Finishing Touches

At the height of her career as one of America’s famous decorators, Dorothy Draper published a pink-and-white-striped book called Decorating is Fun, which became a bible for American homemakers. Though the book is more than 70...

This One's for You Dad...

On Dec. 27, 2009, my Dad died. Let me tell you a little bit about him.

J. Craig Biddle was born on April 9, 1924, in Elmira, N.Y. He went through the local school system and enrolled at Springfield College in Massachusetts. But...

February Goods

Big BangWhimsical and elegant bangles and bracelets add a little shine to the world and a smile to your Valentine’s face, too. Available at Connections. Starting at about $12. Weather or NotCheck out Weather Whys: Facts, Myths...

The South Will Rise Again

When you think of retail commerce in State College, you’re likely to conjure an image of North Atherton Street, where you’ll find Wal-Mart, Target, Wegmans, Best Buy and numerous other retailers packed into a two- or three-mile...

Putting Local Online

For years, Michele Marchetti and Katie O’Hara-Krebs lived sort of parallel lives, but never met. They’re both graduates of Penn State University’s College of Communications, and they both met their husbands while working at the...

Annie J. Swincinski, Printmaker

“I truly believe the atmosphere within our home is critical to who we are and how we live our daily lives. We should treat our home as an oasis, a place to identify, rejuvenate and bring ourselves back to center. Picasso once...

Michele Dunleavy, Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher

“I began dancing at age 11, studying jazz and tap at the local studio down the street from my house.  By age 13 I had decided I was going to be a professional dancer.  Growing up in N.J., most of my exposure to dance...