The Stroller, Sept. 20, 2024: 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. Follow the Stroller on X at @VNDStroller.

5K Event to raise awareness of human trafficking

Apollo Free Methodist Church will sponsor a Run For Freedom 5K walk and run at 9 a.m. Sept. 28 on the Roaring Run Trail, Apollo.

The event is to bring awareness to human trafficking locally and around the globe. Parking will be available at 315 Clifford Ave., Apollo. There will be information about human trafficking, self-defense, homelessness and advocacy for the vulnerable. The entry fee is $30.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/mvfm6zkz.

Sponsorships available at Champion’s Crusaiders Rescue

Champion’s Crusaiders Rescue in Parks Township offers a sponsorship program for people who can’t adopt or foster an animal at the shelter but would still like to help until a forever home is found.

For $25, $30 or $40 per month – or whatever you are able to give – animals can be sponsored until they are adopted. Sponsors receive a monthly update on their furry friend and a special letter when they are adopted.

For details and more information, email championscrusaiderssponsor@gmail.com.

Membership open to Friends of Plum Volunteer Fire Department

Friends of Plum Borough Volunteer Fire Department is accepting new members.

Tasks will include selling raffle tickets, helping host fire department events and more based on your availability. For more information, email vfdfriends@plumboro.com.

Calendar

Allegheny Township

Sunday: Markle Volunteer Fire Department will have an indoor/outdoor flea market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the firehall, 470 Joyce St. Details: 724-236-0665.

Tuesday: The Academy Singers Community Choir is looking for new voices to join their group for the Christmas season. All voice parts welcome. Rehearsals are from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays starting Sept. 24. Cost: $50. Details: 724-994-8872.

Apollo

October: St. James Parish is selling tickets for a lottery ticket raffle to win gift cards each day in October. Prizes total $2,400. Cost: $10, includes two three-digit numbers. The winning number will be the 7 p.m. Pa. Lottery Pick-3 number. Tickets: Linda, 724-882-8776 or at the parish office.

Oct. 11: Apollo-Ridge Cheerleaders will host a cheer alumni night at 7 p.m. at the homecoming football game at Owens Field. Alumni will cheer during the fourth quarter with the current squad. Cost: $20, cash or check, includes an event T-shirt. Registration deadline: Sept. 30. Registration: tinyurl.com/3dpznwah. Details: apolloridge.cheerleading@gmail.com.

Avonmore

Today and Saturday: The annual Avonmore Harvest Jubilee will be celebrated in the borough. There will be music, food and vendors. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday. Lineup will begin at noon at 616 Cambria Ave. A car cruise will be afterward. A fireworks display will be at 10 p.m. Saturday.

Brackenridge  

Saturday : The auxiliaries of Pioneer Hose and Hilltop Hose companies will host a super bingo at Pioneer Hose Company, 124 Morgan St. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., early birds start at 12:45 p.m. and regular bingo begins at 1 p.m. Cost: $35, in advance, will be $40 at the door; includes a light lunch and bingo packet. There will be 20 regular games, specials and a $1,000 must-go jackpot game. Tickets: 724-882-5908.

East Vandergrift

Sunday: Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish will have bingo at 6:30 p.m. in the church social hall, 411 McKinley Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There will be a 50-number jackpot game, a 48-number picture frame game and a magic number game. Details: 724-478-4958.

Fawn

Saturday: Fawn Fire Department No. 1, 497 Lardintown Road, will host an open house from noon to 4 p.m. at the firehall. There will be a touch-a-truck, face painting, free food, games and an opportunity to meet the firemen. Details: fawnfireevents@gmail.com.

Gilpin 

Saturday: The Armstrong River Run and Watershed Walk 5K will be from 8 a.m. to noon at the Armstrong Trails Schenley Trailhead, 128 Railroad St. Cost : $30, 12 and younger, $15. There will be info from watershed organizations, giveaways, the Mobile Environmental Display trailer and an opportunity to meet Myrtle the Conservation Turtle. Runners and walkers can sign up Saturday or visit tinyurl.com/yc6dh5y3. Proceeds will benefit the watershed groups in the county. Details: 724-548-3237.

Harrison  

Today: 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.

Today: Voting in the Pet Photo Contest at Ringer’s Pet Center, 3041 Freeport Road, will continue through Friday evening. The event is part of the Mutts, Meows and Margaritas event to benefit the HOPE Center. Details: 724-224-1100.

Today: A Vitalant community blood drive will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Allegheny Valley Hospital, 1301 Carlisle St. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments: 877-258-4825 or visit the Donate Blood button at Vitalant.org.

Saturday: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will offer a program about pickling fresh vegetables and jam making from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Children 16 and older may attend with a parent or parental consent. Supplies included. Bring a cutting board, small kitchen knife and an apron. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/2s48euxd.

Saturday: A used book sale will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Vereb Funeral Home, 1007 Freeport Road. Proceeds will benefit Community Library of Allegheny Valley.

Saturday : The Veterans of Foreign Wars will have an Oktoberfest from 2 to 5 p.m. at the post, 894 Veterans Drive. Doors open at 1 p.m. There will be food, music by the Heritage Band, a 50-50 raffle and cash bar. Cost: $15. Tickets: after 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at the post or at the door.

Sunday: A free guided hike with park rangers will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at Harrison Hills Park. The hike will be two miles long and have moderate elevation changes. Bring water and wear closed toe shoes. Meet at the Overlook Shelter. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/4her9d4u.

Wednesday : The Kitchen Sink Book Club at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. The selection will be “The Vaster Wilds” by Lauren Groff. Copies are available at the circulation desk. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Kiski Township 

Saturday: A chicken and biscuit dinner will be served from 4 to 6 p.m. at Spring Church Lutheran Church, Route 56. Dine in or takeout. Menu: chicken and biscuit, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and beverage. Cost: $10; age 6 to 12, $5; 5 and younger, free; takeout orders, $1 extra. Orders: 724-478-1528, will be accepted starting today.

Leechburg

Saturday: Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church will have its free takeout monthly Pot Love Dinner at noon at the church, 271 Main St. Reservations required by noon Friday. Everyone is welcome. Reservations: 724-845-1901 or church@crcpc.org.

Saturday: The Clothing Closet at First Lutheran Church, 358 Main St., will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All items are 20 cents each. Please bring a bag. Donations welcome.

Lower Burrell

Saturday: A luncheon bingo will be at 1 p.m. at the Moose, 499 Reimer St. Doors open at 11 a.m. Plan to arrive by 12:30 p.m. Admission includes lunch, 15 games that win $20 each; four specials that win $30 each; and a $100 must-go jackpot. Details: 724-335-4131.

Saturday: The Joseph “Bud” Myers Farmers Market will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Bon Air School parking lot, 3260 Leechburg Road.

New Kensington  

Wednesday : The Digital Foundry, 855 Fifth Ave., will host a community meeting about employment, training and advanced manufacturing careers at 6 p.m. Reservations required today. Reservations: 724-472-1180.

Sunday: St. Mary of Czestochowa Church will have a polka/folk Mass at 11:30 a.m. at the church, 857 Kenneth Ave. Sponsored by the church Holy Name Society, music will be provided by John Gora and Gorales.

Parks Township 

Today: Parks Township Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo at 7 p.m. in the firehall, 1119 Dalmation Drive. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Sunday: Parks Township Sportsman’s Club will have 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

Saturday: Plum EMS will offer free car seat safety checks by appointment from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Plum Public Works building garage bays, 2001 Mike Thomas Way. Certified child passenger safety technicians will perform the checks. Appointments: 412-793-4801, operations@plumEMS.com or link.plumboro.com/carseat.

Saxonburg

Tuesday: South Butler Community Library will host a free seminar about changes in Medicare Part D at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 240 W. Main St. Reservations preferred, but not required. Reservations: 724-352-4810 or director@southbutlerlibrary.org.

Springdale Township 

Sept. 27: Rep. Mandy Steele will sponsor a senior fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Allegheny Valley Volunteer Fire Company, 851 Parkway Drive, Harwick. Activities will include a flu shot clinic, blood pressure checks, stroke education, a property tax and rent rebate clinic, PRT bus pass clinic, disposal of unused or expired prescriptions, and a hot, takeout meal. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/556a5a32.

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. Details: 724-224-9220.

Saturday: First United Presbyterian Church will have a free community fall festival for children from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church, 913 Lock St. There will be a bounce house, selfie station, lunch, pony rides, a petting zoo, crafts and more.

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.

Thursday : Tours of the Rabkin Japanese Garden will be offered from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the garden, 419 E. Second Ave. Cost: $20, proceeds to benefit Community Library of Allegheny Valley and matched by the Jack Buncher Foundation. Mocktails and light appetizers will be served. Parking and entrance are on Third Avenue. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/y4e52477.

Oct. 26: Tarentum Recreation Board is accepting vendor, craft and food booth applications for the annual Boo Festival. Details: Carrie Fox, 724-448-1470 or carriefox170@gmail.com.

Ongoing: Tarentum Area Lions Club has a variety of styles of brooms for sale. Types available include soft and hard bristle push brooms, $16; kitchen brooms, $13; heavier duty mill brooms, $15; children’s brooms, $8; and whisk brooms, $8. Details: Jody Shumaker, 724-954-2341; Donna Holsing, 724-899-6277 or send a message to Tarentum Area Lions Club on Facebook. Proceeds benefit local and global Lions charities.

Washington Township 

Today: Washington Township Volunteer Fire Company will have bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 4078 Route 66. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and sales start at 6 p.m. Free coffee. The kitchen will be open. Players must be at least 18 or accompanied by an adult.

Saturday: A Blessing of the Pets service will be at noon at Union Presbyterian Church, 656 Route 380. Bring an item for donation to Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley. Details: 724-337-3042.

West Deer

Sunday: A spaghetti dinner to benefit leukemia patient Dakota Williams-Lovic of West Deer will be from 1 to 7 p.m. at West Deer Firehall No. 1, 1520 Saxonburg Blvd. Cost: $15, age 5 to 10, $7; 4 and younger, free. Menu: spaghetti, salad, bread and drink. Takeout or dine in. There will be a bake sale, basket raffle and 50-50. Tickets: Danielle Dohmen, 724-994-8005; and at the door. Proceeds will help with medical expenses. Donations: Venmo @dcdohmen.