Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel September 11, 2026 | 9:59 AM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, September 11, 2026

My office, above the Supercuts at Forward and Murray Avenues, will be open Monday through Friday next week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Harrisburg Happenings

The PA House Remembers Sept. 11

Twenty-five years ago today, I was at the Women’s Shelter in Swissvale when I learned that an airplane had struck the World Trade Center. It was a frightening and confusing time for all, but it also became a high point for bipartisan cooperation. The video in the link above, put together by House staff on both sides of the aisle, details the hours, weeks and months in Harrisburg and throughout Pennsylvania after that terrifying day.

Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ historic convening at Congress Hall

This week, it was my honor to attend the historic House Session at Congress Hall in Philadelphia to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 250th Anniversary of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

I was joined by Ezra, a senior at Taylor Allderdice High School and our district’s youth delegate. Ezra represents the energy, vision, and promise of our community, and we were fortunate to have him represent us on this historic stage.

Over the past 250 years, America has faced its share of challenges. Yet our nation's enduring strength has always been our belief that each generation can build a better future. This week, we honor our history while investing in the leaders and ideas that will shape the next 250 years.

District 23 Institutions Awarded Nearly $111,000 in State Grants

Three local institutions are getting a boost from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission this year. The grants — $47,000 for the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, $40,000 for Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum, and $20,000 for The Tree of Life — help vital institutions keep their doors open and their programming running, from exhibits to educational outreach.

I've long believed that investments in our cultural institutions are investments in our community's identity. These institutions do the work to preserve our history and make it accessible to everyone, and I'll keep fighting in Harrisburg to make sure they have the resources to thrive. I'm proud to see District 23 institutions recognized with this support.

Community Events and Resources

PA School Safety Survey for Parents & Caregivers

CeaseFirePA is collecting parent and caregiver input on school safety concerns, from lockdown drills to gun violence prevention.

Take the survey here.

Fall Programs at Magee Recreation Center

Fall programming is back at Magee Recreation Center. The free after school program serves kids in grades 2-4, running from school dismissal until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, Sept. 14 through May 21.

More information about that program and more, from youth soccer to adult/senior pickleball, can be found here.

Alphabet Trail & Tales

Saturday, Sept. 12, | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Frick Park Blue Slide Playground

Bring the whole family to the 25th Annual Alphabet Trail & Tales for a joyful day celebrating children’s books, creativity, and imagination. Hosted by Citiparks, this beloved event features interactive story sets, art activities, music, games, and plenty of hands-on fun for kids of all ages along the Alphabet Trail in Frick Park.

Learn more here.

Rosh Hashanah Book Donations and Sorting

Sunday, Sept. 13 | 3 - 5 p.m. | JCC

The Center for Loving Kindness is running a children's book drive this Rosh Hashanah, and they're looking for community help. Currently the JCC is collecting gently used children's books, with the goal of getting them into the hands of houses of worship across Pittsburgh to help kids build a lifelong love of reading. On the second day of Rosh Hashanah, volunteers will gather at both JCC locations to sort and distribute books for houses of worship in Pittsburgh.

All religious institutions are welcome to take part — if you know a house of worship that would like to receive books, organizers ask that you send their contact info to eserotta@jccpgh.org.

Stay Covered: How to Navigate Medicaid Work Requirements
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2 p.m. | Virtual

This session reviews new Medicaid work requirements taking effect Jan. 1, including who is subject to them, the implementation timeline, exemptions and how consumers can demonstrate compliance. The session will include presenters from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Health Law Project.

Zone 4 Public Safety Council September Meeting
Thursday, Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m. | The Jewish Community Center, Darlington entrance

Meet and talk with your neighbors, Zone 4 police and local businesses at this month's public safety council meeting. Featured speakers will be members of Complete Streets at Pitt, a student-run organization advocating for better infrastructure in the community.

Learn more here.

Duquesne SoundWalk at the Frick
Tuesdays – Sundays, 8 a.m. - dusk | The Frick Pittsburgh

A new collaboration with Duquesne University's Mary Pappert School of Music brings the sounds of the Frick's past to life. QR code "SoundSites" placed throughout the grounds let visitors scan and listen to recreated soundscapes — from 1890s Clayton to a turn-of-the-century steelworker's home to the Frick family's favorite music.

Pick up a map at the Grable Visitor Center or find stops while wandering the grounds. Bring a smartphone to scan codes, or borrow one at the Visitor Center.

Learn more here about this free activity.