Westmoreland happenings: Cookie walk, lunch with Santa, Advent Mass, more

Christmas Events

• Charter Oak Church, 100 S. Second St., Jeannette, will host a free open house and Christmas Family Fest from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at church. There will be music, refreshments, an outdoor firepit, games and prizes. Details: Cindy, 724-527-3639.

• A free Lunch with Santa will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 21 at Jeannette American Legion, 109 S. Fifth St. There will be information about services available in the country, crafts, costumed characters and activities. Sponsored by Westmoreland County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Department. Reservations required: bit.ly/enjoylunchwithsanta.

Church News

• The Notre Dame Club of Greensburg/Uniontown will sponsor an Advent Mass and communion breakfast Dec. 22 at St. Joseph Chapel at Seton Hill University, 1 Seton Hill Drive, Greensburg. Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. and breakfast will be afterward. Breakfast cost: $10; 10 and younger, $8, will be collected at the door. Reservations required: my.nd.edu/events/108444.

• St. James Church, 306 St. James Lane, New Alexandria, will host a live Nativity starting at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the church. Lessons and carols will be performed outdoors at 5:15, 6:15 and 7:15 p.m. and there will be activities and refreshments from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Details: 724-668-2829, option 3.

• Baltzer Meyer Historical Society will host a Christmas potluck party from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 15 at the center, 642 Baltzer Meyer Pike, Hempfield. Rachel Kayhart will read a Victorian Christmas story.

Fundraisers

• West Newton First Church of God will host its sixth annual Cookie Walk from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 14 at the church, 157 N. Second St. Cost: $9 per pound; chocolate-covered peanut butter balls, $8 per dozen.

• Jeannette Knights of Columbus hosts bingo at 7 p.m. Fridays in Mersinger Hall at Ascension Church, 615 Division St., Jeannette. Doors open at 6 p.m. and early birds begin at 6:30 p.m. Players younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Smoke-free venue. Food will be available and there will be a 50-50 and instant bingos. Details: 724-523-9244.

Meetings

• The Westmoreland County/Laurel Highlands chapter of the American Field Service high school student exchange program will meet at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at the One Room Schoolhouse, on the grounds of AK Hutchinson Elementary School, 810 Welty St., Southwest Greensburg. Exchange students will share their Christmas and New Year traditions. Bring a dozen cookies to participate in a cookie exchange. Public welcome. Details: Dar Frederickson, 724-787-8863 or darfrederick@aol.com.

• Retirees and former employees of Commercial Bank and Trust of Pennsylvania will meet for lunch at noon Dec. 18 at Gianelli’s II, 4816 Route 30, Unity. Reservations required: Mary Ann, 724-537-7894.

Music

• Community Revitalization of West Newton will sponsor a community sing-along at 2 p.m. Dec. 15 at West Newton Church of God, 157 N. Second St. Jimmy Sykes will be the director.

Senior Citizen News

• Level Green Seniors will meet for the annual Christmas party at 11 a.m. Dec. 19 at the Level Green Lions Community Building, 123 Murrysville Road, Penn Township. Lunch cost: $10; members; $5, payable in advance. There will be bingo after lunch and the meeting. New members welcome. Reservations and details: Mary, 412-372-5422.

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