Blair County Community Update

Hollidaysburg YMCA Construction Progress

YMCA Executive Director Tom Kopriva gives a guided tour of the new facilities.

Operation Our Town

Vivicon Productions produced a DVD of this workshop as a public service for Operation Our Town and The Altoona Housing Authority.

Hollidaysburg YMCA New Construction Tour

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Vivicon Productions produced this segment for The Blair County United Way featuring the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Making Strides is one of 4 walks held in PA for the American Cancer Society.

All the money raised goes directly for Breast Cancer Research and prevention.

This is the second year the walk will be held in Blair County---in Hollidaysburg. (it used to be in Johnstown)

It is a 5K (3.1 mile) walk in downtown Hollidaysburg---there is a 1 mile walk option.

MAKING STRIDES 2008

Greetings Team B.F.F. (Breast Friends Forever) and Friends :)

I know you are probably thinking...what is Amy doing? The Making Strides Breast Cancer walk is not until October.

Well--I know how busy everyone is so I figure if I send a SAVE the date message--you can pull out your calendars and write down dates now!

***Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk - (no home Penn State game that day)***Saturday October 25, 2008 11am - Hollidaysburg Jr. High (same as last year)

***Kick off Party for Strides--you are all invited***Friday night - May 16Casino at Lakemont Please come out..it is a great band! lots of food!I will send an email soon on all the details!

Last years Making Strides Walk was the most successful to date. Making Strides is a 3.1 mile walk. The American Cancer Society sets up only 4 walks in PA. All the money raised goes towards breast cancer research and programs. The walk four our region is in Hollidaysburg.

For those of you who joined us...you realize what a difference we can make.The goal was blown away....we made over $80,000.00 and more than 900 walkers on 65 teams took part in the event.

This years goal is $90,000.00 and 80 teams. I know we can make that goal as well.

The committee is working hard to make registration go faster and they are coming up with lots of other great events. I will keep you posted .

Here is what we need:

More teams: It is simple...two people make up a team. Talk to people in your office...maybe your family...maybe a church group...or just friends. There is no amount you have to raise--(if a walker raises $100 you get a t-shirt.) And if you start now even just collecting pocket change over the next few months can make a great donation.I will still be heading up Team B.F.F. (Breast Friends Forever) and would love to have you join me....BUT I will be even MORE excited if you want to form your own team. It is simple and I can help you. I would like to see 2000 walkers this year!

The online web donation site will be updated soon once it is ready I will send an email so you can get teams registered and get started!

Corporate Sponsors: If your company is interested in becoming a corporate sponsor of the event there are lots of great promotions to be a part of..and it is easy....just let me know and I can get the info to you. Sponsorships start from $250.00 and go up. The earlier you sign up as a sponsor...the more materials your logo goes on.

Thank you for making a difference!And thanks in advance for helping to make this the best year yet!

Amy MearkleHonorary Chair - 2008 Making Strides Walkwww.cancer.org/stridesonline

Vivicon Productions Inc. teamed up with Ricky Lee Entertainment to produce this music video for cancer survivors everywhere.The video features scenes from the first Making Strides AgainstBreast Cancer event held in Hollidaysburg, PA.The song is entitled "I'm A Survivor".

"The Door" After School Program

"The Door" in Bellwood PA is a model after school program helping kids to stay on the right path.

George Palmer from Frontline Ministries teamed with Vivicon Productions to make this video. We first met George when he came to sell us some New Pig dust cloths. When we heard about his ministry at "The Door" we knew we had to get involved.

Camp Sequanota 60th Anniversary Montage

United Way of Blair County

This is the news conference which launches the 2007-2008 campaign.