Mayor's Newsletter - January 2025
Mayor's Message & Community Events
Mayor Matthew A. Pacifico highlights the success of recent holiday events in Altoona, emphasizing community spirit despite cold weather.
- Glow Up Night (December 6th): The second annual event was a success, featuring food, craft vendors, and fireworks by Epic Pyrotechnic. Entertainment included the Altoona Area High School Chorus, Altoona Community Band, and Galaxy Sound. An interactive petting zoo featured alpacas, llamas, cows, horses, goats, and sheep. Mayor Pacifico led the Christmas tree lighting countdown.
- Spirit of Christmas Parade: Held on Saturday, this event was emceed by Seven Mountains Media. The Mayor thanked volunteers, musicians, vendors, and businesses for making the events memorable.
2025 City Council Meeting Schedule
Voting meetings are held at the City of Altoona Training Facility & Council Chambers (1320 Washington Avenue) at 6 P. M. Work sessions are held at Altoona City Hall (1301 12th Street, Common Room, 4th Floor) at 6 P. M.
January – June
- Jan 13: Voting Meeting | Jan 17: Work Session
- Feb 10: Voting Meeting | Feb 24: Work Session
- Mar 10: Voting Meeting | Mar 24: Work Session
- Apr 14: Voting Meeting | Apr 28: Work Session
- May 12: Voting Meeting | May 27: Work Session (Tuesday due to Memorial Day Holiday)
- Jun 9: Voting Meeting | Jun 23: Work Session
July – December
- Jul 14: Voting Meeting | Jul 28: Work Session
- Aug 11: Voting Meeting | Aug 25: Work Session
- Sep 8: Voting Meeting | Sep 22: Work Session
- Oct 14: Voting Meeting (Tuesday due to Columbus Day Holiday) | Oct 27: Work Session
- Nov 10: Voting Meeting (Tuesday)
- Dec 1: Voting Meeting (Monday, 1st of the month due to reporting requirements)
Live streams are available on Breezeline Cable Public Access Channel 14 and the City’s YouTube channel.
Winter Safety Hints
Residents are encouraged to prepare for winter storms and cold temperatures. Key hazards include fires, accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks.
Preparing Your Home:
- Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
- Check heating systems, fireplaces, chimneys, weather stripping, and insulation.
- Have alternate heating sources or fuels available.
- Maintain an up-to-date emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, and a fully charged cell phone.
Preparing Your Car:
- Service the radiator, check antifreeze, and inspect tire tread or install winter tires.
- Keep gas tank and windshield washer fluid full (use winter strength fluid).
- Carry a winter emergency kit: cell phone chargers, sand/cat litter for traction, flashlight, first aid kit, booster cables, tire pump, food, and water.
- Keep warm items in the vehicle: extra coats, hats, gloves, sleeping bags, and blankets.
Outdoors Precautions:
- Wear wind-resistant outer 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.
Sister City Partnership: St. Polten, Austria
2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the partnership between Altoona and St. Polten, Austria. This relationship allows students to experience life and school activities in their sister city.
- Upcoming Visits: St. Polten hopes to send one student to Altoona in the fall of 2025 via the Youth Unlimited Contest for a two-week stay with a host family. In 2026-2027, St. Polten plans to bring a group for one week.
- Costs: Student travel costs are paid by St. Polten.
- Committee: The Sister City Committee includes representation from Penn State, arts, cultural communities, school districts, business sectors, and the public.
- gov.
January Special Days
The newsletter lists several fun national holidays for January:
- Jan 1: National Bloody Mary Day
- Jan 3: National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day
- Jan 4: National Spaghetti Day
- Jan 6: National Cuddle Up Day
- Jan 7: National Bobblehead Day
- Jan 8: Bubble Bath Day & National Argyle Day
- Jan 9: National Static Electricity Day
- Jan 10: National Houseplant Appreciation Day
- Jan 12: National Kiss a Ginger Day
- Jan 13: National Clean Off Your Desk Day & National Rubber Ducky Day
- Jan 14: National Dress Up Your Pet Day
- Jan 17: National Popeye The Sailor Man Day
- Jan 18: National Winne The Pooh Day
- Jan 21: Squirrel Appreciation Day & National Hugging Day
- Jan 24: National Compliment Day & National Beer Can Appreciation Day
- Jan 27: National Chocolate Cake Day
- Jan 28: National Kazoo Day
- Jan 31: National Hot Chocolate Day