We must broaden the gun violence conversation
In response to the Post-Gazette’s coverage of the National School Walkout (March 15, “Students in Region Join National SchoolWalkout”), I would like to point out that this was an important step in focusing our nation’s attention on ending gun violence. It’s a discussion that is long overdue. However, in much of the recent coverage and discussion on gun violence, the conversation has rarely gone beyondschool shootings.
Gun violence has been a persistent problem in many of our neighborhoods in Pittsburgh and elsewhere, but it has not received the attention that it deserves. The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence reports that every day “46 children and teens are shot in murders, assaults, suicides and suicide attempts, unintentional shootings, and police intervention.” That’s like having multiple school shootings— every single day.
Unfortunately, the reality of gun violence affects many children outside of school as well. Let us not lose sight of the needs of these children and young lives that are lost one by one, day by day, on our streets and in our neighborhoods. LYNDA WRENN
Point Breeze Catholic universities, Georgetown and Fordham, have welcomed as bargaining partners the official unions formed by their adjunct faculty.” FRED EVANS
Point Breeze
In a few weeks, the singlespan bridge near the Highland Park Bridge will close for approximately 120 days while a new bridge is installed (March 12, “2 Projects on Freeport Road Post Challenge to Motorists in Fox Chapel”). The bridge carries nearly 10,000 cars per day to and from Sharpsburg. There are two official detours and many other backroad detours to town.
While the bridge is out, please continue to take detours to our ever-growing borough and thriving businesses. Check in and check out books at the Sharpsburg Community Library, an architectural gem. James Sharp Landing, our riverfront park, should soon reopen. If you enjoy basketball, find time to watch the Sharpsburg Wolves Club Basketball team play at the Linden Gym. The third annual Sharpsburg Open Streets will be held on June 2 — bring your walking shoes,bike or rollerblades!
Sharpsburg is also home to a terrific bakery, a great brunch spot and multiple casual and formal restaurants. We have
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two new and nationally renowned breweries, a freshly opened art gallery, a collectible toy store and an award-winning frame gallery. An innovative advertising agency and design lab left the Strip to plant roots in Sharpsburg. The list goes on: Our town is home to many other niche businesses, with more on the horizon.
Sharpsburg is undergoing a revival through the spirit of our residents, the investment of new and old businesses, capacity-building of communitybased nonprofits and nearly $6 million in grants since 2016, but we will need your continued support. To borrow from Mister Rogers: “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.” MATTHEW RUDZKI
Mayor Borough of Sharpsburg