2017 Summer Fun Guide

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Index of Partners

Index of Articles

HappyValley.com is the comprehensive online guide to fun in the beautiful Happy Valley region. To advertise, contact Greg@affinityconnection.com; 800‑598‑4050, ext. 131. To submit content, contact Holly@affinityconnection.com. Beaver Stadium's Top Moments in 2016. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Heisman!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Away Game Fun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Robinson Embraces Role, Maintains Motivation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Savor The 2017 Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Embrace The Journey, Roar With Pride. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 6 Burning Questions for This Season. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Stripe Out, White Out: All the Game Themes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Nine Things We Can't Wait to See at Beaver Stadium in 2017. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 PSU Stars Share Memories of Football and Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Summer Fun Guide: Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Festival of the Arts Represents the Best of Summertime, Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Enjoy Local Microbrews, Tapas, and Burgers at Penn State Hotels this Summer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 It’s Summer Fest Time!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Kids Summer Bucket List—What’s on Yours? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Summer Fun Is Waiting for You at Tussey Mountain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Our Favorite Outside Eats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Kick Back and Cool off with Summer’s Best Local Drinks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Summer Weekend Fun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 From Virtual Reality Advice to Valuable City Planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Learning at Every Stage of Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Alumni Reunion Planning 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Eat, Play, Live in Happy Valley!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Summertime and the Winning’s Easy: State College Spikes Preview . . . . . . . . 70 Center for the Perfoming Arts. . . . 2,36, 45 Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Dante’s Restaurants and Nightlife . . . . . 33 Downtown State College Farmers Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Fraser Condos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Happy Valley Hotels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Hublersburg Inn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau. . . . 57 Innovation Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 KCF Technologies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Kimchi Korean Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Nittany Valley Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Penn State Hospitality (Nittany Lion Inn/ Penn Stater). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park . . . . . . . . . 47 Port Matilda Hotel & Tavern. . . . . . . . . . . 59 PSU Homecoming 2017. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Ridge Soaring Gliderport . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 State College Area School District . . . . . 29 State College Spikes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Tussey Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Publisher Greg Woodman Editor | Jodie Dello Stritto Managing Editor | Holly Riddle Marketing | Mark Puleo Fun Guide Managing Editor Cara Aungst Copy Editor Blake Burfield Editorial Contributors Cara Aungst, Blake Burfield, Jeff Cavanaugh, Travis Johnson, Kelsey Lentz, John Patishnock, Holly Riddle, Holly Swanson Graphic Design & Production Melissa Hombosky Cover by Melissa Hombosky, Photos courtesy Tim Weight, Cara Aungst and Gigi's Southern Table by Blake Newsock with B&C Digital Works All football photos by Tim Weight unless otherwise noted. Twitter Manager Nate Woodman HappyValley.com 2160 Sandy Drive, Suite D, State College, PA 814‑867‑6700

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PENN STATE FOOTBALLÂ 107,280

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From the Editor This summer, my brother moved to Happy Valley from Columbus, Ohio. Besides being relieved that he’s back from Ohio State country (where he dressed his kids in Penn State gear from head to toe every game day, just out of spite), I am over the moon that he’s settling in THIS summer. We all know that summers here in Happy Valley are pretty magical, but this one is dialed up even more. With inaugural festival Happy Valley Jam joining our perennial favorites like the Festival of the Arts, WingFest and 4th Fest, there really hasn’t been a better time to fall back in love with Happy Valley. Find out more about our summer lineup in our Summer Fun section starting on page 30. It’s a perfect way to spend these magical few weeks of summer while we count down to those seven home games that we’ve been looking forward to since the Rose Bowl. We bleed blue and white right along with you—check out our Heisman predictions, relive the top 2016 Beaver Stadium moments and find out which former player dreams about Wings over Happy Valley in our Football Preview section, starting on this page! Enjoy this analog version of our website, and remember that we have so much more on our website, just waiting for you! From hype reels of your favorite games to best seasonal dishes to up‑to‑the‑minute details about this summer’s events, we’ve got you covered. Even better? You can sign up for a curated ‘best of ’ email that gets delivered to your inbox weekly on our homepage at HappyValley.com. And if you see my brother in your travels, welcome him back from the land of the Buckeyes.

Cara Aungst Managing Editor

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5 first downs allowed to Rutgers, the fewest permitted in Penn State history in a Big Ten game

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Top-10 opponents Penn State played (at time of game): Michigan, Ohio State, Wisconsin & USC

2 field goals that Tyler Davis missed; he finished 22-of-24

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 Beaver Stadium's Top Moments in 2016 From Gesicki's Catch To Haley's Historic Scamper By John Patishnock

early in the second half. That set the tone as the Lions shut out the Golden Flashes the rest of the way en route to a 33‑13 victory.

GESICKI’S ONE‑HANDED GRAB Mike Gesicki’s transformational season was a significant factor last year. The incoming senior rededicated himself following the 2015 campaign. In 2016, Gesicki set season‑best program marks for catches (48) and yards (679) by a tight end. It’s difficult to choose just one play that stands out, though Gesicki’s one‑handed grab against Temple served as a prelude for the outstanding season he’d have.

MINNESOTA MADNESS Fans can look forward to plenty of highlights during the upcom‑ ing season at Beaver Stadium. Before that, though, let’s look back at the top moments from last year. From late‑game comebacks to late‑season domination, the Nittany Lions completed perhaps the most memorable home season in program history.

OPENING GAME PICK‑6 Penn State’s first 30 minutes of the season were iffy. The Lions held just a 16‑13 halftime lead against Kent State, coming off a disap‑ pointing 2015 campaign in which Penn State lost its final four games. Then everyone was introduced to cornerback Amani Oru‑ wariye, who returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown

This was the game that arguably turned everything around, giving the team momentum and serving as a prelude to the team’s amaz‑ ing victory over Ohio State a few weeks later. After the Gophers kicked a field goal in overtime, Saquon Barkley ripped a 25‑yard gain for a touchdown into the north end zone, setting off a post‑ game celebration that felt big. And it was.

DISMANTLING THE TERRAPINS It seems that Maryland has (rightly) figured out that they’re not at the same level as Penn State, certainly not enough to serve as a true rival. Penn State racked up 372 rushing yards in the 38‑14 Homecoming victory, the third‑highest total in program history against a Big Ten opponent. The usual superstars supplied their typical great performances (Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley combined for 283 rushing yards), though Miles Sanders also stood out, barreling in for a 25‑yard touchdown late in the game, the first of presumably many scores he’ll have as a Nittany Lion.

HALEY’S HISTORIC SCAMPER

Gesicki's one-handed grab in the Temple game was a prelude to his outstanding season. . 6

The Marcus Allen block/Grant Haley touchdown return combi‑ nation late in the fourth quarter against Ohio State will absolutely go down as one of the top plays in the history of Beaver Stadium. I was on the sideline that day as a videographer and it allowed me to glance at Franklin after the play. Understandably, Franklin was fired up, as was the entire stadium. Though as he glanced at the game clock to see how much time remained, he was more focused than exuberant. He enjoyed the moment, but he didn’t get lost in it. That image is what kept coming back to me during the Lions’ nine‑game winning streak and why I understood how the team kept its edge all year.


2017

FOOTBALL PREVIEW BIG TEN EAST DIVISION CHAMPS

The team claims the trophy and proclaims that it was just the beginning.

SAQUON, JAMES AND THE VICTORY BELL Saquon Barkley had just completed a masterful performance against Iowa, compiling 211 all‑purpose yards and scoring two touchdowns, when he made his way toward the Victory Bell. He was one of the last off the field, and head coach James Franklin accompanied him after the on‑field, postgame media had completed. Barkley rung the Victory Bell, though something went amiss when the typical “clang” didn’t vibrate through the stadium. No matter, Barkley felt, as he started to walk off the field. His coach had other ideas. Franklin called him back, not letting him leave the field before truly ring‑ ing the Victory Bell, which Barkley did on his second try. Franklin followed with a ring of his own, and then they both disappeared down the tunnel. Maybe it was just a moment, and trying to make it something more would feel forced. But it resonated as an example of how Franklin never stops coaching, even after the game ends.

Penn State finished off Michigan State after the crowd reaction, leading to the team claiming the Big Ten East Division. The trophy presentation took place on the field following the game, and most of the fans stuck around. It was incredible to think how much had changed in the couple of months leading up to that title. It felt like Beaver Stadium had collectively exhaled after months and years of trying to return to the top of college football, and that’s exactly what the Lions did in 2016. In what might turn out to be a famously true vision, Franklin told the fans after the game that this was only the beginning. The evolution of Franklin and his team will continue this year. Visit us at happyvalley.com and follow us on social media (@HappyValleyPSU) to stay updated on everything.

FAN REACTION TO OHIO STATE‑MICHIGAN The biggest cheers from the first half of Penn State’s season finale against Michigan State had nothing to do with what was happen‑ ing on the field. Everyone knew the scenario Penn State needed to win the Big Ten East Division: have Ohio State beat Michi‑ gan and then take care of the Spartans. And after the Buckeyes escaped with a double overtime victory, the fans roared before the score was announced to the crowd. The minutes leading up to that moment were somewhat surreal. Sideline personnel were checking their phones for updates, media members working along the sidelines scrolled through their phones in between plays. At one point, a photographer asked me if there was a final score, everyone wanting to know whether or not they’d be making the trip to Indianapolis the following week. 7


FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

Heisman! Factors for Barkley and McSorley By John Patishnock Momentum had been building all of last season. Big games led to big performances, and plenty of wins—nine straight, in fact, for the Penn State football team. The country began taking notice, and along with that, standout running back Saquon Barkley entered the Heisman Trophy conversation. After the team’s dismantling of Iowa in early November at Beaver Stadium, here’s what Penn State quarterback Trace McSor‑

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ley said about Barkley and the lofty honor: “As a team, we do believe that he deserves that. You can ask anyone on the team, and they’re going to say that Saquon’s one of the best running backs in the country and that he deserves to have that kind of recognition.” Much has changed since then. Barkley has gone from the outside of the Heisman Trophy conversation to a strong contender (and a projected Top 10 pick in next year’s NFL Draft, should he forgo his senior season), and McSorley has elevated his play to the point where he’s now a contender himself. Setting aside outside circumstances that inevitably impact the Heisman race, here are five controllable factors that will have a significant impact on whether or not Barkley or McSorley claim the second Heisman Trophy in Penn State history.



FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 1. THEIR PERFORMANCES AGAINST OHIO STATE (AND WHETHER OR NOT PENN STATE MAKES THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF) I’d argue it’s impossible for either Barkley or McSorley to win the Heisman Trophy if Penn State doesn’t at least claim the East Division of the Big Ten, and most likely, the entire conference. The last 10 Heisman Trophy winners won an average of 12 games in their trophy‑winning seasons, with many players competing for (and winning) national championships. So the more Barkley and McSorley can impress while playing in nationally televised primetime games (such as the Big Ten Championship and Rose Bowl last season), the more it’ll help with voters who might not be as likely to place them on their ballot, simply because they’re not as familiar with them.

2. HOW MUCH THEY PRODUCE IN THE NON‑CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Penn State plays a fairly weak three‑game stretch before Big Ten play, hosting Akron, Pitt, and Georgia State in consecutive weeks starting Sept. 2. The obvious potential is there for both players to post big‑time numbers, though how much they produce will be key; or more precisely, how many reps they get before presumably Penn State has a big enough lead to pull them from the game. For example, will James Franklin keep his top two players in the game if Penn State has a 28‑point lead in the second half? Early‑season buzz is important, and more playing time equals increased num‑ bers for Barkley and McSorley.

3. HOW MUCH THEY COMPETE AGAINST ONE ANOTHER FOR VOTES Voting takes place across the country, though voters are divided up regionally. For either to win, Barkley or McSorley will most likely need to dominate the northeast region. If neither does, they both will still rack up votes, though probably not enough for one player to create so much distance that it elevates him above everyone else to win the award.

4. BARKLEY’S PURSUIT OF THE PENN STATE ALL‑TIME RUSHING RECORD Barkley currently ranks 12th all‑time on Penn State’s career rush‑ ing list with 2,572 yards, as Evan Royster sits atop with 3,932 yards. Barkley’s certainly capable of the season that’s needed to 10

take over the record, and if he gets there, it should do plenty to boost his Heisman chances. Look at it this way: In just three seasons, he’ll have ascended to the all‑time leader in rushing yards in a program that’s famous for running backs. That should give Barkley enough national buzz and cache to earn a trip to the Heisman Trophy Award presentation in December in New York.

5. PENN STATE’S NATIONAL PERCEPTION (AND HOW MUCH THE LIONS SHAPE IT THIS SEASON) Speaking to USA Today earlier this year, Penn State tight end Mike Gesicki said this, in describing Barkley: “If he’s at Ohio State, people are blowing up; if he’s at Alabama, people are blowing up. But he’s at Penn State.” For a program that’s as historically rich as Penn State, this is the first season in 15 years when the Nittany Lions have a legiti‑ mate chance for the Heisman Trophy — Larry Johnson finished third in 2002. During this year’s Blue‑White game, the team made available John Cappelletti’s Heisman Trophy from 1973, allowing fans to pose for photos and using the hashtag #HappyValleyHeisman. Last season, McSorley prefaced his previous quote by say‑ ing the Heisman Trophy isn’t something that the team regularly discusses. This season, that includes a possible Heisman push from the program, even if it’s subtle, like at Blue‑White. And with players like Barkley and McSorley, it’s hard to blame anybody for making that connection.

We love football as much as you do! Count down the days with us at HappyValley.com, facebook.com/happyvalleypsu and on twitter @happyvalleypsu!


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FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Away Game Fun Alumni and Food to Make that Away-Game Trip Rock! By John Patishnock After a scintillating run through the Big Ten last season and a Big Ten Championship, the expectations for the 2017 Penn State Nit‑ tany Lions are already through the roof. Led by their Heisman Trophy contender running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Trace McSorely, the Nittany Lions are poised to make another run at the Big Ten Championship Game and the College Football Playoff. Last season, Penn State’s only two losses in their magical regular season came on the road and they fell fractions short of a spot in the four‑team playoff.

This season, the Nittany Lions will travel to five away games, and each gives Penn State fans and alumni a chance to see different parts of the country. And whether you decide to go to Columbus, Iowa City or College Park, each Penn State away game is vacation time well spent! Here’s a closer look:

SEPTEMBER 23 — AT IOWA HAWKEYES Kinnick Stadium | Iowa City, IA Connect with PSU Alumni in Iowa: facebook.com/PSUiowa The Iowa Hawkeyes have been a regular thorn in the side of the Nit‑ tany Lions, but Penn State has won the past three meetings, including a 41‑14 blowout last November at Beaver Stadium. The Hawkeyes have won five of the past six

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 On the Road Continued from page 11 meetings in Iowa City—including a last‑second 24‑23 upset of then #3 Penn State in 2008. If you need another reason to go: No one likes a 12‑hour drive— especially when over 11 hours are on I‑80—but with great food and a lot of history, Iowa City is a fun college town to visit.

chance to beat the other two, Michigan and Nebraska, at home this season. If you need another reason to go: Located only 15 miles north of Chicago, the Northwestern game gives Penn State fans the best opportunity to hop on a plane and catch the game without too much driving. While Northwestern is located in a great town, the real fun is in Chicago, where you may be able to catch a Cubs playoff game or stay an extra day and catch the Bears and Vikings on Monday Night Football. And no trip to Chicago would be complete without a stop at Geno’s East for a deep‑dish pizza.

Photo courtesy Iowa City Brewlab

Try artisan craft beers at Iowa City BrewLab.

For the history buffs, the area is home to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum and the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History. However, for the rest of us looking for more of a tailgate party, check out the Iowa City Brewlab, which brews small batches of artisan craft beers and experiments with beer varieties, brewing techniques and ingredients.

OCTOBER 7 — AT NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS Ryan Field | Evanston, IL Connect with PSU Alumni near Chicago: psuchicago.org The Northwestern Wildcats are the only team on Penn State’s away schedule that they did not play last year. The Nittany Lions will look to exact revenge for Northwestern’s consecu‑ tive wins in 2014 and 2015. The Wildcats are one of only three Big Ten teams that the Nittany Lions have yet to defeat under Head Coach James Franklin—and they will have a 12

Geno's East IS Chicago—if you are in town for the Northwestern Game, do yourself a favor and treat yourself. Photo courtesy Geno’s East

OCTOBER 28 — AT OHIO STATE BUCKEYES Ohio Stadium | Columbus, OH Connect with PSU Alumni in Columbus: facebook.com/psucolumbus Both literally and figuratively, if Penn State wants to return to Indianapolis to defend their Big Ten Championship, they have to go through Columbus. Since 2000, Ohio State has defeated the Nittany Lions 12 times, and the Nittany Lions have only won in Columbus three times in the past 50 years. Last


2017

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

season, Penn State shocked the college football world with a dra‑ matic 24‑21 victory over #2 Ohio State thanks to a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown by Grant Haley with under five minutes left in the game—giving the Buckeyes their only regular season loss and costing them a spot in the Big Ten Championship.

Photo courtesy Schmidt’s

Columbus does authentic German food with panache, and they can prove it at Schmidt's, which was featured on Man vs. Food.

If you need another reason to go: All Penn State fans should make the trip to “The Horseshoe” at least once. It is an unbelievable atmosphere and only a five‑hour ride from Happy Valley. While in Columbus, make sure to check out the Thurman Café for their famous burgers and Schmidt’s for authentic German sausage— both were featured on Man vs. Food. If you’re really hungry, see if you can tackle the enormous Thurmanator Burger—allegedly the largest burger in Ohio.

NOVEMBER 4 — AT MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS Spartan Stadium | East Lansing, MI Connect with PSU Alumni in East Lansing: facebook.com/psuofmichigan Last season in the battle for the Land Grant Trophy, Trace McSorely’s four second‑half touchdown passes erased a two‑point halftime deficit en route to a dominating, 45‑12 victory—setting all of Happy Valley into a massive celebration as the win over the visiting Michigan State Spartans clinched the Big Ten East Division Championship and a spot in the

Big Ten Championship game. The Spartans hope to bounce back after a down year and are always tough to beat in East Lansing. If you need another reason to go: If you’re into good food, fantastic Photo courtesy HopCat beer and great music, you’ll definitely want to HopCat's "Crack Fries" have been named pay a visit to HopCat in America's top 10 fries—so good you while you are in East might forget you had to drive the whole Lansing. Less than a mile way to Michigan. from Spartan Stadium, HopCat has 100 beers on tap, and Food Network Magazine named HopCat’s “Crack Fries” among America’s Top 10 best French fries.

NOVEMBER 25 — AT MARYLAND TERRAPINS Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium | College Park, MD Connect with PSU Alumni in Maryland: psuwashdc.org The shortest away-game trip in the 2017 season is the three‑and‑a‑half‑hour ride down to College Park to visit the Maryland Terrapins. The Terrapins have only beaten the Nittany Lions twice in 40 tries; however, since joining the Big Ten in 2014, they have always played Penn State tough. Last year, the Nittany Lions really didn’t start to click until the Maryland game in early October. Led by Saquon Barkley’s 202 yards rushing, the Nittany Lions beat up on the Terps 38‑14. If you need another reason to go: Located only 15 miles from Wash‑ ington, D.C. and less than 40 minutes from Baltimore, a trip to College Park could make for a great Thanksgiving weekend trip. There are countless historical sites to visit in Washington, D.C., and in Baltimore, but if you want to try your luck, you can visit the brand‑new MGM National Harbor casino on the Potomac River or the Horseshoe Casino around the corner from Camden Yards. Both feature countless restaurants, bars and thousands of casino games. 13


FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

Redshirt sophomore Andre Robinson catches a touchdown at the 2017 Blue-White game.

Robinson Embraces Role, Maintains Motivation He's Breaking Out! By John Patishnock

Increased confidence. More familiarity with the offense. Better ability to recognize defenses and anticipate blitzes. This is the 2017 version of Andre Robinson, a redshirt sopho‑ more running back for the Penn State football team who started to come into his own last year. 14

After this year’s Blue-White game—during which Robin‑ son caught a touchdown—running backs coach Charles Huff described Robinson as an efficient runner, a characterization that Huff said has roots in Robinson’s high school days. The Mechanicsburg native has a nice feel for the zone, Huff said, noting that Robinson has the ability to know when he needs to “skinny himself ” for a few yards, or when he needs to acceler‑ ate. Robinson is shifty and mobile, though he possesses the power to score near the goal line, which he did a few times last season. If the team needs four yards, Robinson’s focus is gaining four yards. If it’s six, then six. And if an opportunity becomes available to do more, Robinson typically seizes it. And he ended the regular season with something of a breakout game, scoring two touchdowns and finishing with 72 all-purpose yards against Michigan State; one of the scores was a 40-yard reception, a career-high catch and his first receiving touchdown. “That was one of the highlights of the year for me,” Robinson

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 Savor the 2017 Season Guys This Fun to Watch Don't Come Around Often By Travis Johnson When you cover enough football, you stay in enough Midwest towns where all the hotels start to feel like the next. The travel can wear on you—and when your destination is Champagne, Illinois, to watch one ho‑hum‑at‑best team take on another that’s lacklus‑ ter on its best day, it can be forgettable. Especially when big‑time teams are playing elsewhere in the country, probably where the weather’s at least slightly better, too. With that said, I was pretty bummed to miss out on going to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship last season. Big‑time football had returned to Happy Valley and was going on the road to play for a title, and possibly a berth in the four‑team playoff. As I watched from my couch, I couldn’t help but think as Penn State mounted its comeback two hours or so after getting hammered to open the game: Where did this come from?

When Barkley's used all those tricks — and sometimes all in the same run — he will finish you off. Don’t let his razzle-dazzle fool you. He runs mean. But by then we knew. It was still that unbelievable. Not because we thought Penn State’s roster wasn’t capable of this, but because everything seemed to come together for the Nittany Lions in a quick, meteoric rise. To steal a cliché, the stars aligned. And suddenly, there Penn State was in Pasadena, and it all seemed to fly by—just as Saquon Barkley flew by USC defender after defender on his wild Rose Bowl touchdown run that’ll be forever shown on Penn State highlight films. You know what? Barkley’s career is flying by, too. This could— and likely will—be it for No. 26. He’s getting preseason Heisman Trophy hype and has nearly all the tools to step onto an NFL gridiron and make those guys miss on Sundays. 16

Gesicki revels in the home game energy of White Out.

Savor it. Guys who are this fun to watch just don’t come around too often. Two years ago, the then true‑freshman Barkley was banged up. He was missing games. It got to the point where reporters were asking James Franklin at practice if Barkley would go simply be‑ cause they missed his frenetic, tackle‑breaking, Tasmanian Devil running style. Let’s appreciate that for a bit, eh? Barkley gains the edge like no other back Penn State’s had in years. He beats defenders to the edge using his free arm like a cheetah flicks its tail to keep balanced when bounding for its prey. Once to the outside, few have a chance. Ask Maryland’s Will Likely, who became one of a handful of players Barkley turned into a human high hurdle, leaping over him for extra yards. Sometimes he spins, right or left, to make someone miss. Other times, like in the game‑sealing touchdown run against Minnesota, he just needs one cut to juke a safety or linebacker out of his cleats. He throws a pretty mean stiff‑arm, and has a dead‑leg move where he stutter‑steps, and that slight delay is all he needs to make the most athletic of players whiff. When he’s used all those tricks—and sometimes all in the same run—Barkley will finish you off. Don’t let his razzle‑dazzle fool you. He runs mean. I rarely remember the first time a player was noticeable to me, but I won’t forget the first time I saw Barkley in a Penn State uniform.


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FOOTBALL PREVIEW

It was spring practice, probably the third or fourth one open to reporters in 2015. Barkley had enrolled early to get the practice time and an early start on school. I happened to be watching the starting offense go at the starting defense. Christian Hack‑ enberg turned around and handed the ball to No. 26. I had to double‑check to make sure that, indeed, the number had been assigned to the rookie. From my angle at about the 35, it looked like an inside run with the team attacking from the opposing 45. Barkley bounced it outside right away using a spin move to do around a collapsing pocket. Once on the edge he spun again—around Brandon Bell. The second spin move put him dangerously close to the sideline, and a defender appeared to have him angled out of bounds. Barkley could’ve stepped out for a nice gain (this was

spring practice after all, with the real season months away). Instead, he spun again, this time to the inside where the defender—hard‑hitting Marcus Allen—was waiting, disciplined to not over‑pursue. But Barkley wasn’t worried about getting tackled. As he spun, he lowered his shoulder into Allen and exploded through the veteran to finish what was about a 20‑yard run. The pop from the pads and helmets was jarring. A few others looked up. I jotted down a note: Barkley. Whoa. Shifty and mean. Over the last two years I’ve talked to Barkley a lot. I can tell you that the mean only comes out when he’s got a helmet on. He’s as humble as they come and a team‑first player. He’s hard on himself because doing his job means the world to him. Sooner rather than later, he’ll be working for another team. Take this season and savor the memories Barkley’s creating for you.

Join the conversation! Like us on facebook at facebook.com/happyvalleyPSU—we bleed Blue and White! 17


FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 Embrace The Journey, Roar With Pride Homecoming Happenings Happy summer, Happy Valley! The stage is set and Homecom‑ ing is in full force. If you haven’t heard, the 2017 Homecoming theme, “Embrace The Journey, Roar With Pride,” was revealed during the 2017 Penn State Dance Marathon (THON). Later this spring, the Homecoming 2017 logo was revealed during the Blue‑White Weekend. The new logo was designed by Penn State student Turner Blashford and features the beloved Nittany Lion. This April, Penn State alumnus and former Penn State football player Scott Shirley was announced as 2017 Honorary Grand Marshal during Homecoming’s Legacy Celebration. Shirley cur‑ rently serves as the Executive Director of Uplifting Athletes, a national nonprofit founded by Shirley, inspired by his time as a Nittany Lion. The Penn State community will have the chance to interact with Shirley and the Homecoming Grand Marshal, two of Penn State’s most distinguished alumni, at many Homecom‑ ing events. The highly anticipated announce‑ ment of the 2017 Homecoming Grand Marshal will take place early this fall. If you think all there is to Homecom‑ ing are parades and football, you're missing out! Homecoming hosts events year‑round aimed to bring together Penn State’s past, pres‑ ent, and future. One of these initiatives is the Homecoming Alumni Court comprised of Penn State alumni representatives. Court 18

Photo courtesy Penn State Homecoming

members will be honored for their accomplishments at several Homecoming events and featured during the Homecoming Parade and Football Game. For the first year ever, Homecoming is opening Alumni Court to all Penn State alumni! Alumni Court nominations are now being accepted at Penn State Homecoming’s website (homecoming.psu.edu/AlumniCourtNomination). Coming this fall is “Embrace the Music, Run with Pride 5K” presented by Penn State Homecoming. This inaugural event is a music‑centric run and will feature a multitude of bands and entertainment along the race route. Runners and spectators will enjoy live music as they come together to celebrate Penn State. Registration for the event will open later this summer. On Friday, November 10, Homecoming will be hosting their Ice Cream Social before the Homecoming Parade. Members of the community are invited to join Homecoming at the Hintz Family Alumni Center for a day filled with games, prizes, fun and, of course, Berkey Creamery ice cream! If your Homecoming tailgate is going to be the best of the best, don’t miss your chance to register for the annual Homecom‑ ing Tailgate Competition. Penn State Homecoming representa‑ tives will judge participating tailgates on Saturday leading up to the Homecoming Football Game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Tailgates will be judged based on categories, including: Best Food, Most Creative, Most Spirited and Best Overall. Win‑ ners are to be revealed prior to kickoff and will receive prizes as well as important Nittany Lion bragging rights! Homecoming Week is just around the corner! Mark your calendars and start packing to come home to Happy Valley. For more Homecoming information, please visit homecoming.psu.edu. For the Glory!


2017

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

6 Burning Questions for This Season The Pitt Game, McSorley and Heisman Chances By Travis Johnson The answers to these questions could end up in history books when it’s all said and done…

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1

WHAT DOES JOE MOORHEAD DO IN YEAR 2?

The former Fordham head coach was just the maestro Penn State needed to reconfigure and lead its offense. After two sometimes dreadful, often sluggish seasons, Moor‑ head’s no‑huddle, line‑up‑then‑match‑up approach produced more than 1,500 yards and 225 points than the 2015 team. The good news for us and bad news for the rest of the Big Ten? Moor‑ head has nearly every playmaker back from last season. He’s also got a few newcomers ready to chip in. In this publication last season, we predicted Mike Gesicki would rise based on Moorhead’s past use of tight ends. Expect Moorhead to continue to go to the big Gesicki. A schemer who likes to use multiple receiver sets and formations, Moorhead could expand his use of tight ends with highly touted recruits Jon Holland and Nick Bowers waiting to be deployed. Both are big targets with skill sets similar to Gesicki’s and have been itching to play for a while after injuries slowed their debuts. It’s also known that Moorhead and Franklin really like what


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FOOTBALL PREVIEW

they have in backup quarterback Tommy Stevens. Although Stevens lost the competition for the starting job to McSorley last August, he’s shown plenty of flashes, and the competition was very close. Stevens was a standout in the Blue‑White game and is a strong runner with a live arm. Maybe there’s a way the creative Moorhead could get him involved? The Best Case Scenario Answer: The offensive line, primarily starting tackle Andrew Nelson, stays relatively healthy and provides the stability this offense needs to reach the next level. There are some mediocre defenses on Penn State’s schedule, setting up the possibil‑ ity that, if clicking on all cylinders, 7,500 yards isn’t out of reach.

2 leader.

WHAT DOES TRACE MCSORLEY DO FOR AN ENCORE? Have no doubt, this is Trace McSorley’s team and he is its

McSorley might’ve been the best-kept secret in college football last season, save for the most inquisitive of reporters who attended the team’s open practices during the heart of the 2015 season and got to see McSorley run the offense. His shiftiness stood out and he didn’t seem to make boneheaded throws. Those who didn’t get those glimpses of McSorley early in his career? They didn’t know what to expect. They just assumed the smallish passer could probably run, but definitely wouldn’t be able to gun. Countless deep balls later, McSorley emerged as one of the country’s best deep‑throwers, showing the moxie of Matt McGloin coupled with the arm strength of Christian Hackenberg. McSorley’s final throw in the Rose Bowl—a deep heave that was intercepted and set up the winning points for USC—has hung in his head as it hung in the air. He’s spent the offseason in the film room trying to perfect his reads before the snap and dur‑

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 6 Burning Q's Continued from page 21 ing the play to avoid those mistakes. The Best Case Scenario Answer: McSorley exceeds his 2016 cam‑ paign and breaks his own single‑season total offense record in the process. He can do it by cutting his turnover numbers in half and instead go for touchdowns.

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CAN SAQUON BARKLEY WIN PENN STATE ITS FIRST HEISMAN TROPHY SINCE 1973?

The Nittany Lions’ lone Heisman winner, John Cappellet‑ ti, brought the bronze trophy to Happy Valley 34 years ago. Now, number 26 could have a great shot at it. Heisman voters consider plenty of factors, and Barkley seems to have everything. However, so do Louisville’s Lamar Jackson and a handful of other quarterbacks that might be higher on the preseason watch lists than Barkley at this point. Jackson is a phenomenon and won the award last season. He tops nearly all lists as it stands. Okla‑ homa’s Baker Mayfield, USC’s Sam Darnold, and even McSorley factor into most lists, too. As for fellow running backs? LSU’s Derrius Guice, Alabama’s Bo Scarbrough and Georgia’s Nick Chubb are in the mix. The Best Case Scenario Answer: Yes. He could put up his biggest numbers yet this season behind a deep offensive line that returns starters at every spot. More importantly, he grabs your attention and holds it with his dynamic style.

4

CAN THE NITTANY LIONS STAY HEALTHY?

No Penn State team in recent memory has succeeded in the wake of injuries like the 2016 squad. The team was without all of its starting linebackers well before the midpoint and at one point was minus most of their true backups! Meanwhile, the team finished the season without both starting offensive tackles and saw a few other offensive linemen battle injuries throughout. Perhaps the Michigan game would’ve been a bit closer with a few of those linebackers healthy, but the Pitt loss was a shootout, and Penn State had a chance to win at the end. So overall, the injuries might’ve actually set Penn State up for success

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this year—players like offensive linemen Michael Menet, Connor McGovern and Steven Gonzalez and linebackers Cam Brown and Manny Bowen gained added experience that should make them even more prepared for this season. The Best Case Scenario Answer: There’s no reason to lie. No. This is football. Someone is getting banged up—it’s the nature of the game. The real question might be: can Penn State endure? All the evidence points to yes.


5

IS PENN STATE‑PITT A RIVALRY?

This was asked ad nauseam last season, and the answer was always a resounding no from Penn State’s side of the aisle. Consider: the two teams hadn’t played since most of the players were still in diapers. They had no history like the older fan bases. Pitt players had a little more fun with it as well as with the outcome of the game, a shootout that the Panthers survived late. But now? Based on how that game ended and how it was played—particularly physically—the tone might be a bit different now. Penn State doesn’t want to drop two in a row to its intrastate rival with the game’s status uncertain beyond 2019. The Best Case Scenario Answer: Yes. Fans love this kind of stuff and rivalries are great in college football.

6

CAN A TWO‑LOSS TEAM MAKE THE PLAYOFF?

This was the situation Penn State found itself in last sea‑ son and was the first team left out. The selection committee opted to go with unbeaten Alabama and one‑loss Clemson, Ohio State and Washington squads. Never mind the fact that Penn State beat Ohio State, won the Big Ten and played some red hot ball down the stretch. If this were the criteria, cases could be made for the Nittany Lions and for the three‑loss USC Trojans, who were also playing great in the final month of the season. Penn State’s additional loss was too much for voters, however, so USC surely wasn’t getting in with three. The Best Case Scenario Answer: Yes. But, it’ll take other teams in the Top 4 having two losses, potentially.

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017

Stripe Out, White Out: All the Game Themes By Blake Burfield It’s been a long time since an upcoming Penn State football season has been as hyped as this one, so classic themed games like the White Out and Homecoming are bound to be even more fun than usual. But they’re not the only ones—all seven home games of the 2017 season will feature a special theme, promotion or celebra‑ tion. Check out all of them and start planning for your games!

SEPT. 2 VS. AKRON: HOME OPENER YOUTH SPORTS/SPIRIT DAY Though the home opener is always one of the most joyous occa‑ sions of the year in Happy Valley, count on this year’s to be even more so. Hopes are high going into this season as the reigning Big Ten champs and Rose Bowl contenders, so you can expect a whole new kind of buzz in the air. Special ticket packages for the home opener include a pre‑game youth football, basketball or cheer and dance clinic hosted by Penn State. Cheer and dance participants will even have an opportunity to perform during halftime!

SEPT. 9 VS. PITT: KEYSTONE CLASSIC “2016” SIGN UNVEILING Last year, when age‑old rivals Penn State and Pitt faced off for the

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 Stripe Out… Continued from page 24 first time since 2000, the game was officially and aptly dubbed the Keystone Classic. Last year’s matchup didn’t pan out in our favor, so the Nittany Lions will be seeking redemption on their home grounds this time around. Come prepared with all your PSU pride to show Pitt why blue and white is better than blue and gold! You won't want to miss the pre-game ceremonies when Penn State will unveil the "2016" sign on the Beaver Stadium suites in honor of last year's Big Ten Champioship team. At half‑ time, the 1982 National Championship team will be recognized.

work, and will be recognized throughout the game. The College of Agricultural Sciences will also celebrate Penn State’s agricultural origins with festivities before and after the game.

OCT. 21 VS. MICHIGAN: WHITE OUT What’s widely considered the biggest home game of the season needs no introduction. The Penn State White Out is an atmo‑ sphere unlike any other, and it has two simple unwritten rules: wear white, and be ready to cheer your absolute heart out.

NOV. 11 VS. RUTGERS: HOMECOMING SEPT. 16 VS. GEORGIA STATE: BLUE BAND JAM MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY COMMUNITY HEROES DAY The public is welcome to the Bryce Jordan Center before the game for the fourth annual Blue Band Jam, a free event that features select local high school bands performing along with the Penn State Blue Band. For today’s game, police, fire and EMS workers are eligible for special ticket packages in honor of their selfless service. Know a community hero who deserves a shout‑out? Visit nittanylionfeedback.com and enter code “3FF63F2468555607” to nominate them to be recognized on‑field during the game.

SEPT. 30 VS. INDIANA: FACULTY AND STAFF DAY CELEBRATE AGRICULTURE Retro helmets and uniforms will make this game stand out on social media. Penn State faculty and staff from all over the state are eligible for a special ticket package in appreciation of their

Homecoming takes place significantly later in the season this year. But with the distinct possibility that the Nittany Lions could be in another playoff chase this November, it just might be a more thrilling Homecoming game than ever! As always, the PSU Homecoming Parade will take place Friday evening (November 10), and halftime of the game will feature the Penn State Alumni Band and the crowning of the king and queen. Falling on Veterans Day, the game will also double as the 2017 Military Appreciation Game, honoring military members during the game. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets through the “Seats for Servicemembers” program to be donated to military members and their families.

NOV. 18 VS. NEBRASKA: STRIPE OUT SENIOR DAY | PARENTS & FAMILIES TAILGATE The final home game of the season will mark the third annual Stripe Out, where each section is coordinated to wear either all blue or all white to create a striped Beaver Stadium. The senior Nittany Lions will be honored before their final home game in the annual Senior Day ceremony. Special ticket packages will be offered to Penn State parents and families, as many come to pick up their students for Thanks‑ giving break. The packages include a pre‑game tailgate at Pegula Ice Arena.

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2017

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Nine Things We Can't Wait to See at Beaver Stadium in 2017 That Pitt Rivalry, Night Games, Hoosiers—Can It Get Any Better? By John Patishnock Penn State has owned its home turf over the past few years, win‑ ning 13 of the last 14 games at Beaver Stadium, including a perfect 7‑0 mark last season. Here’s a rundown of what fans can look forward to at Beaver Stadium this season:

SEASON OPENER (AND A FAMILIAR NAME) The season kicks off Sept. 2, with Akron visiting Happy Valley. The Zips head coach is Terry Bowden, who grabbed national headlines in 1993 by leading Auburn to an 11‑0 record and earning numer‑ ous accolades. And if that last name sounds familiar, that’s because his father is longtime former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden.

PENN STATE‑PITT (AND HONORING THE 2016 BIG TEN CHAMPS) The 98th all‑time meeting between the Nittany Lions and Pan‑ thers will feature some extra buzz, given that the team will unveil “2016” on the Beaver Stadium suites before the game to recognize last season’s Big Ten champions. Additionally, the 1982 national championship squad will be celebrated at halftime.

EARLY NIGHT GAME A week after Pitt, another Panthers squad comes to Happy Valley—Georgia State. The Atlanta‑based school competes in the Sun Belt Conference; this will be the first time Penn State has played a school from that conference. The Panthers finished last season 3‑9, so this is a rare opportunity for fans to soak up an entire day of tailgating without necessarily worrying about getting a win that night. It’ll be more about how the Lions play against a lesser‑tiered opponent under the lights, and expect the day’s tailgating to feel more like a daylong festival.

NEW‑LOOK HOOSIERS If the trait “quirky” ever applied to a Big Ten football school, it’d be Indiana. The Hoosiers are a fun team to watch, though usually

Continued on page 28

BUSY SEPTEMBER While the early‑season slate isn’t quite as busy as a few years ago—when Penn State played five consecutive home games Sept. 12–Oct. 10—the Nittany Lions play three consecutive home games in September: Sept. 2 against Akron, Sept. 9 versus Pitt, and Sept. 16 against Georgia State.

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 Nine Things… Continued from page 27 find a way to lose. They improved mightily on defense last season, improving in every major statistical category; though that came after 2015, when the Hoosiers allowed 30‑plus points nine times, 40‑plus points five times, and 50‑plus points twice. Indiana also features a new head coach, Tom Allen, who oversaw the defensive turnaround last season as associate head coach.

WOLVERINE WHITE OUT This is the one home game all fans are waiting for: the annual White Out. Kickoff time hasn’t been announced yet, though here’s to hoping for a primetime start. The White Out just looks so much cooler at night, right? James Franklin looks to pick up his first win against Michigan, a game that Penn State seem‑ ingly has to win if the Lions want to compete for another Big Ten title. The game also kicks off a crucial three‑week stretch for Penn State, who will travel to Ohio State and Michigan State the following two Saturdays. Two other quick notes: Penn State has a bye the week before, and there’s an outside chance that ESPN’s College Gameday could broadcast live from Beaver Stadium. This would hinge on both teams sporting 6‑0 records coming into the contest. If that happens, then the Penn State‑Michigan contest (with a White Out) becomes one of the top games in the entire country that week.

LATE HOMECOMING This year’s Homecoming uncharacteristically arrives in November, though at least the game against Rutgers features a noon kickoff (saving fans from colder temperatures at night). The game will feature one of the most underrated traditions at Beaver Stadium, when the Alumni Blue Band will join the current band on the field for performances throughout the day. And the game will also double as Military Appreciation Day, with Homecoming happen‑ ing on Veterans Day (Nov. 11).

NEBRASKA STRIPE OUT One of the team’s newest traditions continues Nov. 18 against Nebraska, a program that can match Penn State in prestige and stature. And it’s always nice to see a visiting team that the Lions don’t usually face at Beaver Stadium. Nebraska finished last season 9‑4, good for second in the Big Ten West Division, though they ended the year with a loss to Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. 28

The Cornhuskers haven’t won 10 games in a season since 2012, though have reached nine wins on three occasions since then, with the outlier season of 2015, when they finished 6‑7 (includ‑ ing 5‑7 in the regular season). Nebraska lost four of its final six games last year, and will feature a new‑look offense after quarter‑ back Tommy Frazier Jr. graduated. The Cornhuskers haven’t won a conference title since 1999—a lifetime ago for a program as revered as Nebraska. Chances are the Cornhuskers won’t end the drought this year, though fans will see a quality opponent for the last home game of the season.

BARKLEY’S PURSUIT OF HISTORY It’s possible that Saquon Barkley will break the school’s all‑time rushing mark this season; Barkley’s got 2,572 career yards and Evan Royster owns the record with 3,932. Barkley is certainly capable of the season that’s needed, and the vibe this offseason is that he’s motivated more than ever. Penn State’s home finale against Nebraska on Nov. 18 could prove to be the game that Barkley owns the mark. If not, look for it to possibly happen the following week at Maryland or in the postseason.


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Become part of history and pave the way for the future of Memorial Field. Purchase and inscribe a brick on the walkway toand Memorial Fraser Street. to Pave it Forward will fund future Joinwest-side the hundreds of alumni friends ofField State along High who For all Donations of these improvements to Memorial have already purchased bricks in Field. honor of their experiences reasons, and more, at Memorial Field. They have now left a lasting legacy through

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Memorial Field, the 4,000-seat outdoor venue for State College Area School District Athletics, has been the Pave it Forward campaign. for your support. home to wins and to losses, to triumph and to heartache, and most to unforgettable moments Become part ofimportantly, the Become part of this history and pave the way for the future that have shaped the lives of countless young people. These moments have centered on unparalleled teampermanent history of Memorial Field. Purchase and inscribe overcoming a brick on the westwork, personal accomplishment, adversity, of and more Field as State College students have competed Memorial sideathletics walkway to Memorial Fieldfor along Fraser Street (along Artssignificant with a personalin and gathered graduation and other events on their home field. Memorial Field has Festival route). Donations to Pave it Forward will fund future ized, engraved brick also been a key venue for community events like Arts Festival, parades and other activities. Dedicated to the memory of State High graduates who gave their lives to in World Wars I and II, and redediwalkway leading Memorial Field has been home to wins and to losses, to the field. cated to honor all those fallen in wars since, Memorial Field serves not just as an athletic complex, but as triumph and to heartache, and most importantly, to unforgeta community gathering place where neighbors and friends come together to support the students of State table moments that have shaped the lives of countless young Simply complete the form College. Currently home to football, soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse, Memorial Field was constructed durpeople. These moments have centered on: below and returnand it toremains the ing the Great Depression as a Works Progress Administration project situated in the heart of ✓✓ Unparalleled teamwork address listed with a one-time the Borough of State College. ✓✓ Personal accomplishments

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campaign isField open to individuals, families, and businesses, ✓✓ Overcoming Now you can adversity become part of the permanent history of Memorial with a personalized, engraved brick and will serve as a true, permanent reminder of the strong on the west-side walkway leading to the field. Simply complete the form below and return it to the address ✓✓ Celebrating milestones community thattosupports the State Collegeand Area businesses, School listed withthe a one-time payment is open individuals, families ✓✓ Bringing community together of $250. The brick campaign District and its students. and will serve as a true, permanent reminder of the strong community that supports the State College Area School District and its students.

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TheDistrict Districtreserves reservesthe the right right to accept, reject, negotiate brick The reject or negotiate brickinscription inscriptioncontent. content.

Please make checks SchoolDistrict. District.(Donations (Donations bricks deductible to the extent allowed by law.) Please make checkspayable payableto:to:State StateCollege College Area Area School forfor bricks areare taxtax deductible to the extent allowed by law.) Mailand check and thisto: form to: State College Area School District Memorial Campaign, W.Crest Nittany Ave.,State StateCollege, College,PA PA16801 16801or go Mail check this form State College Area School District Memorial FieldField BrickBrick Campaign, 240131 Villa Drive, or gotoonline to scasd.org/buyabrick online www.scasd.org/buyabrick 894-014


FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 PSU Stars Share Memories of Football and Food By Jeff Cavanaugh If you win games and play hard, you’ll always be remembered by the legions of Nittany Lions fans across the country. But when the stars of the Nittany Lions are not on the field or in the weight room, they like to frequent all of the same places across Happy Valley that we all know and love. We caught up with five former Penn State stars to find out their favorite on‑field memories and their favorite places to eat and hang out in and around Happy Valley.

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JACK HAM LINEBACKER – 1968‑70 Over his three seasons in State College, the NFL and College Football Hall of Fame linebacker helped lead his Nittany Lions teams to a 29‑3 record. As a senior co‑captain in 1970, Jack Ham had 91 tackles, four interceptions and three blocked punts. While the Penn State legend still gets to take in game day from the booth as an analyst for the Penn State Sports Network, he misses playing for the fans at Beaver Sta‑ dium the most. His most memorable game from his playing days was the January 1, 1970, Orange Bowl that pitted the #2 Nittany Lions against the Missouri Tigers. It should come as no surprise that one of the best defensive players in college football and NFL history would remember one of the most dominating displays in Nittany Lion history. The Nittany Lions won 10‑3—holding a 30

Missouri team that scored five touch‑ downs per game to a single field goal while intercepting a mind‑boggling seven passes. The win secured an undefeated, 11‑0 season. When Jack Ham was a student at When Jack Ham was a Penn State, his favorite hangout was the student, The Lion's Den was a Lion’s Den at 118 South Garner Street. favorite hangout. When he heads back to town nowadays, Ham opts for The Tavern at 220 East College Ave.

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PAUL POSLUSZNY LINEBACKER – 2003‑06 Paul Posluszny is one of the most-awarded Penn State players of all time and, if you asked Jack Ham, the greatest linebacker to ever play at Penn State. Posluszny was a two‑time winner of the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player; a Butkus Award winner for the nation’s top linebacker; a two‑time first team All American and a two‑time team captain. Since being drafted in 2007, Posluszny has played 10 seasons for the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars— but nothing compares to the feeling at Penn State. “The passion that is associated with college football—you are playing for your teammates, your family, your school,” Posluszny said. “Growing up in Pennsylvania and then playing at Penn State, you feel like you are playing for the entire state of Pennsylvania.” Posluszny’s most memorable game is also often cited as one of Penn State’s greatest games— the thrilling 2005 win at home against Ohio State. “Most memorable game, hands down, was Paul Posluszny gets grilled stickies when he's in town. in 2005. We were play‑


2017

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

ing Ohio State at home. It was a night game, and they were highly ranked and so were we,” Posluszny added. “We ended up beating them late in the fourth quarter. The stadium was packed, electric atmosphere. It was hands down the best environment I have ever been a part of.” When Posluszny was a student at Penn State, he would frequent the Lion’s Den. When he goes back to town now, he likes to go to The Deli at 113 Hiester Street and to Ye Olde College Diner at 126 West College Avenue for the famous grilled sticky buns. “I love desserts, and grilled stickies are something that are unique to Penn State,” Posluszny said. “You can’t find them any‑ where else quite like they do it there.”

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ALLEN ROBINSON WIDE RECEIVER – 2011‑13

Currently a teammate of Paul Posluszny on the Jacksonville Jaguars, wide receiver Allen Robinson made some of the most memorable catches in Penn State history and rewrote the receiv‑ ing record books during his sophomore and junior seasons. “My most memorable game and moment was the Michigan game—four overtimes and my catch,” Robinson stated. It was the catch that no Penn State fan will ever forget: a

36‑yard pass to the one‑yard line where Robinson, with 27 seconds left in regulation, set up the game‑tying score. The Nittany Lions went on to win 43‑40 in the fourth overtime. And even though he’s become a star in the NFL, Robinson still misses playing at Penn State. “I miss playing with a lot of my close friends and playing with some of the guys that I came in with when I was recruited,” Robinson said. “You build a strong relationship with those guys through being recruited and then Allen Robinson dreams about Wings Over Happy Valley. when you step on the field. And defi‑ nitely playing in front of 107,000 fans.” Robinson also liked to hang out at the Lion’s Den, but the restaurant he still longs for is Wings Over Happy Valley at 244 W. Hamilton Avenue. “Even though I don’t visit it, it visits me.”

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ANTHONY MORELLI QUARTERBACK – 2004‑07

Anthony Morelli was one of the top-recruited high school quarterbacks when he arrived on campus at Penn State, and went on to break two single-season records while he was at Penn State. He played a number of memorable games, including a 31‑10 romp of Notre Dame at Beaver Stadium in 2007, but his best game memory was the January 1, 2007 Outback Bowl upset win over the Tennessee Volunteers. “I miss the atmosphere and playing in front of 107,000 fans,” Morelli said. “It was unbelievable; the fans are fantastic and they travel well. That experience is something I try to share with the guys I train now, but you can never really understand it until you feel that feeling.”

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 PSU Stars Continued from page 31 Morelli currently runs a training facility, X Factor Sports Performance in Indianapolis, that works on speed, agility and position work. When Morelli was at Penn State, he frequented Rotelli with his wife – but the Italian restaurant closed their doors last September. Besides Rotelli, Morelli’s favorite spot was always The Waffle Shop at 364 E. College Avenue. Anthony Morelli says he could eat at The “The Waffle Shop is Waffle Shop "all day, every day." always a place that I stop at when we are in State College,” Morelli said. “I could eat there all day, every day. Everything is just awesome.

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MATT MCGLOIN

QUARTERBACK – 2008‑2012 Quarterback Matt McGloin was under center for some of the biggest milestones of Joe Paterno’s career and then went on to break a number of records during Coach Bill O’Brien’s first year in 2012. McGloin, now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, was the first walk‑on quarterback to start at Penn State since scholar‑ ships were reinstated in 1949 and ended his career at Penn State with a school record 46 touchdowns – a record recently eclipsed by Christian Hackenberg. “There were a lot of great memories and moments as a Penn State player, from my first start against Michigan to Joe’s 400th win,” McGloin recalled, “but I have to say that my last game against Wisconsin is my most memorable. It was a great way to end my career with an overtime win at home.” The 24‑21 overtime win helped the Nittany Lions finish 8‑4 in 2012, a very special season for McGloin and his teammates.

“I miss the stadium; I miss the bus ride over on game days; I miss playing football with my PSU teammates,” McGloin said. “I was fortunate to play with a lot of great players, but to be a part of that 2012 senior class was very special. We weren’t just team‑ mates, we were good friends as well, so I miss playing football with those guys.” When he gets back to Happy Valley these days, McGloin always gets something to eat at The Deli. “I’m a big fan of The Deli, but there are so many great places, it is hard to pick just one,” McGloin said. “There is a lot of great food downtown and so many good stores.”

Matt McGloin is a big fan of The Deli.

Photo by The Deli, Copyright, Dantes Restaurants, Inc.

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017 Robinson Continued from page 14 said. “From an individual standpoint, that was pretty cool.” And that it came when the team clinched the Big Ten East Division made it all the better, as Robinson said his performance wouldn’t have been possible without his teammates. Fast forward to this summer, when Robinson feels more at ease. He was happy with the improvements he made in spring practice, saying that the entire offense looked better than a year ago as the team was installing a new system under offensive coor‑ dinator Joe Moorhead—a scary thought for opponents when you realize that Penn State averaged 38 points per game last season.

“He’s got a nice feel for the zone … the ability to know when he needs to 'skinny himself' for a few yards and when he needs to accelerate. ” During the spring, Robinson said his biggest focus was recog‑ nizing defenses, knowing who to pick up on a blitz and identifying where safeties are rotating. Huff and Saquon Barkley have helped Robinson, who’s made it a point to soak up everything, whether he was racking up reps or waiting his turn during spring ball. “Physically, you can only go so far,” Robinson said. “I feel like my biggest strength is mentally being more confident, knowing what I’m doing, knowing what the defense is doing and why the defense is doing what they’re doing.” Describing the Michigan State game, Robinson said that Barkley typically had notes from him after a play or series, and Robinson would seek out advice, asking if he made the right cut, for example. He pointed out Barkley’s vision for one reason why the Heisman Trophy candidate has had a big impact on him, say‑ ing that Barkley has evolved into a real team leader, whether it’s encouraging teammates during an agility drill or giving Robinson pointers during a game. Robinson speaks with a sense of purpose and maturity, giving each question some thought during a mid-June interview. Spring practice has ended and the season opener is still months away, but Robinson talks like he’s ready now. That makes sense, given his approach to game day. He doesn’t always know how many reps he’ll get, one of the consequences of having the country’s best running back ahead of you on the depth chart. Some games, he’ll have just one or two carries. Then there are other Saturdays, such as against Temple, when Robinson

34

carried six times for 24 yards and a touchdown, receiving some extra playing time after Barkley temporarily left the game after getting dinged up. “I go in with the mentality that Coach Huff preaches a lot,” Robinson said. “We all need to have the mentality that we’re the starter: take care of your body the whole week like you’re the starter, practice all week like you’re the starter, and watch film all week like you’re the starter.” That mindset is important, Huff said, “because the standard is the same, to go in there, break tackles, get YAC (yards after contact), make big plays and put the ball in the end zone.” Robinson scored five times last season and added a score in this year’s Blue-White game, a nine-yard reception from Tommy Stevens. Huff said the best thing that Robinson can do (along with other backs Mark Allen and Miles Sanders) “is work their tail off every single day to be the best they can be.” Then when their opportunity comes—whenever it does—they’ll be ready. Huff said when the opportunity comes is the unknown vari‑ able. “That’s the one thing in life that none of us have control over,” he said. Whenever that situation does present itself, chances are Robinson will be ready. Mostly because he plans on it. “I just want to continue what I’ve been doing and be an efficient runner,” Robinson said. “That I can come in and the team and offense not lose a step, and still be able to produce the same way the offense does with (Barkley) or anyone else in that running back position.”


July 13‑16 Central PA Festival of the Arts

Downtown State College arts‑festival.com

August 25‑27 State College Spikes vs. Williamsport Medlar Field at Lubrano Park statecollegespikes.com

July 20 WingFest Round 3

Tussey Mountain tusseymountain.com

September 2 PSU Football vs. Akron Bryce Jordan Center gopsusports.com

August 12 State College Brew Expo 2017

Tussey Mountain statecollegebrewexpo.com

September 6 The Weeknd Star Boy World Tour Bryce Jordan Center bjc.psu.edu

September 28 OktoberFest

Tussey Mountain tusseymountain.com


CALENDAR OF CALENDAR EVENTS OF EVENTS

July 13

July

July 23‑25

State College Spikes vs. Mahoning Valley Medlar Field at Lubrano Park statecollegespikes.com

WingFest Round 2 Tussey Mountain tusseymountain.com

July 27

July 13‑16

Central PA Festival of the Arts Downtown State College arts‑festival.com People’s Choice Festival PA Military Museum, Boalsburg peopleschoicefestival.com

July 19

State College Spikes vs. Williamsport Medlar Field at Lubrano Park statecollegespikes.com

July 20

WingFest Round 3 Tussey Mountain tusseymountain.com

July 21

WingFest Round 4 Tussey Mountain tusseymountain.com Gaelic Storm The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org

July 30‑31

State College Spikes vs. Auburn Medlar Field at Lubrano Park statecollegespikes.com

August

August 1

Beatlemania Old Main Lawn downtownstatecollege.com

Movies on the Mountain: The Lego Batman Movie Tussey Mountain tusseymountain.com

State College Spikes vs. Auburn Medlar Field at Lubrano Park statecollegespikes.com

August 4 | Graham Nash The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org 36

Summer Fun Guide


CALENDAR OF EVENTS August 22

September 6‑7

August 23

September 6

State College Spikes vs. West Virginia Medlar Field at Lubrano Park statecollegespikes.com

Chris Robinson Brotherhood The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org State College Spikes vs. West Virginia Medlar Field at Lubrano Park statecollegespikes.com

August 24

August 13 | State College Spikes vs. Vermont Medlar Field at Lubrano Park statecollegespikes.com August 3

WingFest Round 5 Tussey Mountain tusseymountain.com

State College Spikes vs. Vermont Medlar Field at Lubrano Park statecollegespikes.com

August 4

August 12

Graham Nash The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org

Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair Talleyrand Park, Bellefonte bellefontefair.org

August 5

State College Brew Expo 2017 Tussey Mountain statecollegebrewexpo.com

Downtown Sidewalk Sale S. Allen Street downtownstatecollege.com

August 8‑9

State College Spikes vs. Hudson Valley Medlar Field at Lubrano Park statecollegespikes.com

August 10

WingFest Round 6 Tussey Mountain tusseymountain.com

August 13

State College Spikes vs. Vermont Medlar Field at Lubrano Park statecollegespikes.com

August 17

WingFest 2017 Finals Tussey Mountain tusseymountain.com

August 18

State College Spikes vs. Hudson Valley Medlar Field at Lubrano Park statecollegespikes.com

Movies on the Mountain: Mary Poppins Tussey Mountain tusseymountain.com

August 11

August 18‑26

Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair Talleyrand Park, Bellefonte bellefontefair.org

Summer Fun Guide

Centre County Grange Fair Grange Park, Centre Hall grangefair.com

State College Spikes vs. Williamsport Medlar Field at Lubrano Park statecollegespikes.com

September 9

PSU Football vs. Pitt Beaver Stadium gopsusports.com

September 10

August 25‑27

September 15

State College Spikes vs. Williamsport Medlar Field at Lubrano Park statecollegespikes.com

September

September 1

The Soul Rebels The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org

OktoberFest Tussey Mountain tusseymountain.com

September 30

PSU Football vs. Indiana Beaver Stadium gopsusports.com

October

October 3

Movies on the Mountain: Kong Skull Island Tussey Mountain tusseymountain.com

September 16

Al Stewart The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org

September 28

The Weeknd Star Boy World Tour Bryce Jordan Center bjc.psu.edu

State College Spikes vs. West Virginia Medlar Field at Lubrano Park statecollegespikes.com

September 23

PSU Football vs. Georgia State Beaver Stadium gopsusports.com

Rhiannon Giddens The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org

October 5

Wynonna & The Big Noise The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org Dutch Fall Festival Aaronsburg, PA aaronsburgcc.org

Movies on the Mountain: Beauty and the Beast Tussey Mountain tusseymountain.com

September 2

PSU Football vs. Akron Beaver Stadium gopsusports.com Wine Down Weekend Huntingdon, PA facebook.com/ winedownweekend

September 3‑5

State College Spikes vs. Auburn Medlar Field at Lubrano Park statecollegespikes.com

October 7 | Rob Schneider The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org 37


CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2017 Penn State Football Schedule 9/2 Akron 12 p.m. Home YOUTH SPORTS/SPIRIT DAY 9/9 Pittsburgh 3:30 p.m. Home KEYSTONE CLASSIC; “2016” SIGN UNVEILING October 11 | Flip FabriQue: Catch Me! Eisenhower Auditorium cpa.psu.edu

9/16 Georgia St 7:30 p.m. Home BLUE BAND JAM; COMMUNITY HEROES DAY 9/23 Iowa

TBA

Away

October 8

September 14

Cécile McLorin Salvant Schwab Auditorium cpa.psu.edu

9/30 Indiana TBA Home FACULTY AND STAFF DAY; CELEBRATE AGRICULTURE

October 13‑15

Spafford The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org

10/7 Northwestern TBA

October 15

10/21 Michigan WHITE OUT

TBA

Home

10/28 Ohio State

TBA

Away

Michigan St TBA

Away

Dutch Fall Festival Aaronsburg, PA aaronsburgcc.org

PSU Parents Weekend Penn State University parents.psu.edu

October 14

Fall Festival and Halloween Parade Talleyrand Park, Bellefonte visitbellefonte.com

Shovels & Rope The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org

October 17

Way Fruit Farm, Port Matilda wayfruitfarm.com

Lila Downs Eisenhower Auditorium cpa.psu.edu

October 21

October 19

Fall Festival

PSU Football vs. Michigan Beaver Stadium gopsusports.com Fall Festival Way Fruit Farm, Port Matilda wayfruitfarm.com

October 28

Fall Harvest Festival Shaver’s Creek shaverscreek.org

38

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder Eisenhower Auditorium cpa.psu.edu

October 24

11/4

Away

11/11 Rutgers TBA Home HOMECOMING; MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY 11/18 Nebraska TBA Home STRIPE OUT; SENIOR DAY | PARENTS & FAMILIES TAILGATE

Jake Shimabukuro The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org

11/25 Maryland

Dawn Upshaw, Gilbert Kalish, & So Percussion Schwab Auditorium cpa.psu.edu

TBA

Away

12/2 Big Ten Championship Game (Lucas Oil Stadium; Indianapolis)

Summer Fun Guide


CALENDAR OF EVENTS October 27

Straight Outta Philly Eisenhower Auditorium cpa.psu.edu

October 29

Anders Osborne & Jackie Greene The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org

November

November 3

Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott Eisenhower Auditorium cpa.psu.edu

Summer Fun Guide

The Second City Comedy Tour The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org

Penn State Homecoming Week

November 5

Dance Competition homecoming.psu.edu SPA/Homecoming Concert Bryce Jordan Center homecoming.psu.edu

November 6

Pollock Party Pollock Quad homecoming.psu.edu

November 7

November 10

November 14-15

FTG Talent Show Eisenhower Auditorium homecoming.psu.edu

Ice Cream Social Hintz Alumni Center homecoming.psu.edu

November 16

November 8

November 11

Past to Present HUB-Robeson Center homecoming.psu.edu

Best of Penn State Carnival HUB Lawn homecoming.psu.edu

November 9

Thompson Square The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org Spanish Harlem Orchestra Eisenhower Auditorium cpa.psu.edu

Homecoming Parade Downtown State College homecoming.psu.edu

The Sound of Music Eisenhower Auditorium cpa.psu.edu

Downtown Tree Lighting Allen Street downtownstatecollege.com

Homecoming Game: PSU Football vs. Rutgers Beaver Stadium gopsusports.com

November 18

Tailgate Competition Beaver Stadium homecoming.psu.edu

November 30

PSU Football vs. Nebraska Beaver Stadium gopsusports.com

Apollo’s Fire Schwab Auditorium cpa.psu.edu

39


Festival of the Arts Represents the Best of Summertime, Arts July 13‑16 By Cara Aungst Every year, the apex of our summer is celebrated with art in remarkable shape and form: sidewalk sales, Italian street art, sand sculpture, and performances. The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts runs July 13‑16 as more than 125,000 people flock to downtown State College and University Park campus to celebrate the arts. You can shop at the nationally-recognized Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition, and take in performers of international, national and regional stature on outdoor and indoor stages. Don’t miss the giant sand sculpture, the Downtown State College Italian Street Painting Festival, or BookFest. Enjoy a full day of children’s activities on July 12, a gallery exhibition, and more!

The Sidewalk Sale It keeps getting ranked as one of the top outdoor fine art and fine craft shows in the nation, and we all agree. The Sidewalk Sale and

40

Exhibition brings artists and craftspeople from across the nation to State College. Each year more than 300 exhibitors offer a wide variety of objects for sale including baskets, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, painting, photography and wearable art. There's something to suit everyone’s taste and pocketbook. Check it out, ThursdaySaturday, July 13-15, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, July 16, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Performances Musical and artist performances are one of the things that make the Arts Festival so special. With free performances at three outdoor stages—Allen Street Stage, Festival Shell and Sidney Friedman Park Stage—and indoor performances at The State Theatre, Penn State Downtown Theatre, Schwab Auditorium and select downtown churches, there is sure to be something for everyone. There are performances in nearly every musical genre, with offerings for children and adults alike. Not to be missed this year are silent film accompanist Ben Model, The Raleigh Ringers, David Myles and April Verch. With genres ranging from comedy, cabaret, ’80s and music theatre, these performances encapsulate what makes the Arts Festival a summertime staple. You can enjoy all special performances with the purchase of a Festival Button for $10. Purchase one and show your active support of the arts in our community and our nationally renowned annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts extravaganza! For more information, go to happyvalley.com or arts‑festival.com.

Summer Fun Guide



Enjoy Local Microbrews, Tapas, and Burgers at Penn State Hotels this Summer

There’s nothing like the slow-paced days of summer in Happy Valley. Add chef-inspired grilled tapas, delicious burgers, PA beers, and local spirits to the equation and you have the perfect way to kick off a summer weekend. Friday evenings throughout the summer, The Nittany Lion Inn invites you to PA on the Patio—a culinary experience centered around a summertime favorite: grilling. Featuring a full tapas menu and the best in Pennsylvania microbrews and spirits, PA on the Patio is the best after-work meet-up in town. Beginning at 5:30 every Friday (weather permitting), enjoy

all‑you-care-to-eat, delicious tapas, prepared on the wood-fired grill. Grab a cold drink, and relax with friends. In the mood for a juicy burger? Head to Legends Pub, The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center’s signature sports bar, and join the Brews and Burgers Club. Any time you buy 12 craft brews, you’ll get a free legendary burger—fixed to your liking. Legends’ craft brew menu features PA favorites like Rusty Rails, Victory Brewing Company, Erie Brewing Company and Lancaster Brewing Company, as well as craft brews from throughout the U.S. Try their Penn State Burger, Pennsylvania Cordon Bleu Burger, Seared Panko Salmon Burger, or another delicious favorite from our menu. One thing’s for sure—once you’ve tasted their delicious craft beers and juicy burgers, you’ll be coming back for more. Join the club—stop by Legends, fill out a registration card and begin your Legendary brew journey today!​ 42

Summer Fun Guide


It’s Summer Fest Time! By Holly Swanson

Happy Valley has a not‑so‑secret side that comes out during the summer. While the rest of the year revolves around students, foot‑ ball and street construction, there’s a brief few weeks during the summer when State College and the surrounding areas bring out live music and canopy tents to showcase our creative side. While some of these festivals have been around for decades, others are holding their inaugural events this year. In either case, there’s something for everyone. Fest season is already well underway. Happy Valley Music

Summer Fun Guide

Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts

Fest started the summer out right with their downtown celebra‑ tion of local, regional and national artists. The nation's biggest all-volunteer run fireworks, 4th Fest, feted the country's birthday, and Beaver Stadium saw its first-ever concert with headliner Blake Shelton at Happy Valley Jam. Here's what the rest of the summer holds!

Wing Fest at Tussey Mountain Thursday nights, July‑August | tusseymountain.com/ wingfest Thursday nights are the new Saturday night when it comes to live music and great food in Happy Valley! For an entry fee of $5 per evening (kids are free), guests can sample wings from the best lo‑ cal restaurants and vote for their favorite wings in this seven‑week competition. Even if you’re not into wings (and why wouldn’t you (Continued on page 44) 43


It’s Summer Fest Time!

Continued from page 43

be?), there are plenty of other food vendors, from Rita’s Water Ice to Doans Bones BBQ. In addition to the nightly live entertain‑ ment, Tussey’s summertime fun activities are also open, including min‑golf and the batting cages. It’s a great night for family fun that leads to the all‑important crowning of Tussey Mountain Wing King. Don’t Miss: Draw The Line from Massachusetts. Not just any Aerosmith tribute band, Draw the Line is the only one that is endorsed by the original group (so they must be great if Steven Tyler gave them his stamp of approval). You might find yourself wondering if this is all a prank and if the real Aerosmith is on stage. They’ll take the stage on July 6 at 8:00 p.m.

Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts July 12‑16 | arts‑festival.com While it goes without saying that the art exhibits and sidewalk sale is the main attraction, the Fest has also developed a devoted following for its special events, like the Italian street painting on Hiester Street and the 25‑ton sand scultpure that appears as a work in progress in the Sidney Friedman Park. The week kicks off with the Children and Youth Sidewalk Sale, which invites bud‑ ding artists and future business people to show off their talents (and make a little profit) on Wednesday, July 12. For alumni traveling in for Arts Fest, Penn State opens its dorm doors for the weekend. The annual Arts Festival Alumni Weekend invites guests to stay in West Halls and includes exclusive access to private events (pre‑registration is required through the Penn State Alumni Association). Don’t Miss: A favorite tradition for many Fest‑goers, the Pat Farrell Community Sing lets people of all ages and singing backgrounds join their voices together in Broadway tunes, campfire songs and folk music. And look for artist Hannah Clarke. Hailing from Allison Park, PA, Hannah paints beautifiul images of fairy tale‑type creatures with rich backgrounds and intricate story lines. 44

People’s Choice Festival July 13‑17 | peopleschoicefestival.com Now in its 25th year, the People’s Choice features artists from a dozen disciplines along with a petting zoo, bounce house and wine tastings. Full of high‑quality, reasonably‑priced artwork in a walkable location that can be taken in during an afternoon. Don’t Miss: Pennsylvania wines. Seven vineyards will be appear‑ ing at this year’s People’s Choice, including local favorites like the Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery and Seven Mountains Wine Cellar. Check out the relatively new U Freeze Wine Slush, based in Port Matilda, which sells wine that’s refreshingly cool and com‑ bines unique flavors like peaches and chocolate.

Book Fest July 15 | schlowlibrary.org In the middle of Arts Fest, Book Fest at Schlow Library show‑ cases local authors. Local writers like Jason Lenox (Lords of the Cosmos), Denise Kaminsky (the Nittany Lion book series), and Sarah K. Stephens (A Flash of Red) will meet with readers to discuss their craft. Don’t Miss: Jodi Moore. A Boalsburg native, Jodi is the brainchild behind the award‑winning When a Dragon Moves In series. She’s also the author of Good News Nelson, about a young boy who changes his neighborhood through his paperwork.

Bellefonte Arts & Craft Fair August 11‑12 | Bellefontefair.org Rounding out the summer festival season is the Bellefonte

People’s Choice Festival

Summer Fun Guide


Arts & Craft Fair featuring regional artists, children’s events and food vendors all circled around Spring Creek and the gazebo of Talleyrand. While you’re there, explore the shops of downtown Bellefonte just a block away from the festival. Don’t Miss: The fair food. Scott’s Roasting has been a long‑time fair favorite. Featuring their own farm‑raised pork (“We raise them...we roast them”), they’re easy to spot from anywhere in the festival—just look for the long line. After a BBQ sandwich, you can cool off with many of the summer‑time staples like fresh lemonade, ice cream and milkshakes.

Find your next festival with our Top Picks eletter delivered right to your inbox! Sign up on our homepage at HappyValley.com.

Summer Fun Guide

45


Kids Summer Bucket List— What’s on Yours?

Tussey Mountain

Tussey Mountain Yes, we all know that Tussey is a grownup’s dream playground with skiing, wings, live music and craft beer. But there’s tons for the younger set too! Movies on the Mountain is free again this year, with offerings like Lego Batman, Doctor Strange, Beauty and Beast and Mary Poppins. You can buy movie popcorn, hot dogs, ice cream, beer and more while you enjoy a fun flick

Minimalism is all the rage right now, and its mantra—buy experi‑ ences, not things—resounds with parents. Think about our own childhood: while there are probably some scuffed baseball cards or Cabbage Patch dolls stuffed in some box, the freshest memories are not of the things we got, but the stuff we did. Luckily, summer in Happy Valley is the perfect time and place to make memories with your kids. From the family‑friendly fests to free movies to bowling on the cheap, here are a few of my favorites to take advantage of these precious few months of summer: Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park 46

Summer Fun Guide


all summer long, it’s “Spaghetti Wednesday,” featuring NOT merely spaghetti, but also homemade Italian specialties like gnocchi, stuffed shells, lasagna, sweet sausage over bow ties, meatballs, eggplant parm, and a crazy‑long list of Italian feasts that are so good, it’s actually kind of weird to be eating them off a disposable plate at an amusement park. But you’ll do it anyway. And you’ll love it.

Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park Hey, that stalactite looks like bacon. No, seriously. Take a boat tour of Penn’s Cave and you’ll see George Washington, the Statue of Liberty and other uncannily familiar rock formations. It’s America’s only water cavern—meaning it’s one of a kind, and it’s right here in Happy Valley, five miles past Centre Hall on Route 192. You’ll marvel at the constant 52‑degree temperature in the cave, and the legend of star‑crossed lovers Princess Nitanee (Continued on page 42)

Del Grosso’s Amusement Park

outside (check social media before you head out, due to weather). The Fun Centre is fun for the whole family with Go‑Karts, golfing, batting cages, (renovated!) skate park and the Mountain Mini‑Golf Course.

Del Grosso’s Amusement Park Del Grosso’s expanded its water park last year, and it made our favorite little amusement park even better. It’s easy to cover the whole park in a few hours, and just as easy to take it slow and enjoy. Laguna Splash, the only Italian‑themed water park in America, features a lazy river that winds past a mini Leaning Tower of Pisa, a wave pool with 300,000 gallons of water, as well as a wading pool for the littles and fun slides for bigger kids. There’s free parking and free admission. All‑day ride passes are affordable at $29.95 (including the water park), with discounts for ordering online! Del Grosso’s is a super easy daytrip, just 30 miles south of State College on I‑99 Tipton. Parent perk: The food, OH, THE FOOD. No wilted fries and flat Coke here. Del Grosso’s, after all, is known for its locally‑made tomato sauce, and you can enjoy it in the park on freshly‑made pizza, sold by the slice or by the pie. (Sometimes we drive over just for dinner—it’s THAT good.) Every Wednesday,

Summer Fun Guide

47


Kids Summer Bucket List…

Continued from page 41

and a French fur trader will give you goose bumps on your goose bumps. Penn’s Cave is nestled among 1,600 carefully preserved acres of forest and field and you can see it up‑close (from the comfort of an open‑air bus) on the 90‑minute Farm, Nature, and Wildlife Tour. Guides offer interesting history and facts, and the wildlife are out in full display. Special treat: Kids will love panning for semi‑precious gem‑ stones, fossils and arrowheads from around the world at Prospec‑ tor Pete’s Sluice. You can grab lunch or snacks in the Cave Café, or pack a picnic and eat in the pavilion.

Northland Bowl You’ve undoubtedly dropped the kids at Northland Bowl for birthday parties or class outings, but when that inevitable rainy day arrives, lace up some shoes for the whole family. No matter your skill level, bowling is a blast, and usually involves lots of sil‑ liness and laughter. Before you go, have the kids fill their change bags with quarters for the arcade. Kid‑friendly food is plentiful, and the Arena Bar & Grill next door serves grown‑up food, too. Check the website for daily specials and coupons. Plus, in the summer, your kids can bowl free! Sign up at kidsbowlfree.com and get two free games every day all summer long! Fun with friends: Make a date with another family for fun and

Kids love to kayak the Raystown Branch of the Juniata!

a little friendly bowling competition. It’s become an annual summer tradition for us.

WildRiver Waterpark at Lake Raystown Resort If you live in Happy Valley and you’ve never been to Raystown, don’t miss out on another season of summer fun in this outdoor recreation paradise. The WildRiver Waterpark is located in Lake Raystown Resort and is open to the public. Featuring two 380‑foot twisting slides, the White Water Innertube Ride, the Atomic Blaster, a heated swimming pool and the Children’s Splash and Play Pool, WildRiver has cool fun for kids of all ages. More family fun: Lake Raystown Resort is ideal for a family get‑ away that will get the kids off their screens and into the great out‑ doors. Hiking, biking, boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, the list goes on. Accommodations range from rustic to all‑the‑com‑ forts‑of‑home and are available for weeklong or long‑weekend rental. Up for a cool experience? Rent a yurt or a houseboat.

Show them your favorite Happy Valley haunt While there is plenty that is “kid‑focused” in the area, some of my favorite times with my five in Happy Valley are doing the things that make this area great. Meander through Arts Fest, listen to a Police cover band at WingFest at Tussey, get them to weigh in on whether Peachy Paterno is, indeed, the best flavor at Berkey Creamery. Slow down and just be at the Arboretum. Play Frisbee golf at the Bernel Road Park by the airport. Scale Mount Nittany. A whole new summer of favorite memories is waiting for you.

What’s on your family’s summer bucket list? Weigh in at HappyValley.com/happyvalleypsu. WingFest at Tussey 48

Summer Fun Guide


Summer Fun Is Waiting for You at Tussey Mountain

Tussey Mountain has nailed down how to do year‑round fun. With the snow long gone, their slopes become a backdrop for a summer’s worth of FUN. Check out what’s planned!

WingFest: Every Thursday night from July 6 through August 17 For 18 years, WingFest has been drawing thousands of hungry Central Pennsylvania residents and restaurants offering the best wings in Happy Valley competing for the title of Tussey Moun‑ tain Wing King. Every Thursday night from July 6 through the Finals on August 17, you’ll get your chance to vote for the best wings in the area and to see if your favorite wings can take the Wing King crown from 2016 champion The Wilderness Lodge. It’s not just about the wings—there is also some of the best live music, with local and nation‑ ally touring acts playing each night of the competition throughout the summer. There are choices beyond wings—BBQ, pierogies and lots of other great food will be on site each week. Visit tusseymountain.com/ wingfest for more information.

• Lego Batman on July 21 • Ghost on August 4 • Mary Poppins on August 18 • Beauty and the Beast on September 8 • Kong: Skull Island on September 22

Fun Centre Their Fun Centre has activities for the kid in all of us. From golf to batting cages, Go-Karts to their Mountain mini-golf, it's the perfect way to enjoy this hot Pennsylvania summer.

Movies on the Mountain Just like last year, this event is FREE, and you can buy movie popcorn, hot dogs, ice cream, beer and more while you enjoy a fun flick outside! Gates open at 8 p.m., movies start at dusk. Check social media before you head out, due to weather! July and August movies are: • Doctor Strange on July 7

Summer Fun Guide

49


Our Favorite Outside Eats By Holly Riddle

Now that the seemingly unending cold and snow has made way for warmer temperatures and sunny skies, Happy Valley visitors and residents alike can enjoy a multitude of summer activities. After hiking Mt. Nittany, a day on the lake in Raystown or tak‑ ing in one of the many fun festivals that occur over the next few months, try one of our favorite restaurants that offer an al fresco dining option, and enjoy a little more of the great outdoors… before winter hits! One of the newer options in Bellefonte is Wine and Café on the Park, located next to Talleyrand Park and surrounded by great views of charming downtown, the park and the distant moun‑ tains. It’s a perfect choice combined with a stroll by the water‑ front, or to the multitude of antique stores that call Bellefonte home. The Wine and Café on the Park menu is filled with your 50

The Field Burger & Tap

standard, light café items, and also appetizers perfect for wine pairing, such as cheese and cracker plates, and charcuterie plates. If you’d rather look out over a nearby golf course than the resident Talleyrand ducks, head to Toftrees Golf Resort, where the patio provides a bit of shade and some great views. The Field Burger & Tap has a farm‑to‑table menu with huge portions and something for everyone. Go for the decadent, like the Liberty

Gigi’s Southern Table

Summer Fun Guide


Kimchi Korean Restaurant

Burger with wagyu beef, or maybe something a little more beach‑body friendly, like the Herbivore Burger, made from black beans and quinoa and topped with goat cheese, roasted peppers, charred tomatoes and more. They also have scrumptious salads, soups and sandwiches. Whatever your choice, you’ll want to end your meal on the right note, with one of The Field’s hard milk‑ shakes, featuring Berkey Creamery ice cream! For a summer date night, book a table for two on the patio at Gigi’s Southern Table. Also a farm‑to‑table favorite in town, southern comfort food is on the menu at this Happy Valley gem on West College Age. Start your dining experience with a basket of biscuits that are just as good as any you’d find in the Deep South. Other traditionally southern appetizers include deviled eggs (with a chipotle kick!), fried green tomatoes (stacked with goat cheese), grit cakes and pimento dip. Steak, seafood and handhelds fill out the rest of the menu. Locally‑made Fasta pasta is the base of their pasta dishes, including the popular Coastal Pasta, with clams, local bacon, onion and creamed corn. Don’t miss the craft cocktail bar here, either. The After the Hunt is a favorite (pomegranate juice, orange liqueur and champagne), or if you like your bourbon, try the Gentleman’s Old Fashioned or the Kentucky Mule. If you’re not quite needing a huge dinner or an evening of libations, maybe enjoy a relaxing morning with a good cup of joe on the secluded outdoor patio at Café Lemont. They have all your favorite caffeinated beverages, including teas and iced drinks. They’re also one of the few places in town where you can find gluten‑free baked goods, like their tantalizing scones and brown‑ ies. Breakfast and lunch options include sandwiches and soups. Better yet, so much of their menu is made from scratch, and the organic coffee beans are roasted on site! Be sure to head to the Nittany Lion Inn for the 2017 season of PA on the Patio, through September 8. Every Friday, they’re

Summer Fun Guide

grilling tapas with seasonal fruits and veggies, and local meats (such as bison bratwurst, chicken and brisket), and pairing them alongside Pennsylvania microbrews. Of course, it all depends on the weather, but reservations aren’t required, so if the sun’s out and you’re wanting to kick off your weekend, head over! On the other hand, if you’d rather create your own outdoor meal than dine out somewhere, why not spice things up a little while you’re at it? Kimchi Korean Restaurant is one of our favor‑ ite spots for Asian takeout in State College, and the perfect place to try something new. Try the sweet and spicy stir‑fried rice cakes for a starter, then split a few different meals with whoever you’re with so you can try a bit of everything. The spicy chicken udong is one popular choice, and the bibimbap is a delicious bowl of siz‑ zling goodness that has it all—warm rice, beef, veggies and a fried egg mixed with pepper paste.

Find your favorite food, try a new dish or see the best seasonal favorites at HappyValley.com/eat.

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Kick Back and Cool off with Summer's Best Local Drinks By Blake Burfield

Summertime means it’s time to kick back and let yourself relax a little with a drink or two. And if you’re in Happy Valley this summer, you’re in the right place for it. We’ve got all the craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, and even cideries you could need. Each one is fantastic and offers its own unique perks, so you can’t go wrong with any of these fresh, local options.

TOURS Brew and Wine Tours from Happy Valley Hotels stayhvh.com We can’t think of many warm weather excursions better than a local brew or wine tour, and the newest tours from Happy Valley Hotels sweeten the deal even more, as they’re all at your own pace. Packages include an overnight stay at a top‑notch HVH hotel and a load of gift cards for Uber and the partici‑ pating breweries and wineries, so you can visit them on whatever schedule you like. Choose from the “Hop Around Happy Valley” brew tour or the “Wine on Your Own Time” wine tour.

options. You can get anything on tap, or purchase some of the best‑selling flavors in six packs, cases and kegs.

Happy Valley Brewing Company happyvalleybeer.com | 137 Elmwood St. Both the diversity and flavors of Happy Valley Brewing Company’s selection are excellent. The popular Tailgater pale ale is a clas‑ sic choice you can’t go wrong with, while the refreshing Knuckle‑ ball and bright, citrusy HayDay are two great choices for summer.

Robin Hood Brewing Company robinhoodbrewingco.com | 1796 Zion Road, Bellefonte You’ll find porters, lagers, wheat beers and everything in between at Robin Hood Brewing Company. Plus, they offer seasonal brews like the Summer Jul‑IPA, Peachey Wheat, and Blueboary Wheat for some of the most unique summer flavors around.

WINES Seven Mountains Wine Cellars sevenmountainswinecellars.com | 107 Mountain Springs Lane, Spring Mills As if their outstanding wines weren’t enough, Seven Mountains

BREWS Otto’s Pub and Brewery ottospubandbrwery.com | 2235 N. Atherton St. If craft brewing is an art, then these beers are a masterpiece. They have something for every taste, but the Apricot Wheat and Keewaydin Cider make for two deliciously refreshing summer 52

Seven Mountains Wine Cellars

Summer Fun Guide


make for the perfect summer spot. Meanwhile, back at the winery, you can catch live music every Friday evening. Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery mtnittanywinery.com | 300 Houser Road, Centre Hall The breathtaking view from Mount Nittany Winery’s location makes it the perfect place to visit on a beautiful day. Their berry wines are great in a sangria or served over ice cream and sorbets, and it’s only right to have a bottle of Mountain Sunset to go along with a summer sunset.

SPIRITS Barrel 21 Distillery barrel21distillery.com | 2255 N. Atherton St. Barrel 21’s top quality spirits make for some of the freshest sum‑ mer cocktails you can find, like the Barrel 21 Mule made with their own vodka or the Fiore de Limon made with their brand new limoncello. With a tasting room and bookings for tours and events, Barrel 21 has it all.

Big Spring Spirits bigspringspirits.com | 198 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte The exquisite taste of Big Spring Spirits’ products has everything to do with the fresh water from Bellefonte’s Big Spring—named PA’s Best Tasting Water—at their base. Try a bottle of their coco‑ nut rum for a great summery flavor, or have a Lazy Piña Colada or Bellefonte Iced Tea in the tasting room.

CIDER Good Intent Cider Otto’s Pub and Brewery

hosts its summer Campfire Nights series every Friday from 6‑9 p.m. You can bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening around the campfire with wine by the bottle, wine slush‑ ies, and beer on tap for sale. Boulevard BBQ will also be offering delicious food at all of this year's campfires.

Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery thehappyvalleywinery.com | 576 South Foxpointe Dr. For some great scenery along with great wine, stop by Happy Valley Winery’s new restaurant venue, Wine and Café on the Park in Bellefonte. Its outdoor seating and waterfront location

Summer Fun Guide

goodintentcider.com | 167 South Potter St., Bellefonte Good Intent offers more than 10 varieties of cider ranging from dry to sweet, each of them made from freshly‑pressed apples. We suggest the delicious Happy Valley Hodgepodge, which is blended from more than 20 kinds of local apples, including super unique varieties like Pitmason Pineapple.

Find eats and drinks in a flash at happyvalley.com/eat. You can search by category, location AND recommendations of our favorite finds for the season.

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Summer Weekend Fun Weekend by Weekend By Blake Burfield Football season is far from the only thing that draws people back to Happy Valley each year. With our beloved annual traditions like Arts Fest, WingFest and Spikes games, summer is one big celebration here. On top of that, this summer promises some amazing first‑ever events that are sure to become new favorite traditions themselves. So whether you’re only in town for one of these weekends or you never left, make sure you know all that’s going on, because it may just be the best summer yet in Happy Valley! 54

Arts Fest: Weekend of July 14 – 16 If there’s one single weekend you want to make it to town for, it’s this one. The Central PA Festival of the Arts (or “Arts Fest” as it is lovingly nicknamed) makes for an entire weekend of art displays, delicious food, live music and so much more throughout the streets of downtown State College. It’s the kind of atmosphere that you have to see to believe! Just a few minutes down the road from State College, in the field of the PA Military Museum, Boalsburg’s People’s Choice Festival is just as wonderful. Both festivals run from July 13 – 16, so there’s plenty of time to experi‑ ence both!

WingFest, Spikes and Music: Weekend of July 29-30 The last weekend of July is classic Happy Valley. It's not one of the headlining weekend of the summer, but there is something happening every single day. Start out your weekend early by

Summer Fun Guide


choosing between WingFest at Tussey or Gaelic Storm, a charttopping Celtic band, at The State Theatre. Check out PA on the Patio at The Nittany Lion Inn on Friday – grilled favorites and craft beer along with live music. Saturday is wide open for all your favorite things (try Whipple Dam!). Sunday, the Pennsylvania Orchestra Centre hosts Seven Mountains Summer Music Fest at Seven Mountain Wine Cellars. The Spikes take on the Auburn Doubledays. It's a packed night: fireworks, kids eat & play free and paint the park pink.

Cowboy Monkey Rodeo at the State College Spikes

Pennsylvania Orchestra Centre hosts Seven Mountains Summer Music Fest at Seven Mountain Wine Cellars

Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair, Brew Fest & Cowboy Monkey Rodeo: Weekend of August 12 – 13 There's no better time to check out Bellefonte's waterfront renovations and cool new spots than at the Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair held in Talleyrand Park. Along with the arts and crafts, there's live music, kids activities and great fair food. Take some time to check out the nearby shops and eateries while you are there! The Spikes are back in town that week, and while you could easily go to ALL of the games (Friday's features a 4 for $44 value package and free kids zone!), crowd-favorite Cowboy Mon‑ key Rodeo rolls in on Saturday, and it's not to be missed! Brew Expo 2017 lights up Tussey on August 12. It's good beer, good music, great cause, and it's in its 18th year.

Keep up with all the latest information on all the best summer happenings at happyvalley.com/events. Better yet—sign up for our Top Picks eletter and get a curated guide to the best fun in the area delivered to your inbox once a week. Sign up on happyvalley.com.

Summer Fun Guide

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• • • WORK • • •

FROM VIRTUAL REALITY ADVICE

TO VALUABLE CITY PLANNING INNOVATIONS EMERGING FROM TECHCELERATOR@STATE COLLEGE AND HAPPY VALLEY LAUNCHBOX

Spring Graduates

Both Happy Valley LaunchBox and the TechCelerator@State College wrapped up their spring season with events celebrating their newest startups and most‑recent graduates.

Happy Valley LaunchBox Marks Fourth Successful Accelerator Program

Six new startups graduated from the Happy Valley LaunchBox Accelerator program in April. The six teams were selected from

a competitive pool of 37 applicants, and underwent a rigor‑ ous 10‑week course that is offered three times each year, open to early‑stage startups and helping them to more clearly identify their brand’s value and target customer base. The program is open to startups in a variety of industries, but the participants are hand‑picked out of an applicant pool by a selection committee made up of local entrepreneurs, reps from Invent Penn State, and recent graduates of the Accelerator. These six made the cut. ClassGotcha An absolute lifesaver for college students, ClassGotcha calls it‑ self your personal assistant for organizing your college courses. Deadlines and activities are organized on a tasks list, perfect for scheduling against personal time commitments; communica‑ tion with peers is made easy; and customized study plans are built based on workloads and personal preferences. DigitalFSBO This online platform helps you cut out the need for a realtor when selling your home. Created by a realtor, it helps you to prepare your home for the market, actually list your home, and then handle the process once you receive an offer. Kinderminder A mobile app created for children with asthma and their parents; maintaining an asthma medication regimen is turned into a fun game, making it easier (and more enjoyable) for children to stick to their doctor’s advice.

Erickson says she probably has more fun than she's supposed to at LaunchBox, but with impassioned entrepreneurs showing up every day, how could you not have a great time? 56

OGOVO With a potential reach much further than the streets of State College, OGOVO is all about building a smarter city. Networked sensors collect and analyze foot traffic in urban spaces to offer valuable advice on everything from repairing sidewalks and keeping streets clean to the best routes for first responders. (Continued on page 58)



• • • WORK • • • VIRTUAL REALITY…

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Trophy Tracks Built for hunters, this unique software uses predictive technology to increase the chances of a successful hunt. Unoia Beauty Combining STEM fields with the cosmetics industry, Un‑ oia Beauty hires female engineers to research, make, and sell long‑lasting, color‑rich cosmetics. They can also create custom colors on the spot.

Are You Next?

One characteristic sets these startups apart. Unlike in previous sessions, only half of the teams were made up of students. In

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addition to the three student teams, one team was run by a community member, one by a staff co‑founder, and another by a Penn State faculty member. According to Lee Erickson, Chief Amplifier at LaunchBox, the increase in community participation is extremely positive as it helps to spread the word that LaunchBox is open to any startup company, regardless of the founder’s affiliation with Penn State. “There is a misconception that we’re only available to students, which is not the case,” said Erickson. “So what we’re seeing is more and more of the community realizing that we are not just for students or Penn State people—we’re for everybody.” The growing success of LaunchBox is already evident. After just one year, the startups that have gone through the program have secured more than $200,000 combined in funding and awards. LaunchBox has created 15 new jobs and the startup teams have placed over 90 interns in fields ranging anywhere from business to engineering to public relations. As the program builds, it seems that the best is yet to come


• • • WORK • • • for Happy Valley LaunchBox. All things aside, Erickson and the rest of the staff are simply having a great time helping to sup‑ port the current and aspiring entrepreneurs. “I’m having more fun than I’m probably supposed to be having,” Erickson said. “I get to talk to interesting and motivated entrepreneurs all day.”

TechCelerator Graduates 12th Class, Celebrates High Success Rates

The TechCelerator@StateCollege program for local entrepreneurs and startups is a little bit different, in that startups aren’t just given a boost to their business—they also are competing for a pretty substantial prize.

“Of these 62, 56 have formed companies, received $19 million in startup funding and generated $7.8 million in revenue. Together, they have 121 full‑ or part‑time employees.” Just like the Happy Valley LaunchBox, six teams undergo a rigorous training schedule each season. Weekly classes are held and the teams receive one‑on‑one mentoring sessions, so they’re better prepared to launch their tech‑based startup in the next year. It all culminates in a final presentation and award ceremo‑ ny, where each team presents their startups—from target market to the solution provided—to their peers and a panel of judges.

The entire process is made a little more difficult by the fact that each team only gets six minutes to share their idea, followed by a five‑minute question and answer session. Riding on the line? Up to $10,000 in prizes. After graduating from the TechCelerator, many of the teams have gone on to see praiseworthy success. Out of the five years the TechCelerator has been in existence, it has graduated 62 teams over the course of 11 classes. Of these 62, 56 have formed companies, received $19 million in startup funding and generated $7.8 million in revenue. Together, they have 121 full‑ or part‑time employees. So, who competed for this year’s prize? LB Diagnostics This company provides a vital service that they hope will trans‑ form clinical cancer. Current tissue biopsies can be invasive and painful, but a liquid biopsy remedies these issues with minimal invasion and pain. LB Diagnostics makes liquid biopsies more efficient, fast and accurate. They hope to market launch by 2021 and are currently in clinical trials at Hershey, testing with lung and prostate cancers. FirstPick Active sports enthusiasts everywhere can enjoy FirstPick, the app that allows you to find pick up games near you. With just a few taps, you can create your own pick up game of the sport of your choice and find people to play with. In addition, FirstPick offers a service to sporting venues, allowing them to offer un‑ booked spaces (such as tennis courts) to interested players. KNN Software Associates If you’ve ever been to a hospital for treatment and faced the (Continued on page 60)

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daunting task of having your medical records forwarded to your place of care, you can benefit from KNN Software Associates and their new solution. Patient medical records are often fragmented and spread over a variety of healthcare and insurance provider databases. This can increase costs and cause delays in treatment. KNN Software Associates has essentially created a patient portal website, where providers can access records all records in one spot. Medical Mirror Medical Mirror combats the lack of accurate medical informa‑ tion for the elderly and those dealing with deliria and delirium. This lack of accurate medical information for caregivers and emergency responders can result in complications, extended hospital stays, overmedication, increased costs, and more. The

TECHCELERATOR @STATE COLLEGE

GOALS

• Offer funding and business support services in one location to create the most robust incubation program in central Pennsylvania • Utilize the concept of a one‑stop‑shop to create easy access for clients • Take advantage of the economies of scale that will result from the partner’s combined efforts and ultimately provide a coordinated continuum of services and financing • Increase the number of successful business start‑ups in State College and the surrounding area • Increase the number of university spin‑off companies in the region

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The TechCelerator@StateCollege program awards prize money to help upstart budding brands.

Medical Mirror is a heavy‑duty, all‑in‑one storage unit that’s small enough to be used by each patient. Each lists patient al‑ lergies, medications, emergency contacts, food preferences, and more. There are storage spaces for holding glasses, dentures, hearing aids, and other items as well. Simplr With 15,000 photos shared every second and large amounts of those photos being edited before sharing, Simplr makes posting the best photos easier. Simplr sorts through the best photos in your feed, rating them by their aesthetic appeal, then recom‑ mends them through technology that’s capable of recognizing line, shape, color and more. The intelligent cropping also keeps the focus on the best aspects of the photo for easier edits. It all happens at an extreme speed, and Simplr is currently negotiat‑ ing with one of the world’s largest phone manufacturers. Visionese Taking a virtual tour has never been so easy (or attractive!). Visionese is a 360‑degree virtual tour company, combining pan‑ oramic and aerial drone photography to recreate an immersive and interactive experience. Some of their impressive projects so far allow you to take a virtual tour of the Penn State Arboretum and Black Moshannon State Park, among others.

Winners: Simplr claimed first place, receiving a check for $7,500, and FirstPick followed at second, receiving $2,500.


• • • LEARN • • •

Learning at Every Stage of Life By Travis Johnson

Happy Valley makes headlines pretty regularly as it tops lists with accolades like #1 Least Stressful City (Psychology Today), top places to start a business (Entrepreneur Magazine) and top adventure town (National Geographic). When we start adding in Penn State’s rankings like 2017 Best Colleges on Niche.com and America’s Best Graduate Schools 2018 in U.S. News & World Report, it’s clear that Happy Valley has combined a great place to live with a great place to study, and the result is a great learning atmosphere for ev‑ eryone from preschoolers to retirees. Here are some of our favorite reasons why Happy Valley is great place for everyone to learn!

"It’s clear that Happy Valley has combined a great place to live with a great place to study, and the result is a great learning atmosphere for everyone from preschoolers to retirees." Quality As a state, Pennsylvania ranks higher than the national average in K‑12 performance rating according to Education Week. Recently, the Keystone State came in eighth out of 50 states with an average performance grade of B‑. The national average is a C. State College High School is among the top 55 schools in the state according to U.S. News and World Report. It was recently awarded a silver medal for the success its students achieved in math, English and advanced placement courses.

Next Level Resources State College is known nationally as a college town. Thus, there are some resources available for high school students looking to get an early taste of next‑level learning. There are many summer opportunities and camps that Penn State University offers high school students looking to explore potential fields of study and get a head start in their chosen career paths. These students have opportunities to work hands‑on with Penn State faculty in multiple departments including agriculture, communications, engineering, business and more.

Safety Whether your kids will walk to school, ride a bike or wait at a bus stop to get a ride, you’ll be comforted to know they’ll do so in a safe and secure environment. State College has been consistently ranked among the safest, most secure places to live in the United States. Sperling’s Best Places—which uses U.S. Census data in its reports—ranked State College the safest small metropolitan area to live in the country out of 117 towns. Meanwhile, Farmers Insurance Group of Companies ranked State College No. 2 behind Ithaca, N.Y. in its list of Top 20 Most Secure Small Towns (fewer than 150,000 residents) in America. This aspect of life in Happy Valley appeals especially to fami‑ lies, young professionals and retirees looking for a place to live where they can get out and about enjoying recreation, events and attractions.

Age Diversity More and more professionals are "unretiring" to Happy Valley— wrapping up a career and launching into the lifelong learning opportunities offered by Penn State and places like Osher Life‑ long Learning Institute where they can take courses like climate change, 3‑D printing and Shakespeare. It offers a true communi‑ ty atmosphere with great food, concerts, plays, athletics, and phil‑ anthropic events. At the other end of the spectrum, our youngest learners have educational choices that range from charter schools to private and public schools. Summers offer rich options with Science‑U camps in favorites like PreMed, Nittany Bots and CSI, and sports camps honing skills in football, wrestling and more. 61


• • • LIVE • • •

Alumni Reunion Planning 101 By Kelsey Lentz

Looking to start an alumni reunion for your Penn State group, but don’t know where to start? Whether you want to reunite with your classmates, your fraternity or sorority, your old club, or just your group of friends, Happy Valley is the ideal place to do it. There are endless opportunities to catch up with your old Penn State crew, and we have some insider tips to help make your plan‑ ning easy and your event spectacular! 62

Alumni from TKE Penn State gather in Stowe, VT.

Create a reunion committee Designate a group to plan reunions. Reach out to all your classmates/group members to find out who is interested in getting involved with the planning of events and to make sure your committee is enthusiastic about organizing them. The group doesn’t necessarily need to have meetings if distance is a factor, but they should call each other often, especially as the event approaches. Decide on the location, venue(s), date and financing about 12 months before the event.

Come up with an idea The most important step in creating an awesome reunion is deciding what type of event it will be. A few popular options might be an alumni tailgate, a nice banquet, an informal gather‑ ing, a picnic, a golf outing, a Saturday brunch, a camping and


• • • LIVE • • • fishing trip, or meeting up for a local event like Homecoming, 4th Fest or Blue‑White Weekend. To make the most out of your reunion, you might event want to include several of the above for a full weekend of fun. Think about arranging for your group to stay somewhere like Toftrees Golf Resort, which supplies amazing dining, lodging and golf all in one. Godspeed Events & Lodging provides both a place to stay and an event venue, with cabins, private rooms, fishing, camping, and a party barn complete with quality meals. For a more outside‑the‑box event, you could choose a brew or wine tour, like Happy Valley Hotels’ Hop Around Happy Valley—a brew tour package that includes a stay at the Fairfield Inn or Hampton Inn and a welcome basket filled with gift cards to local breweries and restaurants. The list goes on—here in Happy Valley, the possibilities are endless for both activities and venues that make organizing reunions easy, and make the reunions themselves a blast!

There are endless opportunities to catch up with your old Penn State crew, and we have some insider tips to help make your planning easy and your event spectacular! Figure out logistics The next step is to have the committee nail down the finer details of the event. Choose a date and find out what else is happening in town (check out our event calendar at happyvalley.com/events). Next, figure out expenses, such as your budget and what kinds of food, services, staffing, decorations and other miscellaneous details to incorporate. Finally, set the official date and time, confirm book‑ ings and create invitations. It is also helpful to keep in mind ways to help fund the event and lodging options for the guests, if needed.

Invite members Once the event is set in stone, outreach is critical. Obtain the most up‑to‑date list possible of all your classmates/members and send out invites—either by mail or email—asking them to attend. Make sure there is a way to R.S.V.P.—it is very important that you know the expected number of attendance! If you have not heard from a member or received their R.S.V.P., assign committee members to reach out to those people directly with a phone call. Be persistent and call more than once to ensure you hear back from as many members as possible!

Reach out to other alumni If you get stuck while trying to organize your event or have ques‑ tions, reach out to other (usually older) alumni who may have experience in planning reunions and could help you out. Alumni are usually always willing to help out a fellow PSU alum and will be a wealth of information and experience, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Network for the next reunion At your reunion Phi Kappa Theta brothers at their Annual State event, be sure to College Slam event. talk to members to find out how interested they are in having more reunions and a continued alumni presence. You might discover people who want to become more actively involved in planning reunions, as well as get a better understanding of how much your group wants to keep up their efforts to stay in touch. Ask around to find out if people want to meet annually, every five years, or so on. The reunion itself is the best opportunity you’ll get to prepare for the next one!

Keep communicating After the reunion has wrapped up, you should continue to communicate to members about any other upcoming events or general updates and information. Do this by sending out emails, newsletters or flyers/postcards. Try to get your alumni group to evolve beyond just meeting for reunions so that a commitment to each other can be established and enhanced. Everyone loves catching up with old friends and reminiscing on the good old days, so don’t hesitate; start organizing your reunion now. Though it might seem daunting, our tips should help you find that once you dive in, it’s not nearly as hard as it looked. Happy Valley has everything you could need right here, and you’ll end up with an event that will leave your alumni group counting down the days until the next reunion! HappyValley.com has all the ingredients for your next alumni reunion! Start here for accommodations, catering, events, tours and more! 63


Eat, Play, Live in Happy Valley!

Live

Northland Bowl northlandbowl.com 814‑237‑1500

Accuweather accuweather.com 814-237-0309

Penn State All‑Sports Museum gopsusports.com/museum/ 814‑865‑0044

Catholic Campus Ministry psucatholic.org

Penn State Baseball gopsusports.com 814-272-0208

Central PA Conv & Visitors Bureau visitpennstate.org 800‑358‑5466

Penn State Homecoming homecoming.psu.edu

Fraser Condos frasercondos.com 866‑445‑5718

Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park pennscave.com 814‑364‑1664

Karch Auto karchauto.com 814‑238‑2886

Ridge Soaring Gliderport eglider.org 814-355-2483

Mount Nittany Medical Center mountnittany.org 814-231-7000 State College Community Land Trust scclandtrust.org 814‑867‑0656

Realty

The Apartment Store apartmentstore.com/ state‑college/ 800‑553‑2539 Associated Realty Property Mgmt arpm.com 814‑231‑3333 Fine Line Homes finelinehomes.com 814‑237‑5581 Heritage Realty Group heritagerealtystatecollege.com 814‑231‑0101 Richard Testa Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker Cell: 585‑739‑3521 RichTesta@gmail.com

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Salons, Spas & Gyms A Step Beyond Massage Therapy astepbeyondmassagetherapy. com 814‑441‑9331 EsSpa at the Carnegie Inn & Spa esspa.us 814‑380‑9772 Crossfit Lionheart crossfitlionheart.com 814‑238‑4617 Lionheart Fitness lionheartgyms.com 814‑238‑4617

Play

Arts and Culture Bellefonte Art Museum of Centre County bellefontemuseum.org 814‑355‑4280 Bryce Jordan Center bjc.psu.edu 814‑863‑5500 Center for the Performing Arts cpa.psu.edu 814‑863‑0255 FUSE Productions fuseproductions.org Happy Valley’s Got Talent tidesprogram.org

The North Club thenorthclub.com 814‑237‑1510

Infusion at Penn State PennStateInfusion.org

Titan Fitness titanfitness.com 814‑235‑1015

Palmer Museum of Art palmermuseum.psu.edu 814‑865‑7672 The State Theatre thestatetheatre.org 814‑272‑0606

Fraser Condos

Golf Courses

Mountain View Golf mtviewcountryclub.com 814‑466‑7231 Toftrees Golf Resort & Confer‑ ence Center toftrees.com 800‑234‑8000 Tussey Mountain tusseymountain.com 814‑466‑6266

Around Happy Valley

Central PA Conv & Visitors Bureau visitpennstate.org 800‑358‑5466 Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau raystown.org 814‑658‑0060 Lincoln Caverns lincolncaverns.com 814‑643‑0268

Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center shaverscreek.org 814‑863‑2000 State College Spikes statecollegespikes.com 814‑272‑1711 Tussey Mountain tusseymountain.com 814‑466‑6266 Vamos Lion Chariot vamoslion.com 814‑404‑2782 Whata-Blast Lasertag whatablastlasertag.com 814-234-8740

Eat

Beer and Wine bar bleu dantesinc.com/locations/ bar-bleu 814‑237‑0374 Barrel 21 barrel21distillery.com 814‑308‑9522

Summer Fun Guide



Eat, Play, Live in Happy Valley! Beer Belly’s Beverage beerbellysbeverage.com 814‑237‑2739

The Saloon HomeOfTheMonkeyBoy.com 814‑234‑1344

Belinda’s Port Matilda Hotel & Tavern 814‑692‑4097

Seven Mountains Wine Cellars sevenmountainswinecellars.com 814‑364‑1000

Brewsky’s Bottle Shop brewskys.us 814‑272‑1074

Restaurants

Elk Creek Café + Aleworks elkcreekcafé.net 814‑349‑8850 Happy Valley Brewing Company happyvalleybeer.com 814‑234‑ 4406 Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery thehappyvalleywinery.com 814‑308‑8756 The Hopshop dantesinc.com/locations/ the‑hopshop/ 814‑308‑9808 Liberty Craft House dantesinc.com/locations/ liberty‑craft‑house/ 814‑954‑4923 Local Whiskey happyvalleyrestaurants. com/#localwhiskey 814‑272‑6831 Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery mtnittanywinery.com 814‑466‑6373 Otto’s Pub & Brewery ottospubandbrewery.com 814‑867‑6886 Phyrst happyvalleyrestaurants. com/#phyrst 814‑238‑1406 Robin Hood Brewing Co. robinhoodbrewingco.com 814‑237‑7777

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Allegro Restaurant allegro‑restaurant.com 814‑946‑5216 American Ale House americanalehouse.net 814‑237‑9701

The Gardens Restaurant (at the Penn Stater) thepennstaterhotel.psu.edu 814‑863‑5090

Mario’s Italian Restaurant MariosItalianState College.com 814‑234‑4273

Garfields Restaurant & Pub garfields.net 814-231-1301

OrderUp orderup.com

Gigi’s Southern Table Gigisdining.com 814‑861‑3463 Happy Valley Brewing Company happyvalleybeer.com 814‑234 4406

Otto’s Pub & Brewery ottospubandbrewery.com 814‑867‑688 Pizza Mia! wearepizzamia.com 814‑355‑3738 P.J. Harrigan’s pjharrigans.com 814‑235‑300

Way Cafe and Bakery wayfruitfarm.com 814‑692‑5211

Port Matilda Hotel & Tavern 814‑692‑4097

Webster’s Bookstore Café webstersbookstorecafé.com 814‑272‑1410

The Arena Bar & Grill thearenabarandgrill.com 814‑237‑8833 bar bleu dantesinc.com/locations/ bar‑bleu/ 814‑237‑0374

Hi‑Way Pizza HiwayPizza.com 814‑237‑0375

Qdoba qdoba.com 814‑861‑3288

Barrel 21 barrel21distillery.com 814‑308‑9522

Home D Pizzeria homedpizzeria.com 814‑237‑7777

Carnegie Inn & Spa carnegieinnandspa.com 814‑234‑2424

Hublersburg Inn hublersburginn.com 814‑383‑2616

Rumors Lounge (at the Atherton Hotel) Athertonhotel.net/eat‑drink/ rumors‑lounge.htm 814‑231‑2100

Champs Sports Grill champssportsgrill.net 814‑238‑7788

Inferno Brick Oven & Bar InfernoBrickOvenBar.com 814‑237‑5718

The Deli Restaurant TheDeliRestaurant.com 814‑237‑5710

Kelly’s Steak & Seafood kellys‑ steak.com 814‑ 466‑ 6251

The Dining Room (at The Nittany Lion Inn) nittanylioninn.psu.edu 814‑865‑8590

Kimchi Korean Restaurant kimchistatecollege.com 814‑ 237‑ 2096

The Field Burger and Tap toftrees.com/restaurant 814‑234‑8000

Tarragon Restaurant (at the Atherton Hotel) Athertonhotel.net/eat‑drink/ tarragon‑restaurant.htm 814‑231‑2100 The View at Mountain View Country Club mtviewcountryclub.com/ theview 814‑466‑7231

Harrison’s Wine Grill & Catering/Above the Valley Special Event Center harrisonsmenu.com 814-237-4422

Elk Creek Café + Aleworks elkcreekcafé.net 814‑349‑8850

The Saloon HomeOfTheMonkeyBoy.com 814‑234‑1344

Whiskers (at The Nittany Lion Inn) nittanylioninn.psu.edu/ Nittany
LionInn/Dining/ Whiskers.cfm 814‑865‑8580

Legends (at the Penn Stater) thepennstaterhotel.psu.edu 814‑ 863‑ 5080 Liberty Craft House dantesinc.com/locations/ liberty-craft-house 814‑954‑4923

Allegro Restaurant

Summer Fun Guide


Eat, Play, Live in Happy Valley! Wine and Cafe on the Park by Happy Valley Vineyard & Winery thehappyvalleywinery.com 814-335-2658 Zola Kitchen & Wine Bar zolakitchen.com 814‑237‑8474

Catering/Group Events Arena Bar & Grill, The thearenabarandgrill.com 814‑237‑8833 Champs Sports Grill champssportsgrill.net 814‑234‑7700 Dante’s Restaurants, Inc. dantesinc.com 814‑234‑1344 The Gardens Restaurant (at the Penn Stater) thepennstaterhotel.psu.edu 814‑863‑5090 Gigi’s Restaurant & Wine Lounge gigisdining.com 814‑861‑3463 Harrison’s Wine Grill & Catering/Above the Valley Special Event Center harrisonsmenu.com 814-237-4422 Happy Valley Catering by Pizza Mia! wearepizzamia.com 814‑355‑3738 Hoag’s Catering at Celebration Hall hoagscatering.com 814‑238‑0838in Kelly’s Steak & Seafood kellys‑steak.com 814‑466‑6251

Lodge at Tussey Mountain tusseymountain.com 814‑466‑7976 Mountain View Country Club mtviewcountryclub.com 814‑466‑7231 Penn State Hospitality pennstatehotels.com 800‑233‑7505 Qdoba qdoba.com 814‑861‑3288 Ramada Conference Center ramadasc.com 814‑238‑3001 Zola Catering zolakitchen.com 814‑237‑8474

CSAs / Farms / Farmers Markets / Buying Clubs Bee Tree Berry Farm 814‑383‑2134

Boalsburg Farmers Market boalsburgfarmersmarket.com 814‑692‑5211 Buy Fresh, Buy Local buylocalpa.org/centre Downtown State College Farmers Market friday-farmersmarket.com Friends and Farmers Online Market friendsandfarmers.coop 814‑933‑0879 Lemont Farmers Market lemontvillage.org/home/ lemont‑farmers‑market PA Organic/Farm Fest paorganic.org 814‑422‑0251

Summer Fun Guide

Tuesday Downtown State 
College Farmers Market facebook.com/ statecollegefarmers

Holiday Inn Express State College stayhvh.com 814‑867‑1800

SpringHill Suites State College stayhvh.com 814‑867‑1807

Way Fruit Farm wayfruitfarm.com 814‑692‑5211

Hublersburg Inn hublersburginn.com 814-383-2616

Super 8 lioncountrylodging.com 814‑237‑8005

Stay

Ingleby Lodge inglebylodge.com 814-360-5145

Toftrees Golf Resort & Conference Center toftrees.com 800‑252‑3551

Hotels

Atherton Hotel athertonhotel.net 814‑231‑2100 Carnegie Inn & Spa carnegieinnandspa.com 814‑234‑2424 Comfort Suites comfortsuites.com 814‑235‑1900 Country Inn and Suites countryinns.com 814‑234‑6000 Days Inn Penn State lioncountrylodging.com 814‑238‑8454 Econo Lodge Bellefonte econolodge.com 814‑355‑5561 Fairfield Inn & Suites State College stayhvh.com Hampton Inn & Suites State College stayhvh.com 814‑231‑1899 Happy Valley Hotels stayhvh.com Hilton Garden Inn lioncountrylodging.com 814‑272‑1221

Lock Haven Fairfield Inn and Suites marriott.com/hotels/travel/ fairfield‑inn‑and‑suites‑lock‑ haven/ 570‑263‑5034

Bed & Breakfasts

Milesburg Quality Inn choicehotels.com/pa660 814‑355‑7521

Bed & Breakfast at the Rock Garden therockgardenbandb.com 814‑466‑6100

Nittany Budget Motel lioncountrylodging.com 814‑238‑0015

Chatelaine Bed & Breakfast chatelainebandb.com 814‑238‑2028

Nittany Lion Inn nittanylioninn.psu.edu 800‑233‑7505

Our Fair Lady Bed & Breakfast ourfairladybnb.com 814‑355‑1117

The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel thepennstater.psu.edu 814‑863‑5000

The Queen Bed & Breakfast thequeenbnb.com 814‑355‑7946

Port Matilda Hotel & Tavern 814‑692‑4097

Reynolds Mansion reynoldsmansion.com 814‑353‑8407

Quality Inn Penn State lioncountrylodging.com 814‑234‑1600

Riffles and Runs B & B rifflesandruns.com 814‑353‑8109

Ramada Inn & Conference Center ramadasc.com 814‑238‑3001

Lodges, Cabins and Campgrounds

Raystown Lake Fairfield Inn & Suites raystownlakehotel.com 814‑643‑3672 Sleep Inn sleepinn.com 814‑235‑1020

Godspeed Events and Lodging godspeedhostel.com 814‑554‑0024 Ingleby Lodge inglebylodge.com 814‑360‑5145

67


Eat, Play, Live in Happy Valley!

38

PH FI GH AL

25 5

6

3 20 22 40

Where to Eat

68

48. 38. 18. 23. 40. 6. 41. 24. 25. 4. 48. 26. 44. 9. 28. 29. 43.

Allegro Restaurant allegro‑restaurant.com American Ale House americanalehouse.net Arena Restaurant thearenabarandgrill.com Bar Bleu dantesinc.com/locations/bar‑bleu Barrel 21 | barrel21distillery.com Carnegie Inn & Spa carnegieinnandspa.com Champs Sports Grill champssportsgrill.net Deli Restaurant dantesinc.com/locations/the‑deli‑z‑bar The Field Burger and Tap toftrees.com/restaurant Gardens | thepennstaterhotel.psu.edu Garfields Restaurant & Pub garfields.net Gigi’s Restaurant and Wine Lounge gigisdining.com Happy Valley Brewing Company happyvalleybeer.com Harrison's Wine Grill & Catering harrisonsmenu.com Hi‑Way Pizza dantesinc.com/locations/hi‑way‑pizza Hoag’s Catering at Celebration Hall hoagscatering.com Home D Pizzeria / Robin Hood Brewing Co. (State College) homedpizzeria.com

30. 31. 42. 4. 32. 45. 34. 33. 11. 39. 46. 47. 13. 27. 36. 35. 37.

39 2

28

Inferno Brick Oven & Bar InfernoBrickOvenBar.com Kelly’s Steak & Seafood kellys‑steak.com Kimchi Korean Restaurant kimchistatecollege.com Legends thepennstaterhotel.psu.edu/ ThePennStaterHotel/dining/legends.cfm Liberty Craft House dantesinc.com/locations/liberty‑craft‑house Local Whiskey happyvalleyrestaurants.com/#localwhiskey Lodge at Tussey tusseymountain.com Mario’s dantesinc.com/locations/marios The Nittany Lion Inn: The Dining Room & Whiskers nittanylioninn.psu.edu/ NittanyLionInn/Dining/Whiskers.cfm Otto’s Pub & Brewery ottospubandbrewery.com Phyrst happyvalleyrestaurants.com/#phyrst Pizza Mia! (State College) WeArePizzaMia.com P.J. Harrigan’s pjharrigans.com Qdoba Mexican Grill qdoba.com Tarragon Restaurant | Rumors Lounge athertonhotel.net/eat-drink.htm The View at Mountain View Country Club mtviewcountryclub.com/theview Zola Kitchen & Wine Bar zolakitchen.com

18

41 15 12

33

42

Eisenhower Auditorium

7

Pegula Ice Arena

11

14

8 Surrounding

PH FI GH

26

AV

10

EC IL

Hublersburg Inn hublersburginn.com The Way Cafe and Bakery wayfruitfarm.com The Chatelaine B&B chatelainebandb.com Port Matilda Hotel & Tavern Fairfield Inn and Suites Huntingdon raystownlakehotel.com Godspeed Events & Lodging godspeedhostel.com Above the Valley abovethevalleyevents.com Elk Creek Café + Aleworks elkcreekcafe.net Ingleby Lodge inglebylodge.com

Summer Fun Guide


EL

PM QU

QI

OF

HR

Where to Stay

RR RM

Eat, Play, Live in Happy Valley!

1.

Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites book.bestwestern.com 2. Fairfield Inn & Suites stayhvh.com 3. Holiday Inn Express stayhvh.com 4. Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel thepennstaterhotel.psu.edu 5. Toftrees Golf Resort & Conference Center toftrees.com 6. Carnegie Inn & Spa carnegieinnandspa.com 7. Comfort Suites comfortsuites.com 8. Days Inn Penn State lioncountrylodging.com 9. Hilton Garden Inn lioncountrylodging.com 10. Nittany Budget Motel lioncountrylodging.com 11. Nittany Lion Inn nittanylioninn.psu.edu/ 12. Quality Inn lioncountrylodging.com 13. Ramada Conference Center ramadasc.com 14. Rodeway Inn rodewayinn.com 15. Sleep Inn sleepinn.com 16. Super 8 lioncountrylodging.com 17. Country Inn & Suites countryinns.com 18. Northland Motel northlandbowl.com/motel.html 19. Hampton Inn hamptoninn.com 20. SpringHill Suites stayhvh.com 21. Bed and Breakfast at the Rock Garden therockgardenbandb.com 22. Hampton Inn & Suites stayhvh.com 36. Atherton Hotel Athertonhotel.net 47. Fraser Condos frasercondos.com

1

48 4

29

19

17

9

21

16 13

43

35

Bellefonte Area EL Econo Lodge‑Bellefonte PM QU QI OF

HR Home D Pizzeria / Robin econolodge.com Hood Brewing Co. (Bellefonte) Pizza Mia! (Bellefonte) homedpizzeria.com WeArePizzaMia.com Reynolds Mansion RM The Queen B & B reynoldsmansion.com thequeenbnb.com Riffles and Runs B & B RR Quality Inn Milesburg rifflesandruns.com choicehotels.com/pa660 Our Fair Lady Bed & Breakfast ourfairladybnb.com

Summer Fun Guide

34

31 IL AV EC

37 36

27 47

45 46

30 32 23 24

47 69


Summertime and the Winning’s Easy: State College Spikes Preview By Jeff Cavanaugh

The defending New York‑Penn League (NYPL) Champion State College Spikes return to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park this June with a schedule loaded with opportunities for affordable family fun. The Spikes, the Short‑Season Single‑A affiliate of the St. Lou‑ is Cardinals, have won two of the last three NYPL titles as well as three of the last four Pinckney Division titles—proving that the franchise, in its 12th season, is building a dynasty in Happy Valley. This season, the Spikes will host 38 regular season home games from June 19 to September 7—and at every game, there is a special deal, entertainment or giveaway that would entice anyone to head to the ballpark. The biggest giveaways planned will bookend the Spikes’ sea‑ son. On Friday, June 23, the first 500 fans will receive a replica of the 2016 NYPL Championship ring, and on Thursday, Septem‑ ber 7, the first 1,000 fans will receive a bobblehead honoring cur‑ rent Pittsburgh Steeler and former Nittany Lion tight end, Jesse James. The Spikes hope to light up the scoreboard as bright as they will light up the Happy Valley sky with spectacular fireworks dis‑ plays after 11 home games this season. The fan favorite Cowboy Monkey Rodeo will return to the ballpark on Saturday, August 12, while the return of the “Human Cannonball” David Smith Jr. will be featured for a postgame blastoff on Monday, July 3. Additionally, WWE fans will be lining up at Lubrano Park on Friday, August 25 to meet WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Hacksaw Jim Duggan. In addition to the fun giveaway nights, the Spikes will also host Paint the Park Pink Night on Sunday, July 30 to raise funds and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. Fans can help support The Mount Nittany Health Foundation and its work in battling breast cancer with a pink boxing robe‑themed jersey‑off‑the‑back auction. The Spikes will also partner with PSECU to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network with a Salute 70

to Conspiracy Theories Night and jersey auction. The night also includes a tinfoil hat giveaway, plus potential sightings of D.B. Cooper and Elvis! Our four‑legged friends will be invited to the Spikes’ games four times this season—June 22, July 2, August 8 and September 4—for the always exciting Bark in the Park games. The Spikes will also host four noon games throughout the season, and on August 1 at noon, Ike’s Kid Zone will turn into a waterpark for Super Splash Day. Throughout the season, the Spikes will host “Half Craft Wednesdays” featuring half‑price craft beer drafts from 6‑8 p.m., as well as $1 Beer Thursdays with $1 domestic drafts from 6‑8 p.m. On Monday Buck Nights during the season, the Spikes will offer $1 hot dogs, peanuts and small sodas throughout the entire game. There is no better way to spend the summer in Central Pennsylvania than at the ballpark. Whether you are planning to have a date night or bring the entire family, there are great ticket options for any size group. For more information on booking a 2017 Spikes group outing of 20 or more people, call the Spikes at 814‑272‑1711 and ask about their All‑You‑Can‑Eat Picnics in the Pepsi Picnic Pavilion and Suite Rentals! For more information on the State College Spikes or to buy tickets for one of their upcoming games, call 814‑272‑1711 or visit statecollegespikes.com.

Summer Fun Guide


Eat, Play, Live in Happy Valley!

For Tickets Call Summer Fun Guide

or Visit 71


Eat, Play, Live in Happy Valley!

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Summer Fun Guide


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