Smart Living Fort Wayne- November 2025

Executive

Senior

Managing

Assistant

Graphics

Graphic

From Abundance

The holiday season is filled with images of pilgrims, feasts and gifts – and for good reason. We live in a land of abundance, where our farms offer a rich bounty and our retailers overflow with goods.

It may not always feel like a land of plenty, but there’s much we can be thankful for, just as those pilgrims felt some 400 years ago. Here was a group exiled from their homeland, in a new and unfamiliar world, hardscrabble as much as one can be hardscrabble. For them, the first Thanksgiving was a time to give praise that they had come so far.

Their spirit still lives in us. This has been a year full of challenges big and small, times of great joy and deep heartache, times of peace and times of storm. And we’re still standing.

America is still a land of promise, where we can speak freely and worship freely. Ours is still a government of the people, by the people, for the people – and if you disagree you can run for office and change the world.

Here at home, this is still a land of opportunity, where hard work, perseverance and sacrifice can lead to a better life. Just ask our small-business owners who make this a great place to live, work and play.

Success is never guaranteed; yet those who are in need will find many a helping hand. Our food banks, homeless shelters and nonprofits – and our churches – overflow with people who are helping their neighbors through the darkness. Out of their own abundance comes a blessing to others.

Our team is truly grateful for the time you spend with this publication, issue after issue, year after year, as we share the many ways you can make the most of life in this region.

As executive editor, I get to read about all of the communities we cover in the Great Lakes, but considering I was born and raised here, Fort Wayne always has a special place in my heart. In my mind, images of Fort Wayne are as close to the holidays as pilgrims and Santa Claus.

May you find in this season a time of joy and abundance! ❚

Chris Linden Executive Editor

Ruhl Furniture Delivers Style & Service

By Peggy Werner

RuhlFurniture, a family-owned business in New Haven, has built a reputation for delivering quality service, stylish products and great value for customers looking to enhance their homes.

“Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you find the perfect pieces for your home,” says John Pape, owner. “We believe furniture should not only be functional, but also beautiful and expressive.”

Ruhl Furniture specializes in custom orders, most of which can be delivered in as few as six weeks. The staff has decades of hands-on experience to help customers through the selection process.

Customers can find upholstered furniture, dressers, cabinets, chests, bookcases, carpet and hard surface flooring, premium mattresses, home accessories and custom blinds. Products include England and Lancer furniture, Amish-made furniture and Shaw Industries flooring – one of the largest and most-respected American-made manufacturers of flooring, John says.

His son, Logan, recently joined the business, marking the beginning of the third generation to work for Ruhl Furniture, which just introduced Flooring Deals on Wheels,™ a free inhome service that helps customers make decisions in the comfort of their own homes.

“We bring samples, measure spaces, photograph the rooms and create a custom digital visualization using the selected flooring,” John says.

By entering people’s homes, the salespeople can get a better understanding of a customer’s lifestyle, budget, room dimensions, existing décor and personal style preferences.

For those who care about trends, transitional and modern farmhouse are today’s most popular styles, John adds. Color palettes lean toward warm neutrals in gray, creamy whites, natural wood tones and earth-tone accents. Texture also comes into play with a focus on soft, durable fabrics and matte finishes.

“Just about everything for your home is available through Ruhl,” John adds.

In operation since 1956, Ruhl has a long-standing reputation for quality, value and service.

“We are committed to giving every customer personal service and lasting satisfaction,” John says. “It’s our job to help every customer have a positive experience.”

The store is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and by appointment. Visit the showroom at 511 Broadway St., New Haven.

For a free consultation and estimate, call (260) 749-4717. ❚

Lie Detectors

Falseprophets have waged war on truth since time began.

“They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves,” Jesus warned a crowd during his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:15 NIV). “By their fruit you will recognize them.”

Looking at the fruit people produce, rather than their words, is clarifying. Do they set into motion love or hate? Unity or division? Forgiveness or revenge? Gratitude or griping? Generosity or greed? Humility or hubris? Compassion or cruelty? In other words, are they promoting Christ’s values or their own sins of the flesh? Good fruit or bad?

In his letter to the young church at Galatia, Paul lists sexual immorality, selfish ambition, pride, fits of rage, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy and drunkenness among sins of the flesh.

By contrast, good spiritual fruit includes “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol.” (Galatians 5:22)

Another key to detecting truth is personally grounding ourselves in scripture. Unless we read Jesus’ words with our own eyes, how can we know if others are putting words in his mouth? Satan knows scripture (Matthew 4:6) and so must we as individuals. Merely listening to what someone says about him is no substitute.

When challenged by pompous religious leaders (Sadducees), Jesus said, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God” (Matthew 22:29). Understanding scripture is essential to avoiding falsehood.

Another powerful key to discerning truth is prayerfully listening to the holy spirit that lives inside of us.

“If you love me, keep my commands,” Jesus told his disciples. “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever –the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14: 15-17)

God will deal with the false prophets. Our job is to know and obey Christ’s commands, in love. ❚ -- Janine Pumilia

Just 10 minutes southwest of Fort Wayne

Holiday Open Houses

November 8 • 10 am – 5 pm

Start the season with festive open houses and special promotions at local businesses!

Pick up a free Roanoke tote at the Roanoke Historical Museum (102 1st St.) beginning at 10 am — while supplies last

Shop Small, Win Big!

November 29 – December 13

Shop local on Small Business Saturday and enter for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree!

Keep entering each time you shop local through December 13th for even more chances to win.

Christmas in the Village

Dec. 5 & 6 • Fri. 5 – 8 pm • Sat.10 am – 5 pm

Enjoy a favorite small-town holiday tradition featuring a lighted parade, appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Claus, shopping, and more festive fun for the whole family!

discoverroanoke.org

Holiday Magic Across Northeast Indiana

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

It’s that time of year again – when northeast Indiana transforms into a winter wonderland of parades, concerts, light displays and cherished traditions. From Fort Wayne’s iconic downtown celebrations to small-town magic in Wabash and Auburn, the region bursts with festive energy, offering visitors and locals alike a chance to rediscover the joy of the season. Whether you’re walking through a glowing park, catching a “Nutcracker” performance or sipping cocoa during a parade, these communities know how to celebrate the holidays with heart.

Fort Wayne

For generations, Fort Wayne has been the epicenter of holiday cheer in northeast Indiana.

“Fort Wayne has a longstanding history of kicking off the holiday season with ‘Night of Lights,’” says Jessa Campbell, director of destination development and communications for Visit Fort Wayne. “It dates back to the late 1930s and includes largerthan-life displays.”

Each year, thousands gather downtown the night before Thanksgiving to see the city come alive with glowing displays including the iconic “Merry Christmas Wreath” and “Santa and

His Reindeer,” which first appeared on the Wolf & Dessauer Department Store in 1928. The lighting of eight displays marks the official start of the season, ushering in a flurry of classic events like the “Festival of Trees,” “Festival of Gingerbread,” and performances by the Fort Wayne Ballet and Fort Wayne Philharmonic (with dates and times at visitfortwayne.com).

Those looking to immerse themselves in light-filled fun will find plenty of options. “Fantasy of Lights” at Franke Park features more than 120 LED displays, while “Parkview Field’s Holiday Light Display” offers more than a million lights synchronized to holiday music.

New this year, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo joins the festivities with “Wild Lights” happening Nov. 28 through Jan. 4.

“It will feature a million lights, a nightly tree lighting hosted by Santa’s elves, elf dance parties, reindeer and rides on the Evergreen Express,” Campbell says.

For families looking for a free adventure, the Holiday Lights Challenge, available at visitfortwayne.com, maps out festive displays across the city — the perfect excuse for a cozy evening drive.

“The holiday season in Fort Wayne is one of the best times

of the year,” Campbell adds. “Downtown is dressed up with decorations and lights, and it’s almost like you can feel the holiday cheer buzzing through the streets.”

Between the twinkling lights, local shops and cultural performances, Fort Wayne offers visitors a chance to create lasting memories.

“It’s always special here,” Campbell says. “You can take in our classic attractions like Science Central or the Botanical Conservatory and then add in a holiday show or light display for the full experience.”

Wabash

If Fort Wayne dazzles with spectacle, Wabash charms with smalltown warmth.

“Downtown Wabash is magical,” says Biz Bishop, content manager for Visit Wabash County. “The windows are beautifully decorated, the courthouse shines with lights – it feels like a Hallmark movie.”

The holiday season officially kicks off with the “Jingle Jubilee” on Nov. 21, a downtown celebration that ushers in the festive spirit with twinkling lights, music and community cheer. Visitors can stroll through the shops, many of them locally owned, to find unique gifts and enjoy a cozy meal at one of Wabash’s restaurants.

Throughout the season, lights transform the town’s parks and landmarks. “Lights at Paradise” from Nov. 20 to Dec. 25 illuminates Paradise Spring Historical Park, offering a tranquil spot for a winter stroll. Meanwhile, “Lights for Riley” from Nov. 1 to Dec. 25 shines bright in honor of Riley Hospital for Children.

But the most heartwarming event of all might be the “Jolly Trolley” on Dec. 13 – a moving celebration of storytelling, music and togetherness.

“It’s an incredibly fun activity for the whole family,” Bishop says. Riders climb aboard Trolley No. 85 with Mrs. Claus, who reads stories as the trolley travels from the Charley Creek Inn to New Song Church. Along the way, guests can meet Santa, enjoy a puppet show, make crafts with the Wabash Carnegie Library and indulge in hot cocoa and cookies from Bailey’s Pizza Parlor in Roann.

fect place to slow down, take in the beauty of the lights and really savor the holidays.”

Auburn

In Auburn, the holidays begin not with Thanksgiving dinner, but with a parade that has defined community tradition for years. The “Downtown Auburn Christmas Parade,” now in its 23rd year as a nighttime event, has roots stretching back for decades.

“This parade has been going on since the ’40s,” says Mike Littlejohn, president of the Downtown Auburn Business Association. “Originally, it was held the day after Thanksgiving to mark the start of the Christmas shopping season. Back then, people would dress up, shop in Fort Wayne and then come back and shop in Auburn’s downtown stores.”

In 2002, organizers decided to shake things up, moving the parade to the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and transforming it into an evening spectacle.

“We modeled it after the parade you see in ‘A Christmas Story’ with walking groups, floats, musicians and dance teams,” Littlejohn says. “It’s just more festive at night.”

This year’s parade, held Nov. 25 at 7 p.m., features nearly 40 entries and draws a crowd of more than 3,000 people. The event culminates at Courthouse Park, where the community gathers for the grand finale – the lighting of a massive “Frosty the Snowman” display, complete with spinning snowflakes and a cheerful “Season’s Greetings” message.

Each year, one lucky family or child gets to “throw the switch” that lights up Frosty – an honor auctioned off for charity.

“It’s all about the experience,” Littlejohn adds. “This year, my grandsons will be the ones to flip the switch.”

The journey ends with Christmas carols sung alongside Mrs. Claus, creating memories that last well beyond the season.

“Wabash offers a wide variety of locally owned shops and boutiques that make shopping for everyone on your list a breeze,” Bishop adds. “It’s the per-

The tradition is full of heart, even if, as Littlejohn admits with a laugh, the switch is only a prop.

“There’s actually a city electrician hidden in the back of the park who hits the real breaker at just the right time. But to the kids, it feels completely real.”

For many families, the parade is the official start of the season.

“People tell me all the time that this is their holiday tradition,” Littlejohn says. “They bundle up, come downtown and make it a night to remember. You look out from the stage and see people packed for blocks — it’s just incredible.” ❚

Bringing People Together Through Travel

By Peggy Werner

Asingle encounter with a grateful passenger changed the course of bus driver Bill Walls’ life. Now, he’s hoping to do the same for those who may have given up on traveling for one reason or another.

Walls is the founder of Nomadic Excursions with office manager and dispatcher Michelle Chapman. The pair worked together at another company before discovering a shared vision for branching out on their own.

“An elderly woman passenger came up to me with hugs and exuberance for what an amazing time she had on a trip,” Walls says. “At that moment, I realized I was not just doing a job, but impacting people’s lives. That’s when I decided to start my own company, always keeping that experience in mind.”

Since launching about a year ago in Fort Wayne, Nomadic Excursions has been busy creating memorable getaways ranging from one-day outings to multi-day adventures. Upcoming trips include a shopping spree at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills, Mich., and a three-day escape to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. The team also has its sights set on the Cincinnati River Boat Festival next fall and springtime excursions to Niagara Falls and Washington, D.C., just in time to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

Chapman says the long-term goal is to offer multiple day trips and one extended getaway each month. Future destinations may include Denver, Mackinac Island and a variety of attractions throughout Indiana’s 92 counties.

While Nomadic Excursions welcomes travelers of all ages, its primary audience is adults ages 55 and older, as many people in this demographic are retired and prefer the comfort and companionship of group travel.

“When traveling in a group, everything is taken care of,” Chapman says. “All you have to do is get on the bus and enjoy what you see and the people you meet. As long as people have interests, want to discover new places, meet new people, and continue learning, they will always feel young at heart.”

Every Nomadic Excursions tour includes a local historian

sharing interesting facts and stories about the destination. Also, passengers submit their favorite photos of each trip to share with others online. Breaks occur every couple of hours when traveling, and the driver always calls ahead to make sure a venue is ready for a busload of people.

Walls and Chapman agree that for those who haven’t tried it, group travel can be a truly life-changing experience. In many cases, travelers form life-long bonds and have stimulating conversations about the places they’ve been and the people they’ve met.

“I’ve seen people on trips come across distant relatives, school friends and other people they know but haven’t seen for a long, long time,” Walls says. “There is a sense of camaraderie among the travelers and a lot of friendships develop, especially on the longer trips.”

For example, Walls knows of a group of travelers from Muncie, Ind., who have grown close enough to consider each other family. They not only take trips together, but also get together weekly for social events and make other plans together on a regular basis.

“We not only bring experiences to people, but they learn about each other and how to enjoy life in a way they might not be able to do by themselves,” Walls says. ❚

For more information and to make trip suggestions, contact Walls or Chapman at the office, 5651 Coventry Lane, Ste. 267, call (260) 573-0201, email bill4bustravel@gmail.com, or visit the Facebook page or website at nomadicbustrips.com.

Helping Women Express Their Unique Style

By Peggy Werner

eople communicate a lot about their personality, beliefs and feelings through what they wear.

Helping people express themselves and find the right look is a passion of Kimberly Gangstad, owner of Bluebird Boutique at 26 W. Market St., Wabash, Ind., which specializes in upscale and unique women’s clothing, jewelry and gifts.

“At Bluebird, we pay great attention to detail, prioritize customer service, have unique clothing, and offer a place where people can socialize and have fun shopping,” Kimberly says.

There’s an art to dressing for each season. This fall, minimalizing has gone by the wayside and layering helps women adjust for the varying temperatures of the season. Purple is the main color this year and animal prints are back in fashion, especially zebra. Short trench coats, smaller crossbody purses, natural fibers, leather, the “western look” and the “collegiate look” have also made a comeback, Kimberly adds.

ers. She buys American-made when possible and features brands such as Liverpool, Fifteen Twenty, Brighton, Emily Kai, Hyde and Alchemy and more.

“It’s a great time for people to pull some of those items they haven’t worn in years out of their closets,” she says.

When it comes to being fashionable, there are no right answers, she explains.

“Current trends are not always the best choice for everyone. It’s all about what you like to wear and what makes you feel comfortable and flatters your figure.”

Kimberly shops many apparel shows several times a year to find fashions that spark the interest of new and current custom-

“It’s all about meeting women where they are at,” she says. Everyone has a personal style they like and feel comfortable in, but that can change when dressing for various occasions, she says. Basic styles that determine a look can vary from dressy, casual, artistic, classic, romantic, sporty or a more natural look that includes neutral colors and natural fibers.

“A lot of time people come in thinking they know what they want but often end up needing help and suggestions. We give personalized service and never pressure anyone to buy anything,” Kimberly says. “We show what we have and how it can be worn and open peoples’ minds to the possibilities to help them achieve the look they want.”

Kimberly bought Bash Boutique and renamed it to Bluebird Boutique in January 2019. She was a frequent shopper and worked there part-time before eventually buying the business from her friend and co-worker Amber Noone, who owns three other Bash Boutiques in Indiana.

During the pandemic, Kimberly worked on establishing the business and giving people an outlet to shop and connect. It wasn’t difficult for her because she loves to create, give personalized service and give back to her community.

“I just love helping people,” she says. ❚ For more information, call (260) 2741300 or visit the storefront in Wabash.

Fort Wayne Komets

Join the Jungle and cheer on the Fort Wayne Komets as they make another run for a championship. Games are at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. Visit komets.com to see the complete 2023-2024 schedule.

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.

Blue Jacket’s Fantasy of Lights

Thru Dec. 31, Sun.-Th. 5-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. to 10 p.m. This magical 3-mile drive-through light show features several new displays lighting up the night. Franke Park, 1750 Goshen Road, Fort Wayne, bluejacketinc.org.

Parkview Field Holiday Lights

Thru Jan. 3, gates open 6 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 5:30 p.m. Sat. & Sun. Holiday Lights is a walkthrough experience of the ballpark featuring more than 1.5 million lights and displays, plus a train ride, choreographed to holiday music. Parkview Field, 1301 Ewing St., Fort Wayne, milb.com.

Eat Well, Play Well Exhibit

Thru Jan. 4, recurring daily. This interactive exhibit allows visitors to see what appropriate serving sizes look like, experience what it takes to burn off calories, review the latest clinical research and more. Science Central, 1950 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, sciencecentral.org.

Wild Lights at the Fort Wayne Zoo Thru Jan. 4, Sun.-Th. 5-10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. to 11

p.m. Meet Santa, walk among a dazzling display of lights, attend a dance party and nightly treelighting, ride the Evergreen Express, decorate sugar cookies and even get nose-to-nose with Santa’s reindeer. Fort Wayne Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwzoo.com/event/.

Headwaters Park Ice Skating

Thru Feb. 22, Mon.-Fri. 4-9 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. noon-9 p.m. Festive decorations surround the rink, and music plays throughout the day. Concessions, including hot chocolate, are available. Headwaters Park, 333 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6000.

Fort Wayne Ballet’s “Nutcracker” Dec. 5-14, see website for times. Embrace the

joy of the holiday season as Fort Wayne Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir. Arts United Center, 303 East Main St., Fort Wayne, fortwayneballet.org.

Straight No Chaser Holiday Road Tour

Dec. 12, 8 p.m. A cappella group Straight No Chaser is back sharing the joy, “dad jokes” and songs of the season. The Holiday Road Tour is a nod to the theme song of the cult classic film “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwembassytheatre.org.

Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s Holiday Pops

Dec. 18-21, Th. & Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Cherished traditions and festive melodies come together to usher in the joyous spirit of the season. Auer Performance Hall at Purdue University Fort Wayne, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwphil.org.

A Christmas Story with Peter Billingsley (a.k.a. Ralphie!)

Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with a screening of the beloved film “A Christmas Story” followed by a moderated interview and audience Q&A from its iconic star Peter Billingsley, a.k.a. Ralphie. Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwembassytheatre.org.

Rumble In Fort Wayne

Dec. 19 & 20, 7 p.m. An indoor racing tradition that planted its roots in 1956 returns to Fort Wayne. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne, rumbleinfortwayne.com. ❚