Living in Washington County - June/July 2024

June/July 2024

Good Goods, Leggings Galore and so much more: New storefronts opening in Canonsburg

Martha Washington Garden Club celebrates 90 official years

Liberty Pole out, Bones Distillery in:

Downtown Washington sees new distillery on West Maiden Street

Check out the 2024 Whiskey Rebellion Festival July 12-13 in Downtown Washington, Pa., for historic reenactments, live music, food trucks, vendors, and of course, great whiskey. Visit WhiskeyRebellionFestival.com for more information.

New distillery occupies downtown spot Liberty Pole recently vacated

16

Martha Washington Garden Club hits another major milestone

FROM THE EDITOR

24

Ad director Carole DeAngelo begins public speaking journey with heart

30

Canonsburg Corner

31 Summer reading programs and more at Frank Sarris Public Library

32 More new shops open in Canonsburg

36 Canon-Mac student competes in world BMX championship

37 Free and cheap summer fun around Washington County

37 World of Work returns to CanonMac, Frank Sarris Public Library

CANONSBURG, WASHINGTON GETTING A FACELIFT

As I write this letter, I’m sitting out at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, helping prep for the Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival, our annual three-day event every Memorial Day weekend with 50+ food trucks, vendors, live music, shopping and so much more. Did you know that the Observer-Reporter puts on events like this and others? Our events include Kids Fest, First Friday, Corks and Kegs, All for Her, and Holiday Market, just to name a few. Many people don’t realize everything we do, like producing the beautiful glossy magazine you’re reading now. People have told me before they just thought the paper inserted this publication, not realizing it was created in-house.

As a media company, we’re not great at marketing ourselves. We’re continuously working on it, but it can be hard to prioritize promotion when news keeps breaking.

Speaking of not wanting to talk about oneself, Rick Shrum called me last month and suggested a story on our advertising director, Carole DeAngelo. She had just spoken at the inaugural Women In Leadership series. As a community advocate, Rick thought Carole deserved the spotlight. I thoroughly agree. Read more about her in our article inside.

Our cover story features Good Goods, one of the recently opened shops in Canonsburg. Canonsburg, a town that has been under revitalization lately, is now bustling with activity on Pike Street. Karen Mansfield chatted with ReLoved Resale, Good Goods and Leggings Galore & More, and included quick blurbs about Calibrate Content Creations and All About Books. Just last weekend, I attended Sunday Funday. Most everyone was open and on the sidewalk. The weather was perfect: the sun was out, the breeze was gentle, and the temperature was almost perfect. Canonsburg was bustling. I was pleased to see it. All About Books had just recently opened when I popped in, so look for a dedicated feature on the business, as well as the book restoration side of the operation, in a future edition.

Speaking of restoration, the former Liberty Pole Spirits location didn’t need much more than redecorating for Bones Distillery to move in. Bones specializes in small-batch moonshine, brandy and craft spirits. Washington, too, has seen much revitalization in recent years, so we’ll have more stories about what’s coming in upcoming editions.

As always, thank you so much for reading. Take care, stay safe and see you in the next edition.

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New distillery occupies downtown spot Liberty Pole recently vacated

A biochemist by trade, Glenn Green caught the spirit of making and marketing spirits a little more than a year ago. A byproduct of his new endeavor — Bones Distillery — is that it is enhancing a spirited retail revival in downtown Washington.

“It’s pretty busy in here,” Green said during an April 23 ribbon cutting of the distillery, a retail operation that opened for business three days later at 68 W. Maiden St.

Bones follows a distillery tradition, located in a building where Liberty Pole Spirits had practiced its trade since its July 2016 opening. Liberty Pole moved into a spacious campus last year, developed on a two-acre lot in North Strabane Township.

Bones Distillery, which is doing business by its brand name, Mellow Moose Moonshine & Spirits, specializes in small-batch moonshine, brandy and craft spirits — which are proof positive, so to speak.

A “Moonshine Menu” distributed on the evening of the ribbon cutting listed three vodka varieties: 80, 100 and 120 proof. Proof is a measure of a beverage’s alcohol content, and the figure is twice the percentage of alcohol content. Eighty proof, for example, designates 40 percent alcohol.

Bones Moonshine is 100 proof and comes in eight flavors: blueberry, blackberry, cherry, peach, root beer, apple pie, mountain whiskey and lemon drop.

Photos and story by Rick Shrum

Bones Distillery opened for business on April 21 in downtown Washington.

Green, however, is adamant that — for now — his facility is a retail shop, not a bar.

A sole owner, he told Paul Paterra of the Observer-Reporter in mid-April, “Yes, we have a nice tasting area where they come up to the bar and taste the products (and I) have my permits to serve cocktails, but we do not have any plans to serve cocktails, at least for a while. We’re a distillery that sells retail stuff.”

He said that in mid-May, the distillery plans to create a rum line of spirits and start a cocktail service and an online ordering service.

Green, originally from Erie, told Paterra he initially had difficulty finding a location for his planned business and then had funding challenges. “I had to buy everything, which added up to $65,000.”

But he and his business have overcome those obstacles.

“I actually helped Liberty Pole get out of its lease early so I could get in here.” Green said. “It was a win-win for everybody. We built an entire distillery in this place. This location is kindoff a saving grace.”

He and his wife, Dusty, reside in Eighty Four. They have nine children and four grandchildren and are now busy at a new vocation.

Husband and wife are linchpins of Bones Distillery, and the only individuals on the payroll. (Son Colton, a sales consultant for Nissan, volunteers there.) Glenn remodeled the back half of the building and now runs the operation. He draws on his biochemical skills to formulate all alcohol recipes.

“Dusty designed everything in the front of the store and came up with the moose decor,” said Glenn, a graduate of Edinboro University.

Green and Jim Hough have gotten to know each other over the past year. Hough, his wife Ellen and sons Rob and Kevin own Liberty Pole Spirits. The family patriarch praised Glenn Green and wishes him well.

“I’m super excited about Bones,” Hough said. “Glenn is a really nice guy, a smart guy who is doing things the right way. We’ve worked with him on equipment vendors and legal permits. It’s good for the city to have this building occupied.”

Colton Glenn gives a thumbs up to the spirits available in the tasting room of the newly launched Bones Distillery on West Maiden Street.

The West Maiden building was indeed occupied during the ribbon cutting, as about 40 to 45 curious onlookers crowded into the facility at various times, occasionally shoulder to shoulder.

State Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll Township, attended and spoke during the event. She lauded Green for contributing to an ongoing revival of downtown. “Preventing storefronts from remaining empty is proof that things are looking up for the city of Washington.”

Shana Brown, director of the Washington Business District Authority, also attended. Nicknamed “Downtown” Shana Brown, she is pleased with improvements made in the city’s infrastructure. “We’re getting there,” she said. “Facade grants are attractive to new businesses, which are calling us all of the time. It’s a matter of plugging them into the right spots.”

Since 2018, grants made through the Facade Improvement Program have boosted many city businesses.

“It’s definitely a group effort,” Brown said. “There’s a difference in energy and momentum downtown. It’s like somebody opened a faucet.”

Glenn Green increased the flow by opening Bones Distillery.

Patrons sample spirits at Bones Distillery’s ribbon cutting, which attracted a large crowd at its West Maiden Street location on April 23.

Bones Distillery is operating in the downtown Washington building previously occupied by Liberty Pole Spirits.

Martha Washington Garden Club hits another major milestone

If you see a group of people buzzing around the garden at the LeMoyne House in Washington as busy as bees some Monday morning, you can bet they’re members of the Martha Washington Garden Club.

Volunteer members have been planting, weeding and caring for the garden for close to 50 years. If that seems like a long time, consider that the club was founded in 1926. Mrs. George W. Warrick was the first president from 1926 to 1929.

An even more significant date, at least in the eyes of its officers, is February 20, 1934, when the club federated with the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania. That means that this year marks the 90th anniversary of the club’s federation, something the members are quite proud of.

Already, they’ve started the year by headlining their annual yearbook with the words “Celebrate 90!”

“We’ve also colored the cover of the yearbook purple, the color that references the number 90,” said president Kathy Wells.

Currently, the club has 66 members who meet on the third Tuesday of each month, February through November. Most meetings begin at noon at the Laboratory Presbyterian Church, 33 Manse St., Washington. Membership dues are $30 a year.

The meetings consist of a light luncheon provided by designated members with a floral design created by a designer of the

By Dave Zuchowski

month, an educational program and planning for upcoming events like its annual flower show and plant sale.

As an example of the educational program at a luncheon meeting, one speaker focused on the poinsettia — its history, where it grows and the significance of its use around the Christmas holidays.

“Although most of our members are from Washington County, you don’t have to live in the county to join because we‘re not defined by borders,” said Susan DeLost, first vice president. “You also don’t have to have a knowledge of horticulture. We have members who range in experience from novice to expert level. Ironically, not many of our members are Master Gardeners.”

Dave Zuchowski/for the Observer-Reporter

Members Susan DeLost and Kathy Wells in the herb garden

Madeleine’s Garden

Courtesy of the Martha Washington Garden Club

Courtesy of the Martha Washington Garden Club Fran Triplett, winner of the 2023 Lovely Landscape Award

In addition to maintaining Madeline’s Garden at the LeMoyne House, named for Madeleine LeMoyne, the last surviving LeMoyne to live in the house until she died in 1943, the club also maintains the Veteran’s Garden at the historic Pennsylvania Railroad Station on Main Street in Washington. Both gardens are free and open to the public.

Individual members also care for several flower beds at the Washington County Fairgrounds during the annual county fair. There’s more to the club than simply caring for gardens. Members also enjoy an annual holiday luncheon and program, often presented by a local professional floral arranger, each November. The club also stages a yearly plant sale, scheduled this year from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, at Madeleine’s Garden.

“The plants include houseplants, herbs, garden and vegetable plants, bulbs, annuals, perennials, shade plants and more,” said Wells. “Everything is either grown by our members or donated by local businesses.”

Each year, the club stages a Standard Flower Show, following the rules laid out in the National Garden Club Handbook. Usually held at the Washington Crown Center, the show includes a large horticultural display area, various floral design categories, several educational tables and often a rummage sale.

The horticultural displays are the best specimens taken from the members’ gardens and submitted for judging. They include flowers, houseplants, herbs, shrubs, trees, produce and other garden bounties.

Courtesy of the Martha Washington Garden Club

Martha Washington Garden Club’s entry in the Trash to Treasures contest. The challenge was to create a garden sculpture using recycled materials representing Pittsburgh’s industrial history

Courtesy of the Martha Washington Garden Club Martha Washington Garden Club’s display at Citizen’s Library in October 2023

Courtesy of the Martha Washington Garden Club Flowers, leaves and butterflies were created using recycled soda cans

The floral design displays represent the best floral design efforts of the members in categories usually themed to match the show’s overall theme.

The educational tables are staffed by representatives of local 4-H clubs, garden club members and other organizations. Judging is done much like that at a county fair by trained National Garden Club judges, and awards are presented. This year’s Garden Show is scheduled for October 4 and 5 at Washington Crown Center. Members create a window display at the Citizens Library in Washington monthly. The October 2023 display, for instance, focused on repurposing used items and recycling. Titled “Trash to Treasure,” the display started with a tomato cage frame to which flowers and ivy were shaped from old pop cans, painted and attached. Annually, the club also presents a talented gardener in the county with the Lovely Landscape Award. Members go out into the community and observe residential gardens and landscapes to determine the awardee. When they find something noteworthy, they take photos. They then place a door knob hanger on the homeowner’s door, asking them if they’d like to be considered for the award.

A committee ultimately decides the annual awardee, who is given a certificate and a three-by-two-foot plaque that can be placed in their yard.

New this year is a project to get approval and funding for two Blue Star markers, one at the Veterans’ Garden at the train station and another for the Welcome Center in Claysville. The marker program honors all men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Services and began in 1944 by planting 8,000 dogwood trees as a living memorial to WW II veterans.

In 1945, the National Council of State Garden Clubs adopted the program and began a Blue Star Highway system that covers thousands of miles across the U.S.

“Other special events for the 90th anniversary of the club’s federation are still under consideration,” Wells said. “Those interested can check out our Facebook page at ‘MWGCWashpa.’”

For more information, log onto the website at mwgcwashpa. wordpress.com.

Courtesy of the Martha Washington Garden Club December 2022 display at Citizen’s Library.

Dave Zuchowski/for the Observer-Reporter

From left, Susan DeLost and Kathy Wells place a sign for the plant sale on the fence of Madeleine’s Garden.

Courtesy of the Martha Washington Garden Club

Because he’s my Husband

“ After 45 years, it broke my heart that I couldn’t provide all the help he needed. But now, because of the terri c care he’s getting, I can focus full time on the promise I made to love, honor and cherish.”

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Living with Dementia

“There is just something about this place. As soon as we walked in, we felt it. Like nding the perfect house, you know it right away.”

—SHIRLEY JEWELL

Shirley and Tom Jewell relocated from Wexford to Phoenix for a life of partial retirement. For nine years, Shirley continued to work at a job she loved while Tom ardently golfed, enjoying the sport nearly year-round in sunny Arizona.

Then in 2016, Tom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and possibly Lewy Body dementia. The disease, they were told, would not only affect him physically but he would also experience increasing dementia as well.

They hated to leave Phoenix, but their son and daughter wanted them close so they could help with Tom’s care. They found a patio-style house in Canonsburg with a walk-in shower and one- oor living to accommodate Tom as his mobility decreased.

Then, when Covid hit, they found themselves isolated. To mitigate the feeling of being on their own, Shirley enrolled Tom in the Woodside Place of Washington Adult Day Services.

The warmth of the team members, the clean, new, and bright space, and the programming—movement

exercises, interactive large screens, and a sensory room with stimulating lights, textures, and sounds—all made choosing Woodside Place an easy decision.

Adult Day has provided Tom with socialization that has helped him cognitively and emotionally. When he comes home in the evening, he shares news from Adult Day with Shirley via a calendar the staff prepares that outlines everything he did during the day.

“The kindness, compassion, and caring of (team members) Tara, Tina, and Linda made Woodside a beautiful place,” Shirley said. “Adult Day has been very good for Tom.”

And for her, too. Now she doesn’t feel guilty or hesitate to take a day to just read her book, have lunch with somebody, or visit with her new granddaughter.

Shirley’s goal is to keep Tom with her for as long as possible. For now, it all works, and though she knows it’s not always going to be that way, she’s grateful for today and for Tom, the love of her life.

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Ad director Carole DeAngelo begins public speaking journey with heart

By Rick Shrum

Carole DeAngelo does not acknowledge being a workaholic, even though she is.

Her full-time job encompasses being the advertising director for the Observer-Reporter and Herald-Standard newspaper groups, as well as the organization’s marketing and events manager.

But her peripatetic professional life also includes organizing community events, serving on multiple boards and committees, volunteering with nonprofits and becoming a newly coveted events speaker. Oh, and she also co-owns a business: Vintage Grace Boutique in North Strabane.

People who fervently embrace work may lament that “there are not enough hours in a day,” but that is truly the case with DeAngelo. She probably requires a 48-hour workday and still would be cobbling together something in hour 47. Get some sleep, Carole.

“My career has been extremely creative, crazy and stressful,” said DeAngelo, 56, whose easy laugh and zillion-dollar smile have become local trademarks. “I’ve worked in Ohio, West Virginia and the Pittsburgh area. The diverse natures of people and the many struggles I’ve had — as a woman and now as an older woman — have all pushed me to work harder. It’s my duty.”

One of her overriding endeavors is to assist others, yet doing so is not an exact science. Her guiding lights occasionally fail her and leave her temporarily overwhelmed.

“There are three things that drive me: my family, my faith and doing what’s right,” DeAngelo said. “Yet sometimes, your family drives you nuts, sometimes my faith is shaken, and sometimes doing what’s right is the hardest thing to do.

“I tell people that sometimes I need to be a cheerleader, but sometimes I need someone to help me cheer.”

DeAngelo is heading toward her 10th anniversary at the Observer-Reporter and is a boisterous cheerleader. She said her assignment there has given her the latitude to be involved with numerous interests.

“Other jobs have not given me the freedom and ability to do what I can,” she said. “I lead an ad team, create crazy events and work with people on magazine pieces.”

Her resume, which would be about 55 pages long, includes working for the newspaper groups and leading regional events such as Corks and Kegs, the Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival and First Fridays.

She is also a board member of Peters Township Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Washington and the Washington Business District Authority. She is the 2018 Washington County ATHENA winner. She has served on committees for the American Cancer Society and volunteered for the Washington County Food Bank, Dress for Success and the March of Dimes. She is also involved with suicide prevention organizations.

The ATHENA award is arranged and bestowed by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. President Jeff Kotula expanded on DeAngelo’s charitable nature.

“Carole’s involvement in Washington County has been, in a word, selfless,” Kotula said. “She has dedicated her time and efforts to causes ranging from women’s leadership issues to promoting the resurgence of downtown Washington. While the Chamber recognized her accomplishments by selecting her for the ATHENA Leadership Award in 2018, I have never known her to seek out honors or even gratitude for her work. Carole is one of those individuals whose strong belief in others finds personal accomplishment in others’ successes. That trait is rare, and so is a person like Carole.”

DeAngelo developed an affinity for helping others while growing up in Weirton, W.Va., then a hard-scrabble steel town along the Ohio River. She learned valuable lessons there. “We did chores first, then had fun.

“I’ve always rooted for underdogs and have pulled to help nonprofits, which comes from Weirton and from the time my dad died. Until then, I had no idea we were struggling financially. My mother taught me to treat people the same, no matter how much money they had.”

Trista Thurston/Observer-Reporter

An engaging conversationalist, DeAngelo recently enhanced her professional repertoire in a most natural way. She has become a featured speaker at community events. She made her speaking debut in March at the inaugural Women in Leadership Series event at Nemacolin Country Club.

“Carole spoke for about 40 minutes, and the audience was as devoted to her in minute one as in minute 40,” said Leanna Spada, executive director of the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce. The chamber and Charleroi-based cfsbank worked together to launch the series.

Spada was thrilled with what DeAngelo said during her speaking debut. “We wanted to have someone come in and talk on a very personal level, an open, raw kind of talk. She really put it out there on the struggles we put up with. Everyone tries to balance work and life.

“Women need collaboration. One of Carole’s messages is not to compete with each other, but to collaborate — and not just in business but life.”

“I talked about my journey,” DeAngelo said, “and when I finished, I got a standing ovation. I was stunned. I never believed almost 200 people would spend money to hear me speak.” About a month later, she was the keynote speaker at the annual Greene County Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Luncheon. As of mid-May, plans for three other speaking engagements were in the works.

DeAngelo has been a Washington County resident since 1999 and revels in it. “In all my years, in all of the malls I’ve worked at, the most amazing part of my career did not come until I came here.

It’s amazing because things are different every day.

“I knew immediately that the Washington area was special. People are so loyal to their communities and to each other.”

It’s a great place to be a workaholic.

“We have one shot in life,” Carole DeAngelo said, “and I figure you do what you can. We’re here to help people.”

Courtesy of the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Carole DeAngelo, center, poses with Danielle Stahl-Maurer, chief operating and retail officer at cfsbank, and Leanna Spada after her speaking engagement at the inaugural Women in Leadership Series.

Observer-Reporter file photo

Carole DeAngelo, right, with Elena Laquatra, at the 2023 Best of the Best ceremony. The duo emcee the gala together.

Trista Thurston/Observer-Reporter

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New Back Pain treatment makes it 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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Summer reading programs and more at Frank Sarris Public Library

Parking: The entrances to Murdock Street and North Jefferson Avenue are open. The parking lot is behind the library and accessible from Murdock Street.

Please remember:

Operating hours are as follows:

Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Our drop box for returned items is on Murdock Street, and we also have one inside our parking lot.

Patrons can browse adult, children’s, and young adult collections on the first floor. They can also use our computers to copy, fax, and scan documents. Please visit the library 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!

Vitalant Blood Drive: The library is partnering with Vitalant for a blood drive on June 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Check the website, franksarrislibrary. org, or Facebook page for details about how to register.

Kids Movie Afternoon Matinee: Come to the library for some fun on Friday afternoons. These classic movies are suitable for ages 6+. Bring your own snack and water. Parents must remain in the library for the duration of the event. This program will start at 1 p.m. on June 7, June 21, July 12, July 26, and Aug. 2.

Bon Appetite! Cake Pops: Cake Pops are the most delightful little treats. Each participant will make six basic cake pops to take home. This program is for those between the ages of 10 and 14. There will be a limit of 10 participants for each class, so do not wait to register at the circulation desk. This program will start at 1 p.m. on June 13, July 11, July 25, and Aug. 8.

Summer Reading: This year’s theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” June 15 from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. marks the Summer Reading Kickoff Party with games, iced treats and a bounce house. This event will also mark the start of the annual Summer Reading Challenge. Participants with a valid WAGGIN library account can register for this program at the circulation desk. Any physical item (including books, DVDs, video games, Launchpads and Playaways) checked out at Frank Sarris Public Library will allow participants to win prizes. The Summer Reading Challenge will end on Aug. 9, and the library will also host a Summer Wrap-Up Party at North Strabane Park on this date.

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? The library will provide paper and drawing tools, or participants can bring their own for an evening of still-life drawing. 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. starting June 26.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Adult programming

FSPL Book Club: The book club reads fiction and nonfiction selections, including New York Times bestsellers. July’s book is “The Art Thief: a True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession” by Michael Finkel. August’s book is “A Flicker in the Dark” by Stacy Willingham. The book club meets every second Wednesday of the month at 1 p.m.

Children’s programming

Toddlers and preschoolers

Note: For the full weekly children’s programming schedule for toddlers and preschoolers, please visit the event calendar at franksarrislibrary.org.

Note: As our staff prepares for our summer children’s programs, including Summer Reading Camp, our weekly children’s programs for toddlers and preschoolers will be on a temporary break. They will resume on Sept. 3

Wiggles and 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 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. This program will be on a temporary break after June 12.

Little Picassos: Inspire your child’s imagination and self-expression with hands-on art activities. Every week, there is a new make-and-take creation. Ages 2-5. 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This program will be on a temporary break after June 12.

Jr. Engineers: At this storytime, children will explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) through stories and hands-on projects. Ages 3-5. 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. This program will be on a temporary break after June 13.

School-age children

Note: Starting in June, Lego Club will move to the second and fourth Fridays of June, July and August 2024. It will be held in the mornings from 10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

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+. Second and fourth Fridays, 10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

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 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Second Saturday, Noon to 1 p.m.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Hoopla

Hoopla is a one-stop shop for streaming digital media needs. This platform includes games, manga, comics, music, TV series, movies, audiobooks and eBooks for all genres and age groups. All checked items automatically return themselves, so there are never any late fees. Ask the 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, how to use an iPad, parenting and more. Over 600 online courses are available 24/7. These free continuing educational courses can be accessed anywhere, anytime, through Wi-Fi. New users are asked to enter their library barcode number to get started. When entering a Frank Sarris Public Library barcode number, please put “FSPL” in front of the library barcode number (ex. FSPL##############).

Libby

Use your 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 — available 24/7. Please look for additional information on resources and services at franksarrislibrary.org.

Courtesy of Good Goods

More new shops open in Canonsburg

By Karen Mansfield

With the opening of five diverse and trendy businesses since November 2023, Canonsburg continues to experience a Renaissance.

“The new businesses are not only furthering our revitalization efforts but also creating a more diversified marketplace. All have been established by local entrepreneurs who are creative, innovative and will greatly contribute to the growth of our community,” said Lisa Scarmazzi, director of economic development for the borough of Canonsburg.

Consider ReLoved Resale, a consignment store owned by a mother-daughter duo that opened in March.

Jenelle Patsch and her mother, Mary Lou, have curated a delightful selection of clothing, jewelry and home goods, bolstered by vendors such as Oak Street Creations, which creates chunky knit blankets.

For Patsch and her mom, a near-death experience spurred them to start the business. In September, Mary Lou suffered an abdominal aortic aneurysm and wasn’t expected to survive. She spent three months recovering in a Pittsburgh hospital and a rehabilitation facility.

“It really changes your perspective on life, and you feel so grateful to be alive,” said Mary Lou.

The two have worked together before and enjoy each other’s company — and a new sense of purpose. Jenelle, a former elementary school teacher, joined her mother at a heating and air conditioning company and worked there together for about 13 years before both were laid off.

Jenelle had long toyed with the idea of opening a business.

“After years of working together elsewhere, this was definitely a second chance,” said Jenelle. “We love it here and are trying to make it work. We’re here, come see us.”

Other new stores in Canonsburg include:

Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter

Jenelle and Mary Lou Patch opened ReLoved Resale in downtown Canonsburg

Courtesy of Good Goods Abbey Bell and Karen Curry opened Good Goods, a boutique home decor store in November.

Good Goods

Opened on 11/11 in 2023 (some feel it’s good luck to make a wish when you see 11/11), Good Goods owners Abbey Bell and Canonsburg native Karen Curry, an interior designer, view the boutique home decor shop as more than a retail and design business.

“We saw it as an opportunity to connect with the community and give back,” said Bell. “Our tagline is ‘do good, be good, buy good goods.’ We wanted to share the idea of love and kindness through creativity and creating relationships with our customers and the community.”

Good Goods collaborates with local artists and artisans and aims to offer interesting and unique pieces.

And they do. Nearly all of its items are handmade, “so even if we have multiples of the same item, there will be variances in them, making each piece special,” said Bell.

The store also provides products that donate a portion of their sales to nonprofits such as the City Mission.

Bell originally considered opening a home decor store about 15 years ago, and when she moved to the Canonsburg area, she was struck by the town’s revitalization efforts.

“Watching Canonsburg come back to life and witnessing the love and dedication everyone has for this town was a big part of that,” said Bell. “We are working to bring beautiful items with different price points for everyone.”

She said the shop is working on growing the design segment of the business “and put the Good Goods stamp on interiors all around our area.”

Courtesy of ReLoved Resale

ReLoved Resale offers a wide variety of clothing, shoes, purses, home furnishings and other items.

Leggings Galore & More

Opened in January, Leggings Galore & More specializes in high-quality leggings, lounge pants, joggers, pantsuits and accessories, including chic jewelry, keychains, watchbands and purses.

The shop features an extensive collection of Canon-McMilan-themed leggings, joggers and lounge pants.

The store has curated a stunningly broad collection of themed leggings, ranging from holiday leggings (think Fourth of July, Christmas and Halloween) to Strawberry Shortcake, Girl Scout cookies, Mario Brothers and Disney movies. If you can name it, Leggings Galore likely has it.

“There are leggings that appeal to everyone’s interests,” said owner Tina Wakefield, “and I have a lot of shirts, including Taylor Swift T-shirts and country shirts. With country concerts coming up, they’re pretty popular.”

Calibrate Content Creations

This innovative space is “an interactive selfie museum,” where creators — ranging from professionals who are hosting photo shoots to friends using cellphones — bring their cameras to take photos in the shop’s 18 themed booths and rooms. Clients can rent the studios for photo shoots, content creation, interviews, videos and other events. The booths and rooms have different aesthetics, from funky and art deco to child-friendly and whimsical.

Courtesy of Leggings Galore and More

A Taylor Swift-themed outfit at Leggings Galore and More.

All About Books

Canonsburg natives Lynne D’Amico Ault and Thomas Zimmerman are bringing their passion for literature to downtown Canonsburg at All About Books with TLC.

The literary haven, which opened in mid-May, will feature two floors of fiction, nonfiction, children’s, vintage, rare and antique books, in addition to book repair and restoration. Cozy reading nooks and seating, along with coffee and tea, will offer book lovers a chance to connect while finding their next great read.

The store is located at 11 West Pike Street (former Rozsas Tax Preparation in the A.L. Colaizzo Building).

Scarmazzi said only two available retail spaces in the central business district remain. Construction and renovation on recently purchased properties will soon be underway to provide additional leasable space in town.

The borough is seeking sit-down food establishments for a few of those properties and has grants in place to help with build-out and equipment.

“That’s the big thing we need now to round out our offerings,” she said.

Courtesy of Good Goods

Courtesy of Leggings Galore and More Leggings Galore and More specializes in high-quality leggings with an enormous variety of themes.

Courtesy of ReLoved Resale Designer purses are among several items available at ReLoved Resale.

Canon-Mac student competes in world BMX championship

At just 10 years old, Vincent Semplice has achieved a remarkable milestone in the world of BMX racing. He qualified and represented Team USA in the May UCI 2024 BMX World Championship Final held in Rock Hill, S.C. Vincent stood out as one of the top 32 riders in his age category in the country, demonstrating skill and determination for his age.

From a young age, Vincent’s passion for bikes was nurtured by rides with his father, who was a BMX racer in his early years. At just one year old, Vincent received a strider balance bike for Christmas, which he rode around his house, neighborhood and even the BMX track and indoor bike park in Pittsburgh. By age three, he was independently pedaling a bicycle, and by five, he was captivated by the races at the local South Park BMX track. One night, Vincent decided to participate, marking the beginning of his deep commitment to BMX racing.

Progressing through the ranks from novice to intermediate and now an expert, Vincent has competed in various races throughout the country at local, state, regional and national levels. His dedication to the sport is evident in his continuous improvement and achievements.

In August 2023, Vincent set an ambitious goal to qualify for the UCI 2024 BMX World Championship Final, a significant event that returned to the USA for the first time since 2017. His journey led him to a national qualifier in Lexington, Va., in February, where riders underwent several rounds of elimination. Vincent’s skill and perseverance shone through as he secured his place among the top eight riders out of 50, earning the honor to represent the USA team.

BMX is an Olympic-sanctioned sport, and the UCI BMX World Championship Final has 3,500 riders representing 45 nations. BMX racing demands not only physical prowess but also mental resilience, offering numerous life lessons along the way.

Outside the track, Vincent exhibits the same self-motivation in academics and other sports. He has enjoyed playing basketball for two years and looks forward to joining the Canon-McMillan team next year.

Vincent’s journey from a young enthusiast to a competitor on the global stage is a testament to his dedication, resilience and the support of those around him.

Photos and story courtesy of the Canon-McMillan School District

Free and cheap summer fun around Washington County Movies, swim lessons, farm fun, bowling and more

Courtesy of Macaroni Kid

There are so many family fun activities happening in the Washington County area this summer, and they don’t have to cost a lot. Macaroni Kid is all about helping you find your (affordable family fun). Below are some favorites for June and beyond.

• Pop in and play any day at The SpringHouse. Don’t forget you can grab a delicious lunch while you’re there to eat inside or take it outside while the kids play.

• Three Rivers Arts Festival: May 31 through June 9

• Washington Wild Things has free kids memberships with free admission, kids eat free and more.

• Pick your own strawberries, then raspberries, blueberries and more, throughout the summer and into fall at Triple B Farms.

• Pick your own strawberries (then flowers) at Simmons Farm.

• Whiskey Rebellion Festival: July 12 and 13 Community Days

• Peters Township: June 29

• Chartiers Day: June 30

• Cecil Township: July 13

• North Strabane: Aug. 3

• South Fayette: Aug. 24

World of Work returns to Canon-Mac, Frank Sarris Public Library

Movies in the park

• at Cecil Park: June 8 and 24

• at Peterswood Park: May 17 and 31, June 14, July 19, Aug. 9, Sept. 6 and Oct 11

• at North Strabane Park: June 7 and Aug. 23

• South Fayette: June 21, July 19, Aug. 16, Sept. 13 and Oct. 4

Never miss a family event, giveaway, parenting resource and more! Find it all in your inbox each week via Macaroni Kid’s free e-newsletter. Sign up at canonsburg.macaronikid.com/subscribe.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? The greater Washington County MacKid Calendar offers more family fun.

Expanding upon the success of last year’s World of Work Marketplace held at the Frank Sarris Public Library, WQED’s collaboration with Canon-McMillan Schools has broadened its reach to include Hills-Hendersonville and Borland Manor Elementary Schools this academic year. Megan Hoffman, a school counselor within the district, was instrumental in the initiative’s success. Building upon the previous year’s accomplishments, fourth-grade students at Wylandville engaged in interviews within their neighborhood learning community last winter and spring. These interviews, which provided valuable insights into various professions, were edited and published by WQED for their World of Work Career Map, accessible on their website.

Recognizing the significance of this program, WQED sought to further its impact by partnering with additional schools this year. Hoffman’s transition from an elementary music teacher to a full-time counselor serving Borland Manor and Hills-Hendersonville Elementary Schools helped the involvement. To streamline the process, the project was modified to focus on interviews within the same business, making it more accessible for students.

Students from Hills-Hendersonville embarked on a tour of Hartman Independent Company, where they gained insights into diverse roles such as CEO, tool repair, warehouse/delivery, purchasing and retail operations. Similarly, Borland Manor students visited a Scarmazzi model home, where they interviewed professionals in interior design, construction, sales, brand management and purchasing. Also, a select group of students had the unique opportunity to explore behind the scenes at Sarris, interviewing individuals ranging from the ice cream parlor to Mr. Sarris himself.

The culmination of these interviews was showcased at the Frank Sarris Public Library during WQED’s World of Work Marketplace. This career fair, tailored for elementary school students, provided an immersive experience where workers from the Canon-McMillan community offered demonstrations and insights into various professions. This initiative aligns with Pennsylvania’s career education standards, aiming to expose students to various career possibilities within their community.

In addition to these experiences, several Hills-Hendersonville and Wylandville Elementary Schools students were selected to participate in a podcast recording for PBS Kids’ newest show, “Lyla and the Loop.” This national initiative provided students with the opportunity to engage in problem-solving activities alongside Lyla, potentially featuring them in an episode of the show’s new podcast.

These initiatives showcase Canon-McMillan Schools and WQED’s commitment to providing students with enriching experiences that foster career exploration and critical thinking skills, preparing them for future success.

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724.627.6171 bortzchevy.com

BUDD BAER GMC BUICK

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STAR LAKE FORD

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WARNE MOTORS PRE-OWNED VEHICLES

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SOUTH HILLS TOYOTA

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BUDD BAER MAZDA

Mark Baer, Owner 83 Murtland Avenue Washington, PA

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3073 Washington Pike Bridgeville, PA 15017

412-564-9829 colussy.com

3644 Washington Road McMurray, PA

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THREE RIVERS VOLKSWAGEN

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WASHINGTON CHEVROLET

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BUDD BAER SUBARU

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SOUTH HILLS LINCOLN

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TREGEMBO

MOTORS PRE-OWNED VEHICLES

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WASHINGTON HONDA

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