Mark S. Doss as Sarastro. Sarastro's entrance from Opéra de Nice's production of Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute)

Local Erie resident, Mark S. Doss has come a long way since his first dream of being a baseball-playing priest. Along with having a 2010 summer full of leading roles in successful European productions, this bass-baritone is a global opera star and Grammy Award winner.

Although Mr. Doss is currently preparing for his role of Jochanaan in the Teatro Real production of Salome in Madrid, Spain, he was able to answer a few questions I had about his triumphant and much-loved opera career.

Q: When did you discover your love in this area of fine arts?

A:  Opera is the “plural” of opus, which means “work”…  I have always been known for wanting to do “every” facet of whatever I am doing.  When I played basketball, I wanted to be able to dribble well and to jump the highest.  In tennis, I wanted to be able to “serve and volley” and to play from the baseline.  In baseball I was a “switch hitter”…  When I tried out and was accepted for the summer program in Cleveland dedicated to training in the arts, it was like a “magnet” attracting me to the opera world.  We received training in acting, dance and voice, and my vocal “projection” got me the “lead role” as Daniel Gale from Kansas in the “Wiz That Is”.  We did over 20 performances that summer, and so you might think that this kind of preparation and training would have led me to “musical theatre” and not opera.  Yet, the following school year I began my life in the Catholic Seminary (as well as undergraduate school) at St. Joseph’s College, and wanting to continue my vocal training (for my ministry), I was initially given “operatic” arias to work on.  Having watched at least a couple of Mario Lanza movies when I was growing up I was very inspired by him, with his charisma and beautiful voice — so that’s what I had to “work through” in order to find my “true” vocal calling as a “bass-baritone”…  Once that was done, I entered a local vocal competition and next sang a Metropolitan Opera District audition, where I was among the three winners who got sent on to the Regional Finals in Chicago.  At age 21, I was pretty much “hooked” on continuing to sing opera.

Q: Was this always your dream?

A:  My dream was to be a “baseball playing priest” because I had a passion for baseball, and having lived next door to the rectory; I grew up admiring the priests and wanted to be like them.

Q: How did you attain this career?

A:  The career pretty much attained “me”.  I was a sociology major at St. Joe’s, but took enough music classes to have a “double” major, so I graduated with a B. A. in both.  I still only took my Graduate Exams in sociology, thinking I could study voice “on the side” with a “practical” Graduate Degree under my belt.  Because I thought it wouldn’t hurt, I auditioned at both the University of Illinois and Indiana University (the latter being the largest music school in the world, with the biggest vocal program) and I was amazed that they were extremely enthusiastic about the possibility of me attending their institutions.  At Indiana I sang “six major roles” in my 6 semesters there, and afterwards auditioned for the Santa Fe Opera Apprenticeship Program, was accepted, and from there was taken into the ensemble of the Lyric Opera of Chicago.  The day after I finished my “2 year contract” with Chicago, I flew to New York to do an understudy role (contract) at the Metropolitan Opera.  My career began then and I have never had to look back.

Q: Did you have any difficulties along the way? If so, what were they?

A:  What may have seemed like a difficulty at first has always become a “blessing” for me in the end.  I am “extremely” inspired to work “3 times” as hard after a setback, so not getting the initial nod from the Vienna State Opera to be in their ensemble program probably brought more opportunities in Chicago.

Q: What do you like best about performing on-stage? What do you like least?

A:  During a Spring Festival Concert in my junior year at St. Joe’s, I was singing solos from Fiddler on the Roof, and other such productions when it hit me “as I was singing” that I was where I was meant to be.  I felt like I was totally “at home” on the stage.  The ability to express my innermost feelings through song and to hopefully inspire others with my words and music is the greatest privilege I could ever have been given.  I do not like being “unprepared” when I am on stage.  I am “constantly” working hard on perfecting roles, even after I’ve sung them many times in the past.

Mark S. Doss as Amonasro (pictured in duet) in Aida from La Monnaie in Brussels.

Q: What has been your favorite song to sing?

A:  My favorite song would have to be something that expresses my faith in God, which could be “I’ll Walk with God” from the Student Prince, or “Sperate o figli” (Hope o children) from Nabucco.

Q: Do you like being a bass over a tenor? Why or why not?

A:  As a “bass-baritone” I get the “best” of both worlds!  I get to sing those beautifully rich “low notes” that so many people love to hear, and because I have a very easy top extension to my voice, I can access the notes that tenors occasionally sing – exciting top G’s and A flats.  But truly, the high and low “F#’s” of a good bass-baritone are simply to die for.

Q: What is your favorite or most memorable performance?

A:  Singing the role of Jochanaan (John the Baptist) in Salome at La Scala in March of 2007 was extremely special, but my La Scala debut in Milan as the Toreador in Carmen (July 2004) is difficult to top.  Also, singing the Title Roles of Mefistofele in Frankfurt, Germany, Figaro in “Le nozze di Figaro” and Giulio Cesare (Julius Caesar) in my home town of Cleveland were extremely special events.

Q: What was it like winning a Grammy Award? How did you feel? What did you think?

A:  I only knew about Grammy Awards going to “pop” singers, so I was pretty surprised when I received notice of a “Grammy” nomination for Semele.  I had a contract far away from where the presentations were being held, so I didn’t give it a second thought.  I may have been watching that year just by accident, and never even continued watching to see who would receive the “Classical Awards”.  Again, the nomination didn’t really register for me, so when I got the notice through my agency that Semele had won the Grammy, and I would be sent one – or it could be presented to me by a company I was working for at the time — I was TOTALLY floored!!!  I still pull it out at times and just stare at it.  It is a great feeling to have one.

Q: Were you at the Grammy’s when you won your award?

A:  Unfortunately, I was not at the awards, and to this day I do not know who was there and who actually accepted the award.

Q: What is the best thing about performing overseas?

A:  Being able to speak different languages is a “blast”, and I’m constantly studying them while I’m here, because it is different to converse with someone in their native tongue as opposed to always using English.  Seeing the sites while I’m not performing is pretty special, such as The Eiffel Tower in Paris, The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, or Big Ben in London.  Singing on the stages of the most famous and beautiful opera houses in the world is also quite a thrill.

Mark S. Doss as Jochanaan (John the Baptist). Jochanaan's entrance from Teatro Regio Torino's (Turin's) Salome.

http://www.marksdoss.com/schedule.php  

http://www.teatro-real.com/Programme/Current%20season/By%20dates/

Is it true? Has spring finally sprung?

Saturday, March 20 was the first day of spring- a season full of hope and new life. After a long, difficult winter, spring is our savior and we should take it for all its worth.

These past few weeks may have given us a peek into our future summer. Nothing is better than even a glimpse of sunshine. But before jumping into summer planning, stop and take a look at all the things spring has to offer.

With spring comes flowers, and everyone loves flowers. Erie has one of the most beautiful spring sceneries around. Although many of us wish to go to down south for the winter, down south, they don’t get to experience all the colors that spring bestows here. Because they have warm weather all throughout the year, a lot of their plants, trees and flowers stay about the same hues.

Birds also make their grand debut in the springtime. Sure, we see birds all year round, but when you see the first robin of the year, you know spring is surely on its way. It’s even good luck to make a wish on the first robin you see after winter. That way, you’ll be sure to have an excellent spring and summer.

Many other animals that hibernated throughout winter also begin to appear. Bambi and all his friends come out to enjoy the warm weather just like us, especially for some twitterpating.

While this season brings many beautiful flowers, we also have to deal with the mud. Of course children love to play in the mud and get dirty, so this can be a good thing, for the kids at least. Plus, all that muck gives outdoorsy people the perfect landscape for going mudding on four-wheelers.

For all the fashion lovers out there, each new season brings some killer new outfits as well. We can always count on new looks for spring and every style is different than the last.

Baseball is also a common spring thing among sports fans. It brings us new games, new players, and new home runs.  

Towards the end of spring, we have graduation- a perfect time for new adults to step out into the world and experience life. What a perfect time to do so when the whole world is waking up from a long winter’s nap. Everyone gets a fresh start in spring.

In this season, not only are the flowers in bloom, but so are the animals and people, too. Everyone looks forward to summer, but we need spring first; it’s like the big performance right before the Superbowl kickoff. Spring offers so much beauty and gives us much insight to our Erie summer.

So let’s enjoy our Erie spring and greet it with a warm welcome.

Scottish heritage, entertainment, friends, and lots of music and dancing can be found at the 58^th annual Tartan Ball on Saturday, March 6, 2010 from 8 pm to midnight at Rainbow Gardens in Erie, PA.

Always on the first Saturday in March, The Pipes and Drums of Erepa Grotto have been sponsoring the dance since January 25, 1953.

What began under chairman Bill MacMurtrie with a single bagpiper and two highland dancers has evolved into a full blown Celtic party with more than fifteen pipers and drummers, five Scottish dancers, and several guest bands throughout the years including the 48^th Highlanders, Metro Toronto Police, 87^th Cleveland Pipes and Drums, and the Erie Thunderbirds Drum and Bugle. It is now one of the most victorious and thriving community events around Erie.

This year’s theme salutes our military and first responders, with entertainment from The Pipes and Drums of Erepa Grotto and guest band, The Erie Thunderbirds. The Blues Beaters will be on hand for guests’ dancing pleasures. The Anita Mountain Highland Dancers will once again grace the dance floor with their Scottish dancing, and Lou Baxter, the News Director of JET TV 24, will be the master of ceremonies.

Although there is no specific dress code, patrons’ outfits usually range from simple jeans and a t-shirt to glamorous, flowing dresses. As I’ve been an attendant at the dance, I have found another use for my old high school dresses and prom gowns.

Guests may also be of any age and may bring as much food and drink as they wish. At this ball, anything goes; of course you must be 21 for alcoholic beverages.

The cost is $15 per ticket, but since the band is a philanthropic group, most of the proceeds are donated to commendable, worthy charities such as the Achievement Center and free dentistry for handicapped children.

The Tartan Ball always brings in a large group, and many people return year after year. If you really want some cultural entertainment, dancing, and fun, bring your dancing shoes to Rainbow Gardens for the 58^th annual Tartan Ball. At the end of the night, you won’t regret it, even though your feet might.   

For more information on the Tartan Ball and the Pipes and Drums of Erepa Grotto, visit http://www.tartanball.net/.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Do you know what you’re getting your sweetie for the most romantic day of the year?

We all know the traditional gifts for this February holiday: candy, jewelry, flowers, cologne, perfume, teddy bears, and dinner and a movie. These gifts are all nice and well, but they’re traditional and predictable.

Don’t get me wrong, I love flowers, perfume, and especially chocolate, but these types of things are expected on Valentine’s Day. Let’s go outside the box a little bit and try something different and unique.    

First off, don’t worry about having the most romantic gift in the world to give to your sweetie. You’ll just stress yourself out more than anything else. There are plenty of gifts out there to give to your loved one on Valentine’s Day, and they don’t have to cost much at all.

You don’t have to buy her a $250 necklace or a $90 bottle of cologne for him. Pay attention to what your sweetie loves to do. If he or she has a favorite hobby, base your gift on that. Get fishing gear for your fisherman or a craft kit for your innovative gal. When you know what your significant other is into, there are endless amounts of possibilities for gifts.       

Creativity can also play a key part in choosing a Valentine’s gift. If you’ve been with your honey for a while, get a shadowbox and put little trinkets in it from past dates in it, like ticket stubs or dried flowers.

You could even make a collage of your favorite pictures of each other, a CD of all his or her favorite songs, or you could write a love letter or poem. Sometimes the best gifts come straight from the heart.

Second, don’t worry about making the night absolutely perfect. The higher your expectations, the more likely your Valentine’s won’t be as perfect as you thought. Who says you have to go out for dinner anyways?

Cooking a homemade meal together can be more romantic than actually going out to a fancy restaurant. Plus, it’s cheaper and you can be alone. If you mess up the recipe a little bit, just laugh it off.

Another idea that fits the season and is really romantic is ice skating. Even if the two of you have never done it, it’s worth giving it a try. Although you won’t be alone, you’ll be trying something new together, so neither one of you will have any expectations because you won’t know what do expect!

The last and most important thing is to just be with that special person.  

If it’s love, there’s nothing better than spending time with your sweetie. Life can become so hectic, it’s just nice to relax with your loved one and spend the whole day together. Both of you need a break, so take a break together.

Maybe you can find a hobby to enjoy, go on a mini-vacation, or rent movies and cuddle on the couch. Whatever you decide to do, do it together and really savor every minute of it.

If you’re still struggling with what to do or what to give, here are some links that may help give the left side of your brain a boost:

http://holidays.lovingyou.com/valentine/

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/giftstomake/tp/ValetinesDayGifts.htm

http://familyfun.go.com/valentines-day/ 

http://www.celebrations.com/valentines-day

Even if you don’t go on an expensive date or exchange extravagant gifts, you and your sweetie can still have the perfect Valentine’s Day just being with the person you love, sharing a homemade gift (and a small box of chocolates), and spending the night in, is romantic enough.

The first month of the new year is almost over; have you kept your New Year’s Resolutions?

Resolutions can be difficult to keep, especially the ever-so-popular resolution of staying fit. Anyone who decides on this pledge naturally has some great intentions, but it’s time consuming, exhausting and difficult to commit to. Who actually has the time to exercise anyways?

There is one unique solution that’s easy and fun to use and will help anyone keep this common resolution- Wii Fit Plus.

Wii Fit Plus is the perfect way to stay in shape all through the year. With more than 60 games and activities to choose from, exercising will no longer be a chore or the last item on your to-do list. Exercising will actually be fun!

With this new and improved Wii game, you can find all the same activities from the original Wii Fit, plus some added games for extra training. This fitness game allows you to enhance flexibility and tone muscles with Yoga and Strength Training activities. You can even do some cardio and perfect your steadiness with the Aerobics and Balance Games.  

Wii Fit Plus turns exercise into games to make it fun. What’s even better about staying fit with this Wii game is the fact that it does all the work for you. By using the Wii Balance Board the game can measure your Body Mass Index, or BMI, to calculate your body fat based on your height and weight. This can help you manage your health and choose the best exercises and games to work with on the Wii.

You can also customize your exercise routines to fit your personal fitness goals by mixing and matching different games. You can even choose your own personal trainer to work with you as you start your training, and you can track your progress on the Wii Fit Graph.  

After you have finished each game you can find out how many calories you burned and how much time it took to complete the exercise. The Fit Bank keeps track of how long you exercise, and it continues to total your time until you finish your session. The more time, or Fit Credits, you accumulate, the more games you can unlock.    

Even though there are thousands of video workouts, exercises, and trainers out there, none of them can compare to Wii Fit Plus. With this game you will want to exercise, and it’s something you can even do with the kids. Not only will you be getting in your daily dosage of exercising, but you’ll also be spending time with family.

Now that’s an easy resolution to keep.

Imagine that aliens are living among us on Earth. The government has confined them in a camp guarded with security. We feed them cat food, which they love, and they keep their distance. We only interfere when it’s absolutely necessary. Some of the aliens are a bit unruly and it’s a completely different world, but it’s still peaceful enough. They’ve brought to us a whole new world of science, technology, and fresh experiment ideas. This is our Earth, so we’re in charge, right?

In the action packed, science fiction movie, District 9, aliens do live with us on Earth in Johannesburg, South Africa.

It begins with a huge spaceship that landed just above the city. Scientists figure that the ship was disconnected from another ship and fell to Earth. Upon investigation, they found a group of aliens inside that were nearly starving to death.

While the residents of Johannesburg agree to let the aliens live in the city, they want the aliens to be kept under control. The government then creates District 9, a protective camp for the aliens, when some of them become more unruly and destructive. After that the extraterrestrials are given the derogatory name, “prawn.”

When Multination United (MNU) takes over the responsibility of District 9, they decide to relocate the aliens outside of Johannesburg to the new District 10.  

However, when Wikus van de Merwe, an MNU employee, becomes in charge of the relocation project some of the creatures don’t take the evictions so well. Wikus and his crew even abort some alien eggs and confiscate some dangerous-looking weapons that might not be so safe for human contact. . .  

Written and directed by Neill Blomkamp, this film proves that there are plenty more stories to be made out of extraterrestrials. With an exceptional, completely unexpected and edge-of-your-seat plot, District 9 is more than science fiction-action movie. Its irreplaceable heroes make it an unforgettable film.

Rules, rules, and more rules; what’s so important about having them? Safer driving, that’s what.

With the new law about using a cell phone while driving in Erie, it’s guaranteed there will be much safer driving, providing the fact that people will actually abide by this law.

Residents of the city of Erie are no longer permitted to use hand-held cell phones when driving. This law was a much needed one for the safety of all drivers in Erie. Drivers who use cell phones aren’t only putting themselves and everyone in their car in danger, but also those around them in other vehicles.

I know I’m glad this law was finally passed. There have been countless times when I’ve seen a driver make a foolish move on the road only to find out that they’re too wrapped up in their cell phone conversation to pay attention to what’s really important- the road!

Using a cell phone while driving is like wanting to get into an accident: stupid and completely unsafe. More drivers have been injured and killed in accidents when using their cell phones as opposed to alcohol induced accidents.

It doesn’t take that long for an accident to happen, and one wrong move could be your last. Drivers should be paying attention to the road, not listening to their friend gossip about the latest scandal on Big Brother.

If the call is truly that important, drivers can pull off to the side of the road. If drivers are in too much of a hurry to talk, then just don’t answer the phone.

On the bright side, drivers are permitted to use hands-free devices, as long as there is no need for dialing or pressing buttons of any sort.

Also, police officers are going to be lenient for the first few months of the new law. After that, fines will be made for each offense ranging from $150-$300. Is that phone call really worth that much money?     

I don’t know about you, but I’d like to keep my cell phone bill the way it is.

Traditionally during this season, our family jumps right into the spirit of Christmas by watching some classic holiday films. The movie that always hits the top of our list includes Christmas queens, scraggly trees, and a lovable little dog named Snoopy. Good grief, it’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” of course!

While my sister and I have grown up a little more each year, Charlie Brown hasn’t followed suite, and our Christmas with him hasn’t been the same. I can’t remember the last time I even watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

The lack of Christmas traditions is sure to be common in every household this year. People just become too busy over the years. There’s just never enough time with holiday gifts to buy, cookies to bake, and decorations to put up. The traditions and spirit of Christmas just seem to fade away.

In “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Charlie himself is having this same difficulty. Although Christmas is supposed to be a wonderful time full of laughter and celebration, he just can’t seem to get into the spirit of the season. Something just doesn’t feel right.

All of Charlie’s other friends are preparing for the holidays. The Peanuts’ gang is putting together a Christmas play, his sister, Sally, is writing a letter to Santa, and even Snoopy is decorating his doghouse for a lights and display contest.

When Charlie seeks advice from Psychiatrist Lucy, she suggests that he become the play director and get involved. Then all his Christmas blues will go away.

Unfortunately, he doesn’t make the best director and feels that the play focuses too much on commercialism. Thinking that a tree could enhance the scenery of the play, Charlie and Linus, his best friend, set out to buy one.

While all the trees on the tree farm are a big and bright, Charlie notices a smaller tree with three branches and very few pine needles left. Of course it’s a scraggly tree, but he sees it’s potential and decides it just needs a little love. The other Peanuts don’t approve of Charlie Brown’s pitiful tree. He questions whether or not he can do anything right and if he’ll ever discover the true meaning of Christmas.   

This year I made myself sit down, away from my busy schedule, and take some time to relax and enjoy “A Charlie Brown Christmas” for the first time in a long while. It made me remember all my childhood Christmases growing up with the Peanuts. I could feel the spirit of Christmas again.     

Christmas isn’t about the tree, the gifts, the cookies, or the decorations. It’s about the birth of Jesus Christ, as Linus so graciously explains to Charlie Brown. Christmas is about family, friends, and spreading joy to all you love.

So put those stockings down, save the baking for later, and focus on the real reason for the season. Get into the Christmas spirit and give your holiday traditions a little love.

With tall skyscrapers, historic landmarks, busy streets, an astounding nightlife, and a million and one things to do, New York City deserves its title of the city that never sleeps. The electricity is seen and felt. The city’s energy is simply undeniable, especially during the holiday season.

Now I’ve been to New York City before, but never during Christmastime. This year my mom and I were looking forward to the elaborate window displays, the legendary Radio City Rockettes, and of course the grand, brilliantly decorated tree in Rockefeller Center. Although our trip lasted a day, we definitely got the full NYC Christmas experience, complete with large, fluffy snowflakes.

As soon as we arrived, my mom and I rushed off to catch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Neither of us had ever seen the Rockettes before, but since it’s an annual tradition in New York and has been performed for 23 years, it was not a show to be missed.  

Walking into Radio City Hall guaranteed that the show would be excellent. A huge chandelier in the shape of a tree greeted everyone in the main entrance. There were multiple Christmas wreaths hanging throughout the building, as well. Even without the holiday decorations the room itself was gorgeous in red and gold.

The theatre was also elaborately decorated for Christmas, and the performance was absolutely amazing. The Christmas Spectacular was indeed spectacular with perfectly coordinated performances by the Rockettes, greetings from Santa Claus, and a living nativity scene. There were even 3D glasses given with each program to view the backdrop of the show, which included one of the world’s largest indoor LED screens. The entire show was definitely worth seeing, and the Rockettes’ performance was beyond my expectations.

Our next stop was Fifth Avenue, where we did a lot of walking and not a lot of spending. We stopped in at the eminent Saks and Tiffany’s where highly crafted window displays lured customers in.  

In Saks we were immediately greeted by men in tuxes and women dressed in their best. In Tiffany’s, the staff were equally well dressed, and everything in both stores sparkled and shined. This was my first visit to both places and I was definitely awestruck by the service, the amount of perfume and diamonds, and the prices.

Also on Fifth Avenue, we visited to F.A.O Schwartz, The NBA Store, The Trump Tower, American Girl Place, and the Disney store.

Inside every store we found Christmas decorations like we’ve never seen before. The window displays were all beautiful and extremely unique. No two were alike and it was hard to pick a favorite. Half the fun of being on Fifth Avenue was just being able to be a part of the Christmas experience and viewing the decorations on the boulevard of fashion in New York City. 

When it became darker outside and the snow began falling more heavily, it made our experience even more wonderful. Of course, when the sun goes down in NYC the lights come on. All the lights and ads in Times Square illuminated the snowflakes outside.

Out of all the holiday decorations in New York City, none can be more astonishing than the great, beautifully decorated tree in Rockefeller Center. Although we had seen the tree earlier in the day, it was so much more striking at night when all the lights were lit and the star twinkled bright on top of the tree.

I couldn’t believe how tall the tree was. All I could think about was that moment on Home Alone 2 when Kevin is finally reunited with his mother right in front of the Rockefeller tree. What made it even more beautiful were all the ice skaters laughing, skating and having a blast beneath the tree. With all the smaller decorative trees and lighted angels, the whole scene was like nothing I’ve ever seen before.  

New York City has so many opportunities and endless things to do. It really is a city full of energy and electricity. During the Christmas season that energy and electricity is amplified to its greatest amount with all the wonderful decorations, events, and the magical Rockefeller tree.

The trip was a remarkable and wonderful experience. The best thing about it is that Erie offers bus trips to this incredible city all year round, not just in December. The experience is all the more breathtaking when you visit New York City during Christmastime.

The time is near, Christmas will soon be here and Black Friday is just around the corner. But with tons of sales going on already, is it worth getting up at 4 a.m., battling traffic and beating through other customers just to get the greatest deals?

With the economy the way it is, shoppers have actually limited their shopping sprees and started saving more money. Malls everywhere are trying everything they can to get customers back into their stores. The coupons are already filing into Erie mailboxes, and there are ads galore in newspapers trying to lure consumers in.

In the end, a sale is a sale, which always puts a smile on a savvy shoppers face. So in order to prepare for the hectic Black Friday: take a shower the night before, set out your outfit for the next day, get all your coupons in a row, and put your keys by the front door.

The most important thing to do is to not panic. Black Friday usually means that the latest and greatest electronics will be lowered in price, and there’s usually a limited supply. If you begin worrying about whether or not you’re going to get that Blu-ray player for your dad, that’s about the worst thing you could do. Black Friday is supposed to be the kick-off of the holiday season and you wouldn’t want to start off the season stressed would you?

Try calling the store you’re after and see if you can order anything ahead. This will relieve you of some much unneeded stress if you know you’ve already secured what you need. If electronics is what you’re after, get up early and get in line. Just remember, no matter how bad the day is, as soon as you get what you need you can go home and go back to sleep.   

If you’re just shopping on Black Friday for anything interesting for friends or family that might be on sale, then take your time. Most of the sales will be going on all day and for the rest of the weekend, so there’s plenty of time to shop for sales. If you’re not in a hurry, relish in taking your time to just meander and admire the Christmas decorations in the mall.

Although it’s always fun to go to the mall “just because,” on Black Friday it’s important to do your homework. When you know what you’re after, you need to know when your sales are. Some go from 4 a.m. to midnight, while others are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Do some holiday shopping research to find out the hours of certain stores. Then you’ll be set to go.

Another important piece of research involves clipping coupons. As I said before, many coupons have already begun appearing in Erie mailboxes and front steps. Don’t overlook them! You may be surprised by how many coupons you can get your hands on, which makes bargain shopping that much better. You may even find just what you’re looking for in a coupon. 

Before you begin your Black Friday adventure, make sure you take back-up, seriously. Going shopping with friends or family members can make the whole experience ten times better. Your comrades may even know of other sales you may have overlooked, or they might have some extra coupons that could bring you some top deals. Plus, if stores start to get really hectic, you won’t be in it alone.       

To answer my beginning question, it is worth it to get up at 4 a.m. for the best deals, only if you know exactly what you’re looking for. Other than that, sales will be going on continuously this season, not just on Black Friday. Budgets may be a little tighter this year, but Black Friday continues to make it easier to shop and save more than ever. Shoppers, enjoy!

Twinkling lights, bright shiny stars, decorations galore, and a jolly white-bearded man in a signature red coat; all of this and more can be found at the festive Saint Vincent Auxiliary Festival of Trees on November 26-30 at the Ambassador Conference Center on Peach Street.

With more than 50 professionally decorated Christmas trees, children and adults will have plenty to admire. There are purple trees, Steelers trees, black and white trees, trees full of snowman and elves, and many more. As one of last year’s attendees, I couldn’t believe how many trees there were. Each one is so uniquely decorated that when it comes down to picking a favorite, the choice is nearly impossible to make.

Guests will be able to vote for their favorite trees. That’s right; you don’t have to pick just one. Upon entering the festival, you will receive several tickets to put in baskets to vote for your favorite tree.

There are also tickets on sale to win prizes. From wine gift baskets to spa gift sets, toy baskets to sports fanatics gift packages, there are plenty of prizes to satisfy everyone’s holiday taste. Each raffle ticket you buy benefits the Saint Vincent Auxiliary, and the more tickets you buy, the better your chances of winning.     

For the kids, they can crawl into the miniature version of Santa’s Shoppe where they can receive help from Santa’s very own elves. The elves will be there to help children pick out small gifts, around $10 and under, for their moms, dads, grandparents, and friends. Children will also be able to visit with Santa himself and even get their picture taken with him.

There will be live entertainment and holiday vendors to enjoy while taking in all of the festive surroundings, as well.  

This event is for guests of all ages and should be sure to put everyone (scrooge or not) in the mood for Christmas. I highly recommend this event as all proceeds benefit Saint Vincent’s Hospital. With gift baskets to win, Santa’s Shoppe, and great entertainment, this unique event is too great to miss, and the beautiful trees definitely make the whole visit worthwhile.

The cost is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children ages 3-12. For more information about the Festival of Trees, visit their website at http://www.svhs.org/festivaloftrees/events.htm.

“Curtsy while you’re thinking what to say. It saves time.”

Quoted from the revamped “Alice: Tales of a Curious Girl,” this production is based on the writings of Lewis Carroll. However, this is a slightly different tale than the classical version of “Alice in Wonderland.”  The production was written by playwright Karen Hartman and directed by Chrystyna Dail. It will be held at the Studio Theatre on Penn State Erie, The Behrend College campus.  

The first part of the play is set in the spring in the real world. Alice is trying to recite her studies to her mother while getting her picture taken, but she just can’t seem to focus. She then finds a hole, and being the curious little girl that she is, she follows it down to Wonderland. This wonderful new world she has found herself in is full of peculiar animals and inanimate objects that can talk, including a cat, a deck of cards, a mouse, and some birds.   

In the second part of the play, we find Alice in the fall, where she is a little bit older. Back in the real world, Alice can’t seem to forget about her wonderful journey in Wonderland. While her memories of Wonderland are slowly fading away, Alice becomes distraught and tries to go back. She knows that the more the memories fade, the sooner she’ll forget completely. Alice would have to turn to her studies and focus on becoming a lady, so she soon finds herself falling into the Looking Glass World where she meets the kings and queens of the chessboard.

Throughout the play, the lighting was displayed seamlessly and created the perfect atmosphere for each new scene. Most of the sound effects during the performance were created by the students themselves. Alice was played by Kylie Swanson, and Preston Barrett, Shay Conto, Chris DeMarco, Nina Diehl, Elizabeth Fogle, Stephanie Kaelin, Cassie Kosmal, Byran Monroe, Jose Picado, Kevin Roche, Charlotte Sweetland, and Carissa Zozos all play multiple roles in the production.

“Alice: Tales of a Curious Girl” has some pretty interesting characters. Out of all of them, I liked the red queen, the white queen, and the cat the best. Reservations to see this unique play, and its equally unique characters, can be made by calling Penn State’s Office of Student Activities at 814-898-6242, and tickets cost $7 per student and $10 for general admission.

The play will also be held at 8 p.m. tonight, November 14 and a matinee show at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 15. For next week at 8 p.m., the performance dates are Tuesday, November 17, Wednesday, November 18, and Thursday, November 19, so you’ll have plenty of chances to see the show and choose your favorite character.

For more information visit http://www.behrend.psu.edu/newscal/news2009/oct-ALICE.htm.

Founded in 1991, Mercyhurst North East is a small, quiet, community college that opens its doors to those wishing to fulfill lifelong dreams, further their education, and have a place to stay when they just can’t carry on in the afterlife.

Many spirits are said to roam the halls of the campus. From Miller Hall to the new dorm buildings, students have seen and heard things that they can’t quite explain. The question remains: Is Mercyhurst North East haunted?

Upon entering the building, its aged walls and cracked floors create an ideal atmosphere for the “creep” factor. Of course the building is beautiful with its glass-stained windows in the chapel and the long breezeway by the main office; the school’s ancient design still has the look and feel of a haunted building.

One of the most popular and plot-changing stories is about the nun who hung herself at the end of the hallway where the professors’ offices are located in Karsh Hall. The campus was once known as St. Mary’s Seminary for 110 years and home to many nuns, monks, and young children. In the mid-1980’s the seminary closed its doors and sat empty for five years before becoming what it is today.

Though the story of this particular nun is unclear, one student described an encounter with an unseen being in Karsh. She said that she was down there to make up a test for one of her professors. All the teachers’ office doors were shut and locked, and she and her professor were the only ones in the hall. While she was just finishing up her test she heard a door swing open and slam shut, and her professor’s door remained unmoved. She quickly answered the following questions, gave her professor the test, and ran out of Karsh Hall as fast as possible.

Another story involves a hooded figure seen looking out of one the chapel windows in the back of the building, facing the parking lot. Although the chapel windows are difficult to see from the parking lot, in one specific window in an empty hallway in the school, the window where the figure looks out can be clearly seen from here.

Inside the chapel however, it’s clear that no one can even look out of this window because it is placed high above the organ in the front of the chapel. You would need a ladder to look out of this chapel window.

On the third floor in the main building, Miller Hall, many students claim to hear children laughing and playing or even crying. This floor is dedicated to dorm rooms now, but there is an account that this part of Miller caught on fire and many people were trapped inside, including children.

Even in the newer dorm buildings set further down the campus property, students have strange encounters. Some have heard knocking and whispering when no one is around.

So what really happened to the nun in Karsh Hall? Does she still roam the halls by the professors’ offices? Who is the hooded figure that looks out of the chapel window? Are their children that still roam the halls in Miller? Is Mercyhurst North East really haunted?

The best way to answer all of these questions is to find out for yourself. Doing a little investigating is the ultimate test that proves whether or not any beings remain on campus and whether or not you believe. Halloween may be over, but the spirits may never sleep.

Family, friends, and homemade food- Polish food, that is. From homemade pierogies to delectable tarts, Dabrowski’s Family Restaurant and Deli has it all. With its red and white theme, Dabrowski’s has been serving hearty Polish and American dishes for 26 years.

Wesley Dabrowski immigrated to Erie, PA from Poland in 1947, along with his father and four brothers. While in Poland, Dabrowski made a living cutting hair and continued that profession in the United States. He opened up his own barber shop called “Wesley’s,” located on 26th and Penna Avenue in Erie, PA. He cut hair for 51 years until finally retiring to work in his restaurant which opened in 1983. Dabrowski’s has been a local favorite ever since.

From the outside, the restaurant is easy to spot with its red and white paneled exterior. Displayed above the entrance is a red eagle wearing a crown, which is a part of the traditional Polish flag.

Upon entering the eatery, new and regular customers are greeted by a female mannequin dressed in traditional polish clothing. The red and white theme continues throughout the inside of the restaurant with the red brick walls and white tiled floors. Each table is garnished with faux ruby-colored roses, which give the place an even greater feeling of being right at home.

Perfectly formed lemon, cherry, and blueberry tarts line the food showcase in front of the restaurant, next to the kitchen entrance. Of course there are many more tart flavors, and some homemade slices of polish sweetbread.

Below the sweet treats are the sweet meats on display for the famous deli sandwiches. Along with the deli meats, they serve hamburgers, chicken and fish sandwiches, and seasoned pork steak with a side of vegtables and potatoes.

If you happen to think breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then Dabrowski’s plentiful breakfast is the way to go. Since breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, I had the pleasure of tasting their homemade sausage, eggs, and fluffy pancakes. With a side of toast and delectable homemade strawberry jelly, this breakfast was a perfect start for the early morning.

Located on 4003 Main Street, in Lawrence Park (map), Dabrowski’s offers all homemade products containing no additives or preservatives. With prices ranging from $2.99-$10.99, they provide catering for all services and serve plentiful food Monday through Saturday, 7am to 3pm.

Dabrowski’s is a laid-back, reasonably priced restaurant, with a friendly and welcoming staff. Although the wait for the food is a bit lengthy, when it does arrive, a bigger plate is always going to be needed along with a carry-out box to go! From their polish breakfast and toast to golombki (cabbage rolls) and paczki, (Polish donut) Dabrowski’s has something for the whole family to munch on.

Ed. Note: This is a welcome post from one of our new interns. Yes, we have interns, how great is that. They’ll be blogging about Erie, life here and more. The first post is from Krissy. I’ll let her take it from here.

Hello! I’m Kristine Cole, but I usually go by Krissy. I recently turned 19 in August and live in North East, Pennsylvania. I’m a mildly shy person at first, but at heart I’m an outgoing, country, fun-loving girl.      

Currently, I am a student at Mercyhurst North East majoring in Communications. I chose this school because it’s close to home, and I have heard wonderful things about the programs. My mother attended Mercyhurst for nursing and loved it, so I decided to go there as well. This is my second year in college, and it’s not exactly what I expected, but I love it all the same.

I love spending time with my family, which includes my mom, my dad, and my 12-year old sister. Even though there’s a considerable age gap between my sister and me, we still share quite a few interests. We both like the “Twilight” series and we love shopping, even if we don’t share the same tastes in clothing. We also enjoy traveling, which my family does a lot. This past summer we took a road trip to Virginia, which is a beautiful state. On our trip we visited Williamsburg, Water Country USA and Busch Gardens.

When it comes to creativity, I love it all: painting, writing, drawing, taking pictures, designing. One of my many creative hobbies includes scrapbooking. I love taking memories and transforming them into pages and pages of art that I can look back on. Plus, I really enjoy taking pictures, and I take pictures of everything from my family Christmas Eve party to walks along the beach. What’s the point of making a memory if you can’t look back on it?

Reading is also on my list of favorites. I can get wrapped up in a book for hours at a time and never even realize it. It’s like being swept away into a different place and time. Nicholas Sparks is one of my favorite authors. After reading “The Notebook” and seeing the movie I was hooked!

Out of all the things I enjoy, writing has to be my favorite. From writing poems to writing about my day in school, there’s nothing more comforting than writing down all my thoughts and feelings. I also love writing essays and articles about my opinions or research. All forms of writing are therapeutic to me. Writing is like my crutch; when I can’t speak the words I would like to say, I can write them down. When something is bothering me and I can’t talk to anyone about it, I can write it out. When I see something so beautiful and I don’t have a camera, I can write about it.

Basically, I’m just your average young woman, trying to get through school, and trying to find my place in life. Along the way I’ve discovered that life definitely has its ups and downs, but I know I have the strength to make it through it all. I know that life is too short to waste. You’ve got to do the things you love, go to the places you love, and be with the people you love, no matter where life takes you. I don’t know what my future holds. I’m just taking one step at a time, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!