The Stroller, April 28, 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.

St. Joseph HS plans summer camps

St. Joseph High School, Harrison, will offer several summer camps for children at the school. They are:

• Basketball Camp, 10 a.m. to noon June 13 to 17 for children entering grades 1 to 5. Children will be divided by boys and girls in the gym. Reservation deadline: 8 a.m. June 10. Cost: $50.

• Music Camp, 10 a.m. to noon June 27 to July 1 for children who will enter kindergarten through third grade. Cost: $50.

• Art Camp, 10 a.m. to noon June 27 to July 1 for children who will enter fourth through eighth grade. Reservation deadline: 8 a.m. June 24. Cost: $50.

• Material Science Camp, 10 a.m. to noon June 20 to 23 for children who will enter grades 5 through 8. Reservation deadline: 8 a.m. June 17. Cost: $95.

For details and to register, visit SaintJosephHS.com.

Help needed at New Kensington Salvation Army

The New Kensington Salvation Army is looking for a volunteer from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays to be a receptionist at the center, 255 Third St.

Tasks will include answering phones, greeting visitors and some administrative tasks. For information, call Laurie Suprano at 724-335-7221, ext. 106.

Calendar

Apollo

Today: 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.

May 3: Apollo Memorial Library will host a new summer reading book club at 5 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month for readers who are at least 18 years old. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-478-4214 or apollo@armstronglibraries.org.

Arnold

Saturday: Real Life Church, 1826 Freeport Road, will have a family game night at 7 p.m. in the church fellowship hall. Snacks and drinks will be available for a donation.

Brackenridge

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

Buffalo Township 

Today: 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

Saturday: Freeport Area Library, 428 Market St., will have a flea market and bake sale 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the community yard sale event. Details: 724-295-3616.

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

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

May 6: A Red Cross community blood drive will be from noon to 5:30 p.m. at Gilpin Volunteer Firehall, 113 Firehall Road. Appointments: 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code GTVFD.

Harrison

Today: 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.

Friday: Natrona Heights Veterans of Foreign Wars will have bingo at 7 p.m. at the post, 894 Veterans Lane. Doors open at 6 p.m., and there will be specials, a 50/50 raffle and final game jackpot.

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.

Saturday: The American Girl Zone at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will meet at 1 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Children who are at least 7 years old and their dolls welcome. Free. Reservations requested. Reservations: 724-226-3491.

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

Today: 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

Today: 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

Saturday: A trash to treasure sale will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Moose, 499 Reimer St. A bag sale will begin at noon. Light refreshments will be available.

Saturday: The Veterans of Foreign Wars will feature Studio B Services with DJ Tink Heavner from 8 to 11 p.m. at the post. Members and three guests welcome.

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

Today: 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.

Today: 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.

Today: 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.

Friday: 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 Friday and are limited to 20 children. Reservations: vpfymca.org or stop in at the YMCA.

Saturday and Tuesday: The Community Clothes Closet, 1129 Kenneth Ave., will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday. Note the change in days and times. Items available include clothing, shoes, purses, linens, blankets and Mary Queen of Apostles School uniforms. Donations are accepted during open hours.

May 4: Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley will host a virtual BowWow/Meow Bingo at 7 p.m. online at Zoom.us. Cost: $25 for one card; $5 for each additional card. There will be 10 games. A gift card prize will be announced before each game and prizes will be mailed to winners. Bingo cards and instructions will be emailed. Registration required. Registration: animalprotectors.net.

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.

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: Oakmont Carnegie Library will have a big bag book sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the library, 700 Allegheny River Blvd. Fill a bag provided by the library for $5. Details: 412-828-9532.

Saturday: An indoor yard sale will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oakmont United Methodist Church, 419 Maryland Ave. Details: 412-828-9499.

Richland

Saturday: Richland Volunteer Fire Department will have a Monte Carlo night from 7 p.m. to midnight at the fire hall, 5857 Meridian Road. Admission: $20, includes food and beverages. No BYOB. Must be at least 21.

Saturday: Bakerstown United Methodist Church, 5760 William Flynn Highway, will have a flea market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church. A grab-and-go breakfast will be available. Proceeds will benefit mission projects. Details: 724-443-3184.

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: 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.

Saturday: Takeout spaghetti dinners will be sold from 2 to 6 p.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 600 Pittsburgh St. Menu: spaghetti, salad, bread and dessert, $10. Orders: 724-274-5313.

Tarentum

Today: 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.

Saturday: The Clothing Closet at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St., will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details: 724-224-9220.

Saturday: BridgePoint Church will host a taco night fundraiser from 4 to 6 p.m. in the church hall, 400 E Ninth St., to raise funds for its children’s library and play yard. Contemporary Christian vocal group Risen to Save will perform at 6 p.m. and there will be a basket raffle. Dine in or takeout. Cost: $10; children 7 to 13, $5. Details: 724-671-7580.

Vandergrift

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 May 2 and 9 at the library, 128C Washington Ave. No experience necessary. Chess boards provided. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.

Today: 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

Friday: Washington Township Volunteer Fire Company will have bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 4078 Route 66. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and sales start at 6 p.m. Free coffee. The kitchen will be open. Players must be at least 18 or accompanied by an adult.

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

Today: 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.