Input Fort Wayne

Did you know Allen County is getting an International Harvester Museum? We meet the volunteers dedicated to honoring the local legacy of the company and its products here:

Heather Dahman is the visionary behind Fort Wayne's Vegan Restaurant Month. The event, which first launched in 2019, introduced many diners to the possibilities of vegan fare in their hometown. This year, Dahman decided to expand what was once only a week-long event to a month-long event (November 1-30), based on feedback from the restaurant staff and diners alike. “We heard from a lot of businesses that it was a very hectic week for them,” she says. “They loved [having the business], but it was hard to prepare for how much traffic they got. So I thought if we spread it out [to a month], then hopefully we could spread out the traffic, too. I also heard from several patrons that they couldn't afford to go to every restaurant during the week, or that there just wasn't enough time to visit all of them.”

Construction is set to begin on Packard Park! The redesign project was led by residents who wanted to make the most of the 4.50-acre park in their neighborhood.

As the county seat of Wabash County, located in northeast Indiana, Wabash is home to a number of notable locations, attractions, and historical events. The town is shaped by a number of deeply dedicated residents, who invest their time, talents and money back into the community they call home. But Wabash isn’t the only spot in Wabash County experiencing a revitalization driven by its own residents. The rural communities of Lagro, LaFontaine (pronounced “La-Fountain”), Roann and Urbana are experiencing a renaissance, thanks to people investing in the long-term future and viability.

Just in time for Halloween, meet a Hoosier horror book author!

What is the 200 Acts of Kindness Campaign and how can you participate?

In recent years, Fort Wayne has garnered attention from travel publications and websites because of its impressive mix of family-friendly attractions and events. But for some visitors, some of the longstanding assets aren’t as inclusive as they could be. That’s not to say that Fort Wayne leaders are ignoring the issue completely. Newer projects, like Promenade Park on the Riverfront, represent a shift in thinking about the needs of all stakeholders. The park has earned several awards for its universal design, including a 2021 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Americas Awards for Excellence. Some long-standing attractions, such as the Arts United Center have also taken note of the issue. It is currently undergoing major renovations for the first time in its 50-year lifespan to address its inaccessible spaces and outdated technology. Visit Fort Wayne’s Director of Destination Development and Communications Jessa Campbell says maintaining the city’s status as a top Midwest destination will require a concerted effort by those shaping its future. Specifically, Visit Fort Wayne’s 10-year plan aims to make Fort Wayne a destination accessible to all abilities. This commitment comes out of public feedback, including surveys and workshops, that identified accessibility as a top priority.

Sunbound Books recently joined the lineup of local businesses on North Anthony Boulevard. Owner Liz Kelpin says they’ve had a warm welcome from customers, who have anticipated their opening as the only independent bookstore in the city to sell new books. The store features large windows at the front, which usher in natural light. Shelves and display tables are lined with books that have been selected by Kelpin and are thoughtfully placed into sections spread across the store. Plants from Fuller Plants and Honey Plants cover the spaces not filled by books. The walls feature art for sale from a local artist, which Kelpin says will be changed out regularly. Kelpin was longing for the opportunity to spend a Sunday afternoon strolling through a bookstore, discovering a new author or book– one of her favorite things to do when given the opportunity. “People were waiting for this, and I really felt for a long time– is no one else going to do this?” she says. “I kept waiting for someone else to open a bookstore and no one did, so I guess I will.” Sunbound Books is open on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and on Sundays from noon until 4 p.m. For Kelpin’s book recommendations, check out the “Liz’s Pick” table at the front of the store.

The weather might be cooling down, but Classic City Creamery is serving up unique ice cream flavors all year round from their home base store in Auburn and their mobile shop, The Scoop Hitchen!

From an early age, many young girls and women grow up surrounded by misconceptions and stereotypes of designated gender roles and possible career pathways. Their visions and goals for a realistic successful future can feel limiting due to history, their peers, and society in general. Whether it’s from a lack of role models in the field, or limited access to education and resources, there is an underrepresentation of women in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) field. According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, women only make up 28 percent of the STEM workforce across the United States, even though they make up 47 percent of the entire workforce. The disproportionate representation is not only limiting to the next generation of workers but also limits the potential field itself. Though the gap has decreased over the years, many local organizations are working to combat the issue and provide resources, education, expos and other support for women in STEM.