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Lower Burrell Christmas celebration set Saturday
The Lower Burrell Christmas in the Woods will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday in Kotecki Park, 730 Wildlife Lodge Road.
There will be a candy cane hayride, a petting zoo with live Nativity animals, strolling Christmas carolers, a smores bonfire, children’s crafts, karaoke, food trucks, a warming tent, 50-50 raffle and Santa Claus. Donations will be accepted for Toys for Tots and non-perishable food items will be collected for a local food pantry.
Parking is limited at the park and free shuttle service will be available from Bon Air Elementary School, 3260 Leechburg Road. The festival is sponsored by the city parks and recreation commission.
The Christmas parade will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday at the former Stewart School on Leechburg Road. Lineup will be at 6 p.m.
Calendar
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: The Yarn Good Time Fiber Arts Group at Apollo Memorial Library will meet from 5 to 6 p.m. at the library, 219 N. Pennsylvania Ave. The Embroidery Club will meet at 6 p.m. All skill levels welcome. Details: 724-478-4214.
Arnold
Friday: St. Vladimir Church, 1610 Kenneth Ave., is accepting orders for its weekly pierogi sale. Varieties: cottage cheese, $16 per dozen; potato or sauerkraut, $14 per dozen. Pickup: 12:30 to 4 p.m. Fridays in the church social hall. This is the last sale of the year. 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Thursday : Community Library of Allegheny Valley will offer an adult paint class fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Cost: $10, includes all supplies. BYO snacks and beverages. The subject will be a holiday ornament. Reservations:Alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.
Jan. 17: Tri-County Trout Club is accepting table reservations for its annual sport show and flea market planned at Patterson Hall at Guardian Angels Parish, 800 Montana Ave. Vendors must sell new, used or collectable fishing, hunting, camping or sports items. Cost: $25. Details:412-298-0964 or tctcnews@gmail.com, leave a message with your name and phone number.
Jefferson Township
Today: Concordia at Cabot sponsors a free monthly caregiver support group at 2 p.m. in the Lund Care Center private dining room, 134 Marwood Road. Use Entrance 4. Anyone who cares for a loved one with a physical problem or diminished reasoning skills at home is welcome. Details: Stefanie Dietrich, 724-352-1571, ext. 8271.
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.
Kiski Township
Today: The diaper pantry at Spring Church Lutheran Church, 3623 Lutheran Church Road, will distribute diapers from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church. Recipients must register in advance. First-time recipients must provide their own ID, the child’s birth certificate and a current WIC or SNAP card. Registration:724-478-1528.
Leechburg
Saturday : A Christmas bingo will be at Leechburg Volunteer Firehall, 268 Canal St. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and food will be served at 4 p.m. Early bird bingo will begin at 4:30 p.m. Cost: $35 in advance; at the door, $40; include 20 games that pay $75, four specials that pay $200 and a light meal. There will be a $300 early bird jackpot, a $1,000 regular jackpot game and 50-50. Details: Melissa, 724-332-9090. Tickets: lvfc150.square.site or at Monday night bingo.
Lower Burrell
Wednesday: Redemption Church will host a GriefShare program about the loss of a spouse from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church, 3400 Garvers Ferry Road. Details: Brenda Heinz, 412-398-1622.
Thursday: Peoples Library will offer a STEM-based craft workshop at 1 p.m. at the library, 880 Barnes St. Details:724-339-1021.
Through Dec. 31: The works of members of the Allegheny Valley League of Artists will be on display during operating hours at Peoples Library, 3052 Wachter Ave. Details:724-339-1021.
New Kensington
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.
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: Peoples Library will offer a STEM-based craft workshop at 11 a.m. at the library, 880 Barnes St. Details:724-339-1021.
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.
Dec. 31: Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley is selling 2026 lottery calendar tickets. Tickets are $25 and include one number for each day of the year. Special number requests will be granted if the number is available. Tickets: jlessig@animalprotectors.net or animalprotectors.net.
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.
Plum
Today: The Plum Food Pantry, 81 Sandune Drive, distributes free food from 4:30 to 6 p.m. the first three Tuesdays of each month. Recipients in need must stop in at the pantry to be confirmed/verified. Details:724-327-0367.
Through Dec. 25: Allegheny County Parks Department is sponsoring a holiday food drive for local food banks. Non-perishables can be taken from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays to the Four Seasons Lodge in Boyce Park.
Saxonburg
Thursday: The dementia caregiver support group at South Butler Community Library will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. at the library, 240 W. Main St. The group meets the second Thursday of each month and provides a safe place for caregivers to share their feelings and discuss their day-to-day challenges. No reservations required. Details: Michelle Govan, RN, 724-504-5512.
Springdale
Wednesday: Springdale Free Public Library, 331 School St., will offer a crochet class at 6 p.m. The group meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Bring a hook and some yarn. All ages welcome. Reservations:724-274-9729.
Wednesday : Springdale Free Public Library is accepting orders for a TNT hoagie sale. Varieties: Italian, ham & cheese and turkey. Cost: $10 for a 13-inch sandwich. Order deadline: Dec. 10. Pickup: Dec. 17. Orders:724-274-9729 or stop in at the library, 331 School St.
Thursday: 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.
Dec. 16: The Tuesday Night Book Club at Springdale Free Public Library will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 331 School St. The selection will be “The Goods Sister” by Sally Hepworth. Copies available at the library. New members welcome. Reservations required. Reservations:724-274-9729.
Tarentum
Today: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St.
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/attaboys-kitchen. Orders:724-226-1644 by 8:15 p.m.
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. Details:724-224-7666.
Washington Township
Wednesday: Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at 6 p.m. at Union Presbyterian Church, 656 Route 380.
West Deer
Saturday : A pancake breakfast with Santa will be at 9 a.m. at Pleasant Unity Church, 101 Millerstown-Culmerville Road. There will be a magician and donations will be accepted. Bring a $10 wrapped gift with your child’s name on it.. Reservations required. Reservations: Darlene, 724-352-3615.
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.