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Blue Nation Network brings Brookville, PA fans together with live Raider sports coverage, student athlete spotlights, and hometown pride.
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Blue Nation Network brings Brookville, PA fans together with live Raider sports coverage, student athlete spotlights, and hometown pride.
Welcome to Blue Nation Network Read More »
August 13, 2025 Author: Penn Highlands Healthcare Penn Highlands DuBois recently marked a major milestone — 200 patients treated for Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) — a significant achievement in the fight against a potentially life-threatening condition that affects more than 1 million Americans each year. VTE occurs when blood clots form in the deep veins of the body, most commonly in the legs or arms. When these clots develop in the legs, the condition is known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). DVT can cause leg pain, swelling, redness, and—if untreated—can lead to post-thrombotic syndrome, resulting in long-term complications. “Clots can form for a variety of reasons, including prolonged immobility such as long-distance travel or recovery after surgery,” said Stephen Iorfido, DO, a board-certified interventional radiologist at Penn Highlands DuBois. “Risk factors include smoking, certain medications like contraceptive pills, and underlying medical conditions like cancer.” If a DVT is not addressed, the clot can travel to the lungs, causing a Pulmonary Embolism (PE)—a dangerous and potentially fatal complication. PE can result in shortness of breath, chest pain, elevated heart rate, fainting, and sudden changes in blood pressure. Alarmingly, PE is the third leading cause of cardiovascular death, behind heart attack and stroke, claiming the lives of approximately 180,000 people in the U.S. each year. The Interventional Radiology Team at Penn Highlands DuBois has been at the forefront of advanced, minimally invasive treatment for VTE. Using the FlowTriever Thrombectomy System, the team safely removes blood clots from the lungs of patients with intermediate- and high-risk PE without the need for thrombolytic drugs. The procedure involves guiding a catheter through the groin directly to the lungs, where clots are aspirated and removed – frequently providing immediate symptom relief. For patients with DVT, the ClotTriever device is used to extract clots from the legs with similar effectiveness. Patients typically experience prompt pain and swelling relief. They often are able to return home in one to two days. This milestone reflects not only the team’s clinical excellence but also their unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes across the region. The Interventional Radiology Team at Penn Highlands Healthcare provides advanced treatments for many conditions such as vascular diseases, cancer, men’s health and women’s health. To learn more, visit www.phhealthcare.org/interventionalradiology/. ### 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.
Penn Highlands DuBois Marks Major Milestone in Blood Clot Treatment Read More »
The Brookville BBQ Bash isn’t just another food festival, it’s an experience. Held in the heart of Brookville, this event brings together people from all walks of life: young adults seeking a fun night out, couples on spontaneous dates, families enjoying time with their kids, and travelers who stumble upon something special. In many ways, this is exactly what the Chamber’s mission is all about, connecting members inside and outside the community while supporting local businesses. Centered around the spirit of BBQ, this event celebrates more than ribs and brisket, it honors the culture of BBQ itself. It’s about the smoke, the skill, the competition, and the community. BBQ crews fire up their smokers to compete for a trophy and bragging rights. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Unique treats like ice cream, kettle corn, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and handmade goodies add even more flavor to the day. With a vibrant mix of vendors, you’ll find handmade crafts, unique shops, and lively booths that give the event its authentic hometown feel. There’s something happening around every corner, from kid-friendly activities like bounce houses, face painting, and games, to a show-stopping car cruise-in that draws auto enthusiasts from across the region. Live music keeps the energy buzzing well into the evening, making for an unforgettable day of entertainment. This year’s Brookville BBQ Bash will also feature Relay for Life of Jefferson County, honoring cancer survivors and their caregivers with a special gathering during the event. Visit their booth to purchase luminaria bags and play the crowd-favorite Human Slot Machine. The celebration kicks off with entertainment by John Cornman starting at 6pm, followed by a meaningful Survivor Ceremony and recognition at 7pm, complete with cake and ice cream! As dusk falls, gather for the moving Luminaria Ceremony—symbols of remembrance and hope. Stop by the beer tent, where we will be offering custom souvenir mugs for purchase that can be refilled throughout the day as you enjoy the festival. Craving something other than beer, Twisted Vine Winery will be at the BBQ Bash! Purchase a glass to sip while you stroll or a bottle to share with friends. Be sure to enter the Boatload of Beer raffle for a chance to win two brand new kayaks and more than a dozen cases of beer. Raffle tickets are $10 and available now through the Chamber office. At its core, the BBQ Bash is about connection, connecting people to each other, to great food, to small-town charm, and to the local businesses that keep our community thriving. Surrounded by historic charm and beautiful countryside, whether you’re a competitor, shopper, foodie, or just here for fun, you’ll feel right at home. The Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to bring you this family-friendly festival packed with food, music, shopping, and fun. We hope to see you on Saturday, August 23rd at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds for one unforgettable day in the heart of Brookville. Admission is free, the flavors are bold, and the memories are waiting to be made. Get all the details at BrookvilleBBQ.com.
August 1, 2025 Author: Relay For Life of Jefferson County The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Jefferson County has been officially rescheduled for Saturday, August 23rd, at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds following the Brookville Chamber’s annual Brookville BBQ Bash. After weather forced the cancellation of the original event in June, organizers are thrilled to bring the community back together for a meaningful and memorable evening of celebration, remembrance, and hope. The event will kick off with Survivor Registration and Luminaria Sales beginning at 6:00 PM, followed by the Survivor Ceremony and Recognition at 7:00 PM. Immediately after, guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary ice cream and cake social. Entertainment will be provided by the incredibly talented John Cornman, and the crowd-favorite Human Slot Machine game will also make a return for some lighthearted fun and laughs. The evening will conclude with the Luminaria Ceremony at dusk, a moving tribute to honor those we have lost and those still fighting cancer. Luminaria bags can be purchased during the BBQ festival and throughout the Relay event. “We are so grateful to the Brookville Chamber for generously allowing us to hold our makeup date after the Brookville BBQ Bash,” said American Cancer Society staff, Nikki Carey. “We look forward to seeing the community come together once again in the fight against cancer.” For more information or questions, please contact Nikki Carey at 412-643-4694 or via email at nikki.carey@cancer.org, or Tracey Morris at 814-952-8271. About Relay For Life: Relay For Life is the world’s largest volunteer-based fundraising event. For 40 years, communities across the globe have come together to honor and remember loved ones and take action for lifesaving change. Funds raised support the American Cancer Society’s mission to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
The Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce is delighted to welcome Maison Alkaaby, a romantic and thoughtfully curated boutique, to historic downtown Brookville. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 16th at 11:00 AM, with grand opening festivities continuing until 5:00 PM. Maison Alkaaby is the vision of local entrepreneur Rebecca Alkaaby, who was inspired by her travels to France and her deep love of Parisian style and charm. Housed in an 1860 Victorian home that is being lovingly restored to its old-world splendor, the shoppe offers an elegant shopping experience designed to celebrate joie de vivre—the joy of living. “I want customers to feel like they are shopping in my closet and enjoy the experience of finding a special treasure for themselves or a loved one,” said Rebecca. A charming corner of the store offers lingerie stockings, and underpinnings tucked away in an antique wardrobe, adding to the intimate and personal feel. Shoppers will find a seasonal collection of: Romantic chemises and delicate lingerie Candles, vintage makeup, and swimwear Handmade baskets, elegant home accents, and curated French-inspired gifts The Brookville Chamber encourages the community to stop in, explore the boutique, and join us in welcoming this unique new business. Maison Alkaaby will be open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 5 PM. For more information, follow Maison Alkaaby on Facebook. Maison Alkaaby360 Main StreetBrookville, PA 15825
Sexual violence is a reality that affects people of every age, gender, and background—and often, it happens in silence. Many survivors carry their stories quietly, weighed down by fear, shame, or the belief that they won’t be believed or supported. PASSAGES Inc. is working to change that! On Saturday, August 9 at 7:00pm, PASSAGES Inc. will host Shattered Silence: Stories of Survival and Strength at the Heritage House in Brookville. This free public event will feature volunteers reading powerful monologues based on real stories from survivors in our local community. The goal of this event is threefold: 🔹 Raise awareness of how sexual violence affects individuals and communities.🔹 Empower survivors by honoring their courage and validating their voices.🔹 Encourage open, honest conversation about a topic that is too often avoided. These stories are real. They are raw. And they matter.Each one represents a voice that refused to stay silent—and every voice helps others find their own. By attending, you are not just an audience—you are a supporter, an ally, and a part of the change.While admission is free, donations are appreciated to help PASSAGES Inc. continue providing vital services like crisis response, counseling, advocacy, and education in our region. 👉 We strongly encourage community members to attend this event.Your presence sends a powerful message: survivors are not alone, their stories are heard, and our community stands with them. Together, we can break the silence.Together, we can build a more compassionate Brookville.
Shattered Silence – Giving Voice to Survivors in Our Community Read More »
June 30, 2025 Author: Brookville Chamber At the Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce, we strive to keep our members and community informed about legislation that could affect our economy, culture, and way of life. One such proposal currently in discussion is House Bill 1659, a bipartisan bill introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives that could change the way regular firearms deer season is scheduled across the state. Under current rules, the regular firearms deer season opens statewide on the Saturday after Thanksgiving—a change made by the PA Game Commission in 2019. Before that, the opener had traditionally been the Monday after Thanksgiving, with the intent to give hunters more time to prepare, travel, and enjoy time at camp. House Bill 1659 proposes a geographically split start to the season: The goal is to offer a compromise: honor tradition in the north, while maintaining expanded access for weekend hunters in the south. Possible Pros & Cons From the Hunter’s Perspective: Potential Benefits of Saturday Opener: Potential Concerns: From the Local Business Perspective: Potential Benefits of Saturday Opener: Potential Concerns: We Want to Hear From You! Do you own or work for a business affected by hunting season? Are you a hunter with strong feelings about the opener? We want to know: Please share your input! Your thoughts will help us better understand how this legislation could affect our area and assist in representing your voice in ongoing conversations.
The Future of Deer Season: Exploring the Impact of House Bill 1659 Read More »
June 24, 2025 Author: Penn Highlands Healthcare The temperature outside is predicted to be extremely high this week throughout our region which can be dangerous. To help prepare you for hotter temperatures, here are three ways to stay safe this summer. Apply the right type of sunscreen To ensure adequate protection from the sun’s harmful rays, it is important to apply sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection. This will protect your skin from the effects of ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays, such as sunburns and skin damage, as well as ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays that can increase the risk of skin cancer. “Look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as these ingredients block both types of rays, said John A. Holets, MD, a physician with Penn Highlands Family Medicine in Monongahela, Pa. Be sure to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher too. And remember that just because a sunscreen has a higher SPF doesn’t mean higher protection. SPF protection does not increase proportionately with the SPF number. SPF 30 absorbs 97% of the sun’s rays, while SPF 50 absorbs just 1% more. Choose anything over 30 SPF, apply liberally and reapply every two hours.
Tips for staying safe during the summer heat Read More »
The Dave Park Memorial Benefit continues its mission of honoring a beloved community member by giving back in a meaningful way. On June 16th, during the Laurel Festival, representatives from the Dave Park Memorial Brigade presented a generous donation of $4,200 to the Brookville Chapter of Truth In Nature – a youth mentorship organization that aligns perfectly with the values and legacy of Dave Park. Dave Park passed away in 2021 but left a lasting impact on the Brookville area through his tireless support of local youth programs, including Little League and various community sports. Known for his mentorship, energy, and love for children, Dave’s memory lives on in many ways—from the t-ball field named in his honor to the annual benefit event that supports causes close to his heart. For the past three years, the Dave Park Memorial Benefit has proudly supported Truth In Nature, an organization dedicated to mentoring young boys from fatherless homes through outdoor adventures and Christian guidance. The group helps build character, confidence, and leadership in young men—principles that Dave lived by and would be proud to see continued. The donation comes from proceeds raised during the benefit’s popular annual event, which features a large cornhole tournament, live music, camping, and a day of fun at the Eagles Pavilion in Brookville. Next year marks the 6th annual Dave Park Memorial Benefit Cornhole Tournament, scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2026 — mark your calendars. To learn more about the Dave Park Memorial Benefit or to get involved in the next event, follow the Dave Park Memorial Brigade on Facebook.
Honoring a Hometown Hero: Dave Park’s Legacy Lives On Through Youth Mentorship Read More »