Mayor Goreham reflects on State State College during the holidays

Video posted December 10, 2012 in News by Brian Yermal Jr. Updated: December 10, 2012 - 3:15 pm

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           She has lived as far south as Texas and as far north as Indiana, but for Mayor Elizabeth Goreham, she said State College has made her feel most at home.

            Goreham moved to State College 20 years ago from Indiana.  After she married an environmental engineering professor from Penn State, Goreham decided to stay.  She now calls State College her new hometown.

Carolers            “I never lived in a small town and was unaware of how pleasant it is to be living on the same street with people who you don’t really know but you are connected to in very concrete ways,” Goreham said.  “You get to know each other and State College, and I think most of central Pennsylvania has that sense of community.”

            This sense of community, Goreham said, really culminates during the holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, when the State College borough not only helps to set up decorations, but it also plans events, many of which she attends personally. 

            One example is the Christmas tree lighting ceremony opposite of The Corner Room restaurant on Allen Street and College Avenue.  Residents and students wait out in the cold while waiting for Mr. and Mrs. Claus to arrive.  During this time, Goreham mingles with the locals and takes as much part in the festivities as everyone else. 

            Goreham enjoys the celebrations, but she said the residents of State College take more out of Christmas than the trees and tinsel.

            “As a mayor, I’m curious to see what other mayors do too in other towns, but Pennsylvania really lights up,” she said.  “I moved here for the first time 20 years ago.  I was deeply moved and impressed with how deeply with how genuinely State College and central Pennsylvania celebrates Christmas.  It’s not just a merchandising holiday, it’s also a very heartful, spiritual occasion, as well, and that’s very positive.”

             Goreham and the borough take festivities up to the last second of the year with First Night, a New Year’s celebration.  There is music played for people in several of the churches.  People can observe ice sculptures and also participate in New Year’s resolution opportunities.  At the stroke of midnight, fireworks crackle in the night sky. 

             People also have individual parties in their own homes.  Goreham said so many people have busy schedules that New Year’s is one of the perfect times to take a breather.  The extra down time allows Goreham to have distant family come in and get the chance to reunite for a little while. 

            While there is plenty to do between all the shops and restaurants open during the holiday season in State College, Goreham said one of her favorite parts of this time of year is attending events and meeting people.

            “Being mayor is especially a treat this time of year because I get to welcome people to various events, which gets me invited to them,” she said jokingly.

 

Penn State Glee Club brings holiday songs to State

     On a brisky Thursday night in State College, only a few people seeking warmth in bars walked the streets.  One group of students, however, stood at the corner of Allen and College to sing Christmas carols to passerbys.

     The Penn State Glee Club, a student organization of singers, planted itself in front of the recently lit Christmas tree at the bottom of the campus mall and sang Christmas classics like "Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer."

     The group looked to raise money in support of the club.  A hat or two sat on the ground with spare change and dollar bills for those who felt like being a little more generous that night.