Across the area

VFW plans military food share, dance

The monthly Military Food Share distribution at the Duncansville VFW Auxiliary 8724 will be held on Monday, Sept. 8, beginning at 11 a.m.

This is for all active military, veterans and widows or widowers of veterans living in Blair County. A military ID, DD214 or VA card and photo ID are required. Enter from Dunnings Highway/Newry Lane and line up on Turek Drive. Food shares are held on the second Monday of each month.

The VFW and its auxiliary wishes to thank all the volunteers and local businesses for helping to keep this program going.

Also this month, a dance will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at the post. The band Half Tempted will perform. There is a $5 cover charge. The dance is open to the public. The doors will open at 3 p.m. when Vet22 begins wing sales. Wing sales will continue until they are sold out.

Retired Chamber CEO to be recognized

Joe Hurd, retired CEO of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce, is the recipient of the Kiwanis Club of Altoona’s 2025 Distinguished Citizen of the Year award.

The award was established in 1999 and is given in recognition of a person who was born, raised, moved to or lives in the Altoona area and made major contributions to the betterment of society, and who significantly advanced the Altoona area through endeavors in the commonwealth, nation or worldwide.

Hurd will receive the award at the Kiwanis Club of Altoona’s Installation and Awards Banquet on Sept. 24 at the Blair County Convention Center.

Anyone who would like to attend the event can email Karen Terrill at kterr220@hotmail.com or Scott Gottshall at sgottshall@reliancebank.com or call 814-696-7988. The deadline for reservations is Sept. 16.

The Kiwanian of the Year will also be presented to a member of the club who distinguished themselves with exceptional work and service to the club.

Auditions set for ‘On Golden Pond’

The Tyrone Community Players will hold auditions for its production of “On Golden Pond” at 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Sept. 14 and 15, at 1019 Logan Ave., Tyrone.

Production dates are Nov. 14 and 15.

For further information, call 814-684-2782.

Country Traditions to perform Sept. 13

The Alum Bank Community Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary will present the band Country Traditions from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13.

Admission is $5 per person. The kitchen will open at 5 p.m. It is a smoke- and alcohol-free atmosphere.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com

/AlumBankFireCompanyAux.

Hollidaysburg Farm Show is Sept. 15-18

The 88th Hollidaysburg Community Farm Show will be held Sept 15-18 at the Hollidaysburg Area Senior High Sports Building on Montgomery Street.

Special events include:

Contests for adults and children Tuesday through Thursday.

Tuesday: 3 to 7 p.m. Penn State Master Canner with onsite gauge testing available.

3 to 7 p.m. “Ask the Master Gardener”

Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Ask the Master Gardener.”

4:30 p.m. The Golden Tiger Marching Blue Band in concert.

5 to 7 p.m. Silver Creek MINIstries Mini horses petting zoo.

Thursday: 4 to 7 p.m. Penn State Master Canner with onsite gauge testing available.

4 to 7 p.m. “Ask the Master Gardener”

Entries for the farm show will be accepted from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 15 and 8 to 10 a.m. Sept. 16. Check the Premium Guide for the rules and exclusions regarding entries, contests and farm show hours.

Premium Books are free and available at local businesses in Hollidaysburg and surrounding communities or go to www.hollidaysburgfarmshow.org for an online copy. Public viewing of the exhibits will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.

Due to Avian Flu, eggs and any products made using feathers is prohibited.

Come, participate, and enjoy a variety of contests for adults and children, such as coloring, corn hole, pie eating, milk drinking, hay bale throwing, poster and baking contests. Check the premium book for rules, dates and times. It is a handicap accessible facility.

WISE Women sets membership meeting

WISE Women of Blair County will hold its 17th annual membership meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, 1210 11th Ave., Altoona. A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The featured speaker will be The Honorable Jolene Grubb Kopriva, senior judge of the Blair County Court of Common Pleas.

RSVP by Oct. 14 to info@wisewomenofblaircounty.org. If you are not a member yet, membership can be obtained via wisewomenofblaircounty.org or bring cash/check to the meeting. The meeting will include reports on the financial status and general activities of the organization.

Native plant sale set for Sept. 13

EcoTopian Earth Care and the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Blair County will hold a native plant sale from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 13, at NatureWorksPark, Hollidaysburg.

There also will be a free fall wreath workshop from 10 a.m. to noon (while supplies last). Swing by the small pavilion to craft your own dried wreath creation.

POW/MIA ceremony slated Sept. 19

Penn State Altoona will hold a POW/MIA remembrance ceremony at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19, outside the Slep Student Center.

The ceremony will include a posting of the colors, a guest speaker, a reading of the names of all known Altoona POW/MIA, prayer and reflection and the playing of “Taps.”

Representatives from local organizations such as the VFW, American Legion, Hollidaysburg Veterans Home, and the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center are slated to attend, along with Penn State Altoona Chancellor Ron Darbeau, state Sen. Judy Ward and Altoona Mayor Matt Pacifico.

The ceremony is open to the public. Refreshments will follow. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the Pond View Lounge of the Slep Student Center.

Old Timers Baseball holds picnic

The Old Timers’ Baseball Club Picnic was held Aug. 7 at DelGrosso’s Amusement Park, Tipton,

with 58 members and guests attending.

Following dinner, the Jack Sloey/John Settimo Service Award Plaque was presented to

John Leamer for exceptional service to the club.

President Gary Zimmerman Sr. acknowledged the following businesses and individuals for their generosity: Altoona Mirror, DelGrosso’s, Golf World, Iron Masters Country Club, Regis Myers, Herman Nagle, Randy Moyer Auto Glass, Milky Way, Park Hills Country Club, Prime Sirloin Buffet, Sheetz Corp., Sinking Valley Golf Club, Steven Smith, Sylvan Hills Golf Club, The Dream Restaurant, Tom & Joe’s Restaurant, Keystone Barber School, U.S. Hotel and Thelma Zimmerman.

The club motto is “Baseball Then, Friendships Now.” Members and guests enjoyed the chance to reminisce with fellow players and opponents.

Next year’s picnic will be held at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at DelGrosso’s. Any address changes can be sent to Old Timers’ Baseball Club, 436 Cedar Blvd., Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.

Penn State Altoona launches community newsletter

Penn State Altoona is making it easier than ever for community members to stay informed about news, events, programs and opportunities on campus with the launch of its new community newsletter.

Kicking off in September, the newsletter will be sent every other Tuesday via email and will include a wide range of information designed to connect the campus with the surrounding community.

Subscribers will also be able to sign up for targeted emails focused on specific types of events that interest them most.

Along with Penn State Altoona news, the community newsletter will feature

n Admissions-related events — open houses, campus tours and more

n Penn State Altoona arts — music, dance and theater performances, plus gallery exhibits

n Visiting speakers and cultural events — from speakers and dance troupes to stand-up comedy

n Academic lectures — faculty research, teaching spotlights and undergraduate research presentations

n Readings — poetry, fiction and nonfiction

n Films — special screenings and film series

n Athletics events — games, meets and tournaments featuring Penn State Altoona teams

n Community art classes — hands-on creative opportunities

n Youth and family programming — kid-friendly events and family activities

n Workforce development opportunities — professional training and certification programs

“Our campus offers so many events and programs that we want to make it easier for the community to know about them and get involved,” said Jonathan O’Harrow, director of strategic communications. “This newsletter brings it all together in one convenient place.”

Those interested in receiving the community newsletter and event-specific updates can sign up at altoona.psu.edu/community-newsletter.

Monster Mash 150 Club set for Oct. 24

Family Services Inc. is selling tickets for its Monster Mash 150 Club, taking place from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at the Swiss Club in Altoona. The doors will open at 5 p.m.

This Halloween-themed fundraiser supports Family Services Inc.’s Family Shelter program, which provides safe, temporary housing and support to local individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The shelter also provides empowerment-oriented case management, financial counseling and help with referrals to community partners.

Tickets are $100 for two adults. Admission includes dinner, draft beer and soda, along with entry into the 150 Club drawing for a chance to win cash prizes throughout the night.

The evening will also feature a basket raffle, rip tickets, music and a costume contest.

Space is limited, and tickets are expected to sell quickly. Sponsorship opportunities and prize donations are still being accepted

Operation Christmas Child offers workshop

The Penn Valley Area Team of Operation Christmas Child will host an in-person workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Grace Bible Church, 164 Laurel Lane, Hollidaysburg.

It is for those who organize and coordinate the packing of shoeboxes for OCC at their church or organization.

This fun and informational workshop. Come to build relationships and exchange ideas with other project leaders; leave equipped and encouraged. Bring a stuff animal for a chance to win all the stuffed animals brought to the workshop.

For more information or to register, email pennvalleyareaocc@gmail.com or call or text Jen Carr, OCC area coordinator, at 814-935-9933.

Zupe to perform at ballroom dance

Centre Ballroom will sponsor a dance from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Lambert Hall in Bellefonte.

Zupe will provide the live music. Cost is $10 per person. Everyone should take a snack to share.

Historical society to meet in Duncansville

The Duncansville Area Historical Society will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the Duncansville Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1200 Fourth Ave. Enter by door “D” at the rear of the church.

Dale DeLozier will discuss “Fire Service in Duncansville.”

The society is encouraging more local people to attend the meetings.

The society is interested in copies of pictures and information regarding Duncansville. Information can be sent to Nancy DeLozier, P.O. Box 115, Duncansville, PA 16635.

The society meets on the second Tuesday of every other month, except January.

HAWC to hold food drive Sept. 20

The GFWC Hollidaysburg Area Women’s Club will sponsor a food drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Hollidaysburg Hometown Market.

Volunteers will be available to collect nonperishable food items to benefit the Tiger Pack Program in the Hollidaysburg Area School District. Cash donations are also welcome and will help to fight food insecurity in our community.

The GFWC Hollidaysburg Area Women’s Club is celebrating 89 years of Federated volunteer service in the community. To learn more about the Club or how to become a member, visit gfwchollidaysburgwomensclub.com.

Wellness Festival set for Sept. 13

The inaugural Angelic WeUness Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Eldolyn Terrace Banquet Facility in Altoona.

This event is designed to bring people together for a day of wellness, holistic healing, family-friendly activities, live entertainment and local vendors– all with free admission.

The festival will feature:

n More than 80 local vendors and practitioners offering services, artisan goods and healthy products

n Interactive workshops and activities for both adults and children

n Live music and entertainment throughout the day

n Craft areas for kids, including star sand art necklaces and flower crowns

n Food and beverages from local favorites

n Silent auction and raffle prizes

A spokesperson for the Angelic Wellness Festival shared:

“Our vision is to create a space where the community can come together to experience wellness in a fun, approachable way while also giving back to local charities. This festival is about connection, healing, and supporting both people and animals in need.”

In addition to supporting the event itself, a portion of funds raised from raffles will be donated to the Central PA Humane Society and local family shelters.

Area clubs and nonprofits can email articles and photos to community@altoonamirror.com. For more information, call Brenda Carberry, community news coordinator, at 814-946-7459.