ifredregill@altoonamirror.com
The Altoona Area Public Library opened a new albeit, temporary location Tuesday as repairs on the institution’s primary building continue.
Library Executive Director Jennifer Knisley said her staff carved out a book nook at the Altoona Transportation Center at 1231 11th Ave., to provide residents with access to library services and a limited selection of books.
“We’ve had such an extended disruption in service that our board of directors really wanted us to get back to serving the public in some fashion,” Knisley said.
While limited, the satellite location provides library staff the ability to provide residents some in-person services and book rentals. Additionally, Pennsylvania CareerLink, which moved into the library in 2019, also has a presence in the temporary library, providing Blair County residents with in-person employment services for the first time since the library closed in December.
Feb 18, 2021
Lisa A. Leipold, 59, Altoona, passed away Tuesday at UPMC Altoona. She was born in Altoona, daughter of Robert E. Leipold and Connie (Moore) Leipold-Wills.
Lisa is survived by her mother, Connie, and stepfather, Dale Wills, of Altoona; a sister, Kim Barthelmes of Pittsburgh; a stepsister, Tammy (Mike) Dongell of Hollidaysburg; a stepbrother, Terry Wills of Altoona; several nieces and nephews; her dear lifelong friends: Pam Gulish and Mike Zupon, including all of her friends and co-workers at Ward; and her fur babies: Flirt, Rhys, Harper, Reba, Tia and Tori.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert E. Leipold; and all of her pets that passed before her and greeted her at The Rainbow Bridge.
Crum
Vickie Lee Crum, 50, Altoona, passed away peacefully at her home Thursday. She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Tonia Schroeder. Vickie married Richard “Rick” Crum in July 2017.
Vickie is survived by her loving husband, Rick, as well as her stepsons, Ricky and Wyatt, family and friends.
She was a 1988 graduate of Altoona Area High School. Vickie worked passionately at UPMC Hospital in the Environmental Service department for over 15 years. She loved her dogs, Jackson and Holley, as well as her two cats, Novi and Turbo. Vickie was a huge supporter to her husband and the pit crew of Rick’s drag racing of their two Mustangs and loved to attend car shows in their cars as well.
nrudel@altoonamirror.com
T.J. Jefferson has been working on the Rich Eisen Show since 2018, including being on camera since August. / Courtesy photo
Few have left Altoona and rubbed more elbows of famous entertainment and sports celebrities than T.J. Jefferson.
The 1990 graduate of Altoona Area High School is a fixture on the Rich Eisen Show, a sports program that is broadcast for three hours each weekday from Los Angeles on the Peacock Network, NBC Sports and YouTube.
Through his relationships and personality, Jefferson has networked his way onto a national stage.
He counts Hollywood icons Ashton Kutcher and Wilmer Valderrama among his best friends.
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Local author: New book shares art, writings of a man reflecting some of his curses and blessings
Jan 23, 2021
“JUSTIN SANE: The Joy and Pain of A Beautiful Man ‘s Soul: A Dance with Addiction and Mental Health” by Justin P. Dodson.
The late Justin P. Dodson, a 2003 graduate of Altoona Area High School, struggled with addiction and bipolar disorder for 20 years but, he always had hope.
He helped the broken and wanted all to be more loving and to believe in each other. He touched the hearts of many during his life and his love will never die.
“JUSTIN SANE: The Joy and Pain of A Beautiful Man’s Soul: A Dance with Addiction and Mental Health” (published by Xlibris), shares the words of Dodson.