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"Warm Hearts, WISE Heroes, and Heavenly Brews: Salvation Army Shelters, Nominate Local Legends, Top Coffee Shops, Tyrone Bake Shop, and More in The Blair Buzz!"

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"Warm Hearts, WISE Heroes, and Heavenly Brews: Salvation Army Shelters, Nominate Local Legends, Top Coffee Shops, Tyrone Bake Shop, and More in The Blair Buzz!"

"Warm Hearts, WISE Heroes, and Heavenly Brews: Salvation Army Shelters, Nominate Local Legends, Top Coffee Shops, Tyrone Bake Shop, and More in The Blair Buzz!"
Stay warm at Salvation Army shelters, nominate an inspiration with WISE Women, and find the best coffee shops in Blair County! Plus, a new bake shop in Tyrone and The Blair Buzz has the latest scoop on Holidaysburg Auto Plaza! 🌟☕🚗

Charles Sisk

Dec 29, 2025

Trivia Question❓

In Blair County, Pennsylvania, there is a popular haunted house attraction that has been scaring visitors for over 40 years. What is the name of this spooky destination?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Simply Drost is an online-based consignment shop specializing in women’s clothing, handbags, shoes & accessories. We are also excited to now accept men’s and children’s items too! You’ll find a mix of new-with-tags pieces and gently loved finds, all carefully curated. 
Apparel & clothing
SimplyDrostThrift@gmail.com

The Salvation Army in both Altoona and Johnstown has opened emergency overnight shelters as temperatures plunge to dangerously low levels.

 

This response addresses a critical need for safe, warm spaces, as local officials noted a severe lack of overnight accommodations for vulnerable residents facing the bitter cold.

 

In Johnstown, the organization has made its gym available, offering a basic but vital refuge from the harsh weather.

 

This life-saving initiative is made possible by incredible community generosity from residents in Blair County and beyond.

 

Leaders emphasize that all donations stay local, directly funding these essential services and ensuring our neighbors are cared for during these extreme winter conditions.


Read More...

WISE Women of Blair County is calling for nominations to honor the region’s most inspiring female leaders, from Altoona to Hollidaysburg.

 

This is the community's chance to recognize the educators, volunteers, and visionaries whose dedication and service make a difference.

 

Submissions are now open for the organization’s annual Tribute Awards Dinner, an evening dedicated to celebrating women who demonstrate exceptional integrity and leadership.

 

Any woman who lives or works in Blair County is eligible for consideration.

 

The window to nominate a deserving woman is closing quickly.

 

All submissions must be received by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, January 7.

 

The selected honorees will be celebrated at the awards dinner on Wednesday, April 15, at the Blair County Convention Center.

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to shine a spotlight on the quiet heroes shaping our community for the better.


Read More...

Blair County, Pennsylvania brims with inviting coffee shops offering a blend of small-town warmth and creative flavors, delighting coffee lovers of all kinds.

 

In Altoona, Greenbean Coffee House attracts guests with its sleek, friendly setting, speedy double drive-thru, and highlights like the Greenbean Mocha.

 

Nearby, The Clay Cup serves up specialty brews, fresh pastries, and even pottery painting, encouraging a creative, communal vibe.

 

Visitors also enjoy Brew Coffee & Tap, which uniquely shifts from crafting coffee by day to pouring local beers and wines at night.

 

Hollidaysburg favorites such as Beech Tree Café and Boro Coffee Co. offer specialty drinks, hearty breakfasts, and classic espresso in cozy settings.

 

Other local gems include Duncansville’s Coffee On 3rd, the airport’s Coffee Coop, and Altoona’s beloved Cosmic Charlie’s and Honey B’s.

 

With exciting expansions and new cafés on the horizon, Blair County continues to brew up fresh experiences for every palate.


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

Looking for that Special Coffee shirt? Get it now!

Bake Shop Bakes Tyrone 

welcome everyone!!!
Bake Shop Bakes is your go to for delicious from scratch baked goods and fresh food!! we are one of the leading catering and fundraising companies in Central pa.

Bakery
123 west 10 street, Tyrone, PA, United States, Pennsylvania
+1 814-682-9110
andy.hoover@bakeshopbakes.com

The Eyes are here in The Blair Buzz

Interesting Facts
Blair County, Pennsylvania is home to the oldest wooden roller coaster in the United States, the Leap-The-Dips at Lakemont Park.
Need a Pet Sitter for your next out of town visit or vacation? Find one now!

The 7-day weather forecast for Hollidaysburg, PA, from Monday, December 29, 2025, through Sunday, January 4, 2026, is as follows:

 

Monday, December 29, 2025: High 47°F, Low 21°F; light snow during the day, snow showers at night.

Tuesday, December 30, 2025: High 24°F, Low 21°F; snow showers during the day, mostly cloudy at night.

Wednesday, December 31, 2025: High 29°F, Low 16°F; snow showers during the day and night.

Thursday, January 1, 2026: High 23°F, Low 15°F; light snow during the day, clear with periodic clouds at night.

Friday, January 2, 2026: High 24°F, Low 16°F; mostly cloudy during the day, partly cloudy at night.

Saturday, January 3, 2026: High 32°F, Low 18°F; mostly sunny during the day, rain and snow at night.

Sunday, January 4, 2026: High 37°F, Low 27°F; snow during the day, cloudy at night. 

Holidaysburg Auto Plaza

About this vehicle

2014 Ram

Driven 81,920 miles
Automatic transmission
Exterior color: Grey · Interior color: Grey
Fuel type: Gasoline
 

 

### New and Relocating Businesses

**Arya Yoga Studio (Hollidaysburg)**

Located in the historic O.K. Stuckey & Son building (the former "green church") at 400 Allegheny St., this studio is part of a larger redevelopment project. It is scheduled to officially open during the weekend of **January 17–19, 2026**.

* Occupies the entire first floor of a newly renovated mixed-use commercial facility.

* The building is also slated to host a year-round farmers market and several food-based tenants on its upper floors later in early 2026.

 

**Greenbean Coffee House (Hollidaysburg Area)**

This popular local coffee shop is expanding with a new location at Baronner's Farm Market, with a grand opening scheduled for **January 2026**.

* The new site will feature their signature coffee blends alongside the farm market's seasonal offerings.

* Visitors can expect specific opening dates and celebratory details to be announced via their social media pages shortly after the New Year.


**The Athenian Cafe (Altoona)**

A long-standing local favorite for Greek cuisine is planning a significant move at the **end of January 2026**.

* The restaurant will be moving from its current location on Union Avenue to a new spot in the city (exact address to be fully disclosed soon).

* The new location will include the acquisition of a liquor license, allowing them to expand their beverage offerings.

 

**Academy Sports + Outdoors (Altoona)**

Work has been progressing on this major retail addition in the old Big Lots building at Orchard Plaza. It is expected to open its doors in **early 2026**.

* This will be one of the first locations for the major sporting goods chain in the region.

* The store will feature a wide range of athletic equipment, outdoor gear, and apparel.

 

### Recently Opened & Upcoming

* **Huntsman Lanes (Martinsburg):**
This local bowling alley officially reopened on **December 19, 2025**, following renovations.

* **Eden Doughnuts Cafe (Tyrone):**
While a final opening date hasn't been set for the next few weeks, the owners received zoning approval in December 2025 to move forward with a new two-story cafe and drive-thru at 1261 Pennsylvania Ave. 

* **Sheetz (Altoona):** A new location at 3315 Beale Ave. is under construction and expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026. 

  1. Bill Ward: Hollidaysburg Gentleman Remembered for Leadership and Kindness — A local hero shoutout this week honors Bill Ward of Hollidaysburg, who passed away recently. Known for his career at Ward Trucking Co., Ward is being remembered by the community for his immense strength, mentorship, and his legacy of making everyone feel special.

  2. Glendale Senior Scott Beers: Raising Funds for School Planetarium — High school student Scott Beers is recognized as a local hero this week for his efforts to raise funds for the Glendale Junior Senior High School planetarium. As part of a community project for the Edward B. Turchick scholarship, Beers has focused on updating the school’s outdated facility.

  3. Next Chapter Bookshop First Anniversary Celebration — A local shoutout goes to the Next Chapter Bookshop in Hollidaysburg, which celebrated its first anniversary on December 26. Owners Dani Fry and her team were highlighted for their commitment to keeping human connection alive through books in the small-town community.

  4. Altoona Curve Booster Club Team Appreciation Dinner — The Altoona Curve Booster Club receives a shoutout for hosting its annual appreciation dinner at the Altoona Grand Hotel. The event recognized players and coaches with gifts and dinner to thank them for their dedication throughout the 2025 season.

  5. First Day Celebration at Canoe Creek State Park — On January 1, 2026, community members can join the Friends of Canoe Creek for a New Year’s celebration featuring a fire, hot beverages, and snacks. The event includes a "First Day Hike" starting at 2:00 PM at the Wentz Education Center in Hollidaysburg.

  6. UPMC Altoona Foundation: 2026 Winter Splendor Fundraiser — This annual gala fundraiser will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Blair County Convention Center. Proceeds from the event support the foundation’s mission to enhance healthcare services and support for patients in the Blair County region.

  7. Blair Chamber of Commerce: Breakfast Club Series - The State of the County — Scheduled for January 15, 2026, at the Blair County Convention Center, this event provides an outlook for the year ahead with speakers from local government and development corporations discussing community growth and economic plans.

  8. 16th Annual Robert Burns Supper at the Jaffa Shrine — A local cultural fundraiser, the 16th Annual Robert Burns Supper, will be held at the Jaffa Shrine on Saturday, January 24, 2026. This traditional event celebrates Scottish heritage while supporting the local Shriners organization.

  9. Hollidaysburg Area High School: Junior and Senior High Jazz Band Winter Concert — The public is invited to support local student musicians at the Jazz Band Winter Concert on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The performance will take place at 7:00 PM in the Senior High Auditorium.

  10. The Arc of Blair County: Community Game Night — The Arc of Blair County is hosting a community game night on January 30, 2026. This local nonprofit organization also seeks volunteers to assist with advocacy, education, and socialization programs for individuals with disabilities.

  11. Blair County Game Fish and Forestry Association: New Year Membership Meeting — This local conservation organization will hold its first membership meeting of the year on January 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Altoona. They are currently seeking volunteers for upcoming community dinners and habitat maintenance projects.

  12. Women Mentoring Women Networking Event — On January 29, 2026, the Blair County Chamber of Commerce will host a networking event at Sugar Run Brewing Company in Duncansville. This initiative supports local women in business through mentorship and community connection.

  13. Blair County Junior & Senior High County Band Concert — Supporting local arts and education, the County Band Concert featuring top student musicians from across Blair County is scheduled for January 29, 2026, in Tyrone.

  14. Mountain City Beer and Wine Festival — This community event, scheduled for January 10, 2026, in Altoona, serves as a gathering for local vendors and residents to support regional breweries and wineries.

  15. Community Support: Altoona Elementary School Lunch Debt Relief — A local grassroots fundraiser is currently active to help pay off lunch debt for students within the Altoona Area Elementary Schools, ensuring all children have access to meals regardless of financial status.

  16. Seneca Johnson Memorial Fund: Supporting a Local Student’s Family — Following the tragic loss of 8-year-old Altoona student Seneca Johnson on December 14, the community has come together to raise funds for funeral costs and family support. This ongoing cause highlights the local spirit of caring for neighbors in times of crisis.



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
3117 Coupon Gallitzin Road, Ashville, PA, United States, Pennsylvania
+1 814-660-2258
Bemsmobilerepair@gmail.com

PHOEBE

...

My name is Phoebe! I was adopted from the shelter and then thrown back outside like garbage! I don't know what I did to deserve to be tossed out, but at least I'm safe again here at the shelter! I have been back at the shelter since April 2023 with little to no interest. I am on daily medication for my seizures, adopters see me as a burden because of this. I didn't choose to have Epilepsy, so why am I always looked over? It just doesn't seem fair!

I'm a 5 year old girl who enjoys lap time and a nice snuggle with my people, although I prefer to come to you. I am not a big fan of being picked up by new people. Overall I'm fairly laid back and enjoy a nice snooze in the sunshine! I enjoy the company of other calmer cats but cannot live with dogs. A calmer household would do me some good as my seizures seem to be triggered by stress. I do enjoy children as well, but older children in the home are preferred so that they understand my needs. If you think you have the right home for me and are willing to commit to me, please stop in and visit me! You're sure to fall in love!

** Phoebe is in our care at the Central PA Humane Society located at 1837 E Pleasant Valley Blvd in Altoona, PA 16602. Each cat gets microchipped, spayed/neutered, Snap FIV/FeLV Combo tested and vaccinated. (We DO NOT declaw) The adoption fee covers those costs.

Adoption fees are listed on the applications. In person applications take priority over ones mailed or emailed (especially on a popular animal). An application must be filled out in order to visit with any cat.

Applications can be found on our website

www.centralpahumane.org under the 'Adopt A Pet' tab or at the shelter. For online applications, copy the link below into your internet browser.

CENTRAL PA HUMANE SOCIETY – CAT ADOPTION APPLICATION

Applications can be emailed to Cattery@centralpahumane.org

A Petfinder inquiry is NOT an application, and they may not be responded to. We can only accept so many applications for each animal. We do adopt out of state, but we do not transport and we cannot hold the animal. **

PA Kennel License #1333.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
The answer is "Hundred Acres Manor"

 

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We'd love your feedback! - theblairbuzz@gmail.com

 

Warmly,

Charles Sisk 

Editor

 

The Blair Buzz

© 2025 The Blair Buzz.

The Blair Buzz is the neighborly hum of Blair County, PA, delivering the essential happenings of our county. Each issue is a friendly roundup of local news, upcoming events, hidden gems tucked away in our historic county, and shoutouts that celebrate the people who make our community special. It’s a weekly dose of connection, capturing the unique spirit of life in the heart of Blair County.

© 2025 The Blair Buzz.

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