
Charles Sisk
📰 WEEKLY PREVIEW |

Top Stories: A local inventor’s next chapter |
Trivia Question❓Which ocean giant is the largest animal on Earth—even larger than the biggest dinosaurs—and feeds mainly on tiny shrimp-like creatures called krill? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |

Find a gift with a creative local connection. |
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A familiar household frustration has turned into a local invention story. Keith Dvorchak, a 2013 Westmoreland County Community College graduate, is continuing to refine the Scrape & Sweep with help from the college’s Youngwood makerspace. See the official report. The attachment converts a broom or mop handle into a scraper and can be removed for handheld use. Dvorchak’s design grew from cleaning dried food off the kitchen floor; his patent was granted in 2019, and the college’s November 6 update describes continued prototyping. View the details.
At MADE @Westmoreland, 3D modeling and printing have helped him test changes. His longer-term goal is more efficient production, while his website provides current product details and purchasing information. Explore the program. The broader opportunity is open to other local makers, too. The facility lists resources for digital fabrication, woodworking, metalworking and textiles, and welcomes members of the public as well as students. Find practical information.
Interested residents can start with a scheduled tour at 151 Pavilion Lane, Youngwood. Membership requires orientation, and equipment use requires the relevant certification; workshops are also open to nonmembers. Published individual membership is $49 monthly, with other membership types available. Confirm current costs, training and access before signing up, and bring a sketch or clear project question to help staff point you toward a useful first step. |
Winter Wonderland opens at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg on Friday, November 13, from 5–8 p.m. The free kickoff mixes outdoor entertainment, music and hands-on activities with indoor art. See the official report. The schedule includes balloon artistry, marshmallow roasting, ice carving, a student holiday concert, bell choir appearances and fire-and-flow performances. Some seating is limited, and cash-bar purchases are separate from free admission. View the details.
The evening also introduces the returning Winter Tales immersive experience. Projections, animation and surround sound bring winter artworks from the museum’s collection into an environment inspired by Greensburg, Pittsburgh and other landscapes. Explore the program. Winter Tales continues through January 18, 2027, during regular museum hours, with free admission and no reservation required. Free Winter Nights begin November 20 and continue on scheduled Fridays, excluding the Christmas and New Year’s Day closures. Find practical information.
Find the museum at 221 North Main Street, Greensburg. On-site parking is free, the building and gardens are ADA accessible, and wheelchairs are available first come through the welcome desk. Check the official schedule before leaving and dress for indoor and outdoor activities. Visitors may also bring a new, unwrapped toy for the museum’s Toys for Tots collection, which runs through December 13 and benefits local children. Review performance times online before choosing when to arrive. |
Saint Vincent College has earned new recognition for its school counseling graduate program. The college announced November 3 that Masters In Counseling’s 2027 rankings placed it tenth in Pennsylvania and second in the Pittsburgh metro area. See the official report. The outside ranking offers a starting point for residents exploring graduate study. Applicants should still compare the program’s requirements, costs and school placements with their own goals. View the details.
The 39-credit counselor education master’s prepares candidates for Pennsylvania PreK–12 school counseling certification. Published scheduling includes seven-week sessions, an evening class commitment and a Saturday component, alongside supervised school experience. Explore the program. A 150-hour internship connects coursework with work in a school setting. The profession covers academic, career and social-emotional development, with collaboration among students, families and educators central to the role. Find practical information.
Saint Vincent also lists a graduate fellowship that offers full tuition and a monthly stipend in exchange for service in a participating school district. Acceptance, placement and service requirements apply; preferred district assignments are not guaranteed. Interested residents can review both pathways and contact program leader William Rullo about requirements or observing a class. Ask about total costs, fieldwork, weekly commitments and certification preparation before deciding whether the Latrobe-area program fits your plans. A class observation can help clarify the experience. |
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Warm up with a local coffee break. |
New on Westmoreland Buzz: Directory, Hot Spots & Events |

Looking for a plumber, tonight's food truck, or something to do this weekend? It's now all in one place at cambriabuzz.com. Browse the local Directory, see which Hot Spots are out and about, and check the Events calendar. Own a business, run a food truck, or organizing an event? Getting listed is free, takes just a name and email to start, and every listing is reviewed by a real person. Directory - Hot Spots - Events Want premium placement? Upgrades start at about $1 a day. Advertise Know someone who should be listed? Forward this to them. It's the best way to help a local business get found. |
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Family-Friendly Events in Westmoreland |
FREE EVENT: Regional Art Exhibition Opening Reception |

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Explore the creative work of regional artists at SAMA Ligonier Valley’s opening reception for the 31st Annual Regional Juried Art Exhibition. The show brings together artists from 19 southwestern Pennsylvania counties, with painting, photography, wood and other media. |
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PAID EVENT: Shrek the Musical JR. |

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Cheer on local student performers in this family musical adventure featuring Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and a crowd of fairy-tale characters. The junior production runs approximately 75 minutes with intermission. |
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Five Bonus Outings |
📚 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. |
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☕ Latte Lane Coffee Co. adds a New Kensington drive-thru
🎀 Amor Family Chiropractic welcomes Greensburg families
Know another new business? |
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Westmoreland’s week ahead offers chances to celebrate service, discover local talent and give young neighbors a voice. Here are five positive bright spots worth putting on your calendar.
1. A thank-you for veterans.
2. Students take the spotlight.
3. Young leaders speak up.
4. Shopping supports local makers.
5. Regional creativity gets a welcome.
Choose an outing, invite someone along and check the organizer’s link for current details before traveling. Together, these opportunities offer practical ways to enjoy the county while supporting its people and places. |
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⭐ Local Shoutouts 🏆 Local Heroes 🤝 Local Causes 💛 Fundraisers 🤲 Volunteer Opportunities |
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If you apply to adopt, please let the Humane Society know that you saw the listing in The Westmoreland Buzz Newsletter! |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The blue whale! This enormous marine mammal is the largest animal on Earth, yet its main food is tiny krill. |
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Enjoyed this? Invite your friends and neighbors. Share with a friend! |
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We'd love your feedback! - westmorelandbuzz@gmail.com
Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |

















