The Stroller, July 20, 2021: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley

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

Salvation Army to host annual school fair

The Allegheny Valley Salvation Army is accepting reservations for the annual Paul Field Memorial Back to School Bash scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Salvation Army center, 917 Brackenridge Ave., Brackenridge. There will be a DJ, free haircuts, vendors, food and games and children will receive a free book bag and school supplies.

Children must live in the following zip code areas to attend: 15006, 15014, 15030, 15032, 15049, 15065, 15075, 15076, 15084 and 15238 and must attend the event to receive a backpack.

Reservations are required. For reservations, call 724-224-6310, ext. 1. No reservations will be accepted the day of the event.

American Pie to play concert in Harrison

A free concert featuring oldies band American Pie will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Natrona Playground, River Avenue, Harrison.

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.

Everyone is welcome.

Youth camp planned by Westmoreland County Community College

The New Kensington campus of Westmoreland County Community College will offer a free summer camp for youth age 7 to 13 from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through July 29 at the downtown campus, 1150 Fifth Ave.

Children will learn about STEM through interactive activities such as making homemade ice cream and tie dye shirts. Lunch and snacks will be served daily.

For details, call 724-335-8110 or email Coulsonp@westmoreland.edu. Registration deadline is Wednesday.

Shrine Center to host free concert

The Pittsburgh Shrine Center will present a free outdoor concert featuring Moondog’s Birthday Bash with a surprise special guest from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday under cover at the center, 1877 Shriners Way, Cheswick.

Gates open at 6 p.m. Seating and tables will be provided, and food and beverages will be sold. No outside food and beverages, please.

Advice available for those with financial troubles

Allegheny Valley Association of Churches has free support services available for anyone who is having trouble making ends meet, is unemployed or needs help with budgeting and talking to bill collectors.

For information, call Michelle at 724-226-0606, ext. 16.

Calendar

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. Guests welcome at no cost. Reservations required. Reservations and sign on information: Jennifer, 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. Prize amounts have been raised and there will be a $1,000 must-go jackpot. Details: 724-478-4831

Aug. 2 to 6: Bible Presbyterian Church, 214 Railroad Ave., will host vacation Bible school from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the church for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-478-3556 or 724-697-4148

Aug. 14: St. James Church will host a vendor fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parish center, 109 Owens View Ave. Tables: $20; without electricity, $15. Table reservations: Linda, 724-882-8776

Brackenridge

Wednesday: Al-Anon will meet at 8 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 847 10^th 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.

Fawn 

Monday to July 30: Center United Methodist Church, 1575 Donnellville Road, will have vacation Bible school from 6 to 8:15 p.m. for children age 4 through those who have completed fifth grade. Theme: Knights of North Castle. Registration required. Parents must accompany their child to and from the sign-in/sign-out table each day. Registration: 724-226-2300 or email autumnturk@me.com

Freeport

Wednesdays and Saturdays: The Thrift Store Clothing Ministry at Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St., will be open from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday. Cash only. Donations must be laundered and free from pet hair. Details: 724-295-3095

Thursday: Freeport’s Food Truckin’ will be from 4 to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of Laube Hall. Vendor fees are $25 for the first week and $50 for each additional week and will benefit Restore Freeport Community Park. Details: Jackie, 724-234-9373

Gilpin

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

Harmar

Today: Harmar Water Authority will conduct the regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the office, 200 Pearl Ave. Details: 724-274-7383

Harrison 

Today: Burtner House Restoration Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Harrison municipal building, 1 Municipal Drive, Natrona Heights. New members welcome.

Today: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will present a virtual presentation of the Who Knew? program, “Local Movie Theaters,” at 6 p.m. online at Zoom.us. Registration required. Registration: 724-226-3491 or visit the EventKeeper section of alleghenyvalleylibrary.org

Today: The free summer children’s playground program sponsored by Natrona Comes Together Association will present the Kids Club with Miss Jennifer at 12:30 p.m. at the Natrona pavilion, 10 River Ave. There will be games, prizes, activities, crafts and a storytime. Funding for programs provided by PNC Charitable Trusts. Details: Pat, 724-224-7599

Wednesday: The Agape Thrift Shop at Grace United Methodist Church, 1333 Freeport Road, will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Masks required.

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 free summer children’s playground program sponsored by Natrona Comes Together Association will present the Arts and Crafts Time with Allison at 12:30 p.m. at the Natrona pavilion, 10 River Ave. Funding for programs provided by PNC Charitable Trusts. Details: Pat, 724-224-7599

Thursday: A car cruise will be from 5 to 9 p.m. in the parking lot of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 894 Veterans Drive. There will be food, drinks, music and a 50/50 raffle. All makes and models of cars, trucks and bikes welcome. Seating available in the pavilion.

Leechburg 

Aug. 7: Vendor applications are being accepted by Leechburg Area Community Association for a vendor sale set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the gazebo at Leechburg Riverfront Park. Cost: $30 per 10 x 10-foot space. Bring your own table, chairs and/or tent. Reservations: doreen.smeal@gmail.com

Aug. 10 to 12: Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church, 271 Main St., will have vacation Bible school from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 10 and 11 at the church and 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 12 at Leechburg Pool in Gilpin. Children ages 3 through those going into sixth grade welcome. Registration required. Registration: the VBS tab at crcpc.org or 724-845-1901

Leechburg

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

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.

Monroeville

Thursday: A fundraiser to benefit Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley will be from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, 2740 Stroschein Road. Twenty percent of all dine in and takeout orders will be donated. Tell your server you are dining to support Animal Protectors. Details: 412-373-0700

New Kensington 

Thursday: Knead Community Café in New Kensington will hand out free grab-and-go dinners from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the café, 1011 Barnes St. This week’s meals were donated in memory of Robert Mellon. Those picking up meals are reminded to observe social distancing while waiting in line.

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 with new selections. Social distancing will be observed, and masks are required except when eating. Public welcome. Details: 724-448-7403

July 29: Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley is accepting orders for a Fat Cat’s Subs hoagie sale. Varieties: Italian, turkey or ham and cheese, $9. Pickup: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 4 to 6 p.m. July 29 at Fat Cat’s Subs, 832 Fifth Ave. Pay at pickup. Cash or checks only. Order deadline: 9 a.m. July 23. Orders: tlibengood@animalprotectors.net

Oct. 9: Tables reservations are being accepted for a craft and vendor show at East Ken Community Center, 1785 Seventh St. Cost: $10. Details: Marie, 724-472-5106

Plum

Thursday: Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo at the firehall, 415 Old Abers Creek Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. Face masks required. Details and other new safety policies: holidayparkvfd.org/ under the weekly bingo tab.

Springdale 

Wednesday: Springdale Free Public Library will offer a adult crafting class to make marble sun catchers at 1 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. Wire and marbles provided; bring needle nose pliers and a plastic lid from a butter dish or something similar. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729

Tarentum

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

Wednesday: The Tarentum Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the upper parking lot of First United Presbyterian Church, 913 Lock St.

Wednesday: BridgePoint Church, 400 E. Ninth Ave., will offer Stop, Drop and Read for children from at the church. There will be free kids meals from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and storytime and crafts at 12:30 p.m.

Vandergrift

Today: Vandergrift Public Library will have a free storytime for children 10 and younger at 11 a.m. in the Kennedy Park gazebo. Weather permitting. No reservations required. Details: 724-568-2212

Wednesday: Vandergrift United Methodist Church, 134 Custer Ave., will host a takeout Dollar Dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. or until sold out at the church. This month’s menu includes ham barbeques, applesauce and a cookie, all for $1. Come early; the food sells out quickly. Please use the Lincoln Avenue entrance.

Thursday: The Farmers Market will be open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the Columbia Avenue parking lot. Details: vandergriftfarmersmarket.weebly.com/

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.

Through July 31: Vandergrift Public Library, 128C Washington Ave., is having a book sale during library hours. Cost: $3 per Giant Eagle-sized bag available at the library. DVDs, audio books and puzzles available separately.

Aug. 31: Vandergrift Public Library is raffling a patriotic quilt made and donated by library patron Jane Strohm to benefit the library. Cost: $1 each or $5 for an arm’s length. The drawing will be Aug. 31. Tickets: stop in at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Details: 724-568-2212

West Deer 

Aug. 12: Orders are being accepted for a hoagie sale to benefit the West Deer Dog Shelter. Varieties: turkey, Italian and vegetarian, $9. Order due date: July 29. Pick-up: 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 12 at the West Deer Township building, 109 East Union Road. Orders: marleenmeyer2020@gmail.com or text 412-709-0978