BOLD VENTURES April 2026
Western Pennsylvania Blind Outdoor Leisure Development
This BOLD Ventures is sponsored by Maggi Ostrowski.Maggi thanks for being there for BOLD Ventures and many other BOLD Activities.
Isn’t it wonderful that spring has arrived? Let’s hope it is powerful enough to keep any snow and really cold weather away. By the way, you may notice that we do not have any activities planned for the weekend of April 24. We BOLD planners are not crazy; we know better than to try to mix one of our activities with the possible 700,000 visitors coming to Pittsburgh for the NFL Draft. Have a fine April!
An Important Note about Dues: We haven’t received dues from quite a few long-time members this year. If you have questions about whether or not you’ve paid 2026 BOLD dues, or if you’re having financial difficulties and can’t pay dues right now but want to continue being a member, contact Nancy at 412-561-3972 and leave a message if no answer, or you can send an email to nancy.leverett1@verizon.net. Thank you to everyone who has paid their 2026 BOLD dues!
APRIL CALENDAR
Every Thursday in April, from noon to 1:30, Ice skating at the Mount Lebanon Ice Center, 900 Cedar Blvd., Pittsburgh, 15228. Cost is $7. Accommodations can be made for all experience levels. We need sighted ice skaters to be guides on and off the ice. Sign-up with Tammi by 8 pm on the Sunday before each date and let her know if you need a ride. Contact her by leaving a voicemail or text at 412-951-6528 or email at tswiantek@comcast.net.
Monday, April 6, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Board Meeting in-person at Western PA School for Blind Children, 250 N. Bellefield Avenue, Oakland. Any non-board Members who want to attend must call Carol at 484-318-9145 by Saturday, April 4.
Wednesdays, April 8 and 22, from 7 to 9:30 pm, SE Wisconsin BOLD virtual bingo, for all the sign-up information, leave a voicemail or text Tammi at 412-951-6528 or email at tswiantek@comcast.net. Have fun!
Sunday, April 12; 12:45 to 3 pm, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 4400 Forbes Ave, 15213. No Charge. Journey behind the scenes in the shell collection (mollusks) at Carnegie Museum of Natural History with curator Dr. Tim Pearce. Experience some of our 1.6 million snails and clams, with plenty of opportunity to touch specimens presenting a wide variety of textures and shapes, from giant to tiny, shiny to spiny, tall to flat, and more. Hear about killer sea snails and giant clams. Learn what makes mollusks uniquely different from other shelled creatures such as crabs, urchins, and corals. Ask to see your favorite type of mollusk. Bring a shell and see if Dr. Pearce can identify it! Learn about some of Dr. Pearce’s research projects. Be prepared to hear snail jokes. There is a limit of 12 people. Make your reservation by calling or texting Carol 484-318-9145 by Wednesday April 8 at 8 pm.
Tuesdays, April 14 and 28, from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm, Mall Walking at the Monroeville Mall. Cost is free. Lunch is on your own at the food court. Sighted guides and visually impaired walkers sign up by noon the Tuesday prior to the walk by calling Peggy at 412-683-6070 or text/call her at 412-977-2351. So, to sign up for walking on April 14, contact Peggy by noon Tuesday, April 7. And for walking on April 28, contact Peggy by noon April 21. Be sure to sign up so that if there is any change or cancellation for mall walking, you will get the information.
Wednesday, April 15; 7 to 8 pm, a presentation by a member of the Greater Pittsburgh League of Women Voters, on the BOLD Conference Line 385-799-9487. With the primary election coming up on Tuesday, May 19th, the speaker from the League will tell us who is running for what positions and will also share how we can learn more about candidates. (Since the League of Women Voters is nonpartisan, they do not endorse a candidate, nor will they express an opinion on anyone running for an office). No reservations needed. In respect to the evening’s speaker, please do your best to call in on time, so that your arrival on the conference line does not interrupt the talk. Let’s give our speaker a good BOLD welcome!
Saturday, April 18; 1 to 3 pm, A Visit to the August Wilson African-American Cultural Center, 980 Liberty Avenue, 15222. Add extra time if you would like to go with the group for a meal afterward. No charge for the visit and meal. The focus of the visit will be the Writer’s Landscape Exhibit. The exhibit takes a deep dive into Wilson’s life, including a window into Pittsburgh’s Hill District, where he was born and raised, the influential people he interacted with throughout his life and, of course, his award-winning work. The exhibition shows the universal themes the prolific playwright tackled and the continued relevance of his work such as issues of race, representation, family and community. If you would like more information about the exhibit go to August Wilson: The Writer’s Landscape - AWAACC To sign up call or text Maggi at 412-613-8592 by 8 pm Sunday April 12. Let her know if you need transportation and if you will stay for a meal.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Here are some events to look forward to. There will be more details in the May BOLD Ventures.
Saturday, May 16; 11:30, Party Pedaler, North Shore Tour, 20 E General Robinson Stree, 15212. We will begin on Vulcan Way. Save the date.
Other Events
May: Bird Migration Day at Frick Park
June: Tandem biking
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Anyone interested in getting information about the availability of tickets for the Pittsburgh Symphony or chamber music concerts, please call Tony at 412-310-2508 or email tony.diana.rock@gmail.com.
BOLD BITS
BOLD get-well wishes go out to Aaron Wagoner who had a “big fall.”
But she is not like Humpty Dumpty, they have put her back together again and she is recovering at rehab. Best wishes, Aaron.
Congratulations to Terri Winaught who is glad to be home after a hospitalization and a stay in rehab. Terri, keep up the good recovery work!
There is a star among us: Penny Fleckenstein is the proud mom of Zach, who will be performing the lead in the play Legally Blonde the Musical, April 16 – 18 at North Gate High School. Zach we know you will be a BOLD success!
Happy April Birthday to: Carrie Fisher, Ray Jablonowski, Jim Wiseman, Larry Wiseman, and anyone else celebrating an April birthday!
NEWSLETTER RECORDING:
Thanks to the diligent work of Marty Mathews, anyone can hear a recording of this newsletter by calling 401-252-0029 Access Code: 265365#.
CONTACT US
WPA BOLDPO Box 10307
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
Donate: Donate
Email: boldwpa@gmail.com
Website: www.wpabold.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wpabold
Editors: Debby Hill & friends