Westmoreland happenings: Live Nativity, Christmas concerts, more

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Church news

• Level Green Presbyterian Church, 105 Olive Drive, Trafford, will host a live Nativity Dec. 16 on the front lawn of the church. Visiting with the animals will be at 6:45 p.m. and the program will begin at 7 p.m. There will be carol singing afterward. Hot chocolate, hot cider, coffee and cookies will be served in the fellowship hall and there will be a children’s craft area and face painting. Canned food items will be collected for the Trafford Food Bank. Carpooling is recommended. Details: 412-372-5370.

• Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1120 Harvey Ave., Greensburg, will offer a quiet time of reflection at 5 p.m. Dec. 18 in the church for anyone who is lonely, depressed or anxious. At 6 p.m. there will be carols, hot chocolate and cookies around a campfire. Wear a festive scarf or Santa hat and bring a flashlight and a chair.

• Union Presbyterian Church, Washington Township, will offer a Blue Christmas – the Longest Night service on the day of the winter solstice at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at the church, 656 Route 380. The service is designed for people who have lost loved ones, experienced loss of any kind and/or are lonely. There will be music, scripture readings, prayers and candle lighting. Details: 724-337-3042.

Fundraisers

• Lincoln Heights Civic Association will have bingo from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 15 at the center, 42 Millersdale Road, Jeannette. There will be 20 regular games and five full-card quickies. Cost: 25 cents for a three-card board; $1 for quickies. Payout is 50-50. Free coffee.

• A pancake breakfast with Santa and the Grinch will be from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 18 at Hartford Heights Volunteer Fire Department, 14335 Route 30, North Huntingdon. Cost: $10; 5 to 12, $8; 4 and younger, free. Tickets: 412-952-5860 or at the door.

• St. Stephen Byzantine Catholic Church, 90 Bethel Road, North Huntingdon, will sell pierogi at 10 a.m. Dec. 16 at the church. Cost: $12 per dozen. Details: The Rev. Vasyl, 412-627-1678.

Holiday event

• A Christmas family night will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Greensburg YMCA gymnasium, North Maple Avenue. There will be arts and crafts, sports and other gym activities, snack and a visit from Santa. Admission: $5 for non-members; members, free. Details: 724-834-0150.

Meetings

• The Westmoreland County/Laurel Highlands chapter of the American Field Service high school exchange program will meet at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at One Room Schoolhouse, 810 Welty St., Southwest Greensburg. Exchange students from Chile, Austria and Japan will discuss Christmas traditions in their countries and there will be a cookie exchange. Public welcome. Details: darfrederick@aol.com.

• Rostraver Sportsmen and Conservation Association will meet at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 at the club, 539 Cedar Creek Road. Membership applications from men and women welcome. Details: 724-984-6611 or rostraversca.org.

Music

• The Scottdale Community Band will present a concert of Christmas and holiday music at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at Greensburg First Presbyterian Church, 300 S. Main St. A social hour to follow. Donations will be accepted. Details: 412-670-3233 or 724-875-2421.

• The Jeannette Community Band will present its 34^th annual free Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at Jeannette American Legion, 109 S. Fifth St. Guest conductor will be Kenneth Ozzello, director of bands and a professor of music at the University of Alabama. He is a graduate of Jeannette High School and spent five years as the director of bands at the high school. Details: jcbweb.com.