CambridgeSprings.net

Cambridge Springs Community Day Aboard The Victorian Princess!

2009-06-29T10:16:00.002-04:00

Cambridge Springs Community Day Aboard The Victorian Princess!

Sail, have lunch & enjoy the view of the Erie Bay, as you visit with your fellow
Cambridge Springs friends & neighbors!!

WHAT: Luncheon/Cruise aboard the Victorian Princess Cruise Ship
WHEN: Thursday, July 23, 2009
WHERE: Ship is docked at the foot of State Street (Dobbins Landing)

DETAILS: Board at 11:45 AM; sail & have a wonderful catered buffet luncheon from Noon - 1:30 PM; we sail rain or shine; casual dress; comfortable shoes; go outside on deck to view the Bay area

COST: $20.00/person -- includes sail, lunch, tax & gratuity; payment arrangements (cash or check/money order) must be made at the time of reservation; No refunds or exchanges

TRANSPORTATION TO/FROM ERIE: On your own

RESERVATIONS: Contact Patty Glenn at 734-3711 (work) M-F 8 AM - 5 PM or 398-8331 (after 6 PM) to make reservation & payment arrangements or for any questions you might have

K-9 Courtesy of No. 7

2009-05-20T22:48:00.005-04:00

Thanks to a grant from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation, the Cambridge Springs Police Department has added a new K-9 officer to the force. Watch out, scofflaws. More on this story from reporter Tim Hahn at the Erie Times-News.

My favorite book? Facebook

2009-05-06T08:47:00.002-04:00

Even old people like me are on Facebook, and I was interested to learn that there's a Facebook group for people who live in/lived in/just like our fair town of Cambridge Springs, Pa. I would probably be unsuccessful if I tried to link to the group, so:

1. Go to Facebook.
2. Log in or sign up
3. Search for Cambridge Springs
4. Join the group
5. Post something witty, informative or thought-provoking on the wall.

auf dem Kopf stehen

2009-03-30T08:27:00.005-04:00

It's good to see some "sold" signs in front of homes in Cambridge Springs--I noticed one on Steele Street across from the elementary school and another on Grant Street between South Main and Venango Avenue. I guess one of the big problems with Cambridge real estate is that we don't draw a lot of "new blood" and residents just tend to move from house to house in town.

But the even bigger news in the real estate world is the addition of local radio personality Amy Sasfai to the ERA Richmond team of success. If you follow that link, you'll learn that Amy speaks both English and German. (See this post's title for "to be upside down" in German, a phrase Amy may hear a lot in this housing market.) Anyway, we were glad to hear this morning that Amy hasn't given up her other job and was still doing the news.

Don't let K-double-A hold you back, Amy.

Station renovation

2009-03-18T08:27:00.004-04:00

There was a nice article in yesterday's Meadville Tribune about the trolley station in Cambridge Springs being donated to the Crawford County Historical Society. The exterior of the building is clearly in good shape, and the article indicates that the interior was also well cared for.

The historical society is still in the planning stages for use of the building, but it seems like some sort of museum or visitor center would make sense. It would definitely be a nice complement to businesses like the area's galleries and gift shops.

Let your mouse do the walking

2009-02-13T16:08:00.003-05:00

I like when local businesses have Web sites, such as the BigSkinny Hot Dog Shop. Even something as simple as a page with contact information and a listing of a business's hours is helpful, since it can save customers (and business owners) a phone call. There are a lot of (ad-supported) free site creation/hosting tools out there, like Google Sites, and it's cheap to register a domain name at a place like GoDaddy.

That being said, I'm sure creating a Web site isn't a top priority for many local businesses. With that in mind, our friends over at YourBoro have started a nice service, scanning and posting menus from a few local restaurants.

That's such a great idea that I should probably copy it.

Just one of the crowd?

2009-02-12T08:30:00.004-05:00

News on two area crimes, courtesy of our friends at the Erie Times-News:

Man accused of kicking in door, firing revolver (on Henry Road in Rockdale Township)

State police search for scammer in Crawford quick-change scheme (at Vogel's Market in Cambridge Springs)

While there's nothing even mildly amusing about the first story, there is a bit of comedy in the second. The perpetrator was seen wearing:
" a suit with a matching top hat, eyeglasses and gold chains."

Talk about a class act. And I can't really think of a better way to *not* blend in to the crowd in Cambridge Springs than to sport that sort of outfit. A monocle instead of glasses would have been a nice touch, though.

Taxing question

2009-02-09T08:17:00.004-05:00

'Tis the season for taxes, and we've had a few visitors to the site from searches like "cambridge springs tax rate" and "cambridge springs local tax." The short story is:

Residents of the borough of Cambridge Springs have a 1.9% local tax rate (.5% for the school district and 1.4% for the borough). Yes, that sort of stinks since every other municipality in the Penncrest School District pays 1% or less, but I guess there's no fence around the town keeping us here.

You can download local tax forms from Penncrest here.

I look forward to the day when even local taxes can be filed online.

Sad news for our community

2009-02-08T21:26:00.002-05:00

Longtime Cussewago and Cambridge Springs Elementary School teacher Rich Mumau passed away on Saturday, and judging by the line stretching outside the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in town tonight, he will be greatly missed by the community and the school. You can read the obituary from the Erie Times-News. There's also a guestbook that you can sign with your condolences and memories, or feel free to leave a comment here.

"Prom to Dawn" Tickets Available

2009-02-06T15:07:00.001-05:00

The Cambridge Springs Prom to Dawn Committee is selling tickets for their Reverse Raffle Fund Raiser. The Reverse Raffle is Saturday March 7, 2009 from 5:30-11:00 at St. Anthony’s Social Hall. Tickets are $22/person, $44/couple with the grand prize being $1,000. Your ticket includes dinner, door prizes, drinks and dancing. For tickets please call Judy Acker at 763-2253.

Rising to the top

2009-02-02T17:47:00.003-05:00

If you Google "Cambridge Springs" (with or without quotes), you'll find that your friends are CambridgeSprings.net are the first result (with SCI Cambridge Springs nipping at our heels).

We're trying hard to become a better resource for the community, and by adding local businessman Troy to the stable of editors, I think we're getting better each day.

To take the site to the next level (whatever that means), I think we need to do a better job of posting community events to our calendar. Right now, the calendar has not one event listed, which isn't a true reflection of what's going on in the community. I used to scan the local papers for Cambridge-area events and post them, but I failed miserably at keeping up with that.

From bake sales to bingo to borough meetings, we would like to become a comprehensive resource for area events. To help us do that, we ask that you:

1. Please email your Cambridge-area events to us at admin@cambridgesprings.net, and tell others to do the same.

2. If you seem to know everything that's going on around town, you can volunteer to post events to our Google calendar. It's very simple to do, and you would get that great feeling that comes with your helping your community. Email Josh at admin@cambridgesprings.net if you're interested.

Thanks for visiting the site!

Impossibly impassable

2009-01-30T11:12:00.003-05:00

The sidewalk along Venango Avenue from Brink Drive to the high school is impassable (and has been for the past few days), forcing kids to walk on the road on their way to and from school. The good news is that I checked with the borough, and they are working on it this morning. Apparently some equipment problems prevented them from getting it cleared. If it happens again, I would recommend that they post a police officer there for a few minutes in the morning and afternoon while the kids are walking to prevent something tragic from happening.

Safety Tip Number 1

2009-01-28T09:09:00.004-05:00

Always clear your rear windshield when it's covered with snow. Seriously. (Picture taken this morning while I was stopped in the school zone in Cambridge Springs.)

Latest Weather Alert for January 27, 2009

2009-01-27T05:28:00.001-05:00

Latest Weather Alerts:

The National Weather Service has issued a WINTER STORM WARNING for Erie, Crawford, & Ashtabula Counties from 8pm this evening until 7pm tomorrow (Wednesday).

A winter storm will drop 4-6 inches of snow across the area tonight, with an additional 3-5 inches tomorrow. This snow will be wet and heavy, causing slick driving conditions. Additional travel time will be needed tonight and tomorrow.

The rest of the area is under a Winter Weather Advisory for the same time period. While snow accumulations will not be quite as impressive as the Warned area, travel may still be tricky with this wet snow.

Eating in Cambridge Springs . . . what are your favorites?

2009-01-26T08:08:00.008-05:00

Correction / Addition:
1/30/09

I went to Edinboro yesterday, and the sad news is that "Jackrabbit Flats" is closed (Adios' Amigo), and the business is for sale. The chef there did tell me on many occasions that business was flat, especially when the college classes were not in session.

Instead, I discovered a really good NEW place in Edinboro (open for 4 months). I ate at Big Moe's last night, and really enjoyed my Gyro, Fries (with wonderful garlic mayo) and dessert.

They specialize in various American and ethnic fare, specializing in Middle Eastern/Lebanese and also have many vegetarian items. Big Moe's is located right next to Lakeside Bagel on 6N
Phone (814) 734-1766.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Folks,
I am Troy, a new Co-Editor here at CambridgeSprings.net.

Today I would like to write on one of my favorite topics, FOOD!

There are lots of places to eat in the Cambridge Springs, Edinboro, Meadville and Erie areas.

I am curious as to which ones you like best? You can see a listing of many of our local restaurants right here . . .

http://www.cambridgesprings.net/business.php?type=8

. . . or you can go to a national website, that actually allows you to rate and write a review of the places you've eaten at . . .

http://www.urbanspoon.com/n/133/15202/Erie/Cambridge-Springs-restaurants

Some of my favorites are, of course, the Riverside!! I love the relaxed eating at their breakfast/brunch buffet on a Sunday morning. I also like The Big Skinny Hot Dog shop . . . one of my favorite things to eat for lunch on a Friday is their fish hot dog and homemade fries, smothered in malt vinegar . . . and cole slaw on the side!! And if I have a big appetite, I'll order the fried ice cream dessert too, YUMM!!

In my opinion, Poppy's has the best pizza in town, and Hole in One makes the best hoagies.

If I want to travel North a little bit, I really love a Mexican Burrito from Jackrabbit Flats in Edinboro . . . never had a bad meal there, and the service has always been excellent!

And I can't wait till this Spring . . . when Sprague Farm & Brew Works opens up their new Brew Pub, so we can actually get some food to go with their wonderful farm-crafted beers.

So, now you know some of my favorites, what about yours?

I'd like to hear from you, so please post a comment about your favorite places to eat in the area.

THANKS, and Happy Eating!!

Bowl me over

2009-01-25T22:57:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago, some friends and I decided to mix it up and hit the Lost Lanes for some open bowling on a Saturday night. The price was right: $5 for two solid hours of bowling (9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.), including shoe rental. It was just us and one other group in the joint, not including a few folks enjoying some adult beverages in the attached Found Lounge. It was actually a heck of a good time, even though none of us managed to break 100 in any of the games we bowled. I even played a Meat Loaf song on the jukebox that lasted pretty much the entire time we were there. The employee working there shot us a few (much deserved) looks when we hit the lane just a bit too hard with the ball, but he seemed to realize that we were just really, really bad bowlers

Judging from the full parking lot on many nights during the week, it seems like the Lost Lanes does a good business. I'm not sure what their other open bowling hours are, but it's an enjoyable time, even if you're much better at Wii Sports bowling than the actual game.

Whenever you call me, I'll be there

2009-01-07T08:39:00.002-05:00

I really appreciate that the Penncrest School District has an automated telephone system to announce school delays and closings. I would have appreciated them making the call on the two-hour delay earlier this morning--there was nothing about it on the news at 6 a.m., and I didn't get the telephone notice until 6:40 about the delay.

It also would have been nice to get a second call when the decision was made to cancel school for the day, but I guess they figure by that point people are either watching the news or on the Internet at home or work. I actually learned about the closing from a friend's wife who posted a message to Twitter about the decision to close. She lives in the Crawford Central School District, but, as you may recall, Penncrest, Crawford Central and Conneaut follow the same schedule when it comes to delays and closings, except in the event of an emergency that impacts only one school.

Drive safely. It looks to be a messy day.

Wintry mix

2008-10-29T08:23:00.003-04:00

Cambridge Springs received its first significant blast of snow of the season today, and it was the worst kind--wet and slushy. The first leg of my trip to work this morning (heading south on Route 86) was slow going. A few of the hills between Cambridge and Gravel Run Road in Woodcock borough were a bit of a struggle to traverse. A lot of slush had accumulated on the roadway, and there really hadn't been enough traffic at that point to clear a bit of a pathway through. Things improved noticeably once I was south of Woodcock borough, though. There were also reports of emergency vehicles headed out to what I presume were traffic accidents.

And if you need to get new tires for your car, don't forget to support local businesses.

Open container

2008-10-21T10:05:00.003-04:00

I was a little surprised that the person who parked next to me at Vogel's Market on Saturday thought it was acceptable to have a nearly full bottle of Bud Light in his/her car cup holder. I didn't wait around to see who the scofflaw was, but I regret that I didn't leave a note expressing my displeasure.

Crossbow Inn closing

2008-10-10T14:49:00.002-04:00

Cambridge Springs eatery (and drinkery) The Crossbow Inn is going out business as of this Sunday. A sign posted on the business cites rising costs and fewer customers as the reasons for closing. The business is listed for sale with Howard Hanna for $245,000.

Cambridge Springs Pageant Association hosts ”Evening with the Stars” Pageant Gala

2008-10-10T10:07:00.000-04:00

The Cambridge Springs Pageant Association will host four queen’s pageants on Saturday, October 18, 2008, beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the Cambridge Springs High School Auditorium. The theme for this year’s gala will be “Evening with the Stars”. There will be a brief intermission held between each pageant. Refreshments and food will be provided by the CSVFD and will be available for purchase in the high school cafeteria.

The Li’l Miss Pageant will begin at 1:30 p.m. Lil’ Miss contestants are: Julia Mailliard, 7, daughter of David and Lindsey Mailliard, Brianna Skeba, 9, daughter of Phil and Lula Skeba, Sierra Spaid, 7, daughter of Scott and Darla Spaid, Caitlyn Rupert, 8, daughter of Staci Losey and William Rupert, Michaela Bowersox, 8, daughter of Mary McCarthy. The Li’l Miss pageant will also feature a ballet dance by reigning queen Kiersten Potts.

The Jr. Miss will begin at 2:30 p.m. Jr. Miss contestants are: Madison Varndell, 10, daughter of Jill Varndell and bill and Shiela Kern, Lauren Sovisky, 11, daughter of Randy and Connie Sovisky, Kaitlyn Duda, 9, daughter of Scott and Stephanie Duda, Sara Chernicky, 10, daughter of Pat Chernicky, Amber Zinno, 10, daughter of Ron and Lisa Zinno, Michaela Dodds, 11, daughter of Howard and Theresa Goldsmith and Russell Dodds, Carli Lineberry, 11, daughter of Don and Jackie Lineberry, Jessica Garver, 9, daughter of Matt and Kathy Garver, Kathryn Stiner, 10, grandaughter of Matt and Kathy Garver, and Brooke Lewandowski, 10, daughter of Jeff and Jennifer Lewandowski. The Jr. Miss pageant will also feature a vocal performance by reigning queen Alyssa Mitchell.
The Miss Teen will begin at 5 p.m. Miss Teen contestants are: Karissa Welker, 12, daughter of Rob and Lisa Welker, Lori Hornaman, 14, daughter of Mark and Linda Hornaman, Amber Festa, 15, daughter of Kurt and Andrea Festa, Kelsee Kenny, 14, daughter of Chris and Jodi Kenny and Randi Morris, 14, daughter of Brian and Deb Marlowe. The Miss Teen pageant will also feature a vocal performance by reigning queen Ciara Petrick.

The Miss Cambridge Springs will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be emceed by Dixie Shafer. The Miss Cambridge Springs pageant will feature talent, evening gown, and casual wear. The winner of the ageant will be awarded a $700 prize package. Miss Cambridge Springs contestants are: Tiffany Patterson, 18, daughter of Aaron and Heather Patterson, Amanda Beary, 16, daughter of Jerry and Kathy Beary, Michelle Lanning, 16, daughter of Andy and Kim Lanning and Nicole Grace, 15, daughter of Laura Tysiachney and Donald Grace. The Miss Cambridge pageant will also feature a vocal performance by reigning queen Kristy Tucci.

Cost of admission for the pageants is $4 for adults and $3 for students. Anyone not of school age will be admitted free of charge. Program books will be available for $5. The Pageant Association will be raffling a Campbell pottery lamp valued at $350.00. Tickets are available at $1 each or 6/$5 and can be purchased at the door or from any association member. The drawing will be held during the Miss Cambridge Springs pageant at 7 p.m and the winner does not need to be present to win.

Special appearances will be by Miss Pennsylvania International, Ashley Borchilo, Miss Crawford County, Brittani Devore and by Katelyn Kovacs, winner of the Spa Spectacular competition held during the Cambridge Firemen’s Carnival in July.

The Cambridge Springs Pageant Association supports Helping Hands. This organization provides many opportunities for our queens in our local community throughout the year. During the holiday season, Helping Hands sponsors a town Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a community Christmas party. During this party, tickets are sold for several sleds filled with toys. The proceeds from this sale provides funds to purchase both Christmas gifts and clothing for local children. The Pageant Association is asking the public to help our community by bringing a toy for donation to the pageant. There will be a collection basket set up in the lobby of the high school auditorium on pageant day to accept these donations. Toys should be new and unwrapped and can be for a boy or girl. Please help to support our community by donating a toy to help these kids have a great Christmas.

Anyone who is currently holding a title in a pageant is invited to attend the Cambridge Springs Pageants as visiting royalty. Visiting royalty are asked to register between 5:45 and 6:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Cambridge Springs High School Auditorium. Visiting royalty will be announced at the beginning of the Miss Cambridge Springs pageant. Pre-registration can be made by e-mailing star@coaxpa.com. Please indicate the name and title. Any questions regarding this event should be directed to Executive Director, Johnna Gilliland at 398-2997 or Association President, Lori Bogda at 398-2934

Pageants set for Sat., Oct. 18

2008-10-07T14:45:00.001-04:00

The Cambridge Springs Pageant Association will host four queens' pageants at the Cambridge Springs High School Auditorium on Saturday, October 18, 2008. The theme for this year's pageants will be "Evening with the Stars." The Li'l Miss pageant will begin at 1:30 PM, Jr. Miss at 2:30 PM, Miss Teen at 5 PM, and Miss Cambridge Springs pageant at 7 PM. There will be a brief intermission between pageants. Refreshments and food will be provided by the CSVFD and will be available for purchase in the high school cafeteria.

Special appearances will be made by Miss Crawford County, Brittani Devore and Katelyn Kovacs, the winner of the Spa Spectacular competition held during the Cambridge Firemen's Carnival in July. Visiting royalty are asked to register between 5:45 and 6:30 PM. in the lobby of the auditorium. Pre-registration can be made by e-mailing star@coaxpa.com. Please indicate the name and title. Visiting royalty will be announced at the beginning of the Miss Cambridge Springs pageant. Cost of admission is $4 for adults and $3 for students. Program books will be available for $5.

The Pageant Association will be raffling off a Campbell pottery Flambeaux Glazed lamp valued at $350. Tickets are $1 each or 6/$5 and can be purchased at the door or from any committee member. The association is asking the public to bring a new and unwrapped toy to the pageant to support the Cambridge Springs Helping Hands organziation, which provides many local community service opportunities for our reigning queens throughout the year.

Any questions should be directed to the Pageant Executive Director, Johnna Gilliland 398-2997 or Association President, Lori Bogda 398-2934.

Not so free estimate?

2008-09-02T09:25:00.004-04:00

Local resident Bernie Bartels sent the following note on estimated water/sewer bills, which I thought was worth sharing here:

I just received my water bill and it was an estimate showing 2 units used. It’s beyond me how 2 units can be estimated when 70% of my water bills are for 1 unit. If you think about it, When 2 units are charged and the meter is not read and you did not use 2 units at the reading time, then that month should be charged at 1 unit and possible the next reading would be a 2 unit reading. Errors in the reading should be made in favor to the household. If you think about it when 2 units is charged you will never see the extra money for the extra unit, the Borough would be ahead that extra monies. There should never be a higher reading than what the average usage is for that household unless it is actually read. If that household uses 1 unit for 8 or 9 months, then there should never be an estimate bill for 2 units. The best way to avoid this problem is to read your own meter each billing period or have the Borough revise how they estimate billings.

Bernie raises an interesting point--if you're billed for an estimated 2 units but use only 1 unit, your actual usage on the following bill would be 0 units. But I'm guessing a customer would still have to pay some sort of minimum charge (rather than have a zero balance for water/sewer that month and just paying for garbage)? I'm not 100 percent clear on how the billing works at these lower levels of usage. I've never had a water bill that's under two units, so, in my case, the estimating evens itself out the following month if I was charged too much on an estimated bill.

I understand that the Borough/water authority can't read every customer's meter every month. I think it makes sense to let residents read their own meters to avoid estimated bills if they would like to. (Maybe we can already do this?) If you're on a fixed income, I can imagine that paying a higher estimated bill could really put a strain on the monthly budget.

Fully involved

2008-07-31T20:33:00.002-04:00

There was a substantial (garage I think) fire tonight on Kearney Avenue just off of McClellan Street. The kids and I spotted the black smoke while we were in the parking lot at Vogel's Market and decided to check it out. We were able to get a somewhat obstructed view of the fire from McClellan Street, but I couldn't get close enough to get a decent picture. Suffice it to say that the structure was fully involved, and the Cambridge fire department was on the scene battling the blaze. There was a group of people standing in the street watching the action, so if anyone has a photo they would like to share, send it to me at admin(at)cambridgesprings.net.

Doctor, doctor, give me the news

2008-07-31T08:11:00.002-04:00

Meadville Medical Center has a new physician serving the Cambridge Springs area: family medicine specialist Amy Miles, D.O. A graduate of LECOM, she has joined the Cambridge Springs Health Center at 118 Railroad St. and will also work at an office in Townville. Miles completed her internship and residency at Meadville Medical Center.

Just in general, I think it's great that Cambridge has a local doctor's office. I'm sure it's a nice resource for families who would rather not drive to Erie or Meadville for a an appointment.