On Her Nightstand

from January 2019

glo-roscop es january 2019

Barb Wachtman, an Ohio native, has been ver y ac tive since moving to For t Wayne She was on the feature desk at the News-Sentinel, left there for Swiss Re and retired from Anthony Wayne Ser vices. She has been an ac tive volunteer, as well, ser ving as president of the Rotar y Club of For t Wayne, is on the board of the For t Wayne Philharmonic and sings in her church choir among other ac tivities

These are some of her favorite reads:

Stein is a For t Wayne native who has been an educator and newspaper columnist for over 30 years. She received her undergraduate degree at Ohio State Universit y in social administration and her master's from the Universit y of St. Francis in education and English. She received an honorar y doc torate, also from the Universit y of St. Francis.

Stein has been a ver y ac tive volunteer in our communit y and is currently ser ving as chairman of the Allen Count y Public Librar y Building Corporation, among other ac tivities. And she is ver y much looking for ward to being associated with glo

Oh, and did we mention she’s 102 years old!

On Her Nightstand will highlight local women and discuss what they are currently reading.

“

” by M L Stedman

This is a wonder ful epic stor y of people whom you get to k now and love -- and grieve for -- who make a huge moral mistake and what it means to these still wonder ful people.

“I t ’s what novels do at their best for me, ” said Wachtman, “to examine tough questions and difficult situations that could compromise even such wonderful, lovely people … and the price they ultimately pay. I t is just lovely and gut wrenching ”

“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn

This is a fun, thriller read “I loved how the author uses two distinc t voices for the husband and wife, and then throws in a fabulous turn about half way through, ” said Wachtman “Just fun; dark, but fun ”

“ The Devil in the White City ” by Erik Larson Larson can sure tell a stor y well. In this case, it ’s about the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and the simultaneous stor y of funding, designing, building and presenting the grand fair, along with a stor y of a serial k iller who uses the fair to lure women into his deadly life “Not new but excellent, ” said Wachtman

“ Wonder ” by R J Palacio

This is a super fic tion book for youth that went mainstream. I t tells the oftentold stor y in such a compelling and authentic way of a child with a deformity who is mercilessly ridiculed and worse, and how the child’s courage and poise inspire ot ers Wachtman said, “Get out the tissues ”

“ There are Rules of Civility ” and “Gentleman of Moscow ” by Amor Towles

I loved each of these books for different reasons, ” explained Wachtman In “Gentleman, ” Towles is a poet both in his writing and in his lead charac ter “I t ’s just wonder ful to read about an ingenious plot about a really wonder ful man, ” she said.

In “Civility, ” the author ’s writing is also wonder ful, although a bit less poetic “ The plot is magnificent and the charac ter development and re-development are among the best for me, ” Wachtman said. Once again, both books discuss the bigger issues in life and how a person’s decisions, morals and behavior affec t their lives and those around them.

“

The Animators ” by Kayla Rae Whitaker

Wachtman said, “ This is probably the best book I’ve read this year But beware, it ’s ver y rough – both in language and the lifestyle por trayed by the two super talented ar tist/animators

The book offers deep and magnificent charac ter development, riveting dialog, a peek into the process, ar t and business of animation and most of all, it had me caring deeply for both protagonists –even when they really screwed up their lives This book may not be for ever yone, but I ound it enjoyable, if someimes difficult ” a

By Haiden Steingass

As you search for the per fec t winter wedding venue, consider these essential tips:

1. Don’t forget to ask the following questions when you visit a venue:

• Can the venue accommodate personalization in decor, food preferences and presentation?

• What is the maximum capacity?

• What is the refund/cancellation polic y?

• Will the couple be required to provide their own wedding insurance (a growing trend)?

• Which, if any, outside vendors are permitted? What are the restrictions, rules governing outside vendors? Is there a fee to bring in outside vendors?

2. Consider nontraditional wedding venues Spaces like an ar t galleries, wineries, homes and beaches are becoming more and more popular over the traditional ballroom event space According to Ann Shive, owner of Crestwoods Frame Shop and Galler y, ar t galleries present several perks, such as “ar t as a beautiful backdrop, a casual venue, affordability, nearby churches, convenient park ing, and (the use of ) any caterer and florist ” I t also allows for a casual wedding and appreciation of the unique vision of the couple Because galleries are already used for smaller, intimate events, their facilities typically suit what is needed for a wedding, like a k itchen, bathrooms and changing rooms.

3. Consider ser ving cozy, winter drinks.

“ We have seen a return to classic, ’40s era drinks of old, especially the Old Fashioned, ” said Christine Leto, co-owner, The Charles For t Wayne, “Non-alcoholic build-your-own hot cocoa bars are also in demand this season, with the addition of the requisite whipped cream, but also 'chocolate' whipped cream, fine chocolate shavings, homemade marshmallows, peppermint sticks or, for the more daring, peppermint schnapps Mulled ciders and mulled wines are requested this year, as well ”

4. Look into ser ving rich comfor t foods. At a summer wedding, you can’t ser ve piping hot soup and grilled cheese as an hors d'oeuvre, but you most definitely can at a winter wedding.

5 Check the forecast for your wedding day There’s nothing worse than guests being stuck in a snowstorm on your big day.

6. Create an inviting ambiance with warm lighting and candles. Who doesn’t look lovely under a candle-lit glow?

7. Lean into the unique winter décor. “ Trends we are seeing are warm, oversized, soft blankets in tar tans and plaids (think Celtic inspired not '70's inspired), 'ear thy' décor, such as natural greener y and wood, occasionally mixed with a bit of gold for contrast, ” said Leto a