Breastfeeding in Public: Uncovering Human Nature in the Urban Landscape by Ashley Skaggs Parker of Mud Goddess Photography opens 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 27 at Park + Vine in conjunction with Final Friday and the conclusion of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. In this series, Ashley takes the relationship of the nursing mother and child out into the street in an unexpected and challenging way. A childrens’ and family portraiture photographer from Covington, Ashley specializes in natural light photography, which gives her images have an ethereal and whimsical quality. She is donating ten percent of all photography sales from this show to Northern Kentucky Breastfeeding Coalition. Through Sept. 30.

NOTE: This is our final Final Friday at 1109 Vine Street before relocating to 1202 Main Street in late September

Breastfeeding in Public opens Aug. 27

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OTR anchor moves to LEED certified Belmain after three years on Vine Street

CINCINNATI, June 30, 2010 – Dan Korman announced today that he intends to move Park + Vine, Cincinnati’s green general store, from its original location at 1109 Vine Street two blocks east to the former Kaldi’s space, 1202 Main Street, at the Belmain in Over-the-Rhine.

Park + Vine, which opened in June 2007, is among a wave of stores nationwide focusing on ecologically friendly and environmentally sustainable merchandise. It is the first retailer in Cincinnati to specialize solely on these products.

Park + Vine offers a broad mix of products that minimizes the use of natural resources, toxic materials and animal by-products. The store carries reusable bottles, bags and food carriers, non-toxic cleaning and paint supplies, natural baby and parenting supplies, and a growing selection of foodstuff. Korman plans to continue offering programming on sustainable living, such as cloth diapering, composting and rainwater harvesting.

A major focus of the new space is a full vegan grocery store with bulk grains, local produce, bulk cleaning supplies, and a food bar with Fab Ferments Kombucha, fresh pressed juices and single-cup drip coffee and espresso from La Terza. The new store will feature a book wall, indoor and outdoor seating areas, bicycle parking, and a separate room for classes.

Korman looked at a variety of spaces before choosing the Belmain. Park + Vine is lining up next to new and established businesses along a resurgent Main Street, including Another Part of the Forest, Atomic Number 10, Fitnext, forkheartknife, Iris Bookcafe, Jack Potts Tavern, Mixx Ultra Lounge, Mr. Pitiful’s, Neon’s Unplugged, Original Thought Required, Shadeau Breads, Urban Eden, You Do Yoga, and other galleries and offices.

The Belmain condominium project, developed by Urban Sites, achieved a LEED Certified Silver Rating for Homes Mid-rise pilot program through the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED certification is a nationally recognized benchmark for high-performance environmentally friendly buildings, and through this pilot program, Urban Sites and the Belmain are leading sustainability of future mid-rise (4-6 story) residential buildings.

New Park + Vine at Belmain, 1202-04 Main Street, Over-the-Rhine

“This is a beautiful and culturally alive area–full of people who see potential in every corner of the neighborhood and are doing something about it,” said Korman, an Over-the-Rhine resident. “It’s an ideal place for budding entrepreneurs.”

Park + Vine is one of several successful developments near the intersection of 12th and Main Streets timed to capitalize on the significant redevelopment and extremely high occupancy rates in this section of Over-the-Rhine.

Greg Olson of Urban Sites said, “Park + Vine is a great addition to historic Main Street. It is exactly the type of retail business meant for the LEED Certified Silver Belmain Building. It will help us turn the corner and bring sustained economic vitality to one of Cincinnati’s finest commercial streets.”

In its first three years of business, Park + Vine has received awards from Cincinnati CityBeat, Cincinnati Magazine, Greater Cincinnati Earth Coalition, Hamilton County Solid Waste Management, and Sierra Club Miami Group, and has been featured in national publications such as The New York Times and VegNews.

Park + Vine will continue to do business at its current Vine Street location until its grand opening on Main Street, scheduled to coincide with the Midpoint Music Festival Sept. 23-25, 2010.

Press contact:
Dan Korman
Park + Vine
(513) 721-7275
dan@parkandvine.com

-30-

For some reason there is a lot of Earthy goodness happening March 27. It comes down to two little events here at Park + Vine, a window restoration workshop in Westwood, the start of free yardwaste drop-off sites around Hamilton County and the worldwide Earth Hour light turnoff. (In honor of Earth Hour, we’re turning off our lights and taking 20 percent off all in-stock candles 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 27.) Be a part of the greatness taking place on this awesome day.

HAPPENINGS AT PARK + VINE

Building Ability Product Brainstorm at Park + Vine. 9 a.m.: Love the environment? Looking for fun, quality items for your toddler? Building Ability, a job-training program of Easter Seals Work Resource Center, is seeking parents of young children to help with a new product launch at Park + Vine. Join Building Ability staff for a fun brainstorming discussion on product design and pricing 9 a.m. Saturday, March 27 at Park + Vine. Space is limited to 25 people. RSVP 513-721-7275 or info@parkandvine.come before March 26. All items are handcrafted from recycled and reclaimed materials and built by individuals with disabilities receiving paid work experience.

Signing Safari Sampler. 11:30 a.m.: Imagine if your toddler could tell you when he or she were ready for a nap, or where something hurt. Join Signing Safari 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 27 at Park + Vine and learn how easy it is to incorporate signs into everyday communications and reap the many benefits as early as nine months. Attending families will receive discount coupons for classes at the Cincinnati Family Enrichment Center and a free gift. RSVP info@parkandvine.com or 513-721-7275 before March 26.

HAPPENINGS ELSEWHERE

Wood Windows Work! 10 a.m.: Cincinnati Preservation Association presents “Wood Windows Work! Restoring Your Historic Wood Windows” 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 27 at the Westwood Branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, 3345 Epworth Avenue. Ken Hughes of Oakley-based Decorative Restorations will give a hands-on demonstration of wood window repair and maintenance, examine different window types and kinds of window hardware, and provide suggestions on how to improve the windows’ energy efficiency. Reservations are required. RSVP (513) 721-4506 or info@cincinnatipreservation.org.

Hamilton County’s Yardwaste Drop-Off Sites Open. 11:30 a.m.: The Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District’s free yardwaste drop-off sites open Saturday, March 27. This program is for Hamilton County residents only. Residents who drop-off yardwaste must bring proof of residency. Landscapers and commercial establishments are NOT eligible to participate in this program.

The locations for the yardwaste drop-off sites are:

• East: Bzak Landscaping, 3295 Turpin Lane (off Rt. 32), Anderson Township
• West: Kuliga Park, 6717 Bridgetown Road, Green Township
• North: Rumpke Sanitary Landfill, 3800 Struble Road (and Colerain Avenue), Colerain Township

All sites are open 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday March 27 through Nov. 21. All sites are closed April 4 and July 4. The Bzak Landscaping site (East location) is open for free yardwaste drop-off during regular business hours (7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday) in addition to the above hours of operation. This site is closed May 31 and Sept. 6.

Earth Hour, 8:30 p.m.
On Earth Hour 8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 27, hundreds of millions of people around the world will come together to call for action on climate change by doing something quite simple—turning off their lights for one hour. The movement symbolizes that by working together, each of us can make a positive impact in this fight, protecting our future and that of future generations. Ohio is an official Earth Hour state and will turn off the lights at the Governor’s residence for one hour. Park + Vine is one of 35+ businesses statewide that has signed the pledge. In honor of Earth Hour, we’re taking 20 percent off all in-stock candles 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 27. Join the movement!

Park + Vine is one of 10 local stores raising money benefiting the Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund Feb. 1-7. Here’s the complete lineup of participating stores:

1. Alternative Motive
2. Atomic 10 (Over-the-Rhine)
3. Hyde Park Fish Market (Hyde Park)
4. Joseph Williams Home (Over-the-Rhine)
5. Little Liza Jane’s (Montgomery)
6. OUTSIDE (Over-the-Rhine)
7. Park + Vine (Over-the-Rhine)
8. Redtree Art Gallery and Coffee Shop (Oakley)
9. The Mustard Seed Boutique (Clifton)
10. The Wine Merchant (Oakley)

Predictions that holiday sales would be late in coming certainly applied to us here at Park + Vine. While 2009 turned out to be our best year yet, it was those final weeks in December that gave us our new record month. We appreciate all the love and support people near and far showed us over the past year.

There’s no rest for this little store, though. We’re quickly building our calendar of classes on “easy, actionable stuff like household energy saving, ecosafe cleaning, composting and cloth diapering.” (This is how CityBeat staffers put it when they voted us Best Environmental Classes.) Anyway, here’s what’s coming up in the next few weeks.

Learn how to make “real” sauerkraut and pickles Feb. 6

Babywearing Bliss: Jan. 10
Park + Vine hosts Babywearing Bliss, a free workshop on safely and comfortably carrying a baby from birth through toddler years the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Megan Seaman-Kossmeyer, co-leader of the Cincinnati chapter of Attachment Parenting International, facilitates this monthly exchange. Experiment and ask questions about the different kinds of carriers (wraps, ring slings, pouches, mei tais and soft-structured) and browse our selection after the class.

Bicycling Basics: Jan. 16
While the weather outside is a tad frightful, there’s still plenty of reason to get on your bike and enjoy our beautiful city this time of year. Get some practical and encouraging winter riding tips from Katie Vogel of MoBo Bicycle Cooperative 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16 at Park + Vine. Discussion includes pointers on basic maintenance and safety, dressing for inclement weather, and how to carry groceries. Space is limited to 30 people. While this workshop is free to the community, donations to MoBo are greatly appreciated. RSVP info[at]parkandvine[dot]com or 513-721-7275 before Jan. 15.

The Flu and You: Jan. 17
Learn the truth behind the H1N1 virus, the seasonal flu and what you can do to fight them naturally 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17 at Park + Vine. Presented by Dr. Michael Nichols, BS, DC, FICPA, co-owner of Gateways to Healing. Space is limited to 30 people. Free. RSVP GateToHealing@aol.com or 513-321-3317.

Composting and Bokashi Basics: Jan. 23
Get the basics on converting yard, garden and kitchen waste into soil-building compost 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23 at Park + Vine. Discover how the Bokashi method utilizes effective micro-organisms to compost kitchen scraps, as well. With Corina Bullock of the Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati and Roy Mastromauro. Space is limited to 30 people. $5 suggested donation benefits Civic Garden Center. RSVP info[at]parkandvine[dot]com or 513-721-7275 before Jan. 22.

More Great Cincinnati Families at Home: Nov. 27-Jan. 24
More Great Cincinnati Families at Home will move Friday, Nov. 27 from the Betts House to Park + Vine. Take in a little architectural history while you shop the day after Thanksgiving 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27 for Holidays in the Bag. Park + Vine is offering 20 percent off everything you can fit into a Gateway Quarter bag ($3). The exhibit, which runs through Jan. 24, showcases the private residences of the Emery, Longworth-Anderson, Maxwell-Schmidlapp-Graydon, and Werk-Oskamp families, and shares stories about these well-known Cincinnatians. Park + Vine hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 am. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Home Energy Card Game: Jan. 24
Play the Home Energy Card Game and pick up cost-saving ideas to put into practice immediately 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24 at Park + Vine. This free gaming workshop is fun and educational for the whole family (ages 12 and up). Prizes and refreshments provided. Presented by University of Cincinnati through Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. RSVP Susan Vonderhaar at saveenergycincy@yahoo.com before Friday, Jan. 22.

Slow Food Cincinnati 2010 Kickoff Meeting: Jan. 27
Join Slow Food Cincinnati for their 2010 Kickoff Meeting 6 p.m. Jan. 27 at Park + Vine

Forgotten Cincinnati: Jan. 29-Feb. 21
The exhibition Forgotten Cincinnati opens 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29 at Park + Vine, 1109 Vine Street. From abandoned churches to derelict industries and other forgotten locales, Sherman Cahal, Zach Fein and Ronny Salerno present photographs of a deserted Queen City. Forgotten Cincinnati runs through Feb. 21.

Rain Barrels 101: Jan. 30
Learn how to harvest rainwater with a simple system 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 at Park + Vine, 1109 Vine Street. Representatives from Cincy Rain Barrels, Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati, and Mill Creek Watershed Council of Communities will outline easy ways to reduce storm water runoff, improve water quality and promote water conservation with rain gardens and rain barrels. Space is limited to 25. RSVP info@parkandvine.com or 513-721-7275 before Jan. 29.

GrapeVINE: Feb. 5
Taste wines from a specific region and socialize with friends at GrapeVINE 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5 in Over-the-Rhine’s Gateway Quarter

Fabulous Fermentation 101: Feb. 6
Find out why organic and naturally fermented veggies are good for you and how to make “real” sauerkraut and pickles at home from Jordan Aversman and Jennifer De Marco of Fab Ferments 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 6 at Park + Vine. This beginners workshop features a health educational overview, a fabulous fermentation demonstration and a question-and-answer session. Space is limited to 30 people. While this workshop is free to the community, donations are greatly appreciated. UPDATE: This workshop is full. Check back for the next one.

Cloth Diapering Cuteness: Feb. 7
Park + Vine hosts an informal class on all aspects of cloth diapering the first Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Our two in-house mamas, Caitlin Porter-Loverin and Elizabeth Whitton, tailor each discussion to the specific questions of present parents. Afterward, browse the best selection of cloth diapers in Cincinnati and take advantage of Park + Vine’s package discounts.

Sweet Peace Bakery Valentine’s Day Bake Sale: Feb. 13
Make Valentine’s Day extra sweet with Sweet Peace Bakery 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 at Park + Vine. Mary Beth King is bringing many favorites, including Betterfingers, Oatmeal Cream Pies, Blueberry Orange Muffins, cookies, breads and more. Share the love, buy vegan goodies.

Babywearing Bliss: Feb. 14
Park + Vine hosts Babywearing Bliss, a free workshop on safely and comfortably carrying a baby from birth through toddler years the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Megan Seaman-Kossmeyer, co-leader of the Cincinnati chapter of Attachment Parenting International, facilitates this monthly exchange. Experiment and ask questions about the different kinds of carriers (wraps, ring slings, pouches, mei tais and soft-structured) and browse our selection after the class.

Home Gardening 101: April 3
What can be more local than your own backyard or balcony? Learn what foods grow easily here in Cincinnati, and how to do it yourself from Gretchen Vaughn of Greensleeves Farm 11 a.m. April 3 at Park + Vine. Demonstrations include seed sowing and transplanting. Spring seedlings available for sale. Seating is limited. RSVP Gretchen at greensleevesfarm@gmail.com.

Home Gardening 101: April 10
What can be more local than your own backyard or balcony? Learn what foods grow easily here in Cincinnati, and how to do it yourself from Gretchen Vaughn of Greensleeves Farm 11 a.m. April 10 at Park + Vine. Demonstrations include seed sowing and transplanting. Spring seedlings available for sale. Seating is limited. RSVP Gretchen at greensleevesfarm@gmail.com.

Canning Basics: July 17, Aug. 14, Sept. 11
Figure out what to do with the food you’ve grown, while getting the basics on canning, from Gretchen Vaughn of Greensleeves Farm 11 a.m. July 17, Aug. 14 and Sept. 11 at Park + Vine. Safety issues and more are covered with a water-bath canning demonstration and a discussion on pressure canning. Seating is limited. RSVP Gretchen at greensleevesfarm@gmail.com.

It’s another big weekend here at Park + Vine starting with Cincinnati’s UCAN nonprofit spay + neuter clinic in the store 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 with 10 percent of sales going toward the organization’s mission to reduce pet overpopulation. Sustainable Sunday starts at 11 a.m. with walking and stops for coffee at Coffee Emporium and lunch at Keystone Bar & Grill, followed by Neighborhood Swap Meet at Coffee Emporium. And then there’s the monthly Babywearing Bliss 2 p.m. Sunday. Whew

Shop For UCAN: Dec. 12
Support the United Coalition for Animals while shopping for eco-friendly gifts 10 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 at Park + Vine, 1109 Vine Street, Over-the-Rhine. Park + Vine is donating 10 percent of all purchases to UCAN. Staff and volunteers will share information on the organization’s mission to reduce pet overpopulation and the high rate of euthanasia of healthy cats and dogs.

Sustainable Sunday: Dec. 13
Join other foodies and walkers for Sustainable Sunday starting at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 at Park + Vine. Plan on a leisurely 3- to 5-mile stroll with a stop at Coffee Emporium before heading through downtown Cincinnati and across the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge to Keystone Bar & Grill, Covington, for lunch around the fireplace. Walk ends around 2 p.m. or so at Park + Vine. Vegan options available. Space is limited to 25. Pay as you go. RSVP 513-721-7275 or info@parkandvine.com before Dec. 11.

Babywearing Bliss: Dec. 13
Park + Vine hosts Babywearing Bliss, a free workshop on safely and comfortably carrying a baby from birth through toddler years the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Megan Seaman-Kossmeyer, co-leader of the Cincinnati chapter of Attachment Parenting International, facilitates this monthly exchange. Experiment and ask questions about the different kinds of carriers (wraps, ring slings, pouches, mei tais and soft-structured) and browse our selection after the class.

Neighborhood Swap Meet: Dec. 13
Park + Vine, Coffee Emporium and Share Some Sugar are co-hosting the first Neighborhood Swap Meet 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. Great place for finding ‘recycled’ gifts while bartering your old stuff.

A Park + Vine classic (yes, we already have classics) has returned and just in time for the holidays: Just Soap, a pedal-powered natural soap that is blended with a bicycle. Why the bicycle? The bicycle is one of the most significant innovations since 1800 and to Just Soap founder Frederick Breeden it’s a good way to endure hours of stirring soap.

Breeden–a bicycling enthusiast and environmentalist–developed this more efficient and Earth-friendly method of mixing soap. He shared his vision with a bicycle builder, and the result is a one-of-a-kind bicycle-powered soap blender.

Just Soap products are biodegradable and are never tested on animals. Fred uses recycled boxes and minimal packaging. Scents currently available at Park + Vine include Cinnamon Clove, Rosemary, Orange Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary Shampoo, and Sage Fir.

Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special? Avoid the traffic and crowds and start your search at our very own neighborhood’s Holidays in the Bag 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27. Grab a Gateway Quarter shopping bag on the corner of 12th and Vine streets and shove as many goods as you can in the bag to receive 20 percent off your purchases. Participating stores include Park + Vine, Mica 12/v, The Little Mahatma, Switch, Incredible Creations, Metronation, Joseph Williams Home, A Lucky Step, Outside, Atomic #10 and Ensemble Theatre.

Photo credit: Randy Weeks

Santa will be riding through the streets on a Segway, courtesy of the Segway Store located at the corner of Central Parkway and Vine Street. Look for Santa riding a bicycle and distributing organic candy canes, too. After shopping, grab something to eat or drink at Lavomatic, Venice on Vine, Coffee Emporium and Below Zero Lounge, and enjoy the beginning of the holiday season.

If you’ve ever had one of Lisa Burke’s Bahama Bars or Cowboy Cookies, you’ll love that she’ll be sampling her all-natural vegan breads, muffins and bars for your Thanksgiving gathering noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25 here at Park + Vine.

Lisa has baked for local health food stores, restaurants and coffee shops for more than 10 years under the name Naturally Yours Vegan Baking and Catering. She makes wholesome, healthy (they are about 90 percent organic) and vegan breads, cookies, muffins, scones, cakes and bars.

The biggest local shopping event of the year, BuyCincy’s Cincinnati Unchained, takes place the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 21. Stores citywide are offering deals, gifts and charitable donations during this annual campaign that highlights locally-owned businesses. Park + Vine is donating 10 percent of all purchases to Enright Ridge Urban Ecovillage 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Meet the potters from Plasket Pottery 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at a mini in-store pottery show.

Shopping locally has real economic benefits and is far from being elitist or anti-corporate. It’s about our city’s economic well-being. The fact is that local businesses use goods and services of their peers and, therefore, recirculate money an estimated 3.5 times longer than if it’s spent at a chain store. It’s really simple so be sure to do your part.

Cincinnati Unchained sponsoring businesses:

• Atomic Number Ten – 1306 Main St., Over-the-Rhine
• Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore & Decafe – 3054 Madison Rd., Oakley
• Bromwell’s – 117 W. 4h St., Downtown
• Chicken Lays an Egg – 1608 Chase Ave., Northside
• College Hill Coffee Co. – 6128 Hamilton Ave., College Hill
• Contemporary Arts Center – 44 E 6th St., Downtown
• Dojo Gelato – 1801 Race St. (Findlay Market), Over-the-Rhine
• Essencha Tea House & Fine Teas – 3212a Madison Rd., Oakley
• Field of Vue – 334 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue
• Findlay Market- 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine
• indigenous – 2008 Madison Rd., O’Bryonville
• Litwin’s – 7565 Kenwood Rd. Suite 204, Kenwood
• Joseph Williams Home – 1232 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
• NVISION – 4577 Hamilton Ave., Northside
• Park + Vine- 1109 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
• The Spotted Goose – 3048 Madison Rd., Oakley
• Switch – 1207A Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
• Yottaquest – 7607 Hamilton Ave., Mt. Healthy