The Stroller, Jan. 23, 2025: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley
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NK cat rescue asking for donations
Frankie’s Friends Cat Rescue in New Kensington is asking for donations of paper pellet cat litter, any brand of canned cat food, bleach, paper towels and kitchen trash bags.
Frankie’s Friends provides resources to help keep cats out of shelters and in their homes through accessible veterinary care and other community safety nets. The facility is not a shelter and does not take in cats that need rehomed.
Donations can be dropped off at the rescue, 750 Fifth Ave. New Kensington. For an online wish list, visit tinyurl.com/bdcspaud. To make an online donation, visit tinyurl.com/4u82j27u.
Valentine Snowball planned for youth with special needs
Zion Methodist Community Church, Buffalo Township, will host a free semiformal Valentine Snowball for special needs adults and teens from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 8 at the church, 438 Bear Creek Road.
Youth age 14 and over and their support chaperone are welcome. Every guest must have a chaperone. There will be a buffet dinner and DJ.
Reservations are required by Saturday . For reservations, visit Eventbrite.com.
Annual hoop shoot to be sponsored by Leechburg Elks
The annual Leechburg Elks children’s Hoop Shoot competition will be Saturday in the Leechburg Area High School gymnasium, Center Avenue.
Boys and girls age 8 to 13 from the Alle-Kiski Valley and Armstrong County areas are eligible. Doors open at noon for registration and the free competition will begin at about 12:15 p.m. Children will be registered according to their age as of April 1, 2025.
Winners will qualify to participate in the district competition. For details, contact event chairman Anthony Shea at 724-842-8071 or ashea247@comcast.net.
Calendar
Apollo
Today: Apollo Memorial Library will host Good Night Giggles & Tales, an evening story time for children 5 and younger at 6 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. No reservations required. Details: 724-478-4214.
Saturday: 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. Cost: $25 per packet. The kitchen will be open with a limited menu. Details: 724-478-4831.
Brackenridge
Today: The weekly free lunch distribution at the Allegheny Valley Salvation Army and Community Center has resumed. Free grab-and-go lunches will be available 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.
Today: Bingo at the American Legion is canceled due to the weather. Details: 724-994-6030.
Buffalo Township
Sunday: A spaghetti and ravioli dinner will be from 2 to 6 p.m. or until sold out at the White Star Club, 401 Shuster Drive. Dine-in or takeout. Menu: spaghetti, $12; homemade ravioli; $16, both include salad; homemade meatballs, $3. Cash only. Takeout orders: 724-295-2656.
Jan. 30: Buffalo Elementary PTO will host a STEAM night with interactive and educational activities from 6 to 8 p.m. at the school. Details: tinyurl.com/3wp6fk7s.
East Vandergrift
Feb. 14: Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish is selling tickets for a Sweetheart cash raffle. The winning numbers will be the 1:30 and 7 p.m. Pennsylvania Lottery Pick-4 numbers on Valentine’s Day. Each winner will receive $1,000 and a $100 gift certificate to Sweetlane Chocolate Shop in Vandergrift. Cost: $10, includes two numbers. Tickets: 724-568-3409 or 724-859-3186, in the parish office or after Sunday Mass in the church vestibule.
Freeport
Ongoing: Freeport Area Library is accepting donations for the library thrift shop, 428 Market St. Items welcome include used books in good condition, jewelry, handbags, housewares, linens, pots & pans, dishes, china, board games and toys. No clothes, shoes, electronics, textbooks or stained or broken items please. Details: 724-295-3616.
Gilpin
Today: Gilpin Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo at 7 p.m. at the firehall, 113 Firehall Road.
Harrison
Fridays: Community Library of Allegheny Valley will host Toddle Time for children 12 months to 3 years old and their caregiver at 10 a.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. No reservations required.
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.
Leechburg
Saturday: The Leechburg Museum is closed for the season. Visits are available by appointment. Details: 724-845-8914 and leave a message or email lamahs@windstream.net.
Lower Burrell
Saturday: The Veterans of Foreign Wars post, Wildlife Lodge Road, will feature the band Americana from 8 to 11 p.m. Members and three guests welcome.
Feb. 2: Burrell High School Marching Band will sponsor a bowling fundraiser from 1 to 4 p.m. at Wildlife Lanes, 1000 Wildlife Lodge Road. Cost: $20, includes bowling and show rental. There will be a bake sale, basket raffle and 50-50. Lane sponsorships: $75. Tickets: burrellmarchingbandwam@gmail.com. Proceeds will benefit the band’s spring trip to Virginia.
New Kensington
Today: Peoples Library will offer a Knitting for Beginners class at noon. Details: 724-339-1021.
Feb. 2: Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley will host a Paint Your Pet fundraiser at noon at the shelter, 730 Church St. Cost: $65 for a three-hour session and includes a pre-sketched canvas, and snacks. BYOB. Reservations required by Friday. For a reservation and to submit a photograph of your pet, visit tinyurl.com/ycvevcra.
North Apollo
Today : A Red Cross community blood drive will be from noon to 5 p.m. at First Church of God, 507 20th St. Appointments: 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and search with ZIP code 15673.
Parks Township
Friday: Parks Township Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo at 7 p.m. in the firehall, 1119 Dalmation Drive. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Plum
Jan. 29: Plum Community Library will host an ice painting crafts program for children age 2 to 6 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at the library, 445 Center New Texas Road. Children should wear clothing that can be worn while painting or a smock. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/4d2jn8ek.
Springdale
Today: The diaper pantry at St. Mark Lutheran Church will distribute free diapers from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church, 600 Pittsburgh St. Advance registration required. First-time recipients must provide their own ID, the child’s birth certificate and a current WIC or SNAP card. Distributions are the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Registration: 724-274-5313.
Tarentum
Friday: Free bread and baked goods will be distributed at 10 a.m. while supplies last at Highlands Family Center, 415 E. Fourth Ave., suite 12. Details: 724-224-9006.
Saturday: Bethel AME Church will host a $1 spaghetti dinner from noon to 3 p.m. at the church, 250 Western Ave. Banana and garlic cheddar breads, $5; and potato and haluski soups, $4. For spaghetti orders of five or more, call 724-224-2417 after 10 a.m.
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.
Saturday: The Elks will host a 124th birthday celebration with a wing and pizza night at the lodge, 219 E. Sixth Ave. The kitchen will be open from 5 to 9:30 p.m. The band Stealing Time will perform from 8 to 11 p.m. Guests welcome. Guest cover charge: $5.
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
Feb. 2: Allegheny County Park rangers will host a free guided hike “Groundhog Day” from 1 to 3 p.m. at Deer Lakes Park. Meet at the Veterans 1 shelter. The hike will be approximately two miles with moderate elevation changes. Bring water and wear closed toe shoes. Reservations required. Reservations: tinyurl.com/bdcpvye4.
Winfield
Today: 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.