The Fonda Blog

Bob and Jen take a class at Nuesole Glassworks

by Bob Herzog and Jen Dalton, WKRCMon, May 6th 2024

Ali Fonda of Nuesole Glassworks in Cincinnati, OH

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – We like to keep things classy but today we are going to keep things glassy.

“One of the first things I talk to people blowing glass is that you will learn a lot of patience. It’s going to be really frustrating, those pieces often hit the ground,” said Ali Fonda.

Fonda is just one of the teachers at Nuesole Glassworks.

She says it can take years to master the art of glass blowing but no need to worry, if you come in as a beginner, she has you covered.

“We do all of the really complicated things until you really come and do it for a while.”

After a quick lesson, they are actually going to let us try our hand at glass blowing.

We are going to be making something called a witches ball, or a fairy orb.

With that we were ready to get to work, and of course safety first.

The gas powered furnaces clock in at more than a thousand degrees Fahrenheit.

We put on our protective equipment while Ali gathered a ball of molten glass on a long metal pipe.

The next step in this process is to create a perfect sphere.

Bob tapped away, providing the hot air as usual.

And while that was happening, Ali and Jen used a wooden tool that was soaked in cool water to create the sphere.

This is where the fun really started. With a sharp tool we stabbed holes in our sun catcher.

Ali told us to trust the process and that this would make the final design extra special. Not going to lie, this was a little violent.

After the stabbing was done, Ali took a blow torch to the orb and with one crack, our creation was freed from the metal pole and ready to go into a kiln where it would harden.

written by admin \\ tags: Achievements, Arts, Midwest

Crumbl Cookies set to open doors this week in Mentor (Ohio)

National chain aims to draw people in with sweet smells

By Jean Bonchak – Published July 27, 2021

Crumbl Cookies in Mentor is the popular franchise’s first store to open in Northeast Ohio. (Jean Bonchak)

In a move that would make Cookie Monster happy, Crumbl Cookies is set to open its doors in Mentor (Ohio). The new shop. with its modern, minimalist interior, is set to host a grand opening on July 30 at 9662 Mentor Ave., across from Target. Currently paired with its distinctive setup is a singular product — enormous cookies created in more than 150 specialty flavors that are offered on a weekly rotating basis.

A prolific research and development department in Utah, where Crumbl Cookies originated, develops new recipes “inspired by popular flavors, foods, desserts of all kinds — from pies to cakes to candies and more,” according to the company website. A themed “Carnival” week recently tendered caramel apple, cotton candy and cinnamon fry bread varieties, along with chilled sugar and milk chocolate chip, the only staple selections on hand daily.

Andrew Fonda, who moved to Mentor from Montana to open the franchise, worked as a chemical engineer prior to specializing in the sweet treats.  He said that his initial introduction to Crumbl Cookies while visiting a shop a few years ago was an enticing experience. “The open bakery… you smell the cookies, see the cookies, it was kind of a cool space,” he said.  Based on a suggestion from friends, he decided to check out the Northeast Ohio market, scouting possible locations. Ultimately, Mentor fit the bill.  “We really like the Mentor area and the communities surrounding it, and we chose a convenient location where people will already be out shopping,” he said. “It’s a great retail area.”

Andrew Fonda is the owner/operator of the new Crumbl Cookies set to open on July 30 in Mentor. (Jean Bonchak)

Visitors to the store will find sleek black-and-white décor accompanied by punches of pink, a confectionary color used for their streamlined, signature cookie boxes. An open-concept kitchen allows patrons to take a peek at the baking process from its beginning, blending ingredients from scratch, to the final decorated product. Orders can be placed online or in-house. Delivery is also available. Fonda noted that the bulk of business takes place on site, where customers capture the cookies’ sweet, sugary smells.

Since its inception approximately four years ago, more than 200 Crumbl Cookies stores have opened in 32 states, and several more are planned. Fonda is already working on an additional establishment for the Mayfield area. A huge social media presence definitely has helped the company’s quick and steady growth. The first TikTok video featuring its cookies drew more than a million views. And its “Unbox the Pink Box” YouTube videos, which cleverly introduce the four specialty cookies being featured for the week, typically garner thousands of looks.

A June article titled “How Crumbl Cookies took over TikTok” by Maile McCann on modernretail.com states that “The keys to the brand’s success are a rotating flavor drop model, social media savvy and a commitment to digital integration at every touchpoint.” Among the batches and varieties presented, one cookie flavor rises to the top layer of crowd favorites. “Our milk chocolate chip is a staple on our menu for a reason,” said Anna Tibbitts, the company’s public relations specialist. “It’s not only award-winning but was the first cookie on our menu when Crumbl started.”

All cookies are boxed and may be purchased separately or in four-, six- or 12-pack assortments. Smaller-sized cookies are available for catering orders only. Boxes can also be customized with a bow, sticker and note for special gift-giving. Store hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 8 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays; and closed Sundays.

written by admin \\ tags: Business, Food, Midwest

Historic home of artist Leonard Ochtman for sale in Connecticut

By Jennifer Gould – New York Post – December 2, 2020

The 1891-built Cos Cob home of art-world power couple Leonard (inset) and Mina Fonda Ochtman is now asking $1.4 million.

The five-bedroom home at 35 Mianus View Terrace was renovated in 2010.

When famed Dutch-American landscape artist Leonard Ochtman moved to Connecticut in 1891 with his wife — Mina Fonda Ochtman, an accomplished American Impressionist painter in her own right — they built a house in Cos Cob and dubbed it Grayledge.

Now on the market for $1.4 million, the five-bedroom home at 35 Mianus View Terrace is where the couple became founding members of the Cos Cob Art Colony (whose famed members included Willa Cather and which helped launch NYC’s iconic Armory Show) and held classes for young artists boarding at the nearby Bush-Holley House.

The Ochtmans would also go on to become founding members of the Greenwich Society of Artists, where Leonard served as president.

Original details in the home, which was renovated in 2010, include the hardwood floors, the staircase and the solarium.

written by admin \\ tags: Arts, New England, Notables

Local healthcare workers shown support through community effort

By: KMTV Staff – Posted at 6:53 PM, May 07, 2020

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — This week, area hospital workers were surprised with free lunches thanks to a joint effort by the Salvation Army.  It’s meant to salute those on the frontlines of this ongoing pandemic.

How the Salvation Army honored healthcare workers.

The Salvation Army says it’s part of a three-state campaign between South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska…and it’s called heart for our heroes.  The lunches were packed up by local restaurants and were delivered today.

”We have had such an outpouring of love and support,” said healthcare worker Janice Fonda. “I’m so grateful and all of our staff is to everyone, the Salvation Army, Blue Cross Blue Shield and all of the individuals and corporations and small businesses that have reached out to us. It’s just amazing. I have the best job in the world because I see all the good that’s happening”

Thursday wasn’t the only event. More lunches will be delivered Friday.

written by admin \\ tags: Midwest, Special Interest

Myrtle Beach bar owner offers explanation after police find customers inside business

By Kristin Nelson | April 29, 2020 at 3:18 PM EDT – Updated April 29 at 11:22 PM

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) – Police busted a Myrtle Beach bar after they said they found multiple customers drinking inside, even though the governor’s order prohibits it. Officers were called just before 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to Foster’s Cafe and Bar on North Kings Highway after a person in the community complained about the bar serving to the public. When police arrived, they said they noticed multiple cars in the parking lot.

Myrtle Beach bar owner offers explanation after police find customers inside business

The officers “walked inside and multiple bar patrons were inside of the bar consuming open containers of alcohol,” according to the police report. Police also noted that the customers were sitting close to one another at the bar and also at tables. They added that the bartender was serving the customers. Officers met the owner of the bar, Donald Fonda Jr., and informed him of the executive order put in place by the governor, which prohibits dine-in service at bars and restaurants. They are only allowed to do delivery and take-out in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Fonda told WMBF News he disputes the police report and said the customers inside his bar were following social distancing guidelines becuase they were seated with their loved ones. “Those people are married… that couple lives together. They weren’t dining in, but they were having a drink while they waited for their food so they could take it home. Obviously, I guess, I was in the wrong,” Fonda said.

According to the Myrtle Beach Police Department’s website, Fonda was charged with ordinance/enforcement and remedies of regarding executive order. “He wrote me a ticket and I have to appear in June for a hearing,” Fonda said. “No, I was not arrested. I’m just trying to stay open and survive.” Fonda posted on Facebook that the bar will continue to do take-out orders for customers.

written by admin \\ tags: Florida, Special Interest