Westmoreland happenings: Soup sale, Fred Rogers program, poetry contest, more

Art

• Latrobe Art Center will host an opening event of a new exhibit “Fred Rogers: Celebrating A Lifelong Helper” in partnership with the Fred Rogers Institute from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 24 at the center, 819 Ligonier St., Latrobe. There will be an opportunity to view artifacts from the institute’s archives, a children’s activity and light appetizers. The exhibit will run through March 23 during regular operating hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Details: 724-537-7011 or latrobeartcenter.org.

• Westmoreland Performing Arts Professional Theatre Company will present “Rock of Ages” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 and 24 in the Science Hall Theatre at Westmoreland County Community Colleg near Youngwood. Tickets: 724-836-8000.

• PennWest California University Players will present the comedy-drama “She Kills Monsters” at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 through 24 and 2 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Blaney Theatre at Steele Hall, 816 Third St., California. Cost: $12; 12 and younger and seniors 65 and older, $8. Tickets: tinyurl.com/8n28j8vk.

Fundraiser

• Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, 423 Pleasant Grove Road, Cook, is accepting orders for its annual soup sale. Varieties: beef vegetable, chicken noodle, ham & bean, wedding and stuffed pepper, $8 per quart. No guarantees on availability without an advance order. Order deadline: Feb. 26. Pickup: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 2 at the church. Orders: Darleen, 724-593-2031, leave a message.

Meeting

• Retirees and former employees of Commercial Bank and Trust of Pennsylvania will meet for lunch at noon Feb. 28 at Rainbow Inn, 256 Main St., Youngstown. Reservations required: Mary Ann, 724-537-7894.

Senior Citizen News

• Irwin Senior Activity Center, 310 Oak St., will have a program about the farmers market voucher program at 10 a.m. Feb. 22. February birthdays will be celebrated Feb. 27 at the 1 p.m. bingo. Details and reservations: 724-787-1760 or mumsest@aol.com.

• Herminie Center for Active Adults will have a free celebration of National Carnival Day on Feb. 26 at the center, 101 Sewickley Ave. There will be games, vendors, cotton candy and popcorn. The center will offer a free Bingocize class at 11 a.m. Feb. 28. Details: 724-446-3282.

Special events

• Ligonier Valley Writers is accepting entries for its 33nd annual student poetry contest. Students in grades four through 12 are welcome to enter. There are nine categories and cash prizes awarded for first-, second- and third-place awards and best in each age group. There are no entry fees. Submissions must be emailed by March 11. Entry forms and contest rules: LVWonline.org.

Submissions from nonprofit organizations for Briefly Speaking should be emailed to cpinto-smith@triblive.com. Include a complete address and daytime phone number. Submissions are due at least two weeks prior to the event. Each announcement is printed once; there is no fee.