Smart Living Fort Wayne - December 9, 2021

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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • December 2021 • No.I

Philharmonic Presents Festive ‘Holiday Pops’ Fresh Updates for Your Rooms Holiday Events at Embassy Theatre Tips for a Smooth Kitchen Remodel

Pictured: Fort Wayne Philharmonic Conductor Andrew Constantine

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

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In This Issue Right in Our Region ................................ Cover & p. 16 Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s Holiday Pops Your Home ...................................................................11, 27 Updating Your Room; New Owners at Stucky’s Inspiration & Worship ....................................................14 The Messiah Still Speaks Your Community ...............................................................19 Christmas Fun at Embassy Theatre Your Kitchen ......................................................................23 Start Now for a Spring Kitchen/Bath Update Your Health ........................................................................25 Effective Treatments for 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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What is Christmas?

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hristmas means many things to many people, but is rooted in the birth of Jesus.

Unlike the date of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, which align neatly with springtime Passover, there’s no clarity in scripture about the date of Jesus’ birth. So where did the Dec. 25 date come from?

In 336 A.D., leaders of the newly-Christian Roman Empire chose Dec. 25 as a holy day (“holiday”) to recognize the birth of Jesus – Christ’s Mass (“Christmas.”) This coincided with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations in which greenery and wreaths were hung, candles were lit, gifts were exchanged and feasts were prepared. Christians and pagans celebrated side by side, which eased the transition to a monotheistic (one God) society.

Christmas waxed and waned for centuries before getting a big boost from Charlemagne (Charles the Great), a medieval emperor who, in the 9th century, tried to unite Europe under Christianity via military force. Unlike God and U.S. founding fathers, Charlemagne (and tyrants who followed him) didn’t recognize the free-will right of individuals to embrace or reject Christ. He put to death those who refused baptism. State-mandated religion became a tyrannical force that many, like the Puritans, sought to escape.

By the 1600s, an English Christmas was a rowdy drinking holiday and was occasionally banned. In Massachusetts Colony, Gov. William Bradford (of the Mayflower) said it lacked scriptural basis and banned Christmas.

In the 1800s, Queen Victoria and her German husband, Albert, parents to nine children, transformed Christmas into a family holiday at a time the U.S. was forming its holiday traditions and looking to Europe for guidance.

Christmas was a modest holiday here until its commercial potential exploded along with industrialization. President U.S. Grant made Christmas a federal holiday in 1870 to help unify the post-war North and South.

Today, nobody “owns” Christmas or dictates how we must recognize it in the U.S. To me, it’s a celebration of the return of light to a dark world.

The Messiah came to reunite man with God. The dark Winter Solstice is an apt moment to celebrate the spiritual return of light.  Janine Pumilia SL Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne

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Your Home & Garden

How to Bring Your Room Up to Date

By Janine Pumilia

(Taylor King Photo)

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f your living space looks a bit tired, consider giving it a makeover. That may not be as difficult or expensive as you think and can be a real mood lifter.

“It’s easy and affordable to achieve a nice update by swapping out some accessories and smaller furniture pieces,” says Christy Howe, a designer at Fairfield Galleries in Fort Wayne.

“The best way to get started is to come in and take a few laps around the showroom. Find out which looks draw you in. If you’re not sure how to integrate fresh ideas with your existing furniture, ask one of our designers to help.”

Snap some images of your existing room and bring them to the store, Howe suggests. Or, if you’re planning a major revamp, set up an in-home appointment with a designer.

“We’re very customer service oriented and happy to help people put together a new look. Sometimes people just lack the confidence to go forward because design is not what they do every day. We can help. We don’t impose our personal tastes on you – we help you to figure out what you like.”

Take advantage of the deep product knowledge and personal design expertise store professionals offer, Howe urges. That’s something you can’t get online.

“Along with advice about patterns and colors – the fun stuff – we can also answer questions about how a piece of furniture is made, which fabrics are most durable, and how to combine furniture pieces and accessories in ways that are attractive but also functional.”

A living room or great room is often the first candidate for an update because it’s heavily used. Fairfield Galleries carries a huge selection of sofas and sectionals that anchor these rooms, plus accessories that complement them.

“You’ll mostly find neutral and tonal sofas and sectionals in our showroom because most people think it makes sense to stick to neutrals for the big pieces and occasionally freshen up the look with smaller pieces and accessories,” Howe says.

“We’re seeing a lot of vivid colors in artwork right now – deep ocean blues and sea greens, splashes of tangerine and hot pink. There’s also a softer version of this same color palette in more muted tones like soft pinks and sage greens.”

Area rugs, artwork, spot tables made of wood or mixed metals, décor pieces, ottomans and “poufs” – soft stools used for child seating, footrests or a surface to set something on – offer opportunities to add color and personality to a room with neutral furnishings.

“Just replacing your lamps can really freshen up a room,” says Howe. “We have so many nice choices for lamps that use different materials and colors.”

But there’s more to a room than color.

“Along with color, give some thought to textures,” says Howe. “Layering in some items with velvet or knotty fabrics or perhaps a jute or sisal rug can make for a nice change.”

Larger neutral pieces can be freshened up with splashes of color, pattern and texture, as shown in this room by Taylor King, one of many furniture brands sold at Fairfield Galleries in Fort Wayne.

In Fort Wayne, Howe sees many customers moving away from strictly traditional styles to a more transitional look with a subtler color scheme.

“It depends on the customer, but most people today don’t want blatantly matchy-matchy furniture,” says Howe. “You want to add ribbons of compatible colors, but in a less overtly intentional way.”

Mixed metal accents are popular.

“Gold accents are back, but in a champagne gold tone that mixes well with bronze or silver. Items like large clocks and mirrors are still trending, but in updated versions.

“Everything is oversized and large scale in accessories, from large florals or abstract patterns on pillows to large pieces of artwork on walls.”

One of the most functional and versatile furniture pieces today is the low-slung console table used in any room as a TV or lamp stand, as a dining room or kitchen storage sideboard, as an entryway table or as an anchor to focal-point wall art. They come in many styles, often with concealed storage or open shelving.

“Not everyone wants to hang their TV on the wall because that tends to lock you into one furniture floor plan,” says Howe.

“A console table is more versatile.”

When it comes to other rooms of the house, there are easy ways to upgrade a space by replacing your old headboard with a new upholstered one or swapping in new chairs for your older but beloved dining table.

“People still like to have large dining tables for gathering the family together,” Howe says. “Dining and bedroom furniture are the pieces we tend to hold onto longest and there are ways to update those rooms without replacing all the furniture.”

Freshening up your home is easier than you think – and can be a lot of fun, too.

“At the end of the day, we just want people to walk into their homes and feel good about what surrounds them.”

Learn more by stopping in at Fairfield Galleries, 5010 US 33 North, Fort Wayne, or call (260) 489-5526. 

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Inspiration & Worship

The Messiah Still Speaks W

hat does it really mean to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind”?

It’s one of the most important questions Christians ask themselves, since the Messiah himself, Jesus Christ, cited it as the “greatest commandment in the law.” This is recorded in three of the four gospels, and Jesus doesn’t stop there.

He immediately adds that the next most important commandment is “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:25).

Those words are easier to read than to internalize. If this is what most matters to God, then loving God and people should be the focus of our daily lives.

“Don’t merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves,” admonishes James. “Do what it says.” (James 1:22).

To do the word means we have to first know the word, not just what people say about it. We need to read it, eyes-toprint, for ourselves.

In every culture since Christ came to Earth, ours being no exception, people have mentally re-shaped Christianity to fit comfortably with what they already believe. We want to think God is concerned about things WE feel are important, or that OUR political action committee or news station etc. tell us are important. But God didn’t call us out to parrot our culture. He called us out to do His will.

To be doers of the word and not hearers only requires us to study scripture and listen to the spirit of God inside us, then act upon it. The good news is that we CAN do this and God promises to help us. The living God “opens the eyes of our understanding” (Ephesians 1:18) as we seek Him. As we put aside our idols and give God focus and space to work within us, we experience the joy that goes hand in hand with obeying the Messiah.  14

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Right in Our Region

Holiday Pops Concert Promises Variety

By Peggy Werner

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ward-winning conductor Andrew Constantine began his musical studies at a young age and has spent his life honing the skills needed to bring out the best in musicians.

As Music Director of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, he’s about to conduct the annual Holiday Pops concert for the first time.

“It’s a mainstay of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, something the community has loved for decades and looks forward to every year,” he says.

The Philharmonic will perform the program in five cities in Northeast Indiana. In Fort Wayne, the production will be performed six times over two weekends at the historic Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 and 2 p.m. Dec. 19.

Highlights of the program include traditional Christmas songs, dancing, visits from Santa and Mrs. Clause, a carol singalong, and Handel’s rousing “Hallelujah” chorus. Lyric soprano and stage actress Lisa Vroman will be guest vocalist.

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“The program almost chooses itself, with traditional and well-known Christmas classics that have a wide appeal, as well as involvement by Fort Wayne’s Children’s Choir and its Dance Collective,” he says.

Constantine will also include a Christmas Overture by English composer and conductor Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, whose music has received more exposure in recent years.

“Knowing Coleridge-Taylor had this gorgeous overture, I wanted to be sure to include it. I thought it would be a ‘first’ for Fort Wayne, but how wrong I was! It seems this wonderfully gifted composer, who was born of mixed race in 1875 and tragically died at the young age of 37, is already a firm favorite of our audience.”

In 1904, on his first tour of the U.S., Coleridge-Taylor was invited to the White House by President Theodore Roosevelt. It was rare for a man of African descent to receive such an invitation. His music was performed widely throughout the U.S. and he sought to integrate traditional African music into the classical realm.

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Right in Our Region

The Holiday Pops concert of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic is a beloved local tradition that includes a carols sing-along and a visit from Santa.

The world of performing arts was “devastated” during the past 18 months of pandemic and venues and artists have been wondering about peoples’ readiness to return to the theater, he says.

“Our audiences are very sophisticated and know how to get life going again while being very cooperative and concerned for each other. We’re just pleased to be back on stage, performing live music for live audiences,” he says.

Constantine’s goals for the coming season include working more closely with Purdue University at Fort Wayne, with other local arts organizations and with churches performing Christmas specials. He’d also like to partner more often with the Fort Wayne Ballet.

Although his main residence is in Baltimore, Constantine spends three to four months each year in Fort Wayne to lead the Philharmonic.

“There will always be a core of loyal and dedicated listeners and followers of classical music,” he says. “But how we choose to present the music will always be changing. Some people struggle listening to classical music, but others come to classical music concerts to take time for themselves and reflect. Classical music requires involvement from the listener to be open and receptive.

You have to participate when listening to classical music, rather than letting it come at you.”

Constantine speaks to audiences about the music to help them know what to listen for and to provide background on the

music piece and its composer. The conductor’s job is to connect the musicians with the music and also the audience with the music, he says.

“The audience’s energy creates a synergy with the performers, like an electrical current. Musicians feed off the audience and will feel what they are feeling, whether the crowd is large or small. And the audience can feel if the musicians are pumped up.

I like to be that person who makes it all happen.”

Born in Northeast England, Constantine learned to play the cello as a child. At the University of Leicester, he studied music, art, history and politics, and later was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in music.

Reading a library book about British conductor and cellist John Barbirolli helped Constantine to discover his own passion for conducting. He studied with British conductors John Carewe and Norman Del Mar in London and with Leonard Bernstein in Germany. He founded the Bardi Orchestra in Leicester and performed throughout Europe.

A scholarship took him to the Leningrad State Conservatory in 1991, where he studied with legendary Russian conductor llya Musin, whom he describes as the strongest influence of his conducting career.

“He taught me how to influence sound by first creating the image in your head and then transferring it into your hands. Extracting your own ego from the situation as much as possible is the only true way of serving the music.”  17 December 2021 • I Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne

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Your Community

Magical Holiday Fun at Embassy Theatre

By Peggy Werner

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mbassy Theatre’s annual Festival of Trees took place this season as the largest fundraiser of the year to support ongoing operational and restoration efforts in the historic building.

The lobbies of the theater and Indiana Hotel were transformed into a wonderland of decorated trees, says Carly Myers, chief marketing officer. “It’s pretty magical and is very nostalgic for some,” she says. Generations of families have attended the event since its beginning in 1985.

More holiday events are coming up at Embassy, including Celebrate the Holiday Season with Concordia Lutheran High School (CLHS) at 4 p.m. on Dec. 12. “Go Tell It: Jesus Christ is Born” will showcase the talents of CLHS music department students with choral and instrumental music. Tickets are $17 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, with no reserved seats.

On Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m., the Embassy will host Straight No Chaser with its “Back in the High Life” tour. Fans will have a first opportunity to see the group perform that song in person plus tracks from last year’s album, “Social Christmasing,” and a mix of brand-new arrangements and fan favorites.

Straight No Chaser ushered in the modern a cappella craze with its breakthrough version of “The 12 Days of Christmas” 12 years ago. Since then, the group has clocked in two RIAA-certified Gold records with more than 1 billion streams and sold more than 1.5 million concert tickets worldwide to their unforgettable live shows. In its album “Social Christmasing,” the group puts its signature twist on Christmas classics like “Silver Bells” and “Frosty The Snowman,” performs five new original songs and presents a hopeful take on the Counting Crows classic, “A Long December.” Ticket prices vary.

Also bringing seasonal cheer to the Embassy are the Holiday Pops concerts by Fort Wayne Philharmonic, offering pop and classical music plus a sing-along and visit from Santa. See our cover story for more details about it.

The Broadway at The Embassy series will continue into 2022 with “Cats” on Jan. 24 and “Hairspray,” “Waitress,” and “Jersey Boys” next spring.

“Waitress” and “Cats” will be staged two nights.

“The 2,471-seat theater is large enough to attract national acts, but small enough to give audiences an intimate experience with the stage productions, and there’s not a bad seat in the house,” says Myers.

A former seven-story hotel wraps around the north and west sides of the

The “Magic of the Season” Festival of Trees at Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne is an annual fundraiser for the theater, which opened in 1928. The Embassy Theatre Foundation formed in 1972 to preserve this community gem and its historic pipe organ.

theater and has been repurposed to include business offices, a two-story ballroom and other rental spaces. A rooftop patio is available for weddings, corporate parties, community events and more.

The Embassy Theatre opened as Emboyd Theatre in May 1928, at a time when vaudeville was at its height of popularity.

For 25 years, it was a destination for many of the biggest and brightest stars of stage and screen, including Perry Como, Lawrence Welk, Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, Doris Day, Duke Ellington, Red Skelton and Victor Borge.

After being sold to Alliance Amusement Corp., the theater changed its name to Embassy Theatre and continued to operate as a movie palace. The ornate pipe organ, once used to accompany silent films with live scores, was seldom used by then, but a group of organ enthusiasts came together as its unofficial guardian.

Faced with the imminent razing of the building, a handful of volunteers formed the Embassy Theatre Foundation in 1972.

Their goal was to protect and preserve the building and organ.

With just two days to spare, $250,000 was raised to rescue the building from demolition. The work began and many fundraisers were held. The first Festival of Trees raised $46,000.

Thanks to generous supporters, the following building renovations have been completed at Embassy Theatre: Installation of the marquee and vertical blade sign; renovation of the HVAC and cooling system; restoration of the Hoosier room; renovation of the ladies’ lower lounge; replacement of the grand entryway doors; and repair of the water-damaged sub-basement and foundation. The Indiana Hotel renovation included the creation of a two-level ballroom and the Parkview Health rooftop patio. 19 December 2021 • I Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne

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Your Kitchen

Start Now for Spring Kitchen/Bath Updates

By Janine Pumilia

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hen it comes to kitchen and bathroom updates, there are two big things to know right now: “Start early” and “think simple, clean lines,” says Dana Kneuve, designer at Trinity Kitchen, Bath & Lighting, in New Haven, Ind. “Customers have been very understanding of the supply chain issues,” she says. “If you want to do a remodel in the spring, it’s a good idea to start the process now. Expect cabinets to take at least twice as long as usual to arrive – that means eight weeks instead of four and possibly longer for other brands.”

Working with a kitchen designer to Clean lines bring a kitchen up to date, as in this remodel by Trinity Kitchen, Bath & Lighting. choose materials and plan the details now will assure you have everything in place when the remodeling people still like the look of wall tile, but it can be expensive to begins. install and isn’t functionally necessary outside the shower.”

For an updated look, “Think light and airy, with simple, clean Most bathroom cabinets stand up well to moisture but be lines for everything from cabinet door styles to backsplashes to sure to ask about the materials before you order them, Kneuve the finish of a countertop edge,” says Kneuve. “This is not only advises. the look people want today, it’s also easier to clean.”

“We offer cabinets made from engineered wood or all-plyIt may be more economical, too. Simpler cabinet door styles wood construction. The biggest difference is the way the sides cost less, as do simpler stone or quartz countertop patterns. Save of the cabinet look, especially if the cabinet is stained, but both bold colors and patterns for details that easily can be changed out will hold up well to moisture and day-to-day life in bathrooms.” later, if you want your update to stand the test of time.

Less tile is being used for bathroom floors these days, too, “In a bathroom, mirrors, lighting and hardware can all be due to the advent of luxury vinyl planks or tiles (LVT), which changed out relatively inexpensively in coming years to update imitate a hardwood or tile look without the labor-intensive instalthe look,” she says. “Sticking with more neutral styles for the lation. The LVT stands up well to moisture, is warmer than tile big-ticket items like cabinets and countertops is a good idea.” underfoot, and is easy to clean.

Painted and wood-tone cabinetry are equally popular right Some customers are trading their big jacuzzi bathtubs for now and some people like a mix of both. smaller, sleeker stand-alone bathtubs, says Kneuve.

“Maybe your cabinets are painted but the range hood and is“Picture the old clawfoot tubs without the claw feet,” she says. land are stained wood,” she says. Lighter-toned stains and finerLarger showers with more spa features, like duo showergrained wood species like maple and walnut are popular. They’re heads – one installed at a lower, adjustable level – are popular often paired with black hardware. And with painted cabinets, and practical. shades of white remain timeless favorites.”

In the kitchen, microwaves placed inside drawers or built Customers are choosing quartz over natural stone more ofinto cabinets are trending and “adding a nice range hood above ten for countertops. Many choose a marble-look quartz for baththe stove instantly makes the kitchen look higher end,” she says. room countertops.

There are more details than most people realize, in renovaFor those who crave color, painted cabinets in deep shades tion projects. Kneuve has seen plenty of do-it-yourselfers get into of blue or green are making a splash. trouble.

“These look very nice with white sinks and hardware that’s “It’s a designer’s job to think of every little thing so you a matte-gold tone,” she says. don’t have to,” she says. “Going to a store with a good reputaWhile gray is still a popular wall color, it’s warming up. tion is the best way to find a qualified designer who will get you Taupes, tans and eggshell are on the rise, Kneuve says. And through a remodeling project with ease.” there’s no functional reason bathroom walls need to be tiled.

Learn more about Trinity Kitchen, Bath & Lighting by call“As long as you use a good semi-gloss waterproof paint and ing (260) 493-2574 or stop in at the showroom, 11034 Lincoln have a good exhaust fan in place, you’re fine,” she says. “Some Highway East.  Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne

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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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Your Home & Garden

New Owners, Same Commitment at Stucky’s

By Janine Pumilia

W

hen a homegrown retailer thrives for 107 years and holds its own against big-box competition, you know it’s doing a lot of things right. And when local folks vote it “Best Appliance Store” 14 years in a row, you know its commitment to customer service is exceptional.

That’s the view of Bill and Polly Shuee and Brent and Lori Shuee, the new owners of Stucky Furniture & Appliance in Fort Wayne. The brothers purchased the business in July from longtime friend and mentor Jim Benninghoff, whose grandfather Joseph Stucky established it in 1914 – years before electricity had come to Allen County.

“The connection between this store and generations of customers in this town runs very deep,” says Bill Shuee. “We have one employee who began working here in high school and just marked her 45th anniversary, for example. The reputation for customer service earned by the Stucky brand is something very special and we only intend to grow it.”

The Shuee brothers bring their own expertise to the Fort Wayne store. Since 1987, they’ve managed a Greencastle, Ind., appliance store established in 1970 by their late father, Bob Shuee. They also own a furniture store in Greencastle and furniture & appliance stores in Brazil and Lafayette, Ind. “We started as very young boys growing up in the business, cleaning the toilets and sweeping the floors in the store, and then became involved with delivery to peoples’ homes and then sales positions and finally learning the back-office work,” says Bill Shuee. “This helps us relate to the employees in various positions who make a well-run store succeed.”

Bill and Polly live in Fort Wayne. Married 34 years, they became sweethearts in 8th grade and reared two children, one of whom works in the business – a third-generation retailer. Brent and Lori oversee the newly acquired Lafayette store, Beeson’s Appliance; three of their children work in the family business and a fourth is still in college.

Because the Shuees decided to add a furniture line to the Fort Wayne store, they changed the name from Stucky Brothers to Stucky’s Furniture & Appliance. Klaussner and Flexsteel are among furniture brands that soon will be available in the 30,000-square-foot store, along with Serta mattresses, electronic products and most brands of appliances.

“By adding furniture, both upholstered and case goods, we hope to make it easier for our customers to enjoy a one-stop shopping experience,” says Bill Shuee. “With appliances, we offer reliable, mid-line products to fit any budget, but we also offer super-premium brands like Sub-Zero and Wolf for people who want all the bells and whistles.”

The deep product knowledge of the sales staff – Benninghoff called them “service information specialists” – is another feather in the store’s cap.

Because the new owners want to safeguard and grow the

New owner Bill Shuee says maintaining an on-staff customer service department is essential to upholding the sterling reputation of Stucky’s.

store’s strong reputation for customer service, they’re expanding the on-staff team of delivery, installation and repair service professionals.

“Maintaining an on-staff customer service department is very unique these days, but we think it’s essential,” says Shuee.

“We have a couple of young folks in training to make sure the skills are being passed along to the next generation. Our people can do the more difficult things, like installing dishwashers or wall ovens – things that require plumbing and electrical expertise. We not only employ six servicemen, but also a manager to oversee and fully integrate delivery, installation and service needs plus two office staff who order parts, handle calls and so forth. When you call us, a human being here in our store – not across the world – answers the phone to help you.”

Stucky’s is price-competitive against big-box retailers because it belongs to a huge buying group.

“It has thousands of member stores and the clout of $19 billion annually in buying power, so that enables us to compete with the big guys.”

The Shuees view their purchase of the Fort Wayne and Lafayette stores as huge steps for their family-owned company.

Both markets are much larger than those in Greencastle and Brazil and the family is fully committed to hands-on involvement.

“We still help to unload trucks or whatever else is needed at a given moment,” Bill Shuee says. “We’re just very excited to be here in Fort Wayne. Our family goes way back with Jim [Benninghoff] and that’s also true of the previous owners of the Lafayette store. They were great people to work with and learn from and we’re happy to be here.”

Learn more about Stucky Furniture & Appliance by stopping in at the store, 5601 Coldwater Road, or by calling (260) 482-8402.  27 December 2021 • I Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne

Your Fun

Entertainment & Events

Festival of Gingerbread Through Dec. 19. One of Fort Wayne’s most cherished holiday traditions. Gingerbread creations by local artists are set up in the historic Shields Room. Fort Wayne History Center, 302 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne. fwhistorycenter.org

A Nashville Family Christmas Dec. 12, 6 p.m. A Nashville Family Christmas has celebrated the holiday season with dazzling country music performances for more than 20 years. Doors open at 6 p.m. Clyde Theatre, 1808 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne.

(260) 747-0989, clydetheatre.com.

Holiday Pops - Fort Wayne Philharmonic Dec. 10 & 11, 18 & 19. Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 11 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 18 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Revel in the traditional music and popular culture of Christmas. Andrew Constantine, conductor and Lisa Vroman, vocalist. Embassy Theatre, fwembassytheatre.org. SEE OUR COVER STORY.

Straight No Chaser Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. A mix of new arrangements and fan favorites. The group has clocked in two RIAA-certified Gold records with more than 1 billion streams sold. Embassy Theatre, fwembassytheatre.org.

Holiday Market at the Zoo Dec. 11-12 & 16-23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Santa is coming to the Zoo! Come decorate cookies, say hello to animals on the farm, hear a Christmas tale during Story Time, and have your picture taken with Santa Claus. Special Story Time id every hour from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Indiana Family Farm will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

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Science Central: Our Weakening Web Until 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.

Savor Fort Wayne Jan. 12-23. For 12 delicious days, Fort Wayne restaurants will offer special deals on threecourse menu options for dine in or carryout.

Learn more at SavorFortWayne.com.

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To Advertise Call 260-212-8968

See lovely works of art made with gingerbread at the Fort Wayne History Center now through Dec. 19.

Nouvelle Annee 1750s Jan. 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Did you know the first Fort in Fort Wayne was built by the French? Visit Fort Saint Philippe Post des Miamis and help celebrate Nouvelle Annee, the new year. See French soldiers, habitants (settlers), voyageurs, and their Miami Native Allies endure the chilly winter months. See skits reenacting actual historical events from the history of Fort Wayne.

Sponsored by Historic Fort Wayne and Les Garrison du Pays den Haut. 

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To Advertise Call 260-212-8968