What's Happening This Week?
Events in the Kokomo and Howard County area taking place May 14-20 and beyond
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TODAY
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.
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 15, from 10-10:30 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!
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.
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 15, 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.
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
YoungLife Kokomo
Kokomo YoungLife has one session left on May 15. Visit the Kokomo Family YMCA, 114 N. Union St., at 7:07 p.m. to take part. YoungLife is all about creating a fun, safe, and enjoyable environment for teens to experience the love of Jesus. This program is open to all Kokomo area high school students. For additional information, call Cole Brown at 765-461-4900 or e-mail him at colebraun,younglife@gmail.com.
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.
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 16, from 9 a.m. until noon at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St.
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
Discovery Center: Video Games
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 16, have fun with video games at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., from 4-6 p.m. This event is designed for children ages 8-13.
Free Skin Cancer Screening
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so Community Health Network is offering free skin cancer screenings on Tue., 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.
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., from 9 a.m. until noon on Wed., May 17. No appointment needed.
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.
Well-Read and Badly-Behaved Book Club
We are well-read and badly-behaved. Are you? Yeah. We see you nodding. And hear you laughing. So you definitely need to join us at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, from 6-7 p.m. on Wed., May 17.
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/.
THURSDAY
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.
Off the Book Podcast
Join Kokomo Howard County Public Library employees Bethann and Samantha on Thu., May 18, from 2-3 p.m. as they chat about all things books. If you're an avid reader or library lover, tune in using any podcasting platform.
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 18, 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 18, 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.
STEAM Mania – Kitchen Chemistry
Enjoy kitchen activities related to science, technology, engineering, art, and math on Thu., May 18, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This event is intended for children ages 6-11.
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.
Kokomo Bobkats Basketball
The Kokomo Bobkats will play a home game against the Kalamazoo Growlers on Thu., May 18, 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
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.
SATURDAY
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. 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.
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.
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.
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., May 20, from 11 a.m. until noon.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kokomo Bobkats Basketball
The Kokomo Bobkats will play a home game against Flint United on Sat., May 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
Cowboy Church
On the third Saturday of each month Fairview Baptist Church hosts, a combination of Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, hymns and a lot of serious goofing off. During the longer days, Cowboy Church starts at 5 p.m. The next Cowboy Church will be Sat., May 20. Fairview Baptist Church is located at 2108 E Vaile Ave., behind the Walmart Plaza.
COMING SOON
Teen Art Display
Come and paint on a blank canvas to have your art hung and featured on the walls of the Kokomo Howard County Public Library’s Young Adult Department at the main branch, 220 N. Union St. This afternoon of painting will take place on Mon., May 22, from 4-5:15 p.m.
Mr. Kingston’s Historic Car Show
Join the Howard County Historical Society for Mr. Kingston’s Historic Car Show on June 9-10. Held on the lawn of the Seiberling Mansion, 1200 W. Sycamore St., the car show features historic cars, derby races, prizes and refreshments. Admission is free. The show runs from 4-8 p.m. on Fri., June 9, and from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sat., June 10. The application to apply to include your historic (pre-1950) car is located here: https://howardcountymuseum.org/programs/mr-kingstons-historic-car-show. Don’t delay. Applications are due by May 22.
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.
Introduction to Foxy Dance
Go from zero experience to feeling comfortable slow dancing at any social function. Grab a friend and learn how to foxy dance with the Kokomo Howard County Public Library on Tue., May 23, from 6-8 p.m. at the library’s Russiaville branch, 315 Mesa Dr.
Card Creators
Stay connected with friends and family with a handmade card that shows you care. Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library at its south branch, 1755 E. Center Road, on Wed., May 24, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. We will make three all-occasion greeting cards. All supplies are provided at no cost! Register for this event by visiting www.khcpl.org and clicking Events.
Bee Day
In honor of World Bee Day, join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library to make bee crafts, learn how to help our buzzy friends, and plant flowers bees love. This event takes place at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St., on Thu., May 25, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. See what beekeeping is all about, and look at the real tools they use.
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
Summer Reading Sneak Peek
Join the Kokomo Howard County Public Library for a sneak peek at this year’s Summer reading program on Wed., May 31, from 1-3 p.m. as part of Make a Difference Day. Welcome guests from the Children's Museum of Indianapolis for an interactive afternoon of family learning and discovery about The Power of Children! This event is open to all ages and will take place at the library’s south branch, 1755 E. Center Road.
Bobby Hayden speaks in Logansport
Cardboard Box Ministries features Bobby Hayden Jr., a former rock star whose heroin addiction dragged him into homelessness, will appear in Logansport on Wed., May 31, to share his story of redemption and recovery. The event will take place at The Cross at Crossroads Church, 1700 E. Main St., Logansport, at 7 p.m. This is a free event. All are welcome to attend.
Spring Meowers
During the month of May, the Kokomo Humane Society will offer 50 percent off its Cat Café snacks or drinks in exchange for donations of items for Kitten Season. Items can be dropped off at the Cat Café, 729 E. Hoffer St., during open hours. Spring Meowers Wish List: Kitten Replacement Milk (Powder); Pet Feeding Nipples for Kittens; Soft Canned Cat Food (Pate); Pet Food Storage Containers; Little Pet Blankets; Heating Pads; Cat Toys; Clumping Litter; Digital Kitchen Scales; Pet Wipes. Visit www.kokomohumanesociety.org to review the Humane Society’s Amazon and Chewy wishlists. Fostering is another great way to help! If you are interested, please fill out our online adoption application at: https://form.jotform.com/211523344169048. Once your application is approved, the Humane Society will contact you to set up an appointment.
KHCPL Summer Reading Program Kick-Off
The Kokomo Howard County Public Library will kick off its annual Summer Reading Program with a party on Fri., June 2, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 220 N. Union St. This year’s theme is “All Together Now.” Earn prizes for keeping up your reading streaks, plus earn a ticket to the end-of-summer Splish Splash Final Bash at Kokomo Beach, sponsored by Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union! A sneak peek at this year's Summer Reading Program can be found at https://libraryaware.com/1556/Posts/View/6ac9a67d-87d8-444c-a132-bb92c51ef87c?fbclid=IwAR0mbqGjDv5tE3hIRes_vGgT97xCIazK8dOe9x2sHOLI0ynGm8b8mn8EARM
Leg It for Literacy Virtual 5K
Run or walk in this virtual 5K to raise funds for the Literacy Coalition of Howard County. Seek out individual donors or get sponsored by a business. Register and return results at m2behnke@gmail.com. Utilize a free fitness app, such as Strava, to record your 5K all-in-one activity, from June 2-4. A plaque will be given to the individual with the highest donations and for the fastest runner. Donations can be made online at: https://www.literacycoalition.com/donate or can be mailed or brought to: 901 S. Courtland, Kokomo, IN, 46901.
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.