What's Happening This Week?
Events in the Kokomo and Howard County area taking place May 7-13 and beyond
This article is brought to you by the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Kokomo. Discover Real Magic with Coca-Cola.
TODAY
Kokomo Symphony Youth Finale
The Kokomo Symphony Orchestra Youth Finale Concert will take place on Sun., May 7, at 3 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 219 W. Mulberry St. KSO youth will perform various pieces they have learned throughout the year. This is a free concert open to the entire community. For additional Information, call 765-236-0251 or visit www.kokomo symphony.net.
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, 210 W. Walnut St., on Mon., May 8, from 10-10:35 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!
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., May 8, 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.
STEAM Mania Fun and Games
Enjoy fun and games related to science, technology, engineering, art, and math on Mon., May 8, from 3-5 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. This event is intended for children ages 6-13.
KPRD Super Explorers Camp
Registration for the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department’s Super Explorers Camp opens on May 8. This science and nature summer day camp takes place at the Kirkendall Nature Center in Jackson Morrow Park from 9 a.m. until noon each day. The Junior Explorers session, for ages 5-8, takes place July 10-14. The Senior Explorers session, for ages 9-12, takes place July 17-21. Cost is $25 per session, and class size is limited to 20 children. To register, visit the park office in Highland Park or visit www.cityofkokomo.org for registration forms. For additional information, call 765-456-7275.
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., May 9, 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., May 9, from 10 a.m.-noon. 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 Marsha at 765-626-0813.
Discovery Center: 3D Pens
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 Tue., May 9, have fun with 3D pens at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 4-6 p.m. This event is designed for children ages 8-13.
Introduction to Swing Dance
Learn to swing dance with former competitive dancer Amber Raine at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Introduction to Swing Dance event on Tue., May 9, from 6-8 p.m., at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. Learn a swing dance routine for beginners. This class is designed for singles and couples with zero dance experience ages high school students to adults. Bring a water bottle and a sense of humor.
STEAM Mania Lego Challenges
Enjoy fun and games related to science, technology, engineering, art, and math on Tue., May 9, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 315 Mesa Dr. This event is intended for children ages 6-11 and will feature Lego Challenges.
Rock ‘n Roll Roots
Are you interested in the history of rock ‘n roll? Return to Indiana University Kokomo for a four-week summer class, starting May 9. Classes will be held each Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Main Building, room KO 150. This class is open to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community. The Time Travelers will perform on Sat., May 25, in Havens Auditorium as part of this class. To register, e-mail Marsha McKinley at mlmckin@iuk.edu or call 765-455-9221. Registration ends May 8.
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., May 10, from 9 a.m until noon. No appointment needed.
KHCPL Main Book Discussion
Expand your reading horizons by joining the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Wed., May 10, from 10-11:30 a.m. for engaging and lively discussions of books from different genres. This month’s book is “A Net for Small Fishes,” by Lucy Jago. 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.
Girls Who Code Book Club
Kids in third through fifth grades will read “Learn to Code and Change the World” by Reshma Saujanai and complete fun coding activities. The club meets on Wed., May 10, from 5-6:30 p.m., at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Register by visiting khcpl.org and clicking on Events or by calling any KHCPL location.
Solidarity Community FCU Shred Day
Join Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union on Wed., May 10, for a free shred day. The event takes place at Solidarity’s main branch, 201 E. Southway Blvd., from 5:15-7:15 p.m. Free shredding will be offered for a maximum of three file boxes per vehicle. No plastic containers or medicine bottles. Please remove any wire-bound files prior to arriving. Participants also may bring a non-perishable food item to help feed the homeless as part of a Kokomo Rescue Mission food drive.
AMVETS Meeting
Join the American Veterans Post 27 for a potluck carry-in and meet and greet on Wed., May 10, at the First Baptist Church in Russiaville, 260 W. Main St. AMVETS is currently accepting new members. All veterans with an honorable discharge and their families are welcome. A veteran did not have to see combat to join. The carry-in will feature a free will donation. The regular AMVETS meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m.
THURSDAY
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 south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Thu., May 11, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. This event is designed for children ages birth to 11.
KHCPL Russiaville Book Discussion
Expand your reading horizons by joining the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Thu., May 11, from 1-2 p.m. for engaging and lively discussions of books from different genres. This month’s book is “Oona Out of Order,” by Margarita Montimore. The discussion takes place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. Registration is required. Visit khcpl.org and click on Events to register.
Kokomo INSight
Kokomo INSIght is a newly reformed support group for Howard County residents experiencing blindness, low vision, and vision loss. The group provides educational and emotional support to help members reach their full potential within the community and provides tips and solutions to everyday problems that arise from living with vision loss. The group will meet on Thu., May 11, from 2-3 p.m. at the Kokomo Senior Citizens Center in Foster Park. For additional information, send a text to 765-513-8724 or check out the Kokomo INSIght Facebook page.
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., May 11, from 4-5 p.m.
Teen Writers Group
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Writers Group for teen amateur fiction writers on Thu., May 11, from 5:05-6 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Write something to submit and critique. Adults who enjoy writing and want honest feedback are invited to attend. Register online by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events, or by calling any KHCPL location.
Painting Partners
Two canvases will come together to make one design as the Kokomo Howard County Public Library celebrates caretakers with its Cookies and Canvas Painting Partners event on Thu., May 11. Join the library from 5:30-7 p.m. at its main branch, 220 N. Union St., for painting and tasty treats. Dress for a mess at the event, designed from children ages 6-13. Register online by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events, or by calling any KHCPL location.
Diary of Anne Frank
Ticket sales are now open for the Kokomo Curtain Call Theatre’s black box theatre production of “The Diary of Anne Frank.” There will be six performances. Evening shows will take place at 7 p.m. on Thu., May 11, and Fri., May 12, with a 10 a.m. matinee on Sat., May 13. The show returns with evening shows on Fri., May 19, and Sat., May 20, at 7 p.m. and a matinee on Sun., May 21, at 3 p.m. All performances will take place at the Curtain Call Studio, 2114 N. Armstrong St. Tickets are reserved seating, and space is limited. Pre-sale tickets are available now for $10. Tickets at the door will be $12. Tickets may be reserved via e-mail at tickets@kcctc.org or by calling 765-236-6522.
Kokomo Bobkats Basketball
The Kokomo Bobkats will play a home game against the Lebanon Leprechauns on Thu., May 11, Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium, 200 N. Apperson Way. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Gates open one hour before tip-off. Tickets are $20 for lower bowl seating and $10 for upper bowl seating; Season tickets are $250 for lower bowl and $120 for upper bowl. Buy season tickets and merchandise anytime at 2989 S. Webster St. or by visiting www.kokomobobkats.com.
FRIDAY
Mother’s Day Tea and Pastry
The Five Star Residences of Northwoods, 2501 Friendship Blvd., will hold a Mother’s Day Tea and Pastry on Fri., May 12, at 2 p.m. Bring your mother, sister, daughter, or friend, and join us for a wonderful event in honor of the lady who always knows best. Sip our signature tea, share a few laughs, and let us serve you.
SATURDAY
Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market
The Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market is located at the corner of Mulberry and Washington streets and is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon through September. Find local produce, handmade artisan items, home-baked goods and much more.
Kite Flying Workshop
Looking for a fun weekend activity? The Hoosier Kiteflyers Society will visit Jackson Morrow Park on Sat., May 13, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. to hold the 2023 Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department High Sky kite flying workshop. Take advantage of free kite building and flying instructions. Bring your own kite to fly, or obtain a free kite at the event while supplies last.
Craft Corner
Bring an old t-shirt and learn to make it into yarn! The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Craft Corner on Sat., May 13, from 1-3 p.m. at its south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Use your yarn to make a braided bracelet in this "no skills required" program. Register online by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events, or by calling any KHCPL location.
Case Bound Bookbinding
Make a custom, beautifully-made Case Bound journal: a versatile method that will help you grow your bookbinding skills. The class will take place at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Sun., May 14, from 2-5 p.m. People of all skill levels are welcome. Register online by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events, or by calling any KHCPL location.
COMING SOON
C is for Cookie!
Have you ever wondered how a single ingredient would change a recipe? Mon., May 15, is National Chocolate Chip Day, and the Kokomo Howard County Public Library will commemorate this remarkable invention with a "cookie" themed celebration at its Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., from 10-11 a.m. This event is designed for children ages birth to 5.
Geneaology Charts
Do you have a stack of scrap papers with names or dates on them? Learn how to fill out a family group sheet and a pedigree chart with Geneaology Assistant Ron. This event will take place on Mon., May 15, from 6-8 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Register for this event online: https://khcpl.libnet.info/event/7766502
Grace UMC Scholarships
Grace United Methodist Church has multiple scholarships available to Howard County residents. The Widner/Voorhis Music Education Scholarship is available to residents studying music or a related field. The Walter Mayer Ministerial Scholarship is available to residents studying in the ministry field. Applications are available at the Grace UMC office, 212 W. Walnut St., and the deadline to apply is Mon., May 15. Contact the church office at 765-457-5329 with any questions.
Leadership Kokomo Graduation
Leadership Kokomo’s 41st cohort will graduate from the program on Tue., May 16, during a ceremony at Ivy Tech Community College’s Hingst Hall, 1815 E. Morgan St., from 10-11:30 a.m. the keynote speaker will be Sherry Rahl, Executive Director of Kokomo Urban Outreach and Chair of the Leadership Kokomo Advisory Council. Doors open at 9:45 a.m. for networking with coffee and pastries served. Tickets are free, but limited. Register in advance of the event to secure a seat by visiting Leadership Kokomo Graduation Tickets, Tue, May 16, 2023 at 10:30 AM | Eventbrite
Free Skin Cancer Screening
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so Community Health Network is offering free skin cancer screenings on Thu., May 16, from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center, 3500 S. Lafountain St. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but with early detection, you have a better chance of successful treatment. Schedule your appointment at eCommunity.com/skincancer.
Taco Garden Planting Party
Develop your knowledge and skills in planting and nurturing the herbs and vegetables needed to make your own tacos! The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Taco Garden Planting Party on Tue., May 16, from 6-7 p.m. at its Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. This event is designed for children ages 6-13.
Monarch Magic
Join Valerie Gordon, the Butterfly Lady, as she gives a how-to on raising butterflies on Tue., May 16, from 6-7 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Gordon will discuss native plants and the supplies needed for raising and releasing Monarchs.
Keep Kokomo Beautiful
The Keep Kokomo Beautiful 2023 Container and Alley Garden Planting event will take place on Wed., May 17. Volunteers will meet at the intersection of Main and Sycamore streets and work from 1-4 p.m. Call 457-5301 or visit www.greaterkokomo.com for more information.
Tween Mindfulness
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a yoga class for beginners on Wed., May 17, from 5-6 p.m., at its main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is designed for children ages 8-13.
Eastern Orchestras Spring Concert
Eastern Orchestras will present their Spring Concert and awards night on Wed., May 17, at 7 p.m. in the Eastern Howard Performing Arts Center, 420 S. Harrison St. The concert will feature a performance by the Eastern High School Orchestra Alumni. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased by visiting https://eastern.booktix.com/.
KHCPL Blood Drive
Blood is an essential medicine. Donate blood. Be someone's second chance. The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will host a blood drive on Thu., May 18, from 1:30-6 p.m. at its south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Register online by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events, or by calling any KHCPL location.
Digital Den Crafts
You know what they say, "April showers bring May flowers." So let's turn some May flowers into bookmarks! Make the bookmarks by using the laminator in the Digital Den in the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., May 18, from 6-7 p.m.
Things Are Growing
Take the opportunity to explore the garden and learn gardening skills at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road., on Thu., May 18, from 6-7:30 p.m. This event is designed for children ages 8-13.
Is It a Flower or a Weed?
Ever wonder if a plant you are about to uproot is really a weed? Mathias Ingle, Purdue Extension of Howard County ANR Educator, will help you learn the difference between a flower and a weed at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., on Thu., May 18, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Solidarity Blood Drive
Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union will host an American Red Cross blood drive on Fri., May 19. The event will take place at Solidarity’s 201 E. Southway Blvd. location from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. To register, visit Schedule a Blood, Platelet or Plasma Donation | American Red Cross (redcrossblood.org)
Dance the Night Away
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for its summer of 2023 movie kickoff! You can enjoy a movie, dance to the beat of DJ Gerry, and eat popcorn "All Night Long" at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., on Fri., May 19, from 7:30-10 p.m.
Wagons and Wheels Car Show
The Wagons and Wheels Car Show will be held on Sat., May 20, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Bona Vista Programs, 1220 E. Laguna St. Enjoy food, music, a car show, and a wagon parade at this event, which is free and open to everyone. Pre-registration for the show began April 1. Registration on the day of the event will take place form 9-10 a.m., and the event opens to the public at 10 a.m. Awards will be given to the top 10 participants based on the people’s choice. All funds raised during this event will benefit Bona Vista’s Early Childhood Program.
Mary Poppins Auditions
Kokomo Curtain Call Theatre will hold auditions for its upcoming production of “Mary Poppins” on Sat., May 20, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Curtain Call Studio, 2114 N. Armstrong St. Auditions are open to anyone ages 6 and up. Those seeking to audition must sign up for a time slot at www.kcctc.org. Have a monologue of your choice lasting one minute or less prepared, along with a song of your choice lasting two minutes or less. Callback auditions will be held on Mon., May 22, by invitation only. For additional information, visit www.kcctc.org.
Jazz Brunch
Douglass School will hold a Jazz Brunch on Sat., May 20 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College’s Hingst Hall, 1815 E. Morgan St. All proceeds will benefit the restoration of Douglass School. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by visiting www.dougschool.com or by calling 765-452-8215. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Kokomo Beach Opening Weekend
The Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center will open on Sat., May 20, and Sun., May 21, for the weekend only. Times are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and noon until 7 p.m. on Sunday. Kokomo Beach will open daily for the season starting May 27. Visit https://www.cityofkokomo.org/departments/kokomo_beach.php for additional information.
Creature Feature
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will host a Creature Feature with Joy Journey Mobile Farm & Petting Zoo at the Kirkendall Nature Center in Jackson Morrow Park, 4200 S. Park Road, on Sat., May 20, 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.
CAM-A-Bration Banquet
Coordinated Assistance Ministries will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a CAM-A-Bration Banquet fundraiser on Sat., May 20, at 6 p.m. at the United Auto Workers Local 685 Union Hall, 929 E. Hoffer St. Tickets are $40. Tickets, advertising, and sponsorship opportunities are available by calling 765-452-8963, Option #1, or by visiting www.camhope.org. On Sun., May 21, CAM will continue its anniversary celebration by offering CAM Ambassadors to speak at your church during morning worship. All donations made during the celebration weekend will benefit CAM’s Believe Capital Campaign and will be matched by the Community Foundation of Howard County.
Symphonic Power
The Kokomo Symphony Orchestra will present its “Symphonic Power!” concert on Sat., May 20, at Grace United Methodist Church, 219 W. Mulberry St. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and is a tribute to very large orchestra forces incorporated into film, including one of the most famous classical music pieces of all time that has also been featured in several films, Maurice Ravel’s Bolero. For tickets, call 236-0251 or visit www.kokomosymphony.net.
Rise and Grind Breakfast
Recovery Café, 1234 N. Courtland Ave., will host its first Rise and Grind breakfast fundraiser on Tue., May 23, from 7:30-9 a.m. Tickets for this breakfast are $25. To register for or sponsor this event, visit https://rb.gy/tugair.
YMCA Summer Camp
Registration for Summer Camp 2023 is now open. Make plans to keep your child active and engaged this summer by enrolling your child today for the Kokomo Family YMCA’s Summer Camp at Camp Tycony. Your child will have the opportunity to have fun exploring nature on 52 beautiful acres with hiking trails, ponds, wooded areas, and more. They also will find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. Summer Camp at the Y provides a perfect, safe environment for weeks of laughing, playing, and learning. Summer Camp will start on Tue., May 30. Spots will fill up quickly, so register online today by visiting https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5014/ProgramsV2/Home.mvc
Leadership Kokomo 2023-24
Leadership Kokomo is accepting applications now for its 2023-24 cohort. Review of applications will begin Fri., June 2, and will be accepted on a rolling basis until the cohort is full. The 42nd cohort will begin their 9-month journey in August and be part of a network of more than 900 alumni. This is a transformative leadership and community engagement program. Leadership Kokomo is facilitated by Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Region with partners City of Kokomo - City Hall, Kokomo Thriving Center, Indiana Wesleyan University, and Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance. Access the application by visiting: https://forms.gle/cx5SGE31UqzevS4SA
Closing the Gap
Register now at the Carver Community Center, 1030 N. Purdum St., for reading and math enhancement classes. These classes for students in grades 3 through 5 will take place each Tuesday and Thursday from June 3-29. Each session will run from 9 a.m. until noon. For additional information, call 765-457-9318. These classes are conducted with the support of the Kokomo School Corporation. Parents, when registering your child, please provide their end-of-year iReady math and reading scores.