Shirley McMarlin stories, Page 91

“Prayer and Praise” was the theme for the annual Greensburg-Jeannette NAACP Prayer Breakfast. Attendees filled the air with both at the March 2 event in the Christ Our Shepherd Center in Unity. Organizers built their time of praise and worship around these verses from the Bible’s book of James: “Is...

The lure of an island long off limits to Americans provided the theme for Westmoreland County Blind Association’s major fundraiser. Havana Nights was held March 1 in the Greensburg Country Club, drawing a record crowd for the annual event, according to Executive Director Tim Miller. Attendance was “230-something … or...

Whatever the weather, it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood when the Latrobe Art Center serves up a special event. The center’s popular Taste of the Neighborhood food-and-drink series returned March 1 with pizza, brews and more. The event was advertised thus: “Can’t decide which local restaurant or brewery to...

Vacation planning can be a little easier with the 2019 “Happy Traveler” guide from the Pennsylvania Tourism Office. The annual guide lists fun-filled attractions, historic haunts and outdoor sites across Pennsylvania to help visitors plan their vacation bucket lists. In a section titled “Joy Rides,” the guide explores the state’s...

If you like to feel a connection to the singer you root for on “The Voice,” here’s one with western Pennsylvania roots. Altoona native Jimmy Mowery went through blind auditions on the Feb. 25 return of the NBC singing competition and ultimately ended up choosing Adam Levine as his coach....

A sale is underway from 3-5 p.m. today and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. March 2 in the gift shop at Historic Hanna’s Town, 809 Forbes Trail Road, Hempfield. Merchandise will be discounted up to 70 percent in preparation for the shop’s move this spring to a new location in the Westmoreland...

“Things As They Are,” a solo exhibition of sculptures, assemblages and installation by artist-in-residence Morgan Rose Free, will open with a March 1 reception at Bunker Projects in Pittsburgh. The reception is set for 7-10 p.m. at the artist-run nonprofit residency and experimental gallery at 5106 Penn Ave. “Free’s installation...

And “The Masked Singer” is … T-Pain?! Much to everyone’s surprise, the rapper was revealed to be the voice behind the Monster mask on last night’s season finale on the Fox singing competition in which celebrity contestants concealed their identities under elaborate costumes. Nobody was more surprised than the Florida-born...

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust invites patrons to expand their entertainment horizons via the “innovative, edgy programming” of several upcoming Multiple Choice Events. “Multiple Choice Events in 2019 continue with unique programming to engage a diverse audience,” says Randal Miller, director of Dance Programming and Special Projects for the trust. “We look...

Thursday Feb. 28 “Artists of the 21st Century,” student art exhibition, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley, Ligonier Township. Through April 21. 724-238-6015 or sama-art.org Rodney Atkins, Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, Warrendale. 724-799-8333 or jergels.com Friday March 1 Aaron Carter, Hard Rock Cafe, Pittsburgh. 412-481-7625 or hardrock.com Fred Armisen,...

Three timeless musicals make up the slate for Saint Vincent Summer Theatre’s upcoming 51st season, says producing artistic director Greggory Brandt, who will direct all three. Casts including actors from Actors’ Equity Association and other professional regional actors will perform these perennial audience favorites: • “Forever Plaid,” May 23-June 2...

When the 2020 Oscars roll around, the Los Angeles Times says we probably won’t be talking about the first live-action Pokemon movie, “Pokemon Detective Pikachu,” opening on May 10. Unless actor Ryan Reynolds — who voices the yellow title character with the thunderbolt tail — has something to say about...

Two guest artists will join the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra for “Music and Magic” at 7:30 p.m. March 16 at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg. The concert will open with Manuel de Falla’s “El Amor Brujo,” featuring mezzo soprano Corrie Stallings, a former Pittsburgh Opera resident artist, and the premiere of...

Young ladies and their favorite dates filled Roosevelt Hall in Norvelt on Feb. 23 for a dance hosted by the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Mt. Pleasant. This year’s theme for the annual event was Me and My Superhero. Dads, granddads, uncles, big brothers and any other special...

Libraries have something in common with art galleries — they’re both generally quiet places that invite contemplation. The Greensburg Hempfield Area Library, in partnership with the Greensburg Art Center, takes advantage of that connection with its ongoing series of Picture This at the Library art exhibitions. Currently on display are...

Happy 287th birthday, George Washington! Although he unfortunately could not be present, the Father of Our Country was feted Feb. 22 during a winter History Happy Hour at one of his old haunts — Fort Ligonier. Assistant Director of Education Matt Gault stood in, portraying the young Washington for the...

Can the simple act of wearing a T-shirt or a hoodie help to change the world? Greensburgers Jack Wardale and Mitch Eger are betting on it. The pair, who became friends playing on the Seton Hill University soccer team, have launched Impower, a clothing line they hope will raise money...

Row House Cinema will continue its tradition of putting adorable and hilarious cats on the big screen by hosting the 2019 CatVideoFest. The 70-minute cute kitty compilation will run March 10-21 in the theater at 4115 Butler St., Lawrenceville. A portion of proceeds from 70-minute program will go to local...

Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks promises a “turn to the ridiculous” in the next installment of its Bring Your Own Bard reading series. “Shakespeare Games” will begin at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at Te Cafe, 2000 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill. “We will feature readings from Shakespeare’s plays, but with a...

What happens on Feb. 23 at The Palace Theatre stays at The Palace Theatre. Taking a page from the Sin City playbook, the Westmoreland Cultural Trust will present Party at The Palace Vegas Style that night in the Greensburg entertainment venue. From music and table games to actual weddings, the...