Ten years later, the edition is still going strong and continues to recognize all the good found in the county.

Within the pages of this year’s edition, tucked inside today’s Mirror, readers will learn about the Blair County Genealogical Society and the volunteers who keep this valuable resource operational.

Mirror staffers reported on the Altoona Symphony Orchestra, a staple of the community since 1928, and Penn Highlands Tyrone, which has been providing medical services to area residents since the 1950s.

For sports fans, the Nut League, sponsored by the Hollidaysburg YMCA, has been providing — since 1961 — an outlet for area kids who want to enjoy some friendly, competitive games of basketball.

Blair County Genealogical Society librarian Sharon Merritts talks with volunteer Patrick Kelley. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

Other features found in today’s edition include NatureWorks Park, home to a pollination station, rain garden and wetland-conservation demonstration. Under the oversight of the Blair County Conservation District, it provides educational programs and a boardwalk, along with a community garden.

For the reader who is a do-it-yourselfer, Proud features a report on Long’s Outpost and its smorgasbord of choices.

When Terry Long Sr. saw a need in the Cove for a hardware store in the 1980s, he probably never imagined how big the business would become. Customers might go through the doors looking for a few nuts and bolts and come out with a brand new hard hat, featuring the Steelers logo, or perhaps a gift for a family friend, or even some hunting gear. While there were struggles, the business has survived and offers a valuable service to the community while supporting local organizations and youth sports.

The Cove, with its farmland, horses and buggies, and what many see as a somewhat slower pace, is “just a wonderful place to grow up,” said Williamsburg Library director and historian Roane Lytle, in an article celebrating the Cove community.

Proud also includes a vast array of profiles, submitted by the many service, faith-based and nonprofit organizations that call Blair County home.

Farms are scattered across the close-knit Morrisons Cove community. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

While readers might have heard of Contact Altoona, Civilian Supply Corps Inc. or Mission Central Hub Altoona, these profiles lay out what the organizations do in the community. For instance, Mission Central Hub Altoona supplies school items, care kits and baby care kits, and supports homeless outreach with quilts, mats and hygiene items. The group also helps out schools in low-income areas with clothing and hygiene items.

Each profile also includes contact information for anyone who wants to learn about volunteering or donating.

Ten years ago, Blair County Proud highlighted the county’s volunteer spirit, including the work of local food banks and food pantries. At that time, Don Belsey, of St. Vincent de Paul Assumption Chapel Food Pantry, stated that “there should be a law that says kids shouldn’t be allowed to go hungry.”

It was reported that St. Vincent de Paul provided food for about 2,500 people a month. Across town, the Altoona Food Bank reported helping 284 families in July 2014, for a total of 885 individuals.

Today, both organizations continue to provide meals to those in need, showing that Blair Countians have continued to step up to help their neighbors.

The gift shop at Long’s Outpost at 3936 Cove Mountain Road, Martinsburg, offers home decor and gift ideas. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

The Horseshoe Curve Chorus, the Mishler Theatre, the Altoona Community Theatre and Sweet Adelines have also graced the pages of Proud.

In 2014, Doug Rhodes, then-director of the Horseshoe Curve Chorus, said “without the arts, I’m not sure what we have.” Introducing young people “to music and arts and literature and all that stuff, and to get that in the community is extremely important,” he said.

All of us at the Mirror recognize that vitriol from all sides in this year’s presidential election can cause divides among families, friends and neighbors. We urge readers, though, to remember that community bonds remain strong, there is good in the world and good right here in Blair County.

Scattered throughout the pages of this year’s Proud edition, readers will find quotes from area leaders on what Blair County means to them.

To sum it up, Blair County means possibilities, a great place to live, work and raise a family.

“Blair County is about neighbors and community,” said Stephen

McKnight, president/CEO of the Blair County Alliance for Business and Economic Growth.

For Andrea Cohen, Joseph G. Keller and Marcus Edwards, the answer is “Blair County means home.”