The Stroller, Feb. 11, 2021: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley

The Stroller is compiling a list of fish fries taking place Ash Wednesday and/or Fridays during Lent. To your non-profit’s fish fry listed in the paper and online, send complete information in writing to Carol Pinto-Smith, Valley News Dispatch, 210 Wood St., Tarentum, PA 15084 or email cpinto-smith@triblive.com.

Free violence prevention programming available

The Alle-Kiski Area HOPE Center Inc. offers free violence prevention programming for students in sixth through eighth grade.

Lessons include interactive activities, clips and scenarios and are available online or via pre-recorded videos to show at your convenience.

Schools and youth and community groups are welcome to use the videos. For information, contact Traci at TraciA@hopecenter.org or 724-224-1100.

Driver license, photo centers closed for Presidents Day

PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed Saturday through Monday in observance of Presidents Day.

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online at dmv.pa.gov. There are no additional fees for using online services.

Free food distribution set Saturday in Leechburg

A free drive-thru food distribution will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Leechburg Fire Hall grounds, 268 Canal St.

No registration is required. Recipients should enter the fire hall parking lot via the First Street entrance, look for line attendants for instructions and remain in their vehicle.

The event is sponsored by Kiski Valley Community Church in Leechburg in cooperation with the Convoy of Hope and USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program. For details, visit facebook.com/kiskivalleycommunitychurch.

Calendar

Apollo 

Saturday: 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. Face masks and social distancing required. Details: Linda, 724-882-8776

March 17: St. James Parish is selling tickets for a Luck of the Irish scratch-off lottery ticket raffle. Winner will receive one complete roll of $5, $10 and $20 Pa. Lottery scratch off lottery tickets. The winning number will be the 7 p.m. March 17 Pa. Daily Pick 3 number. Cost: $10, includes two numbers. Tickets: Linda, 724-882-8776 or after weekend Masses in the church vestibule and the church office, 109 Owens View Ave. Proceeds will benefit the church operating budget.

Brackenridge 

Today: Bingo will be hosted by the American Legion at 7:15 p.m. at the post, 845 First Ave. Face masks must be worn. Seating arrangements will reflect social distancing. The kitchen will be closed.

Friday: Tarentum Book Club will meet at Trinity United Methodist Church, 857 10th Ave. Holly Puett will discuss, “Where the Crawdads Sing,” by Delia Owens. Betsy Buco will be the hostess with Mary Lou Beck, Linda Robertson and Terry Walker.

East Deer 

Today: East Deer Commissioners will hold the combined meeting at 7:30 p.m. online. Access information: eastdeertownship.org

East Vandergrift  

March 21: Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish is selling raffle tickets for a Half A Cow raffle. Winner will receive half a cow, a 20-cubic feet freezer, $200 gift card to Naser’s Foods, $200 gift card to Rukas Beverage and a $100 gift card to Lackey’s Dairy Queen. The winning number will be the 7 p.m. March 21 Pa. Daily Pick 3 number. Cost: $10 for two numbers. Tickets: Deborah, 724-859-3186, after Sunday Mass in the church vestibule and the church office, 400 Kennedy Ave.

Fox Chapel 

February: Fox Chapel Area High School will host a community blood drive during February at the Vitalant Harmar/Fox Chapel Donor Center, 2585 Freeport Road, suite 207. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Donors must be at least 16 years old and will be tested for antibodies to covid-19 for free. Appointments: 866-366-6771 and specify the donation is for the Fox Chapel Area High School drive, or click on the Donate Blood button at Vitalant.org and use group code HS010025

Freeport Area School District

Today: Freeport Area School Board, regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. online. Access information: freeport.k12.pa.us/News

Gilpin 

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

Tuesday: An American Red Cross Blood community blood drive will be from 12:30 to 6 p.m. at Gilpin Volunteer Fire Department social hall, 113 Fire Hall Road. Appointments: 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code GTVFD

Harmar

Feb. 20: The designer purse bash planned by Fun and Freedom Youth Sports has been changed to be an all-virtual event beginning at 6 p.m. Cost: $35, includes entry in 13 prize drawings. There will be side and 50/50 raffles and a silent auction. Details: 724-274-7773 or visit the group’s Facebook page.

Harrison

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 present their own identification, the child’s birth certificate and a current WIC or SNAP card.

Feb. 16: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will present a virtual presentation of the Who Knew? program, “All That Jazz,” at 6 p.m. online. Learn interesting facts about jazz in Pittsburgh and our local neighborhoods. Registration required. Registration: visit the EventKeeper section of alleghenyvalleylibrary.org

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. Face masks and social distancing required.

April 1: Tickets are on sale for a No Foolin’ Lottery Scratch-off Ticket Raffle to benefit Leechburg Area Community Association and Leechburg Public Library. Winner receives one roll of $20 and one roll of $10 scratch-off tickets. Cost: $5, includes two numbers. Winning number will be the 7 p.m. April 1 Pick 3 number. Tickets: stop in at the library, 139 Market St.

April 17: Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company is accepting applications for vendors for an outside Rally on the River set for noon to 6 p.m. at the firemen’s grounds, 268 Canal St. Vendors are responsible for their own signs, tables, chairs and tent. No electricity available. No yard sale tents. Cost: $25 for a 25 x 25-foot area. Details: Melissa, 724-332-9090 or Kari, 724-309-6143

New Kensington  

Today: Knead Community Café in New Kensington will hand out free grab-and-go dinners from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the café, 1011 Barnes St. This week’s sponsor is Jessie Davis of AFLAC. Those picking up meals are reminded to observe social distancing while they wait in line.

March 27: Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley is seeking gift basket and gift card donations for a virtual spring basket raffle. Deadline: Feb. 20 Details: Val, vdesanto@animalprotectors.net

May 29: TryLife Center is accepting crafter and vendor applications for a fair set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Quality Inn, 300 Tarentum Bridge Road. Details: 724-339-9399, ext. 105

Plum

April 12: Plum Senior Center will have AARP Tax Help from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays and Fridays through April 12 at center, 499 Center New Texas Road. Appointments and masks required. No walk-ins. Social distancing will be observed. Appointments: 412-731-2330

Springdale 

February: Springdale Free Public Library is offering a fine amnesty through Feb. 28. Return any overdue item belonging to the library and all fines on that item will be waived, regardless of how long it has been checked out. The book drop is available 24/7 for all items except CDs and DVDs. Details: 724-274-9729

Tarentum

Saturday: The Men of Bethel AME Church will sponsor a takeout fish fry from noon to 5 p.m. at the church, 250 Seventh Ave. Menu: fish, coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob and dessert, $10; fish sandwich with coleslaw, $8. Masks required for pickup. Details: 724-224-2417

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

Upper Burrell

March 17: Upper Burrell and Portvue volunteer fire departments are selling tickets for a Luck of the Irish $15,000 cash prize drawing. Cost: $20 per ticket, includes eight numbers. The winning number will be taken from the 7 p.m. March 17 Pennsylvania Pick 4 number. Details and tickets: text 412-926-4678

Washington Township

March 28: Space applications are being accepted for an auto parts swap meet set for 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Washington Township Volunteer Fire Co., Route 66. Cost: 12 x 24-foot space, $25; 12 x 48-foot space, $45; inside 32-foot space, $55. Vendor set up will begin at 11 p.m. March 27. First come, first served. Items will include parts and accessories from anything automotive, classic, high performance, trucks, cars, motorcycles or boats. Food and beverages will be sold inside. Reservations and details: 724-727-3079, leave a message