The Stroller, March 8, 2022: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley

Publicize your community Easter Egg hunts, breakfasts with the Easter Bunny and club meetings for free in The Stroller. Send information at least a week in advance to vndnews@triblive.com. Please include a daytime telephone number.

Applications being accepted for Rotary scholarships

The Rotary Club of Leechburg will award community service scholarships to students living in the Leechburg and Kiski Area school districts who excel in community volunteerism and plan to further their post-secondary education.

Applicants must be seniors at Leechburg or Kiski Area high schools, or be home schooled, attend cyber school, private/parochial schools or full-day technical schools and live within one of these districts.

They must exemplify the spirit of Rotary and community volunteerism by way of their involvement, leadership and accomplishments in community projects throughout their high school career. The amount and number of scholarships awarded will be determined by the Rotary Club.

Applications may be obtained from school guidance counselors or Robert DiCola, chairman, at Dicola Insurance and Financial Agency, 146 Market St., Leechburg. Completed applications should be mailed or delivered to DiCola at the agency by March 31.

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.

Free tax preparation available for seniors

AARP Tax volunteers will provide free tax preparation services for senior citizens Wednesdays through April 6 at the office of Pa. Rep. Bob Brooks, in Stewart Plaza, 2879 Leechburg Road, Lower Burrell.

Services are by appointment only. For an appointment, call 724-335-2790.

Calendar

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. Details: 724-478-4831.

Saturday: Vendor applications are being accepted for a fair planned from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parish center at St. James Parish, 109 Owens View Ave. All vendors needed. Cost: $20 per table; without electricity, $15. Details: Linda, 724-882-8776.

March 17: St. James Parish is selling tickets for a Luck of the Irish scratch-off lottery ticket raffle. Winner will receive one roll of $5, $10 and $20 Pa. Lottery scratch off tickets. The winning number will be the 7 p.m. March 17 Pa. Daily Pick 3 number. Cost: $10, includes two numbers. Tickets: Linda, 724-882-8776 or after weekend Masses in the church vestibule and the church office, 109 Owens View Ave.

Arnold

Friday: St. Vladimir Church, 1610 Kenneth Ave., is accepting orders for its weekly pierogi sale. Varieties: potato or sauerkraut. Pickup: 12:30 to 4 p.m. Fridays at the church social hall. Face masks required. Cost: $11 per dozen; 6 for $6. Orders: 724-339-9257, 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Bethel

March 16: The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will offer a free webinar, “Dare 2B Tick Aware,” with the Pennsylvania Lyme Resource Network at 6:30 p.m. online. Reservations required. Reservations and details: rachel@armstrongcenter.org or armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

Brackenridge

Today: United Steel Workers Local 1196 Retirees and Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) will meet at 1 p.m. at the Union Hall, 1080 Brackenridge Ave..

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.

Buffalo Township  

Saturday: The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania will sponsor an outdoor family program on maple sugaring at Buffalo Creek Nature Park, 154 Monroe Road. Sessions last 30 minutes and are available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $12; $6 for Audubon Society members. Dress for the weather. Reservations required. Reservations: visit aswp.org/pages/maple-madness-2022 or call 412-963-6100.

Cadogan 

Saturday: Cadogan Community Park Committee will host a St. Patrick’s Day dinner from 3 to 5 p.m. at the township building, 333 First Ave. Menu: shepherd’s pie, green bean casserole, roll and dessert, $12. Dine in or takeout. Advance orders required by Wednesday. Orders: Jeanne Richardson, 724-902-7156, or David Round, 724-902-7287.

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

Gilpin 

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

Friday: An American Red Cross Blood community blood drive will be from noon to 5:30 p.m. at Gilpin Volunteer Fire Hall, 113 Fire Hall Road. Appointments: 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code GTVFD.

April 5 and 6: Christ the King Church is taking orders for their home-baked nut, poppy seed and apricot rolls and Paska Easter bread. Rolls are $12.50 and order deadline is March 21. Pick-up will be from noon to 5 p.m. March 30 and 31. Paska are $7.50 with raisins, $7 without raisins, and orders are due March 28. Pick-up will be from noon to 5 p.m. April 5 and 6. Orders: 412-549-1583 or 724-309-1976.

Harrison

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 fall and winter 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: Burtner House Restoration Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Harrison Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Drive, Natrona Heights. This year’s Strawberry Festival will be discussed. New members welcome. Details: Jeff Jones, 724-205-8784 or BHRS1821@gmail.com.

Saturday and March 26: Faith Lutheran Church, 1500 Broadview Blvd., will host a class at 11:30 a.m. to learn the art of Ukrainian egg decorating known as Pysanky. Cost: $25, includes supplies and lunch. Choose either session. Reservation deadlines: Thursday for the March 12 class; and March 24 for the March 26 class. Reservations: Mary Lou, 724-224-4237.

March 16: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will offer, “Orchids 101: Phalaenopsis” at 5:30 p.m. online and in-person at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd., Natrona Heights. Timothy C. Chotco of Harbinger Orchids and Exotics will be the speaker. Reservations required. Reservations: visit the calendar section at alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Jefferson

Today: Saxonburg Goldenagers will meet at noon at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Dinnerbell Road. Lunch will be served by the Jefferson Grange and entertainment will be afterward. Cost: $5. New members welcome.

Leechburg

Today: A Vitalant community blood drive will be from 2 to 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of First United Methodist Church, 251 Main St. Appointments recommended. Appointments: 412-209-7000 or visit the Donate Blood button at Vitalant.org and use group code G0110175.

Wednesday: Leechburg Public Library, 139 Market St., offers a free Senior Stretch chair class at 10:30 a.m. Details: 724-236-0080.

Wednesday: The Leechburg Public Library Book Club will meet at 6 p.m. at the library, 139 Market St. The selection will be, “All Over But the Shoutin’,” by Rick Bragg. Books are available at the library.

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.

March 17: Leechburg Public Library, 137 Market St., will host a movie night at 6 p.m. The movie will be, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Tickets must be reserved by Saturday. Tickets: stop in at the library.

March 17: Leechburg Public Library is conducting a raffle to win one roll of $20 and one roll of $10 Pa. scratch off lottery tickets. Cost: $5, includes two numbers. The winning number will be the 7 p.m. March 17 Pa. Pick 3 drawing. Tickets: stop in at the library, 139 Market St.

May 7: Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company is accepting vendor applications for an outdoor craft show. Cost: $25 for a 12 x 12-foot space. No electricity available. Bring your own table, chairs and tent. Details: Melissa, 724-332-9090..

Lower Burrell

Today: Burrellton Garden Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Grace Community Presbyterian Church, 2751 Grant St. The annual May Mart will be discussed. Details: 724-335-3353.

New Kensington

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.

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 donated by Osterhout Berger Disability Law. Those picking up meals should observe social distancing while waiting in line.

March 20: St. George Orthodox Church is accepting orders for spinach pies. Pick up will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 20 in the church hall, 1150 Leishman Ave. Cost: $50 a dozen; $27, half dozen. Order deadline: March 13. Orders and details: 724-337-3918.

April 2: Redemption Church is accepting space applications from crafters and vendors for a fair set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Quality Inn, 300 Tarentum Bridge Road. Cost: $35, includes table and two chairs. No electricity is available for crafter/vendor use. Forms and information: Marcie Covey, 724-448-4984 redemptionpa.org/events or marciecoveyleo@gmail.com. Application deadline: March 20. Proceeds will benefit the church’s Clean Water Initiative to raise funds to dig wells for the people of Malawi.

North Apollo

Saturday: A Luck O’ the Irish bingo will be from 7 to 10 p.m. at North Apollo Volunteer Fire Department, 311 16^th St. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cost: $30, includes games, supplies, food and drinks. There will be a $1,000 cover-all game, instant tickets and a DJ. Reserved seats available for groups of eight or more. Must be 21 to attend. Tickets: 724-596-7293.

Oklahoma 

Saturday: A comedy night to benefit Apollo Kiski Little League will be at 7 p.m. at Oklahoma School House Hall, 171 Thorn St. Shaun Blackham will be the featured performer. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner is at 6. Must be 21 to attend. ID required. BYOB There will be raffles, strip tickets and a silent auction. Cost: $30. Tickets: Stephanie, 724-388-4320 or Jen, 724-448-3691.

Parks

Saturday: A purse bash to benefit Kiddies’ Korner Nursery School will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at Parks Township Volunteer Firehall, 1119 Dalmation Drive. Admission: $30, includes appetizers, desserts and non-alcoholic drinks. Tickets: 724-478-1420 or stop in at the school, 616C First St., Apollo.

Plum

Thursday: Allegheny County Health Department will have a vaccination clinic from noon to 2 p.m. at Plum Community Center, 499 Center New Texas Road. Vaccines available will include first, second and booster doses of Moderna, Pfizer and J& J covid-19, influenza and pediatric vaccines. Appointments required. Appointments: Samantha, 412-795-2330.

Fridays: Plum Community Center will offer free instruction about technology devices from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays through April 1 by appointment at the center, 499 Center New Texas Road. Appointments: 412-795-2330.

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.

March 14: The Geraldine Yanni Science program at Springdale Free Public Library will meet at 6 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. The topic will be Elephant Toothpaste. Children in fourth through sixth grades welcome. Space is limited. Registration and masks required. Registration: 724-274-9729.

March 14: The Mystery Lovers Book Club at Springdale Free Public Library will meet at 10 a.m. at the library, 331 School St. The selection will be, “Good Girl,” by Mary Kubica. Copies available at the library. New members welcome. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

March 16: Springdale Free Public Library will offer a craft workshop to make a paint chip Easter garland and an Easter wood cutout at 1 p.m. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

March 17: Springdale Free Public Library will host a St. Patrick’s Day Family Fun Night at 6 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. Masks and reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum

Today: 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.

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 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.

April 5, 6 and 7: Ss. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, 339 E. 10th Ave., is taking orders for its annual Easter nut roll sale. Nut, apricot and poppy seed rolls will be available. Cost per roll: $12. Orders: Lisa,724-230-6504, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Vandergrift

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. All skill levels welcome. No reservations required. Details: 724-568-2212.

Saturday: A drag queen bingo to benefit Kiski 9U Travel Baseball Team will be at 6 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 141 Sumner Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cost: $30 in advance. Tickets: Danelle, 724-882-7972.

March 16: Vandergrift Public Library will host meet-up event for children of all ages who are homeschooled at 12:30 p.m. at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.

March 18: Vandergrift Public Library is raffling a 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 March 18. Tickets: stop in at the library, 128C Washington Ave.

Washington Township

Wednesday: Poke Run Presbyterian Church will have a free soup luncheon at noon at the church, 1091 Poke Run Church Road. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Details: 724-327-5563.

Saturday: A gun bash will begin at 5 p.m. at Washington Township Volunteer Firehall, 4078 Route 66. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Admission: $25, includes food and beverages. Winners need not be present. Tickets: stop in from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays or 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays at the firehall.

March 27: Space applications are being accepted for an auto parts swap meet set for 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Washington Township Volunteer Fire Co., Route 66. Cost: outside 12 x 24-foot space, $25; outside 12 x 48-foot space, $45. Vendor set up will begin at 11 p.m. March 26. First come, first served. Items will include parts and accessories from anything automotive, classic, high performance, trucks, cars, motorcycles or boats. Food and beverages will be sold inside. Rain or shine. Details: 724-727-3079.

West Deer

Wednesday: East Union Presbyterian Church will have a takeout spaghetti dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church, 292 East Union Road. Menu: spaghetti with choice of meat, meatball or mushroom sauce, salad, rolls and dessert. Donations will be accepted. Details: 724-265-1381.

March 26: Donations and sponsorships are being accepted by Change For Cancer for a spaghetti dinner planned from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at West Deer American Legion to benefit cancer patient Pete LaCava. Items needed include pasta, spaghetti sauce, bread, rolls, large bags of lettuce, desserts, sugar, bottled water, canned pop, lemonade mix, paper products and gift cards and gift baskets for an auction. Details: 724-994-7646 or changeforcancer@comcast.net.