The Stroller, Dec. 15, 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.

Fundraisers to benefit Roaring Run Watershed Association

Roaring Run Watershed Association is selling 2022 calendars as a fundraiser.

Calendars are $10 and have photographs of the new covered bridge and scenes during the four seasons from along the trail . To buy a calendar send an email to roaringrun@gmail.com or visit Creekside Diner, 4695 Route 66, Washington Township, or Headlines Hair Salon, 1211 Route 356, Allegheny Township.

There are also three plaques available inside the new bridge. Each plaque costs $500. For information, call Ken at 724-681-6317.

Freeport EMS conducting subscription campaign

Freeport Emergency Medical Services is continuing its annual subscription campaign for 2021.

Cost is $60 for individuals and $100 for families. The ambulance company provides service to residents of Freeport, South Buffalo and parts of Buffalo and Winfield townships. To subscribe and for information, visit freeportems.com.

Deadline approaching for Springdale letters to Santa

Children in Springdale can drop off their letter to Santa Claus in his mailbox located at the School Street entrance to the borough building, 325 School St.

The North Pole elves will pick up the letters and take them to Santa. Letters should include the child’s name and address. All letters dropped off by Friday will receive a reply.

Santa’s ride rescheduled in Lower Burrell

Santa Claus will ride through the streets of the Kinloch section of Lower Burrell on a fire truck from Lower Burrell No. 1 Department beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

The event was originally scheduled for Thursday.

Free live Nativity display planned in Upper Burrell

First Baptist Church, 3740 Seventh St. Road, Upper Burrell, will host a free drive-thru live Nativity with music from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the church.

Free hot chocolate and snacks will be served. For details, call 724-337-3371 or visit fbcupperburrell.org.

Calendar

Apollo

Today: 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.

Today: 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 

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: 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.

Etna

Friday: The Pittsburgh North chapter of the Women’s Business Network will meet at 9 a.m. at Eat N Park Restaurant, Route 8 and Saxonburg Blvd. Those attending can learn how the group supports the success and growth of women in business. Meetings are the first and third Fridays of the month. Reservations required. Reservations and sign on information: Kathy Bell, 412-855-0578.

Freeport 

Today: 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

Today: 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.

Today: 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.

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.

Kiski Township

Today: 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 

Today: 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.

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.

Monday: 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.

Tarentum 

Today: 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. This will be the last session of the year.

Today: 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.

Washington Township 

Today: 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.

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. and sales start at 6 p.m. Free coffee. The kitchen will be open. Players must be at least 18 or accompanied by an adult. This will be the last bingo until next year.