What's Happening This Week?
Events taking place in Kokomo, Howard County, and the surrounding area, Jan. 12-18
This article is brought to you by Freedom Financial.
TODAY
Solar Spacecraft
Learn more about the structure and dynamics of the sun’s corona and magnetic field at Indiana University Kokomo’s free Observatory Open House, 2300 S. Washington St., on Sun., Jan. 12, beginning at 7 p.m. Patrick Motl, dean of the School of Sciences and professor of physics, will give an update on NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, a spacecraft studying the sun’s outer atmosphere and how it affects the solar system. After the presentations those in attendance will have an opportunity to view the night sky through the observatory’s telescopes until 9 p.m., weather permitting.
MONDAY
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., Jan. 13. Caregivers with a baby ages birth to 12 months are welcome to participate. Older siblings are welcome to join also.
Sensory Shenanigans
Can you use your five senses? Have you heard? It’s time to see the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Mon., Jan. 13, from 10-11 a.m. Children ages 2-5 can sniff out some fun at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. Children and their caregivers are free to touch and taste at stations with tactile items, providing opportunities to actively use their senses are they explore.
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., Jan. 13, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sewing machines provided. This event takes place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.
Recovery Café
Turning Point – A System of Care offers the Recovery Café, a time to connect with love, show respect, cultivate compassion, practice forgiveness, encourage growth, and to give something back. Meetings take place at Turning Point, 1234 N. Courtland Ave., every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. For additional information, visit https://bit.ly/3VRfRRL .
Tech Resolutions: New Year, New Skills
Tired of struggling with technology, year after year? Kick off 2025 with a bang by learning all the basics about cell phones, computers, and passwords with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library. The Digital Den, 220 N. Union St., will host this informative program from 3-4:30 p.m. Smartphone basics will be covered on Mon., Jan. 13, and password management will be addressed on Jan. 27. Join the wait list for these events by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
Board Game Night
Snacks and board games! Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Mon., Jan. 13, from 5:30-8 p.m. for a fun evening playing games like WarMachine, Dice Throne, Marvel United, Marvel Champions, and Riot Quest! This event takes place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr.
Watercolor Wonders
Unleash your inner artist with this step-by-step class where you’ll learn how to create a birch tree painting using watercolors. Get into watercolors with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Mon., Jan. 13. The event takes place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and is designed for children ages 8-13. Register for this class by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
United Way Spring Grant Cycle
United Way Serving Howard and Tipton Counties has opened its Spring 2025 Grant Cycle. Non-profits seeking funding for programs are encouraged to visit www.howardandtiptonunitedway.org/grants for more information and to submit a Letter of Intent, spelling out the basics of the programs in need of funding. Letters of Intent must be submitted by Jan. 13 for programs to be considered for funding.
TUESDAY
Active Readers Club
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., Jan. 14, from 8:30-9:30 a.m., to stay active and share your favorite reads while walking around Russiaville. Inclement weather times will include an indoor workout at the library, 315 Mesa Dr.
Mental Health Access Days
Are you an adult struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenge? Meet with a professional from 4C Health who can connect you to the support and services you need. Mental Health Access Days are held each Tuesday from 9 a.m. until noon at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Story Time – Peek-A-Boo Playdate
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for baby story time, a delightful program filled with playful rhymes, fun stories, beginner sign language, and songs for babies and toddlers. This Peek-A-Boo Playdate takes place Tue., Jan. 14, from 10-10:30 a.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., and is designed for children ages 0-2.
Book Buddy Book Club
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities - regardless of reading ability - can join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., Jan. 14, from 10-11:15 a.m. to read, make friends, and have fun. The club will meet at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Drums Alive! -- Golden Beats
Build a sense of community while doing cardio at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Drums Alive! – Golden Beats session on Tue., Jan. 14, from 10-10:45 a.m. The event will take place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, every Tuesday in January and February. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking Events or by calling any KHCPL location.
Tzion Community Food Pantry
Congregation Yeshivat Tzion, 614 W. Monroe St., holds a community food pantry every other Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. Bring your own boxes or bags to take home food. The next pantry takes place Tue., Jan. 14. For more information, call 765-438-6858.
Preschool STEAM
Enjoy fun and games related to science, technology, engineering, art, and math on Tue., Jan. 14, from 2:30-3:15 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is intended for children ages 3-5.
Maker Zone
Join the Greentown Public Library, 421 S. Harrison St., on the second Tuesday of each month for crafts and fun in the Maker Zone. The next session takes place Tue., Jan. 14, from 3-4 p.m. after school.
Kindermusik Music and Movement
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for singing, dancing, and instrument play, which promote cognitive development! Kindermusik Music and Movement will be held at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Tue., Jan. 14, from 3:30-4 p.m. for children ages 18 months to 5 years. Your child's movements stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain to support memory and learning!
Youth Yoga
Celebrate the winter sun and learn the 12 steps to the iconic Sun Salutation yoga series with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library. Wear comfy clothing and bring a water bottle on Tue., Jan. 14, from 6-7 p.m. to the Jeff Stout Community Center, 650 N. West St., in Russiaville. This event is designed for children ages 6-13.
Diaper Bank
The Indiana Diaper Bank will visit the WIC office in Howard County, 3118 S. Lafountain St., on Tue., Jan. 14. It will have boxes of 200 diapers to distribute to TANF recipients. The diapers will be distributed on a first come, first served, basis. To receive diapers, you must scan the QR code displayed in the local WIC office. For more information, email indianadiaperbankserviceproject@indianadiaperbank.org
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., from 9 a.m. until noon on Wed., Jan. 8. No appointment needed.
Story Time – Little Learners
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for a journey into the world of stories, rhythm, and creativity on Wed., Jan. 15, from 10-10:45 a.m. at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. This delightful class is crafted for children ages 3 to 5, where imagination knows no bounds and learning is an adventure.
Korean Culture Business Training
Make a resolution now to grow your communication skills. The Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance and the Community Foundation of Howard County will present a Korean Culture Business Training seminar on Wed., Jan. 15, from 3-4 p.m. at Inventrek Business Park, 700 E. Firmin St. Topics will include cultural norms, body language, professional attire, hierarchy, and subtle non-verbal cues. This is a free event and is open to the public. To register, click here.
Discovery Center: Video Games
Have fun and meet new friends playing with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s collection of low-tech and high-tech games and activities. On Wed., Jan. 15, have fun with video games at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 4-6 p.m. This event is designed for children ages 8-13.
Reading with Pet Partners
Kids can practice their reading skills by reading to trained therapy animals at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Wed., Jan. 15, from 5-6 p.m.
Well-Read and Badly-Behaved Book Club
We are well-read and badly-behaved. Are you? Yeah. We see you nodding. And hear you laughing. So, you definitely need to join us at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Wed., Jan. 15, from 6-7 p.m.
Healing Through the Creative Process
Want to beat the winter blues? Are you in need of a little art therapy? Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 210 N. Union St., on Wed., Jan. 15, from 6-7:30 p.m. Registration for this event is closed.
Miniature Painting
Grab your miniatures and join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Wed., Jan. 15, from 6-7:30 p.m. to paint alongside professional miniature painter John Brothers in the Digital Den, 220 N. Union St. He will share tips and tricks to teach you the techniques to make your monsters and characters look amazing. Paint and brushes will be supplied. Bring your own mini and learn how to bring your character to life. Priming your miniatures ahead of time is recommended. Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
Kickboxing
The Kokomo Family YMCA, 114 N. Union St., offers Kickboxing with Joanna each Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. in the Y’s Functional Fitness Room. The class combines cardio, boxing, and martial arts to create a dynamic program. Punch and kick your way to a healthier you. This class is open to YMCA members. Adult memberships are as low as $46 a month, with discounts for household and youth memberships. To become a member, visit www.kokomoymca.org or visit the YMCA’s information desk.
THURSDAY
Kindermusik Music and Movement
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for singing, dancing, and instrument play, which promote cognitive development! Kindermusik Music and Movement will be held at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., on Thu., Jan. 16, 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!
Little Learners Story Time
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 210 N. Main St., for a journey into the world of stories, rhythm, and creativity. This delightful class is crafted for children ages 3 to 5, where imagination knows no bounds and learning is an adventure. Story Time takes place on Thu., Jan. 16, from 11-11:45 a.m.
Screenless Thursday at IUK
Turn off your devices for a few hours and relax at Screenless Thursday at Indiana University Kokomo. Come to IUK’s Kelley House, 2300 S. Washington St., on Thu., Jan. 16, from 3-5 p.m. as Patrick Motl, professor of physics and Associate Dean of the School of Sciences, gives a presentation.
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., Jan. 16, from 4-4:55 p.m.
Discovery Center: Osmos
Have fun and meet new friends playing with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s collection of low-tech and high-tech games and activities. On Thu., Jan. 16, have fun with Osmos at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 4-6 p.m. This event is designed for children ages 8-13.
Teen Writers’ Group
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Writers Group for teen amateur fiction writers on Thu., Jan. 16, 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.
CrisisReady Training
Planning for disasters can seem time intensive and overwhelming. With CrisisReady Howard County, it will be simple. Visit the Century Villa Community Room, 705 N. Meridian St., Greentown, on Thu., Jan. 16, from 6:30-7 p.m. to learn how you can plan for various disasters with four simple steps and receive the tools to make your own plan.
FRIDAY
Story Time – Tiny Tykes
Journey into the world of early literacy, designed for children ages 0 to 2 and caregivers. The Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s engaging, interactive event nurtures a love for reading, language development, and sensory exploration on Fri., Jan. 17, from 10-10:45 a.m. at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road
Lunar New Year Art
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 210 N. Main St., on Fri., Jan. 17, from 11 a.m. until noon, to learn about Asian cultures through folklore and art. The event will feature a special guest, world traveler and local author Sarah Wills Carlsson.
Library Blood Drive
Help save a life. The Kokomo Howard County Public Library, 210 N. Union St., will host a blood drive on Fri., Jan. 17, from noon until 5 p.m. Schedule your blood drive donation appointment today at www.redcrossblood.org.
Weekly Produce Pantry
Tzion Food Pantry, 614 W. Monroe St., holds a weekly produce food pantry every Friday from 1-3 p.m. Bring your own bags or boxes to take home your produce.
SATURDAY
Reading with Pet Partners
Kids can practice their reading skills by reading to trained therapy animals at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 210 N. Main St., on Sat., Jan. 18, from 11 a.m. until noon.
Cowboy Church
On the third Saturday of each month, Fairview Baptist Church holds Cowboy Church. It’s a combination of Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Hymns and a lot of serious goofing off. The next Cowboy Church will take place Sat., Jan. 18, at 4 p.m. Fairview Baptist Church is located at 2108 E. Vaile Ave. behind Walmart.