Smart Living Fort Wayne - March 4, 2021

s nt ve 28 r E ge te Pa in ee W S

11

Smart L iving yne Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • March 2021

a W t r o F

™

6 Reasons We All Love Fort Wayne!

Make Your Garage Floor New Again

NEW

Local Author Denise Hunter: No Regrets Tips for a Kitchen Remodel with Longevity How Today’s Window Coverings Solve Problems

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

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

2

3

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

To Advertise Call 260-267-5350

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

3

4

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

To Advertise Call 260-267-5350

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

5

In This Issue

Right in Our Region .............................. Cover & p. 16 Six Big Reasons We All Love Fort Wayne Your Community..................................................11 No Regrets for Local Author Denise Hunter Your Home.....................................................................13 How Window Coverings Can Solve Problems Inspiration & Worship .................................................14 Compassion: A Quality of Jesus Christ Your Outdoor Living ..................................................19 Do Your Outdoor Spaces Need Refreshing?

Your Health & Fitness ............................................ 23 Club-Quality Fitness Equipment at Home Your Kitchen ............................................................. 25 Choose Classic Styles for Remodels That Last Restaurant of the Week ......................................... 26 Pizza King Opens New Location Your Family Fun ................................................. 27

Smart L ivingyne Fort Wa

™

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 Graphic Designer Ashley Smith 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 (260) 267-5350, 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.

6

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

To Advertise Call 260-600-7340

Welcome to Smart Living!

W

elcome One & All, to the latest edition of Smart Living Fort Wayne Magazine.

There’s so much to cover in the Fort Wayne area, 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’re 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 Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

7

Any room, Every home.

Voted #1 Furniture, Appliance, & Mattress Retailer 3 Years In A Row By The Readers’ Choice Awards!

Finally, everything for your home, all in one place. Shop our large selection of quality products to find the perfect style for your home, at the perfect price, today.

Come See Why!

Furniture | Appliances | Flooring Mattresses | Cabinets | Countertops

Van’s Home Center Family owned since 1973.

106 Peckhart Ct. Auburn, IN 46706 260.927.8267 www.VansHomeCenter.com

8

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

To Advertise Call 260-267-5350

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

9

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.

We’ll provide the safe, sanitary, socially-distant terminal.

So, you can fly…again.

10

FWAIRPORT.COM Phoenix • Orlando • Tampa • Fort Myers • Las Vegas • Myrtle Beach • Sarasota • Dallas Smart Living Fort WayneChicago March 2021 • I To Advertise Call 260-267-5350 • Charlotte • Philadelphia • Atlanta • Detroit • Minneapolis

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. ❚

M

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

11

12

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

To Advertise Call 260-600-7340

Your Home & Garden

Today’s Window Coverings Solve Problems

By Peggy Werner

W

hether you’re looking for a stylish way to manage the intensity of the sun at certain times of day or you want to enjoy a beautiful view while maintaining privacy, today’s window coverings are problem solvers. Long gone are the days when fabric draperies or metal blinds are your only options.

“Today, it’s more about light control and privacy with a single treatment rather than layering of materials,” says Terri Gorney, manager of Zeigler’s Window Coverings in Fort Wayne.

Zeigler’s sells and installs custom blinds, shades, shutters and draperies.

It has the distinction of being a Hunter Douglas Gallery, which means the manufacturer chose it to carry a complete line of products and has trained the staff Silhouette window shades by Hunter Douglas feature soft, adjustable, S-shaped vanes that appear to float between two sheer fabrics. They allow light to filter through but obscure the outside world’s view into your space. on how each one works.

One new Hunter Douglas problem solver is the Sonnette, Guidance from experienced staff members makes all the a cross between a Roman shade and a cellular shade that offers difference when customers need to address problems in specific a soft, luxurious look in one product. Another is the Solera, a rooms of their homes, says Gorney. cellular roller shade that filters light for room darkening and pri“When people come into our store, they not only see a wide vacy but can be hidden inside a headrail when not in use. selection of products to choose from, but they also work with a Zeiglers’ seven decades of experience began when brothers trained window covering specialist to help answer questions and Robert and Bert Zeigler designed and made steel blinds in Robmake choices,” she explains. “We don’t just hand out samples. ert’s basement and sold them to neighbors and friends. Robert’s We know our products.” son, Mike Zeigler, expanded the business and brought on his The business has witnessed an evolution of technology, son, Todd Zeigler, to continue the family tradition. Todd now tastes and trends since it opened in 1947. For example, with more owns the store. people working from Todd marvels at the improvements made in window coverhome, daytime light ing technology, such as motorized shades and shutters that can control and privacy be programmed and operated from a smart device. You can conhave become bigger istrol sunlight coming through an uncovered window in the midsues. dle of summer so that the air conditioner doesn’t run nonstop. If “So often people you’re getting home after dark, shades can be closed before you tell me that, because get home, he explains. they were never home “Energy concerns are more important than ever. You will during the day, they see and feel the difference,” he says. didn’t realize how If there’s a room you avoid at certain times of the day or much sun was pouring year because it’s uncomfortably cold or hot or causes too much in and what it was doglare on a television screen, there’s now something you can do ing to their home,” says about it, Todd says.

Gorney.

“I have people tell me all the time they didn’t realize what Ultraviolet suna difference a window covering can make. They can now use light can fade colors in rooms whenever they want to that they had been avoiding.” carpeting and artwork The top-down/bottom-up Vignette Roman Call (260) 744-2111 or stop in at 1829 Fairfield Ave. to set and dry out woodwork. shade can be adjusted to fit your ideal level of privacy, light control and comfort. up a free consultation. ❚ Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

13

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 quality 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 sin-burdened 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

14

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

To Advertise Call 260-267-5350

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

15

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

W

ho has one of the happiest cities in the U.S. and one of the hottest real estate markets? We do, right here in Fort Wayne.

And who has one of the best-run cities in America, is ranked a top city for teachers and was called one of the best places to retire rich? You guessed it – Fort Wayne.

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 let’s recap just a few of the ways this slice of northeast Indiana is special.

1. 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. Tune into a virtual event or attend a live event hosted by the Embassy Theatre, Fort Wayne’s 1928 movie palace lovingly saved and restored by its community. The theatre hosts national productions from the Broadway stage, concerts of all musical formats, cinema, community events and educational programming. Coming up April 24 and 25 are three performances of the legendary 16

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

Broadway hit, “The Color Purple,” performed by the Indiana Performing Arts Theatre with a lively score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues.

If dance is your passion, check out upcoming virtual and live spring performances by the Fort Wayne Ballet. Love fine art and fine food? Visit the Fort Wayne Museum of Art and then enjoy unique cuisine 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 here, why not be a tourist for a day and find something new?

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!

To Advertise Call 260-600-7340

(Fort Wayne Komets photo)

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’s hosting the NCAA Division III Men’s basketball national championship in History comes alive in Fort Wayne, thanks to places like the Historic Old Fort and the Johnny Appleseed March.

Festival pictured above.

The action doesn’t stop there. With Johnny Appleseed festival in September (and the park where more than 120 miles of recreation trails and numerous public it’s hosted), and the inspiration for our TinCaps baseball team parks, it’s easy to keep an active lifestyle. This time of year, it’s (so named for the “tin hat” he dons in many a folktale.) especially rewarding to hike, cross-country ski or birdwatch at Long before European settlers, this was Miami country, a Allen County Parks, Eagle Marsh or any of our amazing state settlement and regional capital known as Kekionga. This heriparks, which are open year-round. tage has been faithfully honored in places like the Chief Rich3. Economic Strength. While manufacturing is still a maardville House, once home to Indiana’s wealthiest man – a dejor strength, education, healthcare and logistics remain powerful scendant of French fur traders and Miami Indians. forces in what’s become a diverse economy.

The History Center and firefighters’ museum downtown Over the past year, Fort Wayne has been ranked among hot take a deeper dive into our fascinating past. job markets, most livable cities, best places for new business 5. It’s Easy to Get Away. For everything there is to do startups … and the list goes on. But what really stands out is the right here in Fort Wayne, there’s an awful lot to see nearby, as city’s incredible affordability. In just the past year, we’ve been well. It’s all so close you can do it in a day and still be home named a top place to retire rich (GoBankingRates.com), a top by bedtime. Head to Grabill and get to know our area’s Amish choice for early retirement (AARP.org), top 5 city for first-time neighbors. DeKalb County has four auto museums that specialhomebuyers (SmartAsset.com), most affordable cities for millenize in cars and trucks, Duesenbergs and other machinery on the nials to buy a home (CreditKarma.com), best cities for Gen Zers move. Live music and fine dining are major attractions at Waron a budget (GoBankingRates.com), and the lowest cost of living saw’s Honeywell Center, but the charming downtown is full of in the United States (niche.com). surprises, too.

4.

History If it’s a big-city escape you crave, Fort Wayne is within Comes Alive. Our a 3-hour drive of Chicago, Detroit, Columbus, Cincinnati and city is almost as old as Indianapolis. the U.S. Constitution, Don’t forget about the lakes. Noble, Kosciusko and Steuben having started in 1794 counties each boast more than 100 lakes, including Indiana’s as a military fort on third-largest body of water and the impressive Chain O’Lakes, the edge of the fronwhich comprises 13 interconnected waterways. tier. You can still get a 6. It’s Kid-Friendly. Parents don’t have to look very far sense of those pioneer to find engaging activities for young minds. Promenade Park times at Historic Old downtown, the Allen County Library and Science Central are Fort, where costumed just a few places to start. And don’t forget about Fort Wayne re-enactors bring the Children’s Zoo, which Parents Magazine called one of the past to life during spebest zoos in the nation. cial events.

The wide variety of child-friendly attractions in Fort Wayne Our city is also is only one reason SmartAsset.com called this community the the final resting place best place to raise a family last year. High-quality schools, lowof Jonathan Chapman, er costs of living and low crime rates play a big role, too. For better known as JohnFort Wayne Komets hockey is one part of the ny Appleseed. He’s many of the same reasons, Money Magazine lists us among the city’s busy sports scene. nation’s top 100 places to live. ❚ the namesake of the Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

17

(Johnny Appleseed Festival photo)

Right in Our Region

18

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

To Advertise Call 260-267-5350

Outdoor Living

Need to Freshen Up Outdoor Spaces?

By Peggy Werner

W

ith the promise of spring comes the desire to improve the beauty and function of our outdoor spaces.

For more than 34 years, Knot Just Decks in Fort Wayne has been building not only wood decks, but also composite decks, shade-giving pergolas, outdoor kitchens and more. It also installs gutters and gutter guards, flagpoles and flags, and, most recently, concrete-coated flooring.

Owner Mike Woodfill says the relatively new polyurea floor coatings have become a favorite of installers and homeowners alike as an alternative to epoxy.

“The concrete-coated flooring basically takes your Knot Just Decks in Fort Wayne has been building decks and more in Fort Wayne for 34 years. garage floor and makes it look than five hours and is 100 percent anti-bacterial and anti-microbrand new even years later. Even if dirty, it looks clean. Add bial. some tables and chairs and an outdoor heater if you need it, and The finish repels moisture and damage from sunlight and you have another place to entertain,” he says. resists abrasions, scratches, staining and damage from chemiA main advantage of polyurea coating is that it has an excals, says Woodfill. The high-gloss finish is impact-resistant and tremely fast cure rate returning you to full service in your garage heat-tolerant. It penetrates into concrete flooring for a strong within 24 hours of completion; it’s ready for foot traffic in less bond and is easily cleaned with soap and water.

Knot Just Decks was founded in 1987 by Woodfill’s parents, Ken and Ann Woodfill, in the garage of their home. They outgrew the space and purchased the current site on Lima Road in 2000, remodeling several times and adding parking space. The showroom was updated in recent years and a new digital sign was installed last year.

Woodfill started working for his parents right out of high school, not knowing what direction he wanted to take in life. He soon realized he was exactly where he wanted to be.

“I loved it and I like all aspects of the business, including building stuff with my hands,” he says. “Seeing the result is the ultimate reward. We make something out of nothing or take a not-so-good-looking space and make it look great. People are so appreciative and grateful for the improvements.”

Learn more by calling (260) 745-0337 or stop in at the showroom, 3753 Lima Road. ❚ New polyurea floor coating makes your garage floor look brand new.

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

19

Winter Tweets Photography by David C. Olson

20

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

To Advertise Call 260-267-5350

Outdoor Living

18

Smart Living Fort Wayne

February 2021 • II To AdvertiseTell you saw it in ...

Callthem 260-267-5350

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

21

22

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

To Advertise Call 260-600-7340

Your Health & Fitness

Enjoy Club Fitness Equipment at Home

By Peggy Werner

I

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 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. 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 in 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. This is especially good for individuals with back or balance problems. The company also sells free weights and multi-use machines for strength training.

Learn more by stopping in at 1818 Research Drive, Fort Wayne, or call (800) 269-7130. ❚ Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

23

24

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

To Advertise Call 260-600-7340

Your Kitchen

Kitchen Remodels That Age Gracefully

By Janine Pumilia

A

major kitchen remodel can make your home more enjoyable and increase its resale value, but it’s probably not something you want to undertake often. That’s why choosing cabinets with staying power makes good sense, says Dana Knueve, a designer at Trinity Kitchen, Bath & Lighting, in New Haven, Ind. “It’s fine to have a kitchen that’s themed, but you want to express that theme with accent items, not foundational pieces like cabinets,” says Knueve.

“It’s much easier to change out a backsplash or even a countertop later when trends change.”

White-painted cabinets in a simple style like Shaker are timeless, she says.

“About half of our customers choose painted cabinets – mostly shades of white – and about half choose stained wood,” she says. “The most popular wood species now is maple, which has a fine grain Cabinetry is the most costly item in most kitchen remodels. Choose a classic style that won’t feel that’s not busy. Stains are nice, medium- outdated in a few years. You can always update smaller items later to keep up with trends. brown tones, not extremely dark or light.”

Quality of construction and selection, he says.

A clean cabinet style never has to compete with a lively At higher price points, dovetailed joints, thicker sidewalls backsplash or countertop.

“Light, airy and simple are the key words right now, and and features like soft-close drawers are used.

“A lower price point may offer you fewer color options in the more windows, the better,” says Knueve. “But that doesn’t a particular door style, whereas a more expensive line will offer mean there’s no pizzazz. People find lots of ways to add their any color on the Sherwin Williams color wheel,” explains Walsh. own splash of personality and color.”

It’s worth noting that doors are the most expensive part “We have products that fit into a budget and those which offer every option.” of cabinetry.

Trinity sells quartz, granite, solid surface, laminate and “By changing the style of the door in a kitchen design, you butcher block countertops. can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars and still have “We sell more quartz and granite than anything else,” says the features you want, like a built-in trash can or roll- Walsh. “Granite is a natural stone and each slab is one-of-a-kind.

You can see and select your slab. If there are certain features outs,” says Knueve.

Today, black hardware you’d like to see in your island, for example, we can position the is popular. Placing two larg- top to highlight those attributes. Periodically, you seal granite by er pendant lights over an is- spraying polish over it and wiping it down with a cloth.”

Quartz is man-made from crushed stone, is non-porous and land, rather than three smallpractically maintenance-free. er ones, is also on trend.

“All of the countertops we sell today look great and are duTrinity carries cabinetry in price points ranging from rable,” says Walsh. “It’s just a matter of what you like best.”

Trinity has been locally owned since it opened in 1958 and mid-level low to mid-levoffers one-stop design, product and installation services. el high, says Kevin Walsh, Learn more by calling (260) 493-2574 or stop in at the showowner. What’s the differBeauty and function are equally room, 11034 Lincoln Highway East. ❚ ence? important to a good kitchen design.

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

25

WeDineLocal

Pizza King Adds a New Location

By Peggy Werner or more than 60 years, Pizza King has prided itself on providing premium ingredients in pizzerias across northeast Indiana. It continues that tradition with the opening of a fourth location in Fort Wayne at 9805 Illinois Road.

“This new location is one of the most modern and unique store designs in our entire company,” says Austin Prather, Pizza King director of marketing. “We wanted to give the community a dining room as beautiful as the community itself. The store features a brick wall facade, exposed ductwork and black ceilings.

We also wanted to commemorate how we’ve grown Austin Prather through the years,

F

26

Smart Living Fort Wayne

by displaying custom artwork about our history and brand throughout the store.”

The family-owned brand has supply agreements with 50 independently owned stores in eastern Indiana. It delivers freshly made dough and other premium core ingredients to the stores daily.

Community members are excited about the newest pizzeria’s interior, with its classic red phones for dine-in orders and a striking wall mural filled with phrases and menu items unique to the brand, says Prather.

“We’ve had numerous residents leave us messages about how they got hooked on Pizza King during their time at Ball State University in Muncie. Many of these graduates have moved to this area now and are ecstatic to have a pizza brand they love within such close proximity.”

The menu will feature iconic Pizza King “Feast” specialty pizzas as well as

March 2021 • I

To Advertise Call 260-600-7340

submarine sandwiches, pastas, wrap-ups and salads. Dill-butter-brushed breadsticks are also a favorite.

Traditional pizzas come with a thin, crispy crust, but there’s also a thicker, pan crust option. The Royal Feast Pizza, the brand’s most popular menu item for decades, features a special blend of pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions and red and green peppers.

The Pizza King brand has focused on one goal over the decades, says Prather.

“We just want to serve the highestquality products and give fast, friendly service.”

Call the new Illinois Road location at (260) 800-3821. ❚

Your Fun

Entertainment & Events

Spring Forward at the Conservatory March 12-14, Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-4 p.m. Families enjoy some island fun in the “Tiki Bowl” play garden exhibit. Botanical Conservatory, Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Parks, fortwayneparks.org.

American Impressionism Through March 14, Tue.-Wed., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thu. to 8 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. Treasures from the Daywood Collection featuring 41 American paintings showcasing work from the late 19th and 20th centuries, when artists abandoned the rigors of academic styles for more intimate scenes. Fort Wayne Museum of Art, 311 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, (260) 422-9-6467, fwmoa.org.

2nd Saturday Family Tour March 13, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Each month a special tour is offered by a museum educator to invite close looking, discussion and interpretation of selected artworks. Reg. online.

Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne, (260) 422-9-6467, fwmoa.org.

Spring Forward Fest March 13, 6-10 p.m. A multi-venue, familyfriendly event celebrating Daylight Saving

Time. Promenade Park glows in various colors throughout the night. Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St., Fort Wayne Parks, fortwayneparks.org.

Art on Call March 23, 2 p.m. Experience art from the comfort of your home. Programs alternate between a tour of a current exhibition and a theme-based Gallery on Wheels collection.

Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne, (260) 422-9-6467, fwmoa.org.

Home & Garden Show April 15-18, Thu. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri.-Sat. to 9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Over 650 exhibitors display the latest in contemporary home and garden products and services. Includes seminars by experts and inspirational landscapes; the family fun area has a petting zoo, adoptable pets and martial arts demonstrations, as well as balloon and face-painting artists.

Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, (260) 482-9502, memorialcoliseum.com.

‘The Color Purple’ April 24-25, Sat. 3 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 4 p.m.

This Broadway musical follows the life of Celie, a teenage girl given by her stepfather

Tell them you saw it in ...

Enjoy a Home & Garden Show April 15-18.

to an abusive husband. Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, (260) 4256287, fwembassytheatre.org.

YLNI Winter Farmers Market 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. 302 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, ylni.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. Community Center, 233 W. Main St., (260) 427-6460, fortwayneparks.org. ❚

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

27

28

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

To Advertise Call 260-267-5350

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

29

30

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

To Advertise Call 260-267-5350

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

4

1

Smart Living Fort Wayne

March 2021 • I

To Advertise Call 260-267-5350