Today’s Speaker: Tracy Plessinger, Manager of the Blair County Airport
Future Speakers:
April 18th – Don Feathers, Blair County Genealogy Society
April 25th – Donna Fisher, District Manager of the Blair County Conservation District – Speaking about Arbor Day
May 2nd – Penny Brunner – Smiles for Miles
May 9th – Ambuc Ashley Gay Votto – Mt. Lion Backpack Program
May 16th – Will Lightner – Adelphoi Village – Hilltop Assisted Living
May 23rd – Shelly Peterson – IDA
Whacha’ May Have Missed Last Week:
…..Last week’s speaker was Ambuc Derek Martin, General Manager of the Altoona Curve. Derek noted that this is his second stint with the Curve as he previously spent 10 years in minor league baseball operations. Since being named the Curve’s general manager, he has worked closely with non-profit organizations within the community. He’s created a program, in association with the Chamber entitled PAD, or Partnership Awareness Dollars. The program provides financial rewards to non-profits for the promotion of Curve ticket sales. Additionally, non-profits have the opportunity to man Curve concession stands with volunteers for a share of the sales. Derek also noted that the stadium is in the midst of a three year maintenance/construction phase; much of which is funded through the Blair County hotel bed tax. Upgrades this year included the renovation of the upper level ticket booth, a change-out of the field lighting to more efficient, brighter LED bulbs, and additional LED lighting in the parking garage. Other changes include the covering of several outfield bleacher sections, a new digital lineup board, a new VIP parking pass system for season ticket holders, and extended screening to be installed down to the end of each of the dugouts to keep batted balls and bats from injuring fans. Future plans call for a new field and drainage system that will cost nearly 1 million dollars. Derek also mentioned that the team has a new field manager, Michael Ryan, who is an Indiana, Pa. native. Ryan led the Bradenton Marauders, the Pirates High-A minor league team, to the Florida State League championship last year. Ryan brings both his championship experience as well as a number of last year’s champion Marauders to Altoona this year….which will hopefully provide a championship season for the Curve.
Guests of the Day: Rob Lynn, ReMax Real Estate Agent and photographer, guest of Lisa Drzal. Remember this is our Spring Roundup in April and May. Bring a guest or call up an Ambuc that hasn’t been to club for a while and hopefully we can grow our membership and increase our attendance.
News of the Week:
…..Paul Dick again requested the help of two more volunteers for the AMBUCS Blood Screening Program on Saturday, May 6th. Your help is needed from about 5:30 AM to around 10:00 AM. Why not help out? You’ll still have most of your Saturday left and the club will greatly benefit, since this fundraiser nets us about $12,000 anually!
…..Remember the Regional Conference is only several weeks away. Check out the sign-up sheet that is being circulated for the many activities planned for the last weekend in April. If you have any questions about the conference, ask President Ed or check out the email with the conference activity description that was sent out last week. Sign up today….the conference won’t get any closer than when it’s held here in Altoona.
…..Since the week before there was no new deck of cards from which Sandy Gregory could try for the Joker, a new deck was cracked open and Sandy tried her luck. Unfortunately for her, she chose the King of Clubs! Then last week’s drawing winner was Vic Gioiosa, who fared no better than Sandy as he chose the 8 of Diamonds. One week….two losers. There are now two Jokers in the new deck with two cards gone, so try your luck with the purchase of a raffle ticket this week.
…..Jim Huff promoted and passed around a sign-up sheet for a bus trip to see the Pirates play the Phillies on Saturday May 20th. Check your calendar and enjoy a great game at beautiful PNC Park. It’s even a Bob Walk Chair-Tip Bobblechair giveaway. Game time is 4:05 PM so the bus will leave early that Saturday afternoon.
In Closing: Have a blessed and joyous Easter…..
