The Stroller, Sept. 24, 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.

Summit Hose to host annual Fall Festival

The annual Summit Hose Fall Festival will be from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Tarentum’s Riverview Memorial Park on First Avenue.

Music will be performed from 7 to 10 p.m. nightly. The schedule includes American Pie on Thursday, the 56 East Band on Friday and the Shiners on Saturday. There will be food, craft vendors and a carnival.

Free nature walk planned by Audubon Society

The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania will sponsor a free community walk Oct. 4 at Freeport Community Park.

Walks will begin at 9 a.m. and will last one hour, rain or shine. Meet in the parking lot of Laube Hall. A naturalist will lead the group and will discuss birds, beneficial insects, native plants and wildlife. Binoculars will be available.

Reservations are required. For reservations, call 724-295-3589 or visit aswp.org.

Harmar concert series to host Miss Freddye’s Blues Band

The free Thunder Thursdays Summer Music Series will feature the Miss Freddye’s Blues Band Thursday at the pavilion at the Syria Shrine Center, 1877 Shriners Way, Harmar.

Concerts start at 7 p.m., rain or shine. Gates open at 6 p.m. There is free parking, and food and beverages will be sold. Tailgating and outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Calendar

Apollo

Wednesday: Apollo Hose Company No. 2 will have bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There will be specials and wish jars. Details: 724-478-4831.

Thursday: Apollo Memorial Library will host an evening story time for children 5 and younger at 6 p.m. in the Genie Corey room at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-478-4214 or armstronglibraries.org/apollo.

Thursday: The Yarn Good Time Fiber Arts Group at Apollo Memorial Library will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. All ages and skill levels welcome. Details: 724-478-4214.

Oct. 12: St. James Parish, Apollo, will sponsor a Night at the Races at 7 p.m. at the parish activities center, 109 Owens View Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and light fare will be available at 6 p.m. Cost: $20, includes food and a horse. There will be a basket raffle, instant lottery ticket raffle, pull tabs and a 50-50. Those present will be entered into a drawing to win $500. Tickets: 724-882-8776, at the parish office and at the door.

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.

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.

Arnold

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. Friday in the church social hall. Cost: $14 per dozen. Orders: 724-339-9257, 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

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 be at 7:15 p.m. at the American Legion, 845 First Ave. Details: 724-994-6030.

Thursday: The Allegheny Valley Salvation Army and Community Center will distribute free grab-and-go lunches from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the center parking lot, 917 Brackenridge Ave. Free grocery items from Walmart and Aldi will be available. Everyone is welcome.

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

Wednesdays: The Thrift Store Clothing Ministry at Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St., will be open from 11 a.m. 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 clothing, shoes and boots welcome; must be laundered and free from smoke and pet hair. Wheelchair accessible. Details: 724-295-3095.

Wednesday: A Vitalant community blood drive will be from noon to 5 p.m. at St. Mary Mother of God church hall, 608 High St. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments: 877-258-4825 or visit the Donate Blood button at Vitalant.org and search for account code UG0040286.

Gilpin

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

Harrison  

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: The Agape Thrift Shop at Grace United Methodist Church, 1333 Freeport Road, will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Clean clothing in all sizes is needed. No housewares or bedding please due to lack of space. 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 from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights. Food bank participants can receive food allotments twice per month. Those who are not yet registered should come from 3 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday. The Sparrow’s Nest clothing and home goods ministry will be open from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Details and alternate times: 724-226-0606, ext. 10.

Wednesday: The Becky’s Closet community clothing store at Faith Lutheran Church, 1500 Broadview Blvd., will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church. Cost: tops and bottoms for men and women, $50 cents; children’s clothing, 25 cents. Donations welcome during these hours. Everyone welcome.

Indiana Township

Wednesday: Noa Jordan will perform at 7 p.m. on the lawn of Hartwood Acres Mansion, 200 Hartwood Acres Drive, weather permitting. The concert is part of the free Allegheny County Park Acoustic Series. A short trail walk with park rangers will be from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket and snacks.

Jefferson

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

Kiski Township

Today: The diaper pantry at Spring Church Lutheran Church, 3623 Lutheran Church Road, will distribute diapers from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church. Distributions will be the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Recipients must register in advance. First-time recipients must provide their own ID, the child’s birth certificate and a current WIC or SNAP card. Registration: 724-478-1528.

Leechburg

Wednesdays and Saturdays: Leechburg Area Museum, 118 First St., will be open from noon to 3 p.m.

Thursday: Holy Innocents Anglican Church, 366 Third St., will have a lasagna dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. at the church. Menu: lasagna, salad, bread and dessert, $12. Dine in or takeout. A portion of proceeds will benefit local outreach programs. Takeout orders: 724-845-6165 or 724-845-3305 on Thursday.

Lower Burrell

Today: A family story time will be at 1 p.m. at Peoples Library, 3052 Wachter Ave. Details: 724-339-1021.

Wednesday: Peoples Library, 3052 Wachter Ave., will offer Coloring for Grownups at 1 p.m. Supplies are provided, but feel free to bring your own. Details: 724-339-1021.

New Kensington

Today: The Parkinson’s Foundation of Western Pennsylvania sponsors a free support group for Parkinson’s Disease patients and their family members from 2 to 3 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Valley Points YMCA, 800 Constitution Blvd. Details: Chrissy and Josh Lookabaugh, 724-594-3245.

Today: Peoples Library, 880 Barnes St., will host a family story time at 11 a.m. Details: 724-339-1021.

Wednesday: Peoples Library, 880 Barnes St., 3052 Wachter Ave., will offer Coloring for Grownups at 1 p.m. Supplies are provided, but feel free to bring your own. Details: 724-339-1021.

Thursday: The Salvation Army will host Sally’s Outdoor Market from 2 to 6 p.m. at the center, 255 Third St. Free fresh produce will be available while supplies last. Vendor applications are being accepted. Details: 724-335-7221.

Thursday: New Kensington Eagles Auxiliary Bingo will be at 7 p.m. at the aerie, 2134 Freeport Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. Sales are from 6 to 6:50 p.m. Cost: $25 for a 12-on package; specials will be available. The kitchen will be open. Public welcome. Details: 724-448-7403.

Thursday: Knead Community Café will hand out free grab-and-go meals from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the cafe, 1011 Barnes St. This week’s meals are sponsored by Michele Corey. To sponsor a meal, visit kneadcommunitycafe.org or call 878-847-7997.

Thursday and Saturday: The Community Clothes Closet, 1129 Kenneth Ave., will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Items available include clothing for all members of the family, shoes, linens, purses and handbags. Household items, dishes, appliances and books will no longer be accepted. Donations welcome during business hours only. Do not leave donations at the door.

Oakmont

Today: Oakmont Carnegie Library hosts an Otaku Club for teens who are interested in Japanese culture and games, anime or manga from 3 to 5 p.m. at the library, 700 Allegheny River Blvd. Details: 412-828-9532.

Today: Taking Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) meets at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1261 Pennsylvania Ave. Private weigh-ins will be from 5:45 to 6:10 p.m. and the meeting will be afterward. The first meeting is free. Details: 412-828-3854 or jmjkwj@gmail.com.

Springdale

Thursday: Lower Valley Community Food Bank will distribute food from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday from the rear entrance of the Springdale borough building, 325 School St. Do not arrive before 12:45 p.m. Anyone in need of food who lives in Springdale, Springdale Township, Cheswick, Harmar and the sections of Indiana Township and West Deer with a zip code of 15024 is welcome. New recipients can register Thursday.

Thursday: The diaper pantry at St. Mark Lutheran Church will distribute free diapers from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church, 600 Pittsburgh St. Advance registration required. First-time recipients must provide their own ID, the child’s birth certificate and a current WIC or SNAP card. Distributions are the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Registration: 724-274-5313.

Springdale Township

Friday: 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   

Wednesdays and Saturdays: The Alle-Kiski Valley Heritage Museum, 224 E. Seventh Ave., is open from noon to 3 p.m. and other times by appointment. Details: 724-224-7666.

Wednesday: The Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the parking lot at 10^th Avenue and Lock Street.

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 : 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.

Vandergrift

Today: The YoYos Needle Arts group at Vandergrift Public Library will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. in the library reading room, 128C Washington Ave. No reservations required; just stop in. All skill levels welcome; however, this is not an instructional program. Details: 724-568-2212.

Wednesday: The Anime Club for children in fifth through 10^th grade at Vandergrift Public Library will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Details: 724-568-2212.

Washington Township

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

Winfield

Thursday: The Matrona Family Resource Center at Cabot Church, 707 Winfield Road, will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. New and gently used clothing in sizes preemie through 10/12 will be available, as well as strollers, car seats, toys and more. No reservations required. Details: 724-524-1809 or tinyurl.com/mw9kd9cp.