The Stroller, Dec. 15, 2023: 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.

Gift card collection to aid A-K HOPE Center

The Alle-Kiski Area HOPE Center is conducting holiday gift card collection drive. Gift cards help the center’s rehousing program participants to address immediate needs as they settle into their new homes.

Gift cards worth $10 from a retail store, grocery store or gas station can be mailed to the center at P.O. Box 67, Tarentum PA 15084 or dropped off between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays at the administration building, 500 E. Eighth Ave. in Tarentum.

Christmas concert planned by Kiski Valley Community Band

The Kiski Valley Community Band will present a Christmas concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 609 Sarver Road, Buffalo Township.

Selections will include season favorites such as “Sleighride” and “A Christmas Festival” and there will be a sing-along.

Donations will be accepted to benefit the Lighthouse Foundation of Butler.

Christmas dinner information wanted

Is your church or organization offering a free meal on Christmas? Let The Stroller help to get the word out to those who may spend the holiday alone.

Send information as soon as possible to The Stroller at vndnews@triblive.com or 210 Wood St., Tarentum PA 15084.

Ethnic Christmas concert set Sunday

The choirs of St. Vladimir, St. Mary of Czestochowa and Christ the King churches will present a concert of ethnic Christmas carols at 2 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary Church, 357 Kenneth Ave., New Kensington.

There will be a sing-along and a reception will be afterward in the church social hall. Donations will be accepted. For details, call 724-337-1030.

Calendar

Allegheny Township

Today: Alle-Kiski Day Quilters and Sewers will meet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Allegheny Township municipal building, 136 Community Building Road. Bring your project. No dues or fees. Free parking, lighting, tables and electrical outlets available. Bring a lunch and drinks. The group meets the first and third Friday of each month. Details: Pat, 724-601-3089.

Apollo

Dec. 26 to Jan. 6: St. James Parish is selling tickets for a 12-day lottery giveaway. Cost: $10, includes two numbers. The winning numbers will be the first officially drawn 7 p.m. Pa. Lottery Pick-3 number from Dec. 26 to Jan. 6. Prizes will include cash and a variety of gift cards to local restaurants and businesses. Tickets: Linda, 724-882-8776, in the parish office or after weekend Masses in the church vestibule.

Arnold

Saturday: St. Vladimir Church will host a pop-up pierogi sale from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the church social hall, 1610 Kenneth Ave. Varieties: sauerkraut and potato & cheese; fresh and frozen. No advance orders will be accepted; sales are first come, first served. Weekly sales will resume in January. Cost: $12 per dozen.

Saturday: The Tomb, 1821 Fifth Ave., will have snacks and fellowship at 7 p.m. Details: 878-847-5646.

Bethel

Dec. 21: The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will present a winter solstice program for children at 6 p.m. at the center, 142 Kerr Road. Children will make a simple lantern that will be taken on a short winter hike and hot cocoa will be served. Cost: $7. Reservations required. Reservations: armstrongodc.org.

East Vandergrift

Sunday: Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish will have bingo at 6:30 p.m. in the church social hall, 411 McKinley Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There will be a 56-number jackpot game, a 42-number picture frame game and a magic number game for over $331. Details: 724-478-4958.

Freeport

Sunday: St. Mary Mother of God Church will present a free Advent program of scriptures and carols at 2 p.m. in the church, 608 High St. Refreshments will be served afterward in the fellowship hall. Details: 724-295-2281.

Harrison 

Today: Tickets are on sale at Community Library of Allegheny Valley for a holiday basket raffle to benefit the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Cost: $2 each; or three for $5. The drawing will be Friday. Details: 724-226-3491.

Today: 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.

Saturday: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will host an ugly holiday sweater workshop from noon to 2 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Ages 12 through adult welcome. Bring a sweater or sweatshirt. Reservations required. Reservations: Alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Saturday: Building Block of Natrona will host its free Veggies for All and Cosmetics Closet outreach for residents in need at 1 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 28 Garfield St., Natrona. Free produce and personal care and hygiene products will be distributed, first come, first served, while supplies last. Arrive by 12:30 p.m. to line up; supplies go quickly. No income verification required. Everyone is welcome.

Tuesday: The Who Knew? program at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will present “Cathedral of Learning at the Holidays: Nationality Rooms” at 6 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Online participation available. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or visit the calendar tab at alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Indiana Township

Saturday: Santa will travel around the township with the Rural Ridge Volunteer Fire Company. Approximate times are: 10 a.m., the Patch; 10:30 a.m., Rural Ridge Estates; 11:15 a.m., Maple Ridge and Crawford Run Road; 11:30 a.m., Diane Lane; noon, Shawnee Ridge; 12:45 p.m., Fox Chapel Village; and 1:15 p.m., Richmont Estates.

Kittanning

Monday: PennDOT District 10 will host a job fair for permanent full-time and seasonal full-time equipment operators from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Armstrong County maintenance office, 504 S. Water St. District employees will be available to answer questions and assist with applications. Attendees will be able to apply, interview and road test, if eligible. Details: 724-284-8800 or employment.pa.gov.

Leechburg 

Today: The public is welcome to join the Leechburg Area High School Chorus and members of the congregations of the Leechburg Ministerial as they go caroling from 6 to 8 p.m. Meet at First Lutheran Church, 358 Main St. Refreshments will be served afterward at the church.

Saturday: The Clothing Closet at First Lutheran Church, 358 Main St., will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All items are 20 cents each. Please bring a bag. Donations welcome.

Saturday: A Christmas bake sale will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Holy Innocents Church, 366 Third St. Pre-ordered trays can be picked up and soup, hot dogs, haluski and baked goods will be sold. Dine in or takeout.

Lower Burrell 

Today: The Mobile Veterans Program will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road. There will be a meet-and-greet, brain fitness, entertainment and and lunch. Sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs, all veterans are welcome.

Saturday: Grace Community Presbyterian Church, 2751 Grant St., will host a free community party for children from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church. There will be cookie decorating, a visit with Santa, a story time, arts and crafts. Cookies and a beverage will be served. Details: 724-339-9661.

Saturday: The Veterans of Foreign Wars will feature the Memory Lane band from 8 to 11 p.m. at the post. Members and three guests welcome.

Saturday: A luncheon bingo will be at 1 p.m. at the Moose, 499 Reimer St. Doors open at 11 a.m. Admission includes lunch at 12:30 p.m., 15 games that win $20 each; four specials that win $30 each; and a $100 must-go jackpot. Details: 724-335-4131.

Saturday: Peoples Library will have a holiday party for all ages at 12:30 p.m. at the library, 3052 Wachter Ave. There will be stories and activities. Details: 724-339-1021.

New Kensington

Saturday: Peoples Library will have a holiday party for all ages at 11 a.m. at the library, 880 Barnes St. There will be stories and activities. Details: 724-339-1021.

Saturday: March for Jesus will honor teachers, police officers, district heads and city council members from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Valley High School, 703 Stevenson Blvd. There will be activities and giveaways. Details: Hank Commodore, 724-217-3866.

Sunday: The American Legion, 1100 Wildlife Lodge Road, will be open for breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon. Menu: pancakes, creamed ground beef on toast, eggs made to order with toast, home fries, and sausage or bacon.

New Kensington

Sunday: New Kensington Arts Center will host an evening of jazz and poetry at 4:30 p.m. at the center, 950 Fifth Ave. Bring your camera, your appetite and your friends.

Tuesday: A workshop to make a STEM-based craft for all ages will be at 11 a.m. at Peoples Library, 880 Barnes St. Details: 724-339-1021.

Parks Township 

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

Sunday: Parks Township Sportsman’s Club will have a country music jam night from 5 to 8 p.m. at the club, 1111 Shipman Road. Bring your favorite stringed instrument and sing along. Refreshments available. Public welcome. Details: 724-845-2390.

Plum

Saturday: An open pickleball day will be from noon to 8 p.m. at the Plum Municipal Complex Gymnasium, 2000 Old Mine Road. Plum residents only. Slots are available every hour for groups of four – two teams of two players. Reservations required. Reservations: form.jotform.com/232744403825152. Questions: mcostanza@plumboro.com.

Springdale 

Saturday: The Knotty Knitters group at Springdale Free Public Library will meet at noon at the library, 331 School St. The group will now meet the first and third Saturdays of the month. Bring your unfinished knitting or crocheting project. All skill levels welcome. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum

Saturday: The Clothing Closet at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St., will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The monthly dollar breakfast will be from 8 a.m. to noon. Details: 724-224-9220.

Sunday and Tuesday: 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.

Upper Burrell

Today and Saturday: A free drive-thru live Nativity will be from 7 to 9 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Upper Burrell, 3740 Seventh St. Road. There will be live performances and animals. After driving through, come inside to enjoy cookies, coffee, hot chocolate and crafts.

Vandergrift

Dec. 31: Vandergrift Public Library is conducting a 100,000 penny collection challenge through the end of the year. Bring your pennies to the library, 128C Washington Ave., or TinyCause or Champion’s Crusaiders Rescue. Funds raised will be split between the three organizations.

Washington Township

Today: 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.