The Stroller, May 21, 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 or The Stroller, 210 Wood St., Tarentum PA 15068. Please include a daytime telephone number.

Used paper-back books needed for troops, veterans

The Last Word Bookstore, Lower Burrell, is participating in Operation Paperback Book Drive, that collects gently-used paperback books and sends them to American troops overseas, and veterans and military families here at home.

Books most requested include current affairs, adult fiction, horror, thrillers, true crime, biographies, military history, past war books, 0American and world history, puzzle books, investing, finance, self-help, leadership, management, western fiction and science fiction. No romance books please. Monetary donations are welcome to defray shipping costs.

Books can be taken to from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday to the store, 2909 Leechburg Road. Volunteers are also needed to collect, pack and ship the books. For details, call Karen at 724-980-1242.

Memorial sign to honor Massey Harbison

A memorial sign in honor of Massey Harbison will be unveiled on the anniversary of her capture at 2 p.m. Sunday on the River Forest Trail right across from the Freeport Bridge in Allegheny Township.

Allegheny Township Historical Society will host a reception afterward at the 1824 Walker Farmhouse, 2292 White Cloud Road in the township. Free society memberships will be available to new members.

Community welcome to place flags in Brackenridge

Members of Brackenridge American Legion will place flags on veterans’ graves May 28 in Prospect Cemetery, Brackenridge.

Community members are welcome to help. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the turnabout at top of the cemetery. All help is appreciated.

Calendar

Apollo

Today: St. James Parish will host a patriotic bingo at the church activities center, 109 Owens View Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo begins at 7 p.m. Admission: $30, includes supplies, food and drinks. There will be instant tickets, a basket raffle and a $1,500 cover-all jackpot game. Attendees must be 21 or older and are encouraged to wear red, white and blue. Tickets and more information: Linda at 724-882-8776.

Avonmore

Today: A book sale, doughnut sale and basket raffle will be at 8 a.m. at Avonmore Library, 619 Allegheny Ave. Cost: books, $5 per bag; doughnuts, $1 each. Orders will be accepted for hoagies and brownies.

Bethel

Monday: The Knee High To Nature Series at the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will offer a free science program, “Awesome Opossums,” for children in elementary school at 6 p.m. at the center, 142 Kerr Road. Reservations required. Reservations: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

Brackenridge

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: $8; younger than 12, $5.

East Vandergrift

Sunday: Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish will host bingo at 6:30 p.m. in the social hall, 411 McKinley Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Ford City

Today: A book sale to benefit Armstrong County Libraries will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ford City Eagles, 420 O’Connor St. Items available will include books, DVDs, games, puzzles and more. Proceeds will benefit Apollo Memorial, Ford City, Kittanning and Worthington-West Franklin libraries.

Freeport 

Tuesday: St. Mary Mother of God Church, 608 High St., will host a Vitalant community blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. in the church hall. Appointments recommended. Appointments: 412-209-7000 or visit donateblood.centralbloodbank.org and use group code G0040286.

Harrison

Today: A karaoke night will be from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 894 Veterans Lane. Members and guests welcome.

Monday: The Outside the Lines Adult Crafting Club at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will meet from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. The group project will be a personalized flower pot. Join the group project or bring your own. New members of all skill levels welcome. Reservations and supply list: Alleghenyvalleylibrary.org or 724-226-3491.

Wednesday : The Kitchen Sink Book Club at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will meet at 6 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. The selection will be, “The Crossing,” by Michael Connelly. Online participation available. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/3syh626f.

Kiski Township

Today: A pancakes and pajama party will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at Apollo Free Methodist Church, 1027 Route 56. Sponsored by the church Kidz Blast, there will be pancakes and toppings; games and a craft. Pajamas optional but encouraged. Details: 724-478-3025.

Today: A chicken and biscuit dinner will be served from 4 to 6 p.m. at Spring Church Lutheran Church, 3623 Lutheran Church Road. Cost: $10; age 6 to 12, $5; younger than 5, free; takeouts available for 50 cents extra. Handicap accessible. Details and takeout orders: 724-478-1528.

Kittanning

Today and Sunday: Armstrong County Historical Museum and Genealogical Society will host a free living history weekend from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the museum, 300 N. McKean St., Kittanning. French and Indian War re-enactors Proctor’s Militia will be at the museum on Saturday and the 62nd Pa. Volunteer Infantry Living History Family will be there Sunday. A children’s storytime will be at 2 p.m. both days and there will be talks, demonstrations and displays. Free parking available on Vine and McKean streets and behind the museum via the North Grant Avenue entrance.

Leechburg

Today: The Clothing Closet at First Lutheran Church, 358 Main St., will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All items are 20 cents each. Customers should wear a face mask and bring a bag. Clothing donations welcome.

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.

Mondays: First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Leechburg, sponsors a GriefShare support group for anyone who has lost a loved one from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays through June 6 in the church sanctuary, 358 Main St. Masks will be required, and social distancing observed. Participants can join at any session of the program. Details and registration: 724-845-7518 or email felc@salsgiver.com.

May 28: Leechburg Public Library is selling chances to win a summer basket that includes a pool bag, four pool towels, four commemorative cups and a Leechburg Pool pass for a family of four. Drawing will be Memorial Day weekend. Tickets: $10, available at the library, 139 Market St.

Lower Burrell

Today: A food truck festival will be from 1 to 6 p.m. at Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Co. No. 3, 3255 Leechburg Road. A percentage of sales benefits the fire company.

Today: A luncheon bingo will be at 1 p.m. at the Moose, 499 Reimer St. Doors open at 11 a.m. Admission includes lunch at 12:30 p.m., 15 games that win $20 each; four specials that win $30 each; and a $100 must-go jackpot. Details: 724-335-4131.

Today: The Veterans of Foreign Wars will feature karaoke with DJ Zombie from 8 to 11 p.m. at the post. Members and three guests welcome.

Sunday: A takeout spaghetti dinner will be from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Moose, 499 Reimer St. Menu: spaghetti, salad and roll, $8.

Monday: Lower Burrell Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary will announce the winners of the Voice of Democracy Essay and Patriot Pen Scholarship contests at 6 p.m. in the post cantina, Wildlife Lodge Road. The auxiliary meeting will be afterward at 7 p.m. in the banquet room.

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.

New Kensington

Today: East Kensington Community Circle will have a rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the community circle building, 1785 Seventh St. There will be a summer basket raffle and the kitchen will be open.

Today and Monday: The Community Clothes Closet, 1129 Kenneth Ave., will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. First-time customers receive 15 free items. Summer clothing donations accepted during open hours only.

Sunday: The Rivers Church, 200 Freeport Road, will have an outdoor service at 10:45 a.m. followed by lunch and a car cruise at the church. Registration for the cruise will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and there will be free food, children’s activities and door prizes. Bring a lawn chair. Car cruise registration: goriverchurch.com or 724-337-4837.

Wednesday: The Corner and Business New Ken will host a free networking happy hour from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the The Corner Launchbox, 701 Fifth Ave. Light snacks and adult beverages will be available. Reservations required. Reservations: facebook.com/events/1040326076892897. Questions: amp7089@psu.edu.

North Apollo

Today: A food truck festival with crafters and vendors will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at North Apollo Volunteer Firehall, 311 16^th St. There will be a basket auction and 50/50.

Parks

Sunday: 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.

South Buffalo

Sunday: National Alliance on Mental Illness of Butler County will host a free event with author Linda Schmitmeyer at 11 a.m. at Sower’s Chapel, 100 Iron Bridge Road. Schmitmeyer is the author of the book, “Rambler,” that discusses how a family coped with a loved one’s mental health condition. Public welcome.

Springdale   

Monday : The Sherlock Holmes Book Club at Springdale Free Public Library will meet at 6 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. The selection will be, “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” chapters 1 to 4. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Tuesday : The Tuesday Night Book Club at Springdale Free Public Library will meet at 6:30 p.m. The selection will be, “The Personal Librarian,” by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum

Today: The Clothing Closet at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St., will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A dollar breakfast will be from 8 a.m. to noon. 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.

Vandergrift

Today: A rummage sale will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Vandergrift Presbyterian Church, 195 Washington Ave. A $2 bag sale will begin at 2 p.m.

Today: A game day for children will begin at noon at the stage area of Kennedy Park. There will be kickball, red rover and four square games and a chance to win a gift card. Parents are encouraged to stay and participate. Sponsored Vandergrift Owls and Vandergrift Parent Project.

June 2: Vendor applications are being accepted for the Vandergrift Farmers Market planned from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays June 2 through Oct. 13 in the Columbia Avenue parking lot. Details: VIP15690@comcast.net.

West Deer 

Sunday: Concerned Citizens of West Deer (CROWD) will host an in-person meeting at 3 p.m. in Veterans No. 1 pavilion at Deer Lakes Park. Refreshments will be served and the Leto deep well application will be discussed. Residents who have questions about fracking behind Dollar General on Oak Road or what to know how to participate in the Leto public hearing scheduled June 30 should attend. Details: concernedresidents.org.