The Stroller, Aug. 27, 2025: 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.

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Project Lifesaver available to Westmoreland County residents

Westmoreland County now offers Project Lifesaver, a free program that uses radio technology and specially trained search and rescue teams to locate citizens who are enrolled in the program when they become lost.

Those enrolled wear a small transmitter that is about the size of a wrist watch and emits a unique tracking signal. If they go missing, search teams can use equipment to track and locate them.

County residents who are caregivers can enroll on behalf of a person with a cognitive disorder such as dementia, Down Syndrome or an autism spectrum disorder who is at risk for wandering. Those who operate a motor vehicle are not eligible. Those living in congregate settings should contact program administrators at 724-600-7300.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/3n6krwaa or call 724-600-7300.

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Family-friendly event to raise funds for Outdoor Discovery Center

“Summer’s Last Fling,” a fundraiser to benefit the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek, will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 6 at the center, 142 Kerr Road, Bethel.

The event will be family-friendly and there will be music by the Yachtness Monster Band and acoustic guitarist Billy Postle, a buffet dinner, drinks, a silent auction, raffles and a variety of nature-themed activities for the whole family.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Admission is $20; 5 to 12 years old, $12; younger than 5, free. Tickets are available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays at the Armstrong Center for Community Learning, 104 Armstrong St., suite A, Ford City, and online at tinyurl.com/ufatazdh.

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Calendar

Allegheny Township

Sept. 2: The Academy Singers community choir is welcoming new members for the upcoming concert season. Rehearsals are from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays starting Sept. 2 at 79 Greenbriar Drive. Music fee: $50. Reservations required. For reservations and to book a concert, call 724-994-8872.

Apollo

Today: 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: The Yarn Good Time Fiber Arts Group at Apollo Memorial Library will meet from 5 to 6 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. The Embroidery Club will meet at 6 p.m. All skill levels welcome. Details: 724-478-4214.

Friday: Apollo Hose Company No. 3 will host a wing night from 6 p.m. to midnight at the firehall, 707 N. Fifth St. Cost: dozen chicken wings, $22; half dozen, $11; basket of fries, $5. Dine in or takeout. Orders: 724-478-3001.

Nov. 1: Apollo Hose Company No. 2 is accepting space applications for an autumn vendor fair planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the firehall, 325 N. Fourth Ave. Spots available with and without electricity available. Details: Shelby, 724-549-1601.

Apollo/East Vandergrift

Sept. 10: Our Lady, Queen of Peace and St. James parishes are accepting reservations for a bus trip to Rivers Casino, Pittsburgh. Cost: $30, includes $20 in free play. The bus will leave at 9 a.m. from St. James Church parking lot in Apollo. State-issued photo ID required for free play. Reservations: 724-478-4958.

Arnold

Today: Arnold Garden Club will meet at 6:30 at MJ’s Banquet Hall, 1735 Fourth Ave. New members welcome.

Avonmore

Sept. 6: Avonmore Library will host a potluck lunch in honor of first responders from noon to 3 p.m. at the Avonmore Civic Center. Cost: $10; $5, if you bring a covered dish to share. First responders eat free and there will be a 50-50. Proceeds will be used to buy a sump pump for Avonmore Volunteer Fire Department. Text 412-302-9361 or 412-558-3179 to register your covered dish.

Bethel Township 

Sept. 9: The Armstrong Nature Book Club will meet at 7 p.m. at the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek, 142 Kerr Road. The selection will be “Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens and Other Marvels,” by Leigh Ann Henion. Reservations required. Reservations and details: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

Brackenridge

Today: 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: 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.

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

East Deer 

Sept. 27: East Deer Presbyterian Church is accepting applications from craft vendors for its fall craft show at the church, 292 East Union Road. Details: Mary Lynn, 412-767-5750.

East Vandergrift  

Sept. 11: A turkey dinner will be served from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the social hall of Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church, 411 McKinley Ave. Cost: $13. Menu: 1.5 pounds of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, green beans and beverage; a la carte desserts, $1.50. There will be a basket raffle and 50-50. Dine in or takeout. Reservations preferred, but walk-ins welcome. Takeout orders: 724-568-1313 on Sept. 11. Reservations: 724-478-4958.

Freeport

Today: The Blessing Closet 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.

Through Sunday: St. Mary Mother of God Church is conducting a summer food drive. Non-perishable unexpired items will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays at the administrative office, 608 High St.

Sept. 13: Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley is accepting food truck and vendor application for its annual Tails on the Trails dog walk at Freeport Community Park. Details: 724-339-7388.

Gilpin

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

Harmar 

Thursday: The free Thunder Thursdays Summer Music Series will feature Jimmy Adler’s Big Band with the Soulville Horns at the pavilion at the Syria Shrine Center, 1877 Shriners Way. 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. No tailgating or outside food or drinks permitted.

Nov. 9: Daughters of the Nile are accepting vendor reservations for a holiday craft show planned at the Pittsburgh Shrine Center, 1877 Shriners Way. Details: Peggy Addleman, 724-709-9916 or peggyaddleman@gmail.com.

Harrison

Mondays: A local bridge club is seeking new members. The group meet at 10:30 a.m. at Community Library of Allegheny Valley, 1522 Broadview Blvd. All skill levels welcome.

Today: 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. Bring donations on Wednesday or leave them on the front porch. Do not place donations in the blue bins behind the church.

Today : Author Ken Gormley, president of Duquesne University, will discuss his novel, “The Heiress of Pittsburgh,” at 6 p.m. at Community Library of Allegheny Valley, 1522 Broadview Blvd. A question-and-answer session will be afterward. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Today: 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.

Today: 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: adult tops and bottoms, 50 cents; children’s clothing, 25 cents. Please bring small bills and your own bags. Donations welcome during these hours. Everyone welcome.

Friday: 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.

Sept. 9: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will sponsor an adult fundraiser to paint a portrait of your pet at 5:30 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. The instructor will be Lower Burrell artist Uncle Dave. Cost: $40. Reservations required by Sept. 5. BYOB and snacks. Email a photo of your pet to strzesieskij@einetwork.net with the pet’s name and your name by Sept. 5. Reservations: Julia, 412-956-9274.

Sept. 27: Burtner House Restoration Society is accepting vendor applications from local artisans, artists and makers for its Honey Harvest Festival planned at the homestead, 1650 Burtner Road. Cost: without electricity, $35; with electricity; $40; for a 12 x 12-foot space. Rain or shine. Applications: tinyurl.com/5xbph6he.

Nov. 2: St. Joseph High School is accepting vendor applications for a purse bash planned in the Guardian Angels Parish Patterson Hall, 800 Montana Ave. Details: Megan Mlinarcik, mmlinarcik@gmail.com.

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.

Leechburg   

Today: Holy Innocents Anglican Church, 366 Third St., will serve a lasagna dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. in the church social hall. 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 after 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Friday: Sprankle’s Neighborhood Market will host its annual Campout for Community event from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the store, Third Street. 10% of sales will be donated to the Salvation Army Food Pantries. Details: SpranklesMarkets on Facebook.

Oct. 11: Vendor applications are being accepted for a fall food and craft festival planned in Riverfront Park. Details: Leechburg Public Library, 724-236-0080.

Nov. 15 and 16: Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company is accepting space reservations for a holiday craft and vendor fair at the firehall, 268 Canal St. Cost: $30, includes an 8-foot table and two chairs for one day; two days, $50. Reservations: Melissa, 724-332-9090 or allermelissa@comcast.net.

Lower Burrell

Today: Peoples Library will offer Puzzles for Grownups at 1 p.m. at the library, 3052 Wachter Ave. Details: 724-339-1021.

Thursday: Peoples Library will host a virtual author talk with Tasha Eurich, author of “Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos,” at 2 p.m. Recordings will be available to watch on demand. To register and ask questions, visit libraryc.org/peopleslibrary. Details: 724-339-1021.

New Kensington

Today: Ethical Hope, 938 Fifth Ave, will offer free programs: 10:30 a.m., baby lapsit sing and story time; 11 a.m., toddler story time and craft; 11:30 a.m., preschool story time and craft; and 12:30 p.m., kids crafts. No reservations required. Details: visit Ethical Hope on Facebook.

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 Realty Development Solutions. Details: 878-847-7997 or kneadcommunitycafe.org.

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 Knitting Group at Peoples Library will meet at noon at the library, 880 Barnes St. All skill levels welcome. Details: 724-339-1021.

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. Donations welcome during business hours only. Do not leave donations at the door.

Parks Township

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

Plum  

Sept. 14: The Kerr Memorial Museum will host “A Tea With the Kerrs” garden party at 1:30 p.m. at Oakmont Country Club, Hulton Road. Cost: $75. Hats and fascinators welcome. A wine cash bar will be available. Tickets: kerrmuseum.com or send a check payable to Kerr Memorial Museum to 402 Delaware Ave., Oakmont PA 15139. Please include specific table arrangement requests. Proceeds will benefit the museum. Ticket deadline: Tuesday. Details: 412-826-9295.

Springdale 

Today: Springdale Free Public Library, 331 School St., will offer a crochet class at 6 p.m. The group meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Bring a hook and some yarn. All ages welcome. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

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.

Thursday: Lower Valley Community Food Bank will distribute food from 1 to 3 p.m. 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. Updates: lowervalleyfoodbank.org.

Tarentum   

Today: The borough farmers market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the upper parking lot of First United Presbyterian Church, Lock Street. Vendor information: office@fupct.org.

Today: 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.

Friday: Free bread and baked goods will be distributed at 10 a.m. while supplies last at Highlands Family Center, 415 E. Fourth Ave., suite 12. Details: 724-224-9006.

Sept. 6: Poduty Live Theater will offer a free podcast meetup from 6 to 9 p.m. at the theater, 408 Corbet St. Those attending can connect with fellow podcasters, exchange ideas, and explore exciting collaborations. Free pizza and drinks will be served. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/3dcyawwv.

Oct. 18: The borough Recreation Board is accepting food truck and vendor applications for the annual Boo Festival planned on First Avenue. Cost: $20 per table or truck. Details: Carrie Fox, 724-448-1470.

Nov. 22: Tarentum Recreation board is accepting registration from groups, businesses and clubs who would like to participate in this year’s holiday parade. Lineup will be at noon and the parade will begin at 1 p.m. Details: Carrie, 724-448-1470 or tarentummagazine@gmail.com.

Vandergrift

Thursday: St. Gertrude Parish will sponsor its monthly spaghetti dinner from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the church hall, 303 Franklin Ave. Dine in or takeout. Details: 724-845-8191.

Thursday: The borough farmers market will be open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot across the street from the Casino Theater. Details: visit vandergriftfarmersmarket on Facebook.

Washington Township 

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

Friday: 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. The kitchen will open and card sales start at 6 p.m. Free coffee. Players must be at least 18 or accompanied by an adult.

West Deer 

Sunday : Join Allegheny County Park Rangers and help with habitat restoration from 9 a.m. to noon at Deer Lakes Park. Meet at the Veterans I shelter. Volunteers will use hand tools to remove invasive species and may plant native species. Expect to participate in physical activity. No experience is necessary. Tools, gloves and eye protection will be provided. Bring water and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Registration requested. Registration: tinyurl.com/yusu6344.

Sept. 9: Fun and Freedom Youth Sports will offer basketball and gym activities for children at East Union Community Center Tuesday evenings beginning Sept. 9. Children will be divided into age groups. Activities will include: 5-year-olds through second grade: basketball skills, floor hockey, dodge ball, line basketball; third through sixth grade, 3-on-3 basketball games. Children from all areas welcome. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-7773 or kids.funandfreedom.org.

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.