Kokomo Magazine September 2023

Olivia Straka, DDS

Justin Roberts, DDS

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TIPTON’S PAWPULAR PETS

SMALL-TOWN TASTE September Marks the 54th Annual

County Pork Festival

SEPTEMBER 2023

HE’S A CATCH Warren Central Grad Julius “JuJu” Brents Eagerly Anticipating First Season With the Colts

The Kokomo Country Palace Sees Success Throughout First Year of New Ownership

7

PUTTING IN THE WORK

Whether With Family, Career or Community, Brian Bear Makes it Count

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

Superior Sounds

KOKOMO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA KICKS OFF 50TH SEASON

For half a century, the Kokomo Symphonic Society, Inc. and the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra (KSO) have fulfilled the mission to bring live music to the community. In addition, youth education has also been an important goal. To celebrate its 50-year anniversary, the orchestra has a series of fun

and lively performances planned, plus an upcoming fundraiser that will engage and entertain participants of all ages.

“In 1973 the Kokomo Symphonic Society was incorporated to explore interest,” says Anamaria Shrock, president of the Kokomo

Symphonic Society board. “Individuals stepped up to form a board and there was community support to raise funds. The first conductor of the resulting Kokomo Symphony was Benjamin DelVeccio. Over the years, support has ebbed and flowed. During the pandemic things basically shut

Celebrating

Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

down for two years.”

“Kokomo is having a resurgence,” says José Valencia, artistic director and current conductor. “It is important to have a symphony in an up-and-coming city. It is a community asset that stimulates creativity and brings people together.”

Valencia shares that stuffy performances of Beethoven or Mozart attended by patrons wearing black tie apparel are long gone. Today everyone is welcome and any attire is acceptable. The music has changed to works by contemporary composers such as John Williams, and recognizable movie soundtracks are featured.

“People listen to symphony music all the time and don’t know it,” Shrock says. “They appreciate it more than they think they do.”

The orchestra’s 50th season, 50 and Still Fantastic, was kicked off in early August as part of the Kokomo Summer Concert Series. The performance, “KSO & The Piano Man: The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John,” featured music from both artists’ 1973 albums. The ‘70s theme was a bit serendipitous since it was the decade of the KSO’s inception.

On October 21, the Golden Gala Concert is a celebration of the KSO’s 50-year anniversary. The special guest, internationally renowned opera singer Alicia Berneche, is returning to her hometown of Kokomo. She is an alumnus of the Kokomo Symphony Youth Orchestra, from the 1970s.

“From the very beginning, it was important to provide a strings program and a youth orchestra,” Shrock says. “There is a theory that music education boosts math and language skills. Also, learning to play an instrument is a great hobby.”

Registration for the KSO youth program classes is September 10th. A Youth Finale Concert is planned for May 5, 2024, at Grace United Methodist Church. More information can be found online or by calling the KSO office 765-236-0251.

Also coming this fall is the third annual TV Dinner Singalong Fundraiser, to be held October 28 at The Experience, located at 1801 Country Club Drive in Kokomo. This year’s fun event will highlight music from the 1970s, and includes dinner, trivia, a silent auction and more. Seats are $60, or $500 for a table, and can be purchased through the KSO website kokomosymphony.net.

Kicking off the Christmas season is Symphonic Sounds of the Season, on December 3. Familiar tunes from “The Nutcracker” and traditional carols as well as secular favorites will be included. A chance to sing along will get the entire family in the spirit.

The spring concert will be a collaboration with the Motif Community Choir. The audience will be treated to the Easter portion of Handel’s epic work, “Messiah.” The performance will end with “Hallelujah Chorus.”

The final production of the year will be May 18 and 19. “Broadway’s Great: Sondheim on Sondheim” combines the KSO’s talents with the Kokomo Civic Theatre. This multimedia presentation will seamlessly knit video interviews together with powerful vocals and music.

“We are grateful for our major grant funders - Community Foundation of Howard County, Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, The Arts Federation, Indiana Arts Commission, National Endowment for the Arts, Howard County and the City of Kokomo,” says Jennifer Rollins, the Kokomo Symphonic Society director of development.

“The only way KSO will survive is by community support. People can buy tickets for individual performances or receive a discount by subscribing to the season’s series of concerts. If they don’t feel comfortable buying tickets online, they can call the office.”

For more info, call 765-236-0251 or go to kokomosymphony.com. Donate online or mail to: Kokomo Symphonic Society, Inc., P.O. Box 6115, Kokomo, IN 46904.

Pawpular Pets

ATTICUS BARRON

BRODY AND COOPER BUDDY, CHARLIE AND SASHA

CASH

COOPER P. DOODLE

LAYNIE

MILLIE, BELLA AND BANKSY

ROMAN

UMA

WRANGLER

ZENA

Real Resiliency

THE GILEAD HOUSE GIVES WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN PERSONALIZED RESOURCES

The Gilead House is a place of refuge and healing. It is also an example of how an idea or dream can be accomplished, even if obstacles are stacked against it. Executive Director and Founder Reba Harris was 60 years old when she opened the doors to serve previously incarcerated women dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. Harris overcame the barrier of age, but also a lifetime of battling discrimination.

“I didn’t go to college until I was 53,” Harris says. “I grew up in Marion, Indiana, during Jim Crow. I didn’t get a good education. I went to a one-room schoolhouse with eight grades and one teacher. When I went to Indiana Wesleyan, I had the help of a tutor. After I graduated, God picked me to do a

favor for his daughters by opening Gilead House. Society would never have picked me. I would never have picked me. God asked me to give these women a chance to change, not for me, but for him.”

Since it began in 1998, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization has offered trauma treatment and educational training programs, to give women the tools they need to be successful in the community and their home. Sessions are held five days per week and include intensive outpatient therapy, relapse prevention and mental health counseling. Life skills classes teach topics such as relationship boundary setting, dressing appropriately for employment, and housekeeping.

“We house 27 women for three months,” Harris says. “We give our best. Some are

Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

ready and some are not. Like farmers, we sow seed and some grab onto it, and some let it go. People who use drugs and alcohol are trying to medicate their pain. Ninetynine percent of the women here have been sexually molested numerous times. Others were neglected or came from abusive homes or marriages. They are not bad people, but they did bad things because they were high.”

The facility has not been without struggles. Medicaid contributes money for each woman, but it does not cover all expenses. Harris and her staff are grateful for community support, but more benefactors

and volunteers are always needed.

“We try our best to get the women clean and sober, but three months isn’t enough time,” Harris says. “I wish we had another house to bridge the gap after they leave this one. Another thing I’m working on is a grandparent program. Grandparents are struggling to raise kids when parents are unable to.”

Harris is gearing up for retirement, but she isn’t thinking of taking it easy. She has already authored one book, “Living Life After the Fires of my Sorrows,” available

through Amazon. She is currently working on her second book, “Saved, but Not Emotionally Healed,” and has plans for a third book, “Caught in the Middle.”

“I want people to know that if you feel life has passed you by, God has a purpose and a plan for each of us, but not just one plan,” Harris says. “He has plans.”

The Gilead House is located 406 East Sycamore Street in Kokomo. For more information and to donate, visit gileadhousekokomo.org. Also call 765-8659427 and email gileadhouse2@sbcglobal.net.

HE’S A CATCH

WARREN CENTRAL GRAD JULIUS “JUJU” BRENTS EAGERLY ANTICIPATING FIRST SEASON WITH THE COLTS

Writer / Ryan Kennedy Photography Provided

With the 44th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Julius “JuJu” Brents, a cornerback out of Kansas State University.

At 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 198 pounds, Brents is larger than the average corner. He possesses an impressive wingspan and, most importantly, a keen mind for the game of football.

He’s also a Hoosier.

Being the hometown hero has its perks. “It’s pretty easy for me,” he says. “I would say easier at least, to not have to worry about all the off-field stuff, as far as where I’m going to live at and taking care of transportation and all that. I’m in my hometown so that makes that a lot easier.”

Throughout the draft process, Brents knew the Colts were interested in him. He’d visited the Colts complex and talked briefly with coaches, but says he pushed thoughts about where he might eventually end up, or when he might get drafted, out of his mind. It’s a mindset he carried with him to the night of the second round of the draft.

“I just want an opportunity, honestly,” he says. “That’s just the mentality I had, because once you start expecting this to happen, and if that doesn’t happen, then you start doubting yourself or things of that nature. So in my head I was just like, ‘Hey, I get drafted, don’t get drafted, go early, go late, whatever.’ I just want to get the opportunity, and I’m going to make the most it.”

When opportunity came calling, Brents was at his draft party in Westfield surrounded by friends and family. Brents saw the Indianapolis area code on the ringing phone and briefly thought it might be a prank. “Bro, nobody better prank call me right now,” he remembers

thinking. When Brents answered the phone, he heard a woman say she was transferring him over to Colts General Manager Chris Ballard. “I was really just shaking,” he says. “It was a moment like I’ll never forget.”

Even a day later, Brents says getting drafted didn’t feel real. It wasn’t until he arrived at the Colts complex for the first time after the draft, and saw his practice jersey hanging in a locker next to Kenny Moore’s, that he turned to his mom and said “It’s real now.”

“It was a great feeling to be able to say, ‘I’m a Colt now,’ and have that horseshoe on my helmet,” he says.

Brents credits his mother with always supporting his dreams of playing in the NFL. “Since I was a kid I always would tell her, ‘I want to play in the NFL. I want to be

an NFL player,’” he says. “She never did shy away from my dreams. She always believed in me.” Family is important to Brents, and he’s grateful to be able to stay close to his family and take care of his dog, a cane corso. “My mom’s been getting on me about that a little,” he says.

More than an Indianapolis native who was drafted by Colts, Brents is a fan drafted by his favorite team. The Warren Central High School graduate grew up watching Colts legends like Peyton Manning and idolizing Bob Sanders, who helped recruit Brents to the University of Iowa, where Brents played before transferring to Kansas State.

He knows what it means to wear the horseshoe on his helmet. He knows what the fans and the city expect from him and from the franchise. “It’s definitely an honor,”

he says. “I’m just looking forward to being a part of this division and just taking it on full steam ahead.”

Being the hometown hero may make Brents’ transition to the NFL slightly easier. It also shines a spotlight squarely on Brents. It’s a light other rookies might find too bright. Brents embraces it. He’s proud of where he comes from and what he’s achieved. He wears his hometown hero status like a badge of honor. He’s excited to represent Indianapolis, and all the family and friends who have supported him along the way. He also knows there’s still a lot of work to be done.

“I want to earn everything that’s coming my way,” Brents says. “I want to have that chip on my shoulder I’ve always had as a child. I’m just looking forward to putting my best foot forward for the organization and doing what’s best for the team, regardless of what that is. And I’m looking forward to bringing a winning tradition back for us.”

“IT WAS A GREAT FEELING TO BE ABLE TO SAY, ‘I’M A COLT NOW,’ AND HAVE THAT HORSESHOE ON MY HELMET.”

COUNTRY UP

THE KOKOMO COUNTRY PALACE SEES SUCCESS THROUGHOUT FIRST YEAR OF NEW OWNERSHIP

Misty Griggs, owner of The Kokomo Country Palace, says she couldn’t be more pleased about taking over the popular bar.

“I’m super excited about it,” Griggs says. “I’m very scared but also very happy at the same time. I’m eager to take over and grateful for the opportunity. Friends have been great about supporting us and have been encouraging us to do well. We recently joined the Chamber and they have been very helpful and supportive in promoting us as well.”

Griggs took over the establishment in October of 2022 from Rodney and Jen Collins, who opened the bar in May of 2018.

“It’s been hard work but I enjoy it,” she says.

Griggs says it’s also been a lot of fun to take over the place, which is known as Kokomo’s only true country bar.

“We’ve already made some changes with the food, with more still to come. The hours of the kitchen are more

Writer / Matt Keating Photography / John Bolinger

consistent, and the food quality is amazing,” Griggs says.

Griggs has already received many sincere and positive comments from many of her loyal customers.

“Many of them have been coming in more often, which has made me very happy,” she says. “You have the long-time regular people who have been coming in for a while, and there are new people too. That’s exciting. It’s moving things in the right direction. This has been a popular spot in Kokomo, and I want to maintain that while also making some positive changes, and get people to want to keep coming back for great food, drinks and entertainment.”

Griggs says the drink specials have been a positive draw for a lot of customers.

“On Mondays we have Margarita Mondays,” she says. “On Tuesdays we have Sex on the Beach drinks for $4. On Wednesdays we have I Need a Beer Wednesdays, where you can get beer out of the can for $1, and domestic bottles for $2. On Thursdays we

have Long Islands for $5.”

Griggs notes that some of the customers’ favorite drinks include the Sex on the Beach, Applesauce shots, and whiskey.

Customers have also commented favorably on the food served. Many of them have told their family and friends about the food served at the bar.

“We serve pizza as well as tacos, nachos, sandwiches and salads,” Griggs says. “My husband, Danny, runs the kitchen and he loves to cook. He makes some great food. People have responded favorably to the pizza menu and the other things we are serving. Our sandwiches include Stromboli, Mr. J’s Chicken, and a great Ham and Cheese, which are very popular.”

Customer favorites include the Palace Hot Dog, Pulled Pork, and Mac and Cheese.

Griggs has her own personal favorite menu items. “I love the taco salads, nachos and queso,” Griggs says.

Griggs notes that the DJ dance parties have also been very popular with customers.

“Big Sexy Robb is the line dance instructor with classes taught on Mondays and Thursdays. Wednesdays we have Karaoke and live entertainment on the weekends. There’s also darts, pool tables, corn hole and a boxing machine.”

Griggs tells customers that The Kokomo Country Palace is also a great place to have a party, reunion, open house or gathering with family and friends.

“It’s a wonderful spot to have a really big private event,” she says. “There is a lot of room for a big group of people. I hope we will be able to do that a lot in the future.”

One popular event last summer was the Veterans Aid Ride, a motorcycle event with the Armed Forces Motorcycle Club, which raised money for military veterans. Logan Rush, Tyler Poe and the Volunteer Railroad, and Hippies and Cowboys provided the entertainment.

In August The Kokomo Country Palace featured America’s Loverboy, a Las Vegas-style, fully choreographed dance presentation with male dancers. It was a fundraiser for the Kokomo Humane Society, where guests could bring in cans or bags of pet food and receive a free raffle

ticket for prizes.

Griggs hopes to see more new faces at The Kokomo Country Palace.

“We look forward to seeing more people here,” she says. “Come in and have some fun.”

For more information on The Kokomo Country Palace, located at 2011 North Market Street in Kokomo, call 765-4597991, check out their Facebook page, or email them at kokomocountrypalace@ gmail.com.

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER EVENTS

Sept. 1 / 5:30-9 p.m.

First Friday “Artsapalooza”

Downtown Kokomo

Experience art everywhere! Try it, hear it and appreciate it. Don’t miss the opening of the 10 th annual Artist Alley exhibit. Arts-based open house tour of downtown Kokomo. Call 765-457-5301 or visit firstfridaykokomo.com.

Sept. 8

Smiles for Vets

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry of Kokomo, PC

Dr. Melissa Jarrell and her team will host Smiles for Vets providing hundreds of U.S. Veterans with free dental care. Line begins at 8 a.m.. Doors open at 9 a.m. and dental services will be offered until 3 p.m. Call 765-453-4369 or visit jarrelldentistry. com/services/smiles-for-vets.

Sept. 11-16

41st Annual Vietnam & All Veterans Reunion Healing Field on S.R. 26. Visit hcvvo.net.

Sept. 21 / 6 p.m.

Black & White Masquerade

Benefiting the Kokomo Urban Outreach UP Programs. Unmasking the unlimited potential in the kids. Bel Air Events. Visit kokomourbanoutreach.org.

Sept. 23 / 6-10 p.m.

Kokomo Riverwalk Outdoor Stage

Downtown Kokomo, 307 S. Main St.

Riverwalk Concert Series featuring Leilani Kilgore with Brian Benson & Friends and Erin Coburn. Free and open to all ages.

Sept. 30

2023 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Foster Park Visit alz.org

Sept. 30 / 6-10 p.m.

Kokomo Riverwalk Outdoor Stage

Downtown Kokomo, 307 S. Main St.

Riverwalk Concert Series featuring Tripping Billies (A Tribute to The Dave Matthews Band) with Josh Mast and RC Trio. Free and open to all ages.

Oct. 6 / 5:30-9 p.m.

First Friday “Masquerade”

Dress up in your favorite costume and enjoy trick-or-treating throughout downtown Kokomo. Arts-based open house tour of downtown Kokomo. Call 765-457-5301 or visit firstfridaykokomo.com.

Oct. 7 / 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Rush to Russiaville Craft and Direct Sales Fair

Over 40 vendors will be onsite with handmade crafts and direct sales items. Russiaville Lion’s Club and Jeff Stout Community Center in Russiaville. Food trucks and raffle.

Oct. 7 / 7 p.m.

Family Movie Night featuring Hotel Transylvania

Jackson Morrow Park Free admission. Call 765-456-7275.

Oct. 21 / 7 p.m.

Kokomo Symphony Orchestra presents Golden Gala Concert

IU Kokomo Havens Auditorium

Join the KSO for an unforgettable evening of music celebrating 50 years! The concert

will feature the incredible talents of internationally renowned opera star Alicia Berneche who began her career within the Kokomo Symphony Youth Orchestra and featuring local flutist Trudy Whitford. Single tickets $25. College students $5. Students K-12 and children free. Visit kokomosymphony.net.

Oct. 28 / 6-8:30 p.m.

Haunted Trail Walk

Jackson Morrow Park

Haunted house themed event on the walk path in Jackson Morrow Park. Free admission. Jump scares, flashing lights, and fog machines are used. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 765-456-7275.

Oct. 28 / 7 p.m.

Kokomo Symphony Orchestra TV Dinner Singalong Fundraiser –Celebrating the 70’s!

The Experience

Dinner, music, trivia, name that tune and silent auction. Enjoy listening to our TV Dinner Band as we celebrate and singalong to favorite movie and TV theme songs from the 70’s. For tickets, visit kokomosymphony.net.

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