HERE Issue 001 - Sept/Oct 2017

i ssue 001

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LIKE NO OTHER PLACE G O ING BACK TO THE L AND AT LOCAVORE FAR M

BEAUTY AND RUIN | DREAMED HERE, MADE HERE | THE ANALOG LIFE

EDI TOR A ND P UBL I S HER

CRE AT IVE DIRECTOR

Julia Perla Huisman

Brad Wolf

ACCOUNT E XECUT IVE Jeanine Perla

CONT RIBUTORS Eve Adams

Brandi Lee

Ashley Boyer

Mark Loehrke

Erin Cruce

Amy Sheree Melton

Jessica deKock

Katelyn Pruitt

Penny Frazier

Shannon Rooney

Michelle Hamstra

Matt Scheffer

Seth Hurd

Amanda Wilson

A DV ERTI S I NG I NQUI RI ES

GE NE RAL INQUIRIES

advertising@readheremag.com

info@readheremag.com

HERE Magazine 10769 Broadway #320 Crown Point, IN 46307 readheremag.com Instagram, Twitter: @readheremag Facebook, Pinterest: /readheremag © 2017 JPH Publishing, LLC

F EATU RES 40

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BACK TO THE LAND

UNDER THE LIGHTS

Why the Jones family moved to a farm… and invited everyone in

A collective gathering of creative minds

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BEAUTY AND RUIN

FIELD DAY

Bringing new life to old Gary landmarks

Boho meets prep for Indian Summer style

MADE IN NWI 8

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THE HYGGE EFFECT

KENNY SMITH

Products that bring comfort in a crazy world

Tough love opens the door for a young artist

16 COASTLINE PRIDE

How Jenny Soffin built a beach brand

G ET O U T TH ERE 18

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SAVE THE DATE

FRESH SUSTENANCE

Area restaurants enrich their menus with locally sourced foods

What’s happening around Northwest Indiana

22 THE BESTSELLERS

4 local breweries share their greatest hits

T H E I D EA B O O K 26

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THE ALMIGHTY APPLE

PAST THE MESS

Farm fresh dishes for the fall palate

Crown Point couple brings new life to an abandoned home

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MAKER CLASS

THE ANALOG LIFE

DIY party lanterns

Embracing the physical over the digital

ON THE COVER

Nathanael Jones, age 8, at Locavore Farm Photography by Brad Wolf

BE HERE.

FRO M T H E E D I TO R The clouds on our front cover, and the boy sitting below them, bring me back to my own childhood. Whenever the sky looked like that— puffy white clouds dotting the perfect blue—I would stare dreamily and just get this feeling, a fluttering in my stomach that something big was out there for me, that I was on the cusp of something amazing happening. But just on the cusp! I couldn’t see past it into specifics or logistics. There was only just the inkling.

What can I say? I’ve always been a dreamer. photo | Penny Frazier

The creation of this magazine has felt very similar to those early butterfly-inducing visions. Every milestone we would hit—naming the magazine, announcing it publicly, getting our first advertiser— brought along with it not only a sense of personal accomplishment, but also a sense that something special was happening. That we are on the cusp of something bigger. And by “we” I refer not to the magazine but to the community we serve.

I’ve felt this way for a while about Northwest Indiana. Previously, I admit, I perceived this area as an unsophisticated Rust Belt, but in recent years I have witnessed a boon in art, culture and creativity, and I think it’s only just beginning. This excites me.

It makes me proud to live here. I want everyone else to see what I see and to catch the fever as well. So, I started a magazine to do just that. And I brought along other dreamers like me, people who not only desire a great place to live, but who are doing the work to make it happen.

HERE magazine is merely a tool, a vessel to evangelize the beauty and creativity that are flourishing in our community. We will introduce you to artisans and entrepreneurs who are making exquisite things for your home and person, to the local small businesses that deserve your hard-earned dollars, to the vibrant events and activities that will only enrich your life.

I invite you to join us here on the cusp. I hope the stories we tell will give you butterflies and a beaming pride in your community, as they have for me. Thank you for being a part of the movement that is happening… right here.

Julia Perla Huisman Editor and Publisher

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THE HYGGE EFFECT

Pro d ucts that b ri ng comfort i n a c razy worl d

I ntro by Ju lia Perla Hu isman Photog ra phy an d stylin g by Brad Wolf

With our world becoming increasingly smaller, scarier and more invasive, it was no surprise that home designers claimed 2017 as the year of “hygge,” which is décor that brings calm and coziness. (Think blankets, candles and greenery.) We are collectively clinging to our home space as a place of respite from the noise and negativity of the outside world, so how we fill that space requires some intention.

As fall approaches and cooler weather prevails, the warmth and comfort of hygge become even more desirable. Those looking to jump in on this favorable trend can easily find hygge-themed products at home décor stores throughout Northwest Indiana. Here are some of our favorites from three local shops.

FIND IT HERE: Mink64 120 S Main St Crown Point

Nest Number 4 717 Franklin St Michigan City nestnumber4.com

Society 109 Lincolnway Valparaiso

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KENNY SMITH

To u g h l ove o p e ns t he do or for a yo ung a r t ist

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By Julia Per la H uisma n P hotog ra phy by M att Sc heffer

Sometimes the path to success requires painful moments of criticism, especially for those in a creative craft. Michigan City artist and Uptown Artist Lofts resident Kenny Smith learned this lesson the hard way… on Instagram, of all places. And he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

When did you know you wanted to be an artist?

When I was about 6 or 7. I had an older cousin who was an artist. I used to go through his stuff and copy and trace it. He would have drawing sessions with me and instruct me on the basics. I started drawing cartoon characters, and that sparked it.

A little down the line, my cousin ended up losing his passion to draw. He was putting together a portfolio and had a large selection of drawings, but our grandmother was cleaning and threw away a vast majority of it. After that, he said he just lost his passion. He said, “I pass the torch to you.”

How has your art developed since then?

It wasn’t until about 2013 when I started getting into it more heavily. I got an Instagram and found out there were pages that would promote your work if you tagged them. So I was tagging my artwork hoping to get featured, thinking I would get featured, but this one page I was tagging didn’t feature me, they featured someone else. I was kind of saucy about it because I thought my work was better. I had a big head at the time. I ended up arguing with another artist; we were bashing each other.

And another guy comes on and tells me to tag him on some of my work because he wanted to give me some feedback. He

started off with some positives and then he pretty much, in a humble way, took me off my high horse. He did point out my potential, but I learned that day how to be humble—to appreciate my position and to realize I’m going to be better than people but there are going to be some people who are better than me. I need to appreciate the art around me and where I’m at and try to improve. After that, my perspective for art and learning completely switched around.

I was so attentive and analytical when I looked at people’s work, trying to mimic and see what they did. I wanted to grow, to be better.

I kept seeing mural after mural and thought, “That’s pretty dope. I wish we had that option while I was in school.” I got the idea, what if I—a former student who also lives in the art district and is still pursuing art—donate a painting and add to the murals? After meetings with the art teacher and principal, I got the okay.

What has your experience been like as a resident at Uptown Artist Lofts?

I’ve been here for a year. Since then, I’ve grown so much and I’ve been on a path of establishing myself more, just being in an artistic environment. Every single one of my neighbors is a fellow artist. When I get input or any type of feedback, I take it more to heart because I know these people have a similar mindset that I have.

What style of painting would you say is your expertise?

I just started painting, really. When I paint I prefer to use acrylic. I just like the way it lays out, and I like how you can water it down. My expertise is pencil and paper. I’m really good with graphite and charcoal; that’s where it started from. Then I transferred to coloring pencils and markers. That really changed my perspective on how to use color and layer. As for my style, I think I’m more of a realist. I usually draw things from life. Whatever I draw is in a realistic way.

You recently painted a mural at Michigan City High School. How did that come about?

I was working a part-time job for the cleaning company that they have a contract with, and we were walking through the high school. I hadn’t been in the high school since maybe a year after I graduated.

We asked Kenny to list his go-to

tools for his art: -Paintbrushes

-Acrylic paint

-Prismacolor pencils and markers

-Basic blending stumps “and all

that good stuff”

-Strathmore toned tan paper and

mixed media paper

How do you feel about the arts movement that’s been happening in Michigan City?

I think it’s dope. I’m trying to think of ideas where I can maybe open the door for some street art in the art district. It only seems right.

WHAT ’S IN YOUR BAG ?

COASTLINE PRIDE

H ow Je nny Soffi n bui l t a bea c h bra nd

By Ama nda Wilson P hotogra p hy by M ic helle H a mst ra

The greatest treasure is often hidden in plain sight, and “IN” Coast owner Jenny Soffin is a proud devotee and promoter of the hidden gem that is the Northwest Indiana Lake Michigan coastline. Her “IN” Coast brand features beach-friendly swag including T-shirts, hats, stemless wine glasses, bandanas, and coffee mugs that echo and embrace the joys of living and playing along the unpretentiously beautiful coast in our back yard.

Soffin, a native of Lansing, Illinois, who spent much of her childhood on Indiana’s Lake Michigan beaches, didn’t fully appreciate the unique beauty of Northwest Indiana’s coastline until she, along with husband Eric and children Maddie and Max, moved back to the Region after residing in California for 12 years. As residents of Ogden Dunes, Soffin and her family entertain many out-of-town visitors, including California friends who came to visit them last summer. She recalls that their California visitors wanted to “see what this Indiana is all about” and were shocked at the beauty of the dunes, beaches, water and marinas. They wanted beachy souvenirs to take home with them, but couldn’t find any products uniquely dedicated to Indiana’s Lake Michigan shoreline.

An obsession with all things beach, a love of Northwest Indiana,

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and a marketer’s vision to fill this unmet need led to the creation of the “IN” Coast brand. Soffin says the idea for the brand name came from her California friends’ enthusiasm for what they referred to as “the coast.”

“It’s not the East or West Coast; it’s the Great Lakes Indiana coast,” she explains. “We’re the ‘in’ coast and the ‘in’ place to be.”

Soffin wears a lot of T-shirts, so she decided to make the T-shirts that she, her friends and Indiana beach goers were looking to wear. She recalls that, although Eric was supportive of her plan, he remained somewhat skeptical of the demand, so she started small by ordering 24 men’s, 24 women’s, and 24 children’s red T-shirts.

Her friend, graphic designer Colby Aitchison, took Soffin’s sketches and created the “IN” Coast logo that went on the shirts, and Soffin set up a Facebook page.

The “IN” Coast launched in November 2016 and, driven primarily through word-of-mouth sales, in four days all 72 shirts were sold.

“I knew I had something big,” she says.

Soffin calls her loyal customer base her “IN coasters.” They love

that the beach-ready products reflect the unique charm of Northwest Indiana’s industry-meets-nature coastline, which is one of the most biodiverse environments in the world. With a degree in food marketing from Western Michigan University and experience in marketing for Kraft Foods and E. & J. Gallo Winery, Soffin says, “I can market the heck out of something.” Yet it isn’t just products that she’s selling; she’s promoting the feel-good pride of her beloved Northwest Indiana beaches and the love-of-all-things-outdoors lifestyle that she enjoys with her family. It’s a love that inspires her to give back through causes such as Save the Dunes, Alliance for the Great Lakes

Adopt-a-Beach program, the Izaak Walton League of America, and the Shirley Heinze Land Trust.

Soffin, who also coaches softball and basketball and is a substitute teacher and Run Club coach at her children’s Discovery Charter School, says that Eric is her behind-the-scenes, silent partner, and calls Maddie and Max her sidekicks. She has enjoyed every moment of her “mompreneur” adventure. “It’s been the best ride,” she says. “Like me, my people feel a sense of community and pride in where we live. It’s our kind of perfect.”

FIND IT HERE To get your beach swag, go to theincoast.com or visit these retail locations: Lifestyles 122 E Lincolnway Valparaiso Treasures by the Lake 617 Franklin St Michigan City Camp Stop General Store 2 W Dunes Hwy Beverly Shores Along the South Shore 7770 Corrine Dr Hammond Wells Street Beach 9501 Lake Shore Dr Gary Wednesdays 5:30-8:30pm

(Coming Soon) Beachwalk Resort 202 Beachwalk Ln Michigan City For fans and friends of the Michigan coast or the Ohio Lake Erie coast, the “MI” Coast and “OH” Coast are also available on theincoast.com.

SAV E T H E DATE

W hat ’s h ap p e n i ng a ro und N o rthwest In d ian a

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Rock N Rail Downtown Griffith | griffith.in.gov Food, arts and crafts, street vendors, a beer garden, live music, a kids’ zone and family entertainment take over downtown Griffith.

SEPT 9

Oktoberfest Locavore Farm, 16146 E County Line Rd, Grant Park, Ill. | 5-10pm | locavorefarm.com An end-of-summer celebration with local fare, craft beers, live music, a pumpkin patch, family-friendly games and an artisan market.

Portage Brewfest Founders Square Park Portage 4pm VIP admission, 5-8pm general admission, 8-10pm concert and beer garden| portagebrewfest.com Unlimited craft beer tasting, plus food trucks and a DJ. A concert by Nawty and a beer garden follow.

Valparaiso Popcorn Festival Downtown Valparaiso 7am-6:30pm valparaisoevents.com The 39th annual celebration of all things popcorn, including the five-mile Popcorn Panic, the nation’s first Popcorn Parade and family-fun activities for all ages.

SEPT 14 - O C T 1 5

Big River Theatre at the Center 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster theatreatthecenter.com The adventures of Huckleberry Finn come to life in a musical journey of Huck and his friend Jim as they run into characters from several American classics.

SEPT 15 -1 6 , 2 2-2 3

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Buckley Homestead County Park 3606 Belshaw Rd Lowell Performance times vary

lakecountyparks.com Tour the homestead in search of Ichabod Crane as the excitement of classic literature comes to life.

SEPT 16

Brews & Blues Festival Festival Park, 111 E Old Ridge Rd, Hobart 3pm cityofhobart.org An evening of craft beer and the soulful sounds of the Kinsey Report.

Sunflower Fair Michigan Ave downtown LaPorte | 8am-4pm sunflowerfair.com Food, entertainment and rides, plus more than 150 vendors, a rib cookoff, an art walk and more.

World Cultural Festival Central Park Plaza Valparaiso noon-5pm valpovic.org A family-friendly day of food, fun and entertainment celebrating the cultural diversity of Northwest Indiana.

SEPT 23

Hooked on Art Live Street Art Festival Thomas Centennial Park, 109 Broadway Chesterton 9am-4pm hookedonartfestival.com Interactive art activities, live music and street artists, chalk artists, food and more.

O CT 6 - 8

Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival 219.395.1882 nps.gov/indu Hike, paddle, bike, saddle and explore with outdoor activities planned throughout the greater dunes region.

O CT 1 2

Chefs Around the Table Porter County Expo Center and Fairgrounds

Comp iled by As hl ey B oyer 215 Division Rd Valparaiso | 5-8:30pm empowerpc.org Sample the favorite dishes of 80 gentlemen “chefs.” Proceeds benefit Empower Porter County, working to reduce substance abuse throughout Porter County.

O CT 14

Munster Ale Fest Centennial Park, Munster | noon VIP admission, 1-4:30pm general admission | munsteralefest.com.

Craft beers and hard ciders from Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and beyond, plus food and live music.

O CT 21

Haunting in Hammond EAT, 5201 Hohman Ave, Hammond 5pm-midnight An adult costume party follows a Halloween-themed parade through downtown Hammond.

P O P - U P M A RK 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.

SE P T 8 - 9

Fetching Market Lansing Municipal Airport 3250 Bob Malkas Dr Lynwood, IL 5-9pm Fri, 10am-5pm Sat 708.895.9465 fetchingmarket.com

SE P T 1 5 -1 6

Hunt & Gather Market Lake County Fairgrounds 889 S Court St Crown Point 5-10pm Fri, 10am-5pm Sat

O CT 6 -7

Three Little Birds Market Porter County Expo Center 215 E Division Rd Valparaiso

FRESH SUSTENANCE Area re staurants enri c h t hei r menus wi t h lo call y sourced foods

By Eve Ad a ms P hotog ra p hy by Katelyn Pruitt

Chef Scott Hinkle of 54 Main Bistro in Hobart

More than a handful of our area’s best restaurants are using the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Chefs are being resourceful in finding exceptional foods to create one-of-a-kind menus and the entire approach is creating somewhat of a social movement toward celebrating local foods.

George Djurovic, owner and chef of Main and Lincoln Restaurant in downtown Valparaiso, strives to use the best ingredients on his chef-driven menu. Using recently harvested produce is better for the environment and supports the local economy, he says. “When it comes to fresh, local is always better,” he adds.

The superb quality of the local produce and knowing it was grown without any harsh chemicals doesn’t compare to using non-local or, as the chef calls it, “commodity” produce.

The Valparaiso Farmers Market and the Goshen Farmers Market are two chef favorites where organic and heirloom vegetables are acquired first thing in the morning and then plated that same evening. Scott Hinkle, owner and chef of 54 Main Bistroin Hobart, uses pasture-raised pork and only 22

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grass-fed, non-GMO (non-genetically modified) beef from a farm in Middlebury, Indiana. He also goes “foraging” to search for exceptional morel mushrooms, wild onions, fiddlehead ferns, and even delicate edible flowers to use on his made-from-scratch daily menu. Chef Hinkle also favors his very own plot at an urban garden, where he grows a variety of the fresh produce used in his kitchen.

Both Main and Lincoln and 54 Main Bistro’s menus change seasonally and are developed according to what produce is available. That’s why, during the long cold winter months, they tend to incorporate more produce that is non-local.

“Beggars can’t be choosers when it comes to using local foods,” Djurovic says. “Mother Nature holds all the cards.” At 54 Main Bistro, Chef Hinkle accumulates many root vegetables from the past growing season, storing them for hearty stews and soups on the winter menu.

According to Chef Djurovic, there isn’t a big cost difference between buying local fresh versus commodity when

purchasing comparable items.

However, seasonality plays a big role in expense. “Local strawberries are now considerably less expensive than what is found in the grocery store,” Djurovic says, “but they are allowed to ripen on their own and not in a warehouse somewhere.” Serving fresh locally sourced ingredients appears to be rewarding in many ways for these two chefs.

A patron at Main and Lincoln may not know when ordering a burger the behind-the-scenes process that is involved in its preparation. So what makes this burger a customer favorite?

First, it is made from hand-trimmed choice beef chuck that is ground in-house daily. Djurovic explains that the chuck is the shoulder muscle, which has more flavor and a perfect ratio of meat to fat.

The burger is grilled to order and served on a brioche bun, with just-cut lettuce, tomato and grilled caramelized onions.

Diners have the option to top it off with cheese, bacon or an over-easy egg. Customers are happy and the regulars keep coming back for the fresh local ingredients that they can’t find just anywhere.

LOCAL RESTAURANTS WITH LOCAL FOODS

5 4 M A I N B I ST R O

54 Main St, Hobart bistro54main.com

FA R M HO U S E R ESTAU R A N T AT FA I R OA KS FARM S 754 N 1200 W, Fair Oaks fofarms.com

F ID D L E H E A D R ESTAU R A N T

422 Franklin St, Michigan City fiddleheadmc.com

M AI N & LI NCO LN

210 E Lincolnway, Valparaiso mainandlincoln.com

O CTAVE GRI LL

137 S Calumet Rd, Chesterton octavegrill.com

T HI RD COAST SP I CE CAFÉ

761 Indian Boundary Rd, Chesterton thirdcoastspice.com

THE BESTSELLERS

4 lo cal b rewe r ies sha re t hei r greatest hi ts

By Er in Cruce

Northwest Indiana’s craft beer community is continuously expanding, with more and more microbreweries popping up all the time. Playing an integral role in this expansion, each brewery hones in on its own unique style to create a comfortable atmosphere for any craft beer lover and foodie to indulge in.

We asked four local breweries to name one of their bestselling beers, along with a food item off their menu that it pairs best with. Instead of just sipping on a pint of beer, patrons can add to the

Photo: Lindsay Gallup/3 Floyds Brewing Co.

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brewpub experience with a bite to eat to enhance and complement the flavors of both.

Gather around the bar to catch a view of the latest game, grab a table in the crowd, or in some cases appreciate a quiet, mellow evening outside on the patio. No matter which brewery you decide to go with, you’ll find music mixed with conversational chatter, topped with gregarious staff, and filled with a welcoming environment to give you those feel-good vibes that you crave.

18TH STREET BREWERY 5417 N Oakley Ave, Hammond 5725 Miller Ave, Gary 18thstreetbrewery.com

FEATURED BESTSELLER:

Best Patio Pilsner Best Patio Pils is a crisp and refreshing 4.8 percent pilsner, perfect for a sunny afternoon on the patio.

PAIRED WITH:

Briskie 24-hour smoked beef brisket with brown sugar and spices, fig, ancho chile and Hunter BBQ sauce, napa cabbage and pickled horseradish slaw, served open face.

WHY?

The crisp and refreshing nature of the Best Patio Pils pairs perfectly with the rich, full smoky flavors of 18th Street’s house smoked brisket.

3 FLOYDS BREWING CO. 9750 Indiana Pkwy, Munster 3floyds.com

FEATURED BESTSELLER:

Zombie Dust This intensely hopped and gushing undead Pale Ale will be one’s only respite after the zombie apocalypse.

PAIRED WITH:

Cheese Curds Curds from Clock Shadow Creamery, togarashi tempura, kimchi aioli, pickled red peppers, scallions.

WHY?

Zombie Dust’s citrus notes complement the spice of the kimchi aioli. The creaminess of the Clock Shadow Creamery curds lends a nice contrast to the hop character of Zombie Dust.

And there’s Zombie Dust in the togarashi tempura batter.

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FIGURE EIGHT BREWING 150 Washington St, Valparaiso figure8brewing.com

FEATURED BESTSELLER:

Deadpoint IPA Cascade, Centennial, Citra and Bramling Cross hops make this IPA a satisfying treat for any hop head. A bold citrus nose and flavor is followed by a slightly sweet finish.

PAIRED WITH:

Build Your Own (BYO) Burger Half-pound Black Angus burger (or substitute grilled chicken breast) on brioche bun, pretzel roll, toasted rye bread or toasted spent grain bread, and endless toppings and cheeses.

WHY?

These two go well together because the Deadpoint IPA is a bold, refreshing beer that both cuts and complements the robust flavors of the BYO Burger options.

BURN ’EM BREWING 718 Freyer Rd, Michigan City burnembrewing.com

FEATURED BESTSELLER: The Hop Parade - India Pale Ale This brew is hopped with Nugget, Super Galena, Chinook, Columbus and Citra to accentuate a delightful bitterness, and is heavily dry-hopped with Citra and Nugget hops bursting with juicy peach and mango notes in the flavor profile and aroma.

PAIRED WITH:

Soft Pretzels and Pimento Beer Cheese Two spent grain soft pretzels made by Michigan City-based Arturo’s Baked Goods and More, with a house-made cheddar pimento beer cheese spread prepared by Chef Blake.

WHY?

Seemingly the most accurate way to describe a “dank” India pale ale is comparing it to a specific cheese you admire, which is why any India pale is a perfect pair for a funky aromatic aged cheese.

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MORE THAN A MARKET Over 150 of the best artists, designers, makers, creators & vintage collectors

Full Bar Gourmet Food Live music

FRIDAY | SEPT. 15 | 5 - 10 SATURDAY | SEPT. 16 | 10 - 5 Five Dollar General Admission Lake County Fairgrounds 889 S Court St. Crown Point, IN 46307

Hunt & Gather Market

H U N T& G AT H E R readheremag.com

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TH E A L M I GH T Y A P P L E Farm fresh dishes for the fall palate Food by Jorge Sullon Styling and Photography by Amy Sheree Every season has a signature food or two, and the apple is the most beloved of fall’s fruits. The early autumn months are when the apple harvest is most bountiful, and when apple picking becomes a frequent family activity in Northwest Indiana. Those in search of a recipe beyond the standard pie or applesauce will appreciate these offerings from Chef Jorge Sullon of Farmhouse Restaurant at Fair Oaks Farms.

APPLE CHUTNEY

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground ginger ½ teaspoon ground allspice 2 tablespoons kosher salt 2 teaspoons fine black pepper 1 cup sugar 12 apples 4 shallots 4 garlic cloves ¼ cup olive oil 2 cinnamon sticks ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Combine ground spices, salt, pepper and sugar, then set aside.

Core and dice apples into medium-sized cubes, then combine with spice/sugar mixture.

Mince shallots and garlic. Combine in a sauce pot with olive oil and cinnamon sticks. Sauté over medium-high heat until aromatic. Add apple mixture and vinegar.

Continue to cook over low heat, continually stirring, until apples are soft.

Transfer to an appropriate container. Label, date and store under refrigeration.

APPLE CHIPS

4 apples 1 cup apple juice ½ cup white wine ½ cup lemon juice ½ cup simple syrup

1.

2.

3.

4.

Combine all ingredients except apples.

Slice apples on a mandoline (thin side).

Add apples to the brine and set aside for 10 minutes.

Put apples on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30 minutes at 150 degrees F.

About the Farmhouse The menu items at Farmhouse Restaurant are grown and harvested right there on the Fair Oaks property, ensuring a fresh, sustainable dining experience for guests.

Farmhouse Restaurant at Fair Oaks Farms 754 N 1200 W, Fair Oaks fofarms.com readheremag.com

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MAKER CLASS DIY pa r ty la nter ns

HERE magazine has partnered with local makers who have generously offered to share their expertise. In this issue, Ashley Carson of Ashley Thunder Events gives a simple tutorial on how to make your own party lanterns.

Time: 35 minutes Cost: $30 Supplies: Mini candle shades in white or cream Acrylic paint and paper plate and/or Rit dye Twine/string Scissors Sponge brushes (if painting) Sink or bucket with water (if dip-dyeing) String lights (optional)

ASHLEY THUNDER EVENTS Based in LaPorte ashleythunder.com Photography by Brandi Lee

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1. Decorate If Dyeing: Fill sink or bucket with warm water and add dye. Dip bottom of shades in dye and and let dry on paper towel.

If Painting: Add colors of paint to paper plate and use sponge brushes to create simple modern shapes.

2. Cut string in different lengths and tie to metal clips in mini shades.

Placement Suggestions: Hang the lanterns together above a table centerpiece, in the corner of the room above a bar cart, or above a dessert or statement table. They would also look adorable in the corner of a kids playroom or nursery.

Bonus Idea: Attach mini lanterns to string lighting for a fun lighting touch to any party or backyard oasis. readheremag.com

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PAST THE MESS A Crow n Po int coupl e bri ngs new l i fe to an a ba ndoned home

I nt ro by Julia Per la H uisma n P hotogra phy by Jessica d eKoc k

When Chad and Katelynn Jansma began their house-hunting process a couple of years ago, they had two options: a remodeled, move-in-ready home, or a long-vacant house that needed “more work than most could wrap their minds around,” Katelynn says. Surprisingly, they chose the latter.

Somehow, Katelynn says, she knew this rundown house in Crown Point was “The One” after walking into just two rooms, and since then that conviction has proven to be true. “Most people thought we were in way over our heads with this one, but from the moment this house became ours a whole new journey unfolded for us.”

After months of remodeling, Katelynn, a nurse who also blogs at graceonwestblog.com, gave each room her magic touch, infusing a simple, light and airy theme throughout the farmhouse-style décor. She and Chad share the cozy home with their 4-year-old daughter Emelia, a bulldog named Hooch and a bunny named Snowball.

“I could see my family here,” Katelynn says of that first moment she fell in love with the house. “I could see my little girl growing up in this place. I could hear her little feet running across those old, original hardwood floors. I saw past the mess and in my heart I knew we could create something more.”

Katelynn walks us through her home and shares how it all came to be.

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I shop at resale stores and I love to take pieces that need a little love and transform them into something more. This chair was purchased from a resale store and a new pillow and cushion were placed on it. The sign above the chair was purchased from House of Belonging, which is one of my favorite small shops I found through Instagram. It was extremely important for me to incorporate purchases from small businesses and shops throughout our home. There’s something special about the feeling behind handmade and I truly believe that love continues to flow from that piece forever.

Our eat-in kitchen area is one of my favorite spots in our home. I wanted to create a space here that just made you want to sit quietly with a cup of coffee. We chose to continue hardwood throughout our entire first floor and match the existing, original hardwood which was sanded down and refinished. I purchased the sign above our window from another small shop, The Graced House.

The back hallway was so full of water damage when we purchased this house that most of the ceiling was cut out and replaced. We chose to shiplap this entire space and I think it is such a beautiful surprise element as you exit our kitchen. That lace curtain hanging over our backdoor window was given to me by my grandmother and lets the perfect amount of light in every day.

I chose to keep our bedroom simple and bright. My father-in-law made our headboard, which is one of the most cherished pieces in our home. To complement it, I chose creams and whites for the bedding and added a beaded chandelier.

EM BRACING THE PHYSI CAL OVE R T HE DI GI TAL

By Shannon Rooney Image by Brad Wolf

When was the last time you listened to a cassette tape? Did you exchange mix tapes with a high school crush? How about mix CDs or songs you recorded as they played on the radio? The rise of the information age has all but “killed the radio star,” as the ’80s anthem goes. As a culture, we’ve shifted to the immediate gratification of streaming music and other digital media, which means many of us are plugged into our digital devices all the time.

More often, texting takes the place of face-to-face conversations. Parents are tracking their kids’ “screen time” in an effort to stem the flow of digital attention-vacuums such as YouTube cartoons into their children’s lives. Office jobs keep workers attached to laptops after we leave the office for the day. Screens are ubiquitous. Is it any wonder our attention spans are becoming shorter and our interpersonal interactions fewer and farther between?

Enter the analog.

There is a whole movement of people who prefer old-school devices to our current digitized reality. Mix tapes, vinyl records, stationery, paper planners—all are old-fashioned ways of presenting data that we see and hear digitally every day. But those who still use them are dedicated to keeping them alive for reasons of simple enjoyment. The bonus is less screen time and more interaction with the people and pastimes they enjoy.

Could the analog be part of the antidote to a life spent on screens?

TU N E I N

Musician and record producer Jonathan JP Parker currently owns around 200 albums on vinyl, “which is significantly less than I had owned in the late ’80s,” he says. “At one point I probably owned close to 800 record albums and 45s.”

Parker owns 7 Spin Music Studios in Valparaiso and says the sonic quality of analog music, especially record albums, is “far superior” to that of digital music.

“The warmth and overall feel of analog music cannot be replicated in the digital realm,” Parker says. “Inherently, digital information is based on a rigid representation of ones and zeros. That’s great for collecting data and gathering large amounts of information into a small space, but not so good for music.”

Parker acknowledges the benefit of digitizing music is storing a lot of files in a small space. But the quality lost is something that has concerned enough artists and producers that the music industry has seen a resurgence in vinyl.

Parker explains, “Due in large part to DJs still spinning vinyl and more artists making their product available as record albums, vinyl sales have increased by 260 percent from 2009, with 9.2 million sold in 2014 and 11.9 million in 2015.”

W R I T E I T D OW N Like music, other industries have seen a return to the analog, making an art form of objects that were once simply mediums. For example, handwritten to-do lists, paper planners, and written notes have been largely thrown-over in

favor of email, digital calendar and note-keeping platforms. But the art of “snail mail” and physical planners are being rescued by those dedicated to putting hand to paper.

Katie Sannito, owner of the Gourmet Goddess in Munster, uses handwritten notes to give her business a personal touch. She loves a good stationery store and uses all manner of paper to stay in touch and organize her life.

“I think letter- or note-writing has become a lost art in this fast-paced digital world,” Sannito says. “Too many times people think an email, text or a Facebook comment are suitable communication. A well-thought-out, handwritten note or letter is timeless and I think greatly appreciated by the one receiving it because it lets them know that you took the time to think of them.

That never goes out of style, personally or professionally.”

Jamie Bruinsma, owner of after8handmade in Crown Point, also organizes her life on paper, using a hard-copy planner. “I have always been the sort of person who loves the feel of paper and a high-quality pen,” Bruinsma says. “I love to write. Many have asked if my handwriting was a font.”

Bruinsma runs her five-person household and her business out of her planner, and says it’s a boon to her efficiency. Every appointment, school reminder and custom business order gets added to the planner.

To those who are interested in transitioning from digital to handwritten planning, Bruinsma offers encouragement: “There’s just something about seeing your life in front of you, away from a screen. I feel more in control and less screen needy.”

H OW TO UN P LUG

If you want to unplug from the digital realm but can’t seem to resist the siren call of your screen, you’re not alone. “Oftentimes people are not aware of how much time they spend in front of screens,” says professional life coach Jamie Monday, owner of Grace Life Coaching in Crown Point.

Monday advises her clients to keep a log of their screen time, because the first step is assessing the problem. “We need to bring more awareness into how much time we are spending in front of screens, because oftentimes it is not a productive use of our time and it is taking us away from relationships or just accomplishing daily tasks.”

The next step is changing your routine. “Put your phone in the glove box so you don’t check it while driving,” Monday says. “Put your phone in your purse when you are out to dinner so you don’t go on it. Do something different when you get home from work instead of sitting in the same chair and watching TV all night.

You may even need to leave your phone at home or turn it off for periods of the day.”

There are even apps such as Freedom that can block your use of distracting websites. Google “social media fast,” and, ironically, you’ll find a wealth of resources for “detoxing” from your social media channels.

The benefits of disconnecting include better sleep, stress recovery, and more meaningful face-to-face interactions. In place of your screens, plug in get-togethers with friends, group meet-ups based on your hobbies—such as a book club—or local cultural events.

Carving out more time away from the digital can be as simple as filling your calendar with the people and pastimes that mean the most to you.

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

B ACK TO T H E LAND Why the Jones family moved to a farm‌ and invited everyone in

By Seth Hurd

Photography by Brad Wolf and Michelle Hamstra

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If you think hosting guests for dinner sounds stressful, imagine upping the guest list to 100, seated at one custom-made, continuous family dining table. All ingredients for the meals must come within 25 miles of the dining location. Oh, and you’re not just throwing a single dinner party, but a series that lasts all summer long.

It may seem intense, but farmer/owner/party thrower Rachael Jones of Locavore Farm would counter that as tough as it is to grow, cook and serve a feast from a five-acre plot of land (and repeat every two weeks or so), suburban life may be tougher still.

Burned out from the constant stress of careers, commuting, kids’ activities and trying to hold the fraying ends of life together, Rachael and her husband Chris looked at each other on the couch one night and realized there was a solution: just quit.

“I would leave the house to go to work every morning, and my husband would as well,” Rachael shares via a cell phone interview conducted as she weeds the garden. “We would get home around six, rush to get dinner, and end the day exhausted. We realized everything was outsourced, everything was convenient. We didn’t have the pleasure like we do now of saying, ‘We built that.’ There was something sad and missing.”

The quiet discontent continued to simmer, until a cold night in early 2014 when it boiled over. Chris looked at Rachael and said, “I’ve got to get out of here.”

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WHEN WE DECIDED TO GROW FOOD, SELL OUR HOUSE, LEAVE OUR JOBS AND LIVE ON A FARM, WE DID THAT PRETTY QUICK.

FROM SUBUR B TO FA RM I N FI VE MO NT H S FL AT Rachael and Chris met in May of 1998. Within a month they were dating. Engaged by Fourth of July, the couple tied the knot that September in a whirlwind romance. “We’re ‘jump and go’ risk takers,” Rachael explains with a laugh. “When we decided to grow food, sell our house, leave our jobs and live on a farm, we did that pretty quick.”

The couple knew they were ready to make a change, but were a long way from a formal business plan. As they began to look at their options, it became apparent that keeping Chicago connections would be important. Chris would also need to hang on to his day job as a biomedical engineer in downtown Chicago.

“Grant Park is the closest to nowhere you can go from Chicago,” Rachael says of the town located in Illinois but just west of the Indiana border, near Lowell. After the fateful conversation with Chris, she had coffee with a friend, who had an employee putting her farm on the market in Grant Park. Located 43 miles south of Chicago, the location provided ample room to grow and share food, without being too far away for Chris to continue at his job.

The Jones family visited the farm in a blizzard, and on the 45-minute drive home decided to take the plunge. Five months later, they had sold their house in the suburbs and were officially first-time farmers.

The first few weeks were spent out under the sun and stars, discovering life at a more organic pace and watching their children, now 8-year-old Nathanael and 5-year-old Evelyn, discover the joy of rural life.

“As our mindset began to slow down, we began to hear the whisper of our dream, which was not just to grow food for ourselves. We’ve always been entertainers, always been sharers.

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“Hospitality is something my husband and I have the gift of together.”

As the family began to enjoy dinners together, Rachael realized that she didn’t just want to share organic produce, but the experience of eating with loved ones in a relaxed, country setting. The idea of a massive table, set outdoors within feet of where the food had been harvested, came next.

After a full winter of woodworking for Chris and a friend to piece together a custom-made, 100-foot table, the couple still weren’t sure of how their rough idea of local food, hospitality and a rural locale would come together. But they forged ahead anyway. Rachael put in a massive garden, including 196 tomato plants.

FROM F OUR AT DINNE R … TO FO U R H U NDRE D True to their style of figuring it out as they go, the Jones family held a “dress rehearsal” in May 2015 for their big unveiling as a local dining farm. One month later, Locavore Farm fed 400 people in one day, 100 at a time seated around the custom table, at noon, 2, 4 and 6 p.m.

“When we see the word ‘locavore,’ we see the word ‘loco’ in there and we see the word ‘love’ in there,” Rachael adds.

If that sounds like more than two adults and two elementary school students can handle, that’s because it is. “When we moved out to the country, people from the suburbs said, ‘How are your kids going to be readheremag.com

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WE’RE JUST SERVING THE FOOD WE GROW DIFFERENTLY.

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well socialized?’” she says. “We have made friends with neighbors, and regularly welcome people who want to get their hands dirty to help. Old relatives show back up. We have a massive group of volunteers who surround us leading up to each event. They are also the ones who bartend, serve and wash dishes during every dinner.”

So is Locavore a catering company? A restaurant? According to Rachael, “We’re a farm that has dinners.

We’re just serving the food we grow differently. We’re not bringing the food we grow to a farmers market or supplying local restaurants. We’re preparing it, and it’s going right to the end user.”

Far from a standalone movement, Locavore draws from 26 area farms in Kankakee County to complete their ingredient list. The beer on tap is brewed in nearby Bourbonnais at Brickstone Brewery, with a bar rounded out by red and white wine and “Farmer Jones’ signature Bourbon Lemonade.”

And the schedule? That’s pretty jam packed. Locavore hosts a biweekly dinner through the summer and fall, as well as four dinners in 2017 as part of a countywide effort to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who built two iconic homes in the county. In addition to the meal, guests are treated to live music, hayrides, fishing and a bonfire with a gourmet s’mores bar.

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MEAL S AS A MEANS TO RE L AT I O NSH I P S More than just the food and drink, Chris and Rachael hope their guests leave not just with satisfied stomachs and relaxed spirits, but with a renewed sense of how vital community is.

That communal spirit isn’t just a marketing concept, but what the Jones family depends on day in and day out to continue to operate Locavore. When a pipe burst, threatening to flood the basement before a plumber could make the drive out to the farm, neighbors rushed in to help. The realities of being somewhat apart from modern services and conveniences mean relationships with peers and neighbors grow more quickly than in places where Uber, takeout and a local plumber are never more than a phone call or an app click away.

“Whether you are on the farm, in the city or in the burbs, we need community,” Rachael says. “Since starting Locavore, our family has become more aware of that in our lives.”

Which is the real beauty beyond Locavore Farm. For all the sweat, stress and sleepless nights required to pull off serving a gourmet, locally sourced meal to thousands each year, the real harvest is not just the meal on the table, but the people gathered around it.

ON T HE M E N U

The following dishes are examples of what’s served at a Dine on the Land dinner at Locavore.

Amuse - Grilled semolina flatbread with kale pesto Starter - Strawberry and tamarind pork tenderloin, charred herb salsa, bourbon braised mustard seed Salad - Arugula, tatsoi, kalettes, red mustard greens, ember charred green onion, hard egg mimosa, and mustard vinaigrette

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Main - Strawberry and bourbon glazed chicken with plancha turnips and radishes, charred Napa cabbage, blistered snap peas Dessert - Honey cornbread crumble, basil whipped cream, last of the harvest strawberries, bourbon balsamic reduction

LOCAVORE FA RM

County Line Rd, Grant Park, Ill. locavorefarm.com

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BEAUTY AND

RUIN Bringing new life to old Gary landmarks

By Mark Loehrke Photography by Katelyn Pruitt 50

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TYRELL ANDERSON GATHERED A COLLECTIVE OF LOCAL ARTISTS TO BRING NEW LIFE TO THE HISTORICAL GARY UNION STATION.

There’s more than one approach to urban renewal.

There are those, for instance, who might pass the tattered remains of a once majestic civic treasure and helplessly lament the lost glories of the past, while others might argue in favor of leveling that past altogether to wipe the slate clean and clear the way for an as-yet-undetermined future.

Then there is Tyrell Anderson. When this 31-year-old Gary native looks around at the faded architectural gems of his hometown, he sees not a sepia-toned longing for days gone by, nor a purely economic-driven plan to tear things down and start anew. Anderson’s vision instead involves breathing new life into the classic old buildings of Gary’s vibrant past, a mission he pursues with a collective of similarly proud and artistic residents and friends known as the Decay Devils.

“We want to change the culture,” Anderson says in explaining the group’s philosophy. “Our mission is a simple one—to restore and repurpose historical landmarks. Many people suggest that we tear down old buildings and replace them with modern structures. But hopefully we can adopt the blueprints of Rome, New Orleans, Savannah and other cities that have used their landmarks to teach history and attract tourism.”

F ROM THE START A Purdue University graduate and employee of U.S. Steel, Anderson is also an accomplished photographer who has long trained his lens on many 52

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of Gary’s impressive but neglected structures. Taking a cue from artistically inspired restoration projects in and around Detroit, his interest in the potential of these old buildings led to the founding of the Decay Devils, a group of like-minded artists and urban explorers willing to step up to the challenge.

After becoming a nonprofit organization in 2015 and embarking upon a great deal of research, a tireless grant campaign and various events around town to raise awareness of its mission, the group began work this past spring on its first high-profile project—the clean-up, restoration and reimagining of historical Gary Union Station. With more than 80 volunteers and visionaries on hand, the group set out to transform the 1910 National Historic Landmark from abandoned transportation hub to revitalized urban space through a combination of colorful murals, artistic lighting and other creative touches. The broader goal, of course, was to restore not just a building, but a sense of pride for what Gary once was and optimism for what it might yet become.

“We would like the Union Station to be a place where everyone feels welcomed,” Anderson says. “Most of the citizens in Northwest Indiana wouldn’t be here if their grandparents or great-grandparents didn’t venture here for work through the Union Station.

When we make everyone feel welcome and comfortable, we will hopefully repair relationships with not just a community but large businesses as well.”

The message is certainly beginning to be heard, as

U.S. Steel recently dedicated manpower and equipment to clear land, build benches and donate gravel to help the Decay Devils complete the Union Station project. It’s also an effort that has drawn the interest of at least one other prominent fan in the city.

“We often encourage our young people not to forget about home when they go to college, travel and experience new places and ideas,” says Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson. “So it was exciting to know that a group of young people—many of whom are Garyites—would have an interest in bringing their talents and experiences home to help in our efforts to repurpose viable historic and vacant structures in the city’s downtown. This type of effort is an enormous help to the city and particularly now, when we are making a concerted effort toward revitalization. Of

course, cleaning up Union Station was a huge task, but soon we will see a completed project and some of the awesome artistic talents of the group as a permanent marker in our city of their hard work.”

NE XT ST E P S Even as the Union Station work wraps up, Anderson is already thinking ahead to new projects for the Decay Devils to tackle, with ideas in mind for Memorial Auditorium, the shuttered Ming Ling restaurant on Lake Street and the old Miller Town Hall. But first up is an effort called Super Size Me, which is more about community-building than actual physical buildings.

“We’ll be taking life-size games out to the community to create events around them,” Anderson explains.

“The goal is to get citizens out of the house, engage

U.S. STEEL IS PARTNERING WITH DECAY DEVILS TO COMPLETE THE REMAINDER OF THE BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT, DONATING A MINIMUM OF FIVE DAYS TO THE PROJECT, PLUS CONCRETE, GRAVEL, SIX BENCHES, AND A DECORATIVE FENCE. PICTURED [LEFT TO RIGHT] ARE BEN FIDONE, CARY CRISMAN, GUS ATSAS, TYRELL ANDERSON, LORI GONZALEZ (DECAY DEVILS SECRETARY), AND PAT MONROE.

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GET INVOLVED To learn more about Decay Devils or to volunteer, visit decaydevils.org.

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U.S. STEEL PLANT MANAGER MARK TABLER [LEFT] AGREED TO THE PARTNERSHIP, AND BOB LANGE [RIGHT] HELPED DETERMINE THE MANPOWER AND NUMBER OF HOURS DEDICATED TO COMPLETING THE PROJECT.

them to determine what changes they would like to see and build a stronger community bond. We will then take those ideas and use them to fuel our future projects. With a strong community backing, we can hopefully secure more funding to bring those ideas to life.”

In order to keep moving forward and taking on bold new projects, however, Anderson and his compatriots will have to continue to deal with the ever-present nuts-and-bolts challenge of running an all-volunteer group—a simple lack of time.

“All of our members have full-time jobs and don’t have the luxury to dedicate extensive amounts of time for volunteer efforts,” he says. “So on our end we have been actively seeking new members who can help us push our efforts forward. We love what we do, but we definitely are looking to expand our base.”

This labor of love has an emphasis on the hard work, to be sure, but Anderson believes the importance of the Decay Devils is more than worth the effort he and his fellow artists have put into it. On a personal level, his experience in running the group has resulted in new travels, new friendships and a renewed appreciation for his hometown. And on a civic level, he thinks the Decay Devils are helping to change the typical discussions surrounding both Gary and the concept of urban renewal.

“I think we offer something unique and fresh for the city,” he says. “Our projects have been able to bridge gaps among a wide variety of age ranges and backgrounds, and the positive energy that surrounds our work is amazing. We are grateful that the city took a chance and allowed us to bring this to life.”then take those ideas and use them to fuel our future projects.

With a strong community backing, we can hopefully secure more funding to bring those ideas to life.” readheremag.com

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UNDER THE LIGHTS A collective gathering of creative minds 56

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Every once in a while, you stumble upon the perfect night. The setting, the company and the elements all magically merge in a cosmic blend that leaves you feeling exuberant and free from all worry, as if there is nowhere else in the world you would rather be.

This was one of those nights.

words | Julia Perla Huisman

photos | Brad Wolf

When the idea for HERE magazine began germinating in my head, I knew it would only work if I had a support network behind me. Of course, I already had support among my friends and family, but this required more. Birthing and raising an independently owned magazine is much like birthing and raising a child: it takes a village.

It didn’t take me long to assemble my village. Within about 10 minutes, I had a notebook page full of names—writers, photographers, designers, stylists and creative entrepreneurs with whom I had previously worked in one way or another. A final glance at my list left me breathless: “Whoa,” I thought.

“How did I become associated with

so many rock stars?” It was a humbling but exhilarating moment.

I sent a message to each person individually, asking if they would join me on this adventure as a “brand ambassador.” It would require their input and promotion to their networks, plus their hard work on certain projects. But I hoped they knew that this was a mutually beneficial relationship. Not only did the magazine need the village, but the village needed the magazine. A publication like this serves merely as a vessel to bring a community together, to tell the stories of the aforementioned rock stars and many others like them. The people on my list must have recognized this, because every single one of

them said yes right away. Within a couple of hours, I had built one incredible team.

They helped me name the magazine. They offered story ideas.

They kept me going when I was discouraged. Their consistently uplifting presence kept me sane during the early stages of insanity that every new business owner experiences. And when it finally came time to put the magazine’s content together, they stepped up to the plate and delivered. Pro bono, at that.

They deserved some love. We all deserved some time to kick back and celebrate our hard work.

There were two things I knew I wanted for this event: a yard with lots of greenery, and vintage string lights. It would be a backyard dinner party, elegant but relaxed. And it would be photographed and featured in the magazine so everyone could meet the ambassadors who had selflessly given of their time and who, let’s face it, deserve the exposure.

(Again, rock stars.)

My friends Ashley and Mark Spencer’s Crown Point home had the perfect backyard, exactly what I pictured for this party, and graciously offered to host us. We ordered my must-have string lights.

And somehow, the caterer (Oh Catering), musicians

(The Siegfrieds), event planner (Mad Momma Events), and florist (Sugarfield Flowers) all agreed to donate their services for the party.

These people are the best of the best, and I got to partner with them on an event for a little magazine I was building from my dining room. It felt like a dream.

As the party drew near, however, I began to worry that it would be awkward. After all, I was the only one who would know every person there. High school-like fears began flooding my mind. Would there be cliques? Would the people who didn’t know anyone be standing alone all night, counting down the minutes until it ended?

Even worse, what if it rained?

Suddenly I wondered if this might have been a mistake.

It wasn’t.

Finally, the night arrived and one by one, thirty guests appeared in the Spencers’ gloriously green yard dressed in polished but understated attire that reflected this event—and this magazine—to a T. I hadn’t even thought to provide a dress code; they all just knew what to wear.

More proof that I chose the perfect people to represent HERE. While the soothing acoustic tunes by husband-wife duo The Siegfrieds played peacefully in the background, guests grabbed a beer or glass of wine and began chatting with each

other, and with ease. Turns out, my fears of social awkwardness were unfounded. Everyone comfortably introduced themselves to everyone else, and no one was left out. Some people had known each other only on social media for years and met in person for the first time at this event. Connections were made that night that have since blossomed into friendships and work partnerships.

And this is where the theme of the evening seamlessly coincided with the theme of the magazine and the movement behind it. It’s all about connecting… connecting makers, artists and entrepreneurs with each other.

Connecting the greater Northwest Indiana community with the people right in their own backyard who are doing and making cool things.

Connecting all of us to a larger mission of progress and positivity.

After dining on a delicious surf and turf meal prepared by another talented duo, Oh Catering, we all relaxed into our chairs under the twinkling lights and continued our life-giving conversations. There was laughter, lots of it. The party’s end time came and went. None of us wanted to leave. Finally, Mother Nature decided to call it a night by sending a steady rain to get us moving. Alas, it was over.

The purpose of documenting this event is to open it up beyond what happened and who was there that night. Yes, thirty of my colleagues were invited, but so was everyone reading this. Because this is more than a story about a perfect party.

It’s the story of what happens when kind, creative, like-minded but diverse people come together to celebrate something new with the aim of bringing good to the community. It’s a story of hope and collaboration, of friendship and solidarity, of gathering and supporting.

And string lights.

THE GUEST LIST Meet the ambassadors who attended the party, along with their role for HERE or in the creative community.

Eve Adams Writer

Amy Sheree Melton Photographer/Food Blogger

Jamie Bruinsma after8handmade

Eric Morris Element 85

Kevin Bruinsma Insight Design Conference/The Pink Piano/Faith Church Creative Director

Martin Oleksy Flying Minds

Rachel Collins Rachel Collins Design Brian Chelgren Raw Industrial Design Erin Cruce Writer

Jenah Pfeiffer In My Red High Heels Katelyn Pruitt Photographer/Hair Stylist Michelle Samardzija Mad Momma Events

Penny Frazier Photographer

Rahsaan Taylor Governors State University Art Director

Michelle Hamstra Photographer

Evvie and Justin Tillich WoodenJacket and The Annex

Carey Keenan-Rowell Society and Hunt & Gather Market

Amanda Wilson Writer

Kristen La Rocca and MJ Poracky mink64

Brad Wolf Designer/Photographer/ Videographer

Kris Livovich Sugarfield Flowers Melissa Marshall Makeup by Melissa

Kelley Wotherspoon Advertising

The following are brand ambassadors who were unable to attend: Ashley Carson, Jessica deKock, Sara de St. Jean, Emily DuprĂŠ, Beth Fletcher, Natalie Leaman, Brandi Lee, Tony Sorci, Krissy VanderWoude, Monica Zibutis

THE VENDORS 62

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EVENT PLANNER/STYLIST Mad Momma Events madmommaevents.com

FOOD Oh Catering ohchefs.com

FLOWERS Sugarfield Flowers sugarfieldflowers.com

MUSIC The Siegfrieds thesiegfrieds.exposure.co

THE MENU

JERK MARINATED GRILLED CHICKEN PIECES Garnished with citrus cashew salsa SHRIMP AND CORN BOIL Large shrimp, fresh corn cobbettes, onions and lemons simmered in a Lynfred white wine SMOKED SAUSAGES OFF THE GRILL Served with French baguette, giardiniera and horseradish mustard

THE COCKTAIL The Lone Ranger

1½ ounces silver tequila 1 ounce lemon juice ½ ounce rich simple syrup two parts sugar, one part water 2 ounces rosé sparkling wine Lemon twist for garnish

SUNBURST SALAD Apricots, radish, curled carrots, slivered almonds and golden raisins on a bed of spring greens with Kolossos Erika vinaigrette ROASTED POTATO SALAD Potatoes, onions, peppers and tomatoes roasted together and tossed in a lemon vinaigrette

THE DÉCOR Michelle Samardzija of Mad Momma Events offers the following tips for keeping a dinner party simple and cost-effective but still elegant.

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Use rolls of paper for table covers.

Keep décor limited to reusable and recyclable items.

Paint fruit to add to the table décor.

Prime it with white paint and then spray paint it.

Buy sheets of mosaic tiles and break them apart for accent pieces, escort cards or napkin weights.

The floral arrangements for this party were placed in bricks. Keep them simple and seasonal.

Candlelight is the most adorable way to add ambiance.

Field Day BOHO MEETS PREP FOR INDIAN SUMMER STYLE

Photography by Penny Frazier

Clothing: novelstyleshop.com / based in Valparaiso Model: Olivia Johnston of Highland Styling: Jenah Pfeiffer / In My Red High Heels Hair and Makeup: Mary Serrano and Jennifer Donelson / Vanis Salon & Day Spa

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Pin-up Kitty T-shirt, $27 / Cabin plaid shirt, $39 / Toffee skirt, $29 | novelstyleshop.com

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Victoria top, $38 / Tulle skirt, $36 | novelstyleshop.com

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Petite top, $39 / Knitted skirt, $52 | novelstyleshop.com

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# he reliken ooth erp lace

Hay Bales D emotte, In dian a photo | Jillian Pancini jillianpancini.com

WE ARE GL AD YOU ARE HERE

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