Eastsider Magazine November 2009

+ plus +eastside eats, oakley gets trendy, \

nerd alert, freedom center,eastside’s new cupcakery, & private school open houses

+ plus +eastside eats, oakley gets trendy, \

nerd alert, the gateway quarter, cso family concerts,eastside’s new cupcakery, private school open houses

november 2009

EASTSIDE SPIRITTWO OF THE EASTSIDE’S OWN

ROAM THE SIDELINES ON GAME DAY

We want to hear from you!

Do you know of a person, business, group, or event that other readers should know about? We’re always looking for great story ideas. Let us know about them at [email protected].

Head to www.eastsidermagazine.com to get web-exclusive articles, pics, and videos. While you’re there, sign up for our free, weekly e-newsletter. And be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.______________________________

Eastsider Magazinephone (513) 206-9832email [email protected] www.eastsidermagazine.comdigital issuu.com/eastsidermagazinetwitter @eastsidermag

photography Steven Thomasaccount rep Lynn Hilleraccount rep Becky Trasser

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© 2009 Eastsider Magazine.All Rights Reserved.

what’s inside unovember 09

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eastside eats bringing home the turkey

oakley gets trendy trend boutique

nerd alert windows 7

gateway quarter eclectic offerings await just minutes from the eastside

eastside spirit two of the eastside’s own roam the sidelines on game day as ben-gals cheerleaders

let’s talk turkey cso’s lollipop family concerts

big treats come in small packages abby girl sweets cupcakery

open season for open houses first look for discerning parents

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People are busy these days. More often than ever, people are putting in long hours at the workplace before picking up children at daycare, cramming various errands at the end of the workday before shops close, and trying keep whatever sort of social life fits in between all of those necessary obligations. During the Holidays, it can get even more hectic, meaning a lack of available cooking time. Or as many can sympathize with, a lack of both time and culinary intuition. Those who are pressed for time and kitchen savvy will be happy to know that there are options for them outside of popping a frozen dinner in the microwave, or struggling through a seemingly impossible Thanksgiving dinner schedule. In this issue, we focus on what the restaurants and catering services of A Forkable Feast, located in Oakley; and What’s for Dinner, in the heart of O’Bryonville, can do to help. We were not sure what to expect when we walked into A Forkable Feast. Opened in 2007 by Randy Bloch and Stu Schloss after a successful catering venture, we knew that AFF specialized in both catering and providing mains and sides to take home and re-heat for those short on time. We were lucky enough to catch both Randy and Stu the evening we visited, as well as the hard at work chef Michael Shields. When I inquired about some of the unique features of AFF, Randy was quick to mention the gluten free options they provide. From tempting cupcakes in the display case to Thanksgiving stuffing and even a gluten free beer, they don’t forget those with a gluten allergy. Sides, salads and mains are displayed in chilled cased throughout the store, as well as fresh made pasta that can be dropped in a pot of boiling water and cooked quickly. Stu, with a wide knowledge base of wines, makes sure that the far wall is well stocked with affordable and complimentary selections for the dishes they offer. AFF also participated in this year’s Hyde Park Farmer’s Market, bringing fresh pasta, house made pesto, and other delectable dishes to share with the public – as well as

obtain fresh, seasonal produce from other local vendors.If this Thanksgiving finds you a little short on time, A Forkable Feast has you covered – provided you get your final order in by November 23rd! We also visited What’s for Dinner the following day. WfD has a homey, grandma’s kitchen sort of feeling. The atmosphere is artistic and unusual The display cases are stocked full of casseroles, salads, bread puddings and tasty vegetable dishes. Locals rave about the macaroni and cheese, and we have to agree from experience that it’s delicious., from the lamps made with vivid stained glass pieces and cutlery, to the brightly painted walls and hand drawn signs for dishes. Unfortunately, we did not get to meet the owners, Toni Davena and Mary McMahon, who opened WfD in 1994. Though they were not present during our visit, their creative influence is clear throughout the restaurant. They also grow their own herbs to use in their dishes, and the signature eggplant on their logo is a mainstay ingredient in the display case casseroles and salads. The desserts range from homemade breads, to cleverly named and labeled bars and brownies, which are generously portioned. What’s for Dinner differs from A Forkable Feast in that the meals there can be heated and eaten in the restaurant itself, or taken to enjoy at home. Whatever your needs may be – a weeknight meal or that Thanksgiving feast – both A Forkable Feast and What’s for Dinner serve delicious dishes with local, quality ingredients, ranging from the simple and familiar to the gourmet and decadent. While the menus at both places change seasonally – and sometimes daily – their websites are kept up to date, and a quick call to the friendly staff at either location can answer your questions of what could be for dinner, or on your fork!__________________________________________________You can read Laura Arnolds blog, Cincinnati Nomerati, at Cincinnatinomerati.blogspot.com. And read the full article of this month’s Easide Eats at www.EastsiderMagazine.com.

eastside eatsbringing home the turkey

www.eastsidermagazine.com | november 2009 | 5


When did you first think about opening a fashion boutique and why?It started about three years ago while living in Boston. I lived there from 2002 to 2008, and during that time I watched many clothing boutiques open in the North End section of Boston. I enjoyed shopping in these boutiques, as well as supporting other small, family owned businesses. These businesses became a big part of the character and identity of the neighborhood, and I really enjoyed that aspect of Boston. I worked for IBM for 12 years, and I was ready for a change from the large, corporate environment. I often thought I would move back to Cincinnati. Shortly after moving back, I decided to combine my love for fashion with the valuable business skills I gained at IBM to open a store here.

t rendyoakley

gets

Stephanie RozanovichOwner, Trend Boutique2946 Markbreit Ave., OakleyOpen Since May 26, 2009www.TrendCincinnati.com

Interview by Jason Jones | Photography by Steven Thomas, Photographic Memories

How would you describe the style of the clothes you offer at Trend?The style is fashionable, functional, and moderately priced. I have a mix of items from smaller, less known designers as well as items from larger, more well known lines. I want people to have access to some great pieces from lines that you can’t necessarily find at the large department stores.

What about the price range?I carry clothing and accessories. Clothing items are priced from $25 to $175, though most items are under $100. Accessories (belts, headbands, purses, wallets, etc.) range from $15 to $100. I carry lines that I love and wear myself. I personally select every item that is carried in the store – and I select items that are functional, fashionable, and moderately priced.

What is your own sense of style and your take on fashion?I love fashion. I am always intrigued by what people wear, and more interesting to me, why they wear it. I believe women should always dress in a way that makes them feel confident and comfortable. For me, that’s a great pair of jeans with heels and a fashionable yet comfortable shirt.

What is the most “unfashionable” outfit that you personally own and wear?My oversized University of Kentucky tee shirts, particularly the ones I still have from college. I’m a UK alum and huge fan, and many of the shirts I have from my college days hold special meaning.

What do you see being big fashion-wise this Fall/Winter and for 2010?Plaid, sequins, ruffles, menswear (like boyfriend blazers), and hats are big for the fall and winter. Much of the plaid, sequins, and ruffles continue into 2010 – except with bright colors and floral prints.

What’s Trendy? [1] Ruffle Front Tank by linQ, $88 (available in color shown, copper) with Plaid Flannel Shirt by JAK, $65 (available in color shown, orange & brown) and Rock Revival jeans, $148. [2] Short Sleeve “Be the Change” Tee Shirt by Starr Luna, $44 (available in colors shown) over Long Sleeve Peace Tee by Starr Luna, $52 (available in color shown, grey). [3] Vintage Wool Coat by Tulle, $83 (available in deep purple, honey yellow, and lunar blue).


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Let’s make one thing clear; Windows 7 will not revolutionize your computing experience. In reality, operating systems are mostly boring. Aside from letting you connect to a few of your personal devices and networks, their main value is in running other applications. Although that might seem to be a useless truism, the point is that in the current age of the Web, the number of applications that need to be installed are rapidly dwindling. Namely, most people just need a web browser and the tools to work with media. Even must-have applications for some, such as Quicken or TurboTax, now have online versions that you can use from within your browser. This changing landscape is reflected in the fact that a clean install of Windows 7 only has two applications on its taskbar, Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player. If we add to this another fact, that Microsoft has actually removed applications from Windows 7 that used to be included in Vista (such as Mail and Movie Maker), you might be wondering if Microsoft has taken a cue from Seinfeld and made Windows 7 “the operating system about nothing.” The Highs. In a way, Windows 7 is about nothing. Windows 7 is focused, unlike any release before it, on minimalism and staying out of your way. New system tray capabilities allow you to hide icons that you don’t care about and, more importantly, completely disable “balloon” messages from any application you choose. The Vista sidebar was often left running but ignored by users, cluttering the screen with a giant analog clock and other useless gadgets. The sidebar is now disabled by default. Last but not least, the taskbar now eliminates the redundant Quick Launch area in favor of a unified bar that both launches and tracks open applications. It also dispenses with unnecessary application text labels in favor of larger icons, which makes better use of taskbar space. These interface improvements all combine to produce a much saner and tranquil experience. The Lows. In contrast to these great improvements, there are still some dark spots to the Windows 7 launch. First, the tales of vastly improved performance are untrue. Most testing has only shown small, if any, performance improvements over Vista. In a few rare cases, performance may actually be worse. The only improvement we saw in our testing was less hard disk activity at idle. So don’t expect to be dusting off your old equipment and reinvigorating it with Windows 7. Also, Microsoft did not learn from the confusion and dissatisfaction over Vista’s many editions. In the US, Windows 7 effectively has nine editions after factoring in the 32-bit vs. 64-bit choice, which is only down one edition from Vista’s total of ten. The pricing can also be a sore spot if you aren’t

getting Windows 7 included in the price of a new computer. For example, the upgrade version of Windows 7 Ultimate retails for $219, which is particularly high since a new desktop PC might cost less than $299. Furthermore, all of these editions and prices seem particularly ridiculous in comparison to Apple’s making the one edition of Snow Leopard available as a $29 upgrade. Speaking of upgrades, despite Microsoft’s biggest competition coming from its own Windows XP, there is no way to do an in-place upgrade of an XP machine to any version of Windows 7. This means you will have to do a rather complicated sequence of steps to back up your data, do a clean install of 7, reinstall any applications that you need, and restore your data. Upgrading from Vista can be done in-place, however there are some catches depending on the editions involved. Essentially, you can’t switch from 32-bit to 64-bit or vice versa, you can’t upgrade to a “cheaper” edition (say, from Ultimate to Home), and you can’t go from either of Vista’s Home editions to Windows 7 Professional. One last thing not to be overlooked is Windows’ propensity to attract malware and factory-installed junk. In the absence of any new security technologies over Vista or announcements from manufacturers, these common problems are unlikely to get any better with Windows 7. We strongly recommend taking the time to do a clean reinstall over anything that comes preinstalled from the factory, getting a top-quality anti-malware package, and keeping your system continuously up-to-date. Recommendations. In case your head is spinning, here are some simple recommendations. If you are getting a new PC, get Windows 7. There are no qualifications to that. Get it. Specifically, if you are a home user, get Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. You can finally give up on trying to navigate the models and rules to get an XP downgrade from the manufacturer. If you have an existing computer that is running XP, do not upgrade. There are simply too many headaches involved with transferring data and finding device drivers to make it worth it. If you have an existing computer that is running Vista, only upgrade in-place. In other words, don’t attempt any of the transitions that will force a clean install. So is Windows 7 the greatest thing that has happened to PCs? No, but it does indicate a new focus from Microsoft on putting the computer user first. And that is definitely worth getting excited about.__________________________________________________David Arnold frequently spaces out on technology, mathematics, and games. Occasionally, he writes it down. Follow him on Twitter @david_n_arnold.

nerd alertWindows 7


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According to The Specialty Retail Report, a national publication for small and specialty businesses, about 20,000 one-of-a-kind boutique businesses closed their doors in the past seven months. For Cincinnatians committed to reversing that trend by “shopping local” this holiday season, make the Gateway Quarter business district in historic Over-the-Rhine (www.otrgateway.com) one of your first destination locations for holiday shopping. Like Hyde Park, Mt. Lookout, and Oakley, the Gateway Quarter is a hotspot for local entrepreneurs. In the past two years, about 15 locally-owned businesses have opened their doors in the Gateway Quarter, centered at the corner of 12th and Vine streets. Many are retail shops and restaurants with friendly owners and one-of-a-kind products that will lure you inside and keep you coming back. Start your visit by parking in the surface lot at 12th and Vine streets. Walk one block south to Central Parkway and stop in Park + Vine, Cincinnati’s only green general store. And

Segway Cincinnati is right across the street, so you may even see Santa “rolling” the streets on a Segway during the holidays. Then head north on Vine Street, past the Ensemble Theatre and visit City Roots, Mica 12/v (who’s other

location calls O’Bryonville home), The Little Mahatma, Switch and Metronation, all locally owned gift and specialty stores in the 1200 block of Vine Street. Across the street from Metronation, you’ll find A Lucky Step and Joseph Williams Home, both specializing in furniture and design. A very short walk east on 12th Street will lead you to Outside, where no matter the weather, you’ll find unique products to make the exterior of your home standout. Be sure to have lunch in one of the Gateway Quarter’s many restaurants and bars such as such as Below Zero Lounge, Coffee Emporium, Enzo’s, Lavomatic or Senate; or pamper yourself with a manicure at Incredible Creations.

The Gateway Quarter is part of the renaissance underway in OTR. In the past two years, about $80

holidays in the gateway quarterunique and eclectic offerings await just minutes from the eastside

million has been invested in the Gateway Quarter. In addition to a vibrant and growing, locally-owned, business district, the neighborhood is known as an arts district, home to Music Hall, Ensemble Theatre, Know Theatre, Art Academy of Cincinnati and the new School for Creative and Performing Arts, which is currently under construction. In the past few years, about 200 loft-style condos in new and renovated buildings have been added to the neighborhood, boosting home ownership rates. You’ll only find locally-owned businesses here. Pick up a map in any of the shops and restaurants and leisurely explore all that the neighborhood has to offer. OTR is an exciting and diverse urban neighborhood in Cincinnati to live, work, play and shop. The Gateway Quarter Merchants Group is sponsoring a shopping event on Friday November 27, the day after Thanksgiving, called “Holidays in the Bag.” Buy a bag for $3 to benefit the Emanuel Community Center and receive 20% off everything you can fit in the bag in all participating stores. Support Cincinnati’s retail entrepreneurs and urban pioneers by taking the short trip down I-71 or Columbia Parkway to shop local during the holidays and throughout the year.


SAT NOV 21 10:30 am MUSIC HALLVince Lee, conductor

Feast on classics like Turkey in the Straw, Simple Gifts, Food Glorious Food, and ofcourse it wouldn’t be a Thanksgiving concert without an Old McDonald sing-along! The whole family will be thankful they dove into this musical smorgasbord!

Come early to experience the“Instrument Petting Zoo” and Kids’ Zone beginning

at 9:30 am in Corbett Tower!

$12 ADULT$7 CHILD

cincinnatisymphony.org513.381.3300

Help needy families celebrate Thanksgiving. Donate a canned food item for the FreestoreFoodbank.

Items will be collected in the lobby day of concert.CONCERT SPONSOR: MEDIA PARTNER

After taking a moment to ponder the question of what her favorite part is about being a Ben-Gal, Lauren B. is visably relieved when I tell her that she can get away with just narrowing it down to her top three. With a smile on her face, the Kenwood-area native who now calls Mt. Lookout home goes on to say that her favorite part is a toss up for her because she has so many.

“First off, I’ve met some of the best friends I’ve ever had. The ladies on the team are absolutely phenomenal. Second, it’s the best exercise I’ve ever had – and since it’s fun and I love it, it doesn’t feel like exercise. And the third thing is just being on that field every home game.”

Her friend, and fellow Ben-Gal, Erin M. of Oakley agrees. “My favorite thing is definitely game day. We practice all summer long for ten games, but those ten games (eight regular season and two preseason) make it worth it. And I really enjoy all the community events and charity that we do.”

The hard part was narrowing down their favorite things. It is much easier when it comes to naming the biggest drawback. Both quickly come up with the same answer – time. Being a Ben-Gal is very time consuming and takes a lot of prioritizing and good time management skills.

“It really is like having a second full-time job. Family and friends can suffer because so much of our time is devoted to this. There’s photo shoots for the calendar, charity events, practice, work outs, game days… it all ads up,” Lauren continues.

Don’t Quit Your Day Job. There is a common misconception that these women are professional cheerleaders and that this is how they make a living. Simply not true. In order to be on the

team, you must be at least twenty-one years of age and either be employed full-time or be a full-time student. Lauren is an Internet sales consultant and Erin is a doctoral student in the Pharmacy program at UC, along with interning at the Jewish Hospital pharmacy and coaching a high school dance team.

It is also important to note that they aren’t doing this to meet players, either. Lauren quickly points out that it’s “strictly forbidden - there is no fraternizing with players.”

In truth, the cheerleaders and players don’t really practice at the same times or even at the same facilities. There may only be two or three community events that they are both at during the course of a season. And both are far too busy on game day to interact with each other. Though, in case you were wondering, Daphne, who is no longer on the squad, was the Ben-Gal to whom Chad Ochocinco (who you may remember as Chad Johnson at the time) proposed during his touchdown celebration a few seasons ago. So there are exceptions to the rule, even if only for theatrical reasons (and no, the proposal wasn’t real).

Making the Cut. To become one of the thirty members of the Ben-Gals each season, there is a three-tiered tryout system with a preliminary round, a semi-final, and a final in which participants are required to learn a dance routine. The would-be Ben-Gals are graded on things like fitness, dancing ability, and glamour.

Interestingly enough, Erin had never cheered before becoming a Ben-Gal. She comes from a formally trained dance background which started when she was four years old and included ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop. Then in college she danced on the Western Kentucky University dance team. Lauren was a gymnast for 12 years, and she also enjoyed a lot of formal dance training


EASTSIDE SPIRITTWO OF THE EASTSIDE’S OWN

ROAM THE SIDELINES ON GAME DAY ASBEN-GAL CHEERLEADERS

Article by Jason Jones | Photography by Steven Thomas, Photographic Memories


Left to right:Lauren B. of Mt. Lookout

and Erin M. of Oakley.


during that time, doing ballet for three years. She then got into cheerleading and dancing as another form of exercising and performing. She tried out for the Ben-Gals twice when she was in college, but didn’t make it those first two years. However, after a few years away she returned to tryouts and was a bit more familiar with the process and had gained an awareness of what it would take to make the squad. Lauren has now been with the team for two years, while Erin has three years under her belt. And both admit that many of the veterans may feel more stress than those trying out for the first time because of expectations and pride. There is always the possibility that a veteran won’t return.

“Typically, there is a three to five year span before someone moves on – either by choice or not,” Lauren explains. “But it really depends on the age. A lot of the girls that may start when they are younger or still in college may have more time to do it for four, five, six years or more. Some of us who are a bit older or join the team later in life may stay for a shorter amount of time. It really depends on where you are in your life and what your goals are.”

While the camaraderie is great and the friendships grow deep, there are rarely – if ever – friends or relatives that make the team together. In fact, friends and relatives are encouraged to drive separately since one may be asked to stay and continue trying out while the other gets cut. More often than not, individuals come in, make the team, then spend so much time with these other women of similar interests that they form friendships that last well beyond their time together on the sidelines.

Erin says, “You would be shocked how well we all actually get along. Especially since we are from such varied backgrounds, and there is a big age gap, as well. I think the range this year is from 21 to 40.” She goes on to say that they do spend most of their time together on the field, at practice, and during events and charity functions. But they also interact outside of those cheer-related events as much as possible despite having such full schedules.

Not Just on Sundays. A big part of the time commitment of being a Ben-Gal is tied to community and charity events. These ladies aren’t just dancing and cheering on Sundays. Every Ben-Gal is required to meet a certain amount of hours at sponsored events. And this seems to be something that both Erin and Lauren thoroughly enjoy. It’s not only a time for them to hang out with fans and their Ben-Gal friends away from Paul Brown Stadium, but they also get to give back to the community and experience another side of being part of the Bengals organization.


Carbon Pawprint. “We go through a lot of hairspray,” Erin confesses. Lauren chimes in to second that notion and joke about her own personal effect on rain forests and the ozone. Along with a particular pair of shoes and type of pantyhose, there are also specific guidelines for things like lipstick color – think of it as all being part of the uniform. And while something like your hair is up to your own discretion in terms of being short or long, it must suit you and maintain a certain level of “glamour.” So keeping a can of hairspray handy is something that has become a habit for these two. But there is a clinic each year to inform those that are interested in trying out about the beauty regimen of the squad.

Along with appearance, you have to be able to meet the physical demands of being a Ben-Gal. It takes a lot of strength and endurance to do what these ladies do. So they are in the gym every day to make sure they are in the best shape possible. But this is just their personal workout routine. In addition to that there may be anywhere from two to three hours of dancing during each practice session, along with another 30 or 45 minutes of conditioning. Not to mention the hours of performing during the game.

The off-season lasts from January to late April or early May when tryouts begin. Though these ladies don’t really take the full three or four months off because they have to stay in tip top shape for tryouts, the grueling summer practice schedule, and ultimately the season. They admit that its really only January when everyone seems to spend less time at the gym and more time in front of the television or at their favorit restaurant.

Why They Do What They Do. So why do they do it? They obviously enjoy it, but why do they continue with something that is so physically demanding and time consuming. Lauren says, “the biggest reason for me to continue doing this is because I have had performing in my blood since birth. I can remember putting on shows for my parents and grandparents when I was little. And once you love to perform and you develop that passion for it, you can’t just stop. You have to keep doing it. All the hard work, time, and effort proves the old saying about finding a job that you love so it won’t feel like work. Plus being on that field is amazing, and I’ve made it a goal of mine to be on that field and make it worth while for myself and the fans.”

Erin concurs. “My reasons are pretty similar to Lauren’s. I’ve been dancing since I was four years old and I just knew I wasn’t ready to stop performing. And once you step on that field and see the crowd, especially when the team wins, there is nothing like that feeling.”


The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra‘s Lollipop Family Concert Series kicks off at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 21 at historic Music Hall. “Let’s Talk Turkey,” designed specifically for children ages 3 to 10, is a celebration for all things Thanksgiving. Assistant Conductor Vince Lee and the CSO will perform Thanksgiving favorites like “Turkey in the Straw”, “Food Glorious Food” and a sing-along to “Old McDonald.” Singers and dancers from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music will also take the stage providing a stimulating and fun performance. In addition, the CSO is partnering with Cincinnati’s Freestore Foodbank for a canned good drive. Children and families are asked to donate canned goods, which can be dropped off in the lobby before the performance. “The CSO in an effort to collaborate with the community, joins forces with the Freestore Foodbank to not only help the less fortunate but to teach kids how a simple donation can better the lives of others,” says Alex Mendelsohn, Manager of Community Learning at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Pre-concert activities begin at 9:30 a.m. that morning in Corbett Tower. There will be a Kid’s Zone and “Instrument Petting Zoo,” where musicians will give instrument demonstrations while volunteers provide hands-on experiences with instruments from the four orchestral families—strings, brass, woodwinds and percussion. Tickets are $7 for children and $12 for adults, and can be purchased at the Music Hall Box Office, by calling (513) 381-3300, or online at cincinnatisymphony.org. “Fiesta,” the second Lollipop Family concert conducted

by Mr. Lee on Saturday, January 23, celebrates the music of Latin America and Spain. This concert will musically transport children south of the border while experiencing lush, vibrant and beautiful music. Songs like “The Mexican Hat Dance” will be sure to get children and families out of their seats, heating up their winter day! Cincinnati native Vince Lee, a protégé of the late Erich Kunzel, was appointed Assistant Conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in August 2008. The symphony has been a part of Mr. Lee’s life from an early age. Lee prepared the children’s chorus for a Cincinnati Opera production of Carmen at the age of 13, and then made his professional conducting debut, also at age 13, leading the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. He appeared as a guest artist with the Pops seven times over six years. “The Lollipop Family Concert series is a fun, interactive, exciting and engaging way to introduce kids to the symphonic experience at an early age. Our hope is for young children to develop an appreciation for the symphony creating lifelong music lovers,” says Mendelsohn. The Lollipop Family Concerts are part of the CSO’s extensive educational program, Sound Discoveries, which also includes Young People’s Concerts designed for elementary and middle school student classes. Each season more than 20,000 students from over 150 schools and groups from Southeast Indiana, Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio attend these exciting Young People’s Concerts at Music Hall.

let’s talk turkeycso‘s lollipop family concert series kicks of with thanksgiving show

Light Up the SquareFREE, Nov. 27, 6:30pmTree lighting and fireworkson Fountain Square

Dazzle Days Kids WorkshopsFREE, Dec. 5, 12, 19Tower Place Mall

Weekend Carriage RidesFREE, Nov. 28-29, Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20Boarding at Macy’s Celebration StationFifth & Race streets

Holly Jolly Downtown TrolleyFREE, Nov. 28-29, Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20Boarding in front of the Westin

Santa SkatesNov. 28-29, Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20Santa arrives on his segway sled to ice skate with Cincinnatians of all ages

Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa at Macy’s Fountain Place FREE courtesy of Macy’s, Nov. 27-29,Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 AND 21-24Bring your own camera and get a picture with Santa

Story Time with Mrs. ClausFREE, Dec. 5, 12, 19Macy’s Fountain Place

Macy’s Downtown Dazzle FREE, Dec. 5, 12, 19Santa rappels down the 525Vine Building plus fireworks!

Ice Skating on Fountain Square$2.50 to skate, $2.50 for rentalNov. 27 - Feb. 21

Duke Energy Holiday TrainsDuke Energy building lobby, 139 E. Fourth St.Nov. 27 - Dec. 31

Home for the HolidaysFREE, Dec. 5, 1-5pmPick up map at US Bank at Fifth & Walnut streets Self-guided walking tour of residential properties, gaily decorated for the holidays.

downtowncincinnati.com

(513) 421-4440

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Gift Carddowntowncincinnati.com

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Downtown Cincinnati

Holiday Gifts

Rookwood Pottery Commemorative Art Tile

Available at Macy’s Fountain Place for $75. Limited supply.

Downtown Cincinnati Gift CardAvailable at Tower Place Concierge

desk and online at downtowncincinnati.com.

Good at over 130 shops and restaurants downtown.

For more information and for your FREE holiday guide to downtown, go to downtowncincinnati.com

SINGLE EVENTSWEEKENDS

ALL SEASON LONG

big treatscome in small packages


•

hen I first drove by, I thought to myself, “A cupcakery? Why would they only sell cupcakes?” The question stuck with me the rest of the day. Then I thought, “Hey, they have donut shops. Why are cupcakes any different?” But I just couldn’t quite wrap my head around it. “A cupcakery is kind of like an ice cream shop for cake,” explain Nathan and Andrea Thompson. “The cupcake allows you to have your own flavor and each person can have their own personal mini cake.” The husband and wife team that own Abby Girl Sweets in Oakley go on to point out that for parties or events, cupcakes can be better than having one large cake since not everyone at the party may enjoy the same kind of cake. But show up with a half dozen flavors of cupcakes to choose from, and it’s easy for everyone to find their favorite. “We also offer mini cupcakes. These are great because people can try two or three flavors without gaining two or three pounds. They also make great gifts or surprises. It’s not everyday that you would bring home an entire cake to your special someone, but their favorite cupcake… that’s

a different story. Plus cupcakes are just cute!” Nathan, born in New York but raised in Ohio, and Andrea, originally from Ecuador before moving to Atlanta at age 10, just opened their storefront a few short months ago. Six years prior, they started out doing custom cakes for birthdays, weddings, bridal showers and other occasions. Because of the rave reviews they received from their clientele, the couple began thinking about opening up their own shop. “But it wasn’t until we started baking cupcakes that we decided a shop would be a great idea. We had been offering cupcakes for delivery and events before we opened the shop and had a great response, which naturally lead to the retail location.” When it was time to name the store, it was a no brainer. They affectionately call their daughter, Abigail, Abby Girl, and liked the idea of naming the business after her. But it needed something more. The couple admit it took a bit of time to get it just right. They kept trying to add words that would convey to the public the idea of cakes or bakery.

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Article by Jason Jones | Photography by Steven Thomas, Photographic Memories


They say they finally settled on adding “sweets” because it “sounded inviting and left our options open if we wanted to do other things besides cupcakes.” Their most popular flavors are Strawberry Delight, Red Velvet and Peanut Butter Cup – all of which fight for the top spot on an ongoing basis. Nathan does the baking and Andrea does the decorating. They decided on their arsenal of flavors by picking those they personally like most and then testing them on friends and family. Which I’m sure was a hard and challenging task for them to endure. There was also a lot of tweaking of recipes. Adding more milk, less flour, more eggs, and a “lot of love” to get things where they needed to be. “The red velvet recipe had been a family tradition for birthdays ever since we can remember. The chocolate supreme came as a result of needing the perfect chocolate wedding cake. The strawberry delight recipe was created for a special birthday and it’s been a hit ever since. And, of course, who can forget our customers. We always look to them for feedback and suggestions to make our cupcakes even better.” Nathan and Andrea are currently working on some Christmas flavors with ingredients like cranberry, peppermint, eggnog, and white chocolate. And there are a few flavors they would like to try or experiment with, such as the challenge of getting the perfect key lime pie in the form of a cupcake. About 75% of their customers are walk-ins, with the remaining 25% ordering for events, parties, or just for a treat. But the number of delivery orders is growing and they expect it to be about a third of their business as their name gets out more and with the holidays coming up. “A typical in store order is between one and eight cupcakes, with the average being three to four. Most party or event order run between one to three dozen for regular size and sometimes into the hundreds for the minis. Weddings and larger events can be in the hundreds for the regular size – we recently provided over 200 cupcakes for

the Montgomery Inn at an employee appreciation event that they held.”

They also offer cupcake cakes (no, I didn’t stutter). These are a group of cupcakes placed together to form a shape, like the number 50 for a birthday or a soccer ball for that special athlete. Both Nathan and Andrea agree that in the future they may do other cupcake themed goodies, like a chocolate chip bar cookie cut out in the shape of a cupcake, or even delve into other

baked goods. But for now, Abby Girl Sweets is sticking to what they know best and winning over Eastsiders one cupcake at a time.

Abby Girl Sweets: 3218 Madison Rd., Oakley (513) 335-0898 www.AbbyGirlSweets.com


With the academic year well underway and fall activities in full swing, it’s open house season for Cincinnati’s private schools. The autumn months are jam-packed with informational coffees and preview nights – a chance for institutions of every variety to showcase their curriculum and facilities to prospective students and parents. Because institutions are based on a range of educational styles and ideals, private schools are eager to open their doors for preliminary contact. Peter Egan, Director of Admissions at Seven Hills School, notes that these sessions are typically an informal introduction to the school and convey the basics while allowing attendees to experience the school’s atmosphere. “This is the first step,” says Egan. “It provides more information than you might find on a website, which is just the school’s own representation of itself. The idea is that if what you’re seeing and hearing makes you feel comfortable, you would come back during the school day for another visit.” Although formats vary, the design of most open houses usually allocates time for families to tour the school’s campus, learn about its underlying mission and meet in a casual setting with faculty and administrators as well as current students and parents. Virtually all schools offer prospective students the opportunity to return for a visit while classes are in session.So how can you make the most of your attendance at an open house? Egan suggests beginning by reflecting beforehand on the values that are most important to you and your family. “It’s a good idea, first of all, to consider how things are set up [at the school]. Every school has its own philosophy, teaching method,

and style, and a lot of this would come out in conversations with teachers, students, and parents.” Molly Compton, whose twins will graduate from St. Ursula Villa this year, says that a Catholic education will be a deciding factor for her and her husband Doug, especially since they are both alumni of Catholic schools. Their family is taking advantage of this fall’s open-house sessions at various Catholic high schools in the area. “We’ve already attended a few open houses,” says Compton. “It’s important for the kids to see the facilities and it’s important for parents to talk with faculty and others who have been at the school for a while.” Asking the right questions will also help you benefit from your open house visit. Egan suggests starting with broad questions. “Ask questions that involve insight—if you ask enough people you’ll see that there’s a common theme. A good question to start with is simply to ask [faculty members, students and administrators,] ‘What are your favorite things about this school?’” Curriculum and special programs are other significant features to explore while visiting an open house. Faculty will likely be on hand to describe a typical subject course and to discuss any honors classes or enrichment programs in place. You might also want to find out about how diverse the school is and how involved its students are in extracurricular activities. Whether you’re considering an elementary, middle, or secondary school, there are plenty of options to explore in and around the Eastside when it comes to finding the right fit for your child. And although an open-house visit may only be a brief,

open season for open housesprivate school open houses provide a helpful first look for

discerning parents and students

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initial encounter, attending this session with an idea of what you’re looking for in an educational experience will certainly provide you with a clearer impression of whether or not it will be a suitable match.

Learning Disabilities. Parents of children with learning disabilities may have additional questions and concerns when visiting an open house. Eastsider Magazine consulted Jan Annett, Director of Admissions at Springer School and Center, about what parents can expect at an open house and how to find out whether a learning-disabled student’s needs align with a school’s offerings.

Eastsider Magazine: When discerning a good fit for their child, what are three or four of the most important things that parents [of LD students] should look for at an open house?Jan Annett: Parents are experts where their own child is concerned, so they should use that helpful “parental gut” when touring the school. They can watch teacher-student interactions, look for active student engagement in learning, and perhaps end by asking themselves the most important question: “Can I see my child growing and thriving here?”

EM: How important is it that a parent bring the potential student along?JA: It would be a good idea to call the school to find out if the format lends itself to student participation. We [at Springer School] schedule a student visit a little later in the admissions process.

EM: What type of information, if any, should parents be prepared to share?JA: Again this depends on the school. We would reserve in-depth sharing of information for an individual meeting between the parents and the Admissions Director.

EM: What are some important questions that parents of children with learning disabilities should be asking administrators, teachers, and students at open houses?JA: Open house is a good time to begin a dialog that should continue throughout the admissions process between parents and school administrators. Sample questions [include:] “What kinds of services are provided for students with learning disabilities?” ; “What types of strategies are used to help students ‘learn how to learn?’” ; “How is technology used for LD students?” ; “How do students with learning disabilities do when they leave this particular school for their next experience?”; “Does the school keep track of students to know how they do after graduation?” And of course, there are so many more questions. Nothing

takes the place of meeting with the Admissions Director and being able to ask questions and share insights about the child. Parents are very important partners in the admissions process, and have much to share in working toward the ultimate goal of an outstanding placement for their child.__________________________________________________Eleanora Heink is a freelance writer based in the Hyde Park area. Contact her at [email protected].

Upcoming Open Houses

- Sunday, November 1McNicholas, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PMMount Notre Dame, 12:00 - 3:00 PMMoeller, 2:00 - 5:00 PMUrsuline Academy, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM- Tuesday, November 3 Seven Hills School Informational Coffee for Prospective Parents (PK-grade 5); 9:00 AM, Doherty Campus. RSVP to (513) 271-9027- Wednesday, November 4Cincinnati Country Day School 9:00am - 11:30am (RSVP)Seven Hills School Informational Coffee for Prospective Parents (PK-grade 5); 9:00 AM, Hillsdale Campus. RSVP to (513) 271-9027.- Friday, November 6St. Ursula Villa Informational Coffee 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM- Sunday, November 8St. Ursula 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM- Wednesday, November 11Cincinnati Country Day School 9:00am - 11:30am (RSVP needed)St. Ursula Villa Informational Coffee 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM- Sunday, November 15Purcell Marian 11:00 AM - 2:00 PMSt. Xavier 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM- Thursday, November 19Summit Country Day School 7:00 - 9:30 PM


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