My office, above the Starbucks at Forward and Murray avenues, will be closed on Wednesday, August 12. We will be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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Measles infections have hit a 30-year high both in Pennsylvania and throughout the nation, and what’s the Trump administration doing about it? Pushing vaccine misinformation on government websites, gutting public health response infrastructure, and making doctor visits harder to afford for more families.
Here in PA, we remain dedicated to protecting children and adults from preventable diseases. This week, the departments of Health and Education rolled out a new tool letting families check school-level vaccination rates — with more upgrades coming later this year, including district-level search, with further improvements once 2026-27 data is out.
That's on top of the measles dashboard the Department of Health launched earlier this summer, giving families real-time info on cases across the state.
As the Health Committee chair, I have long advocated for policies and programs that help families make informed decisions for the health and safety of their children. Currently, I am working with colleagues to build support for legislation to help ensure vaccine-skeptical parents have access to current, evidence-based information when making decisions about childhood vaccinations.
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Community Events and Resources
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Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Applications Now Open
Deadline to apply: Sept. 10
Applications are open for the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, which provides funding to nonprofits that primarily serve people or groups who may be targeted by hate crimes. Eligible organizations can apply for grants to cover things like security equipment, training, and facility improvements.
Applications are due Thursday, September 10, 2026, by 11:45 PM. Learn more and apply here.
Need help with your application? Contact our office at (412) 422-1774 or RepFrankel@pahouse.net.
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Celebrate 50 Years of Rick Sebak
Submissions due by Sunday, Sept. 6
Rick Sebak has spent five decades telling Pittsburgh's stories through public television. To mark his 50th anniversary, neighbors across the region are invited to submit a short video sharing a favorite memory from one of his programs.
Videos should be 15–30 seconds long, recorded vertically, and clear enough to hear. Submissions from residents under 18 must be sent by a parent or legal guardian, and multiple submissions are welcome if one memory just isn't enough. Selected videos will be featured on social media.
Submit your videos here.
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Unblurred: First Fridays Penn Ave Art Crawl
Friday, Aug. 7, 6 – 10 p.m. | 4800–5500 blocks of Penn Ave.
Since 1998, Unblurred has been Pittsburgh's longest-running art crawl, held on the first Friday of every month along Penn Avenue. Presented by Penn Avenue Arts, the free event brings together art, music, dance, and performance across the corridor, with galleries, studios, and shops opening their doors for the evening.
No registration needed — just come and explore. The event draws visitors from across the region for a lively night of shopping, dining, and creative energy on Penn Avenue.
Learn more here.
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9th Annual Swisshelm Park Yard Sale
Saturday, Aug. 8, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Start at the Swisshelm Park Community Center, 1050 Windemere Drive
Join your neighbors for Swisshelm Park's annual yard sale, with dozens of local sellers offering clothing, housewares, handmade goods and neighborhood treasures throughout the community.
Swing by the Swisshelm Park Community Center to get a map of all participating houses. No registration needed to shop — just come browse and find a great deal. Cash is recommended for purchases.
Learn more here.
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Commercial Street Grand Reopening
Sunday, August 9, 9:30 a.m. | Commercial St. & Whipple St., Swisshelm Park
Celebrate the grand reopening of Commercial Street, and mark the occasion with a ribbon cutting, coffee and doughnuts, and a walk down to see the new bridge. The celebration is organized by Swisshelm Forward in thanks for the community's advocacy throughout the closure.
Free and open to everyone, rain or shine. No registration needed.
Learn more here.
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Summer Reading Extravaganza
Sunday, Aug. 9, 12 – 5 p.m. | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Main branch
CLP's Summer Reading Extravaganza – a free, family-friendly outdoor festival featuring music, storytelling, games, crafts, and food trucks – is back! Highlights include storytime with author Melissa Iwai, a large-scale interactive music performance by Squonk, a flower bouquet workshop with Burghblooms, a collaborative mural with The Frick Pittsburgh, and a puppet show from Pittsburgh Puppet Works, plus dozens of community partners on hand with activities.
No registration needed. Food and treats available for purchase from local vendors.
Learn more here.
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Pittsburgh Restaurant Week
Monday, Aug. 10 – 16 | Locations throughout Pittsburgh
Enjoy one of the most popular dining weeks of the summer as Pittsburgh Restaurant Week returns. Participating restaurants across the city will offer special multi-course menus and seasonal dishes, with many locations featuring outdoor dining throughout the week.
Reservations are strongly recommended, as many restaurants book quickly during this event. If online reservations are not available, guests are encouraged to call ahead to secure a table.
When you arrive, be sure to mention Pittsburgh Restaurant Week to ensure you receive the correct menu and pricing.
Learn more about participating restaurants and plan your Restaurant Week experience here.
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Little Italy Days
Thursday, Aug. 13, 5 – 9 p.m. through Sunday, Aug. 16, noon – 5 p.m. | Liberty Avenue, from Ella St. to Gross St.
Celebrate the region's largest heritage festival, honoring Italian roots and supporting Bloomfield businesses. Four days of food, music, and culture across three packed stages with over 30 acts — all free to attend.
Don't miss Vito from The Sopranos for a Q&A and storytelling session Saturday at 3 p.m.
Learn more here.
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Shakespeare’s Queen Margaret: Power, Politics, and Reinvention
Thursday, August 13, 7 p.m. | Carnegie Library Lecture Hall
Join scholars Charles O’Malley and Scott W. Stern for a compelling lecture exploring one of Shakespeare’s most complex and overlooked figures: Queen Margaret of Anjou from Henry VI (Parts 1–3) and Richard III.
Registration is free. The lecture will be recorded and made available on YouTube following the event.
Learn more or register to attend in person here.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
152 Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202023
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-1875
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District Office
2345 Murray Avenue
Suite 205
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(412) 422-1774
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