Learn to Listen

As 2008 draws to a close, let me offer two insightful reads that may help bring you inspiration and hope for 2009. Insight and inspiration are things I am always seeking, as on a personal level, this has been an interesting year - I’ve struggled a bit, but I’ve also been rewarded on so many levels. I have made some great new friends who have already taught me alot about myself and life - things I thought I already new and found I had to relearn. I am thankful for those individuals (I know you know who you are).

To the point - I have read several books over the past year - two of which I’m going to recommend below. They have both inspired me in completely different ways. One has allowed me the opportunity to be more open and appreciative of what every day brings to me - the other has made me question even further my own beliefs. Not that my beliefs in general waiver, but the path in which I follow to believe has been challenged - you’ll understand this more (hopefully) below. These are both easy reads, and if you haven’t picked them up, I highly recommend you do so.

In rememberence, I’d first like to honor Randy Pausch who passed away on July 25th 2008. I had the opportunity to read his book, “The Last Lecture,” view his lecture online (which you still can) and catch a special about him on television. He was truly a remarkable person. His lesson inspired my realization of two major things - that there are many people like him already is this world, and that no matter what age you are, you should always accomplish your childhood dreams. I can’t do this man justice in print, all I can say, is this is definitely worth your time.

In addition, and most recently, I read the “Purpose of Christmas.” This was written by Rick Warren who also wrote “The Purpose Driven Life.” Not one to generally open up discussions about religious beliefs, as I’m relatively private about my own, I will tell you, this book has only deepened my own religion (which is Catholicism). Ironically, this book does not speak of Catholicism at all - it is very christian based (and yes, I realize there is christianity in most religions) however, this book offers a slightly different thought process than I follow. I do believe it has the ability to offer peace to many who read it - however, it really did the exact opposite for me. And I welcome anyone that has read this book to tell me their thoughts and opinions on it. In the end though, it was inspiring to me personally as it motivated me to become more educated about my own religion. Again, another great, easy read - and perfect for this time of year.

As always, I welcome any and all feedback.

The Erie Bayhawks home opener is tonight. It is the first ever NBA Development League game played in Erie, PA. If you live in Erie (or in the vicinity), I recommend checking this out - there are still tickets available. (7 p.m. Tullio Arena and tickets start at $10)  

I briefly checked out the players online - there’s a great pool of talent on the team. For the record, the oldest player in the group was born in 1982 and the youngest in 86. - which actually makes me feel old.

And if you didn’t know - the Erie BayHawks are the official NBA affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Philadelphia 76ers.

ALSO….

If you’re looking for something to do prior to the game, stop by the Marketplace Grill - yep! is holding their annual gift drive tonight. This year they partnered with Safenet to purchase holiday gifts. So, stop by, and help wrap a few gifts - or make a donation online: http://www.youngerieprofessionals.org/yep-gift-drive/

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 Generation-E Leadership Awards, hosted by Young Erie Professionals (yep!). The Generation-E Leadership Awards recognize young professionals who are paving the way to the future of Erie. The awards have honored dozens of individuals over the past four years who not only have chosen to live, work and play in the Erie area, but who have made a lasting impact on the region.

The winners will be recognized the evening of Friday, April 24, 2009 at the Bayfront Convention Center. Nominees can be from any number of fields, professions and backgrounds. The only requirement is that they live in the Erie area and are making a positive and lasting difference in the community–whether it be professionally, personally, or both.  A panel of eight judges from several different companies and organizations in the area will review the nominations and choose the winners in February.

Nominations can be made online at www.generationeawards.com. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, January 16. 

No matter your age, if you’re ready to leave a job (whether you encountered a better opportunity, or really hate where you’re at), do it gracefully. I’ve heard several stories just over the last couple of weeks of a number of people that just got up and left their jobs. No notice, nothing. The interesting thing is those individuals were probably way over their jobs long before they left - so seeing as they all stuck it out for that long, why wouldn’t they wait at least a few days longer and do it without burning any bridges? No matter how bad anything is (yes, I realize there are exceptions to this rule), do yourself a favor and quit gracefully.

You may not think you need that employer reference somewhere down the line, but the fact of the matter is, you just never know. Quitting your job professionally is all about leaving behind a positive image and possibly an opportunity for another position with the same company in the future.

In today’s world, by the age  of 27, the typical worker has held seven or more jobs. And according to a Spherion survey, 35 percent of respondents planned to look for a new job within the next year. Just food for thought.

The Young Erie Professionals (yep!) will hold their new member orientation at The Brewerie at Union Station (123 W 14th St) on Wednesday, November 19th. Join them at 5:30 p.m. to learn about yep!, their various committees and activities, and how you can get more involved. There will also be time to socialize with other members. Plus, all orientation attendees will receive a free gift.

To RSVP for this event, visit the website at www.yeperie.org

I just want to take a moment to recognize an up and coming young professional in Erie - Jason Owen.
 
Early this year, Jason established his law practice in Millcreek Township and he currently represents Erie County clients, their businesses and organizations.

He ran for PA State Representative and unfortunately lost to John Hornaman. I just want to note that his campaign was one of the most admirable grassroots campaigns I’ve ever personally seen. It was professional, thorough and well-run. I was highly impressed with the level of professionalism and dedication he had during his run for election and I hope to see him run again in the future.

He’s definitely someone to watch, as no matter what he does in life (private or public sector), he will make a tremendous impact, and hopefully, in our community.

Congratulations Jason. You had my vote.

So, I know we generally (hopefully) know who we’re going to vote for before we get into the polls. However, even though I thought I knew, I guess I didn’t. The thing is, I voted straight party line (I’ll let you guess which one) - and even though I knew who I was voting for, I didn’t take the option to let you vote your party  - I wanted to go through each and every candidate, one last time just to make sure I wasn’t missing anything (though I’m not sure what I’d be missing I suppose). I guess, all in all, I just wasn’t that sure of myself from the start.  

 So, what I would love to know is, how many of you actually knew 100% who you were going to vote for today - and if any of you actually changed your mind at the last minute (and if so, why)?

Recently, the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership published their monthly ERIE magazine with a focus on battling “Brain Drain.” Several articles focused on young professionals in the area. Some of the articles in this edition, rightfully so, revolved around the young erie professionals (yep!). 

For those of you who might not know, yep! is an organization comprised of young, active, civic-minded professionals committed to making Erie a better place to live, work and play.

Annually, yep! executes a number of great events and professional development programs that help to support young professionals in the area. One of their signature events, the Generation-E Awards, recognizes young professional talent, nominated by their peers and chosen by a panel of experienced local leaders. Since 2005, they have honored 43 individuals who not only have chosen to live, work and play in the Erie area, but who have made a lasting impact on our region. In 2009, the event will be held April 24th at the Bayfront Convention Center. More information (details, nomination process, etc…) will be available within the coming week.

Yep! has been recognized on many fronts throughout the past couple of years and continues to help area young professionals grow. For more information about yep! or to join, go to the yep! website.

To read the current edition of the ERIE Magazine, go here.

You will see in the coming posts that the focus of my blog has changed. Not that the arts aren’t a vital and necessary resource to our community (and I will continue to incorporate them into my discussions) but I felt it was time to focus on something broader and something most of us are impacted by in one way or another.

Over the years the concept of “brain drain” has become more prevalent in our changing economy. We have all made strides to address this issue on several levels - locally - nationally - globally - however, it is still a major cause of concern among young professionals, businesses and communities today.

Through this blog I hope to address this issue, the ways it has impacted our community and the communities around us, and what we as a society can continue to do to address it. As always, I welcome your feedback, ideas and suggestions in this process.

As you may have already noticed - or know -  “Learn to Listen” is a song on the Ramones’ “Brain Drain” album. Even though this album was created 20 years ago, I found it relevant to the situation we are dealing with today - in many capacities.

30 artists and three nights of music
Starting today, the Brewerie at Union Station is holding its 2nd annual Arts & Drafts Festival. Over 30 local artists will be showcased, including, Andrew Kauffman, Evan Everhart, Brian Sprague, Jeremy Beightol, Leah Hardner, Kristen Bole, Fran Schantz, Ed Glass and Bob Jenson. Admission is Free.

An artist reception will be held tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. Besides viewing some great art, you’ll have the opportunity to mingle with the group, see performance art, glass blowing demos and chainsaw art.

Music Line-up:

TODAY 8/28
4:45-5:45 p.m. Randy English. Acoustic stage.
5-6:30 p.m. Chance of Reign. Electric stage.
6-7 p.m. Doug Phillips. Acoustic stage.
7:15-8:15 p.m. Eric Brewer and Claire Stuczynski. Acoustic stage.
7-8:30 p.m. Dennis Henderson and Friends. Electric stage.
8:30-10 p.m. Katie Chriest and Sheldon Peterson. Acoustic stage.
9-11 p.m. Ron Yarosz and Vehicle. Electric stage.

FRIDAY 8/29
5-6 p.m. Jay Vanderberg. Acoustic stage.
6:15-7:15 p.m. Eric Boggs. Acoustic stage.
6-7:30 p.m. Mystic Flotation Device. Electric stage.
7:15-7:45 p.m. Erling Oster. Acoustic stage.
8-9 p.m. Seven Second Chances. Acoustic stage.
8-9:30 p.m. Collective Voices. Electric stage.
9:30-10:30 p.m. Arden Room. Acoustic stage.
9:45-10:45 p.m. Shotgun Jubilee. Electric stage.
11 p.m.-1 a.m. Small Town Rollers. Acoustic stage.
11 p.m.-1 a.m. Matty B. and Dirty Pickles. Electric stage.

SATURDAY 8/30
5-6 p.m. Garden. Acoustic stage.
6-8 p.m. Boodlies. Electric stage.
6:30-7:30 p.m. Kathy Fidorra. Exit stage.
7:45-8:45 p.m. Lucien Gaydos. Exit stage.
8:30-9:30 p.m. Pangaea. Electric stage.
9-10 p.m. Jake Johns. Exit stage.
10-11:30 p.m. Orphean Son. Electric stage.
10 p.m.-2 a.m. Passion. Acoustic stage.
Midnight-2 a.m. Eastave. Electric stage.