Living in Washington County - April/May 2025 by SWPA Special Publications

Local beauty professional wins award

ELEGANTE LASH CO.

OWNER HONORED

How a tufting studio is making art more accessible

Dental assistant academy offers 13-week courses

The Prom Project providing formal dresses for those in need

How a tufting studio is making art more accessible

22 Local beauty professional wins award

10 Dental assistant academy offers courses 12 The Prom Project providing formal dresses for those in need 20 Spring reading at Frank Sarris Public Library

26 An evening for student art at CanonMcMillan High School

FROM THE EDITOR

Canon-McMillan School District implements new secruity system

IDEAS ARE EVERYWHERE

I get story ideas all over the place. My eyes and ears are always open and looking for new businesses, trends and people to profile. Sometimes, I get suggestions from readers or coworkers. I might meet a new person at a social function who does something I’ve never heard of, so I ask for their contact information. Other times, I happen upon something organically in the wild, like with The Tufting Studio in the Shoppes at Quail Acres in North Strabane Township. I live nearby, and driving home one day, I noticed the new, colorful signage and asked myself, “What’s that?”

My thought process for deciding what merits coverage can’t be described with any specificity. It’s an art, not an exact science, honed over years of experience writing and editing in local news. Usually, it’s just a gut feeling.

I don’t often turn down story suggestions. If someone thinks it’s worth reading about, I typically agree, not out of mercy to the person who suggested it, but because I try to listen to the communities I am in. The best barometers for what’s going on in the area are the people in it.

Often, though, I feel that if I have a question or want to know something, someone else in our readership area must have also thought the same at one time or another. But I invariably want to know whether or not I’m on the mark. If you have a suggestion for a piece, please let me know. I’m always happy to hear from our readers. Please email me at tthurston@observer-reporter.com

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

EDITOR

Trista Thurston tthurston@observer-reporter.com

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Carole DeAngelo

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Eric Tomlinson

CONTRIBUTORS

Mike Albanese Michele Gillis Amanda Startare Rick Shrum

live, work, play • mon valley

Home Warehouse for Complete Remodeling Top to Bottom

Update your home from top to bottom and inside and out with Home Warehouse. We are your local home improvement center for interior and exterior remodeling. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to customize your home or a construction contractor building a new home, turn to Home Warehouse. We provide quality, namebrand products from energy efficient windows to durable roofing. We have everything you need to create your dream home:

• Windows

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• Kitchen & Bath Cabinets

• Faucets

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• Vinyl Railing

• Decking

• Tools

Decks and Patios

Maybe your space is lacking a patio or deck, or maybe your current space desperately needs updated. Decks and patios are two separate entities that requires their own specific material. A patio is built at ground level, on a flat surface, and typically is constructed of a permanent material such as stone pavers, brick or poured concrete. A deck floats in the air, supported by footings, at a height of anywhere from a few inches to many feet and can be built on an existing slope.

“We’ve got everything you need to create the perfect backyard oasis,” Donna Tomasko, owner of Charleroi Home Warehouse Inc., said. “We have a great

selection of decking and railings to start or complete your project.”

Siding

Upgrading your siding can be a quick and easy way to create an ideal space, add value and curb appeal to your home. In terms of aesthetics, siding influences the look and design of your home, and it’s one of the first things people notice. On the functional side of things, siding can affect the structural integrity of your home. Damaged or worn siding may mean that it is not performing correctly.

Tomasko said Charleroi Home Warehouse Inc. has numerous durable siding options to choose from including vinyl and stone.

“We have many different options to help dress up your home,” she said. “Those extra touches make a difference, and in the end, help to create a truly unique space.”

Roofing

Whether you’re interested in a new metal roof, long-lasting shingles or adding a roof to your deck or patio, updating or addressing your roofing can have several impacts. Not only does it add to your home’s aesthetics, but it can lower

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Tomasko said her knowledgeable staff can help you navigate your options and put you in contact with local contractors.

“We really do have it all,” she said. “We can even order products for you and deliver them straight to your door. From quality materials at low prices to truly knowledgeable staff, we’re here to help you improve the overall look of your home and enjoy your investment.”

For ideas and products, browse Charleroi Home Warehouse Inc.’s complete exterior home remodeling options.

We provide quality, name-brand products from energy efficient windows to durable roofing. We have everything you need to create your dream home. Sponsored content brought to you by CHARLEROI Home Warehouse Inc. located at 7 McKean Ave., Charleroi, PA For more information, call 724-483-8111.

What, like it’s tuff?

HOW A TUFTING STUDIO IS MAKING ART MORE ACCESSIBLE

County. Situated in the Shoppes at Quail Acres, The Tufting Studio, a women-owned and run studio, now offers the public creative and artistic lessons in tufting. Tufting is a form of needlework that creates depressions in fabric, resulting in a rug-like work of art. At its core, it is a creative textile art that allows anyone with any skill level to practice. Though the name — The Tufting Studio — may suggest that tufting is all the owners, Nicole DeMark and Debbie

focuses on color theory, is another skill to learn at the studio. Candlemaking classes will be offered at the studio beginning this summer. Booking a first session for any lesson currently offered is simple and easy through the studio’s

a BYOB policy too, so attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite foods and drinks for sessions.

Anyone aged 10 and up can try their hand at creating their own textile art, making this a perfect bonding experience for coworkers, Girl Scouts or outings with friends. Tufting might just be the answer for those looking for a new activity to adopt this year, and The Tufting Studio is the place. On a standing loom, an outline for the tufting gun to follow is created; this is where

The Tufting Studio is located within the Shoppes at Quail Acres in North Strabane Township

the most creativity comes into play. The options are endless for what to tuft: anything from a realistic tiger to a sports team’s logo. Then, once the design is ready and the lesson is over, choose the thread colors and get to work with the tufting gun. Tufting lessons will last anywhere from 2-4 hours and encompass the lesson as well as the application, meaning participants leave with the rug on the day of. The rug size is entirely up to the creator, as long as it fits within the loom’s dimensions. Some may want to sign up for the full-size rug and leave

with a 22-by-24-inch creation. Or, for those thinking of going with something smaller, the studio offers many options to create an art piece to adhere to tote bags, pillow cases, wristlets and pencil bags. There is even an option to create “mug rugs”: a creative form of a mug coaster. And it’s all affordable! Any size you choose will not be more than $100. Those looking for more creative things to do at The Tufting Studio, fluid art is an

excellent option for ages six and up. The owners describe these fluid art classes as a “workshop that is a journey into the world of artistic expression.” Essentially, participants take a deep dive into the theory of color and apply that theory to an art piece by paint pouring.

Candle making is a new

Nearly anything, from logos to cartoon characters, can be made into a fiber work of art to be attached to a bag, made into a coaster or finished as a floor rug

An outline on the loom is the start of a tufted masterpiece

lesson introduced to the studio come summer. In this class, makers will learn the basics of candle making and be able to tailor the candle to their personal senses. Candles are available for purchase at many mass-market stores, but they “aren’t as regulated as one would hope,” says Hammond. The owners are dedicated to bringing in quality, safe products when introducing their innovative candle-making course.

DeMark and Hammond aim to bring a spark of creativity back to the community through their studio and offer an outlet that educates and acts as a calming and focusing tool. The inspiration behind The Tufting Studio comes from founder DeMark’s classroom and her goal to bring practical teaching methods to her students. Tufting, a form of art she was already familiar with, was the obvious method to introduce. And, it seems the most rewarding.

DeMark says her students are now “the best focused kids, all because I introduced tufting.” The tufting studio is a safe space to exercise creative skills, regardless of skill level. Creativity can sometimes take a back burner to the more logical and scientific disciplines in this modern era. However, creativity is just as important, so pop down to The Tufting Studio for a fun day of creating personalized pieces. For more information, visit thetuftingstudio.com or call 412-203-5188.

Nearly anything, from logos to cartoon characters, can be made into a fiber work of art to be attached to a bag, made into a coaster or finished as a floor rug

Cornerstone Dental Assistant Academy providing 13-week training course in Washington

By Rick Shrum

Amanda Newhouse and John Hatfield have ample reason to smile about the careers they have embraced.

Hatfield and Newhouse have been dental assistants for a collective 53 years, and remain dedicated to a profession they first sank their teeth into long ago. They are now teaching their specialty to students cutting their teeth in the craft.

Newhouse and Hatfield are founders and co-owners of Cornerstone Dental Assistant Academy LLC in downtown Washington. Cornerstone is a practicing dental office sitting at 36 N. Main St., between Popcorn Willy and Presidents Pub.

They are also the instructors there, leading a course where students can become dental assistants in 13 weeks.

Tuition for the course is $4,800. Newhouse said, howev-

er, that “of our current class of 14, 10 students are able to attend tuition free.” That is courtesy of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, a federal law that helps individuals find jobs and employers find skilled workers.

The course, conducted via lecture and hands-on training, runs from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each Friday for those 13 weeks. During weeks six through 12, students must complete a 60-hour externship at an office they select.

“Going to a longer educational program, like college, is not for everyone,” said Newhouse, a Lemont Furnace resident. “We are teaching students the basics of dentistry. We’re also getting them prepared to be X-ray certified, which they should be in Pennsylvania.”

She added in a late March interview that “the majority of our students are recruited through social media,” and that most “are from

Photos courtesy of the Cornerstone Dental Assistant Academy

Washington, Canonsburg, Pittsburgh and other areas.”

Newhouse said the school “began officially operating’ in August 2021 at a South Hills location, with a cap of 10 students.

Cornerstone moved to Washington a little more than two years later, in December 2023.

“We wanted to have more students and decided to move down Route 19 to Washington,” Newhouse said.

Cornerstone Dental Assistant Academy is licensed by the Pennsylvania and West Virginia boards of Private Licensed Schools. Cornerstone has a second location, in Morgantown, W.Va., which is not operating at this point.

Newhouse became engaged with dentistry at a young age and began pursuing a career in the industry in 2002, when she enrolled in and completed the dental assistant program at Westmoreland County Community College. She has been a dental assistant for 22 years, in private practices, corporate dentists and other locations.

Years ago, while seeking a career path, Hatfield took a military exam and tested high in the med-

ical field. He decided to pursue a career as a dental assistant. It has worked out well for this McKeesport resident, who has been a dental assistant for 31 years, including with three corporations. Hatfield now works at a Veterans Administration Hospital in Pittsburgh and belongs to Dental Assistants Worldwide, a closed group for dental assistants, nurses and students who want to connect globally.

“We have worked in many variations in dental practices,” Newhouse said. “John and I have made a lot of contacts: dentists we’ve worked with, colleagues we’ve worked with.”

The academy is not an enormous enterprise, but Newhouse and Hatfield are striving to build it up and make it a successful venture in the middle of the Washington County seat — and, eventually, in Morgantown. And perhaps elsewhere.

“We’re very proud of our school and very proud of our program,” Newhouse said. “We’re getting the word out. Our goal is to work a little harder, so we don’t have to work as hard later.”

The Prom Project providing formal dresses for those in need

By Michele Gillis

Every young lady deserves to feel special and look fabulous at her prom, even if purchasing a prom dress is out of her budget.

That won’t be an issue this year, because The Prom Project Community Service Project has created a welcoming boutique where young ladies can find the perfect prom dress at little to no cost.

Dawn Fuchs Coleman of the Fuchs family, in partnership with Kim Campbell-Emili, brought The Prom Project to life by creating a space where young ladies can find the perfect prom dress in a comfortable, donation-based setting. Appointments for fittings are now available.

Campbell-Emili and Coleman met last Christmas when Campbell participated as a vendor at a Fuchs family Christmas event.

“She came to me after the event and had this concept of helping those that may not be able to afford prom dresses,” said Coleman. “I looked at her and said, it is a great project, but you are not doing it alone. I can give you the place to do it. It’s amazing what she’s put together here to build a store that puts any prom dress store locally to shame.”

The space The Prom Project is in is shared with Seed to Weed and Mix Match Candle Wax.

The boutique officially opened its doors on March 1.

Campbell-Emili acknowledged that what they are doing is not exclusive, but they wanted to create an experience unlike any other.

“It feels like you are going into a boutique and you’re getting the same individual attention that you would at a boutique,” said Campbell-Emili. “There are dressing rooms, mirrors and a platform where they can model the dresses. We want the girls to leave excited about having a great night at their prom.”

Campbell-Emili said she remembered when she was young, some of her classmates didn’t go to prom because they couldn’t afford a dress, and it stuck with her.

“Over Christmas time, the Fuchs family did a clothing drive here at this location where people could drop off clothing, and people who needed clothing were able to come in and get it,” said Campbell-Emili. “And I witnessed young families and older people just thrilled to be able to get a new winter coat or something. And I said, what can we do to keep this going? So, that’s how all this got started.”

Organizations, parents, outreach programs, teen programs, special needs programs and the like can call to schedule a fitting appointment. All young ladies need to come in with a parent or guardian.

The program is not limited to prom. Organizations and agencies have brought in young ladies who will be attending their spring banquets and other formal events.

“It’s formal wear, so this time of year, the majority

Teens can model their gown choices and use the mirror and platform to decide if they like the gowns

of gown seekers are prom goers,” said Coleman.

How can you help?

If you have a gently worn prom dress in your closet or want to purchase one for them, The Prom Project is accepting donations in various sizes. You can also spread the word, share their mission with friends, family and the community, and help young ladies make an appointment to come in and schedule a fitting.

“This is more than just dresses, it’s about confidence, memories and the joy of prom night,” said Campbell-Emili. “We want every young lady to have the chance to find a dress that makes her feel special without the financial burden.”

In addition to the dresses, the community has embraced The Prom Project by donating shoes, purses, jewelry, manicures, pedicures, salon services and even some tiaras. They are even trying to get some dry cleaners to donate services.

“We are concentrating on prom,” said Campbell-Emili. “Should this be successful, we’re hoping that it would maybe morph into some wedding attire for the summer. And then after that, we have a lot of dresses now that have even been donated that might be considered homecoming dresses. So we hope to keep it going and keep the momentum flowing.”

They said they are looking for clean, modern, stylish dresses and are not currently looking for vintage styles.

“Looking at them now, I see a lot of sequins and a lot of bling,” said Coleman. “It could be a cocktail dress or a long dress.”

They are, however, looking for dresses of all sizes, from petites to plus sizes.

“We definitely want to cover the plus sizes because we feel everybody needs to feel beautiful,” said Coleman. “And plus size young women are as important as a size 2, 4, and 6.”

The shop’s hours are based on appointments. Dresses can be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Seed to Weed Candle Shop.

The Prom Project is located at 47 West Pike St. in Canonsburg. Call 724-531-7261 to schedule an appointment.

Teens can model their gown choices and use the mirror and platform to decide if they like the gowns

Many beautiful dresses have been donated so far

Sign shows people that the Prom Project is now open

Dawn Fuchs Coleman and Kim Campbell-Emili show some of the beautiful gowns that have been donated to The Prom Project

DIGESTIVE HEALTH

Jungmin L. Lee, M.D.

If you’ve been experiencing any of these symptoms, EGD could be the key to uncovering the cause and ﬁnding relief.

Jungmin L. Lee, M.D. Gastroenterologist, Pittsburgh Gastroenterology Associates

Imagine you’ve been struggling with heartburn or discomfort in the stomach, and despite trying different remedies, the symptoms just won’t go away. This is where Upper Endoscopy (EGD) can help. EGD is a medical procedure that lets doctors examine your upper digestive system— the esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine. With the help of a thin, ﬂexible tube with a camera, inserted gently through your mouth while you’re under sedation, doctors can get a close look to ﬁnd out what might be causing your symptoms.

Acid Reﬂux and the Role of EGD

For many people, the story starts with acid reflux—when stomach acid escapes into the esophagus, leading to heartburn. Some may also experience symptoms like a cough, a feeling of a lump in the throat, or even hoarseness. While acid reflux is common, untreated, it can lead to serious conditions like esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus, a precursor to esophageal cancer. If acid reflux persists or new symptoms arise, your doctor may recommend an EGD to determine if these more severe conditions are present and ensure you get the right treatment.

Swallowing Difﬁculty and EGD for Diagnosis

Imagine sitting down to a meal and suddenly feeling like food won’t go down smoothly. This is a common experience for those with difﬁculty swallowing, a symptom that may be caused by esophageal narrowing, motility (peristalsis) issues, or something more serious like cancer. EGD allows doctors to directly see what’s happening inside the esophagus, identifying blockages, inﬂammation, or growths early, which is crucial for proper treatment and avoiding serious complications.

Abdominal Pain, Indigestion, and the Importance of EGD

Now consider a different scenario: you’ve been dealing with indigestion—nausea, bloating, or stomach pain that seems to linger. While indigestion often stems from benign causes like diet or stress, sometimes it’s a sign of more serious conditions like gastritis, ulcers, or even stomach cancer. EGD helps doctors rule out these more severe issues, ensuring that any potential problems are caught early and treated effectively.

If you’ve been experiencing any of these symptoms, EGD could be the key to uncovering the cause and ﬁnding relief. Talk to your doctor, call 412-232-8104, or visit https://www.pghgastro.com/ to schedule an appointment at Spartan Health Surgicenter with the specialists from Pittsburgh Gastroenterology Associates

Pittsburgh Gastroenterology Associates: 2589 Boyce Plaza Road, Suite 5 Pittsburgh PA 15241 • 412-232-8104 ofﬁce

Spartan Health Building 100 Stoops Drive, Suite 280 Monongahela PA 15063 • 412-232-8104 ofﬁce

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.

Podiatry: Khoi Vo, DPM

Colon/Rectal: Steven Esser, MD

Orthopaedic Surgery: Vincent Ripepi, DO

Patrick McCullough, MD

Justin Zenner, DO

• Easily accessible from Toll Hwy 43, I-70 & Route 88

• Accept Medicare and most insurances

• 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

Angela Gauthier, MD

Nisha Dhawlikar Gosai, MD

Charles Kent, MD

Anagha Medsinge, MD

Julia Polat, MD

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

Jungmin Lee, MD

Lisa Oliva, DO

Theresa Schuerle, DO

Bridger Clarke, MD

Xuong Lu, MD

Lenny, Dining Production Supervisor

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Spring reading at Frank Sarris Public Library

Parking: The entrances on Murdock Street and North Jefferson Avenue are open. The free parking lot is located behind the library building and can be accessed via Murdock Street.

Please remember:

Operating hours are as follows:

Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The drop box for returned items is on Murdock Street, and there is also one inside the parking lot.

Patrons can browse the adult, children and young adult collections on the first floor. They can also use our computers and copy, fax and scan documents. For pricing on services like printing and faxing, please visit the website.

Computers and study rooms operate on a firstcome, first-served basis, and each patron is limited to one hour of computer use.

Visit our website, franksarrislibrary.org, or our Facebook page for updates on service changes or hours.

Save the date

Summer Reading Camp registration: Registration for the popular Summer Reading Camp is now open!

This year’s theme is “Color Our World.” Children who have completed kindergarten through fourth

grade are welcome to register for five weeks of camp. Morning sessions run from 9 a.m. to noon, while afternoon sessions run from 1 to 5 p.m. The tuition is $50 per child each week for either morning or afternoon sessions. If a child attends both morning and afternoon sessions, the weekly tuition is $100. Registration for both half-day and full-day sessions is now open. Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, firstserved basis. Completed registration paperwork and payment are due at the time of sign-up.

Holiday closure: The library will be closed on April 18 and 19 for the Good Friday weekend.

Bigfoot Crossing at FSPL: Join Sasquatch researcher and author Doug Waller from the Southeastern Ohio Society for Bigfoot Investigations on April 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. Waller will discuss various encounters that people have had with Bigfoot.

Upcoming programs

Adult programming

FSPL Book Club: Our book club selects various fiction and nonfiction titles, including New York Times bestsellers. The book for April is “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt, and May’s selection is “Thunderstruck” by Erik Larson. We meet on the second Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Children’s

programming

Toddlers and preschoolers

Monday

Jr. Engineers: During this storytime, children will explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) through engaging stories and hands-on projects. Ages 3-6. 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Tuesday

Little Picassos: Inspire your child’s imagination and self-expression through hands-on art activities. Each week features a new make-and-take creation. Ages 3-6. 10:15 am – 10:45 am

Wednesday

Wiggles & Giggles: This program emphasizes movement while introducing new vocabulary. Children enhance their gross motor, listening and social skills in each session. Ages 2-5. 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Toddler Tales: Exploring diverse themes, toddlers will enjoy songs, stories and activities in a fun, educational environment. Ages 2-4. 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

Thursday

School Story/Play: Children will enjoy songs, stories and games while developing essential skills such as listening during stories, early literacy abilities and following directions. Ages 4-6. 1 to 1:30 p.m.

After school

Tuesday

Lego Club: Calling all Master Builders! Showcase your building skills at Lego Club. Ages 4-12. 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.

Wednesday

Let’s Draw Jr.: Children will practice drawing through simple tutorials and videos. This program is suitable for all skill levels, and materials will be provided. Ages 4-12. 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.

Thursday

Afterschool Games: Join us at the library if you enjoy board games or want to try our Nintendo Switch. All games are age-appropriate. Ages 6+. 4:30 – 5:45 p.m.

Friday

The Friday Afternoon Movie: Unwind after a long week with a fun, family-friendly movie. Ages 6+. 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.

Special schedule

Read to a Therapy Dog: Do you have a reluctant reader? A child who loves puppies? Visit the library for a chance to read to a therapy dog. This program is an excellent motivator for hesitant readers and a delight for dog enthusiasts. The therapy dogs range in age from 4 to 13 years and eagerly anticipate all the stories patrons will share. This program will occur every second and fourth Tuesday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and every second Saturday from noon to 1 p.m.

Local beauty professional wins awards

oing out on your own in the beauty industry can be daunting, but winning awards for your work can validate your choice to go it alone and give you the confidence to make bigger and bolder choices in the future. Kaylee Rowe, owner of Ellegante Lash Co., a lash extension salon in Southpointe, recently won two awards from The Lash Awards UK.

“I placed second for best strip lash set and best wispy set of 2024,” said Rowe. “This is a huge accomplishment that has never been achieved yet in Pittsburgh. One of the main reasons is due to the difficulty to stand out in this worldwide event. As a beauty professional, this recognition not only honors my dedication but also shows the growth in respect for the lash industry.”

Rowe said she made it her goal to perfect her lash craft and submit it to an international award contest without expecting to win. She had to send photos of her work from different angles, as well as before and after photos, for a panel of judges to view and judge her entries. First, she was told she was a finalist. They told her she should fly out for the awards ceremony, but, unfortunately, she couldn’t make it.

Her presence didn’t affect the outcome. She had placed second in both categories.

Rowe started working in a salon in Uniontown when she was 18. She had learned how to do lashes, but working in the beauty industry came with some challenges. She opened Ellegante Lash Co. in 2020, but after some time, she found things weren’t going well where she was located, so she decided to leave the small town and move to the big city.

When she relocated in 2022, she was starting from scratch. She had dabbled in wispy lashes because she hadn’t seen many people doing them.

She decided to invest in herself and travel to California to take a class in person and learn the art of

Armed with her newfound education, she took the lash extension business to new heights with new technologies

“We give all of our clients an initial consultation, which is probably the biggest thing that we’re known for because our consultation process includes an eye analysis,” said Rowe. “We go over all of their facial features and their goals. I believe we might be the first

Photos courtesy of Ellegante Lash Co. Lash extensions in various styles and lengths are available at Ellegante Lash Co.

people in Pittsburgh to implement a try-beforeyou-buy virtual system for lashes.”

The system takes a picture of the client, draws out the lash style they’re interested in and shows them what it will look like before they start the service. The first appointment for lash extensions lasts about three hours. Rowe said many clients put in headphones to relax and just fall asleep during the service.

“We always want to check to see if there is anything they want to change,” said Rowe. “We want to make sure that they leave happy and satisfied. After the first service, we typically see our clients every week for fills.”

Raelyn Quiles has been getting her lashes done by Rowe for over a year.

“Kaylee is truly a master at her craft, delivering flawless, wispy, long-lasting lashes that look stunning and natural,” said Quiles. “Her attention to detail is unmatched, and she takes the time

Kaylee Rowe is the owner of Ellegante Lash Co.

to customize each set to perfectly enhance your eyes. Whether you’re going for a soft, classic look or full-volume wispy glam, Kaylee’s expertise shines through every time, making me extremely excited and happy each visit.”

According to Rowe, lash extensions grow out with natural lashes, so when natural lashes fall out, the extensions just fall right out with them. The initial cost to have extensions put on will typically range from $180 to $200. Fills are generally between $75 and $85.

Rowe said the price has much to do with the quality of their lashes and the technique behind it.

Sometimes it pays to know a good lash artist, and sometimes it takes one to know one.

“As a lash artist myself, I know what to look for in terms of clean work that won’t damage your natural lashes,” said Morgan Ripley. “I have been going to Kaylee for a while now, and I can say her work is the best I’ve ever seen. She creates beautiful, customized sets that last with perfect isolation. I 100 percent recommend visiting Ellegante Lash Co. if you are thinking about getting lash extensions. I will never go anywhere else! She is the lash artist’s lash artist.”

Brianna King, another lash artist, agrees that Rowe is the wispy artist of the region.

“As a lash artist myself, I’ve been trying to find another lash tech who takes pride in not only the art that they do, but also the technicality, and she does exactly that every single

time,” said King. “Her salon is super relaxing for those who like to take a nap, but I’m a talker, so we talk pretty much talk the whole appointment, and it’s just so amazing every time. I look forward to my lash appointments with her. She is a must-see.”

Rowe said her studio focuses mainly on wispy lashes, as most of her clientele asks for them. Another lash artist, Madalynn Crile, who works for her, also does brows.

They say their clientele comes from all ages and walks of life, including any woman who is unsatisfied with the lashes they were born with that don’t hold a curl or are not long enough.

“We also get a lot of women who want a natural look, because I think it’s an idea in the industry that when you get lash extensions, they have to be super big and super full,” said Rowe. “So we get a lot of women who like the more natural, kind of softer look.”

Winning the awards inspired Rowe to become an educator. She wants to use all the knowledge she has acquired over the years and teach small classes in her studio for future lash artists.

“Maybe one day I’ll be able to expand and hopefully some of my potential students can work with me,” said Rowe.

Ellegante Lash Co. is located in the Solaio Bellezza Market House at 335 Morganza Road in Canonsburg.

Kaylee Rowe, owner of Ellegante Lash Co., applies lash extensions to a client

Kaylee Rowe, owner of Ellegante Lash Co., takes after photos of her client’s lash extensions

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An evening for student art at Canon-McMillan High School

Courtesy of the Canon-McMillan School District

Experience student art in an interactive setting at the Canon-McMillan High School Art Show on May 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event will feature art from the school’s art students with a senior showcase in the atrium.

Senior showcase

Each participating senior will have a board to decorate with their art and individual style. The student artists will be active in the atrium, exhibiting their art and answering viewer questions. Throughout the year, advanced art students followed four themes — one theme per academic quarter. This year’s themes included identity, inspiration, sound and memory. They experimented with mediums such as charcoal, ceramics, acrylic paint, drawing and some even incorporated nature into their art.

“I really like every art class I’ve

senior in Kara Stauffer’s advanced art course. “The environment is really fun, and I always look forward to art.”

The advanced art course includes a mix of grade levels, but nine seniors from the class will participate in the senior showcase. They are joined in their showcase by four others from Advanced Placement art and design, who have spent the year investigating an artistic medium or theme of their selection. AP students submit 15 images for assessment from the College Board, including visual works or written storytelling, demonstrating their artwork, research and journey throughout exploring their theme or medium.

Viewers will see the hard work of the AP students, whose works explore themes such as beauty in death, parallels between nature and humans, unexpressed words and an exploration of embroidery.

The AP course includes peer critiques every other week, which

the students cited as helping them improve their work while fostering a collaborative environment that celebrates each student’s strengths. While creating beautiful works of art, Canon-McMillan art students also build professional skills — creative ideation, research, teamwork and problem-solving — that they can take beyond school doors and into their adult lives.

Interactive elements

The art show is free and open to the public. It is perfect for a family night to appreciate art, unite the community and show recognition to Canon-McMillan’s talented student artists. Live jazz music, art creation, a kids’ station, a photo booth and more will help create a community event for everyone to enjoy.

“People should come to the art show because it’s a wonderful expe-

Student Julianna Benoit drew this colored pencil flower

Canon-McMillan School District implements new safety system

Courtesy of the Canon-McMillan School District

Teachers and staff at the Canon-McMillan School District will now be equipped with Centegix’s new safety solutions. The first phase of the partnership will involve implementing the Centegix CrisisAlert — an incidentalerting badge system — and later launching Centegix’s visitor management system.

“Our company was founded on a mission to innovate safety solutions to empower and protect people every day. With our wearable CrisisAlert badge, there is 100% user adoption. Teachers and staff can respond to any incident — from the everyday to the extreme — anywhere on campus,” said Brent Cobb, CEO of Centegix.

The CrisisAlert platform is an incident alerting solution that empowers teachers and staff to request help with the push of a button. Teachers and administrators

can use the badge for anything from requesting help for everyday events, such as medical emergencies or student altercations, to initiating campus-wide lockdowns.

“Most acts of school violence only last a few minutes. Having a solution like Centegix provides a swift emergency response when every second counts,” said Dr. Scott Chambers, deputy superintendent of the Canon-McMillan School District. “The CrisisAlert system gives every staff member the ability to call for assistance or report a dangerous situation by a push of a button on their badge.”

When pushed, the device provides first responders with precise location information, total campus coverage and immediate audio and visual notification, ensuring a quick response in any emergency, all with simple badge activation. During a lockdown activation, all staff receive a desktop notification detailing steps on how to proceed to protect themselves and others.

“When it comes to the safety and well-being of those in our schools, time is of the essence,” said Captain Matthew Mancini at the North Strabane Township Police Department. “The fact that the Canon McMillan School District is implementing the Centegix system shows how dedicated the district is to protecting its students and staff.”

The solution provides coverage both inside and outside the building, including parking lots and athletic fields. A badge holder can trigger an alert regardless of where the emergency is.

“This rapid alert system is a game changer, and we are happy to provide this added layer of safety and security for our students and staff,” said Dr. Greg Taranto, superintendent of the Canon-McMillan School District.

Visit cmsd.k12.pa.us for more information about school safety within the Canon-McMillan School District.

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.