This article is brought to you by Gary Rhinebarger for Howard County Council Dist. 1. #Wehavemoreincommonthandifferences #Bringpoliticsback2thepeople
TODAY
Trunk or Treat
The Taylor Elementary School PTO presents a Trunk or Treat event on Sun., Oct. 30, from 1-3 p.m. at Taylor Elementary School, 5500 Wea Dr. Wear your best costume and join the PTO for fun, games, and candy.
Jeep or Treat
The Women’s Committee of United Auto Workers Local 685 will host a Jeep or Treat event on Sun., Oct. 30, in the field behind the Local 685 union hall, 929 E. Hoffer St., beginning at 2 p.m. Park your Jeep for $20 and enjoy a Halloween parade. Treats will be provided for participants. Live music will be performed by Chuck Hewitt Boogie Nights. Food, t-shirts, and “Duck Cancer” rubber ducks will be available for purchase. A silent auction of new toys will be held during the event, including a signed football from Peyton Manning. To donate new toys for the auction, bring them to the 685 union hall between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday, through Friday. All proceeds will go to the Peyton Manning Childhood Cancer Center.
Haunted Trail
The Kokomo High School Environmental Club will present A Haunted Trail on Sun., Oct. 30, at the Kokomo Schools Outdoor Lab in the high school’s west parking lot near the log cabin. The event begins with “Little Goblins” time for children ages preschool to 12 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. This is followed by the “Trail of Fears” for ages 13 to adults from 7-9 p.m. Admission is $10 per person, with all proceeds benefiting the KHS Environmental Club’s fundraising campaign for its Smoky Mountain trip in the spring. Additional donations are appreciated. For more information, contact vlorenz@kokomo.k12.in.us.
MONDAY
Spooktacular Crafts at KHCPL
Those looking for some extra Halloween fun will find it at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Spooktacular Crafts event on Mon., Oct. 31, from 4-6 p.m. in the children’s area of the main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is for children ages 0-11. Join the library for free spooktacular crafts, and feel free to wear a costume.
Trick or Treat Hours
The City of Kokomo and the towns of Greentown and Russiaville have established Trick or Treat hours across Howard County. Trick or treat will be permitted from 5-8 p.m. on Mon., Oct. 31.
Trim a Tree Festival
We Care’s annual Trim a Tree Festival begins on Mon., Oct. 31, in the Markland Mall. Decorated trees and wreaths will be on display during mall hours, and visitors may vote for their favorite tree to win the People’s Choice Award, which will be given at the tree auction on Sun., Nov. 13, at 5 p.m. at the Markland Mall. For more information, visit www.wecareonline.org.
TUESDAY
Mad Scientists at KHCPL
Dress for a mess and do experiments with static electricity, bubbles, slimy stuff, and ice cream at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Mad Scientists event. The program will be held from 5-6 p.m. on Tue., Nov. 1, at the KHCPL’s Main branch, 220 N. Union St., in Meeting Rooms A and B. This event is designed for children ages 6-11. Register your child by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking “Events” or by calling any KHCPL location.
Dinovember: Paint a Poem
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold its “Dinovember: Paint a Poem” event on Tue., Nov. 1, from 6:30-7:15 p.m. at its South branch, 1755 E. Center Road, in the Cardinal and Peony rooms. This event is for children ages 6-11. Kids will learn how to paint a dinosaur. Then, they’ll write a poem while their masterpieces dry. Dress for a mess. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on “Events” or by calling any KHCPL location.
WEDNESDAY
Drums Alive at KHCPL
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a session of Drums Alive Family Beats on Wed., Nov. 2, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Use drumsticks and exercise balls to foster physical, emotional, mental, and social health. Visit “events” at www.khcpl.org to view the schedule and register for a class.
FRIDAY
Lunch and Learn
Dr. Cliff Evans, an orthopedic surgeon with Community Orthopedic Specialty Care, will lead a discussion on hip and knee pain at the First Friday Lunch and Learn event on Fri., Nov. 4, at 12:10 p.m. in the community room of the Kokomo Family YMCA, 114 N. Union St. Dr. Evans will discuss osteoarthritis as well as the latest advancements in hip and knee replacement surgery. A free lunch will be provided to the first 60 who register for this 40-minute Lunch and Learn. Reservations are required. To register, call 800-550-1266 or visit First Friday Lunch and Learn | Community Health Network (ecommunity.com)
First Friday
The Kokomo Downtown District will hold its next First Friday event on Fri., Nov. 4, from 5:30-9 p.m. This month’s theme is Shop and Stroll, as local businesses will have booths throughout downtown with wares perfect for holiday shopping season. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.firstfridaykokomo.com.
SATURDAY
Autumn Festival
The 30th annual Autumn Festival will take place on Sat., Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Indiana University Kokomo’s Kelley Student Center, 2300 S. Washington St. Join the IU Kokomo Staff Council in enjoying some of Indiana’s finest artisans, who will offer a variety of vintage items, boutiques, clothing, jewelry, glass, and more. Admission and parking are free for this event.
T-Rex Tea Party
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a T-Rex Tea Party preschool storytime on Sat., Nov. 5 from 10-11 a.m. in the Cardinal and Peony rooms of the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. This event is for children ages 3-5. Stories, songs and activities will take place as children excavate chocolate chips from cookies and observe a volcanic reaction when they pour their “tea.”
Christmas Craft Fair
A Christmas Craft Fair will be held on Sat., Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Pathway of Hope Church of the Nazarene, 2700 S. Park Road. A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit Samaritan Caregivers. Admission is free. For more information, call 765-210-4881.
NEXT WEEK AND BEYOND
City leaf pick-up begins
The City of Kokomo will begin curbside leaf collection on Mon., Nov. 7. Residents are asked to rake loose leaves to the curb, but not into the street. Do not mix limbs, landscape, or garden waste with the leaves. Bagged leaves under 50 lbs. may be set out along with trash for collection. The Kokomo Greencycle yard waste center at 1130 S. Dixon Road will accept bagged leaves at a cost of $10 per vehicle load, Mon-Fri from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. through Dec. 16. Limb collection will be paused until leaf collection ends. The Greencycle yard waste center accepts limbs free of charge for all city and county residents.
Kokomo Young Life at YMCA
Monday nights at the Kokomo Family YMCA just got more exciting for high school students. Kokomo Young Life, a ministry focused on creating a fun, safe, and enjoyable environment for teens to experience the love of Jesus, will hold its next event on Mon., Nov. 7, at 7:07 p.m. in the YMCA community room, 114 N. Union St. This one-hour event is open to all Kokomo area high school students. Events include snacks, group games, and a 5-10 minute Bible story. For additional information, follow Young Life on Facebook or Instagram.
KACC Business Open House
The Kokomo Area Career Center, 2415 S. Berkley Road, will hold a Business Open House on Tue., Nov. 8, from 8-11 a.m. and noon until 2 p.m. Visitors are invited to learn about the career pathways available to students in Howard County and the surrounding area. There will be opportunities to talk with teachers and to explore the labs where students learn and practice their skills.
Mental Health Walk-in Clinic
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will host a free mental health walk-in clinic from, 9 a.m. until noon on Tue., Nov. 8 in the quiet study rooms at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Adults struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges are invited to talk confidentially with an associate from Four County, who can connect them with services locally.
Memorialization ceremony at Grissom
The Sgt. Opha May Johnson Marine Corps Reserve Center will hold a memorialization ceremony and dedication event on Thu., Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. in Building 648, 4780 W. Leatherneck Dr., on the Grissom Air Reserve Base. The event will be held inside the building in case of inclement weather. A cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate the 247th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps also will be held at the event.
Unlimited Potential Celebration
Kokomo Urban Outreach’s KUO UP Program will hold its Unlimited Potential Celebration annual fundraising dinner on Thu., Nov. 10, at Bel Air Events, 3014 S. Webster St. Help celebrate the unlimited potential of the kids in the HUO UP program. The event also will serve as a send-off to Jeff Newton as he retires from the director’s position with Kokomo Urban Outreach. Doors open at 6 p.m. The event will include a silent auction. Tickets are $30 each and may be ordered by visiting
https://kuoupprogramcelebration.eventbrite.com
or in person at 1701 S. Locke St. Call 765-457-1983 for more information.
Handbell Festival
The Indiana Area 5 Fall Handbell Festival will take place on Sat., Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2000 W. Jefferson St. Handbell enthusiasts are invited to participate. A director will be on hand to instruct on how to polish musical skills and share music with others. The festival concludes with a concert at 4 p.m., which is open to the public.
Community Howard Chef’s Bash Dinner
The Community Howard Regional Health Foundation will host its annual Chef’s Bash dinner on Sat., Nov. 12, at the Elite Banquet and Conference Center, 2820 S. Lafountain St. All proceeds from the event will go to support mental health services. Guests will enjoy an evening of music and great food as “celebrity” chefs prepare their favorite recipes in sample sizes for all to judge. Music will be provided by The Flying Toasters. Registration for the event begins at 5:15 p.m., and the fun begins with a welcome at 6 p.m. Sampling of the fare will run from 6:15-7:15 p.m., and the voting ends at 7:15 p.m. Awards will be given from 7:30-8 p.m. Those interested in being a chef for the event, or to make a table reservation, are asked to contact the Foundation by calling 765-776-8458 or by emailing REastman@ecommunity.com.
TV/Movie Dinner and Singalong
The Kokomo Symphony Orchestra will hold a Holiday TV/Movie Dinner Singalong fundraiser on Sat., Nov. 12, at The Experience, 1801 Country Club Dr. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the event begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $100 for pairs and $500 for a table. Enjoy dinner and a nostalgic night of holiday TV and movie music, trivia, name that tune, and a silent auction. For tickets or more information, call 765-236-0251 or visit www.kokomosymphony.net.
Farm Toy Show
The Howard County Farm Toy Show will take place on Sun., Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Eastern High School, Greentown. See the latest in farm toys, NASCAR collectibles, and more. A kids’ pedal pull will take place at 1 p.m. Food and drinks available. Donations and proceeds will go to the Eastern High School Library. For vendor registration, call Blake Howell at 765-438-8947.
Taylor Schools Coat Drive
Taylor Schools is currently accepting donations of new and gently used coats of all sizes for its annual Coat Drive. Items are being accepted now through Nov. 14 and can be dropped off at the offices of Taylor High School, Taylor Middle School, and Taylor Elementary School.
Taylor Elementary Thanksgiving Dinner
Taylor Elementary School, 5500 Wea Dr., will hold its free annual community Thanksgiving dinner on Tue., Nov. 15, from 5-7 p.m. Gather and give thanks with the school while enjoying a free dinner. There also will be a free coat drive and free games at the event. For additional information, call Matt Nuttall at 765-431-7593.
Howard County Stand Down
The annual Howard County Stand Down free event for veterans will take place on Thu., Nov. 17, from noon until 5 p.m. at the United Auto Workers Local 685 union hall, 929 E. Hoffer St. Registration for the event begins at 11:30 a.m. Food is provided. Veterans are encouraged to take advantage of the free services offered at the event, including a review of VA and state benefits, information from the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, food and clothing referrals, mental health screenings and referrals, job and financial assistance, education, and housing assistance. For additional information, call Angela Ciski at 765-513-8504 or Debbie Norris at 765-457-4357, ext. 317.
AMVETS Pancake Brunch
AMVETS (American Veterans) Post 27 will hold a pancake brunch on Sat., Nov. 19, from 8 a.m. until noon at the Lions Club building, 555 N. Liberty St., Russiaville. This event is free for veterans and their families. Donations are accepted.
YMCA Turkey Trot
Combat holiday calories by running a race before you stuff your face. The Kokomo Family YMCA will hold its annual Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24. This timed, family-friendly run/walk benefits the Kokomo Family YMCA’s annual fundraising campaign. The race begins at the YMCA, 114 N. Union St., and winds through downtown, Foster Park, and the Trail of Excellence. Participants can receive a t-shirt and a medal. Register now by clicking here.
KCT’s Christmas Performance
Kokomo Civic Theatre will offer its Christmas season performance, “Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall,” on Dec. 2-4 at Indiana University Kokomo’s Havens Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 2-3, and 2 p.m. on Dec. 4. Tickets are available now by visiting www.kokomocivictheatre.org/tickets .
Rudolph Family Fun Run
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Rudolph Family Fun Run 5K on Sat., Dec. 3, beginning at 8 a.m. at the library’s Main branch, 220 N. Union St. T-shirts will be available f
or participants, and medals will be awarded to the top 100 finishers. The event will include “reindeer games,” and antlers and Rudolph noses while supplies last. People of all ages and abilities are welcome. The cost for the event is $25 per adult through Nov. 7 and guarantees a t-shirt. Registration is $30 from Nov. 8 until the event. No refunds. No inclement weather date. T-shirts and bibs will be available for pick-up from Nov.28 until Dec. 2 at the KHCPL Main branch in addition to race day. Registration must be completed by visiting the event’s registration site. For additional information, call 765-626-0807 or email lfipps@khcpl.org.
Camp Tycony Winter Camp
The Kokomo Family YMCA will hold a Winter Camp at Camp Tycony on weekdays from Dec. 21, 2022, until Jan. 3, 2023. Campers will spend their Winter Break participating in various activities, weather permitting, including archery, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, and sports games, along with extra-special Christmas-themed activities. Registration for Winter Camp is open now at www.camptycony.com. Don’t wait because Winter Camp is limited to just 100 campers.