All About Books with TLC offering contemporary, classic books in cozy atmosphere George Washington Hotel’s new restaurant serving Greek eats and treats Get your game on at Respawn Point
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024
LIVING IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
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Pass the sticks: Washington business provides venue for video game tournaments
FROM THE EDITOR
Kouzina Greek Bistro serving up coffee and treats
16
Canonsburg Corner:
• Iconic clock restored in Canonsburg
• Canonsburg used bookstore features two floors, repair services
• Canon-McMillan Middle School named ‘School to Watch’
• Canon-McMillan School District announces Dr. Greg Taranto as new superintendent
• Summer Fun at Frank Sarris Public Library
MOVING AND CLEANING TIME
Moves are hard. Of course, I’m not the only person that dislikes moving. My partner and I have been shopping for a house for years, but it just doesn’t seem like the right time for us to buy. We’ve been out of space since COVID forced us to share a cramped spare bedroom as an office, so we decided to upgrade to a larger apartment in our same complex last month. We love the location and the management, so a new unit seemed like a no-brainer. We live just off Route 19, and our new digs are farther away from the busy road, significantly reducing traffic noise. We’re also closer to wild green space, meaning we get deer, bunnies and a wider variety of bird visitors to our balcony. So even though all we had to do was box up our belongings and shlep them across the parking lot, the pain of packing and unpacking has been worth it.
I’m the sentimental type. As I’ve been going through my belongings, I’ve struggled to decide what to part with. Now that we have more space, I can just stuff it with souvenirs, right? My fiance and I are fundamentally different in that respect. He’s found and embraced minimalism, and I want to keep every jar I’ve ever encountered “just in case.”
My coworkers have been discussing the growing trend of Swedish death cleaning: decluttering to dispose of or donate unnecessary belongings to avoid leaving a mess for loved ones after death. As someone who just recently finished cleaning her late mother’s home, I intimately understand the importance of this practice. But, even though I know it’s worthwhile, I still find it intensely difficult. I keep cards, tees, notes, tickets, plastic containers, documents and never-finished projects. As I hold these things, I’m flooded with both the memories and the thoughts of what could be. Maybe it’s because I’m a storyteller, and I am attached to the stories that objects hold. Or perhaps I’ve just got some slight hoarding tendencies … but I’m sticking with a sentimental storyteller.
I would love to hear if you have advice for unpacking, decluttering and the like. Or, if you have a story idea, please reach out. Email me at tthurston@observer-reporter.com, or give me a call at 724-222-2200 ext. 2421. Take care, stay safe and see you in the next edition.
The hummus plate includes housemade hummus, pita, stuffed grape leaves, cucumber, feta and olives.
Kouzina Greek Bistro.
Pass the sticks: Washington business provides venue for video game tournaments
By Jon Andreassi
Whether the last video game controller you held had six buttons or 16, Respawn Point in Washington hopes gamers young and old are ready for some competition.
Matthew Scherer and Bruce Leonard opened the gaming venue at 38 N. Main St. at the end of May. Inside, one wall is lined with wall-mounted televisions displaying a variety of video games spanning generations and genres.
“We’re both huge gamers, so we kind of had our whole collection of stuff that we were able to use,” Scherer said. “But, it has been a dream of mine for years. I’ve been sort of wanting to do something to this extent.”
Scherer has been a regular host of video game tournaments among his friends. Leonard said Scherer would put on the “Game Olympics” every year.
“We wanted to expand on that with the tournaments and everything, but we knew that we couldn’t just do that. We wanted to do the lounge, get a bunch of different games in here, all kinds of stuff. Try to bring in all sorts of different people — old gamers, new gamers,” Leonard said.
Across the wall of televisions are some modern staples of multiplayer gaming, such as Fortnite and Call of Duty. If shooters are not your cup of tea, you can see how you stack up in Madden NFL ‘24. Of course, there is also Nintendo’s
stable of frenetic party games such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Party Superstars and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Switch console.
If you are looking for something more nostalgic, there are plenty of “old school” options on tap as well. From the Atari 2600 to the PlayStation 5, there is something for just about everybody.
Those interested in checking out the selection can pay by the hour for “free play.” It’s $10 for two hours of gaming or $25 for a day pass.
Scherer and Leonard envision most of their business coming from private events.
“We definitely want birthday parties and private tournaments. We do public tournaments,” Leonard said.
Scherer added that they have had a couple of private bookings since opening.
“We really would like to get more, but you’re able to rent out the entire space. Bring cake, order food. We don’t have our own food yet. That’s hopefully something in the future if we do well,” Scherer said.
Pricing options to rent out the space are available at respawn-point.net. The website also features a calendar for upcoming public tournaments.
Jon Andreassi/Observer-Reporter
Bruce Leonard and Matthew Scherer at their business Respawn Point. The venue in downtown Washington is available to rent for private parties and video game tournaments.
Courtesy of Respawn Point Respawn Point offers a new space for birthday parties, with a wide variety of different video games available.
Those renting out Respawn Point can plan ahead for what video games and consoles will be available for their gathering.
When booking Respawn Point for a gaming tournament, the venue will prepare rulesets, brackets and even medals for the winners.
“If it’s a birthday party, if they’re into Mario, we’ll make sure we have a bunch of Mario games set up and ready. We also just have a list of games that they can look through and tell us, ‘Hey, I want this game.’ We will put it in for them,” Leonard said.
Scherer notes that the timing of their opening has led to a slow first couple of months.
“We were hoping to get a lot of college kids, maybe on weekend nights, that were interested, but that’s out. And we opened just as school was letting out, so we didn’t really get to try and talk to any of the esports clubs in the schools. So we kind of hit an awkward point,” Scherer said.
However, going into next fall, Scherer and Leonard will make it a priority to connect with the Washington & Jefferson College community and the local school districts.
One benefit for customers who maybe just want to pay for a couple of hours of gaming is access to the latest games.
“We’ve had a couple people come in, they say ‘Oh, wow, I didn’t want to spend all the money on this game, but I can try it out here, see how it is,’” Scherer said.
Leonard pointed out that many still haven’t bought into the latest generation of consoles. A PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X is easier to find on store shelves now, but they still cost $500.
“Like the PS5, some people don’t have that yet. So they’ll come in, and they’re able to play it here,” Leonard said.
“That’s really just our dream — build up that community. Kids have somewhere to be. Just a good place to hang out.”
Courtesy of Respawn Point
Kouzina Greek Bistro serving up coffee and treats
By Kristin Emery
Coffee, tea and eats sound delicious anytime, anywhere. Yet you might not think of pairing delicious cappuccinos, lattes and espressos with Greek staples like gyros and hummus. Kouzina Greek Bistro in downtown Washington has done just that with delectable results. Kouzina opened its doors inside the George Washington at 60 S. Main St. in the fall of 2021. “Last September, we did a little bit of a rebrand and added the coffee program,” explains Erica Isaac, food and beverage director of the George Washington Hotel and Event Venue. “We started out with just the food. It’s Greek-inspired. The owner, Kyrk Pyros and his wife are Greek. They wanted to do something to pay homage to their Greek heritage.
That homage inspires house-made Greek cuisine, such as a braised leg of lamb gyro with homemade tzatziki on toasted pita. The Greek specialties are paired alongside American classics and delicious drinks. “In the morning,
All photos courtesy of Kouzina Greek Bistro
Tuesday through Saturday, we do have breakfast sandwiches, and then we have a bakery case,” says Isaac. “We do housemade breakfast, breads, cookies. We have some grab-and-go options and then the hot breakfast sandwiches. And then, Tuesday through Friday, we have lunch.”
With the George Washington being a hotel and event venue, there’s an excellent built-in customer base for weddings and other events as guests enjoy coming down for their morning coffee and breakfast goodies. There’s also an entrance directly off South Main Street, allowing regulars and the business and courthouse crowd easy access. “We have a bit of regulars we see daily, weekly,” Isaac says. “Yeah, a lot of lawyers that come in from the courthouse and the law offices right in downtown.”
The favorite lunch order — as you might have guessed — is the gyro. “Our gyro is really popular, and they’re a little bit different,” Isaac explains. “We do a house braised leg of lamb, so it’s shredded lamb meat instead of the more traditional style of gyro meat. That’s super popular. We make a house tzatziki sauce on a griddled pita, and we also have a hummus plate that’s really delicious with stuffed grape leaves and pita. So those are probably our two most popular lunch items.”
Hungry yet? Don’t forget about breakfast. “We have the people that are on the way over to the courthouse to work,” Isaac says, “so they’ll just come in and grab coffee for the office and head out, and then we do have people that will come in and sit and work right from the cafe, set up their laptops and hang out for the morning and grab a sandwich and a cappuccino. So, we do have a nice little mix.”
Of course, for coffee connoisseurs, it’s all about the beans, and Kouzina doesn’t disappoint. “Our head barista is Jen-
na, and she’s younger, but she’s super knowledgeable, and she takes a lot of pride in talking to the customers and sort of educating them on exactly what she’s doing,” says Isaac. “All of our syrups are made in-house fresh. We just added lemonades for the summer that are really delicious. We do a strawberry lemonade and a lavender lemonade that’s super yummy for these hot days that we’ve been experiencing. So, we’re doing we’re doing some fun stuff!”
If your sweet tooth is crazing something to go with that coffee, look no further than the homemade baklava made inhouse by the owner’s wife, Kathy. There’s even a baklava latte with homemade honey baklava syrup.
Kouzina is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with coffee service, fresh baked sweets and grab-and-go options from the bakery case. The kitchen is open Tuesday through Friday with hot breakfast sandwiches from 8-11 a.m. and lunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The hummus plate includes housemade hummus, pita, stuffed grape leaves, cucumber, feta and olives.
Serving the Mon Valley since 2005, Spartan Health
Surgicenter is a free-standing, Medicare certified, Joint Commission accredited, ambulatory surgery center located off of Coyle Curtain Road in Carroll Township.
Spartan strengthens the convenience of health care in the Mon Valley Community by providing greater comfort, more privacy and a relaxed environment for outpatient surgery center patients.
• Experienced physicians, nurses and anesthesiology staff
• State-of-the-art equipment and procedures
• Joint Commission Accredited
• FREE and convenient parking
• Comfortable waiting area for families
SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:
• Ophthalmology (Cataract, Glaucoma, Corneal)
• Pain Management
• Gastroenterology
• Orthopaedics
• General Surgery
• Podiatry
MEDICAL STAFF
Ophthalmology:
Aaron Wang, MD
Thomas Findlan, DO
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Patrick Garman, M.H.A. Executive Administrator
Patricia Monaghan, R.N. Director of Nursing
Vincent Ripepi, D.O. Medical Director
General Surgery: Prakorb Isariyawongse, MD
Pain Management: Anthony Cuneo, MD
Gastroenterology:
Nicholas Bellicini, DO
Mark Cedar, MD
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Trista Thurston/Observer-Reporter
The Colaizzo Building clock is located at the intersection of North Central Avenue and West Pike Street. The restored clock is pictured here during a recent noontime hour.
Iconic clock restored in Canonsburg
By Michele Gillis
Many stroll past the iconic clock on the Colaizzo Building in Canonsburg, not really noticing that it is trapped in time.
But Ken Whitaker, a resident and a local landscaper, heard people talking about wanting to get the clock fixed, so he decided to do something about it. He spearheaded a campaign on Facebook to garner interest to see if they should start a GoFundMe to raise funds to hire someone to fix it.
“And I saw a lot of people wanting to get the clock fixed,” said Whitaker. “So I took the proverbial bull by the horns and started making some contacts and found out who the owner was. But that’s what basically sparked it. I’ve always known about it. It’s just the timing was correct. It was the time and it needed to be fixed.”
Tony Colaizzo of Colaizzo Insurance, whose family has owned the building since the mid-1980s, had wanted to get the clock fixed for many years as well, but other things had gotten in the way. He didn’t know about Whitaker’s campaign until he heard about it while visiting a local establishment.
“I was informed by the folks at the Canonsburg Cake Company,” said Colaizzo. “I was given Ken’s contact information
Courtesy of Ken Whitaker
undated photo
and sent my info to him. We talked, and I told him that I had several failed attempts but was interested in getting it working. We had come real close to taking it down.”
So, the search began for someone to repair the clock.
“Colaizzo said if you can find someone to fix it, I will pay for it,” said Whitaker.
However, one of the biggest problems in fixing it was finding someone interested in working on such a small vintage clock.
“Many things were going on with the renovation of the building,” said Colaizzo. “The clock repair was on the list but not at the top. As I stated, one option was to remove it.”
So, Whitaker started making phone calls to find someone to fix the clock, but that was not easy.
“I made about 60 phone calls over a week and sent tons of emails,” said Whitaker.
He was calling companies in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and even Maryland.
“Either they would say, well, Ken, that’s a little too far,” said Whitaker. “If we’re coming from out of state, it’s not a big clock. It’s not a $100,000 job, and there’s not a lot of meat on the bone. Or another company would say, well, it’s a little too far. It’s a retro clock and vintage, and we don’t do those. We’re more modern-day, and other people just weren’t interested for whatever reason. So I kept, you know, my tenacity was the antecedent factor, and ultimately getting the desire that I wanted. Because in time, in life, a lot of people will have a desire to obtain something, but they don’t possess the desire to obtain the desire.”
Finally, he got a hold of Keith King of Chomko LA, a clock manufacturer and repair company in Allison Park, who said he would love to look at the clock.
“We had dialogue on the phone, and I sent him some pictures,” said Whitaker. “I called Tony back and said, hey, I got a guy that’s going to come out and give you an estimate. He was ecstatic. And then I started communicating with his fellows for the last six months over group text. And eventually, a couple of weeks ago, it’s been officially resolved and updated, and it’s like an old picture with a new frame.”
King said repairing the clock was simple, but the process was not easy.
“We completely replaced the inner workings of the clock, fabricated and installed a new housing which we attached to the sign, installed an electric controller, and ran cable from the clock outside to the sign inside,” said King. “The physical challenges were compounded by the brutal heat of the 90-plus degree days on which the installation took place. Regardless of this, the Chomko LA team is made of individuals whose dedication to their work surpasses all challenges, both in environment and engineering.”
Colaizzo agrees that King did a great job.
“He is skilled at what he does,” said Colaizzo. “There were curve balls that slowed the progress, but it was done in the end.”
Those curve balls included taking a few weeks to order the metal, fabricate and prep the new housing, and build and
test the new clock movements and controller. It also took several days to install all the pieces and then paint the old sign to match.
“It felt great to revitalize such a prized monument, giving it a new look and functionality,” said King. “Chomko LA is proud of our western Pennsylvania roots and loves nothing more than to help restore or create monuments to the pride and community spirit that is such a defining trait of our area.”
He said the project took most of a year to complete and cost him thousands of dollars, but he is happy the clock is finally fixed.
Calaizzo said the response to the clock being fixed has been very positive.
“With all the great work done in the business district in Canonsburg, fixing the clock seemed like the right thing to do,” said Calaizzo. “We have something special in this town. It is something that draws attention and goodwill. I grew up here and decided to come back after many years. It is a great place to live. Glad I can contribute to the forward progress.”
Chomko LA said they were very touched by the support shown to the laborers as they worked in extreme temperatures to fix the clock.
“As our team installed the clock, pedestrians and motorists alike were very vocal in their admiration and gratitude, often honking their horns and calling out from their cars,” said King. “We here at Chomko LA live for the smiles, waves and handshakes that reward us for such labors as this.”
Trista Thurston/Observer-Reporter
New Back Pain treatment makes its way to the South Hills
Certain back conditions just do not go away on their own. They can become chronic issues that are very painful in the back, leg or arms. About 80% of people will get back pain at some point of their lives and roughly 50% of those issues will be caused by any of the following: disc herniation, disc bulge, spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease. With surgical outcomes being around a 50% success rate, and injections only helping for a short amount of time or not at all, there had to be a better solution. That is what Dr. Brian Meenan, a chiropractor in Mt. Lebanon and McMurray sought out to find. After being a chiropractor for several years, he found there was a subset of the population with these issues that would linger and there was nowhere for them to go. After a lot of research and planning, he decided to add the FDA Cleared, Accu-Spina Spinal Decompression Table with patented IDD Therapy to his practice. “I am always very cautious of new tools to add to my practice because a lot of companies promise their device helps, but their outcomes are not always the best. There are several studies out using this technology and the success rate is better than I would have imagined at 90% success.” Dr. Meenan says.
When Dr. Meenan was looking into all of this, he realized that no one on this side of Pittsburgh had this table and technology. He had talked to other people who were driving over an hour to get this type of treatment. That is why he decided to add it to his new McMurray practice.
Understanding Non-Invasive Spinal Decompression with Accu-Spina
The Accu-Spina is a cutting-edge technology that combines modern science with research backed principles. It works by gently stretching the spine, creating negative pressure within the affected discs. This negative pressure helps rehydrate the discs, relieving pressure on nerves and surrounding structures. Dr. Meenan says “It is a very comfortable treatment that is only about 25 minutes long. Most people find it relaxing because it is giving your spine what it needs, rehydration.”
The Accu-Spina Treatment Process
When you visit Premier Chiropractic Clinic for noninvasive spinal decompression with the Accu-Spina Table, the skilled chiropractors will conduct a thorough assessment of your spinal condition and medical history. This will include a neurological evaluation, orthopaedic evaluation and review of any MRIs or X-rays that the patient may already have. “If the patient is a good candidate and we think they will benefit from the treatment, we can start the treatment as soon as the patient wants to.” says Dr. Meenan. “This is a good time where we can also just educate the patient on their condition. We are finding that not many people know much about their condition and why it is causing some much pain and discomfort.”
Depending on the severity of your condition, the doctors will recommend a personalized treatment plan, usually consisting of sessions over several weeks. Throughout the process, they will closely monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible outcome.
If you are interested in getting back or neck relief and you want to find out if you’d be a good candidate, schedule your consultation by visiting www.premierchiroclinic.com/spinal-decompression or just call 724-364-4143. Consultations are currently free for the time being but that may change in the future.
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Canonsburg used bookstore features two floors, repair services
By April Barbe
All photos courtesy of All About Books with TLC
All About Books with TLC is located at 11 W. Pike St. in Canonsburg.
A new used bookstore in Canonsburg recently opened its doors, and so far the community is calling it a “welcoming” and “cozy” place to visit.
Lynne D’Amico Ault and Thomas Zimmerman, owners of All About Books with TLC, said sales for the first month were good, and they “love giving second-hand books another chance to be read and loved.”
Ault and Zimmerman grew up together, but life took them in separate directions after high school. They reconnected in 2009 when they both returned “home” to Canonsburg, Ault said.
“We have had a few adventures together since 2009, and opening a bookstore together is our newest adventure,” she said.
The bookstore, located at 11 W. Pike St., has 1,500 square feet on the first and second floors, Ault said. About 6,500 books are currently displayed, with several hundred more in boxes.
The first floor has fiction, children’s books and vintage books. A “Shakespeare room” holds unique antique and collectible books. Ault said there are currently about 30 signed books, mostly first editions, in the “Shakespeare Room.”
The second floor has nonfiction and a conference room/learning center that can be rented for small meetings or classes.
“We have spaces for small book clubs to meet with advance notice. We also will have a third-floor space available to rent
in the future. The basement of the building houses our book repair and restoration business,” Ault said.
All About Books with TLC offers repair, restoration and rebinding services. While several books from the early to mid-1800s are in the shop and will be repaired or rebound, Zimmerman said they also provide services upon customer request.
“Although we’ve only been open for about six weeks, we’ve had quite a bit of interest from people who want their books cared for,” Zimmerman said. “It’s mostly been rebinding a book that has loose pages and restoring covers that are damaged or dust covers that are worn and torn.”
He said this part of the business began in 2020 when the pandemic had everyone quarantined at home.
“I just started a hobby, fixing up my own books, and now it’s become an important part of the business,” he said.
According to Zimmerman, few stores or individuals offer the service, and sometimes, restoration services are done by shipping books to a company. He said All About Books with TLC hopes to keep costs down for folks by offering the services in the store.
“That part of the business (TLC, which stands for Thomas Lynne Craftworks) also does artwork on leather bookmarks, stones for paperweights and covered notebooks,” Zimmerman added.
Book-themed gifts and novelties are on sale near the checkout at All About Books with TLC
The shop’s first floor features fiction, children’s books and vintage books.
The bookstore also has a coffee and tea stand for an optional donation. They plan to add hot chocolate in the fall, Ault said.
“There are also plenty of comfortable places to sit and enjoy your beverage and a good book. You are welcome to visit the area coffee shops or bakeries and bring your treats with you to enjoy while browsing or reading in the bookstore,” Ault said.
Avid readers and book collectors, Ault and Zimmerman, said they have bookshelves in almost every room of their home. So, when the opportunity arose to open a store in their hometown, they couldn’t wait to start a new chapter.
“We immediately said yes. And now it is a dream come true, a dream that we never really knew we had,” Ault said.
She added that she reads a lot of Stephen King’s books, but she also likes popular fiction, historical fiction, thrillers and romance books.
Zimmerman leans more towards mystery, historical fiction, history and archaeology genres.
Ault said she feels many people still enjoy holding a book instead of reading on a digital device.
“We have talked to many people that tried reading on a device and went back to reading a real book. A lot of people still love the feel and smell of books and like looking at them on a shelf. Children still love reading and handling books. There will always be those that prefer e-readers or even audiobooks, but we are here for all those who love books,” she said.
For more information, visit allaboutbookswithtlc.com.
The second-floor windows give a view of Pike Street below.
The second floor is filled with nonfiction books.
The children’s area at All About Books with TLC
Patrons can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while they browse or if they wish to sit and relax with a read.
PIKE ON STREET
Canon-McMillan Middle School named ‘School to Watch’
Canon-McMillan Middle School has again been added to the Schools to Watch list, achieving its fourth redesignation at a national conference. This prestigious recognition program, developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform, honors schools that meet rigorous criteria in academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity and organizational structures and processes.
Launched in 1999, the Schools to Watch initiative aims to identify middle schools nationwide that excel in various aspects of education. Pennsylvania’s Schools to Watch leadership team, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Association for Middle-Level Education, Kutztown University and the Horace Mann Service Corporation, selects schools based on their strong leadership, collaborative teaching practices and commitment to continuous improvement.
Canon-McMillan Middle School first earned its STW designation 12 years ago and has consistently demonstrated its dedication to fostering a high-quality educational environment. The school’s sustained excellence in meeting and exceeding the program’s 37 research-based criteria has been a testament to its ongoing efforts to enhance student learning and development.
Vince Faith, assistant principal at Canon McMillan Middle School, expressed his pride in the school’s continued success.
“Mr. Schrag and I are particularly proud to continue this process, which began 12 years ago under Dr. Taranto and Mr. Schrag’s leadership. Our new building, perfectly suited for a Schools to Watch recipient, underscores our dedication to providing an excellent educational environment. This redesignation showcases the exceptional efforts of our teachers and staff, whose dedication and hard work are the cornerstone of our success. Their commitment to fostering a supportive and dynamic learning environment ensures
that our students thrive academically and socially,” Faith said. “The rigorous redesignation process serves as a testament to our collective dedication to maintaining high standards and best practices in middle-level education. We are honored to receive this recognition and will continue to strive for excellence, making Canon-McMillan Middle School a model for educational achievement.”
The redesignation process for Schools to Watch is comprehensive, requiring schools to reapply every three years and demonstrate progress on specific goals. This focus on continuous improvement ensures that schools are not only identifying their strengths but also addressing areas that need development. Canon-McMillan Middle School’s ability to consistently meet these high standards highlights its commitment to academic excellence and student success.
“We congratulate these schools for being places that do great things for all of their students,” Bruce Vosburgh, PA State STW director, said. “These schools demonstrate that high-performing middle-grade schools are places that focus on academic growth and achievement. They are also places that recognize the importance of meeting the needs of all of their students and ensuring that every child has access to a challenging, high-quality education. These schools have proven that it is possible to overcome barriers to achieve excellence, and any middle-level school in any state can truly learn from their examples.”
Canon-McMillan Middle School’s fourth redesignation as a School to Watch is an achievement that reflects the hard work and dedication of its educators, students and community. As the school continues to grow and evolve, it remains a shining example of what is possible in middle-grade education, setting a high standard for schools across the state and the nation.
Story and photos courtesy of the Canon-McMillan School District
Canon-McMillan School District announces Dr. Greg Taranto as new superintendent
Canon-McMillan School District’s Board of Education has announced the appointment of Dr. Greg Taranto as the new superintendent. Taranto succeeds Michael Daniels, who retired on June 30. Taranto, previously the district’s assistant superintendent for K-6 curriculum, was selected after an extensive national search and approved by the board during a special meeting.
Taranto’s educational journey began with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Slippery Rock University. He went on to earn a master’s degree in exercise science and cardiac rehabilitation from East Stroudsburg University, another master’s in elementary education and K-12 principal certification from California University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate in instructional management and leadership from Robert Morris University. His career with the Canon-McMillan School District started in 1999 as a student teacher, followed by a role as a middle school science teacher. His dedication and innovative approach led to his promotion to assistant principal in 2003 and subsequently, middle school principal from 2005 to 2022. During his tenure, the Pennsylvania Principals Association recognized him as Pennsylvania Principal of the Year in 2012, largely due to his emphasis on teamwork, determination and forward-thinking.
Taranto’s leadership was pivotal in earning Canon-McMillan Middle School its first Schools to Watch designation. Beyond his administrative duties, he has contributed significantly to the field of education with over 25 publications on education and leadership. His research and published work have garnered prestigious awards, including the ASCD Outstanding Research & Publication Award and the Frank S. Manchester Award for Journalism.
As he steps into his new role, Taranto plans to engage deeply with the school community, stating, “We have exciting yet challenging initiatives including advocating for full-day kindergarten, facilitating the transition into the new Wylandville Elementary School building, and addressing the rising teacher attrition in Pennsylvania by developing a multi-faceted approach that puts positivity and respect at the forefront.”
The board’s decision to appoint Taranto as superintendent, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania School Board Association, was influenced by his extensive experience and unwavering commitment to education. His vision for the district includes a holistic approach to student development that encompasses academics, music, arts, athletics, technology and extracurricular opportunities.
Taranto is committed to maximizing the potential of Canon-McMillan School District students both inside and outside the classroom, ensuring they receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for future success.
Story and photos courtesy of the Canon-McMillan School District
at Frank Sarris Public Library Summer Fun
Children’s Programming Toddlers and Preschoolers
Note: Children’s programs will resume on Sept. 4. Jr. Engineers and Little Picassos will return later this fall. For the full weekly children’s programming schedule for toddlers and preschoolers, please visit the event calendar at franksarrislibrary.org.
Wednesday
Wiggles & Giggles: This program focuses on movement while introducing new vocabulary. Children develop their gross motor, listening and social skills during each session. Ages 2-5. 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Toddler Tales: Exploring diverse themes, toddlers will engage in songs, stories and activities in a fun, educational environment. Ages 2-4. 11:15-11:45 a.m.
Parking: Entrances are open at Murdock Street and North Jefferson Avenue. The parking lot is behind the library and accessible from Murdock Street.
Please remember:
• Summer operating hours until Aug. 31 Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• The drop box for returned items is on Murdock Street, and there is also one inside the parking lot.
• On the first floor, patrons can browse adult, children’s and young adult collections and can also use computers to copy, fax and scan documents. Visit the website for prices for services like printing and faxing.
• Computers and study rooms are first come, first served. Computers are limited to one hour per patron.
• Check the website, franksarrislibrary.org, or Facebook page for updates about changes in service or hours. Save the date!
Smokey the Bear Reading Challenge: Celebrate Smokey the Bear’s 80th birthday this August with Frank Sarris Public Library! Read books about wildfires and learn how you can prevent them with Smokey. This children’s program is geared for ages 4-10 and will run throughout August.
Let’s Draw: Have you ever wanted to practice drawing but had too many distractions? Have you tried sketching but don’t know where to start? Join us at the library for an evening of still-life drawing. The library will provide paper and drawing tools, but you can bring your own. This program is for ages 16 and up. All skill levels are welcome, but seats are limited. Register at the circulation desk. This program will meet every fourth Wednesday from 4:30-5:45 p.m.
Upcoming Programs
Adult Programming
FSPL Book Club: The book club reads fiction and nonfiction selections, including New York Times bestsellers. September’s book is “The Lost Tomb and Other Real-Life Stories of Bones, Burials, and Murder” by Douglas Preston. October’s book is “West with Giraffes” by Lynda Rutledge. The book club occurs every second Wednesday of the month at 1 p.m.
Thursday
School Readiness StoryPlay: Your child will enjoy songs, stories and games as they develop essential skills such as listening during stories, early literacy skills and following directions. Ages 4-6. 1:00-1:30 p.m.
Children’s Programming School-Age Children
Lego Club: Are you a fan of Legos? Do you want to show off your building skills? Come to the library and join other builders! The library will provide all the supplies needed for the Lego Club. Ages 4+. Please visit the event calendar at franksarrislibrary.org for upcoming dates for this program.
Read to a Therapy Dog: Do you have a reluctant reader? Do you have a child with a penchant for puppies? Come to the library for the opportunity to read to a therapy dog. This program is an excellent motivator for reluctant readers and a treat for those who love dogs. Ages 5+. Second and fourth Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.; second Saturday, Noon to 1 p.m.
Online Resources
Hoopla
Hoopla is a one-stop shop for your streaming digital media needs. This platform includes games, manga, comics, music, TV series, movies, audiobooks and eBooks in all genres and age groups. All checked items automatically return themselves, so there are never any late fees. Ask our circulation desk staff or locate Hoopla under Resources at franksarrislibrary.org.
Universal Class
Community courses taught by real teachers are available in subjects such as English, cake decorating, meditation, dog training, bullying, homeschooling, QuickBooks, iPad use, parenting and more. Over 600 online courses are available 24/7. You can access these free continuing educational courses anywhere, anytime, through a Wi-Fi connection. New users are asked to enter their library barcode number to get started. When entering your Frank Sarris Public Library barcode number, please put “FSPL” in front of your library barcode number (ex. FSPL##############).
Libby
Use a computer, iPad, Kindle, Nook, or tablet to borrow eBooks, audiobooks and more for free — anytime, anywhere — using Libby and a Frank Sarris Public Library card. The library is at your fingertips. Please look for additional information on resources and services at franksarrislibrary.org.
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