Erie PA Today News, Events and Info for today, Saturday, December 20, 2008

John Kanzius of Erie should win the Nobel Prize for Medicine and he just might. The John Kanzius Non-invasive Targeted Radio-frequency Cancer Treatment works. Someday soon having a cavity and going to the Dentist is going to be more of a concern than having cancer and seeing an Oncologist. In the Journal of Experimental Therapeutics and Oncology, Dr Steven Curley of MD Anderson Cancer Center wrote that the Kanzius treatment destroyed pancreatic and colon cancer cells in animals without harming surrounding cells. (Update by Dr Steven Curley.) The treatment took four minutes to complete - 4 minutes. Antibodies were coated with gold nanoparticles which were injected into the test subjects. They were not injected directly into the cancer cells but rather were allowed to seek out the cancer cells.which they bonded to. The test subject was then exposed to nontoxic radiowaves, thus destroying the cancerous cells but not the healthy tissue surrounding it. Dr Curley contacted the FDA about doing human trials which could begin in under two years. The hardest part of the work might be raising funds for human trials. Millions of dollars are needed. The Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation is actively raising funds and seeks your support.

How much do you really care about the elderly members of your family? The US Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services set up a ratings system to compare nursing homes. They were rated 1-5, with 5 being the best, in four categories - by Health Inspections, Nursing Home Staffing, Quality Measures and Overall. There are 20 nursing homes in Erie County. Nineteen were rated with the Millcreek Community Hospital Transitional Care Center, being opened less than a year, not included. Nursing home name and overall rating: Manchester Presbyterian Lodge - 5, Progressive Care Center at Saint Vincent - 5, Brevillier Village (Ball Pavilion) - 4, Fairview Manor - 4, Forestview - 4, Millcreek Manor - 4, Saint Mary's at Asbury Ridge - 4, Corry Manor - 3, Golden Living Center (Erie) - 3, Presbyterian Lodge - 3, Sarah A Reed Retirement Center - 3, Edinboro Manor - 2, Pleasant Ridge Manor - 2, Saint Mary's East - 2, Twinbrook Medical Center - 2, Abington Crest - 1, Golden Living Center (Western Reserve) 1, Presque Isle Rehab and Nursing Center - 1, Village at Luther Square 1.

Congresswoman-elect Kathy Dahlkemper announced her District and Washington staff, as well as introduced a new model for congressional operations, at a press conference Friday at the Intermodal Transportation Center Rotunda, 208 East Bayfront Parkway in Erie, Pa. "Part 1, the pro-active leadership is achieved by appointing two Directors to work with leaders in government, the private and non-profit community to ensure we are capitalizing on opportunities for growth and success. Part 2 of the new model, dubbed, "Congress in the Community" will focus on ensuring that the entire district has a voice and is well represented. A regional representative will travel throughout the District; a physical office will be located in Erie at the Intermodal Transportation Center, 208 East Bayfront Parkway and guest offices will be set up in all seven counties in the District," said Dahlkemper. In addition to professional staff positions, Dahlkemper announced Advisory Councils in key areas such as technology, science and energy; agriculture; Veteran's affairs; and labor and industry. Dahlkemper may have as many as 18 full time staff and four part time staff as dictated by House rules. Dahlkemper's PA 3 District office staff consists of: John Hall, Director of Economic Development/ District Director. Hall is an Erie, Pa native and graduate of Columbia University which led to a long and distinguished career with Fortune 500 companies in the textile industries. Hall is responsible for the management of District operations and providing community leadership within the 3rd District to retain and grow business. Amy Cuzzola-Kern, Director of Health, Human Services and Education. Cuzzola-Kern holds a PhD in Social Welfare Policy from Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University and more than a decade of experience working with the social services and non-profit community. Cuzzola-Kern is responsible for taking a pro-active approach to working with government, agencies and educational institutions to ensure that problems are being solved and long-term opportunities are being created. Simone Baer, Regional Representative. Baer is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, resides in Butler, Pa, and has most recently held the position of Community Organizer for the Paraprofessional Health Care Institute. Baer will travel throughout the District, reaching out to constituents and area leaders. Bill Fox, Community Service Representative. Fox has a Juris Doctorate from Duquesne School of Law and will serve as Community Service Representative and liaison to Veterans. Anne Rahner, Scheduler. Rahner, a graduate of St Bonaventure University, will coordinate Dahlkemper's daily schedule. Rahner served as scheduler and event planner for Dahlkemper's campaign. Kate Regan, Office Manager. Regan, a graduate of Alfred University, will manage Dahlkemper's Erie office. Regan served as office manager for Dahlkemper's campaign. Dahlkemper's Washington Office consists of: Tina Mengine, Chief of Staff. A graduate of LaRoche College, Mengine served as Dahlkemper's campaign manager and boasts a distinguished career managing and winning political races. She served as Chief of Staff to an Erie, PA Mayor and as President of a political and economic development consulting firm. Mengine is chief political and policy advisor. Ivana Alexander, Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director. Alexander is former Senior Legislative Director of Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. Originally from Louisiana, Alexander holds a Masters from Howard University and has a total of seven years of senior legislative experience on Capitol Hill. Alexander is responsible for steering policy and managing the legislative agenda. Dan Hill, Senior Policy Advisor and Counselor. Hill holds a Juris Doctorate from Dickinson School of Law, a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Georgia and has served as Commissioner for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Hill served as Dahlkemper's advisor throughout the campaign and will ensure the creation and support of legislation beneficial to the District. Steve Soltesz, Legislative Correspondent. Soltesz is a resident of Venango County and holds a Masters Degree in International Development from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. Soltesz will research issues and manage correspondence. Ben Storms, Legislative Correspondent. Storms is a resident of Allentown and graduate of Queens University. Storms previously worked in Congressman Bruce Braley's Washington office. Storms will research issues and manage correspondence. Sean Gallagher, Staff Assistant. Gallagher is a native of Mercer and is completing his Masters of Political Science, Applied Politics at American University - School of Public Affairs. Gallagher will assist in daily operations and constituent relations.

The Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies recently launched a redesigned web site with work done by newline Creations and Tungsten Creative Group.

Darlene A Bielecki of Erie was appointed to the Advisory Council for Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home.

Andrew Yogan scored a goal and an assist to lead the Erie Otters to a 4-2 win over the Guelph Storm in an Ontario Hockey League game played tonight in front of 2,939 at the Tullio Arena. Shawn Szydlowski, Justin Hodgman and Luke Gazdic also scored for the Otters, who ended a four-game losing streak with the win. Erie improved to 15-17-2-0 on the season. The Otters play their last game before breaking for the holidays tomorrow night at 7 pm at the Tullio Arena when they Sudbury Wolves provide the opposition. The first 2,000 fans into Saturday’s game will receive a free Cheesy Roll Coupon courtesy of Taco Bell. Erie Otters tickets.

The Fort Wayne Mad Ants put together one of their most complete games of the season on Friday in a 96-87 victory over the Erie BayHawks. Erik Daniels paced the BayHawks with 23 points, while Oliver Lafayette chipped in 12 points and 13 rebounds for his first double-double of the season. The next home games are Saturday, December 27 against Reno and Sunday, December 28 against Bakersfield. Erie BayHawks tickets.

A number of football players from Erie made the Pennsylvania Class AAA All-state team. First team: Senior Deonte Fleming, DB, Erie Strong Vincent; Junior Sean Herron, DL, Erie Strong Vincent; Junior Emmanuel Wells, DB, Erie Strong Vincent. Second team: Senior Brandon Marlow, TE, Erie Strong Vincent; Junior VJ Viglione, LB, Erie Cathedral Prep.

Evan Yenolevich of Northwestern Lehigh signed a letter of intent to attend Edinboro University of Pennsylvania on a wrestling scholarship.

Matt Walbeck was named manager of AA Altoona. Walbeck managed the Erie SeaWolves, the Detroit Tigers' AA affiliate in 2007. He was fired as 3rd base coach of the Texas Rangers after this past season.

Attention Steelers fans - WSEE will not be showing the Pittsburgh Steelers game against the Tennessee Titans at 1 pm. Because of the evil Buffalo Bills and NFL policy, WSEE will show the Buffalo and Denver game at 4 pm. Unless you have the NFL Sunday Ticket, make plans to head to a bar or a club to watch the game.

Nuncrackers - The Nunsense Christmas Musical comes to the Erie Playhouse this holiday season. Performances will be held December 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.

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.

Tired of the holiday hustle and bustle? Slow down and create a holiday nature craft for a loved one. Nothing is more personal than a fabulous homemade gift. Choose from several different crafts for kids and adults. Takes place at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center from 1-3 pm on Saturday, December 20. Crafts cost $5 for adults and $2 for children. No registration needed.

Gannon University will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the death of one of the most influential Catholic writers of the 20th century with a four part Advent Lecture Series. The series will focus on Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, prolific poet, social activist, and acclaimed author on the subject of spirituality. Merton, a Catholic convert, became a pioneer in interreligious dialogue and one of the seminal figures of 20th century American Christianity. The final lecture in the series and the speakers is: Sunday, Dec 21 – Bonnie B Thurston, former William F Orr professor of New Testament at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. She also was a founding member and the third president of the International Thomas Merton Society. Her lecture is titled, “Thomas Merton’s Advent ‘Lessons and Carols.’” All lectures will begin at 7 pm in room 219 of the University’s Waldron Campus Center, 124 West 7th St. They are FREE and open to the public. For more information, contact O’Connell at (814) 871-5497.

Join the celebration as the Erie Playhouse toasts 25 years in their downtown Erie location with a spectacular concert featuring the Erie Playhouse orchestra and chorus. Over 100 volunteers will fill the stage with magical music and song. Erie's best New Year's Eve tradition continues at the Erie Playhouse. Click Here to purchase tickets online. All seats $35. Includes a pre-show champagne and hors d'oeuvres reception. Reception 6:30, curtain 7:30 on December 31.


Boogie at the Bayfront will be held on New Year's Eve, December 31 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. Tickets are $40 per person. Sheraton Bayfront Hotel Packages available, 2 tickets plus room for $179, including tax. Tickets available only at the Erie Civic Center Box Office or by phone at (814) 452-4857. All net proceeds from the event benefit City of Erie Police and Fire departments.

Jr's Last Laugh will have live music with the M-80s on New Year's Eve. Dancing, light appetizers, party hats and a champagne toast at midnight, and as always lots and lots of confetti - cover your drinks and a full hot breakfast at 1 am - french toast, pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, home fries, juice, and coffee. Cost is $35 per person. Call (814) 461-0911 to reserve, advance reservations required.

If you are not into drinking but still would like to go out for New Year's Eve, it's the Community Board Game Night: New Year's Eve Edition. It is a night full of fun and laughter. It is a nonalcoholic and nonsmoking event. It's held at the Community United Church at 1011 West 38th Street. Admission is $5 and includes food and drinks. Doors open at 9:30 pm. Games go from 10 pm until 1 am. Youth under 18 must have a guardian.

Gannon University on Wednesday, January 14 will host a financial aid workshop designed to help high school students and their parents better navigate the sometimes complex financial aid process. The workshop is free and open to the public and will begin at 6:30 pm in room 1200 of the University's Palumbo Academic Center, 824 Peach St. It will include an overview of the entire financial aid process, including a step-by-step review of the questions on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It also will cover definitions of terms parents and students should know, the various aid programs available, and tips on how to apply and the application process. For more information, contact Gannon's Financial Aid Office at (814) 871-7337 or 1-800-GANNON-U.

Gannon University's Erie Chamber Orchestra will hold its next concert at 7:30 pm Friday, Jan 16. The concert, a tribute to Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, will be held at St. Patrick Church, 130 East 4th St. It is free and open to the public. Gannon University's Erie Chamber Orchestra is conducted and directed by Bruce Morton Wright. For more information, call (814) 871-7755.

The Erie Playhouse Youtheatre will be offering classes in acting, singing for the stage, and musical theatre dance beginning January 17th, 2009. Classes run seven weeks (until February 28th) and are held on Saturdays. An Audition Workshop will be held March 7th, 2009. For more information and to register, click 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.

Baseball fans have something special to look forward to with the 2009 Cleveland Indians Winter Caravan set for Tuesday, Jan 20 at the Dr Gertrude A Barber National Institute. Doors will open at 5 pm, with the program set for 6:30 pm. The event features a ballpark dinner, remarks by the players and coaches, an auction of team memorabilia and game ticket packages, and autographs for all the kids. All proceeds from the event benefit the Barber National Institute. Tickets are just $8 per person, and are available in advance at the Barber National Institute, or at the door the day of the event. For information, call (814) 453-7661.


The Erie Kennel Club All Breed, Obedience and Rally will be held January 24-25 at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, PA. Admission is $5 per person.

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

The 1st (annual) Mercyhurst vs Gannon Men's Basketball Alumni game will be held at Mercyhurst College on Saturday February 21 at 7 pm.