New Playground on Salem Common

Today is a glorious day, weather-wise, in Salem. It seemed particularly like an appropriate time for me to go take photos of the new children's playground on Salem Common. The playground is intended for little ones who are 5 to 12 years old. There is even a special surface that is helpful to children of all abilities in being able to use this area.

The money for the playground was raised by two community groups -- the Salem Common Neighborhood Association, and Parents United of Salem. While I was president of the Salem Rotary Club, our Club donated $6,000 to the effort as well.

The results are certainly worthy of a great little city like Salem, Massachusetts.

If you are planning to visit the Hawthorne Hotel, and have little ones traveling with you, you will be happy to know about this excellent new addition to the neighborhood.

I hope to see you here.

Juli

Electronic Bliss in Grand Rapids

Major events promoter, Rob Bliss, proved last evening that he still has the midas touch when it comes to rallying West Michigan to one of a kind events. In fact, over 15,000 rave fans packed Calder Plaza for five hours to celebrate the 2nd Electronic Music Night. Highlighted by West Michigan's DJ Super Dre and Chicago-based and former West Michigander,DJ Kalendr. The free event that was open to all ages
is a tribute to Rob's brainchild that you can have a great time involving everybody. 

This city is no longer in the back seat. As I marveled at the sight of the wall-to-wall, sweat infested, screaming and extremely energized dancing fans to Zombie Nation, all I can think off is Grand Rapids has already ARRIVED. 

Exciting New Tours at PEM

I recently learned about three new "House Tours" that are offered by the Peabody Essex Museum. These are being offered in addition to an existing tour which is shown as number four in my list.

Here is an overview:

1. Setting Salem’s Table: Three Centuries of Cooking and Dining

Compares kitchens and dining spaces in three historic houses from three centuries, considering changes brought about by global trade, cultural influences, technology, fads and fashion.

This one looks very interesting to me, given how much I enjoy cooking and entertaining!

2. Elegance and Innovation in Federal-Era Salem

Focuses on style and how trends in style reflect what is happening at the time — politically, economically and culturally.

3. From Shelter to Showpiece: Three Centuries of Salem

Compares architecture and design from three centuries, and considers how these make a house a home.

4. Two Merchants’ Homes: Yin Yu Tang and Gardner-Pingree

The Chinese house at PEM and the Gardner-Pingree House were both built by wealthy merchants around the same time — about 8,000 miles apart. See how the architecture and art in each of these early 19th-century houses reflect the personal wealth, taste and cultural values of their owners.

>Please note that not all of these tours are always going to be available on any given day. The tours at PEM are given by volunteer docents, and they will be offered in a rotation, so it will depend on which docents are available on a particular day.


Generally tour times are 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm and 2:45 pm. You should check with the desk as soon as the Museum opens for the day to find out which tours are going to be available, and to sign up, as space is limited.
We are very excited about these tours and cannot wait to get your feedback, so be sure to let me know after you go. You can always post your comments right here on my blog.

I hope to see you here (or there!)

Juli

Back to Reality

Just returned from a wonderful, but too short getaway in Southern California. It was so nice to see the sun and spend some "girl time" with my dear friend!

Four short days away and I forgot about our horrendous San Francisco weather. I ran out last night to get a bite to eat and couldn't help but take a little video to share a little bit of San Francisco summer with you...

On another note...


My "guess the photo" post last week was solved! Once again, the ever-so-brilliant Roseline from This is Glamorous identified this photo. It was actually part of a Photoshop contest (had me fooled) at Worth 1000. Credit: Oil Corner. Thanks Roseline...your prize is on its way!


The current issue of Vintage Magazine, Deuxieme issue has launched. For excerpts visit their website or pick up a copy at fine shops and museums, or subscribe. It's stunning!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

A Picture Perfect Day For Polo

Grand Rapids is not usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think of polo, but on this quiet corner of the midwest, polo has been a fixture since 1950. Meadowview Farms in Lowell was the host of the Fred L. Hansen Charity Polo Classic to benefit Vicky's Pet Connection, a local non-profit dedicated to rescuing, caring for and placing homeless and abandoned pets back in our community. On the field, it was the battle between
host Grand Rapids and the visiting Detroit Polo Club. 

Thanks to Jimmy Le, and host, Katie Johnson of Meadowview, I was able to partake in this longstanding tradition right in my own backyard. A couple hundred guests dressed in polo classic to Miami chic garb, gathered on this beautiful afternoon to raise awareness for VPC's mission and also expose many to the game. Many of the spectators watched from the sidelines, complete with picnic blankets and outdoor chairs. A VIP tent hosted polo royalty and local supporters to a sumptuous buffet prepared by the Gilmore Collection and creative beverages by the Grand River Grocery. At the half, with a glass of champagne on hand, I joined the other spectators in the traditional divot stamping to help level the field for play.

In the end, the home team defeated Detroit, 12-8. But I learned quickly that events like these celebrate the traditions of the game more than the game result. The riders joined the guests for the awards ceremony and post game festivities. Guests stayed on to enjoy the band and conversation with friends as a golden sunset dipped into the West Michigan horizon. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day in Michigan.