What’s recently happened?
Last month, Chesterton reopened its beloved European Market for the season. Each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., people from Northwest Indiana venture to Chesterton’s picturesque downtown center for a relaxing morning of wandering through the market’s aisles. This hub is complete with food trucks, live music, and an eclectic mixture of artisanal goods.
The European Market is a special gem representing the local community and the Region. Each vendor has a drive and passion for their respective businesses and who they cater towards.
Gianis Tourloukis began Just Sisters Boutique, a clothing business, with her sister, Lillianna. Launching during the COVID-19 pandemic, the sisters began their business after having to temporarily close their respective restaurants. The boutique’s platform took off and has amassed nearly 25,000 followers on Instagram.
“We like to get unique items that are different from everybody else’s and that are affordable. We only mark our stuff up 10% because we were once college students and we like to be affordable for everybody,” Tourloukis said.
Just Sisters Boutique also has the pleasure of visiting larger markets in Chicago, Texas, as well as local markets within Northwest Indiana.
“I love meeting all the people and seeing everybody. There is always something here for someone,” Tourloukis said.
What’s coming up?
With the approach of Independence Day, fireworks will begin to dazzle the evening skies. While there will be many locations to view different displays of fireworks, the holiday will be celebrated all day long at Porter County’s Hawthorne Park.
The celebration will be hosted by the Porter County Parks Department and the Chesterton-Porter Rotary Club. Those in attendance can look forward to the Lions Club pancake breakfast, which is scheduled to last from 7 a.m. until noon in Hawthorne Park.
The annual Fourth of July Parade will begin at 9 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join in the parade, which will follow its route starting across from Yost Elementary School. Following the parade, the Turtle Derby will commence at 11 a.m. Other activities include a brick toss, poster contest, and karaoke, which will take place throughout the day during their allotted times. There will also be activities for younger children, as well as a bounce house.
The fireworks show will start at dusk. The pops of color will be sure to light a patriotic fire in those who watch! The event will also host a plethora of food vendors for all of the guests.
As we celebrate our day of independence with exciting and vibrant displays of light, let us also, with grateful hearts, remember those who have served and protected our nation.
Community member spotlight:
Laura Verheaghe is the owner of the local business Red Cup Cafe & Deli.
Red Cup has been a staple of Chesterton’s community since it opened 19 years ago. Verheaghe has had the pleasure of running the business for a little over a decade after taking over from its previous two owners in 2013. Now, Red Cup has evolved into a family business as Verheaghe’s children work there on and off.
Red Cup sells sandwiches, pastries, coffees and teas, among other menu items fit for different dietary needs. Verheaghe tries to incorporate as many organic ingredients as possible as well as make foods from scratch. All of the menu items are the same as when Red Cup originally opened 19 years ago with some additions made by Verheaghe.
“I love being a part of the community. I love all the aspects of it but mostly of being a part of something way bigger than myself,” Verheaghe said.
Her favorite part of the job is the people and the baking.
“The people who come here are amazing, and they go out of their way to be here, which is awesome,” Verheaghe said.
Community and charity are a central part of Red Cup and Verheaghe’s life. Red Cup gives constant support to the Free the Girls project, a local non-profit organization that aims to help victims and survivors of human trafficking.
“I do a lot of charity, but Free the Girls is our all-day, every-day charity. Free the Girls helps girls get out of human trafficking. Duneland Community Church is where all the packing parties happen. Used and new bras get sent from all over the country, and then they have packing parties and fill shipping containers to ship all over the country,” Verheaghe said.
Outside of work, she loves seeing live music any chance she gets, especially musician Jack White. She also enjoys spending time with her dog and taking care of her friend’s elderly mother.
Having grown up in LaGrange, Illinois, Verheaghe came to Chesterton 26 years ago and was inspired by the gazebo, which can be seen across the street from her business.
The interior of Red Cup emits a warm vibe that is welcoming to all visitors. Being able to have a conversation with Verheaghe makes a complete stranger feel like an old friend. The décor also adds to the feeling that you are right at home.
“My daughter says that when people come in here, they’re ‘seeing my mom’s heart,’” Verheaghe said.
Community is about warmth, love, and giving. Red Cup is a great example of what a community truly is- helping others and creating special memories.
“I’m just happy. I love being here and being part of this community. It’s the best part of my life,” Verheaghe said.