Mayor's Newsletter - April 2025
National Child Abuse Awareness Month
April is designated as National Child Abuse Awareness Month. The newsletter highlights the severity of the issue, noting that in 2022, an estimated 558,899 children were victims of abuse or neglect in the U. S. The trauma associated with abuse can lead to long-term mental and physical health issues, including depression, anxiety, and heart disease.
Key Initiatives:
- Light Up Blue Initiative: City Hall lights will be turned blue during April. Residents are encouraged to display blue ribbons or pinwheels at their businesses or homes.
- Resources: Information is available at www. childwelfare. gov/preventionmonth and www. familyservicesinc. net.
Spring Active Living Challenge
The Healthy Blair County Coalition is hosting the 2025 Spring Active Living Challenge to improve county health rankings. The challenge runs from March 29th through May 10th, 2025.
- Participation: Open to businesses, organizations, and individuals. Participants can form teams (friends, family, coworkers) or sign up individually.
- Activity: Includes sports, walking, dancing, biking, and gardening. Participants log active minutes daily.
- Awards: Trophies will be awarded to top teams in four categories based on team size.
- Winners Announcement: July 12th, 2025, at the Summer Olympic Games at Lakemont Park.
- Registration: Visit www. healthyblaircountycoalition. org/active-living or contact billie@unitedwaysa. org.
"Toss Out Child Abuse" Cornhole Tournament
The Blair County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), a program of Family Services, Inc. , is hosting the Second Annual Cornhole Tournament.
- Date: Saturday, April 12th, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location: Bavarian Aid Society in Altoona
- Beneficiary: Center For Child Justice (a program of the CAC)
- Costs: $50 per two-person team; $5 spectator admission.
- Registration: Pre-registration is available via the Scoreholio App. Cash only at the door on event day.
- Features: Intermediate and competitive brackets, cash prizes, basket raffle, 50/50, rip tickets, and food/beverages on-site.
Altoona Curve 2025 Season
The Altoona Curve baseball season kicks off at Peoples Natural Gas Field.
- Opening Night: Friday, April 4th at 6:00 PM vs. the Chesapeake Baysox.
- Entertainment: DJ Swiftie and a fireworks show.
- Season Highlights: 69 home games, bobblehead giveaways, theme nights, and 19 fireworks displays.
- Affiliation: The Curve has been affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1999.
- Tickets/Schedule: www. milb. com/altoona
National Library Week
National Library Week is observed from April 6 through April 12, 2025. The Altoona Area Public Library offers various programs including Super Saturday, Lego Club (ages 5–12), Tool Lending, Chess Club, and Teen Gaming.
Used Book Sale: The Friends of the Library are accepting donations of books, LPs, CDs, audiobooks, and puzzles.
- Preview Evening (Members Only): Thursday, April 24th, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
- General Sale:
- Friday, April 25th: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday, April 26th: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Monday, April 28th ($5 bag day): 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Library Info: www. altoonalibrary. org
April Calendar of Events
The newsletter lists several national observances for the month:
- April 1: April Fool’s Day, National Sourdough Bread Day
- April 2: National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day
- April 4: National School Librarian Day, National Jeep 4X4 Day
- April 7: National No Housework Day, National Coffee Cake Day
- April 10: National Siblings Day
- April 12: National Only Child Day, National Grilled Cheese Day
- April 14: National Gardening Day
- April 16: National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day
- April 18: National Exercise Day
- April 20: National Volunteer Recognition Day
- April 22: National Girl Scout Leaders Day, National Earth Day
- April 25: National Arbor Day, National Zucchini Bread Day
- April 27: National Gummi Bear Day
- April 30: National Bugs Bunny Day, National Oatmeal Cookie Day