The Stroller, Dec. 19, 2022: 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.

Winter solstice to be observed with hike, refreshments

The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek, Bethel, will host a winter solstice celebration at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the center, 142 Kerr Road.

There will be a workshop to make a lantern, a short illuminated hike, a story and hot cocoa. Donations will be accepted.

Reservations are required. For reservations and details, visit armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

Calendar

Apollo

Wednesday: St. James Parish is selling tickets for a scratch-off lottery ticket raffle. The winning number will be the 7 p.m. Wednesday Pa. Daily Pick 3 number and the winner will receive one complete roll of $5, $10 and $20 Pennsylvania scratch-off lottery tickets. Cost: $10, contains two numbers. Tickets: 724-882-8776 or in the parish office.

Wednesday: Apollo Memorial Library will host a family board game night from 5 to 7 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Bring your game or play one of the library’s. Drop in anytime from 5 to 7 p.m. Details: 724-478-4214.

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. There will be specials and wish jars. Details: 724-478-4831.

Wednesdays and Saturdays: Apollo Area Historical Society Museum, 317 N. Second St., is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations of paper towels, stamps, envelopes, cleaning supplies, colored copy paper and trash bags are welcome. Details: ApolloPAHistory@gmail.com.

Dec. 31: Tickets are on sale for a New Year’s Eve bingo set for 8 p.m. at Apollo Hose Company No. 2, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $25 before Dec. 22; $30 at the door, includes hot dog and sauerkraut. Full kitchen will be available. There will be 17 regular games, four early birds, four specials, pull tabs and door prizes. Tickets: Shelby, 724-549-1601 or Gina, 724-594-6187.

Bethel

Wednesday: The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek, 142 Kerr Road, will host a winter solstice celebration at 6 p.m. at the center. There will be a workshop to make a lantern, a short illuminated hike, a story and hot cocoa. Donations accepted. Reservations required. Reservations and details: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

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.

Freeport

Wednesday: The Thrift Store Clothing Ministry at Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St., will be open from noon to 3 p.m. All items are free, but donations will be accepted. Items available include clothing of all sizes, bedding and window items. Donations of fall and winter clothing, shoes and boots welcome. Donations must be laundered and free from pet hair. Handicap accessible. Details: 724-295-3095.

Harrison

Wednesday: The community clothing store at Faith Lutheran Church, 1500 Broadview Blvd., will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Low cost clothing for all ages is available.

Wednesday: Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Food Bank will be open from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights. Food bank participants can receive food allotments twice per month. Those who are not yet registered should come from 3 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Details and alternate times: 724-226-0606, ext. 10.

Wednesday: The Agape Thrift Shop at Grace United Methodist Church, 1333 Freeport Road, will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Clean winter clothing in all sizes is needed. Masks optional. Bring donations on Wednesday or leave them on the front porch. Do not place donations in the blue bins behind the church.

Dec. 28: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will offer a step-by-step acrylic painting workshop for students 12 to 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. The subject will be a winter gnome. Fee: $5. Paid reservation deadline: Wednesday. Reservations: alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Leechburg

Today: Leechburg Public Library, 139 Market St., will host a movie night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for children in prekindergarten through third grade. The movie will be, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Details: 724-236-0080.

Oakmont

Today: Taking Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) meets at 6 p.m. at Oakmont United Methodist Church, 419 Maryland Ave. Monthly dues: $5; first meeting is free. Details: vrevilla@pointpark.edu.

Sharpsburg

Tuesday: The Allegheny Valley chapter of the Women’s Business Network will meet at 8 a.m. at 817 Main St. Those attending can learn how the group supports the success and growth of women in business. Reservations required. Reservations: Kelly Motter, 717-659-0323.

Tarentum

Wednesday: The Elks will host bingo at 6:30 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 

Saturday : Upper Burrell Volunteer Fire Department and Vigilant Hose Company of Portvue are selling tickets for a $15,000 Christmas Cash Giveaway. Cost: $20 per ticket, includes eight numbers. The winning number will be taken from the 7 p.m. Dec. 24 Pennsylvania Pick 4 number. Details and tickets: ubvfc11training@gmail.com.

Washington Township

Wednesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 6 p.m. at Union Presbyterian Church, 656 Route 380.