Mayor's Newsletter - June 2025

Men's Mental Health Awareness Month

June is designated as National Men's Mental Health Awareness Month. The newsletter highlights the "silent epidemic" of male depression and suicide, noting that men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women.

• Key Statistics: Over 6 million men in the U. S. experience depression symptoms annually, and nearly half feel more depressed than they admit to others.
• Barriers: Perceptions of weakness, fear of social disapproval, and cultural factors often prevent men from seeking help.
• Resources: Residents are encouraged to fight stigma and offer support without judgment. Resources include Heads Up Guys and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
• National PTSD Awareness Day: June 27th is observed; residents are urged to reach out to those who may be struggling.

Women Veterans Recognition Day 2025

June 12, 2025, marks the third year of celebrating Women Veterans Day in Pennsylvania. The day commemorates the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act on June 12, 1948.

• Event Details: The VA is hosting a celebration on Thursday, June 12th, from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
• Location: James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center (2907 Pleasant Valley Boulevard), on the front lawn near "The Wall That Heals. "
• Activities: The event will feature guest speakers, light refreshments, and information on VA and non-VA programs.
• Contact: For attendance details, contact VAMC Women’s Health at 814-943-8164, ext. 17186.

National Flag Week & Gospel Hill Flag

The week of June 8th is National Flag Week, with Flag Day falling on June 14th. This date also marks the 250th birthday of the United States Army.

• Gospel Hill Flag: A 30 ft x 60 ft American flag has been a landmark in Altoona since 1990. It is monitored and replaced by the Altoona Fire Department as needed.
• Community Celebration: On June 14th at 12:00 PM, the City of Altoona and the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation will honor the flag at Heritage Plaza.
• Ceremony Features: The event includes a guest speaker, a Proclamation from Mayor Matt Pacifico, the Altoona Community Band, and the Police and Fire Honor Guard. A hot dog lunch will be served by the Altoona Police and Fire Department.

St. Pölten, Austria - Sister City Update

The Sister City Committee is celebrating 25 years of partnership with St. Pölten, Austria, through two upcoming exchange events:

• October 2025: A high school student from St. Pölten (winner of the Youth Unlimited competition) will visit Altoona for 2-3 weeks, staying with a host family and attending the Altoona Area High School.
• April 2026: A group of 23 students and 6-8 adults from St. Pölten will visit Altoona for eight days, staying with host families and attending high school for 4-5 days.
• Support: The program is supported by Superintendent Brad Hatch and the Altoona Area School District.

Blair Senior Services AmeriCorps

Blair Senior Services is recruiting volunteers for their AmeriCorps Senior Program.

• Roles: Volunteers can serve as Foster Grandparents (working with children in schools/daycares) or Senior Companions (providing company to older adults).
• Requirements: Applicants must be age 55 or older.
• Benefits: Participants receive a tax-free stipend, paid time off/holidays, mileage reimbursement, and flexible scheduling.
• Contact: Call 814-946-1235 (ask for the Volunteer Program) or visit www. blairsenior. org.

BESC P Deb Stitt Memorial Golf Outing

The Blair Emergency Services Chaplain Platoon’s annual golf outing has been rescheduled.

• Date: July 25th, 2025
• Location: King’s Valley Golf Course
• Purpose: Proceeds benefit suicide awareness programs for first responders. The event honors Deb Stitt, a dedicated officer at Penn State who passed away in 2020.
• Registration: Visit the BESC P Facebook page (www. facebook. com/p/Blair-Emergency-Services-Chaplain-Platoon) for costs and registration.

The Month of June

The newsletter lists several notable dates in June:

• June 1: National Olive Day & National Say Something Nice Day
• June 2: National Leave The Office Early Day
• June 4: National Hug Your Cat Day
• June 6: D-Day (Anniversary)
• June 7: National Chocolate Ice Cream Day
• June 9: National Donald Duck Day
• June 11: National Corn on the Cob Day
• June 12: Birthday of Anne Frank (1929) & Women Veterans Recognition Day
• June 14: Flag Day & U. S. Army Birthday (250th Anniversary)
• June 17: National Apple Strudel Day & National Eat Your Vegetables Day
• June 20: National Take Your Dog To Work Day
• June 23: National PINK Day
• June 30: National Social Media Day