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.
Used paperback books needed for troops, veterans
Last Word Bookstore in Lower Burrell will participate in Operation Paperback Book Drive that collects gently used books and sends them to American troops overseas, and veterans and military families here at home.
Donations will be accepted from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the store, 2909 Leechburg Road.
Books most requested include action, best sellers, biographies, memoirs, fantasy, history, horror, mysteries, science fiction, true crime and military. No romance, religion books or textbooks please. All must be in good condition.
Monetary donations are welcome to defray shipping costs. Volunteers are also needed to collect, pack and ship the books. For details, call Karen at 724-980-1242.
Calendar
Allegheny Township
May 21: The Alle-Kiski chapter of the American Wine Society will host guest speaker Robert Cavanaugh from Adventure Wines at 7 p.m. at River Forest Country Club, 130 Club House Drive. He will discuss wines of the Medoc region of France and wines will be served and paired with foods. Guests welcome. Cost: $50. Paid reservations required by 5 p.m. Sunday. Details: allekiski@yahoo.com.
Apollo
Today: The Hobby Hangout group at Apollo Memorial Library will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Bring your current craft or hobby and a friend.
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.
Arnold
Today: The Tomb, 1821 Fifth Ave., will serve a free community dinner from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
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
May 23: Registrations are being accepted for a car and motorcycle show at Freeport Area Senior High School athletic field, 623 S. Pike Road. Sponsored by the district music department. Rain or shine. Entry fee: $10. Registration:tinyurl.com/mrxpk4kr.
Cheswick
June 7: Cheswick Recreation Board is accepting applications from food vendors and volunteers for the annual Strawberry Festival planned from 3 to 7 p.m. in Rachel Carson Park. Details: recboard@cheswick.us.
Fawn
May 17 to Oct. 19: Alle-Kiski Valley Historical Society’s is accepting space reservations for its monthly Flea-tique antique and collectible sale set for dawn to 1 p.m. the third Sunday of each month, rain or shine, at the Bull Creek Tour-Ed Mine site, off Bull Creek Road, Route 28, exit 14. Cost: $30 per month or $150 per season for a 24 x 20-foot space. No firearms, ammunition or food. Reservations: 724-224-0178. Proceeds will benefit the society’s Heritage Museum and the Tour-Ed Mine Museum.
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.
Gilpin
Thursday: Gilpin Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 113 Firehall Road.
May 30: A Jeep show and meet-up will be from 1 to 4 p.m. in the ball field of Gilpin-Leechburg Park, Park Road. Furry friends welcome. Donations will be accepted for Champion’s Crusaiders Rescue. Vehicleregistration: send a message to Hayleigh Barr on Facebook.
Harrison
Today: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will have a story time from 10 to 11 a.m. for children age 3 to 6 at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. No reservations required. Details:alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.
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: Burtner House Restoration Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Harrison municipal building, 1 Municipal Drive. Preparations for the Strawberry Festival will be discussed. 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.
Saturday : Harrison Recreation Board will host a touch-a-truck from noon to 3 p.m. at Highlands High School, 1500 Pacific Ave. Vehicle reservations are being accepted. Reservations: harrisontownshiprb@gmail.com.
Jefferson Township
Today: Concordia at Cabot will sponsor a free 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.
June 6: A golf outing to benefit Leechburg Public Library will be at Apollo Elks Country Club, 1560 Route 56. Check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m. and a shotgun start will be at 8 a.m. Lunch will be served at 1:30 p.m. at the Marconi Club, Leechburg. Cost: $110 per person, includes cart, lunch, snacks and beverages. Reservations required by Friday. Send checks with players names to Leechburg Public Library, 139 Market St., Leechburg PA 15656.
Lower Burrell
Today: Burrellton Garden Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Grace Community Presbyterian Church, 2751 Grant St. New members welcome. Details:724-335-3353.
Thursday: Pennsylvania CareerLink will sponsor a job fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road. Details:724-334-8600.
Sunday : A bingo to benefit the Arnold Fireman’s Band and Color Guard 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.
Sunday : The River 15068 will host its annual free car show after the 10:45 a.m. outdoor worship service at the church, 273 Chester Drive. A free lunch will be served. Vehicle registration:goriverchurch.com or at 8 a.m. May 17.
Through June 30: The works of Linda Roos will be on display during regular hours at People Library, 3052 Wachter Ave. Roos is a member the Allegheny Valley League of Artists and the New Kensington Camera Club. Hours: Sundays and Mondays, closed; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
New Kensington
Today: Pucketos Garden Club will meet at 7 p.m. at United Presbyterian Church, 601 Fifth Ave. Beckie Griffith, owner of Shadowwood Gardens, will discuss raising and tending herbs. Desserts will be served at 6:30 p.m. Guests welcome. Details: Pat, 724-275-7207.
Wednesday: The Walking Wednesday group at Peoples Library will meet at 9:30 a.m. at the library, 880 Barnes St., and walk the loop as a group. 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: 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 Jimmy and Amy Cyprych. Details:878-847-7997 or kneadcommunitycafe.org.
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.
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.
Through May 28: The works of members of the Allegheny Valley League of Artists will be displayed at Oakmont Carnegie Library, 700 Allegheny River Blvd. An opening party will be from 4 to 6 p.m. May 14. Details:412-828-9532.
Pittsburgh
Friday : A Vitalant community blood drive will be from 7 to 11:30 a.m. in the UPMC St. Margaret Van Horn Pavilion, second floor, 815 Freeport Road. Appointments recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments: 877-258-4825 or visit the Donate Blood button at Vitalant.org and search for code UW465
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 : A Vitalant community blood drive will be from noon to 4 p.m. at Dr. Kathryn A. Ryan and Associates, BHS South Butler Commons, 101 Alwine Road. Appointments recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments: 877-258-4825 or visit the Donate Blood button at Vitalant.org and search for code UW465.
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.
Sharpsburg
Sunday : Addiction Recovery Ministry will host a bingo fundraiser at 2 p.m. at the John Paul I Center, 201 Ninth St. There will be 10 regular games, five specials and a jackpot game. Cost: $25 for six cards for each game, drinks and snacks. Reservations: 412-378-9290 or rhaasarm@gmail.com.
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.
July 31 and Aug. 1: Vendors applications are being accepted for a community celebration planned from noon to 10 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Field, 850 Lincoln Ave. Details:sbpdevents@springdaleborough.com.
Tarentum
Today: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St.
Wednesday: Allegheny-Kiski Valley Heritage Museum is organizing a new free historical book club that will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. the third Wednesday of each odd-numbered month at the museum, 224 E. Seventh Ave. The book for the May meeting will be “West of the Alleghenies,” by Craig Pennington. Participants should read the book before coming to the meeting. Reservations required. Reservations:724-224-7666.
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: 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.
Thursday: Olive Branch Drop-In Center will host a craft workshop to make floral wreaths at 11 a.m. at the center, 335 E. Fourth Ave. Details:724-224-1600.
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.
Verona
Saturday : American Legion Auxiliary is accepting space reservations for a flea market planned at Railroad Park, 736 E. Railroad Ave. Cost: space with table, $20; space only, $15. Details:412-417-3080.
Washington Township
Wednesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 6 p.m. at Union Presbyterian Church, 656 Route 380.
West Deer
Thursday: Bingo will be 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.
Worthington
May 21: Worthington-West Franklin Community Library will offer a free seminar about lower back exercises with Dr. Weber at 6 p.m. at the library, 214 E. Main St., building B. Dress in exercise clothing and bring a water bottle and mat if you have one. Reservations required. Reservations:724-297-3762 or armstronglibraries.org/worthington.