The Bridge 2/12

Feb. 12, 2026

THE BRIDGE IS A SPACE FOR PEOPLE IN BEAVER COUNTY TO FEEL HOPEFUL AND SEEN AND NOT ALONE; WHERE WE BECOME ACTIVE TOGETHER AND WORK TO DISMANTLE THE HARMFUL THINGS WE’VE HISTORICALLY SAID ABOUT OURSELVES.

Welcome to the first of two February editions of The Bridge.

Here, you'll find resources, opportunities and reflections from The Bridge's

staff. The intent of this first edition is to provide a space for connection, conversation and, perhaps, a fresh perspective on a familiar topic.

Be on the look-out for a second edition this month on February 26!

Dani Brown, head editor of The Bridge, recently finished "Parable of the Sower" by Octavia E. Butler.

"Parable of the Sower" is a dystopian story of a young Black woman trying to stay alive in a brutal, lawless post-apocalyptic America.

Dani appreciated how amid the insurmountable chaos and destruction, within each character there was a desperate need for community.

Daniel Rossi-Keen, RiverWise's executive director, is reading "Culpability" by Bruce Holsinger.

"Culpability" follows a family whose self-driving minivan is involved in a fatal crash and explores the messy question of who's really at fault.

Daniel appreciates the discussion of how technology is reshaping everyday family life, how secrets and guilt can tear people apart and how wealth and privilege shape who faces consequences and who doesn't.

Support small bookstores by purchasing this book via Bookshop.org (or your local bookstore!) or support your local library.

Instagram account Black Liturgies is a project of Cole Arthur Riley, a writer and poet.

Based on her New York Times bestselling book "Black Liturgies," her Instagram account with the same name is a space that intertwines spiritual practice and Black literature.

Christopher Padgett, creative and storytelling editor of The Bridge, watched "Cover-Up" on Netflix.

Chris appreciates the work of Director Laura Poitras and how the documentary is a portrait of a journalist, of journalism and also a sober reflection of a narrative that belongs to America but that we are reluctant to claim.

Intro to Nature Journaling on Thursday, Feb. 19, 7–8 p.m., online.

Join Reforest Our Future for their first ever webinar about nature journaling.

According to the nonprofit, "Nature journaling is all about being present with nature, recording your personal and scientific observations, connecting with the natural world, and letting your creativity run wild." Register here.

Black History Month Celebration Community Service on Sunday, Feb. 22, 3 p.m. at Tried Stone Missionary Baptist Church, 505 Washington St., Aliquippa.

Expect spoken word, dance, a community choir and more.

An Afternoon of Art, Black History and Conversation with Catherine Tyson Ameen on Saturday, Feb. 28, 12–3 p.m. at the Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls, 1301 7th Ave., Beaver Falls.

Catherine Tyson Ameen is a distinguished artist of more than 60 years. During the event, attendees will create their own interpretive water color art as Ameen shares Black history.

Chilly Willy Cheesesteaks on 1322 7th Ave., Beaver Falls, offers authentic Philly cheesesteaks and water ice. Everything in-store comes straight out of Philly, their Facebook page reads, including their Amorosos Italian rolls.

Dani's order: The Big Ben and a Diet Coke.

Uncommon Grounds Cafe, 380 Franklin Ave., Aliquippa, is a cafe and ministry that offers a variety of foods, excellent coffee and a safe space for anyone who needs it.

Chris' order: Whatever is today's special, a good conversation and — always — a hot coffee with cream.

The history of Black History Month, one hundred years in

Code Switch by NPR

This podcast episode features an interview with historian Jarvis Givens about his new book, "I'll Make Me a World: The 100-Year Journey of Black History Month," and how studying and preserving Black history has changed over the years.

"Long Way Down"

By Jason Reynolds

This audiobook is written and read by New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds. This verse-style story takes place in sixty potent seconds—the time it takes a kid to decide whether or not he’s going to murder the guy who killed his brother.

The Women's Center of Beaver County has services for all victims and survivors of domestic violence and their loved ones. Please call the 24 hour helpline for assistance at 724-775-0131.

Warming/Cooling Centers in Beaver County (according to the United Way of Beaver County, 724-774-3210)

Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. (unless noted otherwise) when the temperature is below 32 degrees or higher than 90 degrees.

• The Cornerstone of Beaver County, 600 6th St., Beaver Falls
• New Brighton Municipal Building, 610 Third Ave., New Brighton
• Uncommon Grounds Cafe, 380 Franklin Ave., Aliquippa
• YMCA Beaver County, 2236 3rd Ave., New Brighton (Monday to Friday 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 12 to 5 p.m.)

Housing Assistance:

• Housing Authority of Beaver County, 724-775-1220
• The Cornerstone of Beaver County, 724-846-6400
• The Salvation Army: Aliquippa 724-891-3605, Beaver Falls 724-846-2330 and Rochester 724-774-8335

Mental Health Services:

In crisis: Call or text 988 or text TALK to 741741

Beaver County 24/7 Crisis Hotline: Call 724-371-8060 or 1-800-400-6180

Beaver County System of Care:

Beaver County Behavioral Health can help with access to mental health, drug and alcohol, intellectual disability and autism services in our community. Call 724-891-2827 for additional information or to schedule a free assessment.

Food Banks: The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank partners with countless food banks throughout the greater Pittsburgh region, including Beaver County. Click here for a list of 2026 distribution locations and dates.

Soup Kitchens: Click here for a list of free meals in Beaver County in 2025. The list is also available on the Beaver County HMIS website.