Homegrown Happy Valley

Once upon a time there were two hens.

The first is Battery Hen. “I live in a cage so small I cannot stretch my wings,” writes Karen Davis, President of United Poultry Concerns in Thinking Like a Chicken: Farm Animals and the Feminine Connection. “I am forced to stand night and day on a sloping wire mesh floor that painfully cuts into my feet.”

As a busy student I’m always looking for ways to relax. But I lack the time and money to really spoil myself. I almost gave up on finding something until my roommate introduced me to a new type of free yoga taught by instructor Laura Mills at Yoga in State College.

Kirtan is the meditative practice of singing different mantras over and over again to stretch the voice muscle. In fact, that’s the only muscle that gets a workout; you don’t move at all, so flexibility isn’t a factor. The idea is that repeatedly singing these simple Sanskrit phrases eliminates thoughts of exams, kids, money, and anything else that’s on your mind.

Pipes–The Nittany Highland Pipe Band

One of the only pipe and drum bands in Central Pennsylvania hits the stage on Old Main Lawn today (Thursday) at 4:30. The Nittany Highland Pipe Band, which has been an area fixture since the 70s, draws a lot of its players from Centre County. If you can’t make it, check out the band’s weekly practice Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the United Methodist Church in Pleasant Gap. And if you always wondered how you’d look in a kilt, the band is actually recruiting (no prior musical experience is needed–the band will teach you for free!)

It’s that time of year again in Central Pennsylvania for reuniting with family and friends, hiding from the stifling heat, and renewing our love and commitment to art and the people who produce it.

This year 45 locals will display their creations at the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.  And that doesn’t include the musical and theatrical performances by Happy Valley denizens. Meanwhile, in Boalsburg, The People’s Choice Festival will celebrate its 17th year showcasing arts and crafts from artisans around Pennsylvania, including more than a dozen local artists in our own backyards.

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.