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Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, March 14, 2025

 

Harrisburg Happenings

Protecting Your Health Care

 

On Monday, the PA House Insurance Committee is expected to vote on my bill, H.B. 535, that would prohibit annual and lifetime limits on health insurance policies. In response to the growing threat posed by Republican plans at the federal level to weaken or repeal the Affordable Care Act, this legislation is crucial to ensuring Pennsylvanians can access the care they need without arbitrary coverage caps.

 

House Bill 535 is part of a package of bills designed to protect health care consumers from federal rollbacks, including:

These protections will keep essential health benefits intact, regardless of what happens in Washington.

 

Community Events and Resources

Pennsylvania Transportation Survey

 

The State Transportation Commission is seeking feedback on transportation needs. Share your opinions, interests, and concerns to help shape the 12-Year Transportation Program update. All input provided will be used to develop Pennsylvania's Long Range Transportation Plan and other state and regional transportation initiatives.

 

Take the survey here.

Learn & Earn

Application Period Open: March 14- June 6

 

The Learn & Earn Summer Youth Employment Program provides meaningful work experiences and career exposure to individuals 14-24 from low-income households residing in Allegheny County.

 

Learn more and apply here.

Lifeguards Needed for Summer 2025

 

Citiparks is hiring lifeguards for the summer season, running from June through Labor Day. Lifeguard certification training and recertification courses are available for qualified candidates. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, residents of the city of Pittsburgh, and have a valid Red Cross Lifeguard Certification through Sept. 1, 2025. Criminal background clearances and a medical exam are required. Free training is available for qualified applicants.

 

Learn more here.

Bald Eagle Camera Live Stream

 

A bald Eagle nest camera was set up at the MonValley Works-Irvin Plant in West Mifflin. Curious birdwatchers can join the live stream at any time to see what’s going on in the nest.

 

View the live stream here.

Inaugural Pittsburgh Parade Day Dash

Saturday, March 15, 8 a.m. | Downtown Pittsburgh

 

The inaugural Pittsburgh Parade Day Dash is a family-friendly celebration featuring a 5K and a 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk ahead of Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Participants will receive a limited-edition hoodie, finisher medal, and bib.

 

Learn more and register here.

2025 Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Saturday, March 15 | 10 a.m. 

 

Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade proceeds from the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 11th Street to Grant Street to the Boulevard of the Allies, where it turns right. The parade proceeds on the Boulevard of the Allies to the Reviewing Stand at Stanwix Street, then disburses at Commonwealth Place.

 

In the map below, the parade route is marked in green, and the staging area is marked in red.

Learn more here.

 

? ??Parking and Road Closures for St. Patrick’s Day Weekend ???

 

Full road closures along the parade route will begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday, March 15.

 

Saturday evening, North Shore visitors should prepare for a road closure on North Shore Drive between Chuck Noll Way and Tony Dorsett Drive to allow for ease of pedestrian traffic. Visitors to this area are encouraged to connect with rideshare drivers off West General Robinson Street.

 

Due to the anticipated crowds, residents and visitors are encouraged to utilize public transportation when possible.

 

Learn more about road closures and safety preparations for this weekend here.

Black in Bloom: Spring Community Day

Saturday, March 15, noon - 3 p.m. | August Wilson African American Cultural Center

 

This free, all-ages event features a vendor market, live DJ sets, performances from local artists, health screenings, and a variety of activities promoting wellness, empowerment, and connection. Guests can also explore exhibits like August Taught Us... by artist DS Kinsel, enjoy hands-on art-making activities and attend fitness and financial literacy sessions.

 

Learn more and register for the event here.

Vintage Makers Market

Sunday, March 16, noon - 4 p.m. | Bakery Square

 

Discover unique handcrafted goods from local artisans and vintage vendors in The Portal at Bakery Square. 

 

Learn more here.

Discovery Time: Soil Scoopers

Sunday, March 16, 1-3 p.m. | Frick Environmental Center

 

Kids 3-8 are invited to learn about soil and how it plays a role in the environment. Discovery Time will have a fungus-themed scavenger hunt, the opportunity to paint with dirt, and more.

 

The event is free.

 

Learn more here.

Elsie Hillman Chair in Women and Politics featuring CNN Anchor Abby Phillip

Tuesday, March 18, 6-7 p.m. | Chatham University, Campell Memorial Chapel

 

Join the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics for their annual Elsie Hillman Chair in Women and Politics Lecture. CNN’s Abby Phillip will speak on today’s sociopolitical challenges.

 

Attendance is free and open to all, but tickets are required.

 

Learn more and get tickets here.

Let’s Talk: Bike and Pedestrian Safety Along Bates Street

Wednesday, March 19, 6-7:30 p.m. | OPDC, 294 Semple St., 15213 or Virtual

 

Members from two student organizations at the University of Pittsburgh have collaborated to study Bates Street's design and gathered data. At the meeting, the students will share their findings and provide an opportunity for community members to voice concerns and ideas ahead of PennDOT's upcoming widening project on Bates Street.

 

Learn more here.

Leadership Grove Tree Planting Volunteer Event

Thursday, March 20, 5-7 p.m. | Meeting at the fountain behind the Frick Environmental Center

 

Join the Leadership Grove for a tree-planting volunteer event at Frick Park’s Clayton Hill. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about tree care while contributing to the park’s natural landscape. All necessary supplies, including gloves and tools, will be provided.

 

RSVP by March 18. Registration is required. For more information or questions, contact Elizabeth at emick@pittsburghparks.org or 412-682-7275 x240.

 

Learn more and register here.

 

Pennsylvania State Capitol

152 Main Capitol Building

PO Box 202023

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-1875

District Office

2345 Murray Avenue

Suite 205

Pittsburgh, PA 15217

(412) 422-1774

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