glo GIRL

By Stacie Ball | Photo by Leaha Meinika

Most adults probably think they could defeat a 9-year-old in pinball, but don’t be so assured if that young lady is Huntertown celebrity Autumn Albertson! She has earned a few plaques from several pinball competitions and is the youngest player invited to be in the championship. This year she ranked 14th in the entire state of Indiana for the Women’s Division. This Oak View Elementary student is schooling the world in pinball one competition at a time.

It all started in 2020 when most businesses were closed, and people were going stir-crazy at home. “My brother and I were bored, so my mom decided to look online to see what was close by, open, and fun to do,” Autumn remembered. She discovered her hidden talent at an arcade called Wizards World in Huntertown. She dropped some quarters into a machine called Twister and began her very first pinball game. Thus began a whirlwind of an adventure.

Many games and several quarters later, Autumn decided to participate in the Kid’s Pinball tournaments held at Wizards World. They have categories for all ages and experience levels. Once participants check-in, the officials place their names in a queue. A computer randomly chooses 2 to 4 players and a pinball machine, and the battle begins.

“My first tournament that I played in was a Kid’s Tournament, and I got 1st place,” Autumn recalled. “I played in Kid’s Tournaments for a while and then decided I wanted to play in the Women’s.”

The stakes were a little higher in the Women’s Tournament, but that didn’t scare her. “The tournament itself is the same, but it could last longer because a lot of women with years of experience come from all over to play,” she explained. “It’s challenging going against top players, but it’s a lot of fun!” She was pleasantly surprised to snag two 3rd place plaques, one 1st place plaque, and an Indiana State Championship 5th place plaque.

Autumn is proud of her accomplishments but is staying grounded. “My proudest moment was winning 5th place in the Indiana Women’s State Championship!” she mused. “I knocked out the State Women’s Pinball Champ! These women are tough and amazing at pinball, and just being selected to play in a championship was such an honor.” She stated that it feels great to be the youngest player in the championship, but it hasn’t quite sunk in yet.

Aside from pinball, Autumn is involved in theater and enjoys acting, baking, crafts, painting, shopping, and photography. She loves spending time with her mom, dad, brother, and adorable dog, Bentley. One day, she hopes to become a photographer or an actor.

The Albertsons would like to thank Mike and Trisha Burgess for all they do in youth and women’s pinball. If you are ever at Wizard’s World, Autumn recommends playing El Dorado, Pinball, Jack-Bot, Wizard, and her favorite, Memory Lane. Who knows? You may discover a new talent as you unlock the exciting pinball universe. a

By Amber Bouthot | Photos Provided

It can be hard to know what to get your mom for Mother’s Day. Might we suggest a gift with a personal and local flair? We checked in with some of our partners around the region for some gift ideas. Happy Shopping!

A Gorgeous Geranium from Main’s Flower Garden (260) 749-5307

Mother’s Day typically tips off the summer gardening season. Treat your mom to some beautiful and colorful geraniums from Main’s Flower Garden.

ThirtyOne mythirtyone.com/us/en/TammyAustin

Local ThirtyOne Consultant Tammy Austin has tons of darling gifts in her shop right now, including The Sunshine Edit. It offers new spring prints and bestselling styles for the ultimate season glow up.

Gifts, Savory Sweets & More from Tastefully Simply tastefullysimple.com/web/dshoaf

Is your mom a foodie? Does she like to prepare meals for family and friends? Consider treating her to some upscale gifts, savory sweets, kitchenwares and more from local Tastefully Simple consultant Dana Shoaf.

Mother’s

Join

District this boutiques and treat your mom to one of the many diverse restaurant options during Mother’s Day Weekend Downtown, May 12 – May 14.

Shop

Experience the vibrancy of our growing community as you celebrate the annual Fort Wayne in Bloom spring window decorating contest. With beautifully decorated business windows and live entertainment throughout the heart of Downtown, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Mother’s Day Brunch at the Zoo

kidszoo.org

Take your mom to the zoo on May 13 and May 14 for a special Mother’s Day celebration. It is a great chance to get together as a family and treat mom to a delicious brunch in a beautiful outdoor setting.

A wellness package from 3 Rivers Co-op

3riversfood.coop

3 River Co-op offers more than just food! They have an entire wellness shop full of body care, hair products, local soaps, flower essences, essential oils, and more. Put together a gift basket and give your mom the gift of self-care.

Mom & Me Creative Hour at Indigo Studios goindigostudio.com

A new art studio in downtown Fort Wayne is hosting Mom & Me Creative hour. These sessions are private bookings and are available until June 10. Sessions are just $25 per person. Participants may choose between watercolor, alcohol ink or jewelry. Schedule online.

Do you often ask people to repeat what they say?

Do you have trouble hearing in groups?

Do you think others mumble?

If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, it is important to have a free hearing evaluation. Call today to schedule an appointment! 260-338-2942.

Mother’s Day in the Garden botanicalconservatory.org

Plan a special outing to the Botanical Conservatory where Moms get in FREE Mother’s Day weekend. Drop by Conjure Coffee, browse the Conservatory Shop, visit live butterflies, and admire all the lovely garden displays together. The first 800 mothers to visit receive a free plant! a