The Stroller, June 13, 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.

Sweep event to collect trash along Kiski River

Volunteers are needed to participate from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in the Kiski River Sweep.

The group will kayak on the Kiskiminetas River and gather trash from the North Vandergrift section of Parks to Leechburg. Participants should meet at 8 a.m. at River’s Edge Canoe and Kayak, 3158 River Road, Gilpin, to sign waivers. Forms can be accessed at orsanco.org/river-sweep/volunteer-waiver, printed, filled out in advance and brought with you. Volunteers should wear clothes that can get wet and dirty and closed-toed shoes.

For details, call John Linkes at 724-845-9420. The event is sponsored by the Kiski Watershed Association and River’s Edge Canoe and Kayak.

Bereavement event for children planned

Good Samaritan Hospice, a mission of Concordia Lutheran Ministries, will sponsor a free youth bereavement event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 25 at its Middlesex Township office, 116 Browns Hill Road, Suite 100.

The outdoor event is for children who have lost a loved one and their caregivers. Breakout sessions will be held for adults and lunch will be served.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are strongly encouraged by Friday, but walk-ins are welcome. For reservations, call 800-720-2557, ext. 4426.

Calendar

Apollo

Wednesday: Apollo Hose Co. No. 2 will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Details: 724-478-4831.

June 30: Apollo Memorial Library is selling raffle tickets for a basket of scratch-off tickets and history items. Cost: $1 for 1; $3 for 5; and $5 for 10. The drawing will be June 30. Tickets: Stop in at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

Arnold

July 10: Table reservations are being accepted for a flea market planned from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Arnold Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 social hall, 1702 Fifth Ave. Set up will begin at 6 a.m. Cost: $10 for two tables. Details: Jim Duncan, 724-754-7666.

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, “Super Fly: The Unexpected Lives of the World’s Most Successful Insects,” by Jonathan Balcombe. Reservations and masks required. Reservations and details: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

June 21: The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek, 142 Kerr Road, will offer a free meet-and-greet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. with beekeepers of Armstrong, Butler, Indiana and Clarion counties. Learn why bees are so important. There will be children’s activities. Reservations required. Reservations and details: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

June 23: A guided mushroom walk will begin at 5 p.m. at the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek, 142 Kerr Road. Cost: $30. Reservations required. Reservations: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

Brackenridge

Wednesday: Al-Anon will meet at 8 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 847 10th Ave. The group offers help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics.

Buffalo Township

June 23: Zion United Methodist Church will host a community blood drive from 1 to 7 p.m. in the church Family Life Center, 438 Bear Creek Road. Appointments recommended. Bring ID. Appointments: 412-209-7000 or visit donateblood.centralbloodbank.org and click on the Schedule Now or New Donor buttons. Search for group code C664.

Cheswick

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

East Vandergrift

July 3 and 4: Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish is selling raffle tickets to win $1,000 cash and a $200 gift certificate to Naser Foods. Cost: $10 per ticket that has two numbers. Winning numbers will be the first officially drawn 7 p.m. Pa. Lottery Daily Pick-3 number on July 3 and 4. Each day’s winner will receive the cash and a gift certificate. Tickets: Deborah, 724-859-3186 or after Mass in the church vestibule.

Freeport

Wednesday: The Thrift Store Clothing Ministry at Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St., will be open from noon to 3 p.m. Cash only. Donations of summer clothing, shoes, bedding and purses welcome. Donations must be laundered and free from pet hair. Details: 724-295-3095.

Harrison 

Today: The free summer children’s playground program sponsored by Natrona Comes Together Association will present a crafts program to make button art at 12:30 p.m. at the park pavilion.

Monday through Friday: Building Block of Natrona provides lunches for children from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Natrona Community Park. Children do not have to live in Allegheny County. Reservations are encouraged to allow for ordering enough meals but are not required. Lunch reservations: text 724-257-1117 with the number of children attending.

Wednesday: The Agape Thrift Shop at Grace United Methodist Church, 1333 Freeport Road, will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Masks required. Clean spring and summer clothing in all sizes is needed. Bring donations on Wednesday or leave them on the front porch. Do not place donations in the blue bins behind the church.

Wednesday: Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Food Bank will be open to anyone in need from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights. Pull into the center parking lot and food will be placed into your vehicle. Those who are not yet registered should come from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Friday: The YMCA will sponsor a School’s Out Summer Bash for children in first through sixth grade from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Y, 5021 Freeport Road. There will be dodge ball, crafts, games and pizza, but no swimming. Cost: $15; $5 for each additional sibling. Reservations required by noon Friday. Attendance is limited to 40 children. Reservations: stop in at the YMCA.

June 20: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will offer a program for youths age 12 to 18, Mermaid Tail Painting, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Cost: $5 includes supplies. Reservations required. Reservations: alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

June 22: 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, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” by Jules Verne. Online participation available. Reservations required. Reservations: AlleghenyValleyLibrary.org.

Kittanning

Sundays and Thursdays: The 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 

Tuesday: A Flag Day observance will be at 7 p.m. at the Leechburg Elks, 228 Market St. The Kiski Valley Community Band will perform. Public welcome. Please use the side entrance.

Wednesday: Leechburg Museum will be open from noon to 3 p.m. Alternate times available by appointment. Details: 724-845-8914 or lamahs@windstream.net.

Wednesday: A Teen Game night will be from 7 to 9 p.m. at the gazebo in Riverside Park, behind Sprankle’s Community Market, Third Street. Sponsored by Leechburg Public Library.

Today: 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.

July 10: Team registrations are being accepted for the Shawn DesLauriers Bocce Tournament set for noon at the Marconi Club, River Avenue. Team fee: $300. There will be a basket raffle, food and a 50/50. Proceeds will be used to establish a scholarship in DesLauriers’ name. Details: Dan Swartz, danno6699@gmail.com.

Lower Burrell

Wednesday: The Moose will host a trivia night with Pittsburgh DJ Trivia at 6:30 p.m. at the post, 499 Reimer St. Members and guests welcome.

June 25: 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. Reservations and details: 724-335-4422 or lbcog@hotmail.com.

New Kensington

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. Items available include clothing for all members of the family, shoes and linens. First-time customers receive 15 free items. Summer clothing donations accepted during business hours.

Wednesday: Allegheny Valley Church of God, 216 Catalpa St., will serve free grab-and-go lunches at noon. Menu: chili and cookies, for as long as the food lasts. Details: 724-335-0994.

Wednesday: Peoples Library will offer two programs with the Allegheny Land Trust at the library, 880 Barnes St. “Animal Athletes,” will be at 1 p.m. Compare skills with some Pennsylvania mammals. An adult program, “All About Bees,” will be at 2:15 p.m. Masks are encouraged at both programs. Details: 724-339-1021.

June 18: St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 150 Elmtree Road, will have a takeout Slavic Food Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the church hall. Menu: stuffed cabbage, pierogi, soups, haluski, hot sandwiches and baked goods. Tours of the church will be available. Advance orders strongly recommended for pierogi. Order deadline: Friday. Orders: 724-226-0942 or saintjohnnewken@gmail.com.

June 22: 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 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 22 in the church hall, 1150 Leishman Ave. Orders: 724-337-3918.

Oakmont

Tuesdays: Taking Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) meets at 6 p.m. at Oakmont United Methodist Church, 419 Maryland Ave. Monthly dues: $5; first meeting is free. Details: vrevilla@pointpark.edu.

Tuesday: The Pittsburgh Doo Wop Big Band will perform at 8 p.m. at the Elks, 106 Washington Ave. Admission: $10.

July 31: Reservations are being accepted for the Kerr Museum Victorian Bridal Luncheon set for 12:30 p.m. at Oakmont Country Club. Hats and fascinators welcome. Cost: $75. Reservations required by July 22. Reservations: 412-826-9295.

Plum

Tuesday: A Flag Day observance will be at 1 p.m. in the Plum Community Center parking lot, 499 Center New Texas Road. Refreshments will be served afterward.

June 21: A Summer Solstice Family Celebration will be from 2 to 7:30 p.m. at Plum Community Center and Library, 499 Center New Texas Road. There will be a scavenger hunt, crafts, a magician, free Kona Ice and a concert by Music For Life. Details: 412-795-2330 or plumlibrary.org.

Springdale

Wednesday: Springdale Free Public Library will sponsor a craft workshop to learn finger knitting at 1 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. Bring a skein of Bernat Alize Blanket-EZ Stripes yarn. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Wednesday : Local author Tamara Girardi will discuss her new book, “Disorder In The Court,” at 6 p.m. at Springdale Free Public Library, 331 School St. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum

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.

Monday through Friday: Central Presbyterian Church will host a free children’s meal program through Aug. 12 at the church, 305 Allegheny St. Breakfast will be served from 9 to 10 a.m. and lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Activities will be offered between meals. No reservations are required. Food must be eaten onsite; no grab-and-go meals will be available.

Tuesday: A free outdoor storytime for children age 3 to 5 will be at noon near the water play area of Riverview Memorial Park, First Avenue. Bring a blanket or chair. Sponsored by Community Library of Allegheny Valley. Weather permitting.

Wednesday: BridgePointe Church will have its free children’s summer reading program from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the church library, 400 E. Ninth Ave. Lunch and a snack will be served. Details: 724-671-7580.

Wednesday: The Tarentum Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the upper parking lot at First United Presbyterian Church, 913 Lock St.

Wednesday: The Elks will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the lodge, 219 E. Sixth Ave. The kitchen is open to the public from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Menu: elks644.org/elks-kitchen-1. Orders: 724-226-1644 by 8:15 p.m.

Sept. 8 to 10: Summit Hose Co. is accepting crafter and vendor applications for its Fall Festival. No food vendors, please. Details: Tami Sudy, 878-302-5367 or tamisudy@gmail.com.

Vandergrift

Tuesday: The YoYos Needles Art group at Vandergrift Public Library will meet from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the library reading room, 128C. Washington Ave. Please note the new date and time. All skill levels welcome. No reservations required. Details: 724-568-2212.

Wednesday: A Dollar Dinner will be from 4 to 6 p.m. or until sold out at First United Methodist Church, 134 Custer Ave. Menu: grilled hot dogs, baked beans, pasta salad, brownies, lemonade and water, all for $1. Outdoor seating will be available, weather permitting.

Through June 30: The Books & More Store at Vandergrift Public Library will have a $3 bag sale. Bags provided by the library. Items individually priced will include puzzles, DVDs, audio books and CDs. Hours: 1 to 8 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays; 10 to 5 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Proceeds benefit the library.

Washington Township

Wednesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 6 p.m. at Union Presbyterian Church, 656 Route 380.