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INfortwayne.com
February 2019
A winter wonderland awaits
Hikes and nature programs encourage residents to enjoy the outdoors all winter long
Covington Plaza 6410 West Jefferson Boulevard Fort Wayne, Indiana
260-436-3138
by bridgett Hernandez
INSIDE ABOITE
bhernandez@kpcmedia.com
Winter is in full swing in northeast Indiana, and the gray skies and freezing temperatures can make many people avoid the outdoors during this time of year. However, the region’s parks, trails and other natural spaces welcome visitors with winter programming throughout the coldest months. Lindenwood Nature Preserve, 600 Lindenwood Ave., Fort Wayne, offers “Wintry Weather Hikes” two or three times a month on Saturday mornings. The 110-acre nature preserve features four hiking trails. On Jan. 12, naturalist Emma Altimus led a group of about 20 hikers. “(During winter)
Food & Drink ....................... A2 Briefs ...................................A11 Recreation ........................... A6 Community Calendar..............................A15 PHOTOS BY BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ
Naturalist Emma Altimus (right) leads a group of hikers on a guided hike at Lindenwood Nature Preserve Jan. 12.
people feel like they lose a connection with nature, so they like to get out as much as they can. The hike that we offer gives them an excuse to come out,” she said. The free hikes provide an opportunity to get some exercise, socialize and learn about the nature preserve. During the snowy hike, Altimus See WINTER, Page 4
Volunteer Dane Nagy points out tracks left by a small animal, likely a mouse, during an educational hike at Eagle Marsh Jan. 12.
by bridgett Hernandez bhernandez@kpcmedia.com
CONTRIBUTED
Nikolaos “Nikos” George Hatzigeorgiou, who owned Friends, Too restaurant, died Jan. 1, leaving behind a legacy of hospitality.
business. After the recession, the market took a downturn, and he and Ana decided to go into the restaurant business. The couple was wellknown for their hospitality. Raptis said both Nikos and Ana had a passion for sharing the Greek concept of “philoxenia.” The closest translation in English is “hospitality,” he said, but it goes beyond that; it’s about
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INSIDE: n How to experience the
Restaurateur leaves behind legacy of hospitality Family and friends celebrated the life of local restaurateur Nikolaos “Nikos” George Hatzigeorgiou Jan. 12 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. The owner of Friends, Too, 3720 W. Jefferson Blvd., died Jan. 1 at home in Krioneri, Greece. Hatzigeorgiou, 64, had previously been diagnosed with cancer and ALS. His death comes less than two years after the death of his wife, Ana. The couple leaves behind a legacy of hospitality. Hatzigeorgiou immigrated to America in 1981. He originally came to visit his brother, who arrived in the area as a student, according to his brother-in-law Gregory Raptis. He decided to stay after he met Raptis’ sister Ana at a gathering of young Greek Americans. “They fell in love immediately,” Raptis said. The couple had a daughter, Marianthi Hatzigeorgiou and a son, George “Yorgo” Hatzigeorgiou. Before opening their original Friends restaurant on Dupont Road, Hatzigeorgiou ran a homebuilding
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expressing love, kindness and generosity to strangers. “My parents never referred to our patrons and customers as that. It was just ‘our friends,’” daughter Marianthi said. She and her brother have been touched by the outpouring of support and stories on the restaurant’s Facebook page. “We obviously feel See LEGACY, Page 3
Danish concept of “hygge” in Fort Wayne.
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