On Centre: Bellefonte

Owners 'overjoyed' to have Ralph back

Connie Cousins

Ralph, a 7-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback is home where he belongs.

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The dog went missing on Oct. 10 while his family was visiting in the Bellefonte area. Over the next few days, the owners, friends and people from all over Centre County searched for Ralph.

The owners, Carol and Chip Bleam, had to return to Maryland to work, but Carol came back to Centre County on Oct. 14, and Chip returned Oct. 16 to continue the search.

Thanks to the many fliers — and Ralphie’s story and pictures on Face-book — the dog was spotted Oct. 17 by Scottie Showers. On Oct. 18, the Bleams waited in their car along the road near where Ralphie had been seen.

After more than two hours, a woman looking out her window spotted Ralphie coming out of the woods and notified the waiting couple. Ralphie’s owners were overjoyed. He was found in Brockerhoff Heights, off Jacksonville Road.

“Ralphie is resting a lot,” Carol Bleam said after returning home. “He had 40 ticks on him that had to be removed and his paws are worn down and sore. He lost 15 pounds during his ordeal and is tired — but not too tired to debut on TV. Baltimore News WJZ filmed our big shy dog and featured Ralph on the evening news.

“We are so thankful to have our dog back and want to thank all the people who helped to find him, especially Jen Spence, who worked tirelessly to bring about Ralphie’s return.”

Pianists invited to play

The 1890 Steinway grand piano in the Museum Building of the Centre County Library, 203 N. Allegheny St., Bellefonte, will be available for piano-playing members of the community during 2009 Bellefonte Victorian Christmas, Dec. 12 and 13.

Pianists must sign up in advance to reserve time to play. Pianists will play for 15 to 20 minutes each. All skill levels are welcome.

The piano was donated to the library in 1979 by Frank Gallo and Nan Gullo Mann, of State College. A fund drive raised money for the restoration, which was done in 1984-85. There is a framed list of contributors to the restoration fund on the piano room wall.

Many who study piano never get to see a Steinway, and this is a rare opportunity to play one. To schedule a performance, call the Pennsylvania Room in the Museum Building at 355-1516, extension 214.

Connie Cousins writes the weekly On Centre column on Bellefonte. She can be reached at connie.cousins@yahoo.com.