Shirley McMarlin stories, Page 65

Go a little batty on Feb. 15 at Lincoln Caverns in Huntingdon County. The 14th annual Batfest will feature a day of programs, activities and interpretive tours designed to give visitors a deeper appreciation of these often-misunderstood winged mammals. The day will include bat crafts and games, bat house-building and...

Thursday Feb. 6 Anniversary Spotlight, local magicians perform for venue’s 1-year anniversary, Liberty Magic, Downtown Pittsburgh. 412-456-6666 or trustarts.org “Candyland: The Land of Hope,” artwork by Sheila Cuellar-Shaffer, Science Innovation Center gallery, Westmoreland County Community College Youngwood campus. Through Feb. 28. westmoreland.edu “Joy Takes Time,” nostalgia-themed exhibition curated by Emma...

The recently formed Westmoreland Ballet Company has moved into quarters in Greensburg’s downtown cultural district. The organization’s mission is to provide “an inclusive, nurturing, professional ballet performing company and school with workforce development and higher education opportunities,” according to a release. The space at 41 N. Main St., dating back...

Everything a sportsman or woman would need for a well- appointed hunting camp was up for auction at the Ruffed Grouse Society Western Allegheny Chapter’s 29th annual Conservation and Sportsmen’s Banquet. From wildlife-themed artwork to rustic kitchenware to plush beds for a hard-working hunting dog, it filled the tables at the...

Many hands make light work, the saying goes — they also make beautiful art, illustrated by “Collaborations,” a new exhibition in the Greensburg Art Center that features pieces made by two or more artists. The show opened with a reception Feb. 1 and runs through March 21. Displayed in the...

The title of the new exhibition in Jeannette’s You Are Here gallery has layers of meaning. “Women’s Work,” which opened with a reception Feb. 1 and continues through Feb. 29, features artwork in various media by a group of area artists. As the name implies, all of the contributors to...

Valentine’s Day isn’t a holiday usually associated with travel, but Global Traveler says New York City is the top U.S. destination for those who do plan a romantic getaway. Little wonder, since the Big Apple offers so many options for dining, entertainment, culture and just plain sight-seeing. Other top destinations...

You could argue that February peaks today, with the sunrise celebration of Groundhog Day and the Super Bowl, America’s most-watched television event of the year. After that, it’s all downhill — more snow, more cold, more cloudy days that make it harder and harder to get out of bed in...

Seven area writers will attend a Feb. 8 book-signing in Greensburg. Ligonier Valley Writers will host the free event from 1-3 p.m. at Craftique Collections, 770 E. Pittsburgh St. Refreshments will be available. Participating authors and their genres, as follows, also will read short excerpts form their work and answer...

Thursday Jan. 30 Lettuce, Roxian Theatre, McKees Rocks. 412-331-1050 or roxianlive.com Friday Jan. 31 Cello and Piano Recital, Pittsburgh Symphony cellist Adam Liu and Seton Hill faculty member Josie Merlino, Seton Hill University Performing Arts Center, Greensburg. setonhill.edu Karaoke Party, benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region, The...

Visitors can take a tour of the nighttime sky during four spring shows in the Angelo J. Taiani Planetarium and Astronaut Exhibit in Saint Vincent College’s Sis and Herman Dupré Science Pavilion. The schedule kicks off Feb. 15, and continues with a Saturday show monthly through May. Shows begin at...

It’s late January, our nation is seriously divided and the Doomsday Clock has just inched closer to midnight. Don’t we all need a good laugh to take our minds off our troubles? A packed house got just what the doctor ordered at Comedy Night, hosted Jan. 25 by Latrobe-GLSD Parks...

The reviews are in for pianist Nathan Lee, the latest guest artist in the Saint Vincent College Concert Series. It’s five stars all the way for the 18-year-old virtuoso’s Jan. 25 performance. “He was one with the piano; that’s the only way to describe it,” said Esther Ulery, who attended...

Sunrise is scheduled for 7:26 a.m. Feb. 2 in Punxsutawney, the hour when Punxsutawney Phil will make his annual winter weather prediction. Thousands flock to Gobbler’s Knob in the small Jefferson County borough for a glimpse of the furry forecaster. Here are a few things to know before you go:...

Visitors to the Ligonier Ice Fest might be too busy admiring the intricately carved ice sculptures to consider how the crystal-clear ice is made. It’s an intricate process, says Ernie DiMartino, owner of DiMartino Ice Co. in Jeannette, which produces them. “The ice is totally clear. You could read a...