Which U.S. city is the only one built directly on the confluence of three rivers: the Allegheny, the Monongahela, and the Ohio?

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

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

🎉 Events, Arts & Culture

• Thu 11/20: Gabriel Iglesias “The 1976 Tour: A Fluffy Celebration”
Fluffy returns to Fort Wayne with a high-energy comedy show that usually sells out fast. A great pick if you need a pre-holiday laugh.

• Fri 11/21: Christmas on Broadway
One of the city’s most beloved lighting ceremonies with music, cocoa, and that first real taste of holiday cheer.

• Fri 11/21: Messiah by Candlelight
A beautiful candlelit performance of Handel’s classic at PFW. Perfect for folks who love the arts and want something peaceful.

• Sat 11/22: A Celtic Christmas
Traditional Celtic music, dancing, and holiday storytelling all wrapped into one cozy night at the Embassy.

• Sat 11/22: Funslinger’s Ball (Bluegrass)
A lively night of bluegrass, local talent, and toe-tapping energy at the Clyde, great atmosphere for a Saturday outing.

🏈 Sports

• Fri 11/21: Komets vs. Bloomington Bison
The Komets hit the ice for a big early-season matchup. Always a loud, family-friendly arena night.

• Sun 11/23: Komets vs. Wichita Thunder (Blackout Night)
Blackout Night means special jerseys and a packed house. A fun theme night even if you’re not a hardcore hockey fan.

🏛 Community & City

• Thu 11/20: InVets Lunch & Learn
A midday workshop for veterans or job seekers looking to connect with employers and community resources.

• Thu 11/20: DWD Job Fair (Union Street Market)
Drop-in job fair featuring local employers and on-site conversations — super convenient if you’re already downtown.

• Thu 11/20: Harvesting H.O.P.E. BINGO Fundraiser
Fast-paced bingo night supporting a local nonprofit. Great way to give back while having fun.

• Thu 11/20: Board Games & Brews
A relaxed evening at Chapman’s with open-table games and plenty of craft beer to keep things lively.

• Wed 11/26: Hellcat Trivia (Chapman’s Brewing)
Mid-week trivia with a friendly, competitive crowd. Perfect pre-Thanksgiving hangout.

• Fri 11/28: Tincture of Trivia (Union Street Market)
Another great trivia option, this one inside the Market with lots of food options for the whole crew.

🎨 Arts, Kids & Workshops

• Sat 11/22: First Encounters: Color Flow & Line Play (Ages 2–4)
Hands-on art fun for little ones with guided exploration and sensory-friendly activities.

🎵 Music & Nightlife

• Fri 11/28: Yung Gravy: Voluptuous Voyage Tour
A high-energy show mixing rap, humor, and a very enthusiastic fanbase. Expect a packed Clyde Theatre.

🛍 Markets & Seasonal

• Fri 11/28 (Preview): Bohemian Holiday Market
Early shopping for handmade gifts, decor, and artisan goods before the market’s full opening weekend.

🚗 Worth the Drive

• Fri 11/21–Sun 11/23 & Fri 11/28: Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy
A two-mile drive-through featuring millions of lights and family-friendly displays, a great evening road trip.

• Nov 13–Jan 3: Parkview Field Holiday Lights
Downtown’s holiday walk-through with colorful lights and winter-themed displays. Easy to pair with a hot chocolate stop.

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

🛠️ Summit City Health Hacks

🦃 Gratitude in Motion

Fort Wayne trees are nearly bare, grocery carts are getting fuller, and gratitude season is officially here. But thankfulness isn’t just a feeling, it’s a practice that can boost mood, lower stress, and even support heart and immune health. This week, we’re putting gratitude in motion with simple habits you can actually do.

🚶 Hack 1: Gratitude Walk

Take a short walk and name three things you appreciate, out loud or in your head.
Why it helps: Movement plus reflection strengthens neural pathways linked to positivity.

Tags: Beginner | Emotional & Nervous | Time: 5–10 min

✍️ Hack 2: One-Line Gratitude

Each night, write down a single thing that went right today — nothing fancy.
Why it helps: Consistency builds emotional resilience and improves sleep quality.
Tags: Beginner | Emotional | Time: 1 min

🍲 Hack 3: Thankful Mealtimes

Before your first bite, pause for one breath and appreciate the food, the hands that made it, or the moment you’re in.
Why it helps: Mindful meals reduce overeating and support better digestion.
Tags: Beginner | Digestive & Emotional | Time: 10 seconds

📞 Hack 4: Quick Gratitude Message

Send one sincere “thank you” text this week: to a friend, coworker, or family member.
Why it helps: Expressing appreciation strengthens relationships and boosts feel-good hormones.
Tags: Beginner | Emotional | Time: 2 min

🎵 Hack 5: Create a “Joy Sparks” Playlist

Add songs that lift your mood and play them when you need a reset.
Why it helps: Music regulates stress, lowers blood pressure, and helps shift mindset quickly.
Tags: Beginner | Emotional & Cardiovascular | Time: 5 min

🩺 Health Snapshot

Studies show gratitude practices can lower inflammation markers and improve long-term mental well-being. Even a minute of reflection a day counts. (Greater Good Science Center, 2024)

💛 Bonus Health Check: Stress and Mood Markers

If stress has been creeping in, these labs can offer insight:

• Cortisol (AM): High levels can affect mood, sleep, and weight.

• Vitamin D: Low levels increase fatigue and winter blues.

• High-sensitivity CRP: Measures inflammation linked to stress and emotional strain.

These can be ordered online through Walk-In Lab (walkinlab.com) or Ulta Lab Tests (ultalabtests.com) without a doctor’s visit.

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

❓Could Stress Be Sneaking Up?

Sometimes gratitude is hardest when stress shows up unexpectedly. Clues include:

• Trouble focusing

• Irritability or low patience

• Forgetfulness

• Jaw clenching

• Overeating or loss of appetite

• Afternoon crashes

A small gratitude routine can gently shift these patterns.

🌟 This Week’s Reflection

Who made your week a little brighter? Tell them. And if you take a gratitude walk or snap a cozy Fort Wayne moment, share it 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

🛠️ Summit City Home Hacks

🏡 Week 4: Thanksgiving Décor to Wow Your Guests 🕯️🍂

The holiday season is officially warming up, and Thanksgiving is the perfect chance to make your home feel inviting, festive, and thoughtful. This week’s hacks focus on simple, eye-catching décor ideas that elevate your gathering without adding stress. A few clever touches can turn your table, entryway, and living spaces into a cozy celebration your guests will remember.

🍁 1. Instant Autumn Centerpiece (Easy)

Fill a low bowl with small pumpkins, pinecones, oranges, and a few sprigs of eucalyptus or rosemary. It’s natural, aromatic, and instantly makes your table feel curated.⏱️ Time: 10 min 💵 Cost: $10–15 🧰 Skill: Easy

🕯️ 2. Candlelit Runner Glow (Easy)

Place a narrow scarf or fabric runner down your dining table and top it with a mix of votives, tea lights, and small jars. Choose warm-toned candles to create a soft, welcoming glow.
⏱️ Time: 15 min 💵 Cost: $8–12 🧰 Skill: Easy

🍂 3. Leaf-Stamped Place Cards (Easy)

Collect a few clean leaves, brush them lightly with paint, and stamp them onto small paper cards. Add names with a pen for simple, charming seating assignments.
⏱️ Time: 20 min 💵 Cost: $3–5 🧰 Skill: Easy

🪵 4. Wood Slice Serving Display (Intermediate)

Use sanded wood slices or small cutting boards to elevate serving bowls, pies, or appetizers. It adds height and rustic texture while keeping the table organized and visually balanced.
⏱️ Time: 45 min 💵 Cost: $15–25 🧰 Skill: Intermediate

✨ 5. Entryway Welcome Wall (Pro)

Create a warm first impression by hanging a simple seasonal wreath and adding hooks or clips for a small welcome display. Use printed gratitude quotes or family photos to complete the look.
⏱️ Time: 1 hr 💵 Cost: $25–40 🧰 Skill: Pro

💡 Bonus Hack: Cozy Napkin Tie-Ins

Wrap cloth napkins with twine and tuck in a cinnamon stick or small herb sprig. It’s a quick detail that adds scent, charm, and a polished touch to your table setting.

⏱️ Time: 10 min 💵 Cost: $5–8 🧰 Skill: Easy

Thoughtful décor doesn’t need to be complicated. With a few natural textures, warm lighting, and personal touches, your home becomes the perfect backdrop for good food and even better company.

💡 Maddison’s Financial Hack of the Week

“Pay It Forward Without Breaking the Bank”

Helping others doesn’t always require a big budget. Small, thoughtful actions can make a real difference in Fort Wayne and still protect your wallet. Maddison loves this topic because generosity becomes sustainable when you find ways to give that match your season of life.

🎒 Give gently used items. Kids’ coats, shoes, and backpacks go fast at local donation centers. Clearing out your closets can directly help another family.

🥫 Pick up one extra item. Add a $1 can of soup or pasta to your grocery cart. These micro-donations go far at community pantries.

🚗 Round up at checkout. A simple round-up to the nearest dollar at Meijer or Walmart quietly adds up into real support for local programs.

📅 Offer time, not money. An hour at a food bank or school event has huge value. Volunteers are often needed more than cash.

💛 Use your skills. If you’re handy, tech-savvy, or good with numbers, offer help to a neighbor or local nonprofit. One hour of your expertise can save them a costly bill.

📊 Money Snapshot:

👉 Donating just $5 a week becomes $260 a year of impact. Over 10 years at 7% growth, even small, steady giving could total $3,600.

💬 Maddison’s reminder: “Giving works best when it’s simple enough to repeat.”

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

Dad Joke Of The Day

Why did the math book look so sad?

Because it had too many problems. 😄

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

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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