In brief: Bridge lessons, leaf collection and more in Sewickley area

Bridge lessons

Bridge Lessons at the Sewickley YMCA start on Sept. 30 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The lessons run for seven weeks. The cost is $75, which includes a textbook and all materials. The classes are aimed at individuals who are 16 years old and up, completely new players or those who are returning to the game and want to sharpen up their skills.

Bill Holt, a Diamond Life Master, teaches the basic concepts and joy of bridge, which is the perfect way to learn the game. Come solo or bring a friend — no partner needed. Great for keeping your mind sharp and meeting new people.

Register online at sewickleyymca.org/bridge.

Leaf collection

Leetsdale leaf collection is expected to start the first week of October. Collections are scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Borough officials said residents should rake their leaves to the curb the night before and not in the road. Leaves also should not be put into bags for collection.

Hearing scheduled

Leetsdale will host a public hearing to discuss and later vote on adoption of a new zoning map at 6:45 p.m. Oct. 9 at the borough building.

Council’s voting meeting is set for 7 p.m. that evening.

The borough last year passed an ordinance creating a mixed-use industrial district in order to have a buffer area between industrial and residential uses.

Permitted uses in the mixed-use district include offices, research and testing laboratories, theaters, fire stations, municipal buildings, warehouses, public utility buildings, commercial recreation, restaurants and parks.

The new zoning map will visually codify the zoning changes. It has been about 30 years since Leetsdale’s zoning map was updated.

Donations requested

Leetsdale’s Food Pantry needs monetary donations.

Mayor Sandra Ford, who coordinates the pantry, said earlier this month they were down to a few hundred dollars to buy food and cover delivery costs.

The pantry receives about $1,200 every six months and $700 for the year for delivery expenses from the state, but those funds have not been distributed due to the budget impasse.

The pantry serves about 60 households per month. Distribution is on the third Monday of the month.

People can send checks to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, 1 N. Linden St., Duquesne, PA 15110 and write on the memo line Leetsdale Food Pantry.

Ford said not to drop off checks or other monies at the borough office.

Sewickley road closures

Sewickley council approved the closure of the 600 block of Maple Lane between Pine and Chestnut streets from 3:30-9 p.m. Sept. 28 for a block party.

Council approved the closure of Hill Street between Broad and Mulberry streets from 4:30-9 p.m. Oct. 4 for Blocktoberfest.

Council approved the closure of Thorn Street between Grant and Ferry streets from 3-9 p.m. Sept. 28 for a block party.

Council approved the closure of North Way Sewickley Valley for the use of Riverfront Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 25 for a community day and food distribution event.

Pancake fundraiser

Leetsdale 4th of July committee will host a pancake breakfast fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 11 at the borough building, 373 Beaver St.

Menu includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs and beverages.

Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children. More information is available on the committee’s Facebook page.

Sewickley Academy Alumni Weekend

Sewickley Academy’s Alumni & Reunion Weekend is set for Oct. 3-4. Alumni from all years, family and friends are invited back to celebrate with new events at this year’s Classic Car Show, cheering on the alumni soccer game, tours of campus, a party at the Edgeworth Club, catching up with classmates, and much more! In addition, there will be special celebrations for the reunion classes ending in 5 and 0.

If you are part of a reunion year and would like to assist with planning your class party, email alumni@sewickley.org or call 412-741-2230, ext. 3692.

For a complete schedule of weekend events, visit sewickley.org.

Women’s symposium

Sewickley resident Reyné O’Shaughnessy is hosting At Capacity: Women’s Lived Experience Symposium from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 25 at The Club at Nevillwood.

The symposium is for women who carry it all — professionally and personally — yet rarely pause to breathe. It’s designed to help them reclaim health, leadership and longevity by applying the “safety margins” we rely on in aviation to the demands of midlife. Women will walk away empowered with clarity, confidence, and the language to advocate for their health — both in the doctor’s office and in the workplace.

Business Connection

Greater Pittsburgh Business Connection, a referral group of business professionals, will meet at Eat’n Park on Route 60 in Robinson Township for breakfast from 7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 1. Speakers will be Matt Yost of Yost Kitchen & Bath and Bill Paviol of Smart Wired. To attend, become a member or for more information, visit gpbc-pgh.org or call 412-364-6446 ext. 302.

Fall birding hike

All ages and levels of experience are welcome to witness fall migration in Pennsylvania on a guided hike of the local eBird Hotspot, Sewickley Heights Borough Park, with Fern Hollow Nature Center educator Kara O’Neill.

Enjoy the park’s diverse viewing opportunities, including some species that only pass through the area on their way South. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Strollers are not recommended due to the varied terrain on the trails.

The hike is from 8-9 a.m. Sept. 27. Pricing and details at fhnc.org.

Grief support group

Good Samaritan Hospice, a mission of Concordia Lutheran Ministries, will host a free weekly adult grief support group titled “Supporting Each Other After Loss with Memories, Feelings and Hope” this fall. The group will be held from 6-7:15 p.m. on Mondays through Oct. 6 at Concordia of Franklin Park (1600 Georgetown Dr.).

The free support group offers a safe, welcoming space for adults who have experienced the loss of someone close. Together, the group will share stories, explore the grief journey and find comfort in community. Many participants find healing through open conversation, prayer, creative activities and simply being with others who understand.

Registration is not required for this group, and participants are encouraged to join the group on any day. To sign up or for more information, call the GSH bereavement team at 1-800-720-2557.

SMC Club

SMC Club, an affiliate of the Sewickley Valley YMCA, will host Craig Conroy, who will discuss first ladies of the White House on Sept. 26. For more information, visit smensclub.org or Facebook.com/ smensclub.

To have your event or information listed in our briefs section, email Katie Green at kgreen@triblive.com.