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Westmoreland’s week: Shrek JR., local art & meet Molly
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Westmoreland’s week: Shrek JR., local art & meet Molly
November 10–16: local invention, Veterans Appreciation, family events and ways to help neighbors.
Charles Sisk

Charles Sisk

📰 WEEKLY PREVIEW

Top Stories: A local inventor’s next chapter
Local Events: Art reception & Shrek JR.
What's Trending: Veterans Appreciation on November 11
Community Engagement: Help neighbors through the Food Bank
Pet of the Week: Meet Molly, a small Chihuahua mix

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

Photo: G Squared Gallery, from the business’s official website.

Find a gift with a creative local connection.

G Squared Gallery in downtown Ligonier brings together original art, photography, handcrafted jewelry and distinctive gifts, with a special focus on local artists and artisans.

Browse pottery, wood pieces, textiles and greeting cards, or ask the staff for help choosing something personal. Gift wrapping is available—a handy touch as holiday shopping gets underway.

Explore the gift selection and confirmed visiting details before stopping in.

Address121 East Main Street, Ligonier, PA 15658
Days OpenMonday–Sunday
HoursMonday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Phone724-238-8083
Explore G Squared Gallery

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.

Read More →

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.

Read More →

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.

Read More →

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Photo: Coffee Bean Café, from its official website.

Warm up with a local coffee break.

Independent since 2005, Coffee Bean Café on Route 30 roasts coffee in-house and serves breakfast sandwiches, café sandwiches, bagels and sweet treats. Settle in with a friend, pick up lunch, or take home a bag of beans for your own morning routine.

The menu includes the turkey-and-pesto Da Vinci, the grilled Milano sandwich, and seasonal coffee drinks. Tea and milk alternatives are available, too. For takeout or curbside pickup, call during business hours to place an order.

Visit: 3804 State Route 30, Latrobe, PA 15650
Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Phone: 724-539-1594

See the official menu for current selections and prices.

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.

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Directory - Hot Spots - Events

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Family-Friendly Events in Westmoreland
November 10–16, 2026

FREE EVENT: Regional Art Exhibition Opening Reception
Official exhibition graphic: Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art / Southwestern Pennsylvania Council for the Arts.
DateSaturday, November 14, 2026
Time6–8 p.m.
LocationSAMA Ligonier Valley, One Boucher Lane & Route 711 South, Ligonier, PA 15658
PriceFree; open to the public

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.

The reception is open to the public at no charge. It offers a welcoming outing for families who enjoy looking at art together. The exhibition remains on view November 13, 2026–January 31, 2027; regular museum hours differ from the special reception time.

Questions: 724-238-6015. Official event details.

View Free Reception Details
PAID EVENT: Shrek the Musical JR.
Official production artwork: Greensburg Salem Middle School / BookTix.
DateNovember 12–15, 2026
TimeThu.–Sat.: 7:30 p.m.; Sun.: 2 p.m.
LocationGreensburg Salem Middle School Auditorium, 301 North Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601
PriceGeneral admission $6; reserved seating $8. Listed online fees were additional; confirm in-person charges.

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.

Ticket update: Online sales closed November 8. In-person presales run November 9–11, 5–7 p.m.; tickets are also sold at the door beginning 90 minutes before each performance, subject to availability. Doors close ten minutes after the show begins.

The official listing gives base prices of $6 general admission and $8 reserved seating, with online fees of $1.13 and $1.20 respectively. Confirm any in-person charges with the school. Wheelchair seating is listed.

Box office: alaine.nativio@gslions.net. Schedule and ticket information.

View Show & Ticket Information

Five Bonus Outings

1. Winter Wonderland — Greensburg
Friday, November 13, 5–8 p.m. The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 221 North Main Street. Free seasonal celebration with art activities, entertainment and the return of Winter Tales; cash-bar purchases extra. Details.

2. Family Story Time — Greensburg
Saturday, November 14, 10:30–11 a.m. Greensburg Hempfield Area Library, 237 South Pennsylvania Avenue. Songs and stories for children from birth through age 5 with their families. Registration required by family; no admission fee listed. Register and view details.

3. The Day the Crayons Quit the Library — Ligonier
Saturday, November 14, 11 a.m.–noon. Ligonier Valley Library, 120 West Main Street, Ligonier. An interactive reading followed by story-themed crafts, games and activities for young readers. No fee or registration requirement is stated on the event page; check with the library before visiting. Details.

4. Fall Country Market — Latrobe
Saturday, November 14, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., on Ligonier Street in downtown Latrobe. Browse local makers and food vendors; purchases priced individually. Check the organizer’s latest hours before traveling. Current organizer listing.

5. Maker Day — Greensburg
Saturday, November 14, 1–3 p.m. Greensburg Hempfield Area Library, 237 South Pennsylvania Avenue. Try hands-on maker activities for all ages, with November’s focus on building and engineering challenges. No registration required; no admission fee listed. Details.

📚 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.

☕ Latte Lane Coffee Co. adds a New Kensington drive-thru

A new coffee stop opened November 2 at 800 Carl Avenue, New Kensington. Founder Heather Schrecengost’s business grew from a coffee camper into a café operation and now a second, drive-thru-only location. The New Kensington menu includes signature lattes, classic coffee drinks, tea, smoothies, breakfast bites and caffeine-free children’s drinks—giving families and commuters another locally owned stop. Published hours are Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m.; closed Sunday. Call 412-629-0129 or browse the New Kensington menu. Official opening announcement, address and hours.

 

🎀 Amor Family Chiropractic welcomes Greensburg families

Dr. Diego Montes has opened Amor Family Chiropractic at 116 East Pittsburgh Street, Suite 100A, Greensburg. The practice offers chiropractic appointments with communication available in English and Spanish. Montes earned his kinesiology degree at San José State University and his chiropractic doctorate at Life Chiropractic College West; his practice’s name honors his mother’s memory. The Westmoreland County Chamber will celebrate the business with a grand-opening ribbon cutting Friday, November 20, from 1–2 p.m., including an opportunity to meet Montes and tour the office. This is the celebration date; the practice’s website already lists it as open. Contact 724-221-7449 or contact@amorfamilychiropractic.com for appointment availability and office hours. Chamber celebration details · Meet the owner · Practice website.

 

Know another new business?
We welcome tips from every part of Westmoreland County—from the Alle-Kiski Valley and Murrysville to Irwin, Jeannette, Latrobe, Ligonier, Mount Pleasant, Scottdale and the Mon Valley. If a small business recently opened or will open soon, send its name, location, opening date and official link to westmorelandbuzz@gmail.com.

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.
On November 11, The Westmoreland in Greensburg welcomes veterans with complimentary coffee, donuts and admission to its ticketed photography exhibitions, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. No registration is needed.

 

2. Students take the spotlight.
Saint Vincent’s November 12 Professional Showcase lets students present their accomplishments to potential employers, 2:30–4:30 p.m. Employer attendees must register; admission is free.

 

3. Young leaders speak up.
Ligonier Valley Library invites ages 10–17 to help shape teen programs and community projects November 13, 3:30–4:30 p.m. Participants can earn community service hours.

 

4. Shopping supports local makers.
The Country Market returns to Ligonier Street in downtown Latrobe November 14, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Browse the organizer’s current information before heading out.

 

5. Regional creativity gets a welcome.
SAMA Ligonier Valley hosts its free juried-exhibition reception November 14, 6–8 p.m., showcasing artists from southwestern Pennsylvania.

 

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.

⭐ Local Shoutouts

Murrysville student earns national scholarship recognition
Congratulations to Benjamin Poole, a Saint Vincent College junior from Murrysville, on earning a $1,000 Jo Anne J. Trow Undergraduate Scholarship from Alpha Lambda Delta. The accounting and finance double major leads the college’s ALD chapter and serves as treasurer for two campus organizations. His recognition brings a welcome spotlight to academic achievement, leadership and service close to home.

Key Details: Announced November 5, 2026; scholarship supports the 2026–27 academic year.
Source Link: Saint Vincent College announcement



🏆 Local Heroes

A steady voice for children who need one
A thank-you to CASA of Westmoreland’s trained volunteer advocates, who provide consistent, caring support for children involved in family court because of abuse or neglect. They build relationships, gather information and help the court understand a child’s best interests. Their ongoing service deserves recognition beyond any single event.

Key Details: Ongoing service spotlight; learn about advocacy at 724-850-6874. Prospective advocates must be 21 or older and complete screening and training.
Source Link: CASA’s volunteer roles and requirements



🤝 Local Causes

Everyday essentials can make a difference
Westmoreland Community Action welcomes support for programs addressing local needs, including food, housing and education. Its donation list includes diapers, wipes, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes and nonperishable food. Contact the organization before collecting or delivering items so your help matches current program needs.

Key Details: Ongoing countywide cause; call 724-834-1260 or email info@westmorelandca.org to coordinate.
Source Link: Community Action’s donation list



💛 Fundraisers

Give local shelter animals a helping hand
The Humane Society of Westmoreland County welcomes ongoing donations to support its care for homeless animals. Its giving page offers direct donations and a wish list for neighbors who prefer to contribute supplies. A small gift can be a simple way to support animal welfare here in the county.

Key Details: Ongoing fundraising; 139 Humane Society Road, Greensburg. Call 724-837-3779 to confirm supply needs and drop-off hours.
Source Link: Humane Society’s ways to give



🤲 Volunteer Opportunities

Pack food, help at a pantry or deliver to a senior
Westmoreland Food Bank offers several ways to turn a little time into practical help for neighbors. Opportunities include packing food boxes, sorting donations, assisting pantry distributions and delivering senior food boxes through Adopt a Senior. Use the registration links to check available assignments and requirements before making plans.

Key Details: Ongoing opportunities; Delmont warehouse and community roles. Warehouse volunteers must be at least 14; age rules vary for other activities. Questions: 1-800-462-2080, extension 31.
Source Link: Food Bank volunteer registration

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

Meet Molly — view her Petfinder listing and contact the Humane Society of Westmoreland County to confirm availability.
💡 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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Warmly,

Charles Sisk

Editor

Westmoreland Buzz

© 2026 Westmoreland Buzz.

Westmoreland Buzz is the neighborly pulse of Westmoreland County, PA, delivering a curated look at what makes our community special. It's your one-stop read for hometown local news, weekend events, uncovered hidden gems, and celebratory shout-outs that stitch our neighborhoods together.

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