The Stroller, Oct. 14, 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.

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Community development workshop offered

The Westmoreland County Redevelopment Authority and Land Bank will host a free workshop to learn successful community development tactics Oct. 20 in the event center of the Student Achievement Center Wing at Westmoreland County Community College, 145 Pavilion Lane, Youngwood.

Residents of Arnold, New Kensington, Vandergrift, Greensburg, Jeannette, Penn Borough and Monessen are welcome to attend.

Check-in will be at 9 a.m. and reservations are required. For reservations, visit tinyurl.com/RALB-ProjectMngr. For questions, send an email to ashley@westmorelandredevelopment.com.

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Sign-ups scheduled for Salvation Army Christmas toy help

The Springdale Service Unit of the Salvation Army will accept sign-ups for its Christmas Toy assistance program from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 26 and other times by appointment at the Springdale borough building, 325 School St.

Residents of zip codes 15144, 15024 and 15049 are eligible. Applicants should bring their current driver’s license or ID and verification of household members. If your ID does not have your current address, bring a utility bill to confirm your address.

For details, call Ellen Benedetto at 800-454-1156 or ellen.benedetto@use.salvationarmy.org.

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Religion Digest

Brackenridge

Today: A blessing of the animals service will be from noon to 2 p.m. in St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 989 Morgan St. Pets will be blessed, and free Father Frank’s Franks (hot dogs) will be distributed. Pets also are welcome to attend the 5:30 p.m. worship service and receive a special blessing. Details: 724-224-9280.

Leechburg

Mondays: First Evangelical Lutheran Church is sponsoring a weekly GriefShare support group for anyone who has lost a loved one at 6 p.m. Mondays through Dec. 11 in the church social hall, 358 Main St. Participants can join at any session of the program. Details and registration: 724-845-7518 or visit GriefShare.org.

Saxonburg

Today: A Rosary rally will be at noon in Roebling Park. Details: Shelley, 724-994-6170.

Tarentum

Today: The praise and worship services scheduled for today and Oct. 21 at First Baptist Church are canceled. The next service will be at 3 p.m. Oct. 28 at the church, 410 Third Ave.

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Calendar

Apollo

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.

Buffalo Township

Oct. 22: A fall festival will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at W.L. Roenigk Inc., 798 Ekastown Road. There will be vehicles to explore, food, games, bounce houses, face painting, pumpkin decorating and prizes. Reservations required. Reservations: send a message with the number of children and children who will attend to the W.L. Roenigk Inc. page on Facebook.

Clearfield Township

Saturday: St. Francis Parish will host an apple dumpling festival and bake sale from 8 a.m. until sold out in St. John Church Hall, 668 S. Clearfield Road, Fenelton. Menu: apple dumplings with cinnamon sauce, haluski, stuffed cabbage, homemade soups, hot sausage sandwiches and hot dogs. Takeout only. Proceeds support the church Marian Guild charitable activities. Details: 724-352-0706.

East Vandergrift

Sunday: Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish will have bingo at 6:30 p.m. in the church social hall, 411 McKinley Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There will be a 51-number jackpot game, a 52-number picture frame game and a magic number game. Details: 724-478-4958.

Fawn

Sunday: The Alle-Kiski Valley Historical Society’s final Flea-Tique antique and collectible show of the season will be from dawn to 1 p.m. at the Bull Creek Tour-Ed Mine site, off Ridge Road. Rain or shine. No pets permitted. Customer parking: $3. Marines will collect toys for their Toys for Tots program. No pets permitted. Follow us on Twitter at @fleatique82. Details: 724-224-0178 or fleatique82@gmail.com.

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

Nov. 3: A bingo night to benefit the playground project in Freeport Community Park will be at 6 p.m. at Laube Hall, 115 Community Park Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cost: $20, includes five bingo sheets, a dauber and entry into door prize raffle. BYOB. Must be 21 to attend. Prize winners must be present. There will be food trucks, a basket raffle and 50-50. Tickets: beebejr@gmail.com.

Hampton

Monday: The Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Roundtable will host a free program about the Andersonville Tragedy with Joseph F. Wilson at 7 p.m. at the Hampton Community Center, 1301 McCully Road. Public welcome.

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.

Saturday: A free fall fun day for children and their families will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Natrona Park and Playground, River Avenue. There will be prizes, treat bags, pumpkin decorating kits, crafts and games. Sponsored by Fun and Freedom Youth Sports and Natrona Comes Together Association.

Saturday: A Pumpkin Fest will be from noon to 2 p.m. at Guardian Angels Parish, 800 Montana Ave., Natrona Heights. There will be pumpkin decorating, face painting, the Barnyard Petting Zoo and photo opportunities. Costumes encouraged and prizes will be awarded. Sponsored by the township recreation board.

Saturday: The Diaper Pantry at Christ Our Hope Anglican Church will distribute diapers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, 926 Painter Ave., and at Sheldon Park, both in Natrona Heights. Recipients must drive up and remain in their vehicles. First-time recipients must provide their own identification, the child’s birth certificate and a current WIC or SNAP card.

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.

Tuesday: Tarentum Area Lions Club will meet at 6 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 894 Veterans Lane. Members and guests welcome. Details: Jody, 724-954-2341.

Thursday: Community Library of Allegheny Valley, 1522 Broadview Blvd., will offer a program to make Cauldron Slime at 6 p.m. at the library for children who are in at least fifth grade. Reservations required. Reservations: alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Thursday: The annual Highlands High School Fall Follies talent show featuring the Honors Choir, Variations Show Choir and selected acts will be at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Admission: $2.

Oct. 30: A Teen Paint Workshop: Dia De Los Muertos Sugar Skull will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Community Library of Allegheny Valley, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Teens age 12 to 15 will learn how to paint a sugar skull with acrylics on canvas. Fee: $5. Reservations required by Oct. 23. Reservations: alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Nov. 5: Vendor applications are being accepted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary for a holiday craft show set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the post, 894 Veterans Lane. Details: Deb, 412-298-6175.

Leechburg   

Monday: 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.

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: The Mobile Veterans Program will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road. The Veterans Benefit Administration and Veterans Cemetery Administration will have open registration from 9 to 11 a.m. and there will be a meet-and-greet, crafts, lunch and brain and trivia games. Sponsored by the Veterans Administration of Pittsburgh.

Saturday: A story time for all ages will be at 1 p.m. at Peoples Library, 3052 Wachter Ave. Details: 724-339-1021.

Saturday: The ClothesLine Ministry at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 3084 Leechburg Road, will be open from 9 a.m. to noon. Clothing, shoes and purses will be sold for 25 cents each or five for $1. The jewelry room will be closed.

Saturday: The Veterans of Foreign Wars will feature DJ Zombi from 8 to 11 p.m. at the post. Members and three guests welcome.

Monday: The Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary will meet at 6 p.m. in the post banquet room, 1600 Wildlife Lodge Road. A police officer will speak and the regular meeting will be afterward.

Thursday: The Alle-Kiski Chapter of the American Wine Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. Juan Lora of Refucilo Winery will be the speaker. Tastings of Refucilo wines will be paired with food. Details: allekiski@yahoo.com or visit AlleKiskiAWS on Facebook.

Oct. 22: A Monster Match bowling fundraiser to benefit Freeport High School Competitive Club Bowling Team will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at Wildlife Lanes, 1000 Wildlife Lodge Road. Cost: $25 per person, includes three hours of bowling, shoe rental, a 12-cut pizza and pop. Prizes will be awarded for best team costume, best costume and high scores and there will be raffles and a bake sale. Reservation deadline: Saturday. Details: freeportbowling@gmail.com.

Nov. 4: The Moose will sponsor a dinner theater “The Altos” by members of The Theater Factory at the lodge, 499 Reimer St. Dinner will be at 6 p.m. and the show will begin at 7 p.m. Cash bar. Cost: $45, includes an Italian-themed dinner. Public welcome. Tickets and information: MooseLodge053@gmail.com.

Nov. 5: Burrell High School Marching Band will host a Bowl With the Band fundraiser from 1 to 4 p.m. at Wildlife Lodge Lanes, 1000 Wildlife Lodge Road. Cost: $20, includes unlimited bowling and shoe rental. There will be a bake sale, a basket raffle, and 50-50. Tickets: BurrellBandVP@gmail.com.

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

Saturday: A story time for all ages will be at 11 a.m. at Peoples Library, 880 Barnes St. Details: 724-339-1021.

Sunday: St. Mary of Czestochowa Parish will host its Polish Platter Dinner in the church Friendship Hall, 857 Kenneth Ave. Dine in hours: noon to 4 p.m. Takeout hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Menu: cabbage roll, pierogi, haluski, kielbasa and green beans Polonaise, $15. There will be a bake sale and basket raffle.

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.

North Apollo

Today: North Apollo Church of God will host an applefest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church, 507 20^th St. There will be food, crafts and children’s games. Details: 724-765-0333.

Oakmont

Today: Oakmont Carnegie Library will offer Stories with Sandy the goldendoodle dog at 10:30 a.m. at the library, Allegheny River Blvd. Reservations required. Reservations: 412-828-9532 or oakmontlibrary.org.

O’Hara

Oct. 28: A Roaring 20s murder mystery fundraiser to benefit Guyasuta Area Youth Football will be at the at the Comfort Inn, 180 Gamma Drive, RIDC Park. Doors open at 5 p.m. There will be appetizers, an Italian buffet dinner, raffles and awards for best dressed. Cost: $50. Tickets: tinyurl.com/3nt68aey.

Parks Township

Today: House of Hope Worship Center will have a fall craft and vendor show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the center, 1164 Pleasant View Road, Kepple Hill. There will be a touch-a-truck, police car and bounce house. Takeout homemade soup and sandwiches will be sold. Cost: $7 per quart.

Sunday: Parks Township Sportsman’s Club will have a country music jam night from 5 to 8 p.m. at the club, 1111 Shipman Road. Bring your favorite stringed instrument and sing along. Refreshments available. Public welcome. Details: 724-845-2390.

Plum

Sunday: A hard-to-read license plate event will be from noon to 2 p.m. at A-Amy Notary 2, 140 Sandune Drive, suite D. Sponsored by Plum Police Department and A-Amy Notary. Bring your current vehicle registration and a valid driver’s license. Details: 724-519-2365.

Saxonburg

Thursday: South Butler Community Library will host a seminar “Interacting with Dementia” at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 240 W. Main St. Reservations required. Reservations: Michelle, 724-504-5512.

Springdale 

Monday: The Knotty Knitters group at Springdale Free Public Library will meet at 6 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. Bring your unfinished knitting or crocheting project. All skill levels welcome. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

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: Streetlight Café will host a free Oktoberfest from 1 to 3 p.m. at the cafe, 302 W. Seventh Ave. Chicken noodle soup will be served and there will be games. Public welcome.

Today: 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: The Academy Concert series at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St., will host a concert at 4 p.m. featuring soprano Katy Williams, the Canzona Ensemble and cellist Paige Riggs. Donations will be accepted. Details: 724-224-9220.

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.

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

Oct. 21: Master magician Tim Kutch will perform at 7 p.m. at the Casino Theater. Cost: $15. Tickets: casinotheatre.org or at Pomfret’s Paints, 149 Farragut Ave., Vandergrift.

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.

West Deer 

Today: West Deer Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 will have a fall festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the firehall, 1590 Saxonburg Blvd. There will be food, a basket auction, crafts and vendors. Free admission.

Today: Allegheny County Parks Department will sponsor a campfire with ghost stories at 7 p.m. in Deer Lakes Wagman Observatory. Wear a costume for a chance to win a prize. Bring a chair or blanket. A star party with the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh will be afterward.

Sunday: A community health fair will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at West Deer Volunteer Fire Department No. 1, 1520 Saxonburg Blvd. There will be flu shots, over 35 vendors, free massages and balloon animals. Details: 724-265-1632 or palmersmed@gmail.com.

Thursday and Friday: St. Michael Church, Curtisville, will sponsor a flea market from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the church, Liberty Street. Items will include books, art, ethnic items, icons and more. Details: 724-265-1005.

Nov. 11: Reservations are being accepted for a Veteran’s Day breakfast set for 8 a.m. to noon at the American Legion, 57 Superior Road, Curtisville. Menu: pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, orange juice and water. Guest charge: $5. Reservation deadline: Nov. 1. Reservations: Kari Biehl, 412-913-9326.

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.

Winfield

Sunday: St. Francis of Assisi Parish will host an Aging Gracefully resource fair from noon to 4 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, 315 Stoney Hollow Road. An anointing Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Over 15 organizations will be present to hand out information.