Smart Living Fort Wayne - January 13, 2022

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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • January 2022 • No. I

Mizpah Shrine Circus Returns to Fort Wayne!

RV Show Coming to Fort Wayne Make Your Fireplace Work for You Check Out Fun Local Events this Winter Plan Ahead for Spring Home Renovations

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

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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 fireplaces 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 first call to the experts at Collier’s.

2315 Shelby Drive, Warsaw TrustColliers.com

574.900.2909

Celebrating 25 years!

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region ......................Cover & p. 16 The Mizpah Shrine Circus Returns!

Your Community ..........................................13, 27 Electric Works in 2022; RV & Camping Show Your Outdoor Living ..........................................25 Meet the New Pergolas Inspiration & Worship .......................................14 A Fresh Start!

Your Home .............................................................11 Why We Still Love Fireplaces Your Health & Fitness .......................................23 Treating Peripheral Neuropathy Your Family Fun .................................................28

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Multimedia Editor Jim Taylor Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writer Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Lisa Brandt, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living.

Copyright 2021 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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Use It or Lose It

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elcome, 2022! Happy New Year from all of us at Smart Living!

There’s no denying these are strange times we live in, from a national news viewpoint.

How will it all play out?

I have no idea. But I do know one thing: Our local communities are what we make of them. Sitting on the sidelines and waiting for others to fix our problems won’t work. If good things are going to happen, it’s because we’ll make them happen. And that’s just what’s happening in Fort Wayne, Ind., as more and more people intentionally choose to support locally owned businesses.

Why does it matter? Because the more money we spend at locally owned shops and restaurants, rather than chains, the more money stays in our economy rather than flying off to faraway big-box headquarters. Studies by many credible organizations reach similar conclusions.

For example, the Small Business Council finds that “shopping local” generates $68 of economic contribution for every $100 spent, compared to $43 per $100 spent at a chain store.

That difference adds up! And, local businesses give us a unique identity rather than the soulcrushing generic lineup of Anyplace, USA. In many American cities, there’s no longer much choice about where to shop and dine: national chains control nearly the entire market.

Not so in Fort Wayne, where consumers still have terrific options for buying local.

The Savor Fort Wayne event running now through Jan. 23 is an excellent opportunity to sample and support local restaurants as they offer great meals at discounted pricing. Not comfortable dining indoors due to the pandemic?

Carry-out specials are available and a number of restaurants even offer heated outdoor dining year-round. Find a list of them and learn more about Savor Fort Wayne at visitforwayne.com.

“Use it or lose it,” as they say. Let’s make 2022 a year of helping ourselves. One way to do it is by showing local businesses that we value the way they set our city apart from the rest.

Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SL Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne

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VAN’S HOME CENTER

New Year. New Style.

Welcome Home To Style And Comfort.

With our large selection of quality home furnishings from today’s top brands, you’re sure to find the perfect style, at the perfect price, for any room in your home.

Use Our New Design Center To Customize Your Furniture To Fit Your Style

FURNITURE | APPLIANCES | FLOORING MATTRESSES | CABINETS | COUNTERTOPS 20 Minutes From Fort Wayne! Just Off I-69 & State Road 8 In Auburn! www.VansHomeCenter.com 106 Peckhart Ct. Auburn, IN | 260.927.8267 Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne

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Your Home & Garden

Fireplaces: Still Warming Homes and Hearts

By Janine Pumilia

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here’s a reason the expression “hearth and home” represents our precious family lives. Since ancient times, fireplaces were the heart of the home, keeping people warm and fed. Our affection for them didn’t end once furnace-powered heat replaced them in most American homes during the 20th century.

“We no longer build fireplaces for physical warmth,” observed novelist Edna Ferber. “We build them for the warmth of the soul; we build them to dream by, to hope by, to home by.”

And, many people just want a supplemental heat source, says Chuck Ault, co-owner of Collier’s Heating & Air Conditioning and Collier’s Fireplace Shoppe in Warsaw, Ind. He should know.

For nearly two decades, before he and co-owner Kevin Lehman purchased Collier’s, he worked for the business installing and repairing fireplaces and stoves.

“We install and service gas stoves, gas fireplaces, wood stoves and wood fireplaces,” says Ault. “We can replace old equipment. We do fireplaces in new homes. We can install gas lines. We can handle the whole job, from start to finish, from the design to framing to installation, venting, gas, electrical and masonry.”

Now celebrating its 25th year, Collier’s Fireplace Shoppe displays and sells wood, electric and gas fireplaces, both vented and unvented. It also installs electric fireplaces, wood boilers and pellet stoves and helps customers to understand the benefits of each kind of product.

“Our fireplace experts help you to determine the best fit for your home and your specific needs,” says Ault. “We have a range of cost options to fit almost any budget.”

These days, many customers want to convert a masonry wood fireplace to a gas fireplace.

“That’s a fairly simple process,” Ault explains. “There are a couple of options – you could install a gas log in the existing fireplace or you could install a gas insert, which would be much more efficient.”

A gas insert causes the fireplace to draw air from outdoors rather than drawing furnace-heated air from your home and sending it up the chimney.

“Old wood-burning fireplaces are not very efficient, so the draft can actually start to pull heat out of the house,” Ault explains. “If the fireplace is updated, we can do more efficient inserts that draw air in from outside, so it stops pulling heat out of the house. Most gas inserts are around 80 percent efficient.

These can be a supplemental heat source or a good heat source for emergency situations.”

Collier’s also helps homeowners to update their old, unattractive fireplaces by replacing the doors or adding gas logs.

“A gas insert changes the whole look of the fireplace,” says Ault. “We can do everything, from just a simple update to a complete remodel of an existing fireplace.”

If you live in a home with no fireplace but you’re thinking of

Kevin Lehman and Chuck Ault, co-owners of Collier’s Fireplace Shoppe

installing one, Ault suggests taking some pictures of where you would like the fireplace to be or what you currently have.

“Take measurements,” he says. “Pinterest pictures can help us to get an idea of what your vision and goals are. Then talk to our fireplace experts and we can help you begin the process.”

Residents of apartments and condominiums may want to consider installing an electric fireplace.

“Electric fireplaces have come a long way,” says Ault.

“They require no chimney and provide an amazing array of flame patterns to fit the mood you’re in. We’ve also installed them in restaurants and conference rooms and we carry the best brands in the industry.”

When it comes to fireplace maintenance, Ault recommends having a gas fireplace checked and serviced annually.

“We go through and clean the system, redress the logs and make everything look like new,” he says.

For wood fireplaces, he recommends having the chimney cleaned and inspected annually.

During their decades of hands-on work at Collier’s, Ault and Lehman never imagined they would someday own the company, but they were identified as potential successors and moved into management positions.

“We got the opportunity to buy into the company and we didn’t think we should pass up,” says Ault. “We have a vested interest in the company – it’s been good to our families over the years, and we look at Collier’s as an opportunity to extend our family to the team that we’ve built, to include the households we serve, and the communities where we live and work.”

Another branch of the business, Collier’s Solar, has more than 10 years of experience installing ground-mount and roofmount solar panels. The company has also been in the heating and air-conditioning business for more than 34 years, including geothermal installations, serving the greater Warsaw area.

Whether you yearn for the roar and scent of a wood-burning fireplace or want the convenience and tidiness of a gas or electric fireplace, there have never been more options to suit your individual situation.

Learn more by calling (574) 203-5882 or visit the showroom at 2315 North Shelby Dr., Warsaw, Ind. ❚ 11 January 2022 • I Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne

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Your Community

Learn What’s New in RV Travel Feb. 3-6

By Peggy Werner

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hether you want to travel with all the conveniences of home for a safe weekend getaway, explore the entire country at your own pace, attend your children’s out-ofstate sports games, or travel the country while working from home, you’ll want to attend the 61st annual Fort Wayne RV & Camping Show.

The event will take place Feb. 3-5 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Feb. 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave. Matt Rose, Director of Recreation Vehicles for the Recreation Vehicle Indiana Council, says people can view the smallest tearshaped camper to the largest Class A diesel motorhome, and more.

“The show is a great place to explore and shop for a new RV from any of the nine dealers represented, talk to representatives from More than 80 percent of all RVs are built in Indiana and the state has about 50 dealerships. area campgrounds, learn about accessories “You have all your own stuff with you and you can do what and ask questions,” he says. you want, when you want, at your own pace and plan your own Whether you’re a first-time buyer or want to get a new RV schedule,” he says. because your needs have changed, the show will be the place to He was introduced to camping by his wife, Janine, whose see new models, floor plans and features, he says. parents were lifelong campers. The couple’s two children, Jada, The show is returning after a year-long hiatus because of 22, and Addison, 14, have grown up camping with their parents COVID-19 restrictions, and the pandemic has only increased RV in a variety of places. sales.

“Both my kids love camping and hiking because they’ve “RV-ing is the original form of social distancing,” Rose obgrown up with it. I believe they have a greater appreciation for serves. “Many American vacationers have changed the way they the natural world because they’ve had so many opportunities to travel and vacation because owning an RV gives them a safe explore it,” he says. space with great flexibility. And instead of flying over places, Chris and Janine both work full-time, so they do many you can stop and see the sights.” weekend getaways, sometimes very spontaneously, and take lonAccording to the RV Industry Association, 25 million Amerger trips once or twice a year, mostly in the Midwest. When they icans use RVs each year to camp, hike, boat, fish or just to relax retire, they’ll travel to parts of the country they haven’t yet seen in nature. They generate $114 billion for the national economy, and stay for weeks at a time, says Chris. with $32.4 billion of that money generated in Indiana alone.

They’re not alone.

More than 600,000 RVs were sold to dealers in 2021 and RV ownership has steadily increased in the past few dethat number is expected to increase this year. Previously, 2017 cades, with ownership skyrocketing 62 percent in the past 20 was a record year, with 504,000 units sold. years among people of all ages, races and socio-economic back“Elkhart County in Indiana is the RV capital of the world,” grounds. says Rose. “More than 80 percent of all RVs are built in Indi“People used to look at RV-ing as a pastime for older people ana. The state has about 50 dealerships that employ more than and retirees, but that’s been changing in recent years,” says Rose.

126,000 people.”

“A few years ago, the average RV owner was 49 years old. That Chris Sallows of Angola, Ind., has been an RV owner for number has dropped to 45, and we expect it to keep dropping. more than 10 years and upgraded a few years ago to a 2016 KeyWhat’s driving RV sales right now is younger buyers with famistone Bullet 272. lies.

He says RVing is like a “home away from home” and is an “People are looking for a safe and convenient way to get easier and more economical way to travel, without all the hassles away from it all, while spending time with the family in nature.” ❚ of catching planes, booking hotel rooms and renting cars.

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Inspiration & Worship

Starting Fresh!

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new year often brings thoughts of making a new start in life. Thankfully, God invites us to do that at any time, and urges us to go forward regardless of past failures.

Scripture teaches that God doesn’t want Christians to wallow in regret and guilt. Yes, we must acknowledge our sins and correct our bad behavior, but past sins shouldn’t hold us back from a better future. To wallow in guilt is to reject the grace and mercy hard won for us by Jesus Christ. It also means focusing on the flesh rather than the spirit.

Few people have experiened more regret than Paul the apostle. Before his conversion to Christianity, he dedicated himself to persecuting Christians, as he details in Acts 22. Paul understood the vital importance of looking forward. “… But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me …” he writes in Philippians 3:13-15.

“All of us who are mature should take such a view of things.”

When we’re caught up in our own shame, we turn inward. We distance ourselves from God and try to hide from him, just as Adam and Eve tried to hide from God in the garden because of their shame. (Genesis 3:8.) When we accept His mercy, we’re better able to listen to Him and therefore to love others.

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage,” Paul admonishes the Christians of Galatia, (Galatians 5:1, KJV.) In Romans 8:1 (NIV) he cautions against being re-enslaved by sin.

“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”

A new year is a great time to “get right with God” in our hearts and move forward in the kind of absolute freedom only He gives us. And that helps us to help others.

When we stand boldly before the throne of grace, our hearts are free to say, as Isaiah did, “Here I am, Lord, send me!” ❚ 14

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Right in Our Region

Mizpah Shrine Circus Returns Jan. 28-30

Thrilling stunts and acts by performers from around the world are part of the Mizpah Shrine Circus and new ones are sought out each year.

By Peggy Werner

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he 76th annual Mizpah Shrine Circus will ring in the new and The Flying Trapeze. year with riveting shows featuring exotic animals, clowns, The circus was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, but death-defying stunts and more Jan. 28-30 at Allen County War attendance is typically around 30,000 per year and people travel Memorial Coliseum. The circus is the major fundraiser of the hundreds of miles to attend, says Hardiek.

Mizpah Shrine Center of Fort Wayne, 1015 Memorial Way. Tarzan Zerebini Circus of Missouri produces the circus in “This event is about building community and keeping it Fort Wayne and in other locations across the country, bringing in affordable so everyone can attend,” says Mike Hardiek of the fresh attractions each year.

Shrine Circus Committee. “There’s not enough family-friendly More and more thrill rides, acrobatics and stunts are being entertainment around, but this is something everyone looks forperformed to attract people of all ages, says Hardiek. ward to each year.”

A Circus Fair is held in the lower level of the coliseum, Acts from across the country and around the world are still where there are activities for all ages, children’s crafts, pony and being booked in order to get the best talent available, he says. elephant rides and opportunities to view the animals up-close.

Some main attractions in past years have included White The coliseum hires and provides full access to staff from and Gold Tigers, Mongolian Strong Man, Tulga, Horsemanship Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control and Humane Fort Wayne to

by Erika Zerbini, Tarzan Zerbini Elephants, the Wheel of Death observe the feeding, training and care of the circus animals while 16 To Advertise Call 260-212-8968 Smart Living Fort Wayne January 2022 • I

Right in Our Region they’re in town, Hardiek says.

“There is never a time the animals are not in view and no animals are mistreated or uncared for and we order the best food for them,” he says.

The Mizpah Shriners of Northeast Indiana represent 22 counties and nearly 2,000 Shrine Masons. Their mission is to support thousands of patients receiving care at area Shriner’s Hospitals and Clinics for Children.

Shriners International is a fraternity-based organization with values of having fun and fellowship while living out the Masonic principles of brotherly love and truth, and aiding relief efforts.

There are about 200 local chapters and thousands of clubs on six continents. Shriners are known for their fellowship, brotherhood, compassion and generosity, says Hardiek. They also help men to become better leaders, husbands, fathers, friends and community contributors. There are more than 200,000 Shriners worldwide.

Local Shrine centers around the world offer activities to connect people and support causes. Local chapters can also be created to address unmet needs in a community, Hardiek says.

The organization seeks to attract men of different backgrounds, career paths, ages and interests. The fraternity established Shriners Hospitals for Children as its official philanthropy in 1922 and continues to support it today. The hospitals, located in the U.S., Mexico and Philippines, specialize in pediatric care; world-class research and medical education; and advanced care for children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate conditions.

“We believe any child needing medical attention should get the best care in the world and not being dependent upon their family’s ability to pay for it,” Hardiek says.

Members support Shriner’s Children through their dues, as voting delegates and as volunteers at hospitals, clinics, and events.

Members and their families also engage in fundraising efforts, hosting events including like golf tournaments, football games, motorcycle rides, fishing tournaments, dinner parties and dances.

The circus is a fundraiser for Shriners International, a fraternity-based organization dedicated to sharing brotherly love and truth, aiding relief efforts and providing fun and fellowship.

Their impact has been powerful.

Since opening the first Shriners Children’s location, the healthcare system has improved the lives of more than 1.5 million children.

All proceeds from the circus go to the Mizpah Shrine Center’s operational fund to pay for the next circus and to benefit Shriners Children’s Hospitals and Clinics.

Although it’s a fraternal organization, family members of Shriners have their own organizations and women’s groups have goals of their own.

“We could not exist and be a healthy organization without the involvement of women,” says Hardiek. “They volunteer right along with us, doing exactly the same things the men are doing to benefit their communities and causes.”

Circus shows are on Friday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 29 at 10 a.m., 2:30 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday Jan. 30 at 2 p.m. at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave. Tickets range in price from $16 to $25 and are available by calling the coliseum box office (230) 483-1111 or by visitThere’s plenty of entertainment for people of all ages and a Circus Fair, too. ing MizpahShrineCircus.com. ❚ 17 January 2022 • I Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne

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MEET

AGAIN

EXPLORE

AGAIN

FLY

AGAIN

PEOPLE ARE BEGINNING TO DO IT ALL AGAIN. So, whether you’re planning your next business trip. Or, booking that long-awaited vacation.

We’ll provide the safe, sanitary, socially-distant terminal.

So, you can fly…again.

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FWAIRPORT.COM Phoenix • Orlando • Tampa • Fort Myers • Las Vegas • Myrtle Beach • Sarasota • Dallas Advertise Call 260-212-8968 Smart Living Fort Wayne 2022 • I ChicagoJanuary • Charlotte •ToPhiladelphia • Atlanta • Detroit • Minneapolis

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Your Health

Effective Treatments for Peripheral Neuropathy

By Toni Rocha

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he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 20 million Americans suffer from peripheral neuropathy (PN), a condition that results from damage to nerve networks in the hands, feet, ankles and other parts of the body.

At Health N.O.W., 2146 State Road, Auburn, patients find relief from symptoms ranging from mild to disabling, including numbness, tingling, twitching, throbbing and stabbing pain.

They also avoid further damage that a lack of feeling can cause, including wounds to the feet that don’t heal, which could eventually lead to amputation.

Dr. David M. Gafken, of Health N.O.W., in Auburn, has spent four decades using the latest advancements to diagnose “The symptoms can range and treat neuropathy before the condition becomes a graver concern for patients. from that ‘pins and needles’ feelGafken describes the course as quite effective as compared ing to severe pain,” explains Dr. David M. Gafken, DC. “Diabeto the medications usually prescribed to treat PN. tes is the No. 1 cause of PN.” “The drugs used to treat PN are high-powered and can have Patients come into the center for a thorough assessment, significant side effects,” he explains. which includes family history, existing conditions and testing to Gafken explains that the normal PN score for patients is 74. determine if they are candidates for chiropractic treatment courses.

“We had a woman whose PN score was 19 to 20 when she “Patients who fall inside certain ranges undergo testing came to the center,” Gafken says. “When her course of treatment to find where the source of the problem is,” Gafken explains. was complete, her score had improved to 60.”

“These can include a full metabolic workup, blood sugar/glucose Along with relief from the discomfort of PN, patients also reading (AIC), an evaluation of genetic components plus cigabenefit from improved sleep patterns, he says. rette and alcohol usage. Based on the results of these tests, we “After treatment, patients can walk better and more safely,” arrive at a score which reflects the severity of the PN they are Gafken says. “This is vital because patients who cannot feel experiencing. Then we determine if they are good candidates for their feet are prone to falls and other situations in which they a treatment course or if the nerve damage has progressed too far can cut or damage the affected tissue. We can save them the loss to treat effectively.” of their toes and feet because the treatment course helps them For patients who fall into the treatable score range, Gafken get more efficient blood flow back into their feet and ankles.” says laser is one of the methods he uses. Laser therapy involves With improved capabilities, patients are better able to rethe use of low-level waves that can be set at one of four depths, sume or initiate exercise programs and enjoy participating in depending on how deep into the muscle and bone tissue the damsports without fear or discomfort, Gafken says. They can also age has occurred. Laser can successfully be used to increase work at their jobs and around the house and yard, a benefit that blood flow and repair nerve damage to the ankles and feet, hands directly improves their quality of life. and fingers, and other areas of the body.

“How active they are depends on their overall health and age, “One of the main areas we address is the lower spine, using but we want them to be as active as they can be,” Gafken says. decompression therapy combined with laser treatment to reduce “We have an incredibly positive effect on our patients’ lives.” inflammation, encourage stronger blood flow and to build new Learn more about PN treatment, or make an appointment pathways to healthier nerve networks,” Gafken adds. “The dewith Health N.O.W., by calling (260) 920-8811. Learn more at compression course takes place over a six- to eight-week period, seekhealthnow.com. ❚ teamed with other appropriate soundwave electrical methods.”

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Outdoor Living

Pergolas Add to Enjoyment All Year Long

By Peggy Werner

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ith COVID-19 still raging, many people are spending more time at home.

Unseasonably warm temperatures are allowing them to take advantage of the outdoors on many winter days.

Pergolas add style, beauty, and definition to an outdoor space while also providing privacy, shade, and added value to a home, says Ryan Lemon, chief operating officer at W.A. Zimmer, 1700 N. Broadway, Huntington, Ind. “A lot of people are still spending more time at home and yet they don’t want to feel cooped up. Pergolas make it possible for people to work outdoors without sun glare on the computer screen, and some Now is a good time to figure out how to improve your outdoor spaces. Need ideas? Consult experts who know what people use the space just for products are available and can explain the latest innovations. relaxing or entertaining by adding an outdoor kitchen,” he says. area and extend the time you can spend outdoors all year. The A pergola is an outdoor structure consisting of columns that unique structure combines the functionality of a patio cover with support an open roof of beams and rafters. Free-standing or atthe look of a pergola. Insulated center panels help to protect a tached to your house, a pergola can cover a patio, deck or any space from rain, snow and sun and yet this pergola has the openoutdoor area and comes in a variety of styles and sizes. There are beam look of a traditional pergola. options like retractable side screens.

Pergolas account for the vast majority of sales today at W.A. A standard pergola allows for partial shade. The open beams Zimmer and the structures can be installed year-round. As long let in natural light and provide a perfect setting for stringing outas temperatures stay above freezing, homeowners can adjust loudoor lights. A pergola can support climbing vines to enhance vres, says Lemon. your home’s landscaping. An operable pergola has remote-conAll structures from W.A. Zimmer are custom built and are trolled motorized louvres to give partial or complete shade with made from high quality and durable extruded aluminum, requirthe push of a button. ing no maintenance because the material doesn’t fade, rust, warp, A dry cool pergola is the newest way to cover an outdoor mold or need painting or staining. Colors available are white, sandstone (light beige), and bronze, which is a rich dark brown.

The family-owned company has been in business for more than 40 years and is owned by Bill and Marcia Zimmer. Their staff designs and builds maintenance-free and high-quality sunrooms, pergolas, patio covers and retractable awnings and screens. They take responsibility for the whole project, from start to finish, including getting permits to do the job. The company services only the products they build.

W.A. Zimmer plans to open second location in Elkhart, Ind., this spring. It also maintains a display at Ginger Valley Garden Center in Granger, Ind., near South Bend.

Learn more by calling (260) 356-1621 or visit the showroom A new pergola can be installed any time of year, weather permitting. Why at 1700 N. Broadway St., Huntington, Ind. ❚ wait for the spring rush?

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Our Community

Electric Works to Open This Year

By Peggy Werner

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ort Wayne’s former General Electric Company campus is being transformed into a modern-day mixed-use district called Electric Works that’s one of the largest projects of its kind in the Midwest and an important addition to Fort Wayne’s downtown. After five years of work, the countdown has begun toward opening the first phase this year.

“We’re almost 70 percent pre-leased on the west campus, which will be open to the public in about one year. Not all tenants will be in, but the buildings will be move-in ready,” says Jeff Kingsbury of Ancora, the lead developer of Electric Works. “We’ve been planning, putting together financing, and working with the community over the past five years to bring this project to life. We’re hoping it will be a center of gravity and a hub for innovation, energy, and culture for

Northeast Indiana, while also being an inspiration for future job growth and more.”

In 2017, RTM Ventures LLC, a partnership led by Ancora and based in Durham, NC, acquired the former General Electric manufacturing campus, which consists The 39-acre former General Electric manufacturing campus of 39 acres and 18 historic build- includes 18 historic buildings. ings with 1.2 million square feet space for offices, education, healthcare, of space. The redevelopment of the GE retail, entertainment and other commucampus and repurposing of its buildings nity uses. and grounds is a public/private partnerThe $126 million second phase is ship between RTM Ventures and the City still in planning stages and will include of Fort Wayne. The property is within 297 apartments, an early childhood learneasy walking distance of the downtown ing center, a fitness/wellness center, comand riverfront. mercial space and a large parking garage.

The project is divided into numerous Also, the Fort Wayne Community phases, the first having begun in January School Board approved a 10-year lease 2021 with an expected completion date in for development of a new Science, Techlate 2022. The $286 million first phase innology, Engineering, Art and Math high cludes more than 700,000 square feet of school (STEAM) at Electric Works. ❚

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Your Fun

Entertainment & Events

Savor Fort Wayne Jan. 12-23. For 12 delicious days, restaurants will offer special deals on three-course menu options for dine-in or carryout. Learn more at SavorFortWayne.com.

Science Central: Our Weakening Web Through Jan. 22, Thurs.-Sun. With displays, dioramas and interactive components that encourage hands-on learning, visitors learn about the ecological relationships that bind all life forms together. 1950 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne. ScienceCentral.org.

Mizpah Shrine Circus (see cover story) Jan. 28-30, Fri. Jan. 28 at 7 p.m.; Sat. Jan. 29 at 10 a.m., 2:30 and 7 p.m.; and Sun. Jan. 30 at 2 p.m. at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave. Enjoy riveting shows featuring exotic animals, clowns and death-defying acts in this fundraiser for Mizpah Shrine Center of Fort Wayne. Tickets range in price from $16 to $25. Call the coliseum box office (230) 483-1111 or visit MizpahShrineCircus.com.

Nouvelle Annee 1750s Jan. 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit Fort Saint Philippe Post des Miamis and help cele-

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brate Nouvelle Annee, the new year.

See French soldiers, settlers, voyageurs and their Miami Native Allies.

Sponsored by Historic Fort Wayne and Les Garrison du Pays den Haut. Learn more at oldfortwayne.org.

Gregory Porter All Rise Tour Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m. This talented artist successfully blends the sounds of jazz, soul and gospel into one. This, along with his unmistakable voice, has led him to much success over Enjoy abstract art at Fort Wayne Museum of Art. the past decade. The Clyde Theatre, 1808 Bluffton Road, (260) 747-0989, clydetheatre.com tightrope walking at Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., ‘A Sense of Place: Abstract Art in N. Indiana’ Fort Wayne, Ind., (260) 427-6440, botanicalThrough March 13, daily. This exhibition highconservatory.org. lights the beauty and meaning of abstract art that relies on expressive qualities of color and Nashville Thursdays non-representational marks to convey mean7-10 p.m. Free live music in the Club Room ing. Fort Wayne Museum of Art, 311 E. Main at Clyde Theater, 1808 Bluffton Road, Fort St., fwmoa.org.

Wayne. Clydetheatre.com.

Under the Big Top Through April 17, daily. Imagine yourself as part of the spectacle and attempt great feats of derring-do including acrobatics and

January 2022 • I

To Advertise Call 260-212-8968

Open Acoustic Jam Each second Tuesday, 5-8 p.m. at Sweetwater, 5501 US Hwy 30 West, Fort Wayne. All skill levels welcome. sweetwater.com. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne

January 2022 • I

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Smart Living Fort Wayne

January 2022 • I

To Advertise Call 260-212-8968

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne

January 2022 • I

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Smart Living Fort Wayne

January 2022 • I

To Advertise Call 260-212-8968