The Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter of the Regional Trail Corporation will hold its Annual Poker Run on Labor Day, Monday, September 7 2026.  The walking/biking non-competitive event will start at the Arthur H. King Access Area of the Youghiogheny River Trail in West Newton.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will be used by trail volunteers to maintain, preserve and enhance the Westmoreland County section of the Great Allegheny Passage.

The Poker Run consists of three events: 1). A walking, jogging, wheelchair optional, four mile flat course. 2). A level 12 mile bike ride that runs south along the Youghiogheny River to Smithton Beach and back. 3). An endurance 20 mile bike ride that runs south along the Youghiogheny River Trail to Whitsett and back.  All cyclists are required to wear an ANSI or SNELL approved helmet.

The Poker Run is not a race. Participants walk or ride at their own pace taking as little time, or up to two hours, to finish their course. At checkpoints throughout the course participants will pick a playing card to develop a poker hand. At the end of the course each poker hand is tallied and the person with the best hand in each of the three events receives a cash prize award. Afterwards a raffle is conducted and all participants are eligible to win gift card door prizes of various kinds and values that have been purchased by the WYTC. A bicycle is the grand prize give away. There will also be a half-the-take drawing. 

Many people are unaware that the trail is not maintained by county or state workers, but by volunteer effort. The Poker Run is the major fundraiser for the volunteer maintenance of the 10.5 miles of trail that runs through Westmoreland County. People come from all around the southwest region to enjoy the scenery, smell the early morning air along the river, enjoy the camaraderie of the event and have a chance to win prizes.

Registration is available at GetMeRegisstered.com and on the WYTC website www.bikewytc.org.  The cost is $25 per person, children age ten and under $10. Walk in registrations are also available on the day of the event.  The event is held rain or shine, no refunds.  For additional information please visit website www.bikewytc.org or email wytcnews@hotmail.com (NO INCREASE FOR EVENT DAY REGISTRATION) Registration begins at 8:00 AM. Event Start Time following registration.

First United Methodist Church of Monongahela will be offering a ‘DivorceCare’ support group beginning Monday September 24, 2026 at 6:00PM at 430 W. Main Street, Monongahela. Please share this information with anyone who is walking through separation or divorce and may benefit from this 13-week program.

At a weekly DivorceCare meeting, group participants will view a video featuring respected counselors, teachers, and healthcare professionals on divorce and recovery topics. After that is a small group discussion to allow people a time of sharing, support, and personal application of what they learned on the video. Group participants will receive a book to take home filled with valuable exercises for navigating their personal road to recovery.

Please feel free to contact Lynda Nester, Faith Community Nurse at 412-598-9378 or the church office at 724-256-7054 or visit divorcecare.org if you have any questions or would like more information about the DivorceCare program.

By Jill Runfola

Looking for wonderful, hand-crafted items for the holidays? Searching for that perfect one-of-a-kind gift for someone special? Or perhaps, just wanting to spend a delightful afternoon browsing the enchanting handiwork of local crafters and artisans? Then the West Jefferson Hills Historical Society (WJHHS) Fall Craft Fair is the place to be.

From 10:00A.M. until 3:00P.M. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, over thirty crafters and artisans will display their wares at the Community Rooms and Alcoves on the upper level of the Jefferson Hills Borough Building, 925 Old Clairton Road, Jefferson Hills. At the fair, shoppers will find a wide variety of hand-crafted creations including art prints, home décor, seasonal wreaths, designer wine bottles, shirts, mugs, jewelry, decorations, crocheted and knitted bags/baskets/clothing, and much more—all readily available for purchase. The gifted artisans in attendance create magic with their talents and offer ideal solutions for any gift list. There will be something for everyone!

To add to the fun, the WJHHS also offers attendees a raffle and food trucks. Shoppers may purchase tickets for a fantastic raffle of gift cards, lottery ticket tree, and items donated by local businesses. Food trucks will also be on site to provide delicious refreshments for all to enjoy.

Do not miss out on this amazing community event! Not only does it provide those in attendance with a wonderful shopping experience, but it also supports the West Jefferson Hills Historical Society in its efforts to preserve local history.