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.
Free seminar to discuss backyard composting
Armstrong County residents are welcome to attend a free seminar about backyard composting from 6 to 8 p.m. March 11 at Armsdale Conference Room, 124 Armsdale Road, Rayburn Township.
Dinner will be served and those attending will receive a free 43-gallon tumbling composter, a soil test kit and composting guides. The equipment will fit into the back of a standard car.
Sponsored by Armstrong Conservation District and Penn State Extension, reservations are required by March 2. For reservations, call Maria Sorce at 724-548-3237 or mcsorce@co.armstrong.pa.us.
Household donations welcome for Hospitality Homes
The Hospitality Homes division of Allegheny Valley Association of Churches provides housing to families and individuals who have a disability and are experiencing homelessness.
Items needed include curtain rods, curtains, bath towels, wash towels, paper towels, toilet paper, dryer sheets, laundry detergent, dish detergent and pillows.
Donations are accepted from 9 a.m. to 5 weekdays at the center, 1913 Freeport Road, Harrison. For information, call 724-226-0606, ext. 10.
Calendar
Allegheny Township
Feb. 19: The Alle-Kiski Chapter of the American Wine Society will meet at 7 p.m. at River Forest Country Club, 130 Club House Drive. Society member Matt Kristofik will discuss “Wine Finds That Won’t Break Your Wallet.” Wines will be served paired with food. Cost: $47. Paid reservations required by 5 p.m. Feb. 15. Guests welcome. Visit Alle Kiski AWS on Facebook. Information:allekiski@yahoo.com.
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.
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.
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
Today: The Tomb, 1821 Fifth Ave., will serve a free dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Friday: St. Vladimir Church, 1610 Kenneth Ave., is accepting orders for its weekly pierogi sale. Varieties: cottage cheese, $16 per dozen; potato or sauerkraut, $14 per dozen. Pickup: 12:30 to 4 p.m. Fridays in the church social hall. This is the last sale of the year. Orders:724-339-9257, 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
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.
East Vandergrift
Saturday : 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.
Saturday : 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.
Thursday: The Veterans of Foreign Wars will have bingo at 7 p.m. in the post back hall, 102 Fifth St. Bring bingo chips. The kitchen will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. Public welcome.
Saturday : Freeport Area Library will host a free workshop for adults, “Winter Sowing” with Master Gardeners of Armstrong County from 11 a.m. to noon at the library, 428 Market St. The 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 are required and space is limited. Reservations:724-295-3616.
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: A story time for children age 3 to 5 will be at 10 a.m. at Community Library of Allegheny Valley, 1522 Broadview Blvd. No registration required.
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 offer an hour of open play at 1 p.m. for children and their caregiver at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Details:alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.
Saturday : Friends of Harrison Hills Park will sponsor a Great Backyard Bird Count from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the park Environmental Learning Center. Rain or shine. Observers can stay inside the center or take a short hike at 10:30 a.m. or noon with a park ranger to view the birds. Stay for as little as 15 minutes or the entire time. No reservations required. Binoculars and identification guides will be available and experienced birders will be available to help with identification. Details: Dave at 724-487-3586 or davbrooke@gmail.com.
Jefferson Township
Today: Concordia at Cabot will sponsor a free monthly caregiver support group at 2 p.m. in the Lund Care Center private dining room, 134 Marwood Road. Use Entrance 4. Anyone who cares for a loved one with a physical problem or diminished reasoning skills at home is welcome. Details: Stefanie Dietrich, 724-352-1571, ext. 8271.
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, offers 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. Reservations required. Reservations and more information: John Porter at 724-898-0126, ext. 4426.
Kiski Township
Today: The diaper pantry at Spring Church Lutheran Church, 3623 Lutheran Church Road, will distribute diapers from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church. Recipients must register in advance. First-time recipients must provide their own ID, the child’s birth certificate and a current WIC or SNAP card. Registration:724-478-1528.
Feb. 16: An American Red Cross community blood drive will be from 11 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. at Boiling Springs Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 1668 Route 56 Appointments:800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and search with code APOLLOFM.
Leechburg
Sundays through March 15: Leechburg Youth Baseball Association will accept player registrations from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its clinics in the Leechburg Area High School gymnasium, Center Avenue. New players must bring a copy of their birth certificate and insurance card. Details and online registration: leechburgyouthbaseball.com.
Saturday : 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 regrets 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 on Tuesdays through March 17. Details: Brenda Heinz, 412-398-1622.
Today: A family story time will be at 1 p.m. at Peoples Library, 3052 Wachter St. Details:724-339-1021.
Wednesday: Peoples Library will offer Puzzles for Grownups at 1 p.m. at the library, 3052 Wachter Ave. Details:724-339-1021.
Saturday : An all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast will be from 8 a.m. to noon at Braeburn Community Church, 4146 Arnold Ave. Cost: $10; children $5. Tickets: Marie, 724-448-0841 or at the door.
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.
Manor Township
March 7: AIA Miners 13U baseball team will sponsor a ShamRockin’ Bingo at the Manor Township Volunteer Firehall, 167 Bryon St. Doors open at 4 p.m. and dinner will begin at 4:30 p.m. Early bird bingo will start at 5:30 p.m. and regular bingo begins at 6 p.m. Specials will be DJ bingo games. Cost: $40 in advance; $45 at the door; includes dinner, 11 regular games, five music bingo games and the jackpot game. Must be 21. BYOB and snacks. Tickets: text Kristen, 724-448-1636 or Corrin, 724-448-6750.
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.
Wednesday: Peoples Library will offer Puzzles for Grownups at 1 p.m. at the library, 880 Barnes St. Details:724-339-1021.
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. Details: 878-847-7997 or kneadcommunitycafe.org.
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
Wednesday : 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.
Saxonburg
Thursday: The dementia caregiver support group at South Butler Community Library will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. at the library, 240 W. Main St. The group meets the second Thursday of each month and provides a safe place for caregivers to share their feelings and discuss their day-to-day challenges. No reservations required. Details: Michelle Govan, RN, 724-504-5512.
Springdale
Wednesday: Springdale Free Public Library will offer a free crochet class for beginners at 6 p.m. Reservations required. Reservations:724-274-9729.
Thursday: The diaper pantry at St. Mark Lutheran Church will distribute free diapers from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church, 600 Pittsburgh St. Advance registration required. First-time recipients must provide their own ID, the child’s birth certificate and a current WIC or SNAP card. Distributions are the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Registration: 724-274-5313.
Thursday: Lower Valley Community Food Bank will distribute food from 1 to 3 p.m. from the rear entrance of the Springdale borough building, 325 School St. Do not arrive before 12:45 p.m. Anyone in need of food who lives in Springdale, Springdale Township, Cheswick, Harmar and the sections of Indiana Township and West Deer with a zip code of 15024 is welcome. New recipients can register Thursday. Updates: lowervalleyfoodbank.org.
Tarentum
Today: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St.
Wednesday: The Who Knew? program of Community Library of Allegheny Valley will present a free presentation about local chocolate makers at 6 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St. There will be samples and refreshments. Details:724-224-9220 or visit Central Presbyterian Church on Facebook.
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. An evening of scrapbooking will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Bring your own supplies or trade with a friend. Details: 724-224-7666.
Thursday: The Highlands Regional Republican Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Praha Hotel, 400 Corbet St. Public welcome. Details: Les, 412-965-6454.
Vandergrift
Mondays through March 19: Vandergrift Public Library sponsors 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
Wednesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 6 p.m. at Union Presbyterian Church, 656 Route 380.
Thursday: Pa. Rep Jill Cooper will have an open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at her office, 105 Pfeffer Road, suite 5.
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.
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.
Worthington
Feb. 20,.21 and 22: Armstrong Community Theater will present its annual variety show, “Movie Mixtape,” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 and 21 and 2 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Civic Center, 214 E. Main St. Cost: $15. Tickets:armstrongcommunitytheater.square.site or at the door.