The Stroller, May 7, 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.

Motorcycle poker run to support homeless vets

Ride for Homeless Vets Motorcycle Poker Run will be June 12 at Natrona Heights Veterans of Foreign Wars, 894 Veterans Lane.

The run will begin and finish at the Veterans of Foreign Wars and visit local Ford City and Rimersburg Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and the Sarver Vets Club. Cost is $20 per rider and $15 per passenger. Race-day check-in will be from 9 to 11 a.m. The first 200 people registered will receive an event T-shirt and should specify size.

The Shiners will perform after the race at the Harrison VFW. For information and registration forms, visit rideforhomelessvets.com.

Drive-through food distribution set Tuesday at Pittsburgh Mills

Allegheny Valley Association of Churches and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank will host a drive-thru food distribution for anyone in need from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in parking lot of the former JC Penney store at the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills, Frazer.

Reservations are required by 5 p.m. Monday to ensure enough food is available. To make a reservation, visit pittsburghfoodbank.org/find-food/drive-up-distributions or call 412-460-3663, ext. 655. There is no required proof of eligibility and anyone is eligible for food. Individuals must remain in their vehicle. For details, call 724-226-0606.

Golf outing to benefit Apollo, East Vandergrift parishes

St. James and Our Lady, Queen of Peace parishes will be June 11 at The Links at Spring Church, 3563 Balsiger Road, Kiski Township.

Check-in will be from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. and a shotgun start will be at 8 a.m. Cost is $85 if paid by May 13; $100 after that date, and includes food and drinks. Checks made out to St. James or Our Lady, Queen of Peace parishes, with “golf outing” in the memo can be mailed to 109 Owens View Ave., Apollo PA 15613. For details, call or text Eric at 313-600-0730 or Ron, 724-600-4290.

Memorial Day parade participants sought

The annual Leechburg Memorial Day parade will begin at 10 a.m. May 30.

All veterans, in uniform or not, active-duty units, high school and local bands, church groups, fraternal organizations, scouts, fire and ambulance companies, and other interested groups are invited to participate. For details, contact Doreen Smeal at 724-448-4188 or doreen.smeal@gmail.com.

Calendar

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.

Today: 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.

May 17: The Graphic Novel Book Club for children age 10 to 14 at Apollo Memorial Library will meet at 5 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-478-1693.

Arnold

Today: 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.

Today: 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.

Cheswick

Monday: Springdale High School Alumni Association will meet at 7 p.m. in Cheswick Presbyterian Church, 1401 Pittsburgh St. Details: Mike, 724-275-7566.

Harrison

Today: 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.

Tuesday: The Who Knew? program at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will present, “Sensational Gardens of Pa.,” at 6 p.m. at the library and online at Zoom.us. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or visit the calendar tab at alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Wednesday: The PriorityCare program at Allegheny Valley Hospital will offer a free seminar, “Say No To Stroke,” at 1:30 p.m. in the Charles W. Young Conference Center at the hospital, 1301 Carlisle St., Natrona Heights. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-7339.

Thursday: The annual St. Joseph High School Latin Mass will be at 7 p.m. at Guardian Angels Parish – Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Natrona Heights. Bishop Larry Kulick of the Catholic Diocese of Greensburg will be the celebrant. A reception will be afterward.

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.

Kittanning

Sundays and Thursdays Armstrong County Historical Museum, 330 N. McKean St., will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. 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 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.

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: Leechburg Public Library Board of Directors will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 137 Market St. Public welcome.

Monday: The Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society, 118 First St., is closed and will reopen for summer on May 28. To arrange a private tour, email lamahs@windstream.net or call 724-845-8914 and leave a message.

Lower Burrell

Today: 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.

Monday: Alle-Kiski Multiple Sclerosis Support Group will meet at 7 p.m. in Faith Hall of Puckety Presbyterian Church, 1009 Puckety Church Road. Chiropractor Dr. Misty O’Toole will discuss stem cell therapies. New members welcome. Details: Mary, 724-337-7133, or Carol, 724-335-7136.

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 and 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.

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

Today: 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.

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.

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 Manos Gallery will host a children’s exhibit, “Artist of Tomorrow,” from noon to 5 p.m. at the gallery, 320 E. Fifth Ave. Over 60 children will participate. Artwork will be sold with proceeds benefiting the Free Care fund at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Donations will also be accepted.

Today: 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.

Vandergrift

Today: 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.

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.

May 21: Vandergrift Presbyterian Church is accepting donations for a rummage sale. Hours: 9 a.m. to noon Mondays through Thursdays at the church, 195 Washington Ave. Please no televisions, furniture, computers or suitcases without wheels.

Washington Township

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

Today: Amateur Astronomers of Pittsburgh will host a star party 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.

Today: 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.