Articles by Mike Rhodes

Our goal is to create connections in marginalized communities, so we better connect underserved populations to our programs, along with crucial community leadership opportunities.

Business November 29, 2021

Shafer Leadership Academy Seeks Community Engagement and Inclusion Director

By Mitch Isaacs, Executive Director— MUNCIE, Ind.—Shafer Leadership Academy is looking to help the Muncie community diversify its nonprofit boards, candidates for local office, and neighborhood associations. “This summer we surveyed community members across East Central Indiana,” explained SLA Executive Director Mitch Isaacs, “and the response is clear – these are the areas of community needs” Shafer Leadership Academy’s mission is to provide inclusive leadership development so that individuals, organizations, and communities can reach their full potential.  “Our community will…

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Muncie Symphony Orchestra photo by Abby Hines.

Entertainment November 29, 2021

‘Holiday Pops’ to Feature Festive Music, Santa, and More

By Melissa Jones— MUNCIE, Ind. — Muncie Symphony Orchestra is inviting families to ring in the holiday season during its Indiana Trust Pops Series “Holiday Pops” concert on Saturday, Dec. 4. “Holiday Pops” will feature a mix of modern and classic Christmas songs, including selections from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “The Polar Express,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “White Christmas,” and more. The show will also include a playing of the short film “The Snowman,” with live accompaniment by the…

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Education November 26, 2021

Ivy Tech Community College ‘Difference Makers’

By Jennifer S. Gasiorek— Muncie, IN – “Shirley Chisholm said, if you don’t have a seat at the table, bring a folding chair. Beyond having a seat at the table, having a voice that is valued, respected, and heard is vital. Often, the terms diversity, inclusion, equity, belonging and community engagement are talked about, but we must also walk that walk. Those words need to go beyond being a tagline, they need to be practiced with purpose and invested in with…

A lonely week ends with a personal triumph involving Caesar salad. Photo by Nancy Carlson.

Carlson November 26, 2021

John Carlson: Home Alone, Elderly Edition

By John Carlson— It started with a single stink bug. I’m referring, of course, to the stark realization of my temporary bachelorhood. Within a minute of our encounter, I had christened my new little buddy Stinky. In my heightened state of loneliness, apathy and depression, sitting there at my desk as Stinky made his perilous way across the windowpane before me, I somehow took comfort in his presence as another living being marooned in an uncaring universe. Then the truth…

Pat the roaming southside turkey strutting just off Madison Street. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Entertainment November 25, 2021

Guest Column By ‘Pat the Roaming Southside Turkey’

By Pat the Roaming Southside Turkey— HELO! Menie of YOO have seen me OWT on 29th STReett. Gobble, Gobble! (Ok enough of that.) My name is Pat, and I’m a turkey. Yeah, I know that sounds like the introduction to a 12-step program for you humans who are trying to give up something that’s bad for you. But consider it my introduction to you and what has become something very good for me. I am referring to being Muncie’s famous…

Panelists for the Dec. 9 Economic Outlook luncheon include Suzanne Newcomb, JD (SmithAmundsen LLC), Amanda Weinstein, PhD (University of Akron), and Michael Hicks, PhD (Ball State University.) Photo courtesy of Ball State CBER.

Business November 24, 2021

Indiana Economic Outlook Luncheon to Take Place December 9th

By Victoria Meldrum, Ball State CBER— MUNCIE, Ind. —How will our national and regional economy perform in 2022? What is the long-term effect of COVID-19 on business and worker decisions? Get insight at the annual Indiana Economic Outlook luncheon, sponsored by First Merchants. The Indiana Economic Outlook annual luncheon includes the 2022 economic forecast and a panel discussion on the post COVID-19 work environment. Topics include the size and scope of remote work, changing compensation and supervisory concerns, changes to…

Dr. Don Shondell (center) cuts the ribbon to the 19,000-square-foot Dr. Don Shondell Practice Center on the Ball State University campus on July 18, 2018. Joining Dr. Shondell are family members, Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns, athletics director Beth Goetz, members of the Ball State Board of Trustees, current Ball State women’s volleyball head coach Kelli Miller Phillips, and former Ball State men’s volleyball coach Joel Walton. Photo provided by Ball State University.

Education November 24, 2021

Dr. Don Shondell, Volleyball Pioneer, Hall of Fame Coach, and Founder of Ball State Men’s Program, Passes Away

By Ball State Marketing & Communications— MUNCIE, Ind. – Dr. Don Shondell, an iconic figure in the sport of volleyball who founded the men’s program at Ball State University, passed away Tuesday night. He was 92. “Don Shondell was a friend to Ball State, an icon in our Muncie community, and a pioneer in the sport of volleyball,” Ball State University President Geoffrey S. Mearns said. “Through his extraordinary contributions to our university and the sport, his unmatched legacy lives on…

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Entertainment November 24, 2021

‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ To Be Presented At First Presbyterian

By Rev. Dr. Daren Hofmann— MUNCIE, Ind.—The Ball State Opera Theatre in collaboration with First Presbyterian Church presents Amahl and the Night Visitors on December 3rd at 7:30pm and December 4th at 3pm. Gian Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors is a retelling of the Nativity story and the journey of the Magi from the point of view of Amahl and his mother who are on the brink of poverty. Performed in English in one 45-minute act, the opera…

Photo provided

Entertainment November 24, 2021

Children’s Nutcracker is Set for Dec. 16 -18 at Cornerstone Center for the Arts

By Dee McKinsey— MUNCIE, Ind. – The annual seasonal presentation of the Children’s Nutcracker is set for Dec. 16 -18 at Cornerstone Center for the Arts, 520 E. Main in the E. B. Ball Auditorium. On-line tickets go on sale Dec. 1 at MuncieBallet.org. “The Children’s Nutcracker is a holiday classic and wonderful family holiday tradition,” said Lisa Love, president and CEO of the Muncie Ballet Studio. “It is classical music and dance performed by children for children.” The Children’s Nutcracker…

Ida Husted Harper. Photo provided

Education November 23, 2021

MCHS Alumni Association Recognizes Three Distinguished Graduates

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, Ind.—The Muncie Central High School Alumni Association recognized three distinguished Central graduates at its 2021 annual meeting in November. Thomas L. Raisor, a 1954 Muncie Central graduate, was honored for his long-time service to the community of Muncie and the MCHS Alumni Association. He is the the first alumnus to become a second-generation recipient. His father, Floyd Raiser, was named a distinguished alumnus in 2003. Raisor was a member of the 1951 and 1952 championship basketball…