Articles by Mike Rhodes

The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awards grants in the areas of in the areas of arts and culture, community betterment, economic development, education, and human services to enhance the quality of life in Muncie and Delaware County.

Non-Profit March 1, 2016

Applications for 2016 David Sursa Leadership Award Available

Muncie, Ind. – The Community Foundation is pleased to announce that nominations are being accepted for the annual David Sursa Leadership Award.  The award will reward, recognize and encourage extraordinary leadership by a nonprofit board member in Delaware County. Standing behind the belief that every community benefits from leaders who understand local issues and are able to visualize and promote positivity, The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. has established the David Sursa Leadership Award in honor of…

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Kaylee Dalton, Steady, encaustic, water media on paper, and oil.

Entertainment March 1, 2016

First Thursday, Opening reception for Radicle Traces, Paintings by Kaylee Dalton

MUNCIE, IN—Gordy Fine Art and Framing Company will celebrate First Thursday, March 3, 5 – 8 pm with an opening reception for Radicle Traces, paintings by Kaylee Dalton. The exhibit will feature several new paintings by the artist who will be on hand to engage with viewers and answer questions. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend. “Radicle” refers to the part of a plant embryo that develops into the primary root. Appropriate for March,…

Muncie Campus on Cowan Road.

Education February 29, 2016

Ivy Tech Community College to Offer Express Enrollment Registration Events in Muncie

Muncie, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College East Central region will be offering Express Enrollment events every Thursday in March at their Muncie Cowan Road location, in the Express Enrollment Center. Express Enrollment offers prospective students a “one-stop” experience in the enrollment process and does not require an appointment. Muncie Campus Express Enrollment Center March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. 4301 South Cowan Road During the events, students will work alongside staff who…

Whitely Community Council held a planning session for their campaign, the Year of Color, on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Olivia Fellows, co-chair of goal 7 for Whitely Community Council, collaborates with local volunteers participating in their Year of Color campaign. Photo provided.

Non-Profit February 29, 2016

Whitely Community Council to Partner with Muncie Fire Department

By: Rebecca Parker— The Whitely Community Council furthers its Year of Color Campaign by gaining approval from the Muncie Fire Department to paint fire hydrants in the community. This is the council’s first step in gaining access to community property for its beautification efforts. The campaign focuses on the integration of Whitely’s pastel color palette. The color palette represents the Centennial Place properties, which are a distinctive attribute in the community. These initiatives employ goal one and five, beautification and…

Blue Man Group Comes to Muncie in February. Photo provided.

Entertainment February 29, 2016

Blue Man Group Comes to Muncie on February 29th

By: Kristi Chambers— Blue Man Group returns to Muncie on February 29! Tickets are on sale now at the Emens Auditorium box office, charge-by-phone 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com The theatrical tour features brand new content highlighted by classic Blue Man favorites.  The new sound, set, and video design centering around a proscenium-sized LED curtain and high-resolution screen create an entirely new, high-impact visual experience for Broadway houses across the nation. Blue Man Group has received praise from critics across…

Tim Kean, President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank makes remarks about the merger at a news conference held at the Innovation Connector. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Non-Profit February 25, 2016

Two East Central Indiana Non-profits Merge for Greater Impact

Muncie, IN—The Board of Directors for Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana and the Board of Directors for TEAMwork for Quality Living announced earlier today that their organizations have finalized a Memorandum of Understanding by which TEAMwork for Quality Living will merge with Second Harvest Food Bank effective July 1, 2016. A year ago, the Board of Second Harvest began a strategic planning process to determine and shape the organization’s future in an environment that was changing rapidly….

Muncie Community Schools

Education February 25, 2016

Muncie Community Schools Partners with Chartwells K12 and SSC Services for Education

By: Ana M. Pichardo— Muncie Community Schools, Chartwells K12 and SSC Services for Education are kicking off a new partnership to enhance area schools and cafés through a strong commitment to the great teams already engaged in Muncie schools, passionate support for the community, fresh, student-focused menus and facilities plans to support continued upgrades in the facilities program. The transition for these partnerships begin March 19 for Chartwells K12 and March 21 for SSC Services for Education. Students will notice immediate…

A view of downtown Muncie at the north end of Canan Commons. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Non-Profit February 25, 2016

Marta Moody Shares Muncie Downtown Development Partnership Successes

By: Marta Moody, 2014-2015 MDDP Board President— As outgoing president of Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP), I am pleased to share our 2015 overview of Downtown Muncie. Changes over the past few years have been dramatic. MDDP is a self-sustained, private, not for profit organization whose functions are only accomplished with the collaboration and support of our many partners. Our development and marketing efforts Downtown only happen with their financial support and on behalf of the MDDP staff and board of directors,…

Indiana Pacer's Darnell Hillman. Photo provided.

Non-Profit February 25, 2016

Indiana Pacers Darnell Hillman Gives Basketball Clinic at YOC

By: Genet C. Soule— Pacers legend Darnell Hillman, offered a basketball clinic for 32 youth in the Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) gym on Wednesday afternoon, February 16th. Hillman began with a motivational talk about old-school values: respect for self and others, dedication, accountability, responsibility and commitment. Then he did some drills around the court. His visit was part of the YOC’s recreational and activities program. Last fall, the YOC added a basketball league to its roster of recreational activities for…

First Lady Karen Pence visits Murray's Jewelers to view the custom jewelry the company created for the Bicentennial Marketplace. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business February 24, 2016

First Lady Karen Pence Visits Murray’s Jewelers to Highlight Bicentennial Marketplace

By: Mike Rhodes— First Lady Karen Pence was in Muncie today to visit family-owned jewelry store, Murray’s Jewelers, and to view custom jewelry items the company has created that are included in the Indiana Bicentennial Commission’s Bicentennial Marketplace. The Bicentennial Marketplace is a website shopping area, where items produced by Indiana companies for the Bicentennial are showcased to potential buyers. The marketplace resides on the Indiana Bicentennial Website, www.indiana2016.org.  Items for sale are listed on the site, with a picture, description,  contact information and weblink to the…