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.


AVH Auxiliary plans Mother’s Day plant sale

Allegheny Valley Hospital Auxiliary will sell hanging flower baskets and ferns for Mother’s Day from 7 a.m. Wednesday until sold out in the hospital 58 Circle, located to the left of the main hospital entrance, 1301 Carlisle St., Harrison.

Baskets will be provided by Schnur’s Greenhouse. Flowers will cost $16 each and ferns, $20. Cash and checks will be accepted. Proceeds will benefit auxiliary projects for the hospital.


Calendar

Allegheny Township

May 15: The Alle-Kiski Chapter of the American Wine Society will meet at 7 p.m. at River Forest Country Club, 130 Club House Drive. Jill Kummer from Taste Great Wines in Allison Park will be the speaker and theme will be Napa vs. Sonoma. Wines will be served paired with food. Cost: $47. Paid reservations required by 5 p.m. May 11. Guests welcome. Information: allekiski@yahoo.com.

Apollo

Today: A seminar, “Don’t Be a Victim of Financial Crime,” will be at 5 p.m. at Apollo Memorial Library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Speakers will include Armstrong County District Attorney Katie Charlton, Elderton State Bank Vice President Amanda Knell and a representative from the Agency on Aging & Adult Protective Services.

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.

May 17: A Super Patriotic Bingo will begin 7 p.m. at the St. James Parish activities center, 109 Owens View Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cost: $30, includes supplies, food and drinks. Additional games will be sold at the door and there will be instant tickets and a basket raffle. Must be 21. Wear red, white and blue apparel. Proceeds will benefit the parish. Tickets: Linda, 724-882-8776.

July 26: Roaring Run Watershed Association is accepting reservations for a craft and vendor fair planned at 698 Canal Road. Details: 724-244-3135.

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.

Arnold

Tuesday: Free dinner will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at The Tomb, 1821 Fifth Ave. A Bible study and prayer group will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Bethel Township

Thursday: The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will offer a free lecture, “Bird Window Collisions and Prevention,” at 6 p.m. at the center, 142 Kerr Road. 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.

Cheswick  

June 1: Cheswick Recreation Board is accepting applications from craft vendors and food trucks for the annual Strawberry Festival planned from 3 to 7 p.m. in Rachel Carson Park. Rain or shine. Volunteers are also needed. Details: recboard@cheswick.us.

East Vandergrift

May 31: Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church will host a designer purse bash at 1 p.m. in the church social hall, 411 McKinley Ave. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Cost: $35. Tickets: call or text Mary Ann, 724-980-2087, after the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass in the church vestibule or at the parish office in Apollo.

Freeport

Wednesdays: The Blessing Closet, formerly known as the Thrift Store Ministry, 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.

Gilpin  

June 13: A car show will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at Christ the King Parish, 125 Park Lane, as part of the Leechburg 175th anniversary celebration. Check-in will begin at 3 p.m. There will be food, music and a 50-50. Legacy awards will be awarded based on historic Leechburg car dealerships. Cost: $10 in advance; $15, at the gate. Registration: dioceseofgreensburg.org/carshow. Proceeds will benefit the anniversary committee.

Harrison

Tuesday: Allegheny Valley Hospital Auxiliary will sponsor a Linda Litterio jewelry sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the hospital lobby, 1301 Carlisle St., Natrona Heights. Cost: necklaces, $10; stretch bracelets and earrings, $5 each or five for $20. Cash and checks will be accepted. Proceeds benefit auxiliary-sponsored hospital projects.

Tuesday: 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.

Tuesday: Pennsylvania CareerLink will offer free job assistance and help with computer skills from noon to 2 p.m. at Community Library of Allegheny Valley, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Help will be available with writing resumes, job searching, mock interviews, basic computer skills and apprenticeship opportunities. No reservations required; just stop in.

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.

Wednesday : The Freeport Highlands Service Unit of the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania will host a free Daisy information event from 6 to 7 p.m. at Harrison Hills Park, Natrona Heights, 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 today. Reservations: 412-606-6699 or freeport.highlands.gs@gmail.com.

May 12: The Who Knew? program at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will present “Remembering Veterans” at 6 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

May 13: Allegheny-Kiski Health Foundation will offer a free seminar about what diabetes is and how to manage it from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the foundation, 1 Acee Drive. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-294-3157 or pkuzmirek@akhealth.org.

May 17: Harrison Township Recreation Board is accepting vehicle reservations for a touch-a-truck planned from noon to 3 p.m. at Highlands High School. Details: harrisontownshiprb@gmail.com.

Leechburg  

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.

Lower Burrell

Tuesday: A family story time will be at 1 p.m. at Peoples Library, 3052 Wachter Ave. Details: 724-339-1021.

Wednesday: Peoples Library will host an online talk with Dr. David Rosmarin, author of “How to Use Anxiety to Thrive,” at 2 p.m. Recordings will be available to watch on demand. Registration required. Registration: libraryc.org/peopleslibrary.

May 14: Peoples Library will host an online talk with Liann Zhang, author of “Julie Chan is Dead,” at 7 p.m. Recordings will be available to watch on demand. Registration required. Registration: libraryc.org/peopleslibrary.

New Kensington

Tuesday: Peoples Library will have a family story time at 11 a.m. at the library, 880 Barnes St. Details: 724-339-1021.

New Kensington

Today: Peoples Library will host “Construction Crew,” an hour of play with building supplies, at 1 p.m. at the library, 880 Barnes St. Details: 724-339-1021.

Wednesday: Ken High Class of 1960 will meet for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Knead Community Café, 1011 Barnes St. The group meets the first Wednesday of the month. Spouses and guests welcome. Details: Robert Grden, 440-269-0345 or bgconcord@aol.com.

Wednesday: A veterans service officer will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the office of state Rep. Jill Cooper, 356 Freeport St., suite 100. 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: 724-472-4102.

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 cafe, 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

Tuesdays: 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.

May 9: Oakmont Carnegie Library will sponsor a jigsaw puzzle competition from 11 a.m. to noon at the library, 700 Allegheny River Blvd. Teams of up to four will build the same 300-piece puzzle and see who can finish first. All ages welcome. Reservations required. Team reservations: oakmontlibrary.org

Parks Township

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.

Plum

Tuesdays: The Plum Food Pantry, 81 Sandune Drive, distributes free food from 4:30 to 6 p.m. the first three Tuesdays of each month. Recipients in need must stop in at the pantry to be confirmed/verified. Details: 724-327-0367.

Saxonburg

Today: Bingo will begin at 7 p.m. in the ballroom of Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company, 210 Horne Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m. The kitchen will be open.

Wednesday : South Butler Community Library will host a free self-care workshop for adults and teens at 6:30 p.m. May 7 at the library, 240 W. Main St. This month’s topic will be skin care. Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Reservations: 724-352-4810 or director@southbutlerlibrary.org.

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.

Springdale

May 14: Springdale Free Public Library will host an author talk with former TribLive reporter Richard Gazarik, author of “Gun Smuggling, Castro’s Cuba and the Pittsburgh Mafia,” at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

May 18: A music fundraiser, Bands Together for HOPE, will be from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Springdale Veterans Association, 1151 Pittsburgh St. groups scheduled to perform include Miss Freddye, Lost Boys, J&J Acoustic, Big House Pete and the Shiners. Admission: $15. Food will be sold and there will be a basket auction and 50-50. Proceeds will benefit the Allegheny Valley HOPE Association. Tickets: avhopeassociation@gmail.com.

Tarentum

Tuesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St.

Wednesday: Highlands Family Center, 415 E. Fourth Ave., will offer a free farmers market from noon to 5 p.m. while supplies last. There are no income guidelines and everyone is welcome. The event is the first Wednesday of each month. The Allegheny WIC Van will be onsite to help clients apply for WIC, receive nutrition education and breastfeeding support.

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 

Saturday : Scout Troop 551/6551 will sponsor a flower and plant sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Casino Theatre.

Tuesday: Vandergrift Public Library will host a Mother’s Day craft-a-pa-looza workshop from 5 to 7 p.m. at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Create a craft or two at your own pace. Projects available will include bookmarks, picture frames, booklets, yarn crafts, a thumbprint craft and more. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.

Washington Township

Tuesdays and Thursdays: The Blessing Closet at Union Presbyterian Church will be open by appointment from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays at the church, 656 Route 380. Items available include paper products, cleaning supplies, feminine hygiene products and pet supplies. Appointments: 724-337-3042.

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

West Deer 

Thursday : A Vitalant community blood drive will be from noon to 4:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the township building, 133 East Union Road. Appointments recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments: 877-258-4825 or visit the Donate Blood button at Vitalant.org and search with account code UC5300094.