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Erie PA News and Events for Saturday May 17, 2008
Looks like there won’t be any baby Bald Eagles at Presque Isle State Park. Linda posted pictures of the nest and a write-up on her blog. She said a park volunteer told her there was an attack on the nest by a rogue eagle (or another predator).
International Paper closed it’s plant in Erie on the date in 2002. Hammermill Paper ceased operations in 1986 when IP bought the company.

John Kanzius of Erie was named a member of the Class of 2008 CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame. Kanzius, K3TUP, has invented a possible cancer treatment using radio frequency energy and a process for extracting hydrogen from salt water using radio waves.
On a related note, scientists at UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara and MIT have developed nanometer-sized “nanoworms” that can cruise through the bloodstream without significant interference from the body’s immune defense system and - like tiny anti-cancer missiles - home in on tumors. Press release. These are iron oxide and coated with a polymer. Although researchers are looking at this as a means to more effectively deliver toxic anti-cancer drugs, it could also be used to make the John Kanzius RF macnine effective against tumors.
TMac, a single mother of two kids, participated last evening in a ‘Girls’ Night Out.’ You can read about her adventures in her new blog “Single Life in Erie.”

A check presentation was recently held at Rapid Reaction of Franklin. Rapid Reaction received a loan from the Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission revolving loan fund in order to trade in two older machines and upgrade to two new Mori Seiki Turning Centers multi-axis computer aided lathes. Rapid Reaction utilizes its 10 CNC machines in working directly with local manufacturing companies in Venango County in the production of specialized parts. The company has also expanded its customer base to a number of companies in the tri-state area. Future projections are to add two more positions within the next three years due to work volume increases with the purchase of the new equipment.
The Mt Pleasant Area School District has hired Terry Struble as superintendent. Struble earned his bachelor’s degree from Grove City College, his master’s degree from Westminster College and his superintendent’s letter of eligibility from Gannon University in Erie.
Theatre 145 will be holding open auditions for a cast member 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. The cast member needed is: 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.

I’ll be hosting an Open House today Saturday, May 17 at 2010 Ash Street from 1-3 pm. This 4 bedroom, 1 bath home is listed at $42,500. If you’d like more info this home or on any other Erie area real estate, contact me - Dennis Weed, Realtor, Pennington Lines Real Estate, 2535 West 26th Street, Erie PA 16506, Cell (814) 440-0636, Ofc (814) 833-3310, email dweed@penningtonlinesrealestate.com.
Friday night’s Erie SeaWolves game against the Binghamton Mets was postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Saturday, May 17 beginning at 6:05 at NYSEG Stadium. The SeaWolves will send RHP Andrew Kown (2-3, 6.35 ERA) to the mound in game one and LHP Jon Connolly (0-2, 6.00 ERA) in game two.
Head Coach Shawn Liotta of the Erie RiverRats of the AIFA announced the signing of DB Robb Butler to a contract for the remainder of the season. Butler practiced with the team this week and will be activated for this weekend when Erie visits Huntington tongith at 7 pm in a rematch of last week’s thriller, won by the ‘Rats 47-43. Butler (6’0”-217) comes to Erie after playing earlier this season with the Kansas City Brigade of the AFL. After college, he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the NFL’s San Diego Chargers. Butler began the 2004 season on the practice squad, but was eventually added to their active roster, appearing in 5 NFL games as a safety and kick returner. He was a member of the practice squad of the Baltimore Ravens in 2005, and the Kansas City Chiefs in 2006 and 2007.
The Erie Illusion Women’s Football Team (1-2) is on the road and will face the West Virginia Wonders (0-3) today.
Behrend Lions men’s tennis senior Trevor Dougherty (Meadville/Meadville) will be leaving the blue and white after setting the all-time wins record this season. Dougherty holds the career singles wins record at Behrend, after winning 51 singles matches in his four-year career. Dougherty compiled an overall singles record of 51-24 while at Behrend.
Brandon Yarnes of Portville Central School (NY) announced he will attend Mercyhurst College in Erie. Yarnes played linebacker for Portville but will play safety for the Lakers.
Kelly Palmer of Honeoye Falls-Lima (NY) announced she will play college lacrosse at Division II Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pa, where she plans to earn a degree in athletic training.

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 this weekend through May 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” through May 18 as part of their Youtheatre Series. Show times are 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 May 31. You can register here.

The Technology Council of Northwest Pennsylvania will hold a Breakfast Briefing, “Understanding Financial Ratios Your Banker Looks At”, Wednesday, June 4, 7:30 am to 9 am, at the Holiday Inn Express, 8101 Peach Street in Erie. Free to members, $40 non-members. RSVP by May 30. Advanced registration is required.
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.
Penn State Behrend will host its second international conference on injection molding, “Injection Molding: Innovation and Emerging Technologies,” from June 10-12. The three-day conference will feature 24 technical presentations, offered concurrently in the mornings, and hands-on tutorials in the afternoons. Two keynote speakers will address attendees on Wednesday and Thursday - Rob Neilley, editor-in-chief of Injection Molding Magazine, and William Carteaux, president and CEO of The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc, respectively. On Tuesday, all are invited to tour the local Rehrig Pacific Company plant, located at 1738 W 20th Street in Erie. Advance registration for the conference if required.

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 17, 2008 8:03 AM





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