Smart Living Fort Wayne - October 12, 2023

Looking Local Happy

fall, Smart Living readers! I hope you’re enjoying the influx of pumpkinand apple-flavored treats that are everywhere these days. I know I am.

Over here in Magazine Land, we’re already working hard on our holiday gift guides and holiday content in general. If you work in marketing or journalism, you can probably relate to us.

Personally, I find our gift guides helpful. Maybe because historically, I’m not the person who starts their Christmas shopping early. In fact, I usually don’t start shopping until the week (and sometimes the day) before Christmas. My younger sister once got a VERY generous gift of Beats headphones from me because I bought them in a panic just an hour before our family gathering started. As far as gifts go, that was a huge success, but also, kind of a fail.

Motherhood has changed me in many ways, and one of those ways is getting my act together well in advance of the holiday season. For example, right now, my son has a cute dalmatian costume hanging up in his closet, while I have a makeshift Cruella de Vil outfit pretty much pieced together.

Finding Halloween costumes is one thing, but even more shocking (especially if you knew me in person) is that I actually started buying my family Christmas presents! I don’t say this to make you cringe, though I don’t blame you if you do. I only say this because I found the perfect silly t-shirt for my dad at a local business and thought, why not just get this now?

Shopping local is something we preach heavily here at Smart Living. Why give your money to big corporations who frankly don’t care about you when you could invest those dollars into your own community? Shopping local is better for your neighbors, the planet, and at the end of the day, yourself. You’ll get a better product and better customer service.

If and when you do begin to shop for the holidays, we hope you think to look at local businesses first.

Have a great week! ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

Flooring That Will Last You a Lifetime

By Peggy Werner

Astrong and durable floor coating commonly used in commercial buildings is now a popular choice for enhancing the beauty of homes, increasing their resale value, helping people with allergies by cutting down on the accumulation of dust and dirt, and lasting for a lifetime.

Doug Wagoner, owner of Wagoner’s Epoxy Floor Systems & Polished Concrete, 5431 Planeview Dr., Fort Wayne, says his business specializes only in floor coatings, and the demand for the latest and most advanced product is steadily growing as people discover all the benefits of polyaspartic flooring. The local, family-owned company has been in business for more than 30 years.

“Anyone looking to enhance a space by making it more aesthetically pleasing and clean will love our product, which has an endless selection of looks and is the best quality product we can buy,” he says.

Polyaspartic flooring has been used in commercial buildings for decades and is now becoming more popular with homeowners. It’s known for its durability and its resistance to scratches,

abrasions and impact, including in high traffic areas, especially places where heavy objects could fall or drop. In addition to being durable, the coatings are also highly resistant to UV radiation, so they won’t yellow or fade over time, even in direct sunlight. They’re also impervious to stains, chemicals and moisture. The coatings are made from a combination of polyurea and polyaspartic ester resins, which create a tough and flexible finish.

What sets the company apart is its outstanding customer service, says Wagoner. This includes removing and replacing all contents of a room, garage or basement and keeping them stored in a trailer while the work is being completed. Most jobs take only a day, and the floor coatings are available in a wide variety of colors, borders, textures, looks and finishes. The bulk of Wagoner’s business is coating basements and garages, but the company can also do patios and other outside areas, and any or all rooms in a house.

For a free and personalized home visit, with Wagoner showing the various looks possible with a wide selection of samples to choose from in all price ranges, call him directly at (260) 7504079. The business is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. ❚

Wagoner’s Epoxy Floor Systems & Polished Concrete, in Fort Wayne, applies high-quality concrete coatings to garages, patios, basement floors and more.

For more than 30 years, customers have relied on Wagoner’s for superior residential and commercial concrete coatings.

How to Save Money on Utilities This Winter

By Peggy Werner

With the price of everything going up, homeowners want to control costs when possible and one of the best places to start is with your heating system.

“As we head into winter, one of the easiest and quickest ways to keep more money in your pocket has to do with how you heat your home,” says Ben Sherman, co-owner of Brockman Heating and Air Conditioning, in Fort Wayne, with his brother, Jake. “Heating is typically the largest utility bill and also the easiest one to control.”

One of the best tips Sherman has for controlling heat costs includes setting the thermostat as low as possible. Each degree lowered can cut the heating costs between one and three percent, he says.

A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature while you are asleep or away from home and can reduce energy consumption by about 25 percent, he adds.

It’s also important to have a yearly maintenance check and cleaning on the furnace and change the furnace filter once a month, unless you have one made to last longer. Clean warm air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators as needed and make sure they are not blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes, he suggests.

Other ways to cut costs in the home include caulking and weather stripping to keep the warm air in during the winter. Minimize the use of exhaust fans, which pull warm air out of the home. Add insulation around heat ducts in unheated spaces like the garage, attic and crawl spaces. Repair holes or separated joints in the ducts. Make sure the damper is closed when not using the fireplace. Keep draperies and shades on the south side of the home open to let sunlight in and close them at night to reduce the chill. Use the reverse setting on ceiling fans to turn the blades clockwise during the winter months to bring heated air down.

“For some long-term energy savings, think about updating that old furnace,” Sherman adds. “Switching to a 95 percent efficient furnace can easily save homeowners up to 30 percent in monthly heating costs.”

Homeowners are unified in their frustrations with rising costs, Sherman has noticed.

“You’re not alone. The average Fort Wayne home is now paying up to 40 percent more in energy bills compared to two years ago. And, unfortunately, utility companies are expected to raise prices again in the near future,” he says.

Brockman’s, 3750 N. Wells St., 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.

To schedule a maintenance check on a furnace, get a new thermostat, or have needed repairs done, call Brockman’s at (260) 203-0203 to ensure your heating system is working properly and most cost-effectively during the winter months. ❚

Homeowners are noticing the rise of heating costs, but Ben Sherman, co-owner of Brockman Heating and Air Conditioning, in Fort Wayne, has some tips for lowering costs this winter.

Who Was Judas?

Few historical figures are more despised than Judas Iscariot, who spent three years working alongside Jesus Christ before betraying him with a kiss.

Why did Judas do it? Was he evil? Greedy? Possessed? Protective of Judaism?

Scripture provides clues, if not clarity. What we know for sure is that Jesus chose Judas as one of his 12 disciples even though he knew Judas would betray him. (John 6:64 NIV) We know Judas was the group’s treasurer and skimmed money for himself. (John 12:6) And we know Judas led authorities to Jesus the evening before Passover, just hours after Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and broke bread with them for the last time.

The earliest gospel was written by Mark around 66 AD and offers no motive for Judas’ actions. Luke and John both report that Judas became possessed by Satan during the Last Supper. Matthew alone says Judas was paid to betray Jesus; he also says Judas tried to return the money after learning Jesus would be crucified. “I have sinned, for I have betrayed innocent blood,” a remorseful Judas said before hanging himself. (Matthew 24:7)

Only God knows the human heart and can judge it, including the heart of Judas.

It’s worth noting that “Judas” was a popular name for men in Jesus’ day and several are mentioned in the New Testament, including Judas the brother of Jesus; Judas the Galilean, an anti-Roman rebel (Acts. 5:37); Judas Barsabbas (Acts 15:22); Judas Thaddaeus, one of the original 12; and Judas in Damascus, who hosted Paul after his conversion.

“Judas” is a Greek version of the Hebrew name “Judah,” meaning “praised,” from which the word “Jew” evolved. Many Jews descended from Judah, one of the 12 sons of Jacob, Abraham’s grandson.

It’s mind-bending to realize Jesus’ betrayal was a necessary step in unfolding God’s redemption plan for mankind. Had authorities/Satan understood this, they might have left Jesus alone.

Paul wrote: “None of the rulers of this age understood it [the plan], for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” (I Corinthians 2:8) ❚

– Janine Pumilia

Experience Fall in Downtown Auburn

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Across the Midwest, quaint downtowns full of friendly people are easy to find. But just 30 minutes north of Fort Wayne lies a particularly special downtown in Auburn, Ind. An architecturally stunning courthouse is the central focal point of a town square that boasts unique shops, eateries and local businesses. Visitors from Fort Wayne, Angola, Freemont, Kendallville, Ligonier, LaGrange, and even cities in Michigan and Ohio flock to Auburn regularly to amble away afternoons or full weekends through the square.

“The businesses located here are very quaint, I suppose not unlike most downtowns,” says Mike Littlejohn, president of the Downtown Auburn Business Association for more than 20 years. “However, we have great eateries, boutiques – many unique shops that people like to come visit, especially on the weekends.”

Oftentimes, Littlejohn welcomes people who are part of a motorcycle or specialty car group.

“We seem to be the destination for groups like that, and then they tend to come back on their own trips later on,” he says. “We rarely have people who come here on day trips and never come back.”

Littlejohn knows this because he himself is a friendly storeowner in downtown Auburn. At Carbaugh Jewelers, 108 E. Seventh St., Littlejohn frequently interacts with locals and nonlocals alike. He makes it a habit to point-blank ask customers where they’re from and why they enjoy Auburn.

During the summer, Littlejohn likes to travel in a vintage car and check out various downtowns. He doesn’t try to compare other places to Auburn, though. Instead, he likes to experience each city’s own uniqueness.

Auburn’s uniqueness is certainly its eateries, he adds.

“We have people telling us that we’re unique because we have an inviting and inclusive community, but I think most downtowns will say that,” Littlejohn says. “What we really hear in addition to that is that people come here for two things. They come here for food, and they come here for beverages.

“I’m also on the board of Auburn Main Street, so I can tell you there’s a lot of research that goes into the thought process of getting people to visit your downtown. So, everybody says their downtown is unique and everybody says their downtown has great shopping and so forth. But the truth of the matter is, over and above that, do you have food and beverage to offer? Because

Auburn is a great destination to spend a full weekend, or at least an afternoon, says Mike Littlejohn, president of the Downtown Auburn Business Association.

that’s what people do the most of. They eat, and they drink.”

Some top recommendations include Auburn City Steakhouse, a higher-end option for fine dining, Mad Anthony’s Auburn Tap Room, featuring pub favorites and brews, 9th Street Brew, a local corner coffee house that’s a hub of activity in the morning time, Cricket’s 7th Street Bar and Grille, famous for its “Cricket Burger,” Mimi’s Retreat, featuring pub favorites and brews, Four Crowns, a popular bar, The Brown House, specializing in madeto-order food and custard, The Deli at Sixth and Main, a popular lunch spot, and of course, Auburn Brewing Company, located just two blocks off the main drag going through downtown. There’s also Byler Lane Winery right outside of downtown.

“Those are the places that constantly draw people,” Littlejohn says. “If you were here on any given Friday or Saturday, you would see people gathered at these places. Of course, there are local people who go on a regular basis, including myself. But if you look at the license plates, most people are visitors.”

Having an array of superb eateries subsequently draws people to stroll into the other local shops along the square, Littlejohn adds. People also take part in the special fall activities happening in the Auburn area.

Just outside of Auburn but still in DeKalb County, visitors can find Amazing Fall Fun – a family farm boasting Indiana’s largest corn maze, a pumpkin patch, delicious fall treats and more.

Additionally, the Auburn City Parks Department puts on a spectacular Halloween event every year at Eckhart Park, just south of the downtown area, Littlejohn says.

“They go above and beyond making that a great experience for kids,” he says. “They have all kinds of activities for kids to do, and they decorate the park really cool for Halloween each year.”

The Downtown Auburn Business Association is once again featuring trick-or-treating, which this year falls on Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 4-6 p.m., where businesses give out candy to kids.

“We average at least 1,000 to 1,200 kids every year just at our businesses for that 2-hour period,” Littlejohn says. “And then, from 6-8 p.m., there’s trick-or-treating town wide. They can go four hours total throughout the community.”

Overall, Littlejohn’s love of Auburn knows no bounds.

“Oh my God, it’s the best,” he says. “It’s amazing to see how many non-local people come here from the surrounding area. Carbaugh Jewelers is a 122-year-old store – it’s the oldest continuously run business in the downtown business district, and I’m only the fourth owner in all that time. If you were to walk into the store, it would be like walking into a museum. We have areas designated with history and there’s information you can read while you’re shopping. I’m merely just a caretaker for this period of time, and because of all the uniqueness this downtown has, and the fact that people love to come to Auburn, there’s no better place to be in terms of having a business.”

Auburn’s shops and eateries throughout downtown make the city particularly unique, says Littlejohn.

Fall activities are in full swing throughout DeKalb County. Amazing Fall Fun, in Waterloo, boasts Indiana’s largest corn maze, while downtown Auburn is gearing up for special Halloween events.

When Should You Sell Investments?

If you’re a long-term investor, your portfolio may stay fairly stable over time. However, that doesn’t mean you will never sell any investments. But when should you sell — and why?

Here are some scenarios to consider:

• If an investment has consistently underperformed – For one reason or another, some investments may not live up to your expectations. Rather than holding these investments in the hope that they will eventually show consistently positive returns, you might be better off selling them and using the proceeds to buy other investments that could help you make progress toward your goals. Keep in mind, though, that short-term price swings are inevitable for virtually all investments, so you may not want to sell an investment after just a few price drops, as it may still have strong fundamentals and good prospects.

• If the investment itself has changed – The nature of some investments, such as stocks, can change over time. Stocks represent companies, and companies can evolve and adapt — or not. So, you may own shares in a company whose management has changed or whose products are less competitive than they once were. If this company no longer seems like a sound investment, you may consider selling your shares and moving on.

• If an investment is “redundant” – Over time, you may have added investments that are similar to others you already own. If you do have too many investments that are alike, you risk not having a fully diversified portfolio, and while diversification can’t always protect against all losses or guarantee profits, it can help reduce the impact of market volatility on your holdings. Consequently, you might want to sell an investment that may now be “redundant” to your portfolio and replace it with another one that could boost your diversification efforts.

• If an investment takes up too much space in your portfolio – If you bought an investment years ago, and it’s grown substantially in value, it could eventually take up more space in your portfolio than you had intended, which could expose you to more risk than you’d like — because too much of any single investment may leave you more vulnerable to market downturns. Of course, if the investment is still appropriate for your needs, and still has a good outlook, you may not want to totally liquidate it, but you could consider scaling back on the shares you own.

• If your own needs have changed – You originally created your investment mix to help you reach certain goals, such as a comfortable retirement. And during much of your working life, you could possibly afford to invest primarily for growth, accepting the risk that comes along with that approach, as you knew

you’d have time to potentially overcome the short-term volatility that’s part of investing. But as you near retirement, you may want to lower your risk level. Consequently, you could decide to sell some of your growth-oriented investments and move the money into income-producing ones. However, even during retirement, you’ll still need your portfolio to provide some growth opportunities to help you ahead of inflation.

Generally speaking, you may not want to do a lot of selling (or buying) of investments once you’ve built a portfolio that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. But if you are going to sell investments, make sure you do so for the right reasons.

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. ❚

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

Give Your Backyard a Makeover This Fall

By Peggy Werner

As temperatures dip, people can extend their enjoyment of the outdoors with fire pits that produce heat as well as ambiance.

“Depending on the size of the fire pit, heat can radiate from a radius of six to 16 feet, providing a nice, cozy feeling while sitting outside in cooler weather,” says Sam Schmucker, co-owner with his son, Darren, of The BBQ Store and More, 17007 Doty Road, New Haven.

Sales of fire pits have greatly increased as people want to expand their home entertaining to include the outdoors, Schmucker says.

The store has all things to do with BBQ, including a wide assortment of grills, griddles and smokers. To help customers make the most of cooking outdoors, they also sell patio furniture, playsets, gazebos and pavilions. The goal is to

provide customers with everything they need for a complete backyard makeover.

It’s important to Schmucker to sell products that are known for their quality, comfort and durability. For example, BBQ Store and More carries “Breeo” and “Warming Trends” brand fire pits, both quality products with good warranties, Schmucker says. Both brands are also made in America.

Breeo invented the first smokeless fire pit in 2011, which can be used to grill food. Available in three sizes and 15 styles, Breeo fire pits can stand alone or be surrounded by a brick or stone outer wall to give a different look and blend with landscaping.

The Warming Trends fire pits have a patent-pending technology behind the brass crossfire burner that uses an air-togas ration to produce a taller, brighter,

and fuller flame, resembling a natural wood burning fire.

To give customers an advanced visual of their backyard, BBQ Store and More also has design software that can create a 3D rendering of a customer’s project. That way, customers can see their vision before committing to it.

“What sets us apart is we know our product and have the best customer service to help people know how to accomplish the look and result they want to achieve,” Schmucker says. For more information, call (260) 632-0620. ❚

Transforming Your Bathroom in Just 1 Day

By Peggy Werner

If you’re tired of looking at that outof-date bathtub or shower and want something new or entirely different –and quickly – it can be done.

Bath Experts specializes in the transformation of residential bathtubs and showers and is the exclusive Jacuzzi Bath Remodel dealer serving Indiana and Ohio.

“We focus on the wet space because this area makes the most impact in a bathroom remodel, visually and economically, for the homeowner,” says Paul Peterson, director of marketing.

Bath Experts can also do tub-toshower conversions and shower-to-tub conversions. The business employs their own installers, trains them, and allows them to work alone or in teams, completing most projects in just one day.

And there are no shortcuts.

“We don’t cover up the existing space,” Peterson says. “We tear out the tub or shower down to the studs, just in case there is any mold or other damage that needs to be addressed when updating, and then we customize the space based on the homeowner’s preferences.”

There are several reasons why a homeowner needs or wants a new bathtub or shower. The aging population is most concerned about safety while bathing and staying in their home for as long as possible. They often want to convert a traditional bathtub to a walk-in shower or walk-in bathtub and add additional safety features such as shelves and caddies, grab bars, built-in seating, low-profile thresholds and more.

Others want to update the look of a shower or bathtub to better coordinate with other décor, and/or make it easier to

clean by not having to combat the growth of mold and mildew. Some homeowners are looking to upgrade to something more luxurious because they want more of a spa-like experience, Peterson says.

“People are always surprised at the transformation when we are finished and how quickly we can get the job done,” Peterson says.

To set a free home improvement consultation, call (260) 231-1693. ❚

Bath Experts is the exclusive Jacuzzi Bath Remodel dealer serving Indiana and Ohio.

Amazing Fall Fun

Thru Oct. 29, Fri. 5-10 p.m., Sat. noon-10 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m. Choose a pre-picked pumpkin or pick your own, tackle a corn maze, enjoy delicious fall treats, and more. Amazing Fall Fun, 3150 Cr. 43, Waterloo, amazingfallfun.com.

Kuehnert Dairy Fall Festival

Thru Oct. 29, Fri. 6-10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. Corn mazes, pumpkins, ice cream and, of course, baby calves. Kuehnert Dairy Farm & Fall Festival, 6532 W. Cook Road, Fort Wayne, kuehnertdairy.com/ kuehnert-fall-festival.

Pumpkin Path Display

Thru Oct. 29, recurring daily except for Mondays. Enjoy fall surroundings and pose for festive photo ops. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, botanicalconservatory.org.

Wild Zoo Halloween

Thru Oct. 29, recurring Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring spooktacular activities, treats and more. Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, kidszoo.org.

Entertainment & Events

Día de los Muertos 2023

Thru Nov. 5, recurring daily except for Mondays. This community-centered exhibition celebrates the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a festive time for remembering deceased loved ones and ancestors. Fort Wayne Museum of Art, 311 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, fwmoa.org/exhibition/ diadelosmuertos_2023/.

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 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.

Rupaul’s Drag Race: Night of the Living Drag

Oct. 14, 8 p.m. Sashay into The Twilight Zone this Halloween with the queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson

Blvd., Fort Wayne, (260) 424-5665, fwembassytheatre.org.

Fort Wayne Ballet Opening Night

Oct. 20 & 21, 7:30 p.m. Fort Wayne Ballet steps out on the town with a diverse repertoire program with a nod to New York City. Arts United Center, 300 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, (260) 424-5665, fortwayneballet.org.

Mad Science Day

Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Experience fun demonstrations of crazy and cool science. Science Central, 1950 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, sciencecentral.org. ❚

Amazing Fall Fun, in Waterloo, is open now through Oct. 29. Pick a pumpkin, tackle a corn maze, enjoy fall treats and more.