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Author: Jules Slater

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.

A New Era of Hospitality Arrives in State College with the Launch of The Nittany Residence Club

Posted on by Jules Slater

Exclusive condominium-hotel blends ownership, luxury, and Penn State pride in the heart of downtown

STATE COLLEGE, PA – A new chapter in hospitality is unfolding in Happy Valley with the debut of The Nittany Residence Club, an exclusive condominium-hotel designed for Penn State alumni, visiting families, and discerning travelers. More than a place to stay, the Club promises to enrich the vibrancy and convenience of Downtown State College for years to come.

Located in the heart of downtown, The Nittany Residence Club seamlessly combines the comfort of private ownership with the sophistication of full-service hospitality. Owners will enjoy the flexibility of using their residence during visits to State College, while also benefiting from the option to participate in a professionally managed rental program when away. This innovative model helps offset ownership and operating costs, making it both a practical and rewarding investment.

The building has been thoughtfully conceived to capture the essence of State College, integrating traditional architectural character that harmonizes with the community while establishing a refined new standard of comfort and luxury. A groundbreaking event is scheduled for 2 PM on Friday, October 10th, with construction expected to begin later in October.

Hotel operations will be overseen by Scholar Hotels, the trusted hospitality group behind several State College landmarks, including Hyatt Place, Scholar Hotel State College, the Nittany Lion Inn, and the recently renovated Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center.

The project is led by Penn State alumni Gary Brandeis, Jim Venture, and Jamison Morse, a team united by their dedication to enhancing the vitality and growth of the State College community.

“The Nittany Residence Club is more than just a building—it’s a legacy rooted in the pride, tradition, and energy of Penn State and the Happy Valley community,” said Gary Brandeis, CEO of Scholar Hotels.

With its prime location, unique ownership model, and world-class management, The Nittany Residence Club represents a forward-looking vision for hospitality in State College—one that celebrates community, convenience, and connection.

About The Nittany Residence Club

The Nittany Residence Club is a one-of-a-kind condominium-hotel located in downtown State College, PA. Designed to serve Penn State alumni, visiting families, and travelers, the Club combines the benefits of ownership with the services of a full-service hotel. Owners can enjoy their residence while in town and participate in a rental program when away, offering flexibility and value in a prime location. For more information on the project, visit https://www.nittanyresidenceclub.com/.

About Scholar Hotels

Scholar Hotels is a hospitality management group dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences and strengthening communities. With a growing portfolio that includes Courtyard State College, Residence Inn State College, the Nittany Lion Inn, and the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, Scholar Hotels brings trusted expertise and a deep commitment to enhancing the vibrancy of State College. For more information on Scholar Hotels, visit https://www.scholarhotels.com.

Media Contacts:

Ronald Balle                                        

Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Scholar Hotels

215-837-2989

Email: rballe@scholarhotels.com

Penn Highlands DuBois Introduces Safe Sleep Begins at Birth Program

Posted on by Jules Slater
Shown in the photo (l. to r.) The first family to receive the sleep sack as part of the“ Safe Sleep Begins at Birth” Program, which was jump started by a grant from BHE GT&S, a BHE Pipeline Group Company, are shown in the center: parents JoAnne and Andrew Nortum, with son Dante, and baby Mikada, from St. Marys PA. Also shown (l. to r.) are Jessica Helm, LPN and Katelyn Lee, RN; Sharon Shattenberg, RN, BSN, Maternal Child Service Line Director for Penn Highlands DuBois; Suzanne McCullough, BSN, RN-NIC, Director, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Apnea-Reflux/Developmental Clinic at Penn Highlands DuBois; and Justin Bundy, Manager of Gas Transmission Operations for BHE GT&S.

(September 15, 2025, DuBois, Pennsylvania) – When JoAnne and Andrew Nortum, of St. Marys, PA, left Penn Highlands DuBois with their new daughter, Mikada, they also had a comfortable sleep sack swaddle and education on its safe usage in hand to help keep their baby safe.

Penn Highlands DuBois is introducing a new program to help keep babies safe while they are sleeping. Through a generous grant from BHE GT&S, a BHE Pipeline Group Company, the “Safe Sleep Begins at Birth” Program provides parents with a complimentary sleep sack for their baby.

A sleep sack swaddle is a baby garment that combines the features of both a traditional swaddle and a sleep sack, allowing for a more flexible transition from full swaddling. The swaddle mimics the womb providing a sense of security and comfort. Sleep sack swaddles are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as they help decrease the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). Paired with the educational materials, the sleep sack swaddles will offer a safe way for families to keep their babies warm.

Every baby born at Penn Highlands DuBois, including those in the NICU, benefit from this program which is part of Penn Highlands DuBois’ safe sleep initiative to help reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).

The SUID statistics are alarming. According to the AAP, each year in the United States, approximately 3,500 infants die of sleep-related infant deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome, ill-defined deaths and accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. The Jewish Healthcare Foundation reports that a shocking 61% of these deaths occur in unsafe sleep environments.

The AAP recommends a safe sleep environment to reduce the risk of all sleep-related deaths. This includes positioning the baby on its back; use of a firm, non-inclined sleep surface; room sharing without bed sharing; and avoidance of soft bedding and overheating.

“Penn Highlands DuBois is dedicated to promoting safe sleep. By providing a sleep swaddle for every newborn, we aim to significantly improve outcomes for our tiniest patients” said Suzanne McCullough, BSN, RN-NIC Director, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Apnea-Reflux/Developmental Clinic at Penn Highlands DuBois. “Unintentional suffocation is the leading cause of injury-related death in infants under 12 months old. Replacing traditional blankets with a sleep sack swaddle offers a safe sleep solution and will help to prevent accidental suffocation.”

Sharon Shattenberg, RN, BSN, Maternal Child Service Line Director for Penn Highlands DuBois, added,  “Swaddling your baby can calm your baby and help the baby sleep in the correct position – on their backs for safe sleep.”

“At BHE GT&S, we’re proud to make a positive difference in the communities we call home. By offering both our time and resources, we support local organizations and services that help those communities thrive. We believe in being a thoughtful and engaged partner, working together for stronger, more vibrant communities,” said Justin Bundy, Manager of Gas Transmission Operations.

“We’re so thankful to BHE GT&S for awarding Penn Highlands DuBois a grant to launch the Safe Sleep Begins at Birth Program,” said Sam Vida, Fund Development Specialist.

To keep this program going, Penn Highlands Healthcare needs community support. To donate to this important initiative, visit giving.phhealthcare.org/newborn and select Safe Sleep from the dropdown menu.

For more information on how you can contribute, contact the Penn Highlands Healthcare Fund Development office directly at 814-375-3901 or phhfunddevelopment@phhealthcare.org.

Penn Highlands DuBois is committed to promoting safe sleep and is part of the Pennsylvania Safe Sleep Program. This program aims to reduce unexpected infant deaths by promoting safe sleep practices and educating healthcare providers, parents, and community members on SUID. Pennsylvania Safe Sleep recommends following the ABCs of safe sleep. Babies should always be placed to sleep ALONE, on their BACK and in their own CRIB. Unsafe sleep environments — such as a baby falling off a bed, becoming tangled in bedding or getting stuck between a mattress and a wall — pose serious risks, including injury or death.

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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.

Local officers take the lead in safety at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital

Posted on by Jules Slater
Shawn Weaver (left) and Andre French (right), newly appointed supervisor and manager of Police and Security Services at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, bring decades of law enforcement expertise and a strong commitment to community engagement.

LEWISTOWN, Pa. – Geisinger Lewistown Hospital welcomes Andre French and Shawn Weaver as the new manager and supervisor, respectively, of Police and Security Services, bringing decades of law enforcement experience and a deep-rooted connection to the community.

A lifelong resident of the Mifflin County area and former chief of police for Mifflin County Regional Police, French steps into his new role with a strong commitment to public service and community safety. Weaver, a resident of Centre County, brings decades of law enforcement experience and leadership as former chief of police for Bellefonte Borough.

Recently sworn in, the officers have completed classroom training and will soon complete weapons qualification before officially taking on full uniform duties this fall.

“There’s a fantastic group of security officers here at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital,” said French. “They’re dedicated to the safety and security of this facility, its staff and its patients. I’m honored to be a part of that. Over the course of my career, I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by high-quality personnel — and it’s readily apparent that continues here. It’s humbling to be part of such a high-functioning team. My goal is to continue this tradition of excellence in service to this community.”

French and Weaver’s appointments mark a significant milestone in Geisinger’s ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security across its facilities. Their arrival coincides with the expansion of Geisinger Lewistown Hospital’s security team to include a private police force, part of a broader initiative launched earlier this year to elevate safety standards systemwide.

“Geisinger Lewistown Hospital is fortunate to have leaders who embody ethical standards, discretion, accountability and experience,” said AJ Hartsock, associate vice president of operations for the hospital. “Andre and Shawn continue that tradition. They understand our community and are deeply invested in serving it.”

This move is part of a larger transformation of Geisinger’s security services over the past five years. Key enhancements include:

  • Installation of metal detection equipment at emergency room entrances
  • Deployment of Strongline badge alert devices for staff
  • Expansion of security camera systems, many powered by AI for real-time threat detection
  • Specialized staff training
  • Launch of the system’s K-9 program

“Safety is our top priority for everyone, and adding Andre and Shawn is yet another way we can achieve that,” said Sean McGinley, associate vice president of Geisinger Police and Security Services. “They are perfect fits for our teams and facilities here at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, and we’re thrilled to welcome them.”

With French and Weaver at the helm of Police and Security Services, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital continues to build a safer, stronger future — one rooted in community, trust and excellence.

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 and LinkedIn.

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