The Stroller, Sept. 29, 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.

Manos Gallery exhibits to benefit breast cancer charities

The Manos Gallery will sponsor an art exhibit from 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday to benefit Magee-Womens Hospital Breast Cancer Research at the gallery, 320 E. Fifth Ave., Tarentum.

An exhibit and open house to benefit Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Oct. 21. Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel is a support group for survivors of breast cancer.

Donations will be accepted at both events. For details, call 484-529-1597.

Entries welcome for student art, photography contest

The Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen and Conservationists and Pennsylvania Wildlife Federation are sponsoring their annual art poster and photography contest.

Students in grades four through 12 who live in Pennsylvania are welcome to enter. Entries will compete against others in the same age group. This year’s theme is, “Predators and Prey.” For details, visit pawildlife.org or email susan@pfsc.org.

Howl-O-Ween Hustle to benefit Freeport girls basketball

The seventh annual Freeport Girls Basketball Howl-O-Ween Hustle 5K/10K Fun Run and Walk with virtual option will begin at 9 a.m. Oct. 30 at the Monroe Road Trailhead of the Butler Freeport Rails-to-Trails Trail, Buffalo Township.

All skill levels are welcome and costumes encouraged. Registration is required by Oct. 14 to receive a T-shirt. Race-day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. To register, visit runsignup.com.

Free parking and restrooms are available. Proceeds benefit the Freeport Girls Basketball program.

HOPE Center offers shelter for families and pets

The Alle-Kiski HOPE Center offers a Sheltering Animals and Families Together (SAF-T) Kennel to victims of domestic violence who are fleeing abuse with their pets.

The kennel allows families to bring their pets with them safely to an on-site kennel during their shelter stay.

All services are free and confidential. For information, call the center’s 24-hour hotline at 724-224-1266.

Calendar

Allegheny Township

Thursday: Vandergrift Public Library and Tiny Trax Farm will host a free Goat Storytime at 5:30 p.m. at the farm, 151 Stitt Ave. Those attending should wear old clothes and shoes. Space is limited and reservations are required. Reservations: 724-568-2212

Saturday: Free baton lessons designed for those who are at least 40 years old will be offered at 9 a.m. at Uncle Dave’s Art Festival, 4135 Leechburg Road. A mandatory meeting will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at the home of Gretchen Schmitt, 1040 Knollwood Road, New Kensington. Bring a lawn chair. Details and registration: 724-472-3508

Apollo

Today: 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

Oct. 9: 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. All vendors needed. Cost: $20 per table; without electricity, $15. Details: Linda, 724-882-8776

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

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 at pickup. Cost: $10 per dozen. Orders: 724-339-9257, 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Brackenridge

Today: 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.

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

Cheswick

Thursday: The Pittsburgh Shrine Center will present a free outdoor concert featuring the band Saddle Up from 7 to 9 p.m. under cover at the center, 1877 Shriners Way. Gates open at 6 p.m. Seating and tables will be provided, and food and beverages will be sold. No outside food and beverages, please.

Oct. 5: 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 Westarm office, 1316 Pittsburgh St., in Cheswick Plaza. Dr. Daniel March will be the speaker. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-337-6522

Etna

Friday: The Pittsburgh North chapter of the Women’s Business Network will meet at 9 a.m. at Eat N Park Restaurant, Route 8 and Saxonburg Blvd. Those attending can learn how the group supports the success and growth of women in business. Meetings are the first and third Fridays of the month. Reservations required. Reservations and sign on information: Kathy Bell, 412-855-0578

Freeport

Today: St. Mary Mother of God Church, 608 High St., will host a Vitalant community blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. in the church hall. Appointments recommended. Appointments: 412-209-7000 or visit the Donate Blood button at Vitalant.org and use group code G0040286

Today: 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

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

Harrison 

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.

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

Today: 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.

Sunday: Natrona Heights Veterans of Foreign Wars will sponsor a drag queen bingo featuring Miss Thea’s Drag Queens at 2 p.m. at the post, 894 Veterans Way. Doors open at noon and food will be served from noon to 2 p.m. Cost: in advance, $30; at the door, $35, includes eight regular games and buffet. There will be a cash bar, specials, a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Must be 21 to attend. Tickets: call or text 724-448-8624 or at the post

Oct. 5: 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

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

Thursday: 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. Face masks and social distancing required.

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

Saturday: Grace Community Presbyterian Church will host a spaghetti dinner to benefit Operation Christmas Child from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church, 2751 Grant St. Dine in or takeout. A silent auction will be conducted during dinner. Winner need not be present. Cost: $10; younger than 12, $7; advance tickets receive a $1 discount. Tickets: 11 to 11:30 a.m. Sundays at the church. Proceeds will be used ship gift-filled shoe boxes to children in need throughout the world. Details: 724-339-9661

Manor

Sunday: Go for a Walk in Penn’s Woods at 2 p.m. at the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek, 142 Kerr Road. A naturalist will lead a hike on the Discovery Trail. Pets on leash welcome. Children can participate on a scavenger hike while walking the trail. Not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Reservations encouraged. Reservations: rachel@armstrongcenter.org

New Kensington

Thursday: 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 with new selections. Social distancing will be observed, and masks are required except when eating. Public welcome. Details: 724-448-7403

Thursday: Knead Community Café in New Kensington will hand out free grab-and-go dinners from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the café, 1011 Barnes St. This week’s meals are sponsored by Doc and Linda Mueller. Those picking up meals are reminded to observe social distancing while waiting in line.

Oct. 9: Tables reservations are being accepted for a craft and vendor show at East Ken Community Center, 1785 Seventh St. Cost: $10. Details: Marie, 724-472-5106

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

North Apollo

Oct. 9: North Apollo Volunteer Fire Department is seeking food truck vendors and basket auction donations for its food truck rally set for 4 to 9 p.m. at the firehall, 311 16^th St. Details and applications: Chris at nachief170@gmail.com or leave a message at the station at 724-478-4260

Springdale  

Oct. 7: Springdale Free Public Library is accepting orders for a Fat Cats Subs sale. Varieties: Italian, ham or turkey, $9. Order deadline: Wednesday. Pickup: Oct. 7. Orders: 724-274-9729

Tarentum

Today: 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.

Today: 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.

Today: 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.

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 

Today: 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

Thursday: The Farmers Market will be open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the Columbia Avenue parking lot. Details: vandergriftfarmersmarket.weebly.com/

Sunday: Takeout barbecued chicken and pulled pork dinners will be sold from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Casino Theatre parking lot to benefit Vandergrift Meals on Wheels. Rain or shine. Menu: half barbequed chicken or pulled pork, baked beans, roasted potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and dessert, $10. Orders: 724-567-7893

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

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.

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