What's Happening This Week?
Events in the Kokomo and Howard County area taking place Feb. 12-18 and beyond
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TODAY
Kokomo Park Band’s Musical Valentine
The Kokomo Park Band will hold its Winter Concert, “A Musical Valentine,” on Sun., Feb. 12, at Indiana University Kokomo’s Havens Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St., beginning at 3 p.m. The concert will feature violin soloist Joshua Facello of the Purdue Philharmonic Orchestra, vocalists Cheressa Lawson and Sally Duke, and the IU Kokomo Chorus. Pre-concert selections will be performed by the IU Kokomo Flute Choir. Bring toiletry items to donate to Coordinated Assistance Ministries. The concert is free, but donations are accepted. Send contributions to Kokomo Park Band, P.O. Box 6039, Kokomo, IN 46904-6039.
MONDAY
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 Very Early Childhood Education Center on Mon., Feb. 13, from 10-10:45 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!
Tri-Central Riley Foundation Fundraiser
Tri-Central Elementary is holding a week-long fundraiser for the Riley Children’s Foundation. From Feb. 13-17, students will bring in any donation amount to their classrooms. Each classroom will compete with the other classrooms for the most money donated. The winning classroom will have a chance to play dodgeball and run a relay race against other classes in an elementary school-wide assembly. One hundred percent of money donated goes directly to Riley Children’s Hospital.
TUESDAY
Free Mental Health Walk-In Clinic
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., Feb. 14, from 9 a.m. until noon at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
Next Chapter Book Club
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a meeting of the Next Chapter Book Club on Tue., Feb. 14, from 10-11 a.m. at the Main branch, 220 N. Union St. Join the library for a relaxed, small group setting of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to read, learn, and make friends. Register by contacting Ellen at 765-626-0829 or Marsha at 765-626-0813.
WEDNESDAY
Drums Alive
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold Drums Alive sessions for all ages. Family Beats for all ages will be held at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 5-6 p.m. on Feb. 15. Wear comfy clothes and shoes and join the library to use drumsticks and an exercise ball for a fun activity for all ages and abilities. Equipment is limited, so register each person participating by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
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 on Wed., Feb. 15, from 6-7 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, when the group will discuss “Spare” by Prince Henry.
Art in Bloom
Pull out your bright party dresses and patterned ties! Art in Bloom will be in-person on March 11 at 6 p.m. at Acacia Academy inside the Main Street United Methodist Church, 830 S. Main St. A delectable dinner, unique student artwork, entertaining and compelling presentations, a silent auction, and more await you in our transformed space. Please enter through the Main Street entrance on the West side of the building when arriving for the event. Join us as we celebrate Acacia and raise money for student scholarships! Individual tickets are $60 prior to Feb. 15 and $75 from Feb. 15 until March 4. To purchase tickets, visit www.acaciaacademy.org/artinbloom.
THURSDAY
STEAM Mania!
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will offer science, technology, engineering, art, and math related games at its STEAM Mania! Fun and Games event on Thu., Feb. 16, from 3-5 p.m. at its Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. This event is designed for children ages 6-11.
Redeemer Lutheran School Open House
Redeemer Lutheran School, 700 Southway Blvd. East, will hold an open house on Thu., Feb. 16, from 4-7 p.m. to introduce new families to the school. Redeemer Lutheran “trains up” students in preschool through 8th grade, teaching the love of Christ while striving for academic excellence. Chat with the staff, gather information, and enjoy a light meal at the event. For more information, call 765-864-6466.
Teen Writers Group
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Writers Group for teen fiction writers on Thu., Feb. 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.
FRIDAY
Girls Who Code Book Club
Kids in grades 3-5 will read “Learn to Code and Change the World” by Reshma Saujanai and complete fun coding activities on Fri., Feb. 17, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. register by calling any KHCPL location.
Midnight Basketball
Kokomo youth! Are you ready to hoop the night away? On Fri., Feb. 17, from 9 p.m until midnight, the Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church Giving Youth Strategies to Survive (GYST) will host Midnight Basketball at the church, 1599 E. Sycamore St. This event for youth and young adults ages 13-19 will include a variety of activities, including basketball, non-sSecular hip hop/contemporary music, an adult-led TikTok dance and selfie station, a game station with games like giant Jenga, Mancala, Close the Box, card games like Uno, and an area for double-dutch jump rope. There will be a sticky note wall, allowing youth to provide suggestions for future events and programming as well. Pizza, snacks, and closed vessel drinks will be provided to participants that evening. Get there early! Doors will be closed and locked at 9 p.m. on the dot. Parents: do not just drop kids off. You will have to sign a waiver of liability. For additional information, email GYST.Kokomo@gmail.com or call (513) 284-1363.
Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Drop off your stuffed animals for a sleepover! Pick up your friend the next day, and find out what kinds of fun they had while the library was closed. A video will be posted on the KHCPL Facebook page on Mon., Feb. 20, to show the fun or mischief they had while the library was closed. This event takes place all day on Fri., Feb. 17, at all library branches. Stuffed animals may be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and picked up on Sat., Feb. 18, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Little Red Hen Bread Baking Club
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will offer take-and-make kits for its Little Red Hen Bread Baking Club on Fri., Feb. 17. Create family memories while reading the Russian folktale, “The Little Red Hen,” and then bake some form of bread. Register for a kit by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events, or by calling any library branch location.
ABATE Basic Rider Skills
ABATE of Indiana will provide motorcycle Basic Rider Skills classes in 2023, with registration beginning on Fri., Feb. 17. Visit www.abateonline.org/ridered to register.
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, 220 N. Union St., on Sat., Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. until noon.
Skywarn Storm Spotter Training
Howard County Skywarn will hold a severe storm spotter training and severe weather safety event on Sat., Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. at the Eastern Howard Performing Arts Center, 421 S. Harrison St., Greentown. This event, presented by the National Weather Service, is free for all ages to attend. Event sponsors are the Kokomo Amateur Radio Club and the Howard County Department of Emergency Management. For additional information, contact Howard County EMA at 765-456-2242.
COMING SOON
Digital Den on the Road
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Digital Den as it takes the show on the road to Sun King Kokomo, 500 N. Buckeye St., on Sun. Feb. 19, from 1-4 p.m. Have fun making your own buttons using tools from the KHCPL’s Digital Den. This event is open to teens and adults.
Elite Bridal Gala
The Elite Bridal Gala will take place on Sun., Feb. 19, from 1-4 p.m. at the Elite Banquet and Conference Center, 2820 S. Lafountain St. More than 30 vendors specializing in all things wedding will be on hand. Tickets are free, but limited. Obtain tickets by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/o/elite-event-center-38875848263
Play Dough Play
If you think play dough is just for fun, think again! Kids will use it to build a variety of skills: learning their ABCs, listening, storytelling, and more. This event takes place on Sun., Feb. 19, from 3-3:30 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., and is designed for children ages 6-11.
Winter Blues Busters
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a variety of Winter Blues Busters events on Mon., Feb. 20. A Lego play event takes place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, from 1:30-2 p.m. for children ages 3-13. A Play Dough Play event takes place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., from 2-3 p.m. for all ages, and the main branch, 220 N. Union St., will help children ages 3-11 construct their own bird house feeder from 4-5 p.m.
Bilingual Story Time
Introduce your child to the Kokomo Howard County Public Library and bilingual literature in a fun way by reading stories in English and either French, Spanish, or Japanese. This event takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Tue., Feb. 21, from 4:30-5 p.m., and includes age-appropriate activities and a snack.
Jump Start Gardening
Guest speaker James Knepley will teach you what, how, and when to plant indoors so you get a head start on your garden while it's cold outside; then you can transplant them outside later. This Jump Start on Gardening event will take place on Tue., Feb. 21, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr.
Black History’s Groundbreaking Geniuses
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will present Black History’s Groundbreaking Geniuses on Wed., Feb. 22, from 5-6 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This show, for children ages 6-13, focuses on groundbreakers such as surgeon Daniel Hale Williams, mathematician Dorothy Vaughan, writer Ralph Ellison, and dance and choreographer Alvin Alley. Visit www.khcpl.org for additional information.
Teen Writers Group
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Teen Writers Group for amateur fiction writers on Thu., Feb. 23, 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.
Introduce a Girl to Engineering
Do you know a girl who enjoys science, technology, engineering, art, and math? Bring them to the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Thu., Feb. 23, to take part in STEAM Mania’s Crane Design Challenge. The event takes place from 6-7 p.m. and is designed for children ages 8-12. Register here: https://khcpl.libnet.info/event/7323263
Silent Sky
The Kokomo Civic Theatre will present performances of “Silent Sky,” the true story of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, on Feb. 24-26 at Havens Auditorium at Indiana University Kokomo, 2300 S. Washington St. The play “explores a woman’s place in society during a time when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them.” Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available for $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for students and children, and can be purchased by visiting www.kokomocivictheatre.org/tickets. Call 765-454-8800 for additional information.
Craft Night
Do you need some motivation to start a craft project or encouragement to complete one? Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library as it offers a fun evening of crafting that can be productive as you would like it to be. The event takes place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., from 6-8 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 24. Snacks will be provided, and some supplies will be available.
African American Genealogy Workshop
Acclaimed author, speaker, and genealogist Timothy Pinnick will lead an African American Genealogy Workshop in conjunction with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Sat., Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Carver Community Center, 1030 N. Purdum St. Participants will learn research strategies to trace Black ancestors. The first 25 in-person participants will receive a copy of Pinnick’s “A Genealogist’s Guide to Discovering Your African-American Ancestors.” Register for this event online by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
Peru Circus at Western
The Peru Amateur Circus will perform in the Western High School gymnasium on Sat., Feb. 25. A carnival will take place from 1-6 p.m., featuring games, prizes, clowns, a petting zoo, and concessions, and the circus showtimes are 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets are available at the event for $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 7-18. Children ages 6 and under are admitted free. This event is sponsored by Narrow Gate Horse Ranch and Turnabout Community Resource Center.
ABATE Newlywed Game
ABATE of Indiana Region 3 will hold a Newlywed Game event on Sat., Feb. 25, at the Kokomo Shrine Club, 3992 E, CR 00 NS, beginning at 6 p.m. Cost is $10 per couple or $5 per individual. Drinks will be available for purchase. The event includes loads of adult fun, great prize packages, a live auction, and other fundraising activities. All are welcome. For additional information, call Lynn Anderson at 765-631-7635 or Brett Anderson at 765-631-7636.
Humane Society Stand-Up Comedy
The Kokomo Humane Society will hold a February FUNdraiser featuring stand-up comedy on Sat., Feb. 25, from 7-9 p.m. at Kokomo Sun King, 500 N. Buckeye St. Comedians Dave Dugan and Dave Wilson will headline the event, which will include drinks, snacks, and adorable dogs for people to meet. Tickets are $65 and can be obtained by visiting https://www.jotform.com/build/223415369798167. Sponsorship opportunities are also available by visiting https://form.jotform.com/223415572312044.
Black Pearls at Artworks
The Kokomo Art Association presents Black Pearls: A Closer Look at Black Wisdom, Beauty and Culture, at Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St. The exhibition runs through Feb. 25. Featured artists include JC Barnett III, Ramona Daniels, Tashema Davis, Sunday Mahaja, and Shailyn Nash, and Robin Williams. Artworks Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from noon until 4 p.m.
Home School Book Club
First- through sixth-grade homeschoolers, join us to talk about books at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Mon., Feb. 27, from 10-11 a.m. We read and discuss a variety of genres, from fiction to graphic novels.
STEAM Mania: Beat the Motion Sensor
Kids will use science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) skills and a variety of materials to try to go undetected by the motion sensor at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Tue., Feb. 28, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The activity is suited for kids 8 and up.
Diaper Drive
Maple Grove Community Church, 3113 W. Boulevard St., is holding a Diaper Drive now through Feb. 28. The drive will accept diapers and pull-ups of any size as well as baby wipes, diaper cream, formula, and new bottles. These donations will be given to Foster the Need and the Department of Child Services of Howard County to meet the needs of many children in the county. Donations may be placed inside the front door of the church.
KAA Fiber Arts Exhibition
The Kokomo Art Association will showcase fiber artists in March at Artworks Gallery, 210 N Main St. The event will run Wed., March 1 through Sat., March 25. On March 4 there will be a reception from 1–4 p.m. with demonstrations by the artists. See quilting, felting, weaving, rug hooking, macrame, crocheting, fashion embroidering, and more, created and for sale by local artists.
KPRD Summer Softball League
Registration is now open for the 2023 Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department Summer Softball League. Teams may register for men’s, women’s, and CoEd divisions. Registration ends March 3. League play begins April 24. For information about fees and other league details, contact the KPRD office at 765-456-7275 or visit www.cityofkokomo.org.
Running the Distance for Ainsley’s Angels
Ainsley’s Angels will hold a 4x4x48 run on Fri., March 3, through Sun., March 5. The run begins at FIT 365, 1308 Home Ave., where runners will pick up the Kokomo Industrial Heritage Trail and run two miles, then return on the same route. There are multiple runs scheduled for this event, so runners can choose the time that works best for them. Runs will take place every four hours, beginning on March 3 at 11 p.m., March 4 at 3 a.m., 7 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m., and 11 p.m., and on March 5 at 3 a.m., 7 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m., and 11 p.m. Register for this event by visiting Running the Distance 4x4x48 for Ainsley's Angels (runsignup.com).
YMCA Cornhole Tournament
The Kokomo Family YMCA, 114 N. Union St., will hold a cornhole tournament on Sat., March 4. Do you think your cornhole game is good enough to leave the backyard to win $250? Register now for the one-day, tailgate-style tourney. Winner takes all! There will be custom-painted boards, Middle of Nowhere food truck, TVs, music, and a raffle drawing to win Kokomo Bobkats tickets! Don't miss out on the party atmosphere and competitive cornhole. The YMCA has the boards and bags. You just bring your teammate and your best game. Spots are limited to the first 24 teams (limit of two people per team). This is a tournament just for YMCA members! The entry fee is $50, and participants must be YMCA members ages 12 and over. This is a single-elimination tournament, with check-in at 11:30 a.m. and the first round beginning at noon. To register, visit https://kokomoymca.org/special-events/march-cornhole-tournament.
Kokomo Symphony Shreds Classic Rock
The Kokomo Symphony Orchestra’s Acoustic Strings will shred classic rock at their concert on Sun., March 12, at 3 p.m. The concert will take place at Grace United Methodist Church, 219 W. Mulberry St., and will feature the music of Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Beatles, and more. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for college students. Students in K-12 and younger children are admitted free. This concert is not included in the KSO season pass. Call the symphony office at 765-236-0251 to obtain tickets.
Taylor Elementary School Round-Up
Taylor Community Schools’ Kindergarten and Titan Titans preschool round-up for the 2022-23 school year will take place at Taylor Elementary School on Wed., March 15, from 9-11 a.m. and 1-6:30 p.m. Parents must make an appointment by calling 765-453-3800. Parents also should visit the Taylor Elementary School website at www.taylor.k12.in.us to complete new student enrollment prior to coming to the round-up. Children should also attend the round-up in order to meet the Kindergarten and preschool teachers and to participate in activities. To attend Kindergarten, a child must be 5 years of age on or before Aug. 1. To attend Pre-K, a child must be 4 years of age by Aug. 1. To attend preschool, a child must be 3 years old by Aug. 1 and be potty trained. Parents need to bring their child’s official birth certificate, proof of immunizations, Social Security card, and proof of residency. A $50 registration fee is also due to secure your child’s spot in the Tiny Titans program, as space is limited. For additional information, call 765-453-3800.
The Music Man at EHPAC
Eastern High School will present “The Music Man” on Fri., March 17, at 7:30 p.m. and Sat., March 18, at 4:30 p.m. at the Eastern Howard Performing Arts Center. Reserved ticket seating is $10, $12, and $15, and tickets will go on sale beginning March 7. Reserve your tickets by visiting www.eastern.booktix.com.
CASA St. Patrick’s 5K
CASA of Howard County will hold a St. Patrick’s Day 5K on Sat., March 18, beginning at noon. The race will start and end at Sun King Brewery, 500 N. Buckeye St. The entry fee is $25 per person, and includes one free Sun King beer for participants ages 21 and up. A free t-shirt will be given to each participant who registers by Feb. 28. Register by visiting https://casa5k.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=13220.