Why Manny’s Matters More Than Ever to Happy Valley

In a world filled with noise, places like Manny’s Performance Space are signal.
And right now, Happy Valley should pay attention.
Because Corey Elbin’s lease decision is not just about one music venue. It is about the kind of community we want to become.
A year ago, I wrote that Manny’s was quietly becoming one of Happy Valley’s most important cultural forces. At the time, it felt like a cool underground story beginning to emerge on Hiester Street.
Today, it feels much bigger than that.

Christmas in Philipsburg is Epic

A billboard on the western edge of Philipsburg greets Route 322 motorists with a photo of Santa Claus exiting a bright yellow helicopter. The message above it: “Christmas in Philipsburg is Epic!” 
Situated on the banks of the Moshannon Creek, Philipsburg is unlike any other town in Centre County. It’s an old coal town that still mines some coal. It’s a working-class town that’s still a little scrappy. It’s a town of deep history and immense heart. And it’s definitely a town of characters.  
And so goes Philipsburg’s Christmas celebration.

December in Happy Valley: Your Guide to the Best Events of the Season

As the semester winds down, it’s the perfect moment to step outside, connect with friends, and enjoy what’s happening around Happy Valley. From live music and holiday traditions to theatre, sports, and New Year’s celebrations, December is packed with can’t-miss moments that showcase the warmth, creativity, and heartbeat of our region.

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.