Happy Tuesday, Fort Wayne. In today’s edition: Holiday pops, brunch with Santa, construction season highlights, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Interactive river-inspired canopy: Fort Wayne’s Public Art Commission selected James Lucey to create Flow, a light sculpture replacing the 77 Steps Alleyway artwork in downtown Fort Wayne, with installation planned for summer 2026 — learn about the design and timeline.

Concerns clash with assurances: Fort Wayne and Google held a forum on the data center, fielding questions on wetland permits and diesel generators, while touting a $1.2 million donation and one building operating — get all the details.

Construction season highlights announced: Fort Wayne officials reported more than $41 million in 2025 neighborhood upgrades, highlighting Harvester Community Phase III on Edsall Avenue, plus work on sidewalks, lighting, resurfacing, bridges, alleys, and trails — get all the details.

Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since January. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week

• Celebrate winter magic at PSM Icehouse
• Sameer Patel leads Fort Wayne Holiday Pops
• Party like it’s 1985 at Clyde Theatre
• Wellspring on Wheels gives free groceries
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A home warranty that actually pays is 30% off

🫶 We got your back

Winter safety net expands: Fort Wayne’s winter shelter plan is now in effect through March 31, 2026. A 24/7 Salvation Army site (2901 N. Clinton) serves single women and families. Single men go to the Rescue Mission. Daytime warming centers and Citilink buses offer heat. Blue Jacket staffs the new 24/7 site. The city added $20,000. See locations and hours.

Post-snow collection plans: Fort Wayne resumed neighborhood leaf collection Dec. 16 after snow delays. Crews will finish Central neighborhoods Dec. 16–19, then continue South, North, and Central rounds into mid January. Check the city site for daily updates. Rake leaves to the park strip by 7 a.m. and call 311 for bagged leaf pickup. See schedule and guidelines.

Indie night, sorted: Skip the megaplex and find thoughtfully curated screens at Cinema Center, Fort Wayne’s nonprofit hub for independent, foreign, and documentary films. Expect filmmaker Q&As, the annual Hobnobben Film Festival, and proper movie vibes with popcorn, candy, and a laid‑back beer and wine selection.

Hear me out: My mom’s been asking people to repeat themselves 5,281 times too many for years. She always avoided hearing aids like the plague — they’re clunky, obvious, expensive, not really worth it. I always thought “she’s not wrong” until I saw these new invisible hearing aids going viral. In the same boat? Now’s a great time to check them out before unused health benefits expire on the 31st.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now + you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🎤 Jingle Mingle: Holiday Sing-Along @ Allen County Public Library – Main Branch | Wednesday (12/17) at 1:30pm – Whether you belt out carols or stick to mouthing the words, ACPL Main has a low-pressure sing-along led by guitarist and vocalist Aaron Smith. No auditions, just holiday favorites. Stay for cookies in the theater lobby, neighborly banter, and a little nostalgic cheer.

🧪 Winter WonderLab @ Science Central | Thursday (12/18) at 5:00pm – Take the crew to Science Central’s Winter WonderLab, a cozy excuse to play with STEAM, make seasonal crafts, and snag a Santa pic without the mall chaos. Tickets are $15 and include a treat, activities, demos, and museum access, with member discounts, obviously.

🎶 Holiday Pops @ PFW Music Center | Thursday (12/18) at 7:30pm – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to trade mall carols for the real thing, the Fort Wayne Phil’s Holiday Pops has you covered. Sameer Patel leads the classics with polish and sparkle, delivering nostalgia, big-city sound, and that cozy hometown glow you actually want.

🧥 Senior Ugly Sweater Day @ New Haven Community Center | Friday (12/19) at 1:30pm – Senior Ugly Sweater Day is serving up festive bragging rights, treats, games, crafts, and a healthy dose of good-natured ribbing. Dust off that cardigan with the blinking reindeer, then come sip something sweet, swap stories, and show off your holiday spirit in style like good bourbon.

🎨 Wonder Crew @ Eckhart Public Library | Friday (12/19) at 4:00pm – Tween time is back, and this round is all about gifting greatness. Kids in grades 4–6 can jump in to craft custom jar gifts—perfect for family, friends, or a favorite teacher who appreciates a thoughtful handmade gift. It’s creative, cozy, and the ideal way to slide into winter break with something handmade and brag-worthy.

This weekend

🎅 Breakfast with Santa @ New Haven Community Center | Saturday (12/20) at 8:00am – Load up the crew for the annual pancakes-with-Santa fundraiser, where the New Haven Masons are flipping flapjacks, pouring coffee, and keeping spirits up. Kids get face time with the big guy and a Christmas craft, you get breakfast, small-town charm, and a second helping.

🎅 Biscuits with Santa @ Rub A Dub Dub Dog Grooming | Saturday (12/20) at 10:00am – Think your dog has been nicer than you this year? Swing by for a free, no-fuss Santa photo for the pup, complimentary biscuits for four-legged VIPs, treats for the humans, and some can’t-say-no retail discounts, all open to the public, no reservation required.

🎅 Brunch with Santa @ Fort Wayne Zoo | Saturday (12/20) at 10:00am – Skip the mall lines and do brunch with Santa at the Fort Wayne Zoo instead. Buffet fuel for you, a 15-minute sit-down with the big guy for the kids, and Mrs. Claus and an elf making rounds, plus $10 keepsake photos. Limited spots, worth it.

👑 Once Upon A Royal Christmas @ The Fairfield Wedding & Events | Saturday (12/20) at 2:00pm – This fairytale Christmas takeover turns The Fairfield into a festive, storybook-style setting, with royal activities, storybook vibes, and lots of sparkle. Bring the kids, grandkids, or anyone who loves a little holiday whimsy.

🌿 Ben High: Gathered After the Fall @ Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory | Sunday (12/21) at 12:00pm – Step into a world where art doesn’t just hang on walls—it reshapes the space around you. Benjamin High’s multidisciplinary work blends scenic design, storytelling, and imagination to create environments you don’t just look at, but feel. If you’re craving an exhibit that sparks connection and curiosity in equal measure, this is your Sunday escape.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/17 Jingle Mingle: Holiday Sing-Along @ Allen County Public Library – 1:30 pm
• 12/18 Holiday Pops @ PFW Music Center – 7:30 pm
• 12/19 (h) Jess @ The Brass Rail – 9 pm
• 12/21 Billy Ballenger @ Kingdom Reign Ministries – 6:30 pm
• 12/25 Bingo @ New Haven Community Center – 10 am
• 12/26 The 1985 @ Clyde Theatre – 7 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

Listed by: Heather Regan (Regan & Ferguson Group)

End-of-cul-de-sac setting with calming pond views. Five beds and three and a half baths frame fresh style, an 18 foot ceiling, and a sunlit great room with a corner fireplace. Expansive tinted windows add privacy and efficiency. The kitchen brings brand-new hardwoods, Grabill cabinetry, a sueded granite island, and a walk-in pantry. Sliding doors connect to the deck. A private office flexes.

Upstairs holds four bedrooms, including a primary suite with dual closets, porcelain tile shower, vanities, and a makeup area. The finished basement adds a bedroom and bath, plus hangout zones. Close to trails, schools, hospitals, dining, shopping.

Take a peek inside →