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Convenience?
Convenience has become something we barely question anymore. It shows up in the form of two-day shipping, grocery pickup slots, drive-thru everything, and apps that promise to bring whatever we want straight to our door in under an hour. On the surface, it feels like progress. And in many ways, it is! Life is busy!
But there’s a quieter cost building underneath it all, and it isn’t always measured in dollars.
When errands no longer require stepping inside a store, we lose the small, ordinary interactions that once stitched a community together. The quick chat with the cashier about the weather. The familiar nod to a neighbor in the cereal aisle. Even the minor inconvenience of waiting in line used to create space for human connection. Now, many of these little moments are being optimized away. Despite being more introverted, I still rewatch “Gilmore Girls” every so often and think how nice it would be if people behaved like the characters in Stars Hollow.
There’s also the way convenience reshapes our patience. The expectation of instant results doesn’t stop at shopping… it creeps into everything. When something takes longer than expected, it starts to feel broken, even if it’s just normal life happening at its own pace.
And then there’s the local impact. Every time we choose the fastest option, the most automated option, or the app that removes the need for a storefront interaction, small businesses feel it. Not immediately, not dramatically, but gradually, like water wearing down stone.
None of this means convenience is the enemy. It has made life easier in meaningful ways. But it’s worth asking if we could find more balance.
Your local businesses, including many in this publication, would love to see you.
Have a great month! ❚
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
Upgrades That Bring Safety & Style Home
By Peggy Werner
Aspeople grow older, safety at home is a major concern to those wanting to maintain their independence and mobility.
Dana Knueve, interior design consultant with Trinity Kitchen, Bath and Lighting, 11034 Lincoln Hwy E., New Haven, says kitchen and bath renovations for “aging in place” mean focusing on improved accessibility and safety, making spaces more functional, and maintaining style and beauty.
“When people reach out to us wanting to be safer at home, the bathroom is the main place they are thinking about because that’s where most falls happen,” Knueve says.
That means installing low threshold or curbless walk-in showers with or without seating, adding grab bars and handheld showerheads, installing comfort-height toilets, lowering counters, adding additional lighting, and replacing cabinets with rollout trays.
Smart technology has paved the way for touchless faucets with built-in sprayers, lighting switches with motion sensors and smart bulbs that can be set on timers and turned on and off with a smart phone. An exhaust fan timer takes away the need to remember to turn off the fan, which is recommended to stay on about 30 minutes after using the shower or bath, Knueve says.
For both kitchens and bathrooms, countertops can be lowered to a more comfortable height, while cabinets can feature
pull-out and drop-down shelving for easier access and less bending or reaching. Lowered counter space also makes it more convenient to prepare food while seated.
In the bathroom, a linear shower drain can improve stability, while smaller tiles on the shower floor help reduce the risk of slipping thanks to the added traction created by more grout lines, while also allowing for better drainage, Knueve adds.
Flooring, including ceramic tile, now comes in matte options to help reduce the possibility of slipping when wet. People may want to replace or add lighting, with the choice of warm or cool tones and different levels of brightness.
Color trends for the bath have shifted from greys to warmer tones of brown, beige and taupe, Knueve adds. Two-tone shades and mixed metals are popular for hardware and fixtures. White is the most popular color for kitchen cabinets, while a variety of lighter stains for wood and darker paints are trending now, including blues, greens and accent colors to contrast with cabinets. Smaller islands can increase one’s ability to navigate through the kitchen and can also provide an eye-popping color in an otherwise neutral kitchen, Knueve adds.
“I think a lot of people delay making changes until they really need them, but it’s best to think ahead before something happens,” she says. ❚
It’s easy to “age in place” thanks to smart renovations in kitchens and bathrooms. Features like grab bars, handheld showerheads and more make living conditions safer as people prefer to live in their home long term.
Honesty Matters
Honest people can be trusted to do the right thing, even when that thing means personal sacrifice. But liars rationalize selfish behaviors. They tell themselves it’s OK to tell ‘white lies’ or to lie on tax forms; they may believe anything is justifiable in the pursuit of making money. And lying politicians have become such a common sight that we reward them with public office.
Big or little, a lie is a lie.
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” – Luke 16:10 (NIV)
While “Be Honest” isn’t one of the 10 Commandments, it’s at the core of most. Stealing, bearing false witness and committing adultery, for example, all involve dishonesty … and God doesn’t like it. When we lie, we rob ourselves of true peace and other spiritual riches that come with “growing up in Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15) We also weaken the fabric of society, which depends upon basic honesty to function well. Dishonesty grieves the heart of a generous God who has lavished us with unconditional love and eternal life. And God is never fooled by the lies of men.
“Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and were scoffing at Him [Jesus]. And He said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.’” (Luke 16:14 & 15)
Before the coming of Jesus, it would have been better for us to cut off our hands than to steal again. Today, in the Age of Grace, we have better options. We can choose to change our bad habits and grow up in Christ. As we do, something wonderful happens: We experience the secret thrill of pleasing God and walking in step with Him. We feel joy. And with each honest move, we extend the light of Christ further into a dark world.
The world seldom exalts people for being honest, but who cares? We do it because pleasing God is worth everything.
Yes, the world exalts cheaters.
Don’t let it get you down.
Jesus Christ has overcome the world. (John 16:33). ❚ – Janine Pumilia
125 Years: Carbaugh Jewelers Still Sparkling
By Peggy Werner
Locals and others from all over the country are drawn to Carbaugh Jewelers, the oldest business in downtown Auburn, Ind., with plans underway to celebrate the 125th anniversary this fall.
“The history of the store sells itself,” says Mike Littlejohn, the store’s fourth owner. “People find comfort and safety in knowing we have been around for so long. Our customer base is constantly growing because not many stores have been in business this long, in the same place, and using some of the same tools.
“People who shop here say it is like a museum because we have old pictures and other memorabilia on the walls, including ledgers from 1908, and articles about us,” Littlejohn continues. “We have old tools that were used until we put them in a display case. People are amazed at the work we could do with those tools.”
Today, a high-tech precision laser machine stands next to a 125-year-old bench with hand tools. Littlejohn says the modern equipment is great, but they still do many things the old-fashioned way because “you can’t rely on a machine for everything.”
“We work on personal items that belong to family members who want to preserve and pass down the pieces to future generations,” he says. “Every piece of jewelry has a story and there is no room for making mistakes.”
As longtime employees have retired, new hires have brought with them new technology and marketing ideas to help keep the business current and more productive. A single cash register has been replaced with two checkout stations with software that keeps track of inventory and what individual customers are buying and having repaired.
“This technology keeps us informed about our customers and helps us to take care of them like never before,” Littlejohn says, adding that décor and lighting have also been improved and updated over the years. He’s “amazed” at the number of people who connect with the business through social media, who know all work is done in-house. The store is known for its custom pieces and major repairs, which are booked out through September. Minor repairs may take several weeks, he adds.
“The life of this store has endured a lot over the years, and we have greatly struggled at times, but we have stayed in business because of the repairs and custom work we do,” Littlejohn says.
The full-service store specializes in retail sales, custom work and repairs on all types of jewelry, including ring sizing, stone setting, fabrication and restyling, engraving and watch repair. The store offers the newest styles and designs, specializing in diamonds and colored stones from makers like Rego, Bentelli, Aiden, Color Merchants and Bertke Brothers, as well as having a large selection of watches and clocks made by Seiko.
Edward O. Little was the first owner in 1901. In 1915, Charles Carbaugh, a high school student, started working for him. The two men eventually formed a partnership and ran the business together, until Little passed away in 1955. Carbaugh became the sole owner and changed the name of the store from Little’s to Carbaugh Jewelers in 1960. His son and daughter-inlaw, Robert and Betty, took over the business when he died in 1962. The couple retired in 1997, at which time they sold the business to Littlejohn.
Littlejohn started working part time for Robert and Betty Carbaugh in 1980 while in high school. He learned on the job while in college but didn’t finish school because he toured the country for three years as a bass player with a 10-piece musical group called Sunshine Express. After touring, he graduated from Trenton Jewelry School in Memphis and became a certified bench jeweler before returning to Carbaugh’s to make the business his career.
“When I am able to make something that makes people happy, it’s not a job,” he says. “The reward is what people feel and say about their experience with me. It tells me I made the right career choice.” ❚
Visit carbaughjewelers.com or call (260) 925-3113.
Customers trust Carbaugh Jewelers with custom work and repairs. The business has been around for 125 years.
The Biggest Events Still Ahead This Summer
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
Summer may be flying by, but Fort Wayne’s event calendar remains packed with exciting festivals, cultural celebrations and family-friendly activities through July and August. From beloved community traditions to vibrant arts and cultural festivals, there are plenty of opportunities to make the most of the season.
One of the first major events on the horizon is the annual St. Joe Pickle Festival, scheduled for July 16-18 in St. Joe, Ind. This quirky hometown favorite has earned national attention over the years and continues to draw visitors from across the region. The festival features live entertainment, food vendors, picklethemed activities, a parade, fireworks and tours connected to the community’s pickle-making heritage. It combines smalltown charm with a full schedule of family fun, making it one of northeast Indiana’s most unique summer traditions.
The following weekend, Headwaters Park becomes the center of celebration as Fort Wayne Pride Fest returns July 24-25. The two-day event celebrates diversity and inclusion with live music, entertainment, community organizations, vendors, family activities and food. Pride Fest has grown significantly over
the years and now attracts attendees from throughout northeast Indiana and surrounding states. The festival’s welcoming atmosphere and entertainment lineup make it one of the city’s signature summer events.
As July comes to a close, visitors can enjoy Harlan Days, running July 30 through Aug. 1 at Harlan Community Park, in Harlan, Ind. This longtime community festival offers fair food,
Fort Wayne’s Taste of the Arts Festival is Aug. 29 this year. The event combines culinary experiences with visual art and live performances.
(Jasmine Bejar photo)
(Jared Christiansen / Visit Fort Wayne photo)
(Cover photo by Jasmine Bejar)
games, entertainment, family activities and a chance to experience one of Allen County’s favorite summer traditions. The event combines the feel of a county fair with the friendliness of a smalltown celebration.
That same weekend, Fort Wayne’s rivers come alive during the Dragon Boat Races, scheduled for July 31 and Aug. 1 in Promenade Park. Teams of paddlers compete in colorful dragon boats, racing along the river in one of the city’s most visually exciting summer events. Spectators can enjoy the competition from the riverfront while taking advantage of other activities happening throughout downtown.
August ushers in one of Fort Wayne’s most colorful weekends of the year. On Aug. 8, Bloom Fest returns, celebrating the connection between art and nature. The event features more than 150 artists, exhibitors and organizations, along with live music, food trucks and interactive activities. Visitors can browse artwork, meet local creators and enjoy a day dedicated to creativity and the natural world.
experiencing the diversity that helps make Fort Wayne such a vibrant community.
Also on Aug. 8, Headwaters Park hosts Fiesta Fort Wayne, a lively celebration of Latino and Hispanic culture. The festival showcases music, dance, food and cultural traditions from across Latin America, creating an energetic atmosphere that has become a highlight of the city’s summer calendar. Visitors can enjoy authentic cuisine, live performances and educational exhibits while
Food and arts lovers won’t want to miss the Taste of the Arts Festival on Aug. 29. Held throughout downtown Fort Wayne’s Arts Campus and surrounding streets, the event combines culinary experiences with visual art, live performances and interactive exhibits. Local restaurants, artists and performers come together to create one of the city’s premier cultural festivals. The event offers an ideal opportunity to sample local flavors while discovering the incredible talent found throughout northeast Indiana’s arts community.
Beyond these major festivals, Fort Wayne continues to host First Fridays throughout the summer and into the fall. These community gatherings feature local businesses, artists, musicians and special activities along the Broadway corridor. They provide a great excuse to explore local shops, restaurants and galleries while supporting small businesses.
What makes Fort Wayne’s event lineup especially appealing is its variety. Whether you’re interested in cultural festivals, live entertainment, family activities, food, art or community celebrations, there’s something happening nearly every weekend.
Many events are affordable or free, making it easy for families to enjoy a full day of entertainment without leaving town. ❚
Fort Wayne Pride Fest returns July 24 and 25 to celebrate diversity and inclusion with live music, family activities, food and vendors.
Fort Wayne’s Dragon Boat Races are scheduled for July 31 and Aug. 1 in Promenade Park.
(Fort Wayne Pride photo)
(Ray Steup / Fort Wayne Parks Department photo)
Protect Your Pavement with Sealcoating
By Peggy Werner
Harsh
Midwestern winters are one of the main reasons for much-needed maintenance and repair every few years on asphalt driveways and parking lots.
Moisture from snow and rain, belowzero temperatures and freeze-thaw cycles take a toll on asphalt. Regular maintenance helps to keep a driveway in good condition.
“Filling those cracks and regular sealcoating are the most important maintenance procedures any homeowner can do to get the most life out of a driveway or parking lot,” says Ayla Anthony, operations manager of Asphalt Maintenance Service, 6215 Commodity Ct., Fort Wayne.
Sealcoating protects asphalt from water penetration. Unsealed asphalt is like a big sponge, and leaving it that way can cause oils in the asphalt, as well as leaks from engine oil, diesel and hydrau-
lic oil, to break down and deteriorate driveways and parking lots.
Asphalt Maintenance Service prides itself on being a business built on a foundation of trust, high-quality work and unwavering commitment to its clients, keeping their needs and satisfaction at the forefront, Anthony says. The familyowned company has been serving the Fort Wayne, northeast Indiana and western Ohio areas for more than 40 years. Services include asphalt paving, concrete installation, sealcoating, patching, striping and crack filling for both residential and commercial properties.
Regular maintenance adds life to your driveway.
“If properly maintained, a driveway can last at least 30 years,” Anthony says. “If not maintained, that lifespan will be cut in half or less.”
She recommends sealcoating drive-
ways and most commercial lots every three years and more often for heavilytraveled areas. Sealcoating gives a driveway a clean look, too.
“We have the quality products, equipment and experience that makes a big difference when wanting a job done well,” Anthony says. ❚
Get a free estimate by filling out the online form at asphaltmaintenanceservice.net or calling (260) 422-6068.
Regular sealcoating is important to get the most life out of your driveway.
Food, Fun & Hospitality at Essenhaus
By Peggy Werner
The Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury is more than a restaurant – it’s a “pleasant surprise in the country,” says Joel Miller, campus manager.
“When people arrive here, they see a park, lots of flowers, beautiful landscaping, a courtyard, playground, four gift shops, a bakery, a covered bridge, an Inn with a pool, two ponds and a walking path that connects to other paths covering 20 miles – all on 35 acres of land,” he says. “It’s a place where you can spend a whole day, not just have a meal.”
The newest addition to the property – a fully renovated building –opened this month and now features six indoor, air-conditioned pickleball courts.
The restaurant seats up to 1,000 people and serves Amishstyle food, many of the same recipes used when it opened in 1971.
Everything is homemade.
Mashed potatoes are made with real potatoes, milk and butter. All the breads and pie crusts are homemade from scratch. The Amish noodles are made right on the property and are available to purchase on site and in grocery stores around the country.
People dining at the restaurant have multiple options, including ordering from the menu, serving themselves from the buffet Monday through Saturday, or enjoying family-style dining from 3-8 p.m. Friday and noon-8 p.m. Saturday. A banquet room accommodates 15-220 people.
In the traditional Amish style, the restaurant believes in taking care of its employees and customers. They want everyone
who comes to the restaurant to experience the time-honored tradition of sharing a meal with friends and loved ones.
“We are a hospitality company and we are all about getting people connected,” Miller says. “We want people who come here to feel at home and share all we have to offer with loved ones and friends.”
Whatever option customers choose, they get to enjoy the Amish time-tested recipes. The most popular dishes include anything made with a pot roast-style beef and chicken that is marinated and deep fried.
“It’s hard to beat,” Miller says.
Amish foods are homemade with items from the garden with real, quality ingredients like whole milk, heavy cream and lots of real butter, Miller adds.
Breakfast menu items include eggs, pancakes, oatmeal, yogurt with fruit, choices of meat, biscuits and gravy and more. A couple signature dishes include stuffed French toast topped with fruit, and the Middlebury Breakfast made with two biscuits and home fries covered in sausage gravy. The Breakfast Scramble is made with scrambled eggs, home fries, sausage gravy, cheese, green pepper, spinach, mushrooms and choice of bacon, sausage or ham – all served in a warm tortilla.
Lunch favorites include Chicken Pot Pie with homemade crust, homemade egg noodles and beef over mashed potatoes, creamed chicken and biscuits and more. Dinner features broasted chicken, smoked roast pork, cod, salmon, baked steak, homemade meatloaf with a signature sauce and more. All salads come with a homemade dressing, three soups are offered daily, and a variety of sandwiches and desserts complete the menu. ❚
For more information, visit essenhaus.com.
Everything is homemade at The Das Dutchman Essenhaus, in Middlebury. Mashed potatoes, in particular, are made from scratch with real potatoes, milk and butter.
As an Amish establishment, Das Dutchman promises quality ingredients.
Leading, Healing Technologies at Health N.O.W.
By Peggy Werner
Dr. David Gafken has been a leader in bringing new technologies to this region for the benefit of his patients. His decades of experience enable him to treat certain conditions more effectively than ever before without surgery or medicine at Health N.O.W., in Auburn.
Gafken is a board-certified chiropractic neurologist in private practice since 1980. He specializes in treating knee pain, irritable bowel syndrome, thyroid disease, low back and neck pain, and peripheral neuropathy, to name a few.
He uses the latest treatments and state-ofthe-art equipment, comprehensive blood work to look at metabolic factors, and the body’s natural ability to heal from chronic and debilitating health conditions.
“A majority of patients respond extremely well to care,” he says. “All of these conditions are a product of damaged tissue and inflammation in the body. Our goal is to find the injured tissue and the source of inflammation, reverse it, and help restore the tissue to function as close to normal as possible.”
Among his tools are acoustic wavelength therapy (also called shockwave therapy), Class IV Laser Therapy and electromagnetic therapy.
One of the treatments, Acoustic Wave Therapy, is a noninvasive in-office procedure using high-frequency and low-intensity sound waves to repair damaged tissue, reduce pain and increase blood flow to injured areas. Class IV Laser Therapy
uses different wavelengths of amplified light to affect damaged tissues and cells in the body. Even those who have been told their knee pain is because of “bone on bone” can have reduced pain and more function by using the therapy to generate more cartilage and reduce inflammation, Gafken says.
He also uses eye movement exercises and various forms of brain activation techniques.
“Different parts of the brain are tied into different eye movements, and the various techniques can be effective for balance issues and movement disorders,” he says.
In addition, the inflammation caused by diabetes can trigger problems in other areas of the body. The digestive track can be damaged by stress, toxins, medicines, food, inflammation or infection. Thyroid disease plays a critical role throughout the body, affecting the immune system, digestion, the adrenal glands and more.
Gafken also treats post-surgical patients and those with sports injuries.
“Our therapies can help promote healing where it is needed,” he says.
He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, and got an additional 1,000 hours of training at the Carrick Institute of Neurology in Florida to become a chiropractic neurologist. ❚
For more information or to schedule an appointment or consultation, call (260) 920-8811 or stop by the office at 2146 State Road 8, Auburn, Ind.
Dr. David Gafken, a board-certified chiropractic neurologist, can treat his patients without surgery or medications at Health N.O.W.
Among Gafken’s tools are Acoustic Wave Therapy, Class IV Laser Therapy and electromagnetic therapy. These non-invasive methods can help treat patients with various conditions.
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.
Dinosaur Fossils Exposed
Thru July 31, Mon. & Wed. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tu. & Th. 1-7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. This dinosaur exhibition features the skull of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a Velociraptor, full skeletons of a Triceratops, eggs of a Sauropod, footprints of an Iguanodon, and much more. There’s also a fossil dig pit to excavate fossils. Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, acpl.lib.in.us/home.
Kuehnert Dairy Farm Tour
Thru Aug. 1, recurring monthly on first Saturdays, 9-10 a.m. Get a glimpse of farm life behind the scenes, including how they process milk and how they care for the cows. (Yes, you get to pet calves!) Kuehnert Dairy Farm, 6532 W. Cook Road, Fort Wayne, kuehnertdairy.com.
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.
Allen County Fair
June 23-28. In addition to 4-H festivities, the
Entertainment & Events
fair offers a full food court, carnival rides and a lengthy list of family-fun events. Allen County Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne, allencountyfairgroundsin.com.
Patriotic Pops at Parkview Field
June 27, 8 p.m. Fort Wayne Philharmonic welcomes the community to a free concert celebrating the American spirit with fireworks accompanying the finale. Parkview Field, 1301 Ewing St., Fort Wayne, fwphil.org.
4th of July Parade
July 4, 10 a.m. The theme of the parade is Celebrate America, 250 Years United. Residents and visitors are invited to line the parade route along South Calhoun Street, beginning at Creighton Avenue and ending at Main Street. Downtown Fort Wayne, visitfortwayne.com.
The Summit City Carnival
July 10-18. Guests can look forward to attractions for all ages, featuring carnival classics as well as thrill-seeking rides. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne, memorialcoliseum.com.
‘Grease’
July 17-19, 24-26, 31-Aug. 2, Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. Get ready for a time-traveling, hip-shaking, heart-pounding extravaganza with “Grease,” where the ’50s come alive with unforgettable songs, electrifying dance numbers and a whole lot of attitude. Ar ts United Center, 303 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, fwcivic.org/grease.
Three Dog Night
July 17, 7:30 p.m. Known for hits like “Mama Told Me (Not To Come),” “Joy to the World,” “Black and White,” “Shambala,” and “One,” Three Dog Night claims some of the most astonishing statistics in popular music. Foellinger Theatre, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, cityoffortwayne.in.gov.
90s Night at Headwaters Park
July 18, 7-11 p.m. Decade Divide & DJ Trend play favorite hits from the 90s. Food trucks and a full bar serve drinks. Play beer pong, corn hole and flip cup. Headwaters Park, 333 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, visitfortwayne.com.
A Book Affair
July 25, noon-5 p.m. Local authors and vendors sell their creations to the passionate readers of Fort Wayne. There are also food trucks, raffles, games and trivia. Allen County Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Road, visitfortwayne.com. ❚
Downtown Fort Wayne’s July 4th parade celebrates America’s 250th birthday. The route travels along South Calhoun Street, beginning at Creighton Avenue and ending at Main Street.
