Ripple, 2023

Middle Waves Music Festival returns with new leadership and plans for a long-lasting legacy

“We’re looking forward to having a legacy of a great music festival that we’ll grow over time. We’ll become a huge destination for people visiting our city, and in 10 or 20 years, people are going to think of Middle Waves way outside of Fort Wayne. It will be a destination.”

Cafe Manager Megan Spring makes a "Special Cappuccino Drink" at Tall Rabbit.
Tall Rabbit Cafe provides life-changing opportunities and a sense of community

“People will stay for three or four hours and buy one coffee. That doesn’t help us, but it doesn’t hurt us either because they fall in love with who we are and it allows us to be able to open the doors to our mission. They get to learn and see what’s going on in our baristas’ lives.”

Kayakers make their way down the Wabash River.
Wabash County provides experiences for runners, cyclists, kayakers and the everyday adventurer

“These days, with many people being able to do remote work, outdoor recreation is a real plus for any community. Gone are the days of just building factories for people to work. You need so much more to acquire and retain talent. People are much more aware of quality of life. You absolutely have to have several amenities to keep families. Outdoor activity, along with housing, schools, safety, arts and culture are the key aspects of what attracts people to your community.”

The Community Loan Center (CLC) of Northeast Indiana, operated by the Brightpoint Development Fund, aims to help borrowers meet current and ongoing financial obligations safely and securely.
Breaking the cycle of debt: Community Loan Center offers lower interest, manageable payday loans

“Look and see what resources the community has to offer. It might be a situation like this, and you might need a loan – that might be the only option. There’s nothing wrong with having to use a loan, but if you do, just make sure that it’s right for you and manageable.”

Part of Wabash's charm lies in its historical homes.
Implementing inventive housing solutions to attract new residents

“That’s where we have to get creative with different programs and housing initiatives. We aren’t seeing as many people selling their homes today, just because of how the market has been. We’re working on a few different innovative housing types."

The Bach Collegium Fort Wayne
The Fort Wayne Bach Collegium Concert celebrates the work of Johann Sebastian Bach

“It’s something that’s very special but not everyone in Fort Wayne or the local community knows that it even exists. This is a group in the here and now, made up of people in our city, but also talented musicians from all over the region. It’s an experience that you don’t have many opportunities to get in Fort Wayne."

Retirees (left to right) Dave Haist, Jan Roland, and Beverly Vanderpool walk through Downtown Wabash.
Retiring in Wabash County: Q&A with three residents on staying connected in their community

"There are a large number of opportunities to be really involved in a meaningful way. That just makes the community that much stronger."

In Wabash County natural resources including the rivers, reservoirs, forests, and fields contribute to 15,050 acres of land, making up five percent of the county’s total land area.
This innovative student fellowship program aims to attract new residents to Wabash County

“We’re excited to welcome ten folks in, we’re going to roll out the red carpet, wrap around these folks, and show them all the good things we have to offer here in Wabash County."

Visitors make their way through the Honeywell Center.
From Vision to Reality: The Legacy of Honeywell Arts & Entertainment

“We create quality of place and provide opportunities that aren’t available in many small towns. We hope people will come together here, as a community, to enjoy and celebrate and have a great time experiencing arts and entertainment.”

Janae Dubose, owner of Little Achievers Home Daycare Kindergarten Prep,  leads Circle Time featuring songs and music with her students.
Equipping the next generation: Q&A with Janae Dubose, educator and business owner

"While I was in college at Ivy Tech, my love for early childhood education began. I learned how the young brain worked, and I began to understand just how important those first years of a child’s life are to their overall development and future. I wanted to be a part of teaching young children fundamentals during this critical part of their development."

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