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

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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/ATTRACT.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/ATTRACT.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

[return to top of page]

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/ATTRACT.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

[return to top of page]

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.