Mary Pickels stories, Page 12
Grandparents are ‘grand’ on special — and every — dayVideo
Grandparents are another set of eyes, ears and loving arms for their children’s children as they navigate the world. They are great at doling out advice, an extra buck or two, buying ice cream and storybook reading. Just don’t call it “spoiling.” So, of course, there is a day —...
Northern Appalachian Folk Festival returns to Indiana CountyVideo
Music, workshops, a storytelling contest and children’s activities are among the planned events for the seventh annual Northern Appalachian Folk Festival Inc. Scheduled for Sept. 5-7 in downtown Indiana, the majority of the events are free, says festival director Jim Dougherty. “What we want to do is celebrate the history...
Latest Pittsburgh Irish Festival green with upgradesVideo
Most Pittsburghers claim Irish heritage at least twice a year — on St. Patrick’s Day and during the annual Pittsburgh Irish Festival. Dig out your tartans and work on that brogue. The popular Irish Festival returns Sept. 6-8 with a new location, the Lots at Sandcastle, and some new events...
Final float set for Greenlick Run Lake pop- up paddlers
Jacobs Creek Watershed Association is planning its final pop-up paddling event for the year. Paddlers can try out new, top-of-the-line canoes, single and tandem kayaks or stand-up paddleboards. The 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 14 event at Greenlick Run Lake is free to members. The yearly $10 membership dues...
Designers, chefs pair up for charitable competition in North Huntingdon
Organizing a charitable fundraiser featuring representatives of designing organizations/chef duos was a no-brainer, says Krystal Vangura, director of customer relations for The Kitchen by Vangura. “We belong to all four,” Vangura says. So recruiting representatives of the American Society of Interior Designers, the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the American...
Scottdale Historical Society hosts ‘Downton Abbey’ teaVideo
While awaiting the Sept. 20 theatrical release of “Downton Abbey,” local residents can slip on their long, white gloves, don their fanciest clothes and indulge in high tea at the Historic Loucks Homestead in Scottdale. The Scottdale Historical Society will host its fifth Downton Abbey Tea fundraiser with two seatings,...
Yuengling readies for Oktoberfest with new design
As part of its 190th anniversary celebration, Yuengling is debuting a new design and packaging for its Oktoberfest. Back with a brand new look, the beer still reflects the brand’s rich German heritage and brewing expertise, according to a release. The fan favorite sold out before Halloween last year. Copper...
Father, daughter artist duo ready ‘Wings Across Westmoreland’Video
In a light-filled office space above Greensburg’s Main Street, Westmoreland Cultural Trust Incubator for the Arts artist Patrick Mahoney sketches local landmarks onto a pair of wings. Nearby, his daughter, Riley Mahoney, 17, works on the wings’ exterior designs. Inspired by a popular Art in the Alley public art project,...
Ligonier Country Market features music, arts, crafts
Musical acoustic singer/songwriting duo The Evergreens of Johnstown will bring their indie folk style sounds to Ligonier Country Market on Aug. 31. The market is open 8 a.m. to noon Saturday on the Loyalhanna Watershed Farm off Route 30. Among the special features will be a free craft project for...
Art show inspired by women opens at Garden and Civic Center
Latrobe artist Mary Ellen Raneri says she has long considered an exhibition of artwork inspired by women. Partnering with Ligonier artist Raven Cintron, she is making that happen with the 35-piece show, “The Art of Woman,” opening Sept. 3 at the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center, 951 Old Salem Road....
Blackburn Center seeks Red Sand Project volunteers
The Blackburn Center will again sponsor the Red Sand Project to raise awareness about human trafficking, and is seeking volunteers to assist with installation. An art installation created by artist Molly Gochman, the project asks volunteers around the world to place red sand in sidewalk cracks. The grains of sand...
‘American Idol’ announces Pittsburgh auditionsVideo
Pittsburghers, get your pipes pitch perfect. “American Idol” is coming to town. Would-be superstars can register at the show’s network website. On-site registration begins at 9 a.m. on Sept. 7 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., according to publicist Samantha Belluccia. “Registration will be open...
Sheetz brings blueberry thrill to new Brewberry Muffinz beerVideo
Following up on the popularity of its first craft beer release in May, Sheetz, is partnering with Evil Genius Beer Co. for a limited roll-out of a fruity, breakfast favorite-infused new beer. “Project Brewberry Muffinz” will be available for sale beginning at 4 p.m. Aug. 29 at 99 Sheetz stores...
Wendy Bell gets own KDKA radio show; Marty Griffin back to mornings
After eight months sharing KDKA-AM News Radio 1020’s on-air afternoon commute slot together, Wendy Bell and Marty Griffin are now each taking the driver’s seat for their own shows. Starting Sept. 3, Griffin will return to the 9 a.m. to noon slot, with Lynne Hayes-Freeland moving from 10 a.m. to...
Capital Grille offers wine samples with ‘generous pour’Video
The Capital Grille in Downtown Pittsburgh returns its summer wine-pairing experience to diners, with its “The Generous Pour — Legends of the Land,” available through Sept. 1 at the 301 Fifth Ave., Piatt Place restaurant. They’re here: stories you can sip. Stop in and taste the legends this summer during...
Dunkin’ delivers donations – and gifts – to regional sheltersVideo
In recognition of National Dog Day, Dunkin’ is helping out area animal shelters with donations of cash, bandanas and staff treats. On Aug. 26, Alivia Chapla of the Savvy Group in Pittsburgh, representing regional Dunkin’ franchisee Heartland Restaurant Group, delivered a $500 donation to the Humane Society of Westmoreland County...
Brandywine Conservancy preserving legacy of Penguin CourtVideo
Penguin Court, the former family home of the late Tribune-Review publisher, Richard M. Scaife, is now a preserve of Brandywine Conservancy. Located off Route 30 in Laughlintown, the more than 1,000 acres of forest, meadow and open space, including Thomas Road Farm, represent one of Scaife’s bequests. Staff now care...
River City Brass will perform for Flight 93 memorial serviceVideo
River City Brass artistic director James Gourlay finds the Pittsburgh band’s being asked to perform at the Flight 93 National Memorial on Sept. 11 an honor. “The organizers of that ceremony invited us to go and perform and take part. This is the first time we’ve ever been invited to...
Dunkin’ prepping for pups on sweet ‘National Dog Day’
In recognition of National Dog Day — Aug. 26 — Dunkin’ franchisees in Western Pennsylvania will give dogs a free custom bandana with a purchase. That’s if they bring along their owners at store drive-throughs. Also on Monday, Dunkin’ will provide five regional animal shelters with donations of cash, bandanas...
Swim and dine with man’s best friend and Youngwood Dog Club
As the dog days of summer wind down, dog owners whose pups enjoy a little pool time can bring their furry friends to Youngwood Dog Club’s “Doggy Swim Day.” The second annual event will be held at noon Sept. 7 at Youngwood Park & Pool, says Rodney Little, club president....
Wiggles sing, dance their way into little tykes’ heartsVideo
Like many children born “Down Under,” Emma Watkins recalls watching “The Wiggles” as a child. “I was quite enamored by the Irish dancing and costumes and curly hair. I have curly hair,” Watkins says in a telephone interview. She’s now one of the Australian foursome — and its first and...
Fort Ligonier bakes up historical happy hour
Fort Ligonier will light a fire under its upcoming History Happy Hour. One of its reproduction historical field ovens will be lit for the event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 23. Patrons can line up for Connections Café’s crusty artisan pizzas as they pop out of the clay oven. Joe Golden...
Beo String Quartet closes WSO summer chamber music series
The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra and Latrobe Presbyterian Church present the Summer Chamber Music Series finale in the historic Unity Chapel in Latrobe, 114 Chapel Lane. The concert at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22 features Beo String Quartet. Now in its fourth season, the quartet is comprised of violinists Jason Neukom and...
Pumpkin spice nudging summer off the calendarVideo
The calendar reads August, temperatures are still climbing into the 80s and sweater weather is months away. But pumpkin spice fans don’t have to wait for fall to enjoy their favorite autumn-tinged sweets and treats. Dunkin’, 7-Eleven and Starbucks are among the coffee purveyors rolling out the pumpkin — and...
On-site pampering glams up HealthPlex mammograms
Although most women understand its importance, scheduling their annual mammogram is not something they anticipate in the way they might a relaxing massage or a soothing paraffin hand treatment. One area hospital is looking to change that. Women who make an appointment for the upcoming HealthPlex Imaging “Mamm & Glamm”...
