The Stroller, Sept. 30, 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.

Pet food, supplies needed at Animal Protectors

Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley is accepting donations of pet food and supplies for its community pantry in New Kensington.

Donations can be dropped off from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. any day at the rear entrance of the shelter, 730 Church St. By providing dog and cat food to families in need in our community, the shelter helps to keep pets out of the shelter. To view online wish lists, visit Chewy at this link tinyurl.com/54s6mynf or Amazon at tinyurl.com/33mj24wk.

Free grab-and-go meals available Thursday

Knead Community Café, 1011 Barnes St., will hand out free grab-and-go meals from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the cafe in New Kensington

This week’s meals are sponsored by Bethesda Evangelical Lutheran Church. For details and sponsorship information contact the cafe at 878-847-7997 or kneadcommunitycafe.org.

Calendar

Allegheny Township

Thursday: The Kiski Valley region of the Antique Car Club of America will host a cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m. at Arby’s, 16 Towne Center Drive. Details: 724-568-3330 or carcruises.com.

Apollo

Wednesday: 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. There will be specials and wish jars. Details: 724-478-4831.

Thursday: Apollo Area Historical Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the WCTU Building, 317 N. Second St. New members welcome.

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

Today: A free dinner will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Tomb, 1821 Fifth Ave. Everyone welcome.

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.

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.

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

Thursday: The Allegheny Valley Salvation Army and Community Center will hand out 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.

Buffalo Township 

Oct. 11: Zion Methodist Community Church, 438 Bear Creek Road, will host a Harvest Hop for special needs guests who are at least 14 and their support person from 5 to 8 p.m. at the church. Pizza, applesauce and snacks will be served and there will be an ice cream sundae bar, DJ and dancing. Gluten-free options will be available. Those attending are encouraged to wear casual dress in fall colors. Reservations required by Thursday. Reservations: friendsgettogether@hayoo.com.

Cadogan

Today: The township farmers market will be open from 3 to 6 p.m. at Overlook Park. This will be the last market of the season. Details: Jeanne Richardson, 724-815-7347.

Freeport

Wednesdays: The Blessing Closet at Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St., will be open from 11 a.m. 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 clothing, shoes and boots welcome; must be laundered and free from smoke and pet hair. Wheelchair accessible. Details: 724-295-3095.

Gilpin

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

Harmar   

Thursday: The free Thunder Thursdays Summer Music Series will feature the Shiners at 7 p.m. 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 

Today: A story time for children age 3 to 5 will be at 10 a.m. at Community Library of Allegheny Valley, 1522 Broadview Blvd. No registration required.

Wednesday: The Agape Thrift Shop at Grace United Methodist Church, 1333 Freeport Road, will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Clean clothing in all sizes is needed. No housewares or bedding please. Bring donations on Wednesday or leave them on the front porch. Do not place donations in the blue bins behind the church.

Wednesday: Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Food Bank will be open from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights. Food bank participants can receive food allotments twice per month. Those who are not yet registered should come from 3 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday. The Sparrow’s Nest clothing and home goods ministry will be open from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Details and alternate times: 724-226-0606, ext. 10.

Wednesday: The Becky’s Closet community clothing store at Faith Lutheran Church, 1500 Broadview Blvd., will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church. Cost: adult tops and bottoms, 50 cents; children’s clothing, 25 cents. Please bring small bills and your own bags. Donations welcome during these hours. Everyone welcome.

Thursday: Friends of Community Library of Allegheny Valley will meet at 10 a.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. New members welcome. Meeting attendance is not a requirement for being a Friends member. Details: 724-224-3491.

Oct. 10: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will sponsor family-friendly, not-too-spooky Halloween Hullabaloo from 5 to 7 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Costumes are welcome and there will be a story time and craft. Used costumes will be available to purchase. Details: alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

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

Thursday: 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   

Wednesdays and Saturdays: Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society, 118 First St., will open from noon to 3 p.m. Details: 724-845-8914 and leave a message or email lamahs@windstream.net.

Thursday: The free genealogy group at Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society will meet from 10 a.m. to noon at the museum, 118 First St. The group meets on the first and third Thursday of each month. Bring a laptop or tablet. Basic computer skills required. Details: Judy, 724-681-9154.

Thursday: New Kensington Eagles Auxiliary Bingo will be at 7 p.m. at the aerie, 2134 Freeport Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. Sales are from 6 to 6:50 p.m. Cost: $25 for a 12-on package; specials will be available. The kitchen will be open. Public welcome. Details: 724-448-7403.

Thursday and Saturday: The Community Clothes Closet, 1129 Kenneth Ave., will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Items available include clothing for all members of the family, shoes, linens, purses and handbags. Donations welcome during business hours only. Do not leave donations at the door.

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

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

Through Oct. 31: The works of Allegheny Valley League of Artists member Cindy Downard will be on display during operating hours at Peoples Library, 3052 Wachter Ave. Details: 724-339-1021.

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. The winning number will be the Nov. 10 evening Pa. Pick 3 lottery number. Tickets: Jim Walters, 724-681-6293 or waltersusmc@comcast.net.

Lower Burrell/New Kensington

Nov. 19: Peoples Library is selling chances to win a collection of Pennsylvania Lottery scratch-off tickets. Cost: $5 each; or three for $10. The drawing will be Nov. 19. Tickets are available at both library locations. Details: 724-339-1021.

Murrysville

Friday : Pa. Rep. Jill Cooper will sponsor a program about scams with consumer advocate Mary Bach from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Murrysville Community Center, 3091 Carson Ave. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-387-9113.

New Kensington

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

Wednesday: Ethical Hope, 938 Fifth Ave, will offer free programs: 11 a.m., toddler story time and craft; 11:30 a.m., preschool story time and craft; and 12:30 p.m., kids crafts. No reservations required. Details: visit Ethical Hope on Facebook.

Wednesday: A veterans service officer will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the office of state Rep. Jill Cooper, 356 Freeport St., suite 100. Services available will include disability and pension claims, benefit questions, assisting spouses with survivor benefits issues and applications for veterans grants. Appointments will be accepted, but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments: 724-472-4102.

Oct. 8: The Penn State College of Engineering and the Digital Foundry, 855 Fifth Ave. will host a free hiring event to connect manufacturing employers with skilled talent at the foundry. Check-in will be from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Featured employers will include Penn United Technologies Inc., MetPlas, Premier Automation, Curtiss-Wright and I2T. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/msvdre3v.

Oakmont

Today: Taking Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) meets at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1261 Pennsylvania Ave. Private weigh-ins will be from 5:45 to 6:10 p.m. and the meeting will be afterward. The first meeting is free. Details: 412-828-3854 or jmjkwj@gmail.com.

Oct. 18: A first aid class will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Riverview Community Center, 501 Second St. Cost: $50. Presented by Lower Valley Ambulance Service. The reservation deadline has been extended to Oct. 10. Reservations: 412-828-1062 or rcacorp.org.

Springdale  

Oct. 27: Springdale Free Public Library is accepting orders for pies and pumpkin rolls from The Pie Shoppe in Laughlintown. Varieties: chocolate meringue, coconut cream meringue, lemon meringue, apple, blackberry, cherry, Dutch apple, harvest, peach, raisin, razzleberry and pumpkin pies, and pumpkin rolls, all $12. All items arrive fresh and can be frozen. Paid order deadline: Oct. 27. Pick-up: Nov. 6. Orders: 724-274-9729.

Tarentum  

Today: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St.

Wednesday: The borough farmers market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the upper parking lot of First United Presbyterian Church, Lock Street. Vendor information: office@fupct.org.

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.

Wednesday: Highlands Family Center, 415 E. Fourth Ave., will offer a free farmers market from noon to 5 p.m. while supplies last. There are no income guidelines and everyone is welcome.

Wednesdays and Saturdays: The Alle-Kiski Valley Historical Society, 224 E. Seventh Ave., is open from noon to 3 p.m. and other times by appointment. A scrapbooking workshop will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Bring your own supplies and trade with others. Donations will be accepted and refreshments will be sold. Details: 724-224-7666.

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 Vandergrift Veterans of Foreign Wars is collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations through today to benefit the Westmoreland County Food Bank. Donations will be matched by the VFW Foundation, $1 for every pound of food or dollar that is collected. Contributions can be taken to the post, 141-143 Sumner Ave.

Thursday: 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  

Tuesdays and Thursdays: The Blessing Closet at Union Presbyterian Church will be open by appointment from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays at the church, 656 Route 380. Items available include paper products, cleaning supplies, feminine hygiene products and pet supplies. Appointments: 724-337-3042.

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

Nov. 2: Reservations are being accepted for an auto parts swap planned at Washington Township Volunteer Fire Co., 4078 Route 66. Rain or shine. Items must include parts and accessories from anything automotive, classic, high performance, trucks, cars, motorcycles or boats. Cost: outside 12 x 48-foot space, $55; outside 12’ x 24-foot space, $30; cash only. Details: 724-727-3079, option 9.

West Deer   

Oct. 10: A Vitalant community blood drive will be from noon to 4:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the West Deer municipal building, 133 East Union Road. Appointments recommended. Appointments: 877-258-4825 or visit the Donate Blood button at vitalant.org and search for group code UC5300094.

Winfield

Thursday: 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.