$2.95 • December 2017 • Volume 14, No. 2
Page 56
Griffin Realty featured home page 60
of South-Central Indiana
Treehouse Dream Home Stunning Spencer retreat has Western
lodge style and Midwestern Amish details
Giving Season Family holds holiday fundraiser for children, animals
homesandlifestylesmagazine.com
A GIFT THAT’S STRAIGHT FROM YOUR HEART TO THEIRS. If your loved one is overweight, smokes, or has a family history of heart disease, we have the perfect gift idea: a $49 Heart Scan Gift Card from Indiana University Health. There’s no better way to tell them how much you love them, and it might just save their life. To purchase a $49 Heart Scan Gift Card go to iuhealth.org/heartcard Avon | Bedford | Bloomington | Carmel | Fishers | Frankfort Indianapolis | Lafayette | Monticello | Muncie | Tipton ©2017 IU Health 11/17 HY4438
UH_CRV_4438_2017_7.375x9.714_4c_GiftCard_PrintAd.indd 1
2 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
11/15/17 11:35 AM
View past issues at homesandlifestylesmagazine.com
7 Safe House 9 Night Lights 16 A Good Turn 22 Giving Season
16
30 Hole in One 36
COVER STORY: Treehouse Dream Home
44 Just Add Honey 50 Artist Gallery 55 Clean Sweep
22
Home from 60 Featured Griffin Realty
63 Travel: Christmas Central 66 Recipe: Holiday Gougères
$2.95 • December 2017 • Volume 14, No. 2
Page 56
Griffin Realty featured home page 60
of South-Central Indiana
ON OUR COVER: Cindy Bickelman wanted a rural Spencer retreat on her lakefront property. See how she created this stunning getaway on page 36. Photo courtesy The Home Aesthetic. Treehouse Dream Home Stunning Spencer retreat has Western
lodge style and Midwestern Amish details
44
Giving Season Family holds holiday fundraiser for children, animals
homesandlifestylesmagazine.com
© 2017 Schurz Communications, Inc. HOMES & LIFESTYLES OF SOUTH-CENTRAL INDIANA is distributed bimonthly on a subscription basis. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY COPYRIGHT. Prices, specials and descriptions are accurate as of the time of publishing. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the publisher. Advertising information has been provided by advertisers. Schurz Communications, Inc. does not make any representations as to opinions and facts contained herein. All terms and conditions are subject to change. The cover, cover design, format, content and layout of this publication are trademarks of Schurz Communications, Inc.
PUBLISHER Cory Bollinger
Don’t miss an issue of Homes & Lifestyles! $15 (plus (annual subscription) tax) 6 Issues visit us online at homesandlifestylesmagazine.com or mail subscription to: SUBSCRIPTIONS, Homes & Lifestyles 1900 South Walnut Street, P.O. Box 909 Bloomington, IN 47402
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Laurie Ragle MARKETING DIRECTOR Shaylan Owen CONTENT/LAYOUT COORDINATOR Andrew Lehman, Clearbrook Creative EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Jackie Sheckler Finch WRITERS Jackie Sheckler Finch, Pete DiPrimio, Alexandra M. Lynch, Brooke McCluskey, Kathy Jonas, Joel Pierson, Michelle Crowe
ADVERTISING SALES:
PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Howell, David Snodgress, Jeremy Hogan, Rich Janzaruk
Contact Jackie Sheckler Finch at JackieSFinch@gmail.com or Andrew Lehman at (812) 331-4276
ART DIRECTION & DESIGN Marie Canning, Clearbrook Creative
Contact Laurie Ragle at (812) 331-4291 EDITORIAL QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS:
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 3
Homes & Lifestyles
Contributors Jackie Sheckler Finch became a Hoosier more than 25 years ago when she moved to Indiana from Massachusetts for a newspaper job. She covered city government and other areas for The Herald-Times until leaving to become a full-time freelance writer. Editor of Homes & Lifestyles since its inception in 2004, Jackie is also an award-winning travel writer and author of 20 travel books. She was named the Mark Twain Travel Writer of the Year a record six times. Jackie enjoys finding the fascinating people and places that wait over the hill and around the next bend. Pete DiPrimio is a Bloomington transplant who was born near Pittsburgh. His favorite part about writing for Homes & Lifestyles is meeting the various homeowners and personalities. He’s an award-winning sports columnist who has written three books on IU sports, plus 21 children’s books on topics that include Tom Brady, Eli Manning, Ancient Rome, Ancient Sparta and more. In 2016 he was inducted into the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame, which he says reflects the fact that he covered his first sporting event shortly after Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden. A California kid for his childhood years, Jeremy Hogan came to Indiana in 1997 after a series of newspaper internships that spanned the country. He first picked up a camera as a boy to snap pictures of his friends, which led to a journalism career and a Pulitzer Prize nomination. Jeremy shoots photos and videos for The HeraldTimes and produces his own documentary films.
4 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
Chris Howell has been a full time senior photojournalist for Hoosier Times publications since 1998. Born and raised in Bloomfield, Chris’ passion is documenting the everyday lives of people in local communities and wherever his travels take him. Away from work, Chris enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing softball and grilling in the summertime. After moving to Bloomington from southern California several years ago, Marie Canning has finally come to call Bloomington home. She designs the pages of Homes & Lifestyles among other projects at the Herald-Times and Clearbrook Creative. When not in work mode, Marie relishes the times she spends with her four children and enjoys quiet times with PJ, her significant other. Andrew Lehman is the content and layout coordinator for Homes & Lifestyles. He assists the editor, develops layouts and guides the production process — and does the same for several other magazines published by Hoosier Times. He has a background in graphic design, but enjoys painting in his free time at his Bloomington home. Free time is at a premium though, as he and his wife are proud parents of two young children. Alexandra M. Lynch thoroughly enjoys writing for Homes & Lifestyles because she gets to meet wonderful people and see fascinating homes. Alexandra has been a writer most of her career, mostly newsletters and magazines. Now, in retirement, she finds the H&L gig suits her fine. In her leisure time, she likes to travel and take photos.
Joel Pierson has been a resident of Bloomington for almost two decades and is still finding things to love about the area. In addition to writing for H&L, he is a regular contributor to The Herald-Times. His interests include theater, writing, editing and audio production. He is the author of seven books, all published locally. A lifelong Hoosier, Shaylan Owen grew up near rural Delphi. He has a background in fine arts, photography and graphic design and is the marketing director for Hoosier Times. Shaylan is a selfdescribed food nerd who has created and photographed dozens of recipes for Homes & Lifestyles since April 2009. When not working, he enjoys cooking, reading, running, traveling and the outdoors. David Snodgress was born and raised in Bloomington. He has journalism and political science degrees from Indiana University and a master’s degree in journalism from Ohio University. He recently retired from working as the photography manager at The HeraldTimes. He shares a log home with his wife and three children and can often be found camping and canoeing. Brooke McCluskey is a freelance writer for H&L Magazine. In her free time, she is renovating a fixer-upper home in rural Bloomington with her husband. They have two children, a dog, a cat, a snake and many woodland friends. Michelle Crowe contributed the story on page 9. Jane Daniels of Jane Daniels Photography contributed photos of the featured home on page 60.
Homes & Lifestyles
From the Editor
I
“ t’s the most wonderful time of the year,” as Andy Williams sang in his classic holiday tune. “There’ll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for roasting and caroling out in the snow… and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago.” No matter what is going on in the world, the holidays seem to bring a measure of peace and joy, of reflection for what we have treasured over the past year. Sharing happy memories and traditional songs is a comforting tradition as the year comes to an end. When I visited Branson for the annual holiday celebration (page 62), I heard many of the Christmas songs that I remembered from my childhood. Music was always a big part of our lives. The first week of December, Mom would bring out a scratchy old record to play Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas.” Then she would play it over and over, but it was never too much for us. On Christmas Eve, youngsters in my hometown would be bundled up like Eskimos to head to the local community gathering place—the Grant Memorial Building—where we would join a choir in singing Christmas songs around a towering lighted spruce tree. Each child would visit with Santa and come home with a bag of candy. Sometimes, I would fall asleep on Christmas Eve listening to my Dad softly playing his fiddle. Fellow band members might stop by for a holiday greeting and an impromptu concert. My Dad had his own band when I was little but he made it a point to never be gone from home on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. That was family time. Although a “war baby,” I never heard my father talk about his years in the Army. Of course, I had seen the photos—Dad in his uniform, his hat tilted
to one side. Mom in her best dress, a flower tucked in her hair. Me, as the first child, cradled between them. Uncles told me that Dad had gone ahead of the troops, stringing communications wires. He had a sharpshooter medal, no wonder since he had grown up with guns in the Kentucky hills. I knew he had laid down his fiddle when he picked up that Army gun. But he still carried a harmonica in his pocket during those war years, I was told. How he was able to make music during those deadly times, I have no idea. Perhaps, it just made him feel less alone and more connected to the world he left behind to carry that wee bit of home tucked in his pocket. I still have his harmonica. Toward the end of his days, arthritis and strokes took away my Dad’s ability to play the fiddle. But he would still tap his toes and play that harmonica for my children and grandchildren. Although we may honor the past and the folks we love throughout the year, the holidays do seem to bring more recollections from yesterday. Maybe holiday traditions help account for that. Seeing faded family photographs that may be tucked away the rest of the year, smelling favorite recipes baking in the oven, talking at get-togethers about times gone by— these all might stir memories that we have slid to the back of our minds for a while. From all of us at Homes & Lifestyles, may the holidays bring you much treasured music, beloved memories and valuable time to spend with those you love. We’ll see you again in the New Year.
Have something to say? Maybe it’s a comment about a home or a recipe. Whatever you’d like to share, we want to hear, so drop us a line! Letters c/o Homes & Lifestyles • P.O. Box 909 • Bloomington, IN 47402 • Or e-mail JackieSFinch@gmail.com
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 5
6 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
Homes & Lifestyles
Home Wise
Safe House
Deter Bad Santas this holiday season
E
very holiday season, we see news reports about thieves fearlessly swiping packages from the exterior of homes. Americans are increasingly shopping online. In 2015, e-commerce sales accounted for 7.1 percent of all U.S. retail sales; that number is expected to increase to 11.2 percent by 2018. More and more packages are being left as temptations for thieves, and the holidays are prime time for those bad Santas to strike. In 2015, UPS alone delivered more than 600 million packages between Black Friday and New Year’s. More than 11 million U.S. homeowners had a package stolen in 2016. The numbers are staggering. Those numbers were obtained from “Package Theft Report: Outsmarting Criminals at Your Front Door” published by August Home, Inc. in 2016. The report also reveals: ❖ 61 percent of U.S. homeowners receive more packages during the holiday season than during the rest of the year ❖ 70 percent expect to receive packages during the holiday season ❖ 80 percent would rather invest in technology to see everyone who comes to their front door versus spending money replacing stolen packages Before you decide to cancel your Amazon Prime membership, there is good news! Today’s home security and automation systems are proven deterrents to thieves. When it comes to protecting those packages, solutions like the SkyBell video doorbell are amazing tools. SkyBell, and other products like it, can send a live video of who’s at your front door to your smart phone, allowing you to respond. If it’s
a delivery person, you can give them instructions on where to leave the package. With further home automation, you can even unlock the door for them remotely, allowing them to leave the package inside, and then lock the door when you see them leave. Having interior cameras also allows you to monitor them while they’re inside your home if you wish. While package thieves may not ring your doorbell, it’s not an uncommon practice for burglars who are trying to ascertain if someone’s home. With products like SkyBell, you can answer even if you’re not home. Say you’ve gone to visit Grandma for the holidays and your doorbell rings. You can answer, tell them you can’t currently come to the door and watch as they leave. Or, you can contact the police. All from your smart phone. Video doorbells are just one of the few innovations in home security. With on-the-go home monitoring, you can lock/unlock your doors, close your garage door, turn your lights off and on, control your thermostat and more—all from your smart device. For parents with children home after school, it provides extra peace of mind. The benefits just keep coming: thermostat control can result in energy savings. Often, insurance companies will offer lower premiums for homes with security systems. And when it comes time to sell your home, your resale value will likely be higher. Homes without security systems are up to 300% more likely to be broken into. Keep bad Santas at bay by investing in an automated home security system. Article courtesy of Smithville. Smithville is a locally owned and nationally recognized expert in broadband and home automation. Smithville.com
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 7
8 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
Night Lights
Wylie House offers old-fashioned Christmas By Michelle Crowe
Photos by David Snodgress Additional photos courtesy Indiana University Libraries
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 9
C
omfortably settled into its stenciled gold walls, holly-green rugs and cranberry curtains, the front parlor of Bloomington’s oldest historic house museum echoes the holiday season every month of the year. But in the December dusk, a transformation slips over the threshold. A glow of candles, the scent of freshcut pine, and the sounds of caroling voices invite visitors to imagine a celebration that is both different, and yet surprisingly at home with holiday festivities in 2017. “The appreciation of natural decorations, of gathering and music and, of course, the focus on children and making it a merry time for them, these things were important in the 1800s and are still central to our celebrations today,” explains Carey Beam, Director of Indiana University Libraries’ Wylie House Museum. Carey, with help from volunteers and students, is preparing for the annual Wylie By Candlelight event, set for Dec. 9. While the Wylie House is open year-round for admission-free tours of the extensively restored and interpreted 1840s homestead, only the December open house features docents in historically accurate clothing. “Dressing in period attire is a real treat, for both the volunteers and our guests,” Carey says, adding that some attendees come dressed in their own period costumes, enhancing the festive atmosphere. People are not the only ones outfitted for the occasion. Inside the home, greenery is ordered by the
10 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
yard and the pound to festoon mantels and authentic period furnishings. Mirrors and mantels glow with electric and wax candles, evoking an earlier time.
Birth of Wylie House Bloomington was less than two decades old when Indiana State Seminary (now Indiana University) President Andrew Wylie erected his Federal-style home in the center of 20 acres. It was 1835, and it would be more than a century before rural Americans enjoyed electric lighting—on their Christmas trees or anywhere else. “Our students enhance the event by not only helping with necessary work such as cleaning and decorating, but also in researching the historical period,” Carey says. “As one of the nation’s only heritage sites operated by an academic library, we are unique in our focus. At Wylie House, we strive to have an authentically historic interpretation.” That research work is one reason you won’t find a glowing Christmas tree as a centerpiece for the event—they were not popular in America until late in the 1800s. Instead, the experience begins with a luminary-lit gravel path leading to the front entrance. Next, step over the threshold to the sound
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 11
of holiday songs and the glow of a candle-lit foyer. The first-floor tour begins in the always festive front parlor. “One thing I look forward every year to seeing is all of the people in the parlor who join in the singing. It takes on a life of its own,” says Carey. She especially appreciates Mark Wiedenmayer, a dedicated volunteer who delicately plays the home’s late 1700s pianoforte for the open house.
Event for all ages
The main house tour finishes with a fascinating look at food preparation in the 1840s kitchen, and then an exit through the cherry-red back door. More music— students from IU’s Jacobs School of Music are regular performers at the event—draws guests across the yard to the glowing Education Center, a restored and relocated 1860s barn that is an important part of the academic mission of the Wylie House. IU Sophomore Becca Karstensen was hostess inside the barn in 2016 and looks forward to greeting guests there once again this year. She remembers, “The kids had garlands to string with thread and needle, and letters to write to Santa. We spread blankets on the floor for story time. It was just as important for kids to enjoy Wylie House as for the adults.”
12 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
r vice e S l a i erc Comm H
Cooli eating,
ng, and
Plumb
Trusted Since
1946
ing
It’s getting cold
Keep your family warm this winter Replacing your furnace can make your home more efficient and lower your energy bills. Call the partner you can trust to get your home ready for the long winter months ahead. Call the partner you can trust
HT-290331-1
Call Today! 812-339-9114 or visit CommercialService.com Commercial grade service for your home
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 13
14 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
HOO HOO With 500 guests last year, it’s clear the popularity of one of Bloomington’s most unique holiday events is growing. When the Wylie home was constructed, the city’s entire population numbered 400. On Dec. 9, the open house begins at 4:30 p.m., and the candles go out at 7:30 p.m. For guests with any concerns about visibility or mobility, the earlier hours provide ample natural light inside the house, while a visit timed slightly later takes the most advantage of the event’s namesake. As Carey shares, “the intensity of the candles is highlighted as the evening goes on and the sun goes down.” There is no admission fee to the Wylie house at any time, including this event. That may be one reason it is a favored among IU students looking for a unique and romantic evening out. For Carey, the event is a gift to those students, local families and the community. “This community supports us all year. We cherish, appreciate and celebrate those connections,” she says. “I always think of Wylie by Candlelight as a way to give back. It is such a privilege to have so many Bloomington families choose to attend, knowing just how many cultural opportunities we have to choose from in our wonderful town.”
HOO
! S R E I S HOO Love IU? Show off your Hoosier pride with our official IU Athletics MasterCard® Debit Cards available only at IU Credit Union! Learn more at
www.iucu.org
We started a credit union and created a community. Federally insured by NCUA
812-855-7823 • iucu.org
HT-189486-1
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 15
16 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
A Good Turn
When trees fall, woodworker Max Monts gives them new life By Brooke McCluskey Photos by Jeremy Hogan
M
ax Monts first used a lathe in eighth grade, during a woodworking class in school. He was instantly hooked. “I just loved it,” he says. The experience sparked a lifetime of work as a turner: a woodworker who uses a lathe instead of other shaping methods. “In the woodworking community, there are furniture makers, there are cabinet makers, and there are turners, among other disciplines,” Max says. Now, if you’re not exactly clear on what a lathe is, you’re not alone. Max describes turning as a commonly misunderstood art. Unless you’ve done it yourself, it can be a bit hard to picture how a big block of wood is slowly spun into the shape of a goblet, chair leg, or spoon. “Envision a motor that’s spinning wood at elbow level,” Max says. “I anchor a sharp tool, slowly plunging it into the spinning wood. The setup is a bit like a drill press, but horizontal.” As the wood is shaped on the lathe, curlicues of shavings spring from the woodworker’s hands. Max produces hundreds of pounds of shavings. He gives them to his neighbor for pony bedding or to friends for lining woodland paths.
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 17
18 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
Teaching and turning
Max explains the process of turning with the gentle patience of a schoolteacher—in fact, he was a schoolteacher for many years. During the summers, when he wasn’t teaching, he worked on carpentry crews and furthered his woodworking knowledge. It came naturally to him, he says, because he worked with his hands from a young age. “Woodworking is really something I’ve always done. I had to. I grew up with a single mom, and there wasn’t anybody else around to fix stuff around the house.” His first projects were made with logs from right in his own back yard. “When I first started out, I was just using wood from my firewood pile,” he says. “If I could see a piece that was big enough, I
could picture a bowl or a platter. If the piece wasn’t large, maybe it could be a kitchen spoon or pepper mill. These days, I go about selecting certain woods for certain uses.” Max is known for his ability to incorporate imperfections - things like knots, burls, bark and voids. To do it, he goes with the flow of the wood’s individuality. “If I can, I try to make a fault a feature,” he says. “I try not to hide such things. In my experience, when I’ve tried to hide them, they stick out like a sore thumb. So I celebrate it.” He recalls one such piece of wood, which had a huge crack down the middle from two tree trunks growing together. As he turned it on the lathe, the two natural edges became exposed. “I patched it together with some real
obvious stitches, leaving an opening through the middle of the bowl. I figured I’d call it art, put a price on it and put it on the shelf. And I’ll be doggoned, it sold within a day and a half.”
After the fall Many locals know Max from his work repurposing Bloomington’s fallen trees. The city has a program, managed by urban forester Lee Huss, where woodworkers can put trees to good use after storm damage or removal for environmental management reasons. “I’ve received beautiful walnut, oak, and sycamore,” Max says. “Instead of going to a landfill, they go to a table.” Organizations all over the region have reached out to Max. When an old black oak
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 19
fell on the limestone gates at T.C. Steele State Historic Site, he was one of the artists who used the wood. He created wood pieces that are for sale at the site’s gift shop. On occasion, Max also crafts one-ofa-kind pieces for friends and family using fallen trees that are special to them. “Some dear friends from high school had an apple tree come down, so I made things for their kids from it. Now the kids and grandkids can enjoy a piece from that tree.” Max lives on a wooded property and still sometimes uses wood from his own yard. He also relies on trees from suppliers in surrounding counties. And every once in a while, he can’t resist picking up exotic woods while traveling. He and his wife, Marie, recently visited their son, Wes, who is married and lives in
20 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
Australia. Max came back to the states with a batch of wood that weighed more than his adult daughter, Zoe. “Where else can you get mango wood?” Max chuckles. He says his kids aren’t exactly woodworkers, but Wes is very handy with his hands and Zoe has an eye for design. Both Marie and Zoe often make helpful observations that inspire and further Max’s projects. In addition to his long career in woodworking, Max continues to teach—but now he does it from behind his lathe in educational demonstrations at WonderLab and local galleries. Attendees not only see how he shapes wood, but learn how wood has shaped the history of America and the world.
He educates his listeners about the importance of treenware, centuries-old handmade objects that were a part of early human civilization. He explains that the lathe is one of the oldest pieces of woodworking equipment in the world. Items made on lathes have been unearthed during excavations of ancient Egyptian sites. Max always enjoys seeing people gain a new appreciation for the art of turning. “Kids are in awe and adults remember working on a lathe in middle or high school. We’re all big kids when we stand behind a lathe.” See more of Max’s art at The Venue in Bloomington and the Hoosier Artist Gallery in Nashville, or visit bloomingtonarts.org/wood.
d a e r g p Uyour wire shelving WOODWORKING WORDS Lathe: A device that rotates on a horizontal axis, allowing a woodworker to shape the wood. Shavings: Thin wood curls created by a metal tool during shaping. Turning: Also called woodturning, it’s the craft of using tools to create wood shapes by hand. Treenware: Everyday wooden objects created by ancient human civilizations. Today, treenware is rare and collectible.
SINCE 1987 * Walk-ins * Kids Rooms * Pantries * Mudrooms * Built-ins * Garages
Free Estimates
Everything You Need
to organize your space
(812) 322-2233 • Closetstoo@gmail.com www.closetstoo.com
HT-351514-1
Happy Holidays!
Thank you for shopping local this season.
5230 S. Old State Road 37 812-824-8813 BloomingtonValleyNursery.com HT-179998-1
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 21
Giving Season
Family holds holiday fundraiser for children, animals By Jackie Sheckler Finch Photos by David Snodgress
F
or more than a decade, Lindsay Hine Schroeder has handcrafted Christmas ornaments out of felt as a fundraiser for Wild Care, Inc. She sews hundreds of fabric owls, possums, foxes and other critters for her annual fundraiser to help injured, sick and orphaned wildlife. Watching her work last year, Lindsay’s young son Dorian asked a question that made her soul sing with joy. The youngster asked if he also could make something to help others. But his fundraiser, Dorian said, would be to buy Christmas presents for children who might not have any to open on Christmas morning. What he would like to sell, he said, was homemade baked goods. “It’s important” that all children have a Christmas gift, Dorian explains, “because it makes kids happy.” Hearing those words “melted my heart,” Lindsay says. “I thought, ‘We have to figure out a way to do this.’ Dorian was only four years old so I called around to find a place that could use donations to buy presents. I connected with Bob Sutter and his Christmas for Kids.”
22 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
The result was Dorian’s Bake Sale at the family’s 2016 open house. “We’ll be doing it again this year. I think it’s an important learning experience for Dorian,” Lindsay says. Dorian’s father Clayton Schroeder said he was “pleasantly surprised that at such a young age he felt the desire to help others.” But, then, this is also the boy who hopes Santa will bring him a Minecraft Lego set for skeletons. “I want to be a bone doctor,” Dorian explains simply. The open house at 607 W. Chambers Drive will be Dec. 9 and 10 from noon to 4 p.m. The public is invited to enjoy family holiday decorations throughout the home, sip free hot spiced cider and savor complimentary cookies. Available for purchase will be felt animal ornaments, cupcakes and buckeye candy made from Lindsay’s grandmother’s recipe. “You don’t have to buy things when you come to our house,” Lindsay says. “It’s all about sharing the holiday spirit with people and making new friends.” Any baked goods that are not sold will be donated to the homeless shelter. In addition, Lindsay sells her animal ornaments during the
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 23
month of December at College Mall Veterinary Hospital where she works. Lindsay is also an artist who specializes in painting whimsical pet portraits. Clayton is a cook at Bloomington Country Club.
Gift of family
The biggest change at the Schroeder household this year is a new baby daughter adopted in August. “We named her Jessie Eliza Rose after my grandmother who passed away this summer,” Lindsay says. “It’s just extra love for everybody.” And for Dorian it was an early Christmas present. “Dorian has been asking for a baby sister ever since he was one year old,” Lindsay says. “We weren’t able to have more children. 24 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
Then, lo and behold, we did get him a baby sister. He is so excited.” Also new this year will be some Christmas decorations that were a part of Lindsay’s childhood. “When my Grandmother Jessie passed away, I inherited her Christmas village that was made back in the 1930s. She would put it out every year and I remember very clearly admiring it and looking in the little windows.” The old-fashioned village, however, had one problem for the adoring child—there was nothing to see inside the houses. So, several years ago, Lindsay made her own village of 10 buildings and decorated the interior of the houses with people, wallpaper, furnishings and even tiny wrapped presents.
“I started it when Dorian was born,” she says. “In one of the houses, I am sitting by the window holding baby Dorian, looking out the window for Santa.” Just as she did when she was a child, Lindsay said she can see Dorian peeking inside her miniature houses. “But now there is actually something for him to see inside. He gets so excited,” she says. “When he grows up, Dorian will inherit the village and will have his family, his history, to carry on the tradition.” Another miniature is the church where Lindsay and Clayton were married. One of his favorite family Christmas memories, Clayton says, happened on one of the first Christmases he spent with Lindsay’s extended family. “They brought out a Karaoke machine. December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 25
ELEGANT, AFFORDABLE, and UNRIVALED! Unbeatable deals on quality countertops in your area!
QualitySurfaces.com 812.876.5838
2087 Franklin RD Spencer, IN 47560
26 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
“When my Grandmother Jessie passed away, I inherited her Christmas village that was made back in the 1930s. She would put it out every year and I remember very clearly admiring it and looking in the little windows.” I’m sure word had gotten out that I liked to sing. I don't know whether they were testing me or trying to give me a hard time, but they handed me the microphone as Josh Groban's version of ‘O Holy Night' cued up for me. I took a long drink of wine out of my red Solo cup and left the room speechless,” Clayton says. “Some of Lindsay's cousins still bring up the memory when we meet for a Christmas gathering.” After the Schroeders married, finding the home of their dreams seemed unattainable,
Lindsay says. “It was extremely difficult to find a home and we had about given up. Our real estate agent showed us about 100 houses but they weren’t for us because of price or location or the house’s character. I was in tears because I thought we would never find the right place.” About ready to give up, Lindsay decided to take one more chance. “I went on the computer and found an interesting 1940s house. I called our realtor immediately. We took a look and put an offer on it right away. I think it had only been on the market for three December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 27
Senior Care Services
Surrounded by care. Unique to you.
Welcome to Senior Care Services at Monroe Hospital What are Senior Care Services? Free, close-by parking. Easy-to-read documents. A step-by-step treatment plan. All things that make it easier to take care of your health.
4011 S. Monroe Medical Park Blvd. Bloomington, IN 47403 812-825-1111 • www.monroehospital.com
Your Neighbor for Life
HT-189618-1
Member of Prime Healthcare
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL NEW CONSTRUCTION AND REMODELING
TOM WININGER
HT-351516-1
BLOOMINGTON’S MOST TRUSTED CONSTRUCTION EXPERTS WiningerConstruction.com
28 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
days so we really lucked out. It was just what we wanted. We bought it four years ago.” Although she “carries Christmas in my heart all year long,” Lindsay plans to turn the unfinished basement of the Schroeder house into a master bedroom and studio. She will decorate it for Christmas and keep it that way throughout the year. “I’m sure the master suite will be festive, warm, fun and whimsical,” Clayton says. “I’m very proud of Lindsay and all the hard work she does. It’s inspiring to see the difference one person can make.”
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 29
Hole in One Steve Smyers sets design on new IU golf course By Pete DiPrimio
Photos by Andrew Lehman Additional Photos courtesy Steve Smyers
G
olf mission impossible finds Steve Smyers set to make it possible. A new Indiana University golf course—community friendly, athletically challenging, intellectually stimulating and environmentally progressive—which once seemed as likely as walking on water, is on its way. Seriously. It is. A nationally renowned golf architect with more than 50 courses on his resume, including Zionsville’s Wolf Run, Steve is the man hired to make it happen. No, he does not turn water into wine. What does all this mean for IU and the community? For starters, some really cool golf. “I think the land is absolutely perfect for the creation of a world-class golf course,” Steve says. The current course, built in the 1950s and at least 40 years past its prime, is nothing like that. It’s so bad that IU’s golf teams don’t compete there anymore. That’s about to change in a big way. When finished, the new course will be capable of hosting the NCAA tourney and pretty much any other major tournament you’d care to name. Could that include hosting a PGA event? Maybe. “The inside-the-ropes experience will be all the test of golf that anybody would ever want,” Steve says. “But so many decisions on major championship decisions are made outside the rope—like gallery control, press boxes, hotels, things like that.
30 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 31
32 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
“That has been considered, but not addressed in this situation.” The design calls for taking the existing 18 regulation holes and nine par-three holes into one 18-hole course with a state-of-the-art clubhouse. The new course will range from 4,400 yards for those seeking more fun than challenge to 7,700 yards for elite players (the current course is 6,800). It will include a driving range with a setup for once-a-week short-course play. Fairways will have Zoysia grass, a tough grass noted for its durability and ability to withstand heat, drought and heavy foot traffic. That should translate into ideal lies and better play. The new course should be ready for play in 2019.
A golfer’s dream
For those wondering if IU would ever join the 21st Century when it came to its golf
course, this is like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Officials tried for years to get it done, with former athletic director Clarence Doninger coming the closest in the late 1990s with a project that would have produced a Jack Nicklaus-designed course at no cost to the university. For a variety of reasons that attempt and so many others, failed. Finally, current athletic director Fred Glass was able to get things moving. The result is a $12 million project that will deliver a course accessible to everyone. “It will be a great piece to our athletic complex,” Fred says. To say Steve is pumped about the project is to do disservice to the word, “pumped.” “It’s a thrill to be involved in projects like this. I love it. This is what you do this for. The people involved are very enthusiastic. And that enthusiasm carries over from one person
to the next. It’s a fun environment to be in.” Fun translates to a rock-your-world course, which doesn’t have to mean torture those who play it. “Several factors go into the creation of a great golf course,” Steve says. “It starts with two things—the client and the site. We’ve got a great client in Indiana University. Their desire is to build a course that can host major competitions. And we’re blessed with a very good rolling site.” And then, of course, you need a good plan. “We have several goals here,” Steve says. “First, we wanted to create a product that was economically and environmentally sustainable. We have over a couple of hundred acres. We wanted to leave this landscape much healthier from an environmental standpoint than when we started. That’s the first thing. “The second thing is we wanted to produce a golf course that is economically
Steve stands near what will be the 17th green.
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 33
“Several factors go into the creation of a great golf course. It starts with two things—the client and the site. We’ve got a great client in Indiana University. Their desire is to build a course that can host major competitions. And we’re blessed with a very good rolling site.”
sustainable. In other words, build something that is friendly to maintain and that is something that will be so stimulating that people will want to go there. Something that would make sense from a business point of view. “From a golf point of view, we wanted to provide a world-class challenge for those who wanted that, but also make it a place where people could enjoy the course. Make it a fun getaway. “That’s the mission statement. This has a very extensive practice area. One side is dedicated to hitting balls. It will have programs to reach out to beginners and the community. It will be a welcoming place to introduce people to the game and get them interested— young and old alike.”
Getting involved
How did Steve, who lives in Florida, get
34 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
involved with the IU project? It helped that his background includes being the former president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects with 30 years in the profession. He remains a strong amateur player who was a member of the University of Florida's 1973 national title team. Connections from building his two Indiana courses, Wolf Run and Indianapolis’ Heartland Crossing Golf Links, also helped. “I have a lot of friends in Indiana,” he says. Beyond that, Bloomington’s Spider Miller, for years one of the nation’s top amateur golfers, introduced Steve to IU officials. Introductions led to consideration which led to commitment after plenty of time spent on the site. “I can’t put a number on it,” he says, “but I’ve walked the land quite extensively.” Environmental concerns were among the reasons why it’s taken so long to build a new
course. Steve says that’s been addressed. The site will include 72 acres planted with native species from south-central Indiana. “It will provide a great habitat for all sorts of wildlife,” Steve says. “We went through an extensive process on how the course would lay on the land, and how the course could harmoniously exist and enhance the environment and the land. “One of the things we do is we try to heal the landscape. We try to make it a more powerful landscape setting post-development than pre-development.” Ultimately, though, it’s about having a course Indiana and Bloomington can play with pride rather than embarrassment. As Fred has put it, IU will have a “golf course worthy of the Indiana University name.” And so, impossible is set to become possible. For those who love golf, it’s about time.
Steve looks out over what will be the fairway on the first hole.
HT-179954-1
Give yourself the gift of peace of mind Protect what you love. A Honeywell security system from Smithville provides you with the latest in home automated security, right at your fingertips. s m i t hv i l l e s e c u r i t y. co m | (800) 742-4084
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 35
Treehouse Dream Home Stunning Spencer retreat has Western lodge style and Midwestern Amish details By Brooke McCluskey
Photos courtesy of The Home Aesthetic and CK Photography
W
hat’s it like to live in a secluded lakeside retreat? To wake up and see a sparkling water view from every window? To kayak out to your private island on a quiet morning? “Amazing,” says Cindy Bickelman. “From spring to summer, it’s lush and green—a park-like setting coming to life. Fall leaves are phenomenal. In the winter, it’s like living in a winter wonderland.” Cindy’s rural Spencer lodge, named Old Hickory Lake, is an 8-500-square-foot jewel shining on 50 acres of equally spectacular land. The home was recently featured on an Indianapolis RTV6 special about Indiana dream homes. Suddenly, Cindy’s acquaintances started asking, “Was that your house I saw on TV?”
36 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 37
Just like Old Hickory Lake, Cindy is warm and inviting. Her sweet, welcoming style makes it easy to forget that she’s a very busy businesswoman. She co-founded Medtech College and spent many years in the private proprietary school industry. She recently launched a new speculative building company called Deckard Development. Cindy’s eyes sparkle with excitement as she describes handpicking each of the home’s details. She designed this masterpiece, piece by piece, with the help of local masters: stonework, ironwork, woodcraft, building, lighting, design and more. When she couldn’t find a perfect detail locally, she used her adventurous spirit to explore the world. Some of the custom light fixtures, for example, were hand-forged in Mexico. Everything in the home has Cindy’s loving touch. Heartbreakingly, there was one part of the dream that was beyond Cindy’s control. She lost her husband to health issues shortly after they built their dream home together. Cindy spent the next two years coping with the loss, as her extended family joined her for comfort at Old Hickory Lake.
38 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
Floating in the trees
Cindy’s spirit is undaunted. The house remains a treasure to her. She describes the idea behind its design: giving guests the feeling of floating in the trees. The architects, Bloomington’s Bailey & Weiler Design/ Build, designed a lodge-style structure that integrates perfectly with the woods. It’s somehow both grounded and up in the clouds. “It’s a treehouse,” Cindy laughs. “As you walk up the steps to enter, you feel like you’re in a treehouse that overlooks the lake.” The effect is enhanced by multiple tiers of decks and patios, which hold six separate seating areas that are set up as cozy outdoor
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 39
The winning team. Combine Home & Auto.
When home and auto work as a team, you score time and money. Just another way I’m here to help life go right™. CALL ME TODAY.
Cindy J Vlasman Ins Agcy Inc
Cindy J Vlasman, Agent HT-257487-1
444 S College Avenue Bloomington, IN 47403
Bus: 812-339-5529
Call for FREE Estimate Windows, Siding, Doors & More!
“America’s Largest Replacement Window Co.”
SERVING SOUTH CENTRAL INDIANA
VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED
1636 State St., Suite G, Columbus
812-961-7008
www.windowworldinc.com 40 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
rooms. A hot tub—just likes the ones you see at luxury resorts—overlooks the lake. An outdoor kitchen, stainless steel grill, and indoor/outdoor fireplaces create an endless flow between the exterior and interior. It’s all tied together with stonework by Dream Builders, Bradford, LLC of Bloomington. As you step inside, it’s hard to know where to go first. Like a child in a giant treehouse, you just want to dash through the rooms and peek into all the corners. It’s no wonder Cindy’s young niece recently asked to have a birthday sleepover here. In the home’s kitchen, any chef could step right in and whip up a gourmet meal. Cindy says it’s a wonderful place to entertain, because the kitchen sits at the heart of the house and connects to every other space. It has long granite countertops, a stately island, high-end appliances, and a precise layout that keeps cooking tools within reach. The bedrooms—all seven of them—feel lush and spa-like, as if you could fall into a cloud of pillows and curl up to sleep. It’s a reminder that the entire home was carefully decorated by Tussels, a Louisville-based interior design firm. Tussels’ designers kept the color scheme light and luxurious, in perfect complement to the woodland setting.
West meets Midwest Speaking of wood, it’s a crucial design element of the home. Cindy didn’t just want a treehouse and Western-style lodge—she also craved a place that would truly honor Indiana craftsmanship. She sought out local Amish builders, Stoll’s Woodworking, LLC from Odon, to infuse a sleek, almost Spartan aesthetic into the hardwood floors, cabinetry, trim, and doors. They created built-in bookshelves and a handmade front door with top-to-bottom windows. Although her Amish builders told her they didn’t really do closets, Cindy worked with them to create a spacious, must-see-tobelieve custom closet for her large collection of clothing and shoes. It’s a room unto itself, with specialty racks and storage as impressive as anything on HGTV. If you ever get a chance to visit Cindy Bickelman’s closet, do it. Custom design is important to Cindy. Rather than selecting a typical staircase railing, for example, she hired Bloomington-based metal artist Bryan Absher of Old City Ironworks to design a swirling piece that is part function, part art. As it cascades down the stairs, ironwork leaves and acorns form intricate patterns.
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 41
Exploring the outdoors
At Old Hickory Lake, part of the experience is exploring the 50-acre property. It’s mostly untouched woodland. In the middle of the lake, a private island sits expectantly, waiting for a visit. Cindy has considered building a small structure on the island—maybe a writer’s studio—but for now it remains a natural oasis. A boathouse holds a canoe, kayak, fishing boat, paddleboat and lots of other outdoor gear. When children visit, they love jumping off the dock and swimming across the lake. “The lake has bass… Which fish does it have?” Cindy asks her new husband, Bill. She met him several years after her late husband passed. It’s clear they’re a perfect match. “Bass, crappie, catfish,” Bill says. “It’s fully stocked. A stream-fed lake.” When Cindy can’t recall a detail, Bill is right there to fill in the blanks. Like Cindy, Bill lost his first spouse unexpectedly. He’s originally from Louisville, and although he works as a computer network integrator, he seems as comfortable outdoors as in an office. When Cindy and Bill speak, they easily finish each other’s sentences. Bill has come to understand Cindy’s dream home from top to bottom. As the days go by, the couple is finishing the story of Old Hickory Lake. They have enjoyed good times at the treehouse, but would sell the home to the right owners if they found them. They’re thinking about leaving the property behind. It’s time, it seems, to find new dreams together. See additional photos at oldhickorylakeretreat.weebly.com or call (317) 413-8501.
42 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
J O S L 2455 Tamarack Trail • Bloomington, IN 47408
812-336-7060
Exceptional living is a slam dunk at Meadowood Retirement Community. Get in the game with our Lifestyle360 activities or cheer on the Hoosiers with free transportation to Indiana University sporting events. Here, everyone is part of our winning Five Star team.
CALL TO JOIN OUR TEAM AND GET BACK IN THE GAME. www.MeadowoodRetirement.com INDEPENDENT LIVING • OUTPATIENT REHAB • SKILLED NURSING • SHORT STAYS HT-349699-1
©2017 Five Star Senior Living
Pet Friendly
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 43
Just Add Honey Mead a sweet oddball fermentable By Joel Pierson
Photos by Jeremy Hogan
I
n the world today, there are wine drinkers and there are beer drinkers, and seldom do the two agree. But there’s a beverage that’s older than both, dating back a staggering 8,000 years. It’s known as mead, and a Bloomington establishment is making a name for itself in the newly developing craft mead industry. Driving down South Walnut Street, you could go past Oddball Fermentables and not even realize it. There’s no neon sign, no velvet rope, no crowd lined up down the block, no music blaring loud enough to be heard on the street. In fact, they’re located in a former residence, one of many that line the busy street. But for those who know to turn down the side street and park in the lot behind the building, what awaits is an experience quite different from any of the multitude of bars, restaurants and clubs in Bloomington.
44 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 45
46 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
“Mead itself is a growing thing. In the pantheon of craft brewing and wineries, mead is the upstart."
The front door opens into a modest sitting room with comfortable couches and chairs. Beyond that is the bar, new and modern in contrast to its classical surroundings and toward the back of the house is another seating area with tables. One distinguishing feature is that children are allowed to enter with their families, as long as they are not in the bar area. Drew Schrader, James Robinson and Jason Krothe opened up Oddball Fermentables about a year ago, after living in town for many years. Both Drew and James come from an education background. Drew taught at Bloomington South High School and was one of the founding teachers at Bloomington New Tech. James was a special ed. teacher at Bloomington South for a number of years, having moved to town in 1990. The process of bringing Oddball to the public took three full years from inception
to ribbon-cutting. Jason had a previous connection to the property—he and his father had purchased it as part of their environmental consulting business. As such, it was zoned commercial, which made it ideal for Oddball’s base of operations. “Jason has an eye for design,” James says. “It’s more in his blood. He did a lot of the woodwork and the electrical. We needed to put in a bar, and we had Siosi Design, a wonderful local company, come in and build it. We love it; it’s a gorgeous piece of ambrosia maple. Everything else was original equipment.” “We did some remodeling in the back,” Drew adds. “We turned what used to be a bedroom into a dining room and put a second bar back there. We did make a few adjustments to open things up and give it a flow.”
Making mead With a place to call their own, James and Drew could continue doing what they’ve done together for almost 12 years—making mead. It’s a type of wine made of fermented honey, and it can include a number of other flavors. In addition to mead, Oddball creates a beverage called cyser, a combination of mead and hard cider. As Drew explains, “Mead is an odd drink. One of our main specialties is cyser. Mead is the umbrella drink. When the primary sugar is honey, it’s called mead. If you ferment honey and apple juice together, it’s called a cyser.” And as for that name? James says, “When we decided we were going to go commercial, we realized our place in the craft-drinking constellation was sort of in this in-between. We’re not fermenting grains like the brewers; we’re not fermenting grapes like the wineries.
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 47
We’re fermenting things like apples and honey and different things, so we’re Oddball Fermentables.” At present, the wine bar at 1211 S. Walnut Street is their only location. They feature about a half dozen meads and cysers each day, available by the glass, as a tasting flight or as part of a unique cocktail or shrub (a term for a fruit-based, sweetened vinegar cocktail). In addition, patrons can buy growlers, refillable bottles, of any flavor of the day to take home. Purely in the interest of journalistic thoroughness, your intrepid reporter tried a tasting flight of five of the day’s offerings. A cyser called First Date featured the flavor of dates complementing apples and clover honey. Next came a spicier entry called Cyser Punk, made with ginger and cinnamon. Following that was Enzy’s Gold, which incorporated citrus and clove notes into the cyser’s apple-honey foundation. The unusual fourth entry was HopBerry Blue, a blueberry cyser made with hops to temper the sweetness. Fifth and finally was a brand-new creation called Little Darla, a more traditional
48 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
mead made from alfalfa honey. While some meads can be quite sweet, Oddball’s offerings drink quite a bit dryer, allowing the complex flavors to come through in layers. The soft opening and breaking-in period have exceeded expectations, and James says, “In the tantalizingly near future, we’ll be bottling and selling through our shop, but also through local stores. We have to go through a distributor because of Indiana laws. We’ve talked to different retailers around town. We have a definite niche that we would fill. Liquor stores and some restaurants would be a good fit.”
No competition for Oddball
Unlike the city’s many bars, there really is no competition for Oddball. As James reflects, “There’s no such thing as competition in mead or in the craft drinking market. There’s more than enough to go around. The craft beer revolution helped people realize ‘We want something better.’ In our case, we were able
to enter a place where people have all the different craft beers. We have something a little bit different but complementary to that. There’s no backbiting; everyone in town is very supportive.” Drew adds, “What’s wonderful is there’s a more-is-more spirit among all the producers. If there’s any competition, it’s that we want to take down the big corporate entities that have depersonalized things.” In the years ahead, the Oddball team plans to continue stepping things up. “We’re excited about the distribution potential,” Drew says. “We’ll continue to expand as a unique Bloomington destination, taking what we make out to the masses. The drinks we make are filling a really nice niche. When people think about cyser, they think about Oddball.” As James points out, “Mead itself is a growing thing. In the pantheon of craft brewing and wineries, mead is the upstart. I’m glad to be a part of that, one of the first couple of meaderies in the state. And remember, the more honey people buy, the more bees people keep. Drink mead, save the planet."
TALK TO US
FIRST! for
MAKING SEASONS BRIGHT
INNOVATIVE
“For Bicycling Around the Block & Around theWorld”
Kitchen/Bath Designs
Bike Repair-Sales-Gear Custom Orders & Fittings Gift Certificates!
Expert design & installation of surfaces, cabinets, sinks & faucets of your dreams
LOCAL SINCE 1980
RAKESOLUTIONS.COM
812.824.8338
HT-351517-1
705 E. DILLMAN ROAD BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA
Good Earth, LLC MON. - SAT. 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
812-824-7928 650 E. Empire Mill Road Bloomington
www.gogoodearth.com
We Deliver!
Mulch is the building block to good soil.
Also Available: SEASONED FIREWOOD, dry garden soil, rocks, gravel, wood chips, compost & variety of colored mulch.
507 E. Kirkwood bikegarage.com Bloomington, IN 812.339.3457
Parking Behind The Shop
HT-349700-1
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 49
Homes & Lifestyles
Artist Gallery Cheryl Gregg Duckworth Harrell Road farm at sunset 18” x 24” Oil Described as "whimsical realism," most of Cheryl's inspiration comes from her flower farm in Bloomington. She paints flowers, the surrounding countryside of Monroe and Brown County, Lake Monroe, wildlife and many of her own pets. 7807 E Lampkins Ridge Rd 812-361-1071 cherylgreggduckworth.com
Martina Celerin "Guacamole" Martina Celerin creates wall sculptures that fuse weaving and felting techniques using reclaimed and recycled materials to tell the story of her life. 812-219-0647 info@martinacelerin.com martinacelerin.blogspot.com martinacelerin.com
Marilyn Greenwood Rose cut Ruby, Watermelon Tourmaline and faceted Ruby Pendant in sterling silver with gold accent beads. Hand-fabricated, one-of-a-kind pieces, using unusual gemstones and fossils set in gold and silver. P.O. Box 163 Clear Creek, Ind. 812-824-6184 Marilyngreenwood.com Represented at By Hand Gallery in Bloomington, Ind. and at Spears Gallery in Nashville, Ind.
Christina Knipstine "Ravenna Icon" 16" x 20" Mexican and Italian Smalti Mosaic Commissions available 812-325-9329 christinaknipstine@yahoo.com glassmoonmosaics.com 50 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
Jim Halvorson 8” Stoneware vase Pottery by Jim Halvorson is available at By Hand Gallery and Brown County Craft Gallery. Halvorsonstoneware.com
Suzanne Halvorson Matt’s Scarf bamboo double weave 8”x75” Suzanne’s weaving is available at By Hand Gallery. suzannehalvorson.com
Jackie Olenick “Shalom – A Peaceful Winter Landscape” Mixed Media on Canvas 24” x 36” Holiday greeting card of this image is available. A spiritually infused collection of fine art and jewelry. Original art and affordable giclee reproductions. Please call for a studio appointment. 305-490-7003 jackieolenick@gmail.com jackieolenickart.com
Dawn Adams "Watkins Glen" Dawn’s original oil paintings examine water and its properties. Responding to its soothing qualities as well as its fluid reality, she mimics it by layering textured strata of translucent and opaque oil pigments creating visual depth. She finds this subject versatile, as it can be emotional, representational or abstract. DawnAdamsPaintings.com
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 51
Homes & Lifestyles
Artist Gallery
HOOSIER ARTIST GALLERY HANDMADE FINE ART
Gillian Harris “Portrait of a Speckled Sussex Hen” 14" x 18" Gouache and colored pencil
Max Monts Spalted Maple Bowl 10" x 3.5" Highly spalted and finished with shellac and tung oil.
yellowwood.net
812-361-9939 mmonts@bluemarble.net hoosierartist.net/gallery-monts.htm 45 S. Jefferson St. • 812-988-6888 • www.hoosierartist.net
Dorothy Thompson
James B. Campbell
Tom Rhea
“Robin Eating Berries” Painterly photograph of a Robin on a winter’s day.
Sculptor and painter
Paintings in gouache "Haight District Victorian" 11.5" x 9.5"
Custom work also available. Your favorite image on canvas ready to display. 812-318-1957 dbt@photofolk.net photofolk.net
52 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
"Study 320" 8.5" x 11.75" Acrylic on wood panel Bloomington, IN 812-333-4577 campbellarts.net
Intimate portraits of family, home, vacations or special events. Memorialize a moment or a treasured photograph with a reasonably-priced commission for a painting, drawing or print. 1019 East Wylie Street Bloomington, Ind. 47401 812-336-8335 tomrhea31@comcast.net tomrhea.com
2.57 ACRES
ON LAKE MONROE WITH A DOCK
4307 LEONARD SPRINGS RD
8043 E HARDIN RIDGE RD
$725,000
MLS#201740177
$685,000 MLS#201742184
2-STORY OVER BASEMENT IN EAGLEVIEW
PRIVATE.42ACLOTBACKINGUPTOACONSERVANCY
4144 S PURPLE FINCH
1305 E MAXWELL LANE
$479,900
MLS#201746578
$479,900
MLS#201717170
11 ACRES IN LANAM RIDGE ESTATES
LOCATED ON 5 ACRES
LOT 10 E MABELS WAY
867 S GARRISON CHAPEL RD
$475,000
MLS#201704701
$329,900
MLS#201746434
BLOOMINGTON’S #1 AGENT SINCE 2004
HT-351521-1
3695 S. Sare Road awalker@homefinder.org fax 812.332.3015 • cell 812-325-1290 www.andy-walker.com
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 53
54 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
Clean Sweep
Finding a “simpler life” by creating old-fashioned brooms Story and Photos by Jackie Sheckler Finch
F
ollow a winding dirt road up a country path and turn back the hands of time to when brooms were made by hand. Using century-old equipment and pioneer methods, Brian Newton creates brooms that are guaranteed to last and to look like works of art. “Making brooms the old-fashioned way takes longer and is hard work,” Brian says. “But the brooms work better and last longer.” So how did a man who once worked in the high-tech world of a jet mechanic decide to sweep all that aside and concentrate on the dying art of broom making? “I wanted to live a simpler life,” Brian explains. “There are maybe 10 professional artisan broom makers left in the country but doing it is what makes me happy.” Once a popular shopkeeper in Nashville, Brian and his wife Liz Rubel decided in 2013
to leave the Indiana community known for its artists and craftspeople and move to an 1830slog cabin in Harrison County. Located alongside Rabbit Hash Ridge outside the small town of Elizabeth (population 193), the square-hewn log cabin was constructed from tulip poplar growing on the farm. A small house on the property is now a guesthouse known as the Broommaker’s Cottage. A short stroll up the hill is Brian’s broom shop complete with tools from the late 19th and early 20th century. Growing up, Brian didn’t intend to be a broom maker. He figured he would be a military man like his father. Brian was born in Beaufort, South Carolina, where his dad served in the Marines. Most of his growing-up years were spent in the Carolinas and Virginia where his father was stationed, interspersed with visits to Indiana to see his grandparents. When he was 17, Brian joined the Air Force
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 55
and became a fighter jet mechanic. “ In 1986, while on an incentive flight in an F-16, we broke the speed of sound,” Brian says. During the 10 years he was in the Air Force, Brian served overseas for seven years and visited 25 countries. After his tour of duty, Brian headed to Arizona to further his education. Along with operating a motorcycle shop for a decade and being an engineer working on machines used to manufacture medical devices, Brian also was a licensed real estate agent and president of the Board of Realtors. When his father died, however, Brian felt drawn to his family’s roots. Moving back to Indiana, Brian learned to make brooms from a man who was a fourth-generation broom maker. When he started, Brian grew the broomcorn he used to create his brooms. “I can’t do that now,” he says. “I make so many brooms that I can’t grow enough broomcorn. I decided I could either be a broom maker or a broomcorn farmer.”
A traditional way
A sorghum plant, broomcorn is said to have been brought to America by Benjamin Franklin. Using a broomcorn whisk to dust his beaver hat when he was in France, Benjamin was so impressed with the tiny broom that he kept a small seed he found on the broom and planted it at his home in Philadelphia. Further research reveals the native African plant was introduced to the colonies through the slave trade.
In 1797, a Massachusetts farmer named Levi Dickinson used some sorghum grass— usually used for livestock feed—to make a broom for his wife. The broom was so excellent that Levi went into the broommaking business. At the time, a worker who harvested the plant was called a “Broomcorn Johnny.” Demonstrating how he fashions his “splendidly imperfect” brooms, Brian picks a wooden handle that has been hand rubbed with an old-recipe soft wax. He uses a 19th century foot treadle broom machine which
56 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
holds the handle in place and rotates as Brian binds the broomcorn to it. “This machine was found in a barn in Camden, Indiana,” he says as he works. Brian also mixes the colors and dyes the brush himself and stitches it together using time-tested leather gloves with metal cups to protect his hands from the sharp needles. He uses a hidden row of stitching for every visible row of stitching to keep the broomcorn in place. “When you buy a factory-made broom, they trim it to make the broom’s edge flat. I
don’t do that,” Brian says, demonstrating how he aligns the broomcorn to create a flat edge while still preserving the “fine”—the tip of the broomcorn which provides the best clean sweep. He also shares a tip for prolonging the life of a finely crafted broom. “Every six months,” he says, “dip the edge of the broom in water to rehydrate the broomcorn. Hang the broom up by its leather hanger and store if off the floor in a dry location. That way, brooms will last decades.”
Not just for sweeping
Brian produces a wide array of brooms with his craftsman’s signature, including ones used for cleaning floors and artistic creations for display. He also has been called upon to create brooms for movies and stage productions. “I was asked to make a broom for the new movie ‘The Greatest Showman’ but I don’t know how they plan to use it in the movie,” Brian says. Starring Hugh Jackman and Michelle Williams, “The Greatest Showman” is based on the life of P.T. Barnum and will be released on Christmas Day. Along with his shop, Brian also shares his brooms at arts and crafts shows including the 15th Annual Holiday Market which was held in Bloomington the Saturday after Thanksgiving. A national prize-winning artist and member of the prestigious Early American Life Magazine’s 2017 Directory of Traditional American Crafts, Brian was chosen to represent Indiana at the December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 57
White House event in July that celebrated American-made products. “Someone was picked from each of the 50 states and I don’t know why but they called us,” Brian says. “At first, I thought it was a joke when I got a phone call saying it was the White House. I hung up on them.” When he discovered it was a real White House invitation, Brian says “it was an honor to be there among the big businesses that were representing other states.” Other state reps included Gibson Guitars (Tennessee), Stetson Hats (Texas), Ping Golf (Arizona), Campbell Soups (New Jersey), Caterpillar (Illinois) and Chick Fil A (Georgia). For those interested in learning how to make a piece of history themselves, Broomcorn Johnny’s offers a program where guests can stay in the Broommaker’s Cottage and get broom making instructions from the master himself. For more information: Contact Broomcorn Johnny’s at (812) 969-3333 or www.broomcornjohnnys.com
LUXURY homes
4437 Tanglewood Road $624,900
HT-358225-1
THIS CLASSIC, 3800 SQUARE FOOT, TUDOR HOME holds a modern, sophisticated interior with lavish upgrades throughout. New Acacia hardwood floors adorn the living areas, while most baths have been replaced with slate. All 5 bathrooms have been updated with marble, tile, light fixtures and toilets. The master bathroom is simply stunning showcasing a stainless-steel Japanese soaking tub overlooking the private 4+ acre lot. The master closet (15x11) will hold all of your clothes and more. The kitchen is an entertainer and chef’s paradise. The 2-inch marble countertops pair lovely with the gray custom cabinetry. There is an island to eat around and a butcher block island for prep, Bertazzoni 48-inch gas stove, 32in. Electrolux refrigerator, 32in Electrolux Freezer and farmhouse sink. The custom coffee bar with sitting area overlooks the in-ground pool and deck making it the perfect place to cozy up in the winter. All bedrooms are on the upper level along with the laundry room. Bedroom 2 has its own bathroom, Beds 3 & 4 share a bath with double vanity, tub/shower combo. The bonus room could be used as a bedroom or just as bonus space. There are two half baths on the main level, one at the back door for easy pool access. Spend your winters in the family room by the fireplace and your summers on the screened in porch. Basement area has lots of potential with a staircase that leads to the garage, a vault room and plenty of recreational space. The 4.6-acre property extends far beyond the fence and barn, with a walkable path and a hidden fort. The home has new lighting (can lighting and Groe fixtures), and electrical, with a new roof in 2016. MLS # 201750140 Directions: 46 West towards Ellettsville. Right on Union Valley Road, right onto Tanglewood Drive. House is on the right.
58 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
Brooke Hoffa Century 21 Sheetz – Bloomington 812-340-0166
why advertise? of South-Central Indiana
• No other local magazine reaches 26,000 of the most affluent people in our area.
• We guarantee proof of delivery through the U.S. Postal Service and local newspaper subscriptions.
• Advertisers receive free copies so customers can enjoy it for free too.
• Extra copies are available for free at community locations,
like College Mall, IU Auditorium, IU Credit Union, the YMCA and many others.
• Free ad design is included for all ads. • Customized multi-page advertising features are available. • Ads start at just $100. Call 812-331-4292 or email Chad Giddens, advertising sales manager, at cgiddens@heraldt.com.
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 59
60 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
Best of Both Worlds
Nature meets neighborhood in this beautiful family home By Meghan O'Neal
Photos by Jane Daniels, Jane Daniels Photography
I
magine enjoying a peaceful morning coffee on a covered back porch overlooking a quaint backyard surrounded by green trees—a little slice of heaven within Bloomington. In the quiet neighborhood of Canada Park, this reality can be yours with this jewel of a family home for sale by Griffin Realty. With many beautiful parks and walking areas within walking or biking distance, and only four houses away from Sherwood Oaks Park, the home affords the joy of nature with the community of a family-friendly neighborhood. As you walk up the bush-lined path to the home, the maroon shutters and combination of brick and vinyl exterior welcomes you. Upon entering, you find the dining room to the left and the den to the right, with the open concept living room and kitchen right down the hall. Beautiful stainless steel appliances provide a modern feel in the kitchen, while a fireplace in the living room presents a cozy atmosphere. The open space and flow between rooms provides ample space for entertainment, whether it be a get together with friends or a family holiday. Upstairs, you will find four bedrooms, including a master bedroom and bath. The vaulted ceilings in the master bedroom create a spacious feel and set it apart from the other rooms in the house. A washer and dryer and additional bathroom complete the upstairs living space. Finally, a partially finished basement provides space for a plethora of opportunities, from a fitness room to a game room or an additional seating area. With beautiful built-ins, it also affords space for storage and bookshelves. The backyard is perhaps the great cherry on top of this charming home. A tiled patio comes off of the basement, providing a large space for seating. Partially covered by the upper deck, the shaded patio can be enjoyed even in the warm summer months. Upstairs, a wooden deck comes off the kitchen, overlooking the backyard. Connected is a screened, fully covered porch with a ceiling fan, offering comfortable seating throughout the year. If you love outdoor seating, long walks in the park, the comfort of a wonderful community and the flexibility that this 3,030-square-foot home allows, then don't let this opportunity pass you by. This home is for sale with Griffin Realty in Bloomington. To learn more about it, call 812-323-7232 or visit leanong.com. December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 61
62 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
Homes & Lifestyles
Take a Trip
Christmas Central Branson decked out in holiday finery with Christmas shows galore Story and photos by Jackie Sheckler Finch
E
benezer Scrooge has a change of heart and vows to change his miserly ways. Clarence the angel earns his wings by helping George Bailey realize “It’s a Wonderful Life.” And Branson entertainers dust off holiday favorites for festive annual shows. Christmas in Branson starts early with colorful lights, gaily decorated trees and holiday finery galore. Christmas in Branson usually starts the first week of November and continues through Dec. 30, although some shows cease production earlier so performers can be with family. Check the Branson website (explorebranson.com) for dates and times of performances. “People have asked us why we start celebrating Christmas so early in Branson,” says Mike Patrick, master of ceremonies for the popular Branson Landing Christmas parade. “It’s because Andy Williams told us to.”
The Lennon sisters celebrate Christmas at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre.
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 63
Silver Dollar City’s Christmas Light Parade features costumed characters and floats.
Recognized as one of the best places on planet Earth to celebrate Christmas, Branson doesn’t disappoint. During my four days in Branson, I saw a half dozen musical shows, two parades, hundreds of Christmas trees and millions of lights. One of my favorite productions was at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre where the Lennon sisters and the Osmond brothers paid tribute to their mentor. Known as Mr. Christmas, Andy Williams died of cancer at his Branson home in 2012 at the age of 84. “I think Andy Williams would be pleased and proud that we are continuing his Christmas tradition,” Janet Lennon says. “He always loved Christmas and Branson.” Many of his friends considered him crazy when Andy Williams built his $12 million, architecturally-splendid theatre on 16 acres of Missouri Ozark countryside in 1992. When he arrived, the town was dominated by country music performers but Andy soon changed that. Today, almost every kind of music can be found in Branson, drawing millions of fans to the self-proclaimed “live entertainment capital of the country.” “We have been coming to Branson for years,” says Helen Anderson of Cincinnati, nodding to her husband Ted happily chatting 64 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
with new friends. “It’s a great way to start celebrating Christmas. We try to go to about two shows a day and there are some really talented performers here.”
‘An Old-Time Christmas’
At the 57-year-old Silver Dollar City theme park, “An Old-Time Christmas” features two Broadway-style productions, a five-story tree with special effects, spectacular light parade, more than 5 million dazzling lights and 1,000 decorated Christmas trees. For Sam and Maggie Sanders of St. Louis, Silver Dollar City is also where the couple does much of their Christmas shopping. “The craftsmen here are amazing,” Sam says, watching a wood carver. Encompassing more than 100 acres, Silver Dollar City showcases America’s heritage crafts with about 100 resident craftsmen, including glass blowers, potters, leather crafters, candle makers and knife makers. “And the prices aren’t bad,” Sam says. “We always buy a season pass for us and season passes for our grown children. We come here several times a year for the special festivals so a season pass is really a good deal.” Plus, Maggie adds, “parking is free at Silver Dollar City and the food is great.”
"We like coming to Branson any time of year but I think Christmas here is really special.” - Corinne Newton
Showboat Branson Belle offers a dinner, show and cruise.
The original Silver Dollar City productions of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Carol” are top-notch, with lavish sets and costumes, talented performers, special effects, flying spirits and much more. Entertainment here is family oriented and emphasizes religion, country and family. Almost every show I attended had a special patriotic part where past and present military members were asked to stand and be recognized. A significant section of the audience from many age groups stood. For the "It's a Wonderful Life" production, the bridge scene with George Bailey and Clarence the angel was beautifully staged. It's easy to see why the old Frank Capra movie was voted the No. 1 inspirational film of all time by the American Film Institute. The Showboat Branson Belle is another wonderful way to enjoy the holiday spirit. The boat is decked out with Christmas lights and offers a three-course meal served in the threestory atrium dining room while cruising Table Rock Lake. After dinner comes an entertaining Christmas musical program. Branson has so many live shows that I once went to three in one day. Another woman told me she had seen four that day. It is an entertainment wonderland.
New sights and sounds
Even Branson’s new towering landmark is getting in the holiday spirit. Chicago’s famed 150-foot-tall Navy Pier Ferris wheel started twirling in 2016 on Branson’s Highway 76. The wheel can hold 240 passengers in 40 gondolas and features a special Christmas light and sound show. Located at The Track Family Fun Parks, the $4 million project is one of the largest additions to the famous Branson Strip. The ride was modeled after the first Ferris wheel built for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. It was erected on Navy Pier in 1995 and taken down in September 2015 to make way for an even larger wheel in Chicago. “Be sure and take your camera when you ride the Ferris wheel,” says Corinne Newton of Kansas City. “The view from the top is amazing. You can see the Christmas lights spread out below you. We like coming to Branson any time of year but I think Christmas here is really special.” For more information: Contact Branson/Lakes Are Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 296-0463, explorebranson.com or Silver Dollar City at (800) 475-9370, silverdollarcity.com December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 65
Homes & Lifestyles
Recipe
Holiday Gougères
These savory French cheese pastries bring together the flavors of the season in bright, savory bites Recipe and photo by Shaylan Owen
Ingredients: 1 2/3 cups Gruyère cheese, grated 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus 1 tablespoon 5 eggs at room temperature 1 egg white at room temperature 1 stick unsalted butter, cubed 1/2 cup whole milk 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped 1/3 cup Parmesan, grated 1 1/4 teaspoons sea salt 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard, ground 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, ground 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (not onion salt) 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, ground Zest of one lemon
66 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017
Instructions:
Note: Prepare all the ingredients in advance—the process moves quickly once started. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees with the racks evenly spaced in the center, and prepare two baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Sift together the mustard, black pepper, onion powder and nutmeg with 1 cup of flour and set aside. Lightly toast the chopped walnuts in a small skillet over medium-low heat—just until they begin to smell nutty—then set aside to cool. On a clean cutting board, toss the cranberries with 1 tablespoon of flour and finely chop, tossing intermittently. The flour will reduce sticking and allow for finer pieces of cranberry. Set aside. In a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the milk, water, salt and butter to a light boil, stirring occasionally with a sturdy wooden spoon. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the flour mixture all at once. Stir constantly as the dough comes together—a light film will develop on the bottom of the pan and the dough will become very smooth. Continue stirring the dough across the bottom of the pan for another minute, then transfer to the bowl of a stand mixer
or mixing bowl. Mix the dough on low speed for another minute to allow it to cool. Increase the speed slightly and add the eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to incorporate before adding the next. Add the egg white last. The dough may appear to break, but it will come back together after the last egg is added. When the dough is smooth (it will be sticky), add the lemon zest, Parmesan and Gruyère until evenly combined. Reduce the speed to low and fold in the cranberries and walnuts until well dispersed in the dough. Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, place 1 1/2 tablespoon portions of dough on the baking sheets, approximately 1 1/2 inches apart. (A third tray may be needed.) Bake two trays for 12 minutes, then rotate the trays between oven racks and turn them 180 degrees. Bake for another 10 to 12 minutes. When the pastries puff up, begin to turn golden and display the distinctive cracks on top, remove them from the oven. When rotating trays, if the bottom edges look too golden, reduce the heat to 350 degrees for the final 10 to 12 minutes. Serve warm. Makes approximately 30 gougères.
Win the holidays. How? Well, with BTown Box it’s easy!
1
2 3
Pick your favorite friends and family members. Head to BTownBox.com or swing by The Herald-Times building at 1900 S. Walnut St. and pick the Box you want to give. Present them with this carefully curated box of unique BTown goodies, sourced from the best businesses in town.
We did the work. You take the credit. Each box is hand-packed with the utmost care by folks who love Bloomington. In the box you’ll find: • Two replicas of authentic Nick’s pint glasses • A package of world-famous Bakehouse Granola • The Iconic Brownie from BTown’s own LuckyGuy Bakery • Locally roasted coffee from Partridge & Quigley • A unique gift from Bloomington-based Soapy Soap Company • And some surprises that can only be found in Bloomington
$49
95
TAX INCLUDED
SHIPPING EXTRA
STOP BY MONDAY-FRIDAY 9-5, AT 1900 SOUTH WALNUT
OR SHOP ANY TIME ONLINE AT BTOWNBOX.COM
December 2017 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • 67
“SPARKLING, FRESH AND LIVELY.” - Los Angeles Times
JANUARY 31 – FEBRUARY 1 IUAUDITORIUM.COM SHOW PARTNERS:
SEASON PARTNERS: MEDICAL
HT-189504-1
68 • Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana • December 2017