1️⃣ What year did Glenbrook Square officially open,marking the beginning of Fort Wayne’s modern retail era?

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

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

🎉 Events & Culture

• Fort4Fitness Winter Wonder Dash: Fri–Sat, Nov 14–15 • evening start times:  Run or stroll through Franke Park’s holiday lights before they open to cars. ⭐ Editor’s Choice: Only chance to walk the route!

• Disney’s FROZEN (Fort Wayne Civic Theatre): Fri, Nov 21 • 7:30 PM:  The Broadway hit brings a magical night downtown at Arts United Center.

• “Something Blue” Garden Exhibit — Botanical Conservatory: Thu–Sun, Nov 14–16 • 10 AM–5 PM (Thu until 8 PM):  Chill-out hues and winter florals before the holiday switch-over.

• Union Street Market Farmers Market: Sat, Nov 15 • 9 AM–1 PM:  Stock up on local produce, breads, and coffee inside Electric Works.

🎨 Arts & Theater

• PFW Opera Ensemble: Hansel und Gretel: Fri, Nov 14 • 7:30 PM:  Family-friendly, abridged opera sung in English at Rhinehart Recital Hall.

• PFW Theatre: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: Fri, Nov 14 • 8:00 PM:  Quirky comedy, audience volunteers, and lots of laughs in Williams Theatre.

• FWMoA: Cocktails & Collecting: Sat, Nov 15 • 5–8 PM:  Sip, browse, and buy regional art at this annual party.

• FWMoA: Good Vibrations Opens: Sat, Nov 15 • Museum hours:  A new sonic-meets-visual exhibition debuting downtown.

🎵 Concerts & Live Music

• Boney James: Slow Burn Tour — Clyde Theatre: Fri, Nov 14 • 8 PM (doors 7):  Smooth-jazz legend sets the groove.

• Zakk Sabbath — Clyde Theatre: Sat, Nov 15 • 7 PM (doors 6):  Ozzy’s guitarist pays thunderous tribute to Black Sabbath.

• A Motown Christmas — Embassy Theatre: Wed, Nov 19 • 7 PM:  Classic Motown hits wrapped in holiday sparkle.

• S.O.U.L. Fest ft. Hezekiah Walker — Clyde Theatre: Fri, Nov 21 • 8 PM (doors 7):  Powerhouse gospel choirs and guests fill the Clyde.

🏈 Sports & Schools

• PFW Men’s Basketball vs Boyce — Gates Sports Center: Sat, Nov 15 • 2 PM:  Dons host Boyce in early-season home action.

• PFW Women’s Basketball vs Southern Illinois — Gates: Sat, Nov 15 • 5 PM:  Doubleheader continues with the women’s squad.

• PFW Women’s Basketball vs Eastern Michigan — Gates: Wed, Nov 19 • 7 PM:  Mid-week matchup on campus.

• Fort Wayne Komets HOME OPENER vs Bloomington — Coliseum: Fri, Nov 21 • 8 PM:  The Jungle is back! ⭐ Editor’s Choice: Loudest night in town.

🏛 Community & City

• Allen County Hamfest & Computer Expo — Memorial Coliseum: Sat–Sun, Nov 15–16 • 9 AM–4 PM:  Radios, makers, parts, and tech treasures galore.

• Show Me Reptiles & Exotics Show — Coliseum: Sun, Nov 16 • 10 AM–3:30 PM:  Family-friendly expo with snakes, lizards, and more.

• MicroMania Midget Wrestling — Piere’s: Fri, Nov 14 • 8 PM:  High-energy pro wrestling on the main stage.

💬 Madison’s Money Minute 

Question: Year-end coming fast, are your investments and taxes working together?
Madison, our local financial advisor, helps Fort Wayne families craft smarter plans for 2026;  from retirement contributions to tax-wise investing. Tell her the Scoop sent you for a friendly check-in on your goals.

🎓 Campus & Classical (Free & Low-Cost!)

• PFW Saxophone Studio Recital — Rhinehart: Sat, Nov 15 • 2:30–4:30 PM • Free:  Solos to chamber works with local talent.

• Mestizo Baroque — ACPL Main Library: Sun, Nov 16 • 1–3 PM • Free:  Early music from the Americas fills the library theater.

• PFW Flute Studio Recital — Rhinehart: Sun, Nov 16 • 2:30–4:30 PM • Free:  Student flutists in recital.

• FWPhil Youth Orchestras: Fall Concert — PFW Music Center: Sun, Nov 16 • 4 PM:  Strings and symphony students take the stage.

🎶 Philharmonic Spotlight

• Home Alone In Concert (Live Film + Orchestra): Fri, Nov 14 • 7:30 PM • PFW Music Center:  Holiday classic with full orchestra. ⭐ Editor’s Choice: One-night only!

• Breathe In, Breathe Out (Yoga + Music): Sat, Nov 15 • 11 AM • Discover Yoga:  Mind-body refresh with FWPhil musicians.

• Messiah by Messiah by CandlelightCandlelight: Fri, Nov 21 • 7:30 PM • PFW Music Center:  Handel’s masterpiece by candlelight.

🛍️ Open House

• Home Collective Christmas Open House: Sat, Nov 15 • 10 AM–5 PM:  Cozy décor, gifts, and holiday inspo at this local shop event.

🚗 Worth the Drive

• Le Chic Holiday Market — Kruse Plaza (Auburn): Fri, Nov 21 • 5–9 PM (also Sat):  Two-day market with dozens of vendors just up I-69.

• Holiday Walk & Festival of Trees — Downtown Huntington: Fri, Nov 21 • 5–8 PM:  Stroll shops, see trees, and catch live music on charming Main Street.

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

🛠️ Summit City Health Hacks

🌬️ Week 4: Breathe Easy:  Lung & Respiratory Health

Crisp Indiana air feels refreshing this time of year; until a cold snap, dry heat, or early sniffles sneak in. Our lungs work quietly every minute, but they deserve care too. This week, let’s focus on keeping airways clear, oxygen flowing, and breathing deep and easy.

🌿 Hack 1: Steam Therapy

Fill a bowl with hot water, lean over carefully, and breathe in the steam for a few minutes. Add eucalyptus or peppermint oil if desired.
Why it helps: Moist, warm air soothes airways and loosens mucus.
Tags: Beginner | Respiratory | Time: 5 min

🚶 Hack 2: Take “Breath Walks”

Stroll outdoors and match your steps to slow, even breaths:  inhale for 3 steps, exhale for 3 steps.
Why it helps: Combines light cardio with lung expansion and stress relief.
Tags: All Levels | Respiratory & Nervous | Time: 10–15 min

🪟 Hack 3: Air Quality Check

Use a free app (like AirNow or IQAir) to track local air quality before heading out or opening windows.
Why it helps: Avoiding poor air days reduces inflammation and protects lung tissue.
Tags: Beginner | Respiratory & Immune | Time: 2 min/day

🧘 Hack 4: Box Breathing

Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat for five rounds.
Why it helps: Improves oxygen exchange, reduces anxiety, and strengthens breathing muscles.
Tags: All Levels | Respiratory & Nervous | Time: 3 min

🍵 Hack 5: Sip on Soothers

Drink warm liquids like herbal teas with ginger, thyme, or honey.
Why it helps: These natural anti-inflammatories help calm throat and chest irritation.
Tags: Beginner | Respiratory & Immune | Budget: Low

🩺 Health Snapshot

Deep breathing increases lung capacity and oxygen flow; just 10 minutes of focused breathwork daily can improve circulation and stress resilience. (Cleveland Clinic, 2024)

💨 Bonus Health Check: Track Your Oxygen and Inflammation

If you notice shortness of breath, fatigue, or frequent colds, consider monitoring these markers:

• Blood Oxygen (SpO₂): Track via smartwatch or pulse oximeter; ideal range is 95–100%.

• C-reactive protein (CRP): Indicates inflammation that can affect lung and heart health.

• Vitamin D: Low levels increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.

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 It Be Your Lungs?

Respiratory strain can show up in surprising ways:

• Frequent yawning or shallow breathing

• Fatigue despite rest

• Tight shoulders or chest

• Snoring or sleep disruptions

• Morning throat dryness

• Increased anxiety or racing thoughts

• Recurrent sinus issues

If several sound familiar, your lungs may need extra hydration, humidity, or rest.

🌟 This Week’s Reflection

Take one mindful breath outdoors today; crisp, slow, and steady. What changes when you really feel your lungs work for you? Share your breath-of-fresh-air moments 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

Farmers Market Remix: Eat Fresh, Spend Less

The Challenge:
Build your meals this week using at least one local, in-season item from a Fort Wayne farmers market.

Why It Matters:
Local food is fresher, more nutritious, and supports your neighbors. Buying what’s in season stretches your grocery budget while giving you better flavor and more nutrients. A little planning now means seven days of affordable, home-cooked meals you can actually feel good about.

Nutrient Focus:
High-antioxidant, nutrient-dense produce like corn, tomatoes, apples, greens, and peppers.

🗓️ 7-Day Fresh & Local Meal Plan (Family of 4)

Monday
• Breakfast: Yogurt parfaits with local honey and berries
• Lunch: BLTs with farmers-market tomatoes and lettuce
• Dinner: Sweet corn and grilled chicken with a side salad
Estimated cost: $14–$15 | About 1,900 calories per person

Tuesday
• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with market spinach
• Lunch: Veggie wraps with hummus and peppers
• Dinner: Pasta with local tomato sauce and garlic bread
Estimated cost: $13–$14 | About 1,850 calories per person

Wednesday
• Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with sliced apples
• Lunch: Chicken salad sandwiches with local celery
• Dinner: Stir-fry with farmers-market zucchini and carrots over rice
Estimated cost: $12–$13 | About 1,800 calories per person

Thursday
• Breakfast: Toast with local jam and a side of fruit
• Lunch: Mixed-green salad with eggs and cucumbers
• Dinner: Roasted potatoes, peppers, and sausage
Estimated cost: $14–$15 | About 2,000 calories per person

Friday
• Breakfast: Breakfast burritos with spinach and salsa
• Lunch: Leftover pasta with veggies
• Dinner: Tacos with local corn tortillas, beans, and lettuce
Estimated cost: $13–$14 | About 1,900 calories per person

Saturday
• Breakfast: Pancakes with Indiana maple syrup
• Lunch: Veggie soup made with local carrots and beans
• Dinner: BBQ chicken with roasted corn and garden salad
Estimated cost: $15–$16 | About 2,100 calories per person

Sunday
• Breakfast: Yogurt and fruit bowls with granola
• Lunch: Big batch salad with apples and walnuts
• Dinner: Tomato-basil flatbreads with mixed greens
Estimated cost: $13–$14 | About 1,850 calories per person

Weekly Total: Around $94–$101 for the week, averaging 1,850–2,000 calories per person per day.

🌽 Local Spotlight:
Shop fresh at the South Side Farmers Market or YLNI Market for Fort Wayne’s best local apples, tomatoes, corn, and greens.

💵 Bonus Round: Make It Pay You Back

Many market vendors now accept SNAP, WIC, and debit cards. Check out:

• Double Up Indiana:  doubles SNAP dollars for fruits and veggies

• Kroger Boost :  free delivery and extra fuel points

• Meijer mPerks:  digital coupons and cashback on local goods

Supporting local farms and feeding your family fresh—it’s how Fort Wayne eats smart and saves big.

🛠️ Summit City Home Hacks

🏡 Week 3: Fall Pantry Refresh 🍁

Before the holiday rush hits, now’s the perfect time to give your pantry some love. A well-organized pantry saves time, cuts food waste, and keeps weeknight cooking stress-free. These quick, satisfying hacks will help you refresh your shelves, restock smarter, and make your kitchen feel ready for the cozy chaos ahead.

🥫 1. Shelf-by-Shelf Reset (Easy)

Start small: take one shelf at a time. Remove everything, wipe it down, and group items by type before restocking. It’s a fast, no-pressure way to make visible progress without an all-day project.
⏱️ Time: 30 min 💵 Cost: $0 🧰 Skill: Easy

🧂 2. Clear Containers for the Win (Easy)

Transfer dry goods like rice, pasta, and flour into clear airtight containers or jars. It keeps food fresher, deters pests, and makes it easy to see when you’re running low.
⏱️ Time: 20 min 💵 Cost: $10–25 🧰 Skill: Easy

🥧 3. Holiday Baking Zone (Easy)

Create a dedicated baking section for seasonal ingredients;  cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla, and sprinkles all in one spot. You’ll save yourself from mid-recipe scavenger hunts later.
⏱️ Time: 15 min 💵 Cost: $0–10 🧰 Skill: Easy

🧺 4. DIY Sliding Storage Bins (Intermediate)

Turn deep pantry shelves into easy-access drawers with dollar-store bins or upcycled baskets. Label them by meal type (breakfast, snacks, baking) to make it easier for everyone to grab what they need.
⏱️ Time: 1 hr 💵 Cost: $20–30 🧰 Skill: Intermediate

🧑‍🍳 5. Inventory Tracker Board (Pro)

Install a small dry-erase or chalkboard inside your pantry door to track what’s running low or what needs to be used soon. Sync it with your grocery list to cut down on waste and duplicate buys.
⏱️ Time: 45 min 💵 Cost: $15–25 🧰 Skill: Pro

💡 Bonus Hack #1: First In, First Out

When restocking, move older items to the front and newer ones to the back. A quick rotation keeps ingredients fresh and saves you from the dreaded expired-can surprise.
⏱️ Time: 10 min 💵 Cost: $0 🧰 Skill: Easy

🔧 Bonus Hack #2: Furnace Filter & Check-Up

With the first snow already here, it’s smart to give your furnace a little attention. Swap out the air filter:  a clogged one makes your system work harder, wasting heat and money and schedule a quick annual inspection. A simple tune-up now can prevent a breakdown on the coldest night of the year.
⏱️ Time: 15–30 min 💵 Cost: $10–20 (filter) 🧰 Skill: Easy

A little time spent organizing now will pay off all season long. You’ll have a pantry that looks good, works efficiently, and helps you glide into the holidays with less stress and fewer surprise grocery runs.

💡 Maddison’s Financial Hack of the Week

“Protect Your Paycheck from Fraudsters”

Digital scams are getting smarter, and even cautious people can get caught. Staying alert doesn’t take fear, just a few smart habits.

🔒 Watch for urgency. Real companies don’t demand instant action by text or email. Slow down and verify before clicking.

📱 Secure your accounts. Turn on two-factor authentication for your bank, credit cards, and email. It’s the single best way to block thieves.

💳 Use a credit card online. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards, keeping scammers out of your checking balance.

📞 Confirm with the source. If you get a message from your bank, call the number on the back of your card, not the one in the message.

🧠 Beware AI voice scams. Scammers now use artificial intelligence to mimic real voices of friends or family. Always confirm the call by hanging up and calling the person directly.

📊 Money Snapshot:
👉 Indiana consumers lost an estimated $23 million to fraud in 2024, with the average case costing around $400. A few simple safeguards can keep your money where it belongs — with you.

💬 Maddison’s reminder: “Protecting your money isn’t paranoia. It’s peace of mind.”

🛡️ Bonus Hack:  Stop Fraud Before It Starts

📞 Report suspicious activity. Contact the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-382-5516 or file online at www.in.gov/attorneygeneral.

🧾 Call the FTC Fraud Hotline. Visit www.reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357 to report scams nationally.
🧍‍♂️ Freeze your credit. A credit freeze prevents new accounts from being opened in your name, while a fraud alert warns lenders to verify identity before approving credit.

💳 Credit bureau contact info:
• Experian: 888-397-3742 or www.experian.com
• TransUnion: 800-916-8800 or www.transunion.com
• Equifax: 866-349-5191 or www.equifax.com

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

Dad Joke Of The Day

☕ Why did the coffee file a police report?

It got mugged.

🇺🇸 Coffee fueled revolutions.
During the American Revolution, drinking tea was seen as unpatriotic after the Boston Tea Party (1773). Colonists switched to coffee in protest, and it’s been America’s drink of choice ever since.

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

Answer: 1966

Fun Facts about Glenbrook Square:

🛍️ 1. Indiana’s largest indoor mall: With over 150 stores, Glenbrook Square remains the biggest shopping center in Indiana, drawing visitors from across the tri-state region.

💧 2. The “Waterbrook” flood of 1982: A massive flood from the nearby St. Joseph River filled parts of the mall with water, forcing months of cleanup...ocals jokingly renamed it “Waterbrook Square.”

🎄 3. Fort Wayne holiday tradition: For decades, Glenbrook’s center court has hosted Santa visits, massive Christmas trees, and community displays...a holiday stop for generations of local families.

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