On Monday, December 9, the Interfraternity Council will be hosting the 2009 Holiday Lights Tour.  From 7:00-9:30 pm, bus tours will depart approximately every 30 minutes from the University Gates at College Avenue and Allen Street and will highlight several fraternities that have been decorated for the holiday season. 

The State College Downtown Improvement District will once again host rides on the Polar Express the weekends of December 12, 13, 19 & 20.  The fun begins as Schlow Centre Region Library with a reading of the “The Polar Express”, then hop on the trolley for a ride to Santa’s Workshop at the Penn State Downtown Theatre where children 12 and under can visit with Santa and receive a free photo and gift at the Workshop.  Schlow Centre Region Library is currently taking reservations for this event; please call (814) 235-7817 for more details.

A limited group of trained Penn State employees in the Office of Physical Plant will begin using pyrotechnics for harassment of crows beginning December 7 at 5:30 pm and continuing until 9 pm each week night until necessary.  Distinctive fluorescent green vests will identify individuals firing the pyrotechnics.   Prior to discharging the noisemakers, a safe zone will be established for exclusion of the public.  

Notification to Police Services will be made each day prior to and at the conclusion of the night’s activity of discharging the noisemakers.  Notification information will include locations to be affected.  Following the device discharge the area shall be checked to insure that no hot debris has come in contact with combustible materials, such as leaves. 

The Centre County Solid Waste Authority is conducting a short recycling survey.  It is online at www.centrecountyrecycles.com  or you can cut and paste the link below into your browser: 

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=0Vf_2f2H75uGF0F9kCdw6FWw_3d_3d. 

The Solid Waste Authority is interested in knowing how Centre County residents view the recycling program.  Results will be published later in the spring.

Sidewalks must be cleared of all snow and ice within 24 hours after a snowfall has ceased.

Keeping the sidewalks clear is critical for both public safety and accessibility. It is especially important to clear ramps at corners so that full access is maintained. Failure to clear sidewalks will result in violations and costs to the property owner when the Borough has to contract for the sidewalks to be cleared. The full ordinance can be found online by clicking on Borough Codes and then on Chapter XVI, Part G.

Questions may be directed to the State College Department of Ordinance Enforcement & Public Health at 814-234-7191.

The early snowstorm in October created extensive damage throughout the Centre Region.  Generally after a damaging storm such as this, secondary insects and diseases move in and can cause as much or even more tree loss than the original event.  Trees stripped of the majority of their foliage or left with jagged branch stubs are less able to defend themselves against these varied pests.  Unsuspecting homeowners and nonprofessional tree trimmers can even make matters worse by spreading some diseases on infected tools or climbing spurs (Climbing spurs should never be used on live trees that are to be retained).  Oak wilt and Dutch elm disease are local examples of serious diseases that can be spread in this manner.

Selecting the right arborist is always important but essential after a major storm event like we had.  The National Arbor Day Foundation* has put together a list of things to consider when hiring an Arborist at any time.  Here are a few of the most important in our situation:   

• Check in the phone directory, usually under Trees, Tree Service or Tree Care Service. 
• Beware of door-knockers.  Door-knockers are especially common after storms when non-professionals see a chance to earn some quick money. 
• Often, storm damage creates opportunity for even more damage to trees and shrubs if work is not done correctly.
• Never let yourself be rushed by bargains.  Never pay in advance.
• Ask for certificates of insurance, including proof of liability for personal and property damage.
• Ask for local references.
• If arborist certification is available in your area, determine if the arborist complies with the requirements. 
• Have more than one arborist look at your job and give you estimates. 
• A good arborist will recommend topping a tree only under rare circumstances.
• A conscientious arborist will not use climbing spikes if the tree is to remain in the landscape.
• Beware of an arborist who is eager to remove a living tree.  Removal clearly should be a last resort.  

 

*Reprinted from Tree City USA Bulletin # 6, National Arbor Day Foundation. To view the list and this publication in its entirety, please visit the Foundations website at www.arborday.org.