Mayor's Newsletter - February 2025

Heart Health Awareness (National Heart Month)

February marks National Heart Month, celebrating 100 years of the American Heart Association. While cardiovascular disease deaths have been cut in half since 1924, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men and women.

• Key Statistics: A heart attack occurs every 40 seconds in the U. S. Approximately 20% of these are "silent," meaning damage occurs without the victim's immediate knowledge.
• Risk Factors: Beyond family history, high blood pressure, and smoking, risks include diets high in sodium/trans fats, lack of physical activity, and insufficient sleep.
• CPR Training: The newsletter emphasizes the importance of CPR training, noting that classes are available throughout the community, often free of charge.
• National Go Red For Women Day: February 2nd is designated to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of death for women. Residents are encouraged to wear red and visit goredforwomen. org for more information.

Winter Safety and Snow Removal

Public Works is managing over 360 lane miles of road with 24-hour coverage using two shifts. The goal is to clear streets as soon as possible, prioritizing major arteries, school routes, and emergency transit.

• Plowing Priority: Major arteries are cleared first, followed by secondary routes connecting neighborhoods. Alleys and bus routes are addressed last.
• Resident Responsibilities: Property owners must clear sidewalks within 24 hours of a storm ending. Snow should not be shoveled into the street.
• Vehicle Safety Tips: Residents are advised to move vehicles off city streets if possible, pull in side mirrors, and park where plows can access the street easily. Wait for plowing to finish before cleaning driveways to avoid re-shoveling.

2025 Dog Licensing

All dogs in Altoona aged 12 weeks or older must be licensed. Licenses are available for a calendar year or a lifetime (lifetime licenses require tattooing or micro-chipping).

• Where to Buy:
  • City of Altoona Finance Office: 1301 12th Street, Suite 104.
  • Fiore True Value Hardware: 5514 6th Avenue (Yearly licenses only).
  • Central PA Humane Society: 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd.
• Fees: Vary based on gender and spay/neuter status.
• Contact: 814-949-2416 for questions.

Upcoming Community Events

AAHF Prom Night 2025

• Date: Saturday, February 8th.
• Location: The Casino at Lakemont Park.
• Time: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
• Details: Hosted by Pa’je’s Productions and Pennsoulvania America, Inc. Features music by D. J. Tyson, red carpet photos, and full-course meals.
• Tickets: "Just Party" package for $30; Table Package (10 tickets) for $650. Proceeds benefit the upcoming African American Heritage Festival.
• Purchase: centralpaticket. com/events

15th Annual Community Classic Dinner & Auction

• Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025.
• Location: The Bavarian Aid Society.
• Time: Doors open at 4:30 PM; Event begins at 5:30 PM.
• Honorees: Bernie Chapman (Respected Citizen Award) and Hyman Antikol (BTW Corporation President’s Award).
• Guest Speaker: Quinton Aaron, known for his role in "The Blind Side. "
• Tickets: $50. Available at the CBRC office (2101 Fifth Avenue) or Grandview Meats (1544 Pleasant Valley Boulevard).
• Info: www. cbrcparks. org or (814) 949-2231.

February Calendar of Special Days

• Feb 1: National Dark Chocolate Day & National Serpent Day
• Feb 3: National Four Chaplains Day & National "Day The Music Died" Day
• Feb 4: National Thank a Mail Carrier Day & National Homemade Soup Day
• Feb 7: National Girls and Women in Sports Day & National Fettuccini Alfredo Day
• Feb 8: National Boy Scouts Day
• Feb 9: National Pizza Day
• Feb 11: National Peppermint Patty Day
• Feb 13: National Tortellini Day
• Feb 16: National Do A Grouch a Favor Day & National Almond Day
• Feb 18: National Drink Wine Day
• Feb 20: National Comfy Day & National Cherry Pie Day
• Feb 25: National Clam Chowder Day
• Feb 26: National Tell a Fairy Tale Day
• Feb 27: National Polar Bear Day & National Strawberry Day