Articles by Mike Rhodes

Whitely Community Council to Partner with Muncie Fire Department

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 community pride, that guide Whitely in goal-oriented endeavors. The implementation of the campaign relies on collaboration between local organizations, like…

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Blue Man Group Comes to Muncie on February 29th

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 the country. The Baltimore Sun raves, “Blue Man Group packs a wallop. It’s a big, loud, funny, silly, visually arresting…

Two East Central Indiana Non-profits Merge for Greater Impact

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. Up to that point, how well they were accomplishing their mission of providing food for the most needy in East…

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

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 impact upon return from Spring Break. “Chartwells and SSC reflect our district’s goals, mission and values and will prove outstanding…

Marta Moody Shares Muncie Downtown Development Partnership Successes

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, we thank you. Our efforts include acting as a conduit for information and available resources, facilitator/overseer of cooperative community efforts…

Indiana Pacers Darnell Hillman Gives Basketball Clinic at YOC

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 the boys, and recently started a league for the girls. Created by Kendi Zvokel, YOC Recreation and Activities Coordinator, the…

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

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 seller. The Bicentennial Marketplace is open to companies and artisans whose business is located in Indiana and are manufacturing, creating…

Ontario Systems Congratulates Local Finalists of ‘2016 College Mentors for Kids Inspire Awards’

Business, Education, Non-Profit February 23, 2016

Ontario Systems Congratulates Local Finalists of ‘2016 College Mentors for Kids Inspire Awards’

Software Engineering Director Dave Pilkington and client Alan Holdren of Atlas Collections will honor higher education, career focus, culture, diversity and community service February 25th. MUNCIE, Ind.  – Ontario Systems, a leading technology and services provider to the healthcare and accounts receivable management industries, congratulated Software Engineering Director Dave Pilkington, along with friend and client Alan Holdren of Atlas Collections, on their finalist nominations for the College Mentors for Kids Inspire Awards today. Pilkington’s nomination highlights his mentorship of Client Onboarding Consultant Ashley Poortenga. Both he and Holdren were selected from a pool that included more than 100 potential finalists,…

Tom Jarvis Reflects on His 33 Years in Education

Education February 22, 2016

Tom Jarvis Reflects on His 33 Years in Education

By: Tom Jarvis— For the past 33 years, I have lived my dream as an educator.  During that time I have been a teacher, coach, principal, assistant principal, athletic director, husband, father and grandfather.  I have seen a lot of change in education from open concept, to teaming, zero period and block scheduling.  I have seen countless students, parents, grandparents, guardians, athletic events, concerts, plays, and graduations.  I have worked many nights, Saturdays, holidays, and weekends.  I do those things because I love what I do. I will miss the many students, teachers, staff, colleagues and peers I have known…

Unitarian Universalist Church to Dedicate New Solar Panels

Non-Profit February 22, 2016

Unitarian Universalist Church to Dedicate New Solar Panels

By: Wayne Meyer— “When the environmental and right thing to do merges with the practical and economical thing to do, then it truly is the time to take action,” according to Wayne Meyer, Coordinator of the “Green Team” at the Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church of Muncie. That’s the hopeful message to be shared at A Special SUNday: Solar Panels Above Us, a dedication celebration at the church on Sunday, February 28, beginning at 1:30 pm. The object of this dedication is a new rooftop system comprised of 80 solar panels, capable of producing 20 kilowatts of power and reducing the…