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Month: December 2025

Centre County United Way Launches “United Wins: The Give & Win Calendar”

Posted on by Jules Slater

Community raffle offers chances to win cash prizes while supporting essential local services

December 2, 2026, State College, PA – Centre County United Way (CCUW) is introducing a new way for community members to give back and have a little fun at the same time with the launch of United Wins: The Give & Win Calendar, a month-long cash calendar raffle benefiting CCUW’s Partner Agency Network.

Throughout the month of January, each raffle calendar gives the holder 10 chances per day to win cash prizes totaling more than $5,000, while helping fund programs that support the health, education, and financial stability of more than 40,000 Centre County residents.

“This calendar is about more than daily drawings—it’s daily impact,” said Megan Evans, Executive Director, Centre County United Way. “Every ticket purchased helps our neighbors access safe housing, nutritious food, early learning opportunities, financial coaching, mental health support, and more. Every prize awarded represents another win for Centre County.”

  • How the United Wins: Give & Win Calendar Works
  • CCUW has printed 1,000 raffle calendars, each sold for $25.
  • Every calendar includes a set of 10 unique four-digit numbers, which together cover all possible combinations for the PA Lottery “Pick 4” 7pm drawing.
  • Each night in January, the official PA Lottery “Pick 4” drawing determines the winning number.
  • The raffle ticket with the matching number sequence wins that day’s cash prize, which is sponsored by a local business, organization, or caring community member.
  • There will only be one winner per day.
  • 100% of proceeds remain in Centre County to fund United Way programs and services through CCUW’s Partner Agency Network.

Winning ticket holders must contact Centre County United Way to verify their numbers and claim their prize. CCUW will regularly update its website and social media channels with winning numbers, and each raffle ticket includes a QR code linking directly to the PA Lottery list of drawings.

How to Purchase a Calendar

Community members can purchase calendars in several convenient ways:

  • Online: Buy securely with options to ship or pick up by visiting the United Wins Online Shop.
  • Pop-Up Shops: Look for CCUW at pop-up sale locations across the community; dates and locations will be posted on the Centre County United Way website and social media.
  • CCUW Office: Stop by the new CCUW office at 112 W. Foster Ave., Suite 301, State College, PA 16801 for a tour and to purchase a calendar in person.
  • Partner Sales Sites: Select local businesses and organizations will host onsite calendar sales; locations and dates will be announced as they are confirmed.

Our neighbors

Help CCUW Raise $25,000 for Local Programs

The goal of the United Wins calendar is to raise $25,000 in funding to support CCUW’s Partner Agency Network and the critical services they provide to neighbors across Centre County.

Those who want to further amplify their impact can:

  • Share CCUW social media posts to spread the word.
  • Host a pop-up sale or onsite sale at their business or organization.
  • Become a United Wins Ambassador by taking packs of calendars to sell to friends, family, colleagues, or customers. Ambassadors have no financial obligation, simply return any unsold calendars by the deadline agreed and receive recognition for their efforts.

About Centre County United Way

Centre County United Way brings people together to build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community by investing in programs that improve lives through health, education, and financial stability. Working through a network of local Partner Agencies, CCUW ensures that donations stay local and address the most pressing needs facing Centre County families. Visit ccunitedway.org for more information,

Lauren Weaver named director of Geisinger College’s School of Nursing

Posted on by Jules Slater

SCRANTON – Lauren Weaver, MSN, RN, CNE, has been named the new director of the Geisinger School of Nursing.

Associate Dean for Nursing Student Education Rebecca Stoudt, DNP, PhD, MSN, CRNA, said the appointment is effective immediately.

“Lauren brings a wealth of experience in nursing education, clinical practice, and academic leadership,” Dr. Stoudt said. “I am confident she will continue to make our School of Nursing the first choice for aspiring nurses looking for hands-on education that prioritizes their own communities’ health and well-being.”

“I am excited to take on this leadership role,” Ms. Weaver said. “Geisinger has a respected tradition of superior nursing education and practice. I look forward to shaping our future colleagues to be ready to not only carry on that legacy, but to become leaders in their own right, prepared to respond to emerging challenges in health care.”

Since joining Geisinger School of Nursing in April 2023, Ms. Weaver has served as faculty, academic advisor and mentor, playing a pivotal role in course development, student evaluation and faculty onboarding. She was instrumental in preparing the self-study report for the School of Nursing’s initial ACEN accreditation visit in 2024.

Before coming to the School, Ms. Weaver was a faculty member at the Geisinger Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing from 2019 to 2023, where she led courses across multiple specialties and contributed significantly to the school’s ACEN re-accreditation efforts.

Ms. Weaver’s clinical background spans over 15 years, including roles in medical/surgical units, home health and hospice care. Her leadership experience includes managing home health operations and stepping in to support program director responsibilities at the School of Nursing.

She holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Educator focus from Chamberlain University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Eastern Mennonite University. She is a certified nurse educator and maintains multiple clinical certifications.

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About Geisinger College of Health Sciences

Educating. Inspiring. Leading. At Geisinger College of Health Sciences, we bring innovation and purpose together to educate the next generation of healthcare leaders. As the academic and research arm of the Geisinger family, our college was founded to enhance and improve community health, with a focus on discovery, hands-on learning and applied practice across our system. Today, we offer a research institute, graduate medical education, schools of medicine and nursing and faculty and professional development programs. Visit geisinger.edu/gchs

The College is committed to nondiscrimination in all employment and educational programs or activities. Concerns or questions may be directed to the Title IX coordinator whose contact information is available at //geisinger.edu/titleix.

Final countdown on for seniors to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for 2026

Posted on by Jules Slater

Dec. 7 deadline to sign up for a plan that helps seniors fill coverage gaps

DANVILLE, Pa. – With the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) deadline quickly approaching on Sunday, Dec. 7, there’s still time for eligible seniors to evaluate and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for 2026. Medicare Advantage plans help older adults fill health care gaps that traditional Medicare does not cover, such as vision, dental and prescription benefits.

Geisinger Gold, recently named one of the best Medicare Advantage Plans in Pennsylvania by U.S. News and World Report, offers access to a comprehensive care network with more than 30,000 doctors, 180 hospitals and 3,000 pharmacies. It also includes perks like wellness programs, prescription discounts, financial assistance and Silver Circle membership, a free program designed for men and women 55+ that promotes physical, emotional and social well-being. 

Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage plans achieved 4.5 out of 5 Stars in the 2026 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Star Ratings program for its performance across multiple criteria, including positive clinical outcomes, preventive care, prescription drug services and customer service. CMS evaluates plans every year.

Click here to learn more about Geisinger’s Medicare Advantage health plans.

Information sessions are also taking place at various locations. To sign up for a session, visit go.geisinger.org/seminar.

About Geisinger

Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the nonprofit system generates more than $8 billion in annual revenues across 163 care sites — including 10 hospital campuses — and Geisinger Health Plan, with more than half a million members in commercial and government plans. Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 500 medical professionals annually and is conducting more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With more than 27,000 employees, including 1,800 employed physicians and 5,200 registered nurses, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers, having an estimated economic impact of $16.8 billion on the state’s economy. In 2024, Geisinger joined Risant Health, a nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

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Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system.

Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and HMO D-SNP plans are offered by Geisinger Health Plan/Geisinger Indemnity Insurance Company/Geisinger Quality Options, Inc., health plans with a Medicare contract. Continued enrollment in Geisinger Gold depends on contract renewal. Geisinger Health Plan, Geisinger Indemnity Insurance Company, and Geisinger Quality Options, Inc. are part of Geisinger, an integrated health care delivery and coverage organization. Risant Health is the parent organization of Geisinger.

CBICC Welcomes Eight New Members to Our Business Community

Posted on by Jaimie Confer

The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County is proud to welcome eight new members this month — each bringing new energy, expertise, and community spirit to the region. From coffee and connection to financial guidance and professional growth, these organizations reflect the strength and diversity of Centre County’s business community.

State College/Downtown Rotary Club: Founded in 1986, the State College Downtown Rotary Club has been serving the community for nearly four decades. What began with 26 charter members has grown into a vibrant group dedicated to service, fellowship, and positive change — both locally and globally. Guided by the Rotary mission to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance goodwill and peace, the club continues to unite business, professional, and community leaders to create lasting impact. Learn more: https://downtownstatecollegerotary.org/

Vicus Capital: Headquartered in State College, Vicus Capital is an innovative investment management firm that partners with financial advisors nationwide. Their mission is simple but powerful: to impact lives by helping advisors and their clients grow, protect, and transfer wealth. Through tailored investment platforms, practice management solutions, and high-touch service, Vicus Capital supports individuals, families, and institutions in achieving financial confidence and long-term success. Learn more: https://www.vicuscapital.com/

The Entrepreneur’s Source – Stephanie Thornton: As a Career Ownership Coach™ with The Entrepreneur’s Source, Stephanie Thornton helps people take control of their professional futures. Whether someone is seeking more balance, freedom, or meaning in their work, Stephanie provides personalized, no-cost coaching to help them identify new career paths and build lives they truly love. With decades of proven methodology behind The Entrepreneur’s Source, she helps clients move from employment to empowerment. Learn more: https://sthornton.esourcecoach.com/

7 Brew Coffee: Something new is brewing in Centre County. 7 Brew Coffee brings a fun, high-energy twist to the drive-thru coffee experience — one focused on kindness, speed, and connection. Originating in Rogers, Arkansas, 7 Brew has grown into a national movement that’s changing the way people start their day. With handcrafted drinks, upbeat service, and contagious positivity, 7 Brew’s mission is to make every visit the happiest part of your day. Learn more: https://7brew.com/

Bloom MedAesthetics: At Bloom MedAesthetics, personal aesthetics and confidence take center stage. Their team is committed to creating a stress-free, welcoming environment where every treatment is tailored to enhance natural beauty. With services including Botox, dermal fillers, microneedling, and the plasma pen for skin tightening, Bloom focuses on artistry, trust, and individualized care. Complimentary consultations allow clients to explore options and feel rejuvenated, refreshed, and uplifted, without pressure or pretense. Learn more: https://bloommeda.com/

eXp Realty, LLC – Jared Ernico: Representing eXp Realty, LLC, Jared Ernico connects clients with homes and properties across Central Pennsylvania. Known for his personalized approach and deep understanding of the local market, Jared helps buyers and sellers navigate the process with confidence. As part of eXp Realty’s national network, he combines local expertise with the power of innovative, tech-driven real estate solutions. Learn more: https://www.jaredernico.com/

Each of these new members adds something unique to our local business community — strengthening connections, sparking collaboration, and contributing to the growth of Centre County. We’re proud to welcome them to the CBICC network and look forward to supporting their continued success.