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 March 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 March 26!
In this video, editor Dani Brown offers six ways to think about several of the 2026 Oscar nominated films. This video is not an exhaustive list, and it also doesn't mention every nominee. However, we hope it starts a conversation about the power of film and storytelling.
Watch the video here and let us know what you think of this year's films!
The Academy Awards ("Oscars") are Sunday, March 15 at 7 p.m.
Spring is not just a season—
It is a cathedral door,
Flung open, golden-lit,
Summoning you from
Winter's deep embrace,
Whispering tenderly:
"Bloom once more."
–Emily Rose Hinz, @emily_hinz on Instagram
Photo from Unsplash
Christopher Padgett, creative and storytelling editor of The Bridge, is reading "Loose of Earth," a memoir by Kathleen Dorothy Blackburn.
"Loose the Earth" is a book about Blackburn's experience growing up in a fundamentalist evangelical family and how her family chose prayer over conventional medicine as her father battled cancer, likely caused by the devastating impact of PFAs "forever chemicals."
Chris appreciates how Blackburn uses a journalistic style while telling her family story, all the while balancing it with grace, helplessness, humor, love and grief.
Daniel Rossi-Keen, RiverWise's executive director, is reading "Beyond Steel" by his friend and colleague Chris Briem, a regional economist at the University of Pittsburgh's University Center for Urban and Social Research.
"Beyond Steel" follows the complex history of southwestern PA's relationship with the steel industry, carefully explaining how the region's longstanding commitment to this mythic past often makes it hard to envision a different kind of future.
Daniel appreciates how Briem offers a fascinating analysis of the region's past and future, helping to point SWPA toward a more diversified and sustainable vision for the 21st century and beyond.
Support small bookstores by purchasing this book via Bookshop.org (or your local bookstore!) or support your local library.
Be My Neighbor Week from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 18 to 21 at Neighborhood North Museum of Play, 716 14th St., Beaver Falls.
In celebration of Fred Roger's birthday, explore the theme of kindness through art and activites at the museum.
Register here.
Public information meeting about a proposed air permit for the Shell plastic plant on Thursday, March 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Penn State Beaver's Auditorium, 100 University Drive, Monaca. Sign up here.
Social Salon: AI + Ale from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25 at the Bello at the B-HIVE, 1317 7th Ave., Beaver Falls.
Hear panelists in mental, health, education, environmental advocacy, art and marketing discuss the impact of AI. Register here.
Her Half of History is a podcast about extraordinary women in history, including queens, slaves, spies, scientists, artists, wives, mothers and more. Listen to this first free episode for the month of March here.
McMahon, also known as "Sharon Says So" on Instagram, features 12 heroes of American history who you might not find in traditional history books. Listen here.
Big audiobook listener? Listen to this for free via the Libby app (with a Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh library card). CloudLibrary offers audiobooks with a Beaver County library card. Or, instead of paying for a monthly subscription to Amazon-owned Audible, consider supporting small bookstores by getting a subscription to Libro.fm. Like Bookshop.org, Libro.fm supports a small bookstore of your choice.
Five Stars Honduras Restaurant offers an authentic sampling of Central American cuisine. Stop by: 809 5th Ave., Coraopolis.
Chris' order: Pollo Con Tajadas, an Empanada and a Horchata.
Photo from Facebook
Merchant Coffee Company is a coffee shop and cafe in the heart of Ambridge. Stop by: 922 Merchant St., Ambridge.
Dani's order: A large cold brew with oat milk.
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.
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 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.
Nominations are open for Outstanding Women in Beaver County!
Nominees will be featured in our March 26 edition, which will celebrate Women's History Month. To nominate an incredible woman you know and admire, fill out the Google Form here.
Or, email [email protected].
Dani Brown
Dani Brown is the editor-in-chief of The Bridge and also works as RiverWise's Director of Strategic Communication. She's an award-winning journalist and former reporter for the Beaver County Times and USA Today Network.
Beaver Falls, Pa