The Stroller, Nov. 29, 2021: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley

Publicize your club meetings, community events 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.

Pittsburgh Penguin ticket campaign to benefit local children’s charity

Local children’s charity Superheroes Believe in Miracles is participating in the Pittsburgh Penguins Pens4Purpose fundraising program.

For each ticket sold to select Penguins games, Superheroes Believe in Miracles will receive $10. Ticket prices start at $40 each. Games available include Dec. 14, which is Star Wars Night; Dec. 17, and Dec. 21, which is 80s Night.

For details and to purchase tickets, visit fevo.me/penguinssuperheroesdec2021.

Contributions needed for homeless veterans’ project

Local veterans’ charity Five Forces is collecting personal items for the Homeless Heroes Stocking Project.

The Homeless Heroes Stocking Project works with the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania to supply stockings for Christmas to more than 2,500 homeless veterans in our area.

Items needed include full-size shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste; wash cloths, soap, plastic toothbrush and soap holders, socks, gloves and $10 gift cards to Walmart or Giant Eagle. Collection boxes are located at Dizzy’s Place and Happy Day Café, both in Leechburg; ABC Academy and Schenley American Legion, both in Gilpin; Dollar Tree in Apollo; and Hands That Care in Natrona Heights, Harrison.

Monetary contributions can be made through PayPal to VLPHomelessHeroes@gmail.com. To arrange a pickup, text Mindy at 724-882-8039.

Calendar

Allegheny Valley

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

Apollo

Wednesday: Apollo Hose Co. No. 2 will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Prize amounts have been raised and there will be a $1,000 must-go jackpot. Details: 724-478-4831.

Wednesdays and Saturdays: Apollo Area Historical Society will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the WCTU Building, 317 N. Second St. The current exhibit is a vintage toy display.

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

Friday: St. Vladimir Church, 1610 Kenneth Ave., is accepting orders for its weekly pierogi sale. Varieties: potato and sauerkraut. Pickup: 12:30 to 4 p.m. Fridays at the church social hall. Face masks required. Cost: $11 per dozen; 6 for $6. Orders: 724-339-9257, 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

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.

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 

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. Donations of clothing, winter coats, shoes, bedding and purses welcome. Donations must be laundered and free from pet hair. Details: 724-295-3095.

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.

Harrison

Wednesday: The Agape Thrift Shop at Grace United Methodist Church, 1333 Freeport Road, will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Masks required. Clean fall and winter clothing in all sizes is needed. Bring donations on Wednesday or leave them on the front porch. Do not place donations in the blue bins behind the church.

Wednesday: Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Food Bank will be open to anyone in need from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights. Pull into the center parking lot and food will be placed into your vehicle. Those who are not yet registered should come from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

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 Volunteer Fire Company will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 268 Canal St. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open.

Wednesdays: Leechburg Public Library, 139 Market St., offers a free Senior Stretch chair class at 10:30 a.m. Details: 724-236-0080.

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: Tuesday. Orders: 724-882-2665, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Lower Burrell

Dec. 13: Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary will meet at 7 p.m. at the post for the Christmas party. Bring a dessert to share. Dues for 2022 are payable. Bartenders will not be distributing keycards. Please check the notice at the post for key card information or contact president Debbie Stewart, P.O. Box 144, Apollo PA 15613.

New Kensington

Today: 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.

Oakmont

Dec. 8: A community blood drive will be from 2 to 7 p.m. at the borough building, 767 Fifth St. Appointments recommended. Bring ID. Donors will receive a neck warmer. Appointments: 412-209-7000 or donateblood.centralbloodbank.org and click on the Schedule Now or New Donor buttons. Search for group code C5300082.

Plum

Dec. 7: Westarm Physical Therapy and Home Health will offer a free seminar, “Treating Dizziness and Vertigo Using Physical Therapy,” at 6 p.m. at the Plum Community Center, 499 Center New Texas Road. Physical therapist Will Jones will be the speaker. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-337-6522.

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 

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.

Friday: 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.

Dec. 8: Wacky Wednesdays, a free program for children in kindergarten through sixth grade, will meet at 6 p.m. at Springdale Free Public Library, 331 School St. The theme will be Christmas cartoon drawing. Registration and face masks required. Registration: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum

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.

Wednesday: BridgePoint Church will offer, “Stop, Drop and Read,” from 3 to 4 p.m. in the church children’s library, 400 E. Ninth Ave. Free children’s grab-and-go meals will be distributed.

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.

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 Friday. 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 

Today: The YoYos Needles Art group at Vandergrift Public Library will meet from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the library reading room, 128C. Washington Ave. Please note the new date and time. All skill levels welcome. No reservations required. Details: 724-568-2212.

Tuesday : 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.