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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.

Reliance Bank Names Leadership for New Bellefonte Branch

Posted on by Jules Slater

Bellefonte, PA – [November 25, 2025] – Reliance Bank is announcing the hiring of two experienced community banking professionals to support relationship development & customer service at its new Bellefonte branch, scheduled to open in early 2026.

Greg Wendt, Vice President and Senior Commercial Banker, will play a key role in cultivating and managing business relationships in the Bellefonte area, where he has spent most of his banking career. Greg’s nearly 30 years of experience in commercial lending and banking will help to support local businesses looking to grow in the rapidly expanding Centre County region. Greg is actively involved in the Centre County United Way, serves as the Treasurer of the Bellefonte Area Industrial Development Authority, and is a member of the Local Advisory Committee (LAC) at CPI – Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology.

Nichole McClellan, Assistant Branch Manager, will lead day-to-day operations at the Bellefonte branch. Before joining Reliance Bank, Nichole worked in financial service roles locally, where she built strong relationships with residents and local businesses.

“Greg and Nichole both share a mission to deliver community focused banking, and their presence will help us build trusted and lasting relationships in Bellefonte,” said Reliance Bank President & CEO Phil Freeman. “Their personal connection to Bellefonte, combined with their professional experience, makes them the right leaders for our new branch.”

Reliance Bank has been actively lending in Bellefonte for the past twenty years since opening its State College branch at 100 Hawbaker Industrial Drive. The new Bellefonte branch will be located at 801 E. Bishop Street, a site formerly occupied by PNC Bank.

About Reliance Bank

Reliance Bank is a community bank serving Central Pennsylvania. Products and services include checking and savings accounts, personal loans, mortgages, lines of credit, commercial loans, agricultural loans, cash management, digital banking, and more. Reliance Bank prides itself on providing exceptional personal and commercial banking services since 1940. For more information, visit www.reliancebank.bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Geisinger Health Plan recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a 2026 Best Insurance Company for Medicare Advantage

Posted on by Jules Slater

DANVILLE, Pa. – U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in health care rankings and consumer advice, has named Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) a 2026 Best Insurance Company for Medicare Advantage in Pennsylvania.

The ratings of the Best Insurance Companies for Medicare Advantage evaluate private insurance companies on the basis of U.S. News’ proprietary analysis of 30+ quality measures published by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Less than one-third of Medicare Advantage providers nationwide were named Best Insurance Companies for Medicare Advantage.

“This is once again a testament to Geisinger Health Plan’s continued commitment to providing high-quality medical coverage and excellent member services to Medicare beneficiaries across Pennsylvania,” said Karen Murphy, PhD, RN, president of Geisinger Health Plan.

“U.S. News’ comprehensive, data-driven methodology recognizes the insurance companies that deliver the best Medicare Advantage plans,” said Sumita Singh, executive vice president and general manager of Health at U.S. News.

“By evaluating every company’s Medicare Advantage plans based on dozens of quality measures and recognizing top performers in key areas – including Screening & Prevention and Care Continuity – we’re highlighting those that deliver superior plans and hopefully better outcomes for beneficiaries,” Singh added. “U.S. News’ Medicare Advantage ratings are a powerful tool for beneficiaries as they make one of their most important health decisions.”

For the 2026 edition of Best Insurance Companies for Medicare Advantage, U.S. News considered CMS data and quality measure results for every evaluated insurance company’s Medicare Advantage health plans for the 2026 calendar year. U.S. News, in consultation with industry experts, selected 30+ CMS quality measures and assigned each measure a weight reflecting its relevance to consumers. The results for a provider’s plans were averaged together, with greater weight assigned to plans having the most seniors enrolled. Additionally, U.S. News calculated insurers’ ratings for three specific Medicare Advantage award categories: Screening & Prevention, Care Continuity and Highest Satisfaction.

For more information, visit Best Insurance Companies for Medicare Advantage.

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period ends Sunday, Dec. 7. Click here or call 800-482-8163 to learn more about GHP Medicare Advantage options.

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.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.