WORTF AYNE lifestyle
(and Greater Allen County)
Jake Patten Art
This
Experience
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The Ultimate Stocking Stuffer
As the holiday season draws near, many of us are thinking about the perfect gifts for friends, family, and loved ones While toys, gadgets, and socks are all classic stocking stuffers, there’s one gift you can give that lasts far longer than any material item: the gift of financial security and future wealth for you and your family This Christmas consider the ultimate stocking stuffer investing in your home
Whether you already own a home or are considering purchasing one, using your home as an investment can set you up for a prosperous 2025 and beyond Lexi Davis an experienced financial specialist can help guide you through the process whether you ’ re tapping into the equity of your current home or stepping into homeownership for the first time Here’s how you can use this holiday season to start building wealth with real estate
Step 1 : Unlock the Potential of Your Home Equity
If you ve already purchased a home, you may be sitting on untapped equity Equity is the portion of your home s value that you ve paid off, and as property values rise, so does the potential value of your home Christmas is the perfect time to think about how to leverage that equity for your family s future You could refinance your mortgage to take advantage of lower rates consolidate debt or use some of that equity to make improvements that increase your home’s value
Whether you re upgrading your kitchen, adding a new bathroom, or even making your home more energy efficient, these improvements not only make your living space more enjoyable but also help build your wealth over time With Lexi s expertise you ll be able to explore refinancing options that best suit your needs making 2025 a year of financial growth
Step 2 : Make Homeownership Your Long-Term Investment
For those still renting or dreaming of owning a home, now could be the perfect time to make that dream a reality Real estate continues to be one of the best ways to build long-term wealth By buying a home you re investing in something that typically appreciates in value meaning every mortgage payment you make is a step toward building equity instead of just paying rent
Whether you ’ re looking for your first home or upgrading to a larger space, Lexi Davis can help you find the right mortgage option to fit your budget and financial goals With her guidance you can make a well-informed decision and enter the new year with a home that works for you financially and emotionally
Step 3 : Build a Legacy for Your Family
Imagine this Christmas season knowing that you ’ re not just providing gifts but also securing your family’s future Owning a home creates stability and a sense of permanence Your mortgage payments build equity which in turn builds wealth When you invest in real estate you re creating a lasting legacy for your children grandchildren and beyond Over time your property can appreciate providing future generations with a valuable asset
Step 4 : Get Expert Guidance This Holiday Season
Navigating the world of mortgages and home financing can feel overwhelming but with Lexi Davis by your side you can rest easy knowing you re in capable hands As a financial specialist Lexi is dedicated to simplifying the home financing process and helping you make decisions that align with your long-term goals Her down-to-earth approachable style ensures that you understand your options every step of the way Whether you ’ re buying a home, refinancing, or exploring home equity lines of credit, Lexi is here to guide you through the process with confidence
Step 5 : Give Yourself the Gift of Financial Confidence
This Christmas why not give yourself and your family the gift of a brighter financial future? The holidays are a time for new beginnings and what better way to start 2025 than by investing in your home? Whether you re leveraging the equity in your current property or taking the leap into homeownership real estate is a powerful way to build wealth security and a better future for you and your loved ones Lexi Davis can help you make this Christmas the beginning of a new chapter in your financial journey Let her expertise guide you through the process and set you on the path to achieving your homeownership and financial goals This holiday season the ultimate stocking stuffer could be a smart investment in your family s future one that pays dividends for years to come
Lexi
Shanna
1 "Training in dance, growing in artistry "
2 "Offering dance classes for ages 3 and up "
3 "Fort Wayne Readers' Choice Best Dance Studio 9 years in a row "
4 "Four former professional dancers on faculty "
KIDS QUEST
* Snowman = 4pt
* Angel = 3pt
* Merry Christmas Sign = 2pt
* Snow = 2pt
* Star on top of a Christmas Tree = 3pt
* Candy Canes = 1pt
* Christmas Tree with Presents = 1pt
* Bow on Present = 1pt
* 2 Candles = 2pt
* Snowy Window = 1pt
* Christmas Lights = 1pt
* Stocking =1pt
* Christmas Decorations = 3pt
Bonus Points: 15 points for completing every item on the list! 25 points for getting a picture with Santa! Total: 65 points possible!
Guidelines:Remembertohaveadultsupervision,asthisisafamily-friendlyadventure,anddon'tforgettocapturephotosofeachitemonyourlist!Haveagreattimeand enjoyyourselves!
Marshmallow Snowman Kebabs
Marshmallowsnowmanpopsareafunandeasytreattomakethisholidayseason.GivethemarshmallowsnowmenoutasedibleChristmasgifts,stockingstuffers,orfavors forguestsatyourChristmasparty.
Ingredients:
18Marshmallows
54MiniM&Mcandies
6PiecesofTwizzlersPull‘N’Peelcherrycandy
6MiniReese’speanutbuttercups
½Cupofchocolatechips
½Cupoforangecandymelts
½Cupofwhitefrosting
6Lollipopsticks
Instructions:
Inasmallmicrowavablebowl,microwavechocolatechipsfor30seconds,stirwellthenmicrowavein15-secondincrements,stirringbetweeneach,untilmeltedandsmooth.Setaside.Repeattomeltorange candymelts;setaside.
Slide3marshmallowsontoeachlollipopstick. Usingabutterknife,placeasmalldaboffrostingonthebackofthreeM&Mcandiesandplacedownthefrontofeachsnowmantoresemblebuttons. Usingatoothpickandthemeltedchocolate,placedotsonthesnowmantoformtheeyesandmouth. Usingaseparatetoothpick,dipitintothemeltedorangecandyanduseittodrawanoseoneachsnowman. UseabutterknifetoaddasmallbloboffrostingtothetopofaminiReese'speanutbuttercup. Pressthepeanutbuttercupontothetopofthesnowmanpoptoformachocolatehat.
Local kids events happening in your area? Please don't hesitate to contact us!
Food For Thought
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Instructions:
Ingredients:
1 box butter pecan cake mix (or yellow cake mix)
2 cans apple pie filling about 4 – 5 cups
½ cup caramel sauce
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
⅙ tsp allspice
¾ to 1 cup salted butter
1 cup pecan halves
Spreadthepiefillingonthebottomofagreased9×13pan Drizzle caramelsauceevenlyovertop
Inasmallbowl,mixtogetherthespices Sprinkleovertopofthe caramelapplemixture
Sprinklethecakemixevenlyovertopofthecaramelapple mixture
Cutbutterintothinsquaresandplaceevenlyovertopthecake mix Makesuretonotleaveanylargegaps
Topwithpecanhalves
Bakeinapreheated350°Fovenfor50minutesoruntilcake toppingisgoldenbrown
Definitelyservewithicecream Tastesdelicioushotorcold
Vegetarian Sweet Potato and Black Bean Soup
Ingredients:
1tablespoonextravirginoliveoil
1redonionchopped
3clovesgarlicminced
2teaspoonsgroundcumin
Instructions:
11/2teaspoonschilipowder
1teaspoonsmokedpaprika
1 5lbs sweetpotatoabout2medium,peeled,andcut into1″cubes
1redbellpepperseededandchopped
1jalapenoseededandchopped(Leaveoutifyoudon’t likealittlespice)
1cupcornfreshorfrozen
5cupsvegetablebroth
15ouncesblackbeansrinsedanddrained
14ouncesfireroasteddicedtomatoes
1lime(optional)
1/4cupcilantro saltandpeppertotaste
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes Add the garlic and spices and cook for 30 seconds longer
Add the sweet potato, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and corn and sauté for 2-3 minutes
Add the veggie broth, black beans, diced tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste and bring to a boil Once boiling, reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 1520 minutes until the potatoes are tender
Remove from heat and add the lime juice, cilantro, and adjust the seasoning if necessary Serve warm with tortilla chips
Deluxe Corn Casserole
Savory Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients:
4mediumgreenpeppers(oranycolorpepperworksaswell)
1tspsalt
Filling:
¾cupbeefgravy
1½tspmincedonion
¾cupgratedcarrots
1½cupsseasonedstuffingmix
2cupschoppedcookedroastbeef(Iusechuckroast)
Sauce:
18oz cantomatosauceIliketousepastasauce)
½cupbeefgravy
1tspmincedonion
¼cupsgratedcheddarcheese
Directions:
Simmercleanedpeppers15minutesin4cupssaltedwater, uncovered
Preheatovento350degrees.
Combinefillingingredientswith¾cupboilingwaterandfill peppers
Insaucepanmixsauceingredientswith½cupwaterandbringto boiling,stirring
Addsauceonpeppersandbakeuncovered20minutes Baste onceandtopwithgratedcheese Bakeadditional10minutes
At the end of the day, the message was simple: Love what you do, and support local. In a world that often seemed to focus on commercial success and big names, Jake and Rebecca’s story reminds us that true artistry and love thrives in the quiet corners of life— one brushstroke, one mural, one heart at a time.
A STROKE OF GENIUS
Jake Patten never thought he’d find his life in a paintbrush
After serving in the United States Marines from 1996 to 2002 He came out of the military with a sense of purpose one that, surprisingly, didn’t have anything to do with combat Instead, it led him into the world of art He started painting in 2005, and at first, it was just for the love of it “I’d do it for free,” he’d say with a grin, though the world quickly began to notice his talent
He’d call his style figurative expressionism, a mix of abstract shapes and human forms that evoked deep emotion His favorite piece? "Birthday Cake," a colorful, chaotic celebration of life, which he proudly displayed in his studio Jake had an instinct for art that could only come from years of selfdiscovery, finding beauty in the messy ebbs and flows of his creative process
But Jake wasn’t just a lone artist in his studio He shared a life with Rebecca Johnson, his partner for over two decades Rebecca and Jake’s love story began long before they ever picked up their brushes They lived just an alley away from each other, and they first met at an art show both there to see a world of possibilities that their creativity could unlock Rebecca had always been an artist, growing up in a family of talented creatives Her father and brother were both renowned in their own right, and for a long time, she struggled with feelings of doubt Art was something she loved but questioned being able to leave an indelible impresion especially in a family where greatness was almost expected
But the pandemic changed that During the long, quiet days of lockdown, Rebecca found herself in a space where time stood still and suddenly, all those doubts she’d carried around seemed less important With nothing but time on her hands and a sense of boldness sparked by the isolation, Rebecca picked up a paintbrush again This time, she didn’t hesitate Her art was a world apart from Jake’s her style was rooted in abstract expressionism, with splashes of mid-century modern influences that made her work feel both timeless and contemporary Rebecca became a master of creating movement and emotion through color, light, and texture It wasn’t long before her work began to turn heads, and she and Jake became an unstoppable duo in the local art scene
When asked how they made their relationship work, Jake would jokingly call Rebecca “too neat,” while Rebecca would tease Jake for being “sloppy ” They were opposites in many ways, but their shared passion for art created a bond that kept them together through thick and thin
And when it came to the heart of their shared vision, they both agreed: art was about more than personal success They both dreamed of seeing more local artists showcased in their community, particularly in public spaces murals that celebrated the beauty of Fort Wayne and its creative spirit
They wanted the world to see the vibrancy of local talent, not just the work of famous outsiders
Jake Patten Art 924 W Berry St Fort Wayne,
Business Updates
Mercedes-Benz Breaks Ground for Move and Expansion
Mercedes-Benz of Fort Wayne has broken ground for their brand new facility off W Jefferson Blvd between AWS Foundation and Peter Franklin Jewelers. They plan to open their new location by July 4th, 2025 with a grand opening party to celebrate their new location. As part of this transition, Mercedes-Benz of Fort Wayne will be selling their current location on W Jefferson, which will be available in 2025-2026!
Plans for community events and promotions at the new location will be unveiled as the opening date draws nearer. With the new building set to open in just under a year, the future looks bright for Mercedes-Benz of Fort Wayne, and the team is eager to welcome customers to their new home.
Local business owner Mark Music formally announced that he is building a 7,500-plus-seat soccer-specific stadium, which will be the home of Fort Wayne FC, beginning in 2026. The stadium will be located on the south side of Bass Road, adjacent to and west of Interstate 69. Music retained the architectural services of Fort Wayne-local firm Design Collaborative, who released the initial renderings, and will also be collaborating with developer BND Commercial.
The new soccer-centric stadium build will have a matchday capacity of 9,280 (including standing-room only) and more than 10,000 for concerts and other events. It will be the largest outdoor stadium in northeast Indiana.
The Fairfield
The Fairfield, a three-story building at 1501 Fairfield Avenue featuring different ventures on each level, shared Wednesday that it will open all its floors within the coming weeks. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome guests into The Fairfield as we open our doors to the community,” co-founder David Beer shared.
“After three years of dedicated renovation work, we’re eager for Fort Wayne to embrace The Fairfield as a vibrant gathering place for family and friends. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of the Fort Wayne community and its outstanding leaders. We look forward to honoring that support and celebrating together at our grand opening event.”
Leaders say a grand opening is set for early January alongside the announcement of a fourth venue within The Fairfield.
New Soccer Stadium for Fort Wayne FC in 2026
HEY SANTA, WIPE YOUR FEET!
It’s Christmas Eve in Fort Wayne, and the Orozco family is wrapped up in the magic of the season. Snow falls gently outside, blanketing the city in a quiet, peaceful glow.
Inside their home, Dimitrius Orozco and his two sons, Damion and Maxwell, are finishing up a long day of work for Klean Pro Services. The carpets in their living room shine brightly, a testament to the pride they take in every job, even after cleaning homes and businesses all across town.
Klean Pro Services has been a part of Fort Wayne for 30 years. It’s more than just a carpet cleaning business—it’s a family legacy. Dimitrius works side-by-side with Damion and Maxwell, and together they ensure that each space they clean is spotless. No other employees are needed.
The Orozcos have built their reputation on trust, integrity, and their commitment to their community. When people need their homes or offices cleaned, they know to call Klean Pro because the Orozco family will show up with personal care and a dedication to quality.
They don’t advertise—word of mouth has been enough. Their faithful clients refer friends and family, and with each referral, they get a small discount as a thank-you for being part of the family. Every job, from tile color restoration to emergency cleaning, is handled with the same level of care.
As they gather around the tree, Dimitrius grins, imagining Santa’s sleigh flying over Fort Wayne. He chuckles softly to himself, thinking, “Hey Santa, wipe your feet!”
But beyond the joy of family, the lights, and the laughter, the Orozcos know the real reason for the season.
As they share a quiet moment together, they’re reminded that Jesus is the true gift delivered on this night—the one who brings comfort, peace, and hope to all. And that’s the gift they hold most dear.
“ G I F T S O F
EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT IS A GIFT FROM ABOVE
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Our goal this year is to reach six Nursing Homes (500 residents): Kendallville Manor, Lutheran Life Villages, Orchard Pointe, Auburn Villages, Ascension Living Sacred Heart Village, and Avalon Village
We would love your help in reaching that goal! Please help us spread some joy!
Sincerely, Melissa Bishop and Wendy Moore
Several years ago, my sister Wendy and I had an idea to give Christmas gifts to nursing homes in our neighborhood. In this message, we wanted the residents to know that God loved them and that others outside the nursing home weren't forgetting about them Therefore, we began collecting candy and items to give to these sweet people. In addition, we asked our friends, families, local churches, and others for their help
A variety of products were gathered: body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, fluffy socks, soft tissues, Christmas cards, and, of course, candy!
There was no doubt that these were used, appreciated, and needed by everyone While not gigantic in size, these bags had a profound effect on residents and staff.
In addition to lifting their hearts and putting a smile on their lips, it made our hearts glad, too! It has been our experience that giving creates joy for all involved
As part of our annual tradition, we deliver the "Gift of Love Bags" before Christmas and we enjoy the experience tremendously During one of our favorite memories, we delivered a set of gift bags to a nursing home, and the staff members were so thrilled they gave the Christmas gifts early. They couldn't wait!
Donations may be dropped off at these locations:
Wendy and Missy's home The City of Kendallville 234East Vine St. Chamber of Commerce Kendallville IN 46755 122 South Main St 260 582 7561 Kendallville IN 46755 (Monday-Friday 8 am to 4am)
Monetary gifts may be donated through:
Community Baptist Church (designated Gift of Love Bags ) 6170 E 700 South Wolcottville In 46755
List: Extras:
Body Wash
Toothpaste
Shampoo and Conditioner
Tooth Brush
Soft Blanket
Lotion
Pajamas
Fuzzy Warm Socks
Adult Size Bibs
Soft Tissues
Chapstick
Candy (No Suckers Please!)
Christmas Cards
