Westmoreland happenings: Concert, blood drive, Christmas parties, more

Fundraisers

• Mt. Pleasant Church of God will host a Fair Trade Marketplace from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 2 at the church, 936 W. Main St. There will be more than 20 vendors, music and free coffee and doughnuts. Admission is free. Fair Trade enables artisans from developing countries to lift themselves out of poverty by earning a fair living wage. Items will include jewelry, accessories, handbags, coffee, home décor and more.

• Herminie Center for Active Adults will host a holiday shopping expo of crafters and vendors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 1 at the center, 101 Sewickley Ave., rear. There will be a basket raffle. Details: 724-446-3282. Public welcome.

• Pet Supplies Plus in Rostraver will sponsor a Pictures with Santa Paws for pets and their owners from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at the store, 120 Sara Way. Cost: $7. Photos will be digital and will be emailed. Proceeds will benefit Mon Valley Paws. Details: 724-493-8305.

• Jeannette American Legion will host a bingo at 1 p.m. Dec. 3 at the post, 109 S. Fifth St. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Cost: $25 per packet, includes regular and special games. There will be a $750 jackpot game, door prizes and a 50-50. The kitchen will be open. Proceeds benefit veterans and community activities. Details: Rick, 724-600-5061.

• Trinity Community Methodist Church, 210 W. Fourth St., Greensburg, will have a basket raffle and bake sale from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 2 at the church. The kitchen will be open for lunch. Details: 724-834-9395.

• A basket/cash bingo will be at 2 p.m. Dec. 3 at Community Church of Hecla, 537 Hecla Road, Mt. Pleasant Township. Doors open at 1 p.m. A light lunch will be available. Details: 724-396-8065 or 724-244-2586.

• Westmoreland Historical Society will host “Three Centuries of Christmas in America” at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 2 and 9 at Historic Hanna’s Town, 809 Forbes Trail Road, Hempfield. Discover how American Christmas traditions have changed over three centuries as costumed guides lead you through buildings decked in period-appropriate decorations. Cost: $12; society members, $10. Reservations required: 724-836-1800, ext. 210.

Health

• An American Red Cross Blood community blood drive will be from noon. to 5 p.m. at the Turkeytown Firehall, 90 Supervisors Drive, South Huntingdon. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. Appointments: 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and search with TurkeytownVFD.

Holiday Events

• The Scottdale Winter Light Celebration will be Dec. 2. Sponsored by Scottdale Chamber of Commerce, there will be a parade at 5 p.m. and activities until 8 p.m. at the gazebo including Santa games, sleigh rides, hot chocolate and treats. Marshall Fee will be parade marshal and all chamber of commerce proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association.

• The Laurel Harmony Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, will present its “Sing Into the Holiday” concert at 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at Maplewood Presbyterian Church, 108 Woodland Road, Hempfield. Three Sweet Adeline guest quartets will also perform and there will be door prizes, a basket raffle and light refreshments. Cost: $10; 6 to 12, $5; 5 and younger, free. Tickets: see any member or at the door. Details: 878-295-1142 or [email protected].

• Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church, Murrysville, will host a free children’s Nativity Treasure Hunt at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the church, 4600 Old William Penn Highway. Children will search the church for clues to unlock the Christmas spirit. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Details: [email protected].

• Jeannette Business Association and American Legion will sponsor a community event “Sparkle of Christmas” on Dec. 2 in the borough. A parade will begin at 2 p.m. on Clay Avenue. Afterward Santa will be at the American Legion with a DJ, and craft, cookie and candy sales. Food trucks will be available from noon to 5 p.m. on South Fifth Street.

Meetings

• Mt. Pleasant American Legion Auxiliary will have its Christmas party at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at the post, 752 W. Main St. Dinner reservations required by Nov. 30. Please bring fundraiser tickets if you still have them. Reservations: Kelly Majercak, 724-542-4478.

• Westmoreland Area Nurses Association will have a Christmas party at 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at Harrold Zion Lutheran Church, 671 Balzer Meyer Pike, Hempfield. Use the lower-level entrance by the outdoor pavilion. Ham and beverages will be provided. Bring a $5 gift in fancy wrapping, a plate and utensils and your favorite holiday dish to share. Details: Cordie, 412-841-8529.

• The Botanical Society of Westmoreland County will have its annual holiday potluck at 4 p.m. Dec. 6 in the red Conservation District barn, 218 Donohoe Road, Hempfield. Ham will be provided and those attending are asked bring a salad, casserole or dessert to share, and table service for themselves including flatware and cups. Bring a gift-wrapped ornament or item that has a botanical or natural theme for the gift exchange. Annual dues of $10 per individual and $15 per family are now payable. Members and guests welcome. Reservations required: Margaret Ackerman, 724-668-7650 with the item you will bring for the potluck.

• Greensburg Garden Center will meet at 11 a.m. Dec. 5 at the center, 951 Old Salem Road. The group will assemble Christmas boxes to take to the Welcome Home Shelter. Details: 724-837-0245.

Senior Citizen News

• Super Seniors of Westmoreland County will meet at noon Dec. 5 at Community United Methodist Church, 3487 Route 130, Penn Township. Mickey Dee will entertain. Lunch reservations required by anyone who did not attend the November meeting. Bring a dessert for approximately 20 to share. New members welcome. Reservations: Linda Briggs, 724-744-3993.

• Irwin Senior Activity Center, located in First Methodist Church, 310 Oak St., will have Christmas song trivia at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 30. Movie day with snacks will be at 1 p.m. Dec. 6. Details: 724-787-1760.

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