Philipsburg: The little borough that could
by Stephanie Kalina-Metzger The small borough of Philipsburg is making strides toward a better future, thanks to a group of volunteers whose eyes are set upon preserving the peaceful area while at the same time promoting growth. Eric Rusnak, president of the Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation (PRC), said that people sometimes leave the area, only to […]
“People leave here with a smile”: Here’s why more organizers are planning their events in Happy Valley
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger Photo: Happy Valley Adventure Bureau Event planners are positively enamored with the State College area, according to Dave Gerdes, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. He cites the convenience of Happy Valley’s central (and picturesque) location, the wealth of cultural opportunities, and the high energy from […]
Herlocher’s Dipping Mustard: The nationwide brand launched by Penn State love
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger Most Penn State alums — or anyone who’s spent even a small amount of time in Happy Valley — know Herlocher’s Dipping Mustard. The bright yellow mustard stands out through the glass jar emblazoned with Penn State blue and white. However, while the brand is irrefutably tied to Penn State, its reach […]
Penn State alumni boomerang back to invest in the area
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger Bill Oldsey and his family attend a “White Out” game. It’s no secret that Penn State alumni feel a deep, lifelong connection to their alma mater. They also have a love for the place they called home during their college days, so much so that many return to live here or visit […]
spotLess Materials readying product launch with leadership of startup-experienced VP
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger Tim Hurley doesn’t shy away from sticky situations. After starting out as a mentor to the spotLESS Materials team, he took on the role of Vice President of Business Development in November, 2022. In bringing Hurley on board, the company’s goal is to attract more customers in the both residential and commercial […]
Happy Valley’s first female distiller is making national news
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger Barrel 21’s Erica Unruh is disrupting the distilling world with her attention-grabbing spirits. Erica Unruh’s circuitous route to becoming Centre County’s first female distiller could be described as a “happy (Valley) accident.” Unruh was born and raised in Northern California where her family enjoyed homebrewing. It was a hobby that appealed to […]
Anonymous donor honors Wally Triplett with endowment to create Brand Academy
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger Penn State sports fans may recognize the name Wallace “Wally” Triplett. A tailback and linebacker for the Nittany Lions, Triplett became the first Black player to start for Penn State on Nov. 17, 1945. According to a recent Penn State press release, Triplett became the first Black player to be drafted by […]
Mission to eradicate bed bugs wins notice, awards in entomology world
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger As the saying goes, “Not all heroes wear capes” and in a nation that is divided, there is one thing on which we can all agree: the world would be better without shudder-inducing bed bugs. Dr. Nina Jenkins, affiliate professor in the Department of Entomology at Penn State, has made it her […]
Unbaked Flour Company restores the joy of food to those with digestive disorders
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger Hannah Carney with her donut holes at the Happy Valley Venture Capitalist Competition. Photo: Provided. Sometimes, necessity is the mother of invention. At least that’s the case with Hannah Carney, whose medical condition inspired her to take dietary matters into her own hands. Carney’s issues with her health originated in 2020, right […]
