Third World art offered for sale

Handcrafts and home decor items from developing countries are available at Ten Thousand Villages, a shop that opened Nov. 1 in O'Bryonville.

"Ten Thousand Villages, a nonprofit store, works with artisans from more than 30 Third World countries to market their handcrafted items," store manager Cheryl Ruh said. "The store's name reflects the interrelated nature of our world."

The Cincinnati store joins almost 100 other such stores across North America.. Ten Thousand Villages says it pays the artists a fair wage that allows them to feed, clothe and educate their families.

In addition to what it sells at its 2011 Madison Road location, Ten Thousand Villages can arrange off-site sales at churches and other organizations.

Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. The store is staffed largely by volunteers and is looking for additional volunteers, Ms. Ruh said.

Information: 871-5840.

Julie Marie's takes pride in breakfast

Breakfast any time, biscuits from scratch and homemade desserts are a few specialties of Julie Marie's Family Dining, now open in Price Hill.

The casual eatery, at 5714 Glenway Ave., prides itself on its home cooking.

"Everything is made from scratch daily," co-owner Karen McClain said. "Our breakfast features everything from steak and eggs to Belgian waffles."

Julie Marie's offers daily lunch and dinner specials. Sugar-free desserts are available.

Hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Information: 347-0023.

Two new businesses in Union Centre

Two new businesses are locating at Union Centre Pavilion. The shopping center is at Union Centre Boulevard and Ohio 747 in West Chester Township.

Page's Pet & Bait specializes in aquatic pets as well as unusual fish tanks such as coffee table or headboard models. The store also provides home maintenance of tanks.

For those who prefer drier pets, the shop also carries dogs, cats, reptiles and rodents, and a variety of pet supplies.

Page's Pet & Bait will open in January.

Information: 874-PETS.

Helping folks on a budget look good is the aim of $1.99 Deluxe Cleaners and Alterations.

The full-service business offers leather cleaning and laundry capabilities. As the company's name suggests, the cost per item for dry cleaning is $1.99.

The shop is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Information: 874-8704.

National award for hardware man

John Davis' helpful ways have earned him special recognition from Ace Hardware Corp.

Mr. Davis, who works at Ace Hardware, 4185 Tonya Trail in Hamilton, was one of five company associates nationwide honored as top-performing retailer associates, embodying Ace's "helpful hardware" emphasis. Such recognition is done on a quarterly basis, said Natalie Danaher, corporate spokeswoman.

"John takes everyone's projects into his own hands," Raymond Van Praag, the store's manager, said. "He is a perfectionist and strives to get the job done right the first time. He makes sure the customers have everything they need to complete their projects."

The Hamilton store is one of 5,000 independently owned enterprises in all 50 U.S. states and 72 countries.

Information: 863-9322.

Sharonville shop offers sparkle

Seasonal sparkle is on display at a new Sharonville specialty shop.

Sekerak's Stained Glass and Art Decor brings together the creative talents of Clarence and Nancy Sekerak and their daughter-in-law Crystal. Mr. Sekerak, a mechanical engineer who took early retirement, has painted watercolors semi-professionally for many years. He also designs stained-glass pieces that his wife executes. Crystal Sekerak creates Italian glass beaded jewelry.

Available are stained-glass garden stakes and window valences, stained-glass gold-plated ornaments, nightlights, three-dimensional stars and hand-painted greeting cards with frames available.

The shop contains studios for its owners, who accept commissions for both watercolor and stained-glass work.

Sekerak's Stained Glass and Art Decor is at 3277 Creek Road in the Depot Square Train Station.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Information: 769-1050.

E-mail jcallison@cinci.rr.com or fax 564-6991 with openings, expansions and other news about neighborhood businesses.