The Stroller, Dec. 30, 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.

HOPE Center accepting donations

The Alle-Kiski HOPE Center is seeking donations of household items for the clients it serves. The center provides free and confidential services to survivors of domestic violence and their families.

Items in need include bath sets containing a shower curtain, bathmat, toothbrush holder and soap dish, underwear, slippers in all sizes and genders; hair brushes, combs, lotion, lip balm, curling irons and new makeup.

Donations are accepted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at the administration office, 500 E. Eighth Ave., Tarentum. If you are ordering online, request delivery to this address. For details, call 724-224-1100 or visit akhopecenter.org.

Community safety night planned in Kiski Township

A community safety night with Damsel in Distress will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at Apollo Free Methodist Church, 1027 Route 56, Kiski Township.

The program will focus on situational awareness, city safety and learning how to prepare, protect and prevent harmful situations.

Reservations are required. For reservations, call 724-478-3025.

Calendar

Avonmore

Wednesday: Avonmore Library will have a meeting for new volunteers at the library, 619 Allegheny Ave. Doors open and child abuse and criminal record clearances will be collected at 5 p.m. An update on plans will be at 5:30 p.m. and volunteer training will be at 6 p.m. The library will be closed until Jan. 13.

Bethel Township

Jan. 13: The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will present a free program about the Northern Cardinal bird for elementary school children and their families at 10 a.m. at the center, 142 Kerr Road. There will be a nature lesson, a short hike and a craft to make a treat for the birds. Reservations required. Reservations: armstrongodc.org.

Freeport

Wednesday: The Thrift Store Clothing Ministry at Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St., will be closed for the holidays.

Harrison

Jan. 11: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will sponsor an adult paint night fundraiser from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Cost: $10, includes supplies. Bring your own beverages and snacks. Must be 21 to attend. Paid reservations required by Tuesday. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Kittanning

Thursday: Armstrong County Republican Committee will host a non-partisan screening of the movie “Police State” at 6 p.m. at Living Water Church, 629 Woodard Ave. Donations will be accepted and refreshments will be available. The committee will have its monthly meeting after with registered Republicans welcome. Details: Darlene Smail, 724-902-2244 or dsmail2244@windstream.net; Rocco Ali, roc6mm@hotmail.com; or Anthony Shea, ashea247@comcast.net.

Leechburg 

Jan. 13: The Leechburg 175th Anniversary Committee will host a night at the races at the Marconi Club, 135 River Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m. and races will start at 7. Cost: $20, includes a horse, food and soft drinks; food and soft drinks only, $10. Donations for a basket raffle, desserts and cases of pop are welcome. Drop off donations at Leechburg Public Library. Deadline to purchase a ticket with a horse is Jan. 4. Must be 21 to attend. Proceeds will be used to fund the 2025 celebration Details: 724-236-0080.

North Apollo

Thursday and Jan. 18: A roller skate night to benefit David Leech Elementary School PTA will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at Valarena Sk8land, 320 18^th St. Public welcome. Admission: $6; skate rental, $3.

Tarentum 

Saturday: 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  

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.