The Stroller, April 19, 2022: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley

Publicize your community events, fundraisers and club meetings for free in The Stroller. Send information at least a week in advance to vndnews@triblive.com. Please include a daytime telephone number.

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Alle-Kiski Sports Hall of Fame tickets on sale

Alle-Kiski Valley Sports Hall of Fame will have its 51st induction banquet at 7 p.m. May 21 at the Quality Inn, Tarentum Bridge Road, New Kensington.

This year’s inductees are Chris Como, Jeff Cortileso, Harry Crytzer, Robert Foster, Dianne Haney, Frank Phelps, Terry Preece, Lizzie Suwala Sheaffer, Bobby White and Rich Kriston, posthumously.

Tickets are $30 each and may be purchased by contacting Larry Lutz at 724-822-3695, Bill Heasley at 724-882-3079 or Fred Soilis at 412-736-1809.

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Salvation Army free lunch distribution offered Thursday

The Allegheny Valley Salvation Army and Community Center in Brackenridge offers free grab and go lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays in parking lot at the center, 917 Brackenridge Ave.

Free grocery items from Walmart and Aldi will be available. Everyone is welcome.

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‘Once Upon a Mattress’ auditions set April 30

Armstrong Community Theater will conduct auditions for its production of, “Once Upon a Mattress” from 9 a.m. to noon April 30 in the theater’s rehearsal space at Worthington Civic Center, 214 E. Main St., Worthington.

The show will run July 22 to 24 at the Casino Theater in Vandergrift. Rehearsals will be Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Civic Center and a third day may be added as needed. Tech week rehearsals July 16 to 21 will be at the Casino Theatre.

Auditions are open to anyone who at least will enter ninth grade in the fall and older. To audition, prepare a short section of song to perform and bring accompaniment on CD or a music-playing device with an aux cord port/ headphone jack. A brief dance will be taught and performed with a small group of others auditioning and you may be asked to read from the script. For details and alternate times, send an instant message to Armstrong Community Theater on Facebook.

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Calendar

Allegheny Township

Thursday: Keystone State Quilters and Sewers will meet at 7 p.m. at the Allegheny Township Municipal Building, 136 Community Building Road. Members sew items for family and friends as well as veterans, nursing homes, UPMC Children’s Hospital and cancer patients. Sewing sessions are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the second and fourth Saturdays and Sundays of each month. Details: Pat, 724-733-7682, or Maryellen, 412-952-0570.

Allegheny Valley

Wednesday: The All Virtual chapter of the Women’s Business Network will meet at 7:30 p.m. online at Zoom.us. Those attending can learn how the group supports the success and growth of women in business. Reservations required. Reservations and sign on information: Jennifer Pasquale, 412-908-1663.

Apollo

Wednesday: Apollo Hose Co. No. 2 will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Details: 724-478-4831.

Bethel

Wednesday: The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will offer a workshop to make your own succulent dish garden at 6 p.m. at the center, 142 Kerr Road. Cost: $30, includes all materials, light snacks and beverages. Reservations required. Reservations by credit card: City Grows, 412-235-7721.

Saturday: The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will offer a hands-on program for families with children who are at least 7 years old, “Leap Into Herpetology,” at 11 a.m. at the center, 142 Kerr Road. Naturalist April Claus will discuss the reptiles and amphibians of Pennsylvania. Donations will be accepted. Reservations required. Reservations: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

Brackenridge

Wednesday: Al-Anon will meet at 8 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 847 10th Ave. The group offers help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics.

Thursday: Bingo will begin at 7:15 p.m. at the American Legion, 845 First Ave.

Buffalo Township 

April 28: Zion United Methodist Church will host a community blood drive from 1 to 7 p.m. in the church Family Life Center, 438 Bear Creek Road. Appointments recommended. Bring ID. Appointments: 412-209-7000 or visit donateblood.centralbloodbank.org and click on the Schedule Now or New Donor buttons. Search for group code C664.

Cadogan

Saturday: Cadogan Centennial Committee will host a pulled pork sandwich dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. in the township hall, 333 First Ave. Menu: pulled pork sandwich, scalloped potatoes, coleslaw and dessert, $12. Reservations required by Wednesday. Reservations: David, 724-902-7287 or Jeanne, 724-902-7156.

Freeport

Wednesday: The Thrift Store Clothing Ministry at Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St., will be open from noon to 3 p.m. Cash only. Donations of spring and summer clothing, shoes, bedding and purses welcome. Donations must be laundered and free from pet hair. Details: 724-295-3095.

April 25: St. Mary, Mother of God Church will host a card party and game board social from 6:30 to 10 p.m. in the church fellowship hall, 610 High St. Cost: $10, includes salad buffet, refreshments and door/table prizes. There will be a 50/50 raffle. Men are welcome to bring their poker friends. Reservations and details: Carol, 724-316-1204.

Gilpin

Thursday: Gilpin Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo at 7:15 p.m. at the firehall, 113 Firehall Road.

Harrison

Today: The 50 Book Challenge group at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will meet at 6 p.m. in the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd., Natrona Heights. Share your reads, swap book recommendations and socialize with fellow readers. No reservations required. New members welcome.

Today: The Who Knew? program at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will present, “Remembering Stores Gone – Isaly’s” at 6 p.m. online at Zoom.us. Author Brian Butko will be the speaker. In-person attendance is sold out. Reservations required. Reservations: call 724-226-3491 or visit the tab at alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Wednesday: The Agape Thrift Shop at Grace United Methodist Church, 1333 Freeport Road, will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Masks required. Clean spring and summer clothing in all sizes is needed. Bring donations on Wednesday or leave them on the front porch. Do not place donations in the blue bins behind the church.

Wednesday: Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Food Bank will be open to anyone in need from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights. Pull into the center parking lot and food will be placed into your vehicle. Those who are not yet registered should come from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Thursday: The PriorityCare program of Allegheny Valley Hospital will host a free seminar, “The Importance of Colorectal Screening: A Surgeon’s View,” at 6 p.m. in the Charles W. Young Conference Center at the hospital, 1301 Carlisle St., Natrona Heights. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-7339.

May 21: Harrison Township Recreation board is seeking owners of commercial and non-commercial vehicles to participate in its third annual touch-a-truck event planned at Highlands High School, Natrona Heights. Details: Natalie Cale, 724-448-6588 or nmcajka@yahoo.com.

Leechburg

Thursday: A New Path Al-Anon Family Group, a free, confidential program for anyone whose life has been affected by someone else’s drinking, will meet at 7 p.m. in First United Methodist Church, 251 Main St. Face masks and social distancing required.

Thursday: The free genealogy group at Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the museum, 118 First St. Basic computer skills and face masks required. Ancestry.com and Newspaper.com are available. Details: Judy, 724-681-9154.

April 30: A paint night to benefit veterans’ charity Five Forces will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at Leechburg Volunteer Firehall, 268 Canal St. Cost: 4-foot welcome sign, $45; or a noodle board, $65, all supplies provided. BYO drinks. Must be at least 21. Reservations required. Reservations: Jodie, 412-216-9511 or Mandy, 724-882-9852.

May 7: Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company is accepting vendor applications for an outdoor craft show. Cost: $25 for a 12 x 12-foot space. No electricity available. Bring your own table, chairs and tent. Details: Melissa, 724-332-9090.

Lower Burrell

May 5: VCA Valley Veterinary Hospital, 853 Falcon Park Road, Lower Burrell, will host a Vitalant blood drive – for humans – from 2 to 6 p.m. at the hospital. The blood mobile will be on site. Appointments are recommended. Appointments: 412-209-7000 or visit Vitalant.org and use group code P915.

New Kensington

Thursday: The Secular Organization for Sobriety/Save Our Selves (SOS) a support group for people recovering from alcohol and drug abuse, will meet a 7 p.m. at Lost Dreams Awakening Recovery Community Center, 408 Eighth St. Details: 724-556-0737.

Thursday: Heritage Hospice will host a free Grief Support group for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the center, 2400 Leechburg Road, building 300. The group meets the third Thursday of each month. Details: Amber, 724-334-6600 or amberhusar@heritagehospicepa.com

Thursday: New Kensington Eagles Auxiliary Bingo will be at 7 p.m. at the aerie, 2134 Freeport Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open. Public welcome. Details: 724-448-7403.

Thursday: Knead Community Café in New Kensington will hand out free grab-and-go meals from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the café, 1011 Barnes St. This week’s meals are donated by Matthew Mazonkey. Details: 878-847-7997.

Friday: Valley Points YMCA will host a Girls’ Night Out for girls in first through sixth grade from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. at the YMCA, 800 Constitution Blvd. There will be dancing, crafts, games, swimming and pizza. Cost: $15 per child; $5 for each additional sibling. Reservations are required by noon Monday and are limited to 25 children. Reservations: vpfymca.org or stop in at the YMCA.

May 14: Vendor applications are being accepted by Knead Community Café for an outdoor Mother Nature’s Garden Market at the café. Items must be natural of plant-based products or garden related. No hot food vendors. Rain or shine. Details and applications: kneadcommunitycafe.org/vendorapplication.

April 29: Valley Points YMCA will host a Boys’ Night Out for boys in first through sixth grade from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. at the YMCA, 800 Constitution Blvd. There will be dodgeball, basketball, swimming and pizza. Cost: $15 per child; $5 for each additional sibling. Reservations are required by noon April 29 and are limited to 20 children. Reservations: vpfymca.org or stop in at the YMCA.

North Apollo

May 21: North Apollo Volunteer Fire Department is accepting vendor applications for a crafter, vendor and food truck event planned at the firehall, 311 16^th St. Applications: kingal0103@gmail.com or rachelann1975@yahoo.com.

Oakmont

Saturday: Riverside Women’s Association is accepting donations for its annual yard sale. Donations can be dropped off on the porch at 1244 Pennsylvania Ave, Oakmont. Details: Riversidewomensassociation.org.

Oklahoma Borough

Saturday: A Family Feud Game Night will be at Oklahoma School House Hall, 171 Thorn St. Doors open at 6 p.m. The game show host will be Patrick Fisher. Cash prizes. Cost: $20, includes refreshments, food and entry into feud play. Must be at least 21. Tickets and reservations for tables for eight or more: 724-596-7293. Sponsored by North Apollo and Oklahoma volunteer fire departments.

Parks

Thursday: Parks Township Sportsman Club Association will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the club, 1111 Shipman Road. New members welcome.

Plum 

Wednesday: Plum Community Library will offer a spring craft workshop for adults at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 445 Center New Texas Road. Make a mini ceramic watering can planter. Reservations required. Reservations: plumlibrary.org.

Saxonburg

Thursday: A free program about how to avoid student loan debt will be presented at 7 p.m. in Centennial Hall at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 110 State St. Details: 724-352-2333.

Springdale  

Wednesday: Springdale Free Public Library will offer a free craft workshop to make a butterfly wreath at 1 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Thursday: The adult Scrapbooking Club at Springdale Free Public Library will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. Details: 724-274-9729.

Saturday: Springdale Free Public Library will offer a free class on how to use a Cricut machine at noon at the library, 331 School St. Bring your own t-shirt or bag. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

April 25: The Geraldine Yanni Science program at Springdale Free Public Library will meet at 6 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. There will be the year-end party. Children in third and fourth grades welcome. Space is limited. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

April 26: The Tuesday Night Book Club at Springdale Free Public Library will meet at 6:30 p.m. The selection will be, “The Woman They Could Not Silence,” by Kate Moore. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum

Today: The CPUser Group computer and technology club will meet at 7:30 p.m. online at Zoom.us. The main presentation will be, “Your Digital Legacy,” by Joe Kissell. A will takes care of your physical possessions, but what about your digital life? Anyone with an interest in computers and technology is welcome. Details and guest registration: cpusergroup@hotmail.com.

Today: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St. An opportunity for silent prayer will be at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday: The Elks will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the lodge, 219 E. Sixth Ave. The kitchen is open to the public from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Menu: elks644.org/elks-kitchen-1. Orders: 724-226-1644 by 8:15 p.m.

Thursday: The free diaper bank at Highlands Family Center, 415 E. Fourth Ave., will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. One distribution per child per month is available. Details: 724-224-9006.

Vandergrift

Today: The YoYos Needles Art group at Vandergrift Public Library will meet from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the library reading room, 128C. Washington Ave. Please note the new date and time. All skill levels welcome. No reservations required. Details: 724-568-2212.

Today: Vandergrift Public Library will host a Board Game Night for students who are in at least fourth grade from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the library. 128C Washington Ave. Play one of the library’s games or bring your own. Snacks will be served. No reservations required. Details: 724-568-2212.

Thursday: Kiski Valley Democrats will meet at Wooden Door Winery, 101 Custer Ave. A social hour will begin at 6 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 7. Food and beverages will be available. All Democrats welcome.

April 27: Vandergrift Public Library will host a meet-up for home-schooled students at 12:30 p.m. at the library, 128C Washington Ave. The project will be, “Make Your Own Magnetic Slime.” Reservations required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.

April 28: A workshop to make a 15-inch welcome sign will be at 6 p.m. at Vandergrift Public Library, 128C Washington Ave. Cost: $40, or $45 for with a custom last name. Paid reservations required today. Reservations: 724-568-2212.

Washington Township

Wednesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 6 p.m. at Union Presbyterian Church, 656 Route 380. No reservations required.

Through May 2: A fishing area for children 10 and younger is available on Pine Run in Kunkle Park. Sponsored by the Washington-Bell Lions Club. Thanks to Black Leggs Trout Nursery for supplying the fish and Eagle Scout Jared Burk and other volunteers. Details: 724-727-3515.

May 1: Tickets are on sale for a super bingo at Washington Township Volunteer Fire Company, 4078 Route 66. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and bingo starts at 2 p.m. There will be 24 games with winnings totaling $6,000. Cost: $35 in advance; $40 at the door, includes one card. The kitchen will be open and there will be instant tickets and a 50/50 raffle. Reserved seating available for parties of 6 or more. Tickets: Washington-township-vol-fire-company.square.site. Details: washtwpVFCBingo@gmail.com.

West Deer

May 7: East Union Presbyterian Church is seeking craft vendors for a craft show at the church, 292 East Union Road. Details: Mary Lynn, 412-767-5750.

West Leechburg

April 28: Rep. Jason Silvis will host a seminar on Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws and the Castle Doctrine from 6 to 8 p.m. at West Leechburg Fire Hall, 1116 Gosser St. Representatives from Firearm Owners Against Crime, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Office and local and state police will speak and answer questions. The County Sheriff’s Department will issue concealed carry permits. Applicants must be a resident of Westmoreland County and have a valid Pa. driver’s license. Permit cost is $20, cash or check.