Articles by Mike Rhodes

Horizon Convention Center in downtown Muncie. Photo provided.

Business October 16, 2016

Horizon Convention Center Hosted Three Conventions in September

By: Treva Bivens— Muncie, IN— This past month, the Horizon Convention Center hosted the Indiana State Building and Construction Trades Council, IN Society for Respiratory Care, and Association of Indiana Solid Waste Management Districts conferences. Throughout the month of September, the Horizon Convention Center had over 500 convention attendees. Most of these attendees came from all over Indiana due to the conferences being the state wide associations. “Convention business is good business for Muncie and Delaware County” said Joann McKinney, president/CEO…

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Flamenco guitarist Nicholas Marks. Photo provided.

Entertainment October 15, 2016

The Muncie Symphony Orchestra Announces “Revelry” on October 15th

Muncie, IN— Join the Muncie Symphony Orchestra and guitarist, Nicholas Marks, for “Revelry” today, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. in Pruis Hall on the Ball State University campus. Tickets start at $30 for adults in advance and $5 for youth, K – 12. Contact the Emens Box Office at 765.285.1539 or visit munciesymphony.org. “Come and have a party with the MSO!” says Douglas Droste, Artistic Director and Conductor. “Flamenco guitarist Nicholas Marks will lead the charge with Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, and…

Take the bun, meat and condiments away from a breaded tenderloin and what have you got? An elephant ear. Photo by: Nancy Carlson

Carlson October 14, 2016

John Carlson: The Meat of the Matter

By: John Carlson— I don’t mean to go all intellectual on you, but regular readers of this column know I sometimes probe the bigger, more thought-provoking questions of our time. For example, have you ever noticed how much an elephant ear looks like a breaded tenderloin? No? Just think about it. Now, I should probably note that by “elephant ear,” I mean the deep-fried, sugary, concessionaire’s confection and not some poor pachyderm’s actual ear, which would likely taste pretty icky…

Aerial image overlooking the downtown area, Muncie Central High School, and White River. Photo by: Michael Wolfe

Entertainment October 13, 2016

Muncie Area Events and Happenings

The Muncie Visitors Bureau creates a regular compilation of all sorts of cool events that take place in the Muncie area. Their content includes events, exhibits, and more. Sample events in this edition include: Ball State University Glass Guild Pumpkin Sale, After Dark at Beech Grove Cemetery, Halloween Celestial Origins at the Charles W. Brown Planetarium, Through An Open Window, A Light Shines Art Exhibit @ Minnetrista, Open Space: Art About the Land @ Minnetrista and more.   See what’s happening…

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….

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…