Mom serves up 'fresh' ice cream, yogurt in Five Points

I grew up in small villages in upstate New York. And in every single one of those tiny towns, there was at least one local ice cream shop.

I'm talking about small operations, sometimes attached to a shop or restaurant, where you might choose from a half dozen flavors. My summers were full of bike rides and walks for a cone to places such as the Park It Market. (I still love saying that store's name).

Fresh is owned by Maria Minichiello, the mom of two grown children. I was thrilled to find out that the shop was opening and surprised to see Maria there. Years ago, she made my work days survivable when I worked downtown and she opened a coffee shop there. She has no idea, but she also made the first few months of my first pregnancy a little easier. I craved egg salad sandwiches and she served them.

Minichiello, a long-time small business owner, sold the coffee shop and opened Fresh at the beginning of the year.

So as summer comes to an end, I thought I'd feature a local mom today who has made my summer a little sweeter. Thank you Maria!

Watch the video to hear more from Minichiello and see the shop.