Spot 7

In June, the Beta Theta Pi controversy prompted me to write about the challenges of being a fraternity member or leader. Recently, the fate of the house itself has become a topic of controversy as well. The land the house sits on is under a long-term lease from the university, which requires the building to…

Most people can’t wait for their summer vacations — long lazy days basking in the warm sun at the beach with no thoughts or cares in the world. Vacations become a time about renewal and relaxation, melting the stress of everyday life away. Often on vacation you may find that you sleep better and…

The words we speak over ourselves, our children, our health, finances and careers have the power to create blessings and health in every area of our lives.  The power of our words has the power to bring us healing, peace, encouragement and energy or dis-ease, anxiety, dread and exhaustion. As we celebrate Father’s Day…

Following the sudden death of her father, Rob, in 2006, Bellefonte artist Talley Fisher took over the suspended sculpting business he had started. With a background in zoology and landscape architecture, she has continued her father’s legacy, creating more than 40 pieces for major clients all around the world and finding her love for innovative…

Penn State alum and longtime marketing expert Melinda Curley, a Pittsburgh native and current State College local, has turned over a new leaf in life. After working in the marketing field for numerous companies and agencies, she decided to go back to school to earn her master’s degree in poetry and, from there, she discovered…

To pursue her dream of being a professional opera singer, Jennifer Trost sold everything she owned — twice. Taking those chances paid off for Trost, who besides being an opera singer is an associate professor of music at Penn State, where she teaches voice lessons and song- and opera-literature courses. She earned her bachelor’s degree…

“I like writing in my journals with a pen. The act of writing and the physical contact with pen and paper gives me inspiration,” says Gabeba Baderoon, a South African poet from the city of Cape Town who joined the departments of Women’s Studies and African and African American studies at Penn State as an…

The concept of like-minded, drinks-related businesses joining forces to promote their wares is hardly a new concept. Wineries have been at it for years, craft brewers are now doing it in record numbers, and distillers, such as those in Kentucky, have even developed statewide trails to attract enthusiastic visitors. The myriad of beverage alcohol…