Kindness Matters
Let’s talk about kindness. It’s a word that sounds almost quaint – like something you’d find embroidered on a pillow. But in today’s world, kindness is nothing short of radical. It’s a choice, an action, and sometimes, a rebellion against the harshness we’re surrounded by.
We live in an age where division is the norm. Social media algorithms feed on outrage; news headlines inform us of conflict and catastrophe. In this environment, kindness can feel like a luxury or even a weakness.
But nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, kindness is a strength that has the power to transform lives – not just for those on the receiving end, but for those who choose to practice it.
I was spurred to broach this topic after a recent incident at my local coffee shop when someone walked off with my drink. It wasn’t a big deal; I simply approached the barista and kindly informed them of the situation. They apologized, remade the drink and thanked me for being nice about it.
That broke my heart a bit.
We’re living in a world where retail employees are ripped apart, even when something isn’t their fault. My small display of grace went a long way… which is actually pretty sad.
Kindness doesn’t mean being a doormat or ignoring the world’s problems. It means choosing empathy when frustration feels easier, offering grace when judgment is tempting, and extending compassion even when it’s not reciprocated.
Kindness requires intention. It’s not something that always comes naturally when we’re overwhelmed or frustrated. It takes practice. It means being patient when customer service gets it wrong, giving someone the benefit of the doubt when they cut you off in traffic, or listening without interrupting when a friend needs to vent.
So let’s be radical. Let’s be kind. ❚
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
A Superb Selection of Furniture at Stucky’s
By Peggy Werner
Stucky’s Furniture and Appliance, 5601
Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne, is a familyowned and operated local business that has endured and expanded because of its top customer service and quality products at affordable prices.
As much as online shopping has increased over the years, nothing can take the place of going into a store to compare brands, fabrics, styles, and getting expert help on decision making, says Lynn Taylor, furniture and mattress general manager.
“Educated salespeople know the options a customer has and can help shoppers visualize what is possible,” she says. “Our approach is helping make customers feel valued and helped, not pressured.
“Helping and servicing customers is who we are. It’s not about selling the most, it’s about doing the best for each customer,” she adds.
Known for its appliance sales and repairs, Stucky’s expanded its business to include furniture and a greater variety of quality mattresses in 2021.
“People are thrilled to see more selection,” Taylor says. “They come in for a much-needed appliance or repair and can visualize other updates for the home.”
Furniture is not just functional, but part of the fashion world, too.
Color trends are moving away from cool greys and blues to the warmer earth tones of rust, green and shades of brown.
Lighter woods are more popular than darker woods and modular sectionals give homeowners freedom to be creative.
Recliners have become more sophisticated with power headrests, power lumbar support, zero gravity recline, storage pockets, USB ports and remote control for position, heat and massage.
“A few years ago, you couldn’t find many of these features in a recliner, but now they are commonplace,” Taylor says.
The store specializes in furniture for the bedroom, dining room and living room, but also carries smaller accent pieces. Their main upholstery brands are USA-made Alexvale and Flexsteel. Other lines include Fusion, HomeStretch, Vaughn-Bassett and John Thomas. Mattresses are by Serta and Simmons.
Established by Elmer, Joe and Chris Stucky in 1914, Stucky Brothers, Inc. began as a general store in Fort Wayne. Throughout two world wars, Stucky’s offered war production-issued products, appliance sales, and repair services on a large variety of products. In 1971, a new 35,000-square-foot building was constructed at the present location.
For more information, visit Stucky’s in person or online at stuckysfurnitureappliance.com or call (260) 482-8402. ❚
Stucky’s Furniture and Appliance allows customers to compare furniture brands, fabrics and styles with the help of an expert staff. The store recently expanded its furniture and mattress offerings.
Color trends in furniture are moving toward warmer earth tones, says Stucky’s general manager Lynn Taylor.
Our Golden Ticket
Pharoah Tutankhamun was buried in a solid gold coffin. King Louis XIV used gold to enhance his image as a divine Sun King. And the Israelites, newly freed by Moses after four centuries of bondage, made themselves a golden calf to worship – betraying God and earning His wrath. (Exodus 32:7, NIV)
We grow up with countless stories about gold and its influence on human behavior, good and bad. There’s Jacks’s golden goose and Gatsby’s golden friends. Humble Frodo carries the burdensome gold ring. Lowly Charlie Bucket wins a Golden Ticket to visit Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and ends up owning the whole factory – only after passing Wonka’s character test.
There’s nothing inherently evil about gold, but scripture warns us not to love it. Love is for God and people. Jesus loved rich and poor people alike, but said: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)
Paul cautions Timothy, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” (I Timothy 6:10)
We are saved by grace, not works. Even so, God presents His own character test that goes something like this:
Do we love money more than God? More than people? (Matthew 22:36-40) Do we treat the rich better than the poor? (James 2) Do we gladly share with those in need, knowing God gave us all we have in the first place? (Psalm 24:1) Do we rationalize a hard heart toward the poor and demonize them? (Matthew 25:31-46, Deuteronomy 15:7-11) Does greed tempt us to cheat on taxes (Matthew 22:21), mistreat employees/customers (James 5:1-6, Proverbs 11:1), or lie about tithing? (Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 5).
The book of Ecclesiastes is attributed to King Solomon, the wisest and richest man of his day, worth $2.1 trillion in today’s money. He cautions, “Whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.” (5:10b)
The Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Matthew 7:12) ❚ -- Janine Pumilia
Safety First: Garage Door Maintenance
By Peggy Werner
Oneof the largest and hardest-working parts of your home is seldom given a thought, yet needs regular checkups to keep working smoothly.
“Most people don’t give the garage door an ounce of thought until it quits working,” says Jim Platt, general manager of Raynor Door Authority, 3636 Lima Road, Fort Wayne. “A regular maintenance check shouldn’t be put off. A minor problem can become a major repair that could have been prevented.”
He recommends a maintenance check at least once a year to make sure the rollers, springs, hinges, bearings and other working parts are in good shape and the door is well lubricated. Ideally, late summer and fall are good times to have a professional look over the condition of the door, before the coldest days of winter.
“We all know things don’t work as well in the cold. If there is a frayed cable or cracked hinge, it’s much more likely to break in the winter,” Platt says.
The most common problem with garage doors are broken springs. At that point, the door won’t open or close and there’s no safe way to get the door open.
And there’s no warning and no way to tell if something is wrong until it breaks, Platt adds.
The industry standard is 8,000 to 10,000 cycles on the springs. Most homeowners open and close the door at least four times a day, which translates into the springs lasting on average about six years.
“It’s the same idea as bending a paper clip back and forth. Eventually, it will break, and so will garage door springs,” Platt says.
Homeowners can detect other problems early, if paying attention. If the rollers are deteriorating and dragging, they will cause a screeching noise. Cracked hinges and rollers that are off track are also noticeable.
Raynor Door Authority services homeowners within a 50mile radius of their office and employs their own repair people who are on call 24 hours a day for emergencies.
Platt recommends homeowners call the professionals to handle all problems.
“If you don’t know what you are doing, you could get severely hurt or killed,” he says. “When a garage door is down, the springs are under a tremendous amount of tension. Professionals have special equipment to safely repair springs. A screwdriver is not designed to deal with that kind of tension.”
What homeowners can safely do is lubricate all moving parts such as hinges, rollers, springs and bearings at least once a year with garage door lubricant, Platt says, adding that a little goes a long way.
Garage doors themselves have come a long way.
“They used to be made of wood, purely functional, and most people wanted them in the back or side of the house,” Platt says.
Today, most garage doors are made of steel with baked-on enamel paint and located in the front of the home. Homeowners have a wide variety of choice when it comes to colors, styles and window options.
“Garage doors are more often a way to enhance a home’s look and add great curb appeal,” Platt says. ❚
Fresh Ideas for Home Improvement
By Peggy Werner
As temperatures climb, homeowners’ attention pivots to the outdoors to assess what needs to be done in the yard.
“The phone calls are starting to come in. People are getting anxious because they see their yard and landscaping not looking so good right now. And they are realizing it’s time to do something. The warmer weather gets everyone in the mood,” says Jim Brubaker, owner of Jim Brubaker Designs, 909 Lawrence Dr., Fort Wayne.
The company specializes in transforming inside and outside living spaces. A design team works with each customer from start to finish, beginning with a one-on-one consultation to understand a homeowner’s goals, budget, design ideas, and what the yard will look like when finished.
About 25 percent of the time, Brubaker helps people with interior designs – choosing furniture and accessories to create a
comfortable and functional look indoors. However, the crux of his work is in the landscaping business.
When Brubaker goes out on a project, it’s a blank slate to him. He asks a lot of questions to find out what the homeowner is looking to accomplish. He thinks in terms of “framing” the house with a variety of textures and colors, with what lighting is and is not available, he says.
Understanding a homeowner’s vision is the first step. He uses sketches, renderings and layout plans to help customers make choices and see the finished product. Their own installers work alongside the design team to “grow relationships as beautiful as the landscape project,” he says.
“Every homeowner and client is different and that’s what makes my job so enjoyable,” he says. “Not everyone has time to take care of their yard, but they want it to look good.”
It’s important to hire a professional landscaper because that person has the experience, knowledge, imagination and ideas as well as specialized training to come up with the perfect design uniquely suited to a home, lifestyle and preferences, he says.
“Homeowners are not always aware of all the plants that are available, how they grow, and what will work best in each area. What we aim for is color as soon as it can be seen in the spring, and then keep it going for as long as possible,” Brubaker says. “You want plants, trees and shrubs suited for the region that will bloom at different times of the year, so everything isn’t happening all at once and then gone.”
People who have worked with Brubaker say he is an expert at creating designs that blend a home with its setting. Because of his many talents, he takes the impossible and makes places of beauty wherever he goes.
“My work gives me purpose. I never tire of what I do. It’s my life and I enjoy every minute of it,” he says.
Homeowners can learn more at jimbrubakerdesigns.com.
Meanwhile, Outdoor Concepts, 2275 N. Main St., Bluffton, Ind., is a one-stop shop for homeowners wanting to take care of their lawn and landscaping.
More than half of their business is equipment sales, parts and service. They also do landscape design and property maintenance, and have a 30,000-square-foot nursery with a large selection of trees, shrubs and perennials that come with a one-year warranty.
“Our main focus is helping customers decide on their equipment purchase based on their needs, property size and the best value for their budget,” says Scott Franks, sales manager.
“We really recommend people buy from a dealership like Outdoor Concepts. In box stores, once you purchase your unit, that’s the end of your relationship with them, regarding the unit. We can provide parts, service, and take trade-ins when you’re looking to upgrade,” he says.
Outdoor Concepts prides themselves on their wealth of knowledge and variety of products to help those wanting to spruce up their lawn and landscapes.
A great way to refresh landscaping is with a new layer of mulch each spring, Franks says. Outdoor Concepts has mulch in six organic colors which are safe for people, pets and soil. Mulch is available in bulk, bags or fine grind. Soil, sand and stones are also available in bulk supplies, as well as grass seed, fertilizer, chemicals for pest control, tools, décor, pond supplies and more.
The parts and service team has more than 50 years of combined experience and can service most brands for repairs, tune-ups, and seasonal maintenance from lawnmowers to snowblowers and trimmers to chainsaws. They will even pick up and deliver to homes within a 50-mile radius of the store. Other services include sharpening chains and blades, tire repair, twocycle and handheld equipment like edgers and weed wackers, and servicing generators, snowblowers, lawn mowers and more.
Whether looking for new or pre-owned equipment, Outdoor Concepts carries a variety of reliable brands with an emphasis on customer satisfaction.
Their inventory includes original equipment manufactured parts for specific brand equipment. They also have aftermarket parts available for an inexpensive option, made by another manufacturer with a different brand name, but can still be compatible for a unit.
Homeowners can learn more at outdoorconcepts.com.
“To us, our store is more than just a sales floor,” Franks says. “Getting to know our customers and understanding how we can help them is our top priority.” ❚
It’s important to hire a professional landscaper who has specialized training, says Jim Brubaker, owner of Jim Brubaker Designs, in Fort Wayne.
A great way to refresh landscaping is with a new layer of mulch each spring, says Scott Franks, sales manager at Outdoor Concepts, in Bluffton.
Timeless Updates to Transform Your Home
By Peggy Werner
Whether doing a total kitchen or bath remodel or making just a few updates, there are certain things to consider when getting a home ready to sell, or when making an investment for your own future and enjoyment.
“Every homeowner has a different budget and idea about what they want to accomplish and we work with them to make those ideas come to life,” says Kevin Walsh, owner of Trinity Kitchen, Bath and Lighting, 11034 Lincoln Hwy E, New Haven.
A few small changes can make a big difference.
“One thing homeowners can do is change the hardware on cabinets to a different style and finish,” Walsh says. “Other options would be changing out the countertops and adding a backsplash. All of these can make your kitchen look new.”
dark colors have been popular. Today, the trend is turning back to natural stained woods in lighter colors.
After considering budget, the next step is to look at options for achieving a new look or better use of space. Homeowners can garner ideas by browsing store displays, websites and social media. When wanting to follow trendy looks, keep in mind most trends last 12 years or less, Walsh adds.
However, some looks stand the test of time.
“Simple lines and neutral colors are always timeless,” Walsh says. “By keeping things simple, you can always add or change other decorative touches to keep up with current trends.”
Looking back over the years, Walsh has observed many trends that have come and gone when it comes to kitchen and bath remodeling. In the 1970’s, everyone had yellow and avocado-green colored appliances. In the past 20 years, cabinet finishes have changed from stained oak and maple to paint. In the past several years, shaker-style cabinets in white, grays and black or
Twenty years ago, countertops were made of laminate. Today, the most popular countertop material is quartz followed by granite.
“The durability of the countertops made from stone is a big factor, as well as the broad patterns found in quartz that look more like natural stone in unique patterns and colors,” Walsh says. “We are also seeing a greater use of tile in kitchen remodels, not only for backsplashes, but also for entire walls.”
Founded in the historic district of New Haven more than 60 years ago, Trinity Kitchen, Bath and Lighting has evolved through the years to be a “one-stop shop” for home renovation. The store offers cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, flooring, tile options and lighting. The are also designers who can produce renderings of what a project will look like once finished. In addition, the business hires its own installers, and, when needed, will make structural changes to walls, windows and doors.
Walsh bought the business about 20 years ago with plans to breathe new life into it with new product lines, increased sales, improved relationships with existing customers, and new customers.
He opened a lighting center in Indianapolis about six years ago and changed the name of the New Haven store to reflect the growth that had taken place by adding cabinets, countertops and other products for home renovation.
“We offer great-quality products and can work within any budget – whether wanting to save money or make a dream come true,” Walsh says. “It doesn’t have to be a matter of deciding to do it or not do it. You can go with fewer features and still have a good result.” ❚
Trinity Kitchen, Bath and Lighting, in New Haven, is a one-stop shop for home renovation.
Today, the most popular countertop material is quartz followed by granite.
A One-Stop Destination for Outdoor Living
At Outdoor Concepts, our focus is providing the best products and services for our customers. We pride ourselves on being a onestop shop for all your outdoor needs. We carry a great selection of mowers and power equipment, but we don’t stop there – we also provide parts and service for all of the brands we offer and even some that we don’t. With this, we feel we separate ourselves from well-known box stores because we are with the customer throughout their entire journey from purchasing a new mower to getting parts to needing service work done; rather than our relationship ending after the customer’s mower purchase.
As proud dealers of Grasshopper, Toro, Gravely, Echo, and now Ferris & TYM, we have a vast selection of zero-turns and power equipment to make caring for your lawn easier and enjoyable. We also have
a gorgeous nursery with a wide array of products. We offer landscape products including mulch, sand, stone, soil, boulders, flagstones, grass seed, straw, fertilizer, chemicals, as well as hardscape products, pond supplies, tools, décor, and even poly furniture. With the variety of products, services, and knowledge we offer, we are confident that we have everything you could possibly need to revamp and maintain your lawn and landscaping. Our staff is always eager and ready to answer your questions and help you get started on your next project. From homeowners to contractors, we are ready to serve all our customers as we care for the outdoors together. ❚
Outdoor Concepts is a one-stop shop for landscape and hardscape products.
Award-Winning Care at Adams Heritage
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
Finding a new home can seem daunting when living alone is no longer an option for you or a loved one. There are many questions you may have about potential residences, such as: Do they provide quality care? Is the staff compassionate? Is the food good?
Whether residents need 24-hour nursing care or short-term rehabilitation, Adams Heritage provides compassionate care in a home-like setting. The rural location at 12011 Whittern Road, Monroeville, is ideal for quiet rest and rehabilitation, says Natasha Graves, administrator at Adams Heritage.
“Our residents enjoy life enrichment activities and restaurant-style dining tailored to their own individual needs and wants, while we provide your family with peace of mind,” she says.
Adams Heritage has 58 beds for both short-term and long-term care. Amenities include a beauty and barber shop, a bird aviary, outdoor walking paths, beautiful gardens, housekeeping and laundry, a community room for family gatherings and a state-ofthe-art security system. A physician is on call 24 hours a day and a nurse practitioner rounds daily.
In addition, outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy is available.
“A team of physical, occupational and speech therapists, employed by Adams Health, plan individualized care to help each resident achieve independence and have a better quality of life,” Graves says. “It makes a difference that our therapists are employed and not contracted by agencies – they are able to provide more consistent care in order to get the best possible outcomes.”
Caregivers can also receive support through Adams Heath’s respite care program. Whether going on vacation or needing a break, caregivers can request respite care for a loved one for a few days or a few weeks.
“Our quality of care is second to none and our mission is to provide extraordinary living where everyone is family,” Graves says.
“We believe it is our calling to deliver excellent care and provide our residents and their families with peace of mind. Every day is built around each resident’s interests, abilities and ideas.”
Adams Heritage is a 5-star facility that received a 2023 silver “Achievement in Quality” award
from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The award is the second of three distinctions possible through the AHCA/NCAL award program, which recognizes organizations that meet progressively rigorous standards of performance to further improve the lives of residents and staff in long-term care. Adams Heritage was one of four Indiana communities to receive the achievement in quality award, and is currently working toward a gold award.
“Our residents love the individual care and attention they receive from our caregivers,” Graves says. “Our team makes them feel special, like they are family, and that goes a long way. It is not uncommon to see staff sharing laughs and stories with residents.”
Adams Heritage offers Medicare, Medicaid and Managed Care Certified rooms. For more information, call (260) 6236440 or visit adamsheritage.org to watch a virtual tour or schedule an in-person tour ❚
Adams Heritage, in Monroeville, provides compassionate care in a home-like setting.
Natasha Graves
I Love Saturdays at Club Room at The Clyde
Enjoy the best in pop, soul, R&B and funk every Saturday from 8-11 p.m. at the Club Room at the Clyde, 1806 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne. Visit clydeclubroom.com/live to see the complete lineup of performers.
Fort Wayne TinCaps
Thru September. Lots of exciting baseball action along with special events and spectacles including fireworks on select nights, discounted food nights and more. Find the whole schedule at milb.com/fort-wayne. Parkview Field, 1301 Ewing St., Fort Wayne.
YLNI Winter Farmers Market
Thru April 26, Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for fresh produce, a wide variety of organic fruits and vegetables, hand-made jewelry and crafts, local artwork and more. The Old East End Building, 1501 E. Berry Street, Fort Wayne, facebook. com/YLNIFarmersMarket.
Glo Wild at the Fort Wayne Zoo
Select evenings thru May 26, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Step into a land of glowing landscapes and stand toe to toe with towering animals in largerthan-life 3D lantern displays. Fort Wayne Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwzoo.com/ glowild/.
Bob Dylan: Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour
April 12, 8 p.m. Bob Dylan’s career has lasted the better part of fifty years now. He has never gotten by on sentimentality. He has always pushed his work ahead. Note: Use of phones or recording devices will not be permitted. Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwembassytheatre.org.
Earth Day @ Science Central
April 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy guest speakers and special programming with an Earth-related theme. Pop into the Nature Nook and touch fossils, see plants and observe live animals to celebrate our precious globe. Science Central, 1950 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, sciencecentral. org/event/earth-day.
Whose Live Anyway?
April 21, 7:30 p.m. This show brings 90 minutes of improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray leave you gasping with the witty scenes they invent. Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwembassytheatre.org.
Pippi Longstocking April 26, 10 a.m. and noon. When this
Entertainment & Events
fantastical daughter of a missing sea captain moves into Villa Villekulla with her suitcase full of treasure and a monkey named Mr. Nilsson, life in a sleepy seaside village will never be the same. Presented by Fort Wayne Ballet at the Auer Center, 300 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, fortwayneballet.org.
Michiana Wine Festival
April 25-26, Fri. & Sat. 1-5 p.m. A weekend filled with wine, fun and festivities including a 5K run, craft market, local food trucks, Indiana wine vendors, live music and more. Headwaters Park Pavilions, 333 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, visitfortwayne.com.
The Fort Wayne TinCaps play at Parkview Field, 1301 E. Ewing Street all summer long.
