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Michiana Life | 1
Who said football was just for guys? Female super fans show their spirit
Striving forGREATNESSSt. Joe artist uses Muhammad Ali’s famous mantra to empower youth
For love of the game
Married couples discuss life, love and commitment
EXAMININGTHE KNOT
FALL 2014
2 | Michiana Life
7321 Heritage Square Drive, Suite 170Granger, IN 46530
(888) 850-MATH (6284) www.mathnasium.com/granger
5651 Cleveland Ave.Stevensville, MI 49127
(855) 429-MATH (6284) www.mathnasium.com/stevensville
Michiana Life | 3
521 Lake Boulevard, Saint Joseph, Michigan 49085Phone: 269.983.6600 I FAX: 269.983.0520
www.theboulevardinn.com
Whether your travel to Southwest Michigan is for business or pleasure, our staff welcomes every opportunity to exceed your expectations! Quaint shops, gorgeous beaches along Lake Michigan’s shoreline,
and an abundance of dining options are just a short walk from our hotel.
Welcome to The Boulevard.
4 | Michiana LifeXX | Michiana Life
Who said football was just for guys? Female super fans show their spirit
Striving forgreatneSSSt. Joe artist uses Muhammad Ali’s famous mantra to empower youth
For love of the game
Married couples discuss life, love and commitment
ExaminingthE knot
FaLL 2014
On the CoverAnna Russo-Sieber, owner of ARS Arts and Culture Center in Benton Harbor, has used Muhammad Ali’s famous quote of “I am the greatest” to create a program to empower at-risk youth. The project blends art and life lessons while also helping the participants connect with the community. “This program is less about creating artists and more about creating good citizens.” See page 30. Photo by Melissa Rodgers
PublisherMichael Caldwell
Managing EditorAmbrosia Neldon
Creative DepartmentAnne JohnsonCricket Nelson
Chelsey Erickson
ContributorsCraig Haupert
Scott NovakTed Yoakum
Amelio RodriguezNick Shelton
Melissa RodgersSamantha Hegeman
Scott RoseErika Pickles
Rachel BredenDorothy Engelhardt
Lissa Diaz
MarketingSherina Gonzalez
Phil LangerNicole BatesLibby Myers
Donna KnightDayna Coquillard
Krystal Pipke
Contact InformationLeader Publications
217 N. 4th StreetNiles, MI 49120
www.MichianaLife.com
Advertising Inquiries269-683-2100
Editorial Inquiries(269) 687-7713
10
24
Michiana Life | 5
Shopping20 In the Biz: Junk Evolution24 Local Treasures
Features35 Female Football Fanatics40 Inside the Morris Performing Arts Center46 Examining the Knot
46
5228
What’s Inside?
35
In Every Issue8 Purely Michiana11 Publisher’s Note28 How To: Work Out in Four Minutes30 Difference Makers: Anna-Russo Seiber32 Word on the Street63 Marketplace66 Why I Love Michiana
Homes58 Showcase: The Grannells64 DIY: Pallet Wine Rack
Food52 In the Kitchen: Round Barn Public House56 From the Cookbook
Arts & Culture10 On Display: Amy Beth Geerling-Payne12 You’ve Been Spotted18 Things To Do
6 | Michiana Life
FROM THE PUBLISHER
¬Are you ready to start sharing the secret of Michiana?
Welcome! You hold in your hands the premier issue of Michiana Life magazine. We hope you are as excited
to get to know us as we are to showcase you and your neighbors.
What is this all about, you may ask. In essence, Michiana Life is a high-end lifestyle magazine designed to celebrate the amazing people and communities of Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana.
In many ways, this region is the best-kept secret of the Midwest.
Well, it’s time to pull back the curtain a bit and let everyone know how special this area is.
Whether you have lived here your entire life, just moved in or are simply passing through, our magazine will showcase a unique region that is second to none … and I can say that with complete objectivity because I am a relative newcomer.
A little bit about myself: I have been in the publishing business for more than 15 years and have helped launch several magazine-style publications and newspapers. This career path led me to look at an opportunity here in Michiana.
My family and I simply fell in love with the area. That was about a year ago and we have never looked back.
We were immediately enamored with the diverse culture, wide range of culinary
experiences, amazing businesses and wonderful people who truly embraced us. One thing we noticed it was missing was a strong community magazine to help elevate the region. So I drew from my past experience and worked to change that.
And here we are.Michiana Life will publish more than 8,000
copies quarterly, essentially coinciding with the seasons. The magazine will have universal appeal but will primarily be focused on women, 35 and older.
Our readers are intelligent, upwardly mobile, and realize the potential for business and cultural opportunities springing up around the region. They hold jobs in a variety of industries and are involved in their community.
This region holds an appeal to those who have lived here and continues to draw others to move here because of its extraordinary legacy, rewarding quality of life and engaging community. We want Michiana Life magazine to reflect this and replicate the true spirit of the region and those who call it home, presenting it in beautiful photography, in-depth and thoughtful articles on a range of topics, and showcasing the charm of this special place in an intelligent manner.
The region stands out because its preservation of small-town values and the Midwest way of
life, perfectly blended with a metropolitan feel. Michiana Life magazine holds true to and celebrates these grand traditions while showcasing our vibrant present and exciting future.
We hope you will join us on this journey and start sharing the secret. v
— Michael Caldwell, Publisher
So, what do you think? We want to know!Give us your feedback on the inaugural edition of Michiana Life. What sections did you like?
What would you like to see included? Do you have story ideas for one of our standing features? Our goal is to create a magazine that our readers enjoy and look forward to each issue.
Let us know what you think makes Michiana special!
Snail Mail: 217 N. 4th Street, Niles, MI 49120 | E-mail: [email protected]
@
MICHAEL CALDWELL is the publisher and president of Leader Publications LLC. A native of eastern Kentucky, he has been in the publishing business for more than 15 years and has launched several community magazines. He lives in Niles, Michigan, with his wife and two daughters.
Michiana Life | 7
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8 | Michiana Life
8 Purely Mich
From the top of the St. Joseph bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, the Silver Beach Carousel below looks
like a shiny spaceship standing on yellow popsicle sticks. Small children accompanied by their parents look tiny from this distance as they run screaming across the sand-covered sidewalks to a nearby splash pad or the dark blue waters of the lake a short walk away.
As you get closer, the sound of carnival music hits your ears, unlocking childhood memories of cotton candy, plush stuffed animals and the carefree fun of a day at the county fair.
A steady stream of strollers carrying chubby babies and sleepy toddlers pass in and out of the sun-lit space enveloped in glass on nearly all sides. Inside, a carousel operator in a pressed blue conductor’s uniform greets you with a smile as you move through the open doors and see what you’ve
come here for — the carousel itself.Forty-eight handcrafted and colorfully
painted figures featuring everything from horses and peacocks to tigers and panda bears are spinning in place beneath a mass of bulbs shining bright as the smiles on the faces of the children riding.
Above it all, historical photographs framed in colorful edging tell the story of Southwest Michigan — just make sure the ride stops
before you try to read it. A long line of children are queued up
to ride, anxiously waiting with lollipops hanging out their mouths and large bags of whipped sugar in their hands.
Kids tired of going round and round take a break to color pictures or play checkers on large tables around the outside of the carousel. A vendor sells popcorn to a child who shoves in a handful too large for his mouth. A cheerful woman with grey permed hair sweeps up with a smile what the kids drop, even getting under the rocking chairs as she makes her way around the hardwood floor.
When the carousel slows to a halt, the children hurry off to their parents, some asking for another ride, others heading across the street for pizza at another Lake Michigan icon, Silver Beach Pizza.
A diversion from the hot sun for some, a destination for others, the Silver Beach Carousel is enough to make many visitors want to be a kid again. v
Story and photography by Craig Haupert
Still SpinningStill SpinningSilver Beach Carousel in St. Joseph has entertained generations
PURELY MICHIANA
Michiana Life | 9
M i c h i g a n
Uncover
eclectic shops, foods, and finds. 6 miles north of South Bend along the historic St. Joseph Riverbank www.UncoverNiles.com • (269) 687-4332 ci.niles.mi.us
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10 | Michiana LifeXX | Michiana Life
ON DISPLAY
Michiana Life | 11
Local artist creates pet paintings worth rememberingStory by Rachel Breden | Photography by Erika Pickles
Hanging on the wall of a house somewhere in Germany is a hand-painted portrait of someone’s beloved cat — wearing a business suit.
But it is not just any cat in a business suit. This cat has traveled 4,300 miles from the humble Niles home of an artist named Amy Beth Payne.
Payne, a Jackson, Michigan, native who settled in Niles with her husband Adam 11 years ago, has something of a cult following on the World Wide Web — a following that has brought in commissions from Germany, Italy, Australia and off-the-beaten-path places such as the Isle of Man.
What began as a tongue-in-cheek nod to the obscure practices of the business world has become a life’s work for Payne.
“Way back when, I put a cat in a business suit because I was working an office job, and I put the two together, and it made so much sense to me because business decisions and cats’
brains are equally un-understandable,” Payne said. Whether the business decisions-cat’s mind connection
resonates with her customers is unclear, but that doesn’t dampen their enthusiasm.
Payne’s work can be found on her Etsy shop, Supah (a slang portmanteau of “Super Duper”) and on her
online portfolio Supah.com. Reviews on her Etsy shop are full of fans gushing over her products. Comments like
“Love it,” “It’s awesome,” and “Perfection” are the sort of positive feedback that makes it all worthwhile for Payne.
“It used to feel like just selling something was the validation part, but it’s not,” she said. “It’s knowing you made someone happy; that’s the whole point. “I like making a little tribute to these
little animals being in our lives. They’re not nothing. We lost two of our pets all
in the last month. After they died I felt even better about what I do, my work, because I do
think [pets] are worth a little piece of appreciation, a tribute. They are little friends we go through life with.” v
dressedALL UP
“I’ve never had an exact vision of where things could go; I just
tried my hardest to go as big as
I can.”
12 | Michiana Life
Bob Jenkins & Rick Graebel Jack DeMarr from Sazerac, the company that provided most of the spirits
Anthony Marizette and Charlie Sykes
YOU’VEBEEn
Michiana Life | 13
Rick Cooper & Ray Mays Father and son Tyler Hellner & Patrick Hellner
Bart Berndt & Bill Binder
Ray’s on the GreenBenton Harbor, MichiganOct. 16, 2014
A Spirited NightPhotos by Amelio Rodriguez
14 | Michiana Life
Centier Bank Business Expo
TOP: Gerry Jones and Harry Craft with Working Person’s Store in South Bend. ABOVE: Mike Edwards and Tim Isenberg with Horizon Bank.
Katie Volheim and Kori Griffin with Knollwood Country Club.
Ryan Bender, Louis Cronmiller and Linda McGinnity of Centier Bank.
Krista Keirnan and Sarah Ann Heintzelman from the City of South Bend’s Department of Community Investment.
ABOVE: Richelle Gingerich of the Palais Royale and Mary Ellen Smith from The Morris Performing Arts Center. BELOW: Vic Fischer and Phyllis Wille from New Kitchen Store.
James Lovaas, Ed Bernhard, Dr. Lisa Greco and Keisha Jones with Bethel College.
South Bend, IndianaSept. 17, 2014
Tim Adams with Four Winds Casino Resort.
Photos by Michael Caldwell
Michiana Life | 15
Edwardsburg Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo
Edwardsburg, MichiganSept. 25, 2014
LEFT: Heather Hotrum, Mae Knilans and Alexandra Opoku with All About You Homecare. ABOVE: Adam Hooten and Stephanie Whitaker with Meridian Title Corporation. BELOW: Dean Johnson and Vicki Brossman with Kemner-Iott Agency of Cass County.
ABOVE-LEFT: Laurel Ward with Diamond eVentures and CassCountyBusiness.com. LEFT: Patty Patano, Cass County COA. ABOVE: Karen Sinkiewicz and Meryl Christensen of Edwardsburg.
16 | Michiana Life
Evening at the Gallery
ABOVE: Jean Sharp, Bonnie Pollack and Judy CohenTOP RIGHT: Ron Gelesko and Geoff GilbertBOTTOM RIGHT: Lisa Vetne, Amy Scrima, Eric Lester and Audrey Lester
Burnison GalleriesLakeside, MichiganOct. 2, 2014Photos by Philip DeVore
Michiana Life | 17
Lowe Center60525 Decatur Rd.
Cassopolis, MI 49031
Front Street Crossing227 S. Front StreetDowagiac, MI 49047
(800) 323-0390 (269) 445-8110www.CassCOA.org facebook.com/CassCOA
Have you thought about playing a greater role in our community? Many people today are seeking ways to give back. Maybe you want to be more involved but don’t know where to start.
Why not stop by one of our locations or call the Cass County COA? We have so many ways for you to use your talent and time in meaningful ways. You will also have the chance to become part of a community of like-minded people who are helping others.
Join us. Work with us as we strive to accomplish our goal of “Enhancing Life” for all.
Call today. Your community is waiting.
CommunityOfAction
YOU’VEBEEn
Gloria Weberg, Bette Pierman, Lorraine Stepanek, Linda Cheek and Vicki Pfauth.
Andrea Van Deer Laan, Pat Lauth and Carla Ripley. John Ripley, Jean Sharp, Earl Bickett, Pat Lauth, Donna Dutton and Susan Gilbert.
David Lahm
18 | Michiana Life
THINGS TO DO
NOVEMBER
29CHRISTMAS PARADENew Buffalo, Michigan
New Buffalo, Michigan brings the magic of Christmas to downtown with a Miracle on Whittaker Street. Visitors can meet Santa, enjoy a Reindog parade, eat cookies and hot cider and watch a tree lighting and caroling. Visit newbuffalo.com for more information.
DECEMBER
5CANDLE-LIGHT CHRISTMAS PARADEDowagiac, Michigan
Chris Kringle returns to the Grand Old City for southwest Michigan’s largest lighted Christmas parade. The annual tree-lighting ceremony and pre-parade entertainment begins at 6 p.m. in Beckwith Park. The parade of 100 lighted floats and costumed characters begins at 7 p.m.
DECEMBER
6HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONThree Oaks, Michigan
A holiday parade will begin at 11 a.m., followed by the Friends of Three Oaks Talent Show at noon. Also at noon, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the library to greet children.
FEBRUARY
7ICE TIME FESTIVALDowagiac, Michigan
Artisans compete for cash prizes as they carve more than 20,000 pounds of ice into life-size sculptures. Visitors can participate in an ice cream eating contest, watch wood and ice carvers, participate in a chili cook-off and more.
Plan ahead with fun happenings across Michiana
DECEMBER
12SANTA ON THE RACESouth Bend, Indiana
Santa will arrive on the East Race at 4 p.m. There will be ice sculptures and a live nativity to view, Christmas crafts to make, hot chocolate and cookies to munch on, and a live Christmas concert to listen to. Events run from 4 to 6 p.m. at the East Race Commerce Center.
JANUARY
16-18HUNTER ICE FESTIVALNiles, Michigan
The community is invited to the festival that pays tribute to the great history of the area’s Hunter Brothers Ice and Ice Cream Company, which not only created the best ice cream at the turn of the century, but also cut ice blocks out of Barron Lake and shipped it throughout the land. The festival showcases more than 150 ice sculp-tures situated all over the downtown area and created on site by well known ice carvers from near and far. Visit HunterIceFestival.org for more info.
LIGHT UP THE BLUFFSt. Joseph, Michigan
The St. Joseph High School Choir will begin Christmas carols near the tree located at the corner of Broad and Lake Boulevard at 6 p.m. with the lighting ceremony taking place at 6:30 p.m. More than 1 million lights come alive along Lake Bluff Park as it is transformed into a winter wonderland from Dec. 5th through Valentine’s Day.
DTSB FOR THE HOLIDAYSSouth Bend, IndianaAt this special first Friday event from 5 to 9 p.m., visit the all-new Pop-up Shops, have a chat with Santa, or enjoy the lighting of the giant Christmas tree at this annual holiday event. Downtown is decked out in holiday cheer to get everyone ready for the season of giving!
JANUARY
30THRILL ON THE HILLBuchanan, Michigan
This annual event will features tubing on the East Front Street hill which will be closed from Liberty Street on the east to Redbud Trail on the west for the creation of tubing runs that will be the heart of the event.
FEBRUARY
6MAGICAL ICE FESTSt. Joseph, Michigan
Guests will view a breathtaking display of fire and ice. Professional ice carving competitions will take place on Friday evening and on Saturday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday’s Individual Competition will begin at 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. all along State St. Visit stjoetoday.com for more information.
Michiana Life | 19
TreaT yourself To luxury.you deserve iT.
Tyler Chevrolet Cadillac1810 South 11th Street | Niles, MI
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20 | Michiana Life
Junk Evolution breathes new life into home decorStory by Lissa Diaz | Photography by Cricket Nelson and Ambrosia Neldon
L ocated in the art district of Downtown South Bend sits a little shop with a big purpose.
It’s called Junk Evolution, and through a process known as upcycling, it is quite literally turning “junk” into treasure by repurposing old items to create new ones. Much of the store’s inventory — from small home decor pieces and vintage clothes or accessories to real wood furniture — has been saved from landfills.
“We don’t carry new items,” said co-owner Char Swoveland.
“Even our line of soy candles uses recycled containers. It’s a 100 percent green effort.”
The concept behind Junk Evolution was born out of the economic downturn of 2008. Laid off from her job, Char, an interior designer, considered turning her side job of repurposing into a career. She teamed up with Linda and Bernie Sherck, an interior designer and an artist/woodworker, respectively — both of whom had been downsized from their positions as well.
Together, they formed Junk Evolution.
trash to treasures
Michiana Life | 21
22 | Michiana Life
The partners started the shop at Old Creamery Antiques in Middlebury, Indiana, but found that their target market was not exactly the antiquing crowd. So, five years ago, they relocated to 528 East Colfax in South Bend, where they have seen more customers come from a broader region, including Chicago, Valparaiso and LaPorte, Indiana. They have also noticed increased appreciation for their environmentally-friendly wares in South Bend’s Art District.
Junk Evolution embraces the French style of decorating, pairing a mix of styles with quality, time-tested pieces. Because the outlet’s themes change each month, visitors will find a fresh inventory each time they visit.
One customer described the eclectic shop as South Bend’s
own “Anthropologie,” comparing the shop to the world-famous women’s clothing business.
Inventory comes to Junk Evolution through various avenues, including items picked up on trips and customer donations, as well as purchased items. Customers can expect to spend anywhere from a few dollars on a small home décor item to several hundred for a quality piece of real-wood furniture.
“Items are priced to move, so they don’t stay around too long,” Char said.
But Junk Evolution is far from focusing on just the bottom line. The owners have a heart for their community, and give back annually by hosting a fundraiser for nonprofit Unity Gardens, a South Bend organization that grows food to feed the hungry.
Junk Evolution528 E. Colfax, Suite #2South Bend, IN 46616
(574) 215-7812www.junkevolution.blogspot.com
Michiana Life | 23
The business owners also participate in Downtown South Bend’s First Fridays and offer community classes twice a month on topics ranging from decorating and art to natural cleaning products and sustainability.
“We’re always trying to do fun and unique things,” Linda said.
In addition to working at the shop, Char and Linda do custom pieces and interior design consulting as well. It is their passion to help people re-purpose things they already have in their home to create a new look, and save items from landfills in the process. This is a service they hope to expand, along
with their newly added line of wedding rentals.“You put your heart and soul into a piece and when someone
buys it, that’s what keeps you going,” Char said.Junk Evolution is open Wednesday-Friday from 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours until 9 p.m. the first Friday of each month, as part of Downtown South Bend’s First Fridays. To find out more about Junk Evolution and sign up for upcoming classes, visit junkevolution.blogspot.com.
“Nothing is stale,” Linda said. “People are not going to see the same thing twice.” v
24 | Michiana Life
hidden gemsMichiana’s unique boutiques offer a variety of affordable pieces for your home
Eclectic tastes,
Chicken Feeder with 9 Numbered Jars
Junk Evolution — South Bend, Indiana$42
Straw Flower Coasters(Set of 8)
Junk Evolution South Bend,
Indiana
$5
Celebration Soap (Great Lakes National
Soap Company)Rosy Tomorrows
Dowagiac, Michigan
$6.98
Michiana Life | 25
LOCAL TREASURES
Swan Creek CandleRosy Tomorrow’s Dowagiac, Michigan
$4
Urban Twist Necklace
Junk EvolutionSouth Bend, Indiana
$28
Mudlicious Pottery PlateRosy Tomorrow’s
Dowagiac, Michigan
$38
26 | Michiana Life
1512 East McKinley, Hwy. 20, Mishawaka574-259-1904
www.christiansonfurniture.com
Mon - Tues 10am - 7:30am • Wed - Sat 10am - 6pm
For a limited time, when you donate $50 to charity you will receive $200 OFF the purchase price of any Stressless® seating or $400 OFF the purchase of select Kensington, Mayfair or Chelsea recliners. Stressless® living is the perfect combination of comfort, function and style. Our patented Plus™ system provides you with optimum head and lumbar support in any position, while the Glide system keeps your body in perfect balance. Give yourself the ultimate gift of comfort and see why charity begins at home. Stressless® is proudly endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.
RECEIVE $200 OFF*any Stressless® seating or $400 OFF select Stressless® recliners when you donate $50 to charity.November 26 - January 19 *See your sales associate for complete details.
Shoebox Memory ClocheJunk Evolution
South Bend, Indiana
$42
Mudlicious Pottery MugRosy Tomorrow’s
Dowagiac, Michigan$22
LOCAL TREASURES
Michiana Life | 27
513 Lincolnway WestSouth Bend, Indiana574-234-2278www.genescamera.com
Professional Large Format Reproduction of Original ArtworkCanvas • Metal • Satin,Watercolor & Metallic Media
Canvas Gallery Wrap • Archival Giclée Printing
Calling all artists and lovers of art
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Furnishings for your Home and Cottage!
Be a part of the dream as it turns into a reality.
The Expo Arena at the Berrien County Youth Fair will be a 6.1 acre complex that will serve as a venue for horse shows, big-name concerts, livestock shows, trade shows, conventions and assemblies, wedding receptions, proms,
house and garden shows, circuses, farm implement shows, tractor pulls, and much more!
Your tax deductible contribution will bring this facility to life by providing funds for the construction of the Expo Arena that will include: • 500 stall stable• 4,000 seat year-round arena• 14,000 square foot ballroom• 1,200 seat cafeteria• 18 classrooms/skyboxes• 7,000 seat concert venue• 500 new jobs across Berrien and Cass counties.• Generate $32,000,000 annually in new revenue within a 25-mile radius of the Berrien County Youth Fair grounds.
For more information, please contact Jack Strayer, Director of Development & Marketing
Expo Arena at the Berrien County Youth Fair9122 Old U.S. 31, P.O. Box 7, Berrien Springs, MI 49103
(269) 473-1662 • Fax (269) 473-4203www.expoarena.org
Donations from$25 to $1,000,000+
DONATE TODAY!
Please make checks payable to: BCYF Expo Arena
I understand that the Expo Arena at the Berrien County Youth Fair is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization and that my contribution is tax deductible.
To donate online visit our website
www.expoarena.org and click Donate Now!
Please visit our website at www.ExpoArena.org
28 | Michiana Life
The Niles-Buchanan YMCA’s Fitness Director showcases a quick and easy workout
Step 1: Start with your feet together, your core engaged, and your hands on your hips.
Step 2: Jump slightly into a front lunge, scissoring your legs, and landing with your front knee direct-ly over your ankle and back knee bent at a 45 degree angle, about 2 inches above the ground. Keep your spine in a line and be sure to squeeze your core for balance.
Step 3: As you land, immediately push off your feet and jump, repeat-ing steps 1 and 2 on the other side.
Modification: Instead of jumping, step into a lunge and then step back, alternating sides.
Step 1: Start in a full plank position, with your core en-gaged and spine in a line (like the start of a push up). Keep your arms narrow and elbows directly above your wrists.
Step 2: Slowly lower your body almost all of the way to the ground, keeping your arms tucked tight, and while fully engaging your core.
Step 3: Press your palms into the floor and begin to straighten your arms, elevating your chest off the floor and forward. Roll over your toes by pushing down toward the floor with the tops of your feet. Be sure to keep your shoulders down and back.
Step 4: Return to a plank by raising your backside and roll-ing back to your toes.
Step 5: Repeat.
Modification: Perform the same exercise, but start with your knees on the ground.
Lacey Peters is the Fitness Director at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA. A group fitness instructor for seven years, Peters constantly ups her fitness game by participating in a wide range of workshops and by earning certifications in everything from cycling to water aerobics to Zumba. She has a passion for positive change and a full-fledged infatuation for helping others achieve their health and fitness goals.
Story and photography by Nick Shelton
HOW TO...work out in 4 minutes
Meet the Trainer
Scissor lunge
Chaturanga to upward dog
S o you don’t have time to workout? You say there aren’t enough hours in the day? FALSE.
Well, now you do. Enter Tabata training. Tabata (pronounced “tuh-bah-tuh”) is a form of High Intensity Interval Training
(HIIT) in which people work out at a maximum level for 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, and then repeat the sequence for a total of eight rounds (four minutes in all).
According to Lacey Peters, fitness director at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA, “This type of interval training quickly increases the heart rate, then allows it to come down for a short rest. It makes your body work harder to climb back up after each interval, rather than keeping your heart at one rate.”
Because the duration of a Tabata workout is so short, it is extremely crucial that you work out at your highest intensity level for each 20-second interval.
“To get the benefits of Tabata training, you need to push yourself past the upper end of your aerobic zone,” Peters said. “This will improve your athletic endurance as well as your fat-burning potential.”
Peters said that if you’re in a time crunch, doing even one Tabata cycle will be beneficial. In her classes, though, participants usually do more.
“My classes last between 45 and 60 minutes, and we do up to eight Tabata cycles. We take a two-minute break after each cycle, just to catch our breath.”
Peters also described several ways to structure a Tabata workout.“It can be done with strength moves, cardio exercises, water aerobic exercises,
running, dance moves, pilates, cycling, and more,” she said. “You just have to work at your fastest pace.”
According to Peters, you can choose one exercise and repeat it eight times or you can choose eight moves and perform each move once.
Peters prefers to use two moves from different muscle groups when creating a Tabata workout. For example, one Tabata could consist of push-ups and jumping jacks while another might consist of sprints and crunches.
“HIIT training is not for everyone,” Peters said. “If you’re just starting off, you can still use this format of exercise but you should lower the intensity and modify the moves.” v
Michiana Life | 29
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30 | Michiana LifeXX | Michiana Life
DIFFERENCE MAKERS
“I am the greatest.”This statement, made famous
by boxer Muhammad Ali, has taken on a new meaning in Benton Harbor thanks to a local business owner and art enthusiast.
Anna Russo-Sieber is the owner of the ARS Arts and Culture Center in the Arts District of the city. A hot spot for arts and culture, the non-profit organization and gallery is also the home of the “I Am The Greatest” Project, named for the famous mantra from the celebrity with ties to Southwest Michigan
Russo-Sieber is a lifelong resident of the area, having grown up in Benton Harbor. Inspired by artistic and creative parents, art has been an integral part of her life, leading her to many opportunities to teach and develop youth programming.
The year she opened the ARS Gallery (2010), she leased space to run a two-week long experimental summer camp. Reaching out to the local community through the Boys and Girls Club, she enticed 23 area youth to participate in the first session.
The organization is an art-based experience designed to assist at-risk youth in assessing their strengths and determining goals for their lives through lessons about community, public art and
the history of Muhammad Ali.The sculpture by John Sauve titled “I
Am The Greatest,” is a Muhammad Ali inspired piece that provides the insight for the theme of the course that Russo-Sieber facilitates. In 2011 Anna Russo-Sieber and John Sauve collaborated to install 16 of these public artworks around the area to bring attention to the program and inspiration to its participants. The sculptures are bright orange representations of the struggle to overcome adversity.
“As John Sauve said, this program is less about creating artists and more about creating good citizens,” Russo-Sieber said.
Throughout the duration of the project, Benton Harbor youth participating in the “I Am The Greatest” workshop learn to express themselves in a variety of ways in order to get out any frustrations or feelings they may have.
For two weeks, the ARS center becomes more than an art gallery and learning environment. It becomes a home. Meals are shared, values are modeled, theory and design are taught, and genuine expression is encouraged.
“The center is a safe place,” Russo-Sieber said. “It is this sense of security that fosters personal growth through positive and respectful interaction.”
Anyone who talks with Russo-Sieber will tell you the messages and values that are the foundation of the “I Am The Greatest” Project are evident. She thrives on the success of her students and the understanding that she is empowering them to choose to make a difference in their community.
“It’s worth the whole thing (if we reach) just one,” Russo-Seiber said. v
Story by Dorothy Engelhardt | Photography by Melissa Rodgers
Gallery owner uses Muhammad Ali mantra to empower youthgreatnessStriving for
Michiana Life | 31
32 | Michiana Life
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“My favorite place is kayaking with my sisters,
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“I would say Oasis/Lifeline at Granger Community Church. They provided a great atmosphere for youth. Also, I would say the University Park Mall. It always seemed that was something you did with your friends a lot. A staple.” — August Garritano, Niles
“I had two favorite hangouts in Niles back in the ‘60s when I was a teen.
Thomas’ Drive-In, about where Hardee’s and the Martin complex is now, and Veni’s, which is still here!
In those days, Veni’s had booths, with a terrific soda fountain. Niles
was a great place to grow up back then.” “Downtown South Bend. There is always something happening
in downtown whether it be a free concert at a coffee shop, restaurant or bar or an art opening at SBMA or First Fridays, Guerrilla Gay Bar, or just a delicious meal and drinks with friends at one of the many restaurants downtown.”
— Joel Barrett, South Bend
“The highlight every year was always going to the St. Joseph County 4-H Fair. As a teen I went to South Bend Motor Speedway a lot, too.” — Paul Lagodney, South Bend
“The river walk in downtown Niles. It was the greatest at night when no one was around. You could lay out by the dam, listen to the water, and look at the stars in the summer. Call me a hopeless romantic.”
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Michiana Life | 33
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34 | Michiana LifeXX | Michiana Life
FEATURE
Michiana Life | 35
Who said football was just for guys?Female super fans show their spirit
Story and photography by Erika Pickles
LoveFor the
GameWith football season in full effect, fans
are immersed in tailgates, tackles and touchdowns. And while male fans everywhere
cleaned out the man cave and created their teams for fantasy football, plenty of female football fanatics were doing the same — if not more.
Females have flipped the switch on football, with an estimated 45 percent of the NFL’s fans being women. This once male-dominated sport has attracted the likes of ladies everywhere.
So much so, that just this year, Google announced that its top five most searched jerseys on the Internet were for women. Add to that the fact that both NFL and college football ditched their “pink it and shrink it” female attire strategy and designed a full line of women’s apparel that includes football gear in every shape, size and color imaginable and it’s easy to see that women are quickly becoming a force for the gridiron.
of the
36 | Michiana Life
Adie-hard Colts fan, Tammy Conley, shocked everyone when she won her fantasy football league last year. The
NFL reported that six million women played in leagues in 2013, and even more were expected to play this year.
“It was harder than I thought it would be. You really had to pay attention to teams that your players were on and you had to keep changing your roster every week,” Conley said. “It took a lot of time and you had to be up on your football knowledge. It was all guys and only two girls and I can proudly say I won.”
Conley, of South Bend, became a fan of the Colts when she went to college and lived in Indianapolis in 1994. Her friend’s parents were season ticket holders and would often invite her to games.
“When the Colts are on, we usually have people over for the game, have wings and beer and if it’s a big game, like the playoffs, I lay out a huge spread of tailgate food (with pudding shots and Jell-O shots!),” she said.
TammyConley
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Michiana Life | 37
FEATURE
Stacey VanLue, of Niles, has been a fan of the Michigan Wolverines since she was in third grade. She has been to at least a dozen
games and attends as many tailgates as possible.But her passion for the gridiron may actually be
tied to another Michigan team. “My uncle, Al Brenner, played football for
Michigan State and had a small stint in the NFL,” she said.
Brenner earned second-team all-state honors as a senior halfback for Niles High School. He led the team in rushing, receiving and scoring. At MSU, Brenner earned three letters as an All-American. He ranked as the Spartans’ second-leading receiver. He went on to play for the New York Giants for two years and spent seven seasons in the Canadian Football League.
“Sports in general are in my blood and becoming a football fan was inevitable,” VanLue said.
Her favorite football memory happened in September 2009, when Michigan played Notre Dame at the Big House in Ann Arbor.
“It actually has little to do with football because my wonderful husband proposed to me. I know it wouldn’t be most girls’ dream proposal, but he knew it would be mine,” VanLue said. “I think he was more nervous about Michigan losing than if I’d say yes.”
When it comes to team spirit, these ladies have it all. From car license plates and stickers, to jerseys, hats, coats and bags and even a Wolverine-themed Christmas tree owned by VanLue.
“I also have floor mats, a garden flag, signs and tons of clothing,” VanLue said.
StaceyVanLue
38 | Michiana Life
Annette Gunter’s love of the game started at a very young age when her older brother played football.
“I always watched him play and played catch with him when he didn’t have anybody else to play catch with. Also between my brother, my father and my grandfather, it seems like there was always a football game on TV somewhere. I spent a lot of time watching football and grew to love the game,” she said.
Gunter, of Elkhart, Indiana, is a fan of Notre Dame and said that growing up so close to the Irish, being able to physically see the campus anytime and having many friends who were fans, is what made her grow to love the team.
“I love the spirit of the fans. Being inside the stadium and surrounded by fellow fans is a feeling that cannot be described,” she said.
Gunter, too, has plenty of fan paraphernalia to represent her favorite teams.
“I have rain boots, blankets, cups, jewelry, an iPhone case and tons more,” Gunter added.
The rain boots probably came in handy for Gunter, who recalls a monsoon being involved with one of her favorite football memories.
“We were tailgating the 2012 Michigan/Notre Dame game and we put up the best tailgate ever (or so we thought). Everything was nicely decorated, a lot of great food and drinks and a lot of great company. And then the monsoon hit and nearly wiped everything out,” Gunter continued. “It was pouring down rain, it was windy and freezing cold. Every time the wind would pick up so did our tents. We literally had to hold down each corner with everything we had until the storm passed. Once it did and everything dried, it ended being a perfect day, but it was very memorable to say the least.”
AnnetteGunter
Michiana Life | 39
Taryn Coleman has been a fan of both the Indianapolis Colts and Notre Dame since she was 6 years old. Coleman,
of Mishawaka, is such a die-hard fan she has attended somewhere between 75 and 100 games and plans to convert a room in her house to a “woman-cave” someday.
“I like the unpredictability, insane comebacks, rivalries and all of the competition involved with my family and friends. And knowing more than the boys and beating them at Fantasy Football,” she said.
One of Coleman’s favorite memories, other than “every time Notre Dame beat Michigan,” was a wildcard weekend when the Colts took on the Kansas City Chiefs.
“The first half didn’t look too good for my Colts, but they came back and pulled off the second biggest comeback in NFL postseason history.” v
Taryn Coleman
51.5%of females
consider themselvesfootball fans
40 | Michiana Life
Almost every Saturday night people from all over Michiana wait anxiously in plush seats for world-class performers to take the stage.
Couples sip happily on their drinks and snack on treats in anticipation for the show.
Surrounded by artwork from floor to ceiling, spectators comment on architecture resembling that of a European palace. Large banisters support intricately engraved boxes made for a more intimate theater experience. Pale blues, pinks and creams accent carvings on the walls surrounding the stage. Hushed music fills the air as the chatter of visitors creates a low buzz, which grows louder and louder as anticipation grows.
And then, the curtain rises. The lights fade out and stage lights come on. Finally, the show begins.
Morris Performing Arts Center blends historic charm with modern technology
Story by Ambrosia Neldon | Photos submitted by Morris PAC
Behind thecurtainMorris
About the
211 N. Michigan St, South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 235-9190Box Office Hours:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Michiana Life | 41
FEATURE
42 | Michiana Life
The person in the spotlight at the Morris Performing Arts Center is not likely to be a violinist or ballerina to match the atmosphere, though. In fact, it is much more likely for a country artist or popular comedian to take the stage.
“Being called a performing arts center like we are, we are often acquainted with being what is called a ‘cultural center,’” said Morris Performing Arts Center Executive Director Dennis Andres. “What we really are is a rental facility. We’re four walls, and you come in and rent the facility.”
Andres explained that unlike many other theater venues, the Morris does not seek talent to perform on its stage. Instead, organizers at the performing arts center make the stage available for anyone and everyone with the capital and financing available to pay the necessary fees to put on a show.
“Do we do culture? Sure. We have the symphony and the dance shows that come in regularly. Those things may be featured here, but they’re few and far between. We more so have the rock shows, the comedians, the country acts,” Andres said. “Promoters come to us with things they want to present — names everyone recognizes. And we sell them the space.”
The Morris Performing Arts Center is one of the most important
attractions in downtown South Bend, both visibly and financially.“Every time there is an event at the Morris, the whole downtown
just comes alive,” said Amy Cosby, operations manager at Downtown South Bend (DTSB). “It serves as a catalyst for all other businesses. When there’s a show, people come to downtown to eat or have a drink before the show. It helps keep places like the LaSalle Grille and other restaurants alive.”
Despite near constant improvements to the facility throughout the last century, Morris Performing Arts leaders believe it is very important to stay true to the building’s original vaudeville atmosphere.
Maintaining historyThe Morris Performing Arts Center was originally built as
The Palace Theater in 1921 with the idea that the facility would give visitors the feeling of being European royalty. J.S. Aroner, the Chicago architect responsible for the elaborate facility, implemented architectural techniques including Spanish Renaissance, Greco-Roman and Baroque, among others.
In 1959, The Palace Theater was saved from a wrecking ball by a South Bend philanthropist and arts lover, Mrs. Ella Morris, for whom
Michiana Life | 43
FEATURE
the facility was then named the Morris Civic Auditorium. In 1998, the Morris closed its doors again, but with
brighter intentions in mind, and a $17 million renovation and restoration project ready to begin. When the facility reopened two years later, the newly named Morris Performing Arts Center boasted the same beautiful architecture it had premiered eight decades earlier coupled with state-of-the-art technology to create a modernized theater-going experience.
“We work hard every year to make sure this facility stays up to par,” Andres said. “We work hard every year, and we collect a certain amount from every ticket for the historic preservation.”
Andres said employees are constantly pointing out areas with wear and tear that need to be upgraded or repaired, and facilities managers take extra precautions to ensure that damage to the historic facility is minimal.
Cosby said DTSB hears a lot of positive feedback about the people who work and volunteer for the Morris.
“It’s a huge landmark to come to, and adding to that all of the ushers and a lot of other workers are volunteers. The friendly service and well-kept building creates a venue that caters to all demographics,” she said.
44 | Michiana LifePhoto by Peter Ringenberg courtesy of South Bend Symphony Orchestra
Michiana Life | 45
West Woods of Niles Nursing Center1211 State Line Road Niles, MI 49120
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Looking forwardIn addition to state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems that
are upgraded every few years, Morris leaders are very proud of the facility’s “crowning jewel,” an electronic marquee installed in 2005.
“In the old days you had to go out there with a large box of letters and hang them to spell out what show was coming,” Andres said. “You could really only promote one show, maybe two. Now we can promote six to seven shows.”
The executive director said that technology works to the facility’s benefit, and he and other organizers are constantly thinking of ways to best reach their target audience.
“It used to be that if you wanted to advertise for a musical, you did it on TV because you watch a musical. And it used to be if you wanted to advertise a concert, you did it on the radio, because you hear a concert like you hear the radio,” Andres said. “It has dwindled down how much [people] watch TV or listen to the radio, so we said to ourselves, ‘we need to be as versatile as possible in marketing our shows.’”
The Morris uses tools such as social media, email blasts and text messaging to reach people using all mediums of technology. Announcements for new shows and ticket opportunities are sent out through just about every medium possible to Facebook fans, Twitter followers, fan club members and more.
“Ultimately, it’s about reaching everybody in any way we can,” Andres said.
A unique viewing experienceDuring his career, Andres has met the likes of some of his
favorite celebrities, including James Taylor, Jerry Seinfeld, Sammy Davis Junior and Bob Hope.
Each year, the Morris hosts a number of modern artists and comedians with the same caliber of celebrity as Andres’ favorites from his generation. This constant interest has a lot to do with the atmosphere of the facility and the experience that comes with it.
In addition to its auditorium, the Morris also features The Morris Bistro Restaurant, an upscale dining experience perfect for those wishing to enjoy dinner and a show. Guests can enjoy snacks and drinks in the Grand Lobby or in the rotunda overlooking the facility.
At any given time of the year, guests can see rap artists, country singers, big time comedians and even traveling Broadway shows.
In fact, the Morris Performing Arts Center is larger than any Broadway house in New York City. According to Andres, the facility contains 2,564 fixed seats, exceeding the capacity George Gershwin Theater in New York City.
“It’s amazing when you look at the number of seats against us,” Andres said. “So many people can come and see the show. It’s amazing.” v
46 | Michiana Life
Couples share the dynamics of marriage through the years
Examining the KNOT
Story and photography by Samantha Hegeman
Marriage is a journey that everyone travels differently. Throughout the years, couples celebrate different types of joy and battle different types of struggle. However, no matter where the couple is on the long road of partnership, the one goal is to love one another. It may not be a swept-off-your-feet, happily-ever-after, over-the-hills and-into-the-sunset journey, but that’s the secret — it is a unique journey.
Michiana Life | 47
FEATURE
R ex and Linda Canfield of Buchanan, Michigan, married October 26, 1957.
“I fell in love with him when I was 13,” Linda said. The teenager had just moved to Buchanan, and Rex’s father
owned the Bakertown grocery store. Shortly after settling in, she walked down to the store and there he was.
“My knight in shining armor,” Linda. said “I know he noticed me.”
While attending Galien High School, Linda asked Rex to the Sock Hop dance. He had never dated, and she will never forget the look on his face.
At 18 and 19 years old, respectively, they decid-ed to marry. When they were younger, it was the way of life — it was what people did. Many of their friends and family married at a young age. They mutually decided to tie the knot, and Rex remembers Linda say-ing, “Well, we might as well pick a date.”
They were the second couple to marry at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Linda remembers crying
as she walked into the church. “I was too young,” said Linda. After marrying, they had a rough start. Rex didn’t work during
the first year, and Linda was lucky to make $2 an hour. However, no matter how hard it was, divorce was never an option.
“Marriage is give and take,” said Rex. “You can’t be selfish.” Linda suggests couples write down why they married and
make a list of all the positive qualities. Then, when they find themselves struggling, they can read why they loved each other in the beginning.
“Love is about respect, encouragement and sup-port,” said Linda. “Nobody is perfect. We all have faults, but you have to learn to love each other.”
Now, their children are grown with families of their own, and they no longer have the burdens and debts of younger couples. They enjoy their
time with their grandchildren, but they also enjoy time together going out to lunch and to the movies.
“We like each other,” said Linda.Fifty-seven years is perfect proof.
FEATURE
57Y E A R S
48 | Michiana Life
C raig and Jill Hubble of St. Joseph, Michigan, married November 10, 1990.
They both went to Buchanan High School but didn’t meet until Craig graduated. A friend introduced the two when Jill was a junior in high school and Craig a sophomore in col-lege. At 16 and 20 years old, the couple knew their relationship would be long term.
Leading up to the proposal, Craig took Jill out to different places during the week, buy-ing her little trinkets along the way. Then, on a Friday, they had dinner at the Carriage House in South Bend. The last gift of the week was a ring, wrapped in a little box.
They married a year later at the South Bend Lutheran Church.
“When you’re young, you think of marriage as ‘happily ever after,’” said Craig. “But a good relationship takes a lot of work. Good work but hard work.”
During the time they married, the big question among couples was, “Do we move in together?” Most families were religious and didn’t allow couples to live together until married, Jill said.
“The first two years were the hardest,” she said. “If we would have lived together before we married, I can say we probably would have split.”
Fast forward 24 years. With two boys, Hunter (19) and Gavin (14), the Hubble household can get very hectic. With all the rush-ing, Craig and Jill do not have much one-on-one time. Instead, they spend time going out with other couples and volunteering in the community.
“I believe that’s one of our strengths,” Craig said. “We’re show-ing our kids that marriage isn’t just about ourselves but about
becoming part of the community.” When the children were younger, Craig and Jill
used to meet for coffee after taking the kids to Sunday school and plan the week ahead. However, they have become so busy that activities such as dinner as a family are much more difficult. Now the couple uses email, texting and phone calls to communicate during the busy week. They also make sure they spend their evenings together catching up.
“You can’t put a blanket on a relationship,” Craig said. “There is a level of maturity that some people have and some never will. Everyone is different.”
For others marrying young, the couple advises them to “stick it out” during the first couple of rocky years to see what the mar-riage can truly become.
“Don’t sweat the little things. You have to want it to work,” Jill said. “It’s not only about the fun stuff.”
24Y E A R S
Michiana Life | 49
David and Bree Medlin of Niles, Michigan, married December 2, 2008.
The couple met in the Army when they were stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. They worked in the same company every day, before the sun came up and until the sun went down. David and Bree dated eight short months before getting engaged.
Leading up to the proposal, David asked Bree questions for his friend that was soon proposing. On the special night, both couples went to a nice steak house, and after his friend proposed, David got down on one knee.
Shortly after, they married during Bree’s platoon sergeant’s lunch. The couple wanted to tie the knot before David deployed to Iraq.
“Married ever since. No cake. No church. I think it worked for us,” Bree said.
She was nervous about getting married so soon and is somewhat embarrassed when people ask. However, the couple has since realized a traditional wedding ceremony isn’t all it’s touted to be.
“Military life is different. I think we could have waited, but we wouldn’t have missed anything,” said Bree. “This boy chased me from the beginning.”
David and Bree believe you have to evolve to make a marriage last. The couple has seen many stages since they married.
In the first four years, they spent two of those apart. After two months of marriage, David deployed. Two years later, Bree’s contract ended, and she was pregnant with their first child. While David was still deployed, Bree came home and
returned to school while raising Cameron. In September 2013, David came home, and they became “civilians” for the first time.
“You get married, and you realize that person is number one. Then you have kids and you realize that person is now number two or three,” David said. “A good marriage is an adaptive marriage.”
David and Bree think the key to marriage isn’t your age but knowing who you are as a person.
“You’re still individuals. You have to have things to do by yourself,” David said. “Every once in awhile, take a break and do your own thing.”
David said he feels the definition of love changes when you mature. It’s essential to embrace the change and adapt your marriage accordingly. Bree has a simple philosophy.
“It’s important to make the memories count, not the days.”
6Y E A R S
50 | Michiana Life
XX | Michiana Life
J oe and Georgianne Lyphout of South Bend, Indiana, married January 18, 2014.
Joe had just finished his last class in his MBA program. He was out celebrating with friends when two co-workers introduced him to Georgianne. Two years later, he proposed on her birthday. Along with his other gifts, he put the wedding ring in a wine gift tube with an empty bottle. When she opened the tube, there was the magical box. After Georgianne said yes, she showed the ring to one of their dogs. He looked at it, sniffed it, and then licked it as his seal of approval.
“It was a great moment, and we laughed at how special the memory would always be,” said Joe.
The couple had an intimate winter wedding at Tippecanoe Place in South Bend.
“It was beautiful! Our pictures outside Tippecanoe Place after the ceremony, with a light snow falling, are amazing,” said Georgianne. “Everyone had so much fun, and we wrote our own vows, which was very touching and so special.”
Joe and Georgianne describe themselves as best friends. Joe thinks one of their biggest strengths as a couple is their support of each other no matter the situation.
“It’s vital to a relationship knowing that you can count on the other person to be there for you,” Joe said.
Georgianne believes in their ability to communicate about anything. Jokingly, she thinks a weakness is when she leaves dishes in the sink, because it irritates Joe.
“But if that’s the only weakness I can think of, I’ll take it!” she said. The couple has a somewhat “modern” marriage. They both work full-time
and contribute equally to the household. They try to eat dinner together as many nights as possible to talk about the day.
“We rarely do anything on weekends without each other. Weekends are our time to enjoy each other and sometimes shut out the rest of the world,” Georgianne said.
In 50 years, Georgianne sees herself still as much in love with her husband as today, holding his hand like she does now and being there to support him no matter what life throws their way. She advises couples to respect each other, communicate, spend time together, make future plans and to be financially responsible.
“Most of all, do fun things together and laugh together — don’t take yourselves too seriously. Life is too short for arguments over things that just don’t matter in the grand scheme of things,” said Georgianne. “My goal is to put Joe’s happiness before my own. By doing that, I am happy, and happiness is the key to life!” v
10 MONTHS
Michiana Life | 51
Where
MiraclesHope Grows,
Blossom.The Lakeland Health Foundation, Niles and the Niles-Buchanan YMCA have become partners, to deliver care to thousands of patients and families impacted by cancer. Hope Grows raises funds to support cancer screenings and LIVESTRONG at the YMCA. Preventive screening detects cancer at an early stage, and LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a free 12-week exercise program to help survivors after treatment.
Save the Date: Hope Grows Luncheon, May 7, 2015
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52 | Michiana Life
IN THE KITCHEN
Michiana Life | 53
FOOD‘N’
BREWRound Barn’s foray into dining paying off big
Story by Ted Yoakum | Photography by Scott Rose
B ARODA, Mich. — If there is one thing that Baroda’s Round Barn empire has not done in its more than 20 years of operation, it is resting on its laurels.
Starting as just a humble winery run by husband and wife team Rick and Sherrie Moersch, the business has since expanded into distilling and brewing, with three facilities across southwest Michigan.
With the world of drinking nearly conquered, the venerable company at the heart of Michigan’s wine country has set its sights on another
universally beloved pastime: dining.Last October, the Round Barn entered into the casual dining scene in
a big way, with the opening of the Public House, the restaurant portion of its two-year-old brewery. Nestled in downtown Baroda, the bright-red steel
exterior and giant mock-brewing tank outside the front door only tells half the story of the new dining destination for customers from throughout the region.
“We built the new brewery a few years ago, and as part of that we decided to build a kitchen inside, to expand on what we were doing in the back,” said Chris Moersch, the
manager of Round Barn’s brewery operations and one of three Moersches running the family business alongside the founders. “There’s a lot of produce and fruit in this area that we decided to
take advantage of for our menu. We’re doing a small, limited menu, keeping it as fresh as we can.”
The idea of “simple food done well” is the core concept of the menu, which offers a selection of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and the eatery’s most popular dishes: gourmet pizzas.
“Nothing goes better with beer than a slice of pizza,” Moersch said. “We spent three months working on the flavor of the crust alone.”
As can be expected, the items are designed to pair with the brews that are made in the back of the house.
The bar has 20 different Round Barn craft beers on tap, with everything from old favorites such as their English-inspired Bob’s Your Uncle to seasonal brews like their Harvest Ale. They also have a selection of sprits for customers to enjoy, many using their own house made bitters, vermouth, and other ingredients.
The industrial looking interior, complete with hardwood floors, stainless steel bar and exposed ceiling ventilation system, makes the Public House look less like a typical pub and more like an extension of the brewery itself. This idea is reinforced by the giant window behind the bar, which gives visitors a glimpse of the creation process of the libations they’re consuming.
This concept extends to more than just the physical appearance of the dining room, though, as every dish on the menu incorporates an existing Round Barn product in its creation. The restaurant’s recently introduced harvest salad, for instance, has beer-candied bacon bits mixed in with the spring greens, goat cheese crumbles and other vegetables in the dish.
This creativity and dedication extends to nearly everything the 10-person kitchen brigade, led by head chef Jeff McRae, produce. The restaurant’s signature pizzas, for example, feature not only handmade, beer-infused crusts but also in-house tomato sauce and locally sourced toppings.
“When you use really good ingredients, you don’t have to get super fancy with the menu,” Moersch said. v
54 | Michiana Life
Michiana Life | 55
“Simple food done
well”
Visit the
public house9151 First St., Baroda, MI
(269) 326-7059
Hours:Monday-Thursday — 3-10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday — Noon - 11 p.m.Sunday — Noon - 10 p.m.
www.roundbarnwinery.com/brewery
56 | Michiana Life
269-684-6600215 East Main Street • Niles, Michigan
Visit www.PizzaTransit.comJoin us on Facebook
Fresh Ingredients In Every Bite!Home of the
“Pizza of the Month”
Since 1987
Garden Medley4 tsp. olive oil1 green pepper, sliced1 red pepper, sliced3 cloves garlic, crushed and diced2 cups cooked fresh or frozen sweet corn1 can black beans, drained and rinsed5 slices fried and crumbled bacon (optional)4 tsp. apple cider vinegar3 tsp. white sugarsalt and pepper to taste
Ingredients
Instructions
—Recipe submitted by Judith Ashley, Edwardsburg
1.
2.
3.
In a skillet, sauté peppers, onion and garlic in olive oil.
Add cooked corn, black beans, bacon, salt and pepper.
When the mixture is hot, add vinegar and sugar.
FROM THE COOKBOOK
Michiana Life | 57
1213 E. University Drive, Granger(574) 273-0443
Tuesday - Saturday5 PM - 10 PM
Must be 21 to dine in the restaurant or on the patio
Tapas ~ Wine Bar
Food with Attitude
Temper Grille is where fine tapas-style cuisine and attitude unite to create
an ultimate and unforgettable dining
experience.
BBQCHILI
Thaw barbecue meat (ideally, overnight in refrigerator).
Saute diced onions over medium heat about 5 minutes, until translucent.
Add green chilies and chili seasoning, stirring often. Stir in chili beans, tomatoes and barbecue.
Simmer over low heat until thoroughly heated (approximately 30 minutes), stirring occasionally.
Ingredients• 1 pound fully cooked pork BBQ• 1 large onion, diced• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies• 1 package (2 ounces) chili seasoning• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) chili beans• 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes• Sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped scallions (to garnish)
Instructions1.
2.
3.
4.
58 | Michiana LifeXX | Michiana Life
FEATURE
Photo by Jessica Cornelius
Michiana Life | 59
The ultimate
familyhome
E LKHART, Ind. — Thirty-two year-old Alicia Grannell is no stranger to a fast-paced lifestyle.
Before giving birth to her almost three-year-old daughter Peyton, the certified registered
nurse spent nearly a decade working in intensive care units, emergency rooms and open-heart recovery suites. While life as a stay-at-home mom may be less chaotic than working in a hospital, any mother would agree that raising a toddler is no easy feat.
This is why, when searching for a home in Michiana, Alicia and her husband, Dr. Justin Grannell, chose their tan two-story house in a quiet cul-de-sac between Granger and Elkhart.
“Location was one of the biggest things. Back here in the cul-de-sac it’s mostly families and people drive slowly. We felt like it was a safe location, and it’s close to our families,” Alicia said. “It was a great place to grow our own.”
When Justin and Alicia decided to purchase their home
just a little over 18 months ago, safety and comfort were two of the most important features in weighing their decision.
“I love the open layout. No matter where I am in the house, I can hear and see Peyton,” Alicia joked. “She’s so chatty, so she’s always making noise. It’s when I can’t hear her that I worry.”
Dream house becomes a reality for GrannellsStory by Ambrosia Neldon | Photography by Amelio Rodriguez, Cricket Nelson & Jessica Cornelius
FEATUREHOME SHOWCASE
60 | Michiana Life
A house becomes a homeThe nearly 3,000 square-foot home is located in front of a nature
preserve in a subdivision just outside Granger. The family-friendly neighborhood matches the inside of the home, which is perfect for a growing family.
The first floor has plenty of room for Peyton to run and play, with a wide open living room just around the corner from Alicia’s favorite room: the kitchen.
“I just love how big it is,” Alicia said. A small breakfast nook in the kitchen overlooks the nature
preserve behind the house with double-doors leading out to a patio. Ivory cupboards lining the floor and ceiling provide loads of space, and Alicia said the large island in the middle of the kitchen is great for baking cookies or preparing meals for large groups of people.
Between the eating kitchen and the living room is a dining room used for special meals and family gatherings.
Up the stairs in the living room, a balcony of sorts overlooks the entire first floor, perfect for keeping an eye on the little one downstairs while doing chores in the master bedroom, toy room or either of the two nurseries upstairs. The overhang provides a beautiful view of the spacious living room with windows extending
from the floor to the second-floor ceiling. A white marble fireplace anchors the wall facing the overhang, and family photos line every shelf, nook and cranny available.
In addition to the layout, Alicia and Justin chose their home because they saw potential to make some longtime dreams come true.
Michiana Life | 61
Man Cave Extraordinaire“The basement is just something I’ve dreamt about for years and
years,” Justin said. Less than a year and a half after moving in, the unfinished space
that was the Grannells’ basement is now a football fan’s dream, dedicated to their mutual love for the Michigan State Spartans.
On a shelf near the stairs sits a photo of Justin’s father, Dr. James Grannell, of Niles, in his MSU football uniform. Dr. Grannell Sr. played for the Spartans while pursuing his undergrad from 1971 to 1975.
“As far as the Michigan State history, (Justin’s) dad played football at Michigan State, so Justin grew up going to all of the games,” Alicia said.
“(My dad) takes a lot of pride in his success. He grew up very, very poor in Benton Harbor and had a full ride scholarship to Michigan State. So he’s very proud of what he has accomplished,” Justin said. “I grew up going to hockey, football and basketball games as far back as I can remember. And (Alicia) was a Michigan State fan. If it wasn’t for her having a very good scholarship to Northwestern, she probably would have gone there.”
The Grannells are season ticket holders and attend every home football game. When their beloved Spartans are on the road, though, their basement becomes the perfect spot to host watch parties, featuring three large flat-screen TVs mounted on the wall.
“Having the ability to watch three games at one time, or the same game on three screens, that’s just great,” Justin said.
Perhaps the most impressive part of the room, the wall facing the stairs is lined with panoramic photographs of the Michigan State stadium throughout the years, as well as photos of each of the stadiums Justin and Alicia have visited together.
Leather couches with cup holders, a surround sound system and plenty of room for guests makes the space an ideal spot for a large number of football fans.
“If the layout were a little bigger, we might add a bar down here, but I don’t think there’s room,” Alicia said. “It’s right down the stairs from the kitchen though, so it’s easy to transport food and drinks.”
Keep on Rockin’Down the hall is a literal version of another of Justin’s dreams
come true. “We had a lot of storage space back in (the back) area, more
than we really needed, and I wanted to have a recording studio and a place for the band to play,” he said. “It just over time slowly became more and more realistic that it could potentially happen.”
Since he was in eighth grade at Niles Community Schools, Justin and a few of his friends have been singing and playing together. The same group of men, with a few members traded out, now form the contemporary Christian band Left 99.
62 | Michiana Life
With the installation of a soundproof recording and practice studio, the band has been able to improve tremendously.
Though Alicia jokes that the studio is her least favorite room, she said she can barely hear the band practicing from upstairs.
“I can hear drums, but that’s it. Peyton takes naps while they practice,” she said.
With the recent news of a little boy on the way, Alicia is even more relieved that she and her husband chose the home that they did.
Alicia said the house is perfect for her family because it allows everyone to do what they love inside the comfort of their home.
“We all kind of have our own space to do our own stuff — I have the kitchen, Justin has the studio, Peyton has her playroom. But we also have space for us to watch TV together or sit down and have a meal,” Alicia said. “We don’t have to be on top of each other all the time, but there is plenty of space for us to be a family. I think every family can appreciate that.” v
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Michiana Life | 63
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Discover what Michiana has to offer within less than a hour’s drive.
Shopping. Dining. Entertainment. Services.
Story and photos by Cricket Nelson
DIY Pallet Wine Rack
W hen the economic recession took over the lives of Americans a little more than five years ago, the country saw a big boom of people
interested in repurposing items to create new things they could not afford to purchase.
Now that the economy has gained stability, the interest in “doing it yourself” has not subsided, as the green movement has taken over and encouraged people to reduce, reuse, recycle. This concept is often applied to items that people don’t know what to do with after their initial purpose has been carried out.
Case in point: pallets. Pallets are often used for transporting freight in businesses.
This means that once the business has moved what needs to be moved, the pallets are often considered useless. This leads to many businesses giving the pallets away for free, which is a major perk for do-it-yourself-ers everywhere.
Living in the wine country of the Midwest, wine is easy to come by and those who love it often need a good place to store it, so why not repurpose a pallet into a wine rack?
Pallets can be a few different sizes but 48”x40” is a common size that was used for this project.
Materials- 1 wood pallet- Hand saw- Handheld jig saw
- Nail gun and nails- Crowbar or hammer- Sandpaper- Paint or stain if desired
Two of the types of pallets that can be found and which is correct for this project.
YES NO
64 | Michiana Life
First you will want to decide which end of the pallet is preferred. Then, using the hand saw, cut the pallet in half horizontally. (The slats should be horizontal and the frame pieces vertical).
Once the inserts are measured and cut, use the nail gun to secure them.
To create the wine glass rack, carefully remove one more slat from the unused half of the pallet. Decide how many wine glasses it will hold and evenly measure and cut openings. On this version triangles were used for a shape to hold the glasses and keep them from falling out but then it also will hold a variety of stem sizes.
The next step is to make sure there are two slats on each side. Then carefully remove one of the slats from the top of one side. Using the board that was just removed, measure and cut it to fit into the bottom two openings of the pallet. This will create inserts that create the actual rack for holding the wine bottles.
Remove one of the slats from the half of the pallet not being used and cut it into three small pieces that will attach to the bottoms of the three vertical frame pieces. These can be any size, depending on the amount of space desired between the bottom of the wine bottle rack and the wine glass holder. On this project they were cut about 2” thick.
Attach the wine glass holder slat to the bottoms of the small pieces at the base of the wine rack. The rack will likely need to be sanded and then can be stained, painted or left as raw wood.
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6Michiana Life | 65
66 | Michiana Life
L iving in Niles, Michigan, Allison Hayes was raised on Big Ten sports.Her love of sports in general led her to pursue a career in
journalism and broadcasting.After graduating from the University of Florida, Hayes was able
to come back “home” to Michiana and became a reporter and the weekend anchor at FOX 28.
Hayes became a popular figure throughout southwest Michigan and northern Indiana.
She won an Indiana Associated Press Award for Best Sports Photography and was part of the FOX 28 team that won an Associated Press Award for its continuing coverage of the hiring of Charlie Weis at Notre Dame.
In the fall of 2013, she fulfilled a life-long dream by joining the Big Ten Network. She can be seen on BTN’s pre-game and post-game shows during football season.
ML: Working with the Big 10 Network, you've seen a lot of communities. What do you think makes Michiana unique by comparison?
Hayes: Well...the cities I travel to for BTN are college towns, to say the least. Niles is not a college town! But, it is a great community to grow up in! It is friendly and safe and continues to be family oriented.
ML: What is your favorite place to visit when you're home in Niles?
Hayes: I really love going to Olfactory Hue Bistro. It is awesome to see one of my best friends, chef Daysha Amster, live out her dream of owning her own restaurant. I also enjoy the riverfront area, to walk and watch my daughter play. And, the Prime Table. I worked there as a waitress in high school and to this day, I don't think I have ever found any place with better soups. (Especially the split pea).
ML: How do you think your hometown shaped who you are today?
Hayes: When I look back, I am really able to appreciate growing up in Niles. I think when you are a teenager, you are always looking for something else. I went away for college and traveled the world, but I think there is nothing more telling about my feelings for Niles and Michiana than making the decision to come home to start my own family. It has made me really appreciate the little things in life. Taking my daughter for walks, having a back yard, having family close by and having the love and support of an entire community when you need them the most. I wouldn't change anything about my upbringing and I am proud to raise my daughter here.
ML: What is your favorite time of year in Michiana?Hayes: I love the fall, but it just doesn't last long enough and
winter is looming so I would have to say summer is my absolute favorite. I love everything about it; the colors, the flowers, the sunshine, the beach. Everything is better when the weather is nice. The hotter the better. v
Niles native Allison Hayes says her broadcast journalism success is rooted in her hometown
Story by Scott Novak | Photography submitted
Why IL VEMichiana
Michiana Life | 67
United Way of Southwest Michigan focuses on advancing the building blocks of a good life; Education, Income, Health, and Basic Needs. Because we all win when a child succeeds in school, when families are fi nancially stable, when people are healthy and have all their basic needs met. That’s great, but what does United Way do? We recruit people, businesses, and organizations with the passion and expertise needed to solve our communities’ toughest issues. There are three ways that you can get involved with United Way. You can give, advocate, and volunteer. Raising funds has always been a part of what United Way does. But it’s about more than just the money. It’s about improving lives in our community. We fund programs that work towards our goals in Education, Income, Health, or Basic needs. United Way then tracks and monitors results from those programs to make sure your dollar is having the greatest impact possible. United Way also relies heavily on its advocates throughout the community. These are our supporters spreading the United Way message - the message that we can not solve our communities’ issues unless we LIVE UNITED and come together to make a difference. Lastly, volunteers are integral to our communities’ success. Volunteering provides everyone a chance to get in on the action and improve Berrien and Cass counties. The work of United Way, and all our funded partners, is not possible without volunteers. However you choose to get involved with United Way, just remember that your dollar, your voice, and your time will go to improving your community. Join us, and be part of the change.
UNITED WAY IMPROVES LIVES THROUGH
EDUCATIONINCOMEHEALTH BASIC NEEDS
GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.www.uwsm.org
How are you connected with United Way?I have the pleasure of serving on United Way’s Health Investment Team. Along with other community members from Berrien and Cass counties, I get to help make decisions and offer suggestions that support the work of United Way’s Funded Partners.
Why do you believe in United Way’s work?With a focus on education, income, health, and basic needs, United Way is creating the kind of community in which I want to raise my family.
Why should others give, advocate or volunteer?Because happy, healthy communities are the result of the small things we do every day. When we LIVE UNITED our small actions add up to big changes that matter.
Meet Megan McCausland
United Way of Southwest Michigan focuses on advancing the building blocks of a good life; Education, Income, Health, and Basic Needs. Because we all win when a child succeeds in school, when families are fi nancially stable, when people are healthy and have all their basic needs met. That’s great, but what does United Way do? We recruit people, businesses, and organizations with the passion and expertise needed to solve our communities’ toughest issues. There are three ways that you can get involved with United Way. You can give, advocate, and volunteer. Raising funds has always been a part of what United Way does. But it’s about more than just the money. It’s about improving lives in our community. We fund programs that work towards our goals in Education, Income, Health, or Basic needs. United Way then tracks and monitors results from those programs to make sure your dollar is having the greatest impact possible. United Way also relies heavily on its advocates throughout the community. These are our supporters spreading the United Way message - the message that we can not solve our communities’ issues unless we LIVE UNITED and come together to make a difference. Lastly, volunteers are integral to our communities’ success. Volunteering provides everyone a chance to get in on the action and improve Berrien and Cass counties. The work of United Way, and all our funded partners, is not possible without volunteers. However you choose to get involved with United Way, just remember that your dollar, your voice, and your time will go to improving your community. Join us, and be part of the change.
UNITED WAY IMPROVES LIVES THROUGH
EDUCATIONINCOMEHEALTH BASIC NEEDS
GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.www.uwsm.org
How are you connected with United Way?I have the pleasure of serving on United Way’s Health Investment Team. Along with other community members from Berrien and Cass counties, I get to help make decisions and offer suggestions that support the work of United Way’s Funded Partners.
Why do you believe in United Way’s work?With a focus on education, income, health, and basic needs, United Way is creating the kind of community in which I want to raise my family.
Why should others give, advocate or volunteer?Because happy, healthy communities are the result of the small things we do every day. When we LIVE UNITED our small actions add up to big changes that matter.
Meet Megan McCausland
68 | Michiana Life
