Smart Living Fort Wayne - November 26, 2021 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • October 2021 • No. III

Holiday Magic at Embassy Theatre Meet the New Owners at Stucky’s What to Ask When Buying Furniture Holiday Fun in Marshall County Tips for Bath & Kitchen Remodels

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

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ......................Cover & p. 16 Festive Traditions at Embassy Theatre Your Outing ..........................................................11 Holiday Fun in Marshall County Your Home .............................................................13 What to Ask When Furniture Shopping Inspiration & Worship .......................................14 Is Peace Possible? Your Kitchen ........................................................19 Tips for Kitchen and Bath Updates Your Health & Fitness .......................................23 Treating Peripheral Neuropathy Your Community .................................................25 Meet the New Owners of Stucky’s Your Family Fun .................................................28

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Multimedia Editor Jim Taylor 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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More Than Turkey

often hear people say Thanksgiving is their favorite holiday because it involves togetherness and good food without the frantic commercialism of Christmas. I love both holidays and believe they’re whatever we as individuals make of them. To me, Thanksgiving is about gratitude; Christmas celebrates the arrival of light and hope to a dark world – the Messiah, whose behavior we’re to imitate. Giving thanks for the harvest is an ancient concept in no way exclusive to Judeo-Christian culture. The U.S. holiday, however, is distinctly Christian in origin. The 1600s New England Puritans commonly set aside days for thanksgiving and fasting. In 1621, Gov. William Bradford, of Plymouth, Mass., organized a three-day celebration after the colony’s first successful corn harvest, inviting American Indian friends to join. Indeed, those new friends had taught critical survival skills to the colonists, who had arrived just before winter in 1620. Of the 102 Mayflower passengers, 45 died the first winter and many others suffered greatly. Survival was far from guaranteed. Much later, and not necessarily related to Bradford’s event, the Continental Congress designated one or more days of thanksgiving per year. Then in 1789, President George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving Proclamation, asking Americans to thank God for their new country and to ask His blessings upon it. John Adams and James Madison did likewise, but no official date was set. Perhaps the greatest champion of a national U.S. Thanksgiving holiday was author Sarah Josepha Hale (composer of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”) For nearly four decades, she urged politicians to set aside one day each year for Americans to give thanks for their country. Hale’s cause was finally answered by Abraham Lincoln, in 1863, during the Civil War. He chose the final Thursday in November and it remained so until 1939, when Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it up a week to spur retail sales. Critics complained about “Franksgiving” and, in 1941, Roosevelt signed a bill making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November. Thanksgiving is often reduced to turkey and football, but it began with fasting and prayer. ❚ Janine Pumilia SL Editor

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Your Outings

Enjoy Winter Delights in Marshall County By Janine Pumilia

D ica?

id you ever notice that most holiday madefor-TV movies are set in small-town Amer-

There’s a reason small-town living is exalted on film: It conveys charm, peace and a sense of community tradition that makes us feel good. And, each town has a unique identity that will never be confused with the ubiquitous strip malls of suburban living. Marshall County, Ind., is a real-life stretch of scenic small towns strung together by winding roads just 90 miles west of Fort Wayne. As autumn winds down and holidays gear up, there are many reasons to make a weekend or daytrip to this idyllic region. “The holidays are a special time of year, where friends and family gather to spend qual- Make holiday shopping fun again by choosing one-of-a-kind gifts in charming boutiques along ity time together,” says Cori Humes, execu- small-town main streets in Marshall County. this year on Dec. 3 and 4. tive director of Visit Marshall County in Plymouth, Ind. “Mar“This is an outdoor event in which travelers go ‘to Bethleshall County is a special destination in the winter season. We’re hem’ and witness a live reenactment of events surrounding the known for our quaint hospitality and local boutiques unique to birth of Jesus. It attracts 3,000 to 4,000 guests over two days,” our Main Street communities.” she says. A cozy weekend respite in a small town may be just the The variety of specialty shopping in Marshall County is imthing to bring the meaning of the season back into focus. pressive, from antique shops to art galleries. All Marshall County communities host annual tree lighting “And the range of dining options in Marshall County might events to celebrate the start of the season. Cookies, hot cocoa, surprise you,” says Humes. “Sure, there’s the roadside diner prizes and music are part of the fun and the City of Plymouth with great pancakes and conversation, but there are also five-star hosts a Christmas light show synchronized to holiday music gourmet menus.” through the month of December. Overnight accommodations range from bed & breakfasts to Here are some other special events taking place in Marshall hotels and resorts, including Swan Lake Resort, home to both County through the end of the year. the United States Golf Academy and two Indiana National Golf “On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, small businesses Club courses. There are also log cabins and cottages. across the country celebrate Small Business Saturday, Marshall While you’re driving through Marshall County, be sure to County included,” says Humes. “Special shopping offers abound watch for colorful murals painted on barns, downtown businessand it’s the perfect way to support locally owned businesses es and in public spaces along the county’s Barn Quilt Trail. Find while getting your holiday shopping done.” a self-guided trail map at visitmarshallcounty.org. Wander the quaint Main Street shops at your leisure and find Indiana’s first Dark-Sky Preserve is located at Potawatomi gifts that are unique rather than cookie-cutter. Wildlife Park in Marshall County, a haven for naturalists and “Downtown Plymouth starts the holiday season with its anstargazers alike. nual Scavenger Hunt Nov. 26 and 27,” says Humes. “Join the fun For those who enjoy history, many discoveries await in this and enter for your chance to win up to $250 in Discover Plymcounty that was organized in 1836 and named for Chief Justice outh Downtown Dollars.” John Marshall. Taking place both days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Scaven“There are some fantastic museums, for one thing, like ger Hunt offers family fun and an enjoyable way to check gifts the Marshall County Historical Society Museum or the Culver off of your list. Academies Museum,” says Humes. “The Town of Culver annually hosts its Holiday Hop on the Who says daytrips and weekend stays are only for summerfirst Saturday of December, this year on Dec. 4,” says Humes. time? Shop and dine at Culver businesses for an opportunity to win Learn more about Marshall County and its special fall and holiday shopping prizes. winter events at visitmarshallcounty.org. ❚ The town of Bremen will host its 41st Bremen Holy Walk 11 November 2021 • II Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne

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Your Home & Garden

What to Ask Before Buying Furniture By Janine Pumilia

(Taylor King photo)

ot everyone expects to own a piece of furniture for the long haul. Sometimes “starter” pieces are the best fit for your stage of life. But if you do want furniture that’s built to last, there are key questions to ask, says Arianna Vonderohe, sales manager and designer at Fairfield Galleries in Fort Wayne. “It makes sense to put more money into pieces that take a lot of hard, daily use, such as sofas, recliners, dining sets and some office furniture,” she says. “It’s less important with case goods like coffee tables or other pieces that just need to look good.” The first thing to ask is where a piece comes from, Vonderohe says. “Furniture built in North America is usually better quality than items made overseas,” she says. “U.S. and Canadian companies tend to use solid wood for frames, for example. A frame built with solid maple, birch or pine is better than one built with plywood. The key phrase to use is ‘solid wood,’ not just ‘wood,’ which can be plywood. And for furniture with moving parts, like recliners, it’s easier to get the right part and make a repair if the piece was built here. Let’s face it, if it has moving parts, it may need a repair at some point.” A dining table made of solid wood will look better longer than a plywood table covered with veneer that may crack, peel or swell from moisture, she says. And dining chairs that are screwed together as well as glued will take the weight of daily use more successfully. Be aware that some companies which boast “made in America” also have lines that are made overseas. A trained salesperson understands the differences and can help you find the best quality lines within a brand. “There are still many good brands made in the United States,” says Vonderohe. “Of the eight brands of sofas we carry, six are made in the U.S. or Canada.” With upholstered goods, be sure to ask about the coil system below the surface. “Whether it’s hand-tied or machine-made, an 8-way tied coil spring system is just better than the more Look below the surface. In upholstered furniture, common sinuous an 8-way tied coil suspension system is superior to the more common sinuous spring. spring suspension that

(Taylor King photos)

It’s wise to put the most money into furniture that gets heavy use, like the upholstered sofa and chairs shown here, from Taylor King. Especially when purchasing furniture with moving parts, look for pieces made in North America so that parts and repair services are available.

zig-zags only front to back and side to side.” When choosing fabric for your upholstered furniture, be aware that most synthetic fabrics wear better than natural ones like cotton or linen that absorb dirt more easily and are harder to clean. If it’s leather you want, “choose mid-grain or top-grain leather for the best wear,” Vonderohe recommends. “Stay away from bonded leathers, which are leather shavings melded together and applied to fabric. They look great at first but are likely to peel or crack.” An attractive new synthetic leather called Brisa offers better wear than real leather but is also more expensive, she adds. Finally, be wary of furniture sold online; it’s hard to know what you’re really getting. “In our store, the price reflects the quality. Online, you may end up paying a lot for a brand name and the piece may not even be made well.” Learn more by visiting Fairfield Galleries, 5010 US 33 North, Fort Wayne, or call (260) 489-5526.❚

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Inspiration & Worship

Is Peace Possible?

t’s not like we risk our lives just to catch supper anymore. We live in one of the safest time periods and societies ever, enjoying average lifespans undreamed of a century ago. Why, then, does high anxiety take such a toll on modern individuals? Jesus Christ taught us there are two kinds of personal peace: the kind found in the world and the kind found in him. The first mostly depends upon on factors beyond our control. The second is rooted in our faith; no one can take inner peace away from us, although we can choose to relinquish it. Shortly before he was betrayed, Jesus began preparing his disciples for the terrible events that would follow. He understood their fear and anxiety. “Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.” (John 14:1) Clearly upset, the disciples asked him questions. Jesus explained that when he is gone from the earth, “the Comforter” would come to dwell with them. “Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but you know him; for he dwells in you and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world sees me no more; but you see me: because I live, you shall live also.” (John 14:17-19). Jesus asked his followers not to be troubled, which means it was something attainable. “Peace I leave with you,” he says a few verses later in 14:27. “My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Many more scriptures speak of the “peace that passes understanding” given to us by Jesus Christ, which is rooted in the hope of his return and the knowledge that we have eternal life through his grace, not our own goodness. “These things I have spoken to you that in me you might have peace,” he says in John 16:33. “In the world you will have tribulation: But be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.” ❚

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Right in Our Region

Magical Holiday Fun at Embassy Theatre

Experience the “Magic of the Season” during the Festival of Trees at Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne now through Dec. 1.

By Peggy Werner

mbassy Theatre’s annual Festival of Trees will take place Nov 24-Dec. 1 and is the largest fundraiser of the year to support ongoing operational and restoration efforts in the historic building. The lobbies of the Embassy Theatre and Indiana Hotel will be transformed into a wonderland of decorated trees with the theme “The Magic of the Season.” Patrons can tour the venue, visit Santa and enjoy live entertainment. “This is a huge event, with a record number of trees, and it’s a very joy-filled event,” says Carly Myers, chief marketing officer. “It’s pretty magical and is very nostalgic for some.” Generations of families have attended the event since its beginning in 1985. 16

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Trees range in size from 4 to 12 feet tall and are sponsored and decorated by local businesses and organizations. This year, visitors may come and go as they please, seeing what they want to see, in the time they want to see it and in whatever order, she Myers. Last year, the number of people entering the building was limited by use of timed tickets, and foot traffic moved in one direction because of the pandemic. The only COVID-19 protocol in place this year is the recommendation of masks. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24, as part of the downtown Night of Lights and will continue on Thanksgiving from noon to 8 p.m.; from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Nov. 26-28; from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Monday,

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Right in Our Region Nov. 29; from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday (Senior Day) and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 1. On Thursday, the film, Dr. Suess’ “The Grinch” will be shown at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. Friday’s stage entertainment features the Grande Page Pipe Organ concert at 11 a.m.; Ellie Paige Dance Academy at noon; Fred Astaire Dance Studios at 2 p.m.; 5, 6, 7, 8 School of Dance at 3 p.m.; K. Monique’s Studio of Dance at 4 p.m.; Amaneceres De Mexico Dance at 5 p.m.; Ratio Dance at 6 p.m. and the Art Leadership Academy at 7 p.m. Stage entertainment on Saturday includes a pipe organ concert at 11 a.m.; Dance NY Studio of Dance at noon; Kinetic Revelation Academy of Dance and the Arts at 1 p.m.; En Croix Ballet at 2 p.m.; Julie’s School of Dance at 3 p.m.; Studio 149 at 4 p.m.; SheeKriStyle Academy of Dance at 6 p.m.; and Beacons of Light Dance at 7 and 8 p.m. Enjoy special holiday concerts, films and dance performances at Embassy Theatre. Sunday’s lineup includes a pipe organ concert at 11 a.m.; Starz Dance Academy at noon and 1 p.m.; Icon Dance the house,” Myers says. Center at 2 p.m.; Pulse Dance Academy at 3 p.m.; Northeast A former seven-story hotel wraps around the north and west School of Dance at 4 p.m.; Fort Wayne Dance Collective at 5 sides of the theater and has been repurposed to include business p.m.; and Dyson Dance Studio at 7 p.m. offices, a two-story ballroom and other rental spaces. A rooftop On Monday, the pipe organ concert will be at 9 a.m.; North patio is available to rent for weddings, retreats, corporate parties, Side High School Show Choir performs at 11 a.m.; and the Com- community events and more. munity Sing-Along with the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir will be The history of Embassy Theatre begins with the opening of at 6:30 p.m. Emboyd Theatre in May 1928, at a time when vaudeville was On Senior Day, Tuesday, Nov. 30, Rusty Ammerman’s Di- at its height of popularity. For 25 years, the theater was a desmensions of Illusions will be on stage at noon. tination for many of the biggest and brightest stars of stage and The event will conclude on Wednesday, Dec. 1, with the screen, including Perry Como, Lawrence Welk, Louis Armstrong, Concordia High School Choir at 9 a.m. and the Canterbury Mid- Tony Bennett, Doris Day, Duke Ellington, Red Skelton and Vicdle School Orchestra performing at 11 a.m. tor Borge. “Breakfast with Santa” events will take place at the theater When sold to Alliance Amusement Corporation, the theater on Nov. 26 and 27 at 8:30 a.m. Call the box office ahead to reserve changed its name to Embassy Theatre and continued to operate spots for $30; seating is limited. This event includes a private as a movie palace. The ornate pipe organ was seldom used, but tour of the Festival of Trees at 8:30 a.m. and then Breakfast with a group of organ enthusiasts came together to become the unofSanta programming at around 9 a.m. Mad Anthony will provide ficial guardians of its place in the theater. a scrumptious breakfast buffet. The whole family will enjoy an Faced with the building being torn down, a handful of comengaging performance of Elf Jr. from the Fort Wayne Youtheatre. munity leaders and volunteers formed the Embassy Theatre Alomar & Dynamic Sound Entertainment will emcee the event. Foundation in 1972. Their goal was to protect and preserve the Masks are recommended. building and organ. A variety of holiday shows are on the schedule including With just two days to spare, $250,000 was raised to rescue “The Elf on the Shelf: The Musical,” Project Ballet’s “The Nut- the building from demolition. The work began and many fundcracker,” Motown Christmas, Straight No Chaser and The Fort raisers were held. The first Festival of Trees raised $46,000. Wayne Philharmonic Holiday Pops concerts. Thanks to generous supporters, the following building renoThe Broadway at The Embassy series will continue into vations have been completed at Embassy Theatre: Installation of 2022 with “Cats” on Jan. 24, and “Hairspray,” “Waitress,” and the marquee and vertical blade sign; renovation of the HVAC and “Jersey Boys” next spring. “Waitress” and “Cats” will be staged cooling system; restoration of the Hoosier room; the renovation two nights. of the ladies lower lounge; replacement of the grand entryway “The 2,471-seat theater is large enough to attract national doors; and repair of the water damaged sub-basement and founacts, while being small enough to give audiences an intimate ex- dation. The Indiana Hotel renovation included the creation of a perience with the stage productions, and there’s not a bad seat in two-level ballroom and the Parkview Health rooftop patio. ❚ Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne

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Your Kitchen

Start Now for Spring Kitchen/Bath Updates By Janine Pumilia

hen it comes to kitchen and bathroom updates, there are two big things to know right now: “Start early” and “think simple, clean lines,” says Dana Kneuve, designer at Trinity Kitchen, Bath & Lighting, in New Haven, Ind. “Customers have been very understanding of the supply chain issues,” she says. “If you want to do a remodel in the spring, it’s a good idea to start the process now. Expect cabinets to take at least twice as long as usual to arrive – that means eight weeks instead of four and possibly longer for other brands.” Working with a kitchen designer to Clean lines bring a kitchen up to date, as in this remodel by Trinity Kitchen, Bath & Lighting. choose materials and plan the details now will assure you have everything in place when the remodeling people still like the look of wall tile, but it can be expensive to begins. install and isn’t functionally necessary outside the shower.” For an updated look, “Think light and airy, with simple, clean Most bathroom cabinets stand up well to moisture but be lines for everything from cabinet door styles to backsplashes to sure to ask about the materials before you order them, Kneuve the finish of a countertop edge,” says Kneuve. “This is not only advises. the look people want today, it’s also easier to clean.” “We offer cabinets made from engineered wood or all-plyIt may be more economical, too. Simpler cabinet door styles wood construction. The biggest difference is the way the sides cost less, as do simpler stone or quartz countertop patterns. Save of the cabinet look, especially if the cabinet is stained, but both bold colors and patterns for details that easily can be changed out will hold up well to moisture and day-to-day life in bathrooms.” later, if you want your update to stand the test of time. Less tile is being used for bathroom floors these days, too, “In a bathroom, mirrors, lighting and hardware can all be due to the advent of luxury vinyl planks or tiles (LVT), which changed out relatively inexpensively in coming years to update imitate a hardwood or tile look without the labor-intensive instalthe look,” she says. “Sticking with more neutral styles for the lation. The LVT stands up well to moisture, is warmer than tile big-ticket items like cabinets and countertops is a good idea.” underfoot, and is easy to clean. Painted and wood-tone cabinetry are equally popular right Some customers are trading their big jacuzzi bathtubs for now and some people like a mix of both. smaller, sleeker stand-alone bathtubs, says Kneuve. “Maybe your cabinets are painted but the range hood and is“Picture the old clawfoot tubs without the claw feet,” she says. land are stained wood,” she says. Lighter-toned stains and finerLarger showers with more spa features, like duo showergrained wood species like maple and walnut are popular. They’re heads – one installed at a lower, adjustable level – are popular often paired with black hardware. And with painted cabinets, and practical. shades of white remain timeless favorites.” In the kitchen, microwaves placed inside drawers or built Customers are choosing quartz over natural stone more ofinto cabinets are trending and “adding a nice range hood above ten for countertops. Many choose a marble-look quartz for baththe stove instantly makes the kitchen look higher end,” she says. room countertops. There are more details than most people realize, in renovaFor those who crave color, painted cabinets in deep shades tion projects. Kneuve has seen plenty of do-it-yourselfers get into of blue or green are making a splash. trouble. “These look very nice with white sinks and hardware that’s “It’s a designer’s job to think of every little thing so you a matte-gold tone,” she says. don’t have to,” she says. “Going to a store with a good reputaWhile gray is still a popular wall color, it’s warming up. tion is the best way to find a qualified designer who will get you Taupes, tans and eggshell are on the rise, Kneuve says. And through a remodeling project with ease.” there’s no functional reason bathroom walls need to be tiled. Learn more about Trinity Kitchen, Bath & Lighting by call“As long as you use a good semi-gloss waterproof paint and ing (260) 493-2574 or stop in at the showroom, 11034 Lincoln have a good exhaust fan in place, you’re fine,” she says. “Some Highway East. ❚ 19 November 2021 • II Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne

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Your Health

Effective Treatments for Peripheral Neuropathy By Toni Rocha

he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 20 million Americans suffer from peripheral neuropathy (PN), a condition that results from damage to nerve networks in the hands, feet, ankles and other parts of the body. At Health N.O.W., 2146 State Road, Auburn, patients find relief from symptoms ranging from mild to disabling, including numbness, tingling, twitching, throbbing and stabbing pain. They also avoid further damage that a lack of feeling can cause, including wounds to the feet that don’t heal, which could eventually lead to amputation. Dr. David M. Gafken, of Health N.O.W., in Auburn, has spent four decades using the latest advancements to diagnose “The symptoms can range and treat neuropathy before the condition becomes a graver concern for patients. from that ‘pins and needles’ feelGafken describes the course as quite effective as compared ing to severe pain,” explains Dr. David M. Gafken, DC. “Diabeto the medications usually prescribed to treat PN. tes is the No. 1 cause of PN.” “The drugs used to treat PN are high-powered and can have Patients come into the center for a thorough assessment, significant side effects,” he explains. which includes family history, existing conditions and testing to Gafken explains that the normal PN score for patients is 74. determine if they are candidates for chiropractic treatment courses. “We had a woman whose PN score was 19 to 20 when she “Patients who fall inside certain ranges undergo testing came to the center,” Gafken says. “When her course of treatment to find where the source of the problem is,” Gafken explains. was complete, her score had improved to 60.” “These can include a full metabolic workup, blood sugar/glucose Along with relief from the discomfort of PN, patients also reading (AIC), an evaluation of genetic components plus cigabenefit from improved sleep patterns, he says. rette and alcohol usage. Based on the results of these tests, we “After treatment, patients can walk better and more safely,” arrive at a score which reflects the severity of the PN they are Gafken says. “This is vital because patients who cannot feel experiencing. Then we determine if they are good candidates for their feet are prone to falls and other situations in which they a treatment course or if the nerve damage has progressed too far can cut or damage the affected tissue. We can save them the loss to treat effectively.” of their toes and feet because the treatment course helps them For patients who fall into the treatable score range, Gafken get more efficient blood flow back into their feet and ankles.” says laser is one of the methods he uses. Laser therapy involves With improved capabilities, patients are better able to rethe use of low-level waves that can be set at one of four depths, sume or initiate exercise programs and enjoy participating in depending on how deep into the muscle and bone tissue the damsports without fear or discomfort, Gafken says. They can also age has occurred. Laser can successfully be used to increase work at their jobs and around the house and yard, a benefit that blood flow and repair nerve damage to the ankles and feet, hands directly improves their quality of life. and fingers, and other areas of the body. “How active they are depends on their overall health and age, “One of the main areas we address is the lower spine, using but we want them to be as active as they can be,” Gafken says. decompression therapy combined with laser treatment to reduce “We have an incredibly positive effect on our patients’ lives.” inflammation, encourage stronger blood flow and to build new Learn more about PN treatment, or make an appointment pathways to healthier nerve networks,” Gafken adds. “The dewith Health N.O.W., by calling (260) 920-8811. Learn more at compression course takes place over a six- to eight-week period, seekhealthnow.com. ❚ teamed with other appropriate soundwave electrical methods.” 23 November 2021 • II Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne

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Your Community

New Owners, Same Commitment at Stucky’s By Janine Pumilia

hen a homegrown retailer thrives for 107 years and holds its own against big-box competition, you know it’s doing a lot of things right. And when local folks vote it “Best Appliance Store” 14 years in a row, you know its commitment to customer service is exceptional. That’s the view of Bill and Polly Shuee and Brent and Lori Shuee, the new owners of Stucky Furniture & Appliance in Fort Wayne. The brothers purchased the business in July from longtime friend and mentor Jim Benninghoff, whose grandfather Joseph Stucky established it in 1914 – years before electricity had come to Allen County. “The connection between this store and generations of customers in this town runs very deep,” says Bill Shuee. “We have one employee who began working here in high school and just marked her 45th anniversary, for example. The reputation for customer service earned by the Stucky brand is something very special and we only intend to grow it.” The Shuee brothers bring their own expertise to the Fort Wayne store. Since 1987, they’ve managed a Greencastle, Ind., appliance store established in 1970 by their late father, Bob Shuee. They also own a furniture store in Greencastle and furniture & appliance stores in Brazil and Lafayette, Ind. “We started as very young boys growing up in the business, cleaning the toilets and sweeping the floors in the store, and then became involved with delivery to peoples’ homes and then sales positions and finally learning the back-office work,” says Bill Shuee. “This helps us relate to the employees in various positions who make a well-run store succeed.” Bill and Polly live in Fort Wayne. Married 34 years, they became sweethearts in 8th grade and reared two children, one of whom works in the business – a third-generation retailer. Brent and Lori oversee the newly acquired Lafayette store, Beeson’s Appliance; three of their children work in the family business and a fourth is still in college. Because the Shuees decided to add a furniture line to the Fort Wayne store, they changed the name from Stucky Brothers to Stucky’s Furniture & Appliance. Klaussner and Flexsteel are among furniture brands that soon will be available in the 30,000-square-foot store, along with Serta mattresses, electronic products and most brands of appliances. “By adding furniture, both upholstered and case goods, we hope to make it easier for our customers to enjoy a one-stop shopping experience,” says Bill Shuee. “With appliances, we offer reliable, mid-line products to fit any budget, but we also offer super-premium brands like Sub-Zero and Wolf for people who want all the bells and whistles.” The deep product knowledge of the sales staff – Benninghoff called them “service information specialists” – is another feather in the store’s cap. Because the new owners want to safeguard and grow the

New owner Bill Shuee says maintaining an on-staff customer service department is essential to upholding the sterling reputation of Stucky’s.

store’s strong reputation for customer service, they’re expanding the on-staff team of delivery, installation and repair service professionals. “Maintaining an on-staff customer service department is very unique these days, but we think it’s essential,” says Shuee. “We have a couple of young folks in training to make sure the skills are being passed along to the next generation. Our people can do the more difficult things, like installing dishwashers or wall ovens – things that require plumbing and electrical expertise. We not only employ six servicemen, but also a manager to oversee and fully integrate delivery, installation and service needs plus two office staff who order parts, handle calls and so forth. When you call us, a human being here in our store – not across the world – answers the phone to help you.” Stucky’s is price-competitive against big-box retailers because it belongs to a huge buying group. “It has thousands of member stores and the clout of $19 billion annually in buying power, so that enables us to compete with the big guys.” The Shuees view their purchase of the Fort Wayne and Lafayette stores as huge steps for their family-owned company. Both markets are much larger than those in Greencastle and Brazil and the family is fully committed to hands-on involvement. “We still help to unload trucks or whatever else is needed at a given moment,” Bill Shuee says. “We’re just very excited to be here in Fort Wayne. Our family goes way back with Jim [Benninghoff] and that’s also true of the previous owners of the Lafayette store. They were great people to work with and learn from and we’re happy to be here.” Learn more about Stucky Furniture & Appliance by stopping in at the store, 5601 Coldwater Road, or by calling (260) 482-8402. ❚ 25 November 2021 • II Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne

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November 2021 • II

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Your Fun

Entertainment & Events

Festival of Gingerbread Nov. 26-Dec. 19. One of Fort Wayne’s most cherished holiday traditions. Gingerbread creations by local artists are set up in the historic Shields Room. Fort Wayne History Center, 302 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne. fwhistorycenter.org Jurassic Quest Nov. 26-28, Friday 3 p.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. with timed entries. Experience what it was like to be among dinosaurs of all kinds. Jurassic Quest is the only interactive dinosaur event that has over 100 true to life-size animatronic dinosaurs designed in collaboration with leading paleontologists. Ticketmaster.com. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne, Ind., (260) 482-9502. Christmas Through the Ages Nov. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Welcome the holidays at the Old Fort. Learn how Christmas was celebrate during the 1700s and 1800s. 1201 Spy Run Ave., Fort Wayne. Oldfortwayne.org. ‘A Motown Christmas’ Dec. 7, 8 p.m. World-class vocals from past

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and present members of Motown’s legendary groups, The Temptations, The Miracles and The Contours. Embassy Theatre, (260) 424-6287 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., fwembassytheatre.org. Holiday Pops - Fort Wayne Philharmonic Dec. 10 & 11, 18 & 19. Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 11 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 18 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Revel in the traditional music and popular culture of Christmas. Andrew Constantine, conductor and Lisa Vroman, vocalist. Embassy Theatre, fwembassytheatre.org. A Nashville Family Christmas Dec. 12, 6 p.m. Originally formed to perform for The Nashville Network, A Nashville Family Christmas has celebrated the holiday season with dazzling country music performances for more than 20 years. Doors open at 6 p.m. Clyde Theatre, 1808 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne. (260) 747-0989, clydetheatre.com. Straight No Chaser Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. A mix of new arrangements and fan favorites. The group has clocked in two RIAA-certified Gold records with more

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Learn how Christmas was celebrated in the 1700s and 1800s during ‘Christmas Through the Ages’ at Old Fort Wayne.

than 1 billion streams sold. Embassy Theatre, fwembassytheatre.org. Science Central: Our Weakening Web Until Jan. 22, Thurs.-Sun. With displays, dioramas and interactive components that encourage hands-on learning, visitors learn about the ecological relationships that bind all life forms together. 1950 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne. ScienceCentral.org. Nashville Thursdays 7-10 p.m. Free live music, country, bluegrass, Americana. Club Room, Clyde Theater. Clydetheatre.com. ❚

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November 2021 • II

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November 2021 • II

Smart Living Fort Wayne

November 2021 • II

To Advertise Call 260-212-8968