Fans can e-mail Spikes through June 1 to nominate family and friends to be placed on game uniforms

(STATE COLLEGE, PA)—Over the past seven seasons, Paint the Park Pink Night has become one of the Spikes’ staple events by raising awareness of the fight against breast cancer. In 2013, the Spikes will join together with the Central PA community to put a personal touch on the battle, as fans can nominate family and friends affected by breast cancer to have their names commemorated on the Spikes’ special pink jerseys worn during the August 3 game at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

Starting today, and extending through June 1, fans will be able to e-mail the Spikes at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with the names of anyone who has battled breast cancer. The first 200 names e-mailed to the Spikes will then be printed onto the Spikes’ pink jerseys, which will be worn by the team for the eighth annual Paint the Park Pink Night, presented by Mount Nittany Health.

It started as a one-day picnic in 1874 so members of the Grange could invite their neighbors to be introduced to the benefits of the Grange Organization in Centre Hall. That first “picnic” had over 3,000 people in attendance.

This August 22‑29 will mark the 139th anniversary of that tradition, now known nationally as the Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair.

Thousands of tourists descend upon the small community of Centre Hall at the end of each summer to see what is considered one of the country’s most unique country fairs.

As the largest agricultural tenting fair in the nation, the Grange Fair is expected once again to attract more than 200,000 visitors to the 270 acre site. This end of the summer tradition contributes more than $2 million to the local economy and during the fair employs 375 people locally.

Centre Volunteers in Medicine: Cycling for Care

Each day, Centre Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM) makes a difference for local residents without health insurance by providing free medical and dental services to those in need. CVIM patients are hardworking Centre County residents that make too much to be on assistance, but not enough to pay for health care. At a time when more than 86 million Americans have been uninsured over the last two years, support for charitable health care organizations is imperative.

CVIM’s Cycling for Care event is a non‑competitive, scenic bike ride set up for all levels of cyclists. There are three courses through some of the most beautiful parts of Central PA: a Metric Century (62 miles), a half‑Metric Century (31 miles) and a 13K (8 miles). All courses start and finish at the Fairbrook United Methodist Church in PA Furnace on June 29.

“The need does exist here in Centre County, and there are individuals on a waiting list for our care,” said Sue Forster, CVIM’s marketing, events and communications coordinator.

“All of our patients are grateful for the care we are able to provide, and our volunteers are so wonderful to work with.”

CVIM is celebrating 10 years of serving Centre County residents.

“We are excited to have been here for our patients and hope to be here well into the future,” Forster said. Find them online at cvim.net.

Meals on Wheels: A Meal That Matters

The award‑winning State College Area Meals on Wheels program has served more than a million meals since it was founded in 1971. A staff of three and an army of volunteers prepare, package, and deliver the food to qualified, homebound individuals throughout the State College School District. Each client receives one hot meal and a bag supper meal on delivery days.

On May 16, Meals on Wheels will host their annual Meal That Matters dinner. In addition to great food, the event includes a speech from Penn State Head Football Coach Bill O’Brien and an extensive array of auction offerings. Watch for upcoming details on State College Area Meals on Wheels’ website, scmow.org.

Centre Foundation: CentreGives

The Centre Foundation was created in 1981 as a charity dedicated to assisting individuals, families and businesses throughout Centre County in conducting charitable giving conveniently, effectively and with minimum tax benefits. Since then, they have distributed more than $7 million in grants to more than 250 organizations that make Centre County a great place to live, work and raise families.

In 2012, the Centre Foundation debuted the CentreGives event, a county‑wide online fundraiser that resulted in more than 2,800 gifts totaling $415,000 to 74 nonprofits that serve Centre County. The Centre Foundation also provided an additional $110,000 in matching funds and prizes.

This year’s CentreGives will take place from 6 a.m. on May 22 to 6 p.m. May 23. This year, the Foundation will also pay management fees for the event’s website, CentreGives.org, meaning that donations are subject to only 3% credit card fees.

2013 is also a special year for the Centre Foundation as executive director Al Jones plans to retire. Jones said that his fondest memory from his time in the position was starting CentreGives, admitting that even he was stunned by the event’s meteoric success in only its first year.

“I couldn’t believe it. It was exhilarating,” Jones said. “I believe in the community foundation concept passionately.”

He added that what he will miss most about the Centre Foundation is “knowing that what I do every day makes the community a little better – that I help make a difference.”

Seats for all 38 Spikes 2013 home games are available starting at 4 PM Friday! Come and celebrate with Ike and the gang on Friday night at Damon’s! Standard single-game ticket prices range from $6-$12, perfect for family fun and fans on a budget!

There are three ways to purchase tickets:

• Online at State College Spikes.com (Fans choosing this option can securely purchase and print their tickets)
• By phone at (814) 272-1711 or toll-free at (877) 99-SPIKES
• In person at the Medlar Field at Lubrano Park Box Office weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
• Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or on Spikes home game days from 9 a.m. thru the completion of that night's game
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You don’t have to fly south to enjoy a game of golf on a beautiful, challenging course. With beautiful landscapes, resorts, par threes and more, Happy Valley has courses to meet needs of golfers at all levels.

Penn State is known for its beautifully maintained Blue and White courses. These courses are home to Penn State’s golf team and also open to the public. Both courses offer specials throughout the season. You can find them on their website at pennstategolfcourses.com and sign up for their email list to stay up to date. Both courses plus the driving range are open and waiting to hear from you to set a tee time. Set your tee time online or call 814‑865‑GOLF.