Smart Living Fort Wayne - October 6, 2022

In This Issue

Right in Our Region

Cover & p. 16 Shop 75 Vendors at the Bridal Spectacular

Your Money 11

What Should Alzheimer’s Caregivers Know?

Your Outing 13

Where to Find Amazing Fall Fun

Inspiration & Worship 14 Humility, Not Hubris

Outdoor Living 19

Solar Panels Can Save You Big Money

Your Home

A One-Stop Shop for Home Furnishings

23

Your Health 25 Finding the Root Cause of Your Illnesses

Outdoor Living 2 27

Serious Thought to the Roof Over Your Head

Your Family Fun 28

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Senior Editor Lindsey Lukas

Managing Editor Jim Taylor

Assistant Editor Steven Bonifazi

Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith

Contributing Writers

Janine Pumilia, Toni Rocha, Peggy Werner

General Sales Manager

Brent Hughes Sales Manager

Brad Hughes

Advertising Sales Representatives

Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky

Administration & Circulation Manager

Lisa Hughes

Director of Corporate Happiness Hana Hughes Distribution Kelly and Larry Fairbairn

Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301

www.SmartLivingFortWayne.com

Smart Living. Copyright 2022 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 permis sion from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Planning Ahead

Happy October! I hope your month is off to a good start. So far for my family, this month has been full of fantasy football, comfy sweaters, homemade cornbread and chili, and unfortunately a “witchy” little head cold that’s been going around. Besides that last one, it’s been a good start to the fall season.

Now that we’re all feeling better, I’m start ing to think more about the upcoming months. Our magazine is called “Smart Living” be cause we want to give you genuinely helpful content for ways to live smarter, whether that’s saving money in various ways, tackling home improvement projects, or just making a simple recipe. So, what’s one way you can always live smarter? How about: planning ahead.

(I have to chuckle a bit as I write that. I’m definitely not the poster child for “plan ning ahead,” though I will say, motherhood has made me slightly better at it).

Right now, it’s early October. And as much as I want to just watch “Hocus Pocus 2” over and over again, it’s also the perfect time to start planning ahead for the holidays. I’m not saying you should start listening to Christmas music (though I wouldn’t judge you if you did), but, thinking ahead about the holidays will help you get on the right track for a less stressful season.

One thing that always stresses me out is buying gifts for people. We always encourage our readers to shop local when buying gifts, and inside our magazine-land, we’re already constructing gift guides to help point you in the right direction.

As you likely know, locally owned busi nesses strengthen our regional economy in ways that big-box stores, chain restaurants and certain internet sites (ahem) never can. That’s because a much larger portion of every dollar spent at a locally owned establishment stays in our community, rather than flying off to some out-of-state headquarters. You’re also helping out your neighbors as opposed to some corpo rate CEO you’ll likely never meet.

With that in mind, keep an eye out for great gifts at the local businesses around you. You’ll be way less stressed if you can get some of your presents purchased early.

Good luck with the months ahead, and have a great week! ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

What Should Alzheimer’s Caregivers Know?

If you have a family member who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, or is starting to show symptoms, you will face some real challenges. Navigating the Alzheim er’s experience involves a long journey, and there’s no easy answer for how you can cope with your emotions. But you can at least address some of the financial issues involved to help give yourself a greater sense of control.

Here are some moves to consider:

• Plan for care costs and identify insurance coverage. The list of Alzheimer’s-related medical expenses is long and includes ongoing medical treatment, medical equipment, home safety modifications, prescription drugs and per sonal care supplies. As a caregiver, you’ll want to know the extent of your loved one’s health insurance: Medicare, supplemental policies, veteran’s benefits if applicable, and so on. One big question is how much coverage they might have for adult day care services, in-home care services and fulltime residential care services, and other long-term care options. Long-term care is one of the largest health care costs not covered by Medicare, so you’ll want to determine if your loved one has a long-term care policy or another insurance policy with a longterm care rider.

• Identify assets and debts. You’ll need to know your fam ily member’s financial position, both what they own – bank ac counts, investments, property, etc. – and what they owe, such as credit card debt, a mortgage, lines of credit, and so on. This knowledge will be essential if you’re granted power of attorney to take over your loved one’s finances.

• Look for tax breaks available to caregivers. If you’re a caregiver, you may have to pay for some care costs out of pocket. Consequently, you could receive some tax credits and deduc tions. These benefits vary by state, so you’ll want to consult with your tax advisor to determine your eligibility.

• Ensure necessary legal documents are in place. As a caregiver, you may need to ensure some legal documents are in place, such as a durable power of attorney for finances, which lets you make financial decisions for your loved one with Alzheim er’s, and a durable power of attorney for health care, which lets you make health care and medical decisions on their behalf. It’s important to have these and other necessary documents drawn up before someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or when they’re just starting to exhibit the earliest signs of the disease, so they can understand what documents they are signing. If you wait until they no longer have this cognitive ability, things will get much more challenging. You could apply to become a conserva tor, which grants decision-making abilities similar to a power of

attorney, but the conservatorship process takes time and could involve court procedures. To avoid this potential difficulty, work with your tax and legal professionals to ensure all the relevant legal documents are in-force and updated.

Finally, you don’t have to go it alone. To help deal with the emotional challenges of caregiving, you can find local Alzheim er’s support groups that can offer practical suggestions for cop ing. As for the financial issues, consider working with a financial professional who can look at your family’s overall situation and recommend appropriate actions.

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s will change the lives of every one in your family. But as a caregiver, you can help ease the burden. ❚

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 In surance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C. California Insurance License OC24309.

Pamela Covington, CFP, RICP, AAMS

Financial Advisor

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

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

It’s Time for Some Amazing Fall Fun

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

It’sofficially the season of sipping apple cider and picking the perfect pumpkin. Fall has arrived, and with its entrance comes the opportunity to partake in annual traditions at Amazing Fall Fun, 3150 County Road 43, Waterloo, Ind.

“Amazing Fall Fun is a great place for families and friends to bond by enjoying the many activities in the barnyard and by completing the challenge of navigating the corn maze while getting some exercise and fresh air,” says Larry Smith, owner of Amazing Fall Fun.

The corn maze changes every year and is one of Amazing Fall Fun’s biggest attractions, Smith says.

“After our corn has been planted and is about a foot tall, our maze design is applied, and then the design is cut. This year, our corn maze design is The Jurassic Maze,” he says.

The maze covers thousands of feet of corn and offers three phases ranging from easy to difficult. Phase 1 takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and phase 2 takes approximately 40 minutes.

“If you don’t get lost!,” Smith says. “There is a bridge and a giant tube slide in phase 2 that is fun for both kids and adults.”

Phase 3 of the corn maze is “The Fairytale Trail.” This minimaze features storyboard signs with a special narrative to enjoy as you wander through the corn.

In addition to the corn maze, there are plenty of other activi ties to enjoy at Amazing Fall Fun. On your way to the activities area, be sure to say hello to all of the farm animals, including chickens, pigs and goats. Then, challenge your friends and fam ily in a game of tug-of-war, or compete in duck races by using an old-fashioned hand pump to race your rubber duck through the channels the fastest. There’s also a giant barrel roll, where you can stand in your own large barrel and see if you can roll the fastest in a race.

Amazing Fall Fun has activities that are hard to find else where, from a tower of tractor tires that you can play on, to lifesize foosball that up to 12 people can play.

A favorite children’s activity is the straw mountain, Smith says. Kids can climb up hay and crawl or slide down the many tube slides in the mountain. There’s also the corn box, which is full of shelled corn to dive and play in. It’s stocked with trucks, pales, shovels and other toys, Smith says. Another kid favorite is pumpkin tic-tac-toe and checkers – picture an extra-large game board where the pieces are pumpkins instead of plastic.

“Our ‘Bubble Barn’ is a new activity this year and is en joyed by all ages, from kids to teens to older adults,” Smith adds. “The jumping pillow is always a big hit. Our wall ball games are another activity enjoyed by all ages. There are many popular ac tivities, from the corn box to the barrel rollers to farmer fastball.”

After playing games and navigating the corn maze, be sure to stop by the pumpkin patch to find thousands of pumpkins of every size, shape and color. This year, there are more than 40 varieties of pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn. Pick them right off the vine or choose some that are pre-picked.

And of course, there’s a plethora of food options.

“We have many Farm Festival Foods including freshly baked donuts, sandwiches, chicken tenders, loaded nachos, fries, chili, kettle corn, ice cream, cider and lemonade slushies, and more,” Smith says.

Lastly, make sure to leave time for a hayride in the beauti ful Indiana countryside. The 20-minute ride travels around the pumpkin patch, through the corn field and woods, and up to the farmers homestead. Along the ride, you may see critters from racoons to deer to opossum. You’ll also see beef cattle that are raised on the farm.

Whether it’s your first or hundredth time experiencing Amazing Fall Fun, there’s fun memories just waiting to be made, Smith says.

Amazing Fall Fun is open on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. through October 30. Note that ticket sales stop an hour prior to closing. Parking is free, and admission costs $11 per person. Season passes are $19 per person and are good for the entire 2022 season. Children ages 2 and under are free.

Get your tickets at the entrance or purchase them online for a faster entry. Call (260) 333-2302 or visit amazingfallfun.com for more information. ❚

Amazing Fall Fun, in Waterloo, is known for its corn maze with three levels of difficulty. This year, the theme is “Jurassic Maze.”

(Visit Dekalb photo)

Humility, Not Hubris

Many things seem murky to us in scrip ture, but some are very clear. One of the clearest is God’s view of arrogance.

In hundreds of verses throughout the Old and New Testaments, God condemns arrogance and exalts humility. Indeed, it was Lucifer’s excessive pride that got him kicked out of Heaven. God told him:

“Since your vast business planning filled you with violent intent from top to bottom, you sinned, so I cast you away as defiled from the mountain of God ... Your heart grew arro gant because of your beauty; you annihilated your own wisdom because of your splendor. Then I threw you to the ground in the pres ence of kings, giving them a good look at you!” (Ezekiel 28:16-19, ISV)

Proverbs 11:2 tells us, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”

King David, the only human God re ferred to as “a man after my own heart,” (I Sam. 13:14 & Acts 13:22), expressed hu mility. “O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvel ous for me.” (Psalm 131:1)

Jeremiah 9:23 tells us, “... Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches …”

Jesus told his followers in Luke 14:11 (ESV): “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” When his disciples argued over which of them was greatest, Jesus told them: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)

Paul instructs, in Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humil ity count others more significant than your selves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of oth ers. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”

And in James 4:6: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

How should we view conceit? “So be imitators of God, as his dear children. Live lov ingly, just as the Messiah also loved us and gave himself for us as an offering and sacri fice, a fragrant aroma to God.” ❚

– Janine Pumilia

The Fort Wayne Fall Bridal Spectacular

By Peggy Werner

Anything and everything you need to organize a wedding, whether large or small, formal or informal, can be found all in one place, under one roof at the Fall Bridal Spectacular.

The event, held from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., is open to the public, but all brides-to-be need to register in ad vance at fortwaynebrides.com to be eligible for the many prizes to be given away that day.

“Getting married is one of the biggest events of anyone’s life and the Bridal Spectacular is a great way to celebrate with family and friends as you plan that day together,” says Tracy Sweeney, owner of Black-Tie Promotions.

More than 75 vendors will come together at the coliseum to help brides and grooms maneuver through the necessary steps when planning a wedding.

“When planning a wedding, you have to be organized, know how much money you have to spend, where you want to spend it and where you don’t want to spend it,” Sweeney says. “It takes a lot of time to plan a wedding and some things need to be done earlier and some things can’t be done until closer to the date of the event.”

Businesses featured at the Spectacular include those high

lighting tuxedos, designer dresses, chocolates, gift items, flow ers, photography services, travel plans, bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, mother-of-the-bride dresses, invitations, musicians, venues and more.

“The nice thing about the Bridal Spectacular is that you can meet with vendors face-to-face and decide who it is you want to work with when planning your wedding,” Sweeney says.

If just the thought of organizing a wedding is overwhelm ing, wedding coordinators will also be available.

Bridal, bridesmaid, and mother-of-the-bride dresses will be modeled by Wendy’s Bridal, 507 E. Coliseum Blvd., at 1 p.m. on the main stage. Tesia Lapp, owner of I Do Bridal Boutique, 7763 Coldwater Road in Fort Wayne, will be hosting the fashion show. In business for three years, the boutique carries dresses for brides, bridesmaids and flower girls, plus bridal accessories such as veils, belts, headpieces, handbags, jewelry and more. About 50 gowns will be modeled at the event, in varying sizes, colors and styles for formal and casual weddings.

One of the biggest trends in bridesmaid gowns, Lapp says, is that not every person in the bridal party will be wearing the exact same dress.

“Every woman can choose the style of gown she is most

comfortable in and looks best on her, and in a color that is becom ing to her, within the color scheme of the wedding. The hope is she will love the dress enough to wear it again somewhere and the different hues of the same color looks great in photographs,” she says.

The bridal gown is usually the first and most expensive piece of clothing the bride-to-be thinks about purchasing.

And in many cases, tradition is out the window, Lapp says.

“We never see white anymore. A clean, crisp, natural-looking ivory is the new white and we are also seeing a lot of champagne, blush, and even touches of black in wedding attire,” she says.

Fall weddings, too, are becoming more popular than summer ones, and so there is a huge trend toward the deep fall colors like burnt orange, marigold yellow and sage green.

For years, brides were seen wearing mostly strapless dresses. Today, there is more often some kind of strap across one or both shoulders, and sleeves are making a comeback, Lapp says. Long cathedral trains are not as popular as the shorter chapel-length train, and veils typically don’t include a blusher (over the face). Comfortable shoes, even sandals, are being chosen over high heels, she says.

“When making decisions about what they are going to wear, brides are concerned about comfort and picking out a gown and shoes they can live in all day, so they can enjoy their special time,” she says.

Although social media has made it easier for women to re search what look they want in a bridal gown, Lapp always rec ommends trying on different styles of dresses to be sure you are getting the right one.

“You can’t really tell if you like a dress unless you try it on,” she says. “I appreciate brides knowing what they want, but I also want them to be open-minded so they can find that perfect dress. The best part of working with brides is when I see them fall in love with the dress they decide to buy, and it’s not always the one they thought they wanted.”

Another business that has a lot to offer at one location is The Monogram Shoppe in Covington Plaza, 6410 West Jefferson Blvd., #5. The store specializes in personalized stationery and

invitations, in addition to offering gifts for any and all occasions.

“This is our pri mary business,” says owner Sara Keltsch. “We sit down with each bride and work out the details, giving them the personal service they need and want. We can help them with every thing from the engage ment to the wedding. Brides are always so ex cited when they see all we can offer them.”

“What I like about helping brides is each one is different,” Keltsch continues. “We feel privileged to be part of the happiest days of their lives.”

Lucille’s Bar-B-Que, 9011 Lima Road, will help you with dining plans. They opened a new location this spring at 7225 Maple Crest Road, which features a restaurant, bar and catering services. The local business will be offering samples of meats and sides at the Bridal Spectacular, including samples of their famous pulled pork, brisket, cheesy potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and a variety of homemade barbeque sauces.

This is the fifth year Lucille’s has been at the Bridal Spec tacular, helping couples see their options, says Catering Director Adrienne Wilson. When it comes to meal planning, it’s a one-stop shop.

“We do everything from start to finish, including picking out the menu, staying within a budget, creating a floor plan, offering bar service, and renting tablecloths, flowers, table settings and more to complete the dining experience. We do everything from basic plans to over-the-top elegance,” she says.

Wilson has noticed that most couples choose to bypass tradi tion and will do something more meaningful to them, with fewer guests and a smaller venue.

“I always tell brides no matter what choices you make, you can’t please everyone, so get what you want and can afford. After all, the wedding is a day to celebrate the bride and groom and the people who mean the most to them. Individual opinions don’t matter – it’s about making a day to remember,” she says.

The Fall Bridal Spectacular is one of three bridal shows put on at the Coliseum each year. A spring show is held in May and a winter show is every January.

Several shows are necessary to keep future brides up to date on trends in fashion, seasonal colors, venues and more, Sweeney says.

All pre-registered brides get a $200 gift card, a “Bride” bag and a “Bride” badge. The first 50 grooms will get an official “Groom” t-shirt.

Admission is $10. Kids 12 and younger are admitted free. ❚

Lucille’s Bar-B-Que will offer samples at the Bridal Spectacular, happening Oct. 9.

Solar Panels Can Save You Big Money

By Janine Pumilia

Solar panels aren’t for everyone, but when they’re a good fit for your situa tion, the energy savings can be remarkable, says Chuck Ault, co-owner and service manager for Collier’s Solar in Warsaw, Ind.

Collier’s has been installing solar pan els for 10 years and has seen interest in so lar energy grow among local homeowners, schools and commercial businesses.

“Solar panels have been around long enough now that people are feeling more comfortable and curious about them,” says Ault. “You need to have clear exposure to the south. And the upfront investment will take some years to pay for itself, so it’s not for homeowners who plan to move anytime soon.”

If you can check those two boxes, however, “The savings down the road can be exponential, especially if you invest the money you’d otherwise be paying to utility companies.”

Depending on how a customer ap proaches it, a solar panel system pays for itself, on average, in 9 to 12 years.

“Our typical process is to review a full year’s worth of util ity bills,” Ault explains. “We can design a system to get you to net zero or to be supplemental to your utility bill. We can also install it in phases according to your budget.”

Solar panels can be mounted on a roof or on the ground and typically require no maintenance.

“Rainfall is usually enough to wash the dust off them,” says Ault. “In extreme situations they can be washed with mild soap and water.”

Virtually anything in a home can be powered by your solar panels.

“Each panel has a micrometer on it that converts power from DC voltage to AC voltage that can be fed into your house,” Ault says.

Depending on how your utility company structures it, any extra energy that’s generated can be fed back into the grid and credited to your account.

The federal government is offering a 26 percent tax credit for solar panel installations this year. That figure will change to 22 percent in 2023. There’s currently no state tax credit for solar installation in Indiana.

Whenever possible, Collier’s buys its solar panels from Crossroads Solar Panel in South Bend, Ind., a company that em ploys second chance citizens, helping them to re-integrate into

society. When it needs to buy from other suppliers, Collier’s seeks out American solar panel companies.

The Collier’s family of brands has been serving the greater Warsaw area for 34 years, installing heating and air-conditioning systems, including geothermal installations, for residential and commercial customers. Its Fireplace Shoppe installs and services gas stoves, gas fireplaces, wood stoves and wood fireplaces, and sells a full line of gas, charcoal and pellet grills.

The company also sells and services air purifiers, dehumidi fiers, humidifiers and air filtration systems as well as solar-pow ered attic vent fans. It installs, seals and cleans ductwork and dryer vents, too.

Ault co-owns Collier’s with Kevin Lehman. The men were longtime employees at Collier’s before the chance to purchase the business arose.

“We got the opportunity to buy the company and we didn’t think we should pass it up,” says Ault. “It’s been good to our families over the years, and we look at Collier’s as an opportu nity to extend our family to the team that we’ve built, the house holds we serve, and the communities where we live and work.”

Learn more by calling (574) 203-5882, go to trustcolliers. com or visit the showroom at 2315 North Shelby Dr., Warsaw, Ind. ❚

There’s an upfront investment to install solar panels, but if you plan to stay in your home for the long term, savings on your utility bills can be exponential.

If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect hearth for your home, Collier’s Fireplace Shoppe is here to help you turn your dream into a reality.

We have 25 years experience transforming blank walls and generic builder’s grade fireplaces into showstoppers. Whether you’re looking for an elegant solution for your living room, a wood stove for a cozy family room, or an outdoor kitchen that will make your neighbors green with envy, make your first call to the experts at Collier’s.

Finding All of Your Home Furnishings

By Peggy Werner

Under new ownership just over a year ago, Stucky’s Furniture & Appli ance in Fort Wayne has made some big changes, but one thing remains the same – a commitment to the best customer ser vice possible.

Those efforts have been rewarded with 16 consecutive years of being voted the “best appliance store in Fort Wayne,” by local newspaper readers.

Since Bill and Polly Shuee, and his brother and sister-in-law Brent and Lori, purchased the family-owned busi ness exactly a year ago, they have done some major remodeling and updating in the store to include a furniture line, new signage, a new name (formerly Stucky Bros.), energy efficient LED lighting, and more.

“This place has longevity and we are just trying to reinvigorate this grand old brand name and give it a fresh, new look,” says Bill Shuee. “We want to be a one-stop-shop for customers who want home fur nishings. We take care of our customers the way we would like to be taken care of.”

The store sells to homeowners, contractors and remodelers. Stucky’s is celebrating its 108th anniversary this October and de

tails are being worked out on how to thank the community for their support, he says.

Stucky’s has also expanded the on-staff team of delivery, installation and repair service professionals and have devoted about 15,000 square feet of space in a 40,000-square-foot show room to furniture, including mattresses and electronics.

Appliances account for the majority of their sales and they offer many midline brands as well as premium lines like Sub-Zero and Wolf. For the bargain hunter, there is the “bargain barn” with reduced prices on appliances with dings and dents, but still covered under war ranty and eligible for service.

The Shuee brothers are not new to the furniture and appliance business. Since 1987, they’ve managed a Green castle, Ind. appliance store established in 1970 by their late father, Bob Shuee. They also own a furniture store in Gre encastle, a furniture and appliance store in Brazil and an appliance store in Lafay ette, Ind.

The brothers have a total of six chil dren, five of whom are already working in the family business.

“We’re hoping the next generations will continue to operate as we have for as long as possible,” Shuee says. ❚

Stucky’s Furniture and Appliance in Fort Wayne offers a one-stop shop for customers who want home furnishings, including appliances, mattresses, electronics, furniture and more.

Stucky’s offers options from mid-line brands as well as premium lines.

Finding the Root Cause of Your Health Issue

By Toni Rocha

Dr. Lucas D. Gafken DC, DACNB, a chiropractic neurolo gist at Health N.O.W., says functional medicine utilizes natural solutions to optimize a patient’s overall wellness, while also identifying and addressing the root cause of health condi tions such as chronic fatigue, blood sugar imbalances and im mune issues, digestive problems, inflammation, depression, brain fog and more.

“By addressing the source of the health problem, we’re able to restore balance and function in the body so that our patients can start feeling like themselves all over again,” Gafken says.

In his clinic at 2146 State Road 8, in Auburn, Ind., Gafken utilizes blood, salivary, hormone and stool testing, which nar rows the focus to better pinpoint underlying conditions that need addressing.

“After a comprehensive discussion with our patients and listening to their health concerns, we can better determine which testing methods to use so we can identify imbalances and know how to effectively get them back on track,” he says. “We take a proactive approach, not waiting for symptoms to appear, but rather finding indicators that there may be problems.”

These indicators can include food sensitivities, autoimmu nity, digestive problems or hormone imbalances – triggers that

the patient has no idea are causing or aggravating their existing health problems.

“Once we have recognized these triggers through refined testing, we are able to supplement their body with the supportive nutrition they need to rebalance, improve and maintain their best possible health,” Gafken says.

A specialist in thyroid functional medicine, Gafken uses it as an example.

“Rarely ever is the question asked why a person becomes hypothyroid in the first place,” he explains. “They know they have over- or under-active thyroid function, but the underlying reason in most cases can be due to autoimmunity and subsequent inflammation, hormonal imbalance, deficient gut microbiome or impaired detoxification.”

Once the patient is diagnosed correctly, he can prescribe a plan that takes into consideration every aspect of the patient’s condition.

“Through adjunctive care, we create a synergy that is ben eficial not only to improve and maintain thyroid function, but also establish optimal wellness throughout the patient’s body.”

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

A Quality Roof Saves You Money

By Peggy Werner

When Greg Williams, owner of Hon est Abe Roofing, opened his busi ness two years ago, he wanted to offer Northeastern Indiana customers someone they could count on from start to finish.

“We started out intending to be differ ent by taking the high road. We consider ourselves a premiere roofing company, having only better and best quality mate rials, and we offer guarantees beyond all manufacturer’s warranties. We are going to be here, and if your roof fails, we are going to take care of you,” he says.

In particular, Honest Abe is different because they only install new roofs, not ‘roof overs.’ Some roofers offer estimates based on satellite images, while Honest Abe gives a firm quote based on a thor ough free inspection.

When meeting with customers, Hon est Abe roofers show proof of certifica tions, insurance and licenses. Their work is guaranteed for the lifetime of the roof, unlike most roofers.

The company has a top rating because of the quality prod ucts they use, Williams says. Installers are professionally trained and certified, and they’re required to take continuing education courses to keep up with the latest techniques, products and other necessary information to stay on the cutting edge of the roofing industry.

Honest Abe shingles have scotch guard protection and a high copper content to discourage the growth of algae, which causes black streaks on a roof, Williams says.

He reminds people that roofers are not all the same. Home Improvement scammers are always looking for windows of op portunity to get peoples’ money and then disappear, or not return calls if there is an issue.

“Anyone with a pickup truck and a ladder can say they are a roofer,” Williams says. “They get customers because they offer low prices, but the problem is the quality of materials and instal lation methods are also low quality, and there is no customer service. The stories I’ve heard are unbelievable. We are a roofing company, not a roofer.”

Some of the scams include taking people’s money, but never showing up for work; putting on a roof that ends up having leaks; calls that are not returned; and making appointments only to find out no one shows up, he says.

Installing a roof is no time to take short cuts.

“Getting a new roof on a home is something most home owners only do once, unless they move around. So, they don’t

always have the experience or the information they need to make a good choice,” Williams says. “Buying a house is most people’s biggest expense they will ever make and getting a new roof is one of the most expensive maintenance costs. The quality of a roof affects the quality of living in the home by protecting the house and those living in it.”

Honest Abe Roofing specializes in installing, repairing and maintaining residential roofs. They provide 24/7 emergency roofing services and many easy-payment solutions, including same-as-cash, 0% financing, long-term/low payment loans and more. They can install gutters, soffit, fascia, trim and siding when putting on a new roof. There are plans to offer more ser vices in the future.

Signs of roof trouble most commonly include damaged flashing, curling shingles and decay over time. Roofs also need to be properly ventilated to prevent mold due to moisture build up. A roof must also be properly insulated to control utility bills, air quality and uneven heating in the home.

“We offer a lifetime guarantee because we are going to do the job right,” Williams says. “We appeal to people who demand quality and are willing to pay for it. If price is the only thing a homeowner cares about, we walk away from the job because we can’t do it. We are all about quality.

“The reality is that although our roof might be more expen sive upfront, our roofs end up being the least expensive over the life of the roof,” Williams adds. “That’s because with an Honest Abe roof, you will never spend another dime on your roof.” ❚

Honest Abe Roofing promises high-quality materials and customer service when installing your new roof. They also offer a lifetime guarantee so customers never need to spend money on their roof twice.

Smooth Tuesdays

Every Tuesday, 6-9 p.m., enjoy the best in soft rock and classic hits with rotating art ists. Clyde Theater, 1806 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, (574) 344-0566, clydetheatre.com.

Nashville Thursdays

Weekly country, bluegrass and other free live music 7-10 p.m. in the Clyde Theater Club Room. Food and drink specials. 1806 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, clydeclubroom.com.

YLNI Farmers Market

Thru Oct. 29, Sat.9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for fresh produce, a variety of organic fruits and veg etables, hand-made jewelry and crafts, local artwork and more. Corner of Wayne and Barr Streets, Fort Wayne.

Amazing Fall Fun

Thru Oct. 30, Fri. 6-10 p.m., Sat. noon-10 p.m., Sun. 2-6 p.m. Choose a pre-picked or pick your own pumpkin and tackle a corn maze. Amazing Fall Fun, 3150 Cr. 43, Water loo, amazingfallfun.com.

Kuehnert Dairy Fall Festival

Thru Oct. 30, Fri. 6-10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. Corn mazes, pump

Entertainment & Events

kins, ice cream and farm animals. Kuehnert Dairy Farm & Fall Festival, 6532 W. Cook Road, Fort Wayne, kuehnertdairy.com.

Pumpkin Path Display

Thru Oct. 30, daily except Monday. Enjoy fall surroundings at Foellinger-Freimann Botani cal Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, botanicalconservatory.org.

Jason Aldean, Chase Rice and John Morgan

Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne, me morialcoliseum.com.

Botanical Brew

Oct. 7, 4-10 p.m. Sample coffee, tea, cider, beer and wine. Food trucks and entertain ers throughout. Foellinger-Freimann Botani cal Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, botanicalconservatory.org.

Pumpkin Train

Oct. 8-9. Take a festive 15-minute train ride aboard a historic, heated caboose and select a pumpkin at the Fort Wayne Railroad Histori cal Society’s 6th Annual Pumpkin Train. 15808 Edgerton Road, New Haven, (260) 493-0765 fortwaynerailroad.org.

Wild Zoo Halloween 2022

Oct. 8-30, 11 a.m.-4p.m. Zoo admission in cludes “Spooky Animal Enrichment,” a mys tery maze, games, treats and more. Costumes welcome. 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6820, kidszoo.org.

Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias

Oct. 13, 8 p.m. Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is one of the world’s most successful stand-up comedians. Allen County War Memorial Coli seum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne, memo rialcoliseum.com.

Select a pumpkin after riding aboard a historic train at the Fort Wayne Historical Society’s Pumpkin train event Oct. 8-9.