State College prides itself on its diversity and openness.  We are a community that includes both students and permanent residents.  We all live here together, so let's make the most of it!  Introduce yourself and meet your neighbors.  "Hello" goes a long way.  Giving your neighbors some background information about yourself helps them see you as the individual you are and not as "some student."  Also, keep your neighbors informed of what's going on with you.  Let them know if you are having a party, getting a dog, or going away for the weekend.  These events may affect them too, and letting them know is the right thing to do.  You just might make some great new friends along the way!

Part of the State College Borough building is getting a “green” makeover.  The small (1400 sq ft) exposed roof of the second floor community room will have its gravel ballast replaced with plants.  Plants that are currently being grown at a nursery will be installed on the roof this fall.  Most of the plants are low growing sedums that offer a great array of colors and textures.  Once the plant filled pallets are installed and established on the roof, little maintenance will be required other than an annual mowing and sporadic weeding until they completely fill in. 

Green roofs have dual benefits of reducing the build-up of radiant heat in the building during the summer and reducing the amount of stormwater runoff.  The plants and soil can absorb large amounts of rainfall and volatize much of the moisture through evaporation and plant transpiration.  Although the reduction of stormwater from this project is small the combination of many such projects could be significant.

As part of the project the roof had to be reinforced to account for the anticipated weight of the saturated soil and a new rubber roof was installed due to the age of the existing one.  In order to complete this project grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development ($25,000) and from the Federal ARRA program ($79,674) were acquired.  Less than 20% of the total project cost was paid for from local general funds.  All work, including installation of the plants, will be completed by mid-October of this year.

Volunteers are an important reason State College Borough is a great place to live, work and play.  The Borough has always been known to provide more than just the critical services to its residents and visitors.  This includes the extensive variety of street trees, the showy flower beds or the cleanliness of our streets, sidewalks and parks.  In the past, most of these amenities were made possible by the work of paid employees.  However, due to recent economic difficulties and tight budgets, the Borough has had to direct their employees to complete only essential services.  Just when it seemed that we would have to curtail many of the “extras” that residents and visitors have enjoyed over the years, volunteers have come forward to help with everything from weeding flower beds to picking trash.  The Borough still needs your help.  If you are able to assist your community in any way, please contact Alan Sam at or call 234-7145.

Taking place on Saturday, October 2, 2010; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Annual Fall Festival is a fun-filled day featuring the 5th Annual Chili Cook- off (starting at 11 a.m.) and the Best of Happy Valley Desserts Competition.  

We'll also be celebrating America's Day for Kids with lots of free, kid-focused activities. Come down to Allen Street and Sidney Friedman Park (formerly Central Parklet) to join in the fun!

Over 30 exhibitors will gather at the State College Borough Municipal Building on South Allen Street for the Community Resource Fair. Information will be provided on housing, healthcare, emergency services, recreation and education to residents and newcomers to the State College Area.