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Friday, November 14, 2008

Erie PA Today News, Events and Info for today, Friday, November 14, 2008

Who is more evil - David Justka, the bus driver that can't drive, or the Amalgamated Transit Union, the worthless union fighting for Justka to get his job back after he was fired for the second time? Pretty much a tie. Justka has been involved in at least four on the job accidents including one that involved a death plus a string on traffic tickets. For sure he'll be on the bus to Hell but he shouldn't be working as a bus driver for the EMTA - the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority. His contemptible union, the horrible Local 568 of the Amalgamated Transit Union, filed a grievance saying his firing was unfair.


Motley Crue, Hinder, Theory of a Deadman and the Last Vegas will perform in concert at the Erie Civic Center Tullio Arena in Erie, PA on Saturday, March 7. Pre-sale begins today. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, November 21. (The press release has the venue incorrectly listed as the Erie Events Center.)
*** Found a pre-sale code which is supposed to work with the American Express Internet Presale which begins at either 5 pm or 7 pm today, Friday, November 14 through Thursday, November 20. You can buy tickets online here and enter SAINT666, SPIRIT,AMEX or 8003272177.

The 2009 Sailing Schedule for the US Brig Niagara was released. The schedule, info on the 2009 Daysail Program, Corporate Team Building Program, Seamanship Training Program, and more can be found on their blog, US Brig Niagara - The Ship's Log.

Two northwestern Pennsylvania soldiers who were awarded the Medal of Honor for giving their lives while performing heroic acts were inducted posthumously today into the Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home Hall of Fame. Army Spec Ross A McGinnis, a former resident of Knox, Clarion County, was 19 when he was killed in Iraq in 2006; and Army Staff Sgt. John G. Gertsch, formerly of Russell, Warren County, was 24 when he was killed in Vietnam in 1969. 'For generations, the men and women of Pennsylvania's armed forces have answered the nation's call to duty,' said Nancy Stevenson, commandant of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home in Erie, PA. 'Although the service of our inductees occurred nearly 40 years apart, their bravery and heroism has brought them together today and earned our enduring respect and admiration.' Spec McGinnis enlisted in the Army in 2004 and served with the 1st Infantry Division. On Dec 4, 2006, while riding in a Humvee on combat patrol in Baghdad, McGinnis used his body to cover a grenade that had been thrown into the vehicle by an enemy insurgent perched on a nearby rooftop. His action was credited with saving the lives of four other soldiers in the vehicle. McGinnis was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery. He also was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantry Bade and the Overseas Service Ribbon. McGinnis' parents, Thomas and Romayne McGinnis, reside in Shippenville, Clarion County. Gertsch was a platoon sergeant whose unit was attempting to seize an enemy stronghold in the A Shau Valley of Vietnam in 1969. After his platoon leader was wounded, Gertsch exposed himself to enemy fire and rushed forward to drag his comrade to safety. He assumed command of the platoon and led a successful counterattack. Skirmishes continued over a four-day period and Gertsch led a charge that rescued two wounded soldiers. He was severely injured in another onslaught and, despite his wounds, rushed forward and put himself in the line of fire when he saw that two of his fellow soldiers were about to be killed. He was fatally wounded, but his actions allowed the other two soldiers, one who was wounded, to reach safety. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Gertsch earned five Silver Stars, multiple Bronze Stars with a 'V', three Purple Hearts, and three Army commendation medals with a 'V.' The state's six veterans' homes are operated by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Each has a Hall of Fame to recognize and honor the military achievements of outstanding veterans who have completed honorable, active-duty military service and who reside or have resided in the region served by the veterans' home. The Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home is set on a 26-acre campus and it has 175 beds for nursing and domiciliary care. It opened in 1886 and is located at 560 E Third St., Erie.

The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League complete a five-game home stand today (Friday) and Saturday with a pair of 7 p.m. games against the Owen Sound Attack at the Tullio Arena. Buy tickets online.


The Independent Women's Football League announced that the Erie Illusion has been awarded a full membership license and will join the league's growing roster of teams for the 2009 season. The Erie Illusion is Erie Pennsylvania's women's tackle football team. Founded in 2002, the team has built a reputation for solid football and business longevity. Led by second-year head coach James Reavis, the 2009 edition of the Illusion features 14 returning players. The Erie ladies will launch their seventh season of competitive full-contact football in Erie this spring and will again play the home portion of their eight-game schedule at Tullio Field on the campus of Mercyhurst College.

Mike Machuga of Erie is in 2nd place after Thursday's qualifying of the Chameleon Championship at Taylor Lanes, the fourth stop on the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour.

The St Catharines Falcons Junior B team signed Matthew Paton from the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League Monday. Paton was selected in the seventh round (121st overall) by the Otters in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection.

Prima Donna Goaltender Brandon Maxwell was traded last week from the Erie Otters to the Windsor Spitfires. Maxwell refused to report to Erie and joined the USA Hockey program. He won't be joining Windsor until next year as USA Hockey won't let him out of his commitment. Ha. He'll also renege on his commitment to go to Boston College.

Miami University (Ohio) head women's basketball coach Maria Fantanarosa announced Thursday the signing of Kirsten Olowinski (Erie Mercyhurst Prep). Olowinski averaged 18.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game during her junior year and was named to the Class AAA All-State First Team.

PIAA high school football playoff schedule:
Class AAAA regional - McDowell and DuBois, Sat Nov 15 at 7 pm at Edinboro's Sox Harrison Stadium.
Class AAA District 10 Championship - Erie Cathedral Prep and Erie Strong Vincent, Fri Nov 14 at 7 pm at Erie Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Class AA District 10 Semi-finals - General McLane and Wilmington, Sat Nov 15 at 7 pm at Allegheny College. Slippery Rock and Sharon, Sat Nov 15 at 7 pm at Slippery Rock University.
Class A District 10 Semi-finals - Linesville and Mercer, Fri Nov 14 at 7 pm at Wilmington High School. Saegertown and Farrell, Fri Nov 14 at 7 pm at Allegheny College.

Millions in renovations have been completed at the Millcreek Mall. There will be a Grand Opening Ceremony held today, Friday, November 14 at 11 am. The Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation will be honored during this ceremony and a check will be presented to the Foundation Board.


Once again the Erie Playhouse is proud to premiere a new Disney musical, Geppetto and Son. Under the direction of Youtheatre/Education director Emily Cassano, this bright and bubbly musical is perfect entertainment for your family. Performances will be held November 14-16. Curtain times: Friday 7 pm, Saturday 2pm and 7pm, Sunday 2pm. All seats $13 (includes tax and fees). Purchase tickets online.

All An Act Theatre Productions presents “Caught in The Net”, the hilarious sequel to "Run For Your Wife!", at their new home in Columbus Square, 652 West 17th Street in Erie, PA. Performances will be held Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm November 14 through December 6 with special matinee shows on Sundays at 3 pm on November 23, 30 and December 7. Tickets: adults $8 and student, seniors $ 5.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) - a data collection technology that uses electronic tags for storing data - is rapidly becoming essential to supply-chain management. Adoption of the technology is growing at an annual rate of 46 percent. Now is the time to implement RFID into your business. The Center for eBusiness and Advanced IT (eBizITPA) offers quality, affordable RFID training delivered by expert instructors from the RFID Center of Excellence at Penn State Erie, the Behrend College. Two half-day courses - 'Introduction to RFID' and 'RFID Integration Management Strategies' - on the same day at the Penn State Behrend, Research and Economic Development Center (REDC) in Erie, PA on Tuesday, November 18. Cost: $49 per half-day session ($98 for both sessions). Register today.

In a relationship, who will be the first to be unfaithful? The question that playwright Pierre Marivaux explored in an 18th century garden plays out in a modern genetics laboratory in the upcoming Studio Theatre production of “The Dispute.” The updated setting also allows Chrystyna Dail, new director of the Studio Theatre at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, to add a second layer of inquiry to the dark comedy: When and how is it ethical to use human beings as scientific guinea pigs? “The Dispute” is appropriate for children over the age of 13. The 7 show run in the Studio Theatre at Penn State Behrend opens at 8 pm Thursday, Nov 13. Evening productions also will be held Friday and Saturday, Nov 14 and 15, and Tuesday through Thursday, Nov 18-20. A matinee performance will take place at 2 pm Sunday, Nov 16. Tickets are $7 ($5 for students) and may be reserved at the Reed Union Building main desk by calling (814) 898-6242.

The 7th Annual "Night With The Knights," a get-together for adults (30+ years of age) will be held Friday, November 14, from 7-9 pm at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the multi-purpose room at 1531 East Grandview Blvd in Erie. The event is sponsored by the Barber National Institute and the Knights of Columbus, and will include refreshments, horse races, and other activities. Registrations requested at the FSS office, 878-5961. Admission is Free of charge.

Gannon University's Erie Chamber Orchestra will hold its next concert at 7:30 pm Friday, Nov 14 at the Central Tech Auditorium, 3325 Cherry St. The concert will feature as soloist the Edinboro University Singers, with choral director Peter Van den Hornert. All concerts of the Gannon University Erie Chamber Orchestra are free and open to the public. The orchestra is conducted and directed by Bruce Morton Wright. For more information, call (814) 871-7755.

The Great International Beer Festival will be held on Saturday, November 15 at the BrewErie at Union Station. Two 3 hour sessions will run from 12-3 pm and 4-7 pm with unlimited samplings. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event. Tickets are limited to 250 per session.

Have you ever wondered how to ID a tree with no leaves on it? Learn how at the Winter Tree ID at 1 pm on Saturday, November 15 at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. FREE. Identifying trees in the non-leaf season can be fun. Learn to use key features such as bark, twigs, and buds. Join guest instructor Tom Erdman form the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry to learn what trees are in your backyard. Dress to go outdoors. No fee, call TREC to register, (814) 833-7424.

The Disco Spectacular Dance will be held 7-11 pm on November 15 at Rainbow Gardens in Erie. The dance features radio great Captain Dan. There will be two giant video screens, a dazzling light show, prizes for best retro outfit, a dance contest, a chinese auction and more. Tickets cost $10 and are available at both Erie area Wegmans and the Voices for Independence office. Tickets at the door will be $12. Proceeds to benefit Voices for Independence.

Gannon University's Schuster Gallery will host its next exhibit, "The Art and the Artist," from Nov 16, 2008 through Jan 16, 2009. The exhibit will feature the work of Vitus J Kaiser, a member of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Artist Association and a longtime art teacher in the Erie School District. An artist's reception will be held from 3-6 pm Sunday, Nov 16. It is free and open to the public. The exhibit will feature about 50 watercolors that depict mostly outdoor scenes. Schuster Gallery is located on the third floor of the University's Nash Library, 619 Sassafras St, and is open during regular library hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 am to midnight; Friday, 8 am to 9 pm; Saturday 10 am to 5:30 pm; and Sunday 12:30 pm to 12 am. Access to the gallery is FREE and open to the public. For more information on the exhibit, contact Gannon's Schuster Program for the Arts at (814) 871-5467.

Gannon University's Office of Graduate Studies will hold an Open House from 3:30-6 pm Tuesday, Nov 18 on the third floor of the Palumbo Academic Center, 824 Peach St. Attendees can learn more about academic programs and talk with faculty and program directors. For more information, contact Graduate Admissions at (814) 871-7474, or toll free at 1-800-GANNON-U.

Chef William from CBS will appear at the Brewerie at Union Station 5-7 pm on Tuesday, November 18 to promote his new recipe book "From My Kitchen To Yours." He'll do book signings too. Books are priced at $20.

Many communities and individuals in Northwest PA are frustrated by the lack of high speed Internet access. The Bona Fide Retail Request (BFRR) program is producing results in helping many communities obtain high-speed Internet access, but is it producing results fast enough? How sustainable are the results of the BFRR program? What could we be doing, individually and as a region, to become more effective in developing broadband infrastructure to serve our homes, businesses, and communities? Please join the Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission on Wednesday November 19 to explore these issues in results-oriented detail. All attendees will receive a "BFRR Took Kit" for going directly back to their communities and starting or completing a successful Bona Fide Retail Request for DSL service. The event is FREE. To Register emal name, organization, email address, and telephone number to Randy Rice or call (814) 677-4800 ext 100.

Dr James Kurre, associate professor of economics at Penn State Erie, the Behrend College and director of the Economic Research Institute of Erie, will be the guest speaker at the Manufacturer and Business Association's November Eggs 'n' Issues briefing starting at 8 am Thursday, November 20 at the Association's Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street at Pittsburgh Avenue. Kurre's presentation will center on the 2009 Economic Outlook, focusing on northwest Pennsylvania. His areas of specialization include the Erie economy, regional economics, economic development, spatial cost of living differences and philanthropy research. His work has been published in Economic Development Quarterly, Regional Studies and the Pennsylvania Economic Review. "Our members always look forward to Dr Kurre's presentation at this time of year," said Association President Ralph Pontillo. "But with the economic turmoil we have all seen in the past several months, coupled with the recent election, Dr Kurre's comments are of particular interest." To register for this briefing, contact Tracy Shepard at (814) 833-3200 or (800) 815-2660. Cost is $30 for members, $60 for nonmembers.

Gannon University's Dahlkemper School of Business Administration will host an informational workshop for high school students who are considering majoring in business. The Business Day workshop will be held from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm Friday, Nov 21. It is open to high school juniors and seniors and their parents and is designed to help them answer questions such as: What type of career do I want to pursue? Is business administration the right "fit" for me? What will the job market be like after I graduate from college? What can I expect in terms of career opportunities? Depending on my interests, what salary range can I expect? Will the college or university I attend help me secure an internship? Throughout the day, students and their parents will be able to meet with graduates of Gannon's Dahlkemper School as well as current business majors and faculty members. Students also will be able to participate in an interactive workshop on the many and varied business programs Gannon offers, such as accounting, advertising communications, finance, international business, management, marketing, risk management/insurance, and sports management and marketing. In addition, families will be able to meet with representatives from the University's Office of Financial Aid and tour the campus. For more information or to register for the free event, call 814-871-7566 or send e-mail to gubusiness@gannon.edu.

The Zone Dance Club Think Pink - Breast Cancer Weekend will be held November 21-22. Show your support and come join in at the Zone Dance Club for a weekend of awareness and fun as they help raise money for a great cause. Friday - the Zone Divas and a few special guests will host the Pretty in Pink Benefit Show. Bring your dollar bills and tip them well. Saturday is the Zone's Pretty in Pink Party. Wear pink and black and join us for a night of dancing and fun. We will also be having a Pink Chinese Auction and Pink Bake Sale with items donated by the local community. Help raise money and awareness for a great cause. Think Pink! Phone: (814) 452-0125.

The Community Shelter Services Can Drive will be held on November 22 from 10 am to 8 pm at at the entrance to Wal-Mart on Elm Street in Erie. To help out or find out more information, visit Wal-Mart on November 22 or call 814-455-4369 ext 2 or email Denise.

Gannon University will host a series of free workshops designed to help high school students and their parents better navigate the sometimes complex financial aid process. The first workshop will be offered at 10 am Saturday, Nov 22. It is free and open to the public and will be held in room 1200 of the University's Palumbo Academic Center, 824 Peach St. The informational session will include an overview of the entire financial aid process, including a step-by-step review of the questions on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It also will cover: Definitions of terms parents and students should know; Explanation of the aid programs available; and Tips on how to apply and the application process. The workshop also will be offered on the following times and dates: 6:30 pm on Wednesday, Jan 14, 2009; 6:30 pm on Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009; and 10 am on Saturday, April 18, 2009. All sessions will be held in room 1200 of the Palumbo Center. For more information, contact Gannon's Financial Aid Office, (814) 871-7337 or 1-800-GANNON-U.


Africa 6000 International second annual Project Water Dinner Gala will be held November 22 at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, PA. Click here for the dinner registration form, fill it out and mail it out with your check, money order or credit card information to Africa 6000 International, 2425 West 23rd Street, Erie, PA 16506. The goal of Africa 6000 International is to provide clean, safe water throughout the continent of Africa helping to prevent the premature deaths of over 6,000 children daily.

"Once Upon a Time", Victorian Holidays 2008 will be displayed in the Erie Historical Society Watson-Curtze Mansion, at 356 West Sixth Street in Erie, November 22 through December 28. It includes traditionally decorated trees, seasonal workshops for children and adults, lectures, and elegant Victorian teas. Wednesday - Saturday 11 am - 4 pm, Sunday 1 pm - 4 pm. Museum Admission: $4 Adults, $3 Seniors, $2 Children.

The Saint Vincent Auxiliary Festival of Trees takes place Nov 26-30 at the Ambassador Conference Center in Erie. See 50 professionally decorated Christmas trees and the Christmas marketplace. Cost is $5 for adults and $2.50 for kids.

The Marine Corps Reserve Erie Toys For Tots program is asking for your help. Their goal this season is to make sure that every child in northwestern Pennsylvania has a gift to open on Christmas. Please help by donating new, unwrapped toys at the Millcreek Mall November 28-30 and December 6-7. You can also donate at any one of their designated drop off locations.

The Warner Winter Wonderland Art and Craft Show will be held 10 am-5 pm on Saturday November 29 and noon-5 pm on Sunday November 30 at the Warner Theater in downtown Erie. Free, guided tours of the theater, chinese auction, pictures with Santa, refreshments, free parking. Save $1 off admission with a food donation to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Adults $3, seniors $2, children 12 and under FREE.

Join the Erie Playhouse as they celebrate the American Girl tradition with lunch and an American Girl Holiday show! The event will be held at St Peter Cathedral Center Cafeteria on November 30 starting at noon. In addition to the "American Girl" holiday musical revue, there will be several raffles and auctions taking place throughout the afternoon. Some of the raffle and auction prizes include: American Girl accessories, Mia doll and "meet" accessories. Silent auction items include Kirsten and her collection (valued at $1,000), Molly and her collection (valued at $1,000). - silent auction bids start at $400. Tickets $20 per person. Tables of eight (8) available for $120. For more information, please call Almitra Clerkin at (814) 454-2852 ext 8. Purchase Tickets online.

Nuncrackers - The Nunsense Christmas Musical comes to the Erie Playhouse this holiday season. Performances will be held December 4-7, 10-14, 18-21. It stars the nuns you love plus Father Virgil and some of Mt. Saint Helen's most talented students. This show is filled with "Nunsense" humor, some of your favorite carols, a "Secret Santa," and an uproarious take on Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet. Nuncrackers will make you laugh and maybe tug at your heartstrings. It's the perfect way to insure your holiday season is merry and bright. Tickets go on sale November 10.

War At The Shore IV will be held on Friday, December 12 at the Erie Civic Center Tullio Arena. The very popular dual wrestling meet features youth, high school and college teams. Buy tickets online. Schedule: Youth - Noon to 4:30 pm; 5 pm - Harborcreek vs North East, McDowell vs General McLane; 6:45 pm - Erie Cathedral Prep vs Penn Trafford, Pine Richland vs Lockport, NY; 8 pm - Fort Leboeuf vs Burrell, Gannon University vs Mercyhurst College.

The Lake Erie Ballet annual production of "The Nutcracker" will be held at the Warner Theatre in downtown Erie, PA December 19-21 with guest artists Michele Gifford of NYCB and Matthew Prescott of the Joffrey Ballet with live orchestra. Buy tickets online here.


The 26th edition of the McDonald's High School Basketball Classic will be held in Erie on Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17, 2009 at Gannon University's Hammermill Center. This year's event features nationally renowned programs from Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington, DC, complete with many top-ranked players. The field includes Archbishop Carroll from Washington, DC, Westbury Christian from Texas, defending Pennsylvania state champ Chester High School, and host Erie Cathedral Prep. The best possible way to acquire reserved tickets to the Classic, scaled at $12.50 per night, is to purchase an Erie Area Metro season ticket, while supplies last. That can be done in the Prep athletic office beginning on Monday, November 17. General admission tickets cost $7 per night in advance for adults and $5 in advance for students, and are on sale now. Any remaining reserved tickets will also be on sale beginning on Wednesday, December 3 at the Cathedral Prep athletic office. General Admission tickets will be available on the same date at the Erie Sport Stores, Dee's News, and select McDonald's Restaurants while they last. No phone orders will be accepted, and no tickets can be held. Another sell-out crowd is expected, so fans are encouraged to buy their tickets early.


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