Mary Pickels stories, Page 22

Pastel artist Stan Sperlak will present his work during a Lunch a l’Art program at noon May 23 at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley, 1 Boucher Lane, Ligonier Township. Approximately 65 of the New Jersey-based artist’s works will be featured in an exhibit there through Aug....

Ligonier Valley Writers will host playwright F.J. Hartland for a workshop focusing on character development from 3-5 p.m. May 5 at St. Michael’s of the Valley Church, 2535 Route 381, Rector. Cost is $5 and registration is requested by April 30. “Not only do your characters need to be different...

The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg’s creative and professional writing program will celebrate “The Lit Life” with a writers’ festival through April 18. The annual festival and senior capstone book launch celebration will feature guest authors and 2019 graduating creative and professional writing majors. Readings begin at 7 p.m. in...

Fans of history and sports will find common ground as author Matthew Algeo presents his book, “Last Team Standing: How the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles — The Steagles — Saved Pro Football During World War II,” at West Overton Museums. Admission is $5 at the door for the 6-8...

Today’s quilters may no longer gather in each others’ homes for lengthy “bee” sessions. And the quilts they produce, using traditional, modern and mixed techniques, often go beyond providing warmth to become stunning works of fabric art, suitable for framing or wall-mounting. Three Rivers Quilters will hold its 36th annual...

As an expected record-shattering “Avengers Endgame” prepares for movie theater domination, young fans can visit their local JCPenney store to receive and decorate a free Marvel Avengers cinch bag. The retailer invites kids to dress as their favorite super hero for the 11 a.m.-12 p.m. event on April 13 to...

Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce knows residents and visitors enjoy a stroll around the Diamond, especially if food and drink are involved. Witness the popularity of annual events including “Soup’s On!” and “Pumpkin Spice Ligonier.” The chamber appears to have another winner on its hands, with the second “Wine Walk”...

Bella Terra Vineyards will celebrate its new facility, featuring a new tasting room, winery and event space, with a grand opening party. The weekend-long event will take place May 3-5 at the 121 Sunny Lane, Hunker, winery, according to its Facebook page. The party will kick off at 6 p.m....

Greensburg Art Center is partnering with the Greensburg Hempfield Library for an upcoming exhibition from artist Janice Decker. “Picture This at the Library” runs from April 17 through May 29. A reception from 6-8 p.m. May 3 is open to the public. Artists interested in exhibiting for the 2020 season...

Sexual assault survivor and inspirational speaker Brian Cardoza will speak at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The university will host several events designed to educate people about the issue, show a pathway to recovery for victims and offer information on how to...

Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse and Whiskey Garden will hold a season opening party and fundraiser, introducing a new release and holding a pooch parade. A portion of the evening’s bar and bottle sales will benefit Humane Animal Rescue. The annual opening party and release of Madeira bourbon will be held from...

The Saint Vincent College Singers will present “Tenebrae,” a service of music for Lent and Holy Week, in a performance in the Saint Vincent Basilica Crypt. The 8 p.m. April 10 evening of music and readings will provide a time of reflection and contemplation for the upcoming Holy Week, according...

Ready to tackle that spring decluttering and cleanup? Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling is issuing reminders and planning several events to help with recycling and beautification efforts. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful will coordinate the Great American Cleanup of PA through May 31, an effort to clear roadways of trash and litter. Recruit...

Following a successful pilot year, Project Bee Watch will expand its research area in partnership with Allegheny Land Trust, Latodami Nature Center and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. The volunteer effort tries to fill a data gap in southwestern Pennsylvania on the status of pollinators to guide habitat creation and improvement efforts....

Glades Pike Winery, 2208 Glades Pike, Somerset will host the eighth annual Spring Thaw Wine & Food Festival, featuring eight regional wineries. Visitors will enjoy tastings and food pairings as they sample their way through the wineries of the Southwest Passage Wine Trail. The event will be held 11 a.m.-5...

The Dr. Bernard Cobetto Lecture on Contemporary Ethical Issues will address climate change as it affects Western Pennsylvania during a 7 p.m. April 16 program at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. Open to the public, the discussion will feature a panel of experts in Ferguson Theater in Smith Hall....

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley, 1 Boucher Lane, Ligonier Township, will host a Lunch a l’Art program with paper cutter Kathryn Carr at noon on April 18. A self-taught paper cutter for more than a decade, Carr will share a history of the medium and her...

Have a compelling short (five minutes) story you would like to share with a live audience? As part of its upcoming festival, Pittsburgh Fringe will hold a “StorySlam” open mic competition at 10:30 p.m. April 6 at Ace Hotel Pittsburgh, 120 S. Whitfield St., East Liberty. The festival features international,...