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Erie PA News and Events for Thursday May 29, 2008

In November 2007 just before her new son was born, Tia Peterson, soon to be a new single mother, made the decision that she would stay home to raise her son. She began freelancing as a virtual assistant and has never looked back. Instead, she has moved on to form a virtual assistance firm called All American Admin as a means of providing income while saving on daycare expenses.
“Virtual assistance can provide single mothers the opportunity to take control of their careers and income while saving money on daycare expenses,” explained Tia, mother of nearly 6-month old baby boy, Aidan. “It seems that most stay at home moms are part of two-income families. It’s an option that a lot of single mothers don’t think they have.”
Tia notes that she can save over $200 per week by keeping Aidan out of full-time daycare while she works from home - the nearest daycare center charges $213 per week for full-time infant care. In her virtual assistance practice, Tia manages multiple clients and a small team of other virtual assistants as well. While she has not completely replaced her previous annual salary as a lead business analyst in the software development industry, she earns enough to provide for herself and her son and still have money in the bank at the end of the month.
“My ultimate goal has always been to not only make this work for myself, but to create an avenue of income for other mothers in a similar situation. All you need is a computer, internet connection, and the skills you’ve accumulated over the years working out of the home.” The virtual assistance industry is dominated by married people - over 75 percent (source: 2006-2007 Virtual Assistant Industry Survey as conducted by the Virtual Assistant Chamber of Commerce), but the flexibility of virtual assistance can also provide single mothers with income and free time. Tia is planning to continue to grow All American Admin into a thriving virtual assistance firm while at the same time seeking out, training, and inspiring other single mothers who wish to stay home with their kids in the business of virtual assistance.
For additional information, contact Tia Peterson or visit her company website AllAmericanAdmin.com.

On this date, 213 years ago: Ralph Rutledge was killed and scalped by Indians, warriors of the Six Nations (aka the Iroquois), on May 29, 1795 in Erie, PA while traveling from Fort LeBoeuf to Fort Presque Isle. His son was also shot and scalped, but lived to be taken to Fort LeBoeuf, where he died. This is the last Indian uprising known to have taken place in Erie County. In this year there were still two Indian villages in what is now the City of Erie, one on Mill Creek, and another at the head of the bay, each having from twenty to thirty families. Two treaties were signed later in 1795 which kept the peace, one with the Western tribes by General “Mad” Anthony Wayne at Greenville, Ohio, on August 3, and another with the Six Nations at Canandaigua, NY, on November 9.

VisitErie (formerly the Erie Area Convention and Visitors Bureau) released the latest Erie County hotel tax figures. In April 2008, the tax generated $40,588 vs the April 2007 amount of $34,878. The fiscal year to date figures show an increase of 13 percent. Of the 5 percent collected tax, VisitErie receives 1 percent and the Erie County Convention Center Authority receives the remaining 4 percent.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry released the latest state Civilian Labor Force data. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Erie County was 5.5 for April, the same as March. The unadjusted rate was actually 5.2 percent with a labor force of 140,400 people, 133,100 employed and 7,300 looking for work. Compared to the unadjusted April 2007 figures, the labor force for this April grew by 2,200 people and 1,000 jobs were created.

Interesting story in the Philadelphia City Paper on the case of Angelina Eva Martinez. Martinez was arrested in Erie on an Amtrak train as an illegal alien. Although she has been in the country 23 years illegally, when asked if she was an American citizen, she had to have her daughter in law translate. The story points out that the Border Patrol has arrested 1,994 people this year between Erie and Buffalo.

The Eerie Horror Film Festival is looking for a few good Zombies for a TV spot. If you’re over 21 years old and available 11 am to 8 pm on Saturday May 31, email Greg Ropp.

The Erie Art Museum offers art classes and workshops for children and adults year-round. Beginning in June, the Museum will be offering 23 summer classes. Each class has different prices and Museum members receive discounted rates. Classes are available to beginners and more experienced artists and are offered in quarterly sessions lasting three to ten weeks. All Museum classes are taught by professional artists. Topics offered include, photography, painting, drawing, dance, pottery and more. A complete description of available classes is online at ErieArtMuseum.org.

Philadelphia Governor Edward Rendell will hold a news conference at 3 pm today at the Martin Luther King Center in Erie to talk about his heath care plan.

Herman’s Cafe, 2802 Old French Road, will be auctioned off on Saturday May 31 at 1 pm. Herman’s was one of the bars that opened December 5, 1933, the day Prohibition ended.

Duane Rankin of the Erie Times News / GoErie.com reported that the Erie BayHawks have hired former LSU assistant John Treloar as their head coach.

The Erie SeaWolves won their second consecutive game on Wednesday night as they took down the Reading Phillies 8-7. The SeaWolves will look for a series sweep as they meet the Reading Phillies in the final game of a three-game set at Jerry Uht Park on Thursday night…6:35 First Pitch. LHP Danny Christensen (1-4, 4.68 ERA) takes the mound for the ‘Wolves against RHP Andrew Carpenter (2-6, 6.18 ERA). It’s a THROWBACK THURSDAY on Champion Ford’s Night of Champions. If you are a Champion of anything in Erie you can earn free tickets to the game. Whether it’s a sports team, academic competition, robotics, bowling leagues…we want to recognize Erie’s best! Call (814) 456-1300 for more details.

Two Erie Otters were ranked by the NHL Central Scouting Service for the National Hockey League’s entry draft, which will be held June 20-21 in Ottawa. Jordan Skellett, LW, Erie (OHL LW Jordan Skellett was ranked as the 149th North American player and G Jaroslav Janus was ranked as the 11th North American goaltender.

Ashley Petrone of Albert Gallatin High School in Uniontown, PA signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and softball careers at Gannon University in Erie.

The 18th annual Erie Wild Rib Cook-off and Music Festival continues and runs through Saturday 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.

Fourteen members of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine’s class of 2008 will participate in a military commissioning ceremony today, May 29 from 11 to 11:30 am at the school. The ceremony, a longtime military tradition, will celebrate the advancement of rank for those members of the graduating class who are officers in the US Armed Forces. The 13 graduating military officers will continue medical training at respected military and civilian programs around the country after graduating from LECOM on Sunday, June 1.

Dafmark Dance Theater and Erie Homes for Children and Adults (EHCA) presents “Partners in Dance VII: Modern Jazz Ain’t No Cakewalk.” The performance will begin at 1:30 pm today, Thursday May 29 at Saint Benedict’s Community Center located at 320 East 10th Street and will feature dancers from the Dafmark Dance Theater and EHCA. The event is FREE and open to the public. For more information, call (814) 454-1534 x103.

JR’s Last Laugh Comedy Night Event to benefit Because You Care will be held at 6:30 pm today, 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.

A Charity Art Show and Silent Auction, benefiting the domestic violence safety network SafeNet, will be held at 7 pm on Friday, May 30 at the BrewErie at Union Station, 14th and Peach Streets in Erie. FREE admission. Local artists include Jake Miller, Eerie Eric, Brittany Stone, Metal Mike, Ellisa Vickery, Nate Pazsint, Jen Barlett, Justin Wiest and Andrew Kauffman. It will feature a silent auction of various mediums of art including paintings, photography, and even tattoo time. Sponsored by the good people at Ink Assassins.

Family First Sports Park is holding a Middle School Dance for Grades 6-8 from 7-10 pm on Friday May 30. Cover Charge for the Dance at the Dome is only $7. Family First Sports Park is located just south of I-90 at 8155 Oliver Road. Family First offers a safe, drug and alcohol free environment. For more information, call (814) 866-5425 ext 286.

An All American Basketball Championship Regional Basketball Tournament Qualifier will be held in Erie at Penn State Behrend, May 30 - June 1. Cost is $325 per team, 3 game guarantee. The contact is Brent Swain.

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 Experience Erie Children’s Museum annual fund raiser Tiki Time will be held Saturday, May 31 at the setting sun (6:30 pm) to 10:30 pm.at the Splash Lagoon and Boston’s Party Room. $75 individual/ $150 couple. Register by completing the online form.

Camp Notre Dame is holding an open house on Sunday June 1 from 1-4 pm. Camp Notre Dame offers day and overnight camping for ages 4-16.

Preview dresses owned and worn by nationally-recognized celebrities like Martina McBride, Beyonce, Amy Grant, Ann Curry, Raven Symone, Patti LaBelle and many others from 12:30-3 pm June 1 at Lake Shore Country Club. The Celebrity Dress Preview event will benefit My Father’s House of Erie, a nonprofit transitional program for homeless/abused women and their children. The organization operates the retail store Bella Designs, 4801 Peach Street, in which women in the program have the opportunity to learn vocational skills and work experience. “These dresses are telling of the personalities who owned them ,” said Connie Miller, My Father’s House Of Erie, special projects administrator, “and this event will be a casual Sunday afternoon here in Erie by the lake to see them before they travel to Los Angeles for our live on-line fashion show auction in the Fall,” she added. The event will also feature guest speaker, Pete McDaniel, Senior Writer, Golf Digest Magazine and “Training a Tiger” co-author with the late Earl Woods, will entertain the audience with his storytelling and will auction four original Tiger Woods autographed photos from the legendary golfer’s PGA 20007 victory. Sponsored by Fishtank creative, an Erie-based marketing advertising and communications agency, powered by the Velocity Network, the host committee is comprised of Melanie Johnson, Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, Cynthia Phillips, Motivational Speaker, Alan and Angie Rossum, NFL San Francisco 49ers (formerly of the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers), Shaun and Shonda Smith, NFL Cleveland Browns, and Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Thomas, St Vincent Health Center. Tickets are $35 per person or $50 per couple and available at the following locations: Bella Designs, 4801 Peach Street; All GE Federal Credit Union branches; and National City Bank, 801 State Street. For more information, please call (814) 879-0880.

The 2008 Sounds of Summer FREE Concert Series begins on June 2 at 7 pm at St Joseph Apartments, 517 Maryland Ave in Erie. The Gem City Jazz Ensemble performs. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy.

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.

The Erie Farmers Market will be held 9 am to 3 pm each Wednesday beginning June 4 in Perry Square in downtown Erie. Vendor permits at $100 for each day are available by calling the city at (814) 870-1200.

The Erie Art Museum has the answer to the mid-week work week
blahs - take a Mid-Day Art Break at the Erie Art Museum each Wednesday beginning Wednesday, June 4 through Wednesday, Aug 27. On Wednesdays, visitors to the Erie Art Museum are extended FREE admission, guided gallery tours and live music on the Erie Art Museum’s steps; the Museum’s staff will offer guided tours of the galleries at 12 and 12:30 or visitors can enjoy the galleries on their own. Visitors can pick-up a quick lunch and shop at the Erie Farmers’ Market in nearby Perry before or after their stop at the Museum. Galleries are open for FREE to the public every Wednesday 11 am to 5 pm. Mid-Day Art Break is supported by Classy 100, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Hamot and Erie Insurance Group.

The Manufacturers’ Association of Northwest Pennsylvania will host the first of its three-part “Presidential Luncheon Series - The Race for ‘08” starting at 11:30 am Friday, June 6, at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street. With the 2008 presidential election shaping up to be one for the history books, the Manufacturers’ Association Government Affairs department will host a series of three luncheon meetings with a group of highly acclaimed political analysts to cut through the rhetoric and get to the heart of the issues facing America. The first luncheon, “The Road to the White House,” will feature Erie native Steve Scully, C-SPAN’s senior executive producer and political editor in Washington. He will focus on the impact of early primary dates as well as the long-term impact of what some analysts are calling the longest campaign in history. To register for this luncheon, click here or contact Tracy Shepard at (814) 833-3200 or (800) 815-2660. Cost is $35 for each presentation and includes lunch.

Erie Chamber Orchestra presents “A Tribute to Victor Herbert” on Friday June 6 at St Patrick’s Church, 130 East 4th St in Erie. A tin-pan alley composer, Herbert played the cello and wrote many light operas. Some of these works include “The Wizard of the Nile,” “The Fortune Teller,” and “Babes in Toyland.” The concert is FREE and open to the public. Show time is 7:30 pm.

The 2008 Erie Admirals Flagship Cup will once again be held at the host venues of Family First Sports Park and Edinboro University. Over 200 U9-U19 soccer teams are expected which takes place June 7-8. Pedro Argaez and Ed Shearman are the tournament directors.

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.

Help support Read To Rebound and have a blast doing it. On June 7, many of the downtown Erie Bars will be hosting a pool tournament. No prior experience necessary - slop counts. A $20 donation to Read To Rebound gets you a scorecard, a T-shirt, and a chance to win all kinds of prizes. Just download a registration form for details and rules. Read to Rebound is a non-profit organization committed to making sure that no child has to face the challenges of life on their own. Through a series of books, an interactive website, and community resources, Read to Rebound will share the true stories of people who have faced, and overcome, adversity in their lives. By sharing these stories, Read to Rebound hopes to provide a compass for children navigating the difficult roadmap of life.

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 first Erie Downtown Partnership Block Party of 2008 will be held Thursday June 12 on the 1300 block of State Street in front of Calamari’s Squid Row. The event is FREE. Food and beverages will be available for sale. One World Tribe will provide the music.

The 84th annual Lake City Fire Company Carnival will be held June 12-14 in Lake City, PA.

Gallery Night, which is organized by the Erie Art Museum, features FREE public touring of 12 local galleries and gallery activities, on Friday June 13, 2008 from 7 to 10 pm. Galleries that will be participating are Accents By The Bay, Allen Stoneware Gallery, Artworks Gallery and Clayspace Studio, Bayfront Gallery, Geary’s Studio 7, Glass Growers Gallery, Kada Gallery, Kuhn’s Framing and Gift Gallery, Ralph Miller Jewelers and Gallery, Relish Inc. Studio and Gallery, Urraro Gallery and the galleries at the Erie Art Museum. EMTA’s Bayliner will be providing FREE shuttle transportation from 7 to 10:30 pm. Trolley maps and schedules are available at each gallery or by calling the Erie Art Museum at (814) 459-5477. Participating galleries will be offering visitors a chance to win a $50 gift certificate as an incentive to attract patrons into touring their galleries.

The 2008 Brianlee Crosby Memorial Learn to Swim Program, sponsored by the City of Erie Summer Recreation Program and operated by the American Red Cross, Greater Erie County Chapter, will be held June 16 to August 8. Qualifications: All boys and girls enrolled in the first through sixth grades may participate in the program. PROOF of grade level must be presented at the time of registration. The program is FREE to City of Erie School District students. A parent or legal guardian must accompany each child to complete the registration form at the appropriate pool on the first day of each two week instructional period. Parents or guardians are also responsible for their child’s attendance and transportation needs. Appropriate swimming attire and cleanliness will be required at all pools in operation. Pre-registration: Pre-registration will begin at 10 am on the morning of the first day of each session (June 16, June 30, July 14, July 28) at the Strong Vincent High School pool and the Central Tech High School pool. Children should come prepared to take their water skills tests in order to determine the appropriate level of instruction for them. Certification: All boys and girls enrolled will receive progress reports and an appropriate Red Cross certificate for satisfactory completion of their course. Observation days will be held on the last day of each session for all parents who wish to see the progress that their children have made in the course. Session Dates (Monday - Friday): Session I June 16 - June 27, Session II June 30 - July 11 (Closed July 4th), Session III July 14 - July 25, Session IV July 28 - Aug 8. Sessions begin at: 10 am, 11 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, Open Swim (For students enrolled in lessons; NOT open to public) from 2:30-3:30 pm. Open Swim: Open swim will be available at the Roger Young Pool Monday through Saturday from 12-5 pm. (June 16 - August 8) (Closed July 4th). For more information on training courses offered by your American Red Cross, call the Greater Erie County Chapter at 833-0942 ext 243.

It is no secret that Marketing and IT professionals come from very different backgrounds and work in very different ways. However, in today’s fast paced world of digital marketing and increasingly important online customer experiences, it is imperative that these two groups come together. They need to collaborate in order to rise above the competition and reach the maximum potential of the organization’s online presence. The eMarketing Special Interest Group and the eMarketing Learning Center are offering Aligning Marketing and IT for Online Success on Wednesday, June 18 at Knowledge Park in Erie. Register Now.

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) will hold a Summer On Campus Day, 1 pm - 4:30 pm on Friday, June 20 to provide opportunities for prospective students to tour the campus facilities and learn about the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Pharmacy Program and the Health Sciences Post Baccalaureate Program. Please confirm your attendance for the event with Maggie Crosswhite or Camille Jennings.

Gannon University Writers’ Workshops 2008 are for students Grades 4-12. Develop your writing process and produce a book of your writing under the direction of Dr Sally LeVan and the teachers of the NWPA Writing Project. Each session will be limited to 25 students per session. Dates are June 23-27, July 7-11 and July 21-25. Workshops will be held 9 am to 12 pm in Room 3200 of the Palumbo Center, 8th and Peach Streets. Registration includes T-shirt, snacks and book. $125 per one-week session/$200 for two-weeks. For information contact Dr Sally LeVan, (814) 871-7506. Registration.

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

Erie’s gay, lesbian bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community will come together the weekend of June 28-29 to celebrate Pride 2008 with a picnic, march/rally, and social opportunities. Festivities get underway Saturday, June 28, with the Pride Erie Picnic at Rotary Pavilion, Beach 7 at Presque Isle State Park. The Pride Picnic runs from 1-6 pm with food being served from 2-4 pm. The Pride March will step off from The Zone Dance Club at 1 pm. Sunday, June 29, with the Pride Rally beginning in Perry Square at 2 pm. Information about the Erie area Pride March/Rally is available at www.ErieGayPride.org, by email at eriegaypride@gmail.com, or by calling 866-229-1974 (toll free).

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.

The 2008 City of Erie Junior Golf Program is open to boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 17. Entry fee is $7 per person. The number of entrants will determine the number of divisions. Registration will take place at J C Martin Golf Course from June 1 through July 19. Please call J C Martin Golf Course at 864-1821 with any questions. Tournament 1 is at J C Martin Golf Course, West 38th St and Shunpike Rd (next to Erie Zoo), on Wednesday, July 23 at 8 am. Tournament 2 will be held at Downing Golf Course, 1351 Troupe Rd, 899-5827, on Wednesday, July 30 at 8:30 am. Tournament 2 will be immediately followed by a picnic and an awards presentation.

The Wooden Nickel Buffalo Farm 2008 Native American Festival is July 26-27 at the farm in Edinboro. Hours are 11-6 daily. Admission is $3 per person, 3 and under are FREE.

The Gannon University ShakeXperience Theater Camp will be held Monday, July 28 through Saturday, August 2. This one-week resident high school (through graduation) theater camp is taught by members of Gannon’s theater program and qualified professionals. Classes are conducted in Shakespeare, text analysis, stage movement, rehearsal and performance. Workshops are offered in stage combat, period dance, and music. Includes a public matinee performance of CYMBELINE as part of the Shakespeare SummerNights outdoor threatre festival. Cost: $99 (includes room, board, and instruction fee). For more information, contact Fr Shawn Clerkin, (814) 871-7493.

The 2008 City of Erie Recreation Tennis Tournaments will be held once again at
Frontier Park. Junior: June 24-27, Adult: August 13-17. Applications are available at: PennBriar Health and Tennis Club, Westwood Racquet Club, Lake Shore Country Club, Kahkwa Club and Erie Sport Store’s downtown location. For more information contact Richard Beck at 835-5452.

Posted by Dennis at May 29, 2008 7:00 AM

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