The first day I went shopping for a wedding dress, I left in tears. I didn’t feel comfortable in a single dress. Almost every little girl dreams of having a “fairytale” wedding day and looking like a princess. I didn’t feel like a princess, instead I felt ashamed of my body. Choosing Dr. Joe was an easy decision. I went to his office for a consultation, the staff was professional and made me feel welcomed. Dr. Joe made me feel comfortable. I didn’t feel pressured. In fact, he gave me suggestions on how to enhance the look of my breast on my wedding day without surgery. Before I left the office I knew in my heart that having a breast augmentation was the right choice for me and Dr. Joe was the only choice for me. Lori and Dr. Joe helped me make a decision on the right size for me and my body using vectra 3D Imaging. I had my procedure and was on the beach in my wedding dress a month later! I felt beautiful. Dr. Joe gave me the best wedding gift, the gift of confidence.
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” — Rachel Carson
“Celebrating Entrepreneurs” ISSUE
15 Years of glo – And We’re Just Getting Started
Fifteen years. 180 issues. 2,700 inspiring stories. glo has grown into something truly special a place where women’s voices are amplified, where small businesses connect with an engaged audience, and where our community comes together to celebrate, uplift, and empower.
I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of this journey from the very beginning first as a freelance writer and, since June 2018, as Executive Editor and Publications Manager. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible women, sharing their stories, and witnessing firsthand the impact of local storytelling.
We’ve celebrated glo in more ways than one through our pages, our She glo(w)s and He glo(w)s features, and even at our glo Bashes, which have welcomed 6,500 women and raised nearly $12,000 for ovarian cancer research in memory of our namesake, Gloria Baumgartner. We’ve also been proud to partner with 955 advertisers, helping businesses grow, and to support local nonprofits by sharing their missions.
Through every feature, every advertiser, every story, our goal has remained the same to provide a space for women to shine, to create connections, and to be a source of inspiration for our community.
Fifteen years is just the beginning. Here’s to continuing this journey, to telling even more stories, to supporting more businesses, and to making an even bigger impact in the years ahead.
Thank you for reading, for believing in glo, and for being part of our story. Here’s to the next 15!
Lynn Blanchard | Lblanchard@the-papers.com business manager
Annette Weaver | aweaver@the-papers.com
ambouthot@the-papers.com
director of circulation
Jerry Long | jlong@the-papers.com
graphic designer
Mary Lester
marketing assistants
Darlene Eichelberger, Reagan Nichols
photographer
Eva Toscos
contributing writers
Stacie Ball, Deborah C. Gerbers, Holli Hattery, Gabby Hunnicutt, Jennie Renner, Julie Young Instagram instagram.com/glofortwayne
Amber Bouthot
Athleisure is a hybrid of athletic and leisure styles that brings the func tionality of activewear to a more casual and accessible level. Athleisure took on a life of its own away from traditional athletic apparel when the emphasis migrated from being solely utilitarian to being fashionable enough to wear outside of the gym. While sportwear isn’t a new fash ion movement, athleisure rose to its height of popularity several years ago and has continued to remain relevant. Bright colors and unexpected textures are one of the ways that the style has evolved in recent years.
REDEFINEDAthleisure
One contributing factor to this style’s consistent popularity is the rise of remote work and need to accommodate increasingly flexible lifestyles. For more and more people, gone are the days of a closet full of business casual attire. The comfort and versatility of athleisure makes it ideal for lifestyles of all kinds but lends itself extremely well to those who are on the go most of their day and want to go from work to running errands to an exercise class without having to change outfits for each activity.
Athleisure is a go-to look for traveling, as well, when it’s important to be comfortable without having to sacrifice style.
Brands most synonymous with athleisure include Lululemon, Nike, Fabletics, and Athleta. Like with most products, if you want something of a high quality that lasts, you can expect to invest more in those purchases. Athleta, for example, offers leggings and joggers that hover around $100, and depending on your budget, that number might feel excessive
for people and the planet) and they are committed to empowering women and girls through movement. Lululemon, whose prices are comparable to Athleta, is most known for breathable and buttery-soft material that has gathered a cult-like following.
Fabletics is at a slightly lower price point without sacrificing in the quality, making it a good place to dive into the world of athleisure. They have a VIP Membership that operates on a monthly credit system and offers frequent sales. If size inclusivity is important to you, Girlfriend Collective has the most extensive sizing of any of the reputable athleisure brands (added bonus, they are committed to sustainable and ethical standards when it comes to their fabrication and production).
Leggings, yoga pants, and joggers are a few of the different bottoms that most brands carry,
but you can also expect to see tops with built-in bras, tops of all sleeve lengths, and even skirts and dresses. If you do plan to wear any of these items during physical activity (no judgement if you don’t), you can really hone in on what elements of the clothing are most important, like breathability and sweatwicking for intense aerobics, or softer, more stretchy material for low-impact workouts.
If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend a pair of black leggings (which can be dressed up or down), a lightweight jacket, a sporty pair of sneakers, a layering tank top or tee, and a comfortable sports bra. While it can be tempting to get all the bold colors and patterns, the key to building a capsule wardrobe is pieces that can easily be mixed and matched, so make sure to incorporate a
By Stacie Ball | Photo by Eva Toscos
You may have heard the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” but have you heard, “There is no planet B?” Allen County Department of Environmental Management (ACDEM) Director Stacie Hubbert takes that sentiment to heart each day as she creates ways to keep our globe healthy and safe. But life for Hubbert hasn’t always been environmentally focused..
“I initially went into the radio/television communication field but switched my studies to public administration and environmental studies,” she explained. After accepting a writer/producer position with WPTA-TV Channel 21, she left her home state of Michigan to work with morning anchor Victor Locke, bringing news to our community. “I finished my bachelor’s degree from Indiana University/ Purdue University Fort Wayne, interned for the Fort Wayne Solid Waste Department under the Helmke Administration, and have worked in the public sector managing solid and hazardous waste for 30 years.”
As Director of ACDEM, Hubbert oversees sustainable programs in Allen County to achieve waste reduction, recycling, and reuse objectives that align with ACDEM’s mission to reduce the community’s environmental footprint. She raises public awareness about environmental issues and provides best practices while engaging those at the local, state, and national levels. She addresses emerging waste streams like lithium batteries and develops standard operating procedures to ensure safe handling and disposal.
Managing solid waste comes with unique challenges. “After commanding an emergency response clean-up involving a large lithium battery fire in 2020, consisting of 2,000 scooter battery packs, I have made it a personal mission to bring awareness to the dangers of lithium devices that power our everyday lives like laptops, power tools, cellphones,” Hubbert described.
“I organized the Lithium Task Force in Allen County, joining city and county officials in strategizing on lithium battery developments and events,” she continued, “ACDEM was honored to be one of only seven counties nationwide to receive a U.S. Department of Energy grant of $1.7 million in reinforcing our leadership in battery safety and recycling.”
Hubbert is a member of the following committees and organizations:
• Environmental Chair on the Allen County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
• Advisor to the Board of the Association of Indiana Solid Waste Management Districts
• Member of the Indiana Hazardous Waste Task Force
• Member of the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association (NAHMMA) and co-leading the establishment of the Great Lakes Chapter
• Member of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) and the Indiana Hoosier Chapter of SWANA.
“(My proudest moment is) raising my three children through life’s various stages, celebrating their achievements, and witnessing their growth into the amazing adults they are today!” Hubbert beamed. She currently has three adult children and three fur babies. Her love of travel and water put a visit to Alaska on her 2026 bucket list.
With Earth Day coming up, Hubbert has some advice to make our planet healthier. “Everyone has the opportunity to leave our Earth a better place,” she urged, “Whether picking up litter, recycling what they can, or even reusing what you already have.” a
she glows
STACIE HUBBERT
TODD EIGENSCHINK
By Jennie Renner | Photo by Eva Toscos
Todd Eigenschink is originally from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, a small town about 30 miles west of Milwaukee, but attended Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana. After graduating in 1993 with a degree in computer science, he got a job in Fort Wayne and has been here ever since.
The first company Eigenschink worked for was called Command System. He stayed there for a couple years and then left with two co-workers to start an Internet service provider called Midwest Internet Exchange. That company morphed into Tek Interactive Group, which later became Xymmetrix, a company that Eigenschink owned by himself from 2009 until he sold it to The Ferguson Agency in 2016 and went to work for them.
Now at 52 years old, he is the Director of IT at Ferguson. Even though he has worked for many different companies during his career, he said all of them have been like the job he is doing now.
“At Ferguson and everything else I do, my role tends to be problem solving or putting out fires,” he said.
Away from the job, Eigenschink has been a triathlete in the past, but says he is too busy now to compete. He serves on several nonprofit boards and volunteers at his son’s school with the Junior ROTC robotics program. And he just completed his fourth year as a volunteer with the YMCA’s Trail Buddies program.
Trail Buddies, available to both children and adults, offers bicycle rides to those who are unable to pedal a bike independently. Using a specialized bike called a Duet Bike, riders are pedaled by a volunteer like Eigenschink, and another volunteer rides a separate bike assisting the pedaler and watching for traffic. In Fort Wayne, the Jorgensen and Parkview Ys and the Y in Columbia City are all equipped with bikes.
“I enjoy most of the things that I have a hand in, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing them.” said Eigenschink. “But Trail Buddies is one thing that I look forward to.”
With so many great opportunities in our community, Eigenschink said it can be hard to know about all that’s available— that’s why he wants to draw attention to Trail Buddies. He said it’s not uncommon for volunteers to say that they get as much or more out of their experience as the riders do.
“I’ve never come home from a Trail Buddies ride saying, ‘oh man, that really sucked. I’m sad we went,’” said Eigenschink. “Maybe one of the reasons is because when we go out for a ride, if it’s raining, we can’t do it. If it’s too hot, we can’t do it, if it’s too cold, we can’t do it.”
The fact that Trail Buddies only allows volunteers to take riders out when the weather conditions are favorable may certainly contribute to the enjoyable experience, but there seems to be more to it than that. When Eigenschink schedules a rider on a day that he works, he said he must leave work early and admits it can be stressful.
“And then I get there. Take a breath. Go pedal. Ride. Relax. Have fun. Joke. Laugh,” he said. “When I get done with the ride and get back in the car and get home... I’ve forgotten the work.” a
he glows
Celebrating Female Entrepreneurs
By Julie Young | Photos provided
Each April, glo takes pride in presenting several up-and-coming entrepreneurs who are making HERstory. Join us as we highlight three area businesses, as well as the women behind them, and be sure to support them whenever you need their products or services!
Kara Howard - Fawn River Coffee Co.
The Fawn River Coffee Co. is the café that Kara Howard has been dreaming about since she was a little girl. Having grown up around her own family’s restaurant, she became fascinated by the way food brings people together.
“Nothing fills my soul more than seeing people sitting comfortably with a warm, cozy drink, a nourishing meal, and engaging in deep conversation with one another,” she said.
After working as a nurse for 17 years, Howard left the healthcare field in 2021, determined to use her creative gifts in a way she hadn’t been able to before. As an avid home cook, she and her husband Anthony took a leap of faith in May 2024 to open a unique coffee shop/café experience in LaGrange that will hopefully remain a community staple for years to come.
“Opening our café has really been a way to use my creative energy to cultivate a space where anyone is welcome to come and enjoy community,” she said.
Howard said the best thing about being an entrepreneur is having the ability to interact with customers and getting to know so many new people each week. She said that many of those relationships have developed into deeper friendships and collaborations that are mutually beneficial to the local business economy, which is very important in a small town.
When it comes to encouraging other female entrepreneurs, Howard said it is important to find what you love to do and make sure there is a demand for that need.
“Don’t be afraid to play around with small concepts before you land on your final business plan,” she said. “Most of all, go for it!”
Fawn River Coffee Co. – 111W. Spring Street LaGrange, IN 46761 (833) 232-7456 | https://www.facebook.com/fawnrivercoffeeco
Kimora Lane and Marie Sims - KiMarie’s Kreations and Katering
Everyone knows that the secret to a great recipe is the perfect blend of ingredients. The same can be said for business partnerships. Founded in 2015 by Marie Sims and Kimora Lane, KiMaries Kreations and Katering offers American fare, customized catered meals, and a variety of curated confections that are a treat for the palate.
The duo spent a lot of time collaborating in their test kitchen and asking their family members to evaluate the cuisine. However, it was Sims’ recipe for caramel corn that caused the business to “pop.” While sharing the snack over an episode of Empire, Lane said it was like nothing she’d ever tasted. From then on, the partners decided to make the ordinary extraordinary whether that was in their catered menu or their beautifully styled sweet treats.
“The best part about being an entrepreneur is (having) the opportunity to expand and be creatively you,” said Lane. “There’s literally no holds barred, no ceiling to being creative and then watching others enjoy what you do.”
Central to KiMarie’s success is the partnership at the heart of it all. Although there are always creative differences along the journey, it is important for all entrepreneurs to find the right person to stand by your side.
“People always love hearing a truth when it serves to compliment, but being able to handle the truth from someone when it hurts is major,” said Lane. “I must say that in the case of KiMarie’s we are so blessed to have this business relationship because there is complete trust, truth, and major respect for each other.””
KiMarie’s Kreations and Katering
(260) 750-8040 | KimariesKK@gmail.com
Melissa Hall –Blackbird Design Resources
Located at the Electric Works campus, Blackbird Design Resources provides interior design for commercial entities, such as educational institutions, healthcare, workplace, and non-profit organizations. Her typical projects range from new buildings and remodels to competitive furniture specification packages, facility finish standards packages, space planning, art consulting and wayfinding.
“Interior design is not just picking pretty colors and furniture,” Hall said. “Blackbird Design Resources examines projects, processes, and possibilities from all angles to optimize the qualities their clients seek in order to achieve a successful project.”
As a founding partner and lead interior designer at Bona Vita Architecture from 2014-2022, Hall learned the entrepreneurial skills she would need to launch Blackbird Design Resources as a solo venture in April 2022. Within a few months, the business was thriving, and Hall was able to hire Joleen Gottwald WELL AP, RID, NCIDQ.
“We had met 20 years ago while collaborating on a project for Adams Memorial Hospital (and) I was ecstatic when she expressed interest in joining me at Blackbird,” Hall said.
Hall said that in addition to being her own boss, one of the great things about owning her own business is the joy and satisfaction of being part of something that enhances the lives of others, and she hopes to be involved in some of the most notable projects in the region in time.
“Honestly, it is pretty cool to be able to say, ‘See that (cool chair, lighting fixture, etc.)?’ I did that.”
For women looking to become entrepreneurs, Hall said it’s important to become an expert in the field that you are entering, read (or listen) to any books that other entrepreneurs recommend, and be willing to learn the skills you need in order to succeed.
“Don’t learn only how to build a successful business, but also commit to becoming the best leader (you can be),” she said. “Eventually you will have employees that rely on you … be good to them.”
Blackbird Design Resources
1690 Broadway, Bldg 19 Suite 10 Fort Wayne, IN 46802 (260) 704-3243 | www.blackbirddesignresources.com Melissa@blackbirddesignresources.com a
Welcome to “Eco Notes,” your monthly guide to simple, impactful ways to embrace a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Each month, we’ll share practical tips to help you reduce waste, save energy and make thoughtful choices that benefit our community and environment.
Eco Notes is brought to you by the Allen County Department of Environmental Management whose mission is to assist the community of Allen County, Indiana, in reducing its environmental imprint, and inspire best practices for reusing, recycling, and composting.
acwastewatcher.org
Topic: Recycle Right Earth Day
e c o n o t e s
This month, we celebrate Earth Day a wonderful time to explore ways to reduce our environmental impact! One of the easiest places to start is by making simple swaps to cut down on waste.
The best way to tackle waste is to reduce, reuse, recycle and compost – in that order! When you choose to reduce waste, you’re joining the “Zero-Waste” movement. Don’t worry zero waste isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Even small changes, whether daily, weekly, or monthly, can make a huge difference.
As Zero-Waste Chef Anne-Marie Bonneau wisely says, “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”
Try these simple swaps to reduce waste:
• Cloth rags instead of paper towels (Old towels, cloth diapers, cut-up t-shirts and microfiber cloths work great!)
• Laundry detergent sheets instead of plastic jugs
• Beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap
• A reusable water bottle instead of disposable plastic bottles
• A bamboo toothbrush instead of plastic
• Glass jars instead of plastic Tupperware (Old pasta sauce and jam jars work wonders for leftovers, storage and even gifting!)
• DIY cleaning sprays instead of store-bought bottles
• Cloth napkins instead of paper napkins
Small changes can have a lasting impact and inspire people around you. Happy Earth Day! a
Fresh Trends for Spring and Summer Weddings Seasons of Love:
By Gabby Hunnicutt
As the days grow warmer and nature bursts into bloom, wedding fashion follows suit with fresh, vibrant trends. This season’s spring and summer wedding trends embrace the beauty of renewal, bringing an array of styles that are as radiant and refreshing as the season itself.
Starting with colors, you can expect to see bold shades of pink, yellow, and orange, evoking the vision of a summer sunrise. These colors will be reflected in all aspects, from the bridal party’s attire to the flowers and decorations. Fruit trees and fresh produce are set to take center stage in wedding décor this year, adding a natural, relaxed elegance to traditionally formal
The more casual, authentic style is expected to be favored when it comes to brides as well, with minimal makeup and simple hairstyles, allowing the bride’s natural beauty to shine. Dresses, however, are another story. Many brides are opting for nontraditional wedding gowns this year. One of the most fun fads must be the mini dress, or “little white dress” as some people prefer to call it. Not only is it great to stay cool as the weather heats up, but a mini dress can make for an unexpected outfit change if the wedding ceremony and
reception are in different locations. While florals and weddings go hand in hand, an increasing number of brides are opting to incorporate floral elements into their dresses through embroidery.
When it comes to overall themes for weddings, expect to see a lot of vintage this year, as well as minimalism’s opposite, maximalism. Maximalism will present as lots of different layers and textures, specifically when it comes to decoration. Don’t be surprised if you see contrasting patterns with bright-colored napkins and menus made of
unusual materials, or objects as wedding invitations. On the other side is vintage, with draped fabrics, ribbon, and invitations with elegant calligraphy and crisp design. Vintage theming also lends itself to the increase in film photography for weddings, with photos being dreamy and soft around the edges, perfectly portraying the timeless and classic style.
As far as documenting the big day, a few different trends are on the rise, with the most prominent being live painting, which allows couples to capture a significant memory while providing entertainment to the wedding guests. We spoke with Haley Bridges, a local artist who works with couples to bring their special day to life. The process for live painting begins by deciding on a size for the canvas and the moment they want to capture. At the wedding, Haley photographs the space and sets up the composition. She later takes a photo of the couple and adds them in. She typically paints for about eight hours live at the event and completes her work after the event to perfect the colors and textures with most of her paintings averaging around 55 hours of work.
Whether it’s a pop of hot pink in the linens, in-season produce in the tablescape, or a mid-wedding change to a mini dress, these trends highlight the beauty of the changing seasons, and the creativity of
modern couples. Spring and summer weddings are sure to be a blast this year with memorable new traditions and meaningful personal touches.
*To learn more about live painting, check out Haley Bridges Art on Facebook! a
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Our Namesake
Our magazine’s name sake, Gloria Baumgartner, passed away in 2008 after a long fight against ovarian cancer. She was the business manager and treasurer at The Papers, Inc. (parent company of glo), where husband Ron is the president and publisher.
For Gloria to be taken from the world far too soon is representative of the deadly nature of ovarian cancer. Each September, glo includes a feature about Ovarian Cancer in hopes that other women will be saved in time from similar fates.
Loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend, Gloria is still grieved by her 2 daughters.
“Our mom had a servant’s heart,” said Criss Corson, “And always put others ahead of herself. “ Her selflessness didn’t end with her daughters; she devoted time to other family members, friends, the community and her job.
“As kids, we would be at the shop waiting for Mom to take us somewhere and an employee would stop by to drop off paperwork,”
Corson said. “What should have been a quick chat would turn into a 15 to 20-minute conversation about how that person was doing, how his/her family was doing, and so on. In my opinion, Mom was the business’ therapist. She always gave of her time and made others feel appreciated, valued, and welcome.
“This didn’t change when she was diagnosed. Even though that should have been a time for her to be selfish, nothing changed. She continued to work as much as her body would allow, lying down on the floor in her closet when she needed to rest, but all the while, continuing with her life with positivity and hope, giving of herself so as to not let anyone down.
“Her grandchildren were not given the opportunity to truly know the wonderfully loving, doting grandmother she was, so I try daily to instill in them all of her best qualities: kindness, compassion, empathy, positivity, perseverance, and selflessness,” Corson said.
Jennifer Baumgartner agreed with her sister.
“Mom had been seeing specialists for months for GI discomfort, bloating and all the cardinal signs of ovarian cancer, but no one picked it up until it was well advanced,” said Baumgartner. “And through the years of chemo, with all pre-/post-medication, surgeries, blood transfusions, side effects, infections, she moved forward with every
life-sustaining but life-sucking event with bravery, strength and faith. Her priority was others, and for a few years she cared for her mother in her home while managing her ovarian cancer regimen. Her sister-in-law who was battling end-stage breast cancer, spent her final days in our Mom and Dad’s home; Mom cared for our aunt despite her own health struggles, which she laid aside to make sure everyone else was okay.
“I miss her today as much as the day she left.” We all miss you, Gloria. We hope we’ve done you proud with glo. a
15 Years of glo By the Numbers
15 years = 180 issues, so we’ve covered a lot. Here’s a glimpse of glo by the numbers.
Featured
we’ve featured 2,700 inspiring stories, 180 She glo(w)s, 120 He glo(w)s, 94 glo Girls In 180 issues,
Partnered with 955 advertisers to help them grow their businesses.
Hosted
6,500 women at 7 glo Bashes and donated $11,853 from event raffle proceeds to the National Ovararian Cancer Coalition, in memory of Gloria Baumgartner, our publication’s namesake.
Supported
24 nonprofit organizations by promoting their events within the pages of our magazine.
We look forward to doing this and more in the coming years!
Powell’s Trip to Italy
By BethAnne Brink Cox
What would you think it takes to plan a dream trip, especially one out of the country? The Powell family knows very well and shared with us all that was involved in a recent trip to Italy.
“It actually didn’t take us too long to plan,” Jami Powell said. “We kept things pretty simple to make things easy for the kids. I found a good Facebook group that had wonderful information on traveling in Italy with kids, and that is how I found our tour guide for Rome! My husband did a good job booking us delicious restaurants, and I worked on booking the tours. It was a joint effort!”
Jami said there were definitely things they specifically wanted to see, and she encourages all travlers to create a “must see” list before planning a big trip.
“We are all pretty laid back,” she said. “So it was easy for us to agree on everything. We all wanted to see the Vatican in Rome and the Colosseum. And then we just did some research to find another good city to visit that was easy to get to with the kids. My brother is a big fan of the Naples soccer team, so that helped us choose Naples (and Pompeii). My son also loves cars and trains, so the high-speed rail that took us to Naples was a major win for him!”
Jami and her husband, Joe, have two kids; Bennett is 11 and Eloise is 9. They also
traveled with Jami’s mom and brother. They were in Italy a total of eight days: four in Rome and four in Naples (including Pompeii). They booked an Airbnb in both Rome and Naples.
“The lodging was perfect because all six of us were able to stay together,” Jamie said. “Traveling with the kids was wonderful! We had planned on some things being difficult, but it was so much better than we imagined. We travel with them quite often and so they are used to being out and about and exploring different cities. We also did lots of bribery with gelato and any other sweet treats we happened to walk by!” (Definitely a good move.)
Bennett would tell you that his favorite part of the trip was the food. He even tried octopus and squid for the first time! Eloise wasn’t as adventurous with the food, but she loved the gelato.
“We did a kid friendly tour through Mariaclaudia Tours and our tour guide was amazing!” Jmi said. “She played games with the kids as we toured the Vatican and the Colosseum, and it kept the kids engaged the
entire time. That was probably their favorite part of the trip besides the food. They learned so much!”
Jami said it was a dream to take this trip with not just her husband and kids, but with her mom and brother, as well.
“My dad’s grandparents were from Italy and he would have loved that we made this trip,” she said. “He passed away nine years ago, so it was bittersweet that we made this trip without him. And we absolutely love traveling with the kids! Time goes by so quickly; we are trying to travel as much as possible to make these memories with them.”
Jami said the way they planned their trip allowed them to enjoy the specific sites, as well as relax and take their time in each city.
“The only difficult part of the trip was the weather in Pompeii,” she recalled. “It rained during most of our tour of Pompeii and we weren’t able to hike up Mount Vesuvius because of it. It was disappointing, but we couldn’t help laughing at how ridiculous we had to look dripping wet as we dodged puddle after puddle walking through the once buried city.” a
The Powells at the Forum
The Coliseum
Eloise and Bennett at the Coliseum
Everyone together in Rome
Tribunali in Naples
Make the Most out of Savings
By Julie Young
If you are ready to take the next step into savings, then a money market account may be the perfect place to start! A money market account is a bank account that combines some of the features of a checking and traditional savings account, while offering additional advantages, such as a higher interest rate, the ability to write checks and pay bills online, and waived fees (provided that you maintain a minimum balance.)
According to Ashley Warren, market manager at STAR Financial, a money market account is a great option for someone who wants to save for his or her short-term goals, build an emergency fund, or supplement their retirement savings. They provide a great way to grow your money through higher interest rates while giving you easy access to your cash via debit cards and checks. They also offer more liquidity than a certificate of deposit and are more secure than a mutual fund.
“Like savings accounts, money market accounts are also FDICinsured up to $250,000 per depositor,” she said.
So, what’s the downside? Money market accounts typically impose limits on monthly withdrawals and may reserve the right to close or convert the account if excessive withdrawals become too frequent.
STAR Financial offers two different money market accounts to its customers. The basic Money Market account requires a minimum deposit of $2,500 and has a monthly fee of $8 that is waived if a $2,500 balance is maintained or if you maintain a daily average balance of $7,500. STAR’s Money Market Preferred account requires a minimum of $25,000 to open, as well as a monthly fee of $20, which is waived provided that the customer maintains a minimum
balance of $10,000 of an average collected balance of $30,000.
A money market account makes a lot of sense for someone who has established a large cash balance and wants to earn interest while having the convenience and access they already enjoy with a traditional checking or savings account. However, it is important to fully understand the initial investment, the balance requirements, fees, and withdrawal limits.
“Because each bank has different guidelines regarding their money market accounts, it’s best to sit down with your trusted advisor to decide which option is right for you.” Warren said. a
Find the best fit
STAR Financial offers an account finder tool on their website www.starfinancial.com to help customers learn about the products that might be best suited for their needs. Use the tool to get some recommendations based on your needs, then call for an appointment with a trusted banker who can walk you through your options and help you choose the best accounts for your financial goals.
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260.589.3675 H 415 S. 13th St. (Hwy 27 ) Decatur, IN
Our selection, prices and service are worth the drive! Mon.-Fri. 10am-5:30pm, Sat. 9am-1pm
How to Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly
By Holli Hattery
With Earth Day just around the corner, there’s no better time to rethink our daily habits and make our homes more eco-friendly. Climate change and environmental concerns are growing, and small changes at home can have a big impact. Fortunately, there are plenty of DIY solutions and products on the market that can help reduce your carbon footprint while saving money in the long run. From energy efficiency to sustainable materials, here are some of the best ways to green your home.
1. Energy-Efficient Lighting and Appliances
One of the simplest ways to make your home more eco-friendly is by switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs. These bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last significantly longer. Additionally, consider upgrading to Energy Star-rated appliances, which use less electricity and water, helping to lower both your utility bills and environmental impact.
2. Smart Thermostats for Energy Conservation
Installing a smart thermostat can help reduce energy consumption by automatically adjusting the temperature based on your habits. These devices learn your schedule and optimize heating and cooling, reducing unnecessary energy use while maintaining comfort. Many models can also be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, allowing you to manage your home’s energy consumption from anywhere. Check with your utility company to see if you can get a discount or rebate on a smart thermostat as several offer them.
3. Improve Home Insulation
A well-insulated home reduces the need for excessive heating and cooling, which in turn lowers energy consumption. Simple DIY projects like weather-stripping doors and windows, adding draft stoppers, and using thermal curtains can make a big difference.
4. Water-Saving Fixtures
Reducing water waste is another key component of an eco-friendly home. Installing low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets can significantly cut down on water usage without compromising performance. Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems can collect and store rainwater for use in irrigation, reducing reliance on municipal water sources.
6. Switch to Eco-Friendly
Cleaning Products
Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both the environment and your health. Instead, choose biodegradable, plant-based cleaners or make your own using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. Not only are these solutions effective, but they’re also budget-friendly.
7. Reduce Waste with Recycling and Composting
An easy way to make your home more eco-friendly is by reducing waste. Set up a recycling system in your home and ensure that items like paper, glass, and plastics are disposed of properly. Composting kitchen scraps and yard waste can also reduce landfill contributions while creating nutrient-rich soil for your garden. You can find dozens of directions for DIY compost bins on the internet.
9. Grow a Green Garden
Planting trees and native plants around your home can provide shade, reduce cooling costs, and support local wildlife. If space allows, consider starting a vegetable garden to grow your own produce, further reducing your carbon footprint.
10. Adopt a Minimalist Mindset
Finally, consuming less and being mindful of what you bring into your home is one of the best ways to live more sustainably. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if it’s necessary, durable, and eco-friendly. Reducing clutter and embracing a minimalist lifestyle can lead to both a greener home and a more peaceful living space. Making your home more eco-friendly doesn’t require drastic changes overnight. Small, consistent efforts add up over time, leading to a more sustainable lifestyle. By incorporating these DIY solutions and eco-friendly products, you can create a home that is not only beautiful and comfortable but also kind to the environment. a
Would you like to submit an event to be considered for glo’s To-Do List? Our deadline is the 6th of the month prior to publication. E-mail us your event 40 words or less to: ambouthot@the-papers.com. Please type ‘To-Do List’ in the subject line. Or you may mail info to glo, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542.
By Amber Bouthot
4 | Friday
First Fridays! On Broadway
Broadway Corridor, Downtown Fort Wayne
to-do list...
5, 12, 19 & 26 | Saturdays
YLNI Farmers Market
The Olde East End Building 1501 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne
The YLNI Farmers Market provides a fun indoor shopping experience and connects the community with local vendors. Customers can find select produce, baked goods, crafts, jewelry, honey, and so much more!
Time: 9 AM – 1 PM
www.ylni.org/ylni-farmers-market
5, 12, 19 & 26 | Saturdays
Fort Wayne’s Farmers Market
Union Street Market, 1620 Broadway., Fort Wayne
12 | Saturday Spring Craft & Creation Show
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum
Explore a variety of unique, handcrafted items from local artisans—just in time to celebrate spring! Admission to the Museum is FREE ALL DAY, so take the opportunity to browse the stunning collection of automobiles while you’re there. Food trucks will be on site. Interested in being a vendor? We still have openings! Please contact Danielle at dbaldwin@automobilemuseum.org or (260) 9251444 ext. 18.
Opening Reception for “Into the Cosmos: Art Beyond Earth
The Garden, 3308 N. Anthony Blvd., Fort Wayne
Join the Broadway Arts District FW as it celebrates FIRST FRIDAYS along the Broadway corridor and beyond! Participating businesses along Broadway will feature special First Fridays happenings within their venue. Follow the Broadway Arts District FW page to see what you can expect and who is participating!
https://www.facebook.com/ BroadwayArtsDistrictFW
4, 5, 10, 11 & 12 |
Friday & Saturday, Thursday-Saturday
The Mystery of Tom Sawyer
Parkview Physicians Group ArtsLab, 300 E. Main Street, Fort Wayne
The Ft. Wayne’s Farmers Market hosts a constantly changing variety of products, including meat, produce, farm products, baked goods, jewelry, artisan crafts, food trucks, and much more!
Time: 9 AM – 1 PM
ftwaynesfarmersmarket.com/
6 | Sunday Holocaust Research for Genealogists
Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne
The Northeast Indiana Jewish Genealogy Society is excited to welcome Bruce Colegrove for an afternoon of learning regarding: The Arolsen Archives and Other Sources for Holocaust Research and Case Study of Holocaust. If you are unable to join us in-person, register to attend virtually. https://neindianajgs.org/upcoming-events/
This celestial art exhibition invites you to journey beyond the confines of Earth and into the infinite wonders of the universe. Featuring works inspired by the mysteries of outer space, the beauty of celestial bodies, and humanity’s enduring fascination with the unknown, this show is a tribute to exploration, imagination, and awe. This is more than an art show—it’s an invitation to look up, dream big, and imagine what lies beyond.
Dig out your tie dye because the Michiana Wine Festival is back for its NINTH annual edition! Join for a weekend filled with wine, fun, and festivities.
https://www.facebook.com/ events/532692189532738/
The youth of Fire & Light Productions will perform the The Mystery of Tom Sawyer, written by the late Harvey Cocks. This classic show features music, dancing and lots of laughter. Tickets are $10 for kids and $14 for adults. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Tickets are available at https://tickets.artstix.org/ or by calling the ArtsTix Box Office at 260-422-4226.
5-6 | Saturday & Sunday Shipshewana on the Road
The Allen County War Memorial Coliseum Gift, Food and Craft Show is a weekend of fun where you’ll find anything and everything under the sun! For the past two decades Shipshewana On The Road Gift, Food and Craft Show has brought the most interesting, most innovative, most creative and just plain awesome products to customers.
Price: 1-Day Ticket $5.00; 2-Day Ticket $8.00; Kids 12 and Under FREE https://shipshewanaontheroad.com/fort-waynein-spring-2025/
6 | Sunday
Decatur Coin Show & Marketplace
Decatur Riverside Center, 231 East Monroe St. Nearly 100 indoor vendors, hot food available. Contact Carla at 260.517.8182
1424 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne Embroidery and the Education of Women. $20 includes materials and refreshments.
Time: 9-11:30 AM.
Reservations by April 3. 260-432-7314 www.settlersinc.org
12 | Saturday Bohemian Bloom Market
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Mark your calendar for a curated bohemian themed market! Entry is free and event features 50+ boho style vendors! This is a stroller/family friendly event. bit.ly/oakroomevents
26 | Saturday BBB Shred Day
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Protect yourself from Identity Theft! Don’t let your personal info fall into the wrong hands! This is your chance to securely dispose of unwanted documents like old tax forms, junk mail, signed documents you no longer need, bank statements, credit card offers, and more! A $10 donation is requested to support BBB’s Charitable & Educational Foundation.
https://www.bbb.org/us/in/fort-wayne
30 – May 5 | Daily
Vera Bradley Annual Sale
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
The Annual Outlet Sale runs five amazing days where you will find up to 70% off the retail prices of Vera Bradley handbags, purses, totes, luggage, stationery and accessories – in a shopping experience filling over 100,000 square feet of space! Vera Bradley requires tickets for the first three days of the sale. Tickets available through Ticketmaster and in-person at the Memorial Coliseum Box Office.
The 35th Annual Spring Town & Country New Home Tour is a free, scattered-site home show scheduled for the weekends of April 26-27 and May 3-4, from 12pm to 5pm each day.
According to the U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 Places to Live in the country, Fort Wayne is ranked at #20, and 10th in the nation for overall quality of life, due to its reasonable cost of living, family-friendly amenities and job opportunities. So, there’s no better time to find your dream home in Fort Wayne! With a variety of locations, price points and floor plans, this year’s Town & Country New Home Tour offers 40 outstanding properties located throughout the greater Fort Wayne area, including Huntertown, Leo and New Haven.
The 35th Annual Spring Town & Country New Home Tour is presented by the Home Builders Association of Fort Wayne and sponsored by Carter Lumber, Rabb Water Systems, Wayne Pipe & Supply, and J.D. Kuhn Heating & Air Conditioning.
Begin the search for your dream home by visiting homes on this year’s tour! You can find the official 2025 Town & Country Guidebook in retail news racks, sponsor businesses, as well as local Partners 1st and 3 Rivers Federal Credit Union branches. Visit the HBA website at www.hbafort-
wayne.com for additional information and distribution locations.
About HBA of Fort Wayne
The Home Builders Association of Fort Wayne, Inc. is a federally approved not-for-profit trade organization. The organization was chartered in 1944, incorporated in 1956, and is associated with the National Association of Home Builders and the Indiana Builders Association. Its jurisdiction includes Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Wells, and Whitley counties in Indiana.
The HBA of Fort Wayne, Inc. promotes a positive atmosphere for the building industry, by providing educational opportunities commensurate with member needs, communicating the latest trade and technical information, interacting with all government entities, providing promotional opportunities for its members and their products thereby promoting the building industry and by providing social and fraternal activities for its members.
To learn more about the HBA of Fort Wayne visit www.hbafortwayne.com a
4/3/25 City of New Haven – 815 Lincoln Hwy E., New Haven
4/8/25 Tangles – 6724 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne
4/11/25 PPC-Electric Works – 1222 Wall St., Fort Wayne
4/15/25 Kroger – 821 Lincoln Hwy W, New Haven
4/16/25 Kroger – 218 E. Pettit Ave., Fort Wayne
4/17/25 Kroger – 6002 St. Joe Center Road, Fort Wayne
4/18/25 Bowen Health – 255 North Miami St., Wabash
4/22/25 Parkview Center for Healthy Living – 1234 E. Dupont Rd., Fort Wayne
4/23/25 Community Learning Center – 401 E. Diamond St., Kendallville
4/26/25 St. Joe Town Hall – 204 Washington St., St. Joe
4/28/25 Huntington North High School – 450 Macgahan, Huntington
Plans are underway for the 3rd Annual Butterfly Gala on April 22 at the Grand Wayne Center! This is Redemption House’s biggest annual fundraiser, but it’s so much more!
“Each year we highlight women who have completed our program and are ‘soaring’ in life!” said Redemption House CEO Tomi Cardin. “We call them our butterflies because recovering from addiction is so much like coming out of a chrysalis and becoming something beautiful. Recovery is definitely hard work, and we get to celebrate the women who have made it and are living well, on the other side of addiction!”
At the Gala, guests will hear multiple stories of recovery from Redemption House graduates. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a “deeper dive” into the ministry of Redemption House and learn what a recovery journey looks like.
Redemption House is a network of transitional living homes in Fort
Wayne for women involved with Problem Solving Courts through the Criminal Justice System. Most residents are in recovery, and during their time at Redemption House, they dig into their faith, maintain jobs, develop accountability, and learn new ways of thinking and behaving that will prepare them for a brighter, sober future.
In addition to its two highly structured transitional living residences, Redemption House has five graduate homes where program graduates can continue living in a shared home with other graduates. They hold down work, balance finances, restore fractured relationships, maintain their recovery, and plan for their future.
“The Butterfly Gala is always a really special time, because we get to have quality time with our best friends and supporters,” Cardin added. “We celebrate and laugh, and we also talk about the challenges we’re facing with our ministry. Tickets are going quickly. We hope you can join us!”
Learn more about Redemption House and purchase tickets to the Butterfly Gala at www.redemptionhousefw.org. a
