Altoona

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Mayor's Newsletter - September 2025

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National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is designated as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The goal of this observance is to change public perception, spread hope, and provide vital information to families and individuals affected by suicide.

  • Resources: The 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline is available 24/7 by calling 988 or texting HOME to 741741.
  • Campaign: The "BeThe1To" campaign encourages action from everyone. More information is available at 988lifeline. org.
  • Community Event: The Blair County Suicide Prevention Group is hosting the 2025 "Out Of The Darkness" Community Walk on Sunday, September 14th at Lakemont Park in Altoona.
    • Time: On-site registration begins at 10:00 AM; the walk begins at 11:00 AM.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Activities: Information tables, a Loss and Healing tent, honor beads, merchandise, and kids' activities.
    • Registration: Advance registration is available at afspwalks. donordrive. com/Blair.

Underground Railroad Month

September is recognized as Underground Railroad Month in several states, including Pennsylvania. The document highlights the local area's role in this history:

  • The Allegheny Portage Railroad was part of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, a route used by those escaping slavery.
  • Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Altoona is documented as an Underground Railroad Station.
  • The Baker Mansion History Museum has a dedicated exhibit on the subject.

WISE Women Grant & Scholarship Opportunities

Applications are currently being accepted for scholarships and grants through WISE Women of Blair County.

Scholarships (Deadline: Friday, September 26th, 2025)

  • Eligibility: Blair County female residents, age 21 or older, who have overcome adversity or discrimination and are seeking post-secondary education.
  • Donna G. Gority Scholarship: Focuses on women with aspirations in domestic/substance abuse, child abuse, teen pregnancy, and mental illness.
  • Application: Available at wisewomenofblaircounty. org or by emailing info@wisewomenofblaircounty. org.

Grants for Nonprofits (Deadline: Friday, October 24th, 2025)

  • Grant Name: Empowering Women and Eliminating Racism.
  • Eligibility: Tax-exempt charitable organizations under Section 501(c)(3) or public charities with a 50% deductibility limitation.
  • Focus: Projects addressing these issues through collaboration, service, and education.
  • Period: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026.

Save a Life Day

The Blair County Drug and Alcohol Overdose Prevention Task Force is joining organizations nationwide for Save A Life Day.

  • Date: September 25th, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
  • Activity: Individuals and businesses will host stations to distribute Narcan (a medication that reverses opioid overdoses) along with education.
  • Locations: A map of stations is available at tinyurl. com/bdeckc83.

PA CareerLink® Community Resource Fair

PA CareerLink® of Blair County will host a fair to connect citizens with housing, utility support, family services, mental health resources, and veterans' services.

  • Date: Thursday, September 17th.
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
  • Location: Ground Floor of the Altoona Area Public Library (1600 5th Avenue).
  • Details: The event is free and open to the public. Parlor Doughnuts will be on site from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
  • Registration: Advance registration is encouraged at forms. gle/t4CWUhgmW4L2vvqM6. Contact PA CareerLink at 814-569-1066 for more info.

Walk To End Alzheimer’s

The 2025 Walk To End Alzheimer’s is scheduled for Saturday, September 27th at the Altoona Curve (1000 Park Avenue).

  • Registration: Free. Same-day registration begins at 9:00 AM; opening ceremonies begin at 10:00 AM.
  • Online Registration: act. alz. org/site/TR? sid=23932&type=fr_informational&pg=informational.
  • Context: Nearly seven million people in the US live with Alzheimer’s, and the cost of care is estimated at $384 billion in 2025.

September Calendar of Events

  • Sept 2: National Blueberry Popsicle Day
  • Sept 4: National Wildlife Day & National Macadamia Nut Day
  • Sept 5: National Food Bank Day
  • Sept 7: National Grandparents Day
  • Sept 8: Star Trek Day
  • Sept 9: National Wienerschnitzel Day & National Teddy Bear Day
  • Sept 11: Patriot Day / National Day of Service and Remembrance
  • Sept 12: National Chocolate Milkshake Day
  • Sept 16: National Play Doh Day
  • Sept 20: National Pepperoni Pizza Day
  • Sept 22: National Hobbit Day
  • Sept 25: National Comic Book Day & National Quesadilla Day
  • Sept 26: National Pancake Day
  • Sept 29: National VFW Day

Upcoming Event: 2025 Labor Day Parade

  • Date: Saturday, August 30th (Note: Listed under September newsletter but scheduled for late August).
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
  • Route: Begins at Chestnut Avenue and 11th Street, proceeds to 9th Street, onto Green Avenue, then 12th Street, onto 11th Avenue to 15th Street.
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