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Literacy event planned for fathers and children
Allegheny Family Network and the Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books will host a Fathers For Literacy event from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 23 at Highlands Community Center, 701 California Ave., Natrona Heights, Harrison.
Fathers and their children age 2 to 12 will participate in activities, crafts and storytelling. Each family will build and customize a book book, review books onsite and select free books to take home.
Reservations are required and space is limited. For reservations, call 888-273-2361 or email info@alleghenyfamilynetwork.org.
Annual 5K run/walk to raise funds for St. Margaret Foundation
The 34th annual St. Margaret Foundation Brian Demchak Hope Challenge Run 5K Run/Walk will be May 15 to 21.
Participants will complete a virtual 5K anytime from May 15 to 21 on their own outside, on a treadmill, dance floor or in a pool.
Two in-person events are also planned. The RIDC O’Hara Wellness Walk will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the UPMC St. Margaret Lunchtime Wellness Walk will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 18. Registration is required by April 22 for receive an event t-shirt and finisher’s medal in the mail.
For details, call 412-784-4215 or visit stmargaretfoundation.org/challenge. Proceeds benefit the foundation that provides medication, transportation and more to fill in the gaps for patients at UPMC St. Margaret Hospital.
Calendar
Apollo
Today: Five local poets will read their works and answer questions at 2 p.m. at Apollo Memorial Library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Poets will include Bob Walicki, Diane DiCola, Bri Griffith, Kayla Sargeson and Deena November. Details: 724-478-4214.
Today: A vendor fair will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parish center at St. James Church, 109 Owens View Ave. All vendors needed. Cost: $20 per table with electric; $15 without. Details: Linda, 724-882-8776.
Arnold
Sunday: Arnold No. 2 Auxiliary and Arnold Fireman’s Band will host a luncheon bingo at 1:30 p.m. in the Arnold Social Center, 1702 Fifth Ave. Doors open at noon. Cost: $6, includes light lunch and one lapboard. Players must be at least 12 years old.
Bell
April 16: Bell Township Volunteer Fire Department is holding a “You’ve Been Egged” fundraiser through April 11. Candy-filled plastic eggs can be delivered April 16 to your yard in the Bell and Avonmore areas via the firetruck with the Easter Bunny or a basket can be left on the porch with a note from you. Cost: 25 eggs, $20; 30 for $25; 40 for $35; 50 for $40; basket with 20 eggs and 5 chocolate lollipops, $25. Reservations required. Time slots fill up fast. Paid reservations required by Monday. Reservations: Wendy Auden, 724-787-2641 or btvfdshop.com.
Bethel
Tuesday: The Armstrong Nature Book Club will meet at 7 p.m. at the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek, 142 Kerr Road. The selection will be, “Braiding Sweetgrass,” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Reservations required. Reservations and details: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.
Buffalo Township
Today: Volunteers are welcome at a litter pickup event planned from 10 a.m. to noon at the Buffalo Creek Nature Park, 154 Monroe Road. Gloves, trash bags and safety vests will be provided. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Sponsored by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania.
April 28: Zion United Methodist Church will host a community blood drive from 1 to 7 p.m. in the church Family Life Center, 438 Bear Creek Road. Appointments recommended. Bring ID. Appointments: 412-209-7000 or visit donateblood.centralbloodbank.org and click on the Schedule Now or New Donor buttons. Search for group code C664.
Cheswick
Monday: Springdale High School Alumni Association will meet at 7 p.m. in Cheswick Presbyterian Church, 1401 Pittsburgh St. Details: Mike, 724-275-7566.
Harrison
Today: The Diaper Pantry at Christ Our Hope Anglican Church, Harrison, 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 present their own identification, the child’s birth certificate and a current WIC or SNAP card.
Today: A clothing and toy giveaway will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Word of Faith Christian Fellowship, 42 Chestnut St., Natrona. Details: the Rev. Moses S. Simpkins, 412-853-7802.
Sunday: The Knights of Columbus will host a pancake and sausage breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the council home, 28 Garfield St., Natrona. Cost: $6; younger than 6, $3.
Sunday: Natrona Heights Presbyterian Church will host a benefit paint party at 11 a.m. at the church, 1428 Broadview Blvd. Cost: $30; after April 4 or at the door, $35, includes all supplies and a light lunch. Proceeds will benefit the Alle-Kiski Area HOPE Center. Tickets: Eventbrite.com.
Monday : Community Library of Allegheny Valley, 1522 Broadview Blvd., will host, “Poetry and Photography: Reflections on Spectacle Pond,” with author George Kinder at 6 p.m. at the library and online. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or click on the calendar tab at Alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.
April 19: A Seniors for Safe Driving class will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Harrison High-rise, 2006 Broadview Blvd., Natrona Heights. The class is PennDOT approved and for drivers who are at least 55 years old. Safe drivers can receive a 5 percent discount on auto insurance for three years. Cost: $16. Sponsored by Rep. Carrie Lewis DelRosso. Details and registration: 724-283-0245 or seniorsforsafedriving.com.
May 21: Harrison Township Recreation board is seeking owners of commercial and non-commercial vehicles to participate in its third annual touch-a-truck event planned at Highlands High School, Natrona Heights. Details: Natalie Cale, 724-448-6588 or nmcajka@yahoo.com.
Indiana Township
Today: Walter Chapel United Methodist Church, 404 Crawford Run Road, will have a rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church. Proceeds will benefit the church’s general fund.
Jefferson
Tuesday: Saxonburg Goldenagers will meet at noon at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Dinnerbell Road. A catered lunch will be served and reservations are required. Entertainment will be afterward. New members welcome. Reservations: Lil, 724-352-1809.
Leechburg
Monday: Leechburg Public Library Board of Directors will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 137 Market St. Public welcome.
April 30: A paint night to benefit veterans’ charity Five Forces will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at Leechburg Volunteer Firehall, 268 Canal St. Cost: 4-foot welcome sign, $45; or a noodle board, $65, all supplies provided. BYO drinks. Must be at least 21. Reservations required. Reservations: Jodie, 412-216-9511 or Mandy, 724-882-9852.
May 7: Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company is accepting vendor applications for an outdoor craft show. Cost: $25 for a 12 x 12-foot space. No electricity available. Bring your own table, chairs and tent. Details: Melissa, 724-332-9090.
Lower Burrell
Today: Rep. Bob Brooks will host a free shredding event from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road. Residents may bring a maximum of five boxes of documents to be shredded. No businesses please. Details: 724-335-2790.
Today: The ClothesLine ministry at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 3084 Leechburg Road, will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Clothing, shoes and purses for 25 cents each or five for $1. The jewelry room will be closed. Follow us on Facebook.
Today: The Veterans of Foreign Wars will feature the Cool Change band from 8 to 11 p.m. at the post. Members and three guests welcome.
Monday: Alle-Kiski Multiple Sclerosis Support Group will meet at 7 p.m. in Faith Hall of Puckety Presbyterian Church, 1009 Puckety Church Road. John Letizia, president of Laurel Medical Solutions, will be the guest speaker. New members welcome. Details: Mary, 724-337-7133, or Carol, 724-335-7136.
Weekdays: Lower Burrell Lions brooms are available at the City Hall tax office, 2800 Bethel St.
New Kensington
Today and Monday: The Community Clothes Closet, 1129 Kenneth Ave., will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. First-time customers receive 15 free items. Summer clothing donations accepted during open hours.
April 16: Voodoo Brewery, 956 Fifth Ave., will host an 80s-themed celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. There will be music video bingo, a costume contest and prizes. Admission: $25. Proceeds will the Artist in Residency program for students at Valley High School and the New Kensington Wings Project. Tickets: checkout.square.site/buy/XTAONRI6R674F5RR2U6V2AQA or at the brewery.
May 14: Vendor applications are being accepted by Knead Community Café for an outdoor Mother Nature’s Garden Market at the café. Items must be natural of plant-based products or garden related. No hot food vendors. Rain or shine. Details and applications: kneadcommunitycafe.org/vendorapplication.
Oakmont
April 23: Riverside Women’s Association is accepting donations for its annual yard sale. Donations can be dropped off on the porch at 1244 Pennsylvania Ave, Oakmont. Details: Riversidewomensassociation.org.
Oklahoma Borough
April 23: A Family Feud Game Night will be at Oklahoma School House Hall, 171 Thorn St. Doors open at 6 p.m. The game show host will be Patrick Fisher. Cash prizes. Cost: $20, includes refreshments, food and entry into feud play. Must be at least 21. Tickets and reservations for tables for eight or more: 724-596-7293. Sponsored by North Apollo and Oklahoma volunteer fire departments.
Parks
Sunday: Parks Township Sportsman’s Club will host a country music jam night from 5 to 8 p.m. at the club, 1111 Shipman Road. Bring your favorite stringed instrument and sing along. Refreshments available. Public welcome. Details: 724-845-2390.
Plum
Today: Plum Community Library will have a spring book sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the library, 445 Center New Texas Road. Cost: $10 per bag. Details: 412-798-7323.
Plum/Oakmont
Monday and April 25: Computers for Seniors seminars will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m. April 11 at Our Lady of Joy Church hall, 2000 O’Block Road, Plum, and 1 to 3 p.m. April 25 in St. Irenaeus Church hall, 387 Maryland Ave., Oakmont. Topics will include the different types of computers, hardware, software, internet research, email and Microsoft Office. Bring your laptop, tablet or phone. Different topics will be discussed at each session, so register for both. Details and reservations: 412-793-4511, ext. 107, or email sos@holyfamilypgh.org.
Springdale
Monday: The Geraldine Yanni Science program at Springdale Free Public Library will meet at 6 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. The program will be an egg drop challenge. Children in third and fourth grades welcome. Space is limited. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.
Monday: The Mystery Lovers Book Club at Springdale Free Public Library will meet at 10 a.m. at the library, 331 School St. The selection will be, “The Sleepwalker,” by Chris Bohjalian. Copies available at the library. New members welcome. Reservations: 724-274-9729.
Wednesday: Wacky Wednesday, a free program for children of all ages, will meet at 6 p.m. at Springdale Free Public Library, 331 School St. The program will be a cookie decorating project with members of several local police departments. Reservations: required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.
Tarentum
Today: The Clothing Closet at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St., will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details: 724-224-9220.
Sunday and Tuesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St. An opportunity for silent prayer will be at 6:30 p.m.
Vandergrift
Today: Vandergrift Fire Department No. 1 will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 278 Franklin Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m. There will be 16 regular games, 4 specials and a 50/50 jackpot. Payout to be determined by the number of players. Details: vandergriftvfd@gmail.com or Vandergriftvfd1 on Facebook.
Mondays: The Chess Club for children in kindergarten through eighth grade at Vandergrift Public Library will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays April 18 and 25, and May 2 and 9 at the library, 128C Washington Ave. No experience necessary. Chess boards provided. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.
Washington Township
Through May 2: A fishing area for children 10 and younger is available on Pine Run in Kunkle Park. Sponsored by the Washington-Bell Lions Club. Thanks to Black Leggs Trout Nursery for supplying the fish and Eagle Scout Jared Burk and other volunteers. Details: 724-727-3515.
May 1: Tickets are on sale for a super bingo at Washington Township Volunteer Fire Company, 4078 Route 66. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and bingo starts at 2 p.m. There will be 24 games with winnings totaling $6,000. Cost: $35 in advance; $40 at the door, includes one card. The kitchen will be open and there will be instant tickets and a 50/50 raffle. Reserved seating available for parties of 6 or more. Tickets: Washington-township-vol-fire-company.square.site. Details: washtwpVFCBingo@gmail.com.
West Deer
Today: Amateur Astronomers of Pittsburgh will host the first star party of the season at 8 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. Please use parking lights only when you drive through the park gate. Donations will be accepted. Details and weather updates: 724-224-2510 or 3ap.org.
May 7: East Union Presbyterian Church is seeking craft vendors for a craft show at the church, 292 East Union Road. Details: Mary Lynn, 412-767-5750.
West Leechburg
April 28: Rep. Jason Silvis will host a seminar on Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws and the Castle Doctrine from 6 to 8 p.m. at West Leechburg Fire Hall, 1116 Gosser St. Representatives from Firearm Owners Against Crime, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Office and local and state police will speak and answer questions. The County Sheriff’s Department will issue concealed carry permits. Applicants must be a resident of Westmoreland County and have a valid Pa. driver’s license. Permit cost is $20, cash or check.
