HERE Issue 007 - Sept/Oct 2018

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i ssu e 007

northwest indiana

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE CE L EB RATIN G A Y E AR OF H E R E F U N FA L L E V E N TS | E N C H A N T I N G F I E L D S | A N I G H T AT T H E D R I V E- I N

E DITOR AND PUBLISHE R

CRE AT IVE DIRECTO R

Julia Perla Huisman

Brad M. Wolf

ASSOCIAT E E DITOR

E DITORIAL INT ERN

Kathryn MacNeil

Kassidy Weemhoff

ACCOUNT E XECUT IVES Jeanine Perla Arty Reyes Ashley Spencer

CONT RIBUTORS Lesly Bailey

Michelle Hamstra

Teresa Schmidt

Ashley Boyer

Mark Loehrke

Amanda Wilson

Jerry Davich

Jillian Pancini

David Zuccarelli

Suzy Galazka

Michael Pancini

ADVE RT ISING INQUIRIES

advertising@readheremag.com

GE NE RAL INQUIRIES

info@readheremag.com

HERE Magazine 10769 Broadway #320 Crown Point, IN 46307 readheremag.com Instagram, Twitter: @readheremag Facebook, Pinterest: /readheremag © 2018 JPH Publishing, LLC

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THE BEAUTY OF MANY

THE ENCHANTING HARVEST

Inside the lives of immigrant educators

Picturesque farmland that merges form and function

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A CHILD’S EYE

NEON NIGHTS

Seeing the world from a kid’s point of view

Vintage varsity fashion at the drive-in

MADE IN NWI 8

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METAL AND CLOTH

FULL STEAM AHEAD

Photographer Levi Arnold creates his own accessory line

Educational center finds success in failure and love of learning

16 WHAT I LEARNED

5 lessons after a year of HERE

G ET O U T TH ERE 20

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SAVE THE DATE

STAR BRIGHT

A singing competition for the community

Fall happenings around Northwest Indiana

26 AUTUMNAL GATHERINGS Fall events not to miss

TH E I D EA B O O K 30

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HERE AND NOW

FALL CRAFT BEER GUIDE

Grappling with the constant march of time

Four local breweries share their favorite autumn beer selections

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THE TEXTURE TREATMENT

SHOPKEEPER SPOTLIGHT

Varying styles combine cohesively in this Crown Point home

Embrace the fall season with these products from local shops and artisans

ON THE COVER Photo by Brad M. Wolf

HERE THEN AND NOW

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F R O M T H E E D I TO R This issue is a big one—our one-year anniversary issue. To some, one year of publication may not seem like a big deal. But when you consider that this magazine was built with a small savings, from scratch, in my dining room, it feels a little more monumental. There were many days when I didn’t know if we would make it to the next issue, let alone a full year’s worth of issues. So while I hope to have many more years of HERE to come, for now I celebrate this small-but-not-so-small milestone with a smile on my face and a sigh of relief.

photo | Teresa Schmidt

There are a few groups of people whom I would like to thank for helping us get this far: 1. Our advertisers. We simply wouldn’t have a magazine without them. They are the ones who fund this whole operation, and they’ve done so with limited marketing funds and a leap of faith. And we don’t just let anyone advertise in the magazine. We only allow companies we trust and whose clientele closely matches our readership. So when you look at the ads in this book, consider them just as valuable a resource as the stories we tell. Please look into what they have to offer and seek them out when doing business locally. I would also like to give special thanks to three advertisers who have been with us from the beginning: Designer Desserts, Fetching Market and Vanis Salon.

Thank you for believing in us when no one else even knew our name.

2. Our staff. This includes the writers, photographers, illustrators, stylists, sales staff, interns, associate editor and creative director. Most people are surprised to hear that every one of them is a contracted employee and that we all work from home, using digital means to communicate so we can magically put this thing together. I work with some of the most talented, creative people in Northwest Indiana. The quality of their work is what I hear about the most when people comment on the magazine.

3. My family. This includes my husband and two daughters, of course, who over the past year have had to sacrifice precious time and money to let me pursue my dream. It includes my extended family—my mom, who’s been my biggest cheerleader from the beginning, and my sister, who was my first sales rep and endured many a tearful phone call from me. It also includes my family of friends, whose enthusiasm and undying belief in me kept me going through the tough times.

4. You. That’s right, we couldn’t have done this without you, dear reader. Thank you for picking up our magazine, reading it, posting about it, subscribing to it, and telling your friends about it. There’s no point in telling stories if no one will read them. You alone bring purpose to our work.

So we celebrate year one, but look ahead to year two and beyond. Cheers to one year of HERE! Julia Perla Huisman Editor and Publisher

CORRECTION: The mural artist for the photo on page 43 of the July/August issue should be identified as Justis Roe. We apologize for the error.

M ADE I N NWI

M ETA L AN D C LOT H Photographer Levi Arnold creates his own accessory line

by Julia Perla Huisman Photography by Levi Arnold Levi Arnold is best known for his work behind the lens. His impressive photography and videography portfolio is filled with work shot all over the world, after which he returns to his upstairs photography studio in downtown Crown Point. Just like many creatives, however, his work doesn’t stop there. Arnold recently started an accessory line, which he calls his passion project.

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“I decided to start creating accessories a few years back as it gave me a chance to work in the physical space when I needed a break from digital,” Arnold says. “Most of the time, I’m six days a week behind the camera or in the edit suite, and having this avenue of creation allows me to take a short break from the pixels and dive into metal and cloth.”

His accessories—primarily bracelets and hats—are made out of materials near and dear to Arnold. “Creating bracelets from vintage [camera] lenses was not only unique and a good conversation starter, but also a nod to my profession,” he says. Regarding the hats, “I’m really just obsessed with patches and the way that design used to be created. There’s something about finding an old Boy Scout or Jeep patch in the back of an antique shop and pairing it with a weathered hat or jacket that is pretty special.”

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Arnold’s products can be found on the Accessories page at iamchildfire.com.

FULL STEAM AHEAD Educational center finds success in failure and love of learning WO R DS Le s l y Ba i l ey

The blue whale’s smile entices visitors to flop with fervor.

The S.T.E.A.M. Shop Educational Center’s Fail Whale—a class mascot—is at the core of owner Alicia Madeka’s attitude on learning. “One of my philosophies I have developed throughout my years of exploration and experimentation was that most of the time you will fail at what you are trying to achieve,” she says. “I have watched how others treat failure and often it is shrouded around negativity and anger.

“I believe it is important to establish failure as a positive, ‘great—now what can you change?’ moment. Fail Whale’s sole purpose is to create a space where students can openly post, share and accept how they and others failed that day.”

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P HOTOS Jillian Pan cini

Science Technology Engineering Art and Math are at the heart of the center in Valparaiso. Madeka offers such services as classes for all ages, camps, ISTEP/IREAD tutoring, business team building, professional development for elementary school teachers, and a space for birthday parties.

“STEAM is not just important, it is vital in the overall development of our society. We need to make sure we are educating our youth to be able to critically deal with the constant barrage of changing needs and wants that our society demands,” Madeka says. “With STEAM, we can start educating our children to become better critical thinkers, problem solvers and team players.

“True STEAM programs allow for a complete meshing of all of those subject areas into project-based activities and assignments. My projects and activities allow creativity and imagination to drive a student’s innovation.”

Madeka saw the concept for her shop—launched in July 2017—while touring the former Valparaiso Technical Institute building with daughter Sara Tamez, who was looking for space for her metal-smithing studio. “We stopped in front of a room that was previously known as ‘The Library.’ I clearly remember that my heart skipped a beat even before I opened the door,” she says. “I instantly saw the room as an opportunity to continue doing something I was even more passionate about than art itself—teaching.”

Madeka retired in June 2017, having taught elementary school art in Hammond as well as third grade until the end of her career. She has led winning Lego Robotics and Science Olympiad teams as well as taught a summer gifted and talented program for 25 years. She maintains her teaching credentials and has a STEM certification through NASA Endeavor Science Teaching Certificate Project.

She traces her desire to teach back to her childhood and outdoor adventures with her family at Wolf Lake in Hammond.

“I wanted to learn about everything, and the only way to do

Alicia Madeka founded the S.T.E.A.M. Shop in order to cultivate a fun new way of learning.

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it was to get out there and actually ‘catch and release’ bugs, frogs, spiders and crawfish. I would spend the rest of the time collecting plant and rock samples to take home for further study and experiments,” she says. “I did this religiously for years and years. I guess my love of teaching developed through my love of learning.”

Today, she hopes to cultivate this learning process at her STEAM space.

“I know what it feels like to have that ‘lightbulb’ moment and I passionately want to guide others to have it also,” she says. “There is nothing more enjoyable than seeing a proud child or adult smile when they finally acknowledge to themselves that they have learned—and now understand— something new.”

TRY T HIS AT HOME Madeka suggests making a rain gauge as a STEAM at-home activity.

WHAT YOU NEED: 1-liter disposable water bottle, 1 cup of aquarium gravel, scissors or craft knife, permanent marker, ruler, duct tape, water, paper and pencil WHAT YOU DO: Cut the bottle about 2 inches below the neck and save the top for later. Add the aquarium gravel and level it out. Mark the top of the gravel and label it “0.” Add water so it just covers the gravel. With a ruler, mark increments of ½ inch starting at 0 until the top. Place the bottle top upside down in the opening like a funnel and tape into place. Place your rain gauge outside in a good place to collect rain water. Record the date and amount of rain after each shower. Empty between uses.

F IN D IT H E R E THE STEAM SHOP 1150 W Lincolnway | Ste 10 Valparaiso thesteamshop.rocks

WHAT I LEARNED 5 lessons after a year of HERE WO RDS Julia Pe r la H uism an

As editor, publisher and proud mama of HERE, our one-year milestone probably means the most to me than to anyone else. I’ve shed much blood, sweat and tears over the past year, and I’ve learned many lessons, five of which I would like to share with you. If you are thinking of starting a business or just want to know more about what our journey has been like, my hope is that our journey will provide help and hope.

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1 IT TAKES A VILL AGE .

I used this phrase in the essay I wrote for our first issue. “Birthing and raising an independently owned magazine is much like birthing and raising a child: it takes a village,” I wrote. This is why I had formed a group of brand ambassadors to help me get the magazine started. Since then, I’ve also added to my staff of writers, photographers, interns and account executives in order to keep this thing going.

But because my name is on the top of the masthead and my photo is on the editor page, I get most of the credit, unfortunately. Many people have used words like “amazing” and “inspirational” when sharing their admiration for my work. I should be thrilled with these comments, but instead they make me uncomfortable. Because I’m not the only one doing the work. I only play a small part in making HERE the quality publication it is. If I didn’t have the team that I do, we never would have made it a whole year, trust me. So I accept the accolades, but only on behalf of everyone else who has poured into this publication.

2 I EX P ERI ENCE D ANXIE T Y LIKE NE VE R BE FORE …

BUT A L S O LE ARNE D HOW TO DE AL WIT H IT. When you start something on your own, built out of your deepest passion, every success and setback feels like an extension of you. So the setbacks are especially difficult. They’re also inevitable, so… yeah, a lot of tears and sleepless nights.

After a while, however, I learned that my anxiety wasn’t making anything better. Lying awake at 2 a.m. worrying about paying the bills didn’t bring in more money; in fact, it probably lessened the chances because I was tired and unproductive the following day. And in the end, the minor stressors I faced were nothing compared with what they could be.

I started listening to several podcasts and reading books about entrepreneurship, and I learned that the ups and downs are part of every business owner’s experience, even the super successful ones. Once I acknowledged that my struggles are normal and not as life-crushing as I was making them out to be, I started sleeping better at night and thinking calmly during the day. I’m not sure I would have learned this lesson had I not started this magazine.

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3 T HE RE ARE E NDLESS RESOURCES FOR SUCCESS. Speaking of books and podcasts, we live in a glorious time where an abundance of expert advice is right at our fingertips. Don’t know how to file your business name? Google it! In need of QuickBooks tutorials? Search YouTube! Feeling down about your business and want a pick-me-up?

Find a podcast! (I recommend How I Built This.)

We have no excuses anymore for not knowing how to do something. We can no longer say we don’t have a means of mentorship and support. The digital age has given us all the resources we need, and then some. We just have to be willing to look for it.

4 PRINT IS NOT DE AD. While digital resources are everywhere, this does not mean that there isn’t a place for print. This fact has surprised me most in the past year. I knew that starting a print magazine in 2017 was risky. In fact, I was actually going to make HERE solely a digital magazine at first. I had no intention of printing it. But every single time I shared that idea with people, their response was: “Well can’t you just print some copies? I don’t know what it is about magazines but I would much rather flip through them with my hands than look at them online.”

In our first issue, we did a story about people who prefer analog (hand-written notes, vinyl records, hard copy day planners, etc.) over electronic content. That story resonated with readers in a way I never expected. My theory is that we are so overstimulated by the digital, every second of every day, that we relish any precious moment we can get consuming information from a printed, high-quality, well-designed piece that we can hold in our hands. It feels slower, easier on the eyes. At a time when our culture is polluted with digital overload, print is quite simply a breath of fresh air. So I’m hopeful that it will be around for a while.

5 H E RE I S S O MUC H MORE THA N A MAGAZ INE .

The very best compliment I can get regarding HERE is when people tell me that they visited a local business for the first time, just because they saw it featured in our magazine. Or when they say something like, “I never even knew that place existed until now!”

Another favorite piece of feedback is when people say they didn’t realize Northwest Indiana was even worthy of such a nice publication until HERE came around—in other words, they didn’t realize just how cool NWI actually is. Our work has shed a different light on our community. But HERE didn’t create the cool stuff, it was already there! We are merely a vessel to get the word out. (One of many vessels, I might add. There are other groups doing similar work, to which I say, “Bravo!” Some examples: LOCAL 219, Ask NWI, and the pop-up markets such as Hunt & Gather and Fetching Market that started this whole movement.)

I find it awesome that the upswing of appreciation for our community is being led not by mass media outlets or high-paid business executives but by a few scrappy, passionate creatives who just like to tell a good story in a way that looks and feels “above” Northwest Indiana. We as a community deserve this kind of quality, you know. We are no longer the stepchild of Chicago or the armpit of Indiana. We are cool and creative and have so much to offer those who live and visit here.

If HERE has played a part in spreading that message after just one year, then we have done exactly what we set out to do. Now we aim to do just that and more for many more years to come.

GE T O UT T HE RE

SAV E T H E DAT E

What’s Happening around Northwest Indiana

| Compiled by Ashley Boyer

SEPT 8 Valparaiso Popcorn Festival 7am-6:30pm, downtown Valparaiso, valparaisoevents.com The 40th annual celebration of all things popcorn, including vendors, the five-mile Popcorn Panic, the nation’s first Popcorn Parade and family-fun activities.

Plus, musical headliners Soul Asylum.

SEPT 22 Hooked on Art Live Street Art Festival 9am-4pm, Thomas Centennial Park, Chesterton, hookedonartfestival.com Interactive art activities, live music and street artists, chalk artists, food and more.

SEPT 13-OCT 14 Ghost—The Musical Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster, theatreatthecenter.com A musical adaptation of the 1990 Academy Award-winning film.

SEPT 14-15, 21-22 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow performance times vary, Buckley Homestead County Park, 3606 Belshaw Rd, Lowell, lakecountyparks.com Tour the homestead in search of Ichabod Crane as the excitement of classic literature comes to life.

SEPT 15 Bacon Fest 11am, Founders Square Park, 6300 Founders Square, Portage baconfestportage.com Food from local restaurant owners with special menus centered around bacon. Also, live music, games and— new this year—donut eating and kiss the pig contests.

SEPT 15 DHC Arts on the Ave 11am-7pm, Sibley Blvd and Hohman Ave, downtown Hammond, facebook.com/downtownhammondcouncil Vendors, art demonstrations and activities, live music, a beer and wine garden, Art Cycle Contest and more fill the streets at this fourth annual celebration of the arts.

SEPT 15 Sunflower Fair 8am-4pm, Michigan Ave, downtown LaPorte, sunflowerfair.com One of the largest area festivals featuring 100 craft and nonprofit vendors, a rib cook-off, a 5K run and fun walk, a sunflower contest, an art walk, scarecrow building, rides, food and more.

SEPT 15-16 Art Blitz 11am-5pm, Art Barn, 695 N 400 E, Valparaiso, artbarnschool.org Explore, create and relax through textile art, clay, watercolor, paper crafts and more. See artists at work, hike the trails and enjoy food, live music, face painting and live puppeteers.

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SEPT 22 Portage Brewfest & Taco Test 4-7pm brewfest, 5-8pm taco test, 8-10pm concert, 6300 Founders Square, Portage, portagebrewfest.com Unlimited craft beer tasting and a chance to sample tacos and vote on a favorite. A concert by Too White Crew and a beer and wine garden follow.

SEPT 28 Oktoberfest at Locavore Farm County Line Rd, Grant Park, Illinois, locavorefarm.com Fresh food, local beers, live music , pumpkin patch, make-and-take activities and a bonfire with s’mores to end the evening.

SEPT 28-30 Westville Pumpkin Festival Westville, westvillepumpkinfestival.com A true Midwestern-style family event, complete with pumpkin pie, food and craft booths, tractor pulls, a parade, a run/walk event and live entertainment.

SEPT 29 Homewood Fall Fest Martin Ave, Homewood, homesweethomewood.com Live entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, games, craft vendors, pumpkin patch, and cuisine by local eateries.

OCT 1 Found & Shared 9am-2pm, Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corrine Dr, Hammond, fetchingmarket.com A workshop for entrepreneurs featuring business/life coaches, networking, brunch, and a creative workshop.

OCT 6-7 Cowtoberfest Fair Oaks Farm, 856 N 600 E, Fair Oaks, fofarms.com/cowtoberfest This two-day, free festival has activities for kids, family-friendly trick-or-treating, famous pumpkin carvers, a spooky dance competition, food and live music.

OCT 12 Art After Dark Gala 6pm, Sand Creek Country Club, 1001 Sand Creek Dr S, Chesterton, chestertonart.com The 10th annual gala for the Chesterton Art Center features music, dancing, a silent auction and a children’s art auction.

OCT 13 Highland Festival of the Trail 11am-3pm, Jewett St, between Kennedy Ave & 4th St Highland | facebook.com/highlandmainstreet Local art vendors, a farmers market and local food trucks and performers.

OCT 13 Munster Ale Fest 1-4:30pm, Centennial Park, Munster, munsteralefest.com Craft beers and hard ciders from Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and beyond, plus food and live music.

OCT 19 Haunting in Hammond Downtown Hammond, downtownhammond.org Trunk or treat, Little Shop of Halloween Horrors featuring vintage Halloween items, and entertainment by legendary performer Svengoolie.

P O P- U P MA R K ETS With vintage items, antiques, one-of-a-kind artisan goods and upcycled vendors, these pop-up markets offer a unique shopping experience, complete with local fare, cocktails, and live music.

SEPT 7-8 Fetching Market 5-9pm Fri, 10am-5pm Sat, Lansing Municipal Airport 19400 Burnham Ave, Lansing, Ill., fetchingmarket.com SEPT 14-15 Hunt & Gather Market 5-10pm Fri, 10am-5pm Sat, Lake County Fairgrounds 889 S Court St, Crown Point SEPT 22-23 Fetching Market 11am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, Lakeview at Gallagher Way 3637 N Clark St | Chicago | fetchingmarket.com OCT 21 Rustic Peddler Market 9am-3pm, Halls of St. George, 905 E Joliet St, Schererville facebook.com/rusticpeddlermarket

For more details on some of these fall events, refer to page 26.

STA R BRI GHT

A singing competition for the community Words by Kat hr y n M ac N ei l Stars—we wish upon them, dance with them, reach for them, and, here in Northwest Indiana, we even discover them.

Hoosier STAR, an annual singing competition where the vocalists are accompanied by the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra, is more than a fundraiser; it’s a highly anticipated night of musical magic, now in its 13th year, bringing ten talented artists together to entertain— and earn the votes of—a spellbound audience and three celebrity judges. The judges’ votes count for 25 percent, and the rest of the vote goes to everyone else in attendance at the event. The contest, which awards a cash prize to winners, will be held this year on September 8 at the LaPorte Civic Auditorium.

A STAR IS BORN Sheryl Edwards, founder of Hoosier STAR, was a board member for the LCSO in 2006, and came up with the concept of the competition. “They needed fundraisers, and American Idol was popular at the time,” she says. “I came up with the idea because I’m a vocalist myself, and I thought how cool it would be for the symphony to have a similar competition for vocalists.”

It was clear from the beginning that the event was something very special. “It was a lot of work, but so amazing, and it was a hit right off,” Edwards says. “I don’t think there’s

Photog ra p hy by Bra d M . Wolf anything else like it in the country, where you pair an orchestra with a singer in whatever type of music the vocalist likes. We’ve been welcoming of any style—we’ve had classical, pop, blues, jazz and country.”

IF YOU BUILD IT… Edwards, who is going to be a celebrity judge this year, guided the popular event for ten years, after which time she handed the reins over to current Hoosier STAR chairperson Cherri Blair-Drayton, who has seen the quality of talent continue to explode. “It is truly a statewide program that also extends into Southwest Michigan, so we have had people audition from all over, which makes it difficult to choose,” Blair-Drayton says.

For the 2018 competition, Blair-Drayton says that judges heard more than 100 auditions last March, from which they chose ten finalists—five in the adult division and five in the youth division—representing a variety of genres. “This year we have opera, rock, show tunes and even a duet,” she says, “and they all get to sing with the full orchestra. Who gets to do that in a lifetime? It’s very exciting for them; they just come alive on the stage.”

That variety creates a unique electricity.

“Each year there’s a difference in music and styles, but what’s really different are the people and their life stories,” Blair-Drayton says. “They sing their stories when they’re on stage, and it’s powerful.”

Jeremiah Souza and Nanda Danitschek were emcees of Hoosier STAR in 2016.

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RISING STARS Jarynn Sampson of South Bend was a 15-year-old winner of Hoosier STAR’s youth division in 2017. “I sang ‘Rise Up’ by Andra Day,” she says. “It was amazing singing with a full orchestra behind me. I won the youth division as well as the Joe Mellen Rising STAR Award and a week at a songwriting camp from guest judge Jennie Lee Riddle.”

She looks back on the competition with gratitude. “Hoosier STAR was such an amazing opportunity,” she says. “The love and support I received from everyone on staff, the other contestants, and even everyone in the audience is something I will have with me forever. It was an incredible experience.”

Jarynn Sampson

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James Neary of LaPorte, the winner of the adult division in 2016, performed rock classic “Somebody to Love” by Queen at the competition. “I still get goosebumps thinking about it,” he says. “That very first time, hearing all the other instruments filling out the entirety of the sonic spectrum—there’s a full choir behind you, there are lovely harmonies everywhere—being at the front of all that is truly indescribable, this musical force that is happening. I’m overwhelmed by how moving it was. It felt like an eternity, and it was just bliss the entire time.”

Although Neary had been seriously pursuing a career as a singer/songwriter since 2011, he says his win in 2016 gave him “a renewed vigor.” He admits, “I didn’t feel like there was anything else I could do on my own to push further and make more strides toward musical success. Then when Hoosier STAR came along, it was total invigoration. It was an injection of musical confidence that came at just the right time.”

Neary currently performs and records with his band James Neary and the Bevy Blue. (Listen on Spotify, or find information on upcoming shows and CDs at jamesnearyandthebevyblue.com.)

James Neary

LaPorte native Nanda Danitschek is not only a former winner of Hoosier STAR, but she also currently serves as executive director for the LCSO. Danitschek took second place in 2006, but won the competition in 2010, singing “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston. She also has the unique honor of winning 2015’s “Hoosier STAR of Stars,” in which the nine past adult winners competed to celebrate the event’s tenth anniversary.

Danitschek, like the other finalists, acknowledges the incredible legacy of the competition. “Hoosier STAR has been a huge stepping stone in my career and in the community,” she says. “There are many other past contestants—and not just winners—who have also been catapulted after appearing on the Hoosier STAR stage. It is not just a vocal competition; it is an unforgettable experience.”

Nanda Danitschek

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‘A MAGICAL EVENING’ The experience also promises to be unforgettable for the audience. In addition to the performances, the event features gourmet food and beverage vendors. “Food anchors an event,” says Blair-Drayton. “We’ve got such great local chefs, so I really like to tap into that resource.”

And once the music starts, attendees have a singular investment in the outcome. “The audience at the Civic buzzes,” Edwards says.

“They know they’re part of the decisionmaking process, and it’s something they’re proud to be connected to.”

“I don’t know anything else that quite compares to Hoosier STAR in terms of bringing a community together for a cause,” Neary adds. “It’s truly a magical evening.”

“There is no feeling of pretense or segregation,” Danitschek says. “This kind of event, one that empowers broadly defined diversity, is what helps communities to heal and to become healthier. We see it each year, and I hope that Hoosier STAR continues to be a model for events in the future.”

HO O SI E R STAR SATURDAY, SEPT. 8 Doors open at 6pm, event begins at 7pm LaPorte Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge St hoosierstar.com General admission tickets may be purchased at the door or at select locations, including the website.

AU TU MNA L GATHERI NGS Fall events not to miss

Wo rd s by Kass i d y Weem hoff

Illust rat ion by Suzy G a laz ka

As the air gets crisp and the beautiful Northwest Indiana landscapes turn from the vibrant colors of summer to the soft, warm tones of fall, we tend to settle into our cozy routines and forget about the local event scene. Sadly, this causes us to miss out on incredible festive experiences, community involvement and all those cider donuts!

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While it is necessary to curb a sweet tooth, it’s also important to seek out community events and mingle with other members of the area. In doing the small things like dressing up the kids for trunk-or-treat or making a reservation to enjoy a farm-fresh meal around a table, the big connections are made and fresh perspectives are instilled.

Karen Maravilla, president of the Downtown Hammond Council, has been preparing for Haunting in Hammond for months.

Because she also owns the eclectic shop It’s Just Serendipity, she has been able to collect special pieces for spooky decorations along with coordinating a plethora of Halloween-themed locations. Haunting in Hammond is run by volunteers who, according to Maravilla, “are passionate and love our downtown.”

Maravilla puts the effort in because of what comes out. “It’s gratifying to be part of making a change in the area you care about,” she says. Like Maravilla, we want you to get connected by seeking out these and many more hubs for community growth this fall season.

Northwest Indiana knows how to do autumn well, so take note of these enjoyable festivals and farms, pick a few to attend, and allow the fall spirit to warm you to the core.

H AUN TI N G I N H A M M O N D

Oct 19 Downtown Hammond with parking along Hohman Ave downtownhammond.org An event that takes place all throughout the downtown area, Haunting in Hammond has something for adults and children alike. Legendary performer Svengoolie will be live at EAT restaurant to entertain with a delightfully spooky set from 4 to 6 p.m., while the Little Shop of Halloween Horrors will feature upcycled, repurposed, handcrafted and vintage Halloween items for sale. Stop by this free event on October 19 to get in the Halloween spirit with everything from trunk-or-treat to bean bags.

O K TO B E R F EST AT LO CAVO RE FA RM Sept 28 County Line Rd, Grant Park, Ill. locavorefarm.com

Locavore Farm will be hosting an evening showcasing farm-fresh food, local beers, live music and more as guests enjoy a festive autumnal dining experience. It is $55 for all ages to attend and the guest list holds a maximum of 150 people, so be sure to secure a spot around the table. Not only will there be a delicious Bavarian dinner, but also a pumpkin patch, makeand-take activities, and a bonfire with s’mores to end the evening.

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COWTOBERFEST AT FAIR OAKS FARM Oct 6-7 856 N 600 E, Fair Oaks fofarms.com/cowtoberfest

Fair Oaks Farms is a year-round family destination, but this fall’s event Cowtoberfest holds a whole new reason to make the trip. The free two-day festival has activities for kids, family-friendly trick-or-treating (costumes encouraged), famous pumpkin carvers, a spooky dance competition and more. The event offers food, live music and a chance to celebrate the fall season on the farm.

H AR V EST T Y M E P U M P K I N PATC H Sept 22-Oct 28 17904 Grant St, Lowell harvesttymefun.com

Pumpkins, hayrides, cider donuts, oh my! Harvest Tyme Pumpkin Patch is home to everything fall and offers a fantastic experience for all ages. With the $18 Unlimited Fun Pass, guests can take advantage of the plethora of farm-themed rides including a giant slide and jumping pillow.

If rides aren’t your thing, explore the largest corn maze in South Lake County, enjoy hayrides, indulge in fall treats and peruse the autumnal decorations for purchase all throughout the fall season.

H O M EWO O D FA L L F EST

Sept 29 Martin Ave from Hickory Rd to Ridge Rd homesweethomewood.com A whole day of local fall-themed fun—what could be better?

The Village of Homewood’s annual Fall Fest will feature live entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides through downtown, games, a pumpkin patch and treats prepared by local favorite restaurants. The entertainment doesn’t stop with a pumpkin patch, however, because Homewood is bringing in art and craft vendors as well. So grab a bite and make a craft while soaking in the festive sights and sounds of your local community.

For more events happening this season, see the calendar on page 20.

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T HE I DE A B O O K

HERE AN D N OW Grappling with the constant marching of time

Wo rds by Je r r y Dav ic h | I llu st rat io n by Mic h a e l Pa n c in i

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Our ever-fleeting moment in the “here and now” is a mere tick on the cosmic clock.

It exists for only the flash of a few precious seconds before vanishing into the abyss of the past.

And then—poof!—it’s gone. In its place, another moment arrives and departs without us paying enough attention to it. Nonetheless, it’s possible to better appreciate such moments of meaning.

With each one comes another opportunity to fully live in the here and now.

Not everyone can afford the time or money to meditate at a mountaintop ashram. For the rest of us, we simply need to ascend to a heightened understanding of time and space. And then, the trickiest part, to remain present at the intersection of the two. This can be a difficult task in our drive-thru, disposable McCulture, regardless of our age, our career, or our income level. Feeling insignificant, for even a moment, is a timeless phenomenon for humans.

A helpful illustration of this experience can be found at the interactive website hereistoday.com, which greets viewers with three simple words: “Here is today.” A yellow square marks the current day in front of a background of dark space with a spackling of stars in the distance. The yellow square, similar to our current day, eventually gets dwarfed by the sprawling expanse of time and space.

With each click on the screen, viewers begin to realize the insignificance of a single day amid the totality of time. At any given instant, time can be a cruel taskmaster, a flirty seductress, or a fresh opportunity to capture the present moment.

Isn’t this our existential dilemma in life? To capture such peace, happiness or contentment in our hurried and harried world? Such an elusive task can feel like catching wind in a butterfly net. It’s there, but it isn’t.

It’s natural for people of any era to feel insignificant, as if we’re merely a random fleck

of dust in a violent windstorm. Yet in the same breath we can feel empowered by our very existence. One second, we feel as if we’re the center of the universe with history’s eyes solely on us. The next second, we feel as if we’re nothing but an afterthought in the grand scheme of an expanding universe.

In the sprawling tapestry of time and space, ours is only a single thread of human experience.

What should we weave with it at this moment?

Our collective challenge is to find those moments by which to matter. This is especially true when our feelings of insignificance harden into existential angst. It’s an ancient dance between our fears and our hopes, our past and our future.

We eventually realize, if we’re paying enough attention, the only thing that matters is the current day and the present moment. It’s the only moment that truly matters. Everything else is a sort of illusion or self-delusion.

Our past is littered with regrets and glorified by nostalgia. Our future never arrives on a continual basis. Both dimensions elude our grasp into eternity. So we search for those precious yet elusive moments where time doesn’t slow down or speed up, but it stops. At least seemingly so.

This momentary feeling of contentment— however you define it—can be found only in the here and now. Yes it may be but a mere tick on the cosmic clock, yet it’s our only chance to live to the fullest. To live in the here and now. Again and again and again.

When that feeling of insignificance seeps back into our thoughts, remember to think big, not small. Search for the macro, not the micro. Look up at the heavens, imagine the enormity of it all, and ask yourself what can be done right now. In the here and now.

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FA LL C RAFT B E E R G UIDE Four local breweries share their favorite seasonal beer selections Wo rds an d P h oto s by Dav id Zu c c a re lli

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As the warm summer months in Northwest Indiana begin to shift toward the crisp sweater-weather days of autumn, the Region’s ever-growing craft beer community has more buzz surrounding it than ever.

Although the blissful days of sipping a cold one on a warm (and slightly humid) summer night are slowly passing by, the area’s local breweries are excited for the change in seasons, as the cooler weather brings with it the opportunity to warm up with a great craft beer.

We asked four of those local breweries to give us some insight into which of their craft beers would be the perfect choice this fall. In addition, we also asked a representative from each brewery to share their thoughts on the rapidly growing craft beer scene in the Region, and what it is about the fall season that makes it such a perfect pairing with family, friends and great craft beer.

BYWAY B REWING CO.

2825 Carlson Dr, Hammond

bywaybrewing.beer

Fall Beer Selection: CHI.P.A., Chupacabra (Pomegranate Margarita Gose) On Autumn Brews: “It’s that first snap of cooler, refreshing temperatures, after a long, hot summer that makes for outstanding beer-drinkin’ weather. Throw in some college football and lawn chairs against an autumn-colored landscape and that’s about as close to heaven as I think I can get without actually, well, you know.”

On the Brewery Boon: “I think the proliferation of craft breweries in Northwest Indiana is great. It provides residents with easily accessible options to sample a wide range of great craft beers. It’s almost like the microbrewery is becoming the new ‘corner’ bar, and everyone has their favorite.”

- Dave Toth, co-founder of Byway Brewing Co.

SHOREL IN E BR EWERY

208 Wabash St, Michigan City shorelinebrewery.com Fall Beer Selection: Shoreline’s Oktoberfest, Region Rat Red Ale On Autumn Brews: “The beers we offer have great flavor and are easy to drink, which is perfect for a brisk fall day, or any day. Personally, I love to have a couple of craft beers on my back porch, watching the river flow past my property, the faint smell of crisp leaves and damp grass in the air. That is the perfect fall day to me.”

On the Brewery Boon: “It’s very exciting to watch new craft beer enthusiasts delve into this diverse world. With many new breweries surfacing, there is bound to be a beer to suit anyone’s taste.”

- Christy Cleary, sales manager at Shoreline Brewery

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O FF SQUARE B RE WI NG

11000 Delaware Pkwy, Crown Point offsquarebrewing.com Fall Beer Selection: Angry Betty (Oatmeal Stout), Bold Betty (Coffee Stout), Bitchin’ Betty (Imperial Stout) On Autumn Brews: “As the weather changes and there’s a chill in the air, we tend to reach for the bigger, richer, higher ABV brews. I was never into any of the macro-beers from the big breweries, and I was the guy that would show up at parties with Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Three Floyds Gumballhead or Newcastle Brown. I like beer that actually has flavor!”

On the Brewery Boon: “As a craft beer drinker, I love how lucky we are to have so many awesome breweries in this area. As long as there are people drinking the beer and supporting the breweries, the growth is great.”

- Rod MacKenzie, taproom manager at Off Square Brewing

GREEN BU S H BR E W I N G C O.

5885 Sawyer Rd, Sawyer, Mich. greenbushbrewing.com Fall Beer Selection: Anger Black IPA, Brother Benjamin Imperial IPA On Autumn Brews: “There is this divine element of beer that harkens back to the early days of civilization. Autumn certainly brings that aspect to light. Perhaps it’s the harvest season with the celebration of bounty, or honoring generations past with feasts and family gatherings, but this season absolutely strengthens that ancient connection.”

On the Brewery Boon: “The more local breweries, the better. With Indiana being the ‘Crossroads of America,’ it gives weary wanderers even more of a reason to take a break at one of the great spots this area has to offer.”

- Ali Brodhacker, marketing director at Greenbush Brewing Co.

So, whether the commentary of Brian Griese is echoing from the family room on a Bears’ Sunday, or there’s a s’mores-ready fire crackling in the backyard, or you’re at one of the Region’s best local dine-in breweries, be sure to enjoy your days of fall with a bottle or two of the area’s finest locally brewed craft beers.

T HE T EXTUR E T R E AT ME N T Varying styles combine cohesively in this Crown Point home Wo rds by Jul i a Pe r l a H ui s m an

P h oto s by Bra d M. Wo lf

For Kelsey Gbur, building a new home was both a blessing and a curse. While she and husband PJ had to do any custom work on their own, because their builder didn’t offer that service, having a fresh slate was an exciting venture for Kelsey, a natural creative.

home was built, she went to work designing the decor in an eclectic style that mixes rustic with modern. “I love putting things together that people wouldn’t normally expect. I get bored with typical design, so everything I do has to keep my interest. That’s why I love wallpaper or textured walls.”

“I’ve always liked expressing myself in the way things look, like in fashion or our home,” Kelsey says. So after their

Kelsey offers her inspiration behind the stunning decor in their Crown Point home.

The decor through the whole house is from many places—from Restoration Hardware to Target to West Elm, even some from antique stores. I love putting random pieces together and finding pieces that are

unexpected. My favorite in the dining room is the wallpaper. Birch wood trees is a little daring but I love that it somehow complements the other pieces.

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The family room is a little more rustic than the rest of the house, because of the shiplap and shelves.

The chandelier from Restoration Hardware is my favorite piece. It was a splurge but I knew I wanted a statement piece, since it would be the centerpiece of the room. Items in this room are from West Elm, Pottery Barn, RH, Target, and some from Hobby Lobby.Â

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I never thought I would like a mostly white bedroom, but I love the way it turned out. For some reason the white makes it always seem cleaner than it really is. Our bedroom set, from West Elm, is made of reclaimed wood.

The sconces are from Rejuvenation, and I love how classy they look. My husband and dad have done shiplap a few times in the house and are becoming pros at it.

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Give me all the white! We went with white cabinets and quartz countertops that resemble marble but cost a fraction of it. We took a risk by tiling the whole kitchen wall with hexagon tiles.

Our stools are from West Elm. I like the brown leather and how it brings a little bit of masculinity to the kitchen. We went with gold or brass fixtures. If you look closely, our hexagon tiles match our brass, hexagon cabinet pulls.

The sign is from House of Belonging, which is an awesome company that believes in having spoken word or scripture on the walls of homes to bring life and meaning to people’s lives.

The table from Restoration Hardware is my favorite. I really wanted a round table so when you are eating with family or friends, everyone can be seen and it’s easy to converse. The light is from a small company called Schoolhouse Electric. I also love the black wall. It’s bold, but I wanted something to contrast all the white in our kitchen.

S H O PK E EP ER S P OTL I GHT

Embrace the fall season with these products from local shops and artisans

Grateful Pumpkin Box Sign $24 Bee & Me 100 S Broad St, Griffith

Mexican Oaxaca Coffee $8.50-$16 Steamwhistle Coffee Roasters 924 S Court St, Crown Point

Elder Power Elderberry Syrup $38.49 Baums Natural Foods 403 W 81st Ave, Merrillville 2130 45th Ave, Highland

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread $2.50/slice or $7.50/loaf Great Harvest Bread Company 204 S Main St, Crown Point

Vintage Sukajan Bomber Jacket $145 The Annex 8638 4th St, Highland

“Just Hanging Around” Plant Hanger $42 Boho Living boholiving.store

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FE AT URES

Inside the lives of immigrant educators

Wo rd s by Am a n d a Wils o n P hoto s by Mic h e lle H a m st ra

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Education is the language of possibilities which transcends nationality, ethnicity and class. It is the language which unites Northwest Indiana’s diverse community. According to a report from Emily Wornell, research assistant professor with Ball State University’s Indiana Communities Institute, this diversity includes 320,000 to 360,000 immigrants who moved to Northwest Indiana between 2000 and 2015.

And many of those who are teaching immigrant children are first- and second-generation immigrants themselves, with their own stories to share of American possibilities and actualizations.

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ROV EL L I G RI B Orchestra director at West Side Leadership Academy in Gary, conductor, and master violinist Born and raised in Ukraine

What was your experience like in Ukraine?

The Ukrainian village I lived in was originally Romanian until it was annexed as part of the 1939 German-Soviet Nonagression Pact. One morning, my grandfather saw Russian tanks and was told, “From now on, you’re going to speak Russian.”

This affected thousands of Romanians.

The majority of men were picked up and exiled to Siberian camps so they wouldn’t fight back. The women were left to raise the children alone. When the Soviets came, they took my grandfather’s farm and property, leaving the house for my grandmother to raise her five children in, including my father.

My grandfather was eventually sent back home from Siberia because they expected him to die, but my grandmother nursed him back to health. My father was angry and initially refused to speak Russian or go to school. But my grandfather told him, “You have to go to school. They can take your money and your house, but they can’t take your knowledge.” My parents were teachers, and the importance of education was ingrained in our household. We knew that having an education provided us with a chance in life.

I started playing violin at the age of five at my parents’ insistence. I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in performance, education and conducting. Like all other college students in the U.S.S.R., I had to do military training.

As part of the training to prepare us for when the Americans dropped the bomb, we had several seconds to reach for and

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put on our gas masks or we failed the assignment. We were told that Americans and capitalists were bad people. One day, I got smart and said, “We’re tired of waiting for them. When are they coming?”

I toured across Eastern and Western Europe. During my first tour outside of the Soviet bloc nations, I saw that capitalists were actually living a pretty nice life. It made me angry when I understood that the propaganda we were raised on was done to keep everyone in the dark.

How do education and music translate across different languages and nations?

I immigrated to the United States to lecture and perform at Indiana University Northwest upon the university’s invitation.

I was shocked at how warm people were in the U.S. and how much they loved music.

After my time lecturing and performing at IUN, I taught at Purdue University while continuing to perform with orchestras across the U.S. I then became the director and built the orchestras at Wirt-Emerson School of Visual and Performing Arts [editor’s note: the school was closed in 2018 and the arts program moved to West Side Leadership Academy beginning in the 2018-2019 school year]. I’m also an instructor and consultant for the Crown Point school district. I live in Crown Point with my wife Rebecca, and our youngest son Teodor is a sophomore at Crown Point High School.

I’ve learned from my own experience that music is the best ambassador. This is why I partnered with the Confucius Institute of

Valparaiso University—the only one in the United States—to introduce my students to Chinese instruments, music, dance and language. Across Europe, America and Asia, music is common ground that brings us together.

How are immigrants viewed and treated in Northwest Indiana?

We are a country and region built on immigrants. We became great because everyone brought something good from their country with them. If you have something nice to share in this country, people give you respect for that. This is a uniquely American thing.

In America, we’re used to immigrants and we embrace different nationalities. I’ve observed that other countries are more hesitant to do this.

Our cuisine, music and literature are unique because of our immigrants. We take the best elements and add them to one big pot to make a delicious stew. In Northwest Indiana, we know how to accept and respect each other.

In my time here, I’ve made good, caring friends who’ve become my American family. I speak several languages including Polish, Romanian and French, and I’ve been told I have an accent in every language I speak. I speak Romanian to my daughter Leonora, who lives in Europe, and when I called her recently she told me, “You sound just like those Americans.”

JOYC E Z EM B I L L AS English teacher at Robert A. Taft Middle School, Crown Point Parents emigrated from Greece

How did your family’s Greek background shape you as an individual and teacher?

My mother immigrated to the United States at the age of 14, and my father at 23. Neither one spoke English, which led to my mother dropping out of the Gary Public School System at the age of 16 to help support her family by working.

My parents’ marriage was arranged, but luckily, they have been married for 50 years.

My parents knew nothing of American cultural customs and traditions, so my sisters and I were raised deeply rooted in Greek culture including the Greek Orthodox Church, the Greek language, and all of the amazing Greek traditions.

My parents expected us to speak only Greek to them, and we went to Greek school every Saturday for eight years where we learned to read and write Greek. I now appreciate this as my sisters and I are all fluent in Greek and can communicate with our family in Greece.

Since neither of my parents graduated from high school, education was strongly stressed and prioritized. My father in particular expected our best in school at all times. I believe this is because he was raised in an orphanage and didn’t have much growing up. He

came to the U.S. for the opportunities that our country provides. Once he had children, he stressed a hard work ethic, a clean family name, and the value of a good education.

Knowing my parents’ expectations, I became very studious and competitive.

I struggled at first because, even though I was born in the U.S, I didn’t speak English well until the end of first grade.

I believe this struggle to learn helped instill my drive and competitive spirit.

I studied as much as possible and came up with little tricks and mnemonic devices to help me memorize and learn the material being presented. I use these same tricks with my students.

My experience as the daughter of immigrant parents who initially didn’t speak any English helps me empathize with my own immigrant or struggling students. I believe any educator or administrator who has experienced what I have brings an ability to relate to our students, and allows for trust development and mutual respect.

What unique perspectives and influence do immigrant students add to our schools and community?

Most immigrants are law-abiding citizens who want better for themselves

and their families as my parents did. My immigrant students, for the most part, work extremely hard to do well in school.

Their parents stress the importance of a good education. Overall, these students are well-behaved and their parents expect nothing less of them.

Different traditions, cultures, and experiences make for a diverse classroom with interesting discussions.

These discussions allow for our nonimmigrant students to learn and appreciate the differences among us.

I share with my students the idea of arranged marriages, which was and still is part of Greek culture, and how my parents tried to arrange my marriage from the age of 18 on. This always gets a rise from some students and has others who are immigrants or children of immigrants chime in with the experience of arranged marriages in their families.

This is one of my favorite lessons because it helps the children see that differences can be wonderful learning experiences. I hope my non-immigrant students realize how much their classroom experience is enriched by being exposed to so many different cultural traditions, and that these lessons in diversity translate into something they take with them outside of the classroom into the community.

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P I C T U R ES QUE FARM L AND T HAT M E RGES FO RM AND FUNCT I O N

By Mark Loehrke Photos by Teresa Schmidt Northwest Indiana has long been associated with the hulking industrial complexes that line our northern lakeshore—those sprawling behemoths that helped build the cars and skyscrapers that came to define modern America. But, as integral a role as those mills and factories have played in the history and development of the local economy—and the countless families that have grown up in it—this is still Indiana. And when it comes to defining the landscape and lifestyle of Indiana, you can’t escape the shadow of farming.

Fortunately, these folks don’t want to. Unlike many of their fellow growers in other parts of the state, they may not be overseeing hundreds of acres or trafficking in traditional cash crops like wheat and soybeans, but their dedication to the hard work and simple pleasures of the farming lifestyle is just as strongly rooted in the same love of the land that has sustained farming families in Indiana—even Northwest Indiana—for countless generations.

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NICHOLS FARM LOWEL L

2 1 9.7 75. 3 98 5

Carrie and Scott Nichols

Like so many other individuals drawn to the lifestyle, Scott and Carrie Nichols did not come to farming merely by chance.

Rather, they came back to it—to a tradition with deep roots in both of their personal histories. So while tending the land on a modest three-acre spread in Lowell may not be their sole occupational focus—Scott works in manufacturing and Carrie in real estate—it is a hereditary connection to farming that goes back generations.

“Growing up with families that farmed led us to having gardens and growing on our land,” Scott says. “We started growing and selling pumpkins when our children were younger, and have done it on and off throughout the years.”

With those kids now grown, the couple has turned their attention to flowers.

“We started sunflowers for fun,” Carrie says. “At first, it was nice to have a patch just to wake up and see with my coffee in the morning, but it has just exploded from there with so many friends asking us to take pictures and cut flowers. So we decided to plant a larger variety and a bit more, including zinnias. Spending mornings in the flower field is still such a wonderful escape. I find so much joy in every aspect of the season.”

Just as with their pumpkin harvests, Scott and Carrie maintain a very informal distribution system for their flowers, with a self-serve stand in the driveway and occasional trips to local farmers markets. The focus, after all, isn’t on profits, but rather on the simple pleasures of working the land and seeing the joy that their harvest brings to their friends and neighbors in the community.

“In the end, the hard work pays off, and the love for what we’re doing has much more reward than a product at market,” Carrie says. “It’s the friendships, the smiles and the human factor that make it all worthwhile.”

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LIBERTY HOP FARM N O RTH L I B ERT Y

LIBE RT YHOPFARM . C O M

Liberty Hop Farm may only be two years old, but Paul and Sara Williams’ growing operation actually represents the continuation of a family tradition in North Liberty that goes back to the mid-1800s. More recently, under the stewardship of Paul’s father and grandfather, the Williams family grew corn, soybeans, wheat, mint and more on this land for 75 years. Now this same land brings forth the high-quality Chinook, Centennial, Tahoma, Cascade, Triple Pearl and Northern Brewer hops that are fueling the craft beer boon in northern Indiana and across the Midwest.

“When I decided that it was time to try and do some farming again, I started looking at some crops that had potential for good return from a minimal amount of acres,” Paul says of his decision to come back to farming in 2015 after several years working in a variety of non-farming jobs. “After studying and researching how to raise hops for over a year, we decided to start growing on two acres in 2016. An opportunity came up to add some additional plants that fall, so we expanded with an additional three acres, bringing us up to five acres under trellis this season.”

The landscape of the Williams’ farm transforms quickly thanks to the remarkable growth spurts of hops, which can shoot up by more than a foot a day at the height of the summer season, eventually reaching the top of the 18-foot trellises. And as more and more craft brewers get into the game, Liberty finds its fast-growing hops to be more in demand than ever before. But for Paul and Sara, farming is more of a lifestyle than a living, and something to again be passed down through the generations—with their Purdue-educated children Ryan and Jodi next in line.

“The rural lifestyle is a great place to raise a family and to learn about life,” Paul says. “Nothing beats an early summer morning watching your crops grow, listening to the birds, enjoying the wildflowers and seeing the deer and turkeys wander through the fields. Those are the moments that make farming great.”

Ryan, Sara and Paul Williams

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SUNNYSIDE DRIVE FLOWERS CR OWN PO I N T

SUNNYSIDE DRIVE FLOWE RS . C O M

As farm crops go, one would be hard pressed to find a more picturesque option than flowers. But for Sunnyside Drive Flowers owner Laura Kolanowski, her fields in Crown Point represent more than just nature’s beauty writ large. With a busy household of seven kids—four of whom have varying degrees of special needs or disabilities—those flowers are a colorful, fragrant reminder of the potential for serenity and accomplishment in a life that can otherwise often seem complicated.

“Growing things for me has always been about committing to care,” Kolanowski says. “If I plant, water, tend and feed these flowers, something beautiful happens. After adopting our last kiddo and the birth of our littlest, it seemed life was mostly full of hard and painful realities—forever changing diapers, forever washing and feeding, forever wheelchairs and things we can’t do. Growing flowers was something I could do, something I could plant and see through to the end—and the end was glorious.”

Growing those glorious flowers to sell at the Crown Point Farmers Market and directly to the consumer via four-week bouquet subscriptions gives Kolanowski the chance to be alone with nature, and to take her passion for healthy, organic living beyond just the foods she seeks out.

“I’ve always nourished my body, and I’ve always loved the idea of ‘slow food’ and eating locally, but it just wasn’t enough,” she says. “I needed something more—something that woke me up and carried me through dark days. Flowers were the icing on the cake. They allowed me to see something created entirely for enjoyment and, in doing so, they nourished my mind.”

In other words, it’s about more than just growing beautiful flowers or simply making a buck. For Kolanowski, farming is life.

“There is nothing I have yet found that has connected me to the world as much as this,” she says. “Farming has given me instruction in both the difficult and the glorious. It’s reminded me that we all need to nurture and to love. We all experience hard and beauty in life, and we need to be a part of the process. We all need both the good and the bad.”

Laura Kolanowski

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LAKESIDE LAVENDER AND HERBS L A PO RTE

L AKESIDE L AVE NDE RANDHE RB S . C O M

With only a couple of acres of tended land, Doreen and Mike King’s farm is far from the biggest in the area, but it is certainly one of the more distinctive thanks to its rows of brilliant purple. Doreen actually came across the idea of growing lavender after searching in vain for some of the colorful and aromatic herb for a craft project for her son’s September wedding. Along her quest, she eventually learned enough about how lavender is cultivated and grown that starting their own operation didn’t seem like too much of a reach. When a health scare for Mike necessitated a job change, the idea of the lavender farm as a retirement dream suddenly got pushed up the priority list.

“I had talked to so many nice people across the nation growing lavender on small acreage in their retirement or as supplemental income,” Doreen explains. “I did more research and found that lavender is a viable crop in the Midwest, and the seed was planted, so to speak. We tilled up the backyard and have not considered turning back.”

Like many farming operations in Northwest Indiana, there is a long history of working the land on both sides of the family, although Doreen and Mike themselves didn’t necessarily come to farming via the traditional routes (she was previously in health care and he in law enforcement). But they have truly taken to the farming lifestyle, adding a range of fresh herbs such as rosemary, lemon balm and chamomile to their product mix and cultivating an ongoing dedication to natural production and healthier living.

“There is so much we love about farming,” Doreen says. “The smell, the feeling of cooperation and submersion in nature, the ability to bring something beautiful and beneficial to our community. But it’s not for everyone. The days are long and there is activity in every season. The truth is that you don’t farm for the money or the work environment—you farm because you love it.”

Mike and Doreen King

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A CHILD’S EY E

SEEING THE WORLD FROM A KID’S POINT OF VIEW

Sometimes true art comes from the purest of places. We asked local parents to give their kids a phone for 30 minutes so they could take photos of what they see and things they like. No additional direction was given; we just wanted to know how they see the world. In a time where perfectly styled photos inundate our feeds, there’s something refreshing about the organic, imperfect, yet still captivating nature of these photos and the innocent minds behind them.

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CA RSY N G O N Z A L EZ | AGE 7 Valparaiso Daughter of Joseph and Lisa Gonzalez

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C OLE A ND REM I P O RT E R | AG ES 6 AN D 4 Hebron Son and daughter of Nick and Amanda Porter

K E NDA LL SM I T H | AG E 5 Michigan City Daughter of Kenny Smith and Alexandria Stanage

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M I LO B AC I NO | AGE 7 Munster Son of Mike and Ireen Bacino

NEON N IG H TS

Local designers Justin and Evvie Tillich of WoodenJacket take us back in time, to an era of varsity sweaters, graphic tees and vintage pennants. “WoodenJacket is Justin and I taking a piece of history and making it modern and relatable again,” Evvie says. “Everyone has a story attached to items from the past. People will come up to us, grab one of our shirts and share how that memory touched them. In the end we’re selling a moment, and the opportunity to relive it.” We spent this particular moment at the drive-in diner, where nostalgia meets modernity in the best possible way.

Clothing: WoodenJacket / woodenjacket.com The Annex / Highland Location: Blue Top Drive-In / Highland Hair: Mary Serrano of Vanis Salon & Spa / Schererville Makeup: Katie Riordan / Crown Point Models: Paige Ronco / Valparaiso Dylan Streeter / Hebron Satta Stuart / Lawndale

Photography by Brad M. Wolf

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Tattoo man tee, $27 Distressed flannel, $22 S&D olive jogger, $38

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Claudette tee, $27 Vintage military jacket, $48

Tattoo woman extra long tee, $36 Vintage letterman’s sweater, $62

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Vintage Members Only leather jacket, $72 Faux suede leopard pant, $42

Tattoo woman tee, $27 Vintage Members Only leather jacket, $72 Nikibiki ballerina pant, $32

Walt Grace cutoff shirt, $48

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# hereliken ooth erp lace

Mu n ster, In d ian a photo | Christina Ir vin

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F ROM HE RE TO A N OT HE R YE A R .

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