✏️ From the Editor

You might notice something different this week; not the layout, but the “editor” image at the top. Yes, my face seems to change weekly. 😄 Consider it part of the fun while we experiment with graphics.

Thanks again for your continued support and encouragement. Knowing the Scoop has become part of your week means the world.

James

👉 P.S. Congrats to our FIRST I Spy Fort Wayne winner...see below :-)   

🌊 Dive into Trivia: The Maumee River

Which two rivers join together in Fort Wayne to form the Maumee River?

A) St. Marys & St. Joseph
B) St. Marys & Wabash
C) St. Joseph & Ohio
D) Maumee & St. Lawrence 

🔍 What’s Up in the Summit City (Oct 2 – Oct 9)

👉 Want your event, game, or meeting featured? Email jamesblane1@msn.com

🎉 Events & Culture

• ⭐ Night Ranger at Clyde Theatre (Oct 2):  Classic rock hits with sing-along energy — this one will pack the house.

• Rick Braun & Mindi Abair at Clyde Theatre (Oct 3): Smooth jazz to wind down the week.

• Oktoberfest at Bridgeport with Chef Marcus Daniel (Oct 4, 5 PM, 1419 W Main St): VIP dinner, craft beer, cigars, art vendors, and live music.  A full Oktoberfest experience on West Main. Come hungry, leave happy, and make it a Saturday to remember.

• Avalon Church Fall Fest (Oct 5, 4–7 PM): Pony rides, food trucks, and family fun...a free community favorite.

• Fall Bridal Spectacular at Memorial Coliseum (Oct 5): Local vendors and inspiration for anyone planning a wedding.

🏈 Sports & Schools

• Carroll vs Homestead Football (Oct 3, 7 PM: A Friday night matchup that will draw big crowds.

• South Side Invitational Volleyball (Oct 4): Girls varsity tournament play — competitive and loud.

• Homestead Fall Festival of Bands Invitational (Oct 4): Marching bands from across NE Indiana...music, energy, and community pride.

🏛 Community & City

• Board of Works (Oct 7): The Fort Wayne Board of Public Works is a multi-purpose board with policy and administrative responsibilities covering a comprehensive range of municipal functions.

• UEA/SEED Board Meeting): joint meeting of the Urban Enterprise Association (UEA) and SEED Fort Wayne to oversee the Fort Wayne Urban Enterprise Zone program, focusing on its strategic goals for economic development, supporting small businesses, and creating jobs within the Zone. 

• Rubber Stamp & Scrapbook Getaway at Memorial Coliseum (Oct 3–4): A weekend for craft lovers and local makers.

🎨 Arts & Theater

• Pumpkin Path Display at Botanical Conservatory (Oct 2–26): A whimsical, lighted walk that’s a Fort Wayne fall tradition.

• Dracula at Canterbury Fine Arts Center (Oct 3–6, 7 PM): Youtheatre kicks off spooky season with a classic vampire story...eerie and family-friendly.

🚗 Worth the Drive

• ⭐ Biome Building Workshop at Black Pine Animal Sanctuary (Oct 4, 11 AM–1 PM): Build your own terrarium, learn about habitats, and take home something green.

• ⭐ 3 Heifers Farm Fall Festival, Fairmount (Oct 4, 11 AM): Mini-cow cuddles, family fun, and vendors like Chaos Cakes & Treats...a small-town festival worth the drive.

💎 This week’s crystal is Citrine, the stone of joy and abundance.
It’s the universe’s version of a pep talk, reminding you that a little optimism goes a long way. Whether you’re powering through a new workout, experimenting with a fall recipe, or just surviving laundry day, Citrine says: "smile, you’re doing better than you think. And if that fails, remember that coffee counts as “liquid sunshine.” ☕️

✨ Want the full tarot + star reading (including love, money, and career)? Catch it every Monday on our Facebook page.

🛠️ Summit City Health Hacks

Theme: Stress Relief & Mindfulness

1. 🧘 Micro Moments of Calm
   Take 30 seconds, three times daily, to close your eyes, inhale for 4 counts, and exhale for 6. This reset works anywhere; in traffic, before a meeting, or while waiting for coffee.
   Why it helps: Short breaks lower cortisol and calm your nerves.

1. 🗣 Name It to Tame It
   When a strong emotion hits; irritation, worry, or frustration, quietly say “this is stress” or “this is fear.” By labeling the feeling, you gain space between you and the reaction.
   Why it helps: Naming emotions reduces their grip.

1. 🚶 Walk and Observe
   On your next walk, notice three new things: a bird call, a leaf’s color, or a passing cloud. Paying attention to details pulls your mind out of autopilot.
   Why it helps: Present focus interrupts worry loops and eases anxiety.

1. 📵 Five Minute Screen Breaks
   Every hour, step away from your screen for five minutes. Stretch, look out the window, or grab water. The key is giving your mind and eyes something different.
   Why it helps: Breaks ease eye strain, restore focus, and refresh energy.

1. 📝 Gratitude Snap
   Before bed, jot down one thing that went well today, even a small win. Over time, this practice builds a habit of noticing the good.
   Why it helps: Gratitude rewires your brain toward resilience.

📊 Wellness Snapshot: One minute of focused breathing can drop blood pressure 2–3 mm Hg.

👉 Tried one of these? Snap a pic or drop your best stress-buster in the Summit City Group FB page Summit City Group FB page!

Get ready to show off your baking skills and win big in the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest!

Win a chance to snag $50,000 or Pillsbury products!

Submit your recipe by October 7, 2025, for a shot at the grand prize.

For more details, check out the official rules.

🍲Summit City Food Challenge

🍂 Fall Soup Week.  Warm Up Your Bowl

The Challenge: Make one hearty fall soup this week:  bonus points if you use local ingredients.

Why it Matters: Soups are budget-friendly, filling, and one of the easiest ways to load up on veggies.

5 Ways to Win:

🥕 Veggie Power:  Roasted carrot & ginger soup.
🥔 Potato Comfort:  Creamy potato leek classic.
🍅 Local Tomato:  Indiana canned tomato basil.
🌽 Corn Chowder:  Sweet corn for a Hoosier twist.
🍗 Chicken Hearty:  Scratch-made chicken noodle.

📊 Nutrient Snapshot: 1 cup vegetable soup = about 90 calories, 3g fiber, and 2 servings of veggies.

💵 Budget Bonus: A big pot costs about $8–10 in ingredients, but can stretch into 6–8 servings...that’s barely $1.50 a bowl.

❄️ Freezer Tip: Most soups keep 2–3 months in the freezer. Store in flat, labeled bags so they stack neatly and thaw quickly.

🛠️ Summit City Home Hacks

Theme: Fast & Simple Weekend Declutter

🧺 Basket Blitz
Keep a laundry basket in the living room. Do a 10-minute sweep of out-of-place items and return them where they belong.

👟 Two-Pair Rule
Allow only two pairs of shoes per person by the door. Rotate the rest to closets for instant entryway space.

📚 Magazine Minute
Tackle that stack on the coffee table. Recycle anything older than three months and keep only your favorites.

🧹 Counter Clear-Off
Pick one kitchen counter and clear it completely. Wipe, reset, and notice how much calmer the space feels.

📦 Donation Drop-Box
Keep a box near the garage door. Add one item a day you no longer use and donate at the end of the month.

👉 Decluttering is contagious. Post your before-and-after photos in the  Summit City Group FB page

💵 Summit City Money Moves

Slash Fall Energy Bills Before Winter

⚠️ Local Outlook: NIPSCO projects +16.75% on electric bills (≈$23/mo) and +15% on gas (≈$14/mo) this winter.

Smart Money Moves:
🔧 Swap furnace filter → +5% efficiency
🌡️ Set thermostat to 68°F → save $20–30/month
🔄 Reverse ceiling fans → warmer rooms
🚪 Seal drafty doors/windows → save $15–25/month
💡 NIPSCO offers up to $65 off smart thermostats; these typically cut heating costs 8–10%

📊 Money Snapshot: $25/month → $300/year → $4,100 in 10 years (at 7% growth)

⚠️ Why bills are rising: NIPSCO cites higher fuel costs, system upgrades, and federal clean-energy rules as drivers. Utilities across Indiana face similar pressures, so increases are expected to continue.

📅 This is part of your weekly Summit City Money Moves.  Fresh, local finance tips every issue.

Dad Joke Of The Day

Why did the Star Financial Bank in Fort Wayne, Indiana hire a chef? 

Because they heard he could make some dough!

👀 Friday Night = I Spy Night  Winner Is...

🕵️‍♀️ We Have a Winner! + Tomorrow’s Game Gets Trickier

Last week’s Google I Spy: Fort Wayne Edition was a hit and yes, we started easy 😏

📍 Last week’s mystery spot?

The Stand off Bluffton Road, one of Fort Wayne’s favorite hidden gems for icy treats and chill vibes 🍦☀️

But tomorrow night? We’re turning up the difficulty. 🔍💥

🎉 Congrats to winner: Fadil Ilmic!

📍 How it works:

🕵️‍♂️ New photo drops every Friday night
💬 Guess the spot in the comments

👥 Ties go to the person with the most tagged friends 
🎁 Win a $10 gift card
📬 Winner revealed next Thursday in the Summit City Scoop

📲 Play along here: facebook.com/summitcityscoop
New round drops tomorrow night! Don’t miss it 👀

🌊 Trivia Answer: The Maumee River is formed in Fort Wayne where the St. Joseph and St. Marys Rivers join.

💡 The name “Maumee” comes from the Miami Indian word for “mother.” For centuries, this river served as a lifeline for Native American tribes and later settlers, carrying trade, travel, and history right through our city.

Enjoying the Scoop? This newsletter stays free thanks to local business support.  If you or a business you know would like to help sponsor a section (and reach ~800+ engaged readers weekly), drop me a line at …” jamesblane1@msn.com to learn more.