Charles Sisk
Jul 21, 2026
📰 WEEKLY PREVIEW |
* Top Stories: Pennsylvania Rings in 250 Years of Freedom * Community Engagement: Comforting Kids in Trauma * Pet of the week: Meet Whisper and Adopt |
Trivia Question❓Although Russia is the world's largest country by land area, it spans 11 time zones — but which country, despite being geographically wide enough to span 5 natural time zones, officially operates on just a single one, making it the largest country by area to use only one standard time? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Pennsylvania's newly enacted 2026–27 budget delivers sweeping updates to public education, with a sharp focus on student safety, mental health, and well-being.
The plan includes over $900 million for public schools — with $565 million in new adequacy funding — plus a dedicated $100 million for mental health services and school safety.
Schools must now establish anti-cyberbullying policies, notify parents of incidents promptly, and report AI-related bullying cases annually. Students and educators will also receive social media literacy training to address its mental and psychological effects.
New health provisions include eating disorder awareness education for grades six through twelve, opt-out rights for BMI screenings, and strict confidentiality of student health data.
The budget also mandates daily recess for K–5 students, continues free statewide breakfast, and allocates $3 million for menstrual hygiene products. Updated school mapping requirements will help first responders navigate buildings faster during emergencies. Read More... |
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Pennsylvania is preparing a landmark statewide art project to mark America's 250th birthday — and Westmoreland County is set to play a meaningful role.
The "Bells Across PA" initiative will place 67 custom-designed fiberglass Liberty Bells — one per county — celebrating the people, landmarks, and traditions unique to each community.
In Westmoreland County, artist Mandy Sirofchuck is crafting her bell at a Ligonier studio, with installation planned for outside the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg this August.
Museum director Silvia Filippini-Fantoni says placing the artwork outdoors is intentional — inviting residents and visitors to connect with its imagery and share stories it inspires.
A second Westmoreland bell is also in the works, themed around energy history and innovation, sponsored by First Energy.
Local artists can submit designs now through Discover Westmoreland for this paid opportunity. Read More... |
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Mystic Thrift Emporium has opened its doors on Main Street in downtown Latrobe, blending secondhand fashion with a spiritual twist.
The shop offers everything from crystals, herbs, and candles to size-inclusive clothing, designer handbags, and footwear — all at affordable prices.
Owner Charita Schultz of North Huntingdon Township has dreamed of running a thrift store since high school.
After a decade of online resale and a brief stint at a Trafford storefront that closed last summer, she found a new home in Latrobe — signing a lease June 10 and opening quietly on July 2.
The shop has recorded daily sales since opening, with plans to expand inventory and potentially feature local artists.
Mystic Thrift Emporium at 223 Main St. is open Tuesday–Thursday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.–7 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Read More... |
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Beeghly & Co. Jewelers |
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Family-Friendly Events in Westmoreland, July 21 – July 27, 2026 |
Party in the Park (Greensburg Fire Department) |
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Westmoreland County Summer Concert Series — Twin Lakes Park |
Neighbor Days: Daniel Tiger & Miss Elaina Weekend — Idlewild & SoakZone |
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Sewickley Township Community Fair |
📚 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 during July 21 – July 27. |
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Badges Bar & Grille Restaurant |
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A beloved local landmark is beginning a fresh, exciting new chapter. Hempfield’s iconic event venue, Ferrante’s Lakeview, is transitioning to Swiftee's Lakeview. While the original founding family is retiring after 70 years of hosting our community's most cherished weddings and milestones, the venue's legacy remains in loving hands. John Ferrante's granddaughter, Christina Augustine, has stepped up as the new general manager, teaming up with local Greensburg attorney and new owner Greg Moore. Westmoreland residents can look forward to the same exceptional hospitality with some fantastic new upgrades. The team is transforming the indoor restaurant area into a welcoming, casual tavern called Swiftee's Lounge, complete with a brand-new bar, extended operating hours, and a beautiful outdoor dining patio overlooking the peaceful seven-acre Mountain Valley Lake. As Christina warmly shares about the transition:
Whether you're planning a dream wedding or just looking for a scenic spot to enjoy a great meal and a drink, Swiftee's Lakeview is ready to welcome you.
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Summer Highlights Shine Across Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County is buzzing with energy this summer, offering a variety of family-friendly events that blend entertainment, culture, and community spirit. In Greensburg, St. Clair Park continues to host its popular SummerSounds concert series, where visitors gather for free live music under the stars. On July 24, The Michael Weber Show will bring a lively, multi-instrumental performance to the stage. Guests can enjoy food vendors, picnic-style seating, and a welcoming, festival-like atmosphere that attracts audiences from across the region. Just steps away, The Westmoreland Museum of American Art offers a creative twist with its “Putt-a-palooza” art-inspired mini golf experience. Families can pair a round of interactive fun with gallery visits and a relaxed happy hour on the terrace before heading to the evening concert. In nearby Irwin, the historic Lamp Theatre continues to draw crowds with nostalgic tribute performances. Late July features shows celebrating classic rock eras, providing a memorable, multi-generational experience in a charming downtown setting. Outdoor enthusiasts are also flocking to Twin Lakes Park, where the lakeside amphitheater hosts free concerts in a scenic, family- and pet-friendly environment. Country music fans can enjoy a full evening of performances alongside local food trucks and refreshments. Rounding out the weekend, the KidTrepreneur Market at the Greensburg Garden & Civic Center highlights young local talent, giving children the opportunity to showcase and sell their handmade creations while building confidence and entrepreneurial skills. Verifiable Sources
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✨ LOCAL SHOUTOUTS, HEROES, CAUSES, FUNDRAISERS, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
🌟 Local ShoutoutsSweet Victory! Westmoreland Food Bank Nominated for "Best of the Best"The Westmoreland Food Bank in Delmont has officially been nominated for the prestigious TribLIVE Westmoreland Community Choice Awards under the Best Non-Profit category! Serving over 7,000 local families in need every single month—with 95 cents of every donated dollar going directly to crucial food programs—this nomination is a well-deserved nod to their tireless staff and volunteers who ensure hunger has no home in our county. Let's show them some major Westmoreland pride and get our votes in!
🦸 Local HeroesFirst Responders & Therapy Pups Team Up to Comfort Kids in TraumaA major shoutout goes to our local first responders and sweet-natured therapy dog teams! On Sunday, July 19, they will be honored at Level Green Presbyterian Church's "Caring for the Kids in Our Community" celebration. Not only do these heroes work every day to protect our neighborhoods, but they are also partnering with the community to collect new teddy bears. These stuffed animals are kept in police and emergency vehicles so that first responders can hand them to children to provide warmth and comfort during scary, traumatic situations.
🤝 Local CausesRestoring Historic Shields Farm Ahead of Autumn FestivitiesShields Farm in Delmont is a treasured local landmark, but it needs a little TLC to get ready for the grand crowds of the annual Apple ‘n Arts Festival! Delmont Borough officials and dedicated residents are calling on the community to join a major, daylong "work party" restoration day. This is a fantastic cause that preserves our rural history while creating a beautifully maintained green space for families to enjoy. Neighbors are coming together to repair fencing, groom the grounds, and restore the historic property.
🎈 FundraisersCody Allen Trim Memorial Community Day & Scholarship FundraiserA beautiful afternoon of family fun, live music, and community spirit is heading to New Kensington on Sunday, July 26! Organized in loving memory of Cody Allen Trim and Adrionna Foster, this special memorial event is raising essential funds to provide local high school students with higher-education scholarships. Your ticket gets you access to a lively afternoon filled with bingo, delicious food, great music, line dancing, children's games, and an exciting silent auction.
🙋 Volunteer OpportunitiesLend a Hand at the Westmoreland Food Bank WarehouseThe Westmoreland Food Bank is seeking energetic hands to join their volunteer force in Delmont! During their volunteer warehouse shifts, you'll help sort, organize, and pack food donations into boxes that go directly to local pantries, seniors, and military families across the county. It is a highly rewarding, fast-paced way to spend a morning, and it directly helps feed our neighbors.
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: China |
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Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |