Articles by Mike Rhodes

Innovation Connector, 1208 W. White River Blvd in Muncie.

Non-Profit February 12, 2018

Leaders Invited To Free Shafer Leadership Academy Lunch and Learn Series At Innovation Connector

By: Mitch Isaacs, executive director, Shafer Leadership Academy— Muncie, IN—Professionals of all fields are invited to a Leadership Lunch & Learn Series, sponsored by Shafer Leadership Academy, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering people of all ages, backgrounds and interests to achieve their leadership potential. The free sessions, which include a boxed lunch, are held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays at Muncie’s Innovation Connector, 1208 W. White River Blvd. Mitch Isaacs, SLA’s executive director, said the lunches are ideal for…

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Magic City Music Men members Joe Bourne, Scott Trout, Joe Howard, and Charles Harris performing a "Singing Valentine" for a lucky recipient. Photo provided

Entertainment, Non-Profit February 10, 2018

Magic City Music Men Offer ‘Singing Valentines’

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—Valentine’s Day is coming up, and if you’re like many people, you’re probably looking for something new and different to give to your sweetie. Or significant other.  Or maybe there’s a client or business you’d like to do something nice for as a way of saying “thank you” during Valentine’s Day. Try a Singing Valentine from the Magic City Music Men! It works like this: You choose a recipient to receive a Magic City Music Men Singing Valentine.  At the previously scheduled time, four talented…

A burrito capped by thickly folded tortilla nearly did him in. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson February 9, 2018

John Carlson: Breathe Easy, Darling

By: John Carlson— An interesting thing happened to me the other night. I nearly died. OK, that’s probably a little too dramatic, a slight exaggeration. But within three or four minutes, had my wife Nancy not been around, I might have drifted up to my heavenly reward. Given my history of good deeds for humanity, that reward is likely to amount to a crappy black-and-white TV set with rabbit ears antennas, so I’m in no rush to collect it. What…

Scott Smalstig is pictured during a Wednesday press conference at the Suzanne Gresham Center. Scott presented information on Meridian's Maternal Treatment Program. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Health February 8, 2018

Meridian’s Rialzo 2018 Theme Announced

By: Beth Clark— Muncie, IN—Meridian Health Services’ Rialzo, its annual charity gala, will have a distinctively magical feel this year designed to focus on the new Maternal Treatment Program. Beth Clark, Meridian’s Vice President of Marketing, unveiled the theme for Rialzo IX at a press conference yesterday which is, Meridian’s Magic Carpet Ride – Elevating the Maternal Treatment Program.  “Styled with an Arabian Nights décor with hints of the Aladdin story in the entertainment and room design will express the…

Muncie, IN. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Government, Non-Profit February 7, 2018

Councilman Anderson, Mayor Tyler Sponsor Community Forums

By: The Office of Mayor Dennis Tyler— Muncie, IN—City Council Member Julius Anderson (District 6) has invited Mayor Dennis Tyler and his Department Heads to participate in a series of community forums during Black History Month.  This is the sixth year that Councilman Anderson has partnered with local churches and neighborhood associations to host these meetings. These meetings will allow Mayor Tyler to introduce his Department Heads to the general public so that they will have a better understanding on…

Annie Moses Band, "The Art of the Love Song." Photo provided.

Entertainment February 7, 2018

Annie Moses Band Coming to Emens Auditorium February 17th

By: Kristi Chambers— Muncie, IN – Annie Moses Band will be performing The Art of the Love Song at Emens Auditorium on Feb. 17, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are available to Annie Moses at the Emens box office or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Call 765-285-1539 or visit http://www.bsu.edu/emens for more information. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this performance was selected a Director’s Pick this season, due to their incredible talent and romantic presentation. In a world where the romance of “forever”…

Ted Baker is pictured providing one-on-one business coaching services to a client. Photo provided.

Business February 6, 2018

Innovation Connector Offers Business Consulting And Coaching Services

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—Many entrepreneurs, while knowing their product or industry inside and out, are occasionally inexperienced in knowing what it really takes to successfully launch and grow a business. Generally speaking, entrepreneurs are often very passionate about their business idea, but can lack the expertise to market their business, understand and keep financial records, analyze their sales and profitability and make meaningful decisions in order to grow and sustain their business. This is where the Innovation Connector can…

Casey Stanley and Jenni Marsh. Photo provided.

Non-Profit February 5, 2018

United Way of Delaware County Names Casey Stanley 2017 Volunteer of the Year

By: Jenni Marsh, President and CEO, United Way of Delaware County— Muncie, IN – Annually, United Way of Delaware County works with hundreds of volunteers. This makes identifying the recipient of the organization’s highest honor, the Volunteer of the Year award, a difficult task. No one was surprised however, when 2017 Campaign Chair Casey Stanley was awarded the honor—except for Stanley himself. “Casey thoughtfully, and with full commitment, took on the task of running the campaign,” said Chris Caldwell, UWDC board member…

Illustration by: Marissa White-Roberts, Southside Middle School. Age 12

Non-Profit February 5, 2018

Facing Project to Hold ‘Facing Teaching in Delaware County’ Event

By: Susan Polcz Volbrecht— Muncie, IN—The Facing Project will hold a free performance on Saturday, February 10th, at Cornerstone Center for the Arts. The show begins at 6:30, with doors opening at 6:00. Concessions will be available from local favorites Guardian Brewery and No Crumb Left Behind. This will be the first Facing Project Event of 2018, and accompanies an upcoming publication, Facing Teaching in Delaware County. Local education has been the focus of much attention recently, and this book…

Ball State President Geoffrey Mearns (L) presents the Community Partner of the Year Award to YOC COO, Lynn Doppler and YOC Board President, Jeff Parsons. Photo provided by: YOC

Non-Profit February 4, 2018

Youth Opportunity Center Named Community Partner Of The Year By Ball State University

By: Richard Crist— Muncie, IN—The Youth Opportunity Center of Muncie was selected to receive Ball State University’s 2018 Outstanding Community Partner Award at the recent Immersive Learning Faculty Awards program on Thursday, January 25, 2018. The program was held at Ball State University’s John R. Emens Auditorium. Ball State’s Office of Community Engagement accepted nominations from Ball State faculty and staff for the 2018 Local Community Partner Award. The purpose of the award is to recognize a Muncie/Delaware County business, organization, or agency…