The Hancock Group, Inc.

11/02/2026

🍂 There’s No Place Like Blair County in the Fall! 🍁

One of the things that makes living in Blair County so special is the natural beauty that surrounds us. As autumn arrives, our hillsides transform into a spectacular display of reds, oranges, yellows, and golds. Whether you're enjoying a scenic drive, taking a walk along a wooded trail, or simply admiring the view, fall reminds us of just how beautiful our corner of Pennsylvania really is!

Looking for a place to take in the fall colors? Here are a few local favorites worth visiting:

🍁 Chimney Rocks Park in Hollidaysburg — Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and colorful mountain ridges.

🚂 Horseshoe Curve near Altoona — See a remarkable piece of railroad history surrounded by the beauty of the Allegheny Mountains.

🚴 The Lower Trail — Take a peaceful walk or bike ride along the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River, with beautiful scenery and wooded stretches along the way.

🌊 Canoe Creek State Park — Enjoy colorful reflections on the lake, wooded hillsides, and a relaxing escape into nature.

🌄 Blue K**b State Park — Take in mountain views and the brilliant colors of autumn from one of the region's higher elevations.

🌳 Brush Mountain and the surrounding country roads — Discover quiet woodland scenery, rolling hills, and beautiful views that make a simple drive feel like a little getaway.

And don't forget the many back roads, small towns, and hidden overlooks throughout Blair County. Sometimes the most beautiful fall views are the ones you discover when you take the scenic route!

This season, take a little time to slow down, get outside, and appreciate the natural beauty right here in our own backyard. You don't always have to travel far to find something extraordinary.

What's your favorite place in Blair County to enjoy the fall foliage? Share your favorite spots and photos in the comments. We'd love to hear about them!

10/30/2026

Identity theft is an increasingly common threat that can put your personal information, finances, and peace of mind at risk. Knowing the warning signs and taking a few proactive steps can make a big difference in protecting yourself and your family. Read our latest article to learn what to watch for and how you can better safeguard your identity in today’s digital world.

An article informing readers about the threats of Identity Theft.

10/28/2026

🎉 One Day, TWO Reasons to Celebrate! 🎉

Today, we’re celebrating double at The Hancock Group, Inc.!

🎂 Happy Birthday, Lucretia Veckov! Like several of our wonderful ladies in the office, Lucretia is proudly claiming 39 and holding! 😉 We hope your birthday is filled with plenty of smiles, laughter, and maybe a little cake!

🏆 Happy 5-Year Work Anniversary, Martain Ferguson! Five years with The Hancock Group, Inc.—although, depending on whom you ask around the office, it either feels like he just got here or he’s been here forever! 😂 We’re still debating whether that’s a compliment or a concern!

All kidding aside, we’re grateful to have both Lucretia and Martain as part of our team. Thank you for everything you bring to the office and for helping make The Hancock Group, Inc. a great place to work.

Join us in wishing Lucretia a very happy birthday and Martain a happy five-year anniversary! 🥳👏

10/26/2026

A Taste of Altoona History: Tom & Joe’s!

My wife and I recently stopped at Tom & Joe’s Restaurant, at 1201 13th Ave, for a date, and it was a wonderful reminder of why this place has been such a beloved part of Altoona’s history and culture for generations!

Established in 1933, Tom & Joe’s has that old-fashioned diner atmosphere that takes you back to a simpler time. There can be a line of people waiting to get in, but trust me, the food and atmosphere are well worth the wait!

One thing that really caught my attention was watching people stop to take pictures of the restaurant. It’s clear that Tom & Joe’s is more than just a place to eat. It’s a local landmark that people want to remember and share with others!

And the food? There are plenty of favorites to choose from, including delicious omelets, home fries, pancakes, meatloaf, burgers and classic comfort foods that keep people coming back.

In a world where so many places come and go, it’s nice to see a local establishment that has held onto its character and continues to be part of what makes Altoona special.

Have you been to Tom & Joe’s? What’s your favorite thing to order there? Share your memories and recommendations in the comments!

10/23/2026

Life can be complicated, but you don’t have to navigate it alone! From planning for retirement to preparing for life’s unexpected twists, a trusted financial professional can help you make informed decisions with confidence.

At The Hancock Group, Inc., we’re here to help you navigate life’s financial challenges and plan for the future.

Contact us today to discover how we can help you reach your financial goals!

A financial professional is an invaluable resource to help you untangle the complexities of whatever life throws at you.

10/21/2026

All Aboard for Altoona’s Railroad History!

The history of Altoona and Blair County is inseparable from the railroad. Founded in 1846, Altoona grew into one of the nation’s most important railroad cities, with the Pennsylvania Railroad’s extensive shops, foundries, and yards serving as the heart of the community. Generations of hardworking men and women helped build and maintain locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars that kept the nation moving. The railroad also helped shape our local neighborhoods, businesses, and culture, bringing together people from many different backgrounds who made Railroad City their home.

Today, the Railroaders Memorial Museum continues to preserve this remarkable legacy and share it with future generations. Established in 1980 by local leaders and railroad enthusiasts, the museum honors the railroaders whose skill, dedication, and hard work helped shape our region.

Through its historic locomotives and rail cars, photographs, artifacts, employee records, oral histories, and educational programs, the museum brings the stories of railroaders to life. Its preservation efforts help protect the physical reminders of our industrial heritage, while its educational mission helps visitors understand not only how the railroad operated, but also why it was so important to Altoona and the surrounding communities.

The museum’s work extends beyond its exhibits, including the preservation of the famous Pennsylvania Railroad K4 locomotive No. 1361, known as the Spirit of Altoona, and its role in operating the visitor center and observation park at the historic Horseshoe Curve.

Preserving railroad history is about more than saving old trains and equipment. It is about remembering the people who built, operated, and maintained them, recognizing their contributions to our community, and ensuring that future generations understand the railroad's lasting impact on Central Pennsylvania and the nation.

https://www.railroadcity.org

10/19/2026

Our reps spend a lot of time working on behalf of their clients, but every once in a while they do take some time to relax. On Sunday we spotted Wally Sedlock and his wife Olivia enjoying the fall scenery at Blue K**b Ski Resort.

10/19/2026

Employee Benefits: Small Businesses Want Help

Offering competitive employee benefits can be an important part of attracting and retaining good employees, but for many small business owners, navigating the choices and rising costs can be challenging. A recent survey found that two-thirds of small business owners would like outside help managing their employee benefit programs.

The article below looks at what small businesses are offering, the challenges they face, and why professional guidance can make a difference when designing a benefits package that works for both the business and its employees.

If your a small business owner looking for assistance with benefits, give The Hancock Group, Inc. a call at 814-944-8849.

Most small employers are trying to expand what they offer, and most are doing it without professional guidance

10/16/2026

Did you know that Pennsylvania’s Revolutionary War history extends far beyond Philadelphia and Valley Forge?

In 1778, Philadelphia merchant and Continental Congress member Daniel Roberdeau personally financed the construction of Fort Roberdeau in Tyrone Township to protect local lead mines that supplied am******on for the Continental Army. The unusual log fort included 48 cabins, four bastions, and even a furnace for smelting lead.

Although the fort was never attacked, it helped protect miners, settlers, and an important resource for the Revolutionary War effort. Today, Fort Roberdeau has been reconstructed and remains an important piece of Pennsylvania’s frontier history.

Learn more at their website, or make a trip there yourself.

https://fortroberdeau.org/

10/14/2026

The Cost of Waiting to Invest for Retirement

If I could go back and give my younger self one piece of financial advice, it would be simple: Start investing sooner.

For years, I kept telling myself I would start “when I made more money,” “when the kids were older,” or “when we had a little extra.” There always seemed to be a reason to put it off.

What I didn't fully appreciate was the cost of procrastination.

The earlier you start investing, the more time your money has to potentially grow through compounding. Waiting doesn't just mean missing a few years of contributions—it can mean missing years of potential growth.

Now, as I get closer to retirement, I sometimes feel like I'm behind the eight ball, trying to make up for time I can't get back.

The good news? It's not too late to start.

Whether you're in your 20s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, taking action today is better than continuing to wait for the “perfect” time.

Don't let procrastination become one of the most expensive financial decisions you make.

If you're wondering whether you're on track for retirement—or where to begin—talk with the caring advisors at The Hancock Group, Inc. We can help you look at where you are today and develop a plan for moving forward.