Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes
Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden
Senior Editor Lindsey Lukas
Managing Editor Jim Taylor
Assistant Editor Steven Bonifazi
Graphics Director Samantha Behling
Graphic Designer Ashley Smith
Contributing Writers Janine Pumilia, Peggy Werner
General
Sales Manager Brad Hughes
Advertising
Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky
Yes, I know we’re well into January (and potentially even February… depending on when this publication hits your mailbox). But this is my first column of 2026, and it feels rude to not say those three words.
In conjunction with the new year, there’s a trend happening on social media where people are posting their old photos from 2016. I must admit, scrolling through everyone’s favorite memories (and my own) has me feeling nostalgic. Ten years ago, I was fresh out of college, just beginning my career at Hughes Media at the bottom of the editorial masthead. I started dating my now-husband that year. I paid $265 a month in rent (living in a townhouse with my best friends for roommates). I went out on Thursday nights. It was a wildly different time.
As fun as it is to revisit the past, I know that nostalgia can be dangerous. There’s a tendency to only remember the “good parts” of what happened, and forget everything else. The selective memory can make the past seem better than it actually was, and the present seem worse by comparison.
Nostalgia has a way of smoothing out the rough edges. I don’t immediately remember the uncertainty of being at the bottom of that masthead, or the God-awful dates I went on before meeting Mike. But wow, do I remember the excitement of “feeling young” and having so much freedom.
That’s where nostalgia becomes tricky. When we romanticize the past, we unintentionally devalue the present. We compare today, with all its responsibilities, to a version of yesterday that never fully existed.
It’s especially tempting at the start of a new year, when reflection is practically mandatory. But growth rarely looks glamorous in real time. Life shifts for all of us in various ways — careers deepen, marriages evolve, families expand, priorities change. The past was fun, but the present deserves our attention. ❚
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
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. ❚
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
Living smarter often means making choices today that save time, money and stress tomorrow, especially when it comes to your home. For local homeowners, ABC Seamless of Fort Wayne, located at 5624 Coldwater Road, offers exterior solutions designed to reduce maintenance, increase durability and protect homes for decades.
Owner B.J. Tippmann launched ABC Seamless of Fort Wayne in 2021 after earning a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering and technology from Purdue University Fort Wayne. Before opening the business, he worked in construction project management. That experience shaped every decision he made when starting the company, he says.
“I started ABC Seamless after graduating because I wanted to build a company that operated the right way,” Tippmann says. “My wife, Morgan, and I decided to take the leap and build something that aligned with our values: quality work, honest communication and long-term relationships.”
That mindset drives the company’s focus on seamless steel exterior systems that outperform traditional siding and roofing materials. Tippmann says many homeowners don’t realize how much maintenance and risk come with standard vinyl siding.
“Vinyl normally comes in 12-foot lengths,” he explains. “That translates to an average of 150 unsightly seams on most homes. Every seam creates a place where moisture, pests and dust can get in.”
ABC Seamless eliminates that problem by fabricating siding specifically for each home.
“We cut our siding to your home’s exact measurements,” Tippmann says. “That assures a flawless fit and dramatically reduces future issues.”
Material choice also sets the company apart. ABC Seamless siding uses heavy-gauge, hot-dipped G-90 galvanized steel,
which Tippmann says delivers unmatched strength and longevity compared to other materials.
“Our siding outperforms vinyl, wood and cement fiberboard,” he says. “It’s thicker and stronger than the steel siding used by our rivals, and it won’t chip, peel or warp.”
Steel’s stability also helps homeowners live smarter in a Midwest climate.
“Steel has very little expansion or contraction with temperature changes,” Tippmann says. “Unlike vinyl, fiber cement or wood, our siding doesn’t require painting, scraping or constant replacement.”
Customization plays an important role as well. ABC Seamless offers several color options in addition to complete customization options.
“We’ve also never stopped carrying a style or color, so homeowners can always order matching siding later,” he says.
ABC Seamless of Fort Wayne also installs seamless steel roofing designed to handle impacts, severe weather and strong winds.
“Our steel roofing offers the greatest resilience,” Tippmann says. “It protects your home when conditions get rough.”
The company additionally offers high-capacity seamless steel gutters and downspouts that blend into the home.
“They almost disappear,” Tippmann says. “For the finishing touch, our all-steel soffit and fascia further shield your home from wind and water damage.”
Ultimately, Tippmann says the goal remains simple.
“At ABC Seamless of Fort Wayne, we focus on helping homeowners protect what matters most,” he says. “When you choose materials that last, you truly live smarter.” ❚
The late theologian Howard Hendricks said, “A leader is a person with a magnet in his heart and a compass in his hand.”
How do we recognize a good leader?
First, by studying scripture to see how God defines “good.” In a way, the Bible is an anthology of leadership profiles, detailing both successes and failures of prophets, judges, kings, Jewish high priests, quarreling leaders of the fledgling church and the Messiah himself.
Second, by asking God for spiritual insight and valuing it above human noise.
Here are a few sections of scripture to study.
• The gospels, of course, since Jesus Christ was the only perfect leader. “...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be a slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’” (Mark 10:42-45 NIV)
• In I Timothy, Paul shares leadership qualities he values. “Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” (I Tim. 3:3 NIV).
• Proverbs, penned mostly by King Solomon. “God cares about honesty in the workplace, your business is his business. Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation. Good leaders cultivate honest speech; they love advisors who tell them the truth. An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives; you’re smart to stay clear of someone like that. Good-tempered leaders invigorate lives; they’re like spring rain and sunshine. Get wisdom – it’s worth more than money; choose insight over income every time.” (Proverbs 16:11-16 MSG)
• Judges. These deeply flawed, often-reluctant leaders were made great by God and their stories are riveting. As God told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9) ❚
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
Aswinter gives way to the promise of spring, Fort Wayne’s event calendar fills with opportunities to reconnect with the city. From theater and comedy to outdoor recreation and thought-provoking lectures, February and the months beyond contain a wide range of experiences for residents and visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, entertainment or a reason to try something new, the coming weeks provide plenty of opportunities to get out of the house.
The arts remain a cornerstone of Fort Wayne’s cultural life, with performances and exhibitions that invite audiences to slow down and engage. February is an especially strong month for visual and performing arts. The Fort Wayne Museum of Art continues its lineup of gallery programming, including curator-led tours that provide behind-the-scenes insight into current exhibitions. Social events like Wine by the Glass on Feb. 7 offer a
relaxed way to experience the museum after hours, while monthly programs such as 2nd Thursdays encourage conversation. Bilingual tours later in the month also make the museum’s collections more accessible to a wider audience.
On the performance side, theater and live shows bring energy to downtown venues. Pearl Street Arts Center hosts “Valentine’s Day with Keegan Ferrell” on Feb. 12, an intimate evening with Fort Wayne’s own talent. Comedy fans can find plenty to laugh about at Summit City Comedy Club, which welcomes touring stand-up performers offering a range of styles, from sharp social commentary to lighthearted observational humor. Theatergoers can also catch stage productions like “The Shawshank Redemption” at the Arts United Center on Feb. 6, bringing a well-known story to life in a powerful live format.
Looking ahead to March, Fort Wayne’s creative community
continues to shine with events like the Fort Wayne FAME Festival at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. This multi-day celebration highlights student achievement in music, dance, theater and visual arts, while also offering workshops and opportunities to experience the next generation of performers.
Recreation and outdoor activities provide a different way to experience the city, especially for those eager to embrace the final weeks of winter. Headwaters Park Ice Skating remains open through late February, giving families and friends a chance to enjoy a classic seasonal activity in the heart of downtown. As temperatures fluctuate, it serves as one of the last opportunities to take advantage of winter recreation before spring arrives.
Sports fans can continue to support the Fort Wayne Komets, whose home games run at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum through February and into April. Attending a game offers
not only fast-paced hockey action, but also a lively atmosphere that brings the community together. For something a little more unconventional, the Fort Wayne Zoo hosts special events such as its Valentine’s-themed brunch or dinner, allowing guests to experience the zoo in a unique setting.
Beyond entertainment and recreation, Fort Wayne also offers events that nourish the mind and spirit. The George R. Mather Sunday Lecture Series at The History Center continues through the spring, presenting thoughtful discussions on history, culture and social issues. These lectures provide a meaningful way to spend a Sunday afternoon, encouraging reflection and conversation while deepening connections to both our local and national history.
Educational and hands-on experiences are also part of the city’s offerings. Science Central’s Doctor’s Day on March 7 introduces children and families to careers in health care through interactive exhibits and demonstrations. Events like this blend learning with fun, making them appealing to a broad audience.
As spring progresses, Fort Wayne’s festival season begins in earnest. Get Green Fest on March 14 brings St. Patrick’s Day celebrations downtown, followed by food, wine and cultural festivals that fill Headwaters Park and surrounding areas in April, May and June. From the Michiana Wine Festival to the Cherry Blossom Festival, from ArabFest to GermanFest, these gatherings celebrate the city’s diversity and sense of community while offering music, food and shared experiences.
Taken together, Fort Wayne’s upcoming events paint a picture of a city that values creativity, connection and curiosity. Whether you’re attending a performance, skating downtown, listening to a lecture or planning ahead for festival season, the months ahead offer countless ways to engage with what the city has to offer. ❚
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
Forpeople frustrated with rushed appointments or treatment plans that focus only on symptoms, Functional Medicine Partners offers a different path.
Led by Dr. Carol A. White, APRN, ANPC, GNPC – nurse practitioner and CEO of Functional Medicine Partners – the practice is built on a philosophy of slowing down, digging deeper and finding the true causes behind a patient’s health concerns. The clinic, located at 602 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, is filling a gap in care that many in Northeast Indiana struggled to find elsewhere.
“Functional medicine is fundamentally about identifying root causes instead of simply managing symptoms,” White explains. “Usually, when you’re going the traditional route, you’re going to somebody who is just treating a symptom of an illness. Whereas if you’re going to functional medicine, you’re actually looking for what’s causing you to be ill.”
That process takes time and often includes more advanced or comprehensive lab work. Insurance rarely covers functional medicine services, but patients often use Health Savings Accounts to help offset costs. The initial appointment is $249, not including lab work.
White’s path to functional medicine grew out of decades of experience in traditional medicine. She originally worked in long-term care, primary care and even free-clinic settings. She loved working with adult and geriatric patients, but found the system increasingly restrictive. Prior authorizations, staffing shortages and limited appointment times made it harder to deliver the level of care she believed patients deserved.
At the same time, she found herself on the other side of the exam room, struggling to find anyone willing or able to help her address her own hormone-related issues.
“I tried to find a provider in the Fort Wayne, Northeast Indiana area, and I couldn’t find anyone,” she says.
The experience convinced her there was a deep need for functional medicine locally. She pursued additional certification and eventually opened Functional Medicine Partners, where she now provides the type of care she once struggled to receive.
Visits begin with a free 15-minute discovery call. From there, lab testing and a detailed physical exam help White identify what’s driving a patient’s concerns. Many people come seeking hormone replacement therapy, an area White says is finally receiving clearer understanding. Others come for weight loss support, which at Functional Medicine Partners is approached from a multidisciplinary perspective.
“That’s one way the practice distinguishes itself,” White says. “In addition to medical consultations, patients can meet with one of our two dietitians, a personal trainer and a counselor.”
Subscription plans include personalized meal planning and grocery lists, weekly training sessions either in person or via telehealth, and access to tools like the clinic’s infrared bodyscanning machine.
Starting this month, Functional Medicine Partners is also offering salt therapy and infrared sauna services.
Beyond treatment, White wishes more people understood that feeling better doesn’t always mean getting better.
“Their illness may still be progressing, but they’re masking the symptoms with additional medicine,” she says. “Functional medicine aims to uncover what’s really happening, before symptoms become something more serious.”
Most of all, she feels grateful to offer this type of care where it wasn’t readily available.
“I really felt like God put me in this place at this time for this reason,” she says.
And, she emphasizes that functional medicine is more than supplements or holistic trends. Quality matters, and patients should always check that their supplements are pharmaceutical grade.
“You may be spending money on vitamins or supplements at Costco or CVS and not doing your body any good,” she notes.
For anyone curious about whether functional medicine might be the right fit, White offers simple advice: book that discovery call.
“It doesn’t cost you anything to do that,” she says. “We’ll get on a video chat, we’ll look at what your symptoms are, we’ll look at what you’re thinking, and then we’ll decide together if it’s right for you.”
For more information, call (877) 241-7367 or visit functionalmedicinepartners.com. ❚
When occasions call for you to don your hosting cap, skip complicated appetizers and hors d’oeuvres to instead serve sustainable charcuterie with sommelier-approved wine pairings. After all, simplicity can still equal premium flavor with the right meats, cheeses and libations.
It doesn’t take a hosting expert or pairing professional to create a spread that’s as memorable as it is delicious. Charcuterie boards made with just a few ingredients can start the festivities on a high note by wowing loved ones with your pairing prowess.
Match the selection of meats – like prosciutto, genoa salame or capocollo in these recipes – with complementary cheeses and accents such as crostini, olives or even thyme-infused honey for an extra special touch. Finally, find the perfect bottle of wine for each board to round out a palate-pleasing spread that suits each guest’s preferred pairing profile.
With flavor, sustainability and a personal touch, charcuterie can bring holiday occasions to life for you and your loved ones.
Visit NimanRanch.com to find more seasonal inspiration and charcuterie solutions.
Prosciutto, Sottocenere and Aligote
Niman Ranch Prosciutto
Firm cheese, such as Sottocenere
Toasted crostini
Aligote wine
On a cheese board or platter, arrange buttery, silky prosciutto with Sottocenere, a firm cheese speckled with black truffle, or any firm cheese striped with dill or paprika or washed in ale. To round out these savory flavors, pair with Aligote, a white burgundy from France that’s citrusy but refined with hints of green apple and honeydew.
Genoa Salame, Vintage Grand Ewe and Syrah
Niman Ranch Genoa Salame
Aged, firm sheep’s cheese, such as Vintage Grand Ewe
Olives
Syrah wine
On a cheese board or platter, arrange genoa salame, featuring the rich flavors pulled from the spices and wine used in its making. Pair with an aged, firm sheep’s cheese such as Vintage Grand Ewe, with notes of toasted almond, maple syrup and cultured butter. The sweetness of the cheese gives way to the genoa salame to be the star. Finish the board with skewered olives and serve with an unfussy red wine low in tannins like Syrah.
Capocollo, Aged Cheddar, Thyme Honey and Txakoli
Niman Ranch Capocollo
Aged sharp cheddar cheese
Thyme-infused honey
Txakoli wine
Start your cheese board or platter with savory capocollo laced with pockets of cured fat that balance out the meat. Its mild smokiness works well with an aged sharp cheddar for a salty, intriguing but complementary match. Serve with a side of thymeinfused honey for herbaceous sweetness. Pair with Txakoli, a dry Spanish wine that’s easy to drink with hints of salt and pinesap. ❚
Source: Family Features
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 2025-2026 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.
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.
YLNI Winter Farmers Market
Through April 25, 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. 3811 Illinois Road, Fort Wayne, visitfortwayne.com.
Fort Wayne RV & Camping Show
Jan. 29-Feb. 1, Th.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8p.m., Sun. to 5 p.m. See hundreds of new RVs on display, plus travel trailers, motor homes, fifth wheels, park models and toy haulers. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave, Fort Wayne, rvshows.org.
George R. Mather Lecture Series
Feb. 1, 2 p.m. Amy Borland presents “A LifeSaving Guide: Black Existence and The Green
Book.” The History Center, 302 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, fwhistorycenter.org.
Fort Wayne Boat Show & Sale
Feb. 5-8, Th.-Fri. 3 p.m.-8p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Find more than 52 exhibitors, including Marine Dealers from across Indiana and Michigan, all in one place. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave, Fort Wayne, fortwayneboatshow.com.
‘The Shawshank Redemption’
Feb. 6-15, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Based on the novella by Stephen King, “The Shawshank Redemption” brings the story of resilience made famous by the acclaimed film to the stage. Presented by Fort Wayne Civic Theatre at 303
E. Main St., Fort Wayne, fwcivic.org/theshawshankredemption.
Fort Wayne Philharmonic Sound of Innovation Series: ‘Gems in Miniature’ Feb. 11, 7 p.m. Philharmonic musicians play uplifting music. Enjoy commentary by insightful hosts to provide a deeper perspective to music even the most casual classic music listener is sure to recognize. Dinner and drinks available for purchase. Clyde Theatre, 1806 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, fwphil.org.
Jerry Seinfeld
Feb. 12, 7 p.m. America’s premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld performs his newest stand-up routine. Seinfeld has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwembassytheatre.org.
‘Love Notes’ presented by Fort Wayne Ballet Feb. 13-14, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Celebrate the gifts of the heart with Fort Wayne Ballet and this special evening of romance, passion and heartfelt movement. “Love Notes” offers a beautiful blend of dancing from classical pas de deux to dynamic contemporary movements, showcasing the essence of love in all its forms. Arts Campus Fort Wayne, 300 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, fortwayneballet.org.
‘Dirty Dancing’ in Concert
Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Relive the film that stole the hearts of generations, featuring the film projected in full, accompanied by a live band and singers. Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwembassytheatre.org. ❚
