What's Happening This Week?
Events in the Kokomo and Howard County area taking place April 9-15 and beyond
This article is brought to you by the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Kokomo. Discover Real Magic with Coca-Cola.
MONDAY
Nursery Rhyme Time
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold Nursery Rhyme Time at its Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., from 10 a.m. until noon on Mon., April 10, 17, and 24. During this seven-week program, your children will be introduced to a rhyme, accompanied by fun, hands-on activities. Drop in and stay as long as you’d like. This event is for children ages birth through 5 years old.
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., April 10, from 10-10:30 a.m. for children ages birth to 2 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., April 10, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Sewing machines provided. This event takes place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.
IUK Sustainability Week
Indiana University Kokomo will host a week of events aimed at the concept of sustainability, beginning on Mon., April 10, at 11:30 a.m. in Room KC130 when the Wildcat Guardians will speak about Indiana’s waterways. Learn about the Wildcat Guardians and what can be done to help them in their efforts to preserve water resources. On Tue., April 11, at noon in Room KC130, Indiana Conservation Officer Kim Ferraro will speak on factory farming and the power of food choice. Lunch is provided following the talk, featuring new vegetarian options from Rozzi’s. For additional information and to register, visit https://iuklife.iuk.edu/events
Drums Alive! Family Beats
Build a sense of community while doing cardio at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Drums Alive! – Family Beats session on Mon., April 10, from 5-6 p.m. The event will take place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking Events or by calling any KHCPL location.
YMCA Spring Swim Lessons
Get your preschool or school-age child ready for swimming this summer through swim lessons at the Kokomo Family YMCA, 114 N. Union St. Lessons begin on Mon., April 10. There are still spaces available, so don't miss out on this opportunity to get your child to get acclimated to the water and prepare them for summertime pool fun by learning basic swim skills. Register your child today in-person at the Y or online: https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5014/ProgramsV2/Home.mvc
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., April 11, 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., April 11, from 10 a.m. until 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 Ellen at 765-626-0829 or Marsha at 765-626-0813.
Unicorn Magic
Children ages 3-5 can express some unicorn love and create a unicorn salt painting at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Tue., April 11, from 2-3 p.m.
Paint Your Pet
Celebrate your pet with a portrait as part of National Pet Day on Tue., April 11. The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will host a Paint Your Pet event at its main branch from 5-6 p.m. The event is for children ages 8-13. Register for the event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events or by calling any KHCPL location. Send a photo of the pet you’d like to paint to eclark@khcpl.org by April 6. One pet per person. Dress for a mess.
Pint-Size Chef
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department is offering its Spring session of Pint-Size Chef. The sessions will take place on Tuesdays from April 11 through May 16. The cost is $30 per child. Sessions for children ages 5-8 will meet from 5:30-6:30 p.m., while session for children ages 9-12 will meet from 6:45-7:46 p.m. Space is limited as classes are held to 12 spaces. To register, call 765-456-7275.
Palm Sunday Tornadoes
Do you recall the tragic tornadoes that tore through the community on Palm Sunday in 1965? The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold an event to revisit that disaster on Tue., April 11, form 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Russiaville Lions Club, 555 N. Liberty St. This event for teens and adults will feature a visit from Janis Thornton, author of “The 1965 Palm Sunday Tornadoes in Indiana.”
Ivy Tech Day
Get ready to give, grow, and go on Ivy Tech Day! Mark your calendars for the first-ever Day of Giving on Tue., April 11. On this special day, Ivy Tech alumni and friends will come together as a community to #Give2Ivy and #GrowIvyGrow. Starting at midnight, you will have 24 hours to show your support for 19 campuses and 150,000 students who are building brighter futures for themselves and for those around them. A day can mean everything! Ivy Tech Day is an online fundraising event. For 24 hours, Ivy Tech Community College alumni, employees, and students will come together to support the pursuits that mean the most to them, amplifying their impact through the power of the Ivy Tech community. For additional information, visit https://giving.ivytech.edu/ivy-tech-day/
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., April 12, from 9 a.m. until noon. No appointment needed.
KHCPL Book Discussion
Expand your reading horizons by joining the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for a book discussion on Wed., April 12, from 10-11:30 a.m. at its main branch Digital Den, 220 N. Union St. Participants will engage in a lively discussion of “Bewilderment,” by Richard Powers. To register for this event, visit www.khcpl.org and click on Events.
Kokomo Area Career Fair
Connect your talent with local companies and organizations at the Kokomo Area Career Fair on Wed., April 12, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College’s Hingst Hall, 1815 E. Morgan St. Don’t forget to dress to impress, bring a resume, and practice an elevator pitch that tells employers what you bring to the table. The career fair is sponsored by Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana University Kokomo, the City of Kokomo, and WorkOne of West Central Indiana.
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. This event will take place on Wed., April 12, from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events or by calling any KHCPL location.
Into the Unknown
The James Webb Space Telescope is rewriting cosmic history. It has been designed to answer many of the core questions that have mystified the human species over the past half-century. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library at its south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Wed., April 12, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for a discussion about what the telescope is discovering about the universe.
THURSDAY
Sensory Shenanigans
Sensory play encourages learning through exploration, curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for a Sensory Shenanigans preschool play group at the Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., on Thu., April 13, from 10 a.m. until noon. For children of all abilities and ages birth to 5, the program offers opportunities to engage with a variety of material.
KHCPL Book Discussion
Expand your reading horizons by joining the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for a book discussion on Thu., April 13, from 1-2 p.m. at its Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. Participants will engage in a lively discussion of “The Book of Two Ways,” by Jodi Picoult. To register for this event, visit www.khcpl.org and click on Events.
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., April 13, 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., April 13, 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., April 13, 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.
Draw It!
Learn some great techniques to make better drawings and experiment with different materials at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Thu., April 13, from 6-7 p.m. Learn how to add shading, get some perspective, and use your imagination. Girl Scouts can earn a badge!
Proving Family Lore
What stories are told about your ancestors, and are they true? Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Thu., April 13, from 6-8 p.m. to learn about common legends and how to prove the reality of the stories. You might even find stories you haven’t heard. This event takes place at the library’s main branch genealogy department. To register, visit https://khcpl.libnet.info/event/7766692
Kokomo Bobkats Basketball
The Kokomo Bobkats will play a home game against the Lebanon Leprechauns on Thu., April 13, 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
Quilts Along the Wildcat
“Quilts Along the Wildcat,” the 9th biennial quilt show by the Kokomo Piecemakers Quilt Guild, will take place on Fri., April 14, and Sat., April 15 at the UAW Local 685 Hall, 929 E. Hoffer St., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day; Admission is $8.
Digital Den Crafts
Come on out to the Digital Den in the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., to make a custom coaster on Fri., April 14, from 1-2 p.m. You will learn the basics of sublimation, transferring ink from the paper to your crafting canvas! Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking Events.
IU Kokomo Baseball
The Indiana University Kokomo Cougars will host Brescia University for a baseball game at Kokomo Municipal Stadium, on Fri., April 14. First pitch is at 3 p.m. For additional information, visit www.iuk.edu.
Kokomo Bobkats Basketball
The Kokomo Bobkats will play a home game against the Medora Timberjacks on Fri., April 14, 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.
The Marvelous Wonderettes
Kokomo Civic Theatre presents “The Marvelous Wonderettes” on April 14, 15, 16 at Havens Auditorium, IU Kokomo, 2300 S. Washington St. Take a trip down memory lane with more than 30 classic hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” “Lipstick on Your Collar,” “You Don’t Own Me,” “It’s My Party,” and “Leader of the Pack.” Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available online at www.kokomocivictheatre.org/tickets
SATURDAY
Lifting the Stigma
Turning Point System of Care will hold a Lifting the Stigma fundraiser on Sat., May 6, at FIT Kokomo, 1308 S. Home Ave. The event runs from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Participants will compete in either an individual deadlift or a Metcon team of three lifters. Cost for participants is $40 for the individual competition or $90 for a Metcon team of three. Register for both events for just $60. These early-bird prices are good until April 14. Proceeds will benefit Turning Point’s Reach Youth program. Register as a participant, sponsor, or vendor by visiting www.turningpointsoc.org/events .
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., April 15, from 11 a.m. until noon.
IU Kokomo Baseball
The Indiana University Kokomo Cougars will host Brescia University for a double-header baseball game at Kokomo Municipal Stadium, on Sat., April 15. First pitch is at noon. For additional information, visit www.iuk.edu.
World Art Day: Get Crafty
Drop by the children’s department at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Sat., April 15, from noon until 2 p.m. and the south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, from 2-4 p.m. Use different media to make any work of art you choose. Get inspired from artists around the world and let your imagination fly! Create an upcycled work of art, a drawing, a painting, or even origami. Anything goes on World Art Day!
Raccoon Lake at Main Street UMC
Main Street United Methodist Church, 830 S. Main St., will host a fundraising evening featuring the Raccoon Lake Sax Quartet on Sat., Apr. 15, from 4-5 p.m. The quartet consists of professional musicians who are dedicated to preserving the art of live music. The event is open to the entire community. A silent auction will be held during the event, and a freewill offering will be accepted. Audience participation is encouraged.
Humane Society Shoe Drive
Get started on your spring cleaning by gathering your gently worn, used, and new shoes. Every pair you donate will help the Kokomo Humane Society raise funds for its Pet Assistance Program. This shoe drive will run from April 15-June 15. Additional information, such as drop-off locations, will be announced soon. This program helps provide community pets with vaccines, flea prevention, id tags, microchips, and more. All donated shoes will be redistributed to microenterprise partners through Funds2Orgs, a for-profit social enterprise, and used in developing nations for impoverished people to start their own businesses.
COMING SOON
World Art Day
Celebrate World Art Day with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Sun., April 16. Local artist Jamie Lyon will share his artistic insights as participants create their own beautiful forest painting. This event takes place at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr. Be sure to register for this event: https://khcpl.libnet.info/event/7766521
Money Smarts
Get smart about money while you're still young! Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Mon., April 17, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to explore the history of money, make spending plans, and create your own piggy bank to get started on saving! This event will take place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on Events.
Alzheimer’s Community Forum
Join the Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce and the Alzheimer’s Association for a listening session on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and memory loss on Tue., April 18, at 3:30 p.m. in the Inventrek Technology Park building, 700 E. Firmin St. Share your experiences with the disease and discuss how the association can best serve the community. Register for this event by visiting www.alz.org/indiana/programs .
Ellers Seminar
When you plan ahead, you can design every detail of your own final tribute and provide your loved ones with true peace of mind. Join Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster St., for a free seminar and meal on Tue., April 18, at 6 p.m., and Wed., April 19, at noon and learn about the many benefits of making your final arrangements in advance. The meal will be provided by Martino’s Italian Villa. For more information or to RSVP, call 765-457-6644.
FCA Celebration of Champions
Join the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for an evening of celebrating the “champions” of the ministry of Fellowship of Christian Athletes -- donors, volunteers, coaches and athletes – while also hearing from special guest 2006 Indy 500 champion Sam Hornish Jr. and enjoying a delicious meal and great fellowship on Thu., April 18, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Cross America, 840 Daniel Dr.
Music Trivia Night
Join the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra on Fri., April 19, for a Music Trivia Night at Sun King Kokomo, 500 N. Buckeye St. The fundraising event begins at 6:30 p.m. and will include music trivia and a live version of Name That Tune.
Prevent Child Abuse Conference
The Family Service Association’s annual Prevent Child Abuse Conference, featuring guest speakers Erin Merryn and Tonier Cain, will take place on Thu., April 20 at Northview Church, 3409 S, CR 200 W, at 8 a.m. The conference is free and open to the public with thanks to presenting sponsors Anthem, SCAN, the Center Township Trustee’s office. For more information, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fsa-prevent-child-abuse-annual-conference-tickets-536106347517.
Hip and Knee Pain Dinner Seminar
Has hip or knee pain been impacting your life? Join orthopedic surgeon Dr. Courtney Holland for a Community Howard Regional Health Center for Joint Health dinner seminar about treatment options for hip and knee pain on Thu., April 20, from 6-7:30 p.m. This event will be held at the Elite Banquet and Conference Center, 2820 S. Lafountain St. and is free to all who register. Space is limited. Register by calling 800-777-7775 or by visiting https://bit.ly/3m9R6nx
Kokomo Bobkats Basketball
The Kokomo Bobkats will play a home game against the Newfoundland Rogues on Thu., April 20, 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.
Bob Ross Workshop
The Kokomo Art Association will host a Bob Ross-Style Workshop with certified Bob Ross instructor Teresa Boucher on Sat., April 22, from noon until 4 p.m. The workshop will take place at Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St. The cost of the workshop is $50, and all supplies will be provided. You will take home a 16x20 painting at the end of the workshop. Space is limited, so register soon. Send your payment via PayPal to whisper259@yahoo.com
Genealogy for Night Owls
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Fri., April 28, for Genealogy for Night Owls. Staff will be ready to help people with all levels of family-hunting experience. There will be a buffet supper, and snacks will be available all evening, from 5 p.m. until midnight. Use the computers at the main branch or bring your own. There is a $15 fee for this event, which must be paid by April 21 in the Genealogy and Local History Department to reserve your spot.
Kokomo Beach Lifeguard Tryouts
The City of Kokomo will hold lifeguard tryouts for the 2023 season at Kokomo Beach. Two tryout sessions will be held at Kokomo High School, 2501 S. Berkley Road, on Sat., April 22, at 8 a.m. and Sat., May 6, at noon. Certification in lifeguarding, first aid, and CPR-PR/AED training are required before first day of employment. For additional information, call 765-456-7275.
Kokomo-Con Part 1
Kokomo-Con, a comic and pop culture convention, will take place on Sat., April 22, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sat., April 22, at the Baymont Inn Hotel, 1709 E. Lincoln Road. Admission is $5. Visit www.kokomocon.com for additional information.
Troupe Vertigo
Kokomo Community Concerts presents Troupe Vertigo, an eclectic and innovative mix of circus, dance, and theater creating a spellbinding performance. The event takes place at the Kokomo High School Auditorium, 2501 S. Berkley Road, on Sat., April 22, at 7 p.m.; For tickets, call 765-210-0686 or visit www.kokomocommunityconcerts.org.
Western HS Color Guard Auditions
The Western Panthers Band and Guard will hold color guard auditions on Fri., April 27, from 5-7:30 p.m. in thew middle school gymnasium. Color guard is open to any students in grades 6-11. No experience is necessary. Color guard clinics also will be held on May 9, 11, 18, 23, and 25 from 5-7:30 p.m. To register, visit https://bit.ly/2023WesternColorGuard .
KAA Spring Art Show
The Kokomo Art Association will host its 95th annual Spring Art Show from May 4-27 at the Kokomo Art Center, 525 W. Ricketts St. An artists’ reception will take place on Sat., May 6, at 2 p.m. Artists seeking to participate in the show can download an entry form and review the show’s prospectus at www.kaaonline.org . Accepted artwork may be dropped off on April 29 from 1-4 p.m.
Symphony Strings Shred Classic Rock
The Kokomo Symphony Orchestra’s Acoustic Strings has rescheduled its classic rock concert for Sun., April 30, at 3 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 219 W. Mulberry St. Listen as the orchestra shreds tunes from 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. To purchase tickets, visit www.kokomosymphony.net or call 765-236-0251.
First Friday Art Competition
Come to downtown Kokomo on Fri., May 5, for a plein air paint-out competition. The event will coincide with Kokomo’s First Friday event. The plein air paint-out will be an opportunity for artists to depict downtown Kokomo between 4-7 p.m. and compete for $450 in prizes. Awards will be announced at 7:30 p.m. Pre-registration is not required. To participate in this free event, artists must sign in at the Kokomo Art Association booth in front of Beckley’s Office Equipment, 112 S. Main St. Supplies will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. The event includes an instructional demonstration by Aaron Pickens. For any questions about the event, please contact Pickens at: ajpicken@iu.edu . Funding for the event comes from the Indiana Arts Commission. Additional support for the event by Indiana University Kokomo, the Kokomo Art Association, and the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association.
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
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)
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 begins April 1. Registration on the day of the event will take place from 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.