Smart Living Fort Wayne - August 25, 2023

Embracing Change

Where did the summer go?

Every year, I echo this cliche question. And it makes me wonder, did I enjoy myself enough? Did I wrangle my family into going to the pool and/or beach a satisfying amount of times? Did we really take advantage of our back porch and our zoo membership?

I never feel sure, but I know I’m trying my best — like most parents are.

For the most part, I try to live in the moment and not dwell too much on the past or worry too much about the future. But it can be hard… especially knowing how much things are about to change for my family.

Right now, my son is mere days away from becoming a 2 year old, and I’m mere days away from being 20 weeks pregnant. To be honest, I’m pretty tired. Baby No. 1 has been waking up at 5 a.m. every day, and baby No. 2 in utero has me hunting down carbs at all hours of the night. It’s exhausting, to say the least. But when my son says “mama” and gives me a big kiss, and when I feel little flutters of kicks from Baby No. 2, I can’t help but to feel so in love. (It even has me thinking ahead about a possible baby No. 3… so maybe I’m just a masochist).

Living in the moment means enjoying the calm before the storm of a newborn baby crying while the toddler throws a tantrum. It’s been a relatively breezy summer, so stepping into a new season feels somewhat daunting.

But change is a part of life. And with the bad comes all the good… snuggling a newborn, seeing my 2-year-old become a big brother, and falling even more in love with my husband as he proves on a daily basis that he’s an epic example of a great partner and father. (Truly, he should teach a class called “Supporting Your Wife Without Saying Anything Dumb”).

So bring on whatever the next chapter of parenting entails! And definitely bring on the apple cider, fantasy football, Halloween costumes and cute sweaters. It’s time to embrace the next phase of life. ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

Taking Care of Your Concrete Floors

By Peggy Werner

Duration Concrete Coatings, by Duralast of Fort Wayne, can transform the look of your basement floor, garage floor and other outdoor concrete spaces while making them stronger, more durable and more resistant to the effects of weather, salt and sun. The business specializes in garage floor coverings, commercial concrete coatings, residential concrete coatings and chip color customization.

Dan Diven, residential manager, says homeowners use concrete coatings to repair old concrete or prevent damage to new concrete. The coatings are resistant to chemicals, UV exposure and heavy traffic. They are also maintenance free, easy to clean and protected by a lifetime warranty.

“Most people want to improve the look of their home, especially if they have made other improvements,” he says. “The concrete coating gives a nice, finished look that complements the home.”

“Our product is thicker and tougher and more durable than epoxy paint,” Diven continues. “Our product won’t be damaged by oil and grease, extreme temperatures, salt, heavy equipment and tools dropped on the floor.”

Epoxy paint has been commonly used in homes within the past 10 years, and was many people’s only option to cover concrete, Diven says. Though epoxy is still used today, it’s an outdated method, he adds.

Epoxy is water based, making it a thinner solution, and can turn color with exposure to sunlight. It’s pitted, and peels and cracks with repeated exposure to salt. However, Duration Concrete Coatings uses polyurea and acrylic coatings that are oil-based, thicker, and five times stronger than other products, Diven says.

The polyurea and acrylic coatings are applied in three steps.

First, pitting and other damage to existing concrete is smoothed out with a grinder. Then, a polyurea base coat is applied before topping that off with an acrylic paint in different colors (chips) and textures. A polyurea topcoat finishes the job.

With an extensive range of chip colors, homeowners can choose a shade that perfectly complements their interior design or outdoor space, whether they prefer a more natural look or want to make a bold statement, Diven adds.

Chip colors are not just about looking good – they can also help improve the functionality of the floor by providing texture to prevent slipping, mask dirt, add durability, and resist UV damage. Sand can be mixed into the topcoat to give even more texture and grip to surfaces when wet.

About 60 percent of the company’s business is garage floors, while the other 40 percent of homeowners want coatings on porches, patios, sidewalks, basements and pool areas.

For a free estimate, call (260) 231-0523. ❚

Duration Concrete Coatings uses advanced materials for concrete floors that improve both the look and the functionality of a space.

Should You Downsize When You Retire?

When you retire, you’ll experience many changes — should one of them involve your living arrangements?

The issue of downsizing is one that many retirees will consider. If you have children, and they’ve grown and left the home, you might find yourself with more space than you really need. Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean you must pack up and scale down yourself. You might love your home and neighborhood and see no reason to go. But if you’re open to a change, you could find that moving to a smaller house, a condo or an apartment may make sense for you.

Let’s consider some of the advantages of downsizing:

• You could save money. Moving to a smaller space could lower your utility bills and upkeep costs.

• You could save effort. A smaller home will mean less maintenance and cleaning.

• You could de-clutter. Over the years, most of us accumulate more possessions than we really need. Downsizing gives you a chance to de-clutter. And you can do some good along the way, too, because many charitable organizations will welcome some of your items.

• You could make money. If you’ve had your home for many years, it’s certainly possible that it’s worth more — perhaps a great deal more — than what you paid for it. So, when you sell it, you could pocket a lot of money — possibly without being taxed on the gains. Generally, if you’ve lived in your home for at least two years in the five-year period before you sold it, you can exclude $250,000 of capital gains if you’re single, or $500,000 if you’re married and file taxes jointly. (You’ll want to consult with your tax advisor, though, before selling your home, to ensure you’re eligible for the exclusion, especially if you do own multiple homes. Issues can arise in connection with determining one’s “primary” residence.)

While downsizing does offer some potentially big benefits, it can also entail some drawbacks. First of all, it’s possible that your home might not be worth as much as you had hoped, which means you won’t clear as much money from the sale as you anticipated. Also, if you still were paying off a mortgage on your bigger home, you may have been deducting the interest payments on your taxes — a deduction that might be reduced or lost to you if you purchase a less-expensive condo or become a renter. Besides these financial factors, there’s the ordinary hassle

of packing and moving. And if you’re going to a much smaller living space, you may not have much room for family members who want to visit or occasionally spend the night.

So, as you can see, you’ll need to weigh a variety of financial, practical and emotional issues when deciding whether to downsize. And you will also want to communicate your thoughts to grown children or other family members who may someday have reason to be involved in your living space. In short, it’s a big decision — so give it the attention it deserves. ❚

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

Who was Lydia?

You never know where a good business decision will lead.

For a God-fearing saleswoman named Lydia, it led to eternal life and the distinction of becoming the first Christian convert in Europe.

As an enterprising native of Thyatira (in Asia Minor), a city known for its colorful dyed products, Lydia chose to cross the Aegean Sea to sell expensive purple cloth in the wealthy Greek port city of Philippi, a Roman colony. Purple dye was made from boiled snail glands; thousands were needed to dye one piece of cloth, making it a luxury.

In Philippi, Lydia and other women gathered on a riverbank one Sabbath day in about 49 A.D. A group of missionaries approached and proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ. Lydia embraced the message of Paul the Apostle, was baptized, and welcomed Paul’s group into her home.

Years later, Paul would write a letter to Philippian believers thanking them for their enduring generosity. In it, he acknowledges the work of both brothers and sisters in Christ.

Philippi became a Christian hub in Europe and Lydia likely helped to develop it. A church was established in Thyatira, too.

(Rev. 2:18)

Lydia’s

story is found in Acts 16:11-15:

From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.

On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord,’ she said, ‘come and stay at my house.’ And she persuaded us. (NIV) ❚

--Janine Pumilia

Weekend Fun at Wabash Founder’s Festival

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Just a short drive from Allen County, the Wabash Founder’s Festival closes out summer with family-friendly fun on Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on East Market Street and at Paradise Spring Historical Park, in downtown Wabash.

This year’s festival includes more than 30 vendors and craftspeople, a “Bounce Zone” for kids, food trucks from around the region with both savory and sweet options, a kickball tournament at Paradise Spring Historical Park, “Kid Zone” activities, a pet parade, artists creating pieces live, and much more.

“And, of course, the culminating event is the parade at 3 p.m. featuring our 2023 Little Miss & Mister Founders Festival at the lead,” says Teresa Galley, executive director of the Wabash County Museum.

For many years, Wabash had a festival called “Canal Days.” Unfortunately, that festival lost steam and eventually ended in the 1990s, Galley explains.

“People were nostalgic for that event and talked for years about bringing it back,” she says.

In 2018, that finally happened when a downtown Wabash group, including the Wabash County Museum, got together to plan a new festival to celebrate the rich history of the community and provide a family-focused event with a parade.

The first Founder’s Festival took place in 2018, and the event ensued again in 2019. However, plans had to be cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Luckily, the Wabash County Museum officially took over the execution of the festival in 2022.

“With Paradise Spring Historical Park just one block away from the museum, we have the perfect location to tie our vendors and food truck rows right into the park where the Park Board runs a small reenactment to commemorate the treaty signing that had such a big impact on the founding of our town,” Galley says.

Nearly 2,000 spectators gathered last year to enjoy the parade at the Wabash Founder’s Festival. This year, the parade happens at 3 p.m. on Sept. 16.

The museum staff has been working on the festival since February. They also receive support from Downtown Wabash Inc., the mayor and his team, the Wabash County YMCA, the Wabash Carnegie Public Library, and many sponsors and volunteers who work to make the event a reality.

“It definitely takes a village,” Galley says.

“Since it’s a fairly new festival, it has been growing and evolving every year as word spreads that it’s a great weekend to enjoy beautiful downtown Wabash with your family,” she adds. “The biggest change last year was moving the parade from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The original committee thought a morning parade would be cooler, but we felt that the parade should be the culminating event of the weekend. It was a big hit in the afternoon, attracting more than 85 entries and around 2,000 spectators. This year, our 105.9 FM will be broadcasting the parade on their website, so those who can’t make it down for the parade are still able to enjoy it.”

Another feature that Galley is excited about is the “Rest, Eat & Listen Zone” sponsored by Parkview Wabash. This area will have a tent and seating with calm music, coloring books and crayons, sensory tubs, fidgets and other items to help people find a little calm in the middle of the chaos.

Outside of Founder’s Festival, the Wabash County Museum is a big part of honoring Wabash’s history every day.

“We have 100 exhibits that celebrate everything from Wabash being the first electrically lighted city in the world to the story of Francis Slocum and so much more,” Galley says. “While being the first electrically lighted city is our ‘claim to fame,’ there have been so many other firsts from Wabash County that create so much pride. We also have an amazing downtown that includes a beautiful River Train that runs through Paradise Spring Park. The train and the downtown amenities are the result of countless people’s work to make Wabash an incredible community to live and work.”

Founder’s Festival deepens that community pride while simultaneously showing off Wabash to visitors, Galley says.

“It really is about bringing the whole community together and welcoming guests from the region to enjoy,” she says.

“I love the chance to see friends and meet new people. And of course, we love the traffic it brings into the museum.” ❚

Much of the festival takes place at Paradise Spring Historical Park, just a block away from the museum.

The Wabash Founder’s Festival descends upon downtown Wabash on Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The family-friendly event celebrates the history of Wabash while providing attendees with food, entertainment and recreational opportunities.

How to Save Up to $465 on Utility Bills

By Peggy Werner

One of the best ways to improve home comfort and save utility costs is with energy-efficient windows.

Universal Windows Direct of Fort Wayne has an exclusive product with a lifetime guarantee and warranty, which means you won’t ever have to replace windows again, says Marc Faylor, owner.

The company specializes in personal service and can meet any customer’s needs, he adds.

“I meet every customer face-to-face. I want them to know who I am, and I want to know who they are. I’m a people person, not just a salesman. We are a local family-owned business that is easy to work with, and we don’t pressure people.

“All our windows and doors are custom-made for each home,” Faylor continues. “We measure, design and install, so the customer can have any style, color, and any other particulars they want. We are different because if a homeowner wants to take out a window and put a door in the space, we can do that. The customer has total freedom,” he says.

Universal Windows Direct of Fort Wayne has been in business for more than 10 years, having joined with Faylor Construction, Inc., general contractors, founded in 1986. The parent company, Universal Windows, is headquartered in Bedford, Ohio. It has been in business more than 35 years and offers everything from affordable windows to vinyl siding replacement, asphalt roof shingles, entry doors, sliding glass doors and more.

“We added Universal Windows because they offer services we didn’t have and their products are the best,” Faylor says.

Faylor Construction handles all stages of homebuilding, including laying a foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, plastering, tile, insulation, drywall and more.

“We can literally do anything and everything when it comes to building or remodeling a home,” Faylor says. “What sets us apart from the competition is our exclusive products and having our own installers.”

The UniShield® window made by Universal Windows is exclusively patented for the company and is available in Classic,

Plus, Premium, and Supreme. Depending on the package of your choice, replacement windows consist of two or three panes of glass, argon or krypton gas between panes, and a double coat of low-e glazing. Old-fashioned metal window spacers have been replaced with foam spacing, which dramatically reduces condensation and gives a much clearer view. The company claims homeowners can save up to $465 per year on utility bills by switching to energy-efficient windows.

One of the biggest and most unique projects Faylor’s company worked on was putting in angled windows to match a roof line in a three-story-tall living room, he adds.

Now, after three-and-a-half years of working out of 9116 Lima Road, Faylor just got word their lease is up and won’t be renewed. The business must move in 90 days and is looking to purchase a building nearby that can provide space for offices, a showroom and warehouse all in one location. Currently, their storage is off-site.

The company services customers within a 60-mile radius of Fort Wayne. All windows have a lifetime warranty that transfers from one owner to the next when a home sells.

Faylor credits his staff and dozens of subcontractors for the good reputation the company has maintained through the years.

“I couldn’t do it by myself. Our great team of people and exclusive products makes all the difference,” he says. ❚

Energy-efficient windows lead to saving on utility bills, says Marc Faylor, owner of Universal Windows Direct of Fort Wayne. The company offers exclusively patented windows that reduce condensation and provide a clearer view.

Van’s Home Center Celebrates 50 Years

By Peggy Werner

Van’s Home Center, just off of I-69 and State Road 8 at 106 Peckhart Ct., in Auburn, Ind. is celebrating its 50th anniversary this fall. The company’s 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-stopshop 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, Brouer says. The staff is professionally trained and knowledgeable about the products.

“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. The staff can help customers who have a variety of needs, desires and/or budgets, whether they just want a new sofa or are undertaking a remodel or starting 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 – they want their home projects to be as easy and as painless as possible,” she says. “Because of the internet, they have done their research, and they have a better understanding of what they want.”

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,” Brouer adds. “Our customers get a personalized shopping experience with us. Hopefully, when they need something for the 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 purchased online at vanshomecenter.com.

“Looking toward the future, we just want to make sure we are fulfilling customers’ needs as we always have done,” Brouer says. “Everything we do is the result of giving customers a trusted local destination for everything for the home.

“We are grateful to be able to maintain a business for 50 years, and that’s only because people trust us,” Brouer adds. ❚

Van’s Home Center, in Auburn, is celebrating 50 years of serving customers this fall. Over the years, the business has become a one-stop shop for everything needed to furnish a home.

Clean Air is More Important Than Ever

By Peggy Werner

Air quality is always a concern to those with allergies, asthma, and respiratory conditions, but with smoke from the Canadian wildfires hanging in the air for weeks, everyone is thinking about the air they breathe and how it is impacting their health, says Tony Bear, general manager of Rolf Griffin of Fort Wayne.

“People are afraid of what they are seeing out there and the atmosphere is so eerie, people are getting alarmed. If it was just for a day or two, it would be no big deal, but this has been going on for weeks,” he says.

Customers report having headaches, shortness of breath, and other symptoms because of the smoke, he says.

Conditions outside cannot be controlled by individual homeowners, but they can take several steps to improve the inside air they breathe. Bear has several remedies and recommendations to improve indoor air quality, which is typically unhealthier than outside air because homes today are built so airtight.

Rolf Griffin offers people the highest rated furnace filter available, Bear says.

MERV, otherwise known as Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a measurement scale used to rate the effectiveness of furnace filters at trapping airborne particles. The scale ranges from 1-16, with 16 being most effective, second only to High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air filters. HEPA filters are not MERV rated because they are tested and certified to meet a specific efficiency at a specific particle size, the minimum being 99.97 percent at 0.3 microns.

Bear says the higher-rated filters need to be changed less often, sometimes only once a year if a home in not heavily trafficked and home to many pets. Forgetting to regularly change the furnace filter is one of the biggest problems contributing to poor air quality in the home, he says.

“A dirty air filter reduces the air flow, which causes a lot of problems with cooling and heating because the equipment has to work harder and shortens its life expectancy,” he says.

Bear recommends homeowners schedule a full-service cleaning and maintenance check for their air conditioner every spring, and for their furnace every fall, to increase efficiency and find any problems that might contribute to equipment failure in extreme temperatures.

Bear recalls an increased demand for good furnace filters and air purifiers years ago with the onset of Covid-19. Although air purifiers, when used properly, can reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses, in a home or confined space, it is not enough to protect people from getting sick.

With other pollutants in the air, the concern for how to achieve good air quality in the home continues to be a concern to many, he says.

Portable air cleaners work best if filtering the air with (HEPA) filters because they actually filter the air, rather than emitting ozone, which just covers up odors.

The best air purifiers attach to the inside of the furnace, are maintenance free, and remove fine particles from the air, Bear says. These air purifiers actually break down the smoke that goes through the filter.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (260) 744-2151 or go to rolfgriffin.com. ❚

Homeowners can take steps to improve their indoor air quality, says Tony Bear, general manager of Rolf Griffin of Fort Wayne.

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.

Downtown Live!

Thru Sept. 1, Fridays 6-8 p.m. Experience live music from talented local performers, and dine or shop at the many surrounding local businesses. Street parking is free after 5:00 p.m. 800 block of Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, downtownfortwayne.com/events/dtfw-live/.

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.

Shipshewana Flea Market

Thru Sept. 27, Tuesdays & Wednesdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Browse more than 700 booths, a farmers market, a plant and garden section and numerous food options. Shipshewana Flea Market Grounds, 345 S. Van Buren St. Shipshewana, visitshipshewana.org.

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/.

Ghost Tour

Thru Dec. 30, Saturdays 4-6 p.m. Explore a gorgeous building in a 2-hour guided tour listening to ghost stories all along the way. The Bell Mansion, 420 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne, (260) 417-1794, thebellmansion.com.

Wiz Kidz Pinball Tournament

Thru Dec. 30, Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon. A 4-strike pinball tournament for kids present-

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

Marshall County Blueberry Festival

Aug. 31-Sept. 4, check website for times. Attractions include a carnival, parade, fireworks, live entertainment, and vendors selling food, crafts and more. Centennial Park, 1660 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, (574) 9365020, blueberryfestival.org.

ACD Festival Downtown Cruise-In

Sept. 1, 10 a.m. Hot rods, muscle cars, imports, and everything in between descend upon downtown Auburn at 100 Main St., (260) 925-3600, acdfestival.org.

Grabill County Fair

Sept. 7-9, check website for times. This country-style fair highlights the area’s Amish heritage with tents and canopies that shelter 130 craft booths. 13756 State Street, Grabill, (260) 627-5227, grabillcountyfair.org.

Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Dino Days

Sept. 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Experience an archeological dig, wild dinosaur encounters and more. 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6820, kidszoo.org/ event/dino-days/.

DeKalb County Fair

Sept. 25-30, check website for times. Attractions include a carnival, 4-H activities, parade and more. DeKalb County Fairgrounds, 708 S. Union St., Auburn, (260) 925-1834, dekalbcountyfair.org. ❚

The DeKalb County Fair returns Sept. 25-30. Attractions include a carnival, live entertainment, 4-H activities and more.

The Marshall County Blueberry Festival takes place Aug. 31-Sept. 4 at Centennial Park, in Plymouth.