The Stroller, Nov. 26, 2021: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley

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Highlands High School AFS conducting annual citrus fruit sale

Orders are being taken for the annual Highlands High School AFS fruit sale.

This year’s sale will be conducted online, and deliveries will be available anywhere in the continental U.S. in time for Christmas. Fruit available includes navel oranges, grapefruit, clementines, pears, apples and mixed boxes.

To order, visit freshfruitorder.org/HighlandsAFSFruitSale. Online order deadline is Nov. 28. Shipping costs are included in the listed price.

For questions or to make a cash donation, contact Kathy Harenski at 412-848-3952 or kharenski@icloud.com. There are six AFS students attending Highlands High School this year.

Allegheny Valley Association of Churches accepting donations for food bank

Donations are welcome for the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches food bank in Harrison.

Items most needed include canned meat, tuna and chicken, spaghetti sauce, sugar-free items, gluten-free items, toiletries, feminine products, cleaning supplies, baby formula and Ensure. Holiday cooking ingredients such as stuffing mix, canned sweet potatoes, gravy mix and baking supplies are also needed this time of year. Drop-off times are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at the office, 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights.

To make an online monetary contribution, visit avaoc.org/programs/food-bank.

Calendar

Apollo

Dec. 11: 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.

Arnold

Saturday: The Tomb Coffeehouse, 1821 Fifth Ave., will have fellowship at 7:30 p.m. Details: 724-339-8888.

East Vandergrift  

Dec. 6: Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish is sponsoring a St. Nicholas Day raffle. Winning numbers will be the noon and 7 p.m. Dec. 6 Pa. Lottery Daily Pick 3 numbers. The noon winner receives $1,000 and a $100 gift certificate to Pounds Turkey Farm. The 7 p.m. winner receives $1,300 and a $100 gift certificate to Pounds Turkey Farm. Cost: $10, for two numbers. Tickets: Deborah, 724-859-3186, the church office or after Sunday Mass in the church vestibule.

Freeport 

Ongoing: Freeport Area Library is accepting donations of new and gently-used household items, books, games, puzzles, holiday decor and DVDs for its upcoming sale. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Details: 724-295-3616.

Gilpin

Sunday: A Christmas craft show will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gilpin Volunteer Firehall, 113 Firehall Road. Proceeds will benefit the fire department. Details: 724-845-1200.

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.

Thursday: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will offer a free live online webinar about Senior Medicare at 11 a.m. Livestream in your home or watch the stream in the meeting room at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Leechburg  

Today: Leechburg Public Library will host an event to open the holiday season from 3 to 5 p.m. at the library, 139 Market St. The theme will be, “Polar Express.” Make an ornament for the library Christmas tree and a second one to take home for your tree. Supplies will be available to make a Christmas card for a veteran at the annual Five Forces holiday dinner in December.

Dec. 11 and 12: Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company is seeking crafters and vendors for a Christmas craft show set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the firehall, 268 Canal St. Cost: $30 for an 8-foot table with two chairs for one day; or $50 for both days. Details: Melissa, 724-332-9090 or allermelissa@comcast.net or Shay, 724-596-2858.

Dec. 18: Holy Innocents Anglican Church, 366 Third St., will have its annual Christmas Bake Sale. Orders are being taken for assorted homemade cookie trays. Cost: large trays, $40; small trays, $30. Order deadline: Nov. 30. Orders: 724-882-2665, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

New Kensington

Today and Monday: The Community Clothes Closet, 1129 Kenneth Ave., will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday and will reopen Dec. 4. Clothing is available for all members of the family and gifts are available in the Christmas shop. Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations of clean, gently-used winter clothing will be accepted during operating hours.

Nov. 30: Adoption fees will be waived for veterans through the end of the month at Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley, 730 Church St. Details: animalprotectors.net.

Wednesday: Peoples Library will host an online discussion with author and Valley News Dispatch correspondent George Guido at 7 p.m. on Zoom.us. Guido will discuss his book, “Neighborhoods of the Alle-Kiski Valley.” Reservations required. Reservations: 724-339-1021, ext. 10 and provide your name, phone number and email address, or visit Peoples Library on Facebook.

Dec. 7: St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church is accepting orders for a pierogi sale. Varieties: potato and cheese, sauerkraut, cottage cheese and cottage cheese with sugar, $10 per frozen dozen. Pickup: 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 at the church, 150 Elmtree Road. Order deadline: Friday. Orders: 724-226-0942 or saintjohnnewken@gmail.com.

Parks

Sunday: Parks Township Sportsman’s Club will host a Music Night for members and guests from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the club, 1111 Shipman Road. Bring your favorite stringed instrument and sing along. Refreshments available. Details: 724-845-2390.

Springdale 

Wednesday: Springdale Free Public Library will offer a program about essentials oils and plant medicine at 6 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. Peter C. Durny will be the speaker. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Dec. 3: The staff at Springdale Free Public Library will host a Parents’ Night Out from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. Drop off your children age 5 through fourth grade and they will be entertained while you go shopping, wrap presents or just get a quiet moment. Reservations and face masks required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

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.

Sunday: A holiday book sale and author signing event will be from 2 to 5 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St. Free admission, refreshments and holiday music.

Sunday and Tuesday: 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.

Upper Burrell 

Dec. 11: Upper Burrell Senior Citizens Holiday Drive-thru Celebration will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at the township building. Seniors must live in Upper Burrell. Reservations required by Dec. 3. Reservations: 724-335-3517.

Dec. 24: 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 

Saturday: Bingo will begin at 7 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 141 Sumner Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The kitchen will be open. Break the Bank: $2,100; $500 must-go jackpot.

Nov. 30: Vandergrift Public Library, 128C Washington Ave., is having a fall book sale through the end of November at the library. Cost: books, $3 for a Giant Eagle bag; puzzles, $1. Details: 724-568-2212.

Thursday: Vandergrift Public Library’s free Light up the Library event will be at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Children and their families can attend at 5:30, 6 or 6:30 p.m. to allow for social distancing. Face masks optional. Activities will include card making, ornament building, cookie decorating, refreshments and pictures with Santa. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.

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.