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Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation announces grant recipients

The Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation announced the recipients of competitive grants during a program Wednesday morning at Morrisons Cove Memorial Park. Organizations were asked to submit projects for funding of up to $2,500. The charitable nonprofits are located in or serving Blair County. A total of $55,413.22 was awarded to support a wide range of community programs and organizations. Funding included $2,500 for the TriLeo Foundation’s Annual Giving campaign; $1,000 to the Juniata Valley Council for an AED to address emergency needs at 7 Mountains Scout Camp; $1,000 to ...

Altoona City 2026 Chess Championship begins

The Altoona City 2026 Chess Championship will be held from Thursday, July 9, through Thursday, Aug. 6, with one round planned to be played per week. Entries close July 16. The entrance fee is $15. Games may be played during Altoona Chess Club meetings from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays or at any time during the week before the date of the next round. To register and for more information, call 801-735-6600 or visit altoonachessclub.com.

Birthday: Clyde Eckenrode

Clyde Eckenrode of Loretto is celebrating his 100th birthday today with family and friends. Born July 9, 1926, he grew up on a farm in Loretto and at the age of 17, joined the U.S. Navy, where he served on the USS Dauphin in the Pacific during WWII. After his time in the Navy, he met and ...

Yesteryear: In the news on July 9

Local history 50 years ago: July 9, 1976 Gov. Milton J. Shapp declared June as Laurel Month in Pennsylvania in honor of the state flower, the Mountain Laurel, and had two laurels planted at the Governor’s Mansion, an idea of Rep. John P. Milliron of Altoona. Laurel Bank, named for the flower, participated in the laurel ceremonies. 25 years ago: July 9, 2001 Work was underway at Penn State Altoona for a new soccer field and track. Sports Information Director Brent Baird hoped it would help players stay all four years at the Altoona Campus instead of transferring to State College ...

Nittany Valley Running Club’s Arts Festival Races return to Arts Fest

The Nittany Valley Running Club’s Arts Festival Races are set for Sunday, July 12, and will once again feature 5K, 10K, and Kids Fun Run events, said Pamela Snyder Etters, executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. “We are excited to welcome both new and returning racers for what promises to be a fun but challenging race and to welcome back Mount Nittany Health as the Presenting Sponsor of the Arts Festival Races again in 2026,” Etters said. From start to finish, runners will enjoy some of the area’s most beautiful scenery at the 48th Annual Sue ...

Blair County’s largest blood drive is set for July 21

The 38th Annual Blair Media Blood Blitz blood drive will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at the Altoona Area Junior High School Fieldhouse, 1400 Seventh Ave., Altoona. The 10-hour event is the largest blood drive in Blair County with a goal to collect 130 units of blood. The American Red Cross has an urgent need for donors and is counting on people to act now and book a time to give lifesaving blood. Donors of all blood types are essential in keeping the blood supply strong enough to withstand summer challenges. Book a time to give blood by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, ...