Crazy for Cupcakes!

The nationwide popular craze for cupcakes has hit the north shore.  Many cupcakeries have sprung up in the last few years but one sticks out among the rest.  Cupcake City in Reading, MA has proved their prominence both locally and nationally. 

Celebrating Cupcake City’s first year anniversary this month, owners and friends Kristin Cataldo and Karin DiNapoli said, "Business is Booming."  These two local moms decided to turn their love for baking into a culinary entrepreneurship. Last May, after being open for a short six months, Cupcake City was featured on "Phantom Gourmet," receiving nationwide recognition for their unique sweets. 

Freshly baked everyday, the cupcakes from this bakery are a hit.  On a single Saturday, Cupcake City will sell an average of 700-800 cupcakes. Often, the local café will have to close their doors early because they’ve sold out of their tempting treats! What makes these cupcakes so irresistible?

DeNapoli and Cataldo have brought baking to a whole new level.  The artistry that is brought to each treat makes indulgence in these desserts fun for every customer. And they cater to all tastes.  Seasonal fall flavors include Pumpkin, Apple Caramel, and Sweet Potato Pecan.  Everyday specialties include Hot Fudge Sundae, Salted Caramel, Maple Pancake and Smores.  Their most popular flavor is a vamped up version of the classic kid’s treat: Hostess.

Each cake is priced at $2.75 each, though on Sunday customers come in for the dozen special.  Whether visiting for a single cup or treating your friends with a box full of fun flavored cakes, you will not be able to visit Cupcake City just once.  Flavors change daily so the anticipation of surprise lingers.  In fact, DiNapoli and Cataldo will cater to any customer’s desires. You’d be surprised to hear the various and intricate cupcakes they’ve made special-ordered for imaginative customers.

Cupcake City has also gone mobile.  Their truck o' treats visits local athletic fields, fairs and various venues that request their presence.  Regis College hosted this big pink truck for the start of their fall semester as a way to welcome incoming and returning students.  This proved a nice change from the usual ice cream truck, while bringing about the same enthusiasm that the beloved vehicle faithfully excites.

Locals and visitors alike have proclaimed Cupcake City as a must-visit.  This small bakery has done everything right by appealing to the local community, providing corporate catering and traveling the roads of Massachusetts for personal delivery.

So what are you waiting for?  Try out what “Phantom Gourmet” and many others are calling the north shore’s hidden gem for the sweet-tooth.

New Soccer Coach Sought, Big Splash Wanted

Gordon has launched a nationwide search for a new men’s soccer coach to lead what athletic director Jon Tymann calls the “longest and strongest running program for Gordon athletics.”

Tymann, Vice President of Student Life Barry Loy and President Michael D. Lindsay are strongly backing the expansive search.

“This is a college-wide decision,” said Tymann.  “The chance to improve and advance the men’s soccer program is a priority for our campus as a whole. “  

“I believe very much in Gordon athletics,” Lindsay said.  “The athletic program is the most visible witness that we have as an institution.”

The search team is looking for a groundbreaking and distinguished soccer coach with extensive experience with Division III soccer. Tymann said he wants to bring a high-profile name, someone with “long standing experience, proof of success in regards to recruiting, a winning track record, … someone who will develop the program to upgrade our profile as a college.”

“We want to heighten the profile of the Gordon soccer program and the athletics as a whole,” he said. “It is the most successful program in regards to reaching alumni, sponsors and donors for the college.”

The decision to replace Johnny Whallon was first discussed at the end of the fall season, which Gordon finished with a 6-12-1 record. The department is in the early stages of the search, and there are no specific names being discussed.  

   

Lindsay said he knows that only the best candidates will be considered for the position. He said he’s confident Tymann can judge on coaching capability, and he’ll be looking for additional traits. 

“I’ll be looking for the same thing in a coach as I do in faculty,” Lindsay said. “By the time they (the candidates) get to me, I’ll be looking at the candidate’s ability to love. Love the game of soccer, the Gordon athletics, the student athletes and the community.” 

Wins bring fans, support and strength to a campus. But the Scots’ new soccer head coach will be expected to bring more than numbers on the scoreboard. The mission statement proclaims that our athletic program, “strives to prepare men and women to be student-athletes distinguished by integrity, winning effort and Christian conduct in competition.”   

Whallon said even when things were tough, last year’s team showed its character.  

“The biggest attribute of our team is the fact that our guys never collapse on each other,” said Whallon. “Everyone can be happy when you win but it’s harder to stay positive when you lose. The atmosphere never deteriorated.”

“That’s what makes this a different place,” said President Lindsay.