Mary Pickels stories

As residents and businesses continue deep cleaning efforts, those attempting to eradicate germs as a part of battling coronavirus need to keep their own health and safety in mind. Mixing some cleansing agents and inhaling the vapors can be toxic, experts warn. The Westmoreland County Hazardous Materials Response Team 800...

The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra’s decision to postpone the planned March 14 “Irish Rhapsody” concert included a “full court press” announcement. Patron notifications include Endy Reindl, executive director, making the announcement Thursday via a video posted Thursday to the WSO’s website and social media accounts. In the video announcement, Reindl notes...

With a theme of “An Orchid Journey,” the Orchid Society of Western Pennsylvania will hold its annual orchid show March 14-15 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Pittsburgh. “An ‘orchid journey’ is meant to describe the opportunity to experience the unbelievable variety and beauty of orchids firsthand,” says Norma Raiff,...

Spring may not have quite sprung, but the days are longer and many of us are eager to resume outdoor recreational activities. In an effort to encourage people to ramp up the “active” in their activity, Penn State Extension is offering “Everybody Walk Across PA.” Individuals of all ages and...

The Notre Dame Club of Greensburg/Uniontown will host “A Pilgrimage on the El Camino” with Bill and Stephanie Kennedy on March 31 at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 221 N. Main St., Greensburg. The 7 p.m. program is free and open to the public. The Mother of Sorrows Parish,...

Wigle Whiskey Distillery plans two upcoming tasting events to celebrate “The Grand Opening” of its new distillery restaurant and expanded tasting room. Two seatings will be offered on March 13 — at 6 and 7:30 p.m. The new space doubles the Strip District distillery’s size at 2401 Smallman St., Pittsburgh....

Daylight savings time may rob us of an hour this weekend, but it brings those longer days we’ve missed all winter. Before you tackle spring cleaning or other seasonal chores, enjoy a colorful, garden-inspired cocktail or two from Fine Wine and Good Spirits. Sparkling Grapefruit & Rose 2 ounces Ketel...

So we lose an hour this weekend, but gain extra daylight. Celebrate the longer days and warmer temps, but keep that umbrella close by, just in case. And get out and enjoy some music, some history, maybe even cross the (Somerset) county line and get a jump start on spring...

The Civic Arena is the storied repository for many area residents’ concert and sporting event memories. The building with the retractable roof closed in 2010 and was demolished by 2012. But, following an announcement from Live Nation Entertainment, music will soon be heard in Pittsburgh’s Lower Hill. The Pittsburgh Penguins...

Editor’s note: Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Norwin Lions Club announced that its Cubcake Wars event has been canceled. Checks will be returned in the next week or so, planners add. Donations to the Kitty Sack Project are still being accepted via Norwin Lions, 3 Worthy Lane, Jeannette, Pa.,...

A showcase of works on paper demonstrating a variety of contemporary printmaking techniques is the focus of “Printed Matter,” the new exhibition at Jeannette gallery You Are Here. The various works reflect the participating artists’ individual style, according to a gallery statement. Curated by Dan Overdorff, the exhibition’s artists are...

For the third year, the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Wine Walk, inviting visitors to check out the downtown’s offerings while sampling wine and other treats. The event will be held from 1-5 p.m. May 9, and this year features Keystone state wineries, wine creations from...

The Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau is launching its 2020 Laurel Highlands Photo Contest, and adding a new category this year — Laurel Highlands Pour Tour. The category includes craft beer, wine and spirits and the people and places that produce them, according to a release. The Visitors Bureau announced the...

Erica Nuckles, director of history and collections for Fort Ligonier, will present information she gleaned from her travels to the United Kingdom during a “Tea and Time Travel: Exploring Incredible Connections in the U.K.” Speaker Series program on March 8 at the museum, 200 S. Market St. During the 2...

An open Friday Acoustic Jam is set for 6:30 p.m. March 6 at You Are Here gallery, 406 Clay Ave., Jeannette. The event is free and open to musicians and music fans age 18 and up. All acoustic instruments are welcome, and keyboards will be permitted. Musicians are encouraged to...

If you are planning to blow out the candles on your cake on Feb. 29, you are among approximately 205,000 people in the United States who can claim a Leap Year birthday. Many Leap Year babies celebrate on Feb. 28 or March 1 most years. A Leap year gives them...