Soberthon takes place this weekend

Also, Christmas at the Seiberling kicks off Nov. 25

This article is brought to you by the Kokomo Family YMCA. Online registration closes soon, so get in on gobbling up the fun at our annual Turkey Trot! If you want to register online, you'd better hurry - online registration closes November 21st at midnight. The Turkey Trot is a timed, family-friendly race that you can run or walk, and all proceeds go towards the Kokomo Family YMCA's Annual Campaign. By joining us for this event, you'll not only burn some calories, but also support a good cause right here in Howard County.

But wait, there's more! Participants will receive a T-shirt and medal, so you'll have a cool souvenir to remember this awesome race. Don't miss out on this opportunity to get active, have fun, and make a difference in your community. Register today- We'll see you at the starting line!

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"What is a Soberthon?" you may be asking.

It's an old tradition amongst 12-step groups. Knowing the holidays can be rough, oftentimes a trigger, members of groups band together to help any who may be tempted to go back out to old ways.

This year, the Fellowship of Hope Club, 1301 N. Webster St., will hold a Soberthon from Wed., Nov. 22, at 6 p.m. until Fri., Nov. 24, at 8 p.m.

Typically, volunteers will take a specific time block, but one thing is certain: there will always be someone there. The length of a Soberthon varies. Some locations have small groups, and other areas have big clubs. But you can almost guarantee a 24-hour period to get you through the initial holiday.

Twelve-step meetings occur as they usually do because addiction never sleeps. Recovery shouldn't, either. But the meetings that really matter are the ones between the meetings.

These "meetings" are where the rubber meets the road; the nitty gritty of life. These meetings are the late afternoon/early morning varieties. It's a small group of recovering people who've ended a meeting only a couple hours before, sitting around and talking about life.

There's always the "coulda, shoulda, would've" side of things; regret, hopes, crushed dreams, lost loves, and everything in between. Soberthons are us, recovering people doing what we do best: talking about recovery.

If you or anyone you love are suffering addiction and need a safe, sober environment this Thanksgiving holiday, don't be shy. Regularly scheduled meetings will happen at the Fellowship of Hope Club, Inc. throughout the season. But between then we’re going to be playing cards and games, and TVs will be on for football.

If you're curious to know more about the Fellowship of Hope Club, call 765-416-4582 or email thefellowshipofhopeclub@gmail.com. As a 501(c)3, any donations you may wish to donate would be considered tax deductible. And if you find you'd love to get rid of some excess food you don't want, we would love to take that off your hands as well! (Especially the chocolate!)

Christmas at the Seiberling kicks off Nov. 25

Visions of sugar plums, nutcrackers, and ballet shoes are filling heads at the Seiberling Mansion and hopefully yours starting on Nov. 25 at the opening night of Christmas at the Seiberling.

This year’s theme, “The Nutcracker Ballet,” brings a classic and magical feel to the Seiberling Mansion, which boasts three floors transformed by volunteer decorators who have creatively interpreted the theme into a Christmas wonderland.

“This year, we are excited to offer a new experience in Santa’s Workshop on the third floor,” said Anne Shaw, executive director. “Santa has been busy in his workshop with the elves, making toys and preparing for Christmas. He is looking forward to welcoming kids and kids at heart!”

Santa will be at the Seiberling on opening night, all sponsored nights, and on Candlelight Night. Co-chair Judy Brown said that decorators have been busy since early in the month, preparing for the festivities.

Festivities will kick off with Santa’s arrival at 6 p.m. on Nov. 25, and the annual lighting ceremony is sponsored by Wyman Group. Admission for opening night and the Candlelight Tour is $10 for adults, $5 for students 18 and under, and 5 and under are free. Tickets can be reserved on the HCHS website: https://howardcountymuseum.org/programs/christmas-at-the-seiberling, in the office, and at the door. For all other Christmas at the Seiberling evenings, entry is free.

When visiting the mansion, don’t forget to bring cash to vote for your favorite decorated room. Donations support the Howard County Historical Society. Each room will have a jar for registering votes with a donation.

Charitable sponsors include Financial Builders, First Farmers Bank & Trust, Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo, and Community First Bank. These sponsors have made possible free admission to six December nights of Christmas at the Seiberling (Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, and 15, from 4 to 8 p.m.). Duke Energy is underwriting the Candlelight Tour on Dec. 16 ($10 for adults, $5 for students 18 and under, and 5 and under are free). The Howard County Historical Society thanks each of them for their generous donations in support of this annual community tradition.

Musical groups will provide entertainment on opening night and several sponsored nights. Visitors are also welcome during regular hours, 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with regular admission. For more information, call 765-452-4314.