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Growing up in northern Minnesota, it was only natural to skate or play hockey on a pond or an outdoor rink. When I found out ten years ago that Fort Wayne was opening an outdoor rink at Headwaters Park, I couldn’t wait to try it out!

On a Sunday in January I wanted to give my 2 year old nephew Liam his first chance on ice skates. We headed for the park, just north of downtown Fort Wayne. We walked into a nice little warming room greeted by a very cheerful attendant to pay and rent some skates. If you are without skates they have many sizes to rent. While lacing up our skates we decided to use the benches provided in the warming area but there are plenty outside to use. Our shoes were safely put away in the many cubby boxes provided.

With our skates on, and plenty of warm clothes, we headed to the rink with a fresh sheet of ice and a canopy protecting us from the elements. Not to worry if this is your first time skating, you’ll notice you are not the only wobbly one on skates. The boards also offer you great support. My nephew and other young skaters are able to use support frames provided at the rink, that help them keep their balance and cruise around. I was a little bit hesitant that Liam might be scared to try. To my surprise he took to it with a huge smile and loved it even when he wiped out a few times.

After circling the ice for awhile we went into the warming room to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows and some big, soft chocolate chip cookies from Mr. G’s. If you’re not a chocolate lover there is a variety of beverages and treats to enjoy. It can get a little crowded inside so we headed out to one of the many benches and picnic tables near the rink.

While outside, I noticed a group of about twelve 10 year-olds celebrating a birthday, enjoying cake and watching the birthday girl open her presents.  I thought to myself “what a really nice way to celebrate a winter birthday.”  They also picked a good time to enjoy cake, because it was intermission allowing the Zamboni to resurface the ice.

It is suggested to call ahead of time if there is questionable weather at 422-7625 or you could check out their Facebook page. The day we went, the ice was smooth and perfect with no slush. There were just a few little bumpy spots near the end boards.

At the end of the day (with a very happy but tired little two year old) we left with many new memories and perhaps the next Mike Modano. Whether your looking for something to do has a family or celebrating something, I suggest you give the outdoor rink a try. It’s a wonderful way to get fresh air and exercise during the long winter months.  Or make it a date nigh,t and enjoy the view of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Bridge and the downtown skyline all lit up.

Admission:

13 and younger $3.00

14 and over $5.00

Skate rental $2.00

Hours:

Monday thru Thursday 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Friday 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Skate sharpening is also available.

They will be open through March 3, 2013.

Many Fort Wayne area churches make the wonders of Christmas come to life. It’s always good to step back from the hectic holiday rush and experience delightful and relaxing holiday festivities churches have to offer. Two churches take two different methods to capture the Christmas story, but both have you leaving with the true essence of Christmas.

Over a two weekend period, The Chapel uses their extremely talented group of instrumentals and singers to tell the story of Jesus through music and live animation. Keeping to the origins of Bethlehem, the stage is made to look like a Nazareth village. True to life, Mary and Joseph tell their very personal story through song with the help of the angel Gabriel. It is a creative and touching way to tell the story of the birth of Jesus. The story is enhanced with the live sheep and a camel led by the Three Wise Men.

The services conclude with a touching message relevant for us today.  The well put-together production starts the weekend of December 8^th  and 9^th at their  6:00 p.m. Saturday service or their 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. Sunday services. It concludes the weekend of the 15^th and 16^th, same time.  The Chapel is located at 2505 W Hamilton Rd, Fort Wayne, IN.

Another way to observe and appreciate the Christmas story is to drive through a living Nativity scene. Central Church uses over 400 volunteers and months of planning to assemble different stages of the Christmas story surrounding the outside of the church.

A sign at the entrance will tell you what to turn your radio dial to for a narration of the Christmas story while taking in the elaborate illustrations.  In the beginning of your excursion you will be gazing upon the sites of people hustling around trying to find the best gift while missing the true meaning of Christmas.  As you proceed in the warmth of your car, the first celebration of Christmas unfolds with live llamas, camels, sheep and towns people dressed in apparel depicting the days of Jesus.  As you continue doors to a giant gift box open up to unwrap the true gift of Christmas, Jesus.

Get to the church early for you trip on either December 7^th or 8^th from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  Last car in should arrive by 9:15.  Central Church is located at 5801 Schwartz Rd, Fort Wayne, IN.  Just off I-469, exit 25, SR 37 North.

In the center of Fort Wayne lies a quaint little tea place known as Sweet Violets. Located in a classical Queen Anne style home built in 1886, you can still find the original stain glass windows with a box-bay window in the stair landing. When I walked in, I received a warm greeting from the owner Debbie and the ambiance of an afternoon English tea.

The entrance is adorned with varieties of antique and contemporary tea pots and cups with matching plates for sale. This would be a tea pot or cup collectors dream. They also sell colorful homemade scarves, and jewelry, and what would English tea be without elbow length gloves, also for sale?

For me, a tea lover at heart, I love the unique little “smell jars” they have of each tea they are selling. You can enjoy the aroma of fall favorites with pumpkin spice or apple spice. It is a nice little idea if you’re not sure which flavor to chose. You’ll notice they try to keep up with the seasonal changes in the brands of tea and items that are for sale in the entrance.

While walking through the three different dinning rooms I noticed the original hardwood floors and tables enhanced with tea cups and settings fit for an afternoon tea with a Queen. The largest dining area looks like an English conservatory. The original owner Mr. MacDougal went on a trip to Europe and fell in love with the conservatories over there, so he brought the atmosphere home.  This is a great place to host a  bridal or baby shower.

For any little princess that would love to have a tea party, this would be the perfect place. The Nursery Tea caters to the 10 and under crowd.  This includes little tea sandwiches starting with everyone’s childhood favorite pb&j or cream cheese and strawberry along with miniature cakes, cookies, and tarts. Of course tea is included with a pot of caffeine-free tea, or you can chose from hot chocolate and lemonade.

If you would like more than tea party pastries, they do offer lunches that include soup and sandwich, quiche, and even a yogurt parfait.  One menu item that caught my eye, “Dessert Tea,” includes a scone served with either Devonshire Cream, lemon curd, strawberry jam, a selection of pastries, and a small pot of tea. If you cannot decide on which tea to try they do pick out teas that would compliment the meal or tasty treats you would be having.

It would take a whole page for me to tell you all the varieties of tea they serve, but I can almost guarantee there is one seeping bag of tea for everyone. To give you a taste, they have a variety of white, classic black, flavored black, green, oolong, and caffeine-free teas. I did have my own little tea party with the orange vanilla tea and an almond scone. I picked the tea because I was told it tasted like a dreamsicle, and I was not disappointed!  I did enjoy the warm, soft scone, but I’m a treat lover and could have enjoyed a little bit more. I did take home some pumpkin spice tea leaves to try along with some t-sacs (tea filters).  I’ve enjoyed the tea and pumpkin smell almost everyday with some honey in it, perfect for this chilly weather.

Sweet Violets is open Wed. thru Sat. Enjoy lunch, pastries, and teas from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you’re unable to chose which sandwich or pastries, you could order “Duchess of Bedford” Afternoon Tea a traditional English style tea served on a tiered stand.  Lower tier includes tea sandwiches and savories, middle tier has the scones, and the third tier the pastries.

Prices range anywhere from a $7.50 soup and salad to $13.50 for the Edwardian lunch including sandwich or quiche, soup or salad, assorted pastries, and small a pot of tea.

Reservations preferred.

Run for fun – with the rat!

I do believe one of the best ways to enjoy Fort Wayne in the fall is the River City Rat Race 5K run/walk and 10K run.  Even if you’re not a workout guru, this really is enjoyable.  There are so many people pumped up and excited that you can’t help but find yourself energized and ready to go.  Many runners even dress up in costumes, with Halloween right around the corner.

A friend of mine, Kent Hart, who has ran many races in different cities would put this race as one of his favorites.  He stated, ”the weather is perfect and the run along the river and through  Headwaters Park with the changing leaves is a nice extra.”  “Not to mention the shirts you receive are pretty cool”.

Enjoy downtown Fort Wayne in the fall!

The race starts in downtown Fort Wayne and takes you through scenic neighborhoods, along the rivers and as stated above Headwaters Park.  If you haven’t seen the park lately, it is lined with vibrant, beautiful colors of fall.  The race then finishes at the Historic Old Fort.  It is a great way for the whole family to get a scenic view of Fort Wayne and feel great doing it.

If this is your first race don’t be intimidated by the word “race”.  Many will do the race competitively but there is just as many running or walking for enjoyment. It is a great way to see Fort Wayne while partaking in the exciting atmosphere of participating and meeting new people.  It really is a different experience then just going out alone for a jog.

The 13^th Annual River City Rat Race starts at 2:00 p.m. October 28^th, with proceeds benefiting the local YMCAs.  Door prizes will be given out and awards to the top finishers.  There is still time to register, through October 21^st it is $25 and $30 until the 27^th.  Packet pickup including a goodie bag and shirt will be October 27^th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the downtown YMCA on Barr St. or October 28^th from 12:00-1:30 p.m. at 1^st Source Bank on E. Main St.  Hope to see you there!

Growing up in Northern Minnesota, curling wasn’t foreign to me but it certainly wasn’t second nature.  That is why I look forward  to having the opportunity to watch and learn more about the sport that grows in popularity with each Winter Olympics that passes.

This unique sport is gaining popularity in the US.

Fort Wayne will host the 3^rd Annual Summerspiel August 17^th – 19^th at the Lutheran Health Sportscenter. For those who aren’t fully aware of terms used in curling, “Bonspiel” is known as a curling tournament. Hence the term Summerspiel, curling tournament hosted in the summer. Due to the continued growth of hockey in Fort Wayne, it made it difficult to find ice time for the event during the winter months.

Speaking of ice time, did you know that today’s arena ice is not the original surface curlers played on? Curling was played a long ago on frozen ponds and lakes which are not smooth. Pebbles frozen into the ice surface created bumps which made it easier for the stone to move across the ice.

If you’re new to the sport and didn’t realize the difference in ice surfaces or other terms and rules, this event will be a great opportunity to learn more. There will be documents at the event on the rules of curling and you can mingle with those who have been sweeping the stone towards the house for years.

One important and exciting note are those who will be in attendance.  You will have the opportunity to see Olympians like Debbie McCormick as well as future Olympians and National players from the United States and Canada. Curlers enjoy promoting the sport and there will be many opportunities to mingle, take pictures and get autographs.

The three day tournament will consist of 3 divisions, 20 teams in each division.  There is the 5 and under division, those who have played 5 years or less and the open division for anyone, both are $500 per team.  The Elite Tour Event is a cash prize tournament and per team cost $750. With the Summer Olympics ending, why not continue keeping the spirit alive by participating or watching the popular Winter Olympic sport of curling.