Happy Memorial Day

We hope everyone had a safe and happy Memorial Day!

Memorial Day in Happy Valley

Are you looking for some Memorial Day plans for Happy Valley?  There are plenty of events and specials happening throughout the weekend in State College.  Keep reading to find out the details and you can learn more at Happy Valley.


It’s a wonderful time to experience downtown State College. School’s out, so take advantage of plenty of parking and more sidewalk space! Enjoy dinner and drinks at Happy Valley’s finest,Zola New World Bistro. You’ll be delighted by the seasonal menu, innovative flavors, and exceptional service. The warm, beautiful atmosphere, or outdoor seating right on College Ave. make Zola the perfect choice for night out with friends and family.

Looking for more Downtown dining? Check out our Downtown dining list and our full restaurant guide!

Upcoming Events

Visit the Birthplace of Memorial Day
Memorial Day Weekend in Boalsburg, Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27, is a three-day remembrance of our veterans and a celebration of the town’s heritage as the Birthplace of Memorial Day. The commemoration includes reenactments with Civil War period dress, as well as a somber parade-march at 6 PM Mondayfrom the village diamond to the Boalsburg Cemetery’s statue of the Three Ladies. The Boalsburg Fire Department Carnival runsThursday, May 23 through Monday, May 27. Read more about shopping, dining and history in Boalsburg, and visit our calendar for more Memorial Day activities in and around Happy Valley.

Fireworks Over the Water
Neighboring Huntingdon’s Lake Raystown Resort, Lodge & Conference Center, just 45 minutes from the heart of Happy Valley, will put on a show with the Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks on Sunday, May 26, 2013 from 9PM to 10PM. Take a day trip to enjoy the weekend with family and friends with a stunning display! Or, make plans to spend the night camping under the stars or at one of Raystown’s many family-friendly accommodations. Visit the Raystown region online for more!

Last Chance for Wine Classes with Glasses
Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery’s final Classes with Glasses, a wine educational tasting event, is planned for May 31, 2013 from 5:30PM to 7PM. This is the last chance to attend and learn about wine with Jamie Ryan. Wine, bread and cheese provided with admission. Don’t miss it!

Penn Staters Reuniting and Reliving Memories
Are you heading back to Happy Valley for 2013 Penn State Reunion Weekend, May 30, 2013 to June 2? Members of the Class of 1963 will receive their Pioneer Medallions at this special celebration. Find all the best restaurants and attractions to make the most of your weekend in Happy Valley!

Music on the Mountain—Special Ticket Offer Ends May 24!
Rusted Root returns to Tussey Mountain June 1 and there are just a few days left to take advantage of the special pre-sale ticket discount! Before May 24th tickets are only $20! Purchase online, at the ticket office or over the phone.

The Great Gatsby Theme

The Great Gatsby came out this week to amazing reviews at the box office.  The glamour of the flapper style parties has made many people want to re-create the movie.  This is your first step in experiencing a Gatsby style party. Check out this recipe for a prohibition era drink!  You can get more ideas at The Kitchn.

This week's end gives us lots to toast. Tonight, the alluring Jay Gatsby and his dazzling Daisy hit the box office in Hollywood's latest version of The Great Gatsby. On Sunday, moms everywhere get to celebrate. If that weren't enough, it's Friday, people! That means a delicious 10-Minute Happy Hour just for you.
In Gatsby's day, gin was touted as the national drink, though Gatsby himself didn't actually drink that much. Yet, those rich images from the book persist — the roaring 20's and the infamous lavish Long Island parties, complete with Mint Juleps and loads of champagne. That is enough inspiration for any of us to throw our own outside soirée this weekend.
This bottle of Cavicchioli 1928, at under $15 per bottle, pours up a luscious and creamy bubbly with a peach nectar perfume. It also looks perfect being poured at any outdoor garden party. It's lovely on it's own if you like a sweet sip, but stellar in this cocktail homage to Gatsby.   
I qualify this recipe as "my" version because technically this isn't champagne, though it pours just as fine a perlage (that's wine speak for lots and lots of gorgeous unending strands of tiny bubbles). On the Julep end, I make it mine by skipping the traditional sugar cube, and instead letting the sweetness of this wine take its place. On top of some Bourbon and muddled fresh mint, all this drink needs is some jazz and you'll be having a very happy hour in less than 10-minutes time.

My Champagne Mint Julep

Serves 1
3-4 fresh mint leaves
1 1/2 ounces bourbon
3 ounces of Cavicchioli 1928, Sparkling Wine, NV, very well chilled
In a champagne flute, add the mint leaves (twisting them as you add to release their flavor and aroma) and the bourbon, and muddle with the end of a spoon. Top with the chilled Cavicchioli and enjoy.

Recipe Notes

• If you can't find this wine try a sparkling Moscato as a substitute.

Tips for the Graduates

Did you graduate last week?  First off, congratulations on this amazing accomplishment, you have a lot to be proud of.  Now, you have to enter the real world.  This can be intimidating, but these seven tips are great for college graduates.  There are great things out there for you to accomplish, and we can not wait to see what you do! 

1)  Here’s a secret: Careers don’t just happen, they are made. If you want to have the job and career that you want and need, it will take an enormous amount of work on your part. Many graduating seniors mistakenly believe that it is the responsibility of their career service officers to get them a job. Not true. Until you are ready to take charge of, and own, your career, you won’t have one.

Owning your career takes discipline and true commitment. Sending 20 standard cover letters and résumés to Monster.com and hoping for a response isn’t enough. To land the job you want, you need to make it your full-time job. Yes, this is hard – you have finals and papers to write, and friends to party with – but if you don’t work hard, you won’t get a job. Guaranteed.

Make a commitment to yourself and to your job search by claiming your career as your own. By pledging to do this, you will stop being a victim of the job market and will begin to take control over your future. This may sound hokey, but this symbolic act will help you accelerate your job search. Raise your hand and make the pledge.

2)  Take a moment and think about what kind of car you drive. Or if you don’t drive a car, what you’d like to drive if you had one? What adjectives or characteristics do you associate with your car? Safe? Well-engineered? Versatile? Eco-friendly? Car companies spend gazillions of dollars crafting the brands of the cars they sell. Looking for safety? Buy a Volvo. Superior engineering? Audi. Versatile? How about a Ford minivan? Want to save the planet? You better drive a Toyota Prius.

When we decide to purchase a car, we consciously or subconsciously have certain attributes in mind that will make the car “feel like me.” That is exactly why car companies pour money into brand development, brand marketing, and advertising.

You are no different. As you go out and try to “sell” yourself to future employers, it’s essential that you know exactly who you are and what you want to be. By being clear about what you can offer to hiring managers, you will be able to get people to buy into the brand that is you.

Discovering your own brand is an essential component of differentiating yourself from other hungry job seekers. Think about what makes you different, what skills you have to offer, what you’re passionate about, and what you can bring to an employer that will make them want to pick you. If you were a car, what would be your best selling points? If you don’t know what they are, ask a counselor, a parent, or friend to help you uncover what makes you a great product for employers to buy.

Read the rest of the tips at the CSM.