HOLLIDAYSBURG

Barger to host farmers breakfast

Farmers and those with agriculture-related businesses are invited to join state Rep. Scott Barger, R-Blair/Huntingdon, for breakfast.

State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will be the keynote speaker at the free event held at U.S. Hotel Tavern, 401 S. Juniata St., starting at 9 a.m. Friday, March 13.

“Secretary Redding has a wealth of knowledge about our state’s agriculture industry, which remains an economic driver for the Commonwealth. I’m thankful he can provide an update for the farmers putting food on our tables every day,” Barger said.

RSVP by Friday, Feb. 27, by calling 814-695-2398 or RepBarger.com/events.

NAACP open to new members

The Blair County NAACP Branch #2252 has scheduled a membership campaign to welcome interested newcomers to the organization.

The event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at its headquarters, located at 1331 12th Ave., Altoona.

Residents, supporters and friends are invited to learn more about the mission, history and ongoing work of the NAACP — both nationally and in Blair County. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet branch leadership, explore current initiatives and discover ways to get involved.

For additional information, contact the Blair County NAACP Branch #2252 at admin@blairconaacp.org or visit the branch on Facebook at facebook.com/blairconaacp.

Food Safety Manager course set

Penn State Extension will offer the ServSafe Food Safety Manager course, which is aimed at restaurant and food service managers and others who need food safety certification.

The course will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 16 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 23 at Hampton Inn Altoona, 180 Charlotte Drive. The exam will be held at 11 a.m. on March 23.

These in-person trainings, led by certified ServSafe instructors, will teach participants how to prevent contamination by properly receiving, storing, preparing, cooking, cooling and serving food and by sanitizing food service facilities.

The course fee is $165 and covers an all-in-one bundle, including the cost of the most recent edition of the ServSafe Manager book, virtual study materials, handouts, class instruction, review and exam. To attend the in-person ServSafe course and exam, participants should register by March 9.

To register by phone or for more information, call 877-345-0691.

HUNTINGDON

Juniata receives federal funding

Juniata College has been awarded $400,000 in federal funding co-sponsored by U.S. Sens. Dave McCormick and John Fetterman to enhance chemistry education and expand access to modern laboratory equipment.

“Through this initiative, Juniata will be able to elevate experiential learning for students pursuing STEM careers while also giving high school students the opportunity to explore college-level science beyond the classroom,” said Juniata College President James A. Troha.

The funds will support the purchase of advanced chemistry instrumentation for use in college-level courses and faculty-mentored research. The equipment will also be available to local high school students through laboratory field trips, helping strengthen the pathway to STEM careers — an especially critical need in rural communities.

Juniata was selected as one of 62 award recipients supporting projects in public safety, infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic development and environmental restoration.