Chasing Sunshine
This time of year, I will take absolutely any excuse to be outside. If the sun is shining, I’m not staying in, and in the Fort Wayne area, that’s an easy commitment to keep.
The rivers that shape this city are hard to resist. Kayaks and paddleboards start showing up again, the Rivergreenway fills with walkers and bikers, and people linger a little longer along Promenade Park just watching the water move by. Even a simple walk downtown starts to feel like part of summer instead of just a commute between stops.
Summer evenings in Fort Wayne also have a rhythm of their own. There’s something about live music drifting through an open park after a long winter that makes everything feel lighter. Whether it’s a concert at Foellinger Theatre or an outdoor set at Promenade Park, it’s never just about the music. It’s the mix of people, the skyline lighting up as the sun goes down, and that collective sense that no one is in a hurry to go anywhere else.
Lately, I’ve also been leaning into those easy, no-pressure day trips around northeast Indiana. Nothing complicated, just a reason to get in the car and wander for a few hours. Headwaters Park is an obvious stop when events are going on, but even outside of festival weekends, it’s a nice place to reset. A slow afternoon at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is another one of those simple pleasures that never really gets old, no matter your age.
And when you want to stretch a little farther, small towns around Fort Wayne are full of easy discoveries. Grab lunch in places like Auburn or Angola, browse a local shop or two, or just sit somewhere new and enjoy the change of scenery without the commitment of a full getaway.
At this stage of life, I’ve come to appreciate how much you can get out of a single day close to home. You don’t always need a big trip... sometimes you just need a little sunshine, a good plan, and a place worth going.
Have a great month! ❚
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
Upgrades That Bring Safety and 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.
The Invitation
Humanshave a long, bloody history of trying to “perfect” one another. Jesus said, “You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5 NIV)
In Colonial America, many Christian sects that had been persecuted in Europe felt free to persecute their fellow colonists.
Boston Puritans hanged Quaker missionaries; Virginia required all to attend Anglican services or be humiliated in public stocks; Eight of the 13 British colonies mandated tax-supported state churches, etc.
With the First Amendment, our founding fathers rebuked government’s role in this tyranny by following the example set by God, Who grants us free will to choose our own spiritual fate. Scripture tells us:
1. There’s one God above all beings, the Creator of life, love, light and truth.
2. God loves us and yearns for our freely given love in return but does not compel us to worship Him. In the Old Testament, God provided laws to His people, the Jews, for their own good. But he recognized that man’s sinful nature had put distance between Himself and man. He devised a plan whereby all people, not only Jews, could choose reconciliation to Him made possible by His son Jesus Christ, the “second Adam,” who, unlike Adam, lived in perfect loving obedience to God.
3. God wants us to choose to spend time with Him in prayer, worship and scripture, and to imitate Christ because we love Him.
4. God wants us to love other people unselfishly, to value them as He does and to invite (not force) them into His family.
When asked to name the greatest commandment, Jesus replied:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:3540, Mark 12:28-34, and Luke 10:27a)
True Christianity is the very opposite of one group imposing its beliefs on another through government or any other means. It is loving God, loving people and inviting them to join God’s family. ❚ – Janine Pumilia
Big Green Egg Fest Fires Up for Celebration
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
Fornearly two decades, grill masters, backyard barbecue enthusiasts and curious food lovers have gathered in northeast Indiana for one flavorful tradition: the annual Big Green Egg Fest hosted by The BBQ Store & More.
This year marks the 19th annual event, taking place June 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 17007 Doty Road in New Haven. What began as a small gathering with a single grill has grown into a major regional event featuring dozens of chefs, endless food samples and a full day of family-friendly entertainment.
“We started our first EggFest with one grill and about 20 people in attendance,” says co-owner Sam Schmucker. “Over the years we promoted the event and now have upwards of 45 to 50 chefs grilling and cooking on Big Green Eggs.”
The festival centers around the Big Green Egg, the iconic ceramic charcoal grill known for its versatility and heat retention. Schmucker says his passion for grilling led him to the product years ago, and it quickly became a favorite among the many grill brands carried by the store.
“The Big Green Egg is definitely my go-to grill,” he says.
The Big Green Egg has developed an almost cult-like fol-
lowing among outdoor cooking enthusiasts since it was introduced to the American market in 1974. Inspired by ancient kamado-style clay cookers used in Asia for thousands of years, the modern version transformed outdoor grilling by combining smoking, roasting, baking and high-heat searing into a single ceramic cooker.
Unlike traditional metal grills, the Big Green Egg uses thick ceramic walls designed to retain heat and moisture. Adjustable top and bottom vents allow users to carefully control airflow and temperature, whether they are slow-smoking brisket for hours or cooking steaks at extremely high heat.
The cooker’s design has become especially popular with backyard chefs because of its versatility. Owners can grill burgers, smoke ribs, bake pizzas, roast vegetables and even prepare desserts using the same unit. Accessories like pizza stones and heat diffusers expand the possibilities even further.
Part of the grill’s reputation also comes from its durability. Big Green Egg ceramics are known for maintaining consistent temperatures while using less charcoal than many traditional grills. The company also offers a limited lifetime warranty on
The BBQ Store & More, in New Haven, hosts its 19th annual “Big Green Egg Fest” on June 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ceramic components for residential owners, something many enthusiasts cite as a major selling point.
Throughout the day, attendees at Egg Fest can wander from chef to chef sampling everything from smoked meats and pizzas to appetizers, desserts and even a six-foot alligator cooked on-site. Cakes, cookies and creative recipes showcase just how versatile the grill can be.
“Our chefs will be doing a variety of cooking styles on the B.G.E.,” Schmucker says. “It’s difficult to name all the foods being cooked and served because there are so many.”
Unlike professional competitions, the chefs participating in Egg Fest are mostly everyday grill enthusiasts who have mastered cooking on the ceramic grills.
“All our chefs are knowledgeable and are not professional chefs, although they know their way around the B.G.E. grill to provide great foods,” Schmucker says.
For first-time attendees, the experience often becomes more than just a tasting event. Schmucker says many people are surprised by both the size of the festival and the quality of the food being served.
“Foods are definitely inclined to retain natural juices,” he says of the ceramic cooker. “It’s a tasting ‘eggsperience’ you won’t believe.”
The event also gives visitors a chance to learn directly from experienced users, ask questions and see the grills in action before making a purchase. Schmucker says many attendees end up buying a grill during the festival after experiencing the results firsthand.
“The B.G.E. is very easy to use and will take any backyard griller and make a believer of himself that he has the potential to be a professional chef,” he says.
This year, organizers are expanding the event space by lengthening the tents to better accommodate crowds and provide additional room for chefs and guests.
Beyond the food, Egg Fest has become known for its welcoming atmosphere. Families can enjoy balloon artists and face painting throughout the day at no cost, creating an event that appeals to all ages.
“We do proclaim family friendly,” Schmucker says. “Adults are welcome to get a balloon or get their face painted too. It helps create a fun day.”
Planning for the festival begins months in advance, though Schmucker laughs that much of the work seems to happen during the final week leading up to the event.
In addition to demonstrations and samples, attendees can explore the store’s full lineup of grills and outdoor cooking products. Festival-day shoppers also receive a 10% discount on store items.
For Schmucker, the event is about more than sales. It’s an opportunity to introduce people to outdoor cooking, share knowledge and create a sense of community centered around food and family.
“The EggFest gives attendees the chance to see, touch and feel all our product lines,” he says. “But mostly, we like to introduce people that have never tasted foods off the Big Green Egg grills.” ❚
What started as a small event with one grill has grown into 50 chefs cooking meats, pizzas, appetizers and desserts for the masses.
The Big Green Egg grill uses thick ceramic walls designed to retain heat and moisture.
A One-Stop Destination for Outdoor Living
At Outdoor Concepts, our focus is providing the best products and services for our customers. We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for all your outdoor needs. We carry a great selection of mowers and power equipment, but we don’t stop there, we also provide parts and service for all of the brands we offer and even some that we don’t. With this, we feel we separate ourselves from well-known box stores because we are with the customer throughout their entire journey from purchasing a new mower to getting parts to needing service work done; rather than our relationship ending after the customer’s mower purchase. As proud dealers of Grasshopper, Ferris, TYM, Toro, Gravely, and Echo, we have a vast selection of zero-turns and power equipment to make caring for your lawn easier and enjoyable. We also have a gorgeous nursery with a wide array of prod-
ucts. We offer landscape products including mulch, sand, stone, soil, boulders, flagstones, grass seed, straw, fertilizer, chemicals, as well as hardscape products, pond supplies, tools, décor, and even poly furniture. With the variety of products, services, and knowledge we offer, we are confident that we have everything
you could possibly need to revamp and maintain your lawn and landscaping. Our staff is always eager & ready to answer your questions and help you get started on your next project. From homeowners to contractors, we are ready to serve all our customers as we care for the outdoors together.
The team at Outdoor Concepts helps customers to revamp and maintain their lawn and landscaping.
Style Meets Strength: Modern Garage Doors
By Peggy Werner
Today, garage doors can not only be stylish, but they can also be energy savers, says Jim Platt, general manager of Raynor Door Authority, 3636 Lima Road, Fort Wayne.
“When I started in the business 32 years ago, there were only three styles and three colors. Now, the garage door is part of the design of the house with colors to match or coordinate with the home, many window options, and numerous styles to choose from,” he says. “It sometimes becomes a difficult decision because of all the options.”
When customers get stuck trying to figure out what they want, Raynor helps with computer software that shows how different styles and colors will look on a home. Even more effective, he says, is the large library of before and after pictures they have on file for customers to view.
“It’s really amazing what people can do with garage doors,” Platt says. “They can be a focal point of a home and make a statement.”
Today’s garage doors can be both stylish and energy efficient.
Not only can they be beautiful, but they can also be efficient, he adds. If the garage is attached to a home, and especially if the garage is heated, homeowners might want to consider having an insulated garage door, Platt says.
The most energy-efficient door offered by Raynor is a 2-inch-thick steel door (both front and back) with polyurethane foam insulation with an R-value of 18. The R-value indicates how well insulation prevents heat from escaping in the winter and entering in the summer. A higher value provides greater energy efficiency and comfort. Raynor insulated doors also have a seal around the entire door and an adjustable track for an even tighter fit, Platt says.
Once a door is installed, it’s important to do regular maintenance.
“One of the largest and hardest working parts of your home
is seldom given a thought, yet needs to have regular checkups to keep working smoothly,” Platt says. “Most people don’t give the garage door a second thought until it quits working. A regular maintenance check shouldn’t be put off because a minor problem can become a major repair that could have been prevented.”
One of the most common problems with garage doors is broken springs. At that point, the door won’t open or close and there is no safe way to get the door open. And, there’s no warning and no way to tell if something is wrong until it breaks, Platt says.
You can detect other problems early if you pay attention. For example, if the rollers are deteriorating and dragging, they will cause a screeching noise. You can also see cracked hinges or rollers that are off track.
Raynor services homeowners within a 40-mile radius of their office and employs their own repair people who are on call 24 hours a day for emergencies.
Platt recommends homeowners call the professionals to handle all problems.
“If you don’t know what you are doing, you could get severely hurt or killed,” he says. “When a garage door is down, the springs are under a tremendous amount of tension. Professionals have special equipment to safely repair springs. A screwdriver is not designed to deal with that kind of tension.”
What homeowners can safely do is lubricate all moving parts like hinges, rollers, springs and bearings at least once a year with garage door lubricant, Platt says, adding that a little goes a long way. ❚
For more information, visit raynordoorauthority. com or call (260) 305-8465.
Raynor Door Authority, in Fort Wayne, services homes within a 40-mile radius.
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.
Glo Wild at the Fort Wayne Zoo
Thru May 31, select evenings. See the Zoo transform into a wild and wonderful night-time lantern festival. Fort Wayne Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwzoo.com.
Color in Motion: Butterfly Exhibit
Thru June 21, recurring weekly except Mondays. Live butterflies bring an array of natural beauty and wonder. An epic display of multicolored flowers and foliage elevates this annual spring exhibit. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, botanicalconservatory.org.
The Art of Ezra Tucker
Thru June 28, recurring weekly except Mondays. Ezra Tucker is one of the most skilled and ambitious wildlife and Western painters working today. Fort Wayne Museum of Art, 311 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, fwmoa.org/exhibition/ ezratucker.
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.
Fort Wayne TinCaps
Thru September. Lots of exciting baseball action
Entertainment & Events
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.
Arab Fest Fort Wayne
June 6-7, noon-7 p.m. Enjoy cultural food, music, dancing and more. Bring the kids to enjoy crafts, stories, music, and a full day of family fun. Headwaters Park, 333 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, visitfortwayne.com.
GermanFest 2026
June 11-14, Featuring authentic German food, beer, music, entertainment, and games. Families won’t want to miss FamilienFest on Saturday, a special day filled with free kid-friendly activities, games and entertainment. Headwaters Park, 333 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, germanfest.org.
BBQ RibFest
June 18-21, Th.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. to 7 p.m. For rockin’ blues, brews, and BBQ lovers, this festival has it all. Headwaters Park, 333 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, bbqribfest.com.
Allen County Fair
June 23-28. In addition to 4-H festivities, the 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.
Cheap Trick: All Washed Up Tour
June 24, 8 p.m. Cheap Trick has cemented their musical legacy as timeless. Clyde Theatre, 1808 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, clydetheatre.com.
GreekFest 2026
June 25-28, Th.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. to 5 p.m. Enjoy a variety of Greek cuisine and entertainment including live music, dancing and other activities each day. Headwaters Park, 333 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, visitfortwayne.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. ❚
The Allen County Fair returns to the Allen County Fairgrounds June 23-28 and features a full food court, carnival rides, and a lengthy list of family-fun events.
See real dinosaur fossils at the Allen County Public Library through July 31. The exhibition features the skull of a T-Rex and a Velociraptor, full skeletons of a Triceratops, eggs of a Sauropod and more.
