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Tea party to celebrate local authors
Victorian Vandergrift Museum and Historical Society and Vandergrift Public Library will host a tea party fundraiser, “Authors in the Neighborhood,” from 1 to 4 p.m. May 18 at Pleasant View Brethren Church fellowship hall, 1156 Pleasantview Drive, Parks Township.
Food will be served, local authors will read excerpts from their books at 2:15 p.m. and there will be a prize drawing.
Tickets are $20. The event is suitable for those who are at least 14. For tickets, call 724-568-2212 or visit tinyurl.com/38fe4rpd.
Lower Valley Food Bank bingo planned Friday
Lower Valley Community Food Bank will host its annual spring bingo fundraiser Friday at Our Lady of Victory Church, 1319 Low Grade Road, Springdale Township.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. and bingo will start at 7 p.m. There will be double-your-winnings and dessert bingos, specials, sure tip tickets and a 50-50.
Admission is $25 and includes six cards for 10 regular games, snacks, bottled water and pop. Food will be sold. Bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank and receive an extra bingo card.
For tickets, visit lowervalleyfoodbank.org and at the door.
Golf outing to benefit Progressive Workshop of Armstrong County
The Progressive Workshop of Armstrong County will host a golf outing June 28 at the Links of Spring Church, 3257 Balsiger Road, Kiski Township.
Check-in will begin at 8 a.m. and the shotgun start will be at 9 a.m. Cost is $440 per foursome and includes a cart, continental breakfast, drinks, lunch at the turn and dinner. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
For reservations, call 724-548-5664 visit progressiveworkshop.org/golfscramble2025. Reservation deadline is May 31. Proceeds benefit programs for adults with disabilities in Armstrong, Butler and Indiana counties.
Calendar
Apollo
Today: 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.
Apollo
Thursday: The Yarn Good Time Fiber Arts Group at Apollo Memorial Library will meet from 5 to 6 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. The Embroidery Club will meet at 6 p.m. All skill levels welcome. Details: 724-478-4214.
Apollo/East Vandergrift
May 14: St. James and Our Lady, Queen of Peace parishes will sponsor a bus trip to Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh. The bus will leave at 9 a.m. from the St. James parking lot, 109 Owens View Drive. The group will be at the casino for five hours. Must be 21. Cost: $30, includes $20 in free play. State-issued photo ID required to receive free play. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-478-4958.
Bethel Township
Saturday: The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will offer a free workshop, “Restoring Zebra Swallowtail Butterflies to Western Pennsylvania,” at 10 a.m. at the center, 142 Kerr Road. Reservations required. Reservations: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.
Brackenridge
Today: 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: The Allegheny Valley Salvation Army and Community Center will distribute free grab-and-go lunches from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the center parking lot, 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.
Cheswick
Through Thursday: A glass recycling bin will be available from 7 a.m. to sunset at the office of Pa. Rep. Mandy Steele, 1296 Pittsburgh St. All colors of empty glass bottles, jars and jugs will be accepted. An Earth Day event with free information, tree saplings and wildflower seed packets will be from 4:30 to 6 p.m. today. Details:724-826-5151.
Freeport
Today: 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.
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Saturday : The Freeport Highlands Service Unit of the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania will host a free Daisy information event from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Freeport Community Library, 428 Market St., for girls who will enter kindergarten in the fall and their caregiver. Girls will earn their first patch while participating in friendship activities. Reservations required by Wednesday. Reservations: freeport.highlands.gs@gmail.com.
April 28: St. Mary, Mother of God Church Christian Mothers will host a card party and game board social from 6 to 9:30 p.m. in the church fellowship hall, 610 High St. Cost: $10, includes salad bar, refreshments and beverages. There will be a 50-50 raffle. Reservations and details: Carol, 724-316-1204.
Gilpin
Thursday: Gilpin Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 113 Firehall Road.
Harrison
Today: The Sip and Stitch group at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will meet from 2 to 4 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Must be at least 16. Details:724-226-3491.
Today: 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. T
Today: 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.
Today: 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. No bedding or electronics please.
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.
Friday: Community Library of Allegheny Valley hosts Toddle Time for children 12 months to 3 years old and their caregiver at 10 a.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Bring a small stuffed animal. No reservations required.
Saturday: Volunteers are welcome at a cleanup day at Burtner House, 1650 Burtner Road. Outside work will begin at 9 a.m. and inside work will start at noon. Tasks will include a thorough cleaning inside the house and outside buildings, raking leaves, painting tepee poles and more. Details:bhrs1821@gmail.com.
April 27: Allegheny County Park Rangers will host a free guided hike, “Birds and Nests” from noon to 2 p.m. starting at the Harrison Hills Park Yakaon shelter. Hikers will explore the world of birds and the incredible homes they build. Binoculars recommended but not required. Bring water and wear close-toe shoes. Reservations required. Reservations:tinyurl.com/5a6rph6a.
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.
Leechburg
Saturday: The Leechburg Museum is closed for the season. Visits are available by appointment. Details:724-845-8914 and leave a message or email lamahs@windstream.net.
May 3: A Day at the Races fundraiser to benefit Leechburg Public Library will be in the Mirror Room at the Marconi Club, 135 River Ave. Doors open at 2 p.m. and races will start at 3. Cost: $20, includes horse, food and soft drinks. There will be a cash bar, 50-50, paint sticks and a human horse race. Tickets: stop in at the library, 139 Market St.
Lower Burrell
Friday : A Republican candidate forum will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the second floor at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road. Candidates for Lower Burrell Council, Burrell School Board, New Kensington Council, Arnold Council and Upper Burrell Supervisors will be present. Hosted by Westmoreland County Republican Committee District 1. Reservations encouraged. Reservations: wcrcd1@gmail.com.
Featured Local Businesses
Friday and Saturday: Bethel United Methodist Church will have a rummage and bake sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, 150 Alder St.
Through April 30: Allegheny Valley League of Artists will exhibit “The Art of Photography with Your iPhone,” a collection of iPhone photos from member Peter Cehily at Peoples Library, 3052 Wachter Ave. Hours: 1 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
May 4: A ladies spring cash bash luncheon will be hosted by the Moose at the lodge, 499 Reimer St. Doors open at noon and the first drawing will be at 1 p.m. Winners need not be present. Cost: $25, includes five numbers. The last drawing will be at 4 p.m. Tickets: stop in at the lodge from 1 to 10 p.m.
Lower Burrell/New Kensington
Saturday : Peoples Library is selling tickets for a lottery ticket raffle. The winner will receive $400 worth of Pennsylvania Lottery instant tickets. The drawing will be at the April 26 library luncheon at Knead Community Café. Cost: $5 each or three for $10. Winner need not be present. Tickets: stop in at either library location.
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. 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.
Thursday: Knead Community Café will hand out free grab-and-go meals from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the cafe, 1011 Barnes St., New Kensington. This week’s meals are sponsored by the Calcagno-Yohe Family. Details:878-847-7997.
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. Household items, dishes, appliances and books will no longer be accepted. Donations welcome during business hours only. Do not leave donations at the door.
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.
May 17: Vendor applications are being accepted by Knead Community Café, 1011 Barnes St., for an outdoor Mother Nature’s Garden Market at the café, rain or shine. Items must be homemade, natural-based or garden related. Cost: $35, for a 10 x 10-foot space. Details and applications:kneadcommunitycafe.org/mngm-vendor-application.
Oakmont
Thursday: Oakmont Carnegie Library will host a free lecture about growing tomatoes from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the library Oak Room, 700 Allegheny River Blvd. Details:412-828-9532.
O’Hara
Today : A Vitalant community blood drive will be from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the large group instructional room of Fox Chapel Area High School, 611 Field Club Road. Appointments recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments: 877-258-4825 or visit the Donate Blood button at Vitalant.org and search with ZIP code 15238.
Parks Township
Friday: Parks Township Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo at 7 p.m. in the firehall, 1119 Dalmation Drive. Doors open at 5 p.m.
June 21: Parks Township Sportsman’s Association is accepting space reservations for a craft fair and flea market. Rain or shine. Cost: $15. Reservations required by May 31. Reservations: Tina, 724-448-6182 or Lisa, 724-496-3931; or ptsclub74@gmail.com.
South Buffalo
May 18: A spring super bingo to benefit Dynamic Community Foundation will be at 3 p.m. at South Buffalo Firehall, 100 Fire Hall Road. Doors open at 2 p.m. Cost: $50, in advance; includes 25 games. There will be jackpot games, specials, food, drinks, pull tabs and an ATM on site. BYOB Tickets: Jackie, 744-681-7902, or Jen, 724-295-5500.
Tarentum
Today: The Elks will host bingo at 6:30 p.m. at the lodge, 219 E. Sixth Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open. Cost: $15 per packet. There is an ATM on site. Orders:724-226-1644 by 8:15 p.m.
Fridays: Free bread and baked goods will be distributed at 10 a.m. while supplies last at Highlands Family Center, 415 E. Fourth Ave., suite 12. Details:724-224-9006.
Vandergrift
Thursday: St. Gertrude Church will host a spaghetti dinner from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the church hall, 303 Franklin Ave. Menu: spaghetti, salad, bread and dessert, $13; 8 and younger, $8; meatball sandwich, $8; jars of sauce, $8. Dine in or takeout.
Thursday : Vandergrift Public Library is sponsoring a bookmark design contest for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Bookmarks should be an original creation. Winners will receive a free book and have their bookmark reproduced for distribution at the library. Submission deadline: Thursday. Complete design details and an entry form:vandergriftpubliclibrary.org.
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Washington Township
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. The kitchen will open and card sales start at 6 p.m. Free coffee. Players must be at least 18 or accompanied by an adult.
West Deer
Saturday : Join Allegheny County Park Rangers for a day of habitat restoration at Deer Lakes Park. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Veterans I shelter. Volunteers will use hand tools to remove invasive species and may plant native species. Expect to participate in physical activity. No experience is necessary. Tools, gloves and eye protection will be provided. Bring water, and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Registration requested. Registration:tinyurl.com/mwcbudwx.
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.