The Stroller, May 11, 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.

Harrison library discontinues fines for overdue materials

Community Library of Allegheny Valley in Harrison has announced that it will no longer collect fines for any library material that is returned past the due date.

Overdue fines can keep people away from the library and inequitably restrict access to library resources. Patrons who do not return Items will receive reminder emails and ultimately be billed. For more information, email clavharrisonlibrary.com.

Patriotic bingo planned at St. James Parish

St. James Parish, Apollo, will host a Super Patriotic Bingo May 21 at the church activities center, 109 Owens View Ave.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $30 and includes supplies, food and drinks. There will be instant tickets, a basket raffle and a $1,500 cover-all jackpot game. Those attending must be at least 21 and are encouraged to wear red, white and blue.

For tickets and more information, call Linda at 724-882-8776.

Youngsters invited to attend Camp Cadet

Applications are being accepted for the 2022 Armstrong County Camp Cadet Program, July 24 to 29 for boys and girls, age 12 to 15.

The free program, sponsored by the Pennsylvania State Police at Kittanning, is a week long summer camp hosted by Lenape Vocational-Technical School, Chaplin Avenue, Manor Township.

Participants, under the guidance of state police officers and civilian counselors, are introduced to law enforcement agencies including the FBI, Secret Service, local police departments, sheriff’s office and units of the state police. They will tour the courthouse and Armstrong County jail and participate in sports, swimming and other group activities. In addition, there are demonstrations on first aid, fire department/rescue and the hazards of explosives.

Those completing the camp receive certificates and awards. The goal of Camp Cadet is to give young people a better understanding of law enforcement and to encourage good citizenship.

For details and an application, visit CampCadet.com. Application deadline is June 1.

Calendar

Allegheny Township

May 18: Vandergrift Public Library and Tiny Trax Farm will host a free Goat Storytime at 6 p.m. at the farm, 151 Stitt Ave. Wear old clothes and shoes. Space is limited and reservations are required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.

Apollo

Today: 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.

Thursday: The Yarn Good Time needle arts group at Apollo Memorial Library will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. to knit, crochet, embroider or cross stitch. All ages and skill levels welcome. Details: 724-478-4214.

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. All vendors needed. Cost: $20 per table; without electricity, $15. Details: Linda, 724-882-8776.

Tuesday : 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.

Bethel

May 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 23 at the center, 142 Kerr Road. Reservations required. Reservations: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

Brackenridge

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

Freeport 

Today: 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 spring and summer clothing, shoes, bedding and purses welcome. Donations must be laundered and free from pet hair. Details: 724-295-3095.

May 24: 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.

Gilpin

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

Sunday: Gilpin Fire Department will sell takeout pulled pork dinners in a drive-thru at 4 p.m. at the firehall, 113 Firehall Road. Menu: pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw, corn bread, roll and cookie, $10. Orders: 724-845-7200, leave a message.

Harrison

Today: 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.

Today: The Anime Club at Community Library of Allegheny County, 1522 Broadview Blvd., will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the library. Focused for adults, but teens and young adults welcome. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or visit the calendar section at AlleghenyValleyLibrary.org.

Today: 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.

Today: 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.

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.

Thursday: Burtner House Restoration Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Harrison Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Drive, Natrona Heights. New members welcome. Details: Jeff Jones, 724-205-8784 or BHRS1821@gmail.com.

Thursday : 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.

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.

May 18: Community Library of Allegheny Valley, 1522 Broadview Blvd. will offer a program, “Gardening with Native Plants,” at 5:30 p.m. at the library and online. Julie Travaglini of the Allegheny Land Trust will be the speaker. 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

Thursday: 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.

May 19: Leechburg Public Library, 137 Market St., will host a movie night at 6 p.m. featuring Disney Pixar’s, “Coco,” rated PG. Tickets must be reserved by Friday. The library is now closed on Saturdays. Tickets: stop in at the library.

May 28: Leechburg Public Library is selling chances to win a summer basket that includes 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

Saturday: 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.

Saturday: 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.

McCandless

Today: The Sealarks Women’s Group will meet at 1 p.m. at Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Road. The group provides Christian fellowship and social activity for women who are widowed, divorced or never married. Sandy Ritchey and her dog Wendell will present a program about therapy dogs. New members and guests welcome. Details and reservations: 412-487-7194.

New Kensington

Thursday: 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.

Thursday: 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. This week’s meals are sponsored by St. George Orthodox Church.

Thursdays: 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.

Saturday : 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.

May 22: River Church, 200 Freeport Road, is accepting registrations for its annual car show. An outdoor worship service will be at 10:45 a.m. and the car show will be afterward. Registration: 724-337-4837 or goriverchurch.com/car-show-2022.

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.

Plum 

May 18: Plum Community Library will offer a free screening of the movie, “Encanto,” at 6 p.m. at the library, 445 Center New Texas Road. Reservations required. Reservations: visit the calendar section at plumlibrary.org.

May 19: The SOS Ministry at Holy Family Parish , 2000 Oblock Road, will offer a free program, “What My Family Should Know,” at 1 p.m. in the Our Lady of Joy Church hall. Attorney Jake Noble will discuss legal documents and papers you should have in place for your family. Reservations required. Reservations: 412-793-4511, ext. 107 or sos@holyfamilypgh.org.

Springdale   

Today and Thursday: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.

Thursday: Lower Valley Community Food Bank will distribute food from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday from the rear entrance of the Springdale borough building. Do not arrive before 12:45 p.m. Anyone in need of food who lives in Springdale, Springdale Township, Cheswick, Harmar and the sections of Indiana Township and West Deer with a zip code of 15024 is welcome. New recipients can register Thursday.

May 18: Springdale Free Public Library will offer a craft workshop to make a Memorial Day Mason jar candle at 1 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum

Today: 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.

Thursday: 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.

Friday: Tarentum Book Club will meet at the home of Mary Jane Jacques. Linda Robertson will review, “Coco Chanel,” by Justine Picardie. The committee will be Margaret Baldassare and Linda Robertson.

Vandergrift

Today : 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.

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.

Washington Township

Today: Poke Run Presbyterian Church will have a free soup luncheon at noon at the church, 1091 Poke Run Church Road. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Details: 724-327-5563.

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

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.

West Deer

Today: East Union Presbyterian Church will have a takeout spaghetti dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church, 292 East Union Road. Menu: spaghetti with choice of meat, meatball or mushroom sauce, salad, rolls and dessert. Donations will be accepted. Details: 724-265-1381.

May 21: Deer Lakes Youth Lacrosse will host a comedy night fundraiser at West Deer Fire Hall No. 1, 1520 Saxonburg Blvd. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30. David Kaye, Sean Collier and Trey McDonough will be the featured performers. Cost: $40, includes dinner buffet and draft beer. There will be a basket raffle and 50/50. Must be 21 to attend. BYOB. Tickets: slapsticksproductions.com. Details: 412-920-5653.