Articles by Mike Rhodes

By Brian Wolfe— MUNCIE, IN—Each year, East Central Indiana’s Robert Cooper Audubon Society celebrates individuals and organizations who make noteworthy contributions to conservation and environmental education in our region.  Help us celebrate a local conservation hero by submitting a nomination to Annette Rose at rosenflowers@hughes.net by September 23rd. When submitting your nomination, please describe the nominee’s contributions and provide contact information.  Nominations are due by September 23.  Award nominees need not reside in our chapter’s seven­county region or be affiliated with the Audubon Society, but their work should have an impact on our region. Categories for this year’s awards are: Robert…

By Scott Smalstig— MUNCIE, IN—With a standing room only crowd of over 200 people at Ivy Tech’s downtown Muncie Community Room, Recovery Café Muncie conducted its second annual fundraising breakfast, captivating all in attendance with stories of love, acceptance, and success. “We can’t thank our sponsors and donors enough,” said Lisa Roossien, Recovery Café’s Executive Director. “We doubled the number of attendees from last year, and we are so proud that our story is resonating with the community. We are at 106% to goal and climbing. Donations are still coming in and welcome!” The success of the breakfast and the…

By Janet Roepke and Elizabeth Douglass— MUNCIE, IN—We propose that the first Saturday in September each year be celebrated as Shondell Day in Delaware County. On Saturday September 2, 2023, a group of former Burris volleyball players announced a new scholarship in honor of Muncie’s Steve Shondell. Mr. Shondell led the school to 21 Indiana state championships and four national championships in girl’s volleyball – making him one of the nation’s winningest high school volleyball coaches. In announcing the scholarship, former Burris player Liz Douglass called it “a tangible way for his grateful players and admirers to help cement his legacy and…

By Molly Flodder— MUNCIE, IN—When Hillcroft Services, Inc. and the Ross Community Center discovered they will be hosting similar events on Saturday, October 14, they decided to join forces and encourage their own shoppers to visit each other’s venue. Both events, set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Muncie will highlight the work of local artists and merchandise of area vendors. Hillcroft’s Shop & Share will be at their facility at 501 W. Airpark Drive. The Ross Community Center’s Art and Gift Fair will take place at the center at 1110 W. 10th Street For Hillcroft, the event will mark the…