Articles by Mike Rhodes

Photo Provided by: Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Indiana

Non-Profit May 17, 2019

Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Indiana Decides To Close Agency

By: Amanda Price— Muncie, IN—Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Indiana has been proud to Defend the Potential of the youth in our community for the past 48 years. However, due to increased requirements from our National office, and the costs associated, we have decided to close our agency as of Friday, May 17, 2019. During our 48 years as a Big Brothers Big Sisters agency we have had the honor and privilege of working with the children in…

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Health May 16, 2019

Celebrating Mothers And Older Americans In Our Communities

By: Bethel Pointe Health & Rehabilitation— Muncie, IN—One thing that certainly comes to mind every May is Mother’s Day; however, the month of May is also Older Americans Month. Although Mother’s Day has only been an official U.S. holiday since 1914, it had been traced as far back to the period of ancient Rome and Greece. Older Americans Month was established in 1963 via discussions between Presi­dent John F. Kennedy and the National Council of Senior Cit­izens out of concerns…

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Non-Profit May 16, 2019

Muncie Noon Optimist Club To Hold Open House at Camp Adventure on May 16

By: Ruth Berkley, President of Muncie Noon Optimist Club– Muncie, IN–Come and celebrate Optimist International’s 100 years of helping the youth in our community at our open house, May 16 from 5pm to 8pm at Camp Adventure, located at 4881 South Proctor Road Muncie, IN 47302. The Optimist Club owns the Camp Adventure Learning Center, which is a 41-acre facility operated by Muncie Community Schools, with over 140,000 students served since 1994. It is available to corporations and individuals for special events….

Entertainment May 16, 2019

AMA To Host National Association of Rocketry Event

Muncie, IN—In collaboration with Wright Stuff Rocketeers, and Rocketeers of Central Indiana, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), will host an eight-day festival of model rocketry and aeromodeling– NARAM-61. The event begins Saturday, July 27th and runs through Saturday, August 3rd.  Spectators can see sport flying of small to very large rockets reaching altitudes in excess of 50,000 feet. For more information, visit: https://www.nar.org/site/naram-61-rocketry-festival/  

May is "Older Americans Month." Photo provided

Business May 15, 2019

LifeStream Services Celebrates “Older Americans Month”

By: Jenny Hamilton, President & CEO of LifeStream Services— Muncie, IN—Each May, the nation celebrates Older Americans Month. What began in 1963 as a way to raise awareness of the issues facing older adults, eventually led to the passing of the Older Americans Act in 1975. LifeStream Services has been serving as the Area Agency on Aging for our region for the past 44 years since that time. We provide programs and services such as nutrition, transportation, and in-home care…

Pictured L-R: Liz Ludwick and Damon Elmore. Photo courtesy of JMG by Kurt Hostetler

Non-Profit May 14, 2019

Muncie Power Products Duo Co-Chair 2019 United Way Fundraising Campaign

By: Juli Metzger— Muncie, IN—Two members of the executive team of Muncie Power Products – longtime stalwart Liz Ludwick and a relative newcomer to Muncie Power and Muncie —Damon Elmore — will head up the 2019 United Way annual fundraising campaign. “We could not be more excited about the 2019 campaign,” said 2019 Co-Chair Ludwick. “There is so much to be positive about in our community. For 40 years, I’ve been a supporter of United Way. I’ve seen its work…

Michael Rafter is pictured playing the grand piano. Photo provided

We Fly May 14, 2019

Ball State Brings Emmy Award Winner To Campus To Teach

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN— Emmy Award-winning musical director Michael Rafter will join Ball State University for Fall semester, bringing his talents to the Department of Theatre and Dance. Rafter will be an associate professor of musical theatre, succeeding Beth Turcotte, the George and Frances Ball Distinguished Professor of Theatre who joined the University in 1982. She retired May 3. Rafter is an American arranger, music director, music supervisor, conductor, and musician best known for his work on Broadway and collaborations with…

Easter at Emens. Photo provided

Non-Profit May 13, 2019

Unity Service Results In Donation Of $30,000 For Muncie Agencies

By: Candace Ford— Muncie, IN—More than $30,000 was donated to support the Muncie Boys and Girls Club, Christian Ministries and the YWCA when two local churches came together for Easter services at Emens auditorium on Ball State University’s Campus. The event was a result of a meeting months prior between Pastor Gregg Parris of Union Chapel Ministries and Bishop Keith O’Neal of Destiny Christian Center. “Easter at Emens was a great way to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, engage in Christian unity…

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Government May 13, 2019

National Police Week Is May 12-18

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—National Police Week is observed from May 12-18. National Police Week pays tribute to local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who serve and protect the public with courage and dedication. National Police Week also honors the good work law enforcement officers do for the local community. I searched the Muncie Journal’s archives for some of the articles we have published about the work of our law enforcement officials. A few of them are below. Muncie…

Artist rendering—Exterior Downtown North Building. Photo provided.

Education, Non-Profit May 12, 2019

Hamer D. and Phyllis C. Shafer Foundation Donates $130,000 to Ivy Tech

By: Jennifer Gasiorek— Muncie, IN–The Ivy Tech Foundation has received a donation from the Shafer Foundation of $130,000.  Ivy Tech Community College received a state appropriation of $38.7 million. However, the College was charged with raising an additional $4.3 million to complete the transformation of the Muncie campus to better serve students and area employers. “Shafer Foundation’s generous gift humbles me,” said Jeffrey D. Scott, Chancellor. “As I think about how close we are to reaching our financial goals, I…