This article is brought to you by Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union. Managing your finances doesn’t have to be a struggle. Simplify with Solidarity! Learn more at SOLFCU.org. Now serving those who live, work, worship or play in Howard, Tipton, Miami, Clinton, Cass, Carroll, and White Counties. Member NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS # 804855 Apply for a Solidarity Scholarship at SOLFCU.org
City Announces 2023 Kokomo Summer Concert Series
The City of Kokomo is proud to present its 2023 Kokomo Summer Concert Series at the Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion in downtown Kokomo. This year’s lineup offers a little bit of something for everyone, with performances from Myron Elkins, The Downstroke Band, Los Colognes, Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel and more.
Mayor Tyler Moore said the Summer Concert Series is something that benefits Kokomo as well as communities around Central Indiana.
“Let’s face it, summer wouldn’t be the same without live music outdoors,” said Moore. “The Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion is a tremendous venue and offers a showcase for some great bands. It has become a destination for music fans from around Indiana.”
The concerts align with several festivals throughout the summer, such as Carver Center’s Juneteenth Celebration, Rhumfest, and the Firefighters Jeep Jam. In addition to live music, each concert will have food vendors and a beer garden.
All concerts are family friendly, ideal for those on a date night or spending time with family or friends. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for each evening packed with fantastic entertainment.
The concerts are general admission seating and are free to the public.
2023 KOKOMO SUMMER CONCERT SERIES LINEUP
Saturday, June 10 – Myron Elkins Band with opener Revolver Band
Myron Elkins’ debut album reflects the gritty mix of classic rock, country and blues, infusing his music with rich personal experience. Learn more: https://www.myronelkins.com
Saturday, June 17 – Carver Center Juneteenth Celebration featuring The Downstroke Band
Indy’s premier R&B and Funk band playing artists like Prince, Bruno Mars, James Brown and many more. Learn more: https://thedownstrokeband.com
June 29 - July 1 – Haynes Apperson Festival
Full details and lineup for this year’s event will be announced soon.
Saturday, July 8 – Firefighters Jeep Jam, featuring Los Colognes with opener Joshua Powell Band
Characterized by their ‘70s style rock, this Nashville band infuses country and classic rock elements in their own unique sound. Learn more: https://loscolognes.net
Saturday, July 22 – Rhumfest, featuring students and instructors from the Rhum Academy of Music
Saturday, Aug. 5 – Kokomo Symphony Orchestra with Piano Men: Generations – The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John
Piano Men: Generations celebrates the musical influence of Billy Joel and Elton John brought to you by the amazing father and son team of Terry & Nick Davies and their incredible band. Learn more: https://www.kokomosymphony.com
Saturday, Aug. 19 – Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel 30th Year Celebration with opener CNI Dawgs
From Kokomo, Mike Milligan formed Steam Shovel in the summer of 1993 and was named “Best Blues Band in Indiana” in 2002 by the Crossroads Blues Society of Indiana. They are an original, powerful, soulful band celebrating 30 years! Learn more: http://mikemilligan.homestead.com
Visit http://kokomosummerseries.com for more information on the series overall. All dates and acts subject to change without notice.
Kokomo Area Career Fair to showcase more than 70 employers
More than 70 central Indiana employers will be showcasing their job opportunities at the Kokomo Area Career Fair set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, in Hingst Hall in the Health Professions Center on the Ivy Tech Community College campus at 1815 E. Morgan St.
WorkOne, the City of Kokomo, Indiana University Kokomo and Ivy Tech are sponsoring the fair. The event is open to Ivy Tech and IUK students and alumni and community members seeking part-time or full-time jobs or internship positions. Coca Cola and Bruno’s Pizza are sponsors of the career fair.
The event is open without charge and provides participants the chance to meet with employers and discuss potential job opportunities.
“We have more than 70 companies signed up to participate,” said Katie Loman, executive director of Ivy+ Career Link for Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Service Area. “They represent employers from the nonprofit sector as well as healthcare, manufacturing, finance/banking, agriculture, automotive, construction, human services, law enforcement, government and education.
“Come dressed for success and bring several copies of your resume,” Loman continued. “Many of these employers are looking to hire and they may choose to interview participants on site.”
Tracy Springer, director of IU Kokomo’s Career and Accessibility Center, said the fair is a great place to find out what kind of careers are out there and what kind of credentials are needed, even if you’re not looking for a job right now.
“The day is a great opportunity for networking and learning what technical skills and soft skills employers are looking for in a qualified candidate,” she said. “Admissions officers from Ivy Tech and IUK will be on hand to talk about options for coming to college to get the certificates or degrees that will open doors to new careers.”
Kathy Burns, regional business consultant for WorkOne’s West Central Indiana Region 4, said many companies are looking for employees on many skill levels, adding, “We are available to connect workers to employers.”
For more information, contact Ivy Tech’s Loman by email at kloman@ivytech.edu or by telephone at (765) 252-5495. or IU Kokomo’s Springer at tracylb@iuk.edu or 765-455-9301.
Tips for success
Katie Loman, executive director in Ivy Tech Kokomo’s Ivy+ Career Link division, noted that talking to employers can be overwhelming for many people. She offered these tips for how participants can make the most of their time at the Kokomo Area Career Fair:
· Update your resume and bring copies. We suggest 10 to 12.
· Prepare an elevator speech that is concise. Include reasons why you are interested in the company and how you might add value. Practice in front of family and friends for feedback.
· “Dress to impress.” This includes dress pants, skirts, button-down long sleeve shirts, and clean shoes. It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.
· Research employers and companies who are planning to be at event.
· Prepare questions to ask employers. Examples include:
· What specific positions are you looking to hire?
· What do you look for in a team member?
· Can you describe your company culture?
· What do you like most about your job?
· Can you talk more about the hiring process?
· Stay positive. Talking to so many employers can be overwhelming. Use this as an opportunity to learn more about landing your ideal career.
· Collect business cards and follow up with a card or email thanking employers for their time.
Health resource fair coming to Western
The Howard County Health Department is hosting a free Health Resource Fair and Immunization Clinic at Western School Corporation on Tue., April 4, from 5-7 p.m. in Western High School’s south gym. Participants should enter through Door No. 10.
This event is a collaborative effort between the health department, the school, and many local partners and sponsors. It is designed to share information about local health resources available in Howard County and to provide an opportunity for students and parents to receive vaccines needed for both school attendance and to protect against communicable diseases.
Does your child need to get caught up on their shots? Do you have a child entering kindergarten, 6th grade, or 12th grade in the fall? The health department can review their immunization record to see what vaccines they may need.
Pre-registration for immunizations is RECOMMENDED, but not required. To pre-register for immunizations, please complete the online registration at: https://form.jotform.com/230243228789057.
Walk-ins will be accepted as time allows. Please bring your insurance card and any immunization records with you to the clinic. Vaccines will be billed to your insurance. If the individual has no health insurance, vaccines will be provided free of charge.
In addition to the immunization clinic, there will be many community partners available to share information about the services they offer as well as providing fun giveaways and prizes. Some of the partners who will be in attendance include:
· MDWise – Information about MDWise insurance services including Hoosier Healthwise and Healthy Indiana Plan
· Community Fairbanks Behavioral Health Howard - Meet your school’s contracted mental health services provider
· 4C Health – Find out information about mental health services provided in the community
· Covering Kids & Families Indiana – Check to see if you qualify for insurance coverage through many different programs
· Howard County Tobacco and Vape Free – Ready to quit tobacco? Interested in learning more about vaping and teens? Pick up resources and attend the Teen Vaping Awareness parent talk.
· Dr. Tavel Family Eye Care – Take advantage of free child vision screenings. Good vision is an important part of your child’s education
· WIC – Learn about the services offered and how to apply.
· Bona Vista – Learn about their Early Head Start, Early Childhood and Keys for Kids Programs
· Community Howard Regional Health – Get your blood pressure checked for free
· Local Pediatric Offices – Visit with representatives from each of the following offices to find a physician that is right for your child.
· Healthy Horizons
· Indiana Health Center
· Meadows Medical Center
· North Central Indiana Pediatrics
The fair will also be featuring free food vouchers (while supplies last) from The Middle of Nowhere food truck, sponsored by MDWise. A bounce house will be available for the kids to enjoy. There will be several prize basket drawings (each basket valued at over $100) as well. The prize baskets were sponsored by community partners and the following sponsors:
· 4C Health
· AxKingz
· Big Ben Coffee
· Chuck E. Cheese
· Dr. Tavel Family Eye Care
· Howard County Health Department
· Howard County Tobacco and Vape Free
· Indiana University Kokomo
· Indiana University Kokomo School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions
· Indiana Wesleyan University
· MDWise
· Meadows Medical Center
· Sweet Peas Play Café