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Student pitch, Lunar New Year proclamation and DEP grant highlight cultural and recycling programs in Centre County
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Summary
A Penn State student pitched 'Touch of Africa 2026' seeking sponsorships and tickets; commissioners adopted a Lunar New Year proclamation and commissioners approved a DEP 901b household hazardous‑waste education grant ($75,000 over two years) for the county recycling authority.
A Penn State student, Oyinda Molasani (S3), presented a pitch for 'Touch of Africa 2026,' a cultural showcase scheduled for April 26 at Alumni Hall and organized by the Penn State African Student Association. Molasani said the event had previously drawn ~400 attendees, that the group has raised $50,000 to date and that their fundraising target for the event is $150,000; she described plans to invite vendors and regional outreach.
Later in the meeting Vicky (S8), a founding member of the Panapita Circle of Centre County, and Thilini Rupasingha (S9) thanked the board for adopting Proclamation No. 7 proclaiming Feb. 17 as Lunar New Year in Centre County. Thilini said the recognition matters to the local Asian and Asian American communities and invited the board to an April 18 APIDA Spring Festival at MLK Plaza.
Separately, Mimi Cooper (S2), recycling coordinator for the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority (CCRA), said the authority had been awarded a DEP 901b household hazardous‑waste education grant that will provide $75,000 over two years; she said match will come primarily via staff wages and benefits and that the grant will fund expanded outreach (radio, social media, television). Amy Sherf (S7) reported that last year’s collection served about 900 people and diverted 19 tons of hazardous waste.
The board moved to adopt the proclamation and to accept the DEP 901b grant; both motions passed. Commissioners asked event organizers for contact information and logistical details and thanked volunteers and partners.
