The Stroller, Oct. 2, 2021: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley

The Valley News Dispatch is compiling a list of autumn events and Halloween parades, parties and trick-or-treat nights. Information should be emailed to cpinto-smith@triblive.com.

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Mini golf fundraiser planned Oct. 16 in Springdale

A Halloween Miniature Golf Outing to benefit the Myasthenia Gravis Association will be Oct. 16 at Glen’s Frozen Custard, 400 Pittsburgh St.

Check-in will begin at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start will be at 9. Prizes will be awarded for lowest individual score, lowest team score, best individual costume and best team costume. Cost is $35 per golfer or $140 per foursome, and includes breakfast, 18 holes of miniature golf, a tailgate party, event T-shirt and a Halloween goodie bag.

Tickets for a post-event tailgate party are $20 per person. There will be a 50/50 raffle, basket raffle and silent auction. Proceeds benefit the association’s free patient support services. For registration and details, call 412-566-1545 or email mgaoffice@mgawpa.org

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Online program to discuss Small Business Administration

The Corner Launchbox in New Kensington and Penn State will sponsor a free online program, “Open Office Afternoons with the SBA,” at 12:30 p.m. Thursday.

Karan Waigand, economic development specialist for the Small Business Administration’s western Pennsylvania office will discuss the ways the organization can help strengthen and support the overall success of your business. Participants can pose questions and can drop in at any time.

To register, click here. For questions, contact Alyssa at amp7089@psu.edu.

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Grief and memorial walk set in Lower Burrell

Monarch Hospice will sponsor a free Grief and Memorial Walk from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 9 in K-9 Officer Derek Kotecki Memorial Park, Lower Burrell.

Those attending are welcome to bring a 4x6-inch photograph of their loved one that will be returned at the end of the event. There will be stations throughout the park where participants can honor and remember their loved ones. Social distancing will be observed. Accommodations have been made for those with mobility difficulties. To register, call 724-335-1600 or visit Monarch Hospice on Facebook.

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NK Salvation Army to offer holiday assistance, coats

The New Kensington Salvation Army will accept applications for assistance for holiday food and gifts for children 13 and younger and Project Bundle Up coats for students younger than 18 at the center, 255 Third St., New Kensington.

Applications will be accepted on a first-come and most-need basis from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Bring identification, proof of household income and expenses and children’s birth certificates. Covid-19 safety precautions will be observed. For information, call 724-335-7221, ext. 110.

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Calendar

Apollo

Oct. 9: 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

Oct. 16: A Night at the Races will be at 7 p.m. at St. James Parish Center, 109 Owens View Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Food will be served at 6 p.m. and the races begin at 7. Menu: hamburgers and cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, kielbasa and sauerkraut, cowboy beans, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, dessert and beverages. Admission: $20, includes food. Must be 21 to attend. There will be 50/50 raffles, a basket raffle and pull tabs. Tickets: in the church vestibule before and after weekend Masses and at the door

Oct. 30: A Halloween Bingo will be at 8 p.m. at Apollo Hose Company No. 2, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 6 p.m. and food will be served at 7. Cost: $40, includes game packet, dauber, food, pop, games and music. Tickets: apollohosecompany2.square.site or after 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the firehall. Details: 724-549-1601 or shelbymiller80@gmail.com

Arnold

Today: Arnold United Methodist Church, 1801 Leishman Ave., will host an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon at the church. Menu: choice of plain, blueberry, pecan and chocolate chip pancakes or french toast, sausage and drink. Dine in or take out. Cost: $7.50; 12 and younger, $5. Details: 724-339-2377

Today: Homemade doughnuts will be sold from 6 to 10 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 1721 Victoria Ave. Orders: 724-335-0101

Today: The Tomb, formerly known as Sheep Coffeehouse, 1821 Fifth Ave., will have fellowship at 7:30 p.m. Free Lunch with Us from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays. Details: 724-339-8888

Brackenridge

Today: Blessing of the Animals will be offered from noon to 2 p.m. at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 989 Morgan St., weather permitting. Free hot dogs, also known as Father Frank’s Franks, will be served. Owners are welcome to bring their pets to a 5:30 p.m. outdoor worship service where they may receive a blessing. In case of inclement weather, the service will be indoors, and masks and safety measures are encouraged. Pets should be on a leash.

Cadogan

Today: An Octoberfest will be from 3 to 9 p.m. in Overlook Park in Cadogan. Sponsored by the Cadogan Centennial Committee. Entertainment will include Dave Paleczny from 3 to 4:30 p.m., DJ Aleea Perry from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and the band Street Fair from 6 to 9 p.m. Menu: beer brats, bratwurst, coleslaw, German potato salad, hot dogs and drinks.

Cheswick

Today: A flea market will be from 8 a.m. to noon at Rock of Ages Alliance Church, 124 Pearl Ave.

Tuesday: Westarm Physical Therapy and Home Health will offer a free seminar, “Are You Considering a Knee or Hip Replacement,” at 6 p.m. at the Cheswick Plaza office, 1316 Pittsburgh St. Dr. Daniel March will be the speaker. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-337-6522

East Vandergrift

Today and Sunday: A rummage sale will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and noon to 1 p.m. Sunday in the basement of Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church, 420 McKinley Ave.

Harrison  

Sunday: Natrona Heights Veterans of Foreign Wars will sponsor a drag queen bingo featuring Miss Thea’s Drag Queens at 2 p.m. at the post, 894 Veterans Way. Doors open at noon and food will be served from noon to 2 p.m. Cost: in advance, $30; at the door, $35, includes eight regular games and buffet. There will be a cash bar, specials, a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Must be 21 to attend. Tickets: call or text 724-448-8624 or at the post

Tuesday: Highlands School District will host Financial Aid Night at 6 p.m. in the high school audion. Amy Sawdey from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency will discuss the different types of financial aid available. Juniors, seniors and their parents are encouraged to attend. Parents of seniors can stay afterward to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with help from Sawdey. Face masks required. Reservations required for the FAFSA completion event. Reservations: Beth Carrarini, 724-226-2400, ext. 4651, or bcarrarini@goldenrams.com

Nov. 6: Highlands Marching Band is seeking vendors for a fall craft show. Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Applications: hvmubcraftshow@gmail.com

Kiski Township

Today: Kiski Township Volunteer Firemen will host a flea market and craft sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the firehall, 1037 Route 56. Vendors welcome. Spaces: $10 per space per week. Vendor information: 724-681-2023

Sunday: An all you can eat breakfast will be from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Kiski Township Volunteer Fire Department, 1037 Route 66. Menu: scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, home fries, hash browns, French toast, pancakes, toast, biscuits with gravy, waffles, mush, coffee and juice. Cost: $10, age 4 to 12, $6; age 2 and 3, $2; younger than 2, free.

Oct. 23: Kiski Township Fire Department is seeking vendors for its Fall Fest. There will be a vendor show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., food trucks from noon to 8 p.m. and a meet-and-greet with fire, EMS and police personnel from 2 to 6 p.m. Details: Morgan, 724-466-2812, or Tracy, 724-681-6665

Kittanning

Sunday: Armstrong County Historical Museum and Genealogical Society will present a free afternoon of music by the students of Claire’s Music Studio at 1:30 p.m. on the museum lawn, 300 N. McKean St. Bring a chair or blanket. Museum tours will be offered from 1 to 2 p.m. Parking will be available on Vine and McKean streets and behind the museum via North Grant Avenue.

Leechburg

Sunday: Pet Blessings will be offered from 1 to 2 p.m. at Cross Roads Church, 271 Main St. Drive-thru or walk-up blessings will be available.

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.

Oct. 9: A takeout chicken and biscuit dinner will be from 4 to 6 p.m. at Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church, 271 Main St. Cost: $9; 10 and younger, $4. Delivery available to Leechburg high rises. Tickets and details: 724-845-1901

Oct. 24: First Lutheran Church, 358 Main St., will offer the GriefShare program, “Surviving the Holidays,” at 2 p.m. in the church social hall. Details: 724-845-7518

Oct. 24: A purse bash sponsored by the Leechburg-Gilpin Lions Club will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Marconi Club, 135 River Ave. Doors open at noon and there will be side raffles. Admission: $20, includes food, beer and beverages. Must be 21 to attend. Tickets: 724-448-1052

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

Lower Burrell

Today: Burrell High School Marching Band will host a car and motorcycle show from noon to 5 p.m. at the high school, 1021 Puckety Church Road. There will be food and a 50/50 raffle. Vehicle entry fee, $10; spectator admission, $5. Proceeds will benefit the band.

Today: The Lower Burrell Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the municipal building, 2800 Schreiber St. The Lions Club will sell brooms and Burrellton Garden Club will sell fall mums, pansies and decorative kale plants.

Today: The Veterans of Foreign Wars will feature the band Daniels & McClain from 8 to 11 p.m. at the post. Members and three guests welcome.

Today: Grace Community Presbyterian Church will host a spaghetti dinner to benefit Operation Christmas Child from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church, 2751 Grant St. Dine in or takeout. A silent auction will be conducted during dinner. Winner need not be present. Cost: $10; younger than 12, $7; advance tickets receive a $1 discount. Tickets: 11 to 11:30 a.m. Sundays at the church. Proceeds will be used ship gift-filled shoe boxes to children in need throughout the world. Details: 724-339-9661

Monday: Westmoreland County Marine Detachment No. 1416 will meet at 7 p.m. at the American Legion, 1100 Wildlife Lodge Road. All active-duty Marines, Marine Corps Reserves, honorably discharged Marines, Navy corpsmen and Navy chaplains who served with the Marines are eligible for membership.

Manor

Sunday: Go for a Walk in Penn’s Woods at 2 p.m. at the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek, 142 Kerr Road. A naturalist will lead a hike on the Discovery Trail. Pets on leash welcome. Children can participate on a scavenger hike while walking the trail. Not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Reservations encouraged. Reservations: rachel@armstrongcenter.org

New Kensington

Today and Monday: The Community Clothes Closet, 1129 Kenneth Ave., is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and offers clothing for all members of the family, uniforms for students at Mary Queen of Apostles School, shoes, purses, household items, linens and blankets. Visit the new home store. First-time customers receive 15 free items. Donations accepted during open hours only. Take a free chance on a monthly basket raffle.

Sunday: The Pet Blessing ceremony at Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley is canceled due to the expected inclement weather.

Sunday: St. Mary Parish will sell drive-thru Polish platter dinners from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the 800 block of the alley between Kenneth Avenue and Constitution Blvd. Enter the alley at the Ridge Avenue end near the YMCA. Menu: cabbage roll, two pierogi, halushki, green beans and kielbasa served in microwavable containers, $15. Details: Charlotte, 724-889-3284

Sunday: Aluminum City Terrace Activities Group will host a bingo at 2 p.m. in the activities center, 136 Aluminum City Terrace. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Admission: $2, includes beverages; plus 25 cents per card per game. Please bring quarters. Public welcome.

Oct. 9: Tables reservations are being accepted for a craft and vendor show at East Ken Community Center, 1785 Seventh St. Cost: $10. Details: Marie, 724-472-5106

Oct. 10: A Vitalant community blood drive will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Trinity Hall at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 221 Ridge Ave. Appointments recommended. Appointments: 412-209-7000 or visit the Donate Blood button at Vitalant.org and use group code C5300045

Oct. 16: St. John the Baptist Orthodox Catholic Church, 150 Elmtree Road, will have a drive-thru Slavic Food Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the church. Orders are being accepted for frozen pierogi. Cost: $10 per dozen. Order deadline: Oct. 8. Orders: 724-226-0942 or saintjohnnewken@gmail.com

Oct. 16: Knead Community Café is accepting space applications from crafters and vendors for a harvest fair set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the café, 1011 Barnes St. Applications: marciecoveyleo@gmail.com or stop in from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays or 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the cafe

North Apollo

Oct. 9: North Apollo Volunteer Fire Department is seeking food truck vendors and basket auction donations for its food truck rally set for 4 to 9 p.m. at the firehall, 311 16^th St. Details and applications: Chris at nachief170@gmail.com or leave a message at the station at 724-478-4260

O’Hara

Oct. 12: A Vitalant community blood drive will be from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the large group instructional room at Fox Chapel Area High School, 611 Field Club Road. Donors will receive a T-shirt. Appointments recommended. Appointments: 412-209-7000 or visit the Donate Blood button at Vitalant.org and use group code HS010025

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

Plum

Sunday: Allegheny Foothills Historical Society will sponsor a program, “Candlemaking and the Progression of Light,” from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Carpenter Log House, Pierson Run Road, Boyce Park. Guests will be able to make a candle from scratch. Tours of the house will be available. Donations will be accepted to support Carpenter Log House.

Saxonburg

Monday: GRWC Saxonburg District Woman’s Club will meet at 7 p.m. at Abba’s House, Main Street. Julie Stock from the Agency on Aging will be the speaker. Face masks optional. Hats, scarves and gloves will be collected for donation to the Cabot Food Bank.

Springdale  

Saturday: Springdale Volunteer Fire Department will host a food truck rally from noon to 4 p.m. at the firehall, 845 Lincoln Ave. There will be craft vendors, a pumpkin patch, bounce house and music. The firemen will sell carnival pizza and hot sausage.

Tarentum

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 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

Ongoing: Upper Burrell Volunteer Fire Company is sponsoring a tip board to win a $15,000 store credit at Lojak’s Cycle Sales, Fawn. Cost: $50 per chance. The drawing will be conducted on Facebook and Instagram live when all tickets are sold. Tickets: send a message on the fire company Facebook page or click here.

Vandergrift 

Today: 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.

Sunday: Takeout barbecued chicken and pulled pork dinners will be sold from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Casino Theatre parking lot to benefit Vandergrift Meals on Wheels. Rain or shine. Menu: half barbequed chicken or pulled pork, baked beans, roasted potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and dessert, $10. Orders: 724-567-7893

Oct. 16: A drag queen bingo will be 5 p.m. at Vandergrift Volunteer Fire Hall No. 1, 278 Franklin Ave. There will be a silent auction, jackpot games, food, and strip tickets. BYOB. Must be 21 to attend. Cost: $20, includes eight games and a dauber. CDC guidelines will be observed. Tickets: Joann, 724-596-0076

Washington Township

Saturday: Community Church of Pine Run EMC will host a fall festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Kunkle Park. Enjoy food, craft vendors, a chili cook-off, children’s activities and music. Proceeds will benefit the church scholarship fund. Details: office@pinerunemc.org

Nov. 7: 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; inside 32-foot space, $55. Vendor set up will begin at 11 p.m. Nov. 6. 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

Sunday: Allegheny County Parks Department will host a campfire ghost story event at 7 p.m. in the Carp shelter at Deer Lakes Park. Listen to spooky stories and songs by the glow of a roaring campfire. Wear a costume for a chance to win a prize. Physical distancing will be observed and face masks are required. Registration required. Registration: visit apm.activecommunities.com/alleghenyparks/Activity_Search