The Stroller, May 1, 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. Please include a daytime telephone number.

Junior drama camp planned June 20 to 24

The Freeport Theatre Festival will sponsor a Junior Drama Camp for children age 8 to 12 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. June 20 to 24 on the festival grounds at the Steele Family Farm in Allegheny Township, off Route 356, two miles southeast of Freeport.

Cost is $150, and some scholarships are available. Instructors will include Knoch High School theater and language arts teacher Jennifer Bronder and retired Highlands High School teacher Tom Abbott.

For details and an application, call 724-295-1934, visit freeporttheatrefestival.org or email Freeport_Theatre_Festival@comcast.net.

Memorial Day events to be published

The Valley News Dispatch is compiling a list of Memorial Day observances to be published in the Valley News Dispatch and online at triblive.com.

If your organization or community is planning an event, please send the information in as soon as possible to: Carol Pinto-Smith, Valley News Dispatch, 210 Wood St., Tarentum, PA 15084; e-mail cpinto-smith@triblive.com or fax 724-226-4677.

AVH Auxiliary plans Mother’s Day plant sale

Allegheny Valley Hospital Auxiliary will host a Mother’s Day Hanging Basket Sale from 7 a.m. Thursday or until sold out in the drive-thru circle of parking lot 58, located to the left of the main hospital entrance, 1301 Carlisle St., Harrison.

Baskets will be provided by Schnur’s Greenhouse. Flowers will cost $18 or two for $35; and ferns, $20. Cash and checks made out to AVH Auxiliary will be accepted. Masks and social distancing required. Proceeds will benefit auxiliary projects for the hospital.

Calendar

Apollo

Sunday: Apollo Area Historical Society will offer a free Heinz History Center program, “Notable Women of the Keystone State,” at 6:30 p.m. at the WCTU Building, 317 N. Second St.

Tuesday: Apollo Memorial Library will host a new summer reading book club at 5 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month for readers who are at least 18 years old. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-478-4214 or apollo@armstronglibraries.org.

May 10: Apollo Memorial Library will host a new summer reading book club for students who are 14 to 18 years old at 5 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-478-4214 or apollo@armstronglibraries.org.

May 14: A vendor fair will be 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.

Bethel

May 10: The Armstrong Nature Book Club will meet at 7 p.m. at the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek, 142 Kerr Road. The selection will be, “Entangled Life,” by Merlin Sheldrake. Reservations and masks required. Reservations and details: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

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.

Gilpin

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

Harrison

Monday: Friends of Community Library of Allegheny Valley will meet at 10 a.m. in the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Details: 724-226-3491.

Tuesday: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will present a program featuring Mother Goose character Mary Mary Quite Contrary in person at 10 a.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Children age 3 to 5 welcome. Reservations required. Reservations: alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

May 21: Harrison Township Recreation board is seeking owners of commercial and non-commercial vehicles to participate in its third annual touch-a-truck event planned at Highlands High School, Natrona Heights. Details: Natalie Cale, 724-448-6588 or nmcajka@yahoo.com.

Kiski Township

Today: An all-you-can-eat breakfast will be from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at Kiski Township Volunteer Firehall, 1037 Route 66. Menu: scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, home fries, French toast, waffles, pancakes, biscuits & gravy, coffee and juice. Cost: $11, 4 to 12, $6.50; 2 to 3, $2; younger than 2, free.

May 21: Kiski Township Volunteer Fire Department will host a parking lot bingo at 5 p.m. at the firehall, 1037 Route 66. Gates open at 4 p.m. Cost: $15 per person, includes supplies. Only 125 spots available. Reservations: Morgan, 724-466-2812, or Megan, 724-575-2473.

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.

Monday: The Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society, 118 First St., is closed for winter. To arrange a private tour, email lamahs@windstream.net or call 724-845-8914 and leave a message.

Lower Burrell

Thursday: VCA Valley Veterinary Hospital, 853 Falcon Park Road, will host a Vitalant blood drive – for humans – from 2 to 6 p.m. at the hospital. The blood mobile will be on site. Appointments recommended. Appointments: 412-209-7000 or visit Vitalant.org and use group code P915.

Saturday: Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary are needed to volunteer for the annual Poppy Day collection planned for 9 to 3 p.m. in Arnold, Lower Burrell and New Kensington. A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board at the post, Wildlife Lodge Road.

May 14: Church of God is accepting space reservations for a parking lot treasures sale set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 273 Chester Dr. Rain date: May 21. Reservations and details: 724-335-4422 or lbcog@hotmail.com.

May 14: The annual Animal Protectors Hearts for Strays spring luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. at Hill Crest Country Club. Doors open at 10 a.m. There will be a basket raffle, door prizes, card games and a 50/50 raffle. Cost: $30. Reservations: jlessig@animalprotectors.net or the events tab at animalprotectors.net.

May 28 to Oct. 8: The Lower Burrell Farmers Market is seeking vendors for the upcoming season. Markets are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at 2800 Bethel St. Setup begins at 8 a.m. Cost: $40 for the season and free electric is available. Merchandise must be home grown, homemade or hand crafted. Vendors must participate the whole season. Details: TimPamKey@yahoo.com.

Manor

May 10: An American Red Cross Blood community blood drive will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Manor Township Volunteer Firehall, 167 Byron St., McGrann. Appointments: 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and search for manortwpvfc.

May 14: The Pa. Fish and Boat Commission will offer a Basic Boating Course from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Armstrong County Fire School, 1999 Route 66. Upon successful completion, students will be able to apply to the state with $10 and the proper paperwork for their Pa. Boating Safety Certificate with the state Fish Commission. Those attending should bring a bagged lunch, paper and pen. Reservation deadline: May 6. Reservations: email name, address and telephone number to jeburns@co.armstrong.pa.us.

New Kensington

Tuesday: The Community Clothes Closet, 1129 Kenneth Ave., will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today and noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday. Note the change in days and times. Items available include clothing, shoes, purses, linens, blankets and Mary Queen of Apostles School uniforms. Donations are accepted during open hours.

Monday: Pucketos Garden Club will meet at 11 a.m. at New Kensington United Presbyterian Church, 601 Fifth Ave. Lunch will be served after the meeting. Members will drive to the Rabkin Japanese Garden in Tarentum for a guided tour. Guests welcome. Like us on Facebook. Details: Pat, 724-275-7207.

Wednesday: Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley will host a virtual BowWow/Meow Bingo at 7 p.m. online at Zoom.us. Cost: $25 for one card; $5 for each additional card. There will be 10 games. A gift card prize will be announced before each game and prizes will be mailed to winners. Bingo cards and instructions will be emailed. Registration required. Registration: animalprotectors.net.

May 14: Vendor applications are being accepted by Knead Community Café for an outdoor Mother Nature’s Garden Market at the café. Items must be natural of plant-based products or garden related. No hot food vendors. Rain or shine. Details and applications: kneadcommunitycafe.org/vendorapplication.

May 17: East Kensington Community Circle is accepting orders for its Election Day beef vegetable soup sale. Cost: $8 per quart. Pickup: May 17 at the Community Circle Building, 1785 Seventh St. Road. Advance orders strongly recommended. Orders: Judy, 724-339-7887.

North Apollo

May 21: North Apollo Volunteer Fire Department is accepting vendor applications for a crafter, vendor and food truck event planned at the firehall, 311 16^th St. Applications: kingal0103@gmail.com or rachelann1975@yahoo.com.

Oakmont

Tuesdays: 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.

Parks

Today: Parks Township Sportsman’s Club will host 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.

Saxonburg

Monday: Bingo will begin at 7 p.m. in the ballroom of Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company, 210 Horne Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Sharpsburg

Tuesday: The Allegheny Valley chapter of the Women’s Business Network will meet at 8 a.m. at 817 Main St. Those attending can learn how the group supports the success and growth of women in business. Reservations required. Reservations: Kelly Motter, 717-659-0323.

Springdale  

May 9: 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, “The Hypnotist,” by Lars Kepler. Copies available at the library. New members welcome. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

May 11 and 12: Springdale Free Public Library will sponsor a plant exchange at 6 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. Bring your extra plants and exchange them with others. Details: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum

Today 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.

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 borough Recreation Board will sponsor its scratch-off bingo for senior citizens at 1 p.m. under at the marina under Tarentum Bridge. Remain in your vehicle. There will be prizes and giveaways. Raindate: May 12. Questions: Carrie Fox, 724-448-1470.

Vandergrift

Mondays: The Chess Club for children in kindergarten through eighth grade at Vandergrift Public Library will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays May 2 and 9 at the library, 128C Washington Ave. No experience necessary. Chess boards provided. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.

Tuesday: 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.

Tuesday : Vandergrift Public Library will host a free Mother’s Day garden party at 6 p.m. at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Children who are at least 3 years old can bring their mom, grandma or someone special for a story time and craft. Children will plant a flower for their special adult to take home and paint a stone to place in their garden. Flowers and speaker provided by Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Armstrong County. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.