Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel January 15, 2026 | 3:02 PM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, January 16, 2025

I wish you a meaningful and restorative Martin Luther King Jr. Day as we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy of service, justice, and community. Our office will be closed on Monday, January 19 in observance of the holiday and will reopen at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, January 20.

After 25 years of dedicated service, we wish a fond farewell to Robin Ondo, who retires from my office on Monday. Robin has been a steady, trusted presence for decades, and her commitment to our constituents and our work will be deeply missed.

I also said goodbye to Sean Harrington, who has contributed mightily to our office over the past four years. We’re grateful for his hard work and leadership, and we’re excited that he’ll continue serving the public in his new role with the City of Pittsburgh.

At the same time, I’m happy to welcome two new members to our team: Lisa Wittig and Laura Dvorkin. We’re thrilled to have them on board and look forward to the energy and talent they bring to the office.

Please note that we are unable to provide free notary service for the next several weeks while our new team members complete that training.

Harrisburg Happenings

Standing with Pittsburgh’s Immigrant Communities

As your representative in Pittsburgh, I stand with immigrant communities following recent acts of violence by ICE, including the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis and other troubling enforcement actions nationwide. These incidents underscore the urgent need for policies that protect public safety and uphold human dignity.

Before serving in the State House, I led JFCS, where I worked every day to help our newest refugee neighbors settle into their new homes across Pennsylvania. JFCS continues to provide these vital services today, supporting families as they build safe, stable lives in our communities. That experience informs my work in Harrisburg and strengthens my commitment to supporting immigrant communities.

I support legislation that would prohibit state dollars from being spent on federal immigration enforcement—a practice that creates situations that are not only extremely dangerous and disruptive for families and neighborhoods but also exposes local governments to significant liability costs. I also support legislation to keep ICE out of our schools.

I will continue working to ensure our communities are safe, respected, and treated with dignity.

Ryan’s Law: Compassionate Access to Medical Cannabis

When Coast Guard veteran Ryan Bartell faced terminal pancreatic cancer, prescribed opioids left him sedated and unable to communicate with his family. Only after accessing medical cannabis was he able to manage pain and spend meaningful time with loved ones.

To ensure no patient is denied that dignity, I am building support for Ryan’s Law, which would require hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities to allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in non-smokable, non-vapable forms. This would provide safe, regulated access while supporting patient comfort and family time.

This is the third cannabis-related bill I’ve introduced this session, following legislation to legalize and regulate cannabis and to establish oversight of cannabis labs—both passed by the Pennsylvania House in 2025.

Community Events and Resources

Snow Angels Volunteers Signup
Ongoing | Pittsburgh, PA

Support neighbors during the winter months by helping with snow removal for residents who may have difficulty managing winter conditions on their own. Volunteers can sign up to be matched with nearby opportunities and make a direct, practical impact in their community.

Learn more about Snow Angels and sign up here.

Free Tax Help
Now – Mid-April 2026 | Various Locations, Pittsburgh, PA Area

Get help preparing and filing your federal and state tax returns for free through two trusted programs this tax season:

United Way’s Free Tax Prep Coalition and PA 211 can connect taxpayers with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites that provide free in-person tax preparation for eligible households with income limits (up to about $50 k for individuals and $70 k for families through the Free Tax Prep Coalition). Locations include Carnegie Library’s main branch and the JCC. Schedule an appointment by dialing 2-1-1, texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or using the online resources. PA 211 resource navigators are available 24/7 to help connect you with tax prep assistance and other services.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation and assistance for low-to-moderate income taxpayers, with a focus on adults over 50. IRS-certified volunteers can prepare your return or provide coaching so you can complete it yourself, and services are available in person and online from early February through mid-April. Locations include Carnegie Library’s Squirrel Hill branch, and AARP membership is required. Learn more and make online appointments here or call 412-530-5194.

Youth Advocacy for Mental Health Policy

PA Youth Advocacy Network is now accepting applications for a six-week virtual advocacy series for high school students across Pennsylvania. Participants will build advocacy skills, work in teams to advance a youth-led mental health policy agenda, and apply what they’ve learned in a closing virtual roundtable with changemakers focused on real Pennsylvania priorities and programs.

The series runs Tuesdays from 4:00–5:30 PM, February 3 through March 10. No prior advocacy experience is required. A $150 stipend is available for students who complete the program and attend all sessions.

Apply here and direct questions to payouthadvocacy@gmail.com.

Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble Concert
Saturday, January 17, 7:30 – 9:30 PM | Kresge Theatre, College of Fine Arts, 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

The Carnegie Mellon Contemporary Ensemble presents a concert of recent music conducted by Alyssa Wang. The program highlights works composed within the last two decades by faculty and student composers.

This event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required.

Learn more and get tickets here.

Winterfest?

Saturday & Sunday, January 17 & 18, 10:00 AM -5:00 PM | The Frick?

The Frick Pittsburgh is hosting its annual Winterfest celebration. Winterfest includes live performances, arts and crafts activities, home tours, warm beverages and treats, and much more. Cost of entry is free, but activities vary in price.

Learn more here.?

Locomotion Weekend @ Kamin Science Center
Saturday & Sunday, January 17–18, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Kamin Science Center

Kamin Science Center hosts Locomotion Weekend, a building-wide model train celebration. Enjoy dozens of operating locomotives and guest train displays created by local hobbyists, explore interactive train exhibits, and visit the iconic Miniature Railroad & Village on the second floor featuring scaled-down Western Pennsylvania landmarks. Local train clubs and experts will be on hand to share insights, and optional train films are available in the Rangos Giant Cinema. Included in general admission.

Learn more and get tickets here.

Country Night at Schenley Skating Rink

Saturday, January 17, 6:00 - 9:30 PM | Schenley Park Ice Rink

Schenley Skating Rink will host Country Night, inviting attendees to enjoy an evening of country music-themed while ice skating. Skating from 8:00 - 9:30 PM will be adults only.

Learn more and get tickets here.

Streaming Justice at SLB Radio

Monday, January 19, 3:00 PM – midnight

Students in Grades 6 to 12 will be hosting Streaming Justice, a live radio talk show broadcast held annually on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This 100% student-run show focuses on civil rights — past, present and future — with teen-selected topics, music, conversation, listener phone calls and more. Your family can listen live at youthexpress.org or via the TuneIn or the Simple Radio app (on the Apple Store or Google Play Store). The live show is from 3:00 – 6:00 PM, but the content will be streaming until midnight.

Glass Center Community Day
Monday, January 19, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Pittsburgh Glass Center, 5472 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

Honor Martin Luther King Jr. by making art at the Pittsburgh Glass Center. Hands-on activities include hot shop glassmaking, kiln shop fusing projects, and flame shop torch work, with ongoing glassblowing demonstrations throughout the day. Suitable for ages 5 and up.

Learn more and get details here.

The Beloved Community: East Liberty’s MLK Day Celebration
Monday, January 19, 1:00 – 4 PM | Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Kelly Strayhorn Theater presents The Beloved Community: East Liberty’s Celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a day of unity, reflection, and creative expression honoring Dr. King’s vision of justice and shared humanity. Performances include Hill Dance Academy Theatre, Aryana Kapree, Pastor Deryck Tines & the Lemington Gospel Chorale, and students from ARYSE, with Rev. Dr. Michael Diaz guiding the day’s celebration.

Learn more and get tickets here.

Girls’ Basketball Skills Clinic
Mondays, January 26 – March 16, 5:30 – 7:30 PM | Magee Recreation Center

This free winter clinic helps girls ages 8–12 build confidence and develop fundamental basketball skills through drills and practice games. Participants will focus on key skills including dribbling, shooting, passing, and footwork in a supportive environment that encourages teamwork, learning, and a love of the game.

To register, visit the Magee Recreation Center office or call 412-422-6546.