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Holding a space for hope

We live in uncertain times. It’s a phrase we keep hearing, whether we’re talking about climate change or politics. But aren’t all times uncertain? We could time-travel to declare uncertainty during the Great Depression, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and the COVID-19 pandemic. Uncertain times are just called life, which is why I wanted to talk to Allison Carmen. She has learned to thrive in uncertainty by making the word “maybe” her friend. Carmen is an author and a TEDx speaker as well as the chief financial officer and general counsel at the Motherhood Center of ...

Easter weekend filled with smiles, treasure, and community

This time of year, Easter egg hunts are certainly hopping in the Juniata Valley. Sorry for the bunny pun. But seriously, the hunts organized by local churches, organizations or other agencies have become classic Easter activities for kids. The hunts provided an opportunity for youngsters to enjoy a morning of joy and happiness as they scavenge for eggs hidden in obvious and not-so-obvious locations. While the kids are ready and raring to go, a lot of time and dedication goes into hosting these kinds of events. There’s fundraising in order to purchase the necessary supplies; ...

Political violence must be decried

During Passover, the Jewish people remember the liberation of their ancestors from slavery in Egypt. It is a time of reflection and rejoicing. It is marked by solemnity and celebration. On Saturday, Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family celebrated at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence with guests. At 6:07 p.m., he posted a picture of their festive, linen-draped seder table. Around 2 a.m., the family was woken by banging and evacuated. The building was on fire. “Thank God no one was injured and the fire was extinguished,” the governor posted at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Thank ...

Outcome of NS case important

A major development affecting one railroad company usually is assumed to apply to others as well, if not immediately then over the long term. Therefore, all railroad companies, especially the major carriers, are no doubt monitoring closely how much success, if any, Norfolk Southern Railroad will have in trying to force two other companies to help pay for the $600 million class-action settlement to which Norfolk agreed in connection with its February 2023 derailment near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. Regardless of how current court proceedings conclude, railroad watchers probably ...

Parking may come down to mindset

In an April 9 front page Mirror article about downtown Altoona parking, a representative of Mountain View Eye Associates was quoted as saying, “The biggest thing anyone says is it really sucks to park (in the center city area).” Some people might disagree with the tone of that quote, but it must be acknowledged how challenging and frustrating parking has become downtown for many other people — and a turn-off to coming back unless absolutely necessary. Still, Altoona is not alone. Gone are the days when cities of Altoona’s size had a number of privately owned parking lots in ...

What other newspapers are saying: With spring comes need for motorcycle safety

With spring — at least once we get through this current cold snap — comes flowers in bloom, bird chirping, the sounds of bats hitting baseballs and so on. Including the roar of motorcycles. For many people, the end of winter and arrival of spring’s milder weather means getting their motorcycles out of storage and heading out on the highway. Those who are active on social media to any extent have probably seen the memes cautioning drivers to be aware of motorcycles on the road. There are also plenty of drivers who use bumper stickers to remind others about looking out for ...