The Stroller, March 23, 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.

Red Cross to honor local heroes

The Southwestern Pennsylvania chapter of the American Red Cross is accepting nominations for its Power of Red Awards.

Someone who saved a life, helped a neighbor in need or made a difference in their community can be nominated. Winners will be recognized at the Power of Red event June 19 at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh.

Categories include fire safety hero, law enforcement hero, 911 dispatch hero, medical hero, adult good Samaritan, youth good Samaritan, military hero, animal rescue hero and community impact hero. There is no fee to nominate someone, and the deadline is April 15. For more information and guidelines, visit redcross.org/powerofred.

Essentials of backpacking seminar series offered

The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek, Bethel Township, will offer a three-part program about the essentials of backpacking from 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 3, 10 and 17 at the center, 142 Kerr Road.

Outdoorsman and local Boy Scout leader Richard Muth will be the instructor. Topics will include packs and basic gear, how to comfortably sleep on the trail, food, stoves and water.

Cost is $30 and proceeds will benefit the center. For more information and reservations, visit armstrongodc.org.

Calendar

Apollo

April 10: St. James and Our Lady, Queen of Peace parishes will sponsor a bus trip to Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh. The bus will leave at 9 a.m. from the St. James parking lot, 109 Owens View Drive, and the group will be at the casino for five hours. Must be 21. Cost: $35, includes $20 in free play and bus driver gratuity. Must have a state-issued photo ID to receive free play. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-478-4958.

Arnold 

Today: Coffee talk and fellowship will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at The Tomb, 1821 Fifth Ave. Free items for children “Cribs for Kids” will be from noon to 2 p.m. Evening fellowship will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Details: 878-847-5646.

Today: A pop-up pierogi sale will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Church social hall, 1610 Kenneth Ave. Cost: $12 per dozen for frozen and a limited amount of fresh potato & cheese or sauerkraut pierogi. First come, first served. Orders are being accepted for traditional Easter foods. Menu: butter lambs, $5; paska bread, with or without raisins, $8; horseradish with beets, $3; and nut rolls, $15. Easter basket covers from Ukraine, while supplies last, $20. Order deadline: Sunday. Pickup: 9:30 to 11 a.m. March 30 in the church social hall, 1610 Kenneth Ave. Orders: call or text 412-855-8573 or 724-681-3383.

Brackenridge

Saturday: The American Legion will host Skylor Hayden with Family Feud from 7 to 9 p.m. at the post, 845 E. First Ave. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Cost: $5 per teammate; spectators, $1. There will be a 50-50 raffle and the kitchen will be open. Public welcome. Please use the front door entrance.

Sunday: Sons of the American Legion will serve an all-you-can-eat community breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon in the American Legion, 845 E. First Ave. Cost: $10; younger than 10, $6.

Monday: Brackenridge Improvement Group (BIG) will meet at 7 p.m. at the borough building, 1000 Brackenridge Ave. Volunteers are needed for the April 28 Earth Day cleanup and other community events. New members welcome.

East Vandergrift   

Sunday : Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish is selling raffle tickets for a half a cow and a $100 gift certificate to Anna’s Cucina Rustica in Vandergrift. The winning number will be the 7 p.m. March 24 Pa. Daily Pick 3 number. Cost: $10 for two numbers. Tickets: Deborah, 724-859-3186; Patricia, 724-568-3409, or after Sunday Mass in the church vestibule.

Freeport

April 13: Freeport Area Library, 428 Market St., is accepting donations for its spring flea market during normal business hours. Donations of vintage jewelry, household items, glassware, seasonal décor, toys, puzzles and games welcome. Details: 724-295-3616.

Harrison  

Today: Girl Scout Troop 28807 of Brackenridge will host a cookie sale booth from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Walmart, Freeport Road, Natrona Heights.

Wednesday : The Kitchen Sink Book Club at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. The selection will be “Cannery Row” by John Steinbeck. Copies are available at the circulation desk. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

April 27: Faith Lutheran Church is accepting table reservations for an indoor garage sale planned for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 1500 Broadview Blvd. Cost: $15. Space is limited. Details: 724-224-5777.

Jefferson

April 3 and 4: Concordia Haven Retirement Living Apartments will have seminars and open house events at 2 p.m. in the Haven I dining room, 112 Marwood Road. Use entrance 2A. There will be free appetizers, a happy hour and tours of the facility. Reservations are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Reservations: Peggy Trettel, 724-352-5378 or ptrettel@concordialm.org.

Kiski Township 

Today: Boiling Springs Presbyterian Church, 1668 Route 56, will serve a Swiss steak dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. or until sold out at the church. Dine in or takeout. Cost: $12; 6 and younger, free. Details: 724-478-1523.

Sunday: A spaghetti dinner fundraiser to benefit the Kiski Township K-9 fund will be from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the firehall, 1037 Route 56. Menu: spaghetti, bread sticks, salad, drink and dessert. There will be a basket raffle and 50-50. Cost: $10; children 3 and older, $5.

Leechburg

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.

Lower Burrell 

Today: The Angel Blue Band will be featured from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road. Members and three guests welcome.

Monday: Peoples Library will host Trivial Pursuit games at 1 p.m. at the library, 880 Barnes St. Come alone or bring a friend. Details: 724-339-1021.

Middlesex Township

April 5 to May 10: Good Samaritan Hospice, a mission of Concordia Lutheran Ministries, will sponsor a free virtual grief support group for adults from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Fridays April 5 to May 10 online. There will be 4 to 7 people in each informal group. Reservations required by Wednesday. Reservations: Brittany Foy, 800-720-2557, ext. 4428.

New Kensington

March 28: The Holy Name Society of St. Mary of Czestochowa Church will sponsor a Holy Thursday tour of seven churches including the Shrines of Pittsburgh. The bus will leave after the 6:30 p.m. Mass at St. Mary Church. Cost: $12. Paid reservations required by Monday at the Mt. St. Peter Church office, 100 Freeport Road. Seats are available first come, first served.

April 27: Space applications are being accepted by the Eagles for a vendor and crafter show planned for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the aerie, 2134 Freeport Road. Cost: 8-foot table, $25; 4-foot table, $15; includes two chairs. Details: Shell Schafer, 412-522-8799.

North Apollo 

April 13: North Apollo Volunteer Fire Department is accepting space reservations for a craft and vendor fair set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the firehall, 311 16^th St. Details: Allison King, 724-472-5346 or kingal0103@gmail.com; or Amber Harman at 724-596-0486 or amberharman2015@outlook.com.

Oakmont

April: Riverview Community Action Corporation is selling tickets for a lottery calendar raffle based on the 7 p.m. Pa. Daily Lottery Pick 3 drawing. Cost: $5 each; three for $10. Tickets: stop in at the front desk, 501 Second St. Details: 412-828-1062.

April 13: Table reservations are being accepted by Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church for a fleatique set for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church social hall, 12 Washington Ave. Cost: $30. Paid reservation deadline: March 29. Reservations: Maria, 412-828-7549; or Jean, 412-243-1262.

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.

Sunday: A spaghetti dinner to benefit Lower Kiski Ambulance Service medic Dina Filo O’Neil who was injured on duty will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Parks Township Volunteer Firehall, 1119 Dalmation Drive. There will be a basket auction. Cost: $12; children, $6.

Plum

April 20: Volunteers are needed for the seventh annual Spring Clean-up Day. Individuals, families, church groups and organizations are welcome. Registration required by noon April 5. Registration: plumboro.com.

Springdale Township

Mondays: Se Jong Tae Kwon Do offers free tae kwon do classes at 6 p.m. in the social hall at Our Lady of Victory Church, 1319 Low Grade Road, Harwick. Details: 724-274-4170.

Tarentum

Today: An indoor mini flea market will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St. The church Clothing Closet will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details: 724-224-9220.

Today: Bucky-Okie Karaoke will be featured from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Elks, 219 E. Sixth Ave. Songs by request. No cover charge. Members and guests welcome. .

Sunday and Tuesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St. An opportunity for silent prayer will be at 6:30 p.m.

Vandergrift

April 13: A drag queen bingo to benefit TinyCause animal shelter will be at 7 p.m. at The Center on Franklin Avenue, 262 Franklin Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m. There will be a basket raffle, strip tickets and a 50-50 raffle. Cost: $35 in advance; $40 at the door; includes eight regular games that pay $100 each, specials, soft drinks and food. BYOB. Must be 21. No refunds. Tickets: tinyurl.com/3n2nxd8x.

Verona

April 20: Speed Family Blessing Box will host a sock hop fundraiser at the Eagles, 315 James St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There will be dancing to the music of the 50s, 60s and 70s, a cash bar, basket raffle and 50-50. Cost: $45 per couple or $25 per person; includes dinner. Reservations: PayPal, cspeed31@gmail.com or Venmo, @chelsey-speed. Details: Chelsey, 412-552-9054.