📰 WEEKLY PREVIEW |
* Top Stories: Pennsylvania's Blood Supply Is Running Dry * Community Engagement: S’WINGfest & Live Music PNG Field * Pet of the Week: Meet Zelda and Adopt! |
Trivia Question❓Although we think of forks as an ancient utensil, they were actually considered scandalous and even immoral when a Byzantine princess introduced them to Venice in the 11th century — but what specific act were medieval European clergy condemning forks for replacing at the dinner table? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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The Clay Cup |
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The American Red Cross is urgently calling on Blair County residents to donate blood after supplies dropped nearly 25% in June while hospitals consumed roughly 3,500 more units per week than expected.
Types O positive and B negative, along with platelets, are in especially critical demand.
Multiple donation opportunities are available throughout July at the Altoona Blood Donation Center on Orchard Avenue, with additional drives at Zion Lutheran Church in Hollidaysburg and Altoona Area Junior High School.
The highlight of the month is the 38th Annual Blair Media Blood Blitz on July 21, running 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Altoona Area Junior High, hosted in partnership with WTAJ and the Red Cross.
As a bonus, donors giving between July 13–31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket worth up to $15. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit the Red Cross website. Read More... |
5 readers are talking about this | Top first |
MT | Marcus T. · 2 months ago Platelets specifically are something not enough people know about. The donation process is longer than a regular blood draw but the shelf li…
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Retired Pennsylvania State Police Master Trooper Timothy Strohmeyer delivered a powerful and deeply personal address to the Tyrone Chamber of Commerce during their June breakfast meeting at Family Chill and Grill.
Strohmeyer, a nearly 23-year veteran of the state police, is best known for stopping an active shooter in Geeseytown, Blair County in 2012 — earning the International Association of Chiefs of Police Officer of the Year award.
But his message centered less on heroics and more on the power of mentorship. Raised amid poverty, family violence, and instability, Strohmeyer credited positive role models — including a friend's family who welcomed him as their own — with redirecting his life entirely.
He described pivotal "God moments" throughout his career, including talking a suicidal man off the edge — a man who later became a sheriff's deputy.
Strohmeyer closed with a challenge to local business leaders: be intentional, be a mentor, and never underestimate the ripple effect of a single act of compassion. Read More... |
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PG | Pete Garman · 2 months ago Good message but I'd push back just a little — not everyone who grows up hard has a friend's family to step in. We need more than inspiratio…
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ALTOONA, Pa. – ArtsAltoona invites music lovers to relive the soundtrack of the 1970s while supporting local arts programming during Classic Tributes Live: A Double Feature Concert Experience, featuring tributes to The Doobie Brothers and The Steve Miller Band on Sunday, August 30, at the Blair County Convention Center. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the concert beginning at 6 p.m. Classic Tributes Live returns following the success of last year's tribute concert. This high-energy evening will bring an unforgettable night of classic rock. The talented musicians behind Space Cowboy will recreate the sound of the Steve Miller Band with crowd favorites including The Joker, Fly Like an Eagle, and Jet Airliner. They will then transform into Oh Black Water, paying tribute to the legendary Doobie Brothers with timeless hits such as Listen to the Music, Long Train Runnin', and What a Fool Believes. Ticketing Options:
For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit ArtsAltoona.org Event Details:
About ArtsAltoonaArtsAltoona is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people with the arts to strengthen our communities. Proceeds from this fundraiser support arts programs for children, college students, and individuals in recovery, as well as artist workshops, a community performance venue, and year-round arts and community events. Read More... |
3 readers are talking about this | Top first |
RI | rick_bda · 2 months ago What a Fool Believes and Long Train Runnin' back to back?? The Blair County Convention Center is gonna be rocking that Sunday night. Good ca…
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Unkel Joe's Woodshed |
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Family-Friendly Events in Blair, July 20 – July 26, 2026 |
Blair County African American Heritage Festival |
Juniata Civic Association Community Day |
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DelGrosso's Amusement Park & Laguna Splash Water Park |
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Baker Mansion History Museum Guided Tours |
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🌟 Honorable MentionCresson Car Show (Blair County Antique Auto Club)
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📚 Blair County Public Library Events: July 20 – July 26, 2026The 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 during July 20 – July 26. |
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The Blair Buzz newsletter is sponsored by |
Gardners Candies |
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S’WINGfest & Live Music at PNG Field (Altoona)
Spaghetti Wednesdays & Summer Water Fun (Tipton/Tyrone Area)
Weekly STEM & Summer Reading at Hollidaysburg Area Public Library
Teen Pokémon TCG Day at Altoona Area Public Library
"Blair Co Strikes Back" Family Bowling Fundraiser (Altoona)
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Here is a curated list of 5 positive, family- and tourist-friendly trends and events happening across Blair County! 1. S’WINGfest & Live Music at PNG Field (Altoona)
2. Spaghetti Wednesdays & Summer Water Fun (Tipton/Tyrone Area)
3. Weekly STEM & Summer Reading at Hollidaysburg Area Public Library
4. Teen Pokémon TCG Day at Altoona Area Public Library
5. "Blair Co Strikes Back" Family Bowling Fundraiser (Altoona)
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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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The Blair Buzz newsletter is sponsored by |
Claysburg Pizza |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Eating with fingers (God-given natural instruments), which clergy said was the divinely intended way to handle food |
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Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |
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