Some notes from around and about the Mirror newsroom to help keep you abreast of what we're doing and what we're trying to do:
If you read our story last Sunday "A family of survivors," here's an addendum worth telling.
The article recalled the tragedy in Altoona 35 years ago in which three family members - mother Cora Cordova and two of her daughters, Charlene Cordova and Ivy Irby - died in or after a fire that destroyed their home on Washington Avenue.
Six of the seven surviving family members convened here last weekend for the first time since the tragedy. Because they lived separately after the fire, they had never before talked about the details, at least not all together.
A couple mentioned that they thought neighbor Elton Futrell had notified the fire department.
It turns out Futrell did much more than that, information he willingly related after reading the story.
Futrell and his younger brother, Candy, were on their way to work Nov. 11, 1974, when Candy noticed the Cordovas' house was on fire.
He summoned Elton, who raced to the scene. Elton instructed Candy to pull the fire alarm that in those days hung on neighborhood telephone poles.
In the meantime, Elton heard Cora Cordova, who had jumped out the second-floor window, "hollering for help."
Candy quickly secured a blanket, and Elton hustled to the front of the house, "and that's when I heard the kids hollering from the window."
He started to go through the front door, but it was too hot, so he somehow climbed onto the roof above the porch.
Amy Cordova, 6, was handed out the window to him.
Two other sisters, Gina and Dolores, "were going to jump," but Elton kept them calm "because I could hear the fire trucks coming."
The story may be 35 years old, but the images have never been too far from Futrell.
"They grew up on the avenue as long as I did," he said. "Me and Steve Cordova were pretty good friends. I never forgot about it, and when I think about it, it brings tears to my eyes."
Mirror dad
Here's hoping you're enjoying the Mirror's monthly supplement "MirrorMoms.com" (and contributing to the blogs and interacting on the Web site).
A recent addition has been the debut of Scott Franco's column in which our versatile sports writer/page designer talks about being a husband and father of four in his typically candid, conversational fashion.
Mirror TV
Another new online feature is Mirror TV, a five-minute segment we plan to air weekly.
The first installment was an interview, which is archived, with veteran reporters Phil Ray and Kay Stephens on the high-profile local murder cases currently set for trial.
The second included Life staffers Barb Cowan and Jimmy Mincin concerning the Doobie Brothers' upcoming visit.
20 under 40
The Mirror's third 20 under 40 publication, recognizing 20 from Blair County and central Pennsylvania who have enhanced the quality of life here through business achievement and community commitment, will be published Oct. 27.
Nominations can be sent to: 20 under 40, P.O. Box 2008, Altoona, PA 16603. The deadline to nominate is Sept. 15.
Mirror Managing Editor Neil Rudel can be reached at 946-7527 or nrudel@altoonamirror.com.
