What's Happening This Week?
Events taking place in Kokomo and Howard County from Sept. 10-16 and beyond
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TODAY
Touch a Truck
The City of Kokomo will host a Touch-a-Truck event on Sun., Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the parking lot at Inventrek, 700 E. Firmin St. Bring the family out to experience the equipment employed by city workers, police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. A sensory hour, involving no lights or sirens, will take place from 11 a.m. until noon.
Girls Basketball Fall League
The Carver Community Center will hold its middle school girls fall basketball league for girls in grades 6-8, beginning Sept. 10. This off-season developmental league features Sunday games against top-notch competition. Two games per day. Each game has 18-minute halves with a running clock. The cost is $250 per team or $100 for individual sign-ups. To register, call 765-457-9318 or visit www.kokomocarver.org
Kokomo Symphony Youth Orchestra
The Kokomo Symphony Youth Orchestra is an inexpensive way to teach your student violin, viola, cello, or bass locally. Each Sunday afternoon beginning on Sept. 10, the symphony will hold Beginning Strings classes for students in 3rd grade or higher who have less than two years’ experience. These classes run from 4:30-5:15 p.m. An Intermediate Strings class for students in 3rd grade or higher with up to four years of experience takes place from 5:15-6 p.m. The youth orchestra, designed for progression from the youth programs, meets from 4:30-6:30 p.m. each Sunday. Registration for classes begins Sept. 10 at 4 p.m. The first semester runs from Sept. 10 through Dec. 3. The second semester runs from Jan. 7 until May 5. All classes and program take place at Grace United Methodist Church, 219 W. Mulberry St. For additional information, visit www.kokomosymphony.net or call 765-236-0251.
IUK Observatory Open House
Learn about discoveries made during the first year of science operations for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope at the first free Indiana University Kokomo Observatory open house of the school year. Patrick Motl, professor of physics, will begin the open house at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10, with an update on the James Webb Space Telescope, the largest, most powerful space telescope ever built. After the presentation, stargazers may be able to see Saturn rising and the summer triangle through the Observatory’s telescopes. Observation will continue through 10 p.m., weather permitting, at the observatory, 2660 S. Washington St. Free parking is available on campus.
MONDAY
41st Annual Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion
The 41st Annual Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion will take place Mon., Sept. 11, through Sat., Sept. 16, at the Howard County Healing Field, 8313 E, CR 400 S. Visit www.hcvvo.net for information on registration and events planned for the reunion.
New Baby Bunch
Do you have a new bundle of joy? Or do you feel like you’re in the trenches of parenting? Join the New Baby Bunch for friendship, support, and to share your parenting journey with other caregivers. The group meets each Monday from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. The next meeting is Mon., Sept. 11. Caregivers with a baby ages birth to 12 months are welcome to participate. Older siblngs are welcome to join also.
Busy Builders
From simple towers to intricate structures, you and your child can create anything you can imagine with Busy Builders at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., on Mon., Sept. 11, from 10-11:30 a.m. This event is designed for children ages 0-5.
9/11 Memorial Blood Drive
The City of Kokomo will host a 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive on Mon., Sept. 11, from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. in the Ralph W. Neal Council Chambers. Blood is an essential medicine that cannot be manufactured. Whether you are looking for a way to give back to the community or support a friend who is fighting an illness, blood donation is a generous and vital gift. As a thank-you, all attempting donors will receive a 9/11 remembrance t-shirt while supplies last.
Bona Vista’s 65th Anniversary
Bona Vista will celebrate 65 years on Mon., Sept. 11, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Bona Vista Crossing back parking lot, 1221 S. Plate St. Join Bona Vista for a cookout beginning at 11 a.m. Bona Vista’s president will speak at 1 p.m. with cake and tours of the facility to follow. For more information, visit www.bonavista.org.
Sew Much
Teens and adults can drop in to learn sewing or quilting basics or get help with their projects at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Sew Much event on Mon., Sept. 11, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and from 4-7 p.m. Sewing machines provided. This event takes place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.
Recovery Café
Turning Point System of Care holds get-togethers at the Recovery Café, 1234 N. Courtland Ave., every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Recovery Café is a safe, inclusive, and caring recovery community connecting people through love and purpose. Learn more and get connected by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3VRfRRL
Growing Readers: Tiny Tykes
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Mon., Sept. 11, from 2-2:30 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is designed for children ages 0-2.
TUESDAY
Walking Readers Club
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library as you make your minds and bodies healthier! Walk around KHCPL Russiaville's neighborhood, 315 Mesa Dr., on Tue., Sept. 12, from 8-9 a.m.
Mental Health Access Days
Are you an adult struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges? Come talk confidentially to a 4C associate who will help you find help locally. The walk-in clinic will be held on Tue., Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. until noon at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Book Buddy Book Club
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities - regardless of reading ability - can join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., Sept. 12, from 10-11:30 a.m. to read, make friends, and have fun. The club will meet at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Registration is required by calling 765-626-0813.
Cosmic Adventures
Families with children ages 3-5 years old, come combine play with science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics! The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Cosmic Adventures – Preschool STEAM event on Tue., Sept. 12, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Fall Wreath and Paper Flowers
Fall is here and it is time to start decorating! The Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Digital Den will host a class in which you will learn how to make a fall wreath using paper flowers designed on the Cricut! The class takes place on Tue., Sept. 12, from 3-4 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
Line Dancing for All
Have fun learning different line dance steps at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., Sept. 12. A class will be held at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Learn the steps, then put it all together! No experience necessary. No flip flops or sandals, please.
WEDNESDAY
Legal Aid Clinic
Need Pro bono representation? Have questions for an attorney? Apply with Pro Bono Indiana, Inc. to get the legal assistance you need at no cost to you! This service will be provided at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Wed., Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. until noon. No appointment needed.
Growing Readers: Little Learners
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Wed., Sept. 13, from 10-10:45 a.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. This event is designed for children ages 3-5.
KHCPL Main Book Discussion
Expand your reading horizons by joining the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Wed., Sept. 13, from 10-11:30 a.m. for engaging and lively discussions of books from different genres. This month’s book is “The Measure,” by Nikki Erlich. The discussion takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Registration is required. Visit khcpl.org and click on Events to register.
Library Card Sign-Up
Visit J. Edwards Fine Chocolates, 2106 W. Sycamore St., on Wed., Sept. 13, from noon until 5 p.m. to sign up for a library card and receive a free milk chocolate cream.
UAW Red Shirt Rally
The members of United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 1166 will hold two Red Shirt Rally events on Wed., Sept. 13, in Foster Park. All local unions and the general public are invited to attend. The rallies take place at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., just one day before the UAW’s contracts with Stellantis, Ford, and General Motors expire. The Red Shirt Rally will offer national and local bargaining updates, including speeches from UAW International President and Kokomo native Shawn Fain, UAW International Vice President Rich Boyer, UAW Region 2B Director David Green, UAW Local 1166 President David Willis, Sr., UAW Local 685 President Gary Quirk, UAW Local 1302 President Weed Widup, and UAW Local 292 retiree Bob Stephenson.
Carver Dance Classes
The Carver Community Center, 1030 N. Purdum St., will hold dance fusion classes beginning Wed., Sept. 13. Dance fusion combines elements of ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance into an energetic and fun class that teaches students the fundamentals of technique, flexibility, musicality, and body awareness. The class for children ages 5-7 takes place at 5:30 p.m., followed by the class for children ages 8 and up, which begins at 6 p.m. All classes will perform in a holiday dance at the Arts Federal in Lafayette on Dec. 8. To register, visit www.A2dancefusion.com/kokomo . For additional information, call 765-715-7085 or email amandaarnett23@gmail.com.
AMVETS Meeting
The next meeting of American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 27 will take place on Wed., Sept. 13, at the Russiaville First Baptist Church, 260 W. Main St. A potluck carry-in and meet and greet starts at 6 p.m., and the meeting takes place at 6:30 p.m. All veterans with an honorable discharge and their families are welcome. No combat required.
Adaptive Gardening
Gardening can be a lifelong hobby. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Wed., Sept. 13, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to learn about adaptive gardening. Gardening can even be for you if you have physical limitations or disabilities that prevent you from traditional gardening. The session takes place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.
THURSDAY
Library Card Sign-Up
Visit Jack’s Donuts, 3707 S. Reed Road, on Thu., Sept. 14, from 7:30-11 a.m. to sign up for a library card and receive a free cream-filled donut, or show your card to receive a 10-percent discount.
Kindermusik Wiggle and Grow
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for singing, dancing, and instrument play, which promote cognitive development! Kindermusik Wiggle and Grow will be held at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., on Thu., Sept. 14, from 10-10:30 a.m. for children ages 18 months to 3 years. Your child's movements stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain to support memory and learning!
Growing Readers: Little Learners
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Wed., Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. until noon at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is designed for children ages 3-5.
Teen Art Group
Would you like the chance to sketch, color, and paint regularly with your friends? Then join the Teen Art Group at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., Sept. 14, from 4-4:55 p.m.
Teen Writers Group
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Writers Group for teen amateur fiction writers on Thu., Sept. 14, from 5-6 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Write something to submit and critique. Teens who enjoy writing and want honest feedback are invited to attend. Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking Events.
Solidarity Shred Day
Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union will offer a free shred day on Thu., Sept. 14, from 5:15-6:30 p.m. at Solidarity’s main office, 201 Southway Blvd. Maximum three boxes per vehicle. No plastic containers or medicine bottles. Please remove any wire-bound files prior to arriving. Solidarity encourages members to bring a non-perishable food item to help feed the homeless through the Kokomo Rescue Mission’s food drive.
Introduction to Chair Yoga
Chair yoga allows participants to do yoga poses while seated or using a chair for balance. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library at its Russiaville branch, 305 Mesa Dr., on Thu., Sept. 14, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for a lesson.
Cosmic Adventures – Kids in the Kitchen
Space enthusiasts ages 3-13, come and create moon snacks and fruit rockets, and recreate the moon phases with Oreos! The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Cosmic Adventures – Kids in the Kitchen event on Thu., Sept. 14, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at its main branch, 220 N. Union St.
FRIDAY
Growing Readers: Tiny Tykes
Introduce your little one to quality literature and the library in a fun, inviting way with age-appropriate activities on Fri., Sept. 15, from 2-2:30 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. This event is designed for children ages 0-2.
Back to School Bingo for Teachers
Teachers, come play Bingo for a chance to win school supplies! The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Back to School Bingo event on Fri., Sept. 15, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Everyone will leave with something! Your teacher ID is your ticket to this after-hours event!
SATURDAY
Flag Football Tournament
Fall means football, and the Kokomo Family YMCA is bringing its adult flag football tournament back on Sept. 16. The double-elimination tournament is open to Y members and community members ages 16 and up who enjoy playing the game of football. Have fun, meet new people, and join in on some friendly competition. Check-in at 8 a.m. The coin flip will take place at 9 a.m. The tournament will take place at the Taylor High School football field, 3794 E., 300 South. Registration is open and only available in-person at the YMCA, 114 N. Union St. Ten players per team maximum. Winners of the tournament receive “Champ” shirts, and the second-place team will be awarded its entry fee. For more Information visit: https://kokomoymca.org/events/adult-flag-football/
KPRD Community Garage Sale
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will hold a community garage sale on Sat., Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Kokomo Beach parking lot. Space registration begins Aug. 28. Vendor spaces are $5 each. For more information call 765-456-7275.
Suicide Prevention Walk of Hope
The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Howard County will host its annual Walk of Hope on Sat., Sept. 16, at the Senior Citizens Center in Foster Park. The walk is free to join. Pre-registration is open now. Registration on the day of the event begins at 10 a.m. Survivor and memorial signs are available to be placed along the walk route. Signs are $30 and must be purchased by Aug. 30. T-shirts commemorating the event are available for $20. Pre-register to guarantee t-shirt size. A selection of limited sizes will be available on the day of the event. Register online by visiting http://bitly.ws/SIej
Bluey Party
Do you love Bluey and the Heeler family? If the answer is yes, celebrate your favorite Blue Heeler family with music, stories, hands-on activities, and crafts at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Sat., Sept. 16, from 10:30 a.m. until noon.
Jefferson Manor Cruise-In
Jefferson Manor, 603 St. Joseph Dr., will hold its 2nd annual Cruise-In on Sat., Sept. 16, from noon until 4 p.m. Enjoy classic cars and trucks, a bounce house, a dunk tank, and food from Middle of Nowhere.
Library Card Sign-Up
Visit Hacienda Mexican Restaurant, 2006 S. Plate St., on Sat., Sept. 16, from 1-5 p.m. to sign up for a library card and receive a complementary single serving of chips and a 4 oz. container of guacamole.
Cosmic Adventures: Planetary Fuse Beads
What color would your perfect planet be? Visit the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Sat., Sept. 16, from 3-4 p.m. for your chance to design a world with planetary fuse beads. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events or by calling any KHCPL location.
Access to Rock
Project Access will hold an Access to Rock event on Sat., Sept. 16, from 5-10 p.m. Three bands will perform live at 500 N. Buckeye St. in front of Sun King. This is a 21 and over event. Tickets are $20 and can be obtained by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/access-to-rock-tickets-675357942787?fbclid=IwAR11iieb4A_c3Q1Vnqcd-U5B4PTMb0rN-CDmpT1-nPNXyrySDtkNiCyjX5c
COMING SOON
FSA Angel Walk
The Family Service Association’s 2023 Angel Walk takes place Tue., Oct. 24, with a rally beginning at 5:30 p.m. and a one-mile walk following at 6 p.m. on the campus of Indiana University Kokomo, 2300 S. Washington St. To form or join a team, contact Tracy Martino at martinot@fsahc.org or by calling 765-457-9313. The sponsorship deadline is Sept. 16. For more information about the event, email slcd@iu.edu or call 765-455-9586.
Shoot for the Stars Benefit
Help increase access to healthcare for area veterans on Sun., Sept. 17, by spending a morning at the Izaak Walton League sporting clay range, 2629 S, County Road 200 E. The Community Howard Regional Health Foundation's sporting clay fundraiser is back, and registration is open for teams and sponsors. Registration is 8-9 a.m. on the day of the event. A safety meeting will be held at 9:15 a.m. Lunch and beverages are included, following the shoot. Cost is $400 per team. You must supply your own 12-gauge or 20-gauge shotgun, as well as eye and ear protection. You may supply your own 8 or 9 shells or purchase them from the Izaak Walton League. There will be cash prizes, and clay mulligans are available. Proceeds will go to support a special fund to help cover the cost of care for veterans. To register, or receive more information, call 765-776-8458 or email reastman@ecommunity.com
Kokomo Community Concerts
Single event and season tickets are now on sale for the 2023-24 Kokomo Community Concerts series. Each concert will take place at the Kokomo High School auditorium, 2501 S. Berkley Road, at 2:30 p.m. On Sun., Sept. 17, Divas 3 will entertain. For additional information or to order tickets, visit www.kokomocommunityconcerts.org or call 765-210-0686.
Food Insecurity Meeting
What does food insecurity really mean? Find out on Mon., Sept. 18, as the Purdue University Extension Office visits the Russiaville Lions Club, 555 N. Liberty St., to define the term and explain how it impacts to local community. The event runs from 7-8 p.m. This event is presented by the Kokomo Howard County Public Library.
ProPEL U.S. 31 Visits Kokomo
The ProPEL U.S. 31 South study team will visit the Howard County Historical Society, 1200 W. Sycamore St., on Tue., Sept. 19, from 1-3 p.m. The public is invited to meet with the study team, get an update on the study’s progress, and give feedback about the future of U.S. 31 in this community.
Talk Like a Pirate Day
Grab your eyepatch and peg leg for a day of pirate fun at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library! Visit the south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Tue., Sept. 19, from 5-7 p.m. to learn to talk like a pirate, create pirate accessories, and hunt for treasure in the library!
Tween Mindfulness
Practice yoga as well as meditation and breathwork at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Wed., Sept. 20, from 5-6 p.m. The session takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., and is designed for children ages 8-13.
Digital Den Designs: Photo Refrigerator Magnets
You can always use another refrigerator magnet! In this class, we'll show you how to make one using your photos from your smart phone! Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Digital Den, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., Sept. 21, from 1-2 p.m. for this event. Register in advance by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
Black and White Masquerade
The Black and White Masquerade, a charity event to benefit Kokomo Urban Outreach’s UP Program, will take place on Thu. Sept. 21, at 6 p.m. at the Bel Air, 3014 S. Webster St. The event will include stories from UP participants, a mask contest, a silent auction, comedians John and Luke Branyan, and most importantly, an opportunity to change lives. Tickets are available now by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/669605878207 or by stopping by the KUO office, 1701 S. Locke St.
Good Neighbor Bonfire and Food Truck Extravaganza
Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of food, fun, and community on Fri., Sept. 22, as the Kokomo Howard County Public Library hosts a Good Neighbor Bonfire and Food Truck Extravaganza at the Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. The evening starts at 4 p.m. with food trucks stationed behind the Russiaville Town Hall. The trucks will serve until 6:30 p.m. Then, stroll down to the library for a bonfire, desserts, and live music from Higher Ground from 6-8 p.m. This event takes place in partnership with the Russiaville Police Department.
Solidarity Scholarship Golf
Mark your calendars for Sat., Sept. 23, as Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union holds its annual scholarship golf outing. There will be an 8 a.m. shotgun start. The cost is $125 per golfer, which includes cart, prizes, two drinks, and lunch. Sponsorship opportunities are available. click here bit.ly/463bGIA to register.
Fall Craft Bazaar
The Howard Masonic Lodge will present a Fall Craft Bazaar on Sat., Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 316 N. Washington St. Find crocheted items, handmade jewelry, paper items, quilts and quilted items and much more. For more information, email starlitephotography@hotmail.com.
Drums Along the Wildcat
The City of Kokomo and the Kokomo Native Initiative are proud to announce the first-ever pow-wow in Kokomo. Drums Along the Wildcat will take place on Sat., Sept. 23, from 10 a.m. until dark in Foster Park. The event is free to the public. A Grand Entry will take place at 11 a.m. and at 6 p.m. There will be a break for dinner at 4:30 p.m. For additional information, contact Sally Tuttle at 765-438-6652 or by emailing tuttle.ss@comcast.net.
Creature Feature
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will host a Creature Feature with Indiana WILD at the Kirkendall Nature Center in Jackson Morrow Park, 4200 S. Park Road, on Sat., Sept. 23, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. This Informative and interactive event will feature live creatures and is free and open to the public. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Call the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department at 765-456-7275 for additional information.