Mary Pickels stories, Page 7
Allergic to that Christmas tree? Maybe not, but these tips could ease the sneeze and wheeze
Oh, Christmas tree — achoo — oh, Christmas tree. ‘Tis the season for choosing and decorating a tree, hanging a wreath, lighting candles, and cozying up indoors. Dr. Robert Gorby, an allergy and immunology specialist with Westmoreland Allergy and Asthma Associates, said spending so much time indoors can cause flare-ups....
Hempfield’s Fruits & Roots serves up cold-pressed juices, smoothiesVideo
Tracey Bryant was a stay-at-home mom for 22 years before a change in her diet prompted an entrepreneurial endeavor. “I wanted something for myself, my own thing,” says Bryant, 52, of Unity. And after watching documentaries, including “Forks Over Knives” and “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead,” she says, a seed...
New Stanton Eat’n Park rolls out new lookVideo
The Eat’n Park in New Stanton is once again bringing the smiles, with diners admiring the bright, open design, including a new counter section. The restaurant, at 111 Byers Ave., reopened in late November after a six-week remodel. A take-out window will be in operation starting Dec. 6. “We took...
Vocal Confluence plans ‘Metro Holiday’ concert
Vocal Confluence, Pittsburgh’s men’s a cappella chorus, will perform its metro holiday concert, “A December to Remember,” on Dec. 8. The 3 p.m. performance will be held at Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh. The group performs music in a variety of styles, including barbershop, jazz, traditional choral and...
Avant-Garde Art & Craft winter show offers holiday shopping
Pittsburgh Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show will include a large number of vendors selling 100% handmade goods. The series of festivals held year-round throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania showcase local artisans and crafters. This winter’s show is set for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 7 at Teamsters Local Union 249, 4701...
Chef Justin Severino opens pop-up ‘Salty Bits’ in Strip District
What began as monthly subscription packages of artisanal salumi handmade in Pittsburgh will expand into a pop-up retail location for chef Justin Severino. He intends to open a brick-and-mortar version of Salty Pork Bits, the digital company selling his charcuterie nationwide. The shop will be open on select days at...
Vintage holiday display lights up Ligonier Valley LibraryVideo
During a tour of the Ligonier Valley Library’s Pennsylvania Room, where he has set up a large selection of his vintage holiday decorations, Don Lachie is a fount of Christmas light history. Lachie, 60, who has residences in Youngwood and Ligonier, has displayed his collection at the library several times...
Yinzer candy bars are back — with more Pittsburgh themes
Those sweet chocolate bars Canonsburg’s Sarris Candies produces year-round come wrapped in Yinzer themes for Christmas, as Yinzer Bars make a holiday return. A collection of milk chocolate candy bars, Yinzer Bars come from the somewhat twisted minds of the creators of Yinzer Greeting Cards. Pittsburgh comedian Jim Krenn, radio...
Nemacolin’s Holistic Healing Center offers well-being journey with latest offeringsVideo
All of the fun the holiday season brings — the shopping, the parties, the traveling, the gifts — is often accompanied by an unwelcome visitor: stress. Eating, sleeping and work schedules tend to be disrupted as we tackle “to-do” lists. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort’s Holistic Healing Center, along with its spa,...
Western Pa. resorts, museum, host light up, shopping events
Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley are lighting up and offering gift ideas this holiday season. Holidays in the Highlands Seven Springs Mountain Resort will present its fourth annual celebration Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 29 through Dec. 7. Motorists...
5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: Nov. 29-Dec. 1
Thanksgiving dinner is over, Black Friday is here and the race to celebrate the upcoming holiday season is on. The days grow dark more quickly, but lights, music and festivals will lend some brightness and cheer, throughout Westmoreland County. Hit the switch, Ligonier The annual Light-Up Ligonier event invites everyone...
Annual holiday Festival of Lights warms historic Mt. Pleasant mansionVideo
The Braddock Trail Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, will host its 30th annual Festival of Lights, offering 45 decorated trees for visitors to enjoy in the historic Samuel Warden Mansion in Mt. Pleasant. Upstairs and down throughout the 132-year-old Victorian house, guests can admire the trees and...
Operation Santa Claus gears up to help others enjoy the holidays
As it has for 35 years, Operation Santa Claus will make sure thousands of needy Western Pennsylvania families enjoy the gift of a holiday meal this year. Operation Santa Claus is a nonprofit organization and a cooperative effort by Trib Total Media, Shop ’n Save and the Salvation Army. This...
Caliente’s, Sheetz jump on Black Friday ‘special’ bandwagon
For those uninterested in Black Friday shopping, or who need a little liquid courage before — or after — Caliente Pizza & Drafthouse will open its 4624 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield, store at 7 a.m. On tap will be five Goose Island Bourbon County beers available at Caliente this year, including...
‘This Is Us’ actor Blake Stadnik in Pittsburgh holiday paradeVideo
When he was a boy, Blake Stadnik marched with the Pittsburgh CLO Mini Stars in the WPXI Holiday Parade. On Nov. 30, the actor and “This Is Us” cast member and Ellwood City native will again participate in the parade, this time as a featured performer. “I was 10, 11...
Doobie Brothers add KeyBank Pavilion date to 50th anniversary tourVideo
Citing fan response, The Doobie Brothers have added nearly two dozen dates to the band’s 50th anniversary tour, including a stop in Burgettstown’s KeyBank Pavilion. In response to overwhelming fan excitement, The Doobie Brothers have announced 23 additional dates for THE DOOBIE BROTHERS 50th ANNIVERSARY TOUR with Michael McDonald. Tickets...
‘History Dinner Theater’ features musician, educator Paula Purnell
The next edition of “History Dinner Theater” will feature musician, educator and Pennsylvania roots music researcher Paula Purnell. The 6 p.m. Dec. 5 program “Celebrate Pennsylvania in Story and Song” is set to take place in the Saint Vincent College’s Fred M. Rogers Center. The series is presented by the...
Scottdale house tour, West Overton holiday market to get you in the spirit
Area residents and visitors will have several upcoming opportunities to enjoy the holiday season in the Scottdale area. The West Overton Village and Museums hosts its annual free Homestead Holiday Open House and Market and the Scottdale Historical Society holds its annual Christmas House Tour, both on Dec. 7. Guests...
5 things to do in Westmoreland: Nov. 22-24
It’s that time again, the weekend is here and we’re all looking for something fun to do. Options are more numerous than usual this time of year, as the holiday season quickly approaches. Looking for unique gifts? Wreaths Across America — North Huntingdon will hold its second annual craft and...
IronRock Tap House proprietors promise ‘cool, hip’ vibe in HempfieldVideo
When IronRock Tap House goes “live” next month, diners can expect to enjoy food prepared in a “scratch” kitchen, sourced as locally as possible, along with superior customer service, its owners say. Proprietors Greg and Christina Cammerata of Murrysville believe the location in front of Westmoreland Mall is a prime...
Greensburg cafe offers cat and kitten cuteness, with a coffee chaserVideo
On its second day of business, Greensburg’s new Cattfeinated Cat Cafe is quickly filling with customers, many of whom are immediately drawn to the cat “lounges.” The cafe offers baked goods from Peinetti’s in Jeannette and coffee drinks in three sizes — kitten, queen and tom. “Everything is made off-site,...
Shop and Share the Season benefits program for seniorsVideo
With an emphasis on shopping local, the United Way’s Westmoreland-Fayette Women’s Leadership Council and Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce’s Women of Westmoreland will co-host “Shop and Share the Season.” The Dec. 3 event kicks off at 3:30 p.m. in Ligonier, with about 15 specialty stores and boutiques extending their hours...
Rapper Post Malone brings ‘Runaway Tour’ to PPG Paints ArenaVideo
Rapper, MTV video award winner and Grammy Award nominee Post Malone will bring his “Runaway Tour” to Pittsburgh early next year. Presented by Live Nation Concerts, Malone, with special guests Swae Lee and Tyla Yaweh, will perform on Feb. 24 at PPG Paints Arena. The tour kicks off Feb. 4...
Tube City Writers look to spin ‘Stories from the Mon Valley’
The Mon Valley is rich with stories to tell, and storytellers will share their personal tales at “Tube City Writers Live: An Evening of Stories from the Mon Valley.” The program will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Tube City Center, 409 Walnut St., McKeesport. A multi-use, co-working...
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh board names 11th president
Steven Knapp, president emeritus of The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., will become the 11th president of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, according to a news release. Knapp is an English professor at the university, the release adds. He previously served as provost and senior vice president for academic...

