The Stroller, Dec. 22, 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.

Help available to apply for Dollar Energy Fund assistance

Allegheny Valley Association of Churches offers help with applications for the Dollar Energy Fund program by appointment for those who qualify.

For an appointment, call the office at 724-226-0606, ext. 10. Applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Energy Crisis Program continue to be processed at the public assistance offices.

Religion Digest

Kiski Township

• Apollo Free Methodist Church, 1027 Route 56, will have a Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m. Sunday at the church. Details: 724-478-3025.

Lower Burrell

• Grace Community Presbyterian Church, 2751 Grant St., will have a celebration of the Fourth Sunday of Advent at 10 a.m. Sunday at the church. A Christmas Eve candlelight service will be at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Details: 724-339-9661.

Tarentum

• Abundant Joy Fellowship, 101 Allegheny St., will have a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 7 p.m. Sunday at the church. Details: 724-224-5715.

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 and in the parish office.

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. Cost: $25. A full kitchen menu will be available. Ticket deadline: Dec. 23. Tickets: Shelby, 724-549-1601.

Arnold

Saturday through Dec. 29: The Tomb, 1821 Fifth Ave., will be closed. Details: 878-847-5646.

Harrison

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.

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, games, crafts, lunch and a Christmas social. Sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs, all veterans are welcome.

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

Middlesex Township

Jan. 8: Good Samaritan Hospice, a mission of Concordia Lutheran Ministries, will sponsor a free grief support group for adults from 4 to 5 p.m. Mondays Jan. 8 to Feb. 5 at its office, 116 Browns Hill Road, suite 100. Reservations required by Jan. 4. Reservations: Brittany Foy, 800-720-2557, ext. 4428. Details: Goodsamaritanhospice.org.

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.

Tarentum 

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

Upper Burrell

Jan. 1: Upper Burrell and Export volunteer fire departments are selling 2024 lottery calendars Cost: $20, includes a chance to win $10,000 throughout the year. Daily amounts differ. Winning numbers will be the Pennsylvania Evening Pick 3 Daily Number. Tickets: ubvfc115training@gmail.com or visit UpperBurrellVFC115 on Facebook.

Vandergrift   

Wednesday: Vandergrift Public Library will sponsor a free program “Canvas & Cocoa” at 5:30 p.m. at the library. Youth and adults can select one of four design options to paint. A toddler free-style option is also available. 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.

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.