By: John Carlson— As an old person who is easily confused, there are many things I do not understand about the coronavirus. For example, in my whole life, I have never been a face-toucher. Oh sure, for a while there as a teenager, I was a more-or-less constant pimple popper. But other than that, as far as I can recall, I have gone entire years at a stretch without touching my face. But now that they tell you, “Do not…
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By: Dr. Joseph Misiewicz— Muncie, IN—Another day and more pondering as I maneuver around the house searching for things to do. Many friends know I’m a Myers Briggs (MB) believer and I’m now pondering my “INTJ” in lockdown mode. As an introvert, there’s much to smile about being home, somewhat alone and not having to deal with conversations. Having done many MB workshops I heard often from participants who felt their ‘type’ was different at home than at work. It…
By: U.S. Department of Labor Press Office— WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced that the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation’s (FPUC) weekly unemployment compensation boost is now being paid to eligible individuals in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. FPUC is authorized under Section 2104 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Pub. L. 116-136), and provides an additional $600 weekly payment to certain eligible individuals who are receiving other benefits. “I…
By: Ryan Remington— Muncie, IN—Through a joint effort, Bridges Community Services will open an emergency, isolation quarantine facility for all individuals experiencing homelessness who have tested positive or are presumed positive, for COVID-19 on May 5th, 2020. Partners in this project include Bridges Community Services, Inc., Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Muncie Community Development Office, the City of Muncie, the Delaware County Health Department, Delaware County Emergency Management, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Heartland Ambulance Services, Open Door Health…
By: Hailey Perkins— Muncie, IN—There’s More to Muncie! We have all heard that phrase by now on the radio and the special #MoreToMuncie campaign. But what does that mean? To Hailey Perkins and Amber Corduan, it means there is more to this community than you might see. There is a whole community of pet people that make Muncie an interesting, well-known, and diverse city! For example, PineAcre Kennels is one of the many hidden gems of Muncie. PineAcre has been a staple in…
By: Hannah Dunckel— Muncie, IN—It was the beginning of March, and the world was changing before our eyes. Every hour there was a new update on canceled events, businesses closing, kids going home from school, and most importantly, people who needed help due to the rising concerns of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. People were scared and unsure of where to turn. Through anxiety and fear, we began seeing “the helpers.” Fred Rogers was quoted saying, “When I…
By: Jud Fisher— Muncie, IN—As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise in East Central Indiana, Ball Brothers Foundation has awarded a $75,000 grant to the IU Health Foundation. The grant will support the needs of hospital employees in Delaware, Jay and Blackford Counties who are working around the clock to fight COVID-19. More specifically, the funding will be used to provide team members in the East Central Indiana region with meals, including during night shifts when cafeterias and…
By: Stephen Mortland— Muncie, IN—The Farmers Market at Minnetrista will be open for business on May 2nd from 9 a.m.–noon. The Farmers Market is classified an essential community service as an event which provides fresh and healthy food options for our community. Minnetrista has been working closely with the Delaware County Health Department for direction, to ensure that we are aware of all guidelines concerning COVID-19 (coronavirus) best practices. Farmers Market will understandably look different than it has in the…
By: Kallie Sulanke, Community Engagement Officer— Muncie, IN— The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. awarded an additional $13,000 to eight non-profit organizations to support response efforts to the COVID-19 crisis. Community Foundation staff continue to connect with and listen to the plans, challenges, and needs of a variety of vital community organizations across Delaware County. Decisions for this third round of response funding were made to come along side these vital community organizations with identified immediate needs related…
By: First Merchants Corporation— Muncie, IN– First Merchants Corporation, Indiana’s second largest financial services holding company, has announced a $1 million commitment to local non-profit organizations supporting communities negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The negative economic impact caused by this pandemic cannot be overstated, and First Merchants is committed to doing everything we can to assist our communities during these difficult times,” said First Merchants CEO Michael C. Rechin. “Our success in recent years is a direct reflection of…