Sherwood Forest News December 2008

News from the Forest

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. With the cold crisp days and starry nights, what better time to curl up with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa? It's also a great time to finish your holiday shopping at some of the most unique shops in the Midwest, and to top it all off, dine at some of the finest restaurants in the state. So join us soon for some R&R and holiday spirit.

Holiday Dining Special
Treat yourself to 1 night (or more) at Sherwood Forest B&B and receive a free dinner at Restaurant Toulouse, which offers French provincial dishes such as Cassoulet and Bouillabaisse, or Chequers of Saugatuck, a British-style pub offering English favorites such as Fish & Chips or Shepherd's Pie. Here are the details: purchase one dinner and receive the second dinner of equal or lesser value for free. (Offer does not include dessert or drinks and expires December 30, 2008.) To book this package, please call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246.

Gift Certificates
Give the most amazing gift on the planet! Imagine receiving a gift certificate from Sherwood Forest B&B--after the recipient jumps up and down and hugs that special someone, he or she will rush to the phone to book a room at Sherwood Forest (just gotta have that fireplace/Jacuzzi suite). Call 800-838-1246 or visit http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/giftcert.html.

Sherwood Forest Gourmet Dinners
Now's the time to gather up that group of friends or family and plan a visit to Sherwood Forest B&B for one of our awesome Gourmet Dinners. From November through April, let us wine and dine you. Book the entire B&B for 2 nights or more and we'll have such a feast catered, your taste palates won't allow any leftovers. We've cornered the market on the best chefs Saugatuck and Douglas have to offer. These epicurean wizards of gastronomic delights will amaze you in what will be your own private dining room, and you'll have the time of your life. Here are the details: dinner is $50 per person, guests provide their own alcohol, and a 2-night minimum stay is required. You pick the date November through April and we'll pick the chef. Black out dates are New Year's Eve and Valentine's weekend. To book a gourmet dinner, call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246. You can see some of our past gourmet dinner menus at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/g-menu-sample.html.

Melt Your Stress Away
Upon your arrival, you'll find a beautiful wine and cheese basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. During your visit you'll each experience a soothing massage in a style suited just for you and a $30 voucher good toward a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant. Upon your departure (which we're sure you'll want to delay as long as possible before returning to the "real world"), a gift from us: a compact disc of relaxing music and an illustrated guide to massage. Price: $235 (does not include room rate). If you wish to have this awaiting your arrival, give us a call at 800-838-1246.

Sherwood Forest Cottage (Pet Friendly)
Looking for a quiet, relaxing place to stay? Our Cottage is perfect for that tranquil getaway or for spending time with friends or family. It sleeps up to 5 people, has a full kitchen, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the public beach, and it's pet friendly. For more information, you can visit the cottage website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html or call us at 800-838-1246.

Massages
Have a massage in the privacy of your room by a certified massage therapist in a style that's just right for you. It's 1 hour of pure relaxation...December special: $60. Schedule some pampering soon

Here's what's happening in and around the area:

Fenn Valley Winery
Come and taste the first wine from this fall's vintage at the annual Nouveau Fest on December 6. There will be the featured nouveau wines, hors d'oeuvres, cellar tasting/tours, and plenty of space to visit with friends and relatives over a glass of nouveau. For more info, visit http://www.fennvalley.com or call 269-561-2396.

Wine Dinner
Join the folks at Everyday People Café for their annual Holiday Wine Dinner on December 9 at 6:30 p.m. The theme is Nothing but Bubbles and features the sparkling wines of L. Mawby in Sutton's Bay, Michigan. The 5-course dinner will be paired up with the up-north Michigan wines. For more info, visit http://everydaypeoplecafe.com, or if you wish to book a room with us and enjoy the wine dinner, give us a call at 800-838-1246 and we'll make the arrangements.

Winter Greenmarket
On December 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., deck your halls with fresh, artful greenery and other holiday decorations during the 4th annual Winter Greenmarket at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. Local farmers and artisans offer fresh holiday greenery from strands of garland and Christmas trees to hand-decorated swags and wreaths. For more info, visit http://www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

Santa and Mrs. Claus
Join Santa Mrs. Clause in Fennville for some holiday festivities on December 5 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. and will feature floats from area businesses and organizations and the Fennville Public School band and choir. The tree lighting and Christmas caroling will take place after the parade in the green space by the clock in downtown Fennville. As a special treat, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be greeting area children at the Children's Museum after the tree lighting. For more info, visit http://www.greaterfennville.com.

Christmas Trees
What better way is there to help usher in the holiday season than to cut your own Christmas tree? Our friends at Baragar Pines Farm will help you choose just the right tree for the holidays, from Frasier Furs to Scotch Pines, wreaths, and potted Blue Spruces, too. They're at 2661 64th St. in Fennville. Open Saturdays and Sundays only. For more info, call 269-857-4429.

Cooking Demonstration and Tasting
Experience culinary artistry during these demonstration classes with Chef Jim LaPerriere, featuring symphonies of flavor, colorful dishes, and unique presentations, along with Q&A and tasting at the SCA. Class type: Italian Holiday Feast on December 3; Smashing Holiday Hors d'Oeuvres on December 10; and Football Fixin's on December 17. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Theater
Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol will be presented December 12-14 and 19-21 at the Women's Club in downtown Saugatuck. This classic Christmas tale, featuring Ebenezer Scrooge, various ghosts, and an assortment of lovable Londoners, is brought to life by community performers. For performance times or to purchase tickets, call 269-857-1701.

Blues/Jazz
Join the hip and groovy folks at Everyday People Café every Friday and Saturday in December from 6:30-10 p.m. to hear some really cool jazz. You'll see the likes of the Eddy Curtis Jazz Duo and Rick Hicks Blues Guitar. For more info, visit http://everydaypeoplecafe.com or call 269-857-4240.

Jazz/Blues
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Saturday and Sunday through December. Enjoy the heartfelt show tunes sung by one of Saugatuck's favorites, Michael Holmes, and there's some cool jazz by vocalists Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde. Show times are 7-11 p.m. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com.

Holland Symphony Orchestra
On December 12-13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Dimnent Chapel enjoy a holiday concert with the Holland Chorale singing A Symphony of Carols with music ranging from popular carols to Puccini's Gloria. For more info, call 616-494-0256 or visit http://www.hollandsymphony.org.

Film Studies at the Red Barn
Local cinema enthusiast and professor Bill Muzzillo will introduce each film and lead a brief discussion afterward during the Red Barn Film Studies. Death on the Nile will be shown on December 16 at 7:30 p.m. For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://www.redbarnsaugatuck.com.

Art
The Nines Gallery in Holland will be showing From the Earth, an Art Show of Givable Artwork featuring Jeff Blandford and Kathleen Putnam. The show opens on December 5 with new landscapes and still life by Putnam and design-modern ceramics by Blandford. For more info, visit http://www.theninesgallery.com or call 616-392-4370.

More Art
The Waterstreet Gallery exhibition is two fold: for December, they are hosting A Gallery of Gifts and will feature work that is $500 and under in the gallery for holiday gift giving. The gallery is also showing a select group of artists at the South Bend Art Museum from December 13-March 8. Those artists that will be highlighted are Walter Horak (bronze), Byron Gin (oil figures), Dylan Strzynski (mixed media), and T'alyne (mixed media and fiber glass panels). For more info, call 269-857-8485 or visit http://www.waterstreetgallery.com.

Even More Art
Good Goods in downtown Saugatuck is offering kaleidoscopes by Paul Knox, hand-painted silk ties by Michael Murphy, and some new Sticks items from their Sticks furniture collection. They are also having their annual New Year's Eve Sale on December 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info, visit http://www.goodgoods.com or call 888-857-6501.

Volmod Gallery
The place with some of the hippest pottery on the planet has some awesome stuff for the holidays, so you've got to check it out. Pieces include bowls, vases of all shapes and sizes, sinks, tables, lamps, and other lighting units. Open at least Friday through Sunday, Jeff Blandford will be there for all your holiday shopping needs. Stop in and check out the new space at 242 Butler St., Saugatuck. For more info, visit http://www.volmod.com.

Exhibitions
The Michigan Water Color Society's 61st Annual Exhibition will be on display through December 29 at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. The Society was founded in 1945 to promote a stronger awareness and interest in watercolor, to maintain high standards, and to further education in the contemporary arts. This traveling exhibition features juried works by the state's best watercolorists. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Museum Exhibition
Through February, The Holland Museum will present The Paintings of William Kubiak, an exhibit of accurate representations of Michigan's native peoples. Kubiak, a Grand Rapids artist and historian William Kubiak took upon himself the task of both researching and visually representing Michigan's original inhabitants. He wanted to know what a Miami looked like, how a Pottawatomie dressed, how a Huron fixed his hair. Thirty-six of these paintings are exhibited here, all of which focus on Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. These works of art are not only beautiful but also contribute to a better understanding of Michigan's native culture and history. For more info, visit http://www.hollandmuseum.org/ or call 888-200-9123.

Books
Sue's book of the month is Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. Probably Strouts best novel yet, it's actually a collection of connected stories about life in a small New England town. Strout writes about each character and each relationship with a keen and economic eye to detail. Olive Kitteridge offers profound insights into the human condition-its conflicts, tragedies, and joys, and the endurance it requires. This is simply a wonderful book, one that avid readers wait for. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785) or at Treehouse Books in Holland (616-494-5085) or visit http://www.treehousebooks.net.

Honorable Mentions

November 28, Official Christmas Lighting Ceremony, Saugatuck
December 1-6, Film, Brick Lane, Knickerbocker Theatre, Holland
December 7, Film Studies at the Red Barn, Talented Mr. Ripley
December 6, Christmas Parade, Saugatuck
December 6, Nouveau Fest, Fenn Valley Winery, Fennville
December 12-13, Holland Chorale, Holland
December 12-14, Dickens Christmas Carol, Saugatuck
December 16, Film Studies at the Red Barn, Death on the Nile
December 19-21, Dickens Christmas Carol, Saugatuck
December 31, New Years Eve
January 16, Great Performance Series, Chuchito Valdes Trio, Holland 7:30 p.m.
February 13, Great Performance Series, The Illiad, Holland,7:30 p.m.
February 14, Great Performance Series, Comedy of Errors, Holland, 7:30 p.m
February 16, Visiting Writers Series, Lynne Thompson, Poetry, Knickerbocker, 7 p.m.
February 24, Mardi Gras Parade, Douglas 7 p.m.
March 11, Visiting Writers Series, Francine Prose, Fiction, Knickerbocker, 7 p.m.
March 14, St. Patrick's Day Festival, Saugatuck
March 31, Great Performance Series, Quartet San Francisco, Holland, 7:30 p.m
April 15, Visiting Writers Series, Minton Sparks with guitarist John Jackson, Poetry,Knickerbocker, 7 p.m.

Sherwood Forest Staples

We will pamper you to your heart's content with one of our Sweetheart Specials (we now can include Godiva Chocolates), or you can try one of our in-house massages--doesn't get much better than that. And of course, there's our ever-popular Famous Chefs of Saugatuck Gourmet Dinners November through April. You can link to our Sweetheart Specials at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/sweetheart.html Here's the link for gourmet dinner details and a sample menu: http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/dinners.html.

From the Sherwood Forest Files:

Tranquility Carol (the wispy siren who sings the songs of the deep woods) has once again sanctified our hallowed kitchen with a delectable pasta sauce that will give you a feeling of intense bliss.

Tranquility Carol's Ragu Bolognese

Ingredients

2 large carrots, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes (oven roasted if possible)
One half-cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
One-quarter teaspoon crushed red pepper
Three-quarter cup of milk
2 tablespoons prepared pesto

Preparation

Coat pan with olive oil and saute carrot, celery, and onion approx. 7 minutes, then stir in tomatoes, broth, vinegar, and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Stir in milk. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 1 hour or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Stir in pesto and serve over pasta. Please use as many organic products as possible.

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

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Sherwood Forest News November 2008

News from the Forest

November is here with its crisp weather and shorter days. There are still some leaves on the trees, but leaf peeping time will soon be over as Mother Nature lays down her multicolored carpet. It's a serene time of year to take a walk and enjoy the change of season. There's hot apple cider, millions of stars, and a refreshing chill in the air. So join us for some pre-holiday rest and relaxation-the perfect time to finally get to that book you've been meaning to read all summer. Also, for those thinking ahead to the holidays, don't forget about Sherwood Forest B&B gift certificates--quick, easy, and always appreciated!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!
Leave the guys behind and get away with your long lost friends or maybe with that friend who needs a special pick-me-up. Stay the night in one of our suites, kick back and get in touch, or laugh about old times. Don't worry about the plans, just leave those up to us.

Package includes:

• Room for 1 night (2-night stay required on weekends)
• 2 signature manicures from Bella Vita Spa in Saugatuck
• $20 worth of Saugabucks to spend anywhere in town
• ˝ dozen chocolate chip cookies from Cookies on Call in Douglas
• Dessert at Everyday People Café in Douglas

Package prices range from $180 to $250, depending on the room. To book this package, please call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246.

Gift Certificates
Give the most amazing gift on the planet. Imagine receiving a gift certificate from Sherwood Forest B&B! After the recipient jumps up and down and hugs that special someone, he or she will rush to the phone to book a room at Sherwood Forest (just gotta have that fireplace/Jacuzzi suite). Call 800-838-1246 or visit our gift certificate page at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/giftcert.html.

Sherwood Forest Gourmet Dinners
Now's the time to gather up that group of friends or family and plan a visit to Sherwood Forest B&B for one of our awesome Gourmet Dinners. From November through April, let us wine and dine you. Book the entire B&B for 2 nights or more and we'll have such a feast catered, your taste palates won't allow any leftovers. We've cornered the market on the best chefs Saugatuck and Douglas have to offer. These epicurean wizards of gastronomic delights will amaze you in what will be your own private dining room, and you'll have the time of your life. Here are the details: dinner is $50 per person, guests provide their own alcohol, and a 2-night minimum stay is required. You pick the date November through April and we'll pick the chef. Black out dates are New Year's Eve and Valentine's weekend. To book a gourmet dinner, call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246. You can see some of our past gourmet dinner menus at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/g-menu-sample.html.

Melt Your Stress Away
Melt Your Stress Away Package Upon your arrival, you'll find a beautiful wine and cheese basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. During your visit you'll each experience a soothing massage in a style suited just for you and a $30 voucher good toward a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant. Upon your departure (which we're sure you'll want to delay as long as possible before returning to the "real world"), a gift from us: a compact disc of relaxing music and an illustrated guide to massage. Price: $235 (does not include room rate). If you wish to have this awaiting your arrival, give us a call at 800-838-1246.

Sherwood Forest Cottage (Pet Friendly)
Looking for a quiet, relaxing place to stay? Our Cottage is perfect for that tranquil getaway or for spending time with friends or family. We do still have openings in November and December, which is also a wonderful time to kick back and enjoy the area. It sleeps up to 5 people, has a full kitchen, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the public beach, and it's pet friendly. For more information, you can visit the cottage website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html or call us at 800-838-1246 .

Here's what's happening in and around the area:

Wine Dinner
Join the folks at Everyday People Café for their first wine dinner of 2008 on November 11 at 6:30 p.m. This dinner will focus on the Washington wines of Charles Smith-5 courses paired up with some fantastic wines. For more info, visit http://everydaypeoplecafe.com, or if you wish to book a room with us and have a fabulous dinner, give us a call at 800-838-1246 and we can make the arrangements.

Night Before Christmas
A retailers' open house in downtown Saugatuck kicks off the shopping season with unique items for the holidays, while at the same time gives you the chance to win free prizes from participating stores. There are carriage rides and strolling carolers to make the evening festive. It all starts on November 21 from 6-9 p.m. and will continue through the weekend. More info on the Santa's shopping spree can be found at http://www.saugatuck.com.

Douglas Holiday Preview
Let the shops of Douglas entertain you this holiday season. The town will be decorated in colorful lights, and there will be music and refreshments to enjoy while shopping for that unique gift on November 22 until 9 p.m. For more info, visit http://www.douglasmichigan.com/

Theater
On November 29 you don't want to miss the double duo of The Santaland Diaries and Holmes for the Holidays. The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris, adapted by Joe Mantello and starring Billy Konsoer, is a funny and brilliant evocation of what it is like to be a Macy's elf during the holiday crunch. Holmes for the Holidays, by Michael Holmes, is a brand new piece by the funny and talented singer/performer who will be sure to entertain the audience with song, humor, and a touch of irreverence. These performances will be at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. For more info, visit http://www.masonstreetwarehouse.org or call 269-857-4898.

Music
Classical
Next in the line up for the Hope College Great Performance Series is City Music Cleveland on November 6 at Dimnent Chapel in Holland at 7:30 p.m. This young chamber orchestra has been garnering attention around Cleveland for the past 5 years and they are now embarking on their first tour. Conducting will be James Gaffigan, associate conductor of the San Francisco Symphony. The performance will feature the highly acclaimed young cellist, Joshua Roman, performing Schumann's Cello Concerto. For more info, visit http://www.hope.edu/arts or call 616-395-7890.

Acoustic
The Red Barn Cabaret Series presents The Weatherheads at the Red Barn in Saugatuck on November 16 at 7 p.m. The Weatherheads will warm you with stories, charm, and simply crafted music and songs. For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://www.redbarnsaugatuck.com.

Blues/Jazz
Join the hip and groovy folks at Everyday People Café every Friday and Saturday in November from 6:30-9:30 p.m. to hear some really cool jazz. You'll see the likes of the Eddy Curtis Jazz Duo and Rick Hicks Blues Guitar. For more info, visit http://everydaypeoplecafe.com or call 269-857-4240.

Folk
Join the folks at Rye: A Public House for music on First Fridays in Fennville in their Music Room: on November 7, Who Hit John (bluegrass); November 14, The One Night Stand Band (bluegrass); November 16, Special House Concert with Seth Bernard and Daisy May (singers/songwriters); November 21, Laura Bates and Brandon Foote (folk); and November 28, Michael Beauchamp (singer/songwriter). All shows begin at 8 p.m. For more info, visit http://journeymancafe.com/events.htm or call 269-561-2269.

Jazz/Blues
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Saturday and Sunday through November. Enjoy the heartfelt show tunes sung by one of Saugatuck's favorites, Michael Holmes, and there's some cool jazz by vocalist Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde. Show times are 7-11 p.m. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com.

Film Studies at the Red Barn
Local cinema enthusiast and professor Bill Muzzillo will introduce each film and lead a brief discussion afterward during the Red Barn Film Studies. Screenings are: And Then There Were None, starring Barry Fitzgerald and Walter Huston, on November 4; and Gosford Park, starring Clive Owen and Maggie Smith, on November 18. All screenings are at 7:30 p.m. For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://www.redbarnsaugatuck.com.

Movies
Silent Movie and Music
On November 1, Blue Dahlia will present music to the silent movie, The Cat and the Canary, at the SCA. Bring the family and celebrate Halloween weekend with this utterly unique cinema experience combining modern music and a classic silent horror film. The Cat and the Canary (1927) revolves around the death of Cyrus West, who is Annabelle, Charlie, and Paul's uncle, and the reading of his will 20 years later. Annabelle inherits her uncle's fortune, but when she and her family spend the night in his haunted mansion, they are stalked by a mysterious figure. Meanwhile, a lunatic known as "The Cat" escapes from an asylum and hides in the mansion. Blue Dahlia has created original scores for more than 11 silent film classics and has also penned scores for a number of current feature length and short films. For more info, visit www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

Children's Film Fest
The Sixth Annual Saugatuck Children's Film Festival, a festival of the best examples of cinematic art for children (adults will love it, too) at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, will be held November 22 and will feature independently produced films for children and young adults that are both entertaining and educational, dealing with such subjects as environmental preservation, cultural diversity, and history. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org/cff_index.html.

Movies
Film Series
The Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland will present The Visitor from November 3-8. In a world of six billion people, it only takes one to change your life. In actor and filmmaker Tom McCarthy's follow-up to his award winning directorial debut The Station Agent, Richard Jenkins (Six Feet Under) stars as a disillusioned Connecticut economics professor whose life is transformed by a chance encounter in New York City. On December 1-6, Brick Lane will be shown. In this movie, Nazneen's life is turned upside down at the tender age of 17 as she is forced into an arranged marriage to an older man and she exchanges her Bangladeshi village home for a block of flats in London's East End. In this new world, pining for her home and her sister, she struggles to make sense of her existence--and to do her duty to her husband. A man of infiltrated ideas (and stomach), he sorely tests her compliance. Screenings are at 7 and 9 p.m. For more info, call 616-395-7403 or visit http://www.hope.edu/arts/knick/.

Art
One of West Michigan's most popular abstract artists, Jennifer Gardiner, is opening a new collection of paintings and prints at The Nines Gallery in downtown Holland on November 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. The show will be up through December. For more info, call 616-392-3239 or visit www.theninesgallery.com.

James Brandess Studio & Gallery
The beginning of November is Oil Painting Workshop time at the James Brandess Studios & Gallery. On November 1 and 8, Brandess will be hosting two multi-level oil painting workshops from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The gallery is at 238 Butler Street, downtown Saugatuck. For more info, call 269-857-1937 or visit http://www.jamesbrandess.com.

Good Goods
Good Goods in downtown Saugatuck is having a Holiday Shopping event on November 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. featuring live music, appetizers, and gift wrapping. They are also offering some new Sticks art and furniture for the holiday season, which is handcrafted in the U.S. For more info, visit http://www.goodgoods.com or call 888-857-6501.

Volmod Gallery
The place with some of the hippest pottery on the planet is moving to a new location, so you've got to check it out. Pieces include bowls, vases of all shapes and sizes, sinks, tables, lamps, and other lighting units. Open at least Friday through Sunday, Jeff Blandford will be there for all your holiday shopping needs. Stop in and check out the new space at 242 Butler St., Saugatuck. For more info, visit http://www.volmod.com.

More Art
Join the Blue Coast Artists for their annual Holiday Open House of Studios on November 28-30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Travel the scenic Blue Star Highway between Saugatuck and South Haven to discover some of Southwest Michigan's finest artwork, from pottery, sculpture, and jewelry, to weaving, blown glass, and paintings. For more info, visit http://bluecoastartists.com.

Water Street Gallery
The Water Street Gallery will be ending this season in a blaze of fire. The annual glass show, titled Hot and Cold, opens on November 1 from 6-8 p.m. Great art, great food, and great people! Water Street Gallery is in downtown Douglas. For more info, call 269-857-8485 or visit http://www.waterstreetgallery.com.

Exhibitions
The Michigan Water Color Society's 61st Annual Exhibition will be on display from November 7 to December 29 at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. The Society was founded in 1945 to promote a stronger awareness and interest in watercolor; to maintain high standards; and to further education in the contemporary arts. This traveling exhibition features juried works by the state's best watercolorists. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Exhibitions
The paintings of William Kubiak are up now through February at the Holland Museum. Dissatisfied with a lack of accurate representations of Michigan's native peoples, Grand Rapids artist and historian William Kubiak took upon himself the task of both researching and visually representing Michigan's original inhabitants. Kubiak has produced numerous oil paintings that realistically depict a pre-European settlement heritage. Thirty-six of these paintings are exhibited at the museum, all of which focus on Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. For more info, visit http://www.hollandmuseum.org/ or call 888-200-9123.

Open Figure Studio
Artists are invited to attend Open Figure Studio, which will provide an independent study forum for the maintenance and development of artistic skills and allow for uninhibited experimentation. Draw, paint, or sculpt in clay the nude and costumed figure in this open studio session for all levels of artists. Artist Dawn Stafford (http://peachbeltstudiogallery.com) will guide each session and provide assistance if requested, although this is not an instructed coarse, and will be held through November 20 at the SCA on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more info, call 269-857-2399.

Visiting Writers
Next in the line up for the Visiting Writers Series is Toni Blackman with Hip Hop Performance Poetry on November 18 at the Knickerbocker Theatre of Hope College. Poet Blackman was the first Hip Hop artist selected to work as a Cultural Ambassador, traveling with the U.S. State Department. She has performed in more than 16 countries and has shared the stage with a host of artists, including Sheryl Crow and Sara McLachlan. Blackman is the author of Inner-Course: A Plea for Real Love. She is currently at work on her debut album and on her second book. For more info, call 269-395-7620 or visit http://www.hope.edu/vws/.

Book of the Month
Michele's book of the month is What Was Lost by Catherine O'Flynn. It's a bit of a social commentary on the absurdity of consumerism and the sense of alienation and crushing loneliness that afflicts individuals living in our modern age. Little Kate Meaney (the subject of the mystery at the heart of the novel), with the help of her pet monkey Mickey, lives in her make-believe world of detectives and potential victims. Little Kate's mysterious disappearance in the '80s, her pet monkey Mickey's strange but timely re-emergence 20 years later, the secrets of the protagonist cast, and the presence of ghostly ruminations after hours at the mall, all add convincingly to the spook factor that turns this quite wonderful and difficult to categorize book into a serious page turner as one works through its final pages. What Was Lost is altogether more than an ordinary suburban thriller and a huge breath of fresh air. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785) or at Treehouse Books in Holland (616-494-5085) or visit http://www.treehousebooks.net.

Honorable Mentions

November 28, Official Christmas Lighting Ceremony, Saugatuck
December 1-6, Film, Brick Lane, Knickerbocker Theatre, Holland
December 7, Film Studies at the Red Barn, Talented Mr. Ripley
December 6, Christmas Parade, Saugatuck
December 6, Nouveau Fest, Fenn Valley Winery, Fennville
December 12-13, Holland Chorale, Holland
December 12-14, Dickens Christmas Carol, Saugatuck
December 16, Film Studies at the Red Barn, Death on the Nile
December 19-21, Dickens Christmas Carol, Saugatuck
December 31, New Years Eve

Sherwood Forest Staples

We will pamper you to your heart's content with one of our Sweetheart Specials (we now can include Godiva Chocolates), or you can try one of our in-house massages-doesn't get much better than that. And of course, there's our ever-popular Famous Chefs of Saugatuck Gourmet Dinners November through April. You can link to our Sweetheart Specials at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/sweetheart.html Here's the link for gourmet dinner details and a sample menu: http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/dinners.html.

From the Sherwood Forest Files:

This magician, who transports himself in and out of the house at will, just loves this gingerbread recipe. He declares that a feline amore from the Dobu Island in the South pacific bestowed it upon him. It's a love potion of sorts and has this powerful sharing thing that happens when served.

Einstein's Gingerbread

Ingredients

2 Cups all-purpose flour
1 Cup whole-wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
one and one-half teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
one-half teaspoon salt
one-quarter teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup packed brown sugar
one-third cup canola oil
3 large eggs
two-thirds cup molasses
1 Cup unsweetened applesauce
one-half cup buttermilk

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Combine flour and next 5 ingredients (through cloves) in a bowl, stirring well.
3. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, oil, and egg; beat with a mixer at medium speed until combined. Stir in molasses and applesauce.
4. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to egg mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Spoon batter into 2 loaf pans coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then remove from pan and cool on wire rack.
   

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

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Sherwood Forest News October 2008

News from the Forest

Fall is upon us, and the leaves are just starting their journey into the palette of many colors. What a wonderful time of year to go apple picking, take a hike along the lakeshore or in the wooded dunes of the Saugatuck State Park, or plan a color-tour drive (you might even want to share a Sherwood Forest picnic basket).

Sherwood Forest Picnic Baskets
Venture forth from Sherwood Forest with your own basket of goodies. The picnic includes a fine selection of Italian meats, cheeses, and baguettes, along with fresh fruit and sweets to make your afternoon rendezvous complete. To wet your whistle, choose from spritzers or bottled water (vegetarian selection also available). Price: $55 for two.

Sherwood Forest Gourmet Dinners
Now's the time to gather up that group of friends or family and plan a visit to Sherwood Forest B&B for one of our awesome Gourmet Dinners. From November through April, let us wine and dine you. Book the entire B&B for 2 nights or more and we'll have such a feast catered, your taste palates won't allow any leftovers. We've cornered the market on the best chefs Saugatuck and Douglas have to offer. These epicurean wizards of gastronomic delights will amaze you in what will be your own private dining room, and you'll have the time of your life. Here are the details: dinner is $50 per person, guests provide their own alcohol, and a 2-night minimum stay is required. You pick the date November through April and we'll pick the chef. Bring your appetite and whatever you need to wet your whistle, sit down, and dinner is served. Black out dates are New Year's Eve and Valentine's weekend. To book a gourmet dinner, call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246. You can see some of our past gourmet dinner menus at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/g-menu-sample.html.

Melt Your Stress Away
Upon your arrival, you'll find a beautiful wine and cheese basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. During your visit you'll each experience a soothing massage in a style suited just for you and a $30 voucher good toward a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant. Upon your departure (which we're sure you'll want to delay as long as possible before returning to the "real world") a gift from us: a compact disc of relaxing music and an illustrated guide to massage. Price: $235 (does not include room rate). If you wish to have this awaiting your arrival, give us a call at 800-838-1246.

Sherwood Forest Cottage (Pet Friendly)
The Cottage is the perfect place for that quiet getaway or for spending time with friends or family. We do have openings in the next few months, a wonderful time to kick back and enjoy the area. It sleeps up to 4 people, is pet friendly, has a full kitchen, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the public beach. For more information, you can visit the cottage website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html or call us at 800-838-1246 .

Here's what's happening in and around the area:

Sherwood Forest Golf
Fall is also a great time of year to play the links, and even better, the rates go down! We've come up with some incredible stay-and-play golf packages for you to choose from: spend 1 night midweek at the Sherwood Forest B&B, and we'll arrange for you to play at The Ravines, an Arnold Palmer Signature Championship Golf Course, a sweeping, eighteen-stanza epic, where nature meets sport in ways you simply must witness to believe. Here's what you get with a 1-night stay (additional nights available at regular room price): a room at Sherwood Forest B&B and 18 holes of golf for two (with a cart) with a guaranteed tee time at The Ravines. Cost ranges from $283-$523. To book this package, call us at 800-838-1246. For more golf specials, visit http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/golf.html.

U-Pick
Crane's Orchards, just one of Michigan's U-Pick Apple Orchards, is less than 7 miles from our front door. They have 14 different varieties, such as Gala, Macintosh, Honey Crisp, Cortland, Golden Supreme, Jonagold, Empire, Jonathans, Ida Reds, Golden Delicious, Mutsu, Red Delicious, Fuji, and Braeburn. Hours are 10-6 daily through October. For more information, call 269-561-8651 or visit http://www.craneorchards.com.

Oktoberfest
Downtown Douglas will be the site for this year's Oktoberfest on October 4. While it's not Munich, Germany, it does have a festive atmosphere to help you celebrate the traditional season's first batch of new brew. There will be a parade in Downtown Douglas at noon, followed by a rifle ceremony, tapping of the keg with Alphorn Performance, and the opening of the Bier Tent at 1 p.m. Music will be provided by the Ein Prosit 35 piece Traditional German Band from 2-4 p.m. and the Strudel Meisters German band will start at 6 p.m. Adult Keg Toss and Stein Holding competition will be at 6:30 p.m., and finally the best dressed Herr and Fraulein competition will be at 8 p.m. Beer will be from the Saugatuck Brewing Co. For more info, visit http://www.douglasmichigan.com/oktoberfest/

Porkapalooza
Don't miss this gastronomic event on October 4 from noon to midnight at the Red Horse Ranch in Fennville. It's an all day farm party connecting you to the harvest. Chef Millar from Journeyman in Fennville will be serving up some creatively prepared Providence Farm and Creswick Farm pigs, seasonal low-carbon fruit and vegetables from Eaters Guild CSA, beer from New Holland Brewing Company, and wines from Fenn Valley. There will be live music from an assortment of bands such as Mississippi Gabe Carter and Los Bandits de Michigan to name a few. For more info, call 269-561-2269 or visit website at http://www.savegaseatpork.com/

Music
Join Michael Holmes on October 11 at 10 p.m. at the Dunes Resort in Douglas for The Judy Show, featuring Judy Garland and specials guests Bette Davis, Billie Holliday, Pearl Bailey, Carol Channing, and more!! For more info, visit http://www.thejudyshow.com.

Choir
Take a slight detour in one set of the 49th season opener of the Holland Chorale and enjoy examples of the humorous side of choral music. The performance will take place on October 11 at the West Ottawa Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. For more info, call 616-494-0256 or visit http://www.hollandchorale.org/.

Jazz
Presented by the Lakeshore Jazz Connection, Paulinho Garcia will perform some cool Brazilian jazz on October 11 at 8 p.m. at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. Groove to the cool rhythms of Latin jazz with this award-winning Chicago performer and a bevy of musicians. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Classical
Next in the line up for the Hope College Great Performance Series is The Synergy Brass Quintet. They play Bach by memory and shoot fireworks out of their instruments on You Tube. Classical fans will love their talent and energy, while those looking for a new way to experience classical music will not want to miss this ensemble. The performance will take place on October 17 at Dimnent Chapel in Holland at 7:30 p.m. For more info, visit http://www.hope.edu/arts or call 616-395-7890.

Rock
On October 18, Jimmy Dillon and the Werewolves will take the stage at the SCA for an evening of infectious rock and roll. The Werewolves, a 7-piece band of veteran musicians, will back Dillon for an evening of rock classics. For more info, visit http://www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

Silent Movie and Music
On November 1, Blue Dahlia will present music to the silent movie, The Cat and the Canary, at the SCA. Bring the family and celebrate Halloween weekend with this utterly unique cinema experience combining modern music and a classic silent horror film. The Cat and the Canary (1927) revolves around the death of Cyrus West, who is Annabelle, Charlie, and Paul's uncle, and the reading of his will 20 years later. Annabelle inherits her uncle's fortune, but when she and her family spend the night in his haunted mansion, they are stalked by a mysterious figure. Meanwhile, a lunatic known as "The Cat" escapes from an asylum and hides in the mansion. Blue Dahlia has created original scores for more than 11 silent film classics and has also penned scores for a number of current feature length and short films. For more info, visit http://www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

Mo Music
Visit Journeyman Café/Rye in Fennville for music on Friday October 10, Josh Davis Trio- (acoustic roots/original); October 17- Rachael Davis-(folk/jazz); October 19- wordless guitar from Brian Cutean; and October 24- Anisa Hayes-(folk/rock). For more info, visit http://www.journeymancafe.com/rye/ or call 269-561-2269.

Jazz
Join the hip and groovy folks at Everyday People Café every Thursday through Sunday in October from 6:30-9:30 p.m. to hear some really cool jazz. You'll see the likes of the Eddy Curtis Jazz Duo, Libby York Jazz Vocals, Willy Chacon and Rick Hicks Blues Guitar. For more info visit http://everydaypeoplecafe.com or call 269-857-4240.

Jazz
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Saturday and Sunday through November. Enjoy the heartfelt show tunes sung by one of Saugatuck's favorites, Michael Holmes, and there's some cool jazz by vocalist Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde. Show times are 7-11 p.m. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com.

Theater
On October 4, the Mason Street Warehouse will present Broadway performer Klea Blackhurst. Don't miss out on one of the most exciting and entertaining events of the 2008 Mason Street Warehouse season. Ms. Blackhurst brings her one-woman show, Everthing The Traffic Will Allow, the Songs and Sass of Ethel Merman to Saugatuck for one night only!! This fantastic show is not to be missed. Filled with humor and fabulous songs by some of America's greatest composers, this show is chock full of stories about the Broadway legend who never needed a microphone. The New York Times calls Klea Blackhurst an improbably terrific performer" who gets it right! The Mason Street Warehouse is at 400 Culver St. in Saugatuck. For tickets or more info, call 269-857-4898 or visit http://www.masonstreetwarehouse.org.

21st Annual Goose Festival
You haven't lived until you've attended the Goose Festival--no really! On October 10-12, the weekend-long festival in downtown Fennville will entertain you to your heart's delight. The parade starts at 1 p.m. on October 11, and you'll be awed by this year's reining beauty queen, Miss Honker. There will be music by Evolucion Nortena playing some great regional Mexican music; The Note Blenders, a harmonica band; and Delilah and The Lost Boys, a local favorite. There's also a craft show and a carnival with amusement rides. For more info, visit http://www.fennvillegoosefestival.com/highlights.htm.

Chili Cook Off
Enjoy some chili from your favorite area restaurants and music from many of your favorite local performers in Saugatuck's Wicks Park from 1-5 p.m. on October 12. For more info, call 269-857-8899.

Art
The Blue Coast Artists 19th Annual Fall Tour of Studios will be held October 4-5 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Travel the Blue Star Highway between South Haven and Saugatuck to discover some of Southwest Michigan's finest artwork, from stoneware and Raku pottery, sculpture and fine jewelry, to wood marquetry, blown glass, and painting. Visit the unique rural studios, galleries, and showrooms of these 9 professional artists. For more information, visit http://bluecoastartists.com.

Come join more than 20 tri-community galleries for the 28th annual Saugatuck/Douglas Gallery Stroll on October 11-12 from noon-5 p.m. You'll be able to cruise through some of the Midwest's finest art, sip wine, nibble hors d'oeuvres, and discern brushstrokes, pottery glazes, and photography techniques. You'll also have the chance to meet and greet some red-hot emerging artists. For more info, visit http://www.saugatuckdouglas.com/ART/Index.html.

The Nines Gallery in Holland is featuring Modernscapes--Near the Edge, a solo show of new work by Michael Pfleghaar, with landscapes, modern architecture studies, and design-driven interior still life painting. Also present in the show is a new collection of floral ceramic sculptures, teapots, and vessels. This is Pfleghaar's only gallery show in Michigan for 2008 and will be up through October. The Nines Gallery and Framing Studio is inside 17 W. 10th St., Holland. For more info, call 616-392-3239 or visit http://www.theninesgallery.com.

Visit the Constance Petter Gallery from 11-5 during Gallery Stroll weekend of October 11th and 12th to see new collection of oils by artist, Jordi Pedrola. Also experience live entertainment on Saturday, October 11th of a mix of folk and soft rock by acoustic guitarist and vocalists, Mike Davidson & Teresa Rzonca at 1:30 and 2:30. Located on 161 Blue Star Highway in Douglas. Call 269.857.7861 or visit http://www.constancepettergallery.com.

Movies
On October 7 at The Red Barn Playhouse, Bill Muzzillo will host the film Murder at the Gallop, starring Margaret Rutherford. On October 21: The Lady Vanishes, starring Margaret Lockwood and Michael Redgrave. For more info, visit http://redbarnsaugatuck.com/schedule.htm or call 269-857-5300.

Visit the Knickerbocker Theatre in Holland from November 3-8 for the indie classic, The Visitor. In a world of six billion people, it only takes one to change your life. In actor and filmmaker Tom McCarthy's follow-up to his award winning directorial debut, The Station Agent, Richard Jenkins (Six Feet Under) stars as a disillusioned Connecticut economics professor whose life is transformed by a chance encounter in New York City. For more info, call 616-395-7403 or visit http://www.hope.edu/arts/knick/.

Cooking Demonstration and Tasting #1 (Savoring Seasonal Produce)
You've been shopping area greenmarkets all summer or growing your own vegetables--now let Chef Jim LaPerriere show you what to do with those bushels of tomatoes, zucchini, and other fresh late summer produce. From zesty tomato inspired dishes to chowders and consommé, this demonstration class will give you plenty of tips, ideas, and great recipes. Class type: Demonstration and Tasting on October 6 and 13 from 6:30-9 p.m. at the SCA. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Cooking Demonstration and Tasting #2 (Culinary Globetrotting)
Experience global culinary artistry during this demonstration class with Chef Jim LaPerriere. During the four "Cuisines of the World" sessions, Chef LaPerriere will feature resounding symphonies of flavor, colorful dishes, and unique presentations. Explore a different cultural experience each week: Mexico, Northern Italy, Asia, and our own Napa Valley. Class type: Demonstration and Tasting: October 8 and 15 from 6:30-9 p.m. at the SCA. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Halloween
Halloween festivities will be going on in downtown Saugatuck on October 25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., including country music, entertainment, storytelling, arts and crafts, and a kids' parade. That evening you do not want to miss the Douglas Halloween Celebration and Adult Parade at 10 p.m. It's definitely a fashion statement, whether you wish to partake (pull out that I Love Lucy costume), or if you're there for some interesting viewing (you'll laugh till you cry). For more info, call the Saugatuck-Douglas CVB at 269-857-1701.

Haunted Corn Maize
Have a good scare at Crane's Orchards Haunted Corn Maize, a kaleidoscope of twists and turns and heart stopping boos (weather permitting), Thursday-Saturday, 7-10 p.m. in October. For more info, call 269-561-8651 or go to www.craneorchards.com.

Haunted Stable House
Want another good scare? On October weekends and some Sundays at the Felt Mansion (Laketown Township), the ghosts of the Felt Estate are alive and well and waiting for you as goblins galore welcome you to enter the haunted house. Meet the mad scientist, but try not to be his next experiment. Witch-ever night you visit, the Scare Factor will be high. Hours are from 7-11 p.m. For more info, visit http://www.feltmansion.org/haunting.html.

Exhibitions
The award-winning Saugatuck-Douglas Museum's 2008 exhibition is 13 Moments in Time: The Artist as Storyteller, using artwork (13 paintings) to tell vignettes of the history of Saugatuck-Douglas. From Carl Mauch, Albert Krehbeil, Elsa Urbricht, and Francis Chapman, to name a few. These representations will give a window into a past era, some long ago and some not so. This exhibit will be open on weekends only through October. Admission is free. For more info, call 269-857-7901 or visit http://sdhistoricalsociety.org/.

Lecture-Discussion
There will be a discussion/presentation at the SCA by Master Sommelier Claudia Tyagi, entitled Michigan's Award Winning Wines. Tyagi is a native of Detroit, Michigan. Tyagi has completed the examinations to earn the Master Sommelier diploma from the British and American Court of Master Sommeliers. The Master Sommelier diploma is the only internationally recognized wine service credential, and even today there are only 160 people in the world to have earned this certification, which represents the pinnacle of wine service knowledge. She will talk about Michigan's best whites, reds, and sparkling wines--just in time for the holiday season. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Saugatuck Farmer's Market
Sad to see you go: the last Farmers Market of the season is almost upon us. Experience great-tasting produce, dairy products, and baked goods--a feast for the eyes and the palette from Michigan's fields, dairy barns, and kitchens. Under the red arches at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on Culver Street in Downtown Saugatuck on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October 12. For more info, visit http://www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

Visiting Writers
On October 27 at 7 p.m., essay writer Ander Monson will read from Neck Deep and Other Predicaments, which won the 2006 Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prize. Fiction writer Andy Mozina will also read selected works from his collection of stories, The Women Were Leaving the Men, published by Wayne State University Press as part of their Made in Michigan series. The readings will take place at the Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 E. 8th St., downtown Holland. For more info, call 616-395-7620 or visit http://www.hope.edu/vws/.

Books
Sue's book of the month is A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Set in Afghanistan, the story twists and turns its way through the turmoil and chaos that ensued following the fall of the monarchy in 1973, but focuses mainly on the lives of two women, thrown together by fate. The story starts decades before the Taliban came into power in 1996, and ends after the era of Taliban rule. The main character, Mariam, begins life as a Harami--the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy man and one of his housekeepers. Mariam has an arranged marriage to a much older man, a shoemaker, whose views on the rights of women mirror those that the Taliban would soon enforce. During the time that Mariam is dutifully enduring her unhappy marriage, a neighbor gives birth to a baby girl, whom they name Laila. By the end of communist rule in 1992, Laila is fourteen and beginning to see her friend, Tariq, in a different way that she does not quite understand. The enthusiastic rejoicing at the end of the jihad is silenced by the internal battles of the Mujahideen, and when the bombs start falling on Kabul, Laila and Tariq are forced apart. Circumstances can make strange things happen, and Laila soon becomes a part of Mariam's husband's household, by necessity rather than choice. The rest of this unforgettable story reflects the heart-rending sacrifices of these women, and allows the reader a peek behind the burqa, to the heart of Afghanistan. Hosseini's simple but richly descriptive prose makes for an engrossing read. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785) or at Treehouse Books in Holland (616-494-5085) or visit http://www.treehousebooks.net.

Honorable Mentions

November 1, Silent Horror Movie w/Music, Cat and the Canary, SCA, Saugatuck
November 4, Film Studies at the Red Barn, And Then There Were None
November 6, Great Performance Series, CityMusic Cleveland, Holland
November 17-22, 6th Annual Childrens Film Festival
November 17, Film, The Visitor, Knickerbocker Theatre, Holland
November 18, Film Studies at the Red Barn, Gosford Park
November 18, Visiting Writers Series, Hip-Hop Poetry, Toni Blackman
November 21, A Night Before Christmas, Saugatuck
November 22, Douglas, Holiday Preview
November 28-30, Blue Coast Artist Annual Holiday Open House
November 28, Official Christmas Lighting Ceremony, Saugatuck
December 1-6, Film, Brick Lane, Knickerbocker Theatre, Holland
December 7, Film Studies at the Red Barn, Talented Mr. Ripley
December 6, Christmas Parade, Saugatuck
December 6, Nouveau Fest, Fenn Valley Winery, Fennville
December 12-13, Holland Chorale, Holland
December 12-14, Dickens Christmas Carol, Saugatuck
December 16, Film Studies at the Red Barn, Death on the Nile
December 19-21, Dickens Christmas Carol, Saugatuck
December 31, New Years Eve

Sherwood Forest Staples

We will pamper you to your heart's content with one of our Sweetheart Specials (we now can include Godiva Chocolates), or you can try one of our in-house massages--doesn't get much better than that. You can link to our Sweetheart Specials at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/sweetheart.html Here's the link for gourmet dinner details and a sample menu: http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/dinners.html.

From the Sherwood Forest Files:

It was a clear day and the sun was shinning, quite suddenly a mist or light fog enveloped the area, right before our eyes where there was naught a second ago was a Siren of great culinary reputation…Roberta, who quietly ushered us out of the kitchen. When we returned just a while later, we found this delicious soup simmering on the stovetop. We haven't seen her since she graced us with an awesome hummus recipe, thanks for popping in again Birdie, we humble before your culinary expertise.

Roberta's (Birdie's) Coconut and Red Lentil Soup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1-teaspoon ground cumin
One-half teaspoon ground coriander
One-half teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup dried small red lentils
One-half cup water
1-cup coconut milk (can use "light")
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
One-half teaspoon salt

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until golden (approx. 10 minutes). Stir in ginger and next 4 ingredients and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add broth, lentils, and water; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 25 minutes (or until lentils are tender).

Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Place half of lentil mixture in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour pureed mix into a large bowl and repeat blending with remaining lentil mix. Return all to pan. Stir in milk and remaining ingredients and cook over medium heat 2 minutes. Yields 4 servings.

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

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Sherwood Forest News September 2008

News from the Forest

The summer is coming to an end, and although the autumnal equinox is still a few weeks away, things have quieted down here on the lakeshore. The squirrels have started gathering their food supply for the fall, the young turkeys are wandering through the woods, and soon the hummingbirds will start their long trek south. The nights are cool; the days are peaceful; the early apples and pears are ready for picking. It's a great time of year to join us for some relaxation and beautiful fall colors.

Sherwood Forest Picnic Baskets
Venture forth from Sherwood Forest with your own basket of goodies. The picnic includes a fine selection of Italian meats, cheeses, and baguettes, along with fresh fruit and sweets to make your afternoon rendezvous complete. To wet your whistle, choose from spritzers or bottled water (vegetarian selection also available). Price: $55 for two.

Melt Your Stress Away
Upon your arrival, you'll find a beautiful wine and cheese basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. During your visit you'll each experience a soothing massage in a style suited just for you and a $30 voucher good toward a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant. Upon your departure (which we're sure you'll want to delay as long as possible before returning to the "real world") a gift from us: a compact disc of relaxing music and an illustrated guide to massage. Price: $235 (does not include room rate). If you wish to have this awaiting your arrival, give us a call at 800-838-1246.

Sherwood Forest Gourmet Dinners
Now's the time to gather up that group of friends or family and plan a visit to Sherwood Forest B&B for one of our awesome Gourmet Dinners. From November through April, let us wine and dine you. Book the entire B&B for 2 nights or more and we'll have such a feast catered, your taste palates won't allow any leftovers. We've cornered the market on the best chefs Saugatuck and Douglas have to offer. These epicurean wizards of gastronomic delights will amaze you in what will be your own private dining room, and you'll have the time of your life. Here are the details: dinner is $50 per person, guests must provide their own alcohol, and a 2-night minimum stay is required. You pick the date November through April and we'll pick the chef. Bring your appetite and whatever you need to wet your whistle, sit down, and dinner is served. Black out dates are New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day weekend. To book a gourmet dinner, call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246. You can see some of our past gourmet dinner menus at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/g-menu-sample.html.

Sherwood Forest Golf
Now that the golf courses are a wee bit less crowded, it's a great time to enjoy some golf. We've come up with some incredible stay-and-play golf packages for you to choose from. Spend a night or two at Sherwood Forest B&B and we'll arrange for you to play at The Ravines, an Arnold Palmer Signature Championship Golf Course, a sweeping, 18-stanza epic, where nature meets sport in ways you simply must witness to believe. Cost ranges from $251 to $625. For more info, visit http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/golf.html.

Sherwood Forest Cottage (Pet Friendly)
Looking for a quiet, relaxing place to stay now that the summer is over? Our cottage has 2 bedrooms, full kitchen, washer/dryer, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the public beach, and it's pet friendly. For more info, visit http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html.

Here's what's happening in and around the area:

U-Pick
Cranes Orchards, just one of West Michigan's U-Pick Apple Orchards, is less than 7 miles from our front door. They have 14 different varieties, such as Gala, Macintosh, Honey Crisp, Cortland, Golden Supreme, Jonagold, Empire, Jonathans, Ida Reds, Golden Delicious, Mutsu, Red Delicious, Fuji, and Braeburn. For more info, call 269-561-8651 or visit http://www.craneorchards.com And there's also Earl's U-Pick Farm. Through October 15, you can pick red or gold raspberries. For more info, call 269-227-2074 or visit http://www.earlsberries.com.

Airplane Rides
Looking for a cool experience this fall? What a great way to enjoy the blanket of colors Mother Nature is about to show us. How about a joy ride in a nifty Cessna 172 with a qualified, certified flight instructor? You'll be able to fly over the Lake Michigan shoreline along Saugatuck/Douglas and see from the air what makes this area so magical. Rides are $25 per person for a half hour, or $120/hour for up to three people. Advanced reservations are required. If interested, give us a call at the B&B, 800-838-1246.

Balloon Rides
Another way to enjoy falls blaze of color, feel and experience the soundless flight on the wisp of a breeze in a hot air balloon. Windmill Balloons specializes in champagne flights that last about 1.5 hours. You'll take off about 2 hours before sunset to capture the awesome view and colors as the sun lazily sets over the horizon. Advanced reservations are required and cost is $225 per person. If interested, give us a call at the B&B, 800-838-1246.

Heritage Festival and Home Tour
On September 20-21, the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society will sponsor its 7th Annual Heritage Festival. Ticket holders for the "Eight Moments in Time" home tour will get a rare look inside 7 distinctive homes, each one reflecting a unique aspect of the Saugatuck's area multi-facetted architectural heritage--plus a look inside the newly renovated Douglas landmark, The Old School House (1866). The tour runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes historically or architecturally distinctive award-winning residences in Saugatuck, Douglas, and the Pier Cove area, ranging from contemporary, Civil War era, and cottage style. Lunch will be served on the lawn of The Old School House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., benefiting area non-profit organizations and church groups. For more info, call 269-857-5751 or visit http://sdhistoricalsociety.org/08heritage_festival.htm.

Farmers' Market
The Green Market at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts is still going strong from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. every Friday through October. Local farmers and growers bring fresh produce, flowers, and perennials, plus homemade jams, jellies and baked goods. Experience great-tasting produce, dairy products, and baked goods--a feast for the eyes and the palette from Michigan's fields, dairy barns, and kitchens. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Music
Jazz/Pop
Chantal Chamberland will perform on September 20 at 8 p.m. at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. Smooth as a dry martini and equally intoxicating, the smoky-voiced chanteuse returns with her band for an evening of pop and jazz hits. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Jazz/Blues
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (with Wally Michaels on piano, Jeff Beavan on bass, and Jack Wilkin on the drums). Enjoy Christy G, Entourage Mike Raleigh, and Keith Scott, and there's some cool jazz by vocalist Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde. Show times are 7-11 p.m. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com.

Join the hip and groovy folks at Everyday People Café every Thursday through Sunday till Labor Day from 6:30-10 p.m. to hear some really cool jazz. You'll see the likes of the Curtis-Michaels Jazz Duo on Fridays, and Rick Hicks Blues Guitar on Sat./Sun. For more info visit http://everydaypeoplecafe.com or call 269-857-4240.

Visit Journeyman Café/Rye in Fennville for music with Luke Wilson (jazz/blues) on September 8; Drew Nelson (singer/songwriter) on September 12; Mississippi Gabe Carter and Ben Bueltmann (blues/singer songwriter) on September 19; Djangotones (gypsy/swing jazz) on September 26; and Jen Sygit with Gueramy (folk/singer/songwriter) on October 1. For more info, visit http://www.journeymancafe.com/rye/ or call 269-561-2269.

Comedy
Join the SCA in welcoming the comedy group Crawlspace Eviction on September 25 at 8 p.m. It's a best of show as the group rolls out sketches, including The Applebees Treatment and Livin' the MDOT Life along with razor sharp improv. Crawlspace Eviction has performed at the Toronto International Improv Festival, and its original movie, Comic Evangelists, premiered at the American Film Institute's AFI Fest in Los Angeles. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Film Studies
On Tuesday, September 9 at The Red Barn Playhouse, Bill Muzzillo will host the film Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie, starring Albert Finney and Lauren Bacall. On September 23: Witness for the Prosecution with Marlene Dietrich and Tyrone Power. For more info, visit http://redbarnsaugatuck.com/schedule.htm or call 269-857-5300.

Film
The Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland will be showcasing from September 15-18 at 7 and 9 p.m. the movie Young at Heart about a New England senior citizens chorus, with cover songs by everyone from The Clash to Coldplay. As Stephen Walker's documentary begins, the retirees, led by their demanding musical director, are rehearsing their new show, struggling with Sonic Youth's dissonant rock anthem Schizophrenia and giving new meaning to James Brown's I Feel Good. For more info, call 616-395-7000 or visit http://www.hope.edu/arts/.

Theater
On September 19-21 and 26-28, The Red Barn Players will present Souvenir, a fantasia on the life of Florence Foster Jenkins. A comedy/drama, Jenkins was an icon in the early 1900s. With an unsurpassed love of classical music, she sang with gusto but, alas, had no talent. Souvenir is the story of Florence and her pianist, Cosme McMoon, their relationship, their triumphs, their failures, and their love. For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://redbarnsaugatuck.com/schedule.htm.

Exhibitions
The award-winning Saugatuck-Douglas Museum's 2008 exhibition is 13 Moments in Time: The Artist as Storyteller, using artwork (13 paintings) to tell vignettes of the history of Saugatuck-Douglas. From Carl Mauch, Albert Krehbeil, Elsa Urbricht, and Francis Chapman, to name a few. These representations will give a window into a past era, some long ago and some not so. This exhibit will be open on weekends only in the fall. Admission is free. For more info, call 269-857-7901 or visit http://sdhistoricalsociety.org/.

Point of View by Frank Gunter will be on display until September 29 at the SCA. This retrospective exhibit of photo-realistic paintings chronicles Gunter's path from small-town, mid-century Alabama to a major Midwestern art school to an historic 19th-century Ohio River town, with diversions along numerous international byways enroute. Gunter's pictures are testimony to his keen eye and power of observation--often delivered with wit and irony. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Lecture-Discussion There will be a discussion/presentation at the SCA entitled Icebound! The Ordeal of the SS Michigan, with guest speaker Valerie Van Heest on September 18 at 7 p.m. Van Heest, shipwreck hunter, author, artist, and member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame, unfolds the fascinating tale of the search for the sunken remains of the 200-foot steamer, the SS Michigan. A mystery that took years to unravel, Van Heest and her team persisted to finally locate the intact remains of this historic vessel in deep water off Holland, Michigan. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Porkapalooza
Don't miss this gastronomic event on October 4 from noon to midnight at the Red Horse Ranch in Fennville. It's an all day farm party connecting you to the harvest. Chef Millar from Journeyman in Fennville will be serving up some creatively prepared Providence Farm and Creswick Farm pigs, seasonal low carbon fruit and vegetables from Eaters Guild CSA, beer from New Holland Brewing Company, and wines from Fenn Valley. There will be live music from an assortment of bands such as Mississippi Gabe Carter and Los Bandits de Michigan to name a few. For more info, call 269-561-2269 or visit website at http://www.savegaseatpork.com/.

Cooking Demonstration and Tasting #1 (Savoring Seasonal Produce)
You've been shopping area greenmarkets all summer or growing your own vegetables--now let Chef Jim LaPerriere show you what to do with those bushels of tomatoes, zucchini, and other fresh late summer produce. From zesty tomato inspired dishes to chowders and consommé, this demonstration class will give you plenty of tips, ideas, and great recipes. Class type: Demonstration and Tasting on September 22, 29, October 6, and 13 from 6:30-9 p.m. at the SCA. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Cooking Demonstration and Tasting #2 (Culinary Globtrotting)
Experience global culinary artistry during this demonstration class with Chef Jim LaPerriere. During the four "Cuisines of the World" sessions, Chef LaPerriere will feature resounding symphonies of flavor, colorful dishes, and the unique presentations. Explore a different cultural experience each week: Mexico, Northern Italy, Asia, and our own Napa Valley. Class type: Demonstration and Tasting: September 24, October 1, 8, and 15 from 6:30-9 p.m. at the SCA. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Beer 101
Join award-winning master brewer Steve Berthel from Benton Harbor's The Livery as he brings his expertise in the brewing business to the SCA on September 27 from 5:30-7 p.m. Sample 3 lagers and 3 ales and learn the history, color, and taste of various styles of beer. All of Berthel's beers are hand-forged microbrews painstakingly created by Berthel and his assistant, Wally Rouse. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Antiques
The Allegan County Antique Market will be held the last Sunday in September from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Allegan County Fairgrounds. The 400 exhibitors will be there rain or shine--200 indoor and 200 under canopies (the market is always the last Sunday of the month, April through September). For more info, call 269-735-3333. And don't forget to visit our friends down at the Blue Star Antique Pavilion on Blue Star Highway in Douglas.

Honorable Mentions

September 13, Mt. Baldhead Challenge 15K, Saugatuck
September 7-15, Allegan County Fair, Allegan
October 1-Halloween, Haunted Corn Maize, Cranes Orchards, Fennville
October 4, Klea Blockhurt, Tribute to Ethel Merman, Mason Street Warehouse
October 4, Porkapalloza, Fennville
October 4, October Fest, Douglas
October 4-5, Annual Blue Coast Artists 17th Annual Open House
October 7, Film Studies at the Red Barn, Murder at the Gallop
October 11, Holland Chorale, Holland
October 11, The Judy Show, Douglas Dunes, Douglas
October 11, Latin Jazz at the SCA with Paulinho Garcia
October 11-12, Gallery Stroll Weekend, Saugatuck-Douglas
October 12, Chili Cook-off, Saugatuck
October 17, Great Performance Series, Synergy Brass Quintet, Holland
October 18, Jimmy Dillon rocks at the SCA, Saugatuck
October 21, October 7, Film Studies at the Red Barn, The Lady Vanishes
October 25, Halloween Festival, Saugatuck
October 25, Adult Halloween Parade, Douglas
October 27, Visiting Writers Series, Essay, Ander Monson
October 27, Visiting Writers Series, Fiction, Andy Mozina
November 1, Silent Horror Movie w/Music, Cat and the Canary, SCA, Saugatuck
November 4, Film Studies at the Red Barn, And Then There Were None
November 6, Great Performance Series, CityMusic Cleveland, Holland
November 17-22, 6th Annual Childrens Film Festival
November 17, Film, The Visitor, Knickerbocker Theatre, Holland
November 18, Film Studies at the Red Barn, Gosford Park
November 18, Visiting Writers Series, Hip-Hop Poetry, Toni Blackman
November 21, A Night Before Christmas, Saugatuck
November 22, Douglas, Holiday Preview
November 28-30, Blue Coast Artist Annual Holiday Open House
November 28, Official Christmas Lighting Ceremony, Saugatuck
December 1-6, Film, Brick Lane, Knickerbocker Theatre, Holland
December 7, Film Studies at the Red Barn, Talented Mr. Ripley
December 6, Christmas Parade, Saugatuck
December 6, Nouveau Fest, Fenn Valley Winery, Fennville
December 12-13, Holland Chorale, Holland
December 12-14, Dickens Christmas Carol, Saugatuck
December 16, Film Studies at the Red Barn, Death on the Nile
December 19-21, Dickens Christmas Carol, Saugatuck
December 31, New Years Eve

Books
Sue's book of the month is A Map of Home by Randa Jarrar. This is Jarrar's debut novel about an audacious Muslim girl growing up in Kuwait, Egypt, and Texas. Nidali Ammar is born in Boston to a Greek-Egyptian mother and a Palestinian father, and moves to Kuwait at a very young age, staying there until she's 13, when Iraq invades. A younger brother is born in Kuwait, rounding out a family of complex citizenships. During the occupation, the family flees to Alexandria in a wacky caravan, bribing soldiers along the way with whiskey and silk ties. But they don't stay long in Egypt, and after the war, Nidali's father finds work in Texas. At first, Nidali is disappointed to learn that feeling rootless doesn't make her an outsider in the States, and soon it turns out the precocious and endearing Arab chick isn't very different from other American girls, a reality that only her father may find difficult to accept. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785) or at Treehouse Books in Holland (616-494-5085) or visit http://www.treehousebooks.net.

Sherwood Forest Staples
We will pamper you to your heart's content with one of our Sweetheart Specials (we now can include Godiva Chocolates), or you can try one of our in-house massages--doesn't get much better than that. And of course, there's our ever-popular Famous Chefs of Saugatuck Gourmet Dinners November through April. You can link to our Sweetheart Specials at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/sweetheart.html Here's the link for gourmet dinner details and a sample menu: http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/dinners.html.

From the Sherwood Forest Files:

William came to us out of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco; back in the day when we backpacked through the country we met an old hippie who had found his peace among the golden sands in the country of sand and light. He was on his way to the Almond Tree Blossom Festival when our paths crossed and in return for a wee bit of news back in the states, he graced us with this fine recipe. Thank you kind sir, may your camel never go thirsty.

Uncle Williams Moroccan Squash & Carrot Ragout With Red Quinoa

2 tablespoons Oil
one half Sweet Onion, chopped (approx 1 cup chopped)
2 teaspoons Granulated Garlic
2 teaspoons Sweet Hungarian Paprika
1 teaspoon Salt
one half teaspoon Medium Grind black Pepper
one half teaspoon Ground Coriander
one half teaspoon Ground Cumin
one half teaspoon Turmeric
one half teaspoon Ground Ginger
one half teaspoon Cayenne
Pinch Saffron
1 Cup Water
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (with liquid)
2 tablespoons Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
1 Medium Butternut Squash Cut Into 1 inch Cubes (approx. 3-4 Cups)
2 Cups Carrots cut into 1/2 inch rounds

In a Dutch oven or 12" deep skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. Add onion; lower heat to medium and sauté, stirring, for about 5", until softened. While onions cook, blend Paprika and next 8 spices in a small bowl. Reserve.

Add Granulated Garlic to onions. Stir. Cook, stirring for about 1". Add spice mix, stir. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute. Add Water, Tomatoes, and Lemon juice. Stir. Bring to a boil. Add Squash and Carrots. Stir. Cover. Bring to a simmer over medium high heat. Lower heat to medium low and simmer until vegetables are tender (approx. 30"). Stir occasionally.

1 Cup Red Quinoa
2 teaspoons Canola Oil
2 teaspoons Butter
one half Sweet Onion, finely chopped (approx. 1/2 Cup)
one quarter Cup Finely Chopped Carrots
1 teaspoon Granulated Garlic
one half teaspoon Salt
one half teaspoon Turmeric
2 cups liquid (I prefer 1 Cup Chicken Stock & 1 Cup Water)

Rinse Quinoa in strainer, drain well (most domestic Quinoa is pre-rinsed but this is still a good cautionary measure). In large saucepan, heat butter & oil over medium-high heat.

Add Onion & Carrot. Saute, stirring frequently, until browned and softened (5"-10"). Add Granulated Garlic, Salt, and Turmeric. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute. Add quinoa and 2 Cups Liquid. Bring to a boil. Stir. Reduce heat to medium-low/low and cover. (you want it to just simmer- don't rush it). Simmer until liquid is absorbed and Quinoa is tender (seeds will "pop" during cooking creating little sqiggley things that are one sign of "doneness".) This takes 15-20 minutes.

Chopped Fresh Cilantro
Chopped Fresh Mint (ratio of 2 parts cilantro to 1 part mint)

Spoon Quinoa onto a platter or plates. Form a small well in center. Spoon Ragout into well. Sprinkle with a little of both herbs.

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

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Sherwood Forest News August 2008

News from the Forest

The warm summer weather is still upon us, and Lake Michigan water temps are in the 70s--purrrfect for taking a dip. It's a great time of the year for enjoying lazy days at the pool or beach, strolling along Lake Shore Drive for a sunset, or sharing a picnic basket in the shade. There's lots to do, or nothing if you so choose. So give us a call for that much-needed end-of-the-summer getaway!

Sherwood Forest Picnic Baskets
Venture forth from Sherwood Forest with your own basket of goodies. The picnic includes a fine selection of Italian meats, cheeses, and baguettes, along with fresh fruit and sweets to make your afternoon rendezvous complete. To wet your whistle, choose from spritzers or bottled water (vegetarian selection also available). Price: $55 for two.

Melt Your Stress Away
Upon your arrival, you'll find a beautiful wine and cheese basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. During your visit you'll each experience a soothing massage in a style suited just for you and a $30 voucher good toward a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant. Upon your departure (which we're sure you'll want to delay as long as possible before returning to the "real world") a gift from us: a compact disc of relaxing music and an illustrated guide to massage. Price: $235 (does not include room rate). If you wish to have this awaiting your arrival, give us a call at 800-838-1246.

Sherwood Forest Cottage
Our cottage is booked up for the summer, but if your looking for a relaxing getaway after Labor Day, give us a jingle. It sleeps up to 5 people, has a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the public beach. For more information, you can visit the cottage website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html.

Here's what's happening in and around the area:

U-Pick
TThere's a couple of great Michigan U-Pick's about 8 miles or less from our front door; Earl's U-Pick Farm is one of them. Through August, you can pick raspberries, such as Laurens and Chester's. Then at Krupka's Blueberry Plantation, now is the time to pick and/or buy delicious blueberries. For more info, contact Earl's at 269-227-2074 or Krupka's at 269-857-4278.

Sherwood Forest and Golf
We've toured the courses, replaced our divots, tallied up the scores, and we've come up with some incredible stay-and-play golf packages for you to choose from. Spend a night or two at Sherwood Forest B&B and we'll arrange for you to play at The Ravines, an Arnold Palmer Signature Championship Golf Course, a sweeping, 18-stanza epic, where nature meets sport in ways you simply must witness to believe. Cost of these packages ranges from $251 to $625. For more information, visit http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/golf.html

Airplane Rides
Looking for a cool experience? How about a joy ride in a nifty Cessna 172 with a qualified, certified flight instructor? You'll be able to fly over the Lake Michigan shoreline along Saugatuck/Douglas and see from the air what makes this area so magical. Rides are $25 per person for a half hour, or $120/hour for up to three people. Advanced reservations are required. If interested, give us a call at the B&B, 800-838-1246.

Balloon Rides
Enjoy the soundless flight on the wisp of a breeze in a hot air balloon. Windmill Balloons specializes in champagne flights that last about 1.5 hours. You'll take off about 2 hours before sunset to capture the awesome view and colors as the sun lazily sets over the horizon. Advanced reservations are required and cost is $225 per person. If interested, give us a call at the B&B, 800-838-1246.

Douglas Socials
Starting July 10 and continuing every other week on Thursday nights through September 4, the Douglas Socials will be held from 5:30-9 p.m. in downtown Douglas. This is a real hometown happening that includes fun festivities for the whole family, including beer and brats, music, and lively conversation.

Farmers' Market
The Green Market is at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. every Friday until October, and on Mondays from 3-7 p.m. from July 7 to August 25. Local farmers and growers bring fresh produce, flowers, and perennials, plus homemade jams, jellies, and baked goods. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Music
Music in the Park--Saugatuck By the river next to the band shell in Saugatuck, you can listen to some free music this summer: August 13, Rum Boogie (rock-blues); August 20, Schrock Brothers (modern rock); August 27, Keith Scott (blues); and September 3, Creolization (zydeco-cajun). For more info, visit http://www.saugatuckdouglas.com/.

Steel Guitar/America
Natalia Zukerman will perform on August 11 at 8 p.m. at the SCA. Performing live-and experiencing what she calls the life of a wandering gypsy. If you're a fan of Madeleine Peyroux, Bonnie Raitt or even Amy Winehouse, you will find something to connect with. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or viit visit www.sc4a.org.

Folk
Antje Duvekot has solidified her reputation as one of America's top emerging singer/songwriters with her debut studio release Big Dream Boulevard -- voted #1 Folk Release of 2006 by the Boston Globe and was named to the "Top10 Releases of the Year" by National Public Radio's, Folk Alley. Antje will play from selected and new works. The performance is on August 18 at 8 p.m. at the SCA. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Folk/Blues
Tony Furtado will perform on Monday, August 25 at 8 p.m. at the SCA. Furtado took up the banjo at 12 and was hailed as a prodigy at age 19. As he was cementing his reputation as a banjoist extraordinaire, Furtado was also developing himself into an equally virtuosic slide guitarist and acoustic bluesman. By the time of his second album release, Within Reach, Furtado was playing and recording with such luminaries as Jerry Douglas, Alison Krauss, and Stuart Duncan. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Chamber
The performance line-up for the Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck is as follows: August 14-15, Beauty and the Beast with a Sonata in B-flat Major for 2 Solo Celli by Telemann and Asturiana from Siete Canciones Popularas Espańolas Ritual Fire Dance from El Amor Brujo by Falla, along with works by Chopin and Previn. All performances are at 8 p.m. at the Saugatuck Woman's Club. For more info, visit http://www.saugatuckmusic.org.

Jazz/Blues
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (with Wally Michaels on piano, Jeff Beavan on bass, and Jack Wilkin on the drums). Enjoy Christy G, Entourage Mike Raleigh, and Keith Scott, and there's some cool jazz by vocalist Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde. Show times are 7-11 p.m. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com.

Blues/Jazz
Join the hip and groovy folks at Everyday People Café every Thursday through Sunday till Labor Day from 6:30-10 p.m. to hear some really cool jazz. You'll see the likes of the Curtis-Michaels Jazz Duo on Fridays, and Rick Hicks Blues Guitar on Sat./Sun. For more info visit http://everydaypeoplecafe.com or call 269-857-4240.

Mo' Music
Visit Journeyman Café/Rye in Fennville for music with Cooper/VanLente/Hay (jazz) on August 15; Open Range (bluegrass/acoustic country) on August 22; and Cornfed Girls (folk/bluegrass/acoustic) on August 25. For more info, visit http://www.journeymancafe.com/rye/ or call 269-561-2269.

Art

Ox-Bow Open Studios
Ox-bow is a 98-year-old artist residency for experienced and aspiring artists. Each summer over 500 artists make their way to the 115 acres located among the dunes and forests of West Michigan to delve into their artistic process. Join them on August 15 from 7:30-10 p.m. for demonstrations, performances, and live auctions. For more info, go to http://www.ox-bow.org or call 800-318-3019.

Volmod Gallery
No doubt it's some of the hippest pottery on the planet, you've got to check out. Pieces include bowls, vases of all shapes and sizes, sinks, tables, lamps, and other lighting units. The gallery is at 3480 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. For more info, call 616-566-2335 http://www.volmod.com.

Nines Gallery
During the month of August, Nines Gallery is featuring new constructions by Carol Redmond and introducing the photography of New York artist, Ira Fox. Also scheduled: the 1st Annual Wau-Ke-Na Art Walk in Glenn, Mi, which will feature Plein Aire painters from the Nines Gallery, including works by David Zimmermann, Michael Callihan, and Kathleen Putnam. The Wau-Ke-Na Art Walk will be on August 30 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on 70th Street between Glenn and 116th Street. August 31 will bring a studio show at David Zimmermann's house in Covert, Michigan. Please contact the Nines Gallery for detail. The Nines Gallery is at 17 W. 10th St., Holland. For more info, call 616.392.3239 or visit http://www.theninesgallery.com

Thirdstone Gallery
ThirdStone Gallery hosts Twist and Shout, the third and concluding episode in its 2008 Summer Group Show series. All month long, the event showcases still more new works from both new and longtime ThirdStone artists, including Michel Balasis, Mary Hatch, Sharon Micheal, Tom d., Sarah Hurley, Sara Strong, Danny Moorefield and Romanian sculpture master Eugen Petri. ThirdStone is at 120 E. Main St., downtown Fennville. For more info, visit http://www.thirdstoneartgallery.com or call 269-561-8149.

Water Street Gallery
August shows and events at Water Street Gallery are as follows: "Traditionally Speaking" featuring Douglas artist Thimgan Hayden and Ken DeWaard opens August 16 from 6-8 p.m.; and then Plein Aire Affair, a day of painting the local scenes by area artists, with the reception on August 23 from 6-8 p.m. Water Street Gallery is now in downtown Douglas. For more info, call 269-857-8485 or visit http://www.waterstreetgallery.com.

Petter Gallery
The Constance Petter Gallery in Douglas will have an opening and demonstration by whimsical oil painter, Sheila Bohanon, on August 17. Nina Weiss will showcase her oil landscapes exhibiting deep spaces of light and color on August 31, along with textile artist, Sue Holdaway-Heys, who will demonstrate how she creates her realistic wall quilts. The gallery is at 161 Blue Star Highway in Douglas. Call 269-857-7861 or visit http://www.constancepettergallery.com.

James Brandess Studio & Gallery
Late summer features Saugatuck area landscapes here in the James Brandess studio. The blues and browns of the rivers and wetlands blend into the olive-colored haze of this splendid season. Brandess has been out and about on his pontoon boat, roaming the river's edge, and has brought back the river's magic for all to see. As always, Marley the studio dog, will be available greet folks. The gallery is at 238 Butler Street, downtown Saugatuck. Call 269-857-1937 or visit http://www.jamesbrandess.com.

Film Studies
On the first and third Tuesdays at The Red Barn Playhouse, Bill Muzzillo will host a film series: August 15, Funny Girl with Barbara Striesand and Omar Sharif; August 18, Angels with Dirty Faces with Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, and Ann Sheridan; and August 26, Camelot, starring Vanessa Redgrave and Richard Harris. For more info, visit http://redbarnsaugatuck.com/services.htm or call 269-857-5300.

Theater
Opening August 1 is Evita--this famous musical about Eva Peron creates an arresting theatrical portrait you won't want to miss. On August 22, it's Ain't Misbehavin, a rollicking, jumping, finger-snapping revue set during the golden age of honkey tonk at the Cotton Club. The Mason Street Warehouse is at 400 Culver St. in Saugatuck. For more info, call 269-857-4898 or visit http://www.masonstreetwarehouse.org.

More Theater
Hope Summer Repertory Theatre will begin with Kiss Me Kate, followed by Forever Plaid. Then there's The Foreigner, followed by Doubt. For more info, call 616-395-7890 or visit http://www.hope.edu/hsrt/shows/currentseason.htm.

Exhibitions
Polyester: American Fashion of the '60s and '70s will be at the Holland Museum through August. This exhibition of festive-occasion to everyday clothing from the museum's collection spans several decades of American fashion with particular attention paid to the rise in use of synthetic textiles and psychedelic design. The Herman Miller Foundation sponsors the exhibit. For more info, visit http://www.hollandmuseum.org/ or call 888-200-9123.

Exhibitions
The award-winning Saugatuck-Douglas Museum's 2008 exhibition is 13 Moments in Time: The Artist as Storyteller, using artwork (13 paintings) to tell vignettes of the history of Saugatuck-Douglas. From Carl Mauch, Albert Krehbeil, Elsa Urbricht, and Francis Chapman, to name a few. These representations will give a window into a past era, some long ago and some not so. This exhibit will be open daily, noon to 4 p.m., until Labor Day, and on the weekends only in the fall. Admission is free. For more info, call 269-857-7901 or visit http://sdhistoricalsociety.org/.

Point of View by Frank Gunter will be on display until September 29 at the SCA. This retrospective exhibit of photo-realistic paintings chronicles Gunter's path from small-town, mid-century Alabama to a major Midwestern art school to an historic 19th-century Ohio River town, with diversions along numerous international byways enroute. Gunter's pictures are testimony to his keen eye and power of observation-often delivered with wit and irony. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Antiques
The Allegan County Antique Market will be held the last Sunday in August from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Allegan County Fairgrounds. The 400 exhibitors will be there rain or shine--200 indoor and 200 under canopies (the market is always the last Sunday of the month, April through September). For more info, call 269-735-3333. And don't forget to visit our friends down at the Blue Star Antique Pavilion on Blue Star Highway in Douglas.

Honorable Mentions

August 17, 24, 31, Music in the Vineyard, Fenn Valley Winery
August 13, 20, 27, Music in the Park, Saugatuck
August 11, Steel Guitar/America, Natalia Zuckerman, SCA-Saugatuck
August 14-15, Chamber Music, Saugatuck Womens Club
August 15, Jazz, Cooper/VanLente/Hay, Rye, Fennville
August 16-17, Figure Drawing Marathon Class, SCA-Saugatuck
August 18, Folk, Antje Duvekot, SCA-Saugatuck
August 21, Saugatuck Sidewalk Sale
August 21, Douglas Sidewalk Sale
August 21, Douglas Social
August 15, Bluegrass, Open Range, Rye, Fennville
August 24, Taste of Saugatuck
August 25, Folk/Blues, Tony Furtado, SCA-Saugatuck
August 29, Folk, Bluegrass, Cornfed Girls, Rye, Fennville
August 29, Labor day Weekend
August 31, Allegan Antique Market, Allegan
September 3, 10, Music in the Park, Saugatuck
September 2, Apple picking starts at Cranes Apple Orchard on M-89
September 9, Red Barn Film Series, Murder on the Orient Express
September 13, Mt. Baldhead Challenge 15K, Saugatuck
September 20, Heritage festival, Douglas
September 23, Red Barn Film Series, Witness for the Prosecution
September 27, Beer 101, SCA-Saugatuck

Books
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz is darkly funny and at times heartbreaking, The Brief Wondrous Life is about Díaz's unlikely hero Oscar, an obese Dominican Trekkie terrified of dying a virgin. With a rich narrative voice that compels sympathy over pity as the inner workings of both Oscar and his native Dominican Republic are laid bare. Things have never been easy for Oscar, a sweet but disastrously overweight, lovesick Dominican ghetto nerd. From his home in New Jersey, where he lives with his old-world mother and rebellious sister, Oscar dreams of becoming the Dominican J. R. R. Tolkien and, most of all, of finding love. But he may never get what he wants, thanks to the Fuk, the curse that has haunted the Oscar's family for generations, dooming them to prison, torture, tragic accidents, and, above all, ill-starred love. Oscar, still waiting for his first kiss, is just its most recent victim. This is a fierce, funny, tragic book that is just what a reader would have hoped for in a first novel. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785) or at Treehouse Books in Holland (616-494-5085) or visit http://www.treehousebooks.net.

Sherwood Forest Staples
We will pamper you to your heart's content with one of our Sweetheart Specials (we now can include Godiva Chocolates), or you can try one of our in-house massages--doesn't get much better than that. And of course, there's our ever-popular Famous Chefs of Saugatuck Gourmet Dinners November through April. You can link to our Sweetheart Specials at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/sweetheart.html Here's the link for gourmet dinner details and a sample menu: http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/dinners.html.

From the Sherwood Forest Files:

Mama San Carol has been feeding the masses of her family for generations, mistress of the eternal happiness among her grandchildren for the savory recipes she has served up over the decades. She has graciously bequeathed the tasty recipe to us to pass along to our friends.

Mama-San Carol's Black Bean and Chicken Chili

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large red onion
2 large chicken breast (organic, if possible) cut into half-inch pieces
2 tablespoons chili powder
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (15-ounces) organic black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cans (15-ounces) organic diced tomatoes
1 can (15-ounces) hot chili beans (organic if you can find 'em)
1 can (8-ounces) organic tomato sauce
1 and a half cups organic frozen corn
1 large green pepper, diced
3-quarter cup loosely packed cilantro, chopped

Directions:

1. In a large pot, (8 quarts) heat oil over medium flame, add the onion; cook until tender. Add the chicken pieces, chili powder and garlic; cook, stirring until chicken is slightly brown. Stir in black beans, tomatoes, chili beans, and tomato sauce. Heat to simmer, cover, and cook about 20 minutes.
2. Add the corn, bell pepper, and cilantro; cook until heated through and vegetables are tender/crisp. Season to taste if necessary.
   

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

[return to top of page]

Sherwood Forest News July 2008

News from the Forest

The summer is upon us, and there's a whole lot happening around here! The golf courses are in tip-top shape, the off-Broadway theater has a fantastic line up, and Lake Michigan is warm enough to take a dip. Ahh, it's a great time of year, so get out your calendar and schedule in some free time soon.

Sherwood Forest Picnic Baskets
Venture forth from Sherwood Forest with your own basket of goodies this summer. The picnic includes a fine selection of Italian meats, cheeses, and baguettes, along with fresh fruit and sweets to make your afternoon rendezvous complete. To wet your whistle, choose from spritzers or bottled water (vegetarian selection also available). Price: $55 for two.

Melt Your Stress Away
Upon your arrival, you'll find a beautiful wine and cheese basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. During your visit you'll each experience a soothing massage in a style suited just for you and a $30 voucher good toward a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant. Upon your departure (which we're sure you'll want to delay as long as possible before returning to the "real world") a gift from us: a compact disc of relaxing music and an illustrated guide to massage. Price: $235 (does not include room rate). If you wish to have this awaiting your arrival, give us a call at 800-838-1246.

Sherwood Forest Cottage
Our cottage is booked up for the summer, but if your looking for a relaxing getaway after Labor Day, give us a jingle. It sleeps up to 5 people, has a full kitchen, washer/dryer, pool privileges, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the public beach. For more information, you can visit the cottage website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html.

Here's what's happening in and around the area:

U-Pick
There's a couple of great Michigan U-Pick's about 8 miles or less from our front door; Earl's U-Pick Farm is one of them. Through August, you can pick raspberries, such as Laurens and Chester's. Then at Krupka's Blueberry Plantation, beginning in early July, blueberries will be in season, with the Dukes, and then the delicious Jerseys will be ready right after that. For more info, contact Earl's at 269-227-2074 or Krupka's at 269-857-4278.

Sherwood Forest and Golf
We've toured the courses, replaced our divots, tallied up the scores, and we've come up with some incredible stay-and-play golf packages for you to choose from. Spend a night or two at Sherwood Forest B&B and we'll arrange for you to play at The Ravines, an Arnold Palmer Signature Championship Golf Course, a sweeping, 18-stanza epic, where nature meets sport in ways you simply must witness to believe. Cost of these packages ranges from $251 to $625. For more information, visit http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/golf.html

Airplane Rides
Looking for a cool experience? How about a joy ride in a nifty Cessna 172 with a qualified, certified flight instructor? You'll be able to fly over the Lake Michigan shoreline along Saugatuck/Douglas and see from the air what makes this area so magical. Rides are $25 per person for a half hour, or $120/hour for up to three people. Advanced reservations are required. If interested, give us a call at the B&B, 800-838-1246.

Balloon Rides
Enjoy the soundless flight on the wisp of a breeze in a hot air balloon. Windmill Balloons specializes in champagne flights that last about 1.5 hours. You'll take off about 2 hours before sunset to capture the awesome view and colors as the sun lazily sets over the horizon. Advanced reservations are required and cost is $225 per person. If interested, give us a call at the B&B, 800-838-1246.

Douglas Socials
Starting July 10 and continuing every other week on Thursday nights through September 4, the Douglas Socials will be held from 5:30-9 p.m. in downtown Douglas. This is a real hometown happening that includes fun festivities for the whole family, including beer and brats, music, and lively conversation.

Farmers' Market
The Green Market is at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. every Friday until October and on Mondays from 3-7 p.m. from July 7 to August 25. Local farmers and growers bring fresh produce, flowers, and perennials, plus homemade jams, jellies, and baked goods. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Music
Music in the Park--Saugatuck By the river next to the band shell in Saugatuck, you can listen to some free music this summer: on July 9, Karisa Wilson (folk-rock); July 16, Rock Shop (rock); July 23, Zion Lion (reggae); and July 30, local favorite Michael Holmes (show tunes). For more info, visit http://www.saugatuckdouglas.com/.

Music in the Park--Fennville
Free music every other Tuesday: July 8, Zion Lion (reggae); July 22, Truth in Jazz (big band/jazz); and August 5, Shout Sister Shout (traditional jazz/folk). The concerts will be held at Memorial/Paradise Park on north Maple Street in downtown Fennville. For more info, visit http://www.greaterfennville.com.

Americana
Peter Mulvey will be performing on July 14 at 8 p.m. at the SCA. Last year Peter biked his way to Saugatuck via Wisconsin, this year he continues the tradition. Mulvey's work is immersed in language, art, and music, and ranges from tender acoustic picking to rootsy blues and jazz. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Jazz
Petra van Nuis and guitarist Andy Brown are one of those rare combinations where all parts seem to fit. Their shared musical aesthetic is evident as they glide through standards and bossa novas both familiar and obscure. Intimate, romantic, and soulful, their sound is easy on the ears and heart. The performance is on July 21 at 8 p.m. at the SCA. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Folk
Annie and Rod Capps craft modern day folk songs with a rootsy vibe, a touch of twang, and a soulful groove. Annie's disarming, earthy voice carries rich melodies that are punctuated beautifully by Rod, who handles guitars, bass, and the tenor banjo with equal grace. The performance is on July 28 at 8 p.m. at the SCA. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Chamber
The performance line up for the Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck is as follows: July 10-11, with Mozart, Milhaud, and Schumann; July 17-18, Not Your Average Brahmsfest with Hungarian Dances and a Sonata for Clarinet; July 24-25, with Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, and Dcorak; July 31-August 1 with a Breathe of Fresh Air with Stravinsky, Bernstein, and Ravel. All performances are at 8 p.m. at the Saugatuck Woman's Club. For more info, visit http://www.saugatuckmusic.org.

Jazz/Blues
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (with Wally Michaels on piano, Jeff Beavan on bass, and Jack Wilkin on the drums). Enjoy Christy G, Entourage Mike Raleigh, and Keith Scott, and there's some cool jazz by vocalist Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde. Show times are 7-11 p.m. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com.

Blues/Jazz
Join the hip and groovy folks at Everyday People Café every Thursday through Sunday till Labor Day from 6:30-10 p.m. to hear some really cool jazz. You'll see the likes of the Curtis-Michaels Jazz Duo on Fridays, and Rick Hicks Blues Guitar on Sat/Sun. For more info visit http://everydaypeoplecafe.com or call 269-857-4240.

Mo' Music
Visit Journeyman Café/Rye in Fennville for music with The Jim Cooper Band (jazz) on July 4; Last Call Band (acoustic/folk/country) on July 11; Sarah Jane and the Singapore Valley Boys (honkey tonk) on July 18; Dublin Station (modern/traditional Celtic/folk) on July 25; and on August 1, Nicholas Barron (singer/songwriter). For more info, visit http://www.journeymancafe.com/rye/ or call 269-561-2269.

Art

Ox-Bow Open Studios
Ox-bow is a 98-year-old artist residency for experienced and aspiring artists. Each summer over 500 artists make their way to the 115 acres located among the dunes and forests of West Michigan to delve into their artistic process. Join them on Friday nights for demonstrations, performances, and live auctions on July 18, August 1, and August 15 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. For more info, go to http://www.ox-bow.org or call 800-318-3019.

Volmod Gallery
Some of the hippest pottery on the planet, you've got to check out. Pieces include bowls, vases of all shapes and sizes, sinks, tables, lamps, and other lighting units. The gallery is at 3480 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. For more info, call 616-566-2335 or visit http://www.volmod.com.

Thirdstone Gallery
ThirdStone continues their Summer Show series with Mixed Tossed Salad in July. Focusing on the diversity that's always been their hallmark, a broader-than-ever array of media and techniques are showcased in the many new works by both veteran & new artists. ThirdStone is at 120 E. Main St., downtown Fennville. For more info, visit http://www.thirdstoneartgallery.com or call 269-561-8149.

Water Street Gallery
Urban Renewal has arrived at Water Street Gallery! "Urban Instincts" is a group show of ten artists who have used the cityscape as their source of inspiration. Water Street Gallery is now in downtown Douglas. For more info, call 269-857-8485 or visit http://www.waterstreetgallery.com.

Petter Gallery
The Constance Petter Gallery will exhibit a group of artists from the Kalamazoo Park's Trade Center, a Co-op building that represent the best work being done today by both local emerging and established artists, one of favorite artists (Mary Brodbeck) who has studied in Japan with some of the finest wood block print artists alive today has several of her pieces in the show. You can see Mary's work at http://www.marybrodbeck.com/ The gallery is at 161 Blue Star Highway in Douglas. Call 269-857-7861 or visit http://www.constancepettergallery.com.

James Brandess Studio & Gallery
James specializes in oil painting, watercolor/mixed media, and woodcut prints. A local favorite who is an Ox-Bow student and teacher. You can see James work at 238 Butler Street, downtown Saugatuck. Call 269-857-1937 or you can visit his website at http://www.jamesbrandess.com.

Comedy
Join the SCA in welcoming the comedy group Capitol Steps on July 5 at 8 p.m. at Saugatuck High School. The Capitol Steps have recorded 28 albums, including their latest, Campaign and Suffering. They have appeared on Good Morning America, the Today Show, Entertainment Tonight, and dozens of times on National Public Radio's All Things Considered. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Lecture-Discussion: Eco-Friendly Farming
There will be a discussion/presentation on July 15 from 10-11 a.m. at the SCA by Eco Acres Organic farm proprietor John Renaldi. Renaldi, a successful agricultural entrepreneur, will discuss the local and global importance of sustainable agriculture and why eating organically is one way you can make a positive impact on the planet. For more info, visit http://www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

Rain Gardens
Patricia Pennell of the West Michigan Environmental Action Council will lead a conversation on what rain gardens are and why they are so important on July 17 from noon-1 p.m. Planting a rain garden may seem like a small thing, but if you calculate the amount of rain that runs off your roof, you will understand why keeping rain where it falls--via a rain garden--is a natural and beautiful solution. For more info, visit http://www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

Film Studies
On the first and third Tuesdays in July at The Red Barn Playhouse, Bill Muzzillo will host a film series: July 7, The Untouchables, a Brian DePalma film; July 15, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, choreography by Michael Kidd; July 21, White Heat with James Cagney; and July 29, Top Hat with Fred Astaire. For more info, visit http://redbarnsaugatuck.com/services.htm or call 269-857-5300.

Theater
Judy's Swinging Summer Show Starring Michael Holmes, this all-star one-woman show features Judy Garland and her musical guest stars Carol Channing, Billie Holiday, Patsy Cline, and more. The show will take place at the Red Barn Playhouse on July 25, 26, and 27. For more info, visit http://redbarnsaugatuck.com/services.htm or call 269-857-5300.

Theater
On July 11, the Mason Street Warehouse will present As Bees in Honey Drown, a plot twisting a clever story about a mysterious woman and a hot young celebrity--life is always not what it appears to be. Opening August 1 is Evita--this famous musical about Eva Peron creates an arresting theatrical portrait you won't want to miss. On August 22, it's Ain't Misbehavin, a rollicking, jumping, finger-snapping revue set during the golden age of honkey tonk at the Cotton Club. The Mason Street Warehouse is at 400 Culver St. in Saugatuck. For more info, call 269-857-4898 or visit http://www.masonstreetwarehouse.org.

More Theater
Hope Summer Repertory Theatre will begin with Kiss Me Kate, followed by Forever Plaid. Then there's The Foreigner, followed by Doubt. For more info, call 616-395-7890 or visit http://www.hope.edu/hsrt/shows/currentseason.htm.

Exhibitions
Polyester: American Fashion of the '60s and '70s will be at the Holland Museum through August. This exhibition of festive-occasion to everyday clothing from the museum's collection spans several decades of American fashion with particular attention paid to the rise in use of synthetic textiles and psychedelic design. The Herman Miller Foundation sponsors the exhibit. For more info, visit http://www.hollandmuseum.org/ or call 888-200-9123.

Exhibitions
The award-winning Saugatuck-Douglas Museum will unveil its 2008 exhibition: 13 Moments in Time: The Artist as Storyteller, using artwork (13 paintings) to tell vignettes of the history of Saugatuck-Douglas. From Carl Mauch, Albert Krehbeil, Elsa Urbricht, and Francis Chapman, to name a few. These representations will give a window into a past era, some long ago and some not so. This exhibit will be open daily, noon to 4 p.m., until Labor Day, and on the weekends only in the fall. Admission is free. For more info, call 269-857-7901 or visit http://sdhistoricalsociety.org/.

Exhibition Duality by Joohyun Pyune will be on display until July 28 at the SCA, with a collection of images digital images on layered fabrics, which result in ephemeral, dream-like oversized works. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Antiques
The Allegan County Antique Market will be held the last Sunday in July from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Allegan County Fairgrounds. The 400 exhibitors will be there rain or shine--200 indoor and 200 under canopies (the market is always the last Sunday of the month, April through September). For more info, call 269-735-3333. And don't forget to visit our friends down at the Blue Star Antique Pavilion on Blue Star Highway in Douglas.

Honorable Mentions

July 10, Douglas Social
July 10-11, Chamber Music, Saugatuck Womens Club
July 12, Blues in the Vineyard, Fenn Valley Winery
July 13, Douglas Dutchers Baseball Game, Douglas
July 15, Conversation, Eco-Friendly Farming, SCA-Saugatuck
July 17, Conversation, Rain Garden, SCA-Saugatuck
July 17-18, Chamber Music, Saugatuck Womens Club
July 22-24, Plein Air Oil Painting Class, SCA-Saugatuck
July 24, Douglas Social
July 24-25, Chamber Music, Saugatuck Womens Club
July 25, Venetian Weekend
July 27, Allegan Antique Market, Allegan
July 29-31, Plein Air Watercolor Painting Class, SCA-Saugatuck
July 30-Aug 1, Chamber Music, Saugatuck Womens Club
August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Music in the Vineyard, Fenn Valley Winery
August 4, Americana, Lux Land, SCA-Saugatuck
August 6, 13, 20, 27, Music in the Park, Saugatuck
August 7, Douglas Social
August 7-8, Chamber Music, Saugatuck Womens Club
August 8, Folk Music, Laura Bates and Brandon Foote, Rye, Fennville
August 8, Summer Evening Cookout, Fenn Valley Winery
August 11, Steel Guitar/America, Natalia Zuckerman, SCA-Saugatuck
August 14-15, Chamber Music, Saugatuck Womens Club
August 15, Jazz, Cooper/VanLente/Hay, Rye, Fennville
August 16-17, Figure Drawing Marathon Class, SCA-Saugatuck
August 18, Folk, Antje Duvekot, SCA-Saugatuck
August 21, Saugatuck Sidewalk Sale
August 21, Douglas Sidewalk Sale
August 21, Douglas Social
August 15, Bluegrass, Open Range, Rye, Fennville
August 24, Taste of Saugatuck
August 25, Folk/Blues, Tony Furtado, SCA-Saugatuck
August 29, Folk, Bluegrass, Cornfed Girls, Rye, Fennville
August 29, Labor day Weekend
August 31, Allegan Antique Market, Allegan
September 3, 10, Music in the Park, Saugatuck
September 2, Apple picking starts at Cranes Apple Orchard on M-89
September 9, Red Barn Film Series, Murder on the Orient Express
September 13, Mt. Baldhead Challenge 15K, Saugatuck
September 20, Heritage festival, Douglas
September 23, Red Barn Film Series, Witness for the Prosecution
September 27, Beer 101, SCA-Saugatuck

Books
Lauren's book of the month is House of Spirits by Isabele Allende. This epic story, written in the backdrop of 20th-century Chilean history, focuses on the Trueba family. Each member of that family is introduced in the initial chapters and eventually the reader understands them as if they are people from real life. Wrapped in magic realism, this is a story of Chilean history, family, individualism, life, and of the genetics of prejudices and fears. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785) or at Treehouse Books in Holland (616-494-5085) or visit http://www.treehousebooks.net.

Sherwood Forest Staples
We will pamper you to your heart's content with one of our Sweetheart Specials (we now can include Godiva Chocolates), or you can try one of our in-house massages--doesn't get much better than that. And of course, there's our ever-popular Famous Chefs of Saugatuck Gourmet Dinners November through April. You can link to our Sweetheart Specials at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/sweetheart.html Here's the link for gourmet dinner details and a sample menu: http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/dinners.html.

From the Sherwood Forest Files:

Laurie is our organic farmer Siren, she walks the earth, sows her seeds, gives them love and devotion, and with a little bit of Mother Nature's help, grows some of the best organic produce in West Michigan. She kindly bestowed this recipe upon us and it's delicious. Thanks to Laurie, all of our veggies and most of our fruit come to us in the summer with a very low carbon footprint.

Laurie's African Collards

This recipe comes with a wee bit of kitchen ingenuity. The ingredients are as follow: chopped onions, a bunch of collard greens, sea salt, a regular size can of coconut milk, and rice of your choosing (cooked--amount according to servings). Peppers (bell to hot chilies) of your choice also (chicken could be added too if you're the carnivore type.

Directions: Sauté the onions al dente with the chopped collards and peppers (approx. 5 minutes). Salt liberally, then add coconut milk and simmer, covered, 15-20 minutes. Serve over rice.

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

[return to top of page]

Sherwood Forest News June 2008

News from the Forest

Memorial Day has come and gone, and for us that heralds the beginning of our summer season. It's been cooler than usual here, so the spring flowers are still going strong, and the Lake Michigan temps remain chilly (luckily our hip and groovy pool is heated and ready for a dip-the mural looks awesome). The days are getting longer as we head toward the summer solstice, so we hope you'll be able to make it for a visit soon to enjoy this delightful time of year.

Sherwood Forest Picnic Baskets
Venture forth from Sherwood Forest with your own basket of goodies this summer. The picnic includes a fine selection of Italian meats, cheeses, and baguettes, along with fresh fruit and sweets to make your afternoon rendezvous complete. To wet your whistle, choose from spritzers or bottled water (vegetarian selection also available). Price: $55 for two.

Melt Your Stress Away
Upon arrival, you'll find a beautiful wine and cheese basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. During your visit, you'll each experience a soothing massage in a style suited just for you and a $30 voucher good toward a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant. Upon your departure (which we're sure you'll want to delay as long as possible before returning to the real world), a gift from us: a compact disc of relaxing music and an illustrated guide to massage. The cost for this R&R is $165 with one massage; $235 with two massages (does not include room rate). To view more specials on our website you can go to http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/sweetheart.html

Here's what's happening in and around the area:

Sherwood Forest and Golf
Spend a couple of nights at Sherwood Forest, and we'll arrange for you to play at The Ravines, an Arnold Palmer Signature Championship Golf Course, a sweeping, 18-stanza epic, where nature meets sport in ways you simply must witness to believe. Here's what you get: a 2-night stay at Sherwood Forest, 18 holes of golf for two (with a cart) with a guaranteed tee time at The Ravines, and some great dinner recommendations so you don't have to do the hit and miss thing (cost ranges from $404-$645). To book this package, call us at 800-838-1246. We have lots of different packages, so for more info and prices, check out http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/golf.html

Movies
From June 12-15, head to Saugatuck for the coolest event of the year: the Waterfront Film Festival. With close to 60 films (ranging from shorts, documentaries, comedies, and dramas), seminars, and panel discussions with experienced film industry veterans, it promises to be a great event. The annual flick on Thursday starts with a street party at 7 p.m. on Water Street, followed at dusk with an outdoor movie. For more info, call 269-857-8351 or visit http://www.waterfrontfilm.org.

Wineries
Head out to Fenn Valley Winery on June 28 for their open house from 1-5 p.m. where once again they'll kick off the beginning of summer as they open their cellars for wine tasting, ethnic foods, and live music. Call 269-857-2396 or visit http://www.fennvalley.com.

Theater
The Mason Street Warehouse has announced its 2008 season, which will open June 20 with the Michigan regional premiere production of Das Barbecu, a comic opera of Wagner's Ring Cycle set as a Texas fable. On July 11, the theater will present As Bees in Honey Drown, a plot twisting a clever story about a mysterious woman and a hot young celebrity--life is always not what it appears to be. Opening August 1 is Evita--this famous musical about Eva Peron creates an arresting theatrical portrait you won't want to miss. On August 22 is Ain't Misbehavin, a rollicking, jumping, finger-snapping revue set during the golden age of honkey tonk at the Cotton Club. The Mason Street Warehouse is at 400 Culver St. in Saugatuck. For more info, call 269-857-4898 or visit http://www.masonstreetwarehouse.org,

More Theater
Hope Summer Repertory Theatre opens on June 13 with the musical Kiss Me Kate in which Cole Porter meets genius playwright William Shakespeare in this rollicking front and backstage battle of the sexes. Forever Plaid opens on June 20. Call 616-395-7890 or visit http://www.hope.edu/hsrt/.

Art
Volmod Gallery Interesting name, voluptuous and modern. Volmod was the right combination, with a certain modernity, simplicity, and slight humor in itself. Jeff Blandford joins the Saugatuck area displaying his pottery. Having a great passion for interior design, his pieces are designed so that the aesthetic of the piece is strong enough on its own. Function is not necessary with all of his work, but whenever possible he likes to increase and manipulate an object's uses. Pieces include bowls, vases of all shapes and sizes, sinks, tables, lamps, and other lighting units. The gallery is at 3480 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. For more info, call 616-566-2335 or visit http://www.volmod.com.

Nines Gallery
The Nines Gallery in Holland will be offering thoughtful anniversary and wedding presents. Art makes memories, and because it lasts a lifetime, art can serve as a reminder for those special events that shape our lives. On exhibit will be new works by Kathleen Putman, Jennifer Gardiner, and David Zimmermann. The Nines Gallery and Framing Studio is inside 17 W. 10th St, Holland. For more info, call 616-392-3239 or visit http://www.theninesgallery.com.

Thirdstone Gallery
Summer Group Show, Phase Two, Ludicrosa Mimosas n Samosas will be showing june 7 thru July 12. Featured will be additional new sculpture works from Billy Mayer, more new paintings from Tom DePree and Sarah Hurley, Lynn Arnold's new horses series of mixed media works and Mary Hatch's latest series of digital mixed media works.ThirdStone is at 120 E. Main St., downtown Fennville. For more info, visit http://www.thirdstoneartgallery.com or call 269-561-8149.

Water Street Gallery
Currently at the Water Street Gallery is Oxbow Memories, vintage photographs by Gail Kaplan. The photographs document Oxbow, the art school in Saugatuck, which began in 1910 and is currently affiliated with the school of the Art Institute in Chicago. These photographs record the creative spirits that inhabit the architectural spaces. Water Street Gallery is now in downtown Douglas. For more info, call 269-857-8485 or visit http://www.waterstreetgallery.com.

Petter Gallery
The Constance Petter Gallery will exhibit sculptor Gert Olsen and artist Michael Maitner. Olsen's sculpture is the result of working and experimenting with various materials and methods of carving. She personally picks her stone from quarries and stone yards in the United States and Europe. Maitner's rural landscapes portray a unique world--a combination of the beauty and variety of nature with near surreal architectural forms. The gallery is at 161 Blue Star Highway in Douglas. Call 269-857-7861 or visit http://www.constancepettergallery.com.

Music

Marcia Ball at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts
On June 7 at 8 p.m. listen to Grammy-nominated singer/pianist Marcia Ball, who knows how to raise roofs and tear down walls with her infectious, intelligent, and deeply emotional brand of southern boogie, rollicking roadhouse blues, and heartfelt ballads. Ball's piano playing and passionate, playful vocals fuse New Orleans and Gulf Coast R&B with Austin's deep songwriting tradition. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Folk
Visit Journeyman Café/Rye in Fennville for music with The Mickey's (Americana/ acoustic original) on June 6; Dave Boultette (singer/songwriter original) on June 13; Jen Sygit with Tamineh Gueramy (folk/singer/songwriters) and on June 20; and Mark Duval and Tracy Seuss (singer/songwriter) on June 27. For more info, visit http://journeymancafe.com/events.htm or call 269-561-2269.

Jazz
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Saturday and Sunday in June. Enjoy the heartfelt show tunes sung by one of Saugatuck's favorites, Michael Holmes, and there's some cool jazz by vocalist Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde. Show times are 7-11 p.m. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com.

Blues/Jazz
Join the hip and groovy folks at Everyday People Café every Friday and Saturday in June from 6:30-10 p.m. to hear some really cool jazz. You'll see the likes of the Eddy Curtis Jazz Duo and Rick Hicks Blues Guitar. For more info visit http://everydaypeoplecafe.com or call 269-857-4240.

Music in the Park--Saugatuck
By the river next to the bandshell in Saugatuck, you can listen to some free music this summer. On June 11, What About Bob (rock); on June 18, Spiritual Rez (funk-beat); and on June 25, Los Bandits (Tex-Mex). For more info, visit http://www.saugatuckdouglas.com/.

Music in the Park--Fennville
Free music every other Tuesday: June 10, Freshwater (Celtic); June 24, Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys (honky tonk/country); July 8, Zion Lion, (reggae); July 22, Truth in Jazz (big band jazz); and on August 5, Shout Sister Shout (traditional jazz/folk) . The concerts will be held at Memorial/Paradise Park on north Maple Street in downtown Fennville. For more info, visit http://www.greaterfennville.com.

Farmers Market
The Green Market is at the SCA from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every Friday starting June 13 until October. New this year will be a Monday Market (July 7-August 25) from 3-7 p.m. where local farmers and growers will bring fresh produce, flowers, and perennials, plus homemade jams, jellies and baked goods to the SCA. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Exhibition
The award-winning Saugatuck-Douglas Museum will unveil its 2008 exhibition: 13 Moments in Time: The Artist as Storyteller, using artwork (13 paintings) to tell vignettes of the history of Saugatuck-Douglas. From Carl Mauch, Albert Krehbeil, Elsa Urbricht, and Francis Chapman, to name a few. These representations will give a window into a past era, some long ago and some not so. This exhibit will open to the public on May 23 and will be open daily, noon to 4 p.m., until Labor Day, and on the weekends only in the fall. Admission is free. For more information, call 269-857-7901 or visit http://sdhistoricalsociety.org/.

Exhibition
Polyester: American Fashion of the 1960s & 1970s will be at the Holland Museum through August. This exhibition of festive-occasion to everyday clothing from the museum's collection spans several decades of American fashion with particular attention paid to the rise in use of synthetic textiles and psychedelic design of the 1960s and '70s. The Herman Miller Foundation sponsors the exhibit. For more info, visit http://www.hollandmuseum.org/ or call 888-200-9123.

Exhibition
The Creative Genius of Burr Tillstrom will be on display until June 16 at the SCA, with a collection of images and 3-dimensional works representing the artistry and legacy of this pioneer of television and puppetry arts, which aired from 1947 to 1959. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Lecture Series
The Genius of Burr Tillstrom will be presented on June 11 at 7 p.m. at the SCA by Joel Sternberg. For more info, visit http;//www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

Antiques
The Allegan County Antique Market runs the last Sunday of the month from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Allegan County Fairgrounds. The 400 exhibitors will be there rain or shine--200 indoor and 200 under canopies (the market is always the last Sunday of the month, through September). For more info, call 269-735-3333. And don't forget about the newest antique hot spot in the area, the Blue Star Antique Pavilion at 2948 Blue Star Highway in Douglas.

Honorable Mentions

June 14, Saugatuck Arts and Crafts Show
June 21, Douglas Dutchers Baseball Game, Douglas
June 29, Allegan Antique Market, Allegan
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Music in the Park, Saugatuck
July 4, 11, 18, & 25 Saugatuck Green Market
July 11, 26, Summer Evening Cookout, Fenn Valley Winery
July 4, Independence Day
July 5, Waterfront Invitational Fine Arts Fair, Saugatuck
July 5, The Capitol Steps, Comedy, SCA-Saugatuck
July 10, Douglas Social
July 10-11, Chamber Music, Saugatuck Womens Club
July 12, Blues in the Vineyard, Fenn Valley Winery
July 13, Douglas Dutchers Baseball Game, Douglas
July 15, Conversation, Eco-Friendly Farming, SCA-Saugatuck
July 17, Conversation, Rain Garden, SCA-Saugatuck
July 17-18, Chamber Music, Saugatuck Womens Club
July 24, Douglas Social
July 24-25, Chamber Music, Saugatuck Womens Club
July 25, Venetian Weekend
July 27, Allegan Antique Market, Allegan
July 29-31, Plein Air Watercolor Painting Class, SCA-Saugatuck
July 30-Aug 1, Chamber Music, Saugatuck Womens Club
August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Music in the Vineyard, Fenn Valley Winery
August 6, 13, 20, 27, Music in the Park, Saugatuck
August 7, Douglas Social
August 7-8, Chamber Music, Saugatuck Womens Club
August 8, Summer Evening Cookout, Fenn Valley Winery
August 14-15, Chamber Music, Saugatuck Womens Club
August 16-17, Figure Drawing Marathon Class, SCA-Saugatuck
August 21, Saugatuck Sidewalk Sale
August 21, Douglas Sidewalk Sale
August 21, Douglas Social
August 24, Taste of Saugatuck
August 29, Labor day Weekend
August 31, Allegan Antique Market, Allegan

Books
Sue's book of the month is The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan. He writes about how our food is grown--what it is, in fact, that we are eating. The book is really three in one: the first section discusses industrial farming; the second, organic food, both as big business and on a relatively small farm; and the third, what it is like to hunt and gather food for oneself. What should we have for dinner? To one degree or another this simple question assails any creature faced with a wide choice of things to eat. Anthropologists call it the omnivore's dilemma. Choosing from among the countless potential foods nature offers, humans have had to learn what is safe, and what isn't. Today, as America confronts what can only be described as a national eating disorder, the omnivore's dilemma has returned with an atavistic vengeance. The cornucopia of the modern American supermarket and fast-food outlet has thrown us back on a bewildering landscape where we once again have to worry about which of those tasty-looking morsels might kill us. At the same time, we're realizing that our food choices also have profound implications for the health of our environment. The Omnivore's Dilemma is Pollan's brilliant and eye-opening exploration of these little-known but vitally important dimensions of eating in America. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785) or at Treehouse Books in Holland (616-494-5085) or visit http://www.treehousebooks.net.

Sherwood Forest Staples
We will pamper you to your heart's content with one of our Sweetheart Specials (we now can include Godiva Chocolates), or you can try one of our in-house massages--doesn't get much better than that. And of course, there's our ever-popular Famous Chefs of Saugatuck Gourmet Dinners November through April. You can link to our Sweetheart Specials at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/sweetheart.html.

Here's the link for gourmet dinner details and a sample menu: http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/dinners.html.

From the Sherwood Forest Files:

Trixie is a gal from down under. While doing her walk about The Planet, she discovered a small patch of wild strawberries in a peaceful and sheltered glade, and then built herself a wonderful small Aussie cottage next to it. Sharing food is central to her soul, so one day her walkabout this streusel made its way to our breakfast table. Cheers to our mate Trixie, we'll play your tribute on our didgeridoo.

Trixie's Strawberry Streusel Raspberry Muffins

Ingredients:
One cup white flour
One-half cup wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
One-quarter teaspoon salt
One-half cup sugar
One-half cup milk
One-half cup butter, melted
1 egg
1 cup fresh strawberries, washed, dried, hulled, and quartered

Topping:
One-quarter cup chopped walnuts
One-quarter cup white flour
One-quarter cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix flours, sugar, salt, and baking powder. In a smaller bowl, combine milk, butter, and egg, and then stir into dry ingredients. Spoon into 12 greased muffin tins and top with strawberries and push down slightly. Mix together topping ingredients and spoon on top of strawberries, and then bake at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes (until lightly brown). Cool 10 minutes then remove from tins.

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

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Sherwood Forest News May 2008

News from the Forest

Spring is upon us, and Mother Nature is stretching her arms wide to show us her new wardrobe. The leaf buds are popping, and the trees are reaching for those sun-filled days. The daffodils are singing a chorus of welcome to the newly arrived tulips, the forsythias are displaying their brilliance, and the trillium and Jack in the Pulpit let us know how special our little slice of the planet is. Our cool pool will be open by May 25, and the bikes are all tuned up for that awesome ride along Lake Shore Drive or into town. So we hope you can make it for a visit soon!

May Gourmet Dining Package
Spend one night (or more) Sunday through Thursday in May and dine at the Everyday People Café in Douglas and you'll experience great lodging AND a great meal! Lake Magazine awarded Sherwood Forest the Best in Personal Luxury and Matt Balmer of Everyday People Café took Best Chef. Here's what you get: a stay at Sherwood Forest and an awesome dinner (appetizer, 2 entrees, and dessert). Cost ranges from $180 to $255. Offer expires June 1, 2008. Give us a call at 800-838-1246 for more info.

Sherwood Forest Cottage
Here's what we have left for our Cottage this summer: June 7-13; and August 16-22 and 23-29. It goes for $1200 for the week and sleeps up to 5 people, has a full kitchen, washer/dryer, pool privileges, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the public beach. And of course, there is still nightly availability for May and the fall. For more info, visit http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html

Sherwood Forest and Golf
Spend a couple of nights at Sherwood Forest, and we'll arrange for you to play at The Ravines, an Arnold Palmer Signature Championship Golf Course, a sweeping, 18-stanza epic, where nature meets sport in ways you simply must witness to believe. Here's what you get: a 2-night stay at Sherwood Forest, 18 holes of golf for two (with a cart) with a guaranteed tee time at The Ravines, and some great dinner recommendations so you don't have to do the hit and miss thing (cost ranges from $404-$645). To book this package, call us at 800-838-1246. We have lots of different packages, so for more info and prices, check out http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/golf.html

Tulip Time Festival
Can you believe it? The third largest festival in the United States is just 15 miles north of Saugatuck/Douglas. The Tulip Time Festival dates back to 1929, and today you can still experience some of the same traditional shows that started more than 75 years ago. From May 3-10, there will be Klompen dancers who perform Dutch folk dances, and of course you can tour Windmill Island (Queen Beatrice did) with an original working windmill. The grand finale of the festival will be the Muziekparade at 2 p.m. on May 10, with nearly 50 bands, giant helium-filled balloons, and so many floats you'll lose count. You can learn more by calling 800-822-2770 or visit http://www.tuliptime.com.

Douglas Spring Preview
On May 3 from 5-9 p.m. preview some of the most exciting new items offered by the downtown shops of Douglas, from furniture and original paintings by area artists to accessories for the home. Douglas is being referred to as the Design Center of West Michigan, with many interior decorators, designers, and architects. You'll also be able to enjoy snacks and beverages while strolling through the shops. Visit http://www.douglasmichigan.com.

Theater
The Mason Street Warehouse has announced its 2008 season, which will open June 20 with the Michigan regional premiere production of Das Barbecu, a comic opera of Wagner's Ring Cycle set as a Texas fable. On July 11, the theater will present As Bees in Honey Drown, a plot twisting a clever story about a mysterious woman and a hot young celebrity--life is always not what it appears to be. Opening August 1 is Evita. This famous musical about Eva Peron creates an arresting theatrical portrait you won't want to miss. On August 22 is Ain't Misbehavin, a rollicking, jumping, finger-snapping revue set during the golden age of honkey tonk at the Cotton Club. The Mason Street Warehouse is at 400 Culver St. in Saugatuck. For more info, call 269-857-4898 or visit http://www.masonstreetwarehouse.org,

Theater
On May 11 at 2 p.m. at the Red Barn Playhouse, Darla Whortley will perform a Mother's Day cabaret: That Girl That Sings: A Show That a Mother Could Love, a humorous and warm tribute to our mothers and all we've learned from them. Closing the series on May 25 at 7 p.m. will be the Ellie Gramer cabaret: Don't Tell Mama: Confessions of a Theatre Rat, a behind the scenes perspective of a chorus and the pitfalls and pratfalls of auditioning. For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://redbarnsaugatuck.com.

Art
Come see first hand how the Blue Coast Artists create their work and welcome them to their 2008 season. All studios will be open May 2-4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Travel the scenic Blue Star Highway between Saugatuck and South Haven to discover some of Southwest Michigan's finest artwork, including pottery, sculpture, jewelry, weaving, blown glass, and paintings. For more info, visit http://bluecoastartists.com.

Water Street Gallery
The Water Street Gallery opens their 2008 season with Trendsetters with works of nine new artists from around the country. The artists were selected for their innovative and edgy work that pushes the limits of their chosen medium or presents their environment with a powerful message. From landscapes that pull viewers into a quiet and thoughtful world to wall installations that involve many components, all the forms seem to have a visual conversation. Water Street Gallery is on Center St., downtown Douglas. For more info, call 269-857-8485 or visit http://www.waterstreetgallery.com.

Petter Gallery
The Constance Petter Gallery will exhibit two limited-edition Giclees from the Carl Hoerman collection. Hoerman, who is known as dunes painter because of his landscapes of western Michigan, was a Saugatuck native and was able to capture a true representation of what this area is all about. The gallery is on 161 Blue Star Highway in Douglas. Call 269-857-7861 or visit http://www.constancepettergallery.com.

Thirdstone Gallery
May brings the annual pre-summer showcase to ThirdStone Gallery, a sampling of this year's array of artists, many long-time favorites along with some new ThirdStone talents. New works from Tom DePree, Carrie Andrews, Susan Mulder, Karen Morgan and new paintings and assembloids by Bruce Cutean. New artists include Mary Brodbeck, Mary Hatch, Sarah Hurley and a few yet to be announced. Show continues until June 10. ThirdStone is at 120 E. Main St., downtown Fennville. For more info, visit http://www.thirdstoneartgallery.com or call 269-561-8149.

So Much Music

Colin Hay
On May 17 at 8 p.m. listen to singer/songwriter/cult icon Colin Hay in a solo acoustic performance at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. Grammy award winner and former lead man of the '80s group Men at Work, Hay's witty, soulful lyrics have earned him an international following. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Shemekia Copeland
Join Shemekia Copeland on May 23 at 8 p.m. at the SCA as this Grammy-nominated artist belts out her big-voiced blues. Copeland has unerring instincts and the raw vocal power of Koko Taylor or Etta James. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Dave Mason
On May 24 at 8 p.m. experience Grammy-award winner and rock 'n roll hall of famer Dave Mason and his band as they roll into the SCA for an evening of classic rock. Co-founder of Traffic, singer/songwriter/guitarist Mason has played with rock icons including Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, George Harrison, and Fleetwood Mac. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Dee Alexander
On May 25 at 8 p.m. join Dee Alexander at the SCA. Alexander, who was named 2007 Jazz Performer of the Year by the Chicago Tribune, is one of the Windy City's most gifted and respected vocalist/songwriters. Her talents span musical genres from gospel to R&B, blues to neo-soul, but her heart is rooted in jazz. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Folk
Visit Journeyman Café/Rye in Fennville for music on May 9 at 8 p.m. with Laura Bates and Brandon Foote (folk/acoustic/Americana). For more info, visit http://journeymancafe.com/events.htm or call 269-561-2269.

Jazz
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Saturday and Sunday in May. Enjoy the heartfelt show tunes sung by one of Saugatuck's favorites, Michael Holmes, and there's some cool jazz by vocalist Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde. Show times are 7-11 p.m. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com.

Blues/Jazz
Join the hip and groovy folks at Everyday People Café every Friday and Saturday in May from 6:30-10 p.m. to hear some really cool jazz. You'll see the likes of the Eddy Curtis Jazz Duo and Rick Hicks Blues Guitar. For more info visit http://everydaypeoplecafe.com or call 269-857-4240.

Movies
From June 12-15, head to Saugatuck for the coolest event of the year: the Waterfront Film Festival. With close to 60 films (ranging from shorts, documentaries, comedies, and dramas), seminars, and panel discussions with experienced film industry veterans, it promises to be a great event. The annual free flick on June 7 starts with a street party at 7 p.m. on Water Street, followed at dusk with an outdoor screening of a soon-to-be-named film. For more info, call 269-857-8351 or visit http://www.waterfrontfilm.org.

Cooking Class: Chocolate
On May 19 at 7 p.m. Journeyman pastry chef Juliet Michelle will lead you through the basics of chocolate tempering and the handmade production of truffles and chocolate bars. She will be using highest-quality chocolates from Spain and Mexico, and the class is hands on. New Holland Brewing Company's Fred Bueltmann will be on hand to conduct a beer tasting, pairing beer with chocolate. For more info, visit http://journeymancafe.com or call 269-561-2269.

Exhibitions
The award-winning Saugatuck-Douglas Museum will unveil its 2008 exhibition: 13 Moments in Time: The Artist as Storyteller, using artwork (13 paintings) to tell vignettes of the history of Saugatuck. From Carl Mauch, Albert Krehbeil, Elsa Urbricht, and Francis Chapman, to name a few. These representations will give a window into a past era, some long ago and some not so. This exhibit will open to the public on May 23 and will be open daily, noon to 4 p.m., until Labor Day, and on the weekends only in the fall. Admission is free. For more information, call 269-857-7901 or visit http://sdhistoricalsociety.org/.

Exhibition
The Creative Genius of Burr Tillstrom will be on display May 2-June 16 at the SCA, with a collection of images and 3-dimensional works representing the artistry and legacy of this pioneer of television and puppetry arts. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Copper Painting Workshop
Explore the technique of painting on copper plate at the SCA using patinas, copper leaf, and mica. Painting on copper is a process discovery. Various colors react differently to changes in temperature and humidity, always ensuring one-of-a-kind pieces. The workshop will run May 27-29. To register, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Plane Wrecks
The Michigan Shipwreck Research Associates will present its 10th annual Mysteries and Histories Beneath the Inland Seas with five presentations. The first is Piece of a Ship, a mood-setting short feature; second is NUMA revealed by Ralph Wilbanks--a member of Clive Cussler's NUMA team; third is Cutting across Time, 30 years of Great Lakes shipwreck discoveries; fourth is A freshwater Monsoon, The ID of a 19th century schooner off Saugatuck; finally, Gone Missing, West Michigan's most enigmatic lost shipwrecks. This event will take place at the Knickerbocker Theater in downtown Holland on May 3 at 7 p.m. For more info, visit http://www.michiganshipwrecks.org.

Lecture Series
The Artistic Traditions of Great Lakes Native People will be presented on May 15 at 7 p.m. at the SCA by Mike Stafford, director from the Cranbrook Academy Institute of Science. This journey into the artistic visions of the Great Lakes native peoples will incorporate the latest archaeological and anthropological findings. For more info, visit http;//www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

Antiques
The Allegan County Antique Market runs the last Sunday of the month from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Allegan County Fairgrounds. The 400 exhibitors will be there rain or shine--200 indoor and 200 under canopies (the market is always the last Sunday of the month, through September). For more info, call 269-735-3333. And don't forget about the newest antique hot spot in the area, the Blue Star Antique Pavilion at 2948 Blue Star Highway in Douglas.

Honorable Mentions

May 17, Plant Sale-Douglas Garden Club, American Legion Hall, Saugatuck
May 25, Allegan Antique Market, Allegan
May 26, Memorial Day Parade, Saugatuck & Douglas
May 31, Douglas Dutchers Baseball Game, Douglas
June 3, 11, 18,& 25 Music in the Park, Saugatuck
June 3, Film Studies at the Red Barn, A Star is Born
June 7, Marcia Ball, Boogie-Blues, SCA-Saugatuck
June 11, Lecture Series, The Genius of Burr Tillstrom, SCA-Saugatuck
June 12-15, Waterfront Film Festival
June 13, 20 & 27, Saugatuck Green Market
June 14, Saugatuck Arts and Crafts Show
June 21, Douglas Dutchers Baseball Game, Douglas
June 28, Fenn Valley Winery open house
June 29, Allegan Antique Market, Allegan
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Music in the Park, Saugatuck
July 4, 11, 18, & 25 Saugatuck Green Market
July 11, 26, Summer Evening Cookout, Fenn Valley Winery
July 4, Independence Day
July 5, Waterfront Invitational Fine Arts Fair, Saugatuck
July 5, The Capitol Steps, Comedy, SCA-Saugatuck
July 10, Douglas Social
July 10-11, Chamber Music, Saugatuck Womens Club
July 12, Blues in the Vineyard, Fenn Valley Winery
July 13, Douglas Dutchers Baseball Game, Douglas
July 17-18, Chamber Music, Saugatuck Womens Club
July 24, Douglas Social
July 24-25, Chamber Music, Saugatuck Womens Club
July 25, Venetian Weekend
July 27, Allegan Antique Market, Allegan
July 30-Aug 1, Chamber Music, Saugatuck Womens Club
August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Music in the Vineyard, Fenn Valley Winery
August 6, 13, 20, 27, Music in the Park, Saugatuck
August 7, Douglas Social
August 7-8, Chamber Music, Saugatuck Womens Club
August 8, Summer Evening Cookout, Fenn Valley Winery
August 14-15, Chamber Music, Saugatuck Womens Club
August 21, Saugatuck Sidewalk Sale
August 21, Douglas Sidewalk Sale
August 21, Douglas Social
August 24, Taste of Saugatuck
August 29, Labor day Weekend
August 31, Allegan Antique Market, Allegan

Books
Mama-san Carol's book of the month is Brick Lane by Monica Ali. This phenomenally original novel entwines Pakistani traditional beginnings with a gradual transformation into modern, multicultural life in contemporary London. Ali's narrator, Nazneen, holds all of her experiences close at hand and maintains a connection to both worlds, considering fate and observation as her beacons. Brick Lane tells the parallel stories of two sisters: one in London, the other back home in Bangladesh. The story unfolds over the course of 20 or so years. The story alternates between the daily life of Nazneen and letters written by her sister Hasina. Ali's writing is funny, sharp, and deeply moving; and she explores the power of personal choice and the sometimes-suffocating disillusion of immigrant life. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785) or at Treehouse Books in Holland (616-494-5085) or visit http://www.treehousebooks.net.

Melt Your Stress Away
Upon arrival, you'll find a beautiful wine and cheese basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. During your visit, you'll each experience a soothing massage in a style suited just for you and a $30 voucher good toward a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant. Upon your departure (which we're sure you'll want to delay as long as possible before returning to the real world), a gift from us: a compact disc of relaxing music and an illustrated guide to massage. The cost for this R&R is $165 with one massage; $235 with two massages (does not include room rate). To view more specials on our website you can go to http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/sweetheart.html.

Sherwood Forest Staples
We will pamper you to your heart's content with one of our Sweetheart Specials (we now can include Godiva Chocolates), or you can try one of our in-house massages--doesn't get much better than that. And of course, there's our ever-popular Famous Chefs of Saugatuck Gourmet Dinners November through April. You can link to our Sweetheart Specials at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/sweetheart.html

Here's the link for gourmet dinner details and a sample menu:
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/dinners.html.

From the Sherwood Forest Files:

Teresa is a Siren whose knowledge of oatmeal cookies comes from one the oldest bodies of spiritual wisdom and contains the long-hidden keys to the secrets of the universe, as well as the keys to the mysteries of the human heart and soul…love. Her oatmeal cookies have been known to explain the complexities of the universe. We know it's better to give than to receive, but when we received (read: ate) these cookies, we knew we were in the presence of greatness

Teresa's Oatmeal Cookies of Spiritual Wisdom

Ingredients:
2 sticks butter
1-cup brown sugar
One half-cup white sugar
2 eggs
1-teaspoon vanilla
1 and one-half cups flour
1-teaspoon baking soda
1-teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups dried cherries

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat together butter and sugar until creamy; add eggs and vanilla--beat well. Fold in flour, baking soda, and cinnamon--mix well. Stir in oats and cherries--mix well. Drop by tablespoon onto ungreased cookie sheet and bake 10 to 12 minutes.

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

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Sherwood Forest News April 2008

News from the Forest

Mother Nature is welcoming in spring with warmer weather and longer days. We’ve seen wild turkeys strutting through the back woods, along with the return of the robins. It’s beautiful to witness, and it’s a great time of year to stretch your legs, either at the beach or the Saugatuck Dunes State Park. So we hope you can plan a visit soon, and we’ll help you shake off those winter blues.

Sherwood Forest Cottage
Our Cottage is getting booked up for the summer, here’s what we have left: May 31-June 6, June 7-13, July 19-25, July 26-August 1, August 16-22, and August 23-29. It goes for $1200 for the week and sleeps up to 5 people, has a full kitchen, washer/dryer, pool privileges, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the public beach. And of course, there is still nightly availability for the spring and fall. For more information, you can visit the cottage website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html

April Massage Special
Enjoy a soothing massage in the comfort of your own room in a style suited just for you (cost of 1 night stay and 2 massages ranges from $235-$300). We also offer romantic wine and cheese baskets and delicious chocolate lovers packages. Offer good Sunday-Thursday, April 2008.

Private Golf Lessons
Now that spring is here it’s time to dust off those golf clubs and hit the links. We’ve teamed up with the Ravines Golf Club, an Arnold Palmer Signature Championship Golf Course with some awesome PGA professionals, to offer golf lessons for one or two persons. You’ll get a 1-night stay at Sherwood Forest and a 30- to 45-minute golf lesson with a guaranteed lesson time at the Ravines Golf Club. We have lots of different packages, so for more info and prices, check out http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/golf.html

Gift Certificates
Give the most amazing gift on the planet. Imagine receiving a gift certificate from Sherwood Forest B&B! After the recipient jumps up and down and hugs that special someone, he or she will rush to the phone to book a room at Sherwood Forest (just gotta have that fireplace/Jacuzzi suite). Call 800-838-1246, or visit our gift certificate page at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/giftcert.htm

Here’s what’s happening in and around the area:

WINE DINNERS

Join the folks at Everyday People Café for their wine dinner on April 15 at 6:30 p.m. It’s across the Atlantic with rebel Tour de France dinner: 6 courses will be paired up with some wines from the land that paired wine with love and attitude. Culinary and vine elucidations guaranteed to please your senses. For more info, visit http://everydaypeoplecafe.com or call 269-857-4240.

On April 26, The Fenn Valley Winery, a local vineyard, will host a culinary excursion to a foreign land. This year Christine Ferris will help them explore the mysterious Southeast Asian country of Thailand that will be paired up with some awesome wines from Fenn Valley. Reservations are required. For more info, call 269-561-2396 or visit http://www.fennvalley.com

MUSIC

Visit Journeyman Café/Rye in Fennville for music. April 4: Bill & Jessie Freshwater, Celtic; April 11: Luke Winslow-King, delta blues; April 18: Jocelyn Scofield, jazz/folk; April 25: Who Hit John, bluegrass. All shows begin at 8 p.m. For more info visit http://journeymancafe.com/events.htm or call 269-561-2269.

Folk/Blues
On April 12 at 8 p.m. at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts don’t miss folk/rock/blues singer-songwriter Venitia Sekema accompanied by Mark Albers on stand up bass and Danny Dine on guitar. Sekema has been winning over audiences around the Midwest with her straightforward, sometimes funny, always emotionally moving lyrics. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org

Sirens
The Chenille Sisters will be performing on April 19 at 8 p.m. at the SCA. What these three women have in common are heavenly voices, a lot of witty wisdom, and a passion for connecting with their audiences. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org

Jazz/Blues
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Saturday, Sunday, and Mondays (with Wally Michaels on piano, Jeff Beavan on bass, and Jack Wilkin on the drums). Enjoy the heartfelt show tunes sung by one of Saugatuck’s favorites, Michael Holmes, and there’s some cool jazz by vocalist Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde. Show times are 7-11 p.m. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com

Blues/Jazz
Join the hip and groovy folks at Everyday People Café every Friday and Saturday in April from 6:30-10 p.m. to hear some really cool jazz. You’ll see the likes of the Eddy Curtis Jazz Duo and Rick Hicks Blues Guitar. For more info visit http://everydaypeoplecafe.com or call 269-857-4240.

ART

The Water Street Gallery and Amazwi Contemporary Art invite you to come and play Art Dart. When: April 19, 6-8 pm; How: Purchase a dart ($250) then throw your dart to receive a number and at 7 p.m., the fun begins. When you hear your number called, grab your favorite piece of art from the gallery wall. Water Street Gallery is on Center St., downtown Douglas. For more info, call 269-857-8485 or visit http://www.waterstreetgallery.com

Good Goods in downtown Saugatuck has just taken a new shipment of Stick Plaques for their Sticks Object Art and Furniture collection, which is handcrafted in the U.S. Sticks has received national acclaim for their distinctive line of furniture, accessories, and sculptural art. For more info, visit http://www.goodgoods.com or call 888-857-6501.

Constance Petter Gallery will exhibit Michael Maitner's newest additions of whimsical and surreal oil landscapes influenced by Benton, Wood, and Hopper. Located on 161 Blue Star Highway in Douglas. Call 269.857.7861 or visit http://www.constancepettergallery.com

ThirdStone Gallery's April feature is Equinoxica-Non-Toxica, a group show to greet the spring season. Featuring new works from Tom DePree, Susan Mulder, Kathy Arredondo, and several other ThirdStone regulars. The show will also welcome painter Sarah Hurley and new digital works by Mary Hatch. ThirdStone is at 120 E. Main St., downtown Fennville. For more info, visit http://www.thirdstoneartgallery.com or call 269-561-8149.

Film Studies
On the first and third Tuesdays in April at The Red Barn Playhouse, Bill Henderson will host a film series: the first is The Loved One a comedy by Tony Richardson on April 15; then Fantasia by Walt Disney on April 29. There will be brief comments before each film and audience discussion afterward. For more info, call 269-857-5300.

A Passion for Furniture Design
On April 17 at 7 p.m. at the SCA, Joseph Jeup, a Kendall College Art and Design graduate and one of the nation’s hottest designers shares his passion for designing and manufacturing and talks about how Michigan’s historic furniture design industry stacks up against its global competitors. For more info, visit http://www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

EXHIBITIONS

Polyester: American Fashion of the 1960s & 1970s will be at the Holland Museum through May. This exhibition of festive-occasion to everyday clothing from the museum's collection spans several decades of American fashion with particular attention paid to the rise in use of synthetic textiles and psychedelic design of the 1960s and ‘70s. The Herman Miller Foundation sponsors the exhibit. For more info, visit http://www.hollandmuseum.org/ or call 888-200-9123.

An exhibition partnership with the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society and Museum features a collection of historic signage from the Saugatuck-Douglas area, including the Saugatuck Chain Ferry, Mt. Baldhead Hotel, architect Carl Hoerman, and more. This exhibition reveals both the changing nature of sign design through the decades and the evolution of the Saugatuck-Douglas community. The exhibit is up at the SCA now through April 28. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org


Visiting Writers
Next in the line-up for the Hope College Visiting Writers Series on April 16 at 7 p.m. at the Knickerbocker Theater in downtown Holland is fiction writer Karen Joy Fowler, who is the author of several novels and short-story collections, including The Jane Austen Book Club, a novel widely popular with readers and critics alike. Fowler's earlier work is well known to fans of literary science fiction and fantasy, and she has won many awards, including a Nebula Award from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. The author will read from selected works. For more info, call 616-395-7403 or visit http://www.hope.edu/vws/

Antiques
The Allegan County Antique Market will start up the last Sunday in April from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Allegan County Fairgrounds. The 400 exhibitors will be there rain or shine--200 indoor and 200 under canopies (the market is always the last Sunday of the month, April through September). For more info, call 269-735-3333. And don't forget about the antique hot spot in the area, the Blue Star Antique Pavilion at 2948 Blue Star Highway in Douglas.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

April 12, Saugatuck, Town Crier 5K and 10K
April 13, Herrick Library Concert Series, Hammers & Horns, Horn/Fortepiano 3:00p.m.
April 10-12, 17-20, 24-26 You Can’t Get There from Here, Holland Civic Theater
May 2-4, Blue Coast Artist opening Weekend
May 3, Downtown Douglas Spring Preview
May 3, Rusty Evens, A Tribute to Johnny Cash, SCA-Saugatuck
May 3-10, Tulip Time Festival, Holland
May 15, Lecture Series, Artistic Traditions of Great Lakes Native People, SCA-Saugatuck
May 17, Colin Hay (80’s band-Men at Work), SCA-Saugatuck
May 23, Shemekia Copeland, Blues, SCA-Saugatuck
May 24, Dave Mason, (Traffic-Rock n Roll Hall of Famer), SCA-Saugatuck
May 25, Dee Alexander, Jazz, SCA-Saugatuck
May 25, Allegan Antique Market, Allegan
May 26, Memorial Day Parade, Saugatuck & Douglas
June 3, 11, 18,& 25 Music in the Park, Saugatuck
June 7, Marcia Ball, Boogie-Blues, SCA-Saugatuck
June 11, Lecture Series, The Genius of Burr
Tillstrom, SCA-Saugatuck
June 12-15, Waterfront Film Festival
June 13, 20 & 27, Saugatuck Green Market
June 14, Saugatuck Arts and Crafts Show
June 27, Fenn Valley Winery open house
July 4, Independence Day
July 5, The Capitol Steps, Comedy, SCA-Saugatuck

Books
Sue’s book of the month is The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: A Memoir of Life in Death by Jean-Dominique Bauby. It’s 1995, Bauby was the editor-in-chief of the French magazine Elle, the father of two young children, a 44-year-old man known and loved for his wit, style, and impassioned approach to life. By the end of the year he was also the victim of a rare kind of stroke to the brainstem. After 20 days in a coma, Bauby awoke into a body which had all but stopped working: only his left eye functioned, allowing him to see and, by blinking it, to make clear that his mind was unimpaired. Almost miraculously, he was soon able to express himself in the richest detail: dictating a word at a time, blinking to select each letter as the alphabet was recited to him slowly, over and over again. By turns wistful, mischievous, angry, and witty, Bauby bears witness to his determination to live as fully in his mind as he had been able to do in his body. Again and again he returns to an inexhaustible reservoir of sensations, keeping in touch with himself and the life around him. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785) or at Treehouse Books in Holland (616-494-5085) or visit http://www.treehousebooks.net

Sherwood Forest Staples
We will pamper you to your heart's content with one of our Sweetheart Specials (we now can include Godiva Chocolates), or you can try one of our in-house massages--doesn't get much better than that. And of course, there's our ever-popular Famous Chefs of Saugatuck Gourmet Dinners November through April. You can link to our Sweetheart Specials at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/sweetheart.html

Here's the link for gourmet dinner details and a sample menu:
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/dinners.html.

From the Sherwood Forest Files:
Another amazing recipe from Tranquility Carol, the wispy siren who sings the songs of the deep woods. She liberates the soul with subtle touches and tastes and brings us this springtime recipe just as the days are warming up. This soup has a wonderful, jovial flavor, and when you add the cilantro, you’re in heaven.

Tranquility Carol’s Southwestern Soup

Ingredients:
Olive oil
1-cup onion, diced
Two-thirds cup chopped green bell pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
1 pound pork tenderloin or chicken, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups less-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
One-half teaspoon salt
One-quarter teaspoon black pepper
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup diced avocado
Sour cream and tortilla chips

Preparation:
Heat a small nonstick Dutch oven over medium-heat. Coat pan with olive oil. Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeño to pan; sauté for 2 minutes. Add pork; cook 3 minutes. Add broth and next 6 ingredients (through tomatoes); bring to a boil. Partially cover, reduce heat, and simmer 6 minutes or until pork is done, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, and stir in cilantro. Serve with avocado and sour cream. Yield: 4 servings.

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

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Sherwood Forest News March 2008

March is here and Mother Nature has thrown in some great snow days for cross-country skiing, sitting around a fire, or curling up with a good book. We've got lots a wonderful things for you to enjoy in our neck of the woods, so give us a call and we can hook you up with some great dining, massages, shopping, hiking, antiquing, star gazing, or even a sunset or two.

March Dinner Special
Enjoy dinner for two on us! We've teamed up with Chequers in Saugatuck, a British-style pub offering English favorites, such as their famous Fish and Chips and Shepherd's Pie. Here's our gift to you: stay 1 night Sunday through Thursday or 2 nights on a weekend in March and we'll buy you dinner at Chequers (includes 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, 1 dessert, and soft drinks; excludes filet entrée, alcohol, and gratuity). Offer good March 2008.

Relax and Rejuvenate Massage Special
Take advantage of our March special: you can each enjoy a soothing massage in the comfort of your own room in a style suited just for you (cost of 1-night stay and 2 massages ranges from $225-$295). Offer good Sunday-Thursday March 2008. Give us a call for more info (800-838-1246).

Sherwood Forest Cottage (Pet Friendly)
Looking for a quiet, relaxing place to stay? Our Cottage is perfect for that tranquil getaway or for spending time with friends or family. It sleeps up to 4 people, has a full kitchen, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the public beach, and it's pet friendly. We rent it on a weekly basis in the summer, so give us a call and we can let you know what we have available. For more info, visit http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html.

Gift Certificates
Give the most amazing gift on the planet. Imagine receiving a gift certificate from Sherwood Forest B&B! After the recipient jumps up and down and hugs that special someone, he or she will rush to the phone to book a room at Sherwood Forest (just gotta have that fireplace/Jacuzzi suite). Call 800-838-1246, or visit our gift certificate page at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/giftcert.html.

Sherwood Forest Gourmet Dinners
Now's the time to gather up that group of friends or family and plan a visit to Sherwood Forest B&B for one of our awesome Gourmet Dinners. Now through April, let us wine and dine you. Book the entire B&B for 2 days or more, and we'll have such a feast catered, your taste palates won't allow any leftovers. We've cornered the market on the best chefs Saugatuck and Douglas have to offer, including Chris Ferris, gourmet cheffette who can cook a Spanish paella like you've never tasted before; Tony & Dona Amato, the creative chefs behind one of Saugatuck's favorite lunch spots, The Red Dock Café; Keaton Stearns, chef extraordinaire of The Piper Restaurant; and Matt Balmer, head chef of one our favorite restaurants, The Everyday People Cafe. These epicurean wizards of gastronomic delights will amaze you in what will be your own private dining room, and you'll have the time of your lives. Here are the details: dinner is $45 per person, guests must provide their own alcohol, and a 2-night minimum stay is required (deposit is nonrefundable if cancellation is made within 30 days of the date). You pick the date (November through April) and we'll pick the chef. Bring your appetite and whatever you need to wet your whistle, sit down, and dinner is served. To book a gourmet dinner, call us at 800-838-1246. You can see some of our past gourmet dinner menus at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/g-menu-sample.html

Here's what's happening in and around the area:

St. Patrick's Day
There's a whole lot of green happening on March 15 in Saugatuck and Douglas. Did he really chase all the snakes out of Ireland and teach the Trinity using a shamrock? You'll have to debate this one for yourself over a green pint or two. Here's the line up for all you leprechaun lovers: area restaurants will be serving up corned beef and cabbage, Irish Stew, and fabulous desserts such as Bailey's Irish Cream Cheesecake, and don't miss the St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown Saugatuck at 2 p.m. Immediately following the parade there will be a St. Patty's Day Party at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts with Irish music and Celtic dancing. For more info, call 269-857-1701 or visit http://www.saugatuck.com. There will also be an Irish Pub Party at Coral Gables in Saugatuck from 6-9 p.m. and proceeds will benefit the Saugatuck/Douglas Historical Society.

Wine

The Fenn Valley Winery, a local vineyard, will host a pre-release barrel tasting on March 8-9 and 15-16. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the new wines and taste them before they are bottled. Reservations are required, no charge. For more info, call 269-561-2396 or visit http://www.fennvalley.com.

Join the folks at Everyday People Café for their wine dinner on March 18 at 6:30 p.m. It's South of the Equator from Argentina and 6 awesome courses will be paired up with some fantastic wines from the lands way down south. Culinary and vine elucidations guaranteed to please your senses. For more info, visit http://everydaypeoplecafe.com or call 269-857-4240.

Music

Classical
On March 2 at 2 p.m. at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts the Sky Hempy Keyboard Performance Series will feature Israeli pianist Aviram Reichert, who won the Bronze Medal at the 10th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1997. Known for Schubert, Liszt, and Beethoven, he has appeared with the Spokane and Yakima Orchestras, the Chicago Sinfonietta, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, and the Music in the Mountains Festival Orchestra. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Jazz
On March 9 at 2 p.m. the SCA Sky Hempy Keyboard Performance Series will feature Jean Prosper, originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, who received classical piano training at Canada's Royal Conservatory Program followed by study at Indiana University. A true jazz artist, his music is rich and soulful with color and rhythm reflecting his international background and experience. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Jazz
On March 15, listen to Mike Allemana and Gingi Lahera. The half-Cuban Lahera is one of the top performers on the Chicago music scene, with her repertoire ranging from classic American jazz and swing standards to Brazilian tunes sung in traditional Portuguese. Allemana has performed with some of Chicago's most renowned jazz artists, including organ great Charles Earland and tenor saxophonists Ron Dewar and Lin Halliday. The concert is in the performance studio at the SCA at 8 p.m. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Jazz
On March 29, listen to the Hay, Cooper and Van Lente Trio featuring Jim Cooper on vibraphone, Dave Hay on bass, and Michael Van Lente on drums. This trio of seasoned artists will perform music from Cooper's latest CD, Itching to Groove, along with standards by Thelonious Monk, Cedar Walton, Horace Silver, and more. The concert is in the performance center at the SCA at 8 p.m. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Interactive Jazz
Clinic Let veteran musicians Cooper, Hay, and Van Lente give you the opportunity to experience up close the vibraphone, keyboard, drums, and bass. This interactive clinic is designed for seasoned musicians and beginners interested in learning more about these key jazz instruments from professional artists on March 29 from 5-6 p.m. at the SCA. For more info, visit http://www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

Jazz/Blues
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Saturday, Sunday, and Mondays (with Wally Michaels on piano, Jeff Beavan on bass, and Jack Wilkin on the drums). Enjoy the heartfelt show tunes sung by one of Saugatuck's favorites, Michael Holmes, and there's some cool jazz by vocalist Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde. Show times are 7-11 p.m. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com.

Blues/Jazz
Join the hip and groovy folks at Everyday People Café every Friday and Saturday in March from 6:30-10:00 p.m. to hear some really cool jazz. You'll see the likes of the Eddy Curtis Jazz Duo and Rick Hicks Blues Guitar. For more info visit http://everydaypeoplecafe.com or call 269-857-4240.

Art

On February 29 from 5-8 p.m., the Nines Gallery in Holland will host An Uncommon Year, an art opening to celebrate the new paintings and drawings of Holland native Amy Reckley, who is an abstractionist with an expressionistic flair. Her new collection of artwork features a return to working on large format paper, which includes a series of collaborative pieces she composed with sculptor Keith Jentzsch. She will also be unveiling a new series of mixed media creations composed on three sheets of layered mylar, which gives a diffused look to her strong sense of line. All of the new pieces in this show contain elements of collage, which the ardent fan will recognize among many other signature elements of Reckley's style. The show will be up through March. The Nines Gallery and Framing Studio is at 17 W. 10th St., Downtown Holland. For more info, visit http://www.theninesgallery.com or call 616-392-4370.

The Water Street Gallery exhibition will be Art Down Under, original works of art by printmaking artists from New Zealand. Studies from Studios will be on display now through April 13 and will feature artists Saskia Van Voon, Tracey Williams, Katherine Moyles, Annie Aandano, Alex Milsom, Anna Tse, and Alexandria Lau. Water Street Gallery is now located on Center St., downtown Douglas. For more info, call 269-857-8485 or visit http://www.waterstreetgallery.com.

Good Goods in downtown Saugatuck is proud to offer Sticks Object Art and Furniture, which is handcrafted in the U.S. Sticks has received national acclaim for their distinctive line of furniture, accessories, and sculptural art. The company began by designing smaller item such as ornaments and candlesticks and has evolved to feature larger items such as tables, beds, and armoires. For more info, visit http://www.goodgoods.com or call 888-857-6501.

Film Studies
On the first and third Tuesdays in March and April at The Red Barn Playhouse Bill Henderson will host a film series: the fist is Big Business by Jim Abrahams on March 4; then Waiting for Guffman by Christopher Guest on March 18; and Dr. Strangelove by Stanley Kubrick on April 1. There will be brief comments before each film and audience discussion afterward. For more info, call 269-857-5300.

Art Classes
Open figure studio provides an independent study forum for the maintenance and development of artistic skills and allows for uninhibited experimentation essential for creative development in all media. Draw, paint, or sculpt in clay the nude and costumed figure in this 2.5-hour open studio session for all levels of artists. Participants should bring their own supplies. The model's pose lengths can be arranged according to the classes' preference. This is not an instructed course. Classes will be held at the SCA on Thursdays from March 6-27 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For more info, visit http://www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

Green Design
On March 20 at 7 p.m. at the SCA, Levi Gardener, sustainable director of the Grand Rapids firm Integrated Architecture, will discuss the development and evolution of the green design movement and how we as individuals can advocate for social and environmental change through design. For more info you can visit their website at http://www.sc4a.org or to register, call the SCA at 269-857-2399

Museum Exhibition--Sosaku Hanga, The Modern Japanese Print
For many, the term Japanese print conjures up detailed images of Japanese geishas, kimonos, and vast land- and waterscapes. These images come from the ukiyo-e (floating world) print movement that was the central art genre in Japan from the 17th to the 20th century. With Japan's opening to the outside world in 1853, Japanese artists began looking to Western art, and slowly transitioned to a new art form. The 1950s proved to be the dramatic turning point in the development of Japanese artists and their art, and from it came the sosaku hanga (creative print) movement. On exhibition at the Holland Museum through April 6 are 39 prints, representing some of Japan's most renowned sosaku hanga artists. For more info, visit http://www.hollandmuseum.org/ or call 888-200-9123

Exhibition--Signs of the Times
An exhibition partnership with the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society and Museum features a collection of historic signage from the Saugatuck-Douglas area, including the Saugatuck Chain Ferry, Mt. Baldhead Hotel, architect Carl Hoerman, and more. This exhibition reveals both the changing nature of sign design through the decades and the evolution of the Saugatuck-Douglas community. The exhibit is up at the SCA now through April 28. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Theater
On March 27-28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland, enjoy the play Journey into the Whirlwind with Rebecca Schull. In 1937 journalist Eugenia Ginzburg is at home with her husband and children when she is summoned to an interrogation by the secret police. This is her journey into the whirlwind--one of the millions of victims of Stalin's purge of the Communist Party. Ginzburg spent over 20 years in prison, ultimately recording her experience in two books. Schull has transformed these works into a powerful script and her performance never solicits sympathy, but secures it with a delicate and powerful portrayal that is quiet to the core. Schull makes us live Ginzburg's trauma by osmosis. For more info, call 616-395-7890 or visit http://www.hope.edu/arts/gps.

Visiting Writers
Poet Mark Yakich and fiction writer Tony D'Souza are the next in the line-up for the Hope College Visiting Writers Series on March 11 at 7 p.m. at the Knickerbocker Theater in Downtown Holland. Yakich's debut book of poems, Unrelated Individuals Forming a Group Waiting to Cross, was a winner of the 2003 National Poetry Series, and is full of journeys, crossings, and departures--all evocative of the loneliness, alienation, and desire for identity with another. D'Souza's critically acclaimed debut novel, Whiteman, won both the Sue Kaufman Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the 2007 GLCA New Writers Award for Fiction. Whiteman episodically tells the story of a young American relief worker living in a Muslim Ivory Coast village. Each tale nestled in the novel has an intoxicating, fireside charm. Both authors will read from selected works. For more info, call 616-395-7403 or visit http://www.hope.edu/vws/.

Honorable Mentions

April 12, Saugatuck, Town Crier 5K and 10K
April 13, Herrick Library Concert Series, Hammers & Horns, Horn/Fortepiano 3:00p.m.
April 15, The Loved One, Red Barn Film Series
April 10-12, 17-20, 24-26 You Can't Get There from Here, Holland Civic Theater
April 16, Visiting Writers Series, Karen Joy Fowler, Fiction, Knickerbocker, 7 p.m.
April 27, Allegan Antique Market, Allegan
April 29, Fantasia, Red Barn Film Series
May 2-4, Blue Coast Artist opening Weekend
May 3, Downtown Douglas Spring Preview
May 3-10, Tulip Time Festival, Holland
May 25, Allegan Antique Market, Allegan
May 26, Memorial Day Parade, Saugatuck & Douglas
June 3, 11, 18,& 25 Music in the Park, Saugatuck
June 12-15, Waterfront Film Festival
June 13, 20 & 27, Saugatuck Green Market
June 14, Saugatuck Arts and Crafts Show
June 27, Fenn Valley Winery open house

Books
M & M's (Mom & Michelle's) book of the month is Atonement by Ian McEwan. This haunting novel is McEwan at his finest. It is in effect two, or even three, books in one, all masterfully crafted. The first part ushers us into a domestic crisis that becomes a crime story centered around an event that changes the lives of half a dozen people in an upper-middle-class country home on a hot English summer's day in 1935. Young Briony Tallis, a hyperimaginative 13-year-old who sees her older sister, Cecilia, mysteriously involved with their neighbor Robbie Turner, a fellow Cambridge student subsidized by the Tallis family, points a finger at Robbie when her young cousin is assaulted in the grounds that night; on her testimony alone, Robbie is jailed. The second part of the book moves forward five years to focus on Robbie, now freed and part of the British Army that was cornered and eventually evacuated by a fleet of small boats at Dunkirk during the early days of WWII. This is an astonishingly imagined fresco that bares the full anguish of what Britain in later years came to see as a kind of victory. In the third part, Briony becomes a nurse amid wonderfully observed scenes of London as the nation mobilizes. No, she doesn't have Robbie as a patient, but she begins to come to terms with what she has done and offers to make amends to him and Cecilia, now together as lovers. In an ironic epilogue that is yet another coup de the tre, McEwan offers Briony as an elderly novelist today, revisiting her past in fact and fancy and contributing a moving windup to the sustained flight of a deeply novelistic imagination. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785) or at Treehouse Books in Holland (616-494-5085) or visit http://www.treehousebooks.net.

Sherwood Forest Staples
We will pamper you to your heart's content with one of our Sweetheart Specials (we now can include Godiva Chocolates), or you can try one of our in-house massages--doesn't get much better than that. And of course, there's our ever-popular Famous Chefs of Saugatuck Gourmet Dinners November through April. You can link to our Sweetheart Specials at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/sweetheart.html. Here's the link for gourmet dinner details and a sample menu: http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/dinners.html.

From the Sherwood Forest Files:

Erin's Temptress Organic Turkey Chili

A world traveler and a culinary temptress who has trekked all over the planet, from Hibernia to Malaysia, Morocco to Saipan, Erin has brought us her version of turkey chili. We think she concocted it from when she was in the northern reaches of the Macgillycuddy's Mountains in the Iveragh Peninsula, when one has a wee bit of time on their hands with nothing else to do but hike with and cook for leprechauns. This recipe is for a slow cooker, but you can also cook it on the stovetop.

Ingredients:

2 pounds organic (if you can get it) ground turkey
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cups sweet onions, chopped
1-tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
one-quarter cup chili powder
1-teaspoon ground cumin
1-teaspoon allspice
1-teaspoon ground cinnamon
1-teaspoon ground coriander
1-tablespoon oregano
ground black pepper to taste
one-quarter cup honey
2 cans (14 ounces each) organic diced tomatoes
one-half cup organic chicken stock
1-teaspoon hot sauce (or more to taste)
2-tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 bay leaves
one-half teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation:

Heat olive oil in a large pan and add turkey; cook over medium heat until brown or white. Transfer turkey to the slow cooker pot, then in the same pan, add the onion and garlic and cook over low flame until opaque and softened. Add spices and continue cooking until it aromatically reaches your senses, then add to the slow cooker pot. Stir in honey, tomatoes, chicken stock, wine vinegar, hot sauce, and bay leaves, add the salt, then cover and cook for about 6 hours on the low setting or on low heat. Enjoy with the leprechauns!

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Hope to see you soon!

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Sherwood Forest B&B February 2008 Newsletter

News from the Forest

Happy Valentine's Day to all! We've just returned from an amazing adventure deep in South America. We trekked the far reaches of southern Argentina to the fabled land of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. We walked through mystical forests covered with Spanish moss, wildflower meadows along babbling brooks cascading down hillsides, through fossil-covered shale hillsides to some of the best vistas the world has to offer. We walked along the Beagle Channel where Darwin did some of his naturalist and evolution studies, and along the southern Andes mountains, a magical place. It was a great getaway. So on our return the landscape looked a little different here with 3 feet of snow! It's a great time to curl up with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa, or sled or cross-country ski. And don't forget, it's also a great time to do some sale shopping at some of the most unique shops in the Midwest.

Valentine's Offer
Stay one night (or more!) in any of our beautiful rooms Sunday through Thursday in February and receive a beautiful red rose and a bottle of Michigan champagne for you and your loved one to enjoy.

Sherwood Forest Gourmet Dinners
Now's the time to gather up that group of friends or family and plan a visit to Sherwood Forest B&B for one of our awesome Gourmet Dinners. From now through April, let us wine and dine you. Book the entire B&B for 2 nights or more and we'll have such a feast catered, your taste palates won't allow any leftovers. We've cornered the market on the best chefs Saugatuck and Douglas have to offer. These epicurean wizards of gastronomic delights will amaze you in what will be your own private dining room, and you'll have the time of your life. Here are the details: dinner is $50 per person, guests provide their own alcohol, and a 2-night minimum stay is required. You pick the date November through April and we'll pick the chef. Bring your appetite and whatever you need to wet your whistle, sit down, and dinner is served. Black out dates are New Year's Eve and Valentine's weekend. To book a gourmet dinner, call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246. You can see some of our past gourmet dinner menus at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/g-menu-sample.html.

Melt Your Stress Away Package
Upon your arrival, you'll find a beautiful wine and cheese basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. During your visit you'll each experience a soothing massage in a style suited just for you and a $30 voucher good toward a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant. Upon your departure (which we're sure you'll want to delay as long as possible before returning to the real world), a gift from us: a compact disc of relaxing music and an illustrated guide to massage. Price: $235 (does not include room rate). If you wish to have this awaiting your arrival, give us a call at 800-838-1246.

Sherwood Forest Cottage (Pet Friendly)
Looking for a quiet, relaxing place to stay? Our Cottage is perfect for that tranquil getaway or for spending time with friends or family. It sleeps up to 4 people, has a full kitchen, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the public beach, and it's pet friendly. For more info, visit http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html.

Gift Certificates
Give the most amazing gift on the planet. Imagine receiving a gift certificate from Sherwood Forest B&B! After the recipient jumps up and down and hugs that special someone, he or she will rush to the phone to book a room at Sherwood Forest (just gotta have that fireplace/Jacuzzi suite). Call 800-838-1246, or visit our gift certificate page at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/giftcert.html.

Here's what's happening in and around the area:

Fat Tuesday
On February 5 join in the Mardi Gras Parade at 7 p.m. This New Orleans-style parade will meander through downtown Douglas and end at a local restaurants and bars for prizes and dancing. For more info, call 269-857-1438.

Art Gallery Stroll
The Saugatuck/Douglas art galleries have gotten together for a winter gallery stroll event over the weekend of February 16-17. Meander to the different galleries, sample hors d'oeuvres, and sip libations while viewing some of the finest artwork anywhere. From contemporary to traditional, metal sculpture to wood working, there is something for everyone.

Art
The Nines Gallery in Holland will have a sampling of Givable Art by each of their artists. The prices are in the thoughtful gift range and there will be something for everyone: still life, landscapes, abstracts, pottery, and photography. They also have several artists who do portrait work in a variety of styles. For more info, visit http://www.theninesgallery.com or call 616-392-4370.

The Water Street Gallery exhibition will be Art Down Under, original works of art by printmaking artists from New Zealand. Studies from Studios will be on display from February 16 until April 13 and will feature artists Saskia Van Voon, Tracey Williams, Katherine Moyles, Annie Aandano, Alex Milsom, Anna Tse, and Alexandria Lau. Water Street Gallery is now located on Center St., downtown Douglas. For more info, call 269-857-8485 or visit http://www.waterstreetgallery.com.

Good Goods in downtown Saugatuck is proud to offer Sticks Object Art and Furniture, which is handcrafted the U.S., and they also carry artist-made jewelry, glass, ceramics, painting, sculpture, wearable art, designer clothing, handbags, and accessories. For more info, visit http://www.goodgoods.com or call 888-857-6501.

Las Vegas Night
There will be live music, dancing, drinks, food, a silent auction, and more than 20 Black Jack, roulette, and dice games on February 16 from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. at Coral Gables in Saugatuck. All proceeds will benefit the Community Recreation Department (must be 21 or older to participate). For more info, call 269-857-1389.

Music

Jazz
Join jazz vocalist Rachael Price and her quartet on February 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland. This young vocalist has won over critics and fans alike with her mature rendition of some of the great jazz classics. Discovered by multi-Grammy nominee Nnenna Freelon, Price has since performed to standing ovations at many jazz festivals, including the Newport Jazz Festival. For more info call 616-395-7890 or visit http://www.hope.edu/arts.

Classical
Next in the line up for the Great Performance Series on February 22 is the Harlem Quartet, who are all First Place Laureates of the prestigious Sphinx Competition for young black and Latino string players. The ensemble's mission is to engage young and new audiences and to advance diversity in classical music. They've played Carnegie Hall to rave reviews from The New York Times and the legendary Apollo Theatre. Their performance will include works ranging from Mozart to Wynston Marsalis. The performance is at 7:30 p.m. in Dimnent Chapel in Holland. For more info, call 616-395-7890 or visit http://www.hope.edu/arts/gps/

Classical
On February 17 head to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts for the the Sky Hempy Keyboard Performance Series featuring Louis Nagel, a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music, who has been performing for more than 50 years. Imagine hearing such favorites as the joyful Italian concerto of J.S. Bach, a bubbly Haydn or Mozart Sonata, a dreamy Chopin Nocturne, or the incandescent brilliance of a Liszt Rhapsody. The concert will be at 2 p.m. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org

Jazz/Blues
Grammy award winner Peter "Madcat" Ruth, Shari Kane, and Mark Schrock join forces on February 9 to form a high-energy trio featuring harmonica, guitar, mandolin, violin, and more. The group dishes up a toe-tapping musical gumbo, blurring the lines between electric and acoustic, delta and Chicago, jump blues, folk blues, and jazz. The concert is in the performance center at the SCA at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org

Folk/Rock
On February 23, listen to David Molinari's rich voice and skilled playing combined with his band's eclectic and proficient instrumentation. Drawing on early country, folk, rock, roots, and jazz influences, Molinari writes in the Americana style, similar to many of today's best singer-songwriters. The concert is in the performance studio at the SCA at 8 p.m. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org

Blues/Boogie Woogie
On February 24 will be the SCA Sky Hempy Keyboard Performance Series featuring Matthew Ball, who is one of Detroit's finest blues and boogie-woogie pianists. The only pupil of the legendary Bob Seeley, a hall-of-famer and direct disciple of boogie's originator, Meade "Lux" Lewis, Ball is part of a legacy that traces back to the earliest roots of these uniquely American art forms. The concert will be at 2 p.m. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org

Jazz/Blues
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Saturday, Sunday, and Mondays (with Wally Michaels on piano, Jeff Beavan on bass, and Jack Wilkin on the drums) and Wednesdays through February. Enjoy the heartfelt show tunes sung by one of Saugatuck's favorites, Michael Holmes, and there's some cool jazz by vocalist Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde. Show times are 7-11 p.m. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com

Blues/Jazz
Join the hip and groovy folks at Everyday People Café every Friday and Saturday in February from 6:30-10:00 p.m. to hear some really cool jazz. You'll see the likes of the Eddy Curtis Jazz Duo and Rick Hicks Blues Guitar. For more info visit http://everydaypeoplecafe.com or call 269-857-4240.

Hope College Visiting Writers
Next in the line up on February 15 is fiction writer Lewis Nordon and essayist David Griffith. Nordon, who is author of 15 novels, 3 short story collections, and 1 volume of poetry, is well known and much admired for his searing wit and lyrical prose. His most recent book, Wounded, is a haunting depiction of intolerance and redemption. He is most famous for his 2001 satirical novel, Erasure, which takes aim at black cultural stereotypes. Griffith has an MFA in creative writing from the University of Pittsburgh, where he was taught and mentored by Nordan. Griffith is the author of A Good War is Hard to Find, a collection of essays in which, according to Dead Man Walking author Sister Helen Prejean, he offers gripping personal testimony to the difficulties of living out the Christian imperatives of love and forgiveness amid a culture that legitimizes government violence as the only "real" way to establish social order. They will be reading from selected works at the Knickerbocker Theatre, downtown Holland at 7 p.m. For more info, call 616-395-7000 or visit http://www.hope.edu/vws/

Museum Exhibition--Sosaku Hanga, The Modern Japanese Print
For many, the term Japanese print conjures up detailed images of Japanese geishas, kimonos, and vast land- and waterscapes. These images come from the ukiyo-e (floating world) print movement that was the central art genre in Japan from the 17th to the 20th century. With Japan's opening to the outside world in 1853, Japanese artists began looking to Western art, and slowly transitioned to a new art form. The 1950s proved to be the dramatic turning point in the development of Japanese artists and their art, and from it came the sosaku hanga (creative print) movement. On exhibition at the Holland Museum through April 6 are 39 prints, representing some of Japan's most renowned sosaku hanga artists. For more info, visit http://www.hollandmuseum.org/ or call 888-200-9123

Exhibition--Holland Industrial Design Designing Everyday Necessities (HIDDEN)
The Holland area has a rich design history with renowned designers like Eames, Nelson, Loewy, Dreyfuss, Earl, Rohde, and Stumpf, who have all had a connection to West Michigan. They started a tradition of designing products for internationally recognized companies like General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Chris-Craft, Herman Miller, Haworth, Steelcase, Whirlpool, Brunswick, and Sears, which continues today. It's possible that the interior of the mini-van you drive was designed by the person who coaches your kid's soccer team; the chair you sit in may have been designed by someone you see shopping at the local grocery store; laundry day could be more enjoyable because of the work of the person sitting next to you at Starbucks. The designers may be hidden, but what they've designed is not. This exhibit showcases just a few of the products designed by our neighbors for leading-edge companies, and reveals some of the methods used to create those designs. The exhibition is going on now through February at the Holland Area Arts Council, downtown Holland. For more info, call 616-392-3278 or visit http://hollandarts.org/exhibit.php

Theater--Whodunit, Howdunit
When famous actress Primavera Donna throws a party and winds up dead, it's up to the guests to figure out who and how, and why the hired help is so annoying. To be performed by the Red Barn Players February 1-3 and 8-10 at 8 p.m. For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://redbarnsaugatuck.com

Wine Dinner
Join the folks at Everyday People Café for their wine dinner on February 19 at 6:30 p.m. It's the Aussie A list, with 6 courses paired up with some fantastic wines from down under and culinary and vine elucidations guaranteed to please your senses. For more info, visit http://everydaypeoplecafe.com or call 269-857-4240.

Art Classes
Join artist Dawn Stafford for a drop-in session of figure drawing. This open figure studio provides an independent study forum for the maintenance and development of artistic skills and allows for uninhibited experimentation essential for creative development in all media. Classes will be held at the SCA on February 4, 11, and 18 from 7-9:30 p.m. For more info, visit www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399 .

Film Studies
On the first and third Tuesdays at The Red Barn Playhouse through April, Bill Henderson will host a film series, with the screening of Strictly Ballroom by Baz Luhrmann, and Big Business, a comedy by Jim Abrahams. There will be brief comments before each film and audience discussion afterward.

Book of the Month
Sue's book of the month is What is the What by Dave Eggers. Sue could not be more in agreement with Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner, who reviewed of this book: "I cannot recall the last time I was this moved by a novel. What Is the What is that rare book that truly deserves the overused and scarcely warranted moniker of sprawling epic. Told with humor, humanity, and bottomless compassion for his subject, one Valentino Achak Deng, Eggers shows us the hardships, disillusions, and hopes of the long-suffering people of southern Sudan. This is the story of one boy's astonishing capacity to endure atrocity after atrocity and yet refuse to abandon decency, kindness, and hope for home and acceptance. It is impossible to read this book and not be humbled, enlightened, transformed. I believe I will never forget Valentino Achak Deng." You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785) or at Treehouse Books in Holland (616-494-5085) or visit http://www.treehousebooks.net.

Honorable Mentions

March 1, Pre-Release Winemaker's Dinner at Fenn Valley Winery
March 2 Pianist Aviram Reichert, Saugatuck Center for the Arts
March 4, Waiting for Guffman, Red Barn Films Series
March 8-9, Pre-Tasting from the barrel, Fenn Valley Winery
March 9, Jean Prosper, Jazz Pianist, Saugatuck Center for the Arts
March 11, Visiting Writers Series, Mark Yakich, Poet, Knickerbocker, 7 p.m.
March 11, Visiting Writers Series, Tony D'Souza, Fiction, Knickerbocker, 7 p.m.
March 15, ST. Patrick's Day Festival, Saugatuck
March 15, Mike Allemana and Gingi Lahera, Jazz, Saugatuck Center for the Arts
March 15-16, Pre-Tasting from the barrel, Fenn Valley Winery
March 18, Dr. Strangelove Red Barn Film Series
March 22, Winemaker's Dinner, Fenn Valley Winery
March 27-28, Great Performance Series, Journey into the Whirlwind, Holland, 7:30 p.m.
March 29, Jim Cooper, Interactive Jazz Clinic, Saugatuck Center for the Arts
April 1, The Loved One, Red Barn Film Series
April 10-12, 17-20, 24-26 You Can't Get There from Here, Holland Civic Theater
April 15, Fantasia, Red Barn Film Series
April 16, Visiting Writers Series, Karen Joy Fowler, Fiction, Knickerbocker, 7 p.m.

From the Sherwood Forest Files:

Belinda's and Linda's Sat Chit Ananda's Chana Masala

Sat, implying existence; Chit, representing consciousness; and Ananda, symbolizing bliss. This recipe was prepared and given to us by a pair of levitating Canadian yoga instructors we met in the vast reaches of Patagonia, literally in the middle of nowhere. I can now understand how some people seem to walk without gravity. You'll enjoy this, we certainly did.

Ingredients:

1 and one-half teaspoon brown mustard seeds
1 and one-half teaspoon cumin seeds
2 Tablespoons toasted sesame oil
2 cups chopped onion
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
2 Tablespoons minced ginger
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1 cup water
1 and one-half cup coconut milk
3 cups garbanzo beans, cooked
1-quarter cup tamari
1 and one-half teaspoon cinnamon powder
1 and one-half teaspoon coriander, ground
1-teaspoon cardamon powder
1-teaspoon cumin powder
1-half teaspoon thyme, ground
1-half teaspoon black pepper (ground to taste)
1-eighth teaspoon clove powder
2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced
Sea salt to taste

Loving Preparation:

1. Place brown mustard and cumin seeds in a large sauté pan and cook on medium high heat until seeds pop, about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add oil, onion, garlic, and ginger and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Add tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to simmer, add water, tamari, spices, coconut milk, and beans and cook 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Top with cilantro and lovingly serve (makes 3-4 servings).

Variations:
Add 2 cups of finely chopped garden veggies (e.g., sweet potato, chard, and carrots), while cooking.

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

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