Summer’s Nearly Over But Rt 20 Remains

by Rob Taylor

This weekend marks the UNOFFICIAL end of summer. Over the next couple weeks the beaches will close, Waldameer Park will shut down until next spring and we have to start thinking about the upcoming OFFICIAL start of fall on September 22 at 11:09 PM.

However, there are things to look forward to such as farmer’s markets and roadside fruit and vegetable stands. Traveling east on Rt 20 is the perfect place to find fruits, veggies, jellies and numerous other tasty treats along the way. The thing is you don’t have to travel far. They start showing up as soon as you pass Walmart on Buffalo Rd and continue all the way up through Fredonia and Silver Creek.

 If you are really lucky you may find a booth set up by an Amish family. The food they sell is delicious and completely organic.

Also, while you are out traveling look out for yard sales. They are numerous, especially on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. You can find clothes, jewelry, antiques and pretty much anything you want and/or need. Both east and west bound Rt 20 is good for yard sales.

Going east, the best places are once you pass Ripley, New York and on up to Fredonia. They are reasonably priced and usually offer a very wide variety of items for you to drool over.

Going west, take Rt 20 through Millcreek and into Fairview and Girard (they do offer quite a few yard sales) but keep going into Conneaut and Ashtabula but don’t bother going any farther.

Once you pass Ashtabula it is way too citified to have many yard sales.

One thing that makes yard sales fun is bickering. NEVER pay the price they are asking UNLESS you can get something free to go along with your purchase. Always negotiate! Start low with what you offer and move up in price as they move down. If they won’t negotiate WALK AWAY! You would be surprised how many sales are made at lower prices when you start to walk away. They want to make the sale and they see the money leaving so they will drop the price to get your money.

Now, get out before the snow falls and see what Rt 20 has to offer. You’ll find good food, good sales and a lot of fun meeting new people. Besides that –you have mid October to look forward when the grapes vines have been picked and the scent of grapes fills the air and the peak colors of fall are her which could and should make the trip even more enjoyable.

Season Tickets For The Erie Broadway Series Now On Sale
by T.R. Septaric

Erie has some of the best theatre in the country with the Erie Playhouse, All An Act Theatre, The Station Dinner Theatre and other smaller theatre groups as well as the theatre departments of the local colleges but there is NOTHING that matches seeing a production done by a Broadway cast. With the Erie Broadway Series that is exactly what you get…Broadway plays and casts brought right into the Warner Theatre.

The 2010 – 2011 season includes smash hits such as Spamalot, The Wizard Of OZ, A Chorus Line, The Color Purple and Legally Blonde.

Season tickets not only assure you a seat to every show, a number of which sell out every year, but they are also an excellent way to save money over buying tickets for each individual show. Season tickets range from $160 to $260 and are available at the Erie Civic Center Box Office or on-line by clicking here.

For more info about the shows go to www.eriebroadwayseries.com or call 814-452-4857

The Erie BROADWAY Series 2010-2011 Season includes the following five shows:

SPAMALOT ● Oct. 20, 2010 (7:30PM)
Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, Monty Python's SPAMALOT is the outrageous new musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic "Monty Python and The Holy Grail." With a book by Eric Idle and music and lyrics by the Grammy Award-winning team of Mr. Idle and John Du Prez, SPAMALOT tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few of the reasons audiences everywhere are eating up SPAMALOT.

WIZARD OF OZ ● Nov. 23-24, 2010 (7PM each night)
There truly is no place like home as the greatest family musical of all time, the wonderful WIZARD OF OZ, twists its way across the country! The entire family will be captivated as they travel down the Yellow Brick Road and beyond with Dorothy, Toto and their friends the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow in this lavish production, featuring breathtaking special effects, dazzling choreography and classic songs. A spectacular celebration of the iconic 1939 MGM film, THE WIZARD OF OZ will blow you away from the moment the tornado touches down and transports you to a dazzling art deco Oz, complete with munchkins and flying monkeys. Don’t miss the chance to travel Over the Rainbow and experience this national treasure on stage.

A CHORUS LINE ● Mar. 11, 2011 (7:30PM)
In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. For 17 dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It's the one opportunity to do what they've always dreamed -- to have the chance to dance. Winner of nine Tony Awards, including "Best Musical" and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, this singular sensation is the longest-running American Broadway musical ever. Come meet the new generation of Broadway's best.

THE COLOR PURPLE ● Apr. 4, 2011 (7:30PM)
THE COLOR PURPLE is a soul-stirring musical based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg. It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds her unique voice in the world. Nominated for eleven Tony® Awards, THE COLOR PURPLE is a landmark theatrical event, a celebration of love, and a Broadway phenomenon. With a joyous GRAMMY®-nominated score featuring jazz, gospel and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is capturing the hearts of young and old, and uniting audiences in a community of joy.
"A SOARING, EPIC TALE. It made a JOYFUL noise in my heart." --Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine

LEGALLY BLONDE ● May 4, 2011 (7:30PM)
It's here, and it's "AN ELLE OF A SHOW" (TIME Magazine). The hilarious MGM film is Broadway's new smash hit musical, and now LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL is coming to you. LEGALLY BLONDE follows sorority star Elle Woods, an underestimated blonde who doesn't take "no" for an answer. When her boyfriend dumps her for someone more "serious," Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. After turning Broadway and MTV hot pink, this “Feel-Good Song and Dance Juggernaut” (New York Magazine) is “The Best New Musical Around!” (WOR).


 

6th Annual Erie's Pagan Pride Day
by Rev. Raven Mann
WLG Senior Druid

Erie's Pagan Pride Day is less than 2 weeks away, on Saturday, September 11, 2010. It opens at 10:30 AM at St. Nick's Grove, 5131 Old French Road (north of I-90, route 97) You can see more at website. The schedule is also online.

Here is the schedule of events:

Erie’s Pagan Pride Day Schedule of Events

Time Description Who Location

9:30 to 10:30 AM Vendor arrival, Setup, Coffee
10:45 AM Opening the Sacred Space U-N-C-L-E Ritual Space
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM From Stone Age to Viking Age: Pagan Religion in Scandinavia Ann Groa Sheffield Shelter B
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM Drumming Basics Jason Kane Drum Circle Area
12:45 to 1:45 PM Panel Discussion Various Shelter A
2:00 to 3:00 PM Memorial Service Honoring Marie Mulligan Ritual Space
3:15 to 4:15 PM Advanced Tarot: Beyond the Basics Christopher Temple, Senior Druid-Elect and Chief Bard of Whispering Lake Grove Shelter A
3:15 to 4:15 PM Introduction to Aromatherapy Jodi Bello Shelter B
3:15 to 4:15 PM Drumming for Rituals Jason Kane Drum Circle Area
4:30 to 5:30 PM Ceremonial Magic: See It, Feel It, Make It Happen Rev. Raven Mann Shelter A
4:30 to 5:30 PM The Care and Feeding of Your Circle Margo Shelter B
6:00 PM Vending officially ends, food booth stops cooking and starts cleaning - Some small items may be available during cleanup
6:00 PM Group Photo - Near Shelter A
6:15 PM Raffle Drawing - Tickets sold right up until drawing!!!
6:30 PM Cleanup -- volunteers gratefully appreciated


Also, another event for the calendar:

Whispering Lake Grove, ADF would like invite you to attend a free and open-to-the-public workshop entitled: "Ritual and How It Works!". The event will be held this Sunday, September 5th from 7-9PM at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation building in Erie, PA.

This workshop aims to increase participants knowledge of effective ritual, the purpose of it and how it works. It will explore common characteristics of Neopagan ritual, as well as various types of ritual work and will provide the necessary information to begin or enhance a solitary or group ritual practice.

This workshop will be facilitated by Rev. Carrion Mann, Chief Liturgist of Whispering Lake Grove and the Chief of the ADF Liturgist Guild. Carrion has over a decade of proven experience in both solitary and group liturgical writing and ritual performance.

For additional information regarding this workshop, please contact Rev. Carrion Mann at: carrionmann@gmail.com.

Walk In Balance.
 

4th Annual Croquet & Tea to Save the Villa Chapel
Saturday, September 11th from 1 – 4pm in Gridley Park
by Lisa Austin

The 4th Annual Croquet & Tea will be held from 1 - 4 on Saturday afternoon, September 11, 2010 (rain date, Sept. 12). The Croquet & Tea promises to promote friendly competition and spirited play against the backdrop of beautiful Gridley Park at Liberty and West 6th. A children’s court is provided at no charge. Tickets are ten dollars and may be purchased at the event or at the Fairview Coffee Station, Millcreek’s Relish Jewelry and in Erie at Angelo’s Salon Development, the Erie Book Store, and Glass Growers Gallery.

Event co-chair Sheila Murray, says that playing croquet is “fun to learn.” Croquet coaches will be present on seven courts to guide novices in the American “six wicket” version of this genteel British and Irish lawn game. Participants are welcome to attend in formal garden attire. Caps or hats, suspenders and bow ties, linen suits, gowns, or t-shirts and shorts are all suitable. A prize will be awarded for the most beautiful hat. Betty Murray and the Erie “red-hatters” will be dressed in color-coordinated finery. Themed baskets including a baby basket, a chick-flick basket, a gardening basket, and a wine basket will be available by Chinese Auction. Music by DJ Matt Simonoff will fill the park. Complementary tea and cookies will complement the afternoon’s festivities.

The Villa Chapel was built for the Sisters of Saint Joseph on the corner of West 9th and Plum streets in 1920. Event co-chair Barbara Crone toured the chapel and was “stunned by the beauty of the interior” – especially the carved woodwork and geometric stained glass windows. After examining the chapel this spring, an expert from Pittsburgh’s Atlantic Engineering pronounce the chapel “stable” and in need of some roof and “cosmetic repairs.” The historic chapel is a key component of the former ecclesiastical compound filling the city block between West 8th and West 9th and Liberty and Plum streets. Notre Dame architect Duncan Stroik toured the chapel last November and called it “a gem that should be saved.”

SVC supporter Diane Schneider is involved in saving the chapel because her mother attended the Villa and because she believes it is “crucial for this city to reuse its vintage properties.” ErieCDP board member Sue Moyer noted that “in London and Rome they honor and preserve historic properties, they don’t knock them down.“ Moyer asked, “why in America is everything so disposable?” The ErieCDP views the chapel as an architectural treasure that can provide good, local jobs.

Checks may be written to: Save Villa Chapel c/o ErieCDP, PO Box 1856, Erie, PA 16507

Hubert opens new season at Cummings Art Gallery

Tom Hubert this fall celebrates 30 years as a ceramic artist – and 30 years of teaching art at Mercyhurst College – with an exhibition titled “Tom Hubert: Still Playing With Clay.” The Aug. 27-Sept. 26 show kicks off a new season at Mercyhurst’s Cummings Art Gallery.

“Still Playing With Clay” opens Friday, Aug. 27, in conjunction with the Erie Art Museum’s Gallery Night event. Cummings Gallery will be open Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. and reopen from 7 to 10 p.m. for Gallery Night. Free trolley transportation is available between the dozen galleries taking part in the evening event.

An artist’s reception honoring Hubert is also planned for Thursday, Sept. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. Cummings Gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. and Thursday evenings from 7 to 9.

The 70 pieces on display represent the variety of directions Hubert has pursued in ceramics over the last several years, from decorative whiteware pottery and functional white stoneware and porcelain to painterly ceramic wall pieces and ceramic sculpture.

Many of the works reveal multiple-fired applications of underglaze, glaze and overglaze, techniques Hubert has explored throughout his career. There are both figurative, organic works and hand-carved pieces with images of birds, fish and snakes. These carved works take on an iridescent quality that looks like gold flakes suspended in the glaze. Teapots range from small delicate pots to larger works that incorporate wood as a contrast. Double, triple- and quad-handled vessels show Hubert’s experimentation with multiples, replication and the use of negative space. Some white stoneware pieces incorporate new glazes developed by Emma Hughey, Hubert’s research assistant for the past two years.

Hubert received an undergraduate degree in art education from Mercyhurst College and an MFA from the Rochester Institute of Technology and has earned many professional awards. Initially a part-time instructor, he has taught full time at Mercyhurst since 1992, while continuing an ambitious studio practice. He has exhibited his work in one-person shows, invitational exhibitions and juried shows and is included in many private and public collections. His work was featured in the Spring 2010 issue of American Style magazine.

For more information, call 824-2092.

Erie Marathon at Presque Isle

If you are already signed up for one of the Erie Marathon events on September 12th,  we want to thank you and let you know you will likely receive an  extra premium in addition to the long sleeve micro fiber shirt …… a micro fiber running cap that has been custom designed and manufactured for the Erie Marathon.  We wanted to tell you earlier but we have had delays from our manufacturer and not until today were we reasonably confident that they will arrive in time.  A picture of the cap (color- coordinated with our micro fiber shirt)  will soon be posted on our web site.  Your support allows us to support local charities.

So if you have not registered yet, and/or have running partners that are planning to come to Erie but are not registered,  you can sign up right now at Website for the fee of $60 for 26.2 miles or $48 for 13.1 miles.  Registration fees go up September 1st.

For all race details, visit our website, www.eriemarathon.org.
For answers to burning questions not included in our FAQs on our website, email eriemara@yahoo.com

Hammer Nutrition will again be providing the lemon-lime sports drink/electrolyte HEED for our race this year.  Hammer Gels will be dispensed during the race at approximately miles 8 and 21. 

Bring the family along and check out the Tall ship Festival from September 9th to the 12th –  www.Tallshipserie.com.  There is also the local heritage festival going on that same weekend,  so come join in the weekend festivities in Erie and end it with a great run with us on Presque Isle State park.

A special thanks goes out to our sponsors of many years:  Time Warner Cable, SUBWAY, Hammer Nutrition, Panera Bread, Gannon Sport and Exercise Science and The Erie Runners Club who have helped us bring these quality events to you each year. 

Individual Marathon

The Event:
Each participant will run a full USATF certified marathon  (26.2 miles) at Presque Isle State Park on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 7:00 a.m.  

The Course:
The start/finish is in the Rotary Pavilion Area (approximately 3 miles from the entrance to the park) and the traditional two loop course will be run on Presque Isle State Park. This marathon is quite possibly the flattest course in the country.  World records were recently set on this course in 2003 and 2005. It is certainly a Boston qualifier and has course records prime to be broken: Male — Terrence L. Stanley 2:19:27 (1978); Female — Marjorie Tennyson Podgajny 2:55:15 (1981).  Please note that all participants must maintain a 14-minute-mile pace. The course will close accordingly and those remaining on the course must surrender their chips and move to the multi- purpose trail that runs parallel to the course. Please note that there is NOT an early start option, however, the course will remain open for just over 6 hours. Champion Chip timing by Runners High
               
Commemoratives: 
Entrants will receive a micro-fiber shirt.  In addition, all marathon finishers will receive a finisher’s medal at the finish line, and will be provided a finisher’s certificate suitable for framing.

Registration:
On-line and mail in registration ends on Sept. 8, 2010.
Participants must be at least 18 years of age by race day to register.

NO REFUNDS OR ENTRY DEFERRALS.

On-site registration available September 11, 2010.

Please note: All entry fees must be in US funds drawn on a US bank

Awards and Results: 
First, second and third places overall (M & F);
First place masters division (M & F); 
Individual awards (M & F) in the following age groups:
19 and under,  20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49,   50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over.

A special award will also be presented to the first Erie County male and female finisher.

Half Marathon

Run or Race-walk

The Event:
Each participant will run or race-walk a half marathon (13.1 miles) loop of Presque Isle State Park.  Half marathon participants start after the marathon at 7:30 a.m.  The race-walk division will be judged and running will result in disqualification.  

The Course:
The start/finish is in the Rotary Pavilion Area (approximately  3 miles from the entrance to the park) and the one loop course will be run  on Presque Isle State Park. This half marathon is quite possibly the flattest course in the country.

Commemoratives:
Entrants will receive a micro-fiber shirt. In addition, all half marathon finishers will receive a commemorative at the finish line.

Registration:
On-line and mail in registration ends on September 8, 2010.
On-site registration available September 11, 2010.
Fees double for race day registration.

NO REFUNDS OR ENTRY DEFERRALS

Please note: All entry fees must be in US funds drawn on a US bank

Awards and Results:

Half Marathon Run:  
First, second and third places overall (M & F);
First place masters division (M & F);
Individual awards (M & F) in the following age groups: 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over.

Half Marathon Race-walk: 
First five male and female finishers. No other awards in this division.

Timing: 
Champion chip timing by The Runner's High.

5K Fun Run/Walk

The Event:
A non-competitive 5K fun run/walk starts at 7:15 a.m. near the Rotary Pavilion. No awards will be given for this event, but an official clock will be in operation and results will be available. All entrants will receive a commemorative T-shirt.

Timing:
Bib timing by The Runner’s High.

FYI

For Your Safety:
The race committee reserves the right to reject any entry.  No dogs or other pets, bicycles, hand cycles, roller or in-line skates, strollers or vehicles of any kind are permitted on the course.  All water stops, support facilities, and other personnel will be instructed to close their station at a time corresponding to a 14-minute-per-mile pace.  Please bring a flashlight for early morning navigation, sunrise is not until 6:54 a.m.

Runner Services:
Stations serving water and HEED sport drink will be placed along the course at approximately one mile intervals.

Race Day Parking:
Adequate free parking will be available at Presque Isle State Park, but please be sure to follow parking regulations and be aware illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed by park police. Specific parking instructions along with a detail map of the start/finish area will be provided in each participant’s packet.

Weather:
The average temperature for September is 61 degrees with an average high of 70 and an average low of 53. Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Race Photographers:
Photographers from TSC Graphics will be on hand to take pictures, which will be made available to runners at www.runphotos.com a few days following race day.

Packet Pickup:
Packet pickup, including Champion Chip pickup, will be held at the Rotary Pavilion, Presque Isle State Park, on Saturday from noon until 7 p.m. and from 5:45 – 6:45 a.m. the morning of the race.  If at all possible, please pick up your packet on Saturday and get a good look at the course at the same time.

Awards Ceremony/Post-race Party:
The awards ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. for the half marathon and 11:30 a.m. for the marathon. Food provided by Subway. No duplication of awards except for the Erie County Award 

Additional Information:

 
Race Information:
www.eriemarathon.org
E-mail: Jan Comi -  eriemara@yahoo.com
Phone: 814-898-4472

Erie Information:
www.VisitEriePa.com
Erie Area Convention
& Visitors Bureau
Phone: 814-454-7191 or (800) 524-ERIE

Pasta Dinner

Carbo-loading dinner
Saturday, September 11, 2010
4-7 p.m. @ the Rotary Pavilion
$10 per person

Dinner includes two types of pasta with marinara sauce, meat sauce or garlic & oil, salad, bread, beverage and dessert. Prepared by Runner’s World recipe award-winner Linda Huegel and her crew.

Tickets will be limited to the first 700 and can be ordered at time of registration or purchased at packet pickup.

Directions to Rotary Pavilion:

To reach the Rotary Pavilion at Presque Isle State Park for packet pickup and pasta dinner, travel approximately 3 miles into the park from the entrance. At Fisher Road, turn left. Stay on Fisher to Lake Road. There will be a large boulder on your right. Turn left. Rotary Pavilion is on the left.  Please note that you will not be able to access the Rotary Pavilion this way on race morning. On race morning follow the directions of the parking marshals.

See Web site — www.eriemarathon.org — for more details.