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Bowl-A-Thon to raise funds for Burrell Education Foundation
The annual Burrell Education Foundation Bowl-A-Thon will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 15 at Wildlife Lanes, 1000 Wildlife Lodge Road, Lower Burrell.
Cost is $25 per bowler; $45 for two; and $90 for a team of four and includes bowling and shoe rental. There will be a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
The Bowl-A-Thon benefits the foundation’s educational, cultural and recreational activities for residents of Upper and Lower Burrell. For details or to register, visit tinyurl.com/bdzevu3u.
Scout News
Alex Godinez of West Deer earned Scouting America’s highest rank when he successfully completed the Eagle Scout Board of Review on October 1, 2025. The son of Lucas and Danielle Godinez, Alex led a team of youth and adult volunteers in planning, organizing and constructing a Rosary prayer garden on the St. Victor Church campus of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish in West Deer. The project consisted of a brick walkway leading to a large circle around a statue of the Virgin Mary. Ten large paver stones surround the statue representing the 10 rosary beads in a decade of a rosary. A bench was placed in the garden for parishioners to sit and reflect and pray.
A senior at Deer Lakes High School, Godinez plans to study biomedical engineering with a goal of working in stem cell research.
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.
Thursday: Apollo Area Historical Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the WCTU Building, 317 N. Second St. New members welcome.
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.
Thursday: The Allegheny Valley Salvation Army and Community Center will hand out 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.
Buffalo Township
Today: 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 will host a Valentine’s Day dance from 6 to 10 p.m. in the church social hall, 411 McKinley Ave. Cost: $20 each; $35 per couple; includes beer, water, sandwiches, snacks and dessert. BYOB. There will be a DJ, basket raffle and 50-50. Tickets: 724-478-4958 or 724-882-9212.
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.
Thursdays: The Veterans of Foreign Wars will have bingo at 7 p.m. in the post back hall, 102 Fifth St. Bring bingo chips. Kitchen open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Public welcome.
Gilpin
Thursday: Gilpin Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 113 Firehall Road.
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
Today: 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.
Today: 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.
Thursday: Allegheny Valley Hospital Auxiliary will sponsor a Fudgie Wudgie gourmet chocolate and fudge sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the hospital main lobby, 1301 Carlisle St. Cash and checks will be accepted. Proceeds will benefit auxiliary projects for the hospital.
Jefferson
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.
Thursdays: Good Samaritan Hospice, a mission of Concordia Lutheran Ministries, will offer a free weekly virtual grief support group at 7 a.m. The group provides a safe, welcoming space for adults who have lost a loved one. New participants are welcome to join each week. Reservations required. Reservations and more information: John Porter at 724-898-0126, ext. 4426.
Leechburg
Thursday: 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 meets on the first and third Thursday of each month. Bring a laptop or tablet. Basic computer skills required. Details: Judy, 724-681-9154.
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: 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.
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 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.
Thursday: Knead Community Café, 1011 Barnes St., will hand out free grab-and-go meals from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the cafe. This week’s meals are sponsored by Michele Corey. Details: 878-847-7997 or kneadcommunitycafe.org.
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
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.
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
Today: 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: 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.
Sunday : 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 Deer
Thursday: There will be bingo from 7 to 9 p.m. at the American Legion, 57 Superior Road. There will be 10 games. Cost: $1 per card for regular games; specials, $2; and $5 for cover-all. Public welcome.
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.
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.