Homegrown Happy Valley

Gary Landon, owner of Roly Poly (107 E. Beaver Ave.), has stopped making donations to non-profits. The small business owner simply can’t afford to be charitable in the midst of the economic crunch.  

 THON, however, is the exception. And the reason is very personal. 

One evening in December 1996, Landon’s wife rear-ended another car after skidding on ice. After Gary’s five-year-old stepson, Nate, began experiencing severe stomach pains, he was rushed to Mount Nittany Medical Center. Apparently, the seat belt had punctured Nate’s colon during the crash. The doctors repaired his colon, but discovered a small tumor during the surgery. Within a few days specialists diagnosed neuro-blastoma, a common childhood cancer. 

If your summer camp memories include putting up with snoring bunkmates, running endless laps in the sweltering heat, or singing kumbaiyah for the hundredth time, do your kid a favor and give her something different. Even though my daughter is a few years away from attending summer camp, I’m researching options now so I won’t have to read about it on her blog later.

Paying attention to fun alternatives to the more traditional summer camps, I discovered some local options that incorporate fun and education, not to mention an artistic flair and a pinch of something unique.  These are all offered at area venues and started by locals looking to spread their love of art, music or cooking to a younger set. Last time we checked, there were still slots available. 

The other day my 4-year-old son spotted a rabbit in our backyard and asked for a carrot to feed it.

“We don’t have any,” I told him.

“Just make one,” he said, using that “duh, mom” inflection common in 4-year-old speak.

Clearly he has a lot to learn about food.