Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel November 14, 2025 | 9:17 AM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, November 14, 2025

Harrisburg Happenings

Passing a State Budget

This week, we finally passed a state budget. The challenges to progress have never been higher, but House Democrats stayed at the table, refused to accept inaction, and worked across the aisle to deliver a balanced budget that serves Pennsylvanians.

We secured $193 million for a new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which will send hundreds of dollars back to working families – this is a priority that Democrats have fought for year after year, and we finally got it.

It builds on our success in education—boosting funding for Basic and Special Education, mental health services, and free breakfast for students. It directs more resources to the schools that need them most and reforms cyber charter funding, saving Pittsburgh Public Schools more than $12 million next year. It also expands Pre-K, literacy, and teacher training.

We’re investing in our workforce through bonuses for child care workers, stipends for student teachers, and higher wages for direct care workers. And we’re growing apprenticeship and technical education programs that lead to good-paying jobs.

While Washington advances cruel cuts that would strip health care and close hospitals, we protected Medicaid and strengthened SNAP for two million Pennsylvanians. We also funded $5 million in research on Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Parkinson’s and doubled disaster preparedness funding.

We didn’t get everything we wanted—this budget falls short on climate and transit—but it was critical to move forward with a plan that protects essential programs and gets funding to our schools and communities.

This budget reflects our values, proves compromise is possible, and delivers real results for the people of Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh’s New Chief of Police

I want to offer my full congratulations to Jason Lando on his nomination as Chief of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police under Mayor-elect Corey O’Connor.

I’ve known Jason and his family for decades. I’ve seen first-hand his commitment to our community, his leadership in the field, and his deep roots in Pittsburgh. He not only understands the challenges we face — he’s lived them alongside our neighborhoods.

As our city moves forward, the public safety of every resident — from our youngest to our seniors — must be at the center of our work. Jason brings with him a clear focus on reducing violent crime, strengthening community-police relations, and supporting the men and women who serve our city.

It’s a new chapter for Pittsburgh’s police leadership, and with Jason’s experience and dedication, I’m optimistic about where we can go together. Looking forward to working with him, Mayor-elect O’Connor, and the entire bureau to build a safer and more inclusive city for all.

Community Events and Resources

Thanksgiving Meal Delivery from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
Register by Saturday, November 15 | City of Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police will once again hand-deliver Thanksgiving meals to residents in need throughout the City of Pittsburgh. Those wishing to request a meal must be city residents. Meals will be delivered on Thanksgiving Day.

Free.

Hiring Rink Attendants for Schenley Park Ice Skating Rink

The City of Pittsburgh is looking to hire part-time and seasonal rink attendants for the Schenley Park Skating Rink. Applicants must be 16 years or older and a city resident.

Learn more and apply here.

2026 PA Farm Show “Oh Say, Can You Sing?” National Anthem Contest
Entries accepted until November 24

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is inviting individuals and groups across the Commonwealth to enter the “Oh Say, Can You Sing?” National Anthem Contest for the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. Winners will have the honor of performing the National Anthem live to open each day of the Farm Show, held January 10–17, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.

Fan voting will take place on Facebook from November 26 through December 2, 2025. The top 12 videos will be selected to perform during the 2026 Farm Show.

Learn more here.

PPG Place Ice Rink Opening

Opens Today, November 14 | PPG Place

PPG Place’s outdoor ice rink is opening for the winter season. Tickets can be purchased online or in person. In addition, there are family nights, half-priced student nights, and other specials all winter long.

Learn more here.

City of Pittsburgh Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Saturday, November 15, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM | City of Pittsburgh Environmental Services, 3001 Railroad Street

Safely dispose of household hazardous waste such as paints, automotive fluids, pesticides, cleaners, propane tanks, and more. Fees are charged by item type and weight, and all materials will be assessed on-site. Registration is required, and payment is accepted by cash, check, or card.

Fees vary by item; registration required.

Learn more here.

Holiday Glow at SouthSide Works
Saturday, November 15, 4:30–7:30 PM | SouthSide Works

SouthSide Works will kick off the holiday season with its first annual Holiday Glow celebration, a free, family-friendly event featuring Santa Claus and the lighting of the tree in Town Square. Guests can enjoy seasonal activities, crafts, and festive entertainment throughout the evening.

Learn more here.

Noche de Ciencias at Carnegie Mellon University
Sunday, November 16, 1-4 PM | Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper Simmons B

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) at Carnegie Mellon University invites families to Noche de Ciencias, a free, family-friendly STEM outreach event designed to inspire students—especially those from Hispanic backgrounds—to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through fun, hands-on activities.

Free admission.

Learn more here and RSVP here.

Restorative Yoga at the Frick Environmental Center

Sunday, November 16, 2:00 – 3:00 PM | Frick Environmental Center

Take part in a restorative yoga session designed to promote physical, mental, and emotional relaxation through deep breathing, stillness, and classic postures. Appropriate for all levels, the class emphasizes extended holds and breathwork in a welcoming environment. Participants with sensitivities should note that essential oils will be used.

Free, registration required.

Learn more here.

Tabletop Tuesdays Gaming Happy Hour – Schenley Park Visitors Center
Tuesday, November 18, 6:00 – 9:00 PM | Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center

Enjoy a night of board games, card games, and RPGs at Schenley Park. Open to players 16 and older, this weekly event offers $2 snacks and bottled soft drinks. Participants can bring their own game or borrow one from the library.

Free admission.

Learn more here.

Holiday Mingle

Wednesday, November 19, 6-8 PM | Propel Hazelwood Charter School, 5401 Glenwood Ave., 15207

Neighbors from Hazelwood, Greenfield, and Squirrel Hill are invited to the Holiday Mingle, a family-friendly event celebrating the season’s diverse traditions. The gathering will feature music, crafts, food, games, and activities in a festive environment designed to bring the community together.

Free.

Learn more here.

Let’s Talk: Cooking with Less and Food Access Resources
Wednesday, November 19, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | 294 Semple Street & Online

Oakland Planning and Development Corporation will host its monthly Let’s Talk meeting on the theme of food access. Community members are invited to join an interactive discussion with presentations from local partners and an open conversation on cooking with fewer resources. The program is available in person and via Zoom.

Free and open to the public.

Learn more here.

Zone 4 Public Safety Council

Thursday, November 20, 6:30 PM | JCC

The Zone 4 Public Safety Council is a monthly meeting where neighbors, police, and businesses meet to discuss the community's safety. This month Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Detectives will be discussing holiday scams, phishing schemes, and other forms of fraud.

Learn more here.

Stewart O’Nan at Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures
Thursday, November 20, 7:00 PM | Carnegie Library Lecture Hall

Pittsburgh-born author Stewart O’Nan will speak about his acclaimed career in fiction. O’Nan has written numerous novels, including Ocean State, Wish You Were Here, and the national bestseller Last Night at the Lobster, a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize.