The Stroller, Sept. 12, 2022: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley

Publicize your 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.

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Free resource fair planned in Harrison

The Building Block of Natrona will host a free community health and resource fair from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in Natrona Community Park, 12-20 River Ave., Harrison.

Narcan will be distributed and there will be giveaways, STD screenings and prevention materials.

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Psychology professor to discuss mental health and society

Allegheny-Kiski Health Foundation will present a free program, “Exploring the Nature of Mental Health and the True Impact on Violence and Society,” from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 14 in the William and Grayce Walker Conference Room at the foundation offices, 1 Acee Drive, Harrison.

Dr. Angela Bloomquist, psychology professor and manager of the school psychology program at PennWest University will be the speaker. Topics will include underlying causes and backgrounds of extreme teen and young adult mental health issues.

Registration is required. To register, call 724-294-3157.

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West Leechburg author to discuss book

West Leechburg resident Kevin Smith will discuss his book, “God Discovery: How Science and Logic Reveal the Existence of God,” at 4 p.m. Sept. 25 at West Leechburg Firemen’s Recreation Hall, 1116 Gosser St.

A three-course buffet will be served. Music will be by Wayne Shaffer and there will be a silent auction. Tickets are $15 and proceeds will be donated to Light of Life Mission and West Leechburg Volunteer Fire Department.

For tickets, call 724-433-0794, email goddiscoverybanquet@gmail.com. Ticket deadline is Sept. 18.

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Calendar

Apollo

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. Details: 724-478-4831.

Wednesdays and Saturdays: Apollo Area Historical Society Museum, 317 N. Second St., is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations of paper towels, stamps, envelopes, cleaning supplies, copy paper and trash bags are welcome. Details: ApolloPAHistory@gmail.com.

Oct. 8: Apollo Memorial Library will host an adult paint night fundraiser with Steele’s Brushes and Ceramics from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Cost: $35. Paid reservations required. Space is limited. Reservations: stop in at the library.

Arnold

Tuesday: The Tomb Coffeehouse, 1821 Fifth Ave., will serve a free lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bible study and fellowship will be from 7 to 9 p.m.

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.

Bethel

Wednesday: The Knee High To Nature Series at the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will offer a free science program, “Search for Woolly Bear Caterpillars,” for children in elementary school at 6 p.m. at the center, 142 Kerr Road. Reservations required. Reservations: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

Oct. 2: The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will host, “Magic and Mystery at Crooked Creek,” from 1 to 5 p.m. at the center, 142 Kerr Road. Children 8 to 12 years old welcome. Parents should plan to drop off children at 1 p.m. and pick them up at 5 p.m. Children will go on a 1.5-mile hike and gather ingredients to create magic crystal wands to take home, play games and enjoy a snack. Cost: $50 plus $4.67 in Eventbrite service and processing fees. Tickets: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

Brackenridge

Wednesday: 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.

Burrell Township 

Sept. 25: Burrell Township Volunteer Fire Department is accepting vendor applications for its fall festival at the firehall, 108 Cochrans Mill Road. Details: Call or text Crissy Schaeffer, 724-525-5002 or email cnschaeffer290@gmail.com.

Cheswick

Today: Springdale High School Alumni Association will meet at 7 p.m. in Cheswick Presbyterian Church, 1401 Pittsburgh St. Details: Mike, 724-275-7566.

East Deer 

Sept. 18: National Association of the Women’s Interactive Network is accepting table and space reservations for a flea market set for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at East Deer Athletic Field, 700 Front St., Creighton. Cost: $25 for a 12 x 12-foot space paid in advance. No electricity available. Setup will begin at 7 a.m. No food or drink vendors. The association provides networking, professional mentoring and education to women experiencing economic hardships. Reservations: 412-965-3971, info@na-win.com or na-WIN.com.

Freeport

Wednesday: 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.

Sept. 17: The Freeport Eagles will sell outdoor-grilled half chickens from 11 a.m. until sold out at the aerie, 101 Fifth St. Advance orders recommended. Cost: $9, includes coleslaw. Dine in or take out. Orders: 724-295-9979.

Sept. 24: St. Mary Mother of God Parish will host a fall festival from 6 to 10 p.m. in the church social hall, 608 High St. Breweries and wineries will be on hand and there will be heavy appetizers, dancing and indoor and outdoor seating. The 56 East Band will entertain. Cost: $30. Tickets: Bridget, 724-448-9645 or Jeff, 724-596-0503.

Sept. 28: St. Mary Mother of God Parish, 608 High St., will host a Vitalant community blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. in the church hall. Appointments recommended. Appointments: 412-209-7000 or visit donateblood.centralbloodbank.org and use group code G0040286.

Gilpin

Sept. 16: A Red Cross community blood drive will be from noon to 5 p.m. at Gilpin Volunteer Firehall, 113 Firehall Road. Appointments: 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code GTVFD.

Sept. 17: A super bingo to benefit Gilpin police K9 Rudy will be at 7 p.m. at the township firehall, 113 Firehall Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. Admission: $50, includes one game pack and one special pack. Extra game packs will be sold at the door and the kitchen will be open. Regular game payouts will be $60, specials will be $300 each and there will be one must-go jackpot game that will award $2,000. There will be a silent auction, strip tickets and a 50/50. Tickets: at the firemen’s regular bingo Thursdays at the firehall; at the municipal building, 589 Route 66; or call Sharon at 724-845-0981.

Harrison  

Tuesday : Allegheny-Kiski Health Foundation and Eureka Fire Rescue EMS will offer a free CPR/AED certification class for healthcare providers from 6 to 9 p.m. at the foundation, 1 Acee Drive, Natrona Heights. There may be a nominal fee for the certification card. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-294-3157.

Wednesday: The Agape Thrift Shop at Grace United Methodist Church, 1333 Freeport Road, will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Clean fall and back-to-school 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.

Wednesday: The Anime Club at Community Library of Allegheny County, 1522 Broadview Blvd., will meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the library. Focused for adults, but teens who are at least in ninth grade welcome. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or visit the calendar section at AlleghenyValleyLibrary.org.

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.

Sept. 17: Harrison Hills Park will offer a free Junior Ranger program, “Seeds and Spores” with the park rangers,” from 1 to 3 p.m. in the park Rachel Carson shelter. All ages welcome. This is a 2-mile hike with moderate elevation changes. Bring water and wear closed toe shoes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required. Reservations: friendsofharrisonhills.org/programs-and-events.html.

Sept. 20: The PriorityCare program at Allegheny Valley Hospital and Highmark will offer a free Medicare workshop at 6 p.m. in the Charles W. Young Conference Center at the hospital, 1301 Carlisle St., Natrona Heights. The presentation is for educational purposes and no plan-specific details will be shared. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-7339.

Jefferson

Thursday: The American Legion Auxiliary will host a luncheon card party at noon at the post, 754 N. Pike Road. Cost: $7. Public welcome. Details: Lil, 724-352-1809.

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.

Kiski Township

Oct. 8: Kiski Township Volunteer Firemen will have a scrapbook day from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the firehall, 1037 Route 56. Cost: $20. Bring a covered dish to share. Reservations required by Sept. 29. Reservations: 412-601-1782.

Leechburg 

Today: Leechburg Public Library Board of Directors will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 137 Market St. Public welcome.

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.

Mondays: First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Leechburg, will sponsor a 13-week GriefShare support group for anyone who has lost a loved one at 6 p.m. Sept. 12 through Dec. 12 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.

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

Wednesday: Seneca Service Unit Girl Scouts will host a sign-up night from 7 to 8 p.m. at Puckety United Presbyterian Church, 1009 Puckety Church Road. for new girls who are in kindergarten through 12^th grade and live in Lower and Upper Burrell. Please arrive by 6:50 p.m. Parents and guardians must stay for a short informational program. Reservations required. Reservations: LowerBurrellGIrlScouts@gmail.com.

Tuesday: Peoples Library, 3052 Wachter Ave., will offer a Toddler Time for children 3 and younger and their caregivers at 1 p.m. at the library. Details: 724-339-1021.

Manor   

Oct. 8 and 9: Vendors applications are being accepted for the Fall For Animals Festival set for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 8 and noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 9 at Crooked Creek Horse Park, 467 Crooked Creek Dam Road. Cost: $60 for a 10 x 20-foot space. Spaces will be assigned by lottery. Electricity is available. Vendors must participate both days open to close. Paid reservation deadline: Sept. 23. Details: Rini, 724-859-3559.

New Kensington 

Today: Pucketos Garden Club will meet at 11 a.m. at New Kensington United Presbyterian Church, 601 Fifth Ave. A light lunch will be served. Master gardener Ellen Marsilli will discuss using herbs in cooking. Guests welcome. Like us on Facebook. Details: Pat, 724-275-7207.

Tuesday: Peoples Library, 880 Barnes St., will offer a Toddler Time for children 3 and younger and their caregivers at 11 a.m. at the library. Details: 724-339-1021.

Sept. 20: The Salvation Army Church and Community Center will offer sewing classes from noon to 2 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of each month beginning Sept. 20 at the center, 255 Third St. All experience levels welcome. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-335-7221.

Oct. 1: St. George Orthodox Church is accepting orders for its Middle Eastern food sale. Pick up will be from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at the church, 115 Leishman Ave. Menu: grape leaves, green beans and rice, kibbee, babaganoush, spinach pies, meat pies, pita bread, hummus and baklawa. Order deadline: Sept. 23. Orders: 724-335-9988 or saintgeorgeorthodox.org.

Oakmont 

Today: Riverside Women’s Association will have the first meeting of the club year at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas Memorial Episcopal Church, 378 Delaware Ave. New members welcome. Details: riversidewomensassociation.org.

Tuesday : Riverview Community Action Corporation will host a free history program about former Oakmont resident Jessie Mathews Vann. Debra Sandoe McCauslin will be the speaker. Public welcome. Reservations required. Reservations: 412-828-1062.

Tuesdays: Taking Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) meets at 6 p.m. at Oakmont United Methodist Church, 419 Maryland Ave. Monthly dues: $5; first meeting is free. Details: vrevilla@pointpark.edu.

Penn Township 

Sept. 23: A purse bash to benefit Good Samaritan Hospice Youth Bereavement Care will be at 6 p.m. at The Mansion, 141 Mansion Lane. Cost: $40, includes light appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages. Outside snacks and BYOB welcome. Winners need not be present. Bring a bottle of wine to receive a ticket for the win-it-all wine table. Sponsorship opportunities available. Tickets and details: 724-352-1571, ext. 8363 or give.concordialm.org.

Plum

Sept. 20: The SOS Ministry Team at Holy Family Parish will sponsor a Senior Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Our Lady of Joy Church hall, 2000 Oblock Road. There will be free flu shots and blood pressure screenings and a certified Alzheimer care professional will give a presentation at 11:30 a.m. Reservations required. Reservations: 412-793-4511, ext. 107 or sos@holyfamilypgh.org.

Sept. 24: Logans Ferry Heights Fire and Rescue will sponsor a comedy dinner show at the firehall, 1001 Summit Ave. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 5 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. Performers will include Sean Collier, Marcus Cox and headliner Mike Wysocki. Cost: $25, includes spaghetti dinner and dessert. There will be a cash bar and 50/50 raffle. Tickets: 724-339-2210.

Saxonburg

Today: Bingo will begin at 7 p.m. in the ballroom of Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company, 210 Horne Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Springdale

Today: 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.

Tuesday: A craft workshop to make a clock will be from noon to 2 p.m. at Springdale United Presbyterian Church, 859 Pittsburgh St. Use the front door on Pittsburgh Street. Bring a lunch. Reservations required. Reservations: call or text Amy at 702-496-6268.

Sept. 21: Springdale Free Public Library will offer a craft workshop to make a Steelers glass or pumpkin decoupage at 1 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum

Wednesday: 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.

Wednesday: 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.

Vandergrift

Today : An American Red Cross Blood community blood drive will be from 1:30 to 6 p.m. in the banquet room of the Masons, 113 Washington Ave. Appointments: 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code Vandergrift.

Tuesday: The YoYos Needles Art group at Vandergrift Public Library will meet from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the library reading room, 128C. Washington Ave. All skill levels welcome. Details: 724-568-2212.

Sept. 21: Vandergrift Public Library will host a home school creative program, “Be A Biologist,” at 12:30 p.m. at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Children can learn how to help migrating hummingbirds. Reservations required. Reservations: 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

Wednesday: Cub Scout 500 will host a sign-up night for new members and their parents from 6 to 8 p.m. in Kunkle Park. Lower Kiski Search and Rescue will demonstrate their equipment and introduce their rescue dogs. Details: visit Pack500 on Facebook.

Wednesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 6 p.m. at Union Presbyterian Church, 656 Route 380.

West Deer 

Wednesday: 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.

Sept. 24 and 25: West Deer Dog Shelter is seeking gift basket and gift card donations to raffle off at the township festival. Money raised will help with vet bills, food, cleaning supplies and other shelter expenses. Donations can be delivered to the shelter, 109 East Union Road, Cheswick PA 15024. Details: 724-265-2780, ext. 224.

Sept. 24: East Union Presbyterian Church is accepting space reservations for a fall craft show at the church, 292 East Union Road. Details: Mary Lynn, 412-767-5750.