The Stroller, Sept. 22, 2023: 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.

Gateway Clipper cruises to sail from Freeport park

Experience Armstrong Inc. will sponsor four sightseeing cruises Sept. 30 aboard the Duchess vessel of the Gateway Clipper Fleet.

Cruises will leave Freeport’s Riverside Park at 9 a.m., noon, and 3 and 6 p.m. The 6 p.m. cruise will have entertainment by The Impromptus. Cost is $48 each and there will be a cash bar and snack bar. Boarding will begin 30 minutes before each cruise. Free parking will be offered at the Laube Hall parking lot with shuttle service provided to the loading point.

Tickets are available online only. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/4a8xfs4j.

Opportunities available to help senior citizens

Open Your Heart to a Senior is looking for volunteers to help our older neighbors.

People are needed to drive to doctor appointments, shop for groceries and make calls to check on and say hello to people who are alone. For information, call 724-205-6282 or email oyhs@wfspa.org.

Let us know about your Halloween happenings

The Valley News Dispatch is compiling a list of autumn events and Halloween parades, parties and trick-or-treat nights that will run on The Stroller page and online.

Send information in writing to: Carol Pinto-Smith, Valley News Dispatch, 210 Wood St., Tarentum, PA 15084, email cpinto-smith@triblive.com or fax 724-226-4677.

Thank you

Jamie and Jennifer Bock of Brackenridge would like to thank Brackenridge Public Works Foreman Ron Dunlap and another neighbor for saving a precious kitten that was stuck recently for over two hours in a storm sewer. Dunlap arrived five minutes after being notified in his street clothes and opened the grates and he and the neighbor retrieved the kitten without injury.

Calendar

Apollo

Sunday: St. James Parish is selling tickets for a grocery giveaway raffle. Cost: $10, includes two numbers. The winner will receive 10 pounds each of chicken drums, wings, thighs and split breasts; boneless pork chops, T-bone steaks, shrimp, 80/20 hamburger, hot dogs, hot or sweet sausage, kielbasa, Delmonico steaks and bacon, a case each of corn, baked beans, water, soda and beer, a Blackstone LP gas griddle and a freezer. The winning number will be the 7 p.m. Sept. 24 Pa. Daily Pick 3 number. Tickets: Linda, 724-882-8776, after weekend Masses in the church vestibule and at the parish office.

Apollo/East Vandergrift

Oct. 2: St. James and Our Lady Queen of Peace parishes will sponsor a bus trip to Rivers Casino, Pittsburgh. Departure: 9 a.m. from the St. James church parking lot. The group will be at the casino for five hours. Cost: $35, includes $10 in free play and gratuity for the bus driver. A state-issued photo ID is required to receive the free play. Must be at least 21. Details and reservations: 724-478-4958.

Arnold

Oct. 14: The Arnold Recreation Committee is accepting vendor applications for a craft show and touch-a-truck event set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the 18^th Street ball fields. Details: arnoldrecreationcommittee@gmail.com.

Bethel

Saturday : The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will offer a program about cooking and preserving edible mushrooms at noon at the center, 142 Kerr Road. Participants can choose a culinary mushroom and a variety of spices to blend to take home for their own personal use. Cost: $45. Reservations required. Reservations: armstrongcenter.org/odc-events.

Cheswick

Saturday: A sing-along for children and their parents will be at 10:30 a.m. in MacLean Park. Music will be by Playnotes and a light snack will be served. Sponsored by the borough recreation board.

Fawn

Sunday: Fawn Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 will have a roast beef dinner from 3 to 7 p.m. or until sold out at the recreation hall, 1948 Firehouse Lane. Menu: beef, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad, dinner roll and dessert, $15. Dine in or takeout.

Harrison  

Today: 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 have a yard sale from noon to 4 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Money raised will be added to the September fundraising campaign for matching funds. Details: 724-226-3491.

Saturday: A food truck festival will be from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Blessed Sacrament location of Guardian Angels Parish, Natrona Heights. Sponsored by Highlands Area Rotary Club, there will be music, raffles, face painting and a bounce house. Proceeds will benefit the Salvation Army Backpack program and the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches Food Bank.

Sept 30: A Teen Trivia competition will be from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Community Library of Allegheny Valley, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Students in fifth through 12^th grade can bring a team or play solo. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Oct. 14: A gun bash will be from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 894 Veterans Lane. Doors open at 1 p.m. Cost: $15, includes food and beverages. Sponsored by the post and auxiliary. Must be at least 21 to attend. No outside alcohol permitted. Tickets: Debbie, 412-298-6175.

Indiana Township

Saturday: Allegheny County will host Hay Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater, 4070 Middle Road. There will be food, hayrides, barnyard petting zoo, a puppet show, a strolling magician, inflatables and more. Admission is free. Rain or shine.

Saturday and Sunday: The Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center will host its annual Native American Powwow from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at the center, 120 Charles St., Dorseyville. There will be Native American food, arts and crafts, singing, drumming and dancing. Admission: $6; elders and children younger than 12, $4. Group rates are available. No drugs, alcohol or pets permitted. Details: 412-782-4457 or cotraic.org.

Kiski Township 

Saturday: A chicken and biscuit dinner will be from 4 to 6 p.m. at Spring Church Lutheran Church, 3623 Lutheran Church Road. Cost: $10; 6 to 12, $5; younger than 5, free; takeouts, 50 cents extra. The venue is wheelchair accessible. Details and takeout orders: 724-478-1528.

Leechburg

Oct. 8: The Outreach Mission Team of First United Methodist Church will have a pulled pork luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the church, 251 Main St. Menu: pork sliders, baked potato, coleslaw, dessert and beverage. Cost: $12; 12 and younger, $6. Tickets: Pam, 724-845-8761 or lfumc251@comcast.net by Oct. 5.

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.

Lower Burrell 

Saturday : Grace Community Presbyterian Church, 2751 Grant St., will sponsor a pulled pork sandwich fundraiser dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. to benefit Operation Christmas Child. Menu: pulled pork sandwich, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, applesauce, pickles and dessert, $15; younger than 12, $10. Dine in or takeout. Tickets purchased in advance will receive a $1 discount. Tickets: 724-339-9661 or secretary@gracecommunitypresbyterian.org.

Saturday: An all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast will be from 8 a.m. to noon at Braeburn United Methodist Church, 4146 Arnold Ave. Cost: $10; 12 and younger, $5. There will be a bake sale and basket raffle.

Saturday: The farmers market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bon Air Elementary School, 3260 Leechburg Road.

Sunday: A takeout spaghetti dinner will be from noon to 5 p.m. at the Moose, 499 Reimer St. Menu: spaghetti, salad and roll, $10.

Sept. 28: The Adult Book Club at Peoples Library will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 3052 Wachter Ave. The selection will be “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” by Lisa See. Next month’s book will be provided. Details: 724-339-1021.

Oct. 1: The Academy of Martial Arts, 3020 Leechburg Road, will offer a free personal self-defense safety class for all members of the family at 1 p.m. at the academy. Reservations required. Reservations: text 724-713-2339 or acadc21@aol.com.

New Kensington

Saturday: Vermont Baptist Church will host a gospel expo at 3 p.m. at the church, 221 Ridge Ave. There will be performances by local gospel artists, worship, prizes and gifts for all attending. Donations will be accepted to benefit the church building fund.

Saturday: Peoples Library will offer a workshop with Penn State Master Gardeners of Westmoreland County on how to make a pretend compost bin. Details: 724-339-1021.

Sunday: A food truck rally to benefit the Valley Jr.-Sr. High School football teams will be from noon to 6 p.m. at the high school, 703 Stevenson Blvd. There will be a craft show and fruit market.

Sept. 30: St. George Orthodox Church is accepting orders for its Middle Eastern food sale. Menu: grape leaves, green beans and rice, kibbee, babaganoush, spinach pies, meat pies, pita bread, hummus and baklawa. Order deadline: today. Pick-up: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 30 in the church hall, 1150 Leishman Ave. Orders: 724-335-9988 or saintgeorgeorthodox.org.

Oakmont

Saturday: Oakmont Carnegie Library will offer Stories with Sandy the goldendoodle dog at 10:30 a.m. at the library, Allegheny River Blvd. Reservations required. Reservations: 412-828-9532 or oakmontlibrary.org.

Parks Township 

Today: Parks Township Volunteer Fire Department will host bingo at 7 p.m. in the firehall, 1119 Dalmation Drive. Doors open at 5 p.m.

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

Saturday: Oakmont Elks will hold its annual Soccer Shoot skills contest for children 15 and younger from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Larry Mills Park. There will be five age categories for both boys and girls. The shooter’s age as of Jan. 1, 2023 will determine in which age group they participate. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. First, second and third place winners will receive prizes.

Saturday: Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department will host a fall super bingo at 10 p.m. at the firehall, 415 Old Abers Creek Road. Doors open at 8 p.m. and early bird games begin at 9:30 p.m. Cost: $95, includes 18 cards of all 20 regular games, all specials and an assigned seat that will be held until 10 p.m. The kitchen will be open. Proceeds will benefit the fire department. Tickets: call or text Lori at 412-877-8793.

Springdale

Oct. 3 to Dec. 19: Top Hats performance ensemble is conducting its fall registration for new members. Children 4 and older are welcome. No experience required. Classes in baton, dance and flag are Tuesdays Oct. 3 to Dec. 19 at the Springdale municipal building. Cost: $150 for fall classes or $60 per month. The group performs in parades and community and winter guard events. Details: 724-931-0296 or info@tophatsperformance.com.

Tarentum  

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.

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.

Monday: Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St., will host a seven-session women’s book discussion group that will meet on the last Monday of each month Sept. 25th through March 2024. Led by professional group facilitator Amy Armanious, each session will include a time of discussion and learning, followed by a light lunch and fellowship. The book is “The Heart’s Journey through the Seasons: The Circle of Life” by Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr. All women are welcome. Reservations recommended. Reservations: 724-224-9220.

Oct. 28: Space applications are being accepted from crafters and vendors for the annual Boo Fest planned from noon to 4 p.m. in Riverview Memorial Park. Details: call or text Tami, 878-302-5367 or tamisudy@gmail.com.

Vandergrift

Sept. 28: Vandergrift Business Association will offer a free class at 6:30 p.m. at Allusion Brewing, 143 Grant Ave., as part of its summer lecture series. Aubrey McCutcheon will discuss the process and steps to acquire a franchise.

Oct. 2: Vandergrift Public Library will offer a genealogy workshop for beginners at 6 p.m. at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Those attending will receive basic family tree charts to help with research. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.

Washington Township  

Today: 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.

Today and Saturday: Union Presbyterian Church, 656 Route 380, will have a fall rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the church. Items other than jewelry, furniture and antiques will not be priced and will be sold for a donation. Lunch and breakfast will be available.

West Deer

Saturday and Sunday: The annual West Deer Festival will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday at Bairdford Park. There will be food, vendors, crafts, rides, a DJ, hayrides, a petting zoo, a pie-eating contest and karaoke.

Saturday: Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh will host a free star party at 7:15 p.m. at the Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory, 225 Kurn Road, in Deer Lakes Regional Park, weather permitting. Bring binoculars, a blanket and camping chair. Use only parking lights when entering through the park gate. Donations will be accepted. Details and weather updates: 724-224-2510 or 3ap.org.