Articles by Mike Rhodes

Volunteer tutors study during the new tutor orientation, held in downtown Muncie’s CO:Lab. Photo provided.

Non-Profit October 13, 2016

Volunteer Tutors Now Available to Teach Reading

Muncie, IN—Between two trainings on September 27th and October 11th, The Community Reading Project now has sixteen volunteer tutors available to teach reading skills to struggling adult readers. The Community Reading Project is a new adult literacy program created to improve the quality of life for adults in Muncie and Delaware County by improving their reading skills. The program was founded in May by Marissa Rose and is supported through partnerships with United Way, the Ross Community Center, and others….

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Photo by: Raven Brooks

Non-Profit October 13, 2016

“Through Our Eyes” Project on Display at Maring-Hunt Library

By: Raven Brooks— Last fall 16 third graders took a fieldtrip through Muncie and through history. They then turned their experience into a project that is now on display at Maring-Hunt Library. The students first began working on the project in November of 2015, when their East Washington Academy teacher Dana Hartzell assigned it to them. “It was a project I had thought about doing for years,” said Hartzell. The project documents Muncie landmarks through original photos and reports. “My goal…

The Shafer Giving Society honors donors who help promote the transformation of troubled children. Photo provided.

Non-Profit October 12, 2016

YOC Celebrates 11th Anniversary of the Shafer Giving Society

Muncie, IN—The Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) Foundation celebrated the eleventh anniversary of the Shafer Giving Society and the legacy of the late Hamer and Phyllis Shafer at a luncheon held in the YOC Gymnasium on October 6, 2016. The Shafer Giving Society was formed in 2006 to honor donors who have made cumulative gifts of $1,000 or more. The theme of this year’s event was Awakening Potential. Keynote speaker, Mr. Terry Walker, retired Muncie Power CEO & Chairman, and Chair…

An inside look at Laurie Lunsford’s 2nd children’s book: “Wait, Katie, Wait." Colorful cut-paper illustrations can be found throughout the book. Photo provided.

Education, Entertainment October 11, 2016

Muncie’s Laurie Lunsford Releases 2nd Children’s Book: “Wait, Katie, Wait”

Muncie, IN—Laurie Lunsford’s 2nd children’s book was released this month. “Wait, Katie, Wait” will be offered and signed at the Minnetrista Farmer’s Market on Saturday and the U.U. Bazaar in the Woods on November 1st. It is a book about savoring the moment. It is written for ages 2-7.  Katie spends a week with Grandpa. They go to the river to fish, to the farmer’s market, for a walk in the rain, and many other experiences together. They slow down to…

File Photo

Non-Profit October 10, 2016

Second Harvest Tailgate at Borg Warner On October 13th

By: Karen McTague—  Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana will provide food* for families in need at the monthly Tailgate distribution from 9 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13. The Tailgate will be held at Borg Warner in the parking lot across the street on the north side of State Road 32, West Kilgore Ave. in Muncie. The lot will open at 6 a.m. The distribution is while supplies last, and there is a limit of three families per…

Students in the Super Spellers Club at Motivate Our Minds compete in a practice bee, complete with "microphone."

Non-Profit October 10, 2016

“Celebrity Spelling Bee” Oct. 20 to Benefit Motivate Our Minds

By: Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE – Motivate Our Minds is buzzing with excitement! MOMs will have its first “Celebrity Spelling Bee” Oct. 20 at Cornerstone Center for the Arts. A pre-event reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the spelling will begin at 6. Teams led by local celebrities will be competing for the prestigious traveling Celebrity Spelling Bee trophy, along with prizes for the biggest fundraiser and more. “Hosting our first-ever celebrity spelling bee is a fun and entertaining departure…

Artist Denise King's bison design for the Bison-tennial project. The bison is now permanently located at Tuhey Park. Photo by: Garland L. Simmons

Entertainment October 8, 2016

Photo Gallery: ArtsWalk 2016 in DWNTWN Muncie

By: Mike Rhodes— ArtsWalk 2016 kicked off at 4pm Thursday with a dedication ceremony for Delaware County’s Indiana Bison-tennial Public Art Project. Jenni Marsh presented details about the history, funding and partners of the project. Mayor Dennis Tyler presented a proclamation during the dedication. Artist Denise King designed the bison by incorporating images and patterns of the native Lenape—including beadwork and other design elements. The bison was in the Muncie Fieldhouse on October 27th during a convocation with 1000 4th graders. 300…

A Fitbit Zip accurately tracks your exercise, no matter how little you do. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson October 7, 2016

John Carlson: Using a Fitbit, Without Being a Bit Fit

By: John Carlson— Not long ago, in celebration of our 67th and 66th birthdays, which fall just two days apart, my wife, Nan, dragged me screaming and kicking into the Age of Fitbits, presenting us both with Zips. For the record, Zips aren’t the cool kind of Fitbits you strap to your wrist. They are the dorky kind of Fitbits you pin to your pants. Anyhow, in no time, Nan was doing whatever was necessary to “sync” her Fitbit, recording…

The ArtsWalk Map

Entertainment October 6, 2016

ArtsWalk Map for Reference

Muncie, IN— Below you will find a clickable pdf map of ArtsWalk taking place this evening in downtown Muncie. Check out the map for activities, Art Venues, Music and more. Click to view the ArtsWalk Map as a PDF. (Will open in new window.) Some of the many activities will include: MUTUAL BANK PARKING LOT 6:00-7:00 – Muncie Symphony Orchestra performance Presenting Sponsor: Raymond James CANAN COMMONS Giant Lite Brite and kid’s activities with live stage performances. MUNCIE THREE TRAILS…

Front Row (L to R): Nancy Carlson, Jenni Marsh, Denise King (bison artist) Back Row (L to R): Sherri Contos, Jim Flatford, Megan Arnold, Kelly Shrock, Betty Brewer. Photo provided.

Non-Profit October 5, 2016

Dedication Honoring Muncie’s Bison-Tennial to Take Place October 6th

By: Shelley Shekell—  MUNCIE, Ind. – Delaware County’s Indiana Bison-tennial Public Art Project will reach its permanent destination at Tuhey Park during a dedication ceremony on October 6 from 4-5 p.m. At 4:30 p.m., Mayor Dennis Tyler will give a proclamation to honor the bicentennial event and the significance of artist Denise King’s design. King, inspired by the Lenape, painted the bison to represent the vibrantly colored beadwork and designs of Delaware County’s first people. Delaware County students also made…