The Stroller, Oct. 4, 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.

Job fair planned at Heinz Field for veterans, military

Disabled American Veterans and RecruitMilitary will host a free job fair for transitioning members of the military, veterans, military spouses and dependents from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh.

Those who attend will receive a $20 gift card. Registration is required. To register, visit success.recruitmilitary.com/events/ and search for Pittsburgh

Scarecrow contest planned in Leechburg

Leechburg Area Community Association is sponsoring a Scarecrow Contest.

Setup will begin at 10 a.m. Oct. 14. The entry fee is $5 and includes a hay bale base for the scarecrow. The first prize winner will receive $100. Applications are available at Leechburg Public Library, 139 Market St. For questions, call Doreen Smeal at 724-448-4188.

Collection to benefit Veterans Leadership Program

Women of Alle-Kiski Engaging (WAKE) is collecting non-perishable food and personal products to be donated to Veterans Leadership Program.

Items needed include canned meat, tuna and chicken, pasta, noodles, rice, boxed dinners, granola bars, cleaning products, soap, shampoo, lotion, paper towels and toilet paper. The collection will continue through the end of October.

Donation boxes are located at Westarm Physical Therapy in Cheswick and Lower Burrell, Heritage Hospice in Lower Burrell, Dollar General and MinuteMan Press, both in Allegheny Township, Alle-Kiski Strong Chamber in Harrison, Havin’s Second Chance Shop in Kittanning, Springdale Free Public Library and Harvest Moon Coffee and Chocolates, Merle Norman Cosmetics and Blackburn’s Pharmacy, all in Tarentum.

Calendar

Allegheny Valley

Wednesday: The All Virtual chapter of the Women’s Business Network will meet at 7:30 p.m. online at Zoom.us. Those attending can learn how the group supports the success and growth of women in business. Reservations required. Reservations and sign on information: Jennifer Pasquale, 412-908-1663

Apollo

Saturday: 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. Details: Linda, 724-882-8776

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

Wednesday: The Wheel Good Wednesday food truck event sponsored by the Apollo Events Committee and Apollo Area Historical Society will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at the old Stanford lot on Clifford Avenue. This will be the last event of the season.

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

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: $10 per dozen. Due to the rising cost of ingredients, effective Oct. 15 prices will be $11 per dozen and $6 for 6. Orders: 724-339-9257, 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Brackenridge

Wednesdays: 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.

Cheswick 

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

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. No donations are being accepted at this time. Details: 724-295-3095

Gilpin

Oct 13 and 14: Christ the King Parish will accept donations from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct 13 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct 14 for its Oct. 16 rummage sale at the church hall, 125 Park Road. No televisions, computers, printers, large furniture or exercise equipment, tires, encyclopedias or textbooks, please.

Harrison  

Tuesday: Highlands School District Superintendent Monique Mawhinney will host an in-person Coffee Talk at 8:30 a.m. for parents and guardians of middle school students at Highlands Middle School.

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

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.

Wednesday: The Agape Thrift Shop at Grace United Methodist Church, 1333 Freeport Road, will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Masks required.

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

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

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 and Saturdays: Leechburg Area Museum, 118 First St., will be open from noon to 3 p.m. Details: lamahs@windstream.net

Saturday: Takeout chicken and biscuit dinners will be sold 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: 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.

New Kensington

Today: Pucketos Garden Club will meet at 10 a.m. at New Kensington United Presbyterian Church, 601 Fifth Ave. A program about decorating artificial pumpkins will be presented. Materials will be provided. A light lunch will be afterward. Visitors welcome. Like us on Facebook. Details: Pat, 724-275-7207

Today: 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: 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

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

Pittsburgh

Tuesday: The Allegheny Valley chapter of the Women’s Business Network will meet at 8 a.m. at Panera Bread, Waterworks Mall, 942 Freeport Road. Those attending can learn how the group supports the success and growth of women in business. Meetings are the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Reservations required. Reservations: Susan Kinger, 412-782-4848

Plum

Saturday: Allegheny County Parks Department will host a campfire ghost story event at 7 p.m. in the Four Season Lodge at Boyce 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: alleghenycounty.us/special-events/campfire-ghost-stories.aspx

Saxonburg 

Today: 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.

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

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.

Nov. 9, 10, 16 and 17: Ss. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, 339 E. 10th Ave., will have its annual Christmas nut roll Sale. Varieties are nut, apricot and poppy seed. Cost: $12. Orders: Lynn, 724-717-8121, 10 a.m. to 8 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 

Tuesdays and Fridays: Vandergrift Public Library will offer free three-week storytimes for children age 4 to 7 at 6 p.m. Tuesdays or 11 a.m. Fridays Oct. 5 to 22 at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Register for either day. Registration: 724-568-2212

Wednesday: Vandergrift Public Library will offer a free Toddler Time at 11 a.m. for children 4 and younger at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Registration required. Registration: 724-568-2212

Wednesday: The YoYos Needles Art group at Vandergrift Public Library will meet from 2 to 4 p.m. in the library reading room, 128C. Washington Ave. All skill levels welcome. No reservations required. Details: 724-568-2212

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