The Stroller, April 26, 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.

High school show choirs to combine voices at annual concert

Highlands High School will host the annual Alle-Kiski Show Choir Festival at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the high school auditorium, Harrison.

Show choirs scheduled to participate include Freeport Area, Kiski Area, Springdale and Highlands. All choirs will join together at the end of the concert for the traditional, “One Song” performance. Admission is $5 at the door.

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.

Master Gardeners to distribute free tree seedlings

Penn State Master Gardeners of Armstrong County will give away tree seedlings to celebrate of Arbor Day in a drive-thru from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday while supplies last in the lower parking lot of the Belmont Complex, 415 Butler Road, East Franklin.

One American Redbud (Cercis canadensis) seedling will be given to the first 200 families. An additional 100 seedlings will be available for purchase at $5 each, cash only.

TryLife Center to sponsor Walking for Babies fundraiser

The annual Walking for Babies event that benefits the TryLife Center in Lower Burrell will be held virtually and in person this year.

Participants will gather sponsors and can walk on their own in their neighborhood, track or park or participate at the event planned for 9 a.m. to noon May 21 in Northmoreland Park, Allegheny Township.

Registration fee is $25. Register by May 1 to receive an event t-shirt. To register and for more information, visit event.fundeasy.com/22916.

For questions and pledge forms, email admin@trylife.center.

Calendar

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.

Thursday: The Yarn Good Time needle arts group at Apollo Memorial Library will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. to knit, crochet, embroider or cross stitch. All ages and skill levels welcome. Details: 724-478-4214.

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 

Thursday: 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.

Freeport

Wednesday and Saturday: 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.

Gilpin

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

Harrison

Today: Home Instead of Natrona Heights will sponsor a health and wellness resource event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Natrona Heights Veterans of Foreign Wars, 894 Veterans Drive, Natrona Heights. There will be vendors, free screenings, refreshments and door prizes. Details: 724-831-2737.

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.

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.

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.

Thursday: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will host a Gathering of Authors from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Authors will include Robert Cameron Malcolm IV, C. William Davis, James Turner, Jennifer Naviglia, John Jamison and James R. Smerdell. Authors will discuss their works and answer questions. A basket raffle will benefit the library. Reservations required. Reservations: visit the calendar section at alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Saturday: Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to noon to help clean up the rain garden near Highlands Middle School and the township perennial garden in Natrona Heights. The township will supply gloves, garbage bags and vests. Workers will remove leaves and litter and prune plants.

May 3: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will present a program featuring Mother Goose character Mary Mary Quite Contrary in person at 10 a.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Children age 3 to 5 welcome. Reservations required. Reservations: alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

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.

Jefferson

Thursday: Concordia Lutheran Ministries will present Irish singer Cahal Dunne in concert at 7 p.m. at Haven I, 112 Marwood Road. A free happy hour and tours of the building will be available at 6 p.m. and a reception and meet-and-greet will be afterward. Guests are to enter and park at Entrance 2A for free parking. Reservations required. Reservations: Kassie Walker, 724-352-1571, ext. 8273.

Leechburg

Wednesday: The Open Teen Forum at Leechburg Public Library will be at 4:30 p.m. at the library, 139 Market St. Details: 724-236-0080.

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.

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, 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 recommended. Appointments: 412-209-7000 or visit Vitalant.org and use group code P915.

May 7: Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary are needed to volunteer for the annual Poppy Day collection planned for 9 to 3 p.m. in Arnold, Lower Burrell and New Kensington. A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board at the post, Wildlife Lodge Road.

May 14: The annual Animal Protectors Hearts for Strays spring luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. at Hill Crest Country Club. Doors open at 10 a.m. There will be a basket raffle, door prizes, card games and a 50/50 raffle. Cost: $30. Reservations: jlessig@animalprotectors.net or the events tab at animalprotectors.net.

May 28 to Oct. 8: The Lower Burrell Farmers Market is seeking vendors for the upcoming season. Markets are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at 2800 Bethel St. Setup begins at 8 a.m. Cost: $40 for the season and free electric is available. Merchandise must be home grown, homemade or hand crafted. Vendors must participate the whole season. Details: TimPamKey@yahoo.com.

Manor

May 10: An American Red Cross Blood community blood drive will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Manor Township Volunteer Firehall, 167 Byron St., McGrann. Appointments: 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and search for manortwpvfc.

New Kensington

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 sponsored by an anonymous donor.

Thursdays: 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.

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.

May 17: East Kensington Community Circle is accepting orders for its Election Day beef vegetable soup sale. Cost: $8 per quart. Pickup: May 17 at the Community Circle Building, 1785 Seventh St. Road. Advance orders strongly recommended. Orders: Judy, 724-339-7887.

Saturday: 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 dodge ball, basketball, swimming and pizza. Cost: $15 per child; $5 for each additional sibling. Reservations are required by noon Saturday 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.

South Buffalo

Saturday: Freeport Hockey will sponsor a Night at the Races at South Buffalo Firehall, 100 Firehall Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. and races will begin at 7. Admission: $25, includes dinner; horses, $20 in advance, reserved tables, $10. BYOB. Tickets: FAHBoard@gmail.com.

Springdale  

Today : 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.

Thursday: Lower Valley Community Food Bank will distribute food from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday from the rear entrance of the Springdale borough building. Do not arrive before 12:45 p.m. Anyone in need of food who lives in Springdale, Springdale Township, Cheswick, Harmar and the sections of Indiana Township and West Deer with a zip code of 15024 is welcome. New recipients can register Thursday.

Tarentum

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.

Wednesday : 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.

Mondays: The Chess Club for children in kindergarten through eighth grade at Vandergrift Public Library will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays April 25, and May 2 and 9 at the library, 128C Washington Ave. No experience necessary. Chess boards provided. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.

Thursday: St. Gertrude Church will sell frozen meatballs and spaghetti sauce from 4 to 6 p.m. by curbside pickup at the church social hall, 303 Franklin Ave. Cost: sauce, $7 per quart; meatballs, six for $3. Please enter the driveway near Sandra Lynn’s Dance School and follow the arrows to the social hall door. Items will also be available after the Saturday and Sunday Masses at the church while supplies last.

May 3: Vandergrift Public Library will host a free Mother’s Day garden party at 6 p.m. at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Children who are at least 3 years old can bring their mom, grandma or someone special for a story time and craft. Children will plant a flower for their special adult to take home and paint a stone to place in their garden. Flowers and speaker provided by Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Armstrong County. Reservations required. 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 Sunday 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.

Saturday: The Super Bingo at Washington Township Volunteer Fire Company is sold out.

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

Thursday: 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.