George Takes readers on a historical journey with his  Shalercrest: A Defense Housing Project  

 During World War II, there was a housing shortage among factory workers.  To help with the war effort, the federal government provided housing for defense laborers.  One such region that was built in 1940 was called Shalercrest, which is located on Mt. Vernon in Shaler Township.  George Kruth, 77, of Shaler lived in this 251-unit facility, so he is familiar with its history.  [Read more…]

By Paula Green 

 By Paula Green

        September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.  A Cranberry Township businesswoman was diagnosed with ovarian cancer several years ago.  Dawn Gunning was shocked when she was told the news, but she fought back and won the battle.  Now Dawn shares her story. [Read more…]

By Janice Lane Palko 

Singer Joni Mitchell sang these lyrics: I’ve looked at life from both sides now. Matt Scoletti, 35, from Gibsonia could have easily sung those words. In October 2011, he saw the underbelly of life as an alcoholic. “I was an alcoholic from the ages of 18-27,” said Matt, who grew up in Murrysville and graduated Franklin Regional High School. “I had been keeping a journal for five months, and that morning in October, I woke on my living room floor, which happened quite often, and I looked back over that journal and saw what a mess I had become. And I decided right then that I was in control and it was time to change.” 

He began to take better care of himself-eliminating the alcohol, eating healthfully, exercising and getting more sleep. His transformation was remarkable and soon gained him attention. “Strangely, my first success came when I was a contestant on America’s Funniest Home Video, where I smacked myself in the face with a resistance band. My stupidity finally paid off.” 

Matt has a knack for turning the bad into good, and since his reckoning on that October morning, he has been living on the brighter side of life. He has become a 2-time World Record holder, 5-Time Physique Bodybuilding champion, been featured in Flex Magazine, become a 40 Under 40 Recipient, was an American Ninja Warrior competitor, became a six–time Tough Mudder finisher, received the Distinguished Toastmaster Award, Navy Seals 20x “Hellweek survivor. He was also named Mr. Pittsburgh. 

That success has spurred him to become a motivational speaker, life coach, author and philanthropist, leading him to speaking engagements all over the country. “My message is: No matter where you are, you can turn it around.” 

Six months after deciding to change, Matt met his wife, Stephanie, in the gym and learned that she was a 14-year cancer survivor. That has compelled him to raise money for the nonprofit Young Adult Cancer Support. Most recently, he made headlines while running in the Pittsburgh Marathon, when he donned an 11-pound weighted vest and ran in tribute to the 11 victims of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting. 

Scoletti, who is a Catholic, was returning home from a vacation when the shooting happened. “We were walking through the airport, and it is usually a lively, friendly place. But on that day, it was eerily quiet. I thought this is Pittsburgh; this kind of stuff doesn’t happen here. I’ve got to do something.” 

As he crossed the finish line, Alan Hausman, the vice president of Tree of Life synagogue, embraced him and hand in hand they crossed together. Prior to meeting at the finish line, they did not know each other, but they soon became friends. Matt’s tribute to the victims was noticed by the media, including Runner’s World magazine. “My whole reason for running the marathon was to show that in the end, love wins. I don’t care if anyone remember me, I just them to remember those we lost and that even through tragedy, LOVE CONQUERS in the long term ” 

Matt’s next challenge is the Marine Corps Marathon this fall in Washington, D.C. If you are interested in turning your life around, visit Matt’s website at: www.MattScoletti.com.  

By Paula Green

         When it comes to women’s golf, Jackie Sorrenti is the lady who is up to par on the latest fashions and the newest trends.  Sorrenti is the founder and owner of Gals on and off the Green on McKnight Road, at the entrance of the Ross Park Mall.  This unique women’s golf clothing store tailors to all types of women.  The clothing line is designed for ladies of all shapes and sizes, ranging from size zero through size 22.

          In addition to her retail store, Sorrenti also helps women golfers with educational opportunities through her annual GALS (Growing, Achieving, Learning, and Succeeding) Scholarship.  This National Charitable Foundation was founded in 2013, and its purpose is to positively impact the lives of women who are active in golf.  The organization provides scholarship opportunities to applicants seeking education and to improve their life skills.  So far, they have awarded 23 national scholarships.  They are currently seeking qualified applicants for this year.  “While we are proud of our work to date, we remain humble and know that there is much work to do,” said Sorrenti.

        The GALS scholarship is open to women of all ages.  To qualify, female applicants need to be active in golf, not just play, but coach, caddie, or volunteer in golf.  Candidates are selected on the basis of excellence in character, achievement, financial need, and involvement in the sport of golf. 

        Scholarships will be issued in amounts of $2,500 annually depending on the type of education the applicant chooses – professional licensing, trade school, or college.  Candidates must apply (or reapply) each year they are continuing their education. Scholarship winners will be announced at the annual Gals on and off the Green Charity Golf Outing (early October.)  The GALS application deadline is Thursday, August 1.  To learn more, apply at www.galsfoundation.org. 

Anthony Savannah
President of Passavant Hospital Foundation

President of Passavant Hospital Foundation

           Passavant Hospital Foundation plays a vital role in making UPMC Passavant a world-class hospital in McCandless and Cranberry townships.  The man who oversees its day-to-day operations is Anthony R. Savannah. [Read more…]