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Penn Highlands Healthcare Kicks off Annual Giving Campaign

Posted on by Jules Slater

Penn Highlands Healthcare has kicked off its Annual Giving Campaign, dedicated to Women’s Cancer Care, ensuring funding for hope and healing. With your support of the campaign, “Together for Her,” the health system can continue to offer early detection screenings, access to cutting-edge treatments and compassionate care that makes a real difference.

“When I first heard the words, you do in fact have breast cancer, I was terrified. I was diagnosed with stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, and my world was turned upside down,” said Melissa Wayne who is a breast cancer survivor.  “From my very first meeting, Dr. Kelley Smith and her staff gave me hope. The care and skill she showed saved my life, and there are no words to express how grateful I am to her. Dr. Smith never made me feel like just another patient, but instead as a person whose well-being truly mattered.”

“Women who come to Penn Highlands Healthcare receive innovative therapies delivered by knowledgeable and skilled professionals using advanced technology. We know that a key factor in their outcome and care are their health screenings. Screenings save lives for patients, and improve overall outcome and staging of disease faster, than those who do not get regular screenings as part of their cancer prevention,” said Kelley Smith, DO, FACOS, a board-certified general surgeon at Penn Highlands Healthcare who specializes in women’s health.

The Annual Giving Campaign includes Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands State College and Penn Highlands Tyrone.

Members of the community can make a gift to the Penn Highlands Healthcare Annual Giving Campaign to help offer early detection screenings, access to cutting-edge treatments and compassionate care that makes a real difference. To donate online, visit //giving.phhealthcare.org/giving or send a check payable to Penn Highlands Healthcare to Penn Highlands Fund Development at 100 Hospital Avenue, DuBois, PA 15801.

Direct questions to Lindsey Herzing, Donor Relations Manager for Penn Highlands Healthcare System Fund Development, at ldherzing@phhealthcare.org or call 814-275-3902.

Air Service Alliance Calls for Community Contributions to Fly State College Fund

Posted on by Jules Slater

Fund aims to strengthen regional air service and expand connectivity at State College Regional Airport.

CENTRE COUNTY, PA – December 9, 2025 – The State College Air Service Alliance—a strategic partnership between the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC), Centre County Airport Authority (CCAA), The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB), and Penn State University—is encouraging individuals and businesses to support regional air service by contributing to the Fly State College Fund. Launched earlier this year at the State College Air Service Summit, the fund remains open for public contributions of any size.

The Fly State College Fund directly supports air service growth and provides opportunities for community investment in reliable, competitive air service at State College Regional Airport (SCE). As the Fund continues to grow, the Alliance is calling for contributions from businesses and individuals in and beyond Centre County who recognize the regional benefit of strong, sustainable air service. Contributions to the Fly State College Fund serve as Centre County’s community incentive to attract and retain air service and routes at SCE.

According to a study by Volaire Aviation Consulting, only 13 percent of travelers within a 60-mile radius of SCE choose to fly from the airport. The remaining 87 percent drive to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and other airports to access direct flights to their destinations. Expanding flight options at SCE would significantly reduce this travel burden and keep tourism and travel dollars in the region, supporting local jobs, hospitality, and broader economic growth.

“The Fly State College Fund provides revenue guarantees, marketing support, and financial incentives that go beyond what the airport alone can offer prospective carriers,” said Greg Scott, President & CEO of CBICC. “This demonstrates that our community is invested in expanding air service locally and aware of its impact on our economy.”

Air service plays an important role in the region’s economic development, improving access for business and leisure travelers and fueling tourism and visitor spending. Volaire’s study also identified the top destinations for Centre County travelers as Orlando, South Florida/Miami, and St. Petersburg, Florida, reflecting strong demand for direct flights to Florida destinations from SCE.

“Investing in air service is a priority for economic development, including efforts to grow the economy through tourism,” said Fritz Smith, President and CEO of The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. “Expanded flight options in key markets help to broaden our marketing reach and make it easier for more visitors to discover Centre County as a destination. In the process, greater support is provided to our small businesses, hotels, restaurants, events and attractions.”

For local institutions like Penn State University, air service also serves as an important connector to the rest of the country and the world.

“Reliable air service helps support faculty recruitment, student travel, research activity, and visitation to our campus,” said Mike Stefan, VP of Government and Community Relations at Penn State. “The Fly State College Fund is a tool that will help ensure the university and the region remain well-connected.”

The Fund complements CCAA’s ongoing air service development efforts, which include maintaining airport operations and engaging directly with airlines. So far, the fund has attracted contributions from major organizations including Alliance partners and local municipalities, as well as contributions from individuals and businesses in the community, totaling $130,000 of the fund’s $500,000 goal.

“It’s important that anyone in the community who would like to see enhanced service at State College Regional Airport gets involved now,” said Ralph Stewart, Interim Executive Director of the Centre County Airport Authority. “This united, community-backed fund strengthens our airport’s case for new routes and additional service.”

Contributions to the Fly State College Fund can be made online at www.flystatecollege.com, or by mailing checks payable to the Fly State College Fund to the CBICC office at 131 S. Fraser Street, Suite 1, State College PA, 16801.

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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.

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,

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.

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.