Shore Magazine by The Times of NWI

style & culture

ENTERTAINMENT ISSUE

HEROES OF

MODERN COMEDY

LIVES OF LAURIE METCALF

august/september 2010

Do you call this reading?

NO MORE PENCILS NO MORE BOOKS

INCLUDING Chicago’s xxxxxxxxx FOOD XXXXXXX FILM FEST Worldxxxxxxxxx RADIO LANGUAGES XXXXXXX 18 Sculptures xxxxxxxxx on A GOLF XXXXXXX COURSE

august/september 2010

contents

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010

162

Comedy on the Middle Coast

BY RICK KAEMPFER

Joe Anderson, Andy Woodhull, Dobie Maxwell, Damon Williams, Michael Palascak and Tracy DeGraaf—six of the newest, hottest comedians whose Midwestern roots are showing.

photograph courtesy of ANDY WOODHULL

Culture Clubs BY KATHRYN MACNEIL

Curtain Call BY MARK LOEHRKE

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68 73

Can culture survive an increasingly controlling fan-based frenzy that makes the decisions for the shows, the celebrities and the programmers?

Dedicated performers and their audiences, coming soon to a neighborhood near you.

To E or Not to E BY CLAIRE BUSHEY

How much the market will expand and business will switch from paper to electronic is uncertain, but e-books are here to stay.

Play Groups BY KATHRYN MACNEIL

Being Laurie Metcalf, from Steppenwolf to Broadway to Los Angeles and back again.

That’s Entertainment BY JANE AMMESON

Coming soon to Chicago, a food film festival that makes you hungry before it fills you up.

PHOTOGRAPH BY RICHARD HELLYER DIRECTED AND STYLED BY JOE DURK MODEL SARAH KOPP CLOTHING PROVIDED BY INDIAN SUMMER CHAIR PROVIDED BY SAWYER GARDEN CENTER

august/september 2010

contents

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010

28 21 CLICKS 38 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47

Lubeznik Masked Ball Chihuly Exhibit Preview Facing History Benefit NWI Symphony Brunch La Lumiere Benefit Hospice Fundraiser Equestrian Center Party YWCA Tribute to Women St. Jude House Luncheon

HOUSE & GROUNDS 81

A Summer Getaway Nest

BY TERRI GORDON

A generation later, Tricia Paarlberg rebuilds a familiar nest.

SHORELINES 21

INTRO

Looking for something that is really different? Hire Collaboraction and create a spectacle.

LISTEN

Whether the format is talk or music, the Lake Michigan area has an international menu on the air.

Anthropologists and reenactors are recovering the lost Fort St. Joseph, a French fur-trading post founded in the 1680s.

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CULTURE NUT

MOTORING

Harbor Shores’ 18-sculpture golf course; and an Ed Harris-Jennifer Connelly movie shot in South Haven. The family minivan is a mobile entertainment center; and Ford Mustang headlines the Krasl Concours.

GREEN NOTES Lollapalooza leads 70,000 to go green for this year’s festival in Grant Park.

SHAW THOUGHTS

Every person has a story, and so does the Bridgman walker.

WHERE TO GO

HEALTH CLUB

Balanced health and healing in Holland; a vegetable festival in Naperville in August; and a technology in Valparaiso that detoxifies the body while preventing and curing illnesses.

HAUTE PROPERTIES

Care about materials creates a layer of elegance even in the most high-functioning room in the house.

LAST RESORT 96

Closing Credits? BY MARK LOEHRKE

Eternal hope that Highland’s Town Theatre does not fade away.

HOTSPOTS 48 76 86 94

Essential Events Bite & Sip Shore Things Shorecast

14 Publisher’s Letter 16 Editor’s Letter

photography courtesy of [clockwise, from top left] HARBOR SHORES, C3 PRESENTS, NATE MILLER, NICK NOVELLI/NOVELLI PHOTO DESIGN, COLLABORACTION

publisher’s

letter

ou may not have heard, but coincidentally with the July issue of Shore—with our beloved Gary SouthShore railCats on the cover—I played in the first-ever Gary Chamber Northwest Indiana celebrity baseball challenge, set up by executive director Chuck Hughes with a lot of help from his staff and railCats general manager roger Wexelberg. though I humbly accepted the Most Valuable Player award for the Celebrity All-Stars team, I want to be clear that it could not have happened without the heavyweight support from Senator earline rogers. really, she’s the one that gave me the award! While it was clear that Senator rogers was the general manager of our team, former major league player and coach Wallace Johnson was there to expertly guide the team. Additional players on my team included Post-Tribune publisher lisa tatina (the girl’s got game!), Dr. Danita Hughes (definitely the athlete in the Hughes family), Chicago Tribune sportswriter Fred Mitchell and now-retired Indiana University Northwest chancellor Bruce Bergland, who was in better game shape than any of us.

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I was as excited as any sports fan when the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, but am already anxious for the start of next season. I think the way our major league baseball teams are playing has a lot to do with that. It also might be because I have found out that the Hawks will open the home season and raise the banner against the Red Wings. Can’t think of a better team I’d like to raise the banner against! So, Julie and I were treated by Jill and Mike Schrage to see Billy Elliot and then were back in the city the next weekend to see Second City for the first time. We were joined by Andrew Todd and Joanna Smith (soon to be Todd in November). Last year I fished for salmon up north in Ketchikan, and Seward, Alaska. This year I headed down south, first stopping at Lake Texoma, Oklahoma, and nailed the big stripers with my stepdad Buck Calfy, brother Bob Masterson, his boys Blake and Brody, and stepbrother Bucky. After the striper fill we headed to Lake Waurika for catfish and a couple days home at mom’s house. Finally, Julie and I headed back towards NW Indiana, but stopped at the River of Life Farm and the incredibly beautiful North Fork of the White River. They say that generosity breeds generosity, and most of the time you have a lot of fun doing it! I had purchased the trip at the annual wine auction benefiting the Crisis Center in Gary. My good friend, Crisis Center executive director Shirley Caylor, told Julie and me about her grandson (Kyle Kosovich), who is a guide and donated a guided trout fishing trip along the North Fork of the White River. To boot Kyle had talked his father-in-law into donating a night’s lodging in a treehouse cabin at the River of Life Farm. I was curious why my wife Julie was so supportive of me purchasing this trip, but things became perfectly clear as I found the double-decker cart full of items my wife had bought . . . but I digress. I have fished all over North and Central America, and while I have enjoyed the uniqueness of most of them, fishing the North Fork of the White River was almost spiritual. This trip isn’t for the beer-drinking boys who

like to shoot fish in a barrel, take pictures of the big haul and then have them shipped home. The River of Life Farm is owned and operated by Myron and Ann McKee (riveroflifefarm.com). This Christian couple has created a set of magnificent cabins in the trees where cell phones don’t work and TVs only show videos, and all have glorious views of the Ozarks and the river. The River of Life Farm’s cabins, hiking trails and fishing have been covered by Good Morning America, the Outdoor Channel and several other outlets. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch rated it as one of the Top Ten destination points a few years ago. But a trip to the River of Life Farm is not complete unless you experience a trip down the river with Kyle Kosovich. Kyle Kosovich is the owner and operator of longboat outfitters (longboatoutfitters.com), which is owned and operated separately from River of Life Farm. I can honestly say that I have never learned more about the environment and my surroundings than I did with Kyle. Kyle runs a catch and release operation. He was born and lived all his life on the river. Kyle starts by working patiently with novice fly fishermen (and women) on how to throw a fly line. The beautiful longboat you are then put in is handmade and crafted by Kyle himself. You will learn the history of the longboat from Kyle and why they were used back in the day. Kyle has a degree in biology, so the first thing he does is net the river and place it in his own little viewing tank so he can explain how life exists in the river. From that, Kyle chooses his flies to use and then we have a fantastic time nailing wild rainbow trout that have not been stocked since 1965. A wonderful lunch on the side of the river provided by Kyle was just another highlight of what was a fabulous trip. If you are looking for a quiet, peaceful getaway, staying at the River of Life Farm and then having a private guided fishing trip down the river with Kyle is mighty hard to beat. Thanks, Myron and Kyle, for supporting the Crisis Center. Bill Masterson, Jr. Publisher

Editor’S

LeTTeR

ooking over the lineup of entertainment stories for this issue, it’s impossible to miss the fact that we are pretty theater-intensive this issue. But with the continuing trend of megawatt movie and television stars taking the stage while on hiatus from projects in L.A. (Scarlett Johansson is only the most recent example; she won a Tony for her performance in Arthur Miller’s View from the Bridge, staged in New York last spring), our content lineup shouldn’t be a big surprise. As always, Steppenwolf is among the leading theaters in the country bringing famous company members back to do a show. This year, Laurie Metcalf, who was a regular as Roseanne Barr’s sister on Roseanne for almost ten years and is currently well-known as the voice of Andy’s mom in Toy Story 3, will return here for the first time in six years to star in Detroit. The play’s author, Lisa D’Amour, was commissioned by Steppenwolf artistic director Martha Lavey for two plays, and this is the first. (Also involved in Detroit are director Austin Pendleton and actors Kevin Anderson, Ian Barford, Kate Arrington and Bob Breuler.) Obviously, Metcalf is a versatile and talented performer who discusses her life and times with Shore editor Kathy MacNeil. Also, Mark Loehrke talks with the stalwarts of community theater about what drives the passionate players and personnel that keep the weekend and seasonal stages in the Lake Michigan area going.

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In a related feature, Shore’s resident King of Comedy, Rick Kaempfer, goes over his lineup of the very funny comedians you can see perform live right now, before they go supernova and end up celebrities with shows of their own. Lauri Harvey Keagle has another twist on live entertainment with a story about Lollapalooza music festival, which is undertaking the herculean task of taking its 70,000 participants green in this year’s event. It may not be something we discuss much, but reading has never gone out of style as a summer and vacation pastime. What has changed is the growing popularity of the lightweight devices that store reading material and lots of it. We can thank Claire Bushey for her unscientific survey of readers who have made the leap without regret. Also in this issue, Jane Ammeson finds an unusual entry in this year’s film festival category: a movie-food concept that blends stories with food with availability of the food in the films. (It worked in New York, so the producers are bringing it here.) Jane also writes about the most unusual artistic feature of Harbor Shores’ Jack Nicklaus 18-hole golf course—a sculpture at every stop. And more about an Ed Harris-Jennifer Connelly movie shot in South Haven, and acting troupes for hire that will turn any event into a spectacle. After you’ve digested all that, we will be back with our biggest fashion and style issue ever. Wishing you all the joys and blessing of summer,

Pat Colander

style & culture

Publisher Bill Masterson, Jr. Director of Product Development Christopher Loretto 219.933.3243 cloretto@nwitimes.com Senior Account Executive Lisa Tavoletti Illinois/Indiana/Michigan 219.933.4182 ltavoletti@nwitimes.com Account Executive Mary Sorensen Michigan 616.451.3006 msorensen@nwitimes.com Traffic Manager Tom Kacius Pre-press Specialists Maureen Benak Rhonda Fancher Tracy Hanson Advertising Designers Dave Annable Ryan Berry Kathy Campbell Jacqueline Murawski

Published by Lee Enterprises The Times of Northwest Indiana Niche Division 601 W 45th Street Munster, Indiana 46321 219.933.3200 Michigan/Indiana Sales 1111 Glendale Boulevard Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 219.462.5151

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Single copy price is $4.95. One-year subscriptions $20 (8 issues) Two-year subscriptions $25 (16 issues) Three-year subscriptions $35 (24 issues)

volume 6 / number 6

Editor / Associate Publisher Pat Colander 219.933.3225 pcolander@nwitimes.com Art Director Joe Durk 219.933.3277 jdurk@nwitimes.com Managing Editor Julia Perla 219.933.3353 jperla@nwitimes.com Assistant Managing Editor Kathryn MacNeil 219.933.3264 kmacneil@nwitimes.com Designers April Burford, Matt Huss Online Editor Ashley Boyer Contributing Editors Jane Ammeson Heather Augustyn Lois Berger Sue Bero Robert Blaszkiewicz Christy Bonstell Claire Bushey John Cain Laura Caldwell Donna M. Chavez Tom Chmielewski Juli Doshan Jane Dunne Rob Earnshaw Jeremy Gantz Terri Gordon Dave Hoekstra Seth â&#x20AC;&#x153;towerâ&#x20AC;? Hurd Jim Jackson Rick Kaempfer Lauri Harvey Keagle Julie Dean Kessler Mark Loehrke Joey Marburger Sherry Miller Virginia Mullin Andy Shaw Fran Smith Megan Swoyer Sharon Biggs Waller Contributing Artists and Photographers Lloyd DeGrane Jennifer Feeney Richard Hellyer Callie Lipkin David Mosele Johnny Quirin Gregg Rizzo Christina Somers Robert Wray

Shore magazine invites readers and writers to submit ideas, comments and feedback through email at feedback@visitshoremagazine.com or the post office at Shore Magazine, 601 W 45th St, Munster, IN 46321, or 1111 Glendale Blvd, Valparaiso, IN 46383.

>> intro <<

Collaboraction Theater for hire

photography courtesy of COLLABORACTION

entrepreneurial envelope. When not overseeing the regular season and Sketchbook Festival, Moseley and production designer Sarah Moeller conceive and create characters, skits and flash mobs for soirees. Eager to make a first impression? Hire a mob of ’40s paparazzi to snap arriving guests. Want to see your boss cut loose? Order a conga line. Yearn to be a neo-Warhol? Scuba divers will “swim” slow-motion amid the hors d’oeuvres. That’s entertainment, 21st centurystyle. The custom events, packaged under the Experience Design banner, “are a nice change from balloon artists and magicians,” Moseley explains. It’s a win-win situation. Guests gape. Hosts generate buzz. And the theater

earns $100,000 annually, 20 percent of its annual budget. Collaboraction, launching its 15th season this fall, steeps guests in performance art at about thirty functions each year. Spectacles start at $1,000. Two to forty performers will provide low- or highbrow hijinks for four hours. Chicago has hired the theater to spice up Millennium Park events and the troupe is a mainstay of the Art Institute’s chic “After Dark” series. During the Edvard Munch show, mute, dark-garbed actors swayed to cello music—“a movement poem,” Moeller says—to pay homage to the painter’s angst-y works. At the Edward Hopper exhibit, the ensemble recreated tableaux of Nighthawks and other works. “People say, ‘I’ve never seen anything like that before,’ which is exactly the kind of response we hope to get,” museum marketing spokeswoman Katie Rahn says. –MOLLY WOULFE For more information, please call 312.226.9633 or visit collaboraction.typepad.com.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010

or medieval troupesfor-hire, the world was yet to be a stage. Actors hit the market-square circuit. No cabbage stalls for Collaboraction, a trippy, offLoop theater that stages “experiences” for private and corporate galas on the side. Clients include Jockey, Starcom and Heineken, but the Jeff-winning company is happy to crash smaller bashes. “We’ll do bar mitzvahs,” artistic director Anthony Moseley says. Many troupes reprise vignettes to boost cash flow. This collaborationminded River North fixture, 1850 West Hubbard Street, pushes the art-

F 1.

shorelines >> listen <<

Multicultural Airwaves

Local radio stations speak and sing in 18 languages

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n Irish woman, Greek guy, Russian woman and gay Pakistani community leader walk into a radio station . . . There is no punch line. All you hear is the harmony generated from WNDZ 750 AM in Portage, Indiana, WCFJ 1470 AM in Chicago Heights, WAIT 850 AM in Chicago and the granddaddy WSBC 1240 AM in Chicago. Colorful hosts representing 18 different languages purchase air time to talk about their homeland from a tiny studio on the Northwest side of Chicago. Want up-to-date news on Haiti? Listen to La Diffe’rence at 9 p.m. Thursday on WSBC/WCFJ. Roberto Garza and Carlos Rojas play rancheros at 7 a.m. Saturday on WNDZ-AM. Visually impaired DJ Eddie Williams spins sweet soul music at 4 p.m. Saturday on WCFJ-AM. “If the world can get along as well as we do inside this building, the world would be a much better place,” says Mark Pinski, general manager of the four stations, during a conversation in his office. “It’s as if I’m running four big apartment complexes and I’ve got to keep all the neighbors happy in one building.” Pinski, 47, has been GM since January 2000. A former ESPN1000 news guy, Pinski estimates he has sold 400 shows covering 30 “unique” languages over the past decade. Arabic, Assyrian, Lithuanian and Romany (Gypsy) are spoken here. “And within each language there might be different cultures,” he explains in clear English. “Within the Spanish language, I have Mexicans, Guadalajarans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans. I’m pretty good at negotiating. A lot of my job is mediating; to make sure we don’t have one guy trying to get in the studio, one guy not getting out of the studio and we have a fight.” In an email, long-time Chicago media critic Robert Feder wrote, “Outside of the delegates’ lounge at the United Nations, I doubt there’s anywhere in the world you’d find as many languages spoken in one place. Mark Pinski is running a modern-day Ellis Island—a port of entry for would-be broadcasters from every corner of the globe. The combination of so many diverse languages on so many outlets almost certainly puts it in a class by itself.”

The global voices are timely because of recent immigration enforcement legislation in Arizona. “What happens in the world has a great effect on us,” Pinski says. “There are problems in Greece. I have two Greek programmers that, combined, have been here 100 years.” Tom Chiampas, 83, hosts a Friday and Saturday night WSBC Greek program with Katina, his bride of 49 years. They arrived at the station in 1962. Communication can be an issue at the stations. The FCC regulates obscenity and content. Even the smallest stations are subject to large fines. Pinski has to monitor his shows. “I have interpreters,” he says. “I’ll walk down the street [Milwaukee Avenue] and find somebody Polish who can translate for me immediately. Our biggest languages are Spanish, Russian, Ukranian, English. When we used to have Korean shows, I would go to my cleaners with the show and ask, ‘What did they say?’ For the most part these people understand English and most of them are community leaders. Some of them have been here ten, twenty, thirty years, so they’re not as old-school as one might think.” The stations are owned by Newsweb Corp. in Chicago. Newsweb is a printing company that owns five other radio stations in the Chicago area. The company formerly owned television station Channel 50 licensed in Gary, Indiana, which it sold to Fox Television in 2003. The ethnic programs run in length from 30 minutes to an hour. Signals can beam as far west as Schaumburg and east to Michiana. Some hosts such as Lidya Averbukh appear as much as 15 hours per week on her popular Echo of the Planet, a Russian language show that combines talk, music and news Monday through Friday mornings on WSBC-AM. “There had been no Russian radio in Chicago before us,” says Averbukh, who cohosts the show with Michael Smekhov. Talent pays fees that range between $150 and $500 an hour. “Essentially people program and produce their own radio show on our stations,” Pinski explains. Ifti Nasim hosts Sargam (music), his two-hour Pakistani show at 9 p.m. Sunday on WSBC/ WCFJ. In the late 1990s a friend told him about the stations. “I like old Indian and Pakistani movie songs,” Nasim says during an interview at the station. “I have a big music collection. I started playing music from the ’60s and ’70s and the

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE HOEKSTRA

The colorful Ifti Natsim (in derby), host of Pakistani show with Lidya Averbukh (Russian)

professional operators are also on hand. The stations use three studios, one control room and one production room. Each studio is equipped with four microphones and four headphones, two CD players and two mini disc players. Some studios still have turntables and cart machines. “Big John” Poladian is a board operator who commutes to the northwest side station four days a week from North Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His shift begins at 5 a.m. “Some clients I’ve worked with for seven years now,” he says. “I don’t understand a word they’re saying. But I feel what they’re doing.” Pinski adds, “I can have somebody in one room speaking Arabic, and next door to them someone is speaking Croation. In some cases I can put the languages back to back to back on the air, which makes us unique in the country. Most brokered stations focus on one language.” Media critic Feder writes, “What makes it even more remarkable Station is that it violates practically every manager Mark rule of radio: There’s no audience Pinski flow from one program to the next, there’s no oversight over content, there’s zero promotion, and the stations have crappy signals. And yet, somehow, it all seems to work, adding immeasurably to the ethnic fabric of Chicago.” There’s a relaxed air at the studio, in part, because the pressure of high ratings does not exist. “We as a company do not subscribe to Arbitron [ratings], because we do not sell spots,” Pinksi explains. “My programmers sell commercials. Let’s take our Latvian show: Monday at 7 p.m, WSBC/WCFJ, one hour. There are probably 15,000 Latvians in Chicago. If we get 20 percent of [Latvians] to listen, we’ve been incredibly successful.” Pinski’s work as a play-byplay sportscaster for the Chicago Rockers and Rockford Lightning of the defunct CBA (Continental Basketball Association) comes into play in his current gig. “I was the PR guy, I did sales, I was travel agent, plus the play-by-play guy,” says Pinski, who grew up in Highland Park. “I’m a jock at heart and a Type-A personality. You need a strong personality for this. I adapt well with different people of different walks of life. I’ve proven to these people I’m trustworthy and ethical. “I’ve learned that all of us were immigrants at one time or another.” –DAVE HOEKSTRA

If the world can get along as well as we do inside this building, the world would be a much better place.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010

rish host Maureen O’Looney owns the Shamrock Imports store, 3150 North Laramie, down the street from the former location of progressive rock station WXRT-FM. “I called them one day and they said to come on over,” O’Looney says. “I got a Sunday evening show [on WSBC, then located at ’XRT]. About twelve years ago I came here.” O’Looney blends traditional Irish ballads, pop and comedy with conversation in her American Irish Radio Network program that is heard through Chicago and Indiana. “And U2, yes, I play them,” she says in a thick Irish accent. “And [the Irish punk band] Black 47.” WSBC (World Storage Battery Company) has the oldest radio call letters in Chicago, having been on the air since 1925. Shows are also popular through the region. Pinski explains, “With WNDZ [Portage, Indiana] a lot of Serbians might live in Northwest Indiana. On WCFJ [Chicago Heights, Indiana] I have one client, Rickey Singleton, who has a majority of the station. He’s the pastor of a church in Burnham.” Williams’s WCFJ Soul Notebook has a popular following in the south suburbs On air talent Maureen O’Looney (Irish show), Eddie and Northwest ) show music (soul ms Willia Indiana. “I also created Sounds of Summer, where the Summer during the summer I play soul music about summer,” Williams says with a warm smile. “In between songs you hear summer sounds: crickets, rain, waves, thunder.” Pinski adds, “Eddie runs his own [sound] board. He marked it in Braille.” The screening process for talent begins through phone interviews. “For the most part I weed people out,” Pinksi says, leaning over his desk, which features three caller ID boxes. “I have a sense if they have the ability to do this. My best customers are those that have done this on smaller stations and they want to upgrade with a bigger signal and better equipment.” Most clients run their own sound board for the shows, but

ow) o (Italian sh Vince Span iampas (Greek) and Tom Ch

immigrants who came here then loved it. Now I’m playing [contemporary] ‘Bollywood.’ Americans listen to that. We are nonpolitical. We are building a bridge between India and Pakistan through music. It’s a fun radio program. It’s not easy to be an immigrant. An immigrant is an overachiever’s nightmare. “And this is the best experience I’ve ever had.” Nasim is the unofficial mayor of Devon Avenue in Chicago. He is the editor of Pakistani Weekly Express, printed by Newsweb. Nasim smiles from under a black derby and adds, “In 1996 I was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame [the only one in the world, sponsored by the city at glhalloffame.org]. Who knew?

shorelines >> shaw thoughts <<

The Bridgman Walker

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he first time I saw her, down the beach in Bridgman a couple years ago, she was collecting “treasures,” what our kids called the rocks and shells that wound up on the mantle of our summer home. She was small and slim with long, light-colored hair. A little girl or a teen, I assumed, but as I jogged by and took a closer look I was stunned to see the face of a grandmother—lined and craggy, with a prominent nose and dancing eyes. A strange one, I thought, offering my standard nod and continuing on until she was just another distant memory on a lovely summer day. I’ve seen her many times since then, walking on the beach alone, wearing a backpack and always looking for souvenirs. I found her fascinating and wondered what her story was, but never bothered to ask. Afraid she’d bite? Or hiss? Cast a spell? The exaggerated mental pictures we paint and the images we conjure up, of people we see but don’t know. And we are frequently so wrong. I should’ve learned that lesson years ago from my Chicago and Michigan writer friend Grant Pick, who died in ’05 after penning hundreds of memorable stories for the Chicago Reader about the real people behind those unfavorable first impressions—impressions based on physical characteristics. Odd and quirky, sometimes menacing, frequently off-putting. Folks who make you uncomfortable enough to accelerate your exit from their aura. Some of Grant’s best stories about the “pariah class” are memorialized in a collection called The People Are the News. When I reviewed it in Shore a few years ago, our colleague Mike Miner said that “Grant never denied anyone he wrote about their dignity.” Author Alex Kotlowitz noted that “he opened a portal into the ultimate decency of people.” My thought was that Grant “breathed a full, rich, threedimensional life into those around us who appear, on the surface, to be more caricature than common.” Grant embodied the old adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” and he was clearly the muse for my decision to find out about “her” when I saw her on the beach in Bridgman a few weeks ago. I said hello, she said hi and that started our conversation. Her name is Nancy Chiovari, she is 71, and her life, she says, “has not been a lot of fun.” Raised on a Michigan farm, she worked the fields, did the 4-H thing and played several instruments. Customer service rep for Zenith in St. Joe until the plant closed and she moved to Chicago, where she met and married her engineer husband. Raised three children, but his diabetes got so bad he needed kidney dialysis and eventually died. The pile of medical bills, however, lived on, forcing her into bankruptcy, so one of her daughters moved her to a little apartment in Bridgman, where she lives alone, seeing her children occasionally and dispensing snacks to her grandchildren when they get off the school bus.

She doesn’t drive and she’s essentially a loner, especially when she walks, which is most of the day. “When I got to Bridgman,” Nancy recalls, “there wasn’t much to do, so I started to walk and walk and walk just to get out of the apartment, for I’m the kind of person that just can’t stay in and watch TV or whatever. I have had a lot of sadness in my life, so maybe that’s why I like to be alone on my walks.” She walks for hours and hours a day, along the beach, through town and out to the cemetery where her parents are buried. “I wear out a lot of shoes,” she says, “but it’s cheaper than gas.” And she walks all year-round. In fact, she says, she might have died on a bitterly cold winter day a few years ago when she collapsed from hypothermia in a snowdrift on the lakefront. “I just passed out,” she recalls, “and this wonderful dog came down from one of the houses on the hill and started licking me and finally got me to come to so I could use my cell phone to call for help. I would have died if it was not for that wonderful dog.”

er tiny apartment is filled with souvenirs from the walks—jars of beads, shells and stones; rocks and driftwood. She takes pictures on her walks of people and their pets, and sends prints to the owners. “People tell me how much they love the pictures, and that makes me feel good that I did something good for someone. I hate to brag, but my mom once told me that if you did not think good of yourself no one else will.” A life of sadness, hardship and loneliness? Sure. But so much more. She doesn’t bite. Or hiss. Or cast any spells. And she would have been one of Grant’s people, with her dignity and character intact. A fully formed, threedimensional human being. She is my new friend Nancy. The Bridgman Walker. And as my former ABC 7 colleague Harry Porterfield would say, “Someone You Should Know.”

–ANDY SHAW

ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID MOSELE

shorelines

>> culture nut <<

Hollywood Comes to South Haven

Flashback: October 2009. Thermostat: 51 degrees. Weather: Overcast. Focus on South Haven’s North Beach— suspending belief, because it’s supposed to resemble bustling Virginia Beach— a sleepy town of little more than 5,000 on Lake Michigan’s shoreline.

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Lakeshore Drive is costumed for a carnival. Gravitron, an amusement park ride, flashes its neon lights. Ornate street lamps lining the hardrippled strand mimic a boardwalk. And what is a beach without a concession stand, signage touting ice cream, hot dogs and Italian sausage?

weaters and coats hug the few onlookers, while extras wearing nothing more than shorts and T-shirts shiver into a scene during filming of What’s Wrong with Virginia? starring Jennifer Connelly and Ed Harris. Handfuls of people, so blasé, so laid-back, mill about.

Channel 3’s here, their white truck abandoned except for a reporter chatting on his cell. Is complacency in their script? What’s wrong with South Haven? “It’s wonderfully quiet,” says location manager Patrick Muldoon. “Bunge, my assistant, chose it after looking up and down Michigan’s shoreline for a boardwalk.” Muldoon, who scouted spots for Public Enemies starring Johnny Depp (2010) and The Dark Knight (2009), claims “it was the ice cream

photography [this and opposite page, top] courtesy of GREGG RIZZO; [this page, left] ROGER RUSIN; [opposite page, far right] courtesy of HARBOR SHORES

Jennifer Connelly in character. After removing the gorilla mask, Connelly ran back into the Arts building, glanced around in awe, then asked, “What is this place?”

18 HOLES, 18 SCULPTURES

stand at North Beach” that really clinched it. “Ready to go to picture!” a cameraman shouts. “Rolling. Quiet.” “Action.” Bright lights pour over a grandstand to light up faces in a political rally scene. Computer Generated Imaging (CGI) will fake a sunny day. On cue, extras wave flags. The Saugatuck High School Marching Band shuffles in. An extra yawns. Ed Harris enters. By the fifth take, a prop gun pops. Extras run. Harris

MORE ABOUT ‘WHAT’S WRONG WITH VIRGINIA?’

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010

A Mormon sheriff, played by Ed Harris, sees his state senate bid slipping away when his daughter dates the son of a psychologically disturbed woman, played by Jennifer Connelly, a woman with whom he had a long-term secret affair. Produced by Holland-based TicTock Studios along with Killer Films; written and directed by Academy Awardwinning screenwriter of MILK, Dustin Lance Black.

ducks. “Cut.” Seems fitting when Harris jokingly quips, “Where’d everybody go?” Filming’s no different at downtown’s Center for the Arts, temporarily transformed into the fictitious Carther Bank. About ten people hang around as Jennifer Connelly dashes into view wearing a gorilla mask. For Sarah Hess, the Center’s program coordinator, it was business as usual, though she helped crews prepare Connelly’s scene. “Jennifer really got into the part, slamming doors hard. I thought, Don’t break the glass. Happy it took just two takes.” Fast-forward: Summer 2010. Thermostat: 80-90 degrees. Weather: Sunny. Regarding the impact on South Haven, Rachel Vochaska, executive director at the Chamber of Commerce, splices it all together. “It had an immediate positive effect as far as restaurants and overnight stays for crew. But time will tell . . . especially when the public sees our beautiful community on the big screen.” –SHERRY MILLER

Grand Rapids news affiliate Fox 17 reporter Lindsay Kus interviews one of the film’s producers, Hopwood DePree, while on set.

Asters, primroses, cattails and oaks are among the native plants flourishing at Harbor Shores, a $500 million development that includes a new signature Jack Nicklaus golf course with three holes overlooking Lake Michigan at Jean Klock Beach and many on the gently winding Paw Paw River and its marshes and creeks. And for Ross Smith—general manager and director of golf, PGA, the Golf Club at Harbor Shores— it seemed fitting to tie in the legendary Nicklaus’s 18 major golf victories with the indigenous plants that are part of the undulating landscape. “I was meeting with Ann Odden about a golf outing for the Benton Harbor Arts District when I got the idea of reaching out to artists for ideas on how to do that,” Smith says. And so he turned to Jerry Catania, owner of Water Street Glassworks and one of the premier glass blowers in the country, and Joshua Andres, owner of Joshua Andres Sculpture, a foremost metal sculptor. Collaborating, the two [above] Rubber Tipped Crane artists, whose studios are just blocks by Christine Rojek and [below] apart in the burgeoning Benton Slowly to the North Harbor Arts District, created metal by Richard Hunt and glass sculptures representing such local flora as lily pads, dune grass and bulrushes. These works, like the metal and glass cattail sculpture accompanied by a plaque commemorating Nicklaus’s win at the 1966 106th British Open at Muirfield in Scotland, are in various stages of completion at the studio belonging to Andres that is tucked away on a back alley. Besides the 18 sculptures, which are scheduled for installation in July, Andres is also fashioning two 8- to 10-foot herons, one looking up and the other looking down, to place in the pond west of Jean Road near Jean Klock Beach. Andres is using both stainless steel as well as CORTEN for the sculptures. “COR-TEN is an engineered steel whose finish rusts, but it doesn’t rust through like other metals,” Andres says. Often used for outdoor sculptures because the weathering steel creates a rustic antique look, the material was also used in building the bridges that dot the golf course. For Smith, the work of Catania and Andres represents the synergy that is so important to the developers of Harbor Shores—working with the community in an association to benefit all. –JANE AMMESON

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>> motoring <<

Modern Minivans FAMILY ROOM ON WHEELS

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Some people are disappointed at the answer I give them when they ask, “What kind of car do you own?” They expect it to be something fast and sporty. Truth be told—I own a minivan. In fact, our family has continuously owned a Chrysler brand minivan since 1988 and is currently wearing out our fourth. We’ve hauled kids, cargo and traveled cross-country many times in them. For us, a Chrysler or Dodge minivan with standard Stow ’n’ Go seat system is the most utilitarian and family-friendly vehicle on the road. A glance in the rearview mirror shows that minivans aren’t as boring as they used to be and have come a long way from the “soccer mom” image from a decade ago. Today’s minivan is a “family room on wheels” with comfortable accommodations for seven people in seats that recline for personal relaxation. Late model Chrysler minivans offer a Swivel ’n’ Go system that includes center captain seats that turn 180 degrees for face-toface conversation with third-row passengers. The unique system also includes a stowed on-board table that is easily set up for a rolling lunch or board games. Enhancing the riding experience is Chrysler Group’s exclusive FLO TV system, available on select Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram truck vehicles. More than just DVD entertainment, FLO TV streams mobile television with the capacity for as many as 20 channels through its FLO TV Auto Entertainment System. Live programming from CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, Fox News, MSNBC, MTV, NBC2Go and Nickelodeon is viewed from second- and third-row 9-inch overhead DVD screens. A parental lock for program material comes with the system, as does

a pair of two-channel wireless headphones. Front seat viewing is possible on an enhanced in-dash LCD screen when the vehicle’s transmission is placed in Park. FLO TV may be dealer-installed in 2008-2010 model years Chrysler vehicles equipped with a factory DVD entertainment system at the cost of $629. Installation charge is extra.

TOYOTA GOES WIDESCREEN

The 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan offers North America’s first rear-seat Dual View Entertainment Center—an innovative option that uses two displays side-by-side to create a seamless 16.4-inch widescreen image from a single source. When two separate entertainment options are called upon, the system can split the display into twin individual screens, each with input from different sources. Used as a single screen, it can be easily seen from the third row and operated from any seat via remote control. When used as two screens, the system accommodates the preferences of two separate passengers who may want to play a video game or watch a second DVD simultaneously via auxiliary inputs.

BEYOND HEADREST COMFORT

German automaker BMW offers various packages that transform the rear seat of their extended wheelbase 2010 750Li sedan into a rolling theater. A Rear Entertainment System features an 8-inch screen located on the backside of the front seats operated by a remote control handset. Personal headphones accompany the system. When combined with the Premium Sound Package, the rear cabin becomes a comfy space for personal surround-sound DVD entertainment. Need more to pamper rear seat theater-types? BMW 750Li buyers may opt for a Luxury Rear Seating Package that provides ventilated massaging power reclining rear seats. BMW’s Luxury Seating Package includes, among other things, a power rear sunshade and power rear side blinds to darken the rear cabin quarters. Popcorn not included. –JIM JACKSON

photography [this page] courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC; [opposite page] courtesy of NATE MILLER

Family vacations are part of summer. And with today’s vehicle entertainment systems, the nagging question, “Are we there yet?” is a thing of the past.

AUTOMOTIVE ART FORMS

St. Joseph hosts the Sixth Annual Krasl Art Center Concours with more than 90 vintage cars, trucks, motorcycles and bicycles on display Saturday, August 7. The annual event serves as a fundraiser for the Krasl Art Center. people ages 8 to 18 to the excitement and camaraderie of the automobile collector and restoration hobby. Called “Operation Ignite!” the initiative involves area youths as they participate in judging a limited number of vehicles entered in the Concours. The program is created by Hagerty Collector Car Insurance Co. in Traverse City. Youngsters wishing to take part in Operation Ignite! should contact education director Julia Gourley at 269.983.0271 or jgourley@krasl.org for details. –JIM JACKSON

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010

his year’s featured marquee attraction is the Ford Mustang, that 45 years ago took America by storm with its sporty design and attractive price. Present at the 2010 Concours will be retired Ford vice president of design, Jack Telnack. Telnack led the team that designed the 1986 Ford Taurus, which became one of the most successful passenger cars in Ford Motor Co. history. A new Krasl Art Center Concours feature introduces

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>> where to go <<

Fort St. Joseph UNCOVERING HISTORY IN NILES

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hen Niles calls itself the City of Four Flags, those flags are the ones that flew over the fort: the French, who built the fort after starting a mission there in the 1680s; the British, who assumed control during the French and Indian War in 1761, but were ousted by Native Americans in Pontiac’s Rebellion two years later; the Spanish, if only for a day, in a 1781 raid; and finally the Americans, who never garrisoned the fort as it fell into disuse. Whatever flag was flying, the site remained essentially a French settlement for fur traders. It’s the personal history of the French and their native allies that Michael Nassaney, professor of anthropology at Western Michigan University and principal investigator for the archeological project, wants to dig up. “The site is also important not only locally, but nationally and internationally,” Nassaney says. “It’s one of the few French archeological sites [in North America] that has not been disturbed” by being built over with new structures. By the end of the 19th century, there was nothing of the fort left standing. The city buried most of the site

under a landfill, and flooded the rest when it dammed the river. The community placed a commemorative boulder and plaque in 1913 to mark the approximate spot where the fort stood, but by then no one knew for sure. When Niles approached WMU in 1998 with the idea of doing an archeological study of the site, the fort’s location was lost. “We were working near the commemorative boulder, doing some small shovel work. Then a local person came by who had found some artifacts, and led us to a nearby location.” Nassaney still doesn’t know the dimensions or layout of the fort, though the dig is uncovering plenty of evidence and artifacts. To the anthropology professor, the importance of the dig is uncovering the relationships between the French traders living there and the native people. Baptismal and marriage records that were passed on showed there was frequent intermarriage between the French and Native Americans, “usually beneficial for both groups,” Nassaney explains. “Native people had access then to European imported goods, and French and Spanish trade groups had access to furs from women’s fathers and brothers.” But the French were also looking to establish an alliance with Native Americans “so they could keep the English

photography courtesy of WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

Slowly, painstakingly, the history of Fort St. Joseph is being uncovered one centimeter at a time after being buried for more than a century. A team of archeologists, students and volunteers, with great assistance from the City of Niles, have spent their summers on the banks of the St. Joseph River digging up remnants of life at the colonial fort.

confined to the Eastern seaboard . . . Fort St. Joseph was playing a role in what was essentially a global conflict over the future of North America.”

–TOM CHMIELEWSKI

The public can check out what the archeologists are digging into when the Fort St. Joseph project holds an open house on August 14 and 15. The archeological site, located in Niles near the intersection of Fort and Bond streets, will be open for visitors to talk with archeologists and observe the dig in process. Reenactors will demonstrate activities that took place at the fort, and historians will present information about life there during the 18th century. There will also be crafts and activities for kids. The theme of this year’s open house is Women of New France. The open house is free, and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010

uncovering in the dirt around Fort St. Joseph, he’s also thrilled about the community involvement with the archeological dig. A community-driven archeological project is a new trend for archeologists to get used to. “In the past, they’d get permission; they’d come in, do the work, and disappear.” In Niles, it’s a different type of dig. “They welcome us like we’re rock stars,” Nassaney says. “City officials care about this. Local residents care about this. Local history buffs care about this. Native groups care about this. Historical preservationists, archeologists, local businesses, these are all potential stakeholders. They have their say on what we should do with this site, how should we treat it, how should it be developed, and what stories are we going to tell about it.”

FORT ST. JOSEPH OPEN HOUSE

s excited as Nassaney is about the past he’s

>> green notes <<

Lolla Goes Green

Putting 70,000 people in Grant Park for three days may sound like an environmental nightmare.

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ut organizers of the Lollapalooza festival have found a way to ensure that when they roll out of town, they leave the city better than when they arrived. “The entertainment industry is making strides in greening, but they’re not there yet,” says Jody Goode, associate producer for C3 Presents, which produces the festival. “We want to be at the forefront of that and set examples in the industry and share information with other producers.” C3 Presents, based in Austin, Texas, also produces Austin City Limits Music Festival, which began in 2002 with a model of trying to be as green as possible. Like Lollapalooza, the event takes place in a treasured, historic urban park. “We knew that in order to be successful, we had to work with park organizations and make it as eco-friendly as possible,” she says. Austin City Limits started a partnership with Austin Parks Foundation, which received a portion of the ticket sales to support their projects. C3 used that model for Lollapalooza, with organizers teaming up with Parkways Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the Chicago Park District, to receive a portion of that festival’s profits as well. Since 2005, Lollapalooza has donated more than $5 million to Parkways Foundation. “It’s not just one or two things Lollapalooza does,” says Brenda Palm, executive director of Parkways Foundation. “It’s helping us restore Buckingham Fountain, beautifying neighborhoods.” This year, the funds from Lollapalooza will help finance a scholarship fund for summer and after-school camps, which is seeing an unprecedented need this year with the economic downturn, Palm says. The festival, which returns to Grant Park on August 6, helps fund projects after it’s gone, but while it is here, it is all green all the time. “What we’re trying to do is make people aware of being green full-cycle,” Goode says. “How are you going to get to the festival? Ride bikes, carpool, take public transit. Let’s not toss that beer can on the ground, let’s recycle and let’s refill that water bottle.” A biodiesel mix is used to power generators and some sites are solar energypowered. Recycled paper products are used throughout the event and organic and

locally grown options are included on the menus for all staff and artists. For the first time this year, the festival is going to start composting in the food court. “Chicago didn’t have an industrial facility for composting in the past or we would have done it sooner,” Goode says. “This year, they have to use eco-friendly utensils. That’s a huge financial commitment.” Festival merchandise offers organic options and all merchandise is placed in biodegradable bags. The festival’s more than 300 volunteers wear T-shirts made of organic cotton as well. To help offset the carbon footprint created by their travels, for $3, attendees can buy a Fan Tag which gives them 300 kilowatt hours of renewable energy credits. The credits offset 339 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of not driving 433 miles. The festival also offers the Rock & Recycle rewards program. Attendees can pick up a specially marked bag from one of 100 volunteers to collect their recyclable materials and turn them in for T-shirts. “About 3,000 festival-goers picked up a bag of recycling [in 2009] to be rewarded with this special T-shirt,” Goode says. “That’s big. People are paying to attend a festival and hear music, and to participate and be rewarded in that way is a commitment.” Lollapalooza also features Green Street, an art market with vendors selling eco-friendly products and nonprofit groups promoting their causes. Goode says organizers are looking forward to finding new ways to green the festival. “It’s not something you can say, ‘We’re done,’” Goode says. “It’s a process. Technology has improved. We have 70,000 people a day, eight stages, catering, food courts. We’re greening up each of the behind-the-scenes areas every For m inform ore year. We’re not over with lollapaloo ation: this.” –LAURI HARVEY KEAGLE za.com

We’re greening up each of the behind-thescenes areas every year.”

parkways .org

photography [this page] courtesy of C3 PRESENTS; [opposite page] courtesy of JONATHAN KRUGER

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HOLISTIC HEALING

tress getting to you? Those looking to rebalance body, mind and spirit can find holistic healing opportunities at the Body Center, a healing arts destination in Holland, Michigan. Located on the shores of the lake, the Body Center encourages clients to spend time resting and relaxing with long walks on the beach between treatments, meditation and exercise sessions. The center offers a wide variety of services, from water massage known as “Aqua-atsu” to nature-based Zen balance meditation. Master healer and owner Marcella Clark works one-on-one with individuals and with families to balance the life energies and restore peace and harmony—“to traverse the world comfortably,” she says. Clark’s center is the only one in Southwest Michigan to offer colon-hydrotherapy, a procedure that introduces water into the colon and gently washes it out. Treatment plans are co-created between the therapist and client. A typical plan includes one hour of exercise on the beach, followed by a one-hour r te n e yC massage, The Bod A te St, S one-hour 650 Riley d, Mich. n a Holl colonic, and . 6 9 5 .2 4 616.83 s then finishing u r. te en thebodyc with a guided meditation, juice and rest, repeated for three to five consecutive days. Plans can include meals and lodging. Prices vary depending on the depth of the program and range from $200 to $5,000. –BRIAN WILLIAMS

>> health club <<

VEGGIE FEST Celebrating healthy food

resh produce, educational seminars and a celebration of the vegetarian lifestyle will be in the spotlight in Naperville this summer. Veggie Fest comes to the northwest Chicago suburb August 7 and 8 and is expected to draw thousands of health-minded individuals. “Our goal for this year is to attract 20,000 people,” says Jonathan Kruger, event The mayor of Naperville, coordinator. “It’s the largest A. George Pradel, being interviewed at the fest free vegetarian fest in the country,” he adds. The first fest drew 2,500 visitors with last year’s event bringing in 17,000 people. “We wanted to create a warm, festive environment where people can learn about the vegetarian diet and other things.” The festival, presented by the nonprofit Science of Spirituality Center in Naperville, will offer a variety of activities and vendors. They include ethnic vegetarian restaurants, food demonstrations, music, health seminars and family activities. Kruger says the center is a nondenominational spiritual group whose focus is meditation. The organization has featured cooking classes, health talks and seminars throughout its 20 years of existence. Many cooking classes have taken place at various venues throughout Chicago. The festival came to be, he says, after center personnel saw great attendance at those classes. “We’ve noticed a lot of interest in eating healthier.” In addition to diet and nutrition classes, the fest will also offer talks on meditation. Keynote speaker will be Science of Spirituality’s spiritual leader Sant Rajinder Singh. “We’re really trying to educate the community on the compassionate lifestyle of the vegetarian way of life,” Kruger says. For details on the entertainment, food and seminar roster, visit veggiefestchicagoland.org. –ELOISE VALADEZ

SAY GOODBYE TO TOXINS (AND POOR HEALTH)

break up lymphatic blockage that leads to breast cancer, and the sinuses to eliminate congestion. The Jade/Derma Ray requires frequent treatments, which last only 20 minutes or so: a few times a week at first, then tapering to once or twice a week, for a total of roughly 10 to 20 weeks or more, depending on the patient. Jade treatments are available locally at the Mind Your Own Body Health Center, at 4004 Campbell Street in Valparaiso. For more information, please visit naturaldoctor.biz. –JULIA PERLA

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010

A technology that’s long been known to improve skin elasticity is now also being used to detoxify the body and, in turn, to prevent and even cure illness. Known as the Jade System, this technology consists of wands that emit microcurrents, which push toxins out of the body. The technician runs the wands over the parts of the body that contain trapped toxins. Common treatment areas include the stomach to regulate the digestive system (and thereby release the toxins), the joints to help treat arthritis, the armpits to

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Rooms Where Elegance Meets High Performance

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usic, crafts, movies, sewing— whatever your passion, a themed room can provide a place for everything, with everything in its place. But you don’t have to sacrifice elegance for functionality. “The technical aspects and aesthetics go hand in hand,” says Michael Smith, partner at Triad Design Associates in Griffith, Indiana. “Using rich materials and deeper, richer tones can make a themed room look exceptional, but still with a clean look, so it’s clear what you’re there for.” Barbara Ince, vice president and director of design at Susan Fredman Design Group in Chicago, says clear communication is key. “One client wanted a craft room; we learned the son would be building model rockets, so the space needed a high enough ceiling. Had we not known what he was doing,” a vital design aspect could have been missed. Smith suggests having clients cut out pictures of what they like—and don’t like. That helps clarify the client’s vision for the space. Says Richard Samuels, owner of Interiors by Design in South Bend, “We ask, ‘If you could have anything you want, how would it look?’” David Weston, partner at Think Design Studio in Grand Rapids, Michigan, created an elegant music room with highly polished hardwood flooring and Oriental rugs. “I take inspiration from the 18th century, with very luxurious drapes, upholstery and antiques.” Samuels recalls a stately old home with a little catchall room converted to a music room. “There were too many doors and one window. To create an elegant look, we concealed the doors with picture frame panels and replaced the window with French doors that open on a small terrace. We created this wonderful getaway, to play music or listen to it.” Weston notes that acoustics matters. “I suggest drapes and rugs, so the sound isn’t too bright or tinny, or over-amplified.” To ramp up a home movie experience, think concealed

equipment and superior sound. Smith hid speakers in walls and provided high-tech remote controls for sound, screen and lighting. Samuels created three levels of seating with reclining leather theater chairs. Faux-painted walls, picture-framed panels with a damask pattern, and a step-down to the room lend “a very elegant feeling,” Samuels says. Not that there isn’t room for a bit of whimsy: glass cabinets hold traditional candies, a popcorn machine is at the ready, and big movie posters brighten the mood. However, sometimes “it’s better to understate the purpose of a concept room,” says Ince, who chose neutral hues for a craft room, letting the crafts provide the color in a renovated attic. Cork flooring provides durability, safety and absorption of sound. Conventional task seating is ergonomically correct so that the children don’t outgrow the chairs. Two worktables are on casters so they can adjoin each other or be moved near a window for natural light. “Lighting is critical for a craft room,” Ince notes. “We worked with a lighting consultant, calculating footcandles at the work surface level.” Style and function can share the space: name placards identify drawers’ contents and there’s a wet sink for paint brushes, while display space and a window seat add visual interest and comfort. When one room must meet the needs of multiple themes, create distinct areas. Samuels did that in transforming a basement: “With that home we created several different areas all within a typical home to make it multifunctional,” Samuels says. Full-view windows were added for more light, along separate egress. Two computer work stations face away from two other activities: a console with game and puzzle area, and a game table with captain’s chairs. A sofa and table offer a comfy spot for reading, while at the opposite wall are an entertainment center and love seat; two ottomans provide moveable seating. An area for sewing was created in the laundry room, with a bench and tools for fly-fishing at the other end of the room. With imagination and planning, themed rooms can be a “wonderful getaway,” Samuels says. –JULIE DEAN KESSLER

photography courtesy of NICK NOVELLI, NOVELLI PHOTO DESIGN

You’re crazy about your home—its style, comfort and personality. Yet you sense there’s a purpose waiting, a space needed, for nurturing creativity or just having fun. A themed room may be the answer.

I N D I A N A

A fantastic place to go for an exciting getaway weekend! You and your family will surely find plenty of fun waiting for you in Michigan City. From great gaming at Blue Chip Casino, to a host of events throughout the City, to superb shopping at the Lighthouse Premium Outlets and other specialty boutiques, to a plethora of museums and historical points of interest we have something for everyone. During the summer months we host many outstanding events. •

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August 5th-August 8th – The Super Boat Great Lakes Grand Prix. See dozens of the world‚ fastest & largest offshore powerboats as they race in Lake Michigan off Washington Park. August 9th-August 11th – DCI World Championship Open Class Quarter Finals at Ames Field. August 19th-August 22nd – Lake Michigan‚ biggest in-water boat show August 21st-August 22nd – Lakefront Art Festival in Washington Park August 28th – Smooth Jazz at South Shore concert. Where the smooth sounds of jazz and the beauty of the Lake Michigan shore meet. Event takes place at the Guy Foreman Amphitheater in Washington Park. September 3rd-September 6th – Labor Dayz Festival in Washington Park. Enjoy a variety of food, arts & crafts and live entertainment. September 5th-September 6th – Tri State Race stops in Michigan City. Sailboat racers arrive in Michigan City and tie-up along the municipal dock adjacent to the Michigan City Coast Guard Station For more information visit our website www.emichigancity.com

LUBEZNIK MASKED BALL, LAPORTE • CHIHULY EXHIBIT PREVIEW, GRAND RAPIDS FACING HISTORY BENEFIT, CHICAGO • NWI SYMPHONY BRUNCH, MERRILLVILLE LA LUMIERE BENEFIT, MICHIGAN CITY • HOSPICE FUNDRAISER, HOBART • EQUESTRIAN CENTER PARTY, ST. JOSEPH • YWCA TRIBUTE TO WOMEN, SOUTH BEND • ST. JUDE HOUSE LUNCHEON, MERRILLVILLE 1

night in venice

lubeznik masked ball laporte

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photography by gregg rizzo

“A Night in Venice’’ brought some 165 attendees to the Allure for an evening of dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions to benefit Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City, which provides community outreach, education and exhibits. Albert’s Jewelers donated diamonds to six women to don for the event.

1 Anneke and Jan Dekker of LaPorte 2 Simpson O’Brien of LaPorte and Francisco Leon of Michigan City 3 Suraleah Michaels and Michelle Sipich, both of Michigan City 4 Bunny Fisher of Westville, Dani Lane of New Buffalo, Stephanie Medlock of LaPorte and Carolyn Saxton of Ogden Dunes

5 Shirley Caylor of Chesterton and John Vail of Michigan City

6 Leigh and Marcia Morris of LaPorte 7 Juli and Bob Westergren of New Buffalo 8 Keith Siegel and Suzanne Hines of New Buffalo

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9 Ron and Nancy Woolsey of LaPorte

10 Beth and Gus Olympidis of Valparaiso

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all clicks compiled by sue bero

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a new eden

chihuly exhibit preview | grand rapids 3

photography by gregg rizzo

Some 500 guests enjoyed food, drink and entertainment at a society preview of Chihuly at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park: A New Edenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;an exhibition celebrating the works of Dale Chihuly, one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost glass artists. Monumental glass sculptures were sited in 15 locations to respond to their horticultural focus and natural conditions.

1 Dan and Pamella Devos of Ada 2 Craig and Betsy Hole of Grand Rapids 3 Mary Weston of Grand Rapids, Peggy Fox of Ludington and Deb Hanes of Grand Rapids 4 Diane and Jim Zechlinski of Muskegon 5 Carol Cordes and Jan Ries, both of Ada

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spread the word facing history benefit | chicago photography by tricia koning

More than 800 business and civic leaders attended the 2010 Benefit Dinner for the Chicago office of the Facing History and Ourselves international organization. The local chapter was established 20 years ago to engage students of diverse backgrounds to help promote a more informed citizenry. .

1 Helen DeFrank of Glenview and Eddie Chez of Glencoe

2 Jonathan Harries, Margot Strom, Jennifer Aubrey and Bonnie Oberman 3 Bill Marovitz, Christie Hefner and Wheeler Coleman 4 Bonnie Oberman, Dave Eggers and Margot Strom 5 Ron and Karen Krefman of Highland Park

6 Jill Garling, Judy Wise and Roxanne DeGraff

august/september 2010

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wine time

nwi symphony brunch | merrillville photography by robert wray

“I Love Paris’’ was the theme of the Women’s Association of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Society’s annual May Wine Brunch fundraiser. Twenty boutique shops participated, brunch was served, wine was sampled and prizes were awarded for creatively designed hats and handbags. 1 Madeline Wilson and Judy Foster of Crown Point

2 Marge Kerr and Jill Vanderwort 3 Joyce V. Smith of Crown Point and Maryanne Battistini of Highland 4 Rosemary Moll of St. John and Beverly Dohman of Highland 5 Carol Massa of Hobart

6 Jackie Wickland of Munster

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run for the roses la lumiere benefit | michigan city photography by gregg rizzo

La Lumiere School, a LaPortebased private college preparatory boarding facility, rode a Kentucky Derby theme as it noted its major fundraising program at Blue Chip Casino. Some 200 guests participated in silent and live auctions and enjoyed simulated horse races.

1 Mary Francis and Jill Craig, both of LaPorte 2 Heidi Jaffee of Michiana Shores with Mary Brown of Lakeside

3 Kristin Knight and Lynn Schermer, both of Beverly Shores 4 Michael and Colleen Kennedy of LaPorte 5 Susie Yemc of Long Beach

6 Herb and Josephine Yekel of Munster

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seeds of hope hospice fundraiser| hobart

photography by robert wray

Friends of Hospice noted its 28th year of helping to fund Hospice of the Calumet Area during a fundraiser gala at Avalon Manor. More than $10,500 was raised as guests enjoyed cocktails, fine food and a silent auction that featured elegant rings donated by Griffith Jewelers and Christmas china.

1 Craig Harrell and Jill Keilman of Crown Point 2 Kathy and Scott Smith of Schererville 3 Bill and Janell Joiner of Gary 4 Mike and Rosanne Loughmiller of Highland

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5 Carol Porto of Schererville, Kim Monthie of Arizona and Kathleen Lorenzen of Dyer 6 Joanne Markiewicz of Schererville

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making plans

equestrian center party | st. joseph photography by gregg rizzo

Interest in a planned Concorde Equestrian Center in Berrien County drew 150 guests to a networking gathering at Il Podere residence to hear more about what facility developer Ron Schults is constructing to attract English and Western trainers and showmen from across the world to Southwest Michigan.

1 Cheryl Weise and Randy Hyrns, both of St. Joseph

2 Sheri Dubinoff and Nora Susic of St. Joseph 3 Jack Sterayer of Niles, Janet and Mark Zielke of St. Joseph and Melissa Moore of St. Joseph 4 Paul and Kim Landeck of St. Joseph 5 Ron Schults of St. Joseph and Vicky Cholometes of Sturgis

6 Bill and Patt Johnson of St. Joseph

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looking to lead

ywca tribute to women | south bend photography by gregg rizzo

Nancy Hellyer, Maggie Kernan, Barbara Warner and Amy Hill were honored as outstanding leaders at the 31st Annual Tribute to Women program, sponsored by the YWCA of St. Joseph County. Close to 500 guests paid tribute to the honorees, who are helping â&#x20AC;&#x153;change the world through philanthropy.â&#x20AC;? 1 Judith Johns of Mishawaka and Kathy Plat of South Bend 2 Sandy Spencer of Edwardsburg and Hope Nutting of South Bend 3 Marlene Malott of Granger and Pam Homan of Elkhart 4 Emily Bay with Stephanie Pischalko of South Bend 5 Peg and Mayor Steve Luecke of South Bend

6 Joann Wittenbach of Granger and Marcia Jones of South Bend

6 visitshoremagazine.com 4

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helping families st jude house luncheon | merrillville photography by robert wray

Women and their children were featured guests at the eighth annual St. Jude House Spring Luncheon at the Radisson. Among silent auction prizes were tickets to the Oprah Winfrey Show, a doll house and American Girl dolls. The fund-raiser benefits the shelter, which has served the area since 1995.

1 Jessica Markusic of Lowell

2 Patti Olson and Debbie Partin, both of Crown Point 3 Georgette Vetroczky of Hammond and Mary Shanks of Munster 4 Roxanne, Lynette and Melissa Franko of Highland 5 Suzy and Grace Bonaventura of Crown Point

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010

essential EVENTS

HAPPENINGS 52

HAPPENINGS EXHIBITIONS 48 55 EXHIBITIONS FILM 56 52

PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE 52 56

INTEREST 58

Ongoing Cruise into Crown Point

5-8:30pm every Thu, downtown square, Crown Point. 219.662.3290. crownpoint.in.gov This annual event features classic cars in a classic setting. As Oldies music ﬂoats through the air, visitors can be taken back to another time while walking through the cars parked along the historic square. During August, the cars will be displayed at Beacon Hill Plaza on Broadway.

CALENDAR COMPILED BY JULI DOSHAN

happenings Indiana

Jul 23-25 Pierogi Fest, 11am-10pm Fri-Sat, 11am-5pm Sun, 119th St, Whiting. 877.659.0292. pierogifest.net. A truly one-of-a-kind festival, this tribute to Whiting’s ethnic heritage offers authentic Polish food, ethnic dancers, a beer garden and the Polka Parade. Aug 3-8 Great Lakes Grand Prix, Washington Park Beach, Michigan City. 219.872.5055. thunderonlakemichigan.com. One of the only two freshwater races on the 2010 Super Boat International offshore powerboat racing schedule, this event returns with many of the world’s fastest and most powerful power boats, reaching speeds nearing 150 mph. The weekend will offer live entertainment, food, drink and a classic vehicle show, and the public will be able to interact with the boats, racers, team members and boat owners at Saturday night’s block party. Aug 7-8 52nd Annual Chesterton Art Fair, 10am-5pm, Hawthorne Park, Porter. 219.926.4711. This juried art fair features 100 artists and fine craftspersons and includes a silent auction of work donated by art fair artists, a children’s booth, artist demonstrations and food booths.

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Aug 14-22 Michigan City Chamber Music Festival, 7:30pm, First Presbyterian Church, 121 W 9th St, Michigan City. 219.878.1965. mccmf.org. For its ninth year, this popular music festival will feature works by Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky and Gershwin, as well as 200th birthday celebrations for Chopin and Schumann. Aug 14: A 200th Birthday Celebration for Frederic Chopin; Aug 16: Russia and France; Aug 18: Happy 200th Robert Schumann; Aug 20: An American in Paris; Aug 22: A Soldier’s Tale. Aug 19-22 37th Annual Western Days Festival, 6-11pm Thu-Fri, 3-11pm Sat, 1-11pm Sun, St. Mary Parish, 525 N Broad St, Grifﬁth. smgrifﬁth.org/

festival.htm. An annual event for almost 40 years, the Western Days Festival features different types of ethnic food prepared by the parishioners of St. Mary’s, a midway with 13 rides and a closing night fireworks show. A beer garden will accompany nightly entertainment by local acts. Aug 19-22 Michigan City In-Water Boat Show, noon-8pm Thu-Fri, 10am-8pm Sat, 10am-6pm Sun, Washington Park Marina, Michigan City. 440.899.5009. michigancityboatshow.com. Since 1980, this annual event has entertained lovers of the boating lifestyle with its rides, attractions, displays of accessories and equipment, and, of course, a dazzling array of boats, from inﬂatables to million-dollar yachts. Aug 21-22 29th Annual Lakefront Art Festival, 10am-6pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun, Washington Park, Michigan City. 219.874.4900. lubeznikcenter.org. This festival, sponsored by the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, features the works of more than 120 artists, displayed in a shady park on the shores of Lake Michigan. Great food, demonstrations and children’s activities will also be available. Aug 22 Tour de LaPorte, 8am, LaPorte County Fairgrounds, 2586 W State Rd, LaPorte. 219.326.2471 or 877.265.4539. laportehealth.org/ foundations/events. Proceeds from this 9th annual event will benefit the LaPorte Hospital cancer patients and their families. Attendees may choose from bike routes, ranging from 5 to 100 miles, and runners may take part in a 5K walk/run. Aug 27 4th Friday Arts, 6-9pm, Crown Point town square. 219.662.3290. 4thfridayarts.com. The historical downtown square of Crown Point is alive and active with the arts. Stroll through the town square and visit the local businesses that turn into artistic sanctuaries on a 4th Friday of the month each quarter. See website or call for specific events. Aug 28 Art Beat 2010, 11am-6pm, downtown

South Bend. 574.282.1110. artbeatsouthbend.org. Enjoy an afternoon stroll through downtown South Bend as local visual and culinary artists from the city and surrounding communities share their talents along the sidewalks. Aug 28 Smooth Jazz at South Shore, 7:30pm, Washington Park Shoreline, Michigan City. smoothjazzatsouthshore.com. This Midwest premier outdoor music festival showcases the world-class musicianship of smooth jazz performers like Tom Braxton, Jeff Lorber, Oli Silk, U-NAM and the Urban Jazz Coalition. Sept 11 Valparaiso Popcorn Festival, 7am6:30pm, downtown Valparaiso. 219.464.8332. popcornfest.org. A true salute to Valparaiso native Orville Redenbacher, the Popcorn Fest offers family-fun activities for all ages, including a 5-mile run called the Popcorn Panic, a 5K walk, live entertainment, more than 500 food and craft booths and the nation’s only popcorn parade. Sept 18 Bizarre Bazaar, 10am-5pm, Hohman & Rimback Sts, downtown Hammond. 219.512.4298. downtownhammond.org. This one-of-a-kind event offers food, arts and crafts, entertainment, contests and tournaments, a rod and classic car show, a hair cut-a-thon for charity, dance troupes, kids’ activities and much more. The event also includes a free concert by the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra. Sept 25-26 31st Annual Fall Harvest Craft Fair, 10am-5pm, Central Park, Broad St, Grifﬁth. 219.844.3891. grifﬁth.in.gov. Hosted by Griffith Boy Scout Troop 264, this craft fair features handmade items made by talented crafters and lots of good food to enjoy, offering visitors a perfect opportunity to pick up a few early Christmas presents.

Michigan

Through Oct 3 Antiques on the Bluff, 10am3pm, ﬁrst Sun of every month, Lake Bluff Park,

photograph courtesy of TONY V. MARTIN

The information presented in Essential Events is accurate as of press time, but readers are encouraged to call ahead to verify the dates and times. Please note that Illinois and most Indiana events adhere to central time, and Michigan events are eastern time.

HAVEN

JuNe 2010

destination: SOUTH

essential EVENTS downtown St. Joseph. 269.985.1111. sjtoday.org. This annual fair on the shores of Lake Michigan is a premier event for antiquers, featuring more than 50 vendors from around the Midwest. Jul 27-Aug 1 Traverse City Film Festival, various venues, Traverse City. 231.392.1134. traversecityﬁlmfestival.org. Celebrating its sixth anniversary, this festival on the shores of Lake Michigan will show screenings of more than 100 films and shorts. Jul 31 The Village Square Arts and Crafts Fair, 10am-5pm, Butler & Main Sts, Saugatuck. 269.857.2677. saugatuckdouglasartclub.org. The parks on the four corners of the intersection will be filled with art booths at this free fair, which is part of the Venetian Festival weekend. The day-long activities will culminate in evening fireworks. Jul 31-Aug 1 Saugatuck-Douglas Jazz Festival, 7pm Fri, 11:30am Sat, various venues, Saugatuck & Douglas. 313.965.0505. s-djazz.com. An assembly of an impressive and broad range of musicians and instruments will greet visitors to this two-day jazz festival. In concerts from the small Marcus Miller Quartet to the large 18-piece Flat River Big Band, vocalists will be accompanied by all kinds of horns, strings, trumpets and percussion. Aug 5-8 20th Annual Niles Riverfest, opening ceremony 6:30pm Fri, Riverfront Park, Niles. nilesriverfest.net. An annual celebration of the St. Joseph River, this highly anticipated event includes an “Anything Floats” raft race, dragon boats, car shows, a variety of great music, arts and crafts, and fabulous food. Aug 7 Art in the Park, 9am-5pm, Centennial Park, Holland. 616.395.3278. hollandfriendsofart.com. This 41st annual juried event is sponsored by the Holland Friends of Art and will include artworks and crafts from more then 350 fine artists and artisans. Aug 12-15 47th Annual National Blueberry Festival, downtown South Haven. blueberryfestival.com. This festival, which has attracted thousands of visitors for more than 45 years, is held in the self-proclaimed blueberry capital of the world. Activities include a fish boil, pancake breakfast, arts and crafts, live entertainment, a parade, a health fair, kids’ events and, of course, blueberries. Aug 13-15 New Buffalo Ship & Shore Festival, Whittaker St, downtown New Buffalo. newbuffalo.org. Visitors may browse artwork from dozens of local artisans and crafters, sample local wines, microbrews and cuisine, and enjoy familyfriendly activities, a lighted boat parade and fireworks.

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Aug 14 Into the Woods, 7-10:30pm, 14758 Log Cabin Rd, Three Oaks. 312.663.4413 ext 335. lambdalegal.org/ intothevines. More than 400 people will attend this summertime celebration of equality. This is the 14th year for the event, which offers wine pairings, a selection of gourmet delights, a signature cocktail and an open bar, while music ﬂows through the 65-acre vineyard. Proceeds will benefit the Midwest branch of Lambda Legal, the oldest national organization focused on equality and civil rights for the LGBT community. Aug 19-21 VanderLeek Cup Hospice Regatta, Macatawa Bary Yacht Club, 2157 S Shore Dr, Macatawa. 616.355.5540. hollandhospice.org/newsevents. The fourth

annual VanderLeek Cup Hospice Regatta will benefit the Hospice of Holland and encourage more people to get involved in the sport of sailing. The three-day event will kick off Thursday evening with community cruises and Saturday will feature racing, an ice cream social, awards ceremony, dinner and dancing. Participants can create a permanent memorial by writing the names of deceased loved ones on a “Memorial Sail” that will be displayed and sailed during the Regatta activities. Aug 21 Plein-Air Affair, all day throughout Douglas and Saugatuck, 6-8pm artist reception, Water Street Gallery, 98 Center St, Douglas. 269.857.8485. waterstreetgallery. com. Visitors will get to observe art in the making as a group of local pleinair painters spend the day on location throughout Saugatuck and Douglas. The painters will return to the gallery for an artist reception where the fresh new work will be on display and for sale. Aug 22 Taste of Saugatuck, noon7pm, Wicks Park, Water St, downtown Saugatuck. 269.857.1701. saugatuck.com. For almost 25 years, this food festival has brought together local culinary artisans and area restaurants to provide samples of favorite items from their menus. Guests have the opportunity to taste a variety of offerings ranging from margarita chicken, grilled salmon and saganaki to smoked barbecue ribs, roasted corn and pizza. Live music and children’s activities help make this one of the most popular festivals in West Michigan. Aug 27-28 Epicurean Classic, St. Joseph. 231.932.0475 or 231.933.9688. epicureanclassic.com. Benefiting Cook for the Cure, this year’s seventh annual Epicurean Classic returns to St. Joseph and will feature cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, receptions and guest chef dinners. Sept 3-5 16th Annual Outsiders Outside Art Fair, Judith Racht Gallery, 13707 Prairie Rd, Harbert. 269.469.1080. judithrachtgallery.com. This family-friendly event features exhibitors from all over the country and showcases the works of untrained, visionary and folk artists. Sept 10-12 Michigan Schooner Festival, Traverse City Open Space & Duncan L. Clinch Marina, 101 W Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City. 800.872.8377. michiganschoonerfestival.org. Kicking off with an evening boat parade and featuring tours, rides, cannon shooting, maritime music, wine tasting and a “Pancakes with Pirates” breakfast, the second annual Michigan Schooner Festival will offer something for everyone. Sept 10-12 Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival, downtown Paw Paw. 269.655.1111. wineandharvestfestival.com. This annual celebration features such activities as a grape stomp, fireworks, a parade, car show, craft show, live entertainment, wine tasting, a carnival, kids’ area, bike tour and more.

Illinois

Through Aug 13 Summer Music at Ravisloe, 7:30pm, Ravisloe Country Club, 18231 S Park Ave, Homewood. 708.481.7774. ipomusic.org. Warm summer evenings, twilight skies and fragrant breezes in the courtyard of a Spanish Mission-style villa will set the scene for this summer chamber music series. Jul 29: Suite Strings; Aug 13: By George. Through Aug 29 Concerts on the Green, 6:30pm every Sun, Breidert

Green, Frankfort. 815.469.3356. villageoffrankfort.com. Every Sunday evening offers a different concert, featuring everything from Motown and a marching band to blues and a traditional German band. In case of rain, the concerts will be held at the Frankfort Park District’s Founders Center at 140 Oak Street. Through Aug 30 Grant Park Music Festival, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, Chicago. 312.742.7638. grantparkmusicfestival.com. Now in its 76th year, the nation’s only remaining free outdoor municipally supported classical music series will start with a bang. Admission to the lawn and general seating section is free for all concerts. Jul 23-24: A Child of Our Time; Jul 28, 30: The Fairy’s Kiss; Jul 31: From Huapango to Danzón; Aug 4: Violinist Christian Tetzlaff; Aug 6-7: Mozart and Rossini Finales with Ryan Opera Center; Aug 11: Toumani Diabeté— Kora Music from West Africa; Aug 13-14: Dvorák—Requiem; Aug 18: Brahms and Bizet; Aug 20-21: Mahler—Symphony No. 2. Jul 29-Sep 2 Made in Chicago—World Class Jazz, 6:30-9pm every Thu, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, Chicago. 312.742.1168. millenniumpark.org. Featuring Chicago’s leading jazz artists and world premiere commissions, international collaborations and centennial celebrations, this six-concert series is completely free to the public. Jul 29: Tortoise 2.0; Aug 15: A Woman beyond Time—Mary Lou Williams at 100 featuring Bethany Pickens and Amina Claudine Myers; Aug 12: Toumani Diabaté and the Chicago Transilience Ensemble; Aug 19: Django—A Celebration featuring Alfonso Ponticelli and Swing Gitan; Aug 26: Latin Inferno—James Sanders Conjunto with Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, Papo Santiago and Fred Anderson; Sept 2: Big Band Birthday Bash—Ahmad Jamal’s 80th with the Chicago Jazz Orchestra. Aug 7 Frankfort Amateur Rib Cook-Off, 1-3pm, Breidert Green, downtown Frankfort. 815.469.2177. villageoffrankfort.com. The second annual Frankfort Amateur Rib Cook-Off is sure to have visitors salivating, because the public is invited to join the contestants while they cook and taste a few samples. Music will be performed by various local musicians and awards will be handed out to the top three finishers. Aug 7-8 VeggieFest 2010, noon6:30pm Sat, noon-4:30pm Sun, Science of Spirituality Center, 4S175 Naperville Rd, Naperville. 630.955.1200 or 800.222.2207. veggiefestchicagoland.org. This huge food event features Chicago’s top vegetarian restaurants, food demos, medical research on diet and nutrition, lifestyle programs and all types of food. More than 20,000 people are expected to visit this festival, which would make it the largest free vegetarian food festival in the country. Aug 14-15 Chicago Air and Water Show, 9am water show, 11am air show, North Avenue Beach, 1600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago. cityofchicago.org. The largest and oldest show of its kind kicks off its 52nd year with appearances from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and others. Also, Aug 7-15: 2010 Chicago Navy Week. Aug 14-15 Wrigleyville Summerfest, noon-10pm Sat, noon-9pm Sun, Resurrection Lutheran Church, 3350 N Seminary Ave, Chicago. 773.665.4682. wrigleysummerfest.com. The neighborhood of the Chicago Cubs will feature a “grand slam” event with this

eight-year-old festival. Children and adults alike will enjoy great cover bands, cornhole tournaments, a climbing wall, food and beverages from many well-known local businesses and local vendors selling their wares. Proceeds from the two-day event will go to the Resurrection Lutheran Church After School Program, Preschool and Hawthorne Scholastic Academy. Aug 22 WTTW Kids Fun and Run, 9am-noon, Lincoln Park (south of Fullerton & Cannon Dr), Chicago. 773.509.5333. wttw.com/funandrun. This 7th annual event includes a 3K Family Walk and a 5K Fun Run to benefit children’s programming, and will feature PBS characters, games, activities and live concert performances. Aug 24-29 Tall Ships Chicago, beginning at 4pm Tue, 10am-9pm Wed-Sat, 10am6pm Sun, Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago. 312.595.7437. navypier.com/ tallshipschicago. More than 20 majestic and historic Tall Ships from around the world will sail into Chicago’s Navy Pier and serve as a unique, family-friendly festival celebrating the rich maritime heritage of the city. Such diverse activities as ship viewing, on-deck tours, sailing excursions, nightly fireworks, arts and crafts, entertainment, interactive greening initiatives and more will help provide something for everyone at this event. Aug 26-28 Chicago Dancing Festival 2010, various locations in Chicago. Tue & Thu tickets: 312.334.7777, Wed tickets: 312.397.4010. chicagodancingfestival.com. With an expanded roster of three performances, this critically acclaimed festival boasts premier dance artists performing at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Aug 28 The Peapod Project Pounds the Pavement 5K Run/Walk, 4pm, Lincoln Park/Diversey Harbor, Chicago. 312.423.7821. thepeapodproject.org. The 3rd annual event benefiting the Peapod Project and Children’s Memorial Hospital and the Heartlight Program will feature a 5K Run/Walk, food, beverages and fun for the whole family. A Funny Bones improv show will entertain the kids while participants can join the Bally Fitness team for a 7-minute warmup routine prior to the race. Proceeds, which last year exceeded $20,000, will go towards establishing memory keepsake boxes and resources for families struggling through the death of a newborn child. Sept 3-6 The Last Fling 2010, 5-11pm Fri, 10am-11pm Sat-Sun, 10am-6pm Mon, downtown Naperville. lastﬂing.org. Visitors ﬂock to the Last Fling to say goodbye to summer at this festive event. The festival includes a full carnival, food and beverages, a Family Fun Land, exciting tournaments and live entertainment. Sept 4-5 Chicago Jazz Fest, Jackson Blvd & Columbus Dr, Chicago. 312.744.3315. chicagojazzfestival.org. Locally and internationally prestigious jazz groups will appear at Chicago’s longest-running lakefront festival. Sept 4-6 Frankfort Fall Festival, 10am6pm Sat-Sun, 10am-5pm Mon, downtown historic Frankfort. frankfortfallfestival.info. Held annually on Labor Day weekend for more than 40 years, this award-winning event is considered one of the premier traditional craft shows in the nation. Attendees can expect to encounter 300 crafters and artists, and enjoy a carnival, live entertainment, food and a parade on Sunday.

JuNe 2010

essential EVENTS Sept 10-11 Windy City Wine Festival, 4-10pm Fri, 3-9pm Sat, Buckingham Fountain, 200 N Columbus Dr, Chicago. Call for tickets: 847.382.1480. windycitywinefestival.com. Visitors to this event will have the opportunity to sample from hundreds of wine selections from around the world and enjoy food from some of Chicago’s finest restaurants and caterers. Cooking demonstrations, wine seminars and live entertainment will also be featured. Sept 17-18 Naperville Wine Festival, 4-10pm Fri, 2-9pm Sat, Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St, downtown Naperville. 847.382.1480. napervillewinefestival.com. The Naperville Wine Festival returns for its eighth year, featuring more than 250 fine wines from across the globe. Seminars and demonstrations will be led by acclaimed chefs and wine experts, and a Belgian Beer Café offers samples of beer for the non-wine drinkers. Sept 25-26 Randolph Street Market Festival, 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun, 1350 W Randolph, Chicago. 312.666.1200. randolphstreetmarket.com. For the past seven years, this Europeanstyle ﬂea market has given many smart shoppers, style hunters and Hollywood stylists what they need for their fashion fix. With its extensive selection of unique items, everyone will be sure to enjoy the market’s fun-filled shopping, mingling and browsing experience.

exhibitions Indiana

Through Sept 12 Phil Shore & Sherry Giryotas—Place, Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W 2nd St, Michigan City. 219.874.4900. lubeznikcenter.org. Two artists bring the relationship between humans and the environment to the forefront in their sculptural and painted works. Shore’s artwork is inﬂuenced by his travel in Ancient Greece, while Giryotas’s inspiration comes from Michigan. Also, through Sep 12: Sharon Gilmore & Donna Hapac. Through Sept In the Good Old Summertime, Barker Mansion, 631 Washington St, Michigan City. 219.873.1520. The Barker Mansion is a 1905 house museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and contains original furnishings and art objects. Guided tours are available Mon-Fri at 10am, 11:30am and 1pm, and Sat-Sun at noon and 2pm. Aug 29-Oct 14 Selected Highlights of the Ricardo Pau-Llosa Collection, Snite Museum of Art, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame. 574.631.5466. nd.edu/~sniteart. These contemporary Latin American artworks are set apart from parallel currents in Europe and the United States by the high presence of metaphor, metonymy and synecdoche in its images. Also, Aug 15-Nov 14: Selections from the William McGraw Photography Collection; Sept 5-Oct 31: Documenting History, Charting Progress and Exploring the World.

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Michigan

Through Jul 25 Paintings by Anthony Droege—Nature’s Seductions, Clark Lecture Hall and Gallery, Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve, 13988 Range Line Rd, Niles. 269.695.6491. fernwoodbotanical.org. Vibrant brushwork and rich color help express the emotional and joyful response Anthony Droege experiences in the presence of the regional landscape. His plein air paintings of Michiana, on display

at Fernwood, represent just a sample of his still life, landscape and figure paintings. Through Aug 15 The Alberta Drawings, Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids. 616.831.1000. artmuseumgr.org. During the two most intense months of his life as an artist, Chris Stoffel Overvoorde traveled to Alberta, Canada, and completed 40 oil sketches, 40 watercolors and 60 drawings. These drawings record the relationships of atmosphere, light, value, proportion and scale, and their square nature presents a unique perspective on the natural horizontal format of traditional landscape. Also, through Aug 15: Dutch Utopia— American Artists in Holland, 1880-1914; through Sept 25: Selections from the Museum Photography Collection. Through Sept 12 Flowers in Art—Selections from the Collection, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 314 S Park St, Kalamazoo. 269.349.7775. kiarts.org. Flowers have a long tradition in the history of art, as they are beautiful, natural, a symbol of rebirth and a reminder of mortality, and make an appearance in more than 400 works in the KIA collection. Flowers’ color, form and texture will be featured in selections on view in the lower level all summer. Also, through Aug 14: On Paper—Lincoln Center Art; Aug 28-Oct 17: Beauty and Thunder—The Past Two Centuries of Chinese Art; Aug 28-Oct 31: Strong Women, Beautiful Men—Japanese Portrait Prints from the Toledo Museum of Art; Aug 28-Dec 5: Wondrous Ink—Selections from the Richard Fabian Collections; Sept 18-Dec 12: Light Works— Photographs from the Collection. Through Sept 30 Chihuly—A New Eden, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E Beltline NE, Grand Rapids. 616.957.1580 or 888.957.1580. meijergardens.org. Thousands of colorful glasswork pieces from the legendary Dale Chihuly will adorn the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park as it celebrates its 15th anniversary. Chihuly’s second exhibition at this site will include chandeliers, glass towers up to 30 feet high, the sun, the moon, a rowboat full of glass and more. Designed to be fused with nature, these pieces will evolve with the surrounding nature as the season changes.

Illinois

Through Sep 19 Untitled (Alliance), Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago. 317.443.3600. artic.edu/aic. Using unusual materials to disquieting ends, much of London-based artist Roger Hiorns’s artwork has focused on the form of automobile and airplane engines. His Untitled (Alliance) is no exception, with two Pratt and Whitney TF33 P9 engines representing a dominant 20th-century object within the context of art and the art museum. Also, through Aug 16: Prints and H. C. Westermann—See America First; through Sep 1: Kindly Cable Me at the Earliest Moment—James Henry Breasted’s Role in Building the Egyptian Collection; Sep 6: Stanley Greenberg—Architecture under Construction; through Sep 7: Highlights from the Department of Architecture and Design; through Oct 3: Arthur Pope and a New Survey of Persian Art; Jul 25-Oct 3: Henri Cartier-Bresson— The Modern Century; Sept 25-Jan 9, 2011: Lewis Baltz Prototypes/Ronde de Nuit. Through Oct 17 Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art—Form, Balance, Joy, Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago. 312.280.2660. mcachicago.org. This is the first exhibit to explore Calder’s significance for a new gen-

eration of contemporary artists emerging in the mid-1990s and early 21st century. It includes works from the MCA’s extensive holdings and both national and Chicagoarea public and private collections, which exemplify Calder’s hands-on explorations of form, balance, color and movement. The show also features works from seven sculptors directly inﬂuenced by Calder. Also, through Sept 5: Earthworks—Robert Smithson, Sam Durant and Mary Brogger. Through Jan 2011 Steelroots—Tobin at the Morton Arboretum, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Ill Rte 53, Lisle. 630.968.0074. mortonarb.org. This exhibit marks the first-ever comprehensive display of the Steelroots sculpture series by Steve Tobin. It is made up of 15 dramatic sculptures created with massive rolled and bent steel pipes that soar up to 40 feet high so visitors are free to touch, walk through and even lie beneath the artwork.

performance Indiana

Chicago Street Theater, 154 W Chicago St, Valparaiso. 219.464.1636. ctgonline.org. Now in its 55th season of bringing live theatrical entertainment to the greater Northwest Indiana region, the CST presents a variety of plays and musicals each season, in addition to regularly scheduled theatre classes for both adults and children. Through Aug 1: Chess. DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame Campus. 574.631.2800. performingarts.nd.edu. The state-of-the-art, 150,000-square-foot facility, newly opened in 2004, is host to some of the world’s most celebrated artists. In addition, its stages showcase student, faculty and community performers, as well as the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, Southold Dance, the Notre Dame Symphony, the South Bend Civic Theatre, and more. Sept 10: “An Irish Homecoming” with Cherish the Ladies and Maura O’Connell; Sept 17: Ahn Trio, BraziliAHN; Sept 23: Esperanza Spalding. Dunes Summer Theatre, 288 Shady Oak Dr, Michigan City. 219.879.7509. dunessummertheatre.com. The Dunes Arts Foundation provides this venue for the performing arts, which also furnishes classes for children, youth and adults. Jun 25-27, Jul 2-3, 9-11: The Producers; Jul 2325: Lend Me a Tenor; Aug 7: Variety Show; Aug 13-15, 20-22, 27-29: Evita. Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond. 866.711.7463. horseshoehammond.com. World-class gambling and top-name entertainment combine to create an unprecedented experience at this 350,000-squarefoot casino. The Venue, the casino’s 90,000-square-foot entertainment facility, hosts some of the hottest Chicagoland entertainment. Jul 24: Ringo Starr & his All-Starr Band; Jul 30: Don Rickles; Jul 31: Al Green; Aug 1: Acrobats of Hebei China; Aug 5: Carrot Top; Aug 6: Tony Bennett; Aug 7: Wisin & Yandel; Aug 13: Ruben Studdard with Clay Aiken; Aug 18: Blondie; Aug 21: Paul Anka; Aug 26: Donny & Marie; Aug 28: Chippendales; Aug 29: The FLOS (Former Ladies of the Supremes); Sept 10: Bill Bellamy—Ladies Night Out. The Memorial Opera House, 104 E Indiana Ave, Valparaiso. 219.548.9137. memorialoperahouse.com. As the name suggests, this renovated, 364-seat building—with red, white and blue stained-glass windows—was built as a living memorial to the Civil War veterans

of Porter County. Built in 1893, the theater has a rich history as a venue for musical and dramatic performances, including appearances by John Philip Sousa and the Marx Brothers. Aug 6-8, 13-15: State Fair; Aug 20: Josh Thompson; Sept 24-26: Route 66; Sept 30: Todd Snider in Concert. The Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N Michigan St, South Bend. 574.235.9190, 800.537.6415. morriscenter.org. The home of the Broadway Theatre League, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra and the Southold Dance Theater, the 2,560seat Morris Performing Arts Center has enraptured audiences in the heart of downtown South Bend for more than 75 years. Aug 22: Foreigner; Aug 27: Kenny Rogers; Sept 23: Gabriel Iglesias. Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival, various times, dates and performance locations. 574.631.2800. shakespeare.nd.edu. For 10 years, the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival has been bringing world-class theater and educational outreach to Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan. Aug 1729: Cymbeline (DeBartolo Center for the Performing Arts, University of Notre Dame). Star Plaza Theatre, I-65 & US 30, Merrillville. 219.769.6600. starplazatheatre.com. With 3,400 seats arranged in two intimate seating levels, the theater consistently hosts premier performers year-round. With its convenient location in the heart of Northwest Indiana’s shopping and dining district and its proximity to the adjoining Radisson Hotel, the Star Plaza offers a total entertainment package to area theatergoers. Jul 20: Ted Nugent; Jul 31-Aug 1, 7-8: Annie; Aug 14: Rent. The Theatre at the Center, Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.3255. theatreatthecenter.com. This theater, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago, has the distinction of being the only professional equity theater in Northwest Indiana, and showcases the artistry of professional actors, musicians and designers from throughout the Midwest. Through Aug 8: Jesus Christ Superstar; Sept 9-Oct 10: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Towle Community Theater, 5205 Hohman Ave, Hammond. 219.937.8780. towletheater.org. To honor its mission of nurturing and celebrating local talent in the arts, the Towle Community Theater presents exhibitions, theatrical productions and musical performances in the heart of downtown Hammond. Jul 22-25: Rent; Sept 17-19, 24-26, 30: Hollywood Arms.

Michigan

The Acorn Theater, 6 N Elm St, Three Oaks. 269.756.3879. acorntheater.com. The 250-seat Acorn is home to a carefully reconstructed, rare Barton Theater Pipe Organ and boasts bistro tables and occasionally offbeat entertainment options. Jul 23-24: The Sweat Girls; Jul 31: Super Happy Funtime Burlesque; Aug 6: Howard Levy; Aug 14: Bonnie Koloc; Aug 20: Katie Todd Band; Aug 21: Matt Alber; Aug 2728: The Platters; Sept 10: Alice Peacock; Sept 17-18, 24-25: Beyond Therapy. The Livery, 190 5th St, Benton Harbor. 269.925.8760. liverybrew.com. As its name suggests, the Livery is a former horse stable, residing in the Arts District of downtown Benton Harbor. Not content to just offer its twelve taps of microbrew, an outdoor beer garden, an appetizing soup and sandwich menu, and a coffee bar, the Livery is also a venue for an eclectic variety of musical performances. Jul 22: Ultraviolet

Illinois

Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E Parkway, Chicago. 312.902.1500. auditoriumtheatre.org. A National Historic Landmark and a mainstay of Chicago architecture and theater since 1889, the Auditorium continues to provide unparalleled ballet performances and a variety of artistic productions. Jul 22-Aug 8: The Mistress Cycle; Aug 13: On Stage with Susan Werner; Aug 21-22: Compañía Nacional del Mariachi; Sept 12: On Stage with Tom Wopat. Broadway in Chicago, various venues, Chicago. 800.775.2000. broadwayinchicago.com. A joint venture between the two largest commercial theater producers and owner/operators in the U.S., Broadway in Chicago offers the finest of professional stage productions in multiple theaters, all residing in Chicago’s lively Loop. Auditorium Theatre, 50 E Parkway. Through Jul 25: Fuerza Bruta—Look Up. Bank of America Theatre, 18 W Monroe. Aug 13: Rufus Wainwright; Sept 21-Oct 3: Rock of Ages. Broadway Playhouse, 175 E Chestnut. Sept 23-26: An Evening with Sutton Foster. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W Randolph. Through Sept 5: Shrek the Musical; beginning Sept 29: The Lion King. Ford Center for the Performing Arts/ Oriental Theatre, 24 W Randolph. Ongoing: Billy Elliot the Musical.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Navy Pier, 800 E Grand Ave, Chicago. 312.595.5600. chicagoshakes.com.

Harris Theater, 205 E Randolph, Chicago. 312.704.8414. harristheaterchicago.org. Now in its fifth season at its home in the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park, this modern state-of-the-art theater guarantees that the audience will enjoy a wide variety of performances in an intimate setting. Sept 22-23: Lar Lubovitch. Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E Main St, St Charles. 630.584.6342. pheasantrun.com. Acclaimed throughout Chicago and the Midwest for its entertainment, Pheasant Run Resort features theater at its new Mainstage and Studio theaters, comedy at Zanies Comedy Club, and live music, entertainment, art exhibits and shopping at its own version of Bourbon Street. Jul 23-Aug 8: The Wizard of Oz; Jul 24: The Second City 50th Anniversary Tour; Aug 7: The Neverly Brothers; Aug 13-15: Defending the Caveman; Sept 2-Oct 24: Red Herring. Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N Halsted, Chicago. 312.335.1650. steppenwolf.org. The Chicago-based cast—recently joined by William Petersen—is an internationally renowned group of 43 artists, committed to the art of ensemble collaboration. Now beginning its 35th season, Steppenwolf continues to fulfill its mission by offering intriguing performances and taking artistic risks. Through Aug 29: A Parallelogram; Sept 9-Nov 7: Detroit.

For more events and destinations, please go to visitshoremagazine.com.

August/september 2010

The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Pkwy, University Park. 708.235.2222. centertickets.net. The Center for Performing Arts is celebrating 11 years of promoting cultural enhancement on the South Side of Chicago through world-class performing arts productions and arts education. Jul 31-Aug 7: The Wedding Singer; Sept 11: All-Star Night of Blues; Sept 26: Lyric Opera Preview.

The Goodman Theatre, 170 N Dearborn St, Chicago. 312.443.3800. goodmantheatre.org. Since 1925, the Goodman Theatre has provided entertainment to the Chicago area; however, a new, state-of-the-art twotheater complex was completed in 2000—75 years to the day after the dedication of the original—and resides in the vibrant North Loop Theater District within walking distance of fine hotels and restaurants. Through Jul 25: Latino Theatre Festival; beginning Sept 17: Candide.

Van Andel Arena, 130 W Fulton, Grand Rapids. 616.742.6600. vanandelarena.com. Ranked second on Billboard Magazine’s 2003 Top 10 Arena Venues for its size, this $75 million 12,000-plus capacity arena offers worldclass family shows, concerts and sporting events to the increasingly popular Grand Rapids area. Sept 16-19: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey—Zing, Zang, Zoom; Sept 24-25: The U.S. Army’s Spirit of America.

The Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St, Chicago. 312.462.6300. thechicagotheatre.com. The Chicago Theatre has been a prototype for area theaters since 1921. With its lavish architecture and an elegant stage, the Chicago Theatre seats 3,600 and stands seven stories high. Jul 22: Natalie Merchant; Jul 23: Daryl Hall & John Oates; Jul 25: Family Bridges Presents A Family Portrait; Jul 28: Keane; Aug 7: Melissa Etheridge; Aug 21: The Black Crowes; Sept 11: Dukes of September Rhythm Revue; Sept 23: Jackson Browne; Sept 24: Dennis Miller; Sept 25-26: Chelsea Handler; Sept 29-Oct 1: Ricky Gervais.

JOSPEH

Mason Street Warehouse, 400 Culver St, Saugatuck. 269.857.4898. masonstwarehouse.org. The professional theater company at this “uptown theater in downtown Saugatuck” offers a diverse and intriguing array of plays and musicals in the heart of western Michigan. Through Jul 18: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels; Jul 21-Aug 1: Dixie’s Tupperware Party; Aug 6-22: The Marvelous Wonderettes; Aug 25-29: The Nuclear Family.

Prominently located on Navy Pier in Chicago, this venue mounts renowned productions of the plays of William Shakespeare, as well as works from distinguished American and international playwrights and directors. The theater’s mission to reach out to younger audiences is well accomplished with its offerings of children’s productions and student matinees. The architecturally dynamic structure, new in 1999, houses both an engaging, 500-seat courtyard theater and a 200-seat black box theater. Through Aug 29: The Emperor’s New Clothes; Sept 15-Nov 14: Romeo and Juliet.

destination: ST.

Hippopotamus; Jul 24: Jean Prosper & Dawn Yarbrough; Jul 30: Maybe August; Aug 7: Elaine Dame Jazz; Aug 17: Trina Hamlin; Aug 20: Pinetop Perkins & Willie “Big Eyes” Smith; Aug 21: The Livery 5th Anniversary Celebration; Aug 26: Henhouse Prowlers; Aug 27: Kraig Kenning; Sept 3: Wild Turkeys; Sept 11: Kevin Q. & the Night Crew with Venitia Sekema; Sept 18: Artoberfest; Sept 24: Chris Greene Jazz.

culture 4 visitshoremagazine.com 5

The origin of the word “fan” is not exactly known, but many assume it is derived from the word “fanatic”—and if it isn’t, it might as well be. by kathryn macneil

clubs 55

•

august/september 2010

Old-school references to the term are evocative of hysterical teens swooning over the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show. Sports fans have “evolved” from welldressed men and women in ’20s-era hats politely fanning themselves in baseball parks, to half-naked boy-men slathered in team-colored body paint, embarrassing their spouses in freezing football stadiums. “Fan clubs” used to be the sole connection for individuals who shared a common obsession, and club members reached out to the object of their admiration through the quaint medium of “fan mail.” Now, fan “communities” (consisting of “fanboys” and “fangirls”) can be multigenerational subcultures, spawning their own “fanzines,” “fanspeak” and “fanfiction.” There can be no doubt that the advent of the Internet and digital media has dramatically changed our global “fanscape.” Recently, Facebook made the controversial decision to change the designation “is a fan of” to the less descriptive term “likes.” If only it were that simple . . .

SOCIAL WORK

o celebrity is an island, especially in the 21st century. A few years ago, it was enough for a star to have an “official website,” where fans could go for information and updates. But now, if entertainment entities crave real-time relevance, they must go directly to the fans through social networking circles such as Twitter and Facebook. If fans “follow” them (and let’s face it, it’s a no-brainer for true fans), a celebrity merely dashes off a thought, and followers are instantly alerted via their cell phones. American Idol star/glam rocker Adam Lambert tells Shore, “I think Twitter is an amazing medium for me to communicate with my fans. In the old days, you had to rely solely on your publicist and your marketing team. What’s great about Twitter is that it really allows you to directly express yourself. So I think there’s an element of honesty that comes in, and if there is a rumor floating around, I can shoot it down immediately. I can address it directly. You don’t have to hear it through all these different channels and the game of telephone doesn’t really end up happening.” Of course, this instant communication works both ways, if a celebrity seeks feedback. Fans “tweet” back, post amateur concert videos on YouTube, and flock to message boards—online forums where a celebrity’s activities are analyzed and discussed ad nauseum. When asked if the plethora of instant feedback ever influences any of his performance choices, Lambert admits, “I definitely listen and take note of what the general consensus is.”

MEDIA MENU

adam lambert on twitter I think Twitter is an amazing medium for me to communicate with my fans. In the old days, you had to rely solely on your publicist and your marketing team. What’s great about Twitter is that it really allows you to directly express yourself.

Many of us remember the days when the big three networks decided when a show would be broadcast—and if you weren’t there, sitting in front of the tube, you missed your chance. The birth of the VCR increased your chances of catching your faves, but programming it (remember the flashing “12:00”?), dealing with bulky cassettes and the hassles of playback were a high-maintenance nightmare. Today’s TV consumers not only have a choice of hundreds of channels, but also infinite flexibility with respect to how they access their products: with a click of a remote, TiVos and DVRs stand guard, ready to record entire series in real time for leisurely viewing later. Forget to think ahead? No worries, go to Plan B: network websites and popular sites such as Hulu offer entire episodes for free, bedtime viewing on your trusty laptop. Timing still not quite right? Rent it from Netflix, download it on iTunes and watch on your phone, or even go old-school and buy the Blu-ray. Of course, for true fans, watching the show is only the tip of the iceberg—the real fun comes afterwards. Aficionados may visit their favorite entertainment websites (such as Entertainment Weekly or Televison Without Pity) to read recaps and analyses of the episode, and then jump on the message boards to complain anonymously about the continuity error in the third act, or to engage in a little “shipping” (a general term—derived from “relationship”—for a fan’s emotional investment in a fictional romance that they would like to exist). Obsession loves company.

CONTROL FREAKS

ith all of this choice over the “when” and the “how,” it’s no surprise that fans feel entitled to weigh in on the “what.” Reality TV shows based on viewer voting, such as American Idol and Dancing with the Stars, afford fans a sense of ownership over the content that spills out into other venues. One of the biggest entertainment stories this last spring was the grass roots Facebook campaign demanding that Betty White be asked to host Saturday Night Live. After the number of supporters grew to the 500,000 mark, the 88-

PLAY LISTS

op music and rock ’n’ roll fans— especially the extreme variety—are nothing new. From Beatlemania to Deadheads (and we can’t forget “Fanilows”), teens and younger adults have aligned themselves for decades according to the types of music they prefer. And now, for better or for worse, new technologies encourage the music lover’s tendency to specialize and compartmentalize: iTunes allows the instant-gratification purchases of single songs with just a mouse click; the landlocked can listen to Hawaii’s hit music station, Native FM, streaming live on their laptops anywhere; Sirius satellite radio offers 130 channels of such narrow programming as “Elvis Radio,” “E Street Radio” (all Springsteen) and “Siriusly Sinatra”; the seriously picky may also groove to Pandora, an Internet radio site that “plays only music you like.” (Visitors simply enter artists or songs that they like, and Pandora creates a personalized station.) Adventurous types need not apply.

Science fiction and fantasy boast some of the oldest and most intricate fan communities, and the ability to connect, argue and dissect has been exponentially enhanced by the Internet. Matthew Santullano, 30, is a Chicagoarea Transformers superfan and selfdescribed Internet journalist. Santullano writes reviews for Transformers comics, attends conventions, and cohosts a weekly Internet radio show about the franchise. Santullano says, “I started in the forums, which is where the big fan push comes from, and where people really communicate and talk. Our site [tformers.com] is part of the big three in this tiny little field. That’s the interesting thing, media-wise, to me, because with the advent of the Internet, there’s room for minutiae news. We put up news about the Transformers pretty much every day, and most days several stories. Does it warrant this much attention? It probably doesn’t, but there’s this field for attention to be given, and it just sort of fills up. It grows to the size of its tank. “This is a transitional period for media in general. The Internet isn’t going away. People are just going to want more, and feel entitled to information. I like to say we’re the ‘Half-rate Fourth Estate.’ I feel like we should be afforded some integrity like a real journalist would have, but there’s a distrust of the medium. Companies are not convinced it’s valid, and they’re not sure how to integrate it. I think that most of the people who write the movies and make the toys go to the forums and look for feedback. I’m sure that we do influence it at this point, but they’re still really hesitant to talk to us at all. Mathematically speaking, we are not a representative sample, which makes it easy for us to be dismissed. Our degree of fanaticism doesn’t entitle us to ‘have a say,’ but it’s kind of foolish to ignore us. We’re a barometer. “An organized fan base is like a union, and the company may be afraid that if we ever actually got together that we would demand changes. It’s not really a danger to them, but I think it’s a danger to the way they usually do business. I think that may be what they’re afraid of.”

KICKIN’ IT OLD SCHOOL

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010

Author/humorist David Sedaris, who is a regular guest on National Public Radio, is a hot property on the lecture circuit. A Sedaris book reading is a lowtech affair (composed of the author, a podium, a loose-leaf binder stuffed with papers, and a number two pencil for his midshow “notes to self”), yet it is encouraging to observe that he easily sells out Chicago’s 4,200seat Auditorium Theatre. At a recent reading that I attended with my sister, I stuck around afterwards to get a book signed. The line of excited fans moved slowly, but it was finally our turn. He greeted us warmly, and complimented my sister on her boots. As he casually—and randomly—sketched a figure of something resembling a crude dachshund in the book I gave him to sign, I asked him if he ever used the Internet or social networking to communicate with his fans. Sedaris admitted that his editors advised him to promote upcoming books on Facebook, but that he doesn’t have an account, “and besides, I wouldn’t even tell my best friend to go buy my book, why would I tell a stranger?” As he took off his own shoe to show my sister and their footwear discussion resumed, I realized that I had been in contact with a rare breed: a celebrity who makes fans the old-fashioned way—one person at a time. —KM

year-old star was indeed asked to host the show, and her appearance on May 8 not only achieved great ratings, but stellar reviews. Likewise, in spring of 2009, fans of quirky spy comedy Chuck successfully mounted a “Finale and Foot-long” campaign in order to convince NBC to pick up the struggling series for a third season, purchasing foot-long sandwiches en masse at Subway (one of the show’s main sponsors) and leaving supportive notes in the store’s suggestion boxes. The series was renewed, and is now looking stronger than ever as it heads into a fourth season.

‘TRANSFORMING’ MEDIA

curtain call A PEEK AT COMMUNITY THEATER

In modiﬁed gymnasiums and on sparsely appointed stages throughout Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan, the spirit of the theater permeates many professions and touches a variety of people who become participants and audience members— from the mailman doing Macbeth, to the experienced actor handing out programs and manning the ticket booth, to the audience member who pays her $10 not because she’s terribly excited about seeing yet another bare-bones version of Grease, but because she recognizes how important this little company has become to her town.

By Mark Loehrke

aUgUst/sePtemBer 2010

The lights may not be particularly bright, the names not instantly recognizable, the audiences modest in number (and the budgets even more so), but theater up and down the Lake Michigan shore has its heart in the right place—the community. At its core, community theater strives to embody the dual notions suggested in its description— remaining true to both its artistic ambitions and its sense of place within the fabric of the place it calls home. It can be a tricky act to pull off on several levels, but dedication seems to be the default setting for the people who choose to make a life of it.

Scene 1: Upending expectations

kristyana Burgos, Shawn A. Smith, Antoinette Alessio, reneisha Jenkins and Aaron Itczak, performing in a summer 2010 production of rent at Hammond’s towle theater.

Often the challenge begins with simply trying to overcome the unflattering associations with the term “community theater” that can undercut expectations or diminish the experience for some people before the curtain ever goes up. Even for many a fairTwin City Players for the past minded artist or theatergoer, the reflexive notion of a nonprofes75 years—from Shakespeare to Sondheim—have been delivered sional, community-based theater company can conjure up unforby actors and crew members who have managed to somehow fit tunate images of pitifully rendered scenery, comically mangled the tireless preparation into their “spare” time. literary classics, and well-meaning but ultimately delusional playFor busy professionals like Ann Marie Marlow, that has ers like characters in the 1997 film Waiting for Guffman. meant finding the 10 to 12 hours a week for rehearsals and four Unfair as these assumptions may be, they are nothing if consecutive weekends for shows. “Being mentally prepared for not persistent. Donna Blanchard may be the proud managing the time commitment is probably one of the most important director of 55-year-old Chicago Street Theatre these days, but things to keep in mind going in,” she explains. “These people even she wasn’t completely sold on the concept of community and this material tend to consume you for a couple of months, theater when she arrived at the Valparaiso institution a little more and that can be draining if you don’t really think about what than three years ago. “Personally, I used to feel much differently you’re getting into.” about the term ‘community theater,’” she admits. “I used to find Marlow was drawn to community theater as an outlet for her it quite distasteful, actually. I imagined that it was what you do longstanding love of the arts—in this case, music. Like many when you’re not good enough to be paid to act or direct.” of her fellow actors, musicians and technical staff members at Blanchard nevertheless took a chance when she noticed the Twin City Players, she tends to be involved with almost every kind of material that Chicago Street was attempting to produce. production, even when she’s not in the cast. Helping out with If nothing else, she figured, they were at least dealing with imbox office or ushering duties is just another way to contribute to pressive intentions and trying to make the right kinds of artistic the collective effort that drives every show. choices. It wasn’t until she became more deeply involved with But despite the demands the people and the spirit of the on her limited free time, place, however, that she realized Marlow keeps coming back for that big budget or not, this was a reward that’s worth much the kind of place and the kind of more to her than any financial work she had in mind when she consideration. “Until I really got interested in the performing got involved here, I never arts in the first place. realized just how much I love “After coming to work here You’re alone on stage. The spotlight is on you. performing,” she says. “But three years ago, I began to An audience of a hundred or so is waiting to be even when I’m not in a show, grasp a larger appreciation for entertained. Your knees are trembling and the voice in your head is saying, “What are you doing? it’s so great to just be around all of this,” she says. “I didn’t You’ve never acted before!” it, even on the back end. It’s care that I wasn’t getting paid, What do you do? Wake up. It’s a dream, right? probably a cliché to say that it’s I just wanted to get that artistic Well, it was a dream for me . . . a dream come true. like a family, but that’s really exercise into my system. I I’d never acted before, but I decided to audition what it feels like.” doused my pride long enough for a play at the Towle Theater in Hammond, to see some of those shows Indiana. Acting was something I had always and realized there was some wanted to do. I decided to follow my dreams great work being done in these and it led me to an open casting call for a play nonprofessional theaters.” called KIssIng.

Scene 2: Finding Balance 0 visitshoremagazine.com 6

Of course, the charming nonprofessional aesthetic that lies at the heart of community theater also represents one of the biggest challenges in trying to do it well. The fine performances that St. Joseph audiences have been enjoying at

I auditioned—that was a first. I was so nervous reading scene selections in front of the directors and the other actors. When I left the audition, I felt a sense of accomplishment. I overcame my fear and anxiety and went for it. no matter what the outcome, I felt I had already won. Then the phone rang. I got the part. I was cast as “Helen.” After that, it was a blur: memorizing monologues, late-night rehearsals, and running lines with my acting partner. I learned, I grew, and then it was time to fly. Opening night was the test. All the preparation came down to one night, which could set the pace for the rest of the performances. The spotlight was on and so was the cast. We were met with applause and laughter. KIssIng sold out eight of nine performances. The reviews were in. The play was a hit and I was part of it. I truly felt blessed. –AndreA WAlczAk

Scene 3: pUlling together

With their long histories, enviable organizational structures, impressive artistic pedigrees and well-appointed facilities, Chicago Street and Twin City Players most certainly represent the mature end of the community theater spectrum in the area. The six-year-old Crown Point Community Theatre (CPCT), on the other hand, is probably

photograph courtesy of TOWLE COMMUNITY THEATER

First-Timer Takes Flight

closer to the picture that most people initially envision when they hear the term—something more along the lines of the oldfashioned “Let’s put on a show” model of community theater. Operating on a shoestring budget and with a lack of dedicated performance space (productions are staged at a sports academy, while rehearsals Our Broadway may have are held pretty much anywhere a little less cachet than an open room can be found), the other Broadway, CPCT is working hard to build but there’s certainly no its tradition more or less from shortage of dramatic, scratch in Crown Point. Unlike comedic and musical events to experience many of the other community throughout Northwest troupes in the area, CPCT is Indiana and Southwest made up mainly of individuals Michigan. who may have a love for theater and performance, 4th Street but not necessarily a working theater background in the arts. If 125 N 4th St, Chesterton anything, though, the challenge 219.926.7875 to make the most of its limited 4thstreetncca.org next Production: resources only serves to help The Crucible (Aug 13-29) pull the group together even more as it strives to present its chicago Street theatre annual four-show season. 154 W Chicago St, Valparaiso “Our casts and crew members 219.464.1636 have made incredible sacrifices chicagostreet.org for the sake of our shows,” next Production: Chess (Jul 16-Aug 1) says CPCT president Amanda Dietrich. “It’s incredible to see crown Point the hours and hours put into community theatre what people could call ‘just a 105 N Court St, Crown Point hobby.’” 219.805.4255 In this regard, then, perhaps cpct.biz next Production: CPCT and most other commuOthello (Jul 30-31, Aug 6-8) nity theaters are more or less the same, regardless of the size duneS Summer of their budgets or the complextheatre 288 Shady Oak Dr, Michiana ity of their productions. For Shores those who pour the effort and 219.879.7509 emotion into trying to nurture dunessummertheatre.com next Production: the artistic spirit, this “hobby” Evita (Aug 13-29) tends to become an integral part of who they are, and one they Footlight can’t imagine living without. In PlayerS 1705 Franklin St, Michigan City Donna Blanchard’s view, it’s a 219.874.4035 benefit to both the individuals footlightplayers.org and their communities. next Production: Hollywood Arms (August 6-15) “We are the community, working together in service to laPorte little the community and benefiting theatre 218 A St, LaPorte as a community,” she says of her 219.362.5113 experience at Chicago Street. laportelittletheater.com “We increase the quality of life here for our audiences and our twin city PlayerS volunteers in more ways than 600 W Glenlord Rd, St. Joseph most people have probably 269.429.5401 thought about, and I’m really twincityplayers.org next Production: proud of that.”

region repertory

The Apple Tree (September 17 – October 10)

y d e m Co the on t s a o C e l d Mid

S UP

CK U A R C O H W S N RN COMEDIA

SIX MIDWES

In the Midwest, comedy roots run deep. • Some of stand-up comedy’s all-time greats come from Illinois, Indiana or Michigan. Do they get any bigger than Richard Pryor (Peoria), David Letterman (Indianapolis) and Robin Williams (Bloomfield Hills, Michigan)? • At one time in the late 1980s and early 1990s, dozens of comedy clubs in the area were thriving and providing a launching pad for the next generation of comics, including one of the current stars of the comedy world, Chesterton’s own Jim Gaffigan. • Though the comedy boom has come and gone, the Midwest’s comedy stable is still packed with talent. Some of them have been at it for a long time and are finally on the cusp of national recognition, while others are just starting out. • All six of the following Midwestern comedians have one thing in common: they are incredibly funny.

TRACY DEGRAAF -up newcomer to stand Tracy is a relative tive na an rb bu su h sout comedy, but the om M ay yw h An and author of Laug s) kid ve fi g sin rai es nc (about her experie lf. rse he r fo a name is quickly making

all town of I grew up in a sm Illinois le called DePue, under 2,000 peop rk). pa e at St ck ved Ro (not far from Star to the e m r being the ho It’s best known fo Pro s n’ tio cia Boat Asso American Power there ld he e ar ich wh ces, National Boat Ra an th er DePue. Oth every July on Lake d of it. ar he e’s that, no on , doing stand-up RIENCE: Well COMEDY EXPE telling y idea. I’ve been comedy wasn’t m ev t raising kids er funny stories abou 20 rst of my five sons since I had the fi book, y m ng iti wr d starte years ago. And I didn’t I o. ag , two years Laugh Anyway Mom til un er re ca y comed officially start my ago. s th on m six t abou ller. She is the ES: Phyllis Di COMEDY HERO e edy in my book. Sh “Dr. Phil” of com she d an , ics m co female was a pioneer for e th y obstacles along overcame so man d if s. Diller and aske M d way. I contacte ok bo y m ng rsi er endo she would consid and she did! t get EST: It doesn’ ED BY THE MIDW COMEDY SHAP en it wh ty Ci the Second go much better than ica Ch e th in g so livin e comes to comedy, th at me to be trained area has allowed rld. r comedy in the wo fo ol premier scho lling BE: A mom te R COMEDY, I’D IF IT WEREN’T FO d an d rie ar m t being funny stories abou reer. ca a as of ad ste in e raising kids for fre humor is a coping Having a sense of n e (not to mentio mechanism for m money of t lo a d an sb that it saves my hu not ether I’m paid or in therapy), so wh em, th ll te a nn go s, I’m to tell funny storie e. I cope with lif because it’s how

HOMETOWN:

Dobie is one of the comedy gurus of Chica go—a long-tim e teacher of the art He regularly to form at Zanies. urs all over th e country doing his stan d-up show, an d appeared on with Craig Ferg the Late Late uson last year. Show He was also on on WLS-AM an e of “Jerry’s Ki d WGN-AM. dders” HOME

TOWN: Chi cago is my ho metown now, in Milwaukee. even though I I ended up m was born oving here in radio jobs in ot the ’80s. I had her cities, but a few when I got fire back to Chica d I always mad go. I love it he re, except for e it the toll roads. COMEDY EX PERIENCE: I’ ve been doing third grade. I comedy since was about the the smarty-pan the one who always piped up with ts answer in sc hool and crac up. I couldn’t ked the class resist. I was ad dicted to hear and still am. I’ ing that laugh, ve been paid for doing com I was full time edy since 1984 by 1985. . COMEDY HE

ES: Rodne y Dangerfield Comedians ha was The Man fo ve a pedigree r me. , and Rodney that I come fr is the gene po om. He’s the ol king. RO

TO HECK

APPROACH

LE stupid enough RS: Personally, I don’t mind hecklers. If th to tiptoe thro ey’re ugh my tulips, should be wor they’re the on ried. One thin es that g I learned from to go right fo r the malady. my biker fath Don’t waste tim er was or fat or worse e. If someone , make it a po is bald int to bring th with it in the at out and hit first them been picked at five seconds of any altercat ion. That scab their whole lif has e, and when it discussion du comes up for ring a show— public the game is us ually over. IF IT WEREN ’T FOR COME DY, I’D BE: A completely an in the ass in an noying pain y “normal” wor kplace.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010

r e f p m e a K k c i R y B

DOBIE MAXWELL

ANDY WOODHULL

ung the hottest yo Andy is one of today. ng ki or w ics g com last up-and-comin levision debut He made his te medy Co on m ha ot G go. year on Live at based in Chica Central. He is

art, Indiana, I lived in Elkh in , spent 6 years cago from zero to 18 hi C in en be have St. Louis, and for the last 6. ing have been do PERIENCE: I COMEDY EX years. comedy for 7 . feld, Cosby . . ROES: Sein Jerry COMEDY HE ad re I , up d standBefore I starte an , d , Seinlanguage Seinfeld’s book riting down funny tw ok. decided to star t of in a notebo gh ou things I th up den doing stan Since I have be ys I look up to gu e th r. for a while, K and Bill Bur C s ui Lo e most ar I tend to E MIDWEST: APED BY TH COMEDY SH ns and t of cheesy pu sprinkle in a bi regular jokes and my wordplay into . My Elkhart humor is t ha T stories. at I had th once told me friend’s mom I think . or m hu sense of an “Indiana” at is might think th a lot of people dn’t di e statement. Sh ke it a derogatory ta ’t dn di I ay and great of mean it that w ts have been lo , that way. There an rm te et diana (L comics from In diana is supposed In ). c. et n, Gaffiga ica, sroads of Amer os cr e th be to or is m hu er y Hoosi en so hopefully m ev y, tr un co e ss th relatable acro “pop.” if I do call soda orking DY, I’D BE: W ’T FOR COME IF IT WEREN that ny pa m for a co d in a laboratory di I t ha w t’s . Tha It was sold bentonite y. ed m d doing co what before I starte r de on w n d I ofte ng ki a great job, an or w e if I was still ly ab it would be lik ob Pr . is th of doing ld ou there instead w tI be similar, bu my life would nce and my ra su in th al have better he on it. way less miles car would have

HOMETOWN:

MICHAEL PALASCAK One of the hottest you ng comedians working in Chicago, Michael has appeared on HBO and Comedy Central, and ma de frequent appearances on the rad io show of fellow Hoosiers Ryan and Kevin Manno (Q-101) as well as the nationally syndicated Bob & Tom Show. HOMETOWN: Wabas h, Indiana (“The First Electrically Lighte d City in the World”). But I’ve lived in Chicagoland since 2001. COMEDY EXPERIENC

E: Since

2001.

COMED

Y HEROES: Steve Ca rell, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, Louis CK, Mitch Hedberg, Jerry Seinfeld, Brian Regan, Mike Birbiglia, Bill Burr, Set h Rogen and Evan Goldberg (they’re credit ed with writing Superbad and Pineapple Express). MOST EMBARRASSING

STA

ND-UP MOMENT: Pre tty much every time I ste onstage, it’s embarrassin p g. I mean, that’s kind of the point—to get people to laugh at my thoughts, feelings and life. INSPIRATIO

4 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 6

N FOR SIGNATURE BIT: I talk a lot about living at home with my parents. And I live at ho me with my parents. So me comedians say you need to get a job so you have something to write about. I didn’t have a job so I wrote abo ut what I did so I didn’t have to get a job, and that was living at ho me with my parents. I had a couple jokes about it a few years in. But in 2007 I booked a one-person show at Donny’s Skybox—a the ater in Old Town. And I didn’t have a oneperson show. But I did have a couple jokes abo ut living at home with my parents. So I made the show about that. It was called Pursuing Happiness—A Bunch of Scenes about People Tha t Moved Out of Their Parents’ House, Got a Job , and Got Married. Perfor med by a Guy Who Didn’t. And it inspired me to write more jokes about living at home with my parents. IF IT WEREN’T FOR CO

MEDY, I’D BE: A

novelist.

Traverse City Comedy Festival

DAMON WILLIAMS Damon has taken the comedy ride from Chicago’s South Side to BET, Comedy Central and HBO, and was the opening act for the Kings of Comedy tour.

JOE ANDERSON

born and raised on the South Side.

HOMETOWN: Chicago,

I started stand-up in November of ’92 at Chicago’s All Jokes Aside.

COMEDY EXPERIENCE:

admire Richard Murphy and ie Edd and r Pryo I really miss Bernie Mac. I also have a lot of respect for the work ethic of George Carlin and Chris Rock.

COMEDY HEROES: I

I had a was crazy, It e. onc fight on stage top. on out e cam I but

STRANGEST COMEDY GIG:

BIT: A conversation about relationships set a bit in motion that helped me win my stand-up special on BET, my big national break.

INSPIRATION FOR SIGNATURE

way is to ignore them, but I have a quick wit. I usually win a heckler battle pretty quickly.

APPROACH TO HECKLERS: One

IF IT WEREN’T FOR COMEDY,

I’D BE:

A multistore franchise owner, a radio personality . . . or a porn star.

Joe performs at hu ndreds of college s in about 30 states with the We Can Make You Laugh National Comedy Tour. He is based in Mich igan. HOMETOWN: I suppose my hom etown is East Lansing, bu t I’ve been living in or around Gran d Rapids for about 15 years. COMEDY EXPE

RIENCE: Profes sionally I’ve been doing it for about 12 years, th e last 5 years full tim e. COME

DY HEROES: I’m a huge fan of Seinfeld and Bill Cosby, Brian Rega n and newer guys lik e Mike Birbiglia and Demetri Mar tin. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that they’re all relatively “clean” comics. I am, too. It’s a challenge, bu t I just feel like you’ll never leave a great, funny sh ow thinking, “I wish it had been dirtier ,” but lots of people leave shows feeling like they need to take a shower. INSPIRATION FO

R SIGNATURE

COMEDY BIT: For some reason I started thinking about what would happen if a pair of Siamese twin gu ys married a pair of Siamese twin gi rls, and what that would mean to th eir lives. COMEDY SHAP

ED BY TH

E MIDWEST: I’m fairly liberal and living in West Michigan can be a challenge sometimes. Some of my best friends growing up were from Thailand an d Puerto Rico an d when people “act” politically correc t it infuriates me. I have a song abou t it and in the intro I say to the audien ce, “You guys need to understand you’re not gonna change the world by bein g politically correc t. I’m gonna chan ge it with this song.” IF IT WEREN’T FO

COMEDY, I’D BE : An air marshal. That wa y I’d get to travel and potentially shoot people. Or a bake r at Panera Bread.

The woods of northern Michigan in February can seem a bleak, humorless place. Temperatures plunge below freezing, the sun hibernates until spring, and anyone with half a mind has already left for tropical climates. But the Traverse City Comedy Arts Festival, which will return for a second time in February 2011, gives locals and tourists alike a reason to visit the north woods during winter’s grueling waning days, and laugh. An extension of the now famed Traverse City Film Festival, the Comedy Festival was founded last year by filmmaker and local resident Michael Moore and comedian Jeff Garlin (HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm). Enthusiasm Last year’s three-day festival featured household names Roseanne Barr, John Waters, JB Smoove and Whitney Cummings, as well as up-and-comers TJ & Dave and Teenager of the Year. Standup acts, improv sketches and movies were held in downtown Traverse City in the State Theatre (renovated by Michael Moore and his Film Festival team), the City Opera House and the Old Town Playhouse. Garlin even held two “late night combo platters,” where he encouraged audience participation—and shamed anyone sitting in the front row—in the basement of the local bookstore. To be sure, the Traverse City Comedy Festival is a truly interactive, small-town affair. For more on this unique festival, visit comedyartsfesttc.org. –JACOB WHEELER

Buyers, sellers, writers and nonwriters

to e or not to e words By Claire Bushey | illustration By joe durk an Berger finally had to admit it: her suitcase couldn’t stretch to fit all the books she needed. Berger, a Chicago resident who jokes that she spends more on books than food, broke down last November and purchased an electronic reader, a device that stores hundreds of electronic books and displays the text on a screen. A health care consultant, Berger travels five days a week, usually packing three books per trip, anything from bestsellers to biographies to mysteries. Though she’d considered buying an e-reader sooner, she’d rejected the idea. “In my mind, it just didn’t have the panache, the feel, the anything, of books,” she says. But Berger was facing a 10-day business trip to Chile followed by a week in Paris. Unless she wanted to hire a Sherpa to carry her luggage, it was time. She bought a Kindle and fell in love. E-books have emerged. A number of companies now offer e-readers, including the Kindle from Amazon, Barnes & Noble’s Nook, Sony’s Reader and Apple’s iPad. Unlike computers, e-readers are specifically designed to minimize eyestrain. Readers download the e-books to their devices after purchasing the files from an online book seller. Though still less than 10 percent of the total book market, e-book sales climbed to $91 million in the first quarter of 2010, up more than 253 percent from the previous year. “I believe the book is in transformation,” says Dominique Raccah, publisher at Sourcebooks in Naperville. “I think it’s the most exciting time of our lives.”

where have all the margins gone?

Not everyone is so excited about the rise of e-books. The new electronic format threatens corporate publishers’ bottom line, says Doug Seibold, president of Agate Publishing in Chicago. Giants like Random House run their business based on margins; they don’t just want to sell as many copies of Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol as possible, they want to sell them in hardback for $29.95. Paperbacks sell for half that price, which means Random House misses out on $15 for everyone who buys the cheaper format. And so far e-books cost even less than paperbacks. That scares the big New York publishers. But e-books represent an opportunity for a small press like Seibold’s. The challenge for Agate is to find more readers, period. Any book purchased, regardless of the format, benefits the business. So in February 2009 Agate began releasing all new titles in both print and electronic format on the same day, as well as offering forty of the company’s most popular backlist titles as e-books. “We’re willing to be more experimental . . . because my business does not depend on getting every drop of margin out of Dan Brown,” Seibold says. 6 visitshoremagazine.com 6

The key is figuring out how much to charge. With the majority of e-books selling for less than $10, sometimes significantly less, the total pie is smaller for publishers, authors and book sellers alike. But that’s a problem only if book sales remain flat. Raccah believes e-books have the potential to deepen and broaden the book market. Electronic formats will allow avid readers to engage more in what she calls “interstitial reading.” Raccah, who reads for a living, says she now reads even more, because she’s liberated from the bulk of hardbacks. She read part of The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest on her iPhone in the back of a cab. More significantly, she sees the potential to convert people into readers. Less than 10 percent of people in the United States walk into a bookstore in a year, Raccah says. But if people don’t need to walk into that store to buy a book, the book-buying customer base could swell. “With digital books we now have the opportunity to connect authors to readers any time, any place, any device,” she says. “Like Gates’ vision of a computer on every desktop, I see a book in every hand.”

From an author’s point oF view

Chicago author Libby Fischer Hellmann would be pleased if some of those books in hand were hers. Hellmann, a crime fiction writer, has published six books, the latest, Doubleback, released in October 2009 by Bleak House Books. All are available as e-books, both on Amazon and Smashwords, a website that allows authors or publishers to upload their work electronically, set their own prices and wait for the book-reading masses to click “Buy.” She recently uploaded two short story collections to Smashwords that are not available in print format, volumes one and two of Nice Girl Does Noir. What worries her is the ease with which anyone can publish online. “Self-published work is generally not going to be of the same quality as work that has been vetted and professionally edited,” she says. “It’s the end of an era, because we may end up tolerating less-professional writing.” Book sellers also are grappling with how the technological changes will affect them. Two independent Chicago bookstores, the Book Cellar and Women & Children First, have updated their websites to sell e-books as well as physical books. Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville now sells gift cards in their store that are printed with the book’s cover and allow customers to download the e-book at home using a code printed on the back. Even as Book Cellar owner Suzy Takacs says she hopes people continue to come to the store for more of a “book experience,” she says she wants to make sure she stays technologically relevant. “I want to provide my customers with how they want to read,” she says. But not everyone wants to read e-books. A recent survey by Verso Advertising found that more than half the participants had no plans to buy an e-reader in the next year. Chicago author Claire Zulkey, whose book An Off Year came out in September 2009, says she had a friend who cried when her then-husband gave her an e-reader, “because it was a demonstration of how little he knew her.” Zulkey says she herself likes seeing the books she’s read stack up on the shelves like little trophies. Even Jan Berger, the Kindle-loving traveler, says she continues to buy physical books. Many of them are business books that she uses for reference. And she can’t take her e-reader in the tub. “I do not believe you are going to see the wholesale disappearance of the hard copy book,” Doug Seibold says, echoing the opinion of the majority in the industry. “People like books.”

august/september 2010

more shore: Read about Traverse City’s year-round book festival at visitshoremagazine.com.

play

groups Ensemble veteran Laurie Metcalf blazes a hot trail from Chicago to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Detroitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 8 visitshoremagazine.com 6

Kathryn MacNeil photograph by Saverio Truglia words by

august/september 2010

Who is Laurie Metcalf? ¶ The answer varies, depending on whether you ask a sophisticated theater buff, a classic TV junkie, a nostalgic movie-going teenager . . . or even Metcalf herself. ¶ The basic facts are impressive—to put it simply, Metcalf has been directly involved in three of the most influential, groundbreaking entertainment franchises in history: she was an original member of Chicago’s renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company, she won three consecutive Emmy Awards for her role as “Jackie” in the hit television series Roseanne, and she provided the voice of “Andy’s mom” in Pixar’s beloved first feature film, Toy Story, and its two sequels.

It 0 visitshoremagazine.com 7

is a rare ordinary day (yesterday was her birthday, and tomorrow is the rabidly anticipated premiere of Toy Story 3) when Metcalf, 55, calls from New york to chat about what she considers the overarching constant behind her career success—in a word: “luck.” “back then, we were all about finding meaty parts for ourselves,” she reminisces. “the steppenwolf started out as something for about seven of us to do for the summer in a church basement in highland park, and it kept going. It was a passion for all of us, so it was never a chore to keep it going. we just did it because we were enjoying it so much, so we wanted to do another one, and then another one. play after play, and then that evolved into season after season. what are we, in our ‘thirtysomething’ season now?” In fact, the steppenwolf theatre Company was cofounded in 1975 by terry Kinney, gary sinise and Jeff perry, expanded to include a group of fellow Illinois state University grads (including Carbondale, Illinois, native Metcalf), and will be embarking on its 35th season this fall, riding a wave of accolades and awards from critics, media and audiences alike. but even after all these years, Metcalf remains incredulous. “that still is almost incomprehensible to me, the reputation that the company has now. anybody that I work with in movies, tV or theater has heard of the company, and they seem to have a lot of respect for it. I couldn’t be more proud to have been a member of it from the beginning.” the steppenwolf ensemble has subsequently grown to forty-three members, including actors, directors and playwrights. but what makes the theater’s signature “professional resident ensemble” different from any other group of performers? Metcalf explains, “Every collection of individual actors is going to turn into an ensemble during rehearsal. you just do. you bond and you learn a way of working together quickly. but when you already know the people going in, it happens faster, and you can feel very comfortable

throwing out ideas and working in collaborative ways. you don’t have to test the waters so much or be inhibited during rehearsals. you sort of know going in that anything goes.” this daring collaborative ethos no doubt contributed to Metcalf’s overwhelmingly successful 1988-1997 tenure as “aunt Jackie” on the hit sitcom Roseanne. “First of all, again, to have played a part in another ensemble of something that is so well respected, so well written and performed, I couldn’t have gotten luckier,” she says. “I always likened Jackie a little bit to barney Fife: sort of an inherent loser, but with a chip on her shoulder, and a healthy enough ego that you didn’t have to worry about her being such a loser. I’m just guessing, but I think that’s what people respond to. people who stop me say that they have either an aunt, sister, cousin or a daughter who is just like her.” It’s not surprising that the tight-knit Roseanne family remains in touch after all these years. Metcalf says, “I did Big Bang Theory [which stars fellow Roseanne alum Johnny galecki], and I also saw Johnny just the other day when he was out doing a reading of a play and we got together. I also saw roseanne out here a few weeks ago. I was doing a little one-act play, and she came all the way out to see it, which I was so flattered by. we’re close, and it’s true—with myself and the members of steppenwolf that I’ve worked with over the years—a lot of time can go by without spending time in the same room, but then when you are together, it’s like no time has passed at all.” so how does one transition from a button-pushing sitcom family to solo voice acting in the Toy Story films? “out of the blue, I got invited by pixar’s John Lasseter to do the voice of andy’s mom,” Metcalf says. “It was their first feature, of course, and because everyone was unfamiliar with pixar, he sent over a videotape—this was 16 years ago—of three of his little shorts that he’d made. I thought it was so innovative; I’d never seen anything like it, let alone just to be flat-out asked to do a voice. I don’t know what possessed him to ask me. “I’d just go in three or four times during the year and do my lines. I was always alone. It’s just a different way of working. I’ve never seen a script. they sat me down and told me

the story of this third one, which immediately made me tear up. I guarantee it’s going to be great. I have a 5-year-old; she’s never seen a movie in a movie theater, so we’re going next week for her first movie. For the little ones, it’s necessary to explain why a recognizable voice is coming out of a cartoon character. If my son is going to brag about anything, it’s going to be that: My mom is the voice of Andy’s mom. The whole thing is going to be fresh for me to see; I’ve not seen a single clip from it. Again, it’s something that I’m so proud to be a part of.” And this fall, Metcalf is looking forward to coming full circle, as she returns to the Steppenwolf for the first time in six years to appear in Detroit, the opening production of the new fall season. When asked what attracted her to this particular project, Metcalf responds, “Sometimes it’s the timing, but it’s also this new playwright, Lisa D’Amour, whom Martha [Lavey, Steppenwolf artistic director] has commissioned to write a couple of scripts for the company specifically. the Roseanne series, Steppenwolf Theatre, and the Toy Story When I read Detroit, I likened her a little bit to Bruce Norfilms. I’ve been so fortunate in the jobs that I’ve had over ris’s writing, whom I’m also a big fan of, and I immediately the past 35 years that I haven’t been typecast in a way that liked the character. I tend to lean towards things that are painted me into a corner, so I’ve been able to easily bounce more contemporary, and I like her voice. I also tend to pick around between theater and movies and TV. I’m not a ‘star’ things where I know I’ll have a really fun time, and the way in the sense . . . well, I’m not a star at all.” that Martha put together the director [Austin Pendleton] Although most would clamor to disagree with this modest and the cast [Kevin Anderson, Ian Barford, Kate Arrington, self-assessment, an argument could be made that it’s preciseand Bob Breuler] is a guaranteed good time in Chicago for ly this gracious—and grateful—sensibility that makes Metme for three months. I haven’t worked with them before, calf such a valuable team player. And ultimately, even with but the same thing that I was saying about ensemble still all of the acclaim of her many television and movie roles, applies: I’ve known them all for years, and seen their work, she still feels most at home doing theater—especially at the and I know how we overlap, and I know their work ethic, Steppenwolf in Chicago. “Theater is my first love,” she says even though I haven’t shared the stage with them yet. without hesitation. “And if I’m going to do theater, that’s “The play will be pretty cool. It’s different and sort of surmy number one city and company. I love Chicago. I miss it prising, with five really juicy characters. It’s a ‘dramedy,’ set so much, so I try to in the suburbs of Deget back as often as I troit. It’s two couples, can—selfishly, because and their backyards I have such memobutt up against each ries, but also out of a other. They are just responsibility. I owe meeting each other; my whole career to one has just moved in, “That still is almost incomprehensible that company. I never and little secrets spill would have done it on out in conversations. to me, the reputation that the my own, and I owe so They are people who company has now. Anybody that I much to the Chicago are interesting to me, work with in movies, TV or theater audiences who have because at any mohas heard of the company, and they followed us and stuck ment, any one of them seem to have a lot of respect for it. I with us and helped could veer off into couldn’t be more proud to have been build the theater a dark place. They company to where it is don’t act their age in a member of it from the beginning.” today. I feel like I owe hideously inapproprithem personally.” ate ways, which I find funny and grotesque at the same time.” Metcalf pauses to reflect on the significance of the conversation. Sept 9-Nov 7 “I’ve been so lucky. Steppenwolf Theatre 1650 N Halsted St Look at those three Chicago things right there: 312.335.1650 steppenwolf.org

photography courtesy of STEPPENWOLF THEATRE

about steppenwolf

Detroit

Metcalf appearing in 1982’s True West with John Malkovich, and [below] in 1979’s The Glass Menagerie

bite & SIP

FOOD FEATURE WORDS BY

JANE AMMESON ILLUSTRATION BY

JOE DURK

ry o tz a n d H a r M e g r o e G y wh , ral years ago c it y, w h ic h is e v d e o s l fo a s v u ti s io e r F se C h ic a g o is a il m F e s ti v a l Y C F o o d F il m F N d e o o th F d o te g a a e r C h ic Hawk, who c ir s t A n n u a l George was F , o e g th a s r r a fo e t y s we fi v e a r e h e a d in g 5. • “About nd I made 2 a a d n ic a r e 4 m 2 A r r e b ge “I th is S e p te m fi lm H a m b u r is h r fo r e s ta u r a te u r. g k r in o n Y e e w r e c s N a a s k, d o in g s th a t h e w a it ,” s a y s H a w lm h fi it r w e o th g o r to ” a t fo hamburgers v e a fe s ti v a l. I c o u ld d o th a h t a s t’ th le im t, h a o th m e n ti o n e d to t’s n o t ju s t d le , id a s e h nd p r o m o ti n g a

S ’ T A TH ent

m n i a t r e t n e FILMS THAT CELEBRATE FOOD

august/september 2010

bite & SIP

FOOD FEATURE

4 VIsItsHOremagaZINe.COm 7

the same time they were served in the movie.” When running the short Clam Pie about the Nantucket specialty, Motz and Hawk served clam pies from the shop featured in the film. The movie Smokes & Ears is about rounds of hot smoked sausage sandwiches—known as smokes—and ears, or sandwiches made of pig ears, that have been big hits at the Big Apple Inn in Jackson, Mississippi, for more than 70 years. “We’re serving a sampling size of how they’re cooked at the restaurant,” Hawk says. “Some people might turn it down, but we believe most people will try it.” Films on the roster for the Chicago event include Anat Baron’s Beer Wars followed by a tasting of independent brews. “We also plan to screen a fan-favorite from the 2009 NYC Food Film Festival—Eat Your Fill, which is about a guy who goes to the Wisconsin State Fair every year and tries to eat every item sold that is either deep-fried or on a stick,” Motz says. “That screening will be accompanied by a selection of state fair goodies like cheese curds and deep-fried Oreos.” One of the considerations of pairing foods with the films, which are usually selected by a jury, is when to serve them, Hawk says. “Do you serve them before, during or after?” he asks rhetorically. In the documentary A Love Supreme, director Nilesh Patel shows how her mother makes samosas. The film is intended, in part, to visually save the recipe. “We served very delicate handmade samosas before the film,” Hawk says. “If you’ve ever had samosas, you’ve probably had the heavy thick ones, and these were so tender and delicious and we wanted people to know what they were like before they saw the movie.”

photography courtesy of GEORGE MOTZ

he success of the New York festival inspired Hawk and Motz to take their concept on the road. “To us, Chicago was the next obvious step,” says Motz, who knows the city’s restaurants very well and who featured such Chicago hamburger havens as Billy Goat and Top Notch in his book Hamburger America. He also highlighted Redamak’s Tavern in New Buffalo, Michigan, which he calls a national treasure. Motz’s food nose is such that he can even stump long-time Chicagoans when it comes to what their city has to offer food-wise. “The Goat is pretty obvious for the history of the place, but even today when I say I’m heading down to Top Notch for a burger, no one in Chicago knows what I’m talking about,” he says. “Even my good friend Rick Kogan from the Tribune admitted that he had never been and that it took a New Yorker to get him there.” Motz says that Chicago is not only one of his all-time favorite eating towns, but that he loves that Chicagoans love to eat. And that’s good, because the films that are selected for either the New York or Chicago festivals feature a plethora of foods—those that are common as well as some that are— well—somewhat unique. Let’s start with the more typical foods. “We made timpanos, which is lasagna that’s baked in a bowl covered with dough,” says Hawk, when asked to give an example of how they pair food and film. “We showed the movie Big Night at the New York Food Film Festival, which is about an Italian restaurant, and we served the timpanos at

New York City Food Film Fest 2010

For more information, visit chicagofoodfilmfestival.com.

august/september 2010

complete experience,” he says. “It’s food in the context of where it comes from. There are pictures with food in them and then there are documentaries about food and each gives us insight. For example, Asparagus! (A Stalk-umentary) tells the tale of asparagus farmers in Oceana County, Michigan, once the asparagusgrowing capital of the world. It’s about how these farmers, who have been doing this for generations, are being put out of work because the government is allowing asparagus to be imported from South America without any tariffs so that farmers grow them instead of the coca plant used for making cocaine. But the asparagus and coca aren’t even grown in the same region. So it’s wasted money that’s destroying this community’s way of life.” Motz enjoys how food and film merge into a perfect narrative. “I like all food movies,” Motz says. “I love honest food documentaries, compelling food narratives and weird food porn. Everyone has to eat and there is so much variety out there. I truly believe that the subject of food on film is endless.” Motz and a friend, who is a vegetarian, took a road trip to tell the story of eight historically significant hamburger counters in America. The trip expanded, and after visiting over 1,000 places, the film aired on the Sundance Channel, was nominated for a James Beard Award and was required viewing for a food course at Princeton University. “I have a tremendous passion for hardworking Americans, and there seems to be no other food that says America like the hamburger,” says Motz, who didn’t know The legend that is the burger from much about burgers when Redamak’s in New he first started filming the Buffalo, from the book Hamburger documentary that lead to his America—One book Hamburger America— Man’s CrossOne Man’s Cross-Country Country Odyssey to Find the Best Odyssey to Find the Best Burgers in the Burgers in the Nation [Running Nation. Press, 2008]. “The book is equally about great burgers and the people who have dedicated amazing amounts of time to them.” Now the knowledge that he gained may be used in Chicago. “We will probably incorporate a burger element to the screening of Beer Wars,” he says, noting that the revised edition of Hamburger America is due out next spring. “I was not a hamburger expert when I made the film. However, by the time the book was finished, I had gained so much knowledge that my expertise was indisputable.”

t press time, Motz (who has won several Emmys) and Hawk had several Chicago chefs lined up who will be participating in the festival, but they weren’t able to release their names. However, they expect Chicagoans to be as wowed as New Yorkers by the films and foods. “The great thing about New Yorkers is that they’ve seen it all,” Motz says. “When you can impress a New Yorker with food, you are really onto something. In our first year we screened a film by Joe York called Whole Hog, which is about whole hog barbeque in the South. The difference between whole hog and a pulled pork sandwich is that the customer has the ability to choose which part of the animal they want. After screening the film, members of the audience walked over to the 70-pound sow we had barbecued and said, ‘I’d like some rib meat,’ and ‘I’ll take some shoulder.’ It was truly amazing. This year we are trying to introduce a few new delicacies to New York—the Pig’s Blood Popsicle from Taipei. I expect unbridled enthusiasm.” In ways, the Hawk and Motz combination creates the perfect synergy. Hawk, former owner of Harry’s, a hamburgerand-hot-dog stand at a New York beach, has experience in the kitchens of New York restaurants while Motz has directed several food documentaries including The Mud and the Blood about collecting and roasting oysters. Hawk believes that the more we learn about food, the more we can make good food choices. “The festival is a

bite & SIP Bistro on the Boulevard

521 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, Michigan. 269.983.6600. theboulevardinn.com/bistro.

The information presented in Bite & Sip is accurate as of press time, but readers are encouraged to call ahead to verify listing information.

Indiana

AMORÉ RISTORANTE AND 109 SUSHI & MARTINI LOUNGE 109 Joliet St, Crown Point. 219.663.7377. amore109.com. The ultimate two-for-one, this sleek restaurant features Italian cuisine on its first floor at Amoré Ristorante and Japanese cuisine, including sushi and sashimi, upstairs at the 109 Sushi & Martini Lounge. But eating at one doesn’t preclude ordering off the menu at the other as the food goes both ways—up and down the stairs. Carnivores will want to try the monster-sized 20- to 22-ounce bone-in rib eye steak, the 16-ounce Kansas City bone-in strip steak or the braised pork shank osso bucco. Seafood lovers get to order lobster in a myriad of ways, including in the sushi, bisque and linguini as well as the decadent twin 6-ounce lobster tails served with drawn butter. Other seafood favorites are the seafood risotto piled high with shrimp, scallops, mussels and more lobster and the peppercornencrusted fresh ahi tuna. Save room for bananas foster, crème brûlée and a quadruple assortment of cupcakes—chocolate, vanilla bean, black and white (swirled chocolate and vanilla) and red velvet topped with cream cheese frosting.

6 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 7

BARTLETT’S GOURMET GRILL & TAVERN 131 E Dunes Hwy 12, Beverly Shores. 219.879.3081. eatatbartletts.com. Bartlett’s is a new gourmet grill by husband-and-wife team Gary Sanders and Nicole Bissonnette-Sanders. Located in the heart of the National Lakeshore, Bartlett’s has a cozy but very modern ambience. The menu is an exceptionally creative take on upscale roadhouse-type food. Starting off the meal are appetizers such as andouille sausage corndogs and surf & turf potstickers, as well as family style offerings like Low Country spiced boiled peanuts and smoked venison sticks. Entrées include 5-hour pot roast, whitefish fillet and linguine bolognese, ranging in price from $10 to $20. The wine list is modest but well-crafted. BISTRO 157 157 W Lincolnway,

Valparaiso.

219.462.0992.

bistro157.net. Trained in Paris at Le Cordon Bleu, chef and owner Nicole Bissonnette-Sanders has created a menu of classics—like a decadent sautéed veal and gulf shrimp, a pork rib chop with apple horseradish ham, and an herb-rubbed roasted half chicken— combined with her own creative takes on nouvelle cuisine with a number of fresh fish selections. Desserts include black chocolate-infused confections that have become standard for fine dining, and also sorbets and ice cream made from fresh fruit. There are some treasures on the extensive list of bottle wines, and many solid choices by the glass.

thin-crust options with toppings such as sausage, fresh garlic, salami and jalapeños. Or try such entries as Ciao Bella’s signature dishes, Rigatoni Boscaiola— spicy Italian sausage and rigatoni noodles topped with a tomato cream sauce—and the Chicken Pollo Ala Romana, a chicken breast sautéed in a white wine sauce with roasted tri-color peppers and then sauced in a tomato cream. There’s also a great selection of seafood, pork and beef. Desserts change frequently, but the tiramisu is always on the menu. The extensive wine list focuses on European and Californian wines. Delivery and take-out available.

BUTTERFINGERS 2552 45th Ave, Highland. 219.924.6464. 921 D Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.4202. Every day, Butterfingers prepares a selection of ready-to-heat-and-eat entrées, along with freshly baked breads and salads, all without preservatives. The chicken almond salad has long been a crowd favorite, but the rest of the lunch menu is equally gratifying. What Butterfingers is best known for, however, is their famous desserts. The restaurant’s two pastry chefs—whose training hails from the Culinary Institute of America in New York, and Johnson and Wales in Rhode Island—create an array of gourmet desserts, which includes beautifully decorated and delicious cakes (the double chocolate mousse cake is a must), and an assortment of cookies and brownies, all of which have been satisfying dessert lovers for more than twenty-five years. And to every party planner’s delight, Butterfingers does offer catering.

DON QUIJOTE 119 E Lincolnway, Valparaiso. 219.462.7976. Proprietor Carlos Rivero’s authentic Spanish cuisine, lively and friendly atmosphere, and conviviality with his return customers make this downtown Valparaiso restaurant a destination for Chicagoans and Michigan residents alike. The exciting menu features dozens of small courses, including a well-known classic paella with saffron rice and fresh-grilled seafood chunks. Grilled steaks and lamb and veal chops are abundant and cooked according to family recipes handed down for generations. The house specialty is a flan-textured vanilla cake. Lunch entrées average $15, dinner $25.

CIAO BELLA 1514 US 41, Schererville. 219.322.6800. ciaobellaonline.com. The cuisines of three different regions of Italy are featured at the newly opened Ciao Bella, a ristorante, pizzeria and wine bar. Patrons can sample a 12-inch gourmet pizza with a creative array of toppings like the Pizza Quattro Stagioni— tomatoes, artichokes, prosciutto and black olives—or the sauceless Pizza Al Fichi topped with goat cheese, figs and onions and drizzled with a balsamic glaze. For those who like more traditional pies, there are

DUNELAND BEACH INN 3311 Pottawattamie Tr, Michigan City, Ind. 800.423.7729; dunelandbeachinn.com. Located in the wooded dunes just east of Long Beach, the cheerful dining room at this charming inn—which features well-spaced tables with white napery— buzzes with activity, especially on weekends. Starters may include calamari, Crab Louis, or grilled flatbread with such toppings as sautéed portobellos with garlic and carmelized shallots. Main courses—which come with soup or salad—include crab cakes with chipotle aioli, red snapper with citrus beurre blanc sauce or prime rib with horseradish sauce. An extensive wine list features selections in the $20 to $30 range. Key lime pie and cheesecake head the dessert list.

photograph by GREGG RIZZO

This French bistro on Lake Michigan has a well-deserved and unrivaled reputation in Southwest Michigan. The menu changes frequently to accommodate seasonal, fresh and available fruits and vegetables, much of which are grown locally, but the basic entrée list—created by executive chef Ryan Thornburg, who worked as the restaurant’s sous chef for three years when it first opened—is extensive. Thornburg’s menu items include Horseradish Crusted Faroe Islands Salmon accompanied by sautéed spinach in a Michigan cherry vinaigrette, Steak Frites—a tallgrass 8-ounce top sirloin with pomme frites and herb butter—and Crispy Duck Confit with sautéed garlic potatoes and mixed greens dressed with an aged sherry vinaigrette. Prices are reasonable, starting at $17 for the macaroni and cheese made with aged white cheddar, mascarpone, gruyere and country ham topped with garlic bread crumbs, to steaks for around $30. Be sure to check out the Wednesday sushi menu for such delights as Black Dragon—broiled eel, shrimp tempura, avocado and cucumber with wasabi topikiko—as well as the choice of sakes. Reservations are always helpful, especially on the weekends.

GINO’S STEAK HOUSE 1259 W Joliet St, Dyer. 219.865.3854. 600 E 81st Ave, Merrillville. 219.769.4466. ginossteakhouse.com. The chefs at Gino’s, who have more than thirty years of combined experience, use only the freshest ingredients in their homestyle cuisine. Starters include traditional minestrone soup from a family recipe, salads with fresh, locally grown produce, and crusty bread with crocks of butter. The nine-ounce prime steak tops the menu and is itself topped with Roquefort cheese in its most popular rendition. All main dishes are served with the restaurant’s signature marinated peppers, and entrées include fish and lobster delivered daily. The dessert menu features créme brûlée and various cheesecakes, but the housemade tiramisu is the highlight—a rich blend of coffee, chocolate and cream cheese flavors. A premium selection of wine, beer and cocktails is available at the full-service bar, and there is a special children’s menu so the entire family can enjoy the dining experience. GIORGETTI’S RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA Washington Park, Michigan City. 219.809.4000. 28 N Elm St, Three Oaks, Mich. giorgettis.com. Expanding on its successful takeout and delivery-only pizzeria in New Buffalo, Giorgetti’s has renovated the waterfront space that was, until recently, the Harbor Grill, at Washington Park’s Yacht Club facility. “When we say we have fresh homemade lasagna, it means we made our own noodles,” says general manager Steve Vargas, explaining the concept. “When we say fresh fish, that means we get the whole fi sh and cut the fi llets ourselves.” Using old family recipes, including one for pizza sauce that dates back half a century, the Michigan City restaurant not only serves the thin-crust pizzas that gained them such a following at their former New Buffalo location, but they also offer an extended menu featuring Italian sandwiches with their housemade sausage and garden salads with romaine, tomato, green onion, black olives, Romano cheese and Italian dressing (made in-house, of course). Desserts change weekly but can include their killer tiramisu and chocolate chip cookies. Be sure to watch the sun set over the harbor while sipping a martini, a locally crafted beer, cocktails or a glass of wine on the outdoor patio that seats 75. There’s live music at night during the summer. “We’re family friendly,” says Vargas, noting that their most expensive item is $12 for the lake perch. KELLY’S TABLE 5727 N 600 W, Michigan City. 219.872.5624. kellyscreekwood.com. Tucked away amidst 30 acres of woodland, the Creekwood Inn, built in the 1930s as a second home, is a delightful spot for those wanting to get away. But you don’t have to spend the night to enjoy a great repast at Kelly’s Table, located inside the inn. It’s here that chef/ proprietor Patricia Kelly Molden creates a seasonal menu using the local bounty of the neighboring farms and orchards. Recent appetizer offerings include a rich Onion Soup Savoyarde with egg yolks and cream, topped with Gruyère toast as well as crabmeat and artichoke-stuffed mushrooms. Entrées range from the simple but delicious chicken tetrazzini to grilled cumin-crusted tuna with a mango habanero salsa, and rabbit braised in wine and served with summer vegetables. Fresh pumpkin custard—topped with whipped cream and flavored with Grand Marnier and crystallized ginger—and chocolate mousse served in chocolate tulip cups accompanied by a berry sauce

are among Molden’s to-die-for desserts. For cocktails, consider Kelly’s Table Cosmopolitan: a delightful concoction of Absolut Citron, Triple Sec, Chambord, lime and cranberry or a capirinha made with Brazilian cachaça, fresh limes and turbinado sugar. LUCREZIA 428 Calumet Rd, Chesterton. 219.926.5829. 302 S Main St, Crown Point. 219.661.5829. lucreziacafe.com. Lucrezia has been a Northern Italian favorite since owners Michael and Nada Karas first opened it in the mid-nineties, in a historic downtown Chesterton building. Several years later, the couple renovated the William Barringer Brown Mansion just off the downtown square in Crown Point, continuing their fine dining tradition. (In fact, Lucrezia won 2006 and 2008 ROSE Awards for “Putting Porter County on the Map.”) Signature dishes include slow-cooked Chicken Vesuvio, slow-cooked chicken served in a rosemary garlic sauce with roasted potatoes and fresh vegetables, and roasted lamb shank braised in its own juices accompanied by roasted potatoes and braised red cabbage. Specials include veal medallions with mustard and mushrooms topped with a roasted brandy cream sauce. Not to be missed is the zuccotto, a sinful domeshaped chocolate sponge cake filled with white chocolate mousse and pistachios and sauced with both chocolate and raspberry. Lunch entrées average $20, dinner $30. MILLER BAKERY CAFÉ 555 S Lake St, Gary. 219.938.2229. For two decades this famous stop on the Lake Michigan shore has introduced the gateway community to the beach, and to the versatile and eclectic menu. Part European, part New Orleans, and all clever. The lightly sautéed crab cakes and the signature molded polenta and pepper appetizer; wood-grilled steak with peppercorn sauce; salmon coated with a sweet tangy glaze; rack of lamb over garlic smashed potatoes; and cafe chocolate, a slab that tastes like the center of a truffle, are always on the menu. Selections of wines by the glass are as creative, and the waitstaff are connoisseurs of food and drink by hobby as well as trade. The bar has a complete martini and cocktail menu and frequently hosts live jazz on weekend nights. For a special occasion or telling secrets, reserve the very private table in the glass-enclosed wine cellar. A two-course lunch averages $18, dinner entrées $25. SAHARA 1701 Franklin St, Michigan City. 219.871.1223. sahara-restaurant.net. A cozy, casual bistro serving Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine in downtown Michigan City, the menu at Sahara reflects the traditional dishes of owner Moe Mroueh’s homeland. “I like to cook what I grew up eating,” says Mroueh, who isn’t afraid to add a defining touch to classics as he does with such menu items as fetastuffed dates in a pomegranate reduction sauce, a cucumber Napoleon—slices of cucumber topped with housemade hummus and feta—and a Greek Isle Salad with the usual toppings of cucumbers, onions and feta with an added flourish of gyro meat. Those who want to graze can order one of the combination plates. Patrons are encouraged to linger and enjoy the music with a cold beer or glass of wine. STOP 50 WOOD FIRED PIZZERIA 500 S El Portal, Michigan City. 219.879.8777. stop50woodfiredpizzeria. com. Just north of US Hwy 12 and

bite & SIP west of New Buffalo, this café enjoys a well-deserved reputation—including being named one of the top four pizzerias in the Midwest by Rachael Ray magazine—for authentic Italian pizza baked “Naples-style” in wood-fired hearth ovens. Customers return again and again—it’s only difficult to find the first time. The recipes are traditional, and the ingredients are fresh daily. In addition to the Napoletana pizza, sandwiches and salads are available to eat at Stop 50, or you can get your snack or meal to go. Try the banana peppers stuffed with house-made sausage or a fiery tomato and goat cheese dip with handcut fried chips. Owners Chris and Kristy Bardol, who rehabbed the 50-year-old beach community grocery store into a restaurant, stick to strictly locally grown food. Average entrée cost is $15, but you can make a satisfying light meal out of the generously proportioned starters at $8-$12. Now open is SodaDog, the Bardols’ newest venture, which specializes in authentic hot dogs and sausages and micro-crafted soda, all served via carhop service. SodaDog is located at 171 Hwy 212 in Michigan City. STRONGBOW INN 2405 E US 30, Valparaiso. 800.462.5121. strongbowinn.com. The menu at this classic institution still includes a wide variety of turkey selections, but with daily specials that include barbecued pork ribs, seafood choices, prime rib and other comfort foods, one would never guess that the bakery and restaurant started as a sandwich stand during the Depression. Many families have had Thanksgiving catered by Strongbow—the meticulously prepared traditional meal that can be ordered as take-out is virtually indistinguishable from that produced by a family team working in the kitchen for ten hours. Also, the bakery has exploded with a range of treats created daily, including cinnamon rolls, cakes, pies, brownies, fruit tarts, truffles, crème brûlée and strawberry napoleons. Lunch entrées average $8, and dinner is $18. SWINGBELLY’S 100 Washington St, Michigan City. 219.874.5718. swingbellys.org. When the weather’s right, enjoy outdoor dining and views of Lake Michigan at this family restaurant, a staple of downtown Michigan City since the Werner family opened its doors in 1983. Located near Washington Park, the nautically themed Swingbelly’s (check out the hammerhead shark, life rings and sailfish mounted on the walls) is housed in a historic train depot. Even if the weather is dreary, the views from inside the restaurant are still great and the ambience of times gone by just adds to its charm. The menu hosts a variety of options, including the Belly Buster—one half pound of hand-pattied beef chargrilled and topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese, mushrooms, green olives, onion and bacon; or the Lake Avenue Roast Beef— turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomato and Thousand Island dressing on rye. There are dinners as well, including the popular deep-fried lake perch and rib eye steaks. Prices are reasonable; all dinners are under $20. The Kid’s Corner menu offers, among other items, hot dogs or popcorn chicken accompanied with sides such as onion rings or fruit cup for only $4.75. There’s beer on tap and in the bottle as well as a limited wine selection.

Michigan

THE PHOENIX 124 Water Street, Benton Harbor. 269.925.8060. thephoenixbh.com. For those wanting to taste Elizabeth Frost’s

exquisite, freshly made croissants, timing is everything at the Phoenix, her cafe in the Arts District of Benton Harbor. Frost starts rolling out the laminated layers of butter and dough in this historic building, with its large windows overlooking the blossoming neighborhood, at a time when late-nighters are just thinking of going to bed. Since she first opened, word of mouth has spiked demand and the French pastries sell so quickly that Frost, who is dedicated to quality, often can’t keep up with the demand. Currently she’s offering three varieties—plain, ham and Gruyere cheese, and chocolate. But even those that miss out on her croissants can still enjoy her other baked goods, like the wonderful scones—often made with fresh fruit when in season—and such breakfast offerings as the One Eyed Jack—bread with a hole cut out of the middle to accommodate a cooked egg—and Egg McPhoenix, two organic eggs with a blend of cheeses served grilled on Challah bread. As with all the breakfast breads, lunch items are made with breads shipped in from the famed Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor and include grilled pimento and cheese, and turkey, havarti, bacon and avocado with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato. There’s freshly brewed coffee, lattes and cappuccinos, Boylan sodas and an array of teas. Outdoor seating completes Frost’s croissant dream. SCHU’S GRILL & BAR 501 Pleasant St, St. Joseph. 269.983.7248. schulersrest.com. The restaurant tradition of Schuler’s goes back four generations in Michigan and continues with Schu’s Grill & Bar in St. Joe. Diners can enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan and cozy up to the hand-crafted fieldstone fireplace. Good conversation and good food are all part of the experience at Schu’s, where the start of a tasty night includes Schu’s potato soup—the restaurant’s famous original soup served with cheddar cheese, bacon bits and diced scallions. Gumbos and a selection of distinctive salads, like the sweet chili shrimp salad, also make great starters before the hearty portions of pasta or a sizzlin’ rib eye steak. Also, try the terrific fall-off-the-bone barbeque ribs presented on a wooden plank with tangy molasses sauce served with crispy French fries. Schu’s is also a great place to stop for lunch. A homemade egg salad sandwich is made exceptional with shallots and a touch of tarragon topped with lettuce and tomato, or devour the salmon B.L.T. made with a generous six-ounce portion of grilled salmon with crisp bacon, mixed greens and fresh tomatoes, topped with tarragon Dijon sauce and served with housemade chips. TABOR HILL WINERY & RESTAURANT 185 Mt Tabor Rd, Buchanan. 800.283.3363. taborhill.com. Tabor Hill Winery’s restaurant is all at once elegant, urbane and semi-casual. Its windows afford ample, rolling vineyard views; the menu is sophisticated. Chef JohnPaul VerHage, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, gives a modified California-cuisine touch to signature dishes like raspberry chicken and the salmon wrapped in grape leaves. The extensive appetizer menu includes items like mini Morel Mushroom Pizzas and Kobe Beef Carpaccio. Though the restaurant is easy to find—just a half hour north of South Bend and 20 minutes east of New Buffalo—it’s not always easy to get in. Reservations are suggested—but those who wander in unannounced can sip at the complimentary wine bar or purchase a glass and enjoy it on the stone

bite & SIP terrace overlooking the vines. Tabor Hill produces a wonderful variety of award-winning wines, but for those who desire a harder libation, a full bar awaits. WHEATBERRY RESTAURANT & TAVERN 15212 N Red Bud Tr, Buchanan. 269.697.0043. wheatberrytavern. com. Nestled on a bend of the slowmoving St. Joseph River just north of Buchanan—a town transforming into trendiness with its historic downtown filled with eclectic shops—the owners of the recently opened Wheatberry Restaurant & Tavern see their place as a gathering spot for lovers of regional American cuisine. “We cook everything from scratch,” says Mike Hoyland, one of the restaurant’s owners. Besides a dedication to using the best of local farms and food producers, there’s also an emphasis on the smoked ribs, pork and chicken that come out of the large Southern Pride Smoker in the back of the restaurant. Other entrées include prime sliced sirloin topped with Wisconsin’s wonderful Mindoro Blue cheese, basil and toasted pine nut butter, as well as cedar-planked salmon and wood-roasted chicken Vesuvio. Soups, sandwiches, salads and killer hamburgers, thick and juicy and cooked to order, are also on the menu. Dessert specialties include Texas sheet cake—a dense, rich brownie-like cake—and Key lime pie. WILD DOG GRILLE 24 W Center St, Douglas. 269.857.2519. Sam Kendall, co-owner of the Wild Dog Grille, says their Italian-inspired cuisine, with a new-age twist, has been delighting the public ever since they opened their doors in June 2007. Start out with fresh spring rolls stuffed with crab meat and wrapped in a thin rice paper, or try the crab cake served with three dollops of Creole remoulade for a flavor enhancement. Another tasty option is the pesto spinach cheese dip served with flat breads fired fresh in the stone oven. Their trademark stone oven pizzas are fired in the best stone oven on the market for an old-world, thincrust flavor. Fresh-cut steaks, such as the popular filet mignon and New York strip, are exceptional. Finish the meal with a vanilla panna cotta made from scratch from the chef’s family recipe, the Oregon berry cobbler or a Key lime tart. The restaurant has a liquor license, and the owners pride themselves on offering a laidback atmosphere with the quality of high-end restaurants. Prices go up to $25.95 for the filet mignon, with most selections under $20.

Illinois 0 VISITSHOREMAGAZINE.COM 8

BALAGIO RISTORANTE 17501 Dixie Hwy, Homewood. 708.957.1650. balagio-restaurant. com. Now in a new location, this popular Italian restaurant has changed its menu offerings, with many entrée prices now under $12.95. Some of the specialties created by chef/ owner Mike Galderio include chicken scaloppini—thin breast cutlets quickly sautéed with white wine—Italian sausage and roasted red peppers served with braised escarole, and a salmon club sandwich with broiled salmon, crisp bacon, avocado, lettuce and tomato. There are also Galderio

traditional family recipes like the chopped salad with chicken, salami and hearts of palm, housemade marinara sauce and spaghetti and meatballs. There’s an extensive wine list as well as live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings. Private dining is available for any group from 10 to 200, either family style or custom designed. CIBO MATTO at THE WIT HOTEL 201 N State St, Chicago. 312.239.9500. cibomatto. therestaurantsatthewit.com. At the corner of State and Lake, in the heart of the Loop, a new and beautiful finedining restaurant offers sophisticated traditional Italian dining with a twist. Cibo Matto means “Crazy Food” but there is nothing off the wall here— just plenty of innovation by Chef Todd Stein in a setting with many seating options: a 12-seat counter-height chef’s table overlooking the kitchen, cozy leather booths, or free-standing tables with views of the 2,000-bottle glass-enclosed wine tower. There are window tables with a western view and, above, a 30-foot ceiling fresco by prominent artist Todd Murphy. Start with a rabbit terrine served in two pancetta-wrapped slices over orange and white pureed carrots. Try the short ribs topped with gremolata and served with a flavorful ricottacreamed spinach, or the perfectly grilled veal tenderloin. Fish, pastas and desserts are all amazing. Dinner nightly, reservations necessary. THE COURTYARD BISTRO 21 S White St, Frankfort. 815.464.1404. The ambitious menu is inspired by the cooking of Italy, France and the American Southwest, but this south suburban bistro adeptly meets the challenge of its own making while getting results that delight both newcomers and regulars. Signature dishes include Santa Fe lasagna and artichoke ravioli on the Neapolitan side, and onion tart and gorgonzola-seared beef tenderloin are straight out of a sidewalk café near the River Seine in Paris. The martini menu is as innovative as the food, and the wine list is better than average with interesting possibilities for complementing the entrées. The seafood is very fresh and well-prepared with garnishes and light sauces, and main dishes are economical in the $9-15 range. The atmosphere is always friendly and can range from celebratory for special luncheons on the weekends to cozy, romantic couple dinners in the evening. But it is the attention to detail at every level from customer comfort to the dessert selections and coffee service at the end of the meal that gets the repeat customers. GLENWOOD OAKS RIB & CHOP HOUSE 100 N Main St, Glenwood. 708.758.4400. The Jarosky family has been serving a solid menu of steaks, chops, fresh seafood and vegetables for a generation, with specials that reflect newly popular items or vegetables in season. But the clientele returns again and again for the staples, which include Angus steaks and chops, sautéed fresh lake perch, oysters Rockefeller done à la Isabelle, and salads of crunchy iceberg lettuce with house dressing. Armadillo eggs—fresh jalapeño peppers stuffed with cheddar, fried and served with salsa and sour

cream—are the ultimate in comfort food. Dinner entrées average $20; lunch entrées run in the $12 range. JENNY’S STEAKHOUSE 20 Kansas St, Frankfort. 815.464.2685. 11041 S Menard Ave, Chicago Ridge. 708.229.2272. jennyssteakhouse.com. The Courtright family has an impressive history and credentials in the culinary world of South Chicago and the nearby suburbs, and the Frankfort location is just the most recent addition to the roster. The menu has scores of familiar and comforting staples like classic chicken Parmesan and a legendary Gambriliano Italiano with sautéed sausage, chicken breast, Vesuvio potatoes, peppers, zucchini, onions, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and white wine over fettuccini. The signature steak is an 8-ounce filet with garlic and bleu cheese, and you can have it with Jack Daniels sauce for an extra $2.50. Meals always include soup, potato, vegetable, bread and bruschetta, and the wine list is impressive and right on. Soup, early-bird and homemade specials change daily—Monday, for instance, you can get split pea soup, pot roast with potato pancakes, and Mama’s meatloaf—but even the regular selections are imaginative. Where else can you get a bottle of Dom Perignon with two surf-and-turf dinners for $235? Jenny’s will even text you drink special information— all you have to do is register. Prices average less than $10 for appetizers, soups, salads, wraps and sandwiches on the lunch menu, and the median price for steak is $20. Most other entrées come in at somewhat less; the sea scallops are $16.95, for instance. An 8- to 9-ounce prime rib at $10.95, a half slab of ribs at $9.95, and braised ox tails at $8.95 are just a few of the bargains on the early-bird menu. THE PICKWICK SOCIETY TEAROOM 21 S White St, Frankfort. 815.806.8140. pickwicktearoom.com. Food and beverages are part of the experience in this charming and comfortable shop/bakery/restaurant, whether you are browsing antiques or just stopping for a minute as you work your way through the fascinating downtown historic community. But the tea is definitely special; Pickwick serves only Octavia Whole Leaf Tea, and a never-ending pot for two costs $5.50. The selections are wideranging, including black, oolong, green, white, herbal and every flavor from English breakfast to Rooibos & Roses. A thoughtful menu has a dozen luncheon combinations with salads, sandwiches, cheese plate, quiche, fruit and vegetables, and garnishes averaging about $7. Sides include green salad, fruit salad and soup. Pastries, breads and cookies can be combined or consumed individually. A popular choice is a scone with clotted cream and jam for $2.75. Choose from two dozen kinds of finger sandwiches such as ham and pineapple spread on a corn muffin, spinach and cheese on a filo triangle, or fig merlot spread with cream cheese on white. A dozen breads include chocolate tea and 14 kinds of homemade scones. Cookies —including madeleines, carrot oatmeal raisin, or cranberry hazelnut shortbread—are $.75 apiece or $8 per dozen.

house&

GROUNDS

a summer getaway nest

180 DEGREES OF BLUE WATER

A farm girl from Illinois, Tricia Paarlberg first fell in love with Holland, Michigan, as an undergraduate at Hope College. It was a pleasant placeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;relaxed and friendly and fun. And Holland was experiencing a growth spurt. In fact a new condominium development was going up on the large dune next to the Holland Channel. But college ended and Paarlberg moved on. Life took her abroad, where she spent several years living in Asia.

photography by

ROBERT WRAY

TERRI GORDON

august/september 2010

words by

t house&

GROUNDS

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Then life brought her back home to Illinois, and she settled into teaching middle school and raising her two boys, Peter and Andrew. Comfortable in her new life, she began to think of purchasing a summer getaway. She remembered Holland, and the idea stuck. As luck would have it, there was a condo on the market in Spyglass, the development she knew from her college days. She went to look. It wasn’t exactly what she wanted, she remembers telling her father, and it was a bit too expensive. “If you’re not buying exactly what you want, it’s already too expensive,” he told her. She followed his advice and turned the place down, but she didn’t give up on Spyglass. Eventually another unit came up for sale. This time it was exactly what Paarlberg wanted. She took it. “It was the easiest big purchase I’ve ever made in my life,” she says. Her mother helped her buy the furniture. They did it all in less than a day— much to her mother’s amazement. Paarlberg knew what she needed and what she liked. So she picked out sofas and beds and a dining room table and didn’t look back. That was nearly eight years ago. The place has been everything she envisioned—a summer getaway, a second home, a safe haven. Peter has just graduated from Hope College, and Andrew just ﬁnished his ﬁrst year there. The living room, dining room and kitchen form the central open area. The ceiling rises to the top of the second level, and west windows allow both levels abundant views of Lake Michigan. A guest bedroom and bathroom sit on the northeast side of the main floor, while the master suite overlooks the lake on the southwest side. Doors lead from the dining room onto a deck. Two more bedrooms, another full bath, and a large open area occupy the upper level. “Upstairs is where the boys hang,” Paarlberg says. A flat panel television is recessed into one wall with a sectional couch sprawled in front of it. Two years ago, with the help of friend

Windows along the west wall of Paarlbergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holland condominium offer panoramic views of Lake Michigan and its beaches. Comfy couches and chairs provide places to sit and read, or to watch the water outside. The lake turns icy in winter, though becomes no less beautiful. The ďŹ replace lends a nice contrast to bitter winds outside. Helping keep things cozy is the radiant heat tile ďŹ&#x201A;ooring Paarlberg installed in her recent remodeling. Aging dog Lester especially enjoys this feature!

GROUNDS

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august/september 2010

With a vacation home, de Alvare likes to keep things “easy and comfortable.” While there are sentimental pieces sprinkled here and there, the look is sophisticated and simple, with nothing to detract from the view— 180 degrees of blue water. Paarlberg relishes her summers, using the time to read and relax. Dogs Lester and Shiloh keep her company on the deck and on walks along the beach. She invites friends and family to visit, and enjoys entertaining them. Often she just watches the lake. “The views are just gorgeous,” she says. “The water is beautiful. Storms come. You can just see the rain walking across the water. Holland is fun, too. There are great restaurants and shops—but, boy, when you have the lake, it’s hard to leave here. It’s a great place to either be alone, or to be with people.”

and interior designer Melissa de Alvare, Paarlberg updated the condo. They replaced the carpeting with heated tile floors, they put in new kitchen counters, added some built-in shelving and cabinetry, and revamped the bathrooms. In the master suite, Paarlberg gave up closet space for a walk-in shower, and removed the combination tub and shower and installed a spa tub.

An outdoor deck [opposite] provides ample space for sunbathing, entertaining, and soaking up the views. Windows on the west and south sides [above] give the master suite light—and more views. A remnant from Paarlberg’s time in Asia graces the second level wall [center]. Paarlberg’s sister made the quilt in son Peter’s room [lower far left]. In the master suite [lower left], Paarlberg removed a combination shower and tub to open the room up, and to install a relaxing spa tub.

shore THINGS Trainor Glass Company

202 N Dixie Way, South Bend, Indiana. 574.855.2380. trainorglass.com. Since 1953, Trainor Glass has specialized in commercial glass and glazing. Their state-of-the-art glass can be installed just about anywhere, from partitions, walls and doors, to the shower and bath. The inventory includes endless variations of glass, including clear, frosted, patterned and backpainted glass, along with digitially printed glass products. Trainor serves all of Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan.

build Indiana

BONTRAGER POOLS 23695 US Hwy 33, Elkhart. 800.875.6550. bontragerpools.com. This pool store—with additional locations in South Bend and LaPorte—offers pools, spas and their accompanying accessories. Installation, service and maintenance are also available. The website features instructional videos and also offers online shopping. CK BUILDING & DESIGN CORPORATION 877.448.1516. ckbuildinganddesign.com. With more than 20 years of experience, the builders at this company specialize in custom homes and green building, as well as renovations and remodeling. CK Building works throughout Lake and Porter Counties in Indiana and Will and Cook Counties in Illinois. HORIZON AWNING 2227 E US 12, Michigan City. 219.872.2329. horizon-awning.com. For more than 25 years, this company has built canvas and aluminum awnings for the home and business, plus custom boat covers. Canvas awnings are made of long-wearing, faderesistant fabrics, and the aluminum variety come with whimsical scalloped edges.

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HULTMAN FLOORING 35 E US Hwy 20, Porter. 219.926.1966. Hultman Flooring, a member of the National Wood Flooring Association, specializes in the design, installation and refinishing of real wood floors. J KREMKE CONSTRUCTION ENTERPRISES 314 Spring View Dr, Porter. 219.309.0360. mygreenbuildingsolutions.com. This construction company specializes in sustainable eco-friendly and energy-efficient homes at reasonable rates. Aside from new construction, remodeling and land development, J Kremke Construction also provides maintenance for bank-owned properties.

MARUSZCZAK APPLIANCE 7809 W Lincoln Hwy, Schererville. 219.865.0555. For nineteen years, Maruszczak has been selling and servicing major home appliances in the Munster area. Its broad inventory includes fridges, stoves, dishwashers, washer/dryers and more, made by virtually every brand in the market. The company is also factory-authorized to service everything it sells.

Michigan

WATER PLACE 188 W US 12, Ste 3, New Buffalo. 269.231.5153. The Water Place is a decorative plumbing and hardware products superstore. With whirlpools, faucets and cabinets, this has “everything you need for plumbing services.”

clean Michigan

FISH WINDOW CLEANING 4188 N Roosevelt Rd, Stevensville. 269.408.0400. ﬁshwindowcleaning.com. The highly trained professionals here specialize in cleaning interior and exterior windows for both commercial and residential clients. Pressure washing services are also available.

design Indiana

THE BEACH HOUSE 619 E 3rd St, Hobart. 219.942.0783. The 1,000-squarefoot showroom at the Beach House features “beachy,” cottage-style home furnishing and accessories. In the store’s lower level, the Wicker Gallery, custom orders are accepted. The store began as and still houses an upscale showroom of very current, high-quality, preowned furniture known as Like New. INDIANA FURNITURE 1807 E Lincolnway, Valparaiso. 219.465.0545. athomeatlast.com. Since 1980, this family-owned

and operated company has offered quality home furnishings and customer service. A wide range of home furnishing providers are represented here, including Ashley, Lane and La-Z-Boy. MC INTERIORS 1102 Franklin St, Michigan City. 219.872.7236. mcinteriorsin.com. MC Interiors offers a variety of home décor products including window treatments, floor coverings, draperies and upholstery. Services include free in-home consultation and estimates, plus installation of drapery, blinds, carpet, hardwood and ceramic flooring. NO PLACE LIKE HOME 110 Elmwood Dr, Michigan City. 219.879.9140. 400 E Randolph St, Ste 3414, Chicago. 312.938.9140. nplhinc.com. This eco-minded interior design firm has multiple specialties, including space planning, architectural design consultation, kitchen and bath design and renovations, custom cabinetry design and installation, and selection of additional materials, plus decorating and staging services.

Michigan

BAYBERRY COTTAGE 510 Phoenix Rd, South Haven. 269.639.9615. One of South Haven’s most well-known shops, Gwen DeBruyn’s Bayberry Cottage features home furnishings and accessories which include furniture, wall décor, rugs, florals and bath and body products. Interior design services are also available, and items can be special ordered if not in stock. CUSTOMS IMPORTS 430 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo. 269.469.9180. customsimports.com. This exotic gallery hosts a large, distinguished inventory of global art, furniture and antiques from India, Indonesia, China, Morocco and Vietnam. Dee Dee Duhn’s new showroom features teak root benches, textiles, Indonesian pottery, unique new furniture and an extensive mirror gallery. Claudia Labao’s Global Dreams jewelry—popular with the stars of Desperate Housewives—can also be found here.

photograph by MARY PENCE

The information presented in Shore Things is accurate as of press time, but readers are encouraged to call ahead to verify the listing information.

PRIEBE’S CREATIVE WOODWORKING 2113 Plaza Dr, Benton Harbor. 269.926.2469. priebeswoodworking.com. For more than twelve years, the craftsmen at Priebe’s have created custom cabinetry, countertops (in granite and quartz), entertainment centers, mantels and surrounds, and millwork. Priebe’s offers installation services, and a custom threedimensional computer-assisted kitchen design service is also available. SAWYER HOME & GARDEN CENTER 5865 Sawyer Rd, Sawyer. 269.426.8810. sawyergardencenter.com. The Sawyer Garden Center offers a large inventory of items for the garden, including annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees, plus a variety of high-quality lawn accessories. A large gift shop and gourmet shop—featuring produce, breads, sauces and cheeses—are also on site. SEA GLASS COTTAGE 402 Eagle St, South Haven. 269.639.1200. seaglasscottage.com. As its name suggests, this specialty shop features hundreds of collected sea glass items, along with a tasteful collection of beachinspired home furniture and décor. Purses, jewelry, sunglasses and other accessories are also available here.

drive Indiana

DORMAN GARAGE, INC. 1317 Lake St, LaPorte. 219.324.7646. dormangarage.com. With more than twenty years of experience, Dorman Garage specializes in classic car restoration. Aside from offering restoration services, there is also a large inventory of restored classic automobiles for sale. HARBOR AUTOMOTIVE GROUP 9911 W 300 N, Michigan City. 219.879.6789. harborcars.com. This auto dynamo features new and pre-owned vehicles by Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Honda, Jeep and Pontiac. On-site parts, servicing and fi nancing are also available.

Michigan

RUSSELL’S FOREIGN CAR REPAIR 8754 US Hwy 31, Berrien Springs. 269.473.3088. This dealer alternative provides service, repairs and maintenance during the vehicle’s factory warranty and beyond. Russell’s Foreign Car Repair services all imported car makes, but specializes in upscale European and Asian vehicles.

CHESTERTON’S EUROPEAN MARKET Corner of Broadway and Third Sts, Chesterton. 219.926.5513. chestertonseuropeanmarket.com. More than 150 vendors set up shop at this wellknown outdoor market, which features a wide range of products, including gourmet breads, cheeses and foods, along with plants, produce, rare books, accessories and gifts. Guests can also watch artists at work and enjoy live entertainment. The market takes place every Saturday through the end of October. GREAT LAKES CATERING 701 Washington St, Michigan City. 219.898.1501. greatlakescatering.com. With a combined 75 years of experience, father and son Ed and Matt Kis have formed one of the area’s leading catering companies. A full range of services is available for all kinds of events, including catered foods and beverages, bands, tents, tables and more.

Michigan

KILWIN’S Multiple locations in Illinois and Michigan. kilwins.com. For more than 60 years, Kilwin’s has been a quality confectionery shoppe in northern Michigan, providing quality products and excellent services. Despite growing throughout the United States and changing ownership, they still use only the finest and freshest ingredients in their hand-paddled fudge, custom chocolates and truffles. SEASON’S HARVEST 13686 Red Arrow Hwy, Harbert. 269.469.7899. seasonsharvest.com. This quaint shop along Red Arrow Highway features natural gourmet provisions like barbecue sauces, salad dressings, dipping sauces and olive oil, among others. Products can be purchased either online or at the shop, and gift sets are available.

give Indiana

OPULENT VODKA opulentvodka.com. This award-winning vodka, made of a grain distinctively native to America, is fermented and distilled “five times for a purity of less than 1 micron,” according to the website, which also hosts an extensive list of cocktail recipes. RIBORDY LIQUORS 2 W Dunes Hwy, Beverly Shores. 219.871.1111. 1454 W Hwy 30, Valparaiso. 219.465.7507. This upscale liquor store features fine wines, top-shelf liquors, and import and craft specialty beers. Kegs and ice are also available. SHADY CREEK WINERY 2030 Tryon Rd, Michigan City. 219.874.9463. shadycreekwinery.com. Situated on nearly 20 acres, this winery features custom crafted wines, along with specialty foods, gifts and local artwork. The location offers expansive views, covered porches, fireplaces and a tasting room. ST. JOHN WINE & SPIRITS 9540 Poplar Ln, St. John. 219.558.8911. stjohnwineandspirits.com. Both the connoisseur and the beginner alike will feel comfortable in this shop, which features a wide variety of fine wines, beer and spirits. The staff is trained to assist customers with selection needs, in order

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010

THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON SHOP OF MICHIGAN CITY 2968 N Hwy 421, Michigan City. 219.878.8885. hdmichigancity.com. While the Harley-Davidson brand needs no introduction, the Michigan City store stands out in the crowd, being a member of the largest Harley dealer in the state. A large selection of new and pre-owned motorcycles are available for purchase or for rent. The store also offers accessories, repair services and periodic events.

eat Indiana

IMPERIAL FURNITURE 57530 M-51 S, Dowagiac. 269.782.5020. imperialfurniture.net. This family-owned furniture store boasts an old-fashioned atmosphere that makes customers feel comfortable. The inventory is up-to-date, however, featuring brands like Bassett, Lane, and Stanley. Special orders are welcome.

shore THINGS “to take the intimidation out of shopping for wine and spirits.” Wine tastings are held here often, and gifts and accessories are also available.

Michigan

DECADENT DOGS 505 Phoenix St, South Haven. 866.459.5437. This dog-exclusive boutique features high-end canine products, including designer dog collars and apparel, toys and gourmet dog treats. For the humans, dog-oriented gifts and décor items are also available. LAMBRECHT’S LIQUORS 2926 Niles Ave, St. Joseph. 269.983.5353. lambrechtsliquors.com. Lambrecht’s features a comprehensive selection of wines, beers, spirits, cigars, pipes and tobacco products. Specialty items include beer and winemaking equipment and supplies and gourmet coffees and cheeses. Occasional tasting events and seminars are offered as well.

heal Indiana

CENTER FOR OTOLARYNGOLOGY 9120 Columbia Ave, Ste A, Munster. 219.836.4820. Bethany Cataldi, D.O., specializes in ear, nose and throat surgery and facial plastic surgery. In fact, she is the only female facial plastic surgeon in Northwest Indiana who’s been specifically trained in surgery of the face, head and neck. Dr. Cataldi’s expertise in such procedures exclusively ranges all spectrums, from topical treatments like skin peels, to hair removal, to full nasal construction. DIGESTIVE DISEASE CLINICS Locations in Merrillville, Michigan City, Valparaiso, and St. Joseph, Mich. 800.422.9080. stomachdoctors.com. Rakesh Gupta, MD, and his medical staff specialize in treating a variety of problems occuring in the stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver, gallbladder and esophagus. The clinic operates with a philosophy of balanced management and will work with patients’ schedules to ensure treatment. MIND YOUR OWN BODY HEALTH CENTER 4004 Campbell St, Valparaiso. 219.531.0241. naturaldoctor.biz. Dr. William Stimack, N.M.D., is a boardcertified doctor of naturopathic medicine who treats a wide variety of health issues with a three-tiered plan: nutritional counseling, plant-based herbs, and Jade/Derma Ray therapy. Dr. Stimack and his staff also offer detoxification plans for aiding in hormonal imbalance and the relief of fibromyalgia and other autoimmune disorders.

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NORTHWEST ORAL SURGEONS 601A US Hwy 30, Schererville. 219.322.0501. 548 Ridge Rd, Ste G, Munster. 219.836.0004. northwestoralsurgeons.com. Drs. Joseph Lovasko, D.D.S., and Paul Wolf, D.D.S., are oral and maxillofacial surgeons whose services include oral pathology, corrective jaw surgery, wisdom tooth removal, dental implants and more. OBSTETRICAL & GYNECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC. 1101 E Glendale Blvd, Ste 102, Valparaiso. 219.462.6144. 3630 Willowcreek Rd, Ste 1, Portage. 219.364.3230. The boardcertified obstetrician-gynecologists—Drs. Short, Strickland and Murphy—at this clinic specialize in pregnancy care, family planning, infertility and menopause, along

with general women’s wellness. Patients are made to feel at ease because of the clinic’s state-of-the-art equipment and a skilled staff. PORTER HOSPITAL 814 LaPorte Ave, Valparaiso. 219.263.4600. 3630 Willowcreek Rd, Portage. 219.364.3000. 650 Dickinson Rd, Chesterton. 219.926.7755. porterhealth.org. Since opening in 1939 as a community-owned, not-for-profit hospital, Porter has served area families by providing quality care and programs. With ten facilities in two counties, Porter provides health care that is recognized on local, state and national levels and offers a continuum of specialized services such as emergency/trauma, cardiology, family medicine, surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, orthopedics, oncology, sleep lab, physical rehabilitation care and more. ST. ANTHONY MEMORIAL 301 W Homer St, Michigan City. 888.879.8511. saintanthonymemorial.org. This acute care hospital, serving LaPorte, Porter and Berrien Counties, boasts an integrated health care network that is made up of an intensive care unit, a new birthing unit, emergency department, behavioral medicine, rehabilitation services, surgery units, oncology, pediatrics and a multidiscipline physician practice.

Illinois

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO MEDICAL CENTER 888.824.0200. discover.uchospitals.edu. Since 1927, the University of Chicago Medical Center has been one of the Midwest’s most reputable hospitals. Aside from basic health care, the Medical Center consists of a children’s hospital, a maternity and women’s hospital, multiple outpatient facilities, and the renowned Pritzker School of Medicine.

invest Michigan

MUTUAL BANK, KATHY SELLERS 307 W Buffalo St, New Buffalo. 269.469.5552. bankwithmutual.com. Kathy Sellers is a Mutual Bank agent who services both first-time home buyers and seasoned investors. Mutual Bank specializes in investments and wealth management for businesses and personal clients.

learn Indiana

LA LUMIERE SCHOOL 6801 N Wilhelm Rd, LaPorte. 219.326.7450. lalumiere.org. Located on a secluded 155 acres—but still only 60 miles east of Chicago—this boarding and day collegepreparatory high school offers world-class education by its notable faculty. Facilities include five newly renovated dormitories, two athletic playing fields, and two gymnasiums.

live Indiana

COLDWELL BANKER, DAWN BERNHARDT 748 E Porter, Chesterton. 219.241.0952. dawnbernhardt.com. Dawn Bernhardt is the go-to agent for homes in Chesterton’s luxurious Sand Creek subdivision, along with other properties in Porter, LaPorte and Lake Counties. The website offers an abundance of resources for both buyers and sellers.

MICKY GALLAS PROPERTIES 2411 St. Lawrence Ave, Long Beach. 219.874.7070. mickygallasproperties.com. The experienced brokers and agents at this real estate company help clients find homes for purchase or for rent throughout Indiana and Michigan. Some of the many services provided include assistance in scheduling inspections, and a complimentary comparative market analysis.

Michigan

AMERICAN HOMES, SHARON HALLIBURTON 4532 Red Arrow Hwy, Stevensville. 269.983.2526. sharonhalliburton.com. For 30 years, Sharon Halliburton has specialized in property management, having been licensed as a real estate agent and a broker more than 10 years ago. Her expertise covers residential, lakefront and vacation properties, plus farms, golf courses and vineyards. BRIDGEWATER PLACE 225 N Whittaker St, New Buffalo. 269.469.9500. bridgewaterofnewbuffalo. com. Twoand three-bedroom condominiums are available at this luxury development, which is situated in downtown New Buffalo. Amenities include a fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, elevated patios and a rooftop terrace with kitchenette. COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE 10 N Whittaker St, New Buffalo. 269.469.3950. coldwellbankeronline.com. This New Buffalo real estate firm features more than 200,000 properties in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. Both the in-office staff and the Coldwell Banker website offer multiple services and resources for buyers and sellers. HARBOR SHORES REALTORS 584 Lake St, Saugatuck. 269.857.3900. harborshoresrealtors.com. Principal broker Tammy Kerr and team specialize in helping their clients buy and sell properties in the Saugatuck/Douglas area. Each of the agents are members of the National Association of REALTORS. HARBOR SHORES RESORT 269.932.1600. harborshoresresort.com. Southwest Michigan’s biggest, most talked-about project is underway in Benton Harbor. The residential community will include a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, marinas, an indoor water park and a luxury spa. The property is surrounded by two rivers and five beaches. Custom homesites and cottages are available.

SHORES OF SOUTH HAVEN 300 Kalamazoo St, South Haven. 269.637.8555. shoresrealestate.com. This reputable firm provides assistance

Illinois

DEWITT PLACE 900 N DeWitt Pl, Chicago. 312.642.7020. dewittplace.com. This 82-unit vintage building, built in 1924, offers corporate housing, temporary furnished apartment rentals and long-term temporary housing solutions. These studio and one-bedroom apartments come with a variety of amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen, wireless Internet access, DirecTV satellite service and an exercise room.

pamper Indiana

COSMEDIC SKIN & BODY CLINIC 210 E 86th Pl, Merrillville. 219.795.1255. 58 E Walton, Chicago. 312.377.3333. cosmedicclinic.com. Available by appointment. Dr. James Platis, who has been featured on local and national news programs and has been applauded by Dr. Phil, specializes in all forms of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, particularly breast surgery, body contouring and facial aesthetic surgery. Less invasive procedures include tanning, waxing and facials. ELLE SALON 113 W 8th St, Michigan City. 219.874.3553. This upscale salon, situated in Michigan City’s historic district, offers full-service hair care, manicures, pedicures and facial waxing. Retail products include skin care, body care, a men’s line, wooden styling tools, a full line of Aveda products, and other calming items such as Aveda teas, candles and oils. REVERIE SPA RETREAT 3634 N 700 W, LaPorte. 219.861.0814. spareverie.com. Located on more than fifty acres of deep woodlands, this spa retreat offers an imaginative menu of personal luxury care which includes facials, massage therapy, reflexology, botanical treatments, envelopments and azulene waxings. There are five guest rooms blending calming Asian and classically antique influences and a dining room, which serves twenty-six people vegetables from the garden and other goodies. TIMOTHY JEFFRY SALON 2411 St. Lawrence Ave, Long Beach. 219.872.6567. timothyjeffrysalon.com. This quaint Aveda concept salon is situated near the lake in Long Beach and features hair and spa services, including unique options like hair damage remedies, exfoliating scalp treatment for men, Caribbean therapy pedicure and makeup application. VANIS SALON & SPA 221 US 41, Ste J, Schererville. 219.322.5600. 1620 Country Club Rd, Valparaiso. 219.465.6414. 107 N Main St, Crown Point. 219.663.5200. vanis.net. One of Northwest Indiana’s premier salons, Vanis features a well-trained, professional staff for haircare, nailcare and spa body treatments. Group and corporate retreats (for four to twenty people) can be arranged.

Michigan

HEATH & COMPANY 419 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo. 269.469.4247. This Aveda-concept salon

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010

PRUDENTIAL RUBLOFF PROPERTIES 439 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo. 888.257.5800. rubloff.com. Since 1930, Rubloff has been one of the premier real estate firms on the local scene. Serving clients all along Lake Michigan’s southern coast and beyond, the certified sales associates at Rubloff proclaim great success in buying, selling and renting properties along the lakeshore.

with development, sales and leasing of condominiums, single-family, vacation and retirement home sales, along with lots, boat slips and commercial property. Shores also manages and leases property for investor-buyers.

COLDWELL BANKER, DONNA HOFMANN 219.331.1133. dhofmann.com. Donna Hofmann specializes in helping clients with buying and selling lakefront properties in Ogden Dunes, Dune Acres, Porter Beach, Beverly Shores, Chesterton and Valparaiso.

shore THINGS is one of the familiar businesses greeting visitors to New Buffalo from the south. Owner Rick Heath and his staff gel their expertise and friendliness, making a trip to this salon more of an experience than a necessity. Services include hair care, nail care, massage therapy and waxing. YOGA GLOW 6 Linden St, Three Oaks. 269.697.4394. yogathreeoaks.com. This renowned yoga studio features group yoga classes and private lessons for all levels, plus workshops every month. Patrons are encouraged to visit Yoga Glow’s website for class schedules, teacher bios and other yogarelated information.

party Indiana

MARQUETTE PARK PAVILION 1 N Grand Blvd, Gary. 219.938.7362. This historic pavilion is one of the only event facilities in Indiana located right along the lakefront. Recently renovated in 2008, the pavilion can be rented for events of all sizes, from weddings to family reunions to business functions.

Michigan

SHADOWLAND ON SILVER BEACH 333 Broad St, St. Joseph. 888.404.7587. shadowlandonsilverbeach.com. St. Joseph’s newest event venue is located right on the beach, in the same building as the famed Silver Beach Carousel. Shadowland, which can accommodate more than 300 guests, partners with Bistro on the Boulevard for a dynamic catering menu. The venue is available for wedding receptions, business meetings and other special occasions.

play Indiana

BLUE CHIP CASINO, HOTEL & SPA 777 Blue Chip Dr, Michigan City. 888.879.7711. bluechipcasino.com. The casino portion of Blue Chip features 65,000 square feet of gaming, all on one level, including more than 2,100 slot games and all the classic table games. Brand new to the facility is the 22-story Spa Blu Tower, which features a state-ofthe-art hotel, luxury spa and convention center. Dining options include It’s Vegas Baby! and the Game, along with the fine-dining restaurant William B’s Steakhouse.

Michigan

FOUR WINDS CASINO 11111 Wilson Rd, New Buffalo, Michigan. 866.494.6371. fourwindscasino.com. With 3,000 of the most recent types of slot machines and more than 100 tables games, including blackjack and craps, New Buffalo’s Four Winds is the only casino in the area that offers million dollar jackpots. This brand new casino also has the Midwest’s only World Poker Tour poker room.

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OUTPOST SPORTS Locations in New Buffalo, St. Joseph, South Haven and Mishawaka, Ind. outpostsports.com. Whether bicycling, kayaking, surfing or simply sunbathing, any summer sports fan will find a large inventory of sporting products here. Owner JV Peacock emphasizes a life-is-short/seize-the-day philosophy throughout his inventory, events, lessons and staff. Clothing, beach accessories and eyewear are also available.

stay Indiana

DUNELAND BEACH INN 3311 Pottawattamie Tr, Michigan City. 219.874.7729. dunelandbeachinn.com. Nestled in a private wooded community on the beach, yet only minutes from Michigan City’s best shopping and dining, this cozy inn provides guests with comfort and convenience. Also on the premises is Duneland Beach Inn’s fine dining restaurant, which features steaks, chops, pasta and seafood.

Michigan

THE BOULEVARD INN 521 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph. 269.983.6600. theboulevardinn.com. Warmth and coziness are a theme at this historic hotel in St. Joseph. From the plush furniture in the lobby to the comfort food at the Bistro, to the luxurious amenities in the hotel’s suites, the Boulevard offers more than just a place to stay. Business and fitness centers are also available for use.

view Michigan

BOX FACTORY FOR THE ARTS 1101 Broad St, St. Joseph. 269.983.3688. boxfactoryforthearts.org. This multi-use arts center features the studios of more than 30 artists who specialize in ceramics, fabric art, painting, printmaking, photography and more. Artists give classes and also have their work on display for various exhibits and for purchase. The center also hosts a performance stage, classrooms and meeting space, and events are held there regularly. BLUE GALLERY 16 S Elm St, Three Oaks. 269.756.9338. bluegalleryart.com. Run by owner and art director Judy Ferrara, this wellknown gallery features the works of more than 15 artists, including local notables like Joe Hindley and Kellie Pickard. Several art-related events take place here, including a gallery walk every third Saturday of the month, when the facility is open until 9 p.m. COWLEY FINE ARTS 315 State St, St. Joseph. 269.982.8077. cowleyﬁneartgallery.com. This art gallery represents more than 100 regional artists, with contemporary art, fine crafts and custom jewelry. Interior design consultation—by artists Jane Cowley and Nancy Eggen—is another available service.

visit Indiana

THE SHRINE OF CHRIST’S PASSION 10630 Wicker Ave, St. John. 219.365.6010. shrineofchristspassion. org. This peaceful, prayerful environment consists of an interactive half-mile winding pathway that takes visitors from the Last Supper to the Ascension of the Christ. The journey features 40 life-size bronze statues that are accompanied by a listening station that gives a description of the scene. The Visitor’s Center and Gift Shop carries a unique selection of books and gifts for people of all faiths.

Michigan

FERNWOOD BOTANICAL GARDEN & NATURE PRESERVE 13988 Range Line Rd, Niles. 269.695.6491. fernwoodbotanical.org.

SUBMITTED: 04/28/10 - 5:01pm

- pick up ad #10309600 and make the following changes

nwi.com nnw wi.ccom om

- first of all you will need to resize and take off the bleed.

Your Automotive Source for Northwest Indiana

- in the adjacket you will find a 3 page PDF with the changes that will need to be changed. (the file is called “autoinbus_changes_3pgs.pdf”

Locate Auto Dealers with Ease, in NW Indiana & Chicagoland ACURA JOE RIZZA ACURA • 3

SMITH CHEVROLET - LOWELL • 7

WEBB FORD • 71

THOMAS KIA • 16

700 W. Commerical, Lowell, IN

9809 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN

9825 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN

219-696-8931 • www.smithautogroupusa.com

888-869-8822 • www.webbford.com

219-934-2266 • www.thomasautogroup.com

TEAM CHEVROLET • 48

GMC

MITSUBISHI

8150 West 159th Street, Orland Park, IL 708-403-7770 • www.rizzacars.com

1856 W. U.S. 30, Valparaiso, IN

AUDI

219-462-1175 • www.teamchevyinc.com

TEAM AUDI • 50

CHRYSLER

3990 E. RT 30, Merrillville, IN

CIRCLE GMC • 65

SHAFFER MITSUBISHI • 43

1300 U.S. 41,, Schererville, IN

1000 W. U.S. Hwy. 30, Merrillville, IN

IN. 219-865-4400 • IL. 773-221-8124

219-736-2277 www.shaffermitsubishi.com

www.circleautomotive.com

(One mile east of the mall)

NISSAN

CENTER CHRYSLER • 41

888-805-3689 • www.teamvwaudi.com

HYUNDAI

11009 West 133rd Ave, Cedar Lake, IN 219-374-7171 • www.centercars.com

BUICK CIRCLE BUICK • 65 1300 U.S. 41,, Schererville, IN

SOUTHLAKE NISSAN • 34 SHAFFER HYUNDAI • 43

Rt. 30, 1 Mile E. of I-65, Merrillville, IN

GRIEGERS CHRYSLER • 5

1000 W. U.S. Hwy. 30, Merrillville, IN

888-697-6747 • www.southlakeautomall.com

1756 U.S. 30 West, Valparaiso, IN

219-736-2277 • www.shafferhyundai.com

SUZUKI

219-462-4117 • www.griegersmotors.com

IN. 219-865-4400 • IL. 773-221-8124

WEBB HYUNDAI • 45

www.circleautomotive.com

CHEVROLET

THOMAS CHRYSLER • 11

9236 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN

RICHARDSON SUZUKI • 38

9604 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN

219-923-2277 • www.webbhyundai.com

9110 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN

219-924-6100 • www.thomasautogroup.com

219-923-4000 • www.richardsonsuzuki.com

JEEP

ARNELL CHEVROLET • 14

DODGE

U.S 20 & I-94, Burns Harbor, IN

TOYOTA CENTER JEEP • 41

866-593-0997 • www.arnellmotors.com CENTER DODGE • 41

11009 West 133rd Ave, Cedar Lake, IN

TEAM TOYOTA • 44

CHRISTENSON CHEVROLET • 2

11009 West 133rd Ave, Cedar Lake, IN

219-374-7171 • www.centercars.com

9601 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN

9700 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN

219-374-7171 • www.centercars.com

219-924-8100 • www.teamtoyota2000.com

888-999-9141 • www.christensonchevy.com

GRIEGERS JEEP • 5 GRIEGERS DODGE • 5

1756 U.S. 30 West, Valparaiso, IN

TOYOTA ON 30 • 46

MIKE ANDERSON CHEVROLET • 4

1756 U.S. 30 West, Valparaiso, IN

219-462-4117 • www.griegersmotors.com

4450 E. RT 30, Merrillville, IN

The Chevy Giant on I-65

219-462-4117 • www.griegersmotors.com

I-65 and 61st Avenue, Merrillville, IN

219-947-3325 • www.toyotaon30.com

THOMAS JEEP • 11

219-947-4151 • www.mikeandersonchevy.com RIDGEWAY CHEVROLET • 1

THOMAS DODGE • 11

9604 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN

219-924-6100 • www.thomasautogroup.com

17730 Torrence Ave, Lansing, IL 60438 708-474-4990 • www.ridgewaychevy.com

TEAM VOLKSWAGEN • 50

KIA

3990 E. RT 30, Merrillville, IN

SOUTHLAKE KIA • 34

888-805-3689 • www.teamvwaudi.com

FORD

SMITH CHEVROLET - HAMMOND • 37 6405 Indianapolis Blvd., Hammond, IN 219-845-4000 • www.smithautogroupusa.com

VOLKSWAGEN

(One mile east of the mall)

SMITH FORD • 36

Rt. 30, 1 mi. East of I-65, Merrillville, IN

1777 E. Commercial, Lowell, IN

888-711-8065 • www.southlakeautomall.com

219-769-1090 • www.smithautogroupusa.com

ORLAND PARK

3 1

38 11

VALPARAISO

4 50

43 MERRILLVILLE

CROWN POINT

CONTACT YOUR SALES REPRESENTATIVE TO FEATURE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE TIMES AUTO DIRECTORY CROWN POINT • (219) 662-5300 MUNSTER • (219) 933-3200 PORTAGE • (219) 762-1397 VALPARAISO • (219) 462-5151

shore THINGS

ST. JOSEPH TODAY 120 State St, St. Joseph. 269.985.1111. sjtoday.org. Visitors to St. Joseph will fi nd a variety of helpful information—on shopping, dining and events—at this welcome center. St. Joseph Today is a nonprofit organization that assists and encourages local business and tourism development. SILVER BEACH CENTER 333 Broad St, St. Joseph. 269.982.8500. silverbeachcarousel.com. Brand new to St. Joseph is this family-friendly center, which features an abundance of fun and unique activities for people of all ages. The primary attraction is the Silver Beach Carousel, a spectacular structure that features 44 colorful, handcarved horses. Also at the center is Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone, the Shadowland Ballroom, Whirlpool Compass Fountain, and Michigan’s tallest kaleidoscope. SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN TOURIST COUNCIL 2300 Pipestone Rd, Benton Harbor. 269.925.6301. swmichigan.org. The natural attractions of Southwest Michigan—the dunes, miles of scenic Lake Michigan beach, rivers and parks with hiking trails and biking paths—offer beauty in every season. The friendly staff at this nonprofi t organization can assist travelers whether they seek solitude or a group learning experience.

wear Indiana

ALBERT’S DIAMOND JEWELERS 711 Main St, Schererville. 219.322.2700. albertsjewelers.com. Besides the fact that Albert’s showcases 5,000 square feet of jewelry, the store in itself is an entertainment destination. A bar, large-screen TV, dance fl oor and karaoke are among the many ways that patrons can let loose while browsing every type of fi ne jewelry imaginable. Brands include Tacori, Bulgari, Cartier and Bez Ambar, and the store’s entire back wall is devoted to bridal jewelry and accessories. AMY LAURIE’S ECLECTIC BOUTIQUE 613 N Main St, Crown Point. 219.661.8094. This boutique features clothing for women of all ages and sizes, including jackets, wraps, sweaters, evening wear, accessories and shoes. Owners Judith Kaye and Nancy C. Goodwin update the inventory regularly, while also offering frequent sales.

REVIVE CONSIGNMENTS 523 Franklin St, Michigan City. 219.814.4063. reviveconsignments.com. This upscale consignment boutique, located in the historic Franklin Square district, features gently worn and new designer clothing, shoes and accessories. Furniture, art and jewelry—all made by local and national artists—are also available for purchase. TIP TEE TOE 2411 St. Lawrence Ave, Long Beach. 219.861.6012. tipteetoe.com. The Tip Tee Toe golf shoe features a unique wedge sole design, allowing proper weight distribution, weight transfer, and therefore a more powerful golf swing. The shoes come in a variety of colors and can be worn on and off the course.

Michigan

CRESCENT MOON 413 Phoenix Rd, South Haven. 269.637.5119. Situated in downtown South Haven, this boutique features women’s apparel that ranges from dressy to casual to sportswear. Brands include Lole, Fresh Produce, and Pure. Also available are shoes, jewelry and home décor items, including Mariposa serving pieces. DK BOUTIQUE 213 State St, St. Joseph. 269.983.7313. dkboutique.com. This contemporary women’s clothing boutique in downtown St. Joe offers limited edition designer apparel, cool new accessories and the latest designs in jewelry from Pandora Jewelry. With something for everyone, from teenagers and older, DK Boutique provides the most current styles that are full of flair. EVE 319 State St, St. Joseph. 269.983.4372. This boutique for women is a longtime favorite among visitors to downtown St. Joseph. Owned by Rachel Arent, Eve specializes in artisan-designed clothing and trendy jewelry and accessories. Some of the more popular designers found here include Linda Lundstrom, Lee Andersen, Sympli, Painted Pony and Fenini. Eve’s selection of linen clothing is wildly popular among customers. MOXIE’S BOUTIQUE 321 State St, St. Joseph. 269.983.4273. moxiesboutique.com. This fun and festive boutique features women’s fashions, accessories and gifts. Apparel—from designers such as Belamie, Flashback Couture and Nic & Zoe—comes in a range of styles and prices. Many local artists’ works are available here as well, including handbags, scarves, jewelry, furniture and art.

First. Best. In Local News.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010

INDIAN SUMMER 131 S Calumet Rd, Chesterton. 219.983.9994. 126 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo, Mich. 269.469.9994. This women’s clothing boutique offers casual and contemporary clothing and jewelry from around the world. Indian Summer features brands such as Sympli, Oh My Gauze, Big Buddha and San Miguel shoes. The new space in Chesterton offers a larger selection of summer apparel, jewelry and accessories, while the original New Buffalo storefront continues to feature its quality inventory for those on the other side of the lake.

LUX & MIE 404 E Lincolnway, Valparaiso. 219.464.3330. luxandmie.com. Fashions and accessories in contemporary, trendy and casual-chic styles come together at Lux & Mie, an upscale boutique owned by mother-daughter pair Kate and amie Salan. The fashionable selection appeals to both men and women, from high school age to those in their 50s and 60s. Featured designers include English Laundry, Covet and Wish Collection.

Situated on 105 acres of cultivated and natural land, Fernwood is composed of gardens, forests and trails for visitors to peruse. An art gallery, fern conservatory, nature center, cafe and gift shop are also on site, and there are several learning and enrichment opportunities as well.

shorecast PREDICTIONS BY FRAN SMITH

For more astrological advice, be sure to check out Fran Smith’s regular blog on visitshoremagazine.com.

[libra] SEPTEMBER 23-OCTOBER 22 KEY WORDS in August: Your Secret Agenda. Very, very quietly, this is an area of high drama for you. For contained here are the desires of your heart, over which you intend to maintain total control. And in your own polite way, you do just that. SIDESTEP a reluctance to take direct action.

Olympic speedskater SHANI DAVIS

[leo] JULY 23-AUGUST 22 KEY WORDS in August: Center Stage. Okay. This is your month—the time when the Sun itself is in Leo, the Lion. It’s definitely a know-what-you-want time—because you stand a very good chance of getting it. It’s vital, however, to stay focused. SIDESTEP ignoring the urgency of certain issues. KEY WORDS in September: New Sources of Income. And now, the whole pursuit of an increase in your income surfaces. Detail—your knowledge and sense of it—dominates. Rely on those recently learned lessons to see you through. SIDESTEP not taking important matters to the finish line.

actor/comedian BOB NEWHART

[virgo] AUGUST 23SEPTEMBER 22 KEY WORDS in August: Private Calls, Meetings and Strategy-Planning Sessions. This is something that you do so well; namely, work behind the scenes on concepts geared toward solution. Know, however, just whom you’re working with. SIDESTEP being out of balance—consistently.

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KEY WORDS in September: All Eyes Are In You. This is that special month which marks the start of your own personal new year. Allow those fine ideas of yours to see the light of day. And let yourself emerge as the star of the play. SIDESTEP putting distance between you and a desired goal.

KEY WORDS in September: Confidential Matters. Given your outwardly casual demeanor, others have no idea of the incredible degree of detail that permeates your confidential world. You know, of course, but you’re hardly sharing. That’s fine. SIDESTEP saying exactly what you’re thinking.

[pisces] FEBRUARY 19-MARCH 20 KEY WORD in August: Your Work. Who knew that the quiet You forever insists on being in charge of the work scene? Your methods, of course, are low-key. But the control factor is there, nonetheless. Don’t hesitate to review all existing conditions now. SIDESTEP anyone not in your favor. KEY WORD in September: Alliances. You can have that arrangement—or that desired agreement—if you have all your facts and figures up to date. It’s no small order. But it is possible. Go back to the drawing board—immediately. SIDESTEP secrecy that works against a close tie.

[scorpio] OCTOBER 23-NOVEMBER 22 KEY WORDS in August: At the Top of the Mountain. For you, this is great fun, as you’re dynamic, in charge and, most likely, sought-after. Right now, your career is highlighted—and nothing is more dramatic than that. Let yourself advance—effortlessly. SIDESTEP your skill at sarcasm.

[aries] MARCH 21-APRIL 20 KEY WORDS in August: Delightful Days; Memorable Nights. For some, there’s nothing as invigorating as a new encounter. This isn’t everyone’s idea of fun. But it is yours, especially when a close relationship is involved. Now is such a time. SIDESTEP overlooking the feelings of others.

KEY WORDS in September: Getting What You Want. Crisp and precise—that’s exactly what your desires most reflect. And now, it’s on to new objectives. Be aware, however, of your personal criteria—and accept nothing less than your superb standard. SIDESTEP a lack of interest.

KEY WORDS in September: A Measured Approach. Your work—and its total environment—dominate your thoughts right now. And since your sense of detail—or the need for it—demands your attention, you feel compelled to supply it. Do so. SIDESTEP taking no approach, whatsoever.

[sagittarius] NOVEMBER 23-DECEMBER 21 KEY WORDS in August: An Assortment of People, Plans and Projects—near and at a distance. And over all this, you have incredible insight and wisdom. Now is the perfect time to forge ahead—keeping your own counsel, of course. SIDESTEP an unwillingness to discuss the situation.

[taurus] APRIL 21-MAY 20 KEY WORDS in August: Base of Operations—where you live and where you work. Now’s the time to step back and survey everything. You’ve worked hard in recent months— and deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labor. So, enjoy! SIDESTEP serious arguments and unpleasant debates.

KEY WORD in September: Your Career. For someone who’s so friendly and so outgoing, you’re really rather conservative when it comes to your work—and its direction. Fine. That supplies you with the backup you need. That’s all that matters. SIDESTEP sending mixed signals—intentionally.

KEY WORD in September: Love. It’s never too late to take a closer look at a particular relationship or creative matter. The objective is happiness—and what makes you happy. You know what you want. What remains is your ability to make a final decision. SIDESTEP divided loyalties.

[capricorn] DECEMBER 22-JANUARY 19 KEY WORD in August: Renewal, on all levels—mental, emotional, physical, financial and spiritual. This is the time of year when you feel rejuvenated—if you allow it. Means don’t fight being optimistic, happy and in tune with summer. SIDESTEP a refusal to see another point of view.

[gemini] MAY 21-JUNE 20 KEY WORDS in August: The Value of Communications. No one is more in charge of his or her phone calls, emails, text messages, etc., than you. Yet, your own sensitive nature can cause you to be reticent in expressing yourself. Not this time! SIDESTEP being uninvolved in matters that matter.

KEY WORDS in September: Creating Items 1 through 10. This skill is an intricate part of your nervous system. So be at ease with your ability to put all things in order. And diligently apply it to those magnificent plans for the rest of 2010. SIDESTEP being difficult—if not impossible.

KEY WORD in September: Home. At the core of your daily living is your own sense of order. Few realize just how much you look for order within your environment. Relax. Not everyone interprets home-related matters as you do. SIDESTEP keeping details—that can be shared—hidden.

[aquarius] JANUARY 20-FEBRUARY 18 KEY WORDS in August: Special Arrangements and Agreements. Just when others are bounding off on vacation, you’re focused on coming to terms with significant issues—whether personally or professionally. Excellent! That’s exactly where you should be. SIDESTEP skimming over the surface.

[cancer] JUNE 21-JULY 22 KEY WORD in August: Your Lifestyle. What you must have—no, what you demand—is absolute control over your financial affairs. This is rarely easy, since you also value a strong partnership element in your life. Strive to reconcile the two. SIDESTEP your particular brand of arrogance.

KEY WORD in September: Revitalization, in all areas— mental, emotional, physical, financial and spiritual. At this point, you’re more than ready to accept a new perspective in your life. Do so. And true to your style, you won’t mention any of this. SIDESTEP an uncharacteristic slow response.

KEY WORDS in September: Good Calls and Great Meetings. This is an area of enormous joy for you. And no one is more keyed into the promise of technological development than you. Right now, there’s a bevy of new contacts on the horizon. SIDESTEP sudden withdrawal from a relationship.

WANT MORE? please go to page 48 or visitshoremagazine.com for a full listing of the area’s best events and watch the Shore Weekender with Joe and Julia for the absolute best picks for a great weekend.

Aug 5-8 20TH ANNUAL NILES RIVERFEST opening ceremony 6:30pm Fri Riverfront Park, Niles, Mich. nilesriverfest.net An annual celebration of the St. Joseph River, this highly anticipated event includes an “Anything Floats” raft race, dragon boats, car shows, a variety of great music, arts and crafts, and fabulous food.

Aug 14-15 CHICAGO AIR AND WATER SHOW 9am water show, 11am air show North Avenue Beach 1600 Lake Shore Dr, Chicago cityofchicago.org The largest and oldest show of its kind kicks off its 52nd year with appearances from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and others. Also, Aug 7-15: 2010 Chicago Navy Week.

Aug 27-28 EPICUREAN CLASSIC St. Joseph 231.932.0475 or 231.933.9688 epicureanclassic.com Benefiting Cook for the Cure, this year’s seventh annual Epicurean Classic returns to St. Joseph and will feature cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, receptions and guest chef dinners.

Lake Michigan

shore PICKS Sept 11 VALPARAISO POPCORN FESTIVAL 7am-6:30pm downtown Valparaiso 219.464.8332 popcornfest.org A true salute to Valparaiso native Orville Redenbacher, the Popcorn Fest offers family-fun activities for all ages, including a 5-mile run called the Popcorn Panic, a 5K walk, live entertainment, more than 500 food and craft booths and the nation’s only popcorn parade.

last resort

Closing Credits? ODE TO A FADING THEATER by MARK LOEHRKE

It probably happens all the time. A movie-goer settles into a comfortable seat in one of the latest high-tech auditoriums waiting for another big-name Hollywood hit to begin and suddenly ponders whether the experience might somehow be enhanced if that bland, unremarkable lighting fixture on the wall were replaced by a more whimsical decorative element—say, a full suit of armor.

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ooking down at his traditional popcorn bucket and comically large soft drink, he begins to get a taste instead for a piece of cake and a cup of grade school punch, and wonders if they’ll be offering anything like that out in the lobby at the break. He begins to weigh whether his sightline to the massive screen is, perhaps, just a little bit too direct and unobstructed. Come to think of it, maybe this only happens to me. Because just as it has for many a current or former resident, the Town Theatre on Kennedy Avenue has always held a special place in the movie-going heart of this Highland native. Like one-screen houses in so many small communities, the Town was always a great example of the theater as cultural centerpiece, not to mention a nice antidote to the growing trend of 16-screen multiplex behemoths. A trip to the Town felt like going to the movies, not the mall. Stadium seating? Please. You were grateful to have dodged the possibility of a protruding spring. Cup holders? Sure, they were called your hands. State-of-the-art surround-sound? Oh, wouldn’t that have been wonderful? But no. Like a doomed extra in a scifi adventure, the Town clearly had neither the muscle nor the technology to compete with its multiheaded, multi-screen adversaries. Yet for all of its perceived “deficiencies”— or maybe because of them—the focus at the Town was always squarely on the movies instead of the bottom line. What it may have lacked in bells and whistles, it made up for in a purity of cinematic heart. You didn’t have to get a look at the books to figure that the Town wasn’t really cashing in on those record-setting Hollywood grosses published in the newspaper every Monday morning. As probably the only screen in the Region showing almost exclusively smaller art-house and specialty films—not overblown blockbusters or secondrun kiddie flicks—the Town seemed to have little concern for drawing big audiences. For many an edgy indie picture or unloved foreign-language film, this philosophy often resulted in wide swaths of empty seats or the occasional pocket of disgruntled senior citizens.

But what the Town lacked in obvious mainstream appeal it more than made up for in eccentric charm. A quirky little joint, to be sure, it half-embraced a seemingly random medieval theme—embodied by the aforementioned suits of armor flanking the big screen and a collection of shields adorning the walls—and turned its nightly intermission into a storied communal tradition of complimentary coffee, sheet cake and nearly undrinkable punch in the lobby. Rough around the edges, the Town nevertheless stood as something of a community institution. Maybe that’s because in its combination of steadfast pride, unerring goodwill and somewhat faded glory the Town was always in some small way a reflection of Highland itself—not as much to look at as it once was, perhaps, but undoubtedly one of a kind.

hese days, the marquee on Kennedy is persistently dark. According to a message on the theater’s website and a general consensus in local cinema circles, the hands-on proprietors are dealing with an illness that, after years of bumps and hiccups along the way, may ultimately signal the final reel for the Town. Stubborn hope persists until the day the wrecking ball arrives, of course, but if the Town has indeed sold its last ticket, its ending won’t be unlike those of many of its shuttered small-town big-screen brethren—victims of changing tastes or economics—and it won’t be any less disappointing. Like so many of the modest independent films that it championed over the years, the Town’s demise probably won’t draw much attention outside of the small community of nostalgic supporters who had something very real invested in it—not money, but memories. But for that group—myself included—the loss will mark yet another missing piece of the place we called home. We may not have been proud of that punch, but we were always proud of our Town.

ILLUSTRATION BY CHRISTINA SOMERS