Smart Living Fort Wayne - September 2, 2021

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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • September 2021 • No. I

Seeing Fort Wayne Through Public Art How to Update Your Rooms A Visit to Marshall County, Ind. One-Stop Renovating Eases the Stress Lots of Fun Local Events in September

Quality, Smart Products & Services for Your Home, Family, Health, & Entertainment!

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ...............................Cover & p. 16 Explore Public Art with New Mural Pass Your Home ...............................................................11, 19 Updating a Room; One-Stop Renovating Your Community ..........................................................13 Bradley Hotel and The Landing Inspiration & Worship ................................................14 The Compassion of Jesus Christ Your Healthy Recipe ...................................................23 Cooking with Tasty Citrus Your Outing ...................................................................25 Marshall County: A Gem in Our Own Backyard Your Style ......................................................................27 What’s New in Furniture Styles Your Family Fun ...........................................................28

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writer Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Lisa Brandt, 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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Ties that Bind Us

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enjoyed learning about the annual Blueberry Festival in Marshall County, Ind., that took place last weekend. It amazes me how volunteers coming together around a good plan can accomplish the seemingly impossible, such as pulling off an event that draws 400,000 visitors to a town of 9,000 residents. Festivals have many moving parts and are never a solo effort.

Why do we go to so much effort to stage these complex events? Heaven knows we all have plenty of other things to do.

There are obvious answers to this question that involve boosting our local businesses and tax base via tourism, but I think it goes much deeper. We hunger for reasons to be together, to forge traditions that strengthen our local identity and to share experiences that all generations can enjoy and remember over the years.

It’s my belief that we hunger for a sense of connection to one another now more than ever. Even before the pandemic highlighted the pain of isolation, we saw attendance at local events rising, from farmers markets to summer concerts in the parks. Our American lifestyle can be very isolating if we allow it to be, with our increasing reliance upon the Internet for entertainment, shopping, banking, education and work.

Being part of a community takes a little more effort than it once did. We have to be more intentional about it. We can participate in a local church, service club, sports league or other civic organization, for example. Taking time to explore our own backyard through the eyes of artists, as discussed in our cover article, is another way to strengthen communal bonds. And, volunteering helps us get to know our neighbors and feel part of something greater than ourselves. There are endless ways to serve one another in love and those who do so are likely to find their own spirits lifted most of all.

Taking time to share our lives with others is smart living.

Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SL Editor Tell them you saw it in ...

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Your Home & Garden

How to Bring Your Room Up to Date

By Janine Pumilia

(Taylor King Photo)

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f your living space looks a bit tired, consider giving it a makeover. That may not be as difficult or expensive as you think and can be a real mood lifter.

“It’s easy and affordable to achieve a nice update by swapping out some accessories and smaller furniture pieces,” says Christy Howe, a designer at Fairfield Galleries in Fort Wayne.

“The best way to get started is to come in and take a few laps around the showroom. Find out which looks draw you in. If you’re not sure how to integrate fresh ideas with your existing furniture, ask one of our designers to help.”

Snap some images of your existing room and bring them to the store, Howe suggests. Or, if you’re planning a major revamp, set up an in-home appointment with a designer.

“We’re very customer service oriented and happy to help people put together a new look. Sometimes people just lack the confidence to go forward because design is not what they do every day. We can help. We don’t impose our personal tastes on you – we help you to figure out what you like.”

Take advantage of the deep product knowledge and personal design expertise store professionals offer, Howe urges. That’s something you can’t get online.

“Along with advice about patterns and colors – the fun stuff – we can also answer questions about how a piece of furniture is made, which fabrics are most durable, and how to combine furniture pieces and accessories in ways that are attractive but also functional.”

A living room or great room is often the first candidate for an update because it’s heavily used. Fairfield Galleries carries a huge selection of sofas and sectionals that anchor these rooms, plus accessories that complement them.

“You’ll mostly find neutral and tonal sofas and sectionals in our showroom because most people think it makes sense to stick to neutrals for the big pieces and occasionally freshen up the look with smaller pieces and accessories,” Howe says.

“We’re seeing a lot of vivid colors in artwork right now – deep ocean blues and sea greens, splashes of tangerine and hot pink. There’s also a softer version of this same color palette in more muted tones like soft pinks and sage greens.”

Area rugs, artwork, spot tables made of wood or mixed metals, décor pieces, ottomans and “poufs” – soft stools used for child seating, footrests or a surface to set something on – offer opportunities to add color and personality to a room with neutral furnishings.

“Just replacing your lamps can really freshen up a room,” says Howe. “We have so many nice choices for lamps that use different materials and colors.”

But there’s more to a room than color.

“Along with color, give some thought to textures,” says Howe. “Layering in some items with velvet or knotty fabrics or perhaps a jute or sisal rug can make for a nice change.”

Larger neutral pieces can be freshened up with splashes of color, pattern and texture, as shown in this room by Taylor King, one of many furniture brands sold at Fairfield Galleries in Fort Wayne.

In Fort Wayne, Howe sees many customers moving away from strictly traditional styles to a more transitional look with a subtler color scheme.

“It depends on the customer, but most people today don’t want blatantly matchy-matchy furniture,” says Howe. “You want to add ribbons of compatible colors, but in a less overtly intentional way.”

Mixed metal accents are popular.

“Gold accents are back, but in a champagne gold tone that mixes well with bronze or silver. Items like large clocks and mirrors are still trending, but in updated versions.

“Everything is oversized and large scale in accessories, from large florals or abstract patterns on pillows to large pieces of artwork on walls.”

One of the most functional and versatile furniture pieces today is the low-slung console table used in any room as a TV or lamp stand, as a dining room or kitchen storage sideboard, as an entryway table or as an anchor to focal-point wall art. They come in many styles, often with concealed storage or open shelving.

“Not everyone wants to hang their TV on the wall because that tends to lock you into one furniture floor plan,” says Howe.

“A console table is more versatile.”

When it comes to other rooms of the house, there are easy ways to upgrade a space by replacing your old headboard with a new upholstered one or swapping in new chairs for your older but beloved dining table.

“People still like to have large dining tables for gathering the family together,” Howe says. “Dining and bedroom furniture are the pieces we tend to hold onto longest and there are ways to update those rooms without replacing all the furniture.”

Freshening up your home is easier than you think – and can be a lot of fun, too.

“At the end of the day, we just want people to walk into their homes and feel good about what surrounds them.”

Learn more by stopping in at Fairfield Galleries, 5010 US 33 North, Fort Wayne, or call (260) 489-5526. ❚

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MEET

AGAIN

EXPLORE

AGAIN

FLY

AGAIN

PEOPLE ARE BEGINNING TO DO IT ALL AGAIN. So, whether you’re planning your next business trip. Or, booking that long-awaited vacation.

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So, you can fly…again.

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Our Community

The Landing & Bradley Hotel

By Peggy Werner n historic location that launched the city of Fort Wayne is now transformed into a booming block designed to attract locals and destination travelers alike, anchored by a stylish new hotel.

Many new businesses have opened during the past year at The Landing, located on one city block of Columbia Street between Calhoun and Harrison streets.

“Our community made a concentrated effort to buy the whole block and renovate it all at once, to attract the businesses that are here today,” explains Kristen Guthrie, vice president of marketing at Visit Fort Wayne. “It’s a very dramatic change.

We’ve renovated historical spaces and added new buildings in an effort to honor our history while making the area appealing to people today.”

The area was neglected for a long time but has been given new life, Guthrie explains.

“As people gravitated to the outdoors during the pandemic, they learned to love it and the neighboring Promenade Park, and they want to continue to enjoy all the outside opportunities they can. People can enjoy a coffee, a cocktail, fine dining, music, do some shopping, meet friends, attend an event. It’s just a great place for people to gather and it’s always full of life.”

The biggest news coming out of the newly developed area is the recent opening of The Bradley Hotel. The hotel is a collaboration between Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, who in 1982 cofounded the women’s fashion label Vera Bradley (named for her mother) with Patricia R. Miller in Fort Wayne, and Provenance Hotels, which specializes in independent hotels that reflect the character of the cities where they’re located.

Baekgaard’s gift for design and hospitality is evident in the stylish, comfortable and welcoming hotel that is uniquely Fort Wayne, with local art decorating every room and the common areas, says Guthrie.

The 124-room hotel has nine specialty suites, each named for an Indiana city, a rotating art gallery, a restaurant and a rooftop bar. Arbor Restaurant, on the ground floor, specializes in

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With interior design influenced by the co-founder of Vera Bradley, it’s no surprise that the new Bradley Hotel is cheerily stylish and welcoming.

Is anything better than gathering with friends at a bright, new location?

modern American fare, with an emphasis on homecooked favorites. Birdie’s, a nickname given to Baekgaard by a grandchild, is a rooftop bar with a central fireplace and outdoor terrace overlooking the downtown.

Rental space in the hotel includes a spot for Kilwin’s, famous for chocolates, fudge and ice cream.

Other businesses on Columbia Street include the city’s newest brewery, Landing Beer Company, which offers something for all ages, including craft beers, barbecue and a kid’s menu.

There’s also Utopian Coffee, boutiques, and international cuisine such as tacos from Mercado, Asian fusion foods at Nawa, wood-fired pizza from Alto Grado, and Tolon, a farm-to-table restaurant.

The Bison is one of many landmark murals in the city and welcomes visitors to The Landing. These murals are contributing to Fort Wayne’s growing reputation as a hub for artistic expression.

The Landing is also within walking distance of many other local attractions, such as the Arts Campus and Promenade Park, with its skyline views, riverfront activities, kayak rental, music, brews and a water fountain playground for kids at Trubble Riverside Café and Tap. The latter is a pet-friendly patio with water bowls, beds, and homemade treats for dogs.

In the 1800s, Fort Wayne was nicknamed “The Summit City” because of its location at the highest point where canals were used to transport goods. Traders landed along the downtown streets of Canal and Columbia, hence the moniker “The Landing.”

HostThemHere.com gives local residents all the tools they need to show Hoosier hospitality to their guests, with information on venues, hotels, restaurants, businesses, activities and tips for planning getaways, says Guthrie.

“The site is a collection of resources that equip you to be a perfect host and roll out the red carpet for guests. Fort Wayne residents are looking forward to hosting their family and friends, who haven’t been able to get together for quite some time.” ❚

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Inspiration & Worship

Compassion: A Quality of Jesus Christ C

hristians know that Jesus Christ lived among people for 33 years and set the example of how to be “imitators of God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2) The gospels convey how he did that and what it looks like in practical application. One behavior often on display was compassion.

All four gospel writers tell us that Jesus felt compassion for people and took action to help them. He did this even when he was physically and mentally weary from travel, rejection or temptation.

Jesus met the needs of disabled, sick, demon-possessed, grief-stricken, hungry, rejected and oppressed people.

In Matthew 15, we see that he was sensitive to peoples’ physical needs.

“Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.’” (Matthew 15:31 NIV)

He fed them.

Jesus was sensitive to peoples’ state of mind, too.

“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:35-38, NIV)

Jesus set the example for loving all kinds of people, regardless of gender, age, race, or station in life. He asked us to imitate his behavior, which means it must possible to do.

Doling out compassion is not something we do because people “deserve it.”

In truth, we never deserved the compassion Jesus showed to us, either. We love others because God first loved us.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV ❚

-- Janine Pumilia

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Right in Our Region

New Pass Highlights Public Art Trail

This mural by artist Shawn Dunwoody spans hundreds of feet and wraps around the building at 120 W. Wayne St.

By Peggy Werner

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ometimes, discovering what’s in your own backyard can be an exciting adventure you’ll want to share with others.

One of the newest ways to get residents and visitors acquainted with Fort Wayne was launched in August. It’s a free digital pass for the Public Art Trail that guides people to more than 150 locations to view and learn about larger-than-life murals, functional and fun sculptures, and other pieces of public art.

“The digital pass works like an app on your phone and it’s

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a fun way to discover and enjoy art,” says Kristen Guthrie, vice president of marketing at Visit Fort Wayne.

Sign up for the pass on visitfortwayne.com/PublicArtTrail and “check in” at the various locations to earn prizes. The more places you visit, the bigger the rewards, with the top prize being a mural print after 75 visits.

In a similar vein, the Outdoor Pass was introduced for visitors and residents of Allen County, encouraging them to use 20 self-guided smartphone tours for hiking, biking and paddling, at every skill level and in every direction of the county to explore rivers, trails, and parks.

A 22nd annual “Be a Tourist in your own Backyard” event will take place Sept. 12 and will feature free admission to 19 museums and other attractions in the city. The event draws about 20,000 people each year, Guthrie says.

“We want our residents to do everything that visitors do. Visitors love our community, but residents don’t always take the time to explore. Take this chance to make those discoveries and see all the life that artists have brought to our downtown,” she says.

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Right in Our Region

Alexandra Hall, founder and manager of Art This Way, took responsibility for enlivening Fort Wayne with street art.

“At the time, I was working full-time as an artist,” she explains. “Having traveled the world, I appreciated street art and saw how it adds energy to a city. I wanted to bring that spirit to Fort Wayne. When given an opportunity to talk to the Downtown Improvement District, I helped them see how it could happen.

Fort Wayne was ready, but they didn’t know how to do it, and I could be that person to facilitate the program.”

Art This Way works with building owners and artists to bring many of the city’s murals to life. A program of Fort Wayne Improvement District, the all-volunteer organization aims to change the way locations throughout the city are seen and used.

Projects are funded by grants, corporate sponsorships, fundraisers and community donations.

For Example, Artist Bryan Ballinger has painted two murals, The Blue Birds and The Ruddy Turnstones. He partnered on the second project with Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities, whose mission is to empower people

with disabilities. Turnstone helps them to achieve their highest potential for independence through social services, counseling, adult day services, adult and pediatric therapy, childcare, fitness and aquatics, sports and recreation and more.

“To be able to be a part of the amazing Fort Wayne creative community in this visual way is awesome,” Ballinger has stated.

The most recently unveiled mural is “River Otter,” by artist Arlin Graff, at 919 Harrison St. The building owners wanted to support the arts and because the river otter was once an endangered species in Indiana, but now inhabits about 90 percent of the counties in the state, the mural is a reminder of how people can positively impact the environment, Hall says.

Each mural has a plaque with the artist’s name, the name of the mural, the sponsors and the message. A QR code can be scanned to open videos featuring artists talking about their work. The videos are also available on the artthiswayfw.com.

Other murals will be completed this fall and a search is underway for an artist who can paint a veteran’s mural in celebration of those who served and are serving the United States of America. It’s anticipated the mural will be completed next spring or summer and will be painted on the south and west sides of a commercial office building at 135 W. Main St., Hall says.

“We want our residents to be our best ambassadors,” Guthrie adds. “When you understand your city, you can share what you know with others and that’s a big part of our goal.” ❚ On the Cover: This mural on Harrison Street in Fort Wayne is by artist Tim Parsley and students of the University of St. Francis. The subject is poet Walt Whitman.

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Your Home & Garden

One-Stop Renovating, Indoors & Out

By Janine Pumilia

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f it involves your home’s interior or exterior, Wright Brothers Renovation & Design can design it, construct it and install it.

That’s what Brian Alberding would like you to know about the company he co-owns with business partner David Wright.

“Our niche in the market is that we do everything,” says Alberding. “We provide the design work, structural or mechanical engineering work and the full installation, whether removing walls to open up spaces, renovating a kitchen or bath, adding extra rooms, or doing a full home exterior makeover with new roof, windows and siding or stone. That’s what sets us apart.”

For homeowners, this means dealing with one contractor from start to finish, with all tradespeople in close communication and working on an agreed-upon schedule. The company’s expertise in both the aesthetic and technical aspects of a renovation allow for a one-stop, simple experience.

Wright Brothers also has a deep knowledge of products.

“We’ve learned a lot through trial and error. That’s part of what people pay us for – our experience,” he says. “Over the years, I’ve seen plenty of things go wrong with home products – shingles that fail, siding that fades, kitchen cabinets that de-laminate and so on. We stay with brands we know because we stand behind our work. We use professional-grade products from companies we trust and very seldom purchase from a big-box store.”

Another advantage of the company’s longevity is its knowledge of the Fort Wayne area.

“When a homeowner calls me and tells me their address, I know what the construction of homes in that neighborhood is like, and in what era the home was built. Our experience with past jobs in similar homes helps us to know what works well.”

Many people are improving their homes right now, realizing they’ll earn money back when they sell their homes.

“We’re seeing a lot of homeowners who want nicer kitchens and bathrooms and also want rooms connected that were previously separated by walls,” says Alberding. “The main things a realtor plays up are a newer kitchen, bathrooms, windows and roof.

Some buyers want a fixer-upper, but most want a home that’s ready to live in without having to seek out a contractor.”

Home renovation TV shows are fueling ideas.

“They inspire people to make over their own homes. Really, the possibilities are endless for making a home more attractive, more functional, and just more enjoyable to live in.”

Every homeowner considering a renovation of any kind should get references and learn how a company operates. Sadly, the home improvement market sees its share of unreliable contractors who sometimes take short-cuts, use inferior products or fail to stand behind their work. They hook customers by offering cut-rate prices that may cost more money in the long run.

“I get calls every year from people whose projects were left unfinished or installed improperly,” he says. “Their building bud-

Before (right) and after renovation.

get is gone but there’s still a lot of work left to be done.”

Wright Brothers offers free on-site consultations to give homeowners a general analysis of what work would be involved in their project and roughly what it would cost. If customers decide to proceed, meetings are set up with staff members who have expertise relevant to the project. For example, Lisa Habben is a kitchen and bath designer with 25 years of experience; Michal Blevins has 20 years of experience in plumbing and HVAC systems; and Mike Walters has spent two decades improving the curb appeal of home exteriors. Next, detailed estimates are provided, the staff works up drawings and a timeline is agreed upon for starting and finishing the project.

“Do problems arise that impact the timeline? Yes, they do,” says Alberding, noting that pandemic-related supply chain issues have made this year particularly challenging. “But you have to have a goal for completion.”

Alberding has 38 years of experience “doing what I love.”

His business skill and David Wright’s talent in field operations are a winning combination.

“I enjoy recruiting, developing and training good people and bringing them up to our speed,” says Alberding. “It’s all about maintaining a high level of expertise and providing excellent customer service from the moment a customer makes that first call and is greeted by a real human being on the phone. I love it when one of our consultants designs a gorgeous job and we bring that design to life and our customers are thrilled. They tell their friends and our business just keeps growing.”

To learn more, stop by the office at 4227 N. Clinton St., or call (260) 434-0660. ❚

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Your Healthy Recipe

Cooking with Citrus: Good for Your Heart A

healthful diet is a key to heart health and our kitchens are full of foods that can help us.

For example, research shows that each 8-oz. serving of 100 percent orange juice is packed with key nutrients and valuable plant compounds which can help to lower blood pressure and strengthen the immune system.

Orange juice also contains potassium, an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance affecting blood pressure.

Some studies have found that folate and vitamin B6, both water-soluble vitamins found in orange juice, may help protect against heart disease by lowering homocysteine levels in the blood, an amino acid believed to cause damage to the arteries and increase the risk of blood clots when elevated.

Orange Juice Shrimp Quinoa Bowls marry tangy, spicy and sweet flavors.

Find more heart healthy inspiration at floridacitrus.org.

Orange Juice Shrimp Quinoa Bowls

Servings: 2 2 cups water 1 cup quinoa 1 cup orange Juice 1 TB hot sauce 1 TB honey 1 TB soy sauce 6 TB vegetable oil 2 TB lime juice 1 TB white miso 1 1/2 lbs. peeled shrimp, deveined 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper 1 bell pepper, diced 1 cucumber, sliced in half moons 3 scallions, sliced 1 avocado, sliced 1 tsp. sesame seeds 2 TB cilantro, chopped Bring water to boil. Add quinoa, reduce to simmer, cover and cook 15 minutes. Fluff with fork.

Whisk orange juice, hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, 4 TB vegetable oil, lime juice and miso. Set aside half of it.

Add shrimp to remaining half and marinate 15 minutes.

Heat large skillet over medium-high heat and add remaining oil.

Season shrimp with salt and pepper then saute in a wok or pan, cooking about 2 minutes per side until pink.

Place 1/2 cup quinoa in bowl and top with bell pepper, cucumber, scallions, avocado and shrimp. Drizzle with setaside dressing and top with sesame seeds and cilantro. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

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Your Outings

Marshall County: A Backyard Gem

By Janine Pumilia

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xotic vacations are grand, but there’s also a lot to be said for exploring our own backyard at a leisurely pace.

Time is well spent meandering gently rolling countryside and discovering unique gems of Marshall County, Ind., 90 miles west of Fort Wayne.

“From stargazing to paddling to 5-star dining, the county is full of treasures waiting to be explored,” says Cori Humes, executive director of Visit Marshall County. “It’s fun to start by hunting for the colorful murals painted on barns, downtown businesses and in public spaces along the county’s Barn Quilt Trail.”

Self-guided trail maps lead to charming communities like Culver and Plymouth, popular for their unique shops, dining and ambiance.

Adventure enthusiasts find plenty to love in Marshall County.

“They canoe along a silent lake at dawn while the mist rises from the water,” says Humes. “They birdwatch and hike and fish and geocache for trinkets. They also enjoy swimming in Indiana’s second-largest natural lake – Lake Maxinkuckee – where the shores touch Culver Academies, a prestigious boarding school.”

Indiana’s first Dark-Sky Preserve is located at Potawatomi Wildlife Park in Marshall County, a haven for naturalists and stargazers alike.

For those who enjoy history, what discoveries await in this county that was organized in 1836 and named for Chief Justice John Marshall?

“There are some fantastic museums, for one thing, like the Marshall County Historical Society Museum or the Culver Academies Museum,” says Humes. “But history is found all around us.”

She points to The Old Town Pump in Bourbon, Ind., as an example. Today it’s a monument that reminds us of a time between the 1860s and early 1900s when folks stopped to socialize and refresh themselves around the town pump while watering their horses. After the pump was no longer needed, citizens with foresight erected the monument to remind future generations (like ours) of how things used to be.

Likewise, the Bremen Water Works Standpipe, in Bremen, Ind., no longer plays a functional role in its community but nevertheless remains The lighthouse in Culver, Ind., is among sites of historical interest a beloved icon rising high in the sky. Built in Second Gothic in Marshall County, Ind.

It’s fun to follow the Barn Quilt Trail in Marshall County, Ind. You’ll discover many charming small towns along the way. The county is 90 minutes west of Fort Wayne.

Revival style in 1992, its 68-foot brick base atop a limestone foundation supports a 36-foot tank that was in service until 1955.

In 2013 it became part of the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors who love to shop enjoy the small-town approach to quality and customer service found in Marshall County, says Humes. The variety of specialty stores is wide, from antique shops to art galleries.

“The range of dining options in Marshall County might surprise you,” says Humes. “Sure, there’s the roadside diner with great pancakes and conversation, but there are also five-star gourmet menus.”

Overnight accommodations range from bed & breakfasts to hotels and resorts, including Swan Lake Resort, home to both the United States Golf Academy and two Indiana National Golf Club courses. There are also log cabins, cottages and camping facilities.

If you decide to explore Marshall County, Humes suggests this itinerary: Day 1: Get a self-guided tour map and travel the countryside on the Barn Quilt Trail.

DAY 2: Experience the seven ministries at The Center at Donaldson, a place for people of all ages and faiths to interact, share, learn and grow together, in Plymouth.

DAY 3: Do a seasonal adventure like canoeing, fishing, golfing or spending the day on Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver.

DAY 4: Spend the morning visiting a local Amish community at Rentown, then head to some historic downtowns for an afternoon of dining and shopping.

Marshall County is 90 minutes from Fort Wayne and two hours from Indianapolis, Chicago, Toledo, Ohio and Kalamazoo, Mich.

Next time you long to get away, why not consider the gems in your own backyard? ❚

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Your Style

Furniture Styles as Individual as You Are

By Peggy Werner

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eople furnish their homes in ways that are as unique as they are. Today’s furniture style options respect individualism, says Brittany Brouer, marketing director at Van’s Home Center in Auburn, Ind. “Today, furnishing one’s home is very individualized, depending on what people need and want, their budget, and what features they’re looking for,” she says.

One thing is certain: it seems like everyone is buying something.

“We’re selling a lot of everything,” says Brouer. “The vast majority of our business is furniture and people are buying because of the stimulus money, tax returns, unspent vacation money, and because they have spent so much time at home, they’re seeing things they want to change and are looking to be more comfortable at home.

“Our industry has seen one of the busiest times ever and manufacturers are still trying to catch up with the demand. The pandemic has crippled the global supply chain and people are sometimes having to wait two months or more for orders to This Allyson Park two-tone, versatile dining set fits comfortably into decor styles ranging from farmhouse and beach cottage to industrial or traditional. come in.”

Because many people are remodeling or The choices people make also depend upon their stage in building new homes, there are material shortages. Bad weather life. A young couple with young children and pets will likely around the country has slowed deliveries in some cases and COhead for the budget buys. Empty nesters may opt for more exVID-19 has forced the closure of some businesses. Other busipensive pieces they will enjoy for the rest of their lives. nesses are operating with reduced staff. All of this disrupts the Among many other brands, Van’s carries Palettes by Winesability to import goods. burg, furniture that is 100 percent American-made. This all“Having to wait was a big shock to people at first, but now wood, handcrafted furniture is made in Ohio’s Amish country they’re getting used to the idea because it’s the standard everyand a third-generation lumber company selects the best cherry, where,” says Brouer. “Things will settle down eventually and oak, walnut, maple and hickory woods for its products. we’ll fall back into ‘normal crazy’ rather than heightened crazy.”

“Because people’s tastes vary, the Van’s Home Center Bringing the outdoors indoors is one popular style trend and showroom features a wide selection of furniture styles and pricfarmhouse style furniture accommodates it well. Farmhouse emes. You can get affordable furniture that’s good quality here,” phasizes both form and function. It’s informal, cozy, relaxing and she says. practical, with industrial and rustic features. Soft textured fabA local family business, Van’s Home Center opened in 1973 rics combine with sturdy materials like wood and wrought iron, and has expanded from a 1,500 square-foot store to a 75,000 sometimes with vintage finishes. Wicker rattan furniture, left natsquare-foot “one stop” showroom for the home. Along with furural or painted, also adds to the lived-in feeling of farmhouse livniture, it sells appliances, furniture, flooring, mattresses, cabineing. The farmhouse look is achieved with neutral paint colors on try, countertops, outdoor furniture, grills and much more. the walls, a mix of old and new elements, and the incorporation “We’re large enough to compete with big-box stores and we of wood and painted furniture, Brouer says. price competitively,” says Brouer.

There’s an added emphasis on multi-functional pieces toLearn more by stopping in at Van’s Home Center, 106 Peckday. For example, many people want ottomans and tables that not hart Ct., Auburn, Ind. ❚ only look good, but also have storage compartments.

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Your Fun

Entertainment & Events

Protests & Promises Unfulfilled Through Sept. 12. A reflection on the local struggle for Civil Rights. Allen County Library, Krull Gallery, 900 Library Plaza.

Airplay and Hot Christian Songs charts. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. (260) 482.9502, memorialcoliseum.com.

Kuehnert Dairy Fall Festival Days Sept. 17-19 and 24-26; Oct. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17 and 22-24. Hours: Fri. 6-10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m. Experience the 6th-generation Kuehnert family dairy farm, with its corn maze, festival activities and dairy-inspired food for sale. Kuehnert Dairy Farm, 6532 W Cook Road, Fort Wayne, Kuehnertdairy.com.

Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau Thru Sept. 26 Tues.-Sat. Learn about the Czech painter and graphic artist. Fort Wayne Museum of Art, 311 E. Main St., fwmoa.org, (260) 422-6467.

Pure Prairie League Sept. 18, 7 p.m. This country-rock group has a 50-year legacy of making groundbreaking music.. Special guest: Why Store. Sweetwater Performance Pavilion, 5501 US Hwy 30 West, Fort Wayne. (260) 432-8176 x1137, sweetwaterpavilion.com.

Lauren Daigle Sept. 24, 4:30-8 p.m. In addition to two Grammy Awards, Daigle has won seven GMA Dove Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards, and has had four No. 1 singles on both the Billboard Christian

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Smart Living Fort Wayne

Birdwatching at Camp Scott Sept. 26, Oct. 24, 9-10:30 a.m. Beginners to pros are welcome and a limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow. The Camp Scott Nature Preserve isn’t usually open to the public, so these are great opportunities to see a lesser-known gem, guided

by Fort Wayne Trails. 3615 Oxford St., Fort Wayne, (260) 969-0079. fwtrails.org.

Visit this Amur leopard and other wondrous animals at the Fort Wayne Children’s zoo, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Fort Wayne Ballet: Diversions 21 Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 7 p.m. A fun mix of standalone pieces, both classical and contemporary, for all ages. Subscriptions for the new 2021-2022 season are now available and single ticket sales begin Sept. 8. Learn the details at fortwayneballet.org or call (260) 484-9646.

Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily in September and October. 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne.

September 2021 • I To Advertise Call 260-212-8968

Nashville Thursdays 7-10 p.m. every Thursday. Free live music, country, bluegrass, Americana. Club Room, Clyde Theater, 1808 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne. (260) 747-0989, clydetheatre.com.

Open Acoustic Jam Each second Tuesday, 5-8 p.m. at Sweetwater, 5501 US Hwy 30 West, Fort Wayne. All skill levels welcome. sweetwater.com. ❚

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Smart Living Fort Wayne

September 2021 • I To Advertise Call 260-212-8968

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Smart Living Fort Wayne

September 2021 • I To Advertise Call 260-212-8968