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.


Community picnic planned by Fun and Freedom Inc.

Fun and Freedom Inc. will host a free community picnic from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday in Natrona Park and Playground, River Avenue, Harrison.

There will be music, games, sports and food – all free. For more information, call 724-274-7773.


Strawberry Festival set at historic Burtner House

Burtner House Restoration Society will sponsor its 50th annual Strawberry Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the homestead, 1650 Burtner Road, Natrona Heights, Harrison.

There will be food trucks, a basket raffle, a local artisan market, tours of the homestead, Civil War reenactors and music.

Free parking will be available in the former Big Lots parking lot in Heights Plaza, 1726 Pacific Ave., Natrona Heights, and free shuttle service will take patrons to the homestead. No parking is available at the festival.

Admission is $5; children younger than 5, free. Proceeds benefit Burtner House Restoration Society.


Shuttle service available to EV Ethnic Day festival

The East Vandergrift Ethnic Day Festival will be from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday in the borough.

There will be entertainment, food, beverages, vendors, children’s games and a fireworks display at 10 p.m. Most vendors will accept cash only. Free parking will be available at the Vandergrift Volunteer Firehall No. 1 parking lot, 278 Franklin Ave., with shuttle service to and from the festival until midnight.


Calendar

Allegheny Township

June 27: Markle Volunteer Fire Department is accepting space reservations for its indoor/outdoor flea market at the firehall, 470 Joyce St. Dates: June 27, July 25, Aug. 22 and Sept. 26. Cost: indoor, $25; outdoors, $15. Details: 724-236-0665.

Apollo

Saturdays: Apollo Area Historical Society will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the WCTU Building, 317 N. Second St. The current display includes memorabilia from the Apollo bicentennial celebration. Free admission.

Arnold

Saturday : 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.

July 11: St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church will host a Christmas In July vendor market and pierogi sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church hall, 1610 Kenneth Ave. Vendor applications are being accepted until July 9 or sold out. No fee. Details: call or text 724-681-3383. Reservations: tinyurl.com/ya4mn56v.

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.

Brackenridge

Today: 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.

Freeport  

Today: 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.

Saturday: Freeport Area Library will offer a Father’s Day craft drop-in for all ages from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the library, 428 Market St. Reservations required. Reservations:724-295-3616.

Gilpin

Today: Gilpin Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 113 Firehall Road.

Harmar

Today: The free Thunder Thursdays Summer Music Series will feature the Shiners at the pavilion at the Syria Shrine Center, 1877 Shriners Way. 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.

Harrison 

Today: The Allegheny County Parks Department will present a free movie and activity in the Yakaon Shelter of Harrison Hills Park. A Lego party with Bricksburgh will begin at 7 p.m. and “A Minecraft Movie,” will begin at dusk. Rated PG.

Friday: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will have Little Treasures Toddler Time at 10 a.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Children 2 and younger and their caregiver welcome. Just drop in. 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.

Friday: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will offer a yoga class with smooth jazz music at 6 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Bring a mat, blanket and water. All skill levels welcome. Cost: $5. Reservations required. Reservations:alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Saturday: The Diaper Pantry at Christ Our Hope Anglican Church will distribute diapers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, 926 Painter Ave., and at Sheldon Park, both in Natrona Heights. Recipients must drive up and remain in their vehicles. First-time recipients must provide their own identification, the child’s birth certificate and a current WIC or SNAP card.

June 25: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will sponsor a jigsaw puzzle race competition from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Teams of two to four welcome. Must be at least 16. Reservations required by noon Friday. Reservations:alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

June 27: Friends of Harrison Hills Park will sponsor a presentation about the park’s purple martin colony at 1 p.m. at the environmental learning center. Ken Kostka will be the speaker. Reservations required. Reservations:friendsofharrisonhills@gmail.com.

Jefferson Township

Today: 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.

Today: Good Samaritan Hospice, a mission of Concordia Lutheran Ministries, will offer 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 to join each week. Reservations required. Reservations and more information: John Porter at 724-898-0126, ext. 4426.

Leechburg  

Today: The free genealogy group at Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society will meet from 10 a.m. to noon at the museum, 118 First St. The group meets on the first and third Thursday of each month. Bring a laptop or tablet. Basic computer skills required. Details: Judy, 724-681-9154.

Saturday: The Clothing Closet at First Lutheran Church, 358 Main St., will be open from 9 a.m. to noon. All items are 20 cents each. Please bring a bag. Donations welcome.

July 25: Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company will host a Christmas in July Luau black light bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 268 Canal St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $31, on the fire company Facebook page; $30, at the door; includes one pack of cards, a dauber, food and drinks. There will be rip tickets and a 50-50. Christmas, luau and beach wear encouraged.

Ongoing: Kiski Valley Community Band is accepting performance dates for summer and the holiday season. Details:plmarco23@gmail.com.

Lower Burrell

Today: Peoples Library will host a virtual talk with storyteller and blogger Ted Page about his book, “Good Grandpa: Stories from the Heart of Grandfatherhood” at 2 p.m. Recordings will be available to watch on demand. To register and ask questions, visit libraryc.org/peopleslibrary. Details: 724-339-1021.

Friday: Trinity United Christian Church, 232 Hillcrest Drive, will present the group GloryWay in concert at 7 p.m. in the church. Wheelchair accessible.

Saturday: The city farmers market will be open from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Bon Air Elementary School, 3260 Leechburg Road.

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.

June 27: The Moose will host its monthly luncheon bingo at the lodge, 499 Reimer St. Doors open at 11 a.m. Note the date is changed this month. Details: 724-335-4131.

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   

Today: 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.

Today: Sally’s Outdoor Market at the Salvation Army, 255 Third St., will open for the season. Free produce will be distributed from 2 to 6 p.m. every other Thursday while supplies last. Vendors welcome. Vendor applications:724-335-7221.

Today: Knead Community Café in New Kensington will host its free monthly dine-in Breaking Bread dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the cafe, 1011 Barnes St. The meal will be sponsored by Mother of Sorrows Parish. No takeout meals will be available. Details:878-847-7997.

Saturday: The city farmers market will be from 9 a.m. to noon at 985 Fifth Ave. SNAP and WIC/FMNP vouchers welcome.

Saturday: St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 150 Elmtree Road, will have a takeout Slavic food sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the church hall. Menu: stuffed cabbage, pierogi, soups, haluski, kielbasa sandwiches, hot dogs and baked goods. Cash, cards and checks accepted. Tours of the church will be available. No advance orders. Details and a full menu: visit stjohnnewken on Facebook.

Saturday: Knead Community Café will sponsor a pig roast fundraiser from 3 to 6 p.m. at the café, 1011 Barnes St. Menu: pulled pork sandwiches, cowboy beans, macaroni & cheese and potato salad. BYOB. Cost: $30, available online only at tinyurl.com/yk4uthmt.

Saturday: Real Life Church will serve a community breakfast for lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church fellowship hall, 1825 Freeport Road. Menu: bacon, sausage, pancakes, sweet treats, coffee, tea and water. Donations will be accepted.

Monday : A Vitalant community blood drive will be from 2 to 7 p.m. at St. George Orthodox Church, 1150 Leishman Ave. Appointments recommended. Appointments:877-258-4825 or visit Vitalant.org and search ZIP Code 15068.

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: Oakmont Carnegie Library, 700 Allegheny River Blvd., will have family game night at 5:30 p.m. at the library. All ages and skill levels welcome to enjoy class board games. Details: oakmontlibrary.org.

June 27: Oakmont Carnegie Library will offer a program, “The Trouble With Lawns: Reclaiming Our Landscapes With Native Plants,” at 1 p.m. at the library, 700 Allegheny River Blvd. Reservations required. Reservations:tinyurl.com/mvcybptb.

Parks Township 

Today: Parks Township Sportsman Club Association will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the club, 1111 Shipman Road. New members welcome.

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.

June 28: Vandergrift Public Library will host a tea party fundraiser, “Authors in the Neighborhood,” from 1 to 4 p.m. at Pleasant View Brethren Church fellowship hall, 1156 Pleasantview Drive. Local authors Joseph Szalanski, Mike Firek and Alex Chaffins will read and discuss their books. Appetizers, sandwiches, desserts and beverages will be served. Cost: $30. Recommended for 14 and older. Tickets:724-568-2212 or tinyurl.com/3a4sxzbr.

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 

Today: The Mingle on Main event and car cruise will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Main Street.

Through Sunday: South Butler Community Library, 240 W. Main St., will host a Scholastic book fair during regular hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Food trucks will be available from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and there will be a balloon artist from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Details:724-352-4810 or southbutlerlibrary.org.

Springdale   

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

Saturday: The Clothing Closet at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St., will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The monthly dollar breakfast will be from 8 a.m. to noon. Menu: pancakes, sausage, coffee and juice. A used book and jewelry sale will be from 9 a.m. to noon. Details:724-224-9220. 

Vandergrift

Today: The farmers market will be open from 4 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot across from the Casino Theatre.

Washington Township

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 

Today: 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.

Friday and Saturday: Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh will host a free star party starting with solar observing at 7 p.m. at the Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory, 225 Kurn Road, in Deer Lakes Regional Park, weather permitting. Bring binoculars, a blanket and camping chair. Use only parking lights if entering through the park gate after dark. Donations will be accepted. Details and weather updates:724-224-2510 or 3ap.org.

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.

West Leechburg

Saturday : The 26th annual Allegheny Valley Insulator Show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the West Leechburg Firemen’s Recreation Hall, 1116 Gosser St. Dealer setup: 7:30 a.m. Table fee: $20 for an 8-foot table. Free admission. Details: Ron Barth, 724-845-8439 or rkbarth@windstream.net.

Winfield

Today: 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 24: Worthington-West Franklin Community Library will offer a free program, “Understanding Diabetes and Your Health,” at 1 p.m. at the library, 214 E. Main St. Reservations required. Reservations:724-297-3762.