Town and Gown
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Your Attention, Please
in Catalyst—
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The never-ending battle between drivers, pedestrians and personal responsibility There is an old joke that goes something like this: Anyone driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone driving faster than you is a maniac. The same could probably be said about pedestrians in State College. Spend five minutes downtown, and you’ll see the…
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World Class Brews
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Centre County’s beer culture has grown right along with the rest of the county By the time you are reading this, the World Cup may seem like a distant memory, but as I am writing, the global event is still going strong. I have not been able to make it to any games (a writer’s…
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Make Some Stories
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Adventure is out there on trails both near and far Story and Photos by Vincent Corso Ever since I got back from a hiking trip out West, I have been sharing this story with everyone who cares to listen. Now it is your turn, dear readers, to hear what happened. Here is the preview: I…
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Art in a Box Made with Love
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The surprising combination of different culinary traditions and an honest approach to fresh food make Fresh Bite’s pizza a can’t-miss experience Photos and text by Sherri Jordan and Luciano Sormani In the competitive culinary landscape of Happy Valley, where traditional round pizza pies have long dominated the local pizza scene, an independent, family-owned shop is…
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A Legacy of Learning
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As a new Bellefonte Elementary opens, a look back at the schools that educated generations of local students The new Bellefonte Elementary School will celebrate its grand opening in August, with students beginning classes Sept. 1. Opening in 2026, the school will welcome students during America’s 250th anniversary year. In honor of this special occasion,…
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Mark Chaplin’s Fine Tune
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A winding journey led Chaplin to a career where craftsmanship, community, and music come together Over the years, State College has grown into an artist’s playground, bringing some of the world’s best musicians to Happy Valley. This global inspiration keeps the growth of Centre County’s music scene consistent, and it helps keep business steady for…
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Keeping the Magic Alive Over 60 Years
in Then&Now—
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The Enduring Appeal of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts By Holly Riddle Is there any event that defines State College in the summer quite like the Arts Festival? The first event of its kind in Centre County, it has been a staple since 1967, drawing thousands upon thousands of attendees to downtown streets,…
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Bellefonte’s Legacy of Innovation
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The Cadillac Building By Dustin Elder The community of Bellefonte, nestled in the Alleghenies for more than 200 years, has been a “city upon a hill” for many of America’s movements, innovations and industries. From its beginnings as a hub in the heart of the famed Juniata Iron region and its involvement in America’s largest…
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Learning Never Retires
in On Topic—
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Brynn Rousselin discusses how Penn State OLLI brings lifelong learners together through education, travel, and community engagement By Mark Brackenbury Brynn Rousselin began her tenure as executive director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Penn State in late 2019, just a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic sent everyone home. Not an ideal time…
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Barash Award for Human Service Recipients Making a Difference in Centre County
in Town&Gown—
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The 2025 and 2026 honorees reflect a longstanding tradition of volunteerism, civic engagement, and public service. By Jason C. Klose Created in 1975 by the family of the late Sy Barash, a beloved State College businessman and philanthropist in the ‘60s and ‘70s, the Barash Award for Human Service honors a full-time member of the…




