Articles by Mike Rhodes

Innovation Connector Home and Resource Partner to Shafer Leadership Academy

By: Tracy Dishman— Muncie, IN—A professional and beautiful building, and amenities such as plenty of free parking and back-office staff support,  adds to the credibility and professionalism of an organization. Align these attributes with matching values and missions and you find a resource partner that calls the Innovation Connector their home—The Shafer Leadership Academy. “Shafer Leadership Academy is a non-profit organization that helps people learn how to lead. Our mission is to grow local leaders for East Central Indiana,” said…

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New CEO Hired at Boys & Girls Club of Muncie

By: Juli Metzger, past president and board member— Muncie, IN—Jason Newman, recently named Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Muncie, brings more than 10 years of Club experience and more than 20 years in early childhood education and programming experience. Newman assumes the post in early October. Newman most recently was Program Director for the Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia, Bridesburg Unit, where it was his job to oversee programming areas in academic success, healthy…


John Carlson: Cooler Days Are Ahead

By: John Carlson— It’s never easy when a beloved family companion dies. The wheezing. The weird, disturbing sounds emanating from somewhere deep down below. The lukewarm yogurt. Uh, lukewarm yogurt? Oh, sorry. Did I fail to mention I’m writing about our old refrigerator? It had done a yeoman’s job of refrigeration since our move into this house three years ago. But once it begins showing symptoms of serious maladies, nothing really restores its health. Not God answering our fervent prayers…


Photo Gallery: 2017 Altrusa of Muncie Style Show

Photos by: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN— Each year, Altrusa International of Muncie creates a unique event for the community to enjoy—The Altrusa Style Show. The style show showcases local businesses that provide the newest in fashion, while raising funds to address a variety of community needs. This year, the following fashion businesses were highlighted at the Altrusa Style Show: Happy Mess Boutique; Juniper; Ford’s Tux at Vogue Cleaners; Hayloft Boutique; Macy’s; Lois Pearl and Town Boutique. The event was held…


Horizon Convention Center Hosts Indiana Association of School Psychologists Fall Conference

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN— The Horizon Convention Center hosted the 2017 Indiana Association of School Psychologists Fall Conference. The 3 day conference brought over 120 IASP members from across the state to Muncie. The members of IASP apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home,…


Youth Opportunity Center Announces Promotion of Jeff Helm to CIO

By: Richard Crist— Muncie, IN—Muncie, Indiana based Youth Opportunity Center, Inc. recently announced the promotion of Jeff Helm to Chief Information Officer. Helm has been with YOC for 15 years, most recently serving as the Director of Information Technology & Facilities for the past nine years. In this newly developed role, Helm will help achieve organizational goals in two primary ways. He will oversee and ensure all information and communication systems are secure and reliable. He will also take on…


eKeeper Systems Announces 2nd Annual Website Thru The Nite Challenge

By: Dustin Humm— Muncie Innovation Connector to host benefit for Delaware County non-profits January 20-21, 2018 YORKTOWN, Ind. – eKeeper Systems, an IT consulting firm providing comprehensive technology services to companies throughout Central Indiana, announced the 2nd annual Website Thru The Nite (WTTN) challenge today, calling for volunteers and non-profit participants in Delaware County to come together at Muncie’s Innovation Connector, January 20-21, 2018. The challenge will bring technical volunteers with web development experience to the table at Muncie’s Innovation…


Sue Dalton to Hold “Secret Families Christmas Charity” Family Event This Saturday in Eaton

By: Mike Rhodes— Eaton, IN—When you talk to Sue Dalton, owner of Dalton & Company about the “Secret Families Christmas Charity Fall Party & Turkey Shoot” to be held on her property this Saturday, it is obvious she is excited about it. More like exuberant. When talking about the event, she smiles ear-to-ear and it is clear she is passionate about this particular fundraiser for Secret Families—an annual event coming up during the holiday season. Helping people is simply embedded…


2017 Mayor’s Arts Award Winners Announced

By: The Muncie Arts and Culture Council— Muncie, IN—The winners of the 2017 Mayor’s Arts Awards were announced at a gala event at Cornerstone Center of the Arts earlier this evening, September 26th. The Mayor’s Arts Awards are the most prestigious honors conferred by the City of Muncie on individual artists, teachers, non-profit organizations and patrons of the arts. Winners received their award, a proclamation from the Mayor and a cash stipend to further their own creative works. See the…


Teachers Awarded $3,166 for Creative and Innovative Classroom Projects

By: Kallie Sulanke— Muncie, IN—Seventeen local teachers will receive $3,166 in Robert P. Bell Education Grants from The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc.  Across the county, thousands 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…