Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel April 10, 2026 | 12:58 PM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, April 10, 2026

I hope everyone whose faith tradition includes Passover or Easter had a meaningful observance and enjoyed some time with loved ones and good, home-cooked food this week.

With a little over five weeks until our next opportunity to participate in elections, you can find my voting guide at the end of this email.

Harrisburg Happenings

Ryan’s Law in the Health Committee

Next week, my legislation known as “Ryan’s Law” will be taken up by the House Health Committee, of which I am majority chair.

I introduced this bill in memory of Ryan Bartell, a Coast Guard veteran who, while facing terminal pancreatic cancer, was heavily sedated with opioids and unable to communicate with his family. After transferring to a facility that permitted medical cannabis, he was able to stop opioid use and spend meaningful time with his loved ones in his final days.

Although Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Act allows access in care facilities, policies remain inconsistent, leaving many patients without options. Ryan’s Law would require facilities to permit non-smokable, non-vapable medical marijuana, ensuring safe and reliable access to symptom relief.

This bill is the third that I have introduced during this session to update our commonwealth’s antiquated cannabis laws.

I look forward to seeing this bill move forward, getting us closer to helping ensure dignity and comfort for terminally ill patients in Pennsylvania.

Preserving Options to Expand Your Family

I’ve also scheduled a House Health Committee vote next week on legislation to protect every Pennsylvanian’s ability to access assisted reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization. This bill ensures that individuals and families can make deeply personal decisions about building their families without government interference, while safeguarding access to medically appropriate care now and in the future. I’m hopeful we can move this important measure forward and provide clarity and reassurance to those who rely on these treatments.

State Funding for the Squirrel Hill Library

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill Branch is getting a much-needed facilities upgrade, thanks to a $400,000 Keystone grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The funding will go toward replacing the branch's roof and HVAC system.

The grant is part of more than $11 million awarded statewide to 27 public libraries through the Shapiro Administration's Keystone grant program, which supports library facility improvements including accessibility upgrades, energy efficiency, and essential maintenance.

Our Squirrel Hill Branch does so much to support our community — and investments like this help ensure it can keep doing that work for years to come.

Community Events and Resources

Inclusive Climbing Event for Kids and Adults
Sunday, April 12, 9–11 a.m. | Ascend Climbing Gym, 7443 Thomas Blvd.

Join United Rocks for a free climbing event designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Held in a safe and supportive environment, this event offers participants ages 5 and up the opportunity to experience the confidence and joy of climbing.

For more information, contact info@unitedrocks.org or learn more and register here.

412 Fest
Sunday, April 12, 12–5 p.m. | Bakery Square

Celebrate all things Pittsburgh at this free, family-friendly 412 Day festival featuring local vendors, live entertainment, and plenty of black-and-gold pride. Enjoy a Pittsburgh-inspired vendor market, live music and comedy, interactive games, and appearances from local mascots and special guests throughout the day.

Free and open to the public, with complimentary parking available. Registration is recommended. Learn more and register here.

Plant & Seed Share Event

Sunday, April 12, 2 p.m. | Sarah Jackson Black Community Center

Join neighbors for the Swisshelm Park Garden Club’s Plant, Seed, and Knowledge Share. This community gathering invites participants to exchange plants and seeds while learning from one another through the club’s “Everyone’s an Expert” discussion. It’s a welcoming way to connect with fellow gardeners, pick up new ideas, and get ready for the spring season.

For more information, email shpgardenclub@gmail.com or request to join the Swisshelm Park Garden Club Facebook page.

Yom HaShoah Community Commemoration
Monday, April 13, 7 p.m. | Rodef Shalom or Virtual

The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh will hold its annual community-wide observance of Yom HaShoah, honoring the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The program will include music, poetry, survivor testimony, and a traditional candle-lighting ceremony.

The event will be offered both in person and via livestream. Advance registration is required.

Learn more and register here.

Pajama Storytime
Monday, April 13, 6:30–7 p.m. | CLP – Squirrel Hill

Enjoy a cozy evening of stories, songs, and movement designed to build early literacy skills for children from birth to age five and their caregivers.

Learn more here.

The Erroll Garner Archive with Pitt Jazz

Tuesday, April 14, 3–7 p.m. | Pitt Community Engagement Center Homewood, 622 N. Homewood Ave.

Celebrate the legacy of Erroll Garner with an evening of music and history, including archival materials, a featured talk, and a live jazz performance.

Learn more and register here.

PPS Fill the Truck Drive-By Drop-Off Event
Saturday, April 11, 12–3 p.m. | Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, 10 South 19th St.

Support the Pittsburgh Public Schools Shoe Drive by donating new or gently used shoes at this easy, drive-by event benefiting Community Schools initiatives.

Learn more here.

Community Events and Resources

Primary Election, Tuesday May 19th

VBM Voter Reminders:

State law requires that voters return their own ballot; they may not return ballots for others.
Ballots must be placed in the secrecy envelope; "naked" ballots will not be counted.
Do not mark the secrecy envelope in any way.
Voters must sign and date the declaration envelope; if either is missing, the ballot cannot be counted.

Check Your Voter Registration

Registered voters can verify their registration online via the Pennsylvania Department of State portal. The portal provides: