Smart Living Fort Wayne - May 4, 2023

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is fast approaching! This holiday can raise complicated emotions for many of us, myself included.

Mostly, it’s a great time to take a step back and honor the moms and motherly figures in our lives. But for some of us, it can be a day when grief hits hard.

Many people have lost their mothers or lost their children. Many people want to be mothers but can’t. Some people have difficult relationships with their mothers, or simply don’t know them at all.

If any of those apply to you, please know that I see you.

I’m very lucky to have a wonderful mom and mother-in-law. Not only do they love me and my family unconditionally, but they go above and beyond to help us out (especially with babysitting).

Special shout out to you both!

I’m also so fortunate to have an almost 2-year-old who made me mom. My son, Elliot, is without a doubt the light of my life. I’m not normally a delusional person… but I definitely think his birth was the best thing to ever happen on planet earth. Ha.

At the same time, I know how tough infertility can be. If you relate, I especially feel for you on this holiday and send you all the positivity I can. (Also, if you’re pregnant and have to listen to annoying comments on this holiday, I especially empathize with you, too).

On one final note, if you still need to buy a Mother’s Day present for someone in your life, please consider shopping local! You’ll get better products and better overall service, and you’ll be contributing to your local economy. Yes, inflation is tough right now, and yes, groceries are at almost unfathomable prices... but I still encourage you to give your dollars to your neighbors instead of Bezos, if you can. (No offense to him if he ever happens to read this, which I highly doubt).

Cheers to all the moms out there who do so much for us!

And have a wonderful week!

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

Make Home Projects a Painless Experience

By Peggy Werner

Van’s Home Center, 106 Peckhart Ct., in Auburn, Ind., just off I-69 and State Road 8, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this fall. Their focus on providing quality products at affordable prices, along with excellent customer service, has paved the way for the growing business to evolve into a one-stop-shop for everything needed to furnish a home.

“We have people shopping with us who shopped with Van and Mary Lou when the store first opened,” says Brittany Brouer, marketing director. “Many people remember the original store in Angola and share their memories with us. Customer service is at the core of our business and something we are very proud of. We have a lot of repeat customers because they can get everything in one location.”

Through the years, the business has grown to include furniture, appliances, mattresses, flooring, cabinets, countertops, carpeting and tile.

Van’s is unique in that it services everything it sells, has its own delivery and installation teams, and offers customers extended warranties on all products. The staff is professionally trained and knowledgeable about all of the products being sold.

“When it comes to doing business with us, there are no third parties. Everything happens under our own roof,” Brouer adds.

Over the last several years, Van’s has undergone a handful of remodels and expansions, including adding a new mattress gallery, expanding the furniture showroom, adding a flooring and tile showroom, adding a dedicated scratch and dent showroom, and adding a “live” kitchen showroom where all appliances are plugged in and working, so customers can see the various features.

Van’s currently maintains three warehouses, with a fourth one soon to start construction. Employees can help customers at any budget, whether they just need a new sofa or want to undertake a remodel or start new construction. Van’s also works directly with dozens of area home builders, providing clients with everything from appliances to furniture and flooring.

Through the years, Brouer has observed how customers have changed by not wanting to waste time.

“Most customers today don’t want the hassle of shopping around,” she says. “They want their home projects to be as easy

and painless as possible. Because of the internet, they have done their research and have a better understanding of what they want, and they want to save time.”

At the same time, they expect to be listened to, cared for, and valued.

“We have given our community the option of shopping at a locally owned family business with a great selection and competitive prices, that values customers enough to want to maintain a relationship with them for a lifetime,” Brouer adds. “Our customers get a personalized shopping experience with us. Hopefully, when they need something for their home, they think of Van’s. Today, everything is so automated, people enjoy the personal touch of a local business. They like knowing they are a valued customer and not just another transaction.”

And for those who don’t have time to shop in person, everything can be bought online at vanshomecenter.com.

“Looking toward the future, we just want to make sure we are fulfilling customers’ needs, as we always have done. Everything we do is the result of giving customers a trusted, local destination for everything for the home,” Brouer says. “We are grateful to be able to maintain a business for 50 years, and that’s only because people trust us.” ❚

Can You Benefit From a 529 Plan?

Another school year is coming to a close. And if you have young children, they’re now a year closer to heading off to college or some other type of post-secondary education or training. So, if you haven’t already done so, you may want to start preparing for these costs.

And they can be considerable. During the 2022-23 school year, the average estimated annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation and other personal expenses) was nearly $28,000 for public four-year in-state schools and more than $57,000 for private nonprofit four-year schools, according to the College Board.

Of course, some students don’t pay the full bill for college. Any grants and scholarships they receive can bring down the “sticker price.” Still, there’s often a sizable amount that students and their families must come up with. To help fill this gap, you may want to explore various strategies, one of which is a 529 education savings plan.

A 529 plan offers several key benefits. First of all, your earnings can grow tax deferred and your withdrawals are federally tax free when used for qualified education expenses, such as tuition, fees, books and so on. You may be eligible to invest in a 529 plan in most states, but depending on where you live, you may be able to deduct your contributions from your state income tax or possibly receive a state tax credit for investing in your home state’s 529 plan. Tax issues for 529 plans can be complex. Please consult your tax advisory about your situation.

And 529 plans aren’t just for college. You may be able to use one to pay K-12 expenses, up to $10,000 per student per year. (However, not all states comply with this 529 expansion for K-12, so you might not be able to claim deductions and your withdrawals could be subject to state tax penalties.)

A 529 plan can also be used to pay for most expenses connected to apprenticeship programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. These programs are often available at community colleges and combine classroom education with onthe-job training.

Furthermore, you can now withdraw funds from a 529 plan to repay qualified federal private and student loans, up to $10,000 for each 529 plan beneficiary and another $10,000 for each of the beneficiary’s siblings.

But what if you’ve named a child as a 529 plan beneficiary and that child doesn’t want to pursue any type of advanced education? If this happens, you, as the account owner, are free to name another family member as beneficiary.

And beginning in 2024, you may have even more flexibility if a child foregoes college or other post-secondary education. Due to the passing of the Secure Act 2.0 in December 2022, unused 529 plan funds of up to $35,000 may be eligible to roll over to a Roth IRA of the designated beneficiary.

One of the qualifications for this rollover is to have had your 529 plan for at least 15 years. To determine if you qualify for this rollover, you will want to consult your tax advisor.

A 529 plan has a lot to offer — and it might be something to consider for your family’s future.

Withdrawals used for expenses other than qualified education expenses may be subject to federal and state taxes, plus a 10% penalty. Make sure to discuss the potential financial aid impacts with a financial aid professional.

Edward Jones, its financial advisors and employees cannot provide tax or legal advice. ❚

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington D.C. through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C., Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C., and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C. California Insurance License OC24309.

Pamela S. Covington, CFP® RICP®

AAMS® Financial Advisor

6525 Constitution Drive, Fort Wayne, IN, 46804 (260) 478-8038

edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/ pam-covington

Real Change

“Amanconvinced against his will is of the same opinion still.”

This quote stands the test of time because it’s true. One person cannot force another to change his/her opinion from A to B. The listener may be persuaded willingly, or coerced into professing what he does not believe, but one person can’t change another’s inner thoughts by force.

Sadly, many people don’t believe this truth, either on an interpersonal level or a global scale. How many lives are lost as one group tries to force an ideology onto another? How many children are lost to parents who try to force behavioral change through coercion? How many spouses, employers or overlords have bullied others into submission, only to be met with resentment that manifests itself in hidden and costly ways?

Yet God, who is the only One with an actual right to “bully” us, does not. Rather, God invites us to grow in faith willingly, just as a plant freely reaches toward sunlight without external pressure.

The Greek word “auxano” is translated throughout the New Testament as “growth.” But it’s not just any kind of growth; it describes an internal growth that happens in partnership with God. It’s used in references to plants, the Christian church and individuals. In I Cor. 3:6 & 7, (NIV) Paul writes: I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow [auxano]. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow [auxano].

The word is also used in Ephesians 4:14: Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow (auxano) up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

Love invites us to embrace the most powerful kind of growth and change possible.

A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. But a man who willingly embraces the love of God is in for the journey of his life – one of growth, discovery and healthy changes that reach to the deepest places of the heart. ❚

– Janine Pumilia

Enjoy 3 Activities at Putt Putt Fun Center

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Since he was 9 years old, John Snyder has worked at Putt Putt Fun Center, 4530 Speedway Dr., Fort Wayne.

“My first job was picking up cigarette butts for a penny a piece. Everyone smoked back then, so I made some good money,” Snyder laughs.

Now, as general manager, he’s proud to offer the public a number of fun activities at an exemplary financial value.

“We have people who come from all over for our good prices,” he says. “The original golf course was built in 1970 and my father [John Snyder Sr.] bought it in 1976. We’ve been here ever since, and we’ve done a lot. All the customization, all the landscaping – we’ve done everything ourselves. We’re really proud of what’s here.”

Putt Putt Fun Center offers three 18-hole golf courses, gokarting and arcade games. Each of the three golf courses are beautifully landscaped according to their theme, Snyder says.

“There’s a volcano course that has a volcano that you get to play through, and it also shoots fire on a timer at night,” he says. “That course is themed like Atlantis, so it has pillars and all of that kind of scenery.

“Then, there’s the jungle course, which has all of these big fountains, vines, trees and shade,” he adds. “You get to play around water, and there’s buttons that kids can press for water to shoot up, and different effects like that.

“And then, of course, there’s the classic course, which is the most traditional putt putt course.”

The golf courses are open year-round, weather permitting.

Putt Putt Fun Center offers three 18-hole golf courses, go-karting and arcade games. Summer hours start after Memorial Day.

The arcade is open year-round and has both retro and redemption games.

The arcade is also open year-round, with the price of 80 tokens for $10. That equals out to 8 tokens for $1, or 12.5 cents a token.

“We have a room that we just opened that’s a retro arcade, where you can find games like Pac Man from back in the 1980s,” Snyder says. “Then, the rest of the arcade is redemption games, where people can win tickets for prizes. We have the best prizes, hands down.”

Prizes span in price from $.05 to $700 and include everything from stuffed animals to PlayStation 5s. The top prize is an X-Box, which can be redeemed for 70,000 tickets.

“All of the retro games are just 1 token to play, while redemption games vary,” Snyder says.

Go-karting is open from the beginning of April until the end of October. Most people ride in 1-seater karts, but 2-seater karts are available to accommodate kids who are too short to drive on their own. Each ride lasts about 5 minutes, with 10 to 15 cars typically out at once.

“It’s a very cool track where you go around a figure 8 loop and up and over a bridge,” Snyder says.

Drivers must be at least 56 inches tall to drive alone, and 58 inches tall to drive a passenger. Passengers can ride for free and must be at least 3 years old and 36 inches tall.

Miniature golf and go-karting both cost $9 per person for one course/ride, $14 for two courses/rides, or $18 for three courses/ rides. Kids ages 3 and under can enter free, while kids ages 4-7 can enter for $3 for the whole day. Seniors ages 55 and older and military members receive discounts of $5 for one course/ride, $8 for two courses/rides, and $10 for three courses/rides. A punch card system allows customers to split between golf and go-karting as they wish.

“We also have an anniversary special the first or second week in June where we sell Putt Putt golf for half price. We’ve done that deal since 1976,” Snyder says.

Currently, Putt Putt Fun Center is still in its spring hours. Gokarting opens at 5 p.m. daily, while the arcade and golf courses are open Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Monday-Thursday noon-9 p.m.; Friday noon-midnight; and Saturday 10 a.m.-midnight.

Summer hours will start after Memorial Day, with go-karting opening in the morning and all activities staying open later. Visit fortwayneputtputt.com for more information. ❚

Putt Putt Fun Center has a classic miniature-golf course, a volcano course, and a jungle course. The courses are open year-round, weather permitting.

Every year, there’s an anniversary special where golf is half price.

How to Care for Your Furniture

By Peggy Werner

Buying quality furniture is a big investment, so it only makes sense to properly care for it to keep it looking good for as long as possible.

“Top quality furniture is made to last, but it will show signs of wear and tear unless you take steps to prevent that from happening,” says sales manager and designer Arianna Brock of Fairfield Galleries, US 33 North, Fort Wayne. “People think about how to use furniture, but they don’t give much thought to how to take care of it. Everything in the home needs to be cleaned and maintained to look good and be functional.”

Every piece of furniture and fabric has a different cleaning code that should be read and adhered to, she says. The code tells you how to clean the material and it may also tell you what product to use, whether a solvent-based or water-based cleaner, or no cleaner at all. Some materials require only a wipe with a damp cloth or vacuuming.

Brock has several tips on how to keep that quality furniture looking like it was just delivered.

It’s a good idea to rotate and fluff cushions, since people tend to sit in the same chair or in the same place on a sofa. Most seat cushions are the same on both sides, so they can easily be

flipped. Back cushions are not always removable, but can benefit from a regular fluffing.

Run a damp cloth over wood furniture regularly then dry after to avoid buildup of dust and dirt. For fabric and leather, vacuum regularly with an upholstery brush. Vacuum the frame, too, and take off cushions to clean under them. Brock suggests rotating cushions at least once a week.

Just because wood furniture is long-lasting and solid, and has a great finish, doesn’t mean it doesn’t need protecting.

“Water is wood’s worst enemy,” Brock says. “It’s best to protect the surface of any table by either using a glass table top or placemats and coasters.”

Heat and grease are just as destructive, she says. She has seen instances where people let hot wing trays or pizza boxes sit on a table for a long time without taking any precautions.

“Heat pulls the moisture out of the table and can cause the best finish to be damaged and turn cloudy,” she says.

A little effort can result in better-looking, longer-lasting furniture.

For more information on furniture and interior design, call Brock at (260) 489-5526. ❚

Savor Spring Flavors with Fresh Seafood

Fresh, flavorful ingredients take springtime meals to another level. Skip the wait at restaurants and instead create your own savory seafood dishes by taking advantage of easy-to-make recipes.

While takeout may be an easy option, the satisfaction of enjoying a delicious, home-cooked meal like Shrimp Pad Thai with Jasmine Rice can make you feel like you’re enjoying a restaurant-quality dinner. Next time you’re craving Asian cuisine, swap out traditional rice noodles for this version with Jasmine rice as an aromatic, quick-cooking solution for your own spin on a classic.

Take the guesswork out of cooking rice with an option like Success Boil-In-Bag Rice, which offers a heat safe, BPA-free and FDA-approved solution for fluffy, flavorful rice that cooks up perfectly. The high-quality grains are quick, easy, mess-free and ready in 10 minutes, so you can enjoy hassle-free dishes such as Successful Crab and Rice Cakes.

These crispy crab cakes come together easily and are served with a zesty, homemade aioli that tastes just like you’re on the coast. If you’re new to making crab cakes, it’s simpler than it may seem – just cook rice beforehand so it can cool then mix in beaten eggs, seafood and seasonings. Refrigerating and resting the mixture helps it hold together before frying to a mouthwatering golden brown for a delicious appetizer, snack or side dish. Visit SuccessRice.com to find more springtime meal ideas.

Shrimp Pad Thai with Jasmine Rice

Servings: 4

1 bag Success Jasmine Rice

3 tablespoons light brown sugar

2 tablespoons fish sauce

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce

2 tablespoons canola oil, divided

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon minced garlic

3 green onions, thinly sliced

1 cup bean sprouts

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

2 tablespoons dry roasted peanuts, chopped

4 lime wedges

Prepare rice according to package directions. Set aside. In small bowl, combine brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, soy sauce and chili garlic sauce. Set aside. In large wok or skillet over high heat, heat 1/2 tablespoon oil. Quickly scramble egg. Remove from pan and reserve. Add remaining oil to wok over high heat. Add shrimp and garlic; stir-fry 5 minutes, or until

shrimp are cooked. Add reserved sauce and rice; stir-fry 2 minutes. Add green onions and reserved egg; toss to combine. Divide pad Thai between four bowls. Top each with bean sprouts, cilantro and peanuts. Serve with lime wedges.

Successful Crab and Rice Cakes

Servings: 4

Crab Cakes:

1 bag Success Brown Rice

2 eggs

1 pound lump crabmeat

2 tablespoons seafood seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

Aioli:

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 lemon, zest and juice only lemon wedges (optional)

To make crab cakes: Prepare rice according to package directions. Allow to cool. In medium bowl, beat eggs lightly. Stir in rice, crabmeat and seafood seasoning; mix well. Refrigerate 5 minutes. Shape mixture into eight patties. In large, nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Working in batches, carefully place patties in skillet. Cook 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate. To make aioli: Stir together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon zest and lemon juice. Serve aioli with crab cakes and garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.

Source: Family Features

Now’s the Time to Think About Your Lawn

By Peggy Werner

Abeautiful lawn makes any house look better, but like any other living thing, it needs to be monitored, fed, enriched, nurtured and loved.

Troy Lewis of Friend Irrigation, 258 Frontage Road, Columbia City, says people have many reasons why they choose to have an irrigation system installed in their yard.

“It keeps your yard in pristine condition and keeps your plants and shrubs watered, too,” he says. “Most homeowners know you have to water the lawn to keep it looking good, but many of those people don’t have the time to do it themselves. For some, the yard is too large.”

Lewis says it takes about an inch of precipitation a week to keep a yard looking nice. His irrigation systems can be programmed to go on and off at different times of the day and week. The systems have a sensor to turn off the water when it rains, he adds.

“Too little or too much rain is not good for a lawn. Grass needs just the right amount of moisture to maintain a healthy appearance. Because rainfall is unpredictable, we can go through periods of dryness and drought,” he says.

In addition to water, lawns need regular maintenance to monitor and prevent weeds, disease and harmful insects that can quickly destroy the look and health of a yard.

Ryan Meinika, owner of Spring Green of Northeastern Indiana, says late spring is when the thick, unsightly stalks of crabgrass are germinating and getting ready to take hold in yards.

“If people want to think of beautifying their yard, now is the time to get signed up and get their lawn care plan started,” he says.

Spring Green of Northeastern Indiana has its main office at 1115 S. Williams Dr., in Columbia City. A satellite office is at 5719 Dupont Road in Fort Wayne.

Their most popular program is the “Preferred Lawn Care,” which includes high-quality fertilizer, targeted weed control, free lawn and landscape evaluation, lawn care and maintenance tips, free service calls and the Spring Green guarantee. There are other programs for those on a limited budget and other services for specific needs.

In addition to lawn care, Spring Green also specializes in outdoor and indoor pest control, tree care, and more.

The lawn care program typically calls for a total of seven fertilizer applications, one every four to six weeks, Meinika says. All fertilizer applications include the right blend of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for the time of year.

“The first application is a quick-release fertilizer to wake up the grass out of dormancy, green it up and encourage growth. The second application is a pre-emergent to prevent crabgrass germination throughout the late spring and summer months. This is also when we begin to target broadleaf weeks like dandelions and clover,” he says.

This type of fertilizer releases a good dose of nitrogen into the soil when it is needed most. It is water soluble, so homeowners can often see quick results in the growth and greening of a lawn. Once warmer weather has set in and regular mowing takes place, Spring Green switches to a slow-release fertilizer to avoid too much growth too fast.

Meinika says what sets his business apart from the competition is the personalized service and the training technicians must go through. His employees have been with the company a long time, know about the products and services offered, and will respond quickly to customer calls.

Prior to working at Spring Green, applicants must pass a test to be a registered technician. They worked along veteran technicians until fully trained and then can work up to having their own team of workers in a designated area.

“Our training is extremely thorough and sets us apart,” Meinika says. “Each team has their own territories to care for, so they get to know the customers and their lawns, and are able to spot problems early. We’re all about service.”

For more information on caring for your lawn this spring, call Friend Irrigation at (260) 212-0460 or call Spring Green's Fort Wayne location at (260) 691-0200 or visit their website at spring-green.com. ❚

Ryan Meinika

Now is the time to think about beautifying your yard. Experts at Friend Irrigation and Spring Green can help make sure your lawn is prepared for the months ahead.

Improving Your Indoor Air Quality

By Peggy Werner

For more than 65 years, people have relied on Brockman Heating & Air Conditioning for their home comfort and peace of mind.

“The small family business began with a focus on caring for people and the community,” says Ben Sherman, co-owner of the company with his brother, Jake. “Brockman has built a reputation as a business that goes above and beyond for its neighbors.”

Brockman’s, 3750 N. Wells St., Fort Wayne, specializes in the design, engineering and installation of heating systems, air conditioning units and water heaters. They carry a full line of indoor air quality systems, including humidifiers and air cleaners, and service all major brands of gas, propane, and oil furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers, ductless mini-splits and water heaters. The company specializes in American Standard Equipment made in the USA.

“Taking pride in our work starts with putting in the best equipment possible,” Sherman says. “However, the best equipment is only as good as the craftsman installing it. We hire good, hard-working people with similar goals and values, especially those always looking to improve themselves.”

The technicians are fully licensed and insured and follow the best practices in terms of safety and professional conduct.

“It’s important to create a pleasant experience for our customers,” Sherman adds. “When a customer has a problem with equipment, they are often scared and stressed because of the un-

known, especially if they are caring for young children or elderly parents in the home, who are more sensitive to temperatures. Our goal is to settle their nerves by letting them know we are there to help them out and take care of any problems. We want to help educate people on their equipment by sharing good information, so people can make the best decisions for themselves.”

Brockman’s is unique in that they have a full-time technician support supervisor in charge of training and 24-hour support of all technicians. All technicians get weekly training on how to care for equipment and care for customers. There is detailed technical training on all manufacturers’ products to understand how equipment is to be installed and operated.

The brothers run the company their grandfather, Vernon, started. Both owners started working at the business as teenagers.

Sherman attended college at Purdue University at Fort Wayne and earned a management degree while working for his family. Growing up in the business, he learned the importance of quality work and caring for customers.

“Working in this business has always felt right to me,” he says. “I enjoyed working with my family and I always felt like it was something that I was meant to do. We are a company that treats you like a person, not a transaction.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Brockman’s at (260) 203-0230 ❚

Brockman Heating & Air Conditioning is a small, family-owned business that dates back to 1957. Current owners Jake and Ben Sherman follow in their grandfather Vernon’s footsteps.

Entertainment & Events

Smooth Tuesdays

Every Tuesday, 6-9 p.m., enjoy the best in soft rock and classic hits with rotating artists. Clyde Theater, 1808 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, (574) 344-0566, clydetheatre.com.

Nashville Thursdays

Weekly country, bluegrass and other free live music 7-10 p.m. in the Clyde Theater Club Room. Food and drink specials. 1808 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, clydeclubroom.com.

Color in Motion: Butterfly Exhibit

Thru June 25, daily except Mondays. Live butterflies have landed at the Botanical Conservatory bringing with them an array of natural beauty and wonder. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6440, botanicalconservatory.org.

Fort Wayne TinCaps

Thru Sept. 3. Lots of exciting baseball action along with special events and spectacles including fireworks on select nights, bring-yourpet games and discounted food nights. Find the whole schedule at milb.com/fortwayne. Parkview Field, 1301 Ewing St., Fort Wayne.

YLNI Summer Farmers Market

Thru Oct. 28, Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for fresh produce, organic fruits and vegetables, hand-made jewelry and crafts, local artwork and more at the former Wayne Candy Factory building, 1501 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, facebook.com/YLNIFarmersMarket/.

Wiz Kidz Pinball Tournament

Thru Dec. 30, Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon. A

4-strike pinball tournament for kids presented by one of the world’s largest pinball arcades. Wizard’s World Pinball Arcade, 14613 Lima Road, Fort Wayne, (260) 760-6314, fortwaynepinball.com.

‘Into the Woods’ May 6-7 & 12-14. 7 p.m. Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together in a timeless, yet relevant piece of musical theatre. Presented by Fort Wayne Civic Theatre at the Arts United Center, 303 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, (260) 424-5220, fwcivic.org/ intothewoods.

‘Annie’

May 11, 7:30 p.m. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the musical is set to return in a new production. Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, (260) 424-5665, fwembassytheatre.org/events/annie-touring/.

Mother’s Day Brunch at the Children’s Zoo May 13 & 14, 10 a.m.-noon. A special Mother’s Day celebration at one of the nation’s top children’s zoos. Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, (260) 4276820, kidszoo.org.

Kenny Chesney with Kelsea Ballerini

May 18, 7:30 p.m. These country music artists perform at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne, kennychesney.com/tour.

Eco Fest 2023

May 21, noon-5 p.m. Enjoy music, food, workshops, and retail & non-profit vendors that help highlight sustainable and environmentally-friendly initiatives in Northeast Indiana. Headwaters Park Pavilions, 333 S.Clinton St., Fort Wayne, ecofestfw.com.

Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

May 29. Lineup begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of Nettie Avenue and Parnell Avenue. The opening ceremony begins at 11 a.m., and the parade travels to the Memorial Coliseum for placement of wreaths, playing of taps, and remembering fallen brothers and sisters-inarms. 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne, accov. weebly.com/events.html. ❚

A special Mother’s Day brunch takes place May 13 & 14 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. The menu includes pastries, waffles, biscuits and gravy, fruit, eggs, meats and more.

Lineup for the annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony takes place May 29 at 10 a.m.