BRADFORD, Pa. - Women writers will take center stage during the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford's Women's History Month celebration in March.

In addition to visits by essayist and poet Lori Jakiela and award-winning young adult author A.S. King, public events include a lecture by United States Forest Service Research Leader Dr. Susan Stout and the annual Empty Bowls and Baskets dinner.

Stout will be the first speaker of the month from noon to 1 p.m. March 8 in the Mukaiyama University Room. She will speak on "Women in Forestry - Research and Anecdotes. Stout's personal research interests include measuring crowding and diversity in forests, deer impact on forests, silviculture systems and translating results from ecosystem research into practical management guidelines for Pennsylvania's forests.

On March 19, Jakiela will read at 7:30 p.m. in the Mukaiyama University Room in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. She is the author of a memoir, "Miss New York Has Everything," and a poetry collection, "Spot the Terrorist!"

On the following day, March 20, A.S. King, known for her young adult novels "Ask the Passengers," "Everybody Sees the Ants" and "Please Ignore Vera Dietz," will speak at 6 p.m. in Rice Auditorium in Fisher Hall. Her newest book, "Reality Boy," will be published this fall.

King will discuss her books and approach to writing and share thoughts for young writers and teachers. For more information, visit http://www.as-king.com. This is a free presentation, but seating is limited. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to Dr. Wayne Brinda at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (814)362-7532 by March 18.

On March 21, the popular Empty Bowls and Baskets dinner will raise money and awareness of hunger in the Bradford community. The 8th annual dinner will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Mukaiyama University Room. Tickets are $10 and will be sold at the door. Diners are invited to take home a hand-painted ceramic or paper maché bowl, handcrafted basket or hand-sewn cloth napkins as a reminder that someone else's bowl might be empty. Proceeds will benefit The Friendship Table.

For disability-related needs, contact the Office of Disability Resources and Services at (814)362-7609 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .