The Stroller, Nov. 17, 2020: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley

Is your church or organization going to host a community holiday event? Send information to The Stroller as soon as possible to vndnews@tribweb.com. Please include a daytime telephone number.

Christmas shop open at Freeport Area Library

Freeport Area Library is hosting a Christmas shop during regular operating hours at the library, 428 Market St.

Items for sale include seasonal décor, household items, vintage articles, toys, puzzles and used books, CDs and DVDs. Donations of household and flea market items are being accepted.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. For details, call 724-295-3616 or visit freeportlibrary.org.

Christopher’s Light seeking donations

Christopher’s Light children’s charity is collecting new and gently used coats, hats, gloves, socks and hygiene items for local children.

For pick-up and drop-off information, text 724-980-2840. Monetary donations can be sent to Christopher’s Light, P.O. Box 94, Apollo PA 15613.

Let us know about your holiday happenings

The 2020 holiday season will be like no other we have ever seen. Non-profit and community groups are reimagining how to have fundraisers and free events while keeping the public safe from the virus.

The Valley News Dispatch is compiling a list events that will run in the print edition of the paper and online at Triblive.com. Send information to cpinto-smith@triblive.com; or The Stroller, 210 Wood St., Tarentum PA 15084.

Leechburg church to offer two grief seminars

First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Leechburg, will offer two free GriefShare support seminars in the church sanctuary, 358 Main St.

• Surviving the Holidays will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. If you or someone you know is coping with the loss of a loved one, holidays and special events can be difficult.

• Surviving the Loss of a Spouse will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 13 for anyone who has lost an important person in their life and may need assistance dealing with the grief and hardships that this loss may have caused..

Face masks will be required, and social distancing will be observed.

Registration is required. To register, call 724-845-7518 or email felc@windstream.net.

Donate online to Salvation Army

The annual New Kensington Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign will be limited this year due to the pandemic.

With more people facing hardships, the need to serve those most vulnerable is greater than ever.

Online donations can be made at salarmy.us/NewKensingtonKettle.

Calendar

Allegheny Valley School District

Today: Allegheny Valley School Board will conduct the regular meeting at 7 p.m. in the Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School Marshall Auditorium, 501 Butler Road. A live online link to attend virtually will posted on the district website: avsdweb.org

Apollo

Dec. 12: Reservations are being accepted for a vendor fair planned for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. James Church Parish Center, 109 Owens View Ave. Table cost: $20 with electricity; $15 without electricity. Face masks and social distancing required. Registration and details: Linda, 724-882-8776

Burrell School District

Today: Burrell School Board will conduct the regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. online. Access information: burrell.k12.pa.us/board

Deer Lakes School District

Today: Deer Lakes School Board will conduct the regular meeting at 7 p.m. online at Zoom.us. Access information: Deerlakes.net

Freeport

Wednesday: The Thrift Store Clothing Ministry at Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St., will be open from noon to 3 p.m. at the church. Winter clothing is available. Cash only. Donations must be laundered. Details: 724-295-2476

Gilpin

Nov. 24: An American Red Cross Blood community blood drive will be from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Gilpin Volunteer Fire Department social hall, 113 Fire Hall Road. Appointments: 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code GTVFD

Harmar

Thursday: Harmar Supervisors will conduct the regular meeting at 6 p.m. online. Access information: harmartownship-pa.gov/

Harrison 

Today: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will present a virtual encore performance of the Who Knew? program, “Winterizing Your Garden,” at 6 p.m. online. Registration required. Registration: 724-226-3491

Today: Burtner House Restoration Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Harrison Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Drive.

Wednesday: Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Food Bank will be open to anyone in need from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights. Pull into the center parking lot and food will be placed into your vehicle. Senior boxes are now being distributed Wednesdays instead of Thursdays. Those who are not yet registered should come after 3 p.m. Proof of income is no longer required. Donations: avaoc.org/donate/financial-support/

Thursday: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will offer free a program, “Magic Tree House Adventures,” for children in first through fourth grade at 4:30 p.m. online at Zoom.us. This month’s book will be, “Thanksgiving On Thursday.” Registration required. An activity and craft packet can be scheduled for pickup. Registration: 724-226-3491

Leechburg

Wednesday: The free genealogy group at Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society will meet from 10 a.m. to noon at the museum, 118 First St. Basic computer skills required. Ancestry.com and Newspaper.com are available. Details: Judy, 724-681-9154

Thursdays: A New Path Al-Anon Family Group, a free, confidential program for anyone whose life has been affected by someone else’s drinking, will meet at 7 p.m. in First United Methodist Church, 251 Main St. Face masks and social distancing required.

Lower Burrell 

Wednesday: The Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary is collecting non-perishable food for the Salvation Army through Nov. 18 at the post, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road. A donation container is in the post canteen.

New Kensington

Thursday: Knead Community Café in New Kensington will hand out free grab-and-go dinners from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the café, 1011 Barnes St. Sponsors for this week’s distribution are the Just Older Youth (JOY) group from Harvest Baptist Church, Harrison. Those picking up meals are reminded to observe social distancing while they wait in line. There will be no dinner next week due to Thanksgiving.

Parks

Thursday: Parks Township Sportmen’s Club will have its monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the club, 1111 Shipman Road. New members welcome. Details: 724-845-2390 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Plum School District 

Today: Plum School Board will conduct a combined meeting at 7 p.m. in the high school library, 900 Elicker Road.

Saxonburg

Dec. 6: South Butler County Library, 240 W. Main St., has suspended in-person programs inside the library building through Dec. 6. Services are available only at the library express window, no appointment required. Window hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, and 9 a.m. to noon Fridays and Saturdays. Details: 724-352-4810 or director@southbutlerlibrary.org

Sharpsburg

Wednesday: The All Virtual chapter of the Women’s Business Network will meet at 7:30 p.m. online at Zoom.us. Those attending can learn how the group supports the success and growth of women in business. Guests welcome at no cost. Reservations required. Reservations and sign on information: Jennifer, 412-908-1663

Tarentum

Today: Tarentum Planning Commission will hold a public meeting at 6 p.m. in the borough building, 318 Second Ave., to review, discuss and take public comment on the proposed multi-municipal comprehensive plan.

Wednesday: Tarentum Elks will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the lodge, 219 E. Sixth Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open.

Wednesday: BridgePoint Church, 400 E. Ninth Ave., will host a parent-led learning pod from 1 to 4 p.m. in the church hall located on the lower level. Free high-speed internet, meals and access to the church children’s library will be provided. Use the Corbet Street entrance.

Vandergrift

Wednesday: Vandergrift United Methodist Church, 134 Custer Ave., will host a takeout Dollar Dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. or until sold out at the church. Menu: ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, applesauce, muffins and drink, $1. Pickup on the Lincoln Avenue side of the church.

Washington Township

Thursday: Washington Township Municipal Authority will meet at 7 p.m. in the municipal building, 285 Pine Run Church Road.

Cancellations and changes 

Harrison

All activities at Burtner House are canceled through the end of the year.

Lower Burrell 

The St. Margaret Mary Parish nut and apricot roll sale is canceled.

Oakmont

Oakmont Hometown Christmas and Parade are canceled

Saxonburg

The annual Saxonburg Holiday Parade sponsored by the Saxonburg Area Business Association is canceled.

Tarentum 

The annual joint Christmas Parade with Brackenridge is canceled.

Vandergrift

Christopher’s Light children’s charity has canceled the annual children’s Christmas party.