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Model Railroad club sets open house The Altoona Association of Model Railroaders is having its series of 2025 winter open houses during the first two weeks in December. Their large HO and N-scale layouts and railroad memorabilia will be on display at 2930 S. 10th Ave., Altoona (gray building, corner of South 10th Avenue and 30th Street). The layouts are open: - Wednesday, Dec. 3 and 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. - Friday, Dec. 5 and 12 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. - Saturday, Dec. 6 and 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. Stop by to see the trains and enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies. Admission is free ...

Chef auction raises more than $40,000

JOHNSTOWN –– For the third year in a row, the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation hosted a successful Chef Auction at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center, raising more than $40,000 to support local students pursuing higher education. Since the Foundation took over hosting the Chef Auction in 2023, the event has raised a total of more than $150,000. All proceeds will benefit both the Supporting Scholars Fund and future culinary arts scholarships at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. The Supporting Scholars Fund comprises three distinct scholarships ...

Game would be easier with one fewer card

Bridge can be a strange game at times. Usually, you are happy to have lots of honors, but occasionally you would find a contract much easier if it weren’t for an unnecessary high card. Do not resist the idea that an honor may be extraneous. In this deal, South is in four spades. West leads the club king. How should South plan the play? South starts with four potential losers: one heart, one diamond and two clubs. He has nine winners; six spades, one heart, one diamond and one club. So it seems as if the diamond finesse had better be winning. In theory, this is a 50-50 shot, but ...

Births

Sept. 13, 2025 Gideon Mark Allen, a son born to Hannah (Swope) Allen and John Allen, Roaring Spring, at UPMC Altoona at 4:28 a.m. Oct. 27, 2025 Chloe Beth Moist, a daughter born to Leah (Allen) Moist and Damian Moist, Altoona, at UPMC Altoona at 6:55 p.m. Due to privacy concerns, UPMC Altoona no longer provides birth announcements to the Mirror. To obtain a form to announce a birth, please call Brenda Carberry, community news coordinator, at 814-946-7459 or email community@altoonamirror.com.

Divorces

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the prothonotary’s offices at area county courthouses. Blair County REED — Gary R.; Jessica L., both of Altoona. Married June 16, 2001. GAILEY — Shawna, Altoona; David M., Gallitzin. Married May 8, 2004. MYKUT — Ryan; Stefanie Daratany, both of Bellwood. Married Oct. 16, 2021. McCAHAN — John T., Altoona; Jodi E. Miller, Lower Burrell. Married Oct. 15, 2023. JOHANNIDES, Barbara; Ty, both of Altoona. Married July 22, 2022. LEGO — Ronald E. Jr; Michelle R., both of Altoona. Married June 13, 2009. SPRINGER ...

Marriage licenses

Editor’s note: the following information was provided by the prothonotary’s offices at area county courthouses. Blair County Matthew A. Hallman and Matisynn J. McConnell, both of Smithmill. Heather A. Halteman, Carlisle, and Weston R. Heller, Tyrone. Cross W. R. Harris, Bellwood, and Kyra M. Morris, Altoona. Rylee G. Hatch and Kevin D. T. Miller, both of Altoona. Brianna C. Heeter and Adam J. Morlock, both of Tyrone. Cambria County Tashaun Moore and Izabella R. Darcangelo, both of Johnstown. Joseph L. Devenow IV, Raleigh, North Carolina, and Heather A. Murray, Sunset Beach, ...