shore magazine

style & culture

Frederik & Lena Meijer’s

acres of art

june 2009

BEER FOR MEN

ANOTHER APPROACH TO ROMANTIC GETAWAYS

Daniel Burnham’s Historic Vision

BY JULIE DEAN KESSLER

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INCLUDING Julia Perla on MOTHER OF INVENTION Jane Dunne on OUT-OF-THE-BOX CHEFS Rick Kaempfer on INNOVATION INVASION

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contents JUNE 2009

156

Timeless Architecture

BY JULIE DEAN KESSLER AND JENNIFER MORAN

How the Chicago-to-Northwest Indiana lakefront became what it is, is due in large part to the vision and the drive of these forward-thinking architects.

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62

People Persuasion, Innovation Invasion BY RICK KAEMPFER Dialing up interactive experiences at Krasl; building a think tank in Chicago; renewing a quaint Southwest Michigan village; designing custom ice cream; and delivering any menu from anywhere— all ideas whose time may have come.

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Acres of Art BY PAT COLANDER

The best way to stroll through Grand Rapids’ exquisite Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park— is with Frederik and Lena Meijer.

Culinary Invention BY JANE DUNNE

Brilliant chefs, who create high-style comfort food with impeccable—often locally grown—ingredients, make these places shine with innovation and creativity.

PHOTOGRAPHER RICHARD HELLYER LOCATION GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM ART DIRECTION JOE DURK HAIR/MAKEUP KIM RICKETTS MODEL BIANCA ALEXANDER REALITY MODELS & TALENT KALAMAZOO, MICH. APPAREL MCSHANE’S EXCHANGE CHICAGO, ILL.

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contents JUNE 2009

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36

28

80 CLICKS 40 42 43 44 45 46

Ox-Bow Winter Benefit Fashion for a Cause The Other Side Show Mystery Dinner Theater Care to Cure Benefit Shamrock Ball/ Ladies’ Night Out 47 Art of Healing/ Mardi Gras Ball

HOUSE & GROUNDS 80

SHORELINES 23

INTRO Lisa Formosa-Parmigiano’s broader mission at Valparaiso’s Chicago Street Theatre is to get the community involved, on- and offstage.

24

LISTEN With home system downloading, the quality of audio collecting and listening has never been better; plus, Mary Poppins visits Chicago.

26

SHAW THOUGHTS

BY TERRI GORDON

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30

MOTORING A Corvette lover’s bonanza, with the re-introduction of the legendary ZR1, and a pair of summer ’Vette fests.

WHERE TO GO At Saugatuck Brewing Company, the getaway weekend takes a masculine focus by inviting men to pick out a recipe and make their own beer.

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38

LAST RESORT 96

HEALTH CLUB Relax at the Rhumbline Regatta water party; Dr. Arnold warns about teeth-clenching migraines; and a summer meal rich with antioxidants.

Dream, Think, Do

BY JULIA PERLA

Why we tolerate and nurture three types of inventors—dreamers, thinkers and doers—even though there’s only one personality type that will reliably get anything done.

GREEN NOTES Susan Fredman Design Group hosts a workshop to raise green-consciousness for retreat homes; Alliance for the Great Lakes director Cameron Davis recommends shorter showers; and Third Coast introduces the recycled surfboard.

CULTURE NUT An artists’ co-op in St. Joseph, where no one does the same thing; the Actors Gymnasium in Evanston teaches the best moves; and Saugatuck’s Waterfront Film Festival, better than ever.

The Myron family’s cottage was torn down and rebuilt, but the three generations of memories have been carefully preserved.

INTERVIEW Loreen Niewenhuis likes walking on the beach, so she is walking the whole Lake Michigan beach.

By design in February, a long-awaited mega-break in Cartagena, a South American paradise.

28

Lakeside Landing Organizes

HOTSPOTS 50 74 79 84 94

Essential Events Bite & Sip Living the Dream Shore Things Shorecast

12 Publisher’s Letter 14 Editor’s Letter

photography courtesy of [clockwise, from top left] BARRY JOHNSON/SAUGATUCK BREWING CO., JOAN MARCUS, SUSAN FREDMAN DESIGN GROUP, MICHAEL ROBINSON, THE ACTOR’S GYMNASIUM

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publisher’s

letter

M

y personal rites of spring began this year with me taking advantage of an auction item I purchased at the Opportunity enterprises Banquet this winter. As I blindly followed my wife Julie from item to item, one in particular caught my eye.

It was a day fishing trip on lake Michigan with Fuzzy Bear Charters. In a wonderful gesture, Bill Dodrill had purchased this trip from his friend Fuzzy and then donated it to this very worthy event.

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Not knowing what to expect, I traveled out with four other invited friends for what wound up being a fantastic trip with Capt. Carl “Fuzzy” Stopczynski and his 38-foot U.S. Coast Guard-licensed boat. Fuzzy doesn’t have many rules, but #1A (#1 is safety) is to have fun. Armed with a huge hull that includes sleeping quarters, a big bathroom (for a boat), dining room, kitchen and microwave, heat and air conditioning, people aren’t really roughing it too much when the outside elements become uncomfortable. Of course catching fish is always fun, and this Master Angler Award Winner has over 25 years of Great Lakes experience. More importantly, he is a great guy who caters to not only “the guys” out on a fishing trip, but to families with kids. If you’re looking for a good, positive experience for someone, try one of Fuzzy’s charters; you won’t be disappointed.

I must admit that I appreciate and enjoy hearing the words “Grand Opening,” more than ever.

Congratulations go out to the Lighthouse restaurant and banquet facility that just opened its doors in Cedar Lake. I can’t wait to join Bill Wellman and Dean White for what I am willing to bet will be

the best steak in the region!

Likewise, the retro-fitted Michigan City Yacht Club is now Harbor Grill, adjacent to the beach and Washington Park. This month, we are looking forward to the Rhumbline Regatta at the St. Joe Yacht Club, the PrePierogi Fest Ice Cream Event mid-month in Whiting, and our first house party of the season at Baldwin Landing in Elkhart (square1builders. com).

We’re also looking forward to the Krasl Concours and the Epicurean Classic, which has moved from Traverse City to St. Joseph this year, increasing the chance that we will make it to the event by about 100 percent. Also, we want to mention how fond we have grown of the great cooking, the microbrews and the fresh fish at Bartlett’s in Beverly Shores and we are looking forward to sultry afternoons on Gary Sanders and Nicole Bissonnette’s new outdoor deck. Though we have been through Buchanan, Michigan—usually on the way to Tabor Hill—stopping in town is definitely on our to-do list, now that there are new restaurants and shops. I’m thinking this is going to be a great summer.

Bill Masterson Jr.

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T

he warm center of this humbling winter is that I’ve lavished time in cyberspace writing newsy e-letters to readers, old friends, new friends, friends of friends. Besides the obvious advantages of just plain keeping in touch with the Shore community via these weekly e-products, there is a great freedom that comes with online communication.

Worries about space constraints vanish—although I feel personal pressure to keep it brief and lively—but also I am so much better at writing things down as they occur.

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In theory, I could be using this notable, important information within hours, instead of in an article that will appear months down the road. If I don’t forget about it first. So, please subscribe to our e-newser if you haven’t already at nwi.com/ pages/newsletters (there are also other e-newsers on the list that you might be interested in trying, including Get Healthy, NWI Parent and BusINess), or go to visitshoremagazine.com and read the “Shorelines” blog.

If you want to get involved in even greater detail, follow “shorefan” on Twitter. Now that the sun is out, I’m sure all of our lives are going to get a bit more interesting.

Back in January I was cleaning a closet that turned into a shoe inventory reality check. I have pairs of shoes that I had completely forgotten about. Not shoes that don’t fit or are unattractive or that I hate wearing because they bring back unpleasant memories. Most are classics, so they aren’t out of style.

I just forgot about them.

(My husband is worse. He had buried and forgotten a nice pair of Ferragamo loafers and then bought another pair just like it.)

At this point, we should be, and are, ashamed of this

wretched excess. Personal luxury because you are so special and you deserve it?

No, we don’t deserve. We’ve been wasteful enough. It is time to revel in what we can save, recycle, update and use again. Reduce that carbon footprint. Return to quality, abandon quantity and volume. So, this issue is dedicated to making do, living small, restoring and re-inventing. From Daniel Burnham—who had a vision about rebuilding a burnt-out city and making a lakefront garbage dump into a park—to men making their own beer in Saugatuck, we take a hard look at a host of original ideas that will end up preserving what’s valuable and eliminating the excess.

Next month we have entertainment and show biz madness in Chicago, Crown Point and Traverse City. Find out how an innocent general manager of a Lake Michiganarea lifestyle magazine became an overnight sensation as a Depression-era journalist grilling Johnny Depp about how long it takes to rob a bank, in the soonto-open blockbuster Public Enemies. Clue: it helps if you hit it off with the big-name Hollywood director who also grew up in Chicago.

Pat Colander

style & culture

Publisher Bill Masterson, Jr. General Manager Donald Asher Director of Product Development Christopher Loretto 219.933.3243 cloretto@nwitimes.com Senior Account Executive Lisa Tavoletti Illinois/Indiana/Michigan 219.933.4182 ltavoletti@nwitimes.com Account Executive Mary Sorensen Michigan 616.451.3006 msorensen@nwitimes.com Traffic Manager Tom Kacius Pre-press Specialists Maureen Benak Rhonda Fancher Advertising Designers Dave Annable Ryan Berry Tracy Ferguson Mark Fortney Jeff Olejnik Christina Somers Kathleen Stein

Published by Lee Enterprises The Times of Northwest Indiana Niche Division 601 W 45th Street Munster, Indiana 46321 219.933.3200 Michigan/Indiana Sales 1111 Glendale Boulevard Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 219.462.5151

New Subscriptions, Renewals, Inquiries and Changes of Address: Shore Magazine Circulation Dept., 601 W 45th St, Munster, IN 46321, or 800.589.2802, or visitshoremagazine.com Reprints and Permissions: You must have permission before reproducing material from Shore magazine.

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Single copy price is $4.95.

One-year subscriptions $20 (8 issues) Two-year subscriptions $25 (16 issues) Three-year subscriptions $35 (24 issues)

volume 5 / number 4

Editor / Associate Publisher Pat Colander 219.933.3225 pcolander@nwitimes.com Art Director Joe Durk 219.933.3277 jdurk@nwitimes.com Managing Editor Julia Perla 219.933.3353 jperla@nwitimes.com Assistant Managing Editor Kathryn MacNeil 219.933.3264 kmacneil@nwitimes.com Designers April Burford Matt Huss Contributing Editors Jane Ammeson Heather Augustyn Lois Berger Sue Bero Robert Blaszkiewicz Christy Bonstell Ashley Boyer Claire Bushey John Cain Laura Caldwell Donna M. Chavez Tom Chmielewski Juli Doshan Jane Dunne Rob Earnshaw Jeremy Gantz Terri Gordon Dave Hoekstra Seth “tower� Hurd Jim Jackson Rick Kaempfer Lauri Harvey Keagle Julie Dean Kessler Mark Loehrke Joey Marburger Sherry Miller Virginia Mullin Andy Shaw Fran Smith Megan Swoyer Sharon Biggs Waller Contributing Artists and Photographers Lloyd DeGrane Jennifer Feeney Richard Hellyer Callie Lipkin Johnny Quirin Gregg Rizzo Robert Wray

Shore magazine invites readers and writers to submit ideas, comments and feedback through email at feedback@visitshoremagazine.com or the post office at Shore Magazine, 601 W 45th St, Munster, IN 46321, or 1111 Glendale Blvd, Valparaiso, IN 46383.

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contributors RobeRt blaszkiewicz is the new media coordinator for The Times of Northwest Indiana, in charge of content at nwi.com.

Not surprisingly, the Porter County resident spends a lot of time online, some of it indulging his passion for music. He drew inspiration for his Listen piece (page 24) from his home stereo setup, which includes a 300-CD changer that now sits idle more often than not. Most of his new music now comes from iTunes and eMusic, which is well worth a trial subscription. (Try Robyn Hitchcock’s latest release “Goodnight Oslo.”) Despite it all, he’s still nostalgic about a youth spent thumbing through the LPs at Hegewisch Records. lauRi HaRvey keagle has covered a myriad of topics in her 15 years as a journalist for The Times of Northwest Indiana, but her passion has always been for environmental topics. Keagle won numerous national awards for her coverage of a perceived cancer cluster near the former Keil Chemical plant in Hammond in her five years covering the environment for the paper, and is excited to be back on the beat for Shore, with this month marking her first appearance writing the Green Notes column (page 36). Keagle is a native of Park Forest, Illinois, and currently lives with her husband, Kurt, and 2-year-old son, Jack, in Winfield, Indiana.

JennifeR a. MoRan is a Chicago-based arts writer who has written for Bridge Magazine and B.A.T. Art Journal. She is a development director at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and a former associate producer of the Chicago Humanities Festival. Jennifer also worked at the Tate Gallery in London, authoring a study on art lending practices.

She holds master’s degrees in art history and arts administration from the Art Institute of Chicago. In writing about architect Cosby Bernard (page 56), Jennifer’s research led to the Hammond Public Library’s archives and the great draftsman’s recently discovered blueprints and notes for many of Northwest Indiana’s grand homes.

correction In the May 2009 issue, the story “Sweet Serenity: Incan Influence in the Dunes,” John Allegretti was labeled as the builder, and Fay Jones the architect. This information was incorrect. The home’s builder is Keith McLean and Kevin Sherbit of Construction Services Associates, and the architect is John W. Allegretti, FAIA. We sincerely regret the error.

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shorelines listen | shaw thoughts | culture nut | motoring | interview | where to go | green notes | health club

>> intro <<

Lisa Formosa-Parmigiano

Searching for Community in Community Theatre

l

isa Formosa-Parmigiano wants her acting and directing students to come away from class with a better feel for their craft and a basic understanding of what it means to trust their dramatic instincts. But her broader mission as director of education at Valparaiso’s Chicago Street Theatre extends beyond classroom lessons.

“I really feel that the theatre can be—should be—an artistic hub to engage the entire community,” she explains. “We’re looking for ways to stimulate people to get involved, whether they’re actually on stage or not.”

If the early returns are any indication, she’s off to a good start since assuming her newly created post in October of last year. A January open house that was expected to draw twenty-five people instead hosted four times that number. Her eightweek classes for children and adults—which are designed as an integrated curriculum rather than simply a collection of random one-off topics— have had to turn away would-be students. And a new series of open-to-the-public monthly salon

sessions and teahouse readings of “impact” plays has seen steady demand.

“It’s a delightful challenge to have to face,” Formosa-Parmigiano says, noting the sudden physical and logistical difficulties of accommodating so many new activities. “The response has really been overwhelming.”

The community involvement has been particularly gratifying for Formosa-Parmigiano, who previously taught at the prestigious Actors Studio in New York before returning to the area with her husband and two sons to be near family and to hopefully connect with an artistic organization that was truly a part of the fabric of its surroundings, rather than simply a place to go see a show once in a while. Chicago Street seems to fit the bill, and she’s excited about what lies ahead.

“It may sound kind of corny, but I think all theatres should be community theatres,” she says.

“I’m grateful that we’re working toward removing the distance between performer and audience for so many people.” —MARK LOEHRKE

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JUNE 2009

PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT WRAY

shorelines post compact disc downloads

O

Original Broadway stars Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee perform sentimental favorite “Chim Chim Cheree” on the rooftops of London in Mary Poppins, playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre until July 12.

>> listen <<

Super Nanny

S

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sections of “Step in Time.” (The set is he first arrived in 1934, via almost distractingly sophisticated, and the legendary children’s will be talked about long after viewstorybook series; then she ing the musical.) visited in 1964’s Academy Both the plot and the music Award-winning Disney combine the most popular elements film; and now she is blowing into the of the film with fresh new material: Windy City’s Cadillac Palace Theatre, although it focuses on the advenwhere she is dispensing much more tures of the terrifically talented Banks than spoonfuls of sugar and stern children and their unusual nanny, the advice. narrative of the stage production exMary Poppins has arrived via her plores in more depth the relationship signature parrot-headed umbrella to between George and Winifred Banks dazzle Chicago audiences through with a surprising tenderness and July 12, 2009. The elaborate producmaturity, incorporating the new chartion, featuring original Broadway stars acter of George’s childhood nanny to Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”) and riotous effect. Similarly, the showGavin Lee (“Bert”), offers a potent stopping production numbers (“Jolly combination of magical flying effects, Holiday,” “Supercalifragilisticexpicomedy and heart that will enchant alidocious”) and nostalgic favorites children and adults alike. Die-hard (“A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Chim Chim fans of the movie, rejoice: both Cher-ee”) blend seamlessly with Brown and Lee successfully honor new classics like “Practically Perfect” Julie Andrews’ and Dick Van Dyke’s and “Anything Can Happen.” If the iconic portrayals, both with striking opening night audience’s enthusiasphysical and vocal similarities, as well tic response is any indication, Mary as the sheer magnitude of their talent Poppins will and charisma. have a firm hold In fact, Lee’s on Chicago’s gangly dancing imagination quite literally MARY POPPINS until—all too goes “over the Through July 12 soon—it flies off top” of the Cadillac Palace Theatre to find another stage in one 151 W Randolph St, Chicago home. —KATHRYN of the more 312.902.1400 memorable MACNEIL broadwayinchicago.com

On March 8, 1979, Philips Electronics made the first public demonstration of the audio compact disc. Promising pristine sound that never deteriorated, the shiny discs were supposed to last forever.

Thirty years later, CD sales have plummeted— down 19 percent in 2008—as digital music downloads increased by 29 percent to account for a third of all music tracks purchased, according to market researcher The NPD Group.

Rob Kole, president of Kole Digital, a Frankfort, Illinois, company that installs high-end home media systems, says that hard-drive-based media managers mean CD players are rarely part of an installation now. “All you do is insert a CD and the unit accesses the Internet, identifies the CD, downloads the cover art, song list, artist info and title; then it categorizes the music, rips the CD to the internal hard drive and displays it on every TV in the house. The system never needs to see the CD again. This whole process takes about two minutes,” Kole says.

Kole says the availability of larger hard drives even allows high-definition Blu-ray movies to be stored on the media server.

With such a sleek setup, why clutter the house with CDs and jewel cases? It’s a new day for digital music downloads as well—the legal kind, that is.

While Apple’s iTunes has been the 800-pound gorilla in digital music, the good news for consumers is that increasing competition has brought better deals. Apple bumped up the audio quality by increasing the bit rates of downloads, and even better, got rid of DRM (digital rights management), meaning you’re free to burn as many CDs or sync to as many computers as you want.

Shop around and you often can find cheaper downloads through big retailers like Wal-Mart and Amazon, which offered downloads of U2’s latest album, No Line on the Horizon, for $3.99 even when it was first released.

And for the adventurous, emusic.com is iTunes’ hip cousin, offering a catalog of independent music at as little as a quarter a song when you purchase a 90-day subscription that allows 100 downloads for $24.99.

Meanwhile, services like Rhapsody and Napster give access to their huge library for a monthly subscription price, though when you end your subscription, you no longer have access to the music.

While Kole praises the mobility offered by MP3s, he hopes that sound quality doesn’t fall by the wayside.

“We are not audio snobs by any stretch, but we believe that your primary system should be a 5.1 receiver and a decent set of loudspeakers with a subwoofer—not your home PC or earbuds.”

—ROBERT BLASZKIEWICZ

photograph by JOAN MARCUS

Media drives promise a clutter-free collection

shorelines >> shaw thoughts <<

Paradise Found

Letter from Cartagena, Colombia

T

a,

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he days begin long before dawn with unsolicited wake-up calls from the street seventeen floors below our high-rise apartment, where we sleep with the windows open to catch a breeze that, along with our ever-whirring fan, makes the warm nights wonderful for sleeping.

Until the serenade begins: the grinding gears of trucks approaching the intersection below, the blaring car alarms in all of their shrill manifestations and the bus horns that issue forth a unique sound I can only describe as half-ambulance, half wolf-whistle.

I wake up and doze and wake up and doze on and off for the next hour or so.

Until enough light sneaks through the billowing curtains to inform me that morning is no longer imminent—it’s here.

So I get up quietly—Mary wakes a bit more slowly—and head off to make a pot of coffee. And begin another day in paradise.

This is what I’ve been calling, for lack of a better term, a “cleansing” month—a transition from twenty-five high-pressure years as ABC 7’s political reporter in Chicago—to the rest of my life.

Mary decided it had to be clean. And fast. So we left Washington D.C. after the inauguration and drove down to Miami, stopping to see a few friends and relatives along the way. They filled our sails with the warmth and confidence that only dear ones can provide. And then, on the last day of January, we shipped out.

To South America. To spend a month without cell phones. BlackBerries. Television sets. Newspapers. And anyone we know. The goal was to leave deadlines, pressures and other obligations behind. And simply live. Hour to hour. Day to day. Week to week. Without a specific plan. Other than to let it flow. Out with old. In with the . . . whatever.

Cartagena (car-ta-HAY-na) is the jewel of Colombia, a tourist haven on the country’s northern coast surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Caribbean and several small bays. There’s an old city built by the Spanish half a millennium ago and fortified by a wall fifteen feet high to keep pirates and other invaders out. Sir Francis Drake et al.

Inside the wall are dozens of historic buildings, some original, others restored— including churches, convents, government offices, prisons and military installations— and a labyrinth of narrow brick streets that spill into colorful plazas adorned with statues, fountains, bars and restaurants. The world-famous author Gabriel Garcia Marquez—One Hundred Years of Solitude, Love in the Time of Cholera and The General in His Labyrinth, among others—lives in a mansion in the old city.

The architecture is colonial at its absolute best—nonpareil in South America, or so the guidebooks say—with wrought iron fencing and flowers on the second floor living quarters above the storefronts.

In the daytime it’s all about sightseeing and shopping. But at night the vibe turns hip, with mimes and dancers and other entertainers wandering the plazas where tourists and natives eat and drink alfresco.

Caribbean music fills the air, horse-drawn carriages roll by, and street vendors hawk everything from fruit to coconut candy to gut-busting fried snacks filled with meat and cheese. And, of course, coffee—the national beverage and the main legal cash crop.

Very quaint. Very charming. And yes— there’s magic in the warm evening air.

Outside the old city, Cartagena’s like a slightly rundown version of Miami—a hustling coastal vacation getaway of nearly a million people. There are scenic seaside drives, upscale and seedy neighborhoods, beaches that are fun-filled but in need of a good cleanup— especially the murky waters—and the kind of vibrant, vendor-filled street life that seems to go with places where the weather’s always nice. And it’s actually more than nice—it’s the best February climate we’ve ever seen—sunny every day with a temperature between 85 and 90, down to 75 at night, low humidity, a constant breeze and no rain. Let me also add— and this is important to me—no bugs. Really.

A couple flies here and there, an occasional roach sighting. But not a single mosquito or other biting insect. It doesn’t get any better.

M

ary chose Cartagena because we’d never been there, it sounded exotic and we were committed to a month in the sun after I said good-bye to ABC 7.

We were a bit wary at first because, after all, it’s Colombia, which is best known for the violent drug cartels in Cali and Medellin, and an endless guerilla war waged by FARC, the leftist guerillas whose kidnappings terrorized the entire country for more than a decade.

But all the guidebooks told us Cartagena’s safe, and they’re right. It’s far away, geographically and politically, from the cartels

ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID MOSELE

and the guerillas to the south, and the local government is smart enough to deploy teams of cops and soldiers in virtually every part of the city to convey a clear sense of vigilance and order. In addition, the locals—an attractive and enterprising mix of Spanish, Indian and African lineage—are almost preternaturally friendly and extraordinarily hardworking.

We went without reservations or a specific game plan. Mary had a few leads on apartments from the Internet, but nothing definite. So we flew down on the last day of January, taxied into a promising part of town, and started coping the way we’ve done all our lives, alone and with the kids. I speak Spanish and we’re not high maintenance, so it all fell into place.

We found a comfortable and inexpensive apartment in the Laguito neighborhood down the coastal highway from the old city. And we joined the pool at the nearby Hilton Hotel to swim in clean water.

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APRIL 2009

he neighborhood is teeming with small stores and street vendors selling delicious freshly baked or deep-fried snacks, and there’s a minimart every few feet. The inexpensive buses to everywhere roll by every few minutes. Cheap cabs abound. And there’s a beach nearby to watch the windsurfers and para-sailors dance in the windy waves as the sun sets.

Not too shabby.

We had an iPod for tunes.

And a laptop for email, Internet and Skype phone calls. But most of the day was spent outdoors: Outside the old city, long walks on the beach every Cartagena’s like a morning, a jog for me and then slightly rundown a few hours at the pool to swim version of Miami—a and relax. hustling coastal At night we tried the vacation getaway restaurants—mostly mediocre, of nearly a million but a few exquisite—and it’s people. There are hard to go wrong with fresh fish. scenic seaside drives, Mary’s favorite was the national upscale and seedy dish—cazuela—a seafood stew neighborhoods, in a coconut-based broth. beaches that are I never wore a pair of long fun-filled but in pants. Or a long-sleeved shirt. need of a good Mary, who chills easily, never let cleanup—especially out a single shudder all month. the murky waters—and I’m not sure what’s next for the kind of vibrant, me. Another TV job. Some vendor-filled street serious writing. Teaching. Maybe life that seems to go political consulting. But I return with places where the to the chilly Midwest with the weather’s always nice.” clearest mind, healthiest body and purest spirit I can imagine.

And for that, I’ll always remember Cartagena. Where the wake-up calls are so much richer. And more visceral. And infinitely more human. Than a friggin’ alarm clock.

And the vibe is the perfect elixir for a life in transition.

—Andy Shaw

shorelines Chartreuse Gallery Co-op 19 Artists Seeking Expansion

>> culture nut <<

Go Join the Circus

T

At the Actor’s Gymnasium

he Actors Gymnasium is for anyone who’s ever dreamed of running off to join the circus.

Located at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center in Evanston, the Actors Gymnasium offers classes for children and adults in the circus arts. There’s juggling, clowning, walking on stilts, even contortion for the masochistic. If you’ve ever wanted to swing from a flying trapeze, this is the place to do it.

The school also mounts occasional extravaganzas to showcase the talent of both students and the professional acrobats, aerial artists and clowns who teach them. Their most recent show, Dream, premiered in April. The show was comprised of works both dream-inspired and dream-inspiring, explains co-artistic director Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi.

“I want people to be moved,” she says. “I want people to laugh. I want them to leave their troubles at the door for 90 minutes.”

Hernandez-DiStasi cofounded the school in 1995 with three others in order to train actors and dancers in new skills and make more exciting theater.

About 130 students enrolled in the first session of classes, and in the last 14 years the school has grown to approximately 300, evenly AC divided between adults and children.

GYMNA TORS S In addition to the school’s own shows, the professionals at the 927 NoyeIUM Actors Gymnasium often collaborate with Chicago’s Lookingglass Evanston s St , Ill. 8 Theatre Company. Critics tend to describe the resulting productions actorsgym47.328.2795 nasium.c with words like “startling” and “magic.” om The magic is for hire, too. Students and professionals from the school perform at private parties and corporate events, whether you want a girl balanced on a ball to roll through the crowd or gold-painted men on stilts to grace your Oscar party. One couple hired two acrobats to dress like a bride and groom and do back handsprings down the aisle at their wedding.

Stories told through the circus arts have the potential to reach a broader audience than stories told through words alone, Hernandez-DiStasi says. “If the story doesn’t interest you, the beautiful movement or daringness of it will,” she says. “There’s something for everyone.” —CLAIRE BUSHEY 8 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 2

essential event // WATERFRONT FILM FESTIVAL

S

—CHRISTY BONSTELL

// Jun 11-14 // Saugatuck, Mich. // waterfrontfilm.org

For the eleventh year now, directors, actors and film buffs will be rolling into Saugatuck for the increasingly well-known Waterfront Film Festival.

According to the WFF website, “Entertainment professionals from Los Angeles, New York and Michigan created the [festival] in 1999 to provide a ‘middle coast’ venue for independent filmmakers eager to show their work to sophisticated audiences.” With its many dining and lodging amenities—and small-town infrastructure—Saugatuck has proven to be the ideal spot for such an event. Filmgoers can purchase passes to receive priority entry and other irresistible perks, but individual tickets can be purchased as well. While this year’s lineup has not yet been released as of press time, we guarantee there will be some highly influential films on the roster that you won’t want to miss. —JULIA PERLA

photograph courtesy of THE ACTORS GYMNASIUM

Students at the Actors Gymnasium perform on the Spanish webs.

Sometimes the business of art is an art itself.

Three years ago a local gallery in St. Joseph was faltering and a few artists banded together to create a gallery co-op named Chartreuse. Now they falter no more.

“In the summertime we do incredible. The tourists from Chicago and the local folks give us a lot of support. The sales are great,” says co-op president Jerry Sirk. “When the tourists are not in town it’s a lean time, but we are surviving.”

The co-op is nineteen strong, and includes a diverse group of artists—both in medium and in demographics. Ranging from their mid-20s into their 60s, this ethnically diverse bunch produces art in every medium from wood to ceramics to textiles. Members of the group must apply for membership, interview with a committee and obtain a recommendation on their behalf to the board, which then votes on membership. Sirk says the co-op only accepts artists that create a type of art not already presented in the gallery. If accepted, members must be available to work one day a month in the store in the off-season and two in the summer.

Jan Kimball of Benton Harbor became a member last fall. “I liked the spirit of it. I thought it was a nice idea that it was community based—people pulling together and making it happen,” she says. “Especially with Michigan’s economy—it’s just a nice way to generate something.”

Best-sellers at CharChartreuse Art Gallery treuse include jewelry and 304 State St paintings. The gallery has St. Joseph, Mich. already expanded once 269.983.0931 and is hoping there will be a need to expand again in the future.

“I want us to just keep growing,” Sirk says. “I want to see us bring art to people and we’re doing that, and I think it’s great it’s given us a chance to promote local artists in the local community and to a broad range of people. We’re pretty happy with that.”

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shorelines >> motoring <<

Corvette Summer

P

“Chevrolet’s goal with the new ZR1 is to show what an American supercar can deliver at a price that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much—and does so with exceptional drivability.”

—Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager

H

istory repeats itself for a second time as supercar performance returns to the street with the reintroduction of the legendary Corvette ZR1. Admittedly, I am among the legions of proud enthusiasts who own a Chevrolet Corvette. Across the years, I’ve possessed over one dozen of the fiberglass body sports cars—including two ZR1s.

General Motors’ Chevrolet Division blistered the summer pavement with the first Corvette ZR1 “special purpose engine package” in 1970. The pricey $1,000 option had only fifty-two takers during its three-year life span. Corvette ZR1 reappeared in 1990. This time, a unique body design accompanied the 375-horsepower special performance package for an extra $27,000 over the price ($32,000) of the standard Corvette coupe. The second-generation ZR1 burned out in 1995.

Corvette’s 56th consecutive year as “America’s true sports car” marks the return of the Corvette ZR1 to enthusiasts ready to plunk down $104,000. I had the rare opportunity to test drive an early-production 2009 Corvette ZR1 on a 200-mile trip across a Midwest interstate. Bathed in Atomic Orange paint, ZR1 offers the best “bang for the buck” in the supercar market.

ZR1 SIZZLE

The 2009 Corvette ZR1 is a sports car many aficionados desire.

But it is not one for the faint of heart. Low production and high demand have raised the bar of ownership to deep-pocket

0 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 3

buyers who can afford and drive a car with rocket-sled performance powered by an LS9 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine that builds 638 hp and 604 poundfeet of pavement-pulling torque mated to a six-speed manual-only transmission.

ZR1 comes wrapped in an exclusive coupe body style donned with special exterior styling that includes unique carbon-fiber dualport front fenders that lead a classic side-cove profile. A ZR1 specific rear spoiler and dark carbon-fiber rocker covers, chin spoiler and swaled roof panel add surface excitement and functionality to the car’s slippery shell.

Unique to the 3,350-pound ZR1 is a raised, carbon-fiber hood with a polycarbonate window that provides a view of the supercharged engine’s intercooler clearly stamped “LS9 Supercharged,” punctuating ZR1’s seat-pinning acceleration and handling, the likes of which I have never experienced in performance car driving.

Standard 15.5-inch front and 15-inch rear carbon-ceramic vented and cross-drilled disc brake rotors clamped by 6-piston front calipers (4-rear) rein ZR1’s 200-mph potential, while at brisk interstate speeds a dual stage exhaust system opens special baffles to give this thoroughbred a gutsy exhaust note.

Buyers have a selection of two options—chrome wheels for $2,000 and a Luxury Package that features special handstitched two-tone leather ZR1 embroidered seats with memory, Bose audio and navigation system for $10,000. Add $1,700 for gas guzzler tax and $850 for destination. — JIM JACKSON

photograph [this page] by JIM JACKSON; [opposite page] by BILL OTTO

Hot Cars and Local Spins

TAKING 2009 ORDERS

An owner puts the finishing details on his car for Bloomington Gold Certification.

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The eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GoldAuction highlights over 400 Corvettes that will cross the auction block for sale to the highest bidder.

Corvette owners may participate in the GoldTour for an escorted 50-mile drive through the winding countryside of Kane County. The circuit doubles back to meet oncoming Corvettes. Spectators along the road cheer and wave as the Corvette procession passes by.

Participants can have their Corvette judged by a scrutinizing group of officialsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;specific to a BLOOMIN particular Corvette yearâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for GT CORVETON GOLD the prestigious Bloomington TE SHOW Ju n Gold Certification, deemed Pheasant25-28, 2009 Run by the Corvette community as 4051 E M Resort a the benchmark of vehicle St. Charl in St, es, Ill. On North perfection for the historic A ve (Rt. 3 miles w est of Rte64) brand. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; JIM JACKSON 59 30 blooming 9.888.4477 tongold.c om

Hoosier Chevys

The 24th Annual Midwest Corvette & Chevy Show returns to the Porter County Exposition Center & Fairgrounds in Valparaiso, August 14-16, for a weekend of classic Chevrolet fun sponsored by Harbor Automotive Group in Michigan City.

Organizers Gino Burelli and Dave Lawson, along with their staff from Cool Promotions LLC, have collected the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best of the Bestâ&#x20AC;? Chevrolets and Corvettes for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bow Tie Display spectacular. Show-goers will see vehicles that look like theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve just been driven off a showroom floor from yesteryear.

Beyond Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s setup is an exciting array of weekend events that feature car judging by the National Corvette Restorers Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Indiana Chapter, a swap meet, MIDWEST CORVETTE Hooley car auctions, â&#x20AC;&#x153;For & CHEVY SHOW Saleâ&#x20AC;? corral and live Saturday evening entertainAug 14-16, 2009 ment. The show concludes Porter County Exposition with a Sunday Corvette Center & Fairgrounds Give-Away drawing and One mile south of US 30 show car awards presentaon Hwy 49 tion. Food and beverage Valparaiso, Ind. 219.617.8388 vendors will be available midwest-carshows.com both days. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; JIM JACKSON

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shorelines >> interview <<

Loreen Niewenhuis A 1,000-Mile Walk on the Beach

How and where did the trip begin?

The first segment took me from Navy Pier to New Buffalo, and I did that in five days.

I average about 15 miles a day, and my longest was 22.

2 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 3

How do you go about planning each section of your walk? If at all possible I want to be on the lakeshore. Obviously around Gary and Whiting there are huge steel mills and ports so you have to walk around them. I look at maps. Ideally I look for bed and breakfasts first, so I plot each day where I can stay at night. I look at Google Earth to see if I can walk on the beach. It’s really exploration and problemsolving and figuring things out. I have GPS to help me when I’m walking.

What are you learning as you walk? I really hadn’t experienced the industry of

the lower lake, and it was fascinating to be right up against the industry—all those steel mills. Walking by the former site of [USS] South Works and seeing the devastation of that neighborhood because the jobs are no longer there. I lived in Detroit for a few years and I’m not afraid of urban areas, but their plight really hit me. I also learned that there are actually some places that you can’t walk to. I stayed at the Ameristar Casino in East Chicago, Indiana, on my first segment and there was no way to walk to it; I had to get someone to pick me up and take me.

Any other experiences you want to share? I’m learning a lot about myself, challenging myself, and I’m enjoying that aspect of it. Any time I have to go inland, like on the journey between New Buffalo and South Haven because of the two power plants, I walk into town and when I walk back I am so happy to be by the lake again. I’m also meeting a lot of people on the beach and I’ve enjoyed talking to them about their love of the lake.

What great restaurants have you discovered on your walk? Tosi’s in Stevensville, Michigan, is a gem. My brother picked up my son, who had joined me for part of the walk, and we drove into St. Joseph and ate at the Bistro, which was wonderful.

Will you be doing any camping? When I do my walk in the Upper Peninsula, I’ll start in St. Ignace and I’ll go all the way around Green Bay and across the Door Peninsula to Manitowoc. I hope to do that huge segment in July. Throughout that section I’ll be camping.

Will you do that one by yourself or will people be joining you? I’d like to do this segment by myself, because I think that is important. It’s 300 miles through wilderness and I want to challenge myself and be on my own and do it without a net—be completely self-reliant and be alone with the lake.

What’s the total mileage of your trip, and did you do anything special to get in shape for it? It’s 1,000 miles. I did a lot of running to train for this.

Are there ever any mornings where you wake up and say, “I don’t want to walk today”? Not yet. There are some evenings where I’ve really felt the last three miles.

My son wanted to jog the last mile of our walk to South Haven and I said, “Oh no, I’m not going to do that. I love walking on the beach and this is a prolonged walking on the beach.” —JANE AMMESON For more information visit loreenniewenhuis.com.

photograph by PHILIP RUGEL

I

’m sure everyone asks you this, but how did you come up with the idea of walking around Lake Michigan?

My kids are getting older—I have one in high school and one in college, and I was thinking about my life and what I wanted to do. I’ve always been drawn to the lake. I’ve driven around it, I’ve rented beach houses, but I wanted to completely take in the lake. So I thought I’d do that one step and one wave at a time.

Thinking it was time for an adventure, Loreen Niewenhuis decided to take on “something large.” For the Battle Creek, Michigan-based writer, that didn’t mean earning another degree (she already has two master’s degrees) or writing another book (her first novel is almost done), but instead it meant combining her love for Lake Michigan with a need to challenge herself. So Niewenhuis, whose short stories have appeared in numerous literary journals, decided to spend six months of this year walking around Lake Michigan. It is an epic journey that she is doing in increments, having started off from Navy Pier in Chicago on March 16th and ending, hopefully, at the same place late September. Niewenhuis is also, of course, blogging about her journey on laketrek.blogspot.com and plans to write a book as well. She had just finished a 53-mile leg of her trip when she talked to Shore about her odyssey.

Keith Charak, who along with his wife Susan is the owner and innkeeper of the Sherwood Forest Bed and Breakfast in Saugatuck, one of the participating resorts, says he’s had couples booking the package since February. He says the addition of the local brewery has helped add yet another unique feature to the area.

“I’ve actually made two batches of beer,” he says. “It’s a blast.”

Charak says he and his wife distributed his special brew to guests at their annual Christmas party. “It was a huge hit,” Charak says.

>> where to go <<

Bed, Breakfast and Brewery

A Saugatuck Getaway for Both Genders

F

4 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 3

or a lot of guys, just the idea of spending a weekend without a television, shopping for antiques, can invoke thoughts of root canals past. But a new package being offered by a handful of Saugatuck area bed and breakfasts could entice even the manliest of men to head to Lake Michigan’s shore for a romantic weekend.

The Bed and Breakfast and Brewery package combines the lakeshore community’s unique charm with the sudsy goodness of custom-brewed beer.

Felicia Fairchild, executive director of the Saugatuck-Douglas Convention and Visitors Bureau, says the package combines a weekend stay at a bed and breakfast with access to the Saugatuck Brewing Company’s on-site brewery, where guys can choose from one of more than 70 different recipes, and along The Saugatuck-Douglas area was recently with a brewmaster, create their own beer. She named one of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic says while pairing the two together might Preservation. The 2009 list, which includes seem on the surface to be unusual, it’s really a Wisconsin’s Lake Geneva and other areas along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, highlights good hook. “Let’s face it, bed and breakfasts, communities across the country that offer unique women love them. Men go along with it cultural and recreational experiences. • Richard because women like them. It’s a romantic Moe, the National Trust’s president, says the Lake Michigan harbor towns offer visitors a chance thing to do,” she says. “But, what guy isn’t to enjoy history, art, outdoor recreation and going to want to brew his own beer? It’s an natural resources: “Few vacation destinations provide such an extraordinary combination of absolutely ideal package.” tourism opportunities all in one location.”

Saugatuck Brewing Co. brewmaster Barry Johnson, who is also the city’s mayor, opened up shop in 2005, eventually moving into a modern 25,000-square-foot facility as demand picked up. Working in international sales for 25 years, distributing products in more than 50 countries, Johnson says no matter where in the world he was, he always made it a point to sample a local pint.

“Wherever I went, I always drank a local beer,” Johnson says.

After deciding to put his briefcase aside and settle down in Saugatuck, Johnson focused his attention on his beer-making hobby, attending brewing academies in both Germany and Chicago. “Saugatuck is a great resort town and Michigan is a great brewing state,” Johnson says. “We have more than 70 breweries in the state.”

J

ohnson says the initial brewing process takes about four hours, which Fairchild says makes the package ideal for a group of couples. She adds that while the guys are brewing their own beer and sampling the brewery’s different varieties, the women can visit the nearby boutiques and antique shops and meet back at the brewery’s Lucky Stone Irish Pub for lunch or dinner.

Fairchild says, as part of the package, guests will need to visit Saugatuck twice, the first time to make the beer and again, in as soon as two weeks, to pick up their brews, which can be custom-labeled for distribution to family and friends or just the ultimate souvenir. “What a wonderful thing to take home,” she says.

Throughout the brewing adventure, amateur brewers are led by trained beer specialists, to ensure the finished product is up to snuff.

“During that whole process, they’re working with a brewmaster, bed and breakfasts usually me,” offering the Johnson brew special says. “They have an experienced Castle in the Country Bed and Breakfast Inn teacher.”

Allegan Johnson 888.673.8054 castleinthecountry.com says most people Ivy Inn Bed and Breakfast play it safe Saugatuck 269.857.4643 with their ivy-inn.com first batch, Maplewood Hotel making Saugatuck something 800.650.9790 maplewoodhotel.com they know they and Rosemont Inn their friends Saugatuck 888.767.3666 will enjoy rosemontinn.com drinking.

Sherwood Forest He says on Bed and Breakfast subsequent Saugatuck 800.838.1246 trips, they sherwoodforestbandb.com can get a little Victorian Inn Saugatuck adventurous.

888.240.7957 —Jeff Burton vicinn-mi.com

photography courtesy of BARRY JOHNSON/SAUGATUCK BREWING CO.

Patrons of the Bed and Breakfast and Brewery package can brew their own beer at the Saugatuck Brewing Company..

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shorelines >> green notes <<

Greening your “Retreat Home”

O

One interior design firm is working with clients along Lake Michigan’s shore to bring a little bit of nature into their resort homes. “People don’t realize green doesn’t have to be ugly,” says Jill Maremont, director of marketing and public relations for Susan Fredman Design Group.

The award-winning interior design firm, with stores in Chicago and Union Pier, is hosting a day-long workshop aimed at teaching about eco-friendly living. There will be presentations on green gardening, green kitchens, trends in eco-friendly decor, greening your cottage and how to plan a green wedding.

While the idea of green design may be new to some clients, it is nothing new to the firm’s founder and CEO. “Susan has been doing it for thirty years,” Maremont explains. “For example, you don’t put bamboo in, not because it’s not ecofriendly, but because you have to ship it from so far away. Using local materials, as Susan does, makes more sense.”

IF YOU GO: Sharing some of that knowledge is key to getting clients on board with Revive Your Green Retreat eco-friendly design. “We’re not seeing Sat, May 30, 9am-6pm more of a demand [from clients] but At Home with Nature we’re really trying to educate our clients 15998 Red Arrow Hwy on how important it is, what resources Union Pier, Mich. are available and that it is the right thing to do,” 312.587.8150 Maremont says. —LAURI HARVEY KEAGLE susanfredman.com

When Joey Santley was a kid growing up in the 1970s, he spent a lot of time at his father’s surfboard manufacturing plant.

6 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 3

“I grew up in the plant and I saw all the waste and it just made me sick, even as a kid,” the Southern California businessman says. “I had in my mind even then that there had to be a way to recycle this stuff.

Everyone in the surf community has been saying for the last twenty years that foam boards are not recyclable, and we were out to prove them wrong.”

The waste from manufacturing foam surfboards, Santley says, is “super high volume, super low weight and semi-toxic, which are the three worst things imaginable for a landfill.”

Santley and his partner, Steve Cox, met with executives from Just Foam Blanks in November 2008 and within two hours, had the world’s first polyurethane blank, with more than 50 percent of the content coming from recycled materials or manufacturing waste. “Out of the mold, it was just perfect,” Santley says.

Green Foam Blanks launched at the Action Sports Retail Show in San Diego in January. “We’re doing a cradle to cradle process. We’re taking waste foam and reintroducing it into brand new blanks without creating any

volatile organic compounds so we have zero carbon footprint added to the atmosphere. These are the most eco-friendly boards on the market.”

Santley says the boards are now in full production and are being used by surfboard manufacturers around the country.

Ryan Gerard, owner of Third Coast Surf Shop in New Buffalo, says making the boards more eco-friendly fits with surfer culture. “I’d say most surfers in general these days are fairly green-minded,” Gerard says. “I think the surfboard industry itself is trying to find more ways to be environmentally friendly, not just with surfboards but surfboard wax and wet suits which are primarily petroleum-based. Even some of the clothing manufacturers in the industry are trying to make more environmentally friendly products.

“I’d love to see more stuff like that. Anything to make surfing more eco-friendly is a good thing.”

—LAURI HARVEY KEAGLE

Green Foam Blanks greenfoamblanks.com Third Coast Surf Shop 22 S Smith St, New Buffalo, Mich.

269.932.4575 thirdcoastsurfshop.com

SHRINKING SHOWERS

W

ant to save money on your water and energy bills while helping save the planet? Take shorter showers.

According to Cameron Davis, executive director of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, showers are where most of the household water waste takes place and where it is easy to see the connection between energy use and water use.

“If you run your hot water for five minutes, it uses the same amount of energy as running a 60 watt light bulb for fourteen hours,” Davis says. “The energy used to pump, treat, use, distribute and treat again is enormous.

And studies have shown about 30 percent of municipal energy costs go toward the treatment and movement of water.” —LAURI HARVEY KEAGLE

photograph by NICK NOVELLI/NOVELLI PHOTODESIGN (KATHY HOFFMAN, ASID, DESIGNER)

Greening the Surf Community

Indian Summer Boutique

269-469-9994

Open everyday 11 am-6 pm (MI time)

126 SOUTH WHITTAKER STREET NEW BUFFALO, MICHIGAN

Indian Summer Boutique

shorelines One of the first lakeshore events of the summer season can cause you to either break a sweat or feel the breeze. It all depends on whether you’re a sailor or a spectator.

The third annual Rhumbline Regatta, which takes place on June 6 in St. Joseph, Michigan, is a sailboat race that is gaining headway (pun intended) in the greater Lake Michigan area.

Around fifty boats will participate in this year’s race, each vying to be the first to cross the finish line of a complex course along the St. Joseph River.

But the Rhumbline Regatta is not just for sailors.

According to race organizers, the spectators are just as implemental in the race’s success. Chairman Jeff Alisch says, “Spectators are encouraged to view the racing either from their own boats, from one of the [Saint Joseph River] Yacht Club-sponsored spectator boats, or from shore.” The yacht club-sponsored boats are typically a hit, essentially turning the St. Joseph River into one big party.

After the race, the public is invited to the yacht club for a hog roast dinner, which features live entertainment, food, drinks and an awards ceremony for racing participants.

But to Alisch, the whole day is just a celebration of a sport that’s only natural for Lake Michigan.

“We are proud that the entire community participates with us to bring sailboat racing to the public’s attention,” Alisch says. “As this event continues to grow, we have no doubt that the Rhumbline Regatta will eventually be viewed as one of the few premier racing events on Lake Michigan.”

For more information on the Rhumbline Regatta, visit sjryc.com/rhumbline or call the St. Joseph River Yacht Club at 269.983.6393. — JULIA PERLA

>> health club <<

Come Sail Away

Oh, My Aching Head If you suffer from migraine headaches, you might benefit from visiting your . . . dentist? We talked to Dr. James Arnold of Smiles by Arnold & Associates in Chesterton and Valparaiso, Indiana, about the nature of teeth-related migraines.

meet the chef Frank Ryan Biondo

Fitzgerald’s Restaurant Sawyer, Michigan Favorite healthy meal: Grilled salmon with green lentils, strawberries and arugula Health benefits: Legumes, antioxidants, rich vitamins including omega 3s “I love lentils as a side, and with warmer weather on the horizon I get excited about fresh ingredients and combinations like this.”

Grilled Salmon with Green Lentils, Strawberries and Arugula (SERVES 4)

How can migraines start in the mouth? Many people clench and grind their teeth regularly. Nighttime clenching and grinding is referred to as bruxism. Bruxism causes very strong contraction of the muscles of the face and jaw. Long-term muscle contraction can create significant tension that extends up the side of the face into the forehead. The contraction of the muscle in the area of your temples can contribute to migraine headaches for many people.

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What can be done to fix the problem? One of the simplest solutions is the fabrication of an oral appliance called an NTI. It is a small device that fits comfortably over the front teeth. This appliance is actually FDA-approved for migraine headache treatment. It decreases the amount of force that can be generated by the jaw muscles because the back teeth aren’t allowed to

touch when it is worn. Decreasing the force of muscular contraction has been shown to significantly decrease migraine headache frequency and intensity for thousands of patients. Some patients need more comprehensive treatment such as orthodontic straightening or full-mouth rehabilitation to improve the way the teeth fit together. A better “bite relationship” often decreases the problems created by bruxism.

How do you determine if a patient needs this treatment? We ask a lot of questions to determine whether or not the patient is likely to benefit from this type of appliance. If they are waking up in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning with sore jaw muscles and/ or tension at their temples, there is a good chance that they are grinding their teeth at night. There is a high probability that many of their migraines are a result of this harmful nocturnal habit. We have had dozens of patients in our office decrease or eliminate their migraine headaches with the help of the NTI. — JULIA PERLA

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6-oz fillets of salmon, lightly oiled and seasoned bunches arugula washed and trimmed pint strawberries washed, de-stemmed, quartered cups green lentils, washed and drained cups low-fat chicken broth Sea salt Black pepper Extra virgin olive oil tablespoon minced garlic

In a medium saucepan combine lentils, chicken broth and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer 15 minutes to an hour, depending on lentils and desired tenderness. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste, cover. Grill salmon to desired temperature. Toss strawberries and arugula with a pinch of sea salt and olive oil. Plate lentils, salmon and salad on top.

free

seminars

@ sainT anTHony memorial

2009

Total Hip Replacement award-winning healthcare, here at home

Monthly Spine and Joint Seminars are held at the Second Floor Family Waiting Room at Saint Anthony Memorial.

To regisTer or for more informaTion, please call (219) 861-8486.

301 West Homer Street, Michigan City, IN 46360

www.saintanthonymemorial.org 301 West Homer street 219-879-8511 michigan city

spine seminars are Held on THe

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second THursday of eacH monTH

fourTH THursday of eacH monTH

OX-BOW WINTER BENEFIT, CHICAGO • FASHION FOR A CAUSE, SCHERERVILLE • THE OTHER SIDE SHOW, THREE OAKS • MYSTERY DINNER THEATER, HAMMOND • CARE TO CURE BENEFIT, CHICAGO • SHAMROCK BALL, CHESTERTON • LADIES’ NIGHT OUT, KALAMAZOO • ART OF HEALING, PORTAGE • MARDI GRAS BALL, CHICAGO 1

art in action

ox-bow winter benefit chicago

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photography by yvette dostatni

Some 500 guests gathered at Sullivan Galleries in Chicago to support Ox-Bow, a school of art and artist residency in Saugatuck.

Attendees perused the galleries, bidding on unique live and silent auction art pieces donated by renowned alumni, along with trips and tours, raising nearly $100,000 for the cause.

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1 Dahlia Tulett and Jenny Gheith of Chicago 2 Christine Whitehouse and Emily Eskridge of Chicago 3 Liz Warnock 4 Felice Dublon of Chicago, Patty Carroll of Michigan City, and Howard and Janet Ecker of Chicago 5 Caleb Lyons and Kathryn Scanlan of Chicago

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6 Jason Kalajainen of Chicago

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7 Emily Booth and Rob Peck of Chicago 8 Shawn Shiflett of LaGrange and Joann Harling of Chicago 9 Jared and Jessica Joslin of Chicago

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10 Bradley Bowden and Marianna Tanguay of Chicago

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all clicks compiled by sue bero

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in style

fashion for a cause | schererville photography by robert wray

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Some 270 supporters of Lifeline Humanitarian Organization gathered at the Halls of St. George to bid on silent auction items and enjoy boutique shopping, dinner and a fashion show. The event raised $8,000 to aid medical, humanitarian and educational relief in Serbia and Kosovo.

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1 Dragana Cucuz of Schererville and Jovanka Ivetic of Highland 2 Angelina Alavanja and Nada Vukas 3 Ena Fazlic and Vera Jadnoc, both of Crown Point 4 Renee Uzelez of Schererville, Sofia Trbovic of Dyer and Georgiana Alavanja of Schererville

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5 Amy Vukas of Dyer and Jovanko Pallenovich of Chicago 6 Georgiana Alavanja and Renee Uzelez

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outta this world the other side show | three oaks photography by gregg rizzo

1 Lisa VanPlew-Cid and Pellouchoud of Three Oaks

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2 Rachel Reusser of Elkhart and Josh Thomas of Union 3 Valerie Moore, Ana Schedler and Rachel Dubrow, all of Chicago

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4 Kelly and Jennifer Sadural of South Bend 5 Joel Meyers and Allie Gilchrist of South Bend

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6 Miloh and Lily Padgett of Three Oaks

Performers and guests took center stage at Acorn Theater to support Burners without Borders, a volunteer organization that helps with national disaster relief. Stilt walkers, jugglers, hula-hoopers and aerialists joined vaudeville and burlesque artists.

End Times Orchestra performed and guests relaxed in the Chill Lounge.

SOPHISTICATED SEDUCTION THE 2010 CTS SPORT WAGON Coming this Fall The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon changes the way you think about wagons. Built with the fuel efficiency of a sedan and the versatility of a crossover. This vehicle is a combination of innovation and high performance.

Want more? Check out SchepelCadillac.com for full features.

219.738.1900

W W W. S C H E P E L C A D I L L A C . C O M

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2929 WEST U.S. 30 CADILLAC

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all aboard mystery dinner theater | hammond

3 photography by robert wray

The Eastern European Express departed from the Dynasty Banquet â&#x20AC;&#x153;stationâ&#x20AC;? with some 250 guests. The mystery dinner theater played out in the lounge, club and dining cars, with everyone taking on a role.

Guests bid on silent auction items, raising $11,000 for the Whiting/Robertsdale Chamber of Commerce.

1 Carmen Perry of Chicago and Pastor Darryl Hallman of Olympia Fields 2 Janice and Paul Miskus of Robertsdale 3 Kellie Uylaki and Phil Taillon

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4 Dean and Becky Lombardini of Whiting 5 Jim Sandrizk with Nina and Adam Pierce, all of Whiting 6 Tom Chockolek, Carol and Dave Graizani of Whiting, and Dave Kirchhoff of Crown Point

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bear down

care to cure benefit | chicago photography by gregg rizzo

Nearly 400 guests attended the annual American Diabetes Association fundraiser chaired by Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith and his wife MaryAnne.

Guests enjoyed brunch and bid on 150 auction items. The event raised $150,000 to benefit diabetes research, advocacy and community programs.

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1 Lovie Smith

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2 Lyndsie Manusos of McHenry 3 Jim and Colleen Hayes of Orland Park

purely balanced.

4 Sarah Liddle and Matt Glickens, both of Chicago

be yourself. be beautiful.

5 Patricia and Ed Sistowicz of Naperville

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6 Caroline and Dave Adrieansen of Lockport

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JuNE 2009

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irish eyes

shamrock ball | chesterton photography by gregg rizzo

Wine and cheese tasting, a gaming tent and auction items attracted some 300 people to a benefit for St. Patrick School.

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1 Harry and Michelle Houisen of Chesterton 2 Antoinette Mario of Chesterton 3 Rene and Jim Martin of Chesterton

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glitzy glamour ladies’ night out | kalamazoo photography by gregg rizzo

A bit of Paris, Milan and New York hit the runway at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts’ second annual Ladies’ Night Out.

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1 Chelsea Blades of Kalamazoo 2 Kristi Fitts and Christine Yankovich of Kalamazoo 3 State Representative Tonya Schuitmaker and Julie Wilson

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island cool art of healing | portage photography by gregg rizzo

Bright floral shirts, flip-flops and sunglasses were donned by guests at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Porter-Starke Services fundraiser.

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1 Bob Franko and Mary Idstein, both of Valparaiso 2 Mark and Jackie Baird of Valparaiso 3 Scot and Debbie Ribar of Westville

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fat tuesday mardi gras ball | chicago photography by yvette dostatni

Guests at the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago Mardi Gras Ball were treated to a recreation of the French Quarter.

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1 Ilana Rovner 2 Nick and Lindsay Miller of Chicago 3 Tom and Denise Bookey of Chicago

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JUNE 2009

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essential EVENTS HAPPENINGS 50

EXHIBITIONS 52

FILM 53

PERFORMANCE 53

Through May 31 The Tempest

Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N Halsted St, Chicago 312.335.1650. steppenwolf.org The legendary Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s first production of a Shakespeare play happens to be the Bard’s final work. Inventively staged and directed by ensemble member Tina Landau, The Tempest—with its themes of forgiveness, redemption and freedom—proves strikingly relevant. The magical stage effects alone are riveting—from the titular enchanted storm to a phantasmagorical wedding scene—but it’s the performances that will keep theatergoers in thrall long after the wellreviewed play is over.

CALENDAR COMPILED BY JULI DOSHAN

happenings Indiana

Ongoing 4th Friday Arts, 6-9pm, every 4th Fri, Crown Point town square. 219.662.3290.

4thfridayarts.com. the historical downtown square of crown Point is alive and active with the arts.

Stroll through the town square and visit the local businesses that turn into artistic sanctuaries every 4th Friday of the month. One of the highlights this summer will be a guitar hero tournament. See website or call for specific events.

May 8-10 The Fischoff, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, Notre Dame University, South Bend.

574.631.2800. fischoff.org. the 36th annual Fischoff competition will feature more than 100 performances by 250 of the world’s finest young musicians.

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May 16 Night in Venice VI—A Masked Ball, 6pm-midnight, Pottawatomie Country Club, 101 W 2nd St, Michigan City. 219.874.4900. lubeznikcenter.org. this Venetian carnivalthemed annual event is the premier fundraiser for the Lubeznik center for the arts. the perfect combination of culture, tradition and celebration, the event features a live band, dancing, entertainment, fine food, cocktails and a live auction. Proceeds benefit educational programs and exhibits at the center.

May 25-Oct 1 Quilt Gardens Tour, various locations, Amish Country. 800.377.3579. quiltgardenstour.com. this one-of-a-kind event allows viewers to visit 15 large, quilt-patterned gardens planted with 80,000 annuals and one planted with crops. Walk through and enjoy being outdoors while learning about gardening and the intricate art of the quilt.

May 31 Art in the Garden Art Fair, 10am-4pm, Taltree Arboretum, 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso.

219.462.0025. taltree.org. celebrate art in the midst of one of northwest indiana’s best natural inspirations at this premier art fair.

Jun 5 16th Annual Beaux Arts Ball, 6pm, Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.1839 ext 107. southshoreartsonline.org. the proceeds from this popular black-tie fundraiser—which includes live and silent auctions, cocktails, dinner and dancing, all to this year’s theme of “yes We can-can”—will benefit South Shore arts’ “Everykid Program.”

Jun 14 Ice Cream Social, 3-8pm, Chamber of Commerce, 1417 119th St, Whiting. held on Flag Day, this traditional event is a celebration of america and family. activities include a homemade ice cream contest, live musicians and artists, wine tasting, appetizers, and more. Leashed pets are welcome, and water bowl stations will be available.

Jun 31 Valparaiso/Porter County Garden Walk, 9am-4pm, Garden of Heroes, 653 Hayes Leonard Rd, Valparaiso. 219.465.3555 ext 21. pcgarden. info. three gardens from this walk, which will feature master gardeners answering questions and explaining plants, have been profiled by garden magazines in previous years.

Michigan

May 8-16 Dowagiac Dogwood Fine Arts Festival ’09, throughout Dowagiac. 866.490.2847 or 269.782.1115. dogwoodfinearts.org. Enjoy fine art throughout this annual festival. this year’s events include novelist and memoirist ann Patchett, Rock and Roll hall of Fame inductees Roger mcguinn and John Sebastian, storyteller Willy claflin with his sidekick maynard moose, Wellspring/cori terry Dancers, and the Dogwood tea. also may 4-17: Up Front art Walk.

May 9-10 May Festival of Blooms, 10am-5pm,

Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve, 13988 Range Line Rd, Niles. 269.695.6491. fernwoodbotanical.org. Bring your mother to Fernwood Botanical garden and nature Preserve to celebrate spring and mother’s Day with the Festival of Blooms. guests are invited to take a walk to enjoy the many wildflowers in the woodlands, as well as the live music provided, and mom will even get to bring home a free plant while they last.

May 16 Lincoln Celebration, Vineland Center, 1155 Vineland Rd, St. Joseph. 269.983.6303. berriencountygop.org. the Berrien county Republican Party will be hosting a Lincoln Day dinner to celebrate the 200th birthday of abraham Lincoln. the dinner will feature the Republican nominees for 2010 michigan governor, State Senator tom george, U.S. Representative Pete hoekstra, and a silent auction will take place.

May 23 Membership Drive, 6-9pm, Hartman School, 355 Hubbard St, South Haven.

269.637.6424. historyofsouthhaven.org. the historical association of South haven is kicking off its yearly membership drive with a celebration at hartman School. also, may 27: Slide lecture on the history of the house of David; Jun 2: “South haven in Story and Song”; Jun 9: “gangsters in Berrien county”; Jun 23: “the many Faces of Family & Local history Research”; Jun 28: third annual Sherman’s ice cream Social.

Jun 4-7 7th Annual Bluegrass Festival, Riverfront Amphitheatre, downtown Niles. 269.687.4332. nilesbluegrass.com. more than 13 bands will perform on three different stages on the banks of the St. Joseph River at the 7th annual Bluegrass Festival. the four-day event will also feature an open jam gospel session, a pickers’ tent, workshops, food and kids’ rides.

Jun 6 Rhumbline Regatta, St. Joseph River

photography by MICHAEL BROSILOW/THE STEPPENWOLF THEATRE

The information presented in Essential Events is accurate as of press time, but readers are encouraged to call ahead to verify the dates and times.

Please note that Illinois and most Indiana events adhere to central time, and Michigan events are eastern time.

destination: SOUTH

HAVEN

Classic cottage home furnishings, gifts, sea glass and more.

402 Eagle Street, South Haven, MI 269.639.1200 seaglasscottage.com

essential EVENTS Yacht Club, St. Joseph. 269.313.2256, 269.983.6393. rhumblineregatta.com. now in its third year, the highly anticipated Rhumbline is the largest regatta in St. Joe. the public is invited to the accompanying festivities, which include a party with P.S. Dump your Boyfriend and the yacht club’s world famous pig roast afterwards.

Jun 20 Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival, 1-10pm, Weko Beach, Bridgman.

269.422.1617. miwinetrail.com. the public is invited to “toast the coast” at this 4th annual event as they sample award-winning wines from michigan’s top winemakers. Live music amid the breathtaking scenery of Weko Beach is the perfect accompaniment to this summer beach festival.

Jun 25 Water’s Edge Summer Music Festival, 6pm, Heritage Center, 708 Market St, St. Joseph. 269.982.4030. smso.org. the first concert of this music festival is “casual classics, Uncork and Unwind.” Featuring Russian cellist ian maksin, guests are invited to enjoy wine and a light dinner.

Illinois

Ongoing Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise, Michigan Ave Bridge & Wacker Dr, Chicago.

312.922.3432. architecture.org. this river cruise highlights 53 historic and architecturally significant sites along the chicago River. caF-certified docents provide entertaining and fact-filled commentary during the 90-minute tour.

May 24-25 Chicago’s Ultimate Antique Market, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm, Beaux Arts Plumbers Hall, 1340 W Washington St or enter at 1350 Randolph St, Chicago. 312.666.1200. chicagoantiquemarket.com. Serious antique collectors, style-setters and shoppers will find the most decorative and wide array of merchandise from vintage to modern at the opening of the 6th season of chicago’s Ultimate antique market.

May 29 Moonlight Migration, 8pmmidnight, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St, Chicago. 312.742.2343. lpzoo.org. guests of Lincoln Park Zoo’s 24th annual Spring Benefit will enjoy cocktails in the Regenstein african Journey before desserts and dancing in the café at Wild things. maggie Speaks will be on hand to provide the music for this wonderful evening, the proceeds of which will support the zoo’s world-class research and field conservation programs.

Jun 10-Aug 15 Grant Park Music Festival, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, Chicago. 312.742.7638. grantparkmusicfestival.com. now in its 75th year, the nation’s only remaining free outdoor municipally supported classical music series will start with a bang. admission to the lawn and general seating section is free for all concerts.

Jun 10: tchaikovsky on Opening night; Jun 12: Bernstein on the Waterfront; Jun 17: Enigma Variations; Jun 24: mariachi from mexico; Jun 26, 27: Sounds of the great Depression; Jun 30, Jul 2: made in america.

Jun 12 Red or White Ball, 8pm, Salvage One, 1840 W Hubbard St, Chicago. 312.654.5681. steppenwolf.org. more than 600 young area professionals will gather for an extravagant evening of cocktails, food, entertainment, a silent auction and raffle prizes at this ball hosted by the Steppenwolf auxiliary council. this is the seventh year for this premier event for chicago’s most influential young philanthropists.

Jun 17-21 Just for Laughs, various locations, Chicago. 800.745.3000. justforlaughschicago.com. more than 70 shows will take place at various locations throughout chicago—including performances by Ellen Degeneres, george Lopez, Bill Engvall, Jimmy Fallon, David allen grier and andy Dick—in this premier event.

exhibitions Indiana

Ongoing Portrait of Frederick C. King, Empire Room, LaPorte County Historical Society Museum, 2405 Indiana Ave, LaPorte. 219.324.6767. laportecountyhistory.org. after nearly two years of restoration work by the Radecki art gallery of South Bend, an 1849 portrait of Frederick c. King now hangs at the LaPorte county historical Society museum as good as new. the oil painting of King, once a prominent LaPorte businessman, is considered an important early work for indiana.

May 23-Jul 26 Interurban Trains & Tourism—Reclaiming the Past for the Future, Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W 2nd St, Michigan City.

219.874.4900. lubeznikcenter.org. this exhibit features some of the original lithographs commissioned in the late 1920s to promote tourism and economic development between chicago and South Bend. these posters, developed as South Shore Posters, are beautiful examples of vintage artwork portraying the early 20th century boom of northwest indiana. also, ongoing: Sand, Steel and Spirit Edition Box; through may 16: Regional Juried art Exhibition; through may 17: Other Voices—Ricardo Manuel Díaz & Truman Lowe and Animation—Ideas that Move; through may 23: michigan city area Schools—artwork by elementary school students; may 23-Jul 26: Regional Masters—Extraordinary Furniture; may 30-Jul 6: Wabgonké—Objects Made of White Earth.

May 31-Jul 19 Photographs by Kay Westhues, Snite Museum of Art, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame.

574.631.5466. nd.edu/~sniteart. this exhibition features 50 photographs taken by local artist Kay Westhues. also, through may 17: 2009 BFA/MFA Candidates’ Theses Exhibition; through may 24: Exhibition curated by Students in associate Professor Robert Randall coleman’s italian Drawing Seminar.

Michigan

May 9-Sept 13 Georgia O’Keeffe and

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Illinois

Through Aug 29 Culprits, Innocents and Outsiders—Heartland Visions, Intuit—The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, 756 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago. 312.243.9088. art.org. this exhibit, which features art by William hawkins, Elijah Pierce, mary Borkowski and David Pond, was curated by Ohioborn Kevin cole. all works embody the midwestern ideals of self-reliance, hard work and independence. also, through Jun 27: The Picture Tells the Story—The Drawings of Joseph E. Yoakum.

May 9-Sept 13 Photography on Display—Modern Treasures, Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago. 312.443.3600. artic. edu/aic. Presented in conjunction with the debut of the new photography galleries of the modern Wing, which opens may 16, this exhibit demonstrates the range of photography’s spaces of display: from salon exhibitions to commercial galleries, magazine spreads or art-school assignments. the exhibit includes approximately 130 works by some 70 modernist figures, including albert Renger-Patzsch, Walker Evans and Dorothea Lange. also, through may 10: Ink on Paper—Japanese Monochromatic Prints; through may 18: Multiples, Parts, and Pieces; through may 24: The Bill Peet Storybook Menagerie; through Jun 7: Deft Hands, Discerning Eyes—Chinese and Korean Ceramics; through Jun 16: 360 Degrees—Art Beyond Borders; through Dec 15: Daniel Burnham’s Plan of Chicago; may 16-Sept 7: Selections from the Collection of Contemporary Photography; may 16-Sept 13: Cy Twombly—The Natural World, Selected Works 2000-2007.

film Indiana

Cinemark at Valparaiso, 700 Porter’s Vale Blvd, Valparaiso. 219.464.0260. cinemark.com. this brand new theater has 12 screens and digital sound. the allstadium seating has comfortable chairs that rock to your comfort. Experience

Portage 16 IMAX, 6550 US Hwy 6, Portage. 219.764.7569. portage16imax. com. the brand-new Portage 16 imaX showcases blockbusters as well as electrifying 3D films that are uniquely suited to the imaX format. With projected images up to eight stories high and a spectacular, wraparound digital surround-sound system, this theater offers a total-immersion moviegoing experience.

The Town Theatre, 8616 Kennedy Ave, Highland. 219.838.1222. towntheatre. net. this charming movie house in downtown highland has been screening fine american, independent and foreign films since 1946. Filmgoers in the 425-seat vintage theater—complete with bright red seats—are offered the opportunity to stretch their legs during the unique intermission, at which time they are encouraged to discuss the film and savor a free treat.

Michigan

The Vickers Theatre, 6 N Elm St, Three Oaks. 269.756.3522. vickerstheatre.com. home of the annual “Sound of Silents Film Festival,” this painstakingly restored turn-of-the-century art house screens a variety of notable independent films. a lofty, two-story gallery space, showcasing the works of midwestern artists, is open to the public before and between shows.

Further enhancing its art-house cachet, the Vickers hosts live music, performance art and poetry readings on its stage.

Illinois

The Gene Siskel Film Center, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 164 N State St, Chicago. 312.846.2600. siskelfilmcenter.org. this film center— renamed in 2000 for its most passionate supporter, the late film critic gene Siskel—has been exhibiting critically acclaimed, as well as entertaining “motion picture art” in its state-of-theart facilities since its inception in 1972.

Presenting more than 100 films each month, the center showcases cuttingedge, independent features and classic revivals, as well as premieres of new american and foreign films. From hosting the “annual Festival of Films from iran” to The Grapes of Wrath, the diverse offerings have quality in common. a focus on education is supported by guest lecturers, discussions and courses, and film-related exhibits can be viewed at the on-site gallery/café.

performance Indiana

Chicago Street Theater, 154 W Chicago St, Valparaiso. 219.464.1636. ctgonline.org. now in its 54th season of bringing live theatrical entertainment to the greater northwest indiana region, the cSt presents a variety of plays and musicals each season, in addition to regularly scheduled theatre classes for both adults and children. may 29-Jun 13: Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me. Front Porch Music, 505 E Lincolnway, Valparaiso. 219.464.4700. frontporchmusic.com. this selfproclaimed “Picker’s Paradise” is the mecca for guitar and string instrument players in northwest indiana, offering instrument sales, repair, instruction and a coffee house for frequent live

city

Jun 5-Sep 7 Alexander Calder: 1969—The Fortieth Anniversary of La Grande Vitesse, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E Beltline NE, Grand Rapids. 616.957.1580 or 888.957.1580. meijergardens.org. this exclusive exhibition focuses on work from only one year of calder’s career and opens days before the 40th anniversary of that year, which featured the installation of calder’s iconic La Grande Vitesse in downtown grand Rapids.

Visitors will be able to engage with calder’s work at the Calder—Creative Thinker exhibit.

box office hits in this theater that opened in may 2008.

destination: michigan

Her Times—American Modernism from the Lane Collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 314 S Park St, Kalamazoo. 269.349.7775. kiarts. org. Featuring masterpieces by O’Keeffe, as well as charles Sheeler, arthur Dove, Stuart Davis, marsden hartley and others, this exhibit celebrates 20th-century american art. the collection of works traces the development and diversity of american modernism through the eyes of one of its most passionate collectors. also, through aug 30: American Perspective—Modernism from the Collection; may 9-Sept 13: Through the Photographer’s Lens—O’Keeffe and Her Circle.

essential EVENTS performances. may 9: Richard Smith and Julie adams; may 29: Kennedy’s Kitchen.

Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond. 866.711.7463. horseshoehammond.com. World-class gambling and top-name entertainment combine to create an unprecedented experience at this 350,000-square-foot casino. the Venue, the casino’s 90,000square-foot entertainment facility, hosts some of the hottest chicagoland entertainment. may 10: new york Voices; may 15: Q101 Presents chevelle and Blue October; may 16: Lewis Black; may 17: Don Rickles; may 23: Despina Vandi; may 28: Sara Evans; Jun 18: melissa Etheridge; Jun 21: take 6.

LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra, performances in LaPorte and Michigan City, 614 Lincolnway, LaPorte. 219.362.9020. lcso.net. this exciting orchestra offers a variety of concerts throughout the season—including classical, pops, chamber, children’s and family.

The Memorial Opera House, 104 E Indiana Ave, Valparaiso. 219.548.9137. memorialoperahouse.com. as the name suggests, this renovated, 364-seat building—with red, white and blue stained-glass windows—was built as a living memorial to the civil War veterans of Porter county. Built in 1893, the theater has a rich history as a venue for musical and dramatic performances, including appearances by John Philip Sousa and the marx Brothers. Jun 5-7, 12-14, 19-21: Grease; Jun 10: Hello Jerry!

The Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N Michigan St, South Bend. 574.235.9190, 800.537.6415. morriscenter.org. the home of the Broadway theatre League, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra and the Southold Dance theater, the 2,560seat morris Performing arts center has enraptured audiences in the heart of downtown South Bend for more than 75 years.

Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, various venues. 219.836.0525. nwisymphony.org. conducted by the charismatic Kirk muspratt, this professional orchestra performs concerts that range in atmosphere from the whimsical pops series to the edifying and inspirational maestro series, many of which offer pre-concert discussions with the conductor an hour before the concert.

South Bend Symphony Orchestra, Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N Michigan St, South Bend. 574.232.6343. southbendsymphony.com. this worldclass symphony performs at the morris Performing arts center and features many gifted musicians from around the world and special talent from throughout the michiana region. may 10: Spring Family concert—a celebration of abraham Lincoln (Bethel college’s Everest-Rohrer auditorium, mishawaka); may 16: magical melodies.

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Star Plaza Theatre, I-65 & US 30, Merrillville. 219.769.6600. starplazatheatre.com. With 3,400 seats arranged in two intimate seating levels, the theatre consistently hosts premier performers year-round. With its convenient location in the heart of northwest indiana’s shopping and dining district and its proximity to the adjoining Radisson hotel, the Star Plaza offers a total entertainment package to area theatregoers. may 9: the Ultimate Doo-Wop Show; may 16: mike Epps.

The Theatre at the Center, Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.3255. theatreatthecenter.com. this theater, just 35 minutes from downtown chicago, has the distinction of being the only professional equity theater in northwest indiana, and showcases the artistry of professional actors, musicians and designers from throughout the midwest. through Jun 14: Crazy for You. Towle Community Theater, 5205 Hohman Ave, Hammond. 219.937.8780. towletheater.org. to honor its mission of nurturing and celebrating local talent in the arts, the towle community theater presents exhibitions, theatrical productions and musical performances in the heart of downtown hammond. through may 10, may 14-17: Penny Serenade; Jun 6: Local music Showcase.

Michigan

The Acorn Theater, 6 N Elm St, Three Oaks. 269.756.3879. acorntheater.com. the 250-seat acorn is home to a carefully reconstructed, rare Barton theater Pipe Organ and boasts bistro tables and occasionally offbeat entertainment options. may 8: Extreme beer tasting; may 15-16: the Platters; may 21: michel holmes’ Judy garland Show; may 22: the Weird Sisters with the Strange Brothers; may 23, Jun 20: Opera at the acorn; Jun 12-13: Possum Kingdom; Jun 26-27: Steve Evans Quartet.

Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St, St. Joseph. 269.983.3688. boxfactoryforthearts.org. the Berrien artist guild has converted an old box factory into a multidisciplinary arts resource, housing galleries, studios, an art shop and a café.

Visitors also can take advantage of the Box Factory as an entertainment venue, attending stage performances by singers, musicians, poets and actors. may 16: Los Bandits; may 20, 22: a Slice of high School.

DeVos Performance Hall, DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids. 616.742.6500. devoshall.com. home to the grand Rapids Symphony, the grand Rapids Ballet company, Broadway grand Rapids and Opera grand Rapids, this 2,404seat performing arts theater provides an intimate setting for any performance. may 12-13: Dora the Explorer Live!

Search for the City of Lost Toys.

Fontana Chamber Arts, various venues.

269.382.7774. fontanachamberarts.org. as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the presentation of quality traditional and nontraditional chamber music performances, Fontana chamber arts presents classical, world music, new music and jazz as they explore the many possibilities of the definition of chamber music. may 14: Stefon harris and Blackout (Western michigan University Dalton center, Kalamazoo).

Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids. 616.454.9451 ext 4. grsymphony.org. Recognized as one of america’s leading regional orchestras, this grammy-nominated symphony provides the orchestra for Opera grand Rapids and the grand Rapids Ballet company. the orchestra’s eight concert series with performances designed for young children through adults feature a wide range of repertoire. may 8-9: Lockington’s 10th Season Spectacular; may 15-17: Pop goes Vegas.

The Howard Performing Arts Center, Andrews University, Berrien Springs.

269.471.3560. howard.andrews.edu. this $14 million acoustically superior auditorium provides a spectacular performance venue for university orchestras and choirs, community musical groups and visiting musicians. may 21: andrews academy music Program.

Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, various venues. 269.349.7759. kalamazoosymphony.com. Founded in 1921, this outstanding ensemble entertains the Kalamazoo area with a classical subscription series, annual holiday presentations, chamber orchestra concerts, free summer park concerts, and various educational programs. may 17: Side by Side with Stulberg (miller auditorium, Kalamazoo); may 29: mignone concert (Western michigan University Dalton center, Kalamazoo).

The Livery, 190 5th St, Benton Harbor.

269.925.8760. liverybrew.com. as its name suggests, the Livery is a former horse stable, residing in the arts District of downtown Benton harbor. not content to just offer its twelve taps of microbrew, an outdoor beer garden, an appetizing soup and sandwich menu, and a coffee bar, the Livery is also a venue for an eclectic variety of musical performances. may 8: tim Stop trio; may 9: maxon Struwin; may 24: Bruce Katz Band; Jun 5: mike milligan & Steam Shovel; Jun 6: Venitia Sekema & mJ Bishop; Jun 12: Bonerama; Jun 19: Big idea.

Mason Street Warehouse, 400 Culver St, Saugatuck. 269.857.4898. masonstwarehouse.org. the professional theater company at this “uptown theater in downtown Saugatuck” offers a diverse and intriguing array of plays and musicals in the heart of western michigan. Jun 26Jul 19: The Full Monty.

Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St, Saugatuck. 269.857.2399. sc4a.org. this not-for-profit arts center hosts high-quality arts programming year-round. activities and events include art exhibits, classes and workshops for adults and children, and both intimate smaller performances for up to 50 people in their performance studio and larger performances in the Bertha Krueger Raid theatre. With 412 seats arranged in only 13 rows, it retains the intimacy of a small venue. may 23: The Wonder Bread Years; may 24: hot club of Detroit; Jun 6: marcia Ball.

Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, various venues. 269.982.4030. smso.org. this versatile orchestra offers a traditional mendel mainstage Series, small ensemble works in the around town Series, and the Performing artists series, which showcases a wide range of styles with guest artists. Jun 19: anthony molinaro.

Illinois

Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E Parkway, Chicago.

312.902.1500. auditoriumtheatre.org. a national historic Landmark and a mainstay of chicago architecture and theatre since 1889, the auditorium continues to provide unparalleled ballet performances and a variety of artistic productions. through may 10: the Joffrey Ballet Spring Program; may 14-17: Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg; Jun 16-17: nederlands Dans theater i.

Broadway in Chicago, various venues, Chicago. broadwayinchicago.com. a

joint venture between the two largest commercial theater producers and owner/ operators in the U.S., Broadway in chicago offers the finest of professional stage productions in multiple theaters, all residing in chicago’s lively Loop. Bank of America Theatre, 18 W Monroe, 312.986.6821. tickets on sale through Jul 12: Jersey Boys. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W Randolph St, 312.902.1400. through Jul 12: Mary Poppins. Ford Center for the Performing Arts/ Oriental Theatre, 24 W Randolph, 312.986.6863. may 12-Jun 7: Legally Blonde; Jun 10-28: Fiddler on the Roof.

The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Pkwy, University Park. 708.235.2222. centertickets.net. the center for Performing arts is celebrating 11 years of promoting cultural enhancement on the South Side of chicago through world-class performing arts productions and arts education. may 9-10: To Kill a Mockingbird; Jun 26: Annie (Light Opera Works).

Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Navy Pier, 800 E Grand Ave, Chicago. 312.595.5600. chicagoshakes.com. Prominently located on navy Pier in chicago, this venue mounts renowned productions of the plays of William Shakespeare, as well as works from distinguished american and international playwrights and directors. the theater’s mission to reach out to younger audiences is well accomplished with its offerings of children’s productions and student matinees. the architecturally dynamic structure, new in 1999, houses both an engaging, 500-seat courtyard theater and a 200-seat black box theater. through may 10: The Table (Stolik); through Jun 7: Twelfth Night.

Chicago Sinfonietta, Orchestra Hall at the Symphony Center, 2205 S Michigan Ave, Chicago. 312.236.3681. chicagosinfonietta.org. in its pursuit of “musical Excellence through Diversity,” the chicago Sinfonietta—the official orchestra of the Joffrey Ballet—presents compelling, innovative works, often by composers and soloists of color. may 10-11: Sound / Waves.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Center, 220 S Michigan Ave, Chicago. 312.294.3000. cso.org. With two internationally renowned conductors, two award-winning composers-inresidence, and 107 talented musicians, this orchestra continues to impress local, national and international audiences during the more than 150 performances and events they play each year. through may 10: Shostakovich 15; may 14-16: Sibelius 5; may 17: Finnish music?; may 21, 23: Scorched; may 22: Rodgers and hammerstein at the movies; may 27-31: mozart and haydn; Jun 4-6: Dvorák Violin concerto; Jun 7: Whose World?; Jun 16: Emerson String Quartet; Jun 19: new World Symphony; Jun 26: Dave Brubeck Quartet.

The Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St, Chicago. 312.462.6300. thechicagotheatre.com. the chicago theatre has been a prototype for area theatres since 1921. With its lavish architecture and an elegant stage, the chicago theatre seats 3,600 and stands seven stories high. through may 24: the Quiet man tales; may 9: the Ultimate Doo-Wop Show; may 10: chris Botti Live; may 30: Unwigged & Unplugged—an Evening with christopher guest, michael mcKean and harry Shearer; Jun 6: Bernard Lachance.

Harris Theater, 205 E Randolph, Chicago. 312.704.8414. harristheaterchicago.org. now in its fifth season at its home in the harris theater for music and Dance in millennium Park, this modern stateof-the-art theater guarantees that the audience will enjoy a wide variety of performances in an intimate setting. may 10, 13, 15: chicago Opera theater—La Tragedie de Carmen; may 16, 20, 22, 24, 26: chicago Opera theater—Owen Wingrave; may 18: musical Fireworks; may 30: Kraft Family Series—Dan Zanes; Jun 4-7: hubbard Street Dance chicago; Jun 8: Ken Olson; Jun 12: Tutto Dante starring Roberto Benigni.

The Paramount Theatre, 8 E Galena Blvd, Ste 230, Aurora. 630.896.6666. theparamounttheatre.com. the Paramount theatre is an opulent historical landmark that boasts superior acoustics and luxurious seating, and offers an array of celebrity entertainers,

Outdoor Dining

world-class Broadway shows, challenging cutting-edge performances, and respected comedians. may 8-9: cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy; may 9, 23, 30, Jun 6, 13, 27: the Spew; may 10: Frankie avalon; Jun 7: the World Famous glenn miller Orchestra.

Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E Main St, St Charles. 630.584.6342. pheasantrun. com. acclaimed throughout chicago and the midwest for its entertainment, Pheasant Run Resort features theater at its new mainstage and Studio theaters, comedy at Zanies comedy club, and live music, entertainment and shopping at its own version of Bourbon Street. may 9: Doctor Dolittle.

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Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N Halsted, Chicago. 312.335.1650. steppenwolf. org. the chicago-based cast—recently joined by William Petersen—is an internationally renowned group of 42 artists, committed to the art of ensemble collaboration. now in its 32nd season, Steppenwolf continues to fulfill its mission by offering intriguing performances and taking artistic risks. through may 10: Of Mice and Men; through may 31: The Tempest; through Jun 7: Art; Jun 18-aug 23: Up; Jun 25-Jul 11: 500 Clown and the Elephant Deal.

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The Goodman Theatre, 170 N Dearborn St, Chicago. 312.443.3800. goodmantheatre.org. Since 1925, the goodman theatre has provided entertainment to the chicago area; however, a new, state-of-the-art twotheater complex was completed in 2000—75 years to the day after the dedication of the original—and resides in the vibrant north Loop theater District within walking distance of fine hotels and restaurants. through Jun 7: Rock ’n’ Roll; may 23-Jun 21: The Crowd You’re in With; Jun 20-Jul 26: Boleros for the Disenchanted.

TIMELESS ARCHITECTURE WHERE OLD MEETS NEW Whenever you are tempted to take the Chicago skyline for granted, think about Daniel Burnham, who has been dead for nearly a hundred years. Think about what the lakefront must have looked like after it burned to the ground. Think about how Burnham made a plan for the whole Lake Michigan shore from Wisconsin to Michigan City and how pleased he would be to see the splendor of what happens when you â&#x20AC;&#x153;make no small plans.â&#x20AC;?

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BY JULIE DEAN KESSLER

Chicago architect Daniel Hudson Burnham (18461912) gazed upon the gritty city of the late 1800s and envisioned a cleaner, greener urban space. His designs changed Chicago’s architecture and continue to influence the development of the lakeshore and surrounding region.

Testament to his vision is this year’s Burnham Plan Centennial, a year-long celebration and expansion of Burnham’s 1909 plan for Chicago. just two years after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Burnham, an entry-level draftsman, started his own firm with architect john Root and began a two-decade process of turning the black ashes into the White City. With collaborator Root, Burnham’s concepts for downtown structures soared. His Rookery Building on LaSalle Street is the oldest high-rise still standing in the city, and he designed some of the first skyscrapers in the world. The proliferation of those innovations, at first hailed as monuments to ingenuity, began to turn the city gray and crowd out oases for the public.

Burnham’s response was unlike anything an American city had ever seen.

First, he persuaded the great architects of the day to join him in creating the setting for the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893. Temporary buildings in classical Beaux-Arts style were coated in plaster to look like white marble; in the midst of Chicago’s sooty environs they were dazzling. Dubbed the White City, the fair closed after six months and the buildings gave way to fires and disrepair—except for one. Because it was reinforced with bricks to protect the artworks exhibited within, it was restored and became today’s Museum of Science

& Industry. Among Burnham’s designs is the Flatiron Building in New york, and his city planning projects included San Francisco, Cleveland and Washington D.C. But it is his 1909 Plan of Chicago for which he is most celebrated. A stunning achievement in urban planning, in collaboration with city planner Edward Bennett, the Plan defined the Lake Michigan shoreline, protected it for public use, and expanded parklands fourfold. Burnham’s THE Plan resulted in the twoBURNHAM level Wacker Drive; the PLAN Magnificent Mile with IN NWI its pleasures of dining, By julie Dean kessler lodging and shopping; and Navy Pier, with leisure A Northwest Indiana arts activities ranging from center has been given a major role in the Burnham the Ferris wheel to the Plan Centennial. The Shakespeare Theatre.

Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan The original Plan was City is the only NWI organization conceived on a regional approached by the Centennial committee to help develop programs for scale, from kenosha, the celebration.

Wisconsin, to Dekalb, “We’re just so thrilled to be a part Illinois, to Michigan of this,” says Carolyn Saxton, executive City, Indiana. Burnham’s director of the Lubeznik. A year ago the art center received a grant from commitment to preserving the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley natural beauty drives Foundation, which recommended the today’s Green Legacy Lubeznik be included on the Centennial Project, which includes committee.

With transportation a major area of completing the two Burnham’s legendary 1909 plan, Saxton 2-mile lakefront sections says, an exhibit at the Lubeznik will just north and south of include a 15-foot oil painting of the the city; natural trails region, South Shore memorabilia, and artworks on loan from NIPSCO, Indiana that extend into Greater University Northwest, NIRPC and others.

Chicagoland; and creation Kids and adults will enjoy a video and of open spaces, green land trains from I Love Toy Trains in New and prairie restoration.

Buffalo, Michigan, and the exhibit will include artwork by T.C. Steele and The theme is “Bold Frank Dudley. Other events will include Plans, Big Dreams,” an a musical with readings about Daniel apt choice for the man Burnham, a Riding the Rails hobo party, of bold imagination and and area organizations’ camps for kids that will encourage them to express enduring dreams. ideas about transportation for the future. For info on all Lubeznik events visit lubeznikcenter.org.

june 2009

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Historic Innovator: Daniel Burnham

BURNHAM PLAN CENTENNIAL EXHIBITS Daniel Burnham, opening May 30, 7-9pm CST, Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City. More info at lubeznikcenter.org Make Big Plans, produced by Chicago’s Newberry Library and on view this summer at libraries throughout the region.

Burnham Library, Art Institute of Chicago, permanent collection.

Burnham’s Backyard, through August 1, 2009, at the Glencoe Historical Society.

Online: Visit burnhamplan100.uchicago.edu to view the online exhibit The Plan of Chicago—A Regional Legacy. Also view the trailer for the documentary Make No Little Plans—Daniel Burnham and the American City, about Burnham’s life and legacy. Produced by the Archimedia Workshop, the film will premier in summer 2009.

AT THE LUBEZNIK CENTER FOR THE ARTS Jun 11, 7-8:30pm: Duneland Escape—The South Shore Marketing Campaign of the 1920s. Artist Mitch Markovitz and historian Steve McShane with the Calumet Regional Archives at Indiana University Northwest will speak about the artwork used to promote the South Shore Line in a historical context. Copies of Moonlight in Duneland,, an anthology of the advertising art of the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad, will be available for purchase in the LCA Gallery Shop.

Jun 11, 7-8:30pm: Dream Train. In conjunction with the Interurban Trains & Tourism exhibit, children are invited to design their own fantastic version of train transportation. While grown-ups attend Duneland Escape in the gallery, kids can participate in this fun workshop that will stimulate their imagination in the NIPSCO Art Education Studios. Children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends can join in on the fun.

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Jun 18, 7-8:30pm: South Shore Trains. Stefan Loeb will offer the history of the South Shore Line. He coauthored Shore Line Dispatch #3—One Hundred Years of Enduring Tradition, by Norman Carlson, Stefan Loeb and Dr. George M. Smerk. The book covers the history of the South Shore Line as told by the people who were involved since 1926 as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Jul 12, 2pm: Gallery Talk with Interurban Trains & Tourism exhibiting artist Mitch Markovitz, founding artist and art director for the Just around the Corner series of posters on life in Northwest Indiana.

Jul 19, 5pm: Burnham’s Dream, a musical depicting the life and efforts of Daniel Burnham by June Finfer. The performance will include a reading and some songs.

Historic Innovator: l. cosby bernard

BY JENNIFER A. MORAN

When much about the current state of homeownership is sobering, it’s perhaps reassuring to consider an important chapter in local homebuilding which saw the prominent rise of the celebrated architect L. Cosby Bernard, Sr. (1890-1963). During the Great Depression, Bernard designed grand homes that still rival many residences on Chicago’s North Shore. His work, imbued with innovative architectural elements, is found in Grand Beach, Ogden Dunes, Dyer, Flossmoor, and most ubiquitously in the historic Forest Avenue district of Hammond.

An architect ahead of his time, Bernard anticipated the demand for such features as master suites with adjoining bathrooms, spacious walk-in closets, attached three-car garages, and even pocket doors, now commonplace but virtually unheard of eighty years ago.

Built for civic leaders, politicians, and COSBY BERNARD HOMES, A WALKING TOUR generations of the department store 7326 Forest Avenue Minas family, Bernard’s homes were 7306 Forest Avenue constructed with an emphasis on formal 47 173rd Street 7245 Forest Avenue rooms for entertaining. However, 7240 Forest Avenue Bernard also foresaw the need for more 7241 Forest Avenue relaxed settings where families could 7220 Forest Avenue gather. Many of his houses include 7127 Forest Avenue 7126 Forest Avenue patios, terraces and enclosed porches, 7044 Forest Avenue almost always positioned to take 49 Indi-Illi Parkway advantage of the sunset.

6706 Hohman Avenue Bernard’s homes have retained their 6630 Forest Avenue 6607 Forest Avenue aesthetic and historic significance, as 6608 Forest Avenue well as their financial worth. Much like the Georgian at 7127 Forest Avenue, the English Gothic at 7326 Forest Avenue displays the architect’s penchant for stairs as statement. A focal point of both residences is a dramatic circular staircase. The later features other common Bernardesque elements including a recessed doorway, marble windowsills, a prominent curved window, and a fondness for subtle pattern and lyrical detail with grape and leaf motif rain gutters. One block north is the French château at 47 173rd Street with its stone herringbone patterned chimney, and spacious hallways typical of many Bernard houses.

Bernard built his personal residence at 7241 Forest Avenue in his favorite style, English Tudor. On its second floor, he maintained a studio where he trained young architects including his son L. Cosby Bernard, jr., who designed Munster Town Hall. Unfortunately, many of Bernard’s renderings and records were lost during the destructive 1954 flood of the Little Calumet River. Born in kentucky, and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Bernard studied at the Cincinnati Institute of Art and graduated from the University of Illinois School of Architecture. In 1924, he established his architectural firm in Michigan City before settling in Hammond in 1927. Decades later, a walk along Forest Avenue still evokes Bernard’s legacy of powerful elegance without pretension.

photography courtesy of [this page] the lubeznik center for the arts, the times archives; [opposite page] DesiGn orGanization, inc.

Plan of Chicago 1909 and Plan of Winnetka 1921, through August 2009 at Winnetka Historical Society.

pavilion embodies new lakefront vision

T

he unveiling of the Portage Lakefront Pavilion and Park this past November is a harbinger of a profound transformation taking place along Northwest Indiana’s shoreline. The venue inaugurates the realization of the Marquette Greenway Plan, a visionary initiative that will alter the lakefront more dramatically than at any other time since the early 20th century. The plan calls for the development of an extensive green corridor that cuts straight through roughly 45 miles of industrial landscape stretching from Hammond to Portage.

The Marquette Greenway Plan, which seeks to reclaim threequarters of the shoreline for public use, will feature new structures and a continuous trail for walking and biking.

Its origins date back to 1985 when U.S. Representative Pete Visclosky wrote a paper titled “The Marquette Project” during his first year in office. In the ensuing years, the mayors of East Chicago, Gary, Hammond, Portage and Whiting have united in their pursuit of an integrated master shoreline plan. The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, created in 2005, has already directed nearly $50 million toward the project.

Some predict that the upshot could be a boost to the local economy with job creation and the arrival of new residents.

The Portage Lakefront Pavilion straddles a dune immediately west of Burns Harbor Waterway and the U.S. Steel Midwest Plant. Designed by the Chicago and Valparaisobased architectural firm Design Organization, the edifice is a series of subtle metaphors.

Principal architect Spero Valavanis spoke of the pavilion’s simple form and natural muted

palette “as an extension of the landscape.”

“The sweeping roof represents the dunes and waves, the soffit a boat hull, and the chimney hearth and home, reflective of Northwest Indiana values,” he says. “The brick and limestone are regional materials representing permanence and stability.” Sight lines greatly influenced the structure’s transparent design with views of Lake Michigan and Chicago to the north and the restored dunescape to the south.

A hallmark of Design Organization, established in 1971, has been its commitment to sustainable design, which Mr. Valavanis describes as architecture that considers “the ecosystem, reduces energy consumption, minimizes the use of limited resources, and creates a healthy environment for its occupants.” Some of the pavilion’s sustainable features include heat reducing white roofing, glass patterns visible to migratory birds, and the use of regional materials, which minimized fossil fuel transport.

In Mr. Valavanis’ words the pavilion “really represents a new direction and vision for our lakefront.” — Jennifer A. Moran

Historic Innovator: buckminster fuller By jULIE DEAN kESSLER

absorbed in experimenting with the most efficient use of earth’s resources.

“Comprehensive anticipatory design science” was his term for the need to anticipate and provide for humanity’s needs using the least possible amount of natural resources.

To learn more about Buckminster Fuller’s inventions—including boats, games and more—visit the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, where Buckminster Fuller— Starting with the Universe is on exhibit through June 21.

59

around the world to provide inexpensive housing and for weather stations in challenging climates.

Fuller professed to prefer functionality over aesthetics, yet his geodesic homes have been described as filled with light, luminous even at night.

The diversity of the dome echoes the diversity of Fuller’s inventions. Engineer, poet and philosopher, Fuller designed the Dymaxion—a combination of “dynamism” and “maximum”—a three-wheel, airconditioned, front-wheel-drive concept car.

It was shown at the Chicago’s World Fair in 1933, but interest in the design faded after a driver’s fatal accident.

Typically ahead of his time, Fuller began to focus on environmental concerns during his tenure as research professor at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, becoming

june 2009

It wasn’t perfect. It leaked, it had a lot of unusable space, it was a ventilation nightmare. And it was brilliant.

The innovative geodesic dome dwelling designed by self-taught architect R. Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983) possessed some of the attributes of its creator—manyfaceted, surprising, fascinating. Born in Massachusetts, “Bucky” took a pass on being his family’s fifth generation at Harvard. It didn’t exactly hamper him.

Owner of 28 patents, he proved that unfettered imagination and a feel for dynamics can produce ground-breaking changes in the everyday and ordinary.

A network of triangles in steel with a lightweight outer skin became a dome home, with the unusual quality of gaining strength and lightness the bigger it is built.

Hundreds of thousands have been built

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People Persuasion, Innovation Invasion

By Rick Kaempfer

Innovate \in-no-vate\ vb:

to introduce something new Touch Tone culTure t. Joseph’s Krasl Art Center was looking for a new way to provide a more interactive experience for their guests.

“In the past we did real-estate-type boxes with fliers for each exhibition, but we wanted something a little more contemporary,” explains Tami Gabois, curator at Krasl. They heard about an innovative new audio tour that was experiencing success at a few other art centers around the country, and decided to give it a try.

It was called Touch Tone Art, and it allowed guests to use their cell phones to call a number posted at selected works of art. A guest merely dials the number, hears a short introductory message, enters the stock number, and voila! An audio explanation of the artwork, sometimes even from the artist himself.

In February they brought it to Krasl.

In May, they took it one step further, collaborating with the city of St. Joseph to expand Touch Tone Art into Touch Tone Culture. “In addition to selected artwork inside the Art Center and our outdoor sculptures,” Gadbois points out, “thirty city monuments will become part of Touch Tone Culture.”

Thanks to the innovators at Krasl Art Center, culture is now literally at your fingertips along Lake Boulevard in St. Joseph, Michigan, all summer.

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can you remember back to the year before you started using email on a daily basis? What year was it that you started to carry a cellular phone with you everywhere? When did you start importing and exporting information about every person in your life from gadget to desktop to cyberspace storage facility? What’s the next new thing? read on.

Innovate \in-no-vate\ vb: to effect a change

The caTalysT ranch va Niewiadomski was an account manager at Quaker Oats in Chicago for many years, but even in that sometimes stuffy corporate world, she always managed to make her workspace unique. “It got to the point that my admin was actually giving tours of my cubicle to visitors,” she says.

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photograph courtesy of THE CATALYST RANCH

Krasl art Center 707 lake Blvd, st. Joseph, Mich.

269.983.0271. krasl.org

Catalyst ranCh 656 W randolph st, Chicago 312.207.1710. catalystranch.com

Innovate \in-no-vate\ vb:

to see change as an opportunity

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alan roBandt & CoMpany 114 e Front st, Buchanan redBud hoMe and Garden 107 e Front st, Buchanan WheatBerry restaurant and tavern 15212 redbud tr, Buchanan laKe Chapin shores lakechapinshores.com riverBend landinGs riverbendlandings.com BuChanan art Center 117 W Front st, Buchanan buchananartcenter.org

Innovation \in-no-va-tion\ n:

a new idea, method or device icreaM café ora Shaw and Jason McKinney are innovators who have taken a classic idea, the ice cream shop, and given it a completely new twist. At iCream Café in Chicago’s

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Wicker Park, they are using the new technology of a rapid freezing process (liquidnitrogen-based) to offer customers a chance to make interactive “designer” ice cream or sorbet from scratch, while they’re in line.

By choosing your own treat (ice cream, low-fat ice cream, soy-milk ice cream, frozen yogurt, shake, etc.), and their own flavors, toppings and colors, customers can make the ice cream as healthy or decadent as they wish. “Part of the fun is watching it being made before your eyes,” said customer Bill Nicholson, who was waiting in line in front of us.

Our one-word review: “Yum.” iCreaM CaFé 1537 n Milwaukee ave, Chicago 773.342.2834. icreamcafe.com

Innovation \in-no-va-tion\ n:

a new twist on an old idea MaiTre d’ To door ho could better understand the pressures of getting dinner on the table than moms who have to do it every night—moms like Dona Henry and Kelly Hite. Between the two of them they have twelve children.

These two local innovators saw the need for a delivery service that offered more than just the usual delivery fare, so they created Maitre d’ to Door, which delivers food from some of Valparaiso’s favorite restaurants, including Bon Femme Café, King Gyros, Mama Ward’s Café, Pikk’s Tavern, Quiznos, Unrefined Café, Wings Etc., and Zaza Ristorante.

Right now their lunch hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and their dinner hours are 5 to 9 p.m., Monday-Saturday, but they say that “special times may be arranged.”

The innovative Maitre d’ to Door has been delivering to hotels (since March) and residences (since April 13) in Valparaiso, Aberdeen and Heritage Valley.

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Maitre d’ to door 219.531.3667. md2door.com

What’s Your NeW thiNg? We asked several local business owners to tell us the latest gadget, tool or service they’ve been using just to get insight into the way they think and to get some ideas.

Here’s what they told us . . .

Jason rosenthal of J. rosenthal Design Co: “AirCard! Cellular Internet has allowed me to relocate my office to any coffee shop at any time.”

Josh Powell of JL Powell: “My favorite day-today piece is a Rhodia notebook and an archival ink pen. I always have one with me to write quick sketches of clothes I see, or to get quotes from people that inspire me for copy in our catalog, to just the mundane grocery list. I just love them—the paper, the color, it feels very substantial in my hands.”

Lori Zimmer of Beyond Pink: “Have you ever heard of Constant Contact? It’s the absolute best and it has saved me a fortune. For like $30 a month you can send up to 22,000 emails—directly linked to your website. We use it all the time. I’m not too technically savvy, but it’s super easy to use, and the few times I couldn’t figure it out, their help desk was prompt and super helpful.”

Joya helmuth of spark Design studio: “My latest and greatest thing is a ‘select-a-size’ sticky note pad. It has a stainless steel slider that lets you tear paper to the right size. It’s very cool, because I never seemed to have the right size sticky note at hand before I found this.”

june 2009

Buchanan, Michigan ary Lister’s family has been in Buchanan for many years. “It was heartbreaking to see business after business close,” she says, “so when people from the Chicago area started buying property and renovating a few years ago, I was excited to hear what they intended to do.”

One of those business owners was Alan Robandt, whose family once lived in the area. He rediscovered Buchanan a few years ago. “It was unspoiled and not overly developed— it reminded me of what New Buffalo and St. Joseph once were.”

He put his money where his heart was when he bought a 19th-century building in downtown Buchanan, rehabbed it, and relocated his antique business—Alan Robandt & Company—there. Many other innovators are following Robandt’s lead, people like Rob Strom, an owner

of the new Wheatberry Restaurant and Tavern, and Tom Jolly, owner of another downtown antique shop, Redbud Home and Garden.

Steve Sprengel is developing Lake Chapin Shores, an upscale residential area in nearby Berrien Springs, and a residential community in Buchanan called Riverbend Landings. He too was drawn by the unspoiled beauty of Buchanan. “It’s a wonderful, tight-knit community, attractive in its architecture, but without the hustle and bustle of places like New Buffalo,” he says.

While the innovators coming to town are helping to give Buchanan an artistic vibe, they don’t see themselves as agents of change. “It’s less about creating the feel,” Robandt says, “and more about nurturing the feel that already existed. Buchanan has a physical draw of its own.”

“Most of it was built in the years after the Great Fire of 1862,” historic designation consultant Pam O’Connor explains. “There are places in Buchanan that are so beautifully preserved. The Ross-Sanders Home, the first brick house in town, is still in great shape. The Library, which was built in the Frank Lloyd Wright style, and is being repurposed now as the Buchanan Art Center, is just beautiful.”

Mary Lister runs the Art Center, and she agrees. “We had over 3,000 people sign our registry in 2008, so we really are becoming a destination.

That has been one of our goals.”

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Though she enjoyed her account work, she also discovered that she had a talent for creating an environment conducive to creativity. “There was a company that provided these creative meeting spaces, and they were operating on both coasts at the time, and we talked a long time about maybe opening an office for them in Chicago, but they finally decided they couldn’t do it. So, I did it myself.”

Her Catalyst Ranch is like an explosion of the senses. The moment you step out of the elevator into this loft space, everything from the colorful paint on the walls to the vintage furniture to the eclectic toys and pictures lets you know this isn’t a boring hotel conference room.

“We had three meetings booked before we even finished the place.

You should have seen us in here the night before we opened, feverishly hammering, painting and rearranging,” she says with a laugh.

That was almost seven years ago, and now, thanks to the innovative Eva and her talented staff, the Catalyst Ranch is one of the 100 fastest growing companies in the state of Illinois.

314 SOUTH PARK STREET s KALAMAZOO, MI 49007 s 269.349.7775

www.kiarts.org

Georgia O’Keeffe, A Sunflower from Maggie, oil on canvas, 193ÇÊÊUÊÊ FA, Boston, Alfred Stieglitz Collection—Bequest of Georgia O’Keeffe © 2009 Georgia O'Keeffe Museum/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

GEORGIA O’KEEFFE AND HER TIMES: AMERICAN MODERNISM

FROM THE LANE COLLECTION OF THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, BOSTON

MAY 9– SEPTEMBER 13, 2009 Drawn from one of the finest collections of American Modernism and featuring masterpieces by Georgia O’Keeffe, this exhibition also includes works by Charles Sheeler, Arthur Dove, Stuart Davis, Marsden Hartley, John Marin and others.

O R G A N I Z E D

B Y

T H E

M U S E U M

O F

F I N E

A R T S,

B O S T O N

ALSO ON VIEW:

THROUGH THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S LENS:

O’KEEFFE AND HER CIRCLE

TWO EXHIBITIONS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE! MAJOR SPONSOR:

CO-SPONSORS:

Tyler-Little Family Foundation

acres of a rt

a Free-associaTion conVersaTion WiTh FreDeriK anD Lena MeiJer

BY PAT COLANDER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHNNY QUIRIN

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y discovery of Frederik Meijer Gardens & sculpture Park came by way of a discovery of Grand rapids in general, which mostly happened because of 9/11, when the whole notion of local quality became tangible. one of the few immediate, not-totally-negative consequences of the terrorist attack was that the stock market was temporarily stunned and investors who were disenchanted—remember how the market soared in 2000?—switched into real estate, which continued to expand; double-digit percentage increases were the minimum in just about any geographic area. For a while, southwest Michigan, northwest indiana and chicago were in a happy spot for buying and selling property and for the tourism business in particular. By 2001, it was abundantly clear that to buy designer clothes, or eat an incredible meal or have a once-in-a-lifetime theater experience, you didn’t absolutely have to go to new York. and if you wanted to sit in the sun and have a couple of glasses of wine on a fabulous terrace overlooking a harbor or a vineyard, you didn’t have to go to Tuscany or sausalito, you could just go to Michigan. and if you wanted to get away and spend the weekend in a suite with an expansive city view in a luxurious, world-class hotel and visit the art and history museums, have a couple of great meals and spend hours in spa treatments, you didn’t have to go to London, when you could get to Grand rapids in under three hours.

june 2009

for photos mostly. One choirmaster with a boatload of young performers asked Mr. Meijer if they could sing for him; of course he said yes. He said yes in Dutch or German, actually. The people who stop the Meijers are always surprised, because Lena and Frederik Meijer have more questions than they do. Frederik tells the story of getting the word for “stockings” mixed up with the word for “pants” in Germany after the war. “You run into some interesting stories when you can’t speak the language,” he says. And that is how he introduces the main premise of the story of how Meijer Gardens came to be.

The Meijers originally got the acreage on the outskirts of Grand Rapids for a store, of course—Wikipedia puts the current hyperstore-supercenter count at 186, with locations in four states besides Michigan—and, as Frederik says, “We were lucky enough, by not getting the zoning, to get a better location [for the store] so the garden got this valuable property.” Meanwhile, there had been some “gathering up,” as Mr. Meijer says, of Marshall Fredericks sculptures that were offered to Grand Valley, and there was talk of putting them where the Gerald Ford Museum is or maybe in front of the park. “But we thought they shouldn’t go there, even though the city might agree,” he says. So, that was the start, the Marshall Fredericks sculptures.

If you were raised in a city, you probably don’t have a good fix on what 130 acres is, but only about 30 acres are devoted to sculpture exhibition and there’s a lot of space at the gardens. Already, works by Auguste Rodin, Aristide Maillol, Jacques Lipchitz, Henry Moore, Louise Nevelson, Mark di Suvero, Magdalena Abakanowicz, George Rickey,

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ut still it took forever to get to Meijer Gardens.

Maybe because my visits at first were limited to the off-season: there was the hideous sleet storm on a Super Bowl Sunday. (We took a cab to a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired high-end restaurant on the outskirts of the town. There was never a warmer fireplace, lit more brightly.) Then there was a summer evening in the 1913 Room, followed by Saturday noon theater seating in the Amway Grand Tower for the implosion of the Armory building next door. Finally, George Aquino, now GM of JW Marriott, the friend of a friend who opened my eyes to everything Grand Rapids had to offer, said, “You haven’t been there? You have to go there.” So I went, and I’ve been there often since and it never ceases to amaze me. Flora and foliage are the least of it.

This is the long way of saying that I came to sort of idolize Lena Meijer, long before I Googled her. Most of the art works at Meijer Gardens are gifts from Mrs. Meijer, and I imagined she must have the most wonderful job in the world, finding beautiful sculptures to put in her garden. Creating this 150-acre garden, as it turns out, was “more of an accident than planned,” as Lena’s husband Frederik, scion of the family, tells the story. Or he is trying to tell the story.

Progress on a tour around the gardens with the Meijers is slow; imagine walking around Liverpool with Paul McCartney or being at Manny’s delicatessen with Barack Obama. Groups of children politely say hello, whisper to one another, and try to get a glimpse of the Meijers. And Lena and Frederik are as cooperative as they can be, posing

genius-artist-inventor had a lot of projects in mind that he just couldn’t complete for a variety of reasons. Most of those reasons had less to do with the stupendous level of architectural, aerodynamic and artistic ability of da Vinci and more to do with the lack of raw materials at hand. Da Vinci’s horse didn’t get built, for instance, because Milan went to war with France—and lost—and sucked up all the bronze for weapons.)

But it did get built, on account of Frederik Meijer, who relishes the story: “Charles Dent was an American Airlines pilot who liked art and dreamed of building the horse da Vinci never got to make and he worked on the horse for seventeen years and he died. And his family carried on for another three years, but they ran out of money.” By 1994 the nonprofit organization, Leonardo da Vinci’s Horse Inc., that Dent had started in 1977 was about to go bust. “One of our sons [Hank, who, with his brother Doug, now runs the company] came to me and said, ‘Dad, wouldn’t this be nice for the garden?’ They said to come see it and—and this has happened a couple times in our life—I run to see the horse and see if we could have one for the garden. So we took a group on our plane to Pennsylvania, wherever the horse was in a foundry in New York state, and we took a group of knowledgeable art people, the head of the Muskegon Museum in Muskegon and Lena and I and several others I can’t remember . . . before we even got around to see it and they had come to the conclusion that it wouldn’t be acceptable.”

“We aren’t catholic,” says Frederik, who is very famously Dutch and has created a Frederik Meijer chair in “One of the eyes was Dutch Language and culture at calvin college in Grand rapids with the purpose of promoting interest in the drooping,” Lena says. And Nina netherlands and Michigan’s Dutch cultural heritage. he says that he and Lena have been into a lot of catholic Akamu was hired to fix it. Two churches because they have beautiful art. “So we were both raised in that art atmosphere, and when you get a call on Sunday morning and the robins are singing beautifully and the tabernacle choir is years later Akamu moved to beautiful, and whether that makes me kind of a soft touch to spend all the money we can get our Beacon, New York, to work on hands on to do this, I’m not sure . . . but we enjoy this. We live in an apartment.” the project in Tallix Foundry.

“But she couldn’t fix it and had to rebuild it.” Nina Akamu was essentially back to square one and eventually made the lifegot piano, violin or clarinet. My sister was better at violin, sized master model for the da Vinci horse from studying but I never learned to be any good on the clarinet.” the original manuscripts.

“My Dad took us through the Rijksmuseum in the On September 10, 1999, Il Cavallo was dedicated in San Netherlands and Amsterdam,” Frederik remembers, “and Siro in Milan, Italy, and, with a dramatic tug by a team we saw the priceless Van Goghs at the museum and the of live horses to remove the cover, another sculpture was sculptures at the public gardens in the Netherlands”— unveiled and dedicated a month later in Grand Rapids. works that would inspire them years later.

“And that horse would not be in Italy today if we had not “We aren’t Catholic,” says Frederik, who is very famously stepped up,” Mr. Meijer says, still enraptured by the story Dutch and has created a Frederik Meijer Chair in Dutch and the magnificent accomplishment.

Language and Culture at Calvin College in Grand Rapids Frederik doesn’t say this, but the Meijers contributed with the purpose of promoting interest in the Netherlands $2.38 million so the two horses could be cast, one to be sent and Michigan’s Dutch cultural heritage. He says that he to Milan, Italy, and one for the Frederik Meijer Gardens. and Lena have been into a lot of Catholic churches because “You can take a leg off this horse—and I asked about this they have beautiful art. “So we were both raised in that art specifically—and put it on the other horse, because the atmosphere, and when you get a call on Sunday morning two casts from the same model are identical. They are and the robins are singing beautifully and the tabernacle interchangeable; it didn’t matter.” In 2001 a life-sized da choir is beautiful, and whether that makes me kind of Vinci horse bronze was donated and dedicated in the main a soft touch to spend all the money we can get our hands square of Vinci, Italy, the birthplace of Leonardo. on to do this, I’m not sure . . . but we enjoy this. We live “When you start talking about size, you don’t know where in an apartment.” that works in the art world,” Frederik says. “How can you compare the da Vinci to a Rodin? We were looking at this The Da Vinci horse set of fighting lions, and Lena made the observation that he story of the horse starts when sketches and it looked like the lions were going through a divorce at details of a casting process for creating a 14-ton, the time and mad at the world.” The Meijers say that there 24-foot-high bronze horse were found in a set are outdoor sculptures that look like driftwood, and they of Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks from 1482 leave curating to the professionals. But they don’t discount in Madrid, Spain. (Three years ago, a traveling that they know what they like and definitely have opinions. exhibition of work that had been created from da Vinci’s “Kew Gardens [near London] is nice, but ours is more sketches came to the Museum of Science and Industry in interesting,” he says.

Chicago, showing in abundant detail that the Renaissance Claes Oldenburg, Coosje van Bruggen, Juan Munoz, Hanneke Beaumont, Louise Bourgeois and Mimmo Paladino are set into alcoves at the rate of about ten pieces a year. (The collection was started in 2002, with twenty-five sculptures.) The plan is to eventually have about eighty pieces on the property.

And, that collection is set up to live forever. Frederik says he saw that the Cleveland Museum had permission to sell off sculptures that had been donated to the collection there. “As a result we’ve written in that they can’t sell anything,” Mr. Meijer explains, “so fifty years from now, when I’m long gone and Lena’s long gone, if they do anything else, even if they lose the property,” the art has to be taken care of.

Since we are on the garden path and it’s an unseasonably beautiful day, when I ask Lena Meijer what she likes about the gardens so much, she seems bemused, but is too polite to say, “Don’t you get it?”

“Well,” she says quietly but firmly, “We like the outdoors.”

Frederik thinks a moment and says, “I guess when Lena and I were young, she worked on the farm and my dad was trying to be a farmer. So we had that common connection.”

And also Lena’s parents had a cultural awareness; even during the Depression the children in the family had music lessons. “When other people would probably say, ‘We don’t have the money,’ our family still had lessons,” she says. “We

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he would forget. He doesn’t consult the notes right now, though: “The Chinese bought 50,000 buses and 10,000 cabs for the Olympics. Their airport terminal is the biggest in the world, and they have more cell phones than anyplace in the world, and 180 million people use the Internet in China. By next year, more people will have the Internet there than any other country in the world. People are very clean in Hong Kong, and it’s as big as New York City.

“People are moving off the farm; in China right now there are thirty-six cities with over 2 million population.

Guess what their favorite drink is? Their number one beverage is milk.”

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hough the Meijers don’t do as much traveling as they used to, they reference their travels often: how they learned about animal husbandry and sheep shearing in Australia and New Zealand; they have been on safari in Africa.

“I haven’t the slightest idea how I got her Frederik Meijer Gardens is in Africa,” Mr. Meijer says about Lena. “But located on Bradford Road there she was in the basket with us, looking at in Grand Rapids off the East giraffes and kangaroos.”

Beltline exit on I-96. It is “I’m still corresponding with people we open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday met on those trips, like that lady from South and from noon to 5 p.m.

Africa,” Lena says.

Sunday. Admission is $5 for “I recommend you go any place your adults, $4 for senior citizens dreams take you, and don’t wait until you get and $2 for children. Admission for children under age 2 is free. too old,” Frederik says. The Meijers have been in over sixty countries. And, as they say, they For more information, have a lot of good memories. They furnished a call 616.957.1580, or visit piece of the Berlin Wall they found to the Van meijergardens.org for upcoming events.

Andel museum in Grand Rapids. The piece has “MEIJER” in graffiti on it. “So I got that piece and gave it,” Frederik says. Mr. Meijer uses a walker now, so they aren’t able to go as much, but the Internet helps.

Lena says, “Our little 7-year-old granddaughter says to me, ‘Would you like to see a whole bunch of penguins?’

And I said I would. And she tapped on the computer and she gets a whole bunch of penguins!”

That reminds Frederik that he has something to show us—the gongs in the gallery. His eyes crinkle at the corners when he smiles and says “Let’s go” mischievously in Italian: “Andiamo . . . vamos!”

june 2009

rederik and Lena Meijer allude very often to the fact that they have been fortunate and blessed by God, from the very beginning of their relationship and I suspect even before that. Frederik says flatly that Meijer Gardens would not exist if he hadn’t married Lena or “if I had married a lady without her interests.”

And, he says, “I would never have met her if my dad hadn’t hired her sight unseen.”

(Of course, Frederik wouldn’t have been there to meet her if the Greenville, Michigan, store, which was founded in 1934, hadn’t succeeded in spite of the Depression and he hadn’t gone to work there when he was 14 years old.)

Lena and Frederik Meijer have been together for sixty years, and that covers a lot of ground of what might not have been. The most important are their three sons. The youngest started an ambulance company. “He is very dedicated to his business,” Lena says, “and is now branching out to a city here and a city there.”

“The other two are chairmen [of Meijer] . . . we’ve been very fortunate,” Frederik adds. You can only skirt the issue for so long; inevitably, if you are with the Meijers, you end up talking about grocery shopping. Photographer John Quirin brings up the subject first, because he bumped into Lena Meijer a few years ago shopping at the store.

Lena smiles enigmatically, as if to say of course, she goes shopping like anyone else. She used to shop more, she says. Which reminds Frederik that it took a long time to figure out that he doesn’t like canned corn in general, but he does like Meijer canned corn because it tastes just like fresh. Which reminds him, “We’ve had so many green beans lately,” he says to Lena. Lena explains that they live in a planned community with “a lot of nice people, nice people and nice staff.” And one of the wonderfully convenient features is that they can eat meals with their friends there several times a week or they can have boxed suppers sent over to them if they are eating later.

The Meijers have boundless curiousity and seem to know something about everything. So it’s not just about the art, it’s about how the art links to culture and to history. And history is bound to the development of commerce, and now Frederik is discussing the Crusades and how they were sent to Constantinople to get control of the trade route as much as to change people’s minds on religion. Though there are missionaries in the family, Mr. Meijer says, they “stay off other people’s religion. One of our sons married a Catholic girl and turned Catholic.”

Their philosophy is to give people a choice, whether the choice is about reducing the carbon footprint or drinking alcohol. The Meijers don’t drink, but if “we didn’t sell any liquor or alcohol we couldn’t be in business. My mother was a vegetarian and you can eat very well as a vegetarian. But try to run a store without a meat department. We have this [product] in case you want it.” Since the Meijers are Dutch, they have Amish ancestors and Amish kin, and “They’ll ride in a car but they won’t drive one,” Frederik says. “But horses don’t go very far.”

Speaking of transportation reminds Frederik about his friend who went to the Olympics in China. When the friend got back, he told Mr. Meijer about what he observed there, and Frederik took notes on a few things he was afraid

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bite & SIP

FOOD FEATURE

BY JANE DUNNE

TERRAGUSTO TheO GilBeRT executive chef/Owner chicago, ill. terragustocafe.com

tagLiateLLe con asPaRagus e Funghi (4-6 servings) FResh Pasta 3 cups all-purpose flour 4 eggs Pinch of salt

sauce 12 ounces asparagus, trimmed and blanched 1 stick unsalted butter 1 pound mushrooms, sliced, sautéed 2 cups veal, chicken or mushroom stock 2-3 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated Salt and fresh pepper, to taste Splash white wine (optional)

an elegant take on a chicago hot dog, a wild mushroom risotto with chicken confit, a southwestern-style steak sandwich with a spicy-sweet sauce, fresh tagliatelle with asparagus and mushrooms, or a seared sushiquality Tuna Nicoise with inspired garnishes, are only five of many reasons why these popular restaurants keep packing them in on a nightly basis in this year of economic downturn. Of course, brilliant chefs who create high-style comfort food with impeccable, often locally grown, ingredients make these places shine and, in so doing, give us a brief respite from those “Recessionary Blues.”

JUNE 2009

Set up a bowl with 2 quarts ice water.

Blanch asparagus in boiling water until tender, then remove immediately to ice water for 3-5 minutes until cool.

Drain on paper towels; set aside.

Melt half the butter in a sauté pan and add half the mushrooms. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until golden and liquid has disappeared. Keep warm and repeat process with remaining butter and mushrooms. Deglaze the pan with the wine or a little stock. Add remaining stock to the pan and reduce by 2/3.

Add asparagus and mushrooms and warm through. Add the cooked, drained pasta all at once and carefully combine, coating each ribbon. Add the cheese halfway through.

Season to taste and serve immediately in warm bowls.

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Place flour on a dry work surface and make a well in the center. Add the eggs in the center of the well, breaking the yolks. Add pinch of salt. Gradually mix the edges of the flour into the eggs until all is incorporated. Knead for 2-3 minutes, then cover and let rest 15 minutes. Shape pasta as desired. Tagliatelle is rolled thin and cut approximately 6mm wide by 12 inches long.

Drop pasta into salted boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Stir gently to avoid clumps; strain, but do not rinse. Add pasta directly to the hot sauce. Check seasoning and serve immediately.

bite & SIP

FOOD FEATURE At Bartlett’s the pickled vegetables are prepared from scratch with brine. For the home cook, Chef Nicole suggests buying high-quality giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), which can be found in jars at most supermarkets. saLad 4 sushi-grade yellowfin tuna steaks, 6 ounces each 4 cups mesclun greens mixed with romaine lettuce, cut or torn into 1-inch pieces Balsamic vinaigrette (see recipe) 4 hard-boiled eggs, quartered 1/2 pound grape tomatoes, halved 1 cup nicoise, oil-cured, or other olives baLsamic VinaigRette 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 6 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/2 small clove garlic, finely chopped 1 teaspoon brown sugar Salt and pepper, to taste saLad accomPaniments 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced and fried until golden and crisp (salt, pepper, chopped parsley) 4 cups high-quality giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), chilled and drained 2 tablespoons olive oil

WEST TOWN TAVERN SUSaN GOSS executive chef and co-owner (with drew Goss) chicago, ill. westtowntavern.com southWesteRn steak sandWich (6 servings) maRinade 1 whole canned chipotle chile en adobo, minced 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro 1/4 cup canola oil 1/3 cup fresh lime juice, about 4 limes 4

(6 ounces each) steaks: flat iron, rib eye or flank

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sPicy-sWeet steak sauce 2 tablespoons clover honey 1 tablespoon canola oil 2-4 whole chipotle chiles, as desired 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, about 1 lime 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Few grinds black pepper 4 1

(4-inch-square) ciabatta breads Olive oil for grilling Cole slaw, as needed large avocado, halved, peeled and diced Sour cream, as needed Chopped cilantro, as needed

Whisk all marinade ingredients together in

a bowl. Coat steaks and marinate 2-4 hours in refrigerator. Do not marinate overnight as acid in the lime juice will “cook” the steak.

Combine all sauce ingredients in a blender and puree. Reserve at room temperature.

Sauce can be made two days ahead. Refrigerate; bring to room temperature when ready to use.

Grill steaks over direct coals until medium rare. Let rest 10 minutes; slice thinly. While steaks rest, split ciabattas in half crosswise and brush cut surfaces with oil. Grill lightly to toast.

Pile coleslaw on one half of the ciabatta; top with sliced steak. Spoon some sauce evenly over steaks. Garnish sandwiches with diced avocado, sour cream and chopped cilantro. Serve with fried onion rings.

BARTLETT’S GOURMET GRILL & TAVERN NicOle BiSSONNeTTe executive chef and co-owner (with Gary Sanders) Beverly Shores, ind. eatatbartletts.com tuna nicoise With PickLed VegetabLes (4 servings)

Season tuna steaks with a bit of Herbes de Provence, kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Sear tuna for 1 minute on each side until medium rare. Toss greens in balsamic vinaigrette; distribute among 4 plates. Slice tuna and fan out on top of greens. Garnish with the eggs, tomatoes and olives. Spoon some of the colorful giardiniera around the outside of the salad. Serve the potatoes as a side dish with the salad. Serve.

LOCKWOOD RESTAURANT PhilliP FOSS executive chef Palmer house hilton hotel chicago, ill. lockwoodrestaurant.com chef’s blog: thepickledtongue.com chicago styLe LobsteR dog AS INTERPRETED BY CHEF PHILLIP FOSS (10 servings) This luxurious recipe requires a pastry bag with a #4 tip.

LobsteR dog FiLLing 2 pounds dry packed sea scallops, muscle removed 1 egg 1 cup cream 3/4 pound cooked Maine lobster meat 1/4 ounce fresh tarragon 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon salt saFFRon-gingeR sauce 1 cup white wine

1/2 teaspoon shallots, peeled and rough cut 1 ounce ginger root, peeled and rough cut 1 teaspoon saffron threads 2 ounces cream 1 pound unsalted butter, room temperature Salt to taste Remaining Ingredients and Garnishes Canola oil for grill pan 10 hot dog buns, split and toasted 1 European cucumber, seeds removed, cut into 10 strips 15 teardrop tomatoes, halved 2 small leeks, cut into small dice, washed and blanched 1 green bell pepper, cut into julienne, soaked in ice water

liquid by 2/3 and add cream.

Return to a boil; reduce by half or until large bubbles form.

Slowly and continuously whisk in the softened butter, a little at a time, until an emulsion forms.

(Sauce must maintain a warm temperature and be neither too hot nor cold; otherwise, milk solids in the butter will either coagulate (too cold) or separate (too hot). Strain sauce through a fine mesh sieve; season with salt and keep warm while assembling and finishing the dogs.

photography courtesy of [opposite page] WEST TOWN TAVERN; [this page] EVERYDAY PEOPLE CAFÉ

Lobster Dog Filling

Thirty minutes before beginning preparation, place the bowl, blade and cover of a food processor in the freezer to chill.

Chop lobster meat very finely by hand; set aside. Assemble machine and add the scallops.

Pulse to break up and then add the egg. Run for 10 seconds and scrape down sides of processor. Turn back on; add cream in a slow and steady stream.

Remove mixture from food processor and place in a mixing bowl fitted over another mixing bowl filled with ice water. Into the scallop mousse mixture, fold in the lobster, tarragon, cayenne, smoked paprika and salt. The consistency should be similar to that of processed mayonnaise. If it is too thick, fold in more cream. Check for seasoning. Transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a #4 tip.

Spread a piece of plastic wrap on a counter and pipe a strip of the mousse the length and size of a hot dog. Roll up into a log, making sure not to fold the plastic into the mousse, and tie both ends securely. Poke out any air pockets by pricking with a tack. Continue process until you have 10 “hot dogs.”

Gently poach in water for 20 minutes. Remove and cool to room temperature before storing in the refrigerator for several hours to firm up. Do not remove plastic. While hot dogs are chilling, make the sauce.

Saffron-Ginger Sauce

In a non-reactive, stainless steel saucepan, bring wine to a boil; add shallots and ginger. Reduce

Assembly

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Heat a grill pan over high heat and season lightly with canola oil. Carefully remove lobster dogs from plastic wrap and mark them on the grill on all sides. Slowly warm them through in the oven 5 minutes.

Put a lobster dog into each toasted bun. Place a cucumber wedge into one side of the bun and 3 teardrop tomato halves into the other. Sprinkle some of the leeks atop each lobster dog and top with some of the saffron-ginger sauce. Garnish with the green pepper curls and serve.

EVERYDAY PEOPLE CAFÉ Michael Bild Executive Chef Douglas, Mich. everydaypeoplecafe.com Chicken/Wild Mushroom Risotto with Sweet Garlic and Cornflake Crusted Breast (4 servings) The chef, who gets his chickens from a local farm, suggests you purchase a free-range or organic whole chicken (about 4 pounds) and cut it up. The breasts should be cut in half. The back, wings and carcass can be used for stock.

Mushroom Stock 2 ounces dried wild mushrooms or porcini

2 1 1 1

cups water bay leaf tablespoon kosher salt teaspoon black pepper

Put all ingredients into a small stock pot; cover and simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove bay leaf; then strain through a fine mesh sieve while reserving stock. Gently rinse off mushrooms to remove any remaining grit and set aside.

Risotto 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup small diced yellow onion 1/2 cup small diced leek 1/2 cup small diced celery 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme 2 cups Arborio rice Reserved mushroom stock Reserved roasted chicken legs/ thighs, skin discarded, meat shredded 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup torn arugula leaves 6 cherry or grape tomatoes, seeded and quartered

Place mushroom stock in a medium saucepan and heat.

Keep on low heat. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil on medium setting and sauté onions, leeks and celery until golden. Add garlic and thyme; stir for about 30 seconds, then add the Arborio rice. Stir until rice is completely coated with the other ingredients, about 2 minutes.

Start adding the hot stock in about 4 increments, letting

the rice absorb the stock each time, stirring frequently. When the rice has absorbed all the liquid, gently fold in the cheese, shredded chicken, arugula and tomatoes and warm through.

Check for seasoning and serve with chicken breasts.

Chicken Breasts 4 boneless, skin-on chicken breast halves 1/4 cup buttermilk or heavy cream 1 teaspoon granulated garlic 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups cornflakes 1 teaspoon fresh thyme 2 teaspoons kosher salt Dash of cayenne Canola oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a Ziploc bag, coat chicken breasts with buttermilk and garlic and let sit for an hour or two.

In a bowl, mix cornflakes, flour, salt and cayenne; set aside. In a large sauté pan heat enough canola oil to come 1/4-inch up the pan sides over medium-high heat. Coat chicken in cornflake crust. Brown on both sides and then place pan in the oven to finish cooking until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165-170 degrees (10-20 minutes, depending on the size of the breasts).

Distribute risotto among 4 bowls or plates. Slice chicken breast halves on the diagonal and arrange on top of (or around) the risotto. Serve hot.

bite & SIP Harbor Grill

12 on the Lake, Michigan City, Indiana 219.874.9469. harborgrill.net.

Food is served 7 days a week Memorial Day to Labor Day, 11am-closing.

Proprietor Ed Arnold, who spent a half million renovating the former Michigan City Yacht Club, considers Harbor Grill primarily a seafood restaurant, but also offers a selection of steak, chicken and pork items. The signature dish is oversized shrimp encrusted in Parmesan with a citrus wine reduction sauce. Other featured items include cedar-planked salmon and sautéed Zander perch, which is larger and meatier than lake perch. The renovated facility has a full bar and can handle a banquet for up to 250, and it is the only restaurant in the region that will fix your fresh catch by special permission of the state and health department. This is now the only public lakefront restaurant between Chicago and Benton Harbor. Entrée prices range from $18-$25 for casual fine dining and there is an extensive wine list. Arnold has added authentic nautical artifacts and says, “It’s almost like eating in a museum.”

Indiana

BARTLETT’S GOURMET GRILL & TAVERN 131 E Dunes Hwy 12, Beverly Shores. 219.879.3081. eatatbartletts.com. Lunch and dinner served 11am10pm Mon-Sun. Bartlett’s is a new gourmet grill by husband-and-wife team Gary Sanders and Nicole Bissonnette-Sanders. Located in the heart of the National Lakeshore, Bartlett’s has a cozy but very modern ambience. The menu is an exceptionally creative take on upscale roadhouse-type food. Starting off the meal are appetizers such as andouille sausage corndogs and surf & turf potstickers, as well as family style offerings like Low Country spiced boiled peanuts and smoked venison sticks. Entrées include 5-hour pot roast, whitefish fillet and linguine bolognese, ranging in price from $10 to $20. The wine list is modest but well-crafted.

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BISTRO 157 157 W Lincolnway, Valparaiso. 219.462.0992. bistro157.net. Lunch is served 11am-2pm Tue-Fri, dinner 5-9pm Tue-Thu, 5-10pm Fri-Sat, 4-8pm Sun. Trained in Paris at Le Cordon Bleu, chef and owner Nicole Bissonnette-Sanders has created a menu of classics—like a decadent sautéed veal and gulf shrimp, a pork rib chop with apple horseradish ham, and an herb-rubbed roasted half chicken—combined with her own creative takes on nouvelle cuisine with a number of fresh fish selections. Desserts include black chocolate-infused confections that have become standard for fine dining, and also sorbets and ice cream made from fresh fruit. There are some treasures on the extensive list of bottle wines, and many solid choices by the glass.

BUTTERFINGERS DESSERT SHOP 2552 45th St, Highland. 219.924.6464. 921D Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.4202. Food is served 9am6pm Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm Sat. Every day, Butterfingers prepares a selection of ready-to-heat-and-eat entrées, along with freshly baked breads and salads, all without preservatives. Butterfingers’ two pastry chefs, whose training hails from the Culinary Institute of America in New York, and Johnson and Wales

in Rhode Island, create an array of desserts, which includes beautifully decorated and delicious cakes, and an assortment of cookies and brownies, all of which have been satisfying dessert lovers for nearly twenty-five years.

CAFÉ ELITE 231 W 7th St, Michigan City. 219.873.1788. Food is served 11am-9pm Mon-Sat, 11am-3pm Sun; dinner begins at 4pm Mon-Sat. Casual sophistication on two levels describes the atmosphere with a clientele drawn from the surrounding areas, including Chicago and Southwest Michigan weekenders. Many are regulars who stop after shopping at the nearby Lighthouse Place mall. Executive Chef Mark Kolasa says that the most popular item on the menu is pretzelencrusted chicken, and though the menu changes, that is an entrée that stays. Other favorites include Vietnamese wontons, and “we have the best baked brie anywhere,” Mark says. Herb-encrusted whitefish, Chandler steak and bruschetta chicken pasta are dinner stars and there is a small, international list of selected wines. Desserts are baked on the premises by Amanda Kosek, who says orders for chocolate ganache cake are constant and year-round. The dessert menu is renewed frequently and Kosek makes ice cream and sorbet during the summer. (Classic vanilla and cherry are popular.) Reservations are recommended on weekends, especially in season. Average lunch costs $7; $15 to $18 per dinner.

DON QUIJOTE 119 E Lincolnway, Valparaiso. 219.462.7976. Lunch is served 11am-2pm Mon-Fri; dinner 5-9pm MonThu, 5-10:30pm Fri-Sat. Proprietor Carlos Rivero’s authentic Spanish cuisine, lively and friendly atmosphere, and conviviality with his return customers make this downtown Valparaiso restaurant a destination for Chicagoans and Michigan residents alike.

The exciting menu features dozens of small courses, including a well-known classic paella with saffron rice and fresh-grilled seafood chunks. Grilled steaks and lamb and veal chops are abundant and cooked according to family recipes handed down for genera-

tions. The house specialty is a flan-textured vanilla cake. Lunch entrées average $15, dinner $25.

GAMBA RISTORANTE 455 E 84th Ave, Merrillville. 219.736.5000. gambaristorante.com. Lunch is served 11:30am2:30pm Mon-Sat; dinner 5-9pm Mon-Thu, 5-10:30pm Fri-Sat. The former owners of the Venezia Bar & Grill and Venezia Café, Benito and Hilda Gamba, have combined their efforts into the grand Gamba Ristorante. Located in Merrillville, this restaurant is housed in an architectural masterpiece, which is hard to miss with its circular design and copper roof. Modeled after upscale restaurants in exotic European locations, the menu offers classic Italian cuisine. The risotto alla Milanese features Arborio rice with saffron, “just like in Milan,” and the wine room boasts storage space for 1,000 bottles. A banquet hall holds up to 200 people and looks out onto an open courtyard.

GAUCHO’S 597 US Hwy 30, Valparaiso. 219.759.1100. gauchosvalpo.com. Food is served 4-10pm Mon-Thu, 4-11pm Fri-Sat, noon-9pm Sun. The Twisted Martini lounge is open 4pm-midnight Tue and Thu, 4pm-1am Wed, 4pm-2am Fri-Sat. At Gaucho’s, diners enjoy delicious and unique cuisine invented by the Gaucho cowboys of southern Brazil, who provided meats for the people of Brazil with their famous “Churrasco” barbecue. At Gaucho’s, this centuries-old traditional feast is created tableside as servers bring such offerings as filet mignon wrapped in bacon, chicken parmesan, pork sausage, garlic-roasted turkey breast, merlot-marinated leg of lamb, and a variety of other meats, during Gaucho’s traditional Brazilian-style dinner experience for $34.95.

Seafood selections on Wednesday and Friday— just $29.95—include crab legs, shrimp, tilapia, perch, tuna, mahimahi, salmon and clam strips, or add the meat selections for $45.95. All dinners include a 30-item salad bar, Brazilian mashed potatoes, and fried bananas. The lunch menu offers a large selection of sandwiches and salads. Start or finish dinner

photograph by BRYAN COOK/ASPEN STUDIO

The information presented in Bite & Sip is accurate as of press time, but readers are encouraged to call ahead to verify restaurant hours.

Please note that Illinois and most Indiana restaurants adhere to central time, and Michigan restaurants are eastern time.

GINO’S STEAK HOUSE 1259 W Joliet St, Dyer. 219.865.3854. 600 E 81st Ave, Merrillville. 219.769.4466. ginossteakhouse.com. Dyer: 4-10pm Mon-Thu, 4-11pm Fri-Sat, 11am-8pm Sun. Merrillville: 11am-10pm Mon-Thu, 11am-11pm Fri-Sat, 11am-8pm Sun. The chefs at Gino’s, who have more than thirty years of combined experience, use only the freshest ingredients in their homestyle cuisine. Starters include traditional minestrone soup from a family recipe, salads with fresh, locally grown produce, and crusty bread with crocks of butter.

The nine-ounce prime steak tops the menu and is itself topped with Roquefort cheese in its most popular rendition. All main dishes are served with the restaurant’s signature marinated peppers, and entrées include fish and lobster delivered daily. The dessert menu features créme brûlée and various cheesecakes, but the housemade tiramisu is the highlight—a rich blend of coffee, chocolate and cream cheese flavors. A premium selection of wine, beer and cocktails is available at the full-service bar, and there is a special children’s menu so the entire family can enjoy the dining experience.

HAMMER’S FOOD & DRINK 2134 E US Hwy 20, Michigan City.

219.879.0760. Lunch and dinner are served 11am-10pm Mon-Sat, 10am9pm Sun. Ken “The Hammer” Larson opened Hammer’s Food & Drink in 1995 after graduating from Purdue University and completing his professional boxing career, the theme of which is displayed throughout the restaurant. Offering recipes that have been passed down through generations (his family owned the famous Red Lantern Inn Supper Club), the restaurant is quiet and elegant in atmosphere. The menu has a large number of choices, from traditional specialties to more modern adaptations. It includes handmade pasta and pizza, steaks, lake perch and barbecued ribs. Highly recommended is the Italian beef. The average entrée ranges from $15 to $20.

HESTON SUPPER CLUB 2003 E 1000 N, LaPorte. 219.778.2938. hestonsupperclub.com Dinner is served 5-10pm Mon-Fri, 4:30-10pm Sat, 3-9pm Sun. The Heston Supper Club is an experience in casual fine dining with traditional charm. The restaurant is best known for its specialty—award-winning, slowroasted prime rib served with au jus and horseradish sauce made in-house. The menu also offers a variety of hand cut steaks, seafood and combination plates, along with some surprises like frog legs or battered asparagus. All entrées are served with homemade soup, salad and side in the supper club style. Balancing out the menu is an excellent wine list with more than 30 wines by the glass.

Entrées average about $25.

MILLER BAKERY CAFÉ 555 S Lake St, Gary. 219.938.2229.

Lunch is served 11:30am-2pm Tue-Fri; dinner 5-10pm Tue-Sat, 4-8pm Sun. For two decades this famous stop on the Lake Michigan shore has introduced the gateway community to the beach, and to the versatile and eclectic menu.

Part European, part New Orleans, and all clever. The lightly sautéed crab cakes and the signature molded polenta and pepper appetizer; wood-grilled steak with peppercorn sauce; salmon coated with a sweet tangy glaze; rack of lamb over garlic smashed potatoes; and cafe chocolate, a slab that tastes like the center of a truffle, are always on the menu.

Selections of wines by the glass are as creative, and the waitstaff are connoisseurs of food and drink by hobby as well as trade. The bar has a complete martini and cocktail menu and frequently hosts live jazz on weekend nights. For a special occasion or telling secrets, reserve the very private table in the glass-enclosed wine cellar. A two-course lunch averages $18, dinner entrées $25.

PIKK’S TAVERN 62 W Lincolnway, Valparaiso.

219.476.7455. pikkstavern.com. Lunch is served 11:30am-3:30pm Fri-Sat, 11am-3pm Sun; dinner 5-9:30pm MonThu, 5:30-11:30pm Fri-Sat, 3-8:30pm Sun; Sunday brunch 11am-2:30pm. The tavern identification in this case is used British-style to denote a communityneighborhood-family place with amply portioned, upscale comfort food like a hearty seafood chowder, a 10-ounce sirloin burger, Cajun fried shrimp po’ boy on a French roll, and an amazing list of brunch items, including a traditional apple pancake, crab cakes Benedict, prime rib hash, and a pepper and egg sandwich served on a baguette. The signature breakfast burger (7 ounces) is served on a buttermilk biscuit bun with cheese and hash browns. The fine-dining details like sensational seafood and steaks, fifteen housemade dipping sauces—roasted red pepper mayo, coconut chile, bernaise, chimichurri, wasabi and Berber barbecue, for instance—and martinis shaken table-side have drawn attention as well.

This latest hot spot has not forgotten the traditions of its classy cousin Vinci on Chicago’s near north side and has the plank salmon, chicken alfredo and Vinci’s penne to prove it. Wine and microbrew lists round out the menu. A very substantial lunch or brunch will cost about $20, and a complete dinner will cost an average of $30.

STOP 50 WOOD FIRED PIZZERIA 500 S El Portal, Michigan City.

219.879.8777. stop50woodfiredpizzeria. com Food is served 11am-10pm Fri-Sat, 11am-8pm Sun. Just north of US Hwy 12 and west of New Buffalo, this café en-

JUNE 2009

KELSEY’S STEAK HOUSE 2300 Morthland Dr, Valparaiso.

219.465.4022. 5630 US Hwy 6, Portage.

219.762.2242. kelseyssteakhouse.com.

Food is served in Valparaiso 4-10pm TueThu, 4-11pm Fri-Sat, noon-9pm Sun. Dinner is served in Portage 4-9:30pm Tue-Thu, 4-10:30pm Fri-Sat, 4-9pm Sun. As fine a traditional steak house as any of the famous Midwest brands, this stalwart Indiana restaurant has built and maintained a first-rate reputation for a great meal at a fair price over many years. But in recent years, Kelsey’s has expanded the menu in imaginative ways to include a range of choices such as rib bites, es-

cargot and oysters Rockefeller. The meat comes in all cuts, sizes and ages; likewise, the seafood can be grilled, baked, pan-fried or broiled, and patrons are encouraged to add and subtract for custom combinations. Add lobster to your entrée for $20.95, shrimp or snow crab for $8.95, or lake perch for $7.95. Have your steaks any way you want, including encrusted in bleu cheese or sautéed “Kelsey-style,” grilled in homemade garlic butter. Celebrations have to include a signature “Howie the Cow” cake savored along with a rich, aromatic cup of decaf or glass of California cabernet. A regularcut filet is $25.95, and a King-cut prime rib is $19.95. The reasonably priced bestsellers all include potato, soup or salad.

Kelsey’s does not take reservations, but normally there is not a long wait.

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in the Twisted Martini Lounge upstairs for cocktails, cigars and live entertainment in a modern, intimate setting.

bite & SIP joys a well-deserved reputation for authentic Italian pizza baked “Naples-style” in woodfired hearth ovens. Customers return again and again—it’s only difficult to find the first time. The recipes are traditional, and the ingredients are fresh daily. In addition to the Napoletana pizza, sandwiches and salads are available to eat at Stop 50, or you can get your snack or meal to go. Try the banana peppers stuffed with house-made sausage or a fiery tomato and goat cheese dip with hand-cut fried chips. Owners Chris and Kristy Bardol, who rehabbed the 50-year-old beach community grocery store into a restaurant, stick to strictly locally grown food. Average entrée cost is $15, but you can make a satisfying light meal out of the generously proportioned starters at $8-$12. Now open is SodaDog, the Bardols’ newest venture, which specializes in authentic hot dogs and sausages and micro-crafted soda, all served via carhop service. SodaDog is located at 171 Hwy 212 in Michigan City.

STRONGBOW INN 2405 E US 30, Valparaiso. 800.462.5121. strongbowinn.com. Food is served 11am-9pm Mon-Thu, 11am-10pm Fri-Sat, 10:30am-8pm Sun. Bakery hours are 7:30am-7pm Mon-Fri, 7:30am-6pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun. The menu at this classic institution still includes a wide variety of turkey selections, but with daily specials that include barbecued pork ribs, seafood choices, prime rib and other comfort foods, one would never guess that the bakery and restaurant started as a sandwich stand during the Depression. Many families have had Thanksgiving catered by Strongbow—the meticulously prepared traditional meal that can be ordered as take-out is virtually indistinguishable from that produced by

a family team working in the kitchen for ten hours. Also, the bakery has exploded with a range of treats created daily, including cinnamon rolls, cakes, pies, brownies, fruit tarts, truffles, crème brûlée and strawberry napoleons. Lunch entrées average $8, and dinner is $18.

TAJ 418 Roberts Rd, Chesterton. 219.921.1900. chestertontaj.com. Buffet lunch is served 11:30am-2:30pm daily. A la carte dinner 4:30-9pm daily. Step onto the sea shores of Bombay or into the queen’s kitchens at Buckingham Palace as Taj brings spice and flavor to Northwest Indiana. “Indian food is healthy and fresh,” says owner GD Sharma.

Start with vegetable samosas—crispy pastries filled with a mixture of potatoes, peas, cashews, golden raisins and exotic oriental spices. The shrimp ashiana is a favorite— four jumbo shrimp served with garlic-chili sauce, garnished with fresh chives—as is the popular mulligatawny soup. Classic dishes include chicken tikka masala—chicken breast marinated in herbs, cooked in the Tandoor (special clay oven), and later braised in a rich tomato cream sauce. For more of the authentic Tandoor taste, the chicken tandoori is rich with flavor, served as a whole bird or half bird, marinated in tubs filled with exotic spices, ginger, garlic and yogurt, then grilled to perfection in the Tandoor when guests order.

A substantial wine list as well as traditional Indian beverages round out the menu.

T-BONES PIER 11 1111 Lakeside, LaPorte. 219.362.5077. pleastshore.com. Dinner only is served 3:30pm daily. This Italian steakhouse is carefully tucked into a cove of scenic Pine Lake,

the newer of the two restaurants that are traditionally very popular with guests at the inn as well as the summer folks who make LaPorte a home away from home. The spacious dining room is reminiscent of a traditional supper club, but a terrace overlooks the harbor and instead of being at a roadhouse, you are on the beach. As expected, the seafood hits a high standard; some of the recommended starters ($9) are sautéed blue crab and shrimp cakes, plump snails baked with Pernod garlic butter, oversized shrimp served martini-style, and deep-fried calamari and mussels steamed in white wine.

A range of salads, pizzas and pasta selections ($10) round out the lighter supper fare, but if boating, water-skiing and swimming make you hungry, this is the place to indulge in a T-bone, New York strip, filet mignon or flat iron steak grilled over a wood fire. Choice of sauces include Gorgonzola cheese, whiskey peppercorn, wild mushroom brandy or blueberry port. Likewise, the fish selections— which can be grilled or sautéed—include scallops, red snapper, salmon, swordfish, mahi mahi, walleye and even a lobster tail that can be served with lemon dill butter, warm mango chutney or tomato garlic sauce. If you prefer ordering house specialties you can pick from sautéed beef medallions, duck breast, Chicken Roman, Chicken Saltimbocca, pan-seared Veal Limone or a slow-cooked Italian pot roast. (Average price $15.) A light dinner will probably cost under $20 and a complete 4-to-6 courses will vary from $25 to $35.

Michigan

THE 1913 ROOM and CYGNUS 27 at AMWAY GRAND PLAZA HOTEL

Pearl & Monroe Sts, Grand Rapids.

1913 Room: 616.776.6450. Cygnus 27: 877.668.1675. amwaygrand.com. Lunch at 1913 is served 11:30am-2pm Mon-Fri; dinner 5:30-10:30pm Mon-Sat. Cygnus 27 serves dinner 5:30-10pm Tue-Sat; Sunday brunch 10:30am-2pm. The 1913 Room is the only restaurant to earn the coveted AAA 5-Diamond rating in the state of Michigan for its classic service, a fine list of wines, cordials and liqueurs, top quality steaks, baked goods and numerous specials. Creative menu-planning results in a daily lunch buffet of hearty soup, comforting vegetable and potato sides, beef, turkey and salmon on the carving block, and a sideboard of a wide-ranging cheese selection with smoked fish and garden vegetables for accompaniment. At the top of the hotel, the newly renovated Cygnus 27 features a breathtaking river view, an expanded “ice” bar, and an unusual dropped ceiling lit with rectangular boxes. Chef Werner Absenger’s menu is as innovative as ever, with wine and food pairings and off-beat contrasting flavors—a small plate of baby iceberg lettuce comes with green goddess dressing and Michigan cherry bread croutons, and a dozen escargot are served enveloped in a light, buttery sauce packaged in pastry. Featured main courses include a salmon Wellington, veal meatballs with pasta, smoked pork tenderloin, and marinated grilled chicken. Have dessert of chocolate cake with apricot glaze, apple cinnamon tiramisu or pecan pie à la mode served parfait-style, or adjourn to the mahogany and leather cocoon of the Lumber Baron Bar downstairs. There are more than 1,000 bottles in the Amway wine collection and dozens of port, cognac and dessert wine selections. Lunch entrées average $18 and dinner entrées $25.

6 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 7

PORT 412 412 State St, St. Joseph. 269.982.0412. port412.com. Open for lunch and dinner 11am-10pm Sun-Thu, 11-2am Fri-Sat. Just opened in April, Port 412 features two stories, including a rooftop patio with a view of Lake Michigan. The first floor is characterized by a lively bar atmosphere, while upstairs is a lounge with couches and brick interior. The top floor is also available for parties, wedding rehearsal dinners, and corporate events.

“There’s nothing like it in St. Joe,” says Ryan Van Arkel, concierge manager.

Lunches include starters like hearty crab bisque or spring greens and duck breast with orange ginger vinaigrette. Enjoy a Mediterranean portabella wrap or Cuban pork tenderloin sandwich served with homemade chips, fresh fruit, redskin potato salad, or coleslaw. Pizzas and small dishes such as crab cakes and antipasto are also featured. Dinner entrées include pan-roasted tomato ragu, duck breast with sweet plum glaze and stir-fry veggies, and pork tenderloin brochettes with soy ginger glaze. Steaks, chicken and seafood dishes round out the menu.

Dessert selections include crème brûlée, chocolate Saint Germaine, and Black Star Farms sirius pear, along with ice wines and ports. The cocktail menu includes a generous selection of martinis, regional and international beers, whiskeys and scotch, and a full wine list.

SIX ONE SIX at JW MARRIOTT HOTEL 235 Louis Campau Promenade NW, Grand Rapids. 616.242.1500. ilovethejw.com/ dining. Breakfast is served 6:30am-noon Sat-Sun; lunch 11:30am-2pm MonFri, noon-2pm Sat-Sun; dinner 5-11pm daily. Bringing the best through the door on the front end is the hallmark of this brand-new luxury hotel, located in this Michigan town on a growth trajectory.

The menu is simple, and Executive Chef John State—trained at Chicago’s Washburne School and a veteran of the legendary Lake Creek Inn in San Francisco wine country and the California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Orlando, Florida—uses a light touch on the high-quality, mostly local goods. Size, freshness and outstanding taste characterize the seafood. The mussels, oysters, salmon, tuna and scallops are cooked flawlessly and served in a variety of ways, including raw, grilled and poached in herb and broth combinations that coax out and mix perfect flavors. Locally produced poultry, particularly the duck breast, gets an excellent treatment with specially designed, hand-cut vegetable sides. Steaks, chops and filets are held to a high standard, and the wine pairings exceed expectations, even when the JW gets together with an executive chef who has worked in Napa. But the extras make the entire experience so memorable: the perfect martini with a choice of olives; spiced butter and cheese selections served with a variety of fresh-baked crackers and breads; a cheese plate presented with separate garnishes for each type and slice; and housemade desserts, including a thick, rich and dense crème brûlée in multiple flavors. Even the coffee is a treat, especially when complemented by an aged Porto. The architecture, spacious interior design, orchestrated and technically perfect lighting, and impeccable service combine to create an atmosphere that enhances the experience. Entrées average $25-$35. The specialty drink (the bar features a wall of blue Skyy Vodka bottles) and the wine list, like the menu, are high-quality and carefully chosen.

Reservations are a very good idea; while the restaurant, Mixology bar and the atrium lounge fill the vast expanse of the first floor, at certain times on the weekends every seat is taken, and there may be a short wait.

TABOR HILL WINERY & RESTAURANT 185 Mt Tabor Rd, Buchanan.

800.283.3363. taborhill.com. Lunch is served 11:30am-3pm Wed-Sat; dinner 5-10pm Wed-Sat, noon-9pm Sun.

JUNE 2009

SCHU’S BAR & GRILL 501 Pleasant St, St. Joseph.

269.983.7248. schulersrest.com. Food is served 11am-10pm Mon-Thu, 11am11pm Fri-Sat, 11am-9pm Sun. The restaurant tradition of Schuler’s goes back four generations in Michigan and continues with Schu’s Bar & Grill in St. Joe. Diners can enjoy a breathtaking view of

Lake Michigan and cozy up to the handcrafted fieldstone fireplace. Good conversation and good food are all part of the experience at Schu’s, where the start of a tasty night includes Schu’s potato soup—the restaurant’s famous original soup served with cheddar cheese, bacon bits and diced scallions. Gumbos and a selection of distinctive salads, like the sweet chili shrimp salad, also make great starters before the hearty portions of pasta or a sizzlin’ rib eye steak. Also, try the terrific fall-off-the-bone barbeque ribs presented on a wooden plank with tangy molasses sauce served with crispy French fries. Schu’s is also a great place to stop for lunch. A homemade egg salad sandwich is made exceptional with shallots and a touch of tarragon topped with lettuce and tomato, or devour the salmon B.L.T. made with a generous sixounce portion of grilled salmon with crisp bacon, mixed greens and fresh tomatoes, topped with tarragon Dijon sauce and served with housemade chips.

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BISTRO ON THE BOULEVARD at THE BOULEVARD INN & BISTRO 521 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph. 269.983.6600. theboulevardinn.com/bistro. Breakfast is served 6:30-9:30am Mon-Fri, 8-10am Sat-Sun; lunch 11:30am-2pm Mon-Fri; dinner 5-10pm Mon-Sun; Sunday brunch 10am-2pm; light fare, beer, wine and specialty drinks are available all the time.

Chef Ali Barker’s French bistro on Lake Michigan has a well-deserved and unrivaled reputation in Southwest Michigan.

The view through the French doors overlooking the bluff is spectacular no matter what season, though dining outside on the porch where fans augment the subtle breezes has its own special charm.

The interior of the dining room and cozy adjacent bar is impeccable, right down to the tinted water glasses and woodburning fireplace. Chef Barker, who is often working in the kitchen, changes the menu frequently to accommodate seasonal, fresh and available fruits and vegetables, but the basic entrée list is extensive, including Great Lakes Walleye Murat, New Zealand Rack of Lamb Provençal, glazed whitefish served with roasted garlic sunflower seed and sweet red onion compote, and sautéed veal sweetbreads served with sautéed spinach and warm bacon sherry vinaigrette.

Bistro prix fixe—consisting of an appetizer, entrée and dessert—is available for $29, and wine and beer lists are creative and varied. Before- and after-dinner drinks, cognacs and coffees are plentiful along with desserts; you will think you are in Paris until you get a very reasonable bill. Appetizers are under $10, a soup and salad cost about $15, and a tavern meat loaf entrée is $14. Top prices for an 8-ounce filet with garlic mashed potatoes and Madeira sauce is $29. Reservations are always helpful, especially on the weekends.

bite & SIP Tabor Hill Winery’s restaurant is all at once elegant, urbane and semi-casual.

Its windows afford ample, rolling vineyard views; the menu is sophisticated.

Chef JohnPaul VerHage, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, gives a modified California-cuisine touch to signature dishes like raspberry chicken and the salmon wrapped in grape leaves.

The extensive appetizer menu includes items like mini Morel Mushroom Pizzas and Kobe Beef Carpaccio. Though the restaurant is easy to find—just a half hour north of South Bend and 20 minutes east of New Buffalo—it’s not always easy to get in. Reservations are suggested—but those who wander in unannounced can sip at the complimentary wine bar or purchase a glass and enjoy it on the stone terrace overlooking the vines. Tabor Hill produces a wonderful variety of award-winning wines, but for those who desire a harder libation, a full bar awaits.

TIM’S TOO ASIAN GRILL 511 Pleasant St, St. Joseph.

269.985.0094. timstoo.com. Lunch and dinner are served 11am-9pm Mon-Thu, 11am-10pm Sat, noon-9pm Sun. Tim Sizer’s new restaurant is a definite departure from Timothy’s in Union Pier, his legendary, swank seafood emporium along the beach at the Gordon Inn, though the collection of Asian-inspired selections have plenty of fresh fish that the chef proprietor is already so famous for in Harbor Country. The basic program to order stir-fry: you pick the vegetables, meat and noodles and the chef fries them together. The main course is creatively priced at $8.99 for lunch, and a second trip will only cost you $3 more.Dinner is $13.99 and $4 for a second trip. The house-prepared appetizers are where the buzz is right now, with favorites like sugarcane shrimp, wonton shrimp, and vegetable spring rolls. You can choose from 21 sauces to go with your meal, which are easily combined. (The menu suggests complementary pairings.)

Also available are vegetarian and gluten-free foods and sauces.

Must-have desserts include warm chocolate lava cake and assorted cheesecakes.

Your choice for $7. Tim’s Too now has a full liquor license, and proclaims the largest Asian beer collection in St. Joseph.

Illinois

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THE COURTYARD BISTRO 21 S White St, Frankfort. 815.464.1404.

Food is served 11am-10pm Tue-Thu, 11am-11pm Fri-Sat. The ambitious menu is inspired by the cooking of Italy, France and the American Southwest, but this south suburban bistro adeptly meets the challenge of its own making while getting results that delight both newcomers and regulars. Signature dishes include Santa Fe lasagna and artichoke ravioli on the Neapolitan side, and onion tart and gorgonzola-seared beef tenderloin are straight out of a sidewalk café near the River Seine in Paris. The martini menu is as innovative as the food, and the wine list is better than average with interesting possibilities for complementing the entrées. The seafood is very fresh and wellprepared with garnishes and light sauces, and main dishes are economical in the $9-$15 range. The atmosphere is always friendly and can range from celebratory for special luncheons on the weekends to cozy, romantic couple dinners in the evening. But it is the attention to detail at every level from customer comfort to the dessert selections and coffee service at the end of the meal that gets the repeat customers.

JENNY’S STEAKHOUSE 20 Kansas St, Frankfort. 815.464.2685.

11041 S Menard Ave, Chicago Ridge.

708.229.2272. jennyssteakhouse.com.

Lunch is served 11am-3pm Mon-Fri; early bird dinner 3-5pm Mon-Fri; dinner 5-10pm Mon-Sat, 5-9pm Sun. The Courtright family has an impressive history and credentials in the culinary world of South Chicago and the nearby suburbs, and the Frankfort location is just the most recent addition to the roster. The menu has scores of familiar and comforting staples like classic chicken Parmesan and a legendary Gambriliano Italiano with sautéed sausage, chicken breast, Vesuvio potatoes, peppers, zucchini, onions, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and white wine over fettuccini. The signature steak is an 8-ounce filet with garlic and bleu cheese, and you can have it with Jack Daniels sauce for an extra $2.50. Meals always include soup, potato, vegetable, bread and bruschetta, and the wine list is impressive and right on. Soup, early-bird and homemade specials change daily— Monday, for instance, you can get split pea soup, pot roast with potato pancakes, and Mama’s meatloaf—but even the regular selections are imaginative.

Where else can you get a bottle of Dom Perignon with two surf-and-turf dinners for $235? Jenny’s will even text you drink special information—all you have to do is register. Prices average less than $10 for appetizers, soups, salads, wraps and sandwiches on the lunch menu, and the median price for steak is $20. Most other entrées come in at somewhat less; the sea scallops are $16.95, for instance. An 8- to 9-ounce prime rib at $10.95, a half slab of ribs at $9.95, and braised ox tails at $8.95 are just a few of the bargains on the early-bird menu.

THE PICKWICK SOCIETY TEAROOM 21 S White St, Frankfort. 815.806.8140. pickwicktearoom.com. Breakfast and lunch are served 8:30am-3:30pm WedSat, Sun noon-4:30pm. Food and beverages are part of the experience in this charming and comfortable shop/bakery/ restaurant, whether you are browsing antiques or just stopping for a minute as you work your way through the fascinating downtown historic community.

But the tea is definitely special; Pickwick serves only Octavia Whole Leaf Tea, and a never-ending pot for two costs $5.50.

The selections are wide-ranging, including black, oolong, green, white, herbal and every flavor from English breakfast to Rooibos & Roses. A thoughtful menu has a dozen luncheon combinations with salads, sandwiches, cheese plate, quiche, fruit and vegetables, and garnishes averaging about $7. Sides include green salad, fruit salad and soup. Pastries, breads and cookies can be combined or consumed individually. A popular choice is a scone with clotted cream and jam for $2.75. Choose from two dozen kinds of finger sandwiches such as ham and pineapple spread on a corn muffin, spinach and cheese on a filo triangle, or fig merlot spread with cream cheese on white. A dozen breads include chocolate tea and 14 kinds of homemade scones.

Cookies—including madeleines, carrot oatmeal raisin, or cranberry hazelnut shortbread—are $.75 apiece or $8 per dozen.

Living the Dream... second home and upscale vacation properties nwi.com/secondhomes

Where Choices are Made

By Kathryn MacNeil

W

hen investing in your dream home on the water, is “choice” the first word that comes to mind?

It should be. Because the choices of individual homeowners are the focus of the development at St. Joe’s Riverbend Landings, formerly the site of Harvey Farms. While each of the lots has a waterfront on the St. Joseph River in common, the potential for homeowner customization is vast. According to development manager Steve Sprengel, “The lots range in size from around twoand-a-half acres to over forty acres for those with equestrian facilities. Some of the lots have a great deal of open space, and some are heavily wooded. We provide the lot, and people can build the kind of home they want.”

The exclusive 100-acre meadowland development, located north of Buchanan in Berrien County, was newly opened in fall of 2008, but the roads and infrastructure are already complete. Each home site is situated on a spacious riverfront, and buyers are given

the opportunity to add a private dock from which they can take advantage of their enviable proximity to the water. Sprengel is enthusiastic about the amenities: “What makes it a special community is that the lots are right on the water level, so you can build your home and take a casual stroll down to the waterfront without any stairs. It’s very unique.”

And therein lies the true center of beauty at St. Joe’s Riverbend Landings: at the end of the homeowner’s own private dock is a 9-mile winding stretch of the river that connects to the 600-acre Lake Chapin, the largest all-sports lake in Southwest Michigan.

From serenity lovers to thrill seekers, residents of all adventure levels can choose from a variety of activities, including sailing, motor-boating, canoeing, waterskiing, kayaking, fishing and more.

Back on dry land, homeowners at St. Joe’s Riverbend Landings are just a few minutes away from Lake Michigan and the charming resort community of New Buffalo. Here in the heart of Harbor Country, visitors can’t help but find an appealing way to spend the day, from relaxing afternoons in the award-winning local wineries, to antiquing, dining and browsing along Southwest Michigan’s celebrated Red Arrow Highway. And when the weather is glorious, a simple outdoors escape is in order—to a seasonal festival, art fair, orchard or just a refreshing game of golf.

But still, that waterfront is calling. “From the St. Joseph River right in front of your home, you can take a leisurely pontoon boat ride down the river with a glass of wine from the Wine Trail—or take the kids tubing on a speed-boat ride,” Sprengel says.

“It’s your choice.”

St. Joe’s Riverbend Landings is located at 14145 N Red Bud Trail, Buchanan. Lots range in size from 2.75 acres to more than 45 acres, with a price range of $225,000-$700,000. For more information about the home sites, please contact Steve Sprengel at 888.748.3730, or visit riverbendlandings.com.

JUNE 2009

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St. Joe’s Riverbend Landings

GROUNDS

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Lakeside Landing Organizes And ExpAnds Across dEcAdEs

Summer vacations at the family cottage on Lake Huron were free and easy for Lani Myron. Growing up on Michigan’s eastern shore, she remembers pouring out of the station wagon—four kids and the dog—each with a self-packed box of necessities to last two weeks. “We hit the sand running,” she says.

“It was an important part of growing up.”

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photography by michael robinson

june 2009

by terri gordon

A three-story Colonial Revival sits on the original footprint of the ramshackle cottage—the summer getaway of Lani and Tom Myron. Warm walnut creates warmth and solidity in what is now their year-round residence.

Windows, balconies, an enclosed porch, and outdoor patios offer panoramic views of Lake Michigan.

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Later, living in Chicago with a family of her own, Myron missed those days. She began her search for a family getaway. In 1989, she came across the charming Lakeside, Michigan, bungalow that would provide fun and laughter for summers to come—and would convert her husband, Tom, from city boy to beach lover. “It was a beat-up old house, cockeyed and crooked,” she recalls, “but it was cute.” A family of woodchucks—its patriarch, Wilbur, is immortalized in poem and picture—lived under the floor. “We said, ‘Okay, let’s just use it as a summer cottage for five years.

We’ll remodel it.’ Eighteen years later we still hadn’t done it,” she says.

Built in 1917, the cottage had no heat—and no way of adding it.

The ceilings in the guest rooms were only five-and-a-half feet high—and leaky. “The last summer, whoever slept in those rooms had to sleep under a plastic sheet,” Myron remembers. “If it rained during the night, they were soaked.” It was time to tear the cottage down. “Wilbur was upset when he had to move,” she says. It was the last party for the cottage— and a party it was. Friends and family gathered in 2003 to dismantle the beloved cottage piece by piece.

To keep within the original footprint, the Myrons built up. They erected a shingled Colonial Revival with a gambrel roof. A master suite covers the third floor; guest bedrooms and a large bath the second; and a kitchen, dining room and living room occupy the first. Also on the first floor there is another full bath, a “mud” room, and an enclosed porch. While the couple (son Colin is now grown) keeps an apartment in the city for work purposes—Lani operates LCM Interiors out of Judy W. Gordon Interior Design in Northfield, Illinois—this is now their primary home.

The home’s interior reflects Lani’s understanding of function, as well as an eye for uniqueness. “This period of house would have been designed in the ’20s,” Myron explains. “I carried the theme through the house, especially in the kitchen, only more sophisticated. I call it vintage, but not antique. Say a family lived here from the ’30s through the ’60s, and they updated as they went along. Being a designer, I took what I thought was the best of all those periods and sort of smoothed it out a bit.”

Many of the furnishings are vintage—not always of the same period, and often not in their original form.

Light fixtures are vintage 1950s, but original brass and chrome have been nickel-plated to match. The dining room’s original linen-fold American Renaissance sideboards have been painted, topped with marble and

house&

GROUNDS

now serve as sink vanities in two of the bathrooms.

A vintage Coke machine, in working condition, is kept stocked in the mud room. A jukebox pipes music through the house. Heirloom pieces from family members now passed keep their presence in the home.

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A nickel-plated 1950s light fixture is the star of the living room [above]. In the background, a formal dining room occupies the same space it did in the originalc ottage.

Sparkey [above right] greets all guests in the entryway.

The main floor bathroom features a repainted sideboard; a vintage 1930s Parisian light fixture hangs overhead. The original dining room table [opposite] sits atop a “rug” created with limestone and marble. Family heirlooms make up the master bedroom [inset], and blues and greens reflect the lakeside setting throughout the home.

The lakeshore lends its influence—dragonflies and herons and jars of beach glass. Carpets of sisal and sea grass conjure the look and feel of the outer environment, as do other natural materials— wood and stone—in floors and cabinetry.

Bead board ceilings create a boat-like feel.

Shades of blue and green run throughout the house. “I find it hard to ignore the colors blue and green because of the water,” Myron says. “Every window shines blue.”

There are nautical elements—sailboat medallions in the stairwell and balcony railings, lighthouse-and-crashing-waves wallpaper in the guest bath.

Most important, there are vestiges of the original cottage. Myron affectionately calls a second floor bedroom “the bridal suite.” “Everything in here used to be in the cottage,” she says. The room is filled with white wicker, including the ceiling fan.

A small table and chairs—repainted and fitted with a marble top—sits in the kitchen.

Collections of McCoy and salt-and-pepper shakers line shelves, and two wicker chairs sit in the dining room in the exact spot they occupied in the original cottage.

A poem written by Myron’s brother hangs on the wall, remembering the cottage, its “woodchuck named Wilbur,” its “leaky pipes” and “laughing people”— “where the whisper of wind in the woods is the council of God, tickling the trees/and soothing the soul with nature’s laughter”— where what matters most still remains.

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june 2009

shore THINGS The Rental Branch

3848 Niles Rd, St. Joseph, Michigan 269.429.3116. therentalbranch.com What started as an equipment-rental company is now expanding into the realm of decorative concrete. The staff here are trained to handcraft a variety of interior and exterior applications including vertical wall finishes, countertops, walkways, stamped concrete and stone wine cellars. Do-it-yourself workshops are also an option.

The information presented in Shore Things is accurate as of press time, but readers are encouraged to call ahead to verify store hours. Please note that Illinois and most Indiana businesses adhere to central time, and Michigan businesses are eastern time.

build Indiana

HORIZON AWNING 2227 E US 12, Michigan City. 219.872.2329. horizon-awning.com. Mon-Thu 8am-5pm, Sat 8am1pm. For more than 25 years, this company has built canvas and aluminum awnings for the home and business, plus custom boat covers. Canvas awnings are made of long-wearing, fade-resistant fabrics, and the aluminum variety come with whimsical scalloped edges.

NOVA BASEMENT SYSTEMS 2465 N State Rd 39, LaPorte. 800.668.2026. novainc.com. Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm. For more than 30 years, Nova has been one of the largest basement waterproofing and foundation repair contractors in the area. The technicians here also specialize in crawl space sealing and sump pump installation.

SQUARE 1 BUILDERS INC. 56199 Parkway Ave, Ste 1, Elkhart. 574.389.8010. dreambuildlive.net. This company specializes in the building of lake homes, plus lakefront renovations, additions, teardowns and construction of outer buildings. Square 1’s lakefront home models can be viewed at the Baldwin Landing development.

Michigan 4 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 8

JPD CONSTRUCTION, INC. 6177 Bayou Tr, Saugatuck.

616.566.0337. jpdconstruction.com. Jason Dedic, an award-winning builder in Southwest Michigan, specializes in highend custom home building and renovation of historic buildings. JPD Construction has been given four awards from the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society for work new construction and renovations. Dedic also specializes in budgeting and assists clients in creating a project budget that best suits their needs.

R.A. MORT SUPPLY 2260 M-139, Benton Harbor. 269.927.8288. ramortsupply.com. Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm, Sat 10am-2pm or

by appointment. This bath gallery, which features a complete kitchen and bath design center with working displays, will give customers ideas about how they can personalize their own homes, and the experts at R.A. Mort Supply can help make it happen.

WATER PLACE 188 W US 12, Ste 3, New Buffalo. 269.231.5153.

Mon-Fri 9am-3pm, Sat 10am-3pm. The Water Place is a decorative plumbing and hardware products superstore. With whirlpools, faucets and cabinets, this has “everything you need for plumbing services.”

Illinois

BLINK APPLIANCES & KITCHENS 2717 Glenwood-Lansing Rd, Lynwood. 708.889.1860. blink.homeappliances.com. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-3pm or by appointment. Specializing in sales, service, installation and parts for forty-nine years, Blink Appliances is affiliated with Brand Source, one of the largest buying groups in the nation. The knowledgeable sales staff has won national awards for its service and installation of quality appliances and cabinetry.

M&M Locations in Crete, Downers Grove, Mokena, and Crown Point, Indiana. 800.830.2284. m-mcorp.com.

This family-owned company is known for its roofing services but now offers residential interior remodeling, particularly for kitchens and baths and room additions. M&M offers a range of services, customizable to a client’s needs.

design Indiana

ARCHITECTURAL ACCENTS, INC. 9760 Indiana Pkwy, Munster. 219.922.9333. archaccents.com. Mon-Thu 7am-3:30pm. This architectural millwork shop specializes in one-piece curved wood molding and radius millwork. In addition to radius casings for windows and doors, Architectural Accents can customize products for any

shape and wood specie.

BANTER FLOORS & MORE 12937 S Wicker Ave, Cedar Lake. 219.374.7360. banterfloors.com. Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-6pm, Tue, Thu 9am-8pm. For more than 20 years, Banter has specialized in residential and commercial flooring sales and installation. Materials include hardwood, laminate, vinyl, natural stone, slate, marble and carpet, as well as cabinetry and countertops. Other services available are carpet cleaning, tile and grout cleaning and interior design assistance.

INDIANA FURNITURE 1807 E Lincolnway, Valparaiso. 219.465.0545. athomeatlast.com. Since 1980, this family-owned and operated company has offered quality home furnishings and customer service. A wide range of home furnishing providers are represented here, including Ashley, Lane and La-Z-Boy. NATURALLY WOOD FURNITURE CENTER 1106 E US Hwy 20, Michigan City. 219.872.6501. naturallywoodfurniturecenter.com. Mon-Thu 9:30am6pm, Fri 9:30am-8pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun call for hours. For more than 30 years, Naturally Wood Furniture has been selling quality furniture and accessories.

The cost-efficient furniture from companies like Norwalk, Ashley and Berkline are highlighted by friendly, personal service and additional products like lamps, area rugs and wall coverings.

Michigan

ALAN ROBANDT 114 E Front St, Buchanan. 312.560.7482. alanrobandt.com. Sat-Sun noon-6pm. Alan Robandt, formerly an antique dealer who owned Alan Robandt & Co. in Chicago, moved to Buchanan to open a new shop that goes by nearly the same name. This time, though, while antiques are in the mix, the inventory is more modernized and eclectic.

BAYBERRY COTTAGE 510 Phoenix Rd, South Haven. 269.639.9615. Mon-

TEETH IN A DAY!

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“Before I met Dr. Atcha my mouth was a wreck-broken, painful, and infected. I was in pain, agony, and it was a constant because of the infections. I was just surviving day-to-day because of the pain. I was told by other dentists the only thing I could have were dentures after removing my teeth for the rest of my life. After seeking the help of Dr. Atcha, the Center and having the Teeth-in-a-day procedure done with the All-On-4™ dental implants its astonishing to see people’s reaction, and mine too as to how it has changed my life! I’m talking more, smiling more, enjoying my favorite foods and by myself feel complete. I am very happy and people around me are also happier. It’s unbelievable my implant teeth are perfect, they look and feel so good! Thank you so much Dr. Atcha and staff!”

Dentures Dental Implants MaryAnn S., 45 Blocks Taste Fresh Open Palate The Center for Implants, Sedation and Cosmetic Dentistry is pleased to be one of a few Unnatural Plastic No Excess Plastic Dental Implant centers in America offering the Teeth-in-a-day (All-On-4™) Immediate Gooey, Adhesives No Adhesives Function procedures for replacing missing teeth. Dr. Atcha uses a 3D CAT scan along with virtual planning software to design and fabricate your replacement teeth and Weak Bite Strong Bite guide placement of the implants. All this is done after an initial consult and before the Gagging No Gagging scheduled implant placement.

Embarrassing Accidents Accident Free The Teeth-in-a-day (All-On-4™) procedure is particularly attractive to people with Fake Smile Beautiful Smile dentures or in need of full upper and/or lower restorations. With the Teeth-in-a-day (AllOn-4™) procedures, after initial work-up, qualified patients receive just four implants and a full set of new replacement teeth in only one appointment, without bone graft! The real appeal is how quickly dentures can be replaced with permanent implants and fixed, non-removable, new replacement teeth that they never have to remove.

The major decisions of the treatment are made during the planning phase. The execution of the implant placement that follows is performed with minimal surgical intervention. As a result the patient leaves the appointment with implants and beautiful new replacement teeth.

For qualified patients, Dr. Atcha is a leader in delivering the Teeth-in-a-day (All-On-4™) procedure for restoring a full arch of upper and/or lower teeth.

Unlike other approaches that use 6, 8, or even more Implants and often involve bone grafting, Dr. Atcha uses a proven technique that involves only four specially placed Implants, without bone grafts and has a success rate equal to more traditional approaches. The Teeth-in-a-day (All-On-4™) technique was pioneered in Europe for the last 15 years with 97% success rate and now its FDA approved and being performed by ONLY qualified and trained practitioners in the U.S.A. like Dr. Atcha.

The advantage to the patients that qualify is less pain and swelling, no expensive bone grafts, faster treatment and affordability. You will have your non removable teeth in a DAY NOT months or years like traditional approaches. We are an All-in-one facility for all your implant care needs.

Your Implant Treatment Will Be Faster and Hassle Free Since ALL of Your Treatment is in One Office by One Doctor Using New Methods & Technology. “Sleep” through Your Visit with Comfortable IV Sedation. ‘Teeth-in-a-day’ (All-On-4™) is the Best Way in TRI-TOWN to Stop Your Suffering and Regain All the Things You’re Missing - Guaranteed - You Even Get a Warranty!

Call Toll Free 24 Hrs 1-888-416-4109 or 219-227-5084. The FREE Report also Available at www.NoDenturesIndiana.com

Dr. Ivan Atcha

shore THINGS Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates, Inc. Board Certified Obstetricians & Gynecologists

Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm. One of South Haven’s most well-known shops, Gwen DeBruyn’s Bayberry Cottage features home furnishings and accessories which include furniture, wall décor, rugs, florals and bath and body products. Interior design services are also available, and items can be special ordered if not in stock.

HARBOR AUTOMOTIVE GROUP 9911 W 300 N, Michigan City.

219.879.6789. harborcars.com. MonFri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-6pm. This auto dynamo features new and pre-owned vehicles by Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Honda, Jeep and Pontiac.

On-site parts, servicing and financing are also available.

CUSTOMS IMPORTS 430 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo.

269.469.9180. customsimports.com.

Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm. This exotic gallery hosts a large, distinguished inventory of global art, furniture and antiques from India, Indonesia, China, Morocco and Vietnam. Dee Dee Duhn’s new showroom features teak root benches, textiles, Indonesian pottery, unique new furniture and an extensive mirror gallery.

Claudia Labao’s Global Dreams jewelry—popular with the stars of Desperate Housewives—can also be found here.

MAXIM POWER SPORTS 5901 E 81st Ave, Merrillville.

219.942.0548. maximpowersports.com.

Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-6pm, Tue, Thu 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-3pm. This showroom, which spans more than 30,000 square feet, includes brands like Kawasaki, Polaris, Yamaha and Suzuki. It can suit multiple outdoor sporting needs, including street, dirt, watercraft and snow vehicles and gear. The parts and service departments are also helpful and knowledgeable.

NATURE’S WAY LANDSCAPING 1113 John Beers Rd, Stevensville.

269.429.1694. natureswayinc.com. Since 1976, this well-renowned, award-winning company has specialized in landscape design, construction and maintenance.

Nature’s Way can also design and install walks, patios, driveways, retaining walls, waterfalls, and lighting.

Cheryl Short M.D., FACOG

L. Jennifer Murphy M.D., FACOG

Crystal Strickland M.D., FACOG

Chrys Davis MSN, FNP

We Understand

Women

• Pregnancy Care (Including High Risk) • Breast Exams• Gynecology-Pelvic Exams • Laparoscopy • Family Planning • Annual Exams • Infertility • Adolescent Gynecology • Mammography • Hysteroscopy/Colposcopy • Women’s Wellness • Menopause • Female Incontinence • HPV Testing • DaVinci Robotic Hysterectomy

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Accepting New Patients GLENDALE MEDICAL CENTER

PORTER PORTAGE CAMPUS

1101 E. Glendale Blvd. Suite 102 3630 Willowcreek Road Suite 1 Valparaiso, IN 46383 Portage, IN 46368 Most (219) 462-6144 (219) 364-3230 Insurance Accepted

PRIEBE’S CREATIVE WOODWORKING 2113 Plaza Dr, Benton Harbor.

269.926.2469. priebeswoodworking. com. Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. For more than twelve years, the craftsmen at Priebe’s have created custom cabinetry, countertops (in granite and quartz), entertainment centers, mantels and surrounds, and millwork. Priebe’s offers installation services, and a custom three-dimensional computer-assisted kitchen design service is also available.

SAWYER HOME & GARDEN CENTER 5865 Sawyer Rd, Sawyer. 269.426.8810. sawyergardencenter.com. Open daily 9am7pm. The Sawyer Garden Center offers a large inventory of items for the garden, including annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees, plus a variety of high-quality lawn accessories. A large gift shop and gourmet shop—featuring produce, breads, sauces and cheeses—are also on site.

SEA GLASS COTTAGE 402 Eagle St, South Haven. 269.639.1200. seaglasscottage.com. As its name suggests, this specialty shop features hundreds of collected sea glass items, along with a tasteful collection of beach-inspired home furniture and décor. Purses, jewelry, sunglasses and other accessories are also available here.

drive Indiana

ARNELL CHEVROLET 241 Melton Rd, Burns Harbor.

866.677.4667. arnellmotors.com. MonThu 9am-8pm, Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm. One of Northwest Indiana’s largest auto dealers features an impressive inventory of new and used Chevrolets, Hummers and Corvettes. Parts, servicing and financing are also available.

DORMAN GARAGE, INC. 1317 Lake St, LaPorte. 219.324.7646. dormangarage.com. With more than twenty years of experience, Dorman Garage specializes in classic car restoration.

Aside from offering restoration services, there is also a large inventory of restored classic automobiles for sale.

SCHEPEL AUTO GROUP 2929 W Lincoln Hwy, Merrillville.

866.724.3735. schepel.com. Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm. This renowned auto dealer in Northwest Indiana offers new and pre-owned vehicles by Cadillac, Hummer, Saab, Buick and Pontiac. The experienced sales staff, plus the extensive online inventory, helps consumers find the car most suited for their needs. Repair services are also available.

Michigan

RUSSELL’S FOREIGN CAR REPAIR 8754 US Hwy 31, Berrien Springs.

269.473.3088. This dealer alternative provides service, repairs and maintenance during the vehicle’s factory warranty and beyond. Russell’s Foreign Car Repair services all imported car makes, but specializes in upscale European and Asian vehicles.

eat Indiana

GREAT LAKES CATERING 701 Washington St, Michigan City.

219.898.1501. greatlakescatering.com.

With a combined 75 years of experience, father and son Ed and Matt Kis have formed one of the area’s leading catering companies. A full range of services is available for all kinds of events, including catered foods and beverages, bands, tents, tables and more.

MOLLY BEA’S INGREDIENTS 761 Indian Boundary Rd, Chesterton.

219.983.9401. mollybeas.com. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun noon-6pm. This specialty grocer is a “haven for people who cook, bake and eat.” Pretty much any baking and cooking ingredient can be found here, including flours, pastas, seeds, nuts, sprinkles, chips and more. A selection of fair trade and organic products are available, including coffees, and loose and packaged teas. Molly Bea’s also boasts the largest licorice selection in Northwest Indiana. There are plenty of sugarless glutenfree products as well.

give Indiana

RIBORDY LIQUORS 2 W Dunes Hwy, Beverly Shores.

219.871.1111. 1454 W Hwy 30, Valparaiso. 219.465.7507. This upscale liquor store features fine wines, top-shelf liquors, and import and craft specialty beers. Kegs and ice are also available.

Michigan

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shore THINGS 130 Hoffman St, Saugatuck. 269.857.5754. decadentdogs. com. Open 10am-9pm daily. This dog-exclusive boutique features high-end canine products, including designer dog collars and apparel, toys and gourmet dog treats. For the humans, dog-oriented gifts and décor items are also available.

heal Indiana

CENTER FOR IMPLANTS, SEDATION AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY 890 Richard Rd, Ste A, Dyer. 219.322.2171. Available by appointment. teethforyou.com. Dr. Ivan Atcha offers full or partial implant services in his state-of-the-art dental office. Atcha employs a new technique where he can insert the implants without sutures. The staff at the center offers a pleasant, peaceful and even fun experience with friendly service and a gentle touch.

CENTER FOR OTOLARYNGOLOGY 24 Joliet St, Ste 302, Dyer. 219.865.4368. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or by appointment. Bethany Cataldi, D.O., specializes in ear, nose and throat surgery and facial plastic surgery. In fact, she is the only female facial plastic surgeon in Northwest Indiana who’s been specifically trained in surgery of the face, head and neck. Dr. Cataldi’s expertise in such procedures exclusively ranges all spectrums, from topical treatments like skin peels, to hair removal, to full nasal construction.

CHICAGOLAND CENTER FOR COSMETIC SURGERY 2134 S Calumet Ave, Hammond. 219.218.2001. 7863 Broadway, Merrillville. 219.736.2047. chicagolandcosmetics.com.

Hours vary by location. The doctors at this cosmetic surgery facility specialize in multiple beauty treatments, including Botox, wrinkle fillers, face lifts, liposuction and body sculpting.

NORTHWEST ORAL SURGEONS 601A US Hwy 30, Schererville. 219.322.0501. 548 Ridge Rd, Ste G, Munster. 219.836.0004. northwestoralsurgeons.com.

Drs. Joseph Lovasko, D.D.S., and Paul Wolf, D.D.S., are oral

and maxillofacial surgeons whose services include oral pathology, corrective jaw surgery, wisdom tooth removal, dental implants and more.

OBSTETRICAL & GYNECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC. 1101 E Glendale Blvd, Ste 102, Valparaiso. 219.462.6144.

3630 Willowcreek Rd, Ste 1, Portage. 219.364.3230. Available by appointment. The board-certified obstetrician-gynecologists—Drs. Short, Strickland and Murphy—at this clinic specialize in pregnancy care, family planning, infertility and menopause, along with general women’s wellness. Patients are made to feel at ease because of the clinic’s state-of-the-art equipment and a skilled staff.

PORTER HOSPITAL 814 LaPorte Ave, Valparaiso. 219.263.4600. 3630 Willowcreek Rd, Portage. 219.364.3000. 650 Dickinson Rd, Chesterton. 219.926.7755. porterhealth.org. Since opening in 1939 as a community-owned, not-for-profit hospital, Porter has served area families by providing quality care and programs.

With ten facilities in two counties, Porter provides health care that is recognized on local, state and national levels, and offers a continuum of specialized services, such as emergency/ trauma, cardiology, family medicine, surgery, obstetrics, orthopedics, oncology, sleep lab, and rehabilitation care.

ST. ANTHONY MEMORIAL 301 W Homer St, Michigan City. 888.879.8511. saintanthonymemorial.org. This acute care hospital, serving LaPorte, Porter and Berrien Counties, boasts an integrated healthcare network that is made up of an intensive care unit, a new birthing unit, emergency department, behavioral medicine, rehabilitation services, medical surgery units, oncology, pediatrics and a multidiscipline physician practice.

Illinois

MIDWEST VEIN CENTER 14315 S 108th Ave, Ste 114, Orland Park. 888.670.8346. midwestvein.com. Mon 9am-5:30pm, Tue-Wed 8:30am-4-

:30pm. Midwest Vein Center is a medical practice that specializes in the non-surgical treatment of vein disease and other vein-related disorders. The state-of-the-art technology and extensively trained physicians here make this center a standout both locally and nationally.

invest Indiana

HARRIS BANK 5243 Hohman Ave, Hammond. 219.932.8220. harrisbank. com. This financial institution specializes in retail, commercial and trust services. The bank’s multiple sites and ATM locations throughout Lake and Porter counties and the Chicago area, along with online banking, provide personal and corporate clients with ease and convenience.

MUTUAL BANK, KATHY SELLERS 307 W Buffalo St, New Buffalo. 269.469.5552. bankwithmutual.com. Kathy Sellers is a Mutual Bank agent who services both first-time home buyers and seasoned investors. Mutual Bank specializes in investments and wealth management for businesses and personal clients.

Michigan

DALE RIFENBERG AGENCY INSURANCE 118 Main St, Buchanan. 269.695.1200. Since 1955, this family-owned insurance company has specialized in insuring autos, homes, farms, businesses, motorcycles, RVs and watercrafts.

learn Michigan

OX-BOW Campus: 3435 Rupprecht Way, Saugatuck. 269.857.5811. Administrative offices: 37 S Wabash Ave, Chicago. 800.318.3019. ox-bow.org. This 96-year-old summer school of art and artists’ residency is located in Saugatuck and is affiliated with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Ox-Bow offers oneand two-week intensives for aspiring and experienced artists in six studio areas.

live Indiana

HARTSFIELD VILLAGE 10000 Columbia Ave, Munster. 219.934.0750. hartsfieldvillage.com. Hartsfield Village offers a full continuum of care that supports a variety of needs and lifestyles, including independent living, assisted living, memory support and nursing care. Amenities include private patios and balconies, lounges, gardens, activity centers and fitness centers. Residents receive many benefits, such as laundry, housekeeping and dining services.

Michigan

1 LAKE TERRACE St. Joseph. 269.369.4545. 1laketerrace.com. Five lakefront home sites and 12 lake-access sites make up St. Joseph’s newest neighborhood. The lakefront sites offer breathtaking views and are protected below by a wooded bluff. The homes will be characterized by siding, shakes, stone, trim, porches and many windows.

BALDWIN LANDING 68420 Christiana Lake Rd, Edwardsburg. 574.320.0411. alllakenorake.com. This development’s 18 waterfront custom homes—designed by Helman Sechrist Architecture—offer views of Baldwin Lake, plus endless other perks like maintenance-free living, private boat slips, sand volleyball courts and fire pits.

8 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 8

CAMP BUFFALO COTTAGES 106 S Franklin St, New Buffalo. 269.469.9090. campbuffalocottages.com. Sales office open Mon-Thu 9am-3pm, Fri-Sun noon-6pm. At Camp Buffalo, cozy cedar-shaked cottages resting in lush woodlands outline a property that promises sanctuary and solitude. The center clubhouse, naturally landscaped amphitheater and inground swimming pool bring the community together for fellowship and fun. Residents may choose between five spacious cottage plans.

LAKE CHAPIN SHORES 11560 Red Bud Tr, Berrien Springs. 888.866.4244. lakechapinshores.com. This upscale residential vacation home retreat

shore THINGS is situated on the shores of the 600-acre Lake Chapin, offering peace and seclusion for vacationers. Homes come with desirable amenities but are built with conservation in mind, as each home is adapted to the natural aspects of its lot. Residents can enjoy water sports, fishing and the beaches of Lake Chapin.

MERCHANT STREET COTTAGES 222 Merchant St, New Buffalo.

888.588.6424. merchantstreetcottages. com. Located just two blocks from downtown New Buffalo, this charming neighborhood consists of seventeen cottages that are built with green materials for simpler, more cost-effective living. Each cottage is created with thoughtful design and highly attractive features.

ORCHARD ON THE LAKE 269.695.9100. orchardonthelake.net.

This Buchanan-based development— situated along the shores of the private spring-fed Pine Lake—will include thirty vacation homes that feature eight unique styles and range in size from 1,700 to 3,300 square feet, with three to five bedrooms. The property also features a community barn, heated pool, sundeck and nature trails.

ST. JOE’S RIVERBEND LANDINGS 14145 N Red Bud Tr, Buchanan.

888.748.3730. riverbendlandings.com.

This exclusive 100-acre meadowland development, located north of Buchanan in Berrien County, was newly opened in fall of 2008. Each home site is situated on a spacious riverfront, and buyers are given the opportunity to add a private dock. Lots range in size from 2.75 acres to more than 45 acres, with a price range of $225,000-$700,000.

pamper Indiana

ANTHONY’S SALON 2500 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso.

219.465.1525. Mon, Fri 9am-5pm, TueThu 9am-7pm, Sat 8am-3pm. For more than thirty years, Anthony Voltattorni has become established in the Northwest Indiana haircare market, with salons in Merrillville and Valparaiso. The salon carries Aveda and Schwarzkopf products and offers full-service haircare—with a specialty in custom color—as well as waxing, nailcare and reflexology.

COSMEDIC SKIN & BODY CLINIC 210 E 86th Pl, Merrillville. 219.795.1255.

58 E Walton, Chicago. 312.377.3333. cosmedicclinic.com. Available by appointment. Dr. James Platis, who has been featured on local and national news programs and has been applauded by Dr. Phil, specializes in all forms of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, particularly breast surgery, body contouring and facial aesthetic surgery. Less invasive procedures include tanning, waxing and facials.

0 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 9

ELLE SALON 113 W 8th St, Michigan City.

219.874.3553. Tue-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 9am-3pm. This upscale salon, situated in Michigan City’s historic district, offers full-service haircare, plus manicures, pedicures and facial waxing.

Retail products include skin care, body care, a men’s line, wooden styling tools, a full line of Aveda products, and other calming items such as Aveda teas, candles and oils.

VANIS SALON & SPA 221 US 41, Ste J,

Schererville.

219.322.5600. 1620 Country Club Rd, Valparaiso. 219.465.6414. 107 N Main St, Crown Point. 219.663.5200. vanis.net. Hours vary by location. One of Northwest Indiana’s premier salons, Vanis features a well-trained, professional staff for hair care, nail care and spa body treatments. Group and corporate retreats (for four to twenty people) can be arranged.

THE WELLNESS CENTRE 1806 Burlington Beach Rd, Valparaiso.

219.477.4037. Mon-Sat by appointment.

This establishment offers massage therapy with a holistic bent. Services include homeopathy, aromatherapy, ear candling and energy works. Also on site is a store, where aromatherapy items, teas and herbs can be purchased.

Michigan

YOGA GLOW 6 Linden St, Three Oaks. 269.697.4394. yogathreeoaks.com. This renowned yoga studio features group yoga classes and private lessons for all levels, plus workshops every month. Patrons are encouraged to visit Yoga Glow’s website for class schedules, teacher bios and other yoga-related information.

party Indiana

THE ALLURE 201 B St, LaPorte. 219.741.1495. allureone.com. This brand-new banquet hall, located in downtown LaPorte, is described as “old Hollywood vintage with a modern twist,” complete with a grand double staircase in the ballroom. The venue can be rented for weddings, other special events, and also as a conference center for corporate gatherings.

play Indiana

BLUE CHIP CASINO, HOTEL & SPA 777 Blue Chip Dr, Michigan City.

888.879.7711. bluechipcasino.com.

The casino portion of Blue Chip features 65,000 square feet of gaming, all on one level, including more than 2,100 slot games and all the classic table games. Brand new to the facility is the 22-story Spa Blu Tower, which features a state-of-the-art hotel, luxury spa and convention center. Dining options include It’s Vegas Baby! and The Game, along with the fine-dining restaurant William B’s Steakhouse.

THE BRASSIE GOLF CLUB 1110 Pearson Rd, Chesterton.

219.921.1192. thebrassie.com.

The Brassie is a semi-private, 180-hole championship course designed by architect Jim Fazio. The well-conditioned course boasts “rolling terrain, strategic bunkering and sparse fescue rough areas.” A golf shop, practice facilities and a snack bar are also on site.

LOST MARSH GOLF COURSE 1001 E 129th St, Hammond.

219.932.4046. lostmarshgolf.com.

This 330-acre, 18-hole championship course features various tee positions on every hole, making it desirable and challenging for both experienced and new golfers. The acclaimed Youth Golf Academy at Lost Marsh teaches young people looking to learn the sport, and an environmental recreation area offers outdoor activities to golfers and non-golfers alike.

autos.nwi.com aauutos.nwi.com

Your Automotive Source for Northwest Indiana

Locate Auto Dealers with Ease, in NW Indiana & Chicagoland ACURA JOE RIZZA ACURA • 29 159th St. & 80th Ave., Orland Park, IL 708-403-7770 • www.jrizzacars.com

BUICK KENNEDY BUICK • 3 3200 N. Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, IN 219-462-3111 or 800-293-9454 www.kennedybuickmazda.com

RIVER OAKS CHRYSLER • 10 17225 Torrence Ave, Lansing, IL 708-474-9400 • www.rocp.com THOMAS CHRYSLER • 11 9604 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN 219-924-6100 • www.thomasautogroup.com ISAKSON CHRYSLER • 30 3530 N. Hobart Rd. Hwy 51, Hobart, IN 219-962-3681 www.isaksonmotors.com

DODGE

SCHEPEL BUICK • 9 3209 West Lincoln Highway, Merrillville, IN 219-769-6381 • www.schepel.com

ARNELL DODGE • 14 U.S 20 & I-94, Burns Harbor, IN 866-593-0997 • www.arnellmotors.com

CADILLAC SCHEPEL CADILLAC • 9 2929 West Lincoln Highway, Merrillville, IN 219-738-1900 • www.schepelcadillac.com

CHEVROLET TEAM CHEVROLET • 48 1856 W. U.S. 30, Valparaiso, IN 219-462-1175 • www.teamchevyinc.com ARNELL CHEVROLET • 14 U.S 20 & I-94, Burns Harbor, IN 866-593-0997 • www.arnellmotors.com RIDGEWAY CHEVROLET • 1 17730 Torrence Ave, Lansing, IL 60438 708-474-4990 • www.ridgewaychevy.com SMITH CHEVROLET - HAMMOND • 37 6405 Indianapolis Blvd., Hammond, IN 219-845-4000 • www.smithautogroupusa.com SMITH CHEVROLET - LOWELL • 7 700 W. Commerical, Lowell, IN 219-696-8931 • www.smithautogroupusa.com MIKE ANDERSON CHEVROLET • 4 The Chevy Giant on I-65 I-65 and 61st Avenue, Merrillville, IN 219-947-4151 • www.mikeandersonchevy.com

CHRYSLER

HUMMER

NISSAN

SCHEPEL HUMMER • 9 2929 West Lincoln Highway, Merrillville, IN 219-738-1900 • www.schepelhummer.com

SOUTHLAKE NISSAN • 34 Rt. 30, 1 Mile E. of I-65, Merrillville, IN 888-966-4772 • www.southlakeautomall.co

HYUNDAI

PONTIAC

SHAFFER HYUNDAI • 43 1000 W. U.S. Hwy. 30, Merrillville, IN 219-736-2277 • www.shafferhyundai.com

SCHEPEL PONTIAC • 9 3209 West Lincoln Highway, Merrillville IN 219-769-6381 • www.schepel.com

TEAM HYUNDAI • 45 9236 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN 219-923-2277 • www.teamhyundai.net

SMITH PONTIAC • 7 700 W. Commercial Avenue Lowell, IN • 219-696-8931 www.smithautogroupusa.com

JEEP

CENTER DODGE • 41 11009 West 133rd Ave, Cedar Lake, IN 219-374-7171 • www.centercars.com

ARNELL JEEP • 14 U.S 20 & I-94, Burns Harbor, IN 866-593-0997 • www.arnellmotors.com

THOMAS DODGE • 11 9604 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN 219-924-6100 • www.thomasautogroup.com

CENTER JEEP • 41 11009 West 133rd Ave, Cedar Lake, IN 219-374-7171 • www.centercars.com

ISAKSON DODGE • 30 3530 N. Hobar Rd. Hwy 51, Hobart, IN 219-962-3681 • www.isaksonmotors.com SOUTHLAKE DODGE • 34 Rt. 30, 1 Mile E. of I-65, Merrillville, IN 866-363-4376 • www.southlakeautomall.com

THOMAS JEEP • 11 9604 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN 219-924-6100 • www.thomasautogroup.com

FORD SMITH FORD • 36 1777 E. Commercial, Lowell, IN 219-769-1090 • www.smithautogroupusa.com JOE RIZZA FORD ORLAND PARK • 35 8100 W 159th St., Orland Park, IL 60462 708-442-7000 • www.rizzacars.com WEBB FORD • 71 9809 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN 888-869-8822 • www.webford.com

CENTER CHRYSLER • 41 11009 West 133rd Ave, Cedar Lake, IN 219-374-7171 • www.centercars.com

SAAB

RIVER OAKS JEEP • 10 17225 Torrence Ave, Lansing, IL 708-474-9400 • www.rocp.com

SCHEPEL SAAB • 9 2929 West Lincoln Highway, Merrillville, IN 219-738-1900 • www.schepel.com

KIA

SUBARU SUBARU OF MERRILLVILLE • 24 1777 West, US Rt. 30, Merrillville, IN 219-756-7900 • www.subaruofmerrillville.com

THOMAS KIA • 16 9825 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN 219-934-2266 • www.thomasautogroup.com

NIELSEN SUBARU • 21 5020 US Hwy 6, Portage, IN • 219-764-5020 www.nielsencars.com

MAZDA

SUZUKI

KENNEDY MAZDA • 3 3200 N. Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, IN 219-462-3111 or 800-293-9454 www.kennedybuickmazda.com

RICHARDSON SUZUKI • 38 9110 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN 219-923-4000 • www.richardsonsuzuki.com

GMC

MITSUBISHI

CIRCLE GMC • 65 1300 U.S. 41,, Schererville, IN IN. 219-865-4400 • IL. 773-221-8124 www.circleautomotive.com

PORSCHE JOE RIZZA PORSCHE • 2 8130 W 159th St., Orland Park, IL 708-403-0300 • www.rizzacars.com

SOUTHLAKE KIA • 34 Rt. 30, 1 mi. East of I-65, Merrillville, IN 866-639-8542 • www.southlakeautomall.com

SCHEPEL GMC • 9 3209 West Lincoln Highway, Merrillville, IN 219-769-6381 • www.schepel.com

ARNELL CHRYSLER • 14 U.S 20 & I-94, Burns Harbor, IN 866-593-0997 • www.arnellmotors.com

CIRCLE PONTIAC • 65 1300 U.S. 41,, Schererville, IN IN. 219-865-4400 • IL. 773-221-8124 www.circleautomotive.com

SHAFFER MITSUBISHI • 43 1000 W. U.S. Hwy. 30, Merrillville, IN 219-736-2277 www.shaffermitsubishi.com NIELSEN MITSUBISHI • 17 5020 US Hwy 6, Portage, IN 219-764-5020 • www.nielsencars.com

TOYOTA TEAM TOYOTA • 44 9601 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN 219-924-8100 • www.teamtoyota2000.com TOYOTA ON 30 • 46 4450 E. RT 30, Merrillville, IN 219-947-3325 • www.toyotaon30.com

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CONTACT YOUR SALES REPRESENTATIVE TO FEATURE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE TIMES AUTO DIRECTORY CROWN POINT • (219) 662-5300 MUNSTER • (219) 933-3200 PORTAGE • (219) 762-1397 VALPARAISO • (219) 462-5151

shore THINGS FOUR WINDS CASINO 11111 Wilson Rd, New Buffalo.

866.494.6371. fourwindscasino.com.

With 3,000 of the most recent types of slot machines and more than 100 tables games, including blackjack and craps, New Buffalo’s Four Winds is the only casino in the area that offers million dollar jackpots. This brand new casino also has the Midwest’s only World Poker Tour poker room.

LOST DUNES GOLF CLUB 9300 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman.

269.465.9300. lostdunes.com. The critically acclaimed, 6,900-yard, 71-par golf course at Lost Dunes is just one of the many attractive features that this club offers. A rolling landscape and panoramic views provide spectacular scenery and also new challenges for both the novice and seasoned golfer. The course, which was designed by architect Tom Doak, was rated #63 in Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses in 2007-8. Lost Dunes is a family destination as well, with a Junior Golf Program, a large clubhouse and many family attractions in nearby Bridgman.

NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK 319 Center St, South Haven.

269.637.8216. southhavenneedle.com.

Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat 11am-5pm, Thu 11am7pm. This cozy shop not only offers natural fiber yarns for knitting and crochet, but patrons can also hang out there to knit.

There are several knitting and crocheting classes as well as group knitting events.

Kits and gifts are also available.

OUTPOST SPORTS Locations in New Buffalo, St. Joseph, South Haven and Mishawaka, Ind. outpostsports.com. Hours vary by location.

Whether bicycling, kayaking, surfing or simply sunbathing, any summer sports fan will find a large inventory of sporting products here. Owner JV Peacock emphasizes a life-is-short/seize-the-day philosophy throughout his inventory, events, lessons and staff. Clothing, beach accessories and eyewear are also available.

RAVINES GOLF CLUB 3520 Palmer Dr, Saugatuck. 269.857.1616. ravinesgolfclub.com. This golf facility has won numerous awards for its outstanding condition and beautiful landscape.

The Ravines is an Arnold Palmer Signature championship course that challenges all skill levels. A full beverage service and menu are available, and a restaurant is on site.

stay Indiana

BLUE HERON INN 1110 Lakeside St, LaPorte. 219.362.5077. pleastshore.com. Situated on scenic Pine Lake in LaPorte, the Blue Heron Inn features luxury rooms with jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. Guests can choose from a variety of room selections and special packages. Floating boathouses—equipped with a queen bed, sofa and outside deck—are also available for lodging during the summer months.

EDDA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHIE Courthouse Sq, Ste 304, Crown Point.

219.662.9500. eddataylor.com. Tue-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm, Sat and evenings by appointment. This award-winning photogra-

VIRGINIA PHILLIPS 219.462.2565.

This award-winning artist—who is also an interior designer— works in oil to create paintings of landscapes, still lives and portraits, all of which incorporate Phillips’ signature use of color and abstraction. Her work has been exhibited at several local art centers.

Great Value – Excellent Greens easy & convenient location

1110 Pearson Road, Chesterton, IN 11

Toll Free Number (866) 921-1192 • www.thebrassie.com

Michigan

RUBINKAM STUDIO 109 N Barton St, New Buffalo.

269.469.1620. 20 E Center St, Douglas.

269.857.7100. rubinkam.com. Open daily. Steve Rubinkam’s bright, whimsical Impressionist paintings of florals, landscapes and boats have been enchanting visitors and residents of New Buffalo for years. Rubinkam also displays works from respected colleagues, including photographers, potters and jewelers. Rubinkam’s newest gallery in Saugatuck has an expanded selection of glassworks, art objects and pottery.

visit Michigan

ST. JOSEPH TODAY 120 State St, St. Joseph. 269.985.1111. sjtoday.org. Mon-Fri 10am-5:30pm, Sat noon-6pm, Sun 1-5pm. Visitors to St. Joseph will find a variety of helpful information—on shopping, dining and events—at this welcome center. St. Joseph Today is a nonprofit organization that assists and encourages local business and tourism development.

wear Indiana

ALBERT’S DIAMOND JEWELERS 711 Main St, Schererville. 219.322.2700. albertsjewelers.com. Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Besides the fact that Albert’s showcases 5,000 square feet of jewelry, the store in itself is an entertainment destination. A bar, large-screen TV, dance floor and karaoke are among the many ways that patrons can let loose while browsing every type of fine jewelry imaginable. Brands include Tacori, Bulgari, Cartier and Bez Ambar, and the store’s entire back wall is devoted to bridal jewelry and accessories.

GLAD RAGS 870 E Sidewalk Rd, Chesterton.

219.926.5557. gladrags.info. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Located across from five miles of walking trails in gorgeous Coffee Creek, this women’s clothing store offers “hip without the hop” in their selection of sassy, comfy, arty and fun women’s clothing and accessories. For best directions, visit the store’s website.

Michigan

INDIAN SUMMER 126 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo.

269.469.9994. Open daily 11am-8pm.

This women’s clothing boutique branches out from its location at the heart of New Buffalo with its casual and contemporary clothing and jewelry from around the world. The store features brands such as Sympli, Jag Jeans, O My Gauze, San Miguel Shoes and Minnetonka.

JUNE 2009

view Indiana

pher holds degrees in master photography and photographic craftsmanship and has given lectures all around the world. In her studio—located in the old Lake County Courthouse in downtown Crown Point— Edda Taylor combines her unique style with an international influence to create enduring photographs.

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Michigan

THE BEST-READ LAKE MICHIGAN AREA LUXURY MAGAZINE Discover a world of style and culture right outside your window, with the occasional excursion around the globe.

With over 35,000 copies in print each issue, SHORE is the largest, freshest and most intriguing magazine covering Lake Michigan lifestyles.

Dr. Platis has a sincere commitment to excellence and patient satisfaction. An open rapport with patients comes naturally to Dr. Platis. He realizes that good communication is as important as surgical skills in Chicago’s achieving a successful outcome. “absolute He takes time to listen to his leading patients concerns. He wants surgeon” to fully understand the results -Dr. Phil you are seeking, to be sure he answers all your questions and to explain the treatment options available to you.

Dr. Platis performs a wide variety of cosmetic surgery procedures and is always at the forefront of his specialty, offering the newest techniques with the highest level of skill and safety.

Dr. Platis has also been featured on: 20/20, NBC5 Chicago, WBBM Fox News Chicago and WGN

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shorecast PREDICTIONS BY FRAN SMITH

For more astrological advice, be sure to check out Fran Smith’s regular blog on visitshoremagazine.com.

linebacker BRIAN URLACHER

[gemini]

MAY 21-JUNE 20

KEY WORDS in June: A Magnificent Start. Relax in this month—even dare to luxuriate in it. June marks the beginning of your personal New Year—an amazing time when your close-to-the-heart relationships as well as your long-held plans and projects are favored. Best to make your way forward by keeping yet-to-be-fullydeveloped concepts secret—which means you’re not to tell anyone about their existence. Even a bit of outside discouragement (whether innocently or intentionally) is enough to shoot down the finest of ideas. So, start!

SIDESTEP not being specific.

[cancer] JUNE 21-JULY 22 KEY WORDS in June: The Confidentiality Clause. Now the focus is on calls and meetings (certain emails count, too) conducted privately—away from the watchful eye of others (wherever they exist—at work or at home).

Allow an upbeat mood to thrive—even if you’re going over past material. What your aim should be is clearing the deck for those new starts—to be initiated, by you, next month. Establish answers and solutions. And don’t be alarmed with the appearance of a brilliant new idea. SIDESTEP sluggishness—physically, mentally, emotionally. [leo] JULY 23-AUGUST 22 KEY WORDS in June: Great Goals in Sight—that is, if you don’t overlook them. For you, June signals fun and laughter. Always good. But right now—as the planet Mercury (calls, meetings and conversation) favors dialogue and written material—your time and attention should focus on your Number One objectives.

Ask yourself: what do you want most to accomplish this month? When you have the answer, you’ll know just how much play time—and just how much work time— should dominate. SIDESTEP lethargy—when some very productive moments could exist. [virgo] AUGUST 23-SEPTEMBER 22 KEY WORDS in June: That Sparkling Summit. Of all things—your tenth house of Career and Advancement has suddenly surfaced in the midst of summer. Consider that a major advantage, as bright new ideas now fill the landscape—your landscape. Since you always prepare for situations and possibilities, reach out to business associates and potential business associates. Whatever your sphere of work, this is the ideal cycle in which to right every wrong (real or imagined). And to get on with both new and current undertakings. SIDESTEP a lack of interest—in nearly everything. [libra] SEPTEMBER 23-OCTOBER 22 KEY WORDS in June: Two Loves—Near and Far. Prominently highlighted now are ideas, concepts, school plans (yours or those close to you) and travel. Quite a lot—but for you, it all fits in beautifully with where you’re at on several levels. Detail is important. But the most important factors are whom you contact and what you do. Don’t defer or put decisions off for a later date.

June is the time to decide and to make arrangements— if arrangements are called for. This can be great fun, if everyone involved is in agreement with you. Be the thoughtful You. SIDESTEP inflexibility.

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[scorpio] OCTOBER 23-NOVEMBER 22 KEY WORDS in June: Everything Anew. This is a powerful month for you, as Revitalization, on all levels— mental, emotional, physical, financial, spiritual—is in the forefront of all late-breaking developments. Keep in mind: Your own sun-sign—Scorpio, the Scorpion—is the natural ruler of the eighth house—the house in your birth chart where all this activity is taking place. You— better than any one of the other eleven sun-signs—know exactly what it means to heal yourself from within. Do so now. SIDESTEP not returning the call you want least to return—but should. [sagittarius] NOVEMBER 23-DECEMBER 21 KEY WORD in June: Harmony. Much is demanded when it comes to June’s Gemini, the Twins, governing your seventh house of alliances, agreements, special arrangements, partnerships and contracts. Involved here are both emotional and legal matters. Not easy,

certainly, not easy whenever the Twins (duality of the highest order) are centerstage. Go slowly in whatever situations allow you to set your own pace. Listen well and do not lose your temper, no matter what others (especially those on the outside) say or do. SIDESTEP the headstrong approach, on your part. [capricorn] DECEMBER 22-JANUARY 19 KEY WORDS in June: The Superb Condition. The happy (with Mercury at work, you’re bound to find a bit of merriment, too) hunt is on for healthy conditions within your working environment as well as your relations with your coworkers and close associates. Also included is the general state of your own health and well-being. Strongly suggested at this time: play, laughter and an infusion of optimism into current situations and relationships. You have the power. And given your ability to schedule, you also have the time. SIDESTEP second thoughts—early in the game. [aquarius] JANUARY 20-FEBRUARY 18 KEY WORDS in June: At Long Last—Love! Add to this— creativity, of all kinds, plus speculation; namely, taking the Big Chance—whatever the Big Chance translates to in your personal world. It’s a leave-no-stone-unturned cycle as you explore—even invent out of nothingness—a new direction within these efforts. The most important thing to consider is the depth of content. Suggestions are welcome. At this point, however, the opinion of others has little bearing on your projects. You’re in charge. And you know it. SIDESTEP refusing to acknowledge the bottom line. [pisces] FEBRUARY 19-MARCH 20 KEY WORDS in June: The Fundamentals. Home and home-related matters occupy your existence. Step back and slowly focus your attention on the major situation now under consideration. It’s likely that the core of your security is involved. Don’t let your attention wander, for this is the best possible time to deal with developments.

Even if everything seems to be at a standstill, you have the planetary backup to loosen a deadlock. Know that warmth, on your part, could have a dramatic effect on things moving forward. SIDESTEP selfishness—when abundance actually exists. [aries] MARCH 21-APRIL 20 KEY WORDS in June: Definitely in Mind—especially if your current ideas can be translated into direct action, on your part. What you’re looking for now is a tangible way to advance your most immediate income-producing plans and projects. Scheduling—and following through with—conference calls helps matters considerably. But so does the one-on-one meeting with those in power positions. Know, too, that the month of June is the right time for fresh and exciting ideas. Even the start of a new undertaking holds the potential for success. SIDESTEP knocking building blocks down. [taurus] APRIL 21-MAY 20 KEY WORDS in June: Simple Mathematics. The planet Mercury (all forms of communications) rules Gemini, the Twins—the June sun-sign that governs your second house of money, income, possessions and lifestyle.

Excellent! However, while so much activity swirls around this part of your life—now is the perfect time to list your priorities. Not just in your thoughts, but in actual words and numerical symbols (1 + 1 = 2). Use your computer or work in the old-fashioned way—with pencil and paper. Whichever way, do it! Situations benefit.

SIDESTEP staying at a distance.

shore PICKS

May 31 ART IN THE GARDEN ART FAIR 10am-4pm, Taltree Arboretum, 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso.

219.462.0025. taltree.org.

Celebrate art in the midst of one of Northwest Indiana’s best natural inspirations at this premier art fair.

Jun 4-7 7TH ANNUAL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Riverfront Amphitheatre, downtown Niles. 269.687.4332. nilesbluegrass.com.

More than 13 bands will perform on three different stages on the banks of the St. Joseph River at the 7th annual Bluegrass Festival. The four-day event will also feature an open jam Gospel session, a pickers’ tent, workshops, food and kids’ rides.

Jun 17-21 JUST FOR LAUGHS various locations, Chicago. 800.745.3000. justforlaughschicago.com.

More than 70 shows will take place at various locations throughout Chicago—including performances by Ellen DeGeneres, George Lopez, Bill Engvall, Jimmy Fallon, David Allen Grier and Andy Dick—in this premier event.

Lake Michigan

Jun 25 WATER’S EDGE SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL 6pm, Heritage Center, 708 Market St, St. Joseph.

269.982.4030. smso.org.

The first concert of this music festival is “Casual Classics, Uncork and Unwind.” Featuring Russian cellist Ian Maksin, guests are invited to enjoy wine and a light dinner.

last resort

Dream, Think, Do

THE MOTHER OF INVENTION

by Julia Perla

“I have the greatest idea for an invention . . .”

• How many times have you heard—or perhaps said—that in your lifetime? It’s said so often in America that it’s usually greeted with tepid enthusiasm. Yet everyone who makes that proclamation thinks THIS invention will be THE ONE that WILL actually MAKE IT.

A

fter the above statement is made, the potential inventor’s eyes inevitably glaze over with a look of possibility . . . the possibility of fame and fortune, that is. He’s eager about his idea not because it might make others’ lives easier but because, by making others’ lives easier, he could become rich and famous.

I think that everyone, if required, could conjure an idea for a new product or service that’s never before existed. Humans are wired to create, to build. We are the only creatures on earth who have the mental capacity not only to imagine new ideas but also to find a way to develop them. And yet, very few inventions ever see the light of day. Why is that?

The answer, I believe, lies in one’s personality. As it relates to this topic, there are three types of people: 1) The Dreamer: This is the person who comes up with new ideas on a regular (sometimes annoyingly regular) basis. The Dreamer’s mind is as crowded and colorful as a midway at a summer carnival. Ideas bounce all over the place, shooting up into the air like fireworks . . . then fizzling away before they reach the ground.

My brother is a Dreamer. He calls me almost weekly to excitedly reveal his newest idea, which is always some

sort of social networking scheme that goes way over my head.

He spouts out exactly what it would look like, how it would work and how he would market it. “Brilliant idea, bro,” I always say. “I think that’s your best one yet.” Then I hang up the phone knowing I’ll never hear about it again. And I never do.

2) The Thinker: This person is the exact opposite of the Dreamer. The Thinker likely has only one great idea, and spends the rest of his life trying to make it come to fruition. The Thinker’s surroundings typically are scattered with a litany of incomplete, ever-evolving diagrams, outlines and patent applications.

Most writers I know (including myself) are Thinkers. They have the next World’s Greatest Novel either written in their mind, halfwritten on paper, or “in the revision process.” Once finished, the book will be featured on the New York Times Best Sellers List, of course. But first it must be painstakingly revised and rewritten over and over again until perfection can officially be declared.

Which is never.

3) The Doer: And then we have the Doer, the rare yet effective combination of the Dreamer and the Thinker. When the Doer comes up with a solid idea for an invention, he gets to work immediately to make it happen. He drafts a plan, networks with the right people, gets to work, and never looks back. Before you know it, the invention that only existed in his head now has a tangible presence in the real world.

I’d venture to say that less than 10 percent of the global population are Doers. We’ve been hearing about a lot of them lately, particularly in the area of technology. There’s Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, the 24-year-old wizard who thought up a way for us to reconnect with people we never liked in high school. There are the creative types like J.J. Abrams, who built an entire mysterious island in his mind and is teasing a cult of Lost viewers by revealing only a little of it at a time. And we can’t forget about Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple and quite possibly the most innovative man on the planet.

Yeah, Doers make me sick.

T

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he cool thing is, the world needs all three groups—Dreamers, Thinkers and Doers—to remain in a state of homeostasis. As much as we all want to be Doers, our world would be overcrowded, noisy, chaotic—and mediocre, really—if everyone’s inventions came to life. If everyone in the world were a Dreamer . . . well, human civilization would probably gradually become extinct. Same with the Thinkers. Except in one way we’d go out with a bang and in the other we’d die a slow death.

Perhaps, as the United States becomes less the Land of Opportunity and more the Land of Survival, we won’t have the time, willingness or ability to imagine invention ideas like we always have. Maybe Dreamers will wake up, Thinkers will move on, and Doers will be less celebrated. But I certainly hope not. After all, though I may be a mere Thinker, I cannot visualize an America where we’re not walking around with the glazed, hopeful, delightfully naïve look of possibility in our eyes.

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