Nearly 25 downtown businesses and organizations participated in the eighth annual Holiday Window Decorating contest presented by Downtown Fort Wayne over the holiday season.
The theme was Elf on a Downtown Shelf, with the winners for each category being:
Most Thematic: 1. Carson Law LLP, 2. Beckman Lawson LLP, 3. Kanela
Most Fort Wayne: 1. Sweets on Main, 2. Jones Petrie Rafinski, 3. Rudy’s Shop
People’s Choice: 1. Beckman Lawson LLP, 2. Feichter Realtors LLC, 3. Citilink.
For photos of the contestants’ displays, go online to HolidayFestDowntown.com.
Explore Mexican genealogy virtually
The Allen County Library Genealogy Center will hold a free virtual program Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 2:30 p.m. covering the history of Mexicans and Mexican Americans in Indiana and the Midwest through genealogical records.
Nicole Martinez-LeGrand will show the basics of Mexican genealogy in the U.S. and in Mexico. More importantly, she’ll show how to interpret the lived experiences through historical context.
The virtual program is suitable for family researchers who are at a beginner or intermediate skill level. Register at acpl.libnet.info/event/7693491.
Business women’s meeting set for Jan. 10
American Business Women’s Association’s Women of Magnitude monthly meeting will be Tuesday, Jan. 10, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Lincoln Financial Event Center at Parkview Field.
The luncheon will focus on work life balance with featured guest speaker Chynna Presley. Cost is $15 if reserved in advance or $20 at the door, payable by cash, check, or Venmo.
Guests are invited to bring business cards for networking and sharing. For more information about ABWA and events, go to womenofmagnitude.com.
Fundraising continues for Embassy windows
The historic Embassy Theatre has been working on the intricate task of replacing 318 windows to protect an important piece of Fort Wayne’s architectural history.
Beginning last spring, fundraising continues to support this effort to replace windows on the second through the seventh floors. The new windows, designed by Marvin Windows and installed by Weigand Construction and O’Neil’s Glass, will ensure the Embassy continues to be properly protected against the elements that cause degradation to the structure. The windows have also been designed to be up to five times more energy efficient, bringing down operational costs.
The replacement project will restore the exterior of the windows to their original color. Phase one will cost $1.9 million and is being funded through grants, sponsorships, and individual donations. With $1.45 million already raised, the organization is seeking another $460,000. Multiple donation options are available, and pledged gifts may be paid in increments over the course of three years.
For more information or to donate, go online to
fwembassytheatre.org/windows-campaign/.
Built in 1928, Embassy Theatre is Indiana’s largest self-sustaining historic theater. Originally known as the Emboyd with the adjoining seven-story Indiana Hotel, the majestic movie palace and vaudeville theater introduced Indiana to the biggest stars of stage and screen.
Today, the Embassy is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Combining the beauty of a bygone era with the energy and diversity of today’s performers, the Embassy is the showplace of northern Indiana. Many choose to host events and weddings at the Embassy since it offers flexibility and a unique event experience in an iconic piece of Fort Wayne history.
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