Three Cheers for These Three Anniversary Commemorations

Vincentian, Northland Library, and Edgeworth Bridge Club

By Paula Green

On September 27, Vincentian began a Yearlong Centennial Celebration called A Centennial of Care: An Evening of Hope, Legacy and Light. The event kicked off with a twilight gathering on the grounds of the St. Louise Convent in McCandless, and it celebrated the thousands of lives touched by Vincentian. Over 200 guests participated, and it was the first in a series of events celebrating 100 years of healthcare service to vulnerable community members in need.

“Since 1924, Vincentian has acted boldly to meet the unmet needs of our community,” Vincentian President and CEO Dean Owrey said. “That heritage is alive today and remains the most vivid expression of human compassion. Our centennial marks an opportunity to honor our rich history while impassioning others to carry this remarkable legacy forward in this noble mission to serve future generations.”

Vincentian’s healthcare operations started when the Vincentian Sisters of Charity opened the Vincentian Home for the Incurables on what is now known as simply Vincentian Home along McKnight Road. The Vincentian system has grown to serve thousands of seniors and hundreds of childcare children per year, employing more than 600 people across eight campuses in Allegheny County. For more information, visit www.vcs.org.

Northland Public Library, located at 300 Cumberland Road in McCandless Township, recently celebrated its 55th birthday. “We had a birthday week celebration. As part of the festivities, we had a large card displayed at the library, and we asked the patrons to sign it to help us celebrate,” said Nicholas Yon, Northland Library’s director of Communications.

Northland was founded on October 6, 1968, with its first site being situated on Three Degree Road in Ross Township. After a decade, they found the need to expand, so exactly ten years later, on October 6, 1978, they relocated to their current site. The library serves the Town of McCandless, Ross Township, Marshall Township, the Borough of Franklin Park, and the Borough of Bradford Woods. It is the second-largest library in Allegheny County. Northland Public Library has nearly 200,000 items in its physical collection, including books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, and CDs. The library offers programming for people of all ages and a quiet place to study, read, and learn. For more information on their facility, visit www.northlandlibrary.org/.

The Edgeworth Bridge Club (EBC) will celebrate its 90th Anniversary on Wednesday, November 15, at the Edgeworth Club, 511 East Drive, Sewickley. At the luncheon, EBC will unveil silver trays engraved with the names of club winners dating back to 1933.

The club’s roots extend back nine decades when a group of bridge enthusiasts at the Edgeworth Club formed their club in 1933. They joined the Inter-Club Bridge League, the nation’s longest-running bridge league. “Our attendance is good. We have the largest bridge club turnout in Pittsburgh,” said Denise Dufour, Edgeworth’s club manager and vice president of the bridge club.

“Our sessions are open to the public; anyone can play. There is no cost involved. Folks don’t need to worry about their skill levels. Long-time members help support the new people. Show up and play.” Dufour added.

If you want to improve your game, the Edgeworth Bridge Club offers free lessons through a “Lunch and Learn” series. The lessons provide a variety of bridge skills. Beginner Bridge lessons will start in early 2024. Bridge games are held at 12:15 p.m. every Wednesday at Edgeworth Club. For more information about playing bridge or lessons, contact EdgeworthBridgeClub@gmail.com.