Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel September 24, 2026 | 3:43 PM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, September 25, 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

Weighing in on Updated Communicable Disease Regulations

Last week, I submitted formal comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission on proposed regulation 10-242, which updates Pennsylvania's communicable disease rules for the first time since 2001.

As Chair of the House Health Committee, I voiced support for several key pieces of the proposal — including stronger vaccine reporting requirements, a new opt-out option so patients know their vaccination data is being shared, and tools to help the Department of Health respond to public health threats as they emerge.

I also flagged a few gaps I'd like to see addressed: clearer, age-appropriate guidelines for how health officials interact with students of different ages in schools, and a recommendation to add Alpha-Gal Syndrome — a tick-borne meat allergy that's becoming more common in Pennsylvania — to the list of reportable conditions.

These comments come as Pennsylvania continues to respond to its ongoing measles outbreak, which has led to 164 hospitalizations and four deaths statewide.

I deeply appreciate the grave responsibility the Department carries, and its efforts to balance community protection and individual rights and liberties.

Next, the commission will evaluate the updates for reasonableness, clarity, and cost to comply. The process could take as long as two years.

See my full comments here.

Community Events and Resources

Are You Prepared for Upcoming Changes in Medicaid Coverage?

President Trump’s draconian cuts in Medicaid coverage have created a confusing landscape for Pennsylvanians. It’s hard to know which changes may apply to your household or where to go for information. If you need help with your Medical Assistance coverage, my office is here to help. Call us at 412-422-1774, send us an email or come to the office, and we can help you figure out your next steps.

Parks on Tap Beer Garden
Friday, Sept. 25, 3 – 7 p.m. | Schenley Park Visitor Center

Enjoy local food trucks, live music from 4 - 6 p.m. and wooded trails in this final installment of this year’s “Parks on Tap” series.

Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket. No registration is required.

Learn more here.

Cathedral of Learning Cinematic Light Show: Illuminating the Path to Possible
Friday through Sunday, Sept. 25-27, 9 – 9:15 p.m. | Cathedral Lawn, between Heinz Chapel and the Cathedral of Learning

Watch Pitt's most iconic landmark come alive with a cinematic light and sound show blending a century of University history with what's next, running three nights on the Cathedral Lawn.

For questions or help with accommodations, contact ucomm@pitt.edu.

Medical Coverage Application Assistance over Breakfast
Saturday, Sept. 26, 9:30 a.m. – noon | Spartan Center, 134 E. Elizabeth St.

Get free professional help enrolling in Medicaid or other medical coverage at this Hazelwood event, hosted with Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community, Spartan Center and the Pennsylvania Health Law Project. Since it's National Pancake Day, a free breakfast will be served too. Bring an ID, and if you've received a letter about your health care coverage, bring that as well.

Learn more here.

Alphabet Trail & Tales
Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Blue Slide Park, Beechwood Blvd. at Nicholson Street

Join Citiparks for the 25th annual Alphabet Trail and Tales, celebrating the best in children's books with interactive story sets, art, music and games for the whole family.

No registration required – just show up!

Squirrel Hill Night Market

Saturday, Sept. 26, 6 – 10 p.m. | Murray Avenue, from Forbes Avenue to Beacon Street

Murray Avenue will be turned into an open-air market full of vendors and entertainment for the final night market of the year. I hope to see you there!

Learn more here.

49th Running of the Great Race
Sunday, Sept. 27, 8 a.m. (5K) and 9:30 a.m. (10K) | Point State Park (finish)

Join thousands of runners and walkers for the 49th annual Great Race, Pittsburgh's largest road race. The 10K (6.2 miles) starts at Beechwood Boulevard in Frick Park, and the 5K (3.1 miles) starts at Fifth Avenue and Atwood Street in Oakland; both courses run mostly downhill along Forbes Avenue, Fifth Avenue and Boulevard of the Allies before finishing in Point State Park.

Learn more and register here.

Watershed Wide Workshops: Squirrel Hill
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 6 – 8 p.m. | Jewish Community Center

Join the Mon Water Project and the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition for the third of four free watershed workshops, this one on tap water. Learn how drinking water is treated, tested and regulated — and why it's the most expensive line on your water bill.

Learn more and RSVP here.

Words & Pictures: Marley Dias
Thursday, Oct. 1, 6 p.m. | Carnegie Library Lecture Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave.

Marley Dias, founder of the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign, discusses her picture book debut, "I Am the Dream Come True," written with her parents Dr. Janice Johnson Dias and Scott Dias. The book explores legacy, family and gratitude, showing young readers how previous generations live on through them. The first 200 attendees will get to choose a free book.

Reserve your free tickets here. Tickets also available by phone (412-622-8866) or at the door.