The Stroller, Sept. 3, 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.

Animal Protectors requesting donations

Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley is accepting donations of pet food and supplies for its community pantry in New Kensington.

Donations can be dropped off from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. any day at the rear entrance of the shelter, 730 Church St. To view online wish lists, visit Chewy at this link tinyurl.com/54s6mynf or Amazon at tinyurl.com/33mj24wk.

Harmar concert series to host Billy the Kid and the Regulators

The free Thunder Thursdays Summer Music Series will feature the blues band Billy the Kid and the Regulators 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

Allegheny Township

Sept. 22: Markle Volunteer Fire Department is accepting space reservations for a flea market set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the firehall parking lot, 470 Joyce St. Cost: indoors, $25; outdoors, $15. Details and reservations: 724-236-0665.

Sept. 24: 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

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 Area Historical Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the WCTU Building, 317 N. Second St. New members welcome.

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 

Sept. 11: The Armstrong County Memorial Hospital Medical Staff Foundation will sponsor an intro to kayaking class at 6 p.m. on Crooked Creek Lake. Cost: $20 per person and space is limited. Participants must be at least 13 years of age with a parent/guardian who is 18 or older as a paid participant on the water as well. Learn the basic equipment paddling techniques and how to steer and board a kayak from experts at Venture Outdoors. Reservations required. Reservations: armstrongodc.org.

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.

Sept. 21: 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.

Buffalo Township

Wednesday: Sarver Momco, formerly known as MOPS, will meet from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Christ Community Fellowship, 160 Singleton Road. This is a non-denominational faith-based group for mothers of children in 12^th grade and younger and those who are expecting. Reservations required. Reservations: Sarvermomco@gmail.com or SarverMomco on Facebook.

East Vandergrift 

Saturday : Our Lady, Queen of Peace will sponsor a cash bash in the parish social hall, 411 McKinley Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the first number will be drawn at 7 p.m. Cost: $30, includes food, beverages and five numbers for the drawings. Must be 21. There will be pull tabs, a scratch-off lottery board, a basket auction and 50-50. Tickets: Crystal, 724-882-9212 or in the parish office in Apollo.

Fox Chapel

Friday and Saturday: Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, 384 Fox Chapel Road, will have its annual harvest fair and rummage sale from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the church. Admission: Friday, $5 plus a donation for a local food bank; Saturday, free, food bank donations appreciated. Grilled chicken and baked goods will be sold Saturday. Proceeds benefit local and international charities.

Sept. 12: Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, 384 Fox Chapel Road, will host a 13-week GriefShare Christian-based support group from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays Sept. 12 to Dec. 12 at the church. Details: Kim Power, 412-965-8794 or kimfpower@gmail.com. Registration: griefshare.org/findagroup.

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.

Thursday: Freeport Renaissance Association will meet at 7 p.m. at United Presbyterian Church, 411 High St. New members welcome.

Gilpin

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

Harrison   

Today: The Accordion Club is seeking new players of all ages. Meetings are from 6 to 8 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6003 Freeport Road. Details: 724-236-0665.

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.

Thursday: Friends of Community Library of Allegheny Valley will meet at 10 a.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Details: 724-226-3491.

Sept. 8: Table reservations are being accepted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars for a craft show set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the post, 894 Veterans Drive. Cost: $25; with electric, $30. Details: Deb, 412-298-6175 or dmckillop@hotmail.com.

Sept. 14: A happy hour cash bash will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 894 Veterans Lane. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $25; includes food and five numbers for the drawing; $10, food only. Karaoke with Bucky will be afterward. Cash bar. Funds raised will be donated to the post building fund. Tickets: Deb, 412-298-6157 or dmckillop@hotmail.com or the post, 724-904-7649.

Sept. 21: 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.

Jefferson Township

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.

Sept. 13 to Oct. 18: Good Samaritan Hospice, a mission of Concordia Lutheran Ministries, will sponsor a free virtual grief support group from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Fridays. Bereavement coordinator Sister Mary Clark will lead the group. Reservations required by Sept. 6. Reservations: 800-720-2557.

Leechburg   

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

Saturday : A night at the races to benefit the Leechburg 175^th Anniversary Celebration will be at the Marconi Club, 135 River Ave. Cost: $20 includes horse, food and soft drink; food and soft drinks only, $20. Tickets: stop in at Leechburg Public Library, 139 Market St.

New Kensington

Today: A wellness class for those with Parkinson’s Disease will be offered from 1:15 to 2 p.m. at Valley Points Family YMCA, 800 Constitution Blvd. Sponsored by the Parkinson’s Foundation of Western Pennsylvania, the program is a mix of exercises designed to help someone manage their Parkinson’s Disease more effectively and includes aerobic and resistance training, stretching, balance, facial and voice exercises. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-335-9191 or tinyurl.com/5n8jp8y9.

Wednesday: The Ken High Class of 1960 will meet for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Knead Community Café, 1011 Barnes St. The group meets the first Wednesday of the month. Spouses and guests welcome. Details: Robert Grden, 440-269-0345 or bgconcord@aol.com.

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. Sponsors are needed for the meal program. This week’s meals will be sponsored by Christ Our Hope Anglican Church. Sponsorship information: 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. 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: 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.

North Huntingdon  

Saturday : Feeding the Spirit will host a beach-themed fundraiser, “Endless Summer,” from 4 to 7 p.m. at Stratigos Banquet Center, 131 Colonial Manor Road. There will be entertainment, a basket raffle, a lottery tree, a 50-50, appetizers, a Pittsburgh cookie table and a cash bar. Beach party attire welcome. Cost: $25 in advance online; $30, at the door. Tickets: feedspirit.org.

Oakmont   

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.

Plum

Today: The Plum Food Pantry, 81 Sandune Drive, distributes free food from 5 to 6:30 p.m. the first three Tuesdays of each month. Details: 724-327-0367.

Springdale

Sept. 11: Springdale Free Public Library will offer a free program, “Beaver Habitat Exploration” with the Allegheny County Parks Department at 6 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. Children in prekindergarten through sixth grade welcome. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

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.

Sept. 26 to 28: Summit Hose Company is accepting vendor applications for its fall festival. No food or alcohol vendors will be accepted. Details: Carrie Fox, 724-448-1470.

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

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.

West Leechburg 

Sept. 14: Lower Burrell American Legion will host its annual gun and purse bash from noon to 5 p.m. at West Leechburg Fireman’s Recreation Hall, Gosser Street. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Cost: $25. Tickets: Renee Munshower, 724-594-8257, Breandon McIlwain, 717-979-3098 or at the American Legion post.

Sept. 22: “God Discovery: How Science Reveals Evidence for the Existence of God,” will be presented at 4 p.m. at the West Leechburg Firemen’s Recreation Hall, 1116 Gosser St. Scientist and former NASA consultant Kevin Smith will be the speaker and there will be food, music and a basket raffle. Cost: $20. Reservations required by Sept. 12 and confirmations will be sent by text or email. Reservations: call or text 724-433-0794 or email goddiscoverybanquet.com with your name and number of people. Payments of cash or checks made out to the fire department will be accepted at the door. Proceeds will benefit the fire department.

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 is sizes for preemie through size 10/12 available as well as stroller, car seats, toys and more. No reservations required. Details: 724-524-1809 or tinyurl.com/mw9kd9cp.