Altoona

Pennsylvania

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Mayor's Newsletter - November 2025

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City of Altoona Veterans Day Parade

The City of Altoona will host its 2025 Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday, November 11th.

  • Parade Route: The parade will form at 8th Avenue & 17th Street at 10:00 AM. It will move to 12th Avenue, down to 12th Street, to 11th Avenue, and end at 16th Street.
  • Service: A service will follow the parade at the Robert E. Laws Veterans Mall (11th Avenue and 14th Street).
  • Speakers: Command Sergeant Major Joseph Keirn will be the keynote speaker, and the Altoona Area High School Ensemble will perform. Mayor Pacifico will also issue a proclamation.
  • Note: Residents are encouraged to stay for the service to honor veterans.

Salvation Army Kettle Volunteers

The newsletter highlights the critical role of volunteer bell ringers for the Salvation Army's holiday fundraising. Last year, the organization assisted 2,400 individuals with food, shelter, and essentials.

  • How to Volunteer: Residents can register at www. RegisterToRing. com as an individual or group.
  • Impact: Funds support year-round services, including winter warming centers and assistance at local fire scenes.

ArtsAltoona Christkindl Market

ArtsAltoona is holding its third annual German-style holiday market.

  • Date: Saturday, November 22nd.
  • Time: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
  • Location: Unter Uns Musical and Entertainment Society, 1401 Van Buren Avenue, Altoona.
  • Features: Live music, dance, local artisan vendors, and traditional German food (bratwurst, sauerkraut, potato pancakes, pretzels with beer cheese, and glühwein).
  • Admission: $5 for anyone age 12 and over. The event is outdoors rain or shine.

Greater Altoona Career & Technology Open House

The Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center (GACTC) is hosting an open house.

  • Date: Tuesday, November 18th.
  • Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
  • Location: GACTC, 1500 4th Avenue.
  • Details: Visitors can see classrooms, equipment, and learn about 25 different certification fields, secondary/post-secondary enrollments, and early exposure programs for younger students.

Small Business Saturday

November 29th is designated as Small Business Saturday to support local, independently owned retailers and restaurants.

  • Local Businesses: The City of Altoona features a wide range of small businesses, including coffee shops, breweries, office supply stores, clothing stores, and home services.
  • National Context: Small businesses make up 99% of firms with paid employees in the U. S.
  • Resources: A list of local businesses can be found at www. blairchamber. com.

2025 Ugly Sweater 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk

Registration is open for the Blair County Emergency Chaplain Platoon (BSECP) Ugly Sweater 5K Race.

  • Date: Saturday, December 6th.
  • Time: The 5K begins at 9:00 AM; the 2-mile walk begins at 9:10 AM.
  • Location: Heritage Plaza in downtown Altoona.
  • Cost: $26 for the 5K Run or 2 Mile Walk.
  • Registration: Visit www. runsignup. com/Race/PA/Altoona/UglyChristmasSweaterFunRun5K.
  • Beneficiary: Proceeds benefit the Peer 2 Peer Program of the BCESP, supporting emergency services personnel and their families.
  • Post-Event: Attendees are invited to stay for the Spirit of Christmas Parade and Party in the Plaza.

Learn About Your City: Codes & Inspections Department

This month's "Learn About Your City" section highlights the Codes and Inspections Department.

  • Role: The department administers Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code and the International Property Maintenance Code.
  • Staff: A staff of 11 (including 9 certified employees) interacts daily with residents, property owners, and contractors.
  • Permits: All residential building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits are handled by the City’s Building Inspector. Commercial permits are handled by contracted agencies.
  • Code Enforcement: Officers identify property maintenance violations (structural issues, overgrowth, trash) and enforce the residential rental program to ensure safety codes and habitability standards are met.
  • Goal: To assist residents in correcting issues and improving neighborhood appearance, safety, and livability.

Job Fair Success

PA CareerLink® Blair County recently held a successful job fair on October 14th.

  • Attendance: 447 attendees, including 24 veterans.
  • Employers: 92 employers participated.
  • Outcomes: Over 1,300 prospect conversations, 37 on-site interviews, 405 scheduled follow-up interviews, and 26 job offers made on the spot.
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