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Garfield Park shows partnership works

Four years ago, our Blair County Pickleball Club was given by the City of Altoona and the Blair Rec Commission two abandoned tennis courts in the back of Garfield Park to be used for the conversion to six new pickleball courts. All we had to do was privately raise the funds to pursue this new court construction. Over the course of four months, over $90,000 was raised and in June 2022, we dedicated our new courts. As a follow-up gesture, the City and Rec Commission subsequently procured DCNR funds to build walking trails surrounding these courts, renovate the existing pavilion, install ...

GOP party loyalty needs re-evaluated

I know our district is deep Trump country, but hear me out, because many of us are tired of the chaos. The drama between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has me convinced we need a new way forward. Musk (an American citizen) isn’t perfect. You don’t have to like the A.I. nonsense, his ego or his salutes, but he’s an innovator. Trump (with all his flaws) had some good instincts, but his “Big Beautiful Bill” was the last straw. Republican politicians know better, but they keep nodding along, terrified of MAGA rage. We deserve a party that stands for something, not just whatever ...

Future of America a horrifying thought

Think of the United States of America as that big, beautiful blimp, the Hindenburg airship in 1937, admired by everyone looking up to it everywhere it passed. The whole world admired the innovation and accomplishment it had come to represent. A spark ignited the gases that kept the big, beautiful blimp aloft and it was destroyed, along with more than half of the people aboard. The big ugly destructive Republican budget bill is like the spark that started the fire that destroyed the Hindenburg. The structure is consumed and no longer supports the lives of the people dependent on it. ...

Deporting cheaper than Alligator Alcatraz

Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t President Donald Trump run on deporting all illegal migrants “by the thousands?” If that was his agenda, why are we setting up places like Alligator Alcatraz? With the money used to open, and keep the migrants here, he could have deported them. That whole thing is a slap in the face of those who migrated here legally. Why spend all that money, time, and energy to keep them here? I truly believe our government, both sides of the aisle included, doesn’t have enough brain power to tie their own shoes, starting with the White House down ...

Heros can be found in many places

The Altoona High School class 1963 will celebrate their 80th birthdays on Aug. 2. The Friday before, a group of graduates will get together at Finelli’s Italian Villa. When I come home, I like to go to Finelli’s; it is so friendly and hospitable. Growing up I really didn’t know Frank Finelli since he is younger. He told me once that when he played football for Roosevelt the ’62 football team were his heroes. It never entered my mind that we were heroes. Looking back, I do remember that the older players at the high school were also my hero’s when I played for Roosevelt. ...

Community support makes Altoona special

On behalf of the Blair Regional YMCA Race Team, we want to express our gratitude for the incredible community support of the 52nd running of the Angie Gioiosa Memorial 4th of July Race. Your enthusiasm, encouragement and kindness created a truly special atmosphere for the runners, walkers, volunteers and spectators. From cheering on participants to offering helping hands, hoses and smiles, your support played a vital role in the success of the event. We are especially grateful to local residents, businesses, public safety officials, sponsors and volunteers who went above and beyond ...