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 American Sign Language classes offered
Bethel United Methodist Church in Lower Burrell will offer free beginner American Sign Language classes from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays April 13 to May 18 at the church, 150 Alder St.
The Rev. Jenny Gordon will be the instructor. All class materials will be provided. Registration is required. For more information and registration, visit bethelumc.us/post/american-sign-language-class.
Fundraiser to aid Lower Burrell cancer patient
A “Bougie Bingo” to benefit cancer patient Shadaia Bazier of Lower Burrell will be April 18 at MJ’s Bar and Grille Banquet Hall, 1735 Fourth Ave., Arnold.
Doors will open at 4 p.m. A buffet dinner will begin at 5 p.m. and bingo will start at 6. Sponsored by Change for Cancer along with students from Northern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center, tickets cost $40 and include dinner, one free non-alcoholic beverage, dessert and a bingo packet. Must be 18. There will be a cash bar, basket raffle, bake sale and 50-50. Wear your best bougie outfit for a chance to win the best dressed prize.
Advance tickets are required. For tickets, call or text Tara Salem at 724-882-1365 or mail a check payable to Change for Cancer to 157 Clinton Ave., Lower Burrell PA 15068.
Purse bash planned in East Vandergrift
Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church in East Vandergrift will host a purse bash from 1 to 4 p.m. April 19 in the church hall, 411 McKinley Ave.
Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Those attending must be 21. Tickets are $35 and include five chances to win from a variety of purses, wallets and accessories; wine, soft drinks, snacks and desserts. BYOB. There will be a basket auction, strip tickets and a 50-50.
For tickets, call or text Mary Ann at 724-980-2087 or stop in at the parish office.
Calendar
Allegheny Township
April 18: The Alle-Kiski and City of Pittsburgh chapters of the American Wine Society will host guest speaker Cristi Armand Mastacaneanu of Amavi Vinum, at 6 p.m. at River Forest Country Club, 130 Club House Drive. Vinum will discuss, “Wines of Romania,” and seven wines will be served and paired with foods. Guests welcome. Cost: $50. Paid reservations required by 5 p.m. today. Details: allekiski@yahoo.com.
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. 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.
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 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.
Clinton Township
May 2: New Life Christian Ministries will sponsor a women’s conference, “The Together Conference,” from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 139 Knoch Road. Featured speaker Jennifer Cadamore will discuss, “Faith Over Fear.” Doors open at 8 a.m. Cost: $15, if purchased today; after today, $25. Tickets: newlifexn.org/register.
East Vandergrift
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: A rummage sale will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 1 p.m. Sunday in the basement of Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church, 420 McKinley Ave. Details:724-478-4958.
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.
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.
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 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.
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. Everyone welcome.
Thursday: Burtner House Restoration Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Harrison municipal building, 1 Municipal Drive. New members and volunteers 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.
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.
Saturday : A spring fling bingo to benefit veterans in need will begin at 5 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 894 Veterans Drive. Doors open at 4 p.m. Non-smoking venue. Cost: in advance, $40; at the door, $45; includes food and refreshments. Tickets: Lorraine, 412-537-5954 or at the post, 724-904-7649.
April 14: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will sponsor an adult paint night at 5:30 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. The subject will be a spring bouquet. Cost: $10, includes supplies. BYO snacks and beverages. Must be at least 18. Paid reservations required by noon April 13. Reservations:alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.
April 16: Allegheny-Kiski Health Foundation will offer “Become a Health Advocate for You and Your Family” at 6 p.m. at the foundation, 1 Acee Drive. The free program is designed to address communication with health providers, active listening, accessing patient advocates and social services, and more. Each attendee will receive a blood pressure monitor. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-294-3157.
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.
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
April 18: A basket party and luncheon will be sponsored at Spring Church Sportsman Club, 1921 Route 56, by Apollo Order of the Eastern Star. Doors open at 10 a.m. and lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m.. Menu: salads, sandwiches, beverages and cookies. Additional raffle tickets and RADA Cutlery will be sold and there will be a 50-50. Proceeds will benefit the club scholarship program. Cost: $20, includes lunch and one raffle ticket.
Lower Burrell
Today: Peoples Library will offer Puzzles for Grownups at 1 p.m. at the library, 3052 Wachter Ave. Details:724-339-1021.
April 25: The River 15068 Church, 273 Chester Drive, will sponsor a spaghetti fundraiser to benefit the Schultz Family who were involved in an automobile collision on March 15. Donations of spaghetti sauce, salad, Parmesan cheese, takeout containers, tea mix, lemonade mix and bottled water are being accepted. Details:724-337-4837.
Through April 30: The works of Allegheny Valley League of Artists member Peter Cehily will be on display during regular hours at Peoples Library, 3052 Wachter Ave. The exhibit will celebrate the color green and include paintings, mixed media and photography.
May 17: A bingo to benefit the Arnold Fireman’s Band and Colorguard will be at 1 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Cost: $40, includes lunch. Snacks and pop will be sold. No BYOB. There will be 12 regular games that pay $100 each, two specials that pay $250 each and a jackpot game that will pay $1,000, pop-open games, a basket auction and 50-50. Must be at least 18. Tickets: Duncan, 724-754-7666.
New Kensington
Today: 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: Knead Community Café, 1011 Barnes St., will hand out free grab-and-go meals from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the cafe. This week’s meals are sponsored by Community Life. Details:878-847-7997 or kneadcommunitycafe.org.
Oklahoma Borough
April 18: A drag queen bingo to benefit TinyCause dog rescue will be at Oklahoma School House Hall, 171 Thorn St. Doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo will start at 7 p.m. Cost: $35 in advance; $40 at the door; include eight games that pay $100 each and a buffet dinner. BYOB There will be specials, a basket raffle, strip tickets and a 50-50. Must be 21. Tickets:tinyurl.com/3bduakjx.
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 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.
Parks
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.
Plum
Sunday : A Vitalant community blood drive will be from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the social hall of Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church, 2000 Oblock Road. Appointments recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments:877-258-4825 or visit the Donate Blood button at Vitalant.org.
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
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: 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.
Thursday: 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
Sunday: TinyCause will host a rabies and microchip clinic for dogs and cats from noon to 4 p.m. at Tiny’s Fur Family Shop, 131 Columbia Ave. Cost: $10; three-year rabies, $15, with paper proof of previous shots; microchips, $25. Animals must be on a leash or in a carrier.
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 p.m. and early birds will start at 6:30 p.m. The kitchen will open. There will be three early bird games, 19 regular games that pay $100 each, specials, three progressive games, two jackpot games, and free coffee, snacks coffee and treats. Players must be at least 18 or accompanied by an adult.
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.
April 23: Highpointe at Rebecca will host a seminar, “Benefits of Retirement Living,” at 1:30 p.m. at the center, 1871 Highpointe Lane. Tours will be available. Reservations are preferred by April 17, but walk-ins are welcome. Reservations:724-444-1521.
April 24: Highpointe at Rebecca will feature the music of Gene Testa at a free happy hour at 3:30 p.m. at the center, 1871 Highpointe Lane. Tours will be available starting at 3 p.m. Reservations are preferred by April 17, but walk-ins are welcome. Reservations:724-444-1521.
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.
Worthington
Thursday: A free financial education seminar will be at 6 p.m. at Worthington-West Franklin Community Library, 214 E. Main St., building B. Topics will include how to create a household budget, how to work to get out of debt and more. Details:724-297-3762.
April 16: Worthington-West Franklin Community Library will offer a seminar about mortgages for first-time home buyers at 6 p.m. at the library, 214 E. Main St. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-297-3762.