The Stroller, Oct. 12, 2022: 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 a week in advance to vndnews@triblive.com or The Stroller, 210 Wood St., Tarentum PA 15084. Please include a daytime telephone number.

Cub Scouts to host youth fishing derby

Deer Lakes Cub Scout Pack 965 will host a free fishing derby for children 15 and younger accompanied by an adult from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 22 at Deer Lakes Park, lake no. 1.

Check-in will be at the park Veterans Shelter, rain or shine. Bring your own rod, reel and bait. Prizes donated by Public Lands will be awarded to the top three largest fish and in other categories.

Reservations are required by visiting tinyurl.com/3htts97s.

Halloween bar crawl to benefit animal charities

The Boos and Brews Bar Crawl will be from 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 22 in Lower Burrell and New Kensington.

Participating businesses include Burrell Inn in Lower Burrell, and House of 1,000 Beers, Beermuda, Voodoo Brewery and Stranger Roots Experimental Ales, all in New Kensington. Cost is $15, and includes bus transportation between bars, Halloween swag and entertainment. Those attending must be 21. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Zen Cat Sanctuary and Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley. For tickets, stop in at any participating bar or email Tara at salemtara@gmail.com.

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.

Coat drive to benefit Highlands students

The second annual Winter-Ready Rams coat drive to benefit children in the Highlands School District will continue through Oct. 22.

New and gently-used coats and hoodies can be dropped off at the Sept. 30 and Oct. 21 home varsity football games and at bins at 200 Banbury Lane, Natrona Heights, Harrison; 1023 Stieren Ave., Brackenridge; and 233 Chinkapin Drive, Natrona Heights.

For questions, call Christina at 724-980-7751.

Calendar

Apollo

Today: 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. There will be new specials and wish jars will return. 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. to knit, crochet, embroider or cross stitch. All ages and skill levels welcome. Details: 724-478-4214.

Oct. 19: A card party will be at6:30 p.m. at St. James Parish activity center, 109 Owens View Drive. Games will include 500, bridge, cinch, pinochle, canasta or a game of your choice. A cash kitchen will be open and there will be table prizes and two 50/50 drawings. Admission: $5. Details: Linda, 724-882-8776.

Oct. 22: A Night at the Races will be at 7 p.m. at St. James Parish activity center, 109 Owens View Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be at 6 p.m. Menu: hamburgers, chicken tenders, kielbasa and sauerkraut, cowboy beans, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, dessert and beverages. Cost: $20, includes food. There will be a basket raffle, instant lottery tickets, pull tabs and a 50/50. Those attending must be 21. Tickets: Linda, 724-882-8776; before and after Mass in the church vestibule and at the door.

Nov. 25: Apollo Memorial Library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave., is sponsoring a Black Friday cash lottery. The winning number will be the 7 p.m. Nov. 25 Pick 3 Pennsylvania Lottery number. Winner receives $500, one number above and one number below both receive $25 each. Cost: $2, includes two numbers. Tickets: stop in at the library.

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.

Avonmore

Saturday : Bingo fundraiser at 1 p.m. at Avonmore Center for Active Adults, 458 Railroad St. Doors open at 11 a.m. and free coffee and doughnuts will be served. There will be 14 regular games, specials and a 50/50. Cost: $20 in advance; $25 at the door, cash only. Tickets: 724-697-4014.

Bethel

Sunday : The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will offer a paper-making workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. at the center, 142 Kerr Road. All ages welcome. Cost: $20; 17 and younger, $10; includes materials. Reservations required. Reservations: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

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.

Buffalo Township

Monday: Freeport Girls Volleyball program invites all former Freeport volleyball players to an Alumni Night at the high school gymnasium, Route 356. The junior varsity team will play at 6 p.m. and the varsity game begins at 7:15. Former players will be admitted free and be recognized. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/5462es8y.

Clearfield Township

Saturday: St. Francis Parish will host an apple dumpling festival and bake sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. while supplies last in St. John Church Hall, 668 S. Clearfield Road, Fenelton. Menu: apple dumplings with cinnamon sauce, haluski, stuffed cabbage, beef vegetable soup, broccoli cheddar soup, hot sausage sandwiches and hot dogs. Takeout only. Proceeds support the church Marian Guild. Details: 724-352-

Freeport

Today: The Thrift Store Clothing Ministry at Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St., will be open from noon 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 fall and winter clothing, shoes and boots welcome. Donations must be laundered and free from pet hair. Handicap 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.

Nov. 9, 10 and 15: Christ the King Parish is accepting orders for nut, apricot, poppy seed and crescent rolls for the Thanksgiving/Christmas season. Long rolls are $12.50 each with an order deadline of Oct. 31. Pickup: noon to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 9 or 10. Crescent rolls are $6.50 a dozen with an order deadline of Nov. 7. Pickups: noon to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 15. Orders: Toni, 724-309-1976 or Anne, 412-549-1583.

Harmar

Thursday: The last free music concert of the season will be an all-star season-ending celebration at 7 p.m. in the Pittsburgh Shrine Center pavilion, 1877 Shriners Way. Gates open at 6 p.m. Rain or shine. Free parking and food and drinks will be available. No tailgating, outside food or beverages permitted. The weekly event is sponsored by Band Together Pittsburgh, Moondog’s and the Pittsburgh Shrine Center.

Harrison

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. Wednesday. 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 and winter clothing in all sizes is needed. Masks optional. Bring donations on Wednesday or leave them on the front porch. Do not place donations in the blue bins behind the church.

Thursday: Natrona Heights Veterans of Foreign Wars will host a car and bike cruise from 5 to 9 p.m. at the post, 894 Veterans Lane. A trunk-or-treat for children will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Weather permitting. There will be food, music and a 50/50 raffle.

Thursday: Burtner House Restoration Society will not meet this month. The next meeting will be in December. Details: bhrs1821@gmail.com.

Thursday : Community Library of Allegheny Valley will offer a free seminar, “Amorphophallus: An Introduction to the Corpse Flower,” at 6 p.m. online and at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Timothy C. Choltco will be the speaker. Reservations required. Reservations: alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

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.

October: Natrona Heights Veterans of Foreign Wars, 894 Veterans Way, is conducting a membership drive through the end of the month. Details: 724-904-7649.

Jefferson

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

Nov. 12: Table reservations are being accepted for the Knoch Knights Girls Basketball craft show at Knoch High School. Details: Shannon McGraw, 724-822-6803 or knochgirlscraftshow@gmail.com.

Leechburg  

Thursday: A storytime for preschoolers will be at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Leechburg Public Library, 139 Market St. Attend either session. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-236-0080.

Thursday: 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.

Oct. 18: Leechburg Public Library will offer a workshop to create a journal with recycled materials from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children age 6 through adults welcome. Age-appropriate materials will be available. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-236-0080.

Oct. 20: The free monthly Movie Night at Leechburg Public Library will feature the movie Disney’s, “Hocus Pocus 2,” rated PG at 6 p.m. at the library, 137 Market St. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-236-0080 or stop in at the library.

Nov. 12: A turkey trot bingo to benefit Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company will be at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 268 Canal St. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cost: $30, includes card, dauber, food and drinks; extra cards, $5. There will be a $1,000 cover-all jackpot game. Reserved seating available for parties of eight or more. Must be 21 to attend. Tickets and reservations: John, 724-549-8867 or Melissa, 724-332-9090.

Dec. 10 and 11: Table reservations are being accepted for a Christmas craft and vendor show planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Leechburg Volunteer Firehall, 268 Canal St. Cost: $30 per day or $50 for both days, includes one table and two chairs. Details: Melissa, 724-332-9090 or allermelissa@comcast.net.

Lower Burrell

Thursday: Peoples Library will host an arts and crafts hour for children 6 and younger and their caregivers at 1 p.m. at the library, 3052 Wachter Ave. No reservations required. Details: 724-339-1021.

Tuesday : A paint night fundraiser to make a home-sweet-home or welcome sign will be from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Burrell High School cafeteria, Puckety Church Road. Cost: $40, includes supplies and instructions. There will be a concession stand and 50/50. Wear appropriate clothing. Paint will not wash out. Advance tickets required. No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets: Danielle Kariotis, dkarioti.@burrell.k12.pa.us. Proceeds will be used to fund the Reading Railroad group’s Halloween Read-a-thon and Dr. Seuss Night.

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

Oct. 22: Grace Community Presbyterian Church, 2751 Grant St., will host a spaghetti dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church. Proceeds will benefit Operation Christmas Guild that ships gift-filled shoe boxes to children in need around the world. There will be a silent auction. Dine in or takeout. Cost: $10; younger than 12, $7. Advance tickets receive a $1 discount. Tickets: 724-339-9661.

Oct. 23: Tickets are on sale for a super bingo set for 2 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road. Doors open at 11 a.m. Admission: $60 in advance; $65 at the door. Sponsored by the post and auxiliary, there will be a $3,000 cover-all jackpot game. Tickets: at the post club room bar or at Tuesday night bingo in the post ballroom.

Nov. 6: Westmoreland County Marines’ 247^th birthday ball will be from 4:30 to 11 p.m. at Hill Crest Country Club. Attire is formal. Paid reservations required by Oct. 15. All active-duty Marines, veterans, reservists, Navy chaplains or corpsmen are welcome. Details: Jim Walters at 724-681-6293 or waltersusmc@comcast.net.

New Kensington 

Thursday: Sally’s Outdoor Market will be from 2 to 6 p.m. weather permitting, at the Salvation Army, 255 Third St. There will be fresh produce, plants, baked goods, hot foods and more. Vendor spaces available. Details: 724-335-7221, ext. 106 or lauren.suprano@use.salvationarmy.org.

Thursday: Peoples Library will host an arts and crafts hour for children 6 and younger and their caregivers at 11 a.m. at the library, 88 Barnes St. No reservations required. Details: 724-339-1021.

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

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.

Thursdays: The Secular Organization for Sobriety/Save Our Selves (SOS), a support group for people recovering from alcohol and drug abuse, will meet at 7 p.m. at Lost Dreams Awakening Recovery Community Center, 408 Eighth St. Details: 724-556-0737.

Oct. 22: Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley will host a Howl-O-Ween Cash Bash at the Quality Inn, Tarentum Bridge Road. Doors open at 4 p.m. and dinner will be at 5. Admission: $30 in advance; $35 at the door. There will be small games of chance, a buffet dinner, basket raffle and 50/50. Tickets: visit the Events section at animalprotectors.net.

North Apollo 

Thursday: An American Red Cross Blood community blood drive will be from 2 to 6:30 p.m. at First Church of God, 507 20^th St. Appointments: 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and search with zip code 15673.

Saxonburg

Today: Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Department will sell takeout fish and chicken dinners from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the firehall ballroom, 210 Horne Ave. Menu: entrée, baked potato or french fries, green beans, coleslaw, roll and cake. Orders: 724-352-9948 after 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Springdale

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. 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.

Tarentum 

Today: The Tarentum Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the upper parking lot at First United Presbyterian Church, 913 Lock St.

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 free diaper bank at Highlands Family Center, 415 E. Fourth Ave., will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. One distribution per child per month is available. Details: 724-224-9006.

Friday: Tarentum Book Club will meet in the home of Kathy Brooke. Debbie Fugate will review, “The Giver of Stars,” by Jojo Moyes. The committee will be Mary Lou Beck, Debra Stephenson and Kathy Zigo.

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.

Nov. 15, 16 and 17: Ss. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, 339 E. 10th Ave., is taking orders for its annual Christmas nut roll sale. Nut, apricot and poppy seed rolls will be available. Cost per roll: $13. Orders: Lisa,724-230-6504, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Torrance

Thursday: The Board of Trustees at Torrance State Hospital meeting has been postponed until 1:30 p.m Oct. 27. Details and access information: 724-459-4411.

Vandergrift

Thursday: The Farmer’s Market will be open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the Columbia Avenue parking lot.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday: Tickets will be available from 5 to 9 p.m. at Wooden Door Winery, 101 Custer Ave. for a basket raffle to benefit Victorian Vandergrift Museum and Historical Society. Details: vvmhs.org.

Thursdays and Fridays: Victorian Vandergrift Museum and Historical Society will feature a display of photographs and memorabilia from Parks Township through Dec. 16 at the museum, 84 Sherman Ave. Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Details: 724-568-1990.

Oct. 22: The Casino Theater will present the Electric Light Orchestra tribute band Into the Blue in concert at 7:30 p.m. at the theater. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $20, all reserved. Tickets: 724-567-5049 or stop in at Pomfret’s Paints & Variety, 149 Farragut Ave., Vandergrift.

Oct. 31: Vandergrift Public Library, 128C Washington Ave., is having its fall book sale through the end of October during operating hours at the library. Cost: books, $3 per grocery story bag, provided by the library. Other items available for $1 each include puzzles, DVDs, music CDs and audio books. Details: 724-568-2212.

Nov. 6: Tickets are on sale for a His/Her Fundraiser Bash set for 2 to 5 p.m. in St. Gertrude Church Hall, 303 Franklin Ave. Prizes will include designer handbags, patio and outdoor items and tools. There will be a silent auction and 50/50. Cost: $30. Proceeds will be used to restore the church floor. Tickets and basket donations: Megan Kiebler, 724-882-5035.

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.

Oct. 27: Highpointe at Rebecca is accepting reservations for an Oktoberfest set for 4 to 7 p.m. at the campus, 1871 Highpointe Lane. Mikey Dee will provide the music and there will be a German-themed dinner. Dinner fee: $10. Tours of the facility will be available. Reservations required by Oct. 24. Reservations: Julie, 724-444-1521.

Nov. 6: Space applications are being accepted for an auto parts swap meet set for 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Washington Township Volunteer Fire Co., 4078 Route 66. Cost: 12 x 24-foot space, $25; 12 x 48-foot space, $45. Vendor set up will begin at 11 p.m. Nov. 5. First come, first served. Items will include parts and accessories from anything automotive, classic, high performance, trucks, cars, motorcycles or boats. Reservations and details: 724-727-3079, leave a message.

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, meatball or mushroom sauce, salad, rolls and dessert. Donations will be accepted. Details: 724-265-1381.

Dec. 10: Deer Lakes Band Boosters are accepting table reservations for its ninth annual craft and vendor show. Details: deerlakesbands.org or dlbandshow@hotmail.com.