Kokomo Magazine November 2023 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

SPECIAL SENIOR LIVING ISSUE

MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2023

A WINDOW INTO EXCELLENCE

HOMETOWN WINDOW & DOOR COMPANY SPECIALIZES IN FULL-SERVICE REPLACEMENTS

Q&A: MIKE DAGGETT, PRESIDENT OF FOLDS OF HONOR INDIANA VETERAN SPOTLIGHT

JIM KRAJEWSKI AND JASON RODARMEL

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IN THIS ISSUE

NOVEMBER 2023

Q&A: MIKE DAGGETT, PRESIDENT OF FOLDS OF HONOR INDIANA

TASTE OF THE TOWNE Holiday Recipes

Jim Krajewski

Hometown Window & Door Company Specializes in Full-Service Replacements

A WINDOW INTO EXCELLENCE

VETERAN SPOTLIGHT

VETERAN SPOTLIGHT Jason Rodarmel

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PRESIDENT OF Q MIKEFOLDSDAGGETT, OF HONOR INDIANA A &

Honor and what led you to start the Indiana chapter?

Writer / Terry Mullins Photography Provided

We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Mike Daggett, president of Folds of Honor (FOH) Indiana, to learn more about the organization and its mission.

Describe the mission of Folds of Honor.

Our mission is to ensure we meet sacrifice with hope, by providing spouses and families of our fallen and disabled military and first-responder families financial scholarships to pursue their educational goals.

How did you get involved in Folds of

I met Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney as we were both traveling for work in 2005. We sat right next to each other on a commercial flight. We started chatting and he sold me on his vision. Lieutenant Colonel Rooney is an F-16 fighter pilot with the U.S. Air Force.

Discuss the recent decision by FOH to include first responders as a class they intend to support, alongside military veterans’ families.

Members of our community have a strong desire to give back to those who serve us. By expanding our reach to include first responders, it gives our supporters a great chance to see their local dollars being used

right here in Indiana.

Oftentimes people are reluctant to donate to charitable causes because they are unsure where the money goes. Can you talk about how the money is used at FOH to support the mission directly, versus the administration of the organization?

Stewardship of the funds we are trusted with is at the very core of every decision we make. Ninety cents of every dollar that we collect are converted directly to scholarships. This gives us a four-star rating on Charity Navigator and we are rated Platinum by GuideStar. Our Indiana board is 100% volunteer because we believe your donation needs to go directly to the families

8 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

who depend on us to deliver.

Historically, how many scholarships have been funded by FOH Indiana? Each year around 50 applicants totaling about $250,000 are distributed directly to Indiana families. Unfortunately, each year we have applicants who we are not able to approve, simply because we do not have the funding secured to do so.

Memberships available to anyone in Howard and Tipton counties.

Does FOH Indiana focus on supporting only Indiana students?

The Indiana chapter specifically works to bring awareness to the state. The money we raise locally is used first for all those who apply locally. In the past we have relied on the national effort to cover the needs of Hoosiers.

Who is eligible to apply for FOH scholarships?

As our program has evolved, the best resource is the Folds of Honor website, indiana.foldsofhonor.org. If you are the spouse or dependent of a military member or first responder, we salute you.

What are the primary ways FOH Indiana raises money to fund scholarships?

We host many fundraising events throughout the year. It’s a full schedule that keeps our volunteers busy. By participating in the event or donating directly, you can be a part of the mission.

What are your goals to grow FOH Indiana?

Our greatest need is committee members who want to help us with the mission. It takes a lot of patriots to keep it all going, so we could really use some extra hands. To contact and learn more about FOH Indiana, visit indiana.foldsofhonor.org, or visit them on Facebook.

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VETERAN SPOTLIGHT JIM KRAJEWSKI

Writer / Natalie Platt Photography Provided

At 85 years old, Jim Krajewski has a sharp memory - and wit. The veteran meets with friends every Friday morning for coffee and cards at an office within a barn owned by his good friend, Jack Talbert. Another attendee, Larry Waddell, who owns a grocery store in Russiaville, helps organize an oyster fry they have at the farm. But before the coffee, cards and oysters, Krajewski served from 1959 to 1961 in the United States Navy, spending two years and 27 days on the USS Wasp CVS18. Education was important to him while serving, and he started on-the-job training as a welder and was part of the repair division. At the end of his service, Krajewski’s rank was shipfitter (metalsmith) third class.

He was busy serving, too. Krajewski’s ship did antisubmarine warfare up and down the coast, from Newfoundland to the South Atlantic, looking for submarines. He even spent time in Guantanamo Bay and on an airbase in Cuba. While on a six-month assignment in the Mediterranean, Krajewski was able to see France, Spain and Greece. He even requested that his brother, on shore duty in South Carolina, join his unit on the Mediterranean and the Navy allowed it, as they had an opening. The brothers spent two years on the ship together and got to see places they would never have been able to otherwise. He recalls spending 35 days at sea in West Africa, with the ocean on one side of town and a desert on another. “That’s quite an experience for a sailor from Russiaville, Indiana,” Krajewski says.

10 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

The Indiana native graduated from high school in 1956 and was part of the draft. He decided the United States Navy looked the most inviting, particularly because of the education possibilities. Krajewski says he wanted to go to electronic school in the Navy and spend four more years serving to do so, but his request was during Vietnam and the Navy only wanted those who could drive boats. “They saw on my record that I was a waterskier and figured I was also a boat driver, but they would have been disappointed,” he says. He passed on the opportunity. Krajewski was joined by his brothers in the service. Two brothers were also in the Navy while one was a Marine. “My mother was quite the empty nester,” he says. His brother-in-law, Tipton resident Bill Green, also served. They enjoy connecting the dots about their service days and where they crossed paths. Krajewski met his wife at Frisch’s Big Boy drive-in restaurant in the early 1960s, after he was home from the Navy. They had one son, Jeffrey. As his wife has now passed, Krajewski is quick to note how well Green’s wife takes care of him and he is very grateful. After serving, Krajewski worked at a steel mill, then at Delco for 30 years in engineering and as a maintenance supervisor. He now spends time volunteering with Cross America and St. Vincent Hospital. TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2023 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 11

VETERAN SPOTLIGHT JASON RODARMEL

Writer / Natalie Platt Photography Provided

On Veterans Day, the nation comes together to honor and celebrate the unwavering dedication of those who have served in our Armed Forces. It’s a day to reflect on the profound impact these veterans have had on our country and our lives, each with a unique tale of service, sacrifice and the enduring strength of the veteran community. Jason Rodarmel grew up south of Dayton, Indiana, and attended Tippecanoe County schools including Dayton Elementary School, Wainwright Middle School and McCutcheon High School. After graduating

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from high school, and working first at a lumber yard for several months and then TRW Automotive in Lafayette, Rodarmel decided to take a military leave of absence from TRW to enlist in the United States Air Force at the end of 1990. He spent basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After completing basic training, Rodarmel left for Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois, for training as an aerospace ground equipment mechanic. He learned to maintain and repair all of the support equipment of the aircraft, and spent his first duty assignment at Royal Air Force Upper Heyford located in Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom, where he also went on to meet his wife of 30 years, Toni.

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Rodarmel headed to Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas in 1993, where he completed his enlistment and was honorably discharged. He says serving in the Air Force taught him how to be a responsible adult while seeing different parts of the world, including experiencing English culture through his wife, a native of Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire. After leaving the Air Force, Rodarmel returned to work at TRW, where he spent time as a production worker and completed an apprenticeship as a machine repairman.

He also spent several years in supervision. In 2017 Rodarmel started working at Stellantis (then Chrysler). He initially worked at the Indiana Transmission Plant and transferred to the Kokomo Engine Plant, where he currently works as a machine repairman.

2023 he began working with Greg Ludlow at 1st Chair String Repair in Mulberry, Indiana. Rodarmel spends about three hours every weekday morning with Ludlow learning how to repair, set up and maintain stringed orchestral instruments. He says Ludlow and his wife, Janet, are wonderful people, and Today, the couple has three daughters, Fallon, he is forever grateful for the knowledge and experience from them. Madison and Aidan. Additionally, in early

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HOLIDAY RECIPES

Taste of the Towne

Instructions: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

SHORTBREAD COOKIES Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup powdered sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or other flavorings (e.g., lemon zest, almond extract)

Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. You can sift them together beforehand if you prefer a smoother texture. Mix until the dough starts to come together, but be careful not to overmix. At this point, you can add any optional flavorings you desire, such as vanilla extract or lemon zest. These will add a lovely touch to your cookies! Once the dough is well combined, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to ensure it’s smooth.

Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). You can use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness. Cut out your desired shapes using cookie cutters. Traditional shortbread cookies are often round or rectangular, but feel free to get creative with different shapes if you’d like! Place the cut-out cookies on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies start to turn a light golden color. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Apple Cider Vinaigrette: Apple Cider Vinegar- 1/4 cup Store leftovers in a covered container for up Olive Oil- 1/4 cup Dijon Mustard- 1/2 tsp to 4 days, reheating on stove top. Garlic Powder- 1/4 tsp Dried Oregano - 1/4 tsp Dried Basil- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper- 1/4 tsp Sugar- 2 Tbs Make The Homemade Vinaigrette: APPLE WALNUT In a small bowl, whisk together all the CRANBERRY SALAD vinaigrette ingredients, including: Stay healthy eat fresh veggies & fruits during Ingredients: this season.This salad is a mouthful of flavor Salt and Pepper and gives your body a dose of vitamins too! Olive Oil Servings 4 Apple Cider Vinegar Garlic Powder, Dried Oregano, Dried Basil Ingredients: Dijon Mustard Mixed Salad Greens- 1 Bag (wash & dry) Green Apples- 1-2 Chopped Stir Everything together Dried Cranberries- 1/3 cup Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad and toss. Feta Cheese- 1/2 cup crumbled Serve immediately. Walnut pieces- 1/2 cup Make The Salad: In a large bowl, toss the salad greens, chop apples, dried cranberries, gorgonzola, and walnuts. until heated through the dumplings are cooked, about 20 minutes. Serve hot.

CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS Ingredients: Two 48oz (or three 38oz) cans of Chicken Broth ½ cup all purpose flour (or as needed) Two 16.3oz cans refrigerated Pillsbury biscuits 1 cup half-and-half 4 cups shredded chicken 1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper In a large (6-7 quart) soup pot, bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Dust a cutting board with flour. Remove the biscuits from the can and separate. Cut each biscuit into 9 pieces, scraping pieces and flour into the simmering broth. Continue to generously flour the board as you cut. Stir in the half-and-half, shredded chicken, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer gently

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SUGAR CREAM PIE BY JESSICA PEARSON MAGIC COOKIE BAR

Evenly pour ½ can of the sweetened condensed milk over crust.

Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs 6 tbsp. melted butter 1 can sweetened condensed milk 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips ½ cup chopped pecans 1 cup butterscotch morsels 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add the heavy cream, sugar and flour to a large bowl. Use a hand mixer on medium to beat smooth. Pour into pie crust and bake for an hour. Make sure top is nice golden brown.

mixture over sweetened condensed milk.

Pour remaining ½ can sweetened condensed milk overtop; COMMUNITY C KOKOMO

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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

sprinkle with the coconut andWorld add last ClassofEntertainment chip/pecan mixture.

Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press firmly

Bake 20-30 minutes until edges are golden Buy Single & Season Tickets Online at www.KokomoCom brown and middle is

into bottom of greased 9x13 inch pan.

set. Remove. Cool completely before cutting and serving.

at People Are Saying... Remove from heat and let chill at room temperature.

Mix chocolate chips, pecans and butterscotch morsels. Pour ¾

to hear Crista Tharp speak at a women’s luncheon in Kokomo. She was brilliant! Her

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me to make some real changes in my own life.”

KOKOMO COMMUNITY CONCERTS

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Concert Venue: Kokomo High School Auditorium - 2501 S Berkley Rd, Kokomo, IN 46902

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ure drew you in. Crista’s inspirational stories and realistic steps to understanding the

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Ingredients: Premade Pie Crust (My favorite is Wick’s found at Kroger’s) Filling: 2 cups heavy whipping cream 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

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2023-2024 Season

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16 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com Season Ticket Order Season Ticket I/We Order would like to contribute to

I/We would like to contribute to KokomoStudent Community Concerts with a Kokomo Community Concerts with a Adult - $60 | Child or Full-Time Student Adult - Free- $60 | Child or Full-Time - Free tax-deductible gift at the following level: Season Ticket Order level: tax-deductible gift at the following I/We would like to contribute to Mail To: Kokomo Community Concerts Mail To: Kokomo Community Concerts Season Ticket Order I/We would like to Concerts contributewith to a Kokomo Community Adult - $60 | Child or Full-Time Student - Free

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Kingston The Limeliters, Lightfoot, including bestWhitney of Aretha Franklin,and Carole Simon &Trio, Garfunkel, and TheGordon Brothers Four. King, Celinethe Dion, Houston, Cher. taste,Moon, including Tennessee Waltz, Blue and The When You’re Smiling. Simon & Garfunkel, and The Brothers Four. King, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and Cher. Moon, and When You’re Smiling.

Divas 3

A Note From Crista:

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2023-2024 Season

Concert Venue: Kokomo High School Auditorium - 2501 S Berkley Rd, Kokomo, IN 46902

Folk Divas Legacy 3 Trio

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Divas 3

2023-2024 Season

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Buy Single & Kokomo Season Tickets Online at www.KokomoCommunityConcerts.org Concert Venue: High School Auditorium - 2501 S Berkley Rd, IN 46902 arrangements of the 1950s to the honors the iconic hits of the great divas,Kokomo,instrumental Buy Single & Kokomo Season Tickets Online at www.KokomoCommunityConcerts.org Concert Venue: High Auditorium -- 2501 S Berkley Rd, Kokomo, IN 46902 Concert Venue: Kokomo High School School Auditorium 2501 Berkley IN Enjoy 46902 their harmonies in songs from The spanning theS 1960s through theRd, 1990s,Kokomo,1970s. Concert Venue: Kokomo High School Auditorium - 2501 S ofBerkley Rd,Carole Kokomo,Kingston IN 46902 Trio, The Limeliters, Gordon Lightfoot, including the best Aretha Franklin, Concert Venue: Kokomo High School Auditorium 2501 Berkley Rd, Kokomo, Simon IN 46902 & Garfunkel, and The Brothers Four. King,-Celine Dion,SWhitney Houston, and Cher.

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World Class Entertainment 2023-2024 Season 2023-2024 Season World Class Entertainment World Class Entertainment Folk Legacy Trio Divas 3 2023-2024 Season Buy Single & Season Tickets Online Buy Single at www.KokomoCommunityConcerts.org & Season Tickets Online at www.KokomoCommunityConcerts.org 2023-2024 Season Sunday, October 8, 2023, Sunday, September 17, 2023, 2023-2024 Season affecting women and her incredible vision for what her company WILL be. It is 2:30 pm 2:30 pm 2023-2024 Season Buy Single & Season Tickets Online at www.KokomoCommunityConcerts.org at this mother of ten doesn't let anything keep her down. She is a true inspiration!" Hailed as “the living library” of the folk music Concert Venue: Kokomo High School Concert Auditorium Venue: Kokomo -Buy 2501 SHigh Berkley School Rd, Auditorium Kokomo, IN-46902 2501 S Berkley Rd, Kokomo, 46902 These three powerhouse voicesIN have all starred 2023-2024 Season Buy Single Single & & Season Season Tickets Tickets Online Online at at www.KokomoCommunityConcerts.org www.KokomoCommunityConcerts.org

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Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees

CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BARS WITH STREUSEL TOPPING Ingredients: ¼ tsp nutmeg ½ tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp vanilla extract 3 peeled, cored and finely chopped Granny Smith apples 2 large eggs ½ cup plus 2 tbsp divided sugar 2 (8 oz) packages soften cream cheese ½ cup caramel topping 1 ½ cups firmly packed and divided brown sugar 3 cups divided all purpose flour ½ cup quick cooking oats 3 sticks softened and divided butter

In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour and ½ cup brown sugar. Cut in 2 sticks butter with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Press evenly into a 13-by-9by-2 inch baking pan lined with heavy duty aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with ½ cup sugar in an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Then add eggs, 1 at a time, and vanilla, Stir to combine. Pour over warm crust. In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, remaining 2 tbsp sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly with streusel topping. Bake 30 minutes, or until filling is set. Drizzle caramel topping.

CARNITINE LEMONADE ELECTROLYTE DRINK (FAT BURNER) Ingredients: 2 tsp L-Carnitine powder (helps the body use fat for energy!) 1 scoop of Electrolyte Forte Fresh squeezed lemon wedges or lemon juice (to taste) Water Stevia to taste for sweetness.

Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup oats and 1 stick softened butter.

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TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2023 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 17

A WINDOW INTO EXCELLENCE HOMETOWN WINDOW & DOOR COMPANY SPECIALIZES IN FULL-SERVICE REPLACEMENTS

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Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

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18 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

wanted to be sure they hired the right people to install the right product. The couple got quotes from window companies that were, frankly, exorbitant. Then they met representatives from Hometown Window & Door Company at this year’s Indianapolis “There were Home Show. three They hit the ground running, painting windows, three “We knew Andersen was a really good many of the rooms, updating the wooden transoms across, and all had wood in them product, so when Hometown gave us their stair railing to wrought iron, removing all and then a half-moon at the top,” Zerbe says. background and explained how they know of the stark and humming fluorescent and “It’s now one giant piece of glass in each of a lot about Andersen windows, that put us canned lighting, redoing all of the switches at ease,” Zerbe says. “Then when they came those. It looks amazing.” and outlets, upgrading the chandelier, and installing new ceiling fans. Outside, they put out and gave us a quote, doing a full-on in a new retaining wall, redid the dock, and window replacement was still less than what In addition, they converted the bathroom window to frosted glass, enabling sunlight to we had been quoted by other companies.” built a new boardwalk and patio area. With pour in while still preserving privacy. a never-ending to-do list, they knew they The project, designed by Scott Dorrell, was still had one giant project ahead of them: “That’s wonderful because we used to have quite extensive, but Hometown worked replacing most of their windows. regular windows in there with blinds that I with the couple to find affordable options to provide the aesthetics they desired. They never opened,” Zerbe says. “We have two-story, floor-to-ceiling also did financing, plus a down payment. windows in our great room that overlooks The Hometown team also suggested the lake,” says Zerbe. “Because we’re right installing several picture windows on the water, we had some rotted, aging Ultimately the Hometown team presented throughout the house, including in the wood and trim.” some great ideas, including converting the bedroom sitting area and basement storage homeowner’s great-room windows. room. With such a massive undertaking, they hen Christie Zerbe and her husband, Todd, moved into a 6,000-square-foot, 30-year-old home on Morse Lake in August 2021, they knew they had a fixer-upper on their hands.

TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2023 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 19

“WE KNEW ANDERSEN WAS A REALLY GOOD PRODUCT, SO WHEN HOMETOWN GAVE US THEIR BACKGROUND AND EXPLAINED HOW THEY KNOW A LOT ABOUT ANDERSEN WINDOWS, THAT PUT US AT EASE.” — CHRISTIE ZERBE

windows in March and they didn’t come in until August, but the Hometown team was upfront about the fact that it would take a long time. “They gave us a ballpark,” Zerbe says. “The goal was to have them in by September.”

“We were so pleased to get rid of the old windows that were in such bad shape, and update them with more modern, energyefficient ones,” says Zerbe, who notes that the Hometown staff also helped them select the outside color as well - a darker bronze that nicely complements the brick color. The original homeowners had three French doors in the basement, but only one door functioned. They removed all three and installed sliding glass doors so that less of the view would be lost by door trim. Now the entire basement can be opened up to let in abundant light, not to mention fresh air. Despite the size of this project, the Hometown team completed it in less than a week. They returned the following week for final steps such as cleaning up, touching up

and filling in nail holes. When the owners weren’t happy with the cleanliness of the big windows, the Hometown team agreed to send out professional window washers to get the job done. Given that the couple has dealt with numerous contractors as they have made improvements to their house, they know what they’re looking for in a hire: quality workmanship, a high degree of integrity and honest communication. “Responsiveness is key,” Zerbe says. “When people don’t call back or show up when they say they will, that’s really frustrating. We wanted to work with someone who would give us an answer when we asked for it and keep us updated on progress.” For instance, the Zerbes ordered their

Zerbe was impressed by the installation crews, who were both courteous and kind. “We had two crews working almost every day, so at any given time we probably had between 12 to 15 people in our house,” she says. “And it was during the hottest week of the summer when it was 98 degrees.” Living on the lake proved helpful, as the crew occasionally jumped in the water to cool off. Zerbe’s favorite part of the project is the transformation of the great room’s view. “It’s the same-size window opening, but by removing the wood separations and transoms, the view is so much nicer,” she says. “I just love it.” Hometown Window & Door Company is located at at 240 West Carmel Drive in Carmel. For more information, call 317.688.8100 or visit hometownwindowteam.com.

20 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com