Create a Felt Embroidered Brooch

Free Public Event

Free Parking, A.D.A. Compliant Facility

Gum Spring Library

 24600 Millstream Drive, Stone Ridge,Virginia

Friday, February 27, 2026       2 to 3 p.m.

Relax. Leave the screen and spent some analog time learning how to make a hand-embroidered felt brooch. Come to Diane’s fun workshop. No prior embroidery experience necessary. Materials will be provided. This is suitable for teens and adults.

Lulu Bell Parr: Bold and Brave

Heritage Center Speaker Series

Free Public Event

Crabill Discovery Hall

The Heritage Center of Clark County – Clark County Historical Society and Museum

117 South Fountain Avenue, Springfield, Ohio 45502

Thursday, May 14, 2026, 6 to 7 pm

Who was Lulu Bell Parr? What were her ties to Ohio and Clark County? Diane will share her latest findings about the Wild West performer who spent her later years in Riverside, Ohio and is buried in Medway, Clark County, Ohio. The Clark County Historical Society is housed in an 1890 wonderful building was originally Springfield’s City Hall and Marketplace. Copies of Diane’s biography of Lulu Bell Parr, I Aint’ Afraid — The World of Lulu Bell Parr, Wild West Cowgirl, will be available for purchase and personalized signing.

The Real Housewives of Colonial America

Free Online Event

May 12, 2026

7 to 8pm

What was life really like for women in the British Colonies? How did they spend their time? Raise their children? Fix dinner? What did they wear? Diane will share a bit of the knowledge she’s gained researching her historical novel character, Ivy O’Neill. She will be focusing on the lives of everyday, ordinary women. Here’s the details from the Loudoun County Public Library . The link will be included closer to the time of the talk.

5th Lansdowne Woods Literary Festival

Free Pubic Event

Saturday, June 27, 1pm to 5pm

Lansdowne Woods of Virginia Clubhouse,

19375 Magnolia Grove Square, Leesburg, Virginia

Diane is participating in the fifth annual Lansdowne Literary Festival. Sponsored by the LWVA Writers Group, it includes the opportunity to meet and chat with a number of local authors, explore their work, and purchase personalized copies. Publishing and marketing workshops are part of this program which has become an important part of the regional book scene.

Seminole Quilting

Free Online Public Event from Loudoun County Public Library

Thursday, November 5, 2026

Time to be announced.

The Seminole people’s history is one of rising to challenges with ingenuity. They are known today for their intricate quilting tradition which incorporates sophisticated colors and tiny fabric pieces. Tune in to learn about this quilting — how it emerged during World War I shortages, taps into traditional imagery, and has evolved over the past century. Suitable for teens and adults.

Need a speaker?

Interested in booking a talk by Diane? She is available for book clubs (in person regionally and by ZOOM internationally), meetings, podcasts, interviews, and presentations. Use the contact tab to leave a message or email her at helentjari@aol.com.

Check back for future events featuring Diane Helentjaris.