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The Stroller, Oct. 19, 2025: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley

Published

3 months ago

October 19, 2025

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.

Tickets on sale for Mary, Queen of Apostles School musical

The theater department of Mary, Queen of Apostles School in New Kensington will present “Matilda Jr. – The Musical” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Oct. 26 in the auditorium of Huston Middle School, 1020 Puckety Church Road, Lower Burrell.

Tickets are $10, plus fees. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/muzj6z68.

Volunteers wanted for shelter Cat Volunteer Crew

Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley in New Kensington is looking for new volunteers to help out on the Cat Volunteer Crew.

Hours are between 7 and 10 a.m. and duties include cleaning kennels, filling food and water bowls, scooping litter and spending time playing and socializing with the felines. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

For an application, visit tinyurl.com/t7ypahfa.

Free rides available to medical appointments

Wesley Family Services offers free transportation for those 18 and older from their homes to medical facilities within New Kensington, Arnold, Lower Burrell and parts of Vandergrift.

Rides are available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays except holidays. One-way and round-trip rides are available. For details, call 724-895-8214.

Calendar

Allegheny Township

Tuesday: The Foes to Friends Football Breakfast Club will meet at 9 a.m. at Valley Dairy Restaurant, 315 Hyde Park Road. Former players from the 1970’s from local high schools are welcome. Details: Frank, 724-980-2197.

Tuesday : WestArm Physical Therapy will offer a free lecture, “Are You Considering a Knee or Hip Replacement?” at 6 p.m. at the office, 1001 S. Leechburg Hill Road. Speakers will be Dr. Eric Evans and physical therapist Luke Ladouceur. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-337-6522 or administration@westarmtherapy.com.

Apollo

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.

Nov. 11: St. James Parish is accepting orders for a nut roll sale. Cost: $15. Order deadline: Nov. 7. Pickup: after 2:30 p.m. Nov. 11 in the parish activities center. Orders: Rita, 724-478-2404, Charlene, 412-289-8903 or Jennifer, 412-860-5349.

Arnold

Mondays: St. Vladimir Church will host bingo at 7 p.m. in the church hall, 1601 Kenneth Ave. Note the change of day. Early bird games and after bingo quickies have been eliminated.

East Franklin

Monday: Armstrong County Republican Committee will meet at 7 p.m. in the Belmont Complex banquet room, 415 Butler Road. Details: Darlene Smail, 724-902-2244 or dsmail2244@windstream.net or Anthony Shea, ashea247@comcast.net.

East Vandergrift

Today: Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish will have bingo at 6:30 p.m. in the church social hall, 411 McKinley Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There will be a 56-number jackpot game, a 47-number picture frame game and a magic number game. Details: 724-478-4958.

Nov. 1: Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish will sponsor a cash bash in the church social hall, 411 McKinley Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the first number will be drawn at 7 p.m. Cost: $30, includes food, beverages and five numbers to win cash prizes. Must be 21. There will be pull tabs, a basket raffle and 50-50s. Tickets: Crystal, 724-882-9212 or stop in at the parish office in Apollo.

Fawn

Today: The Alle-Kiski Valley Historical Society’s Flea-Tique antique and collectible show will be open from daybreak to 1 p.m. at the Bull Creek Tour-Ed Mine site, off Bull Creek Road., rain or shine. No pets permitted. Customer parking: $3 per vehicle. Proceeds benefit the Alle-Kiski Heritage and Tour Ed Mine museums. Donations of money and new toys will be accepted by the Marines for Toys for Tots. This is the final show of the season. Details: 724-224-0178.

Freeport

Oct. 26: A pasta dinner fundraiser to benefit cancer patient Tracy Ross-Kelley will be from noon to 6 p.m. at St. Mary Church, 608 High St. Cost: $16; 6 to 11, $12; 5 and younger, free. There will be a basket raffle, bake sale and 50-50. Tickets: Pam, text 724-991-3199.

Oct. 27: St. Mary, Mother of God Church Christian Mothers 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 bar, refreshments and beverages. Reservations and details: Carol, 724-316-1204.

Oct. 29: Donations are being accepted to help to buy candy and provide prizes for the annual fireman’s Halloween parade. Checks can be sent to Freeport Fire EMS, 400 Market St., PO Box 158 Freeport PA 16229 or visit freeportvfd.square.site.

Hampton

Monday: The Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Roundtable will host a free program, “Civil War Medicine” by Jake Wynn at 7 p.m. at the Hampton Community Center, 3200 Lochner Way. Public welcome.

Harmar

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

Tuesday: The Who Knew? program at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will present “Alcoa – the History of Aluminum and Wearever Products” at 6 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or visit the calendar tab at alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Wednesday: The Kitchen Sink Book Club at Community Library of Allegheny Valley will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the library, 1522 Broadview Blvd. The selection will be “The Secrets She Keeps” by Michael Robotham. Copies are available at the circulation desk. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-226-3491 or alleghenyvalleylibrary.org.

Oct. 26: A Black Light Halloween Bingo will be at 1 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 894 Veterans Drive. Doors open at 11 a.m. There will be cash prizes, door prizes, raffles and more. Cost: $45, includes lunch and fluorescent daubers. Tickets: Lorraine, 412-537-5954.

Nov. 2: St. Joseph High School will host a purse bash at 1:10 p.m. in Patterson Hall at Guardian Angels Parish, Most Blessed Sacrament site. Doors open at noon. Cost: $25, includes a light lunch and chance to win 10 purses. Winner need not be present. Tickets: 724-226-7872, ahaugh@saintjosephhs.com or SaintJosephHS.com. Proceeds will be used to update cafeteria equipment.

Leechburg

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. 26: First Evangelical Lutheran Church will offer a free GriefShare program, “Surviving the Loss of a Spouse,” from 2 to 4 p.m. at the church, 358 Main St. Details: 724-845-7518.

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: The American Legion, 1100 Wildlife Lodge Road, will be open for breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon. Menu: pancakes, creamed ground beef on toast, eggs made to order with toast, home fries and sausage or bacon.

Wednesday: Peoples Library will host a virtual talk with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai about her memoir “Finding My Way” at 7 p.m. Recordings will be available to watch on demand. To register and ask questions, visit libraryc.org/peopleslibrary. Details: 724-339-1021.

Oct. 25: Grace Community Presbyterian Church, 2751 Grant St., will sponsor a spaghetti dinner fundraiser and silent auction from 4 to 7 p.m. to benefit Operation Christmas Child. Menu: spaghetti, meatball, salad, bread, dessert and drinks, $15; younger than 12, $10. Dine in or takeout. Tickets purchased in advance receive a $1 discount. Tickets: 724-339-9661.

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. 1: A Harvest Bingo will be at 1 p.m. at the Moose, 499 Reimer St. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Cost: $40, includes lunch, regular and special games and the $1,000 jackpot game. Tickets: Marianne, 412-337-0841 or at the lodge.

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.

New Kensington

Today: St. Mary of Czestochowa Parish will host its Polish Platter Dinner from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the church Friendship Hall, 857 Kenneth Ave. Menu: two pierogi, cabbage roll, haluski, green beans Polonaise and roll, $15. Dine in or takeout. There will be a bake sale, basket raffle, 50-50 and the November lottery drawing.

Parks Township

Today: 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.

Springdale

Oct. 28: 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 “Amalfi Coast” by Sarah Penner. Copies available at the library. New members welcome. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-274-9729.

Nov. 6: 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

Oct. 31: Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny St., 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: Tuesday. Pick-up: 2 p.m. Oct. 31. Orders: 724-224-9220.

Nov. 18, 19 and 20: Ss. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, 339 E. 10th Ave., is taking orders for its Thanksgiving nut roll sale. Nut, apricot and poppy seed rolls will be available. Pickup: Nov. 18. 19 and 20. Cost: $15 each. Orders: 724-224-3026, leave a message with your name, phone number and order; email tarentumbyzcath@gmail.com or visit tarentumbyzcath.org.

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 Casino Theater will screen Ken Burns’ documentary, “American Revolution,” at 2 p.m. at the theater. Donations will be accepted.

Tuesday : Vandergrift Public Library will have a Halloween game night for youth and their families from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the library, 128C Washington Ave. Costumes welcome. Reservations required. Reservations: 724-568-2212.

Washington Township

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.

Nov. 15: Quality Life Services, 151 Goodview Drive, is accepted space reservations for a holiday vendor show set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center. Details: Robyn Platt, 724-727-3451 or rplatt@qualitylifeservices.com.

West Deer

Nov. 1: Fun and Freedom Youth Sports is accepting team reservations for a 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament at East Union Community Center. Held in memory of founder coach Deeni Riddle, divisions will include third- through fifth-graders, and sixth- through eighth-graders. Teams can be coed. Players from all schools welcome. Cost: $120 per team. Paid reservations required by Friday. Details and registration: 724-274-7773 or click on the tournament tab at funandfreedom.org.

Winfield

Today : St. Francis Assisi Parish will sponsor a vaccination clinic for adults and children from 9 a.m. to noon at the church, 315 Stoney Hollow Road. The follow vaccines will be available: flu, for those 5 and older; covid for those 12 and older; shingles, pneumonia and RSV. Details: 412-821-1524 or medicap225@gmail.com.

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Millikan vs. Cabrillo, Boys’ Basketball – The562.org

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22 seconds ago

January 13, 2026

Your Sports Nation

PHOTOS: Lakewood Vs. Millikan, Boys’ Soccer

The562’s coverage of Lakewood Athletics is sponsored by J.P. Crawford, Class of 2013. The562’s coverage of Millikan Athletics for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Brian Ramsey and TLD Law. The562’s high school soccer coverage for the 2025-26 season is sponsored by Long Beach Poly soccer alum Kennedy Justin

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Luke Friese, Schaeffer Academy Boys Basketball

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1 hour ago

January 13, 2026

Your Sports Nation

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Schaeffer Academy’s Luke Friese knew he was playing well against Alden-Conger/Glenville-Emmons last week. He just didn’t know how well, exactly.

“I was just going, and I kept looking at the scoreboard like ‘we’re just going to keep winning,’” Freise said. “Our scoreboard doesn’t have the points of what player, so I was just out there playing. I had no clue what my stats were.”

“I asked our stat people at the end of the bench on the iPad, ‘how many does Luke have? And they said, ’29,’” head coach Tom Bance said. “We still had 5 minutes to go in the first half.”

Friese scored 36 points in the first half and 45 total in a Lions win. With the outing, he set the Schaeffer Academy single-game scoring record, breaking his own record from earlier this season.

“Since we have a close-knit community at Schaeffer, lots of people know that I play basketball and stuff, so it meant a lot to me that I got to get this record and get remembered at least a little part of Schaeffer that I scored the most points in a game.”

His massive performances are the result of a massive role. Last season he shared the floor with the Lions’ all-time leading scorer Ethan Van Schepen. This season, as one of just two seniors on the team, the offense flows through Friese.

“I really like being the go-to guy, but I also love passing it up to my teammates and making sure they get involved,” he said. “So I think we’ve found a good happy medium.”

A player willing to do whatever he needs to help the team.

“I’ve coached for a long time and he’s probably the best captain I’ve ever had, where he just leads those kids,” Bance said. “He’s encouraging the other guys to look for their shot and they’re doing a great job of getting better at that, but they’re still young, so Luke just knows ‘I’ve got to be the guy that’s going to have to score.’”

It’s a selfless approach to massive individual numbers. His ability as a three-level scorer is on display with each box score he fills and record he sets. As his name will live on in the Schaeffer Academy record books, it’s a perfect name to represent the Lions.

“He’s everything that I think Schaeffer basketball should be about: faith, hard work, dedication to the game,” Bance said. “So it couldn’t have happened to a better guy.”

Find stories like this and more, in our apps.

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Portola boys basketball head coach Brian Smith achieves two milestones in one season –

Published

1 hour ago

January 13, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Portola Coach Brian Smith leads his team in a game in December. (PHOTO: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

Portola head boys basketball coach Brian Smith has been enjoying the 2025-26 season. His Bulldogs have a 15-5 overall record and are 2-0 in the Pacific Coast League.

In December, Smith celebrated his 300th career victory and after another game, his 100th career victory at Portola. It’s his 10th year running the Portola program, which is in its eighth year of varsity competitiion.

“That just says it’s a long career, I’ve been doing this a long time,” said Smith, who has been coaching for 30 years, 21 years as a head coach. “I’m very blessed to have coaches and players in New Mexico and here who played for me. I’ve opened two schools, there’s been a lot put into this career and I’m really enjoying this group right now, they’re making it more fun for me and my coaches do a great job.

“Those 300 wins, it’s all those other coaches and the players who played for me as well that make me do what I do.”

Portola hosts Woodbridge Tuesday night.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com

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Natalia Safatli

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1 hour ago

January 13, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Cisco Blogs / Natalia Safatli

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Leader, Customer Delivery

Americas CX SP Canada

I launched my Cisco career in 2012 as a bilingual logistics agent, energetically supporting the LATAM team, within our dynamic supply chain and logistics operations. Motivated by an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration, I joined the Cisco High Touch Operations team in 2016, where I delivered outstanding support to American and Canadian customers.

Embracing new opportunities for growth, I advanced in 2021 to Service Delivery Manager, further progressing to Team Lead, Expert Care Lead, and now proudly serve as PMO and Expert Care Lead for Service Provider (SP) Canada. I am especially enthusiastic about the integration of artificial intelligence within our organization, recognizing its transformative impact on efficiency, customer experience, and the future of technology. Throughout my journey, I have remained deeply positive and grateful for the teamwork, mentorship, and visionary leadership that have shaped my professional path.

Beyond my fulfilling career, I am a proud mother of two and an active volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross and Saint John Ambulance dog therapy program in Halifax, Nova Scotia. My passion for community engagement extends to youth sports, where I serve as a backup coach for my daughter’s soccer team and actively support my son’s baseball team.

In my spare time, I am dedicated to continuous self-improvement, challenging myself through self-study, pursuing Cisco-recommended learning paths, and advancing my knowledge in AI and IT security. I approach every aspect of life and work with enthusiasm, optimism, and a genuine desire to create a positive and lasting impact.

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SPORTS: Spotlighting strong hoop starts in area | News, Sports, Jobs

Published

2 hours ago

January 13, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Many in the area have their attention in the sports world on the Buffalo Bills after the exciting win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the wildcard round. But there is reason to be excited when it comes to boys high school basketball in the north county.

Both Fredonia and Dunkirk are off to fantastic starts — and have brought renewed energy to a rivalry that played out more than a week ago. For the first time in eight years, the Marauders were victorious over the Hillbillies.

Sixto Rosario, longtime advocate and youth basketball enthusiast, is the Dunkirk coach. His emotions came out once the buzzer sounded.

“I want to thank all the fans and everybody for believing,” Rosario said. “I love Dunkirk. I love the program. I love the kids. This is a great feeling.”

Both teams play again in February in Fredonia. Based on the current winning ways for both schools, the tilt will be highly anticipated.

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Chicago Snowballs Show Off Their Moves During Tryouts For ‘Sportstainment’ Baseball Team

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2 hours ago

January 13, 2026

Your Sports Nation

ROSEMONT — The Chicago Snowballs, a new team mixing baseball and family-friendly entertainment, are gearing up for their spring debut, with the team hosting a scrimmage in Rosemont last week.

The Snowballs, who brand themselves as pro baseball’s first co-ed “sportstainment” experience, hosted tryouts all last week at the The Dome at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex in suburban Rosemont.

Tryouts culminated Friday with an event called Inside the Snowglobe, a benefit for local youth sports. Fans watched the prospective players sing, dance, perform trick plays and perform with the Jesse White Tumblers and the Bucket Boys. Proceeds from the benefit went to support youth sports organizations in Chicago.

Snowballs players celebrate after scoring a run during the tryouts and scrimmage for the Chicago Snowballs team at the Rosemont Dome on Jan. 9, 2026. Credit: Zoe D Davis for Block Club Chicago

KJ Gaiter connects for a hit during the scrimmage for the Chicago Snowballs team at the Rosemont Dome on Jan. 9, 2026. Credit: Zoe D Davis for Block Club Chicago

RELATED: Chicago Getting Its Own Savannah Bananas-Inspired Team

The players were spilt into teams that took turns scrimmaging and then would perform
dance and cheer routines for the fans during inning breaks.

CEO and co-founder Cherie Travis said the team will aim to give opportunities
to players who want to continue in baseball or softball and might not otherwise have
the chance to keep playing.

“If you played baseball or softball in college and you don’t make the majors or the
minors, you’re done,” Travis said. It was “the idea of creating another opportunity for
athletes; they don’t have to be the best pitcher. They need to be good ball players, and
they need to have a ton of fun and put that energy on the field.”

The Snowballs plan to play players a salary and profit share — and advertise equal
pay for male and female players.

“I feel like it was a great opportunity to come out and play coach, possibly get involved in management and help show that the women can compete with the men and have just as much fun,” said coach Allie Lacey.

KJ Gaiter, a youth baseball coach at Oz Park, said that his family and fiends encouraged him to try out.

“Playing baseball, I was always energetic, silly, goofy, but there’s a limit to it because you want to win at the same time,” Gaiter said. “To be able to be in a facility like this, an environment like this, where you can come out and play baseball and you can also be silly with it, it’s almost like being a kid playing baseball again. I feel like a kid in a playground.”

The Snowballs will play their first game May 3 at Kerry Wood Field, 3400 N. Rockwell St. in North Center.

The team will be based in Chicago and will tour the Midwest, operating in a similar fashion to the Harlem Globetrotters or the Savannah Bananas.

The Bananas, known for combining baseball with physical stunts, comedy, dancing and other skills, sold out Sox Park this summer and are making their way to Wrigley in July.

See more photos from Friday’s scrimmage: