The Stroller, Oct. 11, 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.

Donations being accepted for holiday turkey vouchers

Allegheny Valley Association of Churches is accepting donations to help with the food bank turkey voucher distribution.

To contribute, send a check with “Thanksgiving” in the memo to Allegheny Valley Association of Churches, 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights, PA 15065. All donations will be acknowledged.

Monthly food truck event planned in East Vandergrift

East Vandergrift Community Foundation, a non-profit formed to support community and educational initiatives, will sponsor a Food Truck Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday on Chambers Street in the borough.

There will be food vendors, beer, music, a raffle and an opportunity to socialize. This will be the final event of the season.

Let us know about your Halloween happenings

The Valley News Dispatch is compiling a list of autumn events and Halloween parades, parties and trick-or-treat nights that will be published on The Stroller page and online.

Send information in writing to: Carol Pinto-Smith, Valley News Dispatch, 210 Wood St., Tarentum, PA 15084, email cpinto-smith@triblive.com or fax 724-226-4677.

Calendar

Apollo

Today: Apollo Hose Co. No. 2 will have bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There will be specials and wish jars. Details: 724-478-4831.

Thursday: The Yarn Good Time needle arts group at Apollo Memorial Library will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. All ages and skill levels welcome. Details: 724-478-4214.

Oct. 21: A Night at the Races will be at St. James Parish activities center, 109 Owens View Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Must be 21. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and races will start at 7 p.m. Cost: $20, includes food and drink. Menu: chili, chicken noodle soup, hot dogs, ham and turkey sliders, macaroni and cheese and dessert. There will be 11 races, a 50-50, themed basket raffle, instant lottery ticket raffle and pull tabs. Those attending will be eligible to win an extra $500 cash prize. Tickets: Linda, 724-882-8776.

Arnold 

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

Oct. 14: The Arnold Recreation Committee is accepting vendor applications for a craft show and touch-a-truck event set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the 18^th Street ball fields. Details: arnoldrecreationcommittee@gmail.com.

Brackenridge

Today: 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.

Thursday: Bingo will begin at 7:15 p.m. at the American Legion, 845 First Ave.

Thursday: Prospect Cemetery Historical Ghost Tours will be offered every 10 minutes beginning at 6 p.m. at the cemetery. Residents from Tarentum and Brackenridge history will come to life and tell their stories. Appropriate for all ages. Bring a flashlight. Tickets: $10. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-224-4552 and leave your name and telephone number. Proceeds are used toward the upkeep of the cemetery.

Thursday: The Allegheny Valley Salvation Army and Community Center will distribute free grab-and-go lunches from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the center parking lot, 917 Brackenridge Ave. Free grocery items from Walmart and Aldi will be available. Everyone is welcome.

Fox Chapel

Oct. 18: Fox Chapel Area High School will host a Vitalant community blood drive from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the high school large group instruction room, 611 Field Club Road. Appointments recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Donors must be at least 16 years old. Appointments: visit the Donate Blood button at vitalant.org and use group code UHS010025 or call 877-258-4825.

Freeport

Today: The Thrift Store Clothing Ministry at Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St., will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All items are free, but donations will be accepted. Items available include clothing of all sizes, bedding and window items. Donations of clothing, shoes and boots welcome; must be laundered and free from smoke and pet hair. Wheelchair accessible. Details: 724-295-3095.

Gilpin

Thursday: Gilpin Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo at 7:15 p.m. at the firehall, 113 Firehall Road.

Harrison  

Today: The Becky’s Closet community clothing store at Faith Lutheran Church, 1500 Broadview Blvd., will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church. Clothing will be available at very low cost. Donations welcome during these hours.

Today: The Anime Club at Community Library of Allegheny Valley, 1522 Broadview Blvd., will meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the library. Focused for adults, but teens who are at least in ninth grade welcome. Students younger than 18 must provide a permission slip. Permission slips are available at the library. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or AlleghenyValleyLibrary.org.

Today: Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Food Bank will be open from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights. Food bank participants can receive food allotments twice per month. Those who are not yet registered should come from 3 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday. The Sparrow’s Nest clothing and home goods ministry will be open from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Details and alternate times: 724-226-0606, ext. 10.

Today: The Agape Thrift Shop at Grace United Methodist Church, 1333 Freeport Road, will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Clean fall clothing in all sizes is needed. No housewares or bedding please due to lack of space. Bring donations on Wednesday or leave them on the front porch. Do not place donations in the blue bins behind the church.

Thursday: Friends of Allegheny Valley Community Library will meet at 10 a.m. in the library community room, 1522 Broadview Blvd. New members are welcome and there is no membership fee.

Friday: 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.

Saturday : A gun bash will be from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 894 Veterans Lane. Doors open at 1 p.m. Cost: $15, includes food and beverages. Sponsored by the post and auxiliary. Must be at least 21 to attend. No outside alcohol permitted. Tickets: Debbie, 412-298-6175.

Jefferson

Thursday: Bingo will be at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion, 754 N. Pike Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open. Proceeds benefit post and auxiliary projects.

Kittanning

Thursday and Sunday: Armstrong County Historical Museum, 300 N. McKean St., will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. Hours may change for special events. Free parking is available behind the museum via North Grant Avenue. Details: 724-548-5707 or achgs300@gmail.com or visit Armstrong County Historical Museum/Genealogical Society on Facebook.

Leechburg  

Thursday: Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society will have its annual public meeting at 6 p.m. in the Leechburg Area Community Development Corporation building on Market Street. This is the former First Commonwealth Bank building. There is no program scheduled this year.

Thursday: The Leechburg Area Community Association’s Mingle on Market event will be from 6 to 9 p.m. along Market Street. Magic and the Hot Metal Brass will perform and there will be a farmers market.

Nov. 11: A gun and cash bash to benefit Gilpin and Leechburg volunteer fire companies will be from noon to 5 p.m. at the Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company truck building, 268 Canal St. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Cost: $25, includes music, food and refreshments. Must be 21 to attend. Tickets: 724-845-1684 or John, 724-549-8867.

Nov. 18: A turkey bingo will be hosted by Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company at 6 p.m. at the firehall. Doors open at 4 p.m. and early bird games will begin at 5:30. Cost: $35 in advance; will be $40 at the door; includes packet for 20 $100 games, four $250 specials and a light meal. There will be a $1,000 must-go jackpot game. Tickets: Melissa, 724-332-9090.

Lower Burrell

Today: Burrellton Garden Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Grace Community Presbyterian Church, 2751 Grant St. New members welcome. Details: 724-335-3353 or visit BurrelltonGardenClub on Facebook.

Thursdays: Redemption Church, 232 Hillcrest Drive, will offer a GriefShare support group for anyone who has lost a loved one at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through Dec. 14 at the church. Reservations appreciated, but not required. Reservations: GriefShare.org.

Friday and Saturday: A rummage and bake sale will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Bethel United Methodist Church, 150 Alder St.

Nov. 10: Westmoreland County Marines Detachment is selling raffle tickets to benefit its Christmas Groceries for Veterans Families in Need program. The winning number from the Pennsylvania Lottery afternoon three-digit drawing will receive a $500 gift card to Community Market and the winner of the evening three-digit drawing will get a $1,000 gift card to Community Market. Cost: $10, for two numbers. Tickets: waltersusmc@comcast.net or on weekends at Community Market, Hillcrest Shopping Center.

Nov. 11: Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley Cash Bash will be at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road. Doors open at 4 p.m. and dinner will be at 5 p.m. Cost: $35 in advance; $40 at the door. There will be a basket raffle, snacks, cash bar and 50/50. Tickets: animalprotectors.net.

New Kensington

Thursday: New Kensington Eagles Auxiliary Bingo will be at 7 p.m. at the aerie, 2134 Freeport Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open. Public welcome. Details: 724-448-7403.

Oct. 20: Beverly’s Birthdays will host a free community baby shower from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at AK Valley Park Event Center, 600 Freeport Road. Expectant parents and families with a newborn up to three months old welcome. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/mw882wfb.

Thursday: New Kensington Eagles Auxiliary Bingo will be at 7 p.m. at the aerie, 2134 Freeport Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open. Public welcome. Details: 724-448-7403.

Thursday: Knead Community Café in New Kensington will hand out free grab-and-go meals from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the cafe, 1011 Barnes St. This week’s meals are sponsored in memory of the deceased members of the Ondako and Doyle Families. Details: 878-847-7997.

Oakmont

Today: Taking Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) meets at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1261 Pennsylvania Ave. Private weigh-ins will be from 5:45 to 6:10 p.m. and the meeting will be afterward. The first meeting is free. Please note the new location. Details: 412-828-3854 or jmjkwj@gmail.com.

Thursday: A free health and senior fair will be from 10 a.m. to noon in the Greek Orthodox Church social hall, 12 Washington Ave. There will be a flu, pneumonia and covid shot clinic, unused medicine disposal, blood pressure screenings, refreshments and over 35 organizations providing information. Sponsored by Pa. Rep. Joe McAndrew. Details: 412-793-2448 or repmcandrew@pahouse.net.

Parks Township

Friday: Parks Township Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo at 7 p.m. in the firehall, 1119 Dalmation Drive. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Saxonburg

Today: Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company will sell takeout fish and chicken dinners from 4 to 6:30 p.m. or until sold out at the firehall ballroom, 210 Horne Ave. Menu: fish or chicken, baked potato or fries, green beans, coleslaw, roll and cake, $15; extra piece of fish, $6; extra coleslaw, $1. Orders: 724-352-9948 after 1 p.m. today.

Springdale

Thursday: The diaper pantry at St. Mark Lutheran Church will distribute free diapers from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church, 600 Pittsburgh St. Recipients must register in advance. First-time recipients must provide their own ID, the child’s birth certificate and a current WIC or SNAP card. Distributions will be the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Registration: 724-274-5313.

Thursday: Lower Valley Community Food Bank will distribute food from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday from the rear entrance of the Springdale borough building, 325 School St. Do not arrive before 12:45 p.m. Anyone in need of food who lives in Springdale, Springdale Township, Cheswick, Harmar and the sections of Indiana Township and West Deer with a zip code of 15024 is welcome. New recipients can register Thursday.

Nov. 10: Springdale Free Public Library is accepting orders for pies and pumpkin rolls from The Pie Shoppe in Laughlintown. Varieties: chocolate meringue, coconut cream meringue, lemon meringue, apple, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, cherry crumb, Dutch apple, peach, raisin, razzleberry and pumpkin pies, and pumpkin rolls, all $11. All items arrive fresh and can be frozen. Paid order deadline: Oct. 30. Pick-up: Nov. 10. Orders: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum   

Today: The borough farmers market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of First United Presbyterian Church, 913 Lock St. This is the last market of the season.

Today: The Elks will host bingo at 6:30 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.

Thursday: The Tarentum Night Market will be from 5 to 8 p.m. in the downtown section of the borough. Eureka, Summit and Highland Fire companies will host a fire awareness event and the borough recreation board will have a tent in which to vote in the annual scarecrow contest. Information: tarentumnightmarket@outlook.com.

Weekdays: Free food and hygiene items are available at Highlands Family Center, 415 E. Fourth Ave., suite 12. Hours: noon to 8 p.m. Mondays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Details: 724-224-9006.

Oct. 28: Space applications are being accepted from crafters and vendors for the annual Boo Fest planned from noon to 4 p.m. in Riverview Memorial Park. Details: call or text Tami, 878-302-5367 or tamisudy@gmail.com.

Vandergrift

Today: The Anime Club for children in fifth through 10^th grade at Vandergrift Public Library will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Details: 724-568-2212.

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.

Washington Township

Today: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 6 p.m. at Union Presbyterian Church, 656 Route 380.

Friday: 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.

West Deer

Today: East Union Presbyterian Church will have a takeout spaghetti dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church, 292 East Union Road. Menu: spaghetti with choice of meat, marinara, meatball or mushroom sauce, salad, rolls and dessert. Donations will be accepted. Details: 724-265-1381.

West Leechburg  

Oct. 21: Lower Burrell American Legion will sponsor a gun and cash bash from noon to 5 p.m. at West Leechburg Volunteer Fire Department Recreation Hall, 1116 Gosser St. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Cost: $25, includes food and beverages. Winners need not be present. Tickets: stop in at the American Legion Post., 1100 Wildlife Lodge Road.