Area police Drug court program: departments give year end review - A4 creating a balance - A5 Our Town times 2021 Annual Report | Vol. X

Drug Use Neighborhood Watch Community Support Education Law Enforcement volunteerism Combating the Drug Crisis: 2020 Year in Review By Congressman John Joyce, MD Over the past year, the citizens of Blair County have faced extraordinary challenges spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the virus is not our only public health crisis. By Judy Rosser, Executive Director, Blair Drug and Alcohol Partnerships In 2019, Blair County reported 31 drug-related deaths. Last uring the pandemic, solutions needed to support deaths during 2020. isolation produced by the year, this number drastically Blair County Drug and them during this time: - It’s critical to keep focus on shutdown has had a negative increased to 55 deaths. This DAlcohol Partnerships, - We must find creative ways federal, state, and provider impact on our recovering frightening and significant as well as other Single County to keep individuals who are in network response and the community. Isolation for statistic cannot be ignored Authorities (SCA) (county recovery connected to recovery struggles to keep clients and someone in recovery is a – and we cannot allow this organizations responsible support and treatment services. staff safe from the virus. risk factor for relapse. We alarming trend to continue. for the management of state Isolation, particularly during - We need to continue to have seen this throughout the As Pennsylvanians mourn and federal drug and alcohol early recovery, increases the partner with our social service numerous shutdowns. The deaths related to COVID-19, funding), have reported on risk and likelihood of relapse. and faith-based partners to help recovery support system that is we cannot turn away from the impact of the pandemic Due to this, Blair County and support the basic needs of those not just the treatment system, the co-morbidities that also on persons with a substance the state have seen an increase we serve in the communities. claimed lives. Tragically, the use disorder and the shared in overdoses and overdose First, I need to stress the See Recovery/Page A13 pandemic exacerbated the drug and addiction crisis, devastating communities in Blair County and across our Commonwealth. As a doctor who has practiced medicine in this community for more than 25 years, I have witnessed the ramifications of drug abuse and addiction firsthand. My heart is heavy for the Pennsylvanians struggling with addiction and recovery, as well as their families and loved ones. In Congress, I am working alongside dedicated local, state, and federal leaders to prevent addiction, support Pennsylvanians in recovery, and protect our communities from illicit drugs. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has broad jurisdiction over healthcare issues, I am leading Congress’ work to counter the addiction crisis and we will continue Human Trafficking is in our backyards emphasizing this critical issue. By Ashley Gay Vocco & Ashley Owens, Family Services Incorporated The ramifications of twelve (12) potential child victim advocates, direct service or in exchange for the drugs substance abuse and addiction Human trafficking is victims of human trafficking providers, and community themselves. Also, traffickers transcend all divides and currently a “hot” topic in our from March 2018 until June members to establish a will provide the victim with combating the drug crisis society. In movies and television 2019. At least two other cases victim-centered approach for drugs in order to get the victim truly requires an all-hands-on- shows, human trafficking of adult human trafficking have effectively combatting human addicted because an addict will deck approach. In Congress, I often looks like a young child been identified by the DA’s trafficking in our community. be easier to control, and someone being kidnapped, trucks full Office and law enforcement In Blair County, every case who is dopesick will often do of humans crossing state lines, during this time period. of human trafficking charged by things they wouldn’t otherwise or big city “pimps” running While these numbers may law enforcement also involved do, in order to get their drugs. large prostitution operations. not be staggering, it is important drugs and drug trafficking. In Human trafficking involves While those circumstances to note that not all community every instance, the victim was the use of force, fraud, or meet the definition of “human coercion to obtain some type trafficking” and the needs of of labor or commercial sex Hollywood producers trying to act. Millions of men, women, entertain and shock an audience, and children are victims of there are other lesser-known, trafficking every year around but more common cases of the world. Traffickers keep human trafficking. Those lesser- victims isolated – physically known cases are primarily what and emotionally – as a key law enforcement, medical method of control. Traffickers professionals, victim advocates, target vulnerabilities in forensic interviewers, child potential victims, including serve as a leader of a bipartisan protective services, and the psychological or emotional working group on addiction. DA’s office, among other vulnerabilities, economic As a team, we have introduced community members, are seeing resources and government offered drugs – to take before hardship, working parents or commonsense legislation right here in Blair County. entities have been trained the sexual acts occurred, or as guardians, latchkey kids, lack to counter addiction, It is usually at this point in in the signs, the appropriate payment for the sexual act. Or, of a social safety net, natural improve accountability, and the conversation where most response, or the laws to the victim had already been disasters, or social instability. prevent drug trafficking. people think to themselves, properly prosecute human using drugs. The intersection Traffickers also use social media In Blair County, it “but Blair County does not trafficking. Hence, HART, of drugs and human trafficking apps and videogames to connect has been my privilege to have human trafficking.” On the Human Anti-Trafficking is not unusual. Trafficking can with and befriend minors. work with neighbors and the contrary, the Center for Response Team was created by also frequently present as a drug For more information community organizations, Child Justice, Blair County’s Family Services Incorporated. addicted parent or caregiver, on HART, or if you suspect including Operation Our Children’s Advocacy Center HART is a collaboration of selling their partner or child human trafficking, contact Town, and connect those on (CAC), forensically interviewed law enforcement, prosecution, for money to either buy drugs us at 814-944-3585. the front lines of this fight with critical resources. In 2020, I welcomed the White House Drug Czar Jim Carroll to our Pick up your new region for discussions with first responders, healthcare workers, window clings, magnets, & yard signs educators, law enforcement officers, elected officials, and Police Report A2 other local leaders. Together, Community A5 we identified opportunities Business A9 for us to collaborate on Local A10 See Rep. Joyce/Page A6 Page A2 | Our Town Times Police Report Annual Report, Vol. IX Police report

Blair & Cambria County Homicide Deaths Blair & Cambria County Drug Overdose Deaths

Blair County Drug Overdose Deaths Push Out the Pusher Hotline Calls

Source: Operation Our Town 2020 Protecting the police officers who protect us By State Representative Lou Schmitt Let’s say an individual goes and intentionally spit on a I would look into the matter to assault with bodily fluids in as a third-degree felony, which out to a bar and gets drunk. law enforcement officer, the and if he was right, I would do correctional facilities and while carries a penalty of up to seven And unruly. Someone calls the individual would, without a something about it. transporting individuals to and years in prison and a fine of up police. Officers arrive on scene. doubt, go to jail. from correctional facilities. to $15,000. The officers attempt to take the However, the cop on the street individual into custody. While You would be wrong. is afforded no such protection Perpetrators who weaponize resisting arrest, the individual under the law. I knew right bodily fluids in degrading and intentionally spits directly into When Officer H.T. Fownes then and there, I had to work to dangerous attacks upon our thin their faces. The officers undergo of the Allegheny Township change that. blue line, and especially those what is to most right-thinking Police Department visited me at who do so knowing or having people a serious, humiliating, my District Office a while ago The legislative remedy reason to know they have an and potentially lethal assault. and laid out the above scenario I came up with was current infectious disease, deserve to You would think that anyone for me, I have to admit, my first House Bill 103, which creates be behind bars. And that’s just perpetrating such an act on a inclination was to think he must the new crime of “Harassment where HB 103 will put them. In law enforcement officer would be mistaken. When he told me of Law Enforcement Officer.” this age of COVID-19, in this go to jail. that even if the person knew they The offense would be classified age of civil unrest, protests, and had HIV or Hepatitis and spit on as a first-degree misdemeanor, riots, in this age where they are You would be wrong. an officer, most of the time, the which carries a penalty of up so often under siege, I want law only thing the perpetrator could I did some legal research to five years in prison and up enforcement to know that I will You would certainly think be charged with was Disorderly and discovered that currently, to a $10,000 fine. If the person continue to do everything within that if the individual knew Conduct – a Summary Offense the law in Pennsylvania knows or has reason to know my power to protect them. I or had reason to know he or – I couldn’t believe that was the provides enhanced protection they have an infectious disease, am dedicated to protecting the she had an infectious disease law. I promised Officer Fownes for officers who are subjected the offense would be classified police officers who protect us. Blair County District Attorney’s Office By Peter J. Weeks, District Attorney

The Blair County committing drug and drug- Medication Collection Boxes. with controlled substances. the court pending trial and is District Attorney’s Office and related crimes or other violent The Medication Collection Notably, the District alleged to have committed a Operation Our Town share a offenses are afforded thorough Boxes are an effective way Attorney’s Office obtained a homicide in Allegheny County common mission of ensuring investigations and fair to prevent legally obtained conviction following a jury while on bail). The District public safety. Serious and prosecutions. opiates from being diverted for trial of an individual who Attorney’s Office is committed violent crimes continue to Ensuring public safety illicit abuse by others. Every was charged with Criminal to not only protecting the threaten this safety. Operation is not only accomplished by person who uses a drop box is Homicide after he took citizens of Blair County from Our Town is a proven enforcing the law. Prevention a local crime fighter! another man’s life as the result illegal substances, but also partner in “Taking Back Our is equally important. The District Attorney’s of drug trafficking. Another from firearms that may come Neighborhoods.” From the Operation Our Town and the Office works to dismantle the individual was sentenced to into the hands of individuals beginning, Operation Our District Attorney’s Office organizations profiting from over a decade in prison after who are not permitted to Town partnered with us in joined forces with the police drug dealing and resultant being convicted for engaging legally possess them. law enforcement to improve departments in Hollidaysburg, crimes. In 2020, the District in several drug transactions Many claim that drug equipment; support special Tyrone, Logan Township, Attorney’s Office continued in which the Defendant was trafficking and drug use are operations; and assist in and Altoona to protect to prosecute dozens of selling heroin that was laced victimless and nonviolent securing a drug prosecutor. our community with the defendants with a known with Carfentanyl. (Notably, crimes that unnecessarily As a result, offenders installation and promotion of history of involvement this defendant was released by See Blair County/Page A5 Annual Report, Vol. IX POLICE Our Town Times | Page A3 Law Enforcement Year in Review DRUG PROSECUTOR: By Jarod Quist, Blair County Drug Task Force Coordinator POSITION SUMMARY By Katelyn Hoover, Assistant District Attorney A NATIONAL LOOK approximately 12 persons died new partnerships develop The Operation Our Town reports directly to the First from an overdose death every which result in new strategies Drug Prosecutor grant position Assistant and District Attorney. The Centers for Disease day in Pennsylvania. to combat it. Partnerships was created in 2007 upon the She acts as the county- Control and Prevention have been created between Blair County community’s wide coordinator for drug (CDC) estimates that there BLAIR COUNTY law enforcement, education, recognition that a need existed investigations, prosecutions, were approximately 81,230 treatment, and medical within the Blair County and related training. Attorney overdose deaths between June In 2020, the majority of professionals, to name a District Attorney’s Office to Hoover handles a full of 2019 and May of 2020. By drug cases in Blair County few. These partnerships are handle the rising influx of caseload consisting of drug comparison to the previous 12 were either for heroin or combining agencies at the cases due to drug crimes and trafficking felony cases, month period prior to June of methamphetamine. Due federal, state, and local levels, drug related crimes. In 2020, drug manufacturing felony 2019, opioid overdose deaths to COVID-19 restrictions, and crossing municipal, county, Assistant District Attorney cases, firearms felony cases, increased by 38.4 percent, there were only 48 controlled and state lines. Pennsylvania is Katelyn Hoover continued aggravated assault, robbery, cocaine overdose deaths purchases of a controlled taking an active role in building to prosecute numerous burglary, and endangering increased by 26.5 percent, and substance. The Blair County these partnerships to develop felony drug cases in her role the welfare of children methamphetamine overdose Drug Task Force had to find a new and innovative strategies to as the Drug Prosecutor in that correlate back to drug deaths increased by 34.8 new way to investigate during combat this epidemic. the Blair County District use, drug trafficking, and percent. Methamphetamine the pandemic. With a focus Law enforcement will Attorney’s Office. Despite misdemeanor drug violations. overdose deaths during this on drug interdictions and also actively participate in being a young prosecutor, In addition to her own time period have now surpassed saturations, the Blair County partnerships with education, Attorney Hoover vigorously caseload, Attorney Hoover cocaine overdose deaths. Drug Task Force made 131 treatment, and medical litigated cases through each assisted District Attorney Peter PENNSYLVANIA arrests for drug related crimes in professionals with new and stage of the criminal justice Weeks in the various stages of 2020. Notably, the Task Force innovative ways to combat this system including preliminary investigation and prosecution seized approximately $280,000 epidemic to make Blair County hearings, pre-trial motions, for drug delivery resulting in Data from 2019 indicates in US currency, 5 vehicles, a better, safer place to live. and jury trials. She also death cases, historical drug that there were 4,458 drug 2 ATV’s, approximately 30 The Blair County Drug carried a full caseload, which investigations, as well as drug overdose deaths in the firearms, and on one particular Task Force, in cooperation included a death penalty cases filed in Blair County by Commonwealth. Of those, case, seized 225 grams (roughly with the Pennsylvania Attorney first-degree murder case and the Pennsylvania Office of 3,742 were opioid related. This half a pound) of heroin/fentanyl. General’s Office, Bureau of assisted District Attorney Attorney General. Attorney is a nearly 20 percent decrease Narcotics Investigation, is Weeks in the investigation Hoover was also recently in opioid related deaths when dedicated to their mandate of and filing of charges in several authorized to approve search compared to 2017 when there PARTNERSHIPS investigating drug trafficking in drug delivery resulting in warrants, criminal complaints, were 4,630. Still, in 2019, As the epidemic continues, Blair County. death cases. Attorney Hoover Continued on A6

Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) Report By Honorable Elizabeth A. Doyle, Blair County President Judge This past year of 2020 County DUI was a year of challenges for Treatment the Criminal Justice Advisory Court began Thanks to Operation Our Town for their assistance Board (CJAB), also known operation on as the Operation Our Town December in the fight against drugs. Criminal Justice Roundtable. 6, 2005, and While we barely started then became into 2020, CJAB meetings accredited Blair County District Attorney were temporarily halted by the during March and April due Supreme Peter J. Weeks to the emerging COVID-19 Court of emergency. Initially, for the application to obtain funds Ken Dean, showed how the bright spots at the start of the safety and well-being of the Pennsylvania in April of through PCCD’s Capital Case County had reacted in support COVID emergency discussed CJAB members, the CJAB in- 2015, the 2020 Memorandum Indigent Defense grant. The of the homeless community, during the May meeting was person meetings were halted. of Understanding outlined goals of the project were and stated that approximately that CJAB participant Blair By May of 2020, the Blair the respective goals the worthy intent to further 50 to 60 individuals were County Drug and Alcohol County Court had established and expectations of the improve the quality of indigent being provided with was continuing to find ways a means of conducting CJAB participating agencies. A defense in a pending capital temporary housing in local of getting people in need meetings using computer cooperative program of the case in Blair County, and to hotels and motels during the of treatment into programs video resources, and meetings above-mentioned agencies, the enhance defense strategies for COVID emergency, along despite great difficulty due to were reestablished via virtual Blair County DUI Treatment indigent individuals in capital with being provided with food the COVID outbreak. video means. Court has been developed cases. The CJAB recognized and services as needed. The There were two major Upon reestablishing to increase public safety by that the Blair County Public Public Defender discussed highlights of the June 2020 virtual video meetings in providing Court-supervised Defender is representing a how his office had overcome meeting, which again, May, President Judge Doyle community treatment for homicide case, and the cost of the difficulty of speaking with was conducted via remote opened the meeting with a nonviolent offenders with having a Mitigation Specialist jail-lodged clients during video participation. The comment regarding one of substance abuse issues and to the County is very the emergency. Ashley Gay first highlight regarded Ken the goals of CJAB, the goal to to assist those suffering expensive, though important, Vocco from Family Services Dean’s discussion of a new participate remotely, and the from addiction at becoming as an aspect of Justice. brought to light the increase reentry initiative initiated by President Judge observed that responsible and productive May was also an important in temporary housing requests Commissioner Bruce Erb. The the present video (and some members of the community. meeting in that there was due to domestic violence, new program, titled the “Blair phone) participation reflected Upon signing this information disseminated with these situations doubling County Reentry Coalition,” success at working towards agreement, designated partners about the pending during the COVID emergency. included development and that goal in that “we were acknowledged that (1) each Coronavirus Aid Relief Act Finally, President Judge Doyle planning by many CJAB coming together, though being team member must obtain 6 (Coronavirus Supplemental provided insight on how the members. The focus of the apart to stay healthy.” hours annually of continuing Relief Funding). CJAB was Governor’s order prohibiting coalition would be to ensure However, prior to the start education directly related to to be the coordinating entity evictions during the COVID that as prisoners are released of the COVID-19 emergency, DUI Courts and to the 10 key for the grant process, and emergency may affect the from the Blair County Prison, progress for the year 2020 components as a requirement it was estimated that Blair community and the Courts. that they maintain improved had begun; in February, an of AOPC accreditation; and County would be eligible for The May CJAB meeting skills and greater resources important Memorandum of (2) that partners endorse the just over $91,000 in Relief brought to light how to assist in their reintegration Understanding was signed DUI Court policy & procedure Funding. The effort to attain the COVID emergency into the community. The among many of the key manual and agree to work this funding was eventually affected each of the partner continued progress to develop participants of the CJAB collaboratively to resolve successful, leading to excellent organizations, and how each this program during the (Blair County Courts of problems by consensus to resources that benefited the organization was able to COVID emergency served Common Pleas, Blair ensure continuation of the Court, County, and partners in continue to operate and make as an example of how the County District Attorney’s Blair County DUI Court. continuing to make progress progress. The specialty courts important work of the Office, Blair County Public In addition to these two throughout the COVID-19 had reported a great increase CJAB Roundtable could be Defender’s Office, Blair major group tenets, each emergency. The CJAB law in positive drug screenings successful, even in light of a Drug and Alcohol Program, participant agreed to abide enforcement partners actually during the start of the COVID major health emergency. June Inc., Blair County Criminal by guiding principles that identified a drop in “call crisis, and the specialty courts also brought positive news in Justice Advisory Board, were specifically oriented volume” since the start of the were taking steps to have that the Specialty Courts had Blair County Adult Probation to their individual partner COVID emergency, which Drug Court and DUI Drug reestablished court operations Office, and the Blair County organizations. was a pleasant surprise to the Courts getting participants by including staggered times Commissioners) recognizing Also in February, group. “in front of a Judge” as for court appearances, along and clarifying the respective CJAB voted to support Many other vital COVID soon as possible in order with some remote video goals and expectations of the the Blair County Public emergency related issues to get the general specialty participation. participating agencies. Defender’s Office and Court were discussed. The Housing court population “back on Although the Blair Administration in their Committee, represented by track.” One of the reported Continued on A14 Page A4 | Our Town Times police Annual Report, Vol. IX

efforts to make Allegheny ALLEGHENY TOWNSHIP Township a great place to live and work. We look forward to Police Department – serving our community in the Assistant Chief years ahead! Michael Robison • The Allegheny Township Police Department purchased ALTOONA and began utilizing WatchGuard in-car and body worn camera systems. Police Department – • The Department handled Sgt. Matthew Plummer 4,869 incidents in 2020, • In 2020, the Altoona Police slightly down from the 5,203 Department handled 22,221 incidents we handled in 2019. calls for service (an average of • The Department continued 61 calls per day), made over to participate in the statewide 2,000 arrests (256 of those Aggressive Driving and arrests being possession with Buckle Up PA Programs that intent to deliver narcotics), focus on traffic safety. and responded to over 200 • As part of the impaired drug overdoses. driving enforcement, the • This year, we had 4 homicides Department also participated in the City of Altoona, in in DUI roving patrols and DUI which successful arrests were Checkpoints that focus on made in each case. detecting/arresting impaired • 21 officers were affected drivers. As a result of making with COVID-19 throughout several impaired driver the year. arrests, Officer Paul Mummert • Community events were Jr received a Top Gun Award. limited this year due to the

Pictured: Blair Township Police with Santa

escorting over 1,000 members in 2020. HOLLIDAYSBURG of the community in a peaceful • The Department continued protest throughout Altoona. to focus on traffic safety via • Santa Visits with enhanced enforcement of Police Department – Professional’s Auto Body, in the motor vehicle laws and Chief Rodney B. Estep, Jr. Pictured: Blair County Sheriff’s Office: Blue Lives Matter! which officers accompanied actively participating in the Hollidaysburg Police Santa to provide 15 local statewide Aggressive Driving Department is comprised of families (46 children) with a and Buckle Up PA Programs. nine full-time officers, four better Christmas this year. • Our focus also continued on clerks, and a secretary to the • The department started our detecting/arresting impaired Chief of Police employed very first APD Christmas Tree drivers. Ptlm. Nathan Hale to protect the community decoration program this year. was recognized for his efforts twenty-four/seven. The Local youth were encouraged in this area and was awarded makeup of Hollidaysburg to come into the police station the Top Gun award for Police Department allows to obtain pre-made ornament departments in our category in for a dynamic department kits to decorate two Christmas Blair County. able to implement change trees in the department lobby. • The prevalence of alcohol and receiving optimum Children could also mail and drugs continues to be a training for the betterment letters to Santa and donate to factor in a large percentage of the community. At the Toys for Tots. The department of incidents handled by start of 2020, Chief Estep collected countless toys for the the Department. Incidents presented a lofty set of goals Toys for Tots program. involving individuals with for the department. Among • The department dedicated mental health issues also the goals accomplished the front roll call room to increased in 2020. were implementation of a Deputy Chief Tony Alianiello, •2020 technology upgrades completely overhauled policy who passed away on April included the purchase and and procedure manual, as well 8, 2020, after a battle with installation of in-car cameras, as adding a detective and ninth Leukemia. Tony was still as well as individual officer officer to our ranks. Pictured: Altoona Police at lemonade stand serving as Deputy Chief when body cameras. Below you will find statistics he passed away and served the •Officer safety was also from 2020: department for over 50 years. enhanced through the •The Department investigated pandemic, however, APD acquisition of enhanced body •3,840 Calls for Service 316 Motor Vehicle Accidents raised $7,723.00 for the PA armor, ballistic helmets and •244 Criminal Arrests in 2020, slightly down from Special Olympics in the 2020 BLAIR TOWNSHIP face shields, and individual •46 Juvenile Arrests 341 Motor Vehicle Accidents Polar Plunge. officer ballistic shields. •835 Traffic Citations in 2019. •Officers also participated •In December of 2020, the •1,149 Vehicle Stops Police Department – • The Police Department was in events such as “A Night Blair Township Police assisted •24 DUI Arrests fortunate enough to receive to Shine” Prom hosted by Chief Roger White a well-known celebrity with •44 non-traffic Citations a Safe Medications Disposal Catalyst Church through 2020 was a busy but safe year some scouting and address for the officers of the Blair drop off box from KidCents the Tim Tebow Foundation, checks as he prepared for his In 2021, Hollidaysburg Police Township Police Department. and the Rite Aid Foundation. which provides teenagers with annual Christmas Eve trip. Department is excited to • COVID-19 was a dominant Community members now special needs a prom-style continue the service to the foe, which necessitated have an additional safe and celebration. The Blair Township Police community and is praying for a remarkable changes to how we secure location to dispose of • Cocoa with the Po-Po, Department thanks its citizens return to more normal ground. operated and interacted with unwanted medications. which was held at the Green and Operation Our Town for Should you have any questions our public. Many positive • The Allegheny Township Bean Coffee House and the continuing cooperation regarding the Hollidaysburg changes were made to ensure Police thanks our community provided children with the and support in our efforts to Police Department, please do the safety and health of our and programs like Operation opportunity to interact with keep Blair Township the great not hesitate to call. Our Town, Blair County law enforcement. public and our officers. community it is, and we look • BTPD handled Crime Solvers, and Because • The department assisted in a forward to serving in 2021! See Dept. Updates/Page A19 We Care for your support and Human Rights March, safely approximately 2,000 incidents Annual Report, Vol. IX COMMUNITY Our Town Times | Page A5 Community

2007 - 2020 OOT Money Raised 2007 - 2020 OOT Grants Awarded 2020 Results $281,550 $119,266 $3,646,794 $1,265,024 $2,364,132 $261,842 $198,906

$823,587

Individuals Organizations Businesses Federal Grants Prevention Law Enforcement Grants Awarded Funds Raised Continuing the Fight on Blight By Mayor Matt Pacifico, City of Altoona and Rebecca Brown, Director of Codes and Inspections This past year, we’ve Bill 940. Senate Bill 940 will all experienced challenges allow municipalities to file and endured hardships, and and record properties under a Operation Our Town the fight against blight has condemnation order. When a Roundtable Descriptions been no exception. The property, dwelling, or structure City had to develop different is declared condemned, the Community Revitalization Gang Roundtable: Law Enforcement strategies and utilize different City will file an order with the Roundtable: To gather, coordinate Roundtable: tools in our fight against County, and the order will be A community partnership and disseminate gang To facilitate partnerships blight during a pandemic. considered a legal notice to to develop and implement related activities for the between the community Statistics show that all purchasers or prospective strategies to improve purpose of communicating and business to fight blighted, abandoned property buyers of the property. The neighborhoods. information directly to the both drug abuse and can be a danger to the public recorded condemnation order steering committee in order crime through proven law and can lead to an increase in will be a lien on the property to assist in the development enforcement techniques. crime. Not only does blight and will not be affected by a Criminal Justice Advisory of strategic plans to deal create a negative effect in our County Upset Sale, a Judicial Board (CJAB): with gang, drug, and crime neighborhoods, it also impacts Sale, or Repository Sale; To provide an ongoing prevention as a result of Marketing Roundtable: both adjacent property owners the condemnation order will forum for communication gang related activities. To communicate and and the community as a whole remain with the property and collaboration among (currently inactive & will promote the objectives of the with the resulting loss in real until such time it is vacated key decision makers for meet as needed) organization to effectively estate tax revenue. The City by the City. This Act is a the purposes of evaluating, engage the citizenry of dedicates significant resources significant step in the fight analyzing, planning, our community to become on enforcement actions against against blight, and one that information sharing, involved in taking back our the owners of these properties. will be a great benefit to the and integrating and neighborhoods. We’re pleased to report City in terms of responsibility recommending action to that in 2020, the City added for condemned properties. improve the effectiveness two additional tools to the Although the City was and efficiency of the Northern Blair Roundtable: Blight Task Force toolbox: unable to hold our annual criminal justice system. To facilitate partnerships the establishment of an Altoona Community Clean Up between community and Assistant District Attorney, Day, we are hopeful that the business in Northern and further engagement with event will continue in 2021. Early Childhood Education Blair County to fight drug the County relative to the sale While other volunteer groups Roundtable: abuse and crime through of condemned properties. were also unable to come To prevent involvement in proven law enforcement, The City of Altoona’s together to hold a cleanup drug abuse and criminal treatment, and prevention Solicitor was sworn in as event this year, “solo” cleanups activities by providing techniques. Assistant District Attorney, are still encouraged. There are pre-k age children with Housing Roundtable: which enables misdemeanor many ways neighbors can assist enriched early childhood Identify solutions to address charges to be filed against one another with collecting learning experiences. the problems created by Pharmacy Roundtable: repeat Code offenders. After litter, weeding sidewalks, and transient tenants. To To assure the safety of a summary citation receives other basic maintenance and discuss and implement pharmacy employees and two guilty findings, the upkeep of properties. Until Faith-based Roundtable: educational techniques patrons, and to improve Assistant District Attorney such time we can organize From a faith perspective, for renting properties to relationships with local and is able to file misdemeanor a group event, these “solo” respond to and contribute responsible tenants. state law enforcement, while charges, which carry a stronger efforts can make a difference in to the work of the Operation enhancing the commitment penalty. The use of this tool neighborhoods. Keep an eye out Our Town partnerships. of community pharmacies has been effective in achieving for 2021 Altoona Community Promote, facilitate, and K-12 Education Roundtable: efforts to reduce the supply compliance more quickly Clean Up Day information. encourage faith-based Elimination of drug abuse of prescription opioids in than previous enforcement We all should be proud community partnerships in K-12 students in Blair the community available cases that could sometimes of our community, and in using God’s gracious County through education, for diversion and abuse. take years to resolve. we remain committed to gifts to bring about positive programming, and In late December 2020, working with you to continue change, hope, and spiritual awareness of the dangers of Shawna Hoover, OOT Executive the City began utilizing Senate to move our City forward! health in the community. drug abuse. Coordinator is at 814-296-8730. Blair County: Blair County Drug DA’s Office continued from A2 Court Program By Katelyn Hoover, Assistant burden our prison systems. This is District Attorney simply not true. Drug use impacts Once an individual is charged society, communities, and families. with criminal offenses, the case Those who sell and use drugs advances through the various stages will commit crimes of violence to of the criminal justice system before protect their trade and obtain their reaching a final disposition of a high. These crimes range from guilty plea or a trial. Throughout domestic abuse stemming from drug the entire process, attorneys from use, burglaries and thefts to obtain the Blair County District Attorney’s money and drugs, the illegal use and Office and the attorney representing possession of firearms to facilitate Circle of Hope the defendant are engaged in drug offenses, and even shootings, negotiations to try to reach an stabbings, and other acts of violence at Tuckahoe Park agreement that is satisfactory to by those involved in drug trafficking. Union Avenue, Altoona, PA both parties. When negotiations are Unfortunately, in 2020, the occurring between the interested trends from 2019 continued and Families United for Change parties, there are a variety of tools we saw a significant rise in fatal invite you to visit the newly installed at the disposal of both sides that overdoses involving fentanyl, Circle of Hope contemplation garden. can be utilized in order to ensure a methamphetamine, and heroin, A place that has been created to balance between punishment and and a historic rise in drug related raise awareness and help rehabilitation can be achieved. homicides. The COVID-19 change the stigma surrounding In Blair County, one of these pandemic has created an excuse for substance abuse disorders. alternatives is the drug court social activists to release dangerous program, which is now called individuals from prison and has Relax in the newly erected probation with restrictive conditions. seating as you enjoy the garden. Marianne Sinisi stalled our ability to do trials. We COORDINATOR If an individual is accepted into look forward to being permitted to 814-934-8067 this program, he or she enters a Read the information and We are a group of family members affected by addiction resume jury trials to get back to the We invite everyone to share their voice, cares, and concerns guilty plea to the respective charges think about how you too can Join us in Altoona, PA business of fairly and effectively at 7:00pm - Every Second Tuesday of the Month and is placed on supervision for a help to raise awareness. For information on meetings, trying those who prey on our please call or visit us on facebook period that is typically eight years. community. Now more than ever, it During the first three years of that See DA’s Office/Page A22 See Drug Court/Page A22 Page A6 | Our Town Times Community Annual Report, Vol. IX

Booker T. Washington Rep. Joyce Continued from A1 realistic solutions that will dealers, we also must be a Revitalization Corporation help all of us in Altoona pillar of support for individuals By David Cunningham, President and across Blair County. and families struggling with You, Dear Reader, don’t for parks and other outdoor needs. While we fight addiction in addiction. The pandemic need to be told that 2020 was a activities was overwhelming. In closing - a request. our communities, we also must has created new challenges singular and, yes, difficult year. Being outside has helped to 2021 is sure to be a slow stop illicit drugs from reaching – including limited access It’s no exaggeration to say the recharge spirits dampened by year, as our large fundraising our streets in Blair County. As to in-person care – and I am pandemic has disrupted every the isolation and boredom of events took a hiatus. the only doctor on the China working with community aspect of our lives. Work with lockdown. However, as an infrastructure- Task Force, I led our work to leaders to overcome these the Booker T. Washington Both of our major annual building organization, we hold the Chinese Communist barriers. Despite these Revitalization Corporation has events had to be cancelled this have the luxury of taking a Party accountable for illicit setbacks, I have been been no exception. Despite past year, but that’s not to say year off from spending as fentanyl that originates in inspired by Pennsylvanians’ significant setbacks though, it was a total loss. With the well. Another partner is not China and kills our friends and commitment to this effort, this year has shown us just help of a generous grant from so fortunate. Our annual neighbors in Pennsylvania. and their commitment to each how important outdoor, open- Operation Our Town, we were Community Classic Dinner is Additionally, I have worked other. In the year ahead, I am air activity is for all of us. able to continue work on our traditionally held alongside to stop the legalization of committed to continuing this If you’re not familiar with latest project - improvements the Central Blair Recreation marijuana and to secure our pursuit to combat addiction our group, the BTW Corp is a to Iuzzolino Park on Maple Commission. While we raise borders from illicit drugs. and support the courageous collection of volunteers here As we stay tough on drug Pennsylvanians in recovery. in Blair County dedicated to creating recreational spaces for residents of all ages and Drug Prosecutor abilities. Over the past decade, we’ve completed some truly Continued from A3 remarkable transformations and consensual that would otherwise not across Altoona, starting way interceptions relating to be possible. These training back in 2008 with the Booker the Pennsylvania Wiretap opportunities allow our local T. Washington Outdoor Act. In addition to these law enforcement to stay up-to- Facility at 19th Street and responsibilities, Attorney date on the latest trends in drug 13th Avenue. There’s also Hoover began working on an trafficking and drug related been Prospect Park along initiative which will allow crimes, including homicides. 15th Street, Hamilton Park specialized prosecutors and law The cases investigated and on East Cherry Avenue, and Pictured: Merry Go All at Iuzzolino Park enforcement officials to visit prosecuted in 2020 continued other smaller improvements local schools in Blair County the trend where individuals around the city. From our Avenue, near the Jaffa Shrine. money for parks, they raise and conduct age appropriate involved in drug trafficking earliest days, Operation Our 2019 saw the installation of money for their recreational information sessions to educate are committing other types of Town has been a partner in a beautiful new playground programming, specifically the youth about various topics crimes as well. These crimes this revitalization work, and by the city crews. In 2020, their scholarship fund for low/ including, but not limited to, include criminal homicide, we’ve been thankful for their the Booker T. Washington moderate income families. The the criminal justice system, sexual assault, domestic continued support. Since Revitalization Corp and demand for this programming internet safety, the dangers violence, gun crimes, robbery, 2008, we’ve been fortunate members of the Iuzzolino has not stopped because of the of controlled substances, and aggravated assault, burglary, enough to complete over $1.2 Park Restoration Project were pandemic. Indeed, the need is dating violence. and theft cases. Blair County million worth of public park able to keep that momentum greater than ever. If you are The District Attorney’s saw an increase in the number projects across Altoona. going with the installation reading this, we encourage you Office, through Attorney of theft cases in which firearms This year in particular, of a new Merry Go All. This to consider making a donation Hoover and Attorney Hausner, were stolen. In May of 2020, spaces such as these were playground equipment is to the CBRC so that they continue to file asset forfeiture at the conclusion of a nine- fundamental for the well-being similar to a traditional merry- may continue this meaningful petitions where property month investigation, officers of our communities. In the go-round, but features seats work. More information on is utilized by drug dealers arrested six individuals in earliest days of the virus, when so that children of all abilities their scholarship fund and to facilitate drug dealing, connection with the exchange even outdoor parks were closed can join in the fun. The project programming is available at or drug dealers acquire of firearms and controlled as a precaution, many people was a part of our larger effort their website CBRCParks.org. property because of their drug substances between Cambria were dealt a reminder of just of recent years to incorporate trafficking. Proceeds from and Blair Counties. In July of how important these spaces accessible play equipment into David Cunningham’s goal is asset forfeiture are utilized 2020, law enforcement officers are to them. When it was parks that might otherwise be to enhance neighborhoods to purchase equipment and successfully executed the safe to reopen them, demand failing children with special throughout the city of Altoona. provide training and assistance Continued on Page A22

ByGRA Shawna Hoover, OOT Executive CoordinatorNTS:2020 RECIPIENTS

Operation Our Town holds a grant eligible for grant consideration. Above” grant applications to apply for grant applications, please visit the cycle once a year to support programs The 2021 Grant Cycle will open on funding. Please note that both grant Operation Our Town website at www. aimed at preventing and/or reducing May 3, 2021 with a deadline for grant applications have been revised and operationourtown.org and click on drug abuse and/or crime in Blair applications on June 4, 2021. updated, so the updated versions must “Apply Now” under the Grants tab on County. All nonprofit organizations, Applicants have the option of using be used to apply for funding for the the homepage. schools, and government agencies are the “$2,999 & Under” or “$3,000 & 2021 cycle. To access the updated

A total of over $48,000 in grants were awarded by Operation Our Town during the 2020 Grant Cycle to the following programs: 1. Altoona Area School District ELECT Program: ELECT (Education Leading to Employment & Career Training) 2. ArtsAltoona: After School Arts Program (ASAP) 3. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Blair County: S.M.A.R.T. (Students & Mentors Achieving Results Together) Mentoring Site-based Program 4. Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School: Drug Testing of Students 5. Blair Regional YMCA: Family Y-Nite 6. Booker T. Washington Revitalization Corporation: Iuzzolino Park Revitalization 7. Center for Independent Living of South Central PA: TEAM Builders 8. Central Blair Recreation & Park Commission: Youth Sports Program Supplies & Equipment 9. Child Advocates of Blair County: CHOICES Summer Program 10. Community Worship Center: Community Kids! Weekly Program 11. Cops & Boxing: Cops & Boxing Program 12. Evolution Expressions: Arts for Healing Groups 13. Gloria Gates Memorial Foundation: After School Program 14. Refuge Youth Network: Backyard Events 15. Roaring Spring Community Library: Curiosity Creates Open Art Studio 16. The ROCK: Reaching Out to Community Kids 17. Tyrone Area High School Agricultural Education Program: Growing Vertical to Help the Community 18. United Way of Blair County’s Family Resource Center: Parents as Teachers Program and 24/7 Dad 19. Young Life of Central Pennsylvania: Young Life Camp See Something? Say Something! 693-3020 Annual Report, Vol. IX COMMUNITY Our Town Times | Page A7

the opportunity for any meetings. Healthy Blair County Coalition organization that would like • Serve on work groups/ By Coleen Heim, Director to administer the survey with committees. community ranked 63 out of 67 counties their own clients, families, • Collaborate and decisions for being unhealthy. In 2020, or consumers. If you receive promote HBCC would have we improved to number 43. a survey, please complete it. initiatives such as Let’s an impact, We understand that no one The results of your survey, as Move Blair County who had organization or agency has well as others, will provide us Day, the Active Living an interest the resources to improve with information on what you Steps Challenge, the in the the overall health of our think is most important so Youth Connection With the impact of the effort, who county, but through our our work groups can develop Initiative, etc. pandemic, the Healthy Blair represented diverse sectors community working together, programs and activities • Use the HBCC logos County Coalition had most of the community, and who we can make a difference. that are most beneficial. on your website, of their projects and events were likely to be involved in In 2021, we will be We will continue to newsletters, etc. cancelled or adjusted. Our developing and implementing conduct i ng ou r fif t h com mu n it y provide awareness of our • Provide funding or goal for this past year was strategies and activities. needs assessment. This mission and work towards sponsorships. to maintain our partnerships Currently, there are 142 involves sending out a survey increasing collaboration and • Include HBCC in local and the importance of staying community partners who to 3,000 random households partnerships among all aspects community efforts physically and mentally represent individuals and a in Blair County along with of the community. For more and/or let us provide a healthy. The Healthy Blair diverse group of organizations. surveys for key leaders, information on the Healthy presentation for your County Coalition (HBCC) One of our guiding service providers, faith-based Blair County Coalition and community group. is a partnership of local principles is to utilize the organizations, and healthcare the activities of our work • Complete surveys as individuals and organizations “collective impact” concept as providers. The surveys will groups/committees, visit www. part of our next needs working to promote the social, we move forward, in which a focus on community and healthyblaircountycoalition. assessment beginning economic, emotional, and highly structured collaborative household challenges including org and like our Facebook in June 2021 and/or use physical well-being of our effort can achieve substantial economics, education, pages. Individuals and the Community Health community. The Steering impact on large-scale social environment, health, housing, organizations can get involved Needs Assessment Committee collaborates with problems. In 2010, based on leisure activity, safety, social, in the following ways: report. a broader group of community the County Health Ranking transportation, and the impact • Join the HBCC and • Eat healthy and be stakeholders on whom the Report, Blair County was of COVID-19. We also provide attend coalition active.

Operation Our Town Day at DelGrosso's Park & Laguna Splash Save the Date! August 5, 2021

Go to DelGrosso's website "Events" for more information: www.mydelgrossopark.com

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“www.reliancebank.bank | 800-570-0876 Operation Our Town makes donation to support Blair Faith-Based Roundtable County small businesses affected by COVID-19 IT’S NOT WHAT By Shawna Hoover, OOT Executive Coordinator WE HAD PLANNED Operation Our Town of PA. In Blair County, announcement of Operation By Lisa Hann, Executive Director, Family Services, Inc. held its 8th Annual Golf which is the second largest Our Town’s generous In January 2020, the we learned that overdose deaths Tournament on September individual county initiative donation made at the members of the Operation Our were up over 30%. More and 14 & 15, 2020. The two- in Pennsylvania, over 65 Annual Golf Tournament, Town Faith-Based Roundtable more men and women were day event included a small businesses have several individuals and were sitting around a square showing up at rehab centers Mini-Golf Tournament at received a much needed local businesses stepped table at Second Avenue United with only the clothes on their Lakemont Park and the US $3,000 forgivable loan.” forward to provide an Methodist Church, making backs. Families were struggling Foods Neighborhood BBQ Doug added, “Now, additional $40,000 to Blair plans for our annual lunch n’ financially, and many were in at Park Hills Golf Club on thanks to the generous County’s PA 30Day Fund learn. We had selected a new danger of being evicted. Monday and the main Golf donation of $21,000 from resources. So, combined location for our event and had As usual, the roundtable Tournament on Tuesday at Operation Our Town, with Operation Our Town’s a topic that we thought would members could not allow these Park Hills Golf Club. the Blair County faction gift, that totals $61,000 of be beneficial to our community. issues to go unaddressed. The OOT additional funding In March, our plans changed. They began seeking out ways Board and Golf which will be made We found ourselves in limbo, to get people reconnected to Committee available to 20 locked down and isolated from meetings, whether virtually or wanted a portion small businesses our group that monthly, met to in-person. Several members of the 2020 right here in Blair problem solve and pray for our created opportunities to get golf tournament County.” community and specifically, for clothing to those in need and funds to help Jim added, those impacted by addiction. others volunteered to be trained those affected by “Every dollar raised The one thing you need to as mediators for a new program COVID-19. So and mentioned know about the members of aimed at reducing evictions. in lieu of sponsor above is being this roundtable is that they are And during this, they provided gifts to golfers, gift matched by a all about serving people, but support to each other, as we funds were used generous donor how can you do that during a were personally impacted by to make a $21,000 Pictured left to right: in Southeast PA. pandemic? positive cases and loss of family Brian Durbin (OOT Steering & Golf Committee Member), Michael A. donation to the Fiore (OOT President),Randy Feathers (OOT Board & Golf Committee Those matching After taking a moment to members to this dreadful virus. PA 30Day Fund, Member), Jesse Ickes (Committee Member, Blair County PA 30 Day dollars will be used Fund), Doug Wolf (Chairman, Blair County PA 30 Day Fund) regroup, we began meeting No pandemic will stop which provides statewide to help on Zoom, a bunch of non-tech this group from serving our forgivable $3,000 small PA businesses savvy folks muddling through neighbors. If you have a passion loans to small businesses of PA 30Day Fund has throughout the awkwardly, finding a way to for helping others, we would in Blair County who were the resources to fund an Commonwealth, to include share our concerns and new love to have you join us. affected by COVID-19. additional 7 small businesses Blair County.” needs that were now coming According to Doug who are working hard to Doug Wolf and Jim to our attention as a result of Contact Lisa Hann at Wolf, Chairman of the fight through the economic Foreman expressed their COVID-19. Over the months, [email protected]. PA 30Day Fund in Blair difficulties brought on by the gratitude for the donation, County, “Since its inception COVID induced shutdowns “Thank you Operation Our in June 2020, the PA 30Day and downturns.” Town for your generosity Fund has provided financial Jim Foreman, Facilitator and your meaningful support assistance to over 600 of the PA 30Day Fund in Blair of Blair County in so many businesses in 57 counties County said, “Following the important ways.” Page A8| Our Town Times community Annual Report, Vol. IX Annual Report, Vol. IX business Our Town Times | Page A9 Business Central PA Landlord Association Report By Bill Kitt, President The Central etc. The CPLA also has an Resource email was sent to valuable tool that connects for off-campus housing. active Pennsylvania Realty landlords and agencies with landlords to resources related Benefits of becoming a CPLA PA Landlord Owners Association (PROA) helpful resource topics from to landlords. The guide is member include: Association (CPLA) representative who provides professionals in their field. posted on our website. The -Online rental listings updates on pending legislation The topics included: following topics are listed in -Online business directory is growing and that affects our landlords -Bed Bug Biology & our guide with information and -Extensive online document making a difference locally and statewide. Management contact numbers: library We believe better -Blair County Community -Blair County Municipalities -Membership to Johnstown in our community. landlords help build and Action Agency Programs -Notice of Fair Housing Credit Bureau maintain better communities. -City of Altoona Rental -Drug Activity-Rental -Credit checks We encourage all landlords Therefore, we are proactive Inspections Properties -Background checks to join to help continue our in our efforts in working -Fair Housing Regulations -Section 8 Housing -Collection services success in supporting and with local municipalities and -Keeping Domestic Violence -Student Housing -Issues addressed with local educating landlords. There are interest groups to provide Victims Safe/New Homeless -Disability Resources government many benefits to joining the our support in their efforts. Shelter Update -Veterans -Educational workshops Landlord Association, but the Our relationship with the -Lead Remediation -Food Banks-Blair County -Membership to PROA biggest benefit is landlords Operation Our Town Housing -Magisterial District Judge -Daily Meals-Blair County -Legislative updates helping landlords. Roundtable has been beneficial Frequently Asked Questions -Blair County Adult Parole & -Monthly meetings The CPLA is changing in coordinating landlord -Mold Identification Probation -Address current issues the image of today’s landlord. workshops, roundtable -Prepared Renters Program -Central PA Landlord -Informative and educational We care about safe, affordable meetings, and reaching all -Section 8 Inspections Association speakers housing while maintaining segments of the community. -Warning Signs of Illegal -PA 211-Information Resource -Tenant database housing for our neighborhoods We normally hold our Activity in Rental Units -Blair County Medication and our tenants. Our goal is annual landlord educational We hope to hold another Collection Box Locations I would like to encourage to provide landlords with the workshop in conjunction with landlord educational workshop all landlords to join our knowledge, resources, and Operation Our Town and the in the fall of 2021. It will be Check out our website association. tools they need to succeed. We Altoona Housing Authority advertised and posted on our at CentralPaLandlords.com. Monthly meetings are offer our landlords a library of in November each year, but website. All landlords should The CPLA residential listings held on the 3rd Tuesday of the documents that cover policies, had to cancel it in 2020 due try to attend. website allows landlords to post month at 7:00 p.m. regulations, and compliance. to COVID-19. The OOT We also developed, in residential and/or commercial Our landlords meet once a Housing Roundtable still cooperation with Operation property for sale or rent. Contact the CPLA: month to hear guest speakers wanted to provide information Our Town, a Quick-Tip The student housing website CentralPALandlords.com such as attorneys, magistrates, to landlords, so in lieu of the Resource Guide for landlords. connects student housing William Kitt, President fair housing representatives, landlord workshop, a Landlord The Resource Guide is a landlords with students looking 814-695-2138 OOT KEEPING YOU SAFE Pharmacy Value Drug Company provides tools and resources to help our independent pharmacies fight the prevalence of opioid Roundtable abuse in their communities. By Greg Drew, RPh – Chairman, Pharmacy Roundtable; President, Value Drug Company As we tuck another opioids and addiction. year behind us, I am We are all making very excited to relate the progress as we work Pharmacy Roundtable’s together to control the accomplishments during scourge, especially 2020. I would like to start by considering the thanking the Operation Our adverse impact of Town Board of Directors for the current pandemic their unconditional support on accessibility to of our work and thank treatment. According the Pharmacy Roundtable to the IQVIA Institute members that faithfully attend for Human Data our 7:15 AM meetings every Science, prescription month. Most importantly, opioid use has declined I would like to thank by 60% from the peak Shawna Hoover, Operation in 2011. The decrease Our Town Executive has been driven by Coordinator, for keeping changes in clinical use, us moving and fastidiously as well as regulatory tracking our progress. and reimbursement Duncansville | Pennsylvania The Roundtable policies, especially in www.valuedrugco.com exists to enhance the role the high dose opioid of pharmacists, medical products. One of providers, counseling and the key roles of the treatment professionals, and Roundtable is education treatment. These messages on providing screening and most abused substances in law enforcement in the opioid and awareness of the opioid also provided advice and tools brief interventions to assist the United States. Despite crisis. The Roundtable brings epidemic and providing for pharmacists to educate in referral to treatment. the decrease in opioid the strength in numbers of tools to help mitigate it. We patients and healthcare Additionally, BDAP has prescription drug use, Blair community pharmacists in appreciate the participation of providers. We worked with obtained grants to further County still reported 40 controlling diversion of opioid our law enforcement partners the University of Pittsburgh educate healthcare personnel, opioid related deaths in 2020 drugs which otherwise would who keep up on current trends School of Pharmacy to including pharmacists, of as of 12/7/2020. Clearly, be available for illicit use they see in the community and provide pharmacist resources prevention and treatment of our mission is far from over. and provide opportunities for partner with us to attack the to educate patients on the opioid use disorder. We will Thanks, once again, to our addiction. Our Roundtable diversion of prescription drugs. dangers of short-term opioid work with BDAP to schedule tireless committee members, is comprised of pharmacists, We continued our use, including disposal training seminars once the assembling monthly at 7:15 medical prescribers, law publication of the Pharmacy options, risks of addiction, pandemic is behind us. AM on a Friday, to make our enforcement professionals, Newsletter, which is and alternative therapies. According to the Drug community a better place to and addiction treatment distributed to pharmacists Blair Drug and Alcohol Enforcement Administration, live. And a big shout out to professionals dedicated to throughout the area, with two Partnerships (BDAP), a key prescription drugs remain our Blair County pharmacists, our principles, working issues in 2020 leveraging participant in the Pharmacy the most responsible source champions for our patients collaboratively to help reduce information on the use of Roundtable, has been training of drug-involved overdose as we fight the opioid the improper distribution of Narcan for opioid overdose EMS and other first responders deaths and are the second crisis our country faces. Page A10| Our Town Times local Annual Report, Vol. IX Local

AASD Adult Education Program Booker T. Washington Revitalization Corporation Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Altoona Area Public Library Calvary United Methodist Church N.E.W.S. Worthy Network, Inc. Altoona Area School District Catalyst Church Northern Blair County Recreation Altoona Area School District Foundation Center for Independent Living of South Central PA Commission Altoona Boxing Club Central Blair Recreation & Park Commission Penn State Altoona Altoona Housing Authority Child Advocates of Blair County Refuge Youth Network Altoona Parochial Catholic Youth City of Altoona Roaring Spring Community Library Organization Claysburg-Kimmel Cares Salvation Army ArtsAltoona Community Worship Center Ski Gap Community Action Council Bellwood-Antis School District CONTACT Altoona Stepping Stones for Life Big Brothers Big Sisters of Blair County Cops & Boxing Student Assistance Program Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School Crossroads of the Altoona Area Teen Link Connection Blair Countians for Drug-Free Communities Duncansville National Night Out Against Crime The Beacon of Blair County Foundation-CPCF Blair County Adult Parole & Probation Every Life Matters Pregnancy Support Service The Door Student Services, Inc. Blair County Chamber of Commerce Evolution Expressions The Nehemiah Project Blair County Human Services O ce Family Intervention Crisis Services The R.O.C.K. Blair County Juvenile Probation O ce Family Resource Center Tyrone Area High School Blair County Library System Family Services, Inc. Tyrone Area School District Blair County Prison Garver Memorial YMCA Tyrone Elementary School Blair County Respiratory Disease Society Gloria Gates Memorial Foundation Williamsburg Borough Blair County Truancy Task Force Hollidaysburg Area School District Williamsburg Public Library Blair Drug & Alcohol Partnerships, Inc. Home Nursing Agency Community Services Young Life of Central Pennsylvania Blair Regional YMCA IDA Community Development Corporation Young Readers Council of Blair County-CPCF Joshua House, Inc. Altoona Housing Authority By Cheryl A. Johns, Executive Director The Altoona Housing with Operation Our Town The Operation Our Town to end. Since education has educate landlords so that they Authority is a Municipal and the Central Pennsylvania Housing Roundtable still become the main priority, have the knowledge, resources, Authority that was formed in Landlord’s Association, the wanted to provide information additional organizations, such and tools they need to succeed 1949 to administer and develop Authority hosts an annual to landlords, so in lieu of the as human service agencies that and rent to responsible tenants. safe, affordable housing for low Landlord Education Workshop landlord workshop, a Landlord provide housing assistance, If you are interested in and moderate income families to educate agencies and Resource email was sent to have partnered with the serving on the OOT Housing within the City limits of landlords on the importance landlords and agencies with OOT Housing Roundtable to Roundtable, please contact Altoona. The first development of lease enforcement, the helpful resource topics from discuss and address current Mrs. Cheryl A. Johns, created was Pleasant Village proper process for evictions, professionals in their field. issues that they are seeing Executive Director of the to address the housing knowing the warning signs The Operation Our Town in our city and county. Altoona Housing Authority, shortage following WWII. for illegal activity in rental Housing Roundtable has been Our city takes pride in at (814) 949-2000, or Brad The housing inventory units, fair housing regulations, meeting since 2007 and was taking a “pro-active” approach Kanuch, Administrative for the Authority consists mold, bed bugs, etc. The created to identify solutions in housing. This means that Office, at (814) 949-2016. of 532 public housing units, workshop helps agencies and to drug activity and crime landlords need to inspect their 937 Section 8 voucher units, landlords implement strategies created by transient tenants. properties, fix deficiencies to and 126 non-subsidized to tackle those issues. Throughout the years, the meet regulations, and enforce units at Pleasant Village, We normally hold our Roundtable progressed to their lease. The goal of the with a staff of 34 employees. annual Landlord Education serve an educational purpose. OOT Housing Roundtable is As Co-Chairperson of the Workshop in conjunction The Roundtable began to to find the issues that landlords Operation Our Town Housing with Operation Our Town and hold Landlord Education need to know more about. We Roundtable, it is extremely the Central PA Landlord’s Workshops in 2010 and must find workable solutions important for agencies and Association in November meeting more regularly to to these issues and the best landlords to get involved in their each year, but had to cancel discuss common issues that way to do it. That is why we community. In collaboration it in 2020 due to COVID-19. landlords face from beginning are continuously trying to

develop a Resource Ag Program received a grant Cleanup Day, as well as other Partnerships key to Guide for agencies to from Operation Our Town initiatives. utilize to refer clients and the Tyrone FFA for the “We are so thankful that the to appropriate services. project. The goal is to provide northern end of the county sees Northern Blair Roundtable The guide is available By Sue Griep, Chairperson, Northern Blair Roundtable on the Operation Our Partnering with other Tyrone Borough Council; Dave Town website. organizations and working as a Taylor of The Door; Peter Frantz The committee also offers team to meet the needs of the of ArtsAltoona; and Tracie a yearly spring workshop in the northern end of the county to Ciambotti and Terri Harpster of community. Last year’s topic keep it a safe and healthy area the HOPE Center in Bellwood. was Mental Health and Co- is the goal of the Northern Blair For the past few years, the Occurring Issues. The workshop Roundtable of Operation Our group has been working on was to be a partnership between Town. Operation Our Town, The Northern Blair Drug and Alcohol Blair Roundtable Partnerships, and is a strong network Blair County Mental of business, media, Health offices. While legal, education, it was cancelled due social, church, and to COVID restrictions, civic organizations we are looking to who come together reschedule in the fall on a monthly basis of 2021. in an effort to better The group also the community. The started authoring a group, chaired by monthly column in Sue Griep, has been The Daily Herald working on learning newspaper on pertinent about the community, topics of general the programs and knowledge or new services available, and services. Committee Pictured: Growing Towers in the school greenhouse that Northern Blair Roundtable partner, priority needs. members rotate to pen Tyrone Area High School students, are using to grow produce that will be donated to the Tyrone Food Bank Meetings are a column about a topic held at various or program significant educational opportunities for the benefit of partnerships for the locations throughout to their agency. students to learn, utilize an betterment of our community,” Pictured: Tyrone High School student, Libby Buck, setting up and the community to planting the Hydro Tower in the school’s greenhouse. One of the most unused greenhouse for food, Griep said. “We found if you better acquaint the exciting projects the and ultimately reap the benefits ask for help, someone will community with locations, group has been working of this partnership by donating respond. It’s what makes this services, and facilities. If it is addressing the identified top on is the partnership between the proceeds of the fruits and area such a great place to live.” not possible for the group to visit needs of the community, which Tyrone Area High School’s vegetables grown to the Tyrone For more information on a location, a speaker will present are poverty, homelessness, Ag Department and Epworth Food Bank. the Northern Blair Roundtable, at the Bull Pen Restaurant or transportation, and education/ Manor nursing facility to The Roundtable also contact Shawna Hoover via Zoom. Speakers in 2020 employment. Some of the restart their greenhouse. The remains helpful in supporting at Operation Our Town at have included: Dave Snyder of actions taken have been to Tyrone Area High School the Tyrone Borough Spring [email protected]. Annual Report, Vol. IX local Our Town Times | Page A11 Be a Crime Fighter! Let’s get dangerous and potentially addictive drugs out of homes and off the street!

Free Medication Drop Boxes are available for you to discard unused medications! The best way to combat drug diversion and abuse is to get drugs away from folks who may be tempted to use or sell them. Drugs discarded into the dropboxes are safely destroyed by law enforcement.

Drop Off Locations: Allegheny Township Police Dept. (814) 695-9563 3131 Colonial Dr. Duncansville, PA 16635 Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm

Altoona Police Dept. (814) 949-2489 1106 16th St. Altoona, PA 16601 24 hours per day / 7 days per week

CVS (814) 944-9224 200 E. Plank Rd. Altoona, PA 16602 Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 9:00pm Saturday, 9:00am – 6:00pm Sunday, 10:00am – 6:00pm

Giant Eagle Pharmacy - Altoona (814) 946-4267 181 Sophira Ln. Altoona, PA 16602 Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm

Hollidaysburg Police Dept. (814) 695-3711 401 Blair St. Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 Monday – Friday, 7:00am – 11:00pm

Logan Township Police Dept. (814) 949-3364 100 Chief Logan Circle Altoona, PA 16602 Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm

State Police-Troop G - Hollidaysburg (814) 696-6100 1510 N Juniata St. Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 24 hours per day / 7 days per week

Tyrone Borough Police Dept. (814) 684-1364 1100 Logan Avenue Tyrone, PA 16686 Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm

Walgreens Pharmacy (814) 944-3236 508 E Plank Rd. Altoona, PA 16602 Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 9:00pm Grant-Funded Program Saturday, 9:00am – 6:00pm Sunday, 10:00am – 6:00pm Project Supported by: Administered by:

Williamsburg Police Dept. (814) 832-2022 305 E. 2nd St. Williamsburg, PA 16693 Mon,Tues, Thurs, Fri, 9:00am – 3:00pm Wed, 8:00am – 4:00pm State Continues Effort to OOT: ON Combat Opioid Addiction Crisis By Senator Judy Ward (R-30) he opioid epidemic If that rate stays constant or caregiver of a patient who THE AIR continues to hit worsens, the U.S. will be on overdosed on opioids and was By Silke Morrison, OOT Marketing Roundtable Member T Pennsylvania particularly track for an all-time high revived by the EMS, providing Greetings all! My name this opportunity to get the hard. Every day, thousands of number of overdose-related a standing prescription has is Silke Morrison and I’ve message out to the community Pennsylvanians - mothers and deaths in a calendar year. been issued by the Department been fortunate enough to regarding all the good things fathers, children, neighbors With this knowledge, of Health. be the spokesperson for the Operation Our Town and its - struggle to overcome the state must develop more 3) Eliminate the Operation Our Town Marketing supporters accomplish together! addiction. strategies to help those disparity in access standard Roundtable on the Forever We will still be providing As of December 7, impacted by abuse. Although for substance abuse center Broadcasting local radio information on Operation Our 2020, there were 4,458 drug there are numerous bills, I will services between urban and stations for over three years. Town and the valuable services overdose deaths recorded in highlight four of them to be rural areas. Currently, the In the past, we were given it provides to the community by Pennsylvania for 2019. Of introduced in the Senate: access standard for out-patient air time each quarter on the helping residents fight the never this number, 83.9% (3,742) and residential services must morning “radio circuit” on each ending drug issues in our area. have been confirmed to be be within 30 minutes of travel of the local radio stations via a Some of the 2021 highlights opioid related. In November, time in urban areas, while it live interview. In 2019, Forever include the Operation Our Town the Governor signed the 12th must be within 60 minutes Broadcasting began using a Grant Cycle, Operation Our new format, which allowed Town Mini-Golf Tournament, renewal of the Opioid Disaster of travel time in rural areas. me to record an interview and other community events! Declaration. Statistics from around the that was aired periodically on Operation Our Town is Sadly, with the Covid-19 country show that the farther Sunday mornings throughout thankful for its partnership with pandemic, I would expect the a person needs to travel to the year. The spot is called Forever Broadcasting, which has number for 2020 to be higher. obtain treatment, the less Forever Media Sunday Morning provided us with an excellent This pandemic has exacerbated likely he or she is to maintain Community Spotlight. We resource to get information to many of the social conditions, that treatment regimen. This are certainly grateful to have the communities in our area! including unemployment, low proposed legislation would incomes, and isolation, that standardize the travel time contributed to the rise of the standard to 30 minutes for opioid epidemic. People are out-patient treatment for both experiencing stress, anxiety, 1) A pilot program urban and rural areas. grief, financial worries, and to connect individuals in 4) A piece of legislation a sense of uncertainty. For recovery with occupations I put forth removes the those battling addiction, through local workforce Caregiver Support Program quarantining and social development boards. An monthly care plan cost cap distancing have resulted in important, yet often that has not been increased disruptions of treatment and overlooked, side effect of this since 1993. The financial recovery services and limited epidemic is the vicious cycle impacts to caregivers, access to mental health that many individuals fall especially grandparents services and support. into when trying to find and raising grandchildren due to According to preliminary maintain steady employment the opioid crisis, have steadily data from the Centers with a history of a substance risen. for Disease Control and use disorder. We need to be resourceful Prevention, more than 19,000 2) Permit Emergency about how to create new people died of a drug overdose Medical Services (EMS) methods of assistance and in the first three months of providers to leave a dose continue existing support 2020, nearly 3,000 more than package of life-saving services for those struggling the same time period in 2019. naloxone with the on-scene with addiction. Page A12| Our Town Times local Annual Report, Vol. IX Early Childhood Education Roundtable Report By Rodney Green, OOT Early Childhood Roundtable Chair 2020 was…well…“it was • Your childcare provider it threatened to collapse the what it was” to so many in has to significantly increase local childcare industry. Some our community. Like many their fees to cover the cost relief has been provided and organizations and groups, the of childcare, making it local centers are now open, COVID-19 pandemic disrupted unaffordable for many low- but with increased costs and and continues to disrupt the income, working families? the difficulty of recruiting early learning care to children staff. One can only hope and families. Likewise, the These are just a few of that the leadership involved lack of accessible and high the challenging situations with local vaccination efforts quality childcare impacted that the Early Childhood will prioritize early learning businesses and the workforce Education Roundtable workers as “essential workers.” of Blair County, which are so identified as areas of need and highly dependent upon quality assistance. Throughout 2020, When an essential support childcare. These negative the Roundtable worked with system like childcare is impacts are being felt deeply other partners such as the Blair threatened, it has major spinoff throughout Blair County. Chamber and Early Learning effects on employment, crime Investment Commission to rates, and mental health issues. Think about it. gather data and anecdotal Having the knowledge that What happens when: information to better learn your children are safe and well about needs of employers cared for is foundational to • You can’t go to work and childcare providers. healthy communities. During because your child cannot go 2021, the Early Childhood to school for an extended time? During the peak months of Education Roundtable will • Your employer cannot the pandemic, local childcare continue to work on efforts find a replacement for you providers suffered dwindling to stabilize and expand on and has to curtail business enrollments and loss of income. the provision of high quality or even close the business? The losses were so severe that early learning programs.

Operation Our Town K - 12 Education Roundtable Report By Robert Gildea, Superintendent of Schools, Hollidaysburg Area School District

The Operation Our Town especially within social media, thought was “at times I think contact information (Suicide to outside counseling services. K-12 Education Roundtable, from individuals who may I am no good at all,” reported Prevention Lifeline, Crisis The school wellness consisting of superintendents be a threat to themselves or by 37.2% of students in Blair Text Line, and the UPMC counselor continues to be in from the seven Blair County others and to “say something.” County. 40% of students Crisis Line). the building daily to address school districts, was confronted This anonymous 24-hour reported they felt sad or In the Spring Cove School mental health concerns of with unprecedented challenges hotline enables anyone to depressed MOST days in the District, guidance counselors students and do daily check- during the 2020 school year due call in a concern regarding past 12 months. Overall, teach lessons through the ins with students and parents. to the COVID-19 pandemic. school safety or the personal 16.6% of students had seriously Second Step Program. They The Mindfulness Program With the sudden and swift safety of a student who may considered attempting suicide, have also been incorporating was piloted by Altoona Area order for all Pennsylvania be considering self-harm. compared to 16.2% of students mindfulness exercises at School District librarian, Mrs. school districts to move to a Depending on the severity at the state level. the intermediate level, as Tanya Lucas, and funded remote learning platform on of the concern, the report Mental health counselors, well as student wellness by the AASD Foundation March 13th, not only were is forwarded to a school screeners, and trauma- lessons through our Botvin during the 2019-2020 school Districts forced to develop representative, local law informed education to better Lifeskills program and the year. A mindfulness room an effective virtual learning enforcement, or both. Some equip adults to identify use of Headspace for mindful was established inside the model to meet our students’ Blair County school districts students at risk, as well as thinking. Virtual assemblies AAHS library. Students were diverse academic needs, but, have initiated additional other intervention measures, this year have focused on introduced to the practice of equally as important, to also resources to monitor student have been implemented in all student wellness and kindness. mindfulness, training the brain redefine a system to identify activity on school issued Blair County school districts The school counselor teaches to have focused attenuation and address the mental health devices in an effort to identify in an attempt to meet student Signs of Suicide in 6th grade, and increased emotional needs of our students who activity that may cause a risk needs regardless of the school The Dove Self-Esteem Project regulation. The pilot groups would no longer have access to students. setting. in 7th grade, and The Truth included health classes, to on-site school services. It In addition, numerous Districts continue to About Drugs in 8th grade. Friends of Rachel students, was with an increased urgency initiatives have been implement the Student High School teachers have Community and School Based that our Blair County school implemented in all Blair Assistance Program (SAP) been trained to implement Too Behavioral Health students, districts directed our resources County schools to address the by administering frequent Good for Drugs and Violence. students referred by school during the 2020 calendar wellness needs of our students. triage meetings with school These courses address a wide counselors, and several year to address the mental The Fall 2019 Pennsylvania psychologists and building variety of wellness topics, students from the AAJHS wellness needs of our students, Youth Survey (PAYS) principals. SAP teams have including anti-drug instruction, Autistic Support Class. A knowing the well documented identified an alarming trend continued to meet weekly mental health, etc. before school mindfulness correlation of future drug use in the number of students who (virtually) to address the Community and School class consistently saw 10- by students who are exposed have feelings of depression, mental health and drug and Based Behavioral Health 12 students attending daily. to childhood trauma and toxic disconnectedness, and low alcohol treatment needs of our (CSBBH) Core Team have Once students attended and home environments and whose self-worth, all of which can students. Students continue been established to identify completed 10 sessions in mental wellness needs are not be factors that contribute to be referred for services, students at risk and to work mindfulness training, they addressed at a young age. to future substance abuse. which include individual directly with the family right were issued a mindfulness In a continuing effort to According to the report, a and group counseling with in the schools to develop a plan pass. The pass allows students ensure school safety and student number of scientific studies our outside agency partners to meet the wellness needs of access to the mindfulness wellness needs are being have identified a link between (UPMC Behavioral Health the whole family. room, as well as apps with met, all Blair County schools mental health problems, of the Alleghenies, Blair Counselors provide virtual guided meditations that can continued the utilization of the such as depression, and the Family Solutions, Blair Drug counseling sessions, in be used throughout the school Safe2Say hotline. Safe2Say use of alcohol, tobacco, and and Alcohol Partnerships, addition to socially distanced day. More than 450 students Something is a youth violence other drugs (ATODs) during and Impact Counseling face-to-face meetings with and staff were introduced to prevention program run by adolescence. Depression is Services). Information adults and students, as needed. mindfulness. The program is the Pennsylvania Office of the number one risk factor about these services were Resources are shared with being expanded in the 2020- the Attorney General. The for suicide by teens, a risk sent to parents and families, building employees regarding 2021 school year. program teaches youth and amplified in teens self- and also added to district social, emotional, and mental adults how to recognize medicating with ATODs. websites. The information health issues and we continue warning signs and signals, The most common depressed included Emergency Crisis to refer students and families See K-12/Page A18

Connecting you with

Dial 211 Text Your Zip to 898-211 Annual Report, Vol. IX local Our Town Times | Page A13 Recovery: navigation amidst a pandemic Continued from A1 but those grass root supports not leave individuals without to use free Wi-Fi to make calls admissions impacted. In fact, approximately 10 weeks, such as 12 step recovery connections and support. The and text during the shutdown we saw a more critical level a significant drop off in supports, SMART Recovery, SCA and provider system did not have this available to of substance use, especially engagement was noticed. In Celebrate Recovery, and quickly adapted and were able them. This left some without alcohol, in the past 10 months, Blair County, we saw most faith communities, are still to keep individuals in care services and isolated. which resulted in higher levels of our providers returning to being impacted. Most of our during the last 10 months. Our capacity in residential of inpatient admissions being face-to-face services as soon support groups are hosted The PA Department of facilities was impacted due needed. as we went green, but still by churches. Some of the Human Services, Office of to the need to organize the During the different offering telehealth as needed. churches have still not opened Mental Health waves of The concern for the recovering to allow these groups to return. and Substance outbreaks in the community drove these The availability of the online Abuse communities, decisions. The challenges to support services are still Administration we received maintain the services while available, but cannot replace (OMHSAS) reports that trying to keep staff and clients the fellowship that is inherent and the our residential safe and healthy are weighing and needed to sustain a healthy Department facilities heavy on the system. recovery. I, myself, have 33 of Drug and are seeing The current environment years of recovery through a Alcohol outbreaks in continues to impact our faith pathway and I can tell Programs their facilities. recovery resources. Basic you, the isolation produced (DDAP) were Anecdotally, needs were disrupted, but by the shutdown was real quick to look it is being we saw a coordinated effort and I am still impacted today, at the funding reported that to provide these basic needs as my church has only been regulations for most are (housing, employment, food, able to be open for a short the exceptions asymptomatic, and clothing). We saw an period during the pandemic. to face-to-face but due to the increase in funding available Unfortunately, the pandemic services and outbreaks and to provide housing in hotels, has impacted the work we had address barriers instructions which was temporary. This done locally and statewide to funding to set up red/ continues to be a significant to impact the overdose death these exception yellow/green need. Employment has rate. At the time of this article, services. They pods, we are continued to be disrupted, as we received notification from worked with starting to see in the general community. the Blair County Coroner a the Behavioral some impact Churches increased their projected 78% increase in Health on capacity outreach for food distributions, overdose deaths from 2019 Managed Care to admit. The which provided food options totals during 2020. Organizations one frustration to the people we serve. From an SCA perspective, to ensure of the facilities Our office has a clothing the response by the state alternate are the testing closet, as well as using other and federal government was funding resources. community partners that impressive. Regulations that payments Labs are support this resource. All could have completely left to providers overwhelmed of these resources continue individuals without care in during the and testing can to be available. As always, those first few weeks were crisis. be days until Blair County is truly blessed removed. Examples of these Some of the results are with numerous resources regulations are Medicaid barriers which received. This and genuine empathy of our and uninsured funding of were very real, especially in population into smaller pods in ties up the beds in the red pod, partners to help serve our telehealth services (telephone/ the rural communities and order to minimize the risk of a impacting admissions. community, especially those video conferencing-not those of disadvantage due COVID-19 outbreak. PPE and Most of our community- who are disadvantaged due to allowed for these services). to poverty, were internet testing was not made available based providers have returned poverty. I am truly grateful This allowed our treatment connections. Individuals who to these residential facilities, to face-to-face services. We to all our partners who have system to continue to maintain would have gone to different leaving them scrambling to initially saw engagement in activated over these last 10 community-based services and locations in their community find resources. We did not see telehealth services, but after months!

Right-of-Way & Real Property Acquisition Right-of-Way Plan Checks/Reviews Project Planning & Management Relocation Assistance Services Appraisal Services Title Abstracting & Settlements Preliminary Property Investigation Quality Assurance & Project Support Successful Design Build Teaming Property Management/Asbestos Inspection Electric Transmission Easements Legal & Regulatory Compliance Review Public Relations Services Page A14 | Our Town Times local Annual Report, Vol. IX Healthy Blair County Coalition: Work Group Highlights By Coleen Heim, Director The following is a summary activities in Blair County. 790 patients were referred improve access to healthy Initiative began when Blair of work groups/committees In collaboration with to treatment. BDAP was food and provide related County was one of twelve and highlights from 2020: HBCC, the Blair County asked to partner on a information/resources counties from across the Chamber of Commerce two-year national grant through their Ready, Set, country to be chosen by The Let’s Move Blair created a Workplace to implement SBIRT Grow Program. A kickoff the National Association County Committee is Wellness Committee. The within pharmacies. Seven Zoom meeting was held of Counties (NACo) in implementing programs/ purpose is to encourage pharmacies in Blair in July 2020 for ECEs partnership with the Robert activities to address businesses to become part County have implemented and community partners. Wood Johnson Foundation obesity, encourage physical of the wellness movement the program. There have Because of closures and the County Health Rankings activity, and impact the and share resources to been 3,500 screenings and pandemic, we are holding & Roadmaps Program incidence of diabetes. develop or enhance 40 brief interventions. off on the project until the to receive community One of their goals is to current workplace wellness In addition, BDAP has beginning of 2021 with the coaching on efforts to encourage the integration programs. A Workplace received a federal grant to goal of strengthening Farm reduce childhood poverty of health and wellness into Wellness Toolkit was provide SBIRT training to to ECE practices and with an emphasis on youth every aspect of community developed and is available emergency responders. policies in Blair County. connections. We created life by coordinating to download from the The mission of the HBCC was invited the Youth Connection Task and collaborating with Chamber’s website. In Pathways of Opportunity to apply for a second Rural Force to engage partners all other agencies addition, they hosted a Network is to foster a Impact County Challenge and implement ways currently working on this series of “Chamber Chats” cohesive network to address in cooperation with the to reach and provide effort. The committee with topics and presenters social and economic National Association of pathways of opportunity conducted an Active focusing on making Blair inequities through Counties (NACo) and the for our community’s youth. Living Steps Challenge County healthier. educating the community, Robert Wood Johnson The Blair County Youth during September – The purpose of the and accessing and sharing (RWJ) County Health Connection Facebook November 2020 with a Substance Use & Physical resources. Rankings and Roadmaps page was designed for that goal of 100,000,000 steps. Health Coalition is to The committee continues Program. Blair County purpose. Participants surpassed enhance communication to conduct poverty was one of twelve counties In cooperation with the that with 107,815,548 and coordination between simulations and is available chosen to focus on United Way of Blair drug/alcohol to conduct presentations housing needs by attending County and the School and healthcare for any group, business, networking sessions with Attendance Task Force, and medical or agency. In addition, other communities around we began implementation providers. Under they want to address food the country and receive of the Be There School the leadership insecurity and explore resources. Although there Attendance Challenge and of Blair Drug assets to foster a healthier are housing committees Be There Buddy Mentoring and Alcohol food environment. A that have been meeting Program. However, the Partnerships sub-committee was challenges facing our steps and we will be (BDAP), the formed to implement schools, students, providing awards for the implementation of a pilot project to and families has led individual winner as well SBIRT (Screening, screen and provide to a pause on this as for the small, medium, Brief Intervention, and healthy foods to campaign for now. and large organization. Referral to Treatment) patients at Altoona But the importance Unfortunately, our Let’s which includes substance Family Physicians of students attending Move Blair County Day abuse as an area screened (AFP) and the school, whether in at Lakemont Park was during routine healthcare, Partnering for Dental person or virtual, cancelled due to the has been a significant Services Clinic. With the in our county, this would will be one of the greatest pandemic, but we are accomplishment. As part support from the Center for allow for a coordinated challenges our community planning an even bigger of the project, physicians, Independent Living, boxes effort and exploration of will face in the aftermath event scheduled for June pharmacists, and other of food and resources were new ideas. of the pandemic. 24, 2021. In collaboration healthcare workers are distributed to patients. with South Hills School of trained to intervene Blair County was The Youth Connection Continued on A16 Business & Technology, and follow a protocol chosen to participate in an interactive Active for referral to drug and the Food Trust Farm Living Brochure/Map was alcohol services. The to Early Child Care & developed and copies are three healthcare facilities Education (ECE) Program. available for your school, involved have conducted The Food Trust is a business, or organization. 45,555 screenings, 2,962 nonprofit organization It includes resources and brief interventions, and with the priority to

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Former Altoona Deputy Chief Tony Alianiello’s grandson, Aidan, Local youth donates N95 masks, refills, and latex gloves to keep officers bringing pies to department on Thanksgiving. safe during Pandemic. Criminal Justice Advisory Board Report Continued from A3 The second major both employees and court successful. CJAB was also factor to the reduced active 100% positive test response highlight of the June 2020 participants from COVID. provided a presentation by the criminal caseload. Finally, for both staff and patients. It meeting was that Ashley Gay Some resources supported by Specialty Courts Coordinator, a successful criminal trial was reported by the Specialty Vocco from Family Services CJAB were video resources Scott Schultz, regarding how term also led to numerous Courts Coordinator that the announced that our local CAC (for both the Court and the the recent Medical Marijuana cases being disposed. Judge Specialty Court Judges had has moved up a level, and is Public Defender’s Office), Act may be affecting the Doyle applauded the County’s determined that participants one step closer to becoming an physical barriers and shields, specialty courts and other decision to invest in providing of any of the Blair County officially accredited CAC. The protective equipment (personal CJAB partners. The CJAB cell phones to the CJAB treatment programs would key factor was that a medical and facilities), and sanitizers. board also voted to endorse partner Public Defender’s not be able to use medicinal provider has been acquired for In July, CJAB introduced a letter of support for the IP attorney staff. This extra marijuana during their court- the CAC, and beginning on five new CJAB sub-committees grant application. means of communication supervised treatment. Just as July 1, 2020, sexual assault that were established to support In August, it was noted that provided to Public Defender these programs can limit the exams can be accomplished the recently initiated “Blair the active criminal caseload counsel was cited as being use of addictive prescription on site. Other favorable news County Reentry Coalition.” was actually reduced, even in a major factor in an overall medications as a term of from Family Services was The five new sub-committees light of the COVID limitations improved service to the Public participation in the programs, that CAC interviews were were: Employment, Housing, upon the Courts. At the Defender clients, and has medical marijuana will be now being accomplished for Education, Prison, and close of June, Blair County improved the appearance rate limited in the same way. The cases beyond “emergency” Resource Coordination. The maintained an active criminal of this population. August CJAB meeting also situations (previously cut back “vision” of the Coalition was caseload of 1,669 cases, and CJAB partner Judy brought the announcement due to the COVID emergency) announced as “providing that number was actually Rosser reported in August that the CARES Act funding and more standard cases were every incarcerated person decreased to 1,604 active that placement into residential request was approved. able to be scheduled on a with goals and knowledge so cases at the close of July. It treatment throughout the Numerous technology items regular basis. that they can safely return to was noted that the court’s Commonwealth has been very and physical protective barrier During the June meeting, the community as productive scheduling of extra all-day challenging due to the COVID requests were a key aspect of the CJAB group also voted to members of the community plea court dates in June really emergency. She pointed out the funding. support a proposal by the Court and remain offense-free.” enabled all parties to move that a local facility, Cove In September, CJAB and the Public Defender’s The Coalition intends that cases. The intensive use of Forge, has been affected with participants voted to approve Office to provide Coronavirus everyone being released from alternative video appearances positive COVID test results. Supplemental Funding for incarceration will be evaluated for court participants was One facility, Concept 90, Continued on A17 the Court’s need to protect for what they need to be also noted as a contributing was reported to have had a Annual Report, Vol. IX local Our Town Times | Page A15

625 Hawthorne Drive Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 William Kitt, President 814-695-2138

The Central PA Landlord’s Association (CPLA) is growing and making a difference in our community. We encourage all landlords to join to help continue our success in supporting and educating landlords. There are many benefits to joining the Landlord Association, but the biggest benefit is landlords helping landlords.

CentralPAlandlords.com Page A16 | Our Town Times local Annual Report, Vol. IX

LOCAL STUDENT WINS ESSAY CONTEST By Shawna Hoover, OOT Executive Coordinator ongratulations to CCourtney Irwin, an 8th grader at Altoona Area Junior High School, whose essay was chosen out of 80 entries as the winner of the Altoona Mirror and Operation Our Town Essay Contest! Courtney received $250 in gift cards to The Meadows Original Frozen Custard in Hollidaysburg. Co-sponsors of the Essay Contest were the Altoona Mirror, Imler’s Poultry, and The Meadows Original Frozen Custard in Hollidaysburg. Below is Courtney’s essay on why people give in to peer pressure from those who use drugs and some of the best ways to avoid giving in to peer pressure:

You walk over to the lunch table and sit at your usual seat. Everybody is huddled over Stacy, acting suspiciously. Pictured from left to right: Barb Harpster (Media Consultant, Altoona Mirror), Joe Meadows (Partner, The Meadows Original Frozen Custard of Hollidaysburg), Courtney Irwin (Essay Contest Winner),The late Fred Imler, Sr (Former President, Imler’s Poultry) “What is it?” You ask. People shift to create a gap in properly educated on peer detecting it. Determining shunned is no reason to do others to say no, making room the group. In Stacy’s hand, pressure. Minors are the most that someone is being peer something wrong. There will for positive peer pressure. You you see a black rectangle with vulnerable to peer pressure, pressured is hard. You might always be more opportunities could inform an adult. While a colorful tip. Your stomach and should go into situations notice changes in personality, to find friends, but there will saying no to peer pressure sinks. You know what it is. knowing how to react. such as becoming more be less opportunities to fix takes strength, you will feel It’s the newest trend, a Juul. What is peer pressure secretive, changes in attitude mistakes. Maintaining inner better in the long run. They have been all over the and why do kids give in so and language, and expressing strength and self confidence is news. The pods are filled with easily? The dictionary defines emotions that are out of an important part of denying nicotine, a highly addictive peer pressure as influence character. People may also peer pressure. If you end up Works Cited drug. from the members of one’s spend more time with a new getting involved, talking to “Dealing With Peer “I got it from my brother,” group. Not all peer pressure group. Drug use is a sign. another person that stands Pressure (for Kids) – Nemours Stacy whispers. “Wanna try?” is bad. For example, a crowd If you notice any of these with you might help. There is KidsHealth.” Edited by She hands it to you while encouraging an apology is changes, pay attention for always a way out. D’Arcy Lyness, KidsHealth, everyone stares, daring you fine. Convincing someone more. When your friends try to The Nemours Foundation, to try it. How do you say no? to do something they do not Avoiding peer pressure get you to Juul, you say, “No July 2015, kidshealth.org/en/ What are you supposed to do? want to is wrong. Children is challenging because there thanks.” They might call kids/peer-pressure.html. As people grow older, give into peer pressure for are always going to be bad you lame, but because you they come across situations many reasons. They could people who want you to do are educated, you understand “Signs of Peer Pressure like these more often. Should give into it because they want bad things. In most situations, being considered lame is & How to Help Stark you give in? Should you say to fit in and are scared of being you can use common sense. better than the alternatives. County Teens.” Stark Help no and be “lame”? While bullied. If something seems wrong, If they bully you, you can Central, 27 Sept. 2019, education evolves more every Being educated on say no. You can make new leave. Having the bravery www.starkhelpcentral.com/ year, students should still be peer pressure is essential to friends. Being afraid of being to say no might encourage peer-pressure-signs.

Healthy Blair County as well as nationwide, contact their organization. in conjunction with the Another mission is to educate Coalition Work Group Highlights developers of the program. individuals on the impact Continued from A14 Data from the Columbia of tobacco and the use of Protocol app indicated that e-cigarettes, as well as provide HBCC/Blair County received of mental health and mental The answers help users identify 179 contacts from Blair resources to those individuals a $20,000 RWJ Foundation illness needs within the whether someone is at risk for County were made using the interested in quitting. To date, grant, focused on sharing community, including the suicide, assess the severity and app. You can download the The Lung Disease Foundation a successful program with development of a suicide risk immediacy of that risk, and app by searching for Columbia has conducted presentations another community for the assessment app. Members gauge the level of support that Protocol. for over 616 parents, school purpose of replication and of the work group are The Alliance personnel, students, and collaborative learning. The hosting Community for Nicotine Free business leaders. They grant was used to replicate Conversation about Communities is applied for a grant to purchase the Graduation Initiative/ Mental Health. These supporting programs and install vaping detectors in Connect like Crazy Program conversations provide to implement or the Hollidaysburg Area School that was developed in the an opportunity for strengthen policies District. Tyrone Area School District people to learn about to create a nicotine- The Dental Care and implemented in Altoona. mental health issues, free environment Work Group is forming A brochure and Standard including breaking (e.g. smoke-free partnerships to enhance Operating Procedures down misperceptions workplaces, clean air resources and access to dental (SOP) were developed for and promoting recovery. ordinances, smoking care services for adults and distribution to other interested In addition, the work cessation programs, children in Blair County. This school districts. group developed a training the person needs. The training etc.). In collaboration with includes screenings and the The Mental Health Work based on the Columbia- is offered at no cost to schools, the Lung Disease Center establishment of a dental home Group is addressing unmet Suicide Assessment Tool. The law enforcement, faith-based of Central Pennsylvania, for children to have access to needs and working toward Columbia-Suicide Severity organizations, community smoking cessation classes continued dental care. Another establishing or enhancing Rating Scale (C-SSRS) groups, and service providers. are being conducted in local goal is to educate partners programs and strategies supports suicide risk Under the leadership of the hospitals, businesses, and who can share oral health to more effectively serve assessment through a series Blair County Department of other organizations. If you are messages with individuals and children and families. This of simple, plain-language Social Services, an app was interested in hosting smoking organizations working with includes creating an awareness questions that anyone can ask. developed for Blair County, cessation classes, please young children. V1 Annual Report, Vol. IX local Our Town Times | Page A17

Blair County Agencies Who are Partnered with OOT

Allegheny Township Police - 814-695-3333 N. Woodbury Township Police - 814-793-4897 Spring Cove School District PD - 814-473-2111 Contact Person: Chief Leo Berg Contact Person: Chief David Rosamilia Contact Person: Chief Rick Brozenich

Altoona Police - 814-949-2489 Roaring Spring Borough Police - 814-224-5382 Blair County Prison - 814-693-3155 Contact Person: Chief Janice Freehling Contact Person: Chief Gregory Wyandt Contact Person: Warden Abby Tate

Altoona Area School District PD - 814-941-6137 Tyrone Borough Police - 814-684-1364 Blair County DA’s Oce - 814-693-3010 Contact Person: William Pfe er Contact Person: Interim Chief Jessica Walk Contact Person: District Attorney Pete Weeks

Bellwood Borough Police - 814-742-7800 Williamsburg Borough Police - 814-832-2022 Blair County Coroner Oce - 814-940-5938 Contact Person: Chief Joseph Schlecht Contact Person: Chief Rowdy Kagarise Contact Person: Coroner Patricia Ross

Blair Township Police - 814-696-3846 UPMC Police - 814-889-2453 Contact Person: Chief Roger White Contact Person: Chief Greg Servello

Duncansville Police - 814-695-1930 Pa State Police - 814-696-6100 Contact Person: Chief Je Ketner Contact Person: Sergeant Brad Codd

Freedom Township Police - 814-695-8545 Central PA Humane Society - 814-942-5402 Contact Person: Chief Terry Dellinger Contact Person: Ocer Paul Gottshall

Greeneld Township Police - 814-239-5313 Penn State Altoona Police - 814-949-5222 Contact Person: Chief Ronald Sharkey, Sr. Contact Person: Lt. Jason Salm

Hollidaysburg Borough Police - 814-695-3711 Altoona VA Medical Center Police - Contact Person: Chief Rodney Estep 814-943-8164 ext 7059 Contact Person: Chief Paul Blanchard Hollidaysburg Area School District - 814-695-4416 Contact Person: Resource Ocer Wayne Bush PA Game Commission- 814-643-1831 Contact Person: WCO Pster, WCO Za uto, Logan Township Police - 814-949-3364 and WCO College Contact Person: Chief David Reese Blair County Sheri - 814-693-3100 Martinsburg Borough Police - 814-793-2838 Contact Person: Sheri James Ott Contact Person: Chief Kerry Hoover

Criminal Justice Advisory Board Report Continued from A14

a letter of support for the COVID emergency, and the Meadows, reviewed changes The Blair County in early 2020 regarding new Blair County Reentry sub-committee has started to in the 2021 criminal court Reentry Coalition made an Act 114 and Act 115. New Coalition. The letter of make progress in the area of calendar that were instituted announcement that they have responsibilities for some of support was forwarded to determining Veteran mentor in order to better service the included an actual “reentrant” the court participants were PCCD for approval. It was requirements. court and the court participants onto their planning committee. reviewed, and some open also reported that Drug Court The October meeting in light of the ongoing COVID The recently formed coalition questions for the future were unsuccessful discharges of included a presentation emergency. has also began approaching set to be discussed on a future program participants was by Jon Frank, Director of Exciting news was actual Blair County Prison agenda. on the rise at a greater level Juvenile Probation, regarding announced that the CAC detainees in regard to getting The court values all of than noted in 2019. This rise information that he previously has taken another positive a first-hand review of the the input from everyone who was attributed to the reduced presented at the “Needs-based step in that a new forensic needs of reentrants, based participates and contributes to personal interaction between Budget” Public Hearing. interviewer was hired. This upon the actual population’s CJAB. We should all be proud the Judges, probation officers, The presentation covered the new interviewer, though outlook. The Stepping Up of the accomplishments made and Drug Court participants. “secure detention” situation hired on a casual, part-time Initiative announced that a during the challenges of the It was noted that CJAB in Blair County, the increase basis, will assist in providing full-time coordinator has past year and remain focused participantPoliceOOT1/3Ad Sheriff James Ott V1in alternatives6.633 x 6.633to secure a stronger CAC capability.VJD been hired, and that this step on collaborating to serve intends to establish a Crisis detention, the effect on new As a side issue, the CAC should lead to increased justice in our community in Intervention Team for his filings and community2.24.14 service announced that after 3 years activity for the program. The 2021. department. The Veteran’s due to COVID, and the status of operations, they have final issue discussed was the Court sub-committee was of juvenile restitution in presently conducted over 500 new requirements that have Honorable Elizabeth Doyle was also making progress after Blair County. The County interviews, demonstrating come into effect due to recent retained to the Blair County some difficulties during the Court Administrator, Janice great strides in a short time. legislation that began effective Court of Common Pleas in 2013.

to school closures from the Hollidaysburg Junior High program for the 2020-2021 COVID-19 pandemic. The School Nurse who administers school year. The Senior High It Pays to Pass: schools reopened in the fall of the drug testing for the Junior randomly tests two students 2020, which allowed the drug High said, “The program is a each week. Mary Haenig, voluntary student testing program to operate for great way to promote healthy Hollidaysburg Senior High a short time, until the schools lifestyle choices, especially School Nurse who administers drug testing program closed again in mid-November. at the Junior High age where the drug testing for the Senior Shawna Hoover, OOT Executive Coordinator The Hollidaysburg schools our young adults are very High said, “The program resumed in-person learning impressionable. The program has been a positive healthy he Operation Our packet, the students are at the end of January 2021, gives the students a way “out” behavior promotion aspect for Town Marketing given a “Choose Life, Not which allowed the drug testing of experimenting with drugs or the school environment. The Roundtable created Drugs” wristband provided T program to operate again with alcohol when with their peers. students are enthusiastic about the It Pays to Pass Program five by Operation Our Town. being called for testing and years ago to encourage students Student names are put in are thrilled with the Sheetz in 7th through 12th grade a lottery system and each gift cards! Most of our to develop good habits and week students are randomly students drive, so many of reward them for continuing to picked from the lottery to be them say they will use the make the right choices. The It tested. If a student passes gift card for gas.” Pays to Pass Program rewards the 5 panel drug screen or We look forward and students that participate in the the alcohol mouth swab hope for a more normal Hollidaysburg Area School test, they are given a $25 2021-2022 school year District’s voluntary student Sheetz gift card provided to continue the drug drug testing program. The by Operation Our Town testing program. We purpose of the program is to through the sponsorship of are truly grateful for the help students remain drug-free local businesses. Parents support of the following and to give students an excuse are notified of the test and local businesses and to not give in to peer pressure the results. If a student does organizations that have if they are asked to try drugs or not pass the test, a non- contributed monetary alcohol. punitive system is used. donations to sponsor the Each year, the They are not punished at purchase of the Sheetz gift Hollidaysburg School District school, however, they must cards for the 2020-2021 provides a packet to all Junior sign up for drug counseling school year: Allegheny and Senior High students or a rehab program. They are some intermittent closures. Although the Junior High kids Township Police Association, and families to sign up for also referred to the school SAP The Junior High only had a don’t drive, they do get excited P. Joseph Lehman, Inc., and the district’s voluntary drug (Student Assistance Program) handful of students sign up for to use the gift cards for food Ventura Construction Services. & alcohol testing program. team. the program for the 2020-2021 when hanging out with their We also offer a huge thank you Students and parents must This past year presented school year. The Junior High friends in town.” to Sheetz for partnering with us complete the consent packet. some challenges with the 2020- randomly tests one student The Senior High had to support this very important Upon turning in the consent 2021 drug testing program due each week. Wendy Lieb, 69 students sign up for the program! Page A18 | Our Town Times local Annual Report, Vol. IX

Operation Our Town K - 12 Education Roundtable Report Continued from A12 The Altoona Area School This is a great opportunity for District ELECT program has young families and parents. received Operation Our Town The Healthy Blair County funds for the second year in a Coalition Mental Health row in 20-21. The program Workgroup is continuing to has used funding from the conduct a feasibility study for 20-21 grant cycle to pay for an inpatient adolescent mental meals for students enrolled health care facility based on in the program during one the needs in Blair County. on one sessions held outside Data is being collected, of the home and for meals reviewed, and the findings provided during workshop will be presented at a future sessions with groups of meeting (2021). students. Emergency supplies The PAYS Survey also have been purchased to drop indicated the use of vaping off meal kits while sessions devices, both regionally and are being held virtually. There statewide, are nearly twice the is education surrounding the national average. 35% of Blair selection of healthy foods, County twelfth grade students preparation of food, and indicated vaping within the making selections for infants past 30 days. School districts and toddlers to eat. Operation continue to work with Blair Our Town has allowed the Drug and Alcohol Partnerships Area School District recently PA. The vape sensors have are unified in our sincere ELECT program to continue a to educate parents and received 20 vape sensors been installed in restrooms at appreciation for Operation hands-on learning experience students on the trend and the through a grant made possible the Junior High and Senior Our Town and the critical that ELECT grant funding harmful effects of vaping. To from the Ronald McDonald High buildings to detect and impact the organization has can no longer support due to safeguard the health and safety House Charities and the Lung deter students from vaping. had on the safety of our reduced amounts of funding. of students, the Hollidaysburg Disease Foundation of Central Blair County school districts students and our communities. 2020 OOT Golf Tournament Results By Shawna Hoover, OOT Executive Coordinator

peration are not regular golfers. golfers in the afternoon session Miles. 3rd Place: Bruno DeGol come hungry! We will also be Our US Foods sponsored the had the opportunity to putt for III, Nick DeGol, Andrew DeGol, doing another exciting $5,000 Town Neighborhood BBQ on Monday a $5,000 cash prize donation Mark Saltzburg. The overall putting contest for golfers! held evening in conjunction with the from Park Hills Golf Club. The Closest to the Pin winner was Please consider supporting its 8th golf tournament. The dinner winner of each session was the Mike Macionsky (in the hole). Operation Our Town through Annual was provided by US Foods golfer that got their putt in the The winning teams all received our annual golf tournament, Golf Tournament on September and their chefs, and Travis hole or closest to the hole. After special golf gifts. as it has become one of our 14 &O 15, 2020. The two-day Seymore of Alto Markets golf, the evening ended with a Save-the-Date for Operation major fundraisers. The money event included a Mini-Golf cooked several different flavors dinner on the outdoor patio, Our Town’s 9th Annual Golf raised from this tournament Tournament at Lakemont Park of wings provided by Imler’s with steaks provided by Hoss’s Tournament that will be held on goes towards funding drug and the US Foods Neighborhood Poultry. Beverages were BBQ at Park Hills Golf Club provided by Furrer Beverage. on Monday and the main Golf Dana Thompson and Thompson Tournament on Tuesday at Park Pharmacy provided the patriotic Hills Golf Club. All funds raised theme décor for the event. benefit local drug enforcement The Neighborhood BBQ and prevention programs in also included an update from Blair County thanks to the 39 District Attorney Peter Weeks. teams and 98 sponsors! Many The late Anthony Alianiello, thanks, once again, goes to former Assistant Chief of the the OOT Golf Committee, Altoona Police Department, Park Hills Golf Club, and all was honored for his service, and volunteers who helped to make a plaque was presented to his the event a success. family. The evening ended with The Operation Our Town a 50/50 drawing, and golfers, Mini-Golf Tournament was held sponsors, and OOT grant on Monday, September 14th at recipients enjoyed networking Lakemont Park’s Keystone Falls on the outdoor patio. 18-Hole Mini-Golf Course. The golf tournament was Participants were invited to the held on Tuesday and golfers US Foods Neighborhood BBQ had the opportunity to choose afterwards for great food and from an 8:00am or 1:00pm networking. The winning mini- tee time. Sheetz was the main and beverages provided by City Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at enforcement and prevention golf team was Blair Companies food sponsor on Tuesday and Beverage. Park Hills Golf Club. Golfers programs aimed at reducing Real Estate, which received provided a delicious breakfast, The winning golf teams will still have the choice of an drugs and crime in Blair County. a special gift. The mini-golf lunch, and snacks on the golf were: 1st Place: Nick 8:00am or 1:00pm tee time. Please contact Shawna Hoover tournament is a fun team- course. The golf tournament Gates, Mark Condrin, Mike Sheetz will also be providing a at (814) 296-8730 or shawna@ building event for businesses included the “Golden Ticket” Macionsky, Chuck Meyers. delicious breakfast and lunch for operationourtown.org for more and employees of all ages, and contest in which ten golfers in 2nd Place: Keith Saleme, Thad morning and afternoon golfers details on how you can support a great alternative for those who the morning session and ten McDonough, Aaron Harr, Pat to enjoy before they tee off, so this year’s tournament! SEE SOMETHING? SAY SOMETHING!

693-3020 Annual Report, Vol. IX local Our Town Times | Page A19 Department Updates: Blair County Sheriff’s Office Year in Review By Sheriff James E. Ott Continued from A4 Ways our office Lefevre and Rebecca Todd into serves the By the numbers LOGAN TOWNSHIP custody without incident. community: •LTPD Officers Chris We are blessed to Our o ce is proud to provide the following statistics processed for 2020: Police Department – Rosenberry and Tyler have great partnerships Civil and Criminal process received/served: 1,002 Chief David Reese McConnell were recognized throughout the Personal property eviction-writs of execution: 104 by Chief Reese with a Letter of Real estate executions: 57 •LTPD is proud to announce community, which Processed-issued license to carry rearms: 4,746 that they’re continuing their Appreciation for apprehending allows our office to Warrants served/processed/closed: 2,467 collaboration with the Blair homicide suspect Vasilios participate/organize a License to sell rearms: 13 Pentsas on 11/09/20 along License to sell precious metals issued: 7 County Opioid Prevention Task variety of community Bellemeade Drive. Pentsas was Protection from Abuse (PFA) opened/processed: 448 Force through the Strategies events. Here are a wanted by the Altoona Police for Coordinating Overdose few examples of our Prevention Efforts (SCOPE) Department for a homicide that involvements: Annual Services the Sheriff’s and excited to announce First Responders grant. The occurred earlier in the evening Kids, Cops, and Cones at being the first Sheriff’s Office SCOPE grant promotes using on 11/09/20. Office provides: Meadows Family Center; motivational interviewing to Our office is responsible in the Commonwealth of conduct referrals and “warm TYRONE BOROUGH DEA National Drug Take for prisoner transports Pennsylvania to implement handoffs” to help patients Back Days; Countywide for scheduled court cases, the ability to complete and National Night Out Against submit application and access substance use disorder Police Department – safety and security of the Crime; educational events courthouse campus, process payment for a license to and/or mental health evaluation Interim Chief and treatment; and providing with many of the senior PFA’s, real estate sales, carry online. This process Jessica A. Walk referrals to those who are in centers; provide threat conduct on view arrests for has allowed our office to •The Tyrone Borough Police need of treatment or resources assessment and training for Department, along with criminal violations, conduct better serve its citizens and for substance abuse disorder. members of the Attorney various business and church traffic enforcement efforts, remain in compliance with All LTPD personnel have General’s Office and the Blair groups, including first aid, serve warrants, and assist all legal rights. The link for this attended basic awareness County Drug Task Force, CPR, and Stop the Bleed other enforcement agencies process can be found within training to support the initiative. conducted a Tyrone-based raid training. upon request. the Sheriff category of the •LTPD K-9 Officers Vazquez on 9/9/2020 and 9/10/2020. We constantly encourage Our office provides county website, under license and Swander continue to There were 24 targets that were residents, groups, or additional safety steps by to carry information, online provide excellent service to charged with Possession with organizations to contact providing screening and application process. By our Blair County law enforcement. the Intent to Deliver and various our office to schedule security at the main entrance office piloting this online During 2020, both “Freddy” and other related drug charges, all presentations on a variety process of application for LTC “Ciro” assisted Blair County of the courthouse campus. from Tyrone & surrounding law enforcement partners in 21 of topics, such as: drugs and Here are the results of those by partnering with Permitium areas. separate K-9 related incidents. drug addition, home safety, actions: LLC, we have opened the •Officer Winters and her K9 •In September 2020, LTPD situational awareness, gun door for several other Sheriff Getro conducted 24 K9 sniffs Officers were successful in safety and LTC topics, and • Number of citizens Offices across Pennsylvania throughout Blair County, investigating and arresting changes in the law, etc. screened at entrance: to establish the same program leading to numerous drug the persons responsible for 65,174 and offer the same process to related arrests. perpetrating a shooting in Special their citizens, thus providing •The police department handled • Number of items the Greenwood area along 4,623 calls for service. Accomplishments: X-rayed: 69,841 a better means of serving Bellemeade Drive, which •The police department made On July 18, 2020, I • Number of our communities. To date, resulted in an injury. A team of 340 criminal arrests. had the honor of being prohibited items there are 17 Pennsylvania LTPD officers worked doggedly •The police department issued the keynote speaker at the declared: 166 Sheriff Offices now offering for several days to take the 472 traffic citations. Deputy Sheriff Academy • Number of items this process as a result of our responsible actors Justin Graduation Ceremony. It intercepted by our initiatives, with additional was very humbling to be able deputies (contraband, preparing to do the same. to speak to the graduating drugs, weapons): We were able to provide class, pointing out goals 440 additional service/protection and concerns as they move • Number of firearms to the Blair County citizens forward in the career of Law declared: 7 and businesses by expanding Enforcement. operations to 24-hour service The office also How has the COVID-19 during the very challenging participates in many of the pandemic affected your COVID shutdown times, county-wide and targeted community service? thus allowing deputies to be impairment and drug Practicing social distancing, more visible throughout our activities, as well as traffic while remaining supportive communities at all hours safety programs, these all to our citizens who wish to of the day and night in an promote safer communities exercise their legal right to attempt to deter criminal Photo Courtesy of Blair County Sheriff’s Office and roadways for the public. carry a firearm, we’re honored activity.

Monday, September 20, 2021 @ Lakemont Park Keystone Falls – 18 hole Mini-Golf Course

Schedule of Activities: 4:00pm – Tee time for OOT Mini-Golf Tournament at Lakemont Park 5:00pm – US Foods Neighborhood BBQ at Park Hills Golf Club

Mini-Golf Sponsorships: Individual Mini-Golfer – $25 Mini-Golf Foursome – $100 Mini-Golf Tee Sign – $100

All funds raised bene t local drug enforcement and prevention programs through grants from Operation Our Town. Page A20| Our Town Times local Annual Report, Vol. IX

For more information on these groups and more, visit: https://www.blairdap.org/recovery/recovery-support-groups/ Annual Report, Vol. IX local Our Town Times | Page A21 In Their Own Words - Student Excerpts By Shawna Hoover, OOT Executive Coordinator PHOTOS

he fight against why people give into the apparent solution to increased risk Tdrugs and crime peer pressure is just as seems to be to promote for having a mental begins with the youth important as knowing adolescents to become illness like anxiety in our community, how to refuse it. more independent with or depression. because they are our Surrounding yourself a high self-esteem. Unfortunately, most future. This generation with those who enjoy There are various is facing many unique the same healthy ways to help build a “It’s important challenges and hobbies you do and teen’s self-esteem and to remind each negative influences, so feeling like you have independence, but I wanted to share some a support system is some strategies include other that fitting of their thoughts and critical peer pressure teaching assertiveness in now is never perspectives on drug defense. Someone skills, promoting worth sacrificing use and peer pressure feeling alone or like an self-improvement, forever.” in their own words. outsider is more likely and helping them The following below to give in. Remember develop positive self- Excerpt from essay submitted by AAJHS 6th are excerpts from the that it is never just a talk. If adolescents Photo Courtesy of Altoona Police Department Top 10 essays that one time thing. That can successfully grader, Morgan were submitted for our one decision to try it participate in programs annual Essay Contest just once can cause that assist and guide young adults in in November 2020 your life to change them in forming America are active from Blair County forever. It is important high self-esteem on social media daily, junior & senior high to remind each other and independence so this means that school students that that fitting in now is as individuals, they they most likely face describe their thoughts never worth sacrificing will be more likely to negative thoughts or and solutions to why forever.” resist peer pressure develop a negative people give in to peer Branden, a 12th and protect their future self-image. Not only pressure from those grade student at Bishop from harmful activities can social media make who use drugs and Guilfoyle Catholic like drug use.” people develop issues, some of the best ways High School, suggested Giavanna, a but social media also to avoid giving in to the causes of peer 12th grade student can offer solutions peer pressure: pressure and proposed at Bishop Guilfoyle to the issues they Morgan, a 6th some solutions: “The Catholic High School, cause. One resource grade student at root cause of peer explained how drug says that kids who use Altoona Area Junior pressure is fitting in use and peer pressure social media are more High School, offered among peers, in which can be caused by teens’ likely to use drugs or some wise words and rejection and bullying use of social media: alcohol. Drugs can be suggestions for how can result if one does “Drugs are glorified on seen as an easy way for students can deal with not conform. Low self- social media sites by anyone to escape their peer pressure and drug esteem also influences numerous celebrities. depression, anxiety, or use: “Peer pressure is those to become Studies have shown stress that is caused by not going away anytime more susceptible to that increased social their obsessive use of soon. Understanding peer pressure. So, media usage has led social media.” “Drive-by” birthday celebration with the APD

9TH Annual

September 20 & 21, 2021

PARK HILLS GOLF CLUB, ALTOONA

Schedule of Activities: Monday, September 20th: 12:00pm – Tee O Against Drugs Student Golf Tournament 4:00pm – Mini-Golf Tournament at Lakemont Park 5:00pm – US Foods Neighborhood BBQ Tuesday, September 21st: 7:00am – Breakfast provided by Sheetz & registration for morning tee time 8:00am – AM Shotgun start 11:00am – Lunch provided by Sheetz & registration for afternoon tee time 12:30pm – AM Putting contest for $5,000 1:00pm – PM Shotgun start 6:00pm – PM Putting contest for $5,000 Dinner following afternoon golf $5,000 PUTTING CONTEST: A $5,000 cash prize donation from Park Hills Golf Club will be awarded to the winners of the putting contests! Golf Sponsorship Levels: Sponsorship Levels: Gold - $6,000 Beverage sponsor - $1,000 Reception sponsor - $500 - 2 groups in tournament - Company banner displayed during event - Company banner displayed during event - Company banner displayed, sign on driveway - Company name listed in Event Guide - Company name listed in Event Guide - Company name listed in Event Guide - Specialty Gold & commemorative gifts for each golfer Closest to the Pin sponsor - $1,000 “Tee O Against Drugs” Student - Signage at the sponsored pin Golf Tournament sponsor - $500 Silver - $3,000 - Company name listed in Event Guide - Sponsorship of School District of your choice - 1 group in tournament within Blair & surrounding counties - Company banner displayed, sign on driveway - Signage displayed during the event - Company name listed in Event Guide Golf Cart sponsor - $1,000 on September 20th - Signage on golf cart (limit 5 sponsors) - Specialty Silver & commemorative gifts for each golfer - School District of the winning boys and girls team - Company name listed in Event Guide will receive a $2,500 grant to be used for a current or Bronze - $2,000 new school program that is aimed at the education and prevention of drug use. - 1 group in tournament Hole in One sponsor - $1,000 - Company banner displayed, sign on driveway - Signage at the sponsored Par 3 - Company name listed in Event Guide - Company name listed in Event Guide Greens sponsor - $250 - Specialty Bronze & commemorative gifts for each golfer - Signage at the sponsored green Refreshment Tent sponsor - $1,000 - Company name listed in Event Guide Individual Golfer - $400 - Signage on one of the 4 Refreshment Tents or - Individual entry in tournament provide your company’s tent Tee sponsor - $150 - Company name listed in Event Guide - Commemorative gifts for one golfer - Signage at the sponsored tee Page A22| Our Town Times local Annual Report, Vol. IX LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT: By Michael A. Fiore, Co-Founder/President, Operation Our Town peration Our be negatively impacted by the the Annual Golf Tournament, Blair County were either for creative ways to deliver their Town is now shutdowns from the COVID-19 several individuals and local heroin or methamphetamine. programs and services safely. going into its pandemic, but many have businesses stepped forward to This is a war, not a battle, and This past year has tested 15th year of continued to support Operation provide an additional $40,000 we strive to manage it the best all of us in some way and operation,O and we’re fortunate Our Town, despite all of these to Blair County’s PA 30 Day we can with our three main presented new challenges to that we’ve been able to issues. Fund resources. So, combined focuses on law enforcement, overcome. As a community, continue to provide funding In appreciation of the with Operation Our Town’s gift, prevention, and treatment. we will continue to face new for drug enforcement and continued support from our that totals $61,000 of additional Our Roundtables were still challenges in the future, but prevention programs in Blair small businesses, a $21,000 funding which will be made able to work on projects and we can make a difference if we County, despite experiencing donation from our 2020 Golf available to 20 small businesses community issues over the past work together. Because of you, the harmful effects of the Tournament was made to the PA right here in Blair County.” year, but had to adapt in many we are able to continue to touch COVID-19 pandemic. 30 Day Fund, which helped to Ongoing issues haven’t ways by meeting virtually, thousands of people because of Our local and small provide forgivable $3,000 loans changed and they always cancelling or rescheduling the generosity and support that businesses are the backbone of to 7 small businesses in Blair find different circumstances events, and finding alternative the Blair County community Blair County, and are the major County who were affected by and levels of sophistication. ways to provide information. continues to provide. source of funding that helps COVID-19. According to Jim This rings true for the current Our prevention grant recipients Operation Our Town to provide Foreman, Facilitator of the PA COVID-19 pandemic that we were also affected. Some had You can help take back our grants for drug enforcement 30 Day Fund in Blair County, are experiencing, combined to request time extensions on neighborhoods by volunteering and prevention programs. “Following the announcement with the opioid epidemic that their grants due to their events or financially supporting the Many local businesses have of Operation Our Town’s our area is still facing. In 2020, or programs being cancelled, work of Operation Our Town. been affected and continue to generous donation made at the majority of drug cases in while others had to find new and Visit OperationOurTown.Org. Drug Drug Testing COCOA WITH THE PO-PO Prosecutor Program continued from A6 Sponsors largest seizure of fentanyl in the history Thank you to our 2020- of Blair County when it 2021 “It Pays to Pass” conducted a search of two program partner and residences pursuant to a monetary sponsors: lengthy investigation and several search warrants Program Partner: which resulted in finding approximately one hundred and fifty (150) grams of fentanyl. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the criminal justice system in Blair County experienced Program Sponsors: a significant influx in the number of bail modification petitions that were filed so that the bail of an incarcerated individual would be modified in such a way that would allow for his or her release from incarceration. Many of these individuals were charged with felony drug ocoa with the Po-Po at the Green Bean Coffee House gave children the and/or firearm related Allegheny Township opportunity to interact with Altoona Law Enforcement. offenses and subsequently Police Association C released from the Blair County Prison on bail awaiting disposition of the case in the court system. Drug Court: creating a balance The District Attorney’s Office worked diligently Continued from A5 to ensure that there was supervision, the individual is the drug court team to provide the drug court program. in the program because he or an objection to most of subject to intense supervision an update as to what happened While our drug court she is permitted to remain in these bail modification by probation officers who during the last two weeks in program emphasizes treatment the community and sustain petitions. However, are specially assigned to their lives. and recovery of the individual, a support system that comes such individuals were supervise the drug court Additionally, there are there is a close relationship from their family and friends often released and later participants. Prior to officially four phases in our drug court that is formed between the while learning how to maintain rearrested on serious being sentenced into the program that an individual participant, his or her probation sobriety. offenses including program, the individual must must advance through in order officer, and the judge, unlike Despite what drug crimes burglary, robbery, undergo a drug and alcohol to successfully graduate from traditional sentences of look like at face value, there is possession of a firearm evaluation that determines a the program. If an individual probation or incarceration a significant impact on society, by a person who is recommendation for a treatment fails to follow the conditions where the individual is brought communities, and families. The legally unable to possess plan. Once the individual is of the program, there are a before the court on the day Blair County District Attorney’s a firearm due to a prior sentenced into the program, he variety of sanctions that may be of his or her sentencing and Office will continue to achieve felony drug conviction, or she must successfully follow imposed by the judge, ranging then sentenced. Additionally, a balance of punishment and and, most notably, this treatment recommendation, from community service to a many of the individuals who rehabilitation of offenders. attempted homicide. which typically includes an short period of incarceration. we allow into this program In 2021, the Blair inpatient stay. The individual One may also be subject to would be facing a significant County District Attorney’s is also required to continue revocation from the program period of incarceration at the Office will continue to adhering to the course of should his or her violations be Blair County Prison. However, join forces with local treatment as outlined by the significant enough to warrant being placed into this program law enforcement to treatment professionals as he such result. Once an individual reduces or eliminates the aggressively pursue or she advances through the successfully completes and period of incarceration that drug investigations and drug court program. Every two graduates from the three-year he or she would normally those who engage in the weeks, there is a group review program, he or she is then be subject to based on the distribution of controlled of the individuals in drug court subject to regular supervision sentencing guidelines. This substances in its effort as each participant meets with for the remaining period, which often incentivizes an individual to protect the citizens of the judge and other members of is less intense supervision than to accept an offer to participate Blair County. District Attorney’s Office Continued from A5 is imperative that have drug and alcohol The collaboration that we return to roots and addictions, we remain we have between the sentence those who committed to holding the business community, traffic these deadly drugs safety of the community drug and alcohol to significant terms of and the quest for victims treatment agencies, and incarceration. The District above accommodations prevention and social Attorney’s Office, along for those who commit service groups is directly with law enforcement crimes. related to Operation Our throughout Blair County, We, in law Town and unmatched in will continue to bring enforcement, continue to other communities. It these offenders to justice. adapt to the changes in the is this collaboration that While we believe in laws and tactics of the drug strengthens and unifies us providing treatment dealers to stay ten steps in our shared mission for a options for criminals who ahead of the offenders. safer Blair County. Photo courtesy of Altoona Police Department Annual Report, Vol. IX local Our Town Times | Page A23

Color Me!

Why did the cop go to the the detective at Someonebaseball “stole” game?second base! What kind of jam does a police officer have Why wasthe beach? on his sandwich? a traffic jam! There was a crime wave.

Word Search Page A24| Our Town Times local Annual Report, Vol. IX Operation Our town donors

Operation Our Town was founded in 2006 with the support of many local businesses. The following businesses with an asterisk (*) are our founding members that initially committed at least $10,000 per year for three years or more to fund local efforts to take back our neighborhoods from drugs and violent crime.

The success of Operation Our Town, combined with the desire to improve our community, has led additional local businesses to continue the work begun by our founding members by continuing to financially support local programs that prevent and/or reduce drug abuse and/or crime in Blair County.

The donations listed in the donor categories below are cumulative.

$10,000 and up: AmeriServ Financial Keystone Real Estate Group, LP Blair County Crime Solvers Knights of Columbus Council 551 AIA Alera Group Bavarian Aid Society Koehle Maintenance Blair County Health & Welfare Council Kopp Drug Alan Gehringer, Rhythm Systems Benzel’s Bretzel Bakery, Inc. Kranich’s, Inc. Blair County NAACP Ladies of Virtue Foundation, Inc. Allegheny Supply & Maintenance Co., Inc. Bernard Albert Good Post 8685 Lakemont Lions Club, Inc. Blair Gastroenterology Associates Lake Raystown Resort Altoona Area School District Foundation Best Line Equipment Low Life Rider Chapter, Inc. Blair Orthopedics Law Office of Stephen D. Wicks Altoona Curve – Lozinak Professional Blair County District Attorney’s Office Loyal Order of Moose, Altoona Family Blair Roofing, Inc. Law Offices of Thomas M. Dickey Baseball, LLC Business Planning Service, LLC Center #74 Blue Knob Golf Club Llyswen United Methodist Church Altoona First Savings Bank Concordia Society Mama Randazzo’s, Inc. Bob’s Storage Logan Lodge #490 F&AM Altoona Pipe & Steel Supply Company DelGrosso Foods, Inc. Mariska Eash Realtor, Stultz Real Estate Carmike Cinemas Longstreth Brothers, Inc. American Eagle Paper Mills Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital Martin’s Food Market – Ahold Financial Carnegie Equipment, Inc. Lumax Lighting Amtran of Altoona Services Central Blair Recreation Commission Lung Disease Center of Central PA Anonymous donor Fiore Brothers Management, LLC McAleer’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Central PA Cardiology, LLC Mainline Medical Associates APR Supply Co. First Commonwealth Bank Conditioning Central PA Digital Learning Foundation Manpower Arch Insurance Group Galliker Dairy Company Mock Creations Clear Creek Environmental Marianna’s Fundraisers, Inc. Blair Candy Company, Inc.* Inco Beverage, Inc. Mountain City Law Dogs of Altoona Clip Art Salon Martin Oil Company Blair Companies* Irwin Financial, Inc. Nason Hospital Credit Control Collections Mathew Greenwald & Associates, Inc. Bolger Brothers, Inc. Jane & Lee Hite & Hite Family Olive Garden - GMRI, Inc. Cresson Lions Park Association McCloskey Builders, Inc. Catalano, Case, Catalano & Clark-Radzieta Keller Engineers, Inc. Omega Bank Cumming Motors, Inc. Mike’s Court Central PA Landlord Association Kunzler & Company ORX Daversa Pest Control Mike Servello Garage, Inc. Chester E. Grannas Family Foundation Lezzer Lumber Park Security Systems Days Inn & Suites, Altoona M&M Roofing & Contracting, Inc. City Beverage of Altoona, Inc. McQuaide Blasko, Inc. Penn State Altoona Delozier Construction Moore Power Sales Courtesy Motors Mountain Research, LLC Pennsylvania Prison Warden’s Association Despoy & Robertson Law Firm Moses & Associates, P.C. D.C. Goodman & Sons, Inc.* Northwest Savings Bank PennTerra Engineering D. Freemont, Inc. Mountain Lodge #281 – Free & Accepted Dean Patterson Chevrolet Pennsylvania Skill P. Joseph Lehman, Inc. Consulting DiAndrea Promos Masons DeGol Organization Pepsi Bottling Group, LLC Engineers Dick’s Pharmacy, Inc. Mount Aloysius College – Physical Delta Health Technologies, LLC* Pyramid Healthcare, Inc. Prevailing Wage Solution Center, LLC Domino’s Therapy Club E.B. Endres, Inc. Silk Mill Properties, Inc. Priority Management & Associates Douglas V. Stoehr, Attorney At Law Mueller’s Auto Recycling Fine Line Cabinets, Inc. Stiffler, McGraw & Associates, Inc. Providence Presbyterian Church Drayer Physical Therapy Institute Musical Society Unter Uns Fiore Buick GMC* Top to Bottom Office Interiors Ravine, Inc. Edward Jones Investments – Michael Nimquin, Inc. Fiore Toyota* Xanitos, Inc. Roaring Spring Blank Book/Roaring Harris Nittany Building Specialties, Inc. First Energy Foundation Young, Oakes, Brown & Co. Spring Water Eldorado Kiwanis Club Okonak, Dean & Lechner, P.C. First National Bank Saint Francis University Epworth Manor Old Canal Inn Fox 8 TV – Peak Media of Pennsylvania, Sam’s Club #6460 Evolution Counseling Services, LLC Overhead Door Company of Blair County LLC $1,000 - $4,999: Season-Aire, Inc. Excalibur Insurance Management Services Passarello Law Office Grainger Foundation, Inc. 2nd Avenue United Methodist Church Secure-Tec, Inc. Fairfield Inn & Suites–TownePlace Suites PennCrest Bank Grappone Law Office* Allegheny Club of Hollidaysburg Senior Life Altoona by Marriott Altoona Pennsylvania Highlands Community Graystone Court Allegheny Orthotics & Prosthetics Sheehan & Associates Fairview United Methodist Church College Groff Tractor & Equipment All Things Automotive, Inc. Shirley’s Cookie Company, Inc. Family Pizza & Pub Photo Flare Harry K. Sickler Associates* Al’s Tavern Smith Transport, Inc. Family Services, Inc. Preferred Benefit Specialists H.F. Lenz Company Altoona Center for Nursing Care Solarshield Remodelers, Inc. Fiore True Value Hardware Presbytery of Huntingdon Holiday Inn Express* Altoona Housing Authority South Hills School of Business & First Presbyterian Church PSECU Hoss’s – Willard E. Campbell Enterprises, Altoona Mirror Technology First Stop Shop, Inc. Radiology Business Solutions, LLC Inc. Ansley RV Swiss Club of Altoona Foster F. Wineland, Inc. Re/Max Results Realty Group Infinity Insurance Management Service Arrow Land Solutions, LLC The Meadows Frozen Custard of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #8 R.H. Marcon, Inc. John & Doug Wolf Atlantic Broadband Greenwood Frederick Lock & Key, Inc. Riley, Inc. Jones Day Babst, Calland, Clements & Zomnir, PC The Meadows Original Frozen Custard of Freedom Excursions by Scully, LLC Ritchey’s Dairy, Inc. Kooman & Associates, LLC Bickel’s Surplus Too, LLC Hollidaysburg Freedom RV Rentals, LLC Rockhill Realty, LLC Lawruk Machine & Tool Company, Inc. Blair County Chamber of Commerce ThyssenKrupp – AIN Plastics Furrer Beverage Co., Inc. Rotary Club of Roaring Spring Lawruk Realty* Blair County Golf & Driving Range – United Way of the Capital Region G.B. Wineland & Son, Inc. Roundhouse Harley-Davidson Lee Industries, Inc.* Madey Corp, Inc. UPMC Health Plan Geisinger Health Plan Roundhouse Powersports, Inc. Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.* Blair County Police Departments Warren A. Gingrich Agency, Inc. Gerard Ziegler, CPA Russell Tire McLanahan Corporation* Blair Drug & Alcohol Partnerships Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC G&G Auto Sales Sacred Heart Church M&T Bank* Blair Medical Associates Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. Saleme Insurance Services, Inc. Newborn Enterprises, Inc. Blue Knob Valley Chainsaw Carving Global Impact Scotch Valley Country Club New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co.* Competition Under $1,000: Goldstein, Heslop, Steele, Clapper, Oswalt Shelco New Pig Corporation* Buccinese Society 1st Summit Bank & Smith Shields Trophy, LLC Nic’s Tobacco Outlet, Inc. Bun Air Corporation A-1 Paving Gold Wing Road Riders Association Sigel’s School of Dance Norfolk Southern Foundation Burgmeier’s Hauling, Inc. AFSCME Local 906 – Hollidaysburg Chapter PAS Sinking Valley Country Club North American Communications Burns White, LLC Veterans Home Greendown Acres Mobile Home Park Spherion Northwestern Mutual CBT Bank a Division of Riverview Bank AFSCME Local 2188 – Altoona City Greenwood Pools & Spas Splish Splash Auto Bath NPC, Inc.* Centre Concrete Company Employees G&R Excavating Stanley J. Krish Funeral Home, Inc. Park Hills Golf Club Cesare Battisti Mutual Benefit Association Allegheny Mountains Convention & Griffith & Petz Co. St. Joseph Institute Patt Organization Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co., Inc. Visitors Bureau Gwin, Dobson & Foreman Sub Zero Ice Cream & Yogurt PNC Foundation Cohen & Grigsby, P.C. Allegheny Township Police Association Haberstroh, Sullivan & George, LLP Summit Country Club Reilly Creppage & Co. Coldwell Banker Town & Country Real Alto Markets, LLC Heidelberg Country Club Sylvan Hills Golf Club Reliance Bank* Estate Altoona Auto Auction Holland Bros. Meats Talixa Software & Service, LLC Rotary Club of Altoona Combined Insurance Altoona Catholic Nurses Hollidaysburg Area Junior High School Teeter Group Say-Core, Inc. Construction Applicators Altoona Center for Clinical Research, PC Student Body Thaler Family Dentistry, PLLC Seltzer Financial Strategies Craig Fencing Altoona Honda Home Health Resource The Burchfield Organization, Inc. Sheetz, Inc.* DelGrosso Family of Companies Altoona Jewish Community School Home Nursing Agency The Crossroad Small Tube Products DelGrosso’s Amusement Park Altoona Police Narcotics Division Homewood Retirement Centers The EADS Group S&T Bank DiAndrea Media Altoona Soft Water Housing Authority of Northumberland The Knickerbocker Stuckey Automotive Discovery House Appalachia IU8 County The Lytle Group The Hite Company Division of Mayer Doing Better Business, Inc. ARC Federal Credit Union Imler’s Poultry The Medicine Shoppe Electric* Edward Jones Investments – Richard Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc. Inner Peace Counseling The Village at Morrisons Cove Thompson Pharmacy Logan A. Thomas Farrell Law Offices Investment Savings Bank The Winds at Mattern Orchard United Way of Blair County* Empire Communication Systems, Inc. Back in Action Physical Therapy & Fitness Iron Masters Country Club Tom & Joe’s Restaurant, LLC UPMC Altoona* Empower Business Solutions, Inc. Center Jack & George’s Traficante Family Chiropractic US Foods Fenner Consulting Backyard Burgers Jaffa Temple Altoona Shrine Club Travelling Tator Trucks, LLC Value Drug Company Fiore Furniture Baechle & Associates Architects Jim Bryan’s Tree Trimming & Removal Tri-Star Ford of Tyrone Ward Trucking, LLC* Fraternal Order of Police Bald Eagle Lodge Baltimore Life Insurance J. Kirk Kling Law Office Tyrone Area Community Organization Wolf Furniture* #51 Beard Legal Group JMH Medical, LLC Tyrone Area Education Association YTI Career Institute - Altoona Freedom Basketball Club, Inc. Beauchamp Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Johnny’s U Pull It Tyrone Hospital Fringe Benefit Group Bellwood-Antis School District Foundation Jones Funeral Home United Veterans Association of Blair Golden Living Center – Hillview Bellwood Fraternal Order of Eagles Keystone Custom Homes County $5,000 - $9,999: Good Advertising Bill Wertz & Sons Keystone Dermatology & Center for Skin University Orthopedics Center AGSM Ventures, LLC Helsel, Fiore, Sheeler Wealth Management Blair/Bedford Builders Association Surgery Unkel Joe’s Woodshed, Inc. Allegheny Brain & Spine Surgeons, P.C. Team Blair Business Technologies Kids First Blair County/Lily Pond Ventura Construction Services, Inc. Allegheny Trucks, Inc. Hollidaysburg Rotary Club Blair County Anesthesia, P.C. Kiwanis Club of Altoona Wachovia Securities Altoona Blair County Development Housing & Redevelopment Insurance Blair County Beverage Kiwanis Club of Tyrone WJAC-TV Corporation Exchange Blair County Children, Youth & Families Klesius & Sheedy, Inc. Individuals: 237 individual citizens.

Dr. Lori J. Bechtel-Wherry Greg Drew, R.Ph Donna Gority Cheryl Johns Chancellor, Penn State Altoona President, Value Drug Company Former Blair County Commissioner Executive Director, Altoona Housing Authority OOT Higher Education Representative Chairperson, OOT Pharmacy Roundtable OOT Government Representative Co-Chairperson, OOT Housing Roundtable

Tom Brandt Brian Durbin Joseph Grappone, Esq. Bill Kitt Supervisory Narcotics Agent, President, Durbin Companies Grappone Law Office President, Central PA Landlord Association PA Office of Attorney General, Co-chairperson, OOT Housing Roundtable Solicitor Co-Chairperson, OOT Housing Roundtable Bureau of Narcotics Investigations & Drug Control Chairperson, OOT Law Enforcement Roundtable Zane Gates, MD Lisa Hann Matt Pacifico Empower3 Center for Health Executive Director, Family Services Mayor, City of Altoona JR DiAndrea OOT Health Representative Incorporated Chairperson, OOT Community Revitalization Roundtable President, DiAndrea Media, Inc. Chairperson, OOT Faith-based Chairperson, OOT Marketing Roundtable Roundtable Dr. Robert Gildea Judy Rosser Superintendent, Hollidaysburg Area School Executive Director, Blair Drug & Alcohol Partnerships Honorable Elizabeth Doyle District Sue Griep OOT Human Services Representative Blair County President Judge Chairperson, OOT K-12 Education Roundtable Former Blair County Victim/Witness Chairperson, OOT Criminal/Judicial Coordinator Roundtable Chairperson, OOT Northern Blair Rodney Green Roundtable Dr. Todd Negola Peter Weeks Leadership & Special Education Consultant Clinical Psychologist, James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Blair County District Attorney Chairperson, OOT Early Childhood Education Center OOT Law Enforcement Roundtable Roundtable OOT Gang Representative

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