Smart Living Fort Wayne - September 16, 2021

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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • Septmeber 2021 • No. II

Embassy Theatre: A Much-Loved Gem That’s Thriving Tips for Updating Your Living Spaces Discover Fort Wayne’s Public Art Trail What to Know Before You Buy Home Siding Kitchen Remodels That Stand the Test of TIme

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

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Smart Living FortRedeem Wayne September II Tomust

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ...............................Cover & p. 16 Embassy Theatre: A Beloved and Busy Gem Your Community ..........................................................11 Discover Fort Wayne’s Public Art Trail Your Home ...............................................................13, 25 Updating Your Rooms; Today’s Smart Appliance Inspiration & Worship ................................................14 Caring for Angels Your Outdoor Living ............................................19, 27 Siding Your Home; Tips for Your Fall Landscape Your Kitchen .................................................................23 Kitchen Updates that Stand the Test of Time Your Family Fun ...........................................................28

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writer Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Lisa Brandt, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com

Smart Living.

Copyright 2021 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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Why Midwest is Best

I

n study after study, the Midwest rates high as a great place for young adults to begin their careers. But that’s not always the message our Coast-driven pop culture conveys to them, so it’s up to residents to say it.

When it comes to employment, we’re home to a sizable share of Fortune 500 companies: Boeing, Anthem, Kroger, Walgreens, State Farm, Proctor & Gamble and 100-plus more. We have jobs to offer, and good ones.

The cost of living in Midwest cities is enviable. Unless you earn an unusually high income, there’s not much money left after you pay an average $3,100 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in New York or San Francisco (source: apartmentguide.com). Compare that to $695 in Fort Wayne, $1,215 in Indianapolis or $1,390 in St. Paul. Heck, $3,000 per month easily supports a mortgage for a fine house here.

Many folks have flocked to the South recently, lured by jobs, warm weather and lower taxes. They quickly learn there are trade-offs.

Wages may be lower, too. Housing prices and taxes rise along with rapid growth pressure – as in Florida, which has absorbed 300,000 new residents per year lately. Someone has to pay for the infrastructure that growth demands. Florida home values rose 10 percent last year and will rise another 8 percent this year (Source: Zillow.)

That’s great for sellers, not buyers and renters.

Young adults want opportunities for more education as well as interesting cultural, recreational and social offerings. In all these things, the Midwest excels. Its park systems, rivers and lakes, festivals, bike trails, farmers markets, entertainment venues and renovated downtowns are exciting! Is the winter cold? Sure, but that means snow sports and a good excuse to jet off to tropical places. Our centrality and large airports make traveling easy.

Our relative lack of extreme weather events (think hurricanes and fires) and our abundant fresh water supply make the Midwest increasingly desirable, too.

The quality of life in Midwestern cities like Fort Wayne take a back seat to no one, so let’s not be afraid to say so!

Have a great week!❚ Janine Pumilia SL Editor

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MEET

AGAIN

EXPLORE

AGAIN

FLY

AGAIN

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

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

So, you can fly…again.

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FWAIRPORT.COM Phoenix • Orlando • Tampa • Fort Myers • Las Vegas • Myrtle Beach • Sarasota • Dallas Advertise Call 260-212-8968 Smart Living Fort WayneChicago September 2021 • II To • Charlotte • Philadelphia • Atlanta • Detroit • Minneapolis

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Our Community

New Pass Highlights Public Art Trail

S

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

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

“The digital pass works like an app on your phone and it’s a fun way to discover and enjoy art,” says Kristen Guthrie, vice president of marketing at Visit Fort Wayne.

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

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

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

“We want our residents to do everything that visitors do.

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

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

“At the time, I was working full-time as an artist,” she explains. “Having traveled the world, I appreciated street art and saw how it adds energy to a city. I wanted to bring that spirit to Fort Wayne. When given an opportunity to talk to the Downtown Improvement District, I helped them see how it could happen. Fort Wayne was ready, but they didn’t know how to do it, and I could be that person to facilitate the program.”

Art This Way works with building owners and artists to bring many of the city’s

murals to life. A program of Fort Wayne Improvement District, the all-volunteer organization aims to change the way locations throughout the city are seen and used. Projects are funded by grants, corporate sponsorships, fundraisers and community donations.

For Example, Artist Bryan Ballinger has painted two murals, The Blue Birds and The Ruddy Turnstones. He partnered on the second project with Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities, whose mission is to empower people with disabilities. Turnstone helps them to achieve their highest potential for independence through social services, counseling, adult day services, adult and pediatric therapy, childcare, fitness and aquatics, sports and recreation and more.

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

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

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

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

“We want our residents to be our best ambassadors,” Guthrie adds. “When you understand your city, you can share what you know with others and that’s a big part of our goal.” ❚

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Your Home & Garden

How to Bring Your Room Up to Date

By Janine Pumilia

(Taylor King Photo)

I

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But there’s more to a room than color.

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

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

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

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

Mixed metal accents are popular.

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

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

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

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

“A console table is more versatile.”

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

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

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

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

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

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Inspiration & Worship

Caring for Angels

C

hristians argue about many points, but most of what Jesus Christ taught us is very straightforward. Even so, we find ways to ignore it or rationalize our disobedience.

Consider Jesus’ words about caring for the people least valued by society. From Matthew 25: 32-45: “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’”

Jesus doesn’t tell us to help only those people we think “deserve” it. We help people not because they’re good but because God is good and lavished us with undeserved grace.

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers for by doing that some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:1-2.

Caring for others is the will of God. ❚ 14

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Right in Our Region

Embassy Theatre: A Beloved Gem

Full-capacity shows have resumed at Embassy Theatre after many adjustments to the schedule during the quarantine months of the pandemic.

By Peggy Werner

T

he same community spirit that saved the Embassy Theatre from ruin also ushered it through the pandemic. Now its supporters are celebrating a return to full-capacity productions.

The Broadway at the Embassy series officially kicks off this fall and other events, films and shows are booked throughout the year and beyond, says Carly Myers, chief marketing officer for Embassy Theatre.

“We’re back to feeling pleasantly overwhelmed and are experiencing the anticipated activity that comes with the fall and winter seasons,” says Myers. “We’re treating the upcoming season as a regular season. We’re an organization of resiliency and were able to make it through the pandemic without furloughing people and shutting the doors.”

The theater is booking events well into 2023 and is talking about dates for the following year.

The Broadway series opens Nov. 3 with “Anastasia” and will continue with “Rent” on Nov. 20, followed by “Cats” Jan. 24 and “Hairspray,” “Waitress” and “Jersey Boys” next spring.

“We know Fort Wayne loves the classic Broadway hits and we try to get popular shows,” says Myers. “Our vision now and for the future is to offer some shows on two or more nights to give people more options to choose from.”

“Anastasia” transports the audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to uncover the mystery of her past and forge her future.

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For more than 25 years, “Rent” has inspired audiences to choose love over fear and to live without regrets.

“Cats” is the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gather to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn.

“Hairspray” follows 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she dances her way into changing the world with her big hair and big dreams.

“Waitress” tells the tale of Jenna, an expert pie-maker who dreams of using her talent to find her way out of her small town and rocky marriage.

“Jersey Boys” is the story of four “ordinary” guys whose extraordinary music transforms them into Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

When Fort Wayne began quarantine in March 2020, the staff kept working. By June, the theater was hosting events with reduced capacity and social distancing.

“When a lot of venues had to close, we were able to stay open because we have so much space,” explains Myers. “We partnered with local organizations to host events here because they couldn’t take place where they were, and we just figured out how to make things happen. We worked closely with the health department and set up COVID-19 protocols. It was different, but we were determined, and the community was very supportive.”

The 2,471-seat theater is large enough to attract national

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Right in Our Region

The Broadway at the Embassy series opens this fall with “Anastasia” on Nov. 3. Find a full list of shows, concerts and events at fwembassytheatre.org.

acts, but small enough to give audiences an intimate experience and tout, “There’s not a bad seat in the house.” A former sevenstory hotel wraps around the north and west sides of the theater and has been transformed into business offices, a two-story ballroom, and other rental spaces. A rooftop patio is rented out for weddings and other events.

Although many people are eager to get back to in-person events, the theater is also working to determine how virtual productions can serve the community, especially rural residents and aging populations, says Myers.

The theater’s history began with the opening of Emboyd Theatre in May 1928 as a movie palace and vaudeville venue.

For 25 years, it hosted the brightest stars of stage and screen, such as Perry Como, Lawrence Welk, Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, Doris Day, Duke Ellington, Red Skelton, Victor Borge and Bob Hope, who made his first emcee appearance in Fort Wayne. Alliance Amusement Corporation purchased the venue

The stunningly beautiful old theater was within two days of facing the wrecking ball. It took a large community effort to spare it and renovate it.

in 1952, changed its name to Embassy Theatre and continued operating it as a movie palace. The ornate pipe organ, originally used for providing a score during silent films, was preserved by a group of local organ enthusiasts.

When the theater faced the wrecking ball, as had been the fate of some of its peers, a handful of community leaders and volunteers formed the Embassy Theatre Foundation in 1972 with a goal of protecting and preserving both the building and the organ.

With just two days to spare, $250,000 was raised to rescue the building from demolition. It was added to the Register of Historic Places in 1975. Soon, many fundraisers were established, such as the annual Festival of Trees, which is still held today.

Major renovations continued and dedicated volunteers have kept the theater vibrant as the place of education, entertainment and inspiration it is today.

Learn more about all upcoming events and how you can help to support this community gem at fwembassytheatre.org. ❚

The Embassy Theatre opened in 1928 as the Emboyd Theatre, a movie palace and vaudeville venue for acrobats, comedians, magicians and other live acts.

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Outdoor Living

What to Know When Siding Your Home

All siding is not the same. Be sure to understand the quality of materials you’re buying and the reputation of the company installing it.

By Janine Pumilia

A

lthough it’s an expensive project, siding your home can quickly boost its value, energy efficiency and curb appeal – and free you from the dreaded scrape-and-paint cycle. Here are things to know.

“You’re mostly paying for the labor in a siding installation,” says Kevin Hunter, co-owner of Windows, Doors & More in Fort Wayne. “To me, it makes sense to choose at least a nice, medium thickness such as .044 thousandths of an inch vinyl siding.

“Darker colors are treated with acrylic to prevent sun bleaching. This really works well, but people should be aware darker colors cost 25 percent more because of that acrylic coating.”

About 75 percent of the siding he sells is vinyl, but some customers choose cement board, which costs about 50 percent more than vinyl.

“Cement board more closely resembles real cedar boards than vinyl,” he explains. “Both the material and labor costs are higher. It’s heavier and requires three people to handle the boards instead of two.

It’s very sturdy and well worth the cost for a quality project. Some people use it only for the front of the home.”

Both vinyl and cement board are woodpecker-proof.

Kevin Hunter

Homeowners also must choose what density of backer board to use.

“Backer board really smoothes out the wall nicely so there’s a flat surface for the siding to go over,” Hunter explains.

A high R value, such as foam-backed 3 R, offers superior insulation and soundproofing, important to homeowners living near a highway or other noise. An R value of 1.5 is sufficient for most people.

Beware home improvement merchants who try to talk you into using the same color for siding, soffit and fascia, or who limit siding color options to a few, Hunter advises.

“Some places push three to five common colors for their own convenience, not yours,” he says. “We offer 75 colors. It’s not a bad idea to distinguish your home from others by choosing a tasteful color combination.”

Shutters are still popular, with panel-style edging out louver-style. They’re taking 12 to 16 weeks to order, so plan ahead.

An average vinyl siding installation takes 7 to 10 days to complete, longer for cement board.

Windows, Doors & More has been in business 37 years and serves homeowners within a 60-mile radius of Fort Wayne.

Along with home exterior products, it sells flooring and lighting.

It also builds room additions/decks and is a one-stop kitchen and bath center with six licensed designers and an architect on staff.

Learn more by calling (260) 399-6037 or stop in at the showroom, 1121 W. Washington Center Road. ❚

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Your Kitchen

Kitchen Remodels That Age Gracefully

By Janine Pumilia

A

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

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

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

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

At higher price points, dovetailed joints, thicker sidewalls A clean cabinet style never has to compete with a lively and features like soft-close drawers are used. backsplash or countertop.

“A lower price point may offer you fewer color options in “Light, airy and simple are the key words right now, and a particular door style, whereas a more expensive line will ofthe more windows, the better,” says Knueve. “But that doesn’t fer any color on the Sherwin Williams color wheel,” explains mean there’s no pizzazz. People find lots of ways to add their Walsh. “We have products that fit into a budget and those which own splash of personality and color.” offer every option.”

It’s worth noting that doors are the most expensive part Trinity sells quartz, granite, solid surface, laminate and of cabinetry. butcher block countertops.

“By changing the style of the door in a kitchen design, you “We sell more quartz and granite than anything else,” says can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars and still have the Walsh. “Granite is a natural stone and each slab is one-of-a-kind. features you want, like a built-in trash can or rollouts,” says You can see and select your slab. If there are certain features Knueve. you’d like to see in your island, for example, we can position the Today, black hardware top to highlight those attributes. Periodically, you seal granite by is popular. Placing two larger spraying polish over it and wiping it down with a cloth.” pendant lights over an island, Quartz is man-made from crushed stone, is non-porous and rather than three smaller ones, practically maintenance-free. is also on trend.

“All of the countertops we sell today look great and are Trinity carries cabinetry durable,” says Walsh. “It’s just a matter of what you like best.” in price points ranging from Trinity Kitchen, Bath & Lighting has been locally owned mid-level low to mid-level since it opened in 1958. It offers one-stop design, product and high, says Kevin Walsh, owner. installation services.

What’s the difference?

Learn more by calling (260) 493-2574 or stop in at the Quality of construction Beauty and function are equally showroom, 11034 Lincoln Highway East. ❚ and selection, he says. important to a good kitchen design.

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Your Home & Garden

What ‘Smart’ Appliances Can Do for You

Today we can control our household appliances from the palm of our hands, no matter where we are.

By Peggy Werner

I

f that 30-year-old appliance quits working and you need to replace it, and you haven’t done your homework, you’ll be surprised to learn how technological advances allow you to manage your life from your smartphone. That could improve the way you do laundry, prepare dinner, turn on the oven and more.

“Everything is ‘smart’ now because we live in a ‘smart’ world where everything is connected and can be controlled from a phone held in the palm of your hand,” says Brittany Brouer, marketing director at Van’s Home Center, Auburn, Ind. For example, one of the most advanced appliances is the Samsung Family Hub refrigerator which is WI-FI enabled and allows you to send notes, sync schedules, see who’s at your front door, search recipes, get meal ideas, play music, stream movies and look inside the refrigerator as you shop, she says.

Other Wi-Fi enabled appliances also allow you to start and stop equipment with your smartphone. A washing machine can hold a large amount of laundry detergent and dispense as needed.

Large loads of laundry can be finished in 30 minutes and a small load left in the washer overnight will dry.

“So, you can start the laundry and pre-heat the oven before you even get home. There’s quite a range of what appliances can do for you today and it’s all about what you want and need and

what you’re willing to pay for,” she says.

Most people interested in the smart appliances are between 25 and 40 years old, but many others also love technology and are not afraid of it, she says.

“The advances give people lots of choice to make life easier and do more in one day. It’s all about personal preference and the choices are driven by consumers who want to do more with their time than laundry,” Brouer says.

Brouer suggests that people who are unsure about such technology should get online information from manufacturers about how to use appliances. YouTube, also, is a great source for learning how to do just about anything.

A locally-owned, family business, Van’s Home Center opened in 1973 and has expanded from a 1,500 square-foot store to a 75,000 square-foot “one stop” showroom for the home.

Along with appliances, it sells flooring, furniture, mattresses, cabinetry, countertops and more.

“We’re large enough to compete with big-box stores and we price competitively.”

Learn more by calling (260) 927-8267 or stop in at 106 Peckhart Ct., Auburn, Ind. ❚

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Outdoor Living

Fall Landscape Care for Plants and Pollinators

By Melinda Myers

A

s we transition from summer to fall, it’s time to adjust our lawn and garden maintenance practices. Here are some tips.

• Continue watering as needed. This is easy to forget as temperatures drop. Drought causes stress to key landscape plants, making them more susceptible to life threatening insects and disease.

• Leave healthy perennials standing for winter. Many provide homes for pollinators and other beneficial insects and some seeds provide food for songbirds. You’ll enjoy the added texture and motion in your winter garden and the songbirds that stop by to dine.

• Do remove diseased plant debris and those infested with plant-damaging insects. This will reduce the source of future infestations.

• Remove any small- to medium-sized dead or diseased branches from shrubs and small trees. A tool like Corona’s 7-inch RazorTooth folding saw has a blade that tucks into the handle for safe transport. Disinfect the blade with rubbing alcohol or a disinfectant spray between cuts when pruning diseased plants.

• Use raked leaves as mulch on the garden soil surface to help suppress weeds, conserve moisture and improve the soil as they decompose. Leaves also provide insulation and protection for a variety of beneficial insects and toads.

• Continue weeding the garden. Eliminating weeds before they set seed means fewer weeds to pull next year.

• Mow the lawn as long as it continues to grow. Leave clippings on the lawn to add nutrients, moisture, and organic matter to the soil.

• Don’t rake fall leaves off the lawn. Just mow over them.

As long as the leaf pieces are the size of a quarter or smaller, they’ll break down, adding organic matter to the soil.

After your last cut, clean and winterize your mower. Remove and sharpen the blades so you’re ready for next season.

Sharp blades make a cleaner cut for a better-looking lawn that requires less water and a mower that uses less fuel.

Melinda Myers has written numerous gardening books and hosts the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio programs. ❚

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Your Fun

Entertainment & Events

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

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

Lauren Daigle Sept. 24, 4:30-8 p.m. In addition to two Grammy Awards, musician Daigle also has won seven GMA Dove Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards, and has had no less than four No. 1 singles on both the Billboard Christian Airplay and Hot Christian Songs charts. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. (260) 482.9502, memorialcoliseum. com.

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

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

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

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

Mersey Beatles at Clyde Theatre Oct. 5, 7 p.m. Born on the banks of The Mersey River in Liverpool, this group ia regarded by many as the world’s best-loved

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

The Mersey Beatles from Liverpool, England, are coming to the Clyde Theatre on Oct. 5.

Beatles tribute. Clyde Theater, 1808 Bluffton Road, (260) 747-0989, clydetheatre.com.

Nashville Thursdays 7-10 p.m. Free live music, country, bluegrass, Americana. Club Room, Clyde Theater.

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

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

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

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September 2021 • II

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