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.
Donations being accepted for holiday turkey vouchers
Allegheny Valley Association of Churches is accepting donations to help with the food bank turkey voucher distribution.
To contribute, send a check with “Thanksgiving” in the memo to Allegheny Valley Association of Churches, 1913 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights, PA 15065. All donations will be acknowledged.
Help needed for Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign
The New Kensington Salvation Army is looking for seasonal part-time and full-time paid workers and volunteers to help in the annual Red Kettle Campaign.
The required training and orientation will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the New Kensington center, 255 Third St. Bring two forms of ID and applications and paperwork will be reviewed and completed.
For details, contact Laurie at 724-335-7221, ext. 106, or Lauren.Suprano@use.salvationarmy.org.
Children encouraged to enter bookmark design contest
Vandergrift Public Library is sponsoring a bookmark design contest for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Bookmarks should be an original creation. Winners will receive a free book and have their bookmark reproduced for distribution at the library. The submission deadline is Nov. 1.
For complete design details and an entry form, visit Vandergriftpubliclibrary.org.
Just In:
The Chris Higbee concert scheduled for Friday at the Casino Theatre in Vandergrift has been postponed.
No new date has been scheduled. Information about the concert that will be in Sunday’s Stroller was printed before the postponement was announced.
Religion Digest
Leechburg
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. A special session for surviving the holidays will be at 2 p.m. Nov. 5 at the church. Details and registration: 724-845-7518 or visit GriefShare.org.
Tarentum
Today: The praise and worship services scheduled for today at First Baptist Church is canceled. The next service will be at 3 p.m. Oct. 28 at the church, 410 Third Ave.
Calendar
Allegheny Township
Today: A spaghetti dinner in memory of Melvin “Jimmy” Rearick will be from 2 to 8 p.m. at Markle Volunteer Firehall, 470 Joyce St. There will be a basket raffle. Cost: $10.
Apollo
Today : A Night at the Races will be at St. James Parish activities center, 109 Owens View Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Must be 21. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and races will start at 7 p.m. Cost: $20, includes food and drink. Menu: chili, chicken noodle soup, hot dogs, ham and turkey sliders, macaroni and cheese and dessert. There will be 11 races, a 50-50, themed basket raffle, instant lottery ticket raffle and pull tabs. Those attending will be eligible to win an extra $500 cash prize. Tickets: Linda, 724-882-8776.
Arnold
Sunday: Arnold Fireman’s Band will host a luncheon bingo at 1 p.m. at 601 Drey St. Doors open at noon.
Brackenridge
Today: A Halloween party will be from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at the American Legion, 845 First Ave. There will be a costume contest with cash prizes and a 50-50. Costume entries must be registered by 8:45 p.m. Members and guests welcome.
Buffalo Township
Thursday : Zion Methodist Community Church will host a community blood drive from 1 to 7 p.m. in the church Family Life Center, 438 Bear Creek Road. Appointments recommended. Bring ID. Appointments: 412-209-7000 or visit vitalant.org and search for group code UC664 or zip code 16055.
Freeport
Oct. 30: St. Mary, Mother of God Church will host a card party and game board social from 6 to 9:30 p.m. in the church fellowship hall, 610 High St. Cost: $10, includes salad buffet, refreshments and door/table prizes. There will be a 50-50 raffle. Men are welcome to bring their poker friends. Reservations and details: Carol, 724-316-1204.
Nov. 3: A bingo night to benefit the playground project in Freeport Community Park will be at 6 p.m. at Laube Hall, 115 Community Park Road. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cost: $20, includes five bingo sheets, a dauber and entry into door prize raffle. BYOB. Must be 21 to attend. Prize winners must be present. There will be food trucks, a basket raffle and 50-50. Tickets: beebejr@gmail.com.
Gilpin
Nov. 8 and 9: Christ the King Parish is accepting orders for nut, apricot, poppy seed and crescent rolls for the Thanksgiving/Christmas season. Long rolls are $13.50 each with an order deadline of Oct. 30. Pickup: noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 8 and 9. Crescent rolls are $6.50 a dozen with an order deadline of Nov. 6. Pickups: noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 14. Orders: Toni, 724-309-1976 or Anne, 412-549-1583.
Harrison
Today: Building Block of Natrona will host its free Veggies for All and Cosmetics Closet outreach for residents in need at 1 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 28 Garfield St., Natrona. Free produce and personal care and hygiene products will be distributed, first come, first served, while supplies last. Arrive by 12:30 p.m. to line up; supplies go quickly. No income verification required. Everyone is welcome.
Jefferson
Today: A rummage and bake sale will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the American Legion, 754 N. Pike Road. The kitchen will be open. Proceeds benefit junior members.
Kiski Township
Nov. 18: Apollo-Ridge Middle School PTA is accepting table reservations and basket donations for a craft and vendor show planned for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kiski Township Firehall, 1037 Route 56. Details: ARMiddleSchoolPTA@gmail.com.
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.
Oct. 28: A masquerade ball will be from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Marconi Club, 135 River Ave. Cost: $20 each; $30 per couple. Table reservations for six or more tickets will be sold for $10. Must be 21 to attend. There will be appetizers, music by The Mixmaster Mike Kepics, cash bar, basket raffle, 50-50 and prizes. This year’s theme will be Mardi Gras. Tickets: Leechburg Public Library, 139 Market St.
Nov. 5: A spaghetti dinner to benefit Leechburg Public Library will be from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Marconi Club, 135 River Ave. Cost: $15, includes spaghetti, salad and bread. There will be a dessert bake-off for prizes, 50-50 raffle and cash bar. Tickets: stop in at the library, 139 Market St.
Nov. 11: A gun and cash bash to benefit Gilpin and Leechburg volunteer fire companies will be from noon to 5 p.m. at the Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company truck building, 268 Canal St. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Cost: $25, includes music, food and refreshments. Must be 21 to attend. Tickets: 724-845-1684 or John, 724-549-8867.
Nov. 18: A turkey bingo will be hosted by Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company at 6 p.m. at the firehall. Doors open at 4 p.m. and early bird games will begin at 5:30. Cost: $35 in advance; will be $40 at the door; includes packet for 20 $100 games, four $250 specials and a light meal. There will be a $1,000 must-go jackpot game. Tickets: Melissa, 724-332-9090.
Dec. 9 and 10: Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company is accepting space applications for a Christmas craft and vendor show at the firehall, 268 Canal St. Cost: $50 for both days; or $30 per day, includes a table and two chairs. Applications and more information: Melissa, 724-332-9090 or allermelissa@comcast.net.
Lower Burrell
Today: Bethel Masons, 118 Allen St., will host a Vitalant community blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the lodge banquet room. Appointments recommended. Appointments: Sharon, 412-600-4333 or visit donateblood.centralbloodbank.org and use group code UC2210076 or zip code 15068.
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: 724-274-4531.
Today: The Veterans of Foreign Wars will feature the band Johnson’s Crossing from 8 to 11 p.m. at the post. Members and three guests welcome.
Sunday: A vendor fair will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Moose, 499 Reimer St. There will be over 20 vendors, two food trucks and a fire truck from Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 for children to explore.
Tuesday: A community lecture “Treating Vertigo and Dizziness with Physical Therapy” will be presented from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Westarm Physical Therapy, 3160 Kipp Ave. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-337-6522 or administration@westarmtherapy.com.
Nov. 4: The Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary will sponsor a dance in the post banquet room, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the kitchen will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. The band will be Cool Change and there will be a cash bar and drawings. Cost: $10. Proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund. Tickets: Donna, 724-980-3222.
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.
Nov. 11: Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley Cash Bash will be at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road. Doors open at 4 p.m. and dinner will be at 5 p.m. Cost: $35 in advance; $40 at the door. There will be a basket raffle, snacks, cash bar and 50/50. Tickets: animalprotectors.net.
New Kensington
Today: New Kensington Volunteer Fire Department will host Matt Sobecky Fire Safety Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the 800 block of Barnes Street. There will be fire safety seminars, food, a touch-a-truck, fire extinguisher education and a vehicle extrication demonstration.
Today: St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 150 Elmtree Road, will have a takeout Slavic food sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the church hall. Menu: stuffed cabbage, pierogi, soups, haluski, hot sandwiches and baked goods. Tours of the church will be available. No advance orders accepted. Details and a full menu: saintjohnnewken.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: An open pickleball day will be from 8 a.m. to noon at the Plum Municipal Complex Gymnasium, 2000 Old Mine Road. Plum residents only. Slots are available every hour for groups of four – two teams of two players. Once these time slots are filled additional time slots will open. Reservations required. Reservations: form.jotform.com/232744403825152. Questions: mcostanza@plumboro.com.
Rayburn
Today: Armstrong County Historical Museum/Genealogical Society will offer free tours of Kittanning Cemetery from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants should meet at the cemetery, 171 Troy Hill Road, Rayburn Township, by 1 p.m. and dress for the weather. Carpool to the cemetery if possible and park off to the side of the road. Light refreshments will be served afterward at the society museum, 300 N. McKean St.
Saxonburg
Nov. 4: Sponsor the Troops will host a night at the races at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 527 Main St. Doors open at 5 p.m. and races start at 6. Must be 21 to attend. Cost: $20, includes one horse, food, pop, water and beer; $10, includes food, pop, water and beer only. There will be strip tickets, a lottery tree, cash bar and a 50-50. Tickets: Melissa, 724-224-2646.
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.
Nov. 5: A purse bingo to benefit Feeding the Flock Ministries will be at Springdale Veterans Association, 1151 Pittsburgh St. Doors open at 1 p.m. and bingo starts at 2:30 p.m. Cost: $25, will be $35 at the door if available; includes 12 games and a door prize raffle ticket. There will be specials, extra books, a basket raffle and 50-50. Bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Cash bar. Tickets: tinyurl.com/yk3ambs7. Details: Brittany Bock, 724-816-8937 or bbock5110@gmail.com.
Nov. 10: 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, blueberry, cherry, cherry crumb, Dutch apple, peach, raisin, razzleberry and pumpkin pies, and pumpkin rolls, all $11. All items arrive fresh and can be frozen. Paid order deadline: Friday. Pick-up: Nov. 10. Orders: 724-274-9729.
Tarentum
Today: The Clothing Closet at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St., will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The monthly dollar breakfast will be from 8 a.m. to noon. Details: 724-224-9220.
Today: Bethel AME Church, 250 W. Seventh Ave., will have a $1 spaghetti and meatball dinner from noon to 3 p.m. at the church. Also for sale will be stuffed pepper and lentil soups, $4 per quart; chocolate zucchini, banana and pumpkin breads, $5.
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
Today: Master magician Tim Kutch will perform at 7 p.m. at the Casino Theatre. Cost: $15. Tickets: casinotheater.org or at Pomfret’s Paints, 149 Farragut Ave., Vandergrift.
Monday: Kiski Valley Community Center Inc. will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Vandergrift Public Library, 128C Washington Ave. New members welcome.
Dec. 31: Vandergrift Public Library is conducting a 100,000 penny collection challenge through the end of the year. Bring your pennies to the library, 128C Washington Ave., or TinyCause or Champion’s Crusaders Rescue. Funds raised will be split between the three organizations.
West Leechburg
Today : 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.