Chris Morelli
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A Special Tradition: Victorian Christmas Transforms Town into a Winter Wonderland
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BELLEFONTE — It doesn’t get any better than Bellefonte Victorian Christmas. Victorian Christmas is a tradition unlike any other. After taking 2020 off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it returned in full force in 2021, celebrating its 40th anniversary.2022 marks year No. 41 for the holiday tradition. If you’ve never been to Victorian Christmas, it’s…
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Shop Small: Local Retailers Compete by Offering Experience, Service and Events
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With the holiday season upon us, small retailers in Centre County have been ramping up for the next month. In a world of Amazon.com and other online shopping, they are finding it harder and harder to compete. However, many local small retailers are hoping this will be the most wonderful time of the year. Lee…
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Reimagining the Tradition at the Red Horse Tavern
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This story has been updated to reflect that Red Horse Tavern has acquired a liquor license. There aren’t many iconic restaurants left in the Bellefonte area. Over time, many have closed or changed names. One of the few still standing is the Red Horse Tavern, located at 104 N. Main St. in Pleasant Gap. The…
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Fired Up: Backyard Bosses Grill and Smoke Their Way to Flavorful Feasts
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Summer means vacations, swimming, outdoor adventures … and the backyard grill. We sat down with some of Centre County’s best backyard chefs—masters of grilling, barbecuing, and smoking. In a nutshell, they explain, grilling means cooking over a fire, hot and fast. Barbecue means low and slow, and smoking means cooking something with smoke—also low and…
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It’s All About the Ingredients: Hofbrau Pizza Is a Tried-and-True Bellefonte Tradition
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When you walk into Hofbrau in Bellefonte, it’s sort of like stepping back in time. The building’s structure, seating, and decor haven’t changed much in several decades. More importantly, though, the food hasn’t changed much. According to owner Ruth Sampsel, Hofbrau never skimps when it comes to ingredients. “It’s definitely the high quality of ingredients…
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One Happy Accident: Jerry Valeri’s Radio Career Has Stood the Test of Time
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“We don’t make mistakes … we just have happy accidents.” – TV painter Bob Ross Jerry Valeri could be considered local broadcasting’s “happy accident.” As the 20-year radio veteran explains, he’s not supposed to be here. “I can condense my career to one word—accidental,” Valeri says with his signature laugh. “I feel that a lot…
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Local ‘Green’ Businesses: Centre County Organizations Go Above and Beyond for the Environment
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When it comes to businesses that recycle, Centre County stands out as one of the best areas in the commonwealth. The Centre County Green Partnership program recognizes Centre County businesses, institutions, organizations and schools who take pride in their recycling programs. And, according to Amy Schirf of the Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority, the…
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Jumpstart Your Day: Pump Station Cafe Gives Customers a Place to Fill Up
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If you’re looking for a cute, little bit out-of-the-way place for a specialty coffee or a quick bite to eat, look no further than Pump Station Cafe in Boalsburg. The coffee shop has been a Boalsburg staple since October of 2005. The food and drinks are top notch. After all, you don’t survive for 17…
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Simply Slovak: Rosie’s Pierogies Has Made Its Mark on Centre County with Old-School Recipes
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If you live in Centre County, it’s not hard to find the Rosie’s Pierogies food truck at special events. Just look for the truck with the longest line. According to owner and operator Ashley Hamilton, there’s no big secret to this success. The food, which is made from scratch, has been a hit since day…
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Bright Lights, Big City: Penn State’s Broadnax Directs on Broadway
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Steve H. Broadnax III always dreamed of making it to Broadway. Broadnax, an associate professor of theatre and professor in charge of MFA Acting at Penn State, grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas. He fell in love with the theatre at a young age. He earned his bachelor of fine arts from Webster University, St.…