The Stroller, Sept. 21, 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.

NK Salvation Army to offer holiday assistance, coats

The New Kensington Salvation Army is accepting applications in-person by appointment for assistance for holiday gifts for children 13 and younger and Project Bundle Up coats, boots, hats and gloves for children younger than 18 and seniors 62 and over at the center, 255 Third St., New Kensington.

Appointments will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 30, Oct. 1 and Oct. 2, 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 3 and 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 4.

Applications will be accepted on a first-come and most-need basis. Coat vouchers are not available to anyone who received one the previous year. Bring identification, proof of household income and residence, children’s birth certificates and three gift ideas for each child. Applicants must live in the following ZIP codes: 15068, 15613, 15629, 15630, 15641, 15673, 15686 and 15690. For an appointment, call 724-335-7221.

Walk fundraiser to aid American Heart Foundation

The Willie Thrower Award Foundation Walk to benefit the American Heart Association will be Oct. 6 starting at Feldarelli Square, 2300 Freeport Road, New Kensington.

The event starts at 11 a.m. and will include a 5K walk route and 1-mile option. For information and to participate, visit tinyurl.com/yxzcexyp.

Sonward Youth program looking for reading tutors

Volunteer tutors are needed by the Sonward Youth program in New Kensington.

Tutors are assigned their own student and will meet in person from 4 to 5:15 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Oct. 1 at the program center, 601 Sixth St. Training and materials are provided.

Interested volunteers will be required to submit clearances and fill out a brief application. For details, email program coordinator Janet Smith at readingoutreach601@gmail.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.

Bethel Township

Oct. 5: The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will offer a hands-on class on cell phone photography from 10 a.m. to noon at the center, 142 Kerr Road. All skill levels welcome. Reservations required. Cost: $20, proceeds will be donated to the center. Reservations: armstrongodc.org.

Brackenridge

Wednesday: Brackenridge American Legion will have a Family Feud tournament from 7 to 9 p.m. at the post, 845 E. First Ave. Cost: $5, per player. Winning team takes all. Spectator admission: $1. Public welcome.

Nov. 22: The Brackenridge American Legion Entertainment Committee is selling tickets for a $2,500 Christmas cash raffle. Winner will be the 7 p.m. Pa. Pick 3 lottery number. Cost: $10, includes two numbers. Tickets: 724-980-1745 or 724-224-8444.

Delmont

Oct. 20: A murder mystery dinner theater fundraiser to benefit Stray Cat Sanctuary will be at the Lamplighter Restaurant, 6566 William Penn Highway. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the dinner will be at 5. Cost: $55, include dinner, gratuity and non-alcoholic beverages. There will be raffles, merchandise and a 50-50. Tickets: 724-448-5523 or Kathy, 724-777-1220 or the events tab at straycatsanctuary.com.

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

Today: 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 

Today: 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: 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.

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.

Wednesday: An open mic fundraiser to benefit the Highlands Variations Show Choir will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at HMC2 Harvest Moon Coffee and Chocolates, 1705 Union Ave. Admission: $2. A portion will be donated to the choir.

Sept. 28: Volunteers are needed on National Public Lands Day to join the park rangers from 9 a.m. to noon at Harrison Hills Park to remove common invasive plants. No experience is necessary and expect to participate in physical activity. Meet in the lower Environmental Learning Center parking lot. Bring water, and wear long pants and closed toe shoes. Tools, gloves and eye protection will be provided. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/zfsdmwdv.

Kiski Township 

Today: 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

Today: 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.

Today: 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.

Monday: First Lutheran Church, 358 Main St., will host a GriefShare support group for anyone who has lost a loved one at 6 p.m. through Dec. 9 in the church social hall. Participants can join at any session of the program. Reservations appreciated, but not required. Reservations: 724-845-7518 or griefshare.org.

Monday: Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 268 Canal St. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open.

Lower Burrell

Today: 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.

Today: 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.

Tuesdays: Peoples Library, 3052 Wachter Ave., offers free tech help by appointment at 4:30, 5:15 and 6 p.m. at the library. Help is available with Word and Excel and library resources Libby, Princh and Power Library. Appointments: 724-339-1565 or stop in at the library

New Kensington  

Monday: Peoples Library will host “Construction Crew,” an hour of play with building supplies, at 1 p.m. at the library, 880 Barnes St. Details: 724-339-1021.

Tuesdays: Peoples Library, 880 Barnes St., offers free tech help by appointment at 1, 1:45 and 2:30 p.m. at the library. Help is available with Word and Excel and library resources Libby, Princh and Power Library. Appointments: 724-339-1021 or stop in at the library.

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 

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.

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   

Today: 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.

Today: 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: 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.