Town and Gown

  • Keeping the Oompah Alive

    Keeping the Oompah Alive

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    State College Little German Band marks more than 60 years of music, tradition, and community The State College Little German Band, the oldest continually performing community band in Centre County, is comprised of a wide variety of 35 local musicians, music educators, and retirees playing a wide variety of Bavarian-style music, including marches, waltzes, and…

  • The Downtown Farmers Market That Grew With State College

    The Downtown Farmers Market That Grew With State College

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    A 50-year tradition shaped by changing tastes and community needs This year, the Downtown State College Farmers Market — the weekly gathering that transforms Locust Lane into a showcase of seasonal produce, flowers, baked goods, and locally made treats — celebrates its 50th anniversary. Over the decades, the market has served as a vital connection…

  • Sharing the Honor: Gregg Post No. 95

    Sharing the Honor: Gregg Post No. 95

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    The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was an organization of Union Veterans who served and were honorably discharged from the Civil War (1861-1865).1 Starting in 1866, GAR members would meet at local posts to fellowship with their comrades and to serve their communities through “fraternity, charity, and loyalty.” The GAR also became a powerful…

  • Three Decades on the Job

    Three Decades on the Job

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    Centre County coroner reflects on the change, challenges, and commitment to families As Centre County Coroner Scott A. Sayers discusses the work of his office one morning in April, he excuses himself to take a phone call. A deputy is calling about a death in a residence, the third such case in the past 90…

  • Pageant Perfect

    Pageant Perfect

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    The Ms. Pennsylvania Senior America Pageant celebrates “the Age of Elegance,” inspiring women to embrace lifelong learning, transformation, and adventure Several years ago, Tammy Miller, president of Pennsylvania Pink Zone, was going about her normal routine, acting as a sort of self-appointed mascot during the annual Penn State women’s basketball Pink Zone game, at the…

  • Paper Paradise Brings Pennsylvania German Folk Art to Life

    Paper Paradise Brings Pennsylvania German Folk Art to Life

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    Penn State exhibit spans three centuries of Fraktur and Schrenschnitte Inspired by the cultural value and beauty of the Pennsylvania German paper arts in the Special Collections Library, two Penn State professors, Julia Spicher Kasdorf and Christopher Reed, decided to plan an exhibit to share these objects with the public. Their exhibit, “Paper Paradise: Three…

  • Festival Sips of Summer

    Festival Sips of Summer

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    From WingFest to Arts Fest, these local events pair craft beverages with musice, food, and outdoor fun As I write this, I am a little sad. And if you read last month’s column and keep up with the news, you might know why. In May, I wrote about the Hoppy Valley Brewers Festival which was…

  • Morning Rituals

    Morning Rituals

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    The heart and soul of Morning Glory Bagels & Coffee For many, breakfast is a rushed affair — a caffeinated sprint toward whatever activities lie ahead. But for Madison and George Salgado, the founders of Morning Glory Bagels & Coffee, it’s a sacred ceremony. “We’re breakfast people through and through. While some people treat themselves…

  • Happy Valley Hosts Pennsylvania’s First-Ever Outdoor Economy Summit

    Happy Valley Hosts Pennsylvania’s First-Ever Outdoor Economy Summit

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    Industry leaders say outdoor recreation is becoming a major force in the commonwealth’s economy The history of Pennsylvania was built upon its vast natural resources. Oil, coal, lumber, and natural gas helped build the nation and enrich those who tapped into them, often leaving behind environmental damage that is felt today. Luckily, thanks to those…

  • Linked Permanent Jewelry: State College’s Shiniest Pop-Up Shop

    Linked Permanent Jewelry: State College’s Shiniest Pop-Up Shop

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    Permanent jewelry has been a work of art for centuries, seen in traditional neck rings and newly popular tooth gems. Recently, permanent jewelry has had a bit of a resurgence, naturally amping up sales for local business, Linked Permanent Jewelry. Penn State alumna Emily Beals co-founded Linked Permanent Jewelry in the summer of 2022. Four years…