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Mayor's Newsletter - December 2024

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National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Mayor Matthew A. Pacifico highlights December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, noting that weekends and holidays are statistically the most dangerous times on roadways. The initiative is in its 44th year and has become particularly close to the Altoona community following the tragic loss of two Altoona High School students in October due to drunk driving.

Key safety points include:

  • Statistics: Drunk driving caused one-third of all traffic fatalities in the U. S. in 2023, accounting for approximately 10,000 lives lost.
  • Other Impairments: Alcohol is not the only cause; drugs (including opioids, marijuana, and some over-the-counter medications) can also impair driving through drowsiness and delayed judgment.
  • Action Plan: Residents are urged to plan ahead for the holidays using designated drivers, taxis, ride-shares, or overnight stays.

2024 Holiday Events

Several community events are scheduled for the upcoming holiday season:

  • Holiday Lights On The Lake: Now in its 27th season, this event runs from Friday, November 15, 2024, through Sunday, January 5, 2025. Hours are daily from 6 PM to 10 PM. The event features over 150 displays and a chance to win $1,000.
    • Info: lakemontparkfun. com/hlol or 814-949-7275.
  • Glow Up Downtown Altoona: The second annual event takes place on Friday, December 6th, from 5 PM to 7 PM. Activities include music, craft and food vendors, a petting zoo, tree lighting, and fireworks.
    • Info: www. altoonapa. gov
  • Ugly Christmas Sweater 5K and 2 Mile Walk: Hosted by the Blair Emergency Services Chaplain Platoon (BESCP) on December 7th. The event begins at 9:00 AM at Heritage Plaza. Online registration ends November 30th, but day-of registration is available.
    • Info: runsignup. com/Race/PA/Altoona/UglyChristmasSweaterFunRun5K
  • Annual Spirit of Christmas Parade: Hosted by Seven Mountains Media and the City of Altoona, beginning at 1:00 PM in downtown Altoona.
    • Info: spiritofchristmasparade. com

Baker Mansion Christmas

The Blair County Historical Society is celebrating 19th-century Christmas at Baker Mansion throughout December.

  • Regular Tours: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 AM – 3 PM. Admission is $5.
  • Special Music Performances: December 6th and 13th feature pianists, carolers, and flutists. Tours run from 6 PM – 9 PM with admission at $5.
  • Santa and Mrs. Claus:
    • Santa visits: December 7th and 15th (11 AM - 3 PM).
    • Mrs. Claus visits: December 8th and 14th (1:30 PM - 3:00 PM).
    • Mrs. Claus will read Christmas stories starting at 2:00 PM on her visit days.
    • Contact: info@blairhistory. org or facebook. com/blairhistory

2024 Holiday Model Train Open House

The Altoona Association of Model Railroaders invites the public to explore N and HO scale layouts, railroad memorabilia, complimentary hot cocoa, and cookies. Admission is free (donations appreciated).

Open House Schedule:

  • Wednesdays, Dec. 4th and 11th: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • Fridays, Dec. 6th and 13th: 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
  • Saturdays, Dec. 7th and 14th: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Location: 2930 S. 10th Avenue, Altoona
  • Info: www. theaamr. org

LOSS Team Initiative

The Suicide Prevention Task Force of Blair County is launching a new program called LOSS (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors). This initiative pairs survivors of suicide loss with caring citizens to provide support to families who have lost someone to suicide.

  • Role: Volunteers act as a calming, reassuring presence and provide a sense of normalcy.
  • Requirements: No professional experience is needed, just a desire to help. Volunteers will be interviewed and trained.
  • Commitment: Once trained, a team is on call for one week every 4-8 weeks.
  • Interest Survey: The Task Force is currently assessing local interest. Those interested should complete the survey at www. surveymonkey. com/r/LOSSTeam.

Winter Utility Assistance

Resources are available for residents needing help with utility bills this winter:

  • Blair County Community Action: For renters. Call 814-946-3651 or email info@blaircap. org.
  • Salvation Army Worship and Service Center: For Altoona residents. Call 814-942-8104 or email jennifer. blessing@use. salvationarmy. org.
  • LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): For PA residents. Call the Blair County Assistance Office at 866-812-4431.
  • Dollar Energy Fund (First Energy / Penelec): For electric utility assistance in PA. Call Penelec at 814-545-7741 or 814-941-2379.

December Days

The newsletter concludes with a list of unusual national holidays to celebrate in December:

  • Dec 1: National Pie Day
  • Dec 4: National Sock Day AND National Cookie Day
  • Dec 6: National Gazpacho Day
  • Dec 11: National Stretching Day
  • Dec 12: National Poinsettia Day
  • Dec 13: National Hot Cocoa Day
  • Dec 15: National Cupcake Day AND National Wear Your Pearls Day
  • Dec 16: National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
  • Dec 18: National Answer The Phone Like Buddy the Elf Day
  • Dec 20: National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
  • Dec 21: National Crossword Puzzle Day AND National Humbug Day
  • Dec 24: National Eggnog Day
  • Dec 30: National Bacon Day
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