The Stroller, May 5, 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.

Gospel concert to feature local musicians

A gospel music concert, Gospel Explosion, will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Quality Inn, 300 Tarentum Bridge Road, New Kensington.

Performers will include Darryl Manley, Connie Allensworth, Joey Morris, Quandra Nichols, the Rev. John Bailey, Mike Huston, Gayla Wilson, Miss Freddye and Cathy Decroo. Donations will be accepted.

VFW schedules Poppy Day

The New Kensington Veterans of Foreign Wars in Lower Burrell will conduct its annual Poppy Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at various merchants in Arnold, Lower Burrell and New Kensington.

Volunteers will ask for a donation to help provide a few extra amenities for veterans in the three VA Hospitals in the Pittsburgh area.

St. Joseph to honor alumni

St. Joseph High School, Natrona Heights, Harrison, will honor several alumni with Spirit of St. Joseph Awards May 14 at a dinner and ceremony at Oakmont Country Club.

This year’s honorees are Rosalie Polchinski Kupec, Kimberly Minick and Sister Lisa Paffrath.

For tickets and sponsorship information, call Jennifer MacNeil at 724-226-8043 or jmacneil@saintjosephhs.com or visit SaintJosephHS.com/tickets.

Volunteers needed to work day at new cat rescue location

Frankie’s Friends Cat Rescue in New Kensington is seeking volunteers for a work day scheduled noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at its new location, 740 Fifth Ave., in the green brick building beside the clinic.

Help is needed to move items, paint, remove old cabinets and complete minor repairs. A sign-up sheet is available at Frankie’s Friends on Facebook.

Calendar

Allegheny Township

Today: The Keystone State Quilters and Sewers will meet at 7 p.m. at the Allegheny Township Municipal Building, 136 Community Building Road. Members sew items for family and friends as well as veterans, nursing homes, UPMC Children’s Hospital and cancer patients. Meetings are at 7 p.m. the first and third Thursday of each month. Sewing sessions are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the second and fourth Saturdays and Sundays of each month. Details: Pat, 724-733-7682, or Maryellen, 412-952-0570.

Allison Park

Friday: The Pittsburgh North chapter of the Women’s Business Network will meet at 9 a.m. at Parkwood United Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd. Those attending can learn how the group supports the success and growth of women in business. Meetings are the first and third Fridays of the month. Reservations required. Reservations and sign-on information: Kathy Bell, 412-855-0578.

Apollo

Tuesday: 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.

Saturday: Apollo Events Committee will host the May Daze celebration from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the borough. There will be yard sales, a kids fun zone and food trucks. Apollo Volunteer Fire Department No. 2 will sell food and sell chances for tip board raffles. Menu: hot sausage sandwiches, corn dogs, baked pretzels, popcorn, water and pop.

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.

Arnold

Saturday: Arnold United Methodist Church, 1801 Leishman Ave., will host an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon at the church. Menu: choice of plain, blueberry, pecan and chocolate chip pancakes or French toast, sausage and drink. Dine in or takeout. Cost: $7.50; 12 and younger, $5.50.Details: 724-339-2377.

Saturday: Homemade doughnuts will be sold from 6 to 10 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 1721 Victoria Ave. Cost: $6 per dozen. Orders: 724-335-0101.

Bethel

Tuesday: 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.

May 11 and 23: 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. May 11 and 23 at the center, 142 Kerr Road. Children can attend either session. Reservations required. Reservations: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

Brackenridge

Today: Bingo will begin at 7:15 p.m. at the American Legion, 845 First Ave.

Butler County

Today: The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Butler County will offer a free online support group at 7 p.m. at Zoom.us for families and friends of those living with a mental illness. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-431-0069 or info@namibutler.org.

Freeport

Today: Freeport Renaissance Association will meet at 7 p.m. at 1833 Coffee and Tea, 300 Fifth St. New members welcome.

Gilpin

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

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

Friday: 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 Veterans of Foreign Wars will feature trivia at 8 p.m. at the post, 894 Veterans Lane. Public welcome. Bring a team or form one at the post.

Saturday: Friends of Harrison Hills Park will sponsor a spring Bird Hike from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Harrison Hills Park. Join birder and photographer Dave Brooke and Trib reporter and nature enthusiast Mary Ann Thomas for a hike through the park and learn about the migrant and resident birds in the park. Meet in the Environmental Center parking lot, bring binoculars and wear hiking boots or shoes. Reservations required. Reservations: davbrooke@gmail.com. Details: 724-487-3586.

May 12: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will offer, “Honeybees: The Perfect Pollinator,” at 6 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. The speaker will be Bill Kopar of Kopar Honey Farm. 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

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.

Kittanning

Today and Sunday: The Armstrong County Historical Museum, 330 N. McKean St., will open for the summer on May 5. Hours are 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays. Other hours available by appointment. Free parking available behind the museum via the North Grant Avenue entrance. Details: 724-548-5707 or achgs300@gmail.com.

Leechburg 

Today: 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.

Today: The free genealogy group at Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the museum, 118 First St. Basic computer skills and face masks required. Ancestry.com and Newspaper.com are available. Details: Judy, 724-681-9154.

Friday: A fish fry will be from 3 to 7 p.m. at Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company, 268 Canal St. Dine in, curbside pickup or local delivery available. Menu: fried fish or shrimp dinner, chicken strip dinner, macaroni and cheese, fries, coleslaw, apple sauce, fruit cocktail and drinks. A 3% surcharge will be added to all debit and credit card orders. Orders: 724-842-3141 or 724-845-1684.

Saturday: A craft show and car show will be from noon to 5 p.m. at Leechburg Volunteer Firemen’s grounds, 268 Canal St. There will be food trucks and raffles. Vehicle registration will begin at 11 a.m. and awards will be given out at 4:30 p.m. The first 50 vehicles receive a dash plate. Registration fee: $5 each. Proceeds will benefit the fire company.

Lower Burrell

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

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

Tuesday: 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

Today: The Secular Organization for Sobriety/Save Our Selves (SOS) a support group for people recovering from alcohol and drug abuse, will meet a 7 p.m. at Lost Dreams Awakening Recovery Community Center, 408 Eighth St. Details: 724-556-0737.

Today: 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.

Today: 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.

Friday: A towel bingo will be hosted by East Kensington Community Circle at the community circle building, 1785 Seventh St. Cake and coffee will be served at 7 p.m. and bingo will begin at 7:30. Cost: $2, includes one board, cake and coffee; additional boards, 50 cents each.

Saturday and Tuesday: The Community Clothes Closet, 1129 Kenneth Ave., will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday 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.

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.

May 18: St. George Orthodox Church is accepting orders for a kibbee sale. Cost: $50 per dozen or six for $27. Order deadline: Wednesday. Pickup: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. May 18 in the church hall, 1150 Leishman Ave. Orders: 724-337-3918.

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

Saturday: Garden Club of Oakmont will host its annual plant sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hoffstot’s Café Monaco, 533 Allegheny Ave. Offerings will include hanging baskets, annuals, perennials, flower containers, and lettuce and herb bowls. Oakmont Lions will sell brooms. Cash, checks and credit cards accepted.

Saxonburg

Through Saturday: South Butler County Library, 240 W. Main St., will sponsor a jigsaw puzzle exchange at the library. Bring a new or gently-used puzzle during operating hours and take home one for yourself. Puzzles for all ages accepted and must have all the pieces. Selections change daily. Details: 724-352-4810.

Springdale   

Monday: 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: 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. Rain date: May 12. Questions: Carrie Fox, 724-448-1470.

Today: 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.

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.

Vandergrift

Wednesday : Vandergrift Public Library will have a free Toddler Time for children 4 and younger at 11 a.m. at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.

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

Washington Township

Friday: 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.

May 19: Union Presbyterian Church, 656 Route 380, is accepting orders for a hoagie sale. Cost: $8. Order deadline: Sunday. Pickup: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 19 at the back of the church. Orders: 412-398-7603.

West Deer

Friday and Saturday: Amateur Astronomers of Pittsburgh will host star parties at 8:20 p.m. at the Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory, 225 Kurn Road, in Deer Lakes Regional Park, weather permitting. Bring binoculars, a blanket and camping chair. Please use parking lights only when you drive through the park gate. Donations will be accepted. Details and weather updates: 724-224-2510 or 3ap.org.

Saturday: East Union Church will host a craft fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 292 East Union Road. Free admission, food and a basket auction. Details: 412-767-5750.