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There’s something about the start of a new year that makes us look at our surroundings with fresh eyes. Maybe it’s the realization that the kitchen could use an upgrade, the bathroom desperately needs a refresh, or the backyard has untapped potential.
Whatever the case, there’s no better time than the present to roll up your sleeves and start tackling those long-awaited home improvement projects.
Investing in your space is often about aesthetics, but sometimes there’s more to it than that. It’s about making your home work better for your lifestyle. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from editing this magazine, it’s that upgrading your home now can actually save you money in the long run. From smart thermostats to improved insulation, small changes can lead to big benefits on your utility bills. Even simple DIY projects like adding fresh paint, updating light fixtures, or reorganizing storage can breathe new life into your space without breaking the bank.
Another reason to act now? The real estate market. Whether you plan to stay put for years or think about selling down the line, home improvements add value. A well-maintained home stands out, and even minor updates — like modernizing a bathroom or enhancing curb appeal — can make a big difference in resale potential.
And, let’s be honest... there’s something deeply satisfying about a home project done right. The sense of accomplishment that comes from creating a space you love is more than worth the effort.
The upcoming Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show is a great opportunity to garner ideas, see the latest trends, and connect with local businesses that can help you accomplish your home improvement goals. More information is on pages 16 and 17.
If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to get started, consider this your sign!
Have a wonderful week,
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
By Peggy Werner
Stucky’s Furniture and Appliance, 5601
Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne, is a familyowned and operated local business that has endured and expanded because of its top customer service and quality products at affordable prices.
As much as online shopping has increased over the years, nothing can take the place of going into a store to compare brands, fabrics, styles, and getting expert help on decision making, says Lynn Taylor, furniture and mattress general manager.
“Educated salespeople know the options a customer has and can help shoppers visualize what is possible,” she says. “Our approach is helping make customers feel valued and helped, not pressured.
“Helping and servicing customers is who we are. It’s not about selling the most, it’s about doing the best for each customer,” she adds.
Known for its appliance sales and repairs, Stucky’s expanded its business to include furniture and a greater variety of quality mattresses in 2021.
“People are thrilled to see more selection,” Taylor says. “They come in for a much-needed appliance or repair and can visualize other updates for the home.”
Furniture is not just functional, but part of the fashion world, too.
Color trends are moving away from cool greys and blues to the warmer earth tones of rust, green and shades of brown.
Lighter woods are more popular than darker woods and modular sectionals give homeowners freedom to be creative.
Recliners have become more sophisticated with power headrests, power lumbar support, zero gravity recline, storage pockets, USB ports and remote control for position, heat and massage.
“A few years ago, you couldn’t find many of these features in a recliner, but now they are commonplace,” Taylor says.
The store specializes in furniture for the bedroom, dining room and living room, but also carries smaller accent pieces. Their main upholstery brands are USA-made Alexvale and Flexsteel. Other lines include Fusion, HomeStretch, Vaughn-Bassett and John Thomas. Mattresses are by Serta and Simmons.
Established by Elmer, Joe and Chris Stucky in 1914, Stucky Brothers, Inc. began as a general store in Fort Wayne. Throughout two world wars, Stucky’s offered war production-issued products, appliance sales, and repair services on a large variety of products. In 1971, a new 35,000-square-foot building was constructed at the present location.
For more information, visit Stucky’s in person or online at stuckysfurnitureappliance.com or call (260) 482-8402. ❚
Jesus Christ was seen by some people in his society as a dangerous radical. His powerful words reached the human heart, threatening the status quo.
He boldly chastised corrupt religious leaders (Matthew 23) and embraced social outcasts, teaching his followers to do the same (Matthew 5). He threw open the global floodgates of God’s love, offering eternal life to all people who choose to believe. He forever limited the iron grip that tyrants hold over the human mind, by providing hope. He exposed the selfish nonsense of those who sow division to empower themselves.
Unlike other revolutionaries, Jesus wasn’t interested in transforming politics. He didn’t expand his following through lies or bribes or violent coercion, although he could have.
“Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” – Matthew 26:53
Jesus Christ sought dominion over something better than material power: human hearts, freely given to him in loving obedience. Hearts motivated by love and gratitude to the Creator.
That hasn’t changed. Then, as now, Christ tells us to conform our thoughts and behavior to his, to love what he loved, to treat people as he treated people, to boldly call upon him for help and to find the peace only he can give.
Empires rise and fall. It’s all very exciting. But just as Israel demanded a king against God’s advice, we’re foolish to believe any human leader can save us. We’ve already been saved by the one true king, Jesus Christ. Our job until His return is to act like it. Following Christ is a way of life, not a demographic identity. It’s a day-by-day decision to seek and obey the master’s voice. That voice is found in scripture, prayer and in the still, small voice inside us where holy spirit dwells.
Jesus said: “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 commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” –Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV) ❚ -- Janine Pumilia
If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect hearth for your home, Collier’s Fireplace Shoppe is here to help you turn your dream into a reality. We have 25 years experience transforming blank walls and generic builder’s grade freplaces into showstoppers. Whether you’re looking for an elegant solution for your living room, a wood stove for a cozy family room, or an outdoor kitchen that will make your neighbors green with envy, make your frst call to the experts at Collier’s.
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
Asthe seasons begin to change, there’s no better way to welcome spring than by exploring the latest trends in home improvement, landscaping and gardening. The Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show is back for its 52nd year, bringing an exciting mix of vendors, expert speakers and unique entertainment from Feb. 27 to March 2 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave.
Whether you’re looking to revamp your home, enhance your outdoor space, or simply gather inspiration, the Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show has hundreds of vendors showcasing products and services ranging from home renovation to gardening and landscaping, says Becky Williamson, owner and president of the event. Attendees can compare options, seek expert advice and take advantage of exclusive show pricing.
“Many vendors will be offering ‘show-only’ deals, making this the perfect opportunity to invest in home and garden projects,” Williamson says.
One of the highlights of the event is the chance to win “Show
Bucks” – certificates that random lucky attendees can use as cash with select vendors. In addition to vendor discounts, these giveaways make the experience more rewarding for shoppers looking to get the most value from their visit, Williamson says.
Visitors can also stroll through the “Garden Gallery,” which is full of unique garden accessories, gifts, plants, fairy gardens, patio and landscape displays, and hundreds of spring flowers.
The event also boasts exciting entertainment for people of all ages. Williamson is particularly excited for the “Otter Adventure,” a unique up-close animal encounter where attendees can enjoy watching otters dive and play. Another crowd favorite is the internet-famous dog, “Dexter: The Dog Who Walks Like a Human.” The Brittany Spaniel from Colorado taught himself to walk on his own two back legs after losing a leg and weakening another in an accident when he was a puppy.
Local artist Myles Nasby will also be onsite for chainsaw carving demonstrations, creating art right in front of the crowd. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase some of his
finished pieces or commission a custom piece. “I research from year to year to bring in something fun and different. I try not to have something that people have seen before,” Williamson says.
For those with a green thumb, the Home & Garden Show hosts engaging speakers in an education seminar series featuring multiple topics, how-tos and demonstrations.
Speakers include the award-winning author and herbalist Bevin Cohen, as well as local gardening expert Alex Babich, also known as “The Giant Gardener,” who specializes in growing things to giant sizes.
Additionally, the show’s beloved mascot, Gnorm the Gnome, makes special appearances throughout the event.
Designed as a family-friendly experience, the Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show encourages parents to bring their children along for a day of fun. Kids ages 15 and under can attend for free and enjoy a variety of activities, including a “Gnome Scavenger Hunt” where young attendees can search for 12 hidden gnomes throughout the venue to win a special prize. A petting zoo and
additional hands-on activities ensure that children will have just as much fun as the adults. Sunday is officially “Kids’ Day,” featuring additional kid-focused entertainment.
Tickets for the Home & Garden Show are $12 for adults and $8 for seniors ages 65 and older. Visitors can also take advantage of a $2 discount by downloading a coupon from homegardenshow.com or by bringing a pet food donation for Humane FW, the show’s new charitable partner.
Event hours are Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show has been a familyrun event since its inception in 1973, when Williamson’s grandfather Ernie Kerns first launched it in a local mall. Over the years, the show has grown, and now, Williamson is the third generation to carry on the legacy.
“I’m proud to have seen so many layers of the show throughout the years, and I’m super excited for its continuation,” she says. ❚
By Peggy Werner
Whether wood-burning, electric or gas powered, fireplaces add beauty, coziness and warmth to a home. People naturally relax and unwind as the senses are drawn to the dancing flames and the crackling sounds and smells.
In business for 36 years, Colliers, 2315 Shelby Dr., Warsaw, Ind., specializes in residential and commercial heating and air conditioning, fireplaces and solar technology throughout north-central Indiana.
Fireplaces have multiple purposes.
“There are many advantages to having one or more fireplaces in a home, and they are as individual as the customers who own them,” says Chuck Ault, owner. “Everyone wants the ambiance, functionality, or both when looking to update or add one to the home.”
Collier’s can do anything and everything with fireplaces, Ault adds, whether creating a new look for an existing fireplace or adding one to a home.
“We can do as much or as little as you want and handle all jobs, big or small.”
To help customers get started, he suggests they visit Collier’s 2,000-square-foot showroom to see the wide variety of fireplace materials including stone, brick, concrete, wood, metal, marble, limestone and more.
The fireplace mantel and hearth may be optional in some cases and can enhance the material used to surround the firebox, which can be something plain or more decorative, made from the same material or one that is contrasting in texture and color.
The hearth is made from a non-combustible material to protect the interior flooring from heat and embers from a wood-burning fireplace.
Not only is the fireplace an attention-getter on its own, but the décor around it can add to or complete a look.
Decorative mirrors, vintage art pieces, pictures, baskets, trays, candles and vases can be used alone or together and in varying heights to add elegant touches to a mantel. Neutral walls can have a look of elegance with items that surround the fireplace in natural textures and neutral colors. Or, the fireplace can be the location for a pop of color carried through in other accent pieces such as decorative pillows, cushions and throws.
Fireplaces are warm and welcoming and can be eco-friendly, Ault adds. They can add value and beauty to a home, provide warmth and romance, and help lower utility costs.
“A fireplace creates ambiance and is the focal point of any room. It can blend in with the surroundings or add a dramatic contrast to the rest of the room,” Ault says.
One homeowner, he recalls, took a blank wall and added a woodburning fireplace complete with a stone wall and floor-to-ceiling storage box for wood.
“That boring wall became an elegant focal point in the room,” Ault says. “Every fireplace draws attention and makes a statement.”
For more information or to schedule a home appointment, contact Collier’s on their Facebook page or call (574) 200-0429. ▮
By Peggy Werner
Oneof the largest and hardest-working parts of your home is seldom given a thought, yet needs regular checkups to keep working smoothly.
“Most people don’t give the garage door an ounce of thought until it quits working,” says Jim Platt, general manager of Raynor Door Authority, 3636 Lima Road, Fort Wayne. “A regular maintenance check shouldn’t be put off. A minor problem can become a major repair that could have been prevented.”
He recommends a maintenance check at least once a year to make sure the rollers, springs, hinges, bearings and other working parts are in good shape and the door is well lubricated. Ideally, late summer and fall are good times to have a professional look over the condition of the door, before the coldest days of winter.
“We all know things don’t work as well in the cold. If there is a frayed cable or cracked hinge, it’s much more likely to break in the winter,” Platt says.
The most common problem with garage doors are broken springs. At that point, the door won’t open or close and there’s no safe way to get the door open.
And there’s no warning and no way to tell if something is wrong until it breaks, Platt adds.
The industry standard is 8,000 to 10,000 cycles on the springs. Most homeowners open and close the door at least four times a day, which translates into the springs lasting on average about six years.
“It’s the same idea as bending a paper clip back and forth. Eventually, it will break, and so will garage door springs,” Platt says.
Homeowners can detect other problems early, if paying attention. If the rollers are deteriorating and dragging, they will cause a screeching noise. Cracked hinges and rollers that are off track are also noticeable.
Raynor Door Authority services homeowners within a 50mile radius of their office and employs their own repair people who are on call 24 hours a day for emergencies.
Platt recommends homeowners call the professionals to handle all problems.
“If you don’t know what you are doing, you could get severely hurt or killed,” he says. “When a garage door is down, the springs are under a tremendous amount of tension. Professionals have special equipment to safely repair springs. A screwdriver is not designed to deal with that kind of tension.”
What homeowners can safely do is lubricate all moving parts such as hinges, rollers, springs and bearings at least once a year with garage door lubricant, Platt says, adding that a little goes a long way.
Garage doors themselves have come a long way.
“They used to be made of wood, purely functional, and most people wanted them in the back or side of the house,” Platt says.
Today, most garage doors are made of steel with baked-on enamel paint and located in the front of the home. Homeowners have a wide variety of choice when it comes to colors, styles and window options.
“Garage doors are more often a way to enhance a home’s look and add great curb appeal,” Platt says. ❚
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
Finding a new home can seem daunting when living alone is no longer an option for you or a loved one. There are many questions you may have about potential residences, such as: Do they provide quality care? Is the staff compassionate? Is the food good?
Whether residents need 24-hour nursing care or short-term rehabilitation, Adams Heritage provides compassionate care in a home-like setting. The rural location at 12011 Whittern Road, Monroeville, is ideal for quiet rest and rehabilitation, says Natasha Graves, administrator at Adams Heritage.
“Our residents enjoy life enrichment activities and restaurant-style dining tailored to their own individual needs and wants, while we provide your family with peace of mind,” she says.
Adams Heritage has 58 beds for both short-term and long-term care. Amenities include a beauty and barber shop, a bird aviary, outdoor walking paths, beautiful gardens, housekeeping and laundry, a community room for family gatherings and a stateof-the-art security system. A physician is on call 24 hours a day and a nurse practitioner rounds daily.
In addition, outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy is available.
“A team of physical, occupational and speech therapists, employed by Adams Health, plan individualized care to help each resident achieve independence and have a better quality of life,” Graves says. “It makes a difference that our therapists are employed and not contracted by agencies – they are able to provide more consistent care in order to get the best possible outcomes.”
Caregivers can also receive support through Adams Heath’s respite care program. Whether going on vacation or needing a break, caregivers can request respite care for a loved one for a few days or a few weeks.
“Our quality of care is second to none and our mission is to provide extraordinary living where everyone is family,” Graves says.
“We believe it is our calling to deliver excellent care and provide our residents and their families with peace of mind. Every day is built around each resident’s interests, abilities and ideas.”
Adams Heritage is a 5-star facility that received a 2023 silver “Achievement in Quality” award
from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The award is the second of three distinctions possible through the AHCA/NCAL award program, which recognizes organizations that meet progressively rigorous standards of performance to further improve the lives of residents and staff in long-term care. Adams Heritage was one of four Indiana communities to receive the achievement in quality award, and is currently working toward a gold award.
“Our residents love the individual care and attention they receive from our caregivers,” Graves says. “Our team makes them feel special, like they are family, and that goes a long way. It is not uncommon to see staff sharing laughs and stories with residents.”
Adams Heritage offers Medicare, Medicaid and Managed Care Certified rooms. For more information, call (260) 623-6440 or visit adamsheritage.org to watch a virtual tour or schedule an in-person tour ❚
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 2025 schedule.
I Love Saturdays at Club Room at Te Clyde
Enjoy the best in pop, soul, R&B and funk every Saturday from 8-11 p.m. at the Club Room at the Clyde, 1806 Blufon Road, Fort Wayne. Visit clydeclubroom.com/live to see the complete lineup of performers.
Headwaters Park Ice Skating
Tru Feb. 23, Mon.-Fri. 4-9 p.m., Sat.-Sun. noon-9 p.m. Te outdoor ice rink is open daily at Headwaters Park, 333 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, fortwayneparks.org.
Floor is Lava
Tru April 6, recurring daily except Mondays. Navigate a challenging set of obstacles for all ages and abilities. Te course is arranged amidst towering tropical plants and a roaring volcano. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, botanicalconservatory.org.
YLNI Winter Farmers Market
Tru April 26, Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for fresh produce, a wide variety of organic fruits and vegetables, hand-made jewelry and crafs, local artwork and more. Te Old East End Building, 1501 E. Berry Street, Fort Wayne, facebook. com/YLNIFarmersMarket.
Cirque International
Feb. 15, doors 6:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m. Tis cirque-style show features an international line-up of some of the world’s fnest acrobats, gymnasts and aerial artists in an enchanting and mesmerizing spectacle of entertainment. Embassy Teatre, 125 W. Jeferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwembassytheatre.org.
Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day
Feb. 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tis event is all about hands-on learning and discovering how engineering impacts our world. Girls also have the opportunity to meet a woman pursuing a career in STEM. Science Central, 1950 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, sciencecentral.org.
Jim Jeferies: ‘Son of a Carpenter Tour’ Feb. 28, 7-10 p.m. Comedian/Actor/Writer and Australia native Jim Jeferies has appeared
and starred in flms and TV including the comedy series “Legit” which he co-wrote, executive produced and starred for FX. Embassy Teatre, 125 W. Jeferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwembassytheatre.org.
George R. Mather Lecture Series
March 2, 2 p.m. Suzanne LaVere presents “Spectacles, Politics, and Patriotism: Cultural Uses of Joan of Arc in Fort Wayne and Beyond.” Te History Center, 302 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, fwhistorycenter.org. ❚