The Stroller, Sept. 11, 2025: 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. Follow the Stroller on X at @VNDStroller.

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Buffalo Township festival to celebrate healthy environment

The Wings, Water and Wildlife Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Buffalo Creek Nature Park, 154 Monroe Road, Sarver.

Sponsored by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, the free family-friendly festival will celebrate clean waterways and their connections to a healthy environment.

There will be nature crafts, games and vendors. Food will be sold starting at 11 a.m. and an electrofishing demonstration will be at 1 p.m. Bring a white cotton T-shirt to take part in the fish printing Gyotaku demonstration.

For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/jevmamdj.

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Memorial walk to remember loved ones

The sixth annual Monarch Hospice Memorial Walk and Celebration of Life will be from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 27 at K-9 Officer Derek Kotecki Memorial Park, 730 Wildlife Lodge Road in Lower Burrell.

There will be a walk in memory of loved ones, bell ringing ceremony, food, refreshments and fellowship. The walk route is wheelchair accessible.

Reservations are required by Sept. 20. For reservations, call 724-335-1600.

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Canines to raise cash at annual Tails on the Trails fundraiser

The 16th annual Tails on the Trails dog walk to benefit Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Freeport Community Park, 115 Community Park Road, Freeport.

There will be vendors, games, food trucks and raffles. Cost is $30 at the gate.

For reservations, visit animalprotectors.net.

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Calendar

Allegheny Township

Sept. 18: The Alle-Kiski Chapter of the American Wine Society will meet at 7 p.m. at River Forest Country Club, 130 Club House Drive. Speaker Deb Mortillaro from Palate Partners will discuss “Wines of Canada.” Five wines will be served paired with food. Cost: $47. Paid reservations required by 5 p.m. Sunday. Guests welcome. Visit Alle Kiski AWS on Facebook. Information: allekiski@yahoo.com.

Sept. 21: Markle Volunteer Fire Department is accepting space reservations for an indoor/outdoor flea market planned at the firehall, 470 Joyce St. This will be the last flea market of the season. Cost: indoors, $25; outdoors, $15. Details and reservations: 724-236-0665.

Apollo

Today: The Yarn Good Time Fiber Arts Group at Apollo Memorial Library will meet from 5 to 6 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. The Embroidery Club will meet at 6 p.m. All skill levels welcome. Details: 724-478-4214.

Friday: The Presbyterian Women’s Association of Apollo United Presbyterian Church will host a soup, salad and dessert bar luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, 401 First St. Cost: $9, includes beverages.

Friday: Apollo Hose Company No. 3 will host a wing night from 6 p.m. to midnight at the firehall, 707 N. Fifth St. Cost: dozen chicken wings, $22; half dozen, $11; basket of fries, $5. Dine in or takeout. Orders: 724-478-3001.

Saturday: Apollo Hose Company No. 2 will have bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 325 N. Fourth St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $25 per packet. The kitchen will be open with a limited menu. Details: 724-478-4831.

Saturday: St. James Parish will have a flea market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the upper level of the parish activity center, 109 Owens View Drive. Details: Linda, 724-882-8776.

Nov. 1: Apollo Hose Company No. 2 is accepting space applications for an autumn vendor fair planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the firehall, 325 N. Fourth Ave. Spots available with and without electricity available. Details: Shelby, 724-549-1601.

Arnold

Friday: St. Vladimir Church, 1610 Kenneth Ave., is accepting orders for its weekly pierogi sale. Varieties: potato or sauerkraut, $14 per dozen. Pickup: 12:30 to 4 p.m. Fridays in the church social hall. Orders: 724-339-9257, 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Saturday: Free grab-and-go lunches will be distributed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Tomb, 1821 Fifth Ave. Everyone welcome.

Saturday: The Ar-Ken American Legion will meet at 2 p.m. at the Arnold Public Safety Building, 601 Drey St. The group meets the second Saturday of each month.

Brackenridge

Today: 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.

Today: Bingo will be at 7:15 p.m. at the American Legion, 845 First Ave. Details: 724-994-6030.

East Vandergrift   

Today : A turkey dinner will be served from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the social hall of Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church, 411 McKinley Ave. Cost: $13. Menu: 1.5 pounds of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, green beans and beverage; a la carte desserts, $1.50. There will be a basket raffle and 50-50. Dine in or takeout. Reservations preferred, but walk-ins welcome. Takeout orders: 724-568-1313 on today. Reservations: 724-478-4958.

Gilpin 

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

Friday: An American Red Cross community blood drive will be from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Gilpin Township Volunteer Firehall, Firehall Road. Appointments: 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and search for code GTVFD.

Harmar   

Today: The free Thunder Thursdays Summer Music Series will feature the Nied’s Hotel Band at 7 p.m. at the pavilion at the Syria Shrine Center, 1877 Shriners Way. Rain or shine. Gates open at 6 p.m. There is free parking and food and beverages will be sold. No tailgating or outside food or drinks permitted.

Nov. 9: Daughters of the Nile are accepting vendor reservations for a holiday craft show planned at the Pittsburgh Shrine Center, 1877 Shriners Way. Details: Peggy Addleman, 724-709-9916 or peggyaddleman@gmail.com.

Harrison 

Fridays: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will offer Toddle Time for children 3 and younger at 10 a.m. No reservations required. Details: 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.

Friday and Saturday: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will host a Stuffed Animal Sleepover at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Bring your stuffed animal from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. Your friend will spend the night having adventures and all of the fun will be captured on photos. Come back on Saturday in your pajamas and watch a slide show of their fun and enjoy a waffle breakfast bar at 9:30 Saturday. Cost: $5 per animal. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/4dbcnmhy.

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.

Sept. 16 and 20: The Freeport-Highlands Girl Scout Troops will host free informational meetings for girls interested in joining and their parents from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 16 and 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 20 in Harrison Hills Park. Choose either session. Reservations required by Sept. 14 or Sept. 18. For details, visit gswpa.org/join. Reservations: freeport.highlands.gs@gmail.com.

Sept. 17 and 30: A paint night fundraiser to benefit Community Library of Allegheny Valley will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Choose either session. The subject will be a scarecrow. Must be 18. Cost: $15, includes supplies. Reservations required. Reservations: alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Sept. 19: A Vitalant community blood drive will be from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in in the Charles Young Conference Room at Allegheny Valley Hospital, 1301 Carlisle St. Appointments recommended. Appointments: 800-877-2584 or Vitalant.org.

Sept. 21: A free Jr. Ranger nature hike with park rangers will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Harrison Hills Park. Meet at the environmental learning center. The hike will be approximately 1.5 miles with moderate elevation changes. The hike is intended for children age 5 to 12 accompanied by an adult, but everyone is welcome. Bring water and wear closed toe shoes. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/5cbdtbd5.

Sept. 27: Burtner House Restoration Society is accepting vendor applications from local artisans, artists and makers for its Honey Harvest Festival planned at the homestead, 1650 Burtner Road. Cost: without electricity, $35; with electricity; $40; for a 12 x 12-foot space. Rain or shine. Applications: tinyurl.com/5xbph6he.

Sept. 28: The Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary will sponsor a purse bash bingo from 1 to 4 p.m. at the post, 894 Veterans Drive. Doors open at 11 a.m. and lunch will be served at noon. Cost: $35, includes lunch. There will be a cash bar, pull tabs, silent auction, pick of table, special raffles and a 50-50. Must be 18. Proceeds will benefit Life Changing Dogs for Veterans. Tickets: Deb, 412-298-5175 or Stacy, 412-882-4256.

Nov. 2: St. Joseph High School is accepting vendor applications for a purse bash planned in the Guardian Angels Parish Patterson Hall, 800 Montana Ave. Details: Megan Mlinarcik, mmlinarcik@gmail.com.

Jefferson Township

Today: 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.

Leechburg   

Oct. 11: Vendor applications are being accepted for a fall food and craft festival planned in Riverfront Park. Details: Leechburg Public Library, 724-236-0080.

Nov. 15 and 16: Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company is accepting space reservations for a holiday craft and vendor fair at the firehall, 268 Canal St. Cost: $30, includes an 8-foot table and two chairs for one day; two days, $50. Reservations: Melissa, 724-332-9090 or allermelissa@comcast.net.

Lower Burrell

Saturday: The ClothesLine Ministry at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 3084 Leechburg Road, will be open from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost: clothing, shoes and purses, 25 cents each or five for $1; special occasion clothing, leather coats, designer shoes and purses, $5 to $10. Several bridal gowns are available. The jewelry room will be open. Please bring your own bags.

Saturday: The city’s farmer’s Market will be open from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Bon Air School parking lot, 3260 Leechburg Road.

Saturday: The Veterans of Foreign Wars will feature the Near the Edge band from 7 to 10 p.m. at the post. Members and three guests welcome.

Saturday : A spaghetti dinner will be from noon to 6 p.m. at Braeburn Community Church, 4146 Arnold Ave. Menu: spaghetti, salad, bread, drink and dessert. Cost: $10; children, $6. There will be a basket raffle. Tickets: Marie Capo, 724-448-0841 or at the door.

Nov. 10: Westmoreland County Marine Detachment is selling raffle tickets to win two rolls of $20 Pa. Lottery scratch-off tickets or $1,000 cash. Cost: $10, for two numbers. Tickets will be sold from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Community Market, Hillcrest Plaza. The winning number will be the Nov. 10 evening Pa. Pick 3 lottery number. Tickets: Jim Walters, 724-681-6293 or waltersusmc@comcast.net.

New Kensington

Saturday: East Kensington Community Circle will host bingo in the Community Circle building, 1785 Seventh St., across from Martin Elementary School. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be served at noon and bingo starts at 1 p.m. Menu: hot dogs, baked beans, chips and dessert. There will be a progressive jackpot bingo, magic number game, a quickie and drawing for $5 off next month’s bingo admission. Cost: $20, includes lunch, eight regular games and eight specials.

Sept. 26: St. George Orthodox Church is accepting orders for its Middle Eastern food sale. Menu: babaganoush, $8; spinach pies, $5; pita bread, five for $5; and hummus, $8. Order deadline: Sept. 18. Pick-up: noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 26 in the church hall, 1150 Leishman Ave. Orders: 724-335-9988 or saintgeorgeorthodox.org.

Oakmont

Saturday: A free paper shredding event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Third Street parking lot of Riverside Park. Rain or shine. Details: Phyllis J. Anderson, 412-828-3232.

Sept. 17: Oakmont Carnegie Library will host a town hall meeting for teens at 3 p.m. in the lower level meeting room at the library, 700 Allegheny River Blvd. Bring your ideas, creativity and opinions. Reservations required. Reservations: oakmontlibrary.org.

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.

Sept. 28: A fall fashion show to benefit Vandergrift Public Library will be from 1 to 4 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Pleasant View Brethren Church, 1156 Pleasantview Drive. Fashions will be provided by East West Boutique. Cost: $20, includes beverages, small bites and sweets. Tickets: tinyurl.com/384vbvdb or stop in at the library or the boutique.

Plum

Sept. 18: Plum Community Library will host a discussion with Ed Bouchette about the Pittsburgh Steelers at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 445 Center New Texas Road. Reservations required. Reservations: plumlibrary.org.

Saxonburg

Today: The dementia caregiver support group at South Butler Community Library will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. at the library, 240 W. Main St. The group meets the second Thursday of each month and provides a safe place for caregivers to share their feelings and discuss their day-to-day challenges. No reservations required. Details: Michelle Govan, RN, 724-504-5512.

Springdale 

Today: 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. Advance registration required. First-time recipients must provide their own ID, the child’s birth certificate and a current WIC or SNAP card. Distributions are the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Registration: 724-274-5313.

Today: Lower Valley Community Food Bank will distribute food from 1 to 3 p.m. 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. Updates: lowervalleyfoodbank.org.

Sept. 17: Springdale Free Public Library will offer an adult craft workshop to make a book pumpkin at 1 and 6 p.m. at the library, 331 Church St. Choose either session. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum   

Friday: Tarentum Book Club will meet at the home of Susan Goughler. Pat Henry will review “The Glassblower” by Petra Durat-Benning. Hostesses will be Margo Masarik, Janice Demharter and Margaret Baldassare.

Friday: Free bread and baked goods will be distributed at 10 a.m. while supplies last at Highlands Family Center, 415 E. Fourth Ave., suite 12. Details: 724-224-9006.

Saturday: 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.

Oct. 18: The borough Recreation Board is accepting food truck and vendor applications for the annual Boo Festival planned on First Avenue. Cost: $20 per table or truck. Details: Carrie Fox, 724-448-1470.

Nov. 22: Tarentum Recreation board is accepting registration from groups, businesses and clubs who would like to participate in this year’s holiday parade. Lineup will be at noon and the parade will begin at 1 p.m. Details: Carrie, 724-448-1470 or tarentummagazine@gmail.com.

Vandergrift

Today: The borough farmers market will be open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot across the street from the Casino Theater. Details: visit vandergriftfarmersmarket on Facebook.

Washington Township

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. The kitchen will open and card sales start at 6 p.m. Free coffee. Players must be at least 18 or accompanied by an adult.

West Deer   

Friday: Highpointe at Rebecca will present John Patrick Heiserman in concert at 3:30 p.m. in the facility’s outdoor courtyard, 1871 Highpointe Lane. In case of inclement weather, the free concert will be inside. Tours of the facility will be available and refreshments will be served. Reservations are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Reservations: Julie Spirnock, 724-444-1521.

Saturday: Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh will host a free star party starting with solar observing at 5:30 p.m. at the Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory, 225 Kurn Road, in Deer Lakes Regional Park, weather permitting. Bring binoculars, a blanket and camping chair. Use only parking lights if entering through the park gate after dark. Donations will be accepted. Details and weather updates: 724-224-2510 or 3ap.org.

Sunday : Join Allegheny County Park Rangers and help with habitat restoration from 9 a.m. to noon at Deer Lakes Park. Meet at the Veterans I shelter. Volunteers will use hand tools to remove invasive species and may plant native species. Expect to participate in physical activity. No experience is necessary. Tools, gloves and eye protection will be provided. Bring water and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Registration requested. Registration: tinyurl.com/yusu6344.

Sept. 27: East Union Presbyterian Church is accepting applications from craft vendors for its fall craft show at the community center, 292 East Union Road. Details: Mary Lynn, 412-767-5750.

Winfield

Today: The Matrona Family Resource Center at Cabot Church, 707 Winfield Road, will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. New and gently used clothing in sizes preemie through 10/12 will be available, as well as strollers, car seats, toys and more. No reservations required. Details: 724-524-1809 or tinyurl.com/mw9kd9cp.