Village Appetite - Winter 2016 Issue 5

1

Village

Winter 2016ISSUE NUMBER FIVE

Inside th is is sueChallenge of the Chefs: An Epic Epicurean Contest

Record Revival: Turning Back Time with Turntables and Vinyl

2

124 W. Savidge in Spring Lake

616-850-0395STORE HOURS:

M-F: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Sat: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

corecomputers-service.com

1

14

2

35

4

7

6

8

9

10

11

12

13

CoreComputers & Service

We carry all the Apple products you love plus a wide range of accessories and peripherals to customize your Apple experience, right here in Spring Lake. And it doesn’t stop when you make a purchase! We offer support and service on all Apple computers, old and new, so you can keep your Mac running in tip-top shape for years to come.

Core Computers & Service has been operating for 16 years in the Village of Spring Lake. Over the years, Core Computers has expanded retail offerings to include Sonos audio systems, G Technology backup drives, and fabulous accessories from Gecko, Zagg, Moshi, and more!

Mention this ad for a FREE keyboard cover with any computer purchase!

1 - MacBook Air2 - MacBook Pro3 - iPad4 - iPad Mini5 - AirPort Extreme6 - AirPort Express7 - Mac Mini

8 - G Drive Mini9 - MacBook Case10 - MacBook Sleeve11 - Keyboard Cover12 - Wireless Keyboard13 - Wireless Mouse14 - iMac

Big-city style with small-town service!

community15 Grand Haven Area Community Foundation

17 The Little Red House

food & drink 4 Irish Soda Bread

8 Cranberry Walnut

10 Soups and Stews to Savor

12 Challenge of the Chefs

30 Serving up a new “Toast” at the Bakery

31 Village Baker: What’s to Come

support your local businesses & services

2 Core Computers & Service

6 The Corner Market

7 Small Town Sandwich Shop

9 Orchard Markets

9 Angela Hyde

11 Brew House

14 Dirk Stone

14 Doug Taylor

16 Red Apron

18 Michelle Tanner

19 Gem Source

24 C2C

25 Happy Whiskers Pet Sitting

25 JBPro Cleaning

28 Dutch Girl Brewery

29 Top Butcher Shop

32 Sandy Gentry

audio26 Oran’s Audio Report

27 Wayback Audio

27 The Corner Record Store

Choose Your Favorite!

shopping pages20 Shopping at Village Baker

23 R House

in this issue27

25

17

18

28

20

CHALLENGE OF THE CHEFS

2015

W E S T M I C H I G A N L A K E S H O R E

3

4

Village Appetite CreditsEditor In Chief: Sara RathbunContributing Editor: Oran RankinGraphic Design and Photography: Todd JohnsonGraphic Design: Mary LankaCopy Taster: Bruce BuursmaContact information for the above-mentioned professionals is available at Village Baker. To inquire about being in the next issue, email [email protected]

12

Irish Soda Bread Blessing:May the Dough Rise Up to Meet YouPerhaps you sampled a wee bit of the Irish Soda Bread at the Michigan Irish Music Festival where we camped earlier this year for three days, vending pretzels, scones, shortbread, and Irish Soda Bread in the market tent. If you have not, we invite you to sample it at either Village Baker or the Baker’s Wife over the holidays. We do not make this bread all year long, but it is added to our daily offerings during the holiday seasons of Thanksgiving, Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day and even Easter because it is a unique dish to pass and a perennial favorite.

The loaf itself is a quick bread using baking soda as a leavening agent. Buttermilk, sugar, raisins and caraway seed give it a distinctive and delicious flavor and a crunchy, golden-brown crumb. It is a smaller-sized loaf of bread and, like the Cranberry Walnut, it makes an ideal and affordable gift for just about anyone.

We have lovely bread labels and gift tags for these two loaves, so if you would like your bread “dressed for giving” please call ahead and they will be made ready for you.

Village Baker617 E. Savidge, Spring Lake, MI 49456 • 616.935.7312

the Baker’s Wife107 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417 • 616.935.7757

4

Dear readers:

The days are getting shorter as another eventful year at Village Baker draws to a close. Our great customers have adjusted wonderfully to the challenge of driving around the tight southeast corner into the rear parking lot. We like to think that the hairpin turn makes our cozy bakery even more European! And we’re so relieved to have new blacktop with proper drainage and parking stripes instead of the gravelly and muddy patch of dirt that was there before.

It appears that 2016 is shaping up as another busy year with some fabulous things to come. LuSinda, our multi-talented Executive Chef, has drawn up a juicy list of equipment that she will need to take our dining and catering to the next level. We’ve also purchased a dedicated pizza deck oven whose large stone decks will bake pies to perfection.

Getting all these goodies up and running will require a bit of dust. While we’re closed for our yearly break this January, crews and contractors will ply their trades — cutting new doors, plumbing new sinks, running gas and water and electricity here and there….. phew! But soon Village Baker will offer many great new menu items. I’m a breakfast guy so I’m all excited about developing my wonderful sourdough pancakes. Sara is stoked to enjoy a Village Burger, a sandwich which someday will be remembered in songs and poems! And, of course, we will be adding a warm and wonderful little bar plus a full range of beverages (see page 30 for more on that).

Most of all, we are so thankful for all of the great people we have gotten to know in these past four years. While Sara and I are so excited about our expansion plans, we’re as committed as ever to our core mission. Village Baker is your community bakery where you will always be able to buy an honest loaf of bread, enjoy a great cup of coffee, and visit with friends and family.

Oran and Sara

Village Baker617 E. Savidge, Spring Lake, MI 49456616.935.7312 • villagebaker.usTues - Thur 7:00 am - 8:00 pm • Fri - Sat 7:00 am - 9:00 pmSun 8:00 am - 7:00 pm

the Baker’s Wife107 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417616.935.7757Tues - Thur 7:30 am - 6:00 pm • Fri - Sat 7:30 am - 7:00 pmSun 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

55

6

Small Town Sandwich Shop …to the Village of Spring Lake!

The CornerSPIRITS LLC

M A R K ET

The CornerSPIRITSLLC

M A R K ET

Ferrysburg115 3rd Street • 616-847-9000

Open 7 days a week, 8:30 - 11 p.m.

All the Ingredients for Fabulous Fun on a Holiday...or Any Day!Bottles, bubbles, brews – pique your pleasure at Rick and Angie Baria’s The Corner Market, conveniently located in Spring Lake, Ferrsyburg and Norton Shores.

Immerse yourself in the spectacular selection of beer, wine, cider and spirits, as well as home brewing supplies and special-order kegs. The Corner Market features generous case discounts on beer and wine, as well as a 10 percent discount every day on any six bottles of wine.

You can special order your holiday needs for gatherings with friends and family for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or Valentine’s Day. Rick and Angie can cater your party and offer delivery right to your home or location for your special occasion.

They also thoughtfully provide gift cards for the holidays – or any other time of the year.

Stop in and stock up on your favorite supplies – and remember that The Corner Market carries more than 400 craft brews, and encourages you to “Mix Your Six ”for a build-your-own six-pack of your choice.

Spring Lake14785 Cleveland • 616-846-0088

Mon-Thu: 7 a.m.-11 p.m.Fri: 7 a.m.-Midnight Sat: 8 a.m.-MidnightSun: 9 a.m.-10 pm

Norton Shores6979 Grand Haven Rd. • 231-798-6912

Open 7 days a week, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Mix your Six

Italian Club

Small Town Sandwich Shop …to the Village of Spring Lake!

We welcome the...

The Small Town Sandwich Shop has opened to big-time raves on the westernmost end of the Village, in the building that housed my favorite A&W root beer stand and burger joint when I was a kid. Owned and operated by Cody Christensen, owner of Handsome Henry’s in Muskegon, Small Town Sandwich Shop is a tasty addition to Spring Lake’s “village fare.”

To-go orders offer quick service, and dine-in customers are made comfortable with a lovely, cheery interior infused with the friendly atmosphere of bustling counter conversations. But most importantly, when you place your order at The Small Town Sandwich Shop, you will be served a big plate of delicious! Cody’s life-long passion for food and his big-city-sized culinary talent are the reasons for the success at his other establishment, Handsome Henry’s, located at 3065 Henry in Muskegon.

Handsome Henry’s specializes in Italian-American cuisine, so if you love pizza, try the popular deep dish that rivals Chicago’s legendary Gino’s East. Another customer favorite is the daily“ at the bar” Prime Rib special for just $10.99.

And don’t forget the Blooming Beach Bread, Chef Cody’s entry in our Chef Challenge competition (see pages 12-13). He uses a loaf of Village Baker’s San Francisco Sourdough, cross-cut and topped with garlic, diced tomatoes, provolone and blue cheese and then bakes it until bubbly and bursting with yummy. It’s available at Handsome Henry’s, and the recipe card will be handed out at the restaurant if you want to enjoy this dish at home for family movie night. If you LOVE it, VOTE for CODY!

Meanwhile, back at the Small Town Sandwich Shop in Spring Lake, the tiny kitchen hammers out BIG offerings including soups, sandwiches, salads, skewers, starters and kids’ meals. Make sure you try the Chipotle Turkey Sandwich with bacon jam, Swiss cheese, guacamole, lettuce, tomato and chipotle mayo. Another feature for your must-try list is the Prime Rib French Dip with caramelized red onion, provolone, and horsey mayo on a Village Baker French hoagie bun. Dine in, call in or order on-line.

Sara, the Baker’s Wife

Handsome Henry’sBloomin’ Beach

Bread

Handsome Henry’s Deep

Dish Pizza

Turkey Reuben

Mon. - Fri. 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., Closed Sun.909 W Savidge, Spring Lake, MI 49456616-414-7900SmallTownSandwichShop. com

Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.3065 Henry Street, Muskegon, MI 49445231-747-8583HandsomeHenrys.com 7

A Hearty Encore for Village Baker’s Signature Loaf,

Cranberry Walnut…This spectacular bread needs no introduction if you are a bakery regular, but for those of you who have not visited either of our establishments, our Cranberry Walnut sourdough hybrid is a true crowd-pleaser. With a hearty body and a soft, but sturdy crumb, it is made mildly sweet by the dried cranberries and a bit of honey. My husband pre-roasts the walnuts so they are sweetened and flavor-enhanced by the added oven time.

This is the bread of choice for many “build-your-owns” at Village Baker, and it is perfect complement to the Cranberry Tuna Sandwich served at both the Baker’s Wife and Village Baker.

Each holiday has its most popular bread, and this tasty loaf takes the top spot at Thanksgiving, when cranberries are a customary part of the theme. Our dinner rolls are melt-in-your-mouth amazing, but nothing beats a little Amish butter on a slice of Oran’s Cranberry Walnut bread on Thanksgiving. As a bonus, use cranberry walnut to make a left-over turkey sandwich over the long holiday weekend. This combo will make you love “left-over day” as much as the Thanksgiving feast.

Be sure to order ahead and we will have your order sliced, bagged and waiting for you.



8

Finding wholesome, thoughtfully produced foods to feed your family just became easier with Orchard Market’s newly expanded line of Healthy Lifestyle© products. Included are hundreds of choices of Full Circle brand top-quality, value-priced organic foods. Also, in direct response to your requests, we invite you to shop our expanded gluten-free, all-natural, and vegan selections in our grocery and frozen foods departments. Enjoy returning to a more natural way of eating and living at Your Hometown Orchard Markets.

Here’s to your health!Organics • All Natural • Gluten Free

www.theorchardmarkets.com

Spring Lake Market:17026 Lloyd’s Bayou Dr.Mon-Sun: 7 a.m.-11 p.m.616-844-6662

Fruitport Market:6530 Airline Rd.Mon-Sun: 7 a.m.-11 p.m.231-865-3435

Buying your first home should be a thrilling experience. It’s one of the biggest decisions and financial investments you will make in your lifetime. Having worked with a number of first-time home buyers, I found that my experience and guidance through their real estate purchase was greatly appreciated. There are several important requirements, upfront costs, and time-line considerations I share with my clients. I work hard to educate my buyers and keep them informed every step of the way. I love negotiating on your behalf to ensure you get the very best value for your money. Buying your first home should be a joyful and satisfying experience, and it can be if you allow me to guide the way.

If you are a first-time home buyer or if you know of someone who is, please contact me and let me “Welcome you home!”

A Trusted Guide for the First-Time Home Buyer

@HomeRealty

9

616.935.9000 OFFICE • 616.638.5939 [email protected]

There is nothing more satisfying than a steamy bowl of homemade soup or stew during the colder months.

At Village Baker and the Baker’s Wife, we are fortunate to have on staff one the most talented

soup makers around. LuSinda Clark, our savory department manager and soup chef, takes

great pride in the quality of her soups and stews. She often will thicken her soups

with a vegetable puree instead of flour, so our gluten-free customers have greater options. Almost every day, there is a vegetarian or vegan choice as well.

Shown in this photo is Feijoada, a Brazilian/Portuguese stew. We serve this dish daily because it has become a village favorite. This hearty lunch is high in protein, having white beans, black

beans and five varieties of meats. It is nicely seasoned, but not spicy.

The loaf of bread is our classic best-seller, San Francisco

Sourdough.

Besides enjoying soups and stews at the bakery, remember that we sell

them by the quart, as well. Many of our customers have lunch with

a friend at the bakery and take home a quart of soup for dinner

or lunch tomorrow.



10

EVERY DAY! Pick Two Lunch Special 1/2 sandwich, 1/2 salad & cup of chili or soup $8

EVERY DAY! Happy Hour 3-7 p.m. 1/3 off all full-price food and drink for dine-in patrons.

MONDAYS $5 Brew House Burger & Fries 5-9 p.m.

TACO TUESDAY $1 Tacos

WEDNESDAYS All-You-Can-Eat Beer Battered Fish & Chips

THURSDAYS 50¢ Wing Night

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS Pizza Specials 5 p.m.-Midnight

SUNDAYS Free Taco BarVisit us online for more detailswww.grandhavenbrewhouse.com

100 Washington Ave. Grand Haven, Michigan

We have more than 30 Craft Beers on tap; additional bottles and cans add up to 100 choices total. Wine, Mead, Liquor, Mixed Drinks, Hard Cider, Hard Root Beer, Red Bull, Coke Products, Great Food, and Live Music! Family friendly and something for everyone.

616-607-2060Sun-Thurs 11 a.m. - Midnight

Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. 11

The Grand Haven BREW HOUSE BURGER

Our cover photo for this issue is designed to encourage readers to enjoy dinner (even take-out) at home with a touch of elegance! After a summer of picnics and patio entertaining, I enjoy the coziness, privacy, and tranquility of my own home. Dining at a romantically staged table is a very special part

of that enjoyment. “Breaking bread” together is every culture’s opportunity to bond… as a family, as a couple or as good friends. Even the quickest take-out or the simplest menu can be made special and enjoyed in the soft glow of candlelight.

This is our dining room at home. Like both stores, Village Baker and the Baker’s Wife, our house is decorated with an eclectic style and accented by “less precious” antique furniture. I found my china cabinet at Depot Antiques. It had been recovered from the Muskegon County Court House. After its delivery, my mother stopped over to see it. Its true potential was so obvious that my mother changed into work clothes, collected her tools of the trade, and removed every speck of paint! It is now a beloved piece in our dwelling. Mom’s picture is on the ledge. Thank you, Mom (Sharon)!

The tablecloth on the dessert table was a birthday gift from our good friend Sandy Parker, owner of On-The-Path Yoga. It was my introduction to the acrylic-coated French tablecloth. These beautiful and durable tablecloths can be cleaned with a wet wash cloth. But the protective coating is noticeable only if you are looking closely for it. They are made with a high-quality printed fabric and add a lovely French style and design to your table. I have owned the tablecloth in the cover photo for 17 years, and it looks as lovely as the day it was given to me. I sell these tablecloths at both stores, and a colorful variety of them adorn the dining tables at both bakeries.

The chocolate mousse domes, cheesecakes, raspberry mousse pyramid, coconut cake and dipped strawberries on the tiered display are daily offerings from our fabulous pastry department. And the 2014 Côté Mas Rouge Intense wine next to the desserts will be a staple at our bakery, sold both retail or dine-in. The pizzas are the Margherita and the Oranator, which is named after my husband, Oran the village baker. Upon returning from our winter break in January, we will start delivering our pizzas (and beverages) to your door on Fridays.

Do you have a great idea for the cover of the May 2016 issue of Village Appetite? I welcome your suggestions! I was thinking “brunch on a sunny patio” would make a lovely feature.

-Sara, the Baker’s Wife

About the Cover

Maggie CookDee-Lite Bar & Grill

24 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven

Josh SandbergHearthstone

3350 Glade Street, Muskegon

Cast your vote before February 29th!

Type this address in to your browser: surveymonkey.com/r/BXWQ3Z3

Remember the Battle of the Bands? Now we’ve cooked up the Challenge of the Chefs!

We’ve long believed that everything tastes better with Village Baker breads. So we’re putting a cadre of local chefs to the test, challenging each of them to concoct a special offering for their restaurants featuring an ingredient from Village Baker. Our inaugural Village Baker Challenge of the Chefs will run for two mouth-watering months – January and February of 2016 – at Grand Haven Brew House and Dee-Lite Bar & Grill in downtown Grand Haven, and at the Hearthstone, Smash Wine Bar & Bistro, Handsome Henry’s and The Lake House Waterfront Grille in Muskegon.

Visit each of those fine establishments and ask for the special Village Baker-enriched dish. We’ve asked the chefs to come up with a recipe that you can make at home, so there will be cards at each establishment with the recipe printed on one side and a promotional message (and possibly a coupon!!) from the restaurant on the other side. In addition, you’ll be able to vote for your favorite creations in this contest.

What could be better? Creative chefs, comfort food, special prices and promotions – all with Village Baker bread.

P.S. – The recipe cards also will be available in markets where Village Baker breads are sold – Orchard Fresh Market Foods in Spring Lake, Leppink’s in Ferrysburg, and Frank’s Market in Grand Haven.

Everyone Wins at this Culinary Contest!

Sea Salt and Black Pepper Rubbed Steak Tartine - Asparagus

and Brie cheese Tartine on Village Baker Vienna Bread with peppadew peppers, caramelized balsamic onion

jam and roasted garlic aioli.

Tiramisu French Toast - Espresso infused Village Baker Challah bread layered with sweetened mascarpone

cheese, dusted with cocoa powder and topped with fresh berries.

12



2015

W E S T M I C H I G A N L A K E S H O R E

Cody ChristensenHandsome Henry’s, 3065 Henry Street,

Muskegon

Turkey & Brie Sandwich - Slow-roasted turkey, brie & cheddar,

bacon with sliced Granny Smith apples, buttermilk fried haystack

onions and a balsamic roasted tomato cranberry sage jam on Village Baker

Nine Grain Bread.

Basil Pesto Pizza made with Village Baker pizza dough…

House-made basil pesto sauce, thinly sliced Roma tomatoes and slivered red onion, fresh

mozzarella, fresh spinach finished with a rich balsamic drizzle.

Aaron Thomas and Josh ZantGrand Haven Brew House100 Washington Avenue,

Grand Haven

Jack PageSmash Wine Bar & Bistro415 W. Western Avenue,

Muskegon

Charlie ForresterThe Lake House Waterfront Grille

730 Terrace Point Drive, Muskegon

13

Blooming Beach Bread, Appetizer - One loaf of Village Baker San Francisco Sourdough

cut criss cross topped with garlic, butter, blue cheese, provolone, diced tomatoes and Romano

baked until melted and bubbling.

The Grand Haven BREW HOUSE BURGER - Village Baker Challah buns lightly buttered and grill toasted, our house blended and lightly seasoned

ground chuck burger, brewhouse bacon jam, griddle fried egg cooked to order, crispy onion straws, our special

Hawk sauce, seasoned fries, and a tasty dill pickle spear. Yum!

EXPERIENCE

We love the lakeshore. The landscape and coastlines

are an endless source of awe, inspiration and activity.

However, the greatest attraction of this area is the

culture and the people.

My team and I are experienced, full-time real estate

professionals. Whether you are interested in selling your

current home in order to purchase your next, looking

to buy your first home or you are relocating, we would love the opportunity to help you maximize your goals.

See how we’ve helped our customers:

DirkStone.com/about-us

DirkStone.com (231) 740-9298

YOUR LAKEFRONT SPECIALISTS

LUXURY

DIRKSTONEreal estate group

An excellent paint job

requires having the right

tools, knowing the tricks

of the trade and having the

talent and experience to be

able to do your project right!

Call Doug Taylor for your

detailed paint jobs. You

will be thrilled with his

workmanship.

– Sara,

the Baker’s Wife

Text or Telephone: 616-634-2161 Email: [email protected]

14

15

For more than four decades, we’ve touched the communities of Spring Lake, Grand Haven,

Ferrysburg and the surrounding townships with gifts that improve the quality of life for all

who live and work in this beautiful region.

It’s a mission we embrace with enthusiasm – to help people flourish and community organizations thrive for the benefit of every citizen in the Tri-Cities area and our corner of West Michigan.

Perhaps you’ve heard of some of the recent projects we’ve

supported with grants – the remarkable renovations to

the Little Red House, an adult day care center in Spring

Lake; the expansion of the North Bank Trail’s beautiful non-motorized path; and Spring Lake Schools’ Be Nice Campaign, an anti-bullying initiative. We also helped implement the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

(SNAP) at the Grand Haven and Spring Lake Farmers

Markets, which increased access to healthy food among

low-income families, while also benefiting local farmers in our community.

“We exist to philanthropically support our community,” says Grand Haven Area Community Foundation President Holly Johnson. “We support programs that are serving our communities’ most vulnerable citizens, as well as enhance our area with support for diverse cultures, the arts, education, and the environment.”

Established in 1971 by community leaders who believed in the benefits of a permanent endowment, the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation has grown over time with gifts and bequests from individuals, families and organizations to rank today as the 11th largest

Community Foundation in Michigan.

“We help donors clarify and achieve their philanthropic dreams and collaborate with regional partners to create community good,” Holly Johnson adds. “We are here to serve you, but we would not be able to do our work without the involvement and active support from the entire community.”

Donations to the Greatest Needs Fund are a wonderful way to recognize birthdays, weddings,

and anniversaries. To learn more about how you can leave a legacy or to make a tax-deductible gift to the community that you love, visit us at ghacf.org. We are here because of you…for good, for all, for ever!

Great Communities Prosper When Planted on a Grand Foundation

One South Harbor DriveGrand Haven, Michigan 49417

616-842-6378ghacf.org • [email protected]

Connect with us:

LUXURY

locally owned online grocery delivery Locals Craig Cather and Joel VanderBand brought the convenience of having groceries delivered with the click of a mouse to the Tri-Cities area a year ago. Red Apron is an easy-to-use online ordering system that makes shopping simple and stress-free. Once you create an account, simply pick the store, add products to your shopping list, and select a date-and-time-window for your delivery. It’s that easy! Your list is saved, making future orders even easier. Red Apron offers a variety of local stores to choose from, including Meijer, Orchard Market, The

Cheese Lady, Top Butcher Shoppe, Village Baker, and Red Apron Cellars.

For a delivery charge of $9.95, your groceries will appear at your front door. Red Apron even has specially designed totes that are insulated to keep your cold items cold and your frozen items frozen so you don’t have to be home when your groceries arrive.

introducing red apron cellarsYou’ll enjoy choosing from our carefully curated selection of wines, beers, and ciders

• Featuring specialty wines from regions around the globe• Extensive craft beer and cider selection

• Gift baskets• Monthly craft beer sampling

• In-home wine tasting events• Private in-store wine andbeer tasting parties, at the Red Apron Cellars retail location.

Red Apron also can deliver your beer, wine,

and gift purchases!

we get it! save time & skip thehassle of grocery shopping.

redaprongrocery.com

smart. convenient. local. fresh.

To order groceries, visit online or call us at 616.743.4100 and try the service for yourself. Sign up, shop, and schedule your delivery.

Weekly wine tasting at the Red Apron Cellars store. We explore different varieties and regions each Thursday from

3:00pm - 6:30pm. 1830-172nd Ave, Grand Haven

(in the D & W plaza next to Sherwin Williams)

16

At 88, Colonel Winnick walks a bit gingerly with the help of a cane – but he hasn’t lost a step in sharing his quick wit and positive personality with his fellow participants at The Little Red House in the heart of Spring Lake Village.

“Everyone needs a little companionship and camaraderie,” says Winnick, a retired dentist from Norton Shores who drives himself to The Little Red House three days a week. “This is a wonderful place to come to and enjoy the day. The staff here is exceptional. The meals are delicious. And it’s all reasonable, affordable and a great value.”

The Little Red House, which nearly tripled its size in a recent expansion, is a nonprofit adult day care serving residents of Ottawa and Muskegon counties in a home-like environment. It welcomes participants for an hour or two, a morning, an afternoon, or an entire day, from one to five days a week.

At only $12 per hour, The Little Red House costs about half the rate of many home health care options – and offers skilled, professional staff and thoughtfully organized activities that promote healthy socialization for participants.

“As old as I am, I’m still learning something different every time I come here,” says Winnick. “We play games, we sing, we exercise, we enjoy meals together. I’ve met a lot of wonderful people here and I consider them friends.”

Winnick grew up in Muskegon Heights and served in the U.S. Navy (“I was the only Colonel in the Navy,” he notes), before beginning his 47-year career in dentistry. “That’s a long time to be looking down in the mouth,” he says with a twinkle in his eye and a dazzling smile.

He’s found his happy place at The Little Red House.

“It gives me something interesting to do instead of sitting on my duff, watching TV all day,”

says Winnick.

The Little Red House ‘Keeps Me Young’

311 E. Exchange St. • Spring Lake MI 49456thelittleredhouse.org

616-846-5720

17

18 Olivia Wright

Xylia Metheny

Build Your Style With…

Michelle Tanner - Builder, Project Manager

(616) 638-0345michelletannerhomes.com

[email protected]

Starting in January of 2016, after our return from winter break, Village Baker will be showcasing and raising funds for local non-profits, community, school, and faith-based organizations, civic clubs and groups on Sundays starting at 4 p.m. In appreciation for each organization’s service to our local community, Village Baker will donate 15 percent of total sales from 4 p.m. to close!

What can you expect to experience on a Pay-It-Forward Sunday? Expect the unexpected and enjoy the extra service of our community’s volunteers and directors of non-profits playing the part of “host/hostess” or filling your water glass. Those ambassadors will thank you for coming and very likely tell you a bit about themselves and explain how their organization’s gifts and talents enrich our lives and benefit our community.

And, as usual, you’ll enjoy delicious Village Baker pizzas, soups, salads and sandwiches! No cash contributions will be solicited or accepted. Rather, your contribution will come through our gifting of 15 percent of your dinner or bakery purchases of fresh bread, pastries, desserts or anything in the store.

We invite you to taste and see what our community has to offer. Here are some of the groups that would appreciate your support:

Sunday, January 17th: Imagine the fun you’ll have enjoying a Village Baker pizza while being entertained by cast members from the Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company. This wildly talented group performs regularly at our local venue, Seven Steps Up, and many other professional stages, but how entertaining will it be to have cast members “acting up” table-side while filling your water glasses? Support this fine arts group by enjoying Cafe-Style Shakespeare.

Sunday, January 24th: It’s “Gallery Night” at Village Baker, where 15 percent of your purchases and dinner dollars will help support the Spring Lake Intermediate and Middle School art department. Instructor Aaron Zuelke will be displaying his art students’ work at the bakery. After placing your order or while waiting for a table, meet the artists and appreciate the beautiful artwork of our town’s up-and-coming artists.

Jack Reinink

Pay it Forward Sundays at Village Baker

301 W. Savidge, Spring Lake

616-846-4842STORE HOURS:

M-F: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Sat: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Mention this ad for 15% off your intial purchase and a special savings card! Offer vaild through December 31st, 2015.

Michelle Dixon, owner of Gem Source Custom Fine Jewelry has relocated her establishment to a lovely new storefront on Savidge Street in the Village of Spring Lake. Michelle specializes

in diamonds, precious and semi-precious gemstones, custom design services and ready

to wear fashion jewelry.

19

Sunday, April 24th: Just 10 days before they hit the stage on opening night, the Spring Lake musical cast of “Pippin” will grace the floor at the bakery, giving diners a sneak peek of the performance and selling tickets to the show! Proceeds from your dinners will feed the hard-working thespians at their afterglow party on closing night.

We have many spots available in the winter and spring months. If you know of a non-profit that would be a stellar Sunday partner with Village Baker, send me an email at [email protected].

Encourage your friends and neighbors to join us, too, in a weekly celebration of food, fun and philanthropy at Village Baker.

Pay it Forward Sundays at Village Baker

Village Baker 616.935.7312

1) THE GRAINERY FRESH MILLED OATS $5

2) DECORATIVE CERAMIC BOWL $10

3) MICHIGAN-SHAPED OAK CUTTING BOARD $42

4) MONIN GOURMET SYRUP $10.25

5) MRS. DOG’S MUSTARD - MICHIGAN MADE $5.50

6) MARKET BASKETS STARTING AT $16

7) HILHOF DAIRY USDA ORGANIC FARM FRESH MILK

2

1 3

4

6

5

7

20

616.935.7312616.935-7757

12

10

8

11

9

8) ART GLASS EARRINGS $22-40

9) LIGHT UP STARS $25

10) MICHIGAN MAPLE SYRUP $15-25

11) MSALT - MICHIGAN MADE $8-22

12) DARLING HANDMADE APRONS $25-40

Find the perfect gift. Our selection of unique and delicious products are sure to please!

21

1

2

3

4

1 HONEY FROM SPRING LAKE $12

2 VILLAGE BAKER HOME-MADE GRANOLA $10 Cranberry, Blueberry, and without Berries

3 BAKERY BLEND COFFEE $12 MUGS $12 Fair Trade, Organic Femenino from Peru

4 HAND MADE FELTERS MARKET FOOD BASKET $35 Such a cute gift for a little one!

5 MS. JAMIE’S SAVORY JAMS $8 Roasted Garlic, Habanero, and Carmelized Onion

6 FRENCH TABLE CLOTHS $44 - $90 72” Rounds (Design in Place) $75

We can special order for any size table in the linear design

22

5

6

616.935.7312

616.935-7757

10

7

14

12

9

11

13

7 CUTE COIN PURSES $4

8 CONVERSATION CREW SOCKS $11

9 LAUGHABLE LAVATORY MISTS $ 12

10 SCENTED SOY, CLEAN BURNING CANDLES $13.95 Lead free and Intensely Fragrant

11 REVERSIBLE QUILTED TABLE RUNNER $27.98

12 MATCHING REVERSABLE PLACEMATS $9.98

13 FRAGRANT ROSEHIPS POTPOURRI $19.98

14 HOME FRAGRANCE MIST $15.98

R House Gift Shop invites you to celebrate the season with gifts and ideas to take you from harvest to holiday. Our lovely home decorations and beautiful custom florals add warmth and distinction to any room. Stop by and surround yourself with the magic of the season. We are worth the trip!

Village Baker and The Baker’s Wife are happyto offer these fun and quirky gift items from Blue Q.You’re sure to get a chuckle from family and friendswhen they read the clever tongue-in-cheek sayingsimprinted on these useful products.

R House Gift Shop704 E. Savidge St.

Spring Lake, MI616.847.3530

Gift Shop

23

8

24

Cyndi CasemierArtist and Proprietor

C2C Gallery104 Washington Street

Grand Haven, MI 49417616-935-7337c2cgallery.com

Julie SanfordFeatured artist at C2CStudio JSD219 N 7th StreetGrand Haven, MI 49417616-607-2470studiojsd.com

Sometimes it takes two to make one-of-a-kind artwork in our Tri-Cities community. Both Cyndi Casemier and Julie Sanford create exceptional handmade artwork in clay and jewelry and are proud to offer their handiwork to patrons at Cyndi’s C2C Gallery in downtown Grand Haven.

C2C Gallery offers “art for your everyday life,” an ever-changing collection of handmade objects from more than 35 Michigan artists. Cyndi Casemier opened the shop in 2011, featuring art that is not only beautiful to look at, but also can be used as fully functional objects you’ll interact with every

day. From the one of-a-kind mugs, bowls, and other serving pieces, to beautiful hand-fabricated jewelry, hand-painted scarves, and hand-blown glass, C2C offers a dazzling array of gift ideas as well as pieces you’ll want to buy for yourself.

Jeweler Julie Sanford has been fashioning quality bench-made jewelry for over 25 years. She enjoys combining organic elements and textures with contrasting contemporary details. Her pieces, hand-fabricated with metals and extraordinary gemstones, have been featured in books, magazines, museum stores and galleries. Julie crafts her art at Studio JSD-Metal Works and Gallery in Grand Haven. Her new location, on Seventh Street in CenterTown, allows her to teach metal-smithing

classes and specialty workshops. Studio JSD also provides an open studio environment to other jewelry makers, offering spaces to work, grow and collaborate.

Cyndi has her ceramic studio at C2C, where she often can be seen working with clay on her potter’s wheel or handbuilding using porcelain clay or Lake Michigan beach sand. Cyndi creates porcelain pottery using glazes and textures that reflect our waterfront community. Take home a piece of West Michigan art.

C2C, located across Washington Street from the Baker’s Wife, hosts local art and fund-raising events, and offers live music on the first Friday evening of each month. Visit us during the First Friday Art Hop, where artists are highlighted from 6-8 p.m. in more than 15 locations every first Friday of each month.

C2C Gallery & Studio JSD Art for Your Everyday Life

25

I founded Happy Whiskers Pet Sitting upon the belief that pets are most comfortable in their own environment. So, when you need a sitter for your pets, avoid the crowds at the kennel and choose Happy Whiskers. I will come your way to provide licensed and insured care in your home.

I offer many different services – from a one-time visit, to several days or even weeks of care for your pets. Call for a FREE “getting-to-know-you” visit. This will give us the opportunity to meet and get to know each other, and gain an understanding of your specific needs.

On-the-spot, no-stress services.

Perhaps you spotted this retro jewel on the road this past summer at all the fabulous community festivals. When the model was first in production more than a half-century ago, it was humorously described as a canned ham on wheels. For us, it’s quite literally a movable feast, offering up goodies-on-the-go from Village Baker and the Baker’s Wife. It’s a reissue of the classic 1961 Shasta Airflyte Travel Trailer in stunning seafoam green, and it doubles as an occasional overnight camper for Oran and me when we have a day off. Now that Pure Michigan’s summer season is in the rearview mirror and winter approaches, the Sconemobile is going into hibernation. But keep your eyes open for it again next spring. It’s a trailer for your taste buds -- on the road and bursting with fresh flavors from Village Baker and the Baker’s Wife.

Green CleanersWe utilize eco-friendly

products that clean and shine your home.

Professional Cleaning with a Personal Touch

Residential and CommercialBonded and Insured • 18 Years Experience

[email protected] 616.212.7548

JB Pro Cleaning

Oh, the Places We’ll Go!

Pet Sittingwhiskershappy

Loving Care When You Can’t Be There

Robin Schillaci231-288-5929Email: [email protected] HappyWhiskersPetSitting.comLicensed and Insured

Working behind the counter is Brenna Hogan and Jonah Lakatos.

26

So much of our culture is instant, portable, and always available on so many different platform. Movies, TV shows, commercials, and music stream at us from every direction and device. Seems like a veritable paradise for those who love the recorded arts, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, the fragments never quite add up to the whole. Which is just part of the reason behind the great resurgence of the vinyl LP.

Placing a record on a turntable, cueing up the tonearm, and dimming the lights is a deliberate act, songs flow in their intended order, and the listener is engaged. Then there is the sound. Full, smooth, and lively, the sound of a good ‘table penetrates the soul unlike any thin MP3.

Fortunately, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon makes it easy and inexpensive to play the records that may have been sitting untouched in the attic for so many years. Or to play any of the thousands of new LP’s being produced today, often with astonishing sonics. But before I put the Pro-Ject deck through its paces, a little refresher in the basics of analogue playback are in order.

The phonograph cartridge is a tiny electrical generator. As the stylus traces the pattern of sound etched in the grooves of the record, a little magnet on the other end of the cantilever vibrates between two tiny coils and a signal measured in just a few millivolts is created. A phono preamplifier or phono stage is needed to boost the output of the cartridge before it can be fed into a receiver or integrated amplifier. It used to be that pretty much every home stereo had a built-in phono stage so there was no need for the extra device. Fortunately, Pro-Ject and other companies make very good phono preamps that are inexpensive, small and simple.

I would add that a decent record cleaner is an essential accessory. Finding great records at garage sales and antique stores is a joy but they really need to be cleaned before playing. For less than $80, the Spin-Clean record-cleaning system works wonders on dirty LPs.

The entry level Debut Carbon is a superb way to start spinning records. Build quality is remarkable for its price. The platter is of decently heavy steel, with most of its weight toward the outer edge which aids in speed stability. The carbon-fiber tonearm is ultra rigid and nearly free from resonances, which keeps the sound clean and concise. This is a manual deck. There is no automatic tonearm return and changing speeds requires lifting off the platter and

ran’s Audiophile ReportBy Oran Rankin,

The Village Baker

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC)

Speed: 33 and 45 rpm (manual speed change)Drive principle: belt driveMains bearing: stainless steelWow & flutter: +/- 0.10%Speed drift: +/- 0.80%

Signal to noise ratio: - 68dBTonearm: 8.6” Carbon FiberEffective arm mass: 6.0 gOverhang: 18.5mmDimensions: 16.34”x 4.65” x 12.6” (WxHxD) Weight: 12.33 lbs.Price: $399.00

moving the belt to a different size pulley. The designers have maximized performance over convenience to meet its modest price point. Best of all, it comes with Ortofon’s 2M Red phono cartridge installed and ready to play.

Set up is about as easy as it gets for a new turntable. Clearly written instructions allow for quick assembly. All that is required is a sturdy, level surface near your stereo or A/V receiver, a phono stage such as Pro-Ject’s Phono Box MM and a pair of RCA cables to connect to one of the line-level inputs on your receiver.

Specs and Pricing

...Continued on page 28

27

We invite you to come see our extensive selection of turntablesand the electronics and speakers to make them sing

Take part in the Vinyl Revival at the “New” Corner Record Shop with locations in Grandville, Holland and now in Grand Haven.

Corner Record Shop has opened its doors at 1114 Washington Street in Grand Haven’s East Town district and invites you to take a spin on over.

Experience the joy of discovering new music or classics essential for any music collection while flipping through album jackets and listening to the store’s playlist of jazz, indie or classic rock.Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday - SaturdayCornerRecordShop.com

616-935-7756

Time to get back in the groove, people!

NEW - USED - VINYL - CDs

,

Clearaudio Ovation Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Thorens TD295 Mk IV

VPI Classic

Oran’s Audiophile Report - continued

It was time for me to give this affordable deck a listen. My Luxman L-550ax integrated amplifier has an excellent built-in phono stage, and that is what I used for this review. Speakers used are the new ATC SCM19s. These stout bookshelf monitors from Great Britain are extraordinarily transparent and won’t gloss over any deficiencies upstream.

AC line conditioning is from Blue Circle Audio, interconnects are Tributaries Series 6, and to leash the speakers to the amp I use Blue Jeans Cable’s “10 White,” a no-nonsense stranded 10 AWG wire terminated

with ultrasonically welded spades. For comparison to digital, I used my ModWright Oppo BDP 105D streaming lossless from Tidal.

Finally time to play some music. Dire Straits’ self-titled album (Warner Bros. Records Inc., 1978) is one of those great albums that just begs to be played on a decent ‘table, and the lead track of side two, Sultans of Swing, positively

rocks through the Pro-Ject/Ortofon combo. Purchased used at the Corner Record Shop (advertisement this issue), this kind of find is what vinyl is all about. Mark Knopfler’s guitar just cuts with a great presence, John Illsley’s bass underpins the flow with great drive and melody, and Pick Withers’ drum propels it all forward. The first time through, in fact, I had to give up trying to write this review and just enjoy the musical presentation from this overachieving deck.

When I was a young kid, my parents often played Cat Stevens’ Teaser and the Firecat (A&M Records Ltd., 1971). I remember many Christmas mornings listening to Morning has Broken, the second track of side two. I now have two copies, of unknown provenance, and sadly not in what I would call pristine condition. Listening on the Debut Carbon is so evocative. The deeply familiar tunes summon such a flood of memories from so many years ago. The little pops and ticks hardly detract from the music; thankfully, the Ortofon 2M Red is a somewhat forgiving cartridge. Indeed, the sheer life-force of a good analogue front end is intoxicating, and nearly unobtainable from CDs or MP3s.

CRAFT. NOT CORPORATE.

28

Next I cued up Madeleine Peyroux’s Careless Love (Rounder Records Corp. 2004). This disk was pressed by Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab on 180g High-Definition Vinyl using their Gain 2 Ultra-Analog System. In other words, this album has exquisite sonics. Peyroux’s beautiful voice emerges from a quiet background and the jazzy and classy ensemble is placed in three dimensions.

While I did not change cartridges for this review, I have experience with some of the other carts in Ortofon’s highly regarded 2M line. The Red is their $100 entry level. I think that the Debut Carbon is of sufficient quality to benefit from a more refined cartridge and that would be a natural way to upgrade what already is a great turntable.

I would like to thank Way Back Audio for loaning me the equipment for this review. They are a full-service stereo store with the most extensive selection of turntables in the area. Check out their ad in this issue, too.

CRAFT. NOT CORPORATE.Another welkom touch of the Netherlands has come to West Michigan with the arrival of Dutch Girl Brewery, a new microbrewery on M104 just east of Spring Lake’s village borders. Dutch Girl takes a global approach to beer, featuring a dozen rotating taps with lagers, pilsners, porters, ales, IPAs, Double IPAs and, for good measure, a Belgian Trippel IPA. One of its most popular is the Dirty Boots Imperial Milk Stout, and there’s the Coastie Kolsch, which pays frothy homage to the U.S. Coast Guard. The taproom is adorned with the provincial flag of Friesland, a nod to the northern Netherlands’ heritage of Dutch Girl Brewery President Kelly Rozema Finchem. There is occasional live entertainment and special beer release celebrations, so visit often.

Coming soon: Hard cider and a kitchen for an expanding menu of food options.

616.607.2026

VANDERMILL

ALLESTIRE

DUTCHGIRL

Spring Lake

IT’S EASY TO FIND US!RIGHT BETWEEN ALLES TIRE

AND AUTO VALUE

Nunica

148t

h

150t

h

AUTO VALUE

X

104

14964 Cleveland St., Suite B, Spring Lake, MI 49456 Winter Hours: Sun 1-8 p.m. Mon CLOSED, Tue-Thur 3-10 p.m.Fri & Sat, 12 Noon - 11 p.m.DutchGirlBrewery.com

Looking for a higher-grade cut of meat? Prefer your Ribeye sliced two-inches thick? Come to Top Butcher Shoppe. We’re at your service.

Your best choice for beef tenderloin, prime rib and locally sourced, fresh, bone-in ham for holiday feasts.

Reserve your fresh Amish Turkey today!

Signature Brisket and Pulled Pork

sandwiches served daily with Ken’s BBQ

Sauce on the side.

29

Sure, you can make terrific toast from any of our fabulous breads, but now you’ll find a lively new selection of toasts available at Village Baker: “Salute!”... “Proost!” ... “L’Chaim!” ... “Cheers!” ... “Skål!”

It’s nearly time to raise a glass and toast yet another reason to enjoy the ever-evolving experience of a visit to Village Baker. Earlier this year, we purchased a full liquor license for our Spring Lake location, and we are excited to soon be offering a delightful array of beers and wines to complement our delicious dinner, lunch, and brunch

menu items. Now, if that isn’t a good reason to make a return visit and a robust toast, I don’t know what is.

At some not-too-distant point, I’m anticipating a move into mixology with the addition of spirits – a lovely martini of the day for dinner, or a

Sunday brunch menu spiced with traditional accompaniments like a Bloody Mary, Screwdriver or Mimosa. Initially we are going to keep it simple with a scrumptious selection of bottled beers, hard ciders, and memorable wines from Michigan, California, and beyond. We are well aware of the growing popularity and high quality of craft beers in our region and hope to tap into several of the most popular local brews over the next several months.

We appreciate your suggestions as we tweak and expand our beverage menu to pair perfectly with our pizzas, sandwiches and entrees. Bon appetit -- and bottom’s up!

Serving Up a New Type of “Toast” at the Bakery

Village Baker617 E. Savidge, Spring Lake, MI 49456616.935.7312 • villagebaker.usTues - Thur 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri - Sat 7 a.m.-9 p.m.Sun 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

30

Rise and shine and dash on over to Village Baker! There’s going to be another destination location in West Michigan for your morning nourishment.

Breakfast -- featuring real, made-to-order egg dishes, sizzling bacon strips, fabulous French toast and fluffy scratch-made pancakes -- soon will live up to its reputation as the most important meal of the day at Village Baker.

We’ve been thinking about introducing a full breakfast menu almost from the moment we opened Village Baker four years ago. It took a recent visit to Moscow, Idaho, to confirm our instincts and convince us that we could do this -- and do it the right way.

Moscow is a pretty spot along the Idaho/Washington border where Oran’s daughter Emily is working at the town’s popular eatery, the Breakfast Club, while studying at the University of Idaho. While we were there to visit Emily and other family, the Breakfast Club was our go-to place for amazing pancakes, omelettes and French toast. The food was fantastic and the staff was so welcoming to everyone who entered the restaurant. Most days, we would be greeted with a happy “Good Morning!” at least four or five times before we even arrived at our booth or table. We were smitten.

On our trip home, we began making a list of breakfast menu items -- a list that continues to be modified and refined as we prepare for an early 2016 launch. We know we’ll offer eggs as you like them, omelettes, French toast using many of our specialty breads, and at least a few different types of pancakes. Oran adores sourdough pancakes, so don’t be shocked to see that one on the board when we begin our full breakfast service.

But don’t worry, you can still order a scone or a pastry for a sweet treat to accompany your soon-to-be more magnificent morning meal.

If You’re Not a Morning Person....There’s big news for you, too, because our dreams don’t end with breakfast. In fact, I can scarcely contain my excitement over a new speciality sandwich that we’ll be introducing at the same time we add the full breakfast menu to our portfolio.

I’m talking about the one and only Village Burger -- a piping hot and juicy patty of lean, organic beef embraced by our signature pretzel bun and an array of choices to dress it up to your taste. My mouth is watering already!

In addition, we’ll be adding a dedicated pizza oven, so we’ll be able to offer our popular pies all day, instead of restricting the pizzas to mid-afternoon and beyond. Our lineup of pizzas, paired with a luscious glass or wine or a refreshing beer, will be even more enjoyable and flavorful.

The Very Best Part of Waking Up....

31

*****************ECRWSS**** LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER

VILLAGE BAKER617 E. SAVIDGE STSPRING LAKE, MI 49456-1956Phone: 616-935-7312

PRSRT STDECRWSS

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

EDDM RETAIL

4216 Harbor Point Drive, Muskegon

12929 Wilderness Trail, Grand Haven

13457 Hidden Creek Court, Grand Haven

14742 Timberlake Court, Spring Lake

18815 North Shore Drive, Spring Lake

16100 Highland Drive, Spring Lake

Visit sandigentry.com, go to all listings and search the address to see these listings or for info on any home for sale.

One name sells it all

THE SANDI GENTRY TEAMTHE LAKESHORE REAL ESTATE LEADER

O: 616-935-1150 | C: 616-638-3900 | F: 616-935-1149 411 Leggatt Street, Grand Haven

Village Appetite - Winter 2016 Issue 5

Documents