The Stroller, Sept. 16, 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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Project SEED accepting donations to feed local children

New Kensington-Arnold Project SEED co-founder Joanne Cecchi estimates that Project SEED will feed approximately 300 children each week in the district’s schools. This will be the 11th year that Project SEED will provide weekend food bags for children in need.

To support this project, visit somethingtoeateveryday.org or send a check to Project SEED, c/o Alle-Kiski Center for Active Adults, 1039 Third Ave., New Kensington PA 15068.

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Local marching bands to perform at 76^th annual AK Marching Band Festival

The 76th annual Alle-Kiski Marching Band Festival will be Tuesday at Plum High School, 900 Elicker Road.

The national anthem will begin the event at 6:50 p.m. and the show starts at 7. Students from 11 local high schools will participate. Admission is $5. Rain date is Sept. 20.

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Entries sought for annual Tarentum scarecrow contest

Tarentum Recreation Board is sponsoring its 15th annual Scarecrow Contest.

The contest is open to groups, including family, friends, clubs, schools and businesses. There is no entry fee. Scarecrows must be humorous, whimsical and lovable, but not frightening or bloody. All props and scarecrows should stand between 4- and 7-feet tall and be attached with only rope to the black light poles along Corbet Street and Sixth Avenue. Set-up is Oct. 1 to 10. Judging will be at the Oct. 12 Night Market and gift card prizes will be awarded.

For details and an application, call Carrie at 724-448-1470 or email carriefox170@gmail.com.

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Calendar

Apollo

Today: A rummage and bake sale will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Apollo United Presbyterian Church, 401 First St. Details: 724-478-4807.

Sept. 24: St. James Parish is selling tickets for a grocery giveaway raffle. Cost: $10, includes two numbers. The winner will receive 10 pounds each of chicken drums, wings, thighs and split breasts; boneless pork chops, T-bone steaks, shrimp, 80/20 hamburger, hot dogs, hot or sweet sausage, kielbasa, Delmonico steaks and bacon, a case each of corn, baked beans, water, soda and beer, a Blackstone LP gas griddle and a freezer. The winning number will be the 7 p.m. Sept. 24 Pa. Daily Pick 3 number. Tickets: Linda, 724-882-8776, after weekend Masses in the church vestibule and at the parish office.

Apollo/East Vandergrift

Oct. 2: St. James and Our Lady Queen of Peace parishes will sponsor a bus trip to Rivers Casino, Pittsburgh. Departure: 9 a.m. from the St. James church parking lot. The group will be at the casino for five hours. Cost: $35, includes $10 in free play and gratuity for the bus driver. A state-issued photo ID is required to receive the free play. Must be at least 21. Details and reservations: 724-478-4958.

Arnold

Oct. 14: The Arnold Recreation Committee is accepting vendor applications for a craft show and touch-a-truck event set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the 18^th Street ball fields. Details: arnoldrecreationcommittee@gmail.com.

Bethel

Sept. 23: The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will offer a program about cooking and preserving edible mushrooms at noon at the center, 142 Kerr Road. Participants can choose a culinary mushroom and a variety of spices to blend to take home for their own personal use. Cost: $45. Reservations required. Reservations: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

Butler

Sept. 27 to Nov. 15: National Alliance on Mental Illness Butler County is accepting registrations for its free Family to Family course to be offered from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Holly Point Building, 220 S. Main St. The course is for family members and close friends of those with a mental health condition. Details: 724-431-0069 or info@namibutler.org.

Cadogan 

Today: St. Lawrence Parish will have its annual fall festival from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the church, Main Street. There will be food, games, a bounce house, raffles, entertainment, a basket raffle and beer garden. Details: 724-763-9141.

East Vandergrift

Sunday: Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church will serve brunch from noon to 2 p.m. in the church hall, 411 McKinley Ave. Menu: salad, quiche, French toast casserole, ham and cheese breakfast sliders, silver dollar pancakes, bacon, sausage, fruit cup, juice and coffee. Cost: $10; age 3 to 10, $5, 2 and younger, free. Reservations encouraged, but not required. Reservations: 724-216-7053.

Fawn

Sunday: The Alle-Kiski Valley Historical Society’s Flea-Tique antique and collectible show 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. No pets permitted. Follow us on Twitter at @fleatique82. Details: 724-224-0178 or fleatique82@gmail.com.

Freeport

Sept. 24, 25, 27, 29 and 30: St. Mary Mother of God Parish will have a non-denominational parish mission “Walking In the Footsteps of Jesus: A Journey Through the Holy Land,” from 6 to 8 p.m. in the church fellowship hall. Attend any or all sessions. Donations will be accepted. Registration encouraged, but not required. Registration and information: 724-295-2281.

Hampton

Monday: The Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Roundtable will host a free program about the history of the 139^th Pa. Regiment with Arthur Fox and John Haltigan at 7 p.m. at the Hampton Community Center, 1301 McCully Road. Public welcome.

Harrison  

Today: Friends of Harrison Hills Park will meet at 10 a.m. in the park Environmental Learning Center, Natrona Heights. Public welcome.

Today: The Guardian Angels Parish Piecers will host a craft, yard and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 204 Elbrook Drive, Natrona Heights. Proceeds will benefit the parish Quilts for the Homeless Project.

Today: The free Allegheny County Fall Concert series will feature the Good Karma Band in concert at 2 p.m. in the Yakaon Shelter of Harrison Hills Park, Freeport Road. Bring a chair or blanket.

Sunday: Boy Scout Troop 186 will host their annual chicken barbecue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until sold out on the lawn of Guardian Angels Parish at the corner of Broadview Blvd. and Montana Avenue, Natrona Heights. Cost: $15, includes half chicken, plain or barbeque; coleslaw, two rolls and a side of Birdville Birdsauce. Dinners for advance purchased tickets are guaranteed available until 4 p.m. Pint jars of Birdville Birdsauce and homemade baked goods will be available. Cash and credit cards accepted. Tickets: birdvilletroop186bbq@gmail.com.

Sunday: Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary will have a spaghetti dinner from 1 to 5 p.m. at the post, 894 Veterans Lane. Menu: spaghetti, salad, roll, dessert and cash bar. Cost: $10; children, $5. Dine in or takeout.

Sunday: Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary will have a spaghetti dinner from 1 to 5 p.m. at the post, 894 Veterans Lane. Menu: spaghetti, salad, roll, dessert and cash bar. Cost: $10; children, $5. Dine in or takeout.

Tuesday: The Who Knew? program at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will present “Builders of the AK Valley” at 6 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Online participation available. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or visit the calendar tab at alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Sept. 25: The Outside the Lines Adult Crafting Club at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will meet from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. This month’s project will be heart string art. Bring a hammer. Reservations required. Reservations: Alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Oct. 14: 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.

Jefferson

Sunday: A bingo fundraiser to benefit a disabled veteran will be at 3 p.m. at the American Legion, 754 N. Pike Road. Doors open at 1 p.m. Admission: $30. There will be a silent auction, pull tickets, refreshments and a 50/50. Tickets: Amy Curry, 724-355-0810.

Kittanning

Thursday: A free book signing session with Sara Bloom, author of “Iselin: The Rich History of a Western Pennsylvania Coal Town in Appalachia” will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Armstrong County Historical Museum and Genealogical Society, 300 N. McKean St. Books will be sold for $27 with a portion of proceeds to benefit the society. Parking available behind the museum via North Grant Avenue. Details: 724-548-5707.

Leechburg 

Today: Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church will have its free takeout monthly Pot Love Dinner at noon at the church, 271 Main St. Reservations required. There is a one dinner per family member limit. Those with reservations will be served first. Line-up will be outside and everyone is welcome. Reservations: 724-845-1901 or church@crcpc.org.

Today: The Clothing Closet at First Lutheran Church, 358 Main St., will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All items are 20 cents each. Please bring a bag. Donations welcome.

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.

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.

Sept. 30: A spaghetti dinner will be from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church, 271 Main St. Menu: spaghetti with choice of meat, marinara or garlic butter sauces, salad, Italian bread and dessert. Cost: $10; younger than 12, $5. Dine in or takeout. Tickets: 724-845-1901.

Lower Burrell

Today: The VA Mobile Veterans program will be at the Veterans of Foreign Wars post, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open registration will be from 9 to 11 a.m., and representatives will be present from the Veterans Benefit Administration, Veterans Leadership Program, Veterans Cemetery Administration and Wounded Warriors.

Today: The farmers market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bon Air Elementary School, 3260 Leechburg Road.

Today: Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Company No. 3 will host an open house from 1 to 6 p.m. at the fire station, 3255 Leechburg Road. There will be tours, crafts and face painting for children, food trucks and equipment demonstrations.

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

Today: A luncheon bingo will be at 1 p.m. at the Moose, 499 Reimer St. Doors open at 11 a.m. Admission includes lunch at 12:30 p.m., 15 games that win $20 each; four specials that win $30 each; and a $100 must-go jackpot. Details: 724-335-4131.

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

Sunday: The American Legion, 1100 Wildlife Lodge Road, will be open for breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon. Menu: pancakes, creamed ground beef on toast, eggs made to order with toast, home fries, and sausage or bacon.

Monday: Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary will meet at 6 p.m. in the post banquet room, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road. A free class on how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) will be at 7:30 p.m. Public welcome.

Sept. 23: Grace Community Presbyterian Church, 2751 Grant St., will sponsor a pulled pork sandwich fundraiser dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. to benefit Operation Christmas Child. Menu: pulled pork sandwich, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, applesauce, pickles and dessert, $15; younger than 12, $10. Dine in or takeout. Tickets purchased in advance receive a $1 discount. Tickets: 724-339-9661 or secretary@gracecommunitypresbyterian.org.

Sept. 28: The Corner and Training and Market Access For Entrepreneurs will sponsor a networking and resource event for entrepreneurs from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Corner office, 701 Fifth Ave. There will be networking, an overview of small business support organizations and resources and a discussion. Light refreshments will be served. Details: tinyrul.com/4zc52nj2.

Sept. 30: Church of God is accepting reservations for its parking lot treasures sale set for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, 273 Chester Dr. Rain date: Oct. 7. This will be the last sale of the year. Reservations: 724-335-4422 or lbcog@hotmail.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.

New Kensington

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

Sunday: The Holy Name Society at St. Mary of Czestochowa Church will host bingo at 1 p.m. in the church Friendship Hall, 857 Kenneth Ave. Cost: $12, includes regular games. Box lunches: $6.

Sept. 28: The Corner and Training and Market Access For Entrepreneurs will sponsor a networking and resource event for entrepreneurs in Westmoreland County from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Corner office, 701 Fifth Ave. There will be networking, an overview of small business support organizations and resources and a discussion. Light refreshments will be served. Details: tinyurl.com/4zc52nj2.

Sept. 30: St. George Orthodox Church is accepting orders for its Slavic food sale. Menu: grape leaves, green beans and rice, kibbee, babaganoush, spinach pies, meat pies, pita bread, hummus and baklawa. Order deadline: Sept. 22. Pick-up: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 30 in the church hall, 1150 Leishman Ave. Orders: 724-335-9988 or saintgeorgeorthodox.org.

Oct. 21: Tickets are available for a Swiss steak dinner planned from 3 to 7 p.m. at Logans Ferry Presbyterian Church, 750 Church St. Menu: Swiss steak, gravy, mashed potatoes, salad, vegetable, drink and dessert. Dine in or takeout. Cost: $15; age 3 to 12, $7.50; younger than 3, free. Advance tickets required; no tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets: Janet, 724-335-1980, 1 to 4 p.m. weekdays.

North Apollo 

Sept. 23: The Haunted Halloween Bingo planned by North Apollo Volunteer Fire Department is canceled. Details: 724-472-5346.

Oakmont

Sept. 23: 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.

Parks Township

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

Today: Plum Community Library will sponsor a book sale to benefit the families of the house explosion in Rustic Ridge from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the library, 445 Center New Texas Road. Cost: $10 per bag.

Sunday: The Rockin’ 4 Rustic Ridge benefit concert will be from noon to 7 p.m. at the Masons, 9521 Saltsburg Road. Music will be by Acoustic Boombox, Barracuda and MoJo the Band. Admission: $25. There will be food, beverages, a silent auction and 50/50. Proceeds will benefit the families affected in the Rustic Ridge house explosion.

Monday: The Monday Market will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at Plum Creek Park, 1040 Ross Hollow Road.

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.

Wednesday : Springdale Free Public Library will host a craft workshop at 1 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Sept. 26: The Tuesday Night Book Club at Springdale Free Public Library will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. The selection will be “Agent Josephine,” by Damien Lewis. New members welcome. Details: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum

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.

Vandergrift

Tuesday: Vandergrift Public Library will have a family game night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.

West Deer

Oct. 5: The Women’s Association of Bull Creek Presbyterian Church is accepting orders for a vegetable soup sale. Cost: $5, with or without salt. Order deadline: Oct. 1. Pickup: after 3 p.m. Oct 5. Orders: leave a voicemail at 724-265-1558 or email secretary@bcpc.us with your name, phone number, number of quarts and with or without salt.

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.

Oct. 5: A 3D painting fundraiser to benefit Vandergrift Public Library will be at 5:30 p.m. at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Cost: $35. Paid reservations required. Reservations: stop in at the library.