I spoke early this morning at the ribbon cutting for the new Martin’s grocery store in Altoona. It looks like a great facility. It’s bigger than the one in Duncansville and has more “bells and whistles” I’m told. I look forward to making a stop there with Charlotte soon. I also spoke today at the Altoona Kiwanis Club’s luncheon meeting. We talked about fiscal issues as well as the Marriage Protection Amendment. I also attended and spoke at the funeral for Altoona City Councilman Jason Ibrahim. It was a very unique and meaningful service with a number of different speakers offering brief remarks. There was plenty of music and several passages of scripture. It was particularly difficult seeing the parents of Jason and his 29 year old widow sit through the service. Jason was a dedicated Christian, family man and public servant. He will be missed by many people and will serve as an inspiration to all who knew him. Please keep the Ibrahim family in your prayers.

- John