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Across the area

Skills to host workshop Jan. 16

Skills of Central Pennsylvania will host a free workshop “Raising Children with Disabilities” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 16. Lunch will be provided.

Skills is offering this workshop through support by the American Association of University Women of State College for parents of children with disabilities (including physical disabilities, behavioral health disabilities and intellectual disabilities) and professionals who offer support services.

Registration is available online at www.skillsofcentralpa.org or by calling Flora Marynak at 238-3245, ext. 326.

Photo society plans meetings

The ABC Photo Society meets at 7:15 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at the Hollidaysburg Area Public Library.

Anyone with an interest in photography is welcome to attend the meetings and join.

For more information, contact Brandon Hirt, president, at brandonhirtphoto@hotmail.com or visit http://abcps.club.

Upcoming meetings include:

Jan. 4 – A special photographic showing of the Curry Rail: building the first rail car from Holidaysburg in 10 years. The presenter is Ken Becker.

Jan. 19 -?Learning about lighting in photography

Feb. 1 – Abstract photography. The presenter is Eric Gaston.

Across the area

Coat drive concludes today at game

The 2015 annual Northern Blair County Kiwanis Club Coat Drive will conclude today at the championship game of the Reliance Bank Holiday Basketball Tournament.

Collection containers will be placed in the lobby of the Tyrone Area Senior High gymnasium during the tournament.

On Monday, Penn Cambria played Bellwood-Antis and Hollidaysburg played Tyrone. The consolation game is scheduled for 6 p.m. today and the championship game is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m. today.

All coats are appreciated and will be donated to those in need in the Northern Blair County community.

Both the coat drive and basketball tournament are community projects of the Northern Blair County Kiwanis Club.

Hollidaysburg Y plans ‘Burrr Plunge’

HOLLIDAYBURG – The Hollidaysburg Area YMCA will host the “Burrr Plunge & Too Chicken to Plunge” at 1 p.m. Jan. 9 at Canoe Creek State Park.

Participants can take a quick dip in the freezing water of Canoe Creek State Park to raise funds for the YMCA Annual Appeal Campaign.

The campaign is devoted to giving back to the community by making sure everyone; regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

For $50 in pledges, attendees can participate in the plunge and get plunge gear. The more money raised, the more plunge gear will be awarded.

The “Too Chicken to Plunge” event will be a $25 minimum to participate. For more information, call the YMCA at 695-4467 or download a registration form from www.HollidaysburgAreaYMCA.org.

Council plans watercolor workshop

HOLLIDAYSBURG – The Hollidaysburg Area Arts Council will conduct an art workshop, “Watercolor Mosaics,” from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 19, 20 and 21 at the Hollidaysburg Area Junior High School.

The teacher will be Barbara Wertz-Leiden.

The class is limited to 10 participants. The fee of $30 will hold your space.

To register, call Christine Liebal at 696-4226.

Across the area

Faith plans Christmas Eve service

Faith Baptist Church of Altoona, 315 40th St., will hold its Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m. today.

Country Traditions to perform Jan. 9

ALUM BANK – The Alum Bank Community Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary will host the band Country Traditions from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Jan. 9. Admission $5 per person.

The kitchen will open at 5:30 p.m. The event is smoke- and alcohol-free.

For more information, call 839-2358 or visit www

.facebook.com/AlumBankFireCompanyAux.

Contra dance set for Jan. 15

STATE COLLEGE -?The Central Pennsylvania Country Dance Association will sponsor Contra Dances from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Jan. 15 and Feb. 19 at the State College Friends School, 1900 University Drive, State College.

There will be live music. No partner or experience is needed.

For more information, call 880-0338, or visit https:

//sites.google.com/site/cpcdapublic/home.

Across the area

The Arc offers sculpting class

The Arc of Blair County is offering a special program on sculpting. Participants will create necklaces and key chains from the beginning, starting from resin molds to a finished, painted project.

This class is open to the public for $10 and will include all materials and refreshments.

It is a three-part series at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 5, 12 and 19.

The class will be taught by Cortney Turkal, an art graduate from Ohio.

To register, call The Arc at 946-1011.

AAHS plans alumni gymnast event

Altoona Area High School alumni gymnasts are invited to attend the 2016 AAHS Alumni Gymnastics Recognition to be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 4 at the AAHS Fieldhouse when the Lady Lion gymnasts face Waynesboro.

This event is being organized by AAHS senior gymnast Miranda Stouffer as part of her senior project focusing on the benefits of student involvement in extracurricular activities.

A special recognition of alumni gymnasts will be held at the end of the meet.

For more information or to obtain a registration form go to www.aasdcat.com or email AAHSGymnasticsAlumni@gmail.com. Participants must register by Dec. 31.

Across the area

Association for Blind receives grant

The Blair/Clearfield Association for the Blind received a grant for $9,311.79 from the Ronald McDonald House Charities, Mid-Penn Region Inc. for its Preschool Prevention of Blindness Program.

The grant will be used to purchase a Spot Screener.

The Spot Screener provides a quick and non-invasive screening for ages 6 months and up with accurate results that are easy to understand.

Spot Screener instantly detects the indication of major vision issues, including anisometropia (unequal refractive power), hyperopia (farsightedness), strabismus (eye misalignment), myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism (blurred vision) and anisocoria (pupil size deviations).

A printout is provided in an effort to encourage parents and caregivers to follow-up with an eye care professional.

To schedule a preschool vision screening in Blair or Clearfield County, contact BCAB at 944-2021, bcab1@verizon.net or 300 Fifth Ave., Altoona, PA 16602.

SFU to start chapter of Sideline Cancer

LORETTO – The Colleges against Cancer (CAC) student organization at Saint Francis University recently announced a new initiative for the university, focusing more on cancer awareness and advocacy.

This new initiative is bringing a Sideline Cancer chapter to Saint Francis University, making Saint Francis the first university to have a collegiate chapter. By starting this collegiate chapter, the hope is to raise funds for members of the Saint Francis University community who might have cancer or are caring for a relative or friend who has cancer.

This new initiative will take the place of the annual Relay For Life.

Sideline Cancer was founded by the Greg and Cathy Griffith Family Foundation, which has local roots in Hollidaysburg. The foundation focuses on cancer awareness; connecting patients, families and communities; offering hope; and funding a cure.

The foundation began after Greg Griffith was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic and liver cancer and passed away after losing his 19-month battle.

Cathy Griffith, his wife, along with their two sons, continue the foundation, awareness and advocacy.

In addition to being the first university to have a Sideline Cancer chapter, Sideline Cancer also has close roots with Saint Francis University.

Associate professor of communications, Brent Ottaway, knows the Griffith family well. In fact, as Cathy Griffith said, “Brent’s children Luke and Amanda were the spark that ignited this entire journey to Sideline Cancer! It was two young college students (Amanda and Luke Ottaway) that offered Greg hope in our darkest hour. Over the course of these past four years, it was a collaborative effort of many students that created Sideline Cancer.”

Saint Francis University’s collegiate chapter of Sideline Cancer – the first university in the country to have such – will officially kick off on Jan. 16 at the men’s and women’s basketball games.

For more information, visit www.francis.edu

/sideline-cancer-15.

Greenwood Furnace sets First Day Hike

HUNTINGDON -?Greenwood Furnace State Park will hold its First Day Hike at noon Jan. 1 at the Blacksmith Shop near the park office.

This 5-mile loop with about 800 feet of elevation gain leaves Greenwood Furnace along the Monsell Trail, meanders through a mature oak forest along Lorence trail, then summits the Stone Mountain Ridge on Turkey Trail – showcasing the fine stone work of the Standing Stone Trail Club.

Once on the ridge top, participants will walk along the Standing Stone Trail to the Stone Valley Vista, looking back on Greenwood Furnace and taking snack/picture break, then proceed north on the SST back to the trailhead at the park. Depending on snow conditions, this hike should take three to four hours.

There is no minimum age for children, but child hikers need to be prepared to finish the loop. Pets on a leash are welcome. Take water and snacks.

More information about this and other park programs can be found at www.facebook.com

/greenwoodfurn or www.visitPAparks.com.

Across the area

Holiday Family Fun Night is Saturday

TIPTON – A Holiday Family Fun Night will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Northern Blair County Recreation Center.

There is no charge for admission. The event is sponsored by the Rec Center and Operation Our Town.

Elementary/middle school students and their families are invited to attend.

Manning Photography will host pictures with Santa from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Families also will be able to participate in Christmas crafts and cookie decorating.

The Tyrone-Snyder Public Library will host “Listen to a Christmas Story.”

The Family Fun Night will conclude with a holiday movie. Families are encouraged to take a blanket and pillows for the movie.

For more information call the Rec Center at 742-9500.

Across the area

Library names artist of the month

Edie Snyder has been recognized as the Altoona Area Public Library’s December Artist of the Month.

Snyder has been using spare time and imagination to create a variety of art her entire life.

She said most of the art she creates stems from the depths of her soul. Every piece of her art has layers of emotions delicately placed within, which gives each piece a quirky and personal element. Snyder said she fell in love with art at the age of 7 and has been creating it ever since.

Snyder works at FedEx and lives in Altoona with her husband, Mike, and three children.

Her artwork will be on display during regular library hours throughout the month of December.

Mount Aloysius plans open house

CRESSON – The Mount Aloysius College enrollment management team are arranging giveaways and organizing information for an open house scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday.

Frank Crouse, vice president of enrollment management, urges students and parents to register early for the open house.

“This is the best opportunity to get a comprehensive look at Mount Aloysius,” he said. “Join us to see the campus, meet the faculty and students and get questions answered face-to-face. We’re all looking forward to meeting you.”

For more information or to register, contact the admissions office at 888-823-2220 or admissions

@mtaloy.edu. Online registration can be completed at www.mtaloy.edu/admissions.

The admissions office is open from 8:30 a.m. to

5 p.m. daily.

Y?to host ‘Cookies, Crafts, Singing’

HOLLIDAYSBURG -?The Hollidaysburg Area YMCA?will host “Cookies,?Crafts and Singing with Santa” from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday.

All ages are invited to welcome the holiday season by attending a special Y-Nite event for the whole family. Enjoy listening and dancing to music by The Jack Servello Family.

This December family Y-Nite kicks off the holiday season with decorating cookies, balloon art, face painting, Bricks4Kids and creating Christmas crafts and ornaments.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be joining the festivities and participants can get a free family picture to take home. Other activities include swimming and a light dinner.

Admission is $5 for members and $7 for nonmembers.?Parents can attend for free.

Y-Nite is sponsored by Operation Our Town and the Nazareth Family Foundation.

For more information, call the YMCA at 695-4467 or visit www.HollidaysburgAreaYMCA.org.

Ballroom group to dance Saturday

STATE COLLEGE -?The Central Pennsylvania Ballroom Dance Association will hold a dance from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the State College Friends School, 1900 University Drive Extension.

Music will be provided by The Headliners.

For more information, call 234-6047.

Breakfast with Santa is Saturday

LILLY -?Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 136 Hilltop Road, will host a Breakfast with Santa on Saturday.

There will be two seatings: one from 8 to 9:30 a.m., then one from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

The cost is $5 for children ages 5 and younger and $8 for adults and children older than 5; infants are free. A picture with Santa is included in the cost.

For more information, call 886-4904.

Pittsburgh festivals to merge in 2016

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival and The Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival merge into one Festival.

In 2016, the festivals will be held March 4, 5 and 6 at the David Lawrence Convention Center’s Spirit of Pittsburgh Ballroom in order to accommodate rapid growth and interest and to fully embrace all forms of fiber art and art crafts.

At most Maker’s Faires, vendors sell their handmade and homemade wares in a marketplace.

At the Pittsburgh Creative Arts and Knit and Crochet Festival, classes are offered teaching people to make the item they sell at Maker’s Faires, Handmade Arcade and I Made it Markets, and regional crafts and Arts Fairs.

Featuring more than 110 classes in knitting, crochet, weaving, spinning, needle felting, wet felting, sewing, quilting, embroidery, rug hooking, basketry, surface design, paper crafts, scrapbooking, beading and jewelry making, pottery, glasswork and more, people are taught the old-time techniques oftentimes with a new spin on them.

Recycled materials, felting techniques, sewing, knitting, weaving, crocheting edges, incorporating various materials and using surface design to make wearables, are all an expanding field, and the festival will grow to accommodate the ever-changing field of the Creative and Fiber Arts.

Across the area

Hollidaysburg Christmas tour set

HOLLIDAYSBURG?- Historic Hollidaysburg Inc. will hold its 27th Annual Candlelight Christmas Tour from 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 13.

Cost for the self-guided tour and refreshments at the US Hotel is $10.

The tour features nine properties, an historic home with a new gift shop, circa 1840s home of Stacey Parris, The Mimosa Courtyard Inn Bed and Breakfast, the Homestead of Tom and Beth Neely and the Yellow Springs Farm.

Shops included are Stuff Unique Antiques, Finds Furniture Consignments and Tony’s Estate Services and Antiques.

Tickets can be purchased at the Historic House the day of the event or any of the above businesses ahead of time. Call 696-0313.

Zumba class supports voucher program

The Zumba class at ProCare Fitness in Altoona raised funds to support the Breast Cancer Voucher Program at Tyrone Regional Health Network’s Breast Cancer & Women’s Health Institute.

Certified Zumba instructor Ellen Fiore organized a Zumbathon that was held at the Altoona ProCare facility on Oct 17 during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Twenty Zumbathon participants danced for more than two hours and raised $400 to support the Breast Cancer Voucher Program.

The Breast Cancer Voucher Program helps area women with breast cancer by providing support to help with the financial burdens that confront them when battling this terrible disease. The program is funded completely through charitable contributions.

Fiore, a six-year breast cancer survivor, said she knows firsthand what women experience when battling breast cancer.

Individuals, groups or organizations who would like to help area women with breast cancer by making a donation to the BCWHI Breast Cancer Voucher Program may contact Lannette Johnston at (814) 682-1800 or via e-mail at ljohnston@tyronehospital.org.

Grief seminar set for Wednesday

HOLLIDAYSBURG – GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays seminar will be held 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Chapel at Presbyterian Village at Hollidaysburg, 220 Newry St.

The seminar is encouraging for people facing the holidays after a loved one’s death. It features video interviews with counselors, grief experts and other people who have experienced the holidays after their loved one’s death and who offer practical suggestions and reassurance.

For more information call Chaplain Mary Jo Bruinooge at 814-693-4048 or email mbrinooge@psl.org. Registration is suggested.

Across the Area

Festival of Trees continues today

HUNTINGDON?-?The Festival of Trees continues today and Sunday, with tours through three historic buildings decorated with themed Christmas trees, garlands and other decorations.

Tours of the McMurtrie House, the Huntingdon County Historical Society Exhibit Gallery and the Huntingdon County Library are self-guided.

Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

This event is sponsored by the Standing Stone Garden Club and the Huntingdon County Historical Society.

Church hosting Festival of Song

HUNTINGDON?-?The Huntingdon Presbyterian Church, 508 Mifflin St., will host the Festival of Song at 7 p.m. today, with an evening filled with live Christmas music.

For more information, call the church at 643-1302.

State park sets open house

HUNTINGDON?-?Greenwood Furnace State Park, 15795 Greenwood Road, is inviting the public to a special holiday open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the visitor center.

Horse-drawn carriage rides will be held, weather permitting, and visitors can craft old-fashioned holiday ornaments.

Children also can visit with a Victorian Santa Claus. The Victorian Christmas tree will be decorated with many traditional ornaments of the 19th century.

Light refreshments will be available, including homemade cookies and hot spiced apple cider.

For more information, call Greenwood Furnace State Park at 667-1800.

Gage Mansion holding Christmas tea

HUNTINGDON – Gage Mansion, 317 Penn St., will host a Christmas tea at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Visitors can enjoy a selection of fine teas, savory sandwiches, soup and treats.

The cost is $20 per person, and reservations are recommended.

To reserve, call 506-8411 or email innkeeper@gagemansion.com.

UPMC Altoona hosts menorah lighting

UPMC Altoona will mark the start of Hanukkah with the lighting of a menorah at 10 a.m. Monday in the lobby of the hospital, 620 Howard Ave., Altoona.

Also called the Jewish Festival of Lights, the eight-day festival remembers the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees after their victory over the Syrians.

The menorah lighting will be hosted by the pastoral care department and Rabbi Josh Wohl of Agudith Achem Synogogue, Altoona.

Shavers Creek offers kids program

PETERSBURG?-?Toddlers and Pre-K children, with an accompanying adult, are welcome to attend Kids Korner at Shavers Creek Environmental Center, 3400 Discovery Road, from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday.

Kids’ Corner is a fun way to explore nature with young children at Shavers Creek Environmental Center. Activities include nature-based crafts, stories, lessons and games, both inside and outside the center, so come dressed for the weather.

For more information, call 863-2000.

Auxiliary sponsors new book sale

EVERETT?- The UPMC Bedford Memorial Auxiliary presents “Books Are Fun,” a new book sale that also will include unique gifts for purchase.

The sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday in the lobby of UPMC Bedford Memorial, 10455 Lincoln Highway.

This event is open to the public. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted.

Lunch series examines auto history

HUNTINGDON – The 4 and More Cultural District Lunch and Learn series will be held at noon Dec. 14 at noon at the Huntingdon County Historical Society, corner of 4th and Allegheny Streets.

Pat Swigart and Marge Cutright will talk about automobile history.

There will be holiday treats provided by 4 and More Cultural District, and visitors can bring their own lunch.

For more information contact The Huntingdon Arts Council at 643-6220.

Bricktown hosting ‘Whobilation’

MOUNT?UNION?- The public is invited to the first Bricktown “Whobilation” at the Bricktown Events, 28 West Shirley St., from Dec. 17 to 20.

This event is sure to be magical from the arrival of the Grinch to the last can of Who Hash.

For more information, call 506-6033.

Weight loss group holds open house

HOLLIDAYSBURG – Hollidaysburg Chapter 0379 of Take Off Pounds Sensibly will hold an open house Jan. 7 in the basement of Zion Lutheran Church, Allegheny St.

Weigh-in will be from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by the meeting from 6:15 to 7 p.m.

Members pay a yearly registration fee of $32, and monthly dues are $3.

A free TOPS magazine is also sent to those who join.

TOPS is a support group for children (7 years or older), teens, women and men who are struggling to lose weight. There are no contracts to sign.

For more information, call Mary at 695-3599, or Eileen at 934-9139.

Across the Area

NARVRE gathering on Wednesday

DUNCANSVILLE – The National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees will hold its regular monthly meeting at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Prime Sirloin Buffet.

NARVRE is the only chartered national organization whose sole purpose is the protection of railroad pension rights. All retired, veteran and present railroad employees (or widows) of any craft are invited to an informal meeting of NARVRE, Unit 173, Altoona.

For more information, call Bob Passarell, unit president, at 979-3584.

Theater group staging ‘Gospel’

CLAYSBURG – The Claysburg Area Community Theatre group will stage a production of “Cotton Patch Gospel.”

The show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Claysburg-Kimmel High School auditorium.

Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors over 65 and can be purchased from cast members, at the C&S Market in Claysburg, by calling 239-5373 or at the door each evening.

Tickets are not reserved.

Museum hosting?Santa Claus

A Quaint Corner Children’s Museum, 2000 Union Ave. in Altoona, will host Santa Claus from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Along with Santa’s visit, there will be stories and songs, refreshments and cookie decorating. The museum will also be open for playtime.

General admission is $4. Member admission is $3.

Sons of American Revolution to meet

The quarterly meeting of the Frontier Patriots Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will be held at King’s Family Restaurant, 3001 6th Ave., at noon on Saturday.

The Frontier Patriots Chapter includes Bedford, Blair, Clearfield and Huntingdon counties.

All current Frontier Patriots Chapter members are invited to attend, as well as any male who may be interested in joining the Sons of the American Revolution. Men who can trace their ancestry to an individual who supported the American cause in the Revolution are eligible for membership.

SFU holding Sensitive Santa event

LORETTO?- On Saturday, children with sensory or other special needs will be able to enjoy the tradition of sitting on Santa Claus’ lap and telling him what you want for Christmas with their families – without the bright lights, loud noises and long lines – as Saint Francis University hosts its fourth annual Sensitive Santa event.

Time slots can be reserved in 15-minute increments, beginning at 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Families arriving early can visit the sensory transition room before visiting Santa. Milk and cookies, with the options of gluten or casein-free cookies or soy milk, will also be shared with families.

Parents and caregivers are invited to bring their cameras.

Families also can visit the toy library before leaving Saint Francis.

To learn more about the event or RSVP, visit www.sfusensitivesanta.com.

Any questions regarding the event can be forwarded to Amy Hudkins at ahudkins@francis.edu or 472-2792.

Craft show set at Myers Elementary

BELLWOOD?-?There will be a craft show on Saturday at the Myers Elementary School, sponsored by the Berky Bunch Relay for Life Team.

It will begin at 9 a.m. and run until 4 p.m.

This show will feature a huge variety of crafts and food vendors, along with some very special activities for the kids. Activities include visits and photos with Santa and Santa’s Secret Workshop, where parents can help kids make a shopping list and the kids will then be paired with a shopping buddy to assist them with their shopping. There will also be a wrapping station for them.

There will also be a card-making station for kids to make cards to either take home or to send to children at St. Jude’s Hospital or the Hope Lodge.

The event and special activities are free to attend.

This event benefits the Berky Bunch Relay For Life Team of the Relay For Life of Northern Blair.

Beekeepers to meet on Sunday

EBENSBURG?- The Cambria-Clearfield-Blair County Beekeepers will meet at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Penn?State Extension office, 499 Manor Drive.

This will be the club’s Christmas social.

You do not need to be a beekeeper to attend.

For more information, call 472-7637 or visit the club’s website at www.ccbee.org.

Historical society sets events

EVERETT – The Bloody Run Historical Society has announced its December activities.

The society will meet at 1 p.m. today at the Everett Railroad Museum to decorate for the Everett children’s Christmas party. Bring money for pizza, a drink and any decorations you can spare for a day.

The party will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec 13 at the museum. All Everett-area kids are invited to attend free and enjoy games, crafts and the reading room.

The dairy princess will also be there with cookies and milk. Other activities include face painting, music, a walk through the caboose and lots of candy and goodies.

The museum is closed until April except for the party on Dec. 13th.

Starting at $2.99/week.

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