The Stroller, July 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 or The Stroller, 210 Wood St., Tarentum PA 15068. Please include a daytime telephone number.

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Free backpacks and school supply giveaway slated

Lower Valley Food Bank and North Hills Community Outreach will provide free backpacks and school supplies to students in preschool through college-age.

Distribution will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 18 in the parking lot of Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School.

Reservations are required by Aug. 2. No walk-ins the day of the event will be accepted. For reservations, visit tinyurl.com/2jjw7ndn or stop in the main offices at Acmetonia Elementary or Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School. For details, contact Jennifer Novich at jnovich@avsd.k12.pa.us.

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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.

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Calendar

Apollo

Today: Kiski Watershed Association will meet at 7 p.m. at the Roaring Run Watershed pavilion at the trailhead. New members welcome.

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.

Aug. 11: St. James Parish is selling tickets for a Full Moon $2,500 cash raffle. Cost: $10, includes two 3-digit numbers. The winning number will be the 7 p.m. Aug. 11 Pa. Lottery Pick-3 number. Tickets: Linda, 724-882-8776, after Mass in the church vestibule and at the parish office.^

Bethel

Saturday: The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will offer a workshop with the Traveling Greenhouse to make a macrame air plant pod at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the center, 142 Kerr Road. Choose either session. Cost: $25, includes all materials, air plant, care instructions and a misting bottle. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/3j2efz5m.

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.

East Franklin

Aug. 3: Harvest Church will host a free dinner and evening of encouragement at 6:30 p.m. for teachers as they prepare to start the new school year at the church, 143 Reed Road. Reservations required. Reservations: harvestpa.org/events.

Freeport

Wednesday: 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 summer clothing, shoes, bedding and purses welcome. Donations must be laundered and free from pet hair. Details: 724-295-3095.

Sept. 17 and 18: Freeport Renaissance Association is accepting vendor applications for the annual September By the River event. Hours: noon to 8 p.m. Sept. 17 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 18. Art, food and business vendors welcome. Details: freeportcommunity.com or septbytheriver@gmail.com.

Gilpin

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

Harmar

Thursday: The free music series at 7 p.m. in the Pittsburgh Shrine Center pavilion, 1877 Shriners Way, will feature Shelly Duff and Shell Shocked. Gates open at 6 p.m. Rain or shine. Free parking and food and drinks will be available. No tailgating, outside food or beverages permitted. The weekly event is sponsored by Band Together Pittsburgh, Moondog’s and the Pittsburgh Shrine Center.

Harrison

Today: The free summer children’s playground program sponsored by Natrona Comes Together Association will present a reading program with a craft and games at noon at the Natrona Park pavilion.

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: 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.

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.

Thursday: The board of directors at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd., Natrona Heights. Details: 724-226-3491.

July 25 to 29: Harvest Church will host vacation Bible school, “Kidzfest Australia,” for children who are entering kindergarten through fifth grade from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the church, 1207 Pacific Ave., Natrona Heights. Registration: harvestpa.org/events. Details: 724-548-5643.

Wednesday : The Kitchen Sink Book Club at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will meet at 6 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. The selection will be, “A Long Petal of the Sea ,” by Isabel Allende. Online participation available. Reservations required. Reservations: AlleghenyValleyLibrary.org.

July 31: A purse bash to benefit Robin’s Home charity that provides help to low income women veterans and their children will be at Natrona Heights Veterans of Foreign Wars, 894 Veterans Lane. Doors open at 11 a.m., lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. and bingo begins at 1 p.m. Cost: $35 in advance; $40 at the door; includes lunch. There will be a cash bar, pull tab tickets, a silent auction, pick of the table and raffles. Tickets: 724-904-7649.

Aug. 1 to 5: Guardian Angels Parish will have vacation Bible school, “Monumental,” from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for children in prekindergarten through sixth grade in the parish Patterson Hall, 800 Montana Ave., Natrona Heights. Volunteers welcome. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-4900 or ccd@guardianangelspgh.org.

Jefferson

Wednesday: Jefferson Grange will have a luncheon card party at the Grange Hall, 211 Bull Creek Road. Lunch will be served at noon and the card party will be afterward. There is free parking and the building is handicap accessible. New players welcome.

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

Kittanning

Thursday: The Armstrong County Historical Museum, 330 N. McKean St., will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. Other hours available by appointment. Free parking available behind the museum via the North Grant Avenue entrance. Details: 724-548-5707 or achgs300@gmail.com.

Leechburg

Wednesday: Leechburg Public Library will host a Tween Night from 5 to 6 p.m. for children age nine to 12 at the library, 139 Market St. The project will be a faux stained-glass seahorse.

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.

Manor 

Sunday: Armstrong Community Theater will sponsor a Rubber Ducky Derby at noon at Falcon Park, 2169 State Route 66. Cost: $5, includes a duck and picnic lunch. Covered dishes welcome. Prizes will be awarded. Bring a lawn chair and favorite outdoor game. Tickets: available from theater members; and Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the children’s musical at the Casino Theater in Vandergrift.

New Kensington

Today: A free seminar on mortgage foreclosure, bankruptcy and credit will be from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Salvation Army, 255 Third St. Sponsored by the Salvation Army and Laurel Legal Service Inc. Details: Lauren.Suprano@use.salvationarmy.org.

Today: 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. Items available include clothing for all members of the family, shoes and linens. First-time customers receive 15 free items. Summer clothing donations accepted during business hours.

Thursday: A free seminar on landlord and tenant rights will be from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Salvation Army, 255 Third St. Sponsored by the Salvation Army and Laurel Legal Services Inc. Details: Lauren.Suprano@use.salvationarmy.org.

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 Westmoreland Community Action.

Thursday: Sally’s Outdoor Market will be from 2 to 6 p.m. weather permitting, at the Salvation Army, 255 Third St. There will be fresh produce, plants, baked goods, hot foods and more. Vendor spaces available. Details: 724-335-7221, ext. 106 or laruen.suprano@use.salvationarmy.org.

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.

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.

Aug. 21: Sponsors are needed for a back-to-school bash planned at Lost Dreams Awakening Recovery Center, 408 Eighth St., rear. Details: Ronel, 412-219-8313 or Laurie, 724-594-7903.

Oakmont

Today: Taking Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) meets at 6 p.m. at Oakmont United Methodist Church, 419 Maryland Ave. Monthly dues: $5; first meeting is free. Details: vrevilla@pointpark.edu.

Oakmont/Frazer

Through Aug. 31: Panera Bread Café will donate a portion of sales from each Frozen Agave Lemonade, Frozen Strawberry Lemonade, Lemon Drop Cookie and Lemonade tote sold to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a pediatric cancer charity that funds cancer treatment and research. Donations will also be accepted. Participating stores include Pittsburgh Mills Mall, Frazer, and Allegheny River Blvd., Oakmont.

O’Hara

Aug. 6: A drag queen bingo featuring Divine Divas to benefit Guyasuta Youth Football will be from 5 to 10 p.m. at Comfort Inn RIDC, 180 Gamma Drive. Doors open at 4 p.m. Admission: $25. Must be at least 18 to attend. Food and drinks will be sold. Tickets: tinyurl.com/mvec3ncw.

Rayburn

Aug. 13: A cash bash to benefit Rory Ridge Horse Rescue will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at Rayburn Volunteer Fire Department, 102 Water Tower Road. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Cost: $20, includes food and drinks. There will be strip tickets, a basket raffle and 50/50. Winners need not be present. Tickets: 724-859-1972 or roryridgerescue@gmail.com.

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. 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: A free outdoor storytime for children age 3 to 5 will be at noon near the water play area of Riverview Memorial Park, First Avenue. Bring a blanket or chair. Sponsored by Community Library of Allegheny Valley. Weather permitting.

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

Wednesday: BridgePointe Church will have its free children’s summer reading program from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the church library, 400 E. Ninth Ave. Lunch and a snack will be served. Details: 724-671-7580.

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.

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.

Sept. 8 to 10: Summit Hose Co. is accepting crafter and vendor applications for its Fall Festival. No food vendors, please. Details: Tami Sudy, 878-302-5367 or tamisudy@gmail.com.

Torrance

Thursday: The Board of Trustees at Torrance State Hospital will have an open meeting via conference call at 1:30 p.m. Details and access information: 724-459-4411.

Upper Burrell

Aug. 28: Sky View Radio Society is accepting reservations for flea market tailgating spaces at its Swap N’ Shop Hamfest set for 8 a.m. to noon at the society grounds, 2335 Turkey Ridge Road. Cost: $5 per space. Reservations and details: John Italiano, 724-339-3821.

Vandergrift

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

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.

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 above Sandra Lynn’s Dance School and follow the arrows to the church basement doors. Items will also be available after the Saturday and Sunday Masses at the church while supplies last.

Thursday: The Farmer’s Market will be open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the Columbia Avenue parking lot.

Washington Township

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

West Deer

Sunday: Cub Scout Pack 965 will sponsor a free bike rodeo from 1 to 3 p.m. in the parking lot at Deer Lakes Middle School. Bring your own bike and helmet. Snacks and refreshments will be served. The event is geared for children 12 and younger, but everyone is welcome. Trek Bicycle, West Deer Police and West Deer EMS will be onsite. Registration required to receive a goodie bag. Registration: tinyurl.com/yc5bp2wr.

Aug. 11: West Deer Dog Shelter is accepting orders for a John Marshall Catering hoagie sale. Cost: $10, for a turkey or Italian hoagie. Order deadline: July 29. Pickup: 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 11 at the West Deer Municipal Building, 109 East Union Road. Orders: Marleen, 412-709-0978 or MarleenMeyer2020@gmail.com.