Sewickley Civic Garden Council fundraiser
The Sewickley Civic Garden Council invites the community to support its mission while enjoying an evening that connects gardening, creativity and good company. “From Garden to Glass: The Crafting of Herbal Cocktail Mixers” will take place on April 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Edgeworth Club.
The event will feature Steve Zyck, founder of Wood Stove Kitchen, a New Hampshire-based company known for its small-batch botanical cocktail and beverage mixers. Zyck’s journey into the world of flavors began not in a bar or restaurant, but in his home kitchen tucked away in the New Hampshire woods — and with a love of mulled wine.
After more than a decade working with international aid organizations in countries including Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen, Zyck spent time in Austria and Germany, where he fell in love with the fragrant, spiced wines of winter markets. Back home, he began experimenting, creating a mulled wine mix with oranges, cranberries, cloves and cinnamon, followed by a hot toddy blend of honey, ginger, lemon and warm spices. Those early experiments sparked a new chapter and the launch of Wood Stove Kitchen nearly six years ago.
Today, the company produces concentrated, small-batch mixers sweetened with New Hampshire clover honey and made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Flavors such as Blackberry & Sage, Blueberry & Lavender, and Grapefruit & Rosemary are designed to pair beautifully with spirits, wine, or sparkling water — or to stand on their own as nonalcoholic drinks. Zyck’s original mulling syrup and soothing hot toddy mix remain among the company’s offerings.
At the April 16 fundraiser, Zyck will share his story and discuss how botanical ingredients move “from garden to glass,” while guests sample a selection of his mixers and enjoy appetizers in a relaxed, social setting.
Tickets are $135 per person. Admission includes appetizers, two drink tickets, and an evening of conversation and camaraderie. Tickets are available online at sewickleygardens.com.
Funds raised will support SCGC’s ongoing beautification projects, partnerships with local organizations, and educational programs — helping ensure that Sewickley’s public spaces continue to flourish for generations to come.
Senior Social
Sewickley Valley YMCA will host a senior social from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 26 at 625 Blackburn Road.
The free program is open to everyone ages 60 and older. You do not need to be a member to participate. It is designed to connect people with one another and highlight what the YMCA has to offer.
The event takes place every other Thursday and features a different activity including luncheons, picnics and outdoor gatherings.
More information is available at sewickleyymca.org.
Get crafty
Sewickley Public Library will host crafty Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to noon March 21 at 500 Thorn St.
The free family arts and crafts program is designed for children in preschool through second grade with their caregivers.
No registration is required. Materials will be provided.
More information is available at sewickleylibrary.org.
Want to learn bridge or need a refresher?
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to play bridge, one of the world’s most popular card games, now is your chance.
Beginning Bridge lessons will be offered for seven consecutive Tuesdays, starting March 31, at the Sewickley YMCA.
The lessons will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The cost is $75 per person and includes a textbook, handouts and at-table game playing assistance.
The lessons are aimed for people 16 and older, new players and/or players who are returning to the game and need a refresher.
Bill Holt, a Diamond Life Master, teaches the basic concepts and joy of bridge, which is the perfect way to learn. It is team-taught by the Pittsburgh Bridge Association. Come solo or bring a friend — no partner is needed. This is a great way to keep your mind sharp and meet new friends.
To register, visit sewickleyymca.org/bridge.
Transportation plan discussion
Leetsdale will host a community meeting to discuss an active transportation plan at 6 p.m. March 23 at the borough building, 373 Beaver St.
It is open to anyone who lives, visits or passes through the borough. Officials hope to get feedback on how to make Leetsdale more walkable, accessible and safe.
The borough received a grant from the state Department of Health via the WalkWorks program to develop the plan. It is being created by consultants at Pashek MTR and projected to be done in June.
Registration for the community meeting is recommended but not required.
Call 724-266-4820 for more information.
Pancake breakfast fundraiser
The Leetsdale 4th of July committee is hosting a pancake breakfast fundraiser from 9 a.m.-noon April 4 at in the community room in the borough building, 373 Beaver St. The menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage and a beverage. Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children under 10. Takeout is available. Immediately following the breakfast, there will be an Easter egg hunt in Henle Park. For more information, contact lbakerseymour@gmail.com or szahner1@yahoo.com.
SMC Club
The SMC Club, an affiliate of the Sewickley Valley YMCA, will hostStephen Cropper, chief meteorologist for WPXI-11 TV, on March 20. He will discuss Pittsburgh’s weather patterns.
The club meets Friday mornings year-round, except Fridays preceding national holidays, at the Sewickley Valley YMCA, 625 Blackburn Road.
Coffee, doughnuts and socialization starts at 9 a.m., followed by the meeting at 10 a.m.
For details, visit smensclub.org or Facebook.com/smensclub.
Light Up Night date
Sewickley council selected Dec. 4 as the borough’s Light Up Night.
More information will be released closer to the event.
Easter Egg Hunt
Leetsdale will host its Easter Egg Hunt from 2 to 4 p.m. April 4 in Henle Park.Children should bring a basket or bag.
Sweetwater summer camps
Registration is open for summer camp at Sweetwater Center for the arts, which now have flexible scheduling designed to support families all summer.
Community feedback showed the need to expand the camps all day through the summer. Expect children of all ages to explore their artistic side, meet new friends and be surrounded by creativity.
Camp options include:
• Early Childhood Camps (ages 4-6): 9 a.m.-noon. Imaginative, hands-on mornings filled with artmaking, clay and culinary exploration in a nurturing age-appropriate environment.
• Children’s All-Day Camps (ages 7-11): 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Gives kids more time to create, connect and dive deeper into their artistic interests— and families the flexibility of an all-day program.
• Teen Camps (ages 12-15): 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Offers skill-building and creative growth just for teens; select programs are offered as a full-day experience.
Class registration is open, and camps fill up fast.
For more information or to register, visit sweetwaterartcenter.org.
Outing with the Easter Bunny
The Big Sewickley Creek Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary is hosting Cookies and Carrots with the Easter Bunny from 1 to 3 p.m. March 28 at 1850 Big Sewickley Creek Road.
There will be an Easter egg hunt, crafts, raffles and photos. The event is designed for children 10 and younger with their caregiver. The cost is $5 per child.
Check-in will start at 1 p.m., followed by the egg hunt at 1:30.
Please bring your own basket or bag to collect the eggs.
For details, visit bellacresborough.org.
State police academy applications open
The Pennsylvania State Police is accepting applications for its 2026 Law and Leadership Academy — Southwest Location. The application period runs through May 1.
The free program is designed for residents or students in Southwest Pennsylvania, 18 and older, who have a high school diploma or GED and are seeking a career in law enforcement. Modeled after professional police academies, the curriculum includes instruction on criminal investigations, traffic laws and police resources, alongside paramilitary training in physical fitness, swimming and marching.
The academy runs from May 11 through Aug. 5. Classes are held:
• Mondays: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Saturdays: Two dates (tentative)
The program aims to foster self-discipline and teamwork while giving participants a firsthand look at the cadet experience.
Interested applicants can obtain an application by contacting the Southwest program coordinator, Trooper Tristan T. Fay, at tfay@pa.gov or by visiting patrooper.com. More information is available on the Pennsylvania State Police website at pa.gov/agencies/psp.
Local author to discuss latest novel
The Penguin Bookshop will present an evening with Sewickley author Marie Benedict to celebrate the launch of her new novel, “Daughter of Egypt,” at 7 p.m. March 21 at The Lindsay Theater, 418 Walnut St., Sewickley.
In “Daughter of Egypt,” Benedict transports readers from the glamour and turbulence of 1920s Britain and Cairo to the sands and lush shores of ancient Egypt as she weaves a story of a young woman who unearths the truth about a forgotten pharaoh, rewriting both of their legacies forever.
Benedict, a New York Times bestselling author, will discuss her latest book and her research process. The talk should last about an hour and will conclude with a question-and-answer session from the audience.
Individual tickets are $35.07 each or $46.49 for a couple’s ticket good for two admissions; both ticket prices include the EventBrite fee and sales tax. Tickets include a signed copy of “Daughter of Egypt,” which will be available for pickup at check-in 30 minutes before the event.
Advance registration is required through EventBrite at tinyurl.com/53fa92vv.
Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sewickley Academy offering summer programs
Registration is open for Sewickley Academy’s summer programs.
A robust variety of enriching and impactful programs in academics, athletics, technology, and visual and performing arts are available. The programs, operating the week of June 8 through the week of July 27, are led by faculty members and partner organizations.
Half- and full-day options are available.
To register and learn more, visit sewickley.org/summer.
Slow Tech Film Series offers free screening
The Slow Tech Film Series, being held at The Lindsay Theater, features free screenings focused on technology and its impact on young people.
Next up is “Can’t Look Away” at 7 p.m. April 13 (13 and older). “Can’t Look Away” will include a Q&A with a mental health professional.
Kindergarten registration open
Quaker Valley School District kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year is open.
District policy states a child should be 5 by Sept. 1 to enroll in kindergarten.
Families of children who will be 5 by Oct. 1 should read the district’s policy for early admission.
In addition to proofs of residency and age, the Department of Health requires up-to-date immunization records to be submitted. More information is available at qvsd.org.
BROADcast Concert Series is free, open to public
The BROADcast Concert Series returns this spring with concerts at Sewickley United Methodist Church.
Proceeds from the concert benefit the restoration and preservation of the church’s historic 1909 Möller pipe organ.
Performances include Michael Griska, sitar, and Ashish Sinha, tabla, performing Traditional Music of India at 7:30 p.m. March 14 and the Academy String Quartet presenting Domestic and Imported Lyricism at 7:30 p.m. April 13.
All concerts are free and open to the public.
Visit www.cwmfdn.org for details.
Tapas Talks to explore wellness, photography
The Tapas Talks’ 2026 season includes Holistic Health & Wellness: A Functional Medicine Perspective on May 7 and A Photographer’s Journey: From the Gridiron to the Garden on Oct. 22.
Each session is held at Allegheny Country Club and includes an engaging talk, live music, tapas, dessert and complimentary valet parking.
To register, visit tapastalks.com.
Business Connection
Greater Pittsburgh Business Connection, a referral group of business professionals, will meet at Eat N’ Park on Route 60 in Robinson for breakfast from 7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on March 25. Speakers will be Elissa Moore of Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty and Bill Forde of Keller Williams Commercial. To attend, become a member, or, for more information, visit gpbc-pgh.org or call 412-364-6446 ext. 302.
AUP inviting singles 50-plus to join
The Association of University People invites singles 50 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 Group AUPSingles@gmail.com.
Fern Hollow Nature Center offers workshops
Fern Hollow Nature Center, 1901 Glen Mitchell Road in Sewickley, offers a diverse series of adult educational programs led by Naturalist Janel Morrison. The upcoming season promises a blend of hands-on workshops, interactive presentations, and guided outdoor explorations designed to connect the community with the natural world.
As spring arrives, the center will take its education into the field. On April 7, Morrison will team up with Environmental Educator Sam Burke for a “Flora & Fauna Hike” through Sewickley Heights Borough Park. The hike is designed for adults and families to discover how local ecosystems change from the meadows to the woods. The cost is $7 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Registration is required.
The late spring schedule includes two unique workshops:
• May 13: “Crazy Carnivorous Plants,” an exploration of Venus flytraps and pitcher plants, where participants can take home their own specimen.
• June 10: “Rock Gardening & Hypertufa Container Construction,” a creative workshop blending horticulture and design.
Programs are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Some workshops require additional material fees.
For more information or to register, visit fhnc.org/adult-programs.
21st Colosimo golf outing
The 21st annual Anthony Colosimo Memorial Golf Outing is set for June 5 at the Beaver Valley Golf Club, 725 Sixth Ave. in Patterson Heights, Beaver Falls.
The cost is $150 per golfer until June 1. Golfer fees paid after June 1 will increase to $175.
Those wishing to sign up as a foursome must register by June 1.
Registration at the event starts at 8 a.m. Coffee and doughnuts will be served.
A shotgun start is set for 9 a.m. followed by lunch at 2 p.m.
Sponsorship opportunities are available from a $100 tee or green sign to a $1,000 gold package that includes golf and lunch for four.
All proceeds benefit the Quaker Valley Rotary Foundation.
For details, call 724-846-2212.
To have your event or information listed in our briefs section, email Katie Green at kgreen@triblive.com.