📰 WEEKLY PREVIEW |
* Top Stories: Blair County Food Drive expands holiday giving. |
Trivia Question❓Which Blair County town is home to the historic Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Discover a greener way to shop in downtown Altoona! Wildfire is a locally owned boutique offering gifts, clothing, jewelry and sustainable household essentials. Bring your own clean, dry containers to refill products such as dish soap, laundry detergent and body wash. Owner: Emily McCarty Illustrative photo: Photo by Anna Tarazevich on Pexels. This is not a photo of Wildfire. Featured business; paid sponsorship not verified. |
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A new warehouse is giving the Blair County Food Drive room to organize donations as its annual campaign gets underway. The drive began October 30 and continues through November 8, offering residents several opportunities to help neighbors facing food insecurity. Donations can be dropped off at Altoona Sam’s Club throughout the drive. Collection efforts at the Altoona and Duncansville Walmart stores are scheduled for November 2 through November 8. Read More... |
A holiday tradition connecting local law enforcement with children is growing in Blair County this year. The Shop With a Cop program is adding a second Walmart location in Duncansville as organizers prepare for its third year. The goal is to sponsor 300 children through the upcoming holiday shopping events. The program gives children a chance to shop alongside law enforcement officers while receiving support during the holiday season. Read More... |
Hollidaysburg enjoyed an unusual celebrity visit when Punxsutawney Phil appeared at a community luncheon on October 29. The famous groundhog and members of his Inner Circle stopped at the U.S. Hotel for a gathering in the United We Can fall series. The event brought a playful attraction to a program designed to connect and encourage young adults. Founder Sue Griep had worked for several years to bring Phil to the series. Read More... |
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Take a local coffee break in Hollidaysburg. This week’s neighborhood spotlight is Black Dog Coffee & Catering, an independent local eatery on Allegheny Street. Whether you’re catching up with a friend or exploring downtown, consider stopping in and supporting a Blair County business. Find it: 519 Allegheny Street, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 Illustrative café photo: Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels; not a photo of Black Dog Coffee & Catering. Check the business website for current menu and hours. |
New on The Blair Buzz: Directory, Hot Spots & Events |
Looking for a plumber, tonight's food truck, or something to do this weekend? It's now all in one place at theblairbuzz.com. Browse the local Directory, see which Hot Spots are out and about, and check the Events calendar. Own a business, run a food truck, or organizing an event? Getting listed is free, takes just a name and email to start, and every listing is reviewed by a real person. Directory - Hot Spots - Events Want premium placement? Upgrades start at about $1 a day. Advertise Know someone who should be listed? Forward this to them. It's the best way to help a local business get found. |
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Family-Friendly Events in Blair County, November 2–8, 2026 |
FREE • Super Saturday: Festive Fall Fun |
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Children ages 5–12 can turn pages from old books into festive fall garlands during this creative library workshop. Registration is requested; call 814-946-0417 ext. 123 or use the sign-up form on the library event page. Illustrative craft photo: Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels. Not a photo of this event. |
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Shakespeare in Love — AAHS Drama |
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Enjoy a lively student production of Shakespeare in Love, with more than 50 student actors and a live chamber choir. The Altoona Area High School Performing Arts Club stages this romantic comedy on November 6 and 7. Reserved-seat tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults, plus online fees. Tickets are also offered at the door beginning 45 minutes before showtime. Tickets and details. Illustrative theater photo: Photo by Monica Silvestre on Pexels. Not a photo of this production. |
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Bonus Mentions: |
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📚 Blair County Public Library Events:The Blair County Library System has 8 member libraries. Below is the link to the Blair County Library System where you can access the calendars and events for all libraries. Be sure to check all confirmed events. |
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🆕 New in Blair County: Two Businesses Open in AltoonaTwo businesses announced an October 31 opening at 2200 Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Altoona. Alfonso’s Coffee: Coffee, espresso drinks, orange juice and quick bites. Business link.
Know of a new Blair County business? Send us the name, location and opening details for a future spotlight. |
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✨ Five Positive Things Trending in Blair County
Have a positive local story to share? Send your Blair Buzz tips and community shout-outs. |
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Local Shout-outs, Heroes, Causes, Fundraisers, Volunteer Opportunities |
Community Engagement — November 2–8👏 Local Shoutouts | Blair County Food Drive Volunteers A shoutout to the neighbors and organizers making this year’s Blair County Food Drive possible. A new warehouse gives the effort more room to sort food and serve local nonprofit partners. Details: Food donations accepted at Altoona Sam’s Club through Nov. 8, and at Altoona and Duncansville Walmart locations Nov. 2–8. Read more. 🌟 Local Heroes | Denice Stone and the Food Drive Team Founder Denice Stone and the Blair County Food Drive team are working to expand food distribution across the county. Their new warehouse helps volunteers organize donations and gives nonprofits more flexibility in collecting food. Details: The drive continues through Nov. 8. Meet the team. ❤️ Local Causes | Heroes Food Hub for Veterans The Heroes Food Hub at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center helps veterans facing food insecurity access pantry staples and support services. Veterans can visit the monthly distribution without registration. Details: Next scheduled distribution Nov. 25, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 2907 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona. Program details. 🎟️ Fundraisers | Sweat for Vets Challenge Runners and supporters can back local veterans through the Sweat for Vets Challenge. The 10K course includes a climb up the Pinecroft Powerline, with proceeds supporting veterans in Central Pennsylvania. Details: Nov. 8, Brush Mountain Sportsman Club, Altoona; confirm start time and registration with the organizer. Event information. 🤝 Volunteer Opportunities | Altoona Thrift Store Clothing Sorters The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is looking for volunteers to sort clothing at its Altoona thrift store. Even a few hours can help the organization keep donated goods moving to the community. Details: Call 814-943-1981 or complete the volunteer form. Volunteer information. |
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If you apply to adopt, please let the Humane Society know that you saw the listing in The Blair Buzz Newsletter! |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Altoona, Pennsylvania. Horseshoe Curve is a famous railroad engineering landmark just west of downtown Altoona. |
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Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |