You know what we need in Erie? A Sonic. For some reason, they play commercials in our area all the time yet the closest ones were in Pittsburgh and Akron. Actually, a new one just opened this past weekend in Parma, south of Cleveland. I hit it up over the weekend and it was cool. I think Erie would dig it, except maybe in January when its 3° and blowing snow.

Did you attend Senator Casey’s town hall meeting yesterday? If so, what was your experience?

A bit more about Tom Ridge, this time from Fox News:

Former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said in an interview that he did not feel “pressure” from the Bush administration to raise the terror alert level before the 2004 presidential election, but that officials “expressed an opinion” different from his.

Ridge’s book goes on sale today.

You may remember Lisa Miceli of Meadville who made headlines last year for claiming that she had a relationship as well as a child with Michael Jordan (yes, that Michael Jordan). DNA tests have proven, shockingly, that Jordan was not the father. She even violated a restraining order by contact Jordan and his associates. This year, she sued MTV and others to stop the filming of Paris Hilton’s show “My New BFF” claiming it was her idea and that she has had a romantic relationship with a member of the Dubai royal family. She’s got a Twitter account.

Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced the following recent confirmations by the Senate, as well as other nominations and appointments he has made. Nicholas James Barcio of Erie has been named a student member of the Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education. Marlene D. Mosco has been named to the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission. All that is fine, but we still don’t have a state budget. #justsayin.

Sports

The Erie Seawolves won their last home game of the season, beating Altoona 4-3. If you want to catch the Wolves at home, you’ll have to wait until next year.

Senior Emily Warren of the No. 10 Mercyhurst College field hockey team has been selected as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division Player of the Week, announced Monday afternoon by PSAC league officials.

The Erie Otters are proud to name Paul Roper as the Media Relations Manager and Broadcaster. Roper spent the 2008-09 season with the Trenton Devils of the ECHL as their Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations. He was named to broadcast the 2009 ECHL All-Star Game in Reading, Pa. Previous to Roper’s time with Trenton, he was employed by the Newark Bears of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball as a Media Relations Assistant and Broadcaster.

Events

The Gem City Concert Band, the 45-member wind ensemble under the direction of Dr. Scott Tomlison and Assistant Conductor Brett Woomer, will be presenting the final outdoor concert of the summer tomorrow evening, Tuesday, September 1 from 7:00 – 8:30pm. We will be playing in the parking lot of St. John’s Lutheran Church at 2216 Peach Street, Erie PA. The weather is looking very promising, so bring your lawn chairs and a light jacket to enjoy the performance. (In case of rain, the concert will be held inside the St. John’s Parish Center.) There is plenty of off-street parking, including space for retirement center transportation. Some of the selections for the evening will include Phantom of the Opera (we promise to not cut it from the program this time!), Broadway in the 90s and America the Beautiful. The concert is free and open to the public. Free-will donations will be accepted.

Tired of the wet weather? Too bad. More to come with rain today, a reprieve tomorrow, and rain on Sunday. It’s monsoon season in Erie, PA.

Judge Sean McLaughlin of the U.S. District Court located here in Erie heard oral arguments Wednesday that pits oil and gas companies against the U.S. Forest Service and environmental groups. The oil and gas companies are challenging a settlement agreement that was entered into between the Forest Service and environmentalists that include the Sierra Club affecting reserves in the Allegheny National Forest. The agreement requires certain environmental testing to be performed first before additional drilling is allowed, if at all. Additional hearing will be held in late August as to whether the lawsuit should be dismissed at the request of the Forest Service.

And on the heals of the U.S. Forest Service lawsuit comes the Pennsylvania Oil & Gas Association (POGAM) trade show at the Bayfront Convention Center. The latest in equipment and services available to oil and gas exploration and production companies in the eastern United States will be on display during the trade show that runs September 1-3. It is rumored Judge Sean McLaughlin will be the honorary speaker… depending on how he rules in the federal court case. (That last sentence, of course, isn’t true.)

Starting next year the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board will begin setting up wine at kiosks in grocery stores all over the state with about 100 kiosks to be in place by July 2010.

The Erie SeaWolves just can’t catch a break against the Akron Aeros losing yet another game last night. The sweep is unfortunate as Erie was tied for second place in the Eastern League, Southern Division. The Reading Phillies have now taken that position in the division.

The Pennsylvania 500 at the Pocono Raceway will be held this Sunday at 1 p.m. and can be viewed on ESPN.

More Erie Headlines

Sports

Events

Union workers at the General Electric plant in Schenectady, New York, are considering whether to take wage and benefit cuts enticing GE to build a new battery plant there. The battery plant would be a division of GE Transportation here in Erie. How about building the plant at the existing spacious GE grounds in Lawrence Park? The Schenectady Daily Gazette has more.

Pennsylvania is still without a budget. Governor Rendell has indicated he would like the Democrat controlled house to pass the Republican Senates version of the budget from a couple of weeks ago. Things could be worse. Pennsylvania could have California’s budget crisis.

Edward L. Armes of Erie gets the class act award for skipping out and not paying for his meal at a restaurant in Chautauqua County. Some customer with a sense of responsibility followed Armes after he left the restaurant while calling in the report to the local sheriff’s office. During the arrest, law enforcement found drugs on him.

Jacksonville High School in North Carolina is losing its wrestling coach, Brad Skelton, after two years in the position. Skelton is returning to the Erie area to be closer to family and to taking a teaching and coaching job (school unknown).

The Toronto Globe and Mail has an article on Canadian public servant Jerry Yanover. Yanover was born in Erie but grew up in Ontario, Canada and serving a distinguished political career in the Canadian Parliament.

The SeaWolves are having a tough time against the Akron Aeros, losing the last three games. The ‘Wolves have one more game to try and save face against the Aeros tonight in Akron

More Erie Headlines

Sports

Events

June’s unemployment rate was 8.3% for Pennsylvania compared to 9.5% nationally. However Northwestern PA didn’t fare too well with Erie County at 9.6% unemployment and Crawford County at 10.2%. State College had the lowest unemployment rate in all of the state at 5.8%. You can view detailed unemployment statistics at the Center for Workforce Information & Analysis website with detailed information on Erie County here.

The White House announced that a number of law enforcement agencies across the U.S. will receive funding. Certain law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania will receive more than $20 million in federal money. Erie will receive $1.6 million for the hiring of six additional police officers.

The Erie County Department of Health is making a concerted effort to limit the spread of the West Nile virus. If you live in Millcreek, Fairview, or Harborcreek you will probably want to keep your doors and windows closed through Thursday while the Department sprays for mosquitoes, unless of course you enjoy inhaling pesticides.

Erie based Beaumont Technologies Inc. is expanding its services into additional fields of engineering, development and consulting work. It’s good to see an Erie based business doing well despite the current economic conditions.

The Erie Zoo is going to receive a rare Amur Leopard cub that was born at Estonia’s Tallinn zoo last spring. The Erie Zoo will pay the costs to transport the cub to Erie.

The music group Mayday Parade begins it U.S. tour and will be in Erie on August 6th at Forward Hall.

More Erie Headlines

Sports

Events

Discover Presque Isle was held this past weekend and despite the scattered showers, there was a pretty good turnout. We’d like to hear from those of you who made it down to the event by leaving your comments below.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that travel to Canada is down largely due to the new border restrictions requiring passports as well as the weak U.S. dollar. Instead of traveling to Niagara Falls or Windsor to gamble, U.S. residents are going to casinos in Erie, Buffalo and Detroit.

Erie Indemnity Company will host an audio Webcast to discuss financial results for the second quarter 2009 on Thursday, August 6, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The Webcast will be broadcast live via the Investor Relations section of the website.

The Janesville, Wisconsin newspaper reported that Josue Ortiz Andino of Erie was charged with the possession of controlled substance. Janesville, WI is just outside Madison and Milwaukee.

A quick note about something we blogged last week regarding the eWaste recycling. A reader writes in:

The County received a fixed grant amount from the State to conduct the e-waste recycling events two Saturdays a month from May – October. The overwhelming response has booked all of the events for the remainder of the year and the Recycling Program is looking for ways to expand the effort next year. One of them would be to charge to help defer the cost so additional residents can be served.

The Recycling Program wants people to properly dispose of their waste and has created the Convenience Center for individuals to do that. Unfortunately, WJET did not report the story correctly and has caused additional confusion.

The Pittsburgh Steelers began their annual training camp last Friday. The camp is held at Saint Vincent College on Route 30 in Latrobe, Pa. The PG has additional information for you die hard Steelers fans.

Scott has some gorgeous pictures of the white tiger in residence at the Erie Zoo. Click the image for more from Scott.

More Erie Headlines

Sports

The Erie SeaWolves mopped up the Binghamton Mets by a score of 16-3 Friday, and 9-6 on Saturday. The final game of the three-game series was cancelled yesterday due to rain and poor field conditions. The game will not be made up as the season series between the teams is over. The SeaWolves took six of the nine games it played against Binghamton this season.

Events

I’m heading from Northampton, MA to Erie today. After spending a few days here, I think Erie officials should all pile in Joe Sinnott’s car and head here to see how downtown development is done. A colleague and I parked in a garage for 2 hours today near a row of restaurants and shops and get this – the first hour of parking was free. What a great way to encourage people to shop Main St. It’s a great little town with so many great places to eat all within a few blocks of each other.

Maleno Real Estate will be the builder of the Extreme Makeover Home Edition when they come to Erie in June. The family who will receive a new home will be announced June 25. They’ve launched a website for the project here.

On my way out of town on Wednesday, I saw the news reports of Brad Foulk and his cancer battle. Get well soon, Mr. Foulk.

The trial of Derrick L. Oliver began this week in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Oliver, 29, is facing murder charges for his role in the death of Erie native Lindsey Graygo. She was murdered in February 2008 at her home in Ypsilanti.

We’re finally going to start seeing some hard numbers when it comes to how much the proposed community college is going to cost. WICU reports that a home assessed at $100,000 would pay an additional $30 a year in taxes in year one and $59.62 in year five.

Gamblers fed the slots $41.7 million last week at Presque Isle Downs. They won $38 million back, with $1.9 going to  the state and the casino getting $1.5 million.

Giant Eagle in Yorktown Centre is looking to follow in Wegmans’ footsteps and add beer sales atthe store. Millcreek Township has approved the transfer of a liquor license to the store.

Sports

Altoona beat the Seawolves 4-3 at the Uht last night. Erie starts a four game series in Bowie tonight.

Sparked by rookie Andrew McCutchen, who scored three runs in his debut Thursday, the Pirates batted around twice on the way to an 11-6 win over the Mets at PNC Park.

Events

Congrats to Julie Maggio, who won our $25 gift certificate giveaway to Sluggers Sports Bar and Grill. Thanks to everyone who entered!

Police have identified the man who died in Tuesday’s crash on I-90. He is Samuel A. Thomas from Warren. Our thoughts go out to his family.

Dr. Paul Heberle has pleaded guilty to criminal conspiracy and other drug charges. He was acquitted of charges in 2006 of illegally prescribing pain medication. He traded prescriptions for crack.

Dear Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi: We don’t like you either. In a story in the Christian Science Monitor this week dealing the Senator Arlen Specter, Cochran, who had campaigned with Spector, said this about our fair city:

I asked him at the caucus lunch: Does this mean I don’t have to go to Erie [Pa.] anymore?

Whatevs.

Speaking of Specter, one name that’s been bandied about as someone who could run against him in 2010 is Tom Ridge. Quick poll:

Not long after receiving a consultant’s report supporting a community college, Erie County Council has commissioned a study to determine how much it will cost, especially how much the county would be on the hook for to get it going and keep it going.

Second Foundation, a full-service business, accounting and technology consulting firm with headquarters in Kitchener, Ont., has announced the acquisition of Software Technology Concepts, based in Erie.

Governor Edward G. Rendell has announced Jeffrey J. Szumigale or Erie has been re-appointed to the Council of Trustees at Clarion University.

The Krispy Kreme on Peach Street will team with the Cookie Mug to hold a fundraiser this Sunday to benefit the Shriners Hospital of Erie. The event will run from 10 am to 1 p.m. and there will be face painting, balloons, gift basket giveaways and much more. Krispy Kreme Erie + Twitter = win.

The Erie Art Museum is having a free all-day public celebration to officially kick off the construction of the Erie Art Museum’s $9 million expansion and renovation on May 8, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. in the Erie Art Museum Annex parking lot at 20 East 5th Street. Additional public events include free admission to the Erie Art Museum from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & again from 7-9 p.m. for the Museum’s Last Bash in the Annex. Erie band the Heliotropes will entertain, visitors will make their mark on construction fencing and sheetrock, and visitors will get the first glimpse at the bright ideas of area inventors in the InnovationErie design competition.

Sports

The SeaWolves fell behind early and could never rebound as they lost to the Bowie Baysox, 6-1, at Jerry Uht Park on Wednesday.

Ian Snell gave his team a chance to win on Wednesday, as the lone run he gave up was to his counterpart, Yovani Gallardo, but the offense was silent in a 1-0 loss to the Crew.

Fausto Carmona tossed 6 2/3 sharp innings before the bullpen allowed the Red Sox to force extras, then take the lead in the 10th, and the Indians fell, 6-5, on Wednesday.

Events

VisitErie has released hotel tax proceeds for March, 2009.

This March was the best March since the tax was enacted – raising $39,178 for VisitErie, compared to $37,091 in 2008 and $35,561 in 2007.

Click on the image before for a more detailed graph and chart.

We can’t think of many things that are more fun then a ride around the zoo on the train. It’s not a full ride, but it’ll have to do until you get a chance to get the Erie Zoo this year.

Mike’s traveling for business today, so we won’t have a post today. Here are some events going on today and over the weekend that are worth checking out. He reports there were two Erie Bayhawks players on his flight from Erie today, which is kind of cool.

Hey everyone, Yourboro here. Nothing too exciting is going on around Edinboro. The Commuter parking lot across from the campus police station is torn up, and progressing fast, while things like Heather Hall and the Fighting Scots statue continue to sit at a stand still in demolition, and completely unbuilt. 

SGA Elections

I suppose the biggest news of the week is the SGA elections. Students in Edinboro could vote for a new SGA president until 4:00 PM today at the Pogue Student Center. Here is a post from Yourboro earlier this week that I think sums up some of the crucial information someone would need to know about the current SGA leader, and how SGA has become the most corrupt organization on campus, while in reality it should be the most trustworthy.

Zelechowski’s first clash with the student body came last year around this time, when she was up for re-election against congress member Adam Sullivan. This infamous election ended with Sullivan the declared winner – but things went haywire after that.

“The week of the election on April 14, there was a resolution passed to allow Sullivan to run for SGA president. At the April 21 SGA meeting, after the election where Sullivan was voted as the winner with a 304 to 177 popular vote margin, he was again voted ineligible because it went against the SGA constitution,” according to a Spectator article last May.

In Fall 2008, Zelechowski created the House of Representatives – 200 people to represent each of the university’s clubs. She did this because nobody wanted to be on congress. Everyone hates it, it’s a joke, and it will hopefully be abolished very soon.

Now Zelechowski’s undeserved position will be filled by either long-time Zelechowski cronie Glenys Jarrett-Coker or Executive board office manager Jamie Lutz. Jarrett-Coker has been known to send out  e-mails to student organizations with the Caps Lock on and threaten their funding if they don’t perform arbitrary, menial tasks. I know next to nothing about Lutz, and in this case that is a great thing. They each have Facebook campaign group pages outlining their goals:

Glenys Jarrett-Coker: 

- To improve the relationship with Student Government and the student body
- Address student concerns
- Improve Student Government’s Image
- Create a SGA scholarship for students

and now Jamie Lutz:

• Revision or abolishment of the House of Representatives
• Hold a Constitutional Review Day / Convention to update our constitution
• Run meetings more effectively by using a speakers list during discussion
• Create a student concerns wall
• Have a fun and informative orientation for new members 
• Adopt a philanthropy for SGA to support
• Hold fundraisers to fund a Congress retreat

I chose the candidate who actually claims to want to do SOMETHING, not just vague stereotypes of what an SGA president is supposed to do. I suggest y’all do the same. Let’s hope this election isn’t rigged.

The students at Edinboro can only hope for a better leader, one who is actually voted in.

Currently a lot of the money students are paying goes to useless clubs like “C.O.R.E”, a club where a bunch of goofballs go skiing and rock climbing. Pft, alright, whatever. I can’t believe a group like C.O.R.E gets any money, while some groups (almost any artistic group on this campus) barely get any funding what so ever. 

Hang out with President Brown this Friday

Attention Students – Meet with the President: Do you have a question, comment or concern you would like to share with the President? If so, please join him during one of the upcoming President’s Hours – a time the President has set aside to meet with you. All meetings are held from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the President’s Dining Suite, Van Houten Dining Hall. The remainder of the spring schedule is as follows: Fridays - April 17. Reservations are not necessary. For additional information, contact Coleen Peckham at peckham@edinboro.edu or 732-1739.

Other than that? Nothing else is really going on, but I’ll be sure to let you know was soon as something is!

Have a good week! :)

Environmentalist, activist and attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will speak on “Our Environmental Destiny” at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15 in Shafer Auditorium at Allegheny College. The doors will open at 7 p.m.

Kennedy will discuss the role that our natural surroundings play in our work, our health and our identity as Americans. Using examples gathered from relevant art, history, litigation and literature, he will remind listeners of their responsibility to protect and preserve the environment for future generations.

Kennedy is chief prosecuting attorney for the Hudson Riverkeepers, senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council and president of the Waterkeeper Alliance. A high-profile political speaker and activist, he has used numerous media outlets, including his 2004 book, “Crimes Against Nature,” to call into question the environmental policies of the United States.

This lecture is the final event of the public programming of Allegheny’s Year of Health and is free and open to the public.

Allegheny’s Year of Health is a campus-wide effort to examine various aspects of how health intersects with our lives on a personal, community and global scale. To learn more about the Year of Health at Allegheny, visit www.allegheny.edu/yearofhealth.

First Niagara Financial Group has signed a deal to acquire 57 National City Branches in western Pennsylvania. PNC, who bought National City last year, was forced to divest the branches by the US Justice Department. In Crawford County, Marquette Savings Bank announced today that the bank has signed a definitive agreement to purchase the assets and assume the liabilities of three National City Bank branch offices in Crawford County. The acquisition is expected to close August 28, 2009 (subject to regulatory and customary closing conditions).

I think it’s safe to say the gloves are already off when it comes to the County Executive race. Yesterday, Buzz Andrezewski filed a petition to keep Mark Divecchio off the ballot, claiming his nominating petitions were notarized by one of Divecchio’s employees, Susan Kraft. Divecchio denies doing anything wrong. We’ll keep an eye on this.

Harry Davies has postponed his hunger strike against Dad’s Pet Care in Meadville. Dad’s has agreed to buy Davies’ home. Crisis averted.

WICU and the Erie Times-News are both reporting about numerous fire safety violations at Granada Apartments. Do you live there? If so, what do you think of all the violations?

The Waldablog has new photos of the construction of their new Mega Disk-O ride.

Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper will host a town hall meeting on agriculture issues at Allegheny College today from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in Quigley Hall.

The Erie County Recycling Program (ECRP) will open the first centralized collection site “Convenience Center” in North Western PA on April 11, 2009. The Center will accept Electronics (e-waste) and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) free of charge from Erie County residents from 9am to 3pm on the 2nd & 4th Saturday of each month from April thru October in 2009. The Convenience Center is located at 1556 West 12th St., Erie (just off Greengarden between the Bayfront & 12th). All Erie County residents are eligible to participate in the new program, but must pre-register by calling 1-866-815-0016. Residents are not limited in the quantity of material they bring or the number of times they participate. Learn more.

Dr. Robert D. Bullard visits Erie on Monday, April 20, as Mercyhurst College kicks off its observance of Earth Week with the annual Sister Maura Smith Earth Day Lecture. His 7:30 p.m. presentation in Taylor Little Theatre – titled “Environmental Justice for All” — is free and open to the public. The talk is co-sponsored by the Mercyhurst Green Team, the college’s “Beyond the Dream” series celebrating the legacy and challenge of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and The Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society.

Gannon University on Wednesday, April 22 will host an Open House at the Regional Learning Alliance (RLA) in Cranberry Township, Pa. The Open House, to be held from 3-6 p.m. at the RLA, 850 Cranberry Woods Drive, will showcase Gannon academic programs that are offered at the facility. The public is welcome. Programs to be represented at the Open House include Gannon’s newest doctoral-level program, a doctor of philosophy in Organizational Learning and Leadership (OLL). The OLL program will be offered in the fall 2009 semester at the Regional Learning Alliance with a flexible class schedule that includes Tuesday evening and Saturday morning sessions.

Sports

When the 15th season of Erie SeaWolves baseball begins on Wednesday, April 8, the Howlers will send righty Jonah Nickerson to the mound. Nickerson, a 12-game winner with the Lakeland Flying Tigers in 2008, is entering his fourth season in the Detroit Tigers system. Last season, his 12 victories and .750 winning percentage was tied for the Florida State League lead.

The Pittsburgh Penguins secured a playoff berth with a 6-4 win over Tampa Bay.

Starter Ian Snell gave up eight runs (six earned) in four innings, and Freddy Sanchez’s sixth-inning homer wasn’t enough for the Pirates in a 9-3 loss to the Cardinals on Tuesday.

A pair of Edinboro University wheelchair basketball players will represent the United States in the upcoming Junior World Championships. Tommie Gray and Treyon Jenifer were selected to the USA U-23 Team, becoming the first Fighting Scots ever selected to a USA national wheelchair basketball team. A total of 12 players were chosen from a pool of 23 players. This year’s World Championships will be held in Paris, France from July 4-15.

Events

First Niagara Financial Group has signed a deal to acquire 57 National City Branches in western Pennsylvania. PNC, who bought National City last year, was forced to divest the branches by the US Justice Department.

In Crawford County, Marquette Savings Bank announced today that the bank has signed a definitive agreement to purchase the assets and assume the liabilities of three National City Bank branch offices in Crawford County. The acquisition is expected to close August 28, 2009 (subject to regulatory and customary closing conditions). As of December 31, 2008, Marquette reported total assets of $525.2 million and net equity
of $88.5 million.

Marquette, the only bank still headquartered in Erie, opened its first office in Meadville in 1963 and a drive-thru office in 2007.
Prior to the acquisition, Marquette operated seven offices in Erie County and two offices in Crawford County. This acquisition brings to 12 the total number of Marquette offices in Erie and Crawford Counties. The purchased branch offices are located at 349 North Street, Meadville; 210 Water Street, Conneaut Lake; and 16086 Conneaut Lake Road, Vernon Township.

Snow. Expect more. Moving on.

Governor Edward G. Rendell today asked the U.S. Small Business Administration to declare Erie County a disaster area following a fire in Millcreek Township on March 28 that destroyed a 35-unit building at Granada Apartments. At Governor Rendell’s request, SBA officials, along with local and county officials, and representatives of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, conducted a damage assessment at the apartment building. The Governor used the results of this assessment to request assistance from the SBA to make low-interest, long-term loans available to qualifying individuals, homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations that have been impacted by the disaster.

Michael Joyce’s wife wants her house back. The government says the house was purchased with funds Joyce received illegally, though Mrs. Joyce claims she is legally on the deed and the property was paid for using marital assets.

Congrats to Wattsburg for finally getting their town council situation figured out. They’ve installed three new council members after all the previous members quit.

Do you have $7.8 million sitting around? You could buy Lovell Place, which is set to be sold by sheriff sale on May 15. Residents of the complex and the businesses there will not be affected by the sale.

Welch’s Bottling Plant gets a mention in this blog post, saying the North East company is experimenting with the use of bacteria in wastewater from its grape vats to produce hydrogen as a fuel to generate electricity at the facility.

Dr. Randy S. Clemons has been named dean of the School of Social Sciences at Mercyhurst College, replacing Dr. Peter Benekos, according to an announcement today by the Office of Academic Affairs. The School of Social Sciences offers undergraduate degrees in Criminal Justice, History, Intelligence Studies, Political Science, Social Work, and Sociology and master’s degrees in Applied Intelligence and Administration of Justice.

Sports

Erie BayHawks forward Erik Daniels, a two-time NBA Development League Performer of the Week has been named to the Gatorade All-NBA Development League First team. Daniels has registered a league leading 28 double-double games and is averaging 21.1 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Down to their last strike, the Pittsburgh Pirates used a bases-clearing double by Jack Wilson in the ninth to cap a four-run comeback, stunning the Cardinals with a 6-4 Opening Day win on Monday.

Dominant last season, Cleveland Indians starter Cliff Lee had a rough start to 2009 on Monday, yielding seven runs over five frames against the Rangers in a 9-1 defeat on Opening Day in Arlington.

The Mercyhurst softball team swept the PSAC West Athlete of the Week awards, as sophomore Michelle Schmitz was named Player of the Week and freshman Kristi Janoske was tabbed Pitcher of the Week, announced Monday by conference officials.

Events

It’s really spring now, folks. Sara’s is open at Presque Isle, and Hank’s is up and running again in Conneaut Lake. Make time this weekend to stop for some ice cream or custard, even if the weather isn’t as great as it was yesterday.

Yesterday was perfect for a walk at the beach though, and that’s just what Presque Isle officials were doing. They spent the day trying to determine which areas were hardest hit with erosion over the winter months, and where sand replenishment needs to occur. Though it was a rough year for the beaches, they should be back in good shape by the summer months. The state and federal governments plan to spend nearly $1.9 million on the replenishment effort this summer. Work should begin in May and will continue through the beginning of the summer.

After a few months of declining figures, February hotel tax revenues came in higher than anticipated at $35,181–$3,747 higher than February 2008 figures. VisitErie speculates that the increase is due to a combination of several factors including:

– People are opting to take shorter, more economical trips closer to home rather than flying to Florida, North Carolina, Jersey Shore, etc.
– New York schools were off for a week in February for break
– VisitErie and other local tourism businesses continue to advertise in key markets, promoting Erie during the shoulder season months and encouraging overnight stays. Key markets include Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Southern Ontario.

Damere Talmadge has been convicted of third-degree murder in the death of 3-month-old Tah-Meere Talmadge. Erie County prosecutors originally sought a first-degree murder conviction with a mandatory sentence of life in prison, but instead Talmadge faces a sentence of 20 to 40 years behind bars. Damere Talmadge was not the baby’s biological father, testimony stated that he considered the boy as his son. Talmadge’s sentencing is scheduled for June 1.

The Dan Brabender campaign will officially open its campaign office this Saturday at 9 a.m. The office is located at 929 State Street.

Distributed Network Software, LLC has announced that it has attained Microsoft Gold Certified Partner status, the highest level of certification available from Microsoft Corporation. Gold Certified Partners have passed Microsoft‟s stringent requirements and have demonstrated the highest levels of knowledge, skill and technical ability, as well as the commitment to implement of Microsoft technologies.

Sports

Erie City Council honored the Mercyhurst College men’s and women’s hockey programs for their excellent seasons on Wednesday morning at the Municipal Building. The women’s team finished the season with a record of 31-6-0. They reached the NCAA Division I Women’s Frozen Four for the first time in program history. The men’s team finished the year with a record of 22-15-3 and made it all the way to the Atlantic Hockey Championship game.

The Allegheny baseball team split a double-header with LaRoche yesterday, with the Gators winning game one, 15-12. But the big news of the game wasn’t the score–Allegheny had 11 beaned batters in the opener, and this may have set a new NCAA Division III record. The previous record of 10 beaned batters was set by Neumann in 1998, and confirmation of the potential new record is pending until word is received from the NCAA.

Events

The Community Blood Bank’s major construction project is complete and the Community Blood Bank is the first blood bank in the entire United States to ‘go live’ with the MPX platform from Roche.

Last summer the blood bank’s lab was expanded by 2000 square feet to accommodate the new testing equipment. In December of 2008, CBB added the Roche S201 Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) equipment to complete the donor screening package. Initially starting with testing for West Nile Virus the CBB has since expanded to include the multiplex assay for HIV/HCV/HBV NAT. Prior to receipt of the Roche S201 this testing had been outsourced to a blood center in Florida. Bringing this technology in-house reduces the time it takes from blood to go from a donor to a local patient by half (1 full day) and saves the blood bank about $80,000 per year in specimen shipping costs.

Mayor Joe Sinnott will join executives from Roche in cutting the ribbon to open this new testing platform at the Community Blood Bank located at 2646 Peach St in Erie. The event is being catered by Calamari’s and there will be giant cake to celebrate.

“This is a huge achievement by the staff in our laboratory,” said Dan Desrochers, director of marketing at the Community Blood Bank. “Local
patients and our local hospitals will benefit for years to come from this project.”

The Community Blood Bank is the exclusive supplier of blood to all the Hospitals in Erie, Warren, Mc Kean, Elk and Potter Counties in Pennsylvania and now supplies over 95% of all the blood used in all the hospitals in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties in Western New York. In 2008, over 10,000 patients received blood or blood products that were donated to the Community Blood Bank.

The folks at Route1a, a local advertising agency, are doing some rebranding and posted a fun video on YouTube.

I worked with several of the guys there back at Fishtank Creative and they’re fun and full of creative ideas. I’m looking forward to their relaunch.

Police in Corry have arrested two juveniles after they held an “Ultimate Fighting Championship”-style fight outside of an abandoned elementary school. Both teens ended up bloodied after agreeing to the fight that used moves found on popular ultimate fighting or cage fighting television programs. The two will be charge with simple assault in Erie County Juvenile Court. Backyard wrestling = stunned.

Local officials broke ground yesterday for the $700,000 Griswold Park project, the second phase of the Downtown Revitalization Project. The size of the current park will be doubled, and new landscaping and a fountain will be added. Work on the park is expected to be finished by June. Townhouses are planned across the street from the park, and work should begin on those in the next month.

We’ve added a few more people to the Erie Twitter Guide, including the Millcreek Mall.

Progressive Resorts has stepped up to purchase the Double JJ Resort indoor water park in Rothbury, MI. The unknown group of investors is represented by American Resort Management, based here in Erie. Progressive Resorts investors will not identify themselves until the sale is closed.

William Baxter, a physicist at Penn State Behrend, is quoted in this MSNBC story about ants.

A Meadville man was shot yesterday afternoon at the William Gill Commons housing complex. Richard Willis was shot in the stomach and was transported to Hamot Medical Center for treatment. Police are still searching for a suspect.

Local fire chiefs and company officers will have the opportunity to learn about conducting forensic investigations at a course being offered by the Mercyhurst College Public Safety Institute. The course, which will be held April 13 and 14 at the Erie County Public Safety Building, will cover the state-of-the art investigative tools, chemicals and techniques used at fire and crime scenes to protect and preserve evidence.

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Bradenton was honored for its dedication and service to tobacco cessation training in Manatee and Sarasota counties. LECOM Bradenton received the 2009 Excellence Award from the Gulf Coast South Area Health Education Center (GSAHEC) during a luncheon in Sarasota, Fla.

Sports

Come out to the Hammermill Center this evening at 5:15 pm to celebrate the fantastic season of the Gannon men’s basketball team. Gannon University president Antoine Garibaldi will introduce the team as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and NCAA Division II Atlantic Region champions. This season saw a record-setting 30 victories as the team made it all the way to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.

The Cleveland Indians have sold out their home opener on April 10th. The club has now sold out sixteen home openers in a row, starting when Progressive Field (formerly Jacobs Field) opened in 1994.

Mercyhurst College will honor its first individual national champion on Saturday, April 4th when sophomore wrestler Josh Shields throws the ceremonial first pitch of the Mercyhurst-Lake Erie baseball doubleheader. The College invites all students, faculty and staff to join the Lakers at Mercyhurst Field for the pre-game ceremony, which will begin at approximately 12:45 p.m.

Gannon’s Eric Harpster (Erie, Pa./McDowell) has been named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division Baseball Player of the Week, becoming the first Gannon baseball player to ever capture the weekly honor.

Events

Hey everyone, Yourboro  here,  sorry it’s been a while since my last update on here. But this week there’s a decent amount of stuff going on (a lot of it is artsy, just a warning).

 
Wendell Castle visits Edinboro

“On Wednesday April 1, renowned artist Wendell Castle will lecture in Louis C. Cole Auditorium – Memorial Hall at 7 p.m.  The lecture, entitled “An Idea in Transition,” is sponsored by the Edinboro University Visiting Artist and Speaker Endowment and will address the process of creating an art piece.”

This guy is pretty important. He’s considered the father of “furniture art”, and I would advise going to this event if you’re interested (even slightly) in cool lookin’ stuff. He currently has permanent collections in the Museum of Modern Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian, and the White House. Yes, even the White House. 

For more information, you can check out his website, http://www.wendellcastle.com/

Edinboro art teacher James Parlin stirs up controversy on Bowling Green campus

“HURON, Ohio—A sculpture depicting a middle school girl and her teacher engaged in a sexual act has been removed from display by a college in Ohio, which called the piece “inappropriate,” the Associated Press reports.”

The work shows a middle-school girl performing oral sex on a male teacher. Now it’s in a closet inside the Bowling Green campus. 

In protest, the entire exhibition was cancelled, and rightfully so, I believe. While I never actually saw the piece, it’s hard to judge something as “inappropriate” in an art show, especially since it’s 2009, and you can turn on a video game system and let your 13 year old child decapitate police officers and pick up prostitutes. How is a sexual act even fairly inappropriate with college students? Is anyone under the impression that art students would actually get offended by this? If any artistic students actually do get offended by this, they should probably change their major.

“The university wrote that, although it supports the right of free speech and artistic expression, it has a responsibility ”

Huh? It’s responsibility should be to support the right of free speech, as stated. 
Parlin had this to say explaining his piece:

“People usually do little things wrong, with small consequences … Sometimes people do big things wrong, with big consequences. Sexual assault is one,” he said. “This piece is based on someone who lost a job, family and freedom. He made a decision that lead to disaster.”

in other news..

John’s Pizza celebrates 30 years

Today (Monday) and Tomorrow you can order a large pizza for $5.00, which is quite the steal. However, one topping is almost a dollar, so don’t plan on getting tons of toppings with that pie, because it’ll run you up a bill that would be pretty much the normal price of a large pizza.

Either way, I’m sure they’re going to get tons of customers these next couple of days, figuring they’re the best pizza in the surrounding area.

Here are a few video reports from this weekend’s Granada Apartments fire. We’re glad to hear that property managers will work with the American Red Cross to help those displaced by the fire.

[flashvideo file=http://yourerie.com/media/flv/Apartment_Fire_Guts_Building__Dozens_Homeless.flv /]

Francis Conti, the last of five defendants involved in a fraudulent mortgage scheme affecting a number of Erie residents, pled guilty to mail fraud and conspiracy. The five defendants were part of a scheme to rip-off residents by selling them sub-standard homes and also manipulating mortgage financing. The cost associated with the crime is close to one million dollars. The other four crooks are Robert Dodsworth, Keith Rice, Gregory Finney and Frank Kartesz.

Leonard Kosar has been named president and CEO of Kold-Draft. Prior to joining Kold-Draft, Kosar was president of GE Plastics Pacific, General Electric’s $2.1 billion plastics business in Asia. During his 22 years at General Electric, Kosar led a number of General Electric operations, including serving as General Manager of the $1.2 billion GE appliance cooking products business.

We reported yesterday MTR earnings were down.  At least one analyst has downgraded MTR from “Buy” to “Hold” as the casino faces increased competition, specifically from the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh which is tentatively planned to open in September 2009.

Hangzhou Metro in China has awarded GE Transportation along with two other contractors, a supply contract for  RailEdge integrated supervision and control systems for roughly 45 miles of line scheduled to open at the end of 2011.

The tri-state region has experienced a resurgence of the bald eagle population which has caused some issues at the Cleveland Hopkins Airport. The eagles have been spotted on the runways, near the control tower, and even flying in the path of landing planes.

WYTV 33 has a story about Congresswoman Dahlkemper’s new Hermitage office location which is shared with Pennsylvania State Representative Mark Longietti. This is a great idea since constituents can resolve both federal and state issues at one location.

Sports

The Erie Otters play two games at the Tullio this weekend. Tonight the Otters play the Kitchener Rangers and on Sunday, against the Guelph Storm. Get tickets now.

The Erie Bayhawks lost to the Dakota Wizards last night 123-117.  The ‘Hawks play the Iowa Energy in an away game tomorrow and return to the Tullio on Wednesday to play the Austin Toros. Get your tickets here.

Rick Porcello was set to start the season with the Erie SeaWolves but not if Detroit Tigers coach Jim Leyland can help it. Porcello is set to begin the season in the Tigers’ starting rotation (5th position). According to The Detroit News:

The Tigers were not planning on Porcello going anywhere in 2009 but to Double-A camp at Erie (Pa.). Then their franchise prospect arrived at camp, throwing strikes, unleashing a brutal sinkerball, and alternating it on occasion with a big four-seam fastball, a decent curve, and a big league change-up.

We’re sure the SeaWolves are going to miss him.

Events

Under the direction of Professor Lowell Hepler, chairperson of the music department, Allegheny College will host the 62nd Annual Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Band Festival, March 13-15. The festival will conclude with a free public concert on Sunday, March 15 at 2:30 p.m. in Shafer Auditorium. The concert program will feature works by Sousa, Gandolfi, Grainger, Williams, Davenport and others.

Get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit at “Celtic Charm,” a concert of Irish music and dancing on Sunday, March 15, at 2 p.m., at Mercyhurst North East’s St. Mary’s Chapel, 16 West Division Street, North East. MNE Music Director Patti Sullivan will be joined by the Rev. Bill Sutherland, barbershop chorus Lake Erie Sound, and Irish Step Dancers, Rince Na Tiarna for an afternoon of entertainment. A reception will follow. Free and open to the public. Call (814) 725-6277 for more information.

Ray Pagliari will hold a fundraiser at the Bayfront Convention Center on Friday, March 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Cost is $100 for individuals and $150 for couples.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)
April 3-5: Sesame Stree Live: Elmo Makes Musice, Warner Theater (tickets)
April 24 & 25: Monster Truck Nationals, Tullio Arena (tickets)
May 4: Spelling Bee, Warner Theatre (tickets)

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

Today is the second of three unlucky Friday the 13th’s for 2009 (the others in February and November).  Avoid walking under ladders, crossing paths with black cats, or step on any cracks (don’t want to break your mother’s back).

Michael Joyce has officially appealed his conviction. He was sentenced Tuesday to three years and 10 months in prison. Joyce remains free on bond while he waits to hear what federal prison he will be assigned to.

Gannon University’s loyal basketball fans have reason to smile as the Knights this weekend will host an NCAA Tournament Regional for the first time in nearly 20 years. Local economic development and tourism officials also have reason to smile, as seven teams and their fans will travel to Erie for the games, to be played at Hammermill Center on Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday. While the Gannon Knights certainly will benefit from having home court advantage, area hotels and restaurants figure to benefit from the influx of visitors, who will be coming from Johnstown, Indiana, and Kutztown, Pa., as well as from Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Cheering fans descending upon the Gannon campus will be a welcome sight for the Erie region, said Joe Holody, director of convention sales for VisitErie/Erie Area Sports Commission. He estimates that the Atlantic Regional will contribute more than $400,000 to the local economy.

MTR Gaming has announced a $4.5 million loss for the 4th Quarter. MTR closed three properties and laid off staff last year. Despite this, they’ve announced they will will lobby for Ohio to legalize slots casinos, similar to PA.

General Electric has had their credit rating from Standard and Poor’s downgraded from the top level due to concerns about GE’s lending unit. The credit rating now stands at AA+, down from AAA. GE stock closed at $9.57 yesterday, up 12% on the day.

Congrats to Bill Sandusky, owner of Frozen Assets, who won 3rd place at the BP World Ice Art Championships held in Alaska. Take a look at this insane sculpture he created at the event. You can see more at his blog. Congrats, Bill!

One lucky lady will ride on the back of rock legend and reality TV star Bret Michaels’ bike at the 2009 Bringin’ in the Roar bike parade – Roar on the Shore’s official kickoff. According to organizers, Michaels, grand marshal and lead rider, has agreed to have a female rider ride with him in the annual bike parade on Thursday, July 16. He will draw the winning ticket and announce her name from the stage, during a pre-parade party at Presque Isle Downs & Casino earlier that afternoon. Michaels and the winning rider will then lead thousands of bikes from the casino through the streets of Erie into The Hub at Perry Square. Donation for raffle tickets is $20. Tickets can be purchased at the Association, 2171 West 38th Street in Erie, 814/833-3200; outlets; Presque Isle Downs & Casino; Harley-Davidson of Erie; and on the day of the event.

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Board of Trustees visited the College’s newest location in Greensburg, Pennsylvania and toured the new renovations for LECOM at Seton Hill. Workers are nearly finished converting parts of two buildings that LECOM leases from Seton Hill University to house medical college classes.

North East’s Bella Salon and Day Spa, owned by Darlene Youngs, Cheryl Phillips, and Stephanie Hamels, has been named one of the 200 fastest-growing salons in North America by Salon Today magazine, a top business publication for salon and spa owners.

Sports

Gannon officials are reminding fans that single-session general admission tickets for Saturday’s two sessions can be purchased starting Friday, March 13 at 8:30 a.m. In addition, 15 reserved seats will be available to the general public on an all-tournament basis and cost $40. Learn more.

The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League wrap up their regular season schedule with three games in three days starting Friday in Guelph against the Storm. Saturday the Otters host the Kitchener Rangers at 7 p.m. at the Tullio Arena followed by the regular season finale Sunday in a rematch against the Storm at 4:30 p.m. at the Tullio Arena.

The NBA Development League Erie BayHawks have announced the signing of free agent guard Quincy Douby. A second year pro, most recently a member of the NBA Sacramento Kings, Douby was added to the roster due to the medical release of Oliver Lafayette.

The Edinboro wrestling team will have eight wrestlers headed to St. Louis for the NCAA Division I Wrestling National Championships next week. Seven wrestlers qualified this past weekend at the Eastern Wrestling League Championships. This afternoon Torsten Gillespie (Webster, NY/Webster Schroeder), who struggled at EWL’s but enjoyed a solid season, was chosen as one of 52 wild-card selections by the NCAA Division I Wrestling Coaches Committee. The Nationals begin on Thursday, March 19 and conclude on Saturday, March 21.

The Allegheny lacrosse team dropped a 14-8 decision to the Rochester Institute of Technology on Thursday at Frank B. Fuhrer Field.

Events

stuff

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)
April 3-5: Sesame Stree Live: Elmo Makes Musice, Warner Theater (tickets)
April 24 & 25: Monster Truck Nationals, Tullio Arena (tickets)
May 4: Spelling Bee, Warner Theatre (tickets)

Under the direction of Professor Lowell Hepler, chairperson of the music department, Allegheny College will host the 62nd Annual Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Band Festival, March 13-15. The festival will conclude with a free public concert on Sunday, March 15 at 2:30 p.m. in Shafer Auditorium. The concert program will feature works by Sousa, Gandolfi, Grainger, Williams, Davenport and others.

Get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit at “Celtic Charm,” a concert of Irish music and dancing on Sunday, March 15, at 2 p.m., at Mercyhurst North East’s St. Mary’s Chapel, 16 West Division Street, North East. MNE Music Director Patti Sullivan will be joined by the Rev. Bill Sutherland, barbershop chorus Lake Erie Sound, and Irish Step Dancers, Rince Na Tiarna for an afternoon of entertainment. A reception will follow. Free and open to the public. Call (814) 725-6277 for more information.

Ray Pagliari will hold a fundraiser at the Bayfront Convention Center on Friday, March 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Cost is $100 for individuals and $150 for couples.

The Forensic Science Club at Mercyhurst College is planning a “CSI Day” to introduce you to different forensic topics and allow you to explore your interests through hands-on activities. The event takes place Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Zurn Hall and is geared toward participants age 10 and up. Among the areas to be covered are blood spatter analysis, fingerprint analysis, outdoor evidence recovery and various facets of anthropology. Cost for the program is $15 ($10 for Mercyhurst students), and includes a t-shirt, lunch, and a workbook. Learn more here.

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

Former President George W. Bush will be returning to Erie this summer. He’s scheduled to give a speech for the Manufacturer & Business Association’s Annual Event on June 17th. This will be his first post-presidency speech in the United States.

In case you missed it earlier this week, former State Superior Court Judge Michael Joyce was sentenced in his insurance fraud case. Joyce is to serve three years, 10 months in federal prison, which falls in the middle of the 41 to 51 months recommended by federal sentencing guidelines. He must also pay nearly $400,000 in restitution to Erie Insurance and forfeit the items he purchased with the insurance money. If we aren’t mistaken, didn’t he also buy some cosmetic enhancements for his girlfriend? How will he return those?

Current County Controller Sue Weber has decided to try to return to her former position as Millcreek Township supervisor. She has announced plans to run in the GOP primary against friend and current supervisor Larry Curtis. Weber was on the three-member supervisors board for 12 years prior to becoming County Controller. Retired Millcreek police lieutenant Richard Figaski and Millcreek Streets Department employee Joe Bizzarro are seeking the Democratic nomination.

High winds caused a tree to fall yesterday afternoon, blocking a section of Glenwood Park Avenue near 41st Street. Power was also out yesterday morning in parts of Millcreek Township, and several roads were temporarily closed due to flood waters. As bad as all that is, we still prefer it to 3 feet of snow.

Sports

The Erie BayHawks and the Erie Otters are teaming up for the “Your Town, Your Teams” weekend this Friday and Saturday. Fans who purchase a ticket to the BayHawks Friday, March 13 game against the Dakota Wizards will be able to take their ticket stub to the Tullio Arena box office and receive a free ticket to the Otters game on Saturday, March 14, against the Kitchener Rangers. Those who purchase a ticket to Saturday’s Otters game will be able to show their full ticket at the box office and receive a free ticket to the BayHawks game on Friday.

This weekend will be the last two regular season games for the Otters before the playoffs begin. Sunday afternoon the Otters will take on Guelph at the Lou.

Events

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)
April 3-5: Sesame Stree Live: Elmo Makes Musice, Warner Theater (tickets)
April 24 & 25: Monster Truck Nationals, Tullio Arena (tickets)
May 4: Spelling Bee, Warner Theatre (tickets)

Erie for Change Meeting will hold a meeting on March 12 at Matthew’s Trattoria. They plan to discuss economic and other forms of development in the Erie area. We look forward to seeing you and creating a plan of action for change in Erie County! Thank you for your anticipated participation… For more info, contact Lisa at lmastark@yahoo.com or call Matthew’s at (814) 459-6458.

On Thursday, March 12, 2009 from 6 – 8 p.m., celebrate the Birthday of Girl Scouting by re-connecting with your inner Girl Scout! Enjoy Girl Scout Cookies and Thin Mintinis, while sharing your sweetest Girl Scout memories. Bring your friends – and make s’more! Featuring complementary appetizers and soft drinks, plus cash bar (for guests 21 or over). Hosted by the Girl Scout Alumnae Association; this event is designed for adult Girl Scout Alumnae and other friends of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania. Location: Matthew’s Trattoria & Martini Lounge. Cost: free.

Under the direction of Professor Lowell Hepler, chairperson of the music department, Allegheny College will host the 62nd Annual Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Band Festival, March 13-15. The festival will conclude with a free public concert on Sunday, March 15 at 2:30 p.m. in Shafer Auditorium. The concert program will feature works by Sousa, Gandolfi, Grainger, Williams, Davenport and others.

Get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit at “Celtic Charm,” a concert of Irish music and dancing on Sunday, March 15, at 2 p.m., at Mercyhurst North East’s St. Mary’s Chapel, 16 West Division Street, North East. MNE Music Director Patti Sullivan will be joined by the Rev. Bill Sutherland, barbershop chorus Lake Erie Sound, and Irish Step Dancers, Rince Na Tiarna for an afternoon of entertainment. A reception will follow. Free and open to the public. Call (814) 725-6277 for more information.

Prospective students are invited to visit Mercyhurst North East for an Open House on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m.-noon, at the Michele and Tom Ridge Health and Safety Building, 16 W. Division St., North East. Meet with admissions and financial aid staff, tour campus, and learn about MNE’s associate degrees and certificate programs, including the new occupational therapy assistant, medical lab technician and respiratory therapist programs. Call (814) 725-6144 for more information.

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

An FYI for all you Erie news, sports and events addicts: there will be no post today.  Both Mike and Rich are putting in some crazy hours for their other jobs and couldn’t get to a post for the day (it’s going to be a hectic month).  Sorry for the inconvenience but we hope to be back tomorrow.  Look for other posts coming later today.

The PA Department of Labor reported that Erie County’s jobless rate in January was at 7.2% and Crawford County was at 8.1%. It’s almost a half percentage increase compared to January 2008.

Speaking of unemployment, FedEx Office (formerly Kinko’s) is offering free resume printing today (up to 25 copies).  There is a FedEx Office location at 5755 Peach St., phone: (814) 866-5679, and e-mail: usa1222@fedexkinkos.com.

We finally had a chance to check out the beer sales at Wegmans last night. They had a very good selection and while Mike and his Mom nommed on some salad bar, they saw quite a few people come in and out with six packs. The prices seemed reasonable, especially for more upscale stuff like Chimay. Mike’s glad they have Newcastle, though cringed at the $10 price tag.

Speaking of beer, Erie Brewing gets a nice write-up from this blog.

The Manufacturer and Business Association is now on Twitter. Check them out in our Erie Twitter Guide. They’ve also set up a Twitter account for Roar on the Shore. Nice. They’ve also announced that Poison frontman and TV reality star Bret Michaels will lead the bike parade.

Michael Joyce may find out today what his sentence will be. He was found guilty last November. Kristin wrote a great post about Joyce and his sentence here at EB last week.

A mental competency hearing for Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong is likely to be cancelled. The hearing is planned for tomorrow but mental health experts who planned on testifying have a scheduling conflict.

We’re sorry we missed the Papa Johns on 12th street getting robbed over the weekend. We’re sure we could have come up with a funny joke about the Noid.

It’s that time of year – road construction season. Work began yesterday on the I-79 interchange in Meadville. This year, the other bridge over 79 will be replaced. Expect single lane closures for the next few weeks as the area is prepared, and detours in the months to come once the bridge is taken down and rebuilt.

Governor Edward G. Rendell has announced that Kathy Iorio and Caryn Kadavy have been appointed to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. John Hersch has been re-appointed to the Advisory Council for Pennyslvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home.

Sports

Busy week for the Erie Otters: Today there will be a player appearance at McDonald’s on 12th and Sassafrass, and again tomorrow at Taco Bell on Buffalo Road.  Both player appearances are scheduled for 6:30 p.m.  Friday the Otters are away when they play the Guelph Storm but return to Erie on Saturday to play the Kitchener Rangers and on Sunday the Guelph Storm.  Get tickets now.

The Erie BayHawks play the Dakota Wizards this Friday at 7:00 p.m. at the Tullio and are back on the road Saturday to play the Iowa Energy.  Get your tickets here.

Gannon officials have announced ticket policies for season ticket holders and advance ticket sales for this weekend’s NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Atlantic Regional hosted by Gannon University at the Hammermill Center. Read more.

Events

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)
April 3-5: Sesame Stree Live: Elmo Makes Musice, Warner Theater (tickets)
April 24 & 25: Monster Truck Nationals, Tullio Arena (tickets)
May 4: Spelling Bee, Warner Theatre (tickets)

Sister Marilyn Lacey, RSM, founder of Mercy Beyond Borders, will be at Mercyhurst Tuesday and Wednesday, March 10-11, to meet with the college community about her work and ways they can help to alleviate extreme poverty among the people of the war-ravaged Southern Sudan.

Get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit at “Celtic Charm,” a concert of Irish music and dancing on Sunday, March 15, at 2 p.m., at Mercyhurst North East’s St. Mary’s Chapel, 16 West Division Street, North East. MNE Music Director Patti Sullivan will be joined by the Rev. Bill Sutherland, barbershop chorus Lake Erie Sound, and Irish Step Dancers, Rince Na Tiarna for an afternoon of entertainment. A reception will follow. Free and open to the public. Call (814) 725-6277 for more information.

Prospective students are invited to visit Mercyhurst North East for an Open House on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m.-noon, at the Michele and Tom Ridge Health and Safety Building, 16 W. Division St., North East. Meet with admissions and financial aid staff, tour campus, and learn about MNE’s associate degrees and certificate programs, including the new occupational therapy assistant, medical lab technician and respiratory therapist programs. Call (814) 725-6144 for more information.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Light the Night Walk will be held September 22 at Jerry Uht Park. Light the Night is a non-competitive evening walk to celebrate & commemorate lives touched by cancer to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The walk is unique because participants carry illuminated balloons to light the way-red for supporters and white for cancer survivors. There is not a registration fee for the walk but we encourage everyone to try to raise the $25 to carry an illuminated balloon. There are additional incentives at higher fundraising levels. Registration & the pre-walk celebration start at 5:30 pm & the walk at 7:30 pm. For more information or to register call 1-800-726-2873 ext. 2868, e-mail wardr@lls.org or visit www.lightthenight.org/wpa

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

We hope you enjoyed the great weather this weekend. Okay, it rained but it was warm. We’ll take that any day. By the way, if you didn’t set your clocks ahead this weekend, you’re late for work.

From the you’re doing it wrong department, James Eppley has been charged with conflict of interest and tampering with public records. Eppley was an engineer at the Kinzua Bridge and accepted gifts, including a trip to London from a company hired to repair the bridge. That same company was in the running to complete more repairs on the bridge when it was destroyed by a tornado, which happened ironically enough while Eppley was on said trip to London. Blimey.

Motley Crue played the Tullio Arena this weekend. If you went, post a comment and let it know how it was. Mike saw them in Pittsburgh in 1998, and went mostly because it was free.

As of yesterday, all Circuit City stores are now closed. If you still had a gift card or needed to make a return, you’re out of luck.

Crain’s Cleveland Business has an article on the next push to legalize gaming in Ohio which involves MTR Gaming.

GE Transportation announced Swaady Martin has been appointed Regional Director of Africa. Martin is a native of Cote d’Ivoire and has worked extensively in Africa and has a thorough knowledge of the African continent and its varied rail markets. GE Transportation has has a presence in South Africa since the 1890s.

The Center for Political Participation (CPP) at Allegheny College today launched a project to capture the sentiments, thoughts and feelings that young Americans experienced as they watched and shaped the 2008 election. The CPP, in conjunction with the Harvard Institute of Politics, is soliciting communications such as outgoing e-mail messages and Facebook postings to be assembled into a scrapbook of the 2008 election season. When finished, “A Cyber Scrapbook: Reflections of Youth on the 2008 Election” will be distributed primarily to colleges and universities for use in studying popular culture and political science. Students can submit items for “A Cyber Scrapbook: Reflections of Youth on the 2008 Election” at cpp.allegheny.edu/cyberscrapbook. Three randomly selected entrants will receive an iPod Touch.

Erie native Nick Adams is featured in this story at gaywired.com. Adams performed on Broadway in A Chorus Line last year.

We’re excited to have YourBoro on board here at ErieBlogs to offer updates and insights from the Edinboro area. We’re big fans of his site and we’re glad to have him on board.

Did you know there are 2 counties in Pennsylvania that have no traffic lights. It’s true – Forest County and Perry County are lucky enough to have no traffic lights.

Sports

Micky Sartoretto scored what turned out to be the game winner early in the third period as the Kitchener Rangers skated to a 4-2 win over the Erie Otters in an Ontario Hockey League game played Saturday afternoon in front of 6,146 at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Zack Torquato paced the Otters with a goal and an assist. Greg McKegg also scored for the Otters, who dropped to 32-29-3-1 with the loss.

The Erie BayHawks (22-17) utilized a frustrating defense to keep the Sioux Falls Skyforce (20-19) off their game and win 96 – 88 in a very physical contest at the Tullio Arena, that saw the BayHawks extend their home winning streak to 3 games. The BayHawks home stand continues next Friday night with a 7:00 PM tipoff against division rivals the Dakota Wizards.

The No. 3 Mercyhurst College women’s hockey team claimed its seventh consecutive College Hockey America tournament trophy as the Lakers rolled past Wayne State, 6-1, in the CHA championship game Saturday afternoon at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. The team will continue its season next weekend as the Lakers were selected as one of the eight teams that will compete for the 2009 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship. Mercyhurst earned the No. 3 seed and will host St. Lawrence in the NCAA Quarterfinals on Saturday, March 14 at 3 p.m.

Gannon roared back from a 12-point first-half deficit behind the double-double effort of PSAC Tournament Most Valuable Player Tyler Stoczynski (Erie, Pa./McDowell) and a bench that logged 52 minutes while the Golden Knights battled foul trouble throughout the night to beat Kutztown 80-65. You can read more at Gannon Hoops. Gannon was announced as a #1 seed in the Atlantic region of the NCAA Division II tournament getting underway March 14. Congrats to the team.

The Gannon women’s basketball team is headed to the Big Dance for the second time in the last three seasons and the sixth time in the program’s 35-year history. The NCAA released the 64-team national tournament bracket Sunday night via a live Internet broadcast.

The Edinboro wrestling team came away with its seventh straight Eastern Wrestling League championship on Saturday at Lock Haven, as four Fighting Scots won individual titles. This also marks the 11th time in the last 12 years that Edinboro has been crowned the EWL champion. The Edinboro wrestling team came away with its seventh straight Eastern Wrestling League championship on Saturday at Lock Haven, as four Fighting Scots won individual titles. This also marks the 11th time in the last 12 years that Edinboro has been crowned the EWL champion.

Events

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)
April 3-5: Sesame Stree Live: Elmo Makes Musice, Warner Theater (tickets)
April 24 & 25: Monster Truck Nationals, Tullio Arena (tickets)
May 4: Spelling Bee, Warner Theatre (tickets)

Erie for Change Meeting will hold a meeting on March 12 at Matthew’s Trattoria. They plan to discuss economic and other forms of development in the Erie area. We look forward to seeing you and creating a plan of action for change in Erie County! Thank you for your anticipated participation… For more info, contact Lisa at lmastark@yahoo.com or call Matthew’s at (814) 459-6458.

On Thursday, March 12, 2009 from 6 – 8 p.m., celebrate the Birthday of Girl Scouting by re-connecting with your inner Girl Scout! Enjoy Girl Scout Cookies and Thin Mintinis, while sharing your sweetest Girl Scout memories. Bring your friends – and make s’more! Featuring complementary appetizers and soft drinks, plus cash bar (for guests 21 or over). Hosted by the Girl Scout Alumnae Association; this event is designed for adult Girl Scout Alumnae and other friends of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania. Location: Matthew’s Trattoria & Martini Lounge. Cost: free.

Under the direction of Professor Lowell Hepler, chairperson of the music department, Allegheny College will host the 62nd Annual Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Band Festival, March 13-15. The festival will conclude with a free public concert on Sunday, March 15 at 2:30 p.m. in Shafer Auditorium. The concert program will feature works by Sousa, Gandolfi, Grainger, Williams, Davenport and others.

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

Hey everyone, Yourboro here- I was recently asked to report on local happenings around the Edinboro area for Erie Blogs,  I’d just like to thank Erie Blogs for giving us the opportunity to post here as well. On with the news-

Gold Star changes locations

One thing students and residents might notice returning to Edinboro from spring break is that there’s a new store on the left hand side of 6N beside the gaudy Steelers mural.. Goldstar anime store, which was previously located right next to Johns pizzeria has changed locations to 6N, right down the block from Walmart in Edinboro. The new location gives them much more space for their magazines, mangas and DVDs.

They’re currently going through some troubles with LED signs outside of their building- apparently they’re only allowed to have a new message once every minute or so- no flashing colors or changing colors- just one or two colors is allowed and NO blinking or scrolling. I personally think that’s a bit insane and overprotective- while the law is in place to protect drivers from being distracted from driving, it’s still pretty lame.

Even non-anime fans should be able to find SOMETHING they like inside the store. They have Japanese snacks like Pocky, and some classic American comic book compilations like Archie and Peanuts. You’ll even find some John K stuff while you’re in there, and Duff Beer, Flaming Moe, and Slurm energy drinks.

One last thing about GoldStar.. Don’t steal ANYTHING. The owner is a very friendly man, and I’d assume his wife is friendly also. But they’ve been having trouble with theft since their original location in Erie beside Gamestop next to the Millcreek mall. They’re currently in the process of getting cameras all over the store and the owner is very protective over his material- don’t leaf through the books for more than a few seconds and don’t take anything out of the packaging.

Edinboro’s rising “Graffiti Problem”

Another thing becoming more prevalent around Downtown Edinboro is the graffiti artist “Yak” or “Yak1″ I believe. I’ve seen this tag scrawled on public and private property around town- and while it’s not necessarily a big problem, I know the town is getting aggravated from it..

Graffiti can be done very well, and be eye-candy if the artist really intends to do so. Here’s something that disappoints me about the graffiti in Edinboro. They’re all just chicken-scratch tags, they’re all toys (graffiti slang for inexperienced morons just out for fame, but will never really get it).  Edinboro University is practically an art school and the best graffiti that has been done around the area are poor caricatures of  foxes on the sides of banks and laundry-mats? If you really feel inclined to throw up some graffiti on something- take your time, and step up Edinboro’s “game”.

Another thing most long-time graffiti artists tend to do is stick to public property- it’s sort of taboo to do graffiti on private property.. But that’s just another sign that this problem isn’t going to really grow. It’s most likely going to die out fairly soon- and “Yak1″ will never see the publicity he doesn’t deserve.

If you would like your event considered for posting here on ErieBlogs.com, please send us your information using our online contact form. Make sure you check our daily News & Events for new event listings and events happening that day.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)
April 3-5: Sesame Stree Live: Elmo Makes Musice, Warner Theater (tickets)
April 24 & 25: Monster Truck Nationals, Tullio Arena (tickets)
May 4: Spelling Bee, Warner Theatre (tickets)

This Week’s Events

The kick off the re-election campaign for Lynn Case Craker, Millcreek Tax Collector, will be held at the Ringside Restaurant, 32nd and Sterrettania Rd on March 8, 2009. Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. along with a basket raffle. Cost is $10 per person. For more information, call Lynn at (814) 873-6607 or (814) 838-8666 or email.

A Pride Picnic Meeting will be held on March 8 at Panera’s Yorktown, 2501 W 12th St, Erie, PA 16505 at 2 PM. We will be meeting to discuss planning for the 17th Annual Erie Pride Picnic, which will be held on Sunday, June 13 from 1 to 6 PM at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park, Erie PA Contact: Michael Mahler. Phone: (814) 456-9833. Email: info@eriegaynews.com.

Erie for Change Meeting will hold a meeting on March 12 at Matthew’s Trattoria. They plan to discuss economic and other forms of development in the Erie area. We look forward to seeing you and creating a plan of action for change in Erie County! Thank you for your anticipated participation… For more info, contact Lisa at lmastark@yahoo.com or call Matthew’s at (814) 459-6458.

On Thursday, March 12, 2009 from 6 – 8 p.m., celebrate the Birthday of Girl Scouting by re-connecting with your inner Girl Scout! Enjoy Girl Scout Cookies and Thin Mintinis, while sharing your sweetest Girl Scout memories. Bring your friends – and make s’more! Featuring complementary appetizers and soft drinks, plus cash bar (for guests 21 or over). Hosted by the Girl Scout Alumnae Association; this event is designed for adult Girl Scout Alumnae and other friends of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania. Location: Matthew’s Trattoria & Martini Lounge. Cost: free.

March Events

Gannon University’s Erie Chamber Orchestra will hold its next concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 20 at First United Methodist Church, 707 Sassafras St. The concert will feature as soloist Bruce R. Gingrich (organist). Gannon University’s Erie Chamber Orchestra is conducted and directed by Bruce Morton Wright. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call 814-871-7755.

Think you have what it takes to sing the National Anthem at a Double-A baseball game? Well here is your chance. The Erie SeaWolves announce today their National Anthem tryouts will be held Saturday, March 21 at the Erie Playhouse. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and tryouts begin at 12 p.m. Those interested in auditioning will perform the National Anthem for a panel of judges. Auditions must be performed a capella. For more information about the National Anthem tryouts, please contact Carol Trumbo at (814) 456-1300 or via email at ctrumbo@seawolves.com.

Gannon University’s Schuster Gallery will host its next exhibit, “The Woman Artist,” from March 27 through May 27, with an Artist Reception scheduled for April 24. The exhibit will feature the works of women locally and regionally. Schuster Gallery is located on the third floor of the University’s Nash Library, 619 Sassafras St., and is open during regular library hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to midnight; Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Free and open to the public. For more information on the exhibit, contact Gannon’s Schuster Program for the Arts at 814-871-5467.

Gannon University on Saturday, March 28 will host its annual International Night celebration. International Night includes a dinner buffet, beginning at 6 p.m., with foods representative of different countries. Cultural performances and entertainment will begin at 7:30 p.m. The event will be held in Gannon University’s Hammermill Center, Peach Street and South Park Row. Tickets are priced as follows: children 10 and under, free; students with ID and children ages 11-18, $5; military and senior citizens, $10; all others, $15. For more information on the event, contact the Gannon University International Student Office at 814-871-7030.

On March 31, the Renaissance City Women’s Choir: Lesbians Creating Change Through The Power Of Music (Edinboro University, Alexander Music Center Recital Hall, Edinboro, PA) 8 PM. Free and Open to the Public Sponsored by the EUP Women’s History Month Committee and the EUP President’s Commission on the Status of Gay Men, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Transgender People, and Allies Reception to follow the event – open to the public. This is the closing event of Women’s History Month at Edinboro University!

The 3rd Annual Corporate Spelling Bee to support WQLN Education and Books for Kids will take place March 31st at Junior’s Last Laugh Comedy Club. Come watch as local business folks attempt to spell words from the children’s National Spelling word list! Teams will compete for the trophy and, of course, the awards for most spirit and best costumes. Join us for a night of “grown up” fun including refreshments, live jazz music, auctions, and much more! Individual admission tickets can be purchased for just $10 each. Tickets can be purchased through Jr’s by calling 814-461-0911.

April Events

April 8 is opening day for the Erie SeaWolves with a 6:30 p.m. game against the Altoona Curve at Jerry Uht Park.

The 2009 Erie Microbrew Festival will be held April 18, 2009 at the Brewerie in the Union Station. There will be two sessions: 1 – 4:00 p.m., and 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets will be $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

Environmentalist, activist and attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will speak on “Our Environmental Destiny” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15 in Ford Chapel at Allegheny College. Kennedy will discuss the role that our natural surroundings play in our work, our health and our identity as Americans. Using examples gathered from relevant art, history, litigation and literature, he will remind listeners of their responsibility to protect and preserve the environment for future generations.

The Erie Micro Brew Festival presented by WQLN and the Brewerie at Union Station will be held Saturday, April 18 at the Brewerie at Union Station in Erie, PA. This year’s fest features 25 craft brewers and a new event called the Sweet Treats Fair – a malty good time full of gourmet ice cream and soda for all the designated drivers. Two sampling sessions – 1-4 pm and 5-8 pm. Tickets are available now at The Brewerie at Union Station, The Beer and Pop Discount Warehouse, and online.

Spring-for-SIDS is a national event sponsored by the American SIDS Institute to raise awareness about SIDS and to raise funds for SIDS research. We started Team Grady’s Grace to support the Institute. This year, Spring for SIDS Day is set for Friday, April 24th. Grady’s Grace will be holding it’s second annual benefit dinner on that date. A Chicken-n-Biscuit Dinner will be held from 4-7 pm at the Spartansburg Fire Hall, in Spartansburg, PA. Adult meals will cost $6.50 and children eat for $3.25. We will be holding a Chinese auction and other raffles. We are currently accepting donations for the auction. Some items that have been offered are candles, notecards, themed gift baskets, gift certificates, hand-sewn girls’ dresses, cash prizes, and many other items. We also have artwork from Kevin-John Jobczynski’s collection. If you are not familiar with his work, please visit www.kevin-john.com to check it out. He’s a very talented artist and we are very fortunate to have him supporting Team Grady’s Grace. Please visit http://www.gradysgrace.com for more information.

May Events

The “Lake Erie $1,000,000.00 Hole-In-One Golf Challenge” will take place at the Millcreek Community Golf Course from May 28 to 31, 2009. Golfers will take shots to be within a small circle on the qualifying days and those who qualify will shoot for a million dollars on the final day.  For more information email Jeremy Hewitt or call (814) 825-7105.

Former state Superior Court Judge Michael T. Joyce was proud of his reputation for handing down long prison sentences to those unfortunate enough to find their way into his courtroom. Criminal defendants often argued unsuccessfully for probation instead of a prison stay.

In an ironic turn of events, “Maximum Mike” is now asking for leniency in his own sentencing, after being found guilty of felony charges in November for defrauding two insurance companies of $440,000 and laundering the money in 2002.

The irony isn’t lost on Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Trabold. He wrote in his filing that “in the end it is quite ironic that a man who so thoroughly enjoyed the moniker ‘Maximum Mike’ now seeks mercy from this court.”

Senior U.S. District Judge Maurice B. Cohill Jr. will be charged with the duty to impose sentencing on Joyce after hearing arguments from both sides.

Here’s the gist of that argument without any of that legal mumbo jumbo:

The prosecution claims that Joyce should receive sentencing in accordance with government-imposed guidelines (ranging from 4-5 years and some change). They contend that Joyce betrayed the respect his position afforded, ignored the numerous opportunities to put an end to the fraud, and is himself to blame for the humiliation he now faces.

Joyce’s defense team, led by lawyer Philip Friedman, claims that Joyce has been punished enough as a result of intense media coverage, public humiliation, loss of career and income and standing in the community after Joyce was indicted in August 2007. Sending him to prison now would serve no purpose.

Something I find particularly troubling is that Friedman’s argument refers to the “potential” loss of Joyce’s pension and law license. I simply can’t believe that Joyce could actually walk away from this conviction without losing both.

Anyone who has kept up with this case since Joyce’s indictment is undoubtedly aware of Joyce’s arrogance, so we shouldn’t be surprised at this latest argument. Friedman’s concern is that Joyce stands to lose everything he has – career, reputation, standing in the community – but I have to ask why Joyce so willingly put his life’s work in jeopardy.

As so often happens in the defense system, we’re asked to be sympathetic to the losses incurred by a convicted criminal. We’re expected to feel sympathy for the individual because of what they stand to lose for being ‘caught’, while turning a blind eye to their role in getting into that situation. That makes about as much sense as asking for sympathy to kids who murder their parents because they’re now orphans.

Additionally, Joyce is now claiming that his position in the community – the very position that afforded him considerable privilege – was a ‘handicap’ once he was indicted and suffered public humiliation. You can’t have it both ways. You can’t take advantage of everything to be gained by those in the public eye, then blame the public when that notoriety no longer serves as a benefit.

It’s just this simple: Joyce had everything, threw it all away, and now wants the justice system to have sympathy (the same sympathy he never showed as a sentencing judge) for everything he lost. I just hope Judge Cohill disagrees.

We were watching the Weather Channel last night and watched reports of communities in the south and along the east coast that were busy digging out from inches of snow. They were calling it mega-Monday. Pfft. Babies.

That crashing noise you heard yesterday afternoon was the stock market. The Dow close down 300 to end the day at 6,763.29. ERIE finished the day up 0.03 at 30.07, GE was down 0.91 to close at 7.60, and NFG was down 1.88 to close at 28.43. Your retirement plan = stunned.

Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper has named Amy Cuzzola-Kern as Economic Recovery Director. Cuzzola-Kern will act as the point person for folks who have questions about the stimulus package. The idea is to coordinate information sharing about the stimulus monies received in Pennsylvania’s 3rd District as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009. Dahlkemper has expanded Cuzzola-Kern’s responsibilities to assist local governments and constituents with the Recovery Act. Cuzzola-Kern will be the first point of contact for public and private officials and constituents interested in learning more about the benefits of the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

11-year-old Jordan Brown is accused of killing his father’s pregnant fiancee a few weeks ago. Brown has been moved from Beaver County to Erie. Brown will be charged as an adult.

Malcolm Keysor has had 7 years tacked onto his life sentence. Keysor, a convicted murder, escaped from the Albion prison on November of 2007. He was arrested a few months later in California.

Ed Palattella continues to do some great reporting on Gregory Rubino and all his various dealings. Here’s another interesting story about Rubino’s time on the zoning board and his contacts with Jeffrey J. Johnson.

Rabbi Arik Ascherman, originally from Erie, is quoted in this Globe and Mail story. Ascherman is executive director of Rabbis for Human Rights.

The Erie Port Authority has started the process to claim the former GAF plant using eminent domain. No one has been successful in purchasing the land and Erie officials say this will allow them to get onto the site to assess the condition as well as potential environmental problems there may be.

Former Superior Court Judge Michael Joyce is scheduled to be sentenced next week. He as convicted of fraud last year. Joyce’s attorneys are arguing that sentencing should not take into account his previous job as a judge. Um, ok. If anything, Joyce should have had a clear understanding that what he did was wrong and he should have known better. Fail.

It must be sweeps time for local TV stations. WICU has a story about a “massage and therapy business” on W. 26 St. and WJET has a story about a swingers club in Titusville. The club was advertising their website, though no one seems to know where the actual club is. Ok, seriously, is it a really that big a surprise that shady stuff is going on at places like the “Satin Health Spa?” Someone in city government (Brad Foulk?) needs to investigate these places and if there’s something fishy going on, shut them down. Case closed.

Congrats to LECOM on the opening of their new Fitness and Wellness Center to the general public. People we’ve talked to who have used the facility say it’s top notch.

Attorney General Tom Corbett today announced an $85,000 settlement with a wastewater treatment equipment supplier for allegedly breaking the Pennsylvania Steel Products Procurement Act, which requires that steel used in all public works projects must be manufactured in the United States. Corbett said the $85,000 settlement includes $50,000 in restitution to the Newberry Township Municipal Authority, along with $29,750 to be divided among 21 other Pennsylvania public entities that had contracts with Aero-Mod dating back to 1991, which may have also been completed using foreign steel. Erie is included in the public entities.

Sports

The Erie Otters are off until Wednesday when they host the Owen Sound Attack at the Tullio Arena.

The Erie Bayhawks will host Tulsa at home on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. Take the day off and catch a game. The NBA Development League Erie BayHawks will host a Cleveland Cavaliers Affiliate Night for their game, Friday, March 6, 7 PM at the Tullio Arena versus the Sioux Falls Skyforce. The BayHawks will don traditional wine colored Cavaliers’ uniforms for this special occasion. The game will feature performances by the “Cavalier Girls Dance Team” and Cavalier’s mascot, Moondog, with appearances by Cleveland’s arena host, Ahmad, and the Cavs hip hop dancers – “The Scream Team.”

Events

The Station Dinner Theatre presents The Bremen Town Musicians, the classic Grimm Brothers tale that tells of how the Donkey, the Dog, the Cat, and the Rooster escape from their owners and “band” together. The show runs Saturday and Sunday March 7 and 8 at noon. Lunch is included, and tickets are $12 for children and $16 for adults. Call 864-2022 to for more information.

On Saturday, March 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., celebrate National Quilting Day at Pillowcasegram, 3 W. Main Street, North East, PA, 814-725-3400. Many make-it-and-take-it projects will be available. Free quilting lessons. Come in and learn the art of quilting. It makes a great hobby for these long, cold winter months!

Find the right e-marketing mix to boost your business. Come to the Digital Marketing Mixer on March 26th from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and see what’s possible with digital marketing. The eMarketing Learning Center @ eBizITPA has rounded up local digital marketing experts to showcase their premier digital marketing technologies and strategies. View demonstrations of new and exciting digital marketing tools like lead management, simple content management, e-mail marketing and more. The lunch seminar on “Digital Marketing During Economic Downturn” will give you great strategies that can be applied to your business. Also, visit with consultants at roundtables for more in-depth discussions about their offerings. This is a unique opportunity to easily meet and source potential service providers in a no pressure environment. Visit here to register or for more information.

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, will host The All-American Rejects in concert on Friday, April 17, at 8 p.m., in the Junker Center. Doors open at 7 p.m. and “Shiny Toy Gun” will be the opening act. Student tickets are on sale today (March 2). Tickets for the public will go on sale on Wednesday, March 4, at 8 a.m., and can be purchased in person or online. All tickets are for general admission seating. Tickets are available to Penn State Behrend students for $20 each at the Reed Union Building (RUB) desk. This discounted price is valid only at the RUB desk for Penn State Behrend students and there is a maximum of two tickets per student ID. Tickets are available to the public at the RUB desk for $25 each. Tickets can also be purchased with a credit card by calling the Office of Student Activities at 814-898-6171. Finally, tickets can be purchased online at https://estore.psu.edu/home.asp?store=100059 for a cost of $25 plus $2 shipping and handling per ticket; the discounted student rate is not available online. The Web site will be live on March 4 at 8 a.m.

A man was pulled out of Lake Chautauqua and taken to Erie for treatment. We took a ride around the Peninsula Saturday and saw lots of spots where the ice was gone. It’s getting warmer now, so if you’re out there on the ice please be careful. If you’re keeping track at home, we’re about 7″ away from setting the all-time snow record.

As expected, Millcreek Township Supervisor Larry Curtis has announced he will seek re-election this spring. Curtis is currently chairperson and secretary of the board of supervisors.

The Erie Zoo is now open for the year. Yesterday, people who came to the zoo were admitted free thanks to Erie native Bob Sanders’ charity. Thank you, Bob!

US Airways is relaxing certain fees for customers who may have to change travel plans as a result of the March snow storms. The airline will waive the standard change fee, advance reservation and ticketing requirements for customers traveling to the following markets between Mar. 1 and Mar. 3 on any US Airways, US Airways Express or US Airways codeshare flight. Even though we didn’t get snow this weekend, Erie is included in the list of cities who will qualify for this.

Sports

The Erie Bayhawks have a series of home games coming up: Thursday, March 5 vs. Tulsa; Friday, March 6 vs. Sioux Falls; Sunday, March 8 vs. Sioux Falls; and Friday, March 13 vs. Dakota. Get your tickets here.

Logan Couture scored twice to ignite a five-goal explosion as the Ottawa 67’s topped the Erie Otters 6-4 in an Ontario Hockey League game played Saturday in front of 5,601 at the Tullio Arena. The 5,601 in attendance matched the second largest regular season crowd in Otters franchise history.  Sunday was a rematch against the Plymouth Whalers but this time the Whalers won 6-3.  There’s another home game on Wednesday against the Owen Sound Attack. Get tickets now.

The Gannon men’s basketball team allowed 80 points for only the second time this season, but a 60-percent shooting night was enough to secure a hard-fought 88-80 victory at Lock Haven Saturday afternoon in the regular-season finale for both squads. The victory improved the Golden Knights to 15-0 all-time against the Bald Eagles.

Mercyhurst dropped a 70-62 decision in the season-finale at California to finish its inaugural season in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference with a 16-11 overall record and a 4-10 mark in the Western Division.

The Edinboro men’s basketball team celebrated Senior Day with an 88-79 win over Clarion at McComb Field House on Saturday afternoon, but it certainly didn’t come easy. The win boosted the Fighting Scots to 18-9 overall and 8-6 in the PSAC West, while Clarion finished the season at 11-16 and 2-12, respectively.

Events

If you would like your event considered for posting here on ErieBlogs.com, please send us your information using our online contact form.

You can find a big long list of area events and happenings right here.

Educators from Erie County can find the cure for their cabin fever at the Erie Art Museum, 411 State Street, on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 from 4:30-7p.m. Educators from all disciplines and age levels can earn Act 48 credit. “The Cabin Fever Getaway is an opportunity for educators of students in grades K-12 in all disciplines to familiarize themselves with the Erie Art Museum’s tour and educational programs, meet artists, explore exhibits and earn Act 48 credit,” said Kelly Armor, Erie Art Museum education and folk art director. Cost is $10 per person in advance or $12 at the door. Contact Jeff or Stephanie at the Museum, (814) 459-5477 or email Stephanie@erieartmuseum.org.

The McDowell Center for Performing Arts is presenting a free concert to dedicate the opening of their newly restored Little Theatre (3320 Caughey Road). The concert will be held March 3, 2009 at 7:00 PM and will feature the McDowell Jazz Band, Vocal Ensemble, Dance Team, and selections from this season’s productions of The King and I and Annie Get Your Gun. The facility is now a state-of-the-art theatre. A brand new sound system was installed which can operate any production or concert, a new lighting system was installed and can be programmed for any event which moves into the theatre, and most recently the seats were replaced along with new aisle lighting for safety. Other upgrades include new paint, a new stage floor, and improved house lighting.

Shawn Driscoll, a vice president of T Rowe Price Group will discuss the investment management firm’s stock selection process in the Finance Speaker Series at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Driscoll’s presentation is FREE and open to the public. It will be held at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, March 3, in the Samuel P “Pat” Black III Conference Center on the first floor of the college’s Research and Economic Development Center (REDC). Parking is available in the REDC deck on Technology Drive, off Jordan Road.

If you would like your event considered for posting here on ErieBlogs.com, please send us your information using our online contact form. Make sure you check our daily News & Events for new event listings and events happening that day.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)
April 3-5: Sesame Stree Live: Elmo Makes Musice, Warner Theater (tickets)
April 24 & 25: Monster Truck Nationals, Tullio Arena (tickets)
May 4: Spelling Bee, Warner Theatre (tickets)

This Week’s Events

Educators from Erie County can find the cure for their cabin fever at the Erie Art Museum, 411 State Street, on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 from 4:30-7p.m. Educators from all disciplines and age levels can earn Act 48 credit. “The Cabin Fever Getaway is an opportunity for educators of students in grades K-12 in all disciplines to familiarize themselves with the Erie Art Museum’s tour and educational programs, meet artists, explore exhibits and earn Act 48 credit,” said Kelly Armor, Erie Art Museum education and folk art director. Cost is $10 per person in advance or $12 at the door. Contact Jeff or Stephanie at the Museum, (814) 459-5477 or email Stephanie@erieartmuseum.org.

The McDowell Center for Performing Arts is presenting a free concert to dedicate the opening of their newly restored Little Theatre (3320 Caughey Road). The concert will be held March 3, 2009 at 7:00 PM and will feature the McDowell Jazz Band, Vocal Ensemble, Dance Team, and selections from this season’s productions of The King and I and Annie Get Your Gun. The facility is now a state-of-the-art theatre. A brand new sound system was installed which can operate any production or concert, a new lighting system was installed and can be programmed for any event which moves into the theatre, and most recently the seats were replaced along with new aisle lighting for safety. Other upgrades include new paint, a new stage floor, and improved house lighting.

Shawn Driscoll, a vice president of T Rowe Price Group will discuss the investment management firm’s stock selection process in the Finance Speaker Series at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Driscoll’s presentation is FREE and open to the public. It will be held at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, March 3, in the Samuel P “Pat” Black III Conference Center on the first floor of the college’s Research and Economic Development Center (REDC). Parking is available in the REDC deck on Technology Drive, off Jordan Road.

The Guelcher Film Series at Mercyhurst College will screen In Bruges on March 4 at 2:15 p.m. and 8 p.m. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $4 for students, $3 for President’s Card holders and Mercyhurst students are free. This is also available for rental at Blockbuster and Netflix if you can’t make it.

Uncovering the most cost-effective energy improvement projects through the use of energy audits and thermal imaging are two topics the Energy Roundtable will tackle during their next quarterly meeting at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 5, 2009 at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Drive.Registration for the March 5 meeting begins at 8:45 a.m., with the program running from 9 a.m. to noon. The agenda for the meeting includes: Using Energy Audits to Save You Money and The Use of IR Thermal Imaging in Energy Auditing. To register, call 814/456-6299, fax 814/459-6058 or e-mail jmiller@nwirc.org. There is no charge for the event.

On Thursday, March 5 Gannon will hold an informational session to provide more details about the Gannon Stimulus Initiative. The session will begin at 7 p.m. in room 219 of the University’s Waldron Campus Center, 124 West 7th St. Representatives from the University’s offices of Admissions and Financial Aid will be on hand to meet with and answer questions of parents and students. The public is welcome. Last year, Gannon budgeted $24 million for financial aid. The Gannon Stimulus Initiative will bring that total to $26.6 million for the 2009-10 academic year after the additional funds were authorized by the Gannon University Board of Trustees.

Abstract thinking, glasses clinking, free admission, artist demos, live music combine for the first Gallery Night of 2009 on March 6 from 7-10 p.m. Accents By The Bay, Allen Stoneware Gallery, Glass Growers Gallery, Kada Gallery, Ralph Miller Jewelers & Gallery, Presque Isle Gallery Coffeehouse, Schuster Gallery at Gannon University, Urraro Gallery and the galleries at the Erie Art Museum will host Gallery Night. Always a popular way to get around Gallery Night, EMTA’s Bayliner will be providing free 1 hour shuttle transportation from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Trolley maps and schedules are available at each gallery or by calling the Erie Art Museum at 814-459-5477.

Erie Promotions & Expos, Inc. is proud to announce the return of the greatest Sport & Travel Expo to ever appear in Erie, PA. The ERIE SPORT & TRAVEL EXPO will be held at the new Bayfront Convention Center from March 6th – 8th. The state of the art building will be filled with attractions, exhibits, displays, and interactive games. Fun and educational for all ages. Here is a coupon for a dollar off admission.

There will be a book and media sale on Friday, March 6, from 3:00 – 8:00 and Saturday, March 7, from 8:00 – 3:00 at Mercyhurst Prep School, 538 E. Grandview Blvd. Donations of books, audio tapes, CDs, DVDs, and children’s board/computer games are needed. Donations can be taken directly to the main office of MPS or can be picked up by calling 572-4669. For further information, call Marisa Moks-Unger at 459-4042. Books and media offered at great prices. A bake sale will also be featured both days. All proceeds of the sale will benefit the Performing Arts Department of Mercyhurst Prep.

March Events

The kick off the re-election campaign for Lynn Case Craker, Millcreek Tax Collector, will be held at the Ringside Restaurant, 32nd and Sterrettania Rd on March 8, 2009. Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. along with a basket raffle. Cost is $10 per person. For more information, call Lynn at (814) 873-6607 or (814) 838-8666 or email.

A Pride Picnic Meeting will be held on March 8 at Panera’s Yorktown, 2501 W 12th St, Erie, PA 16505 at 2 PM. We will be meeting to discuss planning for the 17th Annual Erie Pride Picnic, which will be held on Sunday, June 13 from 1 to 6 PM at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park, Erie PA Contact: Michael Mahler. Phone: (814) 456-9833. Email: info@eriegaynews.com.

Erie for Change Meeting will hold a meeting on March 12 at Matthew’s Trattoria. They plan to discuss economic and other forms of development in the Erie area. We look forward to seeing you and creating a plan of action for change in Erie County! Thank you for your anticipated participation… For more info, contact Lisa at lmastark@yahoo.com or call Matthew’s at (814) 459-6458.

On Thursday, March 12, 2009 from 6 – 8 p.m., celebrate the Birthday of Girl Scouting by re-connecting with your inner Girl Scout! Enjoy Girl Scout Cookies and Thin Mintinis, while sharing your sweetest Girl Scout memories. Bring your friends – and make s’more! Featuring complementary appetizers and soft drinks, plus cash bar (for guests 21 or over). Hosted by the Girl Scout Alumnae Association; this event is designed for adult Girl Scout Alumnae and other friends of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania. Location: Matthew’s Trattoria & Martini Lounge. Cost: free

Gannon University’s Erie Chamber Orchestra will hold its next concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 20 at First United Methodist Church, 707 Sassafras St. The concert will feature as soloist Bruce R. Gingrich (organist). Gannon University’s Erie Chamber Orchestra is conducted and directed by Bruce Morton Wright. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call 814-871-7755.

Think you have what it takes to sing the National Anthem at a Double-A baseball game? Well here is your chance. The Erie SeaWolves announce today their National Anthem tryouts will be held Saturday, March 21 at the Erie Playhouse. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and tryouts begin at 12 p.m. Those interested in auditioning will perform the National Anthem for a panel of judges. Auditions must be performed a capella. For more information about the National Anthem tryouts, please contact Carol Trumbo at (814) 456-1300 or via email at ctrumbo@seawolves.com.

Gannon University’s Schuster Gallery will host its next exhibit, “The Woman Artist,” from March 27 through May 27, with an Artist Reception scheduled for April 24. The exhibit will feature the works of women locally and regionally. Schuster Gallery is located on the third floor of the University’s Nash Library, 619 Sassafras St., and is open during regular library hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to midnight; Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Free and open to the public. For more information on the exhibit, contact Gannon’s Schuster Program for the Arts at 814-871-5467.

Gannon University on Saturday, March 28 will host its annual International Night celebration. International Night includes a dinner buffet, beginning at 6 p.m., with foods representative of different countries. Cultural performances and entertainment will begin at 7:30 p.m. The event will be held in Gannon University’s Hammermill Center, Peach Street and South Park Row. Tickets are priced as follows: children 10 and under, free; students with ID and children ages 11-18, $5; military and senior citizens, $10; all others, $15. For more information on the event, contact the Gannon University International Student Office at 814-871-7030.

On March 31, the Renaissance City Women’s Choir: Lesbians Creating Change Through The Power Of Music (Edinboro University, Alexander Music Center Recital Hall, Edinboro, PA) 8 PM. Free and Open to the Public Sponsored by the EUP Women’s History Month Committee and the EUP President’s Commission on the Status of Gay Men, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Transgender People, and Allies Reception to follow the event – open to the public. This is the closing event of Women’s History Month at Edinboro University!

The 3rd Annual Corporate Spelling Bee to support WQLN Education and Books for Kids will take place March 31st at Junior’s Last Laugh Comedy Club. Come watch as local business folks attempt to spell words from the children’s National Spelling word list! Teams will compete for the trophy and, of course, the awards for most spirit and best costumes. Join us for a night of “grown up” fun including refreshments, live jazz music, auctions, and much more! Individual admission tickets can be purchased for just $10 each. Tickets can be purchased through Jr’s by calling 814-461-0911.

April Events

April 8 is opening day for the Erie SeaWolves with a 6:30 p.m. game against the Altoona Curve at Jerry Uht Park.

The 2009 Erie Microbrew Festival will be held April 18, 2009 at the Brewerie in the Union Station. There will be two sessions: 1 – 4:00 p.m., and 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets will be $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

Environmentalist, activist and attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will speak on “Our Environmental Destiny” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15 in Ford Chapel at Allegheny College. Kennedy will discuss the role that our natural surroundings play in our work, our health and our identity as Americans. Using examples gathered from relevant art, history, litigation and literature, he will remind listeners of their responsibility to protect and preserve the environment for future generations.

The Erie Micro Brew Festival presented by WQLN and the Brewerie at Union Station will be held Saturday, April 18 at the Brewerie at Union Station in Erie, PA. This year’s fest features 25 craft brewers and a new event called the Sweet Treats Fair – a malty good time full of gourmet ice cream and soda for all the designated drivers. Two sampling sessions – 1-4 pm and 5-8 pm. Tickets are available now at The Brewerie at Union Station, The Beer and Pop Discount Warehouse, and online.

Spring-for-SIDS is a national event sponsored by the American SIDS Institute to raise awareness about SIDS and to raise funds for SIDS research. We started Team Grady’s Grace to support the Institute. This year, Spring for SIDS Day is set for Friday, April 24th. Grady’s Grace will be holding it’s second annual benefit dinner on that date. A Chicken-n-Biscuit Dinner will be held from 4-7 pm at the Spartansburg Fire Hall, in Spartansburg, PA. Adult meals will cost $6.50 and children eat for $3.25. We will be holding a Chinese auction and other raffles. We are currently accepting donations for the auction. Some items that have been offered are candles, notecards, themed gift baskets, gift certificates, hand-sewn girls’ dresses, cash prizes, and many other items. We also have artwork from Kevin-John Jobczynski’s collection. If you are not familiar with his work, please visit www.kevin-john.com to check it out. He’s a very talented artist and we are very fortunate to have him supporting Team Grady’s Grace. Please visit http://www.gradysgrace.com for more information.

May Events

The “Lake Erie $1,000,000.00 Hole-In-One Golf Challenge” will take place at the Millcreek Community Golf Course from May 28 to 31, 2009. Golfers will take shots to be within a small circle on the qualifying days and those who qualify will shoot for a million dollars on the final day.  For more information email Jeremy Hewitt or call (814) 825-7105.

Vincent Davis was arraigned yesterday for the death of his 5 month old daughter Savonnia Davis. The “father” admitted to shaking his daughter because she was crying.  And if you’re still not sure what kind of guy Vincent Davis is, in addition to being charged with homicide he is also being charged with cruelty to animals after kicking the family dog to death.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection stuck it to USA Today by refuting the news paper’s previous reports that the air quality around certain schools had unsafe levels of air pollutants. The Department conducted an extensive survey as opposed to how USA Today conducted its own survey:

Using federally accepted scientific protocols, DEP placed air quality monitors directly at the school buildings and tested samples collected over several weeks.

In contrast, USA Today sampled only once over several days and did not indicate the locations of their monitors and their distance from the schools. Some monitors were placed at the homes of volunteers and others at the offices of affiliated newspapers near the schools, the newspaper said.

The Department specifically monitored air quality at Wayne Middle School for benzene and naphthalene.

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate reached 7% in January, up from 6.4 percent in December. PA is still lower than the national average for January of 7.6%.

General Electric announced it is shrinking its dividend by 68% which means shareholders will see 10 cents per share (down form 31). This is the first time since 1938 that GE has cut its dividends. GE closed -0.59 yesterday at 8.51 a share.  You can read more in the WSJ.

The Erie Zoo opens for the season tomorrow on Sunday, March 1 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. Bob Sanders and his “Chasing Dreams Foundation” donated money to the zoo allowing for the free admission. H/T Erie Sports Fans.

Erie Police seized about $8k of heroin yesterday from Daniel Verosko and John Eckonen of Erie. The raid took place on the lower East side of Erie.

WSEE’s Jacqueline Policastro blogged that total dollars Erie County will see from the stimulus package is roughly One Million.  Erie will get $953,386 and Millcreek $65,721.

Sports

The Erie Otters lost last night to the London Knights 2-1. Tonight the Otters face the Ottawa 67’s at the Tullio.  Sunday is a rematch against the Plymouth Whalers and another home game on Wednesday against the Owen Sound Attack. Get tickets now.

The Erie Bayhawks lost 112-104 to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers last night at the Lou.  The ‘Hawks have a series of home games coming up: Thursday, March 5 vs. Tulsa; Friday, March 6 vs. Sioux Falls; Sunday, March 8 vs. Sioux Falls; and Friday, March 13 vs. Dakota. Get your tickets here.

Events

The NBA Development League Erie BayHawks players Erik Daniels, Jackie Manuel, Jarvis Gunter and Tejay Anderson will serve as celebrity bartenders for the 2009 Rock Band Competition, Saturday, February 28 at Sherlocks Park Place, 508 State Street, 4 PM to 10 PM. Proceeds from the event will benefit the efforts of the Read to Rebound Program.

On Saturday, February 28th from 2-4 PM, PennEnvironment and the Clean Air Council are hosting a conversation on building a green economy with Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper; Pennsylvania State Representatives Patrick Harkins and John Hornaman of Erie at Gannon University. Specifically, the Congresswoman Dahlkemper will discuss her efforts to revitalize northwestern Pennsylvania’s economy with clean energy – such as solar and wind power through the federal economic recovery package. You can RSVP here.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

Erie Indemnity Company has announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year end 2008. You can read the full release here. A few highlights:

Net loss per share-diluted was $0.12 per share in the fourth quarter 2008, compared to net income per share-diluted of $0.55 per share in the fourth quarter of 2007. This was driven by net realized losses on investments of $0.41 per share, after tax, resulting primarily from the continuing turmoil in the financial markets experienced in the fourth quarter 2008.

Net operating income per share (excluding net realized gains or losses on investments and related taxes) decreased to $0.29 per share in the fourth quarter of 2008, from $0.69 per share for the same period one year ago.

Thomas Smith, who owned a Play It Again Sports store in Cranberry, Pa., is being prosecuted for setting his business on fire as well as three other adjacent businesses. Smith paid a 16 year old employee to start the fire because he wanted to stop bill collectors from calling and in order to obtain (fraudulent)claims from Erie Insurance. Now there is over 1 million in damage. Why bankruptcy wasn’t an option over arson is beyond us.

The Erie Zoning Board yesterday decided to deny Erie Renewable Energy’s zoning certificate. No word where this leaves ERE and what their next step will be. Do you think the tires-to-energy plant will ever be built?

Felix Velasquez, who is accused of being the shooter during the East High basketball game, was held over for trial yesterday. He may be tried as an adult. He is in Erie County Prison.

We blogged yesterday that 5-month-old Savonnia Davis who was flown to Pittsburgh after suffering a head injury. Sadly, Savonnia passed away yesterday. Police are investigating, though no one has been arrested as of yet.

The Erie Airport Authority has approved the deal to transfer the Erie Golf Course from the city of Erie to Millcreek Township. The course has been closed for 2 years and this transfer is part of the runway extension project, which, at this rate, should be complete by 2062, in time for interstellar flights to land in Erie.

Mercyhurst College will host the 2011 Women’s Frozen Four. This is a huge event that will come to Erie. The tournament is scheduled for March 18 and 20, 2011 and the games will be held at the Tullio Arena. This marks the first time the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four will take place in Pennsylvania. Further, it is the first time that Mercyhurst will host an NCAA Division I championship tournament and the first time that a team from College Hockey America will serve as host.

Our friend David noticed that Google Maps now features Street View for our area. Check it out here. If you find something interesting, let us know so we can share it. It looks like they’ve only hit up I-79 and 90. Let’s hope they do more soon.  You can spot a “Google car” taking these pictures when it has a tripod and camera contraption strapped to the roof.

Mike Dougherty has announced he will run for Millcreek Township Supervisor on the Republican ticket. It is expected he’ll face incumbent Larry Curtis in May. Dougherty works for Glenwood Beer. No joke to be made, that’s just cool.

Wegmans has announced they will discount many generic prescriptions, much like WalMart and Giant Eagle have been doing. The new prices go into effect Sunday, March 1, 2009. A 30-day supply of the listed drugs will now cost $4.00. A 90-day supply will cost $10. The complete list will be available on wegmans.com on Sunday, March 1st.

New movies this weekend: Jonas Brothers 3D, Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li, Crossing Over

Sports

The Erie Otters are on the road tonight to face the London Knights. The team will be back home on Saturday to face the Ottawa 67’s. Get tickets now.

The Erie Bayhawks stretched their winning streak to 8 games with a 97-95 win over the Dakota Wizards at the Tullio Arena last night. Erik Daniels and Ivan Harris both was 24 points in a winning effort. The ‘Hawks play the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at the Lou tonight at 7:00 p.m.

The Edinboro University athletic department will host Community Day when the men’s and women’s basketball teams host Clarion on Saturday, February 28. Children will be admitted free of charge along with one accompanying adult to the twinbill. The women’s game tips off at 1 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 3 p.m.

Events

Today will be the Erie Art Museum’s Nouveau, a party series for 20-40 somethings. African safari theme features African textiles, drumming circle, tie dye workshop, donation bar…and a dose of new. Sponsored by PNC Bank, Erie Times News, Bob FM, Molly Brannigans, Bud American Ale

The NBA Development League Erie BayHawks players Erik Daniels, Jackie Manuel, Jarvis Gunter and Tejay Anderson will serve as celebrity bartenders for the 2009 Rock Band Competition, Saturday, February 28 at Sherlocks Park Place, 508 State Street, 4 PM to 10 PM. Proceeds from the event will benefit the efforts of the Read to Rebound Program.

On Saturday, February 28th from 2-4 PM, PennEnvironment and the Clean Air Council are hosting a conversation on building a green economy with Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper; Pennsylvania State Representatives Patrick Harkins and John Hornaman of Erie at Gannon University. Specifically, the Congresswoman Dahlkemper will discuss her efforts to revitalize northwestern Pennsylvania’s economy with clean energy – such as solar and wind power through the federal economic recovery package. You can RSVP here.

On Thursday, March 5 Gannon will hold an informational session to provide more details about the Gannon Stimulus Initiative. The session will begin at 7 p.m. in room 219 of the University’s Waldron Campus Center, 124 West 7th St. Representatives from the University’s offices of Admissions and Financial Aid will be on hand to meet with and answer questions of parents and students. The public is welcome. Last year, Gannon budgeted $24 million for financial aid. The Gannon Stimulus Initiative will bring that total to $26.6 million for the 2009-10 academic year after the additional funds were authorized by the Gannon University Board of Trustees.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

If you see someone walking around today with black soot on their foreheads its because it is Ash Wednesday.

Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper released this statement following last night’s address to Congress by President Obama:

Just moments ago, I joined my colleagues in the House of Representatives to listen to President Barack Obama’s address to the joint session of Congress. When I decided to run for United States Congress, it was with a deep commitment to create jobs and spur economic growth throughout Pennsylvania’s 3rd District, reduce the cost of healthcare for all, invest in our education system, and end the war in Iraq.

You can read her full statement dahlkemper-budget-response.

VisitErie has fixed the incorrect dates in their YouTube video we blogged about last week. You can see the newly updated version right here.

Erie Renewable Energy saw their request for a zoning variance denied yesterday by the Erie Zoning Board. The height of the smokestacks continues to be a sticking point. The zoning board meets again on Feb. 26 and it’s expected ERE will challenge the ruling on the height.

This past weekend, we blogged about an article featuring Logistics Plus and Jim Berlin is now online at Inc. magazine’s site. It’s an interesting read chronicling the growth of the company from humble beginnings at an office on site at General Electric to the current location at Union Station.  Jim has his own blog Berlin’s Wall.

Marjorie and Spencer Krull will celebrate not their 50th, not their 60th — but their 72nd wedding anniversary in Napa, California with family and friends. What makes this marriage and anniversary even more special is that the couple was married in Erie in 1937.  Congratulations to the Krulls!

We mentioned yesterday how Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong is back in town enjoying the sights and sounds of the Erie County Prison. Her mental competency hearing is scheduled for March 11.

Verizon has activated a new cell site near Interstate 79 and West Grandview Boulevard. The site will improve coverage to the Millcreek Mall and surrounding areas bounded by West 26th Street (Highway 20) in the north, Interchange Road (Highway 99) in the south, Peach Street (Highway 19) in the east and Sterrettania Road (Highway 832) in the west.

Rubin Swift, 34, a community activist who once ran for mayor of Erie must be treated to determine if he’s mentally competent for trial on charges he raped an 11-year-old girl.

Erie County Council has approved money to move the transfer or the Erie Golf Course along. The Airport Authority and Millcreek supervisors still need to approve the transfer.

Sports

The Erie BayHawks return to Erie tomorrow, Thursday, February 26 to play the Dakota Wizards. Get your tickets here.

The Erie Otters play an away game this Friday night against the London Knights and return to Erie on Saturday to play the Ottawa 67s . Get your tickets here.

The Gannon women’s basketball team has entered the national top 25 for the second time this season, being ranked 24th in the latest USA Today ESPN Division II Top 25 released Tuesday afternoon. The Gannon men’s basketball team jumped two spots and is ranked sixth in the latest National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Top 25 poll released Tuesday afternoon, extending the streak of consecutive polls in the top 10 to a school-record 13.

Events

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, and LORD Corporation will host an information session for the LORD Scholarship Program—a unique program for students enrolled, or planning to enroll, in engineering, technical and science disciplines at Penn State Behrend. The information session will be held today at 7 p.m. in the Samuel P. “Pat” Black III Conference Center located in the Research and Economic Development Center (REDC) at Penn State Behrend. Parking will be available in the REDC deck located on Technology Drive, off Jordan Road.

State Representatives Michele Brooks (R – Crawford, Lawrence and Mercer), Pat Harkins (D – Erie), John Hornaman (D – Erie), Brad Roae (R – Crawford) and Flo Fabrizio (D – Erie) will address area business and community leaders during a legislative luncheon starting at noon today at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street. Registration begins at 11:45 a.m. The legislative panel will provide insight on issues such as health-care reforms, business taxes, labor laws and tort reform, and the 2009-10 state budget. Following their discussion, they will take part in a question-and-answer session. To register for this briefing, contact Tracy Shepard at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660. Cost is $30 for members; $60 for nonmembers; and includes lunch.

Allegheny College will host a presentation, titled “Fixing America’s Economy,” by representatives of the Coalition for a Prosperous America on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. in Ford Chapel. Steve Onyeiwu, associate professor of economics at Allegheny College and co-director of the college’s managerial economics program, will open the program with a brief analysis of the state of manufacturing in the United States and in northwestern Pennsylvania, putting the current situation into a historical context.

Science journalist Dava Sobel, the award-winning author of the best-sellers Galileo’s Daughter and Longitude, will speak at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, at 7:30 pm on Thursday, February 26, in the Samuel P “Pat” Black III Conference Center in the college’s Research and Economic Development Center (REDC). Admission is FREE and open to the public; parking will be available in the REDC deck located on Technology Drive, off Jordan Road.

Erie’s favorite event is right around the corner. The 18th Annual Erie Trivia Night Challenge will be held on Thursday, February 26 at the Avalon Hotel, 16 West Tenth Street, Erie. The event will benefit children in the Achievement Center’s Physical Rehabilitation programs. Participants in the event will be treated to an evening of lavish raffles, a silent auction; dinner fit for a king, and of course, the coveted Achiever’s Title. “Captain Dan” Geary will be returning as our master of ceremonies. “Captain Dan” will be navigating participants through three rounds of rip-roaring, mind-teasing Erie trivia questions to arrive at the infamous, “final question.” Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is at 6 p.m. with the trivia to start at 7 p.m. Cost is $50 per person or $400 per table of eight. Dinner and game play included. For more information, call Susan A. Smith at 814-459-2755, Ext. 1115.

February 27 will be the Erie Art Museum’s Nouveau, a party serioes for 20-40 somethings. African safari theme features African textiles, drumming circle, tie dye workshop, donation bar…and a dose of new. Sponsored by PNC Bank, Erie Times News, Bob FM, Molly Brannigans, Bud American Ale

Shawn Driscoll, a vice president of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., will discuss the investment management firm’s stock selection process in the Finance Speaker Series at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Driscoll’s presentation is free and open to the public. It will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, in the Samuel P. “Pat” Black III Conference Center on the first floor of the college’s Research and Economic Development Center (REDC). Parking is available in the REDC deck on Technology Drive, off Jordan Road.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

We’ve not hidden our thoughts that PA’s liquor laws are woefully archaic. If you go to a grocery store in New York or Ohio, you can easily buy a 6 pack of beer, but not so in PA. However, things might be changing. The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court made a ruling yesterday that now allows beer sales to take place at restaurants run by the Wegmans supermarket chain.  The Pennsylvania Malt Beverage Distributors Association is planning on appealing the decision to the state Supreme Court since its constituency has a monopoly it would rather not lose.  Wegmans has two stores in Erie that could potentially sell beer to customers.  The court ruling applies only to licenses approved by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for Wegmans stores in Bethlehem and Williamsport, Pa.

Erie County Judge William Cunningham has allowed Teri Rhodes, convicted of manslaughter in the death of her newborn baby, to leave prison on $25,000 while she appeals her sentence. Cunningham said Rhodes is not a flight risk, despite being sentenced originally to 9 to 18 years in prison. She left prison today and will return to Michigan with her parents. We’ll admit we’re a little surprised, considering she isn’t appealing her conviction but rather the sentence.

The two MENSA members who torched the Gudgeonville Bridge have also been charged for committing several robberies in Conneautvile, Crawford County. Jeffrey Gleason and Joshua Bell waived their preliminary hearing yesterday.

An illegal gambling operation was busted in a building on W. 12th Street near Buddha’s. No arrests were made, but the Texas Hold-Em games were put to an end. The problem was the people running the operation were raking the pots.

Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong is back in Erie County Prison. She will soon have a hearing to determine if she will stand trial in the death of pizza delivery man Brian Wells.

A recent study by Hamot Hospital was featured in the NY Times.  The study reveals there is confusion by medical professionals including medical technicians and paramedics as to how to what exactly a living wills means. Apparently the mere existence of a living will is interpreted to mean that end of life care should involve only comfort and not to save the life of the patient. You can read the article here.

HarborVette Corvette Restorations is featured in this blog post at CorvetteFever.com. Nice work.

Sunburst Electronics, a contract manufacturer of electronic controls, has achieved ISO 13485 certification, a quality management standard for medical device manufacturing developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and through that process also upgraded its ISO 9001 quality system to the 2008 standard.

Richard Rabuck, state government relations representative in the Manufacturer & Business Association’s Harrisburg office, was recently named president of the Harrisburg Trade Association Executives (HTAE). The group represents more than 25 statewide trade associations and is designed to facilitate the exchange of ideas between the leaders of the various associations. In this role, Rabuck will be responsible for organizing monthly meetings of the group with key state and federal government leaders, as well as bringing issues to the group for debate.

The funeral for John Kanzius was held yesterday.  You can read about John Kanzius’ life and achievements in an entry written by Kristin.

Sports

The Erie Otters play an away game this Friday night against the London Knights and return to Erie on Saturday to play the Ottawa 67s . Get your tickets here.

There will be an Erie Otters player appearance at the Taco Bell on lower Peach Street today from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The Erie BayHawks beat the Iowa Energy last night 114-101 to win their 7th straight game.  The ‘Hawks return to Erie this Thursday, February 26 to play the Dakota Wizards. Get your tickets here.

Baseball season is right around the corner and the Erie SeaWolves announce today their Opening Day of Ticket Sales will be held on Saturday, March 21 at Jerry Uht Park from 12p.m. until 4 p.m. This day will be the first opportunity for SeaWolves fans to purchase individual game tickets, pick up mini packs and enjoy their first trip to the ballpark in 2009.

Events

Terrence Cavanaugh, the recently appointed president and CEO of Erie Insurance Group, will be the guest speaker at the Manufacturer and Business Association’s February Eggs ‘n’ Issues briefing, starting at 8 a.m. this morning at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street at Pittsburgh Avenue.

The Women’s Round Table of Erie presents “Interesting Women Doing Interesting Things” by Atty Nadia Harvard at 5:30 p.m. today at the Erie Maennorchor Club, 1607 State Street in Erie, PA. The presentation will be on ethical wills. For reservations contact Hospitality Director, Jill Marince, (814) 392-1577.

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, and LORD Corporation will host an information session for the LORD Scholarship Program—a unique program for students enrolled, or planning to enroll, in engineering, technical and science disciplines at Penn State Behrend. The information session will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. in the Samuel P. “Pat” Black III Conference Center located in the Research and Economic Development Center (REDC) at Penn State Behrend. Parking will be available in the REDC deck located on Technology Drive, off Jordan Road.

State Representatives Michele Brooks (R – Crawford, Lawrence and Mercer), Pat Harkins (D – Erie), John Hornaman (D – Erie), Brad Roae (R – Crawford) and Flo Fabrizio (D – Erie) will address area business and community leaders during a legislative luncheon starting at noon Wednesday, February 25, at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street. Registration begins at 11:45 a.m. The legislative panel will provide insight on issues such as health-care reforms, business taxes, labor laws and tort reform, and the 2009-10 state budget. Following their discussion, they will take part in a question-and-answer session. To register for this briefing, contact Tracy Shepard at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660. Cost is $30 for members; $60 for nonmembers; and includes lunch.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

We knew him locally as a radio and TV engineer and owner of JET Broadcasting Company. The world came to know him as a pioneer in cancer research and founder of the John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation.

John Kanzius died this past Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at a hospital near Sanibel, Florida after a long battle with cancer, the same battle that motivated him to begin his work in finding a cure.

Kanzius had no background in science or medicine, or even a college degree. What he did have was an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion to help the kids he saw suffering in the cancer ward of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Kanzius’ background was in radio and television, starting with studies in electronics and electrical engineering at the Allegheny Technical Institute and the University of Pittsburgh. He was an inventor with several patents on file in the United States, and received international patents for his targeted radio wave procedure.

His work specifically involved finding ways to use radio wave nanoparticles to create energy. The waves are harmless to humans, but create and pass energy that can kill targeted cancer cells – all without the side effects like those typically suffered as a result of chemotherapy and radiology

But how do you target the cancer cells? Metal heats up when exposed to high-powered radio waves. Injecting nanoparticles of metal – such as copper sulfate – into specific cancer cells targets them, and the heat kills them without damaging the cells around them. Even better? None of the side effects.

Now two major research centers – University of Pittsburgh and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center – both have laboratories set up with the necessary equipment to do further testing.

So far the testing shows that work targeted on static cancer cells is a success. The next goal it determine how to attack metastasizing cells or ‘rogue’ cells spreading to other parts of the body.

Studies are being done now to see if there’s a way to program molecules to target cancer cells and attach nanoparticles to just those cells. Success in this study would jump one of the last remaining hurdles to make all of this work a reality, and allow for the beginning of testing on human cancer patients.

John Kanzius leaves behind more survivors than his wife Marianne, two children Sherry Kanzius and Toni Palmer and two granddaughters. He also leaves behind the many cancer survivors who will undoubtedly owe their lives to his tireless work.

Hoping for Spring?  Keeping hoping.  You can blame the groundhog for temperatures that are not supposed to get above 30 degrees today and tomorrow, 45 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday, and back down to the 30’s on Friday.

If you’re scoring at home, that’s an error on VisitErie in their new Erie video they promoted on YouTube last week. The very first slide of the video claims Erie was founded in 1896. That’s only about 121 years off. Erie was founded in 1795 (remember the big bicentennial we had in 1995?), the city itself was incorporated on April 14, 1851. That should probably be fixed. Also, why aren’t the Seawolves mentioned at all? There are few places better to spend a summer afternoon then the Uht.

The funeral for John Kanzius will be held today. The service will begin at 10:30 am at the Cathedral of St. Paul Episcopal, and burial will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the John Kanzius Research Fund, Palace Business Center, 915 State St., Erie, PA 16501.

Jim Martin of the Erie Times-News had a story in yesterday’s Inc. section about local companies and groups using Twitter. Of course, if you’ve been reading ErieBlogs then you’ve known about Twitter for at least a few months now and probably used our Erie Twitter Guide to find interesting people and businesses to follow. We’re sure it was just some oversight that our Twitter feed and the guide were not included in the story.

Professional violinist Irene Cheng has been sharing her expertise with the orchestra students at McDowell High School this semester. Ms. Cheng is associate concertmaster with the Erie Philharmonic, as well as a violinist with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and concertmaster of Buffalo’s Camerata di Sant’ Antonio Chamber Orchestra. She has been working with students on a weekly basis as her schedule allows, and has already improved the group’s sound.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has an article on the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) — a national repository for missing persons and unidentified decedents who have died and whose bodies have not been identified. As part of the story, the Post interviewed Joni Lapeyrouse, of Pensacola, Florida who has used the system to help find out what happened to her aunt, former Erie resident Nellie Florence Cornman Flickinger.

Congrats to all the teams that participated in this weekend’s Barstool Open. The event raised over $37,000 for MECA United Cerebral Palsy.

The Waldablog has posted a new photo of the park’s new Mega Disk-O ride set to open this summer. Check it out here.

Erie native Maria Sansone co-hosted live the countdown coverage last night for the Academy Awards.

Sports

The Erie Otters beat the Plymouth Whalers 7-4this past Saturday.  The Otters have one more away game Friday night against the London Knights before returning to Erie on Saturday to play the Ottawa 67s . Get your tickets here.

There will be an Erie Otters player appearance at the Taco Bell on lower Peach Street tomorrow from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The Erie BayHawks held off a fourth quarter run by the Sioux Falls Skyforce to earn their sixth consecutive victory Saturday night at the Sioux Falls Arena. Four BayHawk players scored over 20 points in the 98-96 win. The ‘Hawks play another away game tonight against the Iowa Energy before returning to Erie this Thursday, February 26 to play the Dakota Wizards. Get your tickets here.

Events

Terrence Cavanaugh, the recently appointed president and CEO of Erie Insurance Group, will be the guest speaker at the Manufacturer and Business Association’s February Eggs ‘n’ Issues briefing, starting at 8 am Tuesday, February 24 at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street at Pittsburgh Avenue. To register for this briefing, contact Tracy Shepard at (814) 833-3200 or (800) 815-2660. Cost is $30 for members, $60 for nonmembers.

The Women’s Round Table of Erie presents “Interesting Women Doing Interesting Things” by Atty Nadia Harvard at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, February 24 at the Erie Maennorchor Club, 1607 State Street in Erie, PA. The presentation will be on ethical wills. For reservations contact Hospitality Director, Jill Marince, (814) 392-1577.

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, and LORD Corporation will host an information session for the LORD Scholarship Program—a unique program for students enrolled, or planning to enroll, in engineering, technical and science disciplines at Penn State Behrend. The information session will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. in the Samuel P. “Pat” Black III Conference Center located in the Research and Economic Development Center (REDC) at Penn State Behrend. Parking will be available in the REDC deck located on Technology Drive, off Jordan Road.

State Representatives Michele Brooks (R – Crawford, Lawrence and Mercer), Pat Harkins (D – Erie), John Hornaman (D – Erie), Brad Roae (R – Crawford) and Flo Fabrizio (D – Erie) will address area business and community leaders during a legislative luncheon starting at noon Wednesday, February 25, at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street. Registration begins at 11:45 a.m. The legislative panel will provide insight on issues such as health-care reforms, business taxes, labor laws and tort reform, and the 2009-10 state budget. Following their discussion, they will take part in a question-and-answer session. To register for this briefing, contact Tracy Shepard at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660. Cost is $30 for members; $60 for nonmembers; and includes lunch.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

VisitErie has released a new video about Erie. They say “The fast-paced three and a half minute video features a pop-up theme, similar to VH1’s “Pop-Up Videos” highlighting fun and interesting factoids people may or may not know about Erie, Pennsylvania. The goal is to reach a more diverse and Internet savvy audience. ”

Despite the fact that Pop-Up Video hasn’t run on TV since 2002, we still think this video is kind of neat. It’s a good introduction to our area.

Gannon University’s Board of Trustees recognizes that today’s difficult economic times require the University to provide more financial assistance to college students than perhaps ever before. That is why the Trustees have authorized up to $2.6 million more this year for financial aid as part of the Gannon Stimulus Initiative. Additional financial aid will be available to current and prospective students, particularly those whose economic circumstances have adversely affected their ability to pay tuition. Students who may be eligible for a portion of the Gannon Stimulus Initiative could include, but not be limited to, those whose parents have lost their jobs or are experiencing unusual circumstances, and self-paying students who have become unemployed.

Last year, Gannon budgeted $24 million for financial aid. Due to the economic uncertainty many current and prospective students are facing, the Board of Trustees and the University administration believed that more financial aid money would be needed to support students who may not otherwise be able to afford college at this time. To that end, the Gannon Stimulus Initiative was created, increasing Gannon’s total financial aid to $26.6 million for the 2009-10 Academic Year.

Logistics Plus and their blogging CEO Jim Berlin are featured in the March issue of Inc. magazine, now on newsstands. It’s a great story about their redevelopment of Union Station. Congrats to Jim and LP.

9 Erie-ites will be heading to Iraq tomorrow. They serve with the 542nd Quartermaster Company. They will spend 400 days in Iraq after training in Indiana. Good luck and God Speed.

Mining.com has a brief article on Eriez Magnetics discussing the Eriez Technical Center here in Erie.  The center has more than 100 types of permanent magnetic, electromagnetic, vibratory, screening, electronic metal detecting, hydraulic and flotation equipment that can handle a wide variety of materials.

Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced the investment of more than $21.5 million in 144 Growing Greener projects to reduce pollution from stormwater runoff and farms, treat acid mine drainage, reduce flooding and improve water quality across the commonwealth. Locally, the Erie County Conservation District will receive $150,000 to implement nutrient and sediment loading reductions to improve water quality in the Trout Run watershed.

Accuride has formally notified the state of Ohio that they will be closing their plant in Cuyohoga Falls. They’ve already begun moving equipment to Erie, and will bring along new jobs for our area.

The new LECOM John M. and Silvia Ferretti Medical Fitness and Wellness Center will open to the public on March 1. LECOM students get to start using the facility this Monday. The 82,000 square foot facility will have something for everyone. You can visit their website here.

Here is a great pic of a rusted out steam shovel with the stamp Bucyrus-Erie that we found on Flickr:

Bucyrus-Erie was the result of a merger in 1927 between Bucyrus and the Erie Steam Shovel Company (modern incarnation is Bucyrus International located in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin).  Erie Steam Shovel was originally called the Ball Engine Company which was founded in Erie in 1883.  In 1931, Bucyrus-Erie changed it’s name to Bucyrus-Monighan so it’s possible the rusty old bucket pictured above was made sometime around the Great Depression.  (Photo credit catchesthelight.)

If you haven’t had enough zebra mussels in your life lately, you might want to check out a webcast on February 25 entitled “Quagga/Zebra Mussel Control.” Paul Vojtek, CEO of the Erie Water Works will be a speaker.

The Academy Awards will be held Sunday evening, and The Movies at Meadville is holding a Guess the Oscars contest. There are a bunch of prizes so put in your guesses and you can win movie tickets, snacks and more. This will be helpful when you want to check out the Jonas Brothers concert movie in 3D. We’re going to start camping out for that one on Wednesday.

Sports

The Erie Otters fell to the Saginaw Spirit last night, 6-4.  Tonight they play the Plymouth Whalers in another away game.  The Otters won’t be back in Erie until Saturday, February 28.

The Erie BayHawks play an away game against the Sioux Falls SkyForce on  Saturday, February 21. The ‘Hawks play another away game on Monday, February 23 against the Iowa Energy before returning to Erie on Thursday, February 26 to play the Dakota Wizards. Get your tickets here.

The Gannon men’s basketball team continues an important three-game homestand Saturday, February 21 against Indiana (Pa.) at the Hammermill Center. Game time is scheduled for 3 p.m. Gannon is ranked No. 8 in NCAA Division II and No. 3 in the latest NCAA Division II Atlantic regional rankings. Indiana (Pa.) enters the battle No. 2 in the latest regional rankings. Both teams are tied for first place in the PSAC West with two games remaining next week. The PSAC West’s top seed will have home-court advantage throughout the PSAC Tournament.

Kent State senior and gymnast Rachel Stuck of Erie tied for top spot on floor with a score of 9.875 during a triangular meet with Central Michigan and Maryland.

Events

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, will host the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) Region 10 competition all day today. The daylong event begins at 7:30 a.m. and utilizes most of campus. This marks the third year that the college has hosted the competition.

The kick off the re-election campaign for Lynn Case Craker, Millcreek Tax Collector, will be held at the Ringside Restaurant, 32nd and Sterrettania Rd on March 8, 2009. Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. along with a basket raffle. Cost is $10 per person. For more information, call Lynn at (814) 873-6607 or (814) 838-8666 or email.

Allegheny College will host a presentation, titled “Fixing America’s Economy,” by representatives of the Coalition for a Prosperous America on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. in Ford Chapel. Steve Onyeiwu, associate professor of economics at Allegheny College and co-director of the college’s managerial economics program, will open the program with a brief analysis of the state of manufacturing in the United States and in northwestern Pennsylvania, putting the current situation into a historical context.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

Feb. 19: Jerry Seinfeld, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 22: Rain (Beatles Cover Band), Warner Theatre (tickets)
March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

The big news of yesterday was the passing of John Kanzius. Kanzius, 64, worked at WJET for many years, including serving as the station’s general manager. For the last several years, he had been developing a technology for killing cancer cells using radio waves. He began developing this technology after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. You can read more about this Kanzius RF Therapy here.

Kanzius is survived by his wife, Marianne and his two daughters. Our thoughts are with them in this difficult time. According to JET, the Duskus-Martin funeral home on Sterrettania Road in Millcreek is handling the funeral arrangements.

Lou Baxter of WJET has a nice story on Kanzius and his connection to Erie.

[flashvideo file=http://yourerie.com/media/flv/John_Kanzius_Dies_at_64.flv /]

Senator Bob Casey released this statement:

I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of John Kanzius, a man who dedicated his life to finding a cure for cancer. Kanzius believed that nothing was more important and more urgent than finding a humane treatment for the terrible disease. Kanzius and his work will be greatly missed, but it is my hope that someone else will be able to pick up where he left off. My thoughts and prayers are with Kanzius and his family.

While it’s a loss for Erie, Kanzius’ work has deep roots for our area. Work will continue on his treatment, and hopefully will reach human trials in the next few years. Plans were in place to eventually develop the machine in this area once it was approved for use—creating the machines here has the potential to bring billions of dollars (and jobs) to our area. So, though he’s gone, his legacy will be felt in our area for decades to come.

If you’d like to support the John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation, you can visit their website here. Peter Panepento also posted a nice remembrance of Kanzius.

Mike Kerner, director of administration at RM Kerner Company, has announced he’ll be seeking the Republican nomination for Erie County Executive in the May primary. He’ll face fellow Republican Gil Rocco for his party’s nomination, while current County Executive Mark DiVecchio will face a challenge from former state senator Buzz Andrezeski on the Democratic side.

Teens Katie and Karleigh Santry of Erie were quoted in a USA Today article discussing the music group, the Jonas Brothers. Katie and Karleigh are responsible for starting the fan website jonasbrothersfan.com and have been to more Jonas Brothers concerts than most people go to all concerts combined in their entire life.

MTR Gaming Group announced that it will issue its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2008 on Thursday, March 12, 2009 after the stock market closes. MTR will conduct a conference call focusing on the financial results and recent corporate developments at 4:30 p.m. on March 12 and those interested can listen in by dialing (888) 559-4229 (conference ID # 83126116). The conference call will also be webcast live via the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website.

During a PA House Appropriations Committee meeting, Representative John Evans put the heat on Acting Community and Economic Development Secretary George Cornelius about the state bailout of department store Boscov’s and the potential for other private businesses to come begging for public money. Cornelius acknowledged that this is a possibility but that the state would be selective and the business asking for a handout would need to present a compelling case.

Representatives John Evans and Michele Brooks, along with Senator Bob Robbins have done the people of Conneaut and Linesville right. The trio announced that the long-standing tradition of feeding bread to the carp at the Pymatuning State Park Spillway will continue for the foreseeable future. You can just hear the fish at Pymatuning breathing a sigh of relief.

Sports

The Erie Otters play the Windsor Spitfires tonight, the Saginaw Spirit on Friday, and the Plymouth Whalers on Saturday.  All are away games.  The Otters won’t be back until Saturday, February 28.

The Erie BayHawks play an away game against the Sioux Falls SkyForce on  Saturday, February 21. The ‘Hawks play another away game on Monday, February 23 against the Iowa Energy before returning to Erie on Thursday, February 26 to play the Dakota Wizards. Get your tickets here.

Events

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

Feb. 19: Jerry Seinfeld, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 22: Rain (Beatles Cover Band), Warner Theatre (tickets)
March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

Gannon University’s Schuster Theatre’s next show, “The Trachinae,” a fiery Greek tragedy, will be shown Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Feb. 19-22. All Thursday-Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Gannon’s Schuster Theatre is located at 620 Sassafras Street. Ticket prices for the general public are $5. For more information, contact the Theatre at 814-871-7493 or 814-871-7720.

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

A quick heads-up if you have not yet picked up an digital TV receiver – WSEE will turn off its analog signal tomorrow. This will only affect you if you get TV signals with an antenna, either rabbit-ears style or an external antenna. Satellite and cable customers will not see any change. Despite Congress changing the shut-off deadline until June, 400 stations across the country will switch tomorrow.  These (and other) stations did not budget the cost of running analog past the February 17 cut-off date.

Good news regarding the local blood situation. Dan Desrochers reports the Community Blood Bank has 924 units of blood right now (800 is considered optimal). While that’s good news, please don’t let deter you from taking a half hour or so and giving blood. It still takes 800 donors a week to keep the blood supply at a safe level.

A reader of the Grand Forks Herald wrote their technology column to lament the fact that WQLN has stopped airing UK soap EastEnders. It seems the writer’s daughter would tape the show on WQLN and send them a tape. We concur with the columnist – pick up a Slingbox and find someone who will stream it to you.

General Electric Transportation and Siemens AG are the only bidders in separate contracts for a $6 billion Indian Railways project to manufacture electric and diesel locomotives. Indian government officials are concerned since three of the five companies in the running for the project did not bid because of uncertainty of the railway project and the contract terms, and are questioning the competitiveness of bids between just the two companies. Interestingly enough, the winning bidder will be required to build a township, school, and hospitals near the factory that will build the locomotives.

Erie Insurance was praised in a recent article on the website GlassBYTEs, a glass and insurance industry publication.

The price of gas is slowing creeping up despite the price of crude oil falling to a low of $37.  Let us do the math for you: crude was at $147 in July 2008 when we were paying $4 a gallon.  Crude is now $37 and comparing that to July’s price ($4 x 37 / 147) we should be paying $1 a gallon.  The lowest price in the Erie area is $2.09.  If oil companies and refineries reported record profits last year, we think its going to be an extremely profitable 2009 for them.  Time to invest in energy stocks if you haven’t already.

Another day, a few more additions to our Erie Twitter Guide. Check it out.

Sports

There will be an Otters player appearance McDonald’s on Buffalo Road later today at 6:30 p.m.  The Otters are away for the rest of the week playing the Windsor Spitfires on Thursday, the Saginaw Spirit on Friday, and the Plymouth Whalers on Saturday.

The Erie BayHawks are off until Saturday, February 21 when they play an away game against the Sioux Falls SkyForce. The ‘Hawks play another away game on Monday, February 23 against the Iowa Energy before returning to Erie on Thursday, February 26 to play the Dakota Wizards. Get your tickets here.

The Gannon men’s basketball team secured its second consecutive 20-win season with a 76-41 victory Monday night at Lake Erie in the squad’s final non-conference game of the season. It marks the 24th 20-win season in the program’s 65-year history.

Freshman Phil Ginand of the Mercyhurst College men’s hockey team has been named Atlantic Hockey Association Player of the Week for the week of February 16, announced Monday afternoon by AHA league officials.

Events

Erie Arts Opportunity Local Education Fund is a Local Education fund that secures and distributes funds, especially to low income public schools in Erie County, to enable professional arts instruction within each participating school according to prescribed standards. EAOLEF, Inc. is intended to enable participating public schools to make a long-term commitment to the provision of an adequate arts curriculum. Their board meets meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m if you are interested in learning more.

On Wednesday, Feb. 18, Gannon University will host the third of four financial aid workshops.The workshop is designed to help high school students and their parents better navigate the sometimes complex financial aid process. It is free and open to the public and will begin at 6:30 p.m. in room 1200 of the University’s Palumbo Academic Center, 824 Peach St. For more information, contact Gannon’s Financial Aid Office at 814-871-7337 or 1-800-GANNON-U, or visit the website.

Erie Gay Business Alliance will meet on February 18 at Matthew’s Trattoria, 153 E 13th St at 7 PM. Local activist Doris Cipolla will be speaking about marriage equality and other issues relevant to the GLBT community to the Erie Gay Business Alliance, which is for GLBT professionals and business people and their supporters. Phone: (814) 456-9833. Email: egba-owner@eriegaynews.com.

On February 23, The Edinboro University Chamber Players present works for flute, saxophone, guitar, tuba and strings. Free admission – no ticket required. Sponsored by Pennsylvania Council of the Arts, Arts Council of Erie, Erie County Public Library, Friends of the Erie County Public Library and Edinboro University Music Department. The concert will be held at the Blasco Memorial Library Hirt Auditorium, 160 E Front St.

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, and LORD Corporation will host an information session for the LORD Scholarship Program—a unique program for students enrolled, or planning to enroll, in engineering, technical and science disciplines at Penn State Behrend. The information session will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. in the Samuel P. “Pat” Black III Conference Center located in the Research and Economic Development Center (REDC) at Penn State Behrend. Parking will be available in the REDC deck located on Technology Drive, off Jordan Road.

A Pride Picnic Meeting will be held on March 8 at Panera’s Yorktown, 2501 W 12th St, Erie, PA 16505 at 2 PM. We will be meeting to discuss planning for the 17th Annual Erie Pride Picnic, which will be held on Sunday, June 13 from 1 to 6 PM at the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park, Erie PA Contact: Michael Mahler. Phone: (814) 456-9833. Email: info@eriegaynews.com. Browse to http://www.eriegaynews.com.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

Feb. 19: Jerry Seinfeld, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 22: Rain (Beatles Cover Band), Warner Theatre (tickets)
March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

Today is Presidents Day. Presidents Day was originally designated in honor of George Washington’s birthday and is still legally called “Washington’s Birthday.” Banks, the post office, the courts, state and county offices and, depending on how your valentine’s weekend went, liquor stores will all be closed today.

Speaking of Presidents, Barack Obama will sign into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act later this week.  The new law offers tax cuts and money for various projects.  For first-time home buyers, some may be eligible to receive an $8,000 credit if a home is purchased before December 31, 2009.  And unlike the previous $7,500 credit passed into law last year, you do not have to pay back the $8,000.

If you’re off work today, check out our Erie Twitter Guide. We’ve added a couple of new users to it over the last couple of days. One person who read our list and set up a Twitter feed for his business has already got a few leads via Twitter from companies as far away as Indiana. That’s awesome.

As of last night, there were just a handful of people left without power in Erie following last week’s very high winds. They should all be reconnected by today.

Erie County coroner Lyell Cook, president of the Pennsylvania State Coroners Association, will lead a discussion at the group’s meeting month to discuss a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision. The court ruled that autopsy reports are public information and Cook wants to find a way to tactfully comply with the ruling without releasing embarrassing information about a decedent.  Autopsy reports are not public information in some states.

The Bradeton, Florida branch of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine hosted the Southwest Florida Regional Brain Bee this past Saturday.

Our condolences to the family of Aaron Nolan.  Aaron was missing since January 16 but found dead last week in a melting snow drift near his apartment.  Aaron leaves behind his new born son Ryder Nolan.  Since we reported the story last week, investigators still are not certain how Aaron ended up outside.

A woman who lives on E. 11th Street was shot in the hand Sunday morning. The woman was in her house and the shot was fired from outsie. Police don’t have any suspects yet.

19-year-old Katelyn Martibello, a student at Edinboro University, was killed in a crash on Route 99 Saturday. Police said roads in that area were icy. Martibello was from Greeley, PA. Also injured in the crash was Stephanie Hutchinson, of Ashtabula. Martibello is the second Edinboro student to be killed in vehicle crash in as many weeks.

Richard Poulson, a lawyer representing the local firefighters union says Erie mayor Joe Sinnott is not correct when he says the city must hire 24 new firefighters. Erica Erwin has more here.

Dan Patrick, former SportsCenter anchor, gives Erie a shout-out in his most recent column in Sports Illustrated. He writes: “here are a few other ways to trim Super Bowl-related expenses in these trying times: Forget Disney World: Winners go to Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort in Erie.” It’s on page 30.

The Canadian travel website, Canoe.ca, has an article on how everyone up North is absolutely sick and tired of the cold and snow and makes recommendations on how to escape South.  The popular routes are I-95 down the Eastern Seaboard, 1-79 and I-77 south from Erie,and I-75 from Detroit. The Detroit route is recommended by the author due to the amount of snow travelers would encounter on the other two.

Sports

The Erie Otters beat the Kingston Frontenacs on Saint Valentines day 4-3. There will be an Otters player appearance McDonald’s on Buffalo Road tomorrow at 6:30 p.m.

The Erie BayHawks are off until Saturday, February 21 whe they play an away game against the Sioux Falls SkyForce. The ‘Hawks play another away game on Monday, February 23 against the Iowa Energy before returning to Erie on Thursday, February 26 to play the Dakota Wizards. Get your tickets here.

Luke Gazdic’s second goal of the game midway through the third turned out to be the game winner as the Erie Otters rallied from behind for a 4-3 win over the Kingston Frontenacs in an Ontario Hockey League game played Saturday night in front of 3,721 at the Tullio Arena.

The calendar said it was February 14, but the intensity inside McComb Fieldhouse was more like March 14. It was definitely a playoff atmosphere as Edinboro and Slippery Rock battled, and unfortunately the Fighting Scots came out on the short end of a 96-87 game in overtime. The loss dropped Edinboro into a tie with The Rock at 7-3 in the PSAC West. Edinboro is 17-6 overall, while a Slippery Rock team which is enjoying its finest season since 1990-91 improved to 16-7.

Erin Ham of Allehgeny College placed second, automatically qualifying for Nationals in the 200-yard breaststroke, as she touched the wall in 2:19.56 at the North Coast Athletic Conference Championships at the C.T. Branin Natatorium on Saturday.

The Mercyhurst College baseball squad went 1-2 in its season-opening weekend series at Brevard College. The Lakers dropped today’s single-game, nine-inning affair in heartbreaking fashion as the homestanding Tornados put together a rally in the bottom of the ninth to score the winning runs with a two-out single.

The Behrend Lions men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams continued its domination of the AMCC. This is the third time in as many years for the blue and white to take home the championship. The women’s team would take the championship with a score of 213 while the men would prevail with a 250 mark.

Events

Allegheny College will host a special visit day for college-bound students and their families on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 16. High school seniors may schedule an interview with an admissions counselor, take a tour of campus with a current student and stay for lunch or dinner in one of Allegheny’s dining halls. Interview appointments for high school seniors are available from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. In addition, an information session followed by a campus tour for high school juniors and sophomores will begin at 11 a.m. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call toll free (800) 521-5293.

On Wednesday, Feb. 18, Gannon University will host the third of four financial aid workshops.The workshop is designed to help high school students and their parents better navigate the sometimes complex financial aid process. It is free and open to the public and will begin at 6:30 p.m. in room 1200 of the University’s Palumbo Academic Center, 824 Peach St. For more information, contact Gannon’s Financial Aid Office at 814-871-7337 or 1-800-GANNON-U, or visit the website.

Erie Gay Business Alliance will meet on February 18 at Matthew’s Trattoria, 153 E 13th St at 7 PM. Local activist Doris Cipolla will be speaking about marriage equality and other issues relevant to the GLBT community to the Erie Gay Business Alliance, which is for GLBT professionals and business people and their supporters. Phone: (814) 456-9833. Email: egba-owner@eriegaynews.com.

State Representatives Michele Brooks (R – Crawford, Lawrence and Mercer), Pat Harkins (D – Erie), John Hornaman (D – Erie), Brad Roae (R – Crawford) and Flo Fabrizio (D – Erie) will address area business and community leaders during a legislative luncheon starting at noon Wednesday, February 25, at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street. Registration begins at 11:45 a.m. The legislative panel will provide insight on issues such as health-care reforms, business taxes, labor laws and tort reform, and the 2009-10 state budget. Following their discussion, they will take part in a question-and-answer session. To register for this briefing, contact Tracy Shepard at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660. Cost is $30 for members; $60 for nonmembers; and includes lunch.

Educators from Erie County can find the cure for their cabin fever at the Erie Art Museum, 411 State Street, on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 from 4:30-7p.m. Educators from all disciplines and age levels can earn Act 48 credit. “The Cabin Fever Getaway is an opportunity for educators of students in grades K-12 in all disciplines to familiarize themselves with the Erie Art Museum’s tour and educational programs, meet artists, explore exhibits and earn Act 48 credit,” said Kelly Armor, Erie Art Museum education and folk art director. Cost is $10 per person in advance or $12 at the door. Contact Jeff or Stephanie at the Museum, (814) 459-5477 or email Stephanie@erieartmuseum.org

There will be a book and media sale on Friday, March 6, from 3:00 – 8:00 and Saturday, March 7, from 8:00 – 3:00 at Mercyhurst Prep School, 538 E. Grandview Blvd. Donations of books, audio tapes, CDs, DVDs, and children’s board/computer games are needed. Donations can be taken directly to the main office of MPS or can be picked up by calling 572-4669. For further information, call Marisa Moks-Unger at 459-4042. Books and media offered at great prices. A bake sale will also be featured both days. All proceeds of the sale will benefit the Performing Arts Department of Mercyhurst Prep.

Abstract thinking, glasses clinking, free admission, artist demos, live music combine for the first Gallery Night of 2009 on March 6 from 7-10 p.m. Accents By The Bay, Allen Stoneware Gallery, Glass Growers Gallery, Kada Gallery, Ralph Miller Jewelers & Gallery, Presque Isle Gallery Coffeehouse, Schuster Gallery at Gannon University, Urraro Gallery and the galleries at the Erie Art Museum will host Gallery Night. Always a popular way to get around Gallery Night, EMTA’s Bayliner will be providing free 1 hour shuttle transportation from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Trolley maps and schedules are available at each gallery or by calling the Erie Art Museum at 814-459-5477.

On Thursday, March 12, 2009 from 6 – 8 p.m., celebrate the Birthday of Girl Scouting by re-connecting with your inner Girl Scout! Enjoy Girl Scout Cookies and Thin Mintinis, while sharing your sweetest Girl Scout memories. Bring your friends – and make s’more! Featuring complementary appetizers and soft drinks, plus cash bar (for guests 21 or over). Hosted by the Girl Scout Alumnae Association; this event is designed for adult Girl Scout Alumnae and other friends of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania. Location: Matthew’s Trattoria & Martini Lounge. Cost: free

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

Feb. 19: Jerry Seinfeld, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 22: Rain (Beatles Cover Band), Warner Theatre (tickets)
March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

If you would like your event considered for posting here on ErieBlogs.com, please send us your information using our online contact form. Make sure you check our daily News & Events for new event listings and events happening that day.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

Feb. 19: Jerry Seinfeld, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 22: Rain (Beatles Cover Band), Warner Theatre (tickets)
March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

This Week’s Events

Environmentalist, activist and attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will speak on “Our Environmental Destiny” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15 in Ford Chapel at Allegheny College. Kennedy will discuss the role that our natural surroundings play in our work, our health and our identity as Americans. Using examples gathered from relevant art, history, litigation and literature, he will remind listeners of their responsibility to protect and preserve the environment for future generations.

Allegheny College will host a special visit day for college-bound students and their families on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 16. High school seniors may schedule an interview with an admissions counselor, take a tour of campus with a current student and stay for lunch or dinner in one of Allegheny’s dining halls. Interview appointments for high school seniors are available from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. In addition, an information session followed by a campus tour for high school juniors and sophomores will begin at 11 a.m. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call toll free (800) 521-5293.

On Wednesday, Feb. 18, Gannon University will host the third of four financial aid workshops.The workshop is designed to help high school students and their parents better navigate the sometimes complex financial aid process. It is free and open to the public and will begin at 6:30 p.m. in room 1200 of the University’s Palumbo Academic Center, 824 Peach St. For more information, contact Gannon’s Financial Aid Office at 814-871-7337 or 1-800-GANNON-U, or visit the website.

Erie Gay Business Alliance will meet on February 18 at Matthew’s Trattoria, 153 E 13th St at 7 PM. Local activist Doris Cipolla will be speaking about marriage equality and other issues relevant to the GLBT community to the Erie Gay Business Alliance, which is for GLBT professionals and business people and their supporters. Phone: (814) 456-9833. Email: egba-owner@eriegaynews.com. Sign up for the email list at http://lists.eriegaynews.com

Cats is an award-winning musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T. S. Eliot. Since opening in London in 1981, the show has been performed around the world in numerous productions and has been translated into more than 20 languages. The show opens at the Erie PlayHouse and runs through February 15.

The Erie Art Museum’s Kids as Curators exhibit will open on February 6 and run through March 22, 2009 in the Annex Gallery. An exhibit of objects from kids’ collections, curated by kids for kids. This year we feature work of Harding Elementary, General McLane High School, and Walnut Creek Middle School. Sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences.

Gannon University’s Schuster Theatre’s next show, “The Trachinae,” a fiery Greek tragedy, will be shown Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Feb. 12-14, and Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Feb. 19-22. All Thursday-Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Gannon’s Schuster Theatre is located at 620 Sassafras Street. Ticket prices for the general public are $5. For more information, contact the Theatre at 814-871-7493 or 814-871-7720.

February Events

Terrence Cavanaugh, the recently appointed president and CEO of Erie Insurance Group, will be the guest speaker at the Manufacturer & Business Association’s February Eggs ‘n’ Issues briefing, starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, February 24 at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street at Pittsburgh Avenue. To register for this briefing, contact Tracy Shepard at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660. Cost is $30 for members, $60 for nonmembers.

The 11th annual MECA Bar Stool Open will be held on Saturday February 21, 2009 in downtown Erie, PA. Entry fee is $100 per team of 4 golfers, $25 per person. Must be 21 years of age or older to participate. Click here to for the registration form.

The Elk Creek Recreation and Leisure Board in Girard is sponsoring the Cabin Fever Festival at Girard high School. The event is free (no admission) and will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2009 from 1 – 5 p.m. Activities include: free wwimming in school pool, snow shoe instructions by Asbury Woods, movie, piano recital, hay rides and snowmobile rides, sled riding (BYO Sled), crafters, face painting, and finger printing. And oh yes, food.

Erie’s favorite event is right around the corner. The 18th Annual Erie Trivia Night Challenge will be held on Thursday, February 26 at the Avalon Hotel, 16 West Tenth Street, Erie. The event will benefit children in the Achievement Center’s Physical Rehabilitation programs. Participants in the event will be treated to an evening of lavish raffles, a silent auction; dinner fit for a king, and of course, the coveted Achiever’s Title. “Captain Dan” Geary will be returning as our master of ceremonies. “Captain Dan” will be navigating participants through three rounds of rip-roaring, mind-teasing Erie trivia questions to arrive at the infamous, “final question.” Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is at 6 p.m. with the trivia to start at 7 p.m. Cost is $50 per person or $400 per table of eight. Dinner and game play included. For more information, call Susan A. Smith at 814-459-2755, Ext. 1115.

February 27 will be the Erie Art Museum’s Nouveau, a party serioes for 20-40 somethings. African safari theme features African textiles, drumming circle, tie dye workshop, donation bar…and a dose of new. Sponsored by PNC Bank, Erie Times News, Bob FM, Molly Brannigans, Bud American Ale

March Events

Think you have what it takes to sing the National Anthem at a Double-A baseball game? Well here is your chance. The Erie SeaWolves announce today their National Anthem tryouts will be held Saturday, March 21 at the Erie Playhouse. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and tryouts begin at 12 p.m. Those interested in auditioning will perform the National Anthem for a panel of judges. Auditions must be performed a capella. For more information about the National Anthem tryouts, please contact Carol Trumbo at (814) 456-1300 or via email at ctrumbo@seawolves.com.

April Events

The 2009 Erie Microbrew Festival will be held April 18, 2009 at the Brewerie in the Union Station. There will be two sessions: 1 – 4:00 p.m., and 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets will be $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

Today is Saint Valentines Day.  For all you guys out there–quick, run to Pulokos and grab some chocolate for your significant other.  If you’re thinking about going out to dinner we hope you’ve made reservations.  Otherwise it’s going to be a romantic dinner at home.   Weather for today: high of 32 degrees with a light snowfall. Opening this weekend at the movies: Confessions of a Shopaholic, The International, Friday the 13th, Two Lovers, and Gomorra.  Check out our Events section below for more ideas on what to do this weekend.

A number of people in Erie County still do not have power.  Penelec believes it will have power restored to almost all of its customer by midnight tonight.

Ice build up is being looked at as the reason why the Continental commuter plane crashed just outside of Buffalo on Thursday night. A number of Mercyhurst College grad students along with forensic anthropologists Dennis Dirkmaat and Steven Symes are assisting at the site of the crash.

PETA held another protest at the KFC on Parade Street yesterday.  We have to wonder how many people stop at the restaurant just to spite the protesters.

Jermaine Vaughn’s preliminary hearing for the beating and subsequent death of Brent Carey will be held on March 6th. Vaughn practically admitted to police that he killed Carey when he said he couldn’t help beating Carey unconscious because he “hit[s] hard.”

Senator Arlen Specter has peeved his fellow Republican state party members by voting in favor of the $789 billion economic stimulus package this past Thursday. No doubt they are even more upset that he voted for it again last night.

Pennsylvania judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan are accused of taking more than $2 million in bribes for sending youth offenders to privately run detention centers. Ciavarella and Conahan are from Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, in the north eastern part of the state. A lawsuit has been filed in federal court.

Sports

The Erie Otters lost to the London Knights 4-3 in an away game last night.  Tonight the Ottersare back in Erie to host the Kingston Frontenacs. Get your tickets here.

The Erie BayHawks are off until Saturday, February 21 whe they play an away game against the Sioux Falls SkyForce. The ‘Hawks play another away game on Monday, February 23 against the Iowa Energy before returning to Erie on Thursday, February 26 to play the Dakota Wizards. Get your tickets here.

The Mercyhurst mens hockey team plays UConn this weekend.

Events

Gannon University’s Schuster Theatre’s next show, “The Trachinae,” a fiery Greek tragedy, will be shown Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Feb. 12-14, and Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Feb. 19-22. All Thursday-Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Gannon’s Schuster Theatre is located at 620 Sassafras Street. Ticket prices for the general public are $5. For more information, contact the Theatre at 814-871-7493 or 814-871-7720.

The McDowell Center for Performing Arts will present Arthur Miller’s Tony Award winning play The Crucible on February 12-13-14, 2009 in the Little Theatre (3320 Caughey Road). The play, praised as “A Powerful Drama” by the New York Times, deals with the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem. Yet, the play is more then a story of witchcraft. It is really a statement of bigotry and deceit, which can cripple society and cause chaos among citizens. Directed by Ken Falkenhagen and assisted by Michael Malthaner, The Crucible stars Marie Glaser, Dominic Barbaro, Kristie Bauman, Ryley Nesbella, Alexandra Schwartz, Sean Weese, and Brett Niethamer. Tickets are just $5.00 and will be sold at the door prior to each performance.

If you’re looking for something different to do in celebration of Valentine’s day, you should consider the Erie Planetarium’s Valentines Dinner Under the Stars. There will be two shows with dinner from 5 – 9 on February 14. For more information call (814) 454-1813, ext. 0.

Erie Celebrates the 200th Anniversary of President Lincolns Birth at the Battles Museum of Rural Life in Girard on Saturday, February 14, 2009 from 12 – 2 p.m. The Erie County Historical Society, Girard Borough and the Civil War Consortium present a rededication of the Civil War Monument in downtown Girard. Dedicated on November 25, 1865, the monument is considered one of the first to honor fallen Civil War soldiers. President and Mrs. Lincoln, Dan Rice and members of the 11th, 83rd and 145th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry are included in the rededication ceremony at the monument site in downtown Girard. Three students from the Girard Elementary School will be selected to read their winning essays about why President Lincoln is one of our country\’s most memorable presidents. A reception at the Girard Methodist Church will immediately follow the ceremony.

The Erie Philharmonic presents The Piano Man – A Tribute to Billy Joel on February 14, at 8 p.m. For more information call (814) 455-1375 or visit the website.

The SeaWolves are looking for enthusiastic, outgoing individuals of ALL ages to join their team. The ‘Wolves will be hosting their second annual Job Expo on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at the Erie Civic Center from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. We are filling positions for our “Wolf Pack” promotional team, ushers, concession stands, mascots and other exciting game day jobs. The job expo will be located in the Civic Center suites and interested parties can enter at entrance B near the southeast corner of the arena. Perspective game day employees will fill out applications and interview for positions on the spot. For more information about the 2009 Erie SeaWolves Job Expo, contact (814) 456-1300 or visit www.seawolves.com.

Environmentalist, activist and attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will speak on “Our Environmental Destiny” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15 in Ford Chapel at Allegheny College. Kennedy will discuss the role that our natural surroundings play in our work, our health and our identity as Americans. Using examples gathered from relevant art, history, litigation and literature, he will remind listeners of their responsibility to protect and preserve the environment for future generations.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

Feb. 19: Jerry Seinfeld, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 22: Rain (Beatles Cover Band), Warner Theatre (tickets)
March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

Today is Friday the 13th.  Good luck, and be careful out there. Avoid black cats and walking under ladders.

The bad luck struck Erie yesterday with serious storm damage caused by strong winds and rain.  Power outages and flooding was reported across the county. FirstEnergy, parent company of Penelec, reported that more than 500,000 of its customers have interrupted service in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. In the Penelec service area alone, 108,000 customers were affected and 42,000 are without service.

Several roads were also closed due to fallen power lines, debris, or heavy flooding. Interstate 90 was closed between exits 6 and 9 yesterday morning due to downed utility lines, and upper Peach was closed for a time because the Kwik Fill sign started to come down. An entire utility post and traffic light came out of the ground at 12th and Peach. PennDOT reports that some roads in Conneaut Township and LeBoeuf Township may remain closed until 4 pm today due to flooding, so if you travel in those areas you may need to find an alternate route.

The young man now known as the “East High Shooter”, 15-year-old Felix Velasquez, was arraigned last night in Erie after returning from Massachusetts. He was charged as an adult with aggravated assault, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person. He is currently jailed on $150,000 cash bond.

Lawn and Landscape reported how snow removal companies are one of the few industries not affected by the downturn in the economy.  With most cities seeing double the normal snow fall, business has been brisk. Some contractors are reporting a 200 percent increase in business over last winter. We certainly wouldn’t mind having someone else plow our driveway.

Fr. Larry Richards was featured in the Western Catholic Report, a Canadian religious publication.  The article discusses how Fr. Richards uses confrontational techniques when evangelizing men.  And speaking of clergy, Fr. John Detish wrote a letter to the editor of the Times criticizing Obama’s attire when he is in the Oval Office.

A rollover crash in Crawford County yesterday was reportedly caused by a lit cigarette. John Graham of Titusville was driving on Route 198 when he tried to flick his cigarette butt out the window. It blew back inside his car and caused him to swerve into oncoming traffic when he tried to retrieve it. He struck a truck and caused it to roll, but luckily the driver and her two passengers were uninjured. Graham and his passenger suffered minor injuries. Double fail–once for flicking the butt out of the car, and the second time for not pulling over once it blew back in the window.

81-year-old Anthony Malone of Erie will compete for the 60th time in the 106th annual U.S. Bowling Congress Open Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada. Malone will become the 10th to enter the 60-year club in the Open.

Sports

The Otters play an away game tonight against the London Knights, and are back in Erie to host the Kingston Frontenacs on Saturday. Get your tickets here.

Michael Machuga of Erie took 8th place in the PBA Lumber Liquidators-USBC Masters.

Eight girls from the Meadville and Sharon high school basketball teams were suspended for one game after a fight broke out at the end of their game Wednesday night. Sharon won in overtime, 68-58, and the suspended girls will miss the first round of the playoffs due to the dustup. We’re sorry we missed all the action.

Events

Gannon University’s Schuster Theatre’s next show, “The Trachinae,” a fiery Greek tragedy, will be shown Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Feb. 12-14, and Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Feb. 19-22. All Thursday-Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Gannon’s Schuster Theatre is located at 620 Sassafras Street. Ticket prices for the general public are $5. For more information, contact the Theatre at 814-871-7493 or 814-871-7720.

The McDowell Center for Performing Arts will present Arthur Miller’s Tony Award winning play The Crucible on February 12-13-14, 2009 in the Little Theatre (3320 Caughey Road). The play, praised as “A Powerful Drama” by the New York Times, deals with the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem. Yet, the play is more then a story of witchcraft. It is really a statement of bigotry and deceit, which can cripple society and cause chaos among citizens. Directed by Ken Falkenhagen and assisted by Michael Malthaner, The Crucible stars Marie Glaser, Dominic Barbaro, Kristie Bauman, Ryley Nesbella, Alexandra Schwartz, Sean Weese, and Brett Niethamer. Tickets are just $5.00 and will be sold at the door prior to each performance.

If you’re looking for something different to do in celebration of Valentine’s day, you should consider the Erie Planetarium’s Valentines Dinner Under the Stars. There will be two shows with dinner from 6:30  – 9 p.m. on February 12 & 13. and 5 – 9 on February 14. For more information call (814) 454-1813, ext. 0.

Erie Celebrates the 200th Anniversary of President Lincolns Birth at the Battles Museum of Rural Life in Girard on Saturday, February 14, 2009 from 12 – 2 p.m. The Erie County Historical Society, Girard Borough and the Civil War Consortium present a rededication of the Civil War Monument in downtown Girard. Dedicated on November 25, 1865, the monument is considered one of the first to honor fallen Civil War soldiers. President and Mrs. Lincoln, Dan Rice and members of the 11th, 83rd and 145th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry are included in the rededication ceremony at the monument site in downtown Girard. Three students from the Girard Elementary School will be selected to read their winning essays about why President Lincoln is one of our country\’s most memorable presidents. A reception at the Girard Methodist Church will immediately follow the ceremony.

The Erie Philharmonic presents The Piano Man – A Tribute to Billy Joel on February 14, at 8 p.m. For more information call (814) 455-1375 or visit the website.

The SeaWolves are looking for enthusiastic, outgoing individuals of ALL ages to join their team. The ‘Wolves will be hosting their second annual Job Expo on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at the Erie Civic Center from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. We are filling positions for our “Wolf Pack” promotional team, ushers, concession stands, mascots and other exciting game day jobs. The job expo will be located in the Civic Center suites and interested parties can enter at entrance B near the southeast corner of the arena. Perspective game day employees will fill out applications and interview for positions on the spot. For more information about the 2009 Erie SeaWolves Job Expo, contact (814) 456-1300 or visit www.seawolves.com.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

Feb. 13: The Temptations, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 19: Jerry Seinfeld, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 22: Rain (Beatles Cover Band), Warner Theatre (tickets)
March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

Ed. note: We’re excited to welcome Kristin Lynch as a new contributor here at ErieBlogs.com. She’s got a wealth of web development, writing experience, and a blog. We’re excited to have her blog here occasionally. Please welcome her in the comments.

There’s no doubt that Abraham Lincoln is still revered by most historians as our nation’s finest president. Interest in our 16th president has never wavered, but has been revitalized even further over the past several months by Barack Obama’s campaign and inauguration, and by the 200th anniversary of his birthday today, February 12. A new book by Doris Kearns Goodwin, ‘Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln’ examines Lincoln’s unique ability to make friends and colleagues out of former adversaries. Several new programs about the ‘Great Emancipator’ are appearing on WQLN and the History Channel this month as well, to quench what appears to be an insatiable thirst for more about this fascinating leader.

The Erie County Historical Society is following suit but offering a weekend of celebration February 14th and 15th. At noon on Saturday, February 14, a ceremony and reception will be held to rededicate one of the Civil War’s first monuments to honor fallen soldiers. The monument is located in downtown Girard and will be the scene of the rededication. President and Mrs. Lincoln, Dan Rice, and members of the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry will take part in the ceremony. Children from Girard Elementary School will read their winning essays on Lincoln. A reception will be held at Grace Methodist Church immediately following the ceremony.

Saturday night, the Erie County Historical Society will celebrate Lincoln’s birthday with a Victorian Ball at the Watson-Curtze Mansion. The ball, hosted by the President and Mrs. Lincoln, will include period costumes, ballroom dancing, parlor games and refreshments. Live music will be provided by the Conneaut Creek String Band.

A brunch will be held Sunday at the Watson-Curtze Mansion, hosted by the President and Mrs. Lincoln and their special guest Frederick Douglass.

Visit the Erie County Historical Society’s web site http://www.eriecountyhistory.org for more details.

Many thanks to the Conneaut, Ohio officer Tim Rose who conducted a seemingly routine traffic stop on I-90 yesterday morning. Cornelio Ramon of Erie and Moises Pena of Oxnard, California were caught bringing in two packages of cocaine that was meant for sale in Erie measured at 2 lbs and with a street value of almost $200k. Both men face first-degree felony charges and are in city jail in lieu of a half million dollar bail.

It appears that the U.S. Congress has reached an agreement on a $786 billion dollar stimulus package and will vote to approve it soon.  But instead of the U.S. stimulus, Slate.com has an article that talks about how U.S. businesses should take advantage of China’s stimulus package.  China budgeted over $500 billion for transportation needs this past November.  The article goes on to show how money can be made with the example of how GE Transportation recently sold 300 locomotives to the Chinese with future exports expected to double. We think it’s a great idea especially if it gets back the over 1,500 jobs that were cut this week at GE.

It’s not just employees losing their jobs at GE, they will also be letting go interns and co-op placements. Interns at GE are paid between $14 and $18.25 an hour. That must be nice – when Mike interned at TAL Advertising back in the day he got paid nothing.

Judge Sue Mack has recused herself from the Felix Velasquez case. He is the person police believe was the shooter during the East High basketball game. Mack was at the game when the shooting happened.

Larry Meredith has joined the group of people seeking the Erie County Judge position. If you’re keeping score at home, Meredith is the 6th candidate for that position.

Gannon University has raised its largest amount ever in a fundraising drive – more than $39 million. In July, 2001 when Gannon President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., was selected to lead the University, one of his four goals was to begin a comprehensive campaign and raise a substantial amount of money for several strategic priorities. After a feasibility study was conducted in 2002 to determine the financial goal of the campaign, $30 million was recommended for The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign. Despite the regional economic challenges in the area at the beginning of the campaign and the national and global economic conditions now, Gannon University’s Trustees, alumni, friends, employees, and others clearly demonstrated that they Believe in the Possibilities. In fact, Gannon surpassed the Campaign’s initial goal of $30 million four months early, in August, 2008. Building on the momentum of so many generous donors, a new goal of $31 million was established to be reached by the Campaign’s end on Dec. 31. The $31 million goal was surpassed by another half a million dollars. The total contributions to the Campaign at the end of December, 2008 were $31,505,122.

The McDowell News out of North Carolina has an interesting ghost tale that involves Erie, Pa.:

In April 1937, the O.M. McFarland was traveling back from Erie, Pa. where the ship had picked up 9,800 tons of coal. The westward journey through the Great Lakes was slow because of late spring-ice flows but the O.M. McFarland continued on toward its final destination, Port Washington, Wis.

On the night of April 28, 1937, Capt. Donner retired to his cabin. He left instructions for his crew to wake him up when the ship got close to Port Washington. About three hours later, with Port Washington getting closer, the second mate went to the captain’s cabin to awaken him. However, Capt. Donner was missing.

The second mate and the crew searched the ship but Capt. Donner could not be found. The crew reported that the cabin door was locked from the inside. The McFarland was supposedly only 30 miles northwest of Ludington, Mich. when the captain vanished. Ludington is considered to be the center of the Michigan Triangle.

We think the story was made up by some Michigander who was jealous of the much more dangerous Lake Erie Quadrangle.  Lake Michigan is like a dip in the backyard pool compared to the choppy waters of Lake Erie.

Yesterday, Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper, a member of the House Committee on Science and Technology, spoke on the House Floor in support of H.R. 554, the National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2009, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives by voice vote yesterday.

The state of the economy did not deter the trustees of The Kresge Foundation from awarding $63.6 million in grants at its fourth-quarter board meeting in December, making the quarter, together with the $181 million in grants for 2008 as a whole, the most generous in the foundation’s 85-year history. The Erie Art Museum received $50,000 as part of this program.

Two teenagers have been arrested for vandalizing stores in the West Erie Plaza. They tagged the area on January 18.

Sports

Erie BayHawks forward Erik Daniels has been named as a replacement for the injured Chris Richard for the 2009 NBA development League All-Star Game. Iowa’s Othyus Jeffers and Austin’s Marcus Williams were also selected to replace Iowa’s Cartier Martin (GATORADE Call-Up to the Charlotte Bobcats) and Austin’s Malik Hairston (recalled by the San Antonio Spurs) in the 2009 NBA D-League All-Star Game. Daniels, who will also participate in the NBA D-League’s Dream Factory Friday Night skills competition in a game of H.O.R.S.E., is averaging 21.3 points (5th in the NBA D-League) and 10.1 rebounds (4th in the NBA D-League) in 31 games for the BayHawks while Jeffers is averaging 19.9 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 24 games for the Energy and Williams is averaging 20.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 26 games for the Toros.

The Erie BayHawks defeated the Iowa Energy 125-115 Wednesday night at Wells Fargo Arena. The BayHawks led 36-24 after the first half and the Energy was never able to regain a lead.

Jaroslav Janus turned aside four of the five chances he faced in the shootout and Greg McKegg potted the winner as the Erie Otters topped the Niagara IceDogs 3-2 in an Ontario Hockey League game played last night in front of 2,663 at the Tullio Arena. The Otters play an away game on Friday against the London Knights, and are back in Erie to host the Kingston Frontenacs on Saturday. Get your tickets here.

Edinboro hit 6-of-8 free throws in the final 37 seconds to hold off a rallying Mercyhurst squad and avoid the season sweep with a 72-68 victory at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. The Mercyhurst women’s basketball team held tough against Edinboro in the first half, but the Fighting Scots pulled away in the second half, claiming a 67-52 road victory over the Lakers Wednesday at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

The Allegheny men’s basketball team earned its biggest win of the season as it climbed back from a 19-point deficit to stun Hiram, 77-72, on Wednesday in North Coast Athletic Conference action.

Events

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

Feb. 13: The Temptations, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 19: Jerry Seinfeld, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 22: Rain (Beatles Cover Band), Warner Theatre (tickets)
March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

Gannon University’s Schuster Theatre’s next show, “The Trachinae,” a fiery Greek tragedy, will be shown Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Feb. 12-14, and Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Feb. 19-22. All Thursday-Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Gannon’s Schuster Theatre is located at 620 Sassafras Street. Ticket prices for the general public are $5. For more information, contact the Theatre at 814-871-7493 or 814-871-7720.

The McDowell Center for Performing Arts will present Arthur Miller’s Tony Award winning play The Crucible on February 12-13-14, 2009 in the Little Theatre (3320 Caughey Road). The play, praised as “A Powerful Drama” by the New York Times, deals with the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem. Yet, the play is more then a story of witchcraft. It is really a statement of bigotry and deceit, which can cripple society and cause chaos among citizens. Directed by Ken Falkenhagen and assisted by Michael Malthaner, The Crucible stars Marie Glaser, Dominic Barbaro, Kristie Bauman, Ryley Nesbella, Alexandra Schwartz, Sean Weese, and Brett Niethamer. Tickets are just $5.00 and will be sold at the door prior to each performance.

If you’re looking for something different to do in celebration of Valentine’s day, you should consider the Erie Planetarium’s Valentines Dinner Under the Stars. There will be two shows with dinner from 6:30  – 9 p.m. on February 12 & 13. and 5 – 9 on February 14. For more information call (814) 454-1813, ext. 0.

Erie Celebrates the 200th Anniversary of President Lincolns Birth at the Battles Museum of Rural Life in Girard on Saturday, February 14, 2009 from 12 – 2 p.m. The Erie County Historical Society, Girard Borough and the Civil War Consortium present a rededication of the Civil War Monument in downtown Girard. Dedicated on November 25, 1865, the monument is considered one of the first to honor fallen Civil War soldiers. President and Mrs. Lincoln, Dan Rice and members of the 11th, 83rd and 145th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry are included in the rededication ceremony at the monument site in downtown Girard. Three students from the Girard Elementary School will be selected to read their winning essays about why President Lincoln is one of our country\’s most memorable presidents. A reception at the Girard Methodist Church will immediately follow the ceremony.

Spend the evening with The Temptations live in concert & spend the night at the new Sheraton Bayfront Hotel! Your package includes: 2 tickets to see the legendary Motown group The Temptations, an overnight stay at the brand new Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel that overlooks beautiful Presque Isle bay, 2 complimentary beverages at the Warner Theatre & shuttle service between the hotel and Warner from 7:00pm-11:00pm. It’s a sweet deal for only $169.00!!. To order the hotel package, please call the Sheraton Hotel at (814) 454-2005 and ask for The Temptations Valentine’s Day package.

The Erie Philharmonic presents The Piano Man – A Tribute to Billy Joel on February 14, at 8 p.m. For more information call (814) 455-1375 or visit the website.

The SeaWolves are looking for enthusiastic, outgoing individuals of ALL ages to join their team. The ‘Wolves will be hosting their second annual Job Expo on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at the Erie Civic Center from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. We are filling positions for our “Wolf Pack” promotional team, ushers, concession stands, mascots and other exciting game day jobs. The job expo will be located in the Civic Center suites and interested parties can enter at entrance B near the southeast corner of the arena. Perspective game day employees will fill out applications and interview for positions on the spot. For more information about the 2009 Erie SeaWolves Job Expo, contact (814) 456-1300 or visit www.seawolves.com.

Science journalist Dava Sobel, the award-winning author of the best-sellers Galileo’s Daughter and Longitude, will speak at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, this month. Sobel’s appearance is jointly sponsored by the college’s annual Speaker Series and the School of Science’s Open House Nights in Astronomy outreach program. Her presentation, titled “The Planets,” will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, in the Samuel P. “Pat” Black III Conference Center in the college’s Research and Economic Development Center (REDC). Admission is free and open to the public; parking will be available in the REDC deck located on Technology Drive, off Jordan Road.

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

GE Transportation announced yesterday it was laying off 1,550 people with 350 of them being permanent cuts.  GE is the region’s largest employer.  We’re not sure how to take the news in light of GE Transportation’s announcement that it started brand spankin’ new operations in North Las Vegas.  One reader commented that her father who worked at GE for more than 35 years was part of the massive lay off. Local blogger Kitten had this to say about the layoffs:

I just got off the phone with my mother – my father was included in the layoffs. He has been at GE for 36 years. She said she can’t even remember him working anywhere else. He started there just before they got married. It was a real shock to find out about this when I got home tonight.

Hey Lorenzo, where’s the love?

Ohio State University filed an answer this week stating it is not responsible for the death of Andrew Polakowski who was crushed by an university dormitory elevator in 2006. Ohio State says Polakowski helped to overcrowd the elevator, causing it to become stuck between floors, and should not have tried to crawl out when the elevator became stuck. At this point OSU is trying to lower the amount it will surely have to pay out.

With the wild swings in temperature that we have been experiencing, stay on top of the weather by watching the WSEE weather webcast available on the right side.  Where else will you see fun poses by Ray Petelin?  We think he’s doing a Fonzie impression here:

The Subway restaurant on Peninsula Drive was robbed last night. Was the Circle K closed?

Folks, if you aren’t sure about if ice is safe to walk out on, be safe and don’t go out on it. Two young boys were rescued yesterday from Lake Erie near West Lake Road. Coast Guard and other rescue crews were on scene quickly and even got to bust out a hovercraft to safely rescue the kids. Parents – teach your kids to stay off ice unless you are there. Killer W.H.A.L.E. = stunned.

The City of Erie School District will not refile a lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase regarding its interest-rate swap. The lawsuit claimed JPMorgan overcharged fees when it performed the swap in 2003.

Sophia Xu, a student at McDowell High School, has been named a Finalist in the 2009 Competition for National Merit Scholarships. Sophia, along with all other Finalists will be considered for approximately 8,200 National Merit Scholarships to be offered in 2009. Congratulations to Sophia for her distinguished performance!

Sports

The Otters play the Niagara IceDogs tonight, an away game on Friday against the London Knights, and back to Erie to play the Kingston Frontenacs on Saturday. Get your tickets here.

The Ontario Hockey League announced today that Erie Otters defenseman Brett Cook has been selected as one of the League’s Academic Players of the Month for January. Cook was chosen as the Academic Player of the Month for January in the Midwest Division. The 17 year-old native of Washago, Ontario currently is a Grade 12 student at McDowell High School in Erie.

The Erie BayHawks next home game isn’t until February 26. Get your tickets here.

Jill Gregory scored 18 points, leading a quintet of Allegheny scorers in double-figures, as the Gator women’s basketball team defeated Oberlin, 78-61, to claim its third straight win in North Coast Athletic Conference.

The Gannon men’s basketball team improved one spot for the second consecutive week and is ranked fourth in the latest National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Top 25 poll released Tuesday afternoon, extending the streak of consecutive polls in the top 10 to a school-record 11. The latest ranking ties Gannon’s highest of the season.

Gannon University again is asking the community to “Fill the ‘Mill” as the women’s basketball team will host a fundraiser for the Erie chapter of the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. The team’s Pink Zone game, scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 at Gannon’s Hammermill Center, will match the Lady Knights against IUP. Attendance to the women’s game as well as the men’s game to follow, pitting Gannon against IUP, will be free. Organizers are hoping to raise $15,000 for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Last year, more than $10,000 was raised.

Edinboro University senior Gregor Gillespie(Webster, NY/Webster Schroeder) has been named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Wrestler of the Week after picking up a pair of impressive wins against Bloomsburg and Cleveland State last week. He helped the 12th-ranked Fighting Scots to a pair of wins, as Edinboro improved to 11-4 overall and 4-0 in the Eastern Wrestling League.

Events

Mercyhurst College education students will introduce children from area social service agencies to the joy of reading at the college’s annual Literacy Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the student union. The fair was originally slated for Jan. 28, but was canceled due to inclement weather.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

Feb. 13: The Temptations, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 19: Jerry Seinfeld, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 22: Rain (Beatles Cover Band), Warner Theatre (tickets)
March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

We hope you enjoyed the beautiful temperatures this weekend. We spent some time outside, and were excited to see the very large icicles on our house finally start to melt. We’re ready for spring, and summer – who wants to take us on a boat?.

Unfortunately, the warm temps messed with a lot of outdoor activities planned for the region, including the Pucks at Presque Isle event. The ice was a little too soft to skate on, so players played three on three on foot instead. That didn’t stop a ton of people from hitting up Presque Isle – check out some great photos from Jackie here.

Despite warm temperatures, it also wasn’t a good weekend for the Warner Theatre. Stone, brick and snow broke loose from the building and fell to the ground. Luckily, no one was injured. No word if any of the upcoming events at the theatre will be cancelled, but if you have tickets to the Temptations show later this week, keep checking this space for updates.

It was not a good weekend to go ice fishing on Lake Erie. Over 130 ice fisherman were stranded on an ice floe eight-miles long that broke off and floated into the lake. One man died. The incident occurred near Toldedo, Oh., and involved a rescue operation that took about five hours and involved local authorities and the U.S. Coast Guard.

We blogged a few weeks ago about two local real estate appraisers who were facing disciplinary action from the state. Natalie Hurlburt and Kristopher Porter both claimed innocence in paperwork filed with the state.

A body was found in Millcreek yesterday by a a police officer who was jogging. The man has not been identified yet. It may be several days as the body needs to thaw before an autopsy can be performed.

Ed Palattella continues to bring reporting thunder when it comes to reporting on the casino and the dealings with Greg Rubino and others. Sunday’s front page story was no exception. Read it here.

Art works are currently being accepted for the Erie Art Museum’s 86th Annual Spring Show running April 18 through June 14, 2009. All artists residing within 250 miles of Erie are invited to enter works not previously exhibited in the Erie area. A total of $10,000 in awards is offered. Deadline for submission of entries is Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 5 p.m.  More information here.

Sports

The Erie Otters lost to the Saginaw Spirit on Saturday 5-2. The Otters play the Niagara IceDogs this Wednesday, an away game on Friday against the London Knights, and return to Erie to play the Kingston Frontenacs on Saturday. Get your tickets here.

The Erie BayHawks will play their last home game tonight against the Utah Flash before coming back to Erie over two weeks later on February 26. Don’t miss tonight’s game. Get your tickets here.

The No. 3 Mercyhurst College women’s hockey team extended its winning streak to seven games with a 5-0 shutout of Niagara Sunday afternoon at the Dwyer Arena.

Jill Gregory scored 23 points while Emilie Simone and Stephanie Wolf put in 16 each as the Allegheny women’s basketball team handled Earlham, 88-65 in North Coast Athletic Conference play on Saturday.

The Gannon women’s basketball team pulled off the biggest victory in school history Saturday night. It literally pulled off the biggest victory. The Lady Knights overcame an early 23-7 deficit and knocked off No. 2 California (Pa.) 78-74 in front of a boisterous Saturday night crowd at the Hammermill Center. The Vulcans became the highest-ranked opponent Gannon has ever defeated in the program’s 35-year history.

Events

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

Feb. 13: The Temptations, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 19: Jerry Seinfeld, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 22: Rain (Beatles Cover Band), Warner Theatre (tickets)
March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

In February, Gannon University will celebrate National Catholic Colleges Week.

The University is inviting both students and administrators from more than 70 high schools within a 150-mile radius of Erie to join the party. Gannon will host a series of events for the students and administrators, who include principals and guidance counselors, as well as some for the general public, from Sunday, Feb. 22 through Thursday, Feb. 26. National Catholic Colleges Week is designed to highlight the accomplishments of Catholic colleges and celebrate their role in society. Catholic Colleges Week is also intended to encourage high schools and families to consider Catholic higher education. Learn more here.

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

If you would like your event considered for posting here on ErieBlogs.com, please send us your information using our online contact form. Make sure you check our daily News & Events for new event listings and events happening that day.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

Feb. 13: The Temptations, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 19: Jerry Seinfeld, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 22: Rain (Beatles Cover Band), Warner Theatre (tickets)
March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

This Week’s Events

Cats is an award-winning musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T. S. Eliot. Since opening in London in 1981, the show has been performed around the world in numerous productions and has been translated into more than 20 languages. The show opens at the Erie PlayHouse and runs through February 15.

The Erie RV, Camping & Powersport Spectacular will be held at the Bayfront Convention Center Thurs., Feb. 5 – Sun., Feb. 8, 2009 Thurs & Fri 12:00pm-9:00pm; Sat. 10:00am-8:00pm; Sun. 10:00am-5:00pm. Tickets: $3.00. For more information, please call (814) 725-3856.

The Erie Art Museum’s Kids as Curators exhibit will open on February 6 and run through March 22, 2009 in the Annex Gallery. An exhibit of objects from kids’ collections, curated by kids for kids. This year we feature work of Harding Elementary, General McLane High School, and Walnut Creek Middle School. Sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences.

“Raw Edges,” an annual favorite of Erie dance lovers, returns for its 11th season on Feb. 7-8, showcasing the Mercyhurst Dancers in cutting-edge choreography by promising new talent. The concert is a culmination of the Mercyhurst College Dance Department’s Choreography II and III courses taught by Mark Santillano and Tauna Hunter, respectfully. Performances of Raw Edges XI are scheduled Saturday, Feb. 7, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m. at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on the Mercyhurst campus. Tickets are $15 for adults; $12.50 for seniors and students; $5 for youths under 15; $1 for Mercyhurst students; and $7.50 for President’s Cardholders. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling 824-3000.

At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, Gannon will host a showing of the movie “Trouble the Water.” The showing will be held in room 104 of the Zurn Science Center, 143 West 7th St., and is co-sponsored by Gannon’s Center for Social Concerns, Office of Service-Learning, Activities Programming Board, International Student Office, and the Departments of Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, and Criminal Justice.

Individuals interested in careers in the health care field are invited to attend a Health Careers Night at Mercyhurst North East on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m., at the Michele and Tom Ridge Health and Safety Building, 16 West Division St., North East. Learn more about MNE’s degree programs in respiratory therapy, occupational therapy assistant, medical laboratory technician, nursing, physical therapist assistant and medical administration. Call (814) 725-6144 to RSVP.

Gannon University’s Schuster Theatre’s next show, “The Trachinae,” a fiery Greek tragedy, will be shown Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Feb. 12-14, and Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Feb. 19-22. All Thursday-Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Gannon’s Schuster Theatre is located at 620 Sassafras Street. Ticket prices for the general public are $5. For more information, contact the Theatre at 814-871-7493 or 814-871-7720.

The McDowell Center for Performing Arts will present Arthur Miller’s Tony Award winning play The Crucible on February 12-13-14, 2009 in the Little Theatre (3320 Caughey Road). The play, praised as “A Powerful Drama” by the New York Times, deals with the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem. Yet, the play is more then a story of witchcraft. It is really a statement of bigotry and deceit, which can cripple society and cause chaos among citizens. Directed by Ken Falkenhagen and assisted by Michael Malthaner, The Crucible stars Marie Glaser, Dominic Barbaro, Kristie Bauman, Ryley Nesbella, Alexandra Schwartz, Sean Weese, and Brett Niethamer. Tickets are just $5.00 and will be sold at the door prior to each performance.

If you’re looking for something different to do in celebration of Valentine’s day, you should consider the Erie Planetarium’s Valentines Dinner Under the Stars. There will be two shows with dinner from 6:30  – 9 p.m. on February 12 & 13. and 5 – 9 on February 14. For more information call (814) 454-1813, ext. 0.

Erie Celebrates the 200th Anniversary of President Lincolns Birth at the Battles Museum of Rural Life in Girard on Saturday, February 14, 2009 from 12 – 2 p.m. The Erie County Historical Society, Girard Borough and the Civil War Consortium present a rededication of the Civil War Monument in downtown Girard. Dedicated on November 25, 1865, the monument is considered one of the first to honor fallen Civil War soldiers. President and Mrs. Lincoln, Dan Rice and members of the 11th, 83rd and 145th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry are included in the rededication ceremony at the monument site in downtown Girard. Three students from the Girard Elementary School will be selected to read their winning essays about why President Lincoln is one of our country\’s most memorable presidents. A reception at the Girard Methodist Church will immediately follow the ceremony.

Spend the evening with The Temptations live in concert & spend the night at the new Sheraton Bayfront Hotel! Your package includes: 2 tickets to see the legendary Motown group The Temptations, an overnight stay at the brand new Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel that overlooks beautiful Presque Isle bay, 2 complimentary beverages at the Warner Theatre & shuttle service between the hotel and Warner from 7:00pm-11:00pm. It’s a sweet deal for only $169.00!!. To order the hotel package, please call the Sheraton Hotel at (814) 454-2005 and ask for The Temptations Valentine’s Day package.

The Erie Philharmonic presents The Piano Man – A Tribute to Billy Joel on February 14, at 8 p.m. For more information call (814) 455-1375 or visit the website.

The SeaWolves are looking for enthusiastic, outgoing individuals of ALL ages to join their team. The ‘Wolves will be hosting their second annual Job Expo on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at the Erie Civic Center from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. We are filling positions for our “Wolf Pack” promotional team, ushers, concession stands, mascots and other exciting game day jobs. The job expo will be located in the Civic Center suites and interested parties can enter at entrance B near the southeast corner of the arena. Perspective game day employees will fill out applications and interview for positions on the spot. For more information about the 2009 Erie SeaWolves Job Expo, contact (814) 456-1300 or visit www.seawolves.com.

February Events

Environmentalist, activist and attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will speak on “Our Environmental Destiny” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15 in Ford Chapel at Allegheny College. Kennedy will discuss the role that our natural surroundings play in our work, our health and our identity as Americans. Using examples gathered from relevant art, history, litigation and literature, he will remind listeners of their responsibility to protect and preserve the environment for future generations.

Allegheny College will host a special visit day for college-bound students and their families on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 16. High school seniors may schedule an interview with an admissions counselor, take a tour of campus with a current student and stay for lunch or dinner in one of Allegheny’s dining halls. Interview appointments for high school seniors are available from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. In addition, an information session followed by a campus tour for high school juniors and sophomores will begin at 11 a.m. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call toll free (800) 521-5293.

On Wednesday, Feb. 18, Gannon University will host the third of four financial aid workshops.The workshop is designed to help high school students and their parents better navigate the sometimes complex financial aid process. It is free and open to the public and will begin at 6:30 p.m. in room 1200 of the University’s Palumbo Academic Center, 824 Peach St. For more information, contact Gannon’s Financial Aid Office at 814-871-7337 or 1-800-GANNON-U, or visit the website.

Erie Gay Business Alliance will meet on February 18 at Matthew’s Trattoria, 153 E 13th St at 7 PM. Local activist Doris Cipolla will be speaking about marriage equality and other issues relevant to the GLBT community to the Erie Gay Business Alliance, which is for GLBT professionals and business people and their supporters. Phone: (814) 456-9833. Email: egba-owner@eriegaynews.com. Sign up for the email list at http://lists.eriegaynews.com

Terrence Cavanaugh, the recently appointed president and CEO of Erie Insurance Group, will be the guest speaker at the Manufacturer & Business Association’s February Eggs ‘n’ Issues briefing, starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, February 24 at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street at Pittsburgh Avenue. To register for this briefing, contact Tracy Shepard at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660. Cost is $30 for members, $60 for nonmembers.

The 11th annual MECA Bar Stool Open will be held on Saturday February 21, 2009 in downtown Erie, PA. Entry fee is $100 per team of 4 golfers, $25 per person. Must be 21 years of age or older to participate. Click here to for the registration form.

The Elk Creek Recreation and Leisure Board in Girard is sponsoring the Cabin Fever Festival at Girard high School. The event is free (no admission) and will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2009 from 1 – 5 p.m. Activities include: free wwimming in school pool, snow shoe instructions by Asbury Woods, movie, piano recital, hay rides and snowmobile rides, sled riding (BYO Sled), crafters, face painting, and finger printing. And oh yes, food.

Erie’s favorite event is right around the corner. The 18th Annual Erie Trivia Night Challenge will be held on Thursday, February 26 at the Avalon Hotel, 16 West Tenth Street, Erie. The event will benefit children in the Achievement Center’s Physical Rehabilitation programs. Participants in the event will be treated to an evening of lavish raffles, a silent auction; dinner fit for a king, and of course, the coveted Achiever’s Title. “Captain Dan” Geary will be returning as our master of ceremonies. “Captain Dan” will be navigating participants through three rounds of rip-roaring, mind-teasing Erie trivia questions to arrive at the infamous, “final question.” Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is at 6 p.m. with the trivia to start at 7 p.m. Cost is $50 per person or $400 per table of eight. Dinner and game play included. For more information, call Susan A. Smith at 814-459-2755, Ext. 1115.

February 27 will be the Erie Art Museum’s Nouveau, a party serioes for 20-40 somethings. African safari theme features African textiles, drumming circle, tie dye workshop, donation bar…and a dose of new. Sponsored by PNC Bank, Erie Times News, Bob FM, Molly Brannigans, Bud American Ale

March Events

Think you have what it takes to sing the National Anthem at a Double-A baseball game? Well here is your chance. The Erie SeaWolves announce today their National Anthem tryouts will be held Saturday, March 21 at the Erie Playhouse. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and tryouts begin at 12 p.m. Those interested in auditioning will perform the National Anthem for a panel of judges. Auditions must be performed a capella. For more information about the National Anthem tryouts, please contact Carol Trumbo at (814) 456-1300 or via email at ctrumbo@seawolves.com.

April Events

The 2009 Erie Microbrew Festival will be held April 18, 2009 at the Brewerie in the Union Station. There will be two sessions: 1 – 4:00 p.m., and 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets will be $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

One of the programs slated to be cut in Gov. Rendell’s budget is the Governor’s School of Excellence program. Started in 1973, 15,000 students have attended one of the eight schools spread out across the state, including one at Mercyhurst College. We hope the program will be put back in the budget.

One of the other things in the budget was the plan to allow counties to add 1% to the sales tax. We’ll give you two guesses how long it will take for counties to jump all over that bad boy. Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio is putting together a group of politicians and business leaders to study the feasibility of the tax. If the budget is approved at the state level, expect that tax increase.

From the “you’re doing it wrong” department: Christopher Sims, 25, of Erie was face charges he solicited a girl online who he though was 13 years old. He allegedly also sent nude webcam videos of himself. We wonder if Chris Hansen was there to break the bad news.

Channellock Inc, based in Meadville, will soon be switching to a four-day workweek. Workers will not make up the hours and will receive a 20% pay cut. Their benefits including health care will remain the same.

Anthony R. Kestle of Erie, has graduated from the State Police Academy in Hershey. He will report for duty at Troop E in Erie on February 16.

Speaking of police, they are looking for a six foot tall white man who robbed Cappiabianca Travel on State St. yesterday. The man didn’t show a weapon and made off with $300 in cash.

Sports

Ryan O’Reilly scored his third shoot out winning goal of the season to lead the Erie Otters to a 4-3 win over the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in an Ontario Hockey League game played last night in front of 3,157 at the Tullio Arena. Jaroslav Janus also shone in the shootout stopping all three Greyhounds attempts to go along with 32 saves in regulation and overtime.
Brian Shaw, Shawn Szydlowski and Tyler Hostetter scored in regulation for the Otters, who won their fourth straight to move to 27-23-2-0 on the season.

The Erie RiverRats are proud to announce three returnees to the team from 2009. Defensive back Sam Reynolds, fullback /nose guard Robert Hammer and linebacker/defensive end DaJuan Smith have all re-signed for the 2009 campaign.

The Erie Admirals amateur soccer club will field a team in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) in 2009. If you are interested in joining this team, tryouts are set for Friday and Saturday, February 6 and 7 and again on Friday and Saturday, March 6 and 7, 2009 at Family First Sports Park in Erie PA. You can learn more here. The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), is the successor of the Men’s Premier Soccer League (MPSL) which formed in 2002. In 2005, the league had been recreated into an expanded national league to accommodate teams from the Midwestern region, and in 2007 a Northeastern Region was added. In 2008, the National Premier Soccer League has become truly a national league with the addition of a Southeastern region. Each team plays a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 16 regular season games. The teams are comprised of players who play at the highest levels of soccer available to men.

Events

Gannon University’s Dahlkemper School of Business Administration will host a one-day fair for high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a business career. The School’s annual Business Day will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20. The event is free and open to high school juniors and seniors and their parents. It is designed to help them learn more about career opportunities in business and related fields, the programs and services offered by the Dahlkemper School, and what undergraduate students majoring in business can expect from their education.

Science journalist Dava Sobel, the award-winning author of the best-sellers Galileo’s Daughter and Longitude, will speak at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, this month. Sobel’s appearance is jointly sponsored by the college’s annual Speaker Series and the School of Science’s Open House Nights in Astronomy outreach program. Her presentation, titled “The Planets,” will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, in the Samuel P. “Pat” Black III Conference Center in the college’s Research and Economic Development Center (REDC). Admission is free and open to the public; parking will be available in the REDC deck located on Technology Drive, off Jordan Road.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

Feb. 13: The Temptations, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 19: Jerry Seinfeld, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 22: Rain (Beatles Cover Band), Warner Theatre (tickets)
March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper (D-PA) has received her House subcommittee assignments.

Small Business Committee
Chair, Subcommittee on Regulation, Health & Trade
Member, Subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship

Science & Technology Committee
Vice Chair, Subcommittee on Investigation and Oversight

Agriculture Committee
Member, Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy and Research
Member, Subcommittee on Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry

Dahlkemper was assigned to the House Committee on Small Business and will Chair the sub-committee on Regulations, Health Care & Trade as well as serve on the subcommittee Rural & Urban Entrepreneurship.

Crystal Sherlock, the Corry woman who helped her husband kill a man suspected of molesting her husband’s son, is now on parole. Sherlock pleaded guilty back in December but since she already spent time in jail equivalent to her minimum sentence, she was able to be paroled. Her husband Terry Sherlock is serving 21 to 42 years in prison for the murder of Ken Himrod.

Brent Carey was found dead on New Year’s day at 38th and Ash streets. His death has now been ruled a homicide. Jermaine Vaughn admitted to punching Carey stating he couldn’t help beating Carey unconscious because he “hit[s] hard.”

The Erie International Airport has received $3 million from PENNDot’s Bureau of Aviation for the next phase of the runway extension project. The runway should open in 2050.

The Circle K convienence store on Glenwood Park Avenue was robbed again yesterday. At this point it may be more cost-efficient for the Circle K store to close and just put a few vending machines outside. We would like one of these, these and these.

Erie lawyer Dan Brabender has announced his candidacy for Erie County Judge. There are now 5 people vying for this position.

Some lucky dude won $76,768 this week at Presque Isle Downs. He was playing the nickel slots. We’ve tried that video blackjack game and quickly lost our money.

Erie Insurance will host an audio Webcast to discuss financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year 2008 on Friday, February 27, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The Webcast will be broadcast live via the Company’s Investor Relations web site and will be available as an archive later that same day. Erie Indemnity will issue a press release reporting its results after the close of the market on Thursday, February 26, 2009.

The Erie Times-News has a story about Gannon University and its infestation of bedbugs. Bedbugs have been found 21 times at Gannon this academic year. Orkin man = stunned.

National Fuel announced results for the first quarter of its 2009 fiscal year (the quarter ended December 31, 2008) and is reporting a loss of $42.7 million or $0.53 per share. The loss is due to significantly lower commodity prices and reduced production of crude oil and natural gas which decreased 1.1 billion cubic feet equivalent (“Bcfe”) compared to the prior year’s first quarter, mainly due to lingering curtailments in the Gulf of Mexico caused by Hurricane Ike. All pre-hurricane production is expected to be back on line by the end of the second quarter. A conference call is scheduled for Friday, February 6, 2009, at 11:00 am Eastern Standard Time.

Sports

The Erie Otters play the Sault St Marie Greyhounds tonight and on Saturday the Otters will turn back the clock at the Tullio Arena when the Saginaw Spirit visit for a 7 p.m. start. The Otters will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Erie Golden Blades 1983-84 ACHL Championship with members of the championship team in attendance. Plus, the first 1,000 fans into the game receive a commemorative 1983-84 Golden Blades Championship photo courtesy of Arlington Lawn Care and all fans can get their fill of $1 Smith’s Hot Dogs! Get your tickets here.

The Erie BayHawks will have their last home game next Monday against the Utah Flash before coming back to Erie over two weeks later. Get your tickets here.

The No. 11 Mercyhurst wrestling squad improved to 13-5-1 on the year with a 33-7 decision at Waynesburg. The Lakers stretched their winning streak to five meets with the win as they head into this Saturday’s quad meet against Kutztown and American International, beginning at 11 a.m. in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.

Penn State Behrend women’s basketball standout Natalie Engel (McDonald, PA/Fort Cherry) has been named to the ESPN The Magazine All-District Academic First-Team by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

The Edinboro wrestling team won seven of ten matches on Thursday night to record its 22nd straight Eastern Wrestling League win, a 25-12 triumph at Bloomsburg. The 12th-ranked Fighting Scots improve to 10-4 overall and 3-0 in EWL action. Edinboro is now 23-0-1 in its last 24 EWL matches.

The Gannon wrestling team beat #17 Ashland 25-9 Thursday night at the Hammermill Center. Jacob Tazzi (Chesterfield, Mich./Anchor Bay) recorded a pin in the 197-pound bout to lead the Golden Knights.

Events

The Erie RV, Camping & Powersport Spectacular will be held at the Bayfront Convention Center Thurs., Feb. 5 – Sun., Feb. 8, 2009 Thurs & Fri 12:00pm-9:00pm; Sat. 10:00am-8:00pm; Sun. 10:00am-5:00pm. Tickets: $3.00. For more information, please call (814) 725-3856.

The Erie Art Museum’s Kids as Curators exhibit will open on February 6 and run through March 22, 2009 in the Annex Gallery. An exhibit of objects from kids’ collections, curated by kids for kids. This year we feature work of Harding Elementary, General McLane High School, and Walnut Creek Middle School. Sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences.

Gannon University’s Erie Chamber Orchestra will hold its monthly concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, in the University’s Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel, 520 Peach St. This performance will be the “Guess the Composer Concert.” Free and open to the public. Gannon University’s Erie Chamber Orchestra is conducted and directed by Bruce Morton Wright. For more information, call 814-871-7755.

Best-selling author, nationally recognized speaker and accomplished ultramarathoner Danny Dreyer will speak on “Developing a Consistent Personal Wellness Program: The Five Mindful Steps to Lifelong Health and Energy” at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6 in Ford Chapel at Allegheny College.

There will be a cooking class at the Boothby Inn on Saturday, February 7 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. B&B host Gloria Knox will show you her secrets of good breakfasts and brunches. Space is limited and costs $50 per person. For more information call (814) 456-1888.

Saturday, February 7 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. there will be a guided ski tour of the Erie Bluffs. You will see animal tracks, winter landscapes and much more. If there is not sufficient snow, a hike of the same subject will still take place. No fee but you must register by February 1 and bring your own equipment. Meet at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at 10 a.m. to carpool or meet at the Erie Bluffs parking lot at 10:30 a.m. For more information call (814) 833-7424.

Bean Day is a fundraiser for the Second Harvest Food Bank. Attendees are invited to bring a bean-based entry to be judged and shared. Event will be held Saturday, February 7, 2009, from 5 – 9 p.m. at the Ss. Peter and Paul social center on 34th and Wallace. The cost is $5 per person or $15 per family.

Old Man Winter has once again fallen upon the Erie region, which means it’s time for seasonal traditions such as snowmen, sled rides, hot cocoa by the fire and of course the annual yep! Ski Trip! Please join YEP! on Saturday, February 7th for a day full of skiing, food, and fun. To register and for additional information email Andrew Lincoln.

“Raw Edges,” an annual favorite of Erie dance lovers, returns for its 11th season on Feb. 7-8, showcasing the Mercyhurst Dancers in cutting-edge choreography by promising new talent. The concert is a culmination of the Mercyhurst College Dance Department’s Choreography II and III courses taught by Mark Santillano and Tauna Hunter, respectfully. Performances of Raw Edges XI are scheduled Saturday, Feb. 7, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m. at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on the Mercyhurst campus. Tickets are $15 for adults; $12.50 for seniors and students; $5 for youths under 15; $1 for Mercyhurst students; and $7.50 for President’s Cardholders. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling 824-3000.

Environmentalist, activist and attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will speak on “Our Environmental Destiny” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15 in Ford Chapel at Allegheny College. Kennedy will discuss the role that our natural surroundings play in our work, our health and our identity as Americans. Using examples gathered from relevant art, history, litigation and literature, he will remind listeners of their responsibility to protect and preserve the environment for future generations.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

Feb. 13: The Temptations, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 19: Jerry Seinfeld, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 22: Rain (Beatles Cover Band), Warner Theatre (tickets)
March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

The big news out of Harrisburg is the proposed budget by Governor Rendell for 2009-2010.  The proposed budget is $29 billion dollars –  $26.6 billion plus another expected $2.4 billion in yet to be seen federal funds.  In total, it is a 2.5% increase over last years budget. In his speech before legislators yesterday, Rendell suggested that school districts across Pennsylvania consolidate from 501 to 100, and that an additional tax of .10 cents be imposed on cigarettes.  Here are some reactions to the proposed budget:

Budget Proposal Calls For Too Much Spending (PA House Republicans)

House Democratic leaders praise Governor Rendell’s 2009-2010 budget plan (PA House Democrats)

Rendell’s Pa. budget up, no big tax hikes and Rendell: Boost school funding, consolidate (Philly.com)

Rendell’s proposals assailed and Pa.’s 501 school districts could be cut to 100 (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

But don’t take their word for it.  You can read Rendell’s speech as well as the text and highlights of the proposed budget at the website of the PA Office of the Budget.  We’re sure there will be more about the budget in the coming weeks.

Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper joined President Barack Obama at the White House for the bill signing of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization, better known as SCHIP. The bill raises the tobacco tax by 61 cents a pack and closes a loophole in Medicare that allows physicians to profit from referring their patients to hospitals in which they have an ownership interest.

REthink Erie is reminding individuals and businesses in Erie, Crawford and Warren Counties that the REthink Erie/Workforce Development Survey closes tomorrow on Friday, February 6. The purpose of the study is to gather important workforce development information and regional perspectives regarding a prospective community college to serve northwest PA. The survey is available on the front page of the REthink Erie website at www.rethinkerie.com The survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.

We’ve added a few more local businesses and groups using Twitter to our Erie Twitter Guide. Check it out.

A reader pointed out this story from the University of Buffalo about new computer software being developed to help keep snow drifts off the roads. I think we can definitely use that here.

Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio formally announced today he will seek a second term. So far, Buzz Andrezeski has announced his intent to run on the Democratic ticket.

A congregation in Erie has become what is thought to be the nation’s first carbon-neutral synagogue, an achievement spurred on by an Allegheny College student’s senior project. Temple Anshe Hesed neutralized its carbon footprint — the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions for which it is responsible — by collaborating in a carbon-offset program with the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, located in the desert of southern Israel. The institute prepares future Arab and Jewish leaders to cooperatively solve the Middle East’s environmental challenges.

Gannon University President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., has named Jack H. Sims as Gannon’s Vice President for University Advancement, ending a national search to fill the position. Sims has more than 14 years’ experience in fundraising in higher education, as well as several years’ experience in fundraising for other types of non-profit organizations. Most recently, he spent nearly five years at Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk, Va., where he served as Vice President of College Advancement and led a comprehensive campaign that raised $40 million while also increasing substantially the college’s number of donors. Sims will succeed Susan Black-Keim, who retired in December after nine years at Gannon. His appointment is effective Feb. 12.

The Early Learning Center at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, has retained its accreditation as a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Academy for Early Childhood Program—a standard the center has maintained since its initial accreditation in 2005.

Works are currently being accepted for the Erie Art Museum’s 86th Annual Spring Show, a regional juried exhibit, running April 18 through June 14, 2009 in the Erie Art Museum’s Main Gallery, 411 State Street. All artists residing within 250 miles of Erie are invited to enter works not previously exhibited in the Erie area. A total of $10,000 in awards is offered, including $2,000 in juror’s cash awards, the $500 Northwestern Pennsylvania Arts Association Award and at least $7,500 in guaranteed purchases. The cash awards will be divided among the juror’s selections of the best work in the show.

GE Transportation announced that it has been awarded a contract by Anglo Platinum to provide 26 emergency diesel generators for its mining operations in Africa. The widespread power outages in South Africa in early 2008 led to production stoppages, while ongoing capacity constraints have forced the national electricity utility to request industrial users to urgently reduce consumption.

Sports

Yesterday was the day many football players around the country signed their letters of intent to attend colleges in the fall. Among them was AJ Fenton will play next year at Wisconsin. Jon Root of Prep will play at the University of Akron. Jason Faipler will play for William and Mary. Corey Ratliff of East will play for Cheyney University. Deonte Flemings of Strong Vincent will play at Grambling State. His teammate Robert Joyce will head to Slippery Rock. Prep kicker Ray Blanks will head to Alabama A&M.

The Erie Otters play this Friday against the Sault St Marie Greyhounds.  On Saturday the Otters will turn back the clock at the Tullio Arena when the Saginaw Spirit visit for a 7 p.m. start. The Otters will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Erie Golden Blades 1983-84 ACHL Championship with members of the championship team in attendance. Plus, the first 1,000 fans into the game receive a commemorative 1983-84 Golden Blades Championship photo courtesy of Arlington Lawn Care and all fans can get their fill of $1 Smith’s Hot Dogs! Get your tickets here.

The Erie BayHawks crushed the Idaho Stampede 111-85 last night before a thrilled home crowd.  The ‘Hawks will play another home game next Monday against the Utah Flash and won’t be back in Erie for over two weeks. Get your tickets here.

The Edinboro women’s basketball team suffered its fourth straight loss on Wednesday night, dropping a 67-52 decision to 13th-ranked Indiana(Pa.). It marks the first time since the 2001-02 season that the Fighting Scots have lost four games in a row. Edinboro fell to 11-9 overall and 2-5 in the PSAC West with the loss. IUP improved to a 17-3 overall and 6-1 in the PSAC West.

The Gannon men’s basketball team remained second for the second consecutive week in the latest NCAA Division II Atlantic regional rankings released Wednesday afternoon.

Sophomore Ryan Zapolski of the Mercyhurst College men’s hockey team has been named Atlantic Hockey Association Goaltender of the Month after leading the Lakers to a 5-1-1 record in the month of January.

Events

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

Feb. 13: The Temptations, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 19: Jerry Seinfeld, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 22: Rain (Beatles Cover Band), Warner Theatre (tickets)
March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

Explore the customs, traditions and folklore of St. Valentine’s Day, and create your own Valentine at a workshop, “St. Valentine’s Day Legends and Lore,” on Thursday, Feb. 5, at Mercyhurst North East, 16 West Division Street, North East. Led by MNE Director of Student Life Larry Kozlowski, the presentation will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Miller 103. It is free and open to the public. Call (814) 725-6277 for more information.

Traditional Guedra is an ecstatic folk dance practiced by women in North Africa. Drawing inspiration from overseas, the American Guedra has evolved into an experiential group dance ritual. Through clapping and chanting, a wall of sound is created, allowing the dancer to enter a trance-like state. Participants find this simple ritual gives them renewed joy and vigor. The workshop will begin with a lecture and discussion on this spiritually powerful collective experience, followed by a demonstration of the movements and chanting. Interested women can stay to participate in an actual Guedra. The movements are simple and absolutely no dance experience is needed. Students are not required to dance, they can simply watch and participate in the chanting and clapping. The majority of the dance is performed sitting on the floor, so please dress comfortably. It is also suggested to remove any jewelry, specifically rings and bracelets, prior to the Guedra. Water and light refreshements will be provided. The workshop will be held Saturday, February 7, at 7 p.m. $10 per person ($7 museum members) Pay at the door, call ahead to RSVP. More info here.

Individuals interested in careers in the health care field are invited to attend a Health Careers Night at Mercyhurst North East on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m., at the Michele and Tom Ridge Health and Safety Building, 16 West Division St., North East. Learn more about MNE’s degree programs in respiratory therapy, occupational therapy assistant, medical laboratory technician, nursing, physical therapist assistant and medical administration. Call (814) 725-6144 to RSVP.

The McDowell Center for Performing Arts will present Arthur Miller’s Tony Award winning play The Crucible on February 12-13-14, 2009 in the Little Theatre (3320 Caughey Road). The play, praised as “A Powerful Drama” by the New York Times, deals with the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem. Yet, the play is more then a story of witchcraft. It is really a statement of bigotry and deceit, which can cripple society and cause chaos among citizens. Directed by Ken Falkenhagen and assisted by Michael Malthaner, The Crucible stars Marie Glaser, Dominic Barbaro, Kristie Bauman, Ryley Nesbella, Alexandra Schwartz, Sean Weese, and Brett Niethamer. Tickets are just $5.00 and will be sold at the door prior to each performance.

On Wednesday, Feb. 18, Gannon University will host the third of four financial aid workshops.The workshop is designed to help high school students and their parents better navigate the sometimes complex financial aid process. It is free and open to the public and will begin at 6:30 p.m. in room 1200 of the University’s Palumbo Academic Center, 824 Peach St. For more information, contact Gannon’s Financial Aid Office at 814-871-7337 or 1-800-GANNON-U, or visit www.gannon.edu/admiss/undergrad/finaid/default.asp.

Think you have what it takes to sing the National Anthem at a Double-A baseball game? Well here is your chance. The Erie SeaWolves announce today their National Anthem tryouts will be held Saturday, March 21 at the Erie Playhouse. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and tryouts begin at 12 p.m. Those interested in auditioning will perform the National Anthem for a panel of judges. Auditions must be performed a capella. For more information about the National Anthem tryouts, please contact Carol Trumbo at (814) 456-1300 or via email at ctrumbo@seawolves.com.

Terrence Cavanaugh, the recently appointed president and CEO of Erie Insurance Group (Erie), will be the guest speaker at the Manufacturer & Business Association’s February Eggs ‘n’ Issues briefing, starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, February 24 at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street at Pittsburgh Avenue. To register for this briefing, contact Tracy Shepard at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660. Cost is $30 for members, $60 for nonmembers.

PFLAG Erie/Crawford County will meet March 9 (Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway, Erie, PA). It’s a support group for parents, friends and families of gay people. 7 PM – 8:30 PM. Contact: Mark H. Phone: (814) 454-1392 (John). Email: pflag.erie.crawford@gmail.com.

Allegheny College will host a special visit day for college-bound students and their families on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 16. High school seniors may schedule an interview with an admissions counselor, take a tour of campus with a current student and stay for lunch or dinner in one of Allegheny’s dining halls. Interview appointments for high school seniors are available from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. In addition, an information session followed by a campus tour for high school juniors and sophomores will begin at 11 a.m. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call toll free (800) 521-5293.

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

Governor Rendell announced the investment of $12.2 million as part of PennDOT’s Aviation Capital Budget/Transportation Assistance Program. Public-use airports with a public sponsor and a line item on an active capital budget act are eligible for funding. The state has 133 public-use airports and heliports and 14 airports have scheduled commercial service. The Erie International Airport Tom Ridge Field received $3 million for the next phase of the runway extension project.

Representative Kathy Dahlkemper held a news conference Monday to discuss projected funding for our area from the $819 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that passed in the House last week. Dahlkemper reports that northwest Pennsylvania school districts could receive around $70 million to upgrade technology, renovate classrooms, and improve energy efficiency. The Erie City School District would receive the most funding under the bill–over $20 million in the next two years.

Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook pronounced Timothy Oakes dead at the scene of a snowmobile accident in McKean Township this past Saturday. Oakes was wearing a helmet at the time he collided head-on with a SUV driven by James Stumpo of McKean.

Crime doesn’t pay, kids. A snowboard stolen from Peek’n Peak on New Year’s Day wound up on eBay, and investigators from the Chautauqua County Sheriffs Office tracked the account to brothers Scott and Patrick Fletcher of Waterford. Police recovered two snowboards, both stolen at the Peak on January 1st. The brothers were charged with larceny and possession of stolen property.

London, England received a heavy dose of snow this week prompting the city to shut down and locals to freak out.  The accumulation?  No more than 8 inches.  Many people from around the world, especially parts of the world that receive a lot of snow, wrote to London papers chastising Londoners for being so whimpy, including one Erieite:

Our first snowfall this season was two weeks before Thanksgiving. Since then we’ve had more than 12ft of snow, some areas more than 20ft. Outside my house right now is about 35ins of snow. GET OVER IT, buy a shovel and get digging!

State Representative Pat Harkins was appointed to serve on the Pennsylvania House committees of Children and Youth, Education, and Labor Relations and Liquor Control.

GE Transportation was recently awarded a contract to provide an advanced communication and information system to the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District in San Francisco, CA. GE won’t be doing it alone as it has subcontracted to INIT Innovations in Transportation Inc. in Chesapeake, Va. to equip Golden Gate Transit buses with a computer-aided dispatch/automatic vehicle location system as well as supply the on-board computers, mobile data terminals, passenger information displays, and other fancy doo-hickies.

Sports

The Erie Otters play this Friday against the Sault St Marie Greyhounds and on Saturday against the Saginaw Spirit. Get your tickets here.

The Erie BayHawks return to Erie tomorrow night to play the Idaho Stampede with another home game next week against the Utah Flash. Get your tickets here.

Events

Gannon University will host a guest lecture on Wednesday, Feb. 4 in observance of Black History Month. The lecture, featuring Preacher Moss, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Yehl Room of the University’s Waldron Campus Center, 124 West 7th St. It is free and open to the public. His visit is sponsored by the Gannon University Activities Programming Board. For more information, call 814-871-7766.

The Advertising Federation of Northwest Pennsylvania (AFNWPA) is hosting national face reading expert and author Mac Fulfer, and his workshop “Amazing Face Reading: A Breakthrough in Communication” from 4:30 to 7 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Erie Art Museum, 411 State St. During the workshop, Mr. Fulfer will teach participants a new way to see people without labeling or judging them using face reading as a means of better understanding a person’s strengths and weaknesses. He will also show attendees how to immediately read anger, stress, deception, confusion and wariness on another person’s face. Fulfer guarantees that by the end of the session, participants will never look at another person the same way again. Registration for the AFNWPA “Amazing Face Reading” workshop is now open. Interested individuals may register online at afnwpa.org or call (814) 451-8677. The cost is $20 for AFNWPA members; $30 for non-members. A reception featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will follow the presentation.

Award-winning poet Henri Cole will read from his work at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5 in Quigley Auditorium at Allegheny College. The program, which is free and open to the public, is part of the college’s Single Voice Reading Series. The Single Voice Reading Series is sponsored by the creative writing program of the Allegheny College Department of English. The series will continue with readings by Katherine Min on March 4 and Mark Doty and Paul Lisicky on April 14.

The Erie RV, Camping & Powersport Spectacular will be held at the Bayfront Convention Center Thurs., Feb. 5 – Sun., Feb. 8, 2009 Thurs & Fri 12:00pm-9:00pm; Sat. 10:00am-8:00pm; Sun. 10:00am-5:00pm. Tickets: $3.00. For more information, please call (814) 725-3856.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

Feb. 13: The Temptations, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 19: Jerry Seinfeld, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 22: Rain (Beatles Cover Band), Warner Theatre (tickets)
March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong has been found competent to stand trial.  Officials in Texas where Diehl is being held in prison have cleared Diehl as competent and will return her to Pennsylvania where Judge Sean McLaughlin will hold a hearing to make a final decision as to her competency to stand trial.

Edinboro University hasn’t publicly released it yet, but the school has redesigned its website.  We think it is an improvement especially how RSS feeds are now prominently placed on the site.  Once criticism is the use of white space.  The news and the events columns could use some padding.  h/t Your Boro.

The REthink survey continues through this Friday, February 6th.  The purpose of the study is to gather important workforce development information and regional perspectives regarding a prospective community college to serve northwest PA.

Students of Iriquois School District, breath easy.  Teachers will not strike, now that an agreement has been reached involving their contract with the district.

The Erie School District’s lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase was dismissed by a federal district court judge.  You will remember the school district was ripped off when it was charged exorbitant fees related to a swap deal.  The judge found that the school district did not adequately plead fraud in its complaint and that the transaction in question was not covered by federal securities laws.  More at ETN.

We’re not sure what this means but on MSNBC.com, a story about how hard-core Erie and citizens from other snowy cities can be, has been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4.

Too bad so sad for Erie real estate mogul Greg Rubino who is banned from transacting any business with MTR Gaming’s Presque Isle Downs & Casino (except for one pending real estate deal). The PA Gaming Control Board upheld its previous decision despite an appeal by Rubino.

Here’s some Erie trivia for you. The author of the childrens cartoon Arthur, Marc Brown, is originally from Erie. SignOnSanDiego.com has an article on Brown and the backstory of his creation Arthur the aardvark.  There is also a contest for children to create a charachter that has a disability or uncommon trait.

Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper announced satellite offices are staffed and open for business beginning this week including updated office hours for Crawford and Venango Counties. You can view a list of office locations here.

The blog ErieBrewed has a review of this past weekends beer festival held in Garrettsville, Ohio.  The event featured a number of area breweries.

Sports

The Erie Otters play this Friday against the Sault St Marie Greyhounds and on Saturday against the Saginaw Spirit. Get your tickets here.

The next Erie Otters fan club meeting will be held tonight at 6:30 p.m. The monthly meeting is located at the First United Methodist Church at 707 Sassafras. Use south side door for entrance. Parking available behind the church or across the street in the small lot.

The Erie BayHawks return to Erie tomorrow night to play the Idaho Stampede with another home game next week against the Utah Flash. Get your tickets here.

Erie Strong Vincent football player Deonte Flemings will sign a letter of intent to play football for Grambling State University.

The City of Pittsburgh will be holding a victory parade this afternoon for the Steelers.  You can probably drive there this morning and catch the parade and the festivities if you leave by 9 a.m.  Or you can watch it online. h/t Erie Sports Fans.

Events

The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their 2009 “Spinning the Globe” World Tour to Erie on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 with their basketball wizardry, hilarious antics and fan interaction. Tickets start at $16.00.

Pennsylvania Senior Deputy Attorney General Darrel Vandeveld, J.D., of Erie, who resigned his appointment as a U.S. military prosecutor at Guantanamo Bay over ethical concerns last fall, will bring his unique perspective to Mercyhurst College on Tuesday, Feb. 3, during a panel discussion on “The Intersection of Traditional Notions of Justice and International Prosecutions in the Age of Terrorism.” The event, which is free and open to the public, begins at 6 p.m. in Mercy Heritage Room of Sullivan Hall.

Gannon University will host a guest lecture on Wednesday, Feb. 4 in observance of Black History Month. The lecture, featuring Preacher Moss, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Yehl Room of the University’s Waldron Campus Center, 124 West 7th St. It is free and open to the public. His visit is sponsored by the Gannon University Activities Programming Board. For more information, call 814-871-7766.

The Advertising Federation of Northwest Pennsylvania (AFNWPA) is hosting national face reading expert and author Mac Fulfer, and his workshop “Amazing Face Reading: A Breakthrough in Communication” from 4:30 to 7 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Erie Art Museum, 411 State St. During the workshop, Mr. Fulfer will teach participants a new way to see people without labeling or judging them using face reading as a means of better understanding a person’s strengths and weaknesses. He will also show attendees how to immediately read anger, stress, deception, confusion and wariness on another person’s face. Fulfer guarantees that by the end of the session, participants will never look at another person the same way again. Registration for the AFNWPA “Amazing Face Reading” workshop is now open. Interested individuals may register online at afnwpa.org or call (814) 451-8677. The cost is $20 for AFNWPA members; $30 for non-members. A reception featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will follow the presentation.

Award-winning poet Henri Cole will read from his work at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5 in Quigley Auditorium at Allegheny College. The program, which is free and open to the public, is part of the college’s Single Voice Reading Series. The Single Voice Reading Series is sponsored by the creative writing program of the Allegheny College Department of English. The series will continue with readings by Katherine Min on March 4 and Mark Doty and Paul Lisicky on April 14.

The Erie RV, Camping & Powersport Spectacular will be held at the Bayfront Convention Center Thurs., Feb. 5 – Sun., Feb. 8, 2009 Thurs & Fri 12:00pm-9:00pm; Sat. 10:00am-8:00pm; Sun. 10:00am-5:00pm. Tickets: $3.00. For more information, please call (814) 725-3856.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

Feb. 3: Harlem Globetrotters (tickets)
Feb. 13: The Temptations, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 19: Jerry Seinfeld, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 22: Rain (Beatles Cover Band), Warner Theatre (tickets)
March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see more of what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

There is no way this winter is ever going to end as long as that groundhog keeps seeing his shadow. I don’t see any way out of it. He’s got to be stopped. And I have to stop him.

~ Bill Murray as Phil Connors in the 1993 movie Groundhog Day.

And so it is with great dismay we announce that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this cold February morning.  But here among the people of Erie and basking in the warmth of their hearths and hearts, we couldn’t imagine a better fate than a long and lustrous winter — just as long as it isn’t too cold.

Speaking of weather, yesterday was about as great a first day of February as you could ask for. We hope you were able to get outside and get some Vitamin D. We cleaned the car out and played outside with the kids. With all the snow we’ve received, the going was a little tough, but they had fun.

We still haven’t recovered from yesterday’s game, but looking at this graphic from the CareerBuilder commercial cracks us up every time. What commercial was your favorite?

A bit of sad newsthis weekend as a McKean man was killed in a snowmobile accident. Timothy Oakes, 41, was driving the snow machine on Old Route 99 and was struck by a car.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced that Lake Erie anglers should experience another year of great fishing in 2009, especially walleye and yellow perch anglers. Other fish expected to be bountiful includes smallmouth bass, white bass, and steelhead fish.

Fargo, ND, publication Inforum.com has an article on the first president of the University of North Dakota. William Blackburn, who among other things, wrote the “History of the Christian Church” and notably first became a minister in Erie in 1856 before traveling to a number of cities and eventually settling in North Dakota.

Sports

If you’re a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, chances are you still haven’t come down from yesterday’s Super Bowl. Man, what a game. We were excited when the team was up 20-7 and heartbroken when the team was down 23-20. Despite the offense stinking from the second quarter until 2 minutes left in the game, they got it done when it counted and won their 6th Super Bowl, 27-24. They have now won the most Super Bowls of any NFL team.

The Erie Otters beat the Guelph Storm 5-2 Saturday night in front of almost 4,000 cheering fans at the Tullio.  The Otters play again this Friday against the Sault St Marie Greyhounds and on Saturday against the Saginaw Spirit. Get your tickets here.

The next Erie Otters fan club meeting will be held tomorrow, February 3, at 6:30 p.m. The monthly meeting is located at the First United Methodist Church at 707 Sassafras. Use south side door for entrance. Parking available behind the church or across the street in the small lot.

The Erie BayHawks won against host Bakersfield Jam 91-84 Saturday night. The BayHawks return to Erie this Wednesday, February 4th to play the Idaho Stampede with another home game next week against the Utah Flash. Get your tickets here.

Mercyhurst won over the Air Force 3-2 in an Atlantic Hockey Association game Saturday.

Events

Terrence Cavanaugh, CEO of Erie Insurance, will be the guest speaker at the Manufacturer and Business Association’s monthly Eggs ‘n’ Issues breakfast on February 24. Registration is at 7:45 a.m. and admission is $30 for members and $60 for nonmembers. For more info call (814) 833-3200.

ArtsErie will hold a public kick-off for its annual ArtsErie United Fund on Mon., Feb. 2 at the Erie Playhouse, 13 West 10th Street. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m.; a brief press conference will begin at 5:15 p.m. The ArtsErie United Fund, previously known as the United Arts Fund Drive, has provided support to Erie’s arts community for over 40 years. In 2009, ArtsErie aims to raise $350,000 through the ArtsErie United Fund.

The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their 2009 “Spinning the Globe” World Tour to Erie on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 with their basketball wizardry, hilarious antics and fan interaction. Tickets start at $16.00.

Pennsylvania Senior Deputy Attorney General Darrel Vandeveld, J.D., of Erie, who resigned his appointment as a U.S. military prosecutor at Guantanamo Bay over ethical concerns last fall, will bring his unique perspective to Mercyhurst College on Tuesday, Feb. 3, during a panel discussion on “The Intersection of Traditional Notions of Justice and International Prosecutions in the Age of Terrorism.” The event, which is free and open to the public, begins at 6 p.m. in Mercy Heritage Room of Sullivan Hall.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

Feb. 3: Harlem Globetrotters (tickets)
Feb. 13: The Temptations, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 19: Jerry Seinfeld, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 22: Rain (Beatles Cover Band), Warner Theatre (tickets)
March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.

If you would like your event considered for posting here on ErieBlogs.com, please send us your information using our online contact form. Make sure you check our daily News & Events for new event listings and events happening that day.

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

Feb. 3: Harlem Globetrotters (tickets)
Feb. 13: The Temptations, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 19: Jerry Seinfeld, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 22: Rain (Beatles Cover Band), Warner Theatre (tickets)
March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

This Week’s Events

Cats is an award-winning musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T. S. Eliot. Since opening in London in 1981, the show has been performed around the world in numerous productions and has been translated into more than 20 languages. The show opens at the Erie PlayHouse and runs through February 15.

ArtsErie will hold a public kick-off for its annual ArtsErie United Fund on Mon., Feb. 2 at the Erie Playhouse, 13 West 10th Street. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m.; a brief press conference will begin at 5:15 p.m. The ArtsErie United Fund, previously known as the United Arts Fund Drive, has provided support to Erie’s arts community for over 40 years. In 2009, ArtsErie aims to raise $350,000 through the ArtsErie United Fund.

The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their 2009 “Spinning the Globe” World Tour to Erie on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 with their basketball wizardry, hilarious antics and fan interaction. Tickets start at $16.00.

Pennsylvania Senior Deputy Attorney General Darrel Vandeveld, J.D., of Erie, who resigned his appointment as a U.S. military prosecutor at Guantanamo Bay over ethical concerns last fall, will bring his unique perspective to Mercyhurst College on Tuesday, Feb. 3, during a panel discussion on “The Intersection of Traditional Notions of Justice and International Prosecutions in the Age of Terrorism.” The event, which is free and open to the public, begins at 6 p.m. in Mercy Heritage Room of Sullivan Hall.

Gannon University will host a guest lecture on Wednesday, Feb. 4 in observance of Black History Month. The lecture, featuring Preacher Moss, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Yehl Room of the University’s Waldron Campus Center, 124 West 7th St. It is free and open to the public. His visit is sponsored by the Gannon University Activities Programming Board. For more information, call 814-871-7766.

The Advertising Federation of Northwest Pennsylvania (AFNWPA) is hosting national face reading expert and author Mac Fulfer, and his workshop “Amazing Face Reading: A Breakthrough in Communication” from 4:30 to 7 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Erie Art Museum, 411 State St. During the workshop, Mr. Fulfer will teach participants a new way to see people without labeling or judging them using face reading as a means of better understanding a person’s strengths and weaknesses. He will also show attendees how to immediately read anger, stress, deception, confusion and wariness on another person’s face. Fulfer guarantees that by the end of the session, participants will never look at another person the same way again. Registration for the AFNWPA “Amazing Face Reading” workshop is now open. Interested individuals may register online at afnwpa.org or call (814) 451-8677. The cost is $20 for AFNWPA members; $30 for non-members. A reception featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will follow the presentation.

Award-winning poet Henri Cole will read from his work at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5 in Quigley Auditorium at Allegheny College. The program, which is free and open to the public, is part of the college’s Single Voice Reading Series. The Single Voice Reading Series is sponsored by the creative writing program of the Allegheny College Department of English. The series will continue with readings by Katherine Min on March 4 and Mark Doty and Paul Lisicky on April 14.

The Erie RV, Camping & Powersport Spectacular will be held at the Bayfront Convention Center Thurs., Feb. 5 – Sun., Feb. 8, 2009 Thurs & Fri 12:00pm-9:00pm; Sat. 10:00am-8:00pm; Sun. 10:00am-5:00pm. Tickets: $3.00. For more information, please call (814) 725-3856.

The Erie Art Museum’s Kids as Curators exhibit will open on February 6 and run through March 22, 2009 in the Annex Gallery. An exhibit of objects from kids’ collections, curated by kids for kids. This year we feature work of Harding Elementary, General McLane High School, and Walnut Creek Middle School. Sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences.

Gannon University’s Erie Chamber Orchestra will hold its monthly concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, in the University’s Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel, 520 Peach St. This performance will be the “Guess the Composer Concert.” Free and open to the public. Gannon University’s Erie Chamber Orchestra is conducted and directed by Bruce Morton Wright. For more information, call 814-871-7755.

Best-selling author, nationally recognized speaker and accomplished ultramarathoner Danny Dreyer will speak on “Developing a Consistent Personal Wellness Program: The Five Mindful Steps to Lifelong Health and Energy” at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6 in Ford Chapel at Allegheny College.

There will be a cooking class at the Boothby Inn on Saturday, February 7 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. B&B host Gloria Knox will show you her secrets of good breakfasts and brunches. Space is limited and costs $50 per person. For more information call (814) 456-1888.

Saturday, February 7 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. there will be a guided ski tour of the Erie Bluffs. You will see animal tracks, winter landscapes and much more. If there is not sufficient snow, a hike of the same subject will still take place. No fee but you must register by February 1 and bring your own equipment. Meet at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at 10 a.m. to carpool or meet at the Erie Bluffs parking lot at 10:30 a.m. For more information call (814) 833-7424.

Bean Day is a fundraiser for the Second Harvest Food Bank. Attendees are invited to bring a bean-based entry to be judged and shared. Event will be held Saturday, February 7, 2009, from 5 – 9 p.m. at the Ss. Peter and Paul social center on 34th and Wallace. The cost is $5 per person or $15 per family.

Old Man Winter has once again fallen upon the Erie region, which means it’s time for seasonal traditions such as snowmen, sled rides, hot cocoa by the fire and of course the annual yep! Ski Trip! Please join YEP! on Saturday, February 7th for a day full of skiing, food, and fun. To register and for additional information email Andrew Lincoln.

“Raw Edges,” an annual favorite of Erie dance lovers, returns for its 11th season on Feb. 7-8, showcasing the Mercyhurst Dancers in cutting-edge choreography by promising new talent. The concert is a culmination of the Mercyhurst College Dance Department’s Choreography II and III courses taught by Mark Santillano and Tauna Hunter, respectfully. Performances of Raw Edges XI are scheduled Saturday, Feb. 7, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m. at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on the Mercyhurst campus. Tickets are $15 for adults; $12.50 for seniors and students; $5 for youths under 15; $1 for Mercyhurst students; and $7.50 for President’s Cardholders. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling 824-3000.

February Events

At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, Gannon will host a showing of the movie “Trouble the Water.” The showing will be held in room 104 of the Zurn Science Center, 143 West 7th St., and is co-sponsored by Gannon’s Center for Social Concerns, Office of Service-Learning, Activities Programming Board, International Student Office, and the Departments of Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, and Criminal Justice.

Gannon University’s Schuster Theatre’s next show, “The Trachinae,” a fiery Greek tragedy, will be shown Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Feb. 12-14, and Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Feb. 19-22. All Thursday-Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Gannon’s Schuster Theatre is located at 620 Sassafras Street. Ticket prices for the general public are $5. For more information, contact the Theatre at 814-871-7493 or 814-871-7720.

If you’re looking for something different to do in celebration of Valentine’s day, you should consider the Erie Planetarium’s Valentines Dinner Under the Stars. There will be two shows with dinner from 6:30  – 9 p.m. on February 12 & 13. and 5 – 9 on February 14. For more information call (814) 454-1813, ext. 0.

Erie Celebrates the 200th Anniversary of President Lincolns Birth at the Battles Museum of Rural Life in Girard on Saturday, February 14, 2009 from 12 – 2 p.m. The Erie County Historical Society, Girard Borough and the Civil War Consortium present a rededication of the Civil War Monument in downtown Girard. Dedicated on November 25, 1865, the monument is considered one of the first to honor fallen Civil War soldiers. President and Mrs. Lincoln, Dan Rice and members of the 11th, 83rd and 145th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry are included in the rededication ceremony at the monument site in downtown Girard. Three students from the Girard Elementary School will be selected to read their winning essays about why President Lincoln is one of our country\’s most memorable presidents. A reception at the Girard Methodist Church will immediately follow the ceremony.

Spend the evening with The Temptations live in concert & spend the night at the new Sheraton Bayfront Hotel! Your package includes: 2 tickets to see the legendary Motown group The Temptations, an overnight stay at the brand new Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel that overlooks beautiful Presque Isle bay, 2 complimentary beverages at the Warner Theatre & shuttle service between the hotel and Warner from 7:00pm-11:00pm. It’s a sweet deal for only $169.00!!. To order the hotel package, please call the Sheraton Hotel at (814) 454-2005 and ask for The Temptations Valentine’s Day package.

The Erie Philharmonic presents The Piano Man – A Tribute to Billy Joel on February 14, at 8 p.m. For more information call (814) 455-1375 or visit the website.

The SeaWolves are looking for enthusiastic, outgoing individuals of ALL ages to join their team. The ‘Wolves will be hosting their second annual Job Expo on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at the Erie Civic Center from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. We are filling positions for our “Wolf Pack” promotional team, ushers, concession stands, mascots and other exciting game day jobs. The job expo will be located in the Civic Center suites and interested parties can enter at entrance B near the southeast corner of the arena. Perspective game day employees will fill out applications and interview for positions on the spot. For more information about the 2009 Erie SeaWolves Job Expo, contact (814) 456-1300 or visit www.seawolves.com.

Erie Gay Business Alliance will meet on February 18 at Matthew’s Trattoria, 153 E 13th St at 7 PM. Local activist Doris Cipolla will be speaking about marriage equality and other issues relevant to the GLBT community to the Erie Gay Business Alliance, which is for GLBT professionals and business people and their supporters. Phone: (814) 456-9833. Email: egba-owner@eriegaynews.com. Sign up for the email list at http://lists.eriegaynews.com

Gannon University will host a Financial Aid Workshop at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18. The workshop is free and open to the public and will be held in room 1200 of the University’s Palumbo Academic Center, 824 Peach St. The informational session is designed to help high school students and their parents better navigate the sometimes complex financial aid process. It will include an overview of the entire financial aid process, including a step-by-step review of the questions on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It also will cover definitions of terms parents and students should know, the various aid programs available, and tips on how to apply and the application process. For more information, call 814-871-7337 or 1-800-GANNON-U, or visit http://www.gannon.edu/admiss/undergrad/finaid/workshops.asp.

The 11th annual MECA Bar Stool Open will be held on Saturday February 21, 2009 in downtown Erie, PA. Entry fee is $100 per team of 4 golfers, $25 per person. Must be 21 years of age or older to participate. Click here to for the registration form.

The Elk Creek Recreation and Leisure Board in Girard is sponsoring the Cabin Fever Festival at Girard high School. The event is free (no admission) and will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2009 from 1 – 5 p.m. Activities include: free wwimming in school pool, snow shoe instructions by Asbury Woods, movie, piano recital, hay rides and snowmobile rides, sled riding (BYO Sled), crafters, face painting, and finger printing. And oh yes, food.

Erie’s favorite event is right around the corner. The 18th Annual Erie Trivia Night Challenge will be held on Thursday, February 26 at the Avalon Hotel, 16 West Tenth Street, Erie. The event will benefit children in the Achievement Center’s Physical Rehabilitation programs. Participants in the event will be treated to an evening of lavish raffles, a silent auction; dinner fit for a king, and of course, the coveted Achiever’s Title. “Captain Dan” Geary will be returning as our master of ceremonies. “Captain Dan” will be navigating participants through three rounds of rip-roaring, mind-teasing Erie trivia questions to arrive at the infamous, “final question.” Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is at 6 p.m. with the trivia to start at 7 p.m. Cost is $50 per person or $400 per table of eight. Dinner and game play included. For more information, call Susan A. Smith at 814-459-2755, Ext. 1115.

February 27 will be the Erie Art Museum’s Nouveau, a party serioes for 20-40 somethings. African safari theme features African textiles, drumming circle, tie dye workshop, donation bar…and a dose of new. Sponsored by PNC Bank, Erie Times News, Bob FM, Molly Brannigans, Bud American Ale

April Events

The 2009 Erie Microbrew Festival will be held April 18, 2009 at the Brewerie in the Union Station. There will be two sessions: 1 – 4:00 p.m., and 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets will be $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

This is the big weekend for football fans and casual viewers alike. Tomorrow, the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. You can take our Super Bowl poll here and tell us who you want to win. If President Obama would vote in our poll, we know he’d vote for the Steelers.

If you’re hoping for a break in the cold temperatures, keep hoping. Temperatures will remain in the 20’s for the next week except for a “spike” of 36 degrees on Sunday. Don’t you wish you were going to Tampa for the Superbowl?

Weird story out of Millcreek. McDowell Intermediate High School teacher Robert Henninger has lost his job at the school after allegedly cutting a student in the stomach during a class demonstration. Not much more is known about incident, if it was an accident or what. Mike had him for class when he was at McDowell and he didn’t seem like a violent guy.

Local businessman Waydell Johnson has announced he will run for Erie City Council. He will run on the Democratic side.

The City of Erie and Erie Firefighters have reached a new 4 year contract. The contract includes both future and retroactive wage increases and firefighter contributions to health care.

The Pennsylvania State Insurance Department is reporting that the number of residents without health insurance is now more than 1 million