At Connect Happy Valley, we believe community starts with people—the dreamers, doers, and difference-makers who make this place feel like home. Each month, we’ll introduce you to “Connectors”, the ones powering this platform and our community, whose stories bring color, connection, and inspiration to Happy Valley.
Meet Sarah Zappe – Founder of Kaleidoscope PA
An educational psychologist turned art wellness guide, Sarah Zappe is the creative force behind Kaleidoscope PA, helping people rediscover calm and confidence through watercolor and creativity.
Her favorite local spot? Rooted Farmstead. Her dream superpower for Centre County? Turning everyone she meets into an artist.
Sarah joined Connect Happy Valley to bring warmth, encouragement, and a splash of color to our community. She’s here to help people “find their vibe”—one brushstroke at a time.
Meet Don O’Connell – Community Builder & Trades Advocate
Don O’Connell first came to Happy Valley in the ’90s for what was supposed to be a five-year stay… and over two decades later, he’s still here, deeply rooted in the community he now calls home.
An enthusiastic advocate for the trades and an active Rotarian, Don believes in giving back while enjoying life to the fullest. After hours, you’ll likely find him relaxing with friends, a cigar in one hand and a whiskey in the other.
He joined Connect Happy Valley because he sees it as more than a networking hub—it’s a one-stop connector for business, events, service, and community life.
Meet Liz Grove – Entrepreneur, Musician & Community Weaver
Born in Bellefonte, raised in State College, and a proud Penn State grad, Liz Grove returned to Happy Valley after two decades in New York City—planning for retirement that quickly turned into something much bigger.
Today, Liz is the driving force behind Pine Grove Hall and Flour and Stone, two entrepreneurial “retirement projects” that grew into beloved local hubs. When she’s not running her businesses, she’s behind the keyboard with Lord Forest, sharing her love for music with the community.
Her local superpower? Weaving community, creativity, and commerce into one living ecosystem, the kind of place where everyone feels welcome and inspired.
Liz believes Connect Happy Valley is the “missing link” that can help build stronger connections. “We all need to take part in creating a sense of connection, because we’ve lost too much of it, and I worry about what happens if we don’t have community and connection.”
Meet Melissa Hicks – Biologist, Educator & Community Connector
Biologist by training, deejay by chance, educator by calling—and basset-hound + feral cat enthusiast by destiny—Melissa Hicks has spent 32 years turning State College into a true home, one wild idea and project at a time.
Fun Facts & Local Flavor:
- Once met Garth Brooks as a country music deejay at the Centre County Grange Fair
- Managed the Lemont Ducks, an over-16 baseball team in the Centre County Baseball League
- Favorite local escape: camping and kayaking at state parks
Local Superpower: If she could, Melissa would instantly sense when a neighbor feels left out—then beam over an invite (and their favorite treat) to just the right event.
Finish This:
“I am most likely to be found… singing with Tommy at the Ale House piano bar.”
Her “Why” for Joining:
Melissa lights up at the energy of new connections and believes everyone’s story matters. What excites her most about being a connector is opening doors, sparking “you too?” moments, and watching people find friends, ideas, or courage to try something new.
In her words:
- “I’m part of Connect Happy Valley because I believe nobody should feel alone here. If sharing my story (and hearing yours) brings us closer, let’s keep the conversation rolling.”
- “When I help people find their tribe or a new idea, I feel like I just handed out the winning ticket at the world’s friendliest raffle. Connection is magic—and it’s meant to be shared.”
These are just a few of the incredible people shaping Happy Valley’s future. Stay tuned as we continue to highlight the “Connectors” who make this community stronger, more creative, and more connected.
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