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Lower Burrell Citizen Police Academy accepting applications
The Lower Burrell Citizen Police Academy will begin March 5 at the city municipal building. Classes will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays for 10 weeks with the exception of March 19 and April 2.
The program is designed to promote partnerships through education. Participants will be provided with a wide range of information intended to help better understand the goals and objectives, rules, responsibilities and legal parameters under which the police department functions. Applicants must at least 18 years old and residents of Lower Burrell.
For an application and more information, call 724-339-4287, ext. 268, visit tinyurl.com/45akjdx6 or stop in at the police station. Application deadline is Feb. 27.
Tree seedling sale planned by Armstrong Conservation District
Armstrong Conservation District will accept orders for its annual tree seedling sale through March 4.
Fruit trees available include varieties of apple, cherry, peach, plum and pear and cost $25 for a bundle of 25 seedlings and includes tax. Varieties are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tree seedling varieties available include American Common Persimmon, American elderberry, American plum, Colorado blue spruce, Cooks blue balsam fir, Fraser fir, silver maple, white oak and while black cherry, all $25 each; shagbark hickory, $30; and paw paw, $32; all for a bundle of 25 and includes tax. Proceeds benefit county environmental projects and activities.
Pickup will be from 9 a.m. to noon April 11 at Lenape Technical School, 2215 Chaplin Ave., Manor. For an order form and more information, visit Armstrong Conservation District on Facebook, email jdjack@co.armstrong.pa.us or call 724-548-3425.
Calendar
Apollo
Thursday: Apollo Memorial Library will host a free Penn State Extension workshop, “Winter Sowing” for adults from 6 to 7 p.m. at the library. 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. This hands-on class will cover how to start seeds outdoors during the winter using recycled containers as mini-greenhouses. Materials and seeds will be provided. Reservations required. Reservations:724-478-4214 or armstronglibraries.org/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. Cost: $25 per packet. The kitchen will be open with a limited menu. Details:724-478-4831.
March 14: St. James Parish, 109 Owens View Ave., is accepting space reservations from flea market, yard sale and craft vendors for a flea market planned from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. the second Saturday of each month in the parish activities center. Details: Linda, 724-882-8776.
Arnold
Friday: St. Vladimir Church, 1610 Kenneth Ave., is accepting orders for its weekly pierogi sale. Cost: 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
Saturday : A pasta and salad bar dinner will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Community Center, 423 Westmoreland Ave. Cost: $10; children, $5. There will be entertainment by Julie and Joe Oldies Tribute and a photo spot. Proceeds will benefit Avonmore Library. Reservations required. Reservations: 412-302-9361 or 412-558-3179.
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
Tuesday: Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company will sponsor a smoked pork loin dinner from 3 to 7 p.m. at the firehall, 565 Sarver Road. Menu: smoked pork loin, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn or green beans, Italian bread, dessert and beverage, $15, beef vegetable or ham and bean soup, $8 per quart or $3 per cup; children’s option seven chicken nuggets and sides, $8. Dine in or takeout. Cash only.
East Vandergrift
Feb. 14: Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish is selling tickets for a Sweetheart raffle. The winning numbers will be the 1:30 and 7 p.m. Pennsylvania Lottery Pick-3 numbers on Valentine’s Day. Each winner will receive $1,000, a $50 gift card to Fine Wine and Spirits and a $50 gift certificate to Sweetlane Chocolate Shop in Vandergrift. Cost: $10, includes two numbers. Tickets: 724-568-3409, in the parish office or after Sunday Mass in the church vestibule.
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.
Harmar
April 26: Table reservations are being accepted for an indoor spring craft show planned at the Pittsburgh Shrine Center, 1877 Shiners Way. No electronic payments will be accepted. Sponsored by Daughters of the Nile. Reservations: Peggy Addleman, 724-709-9916 or peggyaddleman@gmail.com.
Harrison
Tuesday: The Accordion Club will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. at 6003 Freeport Road. Performance dates for 2026 are now being accepted. Details:724-236-0665.
Tuesday: A story time for children 3 to 6 years old will be from 10 to 11 a.m. at Community Library of Allegheny Valley, 1522 Broadview Blvd. 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.
Leechburg
Feb. 14: A murder mystery dinner will be at 5:30 p.m. in the upstairs hall at the Sokol Club, 55 Siberian Ave. Cost: $45. There will be a cash bar, basket raffle and 50-50. Tickets: stop in at the club. Questions: sokol255@outlook.com. Proceeds will benefit the Sokol 255 Educational Scholarship Fund.
Lower Burrell
Today: Overeaters Anonymous will offer a Zoom meeting at 7:30 p.m. Details:info@gpioa.org.
Tuesday: Redemption Church will host a free GriefShare program about anger from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the church, 3400 Garvers Ferry Road. Anyone who is mourning the loss of a loved one is welcome. Meetings will continue Tuesdays through March 17. Details: Brenda Heinz, 412-398-1622.
Saturday : A murder mystery dinner will be at 6 p.m. at the Moose, 499 Reimer St. A prom thriller will be presented by The Theater Factory. Cost: $50, members, $45. Details:nkmoose53@gmail.com.
Through Feb. 28: The works of local mixed media artist Lynn Jacques, a member of the Allegheny Valley League of Artists, will be on display during business hours at Peoples Library, 3052 Wachter Ave.
New Kensington
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.
Feb. 13: St. George Orthodox Church is accepting orders for a grape leaves sale. Cost: six for $7; or 12 for $14. Pickup: noon to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 13 in the church hall, 1150 Leishman Ave. Order deadline: Feb. 8. Quantities are limited. Orders:724-335-9988.
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.
O’Hara
Feb. 11: A Vitalant community blood drive will be from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the large group instructional room at Fox Chapel Area High School, 611 Field Club Road. Appointments recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Donors must be at least 16. Appointments:877-258-4825 or visit the Donate Blood button at Vitalant.org and use group code UHS010025.
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.
Sharpsburg
Feb. 8: Addiction Recovery Ministry will host a family-friendly Super Bowl party at 5:30 p.m. at the John Paul I Center, 201 Ninth St. Soft drinks and snacks will be provided; bring an appetizer to share. Reservations required by Feb. 1. Reservations: Rosemarie, 412-378-9290.
Springdale
Wednesday: Springdale Free Public Library will offer a crochet class for beginners at 6 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.
Saturday : A bingo to benefit Frazer Volunteer Fire Department No. 2 will be at 1 p.m. at the Springdale Veterans Association, 1151 Pittsburgh St. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Cost: $40 in advance; at the door, $45; includes a package of 12 cards for 18 regular games, 12 cards for four specials and 2 jackpot games. Daubers must be used for all games. There will be over $4,000 in prizes. Cash will be accepted for food purchases. No BYOB. Tickets: Jennifer, 724-980-4544 or send a message to Frazer VFD No. 2 on Facebook.
Tarentum
Today: Streetlight Ministries, 203 W. Seventh Ave., will have a weekly food pantry from noon to 2 p.m. for anyone in need. There is a sign-up sheet in the vestibule after 8:30 a.m. Mondays and people are admitted through the line in order of sign up. A variety of breads, sweet goods, canned items, produce and meats will be available. Walk-ins are welcome but will admitted after those who have registered.
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 free fresh food and hygiene kits at noon and 4 p.m. while supplies last. There are no income guidelines and everyone is welcome.
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/attaboys-kitchen. 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.
Feb. 8: Bridgepoint Church will host a Super Bowl chili and soup cook-off at 6 p.m. in the church social hall, 400 E. Ninth Ave. Bring your best soup or chili and watch the game on a big-screen television. Prizes will be awarded at halftime.
Vandergrift
March 6: Vandergrift Artfest is taking reservations for an overnight trip to New York City to see “Stranger Things” on Broadway. Costs range from $495 for one person in a single room to $280 per person in a quad room at the Best Western Premiere Empire State. Modest proceeds will help to underwrite some costs of the Artfest. Details and reservations:tinyurl.com/mr29hmc4.
Mondays through March 19: Vandergrift Public Library will sponsor a chess club for children in kindergarten through eighth grade from 6 to 7 p.m. at 163 Washington Ave. Students are paired with others their age and are guided by a chess master and volunteers. Chess boards are provided. A tournament will be at 9 a.m. Feb. 28. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/yv5ztzrp.
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 Leechburg
Saturday : A Mardi Gras bingo to benefit the Kiski Area Cavaliers Softball Team will be at 4 p.m. at West Leechburg Fireman’s Recreation Hall, 1116 Gosser St. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Cost: $30, includes 20 games and three numbers for the cash drawings. BYOB Must be 21. There will be a basket auction. Daubers, extra packets, food and beverages will be sold. Tickets:724-757-9484 or kiskiareasoftballboosters@gmail.com.