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In its 41st season, the Allegheny Chorale will present its annual holiday concert, "Sharing Christmas Joy."
The Chorale will perform two concerts: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1407 Eighth Ave., Altoona, and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at First Presbyterian Church, 13th Street and Logan Avenue, Tyrone.
The concert opens with "How Great Our Joy," a unique and challenging arrangement of a traditional carol that features accompanists Anna Myers and Susan Broadbent. Also presented in the first half is an arrangement of a Christmas favorite, "O Holy Night" with Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring.
Opening the second half is various themes on "Fa-La-La," which incorporates classical symphonic favorites along with the traditional carol, "Deck the Halls."
The chorale will also pay homage to the Peanuts Christmas special which is celebrating its 60th anniversary of airing on television in "A Charlie Brown Christmas" medley.
The Allegheny Chorale is under the musical direction of Debbie Estright, assisted by Karen Mayhew. Accompanists are Anna Myers and Susan Broadbent and the percussionist is Paul Turner. The chorale is governed by a board of directors currently led by President Janet Pearson.
The Allegheny Chorale invites everyone to celebrate the joy of the season and attend one of the December concerts. Both concerts are free to the public with a free-will offering accepted during intermission.
Military museum to host 'Ghost Front'
Join the Pennsylvania Military Museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7, for "The Ghost Front: A World War II Experience."
By examining the Hurtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge, the public can learn of the endurance, leadership and sacrifices of American soldiers in the winter of 1944.
Foxhole displays will explore frontline life and the individual roles of soldiers. For more comprehensive breakdowns, visitors can join guided patrol tours at 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m.
Families can participate in the History Mystery Kid's Program at noon. A demonstration will showcase weapons and tactics at 2 p.m.
Santa Claus and his Willy's Jeep will be available for Christmas photos and a holiday scavenger hunt.
A Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony will occur at noon Sunday, Dec. 7. Museum merchandise will be available for purchase. Donations are also encouraged. Parking is $5 per car. Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Military Museum.
Holiday concert to be presented Dec. 6-7
The Hollidaysburg Community Chorus will present its 2025 concert, "Christmas Peace," at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School.
Guest musicians will be from the Altoona Brass Collective along with the Children's Community Chorus.
Participants can enjoy holiday favorites, sacred music of the season and some new compositions.
Tickets are $8 for adults and free for 18 and younger.
Tickets are available at the door or from The Music Emporium, Roaring Spring Department Store, all Thompson Pharmacies and from any chorus member.
The concert sponsors are David Oppel-New York Life Insurance Company and the Allegheny Club of Hollidaysburg.
Breakfast to benefit service projects
The Men's Club of St. Mary and St. Michael in Hollidaysburg will hold an all-you-can eat pancake and sausage breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, Dec. 7, at the St. Michael's Church hall, 301 Spruce St., Hollidaysburg.
Donation is $6 for adults and $3 for children 12 and younger. Proceeds will benefit upcoming service projects.
The meal includes coffee, tea, juice (apple or orange) or water, as well as a pancake topping bar with strawberries, blueberries, chocolate chips and whipped cream.
Take-outs also are available.
VFW Auxiliary plans December activities
VFW Auxiliary Post 8685 will hold its Kids' Breakfast with Santa from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Dec. 7.
The annual Christmas dinner for members and guests will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17. Cost is $12 per person. There is an option to bring a $10 exchange gift.
Sign up for both events on the VFW bulletin board or Juniata VFW Auxiliary Post 8685 on Facebook.
Weather permitting, the auxiliary will host veterans from the Veterans Home for bingo at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30. Members are needed to assist for bingo, drinks and food serving with the veterans. Contact Sophia Delozier.
Reminder 2026 dues are now payable and will be accepted at the auxiliary Christmas dinner on Dec. 17.
Area man in pizza-eating contest
On Saturday, Nov. 15, Sal's Pizza, a family-owned business for 35 years, hosted its Grand Finale Pizza Eating Contest at the Chelmsford, Mass., location. Previous pizza eating contest champions and pizza lovers faced off in a fast-paced challenge to see who could finish Sal's legendary 19-inch, three-pound extra-large pizza the quickest.
Dan Kennedy of West Decatur finished in an impressive 3 minutes and 10 seconds, earning second place and $500.
A previous winner of Sal's first Boston contest, Dan once again demonstrated his speed, skill and love for pizza, beating his Boston time of 3 minutes and 12 seconds.
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.