Mayor's Newsletter - November 2024

City of Altoona Veterans Day Parade

The City of Altoona will host its 2024 Veterans Day Parade on Monday, November 11th.

• Parade Details: The parade begins at 10:30 AM in Downtown Altoona. It will form at 8th Avenue & 17th Street at 10:00 AM and proceed to 12th Avenue, down to 12th Street, to 11th Avenue, ending at 16th Street.
• Post-Parade Service: A service will follow at the Robert E. Laws Veterans Mall (11th Avenue and 14th Street).
• Guest Speaker: David McCallay, Chief of Security at Van Zandt Medical Center and a U. S. Army Veteran.
• Performers: The Altoona Area High School Chorus will perform.
• Veterans Transportation: Amtran is providing a bus for veterans to ride in the parade. To be included, contact Commander Michael McDonough at 814-329-8472.

Salvation Army Kettle Volunteers

The newsletter highlights the critical need for volunteers for the Red Kettle Campaign.

• Purpose: Funds provide food, shelter, and essentials to neighbors in need during the holidays.
• How to Help: Residents can register as individuals or groups via www. RegisterToRing. com.
• Impact: The local Salvation Army provides Thanksgiving and Christmas aid to hundreds of families.

Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 30th is designated as Small Business Saturday.

• Call to Action: Residents are encouraged to shop at local, independently owned retailers and restaurants.
• Local Variety: The City of Altoona features a wide range of businesses, including coffee shops, breweries, clothing stores, and home services.
• National Context: Small businesses make up 99% of firms in the U. S. and employ over 46% of the private sector workforce.
• Resources: A list of local businesses can be found at www. blairchamber. com.

2024 Ugly Sweater 5K and 2 Mile Walk

The Blair County Emergency Chaplain Platoon (BSECP) is hosting a race to benefit the Peer 2 Peer Program, which supports emergency services families.

• Date: Saturday, December 7th.
• Location: Heritage Plaza in downtown Altoona.
• Schedule: The 5K begins at 9:00 AM; the 2-mile Walk begins at 9:05 AM.
• Registration: Pre-registration is $26 until November 30th. Race day registration will cost more.
• Registration Link: www. runsignup. com/Race/PA/Altoona/UglyChristmasSweaterFunRun5K

Arts Altoona Christkindl Market

Arts Altoona is presenting its second annual German-style Christmas market.

• Date: Saturday, November 23rd.
• Time: 12 PM to 5 PM.
• Location: Unter Uns Society, 1401 Van Buren Avenue, Altoona.
• Admission: $5 for ages 12 and over.
• Features: Over 20 local vendors, food booths (bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, glühwein), and all-day music and dance presentations.

November Observances & Fun Facts

The newsletter concludes with a list of awareness months and special days in November:

• Awareness Months: Diabetes, Adoption, Alzheimer’s, Lung Disease, and Hunger.
• Key Dates:
  • Nov 16: MADD "Tie One On For Safety" Campaign begins.
  • Nov 21: American Lung Association’s "Great American Smoke-Out. "
• Special Days: Includes National Cinnamon Day (Nov 1), National Candy Day (Nov 4), Mickey Mouse’s Birthday (Nov 18), and National Cashew Day (Nov 23).