Kokomo Magazine May 2023

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MEET CRYSTAL SANBURN

LONGTIME RESIDENT IS ‘ALL-IN’ ALL THE TIME IN KOKOMO COMMUNITY

Crystal Sanburn has it in her heart to be of service to her community. A lifelong resident of Kokomo, she has given back through work and volunteering. As the current executive director of Cross America Community Center, a non-denominational 501(c)(3) organization, she is enthusiastic about supporting the area’s non-profit programs. Sanburn is looking forward to being even more active towards serving the city in the future.

Sanburn explained her desire to be a force for good.

“Not everyone gets great parents, but I did,” Sanburn says. “I was brought up in a deeply believing home and had parents that loved me fiercely and mentored me. Later, I couldn’t have married into a better family. My husband, Dick, is one of eight children. I knew his mom before I met him, and I feel his parents, along with mine, have left an incredible legacy in the community.”

Sanburn graduated from Kokomo High School in 1985 and continued her education at Purdue University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and advertising. Over the years, she has held leadership positions as her career evolved. In addition, she and her husband raised three adult children: Nolan, Parker and Connor.

Each employment experience has enabled Sanburn to gain valuable lessons to benefit

Writer / Julie Yates

Photography Provided

the community. For nine years, she was the public relations coordinator at Kokomo Rescue Mission. Following that, her job as operations manager for Kokomo Municipal Stadium was particularly enjoyable since two of her sons played professional baseball. However, when the opportunity to work at Cross America came to light, Sanburn jumped at the chance.

“I felt God led me to Cross America. It is a 25,000 square foot community center with a small inspirational shop and the Doubting Thomas Café. Besides its huge goal to send out a small aluminum cross and a path to salvation to homes across America, it helps other non-profits as well,” Sanburn says.

The facility has four large conference rooms and a 400-seat auditorium. The spaces are available for organizations to hold meetings and events. Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the building and there is a carry-in kitchen for use with the Event Center. Sanburn is particularly excited about the recent addition of a community podcasting studio.

“I always tape a Sunday morning news show to view later, and as I was watching, a fact came across the screen that there are more than 5 million podcasts broadcasted per year in the United States,” she says. “Probably a lot of them are being done in closets. People need an outlet to create these in a professional manner. To support the organizations in our community, Cross America has built a community podcasting studio for use with a donation, and every penny goes back to its mission. This initiative is

“Kokomo is a resilient town, and the people are incredibly generous. They will stop what they are doing to help. Whatever the need is, it is always met by someone stepping up. Kokomo makes it easy to be all in.”

possible because of community partners that sponsored it such as The Community Foundation of Howard County, First Farmers Bank and Trust, McGavic Outdoor Power, Matt Williams of Edward Jones, and Chariot Automotive Group and Berry IT.”

For the past 12 years, Sanburn has been a member of the board of directors for the Kokomo School Corporation. She was president of the board twice. The decision not to run again was made to enable another individual to have the chance.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to be a voice for a positive environment for kids, and be involved with redevelopment of the district. I learned to really listen and read the body language of others and developed so many positive relationships. It takes a lot of time; I was expected at all school events. When I am in on something, I’m all in! 100% I was fortunate to work with great people,” Sanburn says.

Feeling that she is called to it and that it is the next natural step, Sanburn is running for Kokomo County Council. She is campaigning on the Republican ticket and hopes to represent District Six. Being elected would be an opportunity serve the community in a larger capacity.

“Being a servant is in my heart. I realize that there is more to this. It’s more political but I want to be a collaborator, be part of decision making and effect meaningful change. I am willing to be brave and stand up for what I feel is best by giving my opinion, in a loving way, for the greater good of our community with no agenda” she says.

“Kokomo is a resilient town, and the people are incredibly generous. They will stop what they are doing to help. Whatever the need is, it is always met by someone stepping up. Kokomo makes it easy to be all in,” Sanburn says.

For more information about Cross America Community Center, and its new community podcasting studio, visit crossamerica.net or the Cross America Facebook page. You can reach Cross America at 765-780-3090.

MAY AND JUNE EVENTS

MAY 5

FIRST FRIDAY “ART WALK”

Explore the many art opportunities throughout downtown Kokomo; Walk by, create and enjoy Kokomo’s art scene; 5:30-9:00 p.m.; Arts-based open house tour of downtown Kokomo; Visitors to the downtown area during the event will find discounts and activities at shops and restaurants, and live music, public art, familyfriendly activities and more; Call 457-5301 or visit www.firstfridaykokomo.com.

MAY 6

SPRING FLING AND HOT ROD MACHINES CAR SHOW

Highland Park; 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Car entry fee $20.

MAY 20-21

KOKOMO BEACH FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER OPENED FOR WEEKEND ONLY

Open daily for the season starting May 27; Open Saturday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Sunday 12-7 p.m.; May 27-July 30 Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center opened for the season; Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Sunday 12-7 p.m.; Visit https:// www.cityofkokomo.org/departments/ kokomo_beach.php.

JUNE 2

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Downtown Kokomo; 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Mark the start of summer with a refreshing strawberry shortcake dessert; Day-long event includes strawberry-related vendors, live music, food trucks, Artsapalooza Art Market & more; Free admission; Call 4575301 or visit: https://greaterkokomo.com/ kokomo-strawberry-festival.

JUNE 10

SOLIDARITY 13TH ANNUAL CAR, TRUCK & BIKE SHOW

Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union; Registration 9 a.m. –Noon; Show 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Registration fee to participate is $10 in advance and $15 the day of the show; Free complimentary lunch; Bring the family for a day of fun! Enjoy music from a live DJ, Door prizes & more.

JUNE 10

KOKOMO SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Summer Kick Off featuring Myron Elkins Band with opener Revolver Band; Kokomo Arts Pavilion in Foster Park; Myron Elkins’ debut album reflects the gritty mix of classic rock, country and blues, infusing his music with rich personal experience; Music starts at 6:00 p.m.; Free admission; Visit www. kokomosummerseries.com.

JUNE 24

KOKOMO PRIDE FESTIVAL

Downtown Kokomo Depot District on Buckeye Street; 2-8 p.m.; Visit https:// www.facebook.com/KokomoPride.

MAY 6

KOKOMO DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET OPENING DAY

9 a.m. – Noon; Corner of Mulberry and Washington Streets; Outdoor market open every Saturday through September; Visit www.kokomofarmersmarket.com.

JUNE 2

TRAIL TOURS

Staff led community bike rides that explore mapped sections of the different trails that Kokomo has to offer; 6 p.m.; Starts at the Bike Share Station in downtown Kokomo; Call 456-7275.

JUNE 29-JULY 1

HAYNES APPERSON FESTIVAL

Foster Park in downtown Kokomo; Parade on Saturday at 2 p.m.; Food, carnival rides, concerts and fireworks; Visit www. haynesappersonfestival.org.

The month of May is nationally designated to honor the noble profession of nursing. Truly a calling, a career in nursing represents long hours, selfless service and hard work.

NURSING HONOR GUARD RECOGNIZES A CAREER IN SERVICE, SELFLESSNESS

The Nursing Honor Guard (NHG) serving Central Indiana is based in Howard County, but it is part of a nation-wide organization that promotes and supports nurses from their student days to honoring them at the end of their lives.

NHG began in Kansas in 2002 to commemorate nurses after their passing. The organization performs the Nightingale Tribute at funerals or memorial service. The ceremony is akin to a military tribute and is a symbolic way to release the fallen nurse from a live of service.

1417 E Lincoln Rd Kokomo, IN (765) 459-7109

Writer / Julie Yates

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During the service, members of NHG are dressed in traditional white uniforms and hold a silent vigil by the casket. Nearby, a display table is set with a Nightingale lamp, nurses cap and a white bible. The Nightingale Pledge and last role call is read. The family is presented with the lamp and the Nurse’s Prayer is recited.

Peggy Faulkner, BSN, RN, recognized the comfort and impact the NHG provides to family and friends when she witnessed it first-hand. She had some knowledge of the organization, but after attending the funeral of a Community Howard nurse and seeing the Anderson NGH perform the moving ceremony, she was realized that Howard County needed a local chapter.

In early 2015, Faulkner organized the Nursing Honor Guard Serving North Central Indiana and continues to serve as coordinator. Today it has over a hundred members including twenty individuals who make themselves available to participate in Nightingale Tributes at services. The group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. at Cross America, Inc. in Kokomo. A Facebook page is maintained to alert the community of upcoming new member orientations and to share the organization’s activities.

Besides being a presence in Howard County, NHG of North Central Indiana is active in other ways. They have attended services in and out of state when a community does not have a local chapter. In addition, they have helped start new chapters. Activities of NHG groups from across the United States are highlighted on their Facebook page. Another important facet is the support they give to individuals newly entering the field of nursing.

“Our team has been involved in welcoming new nurses into the nursing profession for the past few years,” Faulkner says. “We wear our white uniforms, caps and capes to the Indiana University Kokomo (IUK) Nursing Recognition Ceremony. I personally had the opportunity to repeat one of my dear mother’s favorite sayings ‘nursing is a wonderful profession’ as I greeted each new graduate nurse!”

Contributions to cover the cost of keepsakes given to families, plus cards and brochures, can be sent to the NHG in care of the Community Howard Regional Health Foundation, 3548 South Lafountain Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902.

To contact the Nursing Honor Guard Serving North Central Indiana, call 765453-1634 and leave a message.

A NURSE’S PRAYER

Give me strength and wisdom when others need my touch; a soothing word to speak to them, their hearts yearn for so much.

Give me joy and laughter, to lift a weary soul; pour in me compassion, to make the broken whole.

Give me gentle, healing hands, for those left in  my care; a blessing to those who need me, this is a nurse’s prayer.

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Sew Nice

ALTERED FIT COMBINES PROFESSIONAL SEWING SERVICES WITH SPECIAL EVENTS AND CLASSES

Writer / Natalie Platt

Photography Provided

Have you lived in Alaska, Las Vegas and Kokomo? Cindie Law has. Now owner of Altered Fit, which opened in January of this year, Law has an acclaimed design background and has brought it to her new alteration space that offers more than basic alteration services.

“Back in the ‘80s, I was designer of the year at the Chicago Bridal Market,” Law says. “I was designing for several brands at the time and went on to work in costume and design

for many Broadway shows.”

After sewing and designing for establishments in Vegas like MGM, TAO and Marquee, and after the passing of her husband, Law’s heart led her to Kokomo.

“I was looking for four seasons, lands with opportunity, and a down-home, salt-of-the-earth environment,” Law says.

“I had never been here before, but fell in love with everything Kokomo had to offer. I bought a house online and moved everything here. After driving home from

a doctor’s appointment one day, I drove past 401 Rainbow Drive and saw a rent sign. Something told me I had to go see it, and I ended up falling in love with the 1,500-square-foot space that is now Altered Fit.”

Law says the shop has taken on a life of its own while she continues to work for celebrities in Las Vegas in design and production.

Within the space at 401 Rainbow Drive, Altered Fit provides sewing classes, Sip and

Sew events, teen camps and embroidery services that will start May 1. Law still offers traditional alteration services like wedding and special-occasion dresses. You can shop for a prom or wedding dress within Altered Fit as well.

Sip and Sew nights include two hours of fun with your friends. Everyone gets to create a project to take home and all materials are included. “We sip a bit and we sew a bit,” Law says. “It’s a purposeful event making a sewing of choice that you can take home and use. Everything is included that a participant needs, and it’s $20 per person.”

Camp Couture, a six-week summer-break camp for teens, runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and

teaches students hands-on design, pattern making, design sewing, and how to create a collection. The camp is capped off with a runway show to display everything learned over the six weeks.

Law also notes that Altered Fit serves as a special-occasion consignment store (think previously worn gala or wedding dresses).

Most alterations can be completed within two weeks, but Law notes that rush orders can be done within 48 hours. Altered Fit also offers military discounts for any service.

Law has been on the cover of Modern Bride, written a book, and received countless awards and other honors, but she especially takes pride in completing special projects for her clients.

“Just last month, a bride and her mother asked me to make an elegant pair of pajamas out of the mother’s 1980s wedding gown so the daughter would wear them on her wedding day as she got dressed,” Law says.

Altered Fit is located at 401 Rainbow Drive, Suite 2 in Kokomo. You can give the store a call at 765-450-6527, or visit their website at alteredfitsewing.com. You can also find the store on Facebook @ alteredfitsewing.

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MAY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

1. Andrew Lloyd Webber hit

5. Low digits

9. “Bleah!”

12. Rev. Roberts

13. Suffer from 14. Woody herb 15. Produced

17. Campus facility

18. Awful review

19. It may be educated or wild 21. Clergy counterpart 24. Hatchery sound 26. Communal pronoun 27. “I’ve finished,” on a radio 29. Santa’s burden 33. To’s partner

DOWN

1. Minor player

2. “What ___ friends for?”

3. Malibu hue

4. Failed as a sentry

5. Comparative word

6. Cereal crop

7. New Year’s ___

8. Bulrush relative

9. Craving

10. Dolls’ accompaniers

11. Fashion lines

16. First synthetic fiber

20. Downs’ opposite

21. Barn area

22. A psychic may see it

23. Attend to a pressing detail?

24. Corolla part

34. Explosion maker

Kicks 37. Piquancy

Punishment for a sailor, maybe

complaint

25. Goofs up 28. Adjective for a cad 30. Retro hairdo 31. Crescent horn

32. Like most sweaters 35. Midwest hub 38. Local mail H.Q. 42. Long stories 44. Cockpit array 45. Layover

Spring 47. Partner of one? 48. Elder, e.g. 51. “___ so fast!”

52. React to spilled milk? 53. Drunkard

54. Waste watchers’ org. 55. One who’s coming out

49. Heavy weight 50. Grew larger 56. Texas tea

Apple discard 58. Jogger’s gait, perhaps

Paper towel measure

Sebaceous gland woe 61. Reasonable try

Colorway #8 - Member Colors