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TODAY
Kokomo Community Concerts: Ernie Haase
Kokomo Community Concerts presents Decades of Love: Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, on Sun., Oct. 16, at 2:30 p.m. in Kokomo High School’s auditorium, 2501 S. Berkley Road. This quartet has performed Southern Gospel around the world and also sings favorites from George Gershwin, Nat King Cole, James Taylor, John Legend, and Disney. For tickets, call 765-210-0686 or visit www.kokomocommunityconcerts.org.
Craft with Me
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a “Craft with Me: Fall Leaves and Pumpkins, Please” event on Sun., Oct. 16, from 3-4 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is for children ages 6-11. Make fall-themed creations at this free event.
Monday, Oct. 17
Carver Volleyball Club Call-Out
The Carver Community Center’s Volleyball Club will hold a call-out meeting for the 2022-2023 season on Mon., Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Carver Community Center, 1030 N. Purdum St. The volleyball club is for girls ages 10-18. For additional information, call 765-457-9318 or visit www.kokomocarver.org.
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., Oct. 17, 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.
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 opens on Mon., Oct. 17, at www.camptycony.com. Don’t wait because Winter Camp is limited to just 100 campers.
Tue., Oct. 18
Pumpkin Painting at KHCPL
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a “Fall Break Fun: Pumpkin Painting” event at its South branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Tue., Oct. 18, from 3-4 p.m.; at the Main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Fri., Oct. 21, from noon until 1 p.m.; and at the Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr., on Sat., Oct. 22, from 10-11 a.m. These events are for children ages 6-11. Dress for a mess. For information, visit www.khcpl.org.
Fri., Oct. 21
Fuse Beads at KHCPL
Use fuse beads to create a cactus or avocado at an event held by the Kokomo Howard County public Library at its South branch location, 1755 E. Center Road, on Fri., Oct. 21, from 3-4 p.m. This free event is for children ages 6-11 and will be held in the Cardinal and Peony rooms. Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking “Events,” or by calling any KHCPL location.
From Dark Pages
The Howard County Historical Society invites the community to participate in “From Dark Pages,” a macabre fantasy set in the Seiberling Mansion, 1200 W. Sycamore St., on Oct. 21-22. Tour performances depart at 6:30, 7:40, 8:50, and 10 p.m. each evening and last approximately 50-60 minutes. Tickets include refreshments and activities in the Elliot House in addition to the theatric tour. This event is intended for participants ages 13 and up. Due to the mature nature of the show, parental guidance is advised. To obtain tickets and schedule a tour, visit www.hchistory.org.
Bona Vista all-abilities prom
Bona Vista Programs will hold “A Night Under the Stars” all-abilities prom on Fri., Oct. 21, beginning at 7 p.m. at The Venue, 1201 W. Alto Road. This is a free, ticketed event. Secure tickets with Bona Vista Development Coordinator Alika Altmiller by emailing aaltmiller@dsiservices.org or by calling 765-457-8273, ext. 1330. A dress and tuxedo drive is being held to support this event. Bring in your gently used dress clothes to help support the all-abilities prom. Donations can be brought to Bona Vista Programs, 1220 E. Laguna St., during regular business hours.
KPRD Winter Basketball League
Registration for the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department’s Winter Basketball League continues until Fri., Oct. 21. League play begins on Nov. 6. Contact the KPRD office at 765-456-7275 for more information concerning fees and league details.
Sat., Oct. 22
KPRD Family Movie Night
Bundle up and head to Jackson Morrow Park on Sat., Oct. 22, for the Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department’s Family Movie Night. This free event will feature the family movie, “Scooby Doo.” The movie begins at 7:30 p.m. For additional information, call 765-456-7275.
Next Week and Beyond
Car Seat Safety
Have questions about car seats? Ask a car seat technician at an event held by the Very Early Childhood Education Center, 210 W. Walnut St., on Tue., Oct. 25, at 11 a.m. Free babysitting will be provided during the class. For additional information, call 765-252-3995.
Angel Walk
The Angel Walk, a fundraising walk and rally against domestic violence and sexual assault, will take place on Tue., Oct. 25, at Indiana University Kokomo, 2300 S. Washington St. The event, themed “Not On Our Campus; Not In Our Community,” begins with a rally at 5:30 p.m., followed by a one-mile walk beginning at 6 p.m. This is event is organized by the Family Service Association of Howard County and IU Kokomo students, faculty, and staff. To form or join a team, contact FSA director Tracy Martino at 765-457-9313 or via email at martinot@fsahc.org.
Howard County Reads author visit
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will present a visit from author Sherri L. Smith, on Tue., Oct. 25, from 7-8 p.m. in Indiana University Kokomo’s Kresge Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St. Smith is the author of “Flygirl” a selection in the Howard County Reads 2022 program. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event, and there will be an author signing to follow. Tickets are free but must be obtained in order to attend. To secure tickets, visit any KHCPL branch or the Indiana University Kokomo library.
Pumpkin Painting Contest for Teens
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a pumpkin painting contest for teens on Wed., Oct. 26, from 4-6 p.m. at the library’s Main branch, 220 N. Union St. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on “Events.” Participants will receive a mini pumpkin to decorate. The library will judge all entries and display the winning entries on Halloween at the Main branch and on social media.
YMCA Blood Drive
The Kokomo Family YMCA, 114 N. Union St., will hold a blood drive on Thu., Oct. 27, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., in the facility’s Community Room. Participants may schedule a time to donate by visiting www.redcrossblood.org.
IUK Kokomo visits Carver Center
Indiana University Kokomo is hosting a free educational and motivational VIP event at the Carver Community Center, 1030 N. Purdum St., on Thu., Oct. 27, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. High school juniors and seniors are encouraged to join the university for this event. Listen to inspiring testimonies and learn about IU Kokomo’s admissions process, financial aid, and the Kokomo Experience and You (KEY) program. Pizza and light refreshments will be provided. Guest speakers include Coach Law Nicba, Precious Majors, and Danny Zukko. For information or to register, call 765-455-9217 or email jclbarne@iuk.edu.
Drug Take Back Drive
A National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and Free Flu Vaccine Clinic will be held on Sat., Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Community Howard Regional Health Surgery Center Drive, 3503 S. Reed Road. This event is co-sponsored by the Howard County Recycling District, Community Howard Regional Health, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Kokomo Police Department. All controlled and non-controlled medications will be accepted at the event for proper disposal. The Community Caremobile also will be on hand to provide free flu vaccines for those ages 18 and older while supplies last. For information, call 765-776-8593.
Solidarity Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat
Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union will hold a drive-thru trunk-or-treat event on Sat., Oct. 29, from noon until 3 p.m. at its main branch, 201 Southway Blvd. E. Kids are encouraged to dress up for this event, which is free and open to the public.
Carver Center’s 75th anniversary banquet
Carver Community Center will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a banquet on Sat., Oct. 29, from 5:30-10 p.m. at Bel-Air Events. Tickets to the banquet are $40, or tables of 8 are $350. The keynote speaker will be Bob Knowling. A silent auction will be held at the event. For information or to purchase tickets, call 765-457-9318.
Ghoulish Gala and Haunted Trail
The Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department will hold a pair of Halloween events at Jackson Morrow Park on Sat., Oct. 29. First is a Trick or Treat Trail event from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Enjoy trick-or-treating, food, music, and fun fall activities with awesome prizes, a kids costume contest, and individual and group carved pumpkin contests. The 2022 edition of the KPRD’s Haunted Trail Walk will follow from 6-8:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Anyone under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Humane Society Autumn Cat-Ch dinner
The Kokomo Humane Society will hold its Autumn Cat-Ch fundraising dinner on Sat., Oct. 29, from 6-9 p.m. at the Continental Ballroom, 920 Millbrook Lane. Admission is $60, which can be pre-paid by visiting the Kokomo Humane Society, 729 E. Hoffer St., during regular business hours. Attendees will not receive tickets this year. Instead, they will receive bid paddles after checking in. The dinner will feature New Orleans cuisine and a live dessert auction.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.