Glo - April 2023

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.

Introducing ...

HYDRATING FACIAL COMBINED WITH A SKIN TIGHTENING LASER

Ready...Set... GLOW

The Process:

Cleanse

Hydrate

Extract

Dermaplane

Refirme Laser

Cooling Masque

“A tulip doesn’t strive to impress anyone. It doesn’t struggle to be different than a rose. It doesn’t have to. It is different. And there’s room in the garden for every flower”. — Marianne Williamson

“Let’s Support Entrepreneurs”

From the executive editor glo

Happy spring glo readers!

I don’t know if I have ever been more excited to welcome spring! And while I am not a big fan of April showers, I am a HUGE fan of what comes next our area comes alive in vibrant greens and colorful hues as trees bloom and flowers poke through the thawing ground. We are reminded once again that winter always ends and warmer days are ahead.

I think what I like best of all about spring is that the neighborhoods come alive. Kids are out in the streets playing again. Families take walks and bike rides together. Dogs do laps in their yards. The air is filled with the sounds of life. The first few weeks of spring weather are a salve for my soul we open the windows and fresh air fills the house. What is your favorite thing about the season? Email me at ambouthot@the-papers.com. I love hearing from our readers.

April has become our local entrepreneur issue, and I am excited to bring information regarding our vibrant community to you. Our region has made great strides to become a place where small businesses can thrive and there’s a growing network of support for women who want to start their own businesses, too. Be sure to check out all of the information in this issue about resources and those making waves in our community.

athe Cover

Title of piece: Water Fairy

What inspired this piece?

My oldest daughter has always been drawn to the water. She loves imaginative play and would often spend hours pretending to be a mermaid anytime she was in the bathtub, a swimming pool, or at her grandparents’ lake house. At the time I created this photo, I wanted to freeze my memory of her childhood and encompass all things she was loving at that time as a seven-year-old: swimming, fairies, princesses, and mermaids.

What is your preferred medium?

Digital Photography

Want to put your art on our front cover? Give it a glo!

To submit your entry, send art as an e-mail attachment to ambouthot@the-papers.com or send a production-ready image on a CD via mail to: glo Magazine, Attention: Amber Bouthot, PO Box 188, Milford, IN 46542.

The Nitty Gritty: glo front covers are open to female artists. Submissions from all original 2D media (digital art photographs are OK) are welcome.

cover artist: Heather Bienz

Hometown: Gas City, IN

Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN

Where do you draw inspiration for your artwork in general?

All my inspiration comes from my children. Their favorite colors, seasons, activities, holidays, songs, books, and/or movies. Whatever they are excited about at the time is usually what inspires the art pieces we create together. My kids love getting involved in the process and using their imaginations to come up with concepts for the magical pieces we create.

When did you begin creating art?

I’ve always loved photography and scrapbooking even as a kid, but my husband bought me my first DSLR camera almost 9 years ago after we had our first baby. I’m a stay-at-home mom, so I originally just wanted to learn how to take and edit better photos of my children. But once I began learning Photoshop, it opened a whole new world for me. Throughout the years, my digital photos have evolved into composite artwork of my children in storybook or magical scenes created in Photoshop.

What advice do you have for other artists just starting out?

Create what makes you happy and do it as often as you can. The more you practice, the more your art will evolve and the more you will learn about yourself as an artist. Don’t let anyone’s opinion of your work stop you from creating what you love. Not everyone will understand your artwork and that’s okay.

Where can we find your work?

www.heatherbienzphotography.com and on Facebook and Instagram @heather_bienz_photography. a

Artwork must be photographed at a high-resolution (300+ dpi) for reproduction.

Cover art selections are made at the discretion of glo staff. For cover placement, the artist will receive credit and added exposure via introductory copy and published photograph in a question and answer section.

Cover art is cropped approximately to 10” wide x 13” high. Submitted cover art should be sized as 10.5” wide x 13.25” tall and, when possible, please allow 4.5” at top of artwork for glo masthead placement. The art chosen will confer rights to the cover image only as it relates to the publication and glo. The artist shall retain all other rights.

PO Box 188 • 206 South Main St., Milford, IN 46542 800.733.4111 / Fax 800.886.3796

Editorial & Advertising Ext. 2491 • www.glo-mag.com

glo is a news magazine with emphasis on inspiring women of all ages. glo does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does glo or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication. glo assumes no liability for any claims regarding services or products or claims made by advertisers. No reproduction of glo is allowed without express written permission. Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $45 for 12 issues; $77 for 24 issues. Mail your request, along with your check to glo, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542. Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt. Copyright © 2023

publisher

Ron Baumgartner | rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

executive editor + publications manager

Amber Bouthot | ambouthot@the-papers.com

Eeditor-in-chief

Deb Patterson | dpatterson@the-papers.com

director of marketing

Steve Meadows | smeadows@the-papers.com

account executives

Melinda Musselman | mmusselman@the-papers.com

Rebecca Boone | rboone@the-papers.com

Lynn Blanchard | Lblanchard@the-papers.com

business manager

Annette Weaver | aweaver@the-papers.com

Connect with us on social media Facebook facebook.com/glofortwayne

director of circulation

Jerry Long | jlong@the-papers.com

graphic designer

Mary Lester

marketing assistants

Darlene Eichelberger, Taelynne Ousley

photographer

Leaha Meinika

contributing writers

Stacie Ball, Ray Balogh, Bethany Beebe, Mary Jane Bogle, Lauren Caggiano, Shelley Galbreath, Holli Hattery, Jennie Renner, Lindsey Sharp, Cathy Shouse, Wendy Stein, Julie Young

Twitter twitter.com/glofortwayne Instagram instagram.com/glofortwayne

The 2000s are calling…

they

want their Maxi Skirts

and Cargo Pants back

By Lauren Caggiano

It’s official: Y2K-era looks have dominated the runway and store racks this year. Two style elements encapsulate the zeitgeist of the early 2000s fashion scene. Enter the maxi skirt and cargo pants, two respective trends. What are these items and how do you wear them? We’re glad you asked, oh-fashionable-one. Here’s a guide to integrating them into your wardrobe and looking effortlessly put together.

First, a primer on maxi skirts. A hallmark of these skirts is their length. They can be A-line, knit, layered, and even sequined. It’s not just the multi-seasonal factor that makes these a popular choice. They’re also versatile so you get more bang for your buck. And when it comes to creating a full ensemble, you have many options to look “bien habillé,” as the French say. For instance, you might start with something simple like a fitted top. Think: a bodysuit of a simple tank and then layer on a boxy jacket or blazer to create a visual draw. As for shoes, you can dress the look up or down. Platform sneakers or even cowboy boots are options to add an element of casual or whimsy.

Speaking of casual, military-inspired cargo pants — love ‘em or hate ‘em — are proving to be one of the most versatile spring trends. This is a no-fuss staple you might add to your spring rotation and come across looking polished and chic with little effort. Cargo pants pack a punch because they’re stylish and add a lot

of texture to an outfit. And they don’t have to be baggy or mechanic-looking (unless that’s your vibe, of course.)

When it comes to commanding attention, silk, wool, and evening wear cargo pants are “it.” However, if you’re new to the trend you might want to start more modestly. Invest in neutral pair in the khaki color family to ensure you can wear them year-round. Plus, they’re not too flashy, so you’re not taking a huge fashion risk.

Whatever your preference, don’t forget the big picture. To round out the outfit, style experts recommend pairing them with a corset top, plain T-shirt, graphic tee, cardigan, crop top, or oversized sweatshirt. This way you can mix prints, patterns, and silhouettes.

When in doubt, look to TikTok influencers for inspiration. Gen Z knows how to dress to kill and they’ll show you how to resurrect the looks from your youth into a look that’s very “now.” a

Beyond Beauty

How Botox Is Making a Difference for Medical Conditions

By Mary Jane Bogle

Most of us are familiar with Botox, a revolutionary cosmetic treatment that reduces fine lines and facial wrinkles, often for months at a time. It’s been called one of the most successful cosmetic treatments on the market today, with millions of people receiving these injections every year.

What you may not realize is that Botox is also an effective treatment for medical issues, including migraines, excessive sweating, overactive bladder, and even TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders.

How It Works

The medicine in Botox is a purified toxin called botulinum. It is made from the same toxin that causes botulism, a form of food poisoning that relaxes muscles and can result in weakness and breathing troubles.

Botulinum disrupts the chemical signal that causes the muscles to contract, resulting in muscle relaxation. As a cosmetic treatment, Botox can only be administered by licensed professionals and must meet stringent medical control standards. These site-specific injections result in the temporary disappearance of facial lines and wrinkles and can last for months at a time.

Medical Uses

The good news for those suffering from migraines, bladder control, and TMJ, is that Botox also disrupts the pain pathways between the brain and nerves that extend from the spinal cord, providing much-needed relief from these conditions.

Migraines

Take those who suffer from migraines, for example. During a migraine headache, the body releases neurotransmitters, along with molecules that are associated with pain. The Botox injection interferes with the transmission of these substances, giving patients temporary relief from the debilitating pain they experience.

Licensed medical professionals inject the botulinum toxin into multiple areas around the head and neck. This form of treatment has been approved for people who are 18 and older and who experience multiple migraines each month.

Unlike its cosmetic application, however, Botox may take several weeks to take effect, and more than one session might be required to reduce the migraine frequency in certain patients.

TMJ

Botox has also been shown to help treat symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, including a reduction in jaw tension, headaches from teeth grinding, and even lockjaw. In fact, up to 90 percent of patients who participated in preliminary studies saw improvement when other, more conservative treatments, weren’t working.

Side Effects

Like any other medical treatment, Botox isn’t without its side effects, which can include headaches, flu-like symptoms, temporary eyelid drooping, redness and swelling at the injection site, along with temporary discomfort. Patients who are pregnant or are breastfeeding should avoid these injections, along with those who have certain allergies.

As always, it’s best to discuss any form of treatment with a medical profession before proceeding. a

she glows

By Lauren Caggiano | Photo provided

Clydia Early is a Renaissance Woman in many ways. She’s dabbled in many entrepreneurial efforts over the years. Perhaps most importantly, she’s earned the respect of many for her ability to succeed while valuing relationships.

It’s no surprise that her life has gone in this direction when you consider her upbringing. Her late mother came from modest means but found a way to earn a livelihood at a time when many women didn’t work outside the home, much less pursue a business venture.

“My mother attended school until only the fourth grade,” she said. “She still would find a way (to get) through whatever trials or tribulations (she encountered).”

Owning property and later homes in the Fort Wayne community paved a firm foundation for future entrepreneurial success for her mother. She later started a childcare business, Rainbow Horizons, and a laundromat. In hindsight, these ventures helped Clydia and her sister Sherry gain practical insights about business.

Over the years the two sisters have collaborated on several projects. Recently, they’ve invested in real estate as small-scale developers. Clydia sees this endeavor as more than a source of income. It’s a chance to make a difference, too. In her words, “every time we flip houses, hopefully, we leave the neighborhood a better place.”

Another mutual creative outlet, Green Hair Revolution, goes back a few years. What began more than a decade ago as a meetup for women of color to connect has evolved into a business that encompasses all aspects of what it means to be healthy in mind, body, spirit, and finances as a Person of Color.

Speaking of racial minorities, Clydia said that her current focus, BIPOCA Incubator and Gallery, is a labor of love. Housed in the Wunderkammer Company Art Space at 3402 Fairfield Ave., BIPOCA focuses on black, indigenous, and people of color whose artistic creative work has been historically excluded, unseen and/or exploited. She plans to have regular programming there to engage the community at large and introduce them to their mission.

Clydia acknowledges that while it’s hard work to manage the demands of multiple businesses, she’s often reminded of why she does this work.

“I get to talk to people who are beautiful artists that don’t believe in themselves,” she said. “And (it’s a reminder) that I’ve got to do this. I’m trying to help them be seen, be out there and let people know who they are.” a

Want to nominate someone for She Glows? Email Amber at ambouthot@the-papers.com.

he glows

By Lindsey Sharp | Photo by Leaha Meinika

Riley Johnson: lover of Fort Wayne, relationship-builder, and Director of Fort Wayne Community Schools’ Amp Lab at Electric Works.

Johnson grew up just north of Fort Wayne, attending Leo Jr./Sr. High School. “Growing up in Allen County, as a teenager, you have the classic ‘Fort Wayne is Fort Wayne’ mentality, but I don’t think I ever had a dislike of what I thought Fort Wayne was,” he said. “So, when I graduated from Ball State, I knew I wanted to do my student teaching here. And I think that once I did that, it established some roots, and then even as I looked at potential other opportunities, it always just felt right and made sense to call Fort Wayne home.”

And Johnson’s gone above and beyond to call Fort Wayne just that, serving our community especially our youth well along the way.

Johnson, his wife Sara, and sons Cael and Kai love to travel and are huge lovers of their ‘05 neighborhood. Johnson serves as a board member for Believe in a Dream and serves with Greater Fort Wayne Campus Ministry at Purdue Fort Wayne.

The most recent way he’s pouring into our community? Through his role as Director of the Fort Wayne Community Schools’ Amp Lab at Electric Works. The Amp Lab is a unique learning environment built for 400 11th and 12th graders of diverse backgrounds to gain realworld experience in an innovative and agile setting. While there are programs comparable to this in other places in the country, Amp Lab’s setup is intentionally tailored to our community, its students, and the needs of the present day there’s not one of its kind in Indiana or in a local context. Here, you’ll find open-concept rooms jam-packed with resources, tools, and students actively collaborating on how to solve real-world problems for real-world, local partners. From circuit boards to a woodshop to recording studios to a full-fledged greenhouse, Amp Lab offers opportunities and resources to develop countless skill sets.

“Amp Lab fills the gap for the curious,” Johnson said. “What we’ve tried to really say is outcome-wise we’re focusing on skills, relationships, and experiences. So if every kid who comes here gets those things, they’re getting the skills and tools to contribute.”

Johnson has spent his career in the education field, spending much of his time in innovative public school environments, working at various institutions, including New Tech Academy at Wayne High School, another New Tech Academy in California, and Anthis Career Center.

“Really, the second we decided to move back to Fort Wayne, this was it for me I very much made some career sacrifices to try to position myself to have an opportunity in this fun little guinea pig [and worked to be the best candidate for this job],” Johnson said.

“I’m so blessed to be a part of this,” he said. “What students are doing here has started to challenge our community on how we should engage the future of our city. I am beyond excited for the future.” a

Want to nominate someone for He Glows? Email Amber at ambouthot@the-papers.com.

glo GIRL

Age: 16

By Stacie Ball |

Photo by Leaha Meinika

December 2022’s Junior Achievement Young Entrepreneur of the Month

Madison Gerber has painted a picture of accomplishment. Unable to socialize and participate in many hobbies during the COVID-19 pandemic, she happened upon watercolors. She has embraced this new skill and is learning all she can about it. Her newfound passion inspired a noteworthy online business that has become a blessing not only to her but to all who experience her art, as well.

In 2019, Madison picked up her sister’s set of watercolors (with permission) and started experimenting. This newfound passion awakened her muse and lit a spark of creativity that had her painting every canvas she could get her hands on. She began watching YouTube videos to learn watercolor techniques and gain inspiration for her designs and creations. After amassing a collection of paintings, her mom gave her an idea.

“I had been water coloring for about six months, and my mom suggested that I start trying to sell a few things,” she remembered. “I decided to start my business during the quarantine of COVID-19.”

Madison named her online business based on her first two initials, M and L. “When you spell out the letters of those initials, you get Emme Elle,” she explained. She started selling greeting cards through her new venture, Emme Elle Designs, and they were a hit! Since people could not visit face to face, they embraced the ability to communicate through her beautifully painted greeting cards. Now she sells faceless portraits, florals with quotes or Bible verses, custom Bibles, invitations, calendars, and gift tags. She is always looking for more ideas for her art.

Life is not all brushes and watercolors for Madison. Besides school, she pursues many other activities like her youth group, choir, Sunshine Society, student council, and 4-H. Another passion of hers is track and cross-country, where she excelled this year.

“One of my proudest moments is when I led our cross-country team to semi-state this past year,” she stated proudly. “Our team hadn’t been to semi-state ever in school history, so it was an exciting thing for us to be able to go!”

Madison has worked hard to make her success happen, and she knows that one way to get everything accomplished is through planning and organization. “I manage my business, sports, and my social life by planning what needs to be done throughout the week,” she described. “I always try to get my homework and orders done first, then make time to relax and spend time with people.”

Madison’s creativity, determination, and perseverance helped her to make the best of a unique situation. In the future, she plans to continue growing Emme Elle Designs and connect with more people. She is open to customizing projects and making new designs for customers.

Check out and order her designs on Instagram @Emme.Elle.Design. There are even reels where she shares water coloring tips and behindthe-scenes glimpses of her work! a

Female Entrepreneurs

to Watch

By Jennie Renner

This is our entrepreneurial issue. Each year we introduce you to some local up-and-coming female entrepreneurs. Join us as we get to know five local women and the businesses they have created. And if you find yourself in need of the products and services they offer, we encourage you to support their entrepreneurial passions.

Ideation Coaching and Consulting

Founded by Shelby Schuh in 2019, Ideation Coaching and Consulting applies cutting-edge neuroscience research to leadership development and consulting solutions for businesses and nonprofits. They also offer workshops on contemporary topics like neuroleadership, growth mindset, empowering creativity, understanding implicit bias, and managing burnout.

Schuh said her firm “helps clients create brain-friendly workplaces and leadership practices that build trust and improve psychological safety for healthier, happier, and more productive organizations.”

For individuals seeking clarity about their lives who want to improve focus and take their careers to the next level, Ideation Coaching and Consulting offers professional coaching solutions designed to enhance self-awareness and generate positive change. Highly motivated professionals who want to see if an “Idea Coach” might be right for them, can schedule a free consultation by visiting ideacoach.org.

Ideation Coaching and Consulting

Shelby Schuh, MSLOD, ACC | ideacoach.org |

Inspirations By Rochelle

Like many of us at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rochelle Joseph-Ulanowicz found herself with extra time on her hands. She used this time to reflect on where she was in her life and realized that she wasn’t where she wanted to be.

Joseph-Ulanowicz said that she has always enjoyed helping people, but no matter where she was employed, or how much she loved what she did, she always felt like there was something missing.

“I would become stressed and overwhelmed,” she said. “I became severely overweight, unhappy, and depressed. I became someone I didn’t recognize anymore.”

She decided to do something about her unhappiness and began a journey of self-discovery and healing. During this time, she realized that what she had been craving all these years was freedom to live an authentic life and she decided the way to do that was to start her own business.

Inspirations By Rochelle opened on September 18, 2020. With her business, she aims to encourage healing and transformation through holistic health and wellness. She also offers business mentoring and makes custom gemstone and crystal jewelry. She helps individuals figure out where to start on their own healing and transformation journeys, whether that is through weight loss, learning to be more self-confident, or recovering from abuse.

“My customers are beautiful souls who are ready for a lifestyle change that will open them up to who they truly are,” she said.

Inspirations

By Rochelle

Petra Soutions Pop Pop Balloon

Following a 20-year career with nonprofit organizations, most recently as CEO at Amani Family Services, Irene Paxia launched Petra Solutions, LLC in 2022.

Paxia is intentional about the social impact of her work. Her interest in cross-cultural communications began in Italy where she studied international diplomacy. Once in the United States, she studied international relations and business at Indiana University in Bloomington.

Petra Solutions is a consulting company whose vision is “to connect people from diverse backgrounds and make the world a better place. One where access is possible, minorities are empowered, and communities show mutual appreciation.” Their mission is “to share inclusion and development tools to help customers connect across cultures and achieve greater common impacts.”

The name “Petra” comes from an indoor-outdoor plant. “Just like companies, Petra plants adapt to the environment as long as they receive understanding and care,” said Paxia. “They are beautiful, and no two plants are alike.”

Petra Solutions’ staff includes Paxia, her husband Andrew Applegate, and a team of five contractors. They consult with companies to improve cross-cultural, fundraising, and business strategies.

“We can all do better to include multicultural audiences,” said Paxia. “Companies need to know how.” Petra Solutions, LLC

Sprout Speech Therapy

Sprout Speech Therapy is a pediatric speech therapy clinic owned and operated by speech therapist, Mary Richardson. The company began in 2016 and specializes in motor speech sound disorders, such as childhood apraxia of speech, dysarthria, articulation delays, and phonological impairments.

Along with evaluations and one-on-one therapy sessions, Sprout Speech Therapy also offers Individualized Education Plan (IEP) consultations to help parents understand the special education process and learn how to best advocate for their child while in school.

Richardson holds a masters degree in speechlanguage pathology from Ball State University and is licensed to practice speech therapy in the state of Indiana. She maintains a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) as a nationally certified

“Starting a business has always been a thought of mine, but in reality, it also felt like a scary thing to do,” said Kalie Amber. “The pandemic sort of overshadowed that fear and made starting a business seem doable compared to everything else that was happening in the world.”

In 2021, Amber and her husband Brad Boling overcame their fears and started Pop Pop Balloon. Their business specializes in creating unique, eye-popping balloon decorations for all sorts of occasions, including weddings, birthday parties, and corporate events. They also offer do-ityourself kits for those who want to try their hand at creating their own balloon designs.

As someone who has always been passionate about creating beautiful and memorable experiences, Amber says she loves what she does. She offers this advice to others who are thinking about starting their own businesses:

• No one knows what they’re doing in the beginning; you will figure it out as you go along. There are so many things that only experience can teach you.

• Things can and will go wrong. A lot of running a business is creative problem solving. Just show up and deal with obstacles as they come.

• Give back to the community when you can. There is something special about knowing that you created a business that helps others, even if it’s only a few balloons to brighten someone’s day. It will give you the drive to keep going even when challenges arise.

On this point, Amber follows her own advice supporting local organizations like Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Indiana (DSANI), Humane Fort Wayne, and others.

“The Fort Wayne community inspires us, and we believe in doing our part to make our city a better place,” she said. “Or you could say — a more poppin’ place!”

Pop Pop Balloon LLC

Kalie Amber | poppopballoonfw.com

Events@PopPopBalloonFW.com | 260.580.8209

speech-language pathologist through the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA.)

Sprout Speech Therapy was started because Richardson was passionate about motor speech sound disorders and wanted to specialize in them.

“Before taking my practice full-time, I was in the school system and sometimes felt like a ‘jack-of-all-trades, master of none’,” she said. “So having my own practice has been great in helping me find a purpose.

Sprout Speech Therapy, LLC

Mary Richardson M.A., CCC-SLP | sproutspeechtherapyfw.com

sproutspeechtherapy@gmail.com | 260.267.5388 a

for Entrepreneurs

By Amber Bouthot

Thinking of starting your own business? Already have a business and need some support? Looking for a space to set up shop? We’ve compiled a list of some of the amazing entrepreneurial support organizations in our community.

Fort Wayne SOUP

fortwaynesoup.org

An organization that hosts micro-grant dinners that foster community and raise funds for creative projects that enhance Fort Wayne living.

Brightpoint Development Fund

mybdf.org

Its mission is to create economic opportunities for communities, families, and individuals who lack access to affordable capital and nancial services.

Fortitude Fund

fortitudefund.com

Provides community, mentors, and money to entrepreneurs with fortitude: grit, guts and heart.

Carr Workspaces

carrworkplaces.com/locations/indiana/electric-works/

One of the original installations within Fort Wayne’s brandnew Electric Works campus development project, Carr Workplaces Electric Works boasts over 32,000 square feet of office space, 85 sparkling private offices, and three state-ofthe-art meeting rooms.

Founders Spark

facebook.com/foundersspark

An organization dedicated to introducing new and aspiring entrepreneurs, hustlers, and go-getters into the startup community, as well as providing them the tools they need to succeed.

Elevate Northeast Indiana

elevatenei.com

Helping high-growth entrepreneurs find the components they need to move the needle in their business, pitch in front of the right people, and achieve investment.

FUSE NEI

fusenei.com

An online resource hub and directory design to help entrepreneurs connect with Entrepreneurial support organizations throughout the region.

gBETA

gbetastartups.com/fort-wayne

A free, seven-week accelerator for early-stage companies with local roots. Each program is capped at five teams, and requires no fees and no equity.

Start Fort Wayne

startfortwayne.com

Helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into growth-oriented businesses.

Indiana Small Business Development Center

isbdc.org

Provides no cost consulting services to potential business owners that want to start a business and to existing business owners that want to expand their businesses.

SEED

fwuea.org/

A 501c(3) that supports new and scaling businesses with business planning education through the Build Institute, incubation space for manufacturing and B2B professionals at the SEED Enterprise Center, and tax benefits for businesses located within the Summit City Entrepreneur and Enterprise District.

WEOC Women’s Business Center

The Northeast Indiana Innovation Collective

niic.net

The NIIC’s mission is to catalyze the community: Entrepreneurship for ALL. They coordinate an ecosystem to provide homegrown and attracted entrepreneurs and innovators with the support infrastructure, encouragement and resources they need together as a Community of Communities.

SCORE Mentors of Northeast Indiana

northeastindiana.score.org

Free business mentoring, workshops and more to help you start or grow your company.

niic.net/wbc

Cultivates opportunities for women entrepreneurs through programs, workshops, and one-on-one coaching where you can gain knowledge, honest feedback, and advice from other experienced entrepreneurs. a

On Her Nightstand

By Wendy Stein

What are you currently reading?

Books … . this was hard! I feel like I don’t get much time to read for leisure these days. [I’m reading] lots of legislation being discussed at the statehouse. I mainly focus on bills that affect education. Thanks for entertaining my legislative reading nerd self! Your readers may like to know that there are bills in both the House (HB1130) and Senate (SB12) about censoring books in schools, public libraries, and at colleges and universities. I really hate the phrase “material harmful to minors,” because I don’t want other people to tell me what is harmful to my minor; I feel like that should be left up to me!

Also, Indiana is one of 4 states left in the US that still charges families a rental fee for text books. In the state constitution, it says that the State of Indiana will provide a free education for children but then we charge for the books. HB 1123 & SB 395 propose elimination of textbook fees.

What’s your favorite book of all time?

“Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope” by Don Van Ryn. This book is sad but such a story of faith. I read this book every spring to help renew my faith in the world.

What was your favorite book as a child?

“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” by Judith Viorst. I remember this book being read to me in elementary school and I just loved it. Now as an adult, I feel bad for Alexander! Poor kid, he was having the most horrible day. I can remember as a kid though, I would laugh and laugh about Alexander’s very bad day.

Is there a book you like to give as a gift?

Maria Norman has served on the Fort Wayne Community Schools’ Board of Trustees since April 2017 and feels honored to be a voice for students and families. She has received Fort Wayne Business Weekly’s Top 40 Under 40, IPFW’s Top 50 award, and the Indiana School Board Association’s Exemplary Governance Award for continued education as a school board member. Maria has been married to her husband, Amos, for 15 years and together they have one son, Elijah. When Maria isn’t doing school board stuff, she is busy being Elijah’s taxi driver, a swim and basketball mom, a wife, an aunt, a daughter, a small group leader at her church, and PTA President!

It depends on the recipient. If I am going to a baby shower, I always take “The Going To Bed Book” by Sandra Boynton. I read this book almost every night to my son, and we loved it.

Who is your favorite author?

This is hard! Can I say JK Rowling? I’ve read all the Harry Potter books.

Is the movie ever as good as the book?

No way! Your mind always paints a better depiction of the story than a movie ever could.

Is there a fictional character you identify with?

Hermione Granger from Harry Potter. She is very smart and witty and is kind of bossy that’s me!

Real books or e-reader? Or audio books?

Real books! Something about holding the book, turning the pages, and the smell takes reading to a whole other level. a

Maria Norman

We Love Your Style RUTH YAROSLASKI

By Amber Bouthot

Each month, we highlight someone whose style we admire. If you know someone we should consider featuring, email ambouthot@the-papers.com.

This month, it is Ruth Yaroslaski. She wears a few different hats professionally: she runs her own photography business, specializing in commercial and portrait photography; and she works with Upper Valley Film Co. as a production manager and assistant director.

On a personal level, she has been married to her husband Nate for almost 12 years, and they have 2 corgis, Fern and Frankie. She loves musicals, karaoke (can’t sing to save her life), and game nights with friends.

How would you describe your style?

I feel it’s a mix of different design styles, but I’d mainly describe it as colorful, fun, and aggressively pastel. I love fun prints, monochromatic rooms, and adding artwork in the mix.

Tell us a little about each of the areas you chose to highlight. Why did you choose them? What makes them your faves?

The main area I choose to highlight is my living room/dining room. It ends up being the room that we spend the most time in, and it’s also been the room that has been the most challenging to design with it being a long open layout. I call it the work in progress space, and I’m excited to see how it will continue to evolve. My favorite part is the lavender wall with the shelves; it’s just so cheery and fun to look at.

When you think of your home, what’s the feeling you hope your family and visitors have?

Since we moved into this home, our goal has always been to make sure it feels welcoming and have an open-door policy. We want it to be a fun space that everyone feels like they can make themselves at home when they visit.

What’s your favorite color?

Mustard Yellow. It goes with everything and is just a fun color. a

Name: Jaclyn Youhana Garver

Hometown: Born in Joliet, Illinois, and came of age in West Chester, Ohio

Current town: Fort Wayne, Indiana

Title of Piece: I Like to Think God’s Telephone Cord is Obnoxiously Long

What inspired this piece:

I had just received a spectacular massage, and I was in that blissed out space of I LOVE EVERYONE! I offered up a little silent thanks to whatever was listening, which I kept thinking about that day. This poem and the idea for its speaker came out of that experience and all the wonderful related what-ifs: Like, if we called a deity on the phone, what kind of phone would it use? On that phone call, after going through a series of thanks, would we be like OK, so the real reason I’m calling is … and what is that reason? Why does this poem’s speaker need to chat? I love writing love poems, so obviously my first thought was, LOVE PROBLEMS, BABY.

What is your preferred style of writing?

I’m not sure I have a favorite. I studied newspaper journalism and still freelance, so feature writing is probably my first and simplest love. But I adore poetry and novel writing. Essays are a lot of fun, but scary. To be so truthful is uncomfortably vulnerable.

When did you first start writing?

My grandma gave me a diary when I was in second grade. So … second grade.

Creativeorner

What advice do you have for other writers?

Folks can get so hung up on making things perfect that they don’t ever finish anything. There’s no such thing as perfect when it comes to writing. And it’s much harder to polish something that doesn’t exist. Finish the story/book/poem/whatever. Even if it stinks, so what? It’s finished, and then you can say “I WROTE A BOOK!” Things get better during revisions. Then, when you go to write your next story/book/poem/whatever, you’ll have all the experiences and lessons from the first.

Where else can we read your work?

I’m ecstatic to have my first poetry chapbook coming out this spring, and my short story “The Butterfly Catcher” will be in “This World Belongs to Us: An Anthology of Horror Stories About Bugs.” (Can I just say how tickled I am that my first two creative pubs are a collection of love poems and a horror story about demons??) I also have poetry in a few online and print journals. The best spot to find all this is my website, jyogarver.com. a

l Like to Think God’s Telephone Cord is Obnoxiously Long

By Jaclyn Youhana Garver

After my massage, face down in the face cradle, for the first time in years, I prayed. I don’t think there’s a god who cares, who lays in bed on its belly, feet kicked up in fuzzy slippers, waiting for all its beloveds to call, that zippy thrill in the guts of knowing someone you want is wanting you, too, and right now. I don’t think it’s like that. I don’t know who or what or if is on the other end of that plastic coil that can stretch from the kitchen phone by the pantry into the guest bathroom down the hall.

But, after my massage, face down in the face cradle, for the first time in years, I prayed. It was a thanks for all the good, so much good, a good for every sandgrain or mustardseed, tear or hair follicle. And it was a plea to anything that might help or care, a request for reassurance. That I’m not bad. That I’m OK. That this is OK. That my wrong is OK. That I and my wrong mirror here, there, in Manhattan, Kuwait, Kankakee, Baton Rouge, Washington state and DC: a mustardseed of him and a mustardseed of me.

Family Time Create an updated informal space everyone can enjoy

By Julie Young

It is the perfect space to gather with friends and loved ones, a quiet spot to relax, and a comfortable area to entertain. It is the place where movies come to life, high scores are achieved, and memories are made. It is the family room. Once upon a time, the family room consisted of a large couch pit where families could watch movies, play games, and enjoy each other’s company in an informal way, but today’s homeowners are looking for a more balanced space that meets everyone’s needs. So, if you are looking to update your family-friendly space into one that offers an oasis of relaxation, we have the trends to keep in mind as you dream and plan.

“The Family Room is wherever the family gathers, and every family does that a little bit differently,” said Kevin Hunter of Windows Doors & More. “We are seeing separate spaces for those who want to watch TV and those who are looking for peace and quiet while still being nearby.”

Creating an occasion

In the past, watching a movie, the big game, or a TV show together was common practice, but now that everyone has a screen of their own, communal viewing is more of a festive occasion and one that includes the accoutrements of a silver screen premiere. Families are installing snack bars, popcorn machines, and seating that adds to the theatrical atmosphere.

“Other people crave quiet, which is something I am hearing more and more frequently,” Hunter said. “Rather than the big couch pit of the past, folks want to include multiple seating areas that are cozy and intimate. Some people are even adding fireplaces after the fact.”

People are also embracing more storage spaces and bookcases so that they can have their favorite things around them without the space looking cluttered. Furnishings with simple, cleaner lines have replaced the bulky, boxy looks of the past, and they are eschewing carpet for hardwood and laminate flooring, warming up the space

“Accent walls are also being included to add some interest to the space,” Hunter said.

Get wired

Lighting is another major consideration for the space. Rather than relying on recessed can lights, homeowners are including table lamps, sconces, pendants, and floor lamps to bring their family rooms to life. Lighting not only affects the color scheme but impacts the mood and ambiance.

“Lighting is a big deal today,” Hunter said. “They (homeowners) want warmer options, and they are using lamps in multiple ways.”

Naturally, the family room is a place where tech comes with the territory. However, you do not need to sacrifice style to have all of the bells and whistles. Homeowners are seeking out TVs that blend into the background and concealed solutions to hide all of the wires.

“Today’s family rooms offer something for everyone,” Hunter said, noting that they remain a hub for togetherness. “They are cleaner, simpler spaces that still have all of the comforts you expect in new and exciting ways.” a

Resource:

Windows Doors & More, Fort Wayne, 260.399.6037, wdmfactorystore.com

Celebrate Child Abuse Prevention Month with SCAN

Laying the foundation for healthy, happy childhoods is a job bigger than any one person or organization, it takes everyone. When you join SCAN in learning how to keep the kids in your life safe, you help us celebrate Child Abuse Prevention Month!

We believe each person can be an advocate for their own community by sharing resources designed to help protect families. You can learn more and view resources like this in your community by visiting the link below. Together, we can cheer on the children and families in our lives!

Plant It for Planet Earth

By Bethany Beebe

Baseball and apple pie might be iconically American, and the lawn could easily be added to that list. At approximately 40 million acres of the United States, we have four times more acres of yard than corn. One way to hit a home run for the environment is including native plants in the yardscape. Since Earth Day is celebrated this month, we thought the topic was timely.

According to the Indiana Native Plant Society, native plants are those that appeared in natural contexts before contact with European settlers or those that moved into an area by natural means after European settlement. Natives play a critical role in the living community in which they live and include everything from perennial and annual flowers to ferns, shrubs, and trees. Indiana’s list of 170 plant families is a mix of 147 flowering plant families (Angiosperms), 19 fern and club mosses (Pteridophytes and Lycophytes), and 4 conifer families (Gymnosperms).

The biodiversity of earth is among the chief reasons to consider natives. Just like we have the human equivalent of foods that are best for us, insects, birds, and animals are also dependent on certain plants to thrive. For example, monarch butterflies require milkweed; no milkweed means no monarchs. The inclusion of nonnative species interrupts the naturally occurring sustainable cycle of life that can function long after current gardeners are done tilling the soil.

While the power is ours to exercise, we can make a dramatic difference in the landscape. Here in the United States, 83% of land is held under private ownership. When one considers that communities of individuals can work together to affect the content of public green spaces, too, potential impact is obvious!

The impact on your time is also noteworthy when these plants are included in the home garden; since they are comfortable in the climate and soil of Indiana, they require less babying. Less fertilizer, time, and attention on top of showing greater pride in the history

Even when they have the resources to afford the height of manicured quality, some big players are putting natives on display. If you are up for a field trip to Indianapolis, the campus of Eli Lilly was made over with sustainable natives. In a one-day volunteer event, alone, 138 species and 33,000 individual plants were installed.

Spreading that love of our Indiana culture into the standards of suburbia might take some persuasive effort, though. Some HOAs have stringent lists of plantings homeowners are required to include many or most of which are non-natives. Those in power of such areas might consider that single-species planting areas would be left in dire state should disease or insects find weakness in the selected plant or tree.

Those interested might visit the Indiana Native Plant Society at the link included, where plant lists can be found. The Society also offers some book titles worthy of consideration before taking the plunge into planting. a

Windows Doors & More

By Holli Hattery | Photos Provided

Celebrating forty years this spring, Windows Doors & More is a staple in Fort Wayne as one of the best- and well-known windows, doors, and remodel companies in the area. It was founded in the spring of 1983 with the idea that quality windows and doors should be available to those in the area at a reasonable and affordable price.

Now, Windows Doors & More offers, as the name says, more than just the windows and the doors. They’ve expanded to roofing, exterior projects, full bathroom and kitchen remodeling, and room additions. In fact, there’s not a lot that they can’t do for you when it comes to home improvements. Their motto is “making houses into homes: a better product at a great price from the company you can trust,” and they live up to that.

Wanting to offer business the old-fashioned way, Windows Doors & More provides both the service and the product when it comes to their offerings. One thing that sets them apart from their competition is that most of their products, including their doors and windows, are manufactured in house. That means you get their satisfaction guarantee on not only the service they are providing, but the materials used, as well. They also boast a beautiful, state-of-the-art showroom that they call their neighborhood showcase where customers can talk to qualified staff about their projects and see an array of the products that they carry, as well as real life replicas and examples of projects that can be done.

Windows Doors & More prides itself on going above and beyond. They offer no hassle quotes, as well as a no hassle warranty, to ensure that families are getting the best of the best when it comes to products and services.

It’s not just the products and quality of work that makes Windows Doors & More special, it’s the quality of their people, as well. Employees are important and President Kevin Hunter knows that treating his employees well means that they, in turn, will treat the customers well. Employees enjoy spending time in the neighborhood showcase, working with customers to find ways to make their house more than a place to live, but to make it a sanctuary, their place of safety and comfort, to make it their dream home. a

HOME I am Amber Caccamo

By: Shelley Galbreath

Amber Caccamo lives in Northwest Fort Wayne, but she grew up in Waynedale on Elzey Street by Waynedale Elementary School and Waynedale Park.

She admits that she had a rough upbringing with issues those in poverty face daily.

“I grew up in a home with an absent father, a single working mother, and I was constantly surrounded by drug and alcohol abuse with a lack of money, resources, and focus on education,” Caccamo said. “It was survival mode at its finest.”

She considers herself lucky to have had a very hard-working mother who made sure no hard lesson was a waste, but rather used as a teachable moment of how to keep climbing the ladder for a better life while keeping her authenticity intact.

“It’s one of my favorite American Dream stories ever. My siblings and I all have found our ways to success in the labyrinth to productive adulthood,” she said. “I have landed my dream job as the Executive Director at the DeKalb County Visitors Bureau, my brother Jeremy is a successful sound engineer in Nashville Tennessee, and my sister Shontael is a Lead Statistical Data Scientist in Columbus, Ohio.”

Caccamo has never moved from the Fort Wayne area not even for college. “All the years that I spent dreaming and working towards a better life, I never once thought I had to move away to do that. Northeast Indiana has everything anyone should want or need to build an amazing life,” she said.

She attended IPFW and received a degree in Elementary Education. She also has a passion for bully prevention and loves to help raise strong girls, which led her to study and teach martial arts for many years.

Caccamo is raising two daughters, Ady (17) and Ella (14) with the philosophy of doing life even better. “Every generation, you hope, takes the experiences and guidance from the mistakes before and continues to make it better. My girls are smart, courageous, hard-working, opinionated women, and I couldn’t be prouder of them,” she said.

Her position at the DeKalb County Visitors Bureau is everything she’s dreamed of in a job. Her responsibility is to promote tourism throughout the county.

“What I love most about my job is being an idea builder for amazing partnerships and events and connecting people for optimum involvement,” she said. “This is the most fulfilling and enjoyable job I have ever had.”

When asked to list the top five places she likes best in Fort Wayne, The Clyde was number one. She loves seeing the old Quimby Village reimagined into the venue it has become. Others to make her list are Sunday brunch at Proximo, Tin Caps games and fireworks, Junk Food Alley at the Three Rivers Festival, and hanging out with other volleyball moms at Ted’s Beerhall.

In Dekalb County, Caccamo admits her hands down favorite is the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum. “The Great Gatsby period was phenomenal in many ways,” she said. “The ingenuity and technology coming from the car designers was astounding. Also, who doesn’t love a good speakeasy party?”

Caccamo loves the rural picturesque perfection of kayaking from the Spencerville covered bridge; the unique experiences at local wineries Country Heritage Winery, Byler Lane Winery, and Hartland Winery; and Shorty’s Steakhouse. “They have the best filet mignon! Try it with the Ghost Pepper Margarita,” she said.

Caccamo has no plans to leave this area, as she loves this region and considers it an affordable place to raise kids that is safe with plenty of big city options. a

| Photo provided

Graber Lumber & Mulch

By Cathy Shouse

The family that owns Graber Lumber & Mulch in Spencerville is an exceptionally close one. The company runs two sawmills and mainly sells pallets and mulch, among other products.

The Graber family is Amish and they not only work together, but members of the family also regularly spend time together outside of the business. Jason Graber, 35, is the eldest son and is a partner with his father and siblings. Vernon is the middle brother and Neil Allen is the youngest. Their father Neil started the business in 1987 and continues to work alongside them.

“Our main income is the pallets we make and deliver to many steel mills. We do some furniture lumber that is green. We also make a lot of crane mats for power companies, etc.,” Jason said.

Jason has been working in the family business for so long that he’s not sure how old he was when he started as a young boy. He does remember how enthusiastic he was about working in his family’s business. He has always enjoyed the work and still does.

“Every day after school, I was out here. I just couldn’t wait to get home to help my dad. I was about eight or nine years-old and he would give me little projects. I started working for the company officially at age 16. My father started the company, and we lived right here on the company property,” Jason said.

As part of their beliefs, the company doesn’t maintain much of an internet presence and doesn’t keep up with a website. They employ 110 people. They operate on the conviction that, “Quality will normally sell itself.”

“We always try to be honest in all things,” Jason said. “If you never tell a lie, you won’t have to remember what you said.”

His crew will cut down trees and make them into logs, then into lumber. To find wood, they’ll target “mature timber,” often seeking out a farmer who has many acres of woods on their property, as one example. Jason works long hours, getting in at 5 a.m. and leaving around 5:30 p.m. most days.

“We’re just out here having fun every day,” he said. “If you enjoy what you do, it’s not really work. At the sawmill, we don’t like to have any waste. We sell the sawdust for animal bedding. We grind our wood waste into landscaping mulch, colorize, and deliver to many nurseries and landscaping companies.”

He said that mulch eventually breaks down and is “feeding the earth,” which he thinks is good.

Although the work they do hasn’t changed, in that they continue to cut wood as they always have, they now use a big machine. In the old days, they cut by hand using a chainsaw. This change has greatly enhanced their productivity without requiring more labor costs.

Jason takes an interest in the work he does and how it matters on a global scale, for producing wood products. “I was told that wood was the biggest employer in the world,” he said.

The family gets together in the evenings outside of work three times a week and enjoys visiting together. A couple of times a year, they all go on vacation together. The family members total

“We enjoy going to see the mountains,” he said. “We enjoy seeing

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: rbalogh@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 Ray Balogh

2 | Tuesday | Decatur Coin Show and Marketplace

Nearly 100 indoor vendors, hot food available. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (year-round), Riverside Center, 231 E. Monroe St. (Highway 224 East), Decatur. Contact Carla at 260.517.8182, decaturfleamarket.com.

4, 11, 18, 25 | Tuesday |

Little River Ramblers

Nature hikes, dress for the weather, boots are recommended, bring binoculars for a closeup view. 9 a.m.-11 a.m. April 4, 11, 18, meet at Eagle Marsh Barn, 6801 Engle Road, Fort Wayne; April 25, meet at Eagle Marsh East, 5000 Smith Road, Fort Wayne. 260.478.2515, lrwp.org.

13 | Thursday |

Historic Hand Arts Class: “Life as a Pioneer Child”

Childhood in pioneer times was vastly different than today. Come hear stories of “way back when” and how children entertained themselves when they had free time. History, instruction and materials for making an Early American toy; refreshments. $20. 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Historic Swinney Homestead, 1424 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. Reservations at 260.637.6692. settlersinc.org.

19 | Wednesday |

Short Hikes for Short Legs: Wetland Wonders

Learn about swimmers, wigglers, and things that go hop in the water. Dress for the weather, boots are recommended. For children 3-5 with responsible adult. 9 a.m.10 a.m. Meet at Eagle Marsh Barn, 6801 Engle Road, Fort Wayne. 260.387.0399, lrwp.org.

to-do list . . .

Botanical Conservatory

• Now through April 16, “California Dreamin’” showcase exhibit, public hours, regular admission.

• Saturday, April 1, Pysanky: Ukrainian Easter Eggs, create your own with kit provided, 9 a.m.-11 a.m., $32/person, registration deadline March 25.

• Thursday, April 6, through Sunday, April 30, slightly used bulb sale, outdoor sales garden during public hours, $1.95/pot, free admission.

• Friday-Saturday, April 7-8, “Bunny Tales,” 10 a.m.-3 p.m., regular admission.

• Tuesday, April 25, through June 25, “Color in Motion” live butterfly exhibit, public hours, regular admission.

• Tuesday, April 25, through Tuesday, May 30, T’ai Chi Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., $55 for six sessions, ages 18 and older, registration deadline April 18.

• Friday, April 28, Friday Night Flights fundraiser, 5:15 p.m.-7:15-p.m., $70/person or $125/couple, ages 21 and older, registration deadline April 21.

• Saturday, April 29, Bonsai for Beginners workshop, 9 a.m.-11 a.m., $42/person, registration deadline April 22. Adults $7, children (3-17) $5, children (2 and under) free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday; noon-4 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday. 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. 260.427.6440, botanicalconservatory.org.

Embassy Theatre

• Friday, April 7, “Our Planet Live in Concert,” 8 p.m., $45/$55/$75

• Saturday, April 15, “Jesus Christ Superstar” 50th Anniversary Tour, 8 p.m., $40/$55

• Wednesday, April 26, Zach Williams: A Hundred Highways Tour, 7 p.m., $18/$19.75

NOTE: Ticket prices are subject to fluctuation based on demand. 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. 800.745.3000, fwembassytheatre.org.

Memorial Coliseum

• Wednesday, April 26, “Elevation Nights: Elevation Worship & Steven Furtick,” 7 p.m., $33.75 to $103.75

• Thursday, April 27, 98.9 The Bear Birthday Bash presents Shinedown: The Revolutions Live Tour, 7 p.m., $49.95 to $89.95

Parking $8 main lot, $12 preferred lot. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. 260.482.9502, memorialcoliseum.com.

Fort Wayne Museum of Art

Exhibitions:

• Garden Party: Outdoor Sculptures by Dorothy Gillespie (through June 4)

• Art Deco Glass from the David Huchthausen Collection (through Aug. 6)

• Planes, Trains & Automobiles: Classic Toys and Americana (ongoing)

• The Glass Wing of FWMoA (ongoing)

• Kaiyodo: Mini Artworks for the Modern Age (ongoing)

• April 22-June 25, Miro in New York, 1947: Miro, Hayteradn Atelier 17

• April 22-July 9, William S. Dutterer, Below the Surface: A Deep “See”

• April 22-July 16, Natural Appeal: Differing Approaches to the Landscape

Events:

• Thursday, April 6, Curator’s Tour: The Glass Wing — Studio Glass History, 12:15 p.m.

• Saturday, April 8, Second Saturday Family Tour, 10:30 a.m.

• Thursday, April 13, 2nd Thursday at FWMoA — Deco Night, 5 p.m.

Adults $8, students (pre-K through college) $6, seniors (65 and older) $6, families $20, free admission for veterans and veterans’ families, free general admission 5 p.m.-8 p.m. every Thursday. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday (closed Mondays), 311 E. Main St., Fort Wayne. 260.422.6467, fwmoa.org.

Stroede Center for the Arts

• Sunday, April 30, The Rice Brothers, 6 p.m., $18 online, $20 advance through Stroede Center, $25 at the door

Stroede Center, 319 Wayne Ave., Defiance. Triangle Park, 655 Clinton St., Defiance. 419.784.3401, defiancearts.org.

The Clyde Theatre

• Saturday, April 1, Eaglemania: The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute, 8 p.m., $15 and up

• Thursday, April 6, Kevin Nealon, 8 p.m., $29.50 to $49.50

• Friday, April 14, Heather Land, 8 p.m., $34.50 and up

• Saturday, April 15, Face 2 Face: A Tribute to Elton John & Billy Joel, 8 p.m., $17

• Friday, April 21, Riley Green, 8 p.m., $35 and up

• Saturday, April 22, The Robert Cray Band with special guests The Todd Harrold Band, 8 p.m., $39.50 and up

• Sunday, April 23, The Wallflowers with special guests Brother Elsey, 8 p.m., $39.50 and up The Clyde Theatre, 1808 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne. 260.747.0989, clydetheatre.com.

Honeywell Center

• Saturday, April 1, Chapel Hart, 7:30 p.m., HC, $29/$39/$79

• Monday-Thursday, April 3-6, Spring Break Bash, various kid- and family-friendly activities at various venues

• Sunday, April 9, Easter Brunch, 10:30 a.m., HC, $24.95/adults, $11.95/children 5-12

• Wednesday, April 12, El Otro Oz, 10 a.m. and noon, HC, $10

• Thursday, April 13, Lagro: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, 7 p.m., HH, free admission

• Friday, April 14, Art Garfunkel, 7:30 p.m., HC, $52/$65

• Tuesday, April 18, Poetry Lovers, 7 p.m., HH, free admission

• Wednesday, April 19, Cheap Trick, 7:30 p.m., HC, $45 to $150

• Thursday, April 20, Prime Rib Dinner, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., ET, $26.95/adults, $13.95/ children 5-12

• Thursday, April 20, BoDeans, 7:30 p.m., ET, $29/$39/$75

• Friday, April 21, Sweetwater All Stars with special guest Ryan Davis, 7:30 p.m., ET, $15/$20/$25

• Sunday, April 23, Cory Asbury, 7:30 p.m., HC, $19 to $79

• Tuesday, April 25, Hank and My Honky Tonk Heroes, 7:30 p.m., ET, $25/$35/$49

• Wednesday, April 26, The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc, 7:30 p.m., ET, $10/$20

• Thursday, April 27, Gourmet Dinner & Chamber Music Series featuring Norma Meyer, pianist, 6 p.m., HH, $65

• Thursday, April 27, America, 7:30 p.m., HC, $39 to $149

• Friday, April 28, David Phelps, 7:30 p.m., HC, $25/$35/$55

• Sunday, April 30, Madagascar the Musical, 6 p.m., HC, $35/$50/$65

Honeywell Center/Ford Theater (HC), 275 W. Market St., Wabash. Eagles Theatre/Ballroom (ET), 106 W. Market St., Wabash. Honeywell House (HH), 720 N. Wabash St., Wabash. 13-24 Drive-In (Drive-In), 890 IN 13. Dr. Ford Home (Ford), 177 W. Hill St., Wabash. 260.563.1102, honeywellarts.org.

Shipshewana Blue Gate Theatre

• Saturday, April 1, Orleans, Firefall & Pure Prairie League, 8 p.m., PAC, $39.95 to $84.95

• Wednesday-Thursday, April 5-6, Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, 7 p.m. both nights, PAC, call for ticket prices

• Friday, April 14, Jeannie Kendall & Carl Acuff Jr., 7 p.m., MH, $19.95

• Friday, April 14, Chris Janson, 8 p.m., PAC, $29.95 to $99.95

• Saturday, April 15, The Wichita Lineman: A Tribute to Glen Campbell, 7 p.m., MH, $19.95

• Saturday, April 15, Crystal Gayle, 8 p.m., PAC, $29.95 to $79.95

• Friday, April 21, Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Revue, 7 p.m., MH, $24.95

• Friday, April 21, Granger Smith featuring Earl Dibbles Jr., 7:30 p.m., PAC, $29.95 to $59.95

• Saturday, April 22, Jason D. Williams, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., MH, $24.95

• Saturday, April 22, Cory Asbury featuring Riley Clemmons, 7:30 p.m., PAC, $19.95 to $164.95

• Thursday, April 27, Brian Regan, 8 p.m., PAC, $29.95 to $79.95

• Friday, April 28, Ronnie McDowell, 7 p.m., MH, $24.95

• Friday, April 28, Riders in the Sky, 8 p.m., PAC, $19.95 to $49.95

• Saturday, April 29, Tommy James & the Shondells, 8 p.m., PAC, $39.95 to $99.95

All shows add $18 for dinner theater. Performing Arts Center (PAC), 760 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana. Music Hall (MH), 195 N. Van Buren, Shipshewana. 888.447.4725, thebluegate.com.

Habitat for Humanity’s Largest Fundraiser of the Year is Back for 2023

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne will host 300 guests at its annual Greek-themed gala raising funds to build safe, affordable housing. This year, Habitat has continued to grow and plans to build 20 homes in the Greater Fort Wayne area for qualified families.

Since its inception in 2018, ReStore Your Passion has helped Habitat build nearly eight homes through community sponsorships, ticket sales, donated raffle items, crowdfunding, and the auction of the Goddess Contractor team pieces. Goddess Contractors are nine female community leaders who refurbish furniture items donated through the Habitat ReStore. Each one-of-a-kind piece is auctioned off the night of the gala.

Food has been generously donated by Fort Wayne favorites, such as Casa’s, Club Soda, Salsa Grille, Nothing Bundt Cakes, George’s International and more. Event expenses have been underwritten by title sponsors Brotherhood Mutual, BF Goodrich, and others. a

WHAT: ReStore Your Passion

WHEN: Thursday, April 27 from 6-9 pm

WHERE: Kelley Airplane Hangar, 4225 W Ferguson Road, Hangar #39

WHY: Raising funds to provide safe, affordable housing for families in Greater Fort Wayne

habitatgfw.com/ryp

Tracy Troyer

Geanie Edgington

GLO team: Carrie Lamb, Amber Bouthot, Melinda Musselman, Betty Foster, Heather Eracleous

Joy Zirille, Chak Bonam, Harini Bonam, Jenniffer Jordan, Preeti Jain, Sushil Jain

Ashley Sharp’s

Go On, Give It a Glow!

The Home Builders Association of Fort Wayne presents its 33rd Annual Spring Town & Country New Home Tour

April 22-23 and 29-30

The 33rd Annual Spring Town & Country New Home Tour is a free, scattered-site home show scheduled for the weekends of April 22-23 and 29-30, from 12pm to 5pm each day.

The Fort Wayne area has been noted as one of the Top 10 emerging housing markets in the United States (Realtor. com/Wall Street Journal, 2022) and one of the top 100 places to live in the country (U.S. News & World Report, 2021-22 list), so there’s no better time to find your dream home! With a variety of locations, price points and floor plans, this year’s Town & Country New Home Tour offers 45 outstanding properties located throughout the greater Fort Wayne area, including Huntertown, Leo, Auburn, and New Haven.

The 33rd Annual Spring Town & Country New Home Tour is presented by the Home Builders Association of Fort Wayne and sponsored by Rabb Water Systems, 3 Rivers Federal Credit Union, Wayne Pipe & Supply, Partners 1st Federal Credit Union, and Edward Jones Financial. Begin searching for your dream home by visiting hbafortwayne.com/town-andcountry. You can find the official 2023 Town & Country tour book at any of our sponsor locations. a

April 22 - 23 & 29 - 30 Noon to 5pm FREE Admission

Sponsors

hbafortwayne.com/tour

Home Builders Association of Fort Wayne

Us,because

family!

Wisdom Teeth, & Dental Implants Experts.

DR. MULOKOZI LUGAKINGIRA, DMD, DDS, MS.

Diplomate, American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (ABOMS)

Fellow, Master, & Diplomate, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)

Fellow, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)

Fellow, American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ACOMS)

Fellow, International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (IAOMS)

Over 15 years’ experience in dental, medical, and surgical practice

DR. TREVOR TREASURE, DDS, MD, MBA.

Fellow, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)

Fellow, American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ACOMS)

Over 30 years’ experience in dental, medical, and surgical practice

11th Anniversary WE’RE CELEBRATING OUR

The YOUnique Aspire Story:

Dr. Lee is a board-certified plastic surgeon and an artist. He relies on this artistic lens to create beautiful results YOUnique to your cosmetic goals. Our Aspire philosophy is to inspire our patients to feel their most confident selves, beautiful inside and out.

You can expect an overall wellness approach and a comforting patient-centric environment at Aspire. We look forward to helping you achieve your YOUnique cosmetic goals with customized nonsurgical or surgical treatments.

• Facial & Body Contouring

Cosmetic Surgery

• Laser Resurfacing

• Injectables & Skincare

• Hand Rejuvenation

• Nutritional Services

• Excessive Sweat and Odor Reduction

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon since 1998.