July 2016 Inspired Living by The Times of NWI

JULY 2016

IN SPIREDLIVING 6

Female Pilots

TAKE TO THE SKIES

Designing an Outdoor Room

American Fare BBQ and Farm-Fresh Meals

Land

free

OF THE

CELEBRATING AMERICA

A Special Place For A Special Time

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CONTENTS

JULY 2016

Women Who Soar

Area women navigate the friendly skies.

FEATURES

JULY 2016

INSPIREDLIVING 6

Female Pilots

TAKE TO THE SKIES

Designing an Outdoor Room

American Fare: BBQ and Farm-Fresh Meals

Land

44 An All-American Love Story How a Portage couple met and married while serving their country.

free

OF THE

CELEBRATING AMERICA

ON THE COVER

An Americana Holiday A Fourth of July party that merges past and present.

PHOTOGRAPHER Penny Frazier PHOTO STYLING Ashley Carson LOCATION The Red Barn Experience FLOWERS Thode Floral

WOMEN WHO SOAR PHOTO BY BETH FLETCHER PHOTOGRAPHY; AN ALL-AMERICAN LOVE STORY AND IN HOME PHOTOS BY JESSICA DEKOCK; AN AMERICANA HOLIDAY PHOTO BY PENNY FRAZIER; INVIGORATE AND INDULGE PHOTOS BY MICHELLE HAMSTRA; IN STYLE PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE VALPO CHAMBER AND USED BY PERMISSION - PHOTO BY ARAN KESSLER PHOTO.IMAGING

28 17

32 10 DEPARTMENTS IN STYLE

INDULGE

INVIGORATE

IN HOME

IN EVERY ISSUE

04 Editor’s Letter

The Golden Touch: Artistic updates lend Middle Eastern glam to a Munster home.

74 Calendar

Trending Now: Customized red, white, and blue wear.

Shopping Spree: The best places to shop in the region.

Farm Fresh Feasting: A farm that invites guests to dine on the land.

A Season for BBQ: Local restaurants offer a range of grilled favorites.

Au Naturel: Easy hair and makeup tips for the summer. Beyond Baseball: High schooler Eric Lakomek pays it forward.

18 and Life: Golf ’s mental and physical health benefits.

Summer Living: 10 ways to create an inviting outdoor room.

06 Contributors 08 Let’s Get Social 65 In Scene 80 In Closing

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

INSPIRED LIVING VOLUME 2 // ISSUE 2

PUBLISHER

Christopher T. White EDITOR

Julia Perla Huisman DESIGNER

April Burford

LETTER or me, the Fourth of July has always been a nostalgic holiday. It’s a day when we honor our nation’s history, and as such my mind travels to my own personal history. I grew up in a small neighborhood in Michigan City, so my early July 4 memories consist of sunny sidewalks, popsicles and the smell of BBQ from our neighbors’ grills. In my adolescence and teens, we lived in rural LaPorte, where I felt my life truly began. Here we celebrated the holiday with bonfires and sparklers and the backdrop of rolling hills against a setting sun. It’s not lost on me that such simple pleasures are a result of the freedom we celebrate. I was brought back to LaPorte for the Fourth of July photo shoot in this issue (page 56). We shot the photos at the Red Barn Experience, a stunning venue owned by LaPortean Ashley Carson, who also styled the shoot. Ashley chose Americana elements to complement the stately old barn and its pastoral surroundings. This July 4 scene was a refreshing departure from the noise that sometimes accompanies the holiday... no parades, no bottle rockets, no gaudy overflow of red, white and blue. It was just a hearty gathering on the land with friends. Incidentally, three of the models for this shoot were close friends of mine in high school. (Ashley chose them, not me.) So that night, in my hometown with some old friends, memories and gratitude overcame me. Of course, we wouldn’t enjoy the freedoms we have today were it not for our military. In this issue, we profile two local veterans, Rob and Laurie Rodriguez, who served in the Marines and Navy, respectively. Visit page 44 to read the sweet story of how they met, fell in love and married, all while sacrificing their lives for our country. I hope that this month, you’re able to step away from the noise and chaos and turn your attention to the history, freedom, and countryside that makes America so special. Happy Independence Day.

EDITOR

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

Eve Adams Ashley Boyer Christine Bryant Rob Earnshaw Julie Dean Kessler Mark Loehrke Damian Rico Shannon Rooney Eloise Marie Valadez Amanda Wilson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Eve Adams Jessica deKock Beth Fletcher Penny Frazier Esther Gallarday Michelle Hamstra Richard Hellyer Brandi Lee Donna Lind Tony V. Martin Damian Rico Gregg Rizzo Monica Zibutis PROOFREADER

Kathryn MacNeil ADVISORY BOARD

Susan Brychell Lynn Hoeksema Theresa Mudd Hilary Powell Jennifer Vinovich PUBLISHED BY

Lee Enterprises The Times Media Company Niche Division 601 W 45th St Munster, Indiana 46321 219.853.2550 REPRINTS AND PERMISSIONS

You must have permission before reproducing material from Inspired Living magazine. Inspired Living magazine invites readers and writers to submit ideas, comments and feedback through email at inspiredliving@nwi.com or by mail to Inspired Living Magazine, 601 W 45th St, Munster, IN 46321.

PHOTO BY MICHELLE HAMSTRA, MAKEUP BY KRISSY VANDERWOUDE

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CONTRIBUTORS CHRISTINE BRYANT is a freelance writer who has contributed to Times Media Company publications for the last eight years. She has a degree in journalism from Ohio University and has worked in the journalism industry for 16 years. While researching popular shopping towns for her story on page 10, she remembered one of her first trips to Crown Point— exploring antique shops for the first time and being amazed at what they had to offer.

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INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

PENNY FRAZIER is a wedding photographer from Northwest Indiana. When she’s not shooting a wedding, she is home with her five kids and husband of 12 years, Dewayne Frazier. For this issue, Penny took the photos for “An Americana Holiday,” page 56. “I loved working with Ashley Thunder Events,” Penny says of the stylist for the shoot. “Ashley has such an eye for creativity and her style matches mine. I was totally in my element while shooting her design!”

Christine Bryant

Penny Frazier

AMANDA WILSON is a writer who believes that everyone’s story has worth, and enjoys the privilege of highlighting Region residents and happenings for Inspired Living. A married, minivan-driving, introverted mom of three, she does her best to covertly defy the boring mom stereotype by blogging at Musings and Meanderings of an Undercover Misfit. She also works on the worship staff Amanda Wilson at Bethel Church and, in a fun convergence of her storytelling and administrative worlds, wrote about the all-American love story (page 44) of Bethel bass player and Marine veteran, Rob Rodriguez, and his Navy veteran wife, Laurie.

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INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

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View extra shots from our photo shoots, plus photos from behind the scenes and hotspots around town, at @inspirednwi.

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STYLE trending

now Sport your red, white, and blue with custom T-shirts and witty and nostalgic paraphernalia. THE JUNKYARD T-SHIRT SHOP

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY V. MARTIN

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July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

Shopping

SPREE THE BEST PLACES TO SHOP IN THE REGION

If you’re planning an afternoon of shopping, there’s no need to jump on the South Shore Line to Chicago. There are plenty of quaint shopping communities right here in our own backyard, with one-of-a-kind stores, treasure troves and trendy boutiques at our fingertips.

INDIANA

Chesterton

Crown Point

Chesterton

Chesterton’s close-knit community and the town’s dedication to economic development has made this community a favorite among small business owners. Walk down Broadway and many of the town’s connecting streets, and you’ll find a variety of shopping, from a fashion boutique to a custom design jewelry shop, winery and dessert bakery, says Maura Durham, president of the Duneland Chamber of Commerce. Chesterton is also known for its unique shops, such as O’Gara & Wilson Antiquarian Booksellers, 223 Broadway, the area’s premier bookstore since 1882. As original as its name, the shop sells antique prints and rare books. Another unique find is Chelle’s, 211 Broadway, an eco-friendly fashion boutique that features clothing that is not only trendy, but made using earth-friendly materials. Don’t miss Alice’s Garden Toy Boutique, 206 South Calumet, Suite B, which specializes in unique toys, or the House of Berggren, 686 Broadway, the perfect place to get a little shopping in after visiting its salon. Djeco puzzles, $16, at Alice’s Garden Toy Boutique

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

Crown Point

If you’re looking for antiques, Crown Point is the place to shop. Dotted around its historic square are several antique stores, including one right in the center. Located in the lower level of the historical Courthouse in the center of Crown Point’s downtown, antique dealers showcase rare books, glassware, 19th-century china, furniture, lamps, jewelry and more. Gypsy Curious Goods twoWhile you’re there, you’ll also find a sided clock, $40, at On the handful of other shops, including the Square Antique Emporium Candy Cove that specializes in nuts, popcorn, fudge and other treats, and Geppetto’s, a children’s store stuffed with toys, dolls and clothing. Antique Vault and Records features merchandise that changes daily, including vinyl records, art, vintage toys and home décor from all eras. Another must-stop is the Crown Point Antique Mall, 103 West Joliet Street, located on the south side of the Courthouse Square. The store is the largest antique mall in the area, and features three floors of dealers that sell a variety of collectibles, gifts and antiques. On the Square Antique Emporium, 116 South Main Street, recently opened a new upper level, adding to the space shoppers can browse for furniture and other vintage items.

Griffith

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY V. MARTIN, SWIMSUIT AND MICHIGAN CITY PHOTOS BY MONICA ZIBUTIS

Michigan City

Michigan City has several independent retailers, along with a thriving outlet mall, Lighthouse Place Premium Outlet. Stroll down Franklin Street, and you’ll find apparel, furniture, art and more, says Mary Jo Orlowski, president of the Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce. “Hoity Toity (731 Franklin Street) is a very cool thrift store that has an excellent selection of furniture, housewares, art and jewelry,” she says. “Urban Soles (624 Franklin Street) has a unique selection of women’s, men’s and children’s shoes, and being on the shores of Lake Michigan, you need a good swimwear store and At the Beach (222 West 4th Street) offers both swim and resort wear.” Beach Bums, 617 Franklin Street, also offers pieces of jewelry in every price range, Orlowski says. While shoppers have several options to choose from, the downtown restaurant scene is growing, allowing visitors to spend the whole day exploring the city. “Fiddlehead Restaurant (422 Franklin Street) has an eclectic menu featuring grass fed beef and a great selection of wine,” Orlowski says. “If you’re into craft beer, then Shoreline Brewery (208 Wabash Street) is the place for you. They also have a full lunch and dinner menu.” Mucho Mas, 727 Franklin Street, has some of the best Mexican cuisine in the state, Orlowski says, and Dough Boys, 110 East 11th Street, is a new take-out soup, salad and sandwich shop. “Cool Runnings (112 East 11th Street) has Jamaican offerings like the traditional jerk, but they have oxtails and curried goat that taste just like you’re on the island,” she says.

Despite its small-town feel, Griffith is an up-andcoming shopping destination. Though the town features several national chains, it’s also home to small businesses that cater to hobbyists. A handful of craft and hobby stores fill the storefronts along Griffith’s main roads, including G&G Hobbies, 105 East Main Street, which includes a large selection of model railroading and aircraft. Spinnin’ Yarns, 145 North Griffith Boulevard, on the other hand, tailors its products to knitting and crocheting enthusiasts, and Renovar, 100 South Broad Street, offers materials and workshops for furniture restoration. The town also hosts floral shops, music hubs and unique finds like American Natural Resources, 120 North Broad Street, which offers taxidermy services, but also features antler products and rustic furniture and gifts.

Traxxas Stampede model truck, $412, at G&G Hobbies

Swimsuit, $88, from At the Beach

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

Miller Beach

Valparaiso

The Miller Beach area is a quaint part of Northwest Indiana that offers an abundance of wildlife-watching opportunities. Because of its tourism draws, the town also features a walkable downtown area that caters to neighboring residents and visitors. During the summer months, the Miller Beach Farmers Market provides fresh food to shoppers, while several cafés and small restaurants offer a variety of foods for differing tastes. Those looking for a gift or souvenir may check out small independent stores like Indie Indie Bang Bang, 625 South Lake Street, an eclectic lifestyle boutique that showcases gourmet gifts, fashion accessories and artwork. The Lake Street Gallery, 613 South Lake Street, is another option for visitors searching for fine crafts such as artisan jewelry, pottery and reproductions of vintage South Shore posters. The newly opened Vibrations Health, Wellness and Juice Bar, 615 Lake Street, offers health products including all-natural body soaps, organic teas, and local honey.

Mustard Wild Dining plates, $11 each, at Indie Indie Bang Bang

Valparaiso

For Danielle Oeding, what makes downtown Valparaiso unique is that the shops dotting the landscape are ones that can’t be found elsewhere. “And, in most cases, the owner of the store will be on hand to greet and assist,” says the vice president of sales and marketing with the Valparaiso Chamber. Whether looking for an unusual gift or something different to wear to an event, Ooh! La La! Couture dress, $77, there are several locally owned and Wee Ones hair bow, $12, businesses in the heart of at Piper Children’s Boutique downtown. “These owners are the people you will see sweeping the sidewalk out front, rearranging a display inside the store or checking you out at the register,” Oeding says. “In my opinion, the personal attention you receive is stand-out, and they really care about the integrity of the town. They have ownership in Valpo.” The icing on the cake, she says, is the addition of unique restaurants and the city’s Central Park—located amidst retailers and giving a visitor an exceptional shopping experience. While in town, look for several independent shops and dining experiences along East Lincolnway, like Piper Children’s boutique (115 Lincolnway), Front Porch Music (505 Lincolnway), Lifestyles Unique Gifts (122 Lincolnway), and Bon Femme Café (66 Lincolnway). This year, July 7-17, the town is launching the Pop-Up—a Valparaiso Art Experience, where artwork from around the Region will be displayed in local businesses and the public can vote for their favorites.

VALPARAISO PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE VALPO CHAMBER AND USED BY PERMISSION - PHOTO BY ARAN KESSLER PHOTO.IMAGING

Miller Beach

Whiting

PRODUCT AND WHITING PHOTOS BY TONY V. MARTIN; MILLER BEACH PHOTO BY JOHN LUKE; NEW BUFFALO PHOTO BY JULIA PERLA HUISMAN

While Whiting draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to its Pierogi Fest, the community also draws a crowd to sample its mix of studios, custom shops and artisan designs—making shopping a different experience. Studio 659, 1413 119th Street, for example, offers exhibits, classes and workshops, while Suncatchers, 1348 119th Street, displays stained glass art, home décor and other gifts. Looking for original clothing? The Junkyard T-shirt Shop, 1504 119th Street, sells custom designed and screen printed tees. While in town, save enough time for a stop at the Hoosier Theatre, 1335 119th Street, to catch one of its daily showings.

New Buffalo

MICHIGAN New Buffalo

Hand-crafted sign made with repurposed wood, $40, at Suncatchers

With downtown just a short walking distance to Harbor Country’s largest public beach, New Buffalo is a popular destination for shopping getaways. Michael Aram candle holders, $395, and Not only does the city provide free street parking, there is also a mix Root candles, $10.50 of eclectic shops, eateries and abundant places to stay including boutique each, at the Villager hotels, charming inns and cottages, says Viki Gudas, executive director of the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce. While there are several shops to explore, Gudas recommends the Villager, 100 North Whittaker Street, and the Hidden Gem, 122 North Whittaker Street, for unique gifts and home accents, as well as Whittaker House, 26 North Whittaker Street, and Indian Summer, 439 South Whittaker Street, for women’s apparel. If looking for beach attire and accessories, check out Outpost Sports, 105 West Buffalo Street, and Third Coast Surf Shop, 110 North Whittaker Street. Located in a historical building, Casey’s, 136 North Whittaker Street, is the perfect spot to catch lunch, or try Stray Dog, 245 North Whittaker Street, which features a rooftop deck for great sunset viewing, she says. Other options include Bentwood Tavern, 600 West Water Street, and the Terrace Room, 111 West Water Street, for outdoor patios on the marina, and Villa Nova Pizzeria, 134 East Buffalo Street, for Chicago-style pizza.

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

St. Joseph

Three Oaks

Known for its charming pedestrian-friendly Main Street, Three Oaks is home to several historic treasures, including the Dewey Cannon, Featherbone Factory and Drier’s Meat Market. The arts and cultural center of Harbor Country, Three Oaks also features many antique shops and art galleries, Gudas says, making it the perfect town to visit if you’re looking for antique home furnishings, art or other original pieces. While visiting, don’t miss these spots: B.A.G., 9 South Elm Street; Blais, 1 Oak Street; Blue Moon Vintage Market, 16860 Three Oaks Road; Trilogy, 19 South Elm Street; Eclipse, 11 South Elm Street; Judy Ferrara Art Gallery, 16 South Elm Street; and Nido Bianco, 16860 Three Oaks Road.

Three Oaks

St. Joseph

The Riviera of the Midwest, St. Joseph has a collection of shops that serve all needs all year-round, but many of the shops in the St. Joseph area also do much more by giving back to the community. Bound for Freedom, for example, 404 State Street, sells fair-trade products that help bring freedom to people found in poverty, sex trafficking and other injustices. Chartreuse, 304 State Street, is a local art co-op with 20 members and offers work directly to customers at fair prices while giving local artists the opportunity to showcase their work. St. Joseph also features a unique event on the first Sunday of each month called Antiques on the Bluff. Held along tree-lined Lake Bluff Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the event is held rain or shine. ■ CHRISTINE BRYANT

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

Suede and fabric cross-body bag, $67, and denim pouch, $18, at B.A.G.

CLOTHING PHOTOS BY TONY V. MARTIN, THREE OAKS PHOTO BY JULIA PERLA HUISMAN, ST. JOSEPH PHOTO BY JOSHUA NOWICKI

Sevenly tee, $29, at Bound for Freedom

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Embrace the Freedom to Add Panache to Your Fourth of July BBQ

hat’s more American than apple pie? Grilling and entertaining outdoors with a 4th of July BBQ, of course! Yet if you’re worried that your holiday shindig will be another tired cliché, don’t be. There’s a variety of savvy touches you can add to your outdoor event that won’t sacrifice the comfort and ease that make BBQs a time-honored way of celebrating our nation’s birthday.

Offer S’more Than the Usual

Don’t have a fire pit ready to go to top the meal off with s’mores? Why not put a new twist on an old standby by setting up a simple yet fun do-it-yourself s’mores roasting station? To make a s’mores roasting station, build s’mores troughs using wood pallets or by using ready-made pine planter boxes. Fill the troughs with small rocks, set jars of canned fuel securely in the rocks, provide guests with shish kabob sticks and the required graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate ingredients, and voilà— instant happiness for kids and grown-ups alike.

Quench Guests’ Thirst with FruitInfused Water and a Sangria Bar

Go beyond boring and set up an upscale beverage station that won’t break the bank. Create ready-made, fruit-infused water carafes that look as appealing as they taste with flavorful combinations such as cucumber, lemon, and cilantro; grapes and oranges; and grapefruit and rosemary. For guests desiring a more grown-up summer beverage, arrange containers of berries and other fresh fruit to accompany premixed sangria from top brands like Eppa, Arbor Mist, and SkinnyGirl; guests can create their own uniquely refreshing cocktail concoctions.

Make Sure Dessert is a Real Peach S’mores are delicious, it’s true, but there’s nothing sweeter than finishing off a robust BBQ with ice cream. You could always go with convenient prepackaged containers, of course, but why not kick things up a notch by offering freshly delicious, homemade ice cream?

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INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

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DULGE farm fresh

FEASTING

PHOTO BY MICHELLE HAMSTRA

Many diners are familiar with the farm-to-fork concept of fresh farmsourced ingredients being served up by chefs in healthy, gourmet form. However, there’s something that goes even beyond farm-to-fork and at Locavore Farm in Grant Park, Illinois, it’s called “Dine on the Land.”

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

he Jones family’s 5-acre farm has become a hub for the good food and local food movement, welcoming guests to enjoy a feast right on the land where the vegetables were grown, the eggs were laid and the meat is pastureraised. What doesn’t come from the property comes from local sources—other small family farms within about a 10-mile radius. Last year was the first season, where more than 4,000 explored the farm and 1,800 dined there at a custom-made 100-seat table situated right in the middle of the property overlooking a garden, a pond and neighboring farms. This year kicked off with a Heal the Planet Farm Festival featuring a concert, speakers such as New York Times bestselling author Jordan Rubin, lunch, hayrides, fishing, workshops and craft kombucha on tap. New to the property this year is an 80-foot barn that guests helped raise money for last year to expand Locavore’s event options and extend their season. Dine-on-the-land dinners encompass four hours of feasting along with a marketplace of artisan vendors and farmers. The five-course meals run $100 per person (kids age 15 and under priced at $25). Starting with an amuse-bouche at the bar, guests then gather around the table for an appetizer, a salad harvested just a few hours before guests arrive, an entrée, a palate cleanser and then dessert. “All the ingredients are local, organic, and gluten-free, and what’s not missing is any of the flavor,” says Rachael Jones, who runs the farm with her husband, Chris. All food is prepared by the culinary team of the Cottage on Dixie in Homewood. Jones also says that each dinner varies depending on what’s in season. Without the transport time and any middlemen, the organic food at Locavore Farm is as fresh as you can get. The experience at Locavore Farm isn’t just a feast for the foodie eyes, but gives a 16146 E County Line Rd glimpse of an idyllic farm life where mason Grant Park, Ill. jars hang in trees with small glowing lights 708.935.4555 locavorefarm.com resembling fireflies, fresh bouquets of wild flowers or fragrant blooms adorn the tables and handmade quilts are draped over hay bales. The flow of the dinners feels homey, communal and inspiring—giving no hint of the hard work it takes to maintain and prepare the farm for such events. Jones says that there were several objectives in planning out the farm, one being a desire to grow good food for people and another connecting small, sustainable family farms with the public. “For us, to be able to expand the reach for family farms in the region is what kept us investing in a second season with the barn,” she says. “Growing a community that supports the good and hard work of those who bring nourishment to the table was our true success last year and continued vision for this season.”

LOCAVORE FARM

■ CARRIE STEINWEG

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

SAVE THE DATES JULY 16, AUG 20, SEPT 17: Dine on the Land dinners. Tickets for these five-course meals are $100 per person (kids age 15 and under priced at $25). OCT 8: An Oktoberfest rounds out the season with pasture-raised pulled pork and sausage, rotating taps of regional craft beers and six bands providing musical entertainment along with about 40 market vendors. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for those under 21 with all food and drink offered a la carte. LATE FALL: Locavore Farm will introduce its “Follow the Chefs” program, where culinary students exiting the classroom will be able to host their own unique dining experience for one evening at the Farm. “This program allows us to influence how the restaurant industry sources their food, by uniting chefs early on in their career with the small, farming community in the region,” Jones says. Locavore Farm will work with culinary schools in Chicago as well as independent chefs. PARTY PHOTO COURTESY OF LOCAVORE FARM, SALAD PHOTO BY CARRIE STEINWEG, OTHER PHOTOS BY MICHELLE HAMSTRA

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

Rib dinner and pulled pork sandwich from Wagner’s

Mid-summer is the perfect time for food fans to turn their attention to barbecue recipes. If you’d like to prepare your own BBQ favorites at home or seek out tasty dishes at a favorite restaurant, get ready to sing the praises of grilled and smoked foods. ■ There’s an assortment of restaurants in the area that specialize in BBQ dishes. And whether it’s meat, fish, veggies or appetizers that you prefer barbecued or grilled, you’ll find a range of foods to enjoy. The following list is just a sample of what’s available on the BBQ restaurant scene in the area. 20

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY V. MARTIN

A Season for BBQ

Bomber’s BBQ owners Anthony Petrocelli and Christopher Cole

Bombers BBQ

Q-BBQ

Bombers, which opened in 2013, features a variety of unique preparations. Fresh, smoked BBQ is in the spotlight here. Meat served at Bombers is never chilled or reheated, and meat is cooked over a special combination of apple and cherry wood. Guests will find a number of standout items at the eatery. The menu includes everything from Bacon Jalapeno Bombs and Bang Bang Shrimp to Mississippi Won Tons, Lake Perch, Brisket, Pulled Pork, Burnt Ends, Baby Back Ribs and St. Louis Ribs.

The barbecue restaurant, owned by Michael LaPidus, opened in Schererville in the fall of 2015. It’s the fourth location in the Q-BBQ family of eateries. BBQ served at the restaurant has been described as “authentic” by the owner. Various dishes are served at Q-BBQ, including Pulled Pork, Sliced Turkey, Pulled Chicken, Spicy Wings, Memphis Wings, Memphis Baby Back Ribs and much more. The BBQ starring on the menu is a combination of Memphis, Texas and Carolina styles.

439 Ridge Rd Munster 219.836.2662 bombersbbq.com

79 US Hwy 41, Ste 200 Schererville 219.322.8288 q-bbq.com

TIPS ON HOW TO ENHANCE BROWNING WHEN BARBECUING ■

Add a pinch of sugar

■

Keep things dry

■

Keep things at the right temperature

■

Turn frequently

■

Give ’em space

(Information is from the new book Meathead by barbecue expert Meathead Goldwyn)

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

True BBQ (clockwise from top) beef brisket, BBQ seitan, burnt ends and rib tips

8940 Calumet Ave Munster 219.836.2122 truebbqandwhiskey.com

The BBQ restaurant has a varied menu which includes dishes such as House Smoked Sliders, Seared Alligator, Beef Brisket, Pork Shoulder, Cajun Rubbed Ribeye, Smoked Reuben, Pulled Pork and Brisket Burger. The restaurant occasionally features a special menu for holidays.

The family-run business was established 23 years ago in Chesterton. Smoked meats are a specialty at the eatery. Menu items include Ribs, Brisket, Pulled Pork, Rib Tips, Chicken and other meats. Homemade sides, soups and other items are also featured.

Surefire Smokehouse 2103 Calumet Ave Valparaiso 219.465.8810 surefiresmokehouse.net

Surefire Smokehouse, which opened two years ago in Valparaiso, specializes in assorted BBQ dishes as well as pizza. Diners will find everything from Burnt Ends and Rib Tips to Surefire Brisket Salad, Pulled Pork, Ribs and more on the menu. Pizza even

Smokey’s Southern Barbeque 375 E US 20 Chesterton 219.878.1418

gets the BBQ touch as Pulled Pork Pizza and Brisket Pizza are prepared on the premises.

Wagner’s Ribs 361 Wagner Rd Porter 219.926.7614 wagnersribs.com

The popular eatery, which was established in 1988, specializes in ribs featuring a flavorful signature sauce. A variety of other dishes are also in the spotlight. Among menu items offered are Baby Back Ribs, Grilled Kabobs, Sirloin Steak, Black Angus Filet Mignon, Burgers, BBQ Pork and more. The ribs created at Wagner’s are cooked Texas-style and are dry-rubbed and smoked. ■ ELOISE MARIE VALADEZ

A.1. Sweet Fire Porterhouse Pork Chops If you’d like to try your hand at barbecuing a new recipe at home, test this dish from the National Pork Board and porkbeinspired.com. Ingredients 4

2 1-1/2 1/2 1/4 3

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

porterhouse (bone-in loin) pork chops, 3/4-inch thick tablespoons vegetable oil teaspoons chipotle chile pepper powder teaspoon garlic powder cup A.1. Original Sauce tablespoons brown sugar

Directions Mix oil, chile powder and garlic powder; rub on chops and place in shallow glass dish. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Combine A.1. and brown sugar for sauce. Heat grill to medium-high. Place chops on grill and cook 4-5 minutes per side or until

internal temperature of pork on a meat thermometer reads between 145°F (medium rare) and 160°F (medium). During last 2 minutes of cooking, brush chops on both sides with sauce. Remove from grill, let rest 3 minutes and serve. Serves 4

PORK CHOPS PHOTO COURTESY OF PORKBEINSPIRED.COM

True BBQ and Whiskey Bar

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hile there’s certainly plenty of truth to the old saying that getting old beats the alternative, aging often brings its own set of problems and challenges, one of the most common of which is arthritis. Whether caused by simple wear and tear (osteoarthritis), injury (traumatic arthritis) or infection/ autoimmune disease, the result is chronic discomfort and decreasing mobility over time. One of the most common types of arthritis is facet arthritis. This affects the facet joints, found throughout the spine, which allow for movement and mobility, resulting in dull, aching, throbbing pain in the neck/shoulders and back/hips/buttocks areas that often radiates out to the arms and legs as well. Facet arthritis in the neck area, in particular, is a very common cause of headaches. While many individuals suffering from some form of facet arthritis will try to grit through the discomfort with little more than a simple (and only intermittently effective) painkiller like ibuprofen, Dr. Chetan Puranik of the Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care believes the best approach to treating mild to moderate facet arthritis is actually a multifaceted strategy encompassing chiropractic treatment, physical therapy and daily stretching in addition to anti-inflammatory medication. In more severe cases, Dr. Puranik says the skilled physicians at the Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care can administer steroid injections (such as cortisone) to affected areas or even Locations in Crown Point, cauterize the nerves to Hobart, DeMotte, LaPorte, help block the pain. Both Munster and Valparaiso procedures are quick, safe and 219.476.7246 effective, helping patients to CentersForPainControl.com reduce their discomfort and get back to taking advantage of the many benefits of growing older, rather than focusing on their physical limitations. “The goal of our practice is to alleviate pain, improve function and minimize the need for medications,” Dr. Puranik explains. “These types of procedures are a great solution when anti-inflammatories are not enough, and they can be used in conjunction with other treatments to avoid or delay back/neck surgery. Our physicians can help you get the most relief with the least invasive options available.”

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INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

InVigorate presented by

VIGORATE Stylist Lauren Campbell of Elle Salon wears a natural look for summer.

Au Naturel When the weather is hot and humid, women are not exactly enthusiastic about spending lots of time on their makeup if it’s just going to melt off, or on their hair if it’ll turn into a lion’s mane by lunchtime. ■ There are ways, however, to look your best while still enjoying the heat of summer. Kate Lawson from Elle Salon offers easy tips to create an all-natural, beachbronzed look for the season.

ELLE SALON 113 W 8th St Michigan City 219.874.3553 purelyellesalon.com

FRESH SUMMER MAKEUP Definer in Cacao) along the top lash line to make eyes pop.

of the face where the sun would naturally touch.

2. To minimize undereye circles, apply concealer and blend into skin with a concealer brush.

4. Using a fluffy brush, in large circular motions, apply a light loose powder to help hold makeup in place and eliminate shine.

6. Apply mascara along the top lash line to lengthen and darken lashes.

3. Use a light eye shadow (we like Aveda’s Petal Essence Eye

5. Using a Kabuki brush, sweep a bronzer across the high points

PHOTO BY MONICA ZIBUTIS

1. Start with a clean face and use a makeup sponge to apply tinted moisturizer with SPF 15.

7. Finish with a light lip color (try Aveda Uruku Lip Pigment in Luna) for a fresh clean look.

THE CLASSIC LOW PONYTAIL 1. Apply dry shampoo at the scalp and comb through hair. 2. Spray hairspray throughout. 3. Brush hair back with a soft brush and gather in the back toward your hairline. 4. Secure using a rubber band.

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

Beyond Baseball High schooler Eric Lakomek pays it forward

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

“One of our top priorities at the Children’s Museum is to transform lives through education,” says Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, Children’s Museum president and CEO. “I can’t tell you how proud we are of these young people who are compassionate, hardworking, and wise beyond their years.” Whether Lakomek finds himself playing third base for his beloved Boston Red Sox or examining patients in his office as an eye doctor, one thing is for certain—his compassion and vision will continue to positively impact those around him. “I’m very proud of him,” says Scott Lakomek, Eric’s father. “He really is concerned about people and trying to make a difference in their lives and that is really what it’s all about.” But Eric humbly takes very little credit for his acts of kindness and is quick to show his gratitude toward the volunteers and donations he receives from friends, family and strangers that make the Red Shoe Project so successful. “We all can contribute something,” Lakomek says. “I just wanted to do what I can and we went from collecting 50 items in a year to weekly phone calls for pickup and delivery. People are quite generous and it’s great to be part of that.” Lakomek says he will continue to run the Red Shoe Project and hopes that someone will help take the reins when he goes to college next year. He is excited to have recently launched the RedShoe.org website where donations can be made. ■ DAMIAN RICO

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAMIAN RICO

ric Lakomek has a passion for sports and especially loves taking the baseball diamond as Hanover Central’s Varsity starting third baseman. There’s only one thing he loves even more—giving back. A couple of years ago, Lakomek found out some kids in his community weren’t playing sports because the fees were too much of a financial burden on their parents. Registration and equipment costs became too overwhelming for some and it really had an impact on him. Lakomek was determined to make a difference and that’s when he decided to create the Red Shoe Project, an initiative that collects recycled sports equipment and repairs and cleans sporting items for those in need. “There was a need in Cedar Lake so I started collecting gear and handing it out at sign-ups,” he says. “Since then, it’s become a great success with places like Omni helping me with collections.” He started with baseball equipment like helmets, shoes, mitts, and bats, and later would collect football and soccer equipment. He says boxes will be placed at a prominent fall softball nationals tournament that is encouraging players from more than 50 teams to donate. “Sometimes we take it for granted that our parents can get us what we need, but in reality some just can’t,” he adds. Lakomek created the Red Shoe Project in memory of his late grandmother Ann Beard, who loved buying him red baseball cleats every year, “even if they didn’t match my uniform. She had a major influence on me and who I wanted to be.” He says the best part of his program is the faces of the young people and parents who receive the equipment. “It’s like Christmas for them,” Lakomek says. “They are so happy, and their parents are so grateful that people care to reach out and help. I can never take that out of my mind.” Lakomek hopes to play ball in college but realizes education must be his priority. He plans on studying biology in college and aspires to be an optometrist. “I have always found the eyes fascinating,” he says. “Our vision is so very important and something we often take for granted.” In November, Lakomek and classmate and dear friend Madison Fanta, who collects gently used clothing for her organization “Maddie’s Helping Hands,” were chosen by the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis as “extraordinary youth who are changing the world.”

Hanover Central High School junior Eric Lakomek lives for the game of baseball. More importantly, Lakomek makes it his mission to share his passion for sports with the underserved through his Red Shoe Project.

“SOMETIMES WE TAKE IT FOR GRANTED THAT OUR PARENTS CAN GET US WHAT WE NEED, BUT IN REALITY SOME JUST CAN’T.” Eric Lakomek

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

Jennifer and Dan Vinovich golf together at White Hawk Country Club.

18 And Life

he first tee is the first problem. Slip out for a midweek afternoon round and you might be able to hit and be off without anyone even taking notice. But show up on a Saturday morning at most courses, and they might as well have a spotlight trained on that first tee. Sure, your buddies will be kind of checking their scorecards and the ranger will be perusing his clipboard and the golfers behind you will be pretending to tend to their own clubs and swings, but you know the truth—they’re all looking at you. Do they want you to fail? Probably not. It just feels that way. “The first tee always causes a bit of anxiety, but the thing to remember is that we’re all feeling it in one way or another,” says Jennifer Vinovich, an instructor at White Hawk Country Club in Crown Point, middle school golf coach for Crown Point schools and a former collegiate player at Purdue University. “The golf swing has so many moving parts that need to come together, and I think people fear

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

missing the ball and perhaps embarrassing themselves.” Get past that first tee, however, and Vinovich says there’s a world of opportunity awaiting those new to the game—that is, if they’re willing to embrace its inherent challenges. For one thing, golf, perhaps more than almost any other sport, really is as much a mental exercise as a physical one. “The number one point I try to make with beginning golfers is that you are competing with yourself and with the course,” Vinovich explains. “Every time you play, you need to set goals for yourself and try to improve. The less you worry about how your buddy is playing, the better off you will be.” To this end, Vinovich teaches her students that patience, perseverance and concentration are just as important for success as any physical skills or movements. With the right attitude and enough repetition, she believes almost any new golfer can eventually develop the balance, coordination and rhythm to forge a decent golf swing. The key is to understand that it’s not something that is going to happen

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE HAMSTRA

Golf provides a workout for both mind and body

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

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automatically or overnight. “New golfers should work on basic swing fundamentals at the practice range, learn how to chip and putt, and learn golf course rules and etiquette before heading out to play the course,” Vinovich says. “Everyone has the ability to improve their game through practice and instruction.” Of course, golf isn’t just a mind game; it’s also an honest-to-goodness physical sport that affords players a number of potential health benefits. Mostly gone are the days of overweight players in bad pants chomping on cigars and wheezing over the prospect of having to bend down to retrieve a ball from the cup. These days, one is much more likely to encounter golfers with strong cores and increased flexibility bred by yoga or other cross-training regimens, and Vinovich says walking an 18-hole round (as opposed to riding) can be a great outing for both mind and body. “What’s great about the game of golf is the ability of people of all ages, sizes and ability levels to be able to participate and enjoy it,” she says. “I’ve always felt that heading out to the golf course was terrific for my mental health. It’s easy to forget your everyday troubles and concerns when you have to focus all of your concentration on your golf game. It’s sort of an ‘escape.’” Once you escape that first tee, at least. ■ MARK LOEHRKE

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INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

Innsbrook Country Club

LOCAL LINKS Beechwood Golf Course 2222 Woodlawn Dr LaPorte 219.362.2651 thebeechwoodgolfcourse.com

Innsbrook Country Club 6701 Taft St Merrillville 219.980.9060 innsbrookcc.com

Brassie Golf Club 1110 Pearson Rd Chesterton 219.921.1192 thebrassie.com

Lost Marsh 929 129th St Hammond 219.932.4046 lostmarshgolf.com

Briar Ridge Country Club 123 Country Club Dr Schererville 219.322.3660 briarridgecc.com

White Hawk Country Club 1001 White Hawk Dr Crown Point 219.661.2323 whitehawkcountryclub.com

The Course at Aberdeen 245 Tower Rd Valparaiso 219.462.5050 golfataberdeen.com

Whittaker Woods 12578 Wilson Rd New Buffalo, Mich. 269.469.3400 golfwhittaker.com

INNSBROOK COUNTRY CLUB PHOTO BY JOEY B. LAX-SALINAS

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HOME the

golden

touch

By Julie Dean Kessler

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

â&#x2013;

Photography by Jessica deKock

1 Gold and white predominate in the living room at Zuhair Alsakaji and wife Summer Megdadiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Munster home, where gold leaf is incorporated in much of Summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artwork. An expansive sofa encourages comfort in style, while the double-sided fireplace for family room and living room adds warmth. Open screenwork above the sofa divides the living room and foyer.

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

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hen two forces coalesce, the results can be downright delightful. Summer Megdadi and husband Dr. Zuhair Alsakaji compromised: She wanted to build a home, he wanted to buy—and their Munster, Indiana, choice is indeed a delight. But it’s Summer’s combo of expertise in engineering and artistic panache that gives their home star status. The couple came here from Jordan 21 years ago, bringing with them medical and computer science degrees. They settled in Chicago, Zuhair to establish a medical practice and Summer to get a degree in environmental engineering, then working as a Chicago bridge inspector. Add Summer’s aptitude for art inherited from father and grandfather and you have a fusion of the practical and the artistic that continues to inform the evolution of the home they bought in 2014. Zuhair opened a practice in Merrillville, and Summer opened her own boutique art business. Visit their home and you’ll likely be offered

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

coffee on a small tray with flowers preserved under glass, just one of her creations. Glance up at the window treatments and you get a sense of the scope of her imagination. At the coffered ceiling a one-and-a-half-foot deep, gold drapery material—the color inspired by the gold leaf often used in her paintings—is gathered in loose accordion style above the arched windows, with a floor-length fall of material on either side and matching those in the informal dining area. Summer sewed them all. With children ages 9, 11, 17 and a visiting 21-year-old, Summer keeps the clutter contained with attractive bins holding the kids’ games and such in the spacious yet cozy family room with double fireplace (the living room is on the other side). “I try to keep things convenient for the children but organized, too,” says Summer, who has a pretty box holding the girls’ hair ties and combs on a table in the foyer so they can add them before going out the door. “It’s kid-friendly but nice for me, too.” The home is just shy of 6,000 square feet, with five bedrooms and six baths—a considerable space given that Summer has already completed much of the remodeling herself and has plans for more. “Our thing is to solve problems,” says Summer, who’s decided the wall next to the

SUMMER MEGDADI PHOTO BY W.A. WATSON‌

Artistic updates lend Middle Eastern glam to this Munster home

“IT CAN’T JUST BE GOOD-LOOKING— THE HOUSE HAS TO BE PRACTICAL.” Summer Megdadi

5 2. A large but cozy family room with coffered ceiling, statement pieces in warm tones, and a fireplace invite togetherness and games that are tucked away in clutter-defying bins. 3. Summer Megdadi is regal like the gold tones she favors, but the businesswoman is fun-loving, too. 4. Summer painted curving metal panes and added them to two arched windows, enhancing the airy ambience. 5. A bowed top window and natural elements like a branch and flowers with fanciful vase bring visual interest to the informal dining area. The painting at right is Summer’s artwork.

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

6 6. Summer applied gold paint to lots of lacy, natural branches to create art above the living room fireplace, achieving balance by keeping eye-catching accents on the mantelpiece to a minimum.

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

7. Accordion folds of 27 yards of gold fabric create a lush touch of elegance above windows at the kitchen dining area. Summer painted the delicate pattern on the ceiling and will add all the family names in Arabic calligraphy. 8. A second kitchen sink (with a gold plate temporarily resting on it) and countertops are more areas for Summer to work on art pieces, like the stemmed glass at right with a gold mesh-and-rhinestone base. 9. A small tray with handles show Summer’s work under glass.

staircase in the foyer must go, to provide a better flow of movement. She prepared and installed crown molding on walls and other areas for definition. In the kitchen she painted the walls and added one of several chandeliers, amped up with crystals she chose and affixed. On the blue-gray granite-topped island a collection of more crystals and colored glass is ready for more main-floor embellishments as well as jewelry projects. Above the stove is more of her artwork: a large mosaic of very small stones from the Jordan River that form the Chicago skyline. She had an alcove created to take the place of some of the cabinets, and for nearby angle walls she found double arched glass doors and added curved metal panes. A buffet-style granite shelf lets her be near the kids while she’s working on the computer and the kids do homework. With warm weather here, doors provide easy access to the patio from the kitchen and the formal dining room just off the two-story foyer, where $8,000 covered such items as lowering the huge chandelier so the metalwork could be painted gold and crystals added. Carpeting was replaced with tiles here and in the dining room. Zuhair and Summer enjoy entertaining: “We love to cook! We can spend three hours on just one meal, and we’ll cook a whole lamb for hours,” she says. A small kitchen in the garage comes in handy.

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

10. Above the piano at the Upstairs, Summer is staircase, Summer simply working on remodeling the placed decorative, empty spacious master bedroom, frames; “I might add something later—who knows?” 11. The though she likes the redChicago skyline is shown in painted walls. A small room Summer’s intricate mosaic. with a couch is a favorite 12. In the basement studio, place for Zuhair to read, more of her artwork is displayed and French doors open to a in a mini gallery, and lots of balcony. The kids have their bright beads, glass, and other material await transformation own bedrooms, baths, and into elegant home accents. walk-in closets. Summer is emphatic: “It can’t just be good-looking—the house has to be practical.” Her broad range of artistic expression includes the bold and the fanciful in the basement she finished to accommodate her studio for her business, Cadou. Here, items are made for Chicago boutiques CHIARoScURO at Chicago’s Water Tower Place and Hilligoss Galleries in Michigan Avenue’s Westfield Shoppingtown, and Ms. Elle’s in Highland. Friends will often beg to buy items right in the studio, “because they couldn’t find them anywhere else”—acrylic panels with epoxy glaze over real leaves; wine glasses with stems in fine gold-andrhinestone mesh; gold-leafed demitasse-and-saucer sets; trays; bridal bouquets—all amidst an arresting inventory of glam materials. Meanwhile, there are plans to upgrade the back yard, and Summer will add the family’s names in calligraphy on the five-side vaulted ceiling in the informal dining area. Then there are her other designs for the other ceilings . . . and all of it, says Summer, “is fun!”

12 38

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

Summer Living COURTESY OF THE GREAT ESCAPE

10 ways to create an inviting outdoor room It’s summertime and the living is easy, as the song goes. Sunny weather means we’ll be spending more time outdoors and it’s the perfect time of year to spruce up your outdoor space. Whether you’re playing host to family get-togethers, planning a Fourth of July shindig, or just want to enjoy your deck and patio in the evenings— now is the time to create the ultimate outdoor living area. July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

hen decorating outdoors, Jason Whalen, owner of Mix and Mingle in New Buffalo, focuses on comfort. “[The room] could include coffee and side tables, lighting, color, texture,” he says, and he recommends elements like large potted plants, a water feature, and a place to build a fire. If your outdoor space needs a refresh, we’ve got you covered with ten ways to create an inviting outdoor room.

Define your style. “An outdoor space is an extension of your home and should reflect the décor and ambiance of the inside,” advises Reid Poll, vice president at the Great Escape in Merrillville. Contemporary, shabby chic, industrial, classic—decide on a look for your outdoor space that mirrors the look of your home. This will give you a broad theme to work within as you make decisions about smaller pieces of the puzzle.

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

Lay a foundation. Nothing says cozy like the perfect rug underfoot. Outdoor rugs come in as many colors and styles as indoor rugs. Use one or several to define outdoor spaces and provide a foundation on which to set outdoor furniture and accessories.

LIGHT IT UP! Staying outside later means you’ll need some lighting options in the yard. Here are a few creative ideas. Hang cheery string lights. String lights come in all shapes and sizes, bare or covered in paper lanterns, or even ultra-chic metal globes. The effect is magical. Bunch several strings under a patio umbrella for a softly lit meal. Or string them along deck railing and near steps and walkways. Choose from plug-in or battery-powered options.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE GREAT ESCAPE

Lounge in style. Adirondack chairs add charm while curved loungers provide contemporary comfort. Based on your tastes, choose furniture that suits your outdoor lifestyle. Look for fabrics that resist sun damage, wick away water, and wash easily.

Add a fire element. There are many options for gathering by a fire at night. “Our hottest selling item this season is the fire table,” says Poll. “It’s so easy to light and use, and allows your family to gather by the fire every night.” If your neighborhood allows it, create a good, old-fashioned fire pit surrounded by paving bricks. For a mobile option, invest in a portable fire bowl.

Dine alfresco. Set up a patio table—or several—with umbrellas to protect from sun or rain. Poll encourages clients to think outside the box when it comes to dining furniture. “Some guests may prefer a bistro set reminiscent of smaller cafés, others may want two chairs with a tea table in between.”

Add bug-fighting candles. Large citronella candles are available at most home stores in large galvanized buckets and other stylish containers. Or, arrange a few 3-inch pillars on a tray. The lighting is atmospheric and it keeps the bugs away. Install landscape lighting. For a more permanent solution, consult with a landscape architect or garden center to check out electrical or solar lighting options. From small ground lights to soft spotlights, there are myriad ways to brighten up your landscape.

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

Accessorize boldly. Get creative with outdoor accessories. A ceramic elephant stool? You betcha’. Garden rake turned wall décor? Yes, please. Pinterest is a great place to find yard décor ideas, from pieces of fencing-turned-tabletop to DIY rope-covered ottomans.

Play with color. While the overall look of your outdoor space should reflect the style of your home, this is your chance to have a little fun. Test drive patterned throw pillows, bright umbrellas, and, for example, lime green Adirondack chairs. Bring out cozy quilts for cool evenings.

Don’t forget the plants. Celebrate the outdoors in your design. Include planters with greenery or seasonal flowers for some pops of color. Use a variety of hanging baskets and plant stands or ground planters for visual interest at all levels.

Drinks, anyone? With a bar cart you can trolley drinks from the kitchen to the yard. Store one indoors or under a covered outdoor area. You can stock it with beverages, glasses, an ice bucket, and other handy drink ware.

10.

Stow your stuff. With enough neighbors, your space could turn into a party at any moment. It’s helpful to store lawn games or bug spray outside. If you don’t have an easy access shed or closet, try selecting storage furniture, like benches and ottomans that open up or end tables with doors.

■ SHANNON ROONEY

7 10

GET THE LOOK The Great Escape 2409 W Lincoln Hwy Merrillville 219.769.1720 shopthegreatescape.com Mix & Mingle 19169 US Highway 12 New Buffalo 269.469.1234 mixandmingledesign.com

PHOTOS [TOP AND BOTTOM] COURTESY OF THE GREAT ESCAPE, [MIDDLE] BY JESSICA DEKOCK

join us in FoRGinG A CREATiVE CoMMuniTY! The Pop-Up: A Valparaiso Art Experience, is a regional art competition brought to you by Valparaiso Events and The Enclave Project.

11 Days. Explore the Exhibits. July 7–17 Artwork from around the region will “pop-up” in neighborhood businesses for all to enjoy. Each day the community will be engaged with displays of both the visual and performing arts and will help select a winner! Voting stations will be available at select venues and online! For exhibit specifics, venue locations, voting and more visit us online at popup.valparaisoevents.com.

Vote for your Favorite. July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

Laurie and Rob Rodriguez

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016



An All-American

LOVE STORY



How a Portage couple met and married while serving their country By Amanda Wilson

■

Photography by Jessica deKock

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

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The love story of Portage residents Rob and Laurie Rodriguez began with a war. As high school seniors, they recall seeing TV images of the Persian Gulf War and, like others of their generation, felt compelled to act. “The military was a family tradition for both of us,” Rob explains. “My dad and brother were both in the Army. Laurie’s dad was a Marine, and her sister was in the Navy.”

he availability of particular opportunities guided both of them in choosing their respective military branches. Rob, in a choice that honorably upended his family’s military tradition, joined the Marines in 1991, while Laurie, following her sister’s example, joined the Navy in 1992. Their different choices brought them to the same location, the U.S. Army Intelligence School in Fort Devens, Massachusetts, a joint military school. Rob and Laurie met in the signals intelligence advanced course that they were both enrolled in. “We started out as friends,” Rob says. “We were in the same classes at Fort Devens and, again, at our follow-on school in Pensacola, Florida. We had classes at night, and everyone in our class would go out to eat together and hang out at the beach.” As with so many of the best love stories, their friendship blossomed into romance. Yet because they believed that their lives were headed in different directions—Laurie received orders to go to Hawaii while Rob had already requested orders to go to Europe—they decided to forgo long-distance dating and broke things off. However, in a happy twist of fate, on the day Laurie was to leave Florida, Rob received orders to report to Hawaii, too. He says, “I called her and we were both so happy about it. She picked me up at the airport in Hawaii.” Laurie was stationed at the U.S. Naval Security Group Kunia, where she provided intelligence support for ships deploying out of Pearl

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

Harbor; Rob was stationed at the Marine Corps Base in Kaneohe Bay. Though they were both in Oahu, they only saw each other on the weekends for the first two years. Every Friday night, Rob took a twohour bus ride to see Laurie. “When the weekend came, I couldn’t wait to see him,” Laurie recalls. “There weren’t any cell phones back then, so we couldn’t talk or text, though Rob would use pay phones to call me every now and then.” Rob and Laurie were married in 1994. Their wedding was held in Arizona so that both sets of parents could attend (Laurie’s parents lived in Arizona, and Rob’s parents drove in from Portage, Indiana, for the wedding). Laurie’s father, a preacher, officiated at the wedding ceremony, which was held in his church. “It was a small wedding and we didn’t know anyone but our parents, though we’ve been married for 22 years so I think it worked out just fine,” Rob says. Though they were committed to each other in marriage, they remained committed to their country, too, and after one month of marriage, Rob was deployed to a ship in the West Pacific. “I came home for almost a month and then left again for three more months,” he says. After his West Pacific tour, Rob was sent to Mogadishu, Somalia. Laurie served as a cryptologist for four years before she left the Navy. As one who knows the trials of being apart, Rob admits,

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“Being separated can strain your marriage.” Laurie agrees, and adds that, for anyone either serving in the military or who is married to someone serving in the military, “You have to be prepared for the possibility of being separated for years at a time. Are you strong enough to handle that separation? Is your marriage strong enough?” Happily, the Rodriguezes’ marriage survived and thrived. They left Hawaii in 1997 for Arizona, where Rob served as an Army Intelligence Advanced Course instructor for three years until he left the Marines. After Arizona, they moved to Northwest Indiana and remained to raise their three sons, Robert, age 19; Isaac, age 17; and Alex, age 12. Though their careers and lives today are centered in the civilian world—Rob is a cyber security manager at NiSource and Laurie is the librarian at Aylesworth Elementary School in Portage—the roots they established in the military continue to shape their lives. Laurie says, “I’m grateful for my time in the service. I’ve met people from all walks of life, including my best friend from my Navy days. We’re going to her daughter’s wedding.” Rob also values the lasting friendships made while serving in the military, and says, “Going to different places, such as Africa, has shaped my world view. It makes me grateful for what we have in the United States of America.”

WORDS OF WISDOM Serving one’s country is a noble choice, but it’s not an easy one and it’s not a decision that should be made impulsively. For those considering serving in the military, Rob and Laurie offer the following advice: “Make sure you know why you want to go in,” Laurie says. “It can’t just be about a paycheck. It’s a ‘24/7’ commitment, and you have to be prepared for the possibility of deployment.”

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Rob serves as a Portage ROTC volunteer, and he cautions, “This is a dangerous time to be a young person, so make sure you know why you’re going into this. Talk to all four recruiters, and explore all of the services and options.”

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For those who are married or have families of their own, Rob points out, “You can be put into situations that are dangerous, and your spouse has to know that. If you’re going into a war zone, you’re putting your spouse and family into that situation, too.”

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omen W WHO oar S

Area

WOMEN navigate the friendly

SKIES INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

Some of them have dreamt about flying since they were little girls. Others fly because it’s in their family’s blood. Their motivations for learning to fly run the gamut: for mission work, or to eventually go to space, or simply for the sublime feeling of being up in the air, away from it all. ■ These six women, all students or instructors at Eagle Aircraft flight school in Valparaiso, share their love of flying and what it’s like to be a female pilot in a male-dominated field. By Carrie Rodovich

■

Photography by Beth Fletcher

EAGLE AIRCRAFT 4001 Murvihill Rd Valparaiso 219.464.0132 jseagle.com

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

JOY SLEGERS

oy Slegers is the proud owner of Eagle Aircraft. Her husband John received his flight training there and later became an instructor before Joy took over as owner. The business operates out of the Porter County Regional Airport, where between 75 and 100 people take flying lessons. The school is the first in the country to become affiliated with Lynchburg, Virginia-based Liberty University, as a flight training affiliate, so students can come to the school to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautics. Since 1979, roughly 1,500 pilots have been trained at Eagle, primarily under John and Joy’s instruction and ownership. Many female pilots are members of the Ninety-Nines, an international organization of licensed female pilots that was founded in 1929 and included Amelia Earhart as a charter member. The group, which includes an Indiana Dunes chapter, educates, supports and inspires female pilots. Slegers, who is not a pilot herself, says fewer than 10 of their students are female. “The ratio isn’t good,” she says. “I would love to see more women get into it, either as a potential career or just as a hobby.”

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

HEIDI HANDTKE

39-year-old mother of three, Heidi Handtke has been a member of the Ninety-Nines since July 2015. She says although the number of women who fly is only a small percentage of pilots, the women stick together and encourage each other, and don’t compete. Handtke, who lives in Michigan City, has 20 more hours to go before she can earn her private pilot’s license. She took her first “discovery flight” in March 2014, and started lessons soon after. She says she has vivid memories of wanting to try to fly since she was a little girl, and always wanted to be an aerial firefighter. “When I was really young, I remember making wings and wanted to fly. My parents seemed to have a hard time keeping me in the window, but thank goodness I didn’t try to fly,” she says. “I’ve always been the type of person who wants to live on the edge, even though I’m a mother of three.” As her kids grow (their ages range between 8 and 13 years old), working flying into her schedule is becoming slightly easier, she says. When she does eventually earn her private license, she will decide what her next step is. “Flying is awesome. Every time I go up and fly, I am in the best mood,” she says. “There’s nothing that can describe the feeling.”

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

IRIS ORDONES

ris Ordones first began flying as a way to have a common hobby with her father, Hugo Ordones. “He would be talking about it, and I thought it would be amazing to control an airplane,” she says. “It really caught my attention. I started flying to spend time with him, but I really ended up loving it.” Ordones began flying when she was 16, but took a few years off to pursue her education. Now 24, she spends a few hours a week working toward her private pilot’s license. She works fulltime at a dairy farm, so she’s used to being in a male-dominated industry. “I don’t see it as a problem, or as a deterrent,” she says. “I see myself as equal to them, and I’m glad I have a hobby I can do with my dad.”

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

EMILY SCHOTT

mily Schott has wanted to be an astronaut since she was about 9 years old. She began taking flying lessons at age 13, went on a solo flight on her 16th birthday, and earned her pilot’s license in August 2015. “There was something about reading about Apollo 11 that got me really interested,” she says. “I’m not sure what it was, exactly, but the bug bit me. When I’m flying, I get to be alone with my thoughts and have the whole world beneath me. And that’s amazing.” She graduated from Valparaiso High School this spring and will head to Purdue University in West Lafayette to study aeronautical engineering. She is excited to pass the statue of Neil Armstrong every day as she enters the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering. “He was the one I always looked up to in all of this,” she says. She still thinks about becoming an astronaut, although she is open to other career possibilities that may turn up, as well. “My generation will be the one to go to Mars, and I would absolutely love to do that—if my dad lets me go,” she laughs. She credits her parents, Bill and Jennifer Schott, for letting her pursue her dreams. “I’m sure they did have reservations about me being so young, but they didn’t tell me,” she says. “I have taken them up [flying] a few times, and they were nervous and visibly sweating, but that’s okay.”

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

JAMYN SIMONIK

amyn Simonik was flying an airplane before she could drive a car. Her love of aviation had a bittersweet beginning: when her beloved uncle passed away in 1982, the then9-year-old inherited all of the Naval aviator’s memorabilia. She avidly studied everything about military aircraft. Then she took an aerospace class at LaPorte High School, and her love of aviation grew. A teacher encouraged her to go take flying lessons at a local airport and the rest was history. “I started flying in 1993. I could solo in an airplane before I could drive a car, so my parents would have to pick me up from the airport,” she says. After she graduated from high school, she got her pilot’s license during her first semester at Indiana State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in aviation. She returned to the Region and became a flight instructor at Eagle Aircraft in the fall of 2001. Her husband, David, is a corporate pilot who is always on call, so teaching is the perfect complement to being a wife and mother to her infant daughter, Mallory. “I love teaching, and if I wasn’t in aviation I would probably be a teacher,” says Simonik, who was one of three women in a class of 80 men in college. “I love watching people grow in aviation; I love to see the satisfaction they get. Watching them achieve milestones and have their moments is amazing to me.” She says she loves helping her students gain confidence. “It’s fun watching them grow and believe in themselves,” she says. “It’s so much different than driving a car. You can’t just pull over; you have to learn how to land the plane, even in an emergency situation.”

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

KEEGAN STARKEY

eegan Starkey grew up around airplanes because her grandparents, John and Joy Slegers, are the owners of Eagle Aircraft. Although she has been flying since she was young, she didn’t start truly enjoying it until she had been taking lessons for a while. “It wasn’t until I started doing crosscountry flights that I realized that flying could be so much fun,” she says. “I love every part of instrument flying, and studying that made me want to learn more and more.” Now 20, the DeMotte resident is studying aeronautics through Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. She is planning to graduate in May 2017, and loves the tight-knit community of women that she’s come to know through flying. “I don’t really think [being female] is much of a factor anymore,” she says. “It’s more like a big family than anything else.” After she graduates, she wants to teach for a year or two until she has enough hours to get her air transport pilot license. She wants to do mission work, flying into remote areas of the world providing supplies to people who need them. “I’ve always wanted to help people, and I’ve always wanted to fly small planes,” she says. “I have a strong Christian background, and this will give me the opportunity to share God’s love with people who might not hear it in other ways. Flying missions like these, I will be their contact with the outside world, and for me to be that kind of messenger would be amazing.”

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

AMERICANA PHOTO STYLING BY ASHLEY CARSON

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY PENNY FRAZIER

Celebrate our nation’s birthday around a country table with close friends, a hearty meal, and homespun hospitality. Event planner Ashley Carson shares her ideas for a Fourth of July party that ties the rustic roots of America’s past with modern trends of the present. 56

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

BACK TO THE LAND

For the overall theme I really wanted to keep it fresh and modern by sticking with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Americanaâ&#x20AC;? theme. And what setting says USA better than an old beautiful barn sitting in the middle of an Indiana corn field? I stuck with some classic and expected touches with the flags and the red, white, and blue, but I also like to throw in a curveball and add some details that are not so traditional.

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

RED, WHITE AND NEW

When throwing a party, I try to keep the cost down with some DIY touches. For this shoot, I took some old denim jeans and cut them up to construct a denim table runner, adding to the Americana look. For the place settings, we mixed classic white dishes with textured napkins, a flag food boat, and for each guest, a red crab cracker that could also double as a party favor. We added small metal bucket drink holders that you can pick up at any dollar store.

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

LAND AND SEA

Who doesn’t love a good ol’ fashioned shrimp boil? It’s easy, beautiful on the table, and delicious. Add in a few Fourth of July-inspired treats and you have a gorgeous food spread.

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

FREEDOM WEAR

We wanted to keep the clothing classic yet modern, like the rest of the shoot. Just because it’s the Fourth of July doesn’t mean you have to scream red, white and blue with your attire. Some small touches of blue and white were a match made in heaven with the red barn backdrop. We added some denim, including Jessica’s jumpsuit, which happens to be the “go-to” style for summer. Fringe is another wardrobe must-have, and Alissa’s fringe tunic is the perfect look for this party. For the guys, we kept it simple with some modern chinos, lightweight button-ups, and the perfect hoodies for those cool summer nights.

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

THANK YOU LOCATION The Red Barn Experience 4555 W Johnson Rd LaPorte 219.363.6921 FOOD Classic Catering 9797 Red Arrow Hwy Bridgman, Mich. 269.465.4420 classiccateringevents.com FLOWERS Thode Floral 1609 Lincolnway LaPorte 219.362.1502 thodefloral.com MEN’S CLOTHING LR Men’s Clothier 1611 Lincolnway LaPorte 219.324.5072 lrmensclothier.com WOMEN’S CLOTHING Whittaker House 26 N Whittaker St New Buffalo, Mich. 269.469.0220 whittakerhouse.com MODELS Adam and Laura Konieczny, Brandon and Jessica Mahl, Matt and Alissa Schnick (All of LaPorte) HAIR Katelyn Pruitt 219.308.0241 MAKEUP Emily Dupré 219.902.1375 PHOTO STYLIST/ EVENT PLANNER Ashley Carson 219.363.6921 ashleythunderevents. blogspot.com Ashley is an event planner, photo stylist, and owner of the Red Barn Experience event venue, where this shoot took place. Being in the fashion business for nearly 15 years, and growing up with a mom who was always throwing fun parties and entertaining, Ashley says she has always been programmed to have a natural love for styling. Four years ago, after throwing a few events for friends, she decided it was time to launch Ashley Thunder Events.

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SCENE Perennial Ball

Chicago

black tie gala benefiting the Community Cancer Research Foundation took place at the majestic Chicago Hilton, where attendees heard from health care professionals about the importance of cancer research. The evening included a cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, a photo booth, and a post-dinner coffee and dessert bar. PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY V. MARTIN

Darin and Lora Metheny

Tiffany and Jeremy Roberts

Keith and Shelly Pitchford

Jenny and Bruce Yalowitz with Amy and Greg Bales

Karen and Scott Lauerman

Dr. Brian and Carrie Blonigen

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

Heart of Gold Gala

Merrillville

he American Heart Association’s annual Heart of Gold Gala, held at the Radisson, celebrated the organization’s work, donors, volunteers, and the lives saved as a result of everyone’s effort. The black-tie affair included dinner, cocktails, and a silent auction. PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY V. MARTIN

Garrett Nosal and Katie Randolph

Megan Glaros and Lance Bruggeman

Doris and Richard Leonhard

Jennifer Young and Ryan Johnson

Alex and Amy Lulinski

T.J. and Megan Pruzin

Chris and Roxanne Bengtson with Haydee and Matt Dominguez

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

Environmental Party

Michigan City

upporters of the Alliance for the Great Lakes gathered at Shady Creek Winery for an evening of music, mingling, wine and a pizza bar. A raffle and silent auction were held to raise funds for the organization, whose mission is to help conserve and restore the Great Lakes. Elle Salon sponsored the event. PHOTOGRAPHY BY KYLE MURPHEY

Alyson Laurencell and Amanda Stasik

Lisa and Robert Rozniarek

Bill Dankert, Bernadette Mrozinski and Trace Ostergren

Adam Moore and Meredith Payne

Laurie Wink, Kate Lawson and Nancy Fitzgerald

Elle Hook

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

Farm to Table Dinner

Schererville

Farm to Table dinner served at Schererville’s Redar Park kicked off the town’s 150th birthday celebration as well as the rebranding of its Farmers Market. A multiple-course meal, which was paired with wine and craft beer from local breweries and wineries, included fresh food from local produce vendors. Chef Nicole Bissonnette of Bartlett’s prepared the meal, while Designer Desserts provided tasty treats for the final course. PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGG RIZZO

Debbie and Carl Goodfriend

Jen Welch with Emily and David Valerius

Steve and Karyn Brodsky

Hollie Reynolds and Rebecca Ryan

Christy and Kevin Gora

Gene and Maureen Bartok with Patti and David Mendoza

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

Janet VanKuiken and Dawn Dooley

Mother’s Day Art Fair

Teresa and David Mueller

Sharon Fritts and Michele Hurst

Valparaiso

ore than 900 patrons were on hand for Taltree Arboretum & Gardens’ Mother’s Day Art Fair. Supporters were treated to free horse and carriage rides as well as tasty treats from food trucks and beautiful offerings from a variety of local artisans.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURI KEAGLE

Scarlett Litko

Robin Rodich, Kylie Fajman, Rebecca Fajman, Rita Rodich and Jack Fajman

Chris, Lisa and Alex Hughes

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

Fetching Market

Lansing

hoppers filled the historical Ford Hangar at Lansing Municipal Airport for the Fetching Market, a pop-up market featuring vintage and artisan purveyors. At the Friday night Market Party, guests enjoyed live music, food, drinks, and a vintage photo booth, along with more than 60 booths by vendors from all over the Midwest.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY V. MARTIN

Nicholas and Sarah Koster

Allison Kooiman and Nicole Post

Saida Fernandez and Yolanda Roman

Kim Morris and David Ramirez

Rachel Gross and Dana Handler

Myra and Mark Smith

Julia Gruver and Elly Gros

Mary Hrymak and Pam Van Niel

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

Spring Into the Arts

Valparaiso

pring Into the Arts was a month-long celebration of the arts in Valparaiso. At its kick-off event, The Art-chitecture Walk, eight landmark locations throughout town featured artwork by students in grades K-12. Each art piece contained a QR code that linked to interactive elements.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONNA LIND

Amanda Bissonnette and Ayla Brown

Jill, Liam and Bill Nunley

Michelle, Goldie and Rex Samardzija

Joseph and Julie Lauck

Bri and Denielle Harris with Amy, Derrek, Owen and Emily Cheuk

Marissa, Olivia and Lauren Krutz

Mackenzie and Kelly Jones with Sam and Natalie Thorgren

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

FLIGHT TRAINING

TRAINIG pILoTs sINce 1979

New Leaf Resources Celebration Banquet • Flight Training for hobbyists and career • Ground School classes offered

• Liberty U. BS in Aeronautics • VA Benefits • Discovery & Scenic Flights

4001 Murvihill Road | Valparaiso, IN 46383 | 219.464.0132 | www.jseagle.com

d iQl oh Cw G e amp u rCus! wit

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Multi-week & Mu

d is c o u n t s

Munster ew Leaf Resources, a mental health agency in Lansing and Crown Point, held a banquet celebrating stories of clients they’ve helped throughout the past year. The event, held at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, featured dinner, networking, and an entertaining presentation by comedian and author Kenn Kington.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY V. MARTIN

taltree.orgg

9) 462-0025 info@

www.taltree.org (21

Kelly Strick and Matt Jahns

Ed and Janet Bremer

LaVerne and Gary Jordan

Margie and Ken Boss

All Men Are CreAted equAl… then they Get dressed…

Sandy and Ray Stenenga

Experience the

John CiCCo’s DifferenCe 8250 Mississippi Street • Merrillville, IN Alterations • Corporate Apparel • Custom Shirts Formal Wear • Gift Certificates www.johnciccosmenswear.com 72

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

Betty and Gene Eenigenburg

Robert and Lois Hillegonds

Oasis Club Fashion Show

Valparaiso he Oasis Club of St. Paul Catholic Church hosted a luncheon and fashion show—with clothing by Seasons on the Square and Beyond Pink—at Valparaiso Country Club. The event was a fundraiser for the club, which brings women together to work toward the spiritual, intellectual, and social improvement of the community.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE OASIS CLUB

Under The Stars Concerts Join Taltree at 7 p.m. every Thursday June 2-Sept. 8 for the Under the Stars entertainment series. Season tickets are $99 for members, $125 for non-members. The series features jazz, blues, comedy, folk music, big band, classical music and more. More information at taltree.org or by calling (219) 462-0025. www.trestlefurniture.com

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Washington Park Guy Foreman Amphitheatre Michigan City, IN

July 9, 2016

Arlene Lynch, JoAnn Epple, Debbie Chappo and Betty Slagle-Shepard PURCHASE TICKETS AT GUY FOREMAN AMPHITHEATRE OR SAVE BY PURCHASING ONLINE www.lighthousejazzfestival.com Gates Open at 11:00 a.m. 12 and under FREE 15-20 yrs. old $5.00 21 and older $10.00 (online) $15.00 (at gate) Visit us online for more information

• Kids’ Activities • Food Trucks • Wineries & Breweries

www.lighthousejazzfestival.com

Washington Park Guy Foreman Amphitheatre Jen Jaskowiak, Toni Bates, Shelly Sieroslawski-Holman and Mary Kolar

Labor Day Weekend

Michigan City, IN

PURCHASE TICKETS AT GUY FOREMAN AMPHITHEATRE OR SAVE BY PURCHASING ONLINE www.shipandshorebluesfestival.com Gates Open at 11:00 a.m. 12 and under FREE 15-20 yrs. old $5.00 21 and older $10.00 (online) $15.00 (at gate) Visit us online for more information

September 3-4, 2016

• Kids’ Activities • Food Trucks • Wineries & Breweries

www.shipandshorebluesfestival.com MEDIA SPONSOR

Melissa Szmagaji, Maggie Diaz, Mary Cooper and Madonna Thelen

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

CALENDAR SUNDAY

MONDAY

JULY 2-3 Red, White & Brews, Round Barn Winery, 10983 Hills Rd, Baroda, Mich. 800.716.9463. roundbarnwinery.com. Celebrate independence with craft brews on draft, live music, kids’ activities, a live brewing demo and more.

JULY 1-4 Cedar Lake Summerfest, Cedar Lake Town Grounds, 7408 Constitution Ave, Cedar Lake. 219.794.4122. cedarlakesummerfest.com. Held on the shore of the 800acre lake, the fest boasts live entertainment, food, fireworks, amusement rides, car shows and a beer garden.

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

JULY 6-10 Celebrate Bridgman, Bridgman, Mich. 269.465.5144. bridgman.org. Highlighted by the Fireman’s Dance under the big top, this town-wide festival also features a 5K run/walk, a sand art contest, children’s programs, a car show, food, a parade and more.

10 JULY 8-10 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff, 5-9pm Fri, 10am-6pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun, Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, Mich. 269.983.0271. krasl.org. 55th annual nationally ranked art fair kicks off this year with a block party.

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

20 JULY 20-24 Festival of the Lakes, Wolf Lake Memorial Park, 2324 Calumet Ave, Hammond. festivalofthelakes. com. Five nights of fun include rides, live entertainment, a Polka Party, a fishing derby, vendors, games and more.

Shakespeare in the Park, 8-10pm, Taltree Arboretum & Gardens, 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso. 219.462.0025. taltree.org. Live outdoor performance of Pericles, Prince of Tyre by the Notre Dame Shakespeare Young Company.

14 JULY 14-AUG 11 Summer Rhapsody Music Festival, 7pm Thu, Central Park Plaza, 68 Lafayette St, Valparaiso. 219.464.8332. valparaisoevents.com. From classical to rock and roll of yesteryear, a feast of sounds for music lovers of all ages.

THURSDAY

JULY 14-AUG 14 The Odd Couple, Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.3255. theatreatthecenter.com. Set in the hot summer streets of 1960s New York, this riotously funny play reveals the adventures of two mismatched roommates.

THE ODD COUPLE PHOTO BY MICHAEL BROSILOW

JULY 2016

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

02 Taste of the Region, 1-5pm, Taltree Arboretum & Gardens, 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso. 219.462.0025. taltree.org. Sample the tastes of well-loved restaurants, wineries and breweries from across the Region, all in one place.

JULY 8-10 Steger Days of Music— Baby It’s Grand! Steger, Ill. stegerdaysofmusic.com. Joe Nichols, Epic and 95th Street headline, plus craft and food vendors, a 5K, kids’ entertainment, a car show, fireworks and more.

Fetching Market, 9am-5pm, Centennial Park, Calumet Ave, Munster. 708.895.9465. fetchingmarket.com. Shoppers can browse quality vintage and handcrafted wares in an open air market, plus enjoy food, music and a beer and wine garden.

16 The Grape Escape, 1-8pm, Centennial Park, Calumet Ave, Munster. 219.836.7275. munster.org. Sample a selection of wines, enjoy food from around the Region, listen to live music and browse the fine arts fair and ethnic market.

23 Zoofari, 5:30-9:30pm, Washington Park Zoo, 115 Lake Shore Dr, Michigan City. 219.873.1510. washingtonparkzoo.com. Annual family-friendly fundraiser including dinner, unique animal encounters, a silent auction and more.

29 JULY 29-31 Pierogi Fest, 119th St, Whiting. 219.659.0292. pierogifest.net. A celebration of all things pierogi with food vendors of all sorts, the Pierogi Parade, games, a beer garden, live music with a performance by the Village People, and fun for all ages.

BY ASHLEY BOYER

WAYS TO

GIVE BACK

JULY 9 ArtBash, 5:30pm, Blue Chip Casino, 777 Blue Chip Dr, Michigan City. 219.874.4900. lubeznikcenter.org. Guests can be a part of the art at this satirical evening of political spoofery with improv comedy by the Second City Works, cocktails and food stations, a silent art auction and more. Proceeds benefit Lubeznik Center for the Arts and help make a difference to those with limited access to the arts.

2 3

JULY 16-17 A Park Full of Art, 10am-5pm, Griffith Central Park, 600 N Broad St, Griffith. 219.838.5727. aparkfullofart.com. The 42nd annual juried fine arts fair will showcase the work of more than 100 artists. Proceeds provide funds to award a scholarship to Griffith High School senior students interested in further fine arts education. JULY 22 Memorial House Foundation Sock Hop, 6-10pm, Central Park, downtown Valparaiso. 219.548.9137. memorialoperahouse.com. This “Back to the ’50s” fundraiser features games, prizes, dance contests, food, a cash bar, photo opportunities and a live performance by the Neverly Brothers. Proceeds benefit the Memorial Opera House Foundation.

JULY 29 Dare to be Different—Fashion with a Purpose, 5-9pm, Dynasty Banquet, 4125 Calumet Ave, Hammond. 219.924.4204. Enjoy dinner, entertainment by Ernie “Lady Sax” Shelby and a designer fashion show featuring local designers, artists and entrepreneurs. Proceeds benefit the Dare to be Different Scholarship Initiative.

JULY 30 Cocktails at the Grand Cottage, 5-9pm, Grand Cottage, New Buffalo, Mich. 219.872.4499. michianahumanesociety. org. Guests will enjoy appetizers and cocktails as they bid on items in a live auction at this fundraiser to benefit the Michiana Humane Society and SPCA.

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

Shana Tucker

JULY 9 Lighthouse Jazz Festival, Guy Foreman Amphitheater, Washington Park, Michigan City. 773.450.2319. lighthousejazzfestival.com. Live music, craft beers and wineries, local cuisine, interactive activities for children and more.

JULY 2

Summer Concert Series, 7-9pm Thu, Main Square Park, 3001 Ridge Rd, Highland. 219.838.0114. highlandparks. org. Outdoor performances all summer long. Bring a lawn chair.

Shore Arts Gallery, Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.1839. southshoreartsonline.org. Artwork inspired by the beauty of the Indiana dunes and the industry along the shore.

THROUGH JULY 14

THROUGH SEPT 1

JULY 2-3

Renewing the Region, 8am-5pm, Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corinne Dr, Hammond. 219.989.7979. southshorecva.com. Showcasing works of art created from recycled and repurposed objects.

THROUGH AUG 14

Michiana Annual Arts Competition, Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St, St. Joseph, Mich. 269.983.3688. boxfactoryforthearts.org. A multimedia competition open to residents of Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana.

THROUGH AUG 21

Sand & Steel—Visions of Our Indiana Shore, South

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

Concerts in the Park, 6-9pm Thu, Festival Park, Hobart. 219.942.4511. cityofhobart. org. Come for the market, stay for the local live entertainment.

THROUGH SEPT 3

Music in the Park, 6:30pm Sat, Dewey Cannon Park, downtown Three Oaks, Mich. harborarts.com. A free outdoor weekly summer concert series featuring a variety of music.

THROUGH OCT 29

Chesterton’s European Market, 8am-2pm Sat, downtown Chesterton. 219.926.5513. chestertonseuropeanmarket. com. Fresh produce, handmade products, live entertainment and more.

Taste of the Region, 1-5pm, Taltree Arboretum & Gardens, 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso. 219.462.0025. taltree.org. Sample the tastes of wellloved restaurants, wineries and breweries from across the Region, all in one place.

Michigan City. 219.874.4269. festivalplayersguild.org. When blind date newbie Aaron is set up with serial-dater Casey, a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner.

JULY 7-17

Red, White & Brews, Round Barn Winery, 10983 Hills Rd, Baroda, Mich. 800.716.9463. roundbarnwinery.com. Celebrate independence with craft brews on draft, live music, kids’ activities, a live brewing demo and more.

The Pop-Up—A Valparaiso Art Experience, Valparaiso. popup.valparaisoevents.com. A regional art competition held throughout the city, with artwork from around the Region displayed in local businesses, plus various artrelated events. Winner will be decided through public voting.

JULY 2-SEPT 24

JULY 8

Conversations with Chaos, Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W 2nd St, Ste 100, Michigan City. 219.874.4900. lubeznikcenter. org. Photography-based digital media and collage by Daryl Thetford and public installations.

JULY 6-15

First Date, Canterbury Theatre, 807 N Franklin,

Bring It! Live, 8pm, Star Plaza Theatre, 8001 Delaware Pl, Merrillville. 800.745.3000. starplazatheatre.com. Miss D and her Dancing Dolls perform live on stage.

JULY 8-10

Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff, 5-9pm Fri, 10am-6pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun, Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, Mich. 269.983.0271.

HUNTER HAYES PHOTO BY SONNY MCCARTNEY

THROUGH JUNE 23, JULY 14-21

JULY 14-AUG 14

The Odd Couple, Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.3255. theatreatthecenter.com. Set in the hot summer streets of 1960s New York, this riotously funny play reveals the adventures of two mismatched roommates.

JULY 15-23

The Tempest, Chicago Street Theatre, 154 W Chicago St, Valparaiso. 219.464.1636. chicagostreet.org. Filled with spectacle and the supernatural, Shakespeare’s late masterpiece of forgiveness, generosity and enlightenment. JULY 8-9: Special free performance at Central Park in downtown Valparaiso. Hunter Hayes will perform July 29 at Four Winds Silver Creek Event Center in New Buffalo.

krasl.org. 55th annual nationally ranked art fair kicks off this year with a block party.

JULY 8-10, 15-17, 21-24

The House of Mirrors & Hearts, Towle Theater, 5205 Hohman Ave, Hammond. 219.937.8780. towletheater. org. A chilling and intimate chamber musical that explores loss, family, and the question of whether we can escape the past.

JULY 9

Lake County Master Gardeners Garden Walk 2016, 9am-5pm, Crown Point, Dyer and Schererville. lakecountymastergardeners. com. Explore nine gardens in full bloom. Master Gardeners

will be on hand to answer questions.

JULY 9

Sand Sculpture Contest, 9am-1pm, Indiana Dunes State Park, 1600 N 25 E, Chesterton. 219.926.1390. in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm. Watch the sand come alive with dragons, monsters and fairy tale characters. Participate or watch others’ creations.

JULY 9

Valparaiso/Porter County Garden Walk, 9am-4pm, Hayes Leonard School, 653 Hayes Leonard Rd, Valparaiso. 219.465.3555. pcgarden.info. Visit a bouquet of gardens, one public and several private, as Master Gardeners answer questions and explain plantings.

JULY 14-AUG 11

Summer Rhapsody Music Festival, 7pm Thu, Central Park Plaza, 68 Lafayette St, Valparaiso. 219.464.8332. valparaisoevents.com. From classical to rock and roll of yesteryear, a feast of sounds for music lovers of all ages.

JULY 15-24

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, 7:30pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Elston Performing Arts Center, 1200 Spring St, Michigan City. 219.873.2070. yptcinc. com. Six quirky adolescents compete in a bee run by three equally eccentric grownups. Audience participation encouraged.

lemoncreekwinery.com. Fine wine and music by Elwood Splinters Blues Band and more in the beautiful countryside.

JULY 17

JULY 22-AUG 7

Assassins, 8pm Fri-Sat, 3pm Sun, Crown Point Community Theater, 1125 Merrillville Rd, Crown Point. 219.805.4255. cpct.biz. A Tony Awardwinning musical, this controversial drama lays bare the lives of nine individuals who assassinated or tried to assassinate a U.S. president.

JULY 23

Acorn Concert Series— Mr. Blotto, 6-10pm, Taltree Arboretum & Gardens, 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso. 219.462.0025. taltree.org. Mr. Blotto headlines this outdoor, jamming-style concert. Enjoy great beer and food during the show.

JULY 15-31

JULY 23

JULY 16

JULY 29

Grease, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Memorial Opera House, 104 Indiana Ave, Valparaiso. 219.548.9137. memorialoperahouse.com. Watch “bad boy” Danny and “girl next door” Sandy fall in love all over again in the original high school musical. The Grape Escape, 1-8pm, Centennial Park, Calumet Ave, Munster. 219.836.7275. munster.org. Sample a selection of wines, enjoy food from around the Region, listen to live music and browse the fine arts fair and ethnic market.

JULY 16

Vintage Blues Bash, noon-8pm, Lemon Creek Winery & Fruit Farm, 533 E Lemon Creek Rd, Berrien Springs, Mich. 269.471.1321.

Zoofari, 5:30-9:30pm, Washington Park Zoo, 115 Lake Shore Dr, Michigan City. 219.873.1510. washingtonparkzoo.com. Annual family-friendly fundraiser including dinner, unique animal encounters, a silent auction and more. Hunter Hayes, 9pm, Four Winds Silver Creek Event Center, 11111 Wilson Rd, New Buffalo, Mich. 800.745.3000. ticketmaster.com. The Grammy nominee performs.

JULY 29

Schererville Corn Roast, 4-8pm, Redar Park, 1722 S Park Ave, Schererville. 219.322.5412. 46375.org. 53rd AYCE corn roast with food, vendors, music, a beer garden (open late) and, of course, corn.

July 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

FAIRS& FESTIVALS JUNE 29-JULY 4

4th of July Weekend Celebration, New Buffalo Beach, New Buffalo, Mich. 888.660.6222. newbuffalo.org. A beach-style celebration filled with surfing and sand sculpture demos, outdoor movies, music, fireworks and more.

JULY 1-4

Cedar Lake Summerfest, Cedar Lake Town Grounds, 7408 Constitution Ave, Cedar Lake. 219.794.4122. cedarlakesummerfest.com. Held on the shore of the 800acre lake, the fest boasts live entertainment, food, fireworks, amusement rides, car shows, a beer garden and more.

JULY 3

Lightning Bug Music Festival, Sunset Hill Farm, 775 Meridian Rd, Valparaiso. 219.246.0068. lightningbugmusicfestival. com. Family-friendly music fest, plus kids’ activities, local food trucks and craft beer.

JULY 6-10

Celebrate Bridgman, Bridgman, Mich. 269.465.5144. bridgman.org. Highlighted by the Fireman’s Dance under the big top, this town-wide festival also features a 5K run/walk, a sand art contest, children’s programs, a car show, food, a parade and more.

JULY 8-10

Greek Fest 2016, SS Constantine and Helen Cathedral, 8000 Madison St, Merrillville. 219.769.2481. ssconstantineandhelen.org. Festivities include a kiddy carnival and games, Greek music, dancing, a marketplace, food and a beer garden.

JULY 8-10

Nativity Fest, Nativity of Our Savior Parish, 2949 Willowcreek Rd,

INSPIREDLIVING | July 2016

Portage. 219.762.4858. nativityofoursavior.net. Four nights of homemade food, live music, carnival games, rides, bingo, a beer garden and more.

JULY 8-10

Steger Days of Music— Baby It’s Grand! Steger, Ill. stegerdaysofmusic.com. Joe Nichols, Epic and 95th Street headline, plus craft and food vendors, a 5K, kids’ entertainment, a car show, fireworks and more.

Joe Nichols will perform at the Steger Days of Music—Baby it’s Grand!

JULY 9

Lighthouse Jazz Festival, Guy Foreman Amphitheater, Washington Park, Michigan City. 773.450.2319. lighthousejazzfestival.com. Live music, craft beers and wineries, local cuisine, interactive activities for children and more.

JULY 10

Livin’ It Up Music Festival, 3-9pm, Zao Island, 1050 Horse Prairie Ave, Valparaiso. porcoso.org. Rolling Stones and Beatles cover bands perform, plus a variety of children’s activities and more, to benefit Porter County Special Olympics.

JULY 10-16

LaPorte County Fair, LaPorte County Fairgrounds, 2581 W State Rd 2, LaPorte. 219.362.2647. laportecountyfair.org. Events include horse racing, stage shows and carnival attractions.

JULY 16

SummerFest Music & Microbrews, 4-10pm, Shadowland Pavilion, Silver Beach, St. Joseph, Mich. 269.982.4181. smso.org. Local craft breweries and mouthwatering local cuisine, combined with live music and completed with a lighted boat parade.

JULY 16

Valparaiso Food & Wine Festival, 5-8pm, Central Park Plaza, downtown Valparaiso. 219.464.8332. valparaisoevents.com. Taste more than 60 wines, savor dishes from local restaurants and learn about all things culinary, plus live entertainment by the Jeff Brown Trio.

JULY 20-24

Festival of the Lakes, Wolf Lake Memorial Park, 2324 Calumet Ave, Hammond. festivalofthelakes.com. Five nights of fun include rides, live entertainment, a Polka Party, a fishing derby, vendors, games and more.

JULY 21-30

Porter County Fair, Porter County Fairgrounds and Expo Center, 217 E Division Rd, Valparaiso. 219.462.0321. portercountyfair.com. Fun rides, food, 4-H exhibits and activities, and live entertainment—with performances by Chris Janson, Alabama and Cole Swindell.

JULY 29-31

Pierogi Fest, 119th St, Whiting. 219.659.0292. pierogifest.net. A celebration of all things pierogi with food

vendors of all sorts, the Pierogi Parade, games, a beer garden, live music with a performance by the Village People, and fun for all ages.

JULY 30

5th Annual Taste of LaPorte, 3-10pm, The LaPorte Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge St, LaPorte. 219.362.3178. lpchamber. com. Enjoy tastes from a variety of cuisines from some of LaPorte County’s finest establishments.

JULY 30

Prairie Magic Music Fest, 2pm, Sunset Hill Farm County Park, 775 Meridian Rd, Valparaiso. 219.548.0219. brownpapertickets.com. A celebration of rock, bluegrass, folk and Americana music, plus craft, food and beer vendors.

SHARE YOUR EVENTS!

If you would like to submit an event for the monthly Inspired Living calendar, please email inspiredliving@ nwi.com at least two months prior to the event.

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