Articles by Mike Rhodes

The Foundation’s Robert P. Bell Education Grant program awarded more than $60,000 to local educators throughout the past 5 years.

Non-Profit November 30, 2017

Teachers Awarded $3,076 for Creative and Innovative Classroom Projects

  Muncie, IN—Nine local teachers will receive $3,076 in Robert P. Bell Education Grants from The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. across the county, 1,000s of students benefit from Bell Education Grants each year. Awards of up to $450 are available through the Bell Grants program. Funded projects are creative or innovative classroom projects designed to stimulate learning in students. All Delaware County teachers are invited to apply during any of the four grant cycles. Awards for the second…

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Damage to the Muncie Fieldhouse roof as photographed by: Roger Overbey

Positivity November 29, 2017

Muncie Comes Together Through Storm: Culminates in Saving Sunday’s Christmas Sing

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—For days prior to November 5th, area meteorologists were warning ECI residents that a significant weather event could take place here. In fact, The Weather Channel™ upgraded our area to a TORCON Level 5, meaning there was a 50 % chance a tornado could occur within 50 miles of your residence.  Waves of low pressure moved along a strong cold front on November 5th, generating strong to severe thunderstorms. And a tornado or two. Mayor Dennis Tyler was…

Photo by: David Herbert, Muncie Fine Portraits.

Business November 29, 2017

State Inspector General to Speak at Dec. 7th Economic Outlook Luncheon

By: Victoria Meldrum— Muncie, IN—What will the 2018 economy look like in Muncie? How does a culture of integrity affect local businesses? These questions will be explored at the 22nd annual Indiana Economic Outlook luncheon, to be held Thursday, December 7th in downtown Muncie at the Horizon Convention Center.  The event, open to business professionals and the general community, features a luncheon and presentations by Michael J. Hicks, director of the Ball State Center for Business and Economic Research, and…

A prior holiday pops concert is pictured. Photo provided.

Non-Profit November 29, 2017

Muncie Symphony Orchestra Presents Fisher-Shafer Holiday Pops

By: Jennifer Johnson— Muncie, IN—Celebrate the holiday season with The Muncie Symphony Orchestra!  Join the MSO and guests for the annual Fisher/Shafer Holiday Pops concert this Saturday, December 2, at 4 p.m. in Emens Auditorium. Youth tickets (K-12) are just $5 and Adult single tickets starting at $25. Ball State students FREE in advance with ID.  For tickets, contact the Emens Box Office at 765.285.1539. “I look forward to sharing a joyful afternoon with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra, Ball State…

Karyn Harvey, Ph.D. from ARC of Baltimore, MD gave the keynote address at the Indiana ABC conference. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business November 28, 2017

Horizon Convention Center Has Busy November

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—The Horizon Convention Center was bustling with convention activity from all over the state during the month of November. The Indiana Association of Behavioral Consultants (IN-ABC) held their 10th Annual Conference at the Horizon Convention Center on November 2nd and 3rd. Over 220 participants attended the conference. The IN-ABC Annual Conference focuses solely on issues that may impact, or have impacted, and individual with disabilities who display maladaptive behaviors.  IN-ABC is the primary trade association in…

By: Graphicstock

Non-Profit November 28, 2017

Giving Tuesday at Delaware County Non-Profits

Giving Tuesday at Muncie Civic Theater Muncie, IN—Giving Tuesday is a day of charitable donations worldwide. Today, Muncie Civic Theatre would like to share a story of giving back. As the historic Muncie Civic Theatre prepares to open its doors again to the public after months of renovations, it is still seeking donations to reach its goal of $2.5 million. Everyone has their own personal story of why they give. For some, it’s love of the arts, for others it’s more…

Students reading at the Buley Center. Photo provided.

Non-Profit November 27, 2017

5 Delaware County Non-Profits Receive $61K in Grant Funding From The Community Foundation

By: Kallie Sulanke, Community Engagement Officer— Muncie, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. awarded $61,559 to five non-profit organizations during the fourth Quarterly Competitive Grant cycle of 2017. The Community Foundation’s purpose is to improve the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County for this generation and generations to come. Quarterly Competitive Grants are awarded to fund projects for which there is a demonstrable community benefit in one of the following areas of interest: arts…

Natasha Thompson is pictured by the gaming center. Photo provided.

Health November 26, 2017

New “Equipment” Will Keep Kids Entertained at IU Health Ball Memorial’s ER Dept

By: Dawn Brand Fluhler— Muncie, IN—In the very near future, if you visit the Emergency Department at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, you will likely see a Starlight Fun Center entertaining a child who is waiting to be seen or waiting with a family member. What is a Starlight Fun Center? It’s portable gaming system on a rolling tower with a large display and control pad that provides entertainment and distraction for children who visit the Emergency Department. “The gaming…

Swedish meatballs on rice with some lingonberry jam. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson November 24, 2017

John Carlson: Having A (Meat) Ball

By: John Carlson— Not long ago, my wife met my daughter down at Indy’s new IKEA store for some female bonding while shopping. Unfortunately, I was unable to join them there amongst the frantic bustling of the excited shopping hordes, mostly because I’d have rather been dead. I must say, however, that included in the load of crap … er … items Nancy hauled back home was one thing even I could use, it being a bag of frozen Swedish…

Kiddo Keepsakes is a new business just launching with the help of the Innovation Connector. Photo by: Tony Frederick

Business November 22, 2017

Innovation Connector Helps Ashley and Bob Runkle Launch New Business: “Kiddo Keepsakes”

By: Tracy Dishman— Muncie, IN—“Entertaining tiny humans and trying to get dinner made can sometimes feel like a noteworthy feat. Sometimes you need a new idea. Sometimes toys just lose their appeal and you have to get creative.”  ~ From the blog of Ashley Runkle “Getting creative” is exactly what Ashley Runkle and her husband, Bob, did just over a year ago when Ashley decided to be a stay-at-home mom after their second daughter was born. An art major from…