Smart Living Fort Wayne - January, 26 2023

Smart Living Fort Wayne

Blessing in Disguise

I’ve heard before — “bad things happen so good things can come out of it.”

Honestly, I usually roll my eyes at this slogan. It makes me think of a reality dating show where people break up and adopt this phrase as their mantra. But I have to admit, a small situation had me thinking of this “cheesy” phrase.

Last week, our dishwasher broke. No matter how many times you pressed the “start” button, this thing was not going to run, and my husband claimed to smell a burning scent.

“That’s just great,” I thought. Then came the obvious questions — Can the dishwasher be fixed? Will we have to get a new one? And the kicker — How much is this going to cost?

We had an appliance electricion come to our house the next day, and it turns out, the broken dishwasher was a blessing in disguise. It wasn’t working because a wire had fried, and the electrician was able to fix it impressively fast. But he also discovered a much bigger problem. It turns out, there was a steady drip of water leaking underneath our dishwasher. And when I saw the damage, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

The wood flooring we couldn’t normally see was discolored and already becoming uneven. It wasn’t rotten, but it was definitely headed in that direction. Who knows how long that leak had been there?

The electrician said we were lucky to catch the problem now, since it wouldn’t be long before we’d see the effects on our basement ceiling. He also said the previous owners of our house probably new about this problem, since someone had attempted a hacky DIY repair.

If the dishwasher hadn’t broken down, we probably wouldn’t have discovered that leak until it became a much larger (and costly) problem. Despite myself, I said the Pinterestworthy quote out loud. “Bad things happen so good things can come out of it.”

I mean, it wasn’t a break up or a health scare, but the situation still had me feeling grateful. Cheers to your problems becoming blessings. ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

Smart Living Fort Wayne

Your Dream Shower or Tub is 1 Day Away

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Renovating your bathroom doesn’t need to be a massive undertaking. The team at Bath Experts, who are the exclusive Jacuzzi Bath Remodel dealer in Fort Wayne, can install a new shower or bathtub in as little as one day.

“Our specialty is speed and customer satisfaction,” says Steve Woodward, owner and president.

Bath Experts specializes in top-ofthe-line tub replacements, shower replacements and conversions from one to the other. The business is exclusively focused on the “wet space” in your bathroom, meaning just the tub and shower area.

“We don’t offer a full remodel service like flooring, vanities or toilets,” Woodward says. “We come in and in as little as one day you get a brand-new shower or bathtub. We use our own installers – there are no subcontractors – and all of them are factory certified.”

The majority of customers want to remove an outdated bathtub and replace it with a sleek, easily accessible walk-in shower, Woodward adds. Current trends include installing low-threshold shower pans so that the shower is easier and safer to enter, as well as other safety features such as seats and grab bars.

As far as colors go, Woodward is seeing most customers choose white, matte black, or a blend of both. “We do all sorts of fixtures, of course, but right now, there’s a pretty good demand for that white/black look, or something similar,” he says.

But homeowners have plenty of options to customize the space to their liking, adds Jeff Worzala, director of marketing.

“Everything can be customized based on what a client’s needs are, and that’s really how we design a project,” he says. “We have more than 200 options as far as color choices and the design and texture options within them, as well as all our options for shower fixtures, shower doors, grab bars and other features. We build a system specific to a particular homeowner.”

While bath-to-shower conversions are most common, some customers are looking for a luxurious soaker tub to complete their dream bathroom environment, Worzala adds. Bath Experts is the exclusive Jacuzzi Bath Remodel dealer for the Fort Wayne area, and offers a limited lifetime warranty.

“It’s nice to know that the company you’re working with is going to stand behind their product, and that’s what the warranty is there for,” Worzala says. “Obviously, our goal is to do a good job the first time, have the customer feel completely satisfied, and never hear from them again until they’re ready to do their second bathroom. But, if they have issues or concerns, having that warranty is peace of mind.”

To learn more about Bath Experts or to schedule a consultation, visit onedaybathexperts.com.

Watch Out for Tax Season Scams

It’s that time of year when we do our taxes, but it’s also the same time that tax scammers go to work. What scams should you watch for, and how can you avoid being victimized?

Sadly, the list of scams is pretty long, including demands for payment or requests for “additional information” pertaining to your tax refund, in which the sender asks for your Social Security number and other personal information. These scam emails can look quite official, often incorporating the IRS logo. You might also receive scam text messages containing bogus links claiming to be the IRS website or an online “tool” that can help process your refund faster.

But keep these points in mind:

• The IRS generally won’t contact you by phone and won’t contact you by email, text messages or social media channels to ask for personal or financial information. The IRS begins most correspondence to taxpayers through regular mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.

• The IRS won’t call to demand you make an immediate payment through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. If you owe taxes, the IRS generally will mail you a bill. And the IRS won’t threaten to bring in the police or another law enforcement group to arrest you for not paying your taxes.

In general, be extremely skeptical about any type of communication purporting to be from the IRS that sounds bullying or over-inquisitive, and certainly don’t give out any personal or financial information. But these fake messages aren’t the only tax-season scams out there. You might even receive a direct deposit from what appears to be the U.S. Treasury Department, but if you weren’t expecting it, something’s likely not right. This payment could be a sign that a fraudulent tax return was filed in your name, and it might be followed by a communication from a supposed IRS agent requesting this overpayment be sent to them. If this happens to you, you’ll want to contact the IRS right away, and you could also ask your bank to return the deposit to the government.

Other scams don’t claim to originate directly from the IRS, as scammers pretend to be from real or imaginary tax organizations. For example, you could get a message from the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization within the IRS, but this agency won’t contact you without a legitimate reason. Or you could receive a message from the nonexistent “Bureau of Tax Enforcement.” Your best bet is to delete these messages immediately or send them to your spam folder.

Not all tax season scams originate from fraudulent IRS rep-

resentatives or fake agencies. You also need to be careful about whom you hire to prepare your taxes. If possible, get a recommendation from a trusted friend or family member. And keep in mind that a legitimate tax preparer must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number and must sign your tax return. If someone doesn’t have this number or is reluctant to sign your return, it may well be a sign that this individual is a “ghost preparer” who only wants to pocket your fee.

Tax scammers are, unfortunately, here to stay, but remaining vigilant can help you keep them from causing problems for you in this tax season and all the ones in the future. ❚

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C., Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C., and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C. California Insurance License OC24309.

Pamela S.

Covington, CFP® RICP® AAMS®

Financial Advisor

6525 Constitution Drive, Fort Wayne, IN, 46804 (260) 478-8038

edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/ pam-covington

Great Food

Americans spent $36 billion on dietary supplements last year, most of them unnecessary and some harmful, according to a 2022 Harvard Medical School report. Unlike drugs, these products aren’t scrutinized or even tested by the FDA before they’re sold.

Mass marketing aside, what drives our hunger for more and more nourishment in the richest nation of the world? A desire to escape mortality?

To be sure, Jesus Christ had a lot to say about feeding the hungry; every person is valued by God and every person needs food. But Jesus said our need for spiritual nourishment is even greater.

After being without food for 40 days in the desert (Matthew 4:4), Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 4:8 to Satan: “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

God doesn’t require us to fast for 40 days, but He does tell us to nourish our spiritual lives. Jesus showed us how. He internalized scripture, spent prayer time alone with God, worshipped in community, obeyed Mosaic law and passionately cared for people regardless of their status.

“I am the bread of life: he that comes to me shall never hunger; and he that believes on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35).

At the Last Supper, during Jewish Passover, Jesus uses food – bread and wine – as metaphor for the flesh and blood sacrifice he will soon make on our behalf. Passover celebrates freedom from Egyptian bondage. The final, 10th plague on Egypt was death of firstborn sons, but death skipped over Jewish families who marked their doorposts with lamb’s blood.

Jesus Christ, our sacrificial Passover lamb, freed us from the bondage of mortality.

We were never meant to live in spiritual starvation.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:2830).

❚ - Janine Pumilia

Adventure Awaits at RV & Camping Show

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

The benefits of owning a recreational vehicle (RV) can look like a laundry list: quality family bonding time, proximity to nature, pet-friendly travel, not to mention the freedom of exploration at your own pace. Having an RV can also mean significant savings compared to the cost of a vacation with flights, accommodations, rental cars and dining out.

Those interested in RVing can find special show pricing on hundreds of brand-new units at the 62nd annual Fort Wayne RV & Camping Show, Feb. 2-5, Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne.

“Whether someone is looking for their first RV or their next RV, the Fort Wayne RV & Camping Show is a terrific opportunity for buyers to compare features, floor plans and RV types from a wide variety of manufacturers and dealers,” says Matt Rose, director of recreation vehicles for the Indiana Manufactured Housing Association – Recreation Vehicle Indiana Council

(IMHA-RVIC). The show features a variety of recreation vehicles, including motorhomes, fifth-wheels, toy haulers, travel trailers and park model RVs. In addition, the vehicles span the gamut of manufacturers, models, floor plans, colors and sleeping capacities.

Whether someone wants to drive or pull their new RV, there is something at the show to fit every budget and camping style, including smaller, light weight RVs that cost around $200 per month, Rose says.

“There’s something for the first-time camper and the veteran RV owner,” he adds. “Dealers are ready for big sales and come prepared with show pricing. With so many dealers all in one place, it’s also a great place for buyers to negotiate their best price. Many of these RVs are priced at 20% to 25% below MSRP [manufacture suggested retail price].”

Rose has the following advice the help shoppers make the most of their time:

The Fort Wayne RV & Camping Show has hundreds of brand-new motorhomes, fifth-wheels, toy haulers, travel trailers and more on display Feb. 2-5 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Shoppers can compare features, floor plans and RV types from a variety of dealers and negotiate for their best price.

1. Arrive early and plan to spend a few hours, since the Memorial Coliseum is wall-to-wall RVs with eight dealers displaying every type of vehicle.

2. Determine whether you’d like to pull or drive your vehicle.

3. Give some thought to the size vehicle you’d like and what features are important to you. “This will help you narrow down

the dealers and types of RVs to spend time with,” Rose says.

The Fort Wayne RV & Camping Show is owned and produced by the IMHA-RVIC.

“We are the state manufactured housing and RV industry trade association based in Indianapolis,” Rose says. “We produce five RV and camping shows annually.

“This is the 62nd annual event in Fort Wayne and it’s better than ever,” Rose continues. “We have a great lineup of dealers, manufacturers, and every type of RV. All are on display and on sale, all in one place.”

Tickets for the Fort Wayne RV & Camping Show are available on Ticketmaster or at the door and cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors ages 60 and older and $3 for children ages 5-12. Children under age 5 can enter free. A family day pass is available for two adults and up to three children for $25.

“An RV show like this one is not only a great place to shop for a new RV, but it’s also a great place to come out and ask questions if you are new or interested in the RV lifestyle,” Rose says.

For more information, visit rvshows.org. ❚

Why You Should Hire an Interior Designer

By Peggy Werner

Most people know what they like when it comes to home furnishings, but picking out suitable items for a certain room and making it look right may not be so easy.

That’s where sales manager and designer Arianna Brock of Fairfield Galleries, US 33 North, Fort Wayne, can lend a helping hand.

“You want a particular space to work for your own life, and that’s different for everyone,” she says. “You may love a certain look, but the space you have won’t allow it to happen.

“Many people don’t understand the value of an interior designer unless they hire one, or do it themselves and find their plans didn’t work out. We are another set of eyes and don’t have the emotional attachment to the house, so we can look at it like a blank canvas and visualize changes.”

Brock recalls one client who had a long, narrow living room with dark colors of red, orange and brown with a sofa and loveseat facing a fireplace.

“We got rid of the loveseat, put in a recliner, added two swivel chairs and put the sofa against the wall,” she says. “We went to more updated neutral colors, and as a result, the room was more open and easier to move around in, and yet there were more places to sit. The clients were thrilled.”

The biggest mistake people often make when trying to be their own designer is not knowing when to stop, Brock adds. An

overcrowded room is one of the most common problems she has to solve.

“Someone may love a certain sofa, but it doesn’t work in the space you want to put it in, and the color might not be right for the room.”

Store lighting and home lighting can be very different, Brock adds.

“Plus, you have to work around doors, windows, fireplaces and more, and people don’t always take that into consideration.”

It’s not only about how the room will look, but also how the room will be used by the family, Brock says. Oftentimes, a homeowner needs professional advice when transitioning to a new stage in life. Some of those scenarios include parents who become empty nesters and want to repurpose a space, or parents who become grandparents and want to have a fun space for grandchildren when they visit. Two single parents meet and get married, and suddenly have twice as many children all living together. A person living in a large family goes off on their own and needs to adapt to a single lifestyle for the first time ever and feels at a loss on what to do.

“You want a certain look, but it has to be functional,” Brock says. “We can give suggestions on fabric selections, furniture and design so families can get the most use out of any room.”

For more information or to make an appointment for a home analysis, call (260) 489-5526. ❚

Oak

Winter Bur

Photography by David C. Olson

Mizpah Shrine Circus to ‘Wow’ All Ages

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Fort Wayne’s annual circus extravaganza is back Jan. 27-29 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave.

The Mizpah Shrine Circus, which aims to entertain both adults and children alike, promises family-friendly entertainment from start to finish, says Mike Hardiek, member of the Mizpah Shrine Circus Committee. Five shows in total will take place Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.

“This year, we are happy to present a perfect blend of both traditional circus acts as well as never-before-seen thrill acts,” Hardiek says. “From high wire performers to electrifying motorcycle stunts, there is something for everyone. We take great pride in creating something that the grandparents will enjoy as much as the kids.”

Make sure to arrive an hour before showtime and stay an hour after to enjoy the Free Circus Fair, taking place in the lower level of the Coliseum.

“When you arrive, simple proceed straight ahead instead of traveling up the escalators,” Hardiek says. “Once in the lower level, you can see the elephants up close and delight in the excitement of many attractions.” At the Free Circus Fair, guests can purchase tokens to enjoy activities such as face painting, a bounce house, petting zoo, Peg Perego racetrack, caricature portraits and pony rides.

The main circus event has a long list of attractions, including elephants, tigers, camels, clowns, high wire acts, aerial artistry, feats of dexterity, canine capers, high wire balancing, flying trapeze artists, dare devil acts and more. The performance lasts approximately 2 hours with a 15-minute intermission.

“Unfortunately, in today’s world, kids spend a lot of time looking at a phone screen. They miss the wonderful things that are happening around them. The circus offers us all a chance to lose ourselves for a couple of hours in a world full of excitement and wonder,” Hardiek says. “My favorite part of the circus each year is watching grandparents reconnect with their grandkids –to see how parents laugh with their kids and hold their breath during the thrill acts. The only phones being used are to record memories that will last a lifetime.”

Photos are allowed before, during and after the performance, however, flash photography during the show is prohibited.

Tickets start at $16 and can be purchased online through Ticketmaster or at the Memorial Coliseum box office. Children under age 2 do not require a ticket. Handicapped seating is available to those who purchase the option, and group/corporate rates are available by calling the box office. Parking is $8 per vehicle paid to the attendant in the Coliseum parking lot.

Hardiek urges guests to not be fooled by overpriced ticket sites that are popping up.

“This is our single largest problem,” he says. “Unfortu-

nately, there are some unscrupulous websites that advertise that our tickets start at a much higher price than they truly are. They purchase the tickets and then resell them at a huge markup. You can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster and at the Memorial Coliseum. We never sell out, so you can purchase them when you arrive the day of the show.”

The Mizpah Shrine Circus is made possible by a committee, but credit is also given to Shriners who volunteer countless hours throughout the year, Hardiek says.

“On Sunday after the last performance, they are tired and weary, but they know they made a difference in the lives of our guests,” Hardiek adds. “It is the hundreds of men and women who give their time and efforts that really make the Mizpah Shrine Circus possible.”

The Mizpah Shriners represent just one of the 191 Shrine centers from all around the world and are made up of more than 2,000 Master Masons from throughout Northeast Indiana.

“You probably know one,” Hardiek says. “Shriners are involved in many other charitable groups throughout your community. We love to have fun as we support the Shrine Hospitals for Children. We believe no man stands as tall as when he stoops to help a child.”

Proceeds from the circus benefit the Mizpah Shrine. For more information about the circus, visit mizpahshrinecircus.com or call the box office at (260) 483-1111.

“The Mizpah Shriners are proud to host Northeast Indiana’s longest running family tradition,” Hardiek adds. “For 76 years, we have created an event that brings families together to remember what it is like to be a kid again, no matter what their age. We do everything we can to make the circus affordable so that everyone can enjoy it. We believe every child should be able to enjoy the circus.” ❚

The Mizpah Shrine Circus returns Jan. 27-29 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, in Fort Wayne. Arrive early and stay after to enjoy the Free Circus Fair.

Valentine’s Recipes You’ll Love to Share

If the way to your loved one’s heart is through the stomach, there’s no better way to start off this Valentine’s Day than with a homemade breakfast prepared with love.

Whether you’re whipping up a breakfast for a spouse with a sophisticated palate or trying to tempt the taste buds of your littlest loves, explore these ideas to get inspired.

Red is the color of love, so build your menu around fresh strawberries or raspberries, which pair perfectly with French toast or crepes, and can even dress up a simple cereal.

For a more sensible menu, opt for a fruity berry smoothie or a parfait layered with fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt and granola. Add a hint of loving indulgence by sprinkling dark chocolate shavings on top.

Show your affection with a plate of these colorful Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes featuring rich 100 percent cocoa, buttermilk and fresh berries. Heart-shaped cookie cutters lend a special touch to these fluffy, flavorful pancakes. Add sweet garnishes like powdered sugar and berries for a sensational way to say “I love you.”

Find more recipes you’ll love to share with your nearest and dearest this Valentine’s Day at Culinary.net.

Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes

Recipe courtesy of NestlÈ

Servings: 10 pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons NestlÈ Toll House Baking Cocoa

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 large egg

1 cup reduced-fat buttermilk or low-fat milk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon red food coloring heart-shaped pancake cutters or cookie cutters (optional) butter, for garnish (optional) powdered sugar, for garnish (optional) maple syrup, for garnish (optional) fresh berries, for garnish (optional)

In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; stir well.

In separate large bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, unsalted butter, vanilla extract and food coloring. Add to flour mixture; stir to combine. Allow mixture to sit 5 minutes.

Heat nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush with oil or butter. Add about 1/4 cup batter to skillet. Cook about 2 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on top. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes, or until bottom is lightly browned. Serve immediately with butter, powdered sugar, syrup and berries, if desired.

Tip: If using pancake or cookie cutters, be sure to coat with oil so pancakes don’t stick. Place cutters in skillet and pour batter into cutters. Remove cutters before flipping. ❚

Through the Fog

Photography by Brad Nordlof

Functional Medicine Can Improve Thyroid Conditions

By Toni Rocha

For those who’ve been diagnosed with thyroid disease, successful treatment can depend on more than standard medications alone.

Dr. Lucas D. Gafken, DC, DACNB, a chiropractic neurologist at Health N.O.W., says functional medicine utilizes natural solutions for hypothyroidism which can not only improve energy levels, weight control and thyroid function, but also can improve underlying conditions that interact.

In his clinic at 2146 State Road 8 in Auburn, Ind., Gafken helps patients to improve upon standard thyroid treatment.

“I usually see patients with a low thyroid function condition that begins between the ages of 35 and 65,” he says. “We approach their treatment with discussion about food sensitivities, inflammation, vitamin deficiencies, and gut or adrenal imbalances.”

Gafken integrates traditional western methods with innovative practices from eastern cultures to identify root causes of underlying conditions. He develops a customized plan to influence and improve seemingly unrelated symptoms including night

sweats, heart palpitations, fatigue, weight gain and more.

“We conduct blood and saliva tests to pinpoint thyroid hormone imbalances, food sensitivities as well as other forms of dysfunction,” Gafken says. “We also address lifestyle changes and detoxification of the liver and other vital organs. We can improve a sluggish liver’s function and aid in the recycling process to more efficiently cleanse the body.”

Hormone imbalances can directly affect the thyroid’s operation, Gafken explains. An imbalance in estrogen or testicular hormones can be corrected, helping patients to feel healthier.

“Vitamin deficiencies are also key to helping patients control thyroid issues as well as overall health benefits,” Gafken says. “If adrenal glands are not functioning properly, patients can experience poor sleep and wake up feeling tired. Patients struggle with gut problems or what we call leaky gut. Products like ginseng, vitamins B and D, and others can aid in easing these symptoms.”

For more information or to make an appointment, contact Health N.O.W. at (260) 920-8811 or go to SeekHealthNow.com.

Entertainment & Events

Nashville Thursdays

Weekly country, bluegrass and other free live music 7-10 p.m. in the Clyde Theater Club Room. Food and drink specials. 1808 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, clydeclubroom.com.

Fort Wayne Komets

Join the Jungle and cheer on the Fort Wayne Komets as they make another run for a championship. Games are at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. Visit komets.com to see the complete 2023 schedule.

Savor Fort Wayne

Thru Jan. 29, times vary. Enjoy menu deals at more than 70 local participating restaurants. See details at visitfortwayne.com/savor/.

Headwaters Park Ice Skating

Thru Feb. 26, Tues.-Thurs. 3-8 p.m., Fri.-Sat. noon-9 p.m., Sun. noon-8 p.m., closed Mondays. The skating rink is open for the winter season at Headwaters Park, 333 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, fortwayneparks.org.

YLNI Winter Farmers Market

Thru April 29, Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for fresh produce, a wide variety of organic fruits and vegetables, hand-made jewelry and crafts, local artwork and more at the former Wayne Candy Factory building, 1501 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, facebook.com/YLNIFarmersMarket/.

Wiz Kidz Pinball Tournament

Thru Dec. 30, Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon. A 4-strike pinball tournament for kids present-

The rink at Headwaters Park, in Fort Wayne, is open for the winter skating season. Admission costs $6 for those ages 14 and older and $4 for ages 13 and under. Skate rental is $3; parking is free.

ed by Wizard’s World Pinball Arcade, 14613 Lima Road, Fort Wayne, (260) 760-6314, fortwaynepinball.com.

WinterJam23

Feb. 2, 7 p.m. Christian music’s premiere outing features We the Kingdom, Jeremy Camp, Andy Mineo, Anne Wilson and more. The tour is a ticketless event but requires a $15 donation at the door. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, jamtour.com.

George R. Mather Lecture Series

Feb. 5, 2 p.m. Aisha R. Arrington presents a

lecture on “The Persistent Movement of the Urban League.” The History Center, 302 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, fwhistorycenter.org.

Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy

Feb. 5, 7 p.m. Joe Gatto, a well-known comedian, actor and producer, is best known for the hit TV show “Impractical Jokers.” Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwembassytheatre.org.

260 Day Feb. 6, all day. Share your pride to live in Northeast Indiana as the area’s retailers, businesses, restaurants and organizations fill the day with deals, discounts and specials. Find more information at facebook.com/ HUB260/.

Fort Wayne Boat Show & Sale

Feb. 9-12, Thurs.-Fri. 3-8 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Find more than 50 exhibitors together in one place, plus low financing and special incentives on boats, personal watercraft, accessories, piers and more. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, fortwayneboatshow.com.

Disney on Ice: ‘Into the Magic’ Feb. 23-26, Thurs. & Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. Hosts Mickey and Minnie Mouse bring audiences on an expedition across raging seas, snowcovered mountains and the marigold bridge. This action-packed extravaganza features Disney’s “Moana,” “Frozen,” “Coco,” “Beauty and the Beast” and other beloved Disney characters. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, memorialcoliseum.com.

Disney on Ice presents an action-packed extravaganza featuring beloved Disney characters at various times from Feb. 23-26 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.