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"Affordable Housing Solutions & Exciting Events in Westmoreland County - Share the Thrill!"
"Affordable Housing Solutions & Exciting Events in Westmoreland County - Share the Thrill!"
"Affordable Housing Solutions & Exciting Events in Westmoreland County - Share the Thrill!"
"Exciting events in Westmoreland County, PA - from thrill-seekers saved on coaster to vibrant concerts and neighborhood fun! Invite your friends!"
Charles Sisk
Jul 7, 2026
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Trivia Questionâť“In Norse mythology, what is the name of the hammer wielded by the god Thor? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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The Westmoreland Buzz newsletter is sponsored by |
Artisans of Hands & Heart |
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Governor Josh Shapiro has unveiled Pennsylvania’s first Housing Action Plan, committed to ensuring safe, affordable homes for every resident.
Westmoreland County faces acute need for affordable housing, with nearly 5,800 subsidized units and 11% currently open for renters.
The Westmoreland County Housing Authority offers senior-focused properties like Odin View Apartments, where rent is capped at 30% of income, and Troutman Building Apartments in Greensburg, which serves elderly residents with key amenities.
Nonprofits, including Homes Build Hope, operate around 140 affordable units countywide, reaching communities from Irwin to Latrobe.
The WestCoHAB advisory board leads targeted outreach and prevention through specialized subcommittees.
Through a united state and local effort, these strategies reflect a dynamic push to expand housing options and make affordability a reality in Westmoreland County. Read More... |
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Three guests endured a harrowing hour at Idlewild & SoakZone when their Wild Mouse roller coaster car stalled 50 feet above ground on Monday evening.
The abrupt stop left Monica Johnson and her 8-year-old cousin anxiously awaiting rescue, as first responders from Darlington Volunteer Fire Company, along with Mutual Aid EMS and Ligonier Valley Police, mobilized to the scene.
Using a mechanical lift, crews safely brought all riders down without any injuries reported.
Park owner Herschend Family Entertainment confirmed the “unexpected stoppage” and announced the ride will remain closed during a full safety review.
Johnson, a first-time coaster rider, described feeling panicked but was ultimately relieved by the swift response.
While the precise cause remains unknown, local officials and park staff stressed the priority of guest safety—and many breathed a sigh of relief once it was all over. Read More... |
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Greensburg, Pennsylvania sits about 30 miles southeast of Pittsburgh and stands out as a close-knit, secure community.
This city attracts young professionals, families, and retirees thanks to its reputation for stability and safety.
Crime rates here are strikingly low.
Violent crime is reported to be roughly 58% lower than the national average, and property crime runs nearly 61% below typical U.S. levels.
Major ranking sites like Niche award Greensburg a solid B+ for livability, while most locals report feeling safe while moving around town.
Minor property crimes do surface, but serious incidents remain rare—partly due to visible, responsive law enforcement.
Combined with a strong public school system and cost-friendly housing, Greensburg continues to be a trusted, warm choice within Westmoreland County. Read More... |
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Persichetti's Restaurant and Bar |
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Family-Friendly Events in Westmoreland, July 7 – July 13, 2026 |
Summer Saturday: America's Birthday Bash |
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SummerSounds Concert in the Park |
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Bonus mention: Red, White & Blue Days, July 9–11, Downtown Greensburg — three days of patriotic shopping, entertainment, food, and music throughout downtown (free to attend). Source: discoverwestmoreland.com / shopgreensburgpa.com |
Neighbor Days at Idlewild & SoakZone |
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Derry Township Agricultural Fair |
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📚 Westmoreland County Public Library EventsThe 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 during July 7 – July 13. |
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The Westmoreland Buzz newsletter is sponsored by |
Salt & Sea Boutique |
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Henry’s Hoagies (Downtown Greensburg)If you venture into downtown Greensburg, you’ll find a beautiful story of local legacy and fresh beginnings at Henry’s Hoagies on Second Street. Longtime Greensburg native Michelle Maxson, 51, officially took ownership and reopened the beloved sandwich shop after buying the business from its original founders. For Maxson—who spent years helping her boyfriend run the nearby DV8 Espresso Bar & Gallery—taking the reins at Henry's fulfills a lifelong dream of operating her very own neighborhood eatery. The shop features an incredibly touching community connection. Every single day as Maxson walks into work, she can look up and wave at a Hometown Hero banner hanging from a light post at the top of Second Street, which features the face of her late father pointing right toward her new shop. Maxson is keeping the classic spirit of the neighborhood joint alive while introducing delicious upgrades, including upgrading to premium Boar’s Head deli meats, expanding the fresh bread options, introducing more hot sandwich choices, and whipping up homemade soups, side salads, and a special coleslaw recipe she learned as a teenager working her very first diner job at the former Lincoln Inn. How to Support Them: You can find Henry’s Hoagies operating right in downtown Greensburg at the top of Second Street. Drop in during the lunch rush to grab a freshly sliced hoagie, try one of Michelle's homemade sides, and welcome her to the neighborhood block! |
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1. The 52nd Annual Westmoreland Arts & Heritage FestivalTaking over Twin Lakes Park (just outside Greensburg), this massive regional staple is officially underway and drawing huge crowds. Running through this weekend, it features hundreds of local craft vendors, live music across multiple stages, and incredible food. It’s one of the biggest community pride events of the year for the county. 2. Summer Concert Series & Outdoor Movie NightsThe county's free outdoor music and movie scenes are in full swing for the season.
3. Latrobe’s Massive 4th of July CelebrationLatrobe is currently the epicenter of local patriotic pride. Their annual multi-day 4th of July Celebration is packing the city with events, including the Firecracker 5-Mile Run/2-Mile Walk at Latrobe Memorial Stadium, annual parades, live entertainment, and a massive community gathering that brings out thousands of residents from surrounding boroughs. 4. "Downtown Revitalization" and Main Street MomentumThere is a major push across the local boroughs to breathe new life into older storefronts. Backed by the Westmoreland Development Council's "Revitalizing Main Street" initiative, towns like Irwin and Greensburg are actively focusing on clearing out old, blighted commercial spaces to make room for local small businesses, microbreweries, and new residential options to boost downtown foot traffic. 5. Peak Season for Local Farmers MarketsThe Latrobe Farmers Market and nearby neighborhood markets are hitting their peak summer stride. Right now, there is a huge community trend toward supporting hyper-local hyper-fresh produce and artisanal goods, with residents turning weekly market days into social community events.
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✨ LOCAL SHOUTOUTS, HEROES, CAUSES, FUNDRAISERS, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Here is your weekly edition of the Westmoreland Buzz, highlighting the incredible people, causes, and events shaping our community this week! Local ShoutoutsHats Off to Chris Haidze for Statewide Recognition!We have some serious leadership talent right here in our courthouse! Chris Haidze, our Westmoreland County Special Courts Administrator, was just honored with the prestigious President's Award by the Pennsylvania Association of Court Managers (PACM). Chris was recognized for his outstanding service and efforts in advancing the organization’s state website, and he was also recently elected as the PACM Treasurer. We love seeing our local leaders shine on a state level!
Local HeroesBrody Toy’s Sweet Fight Against Alzheimer's Marks 11 YearsFourteen-year-old Brody Toy of West Leechburg is proving you are never too young to make a massive difference. On Saturday, June 27, Brody hosted his 11th annual "Brody's Lemonade Stand" outside Romeo's Tire Center, mixing up creative flavors like "cherry fireworks" to raise money for Alzheimer's research in memory of his great-grandfather, World War II veteran Joseph Kish. Over the past decade, Brody’s sweet dream has raised over $30,000 for the cause, showing the true heart of our local youth!
Local CausesMaking Our Neighborhoods Safer with a $3.4 Million Health GrantKeeping our children and families healthy is a top priority, and Westmoreland County just took a huge step forward to protect local households. The county has officially secured a $3.4 million Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Reduction grant to help residents remove lead-based paint risks and address other structural household safety threats. This initiative will provide vital remediation resources directly to eligible low-income homes and older properties across our community.
FundraisersSail Away for a Great Cause with the Bell Township VFD RaffleLooking for a vacation while supporting the brave individuals who keep us safe? The Bell Township Volunteer Fire Department is currently hosting a fantastic cruise raffle where you can win a 6-to-8-night Royal Caribbean cruise for two! Only 300 tickets are being sold, making this a wonderful, high-odds opportunity to back our local first responders.
Volunteer OpportunitiesLend a Hand at the Westmoreland Food Bank WarehouseIf you’re looking for a hands-on way to give back this summer, our local neighbors need you! The Westmoreland Food Bank is seeking volunteers for their upcoming warehouse shifts to sort, inspect, and box dry or canned food donations that feed families right here in the county. It's a high-energy, incredibly rewarding way to spend a morning or afternoon with friends or family.
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The Westmoreland Buzz newsletter is sponsored by |
LJ's Handyman Services LLC |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Mjölnir |
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Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |