Downtown State College seeks evergreen tree donation

STATE COLLEGE — The Downtown State College Improvement District is calling on the community to help by donating an evergreen tree for this year’s Light Up Downtown celebration.

Each year, the DSCID places a live evergreen at the Allen Street Gates, welcoming residents and visitors with festive cheer at the gateway to Penn State’s campus.

This year’s Light Up Night event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring photos with Santa, hot cocoa, popcorn, family-friendly activities, the ceremonial tree lighting and the return of the timed light show at the MLK Plaza on Fraser Street. The donated tree will remain on display through the New Year.

The DSCID is currently searching for a 25-foot evergreen tree with a narrow frame to ensure it fits safely in the designated space without obstructing the sidewalk. Removal and transportation will be handled free of charge by the Borough of State College, and a donor recognition sign will be displayed prominently at the site.

Contact the Downtown State College Improvement District at (814) 238-7004 or email downtown@downtownstatecollege.com.

Sept. 17 webinar to address Pennsylvania solar development trends

UNIVERSITY PARK — Municipal leaders and other interested individuals can learn about current Pennsylvania solar development trends, including solar zoning, legislative updates and planning strategies, at an upcoming Penn State Extension land-use webinar.

Presenting the 75-minute webinar at noon Sept. 17 will be Robert Davidson, an attorney with Hummel, Lewis and Davidson LLP, and Matthew Svetz, educational program specialist with Penn State Extension.

This session will provide an overview of different types of solar development, what each requires to be feasible, and how they may affect communities in terms of land use, infrastructure and local planning.

For more information, contact John Turack at (724) 837-1402 or by email at jdt15@psu.edu. To register for the webinar, visit https://extension.psu.edu/landusesept25.