Smart Living Fort Wayne- June 2024

Summer Getaways

Something you might guess accurately about me, a millennial woman, is that I’m a huge fan of Taylor Swift. I stream her music constantly, and I pretty much live in her merch that I’ve been collecting since the pandemic. I saw the Eras Tour last summer in Chicago and obviously, I loved every second of it.

I never thought I’d be so lucky as to see her a second time, but I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be traveling to London later this month to see the Eras Tour once again! (And I’m bingelistening to “The Tortured Poets Department” as I type this to prepare). Long story short, the opportunity to travel with a friend came up, and it was too sweet an offer to refuse. I’m going to London, baby!

My friend and I are only going to be gone for about five days in total (with two of those being travel days), so it will be a quick trip of doing the absolute most we can. As a busy mom, that’s perfect for me.

In this current phase of life, long family vacations are difficult to swing. My husband and I aren’t really looking to create core vacation memories for our young kids just yet. Quick and easy weekend getaways are much more realistic.

With that being said, I’ve been trying to look into a few options of short-distance trips to take as a family. Believe it or not, this issue of Smart Living has been really helpful! Within these pages, you’ll read about why Decatur, Coldwater Country and Cornwell’s Turkeyville make for excellent getaway trips. Each of these destinations offers family-friendly activities and welcoming hospitality. They’re perfect locations for family fun, something I’m looking forward to enjoying as summer progresses. I can’t wait to experience these destinations through my children’s eyes.

And lastly, there’s the Barns at Nappanee, which is featured in our cover story. It’s another beautiful, not-too-far destination that I can’t wait to explore.

Hopefully, you’re able to visit some of these fantastic places as well.

Wishing you an amazing summer! ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

Beauty and Fun Await in Coldwater Country

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

With a whole host of outdoor experiences waiting to be had, Michigan’s Coldwater Country is an ideal destination for a memorable getaway.

“Michigan’s Coldwater Country offers so many vacation experiences for families and friends to enjoy,” says Debra Prater, executive director of Coldwater Country Conference & Visitors Bureau. “With freshwater lakes, beautiful parks, fun things to see and do, plus local events, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty and hospitality of our communities.”

Summer is an ideal season to visit Coldwater Country. With more than 100 lakes, including two chains of lakes where you can paddle or boat from one lake to the next, it’s a great place to get out on the water.

There’s an overall scenic beauty taken in while hiking, biking, or playing a round of golf on one of nearly two dozen golf courses. Family-friendly activities are abundant from mini-golf and go-karts at Adventure Zone to an afternoon at the Aqua Pit – home to an inflatable obstacle course on the water – to a ride on the historic Little River Railroad, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Additionally, visitors can take in a performance at Tibbits Opera House, which is known and loved for its historic setting and quality theater performances including this summer’s schedule of “Forever Plaid,” “Sweeney Todd” and “Rent,” among others. Visitors can also opt to stay up late for a double-feature at the family-owned and operated Capri Drive-In, one of less than a dozen drive ins left in Michigan.

“Whether you’re getting out on the lakes, exploring the quaint downtowns, or enjoying one of our local festivals, Coldwater Country provides the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for an unforgettable getaway,” Prater adds. “Coldwater Country is home to so many remarkable things to see and do, and we cannot wait to share these experiences with visitors.”

Aqua Pit, home to an inflatable obstacle course, is just one of many fun attractions in Michigan’s Coldwater Country.

Travel to Turkeyville for Summer Fun

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Family fun is commonplace at Cornwell’s Turkeyville – a welcoming Midwest destination complete with a dinner theater, restaurant, ice cream parlor, gift shop and RV Resort. Located in Marshall, Mich., Turkeyville offers visitors a chance to create core memories.

“Turkeyville is a special place because there are so many fun things to do,” says Patti Cornwell, director of marketing. “Family is what truly makes Turkeyville special. Built by family and still run by family, we take pride in everything we do.”

Camp Turkeyville RV Resort sprawls across 14 beautiful acres and offers a fishing pond, fully stocked general store, volleyball and basketball courts, and more.

“There are two heated swimming pools and more than 200 full hook-up sites with water, sewer and electric,” Cornwell says. “Plus, all of Turkeyville is right there. Staying at Camp Turkeyville is a one-of-a-kind experience with all the things you can do.”

That includes enjoying a professional performance at Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre, which hosts 40,000 guests throughout the year, Cornwell adds. Actors come from across the United States to showcase Broadway-level talent for musicals, comedy shows, hilarious murder mysteries and more.

This summer, “Escanaba In Da Moonlight” runs June 27Aug. 3, and “The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe” runs July 14-July 31. A delicious home-cooked meal only enhances the experience.

“When you arrive at Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre, you will be seated in your reserved seats. The friendly staff will serve you soup and salad at your table, and then you will enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal followed with dessert served at your table,” Cornwell says. “We still use all of Grandma’s original recipes and have added more family recipes to our menu. If you work here or are a customer visiting for the first time, you will feel right at home at Turkeyville.”

For matinees, doors open for seating at 11:30 a.m., the buffet opens at noon, and the show begins at 2 p.m. For evening

shows, doors open for seating at 5:30 p.m., the buffet opens at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m. Groups of 12 or more can call the box office at (269) 781-4293 for special group pricing.

Turkeyville’s restaurant features innovative menu items along with traditional favorites. As expected, turkey is a star fixture on the menu. There’s also a wide array of pies for dessert.

The ice cream parlor features an old-fashioned soda fountain with house-made ice cream that’s always fresh.

“We are committed to homemade and happy,” Cornwell says.

The Country Junction Gift Shop is a 23,000-square-foot paradise for shoppers, featuring a bakery and deli, gifts, souvenirs, holiday decor, and much more.

Throughout the year, Turkeyville also hosts special events such as flea markets, craft shows and plow days. A tractor show happening July 12-14 is a favorite summer event, Cornwell adds. More than 600 tractors will be at Turkeyville, with tractor games, tractor pulls, plowing demos, a silent auction and more.

“Turkeyville is such a wonderful place to be,” Cornwell says. “Working here is fun because most of the people who work here are hardworking and love to laugh and have fun.”

This summer, Turkeyville’s restaurant, ice cream parlor and gift shop are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. ❚

To learn more, visit turkeyville.com.

Cornwell’s Turkeyville, in Marshall, Mich., offers visitors a dinner theater, restaurant, ice cream parlor, gift shop and RV Resort.

Turkeyville is a family-friendly destination with many special events happening throughout the year, including flea markets, craft shows and more.

Love Above All

Whenwe’re treated very unfairly our natural reaction is to become angry and seek revenge. But God tells us to keep our emotions in check. Why?

Because to let our emotions run amok is to risk behaving as badly as the person who offended us, or worse. And while we’re not responsible for the behavior of others, we are responsible for our own behavior, including our reactions.

“Be angry and sin not,” states Ephesians 4:26.

So what do we do? Stand passively by and suppress our anger? No. We actively pursue peace and resolution; we try our best to overcome evil with good. The pursuit of good should be our constant frame of reference, says the Apostle Paul. It should be our mentality and lifestyle.

In Romans 12:9-21 (NIV) Paul writes to Christians living in Rome:

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves ... Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” [a positive thing in Paul’s culture]. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Such benevolence is easier said than lived … but God expects it anyway. Why? Because all of us are sinners; none of us deserves the great mercy God shows to us through Jesus Christ.

To show others anything less than mercy is to hold God’s gift in contempt.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ❚

– Janine Pumilia

Navigating the Path for First-Time Homebuyers

Acquiring your first home is a significant achievement. Understanding your mortgage options is crucial for making well-informed decisions that will lead to a successful experience and set you up for future financial success. ProFed’s trusted mortgage team provides the knowledge and insights necessary to navigate the economic landscape of first-time homebuyer mortgages. While the information may seem daunting, we have broken it down to help you get started.

Assessing Your Financial Health

Review your income, expenses, credit score, and overall financial situation. This self-assessment provides perspective on your borrowing capacity and establishes a budget for your first home. Evaluating what mortgage payment is affordable within your budget, not the maximum loan amount you can be approved for, is vital for future financial stability.

Selecting the Right Lender

The loan officer is one of the most important relationships to help navigate the path for first-time homebuyers. They walk you through rates, payments, products, and down payment assistance programs.

The Significance of Credit Scores

A pivotal factor in mortgage approval is your credit score. A higher credit score often means lower interest rates and more favorable loan terms. The loan officer will obtain a copy of your credit report and assist in addressing any discrepancies or issues that might adversely impact your score. Aim for a credit score of at least 620 for conventional mortgages, although specific loan programs may require higher credit scores.

Pre-Approval

During preapproval, the lender assesses your financial documents, which include income statements, tax returns, and credit history. Once the lender has verified your financial situation and reviewed the available mortgage products you qualify for, they can issue a preapproval letter. Realtors will require a preapproval letter before they are comfortable making offers to purchase on your behalf. With preapproval in hand, confidently initiate your home search with the assistance of a real estate agent.

Accessing Down Payment Assistance Programs

Many first-time homebuyers encounter challenges when saving for the standard 3% down payment. Fortunately, various down payment assistance programs offer grants, low-interest loans, or other aid forms to make homeownership more achievable. ProFed participates yearly and partners with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis to offer their HOP grant program and Fannie Mae’s HomeReady program.

Interest Rates & Terms

Interest rates and terms can significantly affect your monthly mortgage payment. Fixed-rate mortgages maintain a stable interest rate throughout the loan term, ensuring predictability for budgeting. On the other hand, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) have lower initial interest rates. However, ARM loans fluctuate after the fixed duration expires, resulting in potential changes to monthly principal and interest payments over time. In both scenarios, the property taxes and insurance fluctuate yearly, and even on a fixed-rate mortgage, you may see your PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes & Insurance) payment increase.

Navigating Closing Costs

Homebuyers should be aware of the closing costs and fees associated with the mortgage process. These include loan origination fees, appraisal fees, title insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses. The loan officer will factor these costs into the available assets you have budgeted for closing and verify that sufficient funds are available. A borrower’s closing costs can be negotiated by the realtor with the seller, and they can cover a certain percentage based on your down payment amount and what mortgage product you qualify for.

Under Contract

Upon acceptance of your offer, the lender orders an appraisal to determine the property’s value and schedules a home inspection to identify potential issues. The results of these assessments may influence negotiations with the seller and provide insights into the home’s condition. The lender must provide you with a copy of the appraisal a minimum of three days before closing.

Closing your Mortgage

After completing the appraisal and inspection and submitting all required documents, your mortgage application progresses to the final stages. The lender conducts a last review before issuing the loan approval. Be prompt in providing any missing or required documentation conditioned by underwriters before the loan closing. Your loan officer will deliver a final closing disclosure three days before the loan closing and review the figures with you in detail. That way, you can close with confidence.

Post-Closing

Congratulations! You have just completed one of the most important financial transactions in your lifetime. After closing, homeownership comes with ongoing responsibilities. Stay informed about your mortgage terms, make timely payments, and if any issues arise, you can work with our local in-house ProFed servicing team. Regularly review your financial situation and consider refinancing if it aligns with your long-term goals.

Let ProFed help you explore diverse mortgage options and collaborate with our knowledgeable mortgage staff so that you can make informed and educated decisions that set the stage for a successful homeownership experience. You can also attend one of our home-buying seminars this spring!

A New Retail Store for High-Quality Meat

By Peggy Werner

Alocal business that serves local people is getting ready for a big expansion.

“Our customers demanded it,” says Elam Lengacher, owner of E & L Farms and Processing, 15610 Grabill Road, Grabill, Ind. “They can’t get enough bacon, steaks, and they want more special cuts.”

By mid-summer he expects to open a retail store on the property where they currently have a meat-processing plant.

The additional building, more than 11,000 square feet, will devote about onethird of the space to a retail store, specializing in Tri-State Cheese and the processing, smoking, cutting and packaging of meats, including beef and pork. People can buy fresh or frozen packaged meats and get custom cuts, he says.

The company also processes sheep, goat, buffalo, elk, bear and deer, but these will not be for sale in the retail store.

“People will be able to buy fresh ground beef in any quantity and order the thickness of steaks while they wait,” Lengacher says.

E & L Farms and Processing opened 12 years ago, yet Lengacher had been processing deer for hunters since 2003.

“Once the word got around, the demand for services only grew,” he says. “Customers wanted fresh beef and pork, without added water and other chemicals. It’s pure meat and it not only tastes better – it’s better for you.”

Custom slaughter operations are typically thought to process deer meat for hunters, but they can also offer services for people who want any animal processed for their own personal use, whether they hunted the animal or bought it from a farmer. The meat is cut, packaged and labeled “not for sale” and returned to the owner of the animal.

Custom slaughterhouses do not have a state or federal inspector on duty, however, the facilities are regularly inspected by the state for overall sanitation.

People have traveled up to almost four hours for the business’s deer-processing services and have traveled from Tennessee, Florida and Chicago to buy custom butchered meats, Lengacher says.

By 2011, he added a 5,000-square-foot building on his property and started slaughtering and processing beef and pork for people who wanted to buy a whole animal or certain portions. He now raises his own animals as well as processes animals from area farmers.

“All the meat we process and sell comes from our own farm or from a nearby farmer, and they’re raised with no added hormones,” he says.

Lengacher and his wife, Laura, have eight children, five of whom work full time for them. Of seven grandchildren, a few have helped around the farm and are showing an interest in the family business.

Born and raised on a farm in Grabill, Lengacher never expected to make a career out of meat processing. He saw the need, though, when he started hunting deer, and his wife, who worked at a meat processing plant, would bring home seasonings to use while cooking the meat.

Working in construction, he often ate deer for lunch. After sharing samples of the meat with other workers, they encouraged him to start a business.

The first year, he processed 150 deer. During the most recent deer season, in 2023-24, he processed 2,640 deer.

The Amish family feels blessed for their upbringing and how it helps their business today.

“When people hear the word Amish, they automatically think quality, homemade, no additives and not mass produced. We are blessed to have had the upbringing we had because without modern conveniences, you learn how to do things,” Lengacher says. ▮

Entertainment for All In a Unique Setting

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

With its theatre, restaurants, shops and more, The Barns at Nappanee, 1600 W. Market St., offer guests ample opportunities to experience fun.

“The Barns at Nappanee is an incredible location to make family memories, as we try to make everything we do family friendly,” says Jarrod Humbarger, executive director of The Barns at Nappanee and Round Barn Theatre. “Whether you come for a day to eat at Stutzman Brothers Steakhouse or Ben’s Soft Pretzels, see a musical or concert at the Round Barn Theatre, shop in our stores, take a horse-drawn buggy tour, wagon ride and house tour, or even hold your special event like a wedding, anniversary, rehearsal dinner or corporate event, it really is memories that will last a lifetime and something that will be talked about fondly for a very long time.”

This year, The Round Barn Theatre is showcasing classics like “Hello, Dolly!” and “The

Music Man” as well as newer musicals such as “Clue” and “Anastasia.” There’s additionally the world premiere of Christy Stutzman’s latest original musical “Love Comes Softly,” based on the book by Janette Oke.

“That show runs from Aug. 8 to Sept. 21,” Humbarger says. “We even have a ‘Hearties Weekend’ [for Hallmark Channel fans] planned in August to come to The Barns at Nappanee property to enjoy great food, have meet and greets with the cast, see the show, and then travel to see ‘When Calls the Heart’ in Shipshewana.”

The Barns at Nappanee is also known for its artisan markets. The “Summer Artisan Market” is Aug. 2 and 3, featuring local and regional vendors selling their creations. More events are to come later in the year, including a holiday market.

“All of our events bring families and friends to the property

Set in a beautiful location, The Barns at Nappanee offer theatre, dining, shopping and more.

Coffee-crusted Ribeye from Stutzman Brothers Steakhouse

Chocolate Mousse dessert from Stutzman Brothers Steakhouse

to see just see how magical it can be,” Humbarger says. “It’s a beautiful property to come out and walk around on a nice sunny day, and the staff here will make you feel welcome. You can walk away with many items from the artisan markets and our shops, but also just stroll around and enjoy the day.

“Plus, there is so much history here, and I am a huge history buff,” Humbarger adds. “As far as the Round Barn Theatre events – musicals and concerts are some of my favorite things to attend. You really can come in and sit for two- to twoand-a-half hours and just forget about the outside world and enjoy the amazing talent and stories on stage.”

Multiple options are available for Round Barn Theatre tickets. Individual tickets cost $49.95 for adults, $44.95 for seniors ages 60 and older, $23.95 for students ages 13 through college, and $14.95 for children ages 4 to 12. Prices increase when a buffet meal is included to $87.90 for adults, $82.90 for seniors ages 60 and older, $61.90 for students ages 13 through college, and $30.90 for children ages 4 to 12. Discounts are available for group tickets of 15 or more people; interested patrons can call (574) 773-4188 for more information.

The Barns at Nappanee also offers a true farm-to-table experience at its on-site restaurant, Stutzman Brothers Steakhouse, as the Wagyu beef is raised on the Stutzman Farm in northern Indiana. The menu also features steaks, burgers, fish, chicken and lighter options including salads, soups and turkey clubs.

“You also get to eat in our more-than-100year-old restaurant barn,” Humbarger says. “It really is an incredible atmosphere that makes Stutzman Brothers Steakhouse different from other steakhouses.”

New hours for the steakhouse are Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant is closed Sunday through Tuesday.

While The Barns at Nappanee is a great destination for family outings or date nights, it’s also known as a great location for important events, including weddings. Whether the wedding takes place inside one of the barns or out-

side by the pond, the setting is gorgeous for pictures.

“The attention to detail that the event staff has is second to none,” Humbarger adds. “Stacey, who is our events manager, does an amazing job at making not only the bride feel like they have no worries for the day, but also the families. From start to finish, she is the point person to make sure your wedding goes off without any big issues. Plus, The Barns at Nappanee property is a great location that is close to Chicago, South Bend, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and many Midwest cities, so travel to and from is not a big issue.”

Humbarger is proud to work with his fellow staff at The Barns at Nappanee. He considers the Stutzman family as friends, as well as his bosses.

“The Stutzman family are great people to work for and with,” he says. “I love the fact that they want the Barns to be a place where you can bring your family or come for a date night. I am proud to be part of one of the most unique destinations in the area.” ❚

The Stutzman Wagyu smash burger from Stutzman Brothers Steakhouse

The Round Barn Theatre showcases both classics and newer musicals. The world premiere of Christy Stutzman’s original musical “Love Comes Softly” runs from Aug. 8 to Sept. 21.

Golf, Go-Karts and Games at Fun Center

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Since he was 9 years old, John Snyder has worked at Putt Putt Fun Center, 4530 Speedway Dr., Fort Wayne.

“My first job was picking up cigarette butts for a penny a piece. Everyone smoked back then, so I made some good money,” Snyder laughs.

Now, as general manager, he’s proud to offer the public a number of fun activities at an exemplary financial value.

“We have people who come from all over for our good prices,” he says. “The original golf course was built in 1970 and my father [John Snyder Sr.] bought it in 1976. We’ve been here ever since, and we’ve done a lot. All the customization, all the landscaping – we’ve done everything ourselves. We’re really proud of what’s here.”

Putt Putt Fun Center offers three 18-hole golf courses, gokarting and arcade games. Each of the three golf courses are beautifully landscaped according to their theme, Snyder says.

“There’s a volcano course that has a volcano that you get to play through, and it also shoots fire on a timer at night,” he says. “That course is themed like Atlantis, so it has pillars and all of that kind of scenery.

“Then, there’s the jungle course, which has all of these big fountains, vines, trees and shade,” he adds. “You get to play around water, and there’s buttons that kids can press for water to shoot up, and different effects like that.

“And then, of course, there’s the classic course, which is the most traditional putt putt course.”

The golf courses are open year-round, weather permitting.

The arcade is also open year-round, with the price of 80 tokens for $10. That equals out to 8 tokens for $1, or 12.5 cents a token.

“We have a room that we opened that’s a retro arcade, where you can find games like Pac Man from back in the 1980s,”

Snyder says. “Then, the rest of the arcade is redemption games, where people can win tickets for prizes. We have the best prizes, hands down.”

Prizes span in price from $.05 to $700 and include everything from stuffed animals to PlayStation 5s. The top prize is an X-Box, which can be redeemed for 70,000 tickets.

“All of the retro games are just 1 token to play, while redemption games vary,” Snyder says.

Go-karting is open from the beginning of April until the end of October. Most people ride in 1-seater karts, but 2-seater karts are available to accommodate kids who are too short to drive on their own.

Each ride lasts about 5 minutes, with 10 to 15 cars typically out at once.

“It’s a very cool track where you go around a figure 8 loop and up and over a bridge,” Snyder says.

Drivers must be at least 56 inches tall to drive alone, and 58 inches tall to drive a passenger. Passengers can ride for free and must be at least 3 years old and 36 inches tall.

Miniature golf and go-karting both cost $9 per person for one course/ride, $14 for two courses/rides, or $18 for three courses/ rides. Kids ages 3 and under can enter free, while kids ages 4-7 can enter for $3 for the whole day. Seniors ages 55 and older and military members receive discounts of $5 for one course/ride, $8 for two courses/rides, and $10 for three courses/rides.

A punch card system allows customers to split between golf and go-karting as they wish.

“We also have an anniversary special the first or second week in June where we sell Putt Putt golf for half price. We’ve done that deal since 1976,” Snyder says. ❚

Visit fortwayneputtputt.com or call (260) 483-7618 for more information.

Putt Putt Fun Center has a classic miniature-golf course, a volcano course, and a jungle course open year-round, weather permitting.

There’s So Many Reasons to Visit Decatur

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Indiana is full of fun cities to explore for a day trip or weekend getaway. A great example is just 30 minutes south of Fort Wayne, where the welcoming city of Decatur awaits.

“Decatur has approximately 10,000 in population, a great school district, and many church denominations,” describes Craig Coshow, the executive director of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce. “You can come for a concert and stroll along the downtown area looking at the sculptures, visit the coffee shop for one of their many flavored coffees, stop at one of the downtown restaurants to eat, take in a movie, or stop in at Old 27 Ice Cream Shop for some ice cream.”

Hidden gems are scattered throughout Decatur’s downtown shops. For example, Pyxie Lane Boutique is an adorable women’s and children’s clothing store offering fun, fashionable options at 121 S. Second St. Summer is a particularly ideal time to experience Decatur, as many family-friendly events are coming up. From now until the end of August, there’s live music every Thursday night during Decatur’s Summer Concert Series, including on July 4 during a special celebration. Germanfest entertains crowds from 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17 with polka dancing, traditional German food, a biergarten and more on the Madison Street Plaza downtown. There’s also a sculpture tour featuring work by multiple artists to admire downtown.

Another can’t-miss event is Adams Health Network’s Patriotic Pops concert featuring the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, happening Saturday, June 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Muensterberg Plaza and Clock Tower, N Church Ave., Berne, Ind.

“We have walking trails, many outdoor activities, pickleball, nice parks, a dog park, River Greenway Trail, outdoor festivals – something for all ages to enjoy,” Coshow says.

“Last year was our 100th anniversary and we wanted to celebrate around the same time frame,” says Susan Sefton, director of community outreach at Adams Health Network. “Our anniversary Patriotic Pops concert was held in the north part of Adams County last year, so this year we wanted to do a Patriotic Pops concert in the southern part of Adams County. It was also important to us to celebrate our freedom, as our original 1923 hospital was built in honor of World War I veterans, thus the reason we chose the Patriotic Pops ensemble.”

The Philharmonic is bringing a full Pops orchestra to Adams County – approximately 65 musicians. The concert is free of cost and will consist of beloved favorites like “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “God Bless America” and “Stars and Stripes Forever,” as well as beloved Pops songs including music of “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones.” Food trucks will also be on-site to provide delicious favorites for purchase.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs. In the event of rain, the concert will relocate to South Adams High School.

“The music and the patriotism/American spirit is what our community can look forward to,” Sefton says.

For more information on Decatur, visit decaturchamber.org. ❚

Just 30 minutes south of Fort Wayne, the welcoming city of Decatur awaits with a cute downtown area to explore and many fun events to enjoy this summer.

From now until the end of August, there’s live music every Thursday night during Decatur’s Summer Concert Series. A special celebration ensues July 4.

scan to see our upcoming events

whitleychamber.org

A Farmhouse Brewery That Keeps It Crafty

By Peggy Werner

In a world where people are becoming more conscious about the sources of their food, one local business grows its own ingredients or buys locally to produce a variety of craft beers and foods.

E Brewing Company is a destination craft micro-brewery located on Esterline Farms, a four-acre all-natural family farm at 8324 W. State Road, South Whitley.

It’s a new concept in Indiana.

“It’s the first farmhouse brewery in the state,” says Jennifer Esterline, CEO and co-owner of E Brewing with her husband, Jason. “We are giving our customers more than just having a beer at a bar. People enjoy knowing who is making the beer and how we are making it, and learning what we’ve done to make the experience special for them.”

An Indiana native, Jason joined a home brew club in Kosciusko County that was active in community service. There, he met talented brewer Justin Ebey, who is now a partner in the local brewery. From California, Jennifer says farmhouse breweries on working farms have been growing in popularity in the past decade, mainly in western states. There are some in the Midwest, but not in Indiana.

She moved to Indiana five years ago when she married Jason, who had bought the farm in 2017. She saw great potential in the land and building, and so they refurbished the barn, created gardens and areas for animals, developed picnic areas, and opened an Airbnb.

Since E Brewing opened in July of 2023, it has been a place for enjoyment and learning.

“We wanted to do something no one has done before,” Jennifer says. “We want to celebrate and strengthen our community, support small agriculture, and interest residents and visitors in what we do.”

People who live more than 100 miles away have come to E Brewing for the special experience that brings many of them back again and again, she adds. Residents in Warsaw, Fort Wayne, Columbia City and other communities 10 to 25 miles away frequent the brewery.

“People get the feeling they are far away from home, without having to travel a long distance. We are in a great location,” Jennifer says.

When E Brewing first opened, they were making eight to 10 craft beers with seating for about 70 people. Within four months, the business tripled in size and seating expanded to indoors and outdoors.

There’s constantly new beers, and oftentimes custom creations. The company distributes to tap houses, restaurants and wherever alcohol is served. Future plans include expanding educational offerings, opening up new distribution sites, and making other improvements to show people how family farms used to operate.

By producing small batches of craft beer, E Brewing controls the ingredients, the creativity, and the standard of quality. They look for local ingredients such as honey, maple syrup and roasted coffees from Whitley County. For the barrel-aged beers, they use Artisan Distillery Edwin Coe, Three Rivers Distillery and Indiana Whiskey.

“You never get the same beer twice,” Jennifer says. “Even if you order the same beer all the time, there is something different about it each time.”

E Brewing is also known for its high-quality seltzers, using locally grown fruits and other ingredients. Esterline Farms and local growers work together to share in each other’s harvests and promote each other in the community. People who visit the farm can learn about the process of making beer, buy local artisan products and food, take tours, buy popcorn grown on the farm, and purchase items from a local produce farm stand.

E Brewing is open from 4 to 10 p.m. on Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. The eatery offers a limited menu of selections that pair well with the current offerings of craft beers. Homemade breads, salads, gluten-free items and desserts are on the menu.

“I have a passion for treating the earth and all its inhabitants well – and for people to know why that is important,” Jennifer says. ❚

Located on Esterline Farms, in South Whitley, E Brewing Company produces small batches of craft beer made from local ingredients. There’s also homemade breads, salads, gluten-free items and desserts.

Nashville Thursdays

Ongoing, Thurs. 7-10 p.m. Weekly country, bluegrass and other free live music in the Clyde Theater Club Room. Food and drink specials. 1808 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, (260) 747-0989, clydeclubroom.com.

YLNI Summer Farmers Market

Thru Sept. 28, 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.

Downtown Live!

Thru Aug. 9, Fridays 6-8 p.m. except July 5. Experience live music from talented local performers and dine or shop at the many surrounding local businesses. Street parking is free after 5 p.m. 100 Block West Main Street, Fort Wayne, downtownfortwayne.com.

Shipshewana Flea Market

Thru Sept. 25, Tuesdays & Wednesdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. This outdoor flea market the size of 30 football fields has more than 700 booths, a farmers market, a plant and garden section and numerous food options. Shipshewana Flea Market Grounds, 345 S. Van Buren St. Shipshewana, visitshipshewana.org.

Allen County Fair

June 18-23. In addition to 4-H festivities, the fair offers a full food court, carnival rides, and lengthy list of family-fun events, including a free ice cream social, hot air balloon flight/glow, 4X4 truck pull, demo derby, live music, peddle car races and more. Allen County Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne, (260) 449-4444 allencountyfairgroundsin.com.

Allen County Marketplace

July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. This open-air market has an array of vendors selling produce, baked goods, coffee, plants, pottery, art, boutique clothing, jewelry and so much more. 1010 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne.

St. Joe Pickle Festival

July 18-20. Three days of fun including a pickle derby, pickle ice cream, live entertainment and

Entertainment & Events

free activities for kids. St. Joe Pickle Festival, 6127 IN-1, St. Joe, (260) 337-5581, stjoeindiana.org/ pickle-festival.

Fort Wayne Ballet Summer Camps

July 22-26. Fort Wayne Ballet offers the area’s foremost comprehensive curriculum of summer dance camps and classes in a safe, encouraging environment for aspiring dancers ages 3 to adult. Auer Center, 300 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, fortwayneballet.org.

The Allen County Fair offers a carnival, 4-H festivities and more from June 18-23.