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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • Oct 2021 • No. II
Electric Works Phase One to Open Next Year Select the Right Flooring for You Relaxation & Fun at The Landing Tips for a Long-Lasting Kitchen Update Why Metal Roofing is Growing in Popularity
Quality, Smart Products & Services for Your Home, Family, Health, & Entertainment!
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In This Issue Right in Our Region ...............................Cover & p. 16 Phase One of Electric Works to Open in 2022
Your Health ....................................................................... 9
Treating Peripheral Neuropathy
Outdoor Living .......................................................11, 23
Metal Roofing Grows More Popular; Need Shade?
Your Kitchen .................................................................13 Kitchen Updates That Stand the Test of Time
Inspiration & Worship ................................................14
Harvest Time
Your Home ......................................................................19
Choose the Right Flooring
Your Outing ....................................................................25 Embassy Theatre Resumes Regular Schedule
Your Community ......................................................... 27 The Landing: A Fun Gathering Space
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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Shop Early & Local
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s the holidays come into view, we at Smart Living Fort Wayne encourage you to shop in person at locally owned stores rather than chain stores this season. We also think it’s smart to start early this year, since there’s a lot of unpredictability with global supply chains and delivery services, due to the pandemic. Likewise, when you’re planning a festive meal out, consider choosing a locally owned restaurant over a chain. Why? Because keeping our money local is an important way each of us can help to improve our home economy. Many studies show that a larger percentage of the dollars we spend at a locally owned business stay within our community and re-circulate. The money spent at chain stores, however, flies off to big-box headquarters in other states. Locally owned businesses tend to support other locally owned businesses. Some studies estimate that dollars spent in locally owned businesses have three times the positive impact on our community as dollars spent at national chains. They help to create local jobs, to fund more city services through sales tax, and to promote community development. There are other reasons to shop local, too. It’s the local businesses that give our communities unique identity as opposed to big-box stores that look the same in every strip mall across America. And, the stronger our local business sector is, the more we’re able to keep local decision-making in local hands. As a general rule, locally owned businesses also tend to be better employers and pay better wages. Local business owners tend to be better citizens. Think, for a minute, about the sponsor names you’ve seen on the back of Little League uniforms, or about the companies that underwrite civic festivals or local arts organizations. They’re most often companies owned by people who live and and work here – folks who have a personal stake in the good health of our community. So let’s start our shopping early, shop mostly at local retailers and give our local economy the boost it needs! ❚ Janine Pumilia SL Editor Tell them you saw it in ...
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Your Health & Fitness
How Peripheral Neuropathy Can Be Treated B y To n i R o c h a
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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. “The symptoms can range Diabetes is the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy but other conditions can cause it as well. from that ‘pins and needles’ feelteamed with other appropriate soundwave electrical methods.” ing to severe pain,” explains Dr. David M. Gafken, DC. “DiaGafken describes the course as quite effective as compared betes is the No. 1 cause of PN.” to the medications usually prescribed to treat PN. Patients come into the center for a thorough assessment, “The drugs used to treat PN are high-powered and can have which includes family history, existing conditions and testing to significant side effects,” he explains. determine if they are candidates for chiropractic treatment coursGafken explains that the normal PN score for patients is 74. es. “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 safearrive at a score which reflects the severity of the PN they are ly,” 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 can a treatment course or if the nerve damage has progressed too far cut or damage the affected tissue. We can save them the loss of to treat effectively.” their toes and feet because the treatment course helps them get For patients who fall into the treatable score range, Gafken 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 “One of the main areas we address is the lower spine, using age, but we want them to be as active as they can be without decompression therapy combined with laser treatment to reduce overdoing it,” Gafken concludes. inflammation, encourage stronger blood flow and to build new For more information on PN treatment, or to make an pathways to healthier nerve networks,” Gafken adds. “The deappointment, call (260) 920-8811. Learn more at seekhealthnow. compression course takes place over a six- to eight-week period, com. ❚ Tell them you saw it in ...
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Outdoor Living
Metal Roofing: A Long-Term Solution By Janine Pumilia
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f you like the idea of never having to think about your roof again, you may want to consider installing a metal roof that will outlive you and your children. “The average grade asphalt roof has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years but with a metal roof, it’s one and done,” says Farbod Salman, marketing director for Shield Exteriors in Garrett, Ind. “This roof is never going to give you issues. And if your home passes down to your children, or you sell it to a new owner, they’ll never have issues either.” The popularity of metal roofing has risen along with its aesthetic beauty and a better understanding of its value proposition, says Salman. “A lot more people are installing metal roofing for its durability, but they also just really like the way it looks.” Unlike the metal roofing of yesterday, most often The new styles of metal roofing are highly attractive as well as durable. associated with rural pole barns, today’s metal roofing comes in many colors and styles. with metal roofing because they understand its durability. A Shield Exteriors metal roof offers high value because it’s It’s also an environmentally responsible choice since metal installed only once. The company offers a double lifetime acciis easily recycled; the average asphalt roof is made with galdent-free warranty, meaning the original owners are covered for lons of crude oil. Some 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are as long as they own the home and the next owners, or descendumped into landfills each year. dants if the home is passed to children, are covered for the duraShield Exteriors employs its own crew of trained, licensed tion of their ownership, too. installers. Once a homeowner decides to install a metal roof, a “There’s no small print in this guarantee and no limit to how home is measured down to the inch and roof panels are custom many times we’ll come to repair the roof if a storm causes a tree cut to fit the home. A metal roof may be installed over a layer of limb to fall on it or it gets damaged,” Salman explains. “This is existing shingles, depending on local building codes. how we’ve built our reputation for impeccable customer service. Metal roofing can be installed on a new construction home We answer the phones seven days a week and never leave a cusif the walls are built, says Salman. Since careful measurement is tomer hanging. If a problem happens, we’re out there immedirequired, it can’t be ordered from a blueprint alone. ately to take care of it.” Metal roofing is lighter in weight than a shingled roof but Many insurance companies offer a discount to homeowners more durable in every kind of weather event, he adds. “The typical customer for a Shield Exteriors metal roof is someone who plans to stay in that home for a long time,” says Salman. “But in the event they do decide to put the home on the market, this kind of roof is definitely a selling point.” Owners of homes at all price points are choosing metal roofing, says Salman. Shield Exteriors installs all types of roofing and serves residential customers in northeast Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. It provides free estimates. “Reliable customer service is the thing we’re very well known for,” says Salman. “That’s how we’ve built our reputation.” Learn more by calling Shield Exteriors at (260) 818 6072 or stop in at 600 North Randolph, Garrett, Ind. ❚ Metal roofing from Shield Exteriors comes with a lifetime guarantee and more. 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. Tell them you saw it in ...
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Inspiration & Worship
Harvest Time
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ith October comes an awareness of the harvest, even among city dwellers. We like to observe what’s going on in countryside fields. We relish the rich kaleidoscope of bounty at local farmers markets. We cherish our jaunts to apple orchards, pumpkin fields and vineyards. Especially in our lush and fertile Midwest, something about the harvest makes us proud and a little awed by what our rich soil can do. Because most of the Bible plays out in agrarian societies, scripture is rich with earthy metaphors about sowing and reaping spiritual life and death. Here are a few verses to contemplate as we pick out those perfect pumpkins. May we never forget that our willingness to compassionately sow the truth of Jesus Christ into the hearts of other people – so that they, too, can know him – nets the greatest harvest of all.
Matthew 9:35-38: And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” In John 15:1-11, Jesus says: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” ❚ – Janine Pumilia 14 Smart Living Fort Wayne
October 2021 • II
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EXPLORE
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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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Right in Our Region
Electric Works to Open Next Year
The $286 million Phase One of Electric Works will open late next year and is about 70 percent pre-leased. It includes 700,000 square feet of space for offices, education, retail, healthcare, entertainment and community use.
By Peggy Werner
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ort Wayne’s former General Electric Company campus is beAncora and based in Durham, NC, acquired the former General ing transformed into a modern-day mixed-use district called Electric manufacturing campus, which consists of 39 acres and Electric Works that’s one of the largest projects of its kind in the 18 historic buildings with 1.2 million square feet of space. The Midwest and an important addition to Fort Wayne’s downtown. redevelopment of the GE campus and repurposing of its buildAfter five years of work, the countdown has begun toward openings and grounds is a public/private partnership between RTM ing the first phase next year. Ventures and the City of Fort Wayne. The property is within easy “We’re almost 70 percent pre-leased on the west campus, walking distance of the downtown and riverfront. which will be open to the public in about one year. Not all tenThe project is divided into numerous phases, the first having ants will be in, but the buildings will be move-in ready,” says begun in January 2021 with an expected completion date in late Jeff Kingsbury of Ancora, the lead developer of Electric Works. 2022. The $286 million first phase includes more than 700,000 “We’ve been planning, putting together financing, and working with the community over the past five years to bring this project to life. We’re hoping it will be a center of gravity and a hub for innovation, energy, and culture for Northeast Indiana, while also being an inspiration for future job growth and more.” In 2017, RTM Ventures Ranald T. McDonald, an 1800s entrepreneur, founded Fort Wayne Electric Co. on what became the GE campus. The LLC, a partnership led by name RTM Ventures LLC pays homage to his name. RTM and the city are re-developing Electric Works. 16
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Right in Our Region
The 39-acre former General Electric manufacturing campus includes 18 historic buildings with 1.2 million square feet of space.
square feet of space for offices, education, healthcare, retail, entertainment and other community uses. The $126 million second phase is still in planning stages and will include 297 apartments, an early childhood learning center, a fitness/wellness center, commercial space and a 1,141-space parking garage. The anchor tenant is Do It Best, a member-owned hardware, lumber and building materials cooperative founded and headquartered in Fort Wayne that has grown into a global corporation. It does business in 50 countries and operates eight distribution centers and regional lumber offices across the U.S. The business will occupy 200,000 square feet of space on multiple floors in a building on the west side of the campus. In June 2020, the Fort Wayne Community School Board approved a 10-year lease for the development of a new Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math high school (STEAM) at Electric Works, named Amp Lab. Northeast Indiana’s first food hall and public market will be known as Union Street Market and is expected to open in 2022 at Electric Works, offering a range of regionally sourced fresh,
Electric Works Phase Two is still in planning stages and will include 297 apartments, an early childhood learning center, a fitness/wellness center, commercial space and a 1,141-space parking garage.
specialty, and prepared foods and beverages. It will be a permanent location for the beloved Fort Wayne Farmers Market. Fort Wayne’s Conjure Coffee has signed a letter of intent to have an on-site café and coffee bar there. Union Street Market will be open daily and will be home to more than two dozen merchants. Other tenants already committed to leasing space are Fort Wayne Metals, Indiana University, Parkview Health, Medical Informatics Engineering, Fort Wayne Community Schools and Indiana Tech. RTM Ventures focuses on urban redevelopment and is committed to community revitalization. Its partners have developed more than $1 billion of real estate in Indiana and across the U.S. It specializes in sophisticated capital structures, public/private partnerships, redevelopment and historic structures and helps with the application for federal, state and local tax credits and economic development incentive programs. Business is booming in Fort Wayne due to Indiana’s competitive tax climate, business culture and state incentives, says Kingsbury. Residents have access to goods and services one would expect to find in a large city and Fort Wayne ranks high on several lists of the best cities in which to buy a house, raise a family, start a career or launch a business. The city also offers arts organizations, festivals, museums, sports teams, healthcare systems, and family-friendly activities including more than 200 lakes in Northeast Indiana and 2,805 acres of public parks. The name “RTM Ventures” honors Ranald T. McDonald, a late-1800s entrepreneur who founded the Fort Wayne Electric Company on what later became the GE campus. “More than 135,000 construction labor hours have been logged through the summer with 250 construction professionals on site daily,” says Kingsbury. “Nearly 2,000 construction-related jobs in Northeast Indiana are supported by the project during the two-year construction phase, with an estimated $248 million economic impact.” ❚
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Your Home & Garden
Flooring Options Have Never Been Better By Janine Pumilia
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hether you’re flooring a high-end home or a modest rental unit, there have never been better products on the market at all price points, says Krista Jones, co-owner of Select Flooring with her husband, Mike Jones. “The technology now used to manufacture every kind of flooring has come such a long way,” says Jones. “Flooring is more attractive and easier to maintain than it used to be. And the variety of textures, styles and colors is just amazing.” Hard surface flooring has trended upward for many years and vinyl luxury plank (VLP) is the most in demand. “It’s very durable, easy to maintain, water-resistant, petfriendly and works with every kind of design,” says Jones. “Vinyl is also warmer and a little softer underfoot – easier on your body if you’re standing on your feet a long time while cooking etc. We’re seeing the owners of beautiful, high-end homes install vinyl plank throughout the whole home, everywhere except in the shower. Then they change out area rugs every four or five years and give rooms a whole new look.” A sister product to LVP is LVT, luxury vinyl tile, which imitates the look of solid stone flooring. Anyone who’s ever installed or removed a grouted tile or stone floor understands the benefit of getting a stone look without the labor-intensive mess. Using vinyl flooring throughout a home especially makes sense with today’s open-concept floor plans, where one room seamlessly flows into the next, notes Jones. At its showroom in Kendallville, Ind., Select Flooring carries a wide variety of area rugs to top off hard-surface flooring. It also employs a binding specialist who can size, cut, back and bind any kind of carpeting for your home. “This is a nice alternative to area rugs,” Jones explains. “New carpeting is beautiful and stain-proof and it can be more affordable to cut carpeting to the size you need instead of buying an area rug.” Wall-to-wall carpeting is still favored by many people, especially in bedrooms. “It’s nice to wake up and step onto soft, warm carpeting on cold mornings,” says Jones. Real wood floors, both solid and engineered, also are in high demand. Each type offers benefits. “Engineered wood looks exactly like solid hardwood because there’s a veneer of wood on the surface,” says Jones. “But underneath are criss-crossed layers of a highly compressed core that enables fibers to expand evenly in all directions with changes of humidity. Especially in a climate like Indiana, where we can experience all four seasons within one week, engineered wood is very practical.” Hardwood is more inclined to develop cupping or gaps between boards with changes in humidity, but some people prefer it because it can be sanded down and refinished more times than engineered wood. The price points of each are comparable.
The beauty and durability of luxury vinyl plank flooring makes it popular.
As with other flooring types, the wide variety of wood products is really exciting, says Jones. “It’s not just the oak hardwood floor anymore. There are all sorts of wood species and stains to choose from.” Mike Jones has nearly 40 years of experience in the home product industry and he and Krista opened Select Flooring 17 years ago. Krista says this is a wonderful era for designers like herself to be involved with home renovations. “What’s really exciting to me is that, in the past five to seven years, the home has become more of a fashion statement. People are doing more fun, upbeat things and aren’t afraid to use bold colors or to make their rooms a reflection of who they are. This is easier than ever before to do because of the enormous selection of high-quality products now available.” Along with flooring, Select Flooring carries cabinetry and hardware, countertops, tile, window treatments, accent furniture and lighting. It also has a reputation for designing custom bathroom showers. The store employs its own designers and installers for all products it sells. “We have our own installers and they make all the difference,” Jones says. “The work they do is impeccable and I’m so proud that we have them on our team.” A freshly updated home is not exclusively the domain of the well-heeled. “With everything we carry, we have a variety of price points. For example, sheet vinyl flooring is at a low price point but is really attractive compared to how it once looked and the same holds true with laminate countertops. Good design is about knowing what you like, not just how much you spend,” she says. As the parents of six children, the Joneses understand that most families have a limited budget for home projects. “We know the value of a dollar and the work that goes into earning it,” says Jones. “We want our customers to get the most for their money. We have a great team of people working here and once we work with a customer, it’s like they become part of our extended family.” Learn more by calling (260) 347-5565 or stop in at the showroom, 964 Harlash St., Kendallville, Ind. ❚
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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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Your Outings
Embassy Theatre: A Beloved Gem By Peggy Werner
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he same community spirit that saved the Embassy Theatre from ruin also ushered it through the pandemic. Now its supporters are celebrating a return to full-capacity productions. The Broadway at the Embassy series officially kicks off this fall and other events, films and shows are booked throughout the year and beyond, says Carly Myers, chief marketing officer for Embassy Theatre. “We’re back to feeling pleasantly overwhelmed and are experiencing the anticipated activity that comes with the fall and winter seasons,” says Myers. “We’re treating the upcoming season as a regular season. We’re an organization of resiliency and were able to make it through the pandemic without furloughing people and shutting the doors.” The theater is booking events well into 2023 and is talking about dates for the following year. The Broadway series opens Nov. 3 with “Anastasia” and will continue with “Rent” on Nov. 20, followed by “Cats” Jan. 24 and “Hairspray,” “Waitress” and “Jersey Boys” next spring. “We know Fort Wayne loves the classic Broadway hits and we try to get popular shows,” says Myers. “Our vision now and for the future is to offer some shows on two or more nights to give people more options to choose from.” “Anastasia” transports the audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to uncover the mystery of her past and forge her future. For more than 25 years, “Rent” has inspired audiences to choose love over fear and to live without regrets. “Cats” is the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gather to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. “Hairspray” follows 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she dances her way into changing the world with her big hair and big dreams. “Waitress” tells the tale of Jenna, an expert pie-maker who dreams of using her talent to find her way out of her small town and rocky marriage. “Jersey Boys” is the story of four “ordinary” guys whose extraordinary music transforms them into Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. When Fort Wayne began quarantine in March 2020, the staff kept working. By June, the theater was hosting events with reduced capacity and social distancing. “When a lot of venues had to close, we were able to stay open because we have so much space,” explains Myers. “We partnered with local organizations to host events here because they couldn’t take place where they were, and we just figured out how to make things happen. We worked closely with the health department and set up COVID-19 protocols. It was different, but we were determined, and the community was very supportive.” The 2,471-seat theater is large enough to attract national
The Broadway at the Embassy series will kick off Nov. 3 with “Anastasia.”
acts, but small enough to give audiences an intimate experience and tout, “There’s not a bad seat in the house.” A former sevenstory hotel wraps around the north and west sides of the theater and has been transformed into business offices, a two-story ballroom, and other rental spaces. A rooftop patio is rented out for weddings and other events. Although many people are eager to get back to in-person events, the theater is also working to determine how virtual productions can serve the community, especially rural residents and aging populations, says Myers. The theater’s history began with the opening of Emboyd Theatre in May 1928 as a movie palace and vaudeville venue. For 25 years, it hosted the brightest stars of stage and screen, such as Perry Como, Lawrence Welk, Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, Doris Day, Duke Ellington, Red Skelton, Victor Borge and Bob Hope, who made his first emcee appearance in Fort Wayne. Alliance Amusement Corporation purchased the venue in 1952, changed its name to Embassy Theatre and continued operating it as a movie palace. The ornate pipe organ, originally used for providing a score during silent films, was preserved by a group of local organ enthusiasts. When the theater faced the wrecking ball, as had been the fate of some of its peers, a handful of community leaders and volunteers formed the Embassy Theatre Foundation in 1972 with a goal of protecting and preserving both the building and the organ. With just two days to spare, $250,000 was raised to rescue the building from demolition. It was added to the Register of Historic Places in 1975. Soon, many fundraisers were established, such as the annual Festival of Trees, which is still held today. Major renovations continued and dedicated volunteers have kept the theater vibrant as the place of education, entertainment and inspiration it is today. Learn more about all upcoming events and how you can support this community gem at fwembassytheatre.org. ❚
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Our Community
The Landing & Bradley Hotel By Peggy Werner
A
n historic location that launched the city of Fort Wayne is now transformed into a booming block designed to attract locals and destination travelers alike, anchored by a stylish new hotel. Many new businesses have opened during the past year at The Landing, located on one city block of Columbia Street between Calhoun and Harrison streets. “Our community made a concentrated effort to buy the whole block and renovate it all at once, to attract the businesses that are here today,” explains Kristen Guthrie, vice president of marketing at Visit Fort Wayne. “It’s a very dramatic change. We’ve renovated historical spaces and added new buildings in an effort to honor our history while making the area appealing to people today.” The area was neglected for a long time but has been given new life, Guthrie explains. “As people gravitated to the outdoors during the pandemic, they learned to love it and the neighboring Promenade Park, and they want to continue to enjoy all the outside opportunities they can. People can enjoy a coffee, a cocktail, fine dining, music, do some shopping, meet friends, attend an event. It’s just a great place for people to gather and it’s always full of life.” The biggest news coming out of the newly developed area is the recent opening of The Bradley Hotel. The hotel is a collaboration between Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, who in 1982 cofounded the women’s fashion label Vera Bradley (named for her mother) with Patricia R. Miller in Fort Wayne, and Provenance Hotels, which specializes in independent hotels that reflect the character of the cities where they’re located. Baekgaard’s gift for design and hospitality is evident in the stylish, comfortable and welcoming hotel that is uniquely Fort Wayne, with local art decorating every room and the common areas, says Guthrie. The 124-room hotel has nine specialty suites, each named for an Indiana city, a rotating art gallery, a restaurant and a rooftop bar. Arbor Restaurant, on the ground floor, specializes in
With interior design influenced by the co-founder of Vera Bradley, it’s no surprise that the new Bradley Hotel is cheerily stylish and welcoming.
Is anything better than gathering with friends at a bright, new location?
modern American fare, with an emphasis on homecooked favorites. Birdie’s, a nickname given to Baekgaard by a grandchild, is a rooftop bar with a central fireplace and outdoor terrace overlooking the downtown. Rental space in the hotel includes a spot for Kilwin’s, famous for chocolates, fudge and ice cream. Other businesses on Columbia Street include the city’s newest brewery, Landing Beer Company, which offers something for all ages, including craft beers, barbecue and a kid’s menu. There’s also Utopian Coffee, boutiques, and international cuisine such as tacos from Mercado, Asian fusion foods at Nawa, wood-fired pizza from Alto Grado, and Tolon, a farm-to-table restaurant. The Bison is one of many landmark murals in the city and welcomes visitors to The Landing. These murals are contributing to Fort Wayne’s growing reputation as a hub for artistic expression. The Landing is also within walking distance of many other local attractions, such as the Arts Campus and Promenade Park, with its skyline views, riverfront activities, kayak rental, music, brews and a water fountain playground for kids at Trubble Riverside Café and Tap. The latter is a pet-friendly patio with water bowls, beds, and homemade treats for dogs. In the 1800s, Fort Wayne was nicknamed “The Summit City” because of its location at the highest point where canals were used to transport goods. Traders landed along the downtown streets of Canal and Columbia, hence the moniker “The Landing.” HostThemHere.com gives local residents all the tools they need to show Hoosier hospitality to their guests, with information on venues, hotels, restaurants, businesses, activities and tips for planning getaways, says Guthrie. “The site is a collection of resources that equip you to be a perfect host and roll out the red carpet for guests. Fort Wayne residents are looking forward to hosting their family and friends, who haven’t been able to get together for quite some time.” ❚
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Your Fun
Entertainment & Events
Kuehnert Dairy Fall Festival Days Oct. 15-17 and 22-24. Hours: Fri. 6-10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m. Experience the 6th-generation Kuehnert family dairy farm, with its corn maze, festival activities and dairy-inspired food for sale. Kuehnert Dairy Farm, 6532 W Cook Road, Fort Wayne, Kuehnertdairy.com. Birdwatching at Camp Scott Oct. 24, 9-10:30 a.m. Beginners to pros are welcome and a limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow. The Camp Scott Nature Preserve isn’t usually open to the public, so these are great opportunities to see a lesser-known gem, guided by Fort Wayne Trails. 3615 Oxford St., Fort Wayne, (260) 969-0079. fwtrails.org. Pumpkin Path Through Sunday, Oct. 31. Enjoy interactive displays in this outdoor Exploration Garden, like photo ops and brain teasers that reveal a secret message along the way, plus mischievous garden gnomes. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. (260) 427-6440. Botanicalconservatory.org.
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‘Anastasia’ Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m. In the romantic and adventure-filled new musical from the Tony Awardwinning creators of ‘Ragtime,’ this dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of 1920s Paris. Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. (260) 424-6287, fwembassytheatre.org Visions of the Old West Garden Exhibit Through Nov. 14, daily except Mondays. Stroll down the main street of a not-quite Ghost Town, listen to rag-time tunes from the honkey-tonk saloon and appreciate the rugged beauty of cacti, succulents and wildflowers. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. (260) 4276440. Botanicalconservatory.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.
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Stroll the Pumpkin Path at the Botanical Conservatory this month.
Nashville Thursdays 7-10 p.m. Free live music, country, bluegrass, Americana. Club Room, Clyde Theater. Clydetheatre.com. Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily in October. 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne. Kidszoo.org. Open Acoustic Jam Each second Tuesday, 5-8 p.m. at Sweetwater, 5501 US Hwy 30 West, Fort Wayne. All skill levels welcome. sweetwater.com. ❚
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