Articles by Mike Rhodes

Newly designed space for the YWCA of Muncie’s Complimentary Overnight Temporary Shelter (C.O.T.S.) program. Photo provided.

Non-Profit September 28, 2018

‘Chameleon Connection’ Provides Respite for Women and Children

By: Erin Moore, Member of the Muncie Community— Muncie, Indiana—“She promised herself better and never looked back.” These words of inspiration are painted in bright blue letters in the “Chameleon Connection,” a newly designed space for the YWCA of Muncie’s Complimentary Overnight Temporary Shelter (C.O.T.S.) program. Outfitted with beds, comforters, end tables, lamps, and brightly painted walls and artwork, the space – which used to house exercise equipment – now provides a warm and welcoming space for women and children…

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A peanut butter and jelly burger, jelly being under the patty. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson September 28, 2018

John Carlson: A Good Ol’ PB And…Meat?

By: John Carlson— Throughout this lifetime, my key to culinary happiness has been hamburgers. Beats me why, it just has. Maybe I watched too many Popeye cartoons as a kid. My buddies  cheered as the musclebound sailor would “eats me spinach” so he’d be “strong to the finish,” then beat the living crap out of Bluto or whoever else was putting the moves on his woman, Olive Oyl. But me? I’d hang on every word that my main man Wimpy…

Proper estate planning should include answering many important yet practical questions. Photo by: Story blocks

Business September 27, 2018

Beasley & Gilkison: Practical Estate Planning: Advanced Directives

By: Benjamin J. Freeman, Attorney at Law— Muncie, Indiana—When considering estate planning, the planning often begins and ends with the last will and testament. Certainly, the will is the cornerstone of any estate plan but proper planning shouldn’t end there. A proper estate plan should consider the practical questions. What happens if you become physically or mentally incapacitated? Who will help you manage your finances, your property and your day-to-day life? What happens if you cannot make important medical decisions for…

The Harry and Janet Kitselman Fund at the Community has announced grants to five organizations supporting children and the history of East Central Indiana. Photo provided

Non-Profit September 27, 2018

Five Delaware County Non-Profits Receive $69K from Harry and Janet Kitselman Fund

By: Kallie Sulanke, Community Engagement Officer— Muncie, Indiana. – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. has awarded $69,208 in grants to five non-profit organizations from the Harry and Janet Kitselman Fund. Harry and Janet Kitselman were residents and civic leaders in the Muncie community.  Per Mr. and Mrs. Kitselman’s wishes, a fund was created to administer and distribute funds for the good of the people of Muncie, Indiana, and the surrounding community with fine arts, recreation, children,…

Cruising South Madison Street on September 15, 2018. Photo by: Tracy Denny

Entertainment September 26, 2018

Troy Watters Brings ‘Cruising South Madison Street’ Back To Muncie

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, Indiana—It’s 2018 and cruising South Madison Street is a thing! (Again.) Once popular decades ago, cruising South Madison Street pretty much went by the wayside. But two months ago, Troy Watters kicked off his Cruising South Madison Street event and the 3rd Saturday of the month suddenly became an instant “must-go-to” calendar entry. Watters is a life-long resident of Muncie and has worked for the Muncie Sanitary District for the last four years. A warm, affable man, Watters…

Bark For Life of Delaware County will be held Saturday, September 29th at Morrow’s Meadow in Yorktown. Photo provided.

Non-Profit September 26, 2018

5th Annual Bark For Life To Take Place On Saturday  

By: Tara Whitehead— Yorktown, IN—A head tilt to let you know they’re listening, a furry paw on your hand to show you how much you are loved, a wagging tail to let you know just how excited they are to be near you. Dogs are more than pets, they are family, and they take care of us as much as we take care of them. This is why we Bark For Life. The 5th Annual Bark For Life of Delaware County…

A group of nurses from IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital celebrates the organization’s new Magnet® recognition. ANCC’s Magnet Recognition Program® distinguishes health care organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing. Photo by: Courtney Thomas

Health September 25, 2018

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Achieves Magnet® Recognition for Nursing Excellence

By: Courtney Thomas— Muncie, Indiana – IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital has achieved Magnet® recognition for its dedication to nursing excellence and high-quality clinical outcomes for patients. This designation comes from the world’s largest and most prestigious nurse credentialing organization, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The ANCC’s Magnet Recognition Program® distinguishes organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing professionalism, teamwork and superiority in patient care. With this designation, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital joins the 477 Magnet-recognized hospitals nationwide. Only…

The Muncie Symphony Orchestra. Photo provided.

Entertainment September 25, 2018

Muncie Symphony Orchestra Begins 70th Season On Saturday

By: Jennifer Johnson— Muncie, Indiana—What do a bluegrass band, the music from Star Wars, and winners from an international violin competition have in common?  The Muncie Symphony Orchestra’s 70th Season!  Come celebrate the kickoff to Muncie Symphony’s 70th season this Saturday, September 29, at 7:30 p.m. in Emens Auditorium. Tickets for Youth (K-12) are just $5; Ball State student tickets are FREE in advance with student ID or $10 at the door and Adult Single Tickets start at $25. For tickets, contact the Emens…

Dr. Katie Jenner. Photo provided

Education September 25, 2018

Ivy Tech Community College Names Vice President of K-12 Initiatives and Statewide Partnerships

By: Kelsey Batten— Indianapolis, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College has named Dr. Katie Jenner as vice president of K-12 initiatives and statewide partnerships, effective November 1, 2018. Jenner will proactively lead Ivy Tech’s efforts for the continued and expanded development of K-14 talent development pipeline partnerships between K-12, Career Centers and Ivy Tech Community College. She currently serves as the assistant superintendent for the Madison Consolidated Schools (MCS). Jenner started in K-12 education as a Career and Technical Education…

Entertainment September 24, 2018

Inaugural ‘ArtsWalk Pumpkin Trail and Glow’ Contest Launches This Year

By: Muncie Downtown Development Partnership— Muncie, Indiana—A new ArtsWalk tradition will take place this year: The inaugural Artswalk Pumpkin Trail and Glow. Here’s what it’s all about including details on how to enter. ArtsWalk Pumpkin Trail and Glow October 4th from 5pm-8pm Follow the Pumpkin Trail throughout the streets of downtown Muncie during ArtsWalk.  The pumpkin trail will end at Canan Commons, with a community Pumpkin Glow and contest. Cash prizes will be awarded! Community Pumpkin Glow Prizes Winners will…