Smart Living Fort Wayne - February 18, 2021

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Smart L iving yne

Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • February 2021 II

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6 Reasons We All Love Fort Wayne Kitchen Remodels with Staying Power Could Your Outdoor Spaces Be Better?

FW Dance Collective Broadens its Reach

NEW

Think ‘Service’ When Appliance Shopping How New Window Coverings Solve Problems

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

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Six Big Reasons Families Love Fort Wayne Your Community ...............................................11 Fort Wayne Dance Collective Broadens its Reach Your Home ..................................................13, 29 Better Window Coverings; Appliance Shopping Inspiration & Worship ......................................14 The Example Psalmists Set for Us Your Outdoor Living .........................................19 Could Your Outdoor Spaces Be Better?

Your Health & Fitness ............................ .......... 23 Club-Quality Fitness Equipment at Home Your Kitchen ......................................................25 Think Long-Term with Remodels Restaurant of the Week ....................................26 Pizza King Opens New Location Your Family Fun ....................................... ......... 28

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Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Multimedia Editor Sara Myers Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writers Paula Kalivoda Furniss, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Fort Wayne General Manager Sherri Cassedy Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (260) 267-5350, 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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Welcome to Smart Living!

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elcome One & All, to the latest edition of Smart Living Fort Wayne Magazine.

There’s so much to cover in the Fort Wayne area, a truly wonderful place in which to live, work and play.

As much as there is to do in Fort Wayne, our purpose extends beyond Fort Wayne and Allen County to the surrounding counties of northeast Indiana and western Ohio. I believe you’ll greatly enjoy reading what we bring to your attention in each and every issue.

One of the biggest reasons for this fresh perspective on our city is, well, me. I am a newer resident here. Newly married, I moved to Fort Wayne in the middle of last year with my brood of five terrific children. We are all thrilled to be here.

Every day we discover more of what the greater Fort Wayne region has to offer. My colleagues and I are eager to share our discoveries with you. We think you’ll find our editorial content a refreshing perspective.

Through our eyes you’ll do more than get a renewed appreciation for where you live.

You see, we’re digging deeper and exploring further than you may have time to do yourself.

Our goal is to enhance the quality of life you and your family enjoy here!

There’s an additional component to our mission in bringing Smart Living to your doorstep, and that has to do with the many fine, locally owned businesses located in greater Fort Wayne. We’re constantly searching for outstanding products and services to bring to your attention because of their potential to add to your quality of life here.

Our many cultural institutions and visitor attractions are the subject of this month’s cover story, “6 Top Reasons We Love Fort Wayne.”

From our vibrant downtown to our many arts organizations, sports venues, restaurants and more, it’s amazing just how much there is to enjoy in our region.

Enjoy the discovery! ❚ Sherri Cassedy General Manager Tell them you saw it in ...

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Our Community

MEET

AGAIN

EXPLORE

AGAIN

FLY

AGAIN

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

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

So, you can fly…again.

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Our Community

FW Collective Spreads the Joy of Dance B y Pe g g y We r n e r

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f you aspire to be a professional dancer or just love to dance and move about – or maybe you prefer to watch dance performances – Fort Wayne Dance Collective (FWDC) has something for you.

The Collective is the result of five women who met 43 years ago at a local modern dance workshop and were inspired to bring the enjoyment of dance to more people in their community.

Ashley Benninghoff “Dance is important because it benefits people in every way, including reducing stress, helping with coordination and social skills, and team building,” says FWDC Artistic Manager Ashley Benninghoff. “It gives everyone an outlet for self-expression, which can improve physical, mental and emotional health.”

Newly appointed FWDC Executive Director Lee Rainboth most recently managed an arts center in Haiti. He applied for this position because he identified with the organization’s interest in making dance available to everyone.

“Although this is a difficult time to come on board because of the pandemic, it’s also a good time to get to know the organization, understand its identity and work toward my goal of helping the community understand what we do,” says Rainboth. “We want people to know there’s a place for everyone with us.”

The dance collective is a non-profit arts organization and has grown to include dance classes, professional performances, touring groups and an outreach initiative that brings lessons and performances to schools, hospitals, nursing homes, business meetings, clubs and other organizations.

The FWDC Community Outreach Initiative was launched in 2016 to serve those with the greatest need and the least access in Northeast Indiana. For more than 20 years, the Collective has also provided quality movement programs for people with a range of cognitive and physical disabilities, empowering them to explore movement and music in ways that are stimulating and creative. The students range in age from preschool to seniors.

In-school and after-school programs give students an introduction to dance. “We strongly believe in the concept of helping others to achieve health and wellness through movement and rhythm and alternative approaches to taking care of oneself,” says Benninghoff. “We empower people and educate them about the body’s ability to be self-aware, selfmaintaining, self-healing and self-improving.”

The Collective’s touring groups are made up of professional and non-profesLee Rainboth

FWDC’s Guest Artist Residency attracts performers from around the world.

sional artists and include Taiko, which is a Japanese musical tradition that means “big drum.” Established in 1997, Fort Wayne Taiko was the first group of its kind in Indiana and is the only group like it in Northeast Indiana.

The Pineapple Dance Project is a youth company that performs for fundraisers, art openings and festivals. The pre-professional dancers offer unique and inspiring dance arrangements to their audiences.

FWDC Touring Company is made up of professional dancers and choreographers who perform locally and around the Midwest, while the Guest Artist Residency brings unique performers from around the world to Fort Wayne to expose the local community to new styles and perspectives in dance.

Although most lessons and performances went virtual during the pandemic, plans are underway to have live events including a Choreographer’s Lab in May, a family concert in June, and an all-original program by the Touring Company in August, even if a virtual option remains necessary for those who can’t attend in person.

Benninghoff says going virtual because of the pandemic has actually helped the organization to grow its audience.

“I’ve heard from people who took classes with us 20 years ago and moved away but have stayed connected with us through social media,” says Rainboth. “They’ve written to us saying they appreciate the greater access of lessons and performances online. They remember being a part of the Collective years ago and now can participate wherever they are.”

To register for classes or book any of the touring groups, visit fwdc.org or send an email to info@fwdc.org or call (260) 424-6574. ❚

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Your Home & Garden

Today’s Window Coverings Solve Problems

By Peggy Werner

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hether you’re looking for a stylish way to manage the intensity of the sun at certain times of day or you want to enjoy a beautiful view while maintaining privacy, today’s window coverings are problem solvers. Long gone are the days when fabric draperies or metal blinds are your only options.

“Today, it’s more about light control and privacy with a single treatment rather than layering of materials,” says Terri Gorney, manager of Zeigler’s Window Coverings in Fort Wayne.

Zeigler’s sells and installs custom blinds, shades, shutters and draperies.

It has the distinction of being a Hunter Douglas Gallery, which means the manufacturer chose it to carry its complete line of products and has trained the staff Silhouette window shades by Hunter Douglas feature soft, adjustable S-shaped vanes that appear to float between two sheer fabrics. They allow light to filter through but obscure the outside world’s view into your space. on how each product works.

Douglas problem solver is the Sonnette, a cross between a RoGuidance from experienced staff members makes all the man shade and a cellular shade that offers a soft, luxurious look difference when customers need to address problems in specific in one product. Another is the Solera, a cellular roller shade that rooms of their homes, says Gorney. filters light for room darkening and privacy but can be hidden “When people come into our store, they not only see a wide inside a headrail when not in use. selection of products to choose from, but they also work with a Zeiglers’ seven decades of experience began when brothers trained window covering specialist to help answer questions and Robert and Bert Zeigler designed and made steel blinds in Robmake choices,” she explains. “We don’t just hand out samples. ert’s basement and sold them to neighbors and friends. Robert’s We know our products.” son, Mike Zeigler, expanded the business and brought on his The business has witnessed an evolution of technology, son, Todd Zeigler, to continue the family tradition. Todd now tastes and trends since it opened in 1947. For example, with more owns the store. people than ever before Todd marvels at the improvements made in window coverworking from home, ing technology, such as motorized shades and shutters that can daytime light control be programmed and operated from a smart device. You can conand privacy have betrol sunlight coming through an uncovered window in the midcome bigger issues. dle of summer so that the air conditioner doesn’t run nonstop. If “So often people you’re getting home after dark, shades can be closed before you tell me that, because get home, he explains. they were never home “Energy concerns are more important than ever. You will during the day, they see and feel the difference,” he says. didn’t realize how If there’s a room you avoid at certain times of the day or much sun was pouring year because it’s uncomfortably cold or hot or causes too much in and what it was doglare on a television screen, there’s now something you can do ing to their home,” says about it, Todd says.

Gorney.

“I have people tell me all the time they didn’t realize what Ultraviolet suna difference a window covering can make. They can now use light can fade colors in rooms whenever they want to that they had been avoiding.” carpeting and artwork The top-down/bottom-up Vignette Roman Make an appointment for a free consultation by calling and dry out woodwork. shade can be adjusted to fit your ideal level of privacy, light control and comfort.

(260) 744-2111 or stop in at 1829 Fairfield Ave. ❚ One new Hunter Tell them you saw it in ...

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Inspiration & Worship

The Psalms Journey

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n the middle of the Bible is a collection of 150 psalms (sacred sayings) that offer a jarring roller coaster ride of human rantings directed toward God. Several authors wrote them over a period of about 1,000 years, starting in the time of Moses (1500 B.C.). King David penned about half of them. They were passed down through oral tradition before they were written.

We gravitate toward the psalms that comfort us, the 23rd being a crowd favorite.

Many of them, however, were composed during times of anguish and deep disappointment with God. Feelings of abandonment, anger and frustration are laid bare; They’re timeless and oddly familiar.

If we’re honest, we’ve all been angry at God. We see people, including Christians, suffer hardship, oppression, sickness, death.

We see evil folks prosper and ask why.

The psalmists’ emotional poetry helps us to know what a healthy relationship with God looks like, says author Philip Yancey.

By “peering over their shoulders,” we witness both their rantings and the ways they talk themselves down from the ledge, he says. They breathe deeply and then state what they know for sure about God: He is good, wise, powerful, tender. They also acknowledge their own yearning for closeness with God. The psalmists force themselves to recall the many times God rescued ungrateful Israel from its self-inflicted messes. With hearts softened by memories of their own weakness, they regain some perspective.

God is mighty; they are needy.

The psalmists find wonder in the starry skies and fertile earth. Their ranting turns to “flights of joyous praise they can’t contain.” Yancey writes in “The Bible Jesus Read”: “The odd mixture of psalms of cursing, psalms of praise and psalms of confession no longer jars me as it once did. Instead, I am continually amazed by the spiritual wholeness of the Hebrew poets, who sought to include God in every area of life by bringing to God every emotion experienced in daily activity. One need not ‘dress up’ or ‘put on a face’ to meet God. There are no walled-off areas; God can be trusted with reality.”

To experience Psalms is to fellowship with all who have ever struggled with, and – Janine Pumilia deeply loved, God. ❚ 14

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Right in Our Region

(Fort Wayne Zoo photo)

6 Reasons We Love Fort Wayne

The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is among the many attractions that make our region family-friendly.

By Chris Linden, executive editor

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ho has one of the happiest cities in the U.S. and one of the hottest real estate markets? Fort Wayne.

And who has one of the best-run cities in America, is ranked among the best cities in which to be a teacher and was called one of the best places to retire rich? You guessed it – Fort Wayne.

But enough bragging. We already know that the quality of life in northeast Indiana abounds, in more ways than one can remember. From a diverse and booming economy to a rich variety of cultural assets and attractions, we live in a place where fun exists at every corner.

Even so, it’s easy to take for granted just how much Allen County and its surrounding neighbors have to offer. So, in this, our debut edition, let’s recap just a few of the ways this slice of northeast Indiana is special.

1. It’s Kid-Friendly. Parents don’t have to look very far to find engaging activities for young minds. Promenade Park downtown, the Allen County Library and Science Central are just a few places to start. And don’t forget about Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, which Parents Magazine called one of the best zoos in the nation.

The wide variety of child-friendly attractions in Fort Wayne is only one reason SmartAsset.com called this community the 16

Smart Living Fort Wayne

best place to raise a family last year. High-quality schools, lower costs of living and low crime rates play a big role, too. For many of the same reasons, Money Magazine lists us among the nation’s top 100 places to live.

2. There are So Many Sports. For good reason, Livability.com and Sports Business Daily consider Fort Wayne one of America’s top 5 minor-league sports markets. Throughout the year, it’s easy to find high-level athletes at work. From Komets hockey and Mad Ants basketball to Purdue Fort Wayne, TinCaps baseball and the Derby Girls roller derby, it’s hard to find a week when there isn’t a game to catch, during a regular year!

And how about those venues, too? The state-of-the-art field at Parkview Park downtown is a lively place to catch the San Diego Padres’ high-A talent, so it’s little wonder that Stadium Journey called it America’s best minor-league park.

The Allen County War Memorial Coliseum is a major epicenter of sports, and just to prove the point, this year it will host the NCAA Division III Men’s basketball national championship in March.

Catch the Komets back on the ice Feb. 12 and keep an eye out for the Mad Ants’ abbreviated season, which starts in February at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney.

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Right in Our Region

(Fort Wayne Komets photo)

(Johnny Appleseed Festival photo)

The action doesn’t stop there. With more than 120 miles of recreation trails and numerous public parks, it’s easy to keep an active lifestyle. This time of year, it’s especially rewarding to hike, cross-country ski or birdwatch at Allen County Parks, Eagle Marsh or any of our amazing state parks, which are open year-round.

3. Economic Strength. Pandemic aside, Fort Wayne’s economy remains robust. While manufacturing is still a major strength, education, health care and logistics remain powerful forces in what’s become a diverse economy.

Over the past year, Fort Wayne has been ranked among hot job markets, most livable cities, best places for new business startups … and the list goes on. But what really stands out is the city’s incredible affordability. In just comes alive in Fort Wayne, thanks to places like the Historic Old Fort and the the past year, we’ve been named a top place to retire rich History Johnny Appleseed Festival pictured above.

(GoBankingRates.com), a top choice for early retirement (AARP.org), top 5 city for first-time homebuyers (SmartAsset. settlement and regional capital known as Kekionga. This hericom), most affordable cities for millennials to buy a home (Credtage has been faithfully honored in places like the Chief RichitKarma.com), best cities for Gen Zers on a budget (GoBankardville House, once home to Indiana’s wealthiest man – a deingRates.com), and the lowest cost of living in the United States scendant of French fur traders and Miami Indians. (niche.com).

The History Center and firefighters’ museum downtown 4. History Comes Alive. Our city is almost as old as the U.S. take a deeper dive into our fascinating past.

Constitution, having started in 1794 as a military fort on the edge 5. It’s Easy to Get Away. For everything there is to do of the frontier. You can still get a sense of those pioneer times at right here in Fort Wayne, there’s an awful lot to see nearby, as Historic Old Fort, where costumed re-enactors bring the past to well. It’s all so close you can do it in a day and still be home life during special events. by bedtime. Head to Grabill and get to know our area’s Amish Our city is also the final resting place of Jonathan Chapneighbors. DeKalb County has four auto museums that specialman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. He’s the namesake of ize in cars and trucks, Duesenbergs and other machinery on the the Johnny Appleseed festival in September (and the park where move. Live music and fine dining are major attractions at Warit’s hosted), and the inspiration for our TinCaps baseball team (so saw’s Honeywell Center, but the charming downtown is full of named for the “tin hat” he dons in many a folktale.) surprises, too.

Long before European settlers, this was Miami country, a If it’s a big-city escape you crave, Fort Wayne is within a 3-hour drive of Chicago, Detroit, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis.

Don’t forget about the lakes. Noble, Kosciusko and Steuben counties each boast more than 100 lakes, including Indiana’s third-largest body of water and the impressive Chain O’Lakes, which comprises 13 interconnected waterways.

6. There’s Always Something to Do. Even in the midst of a pandemic, there are a surprising number of ways to have fun in Fort Wayne and beyond – and it doesn’t take much digging to find them. Browse art at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art or send the youngsters to a dance class at Fort Wayne Ballet. Tune into a virtual event hosted by the Embassy Theatre. Find unique cuisine (and lots of to-go options) at local restaurants and breweries.

Shop at Jefferson Pointe, in the city’s southwest side, or go off the map and find unique antique stores, Hyde Brothers Booksellers and any number of other small businesses scattered throughout the city’s urban core. Boutiques abound downtown and in many nearby neighborhoods.

Is it any wonder that Expedia.com says we’re a perfect city to tour like a local? With so much worth celebrating around Fort Wayne Komets hockey is one part of the city’s busy sports scene, which here, why not be a tourist for a day and find something new? ❚ has been named among top minor-league markets in the nation.

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Outdoor Living

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Outdoor Living

Could Your Outdoor Spaces Be Better?

By Peggy Werner

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andemic restrictions have made us realize, more than ever, just how important outdoor spaces are to the enjoyment of our homes. Many of us have also noticed our spaces could use some improvement, but we’re not sure how to get started.

That’s where W.A. Zimmer of Huntington, Ind., comes in.

For 40 years, the company has been helping homeowners to make their outdoor spaces more comfortable year-round by installing maintenance-free, highquality sunrooms, pergolas, patio covers and retractable awnings and screens.

“People usually have an idea of what they want, but they don’t Homeowners enjoy the option of sun or shade from their Skyview patio cover and pergola installed by W.A. Zimmer. know what we have to match results and they look awesome, we started offering the product their needs,” says Bill Zimmer, who owns the business with his this past year.” wife, Marcia.

Decades ago, most of the Zimmers’ business was building W.A. Zimmer takes responsibility for a whole project, start sunrooms. Today, sunroom construction is about 25 percent of to finish, including obtaining permits when needed. If the prodthe business. People are enhancing their patios and decks by ucts they build need servicing, they do that, too. adding shades, awnings and screens to make them more livable.

“One thing I learned right away is that everyone wants mainSince 1983, the Zimmers have purchased about 75 percent tenance-free products,” says Zimmer. “We don’t build anything of their materials from Temo Sunrooms, the largest sunroom and out of wood that needs paint and stain. We use grades of highpatio product manufacturer in the United States. quality aluminum.”

Zimmer’s first job out of high school was at a home imThe company evaluates trending products before offering provement center. There, he learned that helping people to make them to customers. their homes more enjoyable was what he wanted to do with his One of the newest products to impress the Zimmers is the life. He opened his own business and relocated it in the midSkyview roof – a whole roof or section of a roof made from tint1990s to the present address. The 3,500-square-foot showroom ed glass, made by Temo has displays set up indoors and outdoors so customers can see Sunrooms of Michigan. how structures will look at any time of the year.

It allows for light while A 5,000 square-foot warehouse stores bulk supplies to help providing a view and Zimmer cut wait times and cost for customers. protection from the eleA second showroom is planned for South Bend, Ind., and ments. will have its own sales staff and installation crew.

“These roofs have Sales Manager Ryan Lemon, the Zimmers’ son-in-law, will taken the place of skyone day take over the business when the Zimmers retire. This lights,” says Zimmer. succession plan will ensure customers enjoy the same quality “They’ve been around for of products and services they’ve come to expect, Zimmer says. a couple years and I’ve “Customers know that we do what we say we’re going to do been paying attention to and that brings them a lot of comfort.” see how they’re working Learn more by calling (260) 356-1621 or stop in at 1700 N. out for people. Because Bill and Marcia Zimmer and family Broadway, Huntington, Ind. ❚ people are happy with the Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne

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A Postcard Winter Photography by David C. Olson 20

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Your Health & Fitness

Enjoy Club Fitness Equipment at Home

By Peggy Werner

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f you’ve ever chosen a hotel based on the high-quality fitness equipment it offers, chances are good the equipment came from Hotel Fitness, a Brigadoon Fitness company in Fort Wayne. And if you’ve always wished you could bring that equipment home, you’re in luck.

Brigadoon has begun offering its commercial equipment to residential customers so they can enjoy club-quality equipment in their homes, says Brigadoon Vice President of Sales and Marketing Don Osika.

“If you don’t enjoy using your exercise equipment, it may end up collecting dust,” he says. “Quality commercial equipment motivates people to work out because it just feels better. From the ergonomics to the materials to the comfort, the difference is night and day, versus typical residential equipment. Beyond the benefits of physical health, exercise is also great for stress management and cognitive function.”

High-quality fitness equipment, like that sold by Brigadoon, in Fort Wayne, is gaining For inspiration, Don points to the company’s owner popularity as more people choose to work out at home. and CEO, Bruce Dye, who lives a fit life. you need. Whether it’s just one treadmill and a set of dumbbells “Not only does Bruce work out every day, but he also meticor a full cardio/strength arsenal, your space and equipment will ulously documents his fitness regime,” says Osika. “From miles be a major part of your inspiration and motivation.” walked, to the weight lifted and number of reps on a bench press Other considerations, when setting up a home fitness area, or with dumbbells, he has his handwritten records dating back include having an adequate power source and good Wi-Fi covermore than 20 years. In his 60s, he’s one of the oldest yet fittest age. You’ll also want to have the room climate-controlled so you people at Brigadoon, both physically and cognitively. He’s a true can enjoy your space all year. testament to the quality of life someone can achieve by being fit.”

Begun as a fitness supplier to hotels in 1994, Brigadoon FitOne of the many things people have realized since the panness today is known for its products in health clubs, corporate demic is that quality home exercise equipment can complement a fitness centers, apartments, police and fire departments, schools gym membership. People are drawn to gyms for the classes, soand universities. A portion of its 70,000 square-foot warehouse cialization and variety of equipment they offer, but more people is dedicated to residential sales. are choosing to work out at home, also.

The company takes pride in its experienced staff and large “It’s a nice escape to be able to exercise at your convenience inventory of equipment and accessories. Its approach to busiin the comfort, privacy and safety of your own home,” says Osika. ness allows Brigadoon Fitness and its divisions, Hotel Fitness “Setting up your own gym allows you to create the type of space and Orange Italia Outdoor Furniture (residential expansion you want and allows you to pick the specific types of equipment coming in Spring 2021) to provide products and services more efficiently and for a great value, says Osika.

Company leaders believe that, to excel in business, they must also invest in their community. The company does this by supporting local nonprofits and sponsoring community events.

Brigadoon specializes in treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines and a variety of styles of bicycles and other cardio equipment made by TRUE Fitness. Its product offerings include seated ellipticals by Octane Fitness that are used to strengthen leg muscles. This is especially good for individuals with back or balance problems. The company also sells free weights and multi-use machines for strength training.

Learn more at Brigadoonfitness.com, stop in at 1818 Research Drive, Fort Wayne, or call (800) 269-7130. ❚ Tell them you saw it in ...

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Your Kitchen

Kitchen Remodels That Age Gracefully

By Janine Pumilia

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

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

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

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

Quality of construction and selection, he says.

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

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

Walsh. “We have products that fit into a budget and those which It’s worth noting that doors are the most expensive part offer every option.” of cabinetry.

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

“All of the countertops we sell today look great and are Trinity carries cabinetry durable,” says Walsh. “It’s just a matter of what you like best.” in price points ranging from Trinity Kitchen, Bath & Lighting has been locally owned mid-level low to mid-levsince it opened in 1958. It offers one-stop design, product and el high, says Kevin Walsh, installation services. Learn more by calling (260) 493-2574 or owner.

What’s the differBeauty and function are equally stop in at the showroom, 11034 Lincoln Highway East. ❚ ence? important to a good kitchen design.

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WeDineLocal

Pizza King Opens New Location

By Peggy Werner or more than 60 years, Pizza King has prided itself on providing premium ingredients in pizzerias across northeast Indiana. It continues that tradition with the opening of a fourth location in Fort Wayne at 9805 Illinois Road.

“This new location is one of the most modern and unique store designs in our entire company,” says Austin Prather, Pizza King director of marketing. “We wanted to give the community a dining room as beautiful as the community itself. The store features a brick wall facade, exposed ductwork and black ceilings.

We also wanted to commemorate how we’ve grown Austin Prather through the years,

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by displaying custom artwork about our history and brand throughout the store.”

The family-owned brand has supply agreements with 50 independently owned stores in eastern Indiana. It delivers freshly made dough and other premium core ingredients to the stores daily.

Community members are excited about the newest pizzeria’s interior, with its classic red phones for dine-in orders and a striking wall mural filled with phrases and menu items unique to the brand, says Prather.

“We’ve had numerous residents leave us messages about how they got hooked on Pizza King during their time at Ball State University in Muncie. Many of these graduates have moved to this area now and are ecstatic to have a pizza brand they love within such close proximity.”

The menu will feature iconic Pizza King “Feast” specialty pizzas as well as

February 2021 • II To Advertise Call 260-600-7340

submarine sandwiches, pastas, wrap-ups and salads. Dill-butter-brushed breadsticks are also a favorite.

Traditional pizzas come with a thin, crispy crust, but there’s also a thicker, pan crust option. The Royal Feast Pizza, the brand’s most popular menu item for decades, features a special blend of pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions and red and green peppers.

The Pizza King brand has focused on one goal over the decades, says Prather.

“We just want to serve the highestquality products and give fast, friendly service.”

Call the new Illinois Road location at (260) 800-3821. ❚

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Your Fun Larry Burrows: Life in Vietnam Thru Feb. 28, Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thu. to 8 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. Photojournalist Burrows was famous for images captured during the Vietnam War. Fort Wayne Museum of Art, 311 E. Main St., (260) 422-6467.

Entertainment & Events McMillen Park Center Ongoing. See website for times. Drop-in activities include pickleball, open fitness, cardio fit, essential steps and Zumba. McMillen Park Community Center, 3901 Abbott St., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6460, fortwayneparks.org.

YLNI Winter Farmers Market Indoors thru April 24, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Former Aunt Millie’s Bakery, 350 Pearl St., Fort Wayne, ylni.org.

ABC Exercise Ongoing. Tue. & Thu. 9:30-10:15 a.m. Dropin class designed for those 50 and older with arthritis or joint problems after hip/ knee replacement or stroke. Community Center, 233 W. Main St., (260) 427-6460, fortwayneparks.org.

Spanish Tapas Feb. 22, 6-8 p.m. Learn how to make these appetizers or snacks. Reg. online. Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6460, fortwayneparks.org.

Art & Writing Club Feb. 25, & 4th Thu. monthly, 5-6:30 p.m. Teens 13 & up. Lincoln Auditorium, Fort Wayne Museum of Art. (260) 422-6467, fwmoa.org.

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All American Outdoor Expo Feb. 26-28, Fri., noon-9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. to 5 p.m. The latest in water & paddle sports, ATVs, RVs, motorcycles, golf carts, deck furniture, outdoor cooking, fishing & hunting. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne, (260) 482-9502, memorialcoliseum.com.

The Club Room Ongoing. See website for times and details.

Music offerings include Blues & BBQ Mondays, soft rock & classics Tuesdays, Jazz Wednesdays, Nashville Thursdays, regional music Fridays, and pop, soul & funk Saturdays.

The Club Room at the Clyde, 1806 Bluffton Road, (260) 407-8530, clydeclubroom.com.

February 2021 • II To Advertise Call 260-600-7340

Eagle Marsh Ongoing. Offering 14 miles of trails through varied habitats of shallow-water wetland, sedge meadow, prairie, mature forest and young trees. Home to more than 250 kinds of birds and other wild creatures, including bald eagles. Eagle Marsh, 5000 Smith Road, Fort Wayne, (260) 478-2515, lrwp.org.

Headwaters Ice Skating Ongoing, Mon.-Thu. 1-8 p.m., Fri. noon10 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. noon-8 p.m. Headwaters Park, Clinton and Superior Streets, Fort Wayne, (260) 422-7625, forwayneparks.org.

Stream Movies Ongoing. Pick your favorite or discover a new film to rent for 3 days. Cinema Center, 437 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, cinemacenter.org/ support-from-home. ❚

Your Home & Garden

Customer Service Still Matters Here

By Janine Pumilia

I

t shouldn’t be the case that simple, honest customer service is now considered unusual, but that’s the world we live in, says Jim Benninghoff, grandson of Joseph Stucky and third-generation owner of Stucky Brothers in Fort Wayne.

“I think of our staff members as service information specialists, not just regular salespeople,” he says. “Our constant goal is to be well educated about the products we carry and to be able to answer any question.

People know us. We’ve been here for 107 years and have an A-plus rating from the Better Business Bureau.”

In 1914, before electricity had come to Allen County, Stucky Brothers opened a general store on the outskirts of Fort Wayne, “The kind of place where people gathered around an overturned barrel and talked about the general issues of the day,” says Benninghoff.

The business slowly evolved into the large showroom it is today, featuring topbrand appliances, electronics, and Serta and Sealy mattresses.

Stucky Brothers has held its own against national chain retailers by refusing to give up old-fashioned values like operating with integrity, answering phones in person and servicing what it sells.

“What we do is simple,” says Benninghoff. “You need a box to keep your food cold or to wash your laundry. We can bring you one for the same price you’d pay any- The original Stucky Brothers store opened in 1914. It sold the first International Harvester tractor in where else. If anything goes wrong with it, Allen County.

“Generally, appliances aren’t made as well as they once you can call us up and a human being will answer the phone and were. We believe you have to take care of people. The customer we’ll send an on-staff repair person to your home to fix it.” needs to feel safe about what he or she is buying and that’s what Offering a reliable service department is now more imporwe offer.” tant than ever.

Providing better service doesn’t mean raising prices, however.

“Stucky Brothers is part of a massive buying group that enables us to compete in pricing with all of the big-box stores,” explains Benninghoff.

“In addition, we carry a wide range of high-end specialty products.”

Learn more by stopping into the store, 5601 Coldwater Road, or by phoning (260) 482-8402, The Stucky Family circa 1920. where a live human being will answer your call. ❚ Tell them you saw it in ...

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February 2021 • II To Advertise Call 260-267-5350

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February 2021 • II To Advertise Call 260-267-5350