Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events and Resources

Rep. Dan B. Frankel December 13, 2024 | 10:52 AM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, December 13, 2024

Harrisburg Happenings

As your representative, I am committed to addressing the challenges that impact the health and well-being of Pennsylvania’s residents. One pressing issue is the soaring cost of prescription medications—a burden that too many of us know all too well. Nearly 3 in 10 Americans reported that they had skipped doses of needed medication due to cost. More than 8 in 10 adults believe the cost of prescription drugs is unreasonable, and almost 9 out of 10 adults think we should limit how much drug companies can increase prices each year.

Prescription drugs, much like electricity, home heating, and clean water, are essential to the daily lives of our residents. We have a responsibility to ensure they are both accessible and affordable. Recently, I circulated a co-sponsorship memo to my House colleges for my bill to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board.

Under my legislation, the board would be empowered to:

Review prescription drug costs and assess the financial burdens they create for individuals and families.
Establish upper payment limits for medications deemed unreasonably expensive, ensuring that Pennsylvanians are not forced to choose between their health and their finances. This process would be modeled on the “maximum fair price” reviews already in place for Medicare.

I believe that Pennsylvania can—and must—be a leader in addressing this critical issue. Every Pennsylvanian deserves access to the medications they need without worrying about whether they can afford them. With your support, I am hopeful we can make this vision a reality.

Community Events and Resources

University of Pittsburgh Gift Drive

Gift Drive Ends December 19

The University of Pittsburgh is collecting gifts for local children this holiday season. Donations can be made through the drive’s Amazon gift list or by dropping off the unwrapped gift in room 1723 in the Cathedral of Learning.

Learn more here.

2024 Lawrenceville Cookie Tour

Saturday & Sunday, December 14-15, 12-5 p.m. | Lawrenceville Business District

Celebrate the season at the 26th annual Lawrenceville Cookie Tour, a holiday tradition inviting Pittsburghers to shop local and enjoy homemade cookies. Participating businesses will have a gingerbread marker on their door to indicate they are a part of the cookie tour. In addition, complimentary trolleys will be on Butler Street and Penn Avenue to give rides to holiday shoppers.

Learn more here.

Lichens of Schenley Park

Saturday, December 14, 1-3:40 p.m. | Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center

Join Naturalist Educator Stephen Bucklin at the Schenley Park Visitor Center to explore the world of lichens—symbiotic organisms found on stonework and trees. This educational event begins with an indoor presentation, followed by a guided 1-mile walk through the park to observe lichens. Hand lenses will be available for borrowing to appreciate their intricate details. The trail includes paved surfaces, steps, and natural paths with varying slopes. Discover the diversity and ecological value of these often-overlooked organisms in Pennsylvania’s ecosystem. Tickets to the walk are $10.

Learn more and get tickets to the walk here.

Illuminate Your Imagination

Saturday, December 14, 3-6 p.m. | Intersection of Oakland and Forbes Avenues

Illuminate Your Imagination is a free, family-friendly event as part of the Glowland celebration. Enjoy activities like a glow-in-the-dark puppet show, live ice sculpting, face painting, balloon art, and a music-led Glow Parade. Free glow gear (while supplies last) and complimentary beverages are included, with s’mores available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for the Community Human Services Oakland Food Pantry.

Learn more here.

Boom Concepts Presents: Collect Legacy II Opening Reception

Saturday, December 14, 6-9 p.m. | Frick Environmental Center

Collective Legacy II is an exhibition spotlighting over 50 years of Black art in Western Pennsylvania. The exhibition is centered around Carl “Dingbat” Smith’s work and includes mixed media, sculpture, and classic photography. The reception is free and open to all, but registration is requested before the event.

Learn more here.

Squirrel Hill Winter Farmer’s Market

Sunday, December 15, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Beacon/Bartlett Parking Lot

The Squirrel Hill Farmers Market will open for a special winter market with dozens of local vendors. CitiParks Farmers Markets accept food stamps (SNAP), credit, and debit cards as part of Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program.

Learn more here.

Skate With Santa

Sunday, Dec. 15, 1:30-3 p.m. | Schenley Skating Rink

Santa will be skating at Schenley Park’s ice-skating rink to spread holiday cheer. Door tickets will not be available for this skate session, skaters must purchase tickets online.

Learn more and get tickets here.

OPDC Holiday Party

Thursday, December 19, 5:30-8 p.m. | OPDC, 294 Semple Street 15213

The Oakland Planning and Development Corporation is hosting a holiday party for all Oakland residents.

Learn more here.

Carnegie Science Center & Carnegie Museum of Art Day Camps

The Science Center is offering a series of single-day camps running through winter break. These camps are designed as full-day “science adventures” for kids ages 6–8 and 9–11.

Artists ages 6 through 10 are invited to spend a day of their winter break at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Kids will get the opportunity to experiment with new art materials and technique and explore the galleries for inspiration.

Camps at both Museums are $75 per child, and spots to the camps go fast!

Learn more and register for the Carnegie Science Center’s Camps here.

Learn more and register for the Carnegie Museum of Art’s Camp here.