The Stroller, Dec. 19, 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.

Volunteers needed to prepare income tax returns

Allegheny Valley Association of Churches and United Way of Southwest Pennsylvania are looking for people to give their time as volunteer tax preparers.

Many of our neighbors don’t have access to affordable tax help, fall victim to rapid refund loans or are not aware of state and federal tax credits. Free training and certification are provided.

For details, call 724-226-0606, ext. 10, email avac@avaaoc.org or visit uwswpa.org/free-tax-preparation. Registration deadline is Dec. 31.

Participants wanted for local history project

Producer John Bailey is seeking local veterans to be interviewed for his “Southwest Pennsylvania Goes to War,” video history project.

There is no cost to participate. To be considered, contact Bailey at jbproducesresearch@gmail.com.

Calendar

Apollo

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.

Brackenridge

Today: Sons of the American Legion will serve an all you can eat community breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon in the American Legion, 845 E. First Ave. Cost: $8; younger than 12, $5.

Thursday: 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.

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.

Harrison

Tuesday: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will present a free Who Knew? program, “Unforgettable Local Winter Weather,” at 6 p.m. online only at Zoom.us. Registration required. Registration: visit the calendar section at alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Leechburg  

Monday: The Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society, 118 First St., is closed for winter. To arrange a private tour, email lamahs@windstream.net or call 724-845-8914 and leave a message.

Monday: Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 268 Canal St. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open.

Manor  

Tuesday: 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

Monday: The Community Clothes Closet, 1129 Kenneth Ave., is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and offers clothing for all members of the family, uniforms for students at Mary Queen of Apostles School, shoes, purses, household items, linens and blankets. Visit the new home store. First-time customers receive 15 free items. Donations accepted during open hours only. Take a free chance on a monthly basket raffle.

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

Today: Parks Township Sportsman’s Club will host a Music Night for members and guests from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the club, 1111 Shipman Road. Bring your favorite stringed instrument and sing along. Refreshments available. Details: 724-845-2390.

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.

Pittsburgh

Tuesday: The Allegheny Valley chapter of the Women’s Business Network will meet at 8 a.m. at Panera Bread, Waterworks Mall, 942 Freeport Road. Those attending can learn how the group supports the success and growth of women in business. Reservations required. Reservations: Susan Kinger, 412-782-4848.

Springdale

Dec. 28: The Tuesday Night Book Club at Springdale Free Public Library will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. The selection will be, “Meet You In Hell,” by Les Standiford. Copies are available at the library. New members welcome. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum

Today 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.

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

Tuesday: 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.

Dec. 28: Vandergrift Public Library will host a free family paint night, “Canvas & Cocoa” at 6 p.m. at the library. Youth and their adults can choose one of four design options to paint. Toddler freestyle will be available. Hot cocoa and light snacks will be available. Space is limited and reservations are required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.