Publicize your non-profit’s community events, fundraisers and club meetings for free in The Stroller. Send information at least two weeks in advance to vndnews@triblive.com or The Stroller, 210 Wood St., Tarentum PA 15084. Please include a daytime telephone number. Follow the Stroller on X at @VNDStroller.
Fundraiser planned to aid local police officer
A fundraiser to benefit longtime public servant William “Willie” Weber is planned March 29 at the Parks Volunteer Firehall, 119 Dalmation Drive.
Weber was a police officer for over 40 years in Arnold, Parks Township, Vandergrift and West Leechburg and has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Doors will open at 4 p.m. and a catered dinner by Box Alarm BBQ will be served at 5.
Tickets are $25. There will be bands, a silent auction and 50-50. BYOB. For tickets, contact Nadine Artman at 724-889-3490 or visit Big Web’s Warriors on Facebook. Proceeds will benefit Weber and his family.
Monthly Breaking Bread dinner planned at Knead Community Cafe
Knead Community Cafe, 1011 Barnes St., New Kensington, will host its free monthly dine-in Breaking Bread dinner at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the cafe.
This month’s dinner is sponsored by Bethel United Methodist Church. No takeout meals will be available.
The café is accepting sponsorships for its Grab and Go community outreach meals. Meals can be sponsored in honor or in memory of someone or to celebrate a business or organization. For information and to sign up, call 878-847-7997 or visit kneadcommunitycafe.org/meal-sponsorships.
Calendar
Apollo
Wednesday: Apollo Hose Company No. 2 will have bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There will be specials and wish jars. Details: 724-478-4831.
Saturday : A spaghetti dinner will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at Apollo United Presbyterian Church, 401 First St. Dine in or takeout. Menu: spaghetti, salad, bread, dessert and beverage. Cost: $12; age 3 to 9, $6; younger than 3, free. Reservations encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Reservations: 724-478-4807. Proceeds will benefit the church building fund.
Arnold
Friday: St. Vladimir Church, 1610 Kenneth Ave., is accepting orders for its pierogi sale. Varieties: potato or sauerkraut, $14 per dozen. Pickup: 12:30 to 4 p.m. Fridays in the church social hall. Orders: 724-339-9257, 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Avonmore
April 12: The Center for Active Adults, 458 Railroad Ave., is accepting reservations for an indoor/outdoor spring craft show set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center. Rain or shine. Cost: $10 per space. Details: 724-697-4014.
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.
Thursday: Free grab-and-go lunches will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Allegheny Valley Salvation Army and Community Center, 917 Brackenridge Ave. Free grocery items from Walmart and Aldi will be available. Everyone is welcome.
Thursday: Bingo will be at 7:15 p.m. at the American Legion, 845 First Ave. Details: 724-994-6030.
Buffalo Township
Wednesday: Sarver Momco will meet from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Christ Community Fellowship, 160 Singleton Road. This is a non-denominational faith-based group for mothers of children in 12th grade and younger and those who are expecting. Reservations required. Reservations: Sarvermomco@gmail.com or SarverMomco on Facebook.
April 13: A Sarris candy sale to benefit Buffalo Elementary PTA is being conducted online at sarriscandiesfundraising.com. Candy is available for Easter. Use group number 10-1588.
Freeport
Wednesdays: The Blessing Closet at Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St., will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All items are free, but donations will be accepted. Items available include clothing of all sizes, bedding and window items. Donations of clothing, shoes and boots welcome; must be laundered and free from smoke and pet hair. Wheelchair accessible. Details: 724-295-3095.
March 26: A Vitalant community blood drive will be from noon to 5 p.m. at St. Mary Mother of God church hall, 608 High St. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments: 877-258-4825 or visit the Donate Blood button at Vitalant.org and search for account code UG0040286.
Featured Local Businesses
Gilpin
Thursday: Gilpin Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 113 Firehall Road.
Harrison
Today: The Accordion Club is seeking new players of all ages. Meetings are from 6 to 8 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6003 Freeport Road. Details: 724-236-0665.
Today: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will host a story time for children age 3 to 5 at 10 a.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. This week’s theme will be spring. No reservations required. Details: 724-226-3491.
Wednesday: The Agape Thrift Shop at Grace United Methodist Church, 1333 Freeport Road, will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Clean clothing in all sizes is needed. No housewares or bedding please. 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 from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights. Food bank participants can receive food allotments twice per month. Those who are not yet registered should come from 3 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday. The Sparrow’s Nest clothing and home goods ministry will be open from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Details and alternate times: 724-226-0606, ext. 10.
Wednesday: The Becky’s Closet community clothing store at Faith Lutheran Church, 1500 Broadview Blvd., will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church. Cost: adult tops and bottoms, 50 cents; children’s clothing, 25 cents. Please bring small bills and your own bags. Donations welcome during these hours. Everyone welcome.
Thursday: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will host a Senior Outreach from 2 to 4 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Topics will include energy assistance, Access 65 and more. Bring ID to register for a transportation program. No reservations required, just drop by. Details: 724-226-3491.
Saturday : Community Library of Allegheny Valley will host a seed starter workshop with representatives of the Burrellton Garden Club and Penn State Master Watershed Stewards from noon to 2 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Tomatoes, peppers and herbs will be planted. All supplies are included. Children may attend with an adult. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or Alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.
March 26: The Kitchen Sink Book Club at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. The selection will be “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell Copies are available at the circulation desk. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.
Jefferson Township
Thursday: Bingo will be at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion, 754 N. Pike Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open. Proceeds benefit post and auxiliary projects.
Kiski Township
May 3: Boy Scout Troop 589 is accepting applications for a yard sale planned at Spring Church Sportsman’s Club, 1956 Route 56. Individuals, families and vendors welcome. Cost: yard sale spaces, indoors, $15, outside; $10; vendors and crafters, $25. Spaces are 8-feet wide. Bring your own table and chairs. Reservations: checks made payable to Troop 589 should be sent to Carrie Shank, Troop 589, 1134 Old State Road, Apollo PA 15613. Questions: Tracy Boop, 724-420-6758, or Carrie Shank, 724-448-9639 or cjshank@comcast.net.
Leechburg
Wednesday: The free genealogy group at Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society will meet from 10 a.m. to noon at the museum, 118 First St. The group will now meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Basic computer skills required. Details: Judy, wrighton154@yahoo.com.
Lower Burrell
Today: Redemption Church, 232 Hillcrest Dr., will offer a GriefShare support group from 6:30 to 8 p.m. through April 8 at the church. No reservations required.
Wednesdays: A free DivorceCare support group will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. through April 9 at Redemption Church, 232 Hillcrest Drive. No reservations required. Details: 724-766-6405.
New Kensington
Today: The Parkinson’s Foundation of Western Pennsylvania sponsors a free support group for Parkinson’s Disease patients and their family members from 2 to 3 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Valley Points YMCA, 800 Constitution Blvd. Details: Chrissy and Josh Lookabaugh, 724-594-3245.
Thursday: New Kensington Eagles Auxiliary Bingo will be at 7 p.m. at the aerie, 2134 Freeport Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. Sales are from 6 to 6:50 p.m. Cost: $25 for a 12-on package; specials will be available. The kitchen will be open. Public welcome. Details: 724-448-7403.
Featured Local Businesses
Thursday and Saturday: The Community Clothes Closet, 1129 Kenneth Ave., will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Items available include clothing for all members of the family, shoes, linens, purses and handbags. Donations welcome during business hours only. Do not leave donations at the door.
April 5: The Salvation Army is accepting reservations for a vendor sale planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the center gymnasium, 255 Third St. Cost: $10, for indoor vendors and outdoor food trucks. Provide your own table. Reservation deadline: March 31. Reservations: 724-335-7221.
April 19 to Oct. 25: The Downtown New Kensington Farmers Market is accepting vendor applications for this year’s market season that will run from mid-April through mid October on Fifth Avenue. Local vendors who sell fresh local produce, meat, poultry, dairy products, juice, cheese, bread and baked goods welcome. Details: Meredith, 412-719-8845 or downtownnkmarkets@gmail.com.
May 10: Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley is accepting basket donations and supplies to make baskets for its annual spring luncheon planned at Knead Community Café. Details: jperin@animalprotectors.net.
Oakmont
Today: Taking Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) meets at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1261 Pennsylvania Ave. Private weigh-ins will be from 5:45 to 6:10 p.m. and the meeting will be afterward. The first meeting is free. Details: 412-828-3854 or jmjkwj@gmail.com.
Parks Township
Thursday: Parks Township Sportsman Club Association will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the club, 1111 Shipman Road. New members welcome.
Plum
Today: The Plum Food Pantry, 81 Sandune Drive, distributes free food from 5 to 6:30 p.m. the first three Tuesdays of each month. Details: 724-327-0367.
Saxonburg
Wednesday: Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company will sell takeout fish and chicken dinners from 4 to 6 p.m. or until sold out at the firehall ballroom, 210 Horne Ave. Menu: fish or chicken, baked potato or fries, green beans, coleslaw, roll and cake, $15; extra piece of fish, $6; extra coleslaw, $1. Orders: 724-352-9948 after 2 p.m. Wednesday.
April 5: Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company will host a designer purse gala from 2 to 5 p.m. at the firehall, 155 Pittsburgh St. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Cost: in advance, $55; at the door, $60, if available; includes appetizers, soft drink, dessert and four numbers for the drawing. Winner need not be present. There will be side raffles, a basket auction, pull tickets and specialty drinks. Must be at least 16 to attend and at least 21 for a drink bracelet. Tickets: 724-352.3300, ext. 755 or winpurses.com.
Springdale
March 24 to 29: Springdale Free Public Library will host a community seed exchange during business hours at the library, 331 School St. Sponsored by Pucketos Garden Club. Bring a packet of seeds and take one. Details: 724-297-9729.
Tarentum
Today: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St.
Wednesday: The Elks will host bingo at 6:30 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.
Wednesdays and Saturdays: The Alle-Kiski Valley Historical Society, 224 E. Seventh Ave., is open from noon to 3 p.m. and other times by appointment. Details: 724-224-7666.
Vandergrift
March 31: Tiny Cause Animal Shelter in Vandergrift is collecting gently worn shoes through March 31. No roller skates, Heelys or ice skates, please. Pairs of shoes should be tied together with the laces or rubber bands and placed into a garbage bag. Do not bring shoes in boxes. Contributions can be dropped off at the shelter, 131 Columbia Ave. Details: trapaniam@gmail.com.
Today: Vandergrift Public Library will have a family game night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.
Washington Township
Wednesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 6 p.m. at Union Presbyterian Church, 656 Route 380.
Wednesday: A veterans service officer will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the office of state Rep. Jill Cooper, 105 Pfeffer Road, suite 5. Services available will include disability and pension claims, benefit questions, assisting spouses with survivor benefits issues and applications for veterans grants. Appointments will be accepted, but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments: 724-387-9113.
West Deer
March 28: Allegheny County Park rangers will host a free guided hike, “Signs of Spring,” from 5 to 7 p.m. at Deer Lakes Park. The hike will be about two miles with moderate elevation changes. Bring water and wear close-toed shoes. Meet at the Anglers shelter parking lot. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/5n7h8sj7.
Featured Local Businesses
Winfield
Thursday: The Matrona Family Resource Center at Cabot Church, 707 Winfield Road, will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. New and gently used clothing in sizes preemie through 10/12 will be available, as well as strollers, car seats, toys and more. No reservations required. Details: 724-524-1809 or tinyurl.com/mw9kd9cp.