Mayor's Newsletter - April 2026
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The City of Altoona highlights the importance of families and communities working together to prevent abuse and neglect.
- Statistics: Over 500,000 children experience abuse or neglect annually in the U. S. , with an estimated 2,000 fatalities.
- Digital Threats: There is a noted rise in online, AI-driven exploitation. Reports of online enticement to the NCMEC CyberTipline jumped to 518,720 in the first half of 2025.
- Action: The City encourages supporting agencies that strengthen family protective factors.
Toss Out Child Abuse Cornhole Tournament
The Blair County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is hosting its Third Annual "Toss Out Child Abuse" Cornhole Tournament.
- Date: Saturday, April 11th
- Time: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location: Bavarian Aid Society in Altoona
- Details: The event features intermediate and competitive brackets with cash prizes up to $500. There is also a $1,000 cash raffle.
- Costs: Registration is $50 per two-person team; spectator admission is $5.
- Registration: Download the Scoreholio app or visit the Family Services Facebook page.
Altoona Curve 2026 Season
The Altoona Curve, a Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, is launching its 2026 season.
- Opening Day: Friday, April 3rd at 6:00 PM against the Harrisburg Senators at People’s Natural Gas Field.
- New Identity: The team will play as the Pennsylvania Continentals, featuring a logo celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
- Special Events: Postgame fireworks are scheduled for June 25, August 15, and September 12.
- Charity: Uniforms will be auctioned after the September 12 game, with proceeds benefiting the Blair County Suicide Prevention Task Force and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Let Freedom Ring Musical Tribute
P & J Productions will present a musical tribute celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
- Dates: June 27th and 28th
- Location: Misciagna Family Center for the Performing Arts on the Penn State Altoona Campus
- Tickets: $15 plus a handling fee. Available online at www. tinyurl. com/psualtoona or by calling 814-949-5452.
Altoona Area Public Library Used Book Sale
The Friends of the Altoona Area Public Library are holding their annual Spring Used Book Sale.
- Location: Ground floor of the library, 1600 5th Avenue in Altoona.
- Schedule:
- Thursday, April 23rd: Members Preview (5:30 PM – 8:00 PM)
- Friday, April 24th: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday, April 25th: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Monday, April 27th: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM ($5. 00 a bag day)
- Items: Books, puzzles, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and more.
Homebuyer Seminar
The City of Altoona, Penn State Altoona, and First Commonwealth Mortgage are partnering to present a seminar for aspiring homebuyers.
- Date: Thursday, April 23rd at 6:00 PM
- Location: Devorris Downtown Theatre, 1431 12th Avenue in downtown Altoona.
- Features: Tips on making home-buying easy and affordable, networking, and childcare provided by Tender Love for Children Child Care.
- Registration: Limited spaces available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Register via QR code or https://www. surveymonkey. com/r/FT5RD6T.
Blair County: A People’s History
The Blair County Historical Society is presenting a screening of the documentary Blair County: A People’s History.
- Date: Wednesday, April 15th
- Location: Mishler Theatre
- Context: Part of the local America 250 celebration.
- Tickets: Available online at boxoffice@mishlertheatre. org or by calling 814-944-5434.
Sister City 25th Anniversary Visit
The City of Altoona recently celebrated 25 years of partnership with St. Pölten, Austria, from March 24th through April 1st.
- Event: 25 students and five adult delegates visited Altoona.
- Future Plans: The City hopes to send a group of students to St. Pölten in 2027 or 2028.
- Donations: Contributions can be made to the Sister Cities Fund through the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation (https://centralpagives. org/give-now/).