If you or someone you know has a relative who is autistic, you surely understand the difficulties and complexities of providing the best possible atmosphere and care for the ones who are affected.   I can’t begin to imagine the struggles to allow the loved one to live as close to a normal life as possible.

With that in mind, I have been asked to help publicize a new on-line resource which may be of great help to caregivers.

www.autismresources.com is a listing of doctors, therapists, restaurants, stores, activities, churches~anyone who tries to accommodate people with autism.

Autismresources.com is funded by state grants, at no cost whatever to those who use it’s services.  By joining, you will also be able to add services of which you are aware to the list, or look up those which you may need but can not locate.

You are welcome to log in to www.autismresources.com directly, or view this video which gives a much more in-depth description of this on-line resource.

http://media2.pahousegop.com/Generator.asp?videoname=193605860.wmv

April 27, 2010

Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement Officials to Canvass Erie County

Agency Reminds Public that Licenses, Vaccinations Help Keep Pets Safe, Healthy

Harrisburg – The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement will canvass Erie County beginning this month as part of its efforts to ensure Pennsylvania’s dogs are licensed, vaccinated and safe.

State law requires that all dogs three months of age and older be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year. The fee is $6 for each spayed or neutered dog and $8 for other dogs.

Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may purchase a license for $4 for spayed and neutered dogs and $6 other dogs.

Additionally, rabies vaccinations are required for all dogs and any cat (that enters a human dwelling) over three months of age.

The maximum fine per violation of the licensing requirement and rabies law is $300. Court costs may also be assessed.

According to officials with the bureau, ensuring your dog is licensed with up-to-date vaccinations is the surest way to keep your pet safe and healthy.

For instance, if a dog gets lost, having a current license is the fastest way for it to be reunited with its owner. Dogs that lack a current license could be transferred to shelters far from their homes and adopted by other families if the original owner cannot be identified.

Dog licenses for all Erie County residents, except for those living in the City of Erie, are available through the Erie County Bureau of Revenue, 140 W Sixth Street, Rm 109, Erie, PA 16501, Phone (814) 451-6239, and the agents listed below.  The dog license application form can be obtained from the Erie County web site at www.eriecountygov.org.  City of Erie residents must obtain their dog licenses through the City of Erie’s Treasurer’s Office, The A.N.N.A. Shelter, Grooming by Charlene, or at Nickel Plate Mills.

All dogs must be under control and are not permitted to run-at-large.  Complaints may be reported to State Dog Law Enforcement Officer Brian Froess, (814) 796-4678.

For more information please contact the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement at: 717- 787-3062 or visit us at www.agriculture.state.pa.us, click “Bureaus Commissions & Councils” then click “Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.”

To report unlicensed dog kennels or unsatisfactory kennel conditions call the confidential toll-free tip line: 1-877-DOG-TIP1.

Erie County Agents

Dept of Agriculture Media contact: Nicole L. C. Bucher, 717-787-5085

###

The Erie Inland Port Project has received a state grant of $175,000.  The project will develop a 200 acre business park to  warehouse, ship, and transport goods.  Senator Jane Earle announced that the award will go to the Economic Development Corporation of Erie County.  The City of Erie has already contributed $3 million to the project.

It seems that the nicer the weather becomes, the more idiots come out of the woodwork, fighting, robbing, shooting, and any other form of rowdyism they can concoct.  I certainly hope, as do most citizens, that the efforts being made by the Police Department have some early success in curbing the violence.

County Executive Barry Grossman has given in to private interests and declared that the 911 Choice program will be the rule in Erie County.  The decision has not gone over at all well with all the volunteer fire companies, who now run their own ambulance service.  The Erie County Firefighters’ Association Board had been attempting to pin down the county executive to discuss the issue, but were never consulted.   Millcreek Township, which operates it’s own Paramedic Service in the township, has stated that if the program is put into effect, they will withdraw from the 911 Center.  I expect more disagreement will be forthcoming.

If you are one of the procrastinators who wait until the very last moment to file your income tax return, the time is now.  Brew some strong coffee, sharpen your pencils, and have at it!!

Speaking of taxes, this evening, hundreds of local citizens of every political persuasion are expected to gather at the BrewErie at Union Station for the second annual Tax Day Tea Party.  We packed the house last year, and expect many more participants tonight.  With all the controversy over bail-outs, takeovers, and health care reform, I think a whole lot more people are in the mood for real, constructive, change.  I can assure you, this will be a polite, informative rally.

The Erie Zoning Board has approved a request by St. Vincent Medical Center that will allow the Hospital to begin work on a $35 million expansion project.  All three hospitals in Erie and Millcreek are expanding rapidly, certainly a major plus  in the economy of the Erie area.

Sports

The Erie Storm indoor football team will open the 2010 season at Tullio Arena Friday night against the Richmond Raiders.  Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.  It would be great to see a big turnout for our new team.

The Erie Seawolves home opener against Altoona tonight at Jerry Uht Park.  Game time is 6:35 pm.  The team really needs to start putting some wins on the scoreboard.  So far they have been unsuccessful this year.

Now that Erie Renewable Energy has announced it’s intention to build the tires-to-energy near Meadville, rather than in Erie, I wonder how long it will take before the citizens of surrounding Crawford County begin to rise up in opposition.

~~~

The law against driving while using a cell phone has undergone another change.  Erie City Council voted to increase the fines to $5oo for the first offense and $1000 for all further violations.  A violation may be cited only when the driver is first charged with a primary offense while using a cell phone.

~~~

Erie County District Attorney Jack Daneri announced that his office is instituting a Crime Stoppers Program, which allows citizens to contact ErieAlerts.com with anonymous tips concerning crimes, and be paid a cash reward starting at $50.  Rewards will vary depending on the crime, and must help police solve the crime.  I wonder, if the tips are made anonymously, how will officials know whom to reward ?   In any event, I guess it’s less expensive that hiring an adequate number of police officers.

~~~

Hamot Medical Center is pleased to announce that the Pennsylvania State Chapter of the March of Dimes has awarded a $23,000 grant for the continuation of the Hamot Stork Support Program.

This is now the second year Hamot has received a March of Dimes grant for Stork Support. The program is designed to support a healthy pregnancy.

“This is a unique collaboration between Hamot and the March of Dimes to benefit the community,” said Kim Amon, RN, MSN, MBA, executive director of Maternal Child Services at Hamot. “Stork Support not only tackles the education component of pregnancy by providing moms with individualized, evidence-based materials, but it also offers emotional support. Pregnancy is a stressful time, so to have someone there to listen and answer your questions is incredibly beneficial. It’s all part of the relationship-based care we will bring with us as we transition to the Women’s Hospital.”

In its first year, the program navigated more than 60 women and their families through pregnancy and into the first months of their child’s infancy.

~~~

The EPA has brought in equipment to be used to further monitor the emissions and air quality surrounding the Erie Coke plant on Erie’s bay front.  Already facing over $7 million in fines for exceeding allowable levels of emissions, the plant ownership does not seem to be in much hurry to comply with regulations.  In the opinion of this writer, the whole situation smells.

~~~

City of Erie officials have made the decision to make its Central Fire Station exclusively a ladder company… all the remaining firehouses will be engine houses.  This plan is part of an agreement between the City of Erie and the Firefighters Union to restructure rather than close a firehouse in order to comply with a staffing problem.

Events

Nearly 100 Gannon students will participate in the University’s annual 30-Hour Fast, to be held Friday and Saturday, April 9-10.

The students will begin fasting at 12 p.m. Friday. For the next 30 hours, they will consume only juice, water, and milk.

The fast also will incorporate community service. From 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, the students will work at the A.N.N.A. Shelter, 1555 East 10^th St., and at the Therapeutic Riding Equestrian Center (TREC), 8342 Platz Road.

The 30-Hour Fast is a fundraiser for Catholic Relief Services; each participating student is expected to raise at least $10 in donations. Organizers are hoping to exceed the $1,500 that was raised last year.

~~~

Gannon University on Tuesday, April 13 will host a seminar designed to help counselors more effectively recognize the warning signs of suicide and violence among individuals coping with mental illness and addiction.

The “Suicide, Violence, Mental Illness and Addiction Training Seminar” will be held from 2 to 5:15 p.m. in room 104 of Gannon University’s Zurn Science Center, 143 West 7^th St. The fee is $40 for licensed professionals (if paid in advance), $30 for Gannon alumni (non-professional), and $10 for students. Members of Chi Sigma Iota will be admitted free.

The seminar will provide an overview of preventing suicide and violence among people with mental illness and addiction. Attendees also will learn the warning signs of suicide and violence, why these signs are sometimes missed, and the impact of suicide/violence on professionals.

The seminar is designed for professional and school counselors, substance abuse professionals, and graduate and undergraduate students in the helping professions. It is approved by the Pennsylvania Certification Board and Employee Assistance Certification Commission.

Ken Montrose, director of training and publications for Greenbriar Treatment Center, Wexford, Pa., will be the presenter. Montrose has nearly 25 years’ experience in mental health/substance abuse services and has provided training for numerous mental health/substance abuse agencies. He is the author of Celebrating Small Victories, Understanding Schizophrenia and Addiction, and several other books and workbooks on mental health and addiction.

The seminar is sponsored by the Gannon University community counseling program and the Gamma Upsilon Chi Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota. For more information, or to register, contact the community counseling program at 814-871-7791.

~~~

Dr. David Kozak, professor of Public Policy and director of Leadership Erie at Gannon University, will be the guest speaker at the Manufacturer & Business Association’s April Eggs ’n’ Issues briefing starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, April 20, at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street at Pittsburgh Avenue. All media are invited to attend.

Kozak will discuss the upcoming midterm elections, as well as President Barack Obama’s first year in office.

“More and more, it’s apparent that there are two different visions for this country – and the deep divisions within Congress over issues like health care, labor law and the economy have only solidified that,” said Association President Ralph Pontillo. “We look forward to hearing from Dr. Kozak on the impact such divisions will have on the midterm elections, as well as the future of our country.”

To register for this briefing, contact Tracy Shepard at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660. Cost is $30 for members, $60 for nonmembers.

It was definitely nice to see sun shine and warmer weather being forecast for the first couple days of April. Today, Friday, and Saturday are all expected to be sunny with increasing temps until Saturday tops out at 79 degrees. We hope this isn’t Mother Nature’s idea of an April Fool’s joke. Oops, Easter Sunday = 56 degrees and rain. *SIGH*

~~~

A story in yesterday’s Erie Times-News highlights the opening of a new entertainment facility at 9th and Peach Street, in downtown Erie. Project Warehouse is expected to see multiple uses, from concerts to dancing, and art shows to Santa visits at Christmas time. The new facility is owned by brothers Jeff and Joseph Kodba, sons of long-time Erie weatherman Joey Stevens. One item of local interest that was not mentioned in the ETN story, identifies JSK Computers of Erie, owned by Jeffery Kodba, as the subject of a restraining order banning the company from doing business in Missouri as the result of customer complaints of questionable business practices. The judicial order was issued in 2008. This is the original story posted on ErieBlogs February 9, 2008.

“Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon obtained a temporary restraining order against a pair of computer salesmen who accepted $50,000 in payment from a Missouri business for computer monitors but then delivered the wrong merchandise that was badly damaged and failed to refund the company’s money. Greene County Circuit Judge Dan Conklin signed the order against Jeffrey Kodba, who does business as JSK Computers, of Erie, Pa, and Orlando Bevilacqua and his business, The Bevilacqua Group, of Pittsburg, KS, temporarily barring them from doing business in Missouri. Nixon will seek a preliminary injunction against the defendants at a hearing Feb 15. Nixon says his office has also heard from consumers in other states who paid JSK Computers for various electronics equipment but received incorrect, damaged merchandise and have never received a refund. Nixon also obtained an order freezing $75,000 of JSK Computers’ bank account to secure payment of consumer restitution, and for appropriate penalties.” Complete press release. JSK Computers also appears to be named in a similar law suit in New York State in 2009.

We hope that this venture into Erie entertainment is successful.

~~~

We just received this press release from Gannon University.

PennSERVE RECOGNIZES GANNON FOR INCLUSION ON HIGHER ED COMMUNITY SERVICE HONOR ROLL

The state agency for volunteerism, service-learning, and community service has recognized Gannon University for its dedication to service.

PennSERVE: The Governor’s Office of Citizen Service recently congratulated Gannon President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., on the University’s inclusion on the 2009 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Gannon for the fourth consecutive year was named to the Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning, and civic engagement.

“Your commitment to service is appreciated not only on your campus and in your community, but across the state and on the national level as well,” Karen Kaskey, executive director of PennSERVE, wrote in a letter to Garibaldi.

PennSERVE seeks to help citizens improve the quality of life in their communities through innovative and effective volunteer service programs. Its goals include encouraging all citizens to serve.

Kaskey added, “Congratulations to Gannon University for this prestigious honor and to you for your appreciation of the critical role played by Pennsylvania college and university presidents in promoting civic engagement on campus.”

The Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers the annual Honor Roll award, recognized more than 700 colleges and universities for their impact on issues from poverty and homelessness to environmental justice. On campuses across the country, thousands of students joined their faculty to develop innovative programs and projects to meet local needs using the skills gained in their classrooms.

The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll includes 621 schools, including Gannon, that were named as Honor Roll members. Honorees were chosen based upon a series of factors, including the scope and innovation of their service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses.

During the 2008-09 academic year, Gannon University recorded 77,487 hours of community service. That total includes hours contributed by students as well as faculty and staff and represents a nearly 7 percent increase in the number of hours recorded from the prior academic year.

~~~

Officials at Presque Isle Downs and Casino hope to begin offering table games in July. The list of games to be offered includes Black Jack, Craps, Roulette, and Poker. 500 new well-paying jobs are anticipated, which is good news for the local economy. We sincerely hope that those who gamble do so with prudence.

~~~

The city of Erie is beginning to sound like the Old West! At least a dozen calls for gunshots fired were handled by the Erie Police Dept. during the month of March. Hopefully the department can get a handle on the problems before anyone else, especially an innocent person, is killed. This behavior is totally senseless.

~~~

Lawyers for Erie Coke, the DEP, and the EPA met yesterday in an attempt to come to an agreement in the ongoing battle over continued violations at the Coke plant on Erie’s East Bayfront. Erie Coke has already been fined over $6 million. The whole situation stinks. Just ask anyone who lives nearby.

~~~

The Manufacturer and Business Association earlier this week published a full page ad in the ETN, with over 300 members signing on to show their displeasure over the newly-enacted health care overhaul. The businessmen feel that the bill will cause the loss of many jobs and adversely affect the economy. On a personal basis, I agree. ‘Nuf said.

~~~

The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority has gone to court to begin the process of taking 28 properties between Holland and Parade Streets, and 14th Street and the railroad tracks to the South, by eminent domain. Local businessman and restauranteur Julio Reyes owns 10 of the 28 parcels. Mr. Reyes has estimated his investment in the properties at over $200,ooo dollars. The EMTA has offered him only $75,000 dollars for all 10 properties. Mr. Reyes is not happy. We have seen the results of the work Reyes has undertaken to improve this part of town, and in our opinion, he would do a much better job than that planned by the EMTA. And he does everything with his own money, not taxpayer dollars.

~~~

We hope everyone has a Happy Easter, Passover, or whatever you wish to celebrate!

Gannon University President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., will be honored as “Person of the Year” by the Notre Dame Alumni Club of Erie.

Garibaldi will be honored at the alumni club’s annual “Universal Notre Dame Night,” to be held Wednesday, March 31 at Kahkwa Club, 3300 Kahkwa Club Road.

Person of the Year is the highest distinction conferred by the club. Garibaldi will be recognized for his work in Catholic higher education.

Universal Notre Dame Night has been a national event for more than 20 years and nearly 100 people generally attend. Notre Dame alumni clubs across the country meet for one night to celebrate the university and its values.

The Notre Dame Alumni Club of Erie has presented a Person of the Year award to distinguished alumni, devoted Irish fans who have served the club locally, and individuals who, through their efforts and example, have “furthered the religious and humanistic ideals celebrated by the University of Notre Dame.” Garibaldi was chosen by the club’s executive board for his embodiment of the lattermost category.

According to the alumni club, “Garibaldi’s visionary leadership at Gannon goes hand-in-hand with the mission of Our Lady’s University. A close friend of Dr. Garibaldi, Fr. Monk Malloy, has sent his congratulations.”

Dr. Kevin Bradford of the Mendoza College of Business will be the evening’s guest speaker. A four-year basketball letterman at the University of Northern Iowa, Dr. Bradford received his MBA, with a specialty in marketing, from Notre Dame and was elected class president. Bradford earned a doctoral degree from the University of Florida.

The event will include an auction of tickets for Notre Dame’s Oct. 9, 2010 home football game against the University of Pittsburgh as well as a Chinese auction featuring numerous Notre Dame items.

Tickets are $40 per person. Children 13 and under may order off the menu for approximately $5. Vegetarian dishes can also be arranged.

Cocktails will begin at 6 p.m., with dinner being served at 7 p.m.

For more information, or to make a reservation, contact Paul Hakel at 814-453-7511 (work) or 814-833-0337 (home).

Erie  Mayor Joe Sinnot has reached an agreement with the Firefighters Local 293 to restructure 2 of Erie’s 6 fire stations, a move that will resolve the staffing problem that had been a point of contention.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Erie County judge John Garhart today upheld the Erie Zoning Board’s approval of a tires-to-energy plant proposed for the city’s east side.   Other items still remain to be settled before construction of the plant could begin.  ERE must still obtain an air quality permit  from the DEP, and a lawsuit against the owners of the proposed site must be settled,

Erie Philharmonic Executive Director Eric Borenstein has been named executive director of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in Norfolk, Va.   Borenstein, who has been associated with the Erie Philharmonic for the past eight years, will begin his new job on June 1.

Sports

The dream season has ended. No. 15 Emporia State rallied from an 18-point deficit in the final 8:36 of regulation and eliminated No. 1 Gannon 97-94 in overtime in the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Final Four played at the St. Joseph Civic Center in St. Joseph, Missouri.  Lady Knights, you made Erie proud!  You are Number ONE in our hearts with your great run.  Thank you!!

The season has also ended for the Mercyhurst Prep boys, who lost to South Fayette 54-41 in the PIAA AA Semi-finals.

The Erie Bayhawks’ playoff hopes ended Wednesday night at the Tullio Arena, at the hands of the Ft. Wayne Mad Ants.  Final score: 90-86.

The Villa girls head to State College today, ready to bring the PIAA-AA first place title home to Erie again!  Last year the Victors defeated York Catholic last year for the title, and is looking forward to a repeat.  Nice going, Ladies, we’re with you all the way!  Game time is noon on Saturday.  the game will be televised on the Pennsylvania Cable Network.

As I walked in the door at BrewErie Friday evening to meet Mike Kelly, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  Sure, I had seen his web site, but that is totally different from talking one-on-0ne about the issues that face our corner of Pennsylvania, and on a larger scale, our entire country today.

Mike Kelly is seeking to nail the Republican nomination for the Pa-3 Congressional District seat now occupied by first-term Congresswoman Kathleen Dahlkemper.  Frankly, he wants to pull the seat out from under her. (my words).

Mike is a life-long resident of Butler County, a football player at Butler, who went on to win a football scholarship to Notre Dame, where he and Mike McCoy were team mates.  After graduation from Notre Dame, he returned home to work in the family business.  He purchased the business in 1995, and now now provides his 100+ employees with good, family-sustaining jobs.

As a businessman, Mike has seen what happens when government gets in the way of business.  When the economic climate took a turn for the worse, the banking industry loans to business dried up.  He saw sales at his automobile dealership evaporate.  He saw the same thing happen during the fuel crisis, when gasoline prices hit $4.00 per gallon.  Not many larger vehicles are sold when gas prices are high.  Mike didn’t go running to the government for a bail-out, instead he obtained franchises for smaller cars, which people could afford to drive.  The business continues to grow today,

When I asked his thoughts on how government can create new jobs, his answer was frank and to the point.  Anyone who tells you that he or she can create jobs is not to be believed.  The only way to create jobs is to allow the economy to balance out without government interference.  The more layers of regulation, taxes, and subsidies, the less chance there is for successful businesses to remain that way.  Government must get out of the way.  More government spending will only hurt the economy more.

As to the health care plan, the answer was essentially the same.  The bill which is about to come up for a vote this weekend is not the answer to our problem.  Rather, it is another step in the ongoing government take-over of business and industry.  The result will be further driving our economy  down.  Competition is the key to lower prices, not government regulation.  As an interesting side topic, we discussed how giving someone a share in the ownership of their health care expense will actually tend to lower the overall cost.  When faced with having to pay a portion of that expense, people will tend to be more careful with health care spending.  An example would be to inquire of a provider how much a particular test or procedure will cost, and if it is definitely necessary.  Many times a provider will suggest tests just to protect themselves, rather than as a diagnostic tool.  With governmental subsidy, there will be no reason for trying to keep medical costs down.  This will result in a massive increase in the federal budget.

Mike Kelly has been in business long enough to have learned well how to balance a budget and meet his payroll.  We hope he can help the federal government do the same.

I invite you to visit Mike’s website, here.

The Presque Isle

The Edgar B. Speer

Jeff Thoreson, author of the Erie Shipping News blogpost,    mentioned that the Presque Isle and the Edgar B. Speer are scheduled to leave Erie Harbor sometime Friday morning.  The  ships arrived in mid-January for their annual winter lay over and maintenance visit.  Each of the ore carriers is one thousand feet long, longer that three football fields.  It should be interesting to spend some time by the south pier watching them maneuver before exiting through the channel.  And to think that some people have problems driving a 17 foot car.

The discussion over staffing issues of the Erie Fire Department is still in the news.  In conversations with several firefighters I know (who by the way, are not from Erie, and some are actually volunteers) the general consensus is that in this case the union is correct in trying to maintain a safe staffing level for the city.  Obviously the Arbiter and the Judge who ruled in this case feel the same way.  The city can’t afford to hire more firefighters, according to Mayor Joe Sinnott.  I’m sure Sinnott does not want to close down a company, either.

If you want to see a cross section of a day in the life of an Erie Police Officer, check out the ErieAlerts entries on Twitter.  It doesn’t seem near as exciting as one would imagine.

It was mentioned on local TV this morning that the CEO of Presque Isle Downs and Casino has left his position.  No other information was forthcoming.  Can’t wait to hear the rest of the story!

We saw plenty of green yesterday as Erie turned out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.  From the pictures we’ve seen and stories we’ve heard, there will be a lot of headaches and tired revellers this morning, too.  We hope everyone had a great time and managed to get home safely.

It’s been almost tempting during the very spring-like weather we’ve been having this week to forget that it is only March, and there is still plenty of time for more cold and wintery weather to return.  Honestly?  We hope we don’t see any more snow ’til NEXT winter.

Sports

The No. 1 Gannon women’s basketball team will get a championship send-off Friday afternoon at the Hammermill Center. Gannon has announced a Pep Rally for this Friday, March 19 at 3:15 p.m. The Pep Rally is open to the public. Everyone is encouraged to come out and give the Lady Knights a proper send-off to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Best of luck to all the local high school basketball teams who are still in the races for the PIAA state championships.

It’s kinda hard for me to believe that the area college baseball teams are already playing.  I just heard that Allegheny College was scheduled to play both Washington and Jefferson, and John Carroll on Saturday, but the games have been postponed due to inclement weather.  Get real, people, it’s March.

Events

The weekend of March 20 & 21 is the Art & Wine Trail Show featuring 21 regional wineries in PA and NY here along the Lake Erie shore and each winery will be hosting area artists for the weekend. Click here for ticket information. This should be a wonderful weekend tasting our regions wine and viewing excellent art for sale.

Frequent ErieBlogs commenter Jesse posted some great shots today of the latest rendition of  “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” over the lower east side of Erie yesterday morning.  According to an ETN update, a power outage, followed by equipment failure, was the cause of the heavy flow of finely ground coke particles from the stacks at Erie Coke.  EPA spokesperson Freda Tarbell could not or would not say if the particulate matter posed a health risk.  Let’s get real, people.  The chunks of powdered coal sure aren’t going to do anyone’s lungs a whole lot of good, now are they?  The firm is still fighting a 6.1 million dollar fine levied by the EPA for major disrespect for environmental law.  The owner of Erie Coke is also having problems with another plant near Buffalo.  It’s not just the discharge that smells.

It seems to me that the rash of shootings, stabbings, rapes and armed robberies, lumped together into the ‘violent crime’ category, are growing more frequent in local crime reports.  Chances are that the soon-to-come warmer temperatures will only lead to an even greater increase in these incidents.  It is usually the police who get the bulk of the blame for not controlling the street crime, but given the perpetual lack of manpower in the EPD,   they are doing as good a job as they can.  Maybe more parental oversight would go a lot further toward curbing the problems.

GE is hiring 50 new temporary and permanent workers to fill some gaps in the workforce.  Some time-sensitive orders and several vacancies which resulted from the massive layoff last year are being cited as the reason for new hiring, rather than any new orders.

Good news from Grove City.  The historic Wendel August Forge, destroyed in a fire last week, will be rebuilt in the same location, according to the owner.  Many locals are dedicated fans of the forge and the items that are created there.

The upswing in temperature and the sunny skies are contributing to a similar improvement in the moods of almost everyone we’ve met.  How can we not be happy to see the huge snow piles disappear?  I don’t think that even the rain that is forcast for the remainder of the week will dampen the good feelings.

Remember, you read it here first!  Daylight Savings Time returns Sunday, March 14.  The whole concept is rather outdated, and many people would rather the bi-annual shuffle would just go away.

Sports

If you really want to feel like Spring is in the air, Erie SeaWolves individual game tickets tickets will go on sale March 20th  from 9am until noon  at Jerry Uht Park.

Nice to see the Erie Storm indoor football team win big with a 41-28 victory over the  Reading Express in their opener last Sunday.

The Erie BayHawks crushed Sioux Falls 116-93 on Tuesday.  Sioux falls came into the game on a 9 game win streak.

Gannon officials have announced that tickets still remain available for this weekend’s NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Atlantic Subregional at the Hammermill Center. Approximately 30 reserved seats still remain available to any season ticket holder who has not picked up a reserved seat. Season ticket holders who have not obtained a reserved seat have until the end of Thursday’s business day to pick up their all-subregional reserved seat at a cost of $16.

Gannon’s Cleve Wright has been named Russell Athletic/Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Coach of the Year.

Mercyhurst officials have announced a ticket pre-sale for this weekend’s Atlantic Hockey Association men’s hockey quarterfinal series between Canisius and Mercyhurst at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. The teams will play Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 13, with each game facing off at 7:05 p.m. If the teams split the first two games, they will meet Sunday, March 14 at 7:05 p.m.

Mercyhurst officials have also announced a ticket pre-sale for this Saturday’s NCAA women’s hockey quarterfinal contest between the top-ranked Lakers and Boston University.  Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, March 9.  Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children/students

Events

The Erie County Historical Society and the Erie Zoo are partnering to present “Animals in the Night Sky”  on Saturday, March 13, from 9:30 am until 2:30 pm, at the Curtze Mansion and Planetarium, 356 W. 6th Street.  Activities include a star show highlighting animal constellations, a chance to meet some of the Erie Zoo’s favorite animals up close and personal, tours of the historic Curtze Mansion and the Planetarium, an opportunity to create a craft, and a snack.         Tickets are $12 for children, $10 for Historical Society members, and $4 for adults.

Erie’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place Saturday, March 13,  stepping off at 2 pm.  The parade will travel north on State Street from 11th to 3rd.  If you watch closely, you might even spy the old leprechaun himself, Cap’t. Dan Geary, doin’ the jig down State Street.

“Pride and Prejudice” continues at the Erie Playhouse, Thursday through Sunday, at 7:30 pm (2:00 pm Sunday)

Now that Spring is tantalizing us with warmer temperatures and melting snow, you’re probably looking for something for the kids to help work off some of that pent-up energy.   We may just have the answer for you!!!

The Erie Planetarium is teaming up with the Erie Zoo to present “Animals in the Night Sky”.  The event will offer the chance to learn about the various animals that appear among the stars, and then meet some of the favorite animals up close and personal, courtesy of the Erie Zoo.  Top it all off with a craft session and a snack in the Watson-Curtze Mansion.

The day also affords the opportunity to tour the planetarium and the Mansion, located at 356 West 6th St.

The event begins  Saturday,  March 13,  at 9:30 am, and ends at 2:30 pm,  just in time to walk over to watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Tickets are $12 for children, $10 for Historical Society members, and $4 for adults.

Sounds like a really fun way to spend the  day, doesn’t it?

Congratulations to Logistics Plus, Fluid Engineering, and Insurance Management Company for being chosen as this year’s winners of the Award of Excellence, to be presented by the Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.  The awards will be presented at the 2010 Celebration of Excellence at the Bayfront Convention Center on April 22.  The theme of this year’s award dinner is “Exporting Erie”.

Another local facility has also received national recognition.  The Erie County Department of Corrections, aka the Erie County Prison, has been accredited by the American Correctional Association.  The ACA determined that Erie County satisfied its accreditation standards in terms of safety, security, health care, administrative, legal and quality-of-life conditions.
The ACA says the benefits of accreditation include improved health and safety conditions for prisoners and staff; better management and supervision, and increased staff professionalism and morale.  We trust that the residents of the facility will be happy to learn what a great place they have to live.

The big freeze in Florida in January is getting the credit for a sizable  increase in price and lessened availability for produce across the area.

Meanwhile, gas prices continue to escalate.  It’s only to be expected, now that the weather is getting nicer and demand will be increasing as the public takes to the highways more often.

Preliminary reports indicate that the devastating fire at Penn State Behrend’s  main cafeteria, the Gazebo at Dobbins, was caused by an electrical malfunction.  The future of the building is not clear at this time.

City Council is still dithering over the cell-phone legislation.

Gamblers at Presque Isle Casino lost 2.4 million dollars this week.

The US Postal Service may be eliminating Saturday deliveries in the not-so-distant future in an effort to reduce costs and improve their bottom line.  I guess too many of us use the internet to  communicate these days.  Still, it is a nice feeling to find a real honest-to-goodness letter or card in your mailbox, isn’t it?

I don’t know about anyone else, but this winter seems to be dragging on way too long to suit me.  Spring this year begins on March 20.   That’s only seventeen more days!  We can finally see a light at the end of the snow piles.

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine has been named to the 2009 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.

Dr. James Kurre, associate professor of economics in the Sam and Irene School of Business at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, has been named Educator of the Year by the Americans for the Competitive Enterprise System (ACES).

The School of Engineering at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, will host this year’s American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference (ASME/MSEC), the flagship forum for manufacturing engineering. The conference will be held Oct. 12-15, 2010, at the Bayfront Convention Center.  This event will showcase the Erie community and all it has to offer to visitors from all over the world.  Great opportunity for Erie to enhance its image with people that can actually send business our way.

The Otter exhibit at the Erie Zoo should be a popular spot this year with the addition of five brand new members of the family, which were born over the winter.  Congratulations to the new parents!

Sports

Erie sports writer John Dudley did not do Erie’s Bob Sanders and his fans any favors with a scathing column decrying the Colt  safety’s behavior toward the press.   Frankly, the column sounded like a juvenile temper tantrum and many people were not happy with the character assassination of Sanders.  Sanders has consistently given back to the community, sponsoring football camps for young men who otherwise would not have a chance, sponsoring free days at the Erie Zoo and the Childrens’ Museum, and this year generously upgrading computer labs in two Erie Elementary Schools.  I wonder what Dudley has done for Erie……..

Gannon’s Number One ranked Womens’ basketball team will meet Kutztown in the PSAC  Final Four semifinal at 7:30pm Friday, at the Hammermill Center.  The Chamionship game will be played Saturday at 7:00 pm.

Indiana(Pa) outscored Gannon 62-53 in the Men’s PSAC quarterfinals, ending Gannon’s season with a 13-15 record.

Events

Verdi’s Requiem is an opera in sacred clothing. Resident artists from the Pittsburgh Opera, a choir combining the Erie Philharmonic Chorus and the Touring Choir of Grove City College, and the Erie Philharmonic will all combine to bring this gargantuan dramatic musical presentation to life  Saturday night at the Warner Theater.

The Erie Playhouse will present Jane Austin’s “Pride and Prejudice” starting Friday, March 6.  Call the box office for times and reservations.  (814)454-2852.

Erie Sport and Travel Expo pulls into the Bayfront Convention Center for three days beginning Friday at noon.  The Expo continues on Saturday at 10 am and Sunday, also at 10 am.

Don’t snowplows work better when the blade is actually touching the street?  Maybe this explains our lousy driving conditions.  Photo courtesy of Brian Hannah, 2-26-10.

What in H*ll were they thinking Department.  Your civic leaders in action.

1)  Erie paid $5,500 to Travelodge of Erie, on Wattsburg Rd, to rent locations for training election workers.   Travelodge was recently identified as one of the several hotels/motels in Erie County who has not paid their hotel tax bill.  The motel  owes $200,000 in back taxes and interest to the county.  After reporters from the Erie Times-News brought the issue to the attention of  Erie County clerk of Elections Doug Smith, and County Councilman Phil Fatica,  they decided that perhaps they should find another place to rent.    Erie County Executive Barry Grossman stated that the rental would stop immediately.    What WERE they thinking??

2)  As a civilian desk clerk and data entry employee of the Erie Police Department, Diane McCoy was paid wages of $89,789 in 2009.  Her base salary is only $39,958.  How can anyone earn this much overtime pay?  How many extra hours did she work?  Just doing some rough math, McCoy’s base salary for each hour worked (est 1820 hrs) would have been $22.00 per hour.  In order to amass $48,329 in overtime pay at $33.00/hr, she would have needed to work an additional 1,464 hours over the course of the year.  (48,329/33 = 1464).  Was ANYBODY auditing the books here?????   What WERE they thinking????

Yup,   they live among us.

The victim of Tuesday night’s fatal fire in Millcreek Township has been identified as Sean Shrimp, 40.  A woman, as yet unidentified, was pulled from the mobile home blaze, and flown to Pittsburgh for treatment.

Gamblers lost 3.5 million dollars at Presque Isle Downs and Casino last week.

Looks like more snow is on its way, and the accumulation could reach double digits.  I guess we shouldn’t be surprised, though.  It is Erie in February.

It was nice to see that the gasoline suppliers haven’t lost their midas touch.  Pump prices jumped a dime a gallon yesterday to $2.79 per gallon.  That increase, combined with the oncoming snow, might just be enough to convince me to break out the sled and dog team.

Brad Moore has resigned as chairman of the Erie County Republican Party.  Executive Director Jason Owen will fill in until a new chairman is elected.

Only 23  more days ’til Spring!!

Sports

Local women are dominating the news this week.

Gannon Women’s Basketball team has taken over 1st place among NCAA Division II teams.  Fantastic job, Ladies!

Mercyhurst Lady hockey player Meghan Agosta, who is playing on the Canadian Hockey team,  has set an Olympic record for goals scored with 9.  Meghan also leads all scorers with 14 points.

No. 1 ranked Gannon overpowered Mercyhurst 71-47 in women’s basketball at Hammermill Center last night.

Spring is only 30 days away!

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten Season for Christians the world over.  It also explains the black smudges on the foreheads of lots of people, and questions of what to give up for the next 6 weeks as a sacrifice for the period leading up to Easter Sunday.

Fuhrman’s Cider Mill, which was destroyed by fire in 2007, will reopen in a new location in time for the Fall season this year.  The long hoped-for rebirth of the popular cider mill will take place at the old Perry Highway Fire Hall, 8270 Peach Street, in Summit Township.   This is great news for long time customers, including me!

Adults in Erie County weigh more, smoke more, and drink more than those than in nearly every other county in the state.  Really?  Chalk up another area where  Erie citizens excel!

Long time Erie civil-rights leader Howard Horton and educator Cathy Hutchinson were presented with the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Awards by Edinboro University president, Dr. Jeremy Brown.

Dr. Tom Trevorrow has withdrawn from the race for the Third Congressional District seat now held by first term Democrat Kathleen Dahlkemper.  Trevorrow cited a serious illness of a family member as his reason for withdrawing.

Update on the Congressional Race,  Erie buisnessman Sam Paparelli has announced his intent to run on the Republican ballot in the May Primary.

Jay Badams,  Erie assistant school superintendent and one of three finalists for the position now held by Dr. James Barker, will be presented to the Erie community and answer questions from the audience this evening at 6:30 pm at East High School.  Badams is the only local candidate for the position.  The two remaining finalists, Bethlehem Area School District Asst. Superintendent Thomas Washington and Schenectady City School Superintendent Eric Ely, will be introduced on Monday and Tuesday evenings, respectively, also at East High School at 6:30 pm.

Sports

Gannon’s  Women won the  Number 1  seed and home court advantage in the PSAC Tournament by defeating Edinboro 80-72 Wednesday night.  The Lady Knights are ranked first in the NCAA Division Two, Mid-Atlantic Region.

The Edinboro Men turned the tables in the nightcap by defeating Gannon 69-60

Mercyhurst and Clarion also split for the night, with the Mercyhurst men winning 76-64, and the Mercyhurst ladies on the short side of a 66-59 final score.

Canada ran its women’s hockey record to 3-0 after defeating Sweden 13-1. Meghan Agosta of Mercyhurst College scored 3 goals and added 2 assists. She now has 8 goals in 3 games for the Canadian team.

Congratulations to the Ft. LeBoeuf Bisons for winning the PIAA-class AA State Wrestling  Championship!

Events

Disney on Ice~Pixars Finding Nemo,  tonight (Thursday) at 7:00 pm, Tullio Arena

Jesus Christ Superstar, Friday, February 19 at 7:30 pm, Warner Theater

Peeved, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm, Sunday Matinee at 2:00 pm.  Erie Playhouse

I saw on Twitter yesterday that Washington DC conceded defeat to the snow and opted to stop plowing the streets.  After driving in Erie last night,  it would seem that our own streets department must have stopped, too.  And we didn’t have nearly as much snow as Washington.

The Erie School District Wednesday evening gave the go-ahead to architects to begin drawing up plans for a total renovation of Strong Vincent High School.  The project,  expected to cost 40 million dollars, will be paid for with interest-free loans funded by the federal stimulus bill.   Also being discussed are renovations and consolidations of Irving and Roosevelt Schools on the west side, and Wayne and Edison Schools on the east side.  There is no firm plan in place as yet for the latter projects.

There is a good possibility that Lake Erie will freeze completely over this year.  Satellite images show the surface to be near 95% ice covered already.  Maybe it will alleviate some of the lake-effect storms we have been having.

Spring is only 38 days away!!!

Governor Ed Rendell has proposed a 29 billion dollar budget for Pennsylvania.  One troublesome item is a rather large change in the sales tax.  Rendell’s plan would lower the tax rate to 4%,  but add some 74 new entities to the taxable list.  Objections are sure to be forthcoming.  Rendell said he is trying to head off huge deficits in 2011 and 2012.  I would rather see him propose real spending cuts instead of  suggesting a back-door tax increase.

Presque Isle State Park will see a cut-back in services, as the Department of  Conservation and Natural Resources tries to cope with the reduction in state funding.  Fewer guarded beaches will be available for swimming, the Stull Nature Center will not open this year, and hours at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center will be reduced.  An even more dire result of budget cuts is the closing of some of the restroom facilities at the park.  That’s scary for young children and old men who can’t wait!

Sports

The Edinboro Men’s Basketball team defeated Mercyhurst 62-55 and the Edinboro Ladies won over the Lady Lakers 71-52.

Gannon Men overcame  Slippery Rock  by a close score of   54-53, while Gannon’s third-ranked Women pounded the Slippery Rock Ladies 63-39.

The Bayhawks game against Ft. Wayne scheduled for Wednesday was postponed due to the weather.

Events

Only 2 more shopping days ’til  St. Valentine’s Day.  Consider yourselves reminded, gentlemen!  If you need some ideas, why not check out some of the locally owned shops, and find something really special for the lady(s) in your life.

Gannon University has received the unanimous consent from Erie City Council to build a new dormitory on the lower east side campus.  The 12-15 million dollar project will provide another 250 beds.  Construction will start in the spring and be ready for occupancy in 2011.

The Erie County Convention Center Authority has invited proposals from several construction management firms to oversee the major upgrade to the Tullio Arena.  Pa. Governor Ed Rendell has pledged 32 million dollars toward the project.   I don’t quite see how he can give this much cash to rebuild the civic center, and at the same time slash millions from health and human services.  Priorities?

Another cool million in state dollars has made its way to Frontier Park to construct new trails, bridges, an ice skating trail and a green building.

Meanwhile, Second Harvest Food Bank has seen a nearly 50 percent increase in the number of families who have sought help to feed their families.  Thank goodness there are people like Karen Seggi, who are dedicated to helping the poverty stricken survive.  Erie is also fortunate to have several facilities who provide meals for the hungry, and shelter them from the cold.

Erie City Council passed off maintenance responsibility for several bay front locations, including parts of the Bayfront bikeway and promenade, the Land Lighthouse, Ravine Drive, and State Street between the Bayfront Parkway and Dobbins Landing.  The agreement is expected to save the city a couple hundred thousand dollars in upkeep expenses.

On a side note, that section of State Street will be undergoing a 1.1 million dollar makeover, beginning this spring.  It’s a good thing we citizens  have deep pockets.

Erie County Executive Barry Grossman has asked for a spending freeze for all non-essential purchases and travel expenses in response to the state spending moratorium.  City Council Chairman Kyle Foust expects council to be in agreement with Grossman.

On a more exciting subject, ErieBlogs received a note from one of our long-time readers, Phil Causgrove.  Phil ran across an article in the LATimes which mentions our own Ravine Flier II,  Waldameer Park’s outstanding new wooden roller coaster.   The local coaster is ranked among the top ten wooden coasters in the country.   Of course we think it’s number ONE!!!  You can check out the article here.  There is also a link to vote in a poll for the number one spot.

Just a reminder to stay off the ice dunes that have formed along the lake front.  We don’t want to lose any readers.

Sports

In Wednesday night basketball,

Gannon’s third-ranked Lady Knights overcame Mercyhurst 66-52 .

Mercyhurst men defeated Gannon 58-46, with the loss forcing Gannon into a tie for third place.

The Edinboro Fighting Scots fell to Wooster 85-72, breaking a four-game win streak.

The Iowa Energy zapped Erie’s Bayhawks 101-87.

Events

Check out the  “Jewels, Jazz, and Jive Valentine Party” at The Jive, 1014  State St.  The party starts at 11 am on Saturday,  February 6.

“The Wiz” takes flight again tonight through Sunday at the Erie Playhouse.  The show has been a sellout so far, so reserve your tickets early!

The 2010 Auto Show opens today at noon and will continue through Sunday at the Bayfront Convention Center.  Free parking, and admission is only $3.00.

Dinner Under the Stars Returns to the Erie Planetarium

Valentines Day Weekend,

February 12^th, 13th and 14th

ERIE, Pa – The Erie Planetarium, at 356 W. 6th Street, is holding its Dinner Under the Stars event, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 12^th, 13^th, and 14^th, at 6:00 p.m. There will also be a lunch event at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 14^th.

This annual event, hosted by the Erie Planetarium, includes a delicious four course lunch or dinner under a romantic night sky. To conclude the experience, guests will enjoy a presentation of the stars given by Planetarium Coordinator, Jim Gavio. Viewers will see the night sky come to life as constellations glide through the universe.

This opportunity only happens once a year and makes for a unique, romantic experience for anyone looking to celebrate Valentines Day in a memorable way.

Tickets for the Dinner Under the Stars event are $30 per person. For reservations, call Melanie at

454-1813 ext. 32. There are a limited number of tables for each event. For more information about Dinner Under the Stars, visit www.eriecountyhistory.org.

Donna Reese, local business woman and entrepreneur, has announced her intent to enter the primary campaign for the Congressional Seat now held by first term Congresswoman, Kathleen Dahlkemper.  Ms. Reese is a co-partner in General Exterminating, and has just purchased a small-business consulting  firm.

Entering the political arena in quest of the Lieutenant Governorship is Jean Craige Pepper.  You may recall Ms. Pepper from her campaign against Bob Casey Jr. for State Treasurer in 2004.

Former Erie County Executive Rick Schenker has withdrawn from the Lieutenant Governor race due to a career change.

There may be some more bad news in the job market in Erie.  The owner of Plastek Industries revealed that the company is looking into moving 20% of their jobs to North Carolina.  Moving the 200 jobs would help to improve service to their customers in that area.  A final decision has not yet been announced.

Firefighters in Erie are taking the City to court over what they say is non-compliance with an arbitrator’s ruling that required the city to hire several additional firefighters.  The union is asking the court to order the city to comply with the ruling.

Several former Chrysler dealers have filed for arbitration to appeal the forced closure of their dealerships by Chrysler Corporation last May.  Owners of Cunningham Chrysler, Fairview Chrysler-Plymouth, and Gary Miller Dodge were among nearly 2000 dealers entering into the appeal.

Hamot Medical Center has again been recognized for its low complications and death rates, one of 269 facilities nationwide to earn the designation as a Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence.  This year’s honor is the seventh time in eight years that Hamot has won the honor.

If you usually take East 12th Street to work, you might want to leave a little early this morning in case the water main break at 12th and Downing has not been repaired.  The intersection was closed all day yesterday.  Thanks to those who work in the freezing water to maintain and repair the lines.

We’re both happy and a little sad to see Erie Blogs owner Mike Richwalsky as he begins a new chapter in his career.  Mike is leaving his position at Allegheny College to become Director of Marketing at John Carroll University.  His new job begins on Monday.  We wish Mike great success in his new position.  Erie Blogs will continue to be a major player in the Erie on-line community under Mike’s dedicated leadership.

Sports

Gannon Women over Edinboro 79-67, maintaining their unbeaten streak of 21 games overall.

Gannon Men also picked up a close victory over the Scots by a score of 61-60.

The Mercyhurst Lady Lakers earned a hard-fought 61-58 win over Clarion

Mercyhurst men lost an equally close game to Clarion by a score of 77-75.

Allegheny teams swept Oberlin, Gator Men 85-66, and the Lady Gators 70-49

The Erie Bayhawks ended their losing streak with a 95-94 victory over the Springfield Armor.

Retired Erie School District Principal Greg Myers is prepared to unveil plans to develop a new charter school in Erie.  The proposed school would serve students from the higher poverty neighborhoods on Erie’s east side.  We are not entirely convinced that starting another charter is a better idea than working to improve the education delivered by our public school system.   Taxpayers are already overloaded with taxes, and paying for another school would certainly add to that burden, since the school district is required by law to pay for the students’ tuition.  The School Board heard Mr. Myers’ presentation last evening.

Erie County Council displayed a bit of fiscal responsibility at their weekly meeting Tuesday, declining to grant a greater starting salary to several of Executive Barry Grossman’s new appointments.  Council decided during the budget process to set a lower starting salary.

That was a fantastic come-from-behind victory for newly elected Senator Scott Brown in Massachusetts Tuesday.  The impact of his win on the health-care bill will be interesting to watch.  I think the public is angered by having the bills pushed through  Congress without being properly thought and agreed upon by both parties.

Residents of the Richford Arms Apartments got to spend a week in various hotels and motels after an electrical malfunction left the building at 515 State St. with no heat or electricity until Tuesday.  The Richford provides housing for the disabled and the elderly.  The building owners paid for the meals and housing for the residents until they were able to move back into their apartments.

Two really big lake freighters have docked in Erie for the winter lay-up and maintenance.  The Presque Isle and the Edgar Speer are impressive in their size.  The Presque Isle was built in Erie.  Seeing the ships is something for families to enjoy together.  The photo of the Presque Isle in our lead-in was taken by Jeff Thoreson, author of Erie Shipping News,      www.erieshippngnews.blogspot.com.  Check out Jeff’s site for great pics and commentary about the goings-on here in Presque Isle Bay.

With the urging of Mike (read yesterday’s post) I elected to install the Mozilla Firefox browser on my desktop.  Initial efforts seem to indicate that it is a good choice.  I also did some long needed maintenance to remove a lot of unneeded stuff that was slowing my computer down.  Thanks to Mike for his advice!  He really wanted me to buy a Mac, but that wasn’t to be. LOL

The outpouring of donations and volunteering for the Haitian earthquake victims has been amazing, hasn’t it?  It seems like people are really touched by the news and pictures that we have witnessed from the island.  Our prayers are most certainly with the victims, but also with those who are helping rescue and recovery efforts.

Sports

The Villa Girls basketball team has fallen from the ranks of the unbeaten, losing to Regina 55 to 44.

Strong Vincent pulled off a 17 point win over rival Cathedral Prep.  The final score was 73-56.

The Mercyhurst Men’s basketball team outshot Edinboro 83-72, while the Hurst Women prevailed 70-65.

At Slippery Rock, Gannon swept the night, with the Men on top 81-63, and the Ladies winning 74-40

Allegheny downed Hiram 75-61 in a Men’s contest.

Events

You can hear the Erie Philharmonic work their magic Saturday Night at the Warner Theater.  Winter nights are made for enjoying the lush interior of the Warner, coupled with the  musical offerings from the talented orchestra.   Reserve your tickets at the Civic Center box office.

The Erie Playhouse will open  January 29th at 7:30 pm with the funkiest show of the season, when they present ‘The Wiz’, a modern version of ‘The Wizard of Oz’.    “Ease on, ease on down the road” to reserve your seat for what promises to be a real visual and musical treat!  Box office phone 454-2852 for information.

We all need to keep the people of Haiti in our thoughts and prayers as they try to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of the earthquake which caused unbelievable damage to their island home.  Many thousands of lives have already been lost with the expectation of thousands more to come.

Also on the thoughts and prayers list is the family of State Trooper Paul Richey, who was killed in the line of duty in  Cranberry Township, near Oil City, yesterday.  The shooting suspect was later found dead in his home.

Four-year-old Adrianna Holfelder is back safe at home following a major ordeal.  The tot was sent off to day-care by school bus Tuesday morning.  Unfortunately, the bus driver forgot to stop at the day-care center, instead drove back to the garage and parked the bus, leaving the girl inside.  Adrianna was found several hours later by a different driver.  Her mother wasn’t notified until nearly 1:30 pm, when a person from the day-care center called to inform them.  No one, by the way,  from Ft. Lebouf School District, which operated the bus, contacted the girl’s mother.  We’re happy the child was found safe, and we’re also sure there will be some litigation to follow, what do you think.

On the brighter side, along with the warmer temperatures forcast for the rest of the week, we’ll be seeing a lot of yellow daffodils everywhere, as the American Cancer Society kicked off the annual ‘Daffodil Days’ fund raiser.  It’s a great chance to bring some color into your home and workplace, while helping this worthwhile cause.  The flowers will be available for purchase at various locations around the city, or contact the Society office.

A new report detailing the expansion of medical schools in the past decade cites the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine as a model for the growth of new medical schools. The Josiah Macy Jr. Foundationrecently released “New and Developing Medical Schools: Motivating Factors, Major Challenges, Planning Strategies,” written by Michael E. Whitcomb, M.D., from the George Washington University School of Public Health and Science.

On a related note, The Erie Times News cited the opening of the LECOM School of Pharmacy as one of the high points of the past decade for the region’s economy.

Sports

Mercyhurst Women’s Hockey is again ranked Number One in the nation, and  Gannon Women’s Basketball again pulled down a #4 National Ranking.

All of the local college basketball teams began PSAC West play Wednesday evening.

Gannon Men won 59-47,  over California.                                    

Gannon Women won 75-72 over California

Mercyhurst Women beat Slippery Rock 57-51

Mercyhurst Men pulled out an 82-80 victory at Slippery Rock

Edinboro Women prevailed 78-65 at Lock Haven

Edinboro Men sustained a loss, 83-69 to Lock Haven

In professional ball, the Erie BayHawks entertained Fort Wayne last night at Tullio Arena, outscoring the visitors 109-97.

Events

The Erie Chamber Orchestra, under the baton of Bruce Morton Wright, will present the annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King  tomorrow evening at St. Patrick’s Church.  The program will include the Shiloh Baptist Church Choir, with Director Fredrick Dixon.  The concert, which will begin at 7:30 pm, is free and open to the public.  St. Patrick’s is located at 130 East Fourth St.

Don’t forget the American Cancer Society’s ‘Daffodil Days’.  They need your support.

“Ease on, ease on down the road” to the Erie Playhouse to see “The Wiz”.  Opening night is January 29, and the show will run thru February 14th.  Call the Playhouse Boxoffice for reservations.

We normally don’t cover police news on Erie Blogs, but it was such a sad situation, that only 6 days into the new year, a feud between two young men, one 19 and the other 17, resulted in the death of the 19 year old, and the younger man being held on murder charges.  What disagreement is worth taking one young life, and ruining the other?  Me=sad…

It looks like table games are a pretty safe bet for Pennsylvania, with the bill having been approved by the State Senate and en route to the governor for his stamp of approval.   Rendell has already indicated he would sign the bill.  If one looks at the way the gambling dollars have dropped at the Presque Isle Casino, it seems like a very shaky way to finance state operations.

The Dairy Complex building at the Crawford County Fairgrounds has collapsed, we presume from the weight of the snow that has fallen over the past few days.  The facility, which opened in 2008, cost almost $470,000 to build.  I wonder if any of the engineers even considered our winters when designing the structure.   It would seem to me that someone would have some explaining to do.

A blood drive conducted by the Community Blood Bank, in honor of Jim Thompson, newly chosen Chairman of Erie City Council who is undergoing treatment for a form of cancer, was held at City Hall yesterday.  At least 70 units of blood was collected during the day.

Erie Blogs wishes a belated Happy Anniversary to former President George H.W. and First Lady Barbara Bush.

The towing and snowplowing business owners have to be very happy with the wintry weather.  When it isn’t snowing, they aren’t making much money.

The gas stations, however, must be making a lot these days.  Here in Erie, the average cost per gallon has increased to $2.79, a 10 cent increase.  Gotta wonder how that can be justified.  Wallets=Empty…

The ban on cell phone usage while driving is now in effect.  For everyone, that is, except for public safety workers, who will be exempt.  At first reading, the dastardly act was said to be a secondary offense, for which you could not be charged except when stopped for  a primary offense .  The word now is that may not be true.  We would be careful for awhile until the details are clear.

Congratulations are in order for the Erie Playhouse team, who raised roughly $15,000 in donations for the Kanzius Cancer Research Fund.  The Playhouse collected the money through a voluntary donation at all of the performances of ‘White Christmas, the Musical’ , which ran through December and into January.

Surprise!  Looks like we may get a little snow today and tomorrow.  The forecast is for another 6 inches or so.  I, for one, am ready for spring.  How about you?

Sports

Devone McLeod led Allegheny to an 89-57 win over Kenyon in an NCAC game Tuesday.  The win keeps the Gators undefeated in conference play.  In all, five Gators hit for double digits in the game.  McLeod was also named Gator mens’ Player of the Week.

Brittany Bell scored 10 of her career-high 24 points in overtime to lead Allegheny over Oberlin 80-69 in North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) women’s basketball action on Tuesday night.

Events

Well, boys and girls, 2009 is close to becoming little more than a memory.  Whether the memory is good or bad depends on your personal viewpoint.  One thing which we  can all hope for is that the coming year will be better than the one that will slip away at 12 midnight tonight. 

Mark DiVecchio is happy.  He already has a new job, as Executive Director of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).  Human services is very close to his heart, and in his new position, he will work closely with the Office of Children and Youth providing advocacy for children who pass through the Erie County Court System.  CASA is not a county program, but rather an organization made up of mostly volunteers.  We wish him well.

Another important member of the DiVecchio administration, Alyson Amendola, is also VERY happy.  Not only will she become the Executive Director of the Erie County Historical Society,  she has also become engaged to a lucky guy who goes by the name of Matthew Cummings!  We think that both Matthew and ECHS have hit the jackpot.

Mount Pleasant Ski Resort out Edinboro way has opened for the season.  If we can believe the forecast for this weekend, the skiing should be terrific.

If you plan on celebrating the New Year with some adult beverages, please be sure there is a designated driver to see that you and other party-goers travel safely throughout the evening, and that inebriated drivers do not involve anyone else in an accident.  Having a sober driver will also ensure that one of the many local and state police officers will not be passing out a huge fine at your expense!  We guarantee that the officers will be out in force.

Sports

 Seton Hill forced 27 Gannon turnovers en route to a 64-44 victory Tuesday night in the 36th annual Porreco Cup semifinals at the Hammermill Center.  Ferris State won the other semifinal game with a 77-67 win over Taylor.  Seton Hill met Ferris State in the finals last night.

The No. 6 Gannon women’s basketball team limited visiting St. Thomas Aquinas to 25.4 percent (15-59) shooting and posted a 52-31 advantage on the glass en route to a 60-39 victory Wednesday afternoon at the Hammermill Center.

The Mercyhurst College women’s basketball team stretched its winning streak to four with a 64-48 victory at Madonna College.   The winning streak is the longest since the early part of the 1999-2000 season, which was also the last winning season for the Lakers.

Oh yes, the Bayhawks finally won a home game, outscoring the Bakersfield Jam 91-78 Tuesday night.

Events

We’re sure there will be plenty of parties around town tonight.  The Irving Berlin musical, ‘White Christmas’, begins its final weekend run at the Erie Playhouse.  This is a don’t-miss performance, showcasing Erie’s finest actors, singers, dancers, and musicians.  The show goes on at 7:30 pm tonight, tomorrow and Saturday, with a 2:00 pm matinee performance on Sunday, January 3, 2010.

It will also be a blast at the Bayfront Convention Center tonight with ‘Boogie on the Bay’ festivities kicking off at 9:00 pm.  Proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania.  Be sure to look up Capt. Dan Geary, Erie’s oldest teenager and Master of the Oldies from WYNE, and give him a big New Year’s kiss.

We hope that everyone is enjoying the days leading up to Christmas.  There seem to be a lot of people who are still not finished buying gifts.  The stores have been busy, which is good news for the economy.  We also hope that everyone remembers those who have nothing, by making a donation to one of the many local charitable organizations that help to provide food, clothing, and a warm bed for the least fortunate among us.

We suggest that last-minute gifts are easily found in abundance in our locally owned shops and galleries.  And a monetary donation in the recipient’s name to charity also makes a wonderful gift.

In a bit of sad news for the local community, Riley Power has finally closed it’s doors.  This is a tough time to be put out of a job.  The company started cutting  jobs back in January.  We hope the furloughed employees are able to find other employment soon.

On the positive employment side, employees who were laid off from Erie Shipbuilding are now being gradually recalled to their former jobs.  Most of the skilled positions pay wages in the $40,000 + range.  The facility was recently purchased by a firm headquartered in New Jersey.

Gambling is pretty slow at the Casino these days.  Players wagered $28 Million dollars in the past week, compared to high weekly totals in the $40-50 Million dollar range a few months ago.  We’re certain that the poor economy is a contributing factor.  It doesn’t seem very sensible for the State and local governments to be relying so much  on the income from the casinos and race tracks to fund necessary operations.  Of course, those of us who live in Pa. are sort of used to that kind of voo-doo economics from our elected officials.  Governor Rendell, Mayor Sinnott, and Barry Grossmann, are you listening?

A few days ago, a White Christmas seemed to be a possibility, but the latest forecast kind of dashes our hopes, calling  for warmer, sloppier, rainy weather for Christmas Day.

Darryl Dobony was officially recognized by Millcreek Township officials  yesterday for his heroic actions during the devastating fire at Presque Isle Condominiums earlier this month.  Dobony risked his own safety by going door-to-door in the complex, waking residents and helping them get out of the danger zone.  Many of the residents, including Dobony and his son, lost everything in the blaze.  However everyone got out safely, thanks to Mr. Dobony’s selfless actions.

We want to wish the owner and editor of ErieBlogs, Mike Richwalsky, a speedy and not-t00-painful recovery from a shoulder injury he suffered in a fall on the ice outside his building.  The good news is that nothing was broken,  however Mike’s pride suffered immensely.  We’re sure Jenn and the kids are taking good care of him.

Sports

The Gannon men’s basketball team will try to extend its win streak to three games when it hosts the 36th annual Porreco Cup after Christmas break. The semifinals are scheduled for Tuesday, December 29. Ferris State and Taylor (Ind.) open the action at 6 p.m., followed by Gannon and Seton Hill at 8 p.m. The tournament concludes Wednesday, December 30 with the consolation game at 6 p.m. and the championship tilt at 8 p.m.

Events

New Year’s weekend will be your last chance to see “White Christmas, the Musical” at the Erie Playhouse.  The production is one you shouldn’t miss.  Celebrate New Years Eve at a pre-show gathering, followed by a great performance!  Information is available at the Playhouse Box Office, 814-454-2852, or online at www.erieplayhouse.org .

Is anyone else still trying to finish up Christmas shopping?  In the quest to highlight local businesses, I decided to check out  a relative newcomer to downtown Erie.  Just west of State St. on Fifth, you will discover a delightful shop filled with decorative accents, jewelery, glassware, candles, and almost anything else that a last-minute shopper could hope for.

As I walked in the door at Accents by the Bay, I was greeted by the gracious owners, Judy Tucci and Barbara Corbett.

They explained that while they offer well-known brands, such as Vera Bradley, Crabtree & Evelyn, and others, the shop also seeks out distinctive items, each individually created, including lake-glass jewelry from the artisans at Relish, which add a touch of local flavor to your gift purchases.

Just imagine how much traffic and noise you would encounter while trying to get to the crowded stores at Millcreek Mall and the surrounding area, then think how nice it can be to shop in a peaceful, calm, environment. 

We encourage everyone to patronize this locally owned business and others.  Help make  our own economy better, while finding items you will never find at the big box stores.

And please, tell Judy and Barbara you saw it on ErieBlogs!!

Three-term City Councilwoman Rubye Jenkins-Husband sat in her council seat for the last time yesterday.  She has been one of the most active members of the council, especially in her efforts to spearhead the revitalization of the Parade Street corridor and surrounding areas. A loquacious and colorful speaker, Rubye has served her constituants and the entire City of Erie well.  She will be missed.   Thank you Rubye, for 12 years of excellent service.

City Council approved the 2010 budget of $58 Million dollars at Wednesday’s meeting.  While  taxes remain the same, refuse and sewer rates will be going up.  The increases for refuse service will increase by $9.25 quarterly, and sewer rates will increase $8.40 per quarter.  Still sounds like a tax increase of $70.60 per year to us, no matter what they call it.

Council also approved a ban on the usage of hand-held cell phones while driving in the City of Erie.  The ban includes talking and texting, and any other use while operating a vehicle.  As a secondary offense, users can only be charged in conjunction with another, primary offense.  The safest way to avoid charges is to pull over to use the phone.  The law takes effect on January 5, 2010.

Erie General Electric has made a quarter-million dollar donation to several local charities.  Unfortunately, our  personal budget was not among the recipients.

Erie Shipbuilding should soon be back in business after the Port Authority completed an agreement with a New Jersey based marine services firm.

Meanwhile, the Airport Runway project is now on the fast track and is projected to be completed in 2012.  We won’t hold our breath on this one!

A young lady who didn’t like school has discovered that truancy is not the best way to go.  The $300 fines mounted up and went unpaid by the girl’s mother.  the girl then made a deal with the judge that she would get her GED.  Didn’t happen.  Now she has been sentenced to jail for 58 days.  We hope she enjoys her forced vacation as much as she did the seven times she played hooky.

An $800,000 dollar jobs bill passed last night in the U.S. House of Representatives is earmarked to update the Amtrak train fleet, which would include 50 new locomotives.  Erie GE Transportation officials have indicated that they will be competitive with their bids.  Kathy Dahlkemper, D-3rd District, made the announcement.

Sports

Gannon’s Kaitlyn Bosy was selected to run a 300-meter leg of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Wednesday, December 16.  The Sophomore is a member of the Gannon Swim Team.   We hope it was warmer in Ontario, Canada than it was in Erie, Pa yesterday.

Events

With all the activities taking place in Erie these days, it is impossible to decide which to highlight, so we’re just going to  urge you to go out and have yourselves a great time in the final week leading up to Christmas.  There are bands playing all over town, concerts to attend, theatrical presentations to enjoy( hint: ‘White Christmas’ at the Erie Playhouse looks like the local hit of the year, better get your tickets before they’re snapped up.  Lastly, many local churches present programs for the Christmas Season.  Enjoy the great things Erie has to offer!

The old adage about changable Erie weather hit us right between the eyes over the past 36 hours, didn’t it?  I think we had just about every possible weather change,  with copious rainfall, sleet, hail, snow, damaging high winds, sunshine, blue skies, and even a rainbow.  The winds caused considerable damage around the area, downing limbs, trees, and power lines.   My recycling bins, complete with two weeks worth of plastic bottles and such, seem  to be among the items which as yet I have been unable to find.  So if you find any large bags which do not belong to you, please just put them out on the proper day.

Probably the most stunned of anyone was this poor chap who was driving up Freeport Road in North East, Pa, early Wednesday morning, when a HUGE limb fell across the front of his small convertible, which ended up a few feet smaller.

Three  more feet and the driver would have been a few feet shorter, too.   He is fortunate to be alive. 

Also in North East, the high winds blew seven railroad flatcars, complete with their cargo trailers, off the track and onto their sides.  Again, no one was injured.

County executive-elect Barry Grossman has announced his new director of personnel.  Peter Callan will take over the responsibilities from current director, Larry Meridith, when the new  government is seated in January.  Callan comes with four years experience in the position under former executive Rick Schenker.

I find it very troubling that there have been several incidents of violence in which innocent little children have been injured by shots fired at other people or at random.  The latest is a 5 month old girl, who was hit by shotgun pellets.  Isn’t it time for the witnesses to help identify the gunmen instead of just turning away?  Someone must know who fired the shots through a window.  The baby girl is now at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.

For the eighth year in a row, residents of Millcreek will not see a tax increase.  We assume they are pleased.

Congratulations to Alyson Amendola, who will assume the position of Executive  Director of the Erie County Historical Society in January.  Alyson was Erie County Director of Communications under Mark DiVecchio.

Bambi got to live  another day, as officials cancelled Wednesday’s deer hunt at Presque Isle due to the weather conditions.  Bambi is happy, the hunters, not so much.

Sports

Mercyhurst Women’s basketball players held off Wheeling Jesuit for a 70-66 win Wednesday.

Events

Now that the Thanksgiving holiday is a fond memory, it’s time to get into the Christmas spirit.  The Erie Playhouse presentation of “White Christmas” opens tonight, and what better way of getting into the mood than enjoying this classic show.  The play marks the return of  David Matthews to the director’s chair.  We have been coerced by a sweet young lady into operating one of the spotlights for the show.  Hopefully, we will perform as perfectly as the talented folks on the stage and in the orchestra pit.  You will be in awe of the talent we have here in our own home town.  This awesome lady is the beautiful and talented Karen Brennen.

 Did you check out the new feature on ErieBlogs?  A new page dedicated to promoting local artists, galleries, and encouraging shoppers to consider unique gifts not to be found at the big box stores.  Click on ‘Local Gift Ideas‘ at the top of the page to view the list we have so far.  Entrepreneurs are invited to add their own names by filling out the contact form.

Dreaming of a White Christmas may be more than a dream.  Local weather wizards are predicting some of the cold, white, slippery stuff for the next few days.  Temperatures will also head down.  Not ready.  Really.

Millcreek Township received an early gift in the form of nearly half a million dollars in stimulous funding.  It will be used to improve energy savings for the township operations.

The unemployment rate in Erie has now reached 10%. To combat those losses and keep jobs in Erie while attracting new businesses here and keeping taxes low, Erie City Council has voted unanimously to approve a cell phone driving ban. Nevermind the state may pass a law making this local ordinate moot. Let’s all do this: raise your hand, open it and press your face into your palm.

Controversial Pastor Jeremiah Wright will be speaking in Erie in mid-December.  His views proved too radical even for Barack Obama, who cut ties with his former pastor. 

Gannon University has obtained a zoning change that will allow them to construct at least one new dormitory in the area of 5th and Sassafrass. Several neighborhood residents argued against the change, concerned that housing more students in that area will make the existing parking situation even worse.  Council was not concerned.

Sports

The Gannon women’s basketball team moved up two spots and is ranked ninth in the latest USA Today ESPN Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll released Wednesday afternoon.

The Penn State Behrend men’s basketball team rebounded from their first loss of the season with a victory over the Allegheny Gators on Wednesday, December 2 at the Junker Center.  The score for the contest was 77 to 70.

Events

Don’t forget the Erie Playhouse presentation of the classic ‘White Christmas’ opens tonight, and continues until New Years weekend.   Show times are Thursday thru Saturday at 7:30 pm, with Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm.  Call the Playhouse box office for more information and tickets.

You can wear your snowshoes and take part in the Gallery Walk on Friday evening.   If the weather outside is frightful, the shuttle service will be delightful.

Yes, boys and girls, Thanksgiving Day is finally here.

We at ErieBlogs hope you all have a day full of good food, good drink, and thanksgiving for the love of friends and family, and for the privilege of living in the greatest country on earth….

It is truly a day to thank our God^* for all he has given us.

Ready, Set, Dig in……….

The Mazzei & Associates building on Cherry St. suffered fire damage yesterday. No one was injured, but the building may sue.

Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott gave City Council an early Thanksgiving treat yesterday, showing off his 2010 budget. No tax increases are in there, but many fees will be going up, so it’s pretty much a tax increase. Fees that may increase include refuse rates and sewer fees.

If you’re bored and need a break from the family, The Road, filmed in Erie and starring Aragorn from Lord of the Rings opens today. Showtimes are here.

The PNC Bank on Upper Peach was robbed yesterday. No one’s been arrested as of yet.

Daejshon D. Norton, of Erie, was one of four people arrested on charges they robbed students at Kent State University.

*= Or your respective deity or deities.

Sports

The Erie BayHawks have announced their final roster cuts, waiving Oliver Lafayette and Roderick Wilmont to get down to the league required roster limit of ten players. The opening day roster will be:

ErieBlogs contributer Matt Hubert has a look at the roster over on his blog.

Events

Today’s events include eating, napping and football. What else do you really need?

The Gannon University Social Work Club on Saturday, Dec. 5 will host its 32nd annual Christmas Dinner and Wellness Fair.

The dinner is free and open to the public and is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the University’s Hammermill Center, 620 Peach St. It is designed to help brighten the Holiday season for those less fortunate local residents who otherwise might not have much to celebrate. The event, which provides a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings and free, donated clothing, is in keeping with the University’s Mission of service to one’s neighbor. Gannon University students, faculty, and staff generously give of their time to make the event successful, including setting up for the event and preparing and serving hundreds of meals. Meals will be served starting at 11 a.m., and Santa Claus will visit with the children in attendance at 12 p.m.

Effective immediately, County Executive Mark DiVecchio has assigned County Solicitor, Wallace J. Knox, Acting County Executive.

County Executive DiVecchio will undergo lower back surgery on Monday, November 23, and is expected to be back in the office Monday, November 30.

 According to the Home Rule Charter, in the event of a temporary absence or incapacity, a member of one of the county departments, previously designated by the County Executive as a substitute, and confirmed as such by the County Council, shall serve as the Acting Executive. The Acting Executive shall have all the powers of the County Executive.