"I used to get into trouble drawing on the desk when I was in school." Airbrushing on pretty much anything is what he does. Jeremy Howard, 28, of Erie, first experienced airbrushing when his mother bought him an airbrush kit when he was 12. Howard says he's always had a love for art, which sometimes raised the ire of his teachers when he was in school. His penchant for drawing on school desks began at Diehl Elementary School and continued through high school. He says even his homework was adorned with "doodles and drawings." Two years ago, his airbrush art developed into a business, called Airbrush Kings, located at East 12th and Ash Streets. Howard says he paints on cars, motorcycles, business signs and T-shirts. "I like the way the colors blend from one color to the other and looks realistic," he says. This photo was made Aug. 23. ROB ENGELHARDT/Erie Times-News

"It's a place of reverence," said Tim Ferguson, 57, Erie County World War II Memorial general manager. For Peep Brereton, right, and her friends from the Seedlings Garden Club, caring for the flowers that surround the Erie County World War II Memorial is an act of respect and rememberance. Club secretary Chris Shaaf, left, joins Brereton, Ferguson and other volunteers most every Saturday to trim roses, deadhead annuals and pick up litter. The memorial lists 727 Erie County residents, including two female nurses, who sacrificed their lives during the war. After touring military cemeteries in France and Belgium, Ferguson, whose father John Ferguson led the drive to build the memorial, came back to Erie and planted roses. Beginning this summer, club members have cared for the plantings. Club president Marjorie Tesore, 72, said, "A lot of people stop by to thank us for our efforts." Ferguson adds "There isn't any major action, or corner of the war, that Erie didn't lose boys. This memorial is the only place you can put your fingers on their names." The Erie Community Foundation accepts donations to help pay for memorial insurance and utilities. GREG WOHLFORD/Erie Times-News

Although the temperature was in the mid 80s, Quiana Hackney, 8, and her sister Amani, 1, of Erie, keep their cool in the wading pool at Whitford Park, in Harborcreek Township on Aug. 11. "I like to go to this park," said Quiana. "The water is cold, but it feels good." She is not the only one who enjoys the park. Park manager Tim Miller said the park has a lot going on -- like free concerts every Wednesday during the summer. The last concert of the summer feature the North East Banjo Jammers at 7 p.m. on Aug. 18. JACK HANRAHAN/Erie Times-News

As Scott Godmaire, 47, of Edinboro emerged from Roger and Dottie McCoy's pond after his full submersion baptism, he realized that he was ready to further his commitment to God. "I wasn't sure if I was worthy enough, then I realized, in our small group discussions, that none of us is worthy but if you really want to dedicate yourself to Jesus then your ready." said Godmaire. "This is a huge step for him,"executive pastor for McLane Church, Bill Cox, 43, said after baptizing Godmaire. Pastor Cox helped counsel Godmaire in taking the next step towards baptism. "I had the right man leading me," Godmaire says referring to Pastor Cox. Members of McLance Church and family gathered along the lawn of the pond to witness the annual baptisms. When asked how the baptism was Godmaire said he felt " like I could've been stayed down there forever, it was calm, peaceful, and surreal." BRITTNEY LOHMILLER/Erie Times-News

"It feels like you're flying," says Tara Barker, 13, regarding swinging on the tire swing. It's not unusual to find thirteen-year-old Tara Barker swinging on the tire swing at Wallace Park. Her sister, Colodgia Burns, 15, usually supplies the manpower. Sometimes it's their cousin, Alexis Andrews, 14. However, all three agree Burns is the best at pushing the swing to soaring heights. "We always come to this park. It's so much fun here," said Barker. Barker remembers the tire swing being at the park, located on East Front Street, "ever since we were little." JANET B. CAMPBELL/Erie Times-News