News Video Click to Play

September 18, 2009

February 27, 2009

December 19, 2008
 

July 3, 2008

March 8, 2007

March 16, 2007

IN THE NEWS:

February 4, 2010

OPERATION OUR TOWN AWARDS GRANTS FOR DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

Operation Our Town has announced grant awards to ten local drug prevention and treatment projects aimed at reducing illegal drug use and related crime in Blair County.  Approximately $100,000 will be distributed to the recipients for the second grant cycle of 2009.

Operation Our Town awards grants twice a year to support proven prevention and treatment programs.  Grants are also awarded annually for targeted law enforcement and prosecution to fight illegal drugs and crime in Blair County.  In 2009, Operation Our Town awarded more than $400,000 in grants for law enforcement efforts and proven treatment and prevention programs.

Operation Our Town will begin accepting applications on March 1 for its first grant cycle of 2010, with an April 15 deadline for applications.  Up to $100,000 will be available during this grant cycle for proven prevention and treatment programs.  All nonprofit organizations, schools and government agencies are eligible to apply.  Grant applications may be downloaded from OperationOurTown.org.

Operation Our Town is also planning its first grant training that will be held in March and is open to all nonprofit organizations, schools and government agencies.  Further details will be announced at a later date. 

The Operation Our Town Grant Committee includes five members: Donna Gority, Blair County Commissioner; Robin Beck, Director of United Way of Blair County; Judy Rosser, Blair County Drug & Alcohol; Jolene Kopriva, president judge, Blair County Court of Common Pleas, and Michele Fiore, mental health counselor.

Each grant was judged objectively by specific criteria on a scoring process.
Click here for a list of Fall 2009 grant recipients
 

^ Top

January 26, 2010

MYTH BUSTERS: A PUBLIC FORUM ON TREATMENT
FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE/ADDICTION

Operation Our Town’s Faith-based Communities and Human Services Roundtables invite you to attend the third Myth Busters public forum on the treatment for substance abuse and addiction. Myth Busters is sponsored by the Hollidaysburg Ministerium and Operation Our Town.

Judy Rosser, program administrator for Blair County Drug & Alcohol, will be the moderator. Panelists will include community leaders and specialists in the field of treatment of substance abuse.

Where: Hollidaysburg YMCA, 1111 Hewitt Street, Hollidaysburg, PA

When: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Who: Anyone who wants to learn about licensed drug & alcohol treatment levels of care, including goals, a typical day, services, therapy approaches and licensing requirements.

Why: Because we need to remove the fear & stigma surrounding treatment for alcohol and drug abuse/addiction, as well as support & encourage ALL persons to get appropriate treatment.

Panel presenters will speak on Outpatient, Partial Hospital, Methadone Maintenance, Detoxification, Short/Long Term Residential, Halfway House, and Emergency Care.
Sufficient time will be left for an open forum. Questions from attendees will be encouraged and refreshments will be provided. The program is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. For more information about this public forum, call 814-296-8730.

Founded in 2007, Operation Our Town is a partnership between business and the community aimed at taking back local neighborhoods through law enforcement and proven treatment and prevention techniques.

Operation Our Town is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that accepts donations from businesses, civic and charitable organizations, and individuals. Funds raised are used to support programs proven to reduce both the supply and demand for illegal drugs in Blair County.  Learn more

^ Top

Monday, January 11, 2010

OPERATION OUR TOWN RECEIVES $300,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING


Pictured (left to right):  Ron McConnell, Rep. Rick Geist, Congressman Bill Shuster, and Philip Devorris.  

Congressman Bill Shuster secured $300,000 in the FY2010 appropriations process for Operation Our Town.  The funding was finalized by the passage and enactment of the Omnibus Appropriations Act.  The $300,000 will be used by Operation Our Town to facilitate partnerships between community and business leaders to fight drug use and crime through proven law enforcement, treatment, and prevention strategies.  Learn more

^ Top

Friday, December 11, 2009

Blair County D. A. Consiglio and Pennsylvania Attorney General Corbett announce the arrest of up to 30 Altoona area drug dealers

ALTOONA - Blair County District Attorney Richard Consiglio and Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett today announce that agents from the Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation (BNI) along with more than 60 local police officers are in the process of capturing as many as 30 alleged drug dealers operating in the city of Altoona in Blair County.

The arrests are the result of an eight-month long investigation by the Blair County Drug Task Force, led by the Altoona Police Department and the Blair County District Attorney’s Office, which focused on street-level drug dealers as well as mid-level suppliers.
“The arrests today are the fruit of a continued cooperative drug enforcement campaign in Blair County involving all the local departments, the Blair County District Attorney’s office, and the Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics,” Consiglio said. “Drug sales and all the drug related crime and violence will not go unchecked on the streets of Altoona or any other community in Blair County.”
Thirty of the suspected drug dealers are from Altoona. Officers are in the process of executing a search warrant at 820-6th Avenue, Altoona, PA, residence of Christine Seibel. Officers also seized 2 grams of cocaine at the residence of Ronald and Betty Baronner, 4020 4th Avenue Altoona, PA.
Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Regional Director Randy Feathers said, “This is a combined cooperative effort by Law Enforcement to aggressively return the streets of Blair County back to law-abiding citizens and that drug dealing will not be tolerated.” “Our office and the Blair County Drug Task Force will continue to pursue drug dealers no matter what level of their drug distribution.” District Attorney Consiglio said, “My office will prosecute these cases which came to fruition via law enforcement’s cooperative efforts.”
Participating departments are as follows: Altoona Police Department, Logan Township Police Department, Allegheny Police Department, Blair Township Police Department, Hollidaysburg Police Department, Tyrone Police Department, Williamsburg Police Department, Martinsburg Police Department, Bellwood Police Department, Roaring Spring Police Department, Duncansville Police Department, Blair County District Attorney’s Office, Blair County Adult Parole, Blair County Prison Guards, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

The Blair County Drug Task Force, which receives its funding from the Attorney General’s Office, was established to conduct street-level drug investigations. Information gathered from these investigations, including where the drug dealers obtain their drugs, is used to target mid to upper level drug dealers.
Information provided to the Blair County “Push Out the Pushers Hotline” (81 to upper level drug dealers).
Information provided to the Blair County “Push Out the Pushers Hotline” (814-693-3020) was used to help identify suspected drug dealers during this investigation.
Funds from “Operation Our Town” were used to successfully conduct the coordinated drug raid today.
The defendants are scheduled to be preliminarily arraigned before District Justices Jeff Auker and Todd Kelly.
All of the defendants will be prosecuted in Blair County by District Attorney Consiglio’s office.
(A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty.)

View list of arrested individuals.

^ Top

October 23, 2009

BLAIR COUNTY CELEBRATES RED RIBBON WEEK

ALTOONA, PA – Today marks the kick-off of Red Ribbon Week in Blair County. Red Ribbon Week, October 23rd - 31st, is a nationally recognized annual event calling all communities to unite and take a visible stand against substance abuse.
During Red Ribbon Week, children and adults are encouraged to wear a red ribbon to demonstrate their personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.
This year, Operation Our Town joined with representatives from the Pennsylvania Elks State Association, Altoona Regional Health System, YTI Career Institute, Kids First Blair County, Bellwood–Antis School District, Hollidaysburg Area School District, area businesses and the community to support local schools in their efforts to celebrate Red Ribbon Week. Many Blair County schools, daycares and after-school programs have awareness activities scheduled during the week.
Students with Hollidaysburg senior high school’s Tigers Against Alcohol and Other Drugs (TAAD) invite the community to join them in their “wear red day” by wearing red to work on Wednesday, October 28. Check with your child’s school or service provider for other planned activities.

Additional activities coordinated by Operation Our Town include:
• The Pennsylvania Elks State Association, through the Tyrone Elks Lodge #212, donated over 3,000 red ribbons to distribute to local elementary schools.
• Tuesday, Oct. 27: Blair County Commissioners sign the Proclamation recognizing Red Ribbon Week in Blair County.
• October 23 – October 31: Red Ribbon Week at Best Way Pizza, 3026 6th Ave., Altoona. Receive a free soft drink with the purchase of a slice of pizza when you wear a red ribbon.
• October 26 – October 28: Red Ribbon Days at the Meadows in Greenwood. Wear a red ribbon and receive a free child’s size cone with the purchase of an adult size cone.
• Thursday, Oct. 29: Red Ribbon Day at area McDonald’s Restaurants. Wear a red ribbon and enjoy a free medium soft drink.
• Saturday, Oct. 31, 6 pm: Look for the Elks’ Drug Awareness Trailer and Red Ribbon volunteers in the Hollidaysburg Halloween Parade.
Organizers would like to thank the Blair County Commissioners, Pennsylvania Elks State Association, McDonald’s Restaurant owners, Best Way Pizza, The Meadows in Greenwood, Lamar Advertising, and the local school districts and child care providers that promote Red Ribbon Week and a drug-free lifestyle.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks’ National Drug Awareness Program is the largest volunteer drug awareness program in the United States. The Elks are committed to eliminating the use and abuse of illegal drugs by all members of society and believe that in order to ensure a bright future for our country, it is essential that our children be raised in a drug-free environment. Visit www.elks.org  for more details. For information about the Pennsylvania Elks State Association, visit www.paelks.com, or call Tyrone Elks Lodge #212 at 814.684.1470.

^ Top

September 28, 2009

ALLEGED DRUG DEALER ARRESTED FOR
ACTIVITIES NEAR LOWER FAIRVIEW PLAYGROUND

ALTOONA, PA – Area police arrested Alycia M. Pierce, 24, of 1522 10^th Street, Altoona earlier today on drug charges. Charges against Pierce stem from a series of four controlled buys during the months of July and August.

Three of the four controlled buys occurred in a designated park zone in the vicinity of a new community playground installed this past summer by volunteers with The Nehemiah Project.  The Nehemiah Project is a non-profit, faith-based corporation that was founded by the Pleasant Valley Assembly of God to help revitalize the Lower Fairview area. The PVAG also renovated a derelict building in the same neighborhood to create the 11^th Street Project community center.

Pierce allegedly had a minor deliver the drugs to the buyer on at least one occasion, police said. The minor is not being charged at this time.

At the time of her arrest, Pierce was being held in the Blair County prison on a State Parole detainer and charged with drug possession after a sealed search warrant was executed at her home on August 7, 2009.  

Pierce was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey Auker on four different criminal complaints. She was charged with the criminal use of a communication facility, criminal conspiracy to deliver crack cocaine, delivery of crack cocaine, and possession of crack cocaine. Police described Pierce as a low to mid-level drug dealer.

Monday’s arrest was the result of a four-month investigation by the Blair County Drug Task Force. The Task Force utilized electronic and physical surveillance as well as the services of a confidential informant.  With assistance from the state attorney general's office, the district attorney's office and Altoona Police Department, officers arranged purchases of crack cocaine.

Police are quick to credit area residents for bringing this alleged dealer to their attention.  “Specifically, tips received through the Push Out The Pusher hotline played a significant role in our investigation,” said Detective Thomas Brandt of the Blair County District Attorney’s Office.

To build good will and mutual respect between residents and police, and to encourage residents to use the Push Out The Pusher hotline, local law enforcement canvassed the Lower Fairview neighborhood in June of this year during what is known as a law enforcement “walk & talk.” 

According to Randy Feathers, regional director for the PA Attorney General’s office, this effort paid off.  “Law enforcement relies on community involvement to effectively rid our neighborhoods of illegal drug use and crime,” said Feathers. “The number of tips received through the hotline is proof that area residents are interested in working with police to take dealers off the street.”

Funding for the investigation leading to the arrest of Pierce and the “walk & talk” were provided through grants from Operation Our Town.

^ Top

September 18, 2009

OPERATION OUR TOWN’S PHARMACY ROUNDTABLE
LAUNCHES PHARMACY “COPS IN SHOPS” PROGRAM

ALTOONA, PA - Operation Our Town’s Pharmacy Roundtable, comprised of representatives from pharmacies around Blair County as well as representatives from local law enforcement, Blair County Drug & Alcohol, PA Attorney General’s office, Blair County District Attorney’s office and others, have announced the launch of the Cops in Shops program at local pharmacies.  This Cops In Shops program, a cooperative effort between law enforcement and area pharmacies, places undercover police officers inside pharmacies as a deterrent to criminal activity. 

 “The Pharmacy Roundtable launched this program in light of the increased targeting of pharmacies for illegal access to controlled substances.  These undercover operations have allowed law enforcement to see first hand the security and safety challenges pharmacies face every day,” says Randy Feathers, regional director for the AG’s office.  “While officers work hard to blend in, they also take the time to review security procedures and make suggestions to management for improvement.  In fact, as part of this program, the PA State Police are working with Pharmacy Roundtable members to provide security reviews of members’ stores.  We feel the Cops in Shops effort will discourage the presentation of forged prescription forms and deter those individuals that might otherwise target a pharmacy for robbery or burglary.”

A proven law enforcement technique, this undercover program is funded through grants from Operation Our Town. To help efforts, Operation Our Town has produced signs to be posted at the front doors of participating pharmacies, advising customers that an under­cover operation may be in progress.  Pharmacies are also encouraging customers to assist with the program by removing hats and sunglasses prior to entering the store. 

Bill Earnest, Kopp Drug chief operating officer and pharmacist as well as roundtable chairperson, is an enthusiastic advocate of this collaborative effort.  “Kopp Drug is pleased to take an active role in deterring illegal activities at pharmacies in our area,” informs Bill.  “Pharmacists are an important line of defense in the fight to end drug abuse.  We’ve long been trained to identify forged and altered scripts.  With the in-store support of undercover officers and security recommendations from the State Police, we can help to ensure the safety of our customers and employees.”

The Pharmacy Roundtable is open to pharmacists and pharmacy owners throughout Blair County.  To become a member or to request free Cops In Shops window clings, contact Operation Our Town at 814.296.8730.  Operation Our Town also provides “No hats, hoods or sunglasses” window clings to Blair County pharmacies, banks and retailers in addition to Push Out the Pusher yard signs, window clings, magnets and other materials.  Materials are available from Operation Our Town at no cost.

^ Top

July 29, 2009

OPERATION OUR TOWN PRESENTS CHECK TO "THE DOOR"

BELLWOOD, PA – John and Doug Wolf, respectively Chairman/CEO and President of Wolf Furniture, presented a check today on behalf of Operation Our Town to Rev. David Taylor, director of The Door in Bellwood.  The Door provides a year-round after-school program for at-risk teens in a welcoming, home-like environment. The $15,000 grant from Operation Our Town is to improve Faithful Fathers Park which borders the facility and will provide a safe outdoor gathering place for participants, including a water feature designed and installed by Matthew Rimmey, Eagle Scout.  Wolf Furniture, an Operation Our Town founding member with corporate offices in Bellwood, donates $10,000 a year to help the organization fight drugs, crime, and blight in Blair County.

Pictured (left to right):  Eagle Scout Matthew Rimmey, Doug Sloey (Board member, The Door), J.Douglas Wolf (President, Wolf Furniture), Rev. David Taylor (Director, The Door), John Wolf (Chairman/CEO, Wolf Furniture).

Wolf Furniture has been providing customers with quality home furnishings since 1902.  With ten retail locations throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland, representing over 400 dedicated home furnishing professionals, Wolf Furniture offers quality home furnishings at affordable prices.  At Wolf’s, it’s not about furniture, it’s about how you live.  See www.wolffurniture.com for more information and locations.

^ Top

July 23, 2009

OPERATION OUR TOWN AWARDS GRANTS FOR DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT    

Operation Our Town has announced grant awards to thirteen local drug prevention and treatment projects aimed at reducing illegal drug use and related crime in Blair County.  Over $100,000 will be distributed to the recipients during this first grant cycle of 2009.

 Operation Our Town awards grants twice a year to support proven prevention and treatment programs.  Grants are also awarded annually for targeted law enforcement and prosecution to fight illegal drugs and crime in Blair County.  In 2008, Operation Our Town awarded more than $400,000 in grants for law enforcement efforts and proven treatment and prevention programs.

 Operation Our Town will begin accepting applications on September 1 for its second grant cycle of 2009, with an October 15 deadline for applications. An additional $100,000 will be available during this grant cycle for proven prevention and treatment programs. All nonprofit organizations, schools and government agencies are eligible to apply.  Grant applications may be downloaded from OperationOurTown.org.

 The Operation Our Town Grant Committee includes five members: Donna Gority, Blair County Commissioner; Robin Beck, Director of United Way of Blair County; Judy Rosser, Blair County Drug & Alcohol; Jolene Kopriva, president judge, Blair County Court of Common Pleas, and Michele Fiore, mental health counselor.

Each grant was judged objectively by specific criteria on a scoring process.

OPERATION OUR TOWN SPRING 2009 GRANT RECIPIENTS

Altoona Area School District:  Little All Stars
1415 6^th Avenue, Altoona, 946-8753
After-school program for children in Kindergarten through 2^nd grade held at Juniata, Penn Lincoln, Washington & Jefferson, and Wright Elementary Schools.

Blair County Adult Parole & Probation:  A Framework 
for Breaking Barriers 
423 Allegheny Street, Suite 330, Hollidaysburg, 693-3190 x 306
Video training series to help clients in the criminal justice system identify behaviors that have kept them in the cycle of criminal activity and reduce the rate of repeat offenses.

Blair County Human Services Office/Communities That Care:  Family Day
423 Allegheny Street, Suite 443, Hollidaysburg, 693-3112
A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children will be held on September 28, 2009.  Eight dinners will be hosted in municipalities around Blair County to encourage parents to have frequent family dinners with their kids to prevent them from abusing substances.

Central Blair Recreation & Park Commission:  Community Swimming Pool Season Pass Program
2101 5^th Avenue, Altoona, 949-2231
Will distribute 150 free season swimming pool passes to youth and their families in Altoona to be used at Juniata Memorial Swimming Pool and Prospect Pool.  

Duncansville National Night Out Against Crime
P.O. Box 308, Duncansville, 696-0515
This event is celebrated nationally and will be held on August 4, 2009 at the Antique Depot with the goals of promoting police-community partnerships, crime and delinquency prevention, and neighborhood unity.

Gloria Gates Memorial Foundation:  After-School Program
5928-A Evergreen Court, Altoona, 949-8838
After-school program for children ages 4 through 12 held at Evergreen Manors and expansion of the Fairview Hills’ after-school program.

Home Nursing Agency Community Services:  
Nurse-Family Partnership
154 Lakemont Park Blvd., Altoona, 942-1903
Evidence-based community health program that pairs vulnerable first-time mothers with a registered nurse home visitor to receive ongoing support and guidance throughout their pregnancy until the child reaches age 2.

NAACP:  Booker T. Washington Community Revitalization Project
2101 5^th Avenue, Altoona, 949-2231
Construction of a park located at 13^th Avenue and 19^th Street in Altoona that will consist of new playground equipment and a pavilion.

Teen Link Connection/Child Advocates of Blair County:  
All Stars Booster
319 Sycamore Street, Altoona, 941-8336
Evidence-based program for at-risk junior high girls designed to prevent and delay the onset of high-risk behaviors such as drug-use, violence, and premature sexual activity.

The Door/Olivet Baptist Church:  Faithful Fathers Park
P.O. Box 6, Bellwood, 935-9971
After-school program that operates year-round for at-risk teens in Junior and Senior High School held in a home-like environment.

The Nehemiah Project:  Lower Fairview Community Park
c/o PVAG, 800 Valley View Blvd., Altoona, 934-7558
Construction of a playground located near the Nehemiah Project to work in conjunction with the after-school and summer reading programs.

The ROCK:  After-School Program
130 2^nd Avenue, Altoona, 943-2072
After-school program for children in Kindergarten through 12^th grade held at the 2^nd Avenue United Methodist Church.

Williamsburg Borough:  Summer Recreation Program
at Riverside Park
305 E. 2nd Street, Williamsburg, 832-2051
Day camp that will be held for 8 weeks during the summer for at-risk children ages 5-10.  Program includes an educational component and physical activities.

^ Top

July 11, 2009

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION PROJECT CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF OUTDOOR BASKETBALL COURT

ALTOONA, PA – The executive board of the Booker T. Washington Community Revitalization Project announced today the completion of Phase 1 and the initiation of the second phase of the Booker T. Washington project at 13th Avenue and 19th Street in Altoona.  The group, comprised of volunteers from Blair County NAACP, Operation Our Town, Central Blair Recreation and Parks Commission, Blair County Community Action Agency, City of Altoona, Penn State Altoona, L.S. Fiore and others, has raised approximately $150,000 from the local community to fund the project.

The group began fundraising efforts in 2008 to complete Phase 1 of this project which included landscaping and resurfacing the outdoor basketball court.  Phase 2, which is scheduled to be complete in the summer of 2010, consists of new playground equipment, a pavilion and a gazebo across 13th Avenue from the basketball court.  The estimated cost to complete Phase 2 is an additional $250,000.

To celebrate the unveiling of the newly resurfaced basketball court, volunteers organized the inaugural Booker T. Washington 3 on 3 Basketball Competition taking place today from 10 am until 4 pm.  The competition is open to youths in grades 4 through 12.  Games are played on the newly resurfaced basketball court as well as a temporary court set-up on 19th Street.   An entry fee of $40 per four-person team entitles each team to a minimum of two games and a commemorative tee-shirt for each player.  Medals are awarded to the first place team in each age division.  All proceeds benefit the Booker T. Washington Community Revitalization Project

Radio personality Tommy Edwards is broadcasting live on Rocky 104.9 FM from 10 am until 12 pm.  DJ services and music are provided throughout the day by Wizard Productions.  Refreshments are available for participants and spectators. 

Support services for today’s event were provided by Altoona Fire Department, Altoona Police Department, AMED, Central Blair Recreation and Parks Commission, City of Altoona and many local volunteers.

To help kick-off fundraising efforts for Phase 2 of this exciting project, Operation Our Town spokesperson Mitch Cooper presented a $10,000 check to the project’s president Randy P. Feathers.  “This community revitalization project fits hand-in-hand with Operation Our Town’s mission to fight illegal drugs and crime in Blair County,” said Mr. Cooper.  “We are pleased to support this community effort to provide a safe place for local youths to play and families to gather.” 

“Generations of youths have played on this basketball court, and the Booker T. Washington Community Revitalization Project hopes to ensure that future generations will benefit as well,” stated project president Randy Feathers.  “This project would not be possible without the support of organizations like Blair County’s NAACP and Community Action Agency, among others.  Today we are especially grateful to the founders and supporters of Operation Our Town for providing these funds for Phase 2 of this revitalization project.”

Architectural drawings of Phase 2 were displayed for public review.  The executive board also announced that a limited number of naming opportunities exist for financial donor recognition.  More information is available by calling the Central Blair Recreation and Park Commission at 814-949-2231.

^ Top

June 22, 2009

PARTNERSHIP FORMED TO ENHANCE SECTION OF CITY; VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR UPCOMING PHASE

A local partnership has formed and is working with the City of Altoona to enhance a key section of the city to reduce drugs and crime; improve housing, neighborhood aesthetics and activities, and spur economic development in the area.

The partnership includes the City of Altoona, Operation Our Town, Altoona Regional Health System, the Nehemiah Project of the Pleasant Valley Assembly of God Church, Altoona Blair County Development Corporation (ABCD), Wright Elementary School, Greater Altoona Redevelopment Authority, Blair County Community Action Agency, Penn State Altoona, local business leaders and volunteers, and the offices of U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, state Sen. John Eichelberger and state Rep. Rick Geist.

The group’s long-term target is an area of the city that runs from Chestnut to 21st Avenue and from 1st to 11th Street . The purpose of the partnership is to help the City of Altoona facilitate a coordinated long-term vision and action strategy for this section of Altoona . According to partnership Chairman Ron McConnell, “We are well on our way to that coordinated effort. Many ideas are on the table, many strategies are being discussed, and real progress is being made.”

While the partnership is focused on positive improvements to the entire area, it is now supporting the City of Altoona’s 4th Street Gateway Enhancement Project. This Gateway project, from Chestnut to 21st Avenue between 3rd and 5th streets, looks to improve the 4th Street corridor by helping homeowners with city code violations, tearing down blight and removing drugs and crime, and improving sidewalks and curbs and adding trees.

The first leg of this Gateway project, extending from Chestnut to Cherry Avenue between 3rd and 5th streets, is ready to kick off. The city completed a code sweep of the area and found 21 owner-occupied homes in need of repair.

The partnership is seeking community-minded volunteers to help the city assist needy homeowners in the Gateway project area in sprucing up their properties and fixing code violations. Volunteers need to be at least 18 years old and will be doing everything from painting and light fix-up and repairs to installing siding and replacing soffit and fascia.

Anyone interested in volunteering should call Mary Ann Pellegrine in the city’s Planning and Community Development Department at 949-2476 as soon as possible.

The partnership has raised $36,000 to help the city get started, with significant contributions from Operation Our Town and the Greater Altoona Economic Development Corporation (GADEC).

Burgmeier Hauling is coordinating a cleanup for the area in the fall.

The partnership’s members are involved for various reasons. Operation Our Town has donated money to fight blight, illegal drug use and crime in the area. Altoona Regional Health System is consolidating acute care on its Altoona Hospital Campus and wants to ensure the best possible environment for its patients, employees, physicians and volunteers.

ABCD Corp. has an interest in the community and business development planned along Chestnut Avenue and other areas. The Nehemiah Project brings experience and energy from its rehabilitation and ministry work in lower Fairview where Wright school is located. Blair County Community Action is working to assist residents in this area with support and resources as this effort moves forward.

And Penn State Altoona sees 4th Street as one of main travel corridors to the college and a connector between the college and its downtown facilities. “Our elected officials have all been supportive and enthusiastic about this positive community project,” stated Chairman McConnell.

^ Top

June 16, 2009

Operation Our Town receives $30,000 DONATION FROM
NORFOLK SOUTHERN

Pictured (left to right): Michael A. Fiore and Rudy Husband

ALTOONA, PA – Norfolk Southern Corporation, one of the largest employers in the Altoona area, recently joined Operation Our Town’s list of committed businesses.  “Committed Businesses” make a significant financial commitment to the Blair County area by pledging $10,000 a year for a minimum of 3 years to fight drugs, crime, and blight through Operation Our Town.  Presenting the check to Michael A. Fiore is Rudy Husband, director of public relations for Norfolk Southern Corporation.  Mr. Fiore serves as president of the board for Operation Our Town.

^ Top

June 16, 2009

GRAINGER INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY DONATES $10,000

Pictured (left to right): Sue Myers, Grainger Branch Manager, Brett Schenk, Jon-Claude Levi, Herb Mitchell, Michael A. Fiore and Stacey Sargent.

DUNCANSVILLE, PA – The Grainger Foundation, based upon the recommendation of Sue Myers, Branch Manager of Grainger Industrial Supply’s  Duncansville location, recently donated $10,000 to Operation Our Town.  In 2008, Grainger became a member of Operation Our Town’s “Committed Businesses” by pledging $10,000 each year through 2010.  This second installment of the three-year pledge will be used by Operation Our Town to fight drugs, crime, and blight in Blair County.

“I love the fact that I can be a conduit to help our community through The Grainger Foundation’s generosity,” said Myers.

 “Operation Our Town is pleased to partner with The Grainger Foundation to take back our neighborhoods from illegal drugs and violent crime,” stated Michael A. Fiore, president of the board for Operation Our Town.

W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW), with 2008 sales of $6.9 billion, is the leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China and Panama.  Through a highly integrated network including more than 600 branches, 18 distribution centers and multiple Web sites, Grainger’s employees help customers get the job done.

^ Top

June 8, 2009

LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT REPRESENTATIVES
TALK WITH AREA RESIDENTS

  ALTOONA, PA - Operation Our Town and local law enforcement officials held a news conference this past Friday to kick-off the first Law Enforcement Walk & Talk of the summer.  Walk & Talks provide an opportunity for local police officers to meet area residents and build community relations.

Focusing on the area surrounding Pleasant Valley Assembly of God’s recently renovated 11th Street Project at 11th Street & 16th Ave, law enforcement representatives from the Altoona Police Department, Logan Township Police Department, State Police and the Attorney General's office went door-to-door introducing themselves to area residents. 

 “The 11th Street Project and the various rehabilitation efforts of The Nehemiah Project in Lower Fairview have helped build a new level of community-pride in the area,” said Randy Feathers, regional director for the AG’s office, during the media presentation prior to the Walk & Talk.  “Law enforcement relies on community involvement to effectively rid our neighborhoods of illegal drug use and crime.  We have found that residents that take pride in their neighborhoods are more likely to contact law enforcement when suspected illegal activities occur. We hope that our efforts this evening to meet and talk with residents in the neighborhood will successfully build good-will and mutual respect between residents and law enforcement.”

“At the Nehemiah Project, we focus on a change of heart and a change in spirit to combat the growing cycles of destruction. We know that outward conditions will never change if there is no inward growth,” said Philip Luciano, speaking to the assembled law enforcement officers on behalf of the Nehemiah Project.  “Your dedication to taking these streets back from the drugs, alcohol and violence that has possessed them goes a long way in furthering our mission. Beginning today, the people of this neighborhood will know that law enforcement is here to help on a personal level. Each door that is opened is a doorway to restoration.”

"The restoration of a struggling neighborhood isn't the work of one entity within a city.  It takes the collaborative effort of government, law enforcement, education, business and faith-based sectors of our city.  Each entity brings something of value to provide sustaining solutions to the issues facing our city,” expressed Pastor Jim Balzano of the Pleasant Valley Assembly of God via email.  “The Nehemiah Project, The 11th Street Project and Pleasant Valley Assembly of God see themselves not only as willing partners in the rejuvenation of Lower Fairview, but as stakeholders with a vested interest in seeing individuals, families and a neighborhood prosper.  We are delighted to be part of this collaborative effort."

Representative Rick Geist, an enthusiastic supporter of the 11th Street and Nehemiah Projects, believes that community involvement is the driving force behind change.  “This is a great neighborhood with unlimited potential.  The energy generated by these community partners is powerful and I feel it’s our job to foster this atmosphere of neighborhood rejuvenation,” says Representative Geist.  He also recognizes and appreciates the collaborative efforts of Operation Our Town and local law enforcement to help residents rebuild this neighborhood.

Continuing the collaborative effort, Operation Our Town provided yard signs and other materials featuring the Push Out The Pusher hotline (814-693-3020) free-of-charge to residents and attendees.  More than 1,000 calls are made to the hotline each year, resulting in numerous leads to law enforcement in the fight against illegal drugs and crime.  Blair Countians for Drug Free Communities created the Push Out The Pusher hotline over 20 years ago.  The group’s mission is to prevent substance use among youth by providing an environment that teaches life skills, opportunities for meaningful involvement and recognition of achievement.  For more information, visit www.DrugFreeBlairCounty.com.

The Pleasant Valley Assembly of God‘s 11th Street Project includes the renovation of the previously derelict building at the corner of 11th Street & 16th Ave.  The property provides a location for community activities such as after-school programs, The Father's House and The Potter's House activities, a neighborhood church, and activities sponsored by The Nehemiah Project and other community organizations.

The Nehemiah Project is a non-profit faith-based corporation that is rehabilitating other properties in the Lower Fairview area and will eventually take-on additional projects in the Altoona area.  The Nehemiah Project also sponsors activities and programs that occur in the 11th Street Project building.  In 2008, Operation Our Town awarded a grant for The Nehemiah Project after school program, which provides tutoring/homework programs, exercise and nutritious food programs, and group activities and mentoring to neighborhood children ages 6-12.

Operation Our Town’s Faith-based Communities and Human Services Roundtables invite you to attend the second Myth Busters public forum on the treatment for substance abuse and addiction.  Myth Busters is sponsored by the Bellwood-Antis Ministerium and Operation Our Town.

Judy Rosser, program administrator for Blair County Drug & Alcohol, will be the moderator.  Panelists will include community leaders and specialists in the field of treatment of substance abuse.

Where:  Bellwood Calvary United Methodist Church, 601 N. Fourth St., Bellwood, PA

When:   7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

Who:     Anyone who wants to learn about licensed drug & alcohol treatment levels of care, including goals, a typical day, services, therapy approaches and licensing requirements.

Why:     Because we need to remove the fear & stigma surrounding treatment for alcohol and drug abuse/addiction, as well as support & encourage ALL persons to get appropriate treatment.

Panel presenters will speak on Outpatient, Partial Hospital, Methadone Maintenance, Detoxification, Short/Long Term Residential, Halfway House, and Emergency Care. 

Sufficient time will be left for an open forum.  Questions from attendees will be encouraged and refreshments will be provided. The program is open to the public and there is no cost to attend.  For more information, call Shawna Hoover at 814-296-8730.

January 22, 2009

OPERATION OUR TOWN AWARDS GRANTS FOR DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

Operation Our Town has announced the awarding of $100,000 in grants for local drug prevention and treatment projects aimed at reducing illegal drug use and related crime in Blair County.

Operation Our Town awards grants twice a year to support proven prevention and treatment programs, as well as targeted law enforcement and prosecution, to fight illegal drugs in the communities of Blair and adjoining counties.

In its second grant cycle of 2008, Operation Our Town has awarded 8 grants totaling $100,000. In 2007, Operation Our Town awarded more than $300,000 in grants for drug law enforcement and for treatment and prevention programs.

Operation Our Town will begin accepting applications on March 2 for its first grant cycle of 2009, with an April 15 deadline for applications. Another $100,000 will be available for proven prevention and treatment programs. All nonprofit organizations, schools and government agencies are eligible.

The Operation Our Town Grant Committee includes five members: Donna Gority, Blair County Commissioner; Robin Beck, Director of United Way of Blair County; Judy Rosser, Blair County Drug & Alcohol; Jolene Kopriva, president judge, Blair County Court of Common Pleas, and Michele Fiore, mental health counselor.

Each grant was judged objectively by specific criteria on a scoring process.

Operation Our Town is a partnership between business and the community aimed at taking back our neighborhoods from drugs and related violent crime through law enforcement and proven treatment and prevention techniques.

Operation Our Town accepts donations from businesses, civic and charitable organizations and individuals, and uses them to fund programs proven to reduce both the supply and demand for illegal drugs.

For more information, call 814.296.8730 or visit www.OperationOurTown.org.

^ Top of page  |  IN THE NEWS: 2007 | 2008