Smart Living Fort Wayne - April 2024

Freedom of the Press

Iwant to address something that’s often heavy on my mind.

You’ve probably read that journalists are losing their jobs in alarming numbers this year, particularly from major outlets such as the Los Angeles Times, Forbes and TIME Magazine. After thousands of journalists were laid off in 2023, you wouldn’t necessarily imagine that the hemorrhage would continue into 2024. But it has. And as these jobs disappear, paywalls are going up. Just this morning as I type this, a newsletter I’ve read for free every day for the past seven years (The Flip Side) will have a paywall starting next month.

I understand why many people have lost trust in journalists. Headlines have become more click-baity. Bias is oftentimes easy to identify. Politicians have flat-out told you not to trust “the media.”

I would like to gently remind people that journalists are in service-oriented jobs. They have a huge responsibility for oftentimes very little pay. With fewer jobs in the field, the stakes just get higher. There’s more responsibility on a handful of people to do the in-depth reporting and fact-checking alone, on extremely tight deadlines. I don’t see things improving.

“Freedom of speech” is a core American value. So when people criticize “the media” as a blanket statement, I cringe. The first amendment is so important. I used to think this was obvious, but now I question where we’re at as a society.

So many Americans already live in news deserts, so I would caution you to be weary of the demise of the free press. A free press is essential to democracy. It’s what allows us to make informed decisions and hold leaders accountable. Look at countries where a free press doesn’t exist… and it’s scary.

I urge you to support our local news organizations -— print, radio, television, etc. — by subscribing, reading, listening and viewing.

I hope to see my kids and grandkids grow up in a thriving democracy where freedom of the press is still protected. ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

Nobody Said It’s Easy

Forgiveness goes hand in hand with grace, and is a concept that sets Christianity apart from many world religions – but it’s not easy to internalize.

Above all, there’s God’s unconditional forgiveness toward his children, thanks to His plan for salvation and the obedience of Jesus Christ. That’s difficult to fathom. How can we forgive ourselves for the things we do, much less accept that God has wiped our slates clean?

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9.

Perhaps the best way to comprehend this is to think of how willing we are to forgive our own children. They do foolish things often, and while we don’t approve, we love them so much that we easily forgive and encourage them. The adhesive that makes this work is love; God is a loving God and wants us to be a loving people.

But how can we find the strength to forgive people we don’t love – people we may not even like very much?

There’s no getting away from Jesus’ two greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37-40.

Sometimes we trick ourselves into believing we’re only required to forgive “righteous” people like ourselves. But who knows a man’s heart, except God? To judge others as unworthy of forgiveness is, in itself, sinful.

Jesus says: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37.

In the end, it’s our love for God that gives us strength to genuinely forgive. Sometimes it takes much time and prayer. Jesus never said that imitating him would be easy.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32 ❚

Enjoy Fine Dining in Downtown Auburn

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

It’s a tall order to become one of the finest dining establishments in the state of Indiana, but Bob and Aliya Lebamoff are up to the task. The iconic building that houses their restaurant, Auburn City Steakhouse, 203 Main St., Auburn, bursts with charm and history.

“We call it casual elegance,” Bob says. “You are sitting in a building with rich history while enjoying a wonderful dinner to celebrate your occasion.”

Originally a hardware store, the building dates to 1859 and remained in continuous operation for decades. Philanthropists Rick and Vicki James purchased the store in 2017 with dreams of converting it into full service, high-scale restaurant.

“This was the beginning of their 10-year plan to redevelop downtown Auburn, a town they both love,” Bob explains.

The James family sought top talent to run the steakhouse, which is where Bob comes in. A third-generation restaurateur, he shares the James family’s vision of redeveloping Auburn while paying homage to the city’s roots. His son, Alex, is now the fourth generation to join the business.

“As a tribute to the past, we wanted to keep as much of the building’s charm and history as we could while making it a functional restaurant,” Bob says. “The original hardwood floor, leaded-etched glass entrance, tin ceiling, brick walls and so much more were restored to its beauty. The original freight elevator, 1908 NCR cash register and many other pieces remain on display today. I tell people we opened a historical museum – we just have a kitchen in here now.”

Some highlights on the menu include the prime rib and the Greek salad.

“My grandfather, Stephan Gouloff, owned the Paramount Grill in Fort Wayne, and my dad, Tom Lebamoff, owned several restaurants in Fort Wayne over his 40-year career, with his last one called The Elegant Farmer,” Bob explains. “We offer the same original Greek salad my grandfather brought from the old county, and my father was known for his slow-roasted Prime Rib, which we feature.”

In addition to the main dining room, Auburn City Steakhouse has unique spaces for housing private events. The Executive Room is a 28-seat private dining room with beautiful art lining the walls – an “elegance unmatched in Northeast Indiana,” Bob says. The room offers a reception area, private restroom and sound-proof walls for guests to conduct private business.

The Grand Room offers a 110-seat reception area, with private restrooms and a service bar, that’s perfect for hosting weddings, nonprofit fundraisers, corporate events, live music events and more.

“We also have a smaller room for 10 guests where we host private wine dinners and tastings,” Bob says. “It is surrounded by our wine lockers that our guests rent from us.”

There’s also the Davis & James Lounge, named after the original hardware store owner Joseph Davis and his family, and, of course, Rick and Vicki James, who restored the building to its present-day grandeur. The lounge offers a full-service bar that stocks hard-to-find bourbons and never-out-of-style classic cocktails.

“We offer our full dining menu there as well,” Bob says.

The restaurant primarily attracts guests from a 45-mile radius, he adds. Regular customers come from as far as Ohio and Michigan, which only benefits downtown Auburn.

“We feel we are the catalyst to the downtown redevelopment and expansion over the past six years,” Bob says. “Since our inception, there have been several new private business developments downtown that have helped create an investment area to save this downtown. There were several empty buildings when we started, and now the downtown area is coming back to life.”

Playing a critical role in revamping downtown Auburn has been rewarding, Bob adds.

“We are on a mission to be Northeast Indiana’s finest fullservice steakhouse and we accomplish this one table at a time.”▮

To make a reservation, call (260) 333-7337 or visit auburncitysteakhouse.com.

The Grand Room at Auburn City Steakhouse offers a 110-seat reception area for hosting weddings, fundraisers, corporate events and more.

Auburn City Steakhouse’s menu and ambiance attract customers from a 45-mile radius, says owner Bob Lebamoff.

Get Egg-Cited at The BBQ Store and More

By Jim Taylor, managing editor

Customers at The BBQ Store and More, 17007 Doty Road in New Haven, Ind., will find plenty of grills and accessories. One grilling item in particular tends to spark their attention.

The Big Green Egg is a versatile outdoor cooker that’s described as a complete outdoor cooking system. It is such a beloved item that The BBQ Store and More has built an annual event around it.

BGE Fest, on June 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is an event where egg-sperts fire up dozens of Big Green Eggs to grill a variety of dishes, and visitors can take advantage of delicious samples and savings.

“It’s somewhat of an open house, so we’ll offer 10% storewide discounts,” says Darren Schmuker, the store’s manager. “Cookers cook up all kinds of samples, from breakfast foods in the morning to every type of meat available.”

A tradition at The BBQ Store and More since 2008, BGE Fest has become a popular event. But Darren doesn’t just sell Big Green Eggs. He’s also a passionate owner.

“I love to grill and I couldn’t live without my Big Green Egg,” he says.

First time customers to The BBQ Store and More may be surprised just how much is included in the “and more.”

“Our slogan is ‘Your backyard headquarters,” says Darren. “We do anything pertaining to your backyard.”

And he does mean anything. Firepits, swing sets and patio furniture are all a part of The BBQ Store and More’s inventory. The Schmuker family’s background in construction also makes the store a go-to for customers seeking indoor

and outdoor fireplaces, outdoor kitchens and structures like gazebos, pergolas and pavilions.

“We’ve been in construction for 30 years and we’ve sold barbecuing equipment for 25 years,” says Sam Schmuker, Darren’s father and the co-owner of The BBQ Store and More. “With having experience in different trades, it’s very helpful when it comes to relating to the customer.”

Customers looking to spruce up their backyard oasis can take advantage of the design center at The BBQ Store and More, where experts help them visualize their backyard dreams in 3D and bring them to life. With decades of building experience under their belt, the Schmukers can make a customer’s backyard project come together fairly quickly.

“From time of order until installation, it takes about five to six weeks,” says Darren.

With that said, a little information from the customer can go a long way.

“Let us know how much space you have,” Darren advises. “That way, we know what we can offer and how we can serve you better.”

When it comes to grills and other backyard appliances, The BBQ Store and More is seeing a big uptick of outdoor griddles and pizza ovens, making outdoor cooking a more diversified experience.

“Not only are you putting a grill into your outdoor kitchen, but you’re also seeing a lot more items to expand your ability to host,” Darren says. ▮

To learn more or to preorder your own Big Green Egg, visit the store, go to thebbqst.com or call (260) 632-0620.

Roanoke Welcomes You for Summer Fun

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

It’s easy to see why Roanoke touts itself as one of the friendliest and warmest communities in Northeast Indiana. Residents are accustomed to a safe, pleasant environment, while visitors feel welcome within the small-town atmosphere.

Part of Huntington County, Roanoke is a fast-growing area thanks to its proximity to both Huntington and Fort Wayne. It’s especially worth a visit during the upcoming months, when First Fridays and the Roanoke Farmer’s Market resume outdoors for the spring and summer.

“Any time we can create an atmosphere of camaraderie in the community, it is a pleasure to be a part of,” says Hillary Halsema, 2024 market chair. “Connecting people in a community over food and fun is a great way to build relationships of all types and strengthen the community as a whole.”

Roanoke’s First Fridays begin on May 3 and reoccur June

7, July 5, and August 2 from 5-8 p.m. along Main Street. Activities include live music by the intersection of Second and Main Streets, food available from local restaurants and the Lion’s Club, children’s games and activities, and special events such as First Responders Night and the “ever-famous” cake walk, add Tammy Baumgartner and Tami Capozza, the 2024 First Fridays co-chairs.

“Roanoke First Fridays and the Roanoke Farmer’s Market are family-friendly events that bring the community together,” they add. “Together, we are looking forward to another great summer in our beautiful town of Roanoke.”

The Farmer’s Market starts back up June 7 and runs from 5-8 p.m. every Friday through Aug. 30, occasionally happening in conjunction with First Fridays. Vendors set up shop on Main Street between First and Second Streets, selling a variety of

Roanoke First Fridays begin May 3, while the Roanoke Farmer’s Market resumes outdoors June 7.

goods including produce, local meats and eggs, honey, prepared baked goods and breads, jewelry, crafts, candles, jams and canned goods, flowers, plants and more.

“These events are an opportunity for the community to support their local producers as well as gather together each Friday evening to enjoy a stroll down Main Street, grab some food, and listen to local musical artists as well,” Halsema says. “It is a great opportunity for the community to see and support local vendors they may not know are in or around the area and continue to support them into the fall and winter after getting to know them all summer.

“It also brings the community to the downtown area to support and get to know those businesses as well as see the work that the Roanoke Beautification Foundation does to make the town such a stunning place to visit,” she adds.

The Farmer’s Market’s previous success has led to an extended timeframe this year from previous years. In years past, the Market only occurred in July and August.

“Extending into June this year will be a great addition,” Halsema says. “We are excited to bring the Market back to a weekly status again.”

The Farmer’s Market is also seeking local businesses to support it in a “sweat equity” way by helping with the set up and tear down of tables and chairs for the music area, Halsema adds.

“These businesses will be featured on our social media for each Market they support. This can be a great way for businesses that are not within the downtown stretch to allow people to get to know what they do and where they’re located,” she says.

Visitors can park at Roanoke Park or in the municipal lot located on Third Street across from the Roanoke Town Hall. The Market remains open rain or shine and is organized and sponsored by the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce.

Additional details regarding First Fridays, the Farmer’s Market and other events happening throughout Roanoke can be found at DiscoverRoanoke.org. Farmer’s Market details can also be found at facebook.com/RoanokeFarmersMarket/. ❚

The Roanoke Farmer’s Market and Roanoke First Friday events are family-friendly opportunities to enjoy the downtown area and support local businesses.

Custom Woodwork That Lasts a Lifetime

By Peggy Werner

In a world that uses social media to communicate, where you don’t always know what to believe, some hidden gems are just known by their good reputation.

Joe Zehr, co-owner with his brother, Jesse, of Zehr’s Custom Cabinets & Manufacturing, in Auburn, Ind., is a third-generation family business owner. They’re also local farmers. Zehr’s doesn’t have a website, a Facebook page, or an X (formerly Twitter) account.

When it comes to advertising his custom-made doors, cabinets, stairways, wood trim, shelves, mantels, wood beams and other woodwork for the interior of a home (other than furniture), Joe’s precision craftsmanship speaks for itself. His customers are more than happy to spread the word, because quality work and great customer service are his specialties.

“We are a one-stop shop and still build things the old-fashioned way with quality construction,” he says. “Everything we do is made from scratch, from measuring and designing to getting the raw lumber and making the finished product. Our end goal is always a happy customer. If we make mistakes, we fix them.”

Patty Kelley is one satisfied customer.

“Joe and his family are just great people,” she says. “He is as honest and hard-working as the day is long, and he does a great job. I can take in a picture of something unusual and he can make it.

She and her husband are the owners of another family business, Kelley’s Automotive dealerships, in Indiana. She is also the owner of Kelley Design Works. The couple recently built a lake home in Syracuse, Ind., where Zehr’s did all the cabinets, doors, beds, ceiling beams and trim work. The couple has worked with Zehr’s for more than 15 years, after asking someone for a referral to build custom cabinets. Since then, they have used Zehr’s for several homebuilding projects and have referred many family members and friends.

As a designer, Kelley has an eye for what will work where and has come up with many unique ideas that Zehr’s has always been able to construct, she says.

“When you work with them, you work with only them,” she continues. “They don’t send you off to someone else for anything. They are extremely easy to work with, flexible if you change your mind about something, which I have often done, and they are competitively priced.”

Joe works within any customer’s budget and uses a wide variety of woods, from soft and hard hickory to white oak, red oak, walnut and more. The trends he sees are plain, clean lines in cabinetry, in addition to many customers wanting painted wood, customized colors and a clean finish. He also makes matching pieces to go with existing woodwork or furniture in a home, if needed.

All of Zehr’s projects are made of solid wood and have dovetail joints, in addition to other details that go into a highquality, sturdy, durable product that stands the test of time.

“Our business has grown mainly by word of mouth. We have never run out of work, even during the pandemic and other economically slow times. Our business is about building personal relationships, referrals and repeat customers,” Joe says.

Zehr’s opened in 1990 and grew from a three-man shop in a house garage to a business that now employs 25 people, including an installation crew, across two large buildings: one 12,000-square-foot workshop and one 20,000-square-foot showroom.

“Our cabinets will last a lifetime if you take care of them,” Joe says. ▮

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (260) 740-9042 or (260) 627-0171 or email sales@zehrmfg.com.

Zehr’s Custom Cabinets & Manufacturing is known for its quality work. The business doesn’t have a website or any social media, but relies instead on customer referrals.

All of Zehr’s projects are made of solid wood and stand the test of time.

Decorative Concrete Adds Beauty to Homes

By Peggy Werner

As homeowners welcome warmer weather, they look to expand and enhance their outdoor living space in beautiful and inviting ways.

Stamped and carved concrete are popular ways to create interesting looks for a home’s exterior, including driveways, patios, pool decks, walkways and more, says Dan Zook, customer service representative for Crystal Creek Concrete in Woodburn, Ind.

Stamped concrete is an alternative to pavers.

“We take concrete to the next level,” Zook says. “There are only two ways we make decorative concrete, by carving or stamping. People can’t tell the difference. Sometimes, they don’t even know they are looking at concrete. It’s a beautiful difference and will set your landscaped yard apart from neighbors.”

Stamped concrete has been available to homeowners for about 15 years, but is rapidly growing in popularity, he says, because it is low maintenance, less expensive, available in a variety of patterns and colors, and adds to the resale value of a home. Most jobs can be done in a day.

Some of the more popular looks are Arizonia Flagstone, European Slate and 10-inch wood plank that looks like a barnyard floor. A non-slip additive can be mixed in with the concrete for more traction.

Crystal Creek Concrete owners have been trained by experts in carved concrete in workshops and seminars held all over the country, Zook says.

“Specializing in decorative concrete has really set us apart

from the competition. We use a different mixture of material for carved concrete, which is harder and stronger and makes a bolder statement. It’s a real head turner and looks like real stone, but is all concrete.”

Crystal Creek Concrete is an Amish family business owned by Loren and Steven Schmucker, who started 20 years ago working for a similar business with their uncles. The nephews branched off to form their own company about five years ago, with the intent to be more involved in working on decorative concrete for homeowners.

“We have become one of the area’s leaders in decorative and all other types of concrete,” Zook says.

Within a few months, they plan to move into a new building that will house office space, a shop, and an extensive outdoor showroom featuring the types of projects they can do.

They showcase their work mainly on social media, including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, and are currently working on updating a new website.

“It’s a very exciting business,” Zook says. “We have grown every year and I was lucky enough to be with the owners from the beginning to build up the business and leave my mark on it.

“We meet with new people every day to talk about what we do,” he continues. “I love the looks on the customers’ faces when they see what we have to offer, and especially when they see a finished project. It’s very rewarding.” ▮

For more information, to schedule an appointment, or to get a free estimate, call Zook at (260) 702-2488.

Stamped and carved concrete are popular ways to create interesting looks for a home’s exterior, whether it’s a driveway, patio, pool deck, walkway or other outdoor area, says Dan Zook, customer service representative for Crystal Creek Concrete, in Woodburn.

Find Relief With Reputable CBD Oils

By Peggy Werner

Cannabidiol oil, or CBD oil, has shown to help people battling chronic pain, anxiety, depression and other conditions.

Curtis Smith, co-owner of 7CBD Store, 212 N. Main St., Roanoke, Ind., says not all CBD products are the same. His store specializes in Med 7 and Pur 7 products, which are made from federally and state certified-and-tested growers using specialized methods to produce the highest quality natural products for humans and animals. They are the only products with eight clinical studies backing them up and have U.S. patents for clinical use and sleep.

“We hear from people how much it helps them and how fast it works, and there are no major side effects we’re aware of,” Smith says. “A lot of people can find relief from their symptoms.”

Although the Food and Drug Administration recognizes CBD as a supplement and not as a medicine, CBD is gaining recognition for its health benefits, Smith says.

CBD is constantly being tested and studied for its role in pain management, sleep and relaxation, inflammatory responses, cognitive function, anti-anxiety, Covid treatment, memory, appetite suppression, movement disorders including seizures, ADHD, and more.

7CBD Store has a “satisfaction guarantee” and will give customers a full refund if the unused portion of the product is returned within 60 days of purchase.

CBD is available in both topical and ingestible forms. Smith recommends using both for the greatest benefit, especially for muscle aches and soreness.

The Sports and Recover Cream, Med

7 Healing Gel and roll-ons are designed to be directly applied to the skin and area where there is soreness. They have shown to be effective with daily use, he says.

Any person with a medical condition should consult their doctor before using CBD, Smith adds.

“We use the information from our clinical studies to inform our customers and medical professionals, so they can make an educated decision when choosing the best natural products,” he says. ❚

Maintaining Your Outdoor Living Spaces

It’s said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. In the case of Outdoor Concepts, a landscaping and equipment company that now employs more than 70 people, it began with Steve Gerber mowing the local Hardees after work in 1984.

At the time, Steve worked with his father and brothers at Gerber Lawn Service. However, taking on additional jobs let him make the “unsure, scary, exciting” transition in 1987 into full-time work at his own company – Steve’s Landscape Maintenance.

Steve and his wife Gayla initially ran this new venture out of their home. However, the company moved several times as it grew, settling in 2009 at its current location on State Road 1 in Bluffton. With this final move, the business changed its name to Outdoor Concepts Inc. (OCI). They’ve also opened an additional store in Muncie, now located near Ball State University.

Regarding the growth and location changes, the Gerbers say it was “exciting – we felt blessed to be able to do this with great employees.”

Both stores offer lawn and landscape equipment sales, parts and service, giving customers a one-stop shop for their equipment needs. They also carry landscaping supplies and lawn care products that are more affordable than those at big-box stores yet are of comparable or higher quality.

In addition, the Bluffton store preserves the original spirit of Steve’s Landscaping, offering property maintenance services and landscape consultations, design and installation. It also features a 30,000-square-foot nursery.

The business’s expansion might have surprised the Gerbers back in 1984.

“We never really had a plan, just a dream of a lawn and gar-

den center with services,” Steve says. “It organically happened as new hires with different gifts and talents moved our company in ways we didn’t even dream or think of.”

Despite the changes, they still emphasize high-quality customer service.

“We have a great staff that is knowledgeable about our products and services,” Steve adds. “We train and expect our staff to acknowledge and welcome our customers quickly when entering our store. We value our employees and customers as OCI family.”

Outdoor Concepts also empowers people with the knowledge they need to care for the outdoors. One example is Steve’s free lawn and shrub bed classes, which he hosts several times a year.

“I love seeing customers being able to save time and money and being able to share our knowledge and experiences,” he says.

Influenced by their Christian faith, the Gerbers seek to use their business as a ministry, supporting local nonprofits and holding company-wide community service efforts. Moreover, employees receive paid community service days to volunteer for other organizations.

“We believe we are where we’re at because of God’s blessings in our life and on our business,” Steve says. “So naturally, we want to give back and help out those in need. We always have the philosophy of like Jesus said – ‘treat others the way you want to be treated’ and ‘love and care about others the way Jesus would.’”

While the business has grown beyond what the Gerbers imagined, it retains their passion for serving their community and customers with excellence. The next time you need equipment, supplies or just advice for maintaining your outdoor living space, consider stopping by Outdoor Concepts. They’ll be happy to see you.▮

Outdoor Concepts Inc., in Bluffton, opened at its current location in 2009. It offers a onestop shop for landscaping equipment that’s more affordable than products at big-box stores.

Outdoor Concepts has a second location in Muncie. Owners Steve and Gayla Gerber employ more than 70 people across both locations.

Discover Downtown Fort Wayne’s Beauty

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Now that springtime is finally here, trees are starting to bloom, flowers are popping up, and cute animals are more prevalent. To celebrate this beauty, Downtown Fort Wayne has named its upcoming window decorating contest “Fort Wayne in Bloom – Nature’s Awakening.”

“We wanted a fun, entertaining and pretty way to make downtown look nice,” says Kim McCutchan, business services manager of Downtown Fort Wayne. “The inspiration came from an event in the United Kingdom called ‘Chelsea in Bloom,’ which is really elaborate and has been around a long time.”

Last year, 12 local businesses decorated their windows for the contest, McCutchan says. She expects just as many businesses, if not more, to participate this year.

“We actually launched this in 2020 as a COVID activity because we wanted to encourage people to shop local,” she adds. “Only a limited amount of people were able to be in stores at a time, so, we put the window decorating contest into play. While people were waiting their turn to get into stores, they could look at the windows. We’ve done this during the Christmas season for years, but 2020 was the start of doing this in the spring.”

As downtown businesses decorate their storefronts, shop-

pers can enjoy the beauty and vote for their favorite window between April 22 and May 19. Every voter is automatically entered into a drawing, in which one lucky winner will receive a $100 Yiftee gift card, which can be used at nearly 40 local businesses throughout downtown Fort Wayne. The gift card is digital, meaning users can print it out at home or pull it up on their phones. A complete list of participating stores and restaurants can be found at downtownfortwayne.com.

“There will be a link for ‘Fort Wayne in Bloom’ votes, and it’s one vote per IP address,” McCutchan says. “We’ll have photos of each of the windows online, but we really hope people go and see the windows in person. It’s always better to enjoy the features that way, and hopefully, people will purchase something from these local businesses while they’re out – maybe a Mother’s Day gift, a birthday gift or graduation gift, or even just something for yourself.”

As a bonus, the first 50 people who purchase a Yiftee gift card of $40 or more between May 1 and May 10 will be entered into a separate drawing for a grand prize. The winner will receive another Yiftee gift card, plus gift cards to the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, Cottage Flowers, and other local destinations.

“We really encourage people to support local shops and restaurants,” McCutchan says. “This provides more incentive for people to do just that.” ▮

Downtown Fort Wayne is hosting a window decorating contest for local businesses once again this spring. Shoppers can vote online for their favorite window and potentially win a $100 Yiftee gift card.

Last year, 12 local businesses decorated their windows for the Downtown Fort Wayne contest. The tradition has become a fun way to beautify downtown, says Kim McCutchan of Downtown Fort Wayne.

Wabash Museum Has New, Relaxing Space

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Amuseum is oftentimes an exciting, educational space. But, just as with any public place, it can also become overwhelming due to features such as motion-triggered exhibits or loud noises.

That’s why it was important for Teresa Galley, executive director of the Wabash County Museum, 36 E. Market St., Wabash, to create a new and permanent “sensory quiet zone” for all visitors to relax. The new exhibit, called “The Meadow,” is an accommodating space for museum guests who experience sensory overload or guests who simply want to spend time in a calm environment.

“‘The Meadow’ offers comfy seating, several calm activities, and a relaxing atmosphere,” Galley says. “The area features three 7-foot-tall trees and other custom woodwork that creates the feel-

ing that you have just discovered a meadow in the middle of a forest.”

Planning for the exhibit started in the fall of 2021 when Galley invited an autism specialist to assess the museum to help better accommodate guests with sensory challenges. One of the outcomes of the assessment was the creation of a quiet space with lower lighting, softer materials and quiet activities, Galley says.

“We’ve tried to create a relaxing space, and our guests tell us we have done just that,” she adds. “Our research shows that one in six people in Indiana are impacted by sensory issues in some way. Creating a space where guests with sensory challenges can go to connect is important to our mission. This type of space is also unique to our area, and we are proud to respond to the needs of everyone in our community.”

The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission costs $6 for visitors ages 13 to 59 and $4 for seniors ages 60 and older and children ages 2 to 12. Veterans, active military duty, and children under age 2 can enter free. Various membership options are also available.

“Wabash is an excellent day trip from Allen County,” Galley adds. “We invite you to come and visit.” ▮

For more information, visit wabashmuseum.org or call (260) 563-9070.

YLNI Winter Farmers Market

Through April 27, Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for fresh produce, a wide variety of organic fruits and vegetables, hand-made jewelry and crafts, local artwork and more. 1501 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, facebook.com/YLNIFarmersMarket.

Fort Wayne TinCaps

Thru Sept. 8. Lots of exciting baseball action along with special events and spectacles including fireworks on select nights, discounted food nights and more. Find the whole schedule at milb.com/fort-wayne. Parkview Field, 1301 Ewing St., Fort Wayne.

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show

April 13 & 27, May 4, 11, & 15, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Solve a hilarious mystery while feasting on a fantastic dinner. Just beware! The culprit is hiding in plain sight, and you may become a prime suspect. Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Fort Wayne, 1150 S. Harrison St., Fort Wayne, (866) 4960535, thedinnerdetective.com/fort-wayne/.

‘Winnie-the-Pooh: A Dream of Honey’

April 19-21, 26-28, Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m. This all-ages show revisits many favorite moments from the classic A.A. Milne stories, and a few new ones. Auer Center,

300 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, allforonefw.org/ winnie-the-pooh/.

‘Madeline’

April 27 & May 4, 10 a.m. and noon. The Fort Wayne Ballet Youth Company dances this beloved children’s book to life. Auer Center, 300 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, fortwayneballet.org.

Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo: Opening Day

April 27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. See lions, hyenas and monkeys, hand-feed the giraffes, ride the Sky Safari, trek through the Indonesian Rain Forest, and pet the stingrays in the brand-new Australian Adventure. Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6800, kidszoo.org.

Trails Celebration

April 30, 6:30 p.m. Enjoy music, food and drink, plus an update from the City of Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne Trails on upcoming projects and trail happenings. Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St., Fort Wayne, (260) 969-0079 , fwtrails.org/ trailscelebration/.

First Thursday Curator’s Tour

May 2, 12:15 p.m. Curators take you on a new gallery tour each month. From specialized and

Entertainment & Events

personal points of view, curators offer unique perspectives on all FWMoA exhibits. This month covers Fantastic Realms. The tour is free with museum admission but an RSVP is required. Fort Wayne Museum of Art, 311 E. Main Street, Fort Wayne, (260) 422-6467, fwmoa.org/Events/.

An Evening with Shawn Colvin & KT Tunstall

May 2, 8 p.m. Shawn Colvin and KT Tunstall pack a double dose of star power into a single, awe-inspiring concert experience. Clyde Theatre, 1808 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, (260) 7470989, clydetheatre.com. ❚

Learn about trail happenings while enjoying food and beverages on April 30 at Promenade Park.