Kokomo Magazine December 2020

MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2020

Seasonal Spirit SALVATION ARMY KOKOMO LAUNCHES ANNUAL RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN

WHAT A TREAT

POPCORN CAFÉ KEEPS THE FLAVOR COMING

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# S POTL I GH TI NGLOCAL

I N THI S I SS UE

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D ECEM B ER 2020

Wh at a Tre at: Pop cor n Café Ke e p s th e Flavor Comin g S e ason al S p ir it: S alvation Ar my Kokomo Lau n ch e s An n u al Re d Ke ttle Camp aig n

Kokomo H u man e S ocie ty Ad op tab le Pe ts

Crossword

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TIPTON MAGAZINE

S e n se of Sty le : Ru stic Roots S alon O wners Re fle ct on Fir st Ye ar in B u sin e ss

Tip ton G ame Pag e Kokomo H u man e S ocie ty Ad op tab le Pe ts Came ra Con n oisse u r : Tip ton Native Jaso n G rave s H as a S h ar p Focu s on Ph otog raphy

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MATT KEATING / CHRIS ROBERTSON / JULIE YATES / JIM HUNT JASON GRAVES / ABIGAIL HAKE

CORRECTION: Our November feature story on Sweet Peas Play Cafe mistakenly said that owners (and veterans) Krystyne and Kirt Wilson met and attended Kokomo High School and served in Afghanistan. However, both Krystyne and Kirt actually met and attended Northwestern High School and served in Iraq. We sincerely apologize for this error.

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6 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atKokomo.com

WHAT A TREAT POPCORN CAFÉ KEEPS THE FLAVOR COMING Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Chris Robertson

Grace Jones, owner of the Popcorn Café, says she has focused on a key factor that makes her shop special.

“We like to have fun,” Jones says. “Our store should make you happy when you come in and have your taste buds satisfied.”

The business opened in 2015, and has garnered a large following of loyal, return customers.

“We are the only gourmet popcorn and fudge store in Kokomo,” Jones says. “We use fresh ingredients, including cream and butter for our fudge, and then only the highest-grade ingredients for our popcorn.

We also seek new ways to find new products for our customers. Our newest addition is bubble tea. We have also added, for our customers’ convenience, a drivethrough window on the west side of our building.”

Owner Grace Jones

atKokomo.com / DECEMBER 2020 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 7

Specialty sodas, Ghirardelli chocolate, Albanese candy, and seasonal popcorns are available.

Jones says the store is also a great place to buy popcorn gifts for family and friends.

“We make gift baskets, especially around the Christmas holidays,” Jones says.

“We also make up many gift baskets for Mother’s Day and Easter. We always have popcorn tins available all year long. A gift basket, however, is great because you can add fudge, candy and popcorn. You can even throw in a gift card. We will dress up the basket with our own chocolate and caramel pretzels too.”

Jones says many customers have their personal favorite popcorn flavors.

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8 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atKokomo.com

“Our biggest seller is always caramel corn, then Chicago Style,” Jones says. “The next biggest seller is Kokomo Krunch. This is our signature popcorn, made with caramel corn. We cook pecans and cashews in with the corn, then add peanut M&M’s and pretzels. This is all topped off with milk chocolate and white chocolate drizzle.”

Jones says the fudge she offers is also tasty.

“The fudge is just great,” Jones says. “It’s made with butter and cream. It’s not wholesaled by another company. It’s a true Kokomo product. Peanut Butter and Chocolate Walnut are the top sellers.

However, we have seasonal favorites and specialities.”

The business can also cater events such as weddings, birthday parties, bridal showers and graduations.

Jones says she works with The Salvation Army to help needy people during the holidays.

“I personally am a great supporter of The Salvation Army’s mission, and serve on the board,” Jones says. “This year more people across the county will need assistance with food and utility needs. The coronavirus has hit families on many levels, often leaving them without income. The Salvation Army, of course, is not the only agency helping our community, and there are great people serving others in Howard County. The Salvation Army in Kokomo has one of the best food pantries that I have ever seen.”

Jones believes people need to help others more than ever this year.

“I keep a counter kettle out in the store for loose change all year,” Jones says. “We know that it is not just during Christmas that people are hurting. I encourage my fellow business folks to call me, and I will get a small kettle to put in your lobby.

This year we will also give the proceeds of our Red Kettle popcorn to our Kokomo Salvation Army.”

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The Popcorn Café is located at 1108 East Markland Avenue in Kokomo. For more info, call 765-252-3745 or visit popcorncafeshop.com.

atKokomo.com / DECEMBER 2020 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 9

Seasonal Spirit SALVATION ARMY KOKOMO LAUNCHES ANNUAL RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN

10 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atKokomo.com

Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Jim Hunt

A

fter a tough year of coronavirusrelated restrictions and economic stresses, the Kokomo Salvation Army is kindling the Christmas spirit. The cheerful sound of ringing bells associated with their Red Kettle Campaign is raising spirits, as passersby donate coins or bills to aid those that need a helping hand. Their theme this year is “Rescue Christmas,” and the funds raised will make the holidays brighter for local residents who have fallen on hard times.

“A lot of people here in Howard County have been affected by negative financial things going on,” says Lieutenant Joey Gates of the Kokomo Salvation Army. “A few businesses have closed. Some families are living paycheck to paycheck, and don’t know where their next meal is coming from or if they will be able to pay rent. Our goal this year is to raise $68,000. The funds go to food pantries, or provide financial assistance that can help pay part of a rent or utility payment. If the need is greater, we can point them toward where they can go to receive more assistance.”

Bright-red kettles will be seen outside of participating stores through December 24. This

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457-9037 atKokomo.com / DECEMBER 2020 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 11

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year they can be found around Kokomo at Hobby Lobby, Rural King, Walmart, and the Kroger stores at North Dixon Road and South Washington Street. Hours of operation are slightly different from previous years.

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“The kettles and ringers will be in place Monday through Saturday,” Gates says.

“The hours used to be 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. I have been doing this in different cities for over eight years now. I took my knowledge and expertise plus some research, and decided to set the hours to 11:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. Of course, it can be adjusted if a volunteer group of ringers can only work certain times.”

Being a kettle ringer is a great volunteer opportunity for church groups, families, office workers or students needing service hours. It is also possible to be a virtual bell ringer. Individuals or volunteer teams can set up their own online campaign to benefit the Kokomo Salvation Army. After seeing kettle posts on social media sites like Facebook, friends, family, or visitors to a business page can contribute through secure links that directly benefit Kokomo.

The Salvation Army prefers to use volunteer ringers, but sometimes they need to hire people for the job. The starting pay is minimum wage, and ringers who work for a couple of seasons can receive increases. Those interested can call the Salvation Army office to apply.

The funds raised during the kettle campaign not only aid the Kokomo Salvation Army’s own food bank, but also benefit other food pantries in Kokomo and surrounding cities. Each Monday a truck picks up six pallets of fresh produce and frozen food from Aldi, Meijer and Sam’s Club. Sam’s occasionally donates meat.

All the goods are then dispersed to food pantries.

Celebrating 82 years serving Kokomo 765-459-0758 | www.coffcu.org 1120 South Main Street, Kokomo, IN 46902 12 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atKokomo.com

On Wednesdays, the truck heads out again to pick up five pallets for the Kokomo Salvation Army food pantry. Volunteers unload the truck and ready the space for visitors who come each Thursday and

Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. While at the pantry, clients choose from the fresh produce, canned food and frozen items offered.

If people find themselves in need of food bank services or emergency financial relief, they should call the Kokomo Salvation Army office. The staff will lend a listening ear and assist callers with the application process by setting an appointment and identifying the required documents for applicants.

Volunteers are always welcome. Workers are needed for the food bank before, during and after each session, to unload, set up and clean up. An application must be filled out and a background check completed.

WITH ALL THE COVID AND OTHER NEGATIVE STUFF GOING ON, THIS HAS BEEN A TOUGH YEAR AND SALVATION ARMY KNEW IT NEEDED TO HELP PEOPLE RESCUE CHRISTMAS.

Merry Christmas from The Hardie Group Family to yours!

“We are so grateful to Aldi, Meijer and Sam’s Club,” Gates says. “They are helping to provide those who don’t get enough to eat with food and fresh produce. If someone needs assistance like this, or a small portion of financial help, they can call our office. A meeting will be set up to fill out paperwork and assess needs.”

Gates says that out of every $1 raised by the Salvation Army, 82 cents stay in Kokomo.

“With all the COVID and other negative stuff going on, this has been a tough year and Salvation Army knew it needed to help people rescue Christmas,” Gates says.

“Salvation Army has minimum processing and administration fees. The money goes where it is needed most - right back to the community. We are here to help with our food bank, a small amount of financial assistance, or to listen and point people in the right direction to get the help they need.”

The Kokomo Salvation Army is located at 1105 South Waugh Street.

For more info, call 765-456-3846.

To make a monetary donation, visit donate.SalvationArmyIndiana.org/ KokomoKettles. To sign up as an inperson or virtual kettle ringer, visit RegisterToRing.com.

765-457-7214 1808 Dogwood Dr Kokomo, IN thehardiegroup.com atKokomo.com / DECEMBER 2020 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 13

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HOME • AUTO • LIFE • BUSINESS atKokomo.com / DECEMBER 2020 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 15

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“Welcome Home” 16 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atKokomo.com

KOKOMO DECEMBER EVENTS 1-14

Virtual Rudolph Family Fun Run/Walk

1-31

5

Highland Park; Free admission Open nightly at dusk; Call 456-7275.

12:30 p.m Downtown Kokomo along Main Street For more information, call Dave Trine 456-7476.

City of Lights Holiday Light Display

You can complete it all at once or over several days; You have until Dec. 1 to register and have until Dec. 14 to complete and register your time.

The fee is $25 per adult and $15 for children; No refunds; For more information, contact lfipps@khcpl.org.

1-25

We Care Park Holiday Light Display Located at the corner of Gano & Lafountain Streets in Kokomo Open nightly at dusk Free admission; Donations accepted.

1-30

3,4,10,11,17,18,19 Christmas at the Seiberling

Sponsored evening holiday tours Timed tickets start at 4 p.m. with last tour at 7:15 p.m.

Limited, timed tickets available online only for $5; Tickets are nonrefundable; Tickets must be purchased online at www.howardcountymuseum.org/events; For more information, call 452-4314.

4

First Friday

Christmas at the Seiberling

Daily holiday tours Tues-Sun 1-4 p.m.

Admission $10 adults; $5 students 18 & under; HCHS members free Timed tickets can be purchased in advance online; A free virtual tour of the decorated mansion with music and more will premier opening night, November 28, at https://www.facebook.com/HCHistory Call 452-4314 or visit www.hchistory.org.

5:30-9:00 p.m Downtown Kokomo; Free, self-guided arts tour in the Downtown District For a full list of activities, call 457-5301 or visit www.firstfridaykokomo.com

Christmas Parade

5

Russiaville Winter Fest

5:00 - 9:00 p.m Free admission; Jeff Stout Community Center in Russiaville; Join us for making ornaments, cookie decorating, Wrangler & Friends Petting Zoo, snacks, hot cocoa, and visiting with Santa; Some events are outside so dress warm; Call 883-5739.

9

Versiti Blood Drive

12:00 - 5:00 p.m Community Howard Regional Health Sign up online at www.donorpoint.org or call 317-517-2689.

*ALL EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE For a complete list of events in Kokomo, check out www.visitkokomo.org or The Kokomo App.

anding for extended periods time causes SittingoforSitting standing extended for periods of time periods of time causes orforstanding extended mptoms like leg swelling, causes poor circulation and likelike unpleasant symptoms leg swelling, unpleasant symptoms leg swelling, poor circulation and poor circulationthe and joint damage. Compression ompression therapy gives your joint damage.support Compression therapy gives your legs the support jo legs therapy gives your legs the support they need to nction properly while you’re working and/or theyproperly need to function properly while you’re working and/or function while you’re working and/or fer basic hose, sheer stockings, and athletic & traveling.

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atKokomo.com / DECEMBER 2020 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 17

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18 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atKokomo.com

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A unique wine which is our top seller, the Lemon Wine is made from pure lemon juice. Refreshing lemonade with a little kick. Perfect gift for someone missing summer.

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atKokomo.com / DECEMBER 2020 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 19

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20 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atKokomo.com

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atKokomo.com / DECEMBER 2020 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 21

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7 Helpful Holiday Shopping Tips Writer / Abigail Hake Photography Provided

It always feels like the holiday season comes around and many people start looking for ways to save. Who doesn’t love to put money back in their pocket?

Every year it seems like we say we’ll buy less, and then budgets are blown as supershopping ensues. However, this year is a little different. Situations and plans are all changing at rapid speeds, so maybe it really is time to think about how less can be more. Here are a few tips on how to enjoy the holidays with minimal stress, and without breaking the bank.

1. Make a List and Budget Many people make a list of who they want to buy for and what they’d like to receive, so feel free to make a list and check it twice. Not everyone operates according to a budget, but it’s not a bad idea to project how much you’ll spend on each person.

This year, write it down. Make a budget and stick to it. Not only is this helpful for spreading the love evenly, but it’s also much better for your bank account. Once you are done shopping for certain things, check them off your list and record how much you spent.

2. Plan to Buy Less As stated before, we often plan to buy fewer gifts than in previous years, but end up with more than enough presents to fit under the tree. Think outside the box. Some of the best gifts aren’t the biggest, but the most thoughtful. Stick to the philosophy of “Something to wear, something to read, something they want, and something they need,” and see how that goes. If you hate it, you can buy more next year.

22 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / atKokomo.com

3. Shop Early Sometimes it’s hard to plan ahead in these crazy times of uncertainty, but this is one thing you should do if you can. When you shop early, it spreads out your expenses to make the process more bearable, and sometimes you can get amazing deals. This can alleviate the stresses of last-minute shopping.

4. Shop Local

7. Try Something New Maybe this year is a little different, but that doesn’t mean it has to be less joyful.

Maybe this is the year when you draw names as a family, so that each family member doesn’t need to purchase as much as in past years. Perhaps you’ve considered giving gifts like memberships to museums or zoos - gifts that go beyond the holiday season. Maybe you’ve even thought about forgoing gifts altogether, and instead plan to give to others as a family. Encourage your little ones to get in on this too. They can go around collecting canned goods to donate to a soup kitchen, money for meals for hospital workers, or donations for a favorite charity.

There are many local shops that need us this holiday season. Go directly to your favorite local retailer or visit a website like TruLocal.com, where you can shop online through your hometown favorites and pick up curbside. You can save on shipping, give back to your community, and find unique Whatever you do this holiday season, and fun gifts for your family. remember the reason for the season. It’s a time to share in love and joy. Gifts are not all that matter, so don’t stress about 5. Shop Around those too much. While this year may look Do your research. Don’t jump the gun on a little different, enjoy it. Sometimes the buying something. Check out all the places experiences we have that are different, and where you can find a certain item, and not quite what we expected or hoped for, look for the best price. You can even price- are the best and most memorable. Happy match at many stores these days. Keep holidays. your smartphone handy to look up prices on other sites quickly. The best things for your budget and bank account during the holidays are discounts and coupons.

Also, check into cash-back programs like Rakuten. These can be easy ways to recoup a little cash if you are shopping online.

6. Think Homemade Do you make a particular type of pie or fudge that everyone loves? Homemade items, edible or not, can garner lots of love and appreciation from others. Taking time out of your life to make gifts is the perfect way to trim spending this year. There’s a lot of inspiration online, but think ornaments, cookies, or even hats and mittens if you knit. Many people appreciate handmade items, and they come with a little extra love.

atKokomo.com / DECEMBER 2020 / KOKOMO MAGAZINE / 23

CAMERA CONNOISSEUR TIPTON NATIVE JASON GRAVES HAS A SHARP FOCUS ON PHOTOGRAPHY here my whole life,” Graves says. “Recently, I purchased land and moved near Total Seed Production. I’ve worked 25 years for For Tipton native Jason Graves, Chrysler, and my wife and I are currently photography is a way to leave a lasting raising a blended family of four teenagers impact. While it’s not his primary who all attend Tri-Central High School. occupation, it is an important focus in his Photography is an extra side hustle that I life. He finds that photographing a diverse enjoy, and every year I seem to do more variety of subjects while exploring different of it.” genres develops strong connections within the community and beyond. As a Graves developed his interest in photographer for the Towne Post network photography by doing a favor for a friend of magazines, which includes Tipton and who was selling livestock, and needed Kokomo magazines, his photos help to photos of a herd of cattle that was being inform readers on local individuals and sold. As a child his family raised cattle, businesses. and Graves participated in 4-H livestock

“The black hides of cows mess with the meter inside a camera,” Graves says.

“White ones tend to be underexposed.

I found I had to think like the meter of the camera. A camera can do amazing things in auto mode, but with cows I had to compensate for nature. I really liked the challenge and started to learn the fundamentals such as depth of field.

When my kids came along I started getting into lighting. I’m basically self-taught, but I have taken some online classes and attended a few in-person workshops.

Today I use both digital and old-style film cameras, such as a 35-millimeter camera that was my dad’s.”

“I grew up in Tipton County and I’ve lived

In recent years, Graves has found himself

Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided

programs. He soon realized that taking photos of cows isn’t an easy job.

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split between shooting commercial-style photos and street photography. He enjoys being the photographer for weddings of family members and friends, as well as sporting events or parties. Besides being a contributor to church bulletins, he has carved out a niche producing local corporate headshots, including more than 150 Chrysler employees for the company’s website and printed material.

“I like the interaction with people,” Graves says. “Headshots are easy to do. All I need is a white, gray or black background. What I really enjoy is senior portraits since I get to see the kids with their families during the process. Photography for Towne Post has been interesting because I get to know people in the community and hopefully will get a chance to reconnect with them again. While doing the shoot for Rustic Roots [Salon], I remembered co-owner Amy Robinson did the makeup for a wedding I had photographed.”

During the pandemic, Graves has found

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time to explore neighboring communities and document unique streets, landscapes and architecture. Although still formulating the idea, he hopes to someday produce a book featuring photos from Clinton, Howard, Tipton and northern Hamilton counties. Until then, his work can be viewed on social media platforms and his website.

“I don’t want my photos to die on a hard drive - I want them to have a purpose,” Graves says. “After I retire, I am hopeful that photography will be my second, full-time career. I’d also like to teach photography, especially to high school kids.”

For more info on the photography of Jason Graves, visit JasonGravesPhotography.com or call 765-438-3007.

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SENSE OF STYLE Rustic Roots Salon Owners Reflect on First Year in Business Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Jason Graves

Situated in the heart of Tipton, Rustic Roots Salon is flourishing after opening its doors in February of 2020. Despite the challenges of COVID-19 restrictions, the salon owners credit the support of the community for its success. Located on

North Main Street, the business represents the dreams and hard work of co-owners Karly Henry and Amy Robinson.

“I received my business degree from Ball State and then headed to Amber’s Beauty School,” Robinson says. “A short time later, Karly was my intern when she was in high school. She continued her education at

We work well together as a team. Since we all have different strengths, if someone has a situation and needs advice, we all help. We have had four high school interns that are continually growing and working in the cosmetology field. It’s an honor to help others grow. -Co-owner Karly Henry

Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture. Then for 12 years we worked side by side.”

Robinson says she always dreamed of opening a salon of her own, but thought the costs to run such a business would be prohibitive.

“Karly and I were together and talked about it,” she says. “Within days, the two of us left the salon where we were and began working at Today’s Headlines. We would not be where we are at now without the support of Today’s Headlines while we transitioned into the location we found for Rustic Roots.”

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Joining Henry and Robinson to complete the team are Kristy Hendrix and Alexis Hursh. Henry specializes in dimensional hair color and is a blonde specialist, while Robinson is skilled at color correction and customized haircuts. Hendrix is skilled at blonding and perms, and aims to find the right style for each customer. Hursh, who offers discounted haircuts for first responders, specializes in dry cutting and highlights.

“We work well together as a team,” Henry says. “Since we all have different strengths, if someone has a situation and needs

advice, we all help. We have had four high school interns that are continually growing and working in the cosmetology field. It’s an honor to help others grow.”

Education is an important part of Rustic Roots. For 10 years Robinson shared her expertise as a SexyHair platform artist, in addition to traveling for PRAVANA as an artistic educator. She has worked New York Fashion Week for Betsey Johnson and has been featured in Modern Salon magazine.

For the last 12 years Henry has expanded her education through companies like Redken, Paul Mitchell and Joico.

Rustic Roots welcomes women, children and men. Besides color and cuts, the salon is known for perms and special-occasion upstyles. The salon also offers waxing services and wedding hair styling.

“We truly customize color,” Robinson says.

“Geometry, physics and chemistry all play a part. We make sure that you know how to style your haircuts, and keep your color looking great from the time you leave our salon until the day you come back to us.”

Henry and Robinson are grateful to local businesses that have supported them during their first year in operation. As a way of giving back, they are sponsoring a scavenger hunt by encouraging customers to take selfies at local businesses while wearing gear featuring the Rustic Roots logo. Hendrix designed a logo that is available on shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and hats. Participants can post photos on social media to highlight Tipton establishments.

“We like to volunteer,” Henry adds. “The salon is in the best location. The town is growing and it is like no other. There is so much caring and support.”

Rustic Roots Salon is located at 126 North Main Street in Tipton. For more info, call 765- 860-8407 and visit facebook.com/ RusticRoots2020.

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MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2020

SENSE OF STYLE Rustic Roots Salon Owners Reflect on First Year in Business

CAMERA CONNOISSEUR

TIPTON NATIVE JASON GRAVES HAS A SHARP FOCUS ON PHOTOGRAPHY

7 HELPFUL HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIPS

atTipton.com