mRNA Flu Shot: Hype or Hope? Bridge Rescue, Hobgoblin Hikes & Friday Night Lights

An mRNA flu vaccine first, a bridge hero, spooky hikes & Week 5 football—don't miss out!

Charles Sisk

📰 WEEKLY PREVIEW

* Top Stories: Hobgoblin Hikes to be held at:
* Local Events: Fall Arts & Crafts Show Westmoreland Mall
* What's Trending: Spooky park traditions are back
* Community Engagement: Motorcyclists Ride for Flight 93
* Pet of the week: Meet Dewey - Adopt me!

Trivia Question❓

Which mountain range, formed over 50 million years ago due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, includes the world’s highest peak above sea level?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

The Westmoreland Buzz newsletter is sponsored by

Allante Hair Design and Spa

For a little time to yourself, Allanté Hair Design & Spa offers hair design and spa services in Greensburg. Its team aims to make each visit feel relaxing and leave you feeling confident, whether you’re planning a fresh look or simply ready for some pampering.

Allanté also lists bridal services and services for men, making it worth a look for a range of beauty needs. Eligible members of several local organizations, including Seton Hill University and Saint Vincent University, can ask about the salon’s 10% discount program. Find Allanté on Stark Avenue, or call to learn more and book a visit.

	Address	160 Stark Ave, Greensburg, PA 15601
	Days Open	Tue–Sat
	Hours	Tue–Fri 10am–8pm · Sat 10am–4pm
	Phone	+1 (724) 836-3600

Click here to visit Allante Hair Design and Spa

The first mRNA flu vaccine is now available for older adults. Here's what to know

Westmoreland County residents considering an mRNA flu vaccine this fall may need to call ahead to find one.

Moderna’s mFlusiva is authorized for adults 50 and older, but pharmacies and clinics may not have it in stock.

Before traveling to Greensburg, Latrobe or Murrysville, ask whether a provider has mFlusiva, requires an appointment and accepts your insurance for that vaccine.

Suicide prevention in Westmoreland County starts with recognizing that a mental health crisis can affect any family.

A rescue on the 40th Street Bridge near Millvale brought a young man to safety after police and businessman Herky Pollock spoke with him.

Pollock drew on painful family losses to connect with him, showing how listening can help someone accept support.

Westmoreland County’s Hobgoblin Hikes return this October, turning two familiar park trails into free, family-friendly Halloween adventures.

Guided walks run continuously from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, at Cedar Creek Park in Rostraver Township and Saturday, October 24, at Twin Lakes Park near Greensburg.

Each half-mile route features eerie tunnels, cemetery scenes and more than 100 costumed zombies, ghosts and monsters.

Each park will have different scenes, giving families a reason to visit both.

Westmoreland County football brought overtime drama, shutouts and a stunning comeback.

Hempfield Area beat Canon-McMillan 38-34 in overtime on Carden Lippmann’s winning run; he also threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns.

Norwin topped Mount Lebanon 22-3, while Jeannette edged Riverview 14-7 behind Hunter Schaeffer’s 94-yard kickoff return.

2026 Non-Profit of the Year | Westmoreland Community Action | Mission Possible

Family-Friendly Events in Westmoreland, July 7 – July 13, 2026

Fall Arts & Crafts Show at Westmoreland Mall

	Date	Wednesday, September 30, 2026
	Time	11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
	Location	Center Court

Welcome fall with a visit to the Fall Arts & Crafts Show at Westmoreland Mall. Browse handcrafted creations and unique gifts from talented artisans across the Tri-State area in the mall’s Center Court.

The show runs September 30 through October 4 during mall hours, giving you time to explore and find something special. Presented by Alpha Productions, it’s an inviting stop for anyone who enjoys discovering handmade work.

5256 RT 30 STE 190, Greensburg, PA 15601

Click to find out more

Event name

	Date	Saturday, October 3, 2026
	Time	10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
	Location	The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 221 N. Main St, Greensburg, PA 15601
	Price	Free

A free, hands-on community mural-making session led by visiting artist Jordan Ann Craig, tied to the museum's current exhibition — a genuine arts-and-crafts activity rather than a passive talk. The museum offers free general admission and free parking year-round.

Click to find out more

Gearhard Farms 27th Annual Corn Maze

	Date	September 11 – November 1
	Time	Fridays 5:00–9:00 PM; Saturdays 12:00–9:00 PM; Sundays 12:00–7:00 PM
	Location	Corn Maze
	Price	$10 per person

Find your way through Gearhard Farms’ 27th Annual Corn Maze, open on weekends from September 11 through November 1. Come for a fall outing with family or friends, and check the farm’s Facebook page before visiting for weather-related closings.

Maze admission is $10 per person, or make a day of it with a $15 combo ticket that includes a hayride. Children ages 4 and under enter free. Groups can also book a private picnic site, campfire, hayride, and maze visit.

	5909 Saltsburg Rd, Murrysville, PA 15668
	330-428-1563

Click to find out more

Bon Journey — The Best of Bon Jovi & Journey

	Date	Friday, October 2, 2026
	Time	8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
	Location	PBR Cowboy Bar
	Price	$15 advance / $20 at the door, plus fees

Get ready for a night of Bon Jovi and Journey favorites as Bon Journey takes the stage at PBR Cowboy Bar inside Live! Casino Pittsburgh. Bring your crew for live music in a high-energy setting with a full bar and plenty of nightlife nearby.

Doors open at 7:00 PM, and the show begins at 8:00 PM. Each ticket includes a complimentary $10 Free Play voucher. After the concert, stick around for drink specials and a live DJ. This event is for guests 21 and over.

Click to find out more

📚 Westmoreland County Public Library Events

The Westmoreland County Library System has 26 member libraries. Click the link below to the main library finder where you can get their calendars. Be sure to check library calendars for all confirmed events.

Westmoreland Neighbors: Fresh Faces and New Spaces Around the County!

Hello, neighbors! If you’ve been feeling that familiar itch to explore something fresh around our neck of the woods, you’re in luck. Westmoreland County's local business scene is buzzing with energy, creativity, and a whole lot of heart.

Grab a cup of coffee and read on to meet some of the newest additions to our community family. Whether you're looking for an elevated night out or a cozy morning pick-me-up, these spots are ready to welcome you with open arms.

Caleese Coffee

Location: 106 Westpoint Drive, Suite 1, West Point Plaza, Greensburg, PA 15601
Opening Date: Recently opened (Doors officially welcomed early risers late last fall)
Type of Business & Services: Specialty craft coffee shop featuring exceptional wood-fired Italian roasts from Caffé D'arte and small-batch beans from Verona's Mechanic Coffee, complete with cozy indoor seating and a convenient drive-thru.
Owner's Background: Founded by passionate coffee enthusiasts who spent years meticulously planning a space dedicated to bringing a higher level of detail and genuine hospitality to the local coffee culture.
Community Connection: "We are so excited to bring an elevated coffee shop experience to the community through quality ingredients, handcrafted experiences in every sip, and a space for guests to slow down, connect, and enjoy coffee made with purpose."
What Makes Them Special: Balancing a lightning-fast morning drive-thru with a warm, beautifully designed interior, they bridge the gap between commuter convenience and a true neighborhood living room vibe.
How to Support:
- Hours: Monday–Friday (5:30 AM – 4:00 PM), Saturday (6:00 AM – 4:00 PM), Sunday (6:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
- Contact & Social: Call (724) 875-1986 or visit them online at caleesecoffee.com or via social media @Caleese Coffee.

Afterglow at Spitfire

Location: Greensburg, PA
Opening Date: Recently launched
Type of Business & Services: An upscale, late-night lounge and dining destination serving artisan craft cocktails alongside elevated comfort foods like Sweet & Hot Chicken Nachos, Candied Apple Pork Belly, and Lobster Grilled Cheese.
Owner's Background: Local hospitality innovators aiming to inject a fresh, urban-chic energy into the county seat's evening scene.
What Makes Them Special: It brings a true metropolitan speakeasy atmosphere right to downtown Greensburg, giving residents a stylish new backdrop for date nights and celebrations without having to drive into Pittsburgh.
How to Support:
- Hours: Check their seasonal evening hours and weekly specials directly via local updates.
- Contact & Social: Stop by for a walk-in table or look up Afterglow at Spitfire on Facebook to see their latest drink features and weekend event lineups.

Cosmic Crumbs Bakery

Location: 4963 US-30, Greensburg, PA 15601
Opening Date: Open and rolling out fresh treats weekly
Type of Business & Services: A creative local bakery specializing in out-of-this-world baked goods, fresh-baked breads, focaccia, and local comfort staples like classic pepperoni rolls.
Owner's Background: Independent bakers with a passion for scratch-made dough and whimsical, delicious community treats.
What Makes Them Special: Positioned right along the Route 30 corridor, they have quickly built a loyal following for travelers and locals alike who are hunting for genuine, hand-crafted roadside baked goods.
How to Support:
- Hours: Operating weekly with morning pickup availability (typically opening Thursdays from 8:00 AM onward).
- Contact & Social: Reach out at (724) 572-7730 or check out their menu board online at cosmiccrumbs.biz.

Next time you're out running errands, make a point to swing by, say hello, and welcome these entrepreneurs to the neighborhood. Every time we support a local storefront or grab a bite close to home, we help keep Westmoreland County thriving!

Westmoreland’s Fall Fun Is Taking Off

Five upbeat, family-friendly trends to watch.

Westmoreland County is entering its most colorful season with a strong lineup of outdoor, arts, heritage and harvest experiences. From Irwin to Greensburg, Latrobe and the Ligonier Valley, October offers easy day-trip ideas for local families and visitors seeking authentic Laurel Highlands fun.

Apple-and-art weekends are blooming. Delmont’s Apple ’n Arts Festival returns October 3–4 at Shields Farm, pairing fall flavors with artisan shopping and a scenic country setting.
Nature walks are gaining momentum. The free Walk in Penn’s Woods at Murrysville’s Duff Park is set for October 4, offering a relaxed, rain-or-shine woodland outing for families, leaf peepers and curious visitors.
Hands-on creativity is trending in Irwin. Norwin Art League’s October 7 ink-and-wash workshop invites beginners ages 15 and older to explore art without needing prior drawing or painting experience.
Living history is the region’s big attraction. Fort Ligonier Days, October 9–11, brings reenactments, crafts, food, music, a parade, fireworks and a new Children’s Corner to Ligonier.
Spooky park traditions are back. Free Hobgoblin Hikes arrive at Cedar Creek Park on October 17 and Twin Lakes Park on October 24, offering half-mile Halloween walks recommended for ages eight and up.

These events spotlight a welcoming fall trend: close-to-home adventures that celebrate community, creativity and Western Pennsylvania’s outdoor beauty.[community.triblive][fortligonierdays][festivalsinpa][westmorelandcountypa]

✨ LOCAL SHOUTOUTS, HEROES, CAUSES, FUNDRAISERS, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

📰 Westmoreland Buzz Community Newsletter

Welcome back to another edition of the Westmoreland Buzz! We’ve gathered up the heart-warming highlights, local triumphs, and community happenings from around Westmoreland County this week. Grab a cup of coffee and see what your neighbors are up to!

🎉 Local Shoutouts

Celebrating Excellence: Local Golfers Tee Up Big Support for 'Shop With a Cop'

Local golf enthusiasts recently hit the links to support a fantastic cause, raising thousands of dollars for the Pennsylvania State Police "Shop With a Cop" program. It’s always amazing to see our community members turn a great day on the green into unforgettable holiday memories for local kids.

Key Details: Funds directly support upcoming holiday shopping events organized by the state police. To learn how to get involved or support future fundraisers, reach out to your local Pennsylvania State Police barracks.
Source: WPXI

🦸 Local Heroes

Hitting the Right Notes: Free String Instrument Program Opens Doors for Kids

A wonderful local initiative is ensuring that financial barriers don't stop children from discovering their musical talents. Dedicated instructors and organizers are offering free string instrument lessons to kids across Westmoreland County, mentoring the next generation of creators and boosting youth confidence.

Key Details: Programs run weekly at participating community centers. Parents interested in enrolling their children can check local community outreach program schedules for sign-up details.
Source: CBS Pittsburgh

💡 Local Causes

Keeping Faith Alive: Irwin Community Rallies After Storm Damage

Following severe storms that left an Irwin church temporarily closed, local residents have rallied together in solidarity. The community recently gathered for a moving prayer vigil, showing incredible resilience and support for their neighborhood congregation as they navigate building repairs.

Key Details: The community is currently seeking supportive thoughts, volunteers for cleanup, and donations toward rebuilding efforts. Reach out to local Irwin community and church groups to find out how you can lend a hand.
Source: CBS Pittsburgh

🎗️ Fundraisers

Drive to Remember: Motorcyclists Ride for Flight 93 Memorial

Local riding groups recently revved their engines for a special charity ride honoring the heroes of Flight 93. The event served as a major fundraiser for the non-profit organizations that help maintain and support the memorial grounds, bringing regional riders together for a deeply meaningful cause.

Key Details: Donations to support the Flight 93 National Memorial can still be made online through the official Friends of Flight 93 website.
Source: WPXI

🤝 Volunteer Opportunities

Year-Round Giving: Food Pantry Volunteers Needed

If you are looking for a hands-on way to give back this season, Westmoreland Community Action is seeking compassionate individuals to help out at their local food pantries. Volunteers assist with organizing, packing, and distributing essential food items to local individuals and families in need.

Key Details: Shifts run year-round. To sign up or learn more about scheduling, call Westmoreland Community Action at 724-834-2900 or visit their main office website.
Source: Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

The Himalayas

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Warmly,

Charles Sisk

Editor