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.
Kids fishing derby planned at Burrell Lake Park
Children 15 and younger are welcome to try their luck at the free fishing derby Saturday at Burrell Lake Park in Lower Burrell.
Check-in with a parent or guardian will be from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Fishing will be from 9 to 11 a.m. when lunch will be served. Prizes will be awarded from 11:30 a.m. to noon for the longest fish in several categories and all children will receive a prize grab bag.
Children should bring their own fishing equipment, bait and lures. A limited number of loaner rods and night crawlers will be available and there will be helpers on hand to measure fish. Fishing will be catch and release only.
The event is sponsored by the Tri-County Trout Club, and the Lower Burrell Parks Commission and American Legion Auxiliary. For questions, call 412-298-0964 or email tctcnews@gmail.com.
Shot O’ Soul to perform at Syria Shrine Center Pavilion
The free Thunder Thursdays Summer Music Series will feature the band Shot O’ Soul 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.
Leechburg’s Mingle On Market series to open the season
The Mingle On Market outdoor event will kick off the season Thursday on Market Street in the Leechburg downtown district.
Food trucks will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. and there will be vendor booths from 6 to 8 p.m. in the municipal parking lot beside Fox’s Pizza. The band Magic & the Hot Metal Brass will play from 7 to 9 p.m.
The series is sponsored by the Leechburg Area Community Association.
Calendar
Allegheny Township
June 18: The Alle-Kiski chapter of the American Wine Society will host guest speaker Domenic Montella from Allora Wines at 7 p.m. at River Forest Country Club, 130 Club House Drive. He will discuss five premium wines and wines will be served and paired with foods. Guests welcome. Cost: $55. Paid reservations required by 5 p.m. June 14. Details: allekiski@yahoo.com.
June 27: Markle Volunteer Fire Department is accepting vendor applications for an indoor/outdoor flea market planned at the firehall, 470 Joyce St. Application deadline: Friday. Details and registration:724-236-0665.
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.
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
June 20: An R&B bingo and dance fundraiser will be at MJ’s Bar and Grille, 1735 Fourth Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo starts at 6 p.m. The dance will begin at 8 p.m. Cost: $35. Proceeds will benefit Educated Athletes First. Tickets: Maria, 412-478-9589 or Cory, 412-758-7436.
Bell Township
Ongoing: Bell Township Volunteer Fire Department is selling tickets for a raffle to win a Royal Caribbean cruise. Includes a six- to eight-night cruise for two. Only 300 tickets will be sold. Not valid Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years weeks. Cost: $15 each. Details and tickets: tinyurl.com/93zmn8a3.
Bethel Township
Saturday : The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will offer a free program about pollinators from 9 a.m. to noon at the center, 142 Kerr Road. There will be a tour of the pollinator garden, arts, crafts and a nature walk. All ages welcome. Reservations required. Reservations: armstrongodc.org.
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.
Cadogan
Wednesday: The township farmers market will be from 3 to 6 p.m. in Overlook Park. Details and vendor information: Jeanne, 724-815-7347.
East Vandergrift
Saturday : 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 or in the parish office.
Freeport
Wednesday: 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.
Harrison
Through Saturday: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will sponsor a Scholastic Book Fair at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Books for all ages from new releases to classic tales will be available. Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13. Details: 724-226-3491.
Wednesday : Allegheny-Kiski Health Foundation will offer free American Heart Association CPR training from 6 to 9 p.m. at the office, 1 Acee Drive. Those needing a certificate card will be assessed a small fee by the American Heart Association. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-294-3157 or pkuzmirek@akhealth.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: The Together for a Cure fundraiser for those with leukemia and lymphoma will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Lloyd D. Hayden Community Center, 480 Park Ave. There will be a basket auction, games, entertainment and food. Details: Sydney Hayden, 724-826-1327.
Friday : A Vitalant community blood drive will be from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Charles Young Conference Room at Allegheny Valley Hospital, 1301 Carlisle Ave. Appointments recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments: 877-258-4825 or visit the Donate Blood button at Vitalant.org.
June 16: The Freeport Highlands Service Unit of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania will sponsor an information night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Harrison Hills Park for girls who will enter kindergarten through 12th grade in the fall and their caregivers. Look for the signs. Reservations required by June 15. Reservations: 412-606-6699 or freeport.highlands.gs@gmail.com.
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.
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.
Ongoing: Kiski Valley Community is accepting performance dates for summer and the holiday season. Details:plmarco23@gmail.com.
Lower Burrell
June 22 to 26: Puckety Presbyterian Church, 1009 Puckety Church Road, will offer free “Rainforest Falls” vacation Bible school from 5:45 to 8:15 p.m. Children must be at least 4 years old by June 1. Reservations required. Reservations: vbspro.events/p/26rainforest-falls.
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: Peoples Library, 880 Barnes St., will host a free visit by the Quack A Doodle Doo mobile petting zoo at 1 p.m. Details: 724-339-1021.
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: 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 Michele Corey. 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.
Parks Township
Aug. 1: Space reservations are being accepted for a flea market to benefit Tiny Cause animal shelter at Riverside Drive-In Theatre, 1114 Lees Lake Lane. Crafters, yard sale vendors and marketers welcome. Cost: minimum $10 Chewy gift card donation or a raffle basket for the event. No food vendors. Reservations:tinycauseadopt@gmail.com.
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.
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
Wednesday: The borough farmers market will be open from 9 a.m. to noon in the upper parking lot of First United Presbyterian Church, 913 Lock St. Vendor information:office@fupct.org.
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: 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.
Thursday: Olive Branch Drop-In Center will offer a workshop about crockpot cooking from 10 a.m. to noon at the center, 335 E. Fourth Ave. A resource day will be from noon 1 p.m. Details:724-224-1600.
Vandergrift
Thursday: The farmers market will be open from 4 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot across from the Casino Theater. Sponsored by the Vandergrift Improvement Program.
Washington Township
Wednesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 6 p.m. at Union Presbyterian Church, 656 Route 380.
West Deer
Thursday: Allegheny County Parks Department and the Kamin Science Center will present a free screening of the film, “Elio,” at dusk in Carp Field on Deer Lakes Park, weather permitting. Rated PG. Activities start at 7 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket and drinks and snacks.
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.
Aug. 7: West Deer will sponsor a 250th anniversary community parade in the township. Entries of floats, marching bands, local heroes and organizations are welcome. Details: Amy, 412-651-5033.
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
Saturday: Worthington-West Franklin Community Library will offer a free basic hands-only CPR class from 11 a.m. to noon at the library, 214 E. Main St. Must be at least 10 years old. This is an educational program and does not provide certification. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-297-3762 or wwf@armstronglibraries.org.
June 26: Worthington-West Franklin Community Library is accepting orders for pies and cinnamon rolls from The Pie Shoppe in Laughlintown. Varieties: coconut cream meringue, lemon meringue, banana cream meringue, apple, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, Dutch apple, peach, peach raspberry, razzleberry, salted caramel apple, strawberry rhubarb and wild berry cherry; all $12; and cinnamon rolls, $11. All items arrive fresh and can be frozen. Paid order deadline: June 15. Pick-up: June 26. Orders: at the library or visit the library Facebook page.