The Stroller, Feb. 8, 2025: 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. Follow the Stroller on X at @VNDStroller.

Observers welcome at Great Backyard Bird Count

Friends of Harrison Hills Park will host the annual Great Backyard Bird Count from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 15 at the park Environmental Learning Center in Natrona Heights, Harrison.

Local birders will be on hand to help identify birds and submit counts to this global effort to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Those attending can spend as little as 15 minutes watching the center’s feeders or go on a hike with volunteers. Bring binoculars if you have them or borrow a pair from the center. Observers of all ages and skill levels are welcome.

For information, call Dave at 724-487-3586 or visit birdcount.org.

Murder mystery theater production set in Oakmont

Oakmont United Methodist Church, 419 Maryland Ave., will host murder mystery theater events “Saturday Night Murder” Feb. 21,.22 and 23 at the church.

Those attending will watch the play and work with their table to solve the murder and receive a prize. Performances will be at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21, noon Feb. 22 and 2 p.m. Feb. 23. The Feb. 21 event will include snacks, and the Feb. 22 and 23 performances will include lunch.

Tickets are $15 for the Feb. 21 event and $20 for Feb. 22 and 23. For reservations, call the church at 412-828-9499.

In Our Schools

Allegheny Valley School District

Pre-kindergarten registration under way

Registration for children who will attend pre-kindergarten during the 2025-26 school year will be conducted in February.

For information visit the Registration tab at avsdweb.org. Documents required include proof of the student’s age, such as a birth certificate, passport, baptismal certificate, notarized statement from parents indicating date of birth“ or prior school record indicating birth day; the parent’s photo ID with the current address, two additional proofs of residency showing the current address such as a utility bill, vehicle registration card, deed or lease, paystub, immunization records, and custody arrangement information if applicable.

Students must live in the school district and turn 4 years old by Sept. 1. For more information, contact Judy Pribulsky at 724-274-2106 or jpribulsky@avsd.school.

Calendar

Allegheny Township

Feb. 20: The Alle-Kiski Chapter of the American Wine Society will meet at 7 p.m. at River Forest Country Club, 130 Club House Drive. Domenic Mantella of the Allora Wine Group will discuss, “Wines of Italy’s Food” including the regions of Apuglia, Basilicata and Calabria. Six wines will be served paired with food. Cost: $47. Paid reservations required by 5 p.m. Feb. 16. Guests welcome. Information: allekiski@yahoo.com.

Apollo

Today: Apollo Hose Company No. 2 will have bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $25 per packet. The kitchen will be open with a limited menu. Details: 724-478-4831.

Arnold

Today: The American Legion will meet at 2 p.m. at the Arnold Public Safety Building, 601 Drey St. The group meets the second Saturday of each month.

Brackenridge

Today: The American Legion will have karaoke with DJ. Tim from 7 to 11 p.m. at the post, 845 First Ave. Members and guests welcome.

March 8: A spaghetti dinner to benefit Prospect Cemetery will be from 1 to 5 p.m. at the American Legion, 845 First Ave. Menu: spaghetti with meat sauce, tossed salad, Italian bread & butter, dessert and beverage. Cost: $10; 12 and younger, $5. Dine in or take out. Sponsored in cooperation with the American Legion and Central Presbyterian Church. Tickets: Cindy, 724-612-0076, or David, 724-882-2185, or at Asay’s News Stand or Diamond Antiques, both in Tarentum.

Buffalo Township

April 13: A Sarris candy sale to benefit Buffalo Elementary PTA is being conducted online at sarriscandiesfundraising.com. Candy is available for Valentine’s Day and Easter. Use group number 10-1588.

East Vandergrift 

Feb. 14: Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish is selling tickets for a Sweetheart cash raffle. The winning numbers will be the 1:30 and 7 p.m. Pennsylvania Lottery Pick-4 numbers on Valentine’s Day. Each winner will receive $1,000 and a $100 gift certificate to Sweetlane Chocolate Shop in Vandergrift. Cost: $10, includes two numbers. Tickets: 724-568-3409 or 724-859-3186, in the parish office or after Sunday Mass in the church vestibule.

Freeport

Today: The Lego Club for children age 10 to 17 at Freeport Area Library will meet from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the library, 428 Market St. The group meets the second Saturday of each month. Details: 724-295-3616.

Harrison 

Today: The Diaper Pantry at Christ Our Hope Anglican Church will distribute diapers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, 926 Painter Ave., and at Sheldon Park, both in Natrona Heights. Recipients must drive up and remain in their vehicles. First-time recipients must provide their own identification, the child’s birth certificate and a current WIC or SNAP card.

Sunday: The Knights of Columbus will host a pancake and sausage breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the council home, 28 Garfield St., Natrona. Cost: $7; younger than 6, $4.

Feb. 15: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will host free native plant workshops at 9, 9:45 and 10:30 a.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Choose one session. Children accompanied by an adult welcome. Supplies will be provided. Reservations required. Reservations: alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Leechburg 

Today: The Leechburg Museum is closed for the season. Visits are available by appointment. Details: 724-845-8914 and leave a message or email lamahs@windstream.net.

Monday: Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 268 Canal St. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open.

Wednesday: A meeting to discuss the plans for the Leechburg 175^th Anniversary celebration will be at 6 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 358 Main St. Everyone welcome.

Thursday : First United Methodist Church will host a Vitalant community blood drive from 2 to 6:30 p.m. in fellowship hall, 251 Main St. Appointments recommended. Appointments: 877-258-4825 or visit Vitalant.org and search for code UG0110175 or ZIP Code 15656.

Lower Burrell

Today: The Veterans of Foreign Wars post, Wildlife Lodge Road, will feature the Sycamore Street Band from 8 to 11 p.m. Members and three guests welcome.

Today: The ClothesLine Ministry at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 3084 Leechburg Road, will be open from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost: clothing, shoes and purses, 25 cents each or five for $1; semi/formal dresses, leather coats, designer shoes and purses, $5. Please bring your own bags.

Feb. 20: A Pennsylvania CareerLink job fair will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road. Details: 724-334-8600.

New Kensington 

Today: A free seed swap to prepare for the upcoming growing season will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at Peoples Library, 880 Barnes St. Bring your extra seeds to trade and meet with other gardeners and Penn State Master Gardeners of Westmoreland County. Details: 724-339-1021.

Wednesday: A veterans service officer will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the office of state Rep. Jill Cooper, 356 Freeport St., suite 100. 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: 724-472-4102.

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.

Thursday: The Myrrh Bearing Women group at St. George Orthodox Church is accepting orders for a kibbee sale. Pickup: noon to 1:30 Feb. 26 in the church hall, 1150 Leishman Ave. Cost: $60 per dozen or six for $30. Order deadline: Thursday. Orders: 724-335-9988 or tinyurl.com/44wutey2.

April 19 to Oct. 25: The Downtown New Kensington Farmers Market is accepting vendor applications for this year’s market season. Local vendors who sell fresh local produce, meat, poultry, dairy products, juice, cheese, bread and baked goods welcome. Details: downtownnkmarkets@gmail.com.

Oakmont

Tuesday: The Anime Club for teens at Oakmont Carnegie Library will meet at 3 p.m. at the library, 700 Allegheny River Blvd. Details: 412-828-9532.

Feb. 17: The Knit and Crochet Cozy Mysteries Book Club at Oakmont Carnegie Library will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library, 700 Allegheny River Blvd. Members discuss a book while knitting or crocheting. Must be at least 18. The selection will be “Happiness Falls” by Angie Kim. Copies are available at the library. Reservations required by 6 p.m. Feb. 15. Reservations: oakmontlibrary.org.

Oakmont/Verona

Feb. 13: Riverview Relay for Life is accepting orders for its Daffodil Days fundraiser through Feb. 13 to support the American Cancer Society. Cost: $15 for a bunch of daffodils or tulips; and $20 for mini-potted daffodils. A Gift of Hope is available for $25 and your flowers will be donated to a local cancer center, nursing home or hospice. Orders will be delivered in the Oakmont-Verona area during the week of March 18. Orders: tinyurl.com/dd25oakmontverona.

O’Hara

Wednesday: A Vitalant community blood drive will be from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the large group instructional room at Fox Chapel Area High School, 611 Field Club Road. Appointments recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. To receive a $20 reward gift card, register online and use code GIFTLOVE-2025-V when scheduling. Appointments: 877-258-4825 or visit the Donate Blood button at Vitalant.org and use group code UHS010025.

Parks Township

Sunday: Parks Township Sportsman’s Club will have a country music jam night from 5 to 8 p.m. at the club, 1111 Shipman Road. Bring your favorite stringed instrument and sing along. Refreshments available. Public welcome. Details: 724-845-2390.

Plum

Monday: Holiday Park United Methodist Church, 81 Sandune Drive, has a group that sews baby quilts for donation to those in need and the Linus Project. New members are welcome. The group meets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of each month in the chapel. Sewing and quilting instructions are provided and no equipment is needed. Details: 724-327-6552.

Tarentum 

Today: 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.

Today: The Near the Edge Band will be featured from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Elks, 219 E. Sixth Ave. Members and guests welcome.

Today: A Valentine’s pancake breakfast will be from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Masons, 307 Lock St., second floor. Cost: $10; Valentine’s special for all women, half off; children 6 to 12, $5. Dine in or take out. Tickets will be available for the April 12 50-50 drawing to benefit the lodge scholarship program. Public welcome.

Feb. 15: A Valentine’s dance featuring the 56 East Band will be from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Elks, 219 E. Sixth Ave. Cost: $10, includes select beverages and snacks. Tickets: stop in at the lodge.

Vandergrift

Thursday: The new Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Club at Vandergrift Public Library will meet at 6 p.m. at the library, 128C Washington Ave. This will be a meet-and-greet. The first book, “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury will be passed out and will be the selection discussed at the March 13 meeting. Meetings will be the second Thursday of the month. Details and to join: Carol, 724-568-2212 or carol.lawecki@wclibraries.org.

West Deer 

Today: A Sweetheart Bingo to benefit Deer Lakes Hockey Club will be in the activity building at St. Victor Church, 531 Bairdford Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. and games will begin at 5:45. Cost: $30, cash only, includes seven regular games, two specials and one coverall game. BYOB Food, pop, mixers and water will be sold, cash only.

Feb. 16: Allegheny County Park rangers will host a free guided hike “Impact of Invasives” from 1 to 3 p.m. at Deer Lakes Park. Meet at the Pike shelter. The hike will be approximately two miles with moderate elevation changes. Bring water and wear closed toe shoes. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/bdcpvye4.

Through March 5: East Union Presbyterian Church, 292 East Union Road, is collecting items by appointment to sell at its annual rummage sale set for March 7 and 8. Items should be in a box. No clothing, televisions, exercise equipment or computers screens will be accepted. Appointments: 724-265-1381.