Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel February 20, 2026 | 11:34 AM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, February 20, 2026

This week, some of our neighbors marked Ash Wednesday, others celebrate the Lunar New Year, and still others began observing Ramadan. The convergence of these significant days across religious and cultural traditions is a powerful reminder of the diversity that strengthens our community. Whatever your heritage or faith, I hope you had a joyful and meaningful week.

Also, I’m pleased to report that we are once again able to offer free notary service for state related documents. Rent certificates, apostilles, and high dollar unclaimed property forms are just a few of the documents that my staff is able to notarize. For more information, you can call us 412-422-1774 or schedule a meeting on my website.

Harrisburg Happenings

This week, I had the opportunity to take a tour of The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh. This beloved Pittsburgh institution is many things to our local families: Hospital, school for families wanting to learn how to care for children’s complex medical needs, adoption agency, mental health services provider and daycare for medically fragile children. It was a pleasure to see it in action, and I look forward to finding ways to support The Children’s Home so that they can support families of Western Pennsylvania and beyond.

On Thursday, I spoke at the Health Care Policy Council Meeting for the PA Chamber's Inaugural Policy Summit. I shared with our commonwealth’s business leaders and healthcare payers the values that drive me as chair of the House Health Committee, and the challenges that we are up against. As I said in my remarks, my work is guided by three simple but demanding goals:

Improving access to high-quality health care
Protecting marginalized and vulnerable populations
Lowering costs for patients, families, and taxpayers

The goals are urgent, and they are interconnected. You cannot meaningfully advance one without addressing the others. Health care access means little if the care is unaffordable. Cost containment fails if it comes at the expense of quality. And quality is meaningless if entire communities are excluded or harmed by the system meant to serve them.

We have our work cut out for us, but I remain committed to advancing practical, evidence-based policies that strengthen our health care system and deliver real results for the people of Pennsylvania.

Community Events and Resources

Oakland Adopt-a-Block
Saturday, Feb. 21 from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | OPDC Office, 294 Semple St.

On the third Saturday of every month, Oakland Planning and Development Corporation (OPDC) hosts an Oakland-wide trash cleanup. The OPDC welcomes teams of volunteers and individual participants.

Free event.

Black History Month Free Movie Night: Hidden Figures
Saturday, Feb. 21 from 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. | Spartan Community Center, 134 E. Elizabeth St.

Join the Spartan Community Center for a free community movie night as we celebrate Black History Month with a special screening of Hidden Figures. Free snacks and drinks will be available, or bring your own.

Free event.

Pittsburgh Racial Justice Summit
Saturday, Feb. 21 from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | Community College of Allegheny County, 839 Ridge Ave.

The Pittsburgh Racial Justice Summit is a one-day conference bringing together community organizations, activists, and scholars to learn, connect, and act on behalf of racial justice. The Keynote Speaker is Monica Ruiz, executive director of Casa San José.

Tickets are offered on a sliding scale, from $0-$65.87.

Alumni Theatre Company Auditions for New Members

Sunday, Feb. 22 from 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. | ATC Theater, 6601 Hamilton Ave.

Alumni Theatre Company is seeking new members who will be in grades 6–12 in the Pittsburgh area at the start of the 2026–2027 school year. Interested young people should enjoy performing—singing, dancing, acting, rapping, or spoken word—and demonstrate confidence, a positive attitude, and personality. Participants must be available for the mandatory Summer Intensive from May 11–June 28, 2026.

Free event.

Learn more and register here.

Restorative Yoga with Pittsburgh Parks
Sunday, Feb. 22 from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. | Frick Environmental Center

Appropriate for all levels, this 90-minute restorative yoga is practiced at a slow pace, emphasizing extended holds and breathwork. Essential oils will be diffused throughout the space, and each participant will receive an essential oil-infused sachet to use at the beginning and end of the session to enhance relaxation. A limited number of yoga mats is available if needed.

Free event.

Inclusive Workplaces WORK!
Monday, Feb. 23 from 6:00 p.m.–7:15 p.m. | The Friendship Circle

Join the Friendship Circle and the JCC for a workshop on building inclusive workforces - connecting business owners, job seekers, and community members with resources available to create truly inclusive employment opportunities.

Free event.

Community Writing Center

Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. | Carnegie Library, Squirrel Hill Branch

Tutors from the Pitt Writing Center are available to support your writing projects, from resumes to novels, emails to essays, and everything in between. No appointment necessary; drop-ins welcome.

Free event.

Learn more here.

Understanding Online Risks for Our Kids - What Every Parent Needs to Know

Thursday, February 26 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. | Rodef Shalom

Join the FBI Pittsburgh Intelligence Program for a presentation on how to understand and protect children from emerging digital risks. You'll learn hands-on, practical solutions for your family to create healthy online habits and prevent harmful situations.

Free event.