Kokomo Magazine March 2023

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Dr. Rachel Fernung, B.S., DVM

HELPING NEW PETS FEEL AT HOME

• It is recommended to have different bedding in separate locations so each pet can have its own space.

• Take it slow! If possible, find neutral territory for gradual meetings between an existing pet and a new one to ensure a smooth transition.

• It’s best to keep unacquainted dogs separated by a gate, both for protection and so that they can interact on their own terms.

• Prepare before the pet comes home by deciding ahead of time where your new family member will sleep or relax--it might be a bed, cage or cat tree.

• Crates/kennels give your pet a denlike space that they, by nature, find comforting. It becomes a place of escape if the animal is nervous, scared, stressed or tired. If your pet is crated when you are not home, destructive behavior such as chewing and getting into the trash can be prevented, which keeps the animal safe and the owner happy.

• New crates can be expensive especially, for the larger sizes. However, they are usually easy to come by for a discounted

price in secondhand stores or online.

• Approach potty training by setting up a schedule and making sure everyone in the home is on board with it. Consistency is the key!

• Some families have had success using potty pads and bells as helpful tools to aid in potty training.

• Crating a dog can help with potty training. If the crate is just big enough for them to stand and turn around, they will be hesitant to urinate or defecate where they sleep.

IF POSSIBLE, FIND NEUTRAL TERRITORY FOR GRADUAL MEETINGS BETWEEN AN EXISTING PET AND A NEW ONE TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION.

Writer / Julie Yates

Photography Provided

• For a new cat, the best location for a litter box is a quiet area with little or no traffic; felines enjoy privacy.

• A good rule of thumb is that each cat should have its own litter box, plus an extra one somewhere in the house. If three cats live in the house, there should be four litter boxes.

• A cat can be taught to potty in the toilet. All it takes is time and a lot of patience!

• Set up a feeding schedule and stick to it! It’s best that pets have individual food bowls and eating areas.

• If possible, feed dogs a good quality of food such as Science Diet or Purina brand foods.

• One way to keep pets from eating plants is to not have them in the house. If that’s not possible, keep plants out of reach or in a separate room. Make sure that if you do have plants, they are not toxic to animals.

• A way to keep pets from being destructive or eating what they shouldn’t is by providing toys to distract them from chewing. Cats love catnip, cat grass and scratching posts which avoid furniture being ripped. Claw caps work well, too.

• Dogs enjoy food puzzles which provide them with treats. Dogs can be given a special area to dig in outside, like a sandbox.

• Sadly, we cannot stop our pets from shedding, but you can help make it manageable by daily brushing, plus bathing them every six to eight weeks or sooner if necessary.

The Tri County Vet Clinic is located at 9804 East State Road 26 in Russiaville

BEAR RIP 9-6-22 CHARLIE CLARK COW COW TRI

AND

Rustic Greige by Dutch Boy

Raspberry Blush by Benjamin Moore

Blank Canvas by Behr

Aged Barrel by Minwax

Spanish Moss by Krylon

Terra Rosa by Dunn-Edwards

Vining Ivy by Glidden

Canyon Ridge by Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart

Redend Point by Sherwin-Williams

NICE MOVES

CUSTOM MOVES REAL ESTATE HAS EACH CLIENT’S BEST INTEREST IN MIND

Selling real estate is something Nicci Perkins always dreamed of doing. As the owner of Custom Moves Real Estate Services, she feels that she is fulfilling her life’s purpose. Helping people become homeowners is extremely gratifying to her, and she also understands sentimental feelings when selling a family home.

Perkins is a Howard County native. She was born in Kokomo but moved to Greentown during her elementary school years. After graduating from Eastern High School, she lived in Florida for nine years. Life events and family brought her back home to Indiana.

“After working in the corporate world for many years and feeling like I just wasn’t filling my purpose, I made what I call my

mid-life leap of faith and changed careers,” she says. “I wanted to do what I always dreamed of, which is to sell real estate. In the beginning of my real estate career I worked for a franchise real estate company for a few years before deciding to venture out on my own and open Custom Moves Real Estate.”

“Owning a home has always been important to me,” Perkins adds, when asked why

Writer / Julie Yates

Photographer / John Bolinger

Nicci Perkins

she wanted to become a real estate agent. “Investing in a home gives you a sense of security, and pride in yourself and your community. Selling real estate gives me the opportunity to help others realize the dream of homeownership and bring this security and pride to their family as well. On the other side of the coin, I help those downsizing navigate the sale of their home, which can be quite emotional, to capitalize on the true equity they have built over the years.”

“Selling real estate is not nearly as glamorous as I thought it would be, but I love it nonetheless,” she says. “It is the hardest job I’ve every had, but the most rewarding. I learn something new every day. One surprising thing was that in the middle of winter, a house without electricity is colder inside than the weather is outside.”

According to Perkins, the housing market traditionally slows down over the holidays and throughout the winter months. She feels it was particularly slow this year due to the economy and high interest rates. However, there is still a shortage of inventory, and she is predicting another strong year for home sales. She also

anticipates that pricing will level off and be a bit more conservative, rather than the steep spikes recently seen.

Perkins advises buyers to be in the best position possible to make an offer by getting pre-approved for a loan. Real estate agents can guide their clients through the steps they need to take for pre-approval. Agents

their house ready for market. Foremost is cleaning and decluttering. If it’s clean, clean it again. Any maintenance issues need to be fixed. Sometimes people live with a problem, such as a leaky faucet, for so long that they do not notice it anymore. Buyers look at a home with critical eyes and they may see something the seller has gotten used to.

Curb appeal is important because it is the first thing a buyer sees. The landscape and lawn need to be neat and tidy. The front door should look fresh, and not in need of a coat of paint. The windows should be so clean they sparkle. This is when a good agent will be honest and tell the sellers what they need to do.

can also aid buyers in making a must-have list, as opposed to a like-to-have list, to keep in mind when viewing homes. Finally, don’t rush. If possible, look at a house twice.

On the flip side, Perkins has several ideas for what an existing owner can do to get

“To rent or own - I will always say own,” Perkins says. “Renting is something you should only do shortterm. When you rent long-term, you are basically just paying for someone else’s house for them. This doesn’t make good financial sense for you. It certainly does for them.”

“In the current market, rent and house payments are comparable to each other, so

it is just more financially sound to spend that money towards your own equity,” she continues. “Homes appreciate. When you are ready to sell in the next five to seven years, you should have built enough equity to make a return on your homeownership investment. You can put those funds down on your next home, which builds wealth. Plus, you will have tax incentives when you own that you do not have when renting.”

The company’s website, custom-moves.com,

is a great resource for both buyers and sellers. It has a home search tool that pulls directly from a multiple listing service with real-time data. A form can be filled out to request more information. This also generates an email sent to Perkins to let her know the buyer is interested in a particular house. Custom Moves will never send out spam emails, responding only with information requested.

“I have been blessed beyond words,” Perkins says. “It hasn’t always been easy, but it has

always been worth it. Custom Moves is now in its fifth year and things couldn’t look better. Last year was a record year for most everyone in the business. My goal is to give our clients the very best home buying and selling experience possible, to always keep their best interest first and foremost in every transaction. We always conduct ourselves and our business with honesty, integrity and compassion.”

For more info, call 765-252-3090 or visit custom-moves.com.

WE OFFER FULL DESIGN & PLAN SERVICE TO MEET YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEED

LUMBER SALES BRICK, BLOCK, STONE KITCHEN DESIGNS & SALES WINDOWS, DOORS, SIDING & MORE

Get local help with your Medicare questions.

Get local help with your Medicare questions.

I’m Matthew Roswog, a licensed sales agent in Indiana. When it comes to Medicare, it’s important to consider all of your options. What works well for your neighbor may not be the best fit for you. I know the ins and outs of Medicare, and I’m ready to answer your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs.

Get local help with your Medicare questions.

It’s time to take advantage.

I’m Matthew Roswog, a licensed sales agent in Indiana. When it comes to Medicare, it’s important to consider all of your options. What works well for your neighbor may not be the best fit for you. I know the ins and outs of Medicare, and I’m ready to answer your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs.

I’m Matthew Roswog, a licensed sales agent in Indiana. When it comes to Medicare, it’s important to consider all of your options. What works well for your neighbor may not be the best fit for you. I know the ins and outs of Medicare, and I’m ready to answer your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs.

Matthew Roswog

It’s time to take advantage.

It’s time to take advantage.

Licensed Sales Agent

765-431-9193, TTY 711

Matthew Roswog

Matthew Roswog

roswog@sbcglobal.net

Licensed Sales Agent

Licensed Sales Agent

765-431-9193, TTY 711

765-431-9193, TTY 711

www.MyUHCagent.com/matthew.roswog

roswog@sbcglobal.net

roswog@sbcglobal.net

www.MyUHCagent.com/matthew.roswog

www.MyUHCagent.com/matthew.roswog

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. ©2022 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All rights reserved.

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. ©2022 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Y0066_23SPRJ55189_C

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. ©2022 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All rights reserved.

SPRJ55189

SPRJ55189

Y0066_23SPRJ55189_C SPRJ55189

Heather Hunt & Skinology Team

CREATING AN AT-HOME SPA

Creating an at-home spa is a great way to de-stress and relax. A trip to the spa is always amazing, however, creating a relaxing space in your very own home is a must and can easily be done on any budget. Self-care is often neglected but is so very important and I’m a total advocate for this. Setting aside a moment of your day or week to pause, reflect and reboot does wonders for the soul.

Creating this space is quite easy and there are just a few things to consider while doing so. Recognizing the process of relaxation and self-care is key. Creating a space that is nurturing to all five senses like touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste enhances the experience. First, pick a space where you can be alone without distractions. The most obvious place might be your bathroom. The bathroom is my favorite because this is where most of us spend time doing selfcare rituals already. Below is a detailed description of how all five senses can be integrated in your home spa.

TOUCH

Touch, as a sense, is the ability to perceive

an object or often stimulus that encounters the surface of the skin. Most important of them all is the element of water. Water has been used as a cleansing tool both physically and spiritually by many cultures throughout history. There is nothing better than soaking in a nice warm bath. Adding Epsom salt, bath bombs and oil make for the ultimate bath experience. Purchasing a nice soft robe or simply bringing in your favorite lounge wear and socks to slip into adds to the touch experience. Facial and body modalities such as loofah sponges and facial brushes, as well as scrubs, masks, serums, oils and lotions all are ways to stimulate touch and nurture yourself. There is a wide variety of products on the market to choose from. There are DIY budget-friendly recipes out there but be sure all are non-toxic, non-comedogenic an non-inflammatory.

SIGHT

Sight is the visual perception of your ability to perceive and interpret your surrounding and environment. Adding some of your favorite candles and dimming overhead lights instantly creates a feeling of relaxation. You can incorporate an element of nature by placing your favorite flowers or plants

within eyesight to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. Although I’m not a huge fan of including electronics into this space, tuning on video that relaxes, such as a crackling fire or crashing ocean waves, can be a nice added touch.

HEARING

Hearing is a sense that is a mechanism by which we receive information about our external environment. Music is a way to immediately induce a state of calm. Some examples of this are soft piano music, binary vibrational sounds, or sounds of nature such as ocean waves, a crackling fire, falling rain, birds chirping or dolphin and whales speaking. Sometimes we just need to sit in silence and that’s also ok--whatever resonates with your soul is just what you need.

SMELL

Smell is the special sense through which smells are perceived and can have direct effect on your state of mind. Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils--use of essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, peppermint, rose and bergamot are a few oils that are known to contain relaxing benefits. I do suggest,

Story & Photos Provided by Skinology

though, that you carefully select essential oils you purchase and be sure they are higher grade “A” oils. Any pre-made bath salts, soaks, bath oils, lotions and candles are infused with aromatherapy oils and scents.

TASTE

Taste is the sensation perceived by your mouth. Including taste as a part of your relaxing space adds the element of nutrition which is key to selfcare. Some examples are hot chamomile tea with a dash of local honey or cucumber and mint infused filtered water. In addition to all five senses, I would like to mention the importance of movement, such as light stretching, yoga and mindful breathing exercises. When enjoying an at-home spa experience, it is important to be in a state of mindfulness through acts of prayer, meditation, loving affirmations and gratefulness.

Whether you’re creating an at-home spa experience or seeking a professional spa experience, Skinology is here to help. We are also happy to bring the experience to you with our in-home spa treatment.

Much Love & Peace

Heather Hunt & Skinology Team

HERE IS A LIST OF SKINOLOGY FAVORITES YOU CAN ADD TO YOUR IN-HOME SPA EXPERIENCE. ALL OF THESE ARE RETAILED IN OUR OFFICE:

• Hot and cold therapy utilizing wasabi, cooling masks or an invigorating cocoa berry vitamin C mask

• Brightening facial scrub containing a plethora of nutrients and yummy aromas

• Cucumber hydrating mist

• Hydrating grape seed nourishing oil for body and face

• Bamboo or brown sugar body scrubs

• Nurture Body Balm containing sandalwood, cocoa seed butter and lavender jade facial rollers

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WHAT HOMEOWNERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INSURANCE COVERAGE

Writer / Julie Yates

Photography Provided

Your home is likely the largest investment you will ever make. You work hard for all that you have, and you need to be protected in the event of a loss. A typical homeowner’s insurance policy protects the structure of your home and any other attached buildings. Usually the policy will include other structures on the property such as a fence or shed.

• A deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket before you receive money from your insurance company after filing a claim. An average deductible is usually around $1,000. The higher the deductible, the lower the cost of your insurance premium.

• A good policy will include personal property coverage if your belongings are

destroyed after a “covered peril.” Perils are destructive events such as damage caused by theft, fire or pipes breaking, but this usually does not include flood damage. Make sure you know what is covered in your policy.

• If your home is uninhabitable while repairs are going on, policies usually include additional living expenses such as compensation for the cost of a hotel room and food.

• It is important that homeowners have medical and liability coverage. If someone hurts themselves on your property and sues you for damages, this will help pay your legal fees.

• A rider is a specific add-on to a homeowner’s insurance to insure

cover. At an additional cost, protection can be included for something such as an expensive piece of artwork, high-end bicycles or an engagement ring.

• If damage occurs to your home as the result of negligence of another party, a claim can be filed against them, and their insurance liability coverage will be used to restore your property.

• When an emergency arises, homeowners are often glad they have their policy with a local agency. It is better to be able to call and speak with a real person you know, rather than the 800 number of a corporate office.

For additional info, visit Gaffney Insurance Agency, located at 1732 South Washington Street in Kokomo, call 765-457-7558, or go

Humble Home, Renee and Wes Chandler

DECORATING ON A BUDGET

Photography Provided

• You can change the look of your living room for under $100 just by switching out accessories. Timeless things such as a fresh coat of paint, pillows and throws are inexpensive. Consider using accessories made of rattan and cloth as well as woven baskets.

• Want to go a bit further? Add a small ottoman or rug for less than $100.

• Refresh a bookshelf by rearranging the books and adding in some accessories like ceramic vases, candle sticks or book ends. Candles are very big right now, but natural things such as an actual rock could be used. Just make sure all accessories on the shelf are in balance by being the same size and scale.

• Graphic signs are fading away and wall art is taking its place. Art gathers inspiration from nature as it features trees, the outdoors and florals. Framed lined art is also popular.

• Keep colors current. Green, especially in muted tones, is very popular right now. Blues are still being seen, as is gray- but not quite as much as in years past. Neutrals and rust colors are also important.

• What to do with a small room? Minimalize large pieces. For example, use a lower sofa with sleek lines. Add a small table, lamp and area rug. Put a chair in a corner and add in some tall pampas. Keep the lines simple and the color palette uncomplicated. Tie it all together with artwork, pillows and accessories.

• Big rooms or those with a wide-open floor plan need larger scaled pieces to define different areas. Use a credenza or buffet to create a large focal point. A table can separate spaces that flow into each other. Tie it all together with color; the runner on the table can play off the rug in the living area.

• In a big space, it is especially important to match styles. A traditional sofa calls for classic bar stools, but not modern ones made from chrome. Pair midcentury modern pieces with a retro piece like a green sofa.

• Resist being matchy-matchy. The threepiece living room set of a sofa, love seat and chair are not being seen anymore. Instead, choose items that complement each other but do not necessarily match.

Writer / Julie Yates

• Simple items can spruce up your home seasonally. Try a wreath on the door or an entry mat. Both can be bright, fun and can make a huge impact to brighten your mood when coming home at the end of the day.

• Seasonal decorating inside your home can last over several months if it is done simply. Snowmen are appropriate from December to February. Even winter, items such as Christmas trees or houses made from materials such as glass or wood can be kept out for many weeks. By Valentine’s Day, it’s time to change out the decorations to head into spring-keep some houses out but add flowers.

• As the weather warms up and people move outside, the trend is leaning toward furniture made of natural wood and teak. Modern outdoor furniture is now mimicking the look of pieces found inside. All weather sectionals and chairs can be used for more than one season and are enjoyed from early spring to late fall.

You can visit Humble Home at 2929 South Washington Street in Kokomo’s Maple Crest Plaza or reach them by calling 765-450-7273. Their website is shophumblehome.com and can be found on Instagram at @shophumblehome.

2023 HOME INTERIOR TRENDS

Center Road Church of Christ

Center Road Church of Christ

899 West 300 South Kokomo, IN 46902 www.centerandpark.org.org

Center Road Church of Christ

899 West 300 South Kokomo, IN 46902 www.centerandpark.org.org

899 West 300 South Kokomo, IN 46902 www.centerandpark.org.org

Sunday Gatherings: 9:00 am -Coffee, Conversation & Connection 9:30 am –Bible Classes 10:30 am –Worship

Sunday Gatherings: 9:00 am -Coffee, Conversation & Connection 9:30 am –Bible Classes 10:30 am –Worship

Sunday Gatherings: 9:00 am -Coffee, Conversation & Connection 9:30 am –Bible Classes 10:30 am –Worship

Wednesday Classes @ 7pm

Wednesday Classes @ 7pm

Wednesday Classes @ 7pm

Wa cky We dnesday Ev e nt

Wa cky We dnesday Ev e nt

Wa cky We dnesday Ev e nt

We will be having fun with Dr. Seuss themed food and activities while learning about poetry found in the Bible. “Wacky Wednesday” means you’ll need to wear your mismatched, backwards, inside out clothing or your favorite Dr. Seuss outfit!

We will be having fun with Dr. Seuss themed food and activities while learning about poetry found in the Bible. “Wacky Wednesday” means you’ll need to wear your mismatched, backwards, inside out clothing or your favorite Dr. Seuss outfit!

We will be having fun with Dr. Seuss themed food and activities while learning about poetry found in the Bible. “Wacky Wednesday” means you’ll need to wear your mismatched, backwards, inside out clothing or your favorite Dr. Seuss outfit!

Wednesday, March 8th, 6-8 PM

Wednesday, March 8th, 6-8 PM

Wednesday, March 8th, 6-8 PM

Ages 3 years to 8th Grade Families welcome!

Ages 3 years to 8th Grade Families welcome!

Ages 3 years to 8th Grade Families welcome!

RSVP with number attending to: info@centerandpark. org

RSVP with number attending to: info@centerandpark. org

RSVP with number attending to: info@centerandpark. org

Or call: (765)4531448, Ext. 6

Or call: (765)4531448, Ext. 6

Or call: (765)4531448, Ext. 6

Homemade Mid-Century Décor

Layered, Indulgent Textures

Brown-Toned Furniture

Flashy Details

Floating Stone Vanities

Glass Tables and Lamps

Danish Pastels

Curved Sofas, Chairs, and Tables

Curves and Arches

OnlineCrosswords.net

Find

OnlineCrosswords.net

This is the Daily Crossword Puzzle #2 for Feb 6, 2023

This is the Daily Crossword Puzzle #2 for Feb 6, 2023

Across

1. Very, to Ozawa

Across

6. Soft liner for boots

1 Very, to Ozawa

6 Soft liner for boots

9 Walloped, in the Bible

9 Walloped, in the Bible

14 Anti-discrimination grp since 1909

14 Anti-discrimination grp since 1909

15 Perón of Argentina

15 Perón of Argentina

16 Frightened into submission

16. Frightened into submission

17 Contemptibly familiar 18 Innocent

17 Contemptibly familiar

18. Innocent

20 Microprocessors, e g

22. Furniture wood, often 23 Battery type 24 Fowl males 28 "Home Alone" actor 32 Unfamiliar with 33. Some playing cards 34 Country-club coach 35 Showy, rayed flower 36 Seminary deg

37 By way of 38. It's to be hailed 39 NASCAR sponsor 40 Grassy plain of Argentina

42 The word, maybe 43 Twofold 44 Tennis star of the '70s 45 Figurative serving of humiliation

Tennis star of the '70s 45

Figurative serving of

humiliation

48 The Chiffons' " So Fine" 49 Winter Games org 50 Explosive cylinders 56. Supposedly 59 Certain Instant Messenger user 60 Saint-Nazaire's river 61 Tennyson's dusk 62. Soprano Tetrazzini 63 Have a life 64 One after H S T 65 Les -Unis (the United States, in France)

Down 1

1. Aardvark snacks

2 Indira's gown

3. Spinnaker, e.g.

4 They speak louder than words

5 Medicinal plant

6 "Bonnie and Clyde" director

7 Dip flavor

51 " Around" (Beach Boys hit)

52 Cubs great Sandberg

53 Lamb by another name

54 Take a load off

55 Madrid Mmes 56 Stout, e g

57 Bagel stuffer, perhap s