HERE Issue 003 - Jan/Feb 2018

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northwest indiana

STYLE | ART | TRAVEL FAS H I ON I N F LU E N C ES FOR TH E MODE R N MAN H E A R T Y C O M F O R T F O O D S | C U LT I V AT I N G C R E AT I V I T Y | A T R I B E O F Oreadheremag.com NE’S OWN 1

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E DITOR AND PUBLISHE R

CRE AT IVE DIRECTO R

ACCOUNT E XECUT IVES

E DITORIAL INT ERN

Julia Perla Huisman

Brad Wolf

Jeanine Perla Ashley Spencer

Havalind Veley

CONT RIBUTORS Lesly Bailey

Jacqueline Fisch

Brandi Lee

Jane Bokun

Penny Frazier

Amy Sheree Melton

Ashley Boyer

Jennifer Ginger

Jillian Pancini

Erin Cruce

Michelle Hamstra

Teresa Schmidt

Jerry Davich

Seth Tower Hurd

Amanda Wilson

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F EATU RES 40

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A TRIBE OF ONE’S OWN

PAINTING A NEW LIFE

Local youth organizations use care and creativity to mentor teens

How Norma Williams built a business that builds others up

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A WINTER’S BOUNTY

THE WELL-DRESSED MAN

Style. Art. Travel. Shows who they are.

Comfort food that warms and delights

MADE IN NWI 7

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SOAP SWAP

RAW TALENT

Inside the mind of self-taught craftsman Brian Chelgren

Artisanal, handmade soaps that nurture the skin

12 TRIPLE THREAT

The story behind Highland’s three-walled mural

G ET O U T TH ERE 18

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SAVE THE DATE

A READER’S HAVEN

Winter happenings around Northwest Indiana

Explore the incomparable culture of the local bookstore

24 LAUGH TRACK

Where to go locally for big-city comedy

T H E I D EA B O O K 28

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COMFORT IN A CUP

MAKER CLASS

The ultimate combo for a cold winter’s day

DIY calligraphy wood slice

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JUST MOVE

MENTAL MAKEOVER

How to come out of your couch potato coma

Boost your creativity with these daily habits

ON THE COVER

Styling and photography by Brad Wolf

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START HERE AND GO THERE.

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OUR 2018 SEASON F R O M T H E E D I TO R It’s a new year, and although it’s really no different from the transition of one day to the next, we tend to give more weight to this particular passage of time.

We look back at the previous year—sometimes with joy, sometimes regret—then look hopefully toward the future.

photo | Penny Frazier

Last year was quite a memorable one for me, professionally. I lost a job, floundered for a while, then started a business and launched a magazine.

Each of these experiences came with quite the ebb and flow of emotions. I’m doing work I love, but at times being a small business owner is very, very challenging. I’ve had many sleepless nights over the past year, but many moments of jubilation as well.

(The latter make the former so worth it, by the way.)

While there are parts of the past year that I gladly wish goodbye, I’m grateful for the role they have played in shaping me for this year, and the years to come. The hard times have fostered a refinement and wisdom that I might not have discovered otherwise. From now on, I have more tools in my tool belt to navigate the ever-changing waters of life.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS FEB 22 - MAR 25

FOREVER PLAID MAY 3 - JUNE 3

ANN LANDERS

The Lady with All the Answers JULY 12 - AUG 12

GHOST: The Musical SEPT 13 - OCT 14

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET The Musical NOV 15 - DEC 23

MUNSTER TheatreAtTheCenter.com

This is why so many men and women who come from difficult circumstances end up rising above and experiencing success. We covered some of them in this issue. Norma Williams, for example, was a single mom who launched a painting business and now hires other single moms so they too can provide an income for their families. Then there’s the Top 20 group in East Chicago who uses dance to mentor young teenage girls who come from poverty and broken homes. Each of these individuals are using their past as a driving force to change their future.

Just as we all do at the start of a new year.

I hope this issue leaves you feeling hopeful and inspired. May your 2018 be a happy and healthy one.

Julia Perla Huisman Editor and Publisher

M ADE I N NWI

SOAP SWAP photo | Brandi Lee

We’ve arrived at the coldest months of the year, when the skin takes a beating. You may want to consider swapping out your store-bought soaps with the handmade kind that moisturizes the skin while also supporting a local artisan.

Hannah Weeks of LaPorte is one such artisan, the founder of growing brand Hannah Jane Soaps.

“Treating your skin with love and care is always important, but especially in the dry winter months,” Weeks says.

“Natural handmade soap produces glycerin, a natural humectant that moisturizes and protects your skin against winter’s harsh environment, leaving you with the most naturally moisturized skin possible.”

Follow the refreshing scent of Hannah Jane Soaps at Nest Number 4 in Michigan City and Up Towne Shoppes and Thode Floral in LaPorte.

FIND IT HERE Hannah Jane Soaps Based in LaPorte hannahjanesoaps.com

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RAW TALENT Inside the mind of self-taught craftsman Brian Chelgren WORDS Julia Perla H uism an

PHOTOS Brad Wol f

One look at Brian Chelgren’s strong build and lumberjack beard, and it seems natural that he makes furniture out of wood and steel. You might even assume that he’s been building things his whole life. But it turns out this talent is a newfound one for Chelgren, and one that he learned quickly thanks to the internet and his self-proclaimed “circus” of a mind. We spoke with the quick-witted St. John resident about the rapid trajectory of his business—RAW Design and Fabrication—and how tapping into his creativity brought out a whole new side of him.

Growing up, were you handy at all? Did you tinker?

I never did a damn thing. I never wanted to. My dad always tried to get me to help him with things, but I wouldn’t want to watch. I never paid attention. My dad is super handy with stuff and super smart and I regret as a kid not paying more attention. My dad has his master’s in analytical chemistry and he’s halfway to his doctorate. I regret not learning more from him. But you know, you get by.

When did you become interested in this line of work?

It wasn’t that long ago. I fell in love with the style of what I do just by studying it on social media. I started seeing the style and fell in love with the wood and steel.

Then I said, “Wait a minute, I run a steel fabrication company, I can make that stuff. Now I just need to figure out the wood side.” So I learned by talking to people and from the internet. YouTube is a crazy thing.

I would say to anybody if you want to learn how to do something, go on YouTube and figure it out. So I researched a ton, ended up purchasing a couple pieces of wood on eBay just to mess around with it, and had some good reaction from that. Then I made some furniture for my first [time as a vendor at] Hunt & Gather market.

How did that go?

My first Hunt & Gather was the first stuff I made, period, ever. It was purely trial and error and I was scared to death. I thought it looked cool but I didn’t know what anybody else was going to think. I made six or seven pieces of furniture and I didn’t sell anything at the market, nothing. But the reception I got was awesome. It was enough to make me say, “Alright, I’m doing something right here.” Then Carey KeenanRowell [founder of Hunt & Gather and owner of Society in Valparaiso] asked me to make stuff for her shop when Society was first opening and that was it. Then it just kind of snowballed from there.

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“THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT FOR ME, TO HAVE THE CREATIVE FREEDOM TO JUST MAKE STUFF.”

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What is your most popular item?

My beer caddies. I’ve sold over 200 of those things in the last two years. I can’t make enough of them. But of course there’s the furniture, and I do a lot of custom orders.

You recently aligned forces with your employer, Superior Metalcraft, and now RAW is being run under the same umbrella. How did that come about?

I told my boss I have a good thing going with RAW, I like what I’m doing, and people like what I’m doing. But I was killing myself trying to do it on the side. I convinced him of the value of [operating both ventures together]. I was originally hired at Superior Metalcraft to do all our sales and marketing. Then my hats multiplied by the week and next thing I know, I’m doing all of our purchasing, I do everything. I taught myself how to weld there, too. When you work with blueprints every day, there’s no creativity. It’s all black and white, cut and dried. I can’t do anything other than what this thing tells me to do. But if I can go out to the shop and make whatever I want, or when my customers say, “Here’s approximately what I want and I trust you,” that’s what it’s all about for me, to have the creative freedom to just make stuff. I’ve always needed a creative outlet in my life and I think this is what it is.

This is what I was supposed to do. My work load probably increased [by combining jobs], but to me it’s worth it, because I’ll get to see RAW grow with the help of other people. Doing it myself, it’s only going to go so far, but when I have it under one roof it makes everything easier.

What’s next for RAW Design and Fabrication?

I expect big things for RAW this year. I plan on having a badass website. I want to focus on online sales a lot. I need to expand my horizons a little bit.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Probably all the people I’ve met and the relationships I’ve made. Most of my good friends don’t live around here. So to meet other people who have the same common goal is nice. Especially the creative people I’ve met. I’ve never been around other people who might have as messed up a brain as I do [laughs]. In a good way, you know, where you can harness it for something good. And the shows are fun for me because I get to talk to so many different people from so many different backgrounds. Like the 90-year-old guy who told me he used to weld in the Army, and we had a long talk about welding. And it’s always nice to make something and see people like it. Where you know that you put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into it and people appreciate it.

They might not take it home, they might not buy it, it might be way more expensive than they can afford, but they at least take the time to say, “You did really nice work.” You’re not taking anything physically home, but it’s brownie points for your brain.

R AW D ES I G N A N D FA B R I CAT I O N Based in Lansing, Illinois superiormetalcraft.com

Highland mural artists Jessica Haug, Melissa Washburn and Liz Mares

TRIPLE THREAT The story behind Highland’s three-walled mural WOR DS Lesl y Bailey There is a spot in Highland that’s perfect for snapping selfies and capturing high school dance memories while being encircled by art. What was once a parking lot and three bare walls is now a space for sparking creativity and evoking curiosity and wonder.

“It’s almost a completely enclosed space and when you stand in the middle, you are surrounded by all of this artwork and colors and such different ideas,” says Jessica Haug, one of three Region female artists whose talents are on display at 2821 Jewett Street.

The mural project is the brainchild of the Highland Redevelopment Commission and Highland Main Street groups.

It all started with a call-out for artists for the first mural on the north wall, which was accepted by Liz Mares during the summer of 2016. Haug’s mural on the west wall was put into place during May 2017, and Melissa Washburn wrapped up the artistic initiative with her east wall design in October 2017.

“It’s been an interesting process to watch,” says Lance Ryskamp, Highland Redevelopment Commission assistant.

“It’s great the way they approached it. I love the outcome as they are three different looks, but they blend together really well.”

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PHOTOS Mic hel l e Hamstra

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME Mares, who is drawn to lines and rudimentary shapes, finds freedom in bringing her no-label artistic style to the world.

“The process itself gives real insight into who a person is and connects me with the world. I see art as meditation,” she says.

“I am minimalist by nature and like the idea of people having to fill in the blanks rather than having the whole story being there for them.”

Her mural incorporates shapes and lines in vibrant, dynamic colors. “I wanted to create something really bright and lively that was a focal point for people to come by and visit when they’re walking or on the bike trail,” she says.

A Highland resident and self-taught artist, Mares was able to walk down the street to see her platform. She spent five full days on the mural with a template sketch as her guide and using the eyeball method.

Because hers was the first mural to go up, she had many visitors stop by to inquire, but two individuals really stand out. A grandpa and his granddaughter stopped by and actually touched the still-wet mural. Mares says the mother reached out later to say her daughter was so moved by the experience that she now wanted to be an artist as well.

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photo | Lance Ryskamp/Highland Redevelopment Commission

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JESSICA HAUG

LIZ MARES

ME LISSA WASHBURN 18

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“I think moments like that say a lot about what a person hopes to achieve when creating something,” Mares says. “We want to put inspiration in others when creating and the three of us together have started something and planted the seeds for creativity in a lot of other people.”

BIRDS OF A FEATHER When Haug heard about the call-out for the second mural, there was no question what she wanted to bring to life on the next wall: a nod to Highland’s Heron Rookery. “About a dozen blue heron families have nests and raise their babies at the rookery. It’s along the walking path and my favorite part of Highland,” she says.

While it was “really intimidating walking up to a giant blank wall,” Haug drew support from her world as a substitute teacher. “I was lucky to have a group of kids who came to help me,” she says. “I made it a paint-by-number. I had one boy who colored the eyes and beak on one of the birds and I heard him tell someone, ‘That’s what I did.’ Ten years from now— when he’s grown up—he will have ownership in that.”

Haug has been working on her art since middle school and now does artwork and photography outside of working part-time in a classroom. “All of my work has a narrative.

It’s storytelling for me. My goal is to evoke curiosity,” she says. “I mostly use animals, insects, plants and objects. I express human emotions and situations through animals and objects.

“It’s the easiest way to express myself. Seeing someone else’s interpretation . . . it makes me happy. It’s my outlet.”

A BUG’S LIFE A summer exploration was the foundation for Washburn’s mural design. “I have a passion for the natural world, and I spent the summer researching the plants and pollinators native to the Indiana Dunes during a week at the Calumet Artist Residency in Miller Beach,” she says. “The mural is related to this work, though it depicts the more familiar honeybee. I was working with textile pattern ideas featuring honeycomb and bees, and realized the repeating pattern would be a great starting point for the mural design.”

Though new to the mural-painting realm, Washburn has extensive experience working in museum management, nonprofit arts organizations and graphic design and marketing. She had continued to keep up her own art practice and now does it full time.

“All of my personal work is inspired by the natural world, and nature almost always finds its way into my client work as well,” she says. “I consider what I do visual communication.

There’s a real joy in exploring my own curiosity about the natural world through creating, and hopefully sparking that curiosity in someone else.”

As the final artist, Washburn pulled through the colors and themes that are woven throughout the murals. “They share a sense of energy and movement that brings the space together,” she says. “I wanted the structure of the honeycomb to echo the geometric qualities of Liz’s piece and the flowers and bees have the organic/natural quality of Jessica’s mural.”

“Happiness . . . it’s really that simple,” adds Mares about the purpose of the project. “The more you’re surrounded by art and creativity and delve deeply into culture, it lifts the spirit.”

GE T O UT T HE RE

SAV E T H E DAT E

What’s Happening around Northwest Indiana

| Compiled by Ashley Boyer

JAN 6 12th Night Tree Burning 6-7pm, Main Square Park, 3001 Ridge Rd, Highland, highland.in.gov.

The official close of the holiday festival of lights includes a bonfire and hot chocolate. Attendees are encouraged to bring their Christmas tree to add to the fire.

FEB 10 Backyard Sugaring Workshop 10am-noon, Deep River County Park Wood’s Historic Grist Mill, 9410 Old Lincoln Highway, Hobart, lakecountyparks.com.

Participants will learn how to tap a tree, collect sap and boil sap into maple syrup. Registration is required for this adults-only event.

JAN 13 Bi-State Winter Wonderland at Wolf Lake Festival 9am-4pm, Environmental Education Center, 2405 Calumet Ave, Hammond, and William Powers State Fish & Wildlife Area, 12949 S Ave O, Chicago, wolflakeinitiative.org.

An annual celebration of the many ways to enjoy the lake in winter with exhibits, presentations, cross country skiing, skating, a bonfire and more.

JAN 27 Beers in the Barn 2-6pm, County Line Orchard, 200 S County Line Rd, Hobart, countylineorchard.com.

Unlimited sampling of more than 100 craft beers, live music and a food buffet, benefiting Lake Area United Way and local NWI food pantries.

JAN 27 2018 Gardening Show 8am-4pm, Porter County Expo, 215 E Division St, Valparaiso, pcgarden.info.

Porter County Master Gardeners Association’s award-winning 15th annual gardening event with presentations by gardening experts, 100 exhibitors and vendors, and more.

JAN 27 Winter Social 2-5pm, Lighthouse Restaurant, 7501 Constitution Ave, Cedar Lake, cedarlakehistory.org.

Wine and beer tasting, with chocolate pairings and live entertainment, hosted by the Cedar Lake Historical Association.

FEB 3 Y Bash 2018 Porter County Expo Center, 215 E Division Rd, Valparaiso, valpoymca.org.

Annual fundraiser to benefit the Valparaiso Family YMCA annual campaign.

FEB 9-10 Fetching Market 5-9pm Friday, 10am-5pm Saturday, Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corinne Dr, Hammond, fetchingmarket.com.

More than 100 specialty vendors showcasing vintage and hand-crafted wares, plus live music, local fare, brews and wine.

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FEB 17 Shelf Ice Brewfest 1-5pm, Uptown Arts District, Michigan City, eventbrite.com.

Michigan City Mainstreet Association’s annual outdoor beer fest boasting more than 40 local and regional breweries, fire pits, ice sculptures, food trucks and more.

FEB 17 The Wedding Unexpo 6-10pm, The Room Entertainment Venue, 8353 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, theweddingunexpo.com.

An edgier take on the traditional wedding expo featuring live entertainment, fashion shows, select vendors, and a full cash bar.

FEB 22-MARCH 25 Steel Magnolias Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster, theatreatthecenter.com.

Set in a Louisiana beauty shop, this humorous and heart-warming play follows the hopes, dreams, triumphs and tragedies of six colorful characters.

FEB 23-25 Pageant Play Towle Theater, 5205 Hohman Ave, Hammond, towletheater.org.

A comedy depicting the hilarious, terrifying and surreal world of child beauty pageants.

FEB 24 NWI Comic-Con Halls of St. George, 905 E Joliet St, Schererville, nwi-comic-con.com.

The Region’s premier comic book show returns for its fifth year with artists, publishers, dealers, cosplay contests and more.

A REA DER’S HAV EN

Explore the incomparable culture of the local bookstore

By Er in Cruce P hotos by Penny Fraz ier It is no mystery that the book trade has transformed over the years, making it challenging for independently owned bookstores to stay afloat. With the easy access of technology to buy and sell books online, one can wonder, what is the secret to keeping bookstores alive and vibrant in a digital world?

Northwest Indiana is home to a handful of old-school, independently owned bookstores. We spoke with the owners of one of them, O’Gara & Wilson, Ltd., in downtown Chesterton.

Four years ago, Doug and Jill Wilson moved their bookstore (or “bookshop,” as Doug refers to it) from Hyde Park, a neighborhood in Chicago, to Northwest Indiana. O’Gara & Wilson traces back to 1882 and was primarily known for serving the academic community in Chicago. Since its move, its inventory has evolved to appeal more to general book readers, acquiring a broad variety of stock to adapt to its new community.

The Wilsons transferred original pieces from the Chicago store to create an idealized version of it right here in Northwest Indiana, maintaining the nostalgic feel of an old bookshop for their customers. “When something has been an unbroken chain of tradition, it becomes its own culture,” Doug says. “A culture that needs people with a practiced eye to see what needs to be saved and passed to a new generation. That is what we do here.”

Jill and Doug Wilson, owners of O’Gara & Wilson, Ltd.

People typically don’t know what to do with their inherited, old or collectible books. O’Gara & Wilson exclusively acquires books from individuals. They even make house calls to pick out what may have value for customers, or people have the option to stop by the bookshop to drop them off. The need to get rid of old books becomes a quick method to replenish new stock for an old bookshop.

“Loyal and returning customers discipline us to keep our stock fresh and moving,” Doug says.

While fewer people may have a use for old bookstores, there is still an audience out there that appreciates the antiquarian style for seeking out their next treasured book. Kevin Nevers, a customer who visits the shop once or twice a week, just happened to be walking downtown one day and noticed O’Gara & Wilson when it first came to the Chesterton community. From the moment he walked on the creaking hardwood floors and took in that musty old book smell, he knew this was only the first of many visits to come. One of his favorite things about this particular bookshop is the Wilsons’ respect for history and love for physical books. To Nevers, they aren’t just books, but bits and pieces of history. “Every book in there has a secret history,” he says. “There always seems to be a shelf in the nook and cranny of the shop that you have not seen yet.”

Doug admits that there are good and bad years. Sometimes he has to just make ends meet, but he feels as though he learned from the best: the late long-time Chicago bookseller Joseph O’Gara. Doug served a five-year paid apprenticeship with O’Gara and later became his business partner. “Being an apprentice for Joe, I felt as if I was passed a torch to learn to survive in hard times,” Doug says. “I enjoy what I do. I intend to continue doing it for as long as the people of the community keep us endorsed.”

The Wilsons keep a photo of their late business partner and mentor, Joseph O’Gara, on a shelf in their shop.

FIN D IT H E R E Whether you’re a total bookworm or an occasional reader, consider stopping by one of these area bookstores for your next good read.

O’Gara & Wilson, Ltd. 223 Broadway, Chesterton ogaraandwilson.com

The Bookworm 11576 W US 30, Wanatah bookwormwanatah.com

Miles Books 2819 Jewett Ave, Highland

Green Door 220 Main Street, Hobart

L AUGH TRAC K

Where to go locally for big-city comedy

By Ja ne Bokun

Little-known comedy clubs dot Northwest Indiana. Here, there are places to laugh every day without spending big-city prices.

We profiled some of the best places who get the biggest name acts that will help you get your laugh on in the area. The rest is up to you.

Rip and Bonnie Johnson, owners of Beatniks on Conkey | Photo by Penny Frazier

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BEAT N I KS O N C ON K E Y 418 Conkey St, Hammond beatniksonconkey.com

The small Hammond club Beatniks on Conkey has been entertaining residents for years and is celebrating its 10th anniversary on January 13 at the club.

The shows at this aptly named venue feature not only improv comedy and skits, but songs and dance. In fact, the shows are like Saturday Night Live, but easily accessible. “It’s like Carol Burnett; it’s a comedy show,” says Bonnie Johnson, who founded Beatniks with her husband Rip. “It’s loosely scripted and fun.”

Beatniks on Conkey is open most weekends and features coffee, cookies and cake with the variety shows. The atmosphere is so loose that walk-ins who buy tickets at the theater are encouraged.

BI G COMEDY L A P ORTE bigcomedylaporte.com

Big Comedy LaPorte is a group that puts together shows and comedy-related fundraisers that have benefited several organizations in LaPorte.

“We put on two stand-up or improv shows per year at the LaPorte Little Theatre,” says comedian and proprietor Ben Konowitz. “We’ve sold out eight in a row and all the proceeds go to different local charities.”

After Konowitz started trying stand-up himself, he needed a venue. The LaPorte Little Theatre is a community theater, but Konowitz and his friends rent it out for their shows. Now, for the huge cost of about $15, people can see first-rate comedy in LaPorte. “You can’t get those kinds of prices in Chicago, but here in our backyard, you can,” Konowitz says.

Their stand-up shows have featured such well-known comedians as Felonious Monk, a comedian and social commentator currently based in Chicago. He was a contributor on The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore on Comedy Central and appears regularly at the legendary Second City in Chicago.

The shows began in 2013 and have grown stronger ever since.

The most important thing is the comedy group and its events have 501(3)(c) nonprofit status and all the monies raised go to charities.

Konowitz says there are also adults-only events held in LaPorte’s Civic Auditorium, such as an ’80s Prom with “all those classic ’80s things.” The trivia events, in January 2016 and 2017, attracted more than 600 participants the first year and more than 800 the second. And 275 prom-goers sported some ’80s-appropriate formal wear in October last year.

Konowitz says he’s giving back to the community with things like donations to the State Street Food Pantry and the Little Theatre itself. So far, Konowitz and his group have donated a respectable $51,000 to charity.

Ben Konowitz, founder of Big Comedy LaPorte, at the LaPorte Little Theatre Photo by Jennifer Ginger

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B IG FR A N K ’S

1417 Carrol St, East Chicago bigfrankssausage.com Polish food and comedy go together like rum and coke.

Coincidentally, you can have all three at Big Frank’s Sausage in East Chicago.

Owner Stan Stefanski, an affable Regionite, brings in comedians to share humor and pierogi at his small bar and restaurant, located right next to the South Shore train. The comedians have been known to stand next to the sausage case in Big Frank’s while doing monologues. With small floor space, it’s truly an intimate experience. Many big-name acts are doing comedy shows in Chicago and stop to do Big Frank’s. “People love the food and the live shows,” Stefanski says.

Local comedian Nick Gaza sometimes hosts the comedy nights.

Recently Big Frank’s showcased Dwayne Kennedy, a stand-up comedian, actor and writer whose TV writing credits include The Arsenio Hall Show, The Orlando Jones Show, and Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell.

T HE I DE A B O O K

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COM F ORT I N A C U P

The ultimate combo for a cold winter’s day words | Julia Perla Huisman photos | Amy Sheree

The holidays are over and now we’re facing at least three more months of the reality check that is winter. Whenever that thought leaves you feeling down, simply set aside your healthy New Year’s resolution and indulge in some chocolatey, mallowy goodness.

Jayme Goffin, owner of Mother Wilma’s Marshmallow Factory, kindly offers this homemade hot chocolate recipe that will surely bring warmth and joy to your day.

Consider it therapy.

M OT HER WI L MA’S H OT C OC OA Yield: Just under 1-3/4 cups mix, enough for 9 cups; packs up well in a 2-cup jar Prep time: 10 minutes 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 3 ounces semi- or bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped 1/2 cup cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt or 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until powdery. Mixture keeps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 months.

2. To use: Heat one cup of milk (coconut, almond or others would work here, too) in a saucepan over medium heat until steamy. Add 3 tablespoons hot cocoa mix. Whisk over heat for another minute or two, until it begins to simmer and mix is completely dissolved.

3. And of course, you must top with Mother Wilma’s Marshmallows!

Variations: Mexican Hot Chocolate (add some chile powder, cayenne and cinnamon), Mint Hot Chocolate (add mint extract instead of vanilla), Mocha Hot Chocolate (add a couple tablespoons of espresso powder) About Mother Wilma’s Marshmallow Factory Goffin’s handcrafted marshmallows are fresh and free of high fructose corn syrup and GMO sugar. Her other specialties include cookies and frozen hot chocolate—a fan favorite at local pop-up markets, where she serves her goodies out of a tiny white camper. Mother Wilma’s products can also be purchased at several stores throughout Northwest Indiana (see the list at her website).

Mother Wilma’s Marshmallow Factory Based in Crown Point motherwilmas.com

MAKER CLASS

DIY Ca l ligra phy Wo od Slice

HERE magazine has partnered with local makers who have generously offered to share their expertise. In this issue, Nicki Rapley of Tandem Calligraphy gives a simple tutorial on how to make a Valentine’s Day-themed wood slice.

Supplies: Wood slice (can be found at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby) Chalk paint Angled paintbrush Pencil Eraser Finetec gold watercolor palette Watercolor brush

TANDEM CALLIGRAPHY Nicki Rapley does custom calligraphy on wood, canvas and paper.

Her products can also be purchased at Aster + Gray in Valparaiso and Nest Number 4 in Michigan City. tandemcalligraphy@yahoo.com

Teresa Schmidt Photography

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HOW TO:

1) Paint the slice with the angled brush, using two coats to make sure there are no spots coming through. Let dry completely.

2) Write the word on the wood slice, lightly in pencil, to ensure proper placement. If you’re going for the “faux calligraphy” look as pictured

here, a good rule of thumb is to thicken the down strokes when writing the word out.

3) Take the watercolor brush and paint the word on the slice with the gold watercolor, going over it a few times to make the gold color

opaque enough to pop against the background color. It’s easier to apply extra coats while the watercolor is still a little wet instead of

letting it dry first.

4) Let the piece dry and then erase any pencil marks that are showing.

How to come out of your couch potato coma words | Jerry Davich

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image | Brad Wolf

It’s no secret that watching television and mindless eating go together like a remote control and batteries. But this doesn’t mean that comatose couch potatoes should be kept inactive by bad habits, unhealthy snacks and lack of creativity.

Alternative options to sedentary TV viewing are as plentiful as the number of channels on cable TV these days, experts insist.

“You don’t have to go far if you have separation anxiety from your couch or living room,” says Jay Weinberg, a personal trainer at the Valparaiso YMCA. Forget the hefty fact that Indiana is now the 10th fattest state, according to a study by the website WalletHub. And forget that prolonged TV viewing is associated with a higher risk for chronic diseases such as cancer, obesity and type 2 diabetes, as well as most causes of death, according to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

These startling statistics don’t have to describe you, let alone define you, according to Jill Posiadlik, a yoga instructor at Hybrid Athletics in Portage. “If you’re looking for inspiration to begin 2018 better than 2017 ended, start off with a positive mindset,” she says. “Truly commit yourself to the idea that you’re reading this for a reason, and allow yourself to be enthusiastic about the new you.”

This new you can begin coming out of a couch potato coma during commercial breaks, says Sarah Sanchez, an exercise specialist at Fitness Pointe in Munster. “Chair sit-to-stands are a great exercise that can be done during commercials, or while watching your favorite shows,” she says.

Start by sitting at the front of your couch, which also helps maintain good posture. Cross both arms over your chest and with your feet placed hip-distance apart stand up by shifting your hips forward, then sit back down. “Make sure your knees never go over your toes,” Sanchez says.

Other “commercial breaks” can include marching in place, high knee raises, leg lifts, wall pushups or traditional pushups. To make it slightly more difficult, use light dumbbells for bicep curls, arm raises and overhead lifts. To make it slightly more interesting, use evenly weighted canned goods, but don’t use any food items that might tempt you to open them.

Nikki Sarkisian, exercise program manager at Fitness Pointe in Munster, suggests bingeing on healthier snacks while gorging on Netflix. “To help break mindless eating, take only small portions of a snack to the couch instead of taking a whole bag of chips or a carton of ice cream,” Sarkisian says. “This forces you to stop and think whether you really want more to eat or if you are full.”

Instead of potato chips, try pretzels. Instead of buttered

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popcorn, make air-popped popcorn. Swap in grapes or apple slices for candy or cookies. Dark chocolate for milk chocolate.

Frozen yogurt for ice cream. Hummus and veggies for chips and dip. And skip all those empty calories in soda, beer or wine by sipping or chugging water.

Keep a bottle handy at all times, if anything to give you something to reach for in lieu of snack foods. Sometimes, the action alone is enough to ward off hundreds of “prime time” calories. “Most people don’t drink enough water,” says Shannon Costella, a certified specialist for Athletico Physical and Occupational Therapy in Valparaiso.

Most people also don’t know that isometric gluteal squeezes can be done even while sitting down to watch TV or gazing into a computer or smartphone. “Squeeze those cheeks,” she says, “or nobody else will.”

While relaxing on the couch, you can practice “bridging” by bending up your knees, placing your feet on the couch, and lifting your hips off the couch. “It’s a great time to clean out any crumbs you might be lying on,” Costella jokes.

Weinberg reminds his clients how easy it is to go from sedentary to squatting without having to leave your sofa or bed.

“The irony here is the softer your couch or bed, the more challenging these exercises will be,” he says.

Posiadlik reminds her yoga students that even the act of mindful breathing has its benefits. Click the mute button or pause your favorite show to slowly inhale and exhale, which can refocus your mind and any activities during mindless TV viewing. “Keep a journal of what you did, for how long, how many reps, which weights were added, and the food you’ve eaten,” she says. “Notice how your body slowly changes for the better, becoming stronger and more alive.”

Kelly Devine Rickert, a registered dietitian and health coach at Franciscan Wellcare, suggests raising your heartbeat in between heart-racing scenes of Game of Thrones. Do a fast cardio routine of jumping jacks, planks, lunges, and running up and down stairs. Or download smartphone apps, such as the “7-Minute Workout” or “Couch to 5K.” “Or set the alarm on your phone to go off every 15, 30 or 60 minutes to remind you to get up and take a sedentary interruption bout, or SIB,” she says. “Just move.”

MEN TA L MA K EOV ER

Boost your creativity with these daily habits

By Ja cq ueline Fisc h P hotos by Kay Wa r ner

It’s a new year, and the last thing you need is another guide to New Year’s resolutions that will long be forgotten by Valentine’s Day. Like many kids, I was creative. Growing up, you’d find me coloring, painting and drawing. At 10, my biggest wish was to become a famous fashion designer and live in Paris. Slowly, over the years, that dream died. I started hearing stories from others, and telling stories myself:

A decade later, something shifted. I got the inkling to pick up a paintbrush again, thanks to paint nights. (Wine and art? Sign me up.) Something sparked in me, and I was hooked. I bought supplies and started painting at home.

I felt stifled in my gray office. I started taking risks and bringing my creative side to work. People noticed. They’d say, “Something’s different with you, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

“Fashion school is too hard to get into; besides I don’t have the money.”

The difference was that I was quietly building my creative habits.

“I don’t have any fashion sense.”

I’ve since quit the corporate treadmill in favor of writing full time. I get to use creativity every day. Creating on demand can be mentally draining, though. Over the years, I’ve found some ways to help creative entrepreneurs like myself build daily routines that will serve their creative life and make the most of their talent.

I didn’t bother pursuing a creative career. Instead, I got a marketing degree and did what any reasonable 22-year-old does—I got any job I could. I was skilled at climbing the corporate ladder.

As a management consultant, and then corporate communications, the word “creative” wasn’t part of my vocabulary.

Creativity didn’t belong in my professional world—that was for other people. I wore dress pants and heels.

Toss out the New Year’s resolutions and instead start the new year with some new creative daily habits. Please use this list as inspiration, not a checklist.

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Create a mindless morning routine You want to save your most valuable resource—creative energy—for the work you love most. Instead of inventing new breakfasts every day, establish a morning routine so that you wake up and know what to do without thinking. For example, wake up, make coffee, move your body, meditate, do some reflection in a journal.

Morning pages Morning pages, a practice invented by Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, are three full 8x10 handwritten, unedited pages of whatever words come to mind first thing in the morning. Get in the habit of doing this right away to get the cobwebs out so you can get on with your day. If you’re worried about someone finding your morning pages and thinking you’re crazy, you’re doing it right.

Create before you consume Do something with your hands before you read anything. Work on a creative project, do some writing (ahem, morning pages), and then read news, social media or newsletters.

Do one thing Pick one project and focus on seeing it to completion. You might

have 100 unfinished projects that seemed like a good idea at one time. Start with one that has you the most excited and put the rest in a creative “parking lot.” Your ideas won’t go away— they’ll be there waiting for you when you’re ready. When you finish a project, you’ll move onto the next with confidence and momentum.

Creative cross training We can’t do the same thing over and over and expect extraordinary results. Stretching your creativity by trying new artistic mediums and adventures keeps you ready to create.

Artists could learn an instrument; musicians, try writing poetry; jewelry makers could play with acrylic paint.

Do nothing Possibly one of the most underestimated things to do is nothing at all. Don’t feel guilty or let anyone tell you that you should be doing something—We’re human beings, not doings. Spend a few minutes every day to just daydream. No agenda, no plan.

Unplug The constant ping of emails and social media vying for our attention leaves us feeling depleted. Silence your phone, and if you work on a computer, close email and unnecessary browser windows, and you’ll finish each task more quickly than you might have imagined.

H ER E’S TO A P R OLIFIC NEW Y EA R

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Jacqueline Fisch is a writer for creative entrepreneurs who don’t have the time or patience for writing and have businesses to grow. Through her thought-provoking blog posts at JacquelineFisch.com and in-person workshops, she teaches how to write about one’s work to stand out and sell more. When she’s not writing, find her messing around with a canvas and some paint, handwriting notes, and most likely with a big glass of red wine and some salty dark chocolate.

READ MORE STORIES, VIEW MORE PHOTOS, AND SUBSCRIBE TO HERE AT READHEREMAG.COM

PRINT PARTNERSHIP

INSPI RAT I ON WOOD One of Northwest Indiana’s hidden gems is a tranquil estate called Inspiration Wood Cottage Inn & Conference Center, which is nestled on 60 acres of rolling fields and woods centrally located between Chesterton and Michigan City. The property offers charming lodging options for families but also is an ideal spot for conscientious groups looking for a serene place to retreat and be inspired.

Signature, personalized meetings are what Inspiration Wood was built for. The beauty of nature and comfortable, modern amenities come together perfectly for a formal gathering, family reunion, or inspirational activity provided by owners Ron and Kim VanSessen.

“Inspiration Wood is a place of peace and tranquility, a time where families, businesses and churches can come together in unity to reach common goals,” says Kim VanSessen. “The mission of Inspiration Wood is to create an environment that inspires others to reach their greatest potential spiritually, personally and professionally.”

The Gathering Space at Inspiration Wood can accommodate from 12 to 60 guests. Large windows bring in natural sunlight that energizes, along with breathtaking views of Prophet’s Pond and Grace Garden & Meadow. At the same time, the space is equipped with the latest in multimedia and internet connectivity. The VanSessens also wanted to provide the best in healthy meals for any food sensitivity, allergy, religious or spiritual preference. Catering is provided by award-winning local caterers Lemon Tree Mediterranean Grill, Third Coast Spice Cafe, and Albano’s Villa.

During breaks, guests can explore the peaceful surroundings to reset their minds. Numerous trails weave through the estate, each with a history of its own dating back to the Sauk Indians.

Wildlife living on the property include wild mink, wild turkey, pheasant, blue heron, a large family of deer and raccoons, turtles, and many frogs that can be heard singing at night.

Guests can also visit the Greeting Barn, which offers Wildflower Sundries—handmade home and health sprays—plus the Essential Ideas Lab and the Inspiration Room for handmade cards, jewelry and gifts. Inspiration Wood periodically hosts classes and workshops to teach about health care and integrative medicine using essential oils.

Ron and Kim and children Mark and Sarah have enjoyed learning the history of the property and becoming the new caretakers of the legacy of this beautiful land. They enjoy hosting guests and groups who come from all over the world. “We hope to honor those who worked and loved the land before us,” Kim says, “and build a legacy of love for future generations.”

INSPIRATION WOOD 642 E Inspiration Rd, Westville 219.983.9922 inspirationwood.com Tours and consultations are available by appointment.

Reflection Retreat Jan 27, 9am-4pm Reservations: Call 219.983.9922 Cost per person: $125 Bring a guest and save!

FE AT URES

Tribe A

OF ONE’S OWN

Local youth organizations use care and creativity to mentor teens

wo rd s | Am a nd a Wi l so n To p 20 p hotos | M i c he l l e H a m st ra Ve rge p h otos | H o p e N i co l l e P hotog ra p hy

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Top 20 dance program in East Chicago

Regardless of socio-economic or religious background, every teenager longs for unconditional acceptance and love. Behind every teen’s Snapchat and Instagram story is a child seeking connection. But, for all the ways in which social media promised to connect us, it has rendered lonely wanderers seeking validation and belonging through the screens of smartphones.

The teenage torments of insecurity, bullying and self-doubt are now an inescapable 24-hour reality. How these torments

manifest differ from one teenager to another depending on various factors including affluence and peer group, but the root cause of the pain is the same: a quest for identity and a tribe of one’s own. These are perilous times for teenagers, and insightful youth-focused organizations like Bethel Church’s Verge student ministry and East Chicago’s Top 20 dance program meet students where they are to address their immediate needs as well as the universal need to be supported and loved.

Verge student ministry in Crown Point

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A WARM WELCOME

Many associate church youth groups with bored teenagers listening to lectures in a musty basement classroom. But Bethel Church’s middle and high school student ministry, called Verge, is not your mom’s church group and it’s not just for “church” kids. Verge’s passion for inclusion of students from throughout the community—churched and unchurched—is reflected in its motto: “You are wanted. You are welcome. You are loved.”

Mike Wittig, pastor of student ministries at Bethel, a multisite church in Northwest Indiana, was a church kid who felt unwelcomed in youth groups he visited. When he took over as pastor of student ministries, he resolved to do everything possible to ensure that kids coming into Verge not feel like outsiders intruding on a clique. “Our goal is to create the most welcoming, loving, grace-filled environment that students have ever experienced,” Wittig says. “If they feel welcomed, they’ll come back.”

That warm welcome is evident from the time the students walk in the door. An exuberant greeting team made up of student leaders holds signs echoing the motto and high-fives the arriving students. Wittig says designated leaders are tasked with going up to stragglers to encourage them to join in the activities. “We work hard to reach out to outsiders. There are no

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invisible students here,” he says. Fun predominates with theme nights throughout the school year, and each gathering includes games, activities and a time of worship.

About halfway through the gathering, students break up into small groups or “crews.” Wittig says the crews are a safe place with discussions guided by a crew leader where conversations can happen.

Verge’s fun and inviting environment is beginning to gain steam among youth all over Northwest Indiana. Thanks largely to awareness generated by social media posts and word-of-mouth referrals, there were 620 teens at Verge’s first “kickoff” gathering last September. The kickoff consisted of creative means to appeal to the large crowd: a live band, dance performances, and activities like a bungee trapeze, hamster wheel races, and virtual reality games. “It was such an awesome event, crossing races and cities,” Wittig says.

Beyond the hype, however, is the mission to see students grow and succeed in every area of life. “My job is to build a healthy culture, a safe place where our students and leaders can grow,” Wittig says. “We’ve created a ‘grace space’. . . Grace blows up cliques. Grace changes everything.”

O NE O F T HE CORE VALUES AT VERGE IS TO M AKE MI D D LE AN D H I G H S C H OOL ST U D E N TS F E E L W E LC OME D AN D AC C E P T E D.

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TOP 20 IS A DANC E AND M ENTORSHIP PROG R AM F OR T E E N AG E G I R LS E N R OLLE D I N E AST C H I CAG O S C H OOLS .

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DANCING TO SUCCESS

The teenage years are particularly vulnerable for girls, and a group called Top 20 offers a dance program, and so much more, for teenage girls enrolled in East Chicago public schools. “Dance is the draw, but the purpose of Top 20 is to mentor girls,” says Janet Givens, a Top 20 leader. Givens and fellow East Chicago Washington High School alumni who performed for sporting and special events in the ’60s and ’70s under the name “Top 20” founded the organization in 2011. They were inspired by Mildred Ball, the founder of their dance performance group who imparted life lessons and promoted character development along with dance skills. Top 20 improves the quality of life for teenage girls in East Chicago by helping girls develop practical life skills and confidence; establish positive, beneficial relationships with mentors and fellow participants; and pursue educational and civic opportunities.

Directing girls toward positive choices and the best possible life is a constant battle against negative influences, Givens says.

Teenagers in East Chicago deal with heavy issues including student-on-student violence which often involves guns, and intense bullying in the classroom and on social media platforms.

Especially troubling and destructive, says Givens, is the overly

sexualized culture that teenage girls have to navigate. “Children are highly sexualized and are ignorant when it comes to the dangers of human trafficking,” she says. “One of our girls was trafficked a couple of years ago but managed to escape.”

Top 20 offers dance workshops and seminars. The group puts on dance performances such as last winter’s “I Too Sing America” for Black History Month at the East Chicago Public Library. And every year several Top 20 girls are invited to participate at the Indiana University African American Dance Company Annual Workshop in Bloomington, where they receive two days of dance training alongside hundreds of fellow aspiring dance students from throughout Indiana.

The girls also engage in community service activities including visiting residents of local nursing homes, as well as field trips meant to inspire, such as last year’s group viewing of the film Hidden Figures. Outings such as train rides and meals at nice restaurants provide mentoring and relationship-building opportunities, says Givens. “We tell our own stories of what we went through. That often opens the flood gates. They need someone to talk to and they need to know that someone cares.”

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PRESSURE THAT REFINES

Wittig says the best word to describe reality for teenagers is “pressure” which, thanks to social media, is unrelenting. “The bullying on social media is brutal,” he says. “It’s hard to process in a healthy way and no one escapes it.” He adds that even the kids labeled as “pretty and popular” are bullied. “No one escapes the wrath of others’ insecurity. It creates a cycle of pain which kids’ minds and limited life experiences can’t handle.”

Givens also sees the devastating effects of bullying and public humiliation through social media on the girls she works with, but says that the stress of poverty and broken families creates its own constant pressure and obstacles. “Poverty is a big issue and public school education is definitely not what it used to be,” she says. “Their personal lives are suffering as they are being reared by single parents and grandparents who often lack education themselves.”

The wounds of adolescence are never pleasant, but pressure can refine teenagers if they’re supported and cared for enough to build resilience. Wittig observes that the constant barrage of daily modern life is creating a precociously savvy generation that is keen to what’s authentic. “Kids are inundated with

advertising and sales pitches, and they’re used to being manipulated,” he says. “Kids can be jaded but they’re looking for authenticity. They are growing up at a faster pace, and those who don’t, crash and burn. By their teen years, many kids are coming to the end of what the world has to offer and they’re very open to God and the divine.”

Even the most jaded kids can blossom in a safe and loving environment, which propels leaders like Givens to persevere in their work with kids even though she admits the outlook can look “pretty darn bleak” at times. “Many students are overlooked when it comes to achieving academically or otherwise as the media focuses primarily on the troubled kids,” Givens says. But, she adds that she was encouraged by the number and passion of many youth-focused organizations like Top 20 at a recent youth conference in Indianapolis. “It was great to see so many organizations like ours come together with their ideas and participate in workshops geared toward finding methods that aid in the development of children in every way possible,” she says. “Once children know that grown-ups are sincerely interested in helping them succeed, that changes the whole dynamic.”

F OR M ORE IN FORM ATION ON TH ESE O R G ANI ZATI O NS AND HOW TO G ET I NVO LVED : Verge at Bethel Church Crown Point welcometoverge.com

Top 20, Inc. East Chicago top20inc.org

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How Norma W illiams built a business that builds others up

wo rd s | Seth Towe r H urd

p hotos | J i l l i a n Pa nc i ni

Norma Williams (center) runs a painting business where she hires motivated women like Shadeen (left) and Veronica (right).

Legend has it that young entrepreneur Vernon Rudolph won a donut recipe in a poker game, when a barge cook couldn’t pay up.

Rudolph flipped that scrawled note into a multi-milliondollar iconic brand known as Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. For Sheryl Sandberg, it was a copy of A Wrinkle in Time that the Facebook COO credits with changing her life’s trajectory and putting her on the path to unprecedented business and cultural influence. Sometimes life-changing encounters come in small packages, and printed on paper.

For Norma Williams of Crown Point, it was a box of Martha Stewart magazines that eventually led her to start Norma and the Painters, an award-winning paint contractor company with a greater purpose.

Williams looks back on finding that box of magazines as the moment that reset her path. “I was a typical bitter, single mom, working a single mom dead-end job,” she shares in a phone interview.

Williams read through the stack of magazines, then purchased a subscription of her own, and finally became obsessed with

Martha’s TV show. However, most of the ideas printed on glossy pages were still well outside her financial reach. “Martha is known for these extravagant recipes. I was single-mom-broke, but I still had to buy groceries. I started transforming my average meals into beautiful creations on the same budget, and my daughter and I were eating like royalty.”

The cooking obsession turned into a baking obsession, which led to a side business selling baked goods on Chicago’s North Shore. More than the much-needed extra money, Williams felt the fire of purpose, which had been absent in her life for years as she shuffled to and from a dead-end job each day, struggling to provide for her daughter’s basic needs without the aid of child support.

Invigorated from the natural high of entrepreneurship, Williams tackled her next “Martha project,” redoing old furniture. Following the Martha Stewart magazine step-by-step, Norma stripped a four-piece bedroom set from Salvation Army. But rather than simply re-stain the furniture, Williams broke from the formula and busted out paint. “By the time I was done, I stepped back and saw that I had a gifting,” she says.

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B LUR R IN G T H E LIN E B ETW EEN EM P LOY EE A N D M EN TEE

At this point, Williams had married, and she and her husband started a contracting business. “I would do all the things I considered girly, including painting and decorating,” she says.

When the marriage went south, Williams, now a mother of three, saw a return to corporate America to be in direct conflict with her parenting goals. She printed off some generic flyers marketing her talents and went door-to-door to see what would happen. It took off from there.

As the business grew, hiring single moms was a no-brainer.

Williams understood their scheduling needs and unique struggles to put food on the table while parenting solo. While Williams describes herself as “the hardest boss my employees have ever had,” those high expectations have helped two single moms leave the painting company to start their own businesses.

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Twelve years later, the mission of Norma and the Painters has evolved. “I started to ask myself how much different these people’s lives would have been if I had gotten to them when they were 18 and 19,” Williams says. “Subsequently, I started to hire women who were much younger, in their early twenties. I wanted to make an impact in their lives before they had children or were in abusive relationships.” Today, Williams works to employ younger at-risk girls, all of whom are beating the statistics in one way or another as they move toward stable, flourishing adulthood.

This year, a major change came to the business. “For the first time ever, I hired a man,” Williams says. “I found a young gentleman who fell into the same categories as the young ladies I was hiring. He was 25 and hungry to see life differently, hungry for hope. Even though I’ll have this extraordinary fondness for girls and women, there’s a shortage of mentors.”

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E MB R AC IN G C O U N TL ESS TEAC H A B L E M O M EN TS While Williams dreams of starting a nonprofit one day, her mission is currently carried out day-to-day, as she and her team sling cans of paint. Williams understands that with at-risk employees, nothing else can happen until trust is established.

“People aren’t going to share with you until you know you love them,” Williams says. “After investing conversations about where they’ve been and what they would like to be doing, it begins with a seed of encouragement.”

One young woman eventually shared that she would love to have a daycare in her home. Williams challenged her to put a plan to the dream, including getting licensed and putting together a business strategy. At first terrified she would not have any customers, the woman applied for the license anyway, at Williams’ insistence. Today, the woman continues to run her own daycare business.

In the past, Williams had struggled with shame over not holding a college degree. Today, she considers it one of her most important assets. “When these young ladies come to me and say, ‘I have no formal education,’ I can say, ‘I didn’t know the first thing about business, and look at me.’”

In order to fulfill the needs of her clients and provide meaningful and life-changing work for at-risk employees, Williams goes the extra mile to provide flexibility for her team members, who are often juggling a return to school, family obligations, or both.

Williams knows she could have leaned on countless excuses for why she “didn’t make it” in life, except for the fact that the painting mentor had a mentor of her own. “I’m a minority,” she says. “My mother was on welfare and doesn’t have a high school diploma. But the woman was a hard worker. She was dedicated.

She raised five kids before my stepfather came along. She kept her apartment spotless. Laundry was always done, food was always hot on the table, and she didn’t even have a driver’s license. My mom was always extremely tenacious.”

Despite the lives her painting business has helped transform, Williams still finds critics. One woman, who holds a PhD, actually told Williams she “feels sorry” for these young at-risk painters.

“All the education in the universe was not enough to make this woman stop feeling like a victim,” Williams comments.

Fortunately, her mother started telling her at a young age, “Your future is in your hands, and your future is your responsibility. No one, not white or black or purple or green, can take that away from you.”

It’s a value that Williams passes on each day through a demand for excellence. “I am hard on the people who come to work for me,” she says. “I’m extremely demanding. Why? Because you’ll take that wherever you go, and you’ll always remember how to work your best.”

NORMA AND THE PAINTERS Based in Hebron normaandthepainters.com

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A W I N T E R ’S B O U N T Y Winter may not be everyone’s favorite season, but at least it brings about one benefit: comfort food. We asked Emily Anstadt, a food stylist out of St. Joseph, Michigan, to design a warm and hearty meal for those stuck in the winter doldrums. “I like to keep my food simple but flavorful,” Anstadt says. “These recipes were inspired by the brightness of citrus, which is a great way to break out of the winter blues!”

Recipes and Styling by Emily Anstadt

Photography by Brad Wolf

B UT T E R C U P S Q UASH SO UP WI T H SUM AC P E P I TAS

SOUP 2 buttercup squashes, peeled and sliced 2-1/2 cups chicken stock 1 teaspoon sumac Salt and pepper Olive oil Heavy cream to garnish

Sprinkle squash with salt and pepper and sumac and roast at 450 degrees for about 15 minutes.

Once cooled, put slices into a large sauce pan, add chicken stock and purĂŠe with immersion blender. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Warm soup accordingly on the stove. Garnish finished soup with heavy cream, a sprinkle of the sumac, and the pepitas.

PEPITAS Toss 1/2 cup of pepitas in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Mix with your hands to thoroughly coat the seeds. Spread seeds out on a parchment lined baking sheet and season generously with sumac, salt, and pepper.

Roast for about 5 to 6 minutes at 375 degrees.

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CA R R OT SA L A D WI T H P E ANUT SAUCE AND LI M E

1 pound carrots, peeled and julienned (I use a julienne peeler for ease) 2 tablespoons peanut butter 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon sriracha Juice of half a lime 1/4 cup coconut milk or regular milk 1/4 cup chopped peanuts Cilantro Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha, lime juice, honey and milk together to create the dressing.

Toss julienned carrots in dressing and let chill for about 30 minutes in the fridge. To serve, garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and lime.Â

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HASS E L B ACK B E E TS W I T H G OAT C HE ESE , ROAST E D RE D P E P P E R SAUCE AND P ECANS

BEETS 6 golden beets, peeled 1 lemon Pinch of salt 1 bunch fresh arugula Goat cheese crumbles Olive oil Chopped pecans Cut beets hasselback style and place in a baking dish.

Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt and roast at 375 degrees for about an hour or until they are easily pierced with a fork.

Once cooked, coat them in lemon juice and place them on a bed of arugula.

Top with red pepper sauce, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped pecans.

RED PEPPER SAUCE 1 red bell pepper 1 small sweet onion Salt and pepper Olive oil Slice and deseed pepper. Peel and slice onion. Place onion and pepper slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment and then drizzle them with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Roast at 450 degrees for 15 minutes. Let cool for about 10 minutes and then process in food processor until smooth. Salt and pepper to taste.

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L E M O N R OSE M ARY SKI LLE T CHI CKE N

1 roaster chicken 2 lemons, cut into slices 1 bunch fresh rosemary 1 small red onion, cut into slices 3 heads of garlic (slice off top of each head with knife to expose cloves) 2 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley Olive oil Salt and pepper

Place chicken in cast iron skillet. Rub the outside of the chicken with the butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Place 3 to 4 lemon slices, 1 head of garlic, and 2 sprigs of rosemary in the cavity of the chicken. Tuck the remaining garlic and lemon slices, as well as the red onion slices, around the bird.

Drizzle the whole thing with a little olive oil and place in a 450-degree oven for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees and cook another 40 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Let stand for 10 minutes before finishing with the fresh chopped parsley, a little more salt, and rosemary.

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P E R S I M M O N RO SES WI T H CI NNAM O N YO GURT

1 premade pie crust (you could use homemade but I like this as a fast cheat!)

2-3 fuyu persimmons, sliced into thin, half-moon shapes 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon honey 3 teaspoons cinnamon Zest of one orange Dash of nutmeg Powdered sugar for garnish

ROSES Toss persimmon slices in the juice of 1 orange.

Roll pie crust out and cut into long, 2-inch wide strips.

Lay persimmon slices along the top edge of crust strip, overlapping just a little. Then fold bottom of crust up over bottom edge of persimmon slices and roll into a rose shape.

Place rose into a muffin tin to bake. Bake at 425 degrees for about 10 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Plate with yogurt and garnish with powdered sugar.

YOGURT Mix honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest into yogurt and layer onto plate before placing rose on plate.

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T HE W ELL-DR ESSE D MAN In a culture of countless influences, the men who stand out are the ones who stay true to who they are. We selected seven local men whose style is naturally derived from their work and their most earnest of interests.

words | Julia Perla Huisman

photos | Brad Wolf

A DA M I S PAS Creative Director Valparaiso

“I like classic pieces and quality products. I love brands that put thought and time into their cuts and materials. A well-worn Belstaff jacket never goes out of style and can be passed down to my son. My style is pretty laid back. I like to be able to throw on my jeans and boots with a white T-shirt and layer on a favorite jacket. My favorite brands right now are Reigning Champ, Filson, A.P.C. Denim, imogene + willie and Red Wing. The only accessory you need is a watch.”

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T Y LOR ROGERS Horticulturist Valparaiso

“My sense of style is drawn mainly from the natural world.

I find myself heavily drawn toward earth tones. You’ll find me wearing a lot of forest or army green, beige, and anything neutral in color. Ochre is a color that’s really been on my radar. In a time where we are continually being overloaded with commercials, ads, and other things calling for your attention, I like to tone it down and wear more simplistic clothing. I always steer clear of any clothing with visible labels or messages. I like to think that by wearing a more simplistic wardrobe, it allows attention to be redirected to who I am as a person and my personality, rather than what labels or brand I am wearing. I try to not be overly consumeristic. I get a lot of my clothing from thrift stores and I only buy clothes when I need them. (I only own two pairs of pants!) I would hope that my style sends the message of slowing down in this 24/7 world and to try and get better connected with nature.”

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J O E E I C H B E RGER | A DA M WI LS ON MAT T SPO L J O RI C | JAC OB BRET TI N Barbers at Wilson’s Barbershop & Shave Parlor LaPorte

“Our staff’s dress, for the most part, goes along with the shop’s classic style. Jeans, black work shirts and leather boots is our standard look. This has roots in the motor culture that we grew up loving, but it also serves the purpose of keeping the hair at bay. Hair splinters can be annoying. We are in a business that is based in both style and function, and we feel our dress mirrors that.”

–Adam Wilson, owner

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R A HSA A N TAY LOR Art Director Crown Point

“I think my style reflects my personality. I’m pretty laid back, but once I open up, I can be very silly. With me, it’s in the details. I may be wearing regular blue jeans and a cardigan, but I’ll make sure I’m rocking a funky pattern or something that is unique. My style is a mix of classic prep and ’90s-era hip-hop. It’s classic but fun. Growing up my mom wore some wild colors. I loved her confidence. I’m the opposite of my mom’s temperament, but I do like having a bit of a bright color palette. I don’t go too off, but I do wear colorful T-shirts or crazy socks. Since I’m a comic geek, it reminds me of how some heroes are buttoned up, but underneath their work clothes, they have their superhero gear. That’s a bit like me: buttoned up when needed, but when appropriate, I’ll step into the forefront.”

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# hereliken ooth erp lace

Cowles Bog Trail In d ian a Du n es photo | Edward Byrne

WE A RE HE RE

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