Charles Sisk
📰 WEEKLY PREVIEW |
* Top Stories: Seton Hill builds AI skills |
Trivia Question❓Which eight-armed ocean animal has three hearts—two that pump blood to its gills and a third that sends it through the rest of its body? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
 Greensburg-area forecast for October 27–November 2, 2026. Checked October 26; conditions may vary across Westmoreland County. |
The Westmoreland Buzz newsletter is sponsored by |
G Squared Gallery |
Looking for a gift with a little more personality? G Squared Gallery in Ligonier brings together original art, prints, photography, handcrafted jewelry and gifts, with a focus on local artists and artisans alongside talent from farther afield.
Make it a stop on your next downtown stroll, whether you are choosing something for your home or shopping for someone special. The gallery also offers gift wrapping and help selecting a thoughtful present. Explore the gallery online, then stop in to see what catches your eye. |
|
|
 |
Seton Hill University has announced WISE Local AI, a five-year initiative intended to bring secure, locally hosted artificial intelligence into teaching, practical projects and workforce preparation. Announced October 20, the federal award provides $449,137 for the first year; the projected five-year budget is $2,242,222, with later funding expected through annual award notices. The effort will support infrastructure, faculty development and curriculum improvements.
The initiative builds on existing computer science and cybersecurity offerings in Greensburg. Computer science students can follow software engineering or AI and machine learning tracks, while cybersecurity study includes technical protection, risk and policy. These programs emphasize foundations and applied experience, giving families useful questions to ask about projects, internships, security practices and connections with regional employers.
Prospective students should compare the current program descriptions and ask which opportunities and device provisions apply to their intended major and entering class. This is an investment in education rather than a promise of an immediate job. For Westmoreland families, the practical next step is to request information, discuss admission and financial aid, and learn how hands-on experience will help students evaluate and use emerging technology thoughtfully. Bring questions about practical projects, student support and the path from introductory courses into advanced study. |
The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County announced more than $103,000 in grants to nine local nonprofits on October 20. The funding supports defined community needs and near-term opportunities. Among the projects are Laurel Highlands Workforce & Opportunity Center’s Caterpillar Clubhouse and Westmoreland Land Trust’s school nature education, connecting family support with opportunities to learn.
In Greensburg, the workforce center offers healthcare training with tuition funded through grants and donations. It also describes practical support for eligible students, including help with childcare, transportation and career preparation. The new play and enrichment project adds a family-focused element. Interested residents should contact the center about admissions, current schedules and eligibility rather than assume that every service is immediately available.
The land trust offers hands-on school activities involving seeds, birds, insects, nature journaling and outdoor discovery. Programs are available without charge when funding permits, with priority for communities facing economic barriers. Teachers should ask about current capacity and field-trip arrangements. Readers can support this work by checking organizations’ present needs, volunteering or sharing verified program information. Nonprofits considering future foundation funding should review its current application guidance before planning a request. Sharing the official contact details is a useful way to connect a neighbor with accurate, current information. |
Westmoreland Land Trust plans to add approximately 1,300 trees across six acres at St. Xavier Nature Preserve this November. The project involves Friendship Farms in Latrobe and support from Pennsylvania’s watershed forestry program. It continues earlier restoration at the property, where staff and volunteers have cared for previous plantings. A public drop-in planting date has not been announced in the project description.
The work has a practical connection to the preserve’s streams, wetlands and open areas. Trees and other streamside vegetation can help intercept runoff, support habitat and protect banks, but these benefits develop over time. Planting also brings an ongoing responsibility to care for young trees. Readers interested in volunteering should contact the land trust for confirmed opportunities rather than assume the site is hosting an open workday.
The 350-acre preserve at 106 Saint Xavier Road, Latrobe, welcomes visitors from dawn to dusk without an admission fee. Current guidance lists free trailhead parking and permits leashed pets. Check the map, follow posted instructions and respect restoration areas. Families can use a walk to compare mature trees with newer plantings and discuss how habitats change. For information, call 724-325-3031. A repeat visit in another season can be a simple way to notice gradual landscape changes. |
 |
Coffee Bean Café — A Local Coffee Break in Latrobe |
Make your next coffee break a local one at Coffee Bean Café, an independent café on Route 30 serving the Latrobe area since 2005. The café roasts its coffee in-house and offers a welcoming place to catch up with a friend or settle in with a book. |
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 westmorelandbuzz.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. |
 |
Family-Friendly Events in Westmoreland |
U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus |
|
Enjoy an evening of live music with the U.S. Army Field Band’s Concert Band and Soldiers’ Chorus. The touring ensembles bring instrumental and vocal performances to the Palace Theatre for a family-friendly outing. |
|
Chad’s Corn Maze — Final Week of the Season |
|
There is still time for a fall adventure at Chad’s Corn Maze, open daily through Halloween. The maze is not haunted, making this a seasonal pick for families who prefer puzzles and paths to jump scares. |
|
Five Bonus Event Mentions |
📚 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. |
 |
 |
 |
Help us welcome Westmoreland County’s newest businesses! |
 |
Looking ahead, Westmoreland County has five bright spots for your calendar, from music and local food to history and holiday lights. 1. Folk traditions take the stage. 2. Gather around the bonfire. 3. Celebrate our regional harvest. 4. Greensburg gets a seasonal glow. 5. Save room for Holly Jolly. Pick a favorite, invite a neighbor and check the linked organizers’ pages before heading out. |
 |
⭐ Local Shoutouts 🏆 Local Heroes 🤝 Local Causes 💛 Fundraisers 🤲 Volunteer Opportunities |
 |
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: An octopus! Two hearts pump blood to the gills, while the third circulates oxygenated blood through the rest of the body. |
 |
Enjoyed this? Invite your friends and neighbors. Share with a friend! |
👉 Like and follow us on Facebook: 👉 Join the Westmoreland Buzz Facebook Group:
We'd love your feedback! - westmorelandbuzz@gmail.com
Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |