Monday, May 25, 2026 - Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring and mourning military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. 

Observed annually on the last Monday of May, it serves as a solemn day for Americans to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by these individuals to secure and protect the nation's freedoms.

The Westmoreland Buzz is Sponsored by:
Simply Drost at SimplyDrost.com

Jessica Drost of Northern Cambria, PA, was tired of her overflowing closet and the hassle of shopping trips.

She decided to launch Simply Drost, an online consignment boutique that makes getting dressed easy and affordable for local women.

The shop offers a curated mix of new and pre-loved women’s clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories, all handpicked by Jessica for comfort and timeless style.

Unlike big-box retailers, shopping at Simply Drost feels personal—more like a trusted friend’s recommendation than scrolling through endless listings.

Prices are intentionally budget-friendly, with everyday pieces starting at just $16.

Jessica also brings the experience directly to Cambria, Blair, and Westmoreland Counties with monthly in-person pop-ups, letting shoppers try items on and support a local business.

Follow her on Facebook or shop online at www.SimplyDrost.com.

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Why Sponsor the Buzz?

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     Support Local Storytelling: Your sponsorship keeps the "Buzz" alive, allowing us to highlight the boutiques, volunteers, heroes, and success stories that make Westmoreland County home.

Join our next issue: Connect with your neighbors and grow your local influence. Contact us today to discuss sponsorship and advertising opportunities.

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Country music superstar Luke Bryan will return to Western Pennsylvania this September, bringing his popular Farm Tour to 1846 Farms in Unity Township near Latrobe.

The concert is set for September 17, with tickets on sale starting May 21 at 9 a.m.

This marks a major event for the region, as organizers expect up to 20,000 attendees.

1846 Farms, owned by the Stas family, was chosen after impressing promoters during last year’s local Farm Tour stop.

The historic property — dating to 1785 and recently revitalized — will host the stage in one of its fields and is preparing extra parking for the crowd.

Farm manager Aleisha Stas hopes the show will spotlight both country music and ongoing efforts to preserve farmland for the Westmoreland County community.

Signage and venue upgrades are underway as Latrobe readies for a memorable fall concert.

Ligonier Township is ushering in a fresh era for local agriculture as the Ligonier Valley Farmers Market opens June 13 on land owned by the Loyalhanna Watershed Association.

Following unanimous township approval, organizers earned praise for fostering community spirit and resilience.

The market occupies a familiar nine-acre site, once home to the Ligonier Country Market, after previous lease disagreements led to the split earlier this year.

Running two Saturdays each month through September, the market expects 60 local vendors with fresh produce, baked goods, dairy, and more.

Attendance will be smaller than the former market but promises a warm community feel, with an estimated 1,000 visitors per event.

Local business owners lauded the market’s broader impact on foot traffic and economic activity downtown.

The Ligonier Country Market, meanwhile, is exploring a new location at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Unity, pending final approvals.

Westmoreland County Community College in New Kensington is now offering a no-cost Composites Manufacturing Technician Program, opening doors to advanced manufacturing careers without the burden of a four-year degree or hefty tuition.

The 144-hour course combines evening lectures and labs, making it accessible for recent graduates, career changers, and busy adults.

The next session launches June 1 at the New Kensington Education Center, welcoming all applicants regardless of prior experience.

Located near the historic Alcoa Works and close to Re:Build Manufacturing’s new production site, the program bridges local talent with real employment opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

Participants not only gain hands-on skills but also prepare for the prestigious American Composites Manufacturers Association’s Advanced Composites certification—an edge in a competitive field.

For Southwestern Pennsylvania residents, this fast, free pathway is a rare chance to enter a thriving industry.

Liberty Wrestling Club in Murrysville is inspiring a new wave of young female wrestlers by offering a dedicated, welcoming facility on Lillian Avenue.

Driven by the vision of parents Tony Prosdocimo, Ben Fallon, and Corinne Fallon, the club quickly became a hub for girls like 10-year-old Quinn Bauer, who returned to Pennsylvania after a typhoon forced her family from Saipan.

With membership rapidly expanding, it fills a void for girls-only wrestling in the area, drawing athletes from Franklin Regional and beyond.

The partnership with coach Hailey Huerta supports a surging local scene—her Franklin Regional girls notched important wins and medals this year.

Liberty aims to nurture beginners and serious competitors alike, boosting confidence and offering a supportive environment, especially for girls used to wrestling boys.

With outreach events and open practices, the club is creating a stronger future for girls wrestling across southwestern Pennsylvania.

"Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day."

🗓️ Family-Friendly Events in Westmoreland County, PA

May 19 – May 25, 2026

Here is the 7-day weather forecast for Greensburg, PA:

Westmoreland Buzz BOGO

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Gio’s Mexican Food

Location: Leechburg Road (across from Burrell Plaza), Lower Burrell, PA

Opening Date: May 8, 2026

Lower Burrell’s local food scene just got a massive burst of flavor! Gio’s Mexican Food officially cut the ribbon on its brand-new brick-and-mortar location on Leechburg Road, marking a major milestone for owners Erica Juarez and Giovanny Osorio. Erica, who used to cook and sell her incredible, authentic meals directly out of the family's kitchen, is thrilled to bring a dedicated sit-down Mexican restaurant to the heart of the Lower Burrell community.

Gio's brings a genuinely authentic Central American flair to the area. Neighbors are already raving about their table-side guacamole, sizzling fajitas, hefty burritos, and fresh ceviche. If you visit, you absolutely have to try their refreshing agua fresca and classic horchata, which are the perfect sweet pairings to their savory dishes. Lower Burrell Mayor Chris Fabry even stopped by to celebrate, noting how wonderful it is to see a previously empty building filled with a thriving, family-run business.

The community response has already been incredibly warm, proving once again how much Westmoreland neighbors love to rally behind a dream.

“We’re really happy because the community is really nice,” Erica Juarez said during their bustling opening weekend, noting how quickly locals have embraced them.

How to support them: Pull up a chair at their location on Leechburg Road (right at the intersection of Adamchik Street). You can check out their daily specials and hours by dropping in or following the buzz on local Lower Burrell community pages!

Tell them you saw them in the Westmoreland Buzz!

Interesting Facts

Local Shoutouts, Local Heroes, Local Causes, Fundraisers, and Volunteer Opportunities

Hello, Westmoreland County neighbors! It is beautiful to see the county coming alive this mid-May. From our vibrant arts community to the first responders keeping us safe, there is so much to celebrate right here at home. Grab a cup of coffee and look at what has been happening in our backyard this week.

Local Shoutouts

Big Wins for The Westmoreland Museum of American Art!

Our very own local treasure, The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, is bringing home some serious bragging rights this week! The museum’s incredible exhibition, Steel Valley Visions, has officially been honored with a 2026 PA Museum’s Institutional Achievement Award. If that wasn't enough, they also picked up the prestigious 2026 Arthur St. Clair Historic Preservation Award from the Westmoreland Historical Society. We are so incredibly lucky to have this award-winning institution preserving and celebrating our regional history right in the heart of Greensburg.

·         Key Details: The museum is located at 221 N Main St, Greensburg, PA. You can visit their galleries to experience their world-class exhibitions firsthand.

·         Source: The Westmoreland Museum of American Art

Local Heroes

Honoring Our First Responders on the Frontlines of Mental Health

A massive round of applause goes out to our local emergency personnel who were honored this past Wednesday at the First Responder Behavioral Health Awards! The ceremony recognized those dedicated individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support community members facing substance use or mental health crises. These heroes meet people on their hardest days with empathy, patience, and life-saving care, making Westmoreland County a safer and kinder place for everyone.

·         Key Details: The celebration took place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Giannilli’s II in Greensburg.

·         Source: Westmoreland County CivicEngage Calendar

Local Causes

Shining a Light and Sparking Action for Our Neighbors Experiencing Homelessness

The Westmoreland County Homeless Advisory Board (WestCoHAB) has been working overtime this week to address housing stability and support vulnerable populations. The Homeless Engagement Subcommittee met this Tuesday to map out new outreach efforts aimed at raising awareness, reducing social stigma, and empowering local individuals experiencing homelessness. Community voices are incredibly vital to these initiatives, and the public is always welcome to sit in on these monthly meetings to learn how we can better support our neighbors in transition.

·         Key Details: The meeting was held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Sage’s Army (6044 Lincoln Highway, Suite 400). Meetings are held on a hybrid model on the second Tuesday of every month at 1:30 PM.

·         Source: Westmoreland County Government Portal

Fundraisers

Flea Markets, Silent Auctions, and Spring Flips for Our Seniors

If you are looking to hunt for some unique vintage treasures while supporting a wonderful local cause, the Avonmore Senior Center is the place to be! They kicked off an indoor/outdoor flea market and silent auction featuring great food, refreshments, and community fun. Every single dollar raised from the event goes directly toward funding essential programming and social events for our beloved local seniors.

·         Key Details: The market opened today, Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the center (423 Westmoreland Ave, Avonmore, PA). The silent auction bidding remains open, with winning tickets being drawn on Friday, May 22, at 12:30 PM. For questions, you can contact the center at 724-697-4014.

·         Source: TribLIVE Valley News Dispatch

Volunteer Opportunities

Keep the Great Allegheny Passage Beautiful with the Yough Trail Chapter

Calling all outdoor enthusiasts and trail lovers! Our local volunteers with the Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter (WYTC) were hard at work this past Tuesday staining and sealing the wooden fencing near the King Trailhead in West Newton. They are actively looking for fresh hands to join their crew to maintain, preserve, and enhance our gorgeous Westmoreland County section of the Great Allegheny Passage. Whether you want to help clear paths, paint, or help host their upcoming Trail Appreciation Day, it’s a fantastic way to get some fresh air and give back to the spaces we all enjoy.

·         Key Details: The next big gathering is the Trail Appreciation Day on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM across from the GAP-WYTC West Newton Visitor's Center, but you can sign up to help with maintenance projects right now.

·         Source: Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter Calendar

If you apply to adopt, please let the Humane Society know that you saw the listing in The Westmoreland Buzz Newsletter!

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Warmly,

Charles Sisk

Editor