Articles by Mike Rhodes

Photo provided.

Non-Profit October 17, 2017

“Art For Kids Sake” Event to Be Held November 11th at MadJax

By: Sara Chokenea— Muncie, IN– Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware County (BBBS) on Nov. 11 at MadJax for a Speakeasy-themed night full of music, food, and local art. The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $35 each. Sea Salt and Cinnamon, Guardian Brewery and VKA catering will be providing the food for the evening. During dinner, artists and artisans will display works in progress and discuss their practices. Donated art from local artists and artisans will…

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Photo by: Marco Borggreve

Entertainment October 16, 2017

BSU School of Music to Present Internationally Renowned String Quartet

Muncie, IN— The 14th Annual Arts Alive! Concert Series will continue at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 2nd in Ball State University’s Sursa Performance Hall with the St. Lawrence String Quartet for the first Sherman M. Zeigler Memorial Concert. Called “witty, buoyant, and wickedly attentive (The Gazette, Montreal), with a “peerless” sense of ensemble (Financial Times, London), the quartet is celebrated for its “smoldering intensity” (Washington Post), and “flexibility, dramatic fire and… hint of rock ‘n’ roll energy” (LA Times). The…

The Big Pitch competition is coming up! Photo provided.

Business October 14, 2017

Innovation Connector to Host the BIG Idea Pitch Competition for Local Entrepreneurs

By: Sheena Peters— Muncie, In—The Innovation Connector of Muncie, Indiana is hosting the fourth annual BIG Idea Pitch competition for local entrepreneurs and innovators to “pitch” their business, business concepts, product or invention to a panel of judges from the business and investment community. There are many very creative and interesting concepts from people in our region, and this competition will showcase those ideas and offer what it takes to advance them. This event is for individuals in all phases…

A scene from the award-winning Sundance documentary LOOK & SEE to be screened at MadJax on October 14th.

Non-Profit October 13, 2017

Sundance Documentary “Look & See” To Be Screened at MadJax on Saturday, Oct 14th

By: Amy Rhodes, President, Oakwood Center— Selma, IN—Oakwood Center is hosting a screening of the award-winning Sundance documentary LOOK & SEE, a powerful cinematic portrait of Wendell Berry—farmer, activist, and undoubtedly one of America’s most significant living writers. The film will be screened at 3:30 PM on October 14, 2017 at MadJax in Muncie, IN. In 1965, Wendell Berry returned home to Henry County, where he bought a small farmhouse and began a life of farming, writing and teaching.  This lifelong…

Child and mother at a food pantry. File photo.

Non-Profit October 13, 2017

Glick Philanthropies Awards More than $300,000 to Combat Food Insecurity on World Food Day

Second Harvest Food Bank is one of 50 Local Organizations Working to End Hunger Indianapolis, IN – In observance of World Food Day, a global day of action for those who are food insecure, today the Gene B. Glick Company has awarded more than $300,000 to 50 organizations across eight states that are working to end food insecurity through Glick Philanthropies, a family of charitable entities, funds and initiatives focused on building community and creating opportunity. Second Harvest Food Bank of…

There’s nothing like gazing into a gazing ball. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson October 13, 2017

John Carlson: It’s Worth Looking Into

By: John Carlson— For my recent birthday, number 67, my wife bought me a garden gazing ball. Technically, my first choice of gift was, as always, an airplane. Not a big, expensive airplane. Just a little, old, cheap, used airplane somewhere in the $20,000 range would do, making me giddily happy to be back in the sky again. Didn’t get it, though. My second choice? A muscle car. Heck, I’m not picky. I don’t need a Corvette or a Viper….

Jewelry items like these will be available at the Simple Gifts Bazaar. Photo provided.

Non-Profit October 13, 2017

Simple Gifts Bazaar to Be Held at Friends Memorial Church on November 4th

By: Susan Danner— Muncie, IN—The Annual Simple Gifts Bazaar at Friends Memorial Church will take place on Saturday, November 4th, from 8:00am to 2:00pm. The Simple Gifts Bazaar is a large indoor bazaar featuring many handmade arts and crafts, created by talented local artisans. You are sure to find items that will be perfect gifts for you and your family. You can enjoy a diverse array of skilled local vendors, ready to help you find all the gifts you need. Admission…

CROWDER to appear at Emens Auditorium on November 11th. Photo provided.

Entertainment October 12, 2017

Crowder “American Prodigal Fall Tour” To Appear at Emens Auditorium

Muncie, IN — Three time GRAMMY® nominated artist CROWDER will embark on his 20-city “American Prodigal Fall Tour,” which will begin on October 24 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, through November 16 in Wise, Virginia, including a stop at Emens Auditorium in Muncie, Ind. on Saturday, November 4th. The tour will feature special guest Jimi Cravity, and introduce The Young Escape.  Tickets are on sale now at the Emens Auditorium Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, and Ticketmaster.com.  CROWDER’s “American Prodigal Fall Tour” will feature live performances from his current chart-topping album, AMERICAN  PRODIGAL, which debuted at #5 on Billboard’s Top Albums chart, #12 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart, #3 on the Digital Albums chart, and #1 on the Christian & Gospel Album chart….

Muncie Resident Trevor Dillard. Photo provided.

Education October 12, 2017

Muncie Resident Trevor Dillard Graduates From Erskine Green Training Institute

By: Jeanne Smith— Indianapolis, IN—Erskine Green Training Institute (EGTI), a program of The Arc of Indiana Foundation, is pleased to announce that Trevor Dillard of Muncie recently graduated from its Heart of the House (hotel housekeeping) program. Ceremonies were held on Friday, Oct. 6. The Arc of Indiana Foundation exists to create postsecondary training opportunities for people with disabilities that empower and lead to meaningful employment through its program, Erskine Green Training Institute. After receiving training at EGTI, students apply…

Kathryn Kennison, U.S. Vice President Pence (then-governor), and the Rt. Hon. David Trimble. Photo provided and taken November 14, 2014.

Education, Positivity October 11, 2017

Town and Gown Conversations: Another Hidden Muncie Gem

By: Diane Watters, Assistant Director, E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center Ball State University— Muncie, IN—Town and Gown is an anachronistic phrase that you just don’t hear anymore, unless you run into a seasoned city planner. But this absence from our vocabulary doesn’t diminish the importance of its place in our community. This form of programming is meant to bridge the gap between the academic world and townspeople. The E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center’s Town and Gown Conversations program aims to…