Shirley McMarlin stories, Page 35
4-H members learn from project judging at Westmoreland FairVideo
Overall, the number of 4-H projects and displays submitted for judging at the Westmoreland Fair is lower than in previous years — except for one category. From carrots and potatoes to green beans and tomatoes, there were plenty of vegetables to keep the judges busy Friday. “I think that’s because,...
5 things to do in Westmoreland County: Aug. 20-22
Go bananas in Latrobe Latrobe is going bananas this weekend. The Downtown Latrobe Banana Split Celebration will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday in the downtown area, with live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts, children’s activities and, of course, helpings of the signature dessert said to have...
Unity’s Victory Brinker cruises to ‘America’s Got Talent’ semifinalsVideo
After Victory Brinker brought judges and audience to their feet with her Tuesday performance, she seemed a lock to make the “America’s Got Talent” semifinals. And so she was. On Wednesday’s results show, she was named one of seven quarterfinalists who would be moving on. Contestants were called to the...
New Girl Scout badges focus on navigating changes in society
Girl Scouts will have new ways to learn how to navigate a changing society via 28 new badges in the areas of entrepreneurship, math in nature and digital leadership. “In light of parents’ top concerns for their children as they handle the increasingly digital world, the new Girl Scout badges...
Unity’s Victory Brinker earns lone standing ovation on ‘America’s Got Talent’
Several things portend well for Victory Brinker’s chances to win Season 16 of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” The 9-year-old opera singer from Unity was the final competitor in Tuesday’s live quarterfinal round, perhaps illustrating the “save the best for last” principle. There was plenty of build-up to her appearance, too....
Greensburg’s singing florist Gary Pratt wins music industry award
Sometimes it takes a while to become an overnight success. Sounds like the opening line of a great country song — or the story behind one. Country singer/songwriter Gary Pratt of South Greensburg has been in the music business for decades, but, recently, he’s been gaining recognition far beyond Western...
Girl Scout Adventureful cookie is new for 2022 sales season
The new Girl Scout cookie embodies the spirit of contemporary scouting. “Adding a cookie to our lineup for 2022 is exciting for our cookie customers and our Girl Scouts, but the Adventurefuls are more than just a new delicious cookie to try,” said Patricia A. Burkart, CEO of Girl Scouts...
Unity’s Victory Brinker, 9, ready to sing in ‘America’s Got Talent’ quarterfinal roundVideo
Victory Brinker could see the iconic “Hollywood” sign from her hotel window. The 9-year-old singing sensation from Westmoreland County was in California prepping for her appearance in Tuesday’s quarterfinal round of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” Victory was taking the sights and the situation in stride, said her mother, Christine, in...
Greensburg Music Fest plans 20-plus acts on 4 downtown stages
Downtown Greensburg will resound with music of all kinds on Saturday, as more than 20 acts take to four stages during the daylong Greensburg Music Fest. Take it from musician Chris Fafalios, it will be “the best thing to do within hours of Greensburg.” Fafalios and his band, Another Cheetah,...
5 things to do in Westmoreland County: Aug. 13-15
Sounds of summer Jazz by Shaun Martin & Band is on tap at 7 p.m. Friday, for the season’s second SummerSounds concert in Greensburg’s St. Clair Park. Keyboard player Martin is a member of Snarky Puppy, a Grammy-winning jazz fusion ensemble that has previously played SummerSounds. He is also music...
Special menus are in for Greensburg Restaurant Week
The menus are in for Greensburg Restaurant Week. The semiannual showcase of Westmoreland County restaurants and what they do best runs Friday through Aug. 29, with this round featuring 21 eateries. During the event, local restaurants promote lunch and/or dinner specials offering reduced prices for a fixed-price menu. The specials,...
Westmoreland Museum’s summer fun day includes shopping, music, movie
On Saturday, visitors to The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg can browse a pop-up shop, grab a bite to eat, hear live music and finish the late-summer fun day with a free movie. Three small business owners will be selling their wares from 3-8 p.m., including: • A...
Wine Store at Vallozzi’s Restaurant in Hempfield offers unique varieties
While other folks were learning to crochet or bake bread during quarantine, restaurateur Ernie Vallozzi turned his attention to wine. The results of his study are on display — and for sale — in the new Wine Store at Vallozzi’s Restaurant in Hempfield. “We had a realization (during pandemic restrictions)...
MessFest is even bigger, messier this year at Carnegie Science Center
It sounds like a child’s dream and a parent’s nightmare. It’s the annual MessFest, set for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 22 at Carnegie Science Center on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. Science enthusiasts of all ages are invited to take part in the visitor-favorite family event that includes egg-drop challenges, bubble science,...
Apple Hill, Theatre Factory share Trafford stage for ‘Mamma Mia!’ joint production
No one is trying to upstage anyone else as Apple Hill Players and The Theatre Factory prepare for their first joint production. “It sounds very Brady Bunch-ish, but we all get along really well. There are no divas here,” said Tina Lepidi-Stewart, artistic director for both Apple Hill and “Mamma...
Free Westmoreland Symphony concert will celebrate Lincoln Highway history
Take a musical journey along the Lincoln Highway during “Rhythm of the Road,” a free outdoor concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Lincoln Highway Experience in Unity. The nation’s first transcontinental road for automobiles, dedicated in 1913, helped spawn new business and cultural opportunities as travelers passed through...
Hempfield woman opens ‘The Space’ for artisans, self-care workshopsVideo
Giving your new business a simple name like “The Space” opens it up to many possibilities — exactly what Hempfield resident Sarah Just is hoping to do. Located in a historic brick building at 203 Old Route 30, Hempfield, the recently opened business is subtitled “A Community Place.” Just’s vision...
Greensburg, Ligonier programs emphasize importance of monarch butterflies
With its distinctive orange and black markings, the monarch butterfly is easily recognized as it flits about the garden. Monarchs serve an important role as pollinators, as they feed on the nectar of many different types of flowers. They also are significant in various religious and cultural traditions. The Hopi...
5 things to do in Westmoreland County: Aug. 6-8
This story has been updated. Last concert on the lawn Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra’s Live on the Lawn outdoor concert series concludes with music by Trio Phonon, beginning at 7 p.m. Friday in Hempfield Park. Musicians Tom Godfrey, flute; Will Teegarden, cello; and Frances Duffy, harp, will play Gershwin’s “Summertime,” Debussy’s...
Free ‘Lights On!’ events to celebrate Pittsburgh’s Cultural District
Pittsburgh’s Cultural District will celebrate the return of live programming with a three-day “Lights On!” event from Sept. 9-11. The special celebration of the arts will be the official kick-off to RADical Days, an annual thank-you to the public with free admission, tours, performances and family activities offered by organizations...
The Stroll returning to Ligonier with more classic cars than ever
At least 130 vintage rides will be rolling into Ligonier on Friday, as The Stroll returns after a pandemic-year hiatus. This year’s event promises to be bigger than ever, with the reserved area for the antique and classic car show expanded to accommodate more vehicles. As usual, the vintage rides...
You Are Here gallery in Jeannette hosts 3rd anniversary show
You Are Here gallery is celebrating its third anniversary with an exhibition opening Saturday. A public reception is scheduled for noon-6 p.m. in the art space at 406 Clay Ave., Jeannette. At 3 p.m., there will be a toast to the featured artists, along with a reading of original haiku...
Dive into your summer reading list
Back-to-school supplies are on the store shelves, but summer is far from over. August is still prime vacation time, whether you’re heading to the beach, the city, the mountains or your Potter County hunting camp. What better way to spend the hours in the car, on the plane or in...
5 things to do in Westmoreland County: July 30-Aug. 1
Luau on the lanes A Hawaiian-style happy hour and bowling party is planned for 6-8 p.m. Friday at Hillview Bowling Lanes, 829 E. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg. Luau on the Lanes will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region. For a $75 donation, bowlers 21 and older can enjoy...
Latrobe Art Center’s Yellow Tie Gala returns with banana splits, cocktails
Latrobe Art Center will be painting the town yellow once again, as its Yellow Tie Gala returns Aug. 20. The party will spill out of the center at 819 Ligonier St., turning the street into a pop-up night club complete with seating and a stage on which Neon Swing X-perience...
