The Stroller, Dec. 17, 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.

Festival of Trees raffle supports hospital projects

Allegheny Valley Hospital Auxiliary is hosting its annual Festival of Trees raffle to benefit projects supporting the hospital.

Each hospital department decorates a tree to be raffled off and they are on display in the lobby. Tickets are 10 for $5 or 20 for $10 and can be purchased weekdays in the lobby of the hospital, 1301 Carlisle St., Natrona Heights, or by calling 724-226-7370 or sending an email to avhvol@ahn.org. Cash or checks will be accepted. Winners receive a fully decorated tree. The drawing will be Tuesday.

A-K Heritage Museum to host Deer Lakes HS Jazz Band

The Deer Lakes High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Chris Snyder, will perform a free concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Alle-Kiski Valley Heritage Museum, 224 E. Seventh Ave., Tarentum.

The public is welcome.

Calendar

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.

Bethel 

Thursday : 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.

Buffalo Township

Tuesday: Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank will host a drive-through food distribution for anyone in need from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Lernerville Speedway, 313 N. Pike Road. No reservations required. Guests should remain in their vehicles and open their door or trunk and will be served on a first come, first served basis.

Harrison

Tuesday: 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.

Lower Burrell

Tuesday: The Material Girls sewing group will meet at 7 p.m. at Puckety United Presbyterian Church, Puckety Church Road. New members welcome. The group meets the third Tuesday of each month and there are no dues. Details: Dee Shaffer, 724-335-6645 or shaffer37@comcast.net.

New Kensington

Tuesday and Saturday: The Community Clothes Closet, 1129 Kenneth Ave., will be open from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Items available include clothing for all members of the family, shoes, purses, blankets and linens. First-time customers receive 15 free items. Winter clothing donations welcome during business hours.

Oakmont

Tuesdays: 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. Please note the new location. Details: 412-828-3854 or jmjkwj@gmail.com.

Saxonburg

Thursday: A free monthly dementia caregiver support group will meet at 6:30 p.m. at South Butler Community Library, 240 W. Main St. Anyone who has a loved one living with dementia is welcome. No reservations required; come when you are able. Details: 724-504-5512.

Vandergrift  

Tuesday: Vandergrift Public Library will have a family game night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.

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.