This article is brought to you by Gary Rhinebarger for Howard County Council Dist. 1. #Wehavemoreincommonthandifferences #Bringpoliticsback2thepeople
MONDAY
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.
TUESDAY
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.
WEDNESDAY
Ain’t Burned All the Bright Art and Poetry
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold an art and poetry event for adults and teens on Wed., Nov. 8, from 4-6 p.m. at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, in the Cardinal and Peony rooms. Participants will create art and then place their poetry over it in homage to the Howard County Reads pick, “Ain’t Burned All the Bright.” Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on “Events” or call any KHCPL location.
THURSDAY
IUK Community Concert
The Indiana University Kokomo Community Concert Band will present its annual fall concert on Thu., Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. in IU Kokomo’s Kresge Auditorium, 2300 S. Washington St. This is a family-friendly concert with music to please all ages. This event is free and open to the public.
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
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SATURDAY
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.
Recycled Calendar Craft
Drop into the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s South branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Sat., Nov. 12, from 1-3 p.m. to create home décor with a craft made from the artwork of unused calendar pages. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on “Events” or call any KHCPL location.
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.
SUNDAY
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
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We Care Trim-a-Tree Auction
The We Care Trim-A-Tree auction will take place on Sun., Nov. 13, beginning at 5 p.m. in the Markland Mall. For additional information, visit www.wecareonline.org.
COMING SOON
Make Your Own Journal
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will hold a Make Your Own Journal activity on Mon., Nov. 14, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the library’s Main branch, 220 N. Union St. in Rooms A and B. The library will supply everything needed to make a journal, envelope, or paper bag book, but participants are encouraged to bring any special paper, thread, or other items to incorporate into the creation. Register by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking on “Events” or call any KHCPL location.
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.
IU Kokomo Business Seminar
The IU Kokomo Black Student Center will present a business seminar, entitled “It’s Your Success – Think About It,” featuring guest speaker Kenneth Poulard, an engineer, businessman, philanthropist, mentor, and motivational speaker. The event takes place on Tue., Nov. 15, from noon until 2 p.m. in the IUK Kelley Student Center, Room KC 130, 2300 S. Washington St.
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.
Cross America Christmas Open House
The Cross America Community Center, 840 Daniel Dr., will hold a Christmas Open House on Thu., Nov. 17, and Fri., Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day. Enjoy live music and yummy treats to put you in the Christmas spirit. For additional information, visit www.crossamerica.net.
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.
Murder Mystery Theatre
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will present a Murder Mystery Theatre evening on Fri., Nov. 18. The event, entitled “And They All Died Happily Ever After,” will take place at the Elite Banquet and Conference Center, 2820 S. Lafountain St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets for this event are available at any KHCPL location.
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.
Jingle Mingle Market
Kokomo First Church of the Nazarene, 2734 S. Washington St., will hold a Jingle Mingle Market on Sat., Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The event features homemade crafts, holiday gifts, jewelry, live Christmas music, gift and home décor items, a bake sale, and more. Tickets are $3 for adults in advance or $5 at the door. Children ages 3-11 are $1 in advance or $2 at the door. The first 200 adult customers will receive a swag bag. For more information, call 765-453-7078.
Holiday Pop-Up Shop
A Holiday Pop-Up Shop fundraiser to support Douglass School will be held on Sat., Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the United Auto Workers Local 685 Hall, 929 E. Hoffer St. For additional information, contact Karon Lancaster at 765-419-4142 or via email at karonlancaster@gmail.com.
Turning Point Skate Party
The Turning Point System of Care Recovery Café will host a skating party on Sat., Nov. 19, from 5-7 p.m. at the Logansport Roller Rink, 1700 W. Massachusetts Ave., Logansport. This event is free to Recovery Club members. The cost is $5 for non-members. Pizza and drinks will be provided.
YMCA Free Health Fair
Get a free flu shot at the Kokomo Family YMCA Health Fair on Nov. 21 from 4:30-7 p.m. in the Community Room and Lobby. The event includes: Holiday Trimmings Signups, weigh-ins and packet pickup; an interactive health fair with more than 30 vendors; Vendor Bingo with a $250 gift card prize; family fun including a bounce house and a petting zoo; free fu shots and the Community CareMobile Mobile Clinic onsite; prizes, giveaways, samples, and more. For more information, visit https://kokomoymca.org/blog/health-and-family-fest-id-79
Holiday Trimmings Club
Join the Kokomo Family YMCA for its annual Holiday Trimmings Challenge. Find accountability and motivation during the upcoming holiday season. Whether you are at the "walk around the block" level or the "training for my next marathon" level, this challenge meets you where you are! Invite your friends and family to join you on this four-week health journey. The Holiday Trimmings Club is open to everyone, but YMCA members get a discount. Track your progress and get entered to win a one-month membership to the YMCA, a HelloFresh gift card, and other prizes. Every participant gets a super soft HTC t-shirt. Registration is open online and in-person. The event kicks off Mon., Nov. 21. For online registration or more information visit: http://www.ymcaholidaytrimmings.com.
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.
City of Lights
The annual City of Lights holiday display in Highland Park, 900 W. Defenbaugh St., will open to the public beginning on Fri., Nov. 25. The display opens at dusk. Santa Claus will be on hand form 6-10 p.m. each evening. Admission is free
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Christmas Lights of Greentown
The annual Christmas Lights of Greentown event begins Fri., Nov. 25, and runs on selected nights through the Christmas season from 6-9 p.m. Event dates are Nov. 25-26 and Dec. 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24; For more information, visit https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/greentown/page-10.php.
STEAM Mania
Dress for a mess, and join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for science, technology, engineer9ing, art, and math experiments and activities. The event will take place Tue., Nov. 29, from 2-2:30 p.m. in the Main branch Meeting Room A, 220 N. Union St. This event is for children ages 3-5. To register, visit www.khcpl.org and click “Events” or call an KHCPL location.
Winter Weather Spotter and Safety Presentation
The U.S. National Weather Service, Indianapolis, will hold a virtual Winter Weather Spotter and Safety presentation on Tue., Nov. 29, from 6-7:30 p.m. and on Wed., Dec. 14, from 4-5:30 p.m. In this live, online class, participants will learn about winter weather hazards, keeping safe, and how to measure snowfall and make reports to the National Weather Service. To register for the Nov. 29 event, click https://tinyurl.com/zkfskap4 . To register for the Dec. 14 event, click https://tinyurl.com/36mhm4fv .
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 for 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.
Winter Sock Drive
Sycamore Elementary School is holding a Winter Sock Drive now through Dec. 9. Donate new socks by dropping them off at the United Auto Workers Local 685 union hall, 929 E. Hoffer St.
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.