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"Westmoreland County's Workforce Revitalization Plan Sparks Hope and Debate - Join the Buzz Now!"
"Westmoreland County's Workforce Revitalization Plan Sparks Hope and Debate - Join the Buzz Now!"
"Westmoreland County's Workforce Revitalization Plan Sparks Hope and Debate - Join the Buzz Now!"
"Exciting news on workforce revitalization, watershed restoration, butterfly sanctuaries, and more in Westmoreland County! Plus, summer fun events and concerts you don't want to miss. Share the excitement with your friends and neighbors!"
Charles Sisk
Jun 23, 2026
Saturday, July 4th is Independence Day🧨 |
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Trivia Question❓In the animal kingdom, which species is known for its ability to mimic sounds and voices of other animals and objects? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Community / Personal Story: Behind Simply Drost is Jessica — a local wife, mom, and coffee lover who believes getting dressed should feel good, not stressful. She built her boutique around that idea: real clothes, real prices, for real life. She's also out in your community monthly with pop-up events in Cambria, Blair & Westmoreland Counties. See when she's near you at her Facebook page, and shop anytime at www.SimplyDrost.com ☕👗 |
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Westmoreland County officials are ramping up a revitalized campaign to attract new residents in 2026, aiming to boost both the local workforce and broader community.
The You Belong in Westmoreland initiative, led by Go Laurel Highlands, positions the region as an excellent place to live, work, and build a future.
As manufacturing booms and new companies arrive, a shortage of workers remains a pressing challenge.
Despite economic progress, the county faces an aging population and steady decline in residents, leaving job openings unfilled.
The campaign highlights key local advantages: lower taxes than nearby Allegheny County, abundant outdoor recreation, and affordable housing fueled by fresh redevelopment projects.
Communities like Greensburg, Latrobe, and Monessen are showcased for their revitalized downtowns and new, livable homes.
Optimistic leaders believe these efforts will not only build population, but attract motivated newcomers to secure Westmoreland’s vibrant future. Read More... |
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The Sewickley Creek Watershed Association will mark its 35th anniversary with a community celebration on August 7, 2026, at the Lower Volunteer Fire Department Hall in Lowber, Pennsylvania, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
After the luncheon, guests are invited to tour the Lowber Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) Treatment System, now in its 20th year of operation.
Since 1991, the Association has worked tirelessly to protect natural resources and ensure clean water across the expansive 168-square-mile Sewickley Creek Watershed in southwestern Westmoreland County.
This region combines vibrant communities, farmland, and scenic landscapes, yet faces ongoing abandoned mine drainage issues that frequently color local streams a distinctive orange.
Through active water monitoring, pollution tracking, government partnerships, and innovative use of iron oxide, the Association confronts these environmental challenges head-on.
Volunteer cleanups remain central to preserving the area’s natural beauty. Read More... |
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A coalition in Westmoreland County is urging Laurel Highlands residents to help protect monarch butterflies by transforming their yards into certified waystations.
The Westmoreland Pollinator Partners aim to create 250 safe havens across western Pennsylvania for monarchs migrating each fall.
These waystations, explained Melissa Reckner of Brandywine Conservancy’s Penguin Court Preserve, must feature milkweed—critical for caterpillars—and nectar-rich native flowers like asters and goldenrods.
Monarch numbers have plummeted more than 80 percent since the 1990s, threatened by habitat loss and pesticides.
So far, 34 local sites are certified, but with free support available, organizers hope to reach more homes in Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties.
Residents are encouraged to avoid chemicals and plant sunlit plots, creating a connected habitat network that benefits both monarchs and the region’s environment. Read More... |
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Westmoreland Buzz BOGO - Closed - We're Sorry You Missed it |
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But you can still claim your FREE Sponsorship Strategy Call. |
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Family-Friendly Events in Westmoreland, June 23 – June 29, 2026 |
Summer Fun Day in Penn Township Park ("Taylor Swift" Mini Concert Kickoff) |
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Date/Time: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: Penn Township Park, 2001 Municipal Court, Harrison City, PA 15636 Description: A free weekly summer kids' event featuring a Taylor Swift–themed mini concert, bounce houses/inflatables, crafts, and activities, plus Travelin' Tom's Coffee and Kona Ice on site. Age appropriateness: Great for young children and families; no registration required. Cost: Free Source: Penn Township official site — penntownship.us/community-resources/pages/event-information |
Twin Lakes Free Summer Concert |
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Date/Time: Sunday, June 28, 2026, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Location: Brian T. Rusnock Amphitheater, Twin Lakes Peach Park, Greensburg, PA 15601 Description: Free outdoor live music at the county park amphitheater, featuring Mon Valley Push (12:00 PM) and the Joe Porembka Orchestra Tribute Band (2:00 PM). Age appropriateness: All ages; bring chairs/blankets, daytime hours make it easy with young kids. Cost: Free Source: Westmoreland County official calendar — westmorelandcountypa.gov/Calendar.aspx (Parks & Recreation calendar |
Idlewild & SoakZone |
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Date/Time: Open daily during this week (park hours typically 11:00 AM–7:00 PM; confirm exact hours for your visit day) Location: 2574 US Route 30, Ligonier, PA 15658 Description: Pennsylvania's longest-running amusement park, combining classic rides, the SoakZone water park, Storybook Forest, and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood — repeatedly ranked among the best children's parks in the country. This is a standing attraction rather than a single dated event, but it's open and fully operating throughout the week. Age appropriateness: All ages, with dedicated areas for toddlers through teens. Cost: Single-day tickets as low as $34.99 if purchased online in advance for a specific date (vs. ~$65.99 at the gate); children age 2 and under are free. Source: idlewild.com/tickets---passes/tickets |
Fort Ligonier (History Alive! daily programming) |
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Date/Time: Open daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with costumed historical-interpreter programming running June through October |
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📚 Westmoreland County Public Library EventsJune 23–29, 2026 — Organized Alphabetically by LibraryThe Westmoreland County Library System has 26 member libraries. Below are all libraries and a link to the main library finder where you can get their calendars. Be sure to check library calendars for all confirmed events during June 23–29. Click HereAdams Memorial Library 1112 Ligonier Street Latrobe PA 15650Avonmore Public Library 437 Westmoreland Ave Avonmore PA 15681Belle Vernon Public Library 505 Speer Street Belle Vernon PA 15012Caldwell Memorial Library 988 N Chestnut St Ext Derry PA 15627Delmont Public Library 75 School Street Delmont PA 15626 Greensburg Hempfield Area Library 237 South Pennsylvania Avenue Greensburg PA 15601 Jeannette Public Library 500 Magee Avenue Jeannette PA 15644Ligonier Valley Library 120 West Main Street Ligonier P 15658Manor Public Library 44 Main Street, Suite 500 Manor PA 15665Monessen Public Library 326 Donner Avenue Monessen PA 15062Mount Pleasant Public Library 120 S Church Street Mount Pleasant PA 15666Murrysville Community Library 4130 Sardis Road Murrysville PA 15668New Alexandria Public Library 22 Keystone Plaza New Alexandria PA 15670 New Florence Public Library 122 Ligonier Street New Florence PA 15944 Norwin Public Library 100 Caruthers Lane Irwin PA 15642Penn Area Library 2001 Municipal Court Harrison City PA 15636 Peoples Library- Lower Burrell 3052 Wachter Avenue Lower Burrell PA 15068Peoples Library- New Kensington 880 Barnes Street New Kensington PA 15068Rostraver Public Library 700 Plaza Drive Belle Vernon PA 15102Scottdale Public Library 106 Spring Street Scottdale PA 15683 Sewickley Township Public Library 312 Sewickley Ave Herminie PA 15637 Smithton Public Library 615 Center Street Smithton PA 15479 Trafford Community Public Library 416 Brinton Avenue Trafford PA 15085 Vandergrift Public Library 128 C Washington Avenue Vandergrift PA 15690 West Newton Public Library 124 North Water Street West Newton PA 15089 Youngwood Area Public Library 17 South 6th Street Youngwood PA 15697 |
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Ligonier Country Market (New Location!)Location: Ligonier Street, Downtown Latrobe, PA Opening Date: Launched for the 2026 Season While the Ligonier Country Market is a beloved western Pennsylvania tradition that has been running since 1975, the nonprofit organization has embarked on a historic new chapter for its 2026 season by officially relocating to Downtown Latrobe. This massive move brings one of the region’s longest-running community traditions right onto Ligonier Street, transforming the area into a bustling, walkable hub of local commerce every weekend. The market connects anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 weekly visitors with local farmers, bakers, chefs, and artisans. By embedding the market directly into Latrobe's downtown fabric, the move is designed to offer better visibility and accessibility while driving incredible foot traffic to the brick-and-mortar small businesses that call Latrobe home. It's a massive win-win for local economic growth and a wonderful way to spend a weekend morning supporting regional agriculture and makers.
How to Support: Head down to Ligonier Street in Latrobe to explore the rows of local vendors, grab some fresh produce, and enjoy the community atmosphere. For exact weekly hours, vendor maps, and seasonal updates, be sure to check out the Ligonier Country Market website or follow their official Facebook and Instagram pages. (Source: WPXI) |
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Here are 5 positive, uplifting things trending right now across Westmoreland County, including Greensburg, Latrobe, and Irwin: 1. Culinary Expansion in Greensburg: Cafe Zara OpensDowntown Greensburg’s food scene just got a vibrant addition with the opening of Cafe Zara, a new Middle Eastern cafe. Bringing fresh cultural flavors and a cozy new gathering space to the community, it’s quickly becoming a hot spot for locals looking to support small businesses and explore unique culinary options.
2. A Major Cultural Milestone: Cave Canem’s 30th Anniversary at Pitt-GreensburgThe University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg is currently hosting the 30th annual summer retreat for Cave Canem, a prestigious international nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Black poets. This major milestone brought approximately 150 writers from around the globe to Westmoreland County this week. The campus celebrated the anniversary and Juneteenth with live music, community cookouts, and public fellowship.
3. Irwin’s Summer Traditions: The Annual Duck Race & MusicCommunity spirit is in full swing in Irwin. The borough, alongside the Turtle Creek Watershed Association, just hosted its highly anticipated Annual Duck Race, a classic family-friendly tradition that brings neighbors together to support local environmental preservation. Paired with the ongoing Concerts in the Park series, Irwin's downtown and parks are buzzing with weekend foot traffic.
4. Career and Arts Boosts at Saint Vincent College (Latrobe)Latrobe’s Saint Vincent College is making major waves with proactive community partnerships. The college recently launched its new Career Exploration Partnership Program and solidified a brand-new collaboration with StageRight!, giving local students an incredible head start in professional musical theater and the performing arts.
5. Celebrating Heritage & Travel: The Great American Road TripThe Lincoln Highway Experience museum (located right along the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor linking Latrobe and Greensburg) just launched its Great American Road Trip Celebration. Concurrently, the Heritage Corridor opened its 2026 Mini-Grant Opportunity, offering up to $10,000 for local nonprofits and municipalities to improve community access to parks, trails, and water resources across Westmoreland County. |
The Nights on Clay Night Market |
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Presented by the Jeannette Redevelopment Authority, the market takes place from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on select Wednesdays.
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✨ LOCAL SHOUTOUTS, HEROES, CAUSES, FUNDRAISERS, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Here is this week’s roundup of positive news, local achievements, and community happenings around Westmoreland County, PA! 🍕 Local ShoutoutsGreensburg's Own Baldy’s Original Pizza Crowned Chamber Champion!Let’s give a massive shoutout to Baldy's Original Pizza in Greensburg! They have been officially named the June 2026 Chamber Champion of the Month by the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce. Serving up delicious pies and supporting our neighborhood since 2001, this local favorite is being recognized for its incredible business longevity and ongoing dedication to the Westmoreland community.
🎣 Local HeroesCast a Line for Family Fun: Free Father’s Day Fishing Derby at Twin Lakes ParkA huge thank-you to the Westmoreland County Bureau of Parks and Recreation staff and volunteers who are the real heroes making family memories possible today! They are hosting the annual Free Father's Day Fishing Derby this Sunday, providing a wonderful, completely free outdoor experience for local families. These community organizers work hard behind the scenes to keep our beautiful parks active, safe, and full of joy.
🤝 Local CausesConnecting Our Neighbors: Human Services Fair Comes to YoungwoodLooking to learn more about the incredible support systems available right here in our county? Westmoreland County is hosting a massive Human Services Fair this coming week to connect residents with vital community resources, information sessions, and activities. It’s an open-door event designed to bring our community closer together and ensure no family falls through the cracks.
🎶 FundraisersRocking the Park: Twin Lakes Free Summer Concert Series Kicks OffWhile the music is entirely free to enjoy, the summer concert series at Twin Lakes acts as a fantastic community driver for local food vendors and community park initiatives. Local favorites like the Andrew Mack Band and Willow Hill are taking the stage next weekend. Come out, enjoy the tunes, and purchase food and drinks from local vendors on-site to help fund and sustain these incredible community parks programs!
🎭 Volunteer OpportunitiesStep into the Spotlight: Volunteer with the Westmoreland Cultural Trust!If you have a passion for the arts and love meeting new people, the Westmoreland Cultural Trust needs your help! They are actively seeking vibrant volunteers (ages 16 and up) to assist with upcoming summer events, including ushering at the historic Palace Theatre and helping out with community arts walks. It’s a wonderful, flexible way to give back to the county's cultural heartbeat while enjoying some incredible performances.
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The lyrebird |
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Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |