2017

Christmas movies often pull on the heartstrings. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Entertainment December 5, 2017

Top holiday Movies Tap Into Sentimentalism According to BSU Film Professor

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN—When it comes to his favorite holiday-themed movies, Ball State film professor Wes Gehring says each is a feel-good, populist film successful in pulling at the heartstrings by creating an illusion that Christmas can be perfect. Gehring’s top five Christmas-themed movies are: “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) “The Bishop’s Wife” (1947) “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947) “A Christmas Story” (1983) “Elf” (2003) His second five favorites are “The Shop Around the Corner,” “Love Actually,” “Christmas Vacation,” “Holiday…

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A story and a dream— an abandoned house in Muncie. Photo by: Omowunmi Lawal, Ball State University

Non-Profit December 4, 2017

First Thursday: Kick-off Event Muncie Land Bank 100 Stories & 100 Dreams

By: Dr. John H. West, Assistant Professor of Urban Planning, BSU— Muncie, IN—Muncie Land Bank is a new non-profit organization focused on the issue of property abandonment, vacancy and blight. It will ease transition from abandonment to reuse by enhancing community engagement, sharing information with the public, and lowering the cost of purchasing or using abandoned properties. Property abandonment in Muncie is a complex problem, with real costs for local residents. It requires a systematic and forceful response. A collaborative project between…

If you could read my screech, love, what a tale the notes would tell...Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson December 1, 2017

John Carlson: Too Late To Be A Troubadour

By: John Carlson— The other day I heard a terrible screeching, kind of like a cat in heat, that made my proverbial skin crawl. Then I realized it was me, singing. This amazed me, because there was a time when my voice was pretty good. Back in high school, for example, I considered joining the choir, but didn’t because I feared it would cut into the 10 minutes a week I devoted to studying. Later, even well into my adult…

A family adoption is finalized on November 17th in the Delaware County Justice Center. Photo by: Jeneca Zody

Government, Positivity November 30, 2017

22 Children Adopted At Delaware County Justice Center on National Adoption Day

By: Rebecca Bruce— Muncie, IN—On Friday, November 17, 2017, a total of 22 children saw their adoptions finalized at the Delaware County Justice Center as part of National Adoption Day.  14 families left the event with smiles on their faces, balloons on the arms of children, and thankful hearts.  The hearings started at 1 p.m. in the Honorable John M. Feick’s courtroom and ended just before 4:30 p.m. in the Honorable Marianne L. Vorhees’ courtroom. The youngest child to be…

Members of the student crew pose with sound professionals on the set of “Amplified: A Conversation with Women in American Film Sound.” Photo by: Laura Huffman

Entertainment November 30, 2017

BSU Student Documentary Brings Conversation About Women in Film To Muncie

By: Carli Scalf— Muncie, IN—This Sunday, Ball State students will be bringing a new conversation about women in film to the community with the premiere of the documentary, “Amplified: A Conversation with Women in American Film Sound.” The event will be held at the AMC Showplace in Muncie at 1 p.m on December 3rd.  It includes a screening of the 30-minute film and discussion from students and faculty on the making of the project. “Amplified” offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on a…

The Foundation’s Robert P. Bell Education Grant program awarded more than $60,000 to local educators throughout the past 5 years.

Non-Profit November 30, 2017

Teachers Awarded $3,076 for Creative and Innovative Classroom Projects

  Muncie, IN—Nine local teachers will receive $3,076 in Robert P. Bell Education Grants from The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. across the county, 1,000s of students benefit from Bell Education Grants each year. Awards of up to $450 are available through the Bell Grants program. Funded projects are creative or innovative classroom projects designed to stimulate learning in students. All Delaware County teachers are invited to apply during any of the four grant cycles. Awards for the second…

Damage to the Muncie Fieldhouse roof as photographed by: Roger Overbey

Positivity November 29, 2017

Muncie Comes Together Through Storm: Culminates in Saving Sunday’s Christmas Sing

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—For days prior to November 5th, area meteorologists were warning ECI residents that a significant weather event could take place here. In fact, The Weather Channel™ upgraded our area to a TORCON Level 5, meaning there was a 50 % chance a tornado could occur within 50 miles of your residence.  Waves of low pressure moved along a strong cold front on November 5th, generating strong to severe thunderstorms. And a tornado or two. Mayor Dennis Tyler was…

Photo by: David Herbert, Muncie Fine Portraits.

Business November 29, 2017

State Inspector General to Speak at Dec. 7th Economic Outlook Luncheon

By: Victoria Meldrum— Muncie, IN—What will the 2018 economy look like in Muncie? How does a culture of integrity affect local businesses? These questions will be explored at the 22nd annual Indiana Economic Outlook luncheon, to be held Thursday, December 7th in downtown Muncie at the Horizon Convention Center.  The event, open to business professionals and the general community, features a luncheon and presentations by Michael J. Hicks, director of the Ball State Center for Business and Economic Research, and…

A prior holiday pops concert is pictured. Photo provided.

Non-Profit November 29, 2017

Muncie Symphony Orchestra Presents Fisher-Shafer Holiday Pops

By: Jennifer Johnson— Muncie, IN—Celebrate the holiday season with The Muncie Symphony Orchestra!  Join the MSO and guests for the annual Fisher/Shafer Holiday Pops concert this Saturday, December 2, at 4 p.m. in Emens Auditorium. Youth tickets (K-12) are just $5 and Adult single tickets starting at $25. Ball State students FREE in advance with ID.  For tickets, contact the Emens Box Office at 765.285.1539. “I look forward to sharing a joyful afternoon with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra, Ball State…

Karyn Harvey, Ph.D. from ARC of Baltimore, MD gave the keynote address at the Indiana ABC conference. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business November 28, 2017

Horizon Convention Center Has Busy November

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—The Horizon Convention Center was bustling with convention activity from all over the state during the month of November. The Indiana Association of Behavioral Consultants (IN-ABC) held their 10th Annual Conference at the Horizon Convention Center on November 2nd and 3rd. Over 220 participants attended the conference. The IN-ABC Annual Conference focuses solely on issues that may impact, or have impacted, and individual with disabilities who display maladaptive behaviors.  IN-ABC is the primary trade association in…