In response to the burden placed on many not-for-profits this year, the City of Fort Wayne has launched a new program called Meters with a Mission. 

Initiated by Fort Wayne City Clerk Lana Keesling, the program installed 27 parking meters around downtown, all sponsored by local businesses. 

Instead of collecting coins for parking, these meters are fundraising tools for local organizations which have been unable to hold their usual fundraisers and other events which sustain them. 

Among the organizations represented by these meters include Allen County SPCA, ARCH, Arts United, Easterseals ARC of Northeast Indiana, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Urban League, NAACP Youth of Fort Wayne, and Neighborlink. 

For a full list of meters, their locations, and the businesses behind this community effort to help others, visit meters.gfwinc.com. 

Some businesses are also matching funds raised through the parking fees paid.

Fort4Fitness to the rescue

With gym access limited and refrigerator access unlimited, many are beginning to say the real COVID-19 is the weight we’ve gained.

Still, there is understandable concern about going to exerise classes while things are still up in the air.

As the cool weather returns, outdoor options may dwindle, but the good folks at Fort4Fitness are looking out for us. Beginning Oct. 1, the people behind the annual fitness festival are hosting a 30 Day Yoga Challenge. 

For a registration fee of only $25, participants will receive access to 30 videos plus receive a Fort4Fitness Virtual Yoga Challenge tank top and a yoga block upon completion of the challenge. Registration is open now and closes Oct. 4. 

Aside from the opportunity to challenge our bodies, the program also allows participants to sample a variety of different studios, instructors, and styles of yoga. 

So, when things do get back to normal, people can find the combination which best suits them. 

Participating studios include Baptiste Power Yoga, Fusion Yoga, Jorgenson Family YMCA, Pranayoga, Pure Movement (Pilates Studio), Simply Yoga, and Studio Seva. 

Visit the Fort4Fitness Facebook page for a link to register.