Mayor's Newsletter - February 2024

Mayor's Message & Heart Health Awareness

Mayor Matt Pacifico highlights February as National Heart Month, noting that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The newsletter encourages residents to manage risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and stress through healthy living.

Key Health Facts:

• Risk Factors: Age, gender, and family history are unchangeable; however, residents can manage blood pressure, cholesterol, stress, obesity, and smoking.
• Women's Health: Women generally develop heart disease about 10 years later than men.
• Sleep: Quality sleep (7–9 hours) increases heart health.
• Demographics: African Americans and Native Americans have higher rates of heart disease than any other ethnicity.
• Resources: Residents are directed to the CDC, NHLBI, and American Heart Association websites for more information.

Snow and Ice Removal

Public Works is actively managing winter conditions across the city's 360 lane miles using 16 trucks. The city utilizes approximately 4,500 tons of salt, 500 tons of anti-skid material, and 5,000 gallons of salt brine each winter.

Priorities and Resident Responsibilities:

• Route Priority: Major arteries, school routes, emergency/mass transit routes, and secondary neighborhood streets are cleared first.
• Sidewalks: Property owners must clear sidewalks within 24 hours of a storm ending. Snow should not be shoveled into the streets.
• Vehicle Safety: Residents are asked to move vehicles off city streets if possible, pull in side mirrors, and wait for plowing to finish before cleaning driveways.

2024 Dog Licenses

Dog licenses are now available for all dogs 12 weeks or older in Altoona.

Licensing Details:

• Types: Licenses are available for a calendar year or lifetime (lifetime requires tattoo or microchip).
• Locations: Applications can be purchased at the City of Altoona Finance Office (1301 12th Street, Suite 104). Yearly licenses are also available at Fiore True Value Hardware and the Central PA Humane Society.
• Fees: Vary based on gender and spay/neuter status.

Wise Women Scholarship Program

The WISE Women of Blair County are accepting applications for scholarships to support females aged 21+ who have overcome adversity and are pursuing post-secondary education.

Scholarship Details:

• Donna D. Gority Scholarship: Specifically for women whose adversity or career aspirations relate to domestic abuse, sexual assault, substance abuse, mental illness, child abuse, HIV/AIDS, juvenile justice, teen pregnancy, disabilities, or discrimination.
• Eligibility: Blair County residents; excludes Master's, Doctorate, or second Bachelor's degrees.
• Deadline: March 29, 2024, at 4:00 PM.
• Submission: Applications and two letters of reference must be mailed to WISE Women, P. O. Box 134, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.

SAMA Art After Dark

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (SAMA) is hosting an "Art After Dark" event on February 23rd from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Event Highlights:

• Location: SAMA, 1210 11th Avenue (former Brett Building).
• Activities: Live music, vendors, and Valentine's themed piñatas.
• Cost: $15 entry fee at the door.

African American Heritage in Altoona

The newsletter highlights local history, noting that African Americans have been part of Blair County since the late 1700s.

Historical Highlights:

• William Nesbit: An Altoona native and conductor of the Underground Railroad who was instrumental in passing the 14th and 15th Amendments. A mural celebrating his life is located on the Altoona Pipe and Steel Building.
• Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church: Established in 1839 as a schoolhouse and Underground Railroad station; it celebrated 175 years of service in 2022.
• Eastern Light Cemetery: Created in 1864 at 10th Street and First Avenue, it is the final resting place for 200 African American citizens, including Civil War veterans and William H. Smith, the first African American graduate of Altoona High School.