Santa Express Train Ride
Saturday, December 20, 2008 @ 10:00 AM: Bellefonte Saturday, December 20, 2008 @ 1:00 PM: Bellefonte Saturday, December 20, 2008 @ 3:00 PM: Bellefonte Saturday, December 20, 2008 @ 5:00 PM: Bellefonte Saturday, December 20, 2008 @ 7:00 PM: Bellefonte
Cost: Tickets for adult or child $9, children 2 & under on lap free but MUST have a ticket
Category: Family Friendly;For Kids;For Toddlers;Christmas;Holiday
Take a ride on the Santa Express is a beautifully restored circa 1940s historic train (heated cars, blankets available, facilities.) Enjoy a Christmas reading of C. Van Allburg's "Polar Express" and an appearance by Santa. One day only, December 20. Departure times are 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. to Pleasant Gap (approx. 1 hour.) Boarding is one half hour prior to departure. Tickets are available at the Bellefonte Train Station, Talleyrand Park. $9/person with children ages 2 & under who will ride on laps free WITH lap ticket which must be obtained when you purchase the regular tickets. For reservations, call (814) 355-1053 and leave a message and return call phone number, or email BHRStickets@aol.com.
Website: http://www.bellefontetrain.com

Broad Top Area Country Music Jamboree
Saturday, December 20, 2008 @ 6:00 PM: Robertsdale
Cost: $3-$6
Category: Fundraiser;Music;Community Annc
The Broad Top Area Country Music Jamboree returns to the Reality Theatre in Robertsdale. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children under age 12. For more information, call (814) 635-3807.

The Met Opera '08-'09 -- Live in HD Series
Saturday, December 20, 2008 @ 1:00 PM: The State Theatre
Cost: $15-$22
Category: Concert;For All;Music
The Met: Live in HD is expanding the appeal and reach of opera around the world and has been met with both critical and popular acclaim. Of the inaugural transmission in December 2006, the Los Angeles Times proclaimed, "The Met's experiment of merging film with live performance has created a new art form." Using robotic cameras and state-of-the-art technology, The Met: Live in HD captures the onstage action from striking angles and heightens attention to the narrative elements of both performance and production. Behind-the-scenes features, live interviews with cast and crew, insightful short documentaries, and bird's-eye views of the productions offer an unprecedented look at what goes into the staging of an opera. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors, $18 for students and $15 for children.
Website: http://www.thestatetheatre.org/Events/fullevent.php?id=337

Preview: http://www.thestatetheatre.org/Events/preview.php?filename=2008-06-29-165435

Buffalo Run UMC Winter Clothing Drive
Saturday, December 20, 2008 @ 09:00 AM: Bellefonte
Category: For All;Community Annc;Holiday
The Buffalo Run United Methodist Church, located on Route 550 just outside of Bellefonte, is giving out winter clothing again this year. In order to do so, the church is collecting donations of gently used cotes, hates and gloves. The greatest need is for children's coats of all sizes and men's/women's coats in sizes XXL and XXXL. They will be opening each Saturday until the end of December from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. For directions or more information, call Roxanne at (814) 237-4707.

Penn State Fall Commencement
Saturday, December 20, 2008 @ 10:00 AM: University Park Campus
Category: Penn State
Occurring at the Bryce Jordan Center and throughout Campus

Free Saturday Morning Cartoons
Saturday, December 20, 2008 @ 10:00 AM: The State Theatre
Cost: Free
Category: Family Friendly;For Kids
Spend your Saturday morning with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, the Roadrunner and all your other favorite cartoon characters!

Tickets: https://www.choicesecure01.net/mainapp/eventschedule.aspx?clientID=statepa

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Saturday, December 20, 2008 @ 4:00 PM: The State Theatre
Cost: $8* / $6* for Students, Seniors and Children 12 and Under
Category: Film
Directed by Frank Capra The State Theatre is proud to present the timeless holiday classic for the second year, It’s a Wonderful Life. Nominated for five Academy Awards, It’s a Wonderful Life has continued to charm viewers of all ages since it first came out in 1946. George Bailey has spent his entire life giving of himself to the people of Bedford Falls. He has always longed to travel but never had the opportunity because he didn’t want the rich skinflint Mr. Potter taking over the entire town. All that prevents him from doing so is George's modest building and loan company, which was founded by his generous father. But on Christmas Eve, George's Uncle Billy loses the business's $8,000 while intending to deposit it in the bank. Potter finds the misplaced money and hides it from Billy. When the bank examiner discovers the shortage later that night, George realizes that he will be held responsible and sent to jail and the company will collapse, finally allowing Potter to take over the town. Thinking of his wife, their young children, and others he loves will be better off with him dead, he contemplates suicide. But the prayers of his loved ones result in a gentle angel named Clarence coming to earth to help George, with the promise of earning his wings. He shows George what things would have been like if he had never been born. In a nightmarish vision in which the Potter-controlled town is sunk in sex and sin, and those George loves are dead, ruined, or miserable. He realizes that he has touched many people in a positive way and that his life has truly been a wonderful one. Age Restriction: Not Rated 130 minutes
Website: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038650/
Tickets: https://www.choicesecure01.net/mainapp/eventschedule.aspx?clientID=statepa

Freedom Bridge Association Skating Event
Saturday, December 20, 2008 @ 4:30 PM: State College
Category: Family Friendly;For All;Fundraiser;Community Annc
A roller skating event for adoptive families will be held December 20 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Penn Skates. Admission is free thanks to sponsorship by Penn Skates, Unity Church of Jesus Christ, Studio 808 Hair Designs and Color Creations. Come celebrate adoption and connect with other adoptive families. For more information, e-mail freedombridgeasn@comcast.net.

Milesburg American Legion Blood Drive
Saturday, December 20, 2008 @ 09:00 AM: Milesburg
Category: For All;Fundraiser;Community Annc;Blood Drive
The Milesburg American Legion, 401 High Street in Milesburg, is having a blood drive December 20 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. There will be a Paula Deen Apron and recipe card for every presenting donor! Enter a contest to win a Polaroid DVD player. To sign up, click the website in this listing and use the sponsor code Milesburg. Also, the Legion will be having a bake sale during this time.
Website: http://www.redcrosslife.org

Nittany Beagle Rescue Photos with Santa
Saturday, December 20, 2008 @ 1:00 PM: State College
Cost: $5
Category: For All;Fundraiser;Community Annc;Hobby;Christmas
Nittany Beagle Rescue will be having pictures with Santa December 20 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Petco in State College. Come get you or your pet's picture taken with the jolly red elf! The cost is a $5 donation to Nittany Beagle Rescue.

Personal Training Classes
Wednesday, June 04, 2008 to Wednesday, December 31, 2008: State College YMCA
Category: For All
The State College YMCA offers several different personal training classes for everyone. Individual classes are available for $35 for members ($70 non-members), five classes with individual instruction are just $145 ($290 non-members), 10 individual classes are $225 ($450 non-members). Group instruction is also available. For a complete class listing and for more information, click the link in this listing.
Website: https://www.memberst.com/Programs/ProgramBrowser.aspx?id=080d7ee4-87d2-4def-b802-121b2da84aaa

Big Brothers Big Sisters Needed
Thursday, November 20, 2008 to Wednesday, December 31, 2008: State College
Category: For All;Community Annc
Have you thought about becoming a mentor for a child in your community? Right now in Centre County there are 80 children waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister. You get to be a kid again, and your little brother or sister gets a friend. You enjoy activities together like playing games, cooking, or just hanging out. It's not about spending money; it's about spending time. Just a few hours a month is all it takes to make a difference in a child's life. Call Big Brothers Big Sisters at (814) 237-5731 or visit us on the web at the website in this listing.
Website: http://www.ccysb.com

GED Tutoring Sessions
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 to Wednesday, December 31, 2008: Bellefonte
Category: Educational;For All;Community Annc
GED Tutoring Sessions are available at the Bellefonte Family Resource Center. Prepare for the GED Test and Improve Reading Skills. For more information, please contact the Mid-State Literacy Council at (814) 238-1809.

The Pennsylvania Military Museum presents "Santa's Draft Card" Exhibit
Sunday, November 30, 2008 to Sunday, December 21, 2008: Pennsylvania Military Museum
Cost: FREE
Category: Military
Reverend Santa Claus of Saline County Missouri registered for the draft in World War II. A copy of his draft registration from the Selective Service System will be on display in the month long exhibit. Hours- Thursday thru Sat. 10 to 4; Sunday Noon to 4.
Website: http://www.pamilmuseum.org/index.php?events

Centre County Reads Discussion Group
Thursday, December 11, 2008 to Saturday, January 10, 2009: Bellefonte
Category: For All;Community Annc
The Centre County Reads Book discussion group begins in January 2009 at the Bellefonte Family Resource Center. To register and get a free copy of the book "Persepolis," call (814) 238-1809.

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store Bag Sale
Monday, December 15, 2008 to Tuesday, December 23, 2008: State College
Category: For All;Fundraiser;Community Annc;Church Event
The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, Westerly Parkway in State College, will have Bag Sale Days December 15-23. Full bags cost $5 and may include clothing, shoes, books, housewares and toys. Store hours are Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Income from these sales go directly to help those who are in need of assistance. The store will close for Christmas December 23 and reopen January 5.

Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association Photography Exhibit
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 to Friday, January 16, 2009: Bellefonte
Category: Exhibit;Community Annc
The Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association is sponsoring an exhibition of photographs by 16 local photographers. The show is at the Gamble Mill Gallery in Bellefonte from September 20 through January 16th. The public is invited to attend a free reception to meet the photographers September 23 from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Polar Express
Saturday, December 20, 2008 to Sunday, December 21, 2008: Downtown State College
Category: Family Friendly;For Kids;For Toddlers;Christmas;Holiday
Begins with reading of Polar Express at Schlow Library followed by a trolley ride around town.

American Raiders Baton Corps Parade Registration
Tuesday, October 28, 2008 to Wednesday, December 31, 2008: State College
Cost: $20
Category: For Kids;Community Annc
The American Raiders Baton Corps is accepting registrations for the 2009 Parade Season. Baton and flag classes are being offered for children ages 4+. Registration is $20. For more information, please call (814) 355-8276.

Ethel Beaver Fund
Tuesday, December 09, 2008 to Wednesday, December 16, 2009: State College
Category: For All;Fundraiser;Community Annc;Christmas;Holiday
For 60 years, the Ethel Beaver Fund has been helping Centre County’s Foster children enjoy the little things in life that make a big difference to a child. From prom expenses to holiday gifts, this “Fun Fund” promotes the kids’ chances of creating memories to last a lifetime. Remember our area’s foster children this holiday season. 100% of the proceeds go to the fund and donations are accepted all year round. For more information or to donate to the Ethel Beaver Children’s Fund, contact the Centre County Children and Youth Services at (814) 355-6755 or visit the website in this listing.
Website: http://www.centrecountycf.org

OLLI at Penn State Winter Term
Thursday, December 18, 2008 to Monday, January 12, 2009: University Park Campus
Category: Educational;For All;Senior Citizen;Community Annc
OLLI at Penn State (formerly CALL, the Community Academy of Lifelong Learning) is having its winter term beginning January 12. To request a course catelog, call (814) 238-2368 or view the website in this listing.
Website: http://www.olli.psu.edu

State College Borough Holiday Trash/Recycling Schedule
Friday, December 19, 2008 to Thursday, January 01, 2009: State College
Category: For All;Community Annc
Due to the Christmas holiday there will be no refuse or recycling collection for State College Borough residents on December 25. Refuse and recycling normally collected that day will be collected December 24. Please note bulk and brush collection will NOT be collected the week of December 24th or the week of December 31st. If you have any questions regarding refuse collection, please contact the State College Borough Public Works Department at (814) 234-7135 or view the website in this listing.
Website: http://www.statecollegepa.us