Smart Living Fort Wayne - March 9, 2023

Working From Home

Fulldisclosure to all readers: I work remotely. I roll into the office every once and a while, but for the most part, I’m fully at home.

It’s a relatively new development for me. For years, I showed up in business casual attire at the lovely Hughes Media office. Then, everyone went remote for a while at the onset of the pandemic. Speaking to my co-workers, I’ve learned that some of them hated it. They missed the in-person interactions, but they also found it difficult to feel motivated at home.

But for me, personally, I love working remotely. I love every single thing about it.

I’m very lucky to work for someone who understands the importance of family. The main reason I work remotely now is because I’m the primary caretaker of my 18-month-old son, Elliot. When he’s awake, he’s my main focus. We spend our days reading books, playing with blocks, going to music class — all things typical of a kid his age. My co-workers know this. They know I get most of my work done at odd times, and they know they’ll probably hear a squawking baby in the background if they call me during normal business hours. There’s no secrecy here.

I’m able to financially contribute to our household income while also ensuring that my family’s needs are met without relying on day care or a nanny. (Though I must admit, grandma helps babysit quite often). It’s truly the best of both worlds.

I write this because I want people to know that it’s possible. You can be a working woman and a stay-at-home mom. I don’t want it to sound like it’s easy because it’s not. Time management skills are crucial. But I wish more employers allowed this as an option. Having the freedom to balance work and home has led to a happier employee (me) with ultimately no missed or delayed deadlines. It might not work for every job, but I’m sure it could work for plenty more people than just me.

Anyway, something to think about. Hopefully something for other employers to emulate.

Have a great week! ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

Unique Merchandise at This & That

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Afew years ago, the McCroy family had a dream to open a store filled with interesting merchandise. Together, Greg, Sonja, Kari and Cynthia McCrory made it happen.

“Sonja and I were on a vacation to Cedar Point, taking the scenic route, stopping at out-of-the-way shops,” Greg says. “We were talking about family and what our futures could be, and the legacy we would leave for our children and grandchildren. We thought it would be fun to open a shop. Then, we said we could absolutely do this.”

The four McCroys officially opened This & That in February 2018 in a small retail space on North Coliseum Boulevard. The shop quickly outgrew its initial location, so the family moved their livelihood to its current space at 3209 N. Anthony Blvd. A, Fort Wayne, in December 2018.

“Shoppers can find a little of this and a lot of that,” Greg says. “We work hard as a family to bring current and older merchandise to keep our store updated and interesting. We offer midrange furniture, kitchen items, small appliances, vintage items, home decor, books, games, curtains, rugs, collectibles and so much more. We are proud to also feature books from local authors and have ‘meet the author’ events and book signings.”

Inventory is constantly changing at This & That, with new items in the shop daily. The owners find new and used items from many sources, including online auctions, garage sales, other thrift shops, estate sales, store clearance aisles, store closeouts and sales from individuals.

It’s important to the owners to pay close attention to customer service. In 2022, they received the “Best of 2022 Home Goods Store” award and strive to live up to that honor.

“We are a local, family-owned business that values our community,” Greg says. “We go the extra mile and put together the flat pack furniture, so the customer does not have to. We offer below-retail prices on our products. We offer a wide variety of product to choose from. We run our store as a family and hope that carries over to our customers. We always have a little of this and a lot of that.”

Store hours recently changed. This & That is now open Monday-Thursday from noon-4 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The store is closed on Sundays.

Customers can also visit This & That’s online store.

“Just go to our Facebook page and hit the link that’s there,” Greg says. “We are always striving to improve and expand upon our service and products. We’ve done this by adding online shopping and customer service by answering questions online whenever we can.”

If there’s one thing Greg is thankful for, it’s the people who have made This & That a reality.

“We want to thank our family and friends for all the hard work, effort, love and support they give us,” he says. “Without them, it would not be possible for us to continue. Also, a big thank you to our customers, who without them, This & That would still be a discussion on our way to Cedar Point.”

Customers can browse new items daily at This & That, in Fort Wayne.

Shoppers can find furniture, kitchen items, small appliances, vintage items, home decor, books, games, collectibles and more at This & That.

Have You Built an Emergency Fund?

Many people make financial New Year’s resolutions, such as reducing their debts or contributing more to their retirement accounts – both of which are certainly worthy goals. But among those who planned to make a financial resolution for 2023, the primary reason was the desire to build an emergency savings fund, according to a December 2022 study by research firm Morning Consult.

Factors such as economic concerns and the sharp rise in inflation seem to be driving this greater interest in building an emergency fund. But it’s extremely valuable to maintain this type of fund in any economic environment. An emergency fund can help you prepare for a temporary job loss or early retirement, or pay for large home or auto repairs, sizable medical bills and other needs.

So, how much do you need to keep in an emergency fund? The answer depends on your stage of life. If you’re still working, you might want at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in your emergency fund. If you’re already retired, however, you may need at least three months’ worth of expenses for emergencies, plus another 12 months’ worth of expenses, after accounting for your other sources of income, to cover your everyday spending needs.

And if you are retired, it’s especially important to maintain this larger emergency fund so you can avoid dipping into your investment portfolio to pay for any unforeseen costs and daily expenses. As you know, the financial markets can be volatile, so, if it’s possible, you’ll want to avoid having to sell investments when their prices may be down.

When building an emergency fund, where should you keep the money? You’ll need it to be accessible, so you’ll want it in a liquid investment vehicle. At the same time, you don’t want to take risks with this fund, so you’ll want to be confident that your principal will likely be preserved. Some possibilities might include short-term certificates of deposit (CDs) or money market accounts. But wherever you put the money, keep it separate from your regular checking or savings account – it’s called an “emergency” fund for a reason, and you don’t want to mingle it with the accounts you use every day.

Given the high cost of living, it’s not always easy to sock away money for emergencies – and if you wait until all your bills are paid before addressing an emergency fund, you may

only make very slow progress. One possible strategy is to pay yourself first, so to speak, by having some money automatically moved from your checking or savings account each month into your emergency fund. And whenever you get a financial windfall, such as a tax refund or a year-end bonus at work, you might use some of it for this fund.

It will take time and discipline to build and maintain an emergency fund. But once you’ve got such a fund in place, you’ll feel more confident in your ability to deal with unexpected costs that could potentially disrupt your progress toward your financial goals. So, make it a priority this year to build or strengthen your emergency fund. It will be worth the effort. ❚

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 Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C. California Insurance License OC24309.

Pamela S. Covington, CFP® RICP® AAMS® Financial Advisor

6525 Constitution Drive, Fort Wayne, IN, 46804 (260) 478-8038

edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/ pam-covington

You and Me

Old Testament prophets said the execution of the Messiah would be painful, unjust, humiliating and marked by the sting of betrayal.

Jesus Christ knew all of this because he studied scripture.

Even so, shortly before his ordeal unfolded, his thoughts were on the welfare of his followers, both in his generation and those yet unborn – you and me.

In his prayer to God, recorded in John 17, Jesus says (verse 13), “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.”

That’s us.

To read and fathom John 17 is to comprehend the depth of love Jesus Christ has for us and the importance he placed on truth – God’s Word.

He said to God in prayer:

“…Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.

“I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one –as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

“I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one.

– John 17:13-20, NLT

To read and contemplate John 17 is to see the heart of Jesus Christ. ❚

-Janine Pumilia

A Day Trip to the Wabash County Museum

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Downtown Wabash is brimming with activities that make for a fun visit. A four-block section of Market Street includes public art, several shops and restaurants, the Honeywell Center, the Eagles Theatre, and of course, the mustvisit Wabash County Museum at 36 E. Market Street.

“We are a great day-trip opportunity from Fort Wayne/Allen County,” says Teresa Galley, executive director of the Wabash County Museum. “The drive is just about an hour or less, and the amazing Charley Creek Inn is right downtown to make a weekend of it.”

The Wabash County Museum is a state-of-the-art facility that has seen many additions and improvements throughout the nearly 20 years since the building’s grand opening in 2005. The facility is 20,000 square feet of exhibit space with an additional 10,000 square feet of research and conservation space. It houses more than 90 educational and interactive exhibits, a theater, two children’s educational play spaces, The Den for ages 0 to 8, and the Dr. Brush Imagination Emporium for ages 2 to adult.

“Many families travel from the surrounding counties, including Fort Wayne and north Indianapolis, to explore and ‘play inside at the museum,’” Galley says. “Our collection includes about 200,000 artifacts, though not all are on display, of course.”

Exhibits include “Light It Up,” an interactive exhibit celebrating Wabash being the first electrically lighted city in the world. This exhibit allows guests to explore inside the courthouse tower and pull the lever that lights up the town.

The “Modoc” exhibit tells the story of the elephant who es-

caped from the circus in 1942 and spent five days on an adventure in Wabash County.

“The local coffee shop, Modoc’s Market, is named after her, and we have a fun 14-minute video about her that we show in our theater,” Galley says.

The Museum recently renovated and relocated its extensive military exhibit to allow for growth, Galley adds.

“Our armory collection was restored in 2020 and is on display with our guest curator for special occasions,” she says.

“We also have an electric train exhibit with up to five Ogauge trains running each day,” she continues. “Fun fact – this exhibit was designed by John W. Corso, a Wabash native who made his career in Hollywood as the artistic director for ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter,’ ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,’ and many other John Hughes movies. He was nominated for three Emmy’s and won one.”

With more than 90 exhibits in total, it’s hard for Galley to pick her favorite.

“However, I will say the most interesting exhibit deals with a beautiful piece of art created during the Victorian era and made completely from the artist’s friends’ hair,” Galley says. “The Hair Harp is very popular.”

There are also two kiosks that allow guests to look up topics and browse pictures from the vast archives.

As far as programming goes, the Museum offers many fun, family-friendly activities throughout the year. Upcoming events include the 2nd annual “History & Hops Team Trivia Contest” for

ages 21 and older on Wednesday, March 15. Teams of six can complete in Family Feud-style trivia while sampling flights of beer or wine curated by local restaurant and caterer Moon Dog.

Also, during Wabash County’s spring break from April 4-8, visitors can play life-sized Snakes & Ladders (Chutes & Ladders).

“Last year, we created a lifesize Candy Land game and more than 1,000 people visited the Museum during spring break to play,” Galley says. “A ticket to play the game also includes admission to the full museum.”

On First Fridays, which run February through December in downtown Wabash, the Museum features an exhibit, an activity and a local surprise vendor.

During the summer, there’s a Museum Explorers program that allows young guests to complete a scavenger hunt of the Museum’s exhibits and win a prize. Multiple scavenger hunts are offered so youth can participate more than once.

“It’s a fun way to connect families to the Museum and it provides a great experience for kids looking for something to do during summer break,” Galley says.

The Museum is the producer of Wabash County Founders Fest in mid-September each year. This year, on Saturday, Sept. 16, downtown Wabash comes alive with vendors, food trucks, an adult kickball tournament, parade and more.

“For the full month of October, we pop up our regulation 9-hole golf course through the Museum. Yes, we do own a regulation 9-hole golf course,” Galley says. “Area businesses sponsor the holes and have the chance to decorate them. The theme is ‘Haunted Mini Golf.’ Anytime we are open in October, guests can pay to play a round which also includes full admission to the Museum.”

In November and December, the Museum offers indoor sock skating for kids and the specialty Winter Weekends programming

that includes visits from Santa, a real reindeer, the Grinch and Olaf from “Frozen.”

“We just purchased the Indianapolis Children’s Museum Reindeer Barn exhibit, so it will be joining our other holiday activities in 2023,” Galley says.

She values giving visitors the opportunity to connect the present to the past.

“People often think that history is static and that a museum’s exhibits reflect that,” she says. “But our collections and archive are constantly growing, which means exhibits are being updated and changed as we learn more. People think of science as a field that is evolving, but that history doesn’t change. The truth is, we ‘unearth’ more of the stories every day. It is exciting to research and put the pieces together. The Museum showcases our stories that need to be passed down to the next generation. It celebrates our accomplishments and shows how they impact the larger world. It also gives a glimpse of how things that happened in the past are tied directly to things that are happening today.”

The Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $6 for ages 12 and older and $4 for ages 2-11. Veterans and activeduty military receive free admission, and seniors can receive a discount.

“Our membership program is an incredible deal,” Galley adds.

For $70, parents and their children in their household can visit the Museum for free for a year. They also receive a 10% discount in the gift shop, early notification for events, as well as lower admission fees for events. Membership also includes two free family guest passes so the member household can bring another family with them for free a few times per year.

“We also offer a grandparent membership for $60 per year,” Galley says. “This allows grandparents to bring any of their grandchildren ages 18 or under with them to the Museum for free with the same perks. We also offer individual and student memberships.”

For more information, visit wabashmuseum.org or call (260) 563-9070. ❚

Now’s the Time to Think About Your Lawn

By Peggy Werner

Abeautiful lawn makes any house look better, but like any other living thing, it needs to be monitored, fed, enriched, nurtured and loved.

Troy Lewis of Friend Irrigation, 258 Frontage Road, Columbia City, says people have many reasons why they choose to have an irrigation system installed in their yard.

“It keeps your yard in pristine condition and keeps your plants and shrubs watered, too,” he says. “Most homeowners know you have to water the lawn to keep it looking good, but many of those people don’t have the time to do it themselves. For some, the yard is too large.”

Lewis says it takes about an inch of precipitation a week to keep a yard looking nice. His irrigation systems can be programmed to go on and off at different times of the day and week. The systems have a sensor to turn off the water when it rains, he adds.

“Too little or too much rain is not good for a lawn. Grass needs just the right amount of moisture to maintain a healthy appearance. Because rainfall is unpredictable, we can go through periods of dryness and drought,” he says.

In addition to water, lawns need regular maintenance to monitor and prevent weeds, disease and harmful insects that can quickly destroy the look and health of a yard.

Ryan Meinika, owner of Spring Green of Northeastern Indiana, says late spring is when the thick, unsightly stalks of crabgrass are germinating and getting ready to take hold in yards.

“If people want to think of beautifying their yard, now is the time to get signed up and get their lawn care plan started,” he says.

Spring Green of Northeastern Indiana has its main office at 1115 S. Williams Dr., in Columbia City. A satellite office is at 5719 Dupont Road in Fort Wayne.

Their most popular program is the “Preferred Lawn Care,” which includes high-quality fertilizer, targeted weed control, free lawn and landscape evaluation, lawn care and maintenance tips, free service calls and the Spring Green guarantee. There are other programs for those on a limited budget and other services for specific needs.

In addition to lawn care, Spring Green also specializes in outdoor and indoor pest control, tree care, and more.

The lawn care program typically calls for a total of seven fertilizer applications, one every four to six weeks, Meinika says. All fertilizer applications include the right blend of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for the time of year.

“The first application is a quick-release fertilizer to wake up the grass out of dormancy, green it up and encourage growth. The second application is a pre-emergent to prevent crabgrass germination throughout the late spring and summer months. This is also when we begin to target broadleaf weeks like dandelions and clover,” he says.

This type of fertilizer releases a good dose of nitrogen into the soil when it is needed most. It is water soluble, so homeowners can often see quick results in the growth and greening of a lawn. Once warmer weather has set in and regular mowing takes place, Spring Green switches to a slow-release fertilizer to avoid too much growth too fast.

Meinika says what sets his business apart from the competition is the personalized service and the training technicians must go through. His employees have been with the company a long time, know about the products and services offered, and will respond quickly to customer calls.

Prior to working at Spring Green, applicants must pass a test to be a registered technician. They worked along veteran technicians until fully trained and then can work up to having their own team of workers in a designated area.

“Our training is extremely thorough and sets us apart,” Meinika says. “Each team has their own territories to care for, so they get to know the customers and their lawns, and are able to spot problems early. We’re all about service.”

For more information on caring for your lawn this spring, call Friend Irrigation at (260) 212-0460 or call Spring Green's Fort Wayne location at (260) 691-0200 or visit their website at spring-green.com. ❚

Ryan Meinika

Now is the time to think about beautifying your yard. Experts at Friend Irrigation and Spring Green can help make sure your lawn is prepared for the months ahead.

Beautiful Jewelry From a Dependable Source

By Peggy Werner

Carbaugh Jewelers, 108 E. Seventh St., is the oldest business in historic downtown Auburn and has survived two world wars, the Great Depression, many other economic downturns, changes in fashion trends and fads, and a pandemic.

Mike Littlejohn, the store’s fourth owner, says the business has endured 121 years because it offers customers a unique experience shopping for fine jewelry in the same place where their great-grandparents shopped.

“The life of this store has endured a lot over the years, and we have greatly struggled at times, but we have stayed in business because of the repairs and custom work we do,” he says. “If we just relied on retail sales, we would have closed our doors a long time ago.”

Even during a six-week shutdown because of the pandemic, he continued working, catching up on repairs and custom orders, and allowing curbside pickups.

He says his customer base from a three-state area is loyal because of the quality work they expect and get from him. Littlejohn is known as the one who can best repurpose jewelry.

A customer will often bring in a piece of heirloom jewelry, which has a lot of meaning and beautiful stones, but isn’t worn because it’s not their style. Littlejohn can take the stones and make something new, even if the customer doesn’t want the piece totally melted down and changed.

He recalls one woman whose husband had died. She wanted to make a special piece of jewelry out of their wedding rings, without destroying them.

Littlejohn put one ring inside of the other, on an angle, welded it together to form a circular design within a circle and the woman now wears the rings as a pendant.

“She says she wears it all the time and it is a perfect piece to help her grieve because the rings are intact, but put together in a unique design that has a completely new look.”

For those who appreciate the history of Carbaugh’s, they also understand the meaning of giving the jeweler the time he needs to create. Repairs and custom orders brought in today won’t be finished until early spring, Littlejohn says, and most people are patient and willing to wait.

The full-service store specializes in retail sales, custom work and repairs on all types of jewelry. Services include ring sizing, stone setting, fabrication and restyling, engraving and watch repair. The store offers the newest styles and designs, specializing in

diamonds and colored stones from makers like Rego, Bentelli, Aiden, Color Merchants and Bertke Brothers, as well as having a large selection of watches and clocks made by Seiko.

Edward O. Little was the first owner of Little’s Jewelers in 1901. In 1915, Charles Carbaugh, a high school student, started working for him. The two men eventually formed a partnership and ran the business together, until Little passed away in 1955. Charles became the sole owner and changed the name of the store to Carbaugh Jewelers in 1960. Charles’s son and daughterin-law, Robert and Betty, took over the business when he died in 1962. The couple retired in 1997, at which time they sold the business to Littlejohn.

Littlejohn started working part time for Robert and Betty in 1980 while in high school. He was taking a metals class and needed to do a report on someone in the business. Because he was dating the couple’s daughter, Littlejohn interviewed Robert.

“In the course of the interview, he offered me a job and I jumped at the chance. They taught me a lot and I eventually went to school in Memphis to become a certified jeweler,” he says.

While he and the owner’s daughter went their separate ways, her sister has worked at the store for 42 years and oversees inventory, records and office work.

“When I am able to make something that makes people that happy, it’s not a job. The reward is what people feel and say about their experience with me. It tells me I made the right career choice,” Littlejohn says.

Business hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. ❚

Left: Charles Carbaugh, a former owner. Right: Edward Little, the original owner.

Mike Littlejohn, owner of Carbaugh Jewelers, in Auburn, is known for his excellence in repurposing jewelry. He can also create custom items or repair heirloom pieces.

Why You Should Hire an Interior Designer

By Peggy Werner

Most people know what they like when it comes to home furnishings, but picking out suitable items for a certain room and making it look right may not be so easy.

That’s where sales manager and designer Arianna Brock of Fairfield Galleries, US 33 North, Fort Wayne, can lend a helping hand.

“You want a particular space to work for your own life, and that’s different for everyone,” she says. “You may love a certain look, but the space you have won’t allow it to happen.

“Many people don’t understand the value of an interior designer unless they hire one, or do it themselves and find their plans didn’t work out. We are another set of eyes and don’t have the emotional attachment to the house, so we can look at it like a blank canvas and visualize changes.”

Brock recalls one client who had a long, narrow living room with dark colors of red, orange and brown with a sofa and loveseat facing a fireplace.

“We got rid of the loveseat, put in a recliner, added two swivel chairs and put the sofa against the wall,” she says. “We went to more updated neutral colors, and as a result, the room was more open and easier to move around in, and yet there were more places to sit. The clients were thrilled.”

The biggest mistake people often make when trying to be their own designer is not knowing when to stop, Brock adds. An

overcrowded room is one of the most common problems she has to solve.

“Someone may love a certain sofa, but it doesn’t work in the space you want to put it in, and the color might not be right for the room.”

Store lighting and home lighting can be very different, Brock adds.

“Plus, you have to work around doors, windows, fireplaces and more, and people don’t always take that into consideration.”

It’s not only about how the room will look, but also how the room will be used by the family, Brock says. Oftentimes, a homeowner needs professional advice when transitioning to a new stage in life. Some of those scenarios include parents who become empty nesters and want to repurpose a space, or parents who become grandparents and want to have a fun space for grandchildren when they visit. Two single parents meet and get married, and suddenly have twice as many children all living together. A person living in a large family goes off on their own and needs to adapt to a single lifestyle for the first time ever and feels at a loss on what to do.

“You want a certain look, but it has to be functional,” Brock says. “We can give suggestions on fabric selections, furniture and design so families can get the most use out of any room.”

For more information or to make an appointment for a home analysis, call (260) 489-5526. ❚

Shop Three Floors of Furniture & Flooring

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

When purchasing new furniture or flooring, you obviously want to love what you buy. And as you go through the process of shopping, making a selection, waiting for delivery, and overseeing installation, you’d hope for quality, dependable customer service at every step.

That’s what the staff aims to provide at Ruhl Furniture & Flooring, 511 Broadway St., New Haven.

“We are proud to be a locally owned family business offering quality value and service,” says John Pape, owner and president.

The store offers a one-stop shop for furniture and flooring. Top furniture brands in stock include La-Z-Boy, made-in-America England furniture, Superior Furniture and BarcaLounger. Shoppers can also find Restonic mattresses, as well as flooring options by Engineered Floors, Shaw, Mannington, Congoleum and Tarkett USA.

“You’re sure to get your exercise while shopping our three floors of new furniture and flooring, and collectibles and antiques, too,” Pape says. “We’ve been servicing the New Haven, Fort Wayne and Allen County area since 1956.”

Pape’s goal is to provide quality products that are customized

to the homeowner’s specifications. “You can select furniture from hundreds of styles and fabrics, and we will have it made especially for you,” he says.

Even better, the customized furniture can be delivered in as few as six weeks. There’s also free in-home measuring and estimates, as well as complimentary in-home design consultations.

“Our sales staff will guide you every step of the way,” Pape says. “Selecting the right furniture and flooring for your home is our No. 1 goal. When you step into our showroom, you will be delighted by our wide selection.”

Ruhl Furniture & Flooring also provides one of the most extensive floor covering showrooms in the Allen County area.

“Once you choose the perfect flooring for your home, professional installation will be arranged to coordinate with your schedule so you can begin to enjoy the home of your dreams,” Pape says.

“We are reputable, knowledgeable and family owned. It’s our job to help make your experience a positive one.”

Contact Ruhl Furniture & Flooring by calling (260) 7494717, faxing (260) 749-9435, or by emailing ruhlfurniture@ gmail.com. ❚

Entertainment & Events

Nashville Thursdays

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

Fort Wayne Komets

Join the Jungle and cheer on the Fort Wayne Komets as they make another run for a championship. Games are at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. Visit komets.com to see the complete 2023 schedule.

Art of Florence

Thru April 2, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. A display of student works from an annual study abroad program, along with drawings and prints by Professor Christopher Ganz from the same trip and from his recent artist’s residency in Tusa, Sicily in July 2022. Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, pfw. edu/events/art-florence.

YLNI Winter Farmers Market

Thru April 29, Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for fresh produce, organic fruits and vegetables, hand-made jewelry and crafts, local artwork and more at the former Wayne Candy Factory building, 1501 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, facebook.com/YLNIFarmersMarket/.

Wiz Kidz Pinball Tournament

Thru Dec. 30, Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon. A 4-strike pinball tournament for kids presented by Wizard’s World Pinball Arcade, 14613 Lima Road, Fort Wayne, (260) 760-6314, fortwaynepinball.com.

Bluey’s Big Play

March 9, 6 p.m. When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, (260) 424-5665, fwembassytheatre. org/events/blueys-big-play/.

The Great Train Connection March 10-12. Local railroad clubs present various displays ranging from G scale to HO to tiny N scale model trains and more. A “freight

time” for the whole family, especially the littlest engines. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6440, botanicalconservatory.org/the-great-train-connection.

FAME Festival

March 11-12, Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. FAME Festival showcases art and music from area elementary and middle school students. Grand Wayne Convention Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, (260) 2477325, famearts.org.

Yoga on the Riverfront

March 12, April 16 & May 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m. This relaxing, 1-hour flow is for all skill levels and led by instructor Chelsea Vona, owner of Discover Yoga. Yoga mats can be provided if you do not have your own. Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6000, riverfrontfw.org.

Full Throttle Monster Trucks

March 18, 1:30 & 7:30 p.m. Bigfoot, Monkey Business, Stomper, American Scout, and more battle for monster truck supremacy. The International Monster Truck Museum and Hall of Fame will have trucks onsite. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, memorialcoliseum.com.

Riverdance

March 23, 7:30 p.m. A powerful reinvention of this beloved favorite, celebrated the world over for its Grammy Award-winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Embassy Theatre, Fort Wayne, fwembassytheatre.org. ❚

Students from the Purdue University Fort Wayne College of Visual and Performing Arts have their work from a study abroad trip displayed at the Allen County Public Library through April 2.

Monster trucks battle for supremacy March 18 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, in Fort Wayne.