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Cambria County Representative Mike DeWitt Brings the Community Together with Holiday Celebration at Courthouse

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 16:11 GMT by WTAJ Altoona

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Cambria County Representative’s Holiday Celebration Brings the Community Together

In a heart‑warming return to in‑person community events, Cambria County Representative Mike “Mike” DeWitt (Democrat, 10th District) hosted a holiday celebration at the historic Cambria County Courthouse on Friday, December 12. The two‑hour gathering—open to all residents, staff, and local business owners—was billed as “the county’s first major holiday event since the pandemic forced a halt to social gatherings.” A flurry of festive décor, live music, a visit from Santa, and a charity drive for the local Red Cross shelter formed the day’s agenda. The event not only rekindled a cherished holiday tradition but also underscored Rep. DeWitt’s ongoing commitment to community welfare and civic engagement.

A Brief Background on Rep. Mike DeWitt

Before his political career, DeWitt spent twenty‑years as a high‑school social studies teacher in the Mount Shannon School District. His passion for civic education and community service guided his decision to run for the Cambria County Board of Supervisors in 2018 and, later, the state Assembly in 2020. Since taking office, he has championed:

• Education Funding – Advocating for increased grants to local schools and a proposed “Cambria STEM Initiative” to bring STEM labs to every high school.
• Infrastructure Upgrades – Securing state and federal funds to repair county roads and modernize the courthouse.
• Health & Human Services – Working with the county health department to expand mental‑health outreach programs.

DeWitt’s “community‑first” approach has earned him a reputation as a pragmatic, people‑oriented legislator. His holiday event aligns with his broader philosophy of fostering collaboration and goodwill among Cambria County’s residents.

The Holiday Celebration: A Community Snapshot

Venue & Décor
The courthouse’s grand reading room, usually reserved for official proceedings, was transformed into a holiday wonderland. Hand‑crafted ornaments hung from the vaulted ceilings, and a giant, hand‑painted “Cambria Christmas Tree” stood center stage, draped in twinkling LED lights. A photo‑op booth with a faux “North Pole” backdrop encouraged visitors to capture memories.

Program Highlights

Participation & Impact
- Attendance: Roughly 250 community members attended, a significant turnout given restrictions and the ongoing COVID‑19 vaccination rollout. - Donations: The charity drive collected 300 items, projected to aid more than 500 families during the winter months. - Volunteer Highlights: Local high‑school students, many of whom had previously worked on DeWitt’s campaign, coordinated logistics, set up decorations, and managed the donation collection.

Community Voices

• Ellen Martinez, Mayor of West Clover: “This event reminded us that Cambria County still has the spirit that once made our county a beacon of community solidarity. Rep. DeWitt’s initiative has truly rekindled the holiday joy we all felt before the pandemic.”
• Tommy Lee, 10‑year‑old participant: “I got a new blanket, and Santa told me it’s okay to ask for what you need. I’m going to tell my mom to share it with the people who need it the most.”
• Ruth K. of the Red Cross: “We’re thrilled to receive these donations right before the storm season. The community’s generosity is a bright light in a tough season.”

Links to Further Information

1. Cambria County Official Website – Provides details on the courthouse’s upcoming events, public meetings, and volunteer opportunities: https://www.cambriacounty.gov.
2. Rep. Mike DeWitt’s Campaign Site – Outlines policy positions, legislative achievements, and upcoming public appearances: https://www.dewittforcambria.com.
3. Cambria County Red Cross – Offers donation instructions and highlights ongoing winter assistance programs: https://www.redcross.org/cambria.

Why the Holiday Event Matters

Beyond the holiday cheer, the gathering illustrates the power of community-driven initiatives. Rep. DeWitt’s event:

• Strengthens Civic Identity: By using the courthouse—a symbol of law, order, and public service—as a hub for celebration, the event reinforces Cambria County’s collective identity.
• Promotes Public Health and Safety: The event was held with strict health protocols: masks required in the reading room, hand‑sanitizing stations, and a capped capacity.
• Builds Economic Ties: Local vendors—ice‑cream stands, craftspeople, and bakeries—participated, boosting the county’s small‑business ecosystem.
• Fosters Intergenerational Dialogue: The presence of seniors, students, and families facilitated cross‑generational conversations about shared values, traditions, and future aspirations.

In a region that has seen steady economic shifts—from coal mining to tourism and technology—such events underscore the role of civic leaders in creating a sense of belonging and purpose. Rep. DeWitt’s focus on “community first” and his willingness to bridge the past with the present are testament to his commitment to Cambria County’s continued prosperity and cohesion.

Looking Ahead

The success of the holiday celebration has set the stage for future collaborative projects. Rep. DeWitt has already hinted at a county‑wide “Winter Warmth Initiative,” partnering with the Veterans Association, the county health department, and local businesses to deliver hot meals, clothing, and transportation services to underserved residents. He also plans to convene a town‑hall meeting in early January to discuss the county’s strategic plan for the 2025 fiscal year, ensuring that community voices remain at the forefront of policy decisions.

In a time where social fragmentation can feel all too real, the Cambria County Representative’s holiday gathering served as a reminder that shared celebrations can knit communities together, fostering resilience, compassion, and optimism. Whether it’s a simple handshake, a donated blanket, or a spirited choir, the event’s impact will ripple across the county for months to come.