Day 81: Things to Do in State College this Weekend...

If you're looking for something to do in the State College area this weekend, look no further. From Penn State Football to singer/song writer Judith Hill to taking in the peak autumn foliage, there is plenty to do this weekend! 

• College Football: Penn State plays Illinois
• Saturday, 12-4 PM @ Beaver Stadium
• A Google search will find available tickets, or watch the game on ESPN.

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• Singer / Songwriter Judith Hill performance
• Friday, 8 PM @ The State Theatre
• Well known from her recent appearance on "The Voice"
• Tickets are still available ($29) on the State Theatre website. 

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• Take in the Autumn colors
• Foliage is at its peak this weekend, so consider checking out a local hiking trail, park, or forest to soak in the fall colors. Check out some of our previous blogs on where to get outdoors, these are all prime spots...
• Go for a hike up Mt. Nittany
• Visit Black Moshannon State Park
• Visit the Mt. Nittany Winery
• Visit Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
• Visit Penn's Cave
• Go for a hike at Shingletown Gap
• Go for a bike ride in the Centre Region
• Hike up Indian Steps to the Mid-State Trail

 

Day 73: Check out The Crucible at the State Theatre tonight or this week

Day 73: Check out The Crucible at the State Theatre Tonight!

Maybe a live performance will cheer up this rainy day? Consider heading to the State Theatre for the 8pm (dates/times available below) showing of The Crucible.

Written by Arthur Miller, the story focuses upon a young farmer, his wife, and a young servant-girl who maliciously causes the wife’s arrest for witchcraft.  The farmer brings the girl to court to admit the lie — and it is here that the monstrous course of bigotry and deceit is terrifyingly depicted. The farmer, instead of saving his wife, finds himself also accused of witchcraft and ultimately condemned with a host of others.  This exciting drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society.

If you can't make it tonight, there are other performances later this week:

Friday, July 19, 2013 | 8p

Saturday, July 20, 2013 | 2p, 8p

Friday, July 26, 2013 | 8p

Saturday, July 27, 2013 | 2p, 8p

 

PRICING: : $20, $16 Seniors 62 and over, $16 Students with ID, $16 Children 17 and under (Plus $2 ticketing fee per ticket)

For more information or to purchase your tickets online, visit The State Theatre website.

Day 65: Get State Theatre Tickets for the 2011 Banff Mountain Film Festival Radical Reels Film Tour

Day 65: Get State Theatre Tickets for the 2011 Banff Mountain Film Festival Radical Reels Film Tour

On Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 7:00 PM at the State Theatre, catch the steepest and deepest in high-adrenaline outdoor sport films when National Geographic presents the 2011 Banff Mountain Film Festival Radical Reels Film Tour. Hurtle down steep untouched powder, feel the cold spray of stomach-dropping kayak first descents, fly high in the world's wildest base jumpers, and much more in extreme mountain sports. 

Tickets are $12 and available here. If you want a 4-minute preview to help make up your mind (it made up mine), look no further...

Day 62: Attend a Fundraiser and Awareness Dinner for Haiti

Day 62: Attend a Fundraiser and Awareness Dinner for Haiti

Check out a fundraiser and awareness dinner that supports building two freshwater wells tonight from 4 to 6pm at  State College Evangelical Free Church, located at 1243 Blue Course Drive. Click here to RSVP on facebook.

In January 2010, 230,000 died in a devastating earthquake in Haiti. Since then, more than 3,000 people have died from a cholera outbreak caused by unclean drinking water. What can we, living in Happy Valley, do about it? In October, a group of nine brave souls from State College decided to take on the grueling physical challenge of the "Tough Mudder" with the aim of raising $5000 to rehabilitate two wells in Haiti.

We'll provide the food, you learn more and find ways to partner with this cause. A silent auction will be available with many great products and services. If you can't make it on this date, click here to learn more about the cause. Help bring clean water to two communities in Haiti! Click here to RSVP on facebook.

Day 61: National Theatre's Live adaptation of King Lear at 7PM Tonight

Day 61: National Theatre's Live adaptation of King Lear Tonight

Check out the National Theatre's Live adaptation of King Lear at 7:00PM tonight at the State Theatre. National Theatre Live is a groundbreaking initiative to broadcast the best of British theatre to cinemas around the world. The first season of events, which began in June 2009 with the acclaimed production of Phèdre starring Helen Mirren, was seen by over 165,000 people on 320 screens in 22 countries. 

An ageing monarch. A kingdom divided. A child's love rejected. As Lear's world descends into chaos, all that he once believed is brought into question. One of the greatest works in western literature, King Lear explores the very nature of human existence: love and duty, power and loss, good and evil. Tickets are $15, $12 for Seniors, & $10 for Students. For more information, click here. 

Day 60: Attend A Free Sounds of Ukraine Performance

Day 60: Attend A Free Sounds of Ukraine Performance

If you're looking for some live entertainment over your lunch break Monday, January 31, 2011, look no further! Global Connections presents "Nadia Tarnawsky: Sounds of Ukraine" - A dynamic performance with a master of traditional Ukrainian "open-throat" singing and a renowned cimbalomist. This unique event is taking place tomorrow from 12:10 to 1:00pm at the Eisenhower Chapel on the Penn State Campus. The concert is free and all are welcome to attend.

The event is co-sponsored by The Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs and The Woskob Family Endowment for Ukrainian Studies at Penn State. Global Connections is a United Way Agency. For more information, call 863-3927.

Day 59: Attend a Delicious Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

Day 59: Attend a Delicious Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

If you're looking to get take-out or dine-out on Friday night, January 28, 2011...consider eating for a worthwhile cause. From 5:00 to 7:00pm Friday night, the Grace Lutheran Church on the corner of Garner Street and Beaver Avenue in Downtown State College will host the 3rd Annual Nicaragua Medical Mission Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser. 

Dinner includes fresh bread, a side salad, a generous plate of spaghetti topped with meatballs (if desired) and dessert. There is a suggested donation price of $8/adult and $4/child. If you'd like more information, call 814-238-2478.

Day 58: Attend the Central Pennsylvania Youth Orchestra Sunday Evening

Day 58: Attend the Central Pennsylvania Youth Orchestra Sunday Evening

If you're looking for something to do on Sunday evening, January 23, 2011, look no further. The Central Pennsylvania Youth Orchestra will be performing Sunday evening. This is the first full concert of the season and it's slated to begin at 7:00pm in Esber Recital Hall, on the Penn State campus. If you already have plans for that time, you can also show up at 4:00pm to catch the run-through of the concert.

The program will feature a Spanish theme, viewed through the musical lens of one French and one Russian composer.  Wagner's grand Prelude to Die Meistersinger opens the program.  It will also feature a winner of the Keller Young Artists Competition, performing the first movement of the lush and romantic Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor by Serge Rachmaninov.

Day 57: State Theatre Bill Welch Memorial Cartoon Series on Saturday

Day 57: State Theatre Memorial Cartoon Series on Saturday

If you're looking for something fun and entertaining to do on Saturday, head to the State Theatre at 10:00am this Saturday for the Bill Welch Memorial Cartoon Series In honor of former State College Mayor Bill Welch, The State Theatre invites you to watch all your Warner Brother’s favorites: Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, the Roadrunner and so much more! Can you remember waking up to enjoy various characters on Saturday mornings? What could be better than snuggling up in the theatre for an hour and watching your favorites on our 31-foot big screen with state of the art projection and sound? We promise a great mix every week! It’s a great opportunity to share the antics of these timeless classics with your family.

Bill Welch was known for his intelligence and wit and for his calming influence on the Borough Council. Welch lived in State College for 65 years and served as State College Mayor for more than 14 years before passing in September 2009. He enjoyed the first Cartoon Series we presented in December 2008.

Day 56: Volunteer with the 26th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Day of Service

Day 56: Volunteer with the 26th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Day of Service

If you'd like to volunteer tomorrow, Monday, January 17, 2011...consider volunteering with the 26th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Day of Service. There are various volunteer opportunities from a Blood Drive, to writing letters to troops, to delivering dinners to families in need. Click here for more information.

Day 55: Go Ice Skating in Boalsburg

Day 55: Go Ice Skating in Boalsburg

If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend, bundle up, grab your ice skates, and head to Blue Spring Park in Boalsburg to skate on the "Village Ice Rink".

Village Ice Rink at Blue Spring Park is located at 230 Wagner Street in Boalsburg. This activity is free and fun for all! It's an all-natural, on-ground rink which measures 80' x 45' and is totally dependant upon (1) the weather and (2) the commitment of community volunteers to assist CRPR with ice maintenance.

Ice hockey is only permitted during the “Hockey-only” times on Mon. & Thurs., 3-5:30 PM. Call the “CRPR Ice Line” (tape message) at 234-7146 for the current rink status.

Day 50: Free Dinner on Christmas

Day 50: Free Dinner on Christmas

If you're looking for a place to socialize with others on Christmas over a free dinner, head to the State College Presbyterian Church on the corner of Beaver and Fraser Street Downtown, from 3:30 to 6:00pm. Dinner is a full turkey dinner with all the fixings, including desserts. Musical entertainment as well. Everyone in the community is invited and transportation requests are being offered through the website for those with transportation needs.

Day 49: A Charlie Brown Christmas Preformed Live!

Day 49: A Charlie Brown Christmas Performed Live!

Check out a live performance of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' this weekend at Fairbrook United Methodist Church, located at 4201 W Whitehall Road, Pennsylvania Furnace, PA. The event is free and open to the general public. All your Peanuts favorites will be there including Snoopy and his dog house, Linus and his blanket, Lucy and her Psychiatrist booth, Schroeder and his Piano and of course, Charlie brown and his pathetic Christmas Tree. Donations will be collected for the UM Home for Children.

Showings:
Saturday December 18 at 6pm
Sunday December 19 at 3pm & 6pm

For more information, click here.

Day 48: Bid on Framed, Inexpensive Photographs that Support the Centre County United Way

Day 48: Bid on Framed, Inexpensive Photographs that Support the Centre County United Way

If you're still looking for a holiday gift or want to treat yourself to some inexpensive, yet nicely framed artwork, check out this auction. I am plugging this event both because I am involved in the Department that is holding this auction and because I believe in the work the United Way does locally. To check out or bid on photographs, click here.

The auction has just gotten underway this morning and will end on December 15, 2010. This auction was designed by the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management at Penn State and the auction benefits the United Way of Centre County. All of the proceeds from the sales of auctioned framed photographs will go directly to the United Way.

I was almost hesitant to put this up as a "thing to do" today because selfishly the prices are so cheap and the art is good, it's almost a steal. I realize that once I post this and people start bidding on this auction, I won't be able to afford any of it! I better convince someone to get this blogger a piece of art for the holidays! To check out or bid on photographs, click here.

Centre County Unitd Way is a volunteer-driven organization that helps a broad range of local health and human service organizations provide services, through an annual fundraising campaign.

Through a systematic review process involving dozens of funds distribution volunteers, the Centre County United Way distributes the money raised to the agencies and programs it supports. Agencies and programs requesting funding from the United Way must demonstrate that they are providing needed human services.

Centre County United Way does much more than raise money. It collaborates with other community partners to plan for future community needs, matches non-financial resources with people who need them, recruits and trains volunteers, and serves as an information and referral service to put people in touch with the services they need.

Framed Photographs will go to the highest online bidder. Photos can be picked up on Thursday, December 16th and Friday, December 17th from 8:30am to 4:30pm in 801 Ford Building. If these days and times are not convenient for you, we will be happy to offer you an alternate pick-up time. To check out or bid on photographs, click here.

Day 46: Take A Drive at Night to View Christmas Light Displays

Day 46: Take A Drive at Night to View Christmas Light Displays

Buckle up and take a drive around the State College area to view the Christmas light displays. One of my favorite displays is on Saxton Drive off of Westerly Parkway...the street features the twelve-days of Christmas. Feel free to leave a comment to share your favorite Christmas light viewing areas in the State College area.

Day 45: Learn to Tan A Deer Hide Friday Night

Day 45: Learn to Tan A Deer Hide Friday Night

Looking for something unusual to do on Friday night? Head out to Environmental Learning Center tomorrow night at 7pm at Bald Eagle State Park for a free one-hour presentation on tanning a deer hide. Bring your whole family out to learn about one of the oldest ways of making clothing. The presentation will go through a variety of ways that deer hides can be tanned. This ancient craft can be difficult; however, understanding the basics will get anyone started in the right direction. A slide-show and a hands-on learning opportunity will occur for participants.

For driving directions, visit the state park website or call (814) 625-2775 for more information.

Day 44: Go For A Bike Ride in the Centre Region

Day 44: Go For A Bike Ride in the Centre Region

Whether it's leaving the keys at home for a day and strapping on a helmet for the morning commute or enjoying a longer bike ride this weekend, before the weather really gets COLD, think about going for a bike ride! The State College area is lucky to have some great trails and road routes nearby, but I personally would like to see the town and university take more initiative to make State College and Penn State a bide friendly community. As compared to innovative bike-friendly university communities like Fort Collins, Colorado, we have a long way to go here!

That aside, jump on the bike before it gets to cold and snowy. This weekend might bring some sun and not so cold temperatures. If you are looking for options, check out this page that has lots of bike ride options for State College.

A few words of wisdom about road riding in the Centre County area:

• While most of the roads in the area are well paved, some lack an adequate shoulder. Please exercise caution on these stretches!
• Be advised that some of the stretches in the rides described herein are signed at 45 or even 55 mph and that automobile traffic often travels faster than the posted speed limit. In the ride maps, particularly tricky sections have been marked. Note, however, that your tolerance, or lack thereof, of traffic may differ from the author's.
• This is rural Pennsylvania. You will run into the occasional and most likely unleashed dog which will invariably give pursuit. Generally, a stern (and loud!) 'NO' or 'STOP' will do the trick. If not, a squirt of water between the eyes (the dog's, not yours) is an excellent plan B. Those of you with poor aim and requiring a plan C should work on your sprinting.
• Many of the rides described below take you far, far away from civilization. Mechanical trouble at the apogee of your ride would be a serious drag. Please consider carrying, at the bare minimum, a patch kit, tire lever, spare tube, and pump. You may also wish to carry an adjustable wrench, a few allen keys, and a chain tool. While on the topic of what to carry, be sure to carry adequate water and food. Food stops have been noted on the maps and in the cue sheets, but an extra banana or bagel never hurt anyone.
• Note that State College has a short, but very definite 'rush hour' in the evening. Roads that see, on average, light traffic may be heavily used from 4-6pm. These include, but are not limited to, Whitehall Road, Fox Hollow Road, etc.
• Wave and say hello to the folks that you pass in the countryside. They are the ones who drive (and therefore pass cyclists) on the backroads. A little courtesy will hopefully be returned in kind.

Day 43: Looking for Something to Do on This Rainy Afternoon: Head to the indoor Boalsburg Farmer's Market

Day 43: Looking for Something to Do on This Rainy Afternoon?

If you're looking for something to do on this rainy afternoon and don't want to stand outside in the cold rain, head down to Boalsburg for the indoor farmers market, which opens at 2:00pm and closes down at 6:00pm. The market is located inside the Boalsburg Fire Hall, on East Pine Street. The Boalsburg Farmers' Market is a "producers only" farmers' market, which means that all products sold at the farmers' market are locally grown or produced by the vendors that sell them, not by third parties. The market is held every Tuesday afternoon in the fire-hall, now until mid-May and then is held outside at the Boalsburg Military museum during the warmer months! Today, there will also be music from 3:30 to 5:00pm by Greg Smits.

Day 42: Enjoy A Scoop of Ice Cream at the Penn State Creamery

Day 42: Enjoy A Scoop of Ice Cream at the Penn State Creamery

Enjoy a scoop of ice cream from the Penn State Creamery. With free and convenient parking in the adjacent parking deck (look for parking spots specifically designated for the creamery inside the parking deck), there's really no excuse to not enjoy a State College and Penn State Tradition. Each year, 4.5 million pounds of milk pass through the Creamery's facility, about half of that from the universities cow herd and the other half from an independent milk producer.

As of today, the following flavors are available in the 1/2 gallon to-go containers:

Bittersweet Mint, Black Walnut Frozen Yogurt, Butter Pecan, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Frozen Yogurt, Chocolate No Sugar Added, Coconut Chip, Coffee Frozen Yogurt, Cookies N Cream, Death by Chocolate, Keeney Beany Chocolate, Lemon Sherbet, Lime Sherbet, Orange Sherbet, Palmer Mousseum with Almonds, Peachy Paterno, Peanut Butter Swirl, Peppermint Stick, Pumpkin Pie, Raspberry Parfait, Strawberry, Strawberry Frozen Yogurt, Strawberry No Sugar Added, Vanilla, Vanilla Frozen Yogurt, Vanilla No Sugar Added, Watermelon Sherbet, and WPSU Coffee Break. The creamery also sells milk, cream, yogurt, and cheeses.

The creamery is open:

2010 Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

Friday, November 19 7am – 10pm
Saturday, November 20 8am – 8pm
Sunday, November 21 9am – 5:30pm
Monday, November 22 7am – 5:30pm
Tuesday, November 23 7am – 5:30pm
Wednesday, November 24 7am – 5:30pm
Thursday, November 25 Closed
Friday, November 26 7am – 11pm (Reg Hours)
Saturday, November 27 8am – 11pm (Reg Hours)
Sunday, November 28 9am – 10pm (Reg Hours)

Normal Hours

Monday to Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Friday 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Day 41: Check out Indigo Girl Amy Ray's Solo Tour tomorrow (Sunday) at Cafe 210 West

Day 41: Check out Indigo Girl Amy Ray's Solo Tour tomorrow (Sunday) at Cafe 210 West

Indigo Girl Amy Ray will be performing tomorrow, Sunday, November 13, 2010 at Cafe 210 West, in Downtown State College. The show is 21 and older and the cover charge is twelve-dollars and the show starts at 7:00pm. This is a standing room only show with opening bands Pure Cane Sugar and Mount Moriah.