Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events, and More!

Rep. Dan B. Frankel November 22, 2024 | 12:24 PM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, November 22, 2024

Next week, my office will close at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 27 to celebrate Thanksgiving. We will reopen at 9 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 2. Please note that today’s newsletter includes events from the next two weeks as our next one will go out on Dec. 6. Happy Thanksgiving!

Harrisburg Happenings

Antisemitic Stickers

This past weekend, antisemitic stickers and flyers appeared in neighborhoods across Pittsburgh, including Squirrel Hill. These hateful messages, bearing neo-Nazi imagery and offensive rhetoric, were found on street signs, light poles, and private properties. This rise in antisemitic vandalism is deeply concerning and has no place in our community.

Pittsburgh police are investigating these incidents. If you encounter these materials, report them immediately by calling 911.

Allderdice Plaque Rededication

This week, I joined with survivors of the Tree of Life building synagogue shooting, local officials and members of the Taylor Allderdice High School community to rededicate the memorial plaque honoring the 11 souls taken from us in the 2018 attack.

Students Jordan Block and Gabi Kunzman and retired teacher Buddy Valinsky spoke movingly about student-driven efforts to make a statement of solidarity after the tragedy, which included the plaque and the planting of trees.

The plaque's rededication after the original was stolen is another reminder of our community's resilience and dedication to combating hate in all its forms.

Thank you to principal Dr. James McCoy, the Pittsburgh Public Schools Board of Directors, and all the students and staff who made this the rededication such a meaningful event.

Charles “Teenie’ Harris Archive

As a state representative and arts enthusiast, I consider myself very fortunate to have Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh in my legislative district. The Carnegie Museum of Art’s programming is thoughtful, innovative, and inclusive, the cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s art community. On Thursday, I had the pleasure of touring the Carnegie Museum of Art’s newest exhibit, the Charles “Teenie” Harris Archive. Charles Harris was a photographer in Pittsburgh known for chronicling the life of Pittsburgh’s African American communities in the mid-20th century and his work with The Pittsburgh Courier. I highly encourage anyone to stop by the exhibit, when they get the chance.

Pittsburgh Robotics Discovery Day

I joined members of the Allegheny County Delegation at Pittsburgh Robotics Discovery Day, a showcase of the cutting-edge robotics innovation happening right here in Western Pennsylvania. The robotics industry is not only putting Pittsburgh on the map as a global leader in technology but also creating high-quality jobs and fostering economic growth across the Commonwealth. I’m committed to supporting policies that ensure Pittsburgh remains a hub for technological advancement, and I look forward to continuing to help this industry grow and thrive.

Community Events and Resources

Texting Scam Targeted at SNAP Recipients

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is warning Pennsylvanians about a potential text scam targeting people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The message claims the user’s EBT card has been deactivated and directs them to call a number to reactivate it. This is a scam. DHS will never text someone to say that an EBT card has been deactivated.

Learn more here.

Holiday Lights Guide

Kidsburgh put together a handy guide for Pittsburgh’s holiday light enthusiasts to find the best displays in the Greater Pittsburgh Area.

Check out their list here.

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive Drive ends December 20The 25th Annual Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive, hosted by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, collects sweaters for families and children throughout the region. Donations of new and gently used adult and child-sized sweaters will be accepted at the following locations:

Front of the Children’s Museum

Collection Bin Available Daily, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Oaklander Hotel (5130 Bigelow Blvd., Oakland)

24-Hour Drive-Through Collection Bin

Enter the Hotel’s driveway on Bigelow Boulevard, drop off sweaters at the valet station, then exit onto Lytton AvenueLearn more here.

Annual Turkey Distribution and Health and Human Services FairSaturday, Nov. 23, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | David L. Lawrence Convention Center

The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh will hold its annual turkey distribution for needy families. Registration for the event is closed, but walk-ins are welcome after 2 p.m.

To receive a turkey, you must participate in the Health and Human Service Fair. On the event day, free parking will be available at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center parking garage.Learn more here.

Light Up Night Saturday, Nov. 23 | Downtown Pittsburgh Pittsburgh’s annual kick-off to the holiday season will include tree lighting, fireworks, food trucks, live entertainment, and festive cheer.

You can look here for the complete list of everything going on.

Animal Friends Therapets VisitTuesday, Nov. 26, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh- Main (Oakland)

Carnegie Library will host the Animal Friends Therapets program, which make available specially trained animals to provide comfort and affection. All ages are welcome to stop by for a furry welcome.

Learn more here.

Shadyside Chamber of Commerce Winter MixerTuesday, Dec. 3, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Mansions on FifthJoin the Shadyside Chamber of Commerce for a free mixer event at Mansions on Fifth! Join for snacks, networking, connection, and a cash bar. Learn more and register here.

City-Wide Public Safety MeetingWednesday, Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m. | JCC Pittsburgh, Robinson BuildingThe Public Safety Zone Councils of Pittsburgh and the Department of Public Safety will be holding a public safety meeting on sex crimes in the Pittsburgh area. Attendees will be served a light dinner at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required.

2024 Uncover Squirrel Hill Holiday Wine WalkSaturday, Dec. 7 | Squirrel Hill Business DistrictJoin Uncover Squirrel Hill for their Annual Holiday Wine Walk: a self-paced wine-tasting experience. The Wine Walk will take place in the Squirrel Hill Business District located on Forbes and Murray Aves. Enjoy approximately 15 different wines and exclusive discounts at participating host merchants.

Tickets to the wine walk must be purchased in advance. Each participant must present a valid government-issued ID to participate.

Learn more and purchase your tickets here.

Ice Skating Lessons Jan. 12- Feb. 9 | Schenley Park Ice Rink

The Pittsburgh Figure Skating Club is offering ice skating lessons to kids ages 3 to 15. Eight sessions will be held on Sundays, starting Jan. 12, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration for the 8-week course is $110. Spots fill up fast, so sign up soon!