pkeith@altoonamirror.com
Christmas, like all the other holidays since March, will be celebrated differently, so if there’s less mirth in your ho-ho-ho it’s OK you’re not alone, local mental health, grief and religious officials said.
In some Christian faith traditions a “blue Christmas service” is a more low-key and subdued service designed to comfort those who grieve, said Sarah Rosser-Olivieri, director of Youth Ministry at Hollidaysburg First United Methodist Church.
“It’s a service we have separate from the Christmas Eve or cantata services. It’s focused around individuals with depression, anxiety or those who have lost a loved one no matter how recent or long ago. It’s for anyone who struggles around the holidays. The purpose of the service is to offer hope.”
12/11/20 Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski /
Blair County native Bill Campbell of Pittsburgh has been selected by AARP, the nonprofit organization for people 50 and older, to receive the 2020 AARP Pennsylvania Andrus Award for Community Service the association’s most prestigious and visible volunteer award for community service.
Named for AARP founder Ethel Percy Andrus, the award recognizes outstanding individuals who are making their communities better in ways that are consistent with AARP’s mission, vision and commitment to volunteer service, and who inspire others to volunteer.
Andrus’ motto, “To serve, not to be served,” has shaped AARP’s community service efforts at all levels.
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Where: Online More than 250 vendors selling a wide array of items for the holiday season. From artisan chocolate, naughty greeting cards, to dream catchers, moccasins, artwork, clothing, beadwork and so much more. The market is hosted by Michele Young-Crook owner of MYC Design and Vanessa Lesperance, Community-Builder at the LIFT Circle.
Potters Christmas Store
When: Open daily until Dec. 24
Info: 604-576-5011, Potters is the largest Christmas store in Western Canada, with over 28,000 square feet of display space. Shop the world for all things Christmas. Features a line of more than 60,000 themed ornaments, an entire showroom darkened and dedicated to Christmas lighting and lighted home décor, and decorate over 30 decorated, themed Christmas trees.