Mary Pickels stories, Page 16
What to know: Pittsburgh’s fireworks frenzy on the FourthVideo
Pittsburgh will celebrate the Fourth of July in style again this year, from the 18th annual Heinz Field Fourth of July Celebration, featuring country singer Brandon Lay, to the EQT Flashes of Freedom. Be forewarned that the EQT event, staged at Point State Park, typically draws more than 50,000 people...
Ligonier Country Market offers camp, preschool information
Ligonier Country Market will provide information on camp and preschool opportunities for children on June 29, along with plenty of fruits, vegetables, baked goods and crafts. Fort Ligonier representatives will share information about Colonial America and what kids can look forward to at its kids day camp, Cannonball Club and...
Recipes worthy of a wedding cookie table
According to some bakers, there are cookies that make the wedding reception cut based on tradition, taste and presentation, and just plain “better be there” when guests arrive. Some require more technical skill than others, but all are baked with love and warm wishes. Lady Locks (A smaller version is...
Western Pa. bakers out to set wedding cookie table world recordVideo
Never mind the cake, guests at weddings in Western Pennsylvania are far more interested in the cookie table. A tradition that can send wedding hosts — and bakeries — into a frenzy, the cookie table plays a starring role in regional weddings. It also will star in Monongahela’s upcoming 250th...
Classic cars cruise onto Bushy Run Battlefield for annual show
Start your engines and get ready to show off those classic cars. Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society Inc. will host its 9th annual Classic Car Cruise from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 6 at the site near Jeannette. According to planners, over 150 classic and antique vehicles are expected. In addition,...
Cultural Trust plans ‘Wings Across Westmoreland’ installation
A pair of wings that are part of the Westmoreland Cultural Trust’s Art in the Alley public art exhibit in downtown Greensburg may soon spread to other county locations. Created by the Trust’s Incubator for the Arts artist Patrick Mahoney, the wings are a popular selfie site and regularly appear...
Pittsburgh Musical Theater opens season with ‘Evil Dead’Video
Pittsburgh Musical Theater is filling its 2019-2020 season with classic musical theater and bringing back a cult favorite. The 28th season continues production at both the Byham and Gargaro Theaters. The Byham Theater Series will include two family-friendly shows. “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” as part of the annual...
Celebrate 4th of July at Heinz Field with Brandon LayVideo
Country musician Brandon Lay will headline the 18th annual Heinz Field Fourth of July Celebration. Lay, known for his autobiographical single “Speakers, Bleachers and Preachers,” is no stranger to the Pittsburgh venue, having opened the Kenny Chesney “Trip Around the Sun Tour” at Heinz Field in 2018. Lay will bring...
Bridges and Bourbon opens on Pittsburgh’s Penn Avenue
Newly opened Bridges & Bourbon, 930 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, aims to offer patrons a unique dining and drinking experience with “modernist cocktails and small plates.” Leading the culinary and beverage offerings are Indiana, Pa., native chef David Racicot, two-time James Beard Award semi-finalist for best chef in America and best...
Sip a Negroni this week, help out Pittsburgh Cares
Pittsburgh Cares will benefit as you imbibe a tasty cocktail this week. Five establishments are sharing part of the proceeds of Negroni Week with the nonprofit. Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse is part of the fundraising pour on June 26; Wigle Whiskey Distillery takes its turn on June 28. Drink up and...
Still-life painting workshop set at Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art
Latrobe artist Doreen Currie will offer a still-life painting workshop at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley in August. The “Summer Workshop” is designed for beginner and intermediate artists alike, and is planned 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 2. Currie is an award-winning artist whose paintings were recently...
‘CatVideoFest 2019’ in Jeannette benefits animal rescues, art galleryVideo
With their big eyes and big attitudes, cats and kittens demand attention. And when they tumble, box the air, chase shadows only they can see, or fall asleep in one’s lap, it’s attention they deserve. You Are Here will host “CatVideoFest 2019” as a benefit for the Jeannette art gallery,...
Fayette County’s first dog park to open
South Union officials will host “Tails on the Trail,” an event marking the opening of Fayette County’s first dog park, at the new site at the corner of Cinder Road and Barton Lane. The 12-2 p.m. event on June 30 welcomes dogs and their people to have some off-leash fun....
Loss of son leads Scottdale mother to form arts foundationVideo
Tajz Dues was 28 when he collapsed and died at his workplace on June 9, 2018, from an apparent severe asthma attack. His mother, Antonette Dues of Scottdale, says her only child was a man of great Christian faith. He enjoyed, she says, his work as an assistant program director...
Dirty Heads release album, tour with 311
Southern California band Dirty Heads will perform with 311 on July 13 at KeyBank Pavilion, Burgettstown. Doors open at 4:20 p.m., and joining the bill are The Interrupters, Dreamers and Bikini Trill. Tickets start at $13.75. Described as performing infectious anthems of alternative, hip hop, reggae and rock, Dirty Heads...
DiAnoia’s Eatery launches quarterly Italian dinner series
Although most of us are likely not packing our bags and heading overseas for a foodie tour this summer — darn — DiAnoia’s Eatery is offering a dinner series with a taste of Italy, no passport required. Chef Dave Anoia and co-owner Aimee DiAndrea are launching a quarterly culinary experience...
Music, food bank, story time at Ligonier Country Market
Acoustic singer/songwriter duo The Evergreens, from Johnstown, will share their indie folk music with visitors to Saturday’s Ligonier Country Market. Also this week, patrons can learn more about the services the Westmoreland County Food Bank provides to those in need. In addition, representatives from the Ligonier Valley Library’s children’s department...
Fan favorites at Kennywood? Roller coasters, of course
Testing, testing. It’s all that remains before eager riders can climb in and take off on Kennywood Park’s newest ride, The Steel Curtain. The structure is complete, the final piece of track placed atop the coaster. And yinzers — and other roller coaster aficionados — are way past ready. According...
Krispy Kreme bakes up new ‘kreme’-filled doughnuts
Krispy Kreme apparently believes its new doughnut is out of this world. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, on July 20, 1969, the doughnut maker is releasing new original doughnuts, filled with Classic Kreme and Chocolate Kreme. It’s even released a tongue-in-cheek video linking...
Norvelt celebrating 85th with annual picnic
Norvelt will celebrate its 85th anniversary this year and the Westmoreland Homesteads-Norvelt Historical Society is planning a community picnic to mark the occasion. “We usually get about 85-90 former residents,” says Ann Riggen, society president. “People like to get together and see each other. We have three or four people...
Autism Speaks walk planned at Storybook Forest
Laurel Highlands Autism Speaks Walk will be held at Idlewild & Soak Zone’s Storybook Forest this year. Children and adults with autism, their families, friends, colleagues and neighbors are welcome to participate in the Sept. 8 event at the Ligonier Township amusement park. Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions...
Carnegie Science Center shows concert favoritesVideo
Popular bands often stay together long enough to produce a catalogue of music and establish a large fan base, only to dissolve or cease touring. While the chance of seeing many bands live decreases over time, the members and their music live on through film and recordings. This summer, the...
Meek Mill and Future to take KeyBank Pavilion stage
Popular hip hop musicians Meek Mill and Future will bring their co-headlining tour “Legendary Nights” to KeyBank Pavilion in September. The two will perform at 7 p.m. Sept. 6 in a Live Nation show, joined by a line-up of special guests including YG, Mustard and Megan Thee Stallion. Mill has...
Beverly’s Birthdays hosts shower for needy moms
Expectant moms who can use a little help preparing for their little one’s arrival may qualify for an upcoming “Itty Bitty Birthday Cheer” community baby shower. Beverly’s Birthdays, a nonprofit based in North Huntingdon, provides birthday celebrations for children experiencing homelessness and for families in need. From 11 a.m.-1 p.m....
Comedian Dane Cook brings stand-up show to Rivers Casino
Actor and comedian Dane Cook, known for film roles including “Employee of the Month” and “Good Luck Chuck,” along with comedy albums and cable specials, will perform his “Tell It Like It Is” show at Pittsburgh’s Rivers Casino. The show will begin at 8 p.m. Oct. 17 in the casino’s...
