I know I complain often enough about some of my duties as a staff writer for The Evening Sun. More often than not, those gripes are about the sheer number of school board and other meetings I am committed to attending. But I’m not going to lie, my job has a few perks.
One of them is that, on occasion, we’re asked to be a special guest at certain events. I’m not sure why exactly some people seem to see my colleagues and I as having some kind of pseudo-celebrity status, but it feeds our needy little egos, so you don’t hear us complaining. Much, anyway.
Sure, we know they just want to ensure excellent coverage of their event, fervently hoping we’ll also blog or write our respective columns about it. We oblige them, of course, because we’re always willing to give our all for a good cause.
And we thoroughly enjoy the “love” we receive in return. (See “needy little ego” comment above.) Yes, flattery will get you everywhere.
As will flowers, chocolate and jewelry ... But I digress.
Now, it’s a well known fact that I’m a sucker for baked goods. Particularly cupcakes. Apparently my poetic waxings on this topic drew the attention of the Oxford Community Youth Center’s board of directors.
Last year the group held their first Cupcake Euphoria. It was a wonderful evening, with cupcakes donated by restaurants, caterers and bakeries from all across Chenango County. These delightful confections were sold for $1 each to support all the great things the organization does for the youth of Oxford.
The decadent desserts were served by culinary students from DCMO BOCES, against a regal backdrop painted by Oxford High School’s art teacher, Joni Eaton, and her students. And as an apres cupcake treat (you should always eat dessert first!), the families in attendance were treated to a musical storytelling performance.
Proceeds from the sale of all those fanciful cupcakes, and the minimal admission charge, went to supporting the Youth Center’s After School Program – which provides a supervised setting for approximately 40 Middle School students in grades 5 to 8, at no charge to parents.
I remember Linda LaRosa-Mosner, who spearheaded the event, describing it as a win-win for not only her organization, but for all the businesses who contributed sweets for the sale. And she was right. Although I would have tacked on another “win” at the end, for the community, because it really was a spectacular evening.
I myself purchased a number of cupcakes, which I carefully packed into a to-go container I begged and pleaded off some impressionable young child. Please, he didn’t need all that sugar. (I’m kidding of course; his mother sent him over with it when she saw my dilemma.)
My family was thrilled when I returned home with my bounty. I had to resist the almost overwhelming urge to slap their greedy little hands away so I could hog those babies to myself. But, you’ll be happy to know I did share. At least some of them. The La Maison Blanche and Bohemian Moon ones I kept for myself.
The French bakery and its sister restaurant were two of the businesses who contributed last year. Baker’s Maple, Café Connection, Canasawacta Country Club, Carmen’s, DCMO BOCES Culinary Department, Fred’s Inn, Hoppie’s Ice Cream Parlor, Mr. Chubbs, North Star Café, P&C, The Parson’s Daughter and Price Chopper were some of the others. Houndstooth Bakery & Boutique even provided some puppy-cakes suitable for four-legged family members. All told, there were some 800 cupcake creations to be sampled.
Yep, it was definitely a good time.
Which is why, when Linda approached me about being a “Celebrity” judge for this year’s event, I absolutely jumped at the chance. And then, when no one was looking, I did a little happy dance.
Did I mention I love cupcakes?
She did, however, throw me for a loop when she asked me about my “qualifications” for this important role.
Well, I’m incredibly judgmental and there is my life-long affinity for all things baked and frosted. I’d say that makes me perfectly qualified, wouldn’t you?
The Oxford Community Youth Center’s 2nd annual Cupcake Euphoria will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19 in the Oxford Academy & Central Schools Performing Arts Auditorium. Admission is $1 with the donation of a non-perishable food item for the Oxford Food Pantry. Entertainment will be provided by Oxford students, under the direction of Julie Solomon and student artwork will also be on display.
Awards will be given for The Best Tasting Cupcake, Best Decorated Cupcake and Most Creative Cupcake. (Judged by yours truly and a panel of other celebrity judges.) Don’t worry, they’ll all be on display – and on sale – for everyone to enjoy.
Linda tells me she’s still looking for more businesses to donate baked goods for the event. Anyone interested in participating in this “Euphoric” event can contact her at mosner@frontiernet.net.

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