Historical Society resurrects Cemetery Walk
Also, Alzheimer’s Walk Oct. 5; CAM founder thanks Dennine Smith; Sycamore Street to close
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After a 17-year hiatus, the Howard County Historical Society is resurrecting the Cemetery Walk, an event that once gave history lovers a glimpse into the lives of those buried at Crown Point Cemetery.
The event returns to Crown Point Cemetery after last taking place in 2007. As in previous years, guides will lead participants through the cemetery, stopping at the headstones of notable figures in Howard County’s history. Actors will bring these stories to life by portraying these notable figures or their family members. This includes Mark McTigue, the sexton of Crown Point Cemetery for 40 years after his arrival here from Ireland in 1861.
The event is set for Fri., Oct. 4, starting at 6 p.m. and Sat., Oct. 5, starting at 2 p.m. Guides will lead groups in 15-minute intervals, with tours taking about 90 minutes as participants walk to each featured headstone.
Tickets to the event are $15 and can be purchased online ahead of time at https://www.hchistory.org/programs/cemetery-walk, by calling 765-452-4314, or purchasing at the historical society office. Very limited walk-up ticket purchases at Crown Point Cemetery, 1101 E. Sycamore St., will be available. Limited street parking will be available along Sycamore and Delphos streets.
For questions or more information, call the Howard County Historical Society at 765-452-4314 or email info@howardcountymuseum.org.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Oct. 5
The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Kokomo residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® on Oct. 5, 2024, at Foster Park in Kokomo.
“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are now treatments that change the course of the disease,” said Lucy Hauser, manager of Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Kokomo. “We hope that everyone in our community can join us by starting a team to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, take more steps toward treatments, and ultimately a cure.”
On walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies solidarity in the fight against the disease. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.
Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Indiana, there are more than 121,300 people living with the disease and 216,000 caregivers.
To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/Indiana/walk.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Kokomo is supported by National Presenting Sponsor Edward Jones.
There will be a giveback day on Thu., Sept. 26, at Standards Boutique, 3210 S. Lafountain St., Kokomo. Shop from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., mention the Alzheimer's Walk, and 20 percent of the sales that day will go to the Kokomo Walk to End Alzheimer's.
Contact Joni DeLon at jadelon24@gmail.com or Courtney Butler at cbutler@greatrerkokomo.com for more walk information.
Thank you, Dennine Smith
Dennine Smith, thank you for all you’ve done for our community, and thank you for taking CAM, Inc. to the “Next Level” of service for the homeless and near homeless in our community.
In November 2019, Dennine Smith took over the leadership of CAM – Coordinated Assistance Ministries, Inc. -- as the new Executive Director. Dennine has taken CAM to the next level with her grant-writing and leadership.
First, with a Master of Public Health degree, Dennine was “Chosen by God” to take over and face the COVID plague which hit our city and nation in 2020. Dennine, with her background, was destined to set up a COVID center for the homeless in Kokomo.
Under Dennine’s leadership in these last five years, she has brought the former “ideas” to the next level. She has moved the “giving rides” in donated vans to the Howard County Connect Transportation Service with the partnership of United Way and Adams Auto Group.
Dennine has moved CAM into a new building, and in August 2024, liquidated the mortgage debt.
She has served on and in coordination with many of the other helping agencies that serve those in need in our community. Her coordination with the church community and community at large has helped express her faith that is central in Dennine’s life.
Throughout her career with CAM, she has received recognition for her leadership. In December 2023, she received the Jefferson Award for Multiplying Good – the “Nobel Prize for Public Service” which recognizes ordinary people who do extraordinary things. This award was very fitting and well deserved.
As Baptists, we follow God’s lead to tell us, in our lives, where God wants us to serve. Kokomo has been privileged to have such dynamic leaders in our community.
We will miss both Dennine and her husband, Pastor William Smith, who have accepted a call to a church in Georgia.
Thank you, Dennine, for all you have done in ministry for our community. Thank you for being willing to leave a dream job to follow God’s lead to take on a non-profit position. God’s blessings, as you continue to follow God’s directives, and in Dennine’s words, “Believe…” God’s blessings and thank you.
Rev. Ruth Lawson, Founder of CAM, Inc.
Sycamore Street to close
Sycamore Street will be closed between Market Street and Union Street beginning Thu., Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. and will remain closed until 3 p.m., weather permitting, for maintenance on the roof of the YMCA building.
Questions regarding the project should be directed to Jon Pyke at 765-456-7400 or jypke@cityofkokomo.org.