Ligonier Valley Writers

News Update, April 2025

 

Student Poetry Contest Awards Ceremony April 26

Ligonier Valley Writers’ 34th annual Student Poetry Contest has found some very talented poets among students in grades 4-12 from schools throughout western Pennsylvania. They will be honored at an awards ceremony on Saturday, April 26, at the Greensburg Barnes & Noble (5155 Route 30) at 4:00 p.m.

    Thirty cash awards will be handed out (first, second, and third prizes in each of nine categories, plus Naccarato Awards for the best of the best in each age group). Many students will read their winning poems aloud. Last year there were more than 50 people in the audience cheering on LVW's student poets.

Winners will also have their poems published in a booklet and on the LVW website and get invited to be interviewed on SLB Radio in Pittsburgh.

Join us at Barnes & Noble to celebrate the next generation of creativity in our region by supporting these talented young people. You can read previous years’ winning poems at the LVW website now.

 

 

LVW Invites Entries to Flash Fiction Contest

Submissions are now open for LVW’s 20th annual Flash Fiction Contest, which awards cash prizes and does not charge an entry fee. This year's topic: Explore the dark side of AI and/or robots, or the light side if you prefer. Check www.LVWonline.org for the latest info and submission guidelines. The deadline is August 15.

The first prize winner will receive $50, second prize $25, and third prize $15. Three honorable mentions will not receive cash prizes but will be published with the other winners at LVW’s website. All six winning stories will be edited by a professional editor (me). Their authors will also receive a one-year complimentary membership to Ligonier Valley Writers. We’ll hold a Flash Fiction reading event shortly before Halloween.

 

Beyond LVW

Westmoreland Heritage is holding a Volunteer Fair this Friday, April 4, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center. This is a free event for all ages. Come meet Westmoreland Heritage Partners and Westmoreland County nonprofits to learn about meaningful volunteer opportunities with the museums, historical sites, nature conservancies, performance groups, festivals, and community groups in Westmoreland County. Attendees will be eligible for giveaways and door prizes. Pre-registration is not required, but those registered are entered into a special door prize drawing: https://form.jotform.com/.../westmoreland-volunteer-interest    

Ligonier Valley Writers will have a table at the event, as will Greensburg Civic Theatre, Westmoreland Historical Society, Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival, Friends of Summer Sounds, Penn State Extension, RSVP/ PA Medi, Redstone, Delmont Apple N Arts Fest, CASA of Westmoreland, Wildlife Works Inc., Lincoln Highway Experience, Westmoreland Food Bank, Catholic Charities, Norwin Meals on Wheels, Westmoreland Cultural Trust, Wesley Family Services, Mantle House Mission, Stoneybrook Foundation, Heartland Hospice, and Bella Terra Stables.

 

 

Ligonier Valley Writers Calendar 2025

April 15. Call for Flash Fiction Contest entries. No entry fee. Three cash prizes plus three Honorable Mentions. Deadline is August 15. The topic for this year: Explore the dark side of AI and/or robots, or the light side if you prefer.

April 26, 4:00-5:00 pm. Student Poetry Awards Ceremony at B&N. The winning poets in grades 4-12 will read their work to the audience.

 

May 1. Loyalhanna Review submission deadline. (Reading period is February 1-May 1.) Check LVWonline.org for guidelines.

 

July (Date TBA), 7:00-9:00 p.m. Loyalhanna Review publication party. Enjoy readings, hors d’oeuvres, and camaraderie.

 

August 15. Deadline for Flash Fiction Contest entries.

 

August 17, 3-5 p.m. Annual LVW picnic. John and Sukey Jamison have generously invited LVW to hold our annual potluck picnic and readings at their farm near Crabtree.  

 

September (date TBA). Poetry workshop. St. Michael’s of the Valley Church, Rector.

 

October (dates TBA). Readings of the winning Flash Fiction stories at local venues.

 

December 14, 3:00-5:00 p.m. Annual LVW Christmas Party. St. Michael’s of the Valley Church, Rector.

 

We’ll be adding events to this calendar as we get confirmations. Please check www.LVWonline.org or Ligonier Valley Writers’ Facebook page for the latest info and date confirmations.