Altoona

Pennsylvania

Documents

Mayor's Newsletter - August 2024

View original document →

International Overdose Awareness Month

August is recognized as International Overdose Awareness Month, with August 31st designated as the specific day of observance. This day aims to remember those lost to overdose, change misperceptions, and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction.

  • National Context: The CDC reports that prescription drug abuse is a fast-growing problem, with nearly 45 million Americans (18%) having a substance abuse disorder as of 2023. This represents a reduction from 2021 statistics, suggesting that awareness campaigns and initiatives like Narcan distribution are having an impact.
  • Local Event: Blair County is hosting the 6th Annual Overdose Awareness Day Event.
    • Date: Saturday, August 31st
    • Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    • Location: Transformation Church
    • Speaker: Randy Grimes, author and former NFL player, will speak about his experience with opioid addiction.
    • Contact: Email bcoverdoseawareness@gmail. com or message Blair County International Overdose Awareness Day on Facebook.

Community Events and Activities

Pickled Palooza at the Altoona Curve

Hosted by the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Towards Education (A. B. A. T. E. ) in partnership with People’s Natural Gas Field.

  • Date: Saturday, August 24th
  • Time: 10 AM – 9 PM
  • Location: People’s Natural Gas Field, 1000 Park Avenue, Altoona
  • Activities: Battle of the Bands, food vendors, pickle eating contests, and brine drinking contests for adults and children.
  • Admission: Free

National Farmers’ Market Week

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of National Farmers Market Week (August 4th–10th).

  • Location: Altoona Farmers Market at Heritage Plaza
  • Schedule: Every Thursday in August from 11 AM – 2 PM (continues through October)
  • Offerings: Fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade crafts, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, soaps, jams, jellies, and treats for dogs.

August Events at Prospect Pool

  • Free Swim: Sunday, August 4th, from 12 PM – 7 PM. Features a live DJ, games, music, and a "Party In The USA" theme.
  • Family Movie Night: Friday, August 9th. Gates open at 8 PM; movie ("Under The Boardwalk") begins at 8:45 PM. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Admission is free; concessions are available.

Rails and Ales Brewfest

Hosted by Altoona Community Theatre at Heritage Plaza in downtown Altoona.

  • Date: Saturday, August 17th
  • Time: 3 PM – 6 PM (VIPs arrive at 2 PM)
  • Age Requirement: 21 and over
  • Ticket Prices:
    • General Admission: $35 in advance, $40 at the door.
    • VIP Tickets: $60 (includes extra hour, appetizers from U. S. Hotel, and a t-shirt).
    • Designated Driver Tickets: $15 (music and fun only).
  • Home Brew Contest: Open until August 13th. Entry fee is $60 per brewer. Categories include IPA, Ale, Lager, Dark, and Stout. All entries receive a VIP ticket for the event day.

Deb Stitt Golf Outing

The Blair Emergency Services Chaplain Platoon (BESCP) is holding its second annual golf outing to benefit suicide awareness for first responders.

  • Date: Friday, August 9th
  • Location: King Valley Gold Course in Imler, PA
  • Schedule: Registration starts at 7 AM; round begins at 8 AM.
  • Costs:
    • Same-day registration: $125 per golfer.
    • Advance registration: $400 per team or $100 per golfer.
  • Inclusions: 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, and lunch.
  • Purpose: Funds raised support counseling programs for first responders dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and suicide.

Altoona’s Heritage: Demographics

The newsletter concludes its heritage series by comparing Altoona’s population statistics with state and national averages.

  • Citizenship: 99. 6% of Altoona residents are American-born U. S. citizens, higher than the state (96%) and national (93%) averages.
  • Ancestry: The top three ancestries are German (35%), Irish (19%), and Italian (13%). Polish and British ancestries make up another 10%.
  • Diversity: The Hispanic community has origins in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Central America. The Asian population includes India, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. African Americans represent almost 4% of the population.
  • Veterans: 8% of Altoona’s population are U. S. military veterans, higher than the state average of 6%. Approximately 1,000 veterans served in Vietnam alone.
← Back to Documents