Inspired Living October 2016

OCTOBER 2016

IN SPIREDLIVING at the

FARM

house

with Bethany Porter and Family MUSIC AND THEATER SUCCESS STORIES

Clean, Simple Halloween Décor

All Things Autumn

Wineries, Apple Orchards, and Pumpkin Patches

Month 2016 |

1

Creating one dazzling smile at a time 809 Wall Street,Valparaiso, IN 46383 219.462.2564 michaeldronedentistry.com

711 Main St. • Schererville, IN • 219-322-2700 www.AlbertsJewelers.com

CONTENTS 48

OCTOBER 2016 FEATURES

The Man Behind the Music

42

Taking the Stage The many hats of Theatre at the Center’s Linda Fortunato.

54

Autumn Harvest

Visit one of these apple orchards and pumpkin patches this fall.

ON THE COVER FEATURED Bethany Porter of Lowell PHOTOGRAPHER Penny Frazier LOCATION The Porter residence

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INSPIREDLIVING | October 2016

RICK THACKER PHOTO BY JOSEPH GONZALEZ, LINDA FORTUNATO PHOTO BY JOSHUA ALBANESE, AUTUMN HARVEST PHOTO BY MONICA ZIBUTIS

Rick Thacker talks music, education, and family.

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CONTENTS

OCTOBER 2016

19 28 DEPARTMENTS IN STYLE

INDULGE

INVIGORATE

IN HOME

IN EVERY ISSUE

11

Trending Now: A leather-anddenim combo for men.

19

25

30

06 Editor’s Letter

12

22

Farm Fresh: How a centuryold farmhouse stole the hearts of a young Lowell couple.

38

73 Out on the Town

Potions and Pearls: April Beres makes her own line of elixirs, and looks the part.

15

Modern Classics: Traditional barber shops unite generations while enjoying a renaissance.

4

INSPIREDLIVING | October 2016

Shoreline Wine: Take a wine tour around the lake.

Dining Music: Six local restaurants with live entertainment.

Survivor Strength: A workout for women following a mastectomy.

28

Speaking Up: What breast cancer survivor Darla Winland wants women to know.

A Hallowed Home: Ideas for a spooky yet classic Halloween.

08 Contributors 09 Let’s Get Social 63 In Scene 74 Calendar 80 In Closing

IN HOME PHOTO BY PENNY FRAZIER, IN STYLE PHOTO BY BRANDI LEE, INDULGE PHOTO BY EVE ADAMS, INVIGORATE PHOTO BY MICHELLE HAMSTRA

15

30

INSPIRED LIVING

VOLUME 2 // ISSUE 5 PUBLISHER

Christopher T. White EDITOR

Julia Perla Huisman DESIGNER

April Burford EDITORIAL CONSULTANT

Erin Orr

LETTER utting a magazine together is a lot of fun (and hard work!), and it always comes with a few delights and surprises. Here are some behind-the-scenes moments I experienced with this issue: ■ When we took photos for our story about local apple orchards and pumpkin patches (page 54) at Garwood Orchards, it was a beautiful but balmy afternoon in August.

Not only did the heat provide a challenge for getting into the fall spirit, but pumpkins weren’t quite growing yet. We had plenty of teeming apple trees to photograph, just not pumpkins.

But our tenacious photographer, Monica Zibutis, spotted what looked like a pumpkin patch and then trudged her way through it to find some adorable tiny pumpkins perfect for our four-year-old model’s little hands.

I can’t tell you how excited I was to see those pumpkins. I just couldn’t have a fall issue without them!

■ We have a feature on Rick Thacker, the young owner of Plum Grove Music in Lowell (page 48). It’s a well-written story about the two loves of his life: music and family. He mentions his wife Elizabeth’s blog, called The Little Years, which gives ideas and resources for teaching children. The day after I edited this story, I went to a local boot camp workout for the first time. One of the women there was talking about her sister’s blog, called The Little Years. “Wait,” I said. “Is your sister Elizabeth Thacker?” It is. In fact, Elizabeth actually attends that same class regularly. (I met her the next time.) What started as an emailed press release about Plum Grove became one of the best stories in this issue, and was further made personal to me by coincidentally running into one of its main characters. The world is small indeed.

■ Being the editor of this magazine simply means I’m its first reader. So I learn a little something with every story I read, just like you do. From this issue, I have several takeaways: I will always provide non-candy items for trick-or-treaters on Halloween (pages 18 and 39); I’m going to make sure I get the proper screening for breast cancer (page 28); and I will most definitely be doing a wine tour this fall (page 19).

I hope this issue likewise brings you many delights and inspires action as well.

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

Eve Adams Joshua Albanese Levi Arnold Jessica deKock Beth Fletcher Penny Frazier Esther Gallarday Joseph Gonzalez Michelle Hamstra Brandi Lee Donna Lind Tony V. Martin Damian Rico Monica Zibutis ADVERTISING PUBLICATIONS MANAGER

Lisa Tavoletti 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

EDITOR

6

INSPIREDLIVING | October 2016

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 PENNY FRAZIER‌

Editor’s

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

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Monday-Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm Sunday:12:00pm - 6:00pm 401 Broadway Chesterton, IN 46304 | 219-929-1400 | www.butlerwinery.com 8

InspiredLiving | October 2016

Contributors ‌ OSEPH GONZALEZ is J an in-house designer for the Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana, Inc., freelances under the alias Miracletwentyone and is the photographer of Blackbean Photography. He co-founded the Insight Design Conference and is the author of Over Here: A Collection of NWI Creatives and the maker of Creative Block.

In this issue he photographed Rick Thacker, owner of Plum Grove Music in Lowell (page 48). “I admire folks who put their creativity to work,” he says. “Rick does that day in and day out and it was a pleasure photographing someone who has a deep love for their craft.”

MAGGIE RUSSO graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in photography.

She began in the darkroom and now uses what she has learned to photograph all the happy milestones in people’s lives. For this issue, Maggie photographed the Halloween décor styled by Sara De St. Jean (page 38). “I have been photographing Sara’s creations for years now and am always excited to see what she has created,” Maggie says.

SARA DE ST. JEAN, also known as the Homespun Hostess, styles parties and designs paper. “I love to put a homestyle spin on parties by using unique found items and lots of great paper design,” she says. She has been doing party graphic design for approximately 12 years and established Homespun Hostess in 2011. On page 38, Sara shares creative ideas for Halloween décor that is a modern departure from the standard orange and black.

Joseph Gonzalez

Maggie Russo

Sara De St. Jean

Joseph Gonzalez photo by Levi Arnold, Maggie Russo photo by Robin Sloan‌, Sara De St. Jean photo by Maggie Russo‌

F a c t o r y

Let’s Get

Social Living Well.

Living Wise.

AT HARTSFIELD VILLAGE The Best in Senior Living for 9 Years in a Row!

Only at inspirednwi.com

“Retirement can be a wonderful time of new friendships and less worries.

It should be a time to enjoy life.”

- Leslie Darrow, Executive Director

The Inspired Living photographers are on the scene of local social and fundraising events.

Visit our website for additional In Scene photos.

Hartsfield Village features: • Independent & Assisted Living Apartments • Memory Support Unit • Rehabilitation Center • Fitness Center • SpaPointe Salon • Executive Chef prepared cuisine • Happy hour & special outings

Correction

Instagram

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

In the September issue, “City on the Rise” (page 54), we neglected to give credit for the flowers seen in the photos. The bouquet was provided by Kris Livovich of Sugarfield Flowers (sugarfieldflowers.com) in Chesterton.

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October 2016 | InspiredLiving

9

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11

Potions and Pearls

E

ver since she was five years old, April Beres’ passion has always been in the kitchen. Whether following every move her mother made or making her own concoctions, it was where she felt at home.

Beres, owner of the Cauldron Beverage Company, has taken that culinary experience and her marketing savvy and created a series of beverage elixirs with a bold, fullflavored organic concentrate made raw through a natural process. “I come from a family of fermenters,” Beres says. “Working with raw and natural ingredients is very important for me.

Maximizing the most nutrients is so very important and there are powerful benefits to going organic.”

Her Cauldron Elixirs, which cauldronbeverage.com include Ginger 219.508.8780 Ginseng, Beet Cauldron Beverage Mint, Oaked Apple Company elixirs are Allspice, Raspberry available at places Black Pepper and like the Journeyman Black Caraway, Distillery, Burn ’Em are original and Brewing, The Wholesome unique because Cupboard, Charcuterie, of the process Twincade, Nature’s and ingredients.

Cupboard, The Purple “Consumers Porch, and Rockit Bar & Grill. Local deliveries will are much more also be available soon. intelligent and they understand the importance of better ingredients,” she says. “I look at how the craft beer drinkers pay attention to the details and I feel that is how I wanted to pattern my brand.”

Her potions match her eccentric style. Beres is as alluring as Harley Quinn and as sweet as Marilyn Monroe, but she is all business and can light up a room when talking about her products.

The elixirs are a combination of sweet, sour, and savory herbal handmade blends that can be customized to mix with craft beverages like liquor, club soda, tonic water, tea, lemonade, hard ciders and beer, to name a few. “I like doing things that nobody else is doing,” Beres says. “I feel

Cauldron Beverage Company owner April Beres offers her own brand of organic concentrate elixirs for cocktails and sodas.

12

INSPIREDLIVING | October 2016

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAMIAN RICO

CAULDRON BEVERAGE COMPANY

we are a more health-conscious society and I wanted a product that was delicious and filled with probiotics.”

Beres started the concept of her company last year when she was laid off from her marketing position and wondering what to do next. She turned to her passion.

“I dove right in,” she says. “I love the business, but it is not easy by any means. Right now I’m a one-man show until I start developing.”

That time seems to be quickly approaching for Cauldron Beverage Company as it continues to collaborate on several events, including various farmers markets and a recent brew fest with Burn ’Em Brewing, where they introduced a Kombucha lager that was the first to sell out. “The craft industry has really led the charge by demanding products with ingredients that they know exactly where they came from,” Beres says.

“It used to be trendy to drink these beers; now, it’s about the awareness, and folks are expanding their palates to appreciate the finer flavors. That’s why people support their local breweries and their products.”

Beres feels the real test is with the customers.

“Consumerism is the most important power that we have,” she says. “As a business owner, we have to appreciate that. If you offer a great product that you can stand behind, people can respect and embrace that type of product.”

Cauldron Beverage Company offers organic concentrate for cocktails and sodas.

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Christian Moffitt, owner of Barbershop Moffitt’s in Munster, grooms a client’s beard.

Photography by Brandi Lee‌

Modern Classics

McFly’s Gentlemen Shop in Crown Point

‌E

lection years often inspire lofty rhetoric about the voting booth as the ultimate symbol of democracy.

The great equalizer in a fragmented society. A place where every citizen—regardless of age, background or any other distinguishing factor— has the same power and standing.

For men, the barber’s chair has long engendered similar ideals, even if hairstyles and high-level governance (mostly) reside on separate planes. The CEO enjoying a straight-razor shave, the retiree settling in for a touch-up trim, the young professional doing some maintenance on his lumberjack beard, the Little Leaguer getting another buzz cut—they each take a turn in that same chair. And, in truth, most come looking for something more than just a hairstyle.

October 2016 | InspiredLiving

15

THE CUTTING EDGE We asked three local barbers to share the latest hair and grooming trends for men.

Wilson’s Barbershop and Shave Parlor in LaPorte

CHRISTIAN MOFFITT Barbershop Moffitt’s More men are keeping their hair quite short on the sides, over the ears and in the back at their neckline, but wearing significant length on top. It’s a versatile and low-maintenance cut that can last for more than a couple of weeks.

We’re also starting to see a huge business in beard oils, shampoos and facial products. Facial hair is just another way to complete an overall look, and I think men are more willing to spend that extra time in the morning to look clean cut and well groomed.

JASON POTCHEN (pictured with co-owner Verrell Kerney, left) McFly’s Gentlemen Shop The biggest thing we’re seeing is longer lengths in men’s hair. 2016 looks are more lived-in and more carefree, with minimal product. You may still need a high-quality product to tame your mane, but just a lot less of it.

Beards are still booming as well, but the trend is toward a wellgroomed facial accessory. Length is still acceptable, but you need to visit a true beardsmith to create a flattering shape. Beards are just as important as a hairstyle, which is why it’s important to visit the barber regularly to keep it in check—nobody likes an ugly beard.

ADAM WILSON Wilson’s Barbershop and Shave Parlor Most trends are a take on something that has already been done, so we enjoy seeing what people come up with when it comes to their hairstyles. Lately we’re seeing very tight fades with enough hair to comb on the top—this has been a prominent cut in our shop for a couple years. Beards are also still very popular, so we do quite a bit of trimming and shaping.

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INSPIREDLIVING | October 2016

“The quality of our haircuts is what gets them in the door, but our character is what brings them back,” says Jason Potchen, a veteran stylist and owner of 4-year-old McFly’s Gentlemen Shop in Crown Point, explaining the appeal of his throwback barber shop in a marketplace that has mostly commoditized men’s haircuts. “In my eyes, a great barbershop visit is one where you walk through the doors and are greeted like an old friend. You truly feel like you’re a part of some type of club, and you leave the shop looking forward to your next visit with your head held high and your stomach a little sore from laughing.”

It’s that type of casual, convivial atmosphere that Christian Moffitt was also hoping to revive when he opened his shop three years ago in a Munster storefront with a hair-cutting history dating back to 1927.

While there are certainly national chain outlets where his customers can perhaps get a quicker or cheaper cut, Moffitt believes that a true barber shop offers a different kind of experience altogether.

“It’s so important to have a place to unwind,” he explains. “The barber shop is like stepping into a capsule where time stops and a man can relax and be pampered. We actually still have customers who have been coming here since it first opened, and it’s truly amazing to spend time with these men. That’s what’s missing at some of these other places—the excitement you get from meeting so many different people.

I like that my shop has become a center of community and friendship.”

Building community. Nurturing friendships. Perhaps an election year is indeed the perfect time to be reminded of the barber’s chair as the common ground that all men share, regardless of their contrasting hairstyles or ideological differences.

“We have such a great opportunity to build a lasting relationship with the people who come through our door,” says Adam Wilson of Wilson’s Barbershop and Shave Parlor in LaPorte. “I think our customers are looking for quality service, conversation and maybe a good laugh, and we’ve worked hard to build an environment that provides those things.”

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Barbershop Moffitt’s in Munster

SHAVE AND A HAIRCUT Where to go for your next cut, trim or style (or maybe just an hour of good conversation)?

Check out one of these area shops.

Wilson’s Barbershop and Shave Parlor 818 Lincolnway, LaPorte 219.326.1600 wilsonsbarbershop.com McFly’s Gentlemen Shop 1224 N Main St Crown Point 219.663.6915

Barbershop Moffitt’s 223 Ridge Rd, Munster 219.836.2188 Pete’s Barber Shop 500 E Lincolnway Valparaiso 219.465.8201 petesbarbervalpo.com JP’s Classic Barber Shop 110 Lincoln St, Chesterton 219.983.1300

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October 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

17

Sponsored content by Jewel-Osco

Make trick-or-treating a sweet experience for everyone

‌W

hen trick-or-treating time rolls around, kids are more than happy to dress the part and hit the streets for delectable Halloween treats. Typically, the so-called “scary” things of Halloween—ghosts, skeletons and mummies—simply elicit nervous chuckles or excited squeals of delight.

But for children with food allergies, it’s not the things that go bump in the night that produce a fright. It’s the stuff that those Halloween treats are made of! Allergens present in many traditional Halloween treats include wheat, milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts and eggs. All of these ingredients can make Halloween a seriously scary proposition for kids who need to avoid them.

Thankfully, there’s no need to sideline any trickor-treaters this season. With the proper planning, you’ll be able to offer an inclusively thrilling Halloween that’s a sweet treat for everyone.

Have a Game Plan

If your child has food allergies, don’t wing it when you take him or her trick-or-treating. Talk to your child before you go door-to-door about the need for caution and set clear expectations. Children should be aware that adults need to inspect their haul first, and that non-labeled treats with unknown ingredients are off-limits. You can also encourage your child to tell people about his or her food allergies.

Another way to keep your child looped in for Halloween fun would be to provide some safe treats in advance to a few trusted neighbors. Your local Jewel-Osco carries tasty “school safe” baked goods that are made in peanut, tree nut and dairy-free facilities. They also have some gluten-free options for those little ghosts and goblins.

Be a Good Neighbor

Even if you don’t have children with food allergies, you can still be a good neighbor by setting aside some safe candy options to pass out. And, you don’t have to spend a fortune ordering specially made candy from obscure online companies. Simply read the labels carefully and know which brands to trust. Thanks to the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act, labels must clearly indicate not only if candy contains common allergens but also if it was made in a factory where it may have come into contact with allergens.

Some well-known candy brands, like Hershey’s, offer treats such as Hershey’s Kisses, which don’t contain common allergy offenders and have reliably honest labeling standards. Other typically allergyfriendly and beloved sweet treats include Smarties and Dum-Dums.

raise awareness of food allergies and help promote inclusion for all trick-or-treaters. So, break out the teal paint, plaster it on a pumpkin and place it on your front porch as a signal that you have safe, non-candy treats available. Stickers, glow sticks and bouncy balls are all popular (and safe) options that won’t break your budget.

InDulge presented by

Put Out a Teal Pumpkin

Most kids will tell you that getting non-candy treats can be pretty sweet, too. The Food Allergy Research and Education campaign (FARE) has come up with a colorful way to advertise that your home is an allergy-safe Halloween haven. It’s the Teal Pumpkin Project, which was launched in 2014 to

18

InspiredLiving | October 2016

JEWEL-OSCO Locations in Chesterton, Crown Point, Dyer and Munster www.jewelosco.com

DULGE

Anderson’s Vineyard & Winery 430 E US Hwy 6 Valparaiso 219.464.4936 andersonswinery.com

A family tradition, Anderson’s has grown from a small roadside market to a beautiful 40-acre, must-see destination in Porter County. They offer 15 estate bottled wines, and they proudly harvest the Indiana state grape (called the Traminette) in their vineyard. When tasting, be sure to taste the Ravat 51, a sweet white made with finial grapes and currently their best seller.

The winery has a beautiful green sculpture garden, a covered greenhouse and gazebo, as well as a rustic covered porch with rocking chairs. “The property is very inviting,” says business manager Tammy Carmichael.

“When you come to Anderson’s, we want you to have a glass of wine and unwind.”

Butler Winery & Vineyards

ILLUSTRATION BY MELISSA WASHBURN

Shoreline The beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline has a lot to offer: miles of beaches and pristine waters, hiking in the sand dunes, and delicious farm-to-table cuisine. The shores of Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan have also gained a reputation for having some of the best wineries in America. There isn’t a better time to take a local wine tour than in the fall, and these highlighted wineries—close to home and as unique as the variety of the wines they offer—are just a handful of the best to get you started.

401 Broadway Chesterton 219.929.1400 butlerwinery.com

Butler Winery, established in 1983, is family owned and operated. The main winery and vineyard are located in Bloomington, but an additional tasting room, store, and beautiful quaint courtyard are located right in the heart of downtown Chesterton. Joe Butler, owner of Butler Winery, says, “Great focus is put on using only local Indiana-grown fruits and the best ingredients to produce a variety of wines with distinctive taste from the blueberries, blackberries, black currant, peaches and apples they get from neighboring Marshall County.”

This cozy winery has an inviting and relaxed atmosphere where customers feel comfortable asking questions and trying new flavors.

October 2016 | INSPIREDLIVING

19

Anderson’s Vineyard & Winery in Valparaiso

Tasting and Touring Tips Call ahead to schedule a tour, reservation, or group tasting for large groups (10 or more). Small groups may just stop in.

■

Plan to visit three to four sites per day. Take time to enjoy what each establishment has to offer, including the food menu.

Taste each wine carefully and savor each sip.

■

Read the tasting notes as you taste, and see if you notice any of the aromas or flavors listed in the notes.

■

■ Be open to wines that you believe you will not like—reds, whites, port wines. You may be surprised.

■ Please don’t serve yourself. The server will get to you and give you the same attention they are giving everyone else.

Ask questions. You can ask about what to taste or request advice on food pairings. Wineries love talking about their craft.

■

■ Avoid smoking or wearing heavy perfume/ cologne. This affects both your tasting experience and the experience of others around you.

Please put your cell phone on vibrate. If you must take/make a call, please excuse yourself from the room.

■

Bring a valid ID and money for tipping and bringing home your favorite wines. In a small winery the tasting rooms are often the only place to find the wines for purchase for yourself or as a gift.

■

Sources: Matthew Moersch of Round Barn Winery, makerstrail.org

Running Vines in Chesterton

Running Vines 119 S Calumet Rd Chesterton 219.390.9463 runningvines.com

Running Vines is family owned and has been operating since 2015. For being one of the newer wineries in the Northwest Indiana area, it has made a strong impression on the community with its wine and its mission to give back to the community. Nicole Caylor, co-owner of Running Vines, says the winery’s purpose is to “intertwine into the community like a vine into its branches.” Running Vines hosts “give back nights” and has raised funds for charities like the state police K9 unit, and a rare type of cancer that has touched Caylor’s family personally. The Running Vines tasting room atmosphere is smart and inviting.

Sitting directly on historical Main Street in downtown Chesterton, it is the perfect spot to stay awhile, sip, and people watch. Within walking distance in every direction are quaint restaurants and local shopping. Running Vines produces its wine on site and features wines for the entire palate, from dry, light-bodied wines to sweeter fruity wines. When tasting, make sure you try the Marathon sweet red, the pinot noir dry red, and their most popular white, the chardonnay.

Running Vines features live music every Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. and has monthly karaoke nights that can’t be missed.

Shady Creek Winery 2030 Tryon Rd Michigan City 219.874.9463 shadycreekwinery.com

Shady Creek Winery features custom crafted wines produced on site in

a casual and friendly atmosphere.

Jenny Fisher, event manager of Shady Creek, says “generating an intimate environment between our guests and our staff ” is what keeps loyal customers coming back. Situated on nearly 20 acres of grounds with expansive views, a lake, comfortable patios, covered porches, and a large mason fireplace, Shady Creek provides an inviting and cozy setting to enjoy the tasting room, full menu, and monthly “Wine Down Dinners.” With featured dining events, live music, a wine club and release parties, Shady Creek has something for everyone. The winery also offers several unique spaces to host your special event.

Lemon Creek Winery 533 E Lemon Creek Rd Berrien Springs, Mich.

269.471.1321 lemoncreekwinery.com

Lemon Creek is a family owned and operated winery with 100 percent estate grown wines and

grapevines on the property that are over 70 years old. The family began making wine more than 160 years ago, and the business has been open for the last 32 years.

“Lemon Creek Winery has been the innovator in many areas that are now considered normal” in the wine business, says Cathy Lemon, the tasting room manager. Lemon Creek’s dry red estate bottled wines are getting a reputation in the Southwest Michigan area and the West Coast. If white is your preference, try sampling the Silver Beach Sauterne, which is a sweet white. The Berrien Springs location sits on 170 acres and also has fruit trees, with u-pick options seasonally.

The winery’s second location is in Grand Haven, Michigan, where they have a boutique tasting room and gift shop. Lemon Creek celebrates their award-winning wine with four festivals a year. They offer an art and wine festival in the spring, a Father’s Day Festival, a Vintage Blues Bash midsummer, and a harvest festival with live music, dancing, and hay rides in early fall.

Photography by Eve Adams‌, Round Barn Winery photo Courtesy of Round Barn‌

■ Travel safely. Designate a driver and drink responsibly—those little ounces add up. Most sites offer non-alcoholic options for the DD.

Round Barn Winery in Baroda and Union Pier

vast outdoor spaces, engaging festivals, and high-energy live music every weekend from June through October.

“People tell us we’re the ‘fun’ winery,” Nicole says. “Although we couldn’t be more serious about the products we make, we’re happy to create an unintimidating environment for enjoying the fruits of our labor.”

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Dablon Winery and Vineyard Lemon Creek Winery in Berrien Springs

Round Barn Winery, Distillery & Brewery Tasting Room 9185 Union Pier Rd Union Pier, Mich.

800.716.9463 roundbarnwinery.com

Round Barn is not only an award-winning winery, but it is also a distillery and brewery and is one of the top destinations in Southwest Michigan. This winery is a mixture of flavor and fun, with options to sip on wine, sangria, craft beer, and specialty cocktails. A customer favorite is Round Barn’s Black Walnut Crème dessert wine, which “has a distinct decadent black walnut flavor and a long finish that’ll have you pouring another glass,” says Nicole BirminghamMoersch, marketing director of Round Barn. If you are looking for an even livelier atmosphere than the Union Pier tasting room, you can find it 15 miles north at the Round Barn Estate in Baroda. This winery offers

111 W Shawnee Rd Baroda, Mich.

269.422.2846 dablon.com

Want to feel like you are in wine country in Burgundy or Bordeaux, France? Dablon Winery and Vineyard may be the next best thing and is located close to home in Baroda, Michigan. The winery got its roots in 2009 when 44 acres of land were purchased for the start of the vineyard. The rolling hills vineyard has been expanding ever since and in 2015 the Dablon Winery and tasting room opened. Dablon’s “hand nurtured grapes” and perfect timing equals the formula for their exceptional wines. The winery’s attention to every detail of planting, positioning, and growing sets them apart. Their grapes grow on vertical shoots so the amount of sun exposure and natural canopy can be controlled for outstanding quality. The 2013 Dablon pinot noir and the 2013 Dablon chardonnay are two awardwinning wines to make note of when doing a tasting. The winery offers a lively array of events, which include a wine club, live music, and Vinyasa and Vino.

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Dining Music 6 local restaurants with live entertainment Live music can overwhelm a listener with emotional and social power.

Food can trigger a pleasure in the brain that scientists are still researching.

What happens when you combine the two? Here are a few places in Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan where you can find an answer.

95ate5 Brew Pub

Gamba Ristorante 55 E 84th Dr Merrillville 219.736.5000 gambaristorante.com

Johnny V and Paul Bolger perform at Bartlett’s Gourmet Grill & Tavern

A family-friendly place with live music, 95ate5 band booker Michelle Gardner says there aren’t a lot of places like theirs.

Live music is featured on Fridays and Saturdays, with some special live events on Thursdays.

“It brings in different types of crowds with the three different types of artists that come in,” Gardner says.

Gamba Ristorante features live music during the fall months only, in the lounge and outdoor courtyard. Co-owner Krystle Gamba says the courtyard is a favorite place for music. “It’s beautiful for the acoustics out there, and with the lighting it really sets a nice little ambiance.”

RyeBelles

518 Broad St St. Joseph, Mich.

269.281.0318 ryebelles.com

Asparagus Restaurant

7876 Broadway Merrillville 219.794.0000 asparagusrestaurant.com

RyeBelles, which has the highest outdoor dining in the area, allows you to enjoy your entrées with live music Thursday through Saturday.

Asparagus bills itself as “fine dining in a serenely elegant, Zen-like environment while savoring dishes freshly fashioned from the cuisines of Thailand, Vietnam and the Americas.”

All that and a variety of worldclass musicians providing live entertainment Saturday nights in the lounge.

Bartlett’s Gourmet Grill & Tavern 131 E Dunes Hwy Beverly Shores 219.879.3081 eatatbartletts.com

Just look for the sign featuring a deer drinking

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INSPIREDLIVING | October 2016

Spire Farm to Fork Cuisine 299 W Johnson Rd LaPorte 219.575.7272 spirefarmtofork.com

RyeBelles

beer. Bartlett’s, owned by chef Nicole Bissonnette, calls its ambiance “tavern-esque” with a by-the-shore décor. Every

third Thursday features live entertanment from 6 to 8 p.m.

Musicians are local with varying styles.

Spire Farm to Fork Cuisine, located inside the new clubhouse at Legacy Hills Golf Club, offers live entertainment on Saturday evenings. “We have great entertainment here and it just makes for a great evening,” says Beth Kellogg, a server at Spire.

■ ROB EARNSHAW

RYEBELLES PHOTO BY GREGG RIZZO, BARTLETT’S PHOTO COURTESY OF BARTLETT’S GOURMET GRILL & TAVERN

9585 N Industrial Dr St. John 219.365.6506 95ate5.com

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Strength A workout for women following a mastectomy

‌E Photography by Tony V. Martin‌

xercise following a mastectomy might be the last thing on a patient’s mind, but it’s an important component for recovery.

Cheri Rudolf knows this all too well. She was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in 2011, followed by chemotherapy, radiation and a double mastectomy. Cheri, who is the membership coordinator at Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness in Schererville, worked with the Omni trainers to help keep her strength and cardio endurance up during her treatments, which helped with her recovery.

Cheri demonstrates five exercises that can be done following a mastectomy (only after being cleared by your doctor to exercise). This workout was designed by Omni’s exercise physiologist and wellness supervisor Jane Bogordos.

“Following a mastectomy, patients may become stiff and lose mobility and strength in the shoulder and chest regions,” Jane says. “The following stretches and strengthening exercises will help restore normal mobility in the shoulders and chest as well as improve strength.”

■ Julia Perla Huisman

Cheri Rudolf is a breast cancer survivor and the membership coordinator at Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness in Schererville.

She lives in Schererville with her husband of 30 years.

UPRIGHT ROW

Start with hands in front of thighs, palms facing legs and holding tubing or dumbbells.

Keeping hands close to your body, lift them up to shoulder height. Lower back to starting position. Do a set of 15 to 20 reps two to three times a week. Add additional sets as strength improves.

Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness 221 US Hwy 41, Ste A ■ Schererville 219.865.6969 ■ franciscanalliance.org/omni

October 2016 | InspiredLiving

25

“STAY POSITIVE, MAKE THE MOST OUT OF EVERY DAY AND STAY AS HEALTHY AND STRONG AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN THROUGH EXERCISE AND NUTRITION. CANCER IS A WORD, NOT A SENTENCE.” Cheri Rudolf, on advice for those with breast cancer

LATERAL RAISE (LEFT)

Start with hands at your sides, palms facing legs and holding tubing or dumbbells. Raise straight arms away from body until parallel to the floor. Lower back to starting position. Do a set of 15 to 20 reps two to three times a week. Add additional sets as strength improves.

KNEELING PUSH-UPS (BELOW)

Place hands on floor, shoulderwidth apart in a kneeling position. Lower body toward floor and then push back to starting position. Do a set of 15 to 20 reps two to three times a week. Add additional sets as strength improves.

26

INSPIREDLIVING | October 2016

SHOULDER STRETCH CHAIR PUSH-UPS

Place hands on top of a stable chair (or table or counter), shoulder-width apart. Stand on toes about 3 to 4 feet back. Lower body toward chair and then push body back to starting position. Do a set of 15 to 20 reps two to three times a week. Add additional sets as strength improves.

Kneel on floor and place forearms on stability ball.

Roll the ball forward until your torso is parallel to the floor or until you feel the stretch in your shoulders.

Hold for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat 10 reps daily, two to three times a week.

Modification: Stand with forearms on the back of a chair. Lean forward to feel the stretch.

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SPEAKING UP arla Winland’s maternal aunt succumbed to breast cancer at age 50, which means Winland has been hyperaware of her family history of breast cancer and her own need for early mammograms. So she started getting the screening, typically recommended by doctors when a woman turns 40, early. Winland started going to regional experts at Rush University Medical Center and Northwestern Memorial Hospital, obtaining, she thought, the best possible medical screenings for herself given her family history of breast cancer.

Her diligence made the discovery of a lump in her breast in August 2014 all the more shocking. Winland was in the best physical shape of her life, getting up at 5:30 every morning for CrossFit workouts. In the shower after her workout one morning, Winland felt a lump. She was immediately alarmed and later asked her husband to feel it. When he confirmed her concerns, Winland hightailed it to Northwestern the next day, seeing a doctor who felt not one, but three lumps.

Winland felt blindsided. “Here I thought I was doing the very best for myself, getting my annual mammograms,” she says. Her doctor

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INSPIREDLIVING | October 2016

ordered an ultrasound that day, after which it was confirmed she had cancer that needed to be taken care of right away. It turns out that Winland’s many mammograms hadn’t detected the cancer because of her dense breast tissue.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Breast tissue is composed of milk glands, milk ducts, and supportive tissue (dense breast tissue), and fatty tissue (nondense breast tissue). When viewed on a mammogram, women with dense breasts have more dense tissue than fatty tissue. On a mammogram, nondense breast tissue appears dark and transparent.

Dense breast tissue appears as a solid white area on a mammogram, which makes it difficult to see through.”

After her ultrasound, Winland continued on to biopsies and, finally, a breast MRI to see how far the cancer had spread. She asked the MRI technician if women with dense breast tissue like hers typically have annual breast MRIs as part of their cancer screenings. Winland was shocked at the answer, which was, “No.” Winland says, “I cried. Why did no one tell me? Why was no one telling women they may need this other screening?” Having been so aware of her family history of breast cancer, Winland would have most certainly gotten the MRI every year.

PHOTO BY MICHELLE HAMSTRA, INSET PHOTO BY LARRY TITAK PHOTOGRAPHY

D

Breast cancer survivor Darla Winland raises awareness about alternate screenings

Since her diagnosis, Winland has undergone a double mastectomy, six months of dense dose chemotherapy, seven surgeries, and 33 radiation treatments, in addition to a yearlong stint on an experimental drug. One of Winland’s doctors told her later that finding her cancer via mammogram would have been like looking for a single snowflake in a snowstorm. Her surgeon estimated This photo of Darla was shot while she was undergoing treatment, in February that her cancer had 2015. She chose to be photographed bald been spreading for for materials that helped raise awareness two and a half years. of breast cancer screening. “A bald photo “That’s two or three is so powerful for women who have been mammograms that through cancer to identify with,” she says. didn’t catch it,” she says. The cancer was rated as Stage 3C and doctors told Winland that, had she been undergoing MRI screenings, they might have caught it before or at Stage 1. Treatments at that low stage are less invasive and life-altering.

Now, Winland is making it her mission to spread the word about the need for further cancer screenings in women with dense breast tissue.

She is often invited to speak to local women’s groups, and she is a committee member, fundraiser and fashion show model for the Indiana Women in Need (IWIN) Foundation. The organization supports women receiving treatment for breast cancer “by securing and paying for individual services that relieve emotional, physical and financial burdens,” according to the website. Winland was a recipient of the Foundation’s generosity while undergoing treatment.

If there’s anything Winland says she could have done differently with regard to monitoring her breast health, she says she would have been serious about doing the recommended self breast exam. Self exams are often key in identifying tumors and swollen lymph nodes. And, of course, Winland would have gotten the MRI screening she now knows she needed.

Instead, Winland is making other women aware of the additional screening they may need to preserve their breast health and even their lives. “I don’t want any woman to go get a mammogram every year and walk out thinking they’re fine if they’re not. I want to give other women the information I didn’t have,” she says. “Because breast cancer is a silent killer.”

Winland is currently dealing with the aftermath of cancer treatment.

Her health is improving, but “chemo ravages your body,” she says. She has joint and feet issues along with lymphedema, swelling in her arm due to the removal of lymph nodes as part of her treatment. But neither the cancer nor its effects can prevent her from living a full life. Winland and her husband have a blended family of six kids, ages 13 to 20. She is a real estate broker and has other entrepreneurial endeavors. And she makes it a point to talk to every woman she can about breast cancer screenings. It’s too important not to talk about.

“If the conversation gets friendly, I go there,” she says. “I figure, when you go through something like this, you can be bitter about it, or you can pay it forward and you can help other people.”

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Dinner with Guest Speaker, Silouan Green, U.S. Marine Veteran

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Entertainment by High Noon

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All donations and ticket sale proceeds go to support veterans with PTSD.

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October 2016 | InspiredLiving

29

HOME

fresh FARM

How a century-old farmhouse stole the hearts of a young Lowell couple

By Julie Dean Kessler 30

INSPIREDLIVING | October 2016

â–

Photography by Penny Frazier

1 1. In the living room at Ben and Bethany Porter’s farmhouse in Lowell, sheer panels flanking the windows let in maximum light. An old ladder holds a cozy throw, and a framed excerpt from the Bible’s Proverbs reflects the couple’s spirituality.

October 2016 | InspiredLiving

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‌t a Lowell farmhouse built in the 1880s, next to a tidy yard, several cows graze, fenced in and peaceful. A couple of cats lounge in the dappled shade along a walk leading past the old pump house and up to the home proper.

Ben Porter walks past his pickup truck, taking time for a visitor as wife Bethany opens the door with a warm welcome. The young couple steps into the house that’s won their hearts just as surely as their hearts have obviously won each other. The old farmhouse has seen changes through its century-plus existence; these days it glows with a new polish that has only burnished its deep patina of history.

It’s been a combination of the Porters’ careful planning and hard work that has uncovered surprises both delightful and challenging, from the foundation to the attic. Among

32

InspiredLiving | October 2016

the delightful: discovering a stair step that lifts up to reveal a hiding place. For what? Ben and Bethany don’t know, but have had fun trying to imagine what might have been tucked away. Among the challenging: A bath needing a new sub floor.

The couple is fascinated with the history of this home on 80 acres, excited to have found an auction flyer for the house; its date of 1884 shows it was built no later than that. The cellar foundation is set on hand-hewn wood over concrete. The Porters kept the best of the old and incorporated the new with a sensitive touch. The woodwork is original, while in the living room, one wall is clad in an old tradition with new, shiplap look-alike that Bethany and Ben created. Its wooden boards are cut on the edges with recesses to allow each to match the edge of the next board. It’s low-cost, durable, and environmentally friendly.

Ben says with pride, “Bethany did all the finding of the history,” and every detail increases the couple’s appreciation for this home.

“We’ve worked on every room in the house,” says Ben, not with an eye to upscaling everything, but simply making the rustic farmhouse comfortable and pleasing.

The dining room walls had layer upon layer of wallpaper over paneling, so the Porters tore out the paneling, plastered the walls, and painted them white to lighten the interior. That required removing

Family photo courtesy of Ben and Bethany Porter

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5

3

4

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2. The dining room’s central feature is Ben’s handcrafted farmhouse table made from reclaimed wood. 3. On a kitchen cabinet is Bethany’s artistry on chalkboard, “Gather here with grateful hearts.” 4. Dad Ben holds baby Sadie Jane with Bethany close by in boho garb. 5. The couple chose to cover one wall in their own created shiplap. 6. Bethany crafted a board to read a phrase from Ben’s favorite hymn.

October 2016 | InspiredLiving

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“WE LOVE IT HERE. IT’S PRIVATE, QUIET, AND PEACEFUL, AND THE VIEW IS SO NICE.” Ben Porter

7 7. Ben’s father built the kitchen corner shelves; appropriately, brown eggs from the couple’s chickens sit next to a “farm fresh” sign.

34

INSPIREDLIVING | October 2016

8 the original woodwork, which they cleaned and re-installed. Ben and Bethany did the extensive work everywhere themselves, with help from Ben’s dad on some projects. Ben made the farmhouse dining table, a rustic piece worked in reclaimed wood from the barn on the property.

High hopes for refinishing the flooring throughout were dashed when the carpeting was pulled up. Like so many homes of the era, pine was used for the middle of the room and covered with a rug, with maple trim around it to look as if the whole floor were maple wood, so the Porters installed walnut-color laminate instead.

They gutted the galley kitchen and installed butcher block countertops they stained a light color and varnished. Cabinets were replaced; all but two were a repurposed gift from Ben’s dad, who built corner shelves flanking the window over the sink. The original small pass-through to the dining room opens the space. Bethany painted the side of one tall cabinet with chalkboard paint and creates inspirational messages on it in a lovely, flowing script. A favorite feature is the handsome cabinet built in flush with the wall, once used for a gun collection but now holding dishes and tableware.

Living on a working farm makes the two mud rooms an essential and welcome feature. With the exterior walkway providing ready access to the back door, the Porters sacrificed the front door to make way for a laundry room. It’s an odd-sounding decision but makes sense with the configuration of the home.

Bethany found most of the furniture at resale shops, carefully chosen to suit the farmhouse style, and each piece has a story. In the upstairs hallway is her favorite piece, a dresser with dovetail joints they had seen at an auction. They’d been there with an elderly couple who heard them admiring the dresser. When the Porters left, the couple bought the dresser and gave it to them.

Other pieces and home décor items were chosen at Sandpaper, a shop in Valparaiso, where Bethany had worked and liked what she

9

8. A deep farmhouse sink is surrounded by newly stained and sealed butcher block countertops.

9. An upstairs room gets use as office and craft space, with more evidence of Bethany’s décor.

October 2016 | InspiredLiving

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e-newsletter Keep up with the latest stories and trends with the Inspired Living e-newsletter delivered to your desktop and mobile device.

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InspiredLiving | October 2016

saw. In the nursery, where 10. In the baby’s room, white furniture turns into a color ivory and light gray make for pop against the wood-covered a serene, airy vibe, the décor wall. The dress on the wall is is an artful mix of farm-toBethany’s and then Sadie’s industrial wire light fixtures, baptismal dress. 11. Over the whimsical representations of crib, “Sadie Jane” is spelled out in decorative circles from cows, and Bethany’s pretty, Anthropologie. 12. The master hand-painted nod to where bedroom is an uncluttered the family is putting down haven washed in sunlight roots: “Farm raised.” The from double windows. floor was covered in shag rug; “We took that up and painted the wide, wood planks light gray,” says Bethany.

The downstairs master bedroom became a guest room so that Ben and Bethany can be upstairs near Sadie, now nearly a year old. But the original staircase railing on the second floor was a safety concern, rising barely knee-high. Ben’s dad added pieces to the end post and installed new, higher spindles. “Now it’s just beautiful, and really solid,” says Ben. Ben works a lot of hours each day and adds more hours of work at the house with Bethany, but he speaks with energy about the work.

A fourth room upstairs, an office and craft room where Bethany sews clothes for Sadie, had lots of sagging floorboards, so Ben braced them. “The closet is the length of this room; we want to get it ready to use. And we want to cover this chimney with Chicago brick, like the foundation.”

The window looks out over a cornfield; light from it falls on a sign Bethany made: “Life is Better on the Farm.” In the living room, one of Bethany’s artworks spells out “Then Sings My Soul,” from Ben’s favorite hymn, “How Great Thou Art.” “It’s nice to have the same sense of style,” he says. “I enjoy all the (decorating) stuff she does. It looks so good.” She looks up at him and says, “Thank you,” adding, “We love it here. It’s private, quiet, and peaceful, and the view is so nice.” Indeed.

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37

a hallowed

home

By Sara De St. Jean

■

Photography by Maggie Russo‌

‌ urn your home into a gothic haunt by using T classic black and white. Start by shopping in your home for black and white décor: stripe or chevron pillows, clocks, mirrors, chalkboards, and so on. With the right touch, they will add a fresh look to your Halloween design.

These are my simple tips for adding a little stylish haunt to your house.

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InspiredLiving | October 2016

Basic Halloween Must-Haves Black gauze fabric Black crows ■ White web ■ Skeleton hands ■ ■

Go Thrift Shopping.

■ Hardcover books run $1 to $2, sometimes less. Look for all black books with spooky titles. Stack them in groupings of two or three. They add height and look perfect with little spooky critters or skeleton hands resting on them.

The Teal Pumpkin Project This Halloween, consider adding another item to your front porch décor: a teal pumpkin.

■ Look for tarnished silver or brass.

The old finish is perfect for an old gothic haunted house. Fill bowls with apples or candy. Scatter candle holders with drippy candles. Use trays to group items.

Trick-or-treating is a delightful Halloween tradition for most kids. But for those who have food allergies, it can be harmful and even deadly.

That’s why the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) organization launched the Teal Pumpkin Project.

Use Prints.

Black and white is easy and costeffective to print. Use inexpensive frames and group layers of vintage Halloween graphics on shelves or mantels.

■

To print large scale, head to your local Staples or print shop and ask for engineer prints. Skeletons, bats, crows, eyes and spiders look perfectly spooky in black and white print.

■

■ Attach wood strips to each end of your engineer prints and hang by a string for custom artwork.

Teal Pumpkin Project Photo by Christina Mays

■ Hunt for old mirrors. The older, the better! Old dresser mirrors look ornate, gothic and spooky when you add a little spider web to them.

A teal pumpkin on the porch lets families know that there are non-food treats—stickers, pencils, glow sticks, bubbles— available for trick-or-treaters with food allergies or for whom candy is not an option. Your teal pumpkin doesn’t have to be fancy, just visible. You can paint it with teal paint found at any craft store.

In addition to the non-food treats, try to fill your candy bowl with candy that is safe for most children. Griffith resident Krissy VanderWoude, whose sons Gram and Levi have severe nut allergies, recommends Tootsie Rolls, Andes mints, Dots, Skittles, Starburst, and other such nut-free candies.

“I would like to personally extend a heartfelt thank-you to anyone that takes this seriously and considers these allergies when choosing the candy they will pass out,” VanderWoude says. “It is scary enough to send your child out into the world, but when candy or peanut butter, both childhood staples, could kill my child, it brings on an entirely new set of fears.”

To learn more about the Teal Pumpkin Project, visit foodallergy.org. For additional ideas on how to accommodate children with food allergies, see “Make trick-or-treating a sweet experience for everyone” on page 18.

■ Julia perla Huisman

October 2016 | InspiredLiving

39

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■ Paint your pumpkins black. Chalkboard spray paint works double duty for writing spooky messages on the pumpkins too.

Sara De St. Jean styles parties and designs paper under her company name Homespun Hostess. Visit homespunhostess.com for more of Sara’s party and design ideas.

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Theatre at the Center’s Linda Fortunato begins her next act

By Kathryn MacNeil Photography by Joshua Albanese inda Fortunato has worn many hats during the course of her award-winning theatrical career—dancer, choreographer, actor, director, teacher, and, most recently, artistic director at Munster’s Theatre at the Center—but even this seasoned professional seems more than a little delighted to have spent the morning auditioning dogs.

“It’s a whole new experience for me,” she laughs, during some rare downtime on this weekday afternoon. Her office, with its walls lined with vivid production posters, table stacked with scripts, and file cabinet brimming with actors’ resumés and head shots, is, for the moment, a serene haven in the otherwise bustling Center for Visual and Performing Arts. “For Annie Warbucks, our holiday show coming up, Annie has her dog Sandy, so we have to have a dog in the show. We thought we could find a local dog, so we just put the word out. We had three dogs come in this morning and had them go on stage, and we have two more dogs we’re meeting later.

“None of them are ‘professional’ dogs,” she adds with a smile.

Portrait of an Artist

This easygoing readiness to take on new challenges in the world of theater illustrates a recurring theme in the life of this vibrant artist, who immersed herself in the stage starting at an early age. “I always did theater as a kid in school,” says Fortunato, a lifelong Illinois resident. “We did a skit for a music class in first grade, and the teacher chose me to have a featured part in it. From then on, I just kept doing it. It was something I loved; I was in every school play and I did theater in the summers. If I wasn’t in the play, I was the stage manager or designing the props.”

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Halfway through her senior year of high school, Fortunato had an epiphany, realizing that her hobby-turned-passion could actually be a career, and she never looked back. “I was going to be an English major and I had already chosen where I was going to go to school, and it didn’t even have a theater department,” she says. “So I started the search process again, auditioned at a few schools, and ended up at Millikin University [in Decatur, Illinois]. I had very supportive parents who didn’t even hesitate.”

At Millikin, she majored in theater with a concentration in acting and minored in dance, but she also studied directing and technical theater.

After graduation, this versatility was augmented by a stint as business manager at Peninsula Players Theatre in Door County, Wisconsin, and a position in the administrative offices at Chicago Shakespeare, where she met her husband, Sean, an actor who was performing in a show at the time. (The two now live in Evanston with their 8-year-old son.) “I think having viewed theater from that side as well helps me understand how all the artistic pieces need to work in harmony with the financials and the administrative support,” she says.

Intentional Evolution

Fortunato thrived in her career as an actor and ensemble dancer, but her interests continued to unfold. “When I first moved to Chicago, my focus was as a performer, and I was choreographing a bit on the side,” she says. “There came a point where I was not as fulfilled in the roles I was getting as I had been. I was acting a lot and choreographing a little bit, and I wanted to flip the two. I also knew that I wanted to direct, so it was a conscious choice to change my focus from the performance side to the creative side.”

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Her experience as an actor and dancer facilitated her transition.

“Coming from a performance background helps, because a lot of the shows that I’m choreographing or directing now, I’ve been a part of as a performer, so I’m already familiar with the show, or I’ve already done a show in a similar style,” she says.

Fortunato also taught dance and acting classes at Columbia College in Chicago for 10 years, and taught dance classes in the theater department at Loyola University. “I found I had a real love for teaching,” she says. “It’s a way of giving back, especially to college students who are in the place I was, trying to figure out where in the business of theater they fit.”

The Theatre at the Center also gives back, offering classes and workshops for youth, in addition to its Theatre for Young Audiences series. “I think that bringing theater to the next generation is important,” Fortunato says. “I started as a kid with my love of theater. Only a small percentage of students go on to become theater professionals, but exposure to the arts helps kids in life in so many ways. So we have education classes here that are bringing kids into the theater and we try to bring children to see our shows. It’s not just for now; it’s for the future as well.”

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Fortunato’s commitment to excellence has been recognized and awarded; she has been nominated for five Joseph Jefferson Awards for her work as a choreographer and director, and has won two, including the 201314 award for Outstanding Choreography for Theatre at the Center’s production of 42nd Street.

In addition to her acclaimed work on 42nd Street, Fortunato has been involved with more than a dozen shows at Theatre at the Center,

“The 2017 season is the first season that I got to choose,” Fortunato says, “so I worked really hard to find a variety of shows that will appeal to our current audience and hopefully draw in a new audience. After putting the puzzle together and stepping back, I’m really pleased where it ended up.”

Annie Warbucks Nov 17-Dec 18, 2016 “It’s a sequel to Annie—most people are familiar with the story of Annie and the characters, but this is a new story, so it’s known to a degree, but completely fresh.”

My Way—A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra Feb 9-March 19, 2017 “Nobody is trying to impersonate him; it’s a tribute, and it’s such great music—the classics and standards—that I think it will be very enjoyable.”

Cabaret May 4-June 4, 2017 “One of my all-time favorite musicals, and it’s also so very timely. Very entertaining, great music and dancing, and a really powerful story.”

The Tin Woman July 13-Aug 13, 2017 “This will be the Chicago area premiere. It’s very funny and heartfelt, and there’s a wide range of emotions that go along with the play. It’s really a beautiful story.”

Big River—The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Sept 14-Oct 15, 2017 “This is a timeless story with really fun music.

It’s very theatrical with an inviting format.”

A Wonderful Life Nov 16-Dec 23, 2017 “A beautiful retelling, based on the film. It’s very true to the movie, plotwise, and there are some really beautiful songs.

It will be great for people to bring the whole family. [Artistic director emeritus] Bill Pullinsi will be directing this, and he’s been great at providing support for me in transitioning to this position.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THEATREATTHECENTER.COM.

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and began a prestigious position as the facility’s artistic director in January 2016.

What inspires an artist whose professional roles have all deWhen asked to provide pended on her ability to inspire a job description for others? her new leadership role, Fortunato explains, “The “In any theatrical production I see—it could be the production artistic director oversees as a whole, a design aspect, or or directs all artistic one person’s performance—I aspects of the production, always feel inspired and starting with selecting rejuvenated. I also find solace the shows, then hiring and inspiration in reading, directors, designers, cast music, and spending time members and musicians. with my husband and son.

During the rehearsals, either I’m directing, “When I am doing a play that is based on a historical event or I’m supporting the or real time in history, I love to person who is directing, immerse myself in the subject. all the way through the I look at architecture, photos tech process until the and art, and often things that show opens. So anything might not seem on the face to you ultimately see on be directly related to the project stage is my domain, will spark an idea in my mind having overseen all of that might end up on stage. those things.”

“Another huge thing that But never say never inspires me, both in my art and when it comes to as a person, is nature. Having performance. “People the chance to recharge and have asked me if the fact notice the nature around me that I’m artistic director reminds me of the significant means I don’t want to act inspiration I get from it. anymore, and that’s not the case,” she says. “I’m “I’m also really lucky to work not acting as much now, with great collaborators.

Although the director’s job because I’m focusing is to lead, the more ideas more on directing, but I you get in a room, the better know it’s something I’ll all of our ideas become. never leave completely.”

That is true in any creative As the interview endeavor; I’m really inspired concludes—and by the people I work with.”

Fortunato anticipates meeting two more canine candidates that are panting for their big break—she contemplates the ongoing mission of her life’s work. “My goal as a theater artist is to tell great stories in an honest way from the heart,” she says. “I think that the stories we tell on stage affect people in many different ways: they can make people laugh, make people think, they can move people emotionally, or move them to action. So bringing a community into a theater and sharing a story with them is what is magical about theater; it’s why we do it.”

RICK THACKER

the

Man Behind the Music

By Amanda Wilson

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â–

Photography by Joseph Gonzalez

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Within the first five minutes of our interview, it was immediately apparent that indifference simply doesn’t fit into how Rick Thacker conducts business, plays music, or lives his life. He spoke enthusiastically about his love for his family, the importance of his Christian faith, and his passion for music and education. Whatever Thacker does, he is all in.

Thacker’s business, Plum Grove Music, in Lowell, has provided lessons to hundreds of students ages 2 to 65 years, and instrument sales, rentals, and repairs to customers throughout nine states and four countries. Plum Grove was recently named one of the Top 100 Music Dealers worldwide by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), a high distinction that puts Plum Grove in the top 1 percent of music dealers in the world.

Thacker graduated from the Chicago School of Violin Making and has received teacher training in the Suzuki Method and other pedagogy courses. His ensemble experience includes being concertmaster for the Advanced Ensemble at Chicago School of Violin Making.

Early Beginnings

Although neither of his parents are musicians, Thacker and his four younger siblings started music lessons at a young age, thanks to their parents’ love of music. Thacker started violin lessons at the tender age of three, and confesses that he was a “bad” student for much of his childhood. “I always hoped my violin strings would break, but I thank the Lord that my parents made me play,” he says.

Music drudgery turned to joy when Thacker, at the age of 14, started lessons under a teacher who introduced him to fiddle music. “Before, my teachers just sat passively during lessons, but this teacher played music with me,” Thacker says. “It was When it comes to shopping, a turning point that changed my outlook.”

RICK’S FAVORITE PLACES

Music Maker

Soon after the revelation that music was his passion, Thacker began teaching kids how to play violin. His love of music inspired him to go beyond playing string instruments to making them, too. He apprenticed with the esteemed violin makers of Classic Violins in Mundelein, Illinois—Petio Kostov, Plamen Chavdarov, and owner, Georgi Shumanov. “Shumanov’s grandfather worked in a violin factory in Bulgaria, which Shumanov now owns,” Thacker says. “They still manufacture violins by hand, rotating wood obtained

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Thacker says that Elizabeth’s and his hands-down favorite shopping destination is Costco.

For dining out, they enjoy Lighthouse in Cedar Lake, Olive Garden, and Chick-fil-A. Of course, music tops the list for local entertainment. “We like to attend the outdoor summer concerts put on by the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra,” he says. “Plum Grove students are frequently featured as soloists at those concerts, so we go to support them as well as the orchestra.”

from select hardwood forests in Eastern Europe.”

These seasoned instruments are esteemed by many devoted musicians and investors.

To surprise his bride—fellow violin teacher and best friend, Elizabeth—on their wedding day, Thacker undertook a true labor of love by making a violin for her, with the help of Kostov. “I was up until 2 a.m. the night before my wedding, making a violin for Elizabeth,” he says.

Family First

Thacker is passionate about music, but his unquestioned first priority is his family: wife, Elizabeth, and their three children, Kenny, age three; Addie, age two; and Michael, age one.

Although he is grateful for his business, he recalls the advice of his mentor, Shumanov: “He told me, in his thick Bulgarian accent, that family is the number one priority.”

Elizabeth and Rick are enthusiastic advocates of early childhood education, so you won’t find either of them speaking to their children in “baby talk” or planting them in front of the TV for hours on end.

A friend comes in to teach the kids Spanish once a week, and the children are already immersed in music. Kenny started violin lessons when he was two years old, and Addie will start violin lessons in the fall. Thacker says that, although Michael desperately wants a violin to play, he’s still too young so they gave him a ukulele to “bang around on.”

Thacker says that it’s not a good idea for musicians to teach their own kids, so neither he nor Elizabeth instruct their children directly in playing violin, though she helps them with violin practice. Elizabeth does, however, work diligently in educating their children daily, which she blogs about at thelittleyears.com. “She uses methods like using cards to help the kids identify different types of birds,” he says. “Kenny could name all of the states and the capitals at the age of two. He’s now working on the periodic table.”

Thacker says, “It’s important to be engaged with your kids and create that bond when they’re young.”

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As a teacher who knows from experience, Thacker explains that children will learn whatever you provide them with, including music. He cites numerous studies that show music truly does make you smarter.

Despite this proven, positive correlation between music and learning, arts and music are the first things to get cut from schools when it comes to funding, and Thacker is part of the effort working to change that in Indiana. This past summer, Thacker—at the invitation of Paige’s Music owner and NAMM chairman, Mark Goff—was part of a statewide network of arts leaders and advocates who met in Indianapolis to plan ways to ensure that funding is available for music education so that it’s part of the school curriculum in Indiana.

“Financially, private lessons might 1114 E 181st Ave not be an option for every family,” Lowell Thacker says. “School might be 219.696.5401 the only access and exposure to plumgrovemusic.com music that many kids get.” He adds that music is especially beneficial for those with special needs. “It helps increase their level of focus and calm, and changes lives,” he says. Plum Grove has helped many students with special needs, including one girl with right hemisphere brain damage who took lessons and graduated from high school, which Thacker says was a miracle.

He says, “Kids will rise to whatever expectation levels you set for them.”

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As a Christian whose faith influences every aspect of his life, Thacker says, “I might be the only Jesus that people ever see. Christians should act like the nicest people ever, and this drives the quality of the interactions we have with our clients and experiences we leave them with.”

For Thacker, his family, and the Plum Grove team, “Sharing Joy Through Music” isn’t an empty tagline, it’s how they do business and life. “Music is a vehicle for joy,” he says, “and it’s embedded in the culture of Plum Grove and in everything we do. We tell our team, ‘When you sell music, you sell joy. When you polish metal on an instrument, you’re sharing joy.’”

Thacker stresses that music lessons teach more than music, they teach core character qualities including self-confidence and responsibility. “We’re not just creating musicians—we’re creating better citizens.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF RICK THACKER‌

Faith and Joy

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Jill, Gia and Graham Ramian visit Garwood Orchards with “Mimi,” Cyndi Hood.

HARVEST APPLE ORCHARDS AND PUMPKIN PATCHES TO VISIT THIS FALL

By Christine Bryant

■

Photography by Monica Zibutis

‌ he crisp, cool air of autumn has arrived, and with that T so has the allure of apple orchards and pumpkin patches in the Region. ■ Loaded with charm, shiny apples and festive pumpkins, local farms have their crops ready for those eager to feast on fall staples and enjoy the outdoors before winter makes its grand entrance.

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Here’s a sample of some of the orchards and patches in the area that offer plenty of tasty apples and pumpkins, and lots of fall fun.

County Line Orchard 200 S County Line Rd Hobart 219.947.4477 countylineorchard.com

With about 35 different varieties of apples from which to choose, County Line Orchard is the perfect spot to find a favorite. In addition to a u-pick apple orchard and u-pick pumpkin patch, County Line also offers a sunflower patch, corn maze, kids’ farm and observation beehives.

On a busy weekend, the orchard may host as many as 25,000 visitors, spokesperson Tricia Sena says. “The majority of our apples are ready late September to midOctober,” she says.

Garwood Orchards 5911 W 50 S LaPorte 219.362.4385 appleupick.com

Open through October, Garwood Orchards is a family-run business that offers u-pick of more than 20 varieties of apples set on a picturesque farm of over 200 acres.

“At Garwood’s, we are honored to be able to share our family farm with families from around the area who can enjoy the country feel of picking their own fruits and vegetables,” says Carey Garwood.

The farm is also home to pumpkins, raspberries, peppers, green beans, tomatoes and a full farm market with a gelato bar and bake shoppe.

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Kregel’s Pumpkin Patch

7705 W 159th Ave Lowell 219.663.6745 kregelspumpkinpatch.com With tractor-pulled hayrides out to the field, Kregel’s Pumpkin Patch offers an authentic pumpkin picking experience for families to enjoy.

Located in Lowell, the farm also includes corn mazes, a petting zoo, pony rides, a baby chick hatchery, pedal cars and a pumpkin slingshot, says Roberta Kregel, owner of Kregel’s. A local farm stand sells honey, hand-painted pumpkins, gourds, mums, straw bales and corn stalks, she says.

Fischer Farm 2400 N Fail Rd LaPorte 219.362.8661

Featuring horse-drawn wagon rides on the weekends, Fischer Farm offers a family-fun experience when searching for the perfect pumpkin. In addition to u-pick, the farm offers a variety of sizes, from large to pie pumpkins, says Lisa Fischer, whose parents own the farm.

If also in the hunt for fall apples, Fischer Farm sells bags of apples grown on the property. October will feature Golden Delicious and Jona Gold, a hybrid of Jonathan and Golden Delicious.

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6716 S Colorado St Hobart 219.947.0223 U-pick and pre-picked pumpkins

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Choosing just the right apple and pumpkin can make or break your u-pick excursion. Here are a few tips to make the most out of your day of family fun: No need to wait. Often, customers will wait until just before Halloween to pick out a pumpkin. However, Roberta Kregel, owner of Kregel’s Pumpkin Patch, says there’s no need to wait. Pumpkins should last a couple of months outdoors as long as they are not sitting in direct sun or against a house, which retains heat, on days that reach 80 or 90 degrees.

Know your preferences. The majority of apples at County Line Orchard are ready lateSeptember through mid-October, but some apples are ready early fall, and others are ready late-fall, says Tricia Sena, spokesperson for County Line Orchard. If you have a preference for one type of apple over another, check with the orchard for its availability before embarking on your trip. Some apples, depending on weather that year, may be ready earlier or later than what is the normal harvest period.

Save some for later. When picking apples, Sena advises to avoid pulling any leaves off with the apple. Instead, twist the apple and pull down. “You don’t want to pull the leaves off because it prevents the apple from growing next year,” she says.

Avoid soft spots. When picking pumpkins, Kregel advises to avoid imperfections like obvious soft spots and to look for solid pumpkins with a long stem.

Follow the rules. For everyone’s safety, it’s best to follow the rules, which typically vary by orchard, says Carey Garwood of Garwood Orchards. “With thousands of visitors in the fall, it is set with some humor in mind,” she says. “We really want everyone to have a great experience on the farm and our tractor drivers are trained well to answer any questions customers may have on their visits.”

In addition to twisting and pulling gently, one of the most basic rules often heard is simple but important to the health of the apples: don’t climb the trees.

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Hammond Locations: 6949 Kennedy Ave. • (219) 845-2900 4923 Hohman Ave. • (219) 937-1600 72

InspiredLiving | October 2016

Highland Locations: 2914 Highway Ave. • (219) 972-1700 3100 45th St, Ste. 1 • (219) 228-7200

OUT ON THE TOWN

Things to Do, Places to Go

‌Looking for something to do this weekend? Try one or more of these stops throughout the area.

Greenbush Brewing Co. 5885 Sawyer Rd Sawyer, Mich.

269.405.1076 greenbushbrewing.com

Greenbush Brewing Co. photo by Carrie Steinweg‌, OTHER PHOTOS PROVIDED

If you pour it, they will come, and it’s certainly been true of the small, sleepy community of Sawyer, Michigan, where two childhood friends, Scott Sullivan and Justin Heckathorn, opened a brewery and taproom five years ago.

Growth at Greenbush Brewing Co. has been immense, both in their outgoing production and their site in Sawyer, which has been expanded to a “campus” that also includes the Greenbush Annex, located across the street, and a neighboring restaurant, the Clean Plate Club.

The casual and inviting taproom has a full menu of barbecue-centric offerings and has fourteen (sometimes up to sixteen) beers available, with fourteen at the annex and five on tap at the Clean Plate Club. The Annex, which opened late last summer, has an outdoor beer garden with bocce and bean bags and offers charcuterie boards and grilled sausages that are hand made exclusively for Greenbush. The Clean Plate Club, which is a traditional diner, just opened in June. The

The Market at 119 1600 119th St, Ste B Whiting 219.600.7118

Formerly in real estate, Gina Bombin-Wilk says that her favorite part of the job was home staging. “Opening a home décor store was just a natural progression for me,” she says. “I love decorating and I wanted to bring a really fun, destination-inspired shop to Whiting.”

Bombin-Wilk’s store, The Market at 119, opened in June. Stocking shabby chic home décor with vintage flair, clothing, premium loose leaf teas, soy candles, earth-friendly soaps, Bops apparel, jewelry, Farmhouse paint and more, you’re sure to find something that will catch your eye. She’ll also be offering workshops and prop rental on larger items, and down the line she plans to add design services. Customers can expect to find new, unique inventory on each visit. “It’s always changing. I try and bring in items you can’t find any place else,” Bombin-Wilk says. “I like to keep it fresh and new all the time.”

Third Coast Spice Cafe 761 Indian Boundary Rd, Ste 6 Chesterton 219.926.5858 thirdcoastspice.com beer menus are heavy on IPAs and ales—like the popular West Coast IPA Star Chicken Shotgun and an Imperial IPA with honey called Brother Benjamin—but they also dabble in other beer styles.

Aiming to bring good, fresh food to the Region, Dave and Lisa Wodrich opened Third Coast Spice Cafe, a breakfast and lunch eatery with a diverse menu to accommodate a variety of diets. The couple uses many locally sourced ingredients, including honey, seasonal vegetables, bison and cage-free eggs. Third Coast caters to the youngest of audiences as well, with a kids’ table and a number of offerings on a kid menu. They also became the vendor for school lunches for a YMCA preschool program and they’ve gotten great feedback, providing fresh, healthy meals.

With no artificial ingredients, no preservatives, no additives and select organic products, recipes are made from scratch on-site. While breads come from an outside bakery, the gluten-free variety is made at the restaurant using separate utensils to prevent cross-contamination. Guests love the Build-Your-Own Omelet with options such as Kalamata Olive Relish, La Mesa Mushrooms (sautéed with chili spices) and Lemon Garlic Broccoli. Also popular are Build-Your-Own Bison Burgers and griddle sandwiches featuring premium ingredients such as herb goat cheese, beets and balsamic tomatoes. The Wodriches also opened Lemon Tree Mediterranean Grill in Chesterton in 2012.

■ Carrie Steinweg

October 2016 | InspiredLiving

73

Calendar Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

03

04

05

06

10

11

12

13

19

20

Albert’s Diamond Jewelers MS Auction, 11am preview, noon auction, Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corinne Dr, Hammond. 219.322.2700. albertsjewelers.com. Albert’s hosts this auction every year to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

16

18

THROUGH OCT 23 73rd Annual Salon Show, Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.1839. southshoreartsonline.org.

Artists living in Indiana and Cook County, Ill., compete for one of the largest prize purses of any juried exhibit in the Midwest.

THROUGH OCT 16 Pump Boys and Dinettes, Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.3255. theatreatthecenter.com.

A toe-tapping, countrified musical tribute to life along the open road.

23

24

Valpo Half Marathon, 8:30am, United Way of Porter County, 951 Eastport Centre Dr, Valparaiso.

219.464.3583. unitedwaypc.org.

A race to benefit United Way’s Power of Youth.

30

74

Thursday

‌ HROUGH OCT 10 T Jeff and Theresa Heaton, Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St, St. Joseph, Mich. 269.983.3688. boxfactoryforthearts.org. A mixed media show.

Antiques on the Bluff, 10am-5pm, Lake Bluff Park, St. Joseph, Mich.

269.985.1111. stjoetoday. com. Premier antique show overlooking Lake Michigan.

09

Wednesday

InspiredLiving | October 2016

25

31

THROUGH DEC 11 American Art & National Identity, Brauer Museum of Art, Valparaiso University, 1709 Chapel Dr, Valparaiso.

219.464.5365. valpo.edu/ brauer-museum-of-art.

The second in a series of exhibitions interpreting the permanent collection of the museum.

27 Ronnie Kole Trio, 7pm, Munster High School Auditorium, 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster. 219.923.7879. lakeshoreconcerts.org. Enjoy the works of Duke Ellington, Cole Porter and George Gershwin.

Denim and Diamonds Casino Night Gala photo by Kirsten Goodwin‌, Harvest and Wine Festival photo by Tim ROGERS/FUSION Design Group‌, Pump Boys and Dinettes Photo by MICHAEL BROSILOW‌

02

October 2016

Friday

Saturday

01 Heritage Ball, 4-11pm, Barker Mansion, 631 Washington St, Michigan City. 219.873.1520. barkermansion.com. Jazz, costumes, food and drink to celebrate 180 years of Michigan City history.

08 Raise the “WOOF” Gala, 5-11pm, Long Beach Country Club, 2309 Larchmont Ave, Michigan City. 312.952.6787. giantpawprints.com. Dinner, open bar and a silent and live auction to benefit Giant Paw Prints Rescue.

15 Munster Ale Fest, 1-4:30pm general admission; noon VIP admission, Centennial Park, 1005 S Centennial Dr, Munster. 219.836.6900. munsteralefest.com. Sample more than 100 local and nationwide craft brews, plus food from local vendors.

21

5

ways to

1

give back

OCT 1 Porter’s Perfect Pint Festival, 1-5pm general admission; noon VIP admission, Hawthorne Park, 500 Ackerman Dr, Porter. patsliquors.com. Craft brew lovers can sample from more than 50 craft breweries, enjoy food and merchandise vendors and hear live acoustic music. Proceeds benefit Porter Volunteer Fire Department and Porter Parks and Recreation Department.

2

OCT 6 Chefs Around the Table, 6-9pm, Porter County Expo Center, 215 E Division Rd, Valparaiso. 219.465.0294. empowerpc.org. 100 gentlemen “chefs” from around Porter County prepare their favorite dishes for the chance to win the “Top Chef” award. All proceeds will advance the mission of EMPOWER Porter County to reduce substance abuse in the community.

3

OCT 22 2016 Kitchen Walk, Susan Fredman at Home, 15998 Red Arrow Hwy, Union Pier, Mich.

800.351.6354. designsfordignity.org. Guests on this delectable tour can explore six unique kitchens throughout Harbor Country and enjoy tastings from local chefs and vendors in each home along the tour. A wine reception and auction immediately follows at Journeyman Distillery.

Proceeds benefit the work of Designs for Dignity.

4

OCT 22 Diamond Soiree, 6-10pm, Wicker Memorial Park, 8554 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland. 219.513.8911. hscalumet.org. Humane Society Calumet Area celebrates its 75th anniversary with casino games, heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and prizes at this Monte Carlo night to support the animals.

Bacchus Festival 2016, 7:30-10pm, Marina Grand Resort, 600 W Water St, New Buffalo, Mich. 269.469.7566. thewinesellersmichigan.com.

Sample wines from all over the globe and enjoy a light tasting menu at this walkaround tasting.

5

28

OCT 28 Denim and Diamonds Casino Night Gala, 6:30 pm, Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.3255. theatreatthecenter.com. This benefit helps bring the magic of live theater to our community with free casino entertainment, a premium open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction.

Denim and Diamonds Casino Night Gala, 6:30 pm, Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.3255. theatreatthecenter.com.

This benefit helps bring the magic of live theater to our community with free casino entertainment and more.

by Ashley Boyer

October 2016 | InspiredLiving

75

OCT 1

Mommy’s Haven Benefit & Car Show, 11am-5pm, Lake County Fairgrounds, 889 S Court St, Crown Point. 219.746.2669. mommyshaven.org. Benefiting Mommy’s Haven, a future home for pregnant women in need, this car and bike show includes food, vendors, music and family-friendly activities.

OCT 1

Oktoberfest, 1-9pm, S Main St, Crown Point.

219.662.3290. crownpoint. in.gov. Celebrate fall with live entertainment, a chili cook-off, a pie eating contest, a bean bag tournament, a beer garden, a kids’ area and more.

OCT 6 CHEFS AROUND THE TABLE, 6-9pm, Porter County Expo Center, 215 E Division Rd, Valparaiso. 219.465.0294. empowerpc. org. 100 gentlemen “chefs” from around Porter County prepare their favorite dishes for the chance to win the “Top Chef” award. All proceeds will advance the mission of EMPOWER Porter County to reduce substance abuse in the community.

THROUGH OCT 10

Jeff and Theresa Heaton, Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St, St. Joseph, Mich. 269.983.3688. boxfactoryforthearts.org.

A mixed media show.

THROUGH OCT 16

Pump Boys and Dinettes, Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.3255. theatreatthecenter.com.

A toe-tapping, countrified musical tribute to life along the open road.

THROUGH OCT 23

73rd Annual Salon Show, Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.1839. southshoreartsonline.org.

Artists living in Indiana and Cook County, Ill., compete for one of the largest prize purses of any juried exhibit in the Midwest.

THROUGH OCT 29

Chesterton’s European Market, 8am-2pm Sat, downtown Chesterton.

219.926.5513. chestertonseuropeanmarket. com. Fresh produce,

76

INSPIREDLIVING | October 2016

handmade products, live entertainment and more.

THROUGH DEC 11

American Art & National Identity, Brauer Museum of Art, Valparaiso University, 1709 Chapel Dr, Valparaiso.

219.464.5365. valpo.edu/ brauer-museum-of-art. The second in a series of exhibitions interpreting the permanent collection of the museum.

SEPT 16-OCT 2

Into the Woods, 8pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, Memorial Opera House, 104 Indiana Ave, Valparaiso. 219.548.9137. memorialoperahouse.com.

The Brothers Grimm hit the stage with an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make. The South Shore Orchestra performs.

SEPT 23-NOV 13

Krasl Art Center Members’ Show—The Yard Show, Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, Mich.

269.983.0271. krasl.org.

Accessible, fun and full of variety, an exhibit showcasing member art.

OCT 1

OCT 1

Barktoberfest, noon-4pm, New Oberpfalz Brewing lawn, 121 E Main St, Griffith.

219.513.8911. hscalumet.org.

Hosted by New Oberpfalz, Grindhouse Cafe, and Humane Society Calumet Area, this Halloween-themed pet fair is complete with a downtown mutt strut to benefit homeless pets.

OCT 1

Heritage Ball, 4-11pm, Barker Mansion, 631 Washington St, Michigan City. 219.873.1520. barkermansion.com. Jazz, costumes, food and drink to celebrate 180 years of Michigan City history.

OCT 1

Journeyman Distillery 4th Anniversary Party, 11:30am-11pm, Journeyman Distillery, 109 Generations Dr, Three Oaks, Mich.

269.820.2050. journeymandistillery. com. Celebrating another year of craft spirits with cocktails, great eats and the announcement of the winner of the still naming contest.

Superhero Farm Fest, Tryon Farm, 1500 Tryon Rd, Michigan City. 219.324.3385. lpfamilyadvocates.com.

Family-friendly 5K/10K trail run and kids fun run to benefit the volunteer advocacy services that CASA provides to local children in foster care.

OCT 2

Antiques on the Bluff, 10am-5pm, Lake Bluff Park, St. Joseph, Mich.

269.985.1111. stjoetoday. com. Premier antique show overlooking Lake Michigan.

OCT 7-9

Elvis FANtasy Fest, Woodland Park Community Building, 2100 Willowcreek Rd, Portage. 317.844.7354. elvisfantasyfest.com. This festival honors the Elvis Presley legacy of giving by raising funds for Porter County Special Olympics.

OCT 7-23

Clue—The Musical, Footlight Theatre, 1705 Franklin St, Michigan City.

219.874.4035. footlightplayers. org. This rollicking musical murder-mystery, based on the popular board game of the same name, will have audiences deciding “Who dunnit?”

OCT 7-JAN 7

The Hunt—The Prey—The Spirit, Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W 2nd St, Michigan City. 219.874.4900. lubeznikcenter.org. An allwoman show focused on the portrayal of animals.

OCT 8

Harvest and Wine Festival, noon-10pm, Lion’s Park, New Buffalo, Mich.

888.660.6222. newbuffalo.org.

A celebration of the Southwest Michigan harvest with samples from local wineries and breweries, live music, arts and crafts exhibitors and food vendors.

OCT 8

Raise the “WOOF” Gala, 5-11pm, Long Beach Country Club, 2309 Larchmont Ave, Michigan City. 312.952.6787. giantpawprints.com. Dinner, open bar and a silent and live

auction to benefit Giant Paw Prints Rescue.

OCT 8-9

Buckley Homestead Fall Festival, 10am-5pm, Buckley Homestead County Park, 3606 Belshaw Rd, Lowell. 219.769.7275. lakecountyparks.com. Fun for the whole family with historical re-enactments, food, oldfashioned entertainment and traditional arts and crafts.

OCT 8-9

CowtoberFest, Fair Oaks Farm, 856 N 600 E, Fair Oaks.

877.536.1194. fofarms.com.

A fall festival full of wholesome family fun on the farm.

OCT 9

Albert’s Diamond Jewelers MS Auction, South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority, 7770 Corinne Dr, Hammond. 219.322.2700.

albertsjewelers.com. An auction to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Admission is free.

OCT 9

Silver Creek Rockin’ Brew Fest, 2pm, Four Winds Silver Creek Event Center, 11111 Wilson Rd, New Buffalo, Mich.

800.745.3000. ticketmaster. com. This inaugural brew fest features performances by five rock tribute bands.

OCT 14

Grab Your Passport Annual Gala, 6pm, Radisson Hotel, 800 E 80th Ave, Merrillville.

219.755.4444. ibtnw.org.

Indiana Ballet Theatre’s annual gala will include silent auctions, entertainment, dinner and dancing.

OCT 14-29

Night of the Living Dead, Chicago Street Theatre, 154

W Chicago St, Valparaiso.

219.464.1636. chicagostreet. org. A gripping, terror-filled play that brings all the fright of the cult classic to life.

OCT 15

Lyle Lovett, 8pm, Star Plaza Theatre, 8001 Delaware Pl, Merrillville. 800.745.3000. starplazatheatre.com. The country music legend performs.

OCT 15

Munster Ale Fest, 1-4:30pm general admission; noon VIP admission, Centennial Park, 1005 S Centennial Dr, Munster. 219.836.6900. munsteralefest.com. Sample more than 100 local and nationwide craft brews, plus food from local vendors.

OCT 15

Portage Brewfest, 1-4pm, Woodland Park, Oakwood Hall, 2100 Willowcreek Rd,

Color, Style and Fashion for Your Floors tuftexcarpets.com

708 Silhavy Road Valparaiso IN, 46383 (219) 548-2705 October 2016 | InspiredLiving

77

Since

1985

Flamenco Fiesta Sunday October 9th 5 p.m.

$15.00 cover charge

Portage. 219.762.9622. portagebrewfest.com. Sample more than 65 brews at this third annual indoor event.

Proceeds benefit Portage Township YMCA.

OCT 15

Dinner and Show

Wurstfest! noon-7pm, downtown Three Oaks.

269.756.9221. facebook. com/threeoakswurstfest. Fun for the whole family with live entertainment, food, crafts and an adult beverage tent.

Call for reservations and information 119 E. Lincolnway, Downtown Valparaiso

219-462-7976

www.donquijotevalpo.com

OCT 16

Unique, one of a kind, upcycled, handmade bags and accessories.

9 S. Elm StrEEt thrEE OakS, michigan

O P E N T H U R S D A Y- S AT U R D A Y 1 2 - 4 E S T www.trestlefurniture.com

269 336 9552

Hand Crafted Furniture & Accessories

Michigan City Uptown Arts District

New Studio Location...

Each piece of furniture becomes a work, unique in color, texture and touch.

Okto-BEER-fest, noon4pm, Friendship Botanic Gardens, 2055 US Hwy 12, Michigan City. 219.878.9885. friendshipgardens.org. Craft brewers, local food and live music in the gardens.

OCT 21

Bacchus Festival 2016, 7:30-10pm, Marina Grand Resort, 600 W Water St, New Buffalo, Mich. 269.469.7566. thewinesellersmichigan.com.

Sample wines from all over the globe and enjoy a light tasting menu at this walkaround tasting.

OCT 21

BrOOFEST, 7-11pm, Radisson Star Plaza, 800 E 81st Ave, Merrillville.

219.942.5774. hobartchamber. com. Tastings from craft brewers and wineries, as well as food, live music and more.

OCT 21

Skin Care In A Whole New Light

Clown Point Run/ Walk, 7pm, Lake County Fairgrounds, 889 S Court St, Crown Point. 219.662.9840. yourhometownevents.com.

A spooky two-mile run/onemile walk with creepy clowns hidden along the route.

• Laser Hair • Acne, Rosacea, Age Spots/ Removal Pigment Treatments

OCT 23

Rustic Modern Furniture

• Facials

622 Franklin St., Michigan City, IN 46360 After Sept. 8th, Hours : Thur-Sat 11-5 After Oct. 29th by appointment only

Valpo Half Marathon, 8:30am, United Way of Porter

• Chemical Peels

Mommy’s Haven Benefit & Car Show

County, 951 Eastport Centre Dr, Valparaiso. 219.464.3583. unitedwaypc.org. Flat, fast course with very few turns and intersections. All race proceeds benefit United Way of Porter County’s high school council, the Power of Youth.

OCT 27

Ronnie Kole Trio, 7pm, Munster High School Auditorium, 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster. 219.923.7879. lakeshoreconcerts.org. Enjoy the works of Duke Ellington, Cole Porter and George Gershwin.

OCT 28

Mahler 5, 6:15pm preconcert talk; 7:30pm concert, The Auditorium at Bethel Church, 10202 Broadway, Crown Point. 219.836.0525. nisorchestra.org. Mahler’s colossal Fifth Symphony embraces an entire world of emotion and sound.

OCT 29

Round Barn HalloWine Party, 1-7pm, Round Barn Winery, 10983 Hills Rd, Baroda. 800.716.9463. roundbarnwinery.com. A fantastically fun bash with wine, craft beer and plenty of spirits, plus costumes, food and live music.

Share your events!

607 Morgan Blvd.Valparaiso, IN 46383

219-464 -9376

Call to Make Your Appointment Today

78

InspiredLiving | October 2016

Linda Gaddis

RN Licensed Esthetician & Electrologist Certified Laser Operator

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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wEbb MITSUbIShI 1000 West US 30, Merrillville, IN 219-736-2277 www.webbmitsubishi.com NIELSEN MITSUbIShI 5020 U.S. Highway 6, Portage, IN 888-503-4110 www.nielsenmitsubishi.com

RAM gRIEgERS RAM 1756 U.S. 30 West Valparaiso, IN 219-462-4117 www.griegersmotors.com

SUBARU HYUNDAI wEbb hyUNdAI MERRILLVILLE 1000 West US Hwy 30, Merrillville, IN 219-202-4383 www.webbhyundaimerrillville.com

PhILLIPS ChEVROLET OF LANSINg

MITSUBISHI

FORD wEbb hyUNdAI 9236 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN

NIELSEN SUbARU 5020 U.S. Highway 6, Portage, IN 888-503-4110 www.nielsen.subaru.com

TOYOTA LAkEShORE TOyOTA

17730 S. Torrence Ave., Lansing, IL

LAkEShORE FORd

866-826-7812

244 Melton Rd. (US 20@I94, Exit 22A)

219-923-2277

244 Melton Rd. (US 20@I94, Exit 22A)

Burns Harbor, IN

www.webbhyundai.com

Burns Harbor, IN

JEEP

www.lakeshoretoyota.com

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219-787-8600

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SMITh ChEVROLET - hAMMONd 6405 Indianapolis Blvd., Hammond, IN 219-845-4000 www.smithautogroupusa.com

SMITh FORd

gRIEgERS jEEP

TOyOTA ON 30

1777 E. Commercial, Lowell, IN

1756 U.S. 30 West, Valparaiso, IN

4450 E. RT 30, Merrillville, IN

219-769-1090

219-462-4117

219-947-3325

www.smithautogroupusa.com

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ContaCt your times’ media Consultant to feature your business in the times auto direCtory MUNSTER • (219) 852-4338 | VALPARAISO • (219) 462-5151

INCLOSING

“CURIOSITY MUST BE KEPT ALIVE.”

PHOTO BY MAGGIE RUSSO

Eleanor Roosevelt

80

INSPIREDLIVING | October 2016

Drive away with your

DREAM BMW Before our Summer Construction Reduction specials are behind us!

0% APR

FOR UP TO 72 MONTHS ON MOST BMW MODELS*

UP TO

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*SEE DEALER FOR COMPLETE DETAILS

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BMWof

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1400 US HIGHWAY 41, SCHERERVILLE, IN 46375

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| bmwsch.com

Something this Small can be a Very Big Deal

Here is another big deal – Screening Mammograms $98 During the month of October a limited number of discounted screening mammograms will be offered to women who are symptom-free and who meet the American Cancer Society guidelines for screening.

We offer same-day visit and same-day results because we know screening for breast cancer can be a very anxious experience for women. A physician order is required and payment is due at the time of service. Discount price includes radiologist fee.

Centers supported by two female radiologists

Schedule your next mammography screening at a Community Healthcare System® site.

Community Hospital | 219-836-4599 Women’s Diagnostic Centers, Munster & St. John Mary Nicholson, MD

St. Catherine Hospital | 219-392-7227 Women’s Diagnostic Center, East Chicago (3-D mammography available) St. Mary Medical Center | 219-947-6436 Women’s Diagnostic Centers, Hobart & Valparaiso (3-D mammography available)

Charisa Spoo, DO