Executive
Senior
Managing
Assistant
Graphics
Holiday Chaos
Hopefully, your 2024 holiday season is off to a great start!
For the Lukas family, Thanksgiving was mildly stressful, but mostly fun. My sister introduced her new boyfriend to the whole family, and as far as I can tell, he emerged from the long weekend unscathed. He and my sister were able to experience an up-close look at the realities of parenting when my toddler had the most extreme meltdown of his life during the family’s annual Christmas tree hunt… I wish I could say we took a cute Christmas card photo and cheered when my husband chopped down the perfect tree, but that’s not even close to what happened. What actually happened was 30 straight minutes of toddler lungs screaming. In hindsight, I’m sure I could have handled it better. But, as far as parenting goes, I can only try to do better going forward. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for my toddler who forces me to grow in patience. I’m thankful for a partner who’s supportive and calm during stressful situations. And I’m thankful for family shots of Apple Pie Moonshine.
Now, our family is looking forward to Christmas, and every year, I find it a challenge to focus on what’s important. It’s easy to feel swept up in the holiday shopping, dinner prepping, house decorating and everything else. I’m the first to admit I let it stress me out.
But none of that is really all that important, is it? This is not an advice column, so if you have any tips on how to stay grounded during the holidays, I’m all ears.
This year, I’m trying to internalize that I’m not a better or worse parent based on how extravagant my decorations are, or how expensive my gifts are. Instead, I try to focus on loving my children by reading aloud to them daily; I’m trying to be a great listener when catching up with relatives; I’m trying to spread more light than darkness (especially when the best-laid plans go sour, like that now infamous tree hunt). Basically, I’m just trying my best. And meanwhile, I’m wishing you all an overflow of peace this season. Happy holidays!
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
Quality Care at Neighborhood Health
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
At Neighborhood Health, patients can expect to receive compassionate, respectful care from experienced providers in a wide variety of medical services. With three Fort Wayne locations at 1717 S. Calhoun St., 3360 E. Paulding Road, and 750 Broadway St., Neighborhood Health provides quality health services to everyone, regardless of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex or socioeconomic condition.
“Neighborhood Health stands out for our patient-centered approach, accessibility and dedication to serving diverse communities,” says Carlos Clopton, communications and brand coordinator. “We prioritize quality care and strive to make healthcare both accessible and affordable for everyone. We also welcome Medicare.”
All locations are conveniently situated on the bus line, Clopton adds. Hours of operation are generally Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours. The most up-to-date information is at mynhfw.org.
Patients can access a wide range of services at Neighborhood Health, including primary care, behavioral health care, dental care, optometry, preventive services such as vaccinations and screenings, women’s health services, chronic disease management, and local headquarters for WIC (women, infants and children). Neighborhood Health also recently added pharmacy services.
“Our team of pharmacists collaborates with healthcare providers to identify the best care options for our patients. This convenient service is located at our Calhoun site,” Clopton says.
In addition, Neighborhood Health offers specialized senior services that prioritize the health and independence of older
adults. These services include chronic disease management, wellness check-ups, mental health support and preventive screenings, all designed to support healthy aging. Staff expertise in geriatric care, medication management and mobility assistance ensures seniors receive comprehensive, thoughtful care, Clopton adds.
“For those with mobility concerns, wheelchair availability is also offered, making visits more accessible and comfortable for all patients,” he says.
Additional services include same-day appointments, after hours care, chronic care management, nutrition education, a pharmacy discount program, transportation assistance, language interpretation and health insurance enrollment assistance.
“We take pride in our comprehensive approach to care, especially our behavioral health services and optometry,” Clopton adds. “Our commitment to addressing social determinants of health enables us to support our patients holistically.”
Neighborhood Health’s core values include compassion, integrity, inclusivity, collaboration and excellence and prioritizes a strong community focus.
“What distinguishes us is our integrated care model that combines medical, dental, behavioral health, optometry, chiropractic services and pharmacy,” Clopton says. “We build longterm relationships with our patients and actively engage with the community. By considering social determinants of health and external factors influencing health conditions, we are better equipped to understand and meet our patients’ needs.”
Neighborhood Health is currently accepting new patients and schedules appointments as quickly as possible. To get started, call (260) 458-2641 or visit mynhfw.org/providers. ▮
Neighborhood Health offers patients compassionate, respectful care at three locations in Fort Wayne. From preventative care to specialized senior services, to many more medical services in between, Neighborhood Health prides itself on providing quality, affordable care to everyone.
Something Stinky
When we think about it, it’s truly remarkable that God allows us to choose whether or not to follow Him. If anyone has a right to coerce us, surely it’s the Creator. But God doesn’t want allegiance that isn’t freely given. Jesus told his followers to “go tell the good news,” not to “go force people into joining my group.”
Tragically, governments and religions have been less respectful of individual conscience throughout history, leading to wars and tragedies, even here in America. From the early 1600s to mid 1700s, religious persecution and state-mandated, tax-supported religions were the norm. Louisiana required all residents to practice Catholocism; Virginia mandated Anglicanism; Puritan Massachusetts barely tolerated Protestant dissenters and certainly not the beliefs of Native Americans, Africans, Jews or Quakers. This led Quaker Roger Williams to declare “Forced worship stinks in God’s nostrils,” as he established Rhode Island on the “new” principle of religious freedom.
It was against this backdrop that Virgina Gov. Thomas Jefferson declared that no man is truly free as long as his religious beliefs are manipulated by his government.
In the 1786 Viriginia Act for Establishing Religious Freedom, Jefferson wrote:
“... Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly, That no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion...”
He later made this concept a cornerstone of the Declaration of Independence.
Especially at Christmas, let’s appreciate and safeguard our hard-won freedom to worship, or not worship, as we wish. History teaches us that a state-and-religion marriage never ends well for anyone.
Most of all, let’s be thankful for the right God gives us to follow Him by free choice. May we extend the same right to our neighbors – all of them. ❚
– Janine Pumilia
Holiday Events Happening in Fort Wayne
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, it’s full steam ahead toward Christmas. Fort Wayne and the surrounding communities have already been embracing the holiday season, but for the rest of the month, locals and visitors alike can expect a flurry of opportunities to enjoy holiday cheer.
“Fort Wayne kicks off its holiday celebrations early with our annual ‘Night of Lights’ the night before Thanksgiving,” says Jessa Campbell, director of destination development and communications at Visit Fort Wayne. “This event celebrates the lighting of our iconic holiday light displays but also kicks off all the wonderful festivals and celebrations.”
Some favorite happenings for the rest of the season include the Festival of Gingerbread, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s holiday pops concerts, and new this year – Parkview Field’s holiday lights walk-thru display.
“Fort Wayne embraces the holiday season with all things merry and bright,” Campbell says. “From Thanksgiving on, there is something almost every weekend to celebrate the season from performances and displays to shopping and holiday markets.”
The Festival of Gingerbread is happening daily through Dec. 22 at The History Center, 302 E. Berry Street. A cherished
tradition since 1986, the Festival of Gingerbread allows visitors to behold iconic creations built by gingerbread artists, from pre-k students to professionals. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
For a holiday spin on a classic Fort Wayne attraction, the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, at 1100 S. Calhoun Street, has it’s “Gnome for the Holidays” showcase through Jan.
The TinCaps host “Parkview Field’s Holiday Lights” now through Jan. 4. The walk-thru experience of the ballpark features more than 1 million lights.
The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory has special $1 admission on Thursdays and Fridays from 5-8 p.m. through Dec. 20.
(Visit Fort Wayne photos)
5 during regular hours. This year, the exhibit celebrates holiday homecoming with imaginative displays and themed opportunities to capture family photos. On Thursdays and Fridays through Dec. 20, visitors can enjoy special $1 admission from 5 to 8 p.m.
“The holiday season is the perfect time to visit and enjoy our classic attractions like Science Central, the Botanical Conservatory and the Fort Wayne Museum of Art,” adds Campbell. “Also, some of our favorite activities are exploring all the wonderful light displays around town. For a free thing to do, families can sign up for Visit Fort Wayne’s ‘Holiday Lights Challenge’ to explore the dozen or so displays dotted around the community.”
One such light display is “Blue Jacket’s Fantasy of Lights,” held daily through Dec. 31 at Franke Park, 1750 Goshen Road. The 3-mile drive-thru of holiday lights features 30 new displays for the 2024 season.
New this year is “Parkview Field’s Holiday Lights,” happening through Jan. 4 at 1301 Ewing Street. The Fort Wayne TinCaps host this walk-thru experience of the ballpark, featuring more than 1 million lights and displays choreographed to holiday music. There’s also an option to take a train ride. Promotions include discounts on select concession items on Tuesdays; the opportunity to bring furry friends on Wednesdays; and sales on draft beer and mixed drinks on Thursdays.
“Fort Wayne is a wonderful place to visit any time of year, but the holiday season is always so special with some of our holiday traditions like the ‘Night of Lights’ and holiday displays like the ‘Fantasy of Lights,’ and new this year ‘Parkview Field’s Holiday Lights,’” Campbell adds.
Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy Holly Village, happening downtown every Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 21. The event features local artisan vendors selling handmade crafts with products ranging from stained glass, jewelry and apparel to pottery, upcycled textiles, candles and more. Shoppers are also encouraged to dine at one of more than 50 food and beverage establishments throughout downtown.
Lastly, a can’t-miss holiday tradition is the Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s holiday pops concerts, happening Dec. 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. at Auer Performance Hall at Purdue University Fort Wayne, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd. During the concerts, world-class musicians, under the direction of conductor Andrew Constantine, perform festive melodies that transport audiences to a winter wonderland.
“Fort Wayne is all about families, and the holiday season is the perfect time to create new memories and traditions,” Campbell adds.
More information on each of these events is available at visitfortwayne.com. ❚
A cherished tradition since 1986, the Festival of Gingerbread features iconic creations on display now through Dec. 22 at The History Center.
“Blue Jacket’s Fantasy of Lights” is aglow daily through Dec. 31 at Franke Park. The 3-mile drive-thru of holiday lights features 30 new displays for the 2024 season.
Discover the Joy of Collecting Sports Cards
By Peggy Werner
Ben Smith remembers being a sports card collector as a kid and how he and his friends would trade with each other to get a set of players and teams they wanted to own. Today, he is the founder and owner of Midwest Box Breaks (MBB), an online marketplace that has taken the hobby to a whole new level.
“What once was just a fun hobby for collectors, has evolved into a major mainstream industry making it easier to connect with collectors all over the world and find valuable and one-of-a-kind cards,” he says.
A sports card “group break” is an event where the host, or breaker, provides sealed boxes or cases of sports card products and sells off the teams to collectors in search of what they need. When all teams or “spots” are sold, the breaker hosts a livestream event and opens all the packs on camera. Prices are based on what players, prospects, autographs and rare cards are available, with the manufacturer’s published checklist as a reference.
“For us, it’s more than just a transaction between members. Our members get to know one another, we support one another, and friendships develop,” he says.
There are many other break types, depending on collectors’ needs and interests. To join a MBB event, go to Midwestboxbreaks.net to find one that fits within your goals and budget, Smith says. The website also offers single cards, auctions, boxes and packs from MBB, as well as access to more than 700 verified community members.
Smith founded his company in 2018 and is one of hundreds of breakers all over the country, many in business for more than 10 years. However, what he is most proud of is his focus on the hobby community and wanting to help people who are new or coming back to sports card collecting.
When Smith came back to collecting before he started the company, he was amazed at the new products and how technology, especially social media, was able to connect collectors in search of high-end and expensive cards.
Smith attributes the magnified opportunities and interest as something positive resulting from the pandemic.
“During the lockdown, people were forced to forgo life as they knew it and find alternative ways to distract and entertain themselves. Sports card collecting really ramped up during Covid and got a lot of people’s attention who were sitting at home surfing the internet.”
He is proud of what he has been able to do as the founder of Midwest Box Breaks, for collectors, himself and others.
MBB is a trusted and respected member of the sports card community and has been featured in hobby publications, podcasts and television shows, and has partnered with some of the best companies in the industry. Their membership of 6,500 people includes thousands of hobbyists, professional athletes and members of the sports media. MBB donates thousands of dollars each year to local charities and works with the local minor league teams, the Fort Wayne TinCaps and Comets.
At local sports events, MBB has donated thousands of cards to young collectors every month to support and educate new card collectors and those returning to the hobby.
For more information, visit midwestboxbreaks.com. ❚
Midwest Box Breaks virtually connects sports card collectors from all over the world.
Midwest Box Breaks can help people who are new or coming back to sports card collecting.
Give Your Backyard a Makeover for Winter
By Peggy Werner
As temperatures dip, people can extend their enjoyment of the outdoors with fire pits that produce heat as well as ambiance.
“Depending on the size of the fire pit, heat can radiate from a radius of six to 16 feet, providing a nice, cozy feeling while sitting outside in cooler weather,” says Sam Schmucker, co-owner with his son, Darren, of The BBQ Store and More, 17007 Doty Road, New Haven.
Sales of fire pits have greatly increased as people want to expand their home entertaining to include the outdoors, Schmucker says.
The store has all things to do with BBQ, including a wide assortment of grills, griddles and smokers. To help customers make the most of cooking outdoors, they also sell patio furniture, playsets, gazebos and pavilions. The goal is to
provide customers with everything they need for a complete backyard makeover.
It’s important to Schmucker to sell products that are known for their quality, comfort and durability. For example, BBQ Store and More carries “Breeo” and “Warming Trends” brand fire pits, both quality products with good warranties, Schmucker says. Both brands are also made in America.
Breeo invented the first smokeless fire pit in 2011, which can be used to grill food. Available in three sizes and 15 styles, Breeo fire pits can stand alone or be surrounded by a brick or stone outer wall to give a different look and blend with landscaping.
The Warming Trends fire pits have a patent-pending technology behind the brass crossfire burner that uses an air-togas ration to produce a taller, brighter,
and fuller flame, resembling a natural wood burning fire.
To give customers an advanced visual of their backyard, BBQ Store and More also has design software that can create a 3D rendering of a customer’s project. That way, customers can see their vision before committing to it.
“What sets us apart is we know our product and have the best customer service to help people know how to accomplish the look and result they want to achieve,” Schmucker says. For more information, call (260) 632-0620. ❚
Family-Friendly Entertainment at Turkeyville
By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
With the holiday season upon us, now is the perfect time to visit Cornwell’s Turkeyville in Marshall, Mich. Complete with a restaurant serving Thanksgiving-themed options and a professional dinner theatre, Turkeyville is a family-friendly destination that prompts visitors to create warm memories in a simple-life atmosphere.
At the professional dinner theatre, “Winter Wonderettes” takes center stage almost daily through Dec. 21. Matinees include lunch at noon with a 2 p.m. curtain, while evening shows on Saturdays include dinner at 6 p.m. with an 8 p.m. curtain.
“Winter Wonderettes” depicts an all-girl singing group, The Wonderettes, entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. When Santa
turns up missing, the girls use their talent and creative ingenuity to save the holiday party. The show features ’60s versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run” and “Winter Wonderland.”
Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre is an intimate 150-seat venue that provides “rock star seating” to everyone in the theatre, says Dexter Brigham, producing artistic director.
“And, when you combine the show with Turkeyville’s famous turkey feast with all the trimmin’s, it’s a perfect day or night out,” he adds.
Tickets are $65 each, which includes dinner, the show and tax. Audience members can purchase tickets by calling the box office at (269) 781-4293 or by visiting turkeyville.com.
Visitors to Turkeyville can also enjoy a “Christmas Cookies & Wine” event on Dec. 13 from 5:30-7 p.m. The event features a night of decorating handmade sugar cookies with royal icing while enjoying a glass of wine or adult beverage of choice. The cost is $25 per person, and guests leave with 12 finished cookies. ❚
Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre hosts professional entertainment along with a famous turkey feast.
Fort Wayne Komets
Join the Jungle and cheer on the Fort Wayne Komets as they make another run for a championship. Games are at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. Visit komets.com to see the complete 2023-2024 schedule.
Holly Village
Thru Dec. 21 on Fridays from 4-10 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Support rotating local artisan vendors selling stained glass, jewelry, apparel, pottery, upcycled textiles, candles and more. Downtown Fort Wayne, 816 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, downtownfortwayne.com.
Festival of Gingerbread
Thru Dec. 22, see website for times. Gingerbread creations by local artists, ages pre-k to adult, are set up in the historic Shields Room at The History Center, 302 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, fwhistorycenter.org.
Wild Zoo Wonderland
Thru Dec. 30, Fri.-Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Santa is coming to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Say hello to animals on Red Panda Ridge, hear a holiday tale during story time, give a stingray a jolly treat, visit Santa Claus, and more. Fort
Wayne Children’s Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, kidszoo.org.
Blue Jacket’s Fantasy of Lights
Thru Dec. 31. This 3-mile drive-thru of holiday lights features 30 new displays for the 2024 season. Franke Park, 1750 Goshen Road, Fort Wayne, bluejacketinc.org.
Gnome for the Holidays
Thru Jan. 4, see website for times. This seasonal exhibit celebrates the festive culture of holiday homecoming with a whimsical twist. Imaginative displays offer themed opportunities to capture treasured family photos. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, botanicalconservatory.org.
Parkview Field’s Holiday Lights
Thru Jan. 4, see website for times. The Fort Wayne TinCaps host this walk-thru experience of the ballpark featuring more than 1 million lights and displays choreographed to holiday music. Parkview Field, 1301 Ewing St., Fort Wayne, milb.com/fort-wayne/events/lights.
Headwaters Park Ice Skating Thru Feb. 23, Mon.-Fri. 4-9 p.m., Sat.-Sun.
Entertainment & Events
noon-9 p.m. The outdoor ice rink is open daily at Headwaters Park, 333 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, fortwayneparks.org.
Holiday Pops
Dec. 19 & 20, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 21, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 22, 2 p.m. Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s world-class musicians, under the direction of conductor Andrew Constantine, transport audiences to a winter wonderland of musical delight. Auer Performance Hall at Purdue University Fort Wayne, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, fwphil.org. ❚
New this year, Parkview Field has a walk-thru experience of holiday light displays until Jan. 4.
(Visit Fort Wayne photo)
