Posted Under "Visit Fort Wayne"

Mobility Assistance for Visitors is Just a Phone Call Away

Because Fort Wayne has so much to offer in the way of sightseeing, visitors with mobility issues might be concerned that they cannot keep up with their families and friends while checking out the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Museum of Art, Glenbrook Square mall, Memorial Coliseum events, the Botanical Conservatory, or the fantastic Allen County Library.

Worry no more.  If Grandma’s arthritis is bothering her more than usual, or if your son’s broken leg from soccer practice is slowing him down, LJ’s Discount Medical provides an easy, inexpensive way for such individuals to get around and they are delighted to rent to Fort Wayne’s visitors.

LJs Discount Medical VFW 007 300x263 Mobility Assistance for Visitors is Just a Phone Call Away

LJ's rents mobility equipment to Fort Wayne's visitors.

LJ Gebert, a former medical equipment salesman, opened his company a few years ago because he believed that the cost of renting scooters or power chairs locally was way too prohibitive.

“We believe in providing quality service to the community at discount prices and in maintaining an honest business,” said Gebert, who charges only $50 a day for scooter or power chair rental which includes pickup and delivery in Allen County. “Also, we sell, rent, loan, trade buy and repair most equipment in our store.”

This would include such items as ramps, canes, crutches, new and used medical equipment, and more.  LJ’s Discount Medical will also build custom-fitted ramps directly to one’s doorstep.  In addition, they do installations, and their specialized repairs to various home medical items include wheelchairs, vehicle lifts, stair lifts and many others.

So, visitors – or residents, if you yourself are mobile, but expecting guests with disabilities – give LJ a call and see what he can do for you so that you and / or your guests can get the most out of seeing what all Fort Wayne and Allen County have to offer.

LJ’s Discount Medical
737 N Coliseum Blvd
Fort Wayne, IN 46835
(260) 444-5105
www.LJsdiscountmedical.com

Barb

About

Barb Sieminski is a freelance writer and photographer for several magazines and newspapers. She received her B.A. and M.S. in art and English, from the University of St. Francis. [Actually, it was from St. Francis College before it became a university]. When not working, she follows her passion of fishing, feeling that all good things come to she who baits . . .

Get Artsy at Last Saturdays

Got art?

You can get your fill at a new series of events known as Last Saturdays,  on April 28th. Last Saturdays take place on the last Saturday of every month (hence the name), and are a comprehensive approach to attract visitors downtown to experience the diverse social, arts, and cultural opportunities in our community.

 

Last Saturdays Get Artsy at Last Saturdays

Stay tuned for a list of upcoming events and things to do during future Last Saturdays events.

As one of four partners in the Fort Wayne Cultural District (along with the Downtown Improvement District, Visit Fort Wayne, and the City of Fort Wayne) Arts United supports the Last Saturdays concept as an opportunity to promote the community’s incredibly vibrant arts and cultural assets.

Come out and see for yourself what this event is about. Among the highlighted events are:

There will be a free shuttle from 4pm-11pm through Citilink and CTN (a loop through downtown, running from Washington to Ewing to Main to Clay Streets).
Also, be sure to take advantage of discounts from Science Central, the History Center, and the Botanical Conservatory.
What are you waiting for? Get your art on! Check out a video here featuring Last Saturdays.
Lauren

About

Lauren Caggiano lives in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne in the eclectic West Central neighborhood. She currently in marketing and fundraising at a local non-profit. In her spare time she enjoys freelance writing, yoga and volunteering. In the summer you can catch her riding around downtown on her vintage green Schwinn.

Enjoy “Tea Time” at the Historic Swinney Homestead

Take a sip back in time and enjoy a varieties of teas from England while dinning in Victorian style when the Swinney Homestead, built in 1844, hosts “Tea in Victorian Style” April 27th and 28th at 2 p.m.

hat victorian tea 7 300x166 Enjoy Tea Time at the Historic Swinney Homestead

Enjoy the elegance of a Victorian tea time.

The beautiful Victorian Italianate home will take you to a time when bell-shaped skirts with lots of lace and fascinator hats were popular.  The tea will be served by lovely hostesses dressed in such clothing along with traditional tea party finger food on Victorian style dishes.

A history lesson on fascinator hats will be part of the  19th century tea party and you should feel free to wear such hats to the event. You will also have a chance to tour the Swinney Homestead while enjoying Earl Gray, English herbal or green tea.

Tickets are $20 per person.

“Every where you may be, always have a pot of tea”

- Joe Ellis, Chair of the NAKMAS National Governing Body

Carrie

About

Carrie moved here from northern Minnesota, six miles from the Canadian border, 12 years ago. “Uff ta” and “You Betcha” are Minnesota-ism you still catch her saying every once-in-awhile. Carrie worked as a videographer/producer in Minnesota, here locally at WANE and the Indy Racing league. Carrie loves exploring Fort Wayne’s running trails and along with her husband enjoys taking in a Komets or TinCaps game.

Fort Wayne Airport Offers Hoosier Hospitality – And a Cookie on the Side!

One of the best features of Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) is the Welcome Center in the central part of the terminal. Since forming in 2008, the 60 volunteers who man the Information Desk within the Welcome Center have provided assistance to thousands of people by answering questions, providing assistance with lost luggage and offering brochures of local attractions.

FWA cookie 1 300x225 Fort Wayne Airport Offers Hoosier Hospitality   And a Cookie on the Side!

The Welcome Center at the Fort Wayne International Airport has assisted thousands, and given out over a million cookies.

One action of the volunteers sets FWA apart from any airport I’ve ever visited. Stationing themselves near the security gate where travelers arrive, the volunteers offer sweet smiles of welcome. In addition, the volunteers offer soft, sweet sugar cookies to each passenger who passes through the gates. The Ellison Bakery is located across from the airport, making it convenient to ensure freshness with each baked good. This friendly service is available during the hours the Information Center is open from 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. most days of the week.

According to Judy Lake, Volunteer Coordinator for the Welcome Center, the volunteers have handed out approximately 1,400,000 cookies. Wow! That’s a lot of Hoosier hospitality! Be sure to get your cookie (and warm welcome) the next time you fly into FWA.

About

Kayleen Reusser has written children’s books and had stories in Chicken Soup books. She writes features for the News-Sentinel newspaper and profiles for the Ossian Sun Riser. She loves to travel and write about her experiences at her website: www.KayleenR.com

Make Fort Wayne your Spring Break Destination

Spring break: (n) Period of time, usually one week, where families escape winter doldrums of northern and Midwest states and head for warmer, tropical locales. Also refers to the time period where adults and children can relax, recharge and reconnect without being held to the demands of normal work/school routine.

Spring break is one of the first things to look forward to after the holidays. Many people find themselves staring at the calendar on February 1st chanting “eight more weeks…” While countless families pack up and make extensive travel plans, there are also many families who opt to get away a little closer to home. When your vacation becomes a “staycation,” there are still many great things to do here in Fort Wayne that are inexpensive (or, better yet… FREE!) to relax, recharge and reconnect with your family.

Get Back to Your Roots
Whether your family is tightly-knit or scattered to the wind, spend an afternoon in the Genealogy Department of the Allen County Public Library and take a look at your family tree. This extensive collection of genealogical information and resources will provide an interesting glimpse into your ancestry. Use the ACPL genealogy database to start piecing together your family’s history. Who knows? You might even learn some interesting things about your family that you never knew before.

cindys 300x225 Make Fort Wayne your Spring Break Destination

Cindy's serves the world - 15 people at a time!

Sample a Classic Taste
Enjoying fun and fabulous food on vacation is a must – and if you’re on a “staycation,” it shouldn’t be any different! If you want to sample some of the most classic and long-standing tastes of Fort Wayne, look to the downtown area. There’s Coney Island on Main Street – tasty hot dogs with that one-of-a-kind Coney sauce, all nestled into a steamed bun. Cindy’s Diner, on the corner of Wayne and Harrison, offers great diner fare, but if you really want to indulge? Order “Garbage” on the breakfast menu. It may not be pretty, but it tastes incredible. Another delicious downtown destination is Powers Hamburgers on South Harrison St. On a good day, you’ll smell the burgers & onions before you even get there. And, when lunch is finished, don’t forget to top it off with a frosty treat from Fort Wayne’s own Zesto shops. Located just south of downtown on Broadway and Creighton, southwest on Falls Drive, north just off Washington Center Road or northeast at St. Joe Road and Maplecrest, Zesto’s ice creamy goodness will put a happy twist on any day.

Take a Dip
Many of us associate “spring break” with spending time on a warm, sandy beach with the prospect of playing in the cool water just a few feet away. While we don’t have the warm, sandy beach in Fort Wayne, we definitely have options to play in the water… or on the water. Check out Earth Adventures Unlimited just west of downtown, or Fort Wayne Outfitters just north of the city to rent a canoe or kayak and set out to explore the rivers in our midst.

Hometown Tourism
If these starter ideas aren’t going to do the trick, be a true tourist in your own town and head to www.visitfortwayne.com for more spring break staycation ideas. You’ll find everything you need to cover a week’s worth of days with family fun. You’ll find details on things to do, places to eat and special events. Don’t forget to click the DEALS tab, for specials and coupons to save a few dollars while you make many memories.

If you’re not heading for hot sun and beaches this spring break, make Fort Wayne your destination, and enjoy spring break right in your own hometown!

Rebecca C.

About

Rebecca Cameron is a non-native Fort Wayne resident, but has lived here for half her life. She currently works in corporate communications, and has over a decade of freelance writing experience as a contributor to local, regional and national publications. When she is not working or writing, she helps her husband keep six children (ranging in age from 2 to 19) on their radar. When she finds any other free time, she enjoys running, knitting and keeping up her blog, Back to Square One at www.squareonemom.blogspot.com