The Stroller, Dec. 21, 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.

Fox Chapel Area sets telethon

Fox Chapel Area School District’s 32nd annual telethon will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the high school.

The telethon will benefit Fox Family Cares, that works to bridge the gap between the needs and resources of children and families in the Fox Chapel Area School District. Students from all district schools will participate. Student, teacher, parent and community representatives will be making donations during the live event. The public can donate by visiting foxfamiliescare.org/donatenow.

The telethon will be available in high definition and will be streamed live on the Swift Fox Media YouTube Channel and the link will be posted on the district website, fcasd.edu and Facebook page.

The students in the Fox Chapel Area School District have donated nearly $918,386 over the years to various charities through their annual telethon.

Students invited to develop engagement strategy for PennDOT

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Department of Environmental Protection invite high school students in grade nine to 12 to enter the fifth annual PennDOT Innovations Challenge, which encourages students to use their problem solving, creative and strategic thinking abilities to solve real-world transportation challenges.

This year’s contest asks students to develop a comprehensive and cost-effective public engagement strategy, beyond the current public engagement procedures, that uses innovative technologies and tools that PennDOT can implement to more effectively engage and connect with all age groups during the transportation planning and project development process.

Regional winners will be selected and invited to compete in Harrisburg for the state championship. The winning team will receive $2,500 from the Transportation Policy and Education Foundation, an educational arm of the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors.

Submission deadline has been extended to Jan. 21. For details, visit penndot.gov/innovation and click on the Innovations Challenge link.

Salvation Army free lunch distribution offered Thursday

The Allegheny Valley Salvation Army and Community Center in Brackenridge offers free grab and go lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays in parking lot at the center, 917 Brackenridge Ave.

Everyone is welcome.

Calendar

Apollo

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 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.

Brackenridge

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.

Freeport

Wednesdays: 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.

Harrison

Today: 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.

Wednesday: 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.

Wednesday: 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.

Leechburg  

Wednesday: Leechburg Public Library, 139 Market St., offers a free Senior Stretch chair class at 10:30 a.m. There will be no session Dec. 29. Details: 724-236-0080.

New Kensington 

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.

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: 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  

Friday: 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

Today: 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.

Thursday through Sunday: Vandergrift Public Library will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday and closed for the holiday Friday through Sunday.

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.