dsmWeekly: July 19, 2016

2016 SAGES OVER 70 ANNOUNCED

Once again, Greater Des Moines has shown us how fortunate we are to live in a community shaped and guided by generous mentors. Reviewing nominations for dsm's annual Sages Over 70 honor never gets easier, but it's a challenge we have come to welcome, with its opportunity to consider so many uplifting examples of selfless achievement and commitment to community service.

This year's eight sages are:

* Joseph S. Brick - lawyer and community leader.

* Roxanne Barton Conlin - lawyer and social justice advocate.

* Elaine Estes - former library director and race/gender groundbreaker.

* Barbara Graham - philanthropist.

* Edgar F. Hansell - lawyer, philanthropist and community leader.

* H. Lynn Horak - business icon and community builder.

* Loretta Sieman - business and community leader.

* Alan Zuckert - business leader and philanthropist.

The Sages will be honored in the November/December issue of dsm and at a special event Nov. 10 at the Temple for Performing Arts. Tickets for the event be available online after Aug. 5.

Photo Essay: Modern Zen Water Feature with Summer Foliage

Peaceful paths, a reflecting pool and simple landscaping create an intriguing entry to this home; perfect for meditation or gathering at the water's edge.

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New restaurant running mates: Mike Crownover and David Baruthio are making plans.

NEW BARUTHIO PROJECT: OLD MUSTARD'S

By Wini Moranville

David Baruthio recently revealed to dsm that he plans to take over the site of the former Mustard's restaurant (which closed June 1), and transform it into Saison, a bar-grill featuring casual, seasonal Continental cuisine.

What? Another venue for David Baruthio? With chef-ownership of three restaurants (Baru 66, Blue Tomato and Prime), as well as his collaboration with the upcoming Whiskey House in Ankeny (where he'll oversee the kitchen), you might wonder how he can mange it all.

Fortunately, he's brought in a major reinforcement. Partnering with Baruthio is Mike Crownover, former co-owner of Lurra Cocina, the Spanish-themed venue that recently shuttered after less than a year in business. Crownover's extensive experience includes management in the Orchestrate group of restaurants for almost a decade.

According to Crownover, plans involve revamping the interior, devoting two-thirds of the space to the dining room and one-third to a lounge.

"We plan to brighten it up, with light, modern touches," he says. These will include reclaimed wood from the family farm of Sara Hill (Baruthio's wife and business partner), as well as butcher-block-style tabletops.

Crownover describes the fare as a grill/gastropub melding; expect specialty pizza, a unique slider menu, traditional burgers and lobster rolls, as well as entrees with French and European influences. Prices will range from $7 to $30. A seasonal drinks menu, including inspirations from the former Lurra Cocina, should entice craft cocktail enthusiasts.

Crownover hopes for a mid-September opening; there's no phone number or website yet, but we can tell you the address: 6611 University Ave.

Wini Moranville covers food and dining for dsm. Follow her at All Things Food - DSM Wini Moranville.

You wouldn't leave this lying around the house while you're gone for the winter. And it's hard to find a good painting sitter. A new warehouse service might be just what you need.

'HONEY, WHERE DID YOU PUT THE DEGAS?'

You might store treasured digital files on "the cloud." But what about artwork and other prized possessions? One solution: a new high-security, museum-quality warehouse called The Dickinson Vaults.

"The Dickinson Vaults was created to provide solutions for clients who desire long-term or temporary storage options for their high-value possessions and collections during instances such as home renovations, disasters such as fire or flood, or rotational purposes, and more," says Eric Dickinson, vice president and director of operations.

The state-of-the-art archival warehouse has more than 7,000 square feet of climate-controlled, high-security space dedicated to fine art, collectibles and archival storage with a team of trained art and collectibles handlers.

It's a new operation with a proven record: The Dickinson Vaults was opened by TMDS Records Management, part of Merchants Distribution Service, founded in 1880. They're located at 1870 E. Euclid Ave.

As part of the Vaults' grand opening, art adviser Liz Lidgett will present a free seminar, "Seven Things to Consider When Choosing Off-site Storage for Your Fine Art and Collectibles," on a September date to be determined. More information: 515-237-7711 or TheDickinsonVaults.com.

Add a whole new face to your old jewelry, with the creative help of artist Christine Hilbert.

A GEM OF AN IDEA

By Lacy Brunnette

Why keep your lovely old jewelry tucked away in a drawer?Jewelry designer and artist Christine Hilbert will give those baubles new life, preserving and repurposing them in a unique way.

Hilbert creates sketches and paintings incorporating pieces of vintage jewelry and keepsakes. The result, as she says on her website, is "part illustration, part collage, part photograph." She calls the collection her "Heirloom Anthology."

"These things are treasured and often kept in a box somewhere," Hilbert says. "I wanted to create something that commemorates the treasure but doesn't mess with its integrity, from Grandma's jewelry to, say, Grandpa's fishing lures."

Hilbert also can fashion your vintage jewelry into new custom pieces.

The "Heirloom Anthology" collection is available at ChristineHilbert.com. Prints cost $19 to $50; jewelry prices are available upon request.

Playhouse parties are always fun, whether anticipating a new season, in this case, or celebrating cast and crew, as planned for Sunday.

PLAYHOUSE AWARDS EVENT SUNDAY

Cheer for the best of pretty much everything as the Des Moines Community Playhouse announces its annual Dionysos Awards on Sunday, July 24. More than 1,700 people are involved in productions each year, from actors and backstage help to and front-of-house volunteers. Any of these may be singled out for awards Sunday, including actors who are nominated by audiences and then chosen by season ticket holders.

The evening will begin with a social hour at 5:30 p.m., with the awards presentation at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP to Anna Zimney, 515-974-5356 or azimney@dmplayhouse.com.