The Stroller, Dec. 27, 2021: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley

Publicize your 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.

New award to honor Concordia employees

Concordia Lutheran Ministries has announced a new honor, The Stephen W. Johnson Mission Award that will recognize its employees for exceptional service.

The award is named for Concordia’s late chairman of the board of directors, Stephen W. Johnson, who served for 19 years before passing away June 11, 2020.

Nominations will be accepted from Jan. 1 to March 12. Current and former residents and patients, Concordia employees and members of the community can nominate current employees by filling out an application and describing how the nominee shows a dedication to Concordia’s mission. A banquet will be held in June to recognize the nominees and announce the winner.

For an application and information, visit ConcordiaLM.org/swjmissionaward.

Freeport EMS conducting subscription campaign

Freeport Emergency Medical Services is continuing its annual subscription campaign.

Cost is $60 for individuals and $100 for families. The ambulance company provides service to residents of Freeport, South Buffalo and parts of Buffalo and Winfield townships. To subscribe and for information, visit freeportems.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: $30, includes a hot dog with kraut. Tickets: Shelby, 724-549-1601 or Gina, 724-594-6187.

Jan. 8: A vendor fair will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parish center at St. James Parish, 109 Owens View Ave. All vendors needed. Cost: $20 per table; without electricity, $15. Details: Linda, 724-882-8776.

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.

Buffalo Township

Jan. 3: Zion United Methodist Church will host a community blood drive from 1 to 7 p.m. in the church Family Life Center, 438 Bear Creek Road. Appointments recommended. Bring ID. Appointments: 412-209-7000 or visit vitalant.org and click on the Schedule Now or New Donor buttons. Search for group code C664.

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

Jan. 4: Harvest Church will offer a GriefShare class for those experiencing grief Tuesdays beginning Jan. 4 at the Allegheny North Campus, 1333 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights. Book fee: $20. Details and registration: 724-548-5643.

Jan. 6: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will offer an internet literacy class at 6 p.m. in-person at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd., Natrona Heights. Online access via Zoom.us also available. Learn how to stay safe while browsing the web, avoid scams and how anti-virus programs protect your devices. Reservations required. Reservations: visit the calendar tab at alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

New Kensington  

Today and Jan. 1: Community Clothes Closet will be closed for the holidays. The Closet will reopen Jan. 3.

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.

Saxonburg

Tuesday: The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Butler County will offer a free support group at 6 p.m. at Abba’s House, 320 Main St., for families and friends of those living with a mental illness. No reservations required. Details: 724-431-0069.

Springdale

Today: Springdale Free Public Library will be closed for the Christmas holidays. The library will reopen Dec. 28 for normal hours. Details: 724-274-9729.

Tuesday: 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

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.

Vandergrift

Today: 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.