Town and Gown
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Spirituality & Social Justice at UBBC
in On Topic—
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When the Rev. Jeremy Richards was looking for a new ministry last year, the University Baptist and Brethren Church in State College stood out. But there was an obstacle. A 2,700-mile-wide obstacle. Richards and his family were living in Oregon and love the Pacific Northwest. “I came across the church’s profile in February of 2024,”…
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Dead Canary: Alive and Well in Philipsburg
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For three years now, The Dead Canary Brewing Company has sat on its Front Street perch as a place for the community to gather over a pint or two of craft beer up in Philipsburg. Through some ups and downs, the small brewery and tap room has proved to be an indicator, in my mind…
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The Historic Woodward Inn
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During the early morning hours of Oct. 5, a fire raged through the historic Woodward Inn in Haines Township. The inferno tore through the old stone inn, which dates back to 1814. The two-and-a-half story structure and the broader Woodward community were devastated by the tragedy. However, community efforts are in the works to raise…
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Howling at the Moon
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Well, here we are again, fellow outdoor adventure lovers. It is cold. The leaves have all fallen off the trees. And, worst of all, there is a lot less daylight for doing fun things. Sometimes, during the heart of winter, it is dark when you leave your house for work in the morning, and by…
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‘The Black Ghost of Scotia’
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Every autumn, as warm sunshine makes way for chilly evenings and changing colors, “spooky season” creeps into our quaint towns and villages. Like clockwork, we forget summer fun to indulge in pumpkin spice, warm soups, crisp Friday nights, and even the occasional haunt. Fortunately for those with an affinity for the macabre, our communities are…
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100-Year-Old Heroes
in Town&Gown—
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The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Surviving veterans are in their 90s or older. The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey estimates that in 2022 — three years ago — Centre County had 6,814 veterans, including a rough estimate of 162 World War II veterans — possibly…
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Stronger Together: Happy Valley Town Series
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Every day, at trailheads and parks around this region, folks head off on outdoor adventures. Some hike, some run, some bike (both trail and road). Others skate, ski, or ride horses. Whatever the mode, each and every one of these folks is putting down their devices for a while so they can get outside and…
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Mike the Mailman Shares Tales of Fun & Kindness in New Memoir
in Penn State—
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Long before he was widely known as “Mike the Mailman,” Mike Herr was a young postal worker sorting mail in a back room in the downtown State College post office. Although it was a dirty job that did not require customer interaction, the jeans and t-shirts he and his co-worker wore to work were deemed…
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The Hunting Tradition Continues
in Town&Gown—
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Over the course of 42 years, Ron and Tammy Chronister have fostered approximately 80 children. Now, at 69 and 66 years old, respectively, the two are adoptive parents to five children ranging in age from 2-1/2 to 38. Four of the children currently live with the Chronisters, while their eldest, 38-year-old Sara, resides in Osceola…
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Where Her Boots Lead
in Town&Gown—
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The opportunity to join the armed forces always appealed to Amanda Strandburg. Both of her grandfathers served in the Vietnam War, which lit an early respect and admiration for the women and men in the military. Strandburg found the altruism involved in such a decision commendable. Strandburg’s opportunity to follow in her grandfathers’ footsteps came…
