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.
Summer concert series coming to Syria Shrine Center
The free Thunder Thursdays Summer Music Series will open the season Thursday with the Tina Daniels Band at the pavilion at the Syria Shrine Center, 1877 Shriners Way, Harmar.
Concerts start at 7 p.m., rain or shine. Gates open at 6 p.m. There is free parking and seating, and food and beverages will be sold. No tailgating or outside food or drinks are permitted.
The series continues Thursdays through Oct. 8.
Fundraiser to benefit victims of Parks Township shooting
A spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the victims of the shooting at Niki’s Quick Six in Parks Township will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Marconi Club, 135 River Ave., Leechburg.
The menu will include spaghetti, meatballs, roll, salad with Italian dressing and dessert; dine in or takeout. A meatless option will be available. Cost is $10. There will be a basket raffle, music and a 50-50.
Calendar
Apollo
Today: Apollo Memorial Library will host a free Hobby Hangout group from 5 to 7 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Bring your current craft or hobby and a friend.
Wednesday: Apollo Memorial Library will offer a free program about ticks and Lyme Disease at 6 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Details:724-478-4214.
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. There will be specials and wish jars. 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.
June 16 to Aug. 11: Apollo Memorial Library will host its summer reading program, “Dig Into a Good Book,” Tuesdays at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Schedule: 4 and younger, 10:30 a.m.; 5 to 8, 12:30 p.m; and 9 and older, 2:30 p.m. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-478-4214.
Arnold
Today: The Tomb, 1821 Fifth Ave., will serve a free community dinner from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Avonmore
Saturday : A bingo to benefit Avonmore Library will be at the Civic Center, 458 Railroad Ave. Doors open at 11 a.m. and early birds will begin at 12:45 p.m. Beverages and food will be sold and there will be free coffee and dessert. Cost: $20, by Friday; at the door, $25. Tickets: 3 to 7 p.m. today or 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the library or send a Facebook message to Avonmore Library.
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: 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: Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank will distribute free food via a drive-thru to anyone in need from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Lernerville Speedway, 313 N. Pike Road. No reservations required. Guests should remain in their vehicles and open their door or trunk and will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
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.
East Vandergrift
June 13: Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish is selling tickets for a Spring Frenzy lottery ticket raffle. The winning numbers will be the 1:30 and 7 p.m. Pennsylvania Lottery Pick-3 numbers June 13. Each winner will receive $1,000, a $50 gift card to Naser Foods and a $50 gift certificate to The Gathering Room 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.
Harrison
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.
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, 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 8: An American Red Cross community blood drive will be from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Kiski Township Volunteer Firehall, 1037 Route 56. Appointments: 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org.
Leechburg
Wednesdays and Saturdays: Leechburg Area Museum & Historical Society, 118 First St., will be open from noon to 3 p.m. and by appointment. Details: 724-845-8914 or lamahs@windstream.net.
Saturday : First United Methodist Church, 251 Main St., will sponsor a spaghetti dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. at the church. Proceeds will benefit the church journey to Red Bird Mission. Cost: $12. Tickets: 724-845-8761 or lfumc251@comcast.net.
Lower Burrell
Thursday: The Chess Club for Kids at Peoples Library will meet at 4 p.m. at the library, 3052 Wachter Ave. Players age 8 to 18 welcome. Details: 724-339-1021.
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.
July 4: Westmoreland County Marines Detachment is selling raffle tickets to support its Christmas Groceries for Veterans program. The winning number will be the 7 p.m. July 4 Pennsylvania Lottery Daily Number. Prizes include a 20-foot telescoping flag pole, a 250th Anniversary flag and a solar light for the pole, or $1,000 cash. Your choice. Cost: $10, includes two numbers. Tickets: Jim Walters, 724-681-6293 or waltersusmc@comcast.net.
New Kensington
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 in memory of Gale Foster by Wesley Family Services. 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.
Aug. 1: Valley High School Marching Band is accepting reservations from vendors, food trucks and car show participants for a show planned at the high school. Cost: 10 by 10-foot vendor space, $30; food trucks, $100; and car show entries, $25. Details: Sara Brink, 724-351-0687.
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 Thursday: 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. today. Details:412-828-9532.
O’Hara
Wednesday : A Vitalant community blood drive will be from noon to 4:30 p.m. in the first floor training room of the Howard Hanna corporate office, 119 Gamma Drive. Appointments recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments:877-258-4825 or visit the Donate Blood button at Vitalant.org.
Pittsburgh
June 2: UPMC St. Margaret will offer a free seminar, “From Achy Knees to Active Living: Conservative Treatment Options to Robotic-Assisted Surgery.” Screenings will be from 5 to 6 p.m. and the presentation will be at 7 p.m. Dr. Fred Heidenreich will be the speaker. Free parking is available. Reservations required. Reservations:866-939-7787.
Plum
Today: A veterans appreciation breakfast will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Plum Community Center, 499 Center New Texas Road. Menu: eggs, pancakes, sausage and coffee. Sponsored by Plum Rotary and the center. Cost: veterans, free; guests, $5.
May 31: A Vitalant community blood drive will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church, 2000 Oblock Drive. Appointments recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments:877-258-4825 or visit the Donate Blood button at Vitalant.org.
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: 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.
Wednesday: Olive Branch Drop-in Center will have Doughnuts and Discussion at 10 a.m. at the center, 335 E. Fourth Ave. Details:724-224-1600.
Wednesday: Central Presbyterian Church will host the Who Knew? program “Remembering Veterans” from Community Library of Allegheny Valley at 6 p.m. at the church, 305 Allegheny St. No reservations required. Details: 724-224-9220.
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. New Kensington Camera Club has a new photo exhibit, “America 250,” at the museum. Details: 724-224-7666.
Thursday: Olive Branch Drop-In Center will host an hour of tabletop games at 1 p.m. at the center, 335 E. Fourth Ave. Details:724-224-1600.
Vandergrift
Today: Vandergrift Public Library will host a food canning demonstration at 5:30 p.m. at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.
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
June 4: Worthington-West Franklin Community Library will host a new free community discussion group on the book, “The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” at 6 p.m. at the library, 214 E. Main St. Reservations required. Reservations:724-297-3762.