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"Bridge Rehab Chaos, Big Boy Locomotive, Lemonade Stand Lessons! Blair Buzz BOGO - Spread the News!"


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"Bridge Rehab Chaos, Big Boy Locomotive, Lemonade Stand Lessons! Blair Buzz BOGO - Spread the News!"

The Blair Buzz
Archives
"Bridge Rehab Chaos, Big Boy Locomotive, Lemonade Stand Lessons! Blair Buzz BOGO - Spread the News!"

Charles Sisk
May 4, 2026
Sunday, May 10, 2026 - Mother's Day The Path to a National Holiday 1914: President Woodrow Wilson signed the proclamation making the second Sunday in May an official national holiday. Symbolism: Anna chose the white carnation as the original symbol because it was her mother's favorite flower. |
Trivia Question❓What is the world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as Harry Potter characters? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Reach the Heart of the County: The Blair Buzz is where the county’s most active citizens, small business owners, and non-profit leaders gather to stay connected. Why Sponsor the Buzz? Values-Based Alignment: Place your ad alongside uplifting, local stories that matter to families and community leaders. High Engagement: Our subscribers are "doers" who actively look for ways to support small business and non-profit organizations. Support Local Storytelling: Your sponsorship keeps the "Buzz" alive, allowing us to highlight the boutiques, volunteers, heroes, and success stories that make Blair County home. Join our next issue: Connect with your neighbors and grow your local influence. Contact us today to discuss sponsorship and advertising opportunities. |
Drivers in Blair County should prepare for brief traffic delays as a bridge rehabilitation project begins on Convention Center Boulevard this Sunday, May 4.
Construction will take place on the bridge crossing Brush Run in Allegheny Township, reducing traffic to one lane each way.
PennDOT anticipates delays of roughly three to five minutes during the work period.
RAM Construction Services of Michigan Inc. was awarded the $134,126.72 contract for repairs, which will include bridge deck improvements, an epoxy overlay, and new pavement markings.
The project is expected to finish by July.
PennDOT reminds all motorists to slow down, remain alert, and follow posted signs along the work zone.
For current road conditions and updates, drivers are urged to check 511PA online or via app before traveling. Read More... |
The world’s largest operating steam locomotive, Big Boy No. 4014, will make a historic stop in Altoona from July 8 through July 11.
This visit marks the locomotive’s first East Coast tour, coinciding with celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary and a series of landmark events across several states, including Philadelphia’s Fourth of July festivities.
Altoona, known as “Railroad City” and home to the stellar Horseshoe Curve, will offer public and private viewing opportunities as Big Boy arrives the evening of July 8.
The event culminates with Big Boy’s dramatic climb up the Horseshoe Curve—an unforgettable moment uniting two icons of American railroading.
Local leaders expect a surge of visitors and urge early planning for hotels and dining.
Final viewing schedules and community events will be announced soon as excitement builds throughout Blair County. Read More... |
Summer is arriving, and Home & Harvest is spotlighting how a simple lemonade stand can teach kids real-world skills and spark entrepreneurial dreams.
On Studio 814, Home & Harvest’s Alyssa Weyandt and Maura Cruse joined Alyssa’s son Benjamin to walk viewers through making lemonade from scratch.
Benjamin, mixing his first batch, learned to squeeze lemons, balance sugar and water, and try fresh flavor syrups like strawberry and blueberry.
While the refreshing drink stole the spotlight, Home & Harvest emphasized how lemonade stands nurture responsibility, money know-how, and creative confidence in kids.
The segment encouraged families to try making unique lemonades and let kids run stands, turning a classic summer activity into a meaningful lesson—and maybe even a first business venture.
Located at 2900 Plank Road in Altoona, Home & Harvest proudly supports local growers while serving up new traditions. Read More... |
The Ivyside Dance Ensemble wrapped up its spring performance, marking a memorable milestone for Penn State Altoona.
During the final show, Layna Henry, a psychology major from Hollidaysburg, took her emotional last bow as an ensemble member, closing an inspiring chapter in her college life.
Henry was honored with the Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award at the Student Awards Ceremony on April 27, spotlighting her remarkable leadership, scholarship, and dedication to the campus community.
Her academic achievements include pioneering research on premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which earned her top honors for two years running at the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Fair.
Henry’s impact also extended to the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council and leading roles in campus productions, reflecting her multifaceted contributions and gratitude for her transformative experience at Penn State Altoona. Read More... |
Have a business opening, community event, local hero story or pet-related news to share? Email Us your updates for next week's newsletter! theblairbuzz@gmail.com |
Blair Buzz BOGO |
The Blair Buzz is currently running a BOGO for July 4th & July sponsorships. When you purchase the month of July at the discounted rate, you will also get the month of August for Back to School promotions, at no charge. The closing date for the available slots that are left is June 19, 2026. We would love to have you join us!!! |
Interesting Facts |
The Great Wall of China is actually not a single, continuous wall. It consists of multiple walls and fortifications built over different time periods by various dynasties. |
🗓️ Family-Friendly Events in Blair County, PAMay 4 – May 10, 2026📌 SECTION 1: BLAIR COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS (Alphabetical by Library)All library events are FREE unless noted. 🏛️ Altoona Area Public Library (AAPL)1600 5th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602 | 814-946-0417 | altoonalibrary.org Hours: Mon/Tue/Thu 8:30AM–8PM | Wed/Fri 8:30AM–5PM | Sat 9AM–4PM The following events are confirmed as recurring weekly/monthly programs active during May 2026, verified through altoonalibrary.org's calendar and the Altoona Mirror: 1. Chess Club
2. Food Through the Ages
3. Mahjong Club
4. Mother Goose Storytime
5. Pinochle Club
6. Preschool Explorers
7. Teen Gaming Club
8. Toddler Time
🏛️ Bellwood-Antis Public Library526 Main Street, Bellwood, PA 16617 | 814-742-8234 | bapl.lib.pa.us No specific May 4–10, 2026 events were publicly listed on the Bellwood-Antis library website at the time of research. Contact the library directly or check bapl.lib.pa.us/index.php/events/ for updates. 🏛️ Claysburg Area Public Library957 Bedford Street, Claysburg, PA 16625 | 814-239-2782 | claysburglibrary.org No specific May 4–10, 2026 events were publicly accessible. The library posts events on Facebook. Contact directly or check their Facebook page. 🏛️ Hollidaysburg Area Public Library1 Furnace Road (405 Clark St.), Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 | 814-695-5961 | hollidaysburglibrary.org No specific May 4–10, 2026 events were publicly listed at time of research. Contact the library or check their website for the full May calendar. 🏛️ Martinsburg Community Library201 S. Walnut Street, Martinsburg, PA 16662 | 814-793-3335 | martinsburgcommunitylibrary.org No specific May 4–10, 2026 events were publicly listed at time of research. Check martinsburgcommunitylibrary.org/calendar-of-events.html for their full calendar. 🏛️ Roaring Spring Community Library320 East Main Street, Roaring Spring, PA 16673 | 814-224-2994 | roaringspringlibrary.org Based on the Altoona Mirror's reporting on prior years' May programs at Roaring Spring Community Library, the following recurring programs typically fall in this window. Confirm 2026 dates directly: 9. Magical Make Believe Story & Craft Hour
10. Story Tails Literacy Program (May 9 — falls within our window)
🏛️ Tyrone-Snyder Public Library1000 Pennsylvania Avenue, Tyrone, PA 16686 | 814-684-1133 | tyronelibrary.org Hours: Mon–Wed 10AM–5PM | Thu 10AM–7PM | Fri–Sat 10AM–3PM The Tyrone-Snyder Public Library's event calendar page did not display specific events at time of research. The library's events calendar page is active at tyronelibrary.org/events-calendar. Contact them at 814-684-1133 or check their Facebook for May 2026 events. 🏛️ Williamsburg Public Library511 West Second Street, Williamsburg, PA 16693 | 814-832-3367 Events are posted on Facebook (facebook.com/Williamsburg-Public-Library-29341511022). No specific May 4–10, 2026 events were publicly accessible at time of research. Contact the library directly. 🎉 SECTION 2: ALL OTHER EVENTS — May 4–10, 2026🆓 FREE EVENTS11. Blossoms in the Burg
12. Safe & Healthy Kids Fair
13. Altoona Curve Away Games (Road Trip Week)
14. Outdoor Recreation: Canoe Creek State Park
15. Lower Trail (Outdoor Recreation / Hiking & Biking)
16. Baker Mansion History Museum (Open for Visits)
17. Railroaders Memorial Museum (Regular Hours)
💰 PAID EVENTS18. Lights, Camera, Music! A Celebration of Film & Broadway
19. Lorcana: Wilds of the Unknown Sealed Prerelease Event
20. Altoona Middle School Track & Field Championships
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The 7-day weather forecast for Hollidaysburg, PA is as follows: Monday, May 4, 2026: High 74°F / Low 43°F, Partly Sunny
Tuesday, May 5, 2026: High 78°F / Low 58°F, Cloudy with Showers at Night Wednesday, May 6, 2026: High 64°F / Low 51°F, Light Rain Thursday, May 7, 2026: High 53°F / Low 49°F, Light Rain clearing to Nighttime Clouds Friday, May 8, 2026: High 53°F / Low 37°F, Light Rain clearing to a Clear Night Saturday, May 9, 2026: High 57°F / Low 40°F, Partly Sunny Sunday, May 10, 2026: High 62°F / Low 35°F, Partly Sunny clearing to a Clear Night |
Quote Of The Day |
Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle. - Christian D. Larson |
Hey neighbors in **Blair County**! I'm pulling together a roundup covering spots from **Altoona** to **Bellwood** and **Tyrone**, with a nod to some rural charm too. Our county keeps showing that small business spirit with fresh energy in the past month or so (late March into April 2026) and a couple of exciting openings happening right now or in early May. These aren't just new doors opening—they're neighbors investing in our community, creating jobs, and filling everyday needs with that personal touch we all appreciate. Let's celebrate a few standouts! ### Tropical Smoothie Cafe – Altoona (Park Hills area) It's a franchise location, but the team made it feel local right away with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the **Blair County Chamber of Commerce**. Residents have been buzzing about having more feel-good, energizing choices amid our classic Blair County eats. Many appreciate the convenience in the Park Hills Plaza for busy days running errands or heading to work. Swing by to support them—typical hours start around 7 a.m. most days (check their site or call for exact times). You can order online for pickup or delivery too. Follow them on Facebook at @tscAltoonaPA and tell the crew you read about them here. Grab a smoothie and say hi; new places like this thrive when we show up as neighbors! ### SpeedPro Central PA – Bellwood Sara brings 20+ years of experience in government contracting, casework, and community volunteering, while Jake has over 20 years in operations management with Norfolk Southern Railroad. As Central PA locals raising their family here, they wanted to build something of their own that supports the community while balancing work and home life. They chose Bellwood for its central location, making it easy to serve businesses across Blair and surrounding counties (from Bedford to Centre and beyond). What makes them special is that neighborly, hands-on approach—they're not a distant big operation but a studio right here, committed to getting projects right the first time with creative flair and reliable service. The grand opening included printing demos, snacks, giveaways, and strong Chamber support, showing how our community rallies around new local ventures. Give them a call at **(814) 656-8456** or visit speedpro.com/central-pa to see examples and request a quote. Hours are typically Monday–Friday (confirm when you call). Whether you need signs for your business, event banners, or vehicle graphics, stopping in or referring them keeps those dollars and that creativity circulating right here in Blair County. Sara and Jake are excited to help our area shine—let's help them succeed! ### Dollar General Market – Tyrone (and recent Altoona addition) A similar Dollar General recently opened in **Altoona** (in a former Pizza Hut location), with its grand opening around late March 2026. These stores bring jobs and quick access to goods, helping fill everyday needs without a long drive, especially handy in our spread-out county. For the Tyrone spot, the grand opening offered perks like $10 gift cards for the first 50 adult customers and tote bags for the first 100—classic DG welcome! Support them by shopping local when you need those quick household or fresh items. Check current hours on their site or app (usually 8 a.m. or earlier). Follow Dollar General locally for updates. ### Looking ahead: D1 Training Altoona & Good News Pottery Open House Also this weekend (as of early May), **Good News Pottery** in the peaceful countryside of Blair County is holding a special **Open House** on **Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2** (9 a.m.–5 p.m.). This hidden gem studio offers beautiful handmade pottery—dishwasher and microwave safe pieces that feel like little works of art with heart. It's the kind of unique, local maker spot that makes exploring our rural areas so rewarding. Perfect for finding one-of-a-kind gifts or something special for your own home. Blair County feels alive with these additions—whether it's a fresh smoothie in Altoona, professional graphics help in Bellwood, convenient shopping in Tyrone, upcoming training in Altoona, or artistic finds in our quieter corners. Each one represents someone betting on our community and creating opportunities for all of us. If you visit any, tell the owners or team you saw them featured here—they love knowing neighbors are paying attention and showing up! Got tips on other recent or upcoming openings I might have missed (maybe in Hollidaysburg, Roaring Spring, or Martinsburg areas)? Or corrections? Drop me a note so the next edition can spotlight even more. In the meantime, let's get out there, support these folks, and keep our local economy strong. See you around town—maybe sharing a smoothie or checking out some fresh signs together! |
Have a business opening, community event, local hero story or pet-related news to share? Email Us your updates for next week's newsletter! theblairbuzz@gmail.com |
💙 Stay Connected, Blair County! Have a story to share about someone making a difference in our community? Know about an upcoming fundraiser or volunteer opportunity? We'd love to hear from you for next week's newsletter! Send it to theblairbuzz@gmail.com Remember: Our community is strongest when we support each other. Whether you're donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every bit helps make Blair County a better place to call home. |
Have a business opening, community event, local hero story or pet-related news to share? Email Us your updates for next week's newsletter! theblairbuzz@gmail.com |
If you apply to adopt, please let the Humane Society know that you saw the listing in The Blair Buzz Newsletter!
Reintroducing Hildegard!
** PLEASE READ ENTIRE POST AS SHE IS A DIFFICULT DOG TO PLACE! ** Hilde is a 6 year old Rottweiler Mix. She originally came to CPHS as a stray from Clearfield County. Hilde is overall a good girl, but on her terms. She absolutely can't live with cats, no dogs, and older kids. Hilde is known to guard her things. This includes her findings in the yard. You absolutely can't remove these items from her mouth. She does this with her toys and other items she finds of value. This can easily cause a bite, if you are not familiar with dogs that guard their possessions. However, it's also something that is easy to manage when you know the behavior exists. She needs a secure outdoor area. She enjoys leaving and simply not coming back. In the yards, she HATES going back inside. She finds her own fun. She plucks grass and dirt out of the yard creating little holes (great for gardening maybe?) She will play with a leaf. She will chase it while it blows in the wind. She loves entertaining herself with a tennis ball. There have been a few individuals Hilde didn't enjoy the company of. She does give warning signs (growls.) She went into a foster to adopt home for a little period of time. She gave no issues with guarding. She was allowed her toys and the foster just simply didn't attempt to remove them from her mouth. What is hers was hers, easy enough. We know there is someone out there with breed experience! We also know guarding is an issue many have dealt with and people have experience managing this. Please share Hildegard's post. You never know who might see it and be her perfect match! PA Kennel License #1333 Central PA Humane Society 1837 East Pleasant Valley Blvd. Altoona, PA 16602 PH (814) 942-5402 Please give Hildegard the forever home she deserves! |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: As of August 2023, the current Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as Harry Potter is 1,748 participants, set in Hamburg, Germany. |
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Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |
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