Local historian looking for volunteers

Kevin Stiver, author of “Glen White, PA: The Town that was Forgotten in the Allegheny Mountains,” is recruiting volunteers to assist with the restoration and maintenance of the former Glen White coke ovens, located approximately two miles from the Horseshoe Curve in Altoona. Preservation activities will include brush clearance and small tree removal.

Stiver is coordinating with the Altoona Water Authority to organize work days starting in March. Individuals interested in participating are encouraged to complete the pinned Volunteer Form available on his Facebook page, “Altoona Pennsylvania History,” or by visiting https://tinyurl.com/m5879nxt.

Join the “Friends of Glen White, PA” Facebook group for updates. This group will also facilitate efficient communication and allow Stiver and the authority to assess volunteer interest. An in-person meeting for prospective volunteers will be scheduled in the coming weeks.

Meatloaf dinner set for Wednesday

The Homers Gap Civic Association, 135 Preston Lane, will hold a meatloaf dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18.

Cost is $12, which includes meatloaf (gravy, if desired), mashed potatoes, carmelized carrots, applesauce, kaiser roll with butter and a cupcake. Orders must be made by Monday, Feb. 16, by calling Meg at 814-932-3883.

Club accepting gardening proposals

The Blair Garden Club is accepting proposals from 501(c)(3) and volunteer organizations in Blair County. The project must support Blair Garden Club objectives and community endeavors.

The club is looking to expand its impact throughout the community and will distribute up to $1,500 on sustainable gardening projects. This project is to be completed and maintained by your organization.

The application deadline is Thursday, April 30. If the organization receives the grant in club year 2025-26, it will not be able to reapply until 2028.

Email crazygrandma45699@gmail.com or call 814-369-2925 for more information.

Hollidaysburg Class of 1959 to meet

Members of the Hollidaysburg High School Class of 1959 will meet for lunch at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, in the reserved room at The Dream, 1500 Allegheny St. Classmates and guests are welcome.

The room is reserved for the third Thursday of every month in 2026. If you have any questions, concerns, need a ride, have a change of address or telephone number, contact Joyce at 814-693-9341 or Jean at 814-695-6764.

Contra dance to be held Feb. 21

The State College Friends School will co-host a family-friendly Contra Dance for the community from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the school, 1900 University Drive, State College.

Lessons for new dancers begin at 3 p.m.

All dances are taught and easy to learn. Music will be by Crooked Stovepipe.

The suggested donation is $15 to help cover the cost of the caller and musicians. Refreshments will be available. For more information, email statecollegecontra

dance@gmail.com.

Altoona Class of 1964 to meet Feb. 19

The Altoona High School Class of 1964 meets at 11:30 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month for lunch.

This month’s meeting will be on Feb. 19, weather permitting, at Belly Buster’s Restaurant, 1101 Flamingo Drive, Altoona.

Call or text Sue at 814-935-7774 or Evelyn at 814-931-5962 to RSVP.

Chocolate Walk set for Feb. 21, 28

Downtown Bedford Inc. will hold its ninth annual Chocolate Walk on Feb. 21 and 28.

Visit participating businesses to receive a chocolate-themed giveaway or experience at participating locations. A Golden Ticket is hiding in one of the giveaways. Be sure to start at 11 a.m. so you can make your way to all participating locations.

One lucky winner will receive a half pound of free chocolate each month — March through December 2026 — from Bedford Candies (in-store pickups only).

Tickets are available for $25 online or at the DBI Office.

New this year, the first 150 tickets purchased online only each Saturday can enjoy a free movie at the Pitt Theater at 3 p.m.

On Feb. 21, the movie will be “Charlie & The Chocolate Factory.”

On Feb. 28, the movie will be “Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone.”

Registration sites will be at Founder’s Crossing and Olde Bedford Brewing Company. You must register

by 1 p.m. There will be free parking in town and at the parking garage all day.

Woodland Owners to hold conference

The Woodland Owners of the Southern Alleghenies will host a conference for landowners, foresters, loggers and anyone who enjoys being in the woods, on Saturday, March 7, at the Bedford American Legion, 3721 US 220 Business, Bedford.

The conference, “From Pumas to Pawpaws: What to look for in your woods,” is $20 for WOSA members, $25 for nonmembers and $10 for students. Registration and free refreshments begin at 8:30 a.m. Presentations begin at 9 a.m. Conference highlights include talks on mountain lions (also called pumas) in Pennsylvania, growing pawpaws, how to identify hickory trees and an update on forest diseases and pests. There will also be an update from the Pa. Game Commission. Lunch is included, and there will be a silent auction, as well as a raffle for a chainsaw. To guarantee lunch, send registration and payment by Monday, Feb. 23, to WOSA, P.O. Box 253, Everett, PA 15537. For more information or to request a conference brochure, call Laura Jackson at 814-494-4439 or Dave Scamardella at 717-485-3148. The conference brochure is also available at www.theWOSA.org. Credits for foresters and loggers are also available.

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.