Jul 26, 2018 3 min read

At various times throughout my life, I’ve heard Pittsburgh referred to as the “Boomerang City” – meaning that if you leave, you will most certainly come back. I think that sentiment applies to Pittsburgh’s surrounding areas like the Mon Valley, too.

Case in point: Christopher Whitlatch, CEO of the Mon Valley Alliance. Whitlatch hails from Uniontown, went to New York University and lived in New York for a decade before returning to Western Pennsylvania. While Uniontown isn’t the Mon Valley, the area did draw him in. Today, he’s making quite an impact on the area using some creative ideas for revitalization of our region. You’ll have to read writer Nicole Barley’s story on page 12 to learn more about the 44-year-old Valley visionary.

Over in Monongahela, Boomeranger Dr. Lisa Lusk operates Monongahela Valley Animal Hospital. Lusk’s roots are in Fallowfield Township, and she left the area to study veterinary medicine at Pennsylvania State University (undergrad) and then the University of Pennsylvania (Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris). She practiced in New Castle and Cambria County for a couple of years before Monongahela pulled her back. “My family was here, and this is where I grew up. I knew I wanted to come back if there was that opportunity,” she told staff writer Barbara Miller. Miller’s piece on page 20 paints a beautiful picture of a family-friendly (furry members and all) place to work and take your own animals.

Across the river in Belle Vernon, there is a pristine farm that’s been in the Mazzei family for generations. Gary and Lori Mazzei Flower have inherited the property, and have divided up some of its acreage to other family members, descendants of Angelo and Maria Mazzei, who came to America from Italy in 1907. A lot of love was put into the barn to ensure that it will stand for future generations of the family, and there are plans to open it up to hold weddings, corporate events and other social events. Gary and Lori are getting some good practice to hold such large-scale events – the property is the site of the Mazzei family reunion, held every six years for more than 200 of Angelo and Maria’s descendants who are pulled back to the area from all over the country. Writer Kristin Emery’s feature is on page 24.

When you are from an area with rich history and unique neighborhoods like the Mon Valley, it’s no surprise that those who leave eventually make their way back, particularly now. We’ve weathered quite a few years of decline and lack of prosperity, but thanks to folks like Christopher Whitlatch, Dr. Lisa Lusk and Gary and Lori Mazzei Flower – and so, so many others – things are looking up. So, if you are reading this from afar and have been thinking about coming home, there’s no better time than now!

Until next time,