Leetsdale program addressing stray cats
Leetsdale officials are teaming up with Whiskers in the Wild and Animal Friends for a trap-neuter-return program for cats.
The program launched on July 14 and runs through the end of the month.
Organizers called it a humane approach to addressing the stray cat population.
They will be concentrating on a few areas behind Broad Street, Ohio River Boulevard and Valley Lane as well as areas around Beech Court and Oak Drive.
Anyone interested in participating can email Whiskers in the Wild at alanea.fink@gmail.com or Mayor Sandra Ford at mayorsford@gmail.com.
More information is available on the borough website.
Police chief search continues
Sewickley Heights officials are still looking for their next police chief following the resignation of James Harrison in late May.
Borough manager Nathan Briggs said they received 26 applicants for the position. Deadline to submit resumes was June 12.
Council voted 6-0 on June 15 to ratify the approval of a $14,000 consulting services contract with the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association for the police chief search.
Councilman Thomas McCargo was absent.
The borough, months prior, hired retired Edgeworth police Chief John English as a police management consultant to handle department administrative duties while the search for Harrison’s replacement is underway.
Mayor George Magovern, councilman Michael Bollinger and council president John Means are on the hiring committee and will ultimately make a recommendation to the full council once the screening process is complete, the borough manager said.
The new chief may be appointed in August. There are four full-time and four part-time officers in the department.
Library 250 events
Communities across the nation will commemorate the semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As part of this historic milestone, Sewickley Public Library will host a series of programs and events throughout the summer exploring America’s history, culture and stories. Registration is required for each event.
Upcoming America 250 events include:
July 30, 7-9 p.m.
Civilian Stories of Gettysburg
Historian Evan Portman will examine the experiences of Gettysburg’s civilians during the Civil War, highlighting how local residents played an important role in shaping the battle’s lasting legacy.
Aug. 10-16
Summer Scavenger Hunt — America 250 Edition
Teams of all ages are invited to explore the Sewickley area through history-themed puzzles, challenges and missions during the fifth annual Summer Scavenger Hunt – America 250 Edition, with prizes awarded to the top teams and participants completing 100 missions.
Aug. 10, 7-8 p.m.
Patriotic Cake Party
Celebrate America 250 at this festive outdoor cake party, where community members share homemade patriotic-inspired desserts and an evening of sweet summer fun on the Broadside Terrace.
Sewickley Sundae 5K
The Sewickley Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual Sewickley Sundae 5K is set for 10 a.m. July 26. Sewickley Runners Club has taken the helm as the race organizer. The event features a welcoming course through Sewickley, a family-focused atmosphere, Scoops Ice Cream at the finish and the always-popular foam finish supported by Cochran Hose Company.
For more information or to register, visit runsignup.com.
Memorial dedication
Leet officials will host a dedication ceremony for the township’s new war memorial at 10 a.m. July 25 at 194 Ambridge Ave.
Activities include a presentation of colors, an invocation, wreath-laying, and the playing of taps and the national anthem. Light refreshments will be served.
Email dadipietro@leettwp.org for more information.
Fern Hollow Nature Center
Fern Hollow Nature Center’s final Free Bird Walk this summer will take place on July 18. The family-friendly hike will be led by Cassandra Ziegler, a Ph.D student in Pittsburgh, studying birds and their ecology.
Register today to explore the birds of the Wildflower Meadow on the grounds of the Nature Center on Glen Mitchell Road. Space is limited. Check fhnc.org for more information.
Fern Hollow Nature Center’s upcoming summer session of Nature and Nurture Hikes is a series of guided, child-led walks designed for children up to age 5 and their caretakers.
The hikes will take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on July 27 and Aug. 24 across various Sewickley parks.
Environmental educator Kara O’Neill will lead the small groups over easy-to-moderate terrain and tailor the pace to those participating. Each session will conclude with a dedicated story time and craft-making activity.
All participating children must be accompanied by an adult.
Firefly Fun Night will take place on July 31 at the Ohio Township Nature Center from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Kids in grades K through 5 will learn all about the fascinating world of Pennsylvania’s state insect, the firefly, how and why they glow, their unique life cycle and the important part they play in nature. A make-and-take craft and free-exploration time are also included in the registration fee.
Additionally, several family-friendly programs this summer are scheduled in Fern Hollow’s community garden on Glen Mitchell Road. A Family Gardening Workshop will take place on Aug. 1, and is designed to help families collaborate on seasonal planting projects.
Registration and details at fhnc.org.
Call 412-741-5448 for more information.
AUP invites singles 50 and older to join
The Association of University People invites singles 55 and older, who are four-year college graduates, to join them for activities and to meet new people.
Activities to name a few are happy hour, brunches, lunches, dinners, meet-ups at music venues, a nontraditional book group, day trips and Scrabble.
Those interested can attend three activities as guests before joining.
To obtain more information about AUP, the activities or become an AUP member, email AUPSingles@gmail.com.
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden gala
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden invites the community to celebrate the beauty and ecological significance of native plants at the Garden’s annual gala, Blossom: Gone Native on July 23.
Immersed in the stunning native landscape, Blossom: Gone Native offers guests an inspiring evening celebration of the flora and fauna that make this region special. The evening will be complete with exceptional dining, live entertainment, engaging opportunities to learn about native plants’ vital role in the ecosystem and a first look at the brand-new Ravine Garden & Overlook.
As Pittsburgh Botanic Garden continues its mission to inspire people to value plants, garden design, and the natural world, this year’s theme highlights the importance of restoring and protecting native landscapes throughout the Allegheny Plateau region.
Proceeds from Blossom: Gone Native support ongoing conservation projects, including large-scale acid mine drainage mitigation, enhanced education programs for youth and adult audiences, and advancing environmental stewardship initiatives by cultivating native plant collections.
To reserve tickets or inquire about sponsorship opportunities for Blossom: Gone Native, call 412-444-4464 ext. 223 or visit pittsburghbotanicgarden.org/blossom2026.
To have your event or information listed in our briefs section, email Katie Green at kgreen@triblive.com.