Quality, Smart Products & Services for Your Home, Family, Health & Entertainment!9 FallEvents SeePage28 How to Save Big Money with Solar Panels A One-Stop Shop for Home Furnishings Save Money With a Quality Roof Tips for Becoming Properly Insured Finding the Root Cause of Your Health Concerns Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • September 2022 • No. I The DeKalb County Fair Welcomes the Fall Season With Free Fun
5Smart Living Fort Wayne September 2022 • ITell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Fort Wayne September 2022 • I To Advertise Call 260-212-8968 Smart CopyrightLiving.2022 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 permis sion from the publisher is strictly prohibited. 6 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Senior Editor Lindsey Lukas Managing Editor Jim Taylor Editorial Assistant Steven Bonifazi Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writers Toni Rocha, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Director of Corporate Happiness Hana Hughes Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) www.SmartLivingFortWayne.com316-2301 In This Issue Right in Our Region Cover & p. 16 The DeKalb County Fair Welcomes All Ages Your Kitchen 9 Family-Favorite Recipes Your Money 11 Are You Properly Insured? Inspiration & Worship 14 No Matter What Outdoor Living 21 How You Can Save Money With a Quality Roof Your Health & Fitness 23 Finding the Root Cause of Your Illnesses Your Home 25 A One-Stop Shop for Home Furnishings Outdoor Living 2 27 Solar Panels Can Save You Big Money Your Family Fun 28
My favorite month of the year is here! I’ve always loved September. I got married in September. As I’ve mentioned in previous columns, I love the weather shift that occurs this time of year, and I love the excitement of the back-to-school season. This month always feels like hitting refresh. But last year, this favorite month of mine was a difficult chapter for our family. My hus band Mike and I spent last September practi cally living in the NICU, since our baby boy was born five weeks early with some compli cations. I’m so grateful that now, a year later, Elliot is a thriving 1 year old with big, blue eyes and a bigger smile. Mike and I want to be cognizant of living life to the fullest this month, partially because this was such a dreary time last year. (And if you’re going through a similar NICU experience right now, please know I’m thinking of you and wishing your family the best). For us, living life to the fullest means cel ebrating Elliot’s birthday with our family, tak ing long walks down forest preserve trails near our house, spending our wedding anniversary outside of hospital walls, and squeezing in as many pool days as we can while the weather is still nice. Essentially, we’re trying to make quality time a priority, which isn’t always easy to do. Between going to work, changing dia pers, and navigating everything else that par enting a baby entails, it’s oftentimes tricky to break out of “the routine.” I’m sure you’ve experienced something similar, no matter what phase of life you’re in. But what if we lean into inconveniencing our schedules in order to make time for our loved ones? That’s what Mike and I are really trying to do this month. They say time is a thief, and I concur. This past year had its long nights, especially when Elliot wasn’t sleeping through the night, but overall, his first year of life went by so fast. If I were giving a toast right now, I’d cheers to breaking out of rou tines and creating pre cious week!Havememories.anexcellent ❚
7Smart Living Fort Wayne September 2022 • ITell them you saw it in ...
Quality Time
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
Strawberry Shortcake
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup grated vegan Parmesan cheese
Servings: 8 Strawberries: 2 pounds strawberries, hulled and sliced 6 tablespoons sugar
To make strawberries: In bowl, toss sliced strawberries and sugar. Let berries sit 30 minutes-2 hours before serving.
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 12 minutes
Whipped Plant Cream: 2 cups Country Crock Plant Cream, directly from refrigerator 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Shortcakes: 3/4 cup chilled Country Crock Plant Cream, plus additional for brushing, divided 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Servings: 5 1 tablespoon Country Crock Plant Butter with Olive Oil 1/2 cup chopped white or yellow onion
In pan over moderate heat, melt plant butter. Add onions and garlic. Cover and cook until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and red pepper flakes. Cook until tomato paste starts to lightly brown. Add vodka and stir well, scraping bits of browned tomato paste from bottom of pan. Cook over high heat until liquid is reduced by about half to con centrate flavors. Add plant cream and wa ter; stir to incorporate tomato paste evenly. Bring to simmer. Toss in cooked pasta. Add vegan Parmesan, salt and fresh basil.
Savor the timeless taste of pasta with this Penne Alla Vodka, a classic dish high on flavor and low on hassle so you can have a meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Prep time: 10 minutes
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Your Kitchen 9Smart Living Fort Wayne September 2022 • ITell them you saw it in ...
2 cups flour 2 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup tomato paste 1 pinch red pepper flakes
❚ Source: Family Features
Take Family Favorites to New Heights
1/2 cup (1 stick) Country Crock Plant Butter Sticks with Avocado Oil, melted 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup (2 fluid ounces) water 3 cups dry penne pasta, cooked and drained
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
To make whipped plant cream: In chilled bowl, using electric hand mixer or stand mixer on high, whisk chilled plant cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract until plant cream thickens and stiff peaks form.
When it’s time to settle down for the night, end the day on a high note with the sweetness of Strawberry Shortcake. Toss strawberries with sugar, create your own whipped plant cream and make shortcakes from scratch for a true taste of home.
To make shortcakes: Preheat oven to 475 F. In small bowl, mix 3/4 cup plant cream and lemon juice; set aside 2-3 minutes, or until it begins to curdle. In large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in plant butter and plant cream mixture. Knead dough a few times then shape into 1-inch-tall circle. Cut circle into eight wedges. Transfer wedges onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush tops of bis cuits generously with additional plant cream and sprinkle turbi nado sugar on top. Bake 10-12 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through baking. Biscuits should be golden brown. Cool before assembling. Split each biscuit in half. Spoon strawberries over half of biscuits. Add dollop of whipped plant cream on top. Lay er other biscuit halves on top followed by more strawberries and plant cream.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Gathering together to enjoy a meal at the family table or a sweet treat at the end of a long day is what time with loved ones is all about. Turning to beloved classics can bring everyone running to the kitchen to share the flavors of those familiar favorites.
1/4 cup (2 fluid ounces) vodka
Penne Alla Vodka
Visit CountryCrock.com for more ways to elevate week night meals and desserts.
16 fluid ounces Country Crock Plant Cream
Total time: 30 minutes
Are You Properly Insured?
Permanent insurance, on the other hand, offers a death ben efit and the opportunity to build cash value. Because of this, pre miums for permanent insurance – which includes “whole life” or “universal life” – are considerably higher than those for term life. Which type of insurance should you choose? Again, it all depends on your situation and your preferences. Some financial experts advise people to “buy term and invest the difference” – that is, use the money saved on the lower term insurance pre miums to invest in stocks and mutual funds. Others, however, disagree, and point to the benefits of permanent insurance, such as the ability to borrow against the cash value of a policy to pay for unexpected expenses. Ultimately, in making the choice be tween term and permanent insurance, you’ll need to look at your entire financial picture to determine which option is best for you.
Pamela Covington, CFP, RICP, AAMS Financial Advisor 6525 Constitution Drive, Fort Wayne, IN, 46804 (260) 478-8038 edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/ pam-covington
So, if you decide that you should acquire or strengthen your life insurance, how much do you need? Your employer may provide you with some insurance as an employee benefit, but it may not be sufficient. You might have heard that you should have coverage worth seven or eight times your annual salary. But this estimate is just that – an estimate. Everyone’s situation is different, and there’s really no one formula that can tell you how much insurance you require. To determine the coverage you need, you’ll want to consider several factors, including your age, number of dependents, your income and that of your spouse and the size of your mortgage. Knowing how much coverage you need is obviously impor tant, but you’ll also want to consider what type of life insurance is right for you. You have two basic choices: term or permanent insurance.Asthe name suggests, term insurance provides coverage for a specified amount of time, such as 10, 20 or 25 years. Term insurance only offers a death benefit – there’s no buildup of cash value in your policy. Generally speaking, term insurance is con sidered to be quite affordable, especially when you’re young.
In fact, life insurance should be a key component of your overall financial strategy, along with your investment mix and the long-term goals you’ve set. Insurance can even play a role in your estate planning, as you determine the best way to distribute assets to your family members and any charitable organizations you support.LifeInsurance Awareness Month lasts 30 days, but your need for life insurance can endure for decades. Make sure you’re doing everything you can to protect your loved ones. GLYPH This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. ❚ Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C., Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C., and Edward Jones In surance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C. California Insurance License OC24309.
Your Money 11Smart Living Fort Wayne September 2022 • ITell them you saw it in ...
You probably won’t see it on your calendar, but Septem ber is Life Insurance Aware ness Month. And it is indeed impor tant to be aware of the importance of life insurance. Are you adequately insured?Many people aren’t. About 40% of Americans face some type of life insurance gap, either because they’re uninsured or underinsured, according to a 2021 survey by the research and advocacy groups LIMRA and Life Happens.The need for life insurance is pretty straightforward: If something were to happen to you, would your family be able to continue their same lifestyle? Would the mortgage still be paid? Would your children still be able to further their education?
Smart Living Fort Wayne September 2022 • I To Advertise Call 260-212-896812 2315 Shelby Drive, TrustColliers.comWarsaw 574.900.2909 Celebrating 25 years! If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect hearth for your home, Collier’s Fireplace Shoppe is here to help you turn your dream into a reality. We have 25 years experience transforming blank walls and generic builder’s grade fireplaces into showstoppers. Whether you’re looking for an elegant solution for your living room, a wood stove for a cozy family room, or an outdoor kitchen that will make your neighbors green with envy, make your first call to the experts at Collier’s.
“Ye have not because ye ask not,” states James 4:2-3.
Inspiration & Worship 14 Smart Living Fort Wayne September 2022 • I To Advertise Call 260-212-8968 No Matter What The Bible is full of verses that tell us all things are possible with God. Yet we’ve all been disappointed by unan swered prayers. Why? Many Christians have grappled with that question and concluded this: We don’t really under stand God and never will, in this life. We can’t comprehend Him. But to give up just because we see only a tiny fraction of what He sees, is foolish.
Paul addresses this in his first letter to the believers at Corinth: “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (I Corinthians 13:12) When Jesus was preparing his dis ciples for his death, resurrection and the arrival of holy spirit, he encouraged them to bring their requests to God in his name.
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be yourYourname,kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have for given our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:9-13)Our prayers aren’t always answered in the way we wish. But we pray anyway. No matter what. ❚ Janine Pumilia
In other words, we don’t stop praying. We keep on praying. No matter what.
“And in that day you will ask me no question. Truly, truly, I say unto you, if you shall ask the Father for anything, He will give it to you in my name. Until now you have asked for nothing in my name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.” (John 16:23-27) Praying to God, both to praise Him and to ask for what we need, is always a good thing to do. How should we do it? Jesus provided examples, including a prayer we call commonly call The Lord’s Prayer. He asked God for God’s will to be done; praised God; acknowledged God as the master of Heaven and Earth; and acknowledged our need for forgiveness –a prayer that was answered after Jesus was raised from the dead. Finally, Jesus asked God for protection from Satan.
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
“We have a great line-up of free entertainment at our Main Stage,” Rowe says.
Thursday: Arena Rock Show with REkT, 7 p.m. Friday: Set The Hook with Crush, 7 p.m.
Wednesday: Larry Fleet with Megan Moroney and Side Piece, 7 p.m.
Adults may also enjoy horse shows and other 4-H entertain ment throughout the week.
Tuesday: High School Show Choir Contest, 8 p.m.
The DeKalb County Free Fall Fair promises no shortage of fun Sept. 26-Oct. 1 at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds, 708 S. Union St., Auburn, Ind. Activities include a carnival, live entertainment, 4-H exhib its and activities, a parade, pageants, a 5K run and more.
Right in Our Region 16 Smart Living Fort Wayne September 2022 • I To Advertise Call 260-212-8968
Get Excited for the DeKalb County Fair
Monday: Miss DeKalb County Queen Pageant, 8 p.m.
“The Horse Arena will host a variety of equine events Mon day through Friday, with a Garden Tractor Pull on Saturday at 6 p.m.,” Rowe says. “The Garden Tractors are really something to see, and we are expecting even more competitors than last year.
“And there is the food – so many options to choose from!” says Eric Rowe, president of the DeKalb County Executive Fair Board.“There is no admission fee to attend the street fair, livestock events or the concerts,” he continues. “Some parking lots do charge $5 per entry or $20 for the week, and there will be daily specials on ride tickets.”
The Main Stage schedule is as follows:
While there’s plenty for kids to do at the DeKalb County Fair, from carnival rides and games to delighting in a petting zoo, there’s no doubt that adults can find entertainment as well.
“We also have a fantastic display of animals in our Live
Saturday: Little Texas with The Band Cheyenne, 6:30 p.m.
Thousandsmore.of
Rowe also credits 4-H program staff and 4-H families who attend various livestock events, a partnership with Poor Jacks Amusements and all the concessionaires who attend the fair, and of course, attendees who support the fair. Without this array of people, the fair wouldn’t be the spectacle it is today.
Most people look forward to the fair for weeks, and many who live in town never miss a day, Rowe says. And, due to the love and dedication of people in DeKalb County, it’s no doubt this event will continue to delight young and old generations for many years to come.
Also, come rain or shine, thousands faithfully show up every year on Saturday morning to watch the parade. Expect horses, fire trucks, floats and bands to “wow” the crowd, starting at 10 a.m.
The DeKalb County Free Fall Fair takes place Sept. 26-Oct 1 and features a carnival, live entertainment, 4-H activities, a parade, pageants and
While the fair offers ample fun during the day, nighttime is when the fair truly comes alive. Most of the time, Auburn is a quiet city. But for one week of the year, this little town transforms into a fantasy world with delightful sights and sounds, particularly due to the carnival.
“We are excited to welcome everyone to the 2022 DeKalb County Fair,” Rowe says. “We expect it to be a great week and look forward to seeing everyone.” Visit dekalbcountyfair.org for a full schedule of activities/ entertainment and more information on carnival ticket specials. ❚
Right in Our Region 17Smart Living Fort Wayne September 2022 • ITell them you saw it in ... stock Barns and some very competitive 4-H shows,” Rowe continues. “Don’t miss the 4-H displays on the fairgrounds!” There’s also the merchant’s tent, which covers six city blocks, or more than 45,000 square feet under one roof. Fairgoers can meander amongst more than 200 vendors with exhibits that vary from lawn and garden equipment, beauty products, apparel, health products, RV’s, ATV’s, civic organizations and more. Some vendors have been known to give away free gifts on Saturday night at the end of the festivities. “The merchant’s tent is a long-standing tradition at the fair and will be full of local vendors,” Rowe adds. “Middaugh Hall will host ‘Made in DeKalb,’ displaying local man ufacturing companies.”
“We used to use the tagline, ‘America’s Family Reunion!’ and truly, it is,” Rowe adds. “We all gather to catch up with friends and neighbors around the Courthouse Square.”
For 85 years, Auburn neighbors and volunteers have put on the fair. In fact, it’s on record as one of the longest-running street fairs in the country. And while this is the 85th anniversary of the Free Fall Fair, there’s been a continuous fair in DeKalb County since“We1906.have an outstanding fair board of directors, some with 20-plus years of service,” Rowe says. “They’re very diverse in age, experience and focus. And the fair would not be possible without volunteers providing support to all areas of the fair –event management, parking, entertainment, parades – and local government officials who work with us to close the roads, support our utility needs and protect our fairgoers.”
“Our street carnival is one of our most popular events with a huge variety of rides and games,” Rowe says.
people attend the DeKalb County Free Fall Fair parade on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. to see horses, floats, fire trucks, bands and more.
Smart Living Fort Wayne September 2022 • I To Advertise Call 260-212-896818
Honest Abe Roofing promises high-quality materials and customer service when installing your new roof. They also offer a lifetime guarantee so customers never need to spend money on their roof twice.
Honest Abe Roofing specializes in installing, repairing and maintaining residential roofs. They provide 24/7 emergency roofing services and many easy-payment solutions, including same-as-cash, 0% financing, long-term/low payment loans and more. They can install gutters, soffit, fascia, trim and siding when putting on a new roof. There are plans to offer more ser vices in the future.
The company has a top rating because of the quality prod ucts they use, Williams says. Installers are professionally trained and certified, and they’re required to take continuing education courses to keep up with the latest techniques, products and other necessary information to stay on the cutting edge of the roofing industry.Honest
He reminds people that roofers are not all the same. Home Improvement scammers are always looking for windows of op portunity to get peoples’ money and then disappear, or not return calls if there is an issue.
Signs of roof trouble most commonly include damaged flashing, curling shingles and decay over time. Roofs also need to be properly ventilated to prevent mold due to moisture build up. A roof must also be properly insulated to control utility bills, air quality and uneven heating in the home.
Outdoor Living 21Smart Living Fort Wayne September 2022 • ITell them you saw it in ...
“We offer a lifetime guarantee because we are going to do the job right,” Williams says. “We appeal to people who demand quality and are willing to pay for it. If price is the only thing a homeowner cares about, we walk away from the job because we can’t do it. We are all about quality.
By Peggy Werner
A Quality Roof Saves You Money
“We started out intending to be differ ent by taking the high road. We consider ourselves a premiere roofing company, having only better and best quality mate rials, and we offer guarantees beyond all manufacturer’s warranties. We are going to be here, and if your roof fails, we are going to take care of you,” he says. In particular, Honest Abe is different because they only install new roofs, not ‘roof overs.’ Some roofers offer estimates based on satellite images, while Honest Abe gives a firm quote based on a thor ough free Wheninspection.meetingwith customers, Hon est Abe roofers show proof of certifica tions, insurance and licenses. Their work is guaranteed for the lifetime of the roof, unlike most roofers.
“Getting a new roof on a home is something most home owners only do once, unless they move around. So, they don’t always have the experience or the information they need to make a good choice,” Williams says. “Buying a house is most people’s biggest expense they will ever make and getting a new roof is one of the most expensive maintenance costs. The quality of a roof affects the quality of living in the home by protecting the house and those living in it.”
Some of the scams include taking people’s money, but never showing up for work; putting on a roof that ends up having leaks; calls that are not returned; and making appointments only to find out no one shows up, he says.
“The reality is that although our roof might be more expen sive upfront, our roofs end up being the least expensive over the life of the roof,” Williams adds. “That’s because with an Honest Abe roof, you will never spend another dime on your roof.” ❚
When Greg Williams, owner of Hon est Abe Roofing, opened his busi ness two years ago, he wanted to offer Northeastern Indiana customers someone they could count on from start to finish.
“Anyone with a pickup truck and a ladder can say they are a roofer,” Williams says. “They get customers because they offer low prices, but the problem is the quality of materials and instal lation methods are also low quality, and there is no customer service. The stories I’ve heard are unbelievable. We are a roofing company, not a roofer.”
Installing a roof is no time to take short cuts.
Abe shingles have scotch guard protection and a high copper content to discourage the growth of algae, which causes black streaks on a roof, Williams says.
A specialist in thyroid functional medicine, Gafken uses it as an“Rarelyexample.ever is the question asked why a person becomes hypothyroid in the first place,” he explains. “They know they have over- or under-active thyroid function, but the underlying reason in most cases can be due to autoimmunity and subsequent inflammation, hormonal imbalance, deficient gut microbiome or impairedOncedetoxification.”thepatientisdiagnosed correctly, he can prescribe a plan that takes into consideration every aspect of the patient’s condition.“Through adjunctive care, we create a synergy that is ben eficial not only to improve and maintain thyroid function, but also establish optimal wellness throughout the patient’s body.”
For more information or to make an appointment, contact Health N.O.W. at (260) 920-8811 or visit SeekHealthNow.com. ❚
Your Health 23Smart Living Fort Wayne September 2022 • ITell them you saw it in ...
In his clinic at 2146 State Road 8, in Auburn, Ind., Gafken utilizes blood, salivary, hormone and stool testing, which nar rows the focus to better pinpoint underlying conditions that need addressing.“After a comprehensive discussion with our patients and listening to their health concerns, we can better determine which testing methods to use so we can identify imbalances and know how to effectively get them back on track,” he says. “We take a proactive approach, not waiting for symptoms to appear, but rather finding indicators that there may be problems.” These indicators can include food sensitivities, autoimmu nity, digestive problems or hormone imbalances – triggers that the patient has no idea are causing or aggravating their existing health“Onceproblems.wehave recognized these triggers through refined testing, we are able to supplement their body with the supportive nutrition they need to rebalance, improve and maintain their best possible health,” Gafken says.
Finding the Root Cause of Your Health Issue
By Toni Rocha Dr. Lucas D. Gafken DC, DACNB, a chiropractic neurolo gist at Health N.O.W., says functional medicine utilizes natural solutions to optimize a patient’s overall wellness, while also identifying and addressing the root cause of health condi tions such as chronic fatigue, blood sugar imbalances and im mune issues, digestive problems, inflammation, depression, brain fog and more.
“By addressing the source of the health problem, we’re able to restore balance and function in the body so that our patients can start feeling like themselves all over again,” Gafken says.
The Shuee brothers are not new to the furniture and appliance business. Since 1987, they’ve managed a Green castle, Ind. appliance store established in 1970 by their late father, Bob Shuee. They also own a furniture store in Gre encastle, a furniture and appliance store in Brazil and an appliance store in Lafay ette, TheInd. brothers have a total of six chil dren, five of whom are already working in the family business. “We’re hoping the next generations will continue to operate as we have for as long as possible,” Shuee says. ❚
Finding All of Your Home Furnishings
By Peggy Werner
Appliances account for the majority of their sales and they offer many midline brands as well as premium lines like Sub-Zero and Wolf. For the bargain hunter, there is the “bargain barn” with reduced prices on appliances with dings and dents, but still covered under war ranty and eligible for service.
Stucky’s offers options from mid-line brands as well as premium lines.
Under new ownership just over a year ago, Stucky’s Furniture & Appli ance in Fort Wayne has made some big changes, but one thing remains the same – a commitment to the best customer ser vice Thosepossible.efforts have been rewarded with 16 consecutive years of being voted the “best appliance store in Fort Wayne,” by local newspaper readers. Since Bill and Polly Shuee, and his brother and sister-in-law Brent and Lori, purchased the family-owned busi ness exactly a year ago, they have done some major remodeling and updating in the store to include a furniture line, new signage, a new name (formerly Stucky Bros.), energy efficient LED lighting, and more.“This place has longevity and we are just trying to reinvigorate this grand old brand name and give it a fresh, new look,” says Bill Shuee. “We want to be a one-stop-shop for customers who want home fur nishings. We take care of our customers the way we would like to be taken care of.”
The store sells to homeowners, contractors and remodelers. Stucky’s is celebrating its 108th anniversary this October and de tails are being worked out on how to thank the community for their support, he says. Stucky’s has also expanded the on-staff team of delivery, installation and repair service professionals and have devoted about 15,000 square feet of space in a 40,000-square-foot show room to furniture, including mattresses and electronics.
Stucky’s Furniture and Appliance in Fort Wayne offers a one-stop-shop for customers who want home furnishings, including appliances, mattresses, electronics, furniture and more.
Your Home & Garden 25Smart Living Fort Wayne September 2022 • ITell them you saw it in ...
The Collier’s family of brands has been serving the greater Warsaw area for 34 years, installing heating and air-conditioning systems, including geothermal installations, for residential and commercial customers. Its Fireplace Shoppe installs and services gas stoves, gas fireplaces, wood stoves and wood fireplaces, and sells a full line of gas, charcoal and pellet grills.
The company also sells and services air purifiers, dehumidi fiers, humidifiers and air filtration systems as well as solar-pow ered attic vent fans. It installs, seals and cleans ductwork and dryer vents, too.
Solar Panels Can Save You Big Money
Outdoor Living 27Smart Living Fort Wayne September 2022 • ITell them you saw it in ...
By Janine Pumilia
“Our typical process is to review a full year’s worth of util ity bills,” Ault explains. “We can design a system to get you to net zero or to be supplemental to your utility bill. We can also install it in phases according to your budget.”
“We got the opportunity to buy the company and we didn’t think we should pass it up,” says Ault. “It’s been good to our families over the years, and we look at Collier’s as an opportu nity to extend our family to the team that we’ve built, the house holds we serve, and the communities where we live and work.”
Learn more by calling (574) 203-5882, go to trustcolliers. com or visit the showroom at 2315 North Shelby Dr., Warsaw, Ind. ❚ There’s an upfront investment to install solar panels, but if you plan to stay in your home for the long term, savings on your utility bills can be exponential.
society. When it needs to buy from other suppliers, Collier’s seeks out American solar panel companies.
Solar panels can be mounted on a roof or on the ground and typically require no maintenance. “Rainfall is usually enough to wash the dust off them,” says Ault. “In extreme situations they can be washed with mild soap and water.”Virtually anything in a home can be powered by your solar panels.“Each panel has a micrometer on it that converts power from DC voltage to AC voltage that can be fed into your house,” Ault Dependingsays. on how your utility company structures it, any extra energy that’s generated can be fed back into the grid and credited to your account. The federal government is offering a 26 percent tax credit for solar panel installations this year. That figure will change to 22 percent in 2023. There’s currently no state tax credit for solar installation in WheneverIndiana.possible, Collier’s buys its solar panels from Crossroads Solar Panel in South Bend, Ind., a company that em ploys second chance citizens, helping them to re-integrate into
Solar panels aren’t for everyone, but when they’re a good fit for your situa tion, the energy savings can be remarkable, says Chuck Ault, co-owner and service manager for Collier’s Solar in Warsaw, Ind. Collier’s has been installing solar pan els for 10 years and has seen interest in so lar energy grow among local homeowners, schools and commercial businesses. “Solar panels have been around long enough now that people are feeling more comfortable and curious about them,” says Ault. “You need to have clear exposure to the south. And the upfront investment will take some years to pay for itself, so it’s not for homeowners who plan to move anytime soon.”If you can check those two boxes, however, “The savings down the road can be exponential, especially if you invest the money you’d otherwise be paying to utility companies.”Depending on how a customer ap proaches it, a solar panel system pays for itself, on average, in 9 to 12 years.
Ault co-owns Collier’s with Kevin Lehman. The men were longtime employees at Collier’s before the chance to purchase the business arose.
Your Fun Entertainment & Events
Smooth Tuesdays Every Tuesday, 6-9 p.m., enjoy the best in soft rock and classic hits with rotating art ists. Clyde Theater, 1806 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, (574) 344-0566, clydetheatre.com. Nashville Thursdays Weekly country, bluegrass and other free live music 7-10 p.m. in the Clyde Theater Club Room. Food and drink specials. 1806 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, clydeclubroom.com.
Bill Blass, Fashion Designer Thru Sept. 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. In honor of his 100th birthday, the Fort Wayne History Center is celebrating Bill Blass, an American fashion icon and WWII Ghost Army soldier who was born and raised in Fort Wayne. 302 E. Berry St., fwhistorycenter.org. Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch Thru Oct. 30, Fri. 6-10 p.m., Sat. noon-10 p.m., Sun. 2-6 p.m. Choose a pre-picked or pick-your-own pumpkin and tackle a corn maze. Amazing Fall Fun, 3150 Cr. 43, Waterloo, amazingfallfun.com. Kuehnert Dairy Fall Festival Sept. 16-Oct. 30, Fri. 6-10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. Corn mazes, pumpkins, ice cream and, of course, baby calves. Kuehnert Dairy Farm & Fall Festival, 6532 W. Cook Road, Fort Wayne, kuehnert dairy.com/kuehnert-fall-festival.
Johnny Appleseed Festival
Sept. 17-18, Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. to 5 p.m. This period-authentic festival celebrates the life and times of John Chapman, a.k.a. Tackle corn mazes at Amazing Fall Fun, in Waterloo, and at the Kuehnert Dairy Fall Festival, in Fort Wayne. Johnny Appleseed. Includes food, demonstra tions, crafts, antiques, roving entertainment, children’s area, military reenactment, farm er’s market and more. 1500 East Coliseum Boulevard, Fort Wayne, johnnyappleseed fest.com. DeKalb County Fair Sept. 26-Oct. 1, check website for times. Attractions include a carnival, 4-H activi ties, parade and more. DeKalb County Fairgrounds, 708 S. Union St., Auburn, (260) 925-1834, dekalbcountyfair.org. ❚
Smart Living Fort Wayne September 2022 • I To Advertise Call 260-212-896828
Jurassic Park in Concert Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m. The Fort Wayne Philharmonic performs the iconic “Jurassic Park” score live to picture. Foellinger Theater, 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, (260) 4276000, kidszoo.org.
Frida for All Sept. 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Celebrate Latinx culture, women in the arts, and artists with physical disabilities with storytelling about Frida Kahlo, traditional Mexican crafts for all ages, a Frida-look-alike show with prizes, a Frida selfie station, collaborative painting for people of all ages and abilities, and demon strations by local artists. Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, visit fortwayne.com.
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