An Introduction

When our car rolled into town in February 2005, I hadn’t been to State College since the summer after my senior year in high school. Back then, I was in town to visit a friend who had started her Penn State adventure earlier than the typical freshman, with a summer session of classes. We walked through campus, ate ice cream at the Creamery and sipped coffee downtown.

There was much of the same the second time around five years ago, but we were also on a mission—we needed to find a house. This visit was to become a more permanent one.

As my husband settled into the new job that brought us to Happy Valley, and I began teaching journalism at Penn State in between freelance writing assignments, we started to explore all this region has to offer. And while there was plenty these Washington, D.C.-area transplants missed about what we left behind, it was quickly replaced by what we found, like vibrant downtown communities that allow us to often walk for what we want. If we do have to drive, the ability to get anywhere in about 20 minutes is a luxury for two people who spent an average of three hours a day getting to and from work. We found a thorough network of innovative and hardworking food producers, outgoing and enthusiastic neighbors who have become great friends, and spectacular outdoor opportunities all around us. But mostly, we found the time to enjoy all that is left when you remove the pace of urban life. And in doing so, we found joy.

Kim Tait profiles two women who went through a similar process in her column here, and I identify with their experiences.

But five years later, like the women at Homegrown Happy Valley, I have yet to find everything there is to know about this area, and that’s why I’m so enthusiastic about my new role at SCM. I have hugely talented—and if you know her, pretty stylish, too—shoes to fill in those left by Erika Isler. But in living up to the standard she’s set for a decade, I’ll get to find all those hidden gems in this region—and get paid for it. Joy just multiplied.

And in doing so, I’ll get to meet all of you. I’ve spent my entire career in magazines, and the thing I love the most about them is the relationship with readers the medium affords. I’ll only find those unknown people and places with your help—so send me your thoughts and your recommendations to editorial(at)statecollegemagazine.com. Those outgoing neighbors I mentioned above? Count yourself among them now, and I can’t wait until we become great friends.

Jennifer Zeigler

So, thanks again for covering, too, the “oldies” from your historical collection.

We enjoy all,
George and Doris Piedmo
Morrisdale, Pa.

P.S. Good luck to your new editor and more articles…in forthcoming editions. Yes, the best magazine in your area.