Smart Living Fort Wayne August 2022 • II To Advertise Call 260-212-896854 $100 OFF your flooring purchase $999+* FURNITURE | APPLIANCES | FLOORING MATTRESSES | CABINETS | COUNTERTOPS 20 Minutes From Fort Wayne! Just Off I-69 & State Road 8 In Auburn! www.VansHomeCenter.com 106 Peckhart Ct. Auburn, IN | 260.927.8267 *Discount applies to flooring product only, and is not a discount on labor and materials. Offer applies to select carpet brands. Exclusions apply. Redeem in-store only. Full ad must be present. Cannot be combined with other offers. See store for full details. The Store For Your Floor. VAN’S HOME CENTER 20% OFF your carpet purchase* Save On New Floors For Your Home!www.VansHomeCenter.com/Flooring+ Find The Perfect Worry-Free Floor For Your Home! Start Designing Now: Use our room visualizer to see flooring and carpet options in your home!
Smart Living Fort Wayne August 2022 • II To Advertise Call 260-212-8968 Smart CopyrightLiving.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. 6 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 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) www.SmartLivingFortWayne.com316-2301 In This Issue Right in Our Region Cover & p. 16 The Marshall County Blueberry Festival Your Home .............................................................11 A Trustworthy Source for Home Furnishings Your Health 13 The Root Cause of Your Health Problems Inspiration & Worship ......................................14 No Room for Hate Outdoor Living 19 Save Money with Solar Panels Your Kitchen 23 Recipes to Power Through School Days Outdoor Living 2 27 Choosing the Best Grill for You Your Family Fun 28
Vacation Mode
Last week, my office views were in Harbert, Mich., which is only a few miles south from Warren Dunes State Park. My family was there on vacation enjoying the beach, wineries, and multiple games of chess that went late into the night. Since there was a large group of us staying under one roof (in cluding a gaggle of energetic children), I tried to wake up early, drink my coffee on the back porch overlooking Lake Michigan, and write as much as I could before the little rascals woke up. This included my 10-month-old baby, El liot. He’s officially crawling, which makes life much more challenging. But, nothing makes me happier than seeing him reach new mile stones, so I’ll take the extra exercise that comes with chasing him around the coffee table. Between me and my younger cousins, one of our favorite vacation activities was blueber ry picking. It was the perfect time of year to go, since the fruit was ripe and ready to eat. Plus, many of us are big fans of blueberry pancakes, which we were able to make with our freshpicked bounty. Picture a baby giggling while squishing blueberries between his tiny fingers, and you’ll know the joy I felt all week thanks to this delicious fruit.
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
7Smart Living Fort Wayne August 2022 • IITell them you saw it in ...
It had me thinking ahead to the Marshall County Blueberry Festival, happening Sept. 1-5 at Centennial Park, in Plymouth, Ind. Though blueberry picking isn’t a part of this festival, blueberry treats certainly are. Plus, there’s fire works, a carnival, hot air balloon rides, musical entertainment and more. It’s bound to be a fun time for locals and visitors alike.
I’m the type of person who holds onto summer for as long as possible. So, don’t mind me as I mark my calendar for all of the fes tivals and outdoor events coming up over the next month or so. There’s a lot happening, from farmers’ markets to concerts to baseball games and more. Head to visitfortwayne.com to see a schedule of what’s going on during these gloriously long sum mer Havedays. a great week! ❚
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
Your Home & Garden 11Smart Living Fort Wayne August 2022 • IITell them you saw it in ...
Finding All of Your Home Furnishings
Thosepossible.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, TheInd. 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.
12 Smart Living Fort Wayne August 2022 • II To Advertise Call 260-212-8968
Your Health 13Smart Living Fort Wayne August 2022 • IITell them you saw it in ...
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
“Onceproblems.wehave 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“Rarelyexample.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 impairedOncedetoxification.”thepatientisdiagnosed 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. ❚
The Book of Acts reveals how difficult it was for the early church to wrap its head around this concept of equality. In the Old Testament, God favored certain people. It wasn’t the ideal way to operate, however. God wanted to undo the damage done by Adam’s disobedience (Romans 5:19) and make peace with all who choose to believe. That universal reconciliation was made possible through Christ. (2 Cor. 5:18) The New Testament teaches that favor itism on our part is a sin. We’re to love all people and treat them well. (James 2:1-3, 9) Scripture also teaches that our views should never be shaped by cultural norms that are at odds with Christ’s. Kings, presi dents, preachers and other opinion leaders come and go and are fallible. Only Christ’s kingdom endures forever. In it, there’s no place for hatred. (Eph.4:31). We’re to imitate Christ. (Eph. 5:1 & 2). Each of us is made in God’s image, which is spirit. Spirit has no gender or race. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is nei ther male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28). God cares about whether we accept the Gospel and live it (Romans 10: 9 & 10), not about our superficial differences. He sees our hearts. (I Sam. 16:7). Being reconciled to God through Christ binds us together as one family, but we must guard that precious unity. Jude warns of those who “slip in” and divide us for personal gain, in verses 17-19: “These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage … These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.” Can’t we all just get along? We can if we decide to. ❚ – Janine Pumilia
Inspiration & Worship 14 Smart Living Fort Wayne August 2022 • II To Advertise Call 260-212-8968
No Room for Hate Can’t we all just get along? If we choose to view one another as God does, the answer is “yes.” There’s no hatred based on race, gender, age, health, wealth, etc., when we view one another through God’s eyes. Each of us is precious.
At the time, Marshall County provided one third of Indi ana’s blueberry crop, so, the board named the celebration “The Marshall County Blueberry Festival.” Now, 56 years later, the humble event has grown into one of Indiana’s largest festivals.
Blueberry Festival Ends Summer with a Bang
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
42 com mittees, 15 board members and hundreds of volunteers help put on the festival, Houin adds. Volun teers have been the backbone of the event since the beginning, when the Plymouth Jaycees organized a Labor Day Celebra tion in 1966 to observe Indiana’s sesqui centennial. The celebration was such a suc cess that a group of citizens formed a board of directors to organize an annual festival.
The board’s main objectives are to provide quality family activities at little or no cost, and to additionally provide a venue
Right in Our Region 16 Smart Living Fort Wayne August 2022 • II To Advertise Call 260-212-8968
Every year during Labor Day Weekend, one of the Mid west’s premier events returns with the Marshall County Blueberry Festival. Located at Centennial Park, 1660 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, Ind., this year’s festival takes place from Sept. 1-5 and promises a parade, fireworks, car nival, car show, hot air balloon rides and more. “We have several can’tmiss activities here at the Mar shall County Blueberry Festival,” says Tracy Houin, festival coordi nator. “We have something for everyone of all ages, from a bike cruise to arm wrestling to tractor pulls to a wide range of en tertainment. There’s not a slow or dull moment the wholeApproximatelyweekend.”
4. What about parking? Is that free also? The official parking for the festival is at Plymouth High School. The fee is $10 per car, or $20 for a weekend pass, and this includes shuttle service for all passengers. Proceeds benefit groups at the high school. Other parking is available, with lots run by church groups, boy scout troops or private citizens. These fees vary.
1. Where can I pick blueberries at the festival? Unfortunately, blueberry picking season has come and gone by the time the festival rolls around. But this does not mean you cannot find the best in blueberry treats. The nonprofit food area has blueberry ice cream, sundaes, cheesecake, pies, muffins, shakes, donuts and cups of blueberries.
The Marshall County Blueberry Festival is happening Sept. 1-5 at Centennial Park, in Plymouth.
Right in Our Region 17Smart Living Fort Wayne August 2022 • IITell them you saw it in ... for many of Marshall County’s nonprofit organizations to raise funds, Houin adds. Many organizations are able to generate not just some, but all of their operating costs for the whole year thanks to festivalThroughoutprofits.the festival, Marshall County wel comes more than 300 craft vendors from across the country. Hundreds of booths are dedicated to food, and of course, blue berries are in abundance, with blueberry pie, ice cream, shakes, sundaes, donuts, cheesecake and just plain blueberries as some of theMusicaloptions.entertainment takes place on three stages all weekend long at no cost. There’s also a pageant, 5K/15K run, bicycle cruise, pony rides and more. The newest addition to the festival is a beer garden, Houin says. Upon arrival at the festival, be sure to pick up an event guide which contains a map of all the “Youbooths.cantruly find something for everyone at any age,” HouinEntrancereiterates.to The Marshall County Blueberry Festival is free, with parking at Plymouth High School, 1 Big Red Dr., Plymouth, for $10 per car or $20 for a weekend pass. This includes shuttle ser vice from the parking lot to the festival. Keep an eye on cludingtiondex.htmlblueberryfestival.org/informoreinformaaboutthefestival,inscheduleupdates. ❚
5. What is not allowed at the festival? No pets, alcohol, weapons, bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, chains, illegal contraband or harmful substances allowed. Leader/service dogs are the only exception. These dogs must be wearing vests and the owner must carry proper documentation.
3. What is the admission charge? The Blueberry Festival is free admission. Musical entertain ment is also free.
FAQs About Blueberry Festival
2. Since blueberries are out of season, why is the festival called the Marshall County Blueberry Festival? Marshall County at one time produced one third of Indiana’s blueberries.
6. If I want to spend a couple of days, where can I stay? Plymouth and the surrounding area offer many places to stay. Visit blueberryfestival.org/pg/lodging.html for a list of hotels, bed and breakfasts and camping facilities.
7. Is the festival handicap accessible? Yes. handicap parking is available at Plymouth High School, and trams are equipped to transport wheelchairs and ADAapproved scooters. The terrain at the festival varies from paved sidewalks to grassy paths to gravel roads. Wheelchair rentals are available through the Friends of the Plymouth Library.
18 Smart Living Fort Wayne August 2022 • II To Advertise Call 260-212-8968
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.
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 Dependingsays. 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 WheneverIndiana.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.
Solar Panels Can Save You Big Money
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.
“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.”
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.”
Outdoor Living 19Smart Living Fort Wayne August 2022 • IITell them you saw it in ...
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.
A Heaping Serving of Homework Motivation
cheese red pepper flakes Cook lentils accord ing to package direc tions. Drain then return to pot and add marinara and vegetable broth. Stir well and simmer over low heat about 10 minutes. Cook penne according to package directions. Top cooked pasta with lentil Bolognese, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.
A Perfect Pasta for School Nights
ParmesanfreshToppings:basil
Source: Family Features
Kid-Friendly Recipes for School Days
In a matter of minutes, you can prepare this Len til Bolognese with Veggie-Based Penne for a quick yet flavorful recipe that can be enjoyed by little ones and adults alike. Featuring Veggiecraft Farms Cauliflower Penne as its key ingredient, this family meal makes it easy to incorporate vegetables without sacrificing taste. Available in popular shapes like penne, spaghetti and elbow, and made with lentils, peas and cauliflower, zucchini or sweet potato, the veggie-based pastas are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, Kosher and good sources of protein and fiber. Visit veggiecraftfarms.com for more informa tion and family-friendly recipes. 1 cup dry French green lentils or brown lentils 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce 1/2 cup vegetable broth 1 box Veggiecraft Farms Cauliflower Penne
This S’mores Skillet starts with a sweet brownie base made with Domino Light Brown Sugar and is then infused and topped with traditional s’mores ingredients. Just combine in a skillet then bake – or grill for that familiar outdoor feel – until warm and gooey. Find more dessert ideas to sweeten up back-to-school season at DominoSugar.com. 8 tablespoons unsalted butter 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 large eggs 1/2 cup Domino Light Brown Sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Your Kitchen 23Smart Living Fort Wayne August 2022 • IITell them you saw it in ...
1 cup mini marshmallows, divided 6 graham crackers, roughly crumbled, divided Preheat oven or grill to 350 F. Place medium heat-proof bowl over medium saucepan simmering with water. Add butter, 1/4 cup chocolate chips and unsweetened chocolate; melt. Re move from heat and allow mixture to cool 15 minutes. In small bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt. In large bowl, mix eggs, sugar and vanilla. Add chocolate mixture and mix until well combined. Stir in flour mixture. Add 1/4 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup mini marshmallows and three graham crackers to batter. Pour mixture into 8-inch skillet. Top with remaining mini marshmal lows, chocolate chips and graham crackers. Grill or bake 10-12 minutes. Remove from grill. Cool 10 minutes and serve. ❚
Amenu of filling, delicious recipes is just what your family needs to make each school day a successful educational adventure. When weeks get hectic due to busy sched ules, these recipes offer simple solutions to make cooking easier while limiting time spent in the kitchen. Start with a lunch that’s as easy to make as it is to pack in a lunchbox, recharge in the eve ning thanks to a veggie-forward main course and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth with a chocolatey favorite to round out the day. Keep your family full and energized each school day by finding more recipe ideas at Cu linary.net.
Photography by David C. Olson
Woodducks in Nest
What to Know About Backyard Grills
Fans of Big Green Egg like the quality and flavor of the food it produces, since it’s highly insulated, thereby preventing mois ture from being drawn out of the food. It uses compressed hard wood charcoal with no lighter fluid or other chemical additives.
Visit the the store to take a look at the hand-picked brands of gas, charcoal and pellet grills, pizza ovens and other outdoor cooking equipment, including all seven models of Big Green Egg ceramic grills. Brands on display include Alfresco, Alfa Ovens, Blaze Grills, Delta Heat, Meadowcreek BBQ, Memphis Grills, Phoenix Grills, Pizza-Porta, Smokin Brothers, The Meat Stick and Twin Eagles Grills. Commercial equipment is also on display, for sale and rental, such as pig and chicken roasters and smokers used by caterers.
More than Grills
“The only brands we carry that aren’t entirely made in America are Alpha pizza grills from Italy and Memphis pellet grills, which are assembled in the U.S.,” says Schafer. “The ce ramic for Big Green Egg is cast in Mexico because that’s where the clay is found.”
Big Green Egg is the second-largest grill company in the world (after Weber) and BBQStore&More is its largest show room in the Midwest, says Schafer. “We stock every size grill and every part for every grill.”
Nearly every product in the huge showroom of The BBQStore&More is made in America, from grills and swing sets to patio furniture and gazebos.
The store stocks a deep inventory of products, and parts for ser vicing those products, in its huge on-site warehouse. This was especially handy during supply chain problems in recent years.
The business does landscape design and installation, con struction of outdoor kitchens and firepits, structures like gazebos and sheds, swing sets and other large toys and poly patio furni ture by companies including Lloyd Flanders, Luxcraft Outdoors and Star Swing BBQStore&MoreSets. originated as a wooden swing set store 20 years ago. It built its big new showroom and warehouse four years ago. Along with affiliated businesses such as its construc tion division, the business stretches across 80 acres “smack in the middle of Amish country,” but is only about 5 minutes from Fort “We’reWayne.where rural meets city,” says Schafer. The store is open Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Satur days 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more at thebbqst.com. ❚
What do you expect from your grill? How often do you use it and for how many people do you cook? Do you want to expand your outdoor cooking repertoire or keep things simple? You’ll likely be asked these questions at BBQStore&More, 17007 Doty Road in New Haven, Ind., because making a good match between grill and griller is important, says Tyler Schafer, sales and service manager. Just as important is using top-notch products made in America.
The BBQStore&More staff offers grilling advice to custom ers upon request and even fields off-hours calls.
“If you’re our customer and you’re grilling an expensive piece of meat at 7 p.m. and you have a question, you can bet we’ll answer the phone. That’s how we do things here.”
“We’re not out to compete with a big-box store on price,” says Schafer. “We sell only higher-end equipment from compa nies that stand behind their lifetime warranties. And nearly ev erything in our showroom is manufactured in the United States. You sure won’t find that at a big-box store.”
By Janine Pumilia
The pandemic fueled an explosion of interest in backyard im provements, and BBQStore&More was able to meet needs not only with grills, but with nearly everything related to backyards.
Outdoor Living 27Smart Living Fort Wayne August 2022 • IITell them you saw it in ...
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.
Grabill County Fair Sept. 8-10, check website for times. Attractions include craft vendors, gospel music and more. 13756 State Street, Grabill, (260) 627-5227, grabillcountyfair.org.
❚ 2315 Shelby Drive, TrustColliers.comWarsaw 574.900.2909 Celebrating 25 years! 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. DTFW_SmartLivingAd_2.55x3.76.indd
Bill Blass, Fashion Designer Now thru Sept. 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. In honor of his 100th birthday, the Fort Wayne History Center is celebrating Bill Blass, an American fashion icon and WWII Ghost Army soldier who was born and raised in Fort Wayne. 302 E. Berry St., fwhistorycenter.org. TinCaps Baseball Now thru Sept. 4. Lots of exciting baseball action along with special events and specta cles including fireworks after each Friday and Saturday night game, bring-your-pet games and discounted food nights. Find the whole schedule at milb.com/fortwayne. Parkview Field, 1301 Ewing St., Fort Wayne. Farmers’ Market at Salomon Farm Park Now thru Sept. 7, Wednesdays 4-7 p.m. This market connects the local community to farmers, producers, bakers and artisans who are within a 75-mile radius of Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Road. (260) 427-6008.
New Wave Exhibition Thru Aug. 28, daily except Mondays. This exhibition features work from artists influ enced by the graffiti movement. Fort Wayne Museum of Art, 311 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, (260) 422-6467, fwmoa.org.
Smart Living Fort Wayne August 2022 • II To Advertise Call 260-212-8968
Fort Wayne Ballet Academy Open House Aug. 20, 10 a.m.-2p.m. Tour the facility, meet the instructors, register for fall classes, pur chase apparel, and attend tutorials on dancer self-care and how to make a ballet bun. Auer Center, 300 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, (260) 484-9646, fortwayneballet.org. Concert on the Farm Aug. 21, 5-7 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and enjoy live music. Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6790.
The DeKalb County Fair welcomes one and all Sept. 26-Oct 1. Attractions include a carnival, parade, 4-H activities and more.
Your Fun Entertainment & Events
28 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.
DeKalb County Fair Sept. 26-Oct. 1, check website for times. Attractions include a carnival, 4-H activi ties, parade and more. DeKalb County Fairgrounds, 708 S. Union St., Auburn, (260) 925-1834, dekalbcountyfair.org.
DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT 99 blocks to eat, shop, and play in Downtown Fort Wayne. Our one-of-a-kind eateries and boutiques are open and ready— all year long! Live ShopLargeSmall DTFW_SmartLivingAd_2.55x3.76.indd 1 5/9/22 8:41 AM
