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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • $1.95 • August 2026
‘A Renaissance’ Roanoke’s Juried Arts & Crafts Event A Jewelry Legacy Shaped by Elvis Presley Prep Your Fireplace for Winter Weather Inspiration: What to Pack Family Fun: 12 Upcoming Events
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region ......................Cover & p. 16 A Renaissance in Roanoke Welcomes All Inspiration & Worship .......................................12 What to Pack Your Style ..............................................................23 A Jewelry Legacy Shaped by Elvis Presley Your Home & Garden .......................................27 Prep Your Fireplace for Winter Weather Your Family Fun .................................................28
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Senior Editor Lindsey Lukas Managing Editor Jim Taylor Deputy Editor Steven Bonifazi Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Olivia Costello, Brandi Fier Contributing Writers Janine Pumilia, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Director of Corporate Happiness Hana Hughes Distribution Kelly and Larry Fairbairn Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (260) 276-0299, Fax: (815) 316-2301 www.SmartLivingFortWayne.com Smart Living. Copyright 2026 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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A Renaissance
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t’s always special to spend a day wandering around, discovering new things with my family. That’s exactly why I’m looking forward to “A Renaissance in Roanoke” this fall. Every year, I feel inspired by the creative geniuses who go -- the artists are all so impressive! “Renaissance in Roanoke” is a juried arts and crafts event, meaning each vendor is carefully vetted. Taking place Oct. 10 in downtown Roanoke, this community event makes me appreciate Northeast Indiana. It feels like a quintessential small-town-Midwestern-fall event. I love it. This year, I’m especially excited to experience it with my family. My husband and I are always looking for fun ways to make memories with our kids, Eli, 4, and Izzy, 2. At their ages, they are naturally curious about everything, and I love watching them discover new things. An event filled with colorful artwork, handmade creations and unique displays seems like the perfect opportunity to let them appreciate art early on in life. Of course, I’m also looking forward to the grown-up part of the day: taking my time to admire the craftsmanship, chatting with artists and perhaps finding something special to bring home. There’s something different about purchasing a handmade piece when you’ve had the chance to meet the person who created it. Events like “A Renaissance in Roanoke” are also a wonderful reminder of the talent that exists in our communities. They give artists a chance to share their work while giving visitors an opportunity to experience something beyond the usual shopping trip. As fall settles in and the calendar fills with the usual seasonal activities, I’m looking forward to setting aside a few hours to slow down, stroll through downtown Roanoke and enjoy a day with my family. And if Eli and Izzy leave with a new favorite handmade treasure, even better. Those little discoveries are often what make family outings memorable. Have a great month! ❚ Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne
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Inspiration & Worship
What to Pack T
he walk of life is filled with unexpected cliffs, valleys and hilltops, and every kind of weather. But most of it plays out on unremarkable stretches of smooth terrain, under clear, if not sunny, skies. How well we handle this journey has everything to do with what we pack. We must prepare ourselves not only for the unexpected, but also for the routine. Christians often speak of “mountaintop moments” – those times our faith exhilarates us, often during a special event shared with other enthusiastic believers. We also move closer to God during times of crisis, relying upon our faith to get us from one moment to the next. Too, religious holidays, with their warm and familiar traditions, may rekindle our faith. But it’s often during our day-to-day routines that we stray furthest from likemindedness with Jesus Christ. Ironically, these are probably the times when our faith matters most. During each routine day, we impact the people closest to us – family members, co-workers, clients, schoolmates, friends, neighbors. The choices we make daily – to emulate Jesus Christ or not – impact others profoundly. They also enrich or diminish the very fabric of our relationship with God. It’s been said that our character is revealed by what we do when no one is watching. Likewise, the authenticity of our faith is evidenced by the way we live each ordinary day. (Is there even such thing as an ordinary day? Every day is made by God, belongs to God, and is therefore extraordinary, whether or not we view it that way.) Ephesians chapter 4 is a great place to learn which character traits most matter to God. It reminds us of our extraordinary position in this world and God’s expectations for us. Two chapters later, in Ephesians 6:10-20, we’re told how to best prepare ourselves for the long journey – which pieces of equipment to pack, and why they matter. Life is a long walk, yet it seems to be completed in the blink of an eye. Here’s to making the most of every single extraordinary day. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12
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Right in Our Region
A Renaissance in Roanoke Welcomes All
“A Renaissance in Roanoke” returns to downtown Roanoke Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The juried event features photography, drawings, paintings, woodworking, ceramics, pottery and jewelry.
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
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owntown Roanoke comes alive with art, music, creativity “Poetry on the Spot,” children’s activities, live plein air painting, and community spirit during the 19th annual “A Renaislive life-drawing by local artists and a variety of food trucks. sance in Roanoke,” set for Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Approximately 50 to 60 artists and makers are expected to The juried arts and crafts event brings together artists and participate this year. Because the event is juried, new vendors makers working in a variety of mediums, offering visitors an opmust submit photographs of their work in advance. portunity to browse, shop and experience creativity throughout “Juried means new vendors must submit photos of their downtown. The event also includes family activities, live demwork for review by our committee to make sure they’re a good onstrations, food and entertainment, making it a celebration for fit and appropriate for what we’re known for,” Smith says. “For more than just art enthusiasts. example, jewelry has to be handmade, not ‘put together’ from “This is a juried arts and crafts event,” says Curtis Smith, components bought from a manufacturer or crafts retailer.” event chair. “We feature photography, drawing, painting — landThe event’s evolution over the past 19 years has largely scape, wildlife and abstract — woodworking, ceramics and potcome through the artists themselves. tery, and fine and/or creative handmade jewelry.” “There’s always something new, but we have many artists Smith emphasizes that despite its name, “A Renaissance in whose attendance is anticipated by the people who come each Roanoke” is not a Renaissance-period festival. year,” Smith says. “We are not an event where people dress in costumes from That combination of quality vendors and community supold Europe,” he says. port has helped “A Renaissance in Roanoke” remain a favorite Instead, visitors can expect a vibrant craft marketplace feaannual tradition. turing handmade creations, along with a small farmers’ market, One of the event’s most unique features is the plein air com16 Smart Living Fort Wayne August 2026 To Advertise Call 260-276-0299
Right in Our Region petition. The French expression “plein air” means “in the open air,” and in art, it refers to creating work outdoors while capturing natural light, colors and real-time shadows. Participating artists check in that morning to have their blank canvas time stamped. They then have until 3 p.m. to complete their paintings and return them for judging. Cash prizes of $350, $250 and $150 are awarded for first, second and third place, respectively. The finished paintings will be available for purchase by the public or local businesses. Entertainment begins at 10 a.m. with Three Rivers Dance Academy performing a 45-minute The event provides artists with a well-known venue to showcase and sell their work. variety of dance numbers at the intersection of Second and Main Streets. Joe Justice then provides ing new and returning visitors who support local businesses and live music throughout the rest of the day. restaurants, Smith adds. “Joe is both a long-time fan and personal favorite for the Funds raised through vendor fees and sponsorships are used variety and style of his music,” Smith says. “He is the soundtrack by the Roanoke Beautification Foundation to help keep the comfor our event.” munity beautiful and clean. Projects include supporting new trees Families can also head to Zent Commons on First Street and on Main Street, hanging flowers and flags, weeding and mainMain Street for children’s activities, where kids and their parents taining public spaces and addressing other beautification needs can create something fun together. throughout town. The event’s impact extends beyond the one-day celebraFor Smith, the event has personal significance. He attended tion, Smith says. “A Renaissance in Roanoke” provides artists “A Renaissance in Roanoke” for the first time after moving to the and crafters with a well-known venue to showcase and sell their community and quickly became captivated by what it offered. work, while also supporting the broader community. Roanoke El“Honestly, I’m excited every year to see what new artists ementary students participate each year, with students in grades and crafters bring, or the new work that returning ones bring,” he three, four and five spending a day in September drawing and says. “It’s such a fun day with the artists, the crowds, the familiar coloring locations around town. Their work is judged before the faces and the great food options. It was the first event we attended event and displayed at Zent Commons during the day. when we moved here, and when the opportunity came open to be The event is also the second-largest event in Roanoke, bring- a part of it, I jumped at it.” Ultimately, Smith hopes visitors leave with the same feeling he had when he first experienced the event. “I hope people think ‘What a fun event and a great town to host it,’” he says. “We were captivated by Roanoke when we visited before we moved, but fell in love with it because of events like ‘A Renaissance.’” For artists and crafters who have not yet participated, Smith encourages them to consider joining future events. “We’re always looking for new and up-and-coming artists we can support and provide a wonderful venue for them to show and sell their work,” he says. “We also keep an eye out for other fun and creative activities and/or additions.” From art and music to children’s activities and community pride, “A Renaissance in Roanoke” offers a full day of creativity, and another reason to celebrate the town itself. ❚ Event Chair Curtis Smith encourages new artists to participate. For more information, visit renaissanceinroanoke.org. 17 Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne August 2026
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Your Style
A Jewelry Legacy Shaped by Elvis Presley By Peggy Werner
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arbaugh Jewelers owner Mike Littlejohn has some interesting connections. His life was forever changed by Elvis Presley — but not because of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll’s music. Instead, it was through the man who helped create some of Presley’s most memorable jewelry. Littlejohn credits his friend, teacher and mentor, John Randall “Randy” Lowrey of Memphis, Tenn., as one of two people most responsible for his success as a jeweler and business owner. The other was his former boss, Robert Carbaugh. Littlejohn met Lowrey at a jewelry trade show in Indianapolis, where Lowrey was a featured speaker and recognized as one of the country’s leading jewelers. Lowrey designed and crafted several pieces for Elvis Presley, including two of the singer’s rings and the first images of the iconic “TCB” (Taking Care of Business) lightning bolt logo. Lowrey died Sept. 1, 2005, at age 60. At the time Littlejohn met him, Lowrey worked at Trenton Jewelry School in Memphis, specializing in custom-made jewelry. Littlejohn graduated from the school with honors in 1990 as a certified bench jeweler and stone setter. The school has since closed, but admission was selective. It accepted only experienced jewelers, and few applicants made the cut. Littlejohn’s admission was helped along by input from his boss, Robert Carbaugh. Littlejohn completed the two-week intensive course to earn his certification, then stayed a couple of extra days to work oneon-one with Lowrey in his shop. Lowrey showed Littlejohn how to make a bowl from a flat piece of pewter. That same bowl now sits on Littlejohn’s 125-year-old workbench, where it holds gemstones he needs while creating jewelry. “Meeting and working with Randy was a great opportunity, and it solidified in my mind that I wanted a career as a jeweler,” Littlejohn says. Lowrey occasionally talked about his work with Elvis, giving Littlejohn a glimpse into what it was like to create jewelry for one of the world’s most famous entertainers. “Elvis loved rings and bracelets, and Randy knew it took a lot of skill to produce a piece up to Elvis’ standards,” Littlejohn says. “Randy described Elvis as a very genuine and personable individual and was very easy to work with, but he knew what he liked and what he didn’t like. He wanted what he wanted, and his jewelers had to figure out how to do it. He never spoke in
Elvis Presley in 1956
great detail about Elvis, yet he had only positive things to say about him.” Littlejohn remembers Lowrey as an eccentric, worldly man who had an ability to teach. “He totally thought things through, and if he couldn’t find the right tool to do a job, he’d make a tool,” Littlejohn says. For Littlejohn, the lessons he learned from Lowrey went far beyond jewelry making. One lesson has stayed with him ever since. “Randy took jewelry making to the next level,” he says. “He always advised me to do my best for customers. He said it’s not about ‘getting by.’ You have to do everything the right way no matter what it takes.” Those words have stayed with Littlejohn throughout his career. “I think about him every day because he took such an interest in me and showed me what it takes to be the best,” he says. “We work with jewelry and stones passed down through the generations. There’s no room for a mistake. Randy always said you have one opportunity to not make a mistake.” ❚ Visit Carbaugh Jewelers at 108 E. Seventh St., Auburn, and learn more at carbaughjewelers.com. 23 Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne August 2026
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Your Home & Garden
Prep Your Fireplace for Winter Weather By Peggy Werner
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hether wood-burning, electric or gas powered, fireplaces add beauty, coziness and warmth to a home. People naturally relax and unwind as the senses are drawn to the dancing flames and the crackling sounds and smells. In business for nearly 40 years, Collier’s, 2315 Shelby Dr., Warsaw, Ind., specializes in residential and commercial heating and air conditioning, fireplaces, mantles, and related products and materials throughout north-central Indiana. Fireplaces have multiple purposes. “There are many advantages to having one or more fireplaces in a home, and they are as individual as the customers who own them,” says Chuck Ault, owner. “Everyone wants the ambiance, functionality, or both when looking to update or Collier’s, in Warsaw, can do anything and everything when it comes to fireplaces, whether it’s creating a new look for an existing fireplace or adding a brand-new one to a home. add one to the home.” Collier’s can do anything and everything with fireplaces, the same material or one that is contrasting in texture and color. Ault adds, whether creating a new look for an existing fireplace The hearth is made from a non-combustible material to protect or adding one to a home. the interior flooring from heat and embers from a wood-burning “We can do as much or as little as you want and handle all fireplace. jobs, big or small.” Not only is the fireplace an attention-getter on its own, but To help customers get started, he suggests they visit Colthe decor around it can add to or complete a look. lier’s 2,000-square-foot showroom to see the wide variety of Decorative mirrors, vintage art pieces, pictures, baskets, fireplace materials including stone, brick, concrete, wood, metal, trays, candles and vases can be used alone or together and in marble, limestone and more. varying heights to add elegant touches to a mantel. Neutral walls The fireplace mantel and hearth may be optional in some can have a look of elegance with items that surround the firecases and can enhance the material used to surround the firebox, place in natural textures and neutral colors. Or, the fireplace can which can be something plain or more decorative, made from be the location for a pop of color carried through in other accent pieces such as decorative pillows, cushions and throws. Fireplaces are warm and welcoming and can be ecofriendly, Ault adds. They can add value and beauty to a home, provide warmth and romance, and help lower utility costs. “A fireplace creates ambiance and is the focal point of any room. It can blend in with the surroundings or add a dramatic contrast to the rest of the room,” Ault says. One homeowner, he recalls, took a blank wall and added a wood-burning fireplace complete with a stone wall and floor-to-ceiling storage box for wood. “That boring wall became an elegant focal point in the room,” Ault says. “Every fireplace draws attention and makes a statement.” ▮ For more information or to schedule a home appointment, contact Collier’s on their Facebook page or call Fireplaces help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere and serve as a focal point for (574) 200-0429. attention. Collier’s can handle all fireplace projects, big and small. 27 Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Fort Wayne August 2026
Your Fun
Entertainment & Events
I Love Saturdays at Club Room at The Clyde Enjoy the best in pop, soul, R&B and funk every Saturday from 8-11 p.m. at the Club Room at the Clyde, 1806 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne. Visit clydeclubroom.com/live to see the complete lineup of performers. Summer Nights at the Embassy Thru Aug. 26, Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Spend your summer evenings with live music, featured cocktails and local food vendors. Enjoy performances in the multi-tiered ballroom overlooking downtown, or relax on the rooftop patio while taking in views of the city skyline and listening to the evening’s live entertainment. Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwembassytheatre.org. Fort Wayne TinCaps Thru September. Lots of exciting baseball action along with special events and spectacles including fireworks on select nights, discounted food nights and more. Find the whole schedule at milb.com/fort-wayne. Parkview Field, 1301 Ewing St., Fort Wayne. YLNI Summer Farmers’ Market Thru Oct. 31, Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for fresh produce, a wide variety of organic fruits and vegetables, hand-made jewelry and crafts, local artwork and more. Corner of Wayne and Barr Streets, Fort Wayne, visitfortwayne.com.
Kuehnert Dairy Fall Festival returns Sept. 11-Oct. 25 on Fridays through Sundays. Enjoy a corn maze, hayrides, pumpkins, baby calves and more.
special happenings within their venue. Follow the Broadway Arts District FW page to see what you can expect and who is participating. Broadway Corridor, 1123 Broadway, Fort Wayne, facebook. com/BroadwayArtsDistrictFW/events.
Cider Tasting & Food Pairing Event Sept. 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Join certified Pommelier David Lugo for a one-of-a-kind five-course tasting experience. Event includes five 2-oz tasting pours and five small bites. Ages 21+. Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, visitfortwayne.com.
Ninja Kidz LIVE Sept. 4, 6:30 p.m. Step into the multiverse with an action-packed live adventure. Inspired by the Ninja Kidz brand, the live stage production combines comedy, audience participation, physical challenges, interactive games and highenergy battles into a family entertainment experience. Foellinger Theatre, 3411 Sherman Boulevard, Fort Wayne, cityoffortwayne. in.gov/1717/Ninja-Kidz-LIVE.
First Fridays! on Broadway Sept. 4, 5-8 p.m. Participating businesses feature
Grabill Country Fair Sept. 10-12, 6:30 p.m. The town’s country-
style fair highlights the area’s Amish heritage. Downtown Grabill, 13756 State Street, Grabill, grabillcountryfair.org. Kuehnert Dairy Fall Festival Sept. 11-Oct. 25, recurring weekly on FridaySunday. The festival showcases more than 30 attractions for all ages, including a corn maze, hayrides, pumpkins, baby calves and more. Kuehnert Dairy Farm, 6532 W. Cook Road, Fort Wayne, kuehnertdairy.com. Korea Festival Fort Wayne Sept. 12, noon-5:30 p.m. This cultural festival is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity through exchange of Korean arts, culture, food, and history in Fort Wayne. Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center, 2101 East Coliseum Blvd., Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center, Fort Wayne, koreafestival-fw.com. Be A Tourist in Your Own Hometown Sept. 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Use the “Be A Tourist” passport to gain free admission for an entire party to Science Central. Enjoy special activities and demonstrations for the whole family. Science Central, 1950 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, sciencecentral.org.
The Grabill Country Fair brings classic fair fun Sept. 10-12 in downtown Grabill.
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‘Come From Away’ Sept. 18-27, Th-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Presented by Fort Wayne Civic Theatre, “Come From Away” is based on the true story of the time when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world on Sept. 11, 2001. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover. Arts United Center, 303 East Main St., Fort Wayne, fwcivic.org. ❚
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