Round Table to discuss Battle of Gettysburg

STATE COLLEGE — The Central PA Civil War Round Table will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, in the Activities Room of the South Hills School of Business and Technology, 480 Waupelani Drive, State College.

Cory Pfarr will speak on “To Make a Demonstration, to the Letter”: Seven Distinct Maps of Longstreet’s Gettysburg Performance.”

Pfarr works for the Department of Defense. He is the author of the award-winning Longstreet at Gettysburg: A Critical Reassessment (McFarland Publishers, 2019), Righting the Longstreet Record at Gettysburg: Six Matters of Controversy and Confusion (McFarland Publishers, 2023), and a forthcoming book under contract with McFarland on the Federal Signal Service’s actions at Antietam.

Pfarr is an associate editor for North & South Magazine, contributor to North & South Magazine and Gettysburg Magazine, and has appeared on Pennsylvania Cable Network and C-SPAN American History TV. He lives in Fallston, Maryland with his wife and three kids.

For more information, call (814) 861-0770.

PFBC urges boaters to use caution as water levels remain high

HARRISBURG — Following a stretch of steady rainfall that has left many waterways across the Commonwealth running higher and faster than normal, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is reminding boaters to use added caution this weekend.

“Sunny skies after days of rainfall can tempt the boater in you, but don’t be lured into a false sense of safety when water conditions on our rivers and streams remain above average and pose additional risks,” said Mark Sweppenhiser, Director of the PFBC’s Bureau of Boating. “High, swift currents can quickly overwhelm even experienced boaters. Under these conditions, a life jacket isn’t just smart, it’s essential.”

In addition to higher water levels and swift current, swollen rivers and streams can become filled with hazardous debris such as downed trees, which can be difficult to see. Such obstructions within a waterway, known as strainers, allow water to flow through them, but create a suction effect for passing watercraft and swimmers, potentially pinning them against the object and making it difficult to escape.

The PFBC recommends the following boating safety measures during periods of high water:

• Always wear a properly fitted life jacket when near water, even when not legally required.

• Never boat alone–and always leave a float plan with someone who knows your route and return time.

• Check water levels and weather forecasts before heading out. High water may warrant relocating or cancelling plans entirely.

• Consider lakes as safer alternatives to rivers and streams during high water periods.

• Carry a fully charged cell phone in a waterproof case.

• If you fall in, cover your mouth and nose to avoid inhaling water, and stay with your boat if possible.

• In an emergency, call 9-1-1

Centre County Community Resource Fair June 22

BOALSBURG — The Centre County Community Resource Fair will be held Sunday, June 22 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Boalsburg Fire Hall, 113 E. Pine St., Boalsburg. The fair is for Centre County residents. The event is hosted by Central Pennsylvania United- a member-led chapter of Pennsylvania United.

Sunday’s event aims to connect Centre County community members with quality of life support and services and to work directly with residents to learn how to best bridge the gaps in meeting community needs.

Nearly 20 local advocacy groups are confirmed to participate- offering services including criminal justice support, affordable housing assistance, mental health and addiction recovery access, community grants, and healthcare. The resource fair will also feature family-friendly activities, free snacks, and a bounce house for children.

59th Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts July 9 to 13

STATE COLLEGE — The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts will once again fill the streets of downtown State College and the adjacent Penn State campus with a celebration of the arts beginning Wednesday, July 9 through Sunday, July 13.

Founded by the State College Chamber of Commerce and Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture, the Festival attracts approximately 150,000 visitors each summer. The Festival features the nationally recognized Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition, a juried gallery exhibition, Children and Youth Day, Street Painting, educational opportunities, music, dance and theatrical performances in a variety of outdoor venues.

The festival kicks off with our special Children and Youth Day on Wednesday, July 9, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.