WISE Women of Blair County

09/14/2026

💜 WISE Women Grant Applications Are Open! 💜

Each year, WISE Women of Blair County is proud to support local nonprofits that are making a difference in the lives of women, children, and families throughout our community.

The next few weeks, we'll be sharing stories from past recipients to highlight the impact these grants have had across Blair County.
Our first spotlight comes from Typani, Founder of Bookworms Against Bullies:

"The WISE Women of Blair County grant helped Bookworms Against Bullies expand our book donation program and offer free community events, allowing us to put more books into the hands of children while fostering empathy, kindness, and inclusion through literacy."

Through their dedication to literacy and anti-bullying efforts, Bookworms Against Bullies is helping create a more compassionate community, one book at a time.

Stay tuned throughout the coming weeks as we highlight more inspiring stories from organizations that have benefited from WISE Women Grants.

📅 Grant applications open September 1, 2026.

🔗 Learn more about the grant program: https://www.wisewomenofblaircounty.org/grants.html

09/11/2026

25 years later, we remember. 🇺🇸

We remember the lives lost. We remember the heroes who ran toward danger. We remember the families whose lives changed forever. And we remember how, in the days that followed, we came together as one.

May we never forget September 11, 2001 — the lives, the courage, the sacrifice, and the strength of a nation united. ❤️🤍💙

09/02/2026

It is with great sadness that WISE Women of Blair County shares the passing of Lori Crownover, a cherished member of our community and a 2025 Tribute Honoree in the Education category.

Lori's recognition as a Tribute Honoree reflected the impact she made on those around her and the lives she touched throughout our community. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to celebrate her and her contributions.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Lori's family, friends, and all who knew and loved her.

https://www.maukandyates.com/obituaries/lori-crownover

08/22/2026

It's wonderful to see our WISE Women of Blair County 2011 Tribute honoree in the Arts & Letters category Barbara Jo Hollander's creativity and vision featured in this fabulous video!

08/12/2026

🎓 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN! 💜

WISE Women of Blair County and the Donna D. Gority Scholarship are now applications!

💰 One or more scholarships will be awarded, up to a total of $10,000.

Scholarships are available to Blair County women age 21 or older who have overcome adversity or discrimination and are pursuing post-secondary education.

📅 Application Deadline:
Friday, September 25, 2026, by 4 PM.

Every eligible application will automatically be considered for both the WISE Women Scholarship and the Donna D. Gority Scholarship.

📩 Completed applications may be submitted by email to [email protected] or mailed to:

WISE Women of Blair County
P.O. Box 134
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648

✨ Your past does not define your future. If continuing your education is part of your next chapter, we encourage you to apply.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with a woman who may benefit from this opportunity! 💜

07/24/2026

Reminder!

Our July Membership Committee Meeting is Monday, July 27 at 5:30 pm!

All WISE Women members are welcome to join us to help plan our Fall events, share ideas, and connect with other members!

Please RSVP at the link below if you have not done so already.

🍽️✨ Calling all WISE Women members! ✨🍽️

Have ideas for future events? Want to meet other amazing women while enjoying a great meal? We'd love to see you at our next Membership Committee Meeting!

📅 Monday, July 27, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Al's Tavern
2831 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602

Join us as we brainstorm Fall 2026 events, share new ideas, and connect with fellow WISE Women in a relaxed, fun setting. Whether you're a longtime member or recently joined, your voice and ideas matter!

🍔🥗 Everyone will purchase their own food and beverages.

📧 Please RSVP by Thursday, July 23 using this link: https://forms.gle/mFQtjz5hqCHY9k7i8

Bring a friend who's already a member, come hungry, and help us make this fall our best yet! 💜

07/14/2026

🍽️✨ Calling all WISE Women members! ✨🍽️

Have ideas for future events? Want to meet other amazing women while enjoying a great meal? We'd love to see you at our next Membership Committee Meeting!

📅 Monday, July 27, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Al's Tavern
2831 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602

Join us as we brainstorm Fall 2026 events, share new ideas, and connect with fellow WISE Women in a relaxed, fun setting. Whether you're a longtime member or recently joined, your voice and ideas matter!

🍔🥗 Everyone will purchase their own food and beverages.

📧 Please RSVP by Thursday, July 23 using this link: https://forms.gle/mFQtjz5hqCHY9k7i8

Bring a friend who's already a member, come hungry, and help us make this fall our best yet! 💜

06/22/2026

🎓✨ Investing in Women. Empowering Futures. ✨🎓

WISE Women of Blair County is proud to announce the recipients of our Spring 2026 Scholarship Awards!

This scholarship program supports Blair County women age 21 and older who have overcome adversity or discrimination and are pursuing post-secondary education. Through our partnership with the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation, we awarded a total of $17,000 to seven inspiring women who are pursuing their educational and career goals.

Congratulations to:
🌟 Alainy Liang – The Altoona Beauty School (M & T Scholarship)
🌟 Libby Keller – Bennington College (WISE Scholarship)
🌟 April Ruehle – Penn State World Campus (WISE Scholarship & Donna D. Gority Scholarship)
🌟 Erin Harlow – Penn State Altoona (WISE Scholarship)
🌟 Abigail Dean – Penn State Altoona (Donna D. Gority Scholarship)
🌟 Ivy Powles – Penn State Altoona (WISE & Santella Scholarships)
🌟 Lydia Seltzer – Juniata College (WISE Scholarship)

These remarkable women represent resilience, determination, and the power of education to transform lives. We are honored to support their journeys and cannot wait to see all they accomplish.

💜 A special thank you to the Santella Family in honor of Mildred Santella (2008 Business & Professional Tribute honoree) for their generous support of women pursuing higher education. Partnerships like yours help make educational opportunities possible and create lasting impact in our community.

📚 Interested in applying?
Our Fall 2026 scholarship application opens soon. Check back for application deadlines.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding scholarship recipients! 💜

06/17/2026

Join WISE Women for Symphony Night at PNG Field!

Celebrate America's 250th anniversary with an evening of patriotic music, community, and fireworks as the Altoona Symphony takes the stage at PNG Field!

📅 Saturday, June 20
🎟️ Free & open to the public
🚪 Gates open: 6:15 p.m.
🎺 Altoona Community Band: 6:30 p.m.
🎻 Altoona Symphony: 7:30 p.m.
🎆 Fireworks to follow!

Want to sit with fellow WISE Women members? Meet Membership Chair Barbara Thaler inside the main gate off Park Avenue between 6:15 and 6:30 p.m. She'll be holding a WISE Women sign so you can easily find the group.

📸 After the Altoona Community Band's performance, join Barbara and other members at the Information Booth on the Concourse Level (near where the band is playing) for a group photo!

Not a WISE Women member yet? We'd love to have you join us! Visit www.wisewomenofblaircounty.org to learn more about membership and upcoming events.

We hope to see you there for an unforgettable evening of music, friendship, and celebration! ❤️🤍💙

06/16/2026

🌟 Congratulations to former WISE Women Tribute Honoree (Education 2008) KT Huckabee on her retirement after 28 years at Penn State Altoona!

As the pioneer of the Dance Studies minor and a passionate educator, KT has inspired countless students through her dedication to the arts, movement, and education. Her impact on our community will be felt for years to come.

Please join us in celebrating KT's remarkable career and wishing her all the best in this exciting new chapter! 💐✨

💙 If KT has made a difference in your life, share a favorite memory or message in the comments below.