Help Centre County Shine for America250PA’s “Two Lights for Tomorrow” – April 18, 2025

Contributed content from America250PA: Centre County.

Greetings from America250PA: Centre County,

We’re excited to announce a new initiative that invites Centre County organizations to join a powerful national tribute. On April 18, 2025—exactly 250 years after Paul Revere’s legendary ride—communities across the United States will participate in Two Lights for Tomorrow, a symbolic moment to reflect on our shared past and look ahead to a brighter future.

Inspired by the “two if by sea” lantern signal of 1775, this initiative invites homes, civic buildings, organizations, and local landmarks to display two lights—as a simple but powerful act of unity during this once-in-a-generation Semiquincentennial commemoration.

In Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania Capitol will be illuminated. But the real impact comes from local participation—and that’s where Centre County can shine.

Here’s how you can take part right here in Happy Valley:

  • Light the way. Plan a display of two lights at your office, storefront, public building, or historic site.
  • Engage your community. Invite local residents and partners to join you—whether it’s lighting their homes, holding a gathering, or sharing reflections.
  • Tell your story. Share photos and videos of your display on social media using the hashtags:
    #TwoLightsForTomorrow #TL4T #America250PA
    Be sure to tag America250PA so we can help spotlight your participation!

This initiative is flexible and accessible—there’s no single way to participate, just a shared spirit of unity, remembrance, and hope. We do ask that all displays follow local ordinances and safety guidelines.

“The Semiquincentennial is a once-in-a-generation moment to reflect on who we are, what we’ve built together, and where we’re going next,” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA. “As we prepare to illuminate the Capitol and landmarks across the Commonwealth, we’re sending a clear message: Pennsylvania shows up—with pride, with purpose, and with a belief in the power of community.”

Centre County organizations, landmarks, and community groups have been at the heart of America250PA efforts across the region. Two Lights for Tomorrow is another chance to connect our rich history to our hopeful future—and to show the rest of Pennsylvania how Centre County leads by example.

We’re grateful to our friends at Virginia250 for launching this beautiful initiative. You can learn more about the concept at va250.org/two-lights.

If your organization plans to participate—or if you have ideas you’d like to explore—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s work together to light the way to 2026.

Flour & Stone launches weekend breakfast & lunch service featuring seasonal dishes & local flavor

Content contributed by Flour & Stone.

Pine Grove Mills, PA — April 10, 2025 — Flour & Stone, the cozy and creative companion to Pine Grove Hall, is thrilled to announce the launch of its weekend breakfast and lunch service, now available Saturdays and Sundays from 8 AM to 2 PM. Known for its inviting atmosphere and dedication to local sourcing, the restaurant’s new daytime menu offers comforting, creative dishes to start your weekend right.

“We’ve had a blast putting together a daytime menu that’s full of personality and local flavor,” said owner Liz Grove. “Our team has put a lot of heart into the flow and feel of the daytime service and the quality of the food. We want people to feel welcomed—whether they’re coming in for a quick bite, a weekend brunch with friends, or just coffee and a pastry to start the day.”

Breakfast favorites include:

  • F&S Homemade Baked Oatmeal with white chocolate chips, strawberry jam, and
    smoked salt (v, gf)
  • Farmer’s Plate with fried eggs, fingerling potatoes, sourdough toast, and your choice of
    house-cured bacon or local sausage
  • Avocado Toast with smashed avocado, pickled onions, poached egg, house hot sauce,
    and local herbs (v)
  • Steak & Eggs with top sirloin, red-eye gravy, and seasonal greens
  • Breakfast Fruit Salad with sumac yogurt, citrus, and mint (v)

Lighter bites like the Country Ham Toast, Egg Sandwich with provolone and onion jam, and Buttermilk Pancakes round out the menu, alongside sides, sweets, and an espresso program.

From 11 AM to 2 PM, the lunch menu brings additional items:

  • Italian Beef Sandwich with Grove American roast beef and spicy giardiniera
  • Caprese Panini on Gemelli’s ciabatta with balsamic aioli (v)
  • P.L.T. with house-cured pancetta and roasted garlic aioli on sourdough
  • Chopped Italian Salad with pepperoncini, white beans, and basil vinaigrette (vg)
  • Hand-stretched pizzas like Roasted Mushroom with miso ricotta and arugula (v) and
    Sweet Italian Sausage with stracciatella cheese and herb salad

Dining is available indoors or on the sunny patio (weather permitting), and everything is made to order with attention to detail.

New Hours for Breakfast & Lunch:
Saturdays & Sundays: 8 AM – 2 PM
Dinner Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 5 PM – 9 PM
Website: www.flourandstone.com
Phone: 582-220-2025

Walk-ins are welcome. Reservations are encouraged for larger groups and weekend brunch.

For media inquiries, interviews, or to schedule a visit, contact Liz Grove at
liz@pinegrovehall.com.

Donate Centre County gifts to PA Chamber welcome bags!

Content contributed by the PA Chamber.

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry regularly selects different locations across the Commonwealth to host their board of directors meetings. In just a few short weeks, Centre County will have the honor of welcoming this influential group for their next gathering.

To help showcase the vibrant business community and unique local flavor of our region, the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County (CBICC) is putting together small welcome bags for the attendees. These bags will feature some of our favorite locally made products as a way to leave a lasting impression and highlight the talent and creativity within Centre County.

The CBICC is inviting local businesses to contribute items to include in these welcome bags. Whether it’s a sample of your product, branded merchandise, or another thoughtful item that represents your business, your donation will help create a warm and memorable experience for our guests from across Pennsylvania.

Businesses interested in participating are encouraged to reach out. Please contact Allison Coccia at acoccia@pachamber.org to coordinate your contribution or to learn more about this opportunity to showcase your brand.

Alloy Kitchen welcomes new owner Tony Caracillo

Bellefonte, PA – April 9, 2025 – Alloy Kitchen, a beloved staple of Bellefonte’s culinary scene, is entering a new chapter as Tony Caracillo officially takes ownership from founder Lori Sabatino. This transition marks an exciting evolution for the restaurant, with Caracillo bringing fresh ideas while honoring the foundation that has made Alloy Kitchen a community favorite.

A State College native and 2012 graduate of State High, Caracillo has built a career as a skilled chef and entrepreneur. He has been instrumental in shaping Alloy Kitchen’s operations and menu, and now, as owner, he plans to expand the restaurant’s reach through off-site catering and partnerships with local businesses.

“Alloy Kitchen has always been about great food and a strong sense of community,” said Caracillo. “I’m excited to build on what Lori started and continue making this a place where people come together over amazing meals.”

Sabatino, who founded Alloy Kitchen with a vision for high-quality, locally inspired cuisine, expressed confidence in Caracillo’s leadership. “Tony has been working side by side with me for the past year helping to drive Alloy Kitchen’s success.” she said.

Over the past year, Caracillo has immersed himself in Alloy Kitchen’s operations, gaining firsthand experience with its culinary vision and daily workflow. Before that, he worked front of house at Titan Hollow as a server and bartender, refining his hospitality skills and strengthening his ties to the local dining community.

With experience at some of Happy Valley’s most popular restaurants and five years in Arizona’s dynamic food scene, Caracillo brings a well-rounded perspective to his new role; combining kitchen expertise with a dedication to outstanding food, service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere for guests.

The transition comes as Alloy Kitchen looks ahead to new opportunities, including new partnerships and enhanced customer experiences. Regulars can expect the same dedication to bold flavors and creative dishes that have defined the restaurant, with Caracillo leading the way. “And don’t worry, I’m not messing with the Fish and Chips.” Caracillo said.

For More Information:

Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/100065147995084

Website: https://titanhollow.com/alloy-kitchen/

Media Contact:

Tony Caracillo
Email: cheftonyray@gmail.com
Phone: (814) 380-9994
Alloy Kitchen

Penn Highlands Healthcare teams up with Pittsburgh Pirates to honor healthcare workers

Content contributed by Penn Highlands Healthcare.

Penn Highlands Healthcare is teaming up with the Pittsburgh Pirates to honor healthcare workers and provide a special ticket package for the community. When the team plays the Atlanta Braves May 9-11, 2025 — Mother’s Day weekend – they are celebrating healthcare workers with a new appreciation package that includes:

Anyone in the community – healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers — can purchase individual tickets to the May 9-11, 2025 games using the special link. In order to receive the package pricing and items, the tickets must be purchased through the link.

For groups of 10 or more, tickets are as low as $34 each. To purchase group tickets, contact Nick Ramsey at 412-325-4938 or Nick.Ramsey@Pirates.com.

If you have questions, contact rcpasternak@phhealthcare.org.

Plan to cheer on the Pirates and help raise funds for Penn Highlands Healthcare from the tickets sold.