northeast indiana’s
March
“If I had my life to live over again, I’d run barefoot, relax a bit more, I’d talk more to children, and I’d learn how they laugh.”
— Amy Grant
Dear glo readers,
There’s something magical about the first true day of spring— that moment when you step outside and the air carries the unmistakable scent of new beginnings. It’s a smell I look forward to every year. It’s a simple joy, but one that reminds me that beauty is often found in the small things. Spring is almost here, bringing with it longer days, fresh beginnings, and the promise of growth—not just in nature, but in ourselves.
This month, Glo is celebrating the beauty of growth in every form. From fresh fashion finds in our Spring Fashion Preview to garden prep tips that help you cultivate something beautiful right in your own backyard, this issue is all about embracing the season with intention and “Celebrating Spring.”
March is also Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the trailblazers, innovators, and everyday changemakers who have paved the way for progress. As we honor these remarkable women, we also recognize the strength and resilience of the women in our own community—those who are planting seeds of change and lifting others as they grow.
Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe, preparing your garden, or taking bold steps toward a new goal, I hope this issue inspires you to step into spring with confidence and a renewed sense of possibility.
Here’s to blooming together this season!
athe Cover
Title of piece: Bursting Forth
What inspired this piece?
I painted this at a time when I was dealing with some heavy emotions, and I painted my impression of light dancing off of a bouquet of flowers in front of me.
cover artist: Dawn Motley
Hometown: Garrett, IN
Current town: Harlan, IN
Where do you draw inspiration from in general for your artwork?
I love to study light and how it reflects off surfaces in real life. I love how all of creation is art, and I can share my glimpse of the beauty of the Creator on canvas.
What is your preferred medium?
Oil on canvas or linens panels. I make most of my own paint with safe natural pigment and walnut oil, and I use lavender essential oil as a solvent.
When did you start making art?
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t create art. I have been oil painting for about seven years.
What advice do you have for other artists?
I believe we are all artists. I think it is just a matter of finding the right outlet to express our creativity. So my advice would be to explore and try new things and don’t compare yourself to others.
Where can we find your work?
https://www.artpal.com/dawnmotleystudio
Instagram: @dawnmotleyfineart
I am a member of the Fort Wayne Artist Guild and Northern Indiana Plein Air Artists. a
Artwork must be photographed at a high-resolution (300+ dpi) for reproduction.
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.
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 $49 for 12 issues; $82 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 © 2025.
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 9” wide x 11.75” high. Submitted cover art should be sized as 9.5” wide x 12” 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.
publisher Ron Baumgartner | rbaumgartner@the-papers.com executive editor + publications manager
Amber Bouthot | ambouthot@the-papers.com editor-in-chief
Deb Patterson | dpatterson@the-papers.com sales and marketing director
Kristin DeVittorio | kdevittorio@the-papers.com account executives
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director of circulation
Jerry Long | jlong@the-papers.com
graphic designer
Mary Lester
marketing assistants
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photographer
Eva Toscos
contributing writers
Stacie Ball, Bethany Beebe,
BethAnne Brink-Cox, Gabby Hunnicutt, Carrie Klotz, Jennie Renner, Cathy Shouse, Julie Young
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Spring FASHION PREVIEW
If you’re anything like me, you’re starting to think about all things spring: warmer weather, what you’ll be planting in your garden, and what upcoming fashion trends might be. From the must-have colors to the trendiest accessories, this preview has all the details you need to be ready for the next season of fashion.
When thinking about colors associated with spring, most people first think of pastels, and this year is no exception. While the Barbie-inspired bright pink has been trending for some time, spring calls for a paler “petal pink.” You can also expect to see shades of soft, buttery yellow, aqua, and mint green. If this palette doesn’t align with your personal style, fret not! Bold colors like cobalt blue, orange, and bright yellow are anticipated to be prominent this spring, as well.
Flowy silhouettes are important as we move towards hotter days, making linen the go-to fabric for spring and summer. Although you can find linen in all sorts of colors, the key to pulling off the relaxed look of linen is to choose something natural and earthy, like tan or white. Don’t let the wrinkles of this fabric steer you away from it Sue from Susan’s Fashions says that the wrinkles emphasize the casual nature of it!
Wide leg pants have surged in popularity in the past year, and they are a must for your spring wardrobe. Whether you’re looking for a draped trouser or baggy jean, fashion experts are saying the mantra is “the wider, the better.” Shorter tops and sweaters make the best match for this trend to ensure your outfit is well balanced. If you prefer to keep the leg of your pants on the slim side, oversized printed sweaters might be the spring trend for you to try.
Regarding accessories, this season is all about maximizing. Gone are
the dainty chain necklaces and minimal designs chunky, eclectic jewelry is back on the scene. You may even consider accessorizing your accessories by adding charms to your shoes or keychains to your bags. Crossbody bags continue to be the preferred style as we move towards the next season.
One of the most anticipated styles for spring is coastal preppy.
Breton striped shirts, rain jackets, cable knit sweaters, utility vests, khaki, and boat shoes are all essential to this nautical meets American prep school aesthetic. If you’re looking for an alternative to this style, the bohemian 70’s inspired vibe is expected to continue to be popular throughout the spring. Floral patterns, earthy tones, ruffles, and heavy beading are all common to the style plus it aligns well with the move towards flowing silhouettes.
Keeping “in style” can be intimidating, but one easy way to combat that is to have a few items that are considered timeless to mix and match with the latest trends. As an example, the combination of black and white is something that never goes out of style. Adding a pop of one of the season’s top colors is a great way to change the overall feel of the look.
This spring’s trends offer something for everyone from the different colors and aesthetics to choose from. Get a jump on your spring cleaning now to make sure you have plenty of room for the latest season of fashion! a
Resource:
Susan’s Fashions, Fort Wayne, 260.459.2828, susansfashions.com
Susan’s Fashions
Susan’s Fashions
Susan’s Fashions
The
By Julie Young
My mother called it “Going through The Change” but honestly, it felt like I’d lost the owner’s manual to my body. The symptoms started long before I realized what was happening. At the age of 35, I developed semi-regular headaches that I’d never had before. In my 40s, I had trouble falling asleep at night despite feeling more exhausted than usual. Two years ago, I started gaining weight even though nothing about my diet or exercise routine had changed. My sex drive was different. I woke up sweating at night and my monthly cycle, to put it politely, seemed a little “off.”
After Googling my symptoms, coupled with some pertinent biographical information like age and gender, I realized that I was not going crazy or suffering from some rare disease. Rather, I was in the throes of something far more common: Perimenopause. My doctor confirmed it a few weeks later.
Perimenopause, or “around menopause” refers to a transitional biological stage in which a woman begins to mark the end of her reproductive years. The most obvious symptom, an irregular menstrual cycle, is often noted in one’s 40s, but some women may notice changes as early as their mid-30s. Once a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual cycle, she is considered to be in “menopause” but prior to that, buckle up for Aunt Flo’s Wild Perimenopausal Ride!
According to Dr. Fatima Hina, MD, an OB/GYN with Parkview Health, 70 million women in the US are in menopause or perimenopause and 6,000 of them will enter menopause each day. The symptoms are as unique as the individuals, and it is important that you find a provider who will take the time to listen to your concerns and consider your family history and personal health history so that he or she can help you manage your condition and enjoy a better quality of life.
“It’s not all in your head. It’s real and it’s happening, but you have to advocate for yourself with someone who has training in mid-life care,” Dr. Hina said.
According to her, the root cause for perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms is the volatility of one’s estrogen levels which fall unevenly during this period. This hormonal activity offers some subtle and not-so-subtle ways of letting you know that something is changing including: mood changes, depression, vaginal and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, vaginal dryness, bone density loss, and a change in one’s cholesterol levels.
Period
Unfortunately, studies conducted in the 90s encouraged doctors to shy away from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or hormone therapy (HT), believing that it could increase the risk of certain health conditions. However, subsequent research has shown that it can help balance a woman’s body chemistry and alleviate many of the common symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause.
“Estrogen saves lives,” Dr. Hina said.
Although perimenopause and menopause are natural phases of life, they are often shrouded in secrecy and shame. That’s why it is important to spread the word that mid-life care is critical. Your healthcare provider should not only consider what has happened in your past and what conditions you might be at risk for in the future, but he or she also has to understand where you are in the present so that they can help you through this special “period” in your life.
“All of these things are preventable and treatable,” Dr. Hina said. “But you have to be educated about menopause and find a provider who is willing to listen.” a
Resource:
Parkview Physicians Group – OB/GYN, Fort Wayne, 260.425.6650, Parkview.com
ARIANA MCGEE she glows
By Stacie Ball | Photo provided
Twelve years ago, on a chilly night in New York City, Ariana McGee was preparing for a second date with a guy from Fort Wayne, Indiana. He told her he wanted eight babies and to return to Fort Wayne. After many negotiations, the Gary, Indiana native agreed. Following marriage, a sixyear adventure in Denver, and four babies, she and her husband, Dr. Alan McGee, Jr., are back in Fort Wayne, where they belong.
The proud Hoosier earned her degree from Indiana UniversityBloomington in Theatre and Honors English. She performed in a New York City musical for a year before transitioning into pharmaceutical sales. Discovering her passion for healthcare, she proceeded to work for large biotech and device companies, such as Genzyme and Biogen, eventually pivoting into global market access consulting and leadership at a global medical device company.
“Everything changed when I almost died during childbirth here in Fort Wayne during my last pregnancy,” McGee explained. “That life-altering moment ignited my passion to go all-in with Navigate Maternity, a non-profit committed to addressing the systemic barriers that have long underserved communities of color. My professional and reallife experience empowers our team to bridge the gaps between technology, policy, and real-world patient care.”
McGee is also a board member for Healthier Moms and Babies, and described Navigate Maternity as a tech-enabled women’s health company transforming pregnancy and postpartum care through realtime, data-driven solutions. Their FDA-cleared, Blue-tooth enabled blood pressure device helps clinicians and moms detect and manage hypertension, a leading cause of maternal mortality. She explained the device pairs with an EHR app to provide clinicians with real-time data for timely interventions.
“It’s more than just technology,” she insisted, “At Navigate Maternity, we ensure every mother has access to the care, tools, and support for a safe and healthy journey.”
“As the founder and CEO of Navigate Maternity, I lead our amazing team in transforming maternal healthcare through innovation,” McGee clarified. “I work closely with our investors, clinicians, and community partners to deploy our suite of devices and software for hypertension, preeclampsia, breastfeeding, postpartum care, etc. for improved maternal health outcomes.” This newfound organization paved the way for wonderful happenings in women’s healthcare.
“One of my proudest moments was when we were able to identify a beta tester whose blood pressure was severe, and she was rapidly gaining weight postpartum,” McGee remembered. “Our platform triggered an alert, and we immediately notified her care team. She was quickly readmitted to the hospital and diagnosed with acute heart failure seven days postpartum. Navigate Maternity’s data supported her physician in a lifesaving and timely intervention since her next appointment was in five more weeks. Moments like these reinforce why we do this work and the critical need for realtime maternal health monitoring.”
McGee sends a “shoutout” to her amazing husband and four beautiful babies- Jade, Trey, Naomi, and Aliya. “Their love and encouragement make everything possible.”
She also commends her incredible team, including Thea James, MPH, Dr. Elicia Harris, Dr. Jacque Yates, and Christina Runnels. “Their dedication to improving maternal and postpartum health is truly inspiring,” she said. a
he glows MIKE STONE
By Jennie Renner | Photo by Eva Toscos
Mike Stone grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. His first career was in higher education, which required moving around to different places. When he got a job at Manchester College in 1997, he and his family moved to Indiana from Michigan. They didn’t know anything about Fort Wayne, but Stone was looking for a community bigger than the small town they had moved from.
“We looked at a map and looked at the part of Fort Wayne that was the shortest distance to North Manchester,” he said. “And that ended up being out here in Southwest (Fort Wayne.)”
The Stones’ oldest son Sam was 2 ½ years old at the time. In 1998, they had their second son Aaron. Stone worked at the college in North Manchester until he got a job at the Community Foundation of Wabash County. At the foundation, he worked with grantees on strategy and evaluation and facilitated program planning. He became passionate about the work he was doing with nonprofits and decided he wanted to do it full time. So, in 2005, he opened his own consulting practice.
“I am one of the lucky ones who, in my work, I get to be me,” he said.
“I just am naturally drawn to the questions, kind of looking for clarity and alignment, and so that’s how I think when I get out of bed in the morning.”
The Foellinger Foundation was Stone’s first client. He did a lot of the training for their outcomes program. In April this year, he will celebrate the 20th anniversary of his business and said he has learned that nonprofits don’t need someone to come in and tell them what to do.
“My contribution is to help (nonprofits) make the difference they already know how to make... to introduce some new ways of thinking about strategy and programs and outcomes,” said Stone. “That is really my passion because it’s my nature and it’s helpful to people who are doing the work. I’m passionate about the fact that I get to do what I naturally am inclined to do anyway.”
Stone is also a “budding musician.” He started playing guitar when he was 39 years old, but didn’t take it very seriously. Then about 10 years ago, he picked it up again and in 2021, he started a band called HomeBy 10.
“It was a bucket list thing for me,” said Stone who was prompted to start a band because his son Aaron, who had passed away from cancer during his senior year in high school, had been an avid musician.
“I thought, ‘You know what? There’s nothing he would get a bigger kick out of, and kind of roll his eyes at, than seeing his dad play guitar in a rock band.’ So that that was the impetus for it.”
Stone said he started out thinking if he could play five or six times a year, that would be enough. Now he wants to play 50 times a year because he enjoys it so much. He also plays golf although he says he’s not that good, but he doesn’t let that worry him.
“My older son once said to me— this was an absolute game changer— he said, ‘You’re not good enough to get mad,’” said Stone. “It changed my attitude to the point that when I play golf, I don’t even keep score anymore... If I want to get better, then I should put in the time and really play. I’m not going to do that, and so I just play for the social aspect and just challenge of the game.”
While Stone likes to play golf, he said if he had to pick between playing music or playing golf, he’d play music. And his son Sam, who lives ten minutes from his dad, has introduced another interest into his life. “My newest passion is my one-year-old grandson,” Stone said. a
glo GIRL
MAISLEY SHARPE
Age: 19
By Stacie Ball | Photo by Eva Toscos
Fort Wayne native Maisley Elaina Sharpe is well-versed in expressing herself through poetry, fashion experimentation, and various artistic mediums. As a freshman at Parsons, The New School, in New York City, she is living her artistic dream and paving the way for others to find their voices through creative arts.
Growing up in a small town with a single mother, Sharpe did not have many artistic opportunities. She recalled dressing differently and playing creatively to express herself and scooped up every opportunity to communicate through poetry and fashion experimentation.
In high school, the young artist learned of a creative program called Amp Lab through Fort Wayne Community Schools that promoted teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving.
“I enrolled because I was passionate about pushing the frontiers of art and design and thinking creatively,” Sharpe explained. “It greatly improved my abilities and taught me the value of cooperation and storytelling.” The experience prepared her for her next big break.
“One of my fondest achievements is being admitted to Parsons and landing an internship at New York Fashion Week two weeks after I moved to the city,” Sharpe beamed. “These achievements mark the exciting start of my career in the fashion sector.”
At Parsons, she concentrates on coursework and projects that combine fashion, art, and narrative. The young designer staged an art event in cooperation with Goodwill, collecting money for the community while presenting her mixed media and abstract work. Outside of school, she makes time for hobbies like taking pictures, painting, and reading books that deal with creativity, culture, and self-identity. She thrives on creative projects like photo shoots, digital art experiments, and creating editorial concepts emphasizing diversity and inclusivity, particularly for people of color.
“It was a pivotal moment for me to have my first art show since it told my story and demonstrated the power of art to influence others,” remembered Sharpe. The pieces delve into issues of identity and self-discovery, exploring the conflict between cultural standards and self-expression. These abstract paintings and mixed media use vibrant colors, rich textures, and fractured imagery to illustrate the complexity of identity while reflecting on her experience navigating a life where she frequently felt out of place. She added, “Each unique piece represents my journey to discover my voice and use art to build a feeling of community.”
“It’s undoubtedly difficult,” Sharpe confirmed when asked how she manages everything, “But I make an effort to maintain my perspective by concentrating on the important things.” She schedules time for introspection and creative pursuits, such as journaling, drawing, or taking city walks. “Additionally, I remind myself that balance is about quality rather than quantity and that it’s acceptable to take a break and refuel when necessary.”
“Representation has great power,” Sharpe confirmed. As a woman of color, she firmly believes it’s crucial to emphasize variety and complexity in creative environments.
“Through my work, I wish to encourage those who feel invisible to speak up and share their story without apology.” a
Kawanna, Future Habitat Homeowner
By Cathy Shouse
A slogan from the 70s proclaimed to women, “You’ve come a long way, baby.” That may have been true, but food preparation and meal planning have mainly remained women’s tasks. These days, that might mean managing the takeout menus, though.
Since March is Women’s History Month, first officially recognized when congress passed a law in 1987, we’ve looked back at our ancestors and food.
Allison DePrey Singleton, Genealogy Services Manager for the Allen County Public Library, is an expert on food habits through history. The subject is also personal for her. A Fort Wayne native, she shared a treasured brownie recipe from her grandma, Hymo-Gene Stailey DePrey, of Defiance Ohio. The torn-out, hand-written paper was discolored due to age and included these instructions: Cool for a while.
“Recipes and cooking can be valuable, yet often overlooked, resources for learning more about our female ancestors,” Singleton said. “Homemade meals were the standard, as dining out was often too expensive, and ingredients for home cooking were readily available. It’s fascinating to examine how food has evolved—how it’s prepared, what ingredients are accessible, and how traditions persist.”
“Many families still prepare and enjoy dishes that have been passed down for generations,” Singleton continued. “The continuation of family recipes is influenced by various factors, including ethnicity, culture, familial traditions, location, and more. This is also true on a broader community level. Immigrant families brought their culinary traditions with them, shaping local food culture.”
Many food choices were dictated by what was convenient. Families might prepare vegetables from their gardens or eat meat from animals they hunted.
For the past couple of years, Kayleen Reusser of Bluffton has studied old recipes, made them, and shared them on social media. She searches for old recipe books and kitchen gadgets at thrift shops.
Orange Drop Cookies from 1949, apple cake, and butternut squash soup have been on her menu.
“In looking through many recipe books from more than half a century ago, I have discovered that providing healthy meals was just as important to homemakers, as they were called then, as to heads of households now,” Reusser said. “The difference is the amount of knowledge we have that was not available then. In a recipe booklet from the 1950s from the American Can Company, Home Economists developed recipes from hundreds of canned goods, which they firmly believed that along with a host of packaged quick-to-prepare items could be the basis for good menu planning.”
Women were determined to feed their families, despite hardships. “I admire the tenacity it took to learn how to preserve food back then and implementing health into appetizing meals when supplies were often limited, especially during World War II,” Reusser said. “I enjoy resurrecting culinary gems from the past for my ‘Vintage Eats’ blog (www. KayleenReusser.com) and sharing these often simpler, cost-effective recipes with cooks in the 21st century.”
“People relied on what was available to them at the time, which greatly influenced their recipes,” Singleton said. “For example, while rabbit stew may seem uncommon today, it was once a staple meal.” She shared a recipe from the Bethany Presbyterian Church Women’s Society Cookbook of Fort Wayne, dated 1936. The first step was to put six pieces of rabbit in a pot.
“Ingredients were often homegrown, foraged, or locally sourced, as grocery stores with mass-produced goods didn’t exist. Cooking fats like lard and butter were widely used since alternatives like margarine hadn’t been invented. Many recipes were made from scratch, using fresh ingredients rather than processed or canned substitutes,” Singleton said.
Singleton’s grandmother embodied the philosophy of the day. Providing food was associated with showing love and with hospitality.
“Grandma had a fantastic ice cream recipe that has been a family favorite for as long as I can remember and is still used today,” Singleton said. “She was a wonderful woman who never let anyone leave her house hungry.”
To learn more:
Singleton’s program, Tracing Her Footsteps, Discovering Female Ancestors is free at 6:30 p.m. March 27th, offered both in person and online. https://acpl.libnet.info/event/12920287
How to: Measurements and Updating Recipes: • https://bit.ly/3e4KEpw
Throughout March for Women’s History Month, the library and its branches offer sessions on painting, women in space, and creating your own toy. 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
Recycle Right
Recycling is an essential part of reducing waste, but it’s not the first step in a sustainable lifestyle. Before recycling, rethink your waste habits and aim for a lowwaste approach.
e c o n o t e s
Recycling guidelines can be confusing — rules vary by location and packaging labels don’t always match local regulations. Being an informed recycler makes a big difference! Fortunately, Northeast Indiana offers a variety of recycling services, both public and private.
Recycling Basics
Following these simple guidelines helps reduce contamination, ensuring more materials are properly recycled:
• Make sure all recyclables are empty, clean, and dry
• Flatten cardboard boxes.
• If it’s smaller than a credit card, toss it in the trash.
• Remove plastic caps and lids before recycling.
• Keep it loose! Never bag recyclables in plastic.
What CAN I Recycle?
You can recycle: Paper, flattened cardboard, metal cans, plastic containers, bottles, jugs and glass
What CAN’T I Recycle?
These common contaminants should not be placed in curbside bins or community drop-off sites. They can ruin entire batches of recycling! When in doubt, throw it out:
• Styrofoam
• Batteries
• Greasy pizza boxes
• Plastic bags
• Toys
• Hangers
• Clothes and shoes
• Window glass and mirrors
• Electronic waste (TVs, computers)
• Motor oil containers
• Yard waste
• Ceramics or dishes
• Food scraps
• Scrap metal
• Medical waste
Pregnancy and endometriosis
It’s not the “endo” the world
By Julie Young
It is a chronic disease that affects about 10 percent of women in the US between the ages of 15 and 44. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including painful cramps, menstrual irregularities, discomfort during and after sex, as well as constipation and bloating. It can also have a big impact on one’s ability to get pregnant and then carry that pregnancy to term. It is endometriosis and it’s time to shed a little light on the “tissue.”
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is defined as a condition in which tissue, similar to the tissue found on the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus in places such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvis wall. Like the lining inside the uterus, it thickens, breaks down and then bleeds with the menstrual cycle, but because it is not in the proper location, it does not shed the body.
There are four stages to the condition depending on its severity, and its symptoms and impact are as unique as the woman who has it. While discomfort is often commensurate with the amount of endometriosis tissue in the body, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, some women with lots of endometriosis may experience few symptoms, some women with mild endometriosis may cope with significant pain. It just depends on the individual.
Fertility interference
Although many women with endometriosis are able to conceive a child and delivery a healthy, full-term baby without any trouble, about one in three women have fertility issues. Scarring from endometriosis tissue can obstruct the fallopian tubes, preventing the ovum from reaching the sperm. Endometriosis cysts can affect the number of eggs available for fertilization, prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg and impact its ability to implant in the uterus. Endometriosis can also produce chemicals that are incompatible with the hormones necessary to become pregnant.
Even if a woman diagnosed with endometriosis is able to conceive, it does not mean that she is in in the clear. While some studies suggest that the condition does not have a big impact on pregnancy, others say there is an increased risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, pre-term birth, placental abruption, and cesarean delivery. It largely depends on the inflammation, structural damage to the uterus, and hormonal influences that endometriosis causes.
If you are a woman living with endometriosis and trying to get pregnant, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about your condition. The road ahead will depend on a number of factors including your age, general health, how long you have been trying to conceive, and how far along your endometriosis is. Treatment for the condition ranges from hormonal suppression through medication or removal by surgical procedure. Your Ob/Gyn can help you weigh your options and determine which course of action is right for you.
Bottom line, a endometriosis diagnosis is not the end of the world and it does not have to stop you from pursuing your plans to have a family, but speaking with your physician and finding out your options is the first step on the path to pregnancy and motherhood. a
Dream Trip to NYC
By Carrie Klotz
If we’re going to talk about dream trips, we’d be remiss not to highlight the “#1 in Best U.S. Cities to Visit for 2025” according to US News & World Report: New York City! It’s “cool, cosmopolitan, crowded, [and] constantly evolving,” according to the report. NYC also made the report’s list of “Best Places to Visit in the USA for 2025” ranking at no. 17 out of 30, just below places like Key West and just above vacation spots like Aspen and San Francisco.
Raven Bohlender and her family took a bite out of the Big Apple this past New Year’s Eve and spilled the juicy details with us all about their dream trip.
Traveling during a major holiday meant planning well in advance, Bohlender shared, so they booked their hotel stay at the Whitby Hotel almost a year ahead of time.
Being a family who prefers to plan ahead regardless of circumstances, Bohlender, her husband and her 13-year-old daughter crafted an itinerary prior to their arrival, leaving some things and unplanned in case a little sparkle of spontaneity should strike.
Day one was one for the books, with the family checking off several top hot spots in the big city. Before they crossed over to Manhattan, they stopped at Liberty Bagel in Queens and checked out Coney Island. Then they strolled through Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), a small neighborhood that got its name for settling under the bridge alongside the East River. There, they grabbed a photo and rode Jane’s Carousel, a beautifully restored vintage merry-go-round originally built in 1922.
But wait — there’s more! Day one continued with a visit to Fraunces Tavern (over 300 years old!) and the Hudson Yards Mall, a high-end enclosed shopping plaza. The Bohlenders finally called it a day, checking in at the hotel at 3 pm and venturing out again later to grab dinner at Malai Marke Indian Cuisine.
On their second day in NYC, Bohlender and her daughter were both very pleased with what they discovered while taking the day to do some shopping. “They now have 90’s vintage clothing stores!” she excitedly shared. They also checked out the Rockefeller Center and enjoyed dinner at Zen Sushi Omakase, which Bohlender felt was an “amazing experience and food.”
The Bohlenders welcomed their third day with a morning jog in the world-famous Central Park. Their afternoon was a “Little Shop of Horrors” as they caught the show at the Westside Theater, and dinner was served at Rubirosa, a casual Italian-American restaurant.
Day four was for more shopping, the evening of which was, of course, reserved for bringing in the new year. To celebrate, the family got
tickets to the Birdland Jazz Club and relaxed into the red, roomy atmosphere, coalescing over cajun-style cuisine.
With only three days left to experience NYC’s splendor, they saw the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, traipsed through Times Square, gazed at all Guggenheim Museum had to offer (tickets can be purchased online ahead of time), snuck in a subway ride, and luxuriated in a special dinner at Le Bernardin, an upscale French restaurant.
On their final day in NYC, the Bohlenders bid the big city adieu after a pedicab (bicycle taxi) tour through Central Park and lunch at Barney Greengrass, which Bohlender swears is “better than Katz’” (NYC’s oldest deli).
Overall, the Bohlender family felt the trip was well worth it and encouraged other families who’d like to visit not to let the cold or “crime” deter them from Manhattan in January, when the city is still in holiday mode. Raven summed it up cheerfully by saying, “It’s such great memories for a family trip.” a
LOCAL Sh p
glo shops FORT WAYNE
2025Home Décor Color Trends
By BethAnne Brink-Cox
Mocha Mousse. Doesn’t that sound delicious? A perfect blend of chocolate and coffee? Well, it is equally delicious as the 2025 Color of the Year, as chosen by Pantone. One of the official thoughts about this shade? It expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence. This beautiful color amplifies comfort, whether you choose to simply paint or to deepen the experience with other touches Pantone liked: patterned wallpaper, sofas, throw pillows and more. Perhaps the most indulgent of all is the Pura home fragrance called Mocha Moments. That’s right. Walk into your room(s) and smell the richness, as well as seeing it!
And other companies are similarly on board with colors you can almost smell and taste. Dunn-Edwards has chosen Caramelized for their color of the year. Benjamin Moore has designated Cinnamon Slate. Graham and Brown picked their Color of the Year as influenced by elder trees: Elderton is a deep brown shade that can enhance your interiors or your front door!
Little Green decided upon Mochi which, as it sounds, is a soft brown inspired by 18th century neoclassical design. It has a gentle, subdued feel, perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms or living rooms–any space you want to feel restful.
But you wouldn’t want a room that was entirely brown. What might you choose to accentuate, and how? Perhaps paisley fabric for drapes and/or pillows? There are many patterns available in shades of brown and green. There are floral designs in brown and green and peach, and Indian patterns for those who love the boho style. And you’re not limited just to those colors. There are warm shades, such as cinnabar, or the deeper tones of burnt orange or vermilion. Maybe you’d prefer solid colors for window treatments and for upholstered furniture a more classic and traditional style. Then you might prefer a patterned rug, such as brown and gold and cream. It doesn’t have to be reminiscent of 70s shag rugs and brown/orange/ avocado everything! There are multiple designs available, including
a popular style that looks somewhat weathered, making you think of heirlooms. These deep rich shades of brown require a room that is well-lit, whether natural or artificial. You can lighten and brighten with perfectly placed mirrors, with a fire burning invitingly, and with plants–green or blooming.
Don’t forget the simplest of style: if your room isn’t very large, you can always go with a single wall painted as an accent. You can use these wonderful shades to paint doors and window frames, maybe ceiling beams? against an ivory or pale yellow or peach wall.
Think about your home for a minute: which room would benefit from these warm, rich colors? The kitchen? You could add a lot of pizazz with copper pots against a Mocha Mousse wall. You could letter and frame your favorite chocolate recipes, and if you do, you could mat it with a row of coffee beans in a shadow box frame! You could fill a brown stoneware jar with wooden spoons and implements and set it by the stove. Mine is an old Hall pottery cookie jar.
Or you could go retro, do a room reminiscent of the 70s earthtones without replicating. How? Braided rug, lots of wood (plants look great in wooden buckets and boxes) and candles of all the best shades to go with brown, arranged in a fireplace if you don’t want to have a fire burning. And you don’t have to go so far as a beanbag chair, but maybe get a couple of big, plush floor pillows. a
Garden Prep
By Bethany Beebe
Spring Gardening in Indiana: Get Ready for a Fresh Start
As March arrives, Hoosiers are preparing to bring their gardens to life. This is the perfect time to prepare the soil, plant early crops, and prune old growth to set up for a successful season.
Springfor
Start with the Soil
A healthy garden begins with healthy soil. If you tested your soil last season, now is the time to adjust fertilizer or pH levels based on the results. If you haven’t tested yet, it’s not too late. Local Extension offices offer soil testing and guidance for a small fee.
Planting Cool-Weather Crops
Once the soil is dry enough to crumble in your hand, it’s time to plant. Cold-hardy vegetables and flowers thrive in early spring.
Some Midwest favorites include:
• Direct-seed: Peas, spinach, lettuce, beets, carrots, and turnips
• Transplants: Broccoli and cauliflower, which do better when started indoors
For successful germination, plant seeds one to one-and-a-half times their size deep in the soil. If your soil is heavy or forms a crust, adding vermiculite or compost can improve germination.
Pruning and Clearing Out Old Growth
March is the ideal time to remove dead plant material and prune where needed:
• Trim last year’s perennial flowers and ornamental grasses
• Remove old rhubarb and asparagus tops, then fertilize for new growth
• Uncover strawberry plants as they wake up, but keep mulch nearby in case of late frost
Tree and Shrub Care
• Prune trees and shrubs that don’t bloom in early spring
• Plant new shrubs and trees as soon as the soil is workable
• Bare-root plants should go in the ground before they leaf out Spring Bulbs Begin to Bloom
March isn’t just about preparation — it’s also a time to enjoy the first signs of spring. The bulbs planted in autumn, such as snowdrops, crocus, daffodils, squill, and dwarf iris, will begin to bloom, adding vibrant color to the garden.
With thoughtful planning and care, March can be the perfect start to a successful growing season. a
Marchto-do list . . .
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
February 27 – March 2
| Thursday – Sunday Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
The 52nd Annual Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show, presented by Windows, Doors & More, promises to be bigger and better than ever with exciting new features, special guest appearances, and over 650 exhibitors showcasing the latest in home and garden products, services, and innovations. For more information, tickets, and exhibitor details, visit Home-GardenShow. com.
1, 8, 15 & 22
YLNI Farmers Market
| Saturdays
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 a.m. – 1 p.m.
www.ylni.org/ylni-farmers-market
1, 8, 15 & 22 | Saturdays Ft. Wayne’s Farmer’s Market
The Franciscan Center, 500 E. State Blvd., 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 a.m. – 1 p.m. ftwaynesfarmersmarket.com/
2 | Sunday
6 | Thursday
Boots & Bourbon 2025
The Lodge at Camp Red Cedar, 3900 Hursh Rd. Join Camp Red Cedar for a memorable night that includes bourbon tastings, live entertainment featuring The Legendary Trainhoppers, heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and mocktails, live and silent auctions, a meet & greet with some of the Camp Red Cedar horses, and powerful stories from some of the individuals that directly benefit from Camp Red Cedar’s mission! All proceeds from Boots & Bourbon will go towards the mission of removing physical and financial barriers so that individuals of all abilities can EXPLORE, PLAY, and GROW at Camp Red Cedar. Tickets can be purchased online at https:// campredcedar-bloom.kindful.com/e/bootsbourbon-2025
7 | Friday
First Fridays! On Broadway Broadway Corridor, Downtown Fort Wayne
Join the Broadway Arts
Decatur Coin Show & Marketplace
Decatur Riverside Center, 231 East Monroe St.
Nearly 100 indoor vendors, hot food available. Contact Carla at 260.517.8182
Time: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. (year-round) https://www.decaturfleamarket.com
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
12 | Wednesday
2025 Women in the Workplace Luncheon
Parkview Mirro Center, Fort Wayne
To celebrate the release of the Women’s Fund’s third Allen County Workplace Scorecard, this luncheon will award local workplaces that meet or exceed national metrics for supporting women in the workplace, as measured by the Compass Survey.
Time: 11a.m.
Tickets: $40
https://cfgfw.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/ event?event_date_id=3609
13 | Thursday
Allen County Bicentennial History Event
Settlers, Inc., 1424 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne
Meet General “Mad” Anthony Wayne and his wife, Mary Penrose Wayne.
Cost: $20
Time: 9-11:30 a.m.
Reservations by March 6; (260) 432-7314 www.settlersinc.org.
15 | Saturday Fort Wayne Firefighters
Get Green Fest 2025
900 W. Main St., Fort Wayne DJ, Food, and fun all day from 8:30am-8pm. Festivities include Local Food Trucks, 5-Kilt Run through downtown Fort Wayne, Lucky Charms Eating Contest, River Greening, Gold Coin Drop, and many more family-friendly events. https://www.facebook.com/ events/1005690277708546
22 | Saturday
Cinderella Dress Day
Grand Wayne Convention Center
The Fort Wayne Medical Society Alliance is hosting their 23rd annual Cinderella Dress Day. This free event is for teen girls grades 7-12. While waiting in line to get into the prom boutique, girls will hear a variety of age-appropriate health topics. They will then proceed into the prom boutique where they can choose 1 long dress and 2 short dresses from over 7,000 new and gently used dresses. They also can choose free jewelry, shoes, undergarments, alterations, and hair and makeup on site. It’s a fun day to help educate and empower our teen girls in our community. This is a free event.
https://www.alliancefw.org/cinderella-dressday
22 | Saturday
Taylor Chapel Women’s Ministries
Spring Craft Bazaar
10145 Maysville Rd., Fort Wayne
Wide variety of crafts. Free admission. Kid friendly. Lunch and snacks available. All proceeds go to women’s missions. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Fort Wayne
52nd Annual HOME & GARDEN SHOW
FEB. 27 - MARCH 2
The 52nd Annual Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show, presented by Windows, Doors & More, promises to be bigger and better than ever with exciting new features, special guest appearances, and over 650 exhibitors showcasing the latest in home and garden products, services, and innovations.
With a long-standing reputation as the region’s premier home and garden event, the Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show offers something for everyone — from expert-led seminars and unique landscaping displays to exciting interactive experiences for families and gardening enthusiasts alike. This year’s show will highlight a variety of new attractions and activities, including the Otter Adventure and featured guest Dexter: The Dog Who Walks Like a Human.
Show Details:
• Dates and Hours:
Thursday, Feb 27: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday, Feb 28: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday, Mar 1: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday, Mar 2: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Tickets:
$12 General Admission
$8 for Seniors (62+) Free for Children 15 & Under
• Parking:
$8 Coliseum Lot Fee
• Discounts:
$2 off general admission for pet food donations (cannot be combined with other discounts) or by using online coupons.
Whether you’re planning your next home renovation, discovering the latest in gardening trends, or seeking unique family-friendly activities, the Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show offers something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the most anticipated home and garden event of the year!
For more information, tickets, and exhibitor details, please visit Home-GardenShow.com a
