Articles by Mike Rhodes

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…

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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…

Mr. Thomas Kinghorn, 2024 Legacy Award recipient.

Business May 22, 2024

Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Announces the 2024 Legacy Award Recipient

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN— The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Mr. Thomas Kinghorn has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Legacy Award. The award will be presented at the Legacy Dinner on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Horizon Convention Center. “Tom Kinghorn is very worthy of this Chamber honor. He is an incredible human being. The many ways he has served our community over the years is a wonderful example of how we…

From left to right; top to bottom: Belle Brown, Sharon Edwards, Abigail Goller, Carly Howard, Abigail Lindburgh, Jonathan Loney, Ella Mauck, Brenley Miller, Andrea Sanchez, and Alana Trissel.

Education, Non-Profit May 21, 2024

Community Foundation Announces 2024 Scholarship Recipients—Announcement 2

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients: Belle Brown, a senior at Delta High School, is a recipient of the Sarah E. Adams Scholarship. Belle plans to study Fashion Industry with a minor in Business at Ball State University. Belle is the child of Kelly Stitt and Matthew Brown. Sharon Edwards, a student at Ivy Tech Community College, is a recipient of the Hurley C. and Fredine (Wynn) Goodall Scholarship. Sharon studies Nursing. Abigail Goller, a senior…

Attendees participating in Nonprofit Support Network’s Annual Sustainability Workshop.

Non-Profit May 20, 2024

Q&A With the Nonprofit Support Network on What It’s Like Working on the Frontlines of a Nonprofit

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN — Established in 2022, the Nonprofit Support Network (NSN) is a capacity-building organization dedicated to supporting nonprofits in Muncie-Delaware County. The organization provides workshops, peer networking opportunities, an on-line portal of resources, tailored support for nonprofits, and more. Originally developed by The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County in consultation with five other local organizations, NSN’s programs and services are designed to provide practical resources for nonprofit Executive Directors/CEOs, staff, board members, and volunteers…