In what year did Old Fort Park (the site of the original fort at the confluence of the St. Joseph, St. Marys and Maumee Rivers) become the city’s first official park?

A) 1840
B) 1863
C) 1898
D) 1910

💬 Empowered Women, Stronger Communities

Ready to have a bigger voice in the decisions shaping our community? The Policy Circle brings women together to learn, share, and lead meaningful conversations about real issues...no politics, just progress.

👉 Learn more and get involved

🔍 What’s Up in the Summit City (Nov 6 – Nov 13)

👉 Want your event featured? Email summitcityscoop@gmail.com

🎨 Events & Culture

• Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony: Sat Nov 8 at 11:00 AM:  Parade begins at State St & Parnell Ave and marches to the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

• Veterans Day in the Garden: Tue Nov 11, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM:  Free admission for veterans and active-duty service members at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory.

• The Music of Lord of theThe Music of Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit Rings & The Hobbit: Sun Nov 9, doors 3:00 PM, show 4:00 PM:  Live orchestral tribute at The Embassy Theatre.

• Holiday Market @ The Garden: Sat–Sun Nov 8–9:  Local artisans, gifts and festive food at The Garden on Anthony Blvd.

• The Dinner Detective: Murder Mystery Dinner: Sat Nov 8, 6:00–9:00 PM:  Interactive whodunit at Courtyard Marriott Downtown, 1150 S Harrison St.

🏈 Sports & Schools

• ISSMA State Marching Band Finals: Sat Nov 8 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis — Indiana’s top high-school bands, including several from Fort Wayne, compete for state titles.

• Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Men’s Basketball: Fri Nov 7 at 6:30 PM @ Ohio State — Early-season road game for the Dons.

🏛 Community & City / 🤝 Nonprofits & Faith

• City Council Meeting: Tue Nov 11 at 5:30 PM:  Regular session in Room 35, Garden Level, Citizens Square, 200 E Berry St.

• Veterans’ Breakfast & Bingo: Fri Nov 7 at 9:30 AM, Community Center (233 W Main St):  Free for veterans and a guest.

• Vietnam War Remembrance Program: Fri Nov 7, 4:00–5:00 PM:  Hosted by Greater Fort Wayne Inc. honoring local Vietnam veterans.

• Volunteer Fort Wayne Mailing Prep Day: Mon Nov 10, 10:00 AM:  Help a local nonprofit prepare outreach mailings.

💡 Financial Tip from Madison

Madison, here’s a quick financial tip: set up an automatic monthly transfer into a “fun fund” account. Even $50 a month adds up to $600 a year, giving you guilt-free spending room for something you enjoy while keeping your main budget on track.

🏠 Real Estate Open House

• Open House in Fort Wayne: Sat Nov 8 from 1:00–3:00 PM:  Check out 5248 Fair St and other available homes across the city.

🍴 Saturday Food Markets

• Summit City Farmers Market | Dynamo Alley: Sat Nov 8, 9:00 AM:  1:00 PM at Dynamo Alley Plaza (1620 Broadway). Local produce, baked goods and artisan foods.

• The Garden Holiday Market: Sat Nov 8 (11:00 AM–7:00 PM) and Sun Nov 9 (9:00 AM–1:00 PM):  Vendors, food and hand-crafted gifts.

🚗 Worth the Drive

• Chocolate & Wine Tour – Downtown Auburn, IN: Sat Nov 8, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM:  Small-town shopping and samples just 25 minutes north of Fort Wayne.

• Auburn Veterans Parade & Observance: Sat Nov 8, 11:00 AM:  Downtown Auburn hosts its 60th annual celebration with bands and field shows.

• Side Quest Board Game & Vendor Event – Goshen Theatre: Sat Nov 8, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM:  Games, vendors and local art in downtown Goshen.

(As always: dates and times may change...double-check with event organizers before heading out!)

💰 Summit City Money Move: A $100 Win for Switching Local

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✨ Small action, big result: A five-minute switch could earn you $100 and keep your money local.

Disclosure: I’ve been a ProFed member for over 20 years. To qualify, new members must meet ProFed’s requirements, open a qualifying account, and keep it active for 90 days. Reward paid after that period. Details at profedcu.org/referral/terms. This link helps support Summit City Scoop and keeps it free for readers.

🛠️ Summit City Health Hacks

🥦 Week 3: Gut Check:  Digestion & Mood Connection

Autumn comfort food season is here in Fort Wayne, but your gut might not love every cozy craving. What happens in your belly affects more than bloating; it shapes your energy, immunity, and even your mood. This week, we’re tuning in to that “second brain” and feeding it well.

🍲 Hack 1: Add One Fermented Food

Try yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi once a day.
Why it helps: Fermented foods add good bacteria that improve digestion and calm inflammation.
Tags: Beginner | Digestive & Immune | Budget: Low

🌽 Hack 2: Fiber Up, Gradually

Include one extra serving of fruits, veggies, or oats daily.
Why it helps: Fiber keeps digestion regular and fuels gut bacteria that support mood balance.
Tags: Beginner | Digestive & Nervous | Time: Ongoing

☕ Hack 3: Mindful Meals

Put your fork down between bites and chew slowly.
Why it helps: Eating slower supports enzyme release and reduces post-meal sluggishness.
Tags: All Levels | Digestive & Cognitive | Time: 10 min

💧 Hack 4: Hydrate Before Meals

Sip a glass of water 15–30 minutes before eating.
Why it helps: Staying hydrated helps your stomach produce the right amount of digestive juices.
Tags: Beginner | Digestive | Time: 2 min

🌿 Hack 5: Walk It Off

Take a short stroll after meals, even five minutes helps.
Why it helps: Gentle movement aids digestion, blood sugar control, and mental clarity.
Tags: Beginner | Digestive & Metabolic | Time: 5 min

🩺 Health Snapshot

About 90% of serotonin; your “feel-good” neurotransmitter, is produced in the gut. A balanced microbiome supports better mood and energy. (Harvard Health, 2024)

🧠 Bonus Health Check: Gut and Blood Markers

If you experience frequent bloating, fatigue, or brain fog, it may help to check for:

• C-reactive protein (CRP): Detects inflammation linked to gut and heart health

• Vitamin B12 & D levels: Low levels affect mood and digestion

• Comprehensive stool or microbiome test: Reveals bacterial balance and nutrient absorption

Online options like Ulta Lab Tests (ultalabtests.com) and Walk-In Lab (walkinlab.com) offer these without a doctor’s visit.

Summit City Scoop is not affiliated with, compensated by, or endorsing any brands or companies mentioned.

❓Could It Be Your Gut?

Some common issues that may quietly point to gut imbalance:

• Persistent fatigue or brain fog

• Joint pain or inflammation

• Back or hip aches without clear injury

• Skin flare-ups like acne, eczema, or rosacea

• Bad breath or white coating on the tongue

• Frequent acid reflux or bloating

• Unexplained mood swings or low motivation

• Food sensitivities that seem random

Your gut talks in more ways than one. If several of these ring true, it might be time for a gut check, literally.

🌟This Week’s Reflection

What’s one gut-friendly swap you can make this week, maybe oats over pastries or a slow meal instead of a rushed one? Share your feel-good food wins with #SummitCityHealthHacks.

🌙 Astraeus:  The Summit City Oracle.

💫 Not a horoscope, a conversation. Ask Astraeus anything; your free reading arrives instantly and privately (and no, you’ll never get spammed).

🥬 Summit City Food Challenge

🗓️ 7-Day $100 Meal Plan (Family of 4)

Monday

• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, toast, and apples

• Lunch: Tuna salad sandwiches with carrot sticks

• Dinner: Spaghetti with homemade meat sauce and side salad

Tuesday

• Breakfast: Overnight oats with frozen berries

• Lunch: Chicken wraps with lettuce and ranch

• Dinner: Rice, beans, and sautéed veggies

Wednesday

• Breakfast: Toast with peanut butter and banana slices

• Lunch: Leftover spaghetti with added veggies

• Dinner: Roasted chicken, potatoes, and corn

Thursday

• Breakfast: Oatmeal with cinnamon and raisins

• Lunch: Chicken salad sandwiches with pickles

• Dinner: Baked potatoes topped with beans, cheese, and salsa

Friday

• Breakfast: Yogurt parfaits with oats and frozen fruit

• Lunch: Egg salad sandwiches and cucumbers

• Dinner: Taco bowls with ground turkey, rice, beans, and lettuce

Saturday

• Breakfast: Pancakes with apples on the side

• Lunch: Leftover taco bowls

• Dinner: Chicken stir-fry with mixed veggies and rice

Sunday

• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs and toast

• Lunch: Big batch salad with chickpeas and vinaigrette

• Dinner: Pasta primavera with garlic bread

Snacks (All Week)
Popcorn, trail mix (peanuts, raisins, cereal), and bananas.

📊 Budget Snapshot: $100 ≈ 28 meals = about $3.50 per meal for four people.

🌽 Local Spotlight: Save extra by shopping Fort Wayne’s South Side Farmers Market and YLNI Market for locally grown apples, potatoes, and chicken.

💡 Bonus Round: Stack Your Rewards

Before heading out, check these programs to stretch your $100 even further:

• 🛒 Kroger Boost – free delivery and double fuel points.

• 🛍️  Meijer mPerks – digital coupons and cashback for frequent shoppers.

• 💳 Walmart+ – free delivery and exclusive member discounts.

Shop with rewards, plan ahead, and celebrate the small wins because eating smart in Fort Wayne shouldn’t cost a fortune.

🛠️ Summit City Home Hacks

🏡 Fall Fire Safety & Candle Control 🔥

Autumn is the season of soft glows and cozy corners, but with more candles, fireplaces, and heaters flickering to life, it’s also the perfect time to make sure warmth doesn’t turn risky. This week’s hacks focus on fire safety made simple: a few smart swaps, quick DIYs, and setup tips that keep your home glowing safely all season long.

🕯️ 1. Candle Zone Control (Easy)

Create “safe zones” for candles using sturdy trays or shallow bowls filled with sand or pebbles. They look elegant, catch wax drips, and protect surfaces from heat.
⏱️ Time: 10 min 💵 Cost: $5–10 🧰 Skill: Easy

🔥 2. Fireplace First Aid (Easy)

Before you light your first log, give your fireplace a quick health check. Clear out old ashes, open the flue, and test airflow by lighting a small piece of paper. If smoke backs up, it’s time for a chimney sweep.
⏱️ Time: 20 min 💵 Cost: $0–15 🧰 Skill: Easy

💡 3. Switch to Safe Glow Alternatives (Easy)

Love candlelight but not the risk? Try LED flameless candles or rechargeable tea lights. They’re perfect for mantels, windowsills, and kids’ rooms for all the glow without the worry.
⏱️ Time: 5 min 💵 Cost: $10–20 🧰 Skill: Easy

🪵 4. DIY Log Holder with Style (Intermediate)

Keep logs tidy and off the floor by building a quick wooden rack or repurposing an old metal basket. It’s both functional and decorative, and it prevents rolling logs near open flames.
⏱️ Time: 1 hr 💵 Cost: $20–30 🧰 Skill: Intermediate

🧯 5. Smart Fire Safety Setup (Pro)

Install smoke detectors with 10-year batteries near bedrooms and living spaces, and add a small fire extinguisher to your kitchen and near the fireplace. Use a smart plug to automatically shut off heaters or lights when you leave.
⏱️ Time: 1.5 hrs 💵 Cost: $40–60 🧰 Skill: Pro

💡 Bonus Hack: Wick Watch Reminder

Keep a small glass jar or dish by your entryway as your “wick watch.” When you blow out a candle, drop in a paper clip or token. If the jar’s empty, double-check for any still burning.
⏱️ Time: 5 min 💵 Cost: $0 🧰 Skill: Easy

A quick note on candle health: Research shows that burning candles, especially scented or paraffin-based ones, can release tiny amounts of chemicals like toluene and benzene. Most studies agree that typical home use in well-ventilated areas does not pose a major health risk, but frequent burning in small spaces may irritate the lungs or throat. For cleaner air, choose soy, coconut, or beeswax candles with cotton or paper wicks and light them in ventilated rooms. These small choices help you enjoy your cozy glow with confidence and cleaner air.

Warmth, light, and safety can all live happily together, and these quick hacks prove it. With a little planning, you’ll enjoy that golden fall glow without the worry.

💡 Maddison’s Financial Hack of the Week

“Match Your Match...Free Money for Your Future”

If your workplace offers a retirement plan with matching contributions, you’re leaving free money on the table by not taking full advantage. Even small contributions now can compound into something meaningful later.

🏦 Grab the full match. If your employer matches 3% of your pay, contribute at least that much. Otherwise, you’re walking away from a guaranteed 3% raise.

📈 Increase a little each year. Boost your contribution by 1% annually or whenever you get a raise. You’ll hardly feel it, but your balance will.

💡 Start even if it’s tiny. $20 a week in a 401(k) or IRA can grow into thousands thanks to compound interest.

📊 Check fees and funds. Ask HR if you can choose low-cost index funds. A 1% fee difference over 30 years can cost tens of thousands.

🧮 Set it and forget it. Automate contributions so you never miss a month or the match.

📊 Money Snapshot:
👉 A $50 weekly contribution with a 3% employer match at 7% annual growth builds to about $38,000 in 10 years and $150,000 in 20, all from consistent small steps.

💬 As Maddison says: “It’s not about fixing everything overnight. It’s about small steps that start moving you forward.”

💰 Bonus Hack:  Double Up with an IRA or Roth IRA

🏦 Why it matters. You can build even more retirement security by opening a personal IRA or Roth IRA alongside your workplace plan.

💸 Start small. Contributing just $25 a month adds up to $4,200 in 10 years at 7%, and that’s before any larger contributions later.

🌞 Roth advantage. With a Roth IRA, your withdrawals in retirement are tax-free, which means more of your money stays yours.

🧩 Easy start. Many local Fort Wayne credit unions and online brokers let you open an IRA with no minimum and automate deposits.

📅 Part of your weekly Maddison’s Financial Hack of the Week: small actions, big results.

Dad Joke Of The Day

😅 Just sayin’:

I told my wife she should embrace her mistakes…
She gave me a hug. 💁‍♀️

Sometimes, our biggest “oops” moments end up teaching us the most. Whether it’s in relationships, parenting, or work, owning our mistakes helps us grow faster than pretending they didn’t happen. The key isn’t to be perfect; it’s to keep learning and laughing along the way. 💪❤️

💛 Summit City Scoop,  keeping history fun, one bad dad joke at a time!

B) Old Fort Park was acquired by the city in 1863, making it Fort Wayne’s first official park.

🏰 Old Fort Park: Fort Wayne’s First Park

• Established in 1863, Old Fort Park is the oldest public park in Fort Wayne and one of Indiana’s earliest city parks.

• The land sits where General “Mad” Anthony Wayne’s final fort once stood, marking the city’s very birthplace at the confluence of the St. Marys, St. Joseph, and Maumee Rivers.

• The original Fort Wayne (1794) was part of the United States’ post-Revolution expansion and frontier defense system, built after Wayne’s victory at the Battle of Fallen Timbers.

• In 1863, local businessman Samuel Hanna donated the site to the city to preserve its historical importance, making it a civic landmark long before “historic preservation” was a movement.

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