🌕 Watch Pittsburgh go to the moon

Design Revealed for Tree of Life Synagogue Memorial

Pittsburghers, struck with grief after the 2018 attack on three Jewish congregations, talked to other survivors of hate-filled violence to design an outdoor memorial located near Tree of Life synagogue. It includes a walkway leading to a garden with 11 sculpted open books representing each victim “murdered at prayer” and the Jewish tradition of the “Book of Life.” [Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle]

PA Passenger Rail Gets A Boost

Pittsburghers who travel to Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and New York City are in luck — the Federal Railroad Administration is investing $144 million toward a project that will add daily round trips. The line also stops in Greensburg, Latrobe, Johnstown, and Altoona.

• Should there be a train from Pittsburgh to Chicago? Western Pennsylvania was also included in funding to study the potential of a passenger train route via Columbus, Ohio. [TribLIVE]

West End Bridge Plans

While the new infrastructure is still years away, Riverlife, a nonprofit dedicated to Pittsburgh’s riverfront development, unveiled sketches for the West End Bridge. It’s part of the organization’s plan to “complete the loop” between 15 miles of trails, parks, and attractions. The design includes turning an abandoned rail tunnel into a ramp to the bridge — which is currently only accessible via stairs.

• Construction can’t begin until the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority finishes its Clean Water Plan, which won’t start until 2025. [NEXTpittsburgh]

Whether you’re mailing love notes across the states or sending best wishes to someone in the ‘Burgh, these local cards will be a seal for holiday cheer.

Merry Christmas, Neighbor

Local illustrator and greeting card designer Abby Winkler captured in her latest design what the holidays would feel like in a real-life Mister Rogers neighborhood. Plus, check out this cutie with Dippy the dinosaur and the Cathedral of Learning.

Pittsburgh Holiday Parking Chairs

No matter what you celebrate, winter snow and parking chairs are a universal Pittsburgh experience. Find this mailer and other great seasonal greeting cards at Wildcard in Lawrenceville.

There’s more where that came from.

Still have shopping to do? Catch a few last-minute local markets on this list or shop my growing collection of local gift recommendations.

🎁 Don’t miss a single pick! Come back every weekday for presents that support Pittsburgh makers.

For the Pittsburgh Home Cook

These handmade wooden boards by Mars Design Studio are practical pieces of art. Shop the various sizes and styles of cutting boards, serving boards, and more.

Know ASL? Tell Mars Design Studio owner, Laura Gavin, how rad her pieces are at the next local market.

How to Watch Pittsburgh’s Moon Launch This Christmas

We’re going back to the moon! A Pittsburgh-based aerospace company is sending off a lunar lander right before Christmas. But it’s not our first rodeo in this space — the Steel City has a long legacy in cosmic exploration. Producer Sophia Lo shares Pittsburgh’s role in the Apollo missions, how the upcoming Peregrine launch came together, and what it means to have a budding “space district” on the North Side.