The Stroller, March 26, 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.

Wildflower identification class planned

The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek, Bethel Township, will offer a free class to identify wildflowers of Western Pennsylvania at 1 p.m. April 6 at the center, 142 Kerr Road.

Master Naturalist Susie Moffett will teach how to use identification tools such as Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide and then the group will head outside.

Reservations are required. For reservations, visit armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

Free lunch giveaway set Thursday at Salvation Army

The Allegheny Valley Salvation Army and Community Center will distribute free grab-and-go lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday in the center parking lot, 917 Brackenridge Ave.

Enter from the back gym door by the alley. Free grocery items from Walmart and Aldi will be available. Everyone is welcome.

Opportunities available to help senior citizens

Open Your Heart to a Senior is looking for volunteers to help our older neighbors.

People are needed to drive to doctor appointments, shop for groceries and make calls to check on and say hello to people who are alone. To offer your time and for information, call 724-205-6282 or email oyhs@wfspa.org.

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 needle 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.

Arnold

Today and Thursday: A free community lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Tomb, 1821 Fifth Ave. Details: 878-847-5646.

Brackenridge

Wednesday: 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.

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. Details: 724-994-6030.

Buffalo Township

Today: Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank will host a drive-through food distribution for anyone in need from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Lernerville Speedway, 313 N. Pike Road. No reservations required. Guests should remain in their vehicles and open their door or trunk and will be served on a first come, first served basis.

Wednesday: Sarver Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) will meet from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Christ Community Fellowship Church, 160 Singleton Road. The group is a non-denominational faith-based organization where mothers from pregnancy through those with 12^th grade children can find community and connection. Childcare and brunch are provided. Reservations required. Reservations: visit Sarver MOPS on Facebook.

Cheswick

Wednesday: A department service officer from the American Legion will be available by appointment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the office of Pa. Rep. Mandy Steele, 1296 Pittsburgh St. Appointments: 724-826-5151.

Freeport

Wednesday: 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.

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.

Gilpin

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

Harrison  

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.

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.

Wednesdays: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will offer a Baby and Me program at 9:30 a.m. for children 15 months and younger and their caregiver at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Bring a blanket to sit on. Details: alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

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.

Thursday: Mimi the Pie and Cinnamon Roll Lady will have a sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until sold out in the main lobby at Allegheny Valley Hospital, 1301 Carlisle St. Cash or checks payable to AVH Auxiliary will be accepted. Proceeds will benefit auxiliary projects for the hospital.

April 16: The PriorityCare program at Allegheny Valley Hospital will offer a free educational program about Medicare at 2 p.m. in the Charles W. Young Conference Center at the hospital, 1301 Carlisle St., Natrona Heights. Bruce Martindale, senior benefits consultant for Highmark, will be the speaker. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-7339.

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 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.

Kiski Township

Today: The diaper pantry at Spring Church Lutheran Church, 3623 Lutheran Church Road, will distribute diapers from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church. Distributions will be the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Recipients must register in advance. First-time recipients must provide their own ID, the child’s birth certificate and a current WIC or SNAP card. Registration: 724-478-1528.

Lower Burrell

Today: Peoples Library will host a family story time at 1 p.m. at the library, 3052 Wachter St. Details: 724-339-1021.

Wednesday: Peoples Library will host an open play session for children 6 and younger and their caregiver at 11 a.m. at the library, 3052 Wachter Ave. Details: 724-339-1021.

New Kensington 

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

Wednesday: Peoples Library will host an open play session for children 6 and younger and their caregiver at 11 a.m. at the library, 880 Barnes St. Details: 724-339-1021.

Thursday: Peoples Library will sponsor an arts, crafts and STEM workshop for all ages at 11 a.m. at the library, 880 Barnes St. A free Knitting for Beginners class will be at noon. Needles and yarn provided. All skill levels welcome. Details: 724-339-1021.

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: Knead Community Café will hand out free grab-and-go meals from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the cafe, 1011 Barnes St. This week’s meals are sponsored by Michele Corey. Details: 878-847-7997.

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 

Thursday: A teen skate night to benefit the David Leech Elementary School PTA in Leechburg will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at Valarena Sk8 Land, 320 18^th St. Admission: $6; skate rental, $3. The PTA will receive $3 from each admission.

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

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. Please note the new location. Details: 412-828-3854 or jmjkwj@gmail.com.

Wednesday: Oakmont Carnegie Library will offer “Holy Week Journey to Jerusalem” from 2 to 3:30 p.m. with Tina Whitehead at the library, 700 Allegheny River Blvd. Details: 412-828-9532.

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.

Saxonburg

April 6: Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company will sponsor a designer purse gala from 2 to 5 p.m. April 6 at the firehall ballroom, 290 Horne St. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Admission: $50, includes appetizers, drink, dessert and two numbers for the drawings. There will be side raffles, a basket raffle, pull tickets, specialty drinks and a cash bar. Winner need not be present. Ticket holders must be at least 16. Tickets: saxonburgvfc.com/events/pursegala.

Springdale

Today: Springdale Free Public Library, 331 School St., will host a story time for children 2 and younger from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Story Explorers for children 3 to preschool age will be from 11:15 a.m. to noon. Details: 724-274-9729.

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. Recipients must register in advance. 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: A free board game night will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Alle-Kiski Valley Heritage Museum, 224 E Seventh Ave. Details: akvhs.org.

Wednesday: The Elks will host bingo at 6:30 p.m. at the lodge, 219 E. Sixth Ave. The kitchen is open for orders from 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 Historical Society, 224 E. Seventh Ave., is open from noon to 3 p.m. and other times by appointment. Details: 724-224-7666.

Vandergrift 

Today: The YoYos Needle Arts group at Vandergrift Public Library will meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the library reading room, 128C Washington Ave. No reservations required; just stop in. All skill levels welcome; however, this is not an instructional program. Details: 724-568-2212.

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.

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.

Washington Township

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 is sizes children’s 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.