EVENT: 30th Annual Young Author/Illustrator Contest

The highlight of my reading this week came from a group of fifth graders and what fun that was! I was asked to be a judge for the 30th Annual Young Author/Illustrator Contest by the Centre County Library this year and gladly said yes.

The competition is for Centre County students in 1st through 6th grade. This year the stack of offerings from 5th grade was at least 12 inches high. It seemed a good way to spend an afternoon.

If you have any concerns about the abilities of our young people, believe me, this group of students would put your mind at ease. The stories were consistently entertaining and well written. I was impressed by the basic use of good grammar, spelling,etc. I am realistic enough to know that the students would be blessed with good editors in the shape of parents and teachers for these details, but the creativity had to have come from the young minds.

I read about magical wolf packs. I read about bad guys capturing clever young hostages and Santa getting stuck and rescued by a young girl and chocolate chip cookies... even pigs that could fly.

One of the things that stands out with me is how well an author handles dialogue. I was very impressed by one student who had his villains’ speech down so well. Their “tough language” was contrasted neatly with the rest of the story.

The young illustrators also proved to be very clever. Most were illustrated by the author, but several were collaborations. They ranged from simple line drawings to paintings of beautiful princess gowns. Part of the judging was on how appropriate the illustrations were to the story.  Graphic novels are permitted but I am still waiting to see one submitted.

The judges shared with the group when something really caught their attention. We all liked the story that had been taken from “South Park”, character names and all. ( That story did not make the cut.)

Each grade had to have a First Place, a Second Place, A Third Place and two Honorable Mentions. Our table had some very hard decisions to make.  There were so many really good ones, but several did stand out. It is a shame that we could only select five and the public will miss out on some that were equally entertaining.

The awards ceremony will be held on May 6, 2015 at the Bellefonte High School Auditorium from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. There the winners will receive their awards plus have selections read from their story. It is open to the public and the excitement rivals any Oscar or Tony presentation.

The first place winners will be hardbound and kept in the Centre County Library’s  permanent collection. Some day when you are in the library, you might want to take a look at what our Centre County students are doing. You will be impressed.

Happy Birthday, Pat!!

A note from Wendy:  Since I'm Mom's webmaster, I thought I'd sneak in a little note to wish her a very happy birthday today!!!

You can do the same by leaving her a comment! 

My birthday wish to her is that she always state her opinions, always keep an open mind to others' and keep enjoying her life as it transitions into the next phase!!  All my love.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

EVENT: Judith Redline Coopey Author Reception!!!!

SAVE THE DATE!

A reception will be held on October 26th at 2:00 pm at the Curtin Mansion in Curtin Village, Pennsylvania to launch Judith Redline Coopey’s latest book, THE FURNACE. 

THE FURNACE is the first of a three volume family saga set against the Nineteenth Century iron industry in central Pennsylvania. The home of the Eagle Iron Works is the perfect setting for you to meet this interesting author.

Judy will be discussing her research for this book as well as her earlier books, Redfield Farm, Waterproof, and Looking for Jane. Books will be available, or bring your own copies, for autographs.

EVENT REVIEW: Bald Eagle Area High School Drama Club Fundraiser

The Bald Eagle Area High School Drama Club held their annual fundraiser, A Dessert Cabaret, last Saturday. This is one of the ways that the students gather the money for their trip to see a show on Broadway. If you look carefully, you can find the word “fun” in fundraiser. ( Did you find it?) The word is appropriate; it was truly a fun evening.

Walking into the high school cafeteria was enough to set the mood for the evening. Club advisors, Eric Brinser and Lindsey Allison, as well as several parents were at the door welcoming people and making us feel very much at home. The cafeteria had been transformed into a fancy dessert bar, with tempting displays of cookies, cupcakes, etc in addition to an area holding choices of beverages. It took all of my willpower to wait until all of my gang arrived.

The table decorations had been designed and executed by members of the drama club. Each table showcased one of the eighteen plays that Mr. Brinser and Ms Allison had done with the club over the past years. It was fun to walk around and try to guess the play represented. It was easy to find Beauty and the Beast and The Matchmaker, but I had more trouble finding Leaving Iowa. The audience was asked to drop their loose change into a provided cup to vote for the best display.The student whose table had the most votes had his or her trip to New York paid for. It was a clever way to raise money and made for a very festive venue for the entertainment to come.

Drama Club president, Cody Mandell and vice president, Meghan Shiels acted as MC’s for the evening and much could be said about the poise of these young people. It is not easy to keep control of an energetic, enthusiastic group of drama students, but everything seemed to be under control.

One thing that the evening lacked was a program of some type. I would love to give credit where credit is due of the performers, but I would only mention the names that I am familiar with and that would be grossly unfair to some faces that were new to me. Naturally it was a mixed bag of talents.

The acoustics in the cafeteria are not the best and I had problems hearing at times especially during some of the improv skits. That was not as big of a problem as it could have been though. It was fun watching young people having fun and really enjoying their interactions with their peers. One thing that stood out to this old drama coach is that these kids are taking some good, basic classes in theatre.

The evening raised over $500 to be shared by the students toward their trip to see Les Miserables. The winner of the tabletop contest was Fulton Lucas for his representation of The Secret Garden.

If you would like to support these budding  thespians, please save the following dates: January 31st and February 1st will be their production of James and the Giant Peach, and April 24th-26th will be their spring musical Shrek. To say that I am eagerly waiting to see who gets cast in this one would be an understatement. It should be fun.

SHOW: Wise Cracker Comedy Club/Fundraiser

A group of us went to Wise Cracker Comedy Club this weekend and actually laughed until we hurt. This was my first visit and I had such a good time that I had to share the fun with you. Some of my past experiences with comedy clubs have been disappointing, so I was not expecting a lot. Saturday night was an enjoyable surprise.

Quinn Patterson was the opening act and I can picture his becoming a headliner in the near future. Quinn is a comic who is not overly angry, uncomfortably vulgar, or extremely racist. His stories may be from a black perspective, but they are stories that all of the audience could relate to. He simply depended on his keen eye for the human situation to be funny and it worked.

Headliner Paul Venier was not afraid to pass the line of good taste into the realm of political incorrectness and vulgarity and the audience loved it. He was amazing. First of all, (actually I will not tell you about his VERY first appearance on stage, you would have to see that for yourself) he chose ten or fifteen members of the audience. After getting the person’s name, occupation, and a little personal information, Venier was able to work the information into the show. As I said, “Amazing”.

He had jokes for every occupation from policeman to dentist……well, actually some very bad puns. His use of props was clever, his humor outrageous, and his music talent impressive. I would suggest that you check Paul Venier out; you will laugh until you hurt also.

Wise Crackers is located at Celebration Hall every weekend. A cash bar and complimentary buffet are available. Our group went this particular Saturday because it was a fund raiser for the Wounded Warriors and I understand that various groups use this venue as a fund raiser. To check their schedule or to make reservations, you can call them at 1-866-424-2411. Believe me, it was an evening well spent.

EVENT: Designer Bag Bingo

This is a plea to help our local public libraries and therefor a shameless bit for your help.

As you know funding has been cut drastically to public libraries. As is the case in all towns, Bellefonte’s library is really hurting for funds. If you want to help, there will be a 

DESIGNER BAG BINGO 

at Lambert Hall, 303 Forge Road, Bellefonte, Pa. 

on Saturday, November, 10, 2012. 

Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. 

The cost will be $25 for advance sales and $30 at the door. 

All proceeds will benefit the Centre County Library and Historical Museum. 

Call 814-355-1516 for more information or go to http://centrecountylibrary.org/content/saturday-november-10-bingo-fundraiser-benefit-centre-county-library

This will be a fun way to show your support of the services provided by our library.

EVENT/MUSIC: JazzPA's 2012 Summer Jazz Celebration

(Guest Blogger:  Wendy Myers.  This blog is designed to expand upon, just a little bit, each performance based upon what I could find and already know.  For a more succinct list of performances, please visit the JazzPAs website and see their Schedule of Events.)

Tonight begins JazzPA's 2012 Summer Jazz Celebration in Centre County.  This annual event has rocked Centre County for the last few years and continues to be a crowd pleaser!  Musical acts include the sounds of jazz, big band, blues, boogie, soul and so much more.  Performances include local high school students, local amateur and professional musicians and world-renowned musicians.  All come together for one weekend to show Central PA just how jazz gets done.

The weekend kicks off with JT Blues.  John "JT" Thompson is a blues pianist who will be doing his "blues, boogie and other popular songs" up right at the Governor's Pub in downtown Bellefonte beginning at 6:30pm.  JT is a popular fixture at many local clubs and restaurants.  Don't miss this local favorite!

The Phil Haynes Trio will begin their act at the Palmer Museum in State College tonight at 7:30pm.  Phil Haynes is a jazz percussionist and composer with much experience and critical acclaim.  Tickets were free... and I say "were" because they are gone.  There is, however, a waiting list...  call Sue Bryant at (814) 863-6635, or email suebryant@psu.edu.  If you have tickets, I'd love to hear what you think!

Friday and Saturday are both packed full of entertainment.  Friday kicks off with Catherine Dupuis with Russ Kassoff performing at Centre Crest in Bellefonte beginning at 2pm.  Ms. Dupuis is not only the President of the board of JazzPA, but a renowned vocalist and actress, having worked regionally and off Broadway for many years.  While her dedication to JazzPA is a stand-out as she returns to her roots of Centre County for this event, her singing is phenomenal.  Do not miss her performance with jazz pianist Russ Kassoff, as this is truly one of the highlights of the weekend!

The State High Jazzers will be performing at Cool Beans in Bellefonte on Saturday at 4pm.  

Zeropoint Big Band is jazz in the best of the big band styles (in my opinion).  Full horns, trippin' percussion, something you can dance to or sit back and sip your martini to.  They'll be playing Friday at the Match Factory in Bellefonte beginning at 6pm on Friday.  There is a $5 cover charge at the door, which is well worth it, given what I've heard of them!

Carl Ector and Chip Lovett will sooth your soul at the Governor's Pub Friday night beginning at 7:30pm. This violin/piano duo will allow to relax after a long day, visit with your friends and STILL hear great music!

If you want something a little more upbeat to end your evening, head over to the Gamble Mill Friday at 8pm to catch the Arthur Goldstein Quartet with Steve Bowman.  Both Mr. Goldstein and Mr. Bowman are well-known jazz staples in the area.  Their popular jazz styles command much attention, which is why making reservations at the Gamble Mill is very highly recommended.  Call (814) 355-7764 to be sure you get seat!

If you're in State College on Friday night, don't forget to check out The Jazz Connection at Zola beginning at 9pm!

Saturday starts with a chance to hear music in the making!  The Friends Band will be rehearsing at the Main Stage in Bellefonte beginning at 9:30am.  This would be a great way to introduce children to music!

While you have your children out Saturday morning, head over to the Children's Garden in Bellefonte to hear the Children's Jazz Storytime performed by Arthur Goldstein and Rick Hirsch.  The story begins at 11am and I would suggest getting there a little early to make sure your little ones are settled in and ready to be entertained!  Don't let the "Children's" part scare you -- children of ALL ages should hear this!

A personal favorite of mine begins at 11:30am at the Gazebo in Bellefonte - The Tarnished Six!  I've heard them many times and they are always fun and ready to entertain!   Be ready to applaud.  They like that.

The Bellefonte Area High School Jazz Band will begin at 12:30pm on the Main Stage in Bellefonte.  Yes - I have a soft spot in my heart for these kids, as this is my alma mater.   Now, as an adult, I'm amazed at the incredible amount of talent and musicianship these kids have!  Don't miss ANY of the school bands - you'll be VERY pleasantly surprised!

Russ Kassoff and Catherine Dupuis perform again, this time with the Russ Kassoff Trio and the Friends Band.  They will be performing on the Main Stage at the Train State in Bellefonte beginning Saturday at 1pm.  If you don't catch Catherine and Russ at Centre Crest earlier in the day, be sure to catch them here the Friends Band!  Personally, I love it to hear musicians of this caliber come together to jam and this should do it up right!

THE highlight of the weekend is a Master Class with renowned tenor saxophonist Houston Person!  He takes soul jazz to a whole new level and he's willing to share his knowledge with you on Saturday at the Gazebo beginning 2pm.  Whether you are a saxophonist, musician, fan or hack, this is a huge don't-miss event!

The Rick Hirsch 5 will entertain Talleyrand Park from the Gazebo beginning at 3:30pm on Saturday.  Rick Hirsch is a local saxophonist, composer, arranger... many other things related to his talent and love of jazz.

Two more local high school jazz bands take the Main Stage beginning at 4:30pm.  The first is Penns Valley Area HS Jazz Band, followed by the State College Area High School Jazz Band.  As I mentioned before, take a listen to the up-and-coming talent in Centre County.  Take your young children to see them (that's how I got interested) and enjoy their youth, vitality and energy!

Another absolutely don't-miss event is  Houston Preston performing with the Russ Kassoff Trio!  Again - I love it when musicians get-together and jam and this one should take the cake!  The performance begins at 7:30pm at the Match Factory in Bellefonte.  Tickets are required ($15) and can be purchased at Websters in State College or at Cool Beans in Bellefonte.   This should rock the house!!

On Saturday at 10pm you have a choice of music and venues.  The Burlingame Group will be at the Gamble Mill and Carl Ector and Chip Lovett return to the Governor's Pub.    This may be a difficult decision, but they're close to each other... do both!!

On Sunday,  the Jay Vonada Group will be performing at the Deli in State College beginning at noon. This cool, jazzy trombone-based trio is perfect for a relaxing Sunday afternoon sipping coffee at the local cafe.  Need a good first date??  I think this may be it!  Ever since I started listening to my mom's JJ Johnson albums, I have loved to hear a good trombone jazz ensemble.  This one fits the bill.

Just as John "JT" Thompson kicked off the weekend, he also wraps it up with a piano performance at the Gazebo on Sunday evening beginning at 7pm (also as part of the Summer Sounds From The Gazebo concert series in Bellefonte).

Please send us your comments regarding each of the acts.  I would love to hear feedback.  There is a LOT of talent in Centre County and to have just a small piece of it packed into a fabulous weekend like this is a rare treat!  Listen, enjoy and let me know what you think!

New Feature! Central PA Arts Calendar!

From Wendy:
There is so much more to this blog than just book reviews!  Pat also does theater reviews and much more.  To help you have just one spot that allows you to find what's happening when in Central PA, we're expanding the blog to include a Central PA Arts Calendar!

You'll see the current list of events, as we've received them, listed in the right column of the blog.  As much as we receive updates is as much as you will see here.

So - what does that mean?  It means that you can help!  Click on the link below the calendar to submit your own Central PA arts event.  It can be theater (professional, community, high school - all of it!), an author signing, an art show, a ballet, concerts - whatever is artistic and is happening in Centre County or slightly beyond.   BUT - if you don't submit it, we can't list it.

Start sending your artistic events in or start following our calendar to find out what's happening!

ENJOY!

(We do reserve the right to not put all submissions on the calendar for any reason.)

THEATER/EVENT: Isaac Awards 2012

The Isaac Award Ceremony was held at the Mishler Theatre in Altoona this past Sunday. Twelve high schools from across Central and South Central Pennsylvania took part. Full of Red Carpet glitz and glamour, it is the “Tonys” for high school musicals.

In addition to recognizing the outstanding performances, the winner of each category receives a $500 scholarship to be used in any field of study at any accredited post-secondary educational institution.
Hosted by Mistress of Ceremonies, Carolyn Donaldson of WTAJ, the evening included a musical number from each school, a thank you to each of the corporate sponsors, and awards presented by last year’s winners.

This year’s winners were:

• Best Actor or Actress in a Featured Role--- Seth Hull, Bishop Carroll High School.

• Best Actor in a Supporting Role--- Benjamin Laskovansky, Bald Eagle High School.  Runner-up--Jesse Moore, State College High.

• Best Actress in a Supporting Role---Erin McQuay, State College High School.

• Achievement in Design Award---Tracy Eckenrode and Olivia McCall, Bishop Carroll High School.

• Best Ensemble Award---West Branch High School and Philipsburg Osceola High School (tie),

• Best Musical Number Award---State College High School (As We Stumble Along).  Runner-up -- Bald Eagle High School (Honestly Sincere).

• Best Actress in a Leading Role Award---Emily Dennis, State College High School.  Runner-up--Morgan Sichler, State College High School.

• Best Actor in a Leading Role---Ben Unpingco, Bishop Guilfoyle High School.  Runner-up-- Ricky Howsare, Bedford Area High School.

• Best Featured Dance Award--- Philipsburg High School (The Shriner’s Ballet).  Runner-up-- State College High School (Toledo Surprise).

• Best Production Award --- State College High School.  Runner-up-- Central Cambria High School.

• The Judges’ Discretionary Award: Rising Star went to Daniel Slogosky from Philipsburg Osceola High School for his role of Randolph MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie.

• Chosen by their classmates the Isaacs MVP Awards went to Lexi Krug, Courtney Reese, Shannen Snyder, Tracy Eckenrode, Moran Horell, Mike Kinley, Katie Pribish, Caleb Pons, Joanna Ruhl, Justin Baumgartin, Rachel Reed, and Jamison Monella.

The Isaacs Booster Check of one thousand dollars was accepted by Bald Eagle High School senior, Maggie Mehalko.

EVENT: RSVP Volunteer Recognition Luncheon

The 27th Annual Retired and Senior Volunteer Program  (RSVP) Volunteer Recognition Luncheon was held at The Penn Stater in State College on the 27th of May.

Over thirteen hundred retired and senior men and women contributed 69,000 hours of community help this past year. At least 130 different groups are involved with such things as helping with tax forms, providing transportation for veterans to doctor appointments, aiding the Toys for Tots program, manning thirteen food banks, helping with flu shots, monitoring our local streams, writing letters for the very successful Pen Pal Program, and so on.

RSVP Director, Brian Querry, welcomed everyone with the Abraham Lincoln quote, “When I do good, I feel good.” Jane Taylor, Office of Aging Director, gave her thanks to all of the volunteers present and suggested that more help could be used.

Centre County Commissioners Steve Dershem, Chris Exarchos, and Michael Pipe added their thanks. Chairperson Dershem stated that this event was the most awe-striking event that the commissioners attend.  The invocation before the meal was given by Robert Kidder.

Volunteers celebrating from five to twenty five years of service were recognized. Each received a pin and the warm applause of the audience.

Receiving special recognition for achieving aver 500 hours of service for the year 2011 were:

2012 RSVP Special Recognition Recepients

Patricia Breger
Sally McCartney
Kathryn Sprout
Mimi Edwards
Joyce McKay
Shirley Stump
Chester Fulton
Donna Shawley
Faith Whitman
Joyce Kerr
Boyd Spicer
Lou Wian
Shirley Leopold
Patricia Wian.

Keeping the room entertained and the afternoon moving along were Masters of Ceremony Babs Bengtson and Kevin Conaway from WPSU.

If helping with any of the various RSVP programs sounds tempting to you, you can contact their office at 355-6816.

EVENT: 27th Annual Young Author Contest

The 27th Annual Young Author Contest held an awards program at Bellefonte Area High School’s auditorium on April the 18th. Penns Valley, Bellefonte, Philipsburg/Osceola Mills, Bald Eagle, as well as home schooled students from all the districts provided over 300 entrants for the contest.

After opening remarks from Tracy Carey, Director of Public Services for the Centre County Library and Nick Lingenfelter, Regional VP Market Manager of First National Bank, author Tawni O’Dell was introduced.


Ms O’Dell is the author of four books including Back Roads, an Oprah Book Club pick. In her encouraging words to the young writers she said that the important thing about being a human, and not a cow, is that we have a written language.

As Katie Nicholson, Youth Services Librarian, and Laura Sarge, Outreach Services Coordinator, announced the winners, a portion of each winner’s story or poem was read.  The titles ranged from the first grade winner’s “Reggie The Firefighting Snake” to “The Legend”, the first place winner for sixth grade.

First grade winners included Cecilia Mazzocco, Miles Brooks, Emma Homan, Davis Corman, and Vivienne Booz.

Second grade finalists were Blaine Appleyard, Nicholas J. Mitchell, Ty Kroell, and Lilly Christopher.

Third grade winners were Annelise King, Kathryn Leonon, Sutton Thompson, Caitlyn Ripka, and Sunni Rice.

Fourth grade winners were Noah Evans, Eva Stoessel, Mackenzie Ebeling, Abby Harper, and Brennan Hyde.

In fifth grade Megan Irwin, Octavio Mallare, MacKenzie Jodrie, Erica Hillard, and Caroline Helms were the winners.

Max Theuer, Sam Goodwin, Isabel Martin, Abegail Bruni, and Abigail Martin were the sixth grade finalists. 

Melanie Phillips, Development Officer of the Centre County Library, closed with a thank you to all of the corporate sponsors and with a reminder to all of the students that she expected to see each of them in the Library’s Summer Reading Program.

Melanie Phillips,
Development Officer,
Centre County Library

UPCOMING EVENT: Author Signing/Book Reading - Raynetta J. Stocks

This post is from Wendy, Pat's daughter.  Many of you already know that while P.O.V. is 100% Pat's reviews, she sends them to me to post for her.  (Mom claims to be not very internet savvy.)  One of the things Mom likes to do is post about upcoming events and this falls into that category.  However, since I'm the one hosting the event, it's more appropriate that I do the post.

---

Raynetta J. Stocks is an author from Havre de Grace, MD.  Her latest book, THE GRIM, comes out the beginning of May.  Ms. Stocks' website describes it as such:

"A gripping tale of both thrills and depth, THE GRIM follows Jaycee Baynes, single mother and convicted murderer, through her tumultuous stay at an in-patient psych ward.  Unable to remember the horrendous events that incarcerated her, she is haunted daily by the presence of her bullet-riddled ex-lover, without whose help, she will undoubtedly never be freed.  Having repressed all memory of what she's done, Jaycee must find a way to manage her illness and confront her past--before it consumes her first."

Read more about Ms. Stocks and THE GRIM at her website:  http://www.raynettastocks.com/


Raynetta J. Stocks will be doing an Author Reading/Book Signing on Saturday, May 19th at 10:30am in Kennett Square, PA.

Ms. Stocks will do a reading from her book, followed by a Q and A. After the program, Ms. Stocks will stay for a meet and greet and book signing. (Books will be available for purchase.)

For those of you who live in Centre County, Mom is planning on attending.  If you wish to come down, please RSVP to me or to my mom and one of us will give you the directions.

If you haven't been to Kennett Square before, it's worth the trip!  It is beautiful here in Southern Chester County!  Kennett Square is not only the home of Longwood Gardens, but it is also the Mushroom Capital of the World and was voted one of "America's Coolest Small Towns"!

Please - I do need to take RSVPs, so I know how many to set-up for and Ms. Stocks knows how many to prepare for.  You can RSVP either through my mom, my email address, or through the Facebook Event at https://www.facebook.com/events/344232955612694/

This is the first time I'm hosting an Author Reading/Book Signing event.  If it goes well, I hope to make it a series.  I already have some authors in mind!  I hope to see you here!


~Wendy

THEATER/EVENT: Circle Mirror Transformation

Live theater really only needs a play, actors, and an audience. When the play is well written, the actors solid, and the audience appreciative, magic can happen and the experience stays with the participants long after the theater lights go out.

Circle Mirror Transformation written by Annie Baker, directed by John Hruschka and produced by the Next Stage is that type of an experience.

Visualize an acting class with one teacher, Marty, and four students. The class consists of the teacher’s husband James, Theresa, an attractive young woman who has had some acting experience, Schultz, a young, recently divorced man, and a sixteen year old girl, Lauren, who wants to learn to act.

Through very brief scenes, the class exercises slowly reveal the fears, truths, and hidden feelings of not only the students, but of the teacher as well. The audience watches characters reveal layers of themselves, as well as relationships that develop and fall apart.

Director Hruschka has paced the show perfectly. From the very quiet opening, through the angry scenes, to the tranquil ending when each person accepts who he is, the audience stayed connected to the characters.

The cast consisted of two regulars, Caitlin Osborn (Marty) and Tom McClary (her husband James). We have come to expect great performances from these two veteran actors. Tom has perfected the “puzzled/bewildered look” so it always comes as a surprise that he can do angry scenes so well.

Lauren Strauss (Theresa) and Sebastian Arroyo (Shultz) were new names for me. Both of them have the ability to appear perfectly cast in their parts, as if there is no “acting” involved. They also each had an opportunity to show tender moments that were very believable.

High school sophomore Julia Laplante (Lauren) is not a new face, but one that the area definitely should be watching. Through her facial expressions and body language we watched a very insecure little girl mature before our eyes.

I have learned to always expect the unexpected from the Next Stage and once again I was not disappointed. If you have not found this group and you enjoy meaningful theater, you have this weekend to check out Circle Mirror Transformation, winner of the 2010 Obie Award for The Best New American Play.

Performances will be April the 6th at 8:00, April the 7th at 2:00 and 8:00 and April the 8th at 2:00. The Studio Space is located in the State Theater on College Avenue in State College. Tickets are $16 (students and seniors $14).

EVENT - THEATER: La Scafetta: The Founding Drawer

Local author Mary Rohrer-Dann has written a series of poems based on the true story of an all-girl orchestra in Baroque Vienna. Cynthia Mazzant, artistic director of Tempest Studios, has transformed these stories into a play, LA SCAFETTA: THE FOUNDING DRAWER,  about a young violinist and her jealous music teacher.


The original orchestra had consisted of orphans who lived in a cloistered environment and were so well known that much of their music was composed by Vivaldi.

Here is an opportunity to see a show that highlights the talents of author Mary Rohrer-Dann, director Cynthia Mazzant, and a cast of actresses, many who will be familiar to you from our community theatres.


If you are a supporter of our local theater scene, LA SCAFETTA: THE FOUNDING DRAWER will be presented at The University Club on College Avenue in State College, November 3rd and 4th.

EVENT: BOOK SALE!!!

PAT'S ANNUAL BOOK SALE

 ~~~~~~~~~~~

The “Books, Books, and Other Things You Don’t Need” sale will be Saturday, July 23rd 

128 East Cherry Lane

behind the Undine parking lot and one block off Allegheny St.  

8:00AM - ??

Things included:  reviewed books, books, other books, many books, power and hand tools, sewing machine, household goods and more!

This is the same weekend as the JazzPA Festival.

Stop in if only just to say hello.

THEATER: Local High School Isaac Awards

The Isaacs were presented by the Altoona Community Theatre (ACT) at the historic Mishler Theatre on May 29, 2011. The Isaacs, the high school equivalent of Broadway’s Tony Award, are awarded each year to encourage and support excellence in high school musical theatre. The program was established in 2005 by ACT and involves 13 area high schools.

Our local winners were:

•  Best Production, The Pajama Game, State College High School

•  Best Featured Dance, Runner-Up, “Hernado’s Hideaway”, The Pajama Game, State College High School.

•  Best Actress in a leading role, Ashley Lope as Babe,  The Pajama Game, State College High School.

•  Best Musical Number, “Once a Year Day”,  The Pajama Game, State College High School.

•  Best Actress or Actor in a Featured Role, Runner-up, Elise Mortensen as Gladys,  The Pajama Game, State College High School

•  Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Richard Spicer as Lumiere, Beauty and The Beast, Bald Eagle Area High School.

The winner in each category made a Tony-worthy acceptance speech and received a $500 scholarship for any field of study at any accredited post-secondary institution.

The Gazette would like to extend congratulations to each of our local winners and runners-up. Thank you, also, to all of you who support high school drama.

For the complete list of schools involved and all the winners, go to ACT's website:  http://www.altoonacommunitytheatre.com/

EVENT: 136th Grange Fair

For those of you who don't live in Centre County, let me tell you a story about one of our local treasures.

When our son-in-law first came to Centre County to visit, he came through Centre Hall and over the Centre Hall Mountain. He told us that he had passed a steady stream of pick-up trucks and trailers filled to overflowing with furniture and what appeared to be a family’s whole worldly possessions. He was afraid that the county was being evacuated and nobody had told him.

We had to explain to this fellow from New York that no, there was no disaster, it was set up time at Grange Fair, as the old timers call it ( Granger’s Picnic, to the really old timers). Now it is known as the annual Centre County Encampment and Fair. It is the only county fair like it in the country.

What started out as a fair for the farmers of Centre County to exhibit their livestock and crops has turned into an event that brings nearly 2,500 families that will live on the grounds for a week.

Originally, the fair provided tents for the week. Now the fields include all types of motor homes and campers. The original tents are still so much in demand that they are passed down through the generations within the family.

It is still an ideal place to see exhibits ranging from garden and field produce, to farm animals, to handwork such as quilts, paintings, and wood carvings. Last year they had nearly 8,000 exhibits.

A carnival atmosphere is provided by food vendors, amusement park type rides, and, naturally, local politicians kissing babies and shaking hands.

My favorite part is definitely the food. Funnel cakes, hot sausage sandwiches, real French fries, and ice cream, Oh, My. It seems as if my eyes are bigger than my stomach every time I visit.

Fair entertainment can be a little too country for my taste, but I have been lucky to see some good acts there. Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, and Brad Paisley have made appearances before they were super stars. You just never know who is on their way up and starting at local fairs.

The point of this article is two fold: One, if you are coming through Centre County between August 26 and September 2, do not be frightened by the traffic, and Two, stop by for a funnel cake.



In 2008, PBS did a fabulous documentary on the Centre County Grange Fair, which is now available on DVD. 







For more information about this year's fair, please visit:  http://www.grangefair.net/

POST SCRIPT: 22nd Annual Final Cruise

     If you grew up in a small town during the 1950's, you probably took part in what we called "lapping the block".  We drove around the same block for hours, honking and yelling at friends. It passed a Saturday night.

     Bellefonte will be hosting the 22nd Annual Final Cruise on Fathers' Day weekend and the committee always does a good job of capturing the spirit of those golden high school days.

     The main attraction is an antique car show, but what sets this car show apart from others is the "Open to the Public Cruise".   That's right, you get a chance to lap the block in Bellefonte one more time.

     What I enjoy--I am not really into cars-- is the traditional Sock Hop held in the middle of town. This year Your Dad's Friends will be providing the music from the '50's and 60's for dancing in front of the Court House on Friday the 18th.  If you come , make sure your saddle oxfords and poodle skirt are ready to dance into the night.

For more information, please go to:  http://www.bellefontecruise.org.

See you there!

POST SCRIPT: Book Sale Wrap-Up

The Book Sale is over. I am tired, slightly richer, and 10 boxes of books lighter. The fun of talking to other people who love to read is the big attraction for me. (People who drove by without checking out the boxes would not have been interesting anyway!)

My first job was with the Centre County Library. That job helped me form one very bad obsession---the NEED to know what a person is reading. I have been known to ask strangers the title in their hands, much to my family's embarrassment. By having a book sale, not only do I get rid of books and make enough money to buy more, but I get to see who reads what. Always a surprise!

Thank you to everyone who made the Book Sale so much fun----especially Jackie, Denny and Honey.

My husband helped also. He has offered to pay me $50.00 if I promise never to do it again. He ended up doing the heavy grunt work.

POST SCRIPT: Book Sale!

ooops!! Jim has noticed that I have a few books around the house.  Come to Hickory Street in the Continental Courts Community Yard Sale where I will be having my BOOK SALE on June 4th and 5th (Friday and Saturday).

Good prices: for example - mass market paperbacks-25cents or 5 for a $1.00.

Details and map in the right column!

(Jim really wants me to clean out.)

Keep Reading!