Westmoreland happenings: Vacation Bible school, fire department carnival, virtual garden tour

Church news

• St. James Parish, New Alexandria, will have an all-day adoration for the memorial of St. Kateri Tekakwitha beginning at 8:30 a.m. July 14 at the church, 306 St. James Lane. Benediction will be at 6 p.m. followed by Mass at 6:30 p.m. A “Time with Jesus“ for children will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Parents are welcome to stay with their child or drop them off. Details: 724-668-2829.

• Derry First United Methodist Church will host vacation Bible school, “Monumental,” from 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 18 to 22 for children age 3 through those who have completed sixth grade at the church, 311 N. Ligonier St. Dinner will be served. Donations for the church back-to-school supply drive will be accepted. Details: 724-694-8333.

• The Caring Closet at Greensburg Church of the Brethren, 554 Stanton St., is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays. Free food, clothing, shoes and more available. Canned and non-perishable food donations are welcome. Call the church to arrange for a pickup. Details: 724-834-2130.

Fundraisers

• The annual Bolivar Volunteer Fire Company Carnival will be July 14 to 16 at the firehall, 516 Market St. Hours are 7 to 11 p.m. July 14 and 15 and 6 to 11 p.m. July 16. There will be ride-all-night wrist bands will be available. A parade will be at 7 p.m. July 15 and fireworks display at 11 p.m. July 16.

• Norwin Public Library, 100 Caruthers Lane, Irwin, will have a used book sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 19 at the library. Proceeds will benefit the library and its children’s summer reading program. Sponsored by Friends of Norwin Public Library. Details: 724-863-4700.

Health

• An American Red Cross Blood community blood drive will be from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. July 26 at Community United Methodist Church, 3487 Route 130, Harrison City. Appointments: 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and search for zip code 15642.

Library news

• Adams Memorial Library, Latrobe, will sponsor a performance, “When I Grow Up!” by Stage Right! at 10:30 a.m. July 25 at Christ the Divine Teacher School, 323 Chestnut St., Latrobe. Reservations required by July 24. Reservations: 724-537-4383 or forms.gle/dpsaU6irbfzX19hGA.

Meetings

• Rostraver Sportsmen’s Association will meet at 7:30 p.m. July 18 at the club, 539 Cedar Creek Road. Membership applications from men and women welcome. Details: 724-984-6611 or rostraversca.org.

• Level Green Seniors will have their picnic at 11 a.m. July 21 at the Level Green Lions Community Building, 123 Murrysville Road. Menu: fried chicken, sweet sausage, rigatoni, broccoli salad and watermelon. Cost: $5; non-members, $10, payable in advance. Bingo will be played after the meeting. Reservations and details: Mary, 412-372-5422.

Special events

• Westmoreland Pollinator Partners will give virtual tours of many of its members’ gardens at 11:45 a.m. July 29 at Laurelville Retreat Center, 941 Laurelville Lane, Mt. Pleasant Township. Cost: $15, includes lunch. Reservations required by July 22. Penn State Master Gardeners may use this workshop toward continuing education hours. Reservations: tinyurl.com/WPPlunchlearn.

• Westmoreland Woodlands Improvement Association will sponsor its free 10^th annual Forbes State Forest field trip and skills day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 23. The group will meet at 9 a.m. at the Bureau of Forestry district office on Route 30 in Laughlintown. Bring a lunch, water, field guides and binoculars. Reservations required by 4 p.m. July 19 Reservations: 724-837-5271, option 1, and leave the names of the people who will attend.