Kokomo Magazine December 2024 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

theEmbrace Glow

JANELLE MITZNER MAKES SCENTS OF SMALL TOWN LIVING

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DON’T RELY ON COMMERCIALS AND TELEMARKETERS. I’M YOUR LOCAL AGENT AND CAN ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE TODAY!

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Sometimes it’s hard getting out the door, especially on weekend mornings. For those who can’t make it to church in person, Kokomobased Pastor Randy Kerr broadcasts his in-person Eagles Wings Fellowship sermon on YouTube, with viewers spanning from Kokomo to Europe.

But Eagles Wings Fellowship church was close to not having a meeting place for their

live-stream fellowship. Kerr and his wife signed the closing papers for their home, where fellowship now happens, on the day that Kokomo shut down due to COVID in March of 2020.

Kerr’s small group started meeting shortly after the papers were signed and they moved into their home, which they open up to the community for anyone who wants to attend an in-person sermon on Sundays.

“This home was actually owned by a pastor before us,” Kerr says. “I don’t believe in coincidences. It was an ordained type of thing that worked out that way.”

Kerr has been active in ministry for over 36 years. He started as a drummer, choir member, and a backup vocalist with the praise and worship team at his former church, then lead vocalist with the praise and worship team. In the midst of all of this, he also devoted time to obtaining his ordination through his church’s bible school and additional online study. He holds a bachelor’s degree in pastoral studies.

“The idea for Eagles Wings Fellowship has always been in the back of my mind,” Kerr says. “I was in prayer, and this image came to mind. I roughed out a sketch of what I wanted the Eagles Wings logo to look like and shot it over to a friend who was a graphic designer, and went from there.”

Kerr’s overarching vision for his homechurch fellowship is based on his belief that smaller churches in a more intimate setting allow for the members to truly connect and get their heart right with the lord, and hear what he has to say.

“I personally don’t believe in the megachurch,” Kerr says. “A member can attend a church with 500 people, or thousands, and hide. They want to check a box. They hear a good message that is emotionally or intellectually stimulating but they might not be connecting. I believe in the home-church so much because it breeds intimacy that you read about in the New Testament.”

Likeminded and like-faith members meet at Kerr’s home where they enjoy fellowship and share meals together - something they’ve been doing every Sunday since its inception. This supports Kerr’s goal of building intimacy through teaching and Bible study, which members can attend on Monday evenings.

Though Eagles Wings Fellowship is a small group, Kerr knew they had a global vision, and they found a way to fulfill it.

“Wanting to live-stream our services on YouTube and Facebook happened to coincide with staying home because of COVID, so it just amplified our idea that this was a good medium to broadcast to the masses with,” he says.

Kerr also recognizes that some members of Eagles Wings Fellowship, and viewers far and wide on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook, might hit a midday slump.

“Some people hit that slump and get a cup of coffee,” Kerr says, adding that the broadcast is called “A Time With Him!” for those wanting to check it out online. “I thought, ‘Why don’t I broadcast something around that time?’ I wanted to give our viewers something to think about with their cup of coffee. So everyday at noon I record and post an encouraging word and put it on all of our social pages. People can look us up, get a verse and explanation, and hopefully feel a little inspiration for the rest of the day.”

Going forward, Eagles Wings Fellowship won’t turn into a brick-and-mortar church, although Kerr has thought about it. He feels they should remain a home-church, and that if members want to go out on their own and start their own small groups - almost like satellite churches - then that is the way they will grow.

In-person service times are Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Mondays at 6 p.m. at 734 Santa Fe Boulevard in Kokomo. You can find Eagles Wings Fellowship on YouTube @ewfbroadcast91.

By:

Cathy Hunnicutt with Remax Realty One

DECEMBER CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

1. Subway alternative

4. Klutzes

8. Things that go ___ in the night

12. Tumult

13. Woodwind

14. Calculus calculation

15. N.Y.C. sports venue

16. Fly, e.g.

17. Approximate

18. Wind surges

20. Isn’t quite perpendicular

21. Cinderella’s soiree

23. Factions

25. Athens attractions

27. Don’t keep up

DOWN

1. Engine part

2. Billboard messages

3. Confusing

4. Cry over spilled milk

5. Looks out for, maybe

6. Paleontologist’s pursuit

7. Get firm

8. Deadly poisons

9. Fertilizer ingredient

10. Suggest

11. Course guidelines?

19. Skeleton component

20. By-the-book

21. Forehead

22. Surrounding glow

33. Mariachi band instrument

35. Fido’s greeting?

36. Variety

38. Scottish ponds

39. 2004 Jude Law role

41. Buy stuff

42. Abalone production

28. Bow wood

31. Busy

45. Unwelcome forecast

47. Egg cell

24. Aswan or Hoover

26. Token taker

28. America’s Cup activity

29. Audio effect

30. Stinger

32. Holiday help

34. Kate in “Titanic”

37. Mug

39. Holding one’s piece

40. Make happy

42. “___ chance!”

43. Declare

44. Fix

46. Fencing category

48. Fore’s counterpart

50. Mushroom topper

51. “I” problem

48. Rush job notation

49. Diamonds

52. Ran

53. Honor, in a way

54. Peck at

55. Blown away

56. Certain surgeon’s “patient”

57. Mail place (abbr.)

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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL STUDENTS

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SUSAN CONE

theEmbrace Glow

JANELLE MITZNER MAKES SCENTS OF SMALL TOWN LIVING

Writer / Melissa Gibson

Janelle Mitzner grew up on a farm in Northwest Indiana, surrounded by a family of entrepreneurs. Her parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and even her brother all ran their own businesses. So, when she announced her plan to leave the farm and move hours away for a marketing position at Beck’s, it came as quite a surprise.

Still, despite Mitzner’s move with her fiancé to his pig farm, spending long nights in the barn overseeing their Landrace and crossbred pigs, her entrepreneur roots were a natural path to her next step.

“My fiancé is from Tipton and he had a lot of his guy friends around, but I hadn’t really formed a lot of relationships yet,” she said. “I was looking for a hobby. I saw an advertisement from a big candle and bath company and I thought I could probably make candles myself.”

What began as a fun creative outlet, making six candles in an hour over a double boiler in her kitchen, became Pasture and Crate, a thriving high-end candle business.

“I called it Pasture as a tribute to my cattle roots growing up, and Crate for the pig industry that is our lifestyle now,” Mitzner

said. “I wanted them to be something you wouldn’t find anywhere else, and have an agricultural theme.”

All Mitzner’s candles are white or crème, owing to her desire to add something to the home that will fit in every environment. She wanted them to be classy, and satisfy the farmer as well as those who don’t come from a farm.

She began experimenting with scents and names, creating her bestselling candle, Farmer’s Daughter, in addition to scents like Hired Hand, Early Morning Brew and more.

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They reminded her of her agricultural roots, and soon others began to take notice. One thing led to another, and eventually Mitzner said their home had been taken over by Pasture and Crate.

“This grew much bigger than we ever thought it would,” she said. “I ended up with a dining room as a warehouse, a guest bedroom as a shipping center, and the kitchen was production. We had just built a new pig barn that had additional office space where we created a space for the business. There’s a door that divides the two sections, but ironically, on the other side of that door is one of the inspirations for the business.”

They installed separate air systems and temperature control. Mitzner said standing in her candle production space, one would never know their pigs were hanging out on the other side.

Over the past two years Mitzner has created her year-round collections, but also offers seasonal collections. In February, The Litter collection features what Mitzner said is “all of the good smells of pigs,” with Picture Pen and Chip Barn. April features The Planting Collection, with scents like Fresh Blooms and Turnin’ Dirt. Throughout the summer customers can purchase County Fair collection items, full of scents like Elephant Ear and Lemonade Shake-Up.

In the fall, Indiana in Autumn is in stock, and available now is the Christmas collection with some of her tried-and-true scents like Tree Farm, Peppermint Ice Cream and a few new scents added.

“September through December is the busiest time,” she said. “I think we start spending more time inside and the fall scents are one of my biggest collections. I also think a lot of people like to give candles as gifts.”

In addition, she attends a variety of markets and holiday events, and loves interactions with customers.

“When someone walks into my booth they often say, ‘This smells just like my grandma’s house,’ or, ‘This reminds me of our vacation last summer,’” Mitzner said. “Our bodies are programmed when we smell certain scents or hear a specific sound - it brings back memories. It’s nostalgic for many.”

For example, Grammie’s Kitchen reminds her of the banana nut bread cookies her great-grandmother used to make, and it means something different to others as they make their own connections.

The candles have also provided an educational opportunity.

It’s not uncommon for customers to be curious about the natural products Mitzner uses. She makes her candles using wax made with soybeans produced by American farmers. It sparks discussion about American-made, homemade and environmentally friendly practices. They also like learning more about her life on the farm and the story behind each candle’s name.

Though Mitzner has customers from all over the country, she began primarily with farmers as a customer base. Those in the agricultural industry could appreciate the special touch she was putting into the scents, style and homage to her roots.

“I have one called Landrace Lover, and all of our pig friends buy it because it’s pig specific,” she said. “I’ve had agricultural companies reach out to me to do corporate gifts because it’s something unique. I have another called Fair Queen and pageant committees love to use those for ladies competing.”

She’s no longer making six candles an hour,

but rather dozens at a time.

Mitzner found something that allows creativity and satisfies her entrepreneurial spirit. Furthermore, she’s been able to create relationships with customers and is making lifelong friends in the process.

Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic scent from grandma’s farm or simply interested in high-end products for the home, Mitzner

has you covered.

Visit pastureandcrate.com for more information, and use the coupon code MAGAZINE for free shipping on your orders.

Visit Pasture and Crate Home Accents on social media for info on upcoming pop-up markets Mitzner will attend.

ORTHOINDY

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

AROUND THE COMMUNITY,

DECEMBER

KOKOMO EVENTS

Nov. 29 - Jan. 7

FROZEN SANDLOT

Kokomo Municipal Stadium

Visit frozensandlot.com for times.

Dec. 1 - 22

WINTERTYME VILLAGE AT KOKOMO MUNICIPAL STADIUM

Saturdays 2-7 p.m.; Sundays 1-7 p.m.

Admission is free. The holidaythemed village will be closed parade night (Dec. 7), though vendors will be able to set up downtown on the square for the parade. Planned activities will take place every night of the village. Some activities will include decorating a Christmas cookie with Mrs. Claus, writing letter to Santa, and visits with Santa in the Santa House. In addition to the Frozen Sandlot (ice skating) operating during regular hours, movies may be shown on the jumbotron. Also, several commercial lighted and 3D displays will be set up along the stadium’s walking path.

Dec. 1 - 24

PHOTOS WITH SANTA AT THE MARKLAND MALL

Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday 12-6 p.m.

For more details, visit marklandmall. com/events.

Dec. 1 - 29

CHRISTMAS AT THE SEIBERLING

Tuesday-Sunday 1-4 p.m. (and select evenings)

For details, visit howardcountymuseum.org.

Dec. 6

FIRST FRIDAY: UGLY SWEATER

Downtown Kokomo

5:30-8 p.m.

Visit firstfridaykokomo.com.

Dec. 7

RUDOLPH RUN 5K FUN RUN & WALK

Starts at KHCPL Main in downtown Kokomo Visit khcpl.org.

KOKOMO CHRISTMAS PARADE

Downtown Kokomo

Parade starts at 6:30 p.m.; Activities begin at 4 p.m. and will run until the start of the parade.

Includes vendors, miniature farm animals you can pet and photograph, various Christmas characters to meet, kids bingo with prizes, and writing letters to Santa available. Contact Dave at 765-456-7472 or at dtrine@ cityofkokomo.org.

OUTDOOR VINTAGE CHRISTMAS MARKET

4300 West 100 North 1 p.m.

Dec. 8

SENSITIVE SANTA AT THE MARKLAND MALL

10-11:30 a.m.

Visit marklandmall.com/events.

KOKOMO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA YOUTH HOLIDAY CONCERT

Grace United Methodist Church 3 p.m., Visit kokomosymphony.net.

Dec. 9

PAWS & CLAUS AT THE MARKLAND MALL

5-7 p.m.

Pet photos with Santa. Visit marklandmall.com/events.

TIPTON EVENTS

Dec 7

HOLIDAY HAUL: TICKET TO TIPTON

10-3 p.m.

Enjoy us for the 4th annual holiday haul in downtown Tipton. Please review the flyer!

Dec. 13 & 14

TIPTON COMMUNITY THEATRE PRESENTS “THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK CHRISTMAS MUSICAL”

Visit tiptontheatre.com for showtimes and tickets.

Dec. 14 & 15

FESTIVAL OF NATIVITIES

Saint Joesph Retreat & Conference Center, 1440 W. Division Rd. Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Live nativity Sunday.

For a complete calendar of Kokomo events, go to visitkokomo.org.

BOILER UP

WYOMING DISTILLERY RELEASES PURDUE-THEMED BOURBON

Writer / Devon Dean

Brush Creek Distillery, a Wyoming-based smallbatch distillery with deep Purdue ties, is releasing a new straight bourbon whiskey in partnership with the Purdue for Life Foundation.

Founded by prominent Purdue alumni Bruce and Beth White in 2010, Brush Creek Distillery is part of Brush Creek Ranch, a luxury ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming. The release of this bourbon reflects the White family’s continued dedication to Purdue

University. Bruce White served as a Purdue trustee from 2011 to 2015 and made significant contributions to the school. Although Bruce White passed away in early 2023, this bourbon honors his legacy and passion for his alma mater.

“We are thrilled to unveil this special-release whiskey with Purdue for Life, and to support the organization’s ongoing efforts to engage alumni and strengthen the community,” says Distillery Managing Director Andrew Wason. “Inspired by fellow Boilermakers, this whiskey combines innovation and sustainability to deliver a strikingly bold spirit, layered with rich flavors and a lingering finish.”

As another nod to Purdue, the straight bourbon whiskey was derived from nine different distillates in Indiana, all aged seven years. “The multiple mash bills include a high rye bourbon blended with a wheat bourbon,” Wason explains. “The aroma and taste will appeal beyond whiskey aficionados to a much wider audience.”

True to its Boilermaker spirit, the bourbon is crafted with meticulous care. Here’s what you can expect in each sip:

APPEARANCE

Boilermaker gold.

AROMA

Spiced honey, graham cracker, light citrus zest, baking spices and herbaceous mint notes.

PALATE

The palate is rich and dense with layers of vanilla custard, light caramel, dark chocolate, candied fruit, and hints of black tea and spearmint. The mid-palate highlights light oak, cinnamon and a well-rounded mouthfeel.

FINISH

Full, lingering finish with notes of vanilla, pipe smoke and spice hints.

96 Proof | 48% Alcohol by Volume | 750 ml

“The bourbon is perfect for the changing seasons,” Wason explains. “It’s a perfect ‘warming spirit’ that can be enjoyed neat, with a splash of water or on the rocks.”

The bourbon is packed with symbolic connections to Purdue University. The price of $74.18 pays homage to 1874, the year Purdue opened its doors for classes. The seven distillates from Indiana, aged seven years, symbolize the seven degree programs offered at Purdue’s White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

The Whites met on campus in West Lafayette and fell in love. In 2009 Bruce White gifted $5 million to establish the White Lodging School, which has since become a top destination for students

pursuing hospitality careers. The school, named in honor of Bruce White and his company, is renowned for its hospitality and tourism management programs. Bruce graduated from Purdue with a degree in management, while Beth earned a degree in coordinated dietetics.

Formed in 2020, the Purdue for Life Foundation builds lasting relationships among Purdue students, alumni and future Boilermakers. The foundation offers numerous ways to stay involved, including events, volunteer activities, and philanthropic efforts that support Purdue’s mission and community.

Wason says Brush Creek’s goal is to serve this whiskey on campus at the Union Club Hotel and the upcoming Boilermaker Ball fundraiser in Indianapolis on March 1, 2025.

The Purdue for Life Foundation special release is available at brushcreekdistillery.

com and bourbonoutfitter.com, or by visiting the distillery itself in Saratoga, Wyoming.

In other Purdue-related news, Sun King Brewery is paying tribute to legendary Purdue men’s basketball coach Gene Keady with a special beer crafted in honor of his 25-year tenure. Named Play Hard Lager, officials with the Indianapolis-based brewery say they worked with Keady’s family to develop the beer’s artwork and style. The beer is described by Sun King officials as a balanced blend of malt sweetness and hop character. It is said to symbolize the lessons Keady taught his players as a coach, including the benefits of teamwork and resilience.

Keady coached the Boilermakers from 1980 to 2005, and made 17 NCAA tournaments and two Elite Eight appearances.

This Indiana delicacy, though not exclusive to the state, is often bigger than the plate it comes on, and the best ones can often be found at dive bars and diners throughout the Midwest. There’s even a trail in Indiana to follow that will lead connoisseurs from restaurant to restaurant, showcasing the best ones in Indiana.

So what are we talking about? The breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. The visual novelty of it is part of the reason it’s wellknown, but for The Tin Plate Fine Food & Spirits in Elwood, a happy accident helped to make their tenderloin so famous, and they now serve up to 375 of the massive sandwiches per week.

Back in 2015, The Tin Plate had a small friends-and-family soft opening the Saturday before officially opening the historic doors of the new restaurant. Aimed to give a little live practice to the restaurant staff, Owner Patrick Rice remembers having about 10 guests who ordered tenderloins. Except they kept getting sent back to the kitchen - something just wasn’t right with the taste. The next week, 30 minutes before opening day, Rice was in the kitchen mixing up a new breading for the tenderloin, but got distracted with a broken register and left the kitchen to fix it. Unknowingly to Rice,

TENDERLOINTASTIC

Writer / Natalie Platt

his father, Pat, an integral part of The Tin Plate, dredged a pork loin through the mix and fried it.

“I meant to put more seasonings in the bowl but got called away to fix a register,” said Patrick Rice. “The next thing I know, my dad comes out of the kitchen and says, ‘Try this!’ and hands me a piece of breaded tenderloin. That’s how we got our recipe. It was a total mistake that worked out, and now we have the best tenderloin around.”

Voted Best Tenderloin of Madison County the last two years, The Tin Plate has also appeared in USA Today and the Chicago Tribune. The restaurant, named after the tin plate factory that opened in 1892 across the street, was once the only hot-tin mill in the U.S. Its namesake now goes though more than six tons of pork tenderloin per year.

Although their Midwestern-favored sandwich is extremely popular with locals and those traveling from other parts of the state, Rice explained that it’s the consistency, quality and people that keep the restaurant so successful.

Carpet

“We get so much satisfaction from the regulars that come in, and when you’ve been open as long as we have, you get to really know these people,” Rice said. “Some of these regulars are now at my dinner table for Thanksgiving and Christmas. You really get to know your clientele and we’re proud of that. We also have a great staff and the group we have now. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”

Rice emphasized how proud he is to be part of the Elwood community. When COVID hit, many regulars bought hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards to give The Tin Plate operating money during one of the roughest times in history for the restaurant business. Patrons came in droves for takeout, and tipped well so that the staff was also taken care of.

“We try to give back to the community that has given so much to us,” Rice says. “Mayor Todd Jones has done a great job of bringing people, businesses and housing to Elwood, and we like to support our town the best way we know how. Much of it goes intentionally unpublished or said, but we’re always working in the background to support our town and its people by donating food and gift cards to those in need.”

In addition, The Tin Plate helps to sponsor youth sports teams, school sports teams, sprint cars at Anderson Speedway, The Tin Plate All-American Glass Festival Parade, and local parades.

“We’re very happy to be here in Elwood and I couldn’t do it without my wife and dad,” Rice said. “My dad, a retired police officer, plays a huge part at the restaurant in finance and operations, and it wouldn’t be possible without him, along with my wife’s support.”

The Tin Plate Fine Food & Spirits is located at 2233 South J Street in Elwood. You can reach them at 765-557-8231.

Veterans please join us on November 11th and receive a Cheeseburger, fries, and a soft drink as appreciation for your service.

HANDLING HOLIDAY STRESS

Writer / Julie Yates

Holiday stress, the feeling of being under pressure or overwhelmed during the month of December, is something many people experience. Often cited as the most wonderful time of the year, the busy season can leave individuals feeling anxious, depressed and depleted, both emotionally and financially.

Tipton Counselor Chasity Montalvo, MA, LCAC, LMHCA, feels that managing holiday stress is possible by truthfully evaluating what is valued in life.

“When people are asked to name the top-three things that are most important in their life, they usually say, ‘God, family, finances or career,’” Montalvo says. “It’s what we say because we think that’s what we should say, or because we want it to be true, but our actions don’t always back it up. If we are addicted to a substance or even advertising, those top-three things don’t

matter. However, God doesn’t care about gifts.”

“In truth, are the top-three things looking good or always buying the best brand?” Montalvo adds. “Are you trying to make everyone happy by spending money on a gift you think is best? Check with yourself and get back into alignment with your top-three things. Communicate with your family; kids have their own expectations and they might not be the same as yours. Maybe what is important to them is just sharing a good meal, not the right shirt or gift card.”

Montalvo shares that if responsibly managing finances is at the top of a person’s list, it must match up with their actions. For instance, if the budget for holiday spending is $500 but $3,000 is spent, an individual will be facing the first of the year in debt. Spending got out of control because it was allowed to happen.

Montalvo also suggests every family make a mission statement detailing values, philosophies, desires and intentions for the future. Fact-check the mission statement often. Be aware of family members’ love languages, and know what truly makes them happy. Keep in mind the importance of maintaining mind, body and soul.

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“You must make sure that whatever you are doing is not going to hurt you,” she says. “If your love language is acts of service, the gift of that might not necessarily mean love to your family member. Make sure gratitude is expressed for what you do. Consider a nospend holiday. We have so much food in our cabinets. Who says we need a turkey or ham? Just turn on Christmas music, laugh and eat what you have.”

Montalvo reveals that one Christmas, her grandmother died of alcoholism. Her cousin, Frank, died of a heroin overdose on another. Other people might turn to affairs or experience an increased struggle with seasonal affective disorder during the holidays.

“Everyone has issues, and some people work on them and some don’t,” Montalvo says. “When someone is stressed, they want to feel good. They may fall back on addictions because they would rather live with guilt and shame instead of getting stressed. Work on mind, soul, body all year long, not just during the holidays. Check your facts. Is your family’s mission statement true? We must do a check and balance against the top things we hold important, even when things are going well. That’s especially when you should fact-check and realign.”

Contact Montalvo at graciasadios42@gmail.com or call 765-540-9835.