The Stroller, Dec. 18, 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 two weeks in advance to vndnews@triblive.com or The Stroller, 210 Wood St., Tarentum PA 15084. Please include a daytime telephone number.

Blue Christmas service offered for those experiencing loneliness

Union Presbyterian Church, Washington Township, will offer a Blue Christmas – the Longest Night service on the day of the winter solstice 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the church, 656 Route 380.

The service is designed for people who have lost loved ones – recently or in the past – or experienced loss of any kind and those who are lonely. There will be music, scripture readings, prayers and candle lighting.

For details, call the church at 724-337-3042.

Tree of Giving to benefit Vandergrift Public Library

Vandergrift Public Library has a Tree of Giving at the library, 128C Washington Ave. to benefit the library.

Select a tag off the tree, purchase the item on the tag and return it to the library with the tag.

Calendar

Apollo

Wednesday: St. James Parish is selling tickets for a scratch-off lottery ticket raffle. The winning number will be the 7 p.m. Wednesday Pa. Daily Pick 3 number and the winner will receive one complete roll of $5, $10 and $20 Pennsylvania scratch-off lottery tickets. Cost: $10, contains two numbers. Tickets: 724-882-8776 or in the parish office.

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.

Dec. 31: Tickets are on sale for a New Year’s Eve bingo set for 8 p.m. at Apollo Hose Company No. 2, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $25 before Dec. 22; $30 at the door, includes hot dog and sauerkraut. Full kitchen will be available. There will be 17 regular games, four early birds, four specials, pull tabs and door prizes. Tickets: Shelby, 724-549-1601 or Gina, 724-594-6187.

Arnold

Today : Arnold Fire Station 95-1 and MJ Social Hall will host a Brunch with Santa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the social hall, 1735 Fourth Ave. Doors open at 10 am. Cost: $15, includes a craft, photo and gift. Tickets: 412-660-1174.

Bethel

Wednesday: The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek, 142 Kerr Road, will host a winter solstice celebration at 6 p.m. at the center. There will be a workshop to make a lantern, a short illuminated hike, a story and hot cocoa. Donations accepted. Reservations required. Reservations and details: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

Harrison

Dec. 28: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will offer a step-by-step acrylic painting workshop for students 12 to 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. The subject will be a winter gnome. Fee: $5. Paid reservation deadline: Wednesday. Reservations: alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Leechburg

Tuesday: Leechburg Public Library, 139 Market St., will host a movie night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for children in prekindergarten through third grade. The movie will be, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Details: 724-236-0080.

Oakmont

Tuesdays: 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.

Sharpsburg

Tuesday: The Allegheny Valley chapter of the Women’s Business Network will meet at 8 a.m. at 817 Main St. Those attending can learn how the group supports the success and growth of women in business. Reservations required. Reservations: Kelly Motter, 717-659-0323.

Upper Burrell 

Saturday : Upper Burrell Volunteer Fire Department and Vigilant Hose Company of Portvue are selling tickets for a $15,000 Christmas Cash Giveaway. Cost: $20 per ticket, includes eight numbers. The winning number will be taken from the 7 p.m. Dec. 24 Pennsylvania Pick 4 number. Details and tickets: ubvfc11training@gmail.com.

Dec. 31: Tickets are on sale for a New Year’s Eve Charity Ball scheduled at 8 p.m. at Fox’s Hotel, 2400 Washington Blvd. Sponsored by Changing Mindsets LLC. Proceeds will benefit Deborah D. Booker Community Center in the Sheldon Park area of Harrison, the Can I Live organization and start-up business Pretty City Things and GreenLee LLC in Wilkinsburg. There will be a DJ, a spades card tournament, a billiard tournament and more. Tickets and details: changingmindsetsllc.com.