The Stroller, May 12, 2023: 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.

Free gardening program offered in New Kensington

Penn State Master Gardeners of Westmoreland County will sponsor a Seed to Supper program in New Kensington for the 2023 growing season.

The purpose of the program is to instruct adults how to grow vegetable gardens on a budget. Participants will learn all stages of successful gardening, including establishing proper soil health, garden plot planting and harvesting of crops.

Sessions will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays for five or six weeks beginning May 18 at St. George Orthodox Church, 1150 Leishman Ave. Reservations are required. For reservations and more information, contact Mandy L. Smith at 724-837-1402 or mls302@psu.edu.

Creighton Slovak Club looking for historical items

The Creighton Slovak Club is collecting memorabilia about the history of the organization for a display at the club, 735 Freeport St., East Deer.

Items can be donated temporarily or permanently and will be placed into a case in the entrance way of the building. Specific items include pictures, softball uniforms, jackets and patches. There is a box at the club for donations. For information, contact Danielle Stanko Godinez at 724-681-6355 or djstankog12@gmail.com.

Shuttle available for New Ken residents to local grocery stores

The New Ken Downtown Partnership and Wesley Family Services are sponsoring a free shuttle service from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for all city residents

Residents will be picked up at Kensington Arms, Pioneer Apartments and Parnassus Manor and taken to Golden Dawn and Aldi, both in New Kensington, and Walmart and Aldi, both in Pittsburgh Mills in Frazer.

Riders must be at least 18 years old and shuttles are smoke-free. For details and a schedule, call Kevin Cox at 724-895-8270.

Reunions

• Ken High Class of 1959 will have a reunion from 4 to 10 p.m. Aug. 17 at Hill Crest Country Club, Lower Burrell. Reservations required by July 25. Details: Keith and Bev, 724-594-0108 or Mic and Patti, 724-335-2914.

• Har-Brack High School Class of 1961 will have an 80^th birthday party reunion at 4 p.m. July 15 at the Praha Hotel, 400 Corbet St., Tarentum. Reservations: call or text Charley, 724-212-0084 or Bobbie, 724-272-0626 before July 1.

• Fox Chapel High School Class of 1973 will have a reunion from 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 2 at Riverside Landing, 12 Washington Ave., Oakmont. Cost: $50, before July 1. Reservations: https://myevent.com/FoxChapel1973Reunion. Details: fc73reunion@gmail.com.

• Highlands High School Class of 1973 will have a reunion at 6 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Natrona Heights Veterans of Foreign Wars, 894 Veterans Lane. Classmates should call Pam Goga, 724-448-0689 or Tina Riggs, 724-968-9321, with contact information.

• Valley High School Class of 1973 will have a reunion Aug. 4 and 5 at Hill Crest Country Club, Lower Burrell. Classmates should send updated email and mailing addresses to gregghack@comcast.net or call Victoria Vokes at 724-334-1878.

• Shaler High School Class of 1973 is seeking classmates for a reunion planned for Nov. 10. Classmates who have not received information should email shaler73reunion@gmail.com.

• Highlands High School Class of 1983 will have a reunion Oct. 14 at Hill Crest Country Club, Lower Burrell. Contact information is needed for the following classmates: Sandra Anderson, Robert Beatty, Michelle Beckwith, Phyllis Bennis, James Boyle Jr., William Eck, John Hughes, Louise Hughes, Jaymi Hrivnak, Lisa Molcsan, John McCullough, Adam Phipps, Michael Shutack, Barbara Smith, Mary Smith, Maria Tanilli, Charles Wright and Bronwyn Wise. Details: Christine Czekalski Spece, 724-544-1211 or cspece@crehomes.com, or Patti Mazza Bieranowski, 724-316-1362 or pattiwagon7865@zoominternet.net.

Send reunion news to vndnews@triblive.com.

Calendar

Allegheny Township

Saturday: A car wash to benefit the Leechburg Area High School softball team will be from noon to 4 p.m. at Advanced Auto, Hyde Park Road. Cost: cars, $7; trucks and SUVs, $10.

Apollo

May 27: St. James Parish will sponsor a Super Patriotic Bingo at 7 p.m. in the parish activity center, 109 Owens View Drive. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cost: $30, includes bingo supplies, food and drinks. Must be at least 21. There will be instant tickets, a basket raffle and a $1,500 cover-all jackpot game. Those attending are encouraged to wear red, white and blue. Tickets: Linda, 724-882-8776.

Arnold

Saturday: Free bagged lunches will be distributed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Tomb, 1821 Fifth Ave. Fellowship will be at 7 p.m. Details: 724-339-8888.

May 21: St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church will offer an educational event, “The Holy Spirit in the Byzantine Tradition,” at the church, 1610 Kenneth Ave. The Rev. Ivan Chirovsky from the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh will be the speaker. The presentation will begin at 12:15 p.m. with an Akathist prayer service to the Holy Spirit and the presentation will be afterward. Lunch will be served. Donations will be accepted. Reservations required by Sunday. Reservations: call or text 724-681-3383.

Freeport

Sunday: Freeport Event Center, 325 Fourth St., will host a Second Sunday Social from noon to 5 p.m. for all ages at the center. There will be music, activities, food and beverages. Bring your instrument and join in the music.

Harrison 

Today: Natrona Heights Veterans of Foreign Wars will have bingo at 7 p.m. at the post, 894 Veterans Lane. Doors open at 6 p.m., and there will be specials, a 50/50 raffle and final game jackpot.

Saturday: The Diaper Pantry at Christ Our Hope Anglican Church, Harrison, will distribute diapers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, 926 Painter Ave., and at Sheldon Park, both in Natrona Heights. Recipients must drive up and remain in their vehicles. First-time recipients must provide their own identification, the child’s birth certificate and a current WIC or SNAP card.

Monday: A free Girl Scout Intro to Outdoor Skills activity night for girls who are in kindergarten or will attend kindergarten in the fall and are not currently Girl Scouts will be at 6 p.m. at Harrison Hills Park, 5200 Freeport Road. Parents should accompany their child. Those attending will earn their first Girl Scout patch while learning basic campfire-building techniques, first aid and jack knife safety. Reservations required. Reservations: Beth, 412-713-5259 or bostrosky@gswpa.org.

Hyde Park

Tuesday: Pennsylvania State Police will offer free car seat safety checks from 3 to 7 p.m. at Hyde Park Volunteer Fire Company, 291 Railroad St.

Kiski Township 

Saturday: Kiski Township Volunteer Fire Department will sponsor a Mother’s Day Super Bingo at 1 p.m. at the firehall, 1037 Route 56. Doors open at noon. Tickets: $40, includes a complete bingo package. There will be 13 must-go jackpot games, five $250 specials, 2 $500 jackpot games and a $1,500 jackpot game. Tickets: Christine, 724-541-6345.

Leechburg 

Saturday: Leechburg Rotary Club will sponsor a pancake and sausage breakfast from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the social hall of Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church, 271 Main St. Cost: $6; students, $5; 6 to 12, $2; younger than 6, free. Proceeds will benefit Rotary projects. Details: 724-991-6923.

May 20: Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company will sponsor a spring into cash bingo at 5 p.m. at the firehall, 268 Canal St. Doors open at 3 p.m. Players younger than 18 must be with an adult. Cost: $35 in advance; $40 at the door; includes package, dauber and light refreshments. BYOB. Tickets: Melissa, 724-332-9090.

June 10: Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company is accepting reservations for yard sale spaces in the firehall parking lot during the community yard sale event. Cost: $25. Reservations: Melissa, 724-332-9090.

Lower Burrell 

Saturday: The ClothesLine Ministry at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 3084 Leechburg Road, will be open from 9 a.m. to noon. Clothing, shoes and purses will be sold for 25 cents each or five for $1. The jewelry room will be closed.

Saturday: The Veterans of Foreign Wars will feature the Magic Moments band from 8 to 11 p.m. at the post. Members and three guests welcome.

Saturday: Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley in the banquet room at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road. Doors open at 10 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. There will be a basket raffle, 50/50 raffle and door prizes. Cost: $35. Tickets: animalprotectors.net.

May 20: Church of God is accepting space reservations for a parking lot treasures sale set for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, 273 Chester Dr. Cost: $5 per space. No rain date. Reservations and details: 724-335-4422 or lbcog@hotmail.com.

Oct. 22: New Kensington Moose is accepting table reservations for a fall craft and vendor show planned for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the lodge, 499 Reimer St. Spaces limited to one representative from each company on a first come, first served basis. Cost: $25 for an 8-foot table; $20 for a 6-foot table. Reservation deadline is Sept. 1. Reservations: text 724-448-2506 or mooselodge053@gmail.com.

New Kensington   

Saturday: TCC and Verizon Wireless, 100 Tarentum Bridge Road, will host a pet adoption clinic from Orphans of the Storm shelter at 1 p.m. at the store. The company’s Zone Rescues Rock program will also conduct an in-store pet supply drive through May 31 for items to deliver to their local animal rescues. Items being accepted include gently used towels and blankets, cat and dog toys, treats, collars, leashes and pet beds.

Saturday: A family craft time will be at 1 p.m. at People Library, 880 Barnes St. Details: 724-339-1021.

Saturday: Knead Community Café, 1011 Barnes St., will host its annual Mother Nature’s Garden Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the café. Merchandise will include home-grown and hand-crafted items, fresh herbs and starter plants. Breakfast will be available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the café.

Saturday: A craft and vendor fair will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Quality Inn, 300 Tarentum Bridge Road. Admission: $2; 10 and younger, free. Proceeds will benefit the mission trip planned by Redemption Church of Lower Burrell.

May 21: A rubber ducky derby and outdoor market to benefit the Valley High School girls volleyball team will be from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the high school. Rain or shine. There will food trucks, bounce house, basket auction, bake sale, vendors and games. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The first race of $5 ducks will be at noon and the second race of $25 ducks will be at 1 p.m. Winners need not be present. To purchase a duck, call Carrie Cook at 724-910-1012.

North Apollo

Saturday: An indoor/outdoor craft and vendor fair will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North Apollo Volunteer Firehall, 311 16^th St. There will be food, a silent auction and 50/50 raffle.

Oakmont

Saturday: Garden Club of Oakmont will host a plant sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot next to Hoffstot’s Restaurant on Allegheny Ave.

Parks

Saturday: A spring craft and vendor fair will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at House of Hope Family Worship Center, 1164 Pleasant View Drive, Kepple Hill. Details: Deb Mazak, 724-689-7043.

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.

Springdale 

May 20: Springdale Free Public Library will offer a program about family tree basics at 11 a.m. at the library, 331 School St. Marilyn Holt will be the instructor. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum

Today: Tarentum Elks will feature the Cool Change band from 8 to 11 p.m. at the lodge, 219 E. Sixth Ave. Members and guests welcome.

Saturday: The Alle-Kiski Valley Historical Society will host a Civil War Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum, 224 E Seventh Ave. There will be reenactors and food. Author Cindy Crytzer will discuss her book, “My Civil War Husband” at 1 p.m.

Saturday: The Clothing Closet at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St., will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details: 724-224-9220.

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.

Mondays: Central Presbyterian Church will host a free weekly women’s book journal club featuring the selection, “The Cup of Life,” by Joyce Rupp at 11 a.m. Mondays through June 12 at the church. 305 Allegheny St. There will be no session on Memorial Day. There will be self-reflection, learning and fellowship opportunities for those who are interested in spiritual health. Registration requested, but walk-ins welcome. Deadline is noon the Friday before each session. Registration and details: 724-224-9220 or centralpresoffice@verizon.net.

Vandergrift 

Saturday: A car wash to benefit Vandergrift No. 1 Volunteer Fire Department will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the firehall, 278 Franklin Ave. Donations accepted.

Saturday: Boy Scout Troop 551/6551 will sell flowers for Mother’s Day from noon to 5 p.m. at Leo’s Tire Service, 166 Lincoln Ave.

Saturday: Bingo will begin at 7 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 141-143 Sumner Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

May 31: Vandergrift Public Library is selling tickets for a basket raffle. The drawing for the seven-basket raffle will be at 1 p.m. May 31. Cost: five tickets, $3; 10 for $5; 15 for $10; and 25 for $15. Cash, check, Venmo and PayPal accepted. Tickets: stop in at the library, 128C Washington Ave.

June 24: Vendor space reservations are being accepted by Vandergrift Pride in the Park. Seeking food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, musicians and artists. Details: visit Vanderpride on Facebook.

Washington Township

Today: Washington Township Volunteer Fire Company will have bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 4078 Route 66. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and sales start at 6 p.m. Free coffee. The kitchen will be open. Players must be at least 18 or accompanied by an adult.