Smart Living Fort Wayne - October 26, 2023

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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • October 2023 • No. II

Discover Downtown Auburn This Fall Making Over Your Backyard How to Save Money on Utilities A Remodeling Business With Amish Values Don’t Leave Your IRAs to the IRS

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

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ......................Cover & p. 16 Experience Fall in Downtown Auburn Your Money ...........................................................11 How to Save Money on Utilities This Winter Your Outdoor Living ..........................................13 Give Your Backyard a Makeover This Fall Inspiration & Worship .......................................14 Who Was Cornelius?

Your Home .............................................................19 A Remodeling Business With Amish Values Your Home .............................................................23 Flooring That Will Last You a Lifetime Your Home ...........................................................27 Transforming Your Bathroom in Just 1 Day Your Family Fun .................................................28

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Senior Editor Lindsey Lukas Managing Editor Jim Taylor Assistant Editor Steven Bonifazi Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writers Janine Pumilia, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Pamela Loebel Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Director of Corporate Happiness Hana Hughes Distribution Kelly and Larry Fairbairn Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 www.SmartLivingFortWayne.com

Smart Living.

Copyright 2023 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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Current Events

H

appy Fall, Smart Living readers. As I write this column, there’s incoming news about atrocities happening overseas.

It can be tough sometimes to remember how beautiful life is. I oftentimes wonder how much I should be “having fun” versus how much I should be reflecting on reality and doing something about it.

On the one hand, I feel a responsibility to make sure my toddler creates happy memories. I want him to have permission to be an innocent kid. I feel like a “good parent” when we spend the day wandering through the zoo, identifying favorite animals.

But on the other hand, the events happening in the Middle East right now are horrific. I clutch my 2-year-old tight and feel devastated for people I don’t know. How can I just order another pumpkin spice latte and go about my normal life?

I have no idea what to do, but I know I have to first take care of the people around me.

Beyond that, I think adults have a responsibility to stay informed (from credible sources!) about what’s happening. Not to be a journalist on her high horse, but what you don’t know CAN hurt you. So make sure that you’re paying attention.

My next instinct is to look for organizations that are already doing the work, and see if I can help. There’s almost always the option to donate financially to nonprofits on the ground providing assistance. For example, The International Red Cross is a neutral intermediary helping civilians. There’s Doctors Without Borders, Catholic Relief Services, and I’m sure many other organizations with people who are already directly doing something.

Lastly, there’s prayer. And who am I to say if that does or doesn’t help?

If your heart is hurting extra right now, I see you and I’m thinking about you. And maybe it’s naively optimistic, but I’m hoping things get better, and get better fast.

Wishing you and your loved ones all the best, Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne

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Smart Living Fort Wayne

Your Money

How to Save Money on Utilities This Winter

By Peggy Werner

W

ith the price of everything going up, homeowners want to control costs when possible and one of the best places to start is with your heating system.

“As we head into winter, one of the easiest and quickest ways to keep more money in your pocket has to do with how you heat your home,” says Ben Sherman, co-owner of Brockman Heating and Air Conditioning, in Fort Wayne, with his brother, Jake. “Heating is typically the largest utility bill and also the easiest one to control.”

One of the best tips Sherman has for controlling heat costs includes setting the thermostat as low as possible. Each degree lowered can cut the heating costs between one and three percent, he says.

A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature while you are asleep or away from home and

can reduce energy consumption by about 25 percent, he adds.

It’s also important to have a yearly maintenance check and cleaning on the furnace and change the furnace filter once a month, unless you have one made to last longer. Clean warm air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators as needed and make sure they are not blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes.

Other ways to cut costs in the home include caulking and weather stripping to keep the warm air in during the winter.

Minimize the use of exhaust fans, which pull warm air out of the home. Add insulation around heat ducts in unheated spaces like the garage, attic and crawl spaces. Make sure the damper is closed when not using the fireplace. Keep draperies and shades on the south side of the home open to let sunlight in and close them at night to reduce the chill. Use

By applying a few tips and tricks, homeowners can notice savings on their utility bills.

the reverse setting on ceiling fans to turn the blades clockwise during the winter months to bring heated air down.

“For some long-term energy savings, think about updating that old furnace,” Sherman adds. “Switching to a 95 percent efficient furnace can easily save homeowners up to 30 percent in monthly heating costs.” ❚

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Outdoor Living

Give Your Backyard a Makeover This Fall

By Peggy Werner

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s temperatures dip, people can extend their enjoyment of the outdoors with fire pits that produce heat as well as ambiance.

“Depending on the size of the fire pit, heat can radiate from a radius of six to 16 feet, providing a nice, cozy feeling while sitting outside in cooler weather,” says Sam Schmucker, co-owner with his son, Darren, of The BBQ Store and More, 17007 Doty Road, New Haven.

Sales of fire pits have greatly increased as people want to expand their home entertaining to include the outdoors, Schmucker says.

The store has all things to do with BBQ, including a wide assortment of grills, griddles and smokers. To help customers make the most of cooking outdoors, they also sell patio furniture, playsets, gazebos and pavilions. The goal is to

provide customers with everything they need for a complete backyard makeover.

It’s important to Schmucker to sell products that are known for their quality, comfort and durability. For example, BBQ Store and More carries “Breeo” and “Warming Trends” brand fire pits, both quality products with good warranties, Schmucker says. Both brands are also made in America.

Breeo invented the first smokeless fire pit in 2011, which can be used to grill food. Available in three sizes and 15 styles, Breeo fire pits can stand alone or be surrounded by a brick or stone outer wall to give a different look and blend with landscaping.

The Warming Trends fire pits have a patent-pending technology behind the brass crossfire burner that uses an air-togas ration to produce a taller, brighter,

and fuller flame, resembling a natural wood burning fire.

To give customers an advanced visual of their backyard, BBQ Store and More also has design software that can create a 3D rendering of a customer’s project.

That way, customers can see their vision before committing to it.

“What sets us apart is we know our product and have the best customer service to help people know how to accomplish the look and result they want to achieve,” Schmucker says. For more information, call (260) 632-0620. ❚

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Inspiration & Worship

Who Was Cornelius?

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he Christian salvation of Cornelius, a Gentile (non-Jew) and Roman centurion, was important to early church development because it sparked and settled a key question. Did Gentiles need to adopt Jewish customs to be saved?

Having long endured oppression, many Jewish Christians despised Roman soldiers – and as a centurion, Cornelius commanded 100 of them. (It’s worth remembering that Peter sliced off the ear of a Roman soldier who arrested Jesus.)

But uncaring of man’s prejudices, God saw good in Cornelius and wanted him saved.

Cornelius was stationed at Caesarea when God’s angel instructed him in a vision to send men of his household to find Peter in Joppa, about 30 miles away.

Peter received a vision, too. In it, all kinds of tasty animals appeared. When Peter objected to eating the animals forbidden

by Mosaic law, God told him not to call unclean that which God himself had cleansed.

Peter understood the allegory and overcame his personal prejudice in order to obey God. He went to Caesarea and preached Christ to Cornelius and his household; they were filled with holy spirit and baptized (Acts 10).

Not everyone approved.

At the Council of Jerusalem, pious Christian Jews declared that circumcision was required for Gentile salvation. An angry Peter rebuked them.

“Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe … He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” (Acts 15:7-11, NIV) Viewing one another through God’s eyes, as Peter did for Cornelius, is God’s will.

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

(Galations 3:28, NIV) ❚ -- Janine Pumilia 14

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VISIT STARVED ROCK LODGE

800-868-7625

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Right in Our Region

Experience Fall in Downtown Auburn

Auburn is a great destination to spend a full weekend, or at least an afternoon, says Mike Littlejohn, president of the Downtown Auburn Business Association.

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

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cross the Midwest, quaint downtowns full of friendly Littlejohn knows this because he himself is a friendly storpeople are easy to find. But just 30 minutes north of Fort eowner in downtown Auburn. At Carbaugh Jewelers, 108 E. Wayne lies a particularly special downtown in Auburn, Seventh St., Littlejohn frequently interacts with locals and nonInd. An architecturally stunning courthouse is the central focal locals alike. He makes it a habit to point-blank ask customers point of a town square that boasts unique shops, eateries and where they’re from and why they enjoy Auburn. local businesses. Visitors from Fort Wayne, Angola, Freemont, During the summer, Littlejohn likes to travel in a vintage Kendallville, Ligonier, LaGrange, and even cities in Michigan car and check out various downtowns. He doesn’t try to compare and Ohio flock to Auburn regularly to amble away afternoons or other places to Auburn, though. Instead, he likes to experience full weekends through the square. each city’s own uniqueness.

“The businesses located here are very quaint, I suppose Auburn’s uniqueness is certainly its eateries, he adds. not unlike most downtowns,” says Mike Littlejohn, president “We have people telling us that we’re unique because we of the Downtown Auburn Business Association for more than have an inviting and inclusive community, but I think most 20 years. “However, we have great eateries, boutiques – many downtowns will say that,” Littlejohn says. “What we really hear unique shops that people like to come visit, especially on the in addition to that is that people come here for two things. They weekends.” come here for food, and they come here for beverages.

Oftentimes, Littlejohn welcomes people who are part of a “I’m also on the board of Auburn Main Street, so I can tell motorcycle or specialty car group. you there’s a lot of research that goes into the thought process of “We seem to be the destination for groups like that, and then getting people to visit your downtown. So, everybody says their they tend to come back on their own trips later on,” he says. “We downtown is unique and everybody says their downtown has rarely have people who come here on day trips and never come great shopping and so forth. But the truth of the matter is, over back.” and above that, do you have food and beverage to offer? Because 16 To Advertise Call 260-212-8968 Smart Living Fort Wayne October 2023 • II

Right in Our Region that’s what people do the most of.

They eat, and they drink.”

Some top recommendations include Auburn City Steakhouse, a higher-end option for fine dining, Mad Anthony’s Auburn Tap Room, featuring pub favorites and brews, 9th Street Brew, a local corner coffee house that’s a hub of activity in the morning time, Cricket’s 7th Street Bar and Grille, famous for its “Cricket Burger,” Mimi’s Retreat, featuring pub fa- Fall activities are in full swing throughout DeKalb County. Amazing Fall Fun, in Waterloo, boasts Indiana’s largest vorites and brews, Four Crowns, corn maze, while downtown Auburn is gearing up for special Halloween events. a popular bar, The Brown House, specializing in made-to-order Additionally, the Auburn City Parks Department puts on food and custard, The Deli at Sixth and Main, a popular lunch a spectacular Halloween event every year at Eckhart Park, just spot, and of course, Auburn Brewing Company, located just two south of the downtown area, Littlejohn says. blocks off the main drag going through downtown. There’s also “They go above and beyond making that a great experience Byler Lane Winery right outside of downtown. for kids,” he says. “They have all kinds of activities for kids to do, “Those are the places that constantly draw people,” Little- and they decorate the park really cool for Halloween each year.” john says. “If you were here on any given Friday or Saturday, The Downtown Auburn Business Association is once again you would see people gathered at these places. Of course, featuring trick-or-treating, there are local people who go on a regular basis, includwhich this year falls on ing myself. But if you look at the license plates, most Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 4-6 people are visitors.” p.m., where businesses Having an array of superb eateries subsequently give out candy to kids. draws people to stroll into the other local shops along the “We average at least square, Littlejohn adds. People also take part in the spe1,000 to 1,200 kids evcial fall activities happening in the Auburn area. ery year just at our busiJust outside of Auburn but still in DeKalb County, nesses for that 2-hour visitors can find Amazing Fall Fun – a family farm boastperiod,” Littlejohn says. ing Indiana’s largest corn maze, a pumpkin patch, deli“And then, from 6-8 p.m., cious fall treats and more. there’s trick-or-treating town wide. They can go four hours total throughout the community.”

Overall, Littlejohn’s love of Auburn knows no bounds.

“Oh my God, it’s the best,” he says. “It’s amazing to see how many non-local people come here from the surrounding area. Carbaugh Jewelers is a 122-year-old store – it’s the oldest continuously run business in the downtown business district, and I’m only the fourth owner in all that time. If you were to walk into the store, it would be like walking into a museum. We have areas designated with history and there’s information you can read while you’re shopping. I’m merely just a caretaker for this period of time, and because of all the uniqueness this downtown has, and the fact that people love to come to Auburn, there’s no better Arranged as a town square, Auburn’s shops and eateries make the city particularly unique. place to be in terms of having a business.” ❚ 17 October 2023 • II Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne

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Your Home & Garden

A Remodeling Business With Amish Values

By Peggy Werner

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member of the Amish Community, Aaron Lengacher has merged his lifelong passion, natural skills, and faith to start a new business.

A-1 Remodeling and More of Auburn, Ind., specializes in decks, room additions, garages, windows and doors, blinds and shades, and more.

“What’s important to me is that I am serving people,” Lengacher says.

“My focus has always been on helping people. A jack of all trades, I took advantage of an opportunity to go into business for myself. I have the experience and skills and love what I do.”

Since he was 15 years old, he A-1 Remodeling and More, of Auburn, Ind., specializes in decks, room additions, garages, windows and doors, blinds and shades, and more. Owner Aaron Lengacher handles each project. worked alongside his uncle, who was Being Amish, he doesn’t depend on a website and doesn’t a carpenter and home builder. He also worked for building and have an email address. Most of his referrals are by word of remodeling companies before launching off on his own. mouth, and having faith the word will travel.

So far, the most requested projects are for an additional ga“We depend on God to lead us through each day. I always rage or deck, and the wait time for a job to begin is about one thank God for a new day and ask Him to lead me. He has never week, once a bid is accepted, he says. He charges by the day, sayfailed me,” Lengacher says. ing his prices are reasonable and he will work within any budget.

He adheres to the core Amish values, aiming for the goal of He has a large inventory of pictures, showing work he has done leading a simple life of faith. The Amish believe their religious for people in the area. faith and the way they choose to live are interdependent. Their Going into business for himself is the fulfillment of a lifecore beliefs have to do with faith, family, community and simlong dream. plicity.

“It’s been a Godsend,” he says. “I’m staying busy. Every The Amish believe living simply is a sign of humility, and couple of days, I’ll get a phone call. Just today, I got three calls they take seriously the Biblical commands to separate themand will go out to bid on those jobs,” he says. selves from worldly things, Lengacher adds. By living simply and restricting access to unnecessary items like fancy clothes, television, electronics and other devices, they keep the world from intruding into their lives, keeping their focus on family and faith.

Married and the father of three children, Lengacher hopes to have a father-and-son business one day. Currently, he is working on getting licensed as a general contractor. For most projects, he works alone, but he subcontracts workers for bigger jobs.

“I plan on growing and doing more and bigger projects,” he says.

To see samples of his work, hear references, or schedule an appointment for a free consultaAmish values power A-1 Remodeling. In fact, the business doesn’t have a website and tion and estimate, call (260) 433-5254. ❚ instead depends on word-of-mouth referrals and faith in the Lord to provide.

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Your Money

Don’t Leave Your IRA to the IRS

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f you’ve invested in an IRA for many decades, it may well turn into a key source of income for your retirement. Still, you might not deplete your IRA in your lifetime, especially if you also have a pension or a 401(k) and other investment income. So, if your IRA still has sizable assets after your passing, it would likely end up in your estate plan. If you leave your IRA to grown children or other family members, could they be hit with a big tax bill?

Here’s a little background: Up until the Secure Act of 2019, those who inherited traditional IRAs could extend their required withdrawals over their lifetimes, which stretched out the annual taxes due on these withdrawals. But the Secure Act changed the provisions for non-spouse beneficiaries who inherited an IRA after 2019, meaning that beneficiaries of inherited IRAs had only 10 years (beginning the year after death) to withdraw the entire balance. For some beneficiaries, this could potentially create a tax burden. (Inheritors of Roth IRAs are also required to follow the 10-year distribution rule but are not subject to income taxes on account earnings if the Roth IRA’s five-year holding period has been met).

However, not all beneficiaries were affected by the new rules. Spouses can stretch their inherited IRA distributions over their lifetimes and exceptions exist for certain non-spouse beneficiaries. Minor children of the IRA owner (until the age of majority), chronically ill or disabled individuals, and beneficiaries who are no more than 10 years younger than the IRA owner may opt to stretch their distributions.

The new 10-year requirement applies to IRAs inherited on or after Jan. 1, 2020. But due to confusion over changes to required minimum distribution (RMD) rules for some beneficiaries of inherited IRAs, the IRS waived penalties for individuals who failed to take RMDs in 2021 and 2022 and extended the RMD penalty waiver for 2023.

Although these rulings give beneficiaries — those not eligible for the exemptions listed above — more time to plan, they will eventually need to start taking RMDs, which could affect their tax situations. To help protect your heirs, consider these suggestions: • Using permanent life insurance. A properly structured permanent life insurance policy could help you replace the assets your family might lose to the taxes resulting from an inherited IRA. You might even consider naming a charity as the beneficiary of an IRA, rather than your family members. The charity would receive the IRA proceeds tax free, and the life insurance

could then provide tax-free benefits to your heirs.

• Leaving taxable investment accounts to your heirs. Apart from your tax-deferred IRA, you may own other, fully taxable accounts containing investments such as stocks or bonds. Typically, these investments receive what’s known as a “step-up” in their cost basis once they are inherited. This means your heirs will essentially inherit all the gains your investments earned by the time of your passing — but they won’t be taxed on these gains if they sell the assets immediately. This type of sale could help offset the taxes your heirs will incur from the inherited IRA. The tax and investment issues surrounding inherited IRAs can be complex, so consult with your tax and financial advisors before making any moves. And, as with many areas relating to inheritances, the sooner you start planning, the better. ❚ 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

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Your Home & Garden

Flooring That Will Last You a Lifetime

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By Peggy Werner strong and durable floor coating commonly used in commercial buildings is now a popular choice for enhancing the beauty of homes, increasing their resale value, helping people with allergies by cutting down on the accumulation of dust and dirt, and lasting for a lifetime.

Doug Wagoner, owner of Wagoner’s Epoxy Floor Systems & Polished Concrete, 5431 Planeview Dr., Fort Wayne, says his business specializes only in floor coatings, and the demand for the latest and most advanced product is steadily growing as people discover all the benefits of polyaspartic flooring. The local, family-owned company has been in business for more than 30 years.

“Anyone looking to enhance a space by making it more aesthetically pleasing and clean will love our product, which has an endless selection of looks and is

the best quality product we can buy,” he says.

Polyaspartic flooring has been used in commercial buildings for decades and is now becoming more popular with homeowners. It’s known for its durability and its resistance to scratches, abrasions and impact, including in high traffic areas, especially places where heavy objects could fall or drop. In addition to being durable, the coatings are also highly resistant to UV radiation, so they won’t yellow or fade over time, even in direct sunlight. They’re also impervious to stains, chemicals and moisture. The coatings are made from a combination of polyurea and polyaspartic ester resins, which create a tough and flexible finish.

What sets the company apart is its outstanding customer service, says Wagoner. This includes removing and replacing all contents of a room, garage or base-

Wagoner’s Epoxy Floor Systems has specialized in floor coatings for more than 30 years.

ment and keeping them stored in a trailer while the work is being completed. Most jobs take only a day, and the floor coatings are available in a wide variety of colors, borders, textures, looks and finishes.

The bulk of Wagoner’s business is coating basements and garages, but the company can also do patios and other outside areas, and any or all rooms in a house.

For a free home visit, call (260) 7504079. The business is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. ❚

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Your Home & Garden

Transforming Your Bathroom in Just 1 Day

By Peggy Werner

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f you’re tired of looking at that outof-date bathtub or shower and want something new or entirely different – and quickly – it can be done.

Bath Experts specializes in the transformation of residential bathtubs and showers and is the exclusive Jacuzzi Bath Remodel dealer serving Indiana and Ohio.

“We focus on the wet space because this area makes the most impact in a bathroom remodel, visually and economically, for the homeowner,” says Paul Peterson, director of marketing.

Bath Experts can also do tub-toshower conversions and shower-to-tub conversions. The business employs their own installers, trains them, and allows them to work alone or in teams, completing most projects in just one day.

And there are no shortcuts.

“We don’t cover up the existing space,” Peterson says. “We tear out the tub or shower down to the studs, just in case there is any mold or other damage that needs to be addressed when updating, and then we customize the space based on the homeowner’s preferences.”

There are several reasons why a homeowner needs or wants a new bathtub or shower. The aging population is most concerned about safety while bathing and staying in their home for as long as possible. They often want to convert a traditional bathtub to a walk-in shower or walk-in bathtub and add additional safety features such as shelves and caddies, grab bars, built-in seating, low-profile thresholds and more.

Others want to update the look of a shower or bathtub to better coordinate with other décor, and/or make it easier to

Bath Experts is the exclusive Jacuzzi Bath Remodel dealer serving Indiana and Ohio.

clean by not having to combat the growth of mold and mildew. Some homeowners are looking to upgrade to something more luxurious because they want more of a spa-like experience, Peterson says.

“People are always surprised at the transformation when we are finished and how quickly we can get the job done,” Peterson says.

To set a free home improvement consultation, call (260) 231-1693. ❚

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Your Fun

Entertainment & Events

Nashville Thursdays Thursdays through Dec. 28, 7-10 p.m. Enjoy country, bluegrass and other free live music at the Clyde Theater Club Room, 1808 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, clydeclubroom.com.

YLNI Farmers Market Thru Oct. 28, 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/.

Amazing Fall Fun Thru Oct. 29, Fri. 5-10 p.m., Sat. noon-10 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m. Choose a pre-picked pumpkin or pick your own, tackle a corn maze, enjoy delicious fall treats, and more.

Amazing Fall Fun, 3150 Cr. 43, Waterloo, amazingfallfun.com.

Kuehnert Dairy Fall Festival Thru Oct. 29, 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, kuehnertdairy.com/ kuehnert-fall-festival.

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Pumpkin Path Display Thru Oct. 29, recurring daily except for Mondays. Enjoy fall surroundings and pose for festive photo ops. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, botanicalconservatory.org.

Wild Zoo Halloween Thru Oct. 29, recurring Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring spooktacular activities, treats and more. Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, kidszoo.org.

Día de los Muertos 2023 Thru Nov. 5, recurring daily except for Mondays. Join a festive time for remembering deceased loved ones and ancestors. Fort Wayne Museum of Art, 311 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, fwmoa.org/exhibition/diadelosmuertos_2023/.

Ghost Tour Thru Dec. 30, Saturdays 4-6 p.m. Explore a gorgeous building in a 2-hour guided tour listening to ghost stories all along the way. The Bell Mansion, 420 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne, (260) 417-1794, thebellmansion.com.

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Amazing Fall Fun, in Waterloo, is open now through Oct. 29. Pick a pumpkin, tackle a corn maze, enjoy fall treats and more.

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

“Shrek The Musical” Nov. 4-19, Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. This Tony Award-winning adventure brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage. Arts United Center, 303 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, (260) 760-6314, fwcivic.org/shrekthemusical. ❚

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October 2023 • II

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Smart Living Fort Wayne

October 2023 • II

To Advertise Call 260-212-8968