Articles by Mike Rhodes

YMCA of Muncie, 500 S Mulberry St, Muncie, IN 47305 Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Health October 14, 2020

YMCA Announces Free Six-Week Program to Recharge Body and Spirit

By Kristen McConnell— Muncie, IN–Sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? The YMCA of Muncie invites YOU to participate in a free six-week STRONG challenge designed to help transform spirit, mind and body. “Now, more than ever, our community needs to heal, recharge and refocus.” Says YMCA of Muncie CEO, Chad Zaucha. “The pandemic has worn us down and isolated us in many ways. This challenge provides an opportunity to holistically reclaim your health by becoming strong in spirit, mind and…

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A view inside the George and Frances Ball Foundation lobby inside the newly remodeled Emens Auditorium. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Entertainment October 14, 2020

Emens Auditorium to Present Two LIVE Virtual Events

By Kristi Chambers— Muncie, IN—Our house is just not the same without our patrons. Though we are not yet hosting in-person performances, we are looking forward to seeing you again soon! In the meantime, we have been filling the gap by bringing to your house virtual content in the form of interviews, tours, playlists, artist videos, and now LIVE virtual events. These events are free and open to the public. Simply visit bsu.edu/emens to complete your event reservation. The events themselves will…

Photo provided

Non-Profit October 13, 2020

Boys & Girls Club and YMCA Partner to Help MCS Students Enrolled in Virtual Learning Program

By Amy Logan— Muncie, IN—The Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie are excited to announce a new program, in partnership with the YMCA of Muncie, to help support our families, our schools, and most importantly our kids during a difficult academic year. Starting Monday, October 26th, the Clubs will be opening a school day program for Muncie Community School students who are currently enrolled in the Virtual Learning Program. Students in grades K-12 can participate in a hybrid of virtual…

The Future of Work Muncie initiative is a network of citizens, businesses, nonprofits, and educational organizations working together to link existing assets and co-create solutions to 21st-century workforce needs.

Education October 13, 2020

Ball State’s iMADE Student Projects are Building the Future of Work

By: Andrea McDermott, Future of Work Program Associate— Muncie, IN—Ball State’s iMADE projects are forging solutions to workforce needs through collaborations and community networking. By working with more than 10 local organizations and using multi-disciplinary approaches, iMADE exemplifies the dynamic partnerships of the Future of Work Muncie that create a unique opportunity for economic growth and cultural enhancement. From benches and entryways to farmers market improvements, and courtyard redesign, students create digital design ideas with partners Midwest Metals, Indiana Hardwood,…

Aerial photo of Muncie and Delaware County by Michael Wolfe

Business October 13, 2020

East Central Indiana Regional Partnership Announces Dates for Talent Attraction Webinars

By Mindy Kenworthy, President, East Central IN Regional Partnership— Muncie, IN – The East Central Indiana Regional Partnership (ECIRP) will be hosting a series of webinars to provide information to regional stakeholders on its new talent attraction initiative Forge Your Path. The first two webinars are scheduled for October 14 for HR professionals and employment recruiters, and October 15 for area realtors, home builders and lending officers. Ready to compete with other regions on a national scale, ECIRP announced last…

Painting by: Sarah Shaffer

Entertainment October 12, 2020

A Socially Distanced, VIP Rocky Horror Picture Show Event

By Claire Downes— Muncie, IN—Dust off your fishnets and pleather; it is time to do the Time Warp again! Cornerstone Center for the Arts is excited for the seventh annual showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Rocky Horror is on Saturday, October 24, 2020, with pre-show beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Colonnade Room at Cornerstone Center for the Arts in Downtown Muncie. The Old Queen’s Men shadow cast is back for this interactive showing of the cult classic film….

The Ross Community Center is located at 1110 W 10th St, Muncie, IN 47302. Photo provided

Non-Profit October 11, 2020

Ross Community Center: ‘International Experience Festival’ Goes Online For 2020

By Molly Flodder— Muncie, IN—Muncie’s Ross Community Center will celebrate their annual International Festival without gathering as is the tradition. Instead the community is invited to participate in an International Silent Auction set for October 10-17. Items up for auction range from a smoked barbecued dinner for six and a pie of the month for a year to a Malaysian fried noodles dish and a logo design for a small business. Bidders may click on the link to see what…

Stephen Brand, Muncie Sanitary District Board President and General Manager of MAGNA Powertrain.

Business October 11, 2020

Meet Stephen Brand, New Muncie Sanitary District Board President

By Stephen Brand— My name is Stephen Brand. I am a lifelong resident of Delaware County. I was raised in Southern Delaware County and worked on a Family farm near Cowan. I attended Cowan Schools. My career has been in manufacturing, and I currently lead a large Advanced Manufacturing Operation here in Muncie. I also serve our community on various boards focusing on economic and workforce development. I recently accepted a seat on the Muncie Sanitary District’s Board of Commissioners…

Dr. Pete Voss is chief medical officer for IU Health East Central Region.

Health October 9, 2020

COVID-19 Caution Urged as IU Health Ball Memorial Sees Surge of Positive Patients

By Pete Voss, MD, chief medical officer, IU Health East Central Region— Dear community, IU Health Ball is experiencing high volumes of sick patients in need of inpatient hospital care, as are hospitals up and down the I-69 corridor. This includes an all-time high of COVID-19 positive inpatients. Now more than ever, your vigilance is needed. Please continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing and prioritize hand hygiene; your actions play a pivotal role in preserving the health of your…

Carlson October 9, 2020

John Carlson: Drive-in Takes Some Drivin’

By John Carlson— As a kid I never went to drive-in movies. This was because we were conservative Baptists who believed Hollywood movies were the breeding ground of perverts and sexpots. Our chief fear, though, was that you’d chance going to the drive-in and, just your luck, Jesus would pick right then to return to Earth, leaving you caught in some steamy sin-wagon while drooling over a lusty scene from, say, ”Old Yeller.” Then where would you be, huh? Nevertheless,…