Altoona

Pennsylvania

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Mayor's Newsletter - January 2024

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Mayor's Message & Holiday Recap

Mayor Matt Pacifico highlights the success of recent holiday events in Altoona:

  • Glow Up Altoona Holiday Event: Held on Friday, December 1st. The event featured music from the Altoona Area High School Orchestra and Choir, food, craft vendors, holiday movies, a petting zoo, and a Christmas tree lighting countdown by the Mayor. The evening concluded with fireworks.
  • Spirit of Christmas Parade: Held on Saturday, December 2nd. The Mayor praised the high turnout and the quality of floats, bands, and decorated vehicles. He thanked participating organizations, volunteers, students, churches, and businesses.

City Council Meeting Schedule (2024)

The following meetings are open to the public. Voting meetings are held at 6 P. M. at the City of Altoona Training Facility & Council Chambers (1320 Washington Avenue). Work Sessions are held at 6 P. M. at Altoona City Hall (1301 12th Street, Common Room, 4th Floor).

  • January:
    • Voting & Organizational Meeting: Tuesday, January 2 (Due to New Year's Holiday)
    • Work Session: Monday, January 22
  • February:
    • Voting Meeting: Monday, February 12
    • Work Session: Monday, February 26
  • March:
    • Voting Meeting: Monday, March 11
    • Work Session: Monday, March 25
  • April:
    • Voting Meeting: Monday, April 8
    • Work Session: Monday, April 22
  • May:
    • Voting Meeting: Monday, May 13
    • Work Session: Tuesday, May 28 (Due to Memorial Day Holiday)
  • June:
    • Voting Meeting: Monday, June 10
    • Work Session: Monday, June 24
  • July:
    • Voting Meeting: Monday, July 8
    • Work Session: Monday, July 22
  • August:
    • Voting Meeting: Monday, August 12
    • Work Session: Monday, August 26
  • September:
    • Voting Meeting: Monday, September 9
    • Work Session: Monday, September 23
  • October:
    • Voting Meeting: Tuesday, October 15 (Due to Columbus Day Holiday)
    • Work Session: Monday, October 28
  • November:
    • Voting Meeting: Tuesday, November 12 (Due to Veterans Day Holiday)
  • December:
    • Voting Meeting: Monday, December 2 (1st Monday due to reporting requirements)

Note: Voting meetings can be viewed live on Breezeline Cable Public Access Channel 14 or the City’s YouTube channel.

Winter Safety Hints

Residents are advised to prepare for winter storms and cold temperatures. Key safety reminders include:

Preparing Your Home:

  • Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
  • Check heating systems, fireplaces, chimneys, and insulation.
  • Have an alternate heating system or fuels available.
  • Keep an emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, and a charged cell phone.

Preparing Your Car:

  • Service the radiator and check antifreeze levels.
  • Check tire tread or install winter tires.
  • Keep gas tank and windshield washer fluid full (use winter strength fluid).
  • Prepare a car emergency kit including chargers, sand/cat litter for traction, flashlight, first aid kit, booster cables, tire pump, and food/water.
  • Keep extra coats, hats, gloves, sleeping bags, and blankets in the vehicle.

Outdoor Precautions:

  • Wear wind-resistant coats, layers, mittens, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots.
  • Sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches.
  • Work slowly on outdoor chores and always carry a cell phone.

Central PA Humane Society Chili and Wings Cookoff

  • Date: Saturday, January 20th
  • Location: Bavarian Aid Society Hall
  • Time: 6 PM – 10 PM (General Admission); VIP entry at 5 PM
  • Age Restriction: Open to adults ages 21 and over.
  • Tickets: General admission is $25; VIP tickets are $40. Proceeds benefit the Central PA Humane Society.
  • Activities: Raffles, live entertainment by Society 9, t-shirts for sale, and food.
  • Ticket Locations: Central PA Humane Society (1837 E. Pleasant Valley Boulevard) and Thompson’s Pharmacy locations in Altoona and Hollidaysburg.

Altoona's Heritage

This month’s feature highlights the influence of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) on Pennsylvania town names and Altoona’s development.

  • Immigration: Anglo-Americans from these regions immigrated due to religious and industrial oppression.
  • Local Impact: Neighboring Cambria County began as a Welsh-American farming colony in the 1790s. In Altoona, Scottish, Welsh, and British immigrants were drawn by the railroad and coal industries in the 19th and 20th centuries.
  • Notable Figures: The newsletter mentions Janet Blair (actress of Scottish descent) and Elias Baker (ironmaster who built the Baker Mansion). It also notes that farming in Blair, Huntingdon, and Cambria counties was largely begun by Scotch-Irish Americans.
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