The Stroller, Sept. 27, 2022: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley

Publicize your non-profit’s community events, fundraisers and club meetings for free in The Stroller. Send information at least a week in advance to vndnews@triblive.com or The Stroller, 210 Wood St., Tarentum PA 15084. Please include a daytime telephone number.

Local Marines to celebrate at birthday ball

Westmoreland County Marines will celebrate the 247^th birthday of the Marine Corps at a ball planned for 4:30 to 11 p.m. Nov. 6 at Hill Crest Country Club, Lower Burrell.

Attire is formal. Paid reservations are required by Oct. 15. All active-duty Marines, veterans, reservists, Navy chaplains or corpsmen are welcome.

For details, contact Jim Walters at 724-681-6293 or waltersusmc@comcast.net.

Winter coat donations welcome

Allegheny Valley Association of Churches is collecting gently worn winter coats for distribution this fall.

Donations should be taken by Oct. 6 to the ministry center, 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights, Harrison.

Free lunches available Thursday at Salvation Army

The Allegheny Valley Salvation Army and Community Center in Brackenridge offers free grab and go lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays in parking lot at the center, 917 Brackenridge Ave.

Free grocery items from Walmart and Aldi will be available. Everyone is welcome.

Calendar

Apollo

Today: Kiskiminetas Watershed Association will meet at 7 p.m. in the green building at the Roaring Run Trailhead. New members welcome.

Wednesday: Apollo Hose Co. No. 2 will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Details: 724-478-4831.

Wednesdays and Saturdays: Apollo Area Historical Society Museum, 317 N. Second St., is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations of paper towels, stamps, envelopes, cleaning supplies, colored copy paper and trash bags are welcome. Details: ApolloPAHistory@gmail.com.

Oct. 6: The Rather Be Reading Book Club for adults at Apollo Memorial Library will meet at 6 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Details and membership information: tinyurl.com/yc8c335t.

Oct. 8: Apollo Memorial Library will host an adult paint night fundraiser with Steele’s Brushes and Ceramics from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Cost: $35. Paid reservations required. Space is limited. Reservations: stop in at the library.

Arnold

Today: The Tomb Coffeehouse, 1821 Fifth Ave., will serve a free lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bible study and fellowship will be from 7 to 9 p.m.

Friday: St. Vladimir Church, 1610 Kenneth Ave., is accepting orders for its pierogi sale. Varieties: potato or sauerkraut. Pickup: 12:30 to 4 p.m. Fridays in the church social hall. Cost: $12 per dozen. Orders: 724-339-9257, 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Bethel

Oct. 2: The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will host, “Magic and Mystery at Crooked Creek,” from 1 to 5 p.m. at the center, 142 Kerr Road. Children 8 to 12 years old welcome. Parents should plan to drop off children at 1 p.m. and pick them up at 5 p.m. Children will go on a 1.5-mile hike and gather ingredients to create magic crystal wands to take home, play games and enjoy a snack. Cost: $50 plus $4.67 in Eventbrite service and processing fees. Tickets: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

Avonmore

Oct. 15: Bingo fundraiser at 1 p.m. at Avonmore Center for Active Adults, 458 Railroad St. Doors open at 11 a.m. and free coffee and doughnuts will be served. There will be 14 regular games, specials and a 50/50. Cost: $20 in advance; $25 at the door, cash only. Tickets: 724-697-4014.

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: Bingo will begin at 7:15 p.m. at the American Legion, 845 First Ave.

Buffalo Township

Today: Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank will host a drive-through food distribution for anyone in need from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 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.

Freeport 

Wednesday: The Thrift Store Clothing Ministry at Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St., will be open from noon 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 fall and winter clothing, shoes and boots welcome. Donations must be laundered and free from pet hair. Handicap accessible. Details: 724-295-3095.

Wednesday : St. Mary Mother of God Parish, 608 High St., will host a Vitalant community blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. in the church hall. Appointments recommended. Appointments: 412-209-7000 or visit donateblood.centralbloodbank.org and use group code G0040286.

Gilpin

Thursday: Gilpin Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo at 7:15 p.m. at the firehall, 113 Firehall Road.

Harmar

Thursday: The free music series at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Pittsburgh Shrine Center pavilion, 1877 Shriners Way, will feature Norman Nardini. Gates open at 6 p.m. Rain or shine. Free parking and food and drinks will be available. No tailgating, outside food or beverages permitted. The weekly event is sponsored by Band Together Pittsburgh, Moondog’s and the Pittsburgh Shrine Center.

Harrison

Wednesday : The Kitchen Sink Book Club at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will meet at 6 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. The selection will be, “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig. Copies are available at the circulation desk. Reservations required. Reservations: 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 fall and winter clothing in all sizes is needed. Masks optional. 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 to anyone in need from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights. Pull into the center parking lot and food will be placed into your vehicle. Those who are not yet registered should come from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Thursday : Community Library of Allegheny Valley will offer a program, “Owls of Pennsylvania,” at 5:30 p.m. online and at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Reservations required. Reservations: alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Oct. 7: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will offer a seminar, “Cooking at Hogwarts,” from 1 to 2 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Learn how to make dishes that take inspiration from Harry Potter. Two dishes will be demonstrated and there will be an opportunity to make your own. Reservations required. Reservations: Alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Jefferson

Thursday: Bingo will be at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion, 754 N. Pike Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. Under new management with higher payouts. The kitchen will be open. Proceeds benefit post and auxiliary projects.

Nov. 12: Table reservations are being accepted for the Knoch Knights Girls Basketball craft show at Knoch High School. Details: Shannon McGraw, 724-822-6803 or knochgirlscraftshow@gmail.com.

Kiski Township

Oct. 8: Kiski Township Volunteer Firemen will have a scrapbook day from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the firehall, 1037 Route 56. Cost: $20. Bring a covered dish to share. Reservations required by Sept. 29. Reservations: 412-601-1782.

Leechburg  

Wednesday: Holy Innocents Anglican Church, 366 Third St., will have a lasagna dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. at the church. Dine in or takeout. Menu: lasagna, salad, Italian bread, butter and dessert, $10. A portion of proceeds benefits local outreach programs. Orders: Wednesday, 724-845-6165 or 724-845-3305.

Thursday: A storytime for preschoolers will be at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Leechburg Public Library, 139 Market St. The theme will be, “It’s All About Apples.” Attend either session. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-236-0080.

Thursday: A New Path Al-Anon Family Group, a free, confidential program for anyone whose life has been affected by someone else’s drinking, will meet at 7 p.m. in First United Methodist Church, 251 Main St.

Nov. 12: A turkey trot bingo to benefit Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company will be at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 268 Canal St. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cost: $30, includes card, dauber, food and drinks; extra cards, $5. There will be a $1,000 cover-all jackpot game. Reserved seating available for parties of eight or more. Must be 21 to attend. Tickets and reservations: John, 724-549-8867 or Melissa, 724-332-9090.

Dec. 10 and 11: Table reservations are being accepted for a Christmas craft and vendor show planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Leechburg Volunteer Firehall, 268 Canal St. Cost: $30 per day or $50 for both days, includes one table and two chairs. Details: Melissa, 724-332-9090 or allermelissa@comcast.net.

Lower Burrell

Today: Peoples Library, 3052 Wachter Ave., will offer a Toddler Time for children 1 to 3 and their caregivers at 1 p.m. at the library. Details: 724-339-1021.

Thursday: Peoples Library will host an arts and crafts hour for children 6 and younger and their caregivers at 1 p.m. at the library, 3052 Wachter Ave. No reservations required. Details: 724-339-1021.

Oct. 23: Tickets are on sale for a super bingo set for 2 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road. Doors open at 11 a.m. Admission: $60 in advance; $65 at the door. Sponsored by the post and auxiliary, there will be a $3,000 cover-all jackpot game. Tickets: at the post club room bar or at Tuesday night bingo in the post ballroom.

Manor   

Oct. 8 and 9: Vendors applications are being accepted for the Fall For Animals Festival set for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 8 and noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 9 at Crooked Creek Horse Park, 467 Crooked Creek Dam Road. Cost: $60 for a 10 x 20-foot space. Spaces will be assigned by lottery. Electricity is available. Vendors must participate both days open to close. Paid reservation deadline: Friday. Details: Rini, 724-859-3559.

New Kensington 

Today: Peoples Library, 880 Barnes St., will offer a Toddler Time for children 1 to 3 and their caregivers at 11 a.m. at the library. Details: 724-339-1021.

Thursday: Sally’s Outdoor Market will be from 2 to 6 p.m. weather permitting, at the Salvation Army, 255 Third St. There will be fresh produce, plants, baked goods, hot foods and more. Vendor spaces available. Details: 724-335-7221, ext. 106 or lauren.suprano@use.salvationarmy.org.

Thursday: Peoples Library will host an arts and crafts hour for children 6 and younger and their caregivers at 11 a.m. at the library, 88 Barnes St. No reservations required. Details: 724-339-1021.

Thursday: Knead Community Café will distribute free grab-and-go meals from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the café, 1011 Barnes St. This week’s meals are sponsored by Doc and Linda Mueller. Details:878-847-7997.

Thursday: New Kensington Eagles Auxiliary Bingo will be at 7 p.m. at the aerie, 2134 Freeport Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open. Public welcome. Details: 724-448-7403.

Thursdays: The Secular Organization for Sobriety/Save Our Selves (SOS) a support group for people recovering from alcohol and drug abuse, will meet a 7 p.m. at Lost Dreams Awakening Recovery Community Center, 408 Eighth St. Details: 724-556-0737.

Oct. 5: Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley will host a virtual Bow Wow/Meow Bingo at 7 p.m. online at Zoom.us. Cost: $25 for one card; $5 for each additional card. There will be 10 games. A gift card prize will be announced before each game and prizes will be mailed to winners. Bingo cards and instructions will be emailed. Registration required. Registration: animalprotectors.net.

Oakmont

Today: Taking Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) meets at 6 p.m. at Oakmont United Methodist Church, 419 Maryland Ave. Monthly dues: $5; first meeting is free. Details: vrevilla@pointpark.edu.

Through Thursday: Oakmont Carnegie Library is hosting a free Storywalk in the Allegheny River Blvd. side of the library’s outdoor garden, 700 Allegheny River Blvd. Read the story, “A Stone Sat Still,” by Brendan Wenzel page by page as you stroll around the outdoor path.

Parks

Oct 8: Space applications for a fall craft and vendor fair are being accepted by House of Hope Family Worship Center, 1164 Pleasant View Drive, Kepple Hill. Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Application deadline: Friday. Details: Deb, 724-689-7043.

Plum

Oct. 4: The SOS Ministry of Holy Family Parish will host a seminar, “Protect Your ID,” at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Joy Church Hall, 2000 Oblock Road. Officer Joe Risher from the Allegheny County Police Department and Terrie Anthony from AAA East Central will be the speakers. Reservations required. Reservations: 412-793-4511, ext. 107 or sos@holyfamilypgh.org.

Saxonburg

Oct. 2: Booktoberfest, an event to benefit South Butler Community Library, will be at 4 p.m. at Cooper Hall. There will be music by the Barons Lite German Band, beer, a German dinner and a basket raffle. Cost: $75 per couple; $40 each. Tickets: southbutlerlibrary.org or at the library, 240 W. Main St.

Springdale 

Thursday : A Family Fun Night will be at 6 p.m. at Springdale Free Public Library, 331 Church St. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Saturday : Springdale Free Public Library will have a Hello Fall children’s tea for children of all ages from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Oct. 3: The Geraldine Yanni Science program for children in second through sixth grade at Springdale Free Public Library will meet at 6 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. The topic will be Brixology Creatures with Mad Science of Pittsburgh. Space is limited. Registration required. Registration: 724-274-9729.

Oct. 6: Springdale Free Public Library will have a program featuring the Oakmont Paranormal Society at 6 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum

Wednesday: The Tarentum Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the upper parking lot at First United Presbyterian Church, 913 Lock 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/elks-kitchen-1. Orders: 724-226-1644 by 8:15 p.m.

Thursday: The free diaper bank at Highlands Family Center, 415 E. Fourth Ave., will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. One distribution per child per month is available. Details: 724-224-9006.

Vandergrift

Today: The YoYos Needles Art group at Vandergrift Public Library will meet from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the library reading room, 128C. Washington Ave. All skill levels welcome. Details: 724-568-2212.

Thursday: The Farmer’s Market will be open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the Columbia Avenue parking lot.

Nov. 6: Tickets are on sale for a His/Her Fundraiser Bash set for 2 to 5 p.m. in St. Gertrude Church Hall, 303 Franklin Ave. Prizes will include designer handbags, patio and outdoor items and tools. There will be a silent auction and 50/50. Cost: $30. Proceeds will be used to restore the church floor. Tickets and basket donations: Megan Kiebler, 724-882-5035.

Washington Township

Wednesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 6 p.m. at Union Presbyterian Church, 656 Route 380.

West Deer

Thursday: West Deer/Deer Lakes Alumni Association will meet at noon at the American Legion, 57 Superior Road. Lunch will be served. Reservations required. Reservations: Lucille, 724-265-2838 or epbraun@consolidated.net.

Dec. 10: Deer Lakes Band Boosters are accepting table reservations for its ninth annual craft and vendor show. Details: deerlakesbands.org or dlbandshow@hotmail.com.