCLB will replace the Presque Isle branch, located in the West Erie Plaza. The decision to build a new branch was based on demographics, economics and library usage. The Erie County Public Library is a department of Erie County government. The Library Foundation and Erie County have formed a partnership which enables the foundation to build library branches. Once construction is completed, the building is turned over to Erie County government, who is also responsible for the branch’s operation and continued maintenance. The Erie Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life in our region by evaluating and addressing community issues, by promoting responsible philanthropy and by connecting donors to the critical needs of the community. Presently, The Erie Community Foundation is home to a collection of charitable endowments, 540 valued at over $152.2 million, operating under the administrative umbrella of a single public charity. For more information, visit www.ErieCommunityFoundation.org or call (814) 454-0843.
“Statistically, a business that utilizes the business incubation methodology of development has an 84-87 percent chance of success and sustainable growth, as versed to only 24-27 percent if they proceed into business on their own,” said Combs. The ETI can accommodate up to about 25 companies, depending on their size. On average, it will house 10-12 tenant companies that each will stay between two to four years, depending on their growth rate.
Although the GE plant in Erie is best know for manufacturing locomotives, they also make the gear boxes used in wind turbines. Mesa Power, a renewable energy company founded by billionaire Texas oilman T Boone Pickens, yesterday placed an order for 667 wind turbines from General Electric as part of a $2 billion startup of what is to become the world’s largest wind farm to be located in the Texas panhandle.
As part of National Tourism Week, VisitErie last evening hosted a “Tourism Kick-Off Celebration” last evening at Waldameer Park Rainbow Gardens. The event was an educational and entertaining way for front-line employees of local attractions, restaurants, hotels and service-related businesses to learn more about Erie’s local assets. Twenty-five area attractions were scheduled to exhibit and inform attendees on their upcoming events, activities and programs.
MTR Gaming Group (Nasdaq:MNTG) announced that David R Hughes has been appointed CFO and Executive Vice President of the Company. Hughes joined the Company in January of 2003 as Chief Operating Officer of Mountaineer Park, a position he held until January 2007. He served as Executive Vice President of Strategic Operations of MTR Gaming Group from January 2007 to May 2008. Mr Hughes has 24 years of operational and financial experience in the gaming and hospitality industries. MTR Gaming Group, through subsidiaries, owns and operates Presque Isle Downs and Casino in Erie, PA; Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort in Chester, WV; Scioto Downs in Columbus, OH; and the gaming assets and operations located in the Ramada Inn and Speedway Casino in North Las Vegas, NV (under contract for sale).
The Erie SeaWolves dropped their 10th straight ballgame on Thursday afternoon at Prince Georges Stadium, 2-0, against the Bowie Baysox. The SeaWolves six-game road trip continues on Friday night as the ‘Wolves head to NYSEG Stadium to take on the Binghamton Mets…7:05 First Pitch.
The Penn State Behrend baseball team saw its season end with a 5-3 loss to Gwynedd-Mercy on Thursday, May 15 in the NCAA Tournament in Newark, New Jersey. Behrend ends the season at 34-12 after earning the program’s second AMCC Title and first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament.
For the second straight day at the Division III National Championship, the Allegheny women’s golf team turned in one of the best team scores of the round. The Gators shot 309 on Thursday to move into to a tie for sixth place and are just a stroke away from cracking the top five.
Edinboro University men’s basketball coach Greg Walcavich has announced the signing of Steve Cress of Mars High School to a national letter of intent. Cress is a 6’ 6” forward who recently completed his senior season for the Planets and head coach Rob Carmody. Cress averaged 21.5 points, 12.7 rebounds and two blocks per game as a senior. He concluded his high school career as the Planets’ all-time leading scorer with 1,208 points. Tim Frye, who is currently at Pittsburgh, held the previous record. Oddly enough, Frye broke the record of Cress’ father, Bill, who scored 1,098 points while playing at Mars in the 1970’s. For his career, Cress is the first player at Mares to total over 1,200 points, 700 rebounds and 100 blocks.
Designed especially for 3-5 year olds and an accompanying adult, “Outside the Window” is an interactive program that gets kids in touch with all of the nature of Presque Isle State Park. It takes place today, Friday May 16. Meet at the Stull Interpretive Center. $2 donation, registration required. Choose either 10 am - 11:30 am or 1 pm - 2:30 pm. Call (814) 833-7424 to register.
Erie First Christian Academy presents “Anne of Green Gables” today, Friday May 16 at 7 pm. Tickets are $5 for adults $4 for students. The school is located at 8150 Oliver Road in Erie.
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.
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.
The Erie Playhouse presents “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” May 16-18 as part of their Youtheatre Series. Show times are Friday 7pm, Saturday 2pm and 7pm, Sunday 2pm. All seats $10 (+tax).
The 29th International Erie Mercyhurst Preparatory School Invitational Regatta takes place Saturday, May 17 at 8 am on Presque Isle Bay. This free, public event brings over 1,000 visitors to the area. Spectators may watch the race from the walkway near the parking areas on Presque Isle State Park, mainly parking lots 1, 2 and 3.
March on down to State Street for the 43rd annual Erie Zoo Parade. This year the parade is scheduled for Saturday, May 17 starting at 10 am. The parade marches down State Street, beginning at 18th Street and runs north to South Park Row. This parade will definitely be something to see, featuring over 100 units including several representatives from local organizations, bands, floats, and don’t forget…zoo animals!
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.
With a focus on early childhood education, Pa Department of Public Welfare Secretary, Estelle Richman has a full day planned in Erie on Tuesday, May 20. She is scheduled to speak at the HO Hirt Auditorium Blasco Library Complex from 10:15 am to 12 noon when she will discuss the 2008-2009 Pennsylvania budget and early childhood education. Prior to Ms Richman’s presentation, Pathways PA will present “Aging in Place in Erie” at 10 am. Approximately 100 stakeholders will be in attendance including social services workers, childcare providers and elected officials, who have a great interest in how the Pennsylvania budget affects their interests. The Erie Community Foundation, United Way of Erie County along with Pathways PA are hosting the presentations. The public is welcome. Reservations are encouraged by calling (814) 454-0843. After her presentation, Ms Richman will visit Erie Family Center and Early Connections where she will engage in discussions about United Way Success by Six as well as other child development and family focused programs. A nationally recognized expert on issues of behavioral health and children’s services, Ms Richman has been honored for advocacy efforts by the National Alliance on Mental Illness; the American Psychiatric Association and the American Medical Association, among others. She holds a master’s degree from Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio.
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.
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 Manufacturers’ Association of Northwest Pennsylvania Eggs ‘n’ Issues topic on Wednesday, May 28 will be Keeping Pennsylvania Producing: A campaign to keep business from leaving Pennsylvania and the United States. The speaker will be David Bell, Coalition Member, The American Council for a Strong Economy. Price is $30 for members and $60 for non-members.
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 eMarketing Learning Center at eBizITPA will hold a roundtable titled Aligning Marketing and IT for Success from 4 pm to 5:30 pm on June 18.
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.
Posted by Dennis at May 16, 2008 6:58 AM
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