Erie PA Today News, Events and Info for today, Sunday, January 4, 2009

Disturbing story on GoErie.com about Kevin J Feyas, a teacher that resigned amid allegations of sexual misconduct with students. Feyas will not be prosecuted as the statute of limitations has expired.


Good teams always come through in the clutch, in times of adversity, and when its top players are not at the top of their games. The Gannon men’s basketball team (9-0) is pretty good. Gannon, ranked No 4 in NCAA Division II, playing without All-America candidate Kyle Goldcamp (flu), used another tenacious effort on defense and got an unbelievable performance from its bench to post a convincing 88-58 victory over Kutztown in a battle of Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) unbeatens. Joe Lindsey led Gannon with an unbelievable performance at point guard, tying a career-high with 24 points. The senior hit five three-pointers while adding eight assists and four steals. He has not committed more than two turnovers in a game this season. Cory Knight (Cathedral Prep) was just as effective, recording 10 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and two steals off the bench. Tyler Stoczynski (McDowell) netted a season-high 14 points off the bench for the second consecutive game. He added seven rebounds, five assists, and took several charging calls on defense. Dave Wilson and Alfonso Scandrett completed Gannon’s group of double-digit scorers with 12 and 11 points, respectively. The Golden Knights conclude the weekend today Sunday, January 4 against East Stroudsburg at the Hammermill Center. The PSAC crossover game is scheduled for 3 pm.

John Huegel announced a cool fundraiser - Erie Bean Day. Erie Bean Day will be held 4-9 pm on Saturday February 7 at St Peter and Paul Social Center, 34th and Wallace in Erie. Admission: $5/person or $15/family. At Bean Day celebrate all that can be associated with bean, from pure bean-based foods such as baked beans, to things made with beanlike substances like Tofu, jelly beans, vanilla beans and coffee beans. The highlight of Bean Day is the cooking contest. People are invited to bring an entry to be judged and shared, and the winners come away with incredible prizes - like more beans. Proceeds benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Fascinating article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Nicholas Geanopulos, owner of Nicky's Grant Street Restaurant in Pittsburgh. Geanopulos is also a registered lobbyist for the gaming industry with Presque Isle Downs and Casino in Erie as his only current client. He has received about $2 million for his lobbying efforts over the past decade or so just from MTR Gaming, the parent of Presque Isle Downs.

Beautiful Winter day on Saturday in Erie. With light winds Jackie got some beautiful pictures of Presque Isle Bay with mirror like reflections.

Disney On Ice: Disneyland Adventure shows take place at the Erie Civic Center Tullio Arena Thursday, February 19 through Sunday, February 22. Pre-sale tickets are on sale now and ends Sunday at midnight. The pre-sale code is ZXA. Click here to buy tickets. Catch the next ride to laugh-out-loud fun as hosts Mickey and Minnie Mouse take you on a trip to the park in Disney on Ice presents a Disneyland Adventure. Swing to the beat on the Jungle Cruise with Baloo; have a blast with Buzz Lightyear on Space Mountain and take a wild spin on the Mad Tea Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter! You'll see Snow White and Cinderella during the Main Street U.S.A. parade and thrill to "Incredible" edge-of-your seat excitement when everyone's favorite superhero family shows up to save the day!

Andrew Yogan scored a hat trick for the second time in the last five games to lead the Erie Otters to a 6-4 win over the Kitchener Rangers in an Ontario Hockey League game played tonight in front of 4,213 at the Tullio Arena. Sean Jones added two goals for the Otters, who won for the sixth straight time to move to 20-17-2-0 on the season. Luke Gazdic rounded out the Otters goal scoring while Ryan O'Reilly and Shawn Szydlowski collected two assists each. Chris MacKinnon paced the Rangers with two goal and two assists. Scott Timmins and Jason Akeson completed the Rangers scoring. The Otters complete a three-game home stand Wednesday when the London Knights visit for a 7 pm start at the Tullio Arena. Buy Erie Otters tickets online. Above is a funny video clip of a fan doing the human slingshot between periods.

Keith Brumbaugh scored a season-high 34 points in only his second start to lead the Sioux Falls Skyforce to a 110-92 victory over the visiting Erie BayHawks on Saturday night. Erik Daniels led Erie for the second straight night with 18 points and eight rebounds. Mike Cook added 17 points off the bench. Both teams travel to Orem, Utah for the 2009 NBA D-League Showcase. Sioux Falls meets Albuquerque in the Showcase opener on Monday, while Erie faces Tulsa on Tuesday. The next BayHawks home game is Friday, January 9 vs Fort Wayne. Buy Erie BayHawks tickets online.

Mercyhurst College had four players score in double-digits as the Lakers downed Shippensburg, 72-66, to improve to a perfect 10-0 on the year. Mercyhurst was led by a game-high 23 points from Brian McTear, in addition to 15 markers from Nnamdi Nnadili and 11 and 10 points from Jeremiah Wise and Jordan Armstrong, respectively. Next up for Mercyhurst is another crossover contest at Cheyney University today Sunday, January 4.

The Edinboro men's basketball team's 86-77 win over Mansfield on Saturday represented the 29th straight win at McComb Field House for the Fighting Scots. But few have forced the Scots to work so hard. The win left 23rd ranked Edinboro with a 9-1 record as PSAC crossover action began, while Mansfield fell to 4-4.

The Allegheny men's basketball team was unable to hold onto a late eight-point lead as it fell to Wabash, 58-56, in North Coast Athletic Conference action at the David V Wise Center.

The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) is starting to take notice of the Gannon women’s basketball team (9-1). The Lady Knights were near perfection offensively for the second consecutive game against a PSAC opponent and routed Kutztown (8-2) 98-59 Saturday afternoon in a crossover game at the Hammermill Center. Carrie Nolan (Girard) led all scorers with a career-high 25 points, hitting 9-of-13 shots overall and 5-of-7 shots from behind the arc. Brittany Tabron followed close behind with a career-high 24 points and eight rebounds. Abby Bunstine and Caitlyn Lowe added 10 points each off the bench. Crocker ran the offense to near perfection with a career-high 12 assists without a turnover in 20 minutes. The Lady Knights conclude a busy weekend Sunday, January 4 against East Stroudsburg at the Hammermill Center. The PSAC crossover game is scheduled for 1 pm.

The Edinboro women’s basketball team rode a dominating first half performance to an 88-65 win over Mansfield on Saturday afternoon at McComb Field House. The PSAC crossover victory left the Fighting Scots with a 6-4 record, while the Mountaineers fell to 3-6.

Stephanie Prischak scored a game-high 20 points, leading a balanced scoring attack as the Mercyhurst women’s basketball team rolled to a 70-56 win over No. 15 Shippensburg Saturday at Heiges Field House. With the win, Mercyhurst improves its record to 5-5 on the season, while the Raiders are now 6-4.

Hilary Collins scored 17 points and Jill Gregory contributed 14, but the Allegheny women's basketball team lost to Wittenberg, 60-52, in North Coast Athletic Conference play at the David V Wise Center.

Peter Vaas has been named as the new offensive coordinator at Miami (OH) University. Vaas was head coach at Allegheny College where he had a 29-11-1 record from 1986-89.

The Erie Arts Opportunity Local Education Fund board meeting will be held at 7 pm on Tuesday, January 6 at Tim Hortons, 209 E 12th St in Erie. This meeting is open to the public and you are invited to attend.

Does your family have a little one (or little ones) that love to be outside? The Little Naturalist: Snowshoeing on Presque Isle is a great opportunity to encourage their outdoor exploration. The program will be held 1-2 pm on Wednesday, January 7. Children age 3-6 and an accompanying adult can join the Presque Isle Naturalist to discover Presque Isle and experience our winter wonderland on snowshoes. After the program, join us for hot cocoa at the Ranger Station and warm up by the fire. FREE. No Fee. No Registration. Dress for the outdoors, expect to be outdoors for the full hour.

The Young Erie Professionals (YEP) January Happy Hour will be held 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm on Thursday, January 8 at the Twelve O' One Restaurant and Wine Bar, 1201 State Street in Erie.

The Erie Playhouse Youtheatre presents Willy Wonka January 9-11, 16-18. All of your favorite characters and songs (including “The Candy Man” and “Pure Imagination”) are featured in this show that overflows with music, comedy and heart. This delicious story is adapted from the 1971 film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, which starred Gene Wilder in the title role.

The Asbury Woods Nature Center will hold a Snowshoe Night Hike at 7 pm on Friday, January 9. The moon will light the way as you experience Asbury Woods at night on snowshoes. Snowshoes provided if you don’t have a pair and they will teach you how to use them. They will also provide hot chocolate as you warm up by the fireplace after the hike. If there isn’t enough snow, hike will be without snowshoes. For adults and children age 8 and up. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. $8 members, $10 non-members. Call (814) 835-5356.

Sea Tech Marine Training will be holding a USCG Captain's License course starting on Saturday, January 10 at the Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies at 40 Holland Street in Erie, PA. Cost is $150. For more information call Sea Tech toll free at (877) 883-9366, or the BCMS at (814) 456-4077.

Get out and enjoy the season by taking a hike on snowshoes at Presque Isle State Park. The next next hike will be held 10-11 am on Saturday, January 10. Each hike this Winter will take participants through the interior trails, focusing on different themes. If there is not sufficient snow, a hike of the same theme will still take place. Meet at the Presque Isle Lighthouse parking lot. FREE. No registration, snowshoe rental fee only if you do not bring yours.

A weekend belly dance event with the Pittsburgh Bellies bellydance group will be held Saturday, January 10 and Sunday, January 11 at The Bel-Aire Clarion Hotel, 2800 W 8th Street, and Long's School of the Dance, 826 Selinger Avenue in Erie, PA. Bellydance workshops for all ages and levels from 9 am -3 pm both Saturday and Sunday at Long’s School of the Dance. The Saturday night family-friendly Bellydance Show at 7pm (doors open at 6) inside the Bel-Aire Hotel Ballroom features local and national belly dance acts. An after-party for adults only will be held in the ballroom 10 pm - 1 am with live music by the Khafif Music and Dance Ensemble, and a cash bar. Registration and tickets at TheFlemingSchool.com.

As part of their Composer/Lyricist Series, the Erie Playhouse presents The Music of Stephen Schwartz ("Wicked", "Godspell", "Pippin") at 7:30pm on Monday, January 12 and Tuesday, January 13.

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' - will be held on the same day at the Penn State Behrend, Research and Economic Development Center (REDC) in Erie, PA on Tuesday, January 13. Cost: $49 per half-day session ($98 for both sessions). Register today.

The Manufacturer and Business Association is holding an Emerging Technology Roundtable 8 to 9:30 am on January 14 at the Manufacturer and Business Association Conference Center in Erie, PA. The roundtable, New Trends in Spam and the Emerging Threats of Spyware with speaker John Vedrody of Barracuda Networks, is FREE. Pre-registration is required to attend. Register today to reserve your seat.

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.

Local author Ken Springirth will present "Make Way for the Trolley," a presentation on the history of public transportation in Erie, on Wednesday, Jan 14, at 7:30 pm in Mercyhurst North East's Alex Theater, 16 West Division Street, North East. Springirth has published six books on railroads and trolleys, and his seventh book, "Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad," will be released in February of 2009. The presentation is FREE and open to the public.

Representatives from the FCC will appear in Erie PA on January 15 in the Blasco Memorial Library HO Hirt Auditorium, 160 East Front Street, to raise awareness and educate consumers in the days leading up to the digital television transition on February 17. Two town hall meetings will be held with an FCC Commissioner to highlight the digital transition - 2 pm and 6:30 pm. Both are FREE and open to the public.

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 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.

The Erie Playhouse Youtheatre will be offering classes in acting, singing for the stage, and musical theatre dance beginning January 17. 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.

Erie Civic Music Association presents Joey Dee and The Starliters at the Warner Theatre on Sunday, January 18 at 3 pm. For tickets, call (814) 864-5681.

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 Manufacturer and Business Association Eggs 'n' Issues program on Wednesday, January 21 will be a program on Penn State Behrend's New Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies Degree. Drs Ralph Ford and Diane Parente discuss the exciting activities and programs under way including the new degree. Members $30, non-members $60. Registration.

Theatreworks USA Presents Nate The Great at the Warner Theatre in Erie PA on Wednesday, January 21at 10 am. This is a presentation for students in grades K-4. Tickets and info.

The Erie Philharmonic presents In The Spotlight at the Warner Theatre in Erie PA on Saturday, January 24 at 8 pm. Daniel Meyer, conductor; featuring the Erie Phil Woodwinds, Mozart: Serenade for Winds, no 12, K 388; Mahler: Symphony No 1, D major (Titan). Tickets.

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 Sarah Reed Children's Center's Annual "Souper Bowl" will be held on January 25 at the Shrine Club. For tickets or information call (814) 838-1954 ext 306. This wintertime family favorite last year featured 22 Erie area restaurants serving their original soup recipe to 2,000 attendees.

The Erie Broadway Series presents Hairspray! at 7 pm on Sunday, January 25 at the Warner Theater in Erie, PA. Tickets.

Never been to Erie Bluffs State Park? Well here's your chance! Join a naturalist for a fun guided tour with the Erie Bluffs Night Hike on Saturday, January 31. Listen to the sounds of the night on this invigorating winter hike. Come to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie at 5:30 pm to carpool or if you don't know the way, otherwise meet at the Bluffs parking area at 6 pm. Hike will last approximately 2 hours. Please note that there are no restroom facilities at the park. Bring a flashlight. FREE. No registration, no fees.

The legendary Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their 2009 “Spinning the Globe” World Tour to Erie, PA on Tuesday, February 3 with their completely unique brand of exciting family fun, sure to create enduring memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Fans will be captivated by the Globetrotters’ basketball wizardry, hilarious antics and fan interaction, all presented by some of the world’s greatest athletes and entertainers, such as the reigning Clown Prince of Basketball, Special K Daley; dribbling sensation Scooter Christensen; the gravity-defying Hi-Lite Bruton; fan favorite Ant Atkinson; ball handling extraordinaire Blenda Rodriguez; and El Gato Melendez, the first Puerto Rican-born player to ever suit up for the Globetrotters. Tickets.

All An Act Theatre Productions presents Neil Simon's The Prisoner Of
Second Avenue Directed by Larry Lewis and Starring Chris Bucci playing February 13 - March 1. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors.

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.

The 2009 Erie Heart Ball will be held February 21 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. The theme this year is The Beat on the Bay. For tickets contact Gina Klofft, (814) 836-0013.

The NCAA Men's Basketball Division II National Championship will be held Wednesday, March 25 through Saturday, March 28 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass. Tickets are on sale now.
Wednesday, March 25, NCAA Div II Men's Basketball Championship Quarterfinals Session 1 - tickets.
Wednesday, March 25, NCAA Div II Men's Basketball Championship Quarterfinals Session 2 - tickets.
Thursday, March 26, NCAA Div II Men's Basketball Championship Semi-Finals - tickets.
Saturday, March 28, NCAA Div. II Men's Basketball Championship Final - tickets.


Gannon University's Small Business Development Center is presenting the second annual WILD (Women In Leadership Development ) Conference on Friday, March 27 from 7:30 am to 4 pm. The Conference will be held at the Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center located at 7792 Peach Street in Erie, PA. The internationally renowned Keynote speakers highlighting the day are: Dr Terri Kennedy, President of Power Living Enterprises Inc and leading expert on Health and Productivity Management and author of "40 Days to Power Living" and Jan "The Body Language Lady" Hargrave, CEO of Jan Hargrave and Associates and author of several books, including, "Strictly Business Body Language." The Second Annual WILD Conference Chairwoman is Renee Vaught, President of Infinite Power and Design which provides the diesel engine industry with leading edge technology. In addition, women businesses will exhibit their products and services throughout the day and there will be several opportunities to learn from seminars, panelists and individual speakers focusing on the knowledge, energy and passion of women helping women. Pricing: $99 Early Bird Rate Before January 16, $125 After January 16, $75 Student Rate, $200 Boutique Rate - to include one (1) WILD admission ticket (Booths must be attended throughout the Conference and is the sole responsibility of the Boutiquer). Register today. Join the Facebook Group.