March Town&Gown 2016

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Observing Our Feathered Friends

From backyards to wooded trails and hot spots, bird-watching has taken flight in Happy Valley

Inside: Women in the Community • Talent show helps Tides

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features 26 / Observing Our Feathered Friends From backyards to wooded trails and hot spots, bird-watching has taken flight in Happy Valley • by Alissa Pendorf

34 / Ending the Nightmares

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Residents, officials, and agencies in Centre County are making the effort to raise awareness of domestic violence and to help victims feel safe • by Savita Iyer-Ahrestani

58 / One Talented and Caring Region The annual Happy Valley’s Got Talent showcases the gifted performers in Centre County while also raising money for Tides program • by Jenna Spinelle

Special Sections 42 / Women in the Community Town&Gown’s 20th annual edition of profiling some of the remarkable women in the region

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66 / Spring Home & Garden Preview Time to think about those home-improvement projects you’ve waited all winter to tackle — and the professionals who can help On the cover: Photo by Alissa Pendorf. A tree swallow is one type of bird that can be found in Centre County.

58 Town&Gown is published monthly by Barash Publications, 403 South Allen Street, State College, PA 16801. Advertising is subject to approval of the publisher. COPYRIGHT 2016 by Barash Media. All rights reserved.

Send address changes to Town&Gown, 403 S. Allen St., State College, PA 16801. No part of this magazine may be reproduced by any process except with written authorization from Town&Gown or its publisher.

Phone: 800-326-9584, 814-238-5051. FAX: 814-238-3415. Printed by Gazette Printers, Indiana, PA. 20,000 copies published this month, available FREE in retail stores, restaurants, hotels and motels & travel depots. SUBSCRIPTIONS and SINGLE COPIES: $45/1yr; current issue by 1st‑class mail, $10; back copy, $15 mailed, $12 picked up at the T&G office. townandgown.com

2016 March T&G - 5

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departments

10 Letter From The Editor 12 Starting Off: The List, People in the Community, Q&A

20 Living Well: Dealing with difficult people • by Meghan Fritz 22 Health: While colorectal cancer can happen to anyone, it is preventable • by Joel Haight, MD 24 On Center: Arctic Rhythms takes multimedia journey through landscape of water and ice • by John Mark Rafacz

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77 This Month on WPSU 79 What’s Happening: Los Lobos, Barry Manilow, SpikeFest, Easter Egg hunts, Hair, and more highlight March’s events 88 From the Vine: Devoting a year to Italian wines yields fruitful results • by Lucy Rogers 90 Taste of the Month/Dining Out: Corner Café & Grill owner latest in family to own a business • by Vilma Shu Danz 102 Lunch with Mimi: As Centre County’s newest judge, Katie Oliver hopes to bring more mediation to civil cases 106 State College Photo Club’s Winning Photos

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108 Snapshot: PSU student takes unique path into opera world • by Madison Lippincott

2016 March T&G - 7

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dpenc@barashmedia.com (Editorial) rschmidt@barashmedia.com (Advertising) We welcome letters to the editor that include a phone number for verification.

Back issues of Town&Gown are available on microfilm at Penn State’s Pattee Library.

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letter from the editor

Showing Our Serious Side Looking at the issue of domestic violence isn’t easy, but is needed When it comes to the stories that are published in Town&Gown, the overwhelming majority of them are about the positive aspects of Happy Valley, of which there are so many. The people, places, and events that make this region special are why many of us (myself included) love working and living here.

Occasionally, however, we do cover stories that aren’t so positive and spotlight issues that Centre County is dealing with and working to improve. When two local women, Nuria Kudlach and Natalya Podnebennaya, were killed within two months of each other last fall and their respective husbands were arrested and charged with the murders, the issue of domestic violence came to the forefront in this area.

In reality, it’s something that is always there because it is happening and continues to happen here and all across the country — just ask the people who work for organizations such as the Centre County Women’s Resource Center.

In Savita Iyer-Ahrestani’s story, “Ending the Nightmares,” Centre County Women’s Resource Center executive director Anne Ard says the center served 1,000 adults for domestic violence cases in 2014-15.

In one sense — knowing there are that many people in our region living in homes where there is abuse happening — the number surprised me. In another sense, it didn’t.

My wife grew up in a home where abuse happened, and she has bravely carried those emotional scars with her and has become an advocate for those who have been abused.

Unfortunately, domestic abuse is usually talked about only “when gunshots are fired,” as local attorney Sharon Barney

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says in Iyer-Ahrestani’s story. In the story, Iyer-Ahrestani also talks with a local 20-year-old whose boyfriend abused her and with people in the community such as Ard and Barney who are helping to raise awareness about domestic violence as well as helping those who have been abused.

If there is a positive aspect to the piece, that’s it — that there are people in our community who don’t let this issue become forgotten.

The staff and volunteers at the Women’s Resource Center, Center for Women Students, and other organizations are there to help those who are suffering from abuse, and they are there to help them feel safe.

Whenever September 11 comes around, as difficult as it is, I feel it’s important to watch the images of that day from 2001. It’s important to remember what happened and how we felt that day.

In the same manner, perhaps it would be of service to watch the video, every now and then, of Ray Rice punching and knocking out his fiancée or look at photos of people who have been abused by their significant other. They can serve as reminders that abuse happens, and this is what it can look like.

They are needed reminders before we hear or read about another Natalya or Nuria.

David Pencek Editorial Director dpenc@barashmedia.com

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starting off

The List What to know about MARCH

March 6 has the oddity of not only being National Oreo Day and National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day, but also National Dentist’s Day. So after enjoying the treats, make sure to brush your teeth.

Penn State spring break is March 6-12. For those who stay away from downtown State College because of the crowds of students, it’s a good chance to enjoy and support downtown businesses.

March 8 is National Pancake Day at IHOP. The day helps raise money for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.

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The first day of spring is March 20.

Before that, it’s spring ahead time as we move our clocks up one hour March 13.

Even more spring — or, at least, signs of spring — baseball is in the air. The Penn State baseball team has its home opener March 18 against Niagara (the softball team plays its home opener March 19 against Hofstra), and the State College Spikes hold their annual SpikeFest March 13 at the Penn State Indoor Multi-Sport Facility.

PSU Athletics

March is Women’s History Month. To learn about some women in history, author Karen Abbott (Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy) will be speaking at the HUB-Robeson Center March 16.

Eve Ensler (The Vagina Monologues) also will be speaking at the HUB-Robeson Center March 28.

Fill out your brackets and let the madness begin! The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament starts March 15 and culminates April 2 and 4 with the Final Four in Houston.

The women’s tournament has its Final Four April 3 and 5 in Indianapolis.

We all embrace our inner Irish on March 17 and St. Patrick’s Day! Enjoy some corned beef and cabbage, and maybe even some green beer.

March 30 is Take A Walk in Park Day. With around 50 parks in the Centre Region alone, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a place to take a stroll. T&G

People in the Community W. Niel Brandt

W. Niel Brandt, the Verne M. Willaman Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Penn State, won the 2016 Bruno Rossi Prize, which is the top award given each year by the High Energy Astrophysics Division of the American Astronomical Society.

Brandt earned the award for his research in using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory to detect X-ray signals at vast distances from Earth. The research has produced the “most sensitive cosmological X-ray surveys (called the Chandra Deep Fields) of the universe to date.”

“The Chandra Deep Fields have provided major insights about the demographics, physics, and ecology of supermassive black holes over most of cosmic time. These advances have come from more than 16 years of work by a superb and large team,” Brandt said in a press release. “It has been an honor to work with the members of this team

and also to see the broader astrophysics community actively making Chandra Deep Fields discoveries.”

Brandt will give the Rossi Prize lecture at the 229th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in January 2017.

Kyla Irwin

In February, State College Area High School senior Kyla Irwin became the school’s alltime leading scorer in basketball — for boys or girls. During a win over Altoona, Irwin scored 29 points to give her 1,868 for her career. Chris Dodd, a 1977 graduate, held the previous mark with 1,844 points.

State High head coach Bethany Irwin, who also is Kyla’s mother, said to the Centre Daily Times, “It goes beyond words of trying to explain, as a parent, seeing your kid do what she’s done. She handles herself so well. … She has been double-teamed, triple-teamed, clung to, six hands on her, and she keeps coming out fighting. That’s awesome.”

Kyla Irwin has signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Connecticut, where she will be a member of the women’s basketball team.

Wendy Vinhage

In January, Wendy Vinhage became the new executive director of Interfaith Human Services. She takes over for Ruth Donahue, who retired after serving as executive director for five years.

Vinhage is a graduate of the University of West Florida and Florida State University. She served for four years at Skills of Central Pennsylvania, two years at the Juniata Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America, and two years volunteering with the State College Young Professionals. She also participates in 100 Women Who Care and Centre Foundation’s Anniversary Giving Circle.

“I’m proud to be able to lend my skills and experience to an organization that works tirelessly to help those in need,” she says.

Interfaith Human Services began in 1968 and is a collaborative effort of now 30 faith communities whose purpose is “to address many unmet social and economic needs for lowincome residents.” T&G 14 - 2016 March T&G

Q&A with Suzanne C. Adair, assistant dean of the Graduate School at Penn State

By Madison Lippincott The Graduate Exhibition was established in 1986 as a showcase for Penn State graduate students to present their research to the public.

More than 250 graduate students are expected to participate in this year’s exhibition, which is a two-day event — March 18 at 7 p.m. in Esber Recital Hall, which will showcase musical and theater performances, and March 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the HUB-Robeson Center, which will showcase research presentations through posters and videos. The visual arts component of the exhibition will be on display in the Art Gallery at the HUB-Robeson Center from March 18 to April 24. All events are free and open to the public.

The exhibition “celebrates research and creative scholarship, in all its aspects, as an essential and exciting part of graduate education at Penn State.”

Suzanne Adair, assistant dean of the Graduate School, notes the importance of the event and how the exhibition has changed and grown over the years.

T&G: Is the Graduate Exhibition a way for graduate students to show off their research to potential future employers?

Adair: The point of the exhibition is for our graduate students to present their work to a general audience so that others can learn about all of the research that our students are involved in. The students get the opportunity to practice presenting their work to an audience that isn’t in their disciplinary field, which is an important skill as they prepare for careers beyond their graduate degree. In light of that, potential employers are certainly a welcome audience, but we welcome community members, alumni, students, faculty, and staff, as well.

T&G: I understand that you know in advance what people are going to be presenting. What’s something that exhibition-goers can expect to see there?

Adair: The musical and theater performances on Friday night are a wonderful opportunity for the community to see our students in concert. You can see someone

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singing a piece from a famous opera to someone playing a tuba and wearing an outfit that might symbolize the period of music that they’re playing from. On Sunday, the research posters and videos range in disciplines from chemistry to history to biobehavioral health.

Students in the visual arts area may present a photography exhibit or a particular sculpture that they’ve recently completed.

T&G: How have you seen the exhibition evolve?

Adair: The event has definitely increased in size over the years, and we may outgrow the current space at some point, which is certainly a good problem to have. And we added the video component last year to provide an alternative way for students to present their work. These are twominute videos [where] students have the opportunity to describe their research and discuss why it’s important to our society.

T&G: This isn’t just an exhibition, it’s also a competition.

Do the winners receive anything?

Adair: There is a monetary prize. We do have first-place, second-place, and third-place winners. But for a lot of students, it’s not about cash prizes — it’s about the ability to present their graduate research to the community. They also get an opportunity to further develop their presentation skills and get some feedback on their work from others. T&G For more information about the Graduate Exhibition, visit gradschool.psu.edu/exhibition.

CONGRATULATIONS TO DON LEITZELL! J.W. Cole Financial, Inc. is proud to announce the selection of Mr. Donald Leitzell, CFP®, President of Diversified Asset Planners in State College, Pennsylvania as the honored recipient of the 2015 J.W. Cole Financial, Inc. “Advisor of the Year Insurance Division” award. The award goes beyond recognizing Mr. Leitzell for his successful business; it also signifies Mr. Leitzell’s commitment to ensuring that families and individuals have given the proper consideration to the use of insurance as a wealth transfer and estate planning tool in addition to the more traditional use as a protection for income. J.W. Cole continues to rely upon Mr. Leitzell’s leadership and forward looking ideas for improvement upon the delivery of financial services. Mr. Leitzell is a motivational influence throughout his own organization and ours and we are privileged to call him our partner.

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•The inclusion of the Advisor in the nomination for the award should not be construed as an endorsement of the Advisor’s investment management skills by J.W. Cole Financial, Inc. or any of its affiliates.

•The Advisor may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may or may not manage their client’s assets.

•The award selection committee is not acting in the capacity of an Investment Adviser and therefore the reference to this award should not be considered financial advice.

•J.W. Cole Financial, Inc. has approximately 374 Advisors eligible for consideration of the award and only one Advisor per year is selected.

•For more information on the methodology behind the selection committee’s nominations, please contact the Chief Compliance Officer at J.W. Cole Financial, Inc. at (813) 935-6776.

This Monthtownandgown.com On

• In 5 Questions, author Karen Abbott, who will visit the HUB-Robeson Center March 16, discusses her book, Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy, which is this year’s Centre County Reads selection.

• Nittany Valley Society looks at its efforts of being stewards of the history of Penn State and Happy Valley, and how these stories are relevant in the twenty-first century.

• A special offer from Corner Café & Grill in Pleasant Gap for $2 off an order of $15 or more for breakfast or lunch.

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living well

Dealing with Difficult People Stick to the facts to help avoid the web of manipulation

By Meghan Fritz

We have all had the experience of dealing with difficult people. Whether it’s a parent, colleague, spouse, or friend, having to interact with a difficult person can be extremely challenging and exhausting. Having a strategy to deal with these types of people is the key to keeping yourself healthy as well as keeping your energy level free of drama and chaos.

Usually people that are difficult to deal with have some kind of personality disorder, which is most likely to develop when a person has no sense of self-worth or inner strength. They rely on others for constant admiration and attention and resort to manipulative techniques to always get what they want.

In most cases, personality disorders develop when a person fails to receive love and approval from one or both parents. In an attempt to create that love and security that was lacking, they rely on other people to fill up this emptiness. The relationships become parasitic in nature as the person with the personality disorder needs a “host” to fill up their empty core.

If you are dealing with someone who has a personality disorder, you will most likely second-guess yourself constantly and feel exhausted, confused, criticized, and manipulated. Communication is circular in nature, and you can’t ever seem to get a clear picture of what is going on.

You may feel that your energy is completely drained after an interaction with this type of person. This draining feeling 20 - T&G March 2016

stems from their subtle attempt to break you down and make you feel that you are the one in the wrong. Guilt and condemnation are the tools they use to feel in control and in charge. They have difficulty admitting when they are wrong and will manipulate every situation to put the blame on you.

Relationships with these types of people can leave you feeling empty, confused, and depressed.

If you have someone in your life with a personality disorder, recognize that their issue has absolutely nothing to do with you.

This is a complex, deep-rooted mental-health disorder that developed in their childhood as a way to feel fulfilled. When you detach from internalizing their lack, you begin to see the person as someone who suffers from an illness, which in turn, enables you to see the picture more clearly.

This detachment protects you from the inner turmoil that occurs from being around this toxic energy.

The key to communicating with someone who has a personality disorder is to stick to the facts.

They will attempt to use a circular communication style that leaves you scratching your head and feeling beyond confused. Stick completely to the facts and do not let them enfold you into their web of manipulation.

For example, if you feel frustrated and want to express your feelings use this approach: “The fact is you were late and it’s disrespectful.”

“The fact is I sent you the report you asked me to complete one week ago, and you have not responded.”

“The fact is I will not engage in this discussion with you, as I have done nothing wrong.”

Using this simple phrase takes the emotional charge out of the

interaction and enables you to remain in a place of neutrality and strength. Emotional drama to people suffering from a personality disorder is like putting lighter fluid on a gasoline tank. It keeps them warm and comfortable because they are in charge of your emotions and reactions. Sticking to the facts cuts the wires to the bomb that is about to ignite.

When using this style of communication, pay attention to how the other person responds to your factual way of communicating. This keen awareness will completely disable their ability to spin you in a circle. You may find that the person becomes completely frustrated and angry once you stop engaging in the game.

I am often asked if people with personality disorders can be treated and cured. The fact is they have to want to make the changes necessary to get healthy and develop a strong inner core.

Without the desire to change, there is very little chance that the person will get healthy.

It often takes a compelling event to wake up this type of person. Death of a loved one, loss of a job, or a life-threatening illness can be a trigger to push them to deal with the emptiness they

feel. They need to develop insight into their manipulative behavior, and once this insight is found, the road to recovery can be successful.

The best treatment for this type of person is in how you interact with them. Once you stop the cycle of dysfunction, they don’t have a willing participant to engage in the dysfunctional pattern of a parasitic relationship.

Remember, if you feel confused, frustrated, anxious, full of self-doubt, and drained, you are most likely interacting with someone who has a personality disorder. Take a step back, assess the situation, detach from any emotion, and stick to the facts. This will protect your self-esteem and put a stop to the manipulation that the person with a personality disorder thrives upon.

Don’t spend another minute being held hostage to emotional manipulation — get the clarity and help you need to break free and live in peace. You are worth it! T&G Meghan Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College.

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health

Colon Care While colorectal cancer can happen to anyone, it is preventable

By Joel Haight, MD Every 10 minutes, someone in the US dies of colorectal cancer. That’s a higher death toll than that of breast cancer and AIDS combined. Although no one wants to have a colonoscopy, the benefits far outweigh the risk and discomfort. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, making now a great time to learn more about your own risks and, if necessary, schedule a screening.

The difference between colorectal cancer and any other type of cancer is simple: It is preventable. By knowing the symptoms and the facts, you can save a life that might be your own.

Know the facts: • Nearly 132,700 new cases of colorectal cancer occur annually, with slightly more than half — nearly 69,100 — in men, and a little more than 63,600 in women.

• Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths, surpassed only by lung cancer.

• The risk increases with age, never plateauing or decreasing over time.

• Three-quarters of colon cancer cases occur in people with no risk factors or family history.

• Cancers found before symptoms appear have a significantly higher cure rate, but often produce no symptoms. Therefore, everyone should be screened for a better chance of a cure.

• The majority of colon cancers are diagnosed after the onset of symptoms.

• About one-third of people diagnosed with colon cancer will die of the disease.

In addition to being screened, you also can lower your chances of getting colon cancer by avoiding certain risk factors: • Don’t smoke. Although you may think smoking is bad only for the heart and lungs, it also increases the risk of developing colon cancer and dying from it.

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•

Be physically active. Individuals who are physically fit have a lower risk than those with a sedentary lifestyle.

• Don’t ignore symptoms. These include changes in bowel movements, discomfort when having a bowel movement, frequent gas pains, losing weight without dieting, and constant fatigue.

Colon cancer is not selective. It can happen to anyone. Caucasian men and women should be screened for colon cancer beginning at the age of 50, with African Americans beginning screening at age 45. Folks with risk factors such as inflammatory bowel disease, personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps, and hereditary polyps’ syndromes, among others, are known to increase risk and may require more frequent testing.

State College native Sandy Schuckers shares her story: “The year I turned 50, my birthday gift to myself and my loved ones was to get a colonoscopy. After putting it off for four months, at the recommendation of my loved ones, I finally made an appointment at Penn State Hershey Endoscopy Center at Colonnade. The staff at the endoscopy center was very professional and treated me as if I was the only person in the building. Dr. Haight welcomed me by first name and explained to me what was going to happen next. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience — except for the pre-prep pink drink (laughing)!

I wanted to share my story; this screening saved my life. Dr. Haight found polyps that could have turned cancerous, but they were caught in time. If I had waited another few years, my story could have had a very different ending. Prevention is key.”

Statistically, colon and rectal cancer favors the 50 and older population. However, it can strike at any age, any gender, and any ethnicity, as evidenced by this list of celebrities who have battled the disease:

Darren Andrew Weimert

Dr. Joel Haight (left) serves as medical director of Penn State Hershey Endoscopy Center in State College and as assistant professor of gastroenterology and hepatology with Penn State College of Medicine.

Celebrities Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer: How many do you recognize?

Audrey Hepburn................................... Actress Babe Zaharias....American Olympic track athlete and professional golfer Charles Schulz.....................Creator of Peanuts Corazon Aquino... President of the Philippines Elizabeth Montgomery..........Star of television show Bewitched Jay Monahan............Husband of news anchor Katie Couric John Foster Dulles............................. Secretary of State under President Dwight Eisenhower Robin Gibb...............Member of the Bee Gees Ronald Reagan..........................40th US President Vince Lombardi.....Coach of the Green Bay Packers Jackie Gleason.......................Actor, comedian Tip O’Neill..................... Speaker of the House from 1977 to 1986 Ted Knight......................................... Actor on Mary Tyler Moore Show Pope John Paul II..................... Served as pope from 1978 to 2005 Sharon Osbourne................. TV celebrity and talk show host Darryl Strawberry.... Professional baseball player.

However, there is some good news. In the last few years, the rate of screenings has increased as the rate of new colon-cancer diagnoses has decreased. Now,

most insurance companies recognize that it is more cost-effective to pay for screening than to incur the costs of treating colon cancer and complications of the disease. Having this barrier lifted has made preventative care much easier to obtain.

Penn State Hershey has the largest, most experienced and comprehensive colorectal surgical care group in Pennsylvania. Based on data reported by the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, the team is rated “exemplary” in surgical outcomes by nationally defined quality-of-care criteria. Boardcertified colorectal surgeons Evan Messaris, MD, and Frances Puleo, MD, see patients at Penn State Hershey Medical Group–Colonnade. T&G For more information on Penn State Hershey Gastroenterology services or to schedule your next colonoscopy, call Penn State Hershey Medical Group-Colonnade at (814) 272-4445.

Joel Haight, MD, is the medical director of Penn State Hershey Endoscopy Center, located in State College, and serves as assistant professor of gastroenterology and hepatology with Penn State College of Medicine. He has been serving patients in the Central Pennsylvania area for nearly three decades.

2016 March T&G - 23

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on center

Chill Out Arctic Rhythms takes multimedia journey through landscape of water and ice

By John Mark Rafacz Revered in the hip-hop world as a master turntablist, Paul D. Miller — better known by his stage name DJ Spooky — is a sonic artist who hears music in everything from visual forms and economic theory to the Paul D. Miller brings his Arctic great outdoors.

Rhythms show to Eisenhower In Arctic Rhythms, Auditorium March 23. which comes to the Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State March 23, the composer, author, musician, and 2014 National Geographic Emerging Explorer harnesses his eclectic artistry for an unparalleled portrayal of the polar regions. “… Miller’s multimedia performances, recordings, art installations, and writings immerse audiences in a blend of genres, raising awareness about climate change, sustainability, global culture, the role of technology in society, and other pressing environmental and social issues,” notes the National Geographic Society Web site.

In 2007 and 2008, Miller undertook two expeditions to Antarctica to shoot a film and create an acoustic portrait of the rapidly changing continent. That led to his celebrated 2011 publication, The Book of Ice, and his 2013 album, Of Water and Ice. Sponsored by the Sierra Club, Miller traveled to the Arctic Circle in 2014 and came away with the inspiration for another volume of music, Arctic Rhythms.

Accompanied at Eisenhower Auditorium by a Penn State School of Music graduate student string quartet — violinists Gabriella Stout and Michael Divino, violist John Roxburgh, and cellist Liu Pai — he creates an evocative trip through the Arctic landscape. The Arctic Rhythms stage production juxtaposes images with live and recorded hip-hop, electronic, and minimalist music to create a unique experience.

“Music and art can be vehicles for provoking thought, overcoming inertia, and helping people engage with issues that are exponentially reshaping our information-driven world,” 24 - T&G March 2016

Miller says.

“Talk to … New Yorker Paul D. Miller for too long and you start to feel like a dimwit,” writes a reporter for the Sunday Star Times of Auckland, New Zealand. “This man is as brainy as a Mensa meeting, sharp as Zorro’s sword, funny as Falstaff. He is Einstein with a better haircut, a streetwise black Tolstoy, a revved-up Renaissance man for the digital age, obsessed with art, information, and digital technology.”

Miller has previously collaborated with an array of musicians, including Metallica, Chuck D, Steve Reich, and Yoko Ono. MIT Press published his awardwinning book, Rhythm Science, in 2004. The Village Voice, The Source, and Artforum have featured his writing. He’s also the editor of Origin Magazine.

His installations have appeared in the Whitney Biennial, the Venice Biennial for Architecture, Pittsburgh’s Andy Warhol Museum, and other museums and galleries around the world.

“I was never planning on being a musician,” Miller tells the National Geographic Society. “I was planning on being a diplomat who enjoyed art and technology. Instead, I became an artist/musician who enjoys diplomacy.

The irony of it all.” T&G Sandra Zaremba and Richard Brown sponsor the presentation.

The Sidney and Helen S. Friedman Endowment and the William E. McTurk Endowment provide support. The Polar Center at Penn State is a program partner. For more information or tickets, visit cpa.psu.edu or phone (814) 863-0255.

John Mark Rafacz is the editorial manager of the Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State.

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2016 March T&G - 25

Magnolia Warbler

Observing

our Feathered Friends From backyards to wo oded trails and hot spots, bird-watching has taken flight in Happy Valley

Eastern Phoebe

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Yellow Warbler

Northern Flicker Magnolia Warbler

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Many birders have a “spark bird”— a single species that begins a lifelong interest in birding. My own spark wasn’t so much a bird as it was a bird feeder, which I was given several years ago. At the time, I didn’t know a warbler from a chickadee, much less how to feed, watch, and identify the more than 350 regularly occurring species in Pennsylvania.

Very quickly, however, I had two epiphanies: Birds are incredibly addicting and learning about them is a lifelong pursuit.

Today, I can attribute much of what I know to an abundance of local resources, because if Centre County is one thing, it’s birdcentric. The region, through the community and Penn State, has a prominent bird club, a large raptor sanctuary, and a multitude of avian. Enthusiasts can be found banding birds to collect data, sharing sightings on social media, and competing annually to find the most birds in a day. And rare migrants, such as the Rufous hummingbird of 2013, can impel a stream of traffic to an otherwise quiet neighborhood. In addition, annual citizen science events such as the Big Sit, Christmas Bird Count, and Hawk Mountain Migration Count help assist organizations such as the National Audubon Society in gathering valuable data on a local scale.

For the uninitiated, this legion of activities might seem surprising, but they are actually a microcosm of a larger whole. In its most recent “Birding Trends” survey, the US Department of Agriculture reported birding to be the 15th most popular outdoor recreational activity in the United States, practiced by more than 46 million people. This phenomena is no less apparent than in Centre County, where for many, birding is a way of life.

One such person is Doug Wentzel, program director and naturalist at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center. A 1989 graduate of Penn State with a degree in wildlife and fisheries science, he recalls becoming interested in birds after seeing an Eastern phoebe for the first time.

Since then, he has endeavored to share his knowledge of birds — as well as trees, plants, and wildflowers — with others.

“The mission of Shaver’s Creek is to connect people to the natural world,” he says.

28 - T&G March 2016

As program director at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, Wentzel enjoys sharing his knowledge of birds and helping people connect to the natural world.

“We provide places where they can see birds and fall in love with them.”

Every fall and spring, he leads guided trail tours called Migration Mornings, which have introduced hundreds of visitors to Pennsylvania birds during the past 17 years.

Although most birding begins in the field, there are exceptions. College student Saleem Salahuddin was inspired by The Big Year, a movie that chronicles a real-life competition among birders.

“I love to travel,” he says. “When I saw the characters trekking across the world to see as many birds as possible, I realized it was something that I could do.”

For a novice birder, Salahuddin has big dreams: “My goal is to see every bird out there,” he laughs, “and maybe, if I’m lucky, find something that no one knew existed.”

Fortunately for students such as Salahuddin, and the community as a whole, Penn State is committed to advancing avian education as part of its outreach efforts. Dr. Margaret

Right Out Your Window Some common birds you may find in your backyard 1. American Goldfinch: Bright yellow in the summer, the American goldfinch molts into tan feathers in the winter, making it difficult to distinguish males from females. Like many finches, American goldfinches fly in an up-anddown “roller-coaster” pattern.

2. American Robin: Known for laying bright, beautiful blue eggs, the American robin is credited with heralding spring. However, many robins are year-round residents and can be found foraging for berries in large winter flocks.

3. Black-capped Chickadee: The black-capped chickadee was named for its black head coloration and its nasally chick-a-dee-dee-dee call. The more dees the bird adds, the more alarmed it is.

4. Blue Jay: Unlike most birds whose colors are formed by pigment, a blue jay’s feathers are not really blue. They appear so when light refracts through the keratin nanostructure that makes up its feathers.

5. Downy Woodpecker: Like many woodpeckers, the downy woodpecker has a reinforced skull cavity that allows it to drum its beak more than 20 times per second and protect its brain. In the winter, it joins with other birds, such as chickadees and titmice, to form feeding flocks.

6. House Finch: The house finch is a common suburban feeder bird that has a penchant for building its nest in hanging flower baskets. House finches can be found across North America, with a population estimated between 267 million and 1.4 billion.

7. Northern Cardinal: A recognizable feeder bird, the Northern cardinal can be easily attracted to feeders by offering striped sunflower seeds. This bird can be heard singing a clear cheer, cheer, cheer in the summer to attract a mate.

8. Red-tailed Hawk: One of North America’s most widespread and common hawks, the redtailed hawk ranges from Central Alaska, south through the US, to Mexico and the lowlands of Central America. In filmmaking, sound editors often dub over an eagle’s not-so-majestic call with the more “raptor-like” piercing cry of a red-tailed hawk.

9. Tufted Titmouse: Tufted titmice are bold, feisty birds that have been known to pluck fur from sleeping animals to line their nests. Their name comes from Old English words tit and mase, literally meaning “small bird.”

10. White-breasted Nuthatch: The white-breasted nuthatch is far more common in Pennsylvania than the red-breasted nuthatch. Its name comes from Middle English word nuthak, meaning “nut hacker,” referring to the bird’s habit of splitting open seeds with its bill.

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Salahuddin was inspired to take up birdwatching after seeing the film, The Big Year.

Brittingham, a Penn State professor of wildlife resources, teaches ornithology classes, educates visitors about the university’s bird-banding program, leads campus bird walks (open to both students and the general public), and oversees avian curriculum at the Arboretum at Penn State.

“We want visitors to become excited about birds,” she says, “because through them, people can explore everything from pure nature to ecological questions to just enjoying birds for their beauty.”

30 - T&G March 2016

Her own interest in birds stems from a scientific bend.

“As an avian ecologist, I use birds as a tool to address questions about the environment, from climate change to natural gas development,” she explains. “In many ways, birds are bioindicators, which means they give us clues about the health of their ecosystems — and ours.”

Despite her analytical skills, she fondly remembers her own spark bird, a Northern flicker, that was the impetus of her career as an ornithologist.

“When you think about it, birds are a part of art and science and nature, so they appeal to people on many levels,” she says. “What’s truly amazing is that we’ve had kids who have attended our activities and then gone on to become wildlife majors in college.”

With a new generation of birders comes an evolution in birding. Today, user-driven databases such as eBird and NestWatch have largely fueled the growth of online citizen science programs. Traditional field guides and paper checklists are making way for digital applications and social-media collaboration.

Even John Mackin, a local hobbyist birder, has replaced his pocket field guide with a smartphone identification app, and birders often bump into each other on avian Facebook pages. But Mackin believes that digital tools will never become substitutes for the real thing.

“Birds are like little jewels when I’m out in nature,” he says, with a glimmer of awe, sharing his wonder at seeing a harlequin duck for the first time. “There’s a joy in finding something I haven’t seen before because

Mackin says the beauty of birds “encourages me every day."

birds in their natural environment are full of color and life. I come from a faith-based background, and seeing purpose behind such beauty encourages me every day.”

This sense of excitement, whether scientific or spiritual, seems to permeate the psyche of all birders.

Much of the thrill for enthusiasts is discovering where to find birds locally.

With its woods, fields, marshes, and streams, Millbrook Marsh Nature Center in State College attracts a delightful array of spring species, including red-winged blackbirds, Eastern bluebirds, and tree swallows. In Bellefonte, the fish hatchery and legendary fishing locale called Fisherman’s Paradise has been home to a nesting pair of bald eagles for several years. Other popular territories include Toftrees and Walnut Springs, but Scotia Barrens, a favorite among birders, is perhaps one of the most visited hot spots.

Here, birders can find snow geese and other migratory waterfowl through March, and come early May, one may spot kinglets, flycatchers, and a host of colorful warblers.

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Bird-banding programs across the country are essential to bird conservation and help collect data on millions of birds.

Occasionally, birders also gather here to witness American woodcocks practicing their unique courtship displays. Another popular location with varied habitats, Bald Eagle State Forest often boasts migrating tundra swans in the spring, as well as resident species such as belted kingfishers, killdeer, and American kestrels.

“March is an exciting time for new arrivals coming through,” Wentzel says. “One of my favorites is the ruby-crowned kinglet — it’s such a small bird with a tremendous song.”

Yet perhaps one of the most inviting aspects of birding — unlike many other hobbies — is that it can be enjoyed almost anywhere. For those who simply want to observe birds from their homes, very little is needed: an entrylevel pair of binoculars, a field guide, and a bird feeder.

“The best way to begin birding is by learning the common birds,” Brittingham suggests. “Pay attention to the robins, the grackles, and the starlings. Once you start becoming aware of them, you’ll become more aware of the uncommon ones.”

32 - T&G March 2016

Salahuddin agrees that having a feeder can be a good “rehearsal” for more serious birding later on, or simply a way to relax after a busy day. He points out that the expense of birding “just depends on how hardcore you want to be.

After you have binoculars and a guide … well, the birds are free!”

For those who aren’t quite ready to venture into backyard birding, Shaver’s Creek and the Arboretum at Penn State offer free alternatives. Their feeding stations are open year-round and attract a variety of birds during every season. Additionally, morning bird walks and introductory identification classes at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center offer great opportunities for novices and enthusiasts alike.

Regardless of one’s preference for birdwatching — in the field, at home, with a friend, or by oneself — the allure of our feathered friends is how they connect us to the natural world. The “spark” that birds generate in our lives inspires us to see above and beyond our everyday existence in new and exciting ways.

“Letting birds into your life and putting yourself into a position to see them is an excuse to get outside, to go to places where you’ve never been before,” Wentzel explains.

“We can be better neighbors just by learning the names of the things that inhabit our world, as we inhabit theirs.”

As he talks, he watches tufted titmice flitting from branch to branch as the sun filters through the trees.

“Magic happens all the time, and we are often simply not paying attention,” he muses. “I try to encourage people to observe the life that’s around them, and birds are great ambassadors for doing that. They’re here with us always, they’re beautiful, they’re lively, and they enrich us with their song. So just be curious. Allow them into your landscape, and who knows — they might just change your view of the world.” T&G Alissa Pendorf is a freelance graphic designer, photographer, writer, and student at Penn State. As a volunteer at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center and avian educator at the Penn State Arboretum, she enjoys combining her love of birds with a passion for the arts.

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ENDING

NIGHTMAR RESIDENTS, OFFICIALS, AND AGENCIES IN CENTRE COUNTY ARE MAKING THE EFFORT TO RAISE AWARENESS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND TO HELP VICTIMS FEEL SAFE

BY SAVITA IYER-AHRESTANI

34 - T&G March 2016

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ARES

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here she was in the lobby of the courthouse in Bellefonte — a woman with four children in tow, her face badly bruised. As she set eyes on the woman, Isabelle (her name has been changed for the purposes of this article) stopped suddenly. She wondered — and not for the first time — if she was taking the right step.

After all, she bore no visible signs of abuse.

She was young, unmarried, and had no children. Given all that the mother of four had evidently been through, did Isabelle have any right at all to be in that courthouse that day, undertaking legal proceedings against her ex-boyfriend?

“I spoke to the woman, and she reassured me that I was doing the right thing,” Isabelle, 20, says. “She told me that I had been hurt, that what I’d gone through wasn’t my fault, and that even if my situation was different from hers, I was still doing the right thing.”

That day, the Bellefonte court granted Isabelle a protection from abuse (PFA), a legal document that, for a specified period of time, offers victims of domestic violence, such as herself, protection from their abuser. Among other aspects, it prevents her abuser from having any contact with Isabelle for its duration.

The document ended a nightmare that had been going on for months — one that Isabelle had been aware of throughout and one that she knew she should not be living, but that, like so many victims of domestic abuse, she never brought herself to end it.

That was partly because she was afraid that taking action might provoke her boyfriend — who, on an almost daily basis, had abused her both verbally and physically — to become more violent, and partly because she was not sure that what she was enduring actually qualified as abuse.

“I can’t tell you why I stayed — because to this day, I still don’t know,” she says.

Leaving is a lengthy process Isabelle, though, isn’t alone in her uncertainty, and she isn’t the first or the last victim of domestic abuse to delay action. For almost everyone, taking the first step to break out of an abusive situation is extremely difficult, says Anne Ard, executive director of the Centre County Women’s Resource 36 - T&G March 2016

Center (CCWRC) in State College, which, among its services, operates a 24-hour hotline and has a shelter for victims of domestic abuse and their children.

“Leaving a domestic-violence situation is a process,” she says, “and because it is a process, it is not unusual for a victim to reach out more than once — maybe make an initial call on our hotline or come into the shelter and spend some time here, and then their domestic partner swears they will never be violent again, which then leads to the victim saying, ‘Let me go back.

I will make it work.’ ” Leaving and going back to a situation of abuse several times is, in Ard’s view, only to be expected because “it is hard to put together the resources you need to leave in terms of housing, childcare, finances, and so on, and also in terms of one’s own emotional and psychological needs,” she says.

“Making a break from a relationship takes time and energy, so we should not be surprised that it takes time for people in a violent situation to leave.”

But every time a victim of domestic violence calls the CCWRC’s 24-hour hotline, telephones a friend, or comes into the shelter at 140 West Nittany Avenue, they are “building up and adding resources to the tool box they will eventually need to make the break and make it safely,” Ard says.

“Just calling the hotline requires immense strength and courage, and we want [the callers] to know that that courage can be built upon.”

Today, the broader system — including the legal and justice systems — also has evolved to such an extent that it is easier for victims of domestic violence to come forward and get the help and support they need. But even so, advocates believe strongly that domestic violence merits greater attention than it gets, not least because it really comes to the fore only when it culminates in a homicide or, as in the case of former NFL running back Ray Rice, a video shows the abuse.

Last fall, in the span of two months, Centre County had two murders that were attributed to domestic violence. In reality, domestic violence is an ongoing issue, Ard says, something that, even if it isn’t always visible, is happening all the time and that cuts across race and socioeconomic lines.

According to its annual report, the CCWRC served 1,000 adults for domestic violence cases in the 2014-15 period. That includes adults (both men and women) but

does not include the 97 children and 51 significant others — family members, friends of victims — who also were served.

“When you add those in, the number becomes 1,148 people who have been victimized in some way by domestic violence,” Ard says. “It’s hard to know if that’s because there is more domestic violence in this community or whether it’s due to the fact that sexual violence is so vastly underreported, but our numbers indicate that there is a predominance of domestic violence here.”

Since it’s inception, CCWRC has served more women from low-income backgrounds, “but we have had people in our shelter who are university professors with strong professional careers who have come here because this is the safest place for them,” Ard says.

An ideal relationship — at first Isabelle’s boyfriend was the kind of boyfriend every high school girl dreams of having. He was romantic, attentive, caring, and, very quickly, he swept her off her feet. He wanted to be with Isabelle all the time.

“He described a perfect day as, ‘Driving me to class, picking me up from class, doing homework together, and spending the evening together,’ ” she says. But soon enough, that 24/7 togetherness began to suffocate her. She’d always been independent, she says, focused on performing well in school and college, eager for a career. And yet, “I seemed to lose all sense of [independence] when I dated him.”

She also ignored early warning signs of trouble, including her boyfriend’s admittance of an alleged mental illness, which he would use as an excuse each time he called her degrading names.

“I learned to grow with it and get over it, even though this behavior was clear manipulation,” she says. “The mental abuse furthered, and my behavior seemed to mold to his expectations to avoid his mean words.”

She broke up with her boyfriend once, but ended up falling prey to his charms again and his repeated assurances that he had changed. That “change,” however, lasted only a brief time, and before long, Isabelle was once again under her boyfriend’s complete control, spending most of her nights in his apartment.

And then the physical abuse began — the shaking, the pushing, the throwing. In his

Where to Find Help Center for Women Students at Penn State 204 Boucke Building, University Park (814) 863-2027 studentaffairs.psu.edu/womenscenter Centre County Child Access Center 310 North Allegheny Street, Bellefonte (814) 548-0034 or toll free: 1-877-258-0076 Centre County Women’s Resource Center (CCWRC) 140 West Nittany Avenue, State College 24-hour hotline: (814) 234-5050 or toll-free: 1-877-234-5050 ccwrc.org The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1-800-553-2508 pcadv.org State College Police Department: Victim Centered Intensive Case Management Unit (VCICM) 243 South Allen Street, State College (814) 272-4148 • • • General Crisis Services Centre County CAN HELP A 24-hour crisis hotline available to Penn State students.

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“The [State College] proclamation encourages law students and local communities to think of domesticviolence prevention as something that requires grassroots efforts and involvement to be dealt with properly.

”

— Jill Engle, director of Penn State’s Family Law Clinic

As director of Penn State’s Family Law Clinic, Engle gives many presentations on the topic of domestic violence.

rage, her boyfriend broke bedroom doors and destroyed a large painting on the wall of his apartment. The anger and abuse lasted for months, settling into a routine of sorts.

“We would go about our days normally, and at night, he would fight me,” Isabelle says. “And then his roommate would have to get involved. Or I would hide in a closet — scared for my life — as he screamed and kicked things and broke objects.

By day, he was ‘perfect’ and put on a show for my family and for me, but by night, he was a monster.”

Today, months after their relationship finally ended, with ongoing support from the CCWRC and with her PFA tucked safely into her backpack, Isabelle is a stronger person, but the memory of the trauma she had endured still lingers in her mind.

Almost every day, she wonders why she put up with the abuse for as long as she did, and why she was so afraid to come forward.

But as much as she questions herself, she also wonders why no one else came forward to offer their assistance and support. Of course, her friends and her family had advised her to break up with her boyfriend on multiple occasions, but, 38 - T&G March 2016

“to this day, I am surprised that the cops were never called to his apartment,” she says.

Her boyfriend’s roommate had, on several occasions, witnessed the abuse Isabelle had endured, and yet he, too, seemed unaware of what was really going on. That kind of inaction is in large part due to the lack of education around domestic abuse, despite the efforts made by advocates to raise public awareness of the issue and foster a conversation that both victims of domestic violence and members of society at large can participate.

The data shows that at least one in four women will be a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime, and one in three will be exposed to it, and yet “one of the things I have learned from working in this field is that public awareness of both the commonalities and complexities of domestic abuse is much lower than I ever realized,” says Jill Engle, a professor at Penn State and director of the university’s Family Law Clinic. “Every time I give a presentation on this topic, I get feedback in either the form of a disclosure about someone’s experience with abuse or a statement from someone who was in the audience who did not understand how widespread domestic abuse is until they saw the statistics I shared with them, and that it affects people of all races, classes, and genders.”

Many people also believe that, when it comes to domestic violence, the systems have evolved to such a point that they can take care of everything. However, the systems are far from perfect. State funding has dwindled, leading shelters such as Huntingdon House to close down, pro bono attorneys are loaded down with cases, and the criminal-justice system is not an answer in and of itself.

“There’s a belief that domestic-violence

victims or rape victims just need to make a call to the police and then everything will be taken care of. In reality, there are many reasons why victims don’t want to go through the criminaljustice system, including that less than 4 percent of rape cases are prosecuted, and it takes months, if not years, to go through a case,” says Sharon Barney, an attorney in State College who works on domestic-violence cases.

For a victim of domestic abuse, it can sometimes be difficult to obtain a PFA from the court if they have not undergone a significant physical event, she says. And yet the emotional and psychological scars of domestic abuse are often the most damaging and hardest to heal.

In her career, she has seen cases where victims have been sometimes charged with filing false documents and victims whose safety concerns have not been taken seriously. If children in a domestic-violence situation have not been directly harmed, “the issue is generally explained away or not considered relevant anymore, and even if the child has witnessed ongoing domestic violence from one parent to another, that sometimes isn’t taken into

account when deciding custody,” she says.

The justice system aside, she also believes that domestic abuse should remain a topic of conversation that’s front and center for any community, this one included, and not just an item that’s highlighted in the news “when gunshots are fired.”

“By believing that the criminal-justice system is the only route victims of domestic violence or sexual violence have means we’re not seeing all the numbers,” she says. “At the end of the day, most survivors of domestic violence are not looking for an overarching sense of justice.

They are just individual people who want to make sure they are in a safe place, that their children are in a safe place, that they have a warm bed and food, that they can go back to class, finish their degrees, move on, and gain financial security.”

Those things will happen only if society collectively keeps the conversation going and looks to be part of a “holistic solution” to end domestic violence. That holistic solution would include prevention, education, accountability, support, and resources for survivors.

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A community effort for a paradigm shift In October 2015, State College mayor Elizabeth Goreham and the State College Borough Council passed a proclamation declaring that freedom from domestic violence is a fundamental human right. The proclamation — which more than 25 other cities across the nation also have passed — is the fruit of an undertaking by students in Engle’s family-law clinic and was inspired, she says, by the 2013 death of Clearfield County resident Traci Raymond Miscavish in a domestic-violence shooting.

“The proclamation encourages law students and local communities to think of domesticviolence prevention as something that requires grassroots efforts and involvement to be dealt with properly,” Engle says.

As much as top-down efforts, including presidential proclamations, are important, “it’s when we can engage the local community that we can have a real paradigm shift,” she says.

Strides are being made in Centre County, though, and Ard believes that the close ®

“

There’s a belief that domesticviolence victims or rape victims just need to make a call to the police and then everything will be taken care of. In reality, there are many reasons why victims don’t want to go through the criminaljustice system, including that less than 4 percent of rape cases are prosecuted, and it takes months, if not years, to go through a case.

— Sharon Barney, attorney

”

collaboration between the CCWRC, the police department, the legal and justice systems, and the health-care systems is going a long way toward building a social safety net for victims of domestic violence such as Isabelle and toward increasing awareness of the issue in the community.

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ogoL erotS

“The collaboration was made possible by the willingness of community leaders to work together to address a community problem,” Ard says. “Each brought different perspectives to the table, and each agency had slightly different goals, but all were working to end domestic violence. The other key component was a willingness to listen and to understand that while we may approach the work in different ways, we have many of the same goals.”

Barney adds, “The more we make survivors feel safe, the more stories we’ll hear and the more we will understand what domestic violence actually looks like.” T&G

Barney says domestic abuse should remain a topic of conversation that’s front and center for any community … and not just highlighted in the news “when gunshots are fired.”

Savita Iyer-Ahrestani is a freelance journalist in State College who has worked as a full-time business journalist in New York, and, as a freelancer, has reported from both Europe and Asia. Her features on a variety of topics have appeared in many publications, including Business Week, Vogue (Mumbai, India edition), and on CNN.com.

Great dinners...

...great bread

129 McAllister Alley, State College, PA 16801 | 814 .234.8946

2016 March T&G - 41

Women Community For the 20th year, Town&Gown profiles some of the remarkable women in the region

in the

sp ec ia l ad ve rt is in g se c ti o n

The Women of RE/MAX Centre Realty--committed to their clients and our community. Call one of them today for all your real estate needs.

Shirley Hsi Ext. 330

Mei Guo-Kaplan Ext. 383

Jie Peng Ext. 368

Lassie MacDonald Ext. 381

Marcia Martsolf-Miller Ext. 382

Nancy Ring Ext. 331

Jacki Rutter Ext. 375

Cathy Flood Ext. 374

Jenn Neely Ext. 376

Linda Lowe Ext. 305

Amy Doran Ext. 369

Dayna Dann Ext. 348

Maryam Frederick Ext. 303

Dawnyelle Sweeley Ext. 302

Ellen Kline Ext. 319

Tracy Wagner Bethany Judy Annie Foytack Ext. 324 Ext. 322 Ext. 325

Lisa Rittenhouse Jennifer Roth Ginger Swanger Irene Moss Ext. 321 Ext. 354 Ext. 353 Ext. 313

Kris Hanahan Ext. 389

Kate Tosto Ext. 314

JoAnn Lew Ext. 304

Irene Hicks Ext. 372

Lori Marchese Ext. 384/329

Kim Ring Ext. 356

Diane Sweetland Ext. 380

Mariam Lowe Shirley Dunlap Ext. 336 Ext. 335

Tonya Cornwall Ext. 343

Mary Lou Bennett Ext. 315

Shannon Stiver Cindy Minteer Ext. 340 Ext. 337

1375 Martin Street, State College PA, 16803 (814) 231-8200 www.StateCollegeHomes.com

Nancy VanLandingham Ext. 333

Jacki Hunt Ext. 317

Celina Jovel & Connie Corl

Adult Transitional Care, LLC. Your Choice, Our Privilege

906 West College Ave. State College, PA 16801 814.954.2821 info@adulttransitionalcare.com www.adulttransitionalcare.com

44 - Special Advertising Section

Adult Transitional Care, LLC, provides a wide range of Personal Care, Residential Management, and Senior Move Management services to adults transitioning in life. We carefully design individualized Plans of Care for our clients to promote physical, psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing. Our outstanding services are provided by compassionate, respectful and trustworthy employees. Give us a call; no job is too small or too big.

Whether transitioning adults are looking to age in place or downsize and relocate, our high quality services provide peace of mind to our clients and their families. When you entrust your transitional care needs to us, it’s Your Choice and Our Privilege.

Special Advertising Section - 45

Associated Realty Property Management has 17 fulltime highly experienced women as part of its staff to handle all your property management needs.

ARPM has been managing properties for more than 35 years with over 1,700 properties including residential, commercial, student rentals and homeowner associations.

This full-service company has a record of top-quality service and the experience needed to manage your rental property.

456 East Beaver Ave., State College • (814) 231-3333 • www.arpm.com

We appreciate all of the dedicated women who work extremely hard at Balfurd to ensure the company’s success. Thanks to our employees, Balfurd can deliver the highest quality garment cleaning services to every customer, with professional integrity.

814.237.7661 www.balfurd.com 1223 N. Ather ton St. & 215 S. Atherton St. From left to right: Linda Bowman, General Manager Monika Manter, VP of Retail Operations Heather Strait, Office Manager Lori Stem, Customer Service Supervisor Chris Igo, CRDN Account Manager

46 - Special Advertising Section

Housed in the historic Linn House, The Bellefonte Art Museum for Centre County has become a destination: a community for artists, families, and patrons. We offer art exhibitions, classes, children’s camps, and educational programs designed to enrich the lives of our visitors. In addition to seven galleries of art exhibitions, we offer creative experiences in a variety of disciplines, including poetry and music. We also help local artists market and sell their works.

The museum attracts approximately 7,000 visitors a year, has 465 members, and showcases more than 145 artists on its juried Artists Registry. The not for profit museum operates thanks to more than 85 volunteer curators, docents, and attendants, plus three women who oversee operations: Executive Director Patricia House, Gallery Manager Lori Fisher, and Member & Visitor Relations Manager Amy Koll.

133 N. Allegheny St. P.O. BOX 125 Bellefonte, PA 16823 814.355.4280 www.bellefontemuseum.org

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Left to right, front row: Shirley Smith (Director of Sales), Brenda Hall (Sales Manager), Lori Miller (Director of Visitor and Member Services).

Back row: Kate Khoury (Creative Design & Technology Manager), Betsey Howell (Executive Director), and Judy Maurer (Receptionist/Fulfillment Coordinator).

800 E. Park Ave., State College, PA 16803 visitpennstate.org 814.231.1401

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The Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Centre County, charged with promoting the area to leisure, meeting/ convention, sports, and group travelers. Our staff includes six full-time highly driven women with a diverse set of skills that are vital to fulfilling our mission to develop, promote, and engage in travel related activities and coordinate visitor services designed to enhance the economic activity and quality of life within the county and thereby contribute to the commonwealth.

If you are a business or event and would like more information on membership, or need help executing a successful meeting, please reach out to us. We’re happy to help!

Penn State Federal Credit Union has three convenient locations in State College, Bellefonte and on the University Park campus. Our team located in the HUB-Robeson Center is ready to help you obtain your financial goals.

Whether they’re helping you with a loan or presenting an informational seminar on campus, you’ll always have a first-rate experience.

LL009 HUB-Robeson Center, University Park, PA 16802 814 -865-7728 www.pennstatefederal.com

Special Advertising Section - 49

These wonderful

women keep you smiling at

State College Orthodontics!

(Pictured, from left) Bobbie Jo-Clinical Assistant, Keelie-Clinical Assistant L.A.-Clinical Assisatant, Ashley-Scheduling Coordinator Dr. Diane Ray-Orthodontist, Debbie-Financial Coordinator Caitlin-Clinical Assistant, Sheridan-Marketing Coordinator Ashley-Clinical Assistant, Jennifer-Treatment Coordinator

50 - Special Advertising Section

2565 Park Center Blvd.

State College, PA 16801 814 .308.9504 w ww.StateCollegeOrtho.com

The University Club

Erika Smith, Director of Nursing: Erika, a Penn State graduate, became a Program Specialist/RN at The Arc 12 years ago. Now as The Arc’s Director of Nursing, she oversees four medical-model residential group homes (including a new program opening in April) for persons with complex medical needs and an intellectual or developmental disability.

She thrives on making community living a reality for those served by The Arc. Erika lives in Port Matilda with her husband, Howard, and their four teenage children.

Angela Hazel, LPN, Nursing Supervisor: Angela began working at The Arc six years ago as a sleep aide and certified nursing assistant. After earning her Licensed Practical Nurse certificate, she began her career as a LPN at The Arc; last year she was promoted to Nursing Supervisor at The Arc’s Forever Home- a residential program specifically designed for aging persons with a disability, focusing on specialized programming for those with an intellectual disability and Alzheimer’s disease/dementia.

A Bald Eagle High School alumna, Angela lives in Port Matilda with her teenage son and daughter.

The Arc of Centre County 1840 N. Atherton St. 814.238.3225

Georgia Abbey A University of Michigan alumna, Georgia moved to Centre County in 1984. She has over 30 years’ experience as an organizational leader, networker and facilitator and puts her talents to good use serving Leadership Centre County (LCC). That organization has grown from just under 100 to nearly 800 under her guidance and direction. She feels strongly about LCC’s mission – to increase the awareness and capacity of those who volunteer and lead in Centre County’s nonprofits. She has a vision for a thriving, compassionate and sustainable community – right here in Central PA! She is on the board of directors for both Discover y Space and New Leaf Initiative.

Sponsored by Benson Lichtig of Lion & Cub

The University Club is a 100-year-old building and organization that provides both housing for scholars and a wonderful social experience for almost 100 Social Members who gather monthly for relaxation, conversation, and volunteerism.

The Club has been revitalized over the past few years by Katrina Miller, our General Manager, and Gretl Collins, our Social and Membership Chair. Katrina has worked at The University Club since 2011, and in the past two years as General Manager has overseen more than $200,000 in improvements and updates to the building and grounds.

Gretl’s unbounded energy and warmth has combined with the efforts of her other volunteer committee members to create a vibrant, dynamic place for all members to enjoy social and intellectual interactions. Her vision has made our Christmas Gala and Kentucky Derby events into the most anticipated times of the year for our members. We salute Katrina’s and Gretl’s dedication and volunteerism!

Visit www.universityclubstatecollege.com for more information about Club membership and services, such as wedding and event venues.

331 W. College Ave. • 814 .237.6576

Colleen Andreychik

Operations Manager Discovery Space of Central PA 112 W. Foster Ave. (814) 234-0200

After graduating with a mar keting/ business management degree from South Hills, Colleen wor ked as a flight attendant for US Airways, based out of Philadelphia. She moved back to State College with her two children in 2010, and continued her interest in creating great experiences for children and families. She began wor king at Discover y Space in 2014 and is its fir st operations manager. Colleen is enjoying helping the museum grow, along with the children who visit.

Special Advertising Section - 51

Sandy Barbour Director of Athletics Penn State 101 Bryce Jordan Center (814) 865-1086

Sandy began her leadership of Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics in 2014, bringing to Penn State more than 30 years of experience as a collegiate administrator and coach, with a record of championships, academic success, and enhancing the studentathlete experience. In 2015, Forbes ranked her No. 24 among its Most Powerful People in College Sports and No. 11 among the Most Powerful Women in Sports. In her first 18 months at Penn State, she has re-organized ICA and launched strategic planning and facilities master planning studies.

Sponsored by the Penn State Bookstore

Maggie Bishop

Communications & Development Assistant Centre County United Way 126 W. Pine Grove Road, Pine Grove Mills (814) 238-8283

Prior to her arrival in Happy Valley, with her family, Maggie established 2 small businesses, co-authored the book “Feeling Safe by Autumn Grace and Mom,” and as a development specialist volunteered for a variety of nonprofit agencies, including the Crisis Shelter of Lawrence County and Autism Speaks.

In 2003 she was appointed by the Bush administration to the Federal Interagency Coordinating Councils for education and autism. In 2015 she earned a BA in rehabilitation and human services at Penn State.

Kym Burke

One on One, Fitness Consultants Inc. 424 W. Aaron Drive (814) 234-1625 www.oneononefit.com

Kym has been a personal trainer andVP of One on One since 1987. She spent most of her childhood committed to gymnastics, earning a spot on the USA National GymnasticTeam and Collegiate All-American status.Today, her creativity and commitment to human performance fuel her passion for seeking real solutions to individuals’ fitness/ wellness challenges. Kym serves on the Centre CountyYouth Service Bureau board of directors. She and husband Bruce created “Give Back” benefitingYSB and CentreVolunteers in Medicine.The Burkes have two children, Ryan and Callie. Sponsored byVeronesi Building and Remodeling

Bonnie Dyke

American Red Cross 205 E Beaver Ave, Suite 203 (814) 237-3162

Bonnie, a retired registered nurse, began volunteering for the local Red Cross chapter in 2007. She counsels other volunteers on the health factors involved with disaster response, so each volunteer can be ready to do their par t. She engages local volunteers and organizations in projects such as installing smoke alarms to help prevent fire-related deaths. Bonnie has been deployed throughout the state and countr y to respond to natural disasters.

Sponsored by Stover McGlaughlin Attorneys at Law

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Mary Lou Bennett

ABR, CRS, GRI, SRES, ‘At HomeWith Diversity’ REALTOR® RE/MAX Centre Realty

1375 Martin Street, State College, PA (814)231- 8200 ext. 315 A REALTOR in State College since 1973, Mary Lou’s involvement in Centre County is extensive. She has been active in the Centre County Association of REALTORS, having served on it’s Board of Directors for 15 years and twice as it’s President. Currently she is a Board Member of the Penn State Renaissance Fund and is a Docent at the Arboretum at Penn State.

Sponsored by Mimi Coppersmith

Lynn Sidehamer Brown NVS Guild Board President Nittany Valley Symphony 814 -231-8224 Lynn is completing her second term as president of the NVS Guild Board, and is the Guild representative on the Symphony Board. She serves on the Community Advisory Council of the Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State, where she is on the sponsorship committee, and also on the Music at Penn’s Woods Advisory Council, where she serves on the development committee. As a proud Penn State alum, she is a member of the President’s Club and an avid Lady Lions Volleyball fan. Lynn is the Honorary Chair for the Guild Fashion Show at noon on Saturday, March 19, at Centre Hills Country Club where she will model fashions by Worth NY. For reservations call the NVS office- 231-8224.

Sponsored by Pat Williams- Worth New York

Mimi Barash Coppersmith Volunteer/Consultant

Mimi is a longtime suppor ter of both town and gown in the State College community. She recently accepted the Centre County Historical Society’s Preservation Award for Excellence in Education and Advocacy, honoring 50 years of service by Town&Gown , the magazine she founded in 1966. Also this year, at the Lady Lions Pink Zone game, she received the newly renamed Mimi U. Barash Coppersmith Pink Zone Champion Award, presented annually to someone who makes significant contributions toward raising awareness for breast cancer education, prevention, and research for a cure.

Sponsored by Rob Thomas of Vantage Investment Advisors

Donna M. Fick, PhD, RN Director

Penn State Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence

201 Nursing Sciences Building (814) 865-9325

After being co-director since 2007, Donna recently took over as director of the Penn State Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, working to improve health care for older Americans. She is a Distinguished Professor in the College of Nursing and is the Elouise Ross Eberly Professor of Nursing. Donna’s research focuses on two major geriatric issues, potentially inappropriate medications in older adults and delirium superimposed on dementia. She has been supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health since 2006.

Sponsored by Barbara Palmer

Linda Gall

Community Volunteer

Linda has been excited about the idea of a local children’s museum since Discover y Space of Central Pennsylvania was exactly that — an idea tr ying to find a home. She and her husband, Blake, are major donors for the museum and have ser ved as honorar y chairs of A Night to Discover, an event to raise funds and awareness. Linda has high hopes for the future growth of Discover y Space and looks forward to spending many special hours there with her two grandsons.

Sponsored by Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania

Kathy Hertzler

Branch Manager Kish Bank 1961 S. Atherton Street (814) 861-5680, ext. 2203

Kathy leads the team at the South Ather ton branch of Kish Bank and will also manage the newest Kish location coming soon on Allen Street. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association School of Banking and Leadership Flight School, and with over 30 years in the field, she puts her experience to work helping individuals and small businesses fulfill their banking needs. Kathy is the Co-Chair of the Pennsylvania Pink Zone Fund Raising Committee and a fund raising committee member of the Bob Perks Fund.

Jane Irwin

Jane Irwin is the Coordinator for the Practical Nursing (LPN) and Nurse Aide (CNA) Programs at the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology (CPI.) Both programs meet a critical workforce need in the community and provide employment opportunities in health-related careers for adults. Mrs. Irwin also serves as a fiscal agent for other regional nursing programs and is an active member of the Pennsylvania Association of Practical Nursing Administrators, currently serving as Scholarship Chairperson. With over 40 years of nursing experience in many different areas, Jane sees the value of quality education and strives to impact each student at CPI, reminding them that taking care of others is not just a job . . . it is a “calling.”

Cheryl M. Johnson

Executive Director, PICCC Inc. 2595-1 Clyde Ave. (814)237-8998

A recognized leader, Cheryl champions workforce development, economic development, and youth career growth and par ticipates in par tnership activities that strengthen businesses, individuals, and communities throughout the USA. A certified senior professional in human resources, she works with local, regional, and national entities. She volunteers with several community organizations, has been one of PA Business Central’s top 100, a Town&Gown Citizen of the Year, CBICC Volunteer of Year 2015, and presenter/facilitator for many organizations.

Connie Hayes

Community Volunteer chayescooking@comcast.net Connie is a native of the region, moving to State College twelve years ago with her husband Bill, of Kish Bank. Connie uses her creative brand of fundraising to benefit many organizations. Currently, she is on the advisory board for the Palmer Museum of Ar t and a member of the committee for the annual Mount Nittany Medical Center Charity Ball.

Sponsored by Designer’s Studio

Sandy Hood

Businesswoman and Community Volunteer

Sandy is co-owner of HoodCo and Total Door Ser vice. She has ser ved on the boards of the CBICC, Mt Nittany Medical Center, Good Sheperd Catholic Church, among others, and is currently president of the Palmer Museum of Ar t Friends Board of Directors. Sandy is passionate about the museum’s mission to ser ve as a vital, educational, and admission free resource for ever yone. She and her colleagues are excited about the for thcoming annual fundraiser Gala scheduled for May 13.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Palmer Museum of Art

Abbie Jensen

Executive Officer Builders Association of Central Pennsylvania 2149 E. College Ave. (814) 231-8813

Since joining the Builders Association staff 6 years ago, Abbie has enjoyed many roles, from volunteer coordinator to fundraiser, activist to author. Her favorite is event planner; the April 1-3 Home & Garden Show at the Bryce Jordan Center is taking up the bulk of her time now, with the Centre County Cornhole Classic and the Bricks & Sticks Golf Classic not far behind.

In between those fun events, Abbie, her husband Reidar, and their daughter Pippin look forward to welcoming a new family member in May! Sponsored by S&A Homes

Kristie Kaufman, MD

Pediatrician, Mount Nittany Physician Group Dr. Kristie Kaufman has been practicing pediatrics for 19 years and is trained to provide medical care and evaluation at the Mount Nittany Health Children’s Advocacy Center of Centre County. Dr. Kaufman ser ves as a board member for the Mount Nittany Health Board of Directors, as secretar y for The Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center Board of Directors, and as chair of the Women’s Resource Center Board of Directors.

Special Advertising Section - 53

Norma Keller

Executive Director Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund P.O. Box 313 State College, PA 16804 (814) 571-9715 Since it was established in 2006, the Bob Perks Fund has raised and distributed more than ONE MILLION DOLLARS for the rent, utilities, food, and gas expenses of local cancer patients facing serious financial challenges.

When the heavy burden of unpaid bills is lifted, cancer patients are better able to focus on their health and recovery. Norma enjoys her close working relationships with donors who show their hear tfelt concern for their neighbors by generously suppor ting the Bob Perks Fund.

Ellen Kyzer, MPA

Chief Executive Officer Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania 350 Hale Ave., Harrisburg 717-233-1656

Girl Scouts in the Hear t of Pennsylvania is excited to announce Ellen Kyzer as the nonprofit’s new CEO. Ellen has over 17 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit and fundraising field and is excited for the oppor tunity to influence young women and girls across central and nor theastern PA. “Empowering women leaders star ts with mentoring and developing girls as leader from an early age,” said Kyzer. For more information on how to make a difference in girls’ lives, visit www.gshpa.org.

Irene Miller

Development & Events Coordinator, Centre Foundation Centre-Foundation.org (814) 237-6229

Irene has been with Centre Foundation for over two years. Her passion for politics translated to a love of place; she now enjoys working with local community members to achieve their philanthropic goals. “Hearing people detail how they became involved with a cause and then seeing their endowment funds flourish is incredibly rewarding, especially knowing these resources will available in perpetuity.” Whether playing softball, at a SCYP mixer, or a CBICC event, don’t be surprised if she invites you to the next Centre Foundation event! (CentreGives.org May 3-4, 2016!)

Sponsored by Centre Foundation

Char Morett

Head Coach, Penn State Field Hockey

A 1979 graduate of Penn State, Char Morett was the field hockey program’s only three-time fir stteam All-American. A two-time Olympian, Char returned to PSU in 1987 to coach. She won a bronze medal at the 1984 Olympics. She is an NFHC A Hall of Famer, 2010 NFHC A Division1 Mideast Region Coach of the Year, and has been named Big Ten Coach of the Year 5 times. In 28 year s has compiled a record of 440-170-8 and led the team to 26 NC AA Tournament appearances.

54 - Special Advertising Section

Barbara “Bobbi” Korner

Dean Penn State College of Arts and Architecture 124 Borland Building (814) 865-2591

Bobbi over sees the College’s academic units plus the Center for the Performing Ar ts, Palmer Museum of Ar t, and Penn State Centre Stage. She is co-director of the Leadership Institute of the Association for Theatre in Higher Education and chaired the PSU United Way Committee. In addition to theatrical roles, she performs women’s historical materials.

Sponsored by Penn State Retail Campus Dining

Kristie McKnight

AVP, Commercial Relationship Manager

Kish Bank 2610 Green Tech Drive (814) 861-4660, ext. 8413

Kristie has been with Kish Bank for near ly eleven year s, providing solutions for businesses as a par t of the Centre County commercial lending team.

Prior to joining Kish Bank, Kristie attended Penn State Univer sity, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Economics. Kristie has successfully completed the Pennsylvania Banker s Association school of Banking and School of Commercial Lending.

Kristie also graduated with the 2015 class of Leader ship Centre County.

Tammy Miller

Owner/CEO Tammy Miller Auctions, LLC Tammy Speaks, LLC (814) 360-4031

Ta m my M i l l e r i s t h e O w n e r a n d C E O o f Ta m my M i l l e r A u c t i o n s a n d Ta m my S p e a k s .

H e r c o m p a n i e s o f fe r L O C A L a n d G L O B A L a u c t i o n a n d s p e a k i n g s e r v i c e s . A s a n A u c t i o n e e r, h e r t e a m s p e c i a l i ze s i n r e a l e s t a t e a n d b e n e fi t a u c t i o n s . A n i n t e r n a t i o n a l s p e a k e r, Ta m my c a n p r ov i d e a k e y n o t e , wo r k s h o p a n d e m c e e s e r v i c e fo r yo u r n e x t e ve n t . F i n d o u t m o r e a t Ta m my M i l l e r A u c t i o n s . c o m a n d Ta m my S p e a k s . c o m .

Dr. Kathryn O

Owner, Centre Hall Audiology & Hearing Aid Center 2130 Earlystown Road Centre Hall • (814) 364-3113 2 miles past the former Elks Country Club on Rte 45

With degrees from Penn State and the ASHS Division of Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. O started her practice in Centre County 11 years ago. Her office in Yeagertown was voted the most favored hearing center in Mifflin/Juniata counties. Her offices have a very caring, sincere atmosphere and specialize in geriatric audiology, hearing aids, assistive devices, and batteries.

Judge Katie Oliver Centre County Common Pleas Court 102 S. Allegheny St., Bellefonte (814) 355-6727

A Bucknell alumna, Katie graduated summa cum laude from the Dickinson School of Law and then practiced law for 20 years with McQuaide Blasko, where she became a par tner. She was elected to the bench in November 2015 and looks forward to putting her legal skills to work both in the cour troom and by enhancing mediation programs.

She and her husband, Christopher, have two daughters, Gwen and Tia, and Katie is a longtime Girl Scout volunteer.

Sponsored by Mary Lou Bennett, RE/MAX Centre Realty

Barbara Palmer Benefactor The State Theatre 130 W. College Ave. (814) 272-0606

A patron of both the fine ar ts and the performing ar ts, Barbara has generously suppor ted The State Theatre’s mission as a communityowned theatre since before it opened in 2006, helping to create this vibrant hub of music, cinema, dance , and theatre in downtown State College.

Recently, she created a special fund that will allow deser ving local ar ts groups to perform on stage at a reduced rental rate .

Sponsored by The State Theatre

Katie Ombalski

Conservation Biologist ClearWater Conservancy Inc. 2555 N. Atherton St. (814) 237-0400

Having joined ClearWater Conservancy in 2000, Katie helps oversee the development and implementation of the organization’s land conservation initiatives, including science-based development and prioritization of landscape-level initiatives. She also manages the organization’s Riparian Conservation Program, which was recognized with the 2014 Western PA Environmental Award from the PA Environmental Council. Katie holds a B.S in environmental resource management from Penn State and an M.S. in wildlife and fisheries biology from Frostburg State University.

Sponsored by Scot Chambers

Doreen Perks Founder Bob Perks Fund P.O. Box 313 (814) 231-2692

After Doreen’s husband, Bob, local Coaches vs. Cancer co-founder, died of cancer in 2005, she helped develop the Bob Perks Fund to provide financial relief to families with a loved one fighting cancer. Since the inception in 2006, the BPF has allocated over $1,000,000 to help families in our community. Doreen, a Penn State alumna, lives with her two sons, Garrett, 14, and Ryan, 11.

Sponsored by Linda & Blake Gall

Lisa Peters,

Liz Piazza,

Epic specializes in title insurance, closings and abstracting research for purchase and refinance real estate transactions.

Lisa is the chairper son for the Central Chapter of Pennsylvania Land Title Association. She is currently ser ving as a member of the Board of Director s for the State Theatre .

As Sales Manager for Kissinger Bigatel & Brower REALTORS, her KBB agents produced over $345,000,000 in sales volume last year. Liz is on the board of the Centre County REALTORS, a member of the Pennsylvania Stateweide Professional Standards Committee and chairs the MLS Committee. She is also an active member of the CBICC. Liz has years of management experience, loves her job and loves working with the ver y best professionals in the business.

Owner Epic Abstract, Inc. and Epic Settlement Services, Inc. 2160 Sandy Drive, Suite C State College, PA

Miriam Powell

Director of Community Outreach Lady Lions Basketball 146 Bryce Jordan Center, Penn State (814) 865-3086

A former teacher and girls basketball coach, Miriam served as Pennsylvania Pink Zone executive director for five years before signing on with Lady Lions Basketball this year.

She facilitates community outreach opportunities for players, coaches, and staff, from volunteering at the food bank to reading to schoolchildren to supporting sexual violence awareness week. Miriam also is the team’s liaison with groups such as the Lady Lion Cager Club, Nittany Lion Club, and Pink Zone.

Sponsored by Lion’s Gate Apartments

Associate Broker Kissinger Bigatel & Brower REALTORS (814) 238 -8080

Denise Quinn

Vice President, Commercial Relationship Manager Kish Bank 2610 Green Tech Drive (814) 861-4660, ext. 8248

Denise is a par t of the Kish Bank commercial lending team, with over 30 years of experience in banking. At Kish, Denise provides solutions for clients’ financial needs and is a valuable resource for businesses in Centre County. Outside of Kish, Denise is active in community organizations, such as the CBICC and Leadership Centre County. Denise is currently President of the Central PA Chapter of Risk Management Associates.

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Annette Ratliff

Program Coordinator Housing Transitions (814) 237-4863 217 E. Nittany Ave.

Originally from West Virginia, Annette began working for Housing Transitions more than 17 years ago as shelter manager. In her current role as program coordinator, she oversees human resources, grants, and financial operations. Although she loves interacting with HT’s clients, she primarily works behind the scenes to ensure the successful operation of programs including emergency shelter and food pantr y, case management, suppor tive housing, and transitional housing.

Judge Pamela A. Ruest Centre County Common Pleas Court 102 S. Allegheny St., Bellefonte (814) 355-6727

Pamela began ser ving as the first female judge on The Cour t of Common Pleas of Centre County in Januar y 2008. She is in her second term as an appointed member on the Statewide Judicial Ethics Committee.

She is also a member of the United Way Women’s Leadership group, Altrusa, and the board of the Child Access Center. She chairs the Centre County Children’s Roundtable and par ticipates in the Regional and Statewide Children’s Roundtables.

Sponsored by Nancy Ring & Tom Ring, Re /m a x Centre Realty

Stephanie L. Schmidt, DBIA President Poole Anderson Construction 2121 Old Gatesburg Road 237-6667

With over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, Stephanie leads Poole Anderson, one of the largest commercial contractors in Central Pa.A 1998 graduate of Leadership Center County, she currently serves on the Pennsylvania Council of General Contractors and both the local and national Board of Directors of the Associated Builders & Contractors.

Stephanie was chosen as the 2014 Inductee into the PACE Construction Hall of Fame, an honor awarded by her peers in recognition of her achievements and dedication to the building industry.

Pam Strouse

Development & Marketing Manager

Discovery Space of Central PA 112 W. Foster Ave. (814) 234-0200

Pam joined the Discover y Space team in 2012 and loves seeing children and families explore the children’s science museum while learning and developing a love of science.

She is delighted by the growing number of member families and par ticipants in programs, camps, and outreach activities. As development and marketing manager, and longtime Centre County resident, Pam enjoys developing par tnerships with suppor ters, local businesses, and organizations to help Discover y Space continue to grow as a great community asset.

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Kathleen Raupach Board Member Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts 403 S. Allen St. (814)237-3682

Since 2004, Kathleen has guided her Penn State Recreation, Park and Tourism Management students in planning special events to benefit local nonprofits, state parks, and campus organizations. She loves event logistics and understands the benefits of special events to individuals and communities. A State College native and Penn State alumna, Kathleen grew up attending the Ar ts Festival.

She volunteers weekly with Centre County PAWS as an adoption counselor and has fostered many PAWS dogs.

Barbara Ryan

Minitab 1829 Pine Hall Road, State College 814.238.3280

As CEO of Minitab Inc., Barbara Ryan sets the company’s strategic, technological, and operational direction. Ryan and two colleagues from Penn State’s statistics depar tment first developed Minitab Statistical Software in 1972, and Minitab became a company in 1983.

Under her leadership, Minitab has become the leading software for quality initiatives worldwide. Ryan earned a bachelor’s degree from Queens College and a doctorate in mathematics from Cornell University. She is a fellow of the American Statistical Association.

Michelle Stroud, RN, BSN Chief Nursing Officer HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital 550 W. College Ave., Pleasant Gap

As Chief Nursing Officer, Michelle is responsible for leading the hospital’s nursing, pharmacy and respiratory teams.

With more than 20 years of professional experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, her goal is to ensure that quality care is delivered. Focused on safety and education, Michelle is proud of her patient care team. Michelle holds an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Mount Aloysius College, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Penn State. She is looking forward to her pursuit of an MBA in the fall. She lives locally with her husband and two sons and enjoys running and cooking.

Erica Vezza

Home Care Consultant Home Instead Senior Care 814 -238-8820

As Home Instead’s home care consultant, Erica meets with families one-on-one so their loved ones can remain at home independently. Erica also leads community outreach efforts, including: the Weekend Winedown (for Alzheimer’s) and Clearfield County’s Anne Thacik Auction. In her spare time, Erica volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Walk, the Geriatric Interest Network and PSU’s Healthy Aging Series. Developing and maintaining positive relationships comes easy for Erica. Nothing is more important to her than giving back to others. Erica is highly regarded for her compassion and understanding of clients’ needs. She resides in State College, which is also where she grew up.

Erica Walsh

Coquese Washington

Head Coach Nittany Lion Women’s Soccer 262 Recreation Building (814) 863-5372

Head Coach Lady Lion Basketball 146 Bryce Jordan Center (814) 863-2672

Coquese is finishing her ninth season as Lady Lion head coach. She guided the team to three consecutive Big Ten regular-season titles in 2012, 2013, and 2014 and four consecutive NCAA Tournament berths (2011-14), and has won three Big Ten Coach of the Year awards. Coquese holds a law degree from Notre Dame, played eight seasons of professional basketball (including seven in the WNBA), assists with Pink Zone’s fight against breast cancer, and created Coquese’s Drive for the Centre County Women’s Resource Center.”

In 2015, Erica coached the Nittany Lions to the NCAA title for the first time in program histor y and was named NSCAA National Coach of the Year. In her nine years at Penn State, the Nittany Lions have won the Big Ten regular season title eight times and advanced to the College Cup Final twice. Erica was named Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2009, 2012, and 2014.

Sponsored by Rick Tetzlaff of Wells Fargo Advisors

photo: Kish Bank

Sponsored by Andrew M. Moore,Tree Surgeon

Denise Wood

Ella J. Williams

Assoc., Broker, ABR, GRI, CRB, CNE Kissinger, Bigatel & Brower REALTORS® The Ella Williams Team

Keller Williams Advantage Realty Realtor

Denise recently celebr ated her 26th year as a licensed Realtor!

Her long-time exper ience as an honest, dependable , and tr ustwor thy real estate advocate , extends to both residential and commercial sales and proper ty management. She gladly ser ves clients in 5 counties, including Centre , Clinton, Clearfield, Huntingdon and Mifflin County. Denise’s passion for real estate is only sur passed by her love of animals! She volunteer s weekly for Fonda’s Foundlings, a cat rescue in State College .

2300 S. Atherton St • State College, PA 16801 Direct 814-280-3607 • 814-234-4000 ext 3142 www.1kbb.com/ella.williams Ella has been awarded and recognized among her peers as a multi-million dollar top producer and for serving her clients real estate needs in Centre Co and surrounding areas in residential, commercial and investments. With her experience as an Associate Broker, and her resources at KBB Realtors, she offers her clients the highest level of service, knowledge, and expertise. Making your Real Estate experience an enjoyable one!

Aimee Aiello

Aimee Aiello

Vilma Shu Danz

Vilma Shu Danz

Hailee Miller

Mimi Barash Coppersmith

Hailee Miller

Amy Ansari

Mimi Barash Coppersmith

Amy Ansari

These women at Barash Media work hard to make Town&Gown and The Centre County Gazette successful and enjoyable products for our readers.

Kathy George

Kathy George

Debbie Markel

Debbie Markel

Katie Myers

Katie Myers

Tiara Snare

Tiara Snare

Laura Specht

Laura Specht

These women at Barash Media work hard to make Town&Gown and The Centre County Gazette successful and enjoyable products for our readers.

Special Advertising Section - 57

Keller Williams - World’s Largest Real Estate Franchise!

Team Leader

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2015 marks record year for closed transactions, sales volume, agent commissions and profit share growth!

Contact Us Today!

740 Atherton Street, State College

814.272.3333

www.usekw.com

Associated Realty Property Management has 17 fulltime highly experienced women as part of its staff to handle all your property management needs.

ARPM has been managing properties for more than 35 years with over 1,700 properties including residential, commercial, student rentals and homeowner associations.

This full-service company has a record of top-quality service and the experience needed to manage your rental property.

456 East Beaver Ave., State College • (814) 231-3333 • www.arpm.com

We appreciate all of the dedicated women who work extremely hard at Balfurd to ensure the company’s success. Thanks to our employees, Balfurd can deliver the highest quality garment cleaning services to every customer, with professional integrity.

814.237.7661 www.balfurd.com 1223 N. Ather ton St. & 215 S. Atherton St. From left to right: Linda Bowman, General Manager Monika Manter, VP of Retail Operations Heather Strait, Office Manager Lori Stem, Customer Service Supervisor Chris Igo, CRDN Account Manager

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Housed in the historic Linn House, The Bellefonte Art Museum for Centre County has become a destination: a community for artists, families, and patrons. We offer art exhibitions, classes, children’s camps, and educational programs designed to enrich the lives of our visitors. In addition to seven galleries of art exhibitions, we offer creative experiences in a variety of disciplines, including poetry and music. We also help local artists market and sell their works.

The museum attracts approximately 7,000 visitors a year, has 465 members, and showcases more than 145 artists on its juried Artists Registry. The not for profit museum operates thanks to more than 85 volunteer curators, docents, and attendants, plus three women who oversee operations: Executive Director Patricia House, Gallery Manager Lori Fisher, and Member & Visitor Relations Manager Amy Koll.

133 N. Allegheny St. P.O. BOX 125 Bellefonte, PA 16823 814.355.4280 www.bellefontemuseum.org

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Left to right, front row: Shirley Smith (Director of Sales), Brenda Hall (Sales Manager), Lori Miller (Director of Visitor and Member Services).

Back row: Kate Khoury (Creative Design & Technology Manager), Betsey Howell (Executive Director), and Judy Maurer (Receptionist/Fulfillment Coordinator).

800 E. Park Ave., State College, PA 16803 visitpennstate.org 814.231.1401

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The Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Centre County, charged with promoting the area to leisure, meeting/ convention, sports, and group travelers. Our staff includes six full-time highly driven women with a diverse set of skills that are vital to fulfilling our mission to develop, promote, and engage in travel related activities and coordinate visitor services designed to enhance the economic activity and quality of life within the county and thereby contribute to the commonwealth.

If you are a business or event and would like more information on membership, or need help executing a successful meeting, please reach out to us. We’re happy to help!

Penn State Federal Credit Union has three convenient locations in State College, Bellefonte and on the University Park campus. Our team located in the HUB-Robeson Center is ready to help you obtain your financial goals.

Whether they’re helping you with a loan or presenting an informational seminar on campus, you’ll always have a first-rate experience.

LL009 HUB-Robeson Center, University Park, PA 16802 814 -865-7728 www.pennstatefederal.com

Special Advertising Section - 49

These wonderful

women keep you smiling at

State College Orthodontics!

(Pictured, from left) Bobbie Jo-Clinical Assistant, Keelie-Clinical Assistant L.A.-Clinical Assisatant, Ashley-Scheduling Coordinator Dr. Diane Ray-Orthodontist, Debbie-Financial Coordinator Caitlin-Clinical Assistant, Sheridan-Marketing Coordinator Ashley-Clinical Assistant, Jennifer-Treatment Coordinator

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2565 Park Center Blvd.

State College, PA 16801 814 .308.9504 w ww.StateCollegeOrtho.com

The University Club

Erika Smith, Director of Nursing: Erika, a Penn State graduate, became a Program Specialist/RN at The Arc 12 years ago. Now as The Arc’s Director of Nursing, she oversees four medical-model residential group homes (including a new program opening in April) for persons with complex medical needs and an intellectual or developmental disability.

She thrives on making community living a reality for those served by The Arc. Erika lives in Port Matilda with her husband, Howard, and their four teenage children.

Angela Hazel, LPN, Nursing Supervisor: Angela began working at The Arc six years ago as a sleep aide and certified nursing assistant. After earning her Licensed Practical Nurse certificate, she began her career as a LPN at The Arc; last year she was promoted to Nursing Supervisor at The Arc’s Forever Home- a residential program specifically designed for aging persons with a disability, focusing on specialized programming for those with an intellectual disability and Alzheimer’s disease/dementia.

A Bald Eagle High School alumna, Angela lives in Port Matilda with her teenage son and daughter.

The Arc of Centre County 1840 N. Atherton St. 814.238.3225

Georgia Abbey A University of Michigan alumna, Georgia moved to Centre County in 1984. She has over 30 years’ experience as an organizational leader, networker and facilitator and puts her talents to good use serving Leadership Centre County (LCC). That organization has grown from just under 100 to nearly 800 under her guidance and direction. She feels strongly about LCC’s mission – to increase the awareness and capacity of those who volunteer and lead in Centre County’s nonprofits. She has a vision for a thriving, compassionate and sustainable community – right here in Central PA! She is on the board of directors for both Discover y Space and New Leaf Initiative.

Sponsored by Benson Lichtig of Lion & Cub

The University Club is a 100-year-old building and organization that provides both housing for scholars and a wonderful social experience for almost 100 Social Members who gather monthly for relaxation, conversation, and volunteerism.

The Club has been revitalized over the past few years by Katrina Miller, our General Manager, and Gretl Collins, our Social and Membership Chair. Katrina has worked at The University Club since 2011, and in the past two years as General Manager has overseen more than $200,000 in improvements and updates to the building and grounds.

Gretl’s unbounded energy and warmth has combined with the efforts of her other volunteer committee members to create a vibrant, dynamic place for all members to enjoy social and intellectual interactions. Her vision has made our Christmas Gala and Kentucky Derby events into the most anticipated times of the year for our members. We salute Katrina’s and Gretl’s dedication and volunteerism!

Visit www.universityclubstatecollege.com for more information about Club membership and services, such as wedding and event venues.

331 W. College Ave. • 814 .237.6576

Colleen Andreychik

Operations Manager Discovery Space of Central PA 112 W. Foster Ave. (814) 234-0200

After graduating with a mar keting/ business management degree from South Hills, Colleen wor ked as a flight attendant for US Airways, based out of Philadelphia. She moved back to State College with her two children in 2010, and continued her interest in creating great experiences for children and families. She began wor king at Discover y Space in 2014 and is its fir st operations manager. Colleen is enjoying helping the museum grow, along with the children who visit.

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Sandy Barbour Director of Athletics Penn State 101 Bryce Jordan Center (814) 865-1086

Sandy began her leadership of Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics in 2014, bringing to Penn State more than 30 years of experience as a collegiate administrator and coach, with a record of championships, academic success, and enhancing the studentathlete experience. In 2015, Forbes ranked her No. 24 among its Most Powerful People in College Sports and No. 11 among the Most Powerful Women in Sports. In her first 18 months at Penn State, she has re-organized ICA and launched strategic planning and facilities master planning studies.

Sponsored by the Penn State Bookstore

Maggie Bishop

Communications & Development Assistant Centre County United Way 126 W. Pine Grove Road, Pine Grove Mills (814) 238-8283

Prior to her arrival in Happy Valley, with her family, Maggie established 2 small businesses, co-authored the book “Feeling Safe by Autumn Grace and Mom,” and as a development specialist volunteered for a variety of nonprofit agencies, including the Crisis Shelter of Lawrence County and Autism Speaks.

In 2003 she was appointed by the Bush administration to the Federal Interagency Coordinating Councils for education and autism. In 2015 she earned a BA in rehabilitation and human services at Penn State.

Kym Burke

One on One, Fitness Consultants Inc. 424 W. Aaron Drive (814) 234-1625 www.oneononefit.com

Kym has been a personal trainer andVP of One on One since 1987. She spent most of her childhood committed to gymnastics, earning a spot on the USA National GymnasticTeam and Collegiate All-American status.Today, her creativity and commitment to human performance fuel her passion for seeking real solutions to individuals’ fitness/ wellness challenges. Kym serves on the Centre CountyYouth Service Bureau board of directors. She and husband Bruce created “Give Back” benefitingYSB and CentreVolunteers in Medicine.The Burkes have two children, Ryan and Callie. Sponsored byVeronesi Building and Remodeling

Bonnie Dyke

American Red Cross 205 E Beaver Ave, Suite 203 (814) 237-3162

Bonnie, a retired registered nurse, began volunteering for the local Red Cross chapter in 2007. She counsels other volunteers on the health factors involved with disaster response, so each volunteer can be ready to do their par t. She engages local volunteers and organizations in projects such as installing smoke alarms to help prevent fire-related deaths. Bonnie has been deployed throughout the state and countr y to respond to natural disasters.

Sponsored by Stover McGlaughlin Attorneys at Law

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Mary Lou Bennett

ABR, CRS, GRI, SRES, ‘At HomeWith Diversity’ REALTOR® RE/MAX Centre Realty

1375 Martin Street, State College, PA (814)231- 8200 ext. 315 A REALTOR in State College since 1973, Mary Lou’s involvement in Centre County is extensive. She has been active in the Centre County Association of REALTORS, having served on it’s Board of Directors for 15 years and twice as it’s President. Currently she is a Board Member of the Penn State Renaissance Fund and is a Docent at the Arboretum at Penn State.

Sponsored by Mimi Coppersmith

Lynn Sidehamer Brown NVS Guild Board President Nittany Valley Symphony 814 -231-8224 Lynn is completing her second term as president of the NVS Guild Board, and is the Guild representative on the Symphony Board. She serves on the Community Advisory Council of the Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State, where she is on the sponsorship committee, and also on the Music at Penn’s Woods Advisory Council, where she serves on the development committee. As a proud Penn State alum, she is a member of the President’s Club and an avid Lady Lions Volleyball fan. Lynn is the Honorary Chair for the Guild Fashion Show at noon on Saturday, March 19, at Centre Hills Country Club where she will model fashions by Worth NY. For reservations call the NVS office- 231-8224.

Sponsored by Pat Williams- Worth New York

Mimi Barash Coppersmith Volunteer/Consultant

Mimi is a longtime suppor ter of both town and gown in the State College community. She recently accepted the Centre County Historical Society’s Preservation Award for Excellence in Education and Advocacy, honoring 50 years of service by Town&Gown , the magazine she founded in 1966. Also this year, at the Lady Lions Pink Zone game, she received the newly renamed Mimi U. Barash Coppersmith Pink Zone Champion Award, presented annually to someone who makes significant contributions toward raising awareness for breast cancer education, prevention, and research for a cure.

Sponsored by Rob Thomas of Vantage Investment Advisors

Donna M. Fick, PhD, RN Director

Penn State Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence

201 Nursing Sciences Building (814) 865-9325

After being co-director since 2007, Donna recently took over as director of the Penn State Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, working to improve health care for older Americans. She is a Distinguished Professor in the College of Nursing and is the Elouise Ross Eberly Professor of Nursing. Donna’s research focuses on two major geriatric issues, potentially inappropriate medications in older adults and delirium superimposed on dementia. She has been supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health since 2006.

Sponsored by Barbara Palmer

Linda Gall

Community Volunteer

Linda has been excited about the idea of a local children’s museum since Discover y Space of Central Pennsylvania was exactly that — an idea tr ying to find a home. She and her husband, Blake, are major donors for the museum and have ser ved as honorar y chairs of A Night to Discover, an event to raise funds and awareness. Linda has high hopes for the future growth of Discover y Space and looks forward to spending many special hours there with her two grandsons.

Sponsored by Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania

Kathy Hertzler

Branch Manager Kish Bank 1961 S. Atherton Street (814) 861-5680, ext. 2203

Kathy leads the team at the South Ather ton branch of Kish Bank and will also manage the newest Kish location coming soon on Allen Street. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association School of Banking and Leadership Flight School, and with over 30 years in the field, she puts her experience to work helping individuals and small businesses fulfill their banking needs. Kathy is the Co-Chair of the Pennsylvania Pink Zone Fund Raising Committee and a fund raising committee member of the Bob Perks Fund.

Jane Irwin

Jane Irwin is the Coordinator for the Practical Nursing (LPN) and Nurse Aide (CNA) Programs at the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology (CPI.) Both programs meet a critical workforce need in the community and provide employment opportunities in health-related careers for adults. Mrs. Irwin also serves as a fiscal agent for other regional nursing programs and is an active member of the Pennsylvania Association of Practical Nursing Administrators, currently serving as Scholarship Chairperson. With over 40 years of nursing experience in many different areas, Jane sees the value of quality education and strives to impact each student at CPI, reminding them that taking care of others is not just a job . . . it is a “calling.”

Cheryl M. Johnson

Executive Director, PICCC Inc. 2595-1 Clyde Ave. (814)237-8998

A recognized leader, Cheryl champions workforce development, economic development, and youth career growth and par ticipates in par tnership activities that strengthen businesses, individuals, and communities throughout the USA. A certified senior professional in human resources, she works with local, regional, and national entities. She volunteers with several community organizations, has been one of PA Business Central’s top 100, a Town&Gown Citizen of the Year, CBICC Volunteer of Year 2015, and presenter/facilitator for many organizations.

Connie Hayes

Community Volunteer chayescooking@comcast.net Connie is a native of the region, moving to State College twelve years ago with her husband Bill, of Kish Bank. Connie uses her creative brand of fundraising to benefit many organizations. Currently, she is on the advisory board for the Palmer Museum of Ar t and a member of the committee for the annual Mount Nittany Medical Center Charity Ball.

Sponsored by Designer’s Studio

Sandy Hood

Businesswoman and Community Volunteer

Sandy is co-owner of HoodCo and Total Door Ser vice. She has ser ved on the boards of the CBICC, Mt Nittany Medical Center, Good Sheperd Catholic Church, among others, and is currently president of the Palmer Museum of Ar t Friends Board of Directors. Sandy is passionate about the museum’s mission to ser ve as a vital, educational, and admission free resource for ever yone. She and her colleagues are excited about the for thcoming annual fundraiser Gala scheduled for May 13.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Palmer Museum of Art

Abbie Jensen

Executive Officer Builders Association of Central Pennsylvania 2149 E. College Ave. (814) 231-8813

Since joining the Builders Association staff 6 years ago, Abbie has enjoyed many roles, from volunteer coordinator to fundraiser, activist to author. Her favorite is event planner; the April 1-3 Home & Garden Show at the Bryce Jordan Center is taking up the bulk of her time now, with the Centre County Cornhole Classic and the Bricks & Sticks Golf Classic not far behind.

In between those fun events, Abbie, her husband Reidar, and their daughter Pippin look forward to welcoming a new family member in May! Sponsored by S&A Homes

Kristie Kaufman, MD

Pediatrician, Mount Nittany Physician Group Dr. Kristie Kaufman has been practicing pediatrics for 19 years and is trained to provide medical care and evaluation at the Mount Nittany Health Children’s Advocacy Center of Centre County. Dr. Kaufman ser ves as a board member for the Mount Nittany Health Board of Directors, as secretar y for The Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center Board of Directors, and as chair of the Women’s Resource Center Board of Directors.

Special Advertising Section - 53

Norma Keller

Executive Director Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund P.O. Box 313 State College, PA 16804 (814) 571-9715 Since it was established in 2006, the Bob Perks Fund has raised and distributed more than ONE MILLION DOLLARS for the rent, utilities, food, and gas expenses of local cancer patients facing serious financial challenges.

When the heavy burden of unpaid bills is lifted, cancer patients are better able to focus on their health and recovery. Norma enjoys her close working relationships with donors who show their hear tfelt concern for their neighbors by generously suppor ting the Bob Perks Fund.

Ellen Kyzer, MPA

Chief Executive Officer Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania 350 Hale Ave., Harrisburg 717-233-1656

Girl Scouts in the Hear t of Pennsylvania is excited to announce Ellen Kyzer as the nonprofit’s new CEO. Ellen has over 17 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit and fundraising field and is excited for the oppor tunity to influence young women and girls across central and nor theastern PA. “Empowering women leaders star ts with mentoring and developing girls as leader from an early age,” said Kyzer. For more information on how to make a difference in girls’ lives, visit www.gshpa.org.

Irene Miller

Development & Events Coordinator, Centre Foundation Centre-Foundation.org (814) 237-6229

Irene has been with Centre Foundation for over two years. Her passion for politics translated to a love of place; she now enjoys working with local community members to achieve their philanthropic goals. “Hearing people detail how they became involved with a cause and then seeing their endowment funds flourish is incredibly rewarding, especially knowing these resources will available in perpetuity.” Whether playing softball, at a SCYP mixer, or a CBICC event, don’t be surprised if she invites you to the next Centre Foundation event! (CentreGives.org May 3-4, 2016!)

Sponsored by Centre Foundation

Char Morett

Head Coach, Penn State Field Hockey

A 1979 graduate of Penn State, Char Morett was the field hockey program’s only three-time fir stteam All-American. A two-time Olympian, Char returned to PSU in 1987 to coach. She won a bronze medal at the 1984 Olympics. She is an NFHC A Hall of Famer, 2010 NFHC A Division1 Mideast Region Coach of the Year, and has been named Big Ten Coach of the Year 5 times. In 28 year s has compiled a record of 440-170-8 and led the team to 26 NC AA Tournament appearances.

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Barbara “Bobbi” Korner

Dean Penn State College of Arts and Architecture 124 Borland Building (814) 865-2591

Bobbi over sees the College’s academic units plus the Center for the Performing Ar ts, Palmer Museum of Ar t, and Penn State Centre Stage. She is co-director of the Leadership Institute of the Association for Theatre in Higher Education and chaired the PSU United Way Committee. In addition to theatrical roles, she performs women’s historical materials.

Sponsored by Penn State Retail Campus Dining

Kristie McKnight

AVP, Commercial Relationship Manager

Kish Bank 2610 Green Tech Drive (814) 861-4660, ext. 8413

Kristie has been with Kish Bank for near ly eleven year s, providing solutions for businesses as a par t of the Centre County commercial lending team.

Prior to joining Kish Bank, Kristie attended Penn State Univer sity, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Economics. Kristie has successfully completed the Pennsylvania Banker s Association school of Banking and School of Commercial Lending.

Kristie also graduated with the 2015 class of Leader ship Centre County.

Tammy Miller

Owner/CEO Tammy Miller Auctions, LLC Tammy Speaks, LLC (814) 360-4031

Ta m my M i l l e r i s t h e O w n e r a n d C E O o f Ta m my M i l l e r A u c t i o n s a n d Ta m my S p e a k s .

H e r c o m p a n i e s o f fe r L O C A L a n d G L O B A L a u c t i o n a n d s p e a k i n g s e r v i c e s . A s a n A u c t i o n e e r, h e r t e a m s p e c i a l i ze s i n r e a l e s t a t e a n d b e n e fi t a u c t i o n s . A n i n t e r n a t i o n a l s p e a k e r, Ta m my c a n p r ov i d e a k e y n o t e , wo r k s h o p a n d e m c e e s e r v i c e fo r yo u r n e x t e ve n t . F i n d o u t m o r e a t Ta m my M i l l e r A u c t i o n s . c o m a n d Ta m my S p e a k s . c o m .

Dr. Kathryn O

Owner, Centre Hall Audiology & Hearing Aid Center 2130 Earlystown Road Centre Hall • (814) 364-3113 2 miles past the former Elks Country Club on Rte 45

With degrees from Penn State and the ASHS Division of Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. O started her practice in Centre County 11 years ago. Her office in Yeagertown was voted the most favored hearing center in Mifflin/Juniata counties. Her offices have a very caring, sincere atmosphere and specialize in geriatric audiology, hearing aids, assistive devices, and batteries.

Judge Katie Oliver Centre County Common Pleas Court 102 S. Allegheny St., Bellefonte (814) 355-6727

A Bucknell alumna, Katie graduated summa cum laude from the Dickinson School of Law and then practiced law for 20 years with McQuaide Blasko, where she became a par tner. She was elected to the bench in November 2015 and looks forward to putting her legal skills to work both in the cour troom and by enhancing mediation programs.

She and her husband, Christopher, have two daughters, Gwen and Tia, and Katie is a longtime Girl Scout volunteer.

Sponsored by Mary Lou Bennett, RE/MAX Centre Realty

Barbara Palmer Benefactor The State Theatre 130 W. College Ave. (814) 272-0606

A patron of both the fine ar ts and the performing ar ts, Barbara has generously suppor ted The State Theatre’s mission as a communityowned theatre since before it opened in 2006, helping to create this vibrant hub of music, cinema, dance , and theatre in downtown State College.

Recently, she created a special fund that will allow deser ving local ar ts groups to perform on stage at a reduced rental rate .

Sponsored by The State Theatre

Katie Ombalski

Conservation Biologist ClearWater Conservancy Inc. 2555 N. Atherton St. (814) 237-0400

Having joined ClearWater Conservancy in 2000, Katie helps oversee the development and implementation of the organization’s land conservation initiatives, including science-based development and prioritization of landscape-level initiatives. She also manages the organization’s Riparian Conservation Program, which was recognized with the 2014 Western PA Environmental Award from the PA Environmental Council. Katie holds a B.S in environmental resource management from Penn State and an M.S. in wildlife and fisheries biology from Frostburg State University.

Sponsored by Scot Chambers

Doreen Perks Founder Bob Perks Fund P.O. Box 313 (814) 231-2692

After Doreen’s husband, Bob, local Coaches vs. Cancer co-founder, died of cancer in 2005, she helped develop the Bob Perks Fund to provide financial relief to families with a loved one fighting cancer. Since the inception in 2006, the BPF has allocated over $1,000,000 to help families in our community. Doreen, a Penn State alumna, lives with her two sons, Garrett, 14, and Ryan, 11.

Sponsored by Linda & Blake Gall

Lisa Peters,

Liz Piazza,

Epic specializes in title insurance, closings and abstracting research for purchase and refinance real estate transactions.

Lisa is the chairper son for the Central Chapter of Pennsylvania Land Title Association. She is currently ser ving as a member of the Board of Director s for the State Theatre .

As Sales Manager for Kissinger Bigatel & Brower REALTORS, her KBB agents produced over $345,000,000 in sales volume last year. Liz is on the board of the Centre County REALTORS, a member of the Pennsylvania Stateweide Professional Standards Committee and chairs the MLS Committee. She is also an active member of the CBICC. Liz has years of management experience, loves her job and loves working with the ver y best professionals in the business.

Owner Epic Abstract, Inc. and Epic Settlement Services, Inc. 2160 Sandy Drive, Suite C State College, PA

Miriam Powell

Director of Community Outreach Lady Lions Basketball 146 Bryce Jordan Center, Penn State (814) 865-3086

A former teacher and girls basketball coach, Miriam served as Pennsylvania Pink Zone executive director for five years before signing on with Lady Lions Basketball this year.

She facilitates community outreach opportunities for players, coaches, and staff, from volunteering at the food bank to reading to schoolchildren to supporting sexual violence awareness week. Miriam also is the team’s liaison with groups such as the Lady Lion Cager Club, Nittany Lion Club, and Pink Zone.

Sponsored by Lion’s Gate Apartments

Associate Broker Kissinger Bigatel & Brower REALTORS (814) 238 -8080

Denise Quinn

Vice President, Commercial Relationship Manager Kish Bank 2610 Green Tech Drive (814) 861-4660, ext. 8248

Denise is a par t of the Kish Bank commercial lending team, with over 30 years of experience in banking. At Kish, Denise provides solutions for clients’ financial needs and is a valuable resource for businesses in Centre County. Outside of Kish, Denise is active in community organizations, such as the CBICC and Leadership Centre County. Denise is currently President of the Central PA Chapter of Risk Management Associates.

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Annette Ratliff

Program Coordinator Housing Transitions (814) 237-4863 217 E. Nittany Ave.

Originally from West Virginia, Annette began working for Housing Transitions more than 17 years ago as shelter manager. In her current role as program coordinator, she oversees human resources, grants, and financial operations. Although she loves interacting with HT’s clients, she primarily works behind the scenes to ensure the successful operation of programs including emergency shelter and food pantr y, case management, suppor tive housing, and transitional housing.

Judge Pamela A. Ruest Centre County Common Pleas Court 102 S. Allegheny St., Bellefonte (814) 355-6727

Pamela began ser ving as the first female judge on The Cour t of Common Pleas of Centre County in Januar y 2008. She is in her second term as an appointed member on the Statewide Judicial Ethics Committee.

She is also a member of the United Way Women’s Leadership group, Altrusa, and the board of the Child Access Center. She chairs the Centre County Children’s Roundtable and par ticipates in the Regional and Statewide Children’s Roundtables.

Sponsored by Nancy Ring & Tom Ring, Re /m a x Centre Realty

Stephanie L. Schmidt, DBIA President Poole Anderson Construction 2121 Old Gatesburg Road 237-6667

With over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, Stephanie leads Poole Anderson, one of the largest commercial contractors in Central Pa.A 1998 graduate of Leadership Center County, she currently serves on the Pennsylvania Council of General Contractors and both the local and national Board of Directors of the Associated Builders & Contractors.

Stephanie was chosen as the 2014 Inductee into the PACE Construction Hall of Fame, an honor awarded by her peers in recognition of her achievements and dedication to the building industry.

Pam Strouse

Development & Marketing Manager

Discovery Space of Central PA 112 W. Foster Ave. (814) 234-0200

Pam joined the Discover y Space team in 2012 and loves seeing children and families explore the children’s science museum while learning and developing a love of science.

She is delighted by the growing number of member families and par ticipants in programs, camps, and outreach activities. As development and marketing manager, and longtime Centre County resident, Pam enjoys developing par tnerships with suppor ters, local businesses, and organizations to help Discover y Space continue to grow as a great community asset.

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Kathleen Raupach Board Member Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts 403 S. Allen St. (814)237-3682

Since 2004, Kathleen has guided her Penn State Recreation, Park and Tourism Management students in planning special events to benefit local nonprofits, state parks, and campus organizations. She loves event logistics and understands the benefits of special events to individuals and communities. A State College native and Penn State alumna, Kathleen grew up attending the Ar ts Festival.

She volunteers weekly with Centre County PAWS as an adoption counselor and has fostered many PAWS dogs.

Barbara Ryan

Minitab 1829 Pine Hall Road, State College 814.238.3280

As CEO of Minitab Inc., Barbara Ryan sets the company’s strategic, technological, and operational direction. Ryan and two colleagues from Penn State’s statistics depar tment first developed Minitab Statistical Software in 1972, and Minitab became a company in 1983.

Under her leadership, Minitab has become the leading software for quality initiatives worldwide. Ryan earned a bachelor’s degree from Queens College and a doctorate in mathematics from Cornell University. She is a fellow of the American Statistical Association.

Michelle Stroud, RN, BSN Chief Nursing Officer HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital 550 W. College Ave., Pleasant Gap

As Chief Nursing Officer, Michelle is responsible for leading the hospital’s nursing, pharmacy and respiratory teams.

With more than 20 years of professional experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, her goal is to ensure that quality care is delivered. Focused on safety and education, Michelle is proud of her patient care team. Michelle holds an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Mount Aloysius College, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Penn State. She is looking forward to her pursuit of an MBA in the fall. She lives locally with her husband and two sons and enjoys running and cooking.

Erica Vezza

Home Care Consultant Home Instead Senior Care 814 -238-8820

As Home Instead’s home care consultant, Erica meets with families one-on-one so their loved ones can remain at home independently. Erica also leads community outreach efforts, including: the Weekend Winedown (for Alzheimer’s) and Clearfield County’s Anne Thacik Auction. In her spare time, Erica volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Walk, the Geriatric Interest Network and PSU’s Healthy Aging Series. Developing and maintaining positive relationships comes easy for Erica. Nothing is more important to her than giving back to others. Erica is highly regarded for her compassion and understanding of clients’ needs. She resides in State College, which is also where she grew up.

Erica Walsh

Coquese Washington

Head Coach Nittany Lion Women’s Soccer 262 Recreation Building (814) 863-5372

Head Coach Lady Lion Basketball 146 Bryce Jordan Center (814) 863-2672

Coquese is finishing her ninth season as Lady Lion head coach. She guided the team to three consecutive Big Ten regular-season titles in 2012, 2013, and 2014 and four consecutive NCAA Tournament berths (2011-14), and has won three Big Ten Coach of the Year awards. Coquese holds a law degree from Notre Dame, played eight seasons of professional basketball (including seven in the WNBA), assists with Pink Zone’s fight against breast cancer, and created Coquese’s Drive for the Centre County Women’s Resource Center.”

In 2015, Erica coached the Nittany Lions to the NCAA title for the first time in program histor y and was named NSCAA National Coach of the Year. In her nine years at Penn State, the Nittany Lions have won the Big Ten regular season title eight times and advanced to the College Cup Final twice. Erica was named Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2009, 2012, and 2014.

Sponsored by Rick Tetzlaff of Wells Fargo Advisors

photo: Kish Bank

Sponsored by Andrew M. Moore,Tree Surgeon

Denise Wood

Ella J. Williams

Assoc., Broker, ABR, GRI, CRB, CNE Kissinger, Bigatel & Brower REALTORS® The Ella Williams Team

Keller Williams Advantage Realty Realtor

Denise recently celebr ated her 26th year as a licensed Realtor!

Her long-time exper ience as an honest, dependable , and tr ustwor thy real estate advocate , extends to both residential and commercial sales and proper ty management. She gladly ser ves clients in 5 counties, including Centre , Clinton, Clearfield, Huntingdon and Mifflin County. Denise’s passion for real estate is only sur passed by her love of animals! She volunteer s weekly for Fonda’s Foundlings, a cat rescue in State College .

2300 S. Atherton St • State College, PA 16801 Direct 814-280-3607 • 814-234-4000 ext 3142 www.1kbb.com/ella.williams Ella has been awarded and recognized among her peers as a multi-million dollar top producer and for serving her clients real estate needs in Centre Co and surrounding areas in residential, commercial and investments. With her experience as an Associate Broker, and her resources at KBB Realtors, she offers her clients the highest level of service, knowledge, and expertise. Making your Real Estate experience an enjoyable one!

Aimee Aiello

Aimee Aiello

Vilma Shu Danz

Vilma Shu Danz

Hailee Miller

Mimi Barash Coppersmith

Hailee Miller

Amy Ansari

Mimi Barash Coppersmith

Amy Ansari

These women at Barash Media work hard to make Town&Gown and The Centre County Gazette successful and enjoyable products for our readers.

Kathy George

Kathy George

Debbie Markel

Debbie Markel

Katie Myers

Katie Myers

Tiara Snare

Tiara Snare

Laura Specht

Laura Specht

These women at Barash Media work hard to make Town&Gown and The Centre County Gazette successful and enjoyable products for our readers.

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G ot ley ’s l a V py ed l H ap es the gift hile a u n n w s The a t showca e County n r t e Tal for Cen rs in g money e m r perfo lso raisin ogram a pr lle Tides pine S a enn

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appy Valley ’s Got Talent is not your average talent show. Each spring, about 40 of the best and brightest singers, dancers, and other performers from Centre County audition for one of 12 spots in the competition at the State Theatre. In the process, the event raises money for Tides, a program that of fers support to families who are dealing with the loss of a loved one.

Tides coordinator Holly Torbic says the idea for the event was inspired during a conference in 2011. The Tides staff had learned about a similar event that happened in the Pittsburgh area. Tides had been searching for a fundraiser to keep the organization running after a grant expired, so the timing was perfect, she says.

“Greene County did a similar fundraiser … the first year they had 40 people audition, the second year they had 200,” she says. “We knew our funding would be ending in 2011, and we needed funding to be self-sustaining. It was a risk, but we decided just to jump on it.”

The Tides program staff recruited Jerry Sawyer to coordinate the event. He had just retired from Penn State and had experience with production.

Sawyer, who had not heard of Tides before becoming involved with Happy Valley’s Got Talent, says he was excited to come on board, but apprehensive about the tight timeline.

“I thought, ‘Wow this is a great thing, it would be a great show. You want to do this next year, right?’ ” he says. “They wanted to do it in March, and it was January at the time, but we came together and pulled it off.”

This year’s show is April 2 at the State Theatre. Auditions were held February 27-28.

Contestants are split into three age brackets — “Future Fame” for ages 10 to 15 (it had previously been for ages 12 to 15 but was expanded to accommodate younger children), “Rising Stars” for ages 16 to 20, and “Prime Time” for ages 21 and older. Contestants are judged on several factors, including audience appeal, performance quality, and showmanship. Previous judges include Sue Paterno, State College mayor Elizabeth Goreham, and former Blue Band director Richard Bundy.

60 - T&G March 2016

Sawyer says the only limits on performances are that they cannot involve too much equipment and songs need to be family-friendly.

Acts are mostly singers, but also have included classical musicians, Penn State student groups, and even a hula hoop performer.

“We are open to just about anything as long as the performers can carry their instruments on and off stage without much setup sound-wise,” he says. “We keep trying to condense the show to prevent it from running too long.”

Allison Carr-Chellman attended the show last year with her children, who became inspired to audition themselves this year.

Alia, 13, and 12-year-old twins, Jules and Asher, will be performing a singing and dancing routine set to an ABBA song.

“Last year, we went to see what it was like and what people did,” Carr-Chellman says.

“They loved it, and as soon as we got in the car they were excited about doing it this year.”

She says her family is excited for the opportunity to perform and about supporting Tides and its mission.

“We have been fans of the Tides program for quite a long time,” she says. “[The talent show] is fun for us, but we recognize that it supports a good cause, as well.” ­— continued on page 62 Sawyer has produced Happy Valley’s Got Talent since it began in 2011.

Comfort to Those Who Have Lost

Tides continues to help families in their times of grief

By Jenna Spinelle

Tides, an organization that provides support to families who are dealing with the loss of a loved one, was founded in 2003 with seven families. It was bolstered in 2007 by a grant from Highmark insurance. It now serves more than 60 families who meet twice each month to draw support from each other as they go through the mourning process.

“It ’s a very open-ended model,”says Tides executive director SuzanneThompson.“Somefamiliesmaycomeforthreemonths,others come for two years.”

The open-ended nature of the program is a reason for its name, which refers to the ebb and flow of the grieving process. Meetings are heldonthefirstandthirdThursdayofeachmonthfrom6to7:45p.m.at Houserville Elementary. Dinner is provided.

Thompsonsaysthemeetings,alsoknownasTidesnights,areamixof social time for families and smaller breakout sessions separated by age groups. Tides nights are free to attend, but preregistration is required.

Thompson, along with program coordinator HollyTorbic and clinical coordinatorEvelynWald,conductintakemeetingswhentheyarecontacted by new families to determine whether Tides is the right fit for them.

“We try to find out pertinent information on how the loss has impactedthemandwheretheyarefunctioningasafamily,”Thompson says. “For example, if someone is suicidal or suffering from PTSD, it might not be a good fit for them right away, and we’ll refer them to other services before they begin working with us.”

InadditiontoTidesnights,thegroupalsopartnerswithTherapyDogs Internationaltoprovidepettherapytoitsfamiliesandcollaborateswith otherorganizationswhencrisissituationsoccurinthecommunity.

Like many nonprofits, Tides relies largely on volunteerstosupportday-to-dayoperations.

Thegroupcurrentlyhasabout45volunteers who assist withTides nights, send greeting cards to families on anniversaries of loved ones’ deaths, and help spread the word about the program at community events.Volunteersalsoprovidesupportfor fundraising and administrative tasks.

Thompson says the group is alwayslookingfornewvolunteers, especially as the number of familiesTidesservescontinues to grow. T&G Formoreinformation on becoming a Tides family or volunteer, visittidesprogram.org or call (814) 692-2233.

Holly Torbic 2016 March T&G - 61

­— continued from page 60 Each of the 12 finalists receives a cash prize, and the winner in each category receives time in a recording studio. Sawyer says contestants can audition more than one year, but winners are not permitted to audition again.

The judges’ votes are kept secret from Sawyer and other organizers to protect the integrity of the competition. Emcees Fred Metzger and Jerry Valeri ensure the show runs smoothly all evening.

Torbic says the caliber of talent in the area leads to a very professional production.

“This is not just a high school production type of thing,” she says. “Every year you think there’s no way they can top it — but every year they do!”

One of those acts was Carrie Brandon, who was a finalist in last year’s competition.

She received a musical theater degree from Penn State and also performed as a singersongwriter at Webster’s in State College and other venues in the area. She performed an original song on her guitar and appreciated the musical diversity in the program.

Last year, Hannah Richardson of State College won in the Future Fame category.

62 - T&G March 2016

“What was really cool is that all the acts were so different, and there was such a wide range of talent,” she says.

After graduating from Penn State in May, she moved to New York City and now performs in musical theater productions and in her own shows at clubs around the city.

Her debut EP, In the Fall, was released in February 2015.

Ashley Moore was a contestant in 2014 and says that, while the talent level is high, the atmosphere among contestants is friendly and welcoming.

“It seems as though everyone was behind each other. There was no cutthroat feeling from other performers,” she says. “If anyone needed advice, everyone was very helpful.”

Moore now lives in Portland, Oregon, but was active in the State College theater scene in 2014 while her husband pursued his PhD at Penn State. She came in second place at the talent show, and the exposure led her to compete in State College Idol and Altoona’s Got Talent.

She also knows what an organization such as Tides can mean to a family from when she lost her brother as a teenager.

Contributed photos (6)

Some who have competed in Happy Valley’s Got Talent include (clockwise from top left) Branda Smeltzer of Clearfield, Pia St. Pierre of State College, Gage Smocer and Ben Leskovansky from Bald Eagle Area High School, and Darlene Coulanges of Boston, who competed when she was a Penn State student.

Heidi Lynn Photography 2016 March T&G - 63

“I wish I had a program like Tides when I was dealing with the loss of my brother,” she says. “I wanted to participate in the competition, but when I found out who was behind it, it made it even more important.”

Between acts at Happy Valley’s Got Talent, Tides plays a slideshow of photos of loved ones lost by participants in the program. Torbic says this is a good way to introduce the audience to the organization while maintaining the privacy of participants.

“The Tides program is very confidential.

We would never take pictures — we want to respect privacy,” she says. “The slideshow gives the audience an insight into Tides because it’s hard to talk about.”

Happy Valley’s Got Talent is the main fundraiser for Tides and helps support its efforts during the year. Due in part to the success of the event, Tides executive director Suzanne Thompson says Tides has seen tremendous growth over the past few years. The program now serves 63 families from across Centre County.

Carrie Brandon finished fourth last year in the Prime Time category and now lives and performs in New York City.

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Amanda Townsend: Spring Break Service

Sean Cunningham of State College finished fourth in the Future Fame category last year.

She adds that the organization hopes to raise $50,000 with this year’s competition.

Last year’s event fell short of that, so they decided to keep the goal the same for 2016.

Funding primarily comes from sponsors and donations for raffles and a live auction held during the show. Previous raffle items included a trip to New York City to see a Broadway show and an iPad mini.

“Hundreds of volunteers and businesses donate their time, talent, and resources to make this event possible,” Thompson says.

“We couldn’t do it without them.

“We now have more families than ever in the program, which increases the cost of everything.

This event is one of the main things that is keeping our program going.” T&G For more information about Happy Valley’s Got Talent and the Tides Program, visit tidesprogram.org or call (814) 692-2233.

Jenna Spinelle is a freelance writer and journalism instructor in State College.

As a Penn State sophomore, Amanda Townsend spent her spring break in Appalachian Kentucky helping a family who lived in tiny shacks with no running water. The grandmother’s house was “one good gust away from toppling,” and the children wore the same clothes to school every day, with no shoes. “It was a level of poverty that I did not expect to see in America,” Townsend says. “That completely shocked me to the core. It changed everything.”

The trip was Townsend’s second with Penn State Alternative Breaks, which provides fall and spring opportunities for students to learn about themselves, others, and the world around them through service. Now executive director of the program, she is coordinating four trips this month involving more than 60 people who will be working on homelessness in North Carolina, rural poverty in West Virginia, disaster relief in New Jersey, and civil engagement in Cleveland (the trip she’ll be on).

Now a senior majoring in criminology, Townsend plans to take a gap year after graduation to volunteer in cities before studying criminal law with a concentration in social justice. For her, it all comes down to the people she works with and the people she serves. “I have met so many people from all over the world who want to do the same thing — help people.”

The Penn State Bookstore thanks Amanda Townsend and all faculty, staff, and students who carry out the university’s mission every day.

www.psu.bncollege.com 814-863-0205 2016 March T&G - 65

Spring Home & Garden Preview Time to think about those home-improvement projects you’ve waited all winter to tackle — and the professionals who can help

2016 March T&G - 69

Contributed photo

Rub a Dub-Dub, Get Rid of that Tub! More owners doing away with having a bathtub in master bath

By Paul Foresman

More than 4,000 people participated in home plan designer Design Basics’ online poll that asked, “If you have a bathtub in your master bath, how often do you take a bath in that tub?” Of the respondents, 78 percent answered, “Never.”

Why the trend toward tubless owner’s bathrooms?

Practicality. “We’ve only used the tub three times in five years!” was typical of regrets we heard over having to clean a bathtub that wasn’t being used — especially larger/deeper tubs. Another common lament was, “Who has time to soak in a tub?” Tubless bathrooms may mean less upkeep as well as room for a larger shower, separate vanities, or added storage.

Deleting a fancy tub also may save thousands of dollars — including installation — money that could be spent elsewhere.

Hygiene. When women realize jetted tubs are simply recirculating the same water with their hair and dead skin cells, they quickly lose interest in a whirlpool tub. In our interviews, some ladies thought soaking in a tub of dirty water and soap scum was just offensive. One individual said she felt she would need to shower off after taking a bath!

And women can develop infections due to soaking in a bubble bath or other products that can cause irritation.

Size matters. While 40 to 50 gallons of water fills a standard 5-foot tub, larger tubs take as much as 80 to more than 100 gallons, using all your hot water. And by the time they’re full, the water isn’t hot!

Environmentally-conscious folks object to all the water being used. Finally, with the average American male measuring 5-foot-10, a standard 5-foot bathtub just isn’t comfortable.

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More homes now have a larger shower in the master bathroom instead of a bathtub.

Age and accessibility. Younger buyers are typically more willing to explore tubless bathroom options. Several of the more mature women we spoke with cherished the idea of a long, hot soak, but the dangers associated with getting in and out of a bathtub often cast the deciding vote.

Resale. Realtors say buyers are shying away from homes that don’t have an oversize shower, regardless of the presence of a tub. Remodelers agree that if the seller’s budget allowed, taking the tub out of the master bath and installing a big shower was a sure way to get a home sold.

It just makes sense to have a bathtub in one of your home’s bathrooms. But the decision on including a tub in your owner’s suite comes down to your preferences — like being tired of dusting that tub! T&G Paul Foresman is vice president for Design Basics, one of America’s largest residential design firms. Design Basics has partnered with Fine Line Homes as the exclusive Woman Centric builder in Central Pennsylvania.

A Zero Energy Ready home will have significantly lower energy bills, which over time will offset the costs of higher quality building materials. The ability to add a renewable energy system at any time provides the owner with a potential buffer against future energy spikes and Zero Energy Ready Home offers an opportunity to eliminate energy bills.

Zero Energy Ready homes also have indoor program builds upon air quality requirements for healthier living.

ENERGY STAR The ventilation system optimizes airflow to keep indoor air cleaner and reduces potential mold

By Kate Gregory and moisture problems.

A tighter building envelope also means a reduction in drafts, fewer temperature fluctuations during the heating and cooling seasons, and increased comfort for you and your family.

Finally, the Zero Energy Ready home is forward-thinking.

Construction trends continue to move toward higher efficiency standards.

California, for instance, aims to have 100 percent of newly constructed homes be ZNE or ZNE Ready by 2020.

As the most populous state in the A Zero Energy Ready home has the ability to add a country, this will undoubtedly increase renewable energy system at any time. the momentum of residential ZNE construction nationwide.

With the addition of a renewable energy Are you considering building in Happy Valley system, a Zero Energy Ready home becomes a but thoughts of heating costs in Central PA keep ZNE home, offsetting electricity consumption you up at night? Fear not! The era of the Zero with renewable energy generation. While Net Energy (ZNE) home has arrived. generation and consumption may fluctuate In January 2013, the US Department of depending on the season, a ZNE home will have Energy launched the Zero Energy Ready Home an annual net electricity bill of zero. program, building upon the highly successful If you are planning on building a home in ENERGY STAR Certified Home program. the near or distant future, consider a contractor An ENERGY STAR Certified home is already specializing in high-performance construction. in the upper echelon of high-performance Pursue a higher standard for your new home — construction; a Zero Energy Ready home exceeds go for zero! T&G this certification with higher standards for energy efficiency. To be certified as Zero Energy Ready, a home must meet a number of energy-efficiency Kate Gregory is an energy and sustainability performance criteria, adhere to high standards analyst at Envinity, Inc. She is responsible for water-system efficiency and indoor air quality, for materials research for the forthcoming RE have roof area sufficient to support either solar Farm CafÊ, which is seeking Living Building electric or solar thermal (in the future), and Challenge (LBC) Certification. Her dream obtain third-party verification. is to see Centre County become a leader in Is it worth the effort to build your home Zero sustainable construction.

Energy Ready?

Contributed photo

Building a New Home? Go for Zero!

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Endless Possibilities Home and Garden Show brings together the professionals who can help with your future plans From Builders Association of Central PA Returning to the Bryce Jordan Center April 1-3, the Central PA Home and Garden Show provides a place for people who have a clear idea of what they want to do in their home as well as opportunities for those who need inspiration.

Abbie Jensen, executive officer of the Builders Association of Central Pennsylvania, says, “These builders and other vendors really are the best Centre County has to offer. I bought an old house in Centre Hall, and I’ve needed the services of many of our vendors!”

Jeff Bolze, president of Pennwood Home and Hearth, which is the show’s sponsor, has been a part of the show since it began in the Nittany Mall 32 years ago. “I really believe in the show,” he says. “It’s a place where local people can go to find local contractors and suppliers.”

CJ Henry of Green Horizon Landscape agrees, explaining that “there is no other place in Centre County where customers can speak with so many reputable businesses in one day. Visitors to the show get to compare options and meet local business owners face to face. I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to showcase my work!”

A new feature of the Home and Garden Show is the Home Show Marketplace. This exclusive area on the Concourse of the BJC will feature home-good product sales — Pampered Chef, KitchenCraft, Silpada, Nittany Valley Organics, Cutco, Scentsy, Pink Zebra, and Annie Sloan Paints are just a few of the local vendors who will be represented. Now, not only can you find someone at the Home and Garden Show to build your dream kitchen, you can buy the best products to stock it, too!

Whether you are looking for the person who will build your dream home, remodel your 74 - T&G March 2016

Centre Park is at the center of the Bryce Jordan Center floor during the Home and Garden Show.

kitchen, replace your windows, or revamp your heating and conditioning system, you’ll find them at the Home and Garden Show. There are many ways that you can get involved in activities surrounding the Home and Garden Show.

Get creative Stop by Pennwood Home and Hearth (294 West College Avenue, Pleasant Gap)

by March 25 and pick up your free wooden pallet. Then, use your creativity to turn that wooden pallet (and up to $20 worth of extra materials) into a fancy new item for your home — a wine rack, an end table, a bird house, a picture frame — anything!

Bring your pallet creation to the Home and Garden Show on Friday, April 1 — prizes will be awarded in two age groups: 18 and under and adult. E-mail Abbie Jensen at ajensen@ centralpabuilders.com to register before the show!

Nominate a veteran After the Home and Garden Show, thanks to the generous support of EP Henry, many of the pavers and block used to create the Centre Park will be donated to a veteran in Centre County. Students from the Central PA Institute of Science and Technology will work alongside members of the Builders Association of Central PA to install a beautiful patio. Nominations for a Centre County veteran are being accepted until March 18 at centralpabuilders.com.

Children’s Building Contest The show wouldn’t be complete without something for the kids — it is the 12th year for the Children’s Building Contest, which is sponsored by SPE Federal Credit Union and takes place Saturday, April 2. Kids ages 4 to 12 will build their Lego dream homes and compete for prizes. Preregistration is required.

Visit centralpabuilders.com to register!

Home Show Seminar Series Everyone knows that making decisions about your home can sometimes be daunting.

During the Home and Garden Show, you can attend seminars presented by local industry professionals on diverse topics such as picking the best flooring for your home, installing a new heating system, updating an outdoor living space, or refinishing an old favorite piece of furniture. A full list of seminars will be available at centralpabuilders.com after March 15. Best of all, seminars are free with your admission to the Home Show. T&G

32nd Annual Central Pennsylvania

Home and Garden Show Presented by:

Builders Association of Central PA and Pennwood Home and Hearth.

When:

April 1-3 (Friday 3-8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.).

Where:

Bryce Jordan Center.

Tickets: $6.

Children ages 12 and under are admitted free!

Free parking courtesy of Moon Brothers Landscaping.

For more information, visit centralpabuilders.com.

PA4640 2016 March T&G - 75

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This Month

on

Special programming made possible by members like you!

BAFTA Celebrates ‘Downton Abbey’ Sunday, March 6, at 8 p.m.

Doc Martin: Seven Grumpy Seasons Saturday, March 12, at 8 p.m.

Going Out in Style: A ‘Downton Abbey’ Finale Screening Event Sunday, March 6, from 3–5 p.m.

The Atherton Hotel, State College The time has come to bid a fond farewell to our beloved Downton Abbey.

Join WPSU to partake in a lavish three-course high tea, win Downton Abbey prizes, and watch the Season 6 finale episode.

Prizes will be awarded for the best Downton Abbey costume!

Tickets: $60 To register, visit wpsu.org/downtonabbey or call Tamra at 814-863-6635.

American Masters: Loretta Lynn, Still a Mountain Girl Friday, March 4, at 9 p.m.

Explore the country legend’s hard-fought road to stardom. From her Appalachian roots to the Oscar-winning biopic Coal Miner’s Daughter, Loretta Lynn struggled to balance family and her music career and is still going strong over 50 years later.

wpsu.org

76 - T&G March 2016

U.Ed. OUT

Celtic Woman: Destiny Thursday, March 17, at 8 p.m.

Reasons to Stay

Starting Tuesday, March 22 The State College area can feel transient. Students leave, but so do established professionals. WPSUFM will profile a range of locals about why they stay and why they sometimes consider leaving, through stories on the radio and online.

Is high turnover an inevitability of a college town? Can anything be done to keep young professionals? Weigh in on your reasons for staying or share pictures of your reasons, on the interactive website at wpsu.org/reasonstostay.

Conversations from Penn State Thursday, March 31, at 8 p.m.

Education administrator Shirley Malcom, of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, discusses the importance of STEM education and public science literacy with Penn State President Eric Barron.

For additional program information visit wpsu.org

MARCH

Coming to Bryce Jordan Center

MARCH 3 Nittany Lion Basketball vs. Northwestern 9 p.m.

6 Nittany Lion Basketball vs. Illinois Noon 9 Sesame Street Live presents Let’s Dance 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.

12 Barry Manilow 7:30 p.m.

23 Harlem Globetrotters 7 p.m.

Coming in April 1-3 Central PA Home and Garden Show Noon Fri., 10 a.m. Sat. & Sun. 15 Luke Bryan 7:30 p.m.

18 Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band 7:30 p.m.

24 Celebrations Showcase Wedding and Event Fair TBA 30 Monster Truck Nationals 6:30 p.m.

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March

what's happening 12 Barry Manilow brings his One Last Time! tour to the Bryce Jordan Center.

17 The popular Research Unplugged series begins its spring schedule with Jessica Caron discussing, “Breaking Silence: New Approaches to Communication for Non-Verbal Children.”

2 Los Lobos performs at the State Theatre.

13 The State College Spikes hold their annual SpikesFest at the Penn State Multi-Sport Facility.

6 Penn State’s men’s basketball team wraps up its regular season hosting Illinois at noon at the Bryce Jordan Center.

6-12 Spring break week for Penn State students.

16 Karen Abbott, author of the Centre County Read selection Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy, speaks at the HUB-Robeson Center.

16

9 Elmo and friends visit the Bryce Jordan Center for Sesame Street Live’s Let’s Dance.

Patty Griffin (left), Sara Watkins, and Anais Mitchell perform at Eisenhower Auditorium.

22 Pianist Christopher Guzman is the featured soloist at Nittany Valley Symphony’s “From the New World” concert at Eisenhower Auditorium.

26 Centre Region Parks and Recreation holds its annual Easter Egg Hunt at Orchard Park, while Historic Bellefonte holds its annual Easter Egg Hunt at Talleyrand Park.

29-April 6 It’s the “Age of Aquarius” as Penn State Centre Stage presents Hair at the Penn State Downtown Theatre Center.

To have an event listed in “What’s Happening," e-mail dpenc@barashmedia.com.

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Children & Families

Classes & Lectures

2, 9, 23, 30 – Baby Explorers, Discovery Space of Central PA, SC, 10:30 a.m., mydiscoveryspace.org.

3, 10, 24, 31 – Science Adventures, Discovery Space of Central PA, SC, 10:30 a.m., mydiscoveryspace.org.

4, 11, 25 – Music Makers, Discovery Space of Central PA, SC, 10:30 a.m., mydiscoveryspace.org.

5 – Good Humor Day, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 11 a.m., schlowlibrary.org.

5 – Block Party, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 2 p.m., schlowlibrary.org.

6 – Celebrate National Pig Day!, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, all day, schlowlibrary.org.

7-9, 24, 25 – Discovery Day, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 11 a.m., schlowlibrary.org.

12 – Saturday Stories Alive, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 11 a.m., schlowlibrary.org.

14, 15, 17, 21, 22, 24 – Music Together free trial class for children 0-5, Oakwood Presbyterian Church, SC, 10:45 a.m. Mon., 6 p.m.

Tues., 9:30 or 10:45 a.m. Thurs., 466-3414.

16, 19, 23, 26 – Music Together free trial class for children 0-5, Houserville United Methodist Church, SC, 9:30 or 10:45 a.m. Wed., 10:30 a.m. Sat., 466-3414.

19 – World Stories Alive (Arabic), Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 11 a.m., schlowlibrary.org.

20 – S is for Spring, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 2 p.m., schlowlibrary.org.

26 – World Stories Alive (Romanian), Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 11 a.m., schlowlibrary.org.

26 – Elementary Explorers, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 2 p.m., schlowlibrary.org.

29 – Author Visit: Will Hillenbrand, author/illustrator of Kite Day!, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 6:30 p.m., schlowlibrary.org.

31 – Pajama Concert, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 6:30 p.m., schlowlibrary.org.

1 – “Reimagining the Civil War: Gender Roles and the Ethics of History,” Paterno Library, PSU, 3:30 p.m., centrecountyreads.org.

1 – Central PA Civil War Round Table: “Misplaced Massacre: Struggling over the Memory of Sand Creek,”

by Ari Kelman, PA Military Museum, Boalsburg, 7 p.m., pamilmuseum.org.

2 – “Commence Fire, Check Fire, Cease Fire: Friendly Fire Incidents in the US during WWI" by Robert Baldwin, PA Military Museum, Boalsburg, 7:30 p.m., pamilmuseum.org.

1, 15 – “A Joint Venture,” information session on hip or knee replacement, Mount Nittany Medical Center, SC, 11 a.m.

March 1, 7 p.m. March 15, 278-4810.

13 – Docent Choice Tours: “Portraits”

by Marcia Heitzmann, Palmer Museum of Art, PSU, 2 p.m., palmermuseum.psu.edu.

15 – Straight Talk for People Who Care About Kids: Gaming Addicting, Mount Nittany Middle School, SC, 7 p.m., janamariefoundation.org.

16 – Gallery Talk: Mark Pavlik, Penn State All-Sports Museum, PSU, noon, gopsusports.com/museum.

16 – Karen Abbott, HUB-Robeson Center, PSU, 7 p.m., centrecountyreads.org 17 – Research Unplugged: “Breaking Silence: New Approaches to Communication for Non-Verbal Children”

by Jessica Caron, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 12:30 p.m., schlowlibrary.org.

18 – Gallery Talk: “A Brief History of American History Painting: Benjamin West and Tompkins H. Matteson” by Adam Thomas, Palmer Museum of Art, PSU, 12:10 p.m. palmermuseum.psu.edu.

19 – Wellness Forum for High School Aged Young Women, Mount Nittany Middle School, SC, 8:45 a.m., janamariefoundation.org.

19 – Gadgets for Grownups: iCloud Basics, Schlow Library, SC, 10:30 a.m., schlowlibrary.org.

20 – Docent Choice Tours: “Secrets at the Palmer” by Joanne Bennett, Palmer Museum of Art, PSU, 2 p.m., palmermuseum.psu.edu.

22 – Penn State Forum Speaker Series: “Science, Technology, and Possibility”

by Shirley Malcolm, Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, PSU, 11:30 a.m., sites.psu.edu/forum.

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24 – Research Unplugged: “Look Ma, No Hands! The Future of Self-Driving Cars”

by Sean Brennan, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 12:30 p.m., schlowlibrary.org.

25 – Paper Views Conversation: “Pastel Potpourri” by Central Pennsylvania Pastel Society, Palmer Museum of Art, PSU, 1 p.m. palmermuseum.psu.edu.

28 – Eve Ensler, HUB-Robeson Center, PSU, 6:30 p.m., studentaffairs.psu.edu/ womenscenter.

29 – “Vulnerable Art and Trauma Survivorship” by Hyunji Kwon, Palmer Museum of Art, PSU, 2:30 p.m., palmermuseum.psu.edu.

29 – Lecture: “Beyond the Gesture” by Shinique Smith, Palmer Museum of Art, PSU, 4:30 p.m., studentaffairs.psu.edu/womenscenter.

31 – Research Unplugged: “Pharmacy in the Forest: Cultivating and Conserving Native Medicinal Plants”

by Eric Burkhart, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 12:30 p.m., schlowlibrary.org.

Club Events 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – State College Rotary Club, Nittany Lion Inn, SC, 5:30 p.m., statecollegerotary.org.

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – State College Sunrise Rotary Club, Hotel State College, SC, 7:15 a.m., kfragola@psualum.com.

2, 16 – Outreach Toastmasters, The 329 Building, Room 413, PSU, noon, kbs131@psu.edu.

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 – State College Downtown Rotary, Ramada Inn & Conference Center, SC, noon, centrecounty .org/rotary/club/.

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 – Comics Club, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 3:30 p.m., schlowlibrary.org.

5, 12, 19, 26 – Go Club, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 1:30 p.m., schlowlibrary .org.

5, 12, 19, 26 – Chess Club, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 2 p.m., schlowlibrary.org.

7, 24 – Knitting Club, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 5:30 p.m., schlowlibrary.org.

Bellefonte Intervalley area ChamBer volunteer faIr! March 5th 10 AM to 2 PM

American Philatelic Society at the Match Factory in Bellefonte This free event offers the public a way to conveniently speak with many community service organizations that need volunteers - making it easy to see what is available and to find a volunteer opportunity that matches the interests and time available of each person or family.

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8 – Nittany Valley Writers’ Network, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 6 p.m., schlowlibrary.org.

9 – Women’s Welcome Club of State College, Oakwood Presbyterian Church (not church affiliated), SC, 7 p.m., womenswelcomeclub.org.

9 – 148th PA Volunteer Infantry Civil War Reenactment Group, Hoss’s Steak and Sea House, SC, 7:30 p.m., 861-0770.

10, 24 – Embroidery Club, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 5:30 p.m., schlowlibrary .org.

15 – Evening Book Club, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 6:30 p.m., schlowlibrary org.

19 – Boardgaming Meetup, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 10 a.m., schlowlibrary.org.

19 – Lego Club, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 2 p.m., schlowlibrary.org.

21 – Parrot Owner’s Group, Perkins, SC, 7 p.m., 237-2722.

23 – Afternoon Book Club, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 2 p.m., schlowlibrary.org.

23 – Applique Club, Schlow Centre Region Library, SC, 6 p.m., schlowlibrary.org.

Community Associations & Development 3 – CBICC Member Information Session, CBICC, SC, 8 a.m., cbicc.org.

10 – CBICC Business After Hours: Carnegie Inn & Spa, 5:30 p.m., cbicc.org.

15 – Spring Creek Watershed Association, Patton Township Municipal Building, SC, 7:30 a.m., springcreekwatershed.org.

23 – Patton Township Business Association, Patton Township Municipal Building, SC, noon, 237-2822.

Exhibits Ongoing-3 – Coded Language, HUB Gallery, PSU, studentaffairs.psu.edu.

Ongoing-6 – Optics of the Poles – A Visual Expression of Polar Research at Penn State, Art Alley, PSU, studentaffairs.psu.edu.

Ongoing-20 – Everyday Iron: Iron Objects of the 18th & 19th Centuries, Centre Furnace Mansion, SC, 1-4 p.m. Sun., Wed., & Fri., centrehistory.org.

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Rembrandt’s “Christ Healing the Sick” is part of the Palmer Museum of Art’s exhibition, Small Prints, Big Artists: Renaissance and Baroque Masterpieces from Carnegie Museum of Art.

Ongoing-27 – Dinor Bleu: Devoted to the Diner, Bellefonte Art Museum for Centre County, Bellefonte, 1-4:30 p.m. Fri.Sun., bellefontemuseum.org.

Ongoing-April 22 – Art Collectors Grace Hampton and Charles Dumas, Robeson Gallery, PSU, studentaffairs.psu.edu.

Ongoing-May 8 – Consciously Surreal: Photography, the Uncanny, and the Body, Palmer Museum of Art, PSU, 10 a.m.4:30 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun., palmermuseum.psu.edu.

Ongoing-May 8 – From Dada to Dali: Surrealist Works on Paper, Palmer Museum of Art, PSU, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tues.Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun., palmermuseum.psu.edu.

Ongoing-May 15 – Small Prints, Big Artists: Renaissance and Baroque Masterpieces from Carnegie Museum of Art, Palmer Museum of Art, PSU, 10 a.m.4:30 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun., palmermuseum.psu.edu.

1-29 – Pinnacle, Fraser Street Gallery, SC, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Fri., noon-4 p.m. Sat., fraserstgallery.com.

11-20 – Figurative Exhibition, Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania, Lemont, artalliancepa.org.

19-April 24 – Penn State Center for Arts and Crafts Artists and Instructors Exhibition, Art Alley, PSU, studentaffairs.psu.edu.

19-April 24 – School of Visual Arts Graduate Research Exhibition, HUB Gallery, PSU, studentaffairs.psu.edu.

25 – Paper Views: Pastel Potpourri, Palmer Museum of Art, PSU, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., palmermuseum.psu.edu.

Health Care For schedule of blood drives visit redcross.org or givelife.org.

4, 8 – Juniper Village at Brookline’s Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group, Mount Nittany Dining Room at The Inn, SC, 1 p.m.

Fri., 6:30 p.m. Tues., 231-3141.

7 – Breast Cancer Support Group, Mount Nittany Medical Center, SC, 5:30 p.m., 231-6870.

8 – Brain Injury Support Group, HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital, Pleasant Gap, 7 p.m., 359-3421.

9 – Senior Center Diabetes Support Group, Centre Region Senior Center, SC, 10:15 a.m., 231-3076.

9 – Fertility Issues and Loss Support Group, Choices (2214 N. Atherton St.), SC, 6 p.m., heartofcpa.org.

10 – Parents-to-be Orientation, Mount Nittany Medical Center, SC, 6:30 p.m., 231-3132.

13 – Ostomy Support Group of the Central Counties, Mount Nittany Medical Center, SC, 2 p.m., 234-6195.

16 – Alzheimer’s Support Group, Elmcroft Senior Living, SC, 6:30 p.m., 235-7675.

17 – Better Breathers Support Group, HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital, Pleasant Gap, 2 p.m., 842-6026.

21 – Cancer Survivors’ Association, Mount Nittany Medical Center, SC, 11:30 a.m., 238-6220.

22 – Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital, Pleasant Gap, 6 p.m., 359-3421.

27 – Neuropathy Support Group of Central PA, Mount Nittany Medical Center, SC, 2 p.m., 531-1024.

28 – Heart Healthy Support Group for Heart Failure, HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital, Pleasant Gap, 4 p.m., 359-3421.

29 – Stroke Support Group, HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital, Pleasant Gap, 4 p.m., 359-3421.

Former Live lead singer Ed Kowalczyk performs March 20 at the State Theatre.

Music 2 – Los Lobos, State Theatre, SC, 8 p.m., thestatetheatre.org.

2 – Penn State School of Music: Inner Dimensions and Outer Dimensions Jazz Ensembles, Esber Recital Hall, PSU, 8 p.m., music.psu.edu.

3 – Low Lily, State College Presbyterrian Church, SC, 4:30 p.m., abfamilyconcert@ gmail.com.

3 – Russian National Orchestra, Eisenhower Auditorium, PSU, 7:30 p.m., cpa.psu.edu.

6 – Easterly Chamber Players, Centre County Library Historical Museum, Bellefonte, 2:30 p.m., bellefontearts.org.

12 – Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra presents “An Italian Serenade: Pomeriggio Musicale,” Tavern Restaurant, SC, 1 p.m., centreorchestra.org.

12 – Barry Manilow, BJC, PSU, 7:30 p.m., bjc.psu.edu 16 – Art of Music: Sax and Violins: A Fresh Look at Classic Repertoire, Palmer Museum of Art, PSU, 12:10 p.m., palmermuseum.psu.edu.

16 – Patty Griffin, Sara Watkins, and Anais Mitchell, Eisenhower Auditorium, PSU, 7:30 p.m., cpa.psu.edu.

18 – Penn State School of Music: Penn State Graduate Exhibition, Esber Recital Hall, PSU, 7 p.m., music.psu.edu.

18 – The Machine performs Pink Floyd, State Theatre, SC, 8 p.m., thestatetheatre.org.

20 – Penn State School of Music: “Fruhling Posaunen” Festival, Esber Recital Hall, PSU, 4 p.m., music.psu.edu.

20 – Ed Kowalczyk, State Theatre, SC, 7:30 p.m., thestatetheatre.org.

21 – Penn State School of Music: Musica Nova, Esber Recital Hall, PSU, 8 p.m., music.psu.edu.

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22 – Nittany Valley Symphony presents “From the New World,” Eisenhower Auditorium, PSU, 7:30 p.m.

23 – Penn State School of Music: Faculty Spotlight Concert, Esber Recital Hall, PSU, 8 p.m., music.psu.edu.

24 – The Second Winds, American Ale House & Grill, 3 p.m., 237-9701.

26 – Malcolm Holcombe, Center for WellBeing, Lemont, 7:30 p.m., acousticbrew.org.

30 – Penn State School of Music: Brass Area Recital, Esber Recital Hall, PSU, 8 p.m., music.psu.edu.

Special Events 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – Boalsburg Farmers’ Market, St. John’s United Church of Christ, Boalsburg, 2 p.m., boalsburgfarmersmarket.com.

4 – First Friday, Downtown State College, 5 p.m., firstfridaystateCollege.com.

4, 11, 18, 25 – Downtown Farmers Market, State College Municipal Building, SC, 11:30 a.m., statecollegefarmers.com.

5 – Volunteer Fair, American Philatelic Society at the Match Factory, Bellefonte, 10 a.m., bellefontechamber.org.

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5, 12, 19, 26 – Millheim Farmers’ Market, Old Gregg Mills Farmers’ Market, Spring Mills, 10 a.m., centralpafarmers.com.

12-13 – Charter Day Weekend, PA Military Museum, Boalsburg, 10 a.m., 466-6263.

13 –SpikesFest, Penn State Multi-Sport Facility, PSU, 2 p.m., statecollegespikes.com.

23 – Harlem Globetrotters, BJC, PSU, 7 p.m., bjc.psu.edu 23 – Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt, Millbrook Marsh Nature Center, SC, 8 p.m., crpr.org.

26 – Historic Bellefonte Easter Egg Hunt, Talleyrand Park, TBA, Bellefonte, visitbellefonte.com.

26 – CRPR Easter Egg Hunt, Orchard Park, SC, 2 p.m., crpr.org.

Sports For tickets to Penn State sporting events, call (814) 865-5555 or visit gopsusports.com.

3 – PSU/Northwestern, men’s basketball, BJC, PSU, 9 p.m.

4 – PSU/Cal State Northridge, men’s volleyball, Rec Hall, PSU, 7:30 p.m.

5 – PSU/Loyola, women’s lacrosse, Penn State Lacrosse Field, PSU, 1 p.m.

5 – PSU/Long Beach State, men’s volleyball, Rec Hall, PSU, 7:30 p.m.

6 – PSU/Illinois, men’s basketball, BJC, PSU, noon.

11 – PSU/Nebraska, men’s gymnastics, Rec Hall, PSU, 7 p.m.

12 – PSU/Harvard, men’s lacrosse, Penn State Lacrosse Field, PSU, noon.

12 – Big Five Qualifier, women’s gymnastics, Rec Hall, PSU, 1 p.m.

16 – PSU/Princeton, women’s lacrosse, Penn State Lacrosse Field, PSU, 3 p.m.

18 – PSU/St. Francis (PA), men’s volleyball, Rec Hall, PSU, 7 p.m.

18-20 – PSU/Niagara, baseball, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, PSU, 5:30 p.m. Fri., 2 p.m. Sat., noon Sun. 19 – PSU/Michigan State, men’s tennis, Sarni Tennis Center, PSU, 1 p.m.

19 – PSU/Temple, men’s tennis, Sarni Tennis Center, PSU, 4 p.m.

19 – PSU/Ohio State, men’s volleyball, Rec Hall, PSU, 7 p.m.

19-20 – PSU/Hofstra, softball, Beard Field at Nittany Lion Softball Park, PSU, 1 & 3 p.m.

Sat., 1 p.m. Sun. 20 – PSU/Wisconsin, women’s tennis, Sarni Tennis Center, PSU, 11 a.m.

21 – PSU/UC Irvine, men’s volleyball, Rec Hall, PSU, 7 p.m.

22 – PSU/West Virginia, baseball, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, PSU, 6:30 p.m.

23 – PSU/Robert Morris, softball, Beard Field at Nittany Lion Softball Park, PSU, 5:30 & 7:30 p.m.

23 – PSU/Rhode Island, baseball, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, PSU, 6:30 p.m.

25 – PSU/Lewis, men’s volleyball, Rec Hall, PSU, 7 p.m.

26 – PSU/Loyola, men’s volleyball, Rec Hall, PSU, 7 p.m.

29 – PSU/Youngstown State, baseball, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, PSU, 6:30 p.m.

30 – PSU/Binghamton, baseball, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, PSU, 6:30 p.m.

30 – PSU/Drexel, women’s lacrosse, Penn State Lacrosse Field, PSU, 7 p.m.

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The Moscow Festival Ballet brings its production of The Sleeping Beauty to Eisenhower Auditorium March 31.

Theater 2 – Art of Poetry: Abby Minor, Palmer Museum of Art, PSU, 12:10 p.m., palmermuseum.psu.edu.

5 – Metropolitan Theatre Live in HD presents Puccini’s Manon Lescaut, State Theatre, SC, 12:55 p.m., thestatetheatre.org.

9 – Sesame Street Live presents Let’s Dance, BJC, PSU, 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m., bjc.psu.edu.

20 – Bolshoi Ballet presents Spartacus, State Theatre, SC, 3 p.m., thestatetheatre.org.

20 – Fuse Contemporary Play Reading Series: Disgraced, Singing Onstage Studios, SC, 7 p.m., fuseproductions.org.

22 – State of the Story: “Growing from Loss Through Grief to Transformation,” State Theatre, SC, 7 p.m., thestatetheatre.org.

23 – Arctic Rhythms, Eisenhower Auditorium, PSU, 7:30 p.m., cpa.psu.edu.

24, 26 – Penn State School of Music: Opera Theatre presents The Barber of Seville, State Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 1:30 p.m.

Sat., music.psu.edu.

25 – National Theatre Live in HD presents Les Liaisons Dangereuses, State Theatre, SC, 7 p.m., thestatetheatre.org.

29-April 9 – Penn State Centre Stage presents Hair, Penn State Downtown Theatre Center, SC, 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. matinee April 2), theatre.psu.edu.

31 – Moscow Festival Ballet presents The Sleeping Beauty, Eisenhower Auditorium, PSU, 7:30 p.m., cpa.psu.edu. T&G

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Nursing Home Planning•In-Home Care Planning Trusts•Wills•Living Wills•Powers of Attorney

H. Amos Goodall Jr., Certified Elder Law Attorney

328 S. Atherton St., State College 814-237-4100 • www.centrelaw.com

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T& G

from the vine

A Learning Experience Devoting a year to Italian wines yields fruitful results

By Lucy Rogers

A year ago, as I sat in a local Italian restaurant for halfpriced bottle night, I realized that my knowledge of the all-Italian wine list was somewhat limited. Sure, I knew something about Chianti and the Tuscan region from which it hails and of the famous Barolos of Piedmont, but I also knew that there are 900 wine grapes growing in Italy in every single region of the country. There was no way for me to navigate that list without doing research ahead of time, or spending far too much time at the table bent over my smartphone, poring over Wine Spectator reviews just to determine what was a good wine at a reasonable price, or an appropriate pairing for the food I was about to order.

Generally speaking, it is not difficult to get a basic understanding of each Italian region and what wine grapes are grown there. What can be confusing is understanding how wines are classified and therefore labeled. Italy uses a quality assurance system. If a wine has the letters “DOC” on the label, (Denominazione Origine Controllata, or Controlled Designation of Origin), it means that the wine’s producers adhered to certain restrictions and/or standards when making the wine, and the specific DOC that is on the label signifies a specific geographic area.

Every single Italian wine region produces DOC wines.

However, many also have DOCG wines (Denominazione Origine Controllata Garantita), meaning the wines with that 88 - T&G March 2016

moniker were made with even more stringent requirements and with more limitations on what grapes and percentages of those grapes can be used. To be honest, that’s about as much as most people can grasp when it comes to reading Italian wine labels because they become overwhelmed when the names of these very geographicallyspecific wines do not give much indication of the larger region from which they hail.

The overwhelming part hits you when you think this system makes sense and you’re ready to apply yourself to learning it, and then you realize the sheer numbers involved in your task: In 21 wine regions, there are 329 DOC wines and 74 DOCG wines — and who knows how many producers exist in each one of those DOCs and DOCGs. Then it hits you that this unknown but dizzying number does not include the increasing number of IGT wines (Indicazione Geografica Tipica, i.e., wines that have eschewed the government’s guidelines and labeling requirement in order to make wines the way they want to — Tenuta San Guido’s Sassicaia is one of the most famous examples of an outstanding, award-winning IGT wine produced in Tuscany).

Which brings me back to my original plight, and this project. I knew the numbers were daunting, but it didn’t diminish my desire to understand. I felt that if I really wanted to learn more about the individual regions, it had to be in a focused context, making the wines of each region front and center for a year of tasting — that as a group we could taste multiple examples of wines made from the same grape from the same region; that there would be structure to this exercise.

Wines would be tasted on their

own first, for an assessment as simply wine in the glass, and then evaluated again when paired with regional cuisine.

And just like that, over the course of that January 2015 meal, my dining companions and I — committed wine enthusiasts all — decided that the rest of 2015 would be devoted to exploring Italian wine: 21 regions over 12 months, in what had to be at least 26 Italianwine-and-food-centric tastings, all of us making food that was typical of the particular region we were studying at that tasting.

Needless to say, we had a great time eating and drinking our way through Italy, so to speak. And while most of us knew a thimbleful about Italian wines in January 2015, I am happy to report that in March 2016 we know at least a quarter cup’s worth (there’s just so much to know). In a nutshell, here is the best of what we learned: 1. Italian wines — as varied as they are from region to region and, therefore, climate to climate — always taste better when they are consumed with food. The more closely associated the food is to where the wine is produced, the better.

2. As a result of rule number one, we did not find a ton of wines that stood out as wines to drink on their own as a cocktail. Having said that, there are always exceptions. Prosecco, the sparkler whose origins span the Veneto to Friuli, will always be able to stand alone, as will those fruit-forward Lambruscos from EmiliaRomagna and sparkling wines from Asti. While Moscato d’Asti will tend to be on the sweeter side and serve better as or with dessert, there are many dry sparkling wines produced in Italy — do not dismiss them!

3. In respect to rule number two, there is no question that some Italian-wine producers have realized that there is an (American) market for wines that are easy drinking and don’t need food to be fully enjoyed. We came across a few of them, and interestingly, they did not work as well with traditional Italian cuisine. It doesn’t mean they weren’t enjoyable, they just didn’t seem to fit the typical Italian profile.

4. In terms of QPR (quality-to-price ratio), we all agreed that Montepulciano d’Abruzzo was a big winner. Montepulciano is the grape, Abruzzo is the region, and the many that we tried from the region were solid, easily approachable wines

with great dried-cherry flavors and medium-tofull body that overdelivered for their price.

5. In regard to rule number four, we found that for the most part, Italian wines overdelivered for the price when taking food into consideration.

That is to say, I would rather spend $25 on an Italian wine than an American wine. The American wine has a 50-50 chance of being better than the $25 spent on it. Italian wines?

Spend $25 (retail) and you will have made a better investment in your drinking experience.

6. Grapes we discovered? Let’s talk about Sagrantino. This is a grape indigenous to the region of Umbria (the only landlocked wine/ administrative region in all of Italy), and a grape not grown anywhere else in the world. That alone makes it worth seeking out. Yet this grape has so much more to offer than just its singularity. This is a wine with big tannins, earth, tar, leather … sounding like Barolo? Perhaps, but experts say that Sagrantino, while having the highest tannic levels of any grape in the world, is not actually meant to be aged the way Barolo really needs to be. Which is great news — we don’t have to wait 15 to 20 years to find the wine tasting its best. But because there are (relatively) few acres of Sagrantino under vine — mainly around the Montefalco subregion of Umbria — the price of these wines usually runs between $40 and $60 a bottle, if you can find them on your local store’s shelves at all.

But what fun to find something so interesting, so unique, and so new to many who pride themselves on their wine knowledge.

In the end, we had a great year of wine tasting and learning. As much as I love wine, I think I realized just how perfectly food and wine work together. I was happiest when Italian dishes — simple or complex — sat in front of me, while I tasted wines that had a sense of place. That food helped us orient ourselves to that place — the two belonged together. Of all the things I love to do, very little ranks higher than enjoying good food and drink with good company. Lucky for me, 2015 was loaded with both. Here’s to 2016! T&G

Lucy Rogers is the tasting room manager for Big Spring Spirits in Bellefonte. She can be reached at lucy@bigspringspirits.com, or you can find her in the tasting room.

2016 March T&G - 89

Taste of the Month

Expanding the Family Ventures Corner CafĂŠ & Grill owner latest in family to own a business

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By Vilma Shu Danz Photos by Darren Andrew Weimert

Homemade apple dumplings

C

oming from a family of business owners, Audra Knisely has always wanted to have her own business. Her parents own Knisely Shredding in Lock Haven and Michelle’s Dog House in Bellefonte. Her family also owns Ingram Fuels in Howard.

When the owners of Village Eatinghouse in Pleasant Gap decided to sell their café, located at 105 South Main Street, Knisely jumped on the opportunity.

Strawberry salad

Knisely, who has a degree in business management and marketing, opened the Corner Café & Grill in June 2015.

With recipes from Knisely’s mother and grandmother, the Corner Café serves breakfast and lunch. Knisely is determined to cater to the tastes of the local community by offering an eclectic combination of Pennsylvania Dutch classics and a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches.

“I have grab-and-go salads, fruit platters, cold sandwiches, and breakfast parfaits,” says Knisely, who had worked at the State College Borough Water Authority prior to opening Corner Café. “In addition, my mother comes in and makes all the homemade desserts, like the apple dumplings, coconut cream pie, S’more pie, and peanut butter pie.”

Pies are sold by the slice or can be purchased as six- or eight-slice pies for $20 and $26, respectively.

Other than the desserts, the most popular items include the tomato spinach frittata, baked quiche, homemade ham pot pie, and chicken noodle soup.

“I make all the homemade noodles in the chicken noodle soup and the ham pot pie as well as the rival noodles that are served with the pot roast,” explains Knisely. “My stepmom is from Thailand, so I started making authentic Thai spring rolls as a side dish, and that has become very popular, as well. I can’t wrap them fast enough!”

For lunch, the strawberry salad and the chicken and roasted-pepper Panini are some favorites of customers.

A unique breakfast item on the menu is the spelt waffle. Spelt, an ancient cereal grain, is a distant cousin of wheat.

2016 March T&G - 91

Coconut cream pie

Knisely with her son, Owen.

Baked orecchiette

with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.

“Most people don’t know what spelt is, but a lot of people who do try the waffles really like it,” says Knisely.

Look forward to seasonal changes to the menu, including homemade strawberry shortcake, blueberry buckle, and picnicstyle sides such as antipasti salad and deviled eggs.

The Corner Café & Grill also is available for catering and for private parties and bridal and baby showers for up to 30 people. T&G For more information on the Corner Café & Grill, call (814) 548-7380 or visit cornercafe.co.

For a special offer for $2 off an order of $15 or more for breakfast or lunch, visit townandgown.com.

Ham pot pie 92 - T&G March 2016

MOUNT NITTANY CLUB -- BEAVER STADIUM

T& G

dining out

All restaurants are in State College or on the Penn State campus, and in the 814 area code unless noted.

Full Course Dining bar bleu, 114 S. Garner St., 237-0374, bar-bleu.com. Socializing and sports viewing awaits at bar bleu. Don’t miss a minute of the action on 22 true 1080i HDMI high-definition flat-screen monitors displaying the night’s college and pro matchups. The bar serves up 16 draft beers in addition to crafted cocktails, including the “Fishbowl,” concocted in its own 43-ounce tank! Pub fare featuring authentic Kansas Citystyle barbecue is smoked daily on-site. AE, D, DC, ID+, MC, V. Full bar.

Barrel 21 Distillery & Dining, 2255 N. Atherton St., 308-9522, barrel21distillery.com.

A new dining experience brought to you by Otto’s Pub & Brewery, Barrel 21 presents a tapas menu featuring fusion cuisine highlighting our local resources. Menu inspirations will celebrate new culture and cuisine brought to Central PA from around the world. Offer lunch menu 11:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. Tues.-Sat. Distillery and tasting room will open in the fall after we have produced our own craft spirits. AE, D, MC, V. Full bar.

Carnegie House, corner of Cricklewood Dr. and Toftrees Ave., 234-2424. An exquisite boutique hotel offering fine dining in a relaxed yet gracious atmo- sphere. Serving lunch and dinner. Prix Fixe menu and à la carte menu selections now available. AAA Four Diamond Award recipient for lodging and fine dining.

Reservations suggested. AE, MC, D, V. Full bar.

Cozy Thai Bistro, 232 S. Allen St., 237-0139. A true authentic Thai restaurant offering casual and yet “cozy” family-friendly dining experience. Menu features wide selections of exotic Thai cuisine, both lunch and dinner (take-out available). BYO (wines and beer) is welcome after 5 p.m. AE, D, DC, MAC, MC, V.

The Deli Restaurant, 113 Hiester St., 237-5710, The DeliRestaurant.com. Since 1973, The Deli has served up New York-style deli favorites on an American menu offering everything from comfort food to pub favorites, all made from scratch. Soups, breads, sauces, and awardwinning desserts are homemade here early in the morning folks. Look for its rotating menu of food- themed festivals throughout the year. AE, D, DC, LC, MC, V. Full bar.

The Dining Room at the Nittany Lion Inn, 200 W. Park Ave., 865-8590. Fine continental cuisine in a relaxed, gracious atmosphere.

Casual attire accept- able. Private dining rooms available. AE, D, DC, MAC, MC, V. Full bar.

Duffy’s Boalsburg Tavern, On the Diamond, Boalsburg, 466-6241. The Boalsburg Tavern offers a fine, intimate setting reminiscent of Colonial times. Dining for all occasions with formal and casual menus, daily dinner features, specials, and plenty of free parking. AE, MC, V. Full bar.

Faccia Luna Pizzeria, 1229 S. Atherton St., 237-9000, faccialuna.com. A true neighborhood hang- out, famous for authentic New York-style wood-fired pizzas and fresh, homemade Italian cuisine. Seafood specialties, sumptuous salads, divine desserts, great service, and full bar.

Outside seating available. Sorry, reservations not accepted. Dine-in, Take out. MC/V.

Key AE............................................................American Express CB ...................................................................Carte Blanche D ................................................................. Discover/Novus DC.........................................................................Diners Club ID+ ................................................ PSU ID+ card discounts LC............................................................................. LionCash MAC........................................................................debit card MC........................................................................MasterCard V.......................................................................................... Visa ............................................... Handicapped-accessible

To advertise, call Town&Gown account executives Kathy George or Debbie Markel at (814) 238-5051.

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Galanga, 454 E. College Ave., 237-1718.

Another great addition to Cozy Thai Bistro.

Galanga by Cozy Thai offers a unique authentic Thai food featuring Northeastern Thai-style cuisine. Vegetarian menu selection available.

BYO (wines and beer) is welcome after 5 p.m.

AE, D, DC, MAC, MC, V. The Gardens Restaurant at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, 215 Innovation Blvd., Innovation Park, 863-5090. Dining is a treat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in The Gardens Restaurant, where sumptuous buffets and à la carte dining are our special- ties. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. Full bar, beer.

Gigi’s, W. College Ave, on the corner of Cato Ave., 861-3463, gigisdining.com. Conveniently located 5 minutes from downtown State College, Gigi’s is a farm-to-table dining experience inspired by the hottest southern trends. Outdoor Patio. Lunch & Dinner. Full Bar. AE, D, MAC, MC, V.

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The Greek, 102 E. Clinton Ave., 308-8822, thegreekrestaurant.net. Located behind The Original Waffle Shop on North Atherton Street.

Visit our Greek tavern and enjoy authentic Greek cuisine. From fresh and abundant vegetables to the most succulent kebabs, each dish has been perfected to showcase genuine Greek flavors. When we say “authentic,” we mean it. Full service, BYOB. D, MC, V. Herwig’s Austrian Bistro, “Where Bacon Is An Herb,” 132 W. College Ave., 272-0738. Located next to the State Theatre. Serving authentic Austrian home cooking in Central PA. Ranked #1 Ethnic Restaurant in State College for 8 years in a row. Eat-in, Take-Out, Catering. Glutenfree options available. Bacon-based dessert.

Homemade breads, BYO beer or wine all day.

Sense of humor required. D, MAC, MC, V.

Hi-Way Pizza, 1688 N. Atherton St., 237-0375, HiWayPizza.com. The State College tradition for nearly 50 years, nobody does it better than HiWay! Offering more than 29 varieties of handspun pizzas made from scratch offer an endless combination of toppings. Its vodka “flaky” crust and red stuffed pizzas are simply a must have.

Hi-Way’s menu rounds out with pasta dishes, calzones, grinders, salads, and other Italian specialties. Eat-in, Take-out, or Hi-Way delivery.

AE, D, DC, LC, MC, V. Full bar.

Taste of the Month

India Pavilion, 222 E. Calder Way, 237-3400.

Large selection of vegetarian and nonvegetarian dishes from northern India. Lunch buffet offered daily. We offer catering for groups and private parties. AE, D, MC, V.

Each month, Town&Gown highlights a local place to eat and offers a glimpse into the great dining of our community.

If it’s happening in Happy Valley, it’s in Town&Gown!

Award-winning pizza and Italian Cuisine.

Homemade… with only the best and freshest ingredients.

1229 S. Atherton St., State College

234-9000

W W W. F A C C I A L U N A . C O M 2016 March T&G - 97

Inferno Brick Oven & Bar, 340 E. College Ave., 237-5718, InfernoBrickOvenBar.com.

With a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere, Inferno is a place to see and be seen. A fullservice bar boasts a unique specialty wine, beer, and cocktail menu. Foodies — Inferno offers a contemporary Neapolitan brick-oven experience featuring a focused menu of artisan pizzas and other modern-Italian plates. Lunch and dinner service transi- tions into night as a boutique nightclub with dance- floor lighting, club sound system, and the area’s most talented resident DJs. AE, D, MAC, MC, V. Full bar.

Legends Pub at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, 215 Innovation Blvd., Innovation Park, 863-5080. Unwind with beverages and a casual lounge menu. AE, D, MC, V. Full bar.

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Mario’s Italian Restaurant, 272 N. Atherton St., 234-4273, MariosItalianStateCollege.com.

Fresh specialty dishes, pasta, sauces, hand-tossed pizzas, and rotisserie wood-grilled chicken all made from scratch are just a few reasons why Mario’s is authentically Italian! At the heart of it all is a specialty wood-fired pizza oven and rotisserie that imparts rustic flavors that can’t be beat! Mario’s loves wine and is honored with six consecutive Wine Spectator awards and a wine list of more than 550 Italian selections. Mario’s even pours 12 rotating specialty bottles on its WineStation® state-of-the-art preservation system. Reservations and Walk-Ins welcome. AE, D, DC, LC, MC, V. Full bar.

Otto’s Pub & Brewery, 2235 N. Atherton St., 867-6886, ottospubandbrewery.com. State College’s most awarded craft-beer pub and brewery featuring more than a dozen fresh, house-brewed ales and lagers on tap as well as fine, affordably priced, local American food with vegan and vegetarian offerings, a kids’ menu, weekly features, and seasonal menu. Open for lunch and dinner in a family-friendly, casual atmosphere. AE, D, MC, V. Full bar.

Philipsburg Elks Lodge & Country Club, 1 Country Club Lane, Philipsburg, 342-0379, philipsburgelks.com. Restaurant open to the public! Monday-Saturday 11-9, Sunday 9-3.

Member-only bar. New golf-member special, visit our Web site for summer golf special. AE MC, V. Full Bar (members only).

The Tavern Restaurant, 220 E. College Ave., 238-6116. A unique gallery-in-a-restaurant preserving PA’s and Penn State’s past. Dinner at The Tavern is a Penn State tradition. Major credit cards accepted. Full bar.

Whiskers at the Nittany Lion Inn, 200 W. Park Ave., 865-8580. Casual dining featuring soups, salads, sandwiches and University Creamery ice cream. Major credit cards accepted.

Full bar.

Zola Kitchen & Wine Bar, 324 W. College Ave., 237-8474. Zola Kitchen & Wine Bar features ingredient-driven, seasonal, new American cuisine paired with an extensive wine list, certified wine professional, and exceptional service. Zola’s also features a new climatecontrolled wine room, premium by-the-glass wine pours, fine liquor, and craft beer at its fullservice bar. Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week. Reservations recommended. Catering.

Free parking after 5:30 p.m. AE, D, DC, MAC, MC, V. Full bar.

Good Food Fast Baby’s Burgers & Shakes, 131 S. Garner St., 234-4776, babysburgers.com. Love poodle skirts, a jukebox playing the oldies, and delicious food cooked to order? Then Baby’s Burgers & Shakes is your kind of restaurant! Bring the entire family and enjoy a “Whimpy” burger, a Cherry Coke, or delicious chocolate shake, and top it off with a “Teeny Weeny Sundae” in our authentic 1947 Silk City Diner. Check out Baby’s Web site for full menu and daily specials! D, MC, V, MAC, Lion’s Cash.

India Pavilion Exotic Indian Cuisine

Open Daily

Lunch Buffet: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Dinner: 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

222 E. Calder Way 237-3400 www.indiapavilion.net

Carry Out Available

INGREDIENT DRIVEN • SEASONAL • NEW AMERICAN CUISINE EXTENSIVE WINE LIST • BY THE BOTTLE & GLASS

Delivery Available

814 . 237. 8474

ZOL AK I TCHEN .COM

MON. - THUR. 11: 30 -9PM • FRI. - SAT. 11: 30 -10 PM • SUN. 11: 30 - 8PM

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Fiddlehead, 134 W. College Ave., 237-0595, fiddleheadstatecollege.com. Fiddlehead is a soup-and-salad café offering soups made from scratch daily. Create your own salad from more than 40 fresh ingredients.

Irving’s, 110 E. College Ave., 231-0604, irvingsstatecollege.com. Irving’s is State College’s finest bakery café serving awardwinning bagels, espresso, sandwiches, salads, and smoothies.

HUB Dining, HUB-Robeson Center on campus, 865-7623. A Penn State tradition open to all! Enjoy 13 different eateries in the HUB-Robeson Center on campus. Jamba Juice, McAlister’s Deli, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, Higher Grounds, Sbarro, Soup & Garden, Diversions, Blue Burrito, Mixed Greens, Panda Express, and Sushi by Panda Express.V, MC, LC.

Meyer Dairy, 2390 S. Atherton St., 2371849. A State College Classic! Meyer Dairy is the perfect choice for a quick, homemade lunch with fresh soups and sandwiches or treat yourself to your favorite flavor of ice cream or sundae at our ice cream parlor. Fresh milk from our own dairy cows (we do not inject our cows with BST), eggs, cheese, ice cream cakes, baked goods, and more! Plus, Meyer Dairy is the best place to pick up your Town&Gown magazine each month! T&G

Meyer Dairy's

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration!

Thursday March 17th, 11:30-9 p.m.

Featuring Authentic Irish Fare, Music, and Bagpipes!

466-6241

www.duffystavernpa.com 100 - T&G March 2016

Located “On the Diamond” in Boalsburg

Hearty Homecooking!

Milk • Ice Cream • Eggs Cheese • Juices Pop's Mexi-Hots • Baked Goods • Sandwiches Ice Cream Cakes & More!

Open Daily 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.

2390 S. Atherton St. (814) 237-1849

T& G

lunch with mimi

Order in the Court

Darren Andrew Weimert

As Centre County’s newest judge, Katie Oliver hopes to bring more mediation to civil cases

Town&Gown founder Mimi Barash Coppersmith (left) talks with Judge Katie Oliver at The Field Burger & Tap in State College.

Taking office in January as the newly elected judge of the Centre County Court of Common Pleas, Katie Oliver brings more than 20 years of experience from her work as an attorney and partner at McQuaide Blasko Law Firm in State College. In her new role, she will be responsible for hearing and presiding over court cases of all types, marshalling the orderly progression of cases through the pretrial process to trial, and studying methods and programs to best serve those appearing before the court and the community in general.

Originally from Lewisburg, she started college at Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts. After two years, she transferred to Bucknell University and graduated cum laude in 1991, with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. In 1995, she was a summa cum laude graduate and class valedictorian of Penn State’s Dickinson Law School.

She resides in Pennsylvania Furnace with her husband, Chris, and their two daughters, Gwen and Tia, along with the family rescue puppy, Dallas.

Town&Gown founder Mimi Barash Coppersmith sat down with Oliver at The Field Burger & Tap at Toftrees Golf Resort in State College to discuss why she ran for judge, how her experience will aid in her new position, and how she feels about the current judicial system.

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Mimi: Why did you decide to run for judge?

Katie: Fabulous question, and I think I have to back up a little bit to say that practicing law for the last 20 years has been just a terrific experience and challenge. I am so lucky to work with a law firm that has such diverse clients, so I’ve worked on so many different kinds of matters, and I love that!

Probably over the past maybe four or five years I have been thinking more about how I might branch out a little bit, if you will, looking at different community organizations, nonprofit organizations, just thinking about how I might share more of myself and make a difference. And so when this opportunity came up — and came up fairly unexpectedly — it just seemed like the right thing for me. It seemed like the right thing because it was a way that I could take the talents that I’ve developed over the last 20 years and really make a difference for our community, but I could also do it in a way that I could continue to do something I love so much, which is studying law.

Mimi: And mediating.

Katie: Yes, absolutely. So the mediation for me came about in 2006. I was invited by the federal court system to undergo a training program, so you’re trained and certified, and then to serve for the federal court as a pro bono mediator. I donate time and services in helping people to see if they can find common ground, and that’s been tremendous as far as a learning opportunity for me and the value I give to those parties and the lawyers who are sometimes really stuck in trying to find a creative solution with people who are, oftentimes, in very emotional situations.

Mimi: And you’re bringing that experience as a bonus to the county court.

Katie: Absolutely, and I hope it’ll be a real bonus. As far as what that brings for our court system, it really can save a lot of money. It can help to more efficiently resolve cases that otherwise might go through the court system for years before you get a final resolution. And it really empowers people, too. The parties sometimes need that person in the middle to help them evaluate their positions.

Mimi: What do you attribute as reasons for your substantial victory?

Katie: I really attribute it to just the immediate groundswell of support I have from close friends, colleagues, new acquaintances, and friends. It’s almost overwhelming to think about it, in a wonderful way.

Mimi: I am excited that in my lifetime, from a gender point of view, we now have a balanced courthouse in terms of two women and two men. That’s a great victory for women, in my opinion.

Katie: Well, thank you. Yeah, I’m

very excited about it, too. I’ve had an opportunity to work with the other judges and start to get integrated into the court and the procedures there. I know Judge [Pamela] Ruest is excited, too, about that opportunity to have the balance on the court.

Mimi: Speaking of the election of judges, you’re on the winning side, and that’s wonderful. How do you really feel about our judicial system? Are we on the right track with all the complications that are involved in the delivery of justice?

Katie: The Pennsylvania Bar Association has studied for decades whether we should be electing judges or whether we should seek to amend our constitution so that judges would be appointed.

Mimi: How do most states do it?

Katie: I’m not sure what the majority does.

There certainly are other states that elect. The federal system obviously appoints judges. I think nine weeks ago I would have said to you, unconditionally, “I think we should move to an appointment system.” I don’t think it’s the

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2016 March T&G - 103

victory that’s making me temper that opinion — I won’t say I changed it. I do want to say that because we’re in a profession that has been historically male-dominated, I don’t know that we’re really at that place where an appointment system wouldn’t carry with it some of the vestiges of this tradition.

Mimi: The degree to which fraud is within the court system is striking. The new [state] Supreme Court justice is being asked to resign, and his lawyers are saying he’s not going to do that. There’s some evidence of behavior that doesn’t befit a member of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. We have unrest in our court. Very often, politics are behind it.

Katie: Right, but that’s not a political position fundamentally. And even though there is that power with the Supreme Court justices, you really do want people on your court, and need people on your court, who are not making decisions based on party politics. It’s important.

It’s critical. I mean, that’s why our judiciary needs to be independent. So this time around, while I was saying that to people, and I believe it and I stand behind that, the parties were focusing on the fact that redistricting was an important issue this time, especially with so many seats open on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. So it really became a political race, in a sense, and it was difficult.

Mimi: It’s most unusual for three Democrats to be elected to the Supreme Court in this state. But that whole question of what’s better — appointed judges or elected judges — is a major social issue.

Katie: I agree with you. I’m not sure that appointment versus election would necessarily change some of the things that we’re grappling with today.

Mimi: Well is it the Internet that’s becoming too active in our total lives? Is that to be blamed for this?

Katie: (Laughs) You know, that’s such an interesting question. I don’t know that it’s the Internet per se, but I think the way we communicate today, even in business, is much faster. We can text in business, and we e-mail as a method of business communication. The legal profession, in my practice, people scoff at how lawyerly even the e-mails sound, but really, it’s important to keep that level of professionalism, 104 - T&G March 2016

especially in the legal profession. And because of the level of the brevity of the way we communicate now, we lose that. And then I think that it’s easy to kind of forget the gravity of the things that you are doing.

Mimi: Switching gears. You are a mother, a scout leader, a lawyer, a wife, a daughter, and now a judge, how do you see your life changing in terms of timing and responsibilities that are expected of us women? You no longer have clients who pay you money. Instead, you’re sitting in judgment. It’s a totally different practice of the law.

Katie: Yeah, absolutely. I think that I won’t have the business aspect of practicing law, which will be very different, as a business owner. I’ve been a partner with McQuaide Blasko for maybe 13 years now, and so all of those things that you worry about daily — thinking about the next clients while you’re appeasing the current clients — all of those things will be really nonexistent, in a sense.

Mimi: Do you care to share some of your thoughts on how the bench might change?

Katie: My reluctance about doing that is that I haven’t been there long enough. It almost seems a little bit presumptuous to suggest concrete changes. But I will say that I would like, on the civil side of things, for us to look at mediation programs and to increase the use of mediation on traditional civil cases. Also, talking with the folks about the way mediation is used and how it has to be important in family law. I’m excited about looking at programs on the criminal side of the house, too, but I feel like I need to really be up and working with the judges for a little longer before I could talk more concretely about that.

Mimi: I may be way out of my field, too, in my next comment, but it seems to me that, in many cases, good young people make a terrible mistake and they’re basically ruined for their life. It seems to me that there is this problem in the judicial system that makes it almost impossible for good people, who have made a bad mistake, to start all over again — and it’s not just young kids. What’s your thinking on that?

Katie: I can tell you that what I see is looking at cases that come before me — viewing individuals as individuals, examining the circumstances, trying to recognize when there are cases of people who have made a terrible

mistake, recognizing that we’re all human, and one mistake shouldn’t be the end of your life — I think that’s where the compassion comes in. There has to be accountability and there has to be a balance. Sometimes there’s a need for treatment. Other times, there are social circumstances leading to crime, and maybe things like that can be addressed. I think that programs that satisfy both the accountability component and also look at a way to help resolve the underlying circumstances leading the person to that crime are really important — whether that be in the context of drug courts, whether that is trying to assist people with finding employment, all kinds of programs. I think that’s important.

Mimi: It’s a tough job that happens in courthouses all over the country, and some of the hostility in cities in recent times just puts an exclamation point on the complexity of decisions that are made for the wrong reasons — a person’s gender, a person’s race, a person’s religion. They all seem to be making the picture more complex. I think that public is

stirred up about that.

Katie: The public, in my opinion, should get stirred up about that. None of those things should be playing any kind of role in decisionmaking by judges.

Mimi: How did your family feel about your becoming a judge?

Katie: I will say all of them were elated. We were all together, actually, when we got that phone call inviting me to put in my hat in the ring. My mother was there, too, so it was really wonderful because I could talk with all of them. And both of my daughters, their faces lit up just to hear that I had the invitation, and they immediately said, “Mom, this is just who you are, and you really need to do this.” I thought that it was the right thing, too.

Mimi: Well let me just tell you, it seems like the suit fits.

Katie: Thank you.

Mimi: I’m sure a lot of our readers wish you only good success at this. It’s a tough job.

Katie: Thank you very much. I appreciate that. T&G

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State College Photo Club’s

Winning Photos

The State College Photo Club provides photo enthusiasts with the opportunity to share their passion for photography with others and to provide an environment for learning and developing new skills. The club welcomes individuals from amateurs to professionals, offers bimonthly workshops to improve skills, and sponsors a bimonthly competition for its members.

Town&Gown is pleased to present the winning images from the club’s competition.

Shown this month are the first- and second-place photos in the Theme category from the judged January meeting competition.

“Victorian Memory”

by Cheri Harte

>

January Meeting Theme “Apps Shots” First Place

“This photo was taken while I was attending the Victorian Christmas event in Bellefonte. I edited the photo with the Waterlogue app, which is an app that converts the photo to look like a watercolor painting.”

“Wool Mill”

by Jan Anderson January Meeting Theme “Apps Shots” Second Place

>

“This was shot with my iPhone at the Waterside Woolen Mill and processed using Adobe Camera Raw and Topaz filters.”

A copy of many photos taken by the State College Photo Club may be obtained with a $75 contribution to the Salvation Army of Centre County. Contact Captain Charles Niedermeyer at (814) 861-1785 for more information. You can select any size up to 11 inches wide.

The State College Photo Club meets on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Foxdale Village Auditorium. Guests and new members are always welcome.

Visit statecollegephotoclub.org for more information about how to join.

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...How do I register my

child for kindergarten?

The following two options are available for you to register your child for the 2016 - 2017 school year.

Option 1: A new online enrollment process will begin on March 14, 2016.

Information about the process and how to access it will be available on the registration website at www.scasd.org/registration. The Registration Office will NOT be able to accept in-person registration for a school before its respective registration date.

Option 2: Registration will be held at individual schools at the following dates, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. each day. You may register at any school; you do not have to register at the school your child will attend: March 22, 2016 .......Lemont Elementary, (814) 231-5034........................Todd Dishong, Principal March 30, 2016 .......Park Forest Elementary, (814) 231-5010..................Donnan Stoicovy, Principal April 1, 2016 ...........Gray’s Woods Elementary, (814) 235-6100..............Kristen Dewitt, Principal April 5, 2016 ...........Ferguson Twp. Elementary (814) 231-4119.............Charlotte Zmyslo, Principal April 7, 2016 ...........Easterly Parkway Elementary, (814) 231-1170.......Michael Maclay, Principal April 12, 2016 .........Mount Nittany Elementary, (814) 272-5970............Debra Latta, Principal April 18, 2016 .........Corl Street Elementary, (814) 231-1185...................Scott Mato, Principal April 26, 2016 .........Radio Park Elementary, (814) 231-4115..................Zachary Wynkoop, Principal

Come see us other days! Call to arrange for a school tour.

Starting May 2, registration will be held at the Student Registration Office, Room 101, Administrative Building, 131 W. Nittany Ave. from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Follow us!

StateCollegeSchoolDistrict @StateCollegeSD StateCollegeSchoolDistrict www. scasd.org

Engaging library program with phenomenal book selection • CEEL program for before- and after-school care • Diverse student body

Highly-qualified teachers and staff • Flexible approaches to learning • Learning enrichment and gifted support services

• Special education services • Acclaimed music, art and physical education programs •

Darren Andrew Weimert

T& G

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No Business Like Show Business PSU student takes unique path into opera world

By Madison Lippincott As the weeks of spring semester fly by, mezzo-soprano Timmi Williams prepares for her final performance with Penn State’s Opera Theatre program. In late March, she will sing and perform alongside some 30 other opera students in a production of The Barber of Seville. Williams plays the lead female role of young Rosina. The production is scheduled for March 24 and 26 at the State Theatre.

Though she has spent all of her undergraduate years as well as her two years in the master’s program at Penn State, this is not where Williams thought her path would take her.

“I was meant to be a business major. I was set to go to West Liberty University,” she says. “But one day, my high school [music] director said to me, ‘Hey, do you know you’re really talented at this? You could have a career.’ So he set me up with an audition at West Liberty, and it’s all just kind of spiraled from there.”

The West Virginia native is currently studying vocal pedagogy and performance in the master’s program.

However, she says that she’s gained just as much from her time spent in the spotlight as she has in the classroom.

“When I came to Penn State, I had a few stage experiences under my belt but not really a whole lot,” she says. “[The opera program] really catapulted me into an environment where I’ve been able to grow as an artist, grow as a performer, and to get the stage experience that I need to really feel comfortable in the professional arena.”

Williams, who has appeared in several productions with Penn State Opera Theatre, including as Jo in Little Women, has enjoyed playing Rosina in The Barber of Seville.

“Rosina is such a fun, fiery character,” she says. “She is a strong woman, and despite the men around her trying to dictate her circumstances, she controls the majority of the action — and she knows it! She is confident, smart, and witty in a time where women were typically portrayed as submissive characters. What’s not to love!”

108 - T&G March 2016

Timmi Williams

As for Williams’s future plans, the world is her oyster.

“It’s all still kind of up in the air right now,” she says. “There is a potential for me to actually stay here at Penn State [to earn my] Professional Performance Certificate, so that’s a possibility I’m entertaining.

My concrete plan, though, is to do the full audition circuit next fall. So really, my plan is to just cast my net to see what I get at this point.”

She will graduate in May with great memories and only good things to say about her time spent in the opera program.

“It’s kind of a bittersweet thing,” she says. “Like I said, I really love the program and the people. But I feel like I just got here — it’s only been two years! But I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens in the future.” T&G Penn State Opera Theatre’s production of The Barber of Seville is March 24 and 26 at the State Theatre. For more information, visit thestatetheatre.org.

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