The Stroller, Aug. 20, 2024: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley

Publicize your non-profit’s community events, fundraisers and club meetings for free in The Stroller. Send information at least two weeks in advance to vndnews@triblive.com or The Stroller, 210 Wood St., Tarentum PA 15084. Please include a daytime telephone number.

Harmar concert series to host Shot O’ Soul

The free Thunder Thursdays Summer Music Series will feature the band Shot O’ Soul in concert Thursday at the pavilion at the Syria Shrine Center, 1877 Shriners Way, Harmar.

Concerts start at 7 p.m., rain or shine. Gates open at 6 p.m. There is free parking, and food and beverages will be sold. Tailgating and outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Free meal distribution slated at Knead Community Cafe

Knead Community Café will hand out free grab-and-go meals from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the cafe, 1011 Barnes St., New Kensington.

This week’s meals are sponsored by the UPMC Residency Program. To sponsor a meal, visit kneadcommunitycafe.org or call 878-847-7997.

Help available for those with hard-to-read license plates

A free clinic to sign up to replace your hard-to-read license plate will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 22 at West Deer Volunteer Fire Company No. 2, 4418 Gibsonia Road, West Deer.

Bring your vehicle, title number, VIN number, license plate number and the make and year of your vehicle. Members of the West Deer and Northern Regional police departments will be available to help complete your application.

The event is sponsored by state Rep. Rob Mercuri. To register, visit tinyurl.com/2s3p8p8s.

Calendar

Apollo

Wednesday: Apollo Hose Co. No. 2 will have bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There will be specials and wish jars. Details: 724-478-4831.

Thursday: The Yarn Good Time Fiber Arts Group at Apollo Memorial Library will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. All ages and skill levels welcome. Details: 724-478-4214.

Bethel Township

Sept. 11: The Armstrong County Memorial Hospital Medical Staff Foundation will sponsor an intro to kayaking class at 6 p.m. on Crooked Creek Lake. Cost: $20 per person and space is limited. Participants must be at least 13 years of age with a parent/guardian who is 18 or older as a paid participant on the water as well. Learn the basic equipment paddling techniques and how to steer and board a kayak from experts at Venture Outdoors. Reservations required. Reservations: armstrongodc.org.

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 be at 7:15 p.m. at the American Legion, 845 First Ave. Details: 724-994-6030.

Thursday: The Allegheny Valley Salvation Army and Community Center will distribute free grab-and-go lunches from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the center parking lot, 917 Brackenridge Ave. Free grocery items from Walmart and Aldi will be available. Everyone is welcome.

Sept. 21: The auxiliaries of Pioneer Hose and Hilltop Hose companies will host a super bingo at Pioneer Hose Company, 124 Morgan St. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., early birds start at 12:45 p.m. and regular bingo begins at 1 p.m. Cost: $35, in advance, will be $40 at the door; includes a light lunch and bingo packet. There will be 20 regular games, specials and a $1,000 must-go jackpot game. Tickets: 724-882-5908.

Clinton Township

Aug. 28: A paint n’ sip night fundraiser will be from 7 to 9 p.m. at J and J Farms Animal Sanctuary, 939 Ekastown Road. Choose to make a bottle incense burner, decorative wine glass or mandala-inspired ladybug rock. Feel free to bring your own item from home, snacks and an adult beverage. Must be 21. Donations will be accepted. Reservations required. Reservations: info@jandjfarmsanimalsanctuary.org.

East Vandergrift

Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and 2: Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish is selling tickets for a 3-day lottery raffle. The winning number will be the 7 p.m. Pennsylvania Pick-3 lottery number each night. Each winner will receive $2,500. Cost: $10, includes two three-digit numbers. Tickets: Patricia, 724-568-3409, Deborah, 724-859-3186 or after Sunday Mass in the church vestibule.

Frazer

Wednesday: A MOPAR car cruise in honor of the late Frazer Police Chief Terry Kuhns will be from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills, 167 Pittsburgh Mills Circle. Kuhns owned a Plymouth Fury. All brands welcome. There will be a DJ, food and music. No admission fee. Details: 412-807-1115.

Freeport

Wednesdays: The Thrift Store Clothing Ministry at Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St., will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All items are free, but donations will be accepted. Items available include clothing of all sizes, bedding and window items. Donations of clothing, shoes and boots welcome; must be laundered and free from smoke and pet hair. Wheelchair accessible. 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: The Accordion Club is seeking new players of all ages. Meetings are from 6 to 8 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6003 Freeport Road. Details: 724-236-0665.

Wednesday: The Agape Thrift Shop at Grace United Methodist Church, 1333 Freeport Road, will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Clean clothing in all sizes is needed. No housewares or bedding please due to lack of space. 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 from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights. Food bank participants can receive food allotments twice per month. Those who are not yet registered should come from 3 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday. The Sparrow’s Nest clothing and home goods ministry will be open from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Details and alternate times: 724-226-0606, ext. 10.

Wednesday: The Becky’s Closet community clothing store at Faith Lutheran Church, 1500 Broadview Blvd., will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church. Cost: tops and bottoms for men and women, $50 cents; children’s clothing, 25 cents. Donations welcome during these hours. Everyone welcome.

Sept. 8: Table reservations are being accepted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars for a craft show set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the post, 894 Veterans Drive. Cost: $25; with electric, $30. Details: Deb, 412-298-6175 or dmckillop@hotmail.com.

Sept. 14: A happy hour cash bash will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 894 Veterans Lane. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $25; includes food and five numbers for the drawing; $10, food only. Karaoke with Bucky will be afterward. Cash bar. Funds raised will be donated to the post building fund. Tickets: Deb, 412-298-6157 or dmckillop@hotmail.com or the post, 724-904-7649.

Jefferson Township

Thursday: Bingo will be at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion, 754 N. Pike Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open. Proceeds benefit post and auxiliary projects.

Leechburg

Wednesdays and Saturdays: Leechburg Area Museum, 118 First St., will be open from noon to 3 p.m.

Thursday: The Leechburg Area High School fall bonfire will be at 7:30 p.m. at the Leechburg Volunteer Firehall, First Street. Fall sports athletes will be introduced and there will be food and boba.

Sept. 7: A night at the races to benefit the Leechburg 175^th Anniversary Celebration will be at the Marconi Club, 135 River Ave. Cost: $20 includes horse, food and soft drink; food and soft drinks only, $10. Tickets: stop in at Leechburg Public Library, 139 Market St.

Lower Burrell  

Today: A family story time will be at 1 p.m. at Peoples Library, 3052 Wachter Ave. Details: 724-339-1021.

Today: The Material Girls sewing group will meet at 7 p.m. at Puckety United Presbyterian Church, Puckety Church Road. New members welcome. New members welcome. Details: Dee Shaffer, 724-335-6645 or shaffer37@comcast.net.

Wednesday: The Adult Day Care Mobile Veterans Program will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road. There will be coffee and conversation, Gerofit exercise, games and lunch. Sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs, all veterans are welcome.

Wednesday: Peoples Library will offer a free online talk with Shelby Van Pelt, author of the novel, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” at 7 p.m. Recordings will be available to watch on demand. Registration required. Registration: libraryc.org/peopleslibrary.

Thursday: The Adult Book Club at Peoples Library will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 3052 Wachter Ave. The selection will be “The Fortune Hunter” by Daisy Goodwin. Next month’s book will be distributed. Details: 724-339-1021.

Aug. 25: VCA Valley Vet Hospital is accepting vendor applications for its Tails & Treasures yard and vendor sale set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the hospital, 853 Falcon Park Road. Cost: $10 per table. Reservations: 724-339-1525 or vcavalleypa@vca.com. Funds raised will be donated to the hospital emergency patient care fund.

Aug. 31: Registrations are being accepted for the third annual Alle-Kiski Inclusion games set for 1 to 3:30 p.m. at K-9 Officer Derek Kotecki Memorial Park, Wildlife Lodge Road. There will be soccer, kickball, relays, throwing contests and more for children age 5 to 21. Rain date: Sept. 1. Registration: 724-681-5498 or courtneykobelenske@gmail.com.

New Kensington

Today: The Parkinson’s Foundation of Western Pennsylvania sponsors a free support group for Parkinson’s Disease patients and their family members from 2 to 3 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Valley Points YMCA, 800 Constitution Blvd. Details: Chrissy and Josh Lookabaugh, 724-594-3245.

Today: A family story time will be at 11 a.m. at Peoples Library, 880 Barnes St. Details: 724-339-1021.

Today: A wellness class for those with Parkinson’s Disease will be offered from 1:15 to 2 p.m. at Valley Points Family YMCA, 800 Constitution Blvd. Sponsored by the Parkinson’s Foundation of Western Pennsylvania, the program is a mix of exercises designed to help someone manage their Parkinson’s Disease more effectively and includes aerobic and resistance training, stretching, balance, facial and voice exercises. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-335-9191 or tinyurl.com/5n8jp8y9.

Wednesday: Peoples Library will offer Coloring for Grownups at 1 p.m. at the library, 880 Barnes St. Supplies are provided, but feel free to bring your own. Details: 724-339-1021.

Thursday: Peoples Library will offer a Knitting for Beginners class at noon at the library, 880 Barnes St. Details: 724-339-1021.

Thursday: The Salvation Army will host Sally’s Outdoor Market from 2 to 6 p.m. at the center, 255 Third St. Free fresh produce will be available while supplies last. Vendor applications are being accepted. Details: 724-335-7221.

Thursday: New Kensington Eagles Auxiliary Bingo will be at 7 p.m. at the aerie, 2134 Freeport Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. Sales are from 6 to 6:50 p.m. Cost: $25 for a 12-on package; specials will be available. The kitchen will be open. Public welcome. Details: 724-448-7403.

Aug. 24: Ashley’s Eternal Angels will sponsor a motorcycle run and lunch at the Eagles, 2134 Freeport Road. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and kickstands up will be at 10:30 a.m. Doughnuts and coffee will be served for breakfast. Cost: $25 per rider; $20 per passenger; and includes lunch. Tickets for the 1:30 p.m. lunch only: $20. There will be entertainment, a basket auction, cash bar and a 50/50 raffle. Details: Jeanna, 724-351-2885; Renee, 724-889-7833; or Karlee, 814-248-6311. Ashley’s Angels raises money to help families who have lost a member to the opioid epidemic.

Oakmont   

Today: Taking Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) meets at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1261 Pennsylvania Ave. Private weigh-ins will be from 5:45 to 6:10 p.m. and the meeting will be afterward. The first meeting is free. Details: 412-828-3854 or jmjkwj@gmail.com.

Aug. 28: The Books and Brews Book Club at Oakmont Carnegie Library will meet at 5 p.m. at a local brewery. The selection will be “The Measure,” by Niki Erlick. Reservations required by 5 p.m. Aug. 27. Reservations and details: 412-828-9532 or bolandc@einetwork.net.

Through August 31: Kerr Memorial Museum, 402 Delaware Ave., Oakmont, is featuring an exhibit of elegant fashions of the late 1800s to the Roaring ‘20s at the museum. Items on display were donated to the museum by the W. H. Brown Family of Pittsburgh. Hours are by appointment. Tours and information: 412-826-9295 to schedule a tour.

Parks Township

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

Plum

Today: The Plum Food Pantry, 81 Sandune Drive, distributes free food from 5 to 6:30 p.m. the first three Tuesdays of each month. Details: 724-327-0367.

Springdale

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, 325 School St. 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.

Thursday: The diaper pantry at St. Mark Lutheran Church will distribute free diapers from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church, 600 Pittsburgh St. Advance registration required. First-time recipients must provide their own ID, the child’s birth certificate and a current WIC or SNAP card. Distributions are the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Registration: 724-274-5313.

Tarentum   

Wednesday: The Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the parking lot at 10^th Avenue and Lock Street.

Wednesday: The Elks will host bingo at 6:30 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.

Wednesdays and Saturdays: The Alle-Kiski Valley Heritage Museum, 224 E. Seventh Ave., is open from noon to 3 p.m. and other times by appointment. Details: 724-224-7666.

Sept. 26 to 28: Summit Hose Company is accepting vendor applications for its fall festival. No food or alcohol vendors will be accepted. Details: Carrie Fox, 724-448-1470.

Oct. 26: Tarentum Recreation Board is accepting vendor, craft and food booth applications for the annual Boo Festival. Details: Carrie Fox, 724-448-1470 or carriefox170@gmail.com.

Ongoing: Tarentum Area Lions Club has a variety of styles of brooms for sale. Types available include soft and hard bristle push brooms, $16; kitchen brooms, $13; heavier duty mill brooms, $15; children’s brooms, $8; and whisk brooms, $8. Details: Jody Shumaker, 724-954-2341; Donna Holsing, 724-899-6277 or send a message to Tarentum Area Lions Club on Facebook. Proceeds benefit local and global Lions charities.

Torrance

Thursday: The Board of Trustees at Torrance State Hospital will have an open meeting at 1:30 p.m. in the CEO conference room, first floor, Greizman Building, Route 1014. Details: 724-459-4411.

Vandergrift

Wednesday: The Anime Club for children in fifth through 10^th grade at Vandergrift Public Library will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Details: 724-568-2212.

Washington Township

Wednesday: A veterans service officer will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the office of state Rep. Jill Cooper, 105 Pfeffer Road, suite 5. Services available will include disability and pension claims, benefit questions, assisting spouses with survivor benefits issues and applications for veterans grants. Appointments will be accepted, but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments: 724-387-9113.

Wednesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 6 p.m. at Union Presbyterian Church, 656 Route 380.

Winfield

Thursday: The Matrona Family Resource Center at Cabot Church, 707 Winfield Road, will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. New and gently used clothing in sizes preemie through 10/12 will be available, as well as strollers, car seats, toys and more. No reservations required. Details: 724-524-1809 or tinyurl.com/mw9kd9cp.