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Author: Jules Slater

Centre Film Festival Celebrates Seven Years of Cinematic Storytelling: An Expansive Lineup, Community Honorees, and International Must-Sees

Posted on by Jules Slater

State College, PA — Oct. 14, 2025 — The Centre Film Festival returns for its seventh season, November 10–16, 2025, bringing global stories and local voices together across five cherished venues — UEC Theatres, The State Theatre,  and The Rowland Theatre as well as the Carnegie Cinema and the Foster Auditorium at Penn State University.

This year’s celebration opens with a proclamation from the Borough of State College, recognizing the festival’s cultural and economic impact on the region and its role in connecting community, art, and storytelling. As Mayor Ezra Nanes affirmed in the Proclamation, “The Centre Film Festival celebrates the world-class talent, artistry, and storytelling found right here in Centre County—proving that our region is rich with screen-worthy stories and the creative skill to bring them to life.”

Attendees are invited to participate in post-screening discussions, explore Pennsylvania-based filmmaking through the “Made in PA” series, and connect with creatives shaping the future of film.

PRE-FESTIVAL SCREENINGS:
This year, audiences can get an early taste of the festival with two pre-fest screenings held at Foster Auditorium on the Penn State campus:

Tuesday, November 4 at 6pm — How To Build A Library (Kenya; 2025), directed by Maia Lekow and Christopher King.
Thursday, November 6 at 6pm — The Librarians (USA; 2025), directed by Kim A. Snyder.

PENN STATE STUDENT CELEBRATION
The Festival will honor Penn State students and alumni filmmakers at its annual Tailgate Screening on Sunday, November 9 at 6pm at Carnegie Cinema.

OPENING NIGHT FILMS
The festival launches with Free Leonard Peltier, directed by Academy Award–nominated filmmaker David France (How to Survive a Plague, Welcome to Chechnya) and Oglala Lakota filmmaker Jesse Short Bull (Lakota Nation vs. United States). A post-screening discussion will follow with co-director Jesse Short Bull and representatives from our local Prison Journalism Project. Paired with the opening feature is the poetic short film from Kosovo, Five Seasons of My Childhood, directed by Besim Ugzmajli.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:
This year includes the first-ever VR collaboration with the Palmer Museum of Art, featuring immersive experiences from France, Germany, South Africa, and the United States. The event takes place Thursday, November 13, from 1pm – 7pm and is curated with Diane Akpovwa and creatively furnished by Shindig Alley of Philipsburg, PA.

HONOREES:
Lifetime Achievement Award: Don Roy King — Penn State alumnus and one of live television’s most celebrated directors, including sixteen seasons of Saturday Night Live.

Chandler Living Legacy Award: Jerrie Johnson — Penn State alum, actor (Harlem, Survival of the Thickest), writer, and creative force whose work bridges artistry, activism, and radical joy.

FESTIVAL SECTIONS & NEW ADDITIONS:
This year, the festival is proud to inaugurate a new signature series: Disability on Screen, featuring award-winning documentaries Life After, Row of life, Disposable Humanity and other international shorts and features. The festival will also continue to celebrate its hallmark series: Sports on Screen, Made in PA, Pride on Screen, and the Industry Awards.

SPOTLIGHT FILMS & VISITING FILMMAKERS

  • Mr. Nobody Against Putin— Directed by David Borenstein and Pasha Talankin about A Russian teacher who secretly documents his small-town school’s transformation into a war recruitment center during the Ukraine invasion, an official submission to the Oscars from Denmark
  • Row of Life — Paralympian and Marine veteran Angela Madsen’s inspiring solo-row journey. Post-screening Q&A with Angela’s partner, Debra Moeller.
  • Tatami — Co-directed by Zar Amir Ebrahimi and Guy Nattiv; a tense and visually stunning drama set in Tehran.
  • In Excess (Made in PA) — Directed by Melissa Langer, a locally filmed documentary exploring waste and displacement in Philadelphia.
  • Luz — Starring Isabelle Huppert, a Sundance favorite hypnotic exploration of desire, delusion, and transformation.
  • The Fisherman — An offbeat Ghanaian allegory about myth, power, and corruption. Director Zoey Martinson will be in attendance.
  • Holding Liat — A family’s endurance and empathy in the wake of abduction.
  • A Letter to David — Written by David Cunio’s brother while David was held in captivity; screening coincides with David’s release.
  • The Wolves Always Come at Night — Directed by Gabrielle Brady, a Mongolian docu-fiction hybrid and Australia’s Oscar submission.
  • Just Kids and Speak — two documentaries amplifying the courage and creativity of young voices.
  • Sneak Peek with WPSU: The American Revolution — Featuring Friedericke Baer (Penn State Altoona), who appears in the film, followed by a community discussion.

…and so much more. The full festival schedule will be available on October 22nd on www.CentreFilm.org


ON-CAMPUS & DAILY SCREENINGS:
Lunchtime Screenings at the Library: Every day, 12 PM – 2 PM.
UEC Morning Screenings: Daily mornings leading up to the weekend.

GLOBAL REACH:
90 Pennsylvania Premieres
11 North American Premieres
22 U.S. Premieres
18 World Premieres
3 International submissions to the Oscars
26 Made in PA films!

FESTIVAL DETAILS:
Where: UEC Theatres 12, The State Theatre, The Rowland Theatre, Carnegie Cinema, and Foster Auditorium at Penn State (Closing Night Ceremony at the Rowland)
When: Monday, November 10 – Sunday, November 16, 2025
Tickets: Students Always FREE | Individual Tickets $10 | All Access Pass $60 — 20% off pre-sale. Opening Night Tickets Available Now!

Tickets & Schedule: www.Centrefilm.org
Press Contact: Pearl Gluck, Artistic Director — pearl@centrefilm.org

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
The Centre Film Festival is made possible through the generous support of many organizations, students, volunteers, and film lovers including the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, the Borough of State College, Penn State’s Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, the College of Arts and Architecture, the School of Theatre, Jewish Studies, and the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity at Penn State.

Geisinger Health Plan announces Medicare Advantage plans for 2026

Posted on by Jules Slater

Seniors have until Dec. 7 to sign up for a plan that helps fill coverage gaps

DANVILLE, Pa. – Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) announced its Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage plans for 2026, which includes benefits for members featuring premiums starting as low as $0 per month.

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins Oct. 15 and goes through Dec. 7. During this seven-week window, eligible seniors can evaluate and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the upcoming year. Medicare Advantage plans help older adults fill health care gaps that traditional Medicare does not cover, such as vision, dental, prescription benefits and long-term care.

“Health care should be at the top of everyone’s mind — especially for seniors,” said Roger van Baaren, Geisinger Health Plan chief sales officer. “Now is the time for older adults to review their Medicare coverage for 2026. Everyone’s health and health care needs look different, which is why Geisinger Gold offers a variety of plans that fill the gaps people might have in their current coverage. People can live healthier lives when they have access to the extra services and programs that make managing their health simpler and more affordable.”

Geisinger Gold 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. 

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

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 5,000 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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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.

Centre Hills Country Club Membership Approves $6 Million Renovation Project

Posted on by Jules Slater

State College, PA – October 8, 2025— Centre Hills Country Club is pleased to announce that its membership has approved a $6 million renovation project that will transform the Club’s recreational offerings with a new pool complex and racquet facility. This investment represents one of the most significant facility upgrades in the Club’s 100-year history.

The project is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with the completion expected by Summer 2027.

Highlights of the renovation include:

  • New Aquatics Complex: A resort-style pool with lap lanes, children’s zero-entry splash area, expanded deck, shaded seating, and poolside casual dining.
  • Racquet Facilities: Modern tennis and pickleball courts with upgraded lighting and a year-round covered pickleball facility.
  • Supporting Amenities: A new pool house, expanded parking, and enhanced landscaping to complement the facilities.

“These upgrades reflect our commitment to investing in the future of Centre Hills,” said Thomas Smith, Club President and General Manager. “They will elevate our amenities, strengthen our community, and ensure that Centre Hills remains a premier private club in the Centre region.”

Founded in 1921, Centre Hills Country Club has proudly served members and their families for more than a century, offering championship golf, racquet sports, aquatics, dining, and social events.

Penn Highlands Tyrone Leader Volunteers in the Community

Posted on by Jules Slater

(October 14, 2025, DuBois, Pennsylvania) – Penn Highlands Healthcare leaders spend a large portion of their time ensuring that the people in the communities served have access to high quality healthcare. When their workday is over, on weekends and when they take PTO, many volunteer with diverse organizations to help those in need or to strengthen our communities.

Throughout the health system many leaders are involved with church, school and civic organizations. In Central Pennsylvania, many organizations and people benefit from the service provided by leaders and employees at Penn Highlands Tyrone, Penn Highlands Huntingdon and Penn Highlands State College.

April Layton, RRT, the Cardiopulmonary Manager at Penn Highlands Tyrone, has been actively volunteering at the Juniata Valley Gospel Church, in Hollidaysburg, for as long as she can remember. For the past 10+ years she has been in charge of decorating and “undecorating” for the church’s Vacation Bible School (VBS).

“There is a good bit of planning and preparation time before the actual week of activities begins each year,” April explained. “It usually takes me about five or so hours to set up the stage we use and most nights I am there from 6:00 to 8:30 PM.”

April, who is the mother of two sons said that VBS students range in age from pre-K to 7th grade.

“The kids in our congregation are growing up and becoming volunteers themselves — it’s a natural progression,” she said.

She continued, “My parents, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins have all been active in the church so volunteering there was just something I grew up doing. Whenever something needed to be done or an event was taking place, everyone just pitched in to help. Throughout my life, where there is a need for something, if I can help in any way, I do. I guess it’s just my way of teaching my boys to help out in the community where they can.”

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Penn Highlands Healthcare was officially formed in 2011 and is comprised of nine hospitals. Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands Connellsville, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands Mon Valley, Penn Highlands Tyrone have served area communities for the past 100+ years. Penn Highlands State College is a new state-of-the-art hospital that opened in 2024. The health system’s business continuum also includes a home care agency, long-term care facilities and residential senior living communities, as well as durable medical equipment companies and retail pharmacies.

Penn Highlands Healthcare has evolved into an organization with approximately 6,200 employees in 150+ locations throughout 26 counties in Pennsylvania that include community medical buildings, outpatient facilities, surgery centers and physician practices. The facilities have a total of 1,396 inpatient, skilled nursing and personal care beds.  The system, which has 849 physicians and 427 advanced practice providers on staff, offers a wide range of care and treatments with specialty units for cancer, cardiovascular/thoracic, neurosurgery, pulmonology, neonatal and high-risk pregnancy patients. Being focused on what is important – patients and families – makes Penn Highlands Healthcare a great choice for healthcare in the region.

Community Leaders Launch State College Air Service Alliance, Fly State College Fund

Posted on by Jules Slater

Initiative to grow commercial air service to State College unveiled at the State College Regional Air Service Summit, a CBICC Voice of Business event.

CENTRE COUNTY, PA – October 14, 2025 – The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC), the Centre County Airport Authority (CCAA), The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB), and The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) today announced the creation of the State College Air Service Alliance (“the Alliance), a formal partnership to maintain and grow air service at the State College Regional Airport. The Alliance will work collaboratively to strengthen access to airline networks, drive job creation, and support economic development, tourism, and quality of life in Centre County.

The Alliance was unveiled at the State College Air Service Summit, part of CBICC’s Voice of Business series, where speakers provided insights into the current state of regional air service and incentives that attract and retain new air carriers. In addition to representatives from CBICC, CCAA, HVAB, and PSU, featured speakers included Mike Carroll, Secretary of Transportation for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Tim Sieber, Managing Director of Volaire Aviation Consulting.

“The State College Air Service Alliance was formed to address an important need for our community’s economic development and quality of life: air service,” shared Greg Scott, President and CEO of CBICC. “Our organizations will work together to retain existing service and attract new airline partners and routes that enhance connectivity to national and international destinations, and support tourism and business growth through increased travel options for residents and visitors.”

Goals of the Alliance include unifying advocacy efforts for regional air service, providing coordinated community and business outreach to demonstrate need for air service, pursuing marketing strategies that attract and retain carriers, and exploring and securing public, private, and grant-based funding opportunities to support incentives for new service.

“Through the Alliance, we aim to strengthen State College Regional Airport’s position to attract new routes, retain existing ones, and expand travel options for businesses and residents,” said Ralph Stewart, Executive Director of CCAA. “We’re grateful to have community partners who share our commitment to strengthening regional connectivity and who are ready to lead initiatives that incentivize airlines to choose our airport.”

A key initiative of the Alliance, the Fly State College Fund, was also unveiled at the event. The fund will help ensure that the community remains competitive in securing new air service by providing revenue guarantees, marketing support, and financial incentives that go beyond what the Airport alone can offer prospective carriers.

“To attract new air service, we must be able to respond quickly when opportunities arise,” said Scott. “The Fly State College Fund allows us to raise capital locally and demonstrate that our community is invested in increasing service at State College Regional Airport.”

The Alliance has set an initial goal of raising $500,000 for the Fly State College Fund and has already secured $130,000 in commitments from partners including CBICC, CCAA, HVAB, PSU, and local municipalities.

The Alliance also launched a “Fly Local” campaign to incentivize local travelers to fly from State College Regional Airport.

“When residents and business choose to fly from State College, we strengthen demand, reduce leakage to other airports, and send a clear message to airlines that our market is worth investing in,” said Stewart. “Every ticket purchased at State College Regional Airport shows passenger demand and helps improve our long-term air service.”

As Centre County’s tourism and destination marketing agency, HVAB will lead promotional campaigns and gather visitor insights to help identify markets with the highest potential for new service.

“Targeted promotion to bring in new airline partners and desired connections is an important part of the Alliance’s mission,” said Fritz Smith, President and CEO of HVAB. “By analyzing data on demand, market opportunities, and competitor performance, our marketing strategy intends to strengthen connectivity for business and leisure travel and drive Happy Valley’s tourism economy.”

To ensure the Alliance’s success, each partner organization will play a clear and complementary role. CCAA will spearhead engagement with carriers, manage airline incentive programs, and coordinate with federal and state aviation entities; CBICC will lead business community engagement, identify corporate travel demand, and coordinate private-sector support, serving as the fiscal agent for the Fly State College Fund; HVAB will drive marketing and tourism strategies to support visitor growth and airline interest; and PSU will provide institutional insight, travel demand data, and strategic collaboration to support the Alliance’s mission.

“We look forward to collaborating closely with Alliance partners to strengthen air service in State College and streamline travel for Penn State students, staff, faculty, visitors, and community members,” said Mike Stefan, Vice President of Government and Community Relations at PSU.

More information and details on how businesses and community members can get involved are available at www.flystatecollege.com.

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About the State College Air Service Alliance

The State College Air Service Alliance is a partnership between the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County, the Centre County Airport Authority, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, and The Pennsylvania State University to maintain and grow air service at the State College Regional Airport. The Alliance works collaboratively to retain and attract commercial air service, enhance connectivity to major destinations, support regional economic development and tourism, and improve quality of life through expanded travel opportunities.