Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel March 7, 2025 | 3:06 PM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, March 7, 2025

Harrisburg Happenings

March for Science

Today, I joined scientists, students, and elected leaders who believe in the power of research and education at the March for Science protest in Schenley Plaza.

President Trump and his cronies aren’t hiding their agenda. They want to politicize research, censor education, and punish institutions that challenge their worldview. They seek to defund public schools and gut university research – actions that would devastate our region.

This is about whether we are a country that moves forward—or a country dragged backward by fear, ignorance, and a small group of people who would rather burn it all down than invest in an educated, informed public.

Private Equity Shuts Down Crozer Health Hospitals

Delaware County’s Crozer Health hospital system is shutting down, the latest casualty of private equity in our healthcare system. Since acquiring Crozer in 2016, Prospect Medical Holdings has systematically looted the system, leaving residents without critical care and hundreds without jobs.

These hospitals were ransacked, robbed, and plundered for profit, and now their private equity owner gets to ride out of town, leaving communities with diminished access to health care and employment. It’s devastating, and we have the power to make sure it doesn’t happen again. That’s why I’m renewing my push for legislation to give the Pennsylvania Attorney General the power to review healthcare acquisitions before they happen. Medical facilities are too important to be treated like business deals. I’ll be working with Rep. Lisa Borowski and legislative leaders to fast-track this critical bill through the General Assembly.

Allegheny County BDS Referendum for May Election Fails

This morning, Not on Our Dime Pittsburgh agreed that they did not collect enough valid signatures for their BDS referendum to appear on the May ballot. In response, Judge McVay Jr. ordered the Board of Election not to place the referendum question on the ballot.

The divestment referendum has divided our communities and fostered hostility toward our Jewish friends and neighbors. I'm glad this misguided effort has again come to a close without enough valid signatures to proceed.

Thank you to the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, the Beacon Coalition, Controller Heisler, and many more who educated the public about the harms of the effort and organized volunteers to check signatures.

Community Events and Resources

IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

By Appointment Only: Fridays 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. | JCC and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh—Main (Oakland)

United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania is organizing IRS-certified volunteers to help households earning up to $65,000 per year file their taxes. There is no charge, no matter the size of your refund.

Learn more and schedule an appointment here.

Pittsburgh Magazine Best of the Burgh Nominations

Nominations closes Sunday, March 23

It's time to nominate the people, places, businesses, and events you think are the Best of the Burgh!

Learn more and submit nominations here.

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh’s Community Access Membership

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh offers free or discounted memberships to teens, low-income individuals or families, and community-based nonprofits that serve at-risk youth, foster youth, individuals experiencing homelessness, and seniors receiving public assistance.

Learn more and register for a Community Access Membership here.

Celebration of Seeds: 12th Annual Seed Swap

Saturday, March 8, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main (Oakland)

Held in collaboration with Grow Pittsburgh, Phipps Conservatory, and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, the annual Seed Swap features seed stories, gardening experts, hands-on activities for kids and teens, and free seeds for the public.

Gardeners are encouraged to bring their own untreated, non-GMO seeds to share, or pick up seeds donated by local gardeners, farmers and seed companies. New seeds will be released every hour on the hour. Registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome.

Learn more and register here.

Daylight Saving Time

Sunday, March 9

Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, so remember to set your clocks ahead one hour before you go to sleep Saturday night! While you are adjusting your clocks, be sure to change the batteries on your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Storytime on Sundays

Sundays, 10:30 a.m. | Stories Like Me, 4381 Murray Ave, 15217

Stories Like Me hosts a free informal story time for children of all ages.

Learn more here.

Grow PA Scholarship Program

Applications Open: Monday, March 10

The Grow PA Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to Pennsylvania students pursuing in-demand occupations at Pennsylvania institutions of higher education. Recipients must commit to living and working in Pennsylvania for the same number of years they receive the scholarship.

Learn more and apply here.

Ralph Munn Creative Writing Contest

Accepting submissions starting Monday, March 10

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is holding a writing contest for high school students (grades 9-12) in Allegheny County. There are two writing categories: poetry and short prose. First and second prizes of $250 and $100 for both categories will be awarded, respectively.

Learn more and submit writings here.

Development Activities Meeting: Central Catholic High School & Carnegie Mellon University

Monday, March 10, 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Virtual

The Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition, Oakland Business Improvement District, and Oakland Planning Development Corporation are hosting a Development Activities Meeting in collaboration with the Department of City Planning on two projects:

Central Catholic High School is planning a three-story student center on their campus at 4720 Fifth Ave.
Carnegie Mellon University is planning an addition of an emergency generator to the R.K. Mellon Hall of Sciences.

Learn more and register for the meeting here.

Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures “Made Local” – Michael Sawyer

Tuesday, March 11, 6-7 p.m. | Carnegie Library Lecture Hall

Author Michael E. Sawyer will discuss his latest biography, Sir Lewis, which chronicles the life and career of Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton. The book explores Hamilton’s rise in motorsports, his perseverance in overcoming barriers, and his lasting impact on the sport.

This event is free, and no tickets are required.

Learn more here.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Basics

Tuesday, March 11 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh—Main (Oakland) or Virtual

Carnegie Library will host an introductory class on what AI is, how it works, and how it can assist with everyday tasks.

The class is free and open to all.

Learn more and register here.

Generations Speaker Series: Alison Brown Karabin

Wednesday, March 12, 6-7 p.m. | Chatham University Shadyside Campus, James Laughlin Music Hall

Alison Brown Karabin will share the story of her grandmother, Elizabeth Brown, a beloved Pittsburgh survivor originally from Hungary. Alison will recount Elizabeth's survival in Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Volary Death March before settling in Squirrel Hill, where she raised her family.

Tickets are free.

Learn more and get tickets here.

Pittsburgh Youth Climate Action Summit

Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. | 6 Allegheny Square East, #Suite 101, 15212

The annual Pittsburgh Youth Climate Action Summit is all about empowering young people to make a difference in the fight against climate change. Young people will connect with other like-minded individuals and learn how they can act in their own community. This summit is designed for youth aged 11-21 and their allies. Youth under 18 will need parental permission to attend the event.