By Melissa Hicks
A few weeks ago, I asked a question that had been bouncing around in my mind: What if Happy Valley is already a Blue Zone in disguise? Not the branded kind, but something more authentic and local a “Blue and White Zone,” rooted in community, connection, and the HappyValley way of life.
That question sparked a wave of responses. Many of you took the time to fill out our community wellness survey. What you shared was honest, hopeful, and incredibly human. The story that emerged wasn’t just about fitness or food. It was about belonging, relationships, barriers, and what it means to truly live well in this beautiful region of Pennsylvania.
A Snapshot of Real Life in Centre County
Here’s what the survey revealed:
- 18 percent of residents are active in the community every day.
- 36 percent join in weekly
- 27 percent take part monthly.
- 18 percent say they rarely get engaged but even many in this group say they would like to do more.
When it comes to physical wellness, the habits are encouraging:
- 73 percent move regularly, whether through walks, bike rides, yard work, or recreation
- The rest say “sometimes”—not one person said “never.”
Most telling of all is this: 91 percent of people said they feel a genuine sense of belonging here. No one reported feeling completely disconnected. Those still looking for their place described themselves as “on the fence,” but hopeful. In a world where loneliness is now being called a public health crisis, these numbers are more than encouraging—they’re a call to build on what’s working.
Your Words, Your Wisdom
While the numbers gave us insight, it was your quotes that gave this story heart.
“I feel like I do a decent job connecting with others. But I know there are individuals who are lonely, that may feel uncomfortable attending things by themselves. This is especially true of older adults.”
“I don’t have an issue because I have an established support system that includes family in the area.”
“So many offerings to choose from and social battery depletion. I enjoy time alone, but I recognize there are lots of options when I want to get out there and explore!”
“Better weather in the winter!! I’m a fair-weather outdoor fan.”
From these quotes, a few themes shine through: many residents are deeply engaged, some are seeking low-pressure ways to plug in, and others are simply asking for easier ways to find out what’s happening.
Growing the Blue and White Zone
You gave us clear and creative ideas:
- Build a central hub or calendar where people can easily find events.
- Offer interest-based groups or meetups to make connections more accessible.
- Encourage residents to bring a friend, especially someone new or unsure.
There’s a shared desire to keep this momentum going—to ensure that being well in Centre County doesn’t feel like a chore, but rather something built into the way we live.
We also heard a deeper message: people here want to connect. Some are already thriving. Some are seeking new rhythms or support systems. But almost everyone expressed the same underlying openness, let’s make this a place where everyone can find their place.
And that brings us to our unofficial crew of Community Connectors.
If you’ve ever invited a neighbor, shared a laugh at trivia night, helped someone feel at home, or simply said “yes” to showing up—you might just be the next Julie on the Love HappyValley Boat!
No uniform required. Just heart, a calendar, and the belief that living well starts with looking out for one another.
All aboard the Blue and White Zone. We are cruising toward connection, one joyful moment at a time.
You can email Melisssa Hicks @ mhicks100@gmail.com if you want to join our growing Community Connectors Club or Club Connect?
