Erie PA Today News, Events and Info for today, Saturday, January 10, 2009

Erie received enough snow that Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott declared a snow emergency lasting until 8 am Monday. The only thing this means is that odd even parking is still in effect over the weekend and the city will ticket or tow cars that are parked illegally.

A baby red panda female cub was born at Zoo Boise on July 3 and will be moving to the Erie Zoo in Erie, PA in the Spring. It wasn't named yet and they are having a name the panda contest. Participants may suggest names for the red panda on the Zoo Boise site Monday, January 12 through Friday, January 16. The naming committee will review all submissions and select 5 finalists. Participants may vote for their favorite of the 5 finalists Monday, January 19 - Friday, January 23. A live streaming video feed of the red panda den is available for viewing here.

Indianapolis Colts star Bob Sanders was back in his hometown of Erie PA to present a check from his Bob Sanders Chasing Dreams Foundation to the Experience Erie Children's Museum. Have no idea what it was for. The museum is a great place but they do a poor job in the marketing/communications department.

Lindsay Spiegel was named Lowe's Motor Speedway Employee of the Year. A native of Edinboro, Pa, who now lives in Charlotte, NC, Spiegel joined the speedway staff in 2005. She works in the guest services and logistics department where she manages the extra staffing for all Lowe's Motor Speedway events, including security, parking, ticketing and grandstand ushers. She attended General McLane High School and Mercyhurst College in Erie. Along with $1,000 bonus, Spiegel gets a Toyota Camry pace car to use throughout 2009.

The kind folks at the Blue Heron Inn wanted to let you know that conditions are perfect for winter fun at Peek 'n Peak and Findley Lake's shops, restaurants and Inns are open and waiting for you. Also, the 360 Terrain Park at Peek 'n Peak is open with a real school bus installed in the snow bank last weekend.

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine medical and pharmacy students will mark the transition from classroom study to clinical education at the Warner Theater today, Saturday, Jan 10, as students receive their white coats - symbols of trust between doctor and patient, of compassion, and of the purity of a medical professional's purpose. At 10:30 am Saturday, approximately 130 students in the School of Pharmacy class of 2011 will pledge to uphold professionalism and competence in the presence of their families, professors and peers. LECOM Erie offers a three-year, doctor of pharmacy degree and the class entering in 2008 graduates in 2011. At 2 pm, approximately 270 students from the College of Osteopathic Medicine's class of 2012 will participate in their own ceremony.

Janelle Cogley (McDowell High School) is part of the cast of Disney on Ice presents "Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey." That show isn't playing in Erie. Figures. Disney On Ice presents "A Disneyland Adventure" is coming to Erie Feb 19-22. Tickets.

Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania cookie sale is now underway.

Erie PA based Lake Erie Biofuels recently announced the addition of Tim Keaveney as the company's vice president of sales. In this newly created position, Keaveney will lead development of the company's domestic and international markets for biodiesel.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is seeking nominations for the 2008 Ralph W Abele Conservation Heritage Award, the highest recognition conferred by the agency. Nominations are currently being accepted until February 13. Details.

Greg McKegg scored in the sixth round of the shootout to lead the Erie Otters to a 6-5 win over the Owen Sound Attack in an Ontario Hockey League game played last night in front of 2,015 at the JD McArthur Arena. Justin Hodgman, Sean Jones, Shawn Szydlowski, Zack Torquato and Mike Cazzola scored for the Otters in regulation while Ryan O'Reilly registered two assists to extend his point-scoring streak to seven games. Erie improved to 21-18-2-0 with the win, third straight on the road. Josh Moes paced the Attack with three goals while singles went to Michael McGurk and Steven Shipley. The next Otters home games take place Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17 when the Niagara IceDogs and Sarnia Sting visit for 7 pm starts respectively. Business Records Management sponsors Friday's game against the IceDogs. Fans who bring documents to be securely shredded will receive a buy-one, get-one free ticket coupon for that night's game. Saturday is NASCAR Night presented by Sports Obsession. Buy Erie Otters tickets online.

Ivan Harris posted a game-high 29 points to go with 13 rebounds as the Erie BayHawks rebounded off a long road trip with Friday's 103–94 win over the Fort Wayne Mad Ants at the Tullio Arena. Erik Daniels also recorded a double-double for Erie with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Maureece Rice had 15 points with Cliff Clinkscales and Oliver Lafayette each chipping in 10. The BayHawks continue their weekend homestand Saturday night against the Central Division leading Iowa Energy. Buy Erie BayHawks tickets online.

The Mercyhurst College men's hockey team saw its five-game winning streak over Army come to an end Friday evening as the Black Knights scored back-to-back goals in the second period to overcome a 1-0 deficit and hand the Lakers a 2-1 setback at the Tate Rink in West Point, NY. Both teams will meet again for the series finale tomorrow at 7:05 pm at the Tate Rink. Fans can watch game live on CBS College Sports by tuning in on DirecTV channel 613 or Dish Network 152. Time Warner Cable customers can view the game on channel 322.

The Edinboro University wrestling team opened action in the 29th Annual Virginia Duals with a 24-10 triumph over Rider at the Hampton Coliseum on Friday morning.

The Gannon wrestling team beat Wagner (NY) 41-6 Friday in the first round of the 2009 Virginia Duals, advancing to the semifinals Saturday. Eight Golden Knights collected wins, with three coming via pinfall.


The Erie Playhouse Youtheatre presents Willy Wonka through January 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.

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.

Homeownership is one of the most important decisions that you can make, and St Martin Center wants to show you how easy the process can be. Attend the next series of FREE homebuying classes in Erie, PA to learn everything you need to know about buying and owning your own home. Each attendee will receive a free credit report. There are no income guidelines. Classes will be every Tuesday from January 13 through February 3 from 6-8 pm. For more information, and required registration, please call (814) 452-6113 x 221.

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 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.

The Eriesistables, the dance team of the Erie RiverRats indoor football team, will be holding tryouts on Saturday, January 17 at Family First Sports Park in Erie, PA. Registration begins at 9:30 am with tryouts at 10 am. Contact Director Rebecca Rozic for information and tryout packet.

The 26th annual Highmark Quad Games 5 mile cross country ski and 2 1/2 mile snowshoe races will be held at 1 pm on Sunday, January 18 at Peek 'N Peak Resort. The dates for the 27th annual Highmark Quad Games are as follows: April 19, 100 yard swim at Edinboro University; July 11, 12 bike at Edinboro University, September 12, 5 mile run at North East, PA; and January 10, 2010, 5 mile ski and 2 1/2 showshoe races at Peek 'N Peak.

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 21 at 10 am. This is a presentation for students in grades K-4. Tickets and info.

Jabari Asim, author of the new book "What Obama Means: ...for Our Culture, Our Politics, Our Future," will speak at Penn State Behrend the evening following the president-elect's inauguration. "An Evening with Jabari Asim" will begin at 7 pm on Wednesday, January 21, in the McGarvey Commons of the Reed Union Building. His presentation is FREE and open to the public.

A FREE webcast with a number of speakers from Erie, PA on pharmaceuticals and water quality will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, January 21. "A Threat to Our Water: Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products" will introduce the issue of how the use, and improper disposal, of medications and personal care products by the public is presenting a serious threat to the quality and safety of public water supplies across the country. Featuring speakers and scientists from The Lake Erie- Allegheny Earth Force, LECOM School of Pharmacy and Penn State Erie Behrend College, this online session will examine the serious issues facing this newly recognized threat to watersheds, reservoirs and groundwater supplies. An introduction and overview of the problems associated with the use and disposal of pharmaceuticals will be presented, and a discussion of measures that can be taken to reduce their impact on water resources. This topic is receiving widespread attention, and this webcast will help to bring you up to date on the latest research and related guidelines and standards. Details: Telephone dial-up: Call Toll-Free Number: 1-888-324-8134, Audience Passcode: DBLONIARZ; Internet login at MyMeetings.com, Conference Number: PW7648842, Audience Passcode: DBLONIARZ. Please note: Telephone and internet connections are available beginning 15 minutes to the start of the call. Important: Please check your browser's compatibility prior to the webcast choosing "Check Your Browser" from the NetMeeting page. You will then be ready to join the conference on the day of the presentation. All webcasts last approximately 55 minutes.


The 27th annual Economic Development Corporation of Erie County Employer of the Year Awards Dinner will be held Thursday, January 22 at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, PA. Tickets are $50 with tables of ten seats available. Online reservations (payment required).

Citadel Broadcasting's 7th Annual Chicken Wing Cook-off will be Saturday, January 24 from 11am-8pm at Rainbow Gardens on the grounds of Waldameer Park in Erie, PA. St Martin Center will be on hand selling beer tickets and instant bingos. Admission is $10 and includes 10 wing tickets.

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.

Oil History Workshops in Oil City will be held in Oil City, PA at the Oil City Library on Central Ave at 1 pm on February 7 and 14. Speaker is oil historian and author Neil McElwee. FREE admission. For more info contact the Oil Region Alliance (814) 677-3152 ext 110.

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.

The 2nd Annual Oil Country Bluegrass Festival will be held February 13-15 at the Arlington Hotel in Oil City, PA with different Bluegrass Band performing every half-hour on Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and evening and Sunday morning. Admission is FREE. They will play both contemporary and traditional music that will include Bluegrass, Appalachian and Gospel music popular in the late 1800's during the Oil Boom. This year’s festival will feature an Oil Heritage songwriting competition among participating bands. The songs will be featured at the festival. Contacts: Ron Shoup, (814) 676-3465 or Bob Flath, (814) 797-1504.

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.