The Stroller, Sept. 22, 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.

Polkamaniacs set to play concert at Harrison Hills Park

The Allegheny County Fall Concert Series will present the Polkamaniacs in concert at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Yakaon shelter in Harrison Hills Park, Natrona Heights, Harrison.

Admission is free and food trucks will be available.

West Deer Festival slated Saturday and Sunday

The West Deer Festival will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday in Bairdford Park.

There be carnival rides, vendors, hayrides, a petting zoo, music and food.

Hartwood Acres to host Hay Day activities

Allegheny County will host Hay Day from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater, 4070 Middle Road, Hampton.

There will be food, hayrides, barnyard petting zoo, arts and crafts, inflatables, a magician and more. Admission is free.

Calendar

Apollo

Today: The Yarn Good Time needle arts group at Apollo Memorial Library will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. to knit, crochet, embroider or cross stitch. All ages and skill levels welcome. Details: 724-478-4214.

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

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.

Saturday: The band Remnant will play a free concert at The Tomb Coffeehouse, 1821 Fifth Ave.

Bethel

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

Today: Bingo will begin at 7:15 p.m. at the American Legion, 845 First Ave.

Freeport 

Saturday : 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

Today: Gilpin Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo at 7:15 p.m. at the firehall, 113 Firehall Road.

Harrison   

Today: Community Library of Allegheny Valley Board of Directors will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd., Natrona Heights. Details: 724-226-3491.

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.

Saturday: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will host a patron appreciation event, “We Love You S’More,” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Free hot dogs and s’mores will be served. No reservations required. Details: 724-226-3491.

Saturday : A happy hour cash bash will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Natrona Heights Veterans of Foreign Wars, 894 Veterans Lane. Cost: $25, includes five numbers for the drawings, sandwiches, salads and sweets. There will be karaoke with Bucky after the drawings. Public welcome. Tickets: stop in at the post.

Sunday : Harrison Hills Park will offer a free guided hike, “Hit the Trail,” with the park rangers from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the park. Meet in the lower Environmental Learning Center parking lot. This is a 2-mile hike with moderate elevation changes. Bring water and wear closed-toed shoes. Reservations required. Reservations: friendsofharrisonhills.org/programs-and-events.html.

Sunday : Boy Scout Troop 186 will host their annual chicken barbeque from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the lawn at the corner of Broadview Blvd. and Montana Avenue, Natrona Heights. Cost: $14, includes half chicken, plain or barbeque; coleslaw, two rolls and a side of Birdville Sauce. Dinners for advance purchased tickets are guaranteed available until 4 p.m. Jars of Birdville Sauce and homemade baked goods will be available. Cash and credit cards accepted. Tickets: birdvilletroop186bbq@gmail.com.

Sept. 28: The Kitchen Sink Book Club at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will meet at 6 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. The selection will be, “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig. Copies are available at the circulation desk. Reservations required. Reservations: AlleghenyValleyLibrary.org.

Sept. 29: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will offer a program, “Owls of Pennsylvania,” at 5:30 p.m. online and at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Reservations required. Reservations: alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Jefferson

Today: Bingo will be at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion, 754 N. Pike Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. Under new management with higher payouts. The kitchen will be open. Proceeds benefit post and auxiliary projects.

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: A New Path Al-Anon Family Group, a free, confidential program for anyone whose life has been affected by someone else’s drinking, will meet at 7 p.m. in First United Methodist Church, 251 Main St.

Saturday and Wednesday: Leechburg Museum will be open from noon to 3 p.m. Alternate times available by appointment. Details: 724-845-8914 or lamahs@windstream.net.

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

Today: Peoples Library will host an arts and crafts hour for children 6 and younger and their caregivers at 1 p.m. at the library, 3052 Wachter Ave. No reservations required. Details: 724-339-1021.

Saturday: The Lower Burrell Farmers Market, 2800 Bethel St., will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lower Burrell Lions will sell brooms.

Saturday: A rummage sale will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Grace Community Presbyterian Church, 2751 Grant St. Proceeds will benefit the church youth group. Details: 724-339-9661.

Saturday: The Veterans of Foreign Wars will feature Jukebox Johnny from 8 to 11 p.m. at the post, Wildlife Lodge Road. Members and three guests welcome.

Oct. 23: Tickets are on sale for a super bingo set for 2 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road. Doors open at 11 a.m. Admission: $60 in advance; $65 at the door. Sponsored by the post and auxiliary, there will be a $3,000 cover-all jackpot game. Tickets: at the post club room bar or at Tuesday night bingo in the post ballroom.

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: Friday. Details: Rini, 724-859-3559.

New Kensington 

Today: Sally’s Outdoor Market will be from 2 to 6 p.m. weather permitting, at the Salvation Army, 255 Third St. There will be fresh produce, plants, baked goods, hot foods and more. Vendor spaces available. Details: 724-335-7221, ext. 106 or lauren.suprano@use.salvationarmy.org.

Today: Peoples Library will host an arts and crafts hour for children 6 and younger and their caregivers at 11 a.m. at the library, 88 Barnes St. No reservations required. Details: 724-339-1021.

Today: Knead Community Café will hand out free grab-and-go meals from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the café, 1011 Barnes St. This week’s meals are sponsored by Voya Financial and Liz and Jered Pander. Details: 878-847-7997.

Today: New Kensington Eagles Auxiliary Bingo will be at 7 p.m. at the aerie, 2134 Freeport Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. The kitchen will be open. Public welcome. Details: 724-448-7403.

Today: The Secular Organization for Sobriety/Save Our Selves (SOS) a support group for people recovering from alcohol and drug abuse, will meet a 7 p.m. at Lost Dreams Awakening Recovery Community Center, 408 Eighth St. Details: 724-556-0737.

Friday and Saturday: Logan’s Ferry Presbyterian Church will host a flea market and basket raffle from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the church, 750 Church St. The kitchen will be open both days. Basket raffle drawings will be end of October. Admission: Friday, $1; Saturday, free.

Saturday and Tuesday: The Community Clothes Closet, 1129 Kenneth Ave., will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday. Items available include fall and winter clothing for all members of the family, shoes and linens. First-time customers receive 15 free items. Winter clothing donations accepted only during business hours.

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, 1150 Leishman Ave. Menu: grape leaves, green beans and rice, kibbee, babaganoush, spinach pies, meat pies, pita bread, hummus and baklawa. Order deadline: Friday. Orders: 724-335-9988 or saintgeorgeorthodox.org.

Penn Township   

Friday : 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

Saturday : The comedy night at Logans Ferry Heights Fire and Rescue is canceled.

Springdale 

Today: Lower Valley Community Food Bank will distribute food from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday from the rear entrance of the Springdale borough building. 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.

Tuesday : 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, “The Sunflower,” by Simon Wiesenthal. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Sept. 29: A Family Fun Night will be at 6 p.m. at Springdale Free Public Library, 331 Church St. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum

Weekdays: Free food and hygiene items are available at Highlands Family Center, 415 E. Fourth Ave., suite 12. Hours: noon to 8 p.m. Mondays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Details: 724-224-9006.

Today: The free diaper bank at Highlands Family Center, 415 E. Fourth Ave., will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. One distribution per child per month is available. 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.

Vandergrift

Today: The Farmer’s Market will be open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the Columbia Avenue parking lot.

Today: St. Gertrude Church will sell frozen meatballs and spaghetti sauce from 4 to 6 p.m. by curbside pickup at the church social hall, 303 Franklin Ave. Cost: sauce, $7 per quart; meatballs, six for $3. Please enter the driveway above Sandra Lynn’s Dance School and follow the arrows to the church basement doors. Items will also be available after the Saturday and Sunday Masses at the church while supplies last.

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

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

West Deer

Saturday: A fall craft fair will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the East Union Presbyterian Church community center, 292 East Union Road, Russellton. There will be a basket raffle and concession stand. Free admission. Details: Mary Lynn, 412-767-5750.