Gratitude in Our Blue-White Zone

In our blue-white zone, gratitude is more than a sentiment. It’s a way of life. While Happy Valley is celebrated for its scenic beauty and Penn State pride, the true soul of our community shines through in our everyday expressions of thankfulness and the many ways we practice it together.

A Place Time Might Have Forgotten, Until the Dreamers Moved In

Over the past decade, something remarkable has been happening in Pine Grove Mills. What was once a quiet crossroads of farmland and forests has transformed into one of Centre County’s most inspiring stories of local entrepreneurship, food, and culture. It’s all driven by neighbors serving neighbors. It began in 2013, when the beloved Watkins Dariette […]

The Fountain of Youth Is Hiding in Banana Suits and Smiles

When my son was little, I spent countless hours volunteering at Ferguson Township Elementary. Honestly, I had more fun my second time through grade school than the first. Now, scrolling through Facebook, I notice that half my friends are half my age, and many are from those Ferguson days. It makes me wonder if that’s why I still feel so alive.
Maybe staying young isn’t about chasing youth, but staying close to it.

Teammates for Life: Love, Leadership, and the Classroom Beyond Class

I walked into the “Teammates for Life” Power Hour knowing there would be energy. When Char Morett-Curtiss is involved, there always is. What I didn’t expect was to be so moved by what unfolded in that single hour. It became a living lesson in leadership, resilience, and the power of love over fear.