In this week’s #PeopleofAltoona, Altoona resident Jane Ryan reflects on her connection with the Altoona community and how she was inspired to give people a reason to smile.

When you’ve walked along the bike path or through the gardens in Altoona, have you ever noticed messages of joy and kindness near your feet? Or maybe a little round gnome hiding among the flowers or snow?

Thank Jane Ryan, Altoona resident, for the uplifting bursts of color along your daily walks around town.

In Jane’s own words, here’s her story…

If you’re shopping around town or browsing the aisles of the Altoona Public Library, you might run into Rory Tegtmeier, a local resident with a great story to tell. For today’s #PeopleofAltoona, we sat down with Rory to learn what makes our community “a lovely place to be.”