Smart Living Fort Wayne - October 20, 2022

Get Ready for

you’ve been

for your home,

here to help

of

have over 25 years experience transforming blank walls and generic builder’s grade fireplaces into showstoppers.

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.

In

Hughes

Linden

Lukas

Taylor

Bonifazi

Behling

Smith

Rocha,

Hughes

Werner

Planning Ahead

Happy “Spooky Season!” I hope your month is going well. So far for my fam ily, October has been full of fantasy football, comfy sweaters, homemade cornbread and chili, and unfortunately a “witchy” little head cold that’s been going around. Besides that last one, it’s been a good start to the fall season.

Now that we’re all feeling better, I’m start ing to think more about the upcoming months. Our magazine is called “Smart Living” be cause we want to give you genuinely helpful content for ways to live smarter, whether that’s saving money in various ways, tackling home improvement projects, or just making a simple recipe. So, what’s one way you can always live smarter? How about: planning ahead.

(I have to chuckle a bit as I write that. I’m definitely not the poster child for “plan ning ahead,” though I will say, motherhood has made me slightly better at it).

As much as I want to just watch “Hocus Pocus 2” over and over again, now is the per fect time to start planning ahead for the holi days. I’m not saying you should start listening to Christmas music (though I wouldn’t judge you if you did), but, thinking ahead about the holidays will help you get on the right track for a less stressful season.

One thing that always stresses me out is buying gifts for people. We always encourage our readers to shop local when buying gifts, and inside our magazine-land, we’re already constructing gift guides to help point you in the right direction.

As you likely know, locally owned busi nesses strengthen our regional economy in ways that big-box stores, chain restaurants and certain internet sites (ahem) never can. That’s because a much larger portion of every dollar spent at a locally owned establishment stays in our community, rather than flying off to some out-of-state headquarters. You’re also helping out your neighbors as opposed to some corpo rate CEO you’ll likely never meet.

With that in mind, keep an eye out for great gifts at the local businesses around you. You’ll be way less stressed if you can get some of your presents purchased early.

Good luck with the months ahead, and have a great week!

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

Don’t Overlook the Importance of Cash

Ifyou’re an investor, you no doubt pay a great deal of attention to your stocks, bonds and mutual funds. But you shouldn’t forget another key ele ment of your financial strategy: cash.

Cash is part of any financial strat egy and investment portfolio, but how much have you thought about the dif ferent uses of cash, and how much you really need? Consider these four key purposes:

• Unexpected expenses and emergencies – If you face an interruption in employment, you need an exten sive home repair or you encounter an unplanned medical expense, you may need access to cash. If you’re not re tired, it’s a good idea to have three to six months of living expenses in cash, possibly supplemented by access to a line of credit. If you’re already retired, keeping up to three months of living expenses in cash, possibly supplemented by a credit line, is a good rule of thumb.

• Specific short-term savings goals – You may have some goals you want to meet within the next year or two, such as a wedding, a vacation or the purchase of a new car. And since you have a little more time to meet these needs than you would for an emergency, you might consider using a money market account or a short-term certificate of deposit (CD), in addition to your other savings vehicles.

• Everyday spending – You’ll always need cash to provide for your day-to-day spending needs, such as your mortgage, other debts, groceries, utilities, entertainment and so on. If you haven’t already done so, you might want to create a budget, which could help highlight areas in which you can reduce spending to free up funds for investing in long-term goals. If you’re still working, keeping one to two months’ worth of living expenses in a liquid account may be sufficient, but if you’re retired, you may need up to 12 months of living expenses, which you can adjust to accommodate outside sources, such as Social Security or a pension.

• Source of investment – You can look at cash as an invest ment source in two different ways. First, cash can be considered its own distinct asset class, and because it typically behaves dif ferently from other asset classes, it can provide some diversifica tion to a portfolio containing stocks and bonds. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses.)

And second, the cash in your portfolio could be used as part of a systematic investing strategy in which you

put set amounts of money at regular intervals into investment vehicles that are appropriate for your goals and risk tolerance.

Clearly, cash is an important part of planning for the future, but there can be too much of a good thing. While cash may seem like a perpetual safe harbor from the stormy investment seas, it is not without risk. If you hold too much cash, you could underfund your longer-term investments – the ones with the growth potential you need to reach some of your most important goals, such as a comfortable retirement.

Put your cash to work. By using it wisely, you can add a valuable element to your financial picture. ❚

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.

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

Regenerative Therapies for Knee Pain

By Toni Rocha

Knee

injuries and long-term damage need not result in surgery.

For alternative treatment methods, patients are looking to Dr. David M. Gafken, D.C., D.A.C.N.B., of Health N.O.W., 2146 State Road, Auburn, Ind., for help in relieving pain.

Patients come to him with undiagnosed knee pain, or because they have seen other medical professionals and are seeking nonsur gical alternatives to bone-on-bone and other knee issues.

“These patients have had X-rays, MRIs and/or have been receiving cortisone shots without achieving any lasting relief,” Gafken adds. “We conduct a thorough exam which may include additional orthopedic testing, X-rays and MRIs if significant time has passed since their last tests.”

Knee injuries or age-related damage rarely heal by themselves. It’s better to seek alternative methods of treating knee issues than to tough it out alone, Gafken adds.

Once the examination is complete and the patient is approved as a candidate for treatment, Gafken decides on a course of treat ment using several highly effective methods to promote pain relief and joint regeneration, such as knee decompression, use of a highintensity laser, acoustic wave therapy and Hakomed Horizontal therapy.

Decompression on the knees is achieved by hooking the knee up to a specialized machine which gently pulls the joint open and closed using less than 20 pounds of force, Gaftken explains. By gently separating the joint space between the bottom of the femur (thigh bone) and the top of the tibia (shin bone), this creates a vacu um effect inside the knee joint which brings in nutrient-rich fluid to

the area. The method also gently mobilizes the tendons, ligaments and other soft tissue around the joint. This helps reestablish some of the natural joint space and cushioning in the knee.

“We gently work the knee for about seven to eight minutes,” Gafken adds. “The course of treatment is given multiple times per week initially.”

High intensity laser therapy consists of using four wave lengths of laser light to stimulate the appropriate tissues in the knee joint. The laser has a healing effect, it increases the production of stem cells and ATP, and it generates venous nitric oxide to increase peripheral blood flow to the afflicted areas in and around the knee.

“This is called photobiomodulation,” Gafken adds. “It also aids in the growth of new blood vessels, called angiogenisis. All of this leads to regeneration of the knee.”

Acoustic Wave Therapy has been in use for more than 10 years, Gafken says. The procedure sends acoustic sound waves through the joint to promote stem cell growth and encourages the development of new blood vessels to increase blood flow, all of which induces quicker healing.

Post examination, the patient is given a course of treatment which employs the above methods. As a rule, the patient is treated up to three times each week during which the highly effective re generative methods are applied.

“We have a very high success rate with this course of treat ment,” Gafken says.

For more information visit seekhealthnow.com. To schedule an appointment call Health N.O.W. at (260) 920-8811. ❚

Regenerative therapies, like those offered by Health N.O.W., can reduce knee pain and induce healing.

Nobody Said It’s Easy

Forgiveness

goes hand in hand with grace, and is a concept that sets Christianity apart from many world re ligions – but it’s not easy to internalize.

Above all, there’s God’s uncondi tional forgiveness toward his children, thanks to His plan for salvation and the obedience of Jesus Christ. That’s difficult to fathom. How can we forgive ourselves for the things we do, much less accept that God has wiped our slates clean?

If we confess our sins, He is faith ful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9.

Perhaps the best way to compre hend this is to think of how willing we are to forgive our own children. They do foolish things often, and while we don’t approve, we love them so much that we easily forgive and encourage them. The adhesive that makes this work is love; God is a loving God and wants us to be a loving people.

But how can we find the strength to forgive people we don’t love – people we may not even like very much?

There’s no getting away from Jesus’ two greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest command ment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two command ments.” – Matthew 22:37-40.

Sometimes we trick ourselves into believing we’re only required to forgive “righteous” people like ourselves. But who knows a man’s heart, except God? To judge others as unworthy of forgive ness is, in itself, sinful.

Jesus says: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37.

In the end, it’s our love for God that gives us strength to genuinely forgive. Sometimes it takes much time and prayer. Jesus never said that imitating him would be easy.

“And be ye kind one to another, ten derhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32 ❚ -Janine Pumilia

It’s Time for Some Amazing Fall Fun

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

It’s officially the season of sipping apple cider and picking the perfect pumpkin. Fall has arrived, and with its entrance comes the opportunity to partake in annual traditions at Amazing Fall Fun, 3150 County Road 43, Waterloo, Ind.

“Amazing Fall Fun is a great place for families and friends to bond by enjoying the many activities in the barnyard and by completing the challenge of navigating the corn maze while get ting some exercise and fresh air,” says Larry Smith, owner of Amazing Fall Fun.

The corn maze changes every year and is one of Amazing Fall Fun’s biggest attractions, Smith says.

“After our corn has been planted and is about a foot tall, our maze design is applied, and then the design is cut. This year, our corn maze design is The Jurassic Maze,” he says.

The maze covers thousands of feet of corn and offers three phases ranging from easy to difficult.

Phase 1 takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and

phase 2 takes approximately 40 minutes. “If you don’t get lost!,” Smith says. “There is a bridge and a giant tube slide in phase 2 that is fun for both kids and adults.”

Phase 3 of the corn maze is “The Fairytale Trail.” This minimaze features storyboard signs with a special narrative to enjoy as you wander through the corn.

In addition to the corn maze, there are plenty of other activi ties to enjoy at Amazing Fall Fun. On your way to the activities area, be sure to say hello to all of the farm animals, including chickens, pigs and goats. Then, challenge your friends and fam ily in a game of tug-of-war, or compete in duck races by using an old-fashioned hand pump to race your rubber duck through the channels the fastest. There’s also a giant barrel roll, where you can stand in your own large barrel and see if you can roll the fastest in a race.

Amazing Fall Fun has activities that are hard to find else where, from a tower of tractor tires that you can play on, to life-

size foosball that up to 12 people can play.

A favorite children’s activ ity is the straw mountain, Smith says. Kids can climb up hay and crawl or slide down the many tube slides in the mountain. There’s also the corn box, which is full of shelled corn to dive and play in. It’s stocked with trucks, pales, shovels and other toys, Smith says. Another kid favor ite is pumpkin tic-tac-toe and checkers – picture an extra-large game board where the pieces are pumpkins instead of plastic.

“Our ‘Bubble Barn’ is a new activity this year and is enjoyed by all ages, from kids to teens to older adults,” Smith adds. “The jumping pillow is always a big hit. Our wall ball games are another activity enjoyed by all ages. There are many popular ac tivities, from the corn box to the barrel rollers to farmer fastball and many more.”

After playing games and navigating the corn maze, be sure to stop by the pumpkin patch to find thousands of pumpkins of every size, shape and color. This year, there are more than 40 varieties of pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn. Pick them right off the vine or choose some that are pre-picked.

And of course, there’s a plethora of food options. “We have many farm festival foods including freshly baked donuts, sand wiches, chicken tenders, loaded nachos, fries, chili, kettle corn, ice cream, cider and lemonade slushies, and more,” Smith says.

Lastly, make sure to leave time for a hayride in the beauti ful Indiana countryside. The 20-minute ride travels around the pumpkin patch, through the corn field and woods, and up to the farmers homestead. Along the ride, you may see critters from raccoons to deer to opossum. You’ll also see beef cattle that are raised on the farm.

Whether it’s your first or hundredth time experiencing Amaz ing Fall Fun, there’s fun memories just waiting to be made, Smith says.

Amazing Fall Fun is open on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. through October 30. Note that ticket sales stop an hour prior to clos ing time. Parking is free, and admission costs $11 per person. Season passes are $19 per person and are good for the entire 2022 season. Children ages 2 and under are free.

Get your tickets at the entrance or purchase them online for a faster entry.

Call (260) 333-2302 or visit amazingfallfun. com for more information.

Amazing Fall Fun, in Waterloo, is known for its corn maze. This year, the theme is “Jurassic Maze.”

Tackle Tailgate Menus with Flavorful Foods

When football teams are in the locker room laying out game plans, fans are fueling up with tantalizing tailgate foods. One trendy way to feed your crowd is with small plates, appetizers, samplers and innovative sides that feature a variety of flavors like these ideas from the experts at Aramark.

An easy hack for your next game day meal can be a rec ipe you prepare at home before heading to the stadium. The toppings are what set these Korean-inspired Sweet and Spicy Bratwurst Subs apart. Just make the crunchy kimchi, bright mango slaw and spicy sesame mayonnaise up to two days ahead of time so grilling the bratwursts is all you need to do before kickoff.

Find more game day recipe ideas and inspiration by visit ing fyp365.com.

Sweet and Spicy Bratwurst Subs

Servings: 8 Kimchi:

1 1/2 cups green cabbage, cut into thick strips

1/4 cup water

4 teaspoons white vinegar

1 tablespoon gochujang paste

2 teaspoons fish sauce

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon minced, peeled ginger root

1/2 cup daikon radish strips

1/4 cup shredded, peeled carrot

1/4 cup sliced green onion

Mango Slaw:

2 cups shredded green cabbage

1/3 cup diced mango chunks, thawed from frozen

1/4 cup shredded, peeled carrot

1/4 cup sliced green onion

1/4 cup red bell pepper, cut into thin strips

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons minced, peeled ginger root

2 tablespoons white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon minced garlic

Spicy Sesame Mayonnaise:

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon sriracha

1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil

1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned rice wine vinegar

8 bratwursts (4 ounces each)

8 hoagie rolls (6 inches), split

To make kimchi: Place cabbage in microwavable bowl. Add water. Cover and microwave on high 2 minutes, or un til tender-crisp. Rinse with cold water and drain well. In large bowl, mix vinegar, gochujang, fish sauce, garlic and ginger. Add steamed cabbage, daikon, carrot and onion; toss to coat. Cover and chill.

To make mango slaw: Mix cabbage, mango, carrot, onion, red bell pepper, cilantro, ginger, vinegar, salt and garlic. Cover and chill.

To make spicy sesame mayonnaise: Mix mayonnaise, sri racha, sesame oil and vinegar until well blended. Cover and chill.

Heat grill to medium and lightly oil grill rack. Grill brat wursts 8 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 155 F. Spread mayonnaise on rolls. Place grilled bratwurst on rolls and top with kimchi and slaw. ❚

How ‘Smart’ is Your Kitchen?

By Peggy Werner

If that 30-year-old appliance quits working and you need to re place it, and you haven’t done your homework, you’ll be sur prised to learn how technological advances allow you to manage your life from your smartphone. That could improve the way you do laundry, prepare dinner, turn on the oven and more.

“Everything is ‘smart’ now because we live in a ‘smart’ world where everything is connected and can be controlled from a phone held in the palm of your hand,” says Brittany Brouer, marketing director at Van’s Home Center, Auburn, Ind.

For example, one of the most advanced appliances is the Samsung Family Hub refrigerator which is WI-FI enabled and allows you to send notes, sync schedules, see who’s at your front door, search recipes, get meal ideas, play music, stream movies and look inside the refrigerator as you shop, she says.

Other Wi-Fi enabled appliances also allow you to start and stop equipment with your smartphone. A washing machine can hold a large amount of laundry detergent and dispense as needed. Large loads of laundry can be finished in 30 minutes and a small load left in the washer overnight will dry.

“So, you can start the laundry and pre-heat the oven before you even get home. There’s quite a range of what appliances can do for you today and it’s all about what you want and need and

what you’re willing to pay for,” she says.

Most people interested in the smart appliances are between 25 and 40 years old, but many others also love technology and are not afraid of it, she says.

“The advances give people lots of choice to make life easier and do more in one day. It’s all about personal preference and the choices are driven by consumers who want to do more with their time than laundry,” Brouer says.

Brouer suggests that people who are unsure about such technology should get online information from manufacturers about how to use appliances. YouTube, also, is a great source for learning how to do just about anything.

A locally-owned, family business, Van’s Home Center opened in 1973 and has expanded from a 1,500 square-foot store to a 75,000 square-foot “one stop” showroom for the home. Along with appliances, it sells flooring, furniture, mattresses, cabinetry, countertops and more.

“We’re large enough to compete with big-box stores and we price competitively.”

Learn more by calling (260) 927-8267 or stop in at 106 Peckhart Ct., Auburn, Ind.

Photography by David C. Olson

Autumn’s Stained Glass

A Quality Roof Saves You Money

By Peggy Werner

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.

“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 inspection.

When meeting with 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.

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 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.

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.

“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.”

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.

Installing a roof is no time to take short cuts.

“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.”

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.

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.

“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.

“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.”

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.

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.

YLNI Farmers Market

Thru Oct. 29, Sat.9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for fresh produce, a variety of organic fruits and veg etables, hand-made jewelry and crafts, local artwork and more. Corner of Wayne and Barr Streets, Fort Wayne.

Amazing Fall Fun

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, Water loo, amazingfallfun.com.

Kuehnert Dairy Fall Festival

Thru Oct. 30, Fri. 6-10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. Corn mazes, pump

Entertainment & Events

kins, ice cream and farm animals. Kuehnert Dairy Farm & Fall Festival, 6532 W. Cook Road, Fort Wayne, kuehnertdairy.com.

Pumpkin Path Display

Thru Oct. 30, daily except Monday. Enjoy fall surroundings at Foellinger-Freimann Botani cal Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, botanicalconservatory.org.

Wild Zoo Halloween 2022

Thru Oct. 30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Zoo admission includes “Spooky Animal Enrichment,” a mys tery maze, games, treats and more. Costumes welcome. 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6820, kidszoo.org.

“Desenchanted”

Oct. 21-23, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Poisoned apples. Glass slippers. Who needs ’em?! Not Snow White and her posse of dis enchanted princesses in the hilarious hit mu sical that’s anything but Grimm. First Presby terian Theater, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne, firstpresfortwayne.org.

Fall Allen County Fairgrounds Craft Bazaar

Oct. 22, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Shop more than 90 lo cal vendors. Allen County Fairgrounds, 2726

Discover pumpkins, corn mazes, farm animals and more at Kuehnert Dairy Farm & Fall Festival. Carroll Road, Fort Wayne, allencountyfair groundsin.com.

Fort Wayne Komets Opening Night

Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. The Komets hit the ice for the first game of the 2022-23 season. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne, komets.com.

Fort Wayne Area Community Band Concert Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m. The 90-member ensemble performs a variety of works. Rhinehart Recital Hall at Purdue University Fort Wayne, 2101 East Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwacb.org.❚