Dr. April Detar honored by International College of Dentists

The International College of Dentists, USA Section presented a local dental practitioner, Dr. April Detar, with a membership plaque, a gold lapel pin and an engraved gold key symbolic of this Fellowship for conspicuous service rendered in the art and science of dentistry.

The International College of Dentists (ICD) is the preeminent honor society of the world’s outstanding dentists involved in “Serving Others”. The ICD is dedicated to the recognition of outstanding professional achievement, meritorious service and continued progress in the profession of dentistry for the benefit of all humankind.

Dr. Detar exemplifies the core values of integrity, leadership and service and was inducted as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists at its 91st Annual Convocation on September 13th, 2025, in San Diego, California.

In an impressive ceremony, over 350 dentists from the United States were inducted into the USA Section of the International College of Dentists. The ICD’s Global College, with representative chapters in more than 140 countries, has over 12,000 members, including approximately 6,000 in Section I, the USA Section.

Keller Engineers Annual Golf Outing Raises $13K for American Rescue Workers

Keller Engineers, Inc., recently presented a check containing the proceeds from the 21st Annual Keller Open/Paul Kirby Jr. Memorial Golf Outing to Chris Fuska, Director of the American Rescue Workers. Thanks to the generosity of local sponsors, contributors, volunteers, and golfers, this year’s check totaled $13,000! One hundred percent of this donation stays in the region to help those in need with food, clothing, household items, and more.

Reliance Bank to Open a Branch in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania

Reliance Bank, a community-focused financial institution, is excited to announce its plans to open a new branch in Bellefonte in early 2026 pending regulatory approval.

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 Centre County-based branch will be located at 801 E. Bishop Street, a site formerly occupied by PNC Bank.

This strategic expansion represents Reliance Bank’s commitment to serving the growing needs of its current customer base and the Centre County community.

“Centre County is experiencing a great deal of growth, and it’s important that we’re there for existing and prospective customers and their evolving needs,” said Phil Freeman, Reliance Bank President and CEO.  “We have been specifically asked to add a branch in Bellefonte, and we’re thrilled to be delivering on that now.”

Preparations for the branch opening are already underway, with a grand opening set for early 2026.

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.

CBICC Welcomes Six New Members

One of the best parts of CBICC membership is seeing how much variety and talent exists in our local business community. Each new member brings something different to the table, whether it’s supporting families, helping businesses grow, or adding a new flavor to Centre County.

Here’s a look at the newest businesses joining the Chamber:

Ridgeline Business Solutions: Ridgeline is a CPA-led advisory firm that works with nonprofits, outdoor trades, and MEP and home services across Central and Western Pennsylvania. With more than 15 years of experience, they focus on keeping operations simple, efficient, and sustainable while supporting the people and organizations at the heart of our communities. Learn more at Ridgeline Business Solutions.

Berkshire Systems Group: Berkshire Systems Group is a family-owned systems integration company that has been serving Eastern and Central Pennsylvania for more than 35 years. From fire alarms and security to communication systems, their team provides trusted life safety solutions for businesses, schools, government offices, and organizations of every size. As an independent company, Berkshire has the flexibility to work with the best manufacturers in the industry, creating solutions that are tailored to each client’s unique needs. Learn more at Berkshire Systems Group.

Grazing Happy Valley: Grazing Happy Valley turns gatherings into something special with charcuterie catering that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Based in State College, they create custom grazing tables and boards for weddings, celebrations, and events of all kinds, using only the freshest local ingredients. Along with large-scale grazing tables, they also offer hands-on charcuterie workshops and “create-your-own” table setups that bring an interactive touch to team-building events, showers, and parties. Learn more at Grazing Happy Valley.

Spherion Staffing: Spherion has been connecting people and businesses across Pennsylvania since 1992, when Don Ruggery Sr. opened the first local office in Altoona. Their mission is simple: help people find jobs that fit their skills and goals, and help employers build strong, reliable teams. With flexible staffing solutions across nearly every industry, Spherion focuses on creating the right match for both candidates and companies. Learn more at Spherion Staffing.

Care Options for Kids: Care Options for Kids offers therapy services that help children grow and families feel supported. Their team meets kids where they are — at home, in school, or in the community — and focuses on everything from hitting milestones to handling more complex needs. At the heart of it, they’re about giving families peace of mind and making sure kids have the chance to thrive. Learn more at Care Options for Kids.

D&Z Renovations: D&Z Renovations helps families across Centre County make their homes more comfortable and functional. From kitchens and bathrooms to basements, living rooms, and flooring, their team handles projects of all sizes with reliable service and close attention to detail. Whether it’s a full remodel or smaller handyman work, D&Z’s goal is to create spaces that feel right for the people who live in them. Learn more at D&Z Renovations.

Please join us in welcoming these new members to the CBICC community. We’re excited to have them with us and look forward to the impact they’ll make in Centre County. If you’re not yet a member and want to connect with businesses, grow your network, and help strengthen our region, now’s a great time to join. Learn more about becoming a CBICC member here.

Geisinger to host appreciation dinners to honor local military veterans

Drive-through event to take place at 12 locations

DANVILLE, Pa. – To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive-through veteran appreciation dinners at 12 locations across the health system’s service area from 3 to 5: 30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6. The Geisinger Healthplex State College location will serve meals from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are offered at no cost to participants.

Geisinger will provide these dinners at a drive-through event. Last year’s event served about 2,500 meals. 

Servings are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up now. Veterans can make a reservation for themselves and one guest by visiting go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner2025 or calling 570-293-7200. The deadline to register is Thursday, Oct. 30.

Locations are:

Bloomsburg: Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St. (main entrance)

Danville: Geisinger Multi-Specialty Clinic Danville, 35 Justin Drive, Building 2

Jersey Shore: Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St.

Lewistown: Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave. (third-floor entrance)

Mifflintown: Geisinger Family Health Associates Mifflintown, 27 CJEMS Lane

Mount Pocono: Geisinger Mount Pocono, 126 Market Way

Muncy: Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220 Highway

Pittston: Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint, 1201 Oak St.

Scranton: Nay Aug Park, 500 Arthur Ave.

Shamokin: Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township

State College: Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda

Wilkes-Barre: Behind Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, at 50 Roosevelt Terrace

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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