Articles by Mike Rhodes

From left to right; top to bottom: Gavin Ashby, Caton Clark, Anna Gu, Andrea Mae, Jonathan Price, Braisen Rainwaters, Guinevere Robertson, and Ryder Turner.

Education, Non-Profit June 11, 2024

Community Foundation Announces 2024 Scholarship Recipients—Announcement 5

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients: Gavin Ashby, a senior at Cowan Jr./Sr. High School, is a recipient of the Dr. Albert O. Miller Scholarship. Gavin plans to study Human Life Science at Indiana University East. He is the son of Jena Ashby and Shannon Ashby. Caton Clark, a senior at Yorktown High School, is a recipient of the Arthur D. and Josephine M. Robling Scholarship. Caton plans to study Secondary Education at Indiana University. She…

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Photo provided by the Muncie YMCA

Non-Profit June 5, 2024

YMCA of Muncie to Provide Free Meals for Kids at Tuhey Park During the Summer

By Sophie Bohanon— MUNCIE, IN—In 2023, the YMCA’s Anti-Hunger program provided over 95,000 meals and snacks to youth in the Muncie Community. The program provides children access to high quality and sustainable meals, focusing on nutrition. This summer the YMCA will serve meals each day over the summer. These meals/snacks will be passed out and consumed at Tuhey Park, Monday through Friday from 3pm to 4pm. The program will run from June 10th until July 27th. Meals will be available…

Tenisha Harris, MPL Connection Corner Manager, will help host the Whitely Public Art Open House. Photo provided

Non-Profit June 5, 2024

Whitely Community Invited to Open House About New Public Art in Neighborhood

By Lauren Day— MUNCIE, IN— All are invited to attend an upcoming free open house about the exciting public art project in the Whitely neighborhood. Muncie Arts & Culture Council, Inc. (MuncieArts) is leading the project which will add public art pieces in two locations – Whitely neighborhood and at 8th & Hoyt. The MuncieArts is the designated arts partner for the City of Muncie. The organization assists with municipal initiatives where art integration can benefit economic development and quality…

Ross Community Center. Photo provided

Business June 4, 2024

Ross Community Center’s 50th Anniversary Celebration to Include FREE Ice Cream Social

By Molly Flodder— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie’s Ross Community Center celebrates 50 years this year, and board and staff continue to capture information on the people, places and activities of the past. However, reaching out to include anyone in the greater community is part of the celebration, and they are hosting an old-fashioned community “Ice Cream Social” on June 8th to celebrate the anniversary. “We want to invite the community—not just the Thomas Park/Avondale neighborhood–to join us for this event,” said Jacqueline…

From left to right; top to bottom: Isaac Andrews, Layna Bowman, Carly Brown, Cheyenne Carter, Elijah Carter, Logan Kuzdas, Eli Lengacher, Erika Minard, Avery Seale, and Trevor Swingley.

Education, Non-Profit June 3, 2024

Community Foundation Announces 2024 Scholarship Recipients—Announcement 4

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients: Isaac Andrews, a senior at Wapahani High School, is a recipient of the Arthur D. and Josephine M. Robling Scholarship. Isaac plans to attend Indiana Wesleyan University. He is the son of Jeff and Melissa Andrews. Layna Bowman, a senior at Delta High School, is a recipient of the Delaware Community Schools Memorial Scholarship. Layna plans to study Sports Management or English Education at Taylor University. She is the daughter…

Children enjoy out-of-school enrichment programming at Motivate Our Minds. Photo by Maggie Manor.

Non-Profit May 31, 2024

More Than $700,000 in Grants Awarded by George and Frances Ball Foundation in Second Quarter

By Kelsey Harrington— MUNCIE, IN—The George and Frances Ball Foundation has served the Muncie-Delaware County community and beyond as a funder and thought leader alongside nonprofit organizations for the past 87 years. The founders, George, Frances, and Elisabeth Ball were actively engaged with a number of causes focused on improving livability and educational attainment. Ultimately, this passion and intention is what drives the Foundation’s activities, including grantmaking, today. Earlier this month, the Foundation’s second quarter grants were reviewed and awarded…

Photo by storyblocks

Education May 31, 2024

Become a Community Health Worker in Eight Weeks with Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN—Community Health Workers (CHW) are the frontline of community outreach initiatives. These individuals act as a link between health and social services, increasing the knowledge and access for community residents. They serve the community through outreach, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy. This summer, Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County will be offering an 8-week in-person blended human services course that leads to becoming a certified Community Health Worker. This certification is credentialed by the Indiana Community Health…

Jud Fisher, President & CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation, awarding Chris Horner the Excellence in Teaching Award. Photo provided

Education, Non-Profit May 29, 2024

Fire & EMT Teacher from Muncie Area Career Center Receives Ball Brothers Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN— Ambulance lights are flashing, radio traffic is on the scanner, and victims with minor and critical injuries are lying on the floor–it’s just another Monday morning for students in Chris Horner’s EMT and Fire/Rescue classes at the Muncie Area Career Center.    Horner’s journey into teaching was not exactly traditional. As a fire-science teacher at the Muncie Area Career Center (MACC), Horner brings a wealth of real-world experience from his decade-long tenure at the Muncie…

BY5 Early Childhood Initiative was awarded $40,000 to support the BY5 Professional Learning Institute which provides training and professional development opportunities to childcare providers in Delaware County. Pictured, Childcare workers participate in a professional Learning Institute session in partnership with Dr. Beth Trammell and the Make Words Matter Fellowship.

Non-Profit May 25, 2024

Community Grants Totaling $411K Awarded

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $411,897 in Community Grants this week. Community Grants provide nonprofit organizations serving Muncie and Delaware County with the opportunity to apply for funding to support their work. Grants are awarded to address the broad needs of Muncie and Delaware County in arts and culture, community betterment, economic development, education, and human services. Organizations interested in applying for funding are encouraged to connect with the Foundation’s…

From left to right; top to bottom: Waverley Daugherty, Daelin Green, Jayden Jett, Kadence Jones, Katelyn McCauley, Sara Nichols, Griffin Smith, Samantha Stinson, Grace Ward, and Conner Winchester.

Education May 24, 2024

Community Foundation Announces 2024 Scholarship Recipients—Announcement 3

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients: Waverley Daugherty, a senior at Muncie Central High School, is a recipient of the Arthur D. and Josephine M. Robling Scholarship and the Dr. William J. and Thelma V. McNabney Memorial Scholarship. Waverly plans to study Psychology at Purdue University. She is the daughter of Tim Daugherty and Karen Daugherty. Daelin Green, a senior at Muncie Central High School, is a recipient of the Jerry Parrish Scholarship. Daelin plans to…