The Stroller, Dec. 14, 2021: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley

Publicize your holiday events, club meetings and fundraisers for free in The Stroller. Send information at least a week in advance to vndnews@triblive.com. Please include a daytime telephone number.

Free Christmas meal planned at Knead Community Cafe

Knead Community Café will host a free dine-in community Christmas dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the café banquet hall, 1011 Barnes St., New Kensington.

The meal is sponsored by Russell Swank.

Lower Burrell children welcome to enjoy cookies with Santa

A free Cookies with Santa event will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Company No. 3, 3255 Leechburg Road.

Children can play games, draw a picture at the coloring station and meet Santa Claus. The gathering is sponsored by City of Lower Burrell.

Salvation Army free lunch distribution offered Thursday

The Allegheny Valley Salvation Army and Community Center in Brackenridge offers free grab and go lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays in parking lot at the center, 917 Brackenridge Ave.

Everyone is welcome.

Calendar

Allegheny Valley

Wednesday: The All Virtual chapter of the Women’s Business Network will meet at 7 p.m. online at Zoom.us. Those attending can learn how the group supports the success and growth of women in business. No admission fee for guests. Reservations required. Reservations and sign on information: Jennifer Pasquale, 412-908-1663.

Apollo

Wednesday: Apollo Area Historical Society will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the WCTU Building, 317 N. Second St. The current exhibit is a vintage toy display. The museum will close Saturday for the winter.

Wednesday: Apollo Hose Co. No. 2 will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Prize amounts have been raised and there will be a $1,000 must-go jackpot. Details: 724-478-4831.

Dec. 31: Apollo Hose Co. No. 2 will host a New Year’s Eve bingo at 8 p.m. at the firehall, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The kitchen will be open with a full menu. There will be four Early Bird games, 17 regular games, four specials and a must-go jackpot that will pay $500. Cost: $25, includes a hot dog with kraut, if purchased by Dec. 22, after Dec. 22, $30. Tickets: Shelby, 724-549-1601 or Gina, 724-594-6187.

Arnold

Friday: St. Vladimir Church, 1610 Kenneth Ave., is accepting orders for its weekly pierogi sale. Varieties: potato and sauerkraut. Pickup: 12:30 to 4 p.m. Fridays at the church social hall. Face masks required. Cost: $11 per dozen; 6 for $6. 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 begin at 7:15 p.m. at the American Legion, 845 First Ave.

Dec. 23: A replenishment blood drive for Terry Spale will be from 1 to 6 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 847 10^th Ave. Appointments recommended. Bring ID. Appointments: 412-209-7000 or Dawn Spale at 724-224-2224 or dspale@alleghenyhealth.com or visit vitalant.org and click on the Schedule Now or New Donor buttons. Search for group code Z0021156.

Fawn

Wednesday: A free introduction to fly fishing class will be offered at 7 p.m. at Millerstown United Methodist Church, 2830 Thompson Road. Must be at least 12 years old. Details: Greg Mix, 724-882-0940.

Freeport

Wednesdays: The Thrift Store Clothing Ministry at Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St., will be open from noon to 3 p.m. Cash only. No donations are being accepted at this time. Details: 724-295-3095.

Gilpin

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

Harrison

Wednesday: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will offer a seminar, “The Basics of Email,” at 1 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Reservations required. Seating is limited. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or the calendar section at alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Wednesday: The Agape Thrift Shop at Grace United Methodist Church, 1333 Freeport Road, will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Masks required. Clean fall and winter clothing in all sizes is needed. 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 to anyone in need from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights. Pull into the center parking lot and food will be placed into your vehicle. Those who are not yet registered should come from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Kiski Township

Wednesday: A fundraiser to benefit Champion’s Crusaders Rescue will be from noon to 8 p.m. at Fox’ Pizza Den, 3529 Route 156, Spring Church. Present the fundraising ticket and 20% of your order will be donated. Excludes alcohol, taxes and deliver fee. For a ticket, send a private message to ChampionsCrusaiders on Facebook.

Leechburg 

Wednesdays: Leechburg Public Library, 139 Market St., offers a free Senior Stretch chair class at 10:30 a.m. Details: 724-236-0080.

Thursday: A New Path Al-Anon Family Group, a free, confidential program for anyone whose life has been affected by someone else’s drinking, will meet at 7 p.m. in First United Methodist Church, 251 Main St. Face masks and social distancing required.

Thursday: A free Polar Express movie night will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at Leechburg Public Library, 139 Market St. Children are welcome to wear their pajamas and enjoy the movie and hot chocolate. Reservations required today. Reservations: stop in at the library.

Lower Burrell 

Monday: Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary will meet at 7 p.m. at the post for the Christmas party. Bring a dessert to share. Dues for 2022 are payable. Bartenders will not be distributing key cards. Please check the notice posted at the post for key card information or contact President Debbie Stewart, P.O. Box 144, Apollo PA 15613.

Manor

Dec. 21: The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will sponsor a free Winter Solstice hike and craft at 6 p.m. at the center, 142 Kerr Road. The group will make lanterns and there will be children’s activities. Reservations required. Reservations: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

New Kensington

Thursday: New Kensington Eagles Auxiliary Bingo will be at 7 p.m. at the aerie, 2134 Freeport Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open with new selections. Social distancing will be observed, and masks are required except when eating. Public welcome. Details: 724-448-7403

Thursday: Heritage Hospice will host a free Grief Support group for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the center, 2400 Leechburg Road, building 300. The group meets the third Thursday of each month. Details: Amber, 724-334-6600 or amberhusar@heritagehospicepa.com.

Jan. 8: A spaghetti dinner to benefit lung cancer patient Chris Ploski and his wife Emily will be at the Eagles, 2134 Freeport Road. Gift basket donations are being accepted for a silent auction. Details: Davis, 412-378-6296 or the Eagles, 724-335-7811.

Parks

Thursday: Parks Township Sportsman Club Association will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the club, 1111 Shipman Road. New members welcome.

Dec. 20: An American Red Cross Blood community blood drive will be from noon to 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul Highfield Lutheran Church, 1595 Dime Road. Appointments: 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org.

Springdale  

Wednesday: A craft class to make a fabric Christmas tree will be at 1 p.m. at Springdale Free Public Library, 331 School St. Reservations required. For a materials list, visit springdalepubliclibrary.org. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum

Today: 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.

Wednesday: BridgePoint Church will offer, “Stop, Drop and Read,” from 3 to 4 p.m. in the church children’s library, 400 E. Ninth Ave. Free children’s grab-and-go meals will be distributed.

Wednesday: The Elks will host bingo at 7 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.

Upper Burrell 

Dec. 24: Upper Burrell Volunteer Fire Company and Vigilant Hose Company of Port Vue are sponsoring a $15,000 cash raffle. Winning number will be the Dec. 24 Pa. Lottery Pick 4 number. Cost: $20 for eight numbers. Tickets: send a private message on the company Facebook page.

Vandergrift

Today: The YoYos Needles Art group at Vandergrift Public Library will meet from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the library reading room, 128C. Washington Ave. Please note the new date and time. All skill levels welcome. No reservations required. Details: 724-568-2212.

Today: Vandergrift Public Library will host a Board Game Night for students who are in at least fourth grade from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the library. 128C Washington Ave. Play one of the library’s games or bring your own. Snacks will be served. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.

Washington Township

Wednesday: A service of Christmas hope and healing will be at 7:30 p.m. at Union Presbyterian Church, 656 Route 380. Anyone who struggles to celebrate the holiday season is welcome. Details: 724-337-3042.