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Smart L iving yne Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • January 2021
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6 Top Reasons Why We Love Fort Wayne A Local Author’s Journey: Denise Hunter How to Get a Club Fitness Experience at Home
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In This Issue Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 6 Top Reasons We Love Fort Wayne Your Community ...............................................11 Denise Hunter: No Regrets for this Author Your Outdoor Living .........................................13 What Makes a Landscape Great? Inspiration & Worship ......................................14 Taming Our Tongues Your Home ........................................................21 How to Choose Among Today’s Flooring Options Your Health & Fitness ............................ .......... 23 Club-Quality Equipment at Home Your Kitchen ......................................................25 Fruity, Nutritious Treats Your Family Fun ....................................... ......... 28
Smart L ivingyne Fort Wa
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Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes
Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Multimedia Editor Sara Myers Graphics Director Samantha Behling Contributing Writers Paula Kalivoda Furniss, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Fort Wayne General Manager Sherri Cassedy Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living. Copyright 2021 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
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Welcome to Smart Living!
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elcome One & All! Yes, welcome to the premier issue of Smart Living Fort Wayne Magazine. There’s so much to cover in Fort Wayne, a truly wonderful place in which to live, work and play. As much as there is to do in Fort Wayne, our purpose extends beyond Fort Wayne and Allen County to the surrounding counties of northeast Indiana and western Ohio. I believe you’ll greatly enjoy reading what we bring to your attention in each and every issue. One of the biggest reasons for this fresh perspective on our city is, well, me. I am a newer resident here. Newly married, I moved to Fort Wayne in the middle of last year with my brood of five terrific children. We are all thrilled to be here. Every day we discover more of what the greater Fort Wayne region has to offer. My colleagues and I are eager to share our discoveries with you. We think you’ll find our editorial content a refreshing perspective. Through our eyes you’ll do more than get a renewed appreciation for where you live. You see, we’ll be digging deeper and exploring further than you may have time to do yourself. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life you and your family enjoy here! There’s an additional component to our mission in bringing Smart Living to your doorstep, and that has to do with the many fine, locally owned businesses located in greater Fort Wayne. We’re constantly searching for outstanding products and services to bring to your attention because of their potential to add to your quality of life here. Our many cultural institutions and visitor attractions are the subject of this month’s cover story, “6 Top Reasons We Love Fort Wayne.” From our vibrant downtown to our many arts organizations, sports venues, restaurants and more, it’s amazing just how much there is to enjoy in our region. Enjoy the discovery! ❚ Sherri Cassedy General Manager
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Our Community
‘No Regrets’ for this Successful Author
By Janine Pumilia any people want to write a novel, but only a few actually do it. Denise Hunter decided to be one of the “doers” 25 years ago, and put pen to paper while her young sons napped. “My grandfather had died and suddenly the brevity of life became very real to me,” she says. “I didn’t want to get to the end of my life and regret not having tried.” Hunter was a voracious reader and knew what she liked – “I wrote the book I wanted to read” – but she didn’t know the mechanics of novel writing, so turned to the Allen County Public Library to research her new craft. She was drawn to small-town love stories about people struggling with real-life issues. Implicit in a romance novel is the promise that heartaches will be resolved by the last page. “I didn’t have any idea if I had real writing talent,” she says. “I ran my book by a local editor who told me I should get started on a second book. That encouraged me.” Hunter’s 38th book, “Bookshop by the Sea,” will be released April 13. Barbour Publishing purchased her first book and that led to 37 titles and counting. The 38th will be released April 13, She also has a home in the Christian romance genre, and no “Bookshop by the Sea,” set on the North Carolina coast. plan to shift lanes. Hunter’s clean prose, swift-moving plots and sympathetic “I hold a Christian world view, so that comes through in characters have earned her several writing awards. Three of her my stories, but not in a super overt way,” she explains. “I’m not stories have been adapted into Hallmark screenplays. But she a preacher, I’m a storyteller. The story is king. Maybe I have a says the best thing about her career is the fact that her three sons character who really needs to forgive someone but is finding it didn’t know she had one. difficult to do so. Forgiveness is a Christian principle.” “I did all of my writing while they were sleeping or at Now, happily situated at HarperCollins Christian Publishschool,” she says. “It was great for me to have my own thing, but ing, Hunter considers herself fortunate to work with book edion a schedule that allowed me to keep the kids my first priority.” tors and film producers who share her outlook. “The Goodbye With a chuckle, she recalls the day her youngest son, then 13, Bride” is her most recent book adapted by Hallmark. It aired in asked for help with schoolwork. 2019 as “Christmas On My Mind.” Christmas stories have the “I told him, ‘OK, after I finish this thing on my website.’ He highest viewership of all Hallmark films. said to me, ‘YOU have a website?’ This was at least 14 years into Although Hunter has visited film sets to observe producmy career, and I thought, ‘Maybe I should let the kids know that tion, she spends most days at a Fort Wayne coffee shop churning I do this thing.’” out “at least six good pages” per day. Today the boys are Why a coffee shop? grown and Hunter enjoys “If I’m home, I feel like I should be throwing in laundry or her empty nest with husband making dinner.” Kevin. Natives of southern Book sales climbed during the chaos of 2020. Ohio, they moved to Fort “People are looking for escape,” says Hunter. Wayne in 1989 so Kevin Readers find comfort knowing troubles will be resolved by could pursue a job. Denise the final page of a Denise Hunter novel, no matter what sticky studied commercial art in messes characters have gotten themselves into. college, but stopped her “All of us carry around wounds of some kind,” says Hunter. studies to clear her plate after “Maybe someone grew up with a very controlling parent or was their second son was born. abused as a child. We all end up with some kind of wound and “This is a wonderful my goal is for readers, when it’s applicable, to see themselves in place to raise a family,” she my characters and to see those characters get past the hurt and says. “We look back and land in a healthier place.” have no regrets. Fort Wayne Learn more about Hunter’s work and sign up for contests Denise Hunter will always be home.” and monthly giveaways at DeniseHunterBooks.com. ❚
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Outdoor Living
What Makes a Landscape Design Great? By Janine Pumilia
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great landscape design is all about increasing the enjoyment of the people who live with it, says Jim Brubaker, owner of Jim Brubaker Designs, Inc., 909 Lawrence Dr., Fort Wayne. “It’s not about what I like. It’s about listening to people and getting a sense of their tastes and lifestyles,” he says. “Do they have kids and pets we need to take into consideration? Do they live here seasonally or year-round? Do they want to do some handson gardening or do they prefer as little maintenance as possible?” Sometimes people don’t know what they want from a A great landscape design fits the tastes and lifestyle of the people who enjoy it daily. landscape – they just know something needs to be done. That’s OK. “I try to introduce color to the landscape as early as possible “In that case, I’ll take them to other job sites, or in some way in spring and extend it as late as possible into the fall,” he says. show them what’s possible for their property, and I watch what “That doesn’t only mean blooming plants. It may include berries they’re drawn toward,” he says. and foliage with interesting colors and textures. There should Once he has a good sense of his customer’s needs and tastes, also be interesting things to see in winter – not just limited to Brubaker draws up a landscape design plan that can be installed evergreens – for four seasons of enjoyment.” all at once or in stages. He sources plants from local wholesalers Along with proper soil amendment and planting, Brubaker and greenhouses, works with two subcontracted installation comoversees installation of hardscape elements like stone, pavers or panies and oversees the work on site. brick; water and fire features such as fountains, ponds, firepits and outdoor fireplaces; trellises, arbors, pergolas, patios and more. “I love working with people. I love plants. And I love being outdoors,” Brubaker says. “And I enjoy seeing how a vision comes to life, surrounding people with beauty.” Brubaker has worked with plants and people all of his adult life, first as a florist and later as the co-owner/president of a local landscape design company. He opened Jim Brubaker Designs with his late wife, Vicki, in 2008. It includes a gift shop, JBD Home, specializing in unique indoor and outdoor home décor, from furniture and lamps to fountains, planters and more, open Wed. to Fri. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at jimbrubakerdesigns.com, stop in at 909 Lawrence Dr., Fort Wayne, or call (260) 436-3639. ❚ Tell them you saw it in ...
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Inspiration & Worship
A ‘Small Spark’ A
s tempers flare during this time of high tension in our nation, it’s a good moment to remember what scripture tells us about the power of our tongues to do good or evil. In James 3:3-18 (NIV) we read: “When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peaceloving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” ❚ 14
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Right in Our Region
(Fort Wayne Zoo photo)
6 Reasons We Love Fort Wayne
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is among the many attractions that make our region family-friendly.
By Chris Linden, executive editor
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ho has one of the happiest cities in the U.S. and one of the hottest real estate markets? Fort Wayne. And who has one of the best-run cities in America, is ranked among the best cities in which to be a teacher and was called one of the best places to retire rich? You guessed it – Fort Wayne. But enough bragging. We already know that the quality of life in northeast Indiana abounds, in more ways than one can remember. From a diverse and booming economy to a rich variety of cultural assets and attractions, we live in a place where fun exists at every corner. Even so, it’s easy to take for granted just how much Allen County and its surrounding neighbors have to offer. So, in this, our debut edition, let’s recap just a few of the ways this slice of northeast Indiana is special. 1. It’s Kid-Friendly. Parents don’t have to look very far to find engaging activities for young minds. Promenade Park downtown, the Allen County Library and Science Central are just a few places to start. And don’t forget about Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, which Parents Magazine called one of the best zoos in the nation. The wide variety of child-friendly attractions in Fort Wayne is only one reason SmartAsset.com called this community the 16
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best place to raise a family last year. High-quality schools, lower costs of living and low crime rates play a big role, too. For many of the same reasons, Money Magazine lists us among the nation’s top 100 places to live. 2. There are So Many Sports. For good reason, Livability.com and Sports Business Daily consider Fort Wayne one of America’s top 5 minor-league sports markets. Throughout the year, it’s easy to find high-level athletes at work. From Komets hockey and Mad Ants basketball to Purdue Fort Wayne, TinCaps baseball and the Derby Girls roller derby, it’s hard to find a week when there isn’t a game to catch, during a regular year! And how about those venues, too? The state-of-the-art field at Parkview Park downtown is a lively place to catch the San Diego Padres’ high-A talent, so it’s little wonder that Stadium Journey called it America’s best minor-league park. The Allen County War Memorial Coliseum is a major epicenter of sports, and just to prove the point, this year it will host the NCAA Division III Men’s basketball national championship in March. Catch the Komets back on the ice Feb. 12 and keep an eye out for the Mad Ants’ abbreviated season, which starts in February at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney.
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Right in Our Region
(Fort Wayne Komets photo)
(Johnny Appleseed Festival photo)
The action doesn’t stop there. With more than 120 miles of recreation trails and numerous public parks, it’s easy to keep an active lifestyle. This time of year, it’s especially rewarding to hike, cross-country ski or birdwatch at Allen County Parks, Eagle Marsh or any of our amazing state parks, which are open year-round. 3. Economic Strength. Pandemic aside, Fort Wayne’s economy remains robust. While manufacturing is still a major strength, education, health care and logistics remain powerful forces in what’s become a diverse economy. Over the past year, Fort Wayne has been ranked among hot job markets, most livable cities, best places for new business startups … and the list goes on. But what really stands out is the city’s incredible affordability. In just the past year, we’ve been named a top place to retire rich History comes alive in Fort Wayne, thanks to places like the Historic Old Fort and the Johnny Appleseed Festival (pictured above). (GoBankingRates.com), a top choice for early retirement (AARP.org), top 5 city for first-time homebuyers (SmartAsset. settlement and regional capital known as Kekionga. This hericom), most affordable cities for millennials to buy a home (Credtage has been faithfully honored in places like the Chief RichitKarma.com), best cities for Gen Zers on a budget (GoBankardville House, once home to Indiana’s wealthiest man – a deingRates.com), and the lowest cost of living in the United States scendant of French fur traders and Miami Indians. (niche.com). The History Center and firefighters’ museum downtown 4. History Comes Alive. Our city is almost as old as the U.S. take a deeper dive into our fascinating past. Constitution, having started in 1794 as a military fort on the edge 5. It’s Easy to Get Away. For everything there is to do of the frontier. You can still get a sense of those pioneer times at right here in Fort Wayne, there’s an awful lot to see nearby, as Historic Old Fort, where costumed re-enactors bring the past to well. It’s all so close you can do it in a day and still be home life during special events. by bedtime. Head to Grabill and get to know our area’s Amish Our city is also the final resting place of Jonathan Chapneighbors. DeKalb County has four auto museums that specialman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. He’s the namesake of ize in cars and trucks, Duesenbergs and other machinery on the the Johnny Appleseed festival in September (and the park where move. Live music and fine dining are major attractions at Warit’s hosted), and the inspiration for our TinCaps baseball team (so saw’s Honeywell Center, but the charming downtown is full of named for the “tin hat” he dons in many a folktale.) surprises, too. Long before European settlers, this was Miami country, a If it’s a big-city escape you crave, Fort Wayne is within a 3-hour drive of Chicago, Detroit, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis. Don’t forget about the lakes. Noble, Kosciusko and Steuben counties each boast more than 100 lakes, including Indiana’s third-largest body of water and the impressive Chain O’Lakes, which comprises 13 interconnected waterways. 6. There’s Always Something to Do. Even in the midst of a pandemic, there are a surprising number of ways to have fun in Fort Wayne and beyond – and it doesn’t take much digging to find them. Browse art at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art or send the youngsters to a dance class at Fort Wayne Ballet. Tune into a virtual event hosted by the Embassy Theatre. Find unique cuisine (and lots of to-go options) at local restaurants and breweries. Shop at Jefferson Pointe, in the city’s southwest side, or go off the map and find unique antique stores, Hyde Brothers Booksellers and any number of other small businesses scattered throughout the city’s urban core. Boutiques abound downtown and in many nearby neighborhoods. Is it any wonder that Expedia.com says we’re a perfect city to tour like a local? With so much worth celebrating around Fort Wayne Komets hockey is one part of the city’s busy sports scene, here, why not be a tourist for a day and find something new? ❚ which has been named among top minor-league markets in the nation. Tell them you saw it in ...
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Winter Cardinal Photography by David C. Olson 18
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Your Home & Garden
How to Navigate Today’s Flooring Options
Beautiful, durable luxury vinyl planks or tiles that imitate hardwood or stone are wildly popular for good reason, but be sure to do your homework before buying any kind of flooring. An educated sales professional can make this much easier.
B y Pe g g y We r n e r ecent advances in flooring technology allow consumers to find just the right look they want at the quality and price point they need. Having so many options can be confusing, however, and all flooring is not equal, no matter how good it looks. An educated salesperson can make all the difference between a frustrating or successful shopping experience as you navigate the many industry and marketing terms in the world of flooring. “The flooring industry has come a long way and there’s a lot to know,” says Brittany Brouer, marketing director at Van’s Home Center, 106 Peckhart Ct., Auburn, Ind. “At our store, each customer is greeted by an educated and helpful salesperson who is with you the whole time.” For example, although a manufacturer might state a type of flooring is waterproof, that may not mean it’s able to withstand a flooded basement. A consumer needs to understand its specific properties before buying. “If you go somewhere thinking you’re getting a good deal on flooring that’s 99 cents a square foot, it may not be engineered to do what you want it to do,” says Brouer. “It’s important to know if the warranty is for a lifetime or a few years and if there’s a pet protection warranty. The guarantees indicate the quality of the floor.”
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Also, many warranties are not enforceable unless a product is professionally installed, something that should give pause to do-it-yourselfers who buy cheap flooring from chain stores. A leading trend today is the wide array of low-maintenance luxury vinyl products made to look like hardwood planks (LVP) or natural stone tile (LVT). Beveled edges, detailed grooves and excellent graining details make today’s hardwood look-alikes difficult to distinguish from more expensive engineered or solid hardwood. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) gives the appearance of stone or marble, but resists moisture, stains and scratches. It won’t crack or dent, either. Homes in all price points are making good use of these attractive new vinyl products. A locally owned, family business, Van’s Home Center opened in 1973 and has expanded from a 1,500 square-foot store to a 75,000 square-foot “one stop” showroom for the home. Along with flooring, it sells appliances, furniture, mattresses, cabinetry, countertops and more, says Brouer. “We’re large enough to compete with big-box stores and we price competitively.” Visit the store at 106 Peckhart Court, Auburn, Ind., call (260) 927-8267 to learn more. ❚
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Your Health & Fitness
Enjoy Club Fitness Equipment at Home B y Pe g g y We r n e r
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f you’ve ever chosen a hotel based on the high-quality fitness equipment it offers, chances are good the equipment came from Hotel Fitness, a Brigadoon Fitness company located at 1818 Research Drive in Fort Wayne. And if you’ve always wished you could bring that equipment home, you’re in luck. Brigadoon has begun offering its commercial equipment to residential customers so they can enjoy club-quality equipment in their homes, says Brigadoon Vice President of Sales and Marketing Don Osika. “If you don’t enjoy using your exercise equipment, it may end up collecting dust,” he says. “Quality commercial equipment motivates people to work out because it just feels better. From the ergonomics to the materials to the comfort, the difference is night and day, versus typical residential equipment. Beyond the benefits of physical health, exercise is also great for stress management and cognitive function.” High-quality fitness equipment, like that sold by Brigadoon, in Fort Wayne, is gaining For inspiration, Don points to the company’s owner popularity as more people choose to work out at home rather than at the gym. and CEO, Bruce Dye, who lives a fit life. you need. Whether it’s just one treadmill and a set of dumbbells “Not only does Bruce work out every day, but he also meticor a full cardio/strength arsenal, your space and equipment will ulously documents his fitness regime,” says Osika. “From miles be a major part of your inspiration and motivation.” walked, to the weight lifted and number of reps on a bench press Other considerations, when setting up a home fitness area, or with dumbbells, he has his handwritten records dating back include having an adequate power source and good Wi-Fi covermore than 20 years. In his 60s, he’s one of the oldest yet fittest age. You’ll also want to have the room climate controlled so you people at Brigadoon, both physically and cognitively. He’s a true can enjoy your space all year. testament to the quality of life someone can achieve by being fit.” Begun as a fitness supplier to hotels in 1994, Brigadoon FitOne of the many things people have realized since the panness today is known for its products in health clubs, corporate demic is that quality home exercise equipment can complement a fitness centers, apartments, police and fire departments, schools gym membership. People are drawn to gyms for the classes, soand universities. A portion of its 70,000 square-foot warehouse cialization and variety of equipment they offer, but more people is dedicated to residential sales. are choosing to work out at home, also. The company takes pride in its experienced staff and large “It’s a nice escape to be able to exercise at your convenience inventory of equipment and accessories. Its approach to busiin the comfort, privacy and safety of your own home,” says Osika. ness allows Brigadoon Fitness and its divisions, Hotel Fitness “Setting up your own gym allows you to create the type of space and Orange Italia Outdoor Furniture (residential expansion you want and allows you to pick the specific types of equipment coming Spring 2021), to provide products and services more efficiently and for a great value, says Osika. Company leaders believe that, to excel in business, they must also invest in their community. The company does this by supporting local nonprofits and sponsoring community events. Brigadoon specializes in treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines and a variety of styles of bicycles and other cardio equipment made by TRUE Fitness. Its product offerings include seated ellipticals by Octane Fitness that are used to strengthen leg muscles while being especially good for individuals with back or balance problems. The company also sells free weights and multi-use machines for strength training. Learn more at Brigadoonfitness.com, stop in at 1818 Research Drive, Fort Wayne, or call (800) 269-7130. ❚ Tell them you saw it in ...
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Your Kitchen
An Easy & Comforting Chicken Casserole
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lmost nothing says comfort food quite like a freshly baked casserole. This Rotisserie Chicken-Biscuit Casserole comes together in a snap, with just a handful of ingredients. The bake time is less than 15 minutes but the result is highly satisfying. Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings and combination of vegetables. Consider adding lightly sauteed mushrooms, onion and/or garlic. Find more comfort food recipes at Culinary.net.
Ingredients
1 8 1 1/2 1/4 2 1/2 1/8
whole rotisserie chicken refrigerated biscuits can (10 3/4 oz.) cream of mush room soup cup milk cup sour cream cups frozen vegetables tsp. dried basil tsp. pepper
Directions
Heat oven to 450 F. Remove the meat from a cooled rotisserie chicken and shred into pieces; set aside. Discard the bones. Cut the refrigerated biscuits into quarters; set aside. In a medium saucepan, stir together
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the soup, milk, sour cream, chicken, vegetables, basil and pepper. Cook until boiling. Season to your liking. Spoon the chicken mixture into a baking dish and arrange biscuits over the filling. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until biscuits are golden brown. â?š (Source: Family Features)
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Your Fun
Entertainment & Events Eagle Marsh Ongoing. Offering over 14 miles of trails through varied habitats of shallow-water wetland, sedge meadow, prairie, mature forest and young trees. Home to more than 250 kinds of birds and other wild creatures, including bald eagles. Eagle Marsh, 5000 Smith Road, Fort Wayne, (260) 478-2515, lrwp.org.
Headwaters Ice Skating Ongoing, Mon.-Thu. 1-8 p.m., Fri. noon-10 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. noon-8 p.m. Headwaters Park, Clinton and Superior Streets, Fort Wayne, (260) 422-7625, forwayneparks.org. The Club Room Ongoing. See website for times and details. Music offerings include Blues & BBQ on Monday, soft rock and classics on Tuesdays, Jazz on Wednesday, Nashville Thursdays, local and regional music on Friday, and pop, soul and funk on Saturday. The Club Room at the Clyde, 1806 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, (260) 407-8530, clydeclubroom.com. YLNI Winter Farmers Market Indoors through April 24, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Offering local produce, salsa, guacamole, gourmet mushrooms, Jamaican specialties, decorated cookies, keepsake boxes, journals, wooden cutting boards, herbal skincare products and more. Former Aunt Millie’s Bakery, 350 Pearl St., Fort Wayne, ylni.org. Fort Wayne Farmers Market Ongoing, Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Featuring vegetables, fruit, flowers, plants in season, baked goods, candles, soaps and other products from regional artisans. Parkview Field, 216 W. Douglas Ave., Fort Wayne, ftwaynefarmersmarket.com. McMillen Park Center Ongoing. See website for times. Drop-in activities include pickleball, open fitness, cardio fit,
essential steps and Zumba. McMillen Park Community Center, 3901 Abbott St., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6460, fortwayneparks.org. ABC Exercise Ongoing. Tue. & Thu. 9:30-10:15 a.m. Dropin class. Designed for those 50 and older with arthritis or joint problems after hip/knee replacement or stroke. Improve strength and flexibility, reduce pain and increase mobility. Community Center, 233 W. Main St., (260) 4276460, fortwayneparks.org.
Stream Movies Ongoing. Pick your favorite or discover a new film to rent for 3 days. Choices include “Love Sarah,” “Out Stealing Horses,” “Song Without a Name,” “Amulet,” documentaries “The Donut King,” “Harry Chapin,” “Jimmy Carter,” “Meeting the Beatles in India,” “Gordon Lightfoot,” “Creem,” “The Fight,” “John Lewis,” “The Booksellers” and many more. Cinema Center, 437 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, cinemacenter.org/support-from-home. Larry Burrows: Life in Vietnam Through Feb. 28, Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thu. to 8 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. Photojournalist Burrows was most famous for his moving images captured during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971. Many of his photos were published in LIFE magazine and offer a testimony to the horror and humanity of this destructive time of the 20th century. Fort Wayne Museum of Art, 311 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, (260) 4226467, fwmoa.org. Art on Call Jan. 27, Feb. 24, 2-2:30 p.m. Students grades K-12 experience art from the comfort of their home or classroom. Programs alternate between a tour of a current exhibition and a theme-based Gallery on Wheels collection. RSVP on website. Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne, (260) 422-6467, fwmoa.org.
(Visit Fort Wayne photo)
Full Moon Hike Jan. 29, 8-9:30 p.m. Families enjoy the mysterious world of nature at night. Dress for the weather; rubber boots recommended. RSVP on website. Eagle Marsh, Fort Wayne, (260) 478-2515, lrwp.org. Winterval at the Conservatory Jan. 30, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Festivities include ice sculpture carving, winter bird feeding and a surprise giveaway. Explore the Tiki Bowl, too. Botanical Conservatory, 1100 YLNI Winter Farmers Market pops up every Saturday at the S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6460, fortwayneparks.org. former Aunt Millie’s bakery in downtown Fort Wayne. 28
Smart Living Fort Wayne
January 2021 • I
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Winter Cozy Jan. 30, 7-11 p.m. Enjoy dancing, games, live music, food, cocktails, a hot chocolate bar; make s’mores and relax with friends. Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6460, fortwayneparks.org. Moser Woods-Virtual Jan. 30, 7 p.m. Virtual entertainment by the Fort Wayne 4-piece progressive instrumental rock band. Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, (260) 425-6287, fwembassytheatre.org. World Wetlands Day Hike Feb. 2, 1-2:30 p.m. Gather at the Eagle Marsh barn, 6801 Engle Road, for a celebration hike and seed scatter. Explore the wetland and learn why wetlands are important for wildlife and the community. Rubber boots recommended. RSVP on website. Eagle Marsh, Fort Wayne, (260) 478-2515, lrwp.org. Valentine’s Day Cooking Feb. 2, 6-7:30 p.m. Kids 6-14 learn confidence and comfort in the kitchen; participants make one savory and one sweet recipe. Reg. online. Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6460, fortwayneparks.org. Tai Chi for Relaxation Feb. 2-23, Tue., on-site at 9:30-10:30, virtual at 5-6 p.m. The series focuses on quieting the mind, moving slowly while finding flow in your movement and developing confidence in balance and weight shifts. Reg. online. Botanical Conservatory, Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6460, fortwayneparks.org. Hand Embroidery Feb. 4, 11 & 18, 6-7:30 p.m. Learn the fundamentals of embroidery, from selecting materials to the six basic stitches. Bring a pair of pillowcases to class. Reg. online. Community Center, (260) 427-6460, fortwayneparks.org. Wintry Walk in the Woods Feb. 6, 10-11 a.m. Bundle up and join a naturalist for a morning hike and an informative talk. Reg. online. Lindenwood Nature Preserve, 600 Lindenwood Ave., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6460, fortwayneparks.org. Night to Remember-Virtual Feb. 6, 7 p.m. The band plays favorite danceable pop and rock tunes from the 1960s to the present. Also at the Embassy, Feb. 20, 7 p.m., Sankofa; and March 6, 7 p.m., Down the Line 15. Embassy Theatre, Fort Wayne, (260) 4256287, fwembassytheatre.org. ❚
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Smart Living Fort Wayne
January 2021 • I
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Smart Living Fort Wayne
January 2021 • I
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Smart Living Weekly
Issue 1