Tapas Talks hosts John Oliver

Tapas Talks held the second event of its third season at the Allegheny Country Club April 27. The organization welcomed previous subscribers as well as 36 new subscribers.

The program featured John Oliver, who discussed “The Importance of Land and Wildlife Conservation for Today and Beyond.” He shared his passion for the land and rivers by providing information about Pennsylvania local and state parks, rivers and biking trails. Through the pandemic, Oliver said there was an increased desire to spend more time outdoors since no masks were required. When asked about the future of the parks, rivers and trails, Oliver said the future is bright with bipartisan support.

Delicious tapas foods started the evening’s social hour. Tapas Talks board member Holly M. Hampe welcomed guests and introduced Oliver. At the end of the presentation, the audience was invited to submit questions to the speaker. A question and answer period, moderated by Hampe, followed the formal presentation. The evening was capped off with dessert, coffee and continued conversation.

Tapas Talks is a non-profit organization to “inform, inspire, connect and give back” to the community through a speaker series. Thanks to our generous sponsors: First National Bank, Heritage Valley Health System, Wilpen Hall, Sewickley Public Library, Michael J. Hatcher/Holly Hampe and Fran Merryman. Because of these donations as well as individual donations through Friends of the Talk, Tapas Talks was able to give honorariums to the speakers. The speaker donated his honorariums to the Allegheny Land Trust, a regional land conservation group that protects the land in Allegheny and Washington Counties.