Hey Locals,

It's been an exhausting week. We're in the process of moving (within Fort Wayne), so we have an abbreviated issue this week to give ourselves a much-needed mental health break. That said, we do have a question for you, as well as a feature on Cinema Center's upcoming screenings of the film, Wicked, benefitting a good cause. We also have deets on what promises to be a popular new holiday tradition at Parkview Field.

Don't forget: We're kicking off your holiday shopping right with a deal at Fort Wayne's local toyshop, Hopscotch House, in November. All paid subscribers get $5 off any purchase. Did you know we give our paid members a freebie every month at a local business to cover the cost of membership? See what a paid membership is all about with this 30-day trial, and you can get that discount!

Now, let's get started!

Considering recent restaurant closures, here's a question:

What can improve accountability and support in the local food industry?

What's happening?

Fort Wayne's restaurant scene has been rocked by a series of small business closures in recent weeks, perhaps most notably: the demise of Affine Hospitality's GK Cafe & Provisions and Junk Ditch Brewing Company. Following these closures, social media was abuzz with accusations of mismanagement and mistreatment of employees, causing us to question: What can be done to improve accountability and support in the local restaurant scene? Is infrastructure lacking that could set industry standards and/or prevent closures?

We'll be exploring the topic in coming weeks. If you have tips or ideas, drop us a note at thelocalfortwayne@gmail.com. 🙌

Watch Wicked at Cinema Center for a good cause!

Free popcorn. A popular film. And an opportunity to do something kind for the community this holiday season.

• What's happening? This month, Cinema Center is collecting new-with-tags slippers (bonus if they’re ruby) and other clothing items for YWCA Northeast Indiana during the first two weeks of screenings for Wicked, beginning Nov. 21. As a thank you, everyone who donates gets free bag of (wickedly good) Cinema Center popcorn!
• You might remember: Cinema Center collected Barbies for YWCA last year during showings of the Barbie film, and it received more than 400 dolls! We attended, and loved seeing everyone donate, dress up and react to the film with cheers and laughter – an experience you really only get at an intimate, arthouse theatre. The folks at Cinema Center say: Expect a similar vibe for Wicked, and this time, YWCA will be onsite to help manage donations.
• What's the cause? All donations benefit families participating in YWCA's domestic violence center and addiction recovery programs. We sat down with Cinema Center Directors, Art Herbig and Alix Watson, as well as YWCA's Engagement Coordinator, Emily McCorkle, to talk about the rising demand for housing and domestic violence services in Fort Wayne.

Get all the details in our full Q&A.

• Stroll: the first annual walk-thru Holiday Lights display at Parkview Field, Nov. 14-Jan. 4, featuring more than 1 million lights choreographed to holiday music. Just like Tincaps season, there are special promotional nights, like Thirsty Thursday, as well as train rides. The fun begins at 6 p.m. ($10 tickets)
• Get crafty: at Cinema Center's new monthly Craft Nights in its Spectator Lounge (with the lights on). This month, they're showing The Holiday, Nov. 15-17.
• Shop: new and used books at the grand opening of Moss Heart Books inside Swizzle Market at Jefferson Pointe on Nov. 15, 4-7 p.m.

What else? We share more things to do in our premium newsletter.

Got a story tip or idea?

Let us know at thelocalfortwayne@gmail.com.

Have a great week, Locals!

-Your Editor, Kara Hackett