By Jenny Callison
Enquirer contributor

New health spa on Mt. Alverno

DELHI TWP. - A new spa aims to create an oasis of relaxation.

The Alverno Salon & Spa, at 5169 Mt. Alverno Road, offers skin, nail, hair and body care.

Manager of the salon and spa is Terry Wissman, formerly a hair designer at the Saks Fifth Avenue salon in downtown Cincinnati. Wissman has more than 25 years' experience in the health and beauty field. The staff includes stylists, nail technicians, aestheticians and masseuses.

Interior design was done by Nancy Willman of Willman Design.

"Our strategy is to make visible through design that Alverno is both a place and an experience, to feel better and emerge renewed," said owner Jack Michale.

"Interesting colors, beautiful textures, images and music, along with a knowledgeable, nurturing staff, create the Alverno experience."

Michale is the owner of Del Fair Plaza, where the salon is located.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday

Information: 451-9170.

Miter Box frame shop re-purchased

SILVERTON - The former owner of a picture framing shop here has just purchased it again.

Rusty Ferdon is both the founder and the new owner of The Miter Box. He established the framing shop in 1977 and sold it in 1988. His re-purchase of the business was completed Oct. 31.

"All framing is done on premises," Ferdon said. "Selections are varied and probably different from many shops'."

Ferdon hopes that his former customers will come by and say hello. The Miter Box is at 7220 Montgomery Road. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and other times by appointment. Delivery is available.

Information: 984-4747.

Teranga features W. African food

SPRINGFIELD TWP. - The aromatic cuisine of West Africa is served up every day at a new restaurant.

Teranga Restaurant is owned by Senegalese native Mor Diallo. Diallo opened the restaurant this summer to offer a taste of home to Cincinnati's African community and to introduce his homeland's fare to area residents.

The restaurant, at 9438 Vine St., is open from 8 a.m. to midnight seven days a week. Lunch and dinner specials feature chicken, fish, beef and lamb, as well as tropical fruits and vegetables. Sunday brunch and after-work appetizers are also served. Customers may dine in or take out.

Information: 821-1300.

Family histories documented

LIBERTY TWP. - A new business in Liberty Township helps customers document their family histories.

Mary Ann Mayers founded Extraordinary Lives, LLC, which combines storytelling with photos, family movies and historical records to create a comprehensive and colorful family history for her clients. There is a choice of methods to preserve important memories and memorabilia: published books, memory books, video and audio recordings and DVDs.

The project involves in-depth interviews of the subject, so the process requires both interpersonal skills and technology, said Mayers.

Preserved family histories are being used to celebrate family milestones or to remember loved ones, Mayers said.

The company is at 5571 Deer Valley Court, Suite 102.

Information: 385-1637.

Picture This! opens second location

COLD SPRING - A scrapbook business is spawning a second location in Northern Kentucky.

Picture This! Scrapbooks 'n' More will open later this month in the new Cold Spring Crossing Shopping Plaza (near the new Kohl's store). The original store, at 2220 Grandview Drive in Fort Mitchell, has been open for three years.

"We specialize in scrapbook products and education," explained owner Debbie Zegarra. "We offer the newest products available in the market and have classes to introduce customers to the products, teach them new techniques, and plan special scrapbooks they are working on."

The store also allows customers to use their space and tools for a nominal fee. Parties are welcome.

Hours at both stores are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 5 p.m Sunday.

Information: 859 344-1734 or www.picturethisnmore.com.

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