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Friday, February 14, 2025
My office will be closed on Monday, February 17th, in observance of Presidents Day. It will reopen on Tuesday, February 18th at 9:00 a.m. Enjoy the long weekend, everyone!
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Protecting Pennsylvanians from Federal Actions
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This week, troubling news from Washington, D.C. continued to ripple through our community, as the executive branch's reckless decision to cut NIH funding and freeze federal funds allocated to Pennsylvania sparked widespread frustration.
In response to the federal funding freeze announced on January 27, Governor Josh Shapiro filed a lawsuit against President Trump's administration, arguing that the move is unconstitutional. While federal judges have temporarily blocked the freeze, critical funds remain inaccessible to Pennsylvania agencies, jeopardizing programs that protect public health, reduce energy costs, provide safe drinking water, protect houses of faith, and create jobs in rural communities.
As the lawsuit moves forward, my office is working every day to find ways to insulate Pennsylvanians from reckless federal policies that damage our social safety net, put our LGBTQ+ neighbors at risk, threaten the public health, and sabotage our economy. We are fortunate to have a fighter in Gov. Shapiro, and I will work with him and anyone else who seeks to protect our communities.
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Community Events and Resources
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Jewish Scholarship Service of Greater Pittsburgh
Applications are due Tuesday, April 15
The Jewish Scholarship Service of Greater Pittsburgh awards scholarships to any Jewish high school senior or those enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or technical school with financial need who reside in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Washington, or Westmoreland Counties.
Demonstrated financial need is a primary criterion for evaluating applicants. Financial information and other pertinent facts are also considered, such as family size and the number of children/siblings in college.
Learn more and apply for the scholarship here.
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Community Champions
Nominations open through Monday, March 16th
WQED and Giant Eagle are asking for nominations for local non-profit organizations making a difference and positively impacting our communities. The non-profit organization chosen as the Community Champion will be featured in a WQED-produced video showcasing its inspiring work.
Learn more and nominate a non-profit here.
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Citizen Police Academy
Register by: Saturday, February 15
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police offers residents a chance to engage in police training and learn about the Bureau’s roles and responsibilities. Participants receive two hours of training weekly for 12 weeks, starting February 26 and graduating on May 14. The training includes topics like criminal law, patrol tactics, police accountability, specialized units, police canines, and crime scene processing.
The Academy is free, but applicants must be at least 18.
Learn more and apply here.
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Collective Legacy Artist Talk with BOOM Concepts
Saturday, Feb. 15, 2-4 p.m. | Frick Environmental Center
In celebration of Black History Month, BOOM Concepts presents an artist talk with select artists from the Collective Legacy II Exhibit on display at the Frick Environmental Center, Pittsburgh International Airport, and Emerald City.
Learn more and register here.
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Lunar New Year Parade
Sunday, February 16, 11 a.m. | Squirrel Hill, Murray Avenue
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) Pittsburgh and the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition (SHUC). The parade will run along Murray Avenue, starting at the intersections of Phillips and Murray and ending at the intersection of Darlington and Murray.
T-shirts are available for purchase.
Learn more here.
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We Never Heard from Them Again -- Researching Relatives Who Died in the Holocaust with Jane Neff Rollins
Sunday, Feb. 19, 1-3 p.m. | Virtual
The Jewish Genealogy Society of Pittsburgh is hosting a virtual class on researching the fate of long-lost relatives. Resources to be covered will include the JewishGen Holocaust database, the U.S. Holocaust Historical Museum, Yad Vashem, the Arolsen database, collections of oral history recordings, Yizkor (memorial) books, newspapers, and more.
Learn more and join the class here.
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Element Dance presents Hip Hop Workshop
Sunday, February 16, 1-2 p.m. | Carnegie Library—Squirrel Hill
Kids from kindergarten through 5th grade can attend a one-day workshop to learn Hip-Hop techniques. The class is free and open to all age-appropriate children.
Learn more here.
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Intro to Gardening: Starting your First Garden
Tuesday, February 18, 5:30-7 p.m. | Virtual
Grow Pittsburgh will hold an intro-level garden basics workshop. Attendees will learn about plants' basic needs, choosing a garden location, when and how to plant a garden, and different types of plants to grow.
Learn more and sign up here.
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Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Summer Camp Registration
Registration Opens Wednesday, Feb.19 at 5:00 p.m.
Mark your calendars because Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s beloved Summer Camp series returns to Frick Park this June. These camps encourage children and teens to learn, play, and grow in our city’s biggest classrooms: parks! Set an alert for yourself because slots fill up fast!
Learn more and register here.
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Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures “Poets Aloud” – Pádraig Ó Tuama & Philip Metres
Thursday, February 20, 6-7:30 p.m. | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main (Oakland)
Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures will host poets Pádraig Ó Tuama and Philip Metres for a reading of a selection of their works. The event is free, but registration is required.
Learn more and get tickets here.
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Black History Month Lecture: David Dennis Jr.
Thursday, Feb. 20, 6-7:30 p.m. | Heinz History Center
The Heinz History Center will host the award-winning author and journalist David Dennis Jr. for a lecture exploring the life of his father, a prominent leader in the Civil Rights Movement, and his role in organizing freedom rides, lunch counter sit-ins, and voter registration drives in the Jim Crow South.
Learn more and register here.
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Sensory Friendly Weekend
Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 22 & 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Families with members who have sensory processing needs will be able to explore the museum galleries with reduced audio and visual elements. Calming spaces with support materials, including single-use earplugs, sunglasses, fidget toys, etc., will be available. Every program is designed to welcome all ages and abilities.
Advance registration is recommended to provide the most sensory-friendly environment possible. Pre-registration is available online until 3:00 p.m. on the day before the program. Everyone who pre-registers will receive a welcome packet via e-mail with detailed information about the event.
Admission is $25 for adults and $15 for children.
Learn more and get tickets here.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
152 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-1875
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District Office
2345 Murray Ave., Suite 205
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(412) 422-1774
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