'United We Can' Announces Spring Speakers

The fifth season of “United We Can” Inspirational Luncheons will be coming to the close with the final two speakers taking the stage in April. The luncheons will resume in the fall.

Typhani Russo of Altoona and Tyler Smith of State College will bring their message of hope and resilience to the Casino at Lakemont as part of the Spring Series, beginning in mid-April.

“We couldn’t be happier these two have agreed to present at our luncheons,” Sue Griep, founder of the series, said. “I have observed them over the years, and they reflect exactly what we need our young people to hear.”

A local teacher, Russo is known as an actress, singer, pageant winner, and author. She recently penned the book “#87 Sent From Heaven,” and has appeared at libraries throughout the area, promoting her new book. Her presentation on April 13 will be “Be Brave. Be Bold. Be You.” She will be bringing a number of autographed books for door prizes.

On April 27, Tyler Smith will present on “Win Anyway.” Smith, the former captain of the Penn State Men’s Basketball Team, played professional basketball for 11 years. He details his story in a compelling and witty manner in a book entitled “Called for Traveling.” Smith now lives locally, and will be bringing some autographed books as giveaways.

The fifth season of the series started in September with presentations from Rocco Scalzi of Beating the Odds Foundation, Coach Tom McConnell of the IUP Women’s Basketball Team, and Michael DelGrosso of DelGrosso Family Foods. These last two speakers will complete the fifth season of the luncheons. The sixth season will begin mid-September.

Past speakers have included such notables as NASA Administrator Jim Morehard, “The Voice’s” Jimmy Mowery, “The Voices” and “Biggest Loser’s” Erin Willett, MMA Wrestler Charlie Brenneman, “Shark Tank’s” Lani Lazzari, Olympic Gold Medalist Michelle Duncan; State Rep. Lou Schmitt; and Miss Pennsylvania Meghan Sinisi, among others.

“These luncheons provide such uplifting messages that we encourage everyone to come have lunch and listen to these amazing life stories,“ Griep said. “You will feel better going out the door then when you came in, and thats our goal.”

Luncheons are open to the public. Reservations are required by emailing suegriep17@hotmail.com. All luncheons are held at the Casino at Lakemont from noon to 1:30 p.m.