Articles by Mike Rhodes

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Non-Profit February 28, 2024

Generous $2 Million Gift From Dan and Cassidy Towriss Fuels YMCA of Muncie’s Capital Campaign

By Kristen McConnell— MUNCIE, IN—-The YMCA of Muncie is thrilled to announce a transformative $2 million gift from philanthropists Dan and Cassidy Towriss. This generous contribution will play a pivotal role in the development of the new YMCA facility on the campus of Muncie Central High School. The Towriss’ commitment to the community shines through this substantial contribution, highlighting their dedication to fostering wellness, community engagement, and educational opportunities. The funds will directly support the construction and enhancement of the…

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Muncie residents are invited to a public forum about creative spaces in our Community Tuesday, March 12, at 5:30 at Muncie Civic Theatre. Hosted by Artspace and The Community Foundation. Photo by story blocks

Non-Profit February 28, 2024

Arts and Culture Matter Public Forum to be Held March 12th at Muncie Civic Theater

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IND. – Muncie residents are invited to learn about creative spaces in our community during a public forum on Tuesday, March 12. National consultant Artspace will share examples of creative space projects and arts assets to spur ideas and facilitate conversations about what the public would like to see in Muncie. The public is invited to be a part of the conversation from 5:30 to 7:30 on March 12 at Muncie Civic Theater. The Community Foundation…

Cornerstone Center for the Arts is located at 520 E. Washington Street in Muncie. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Entertainment February 27, 2024

Green Glam Studio Jewelry Featured at Cornerstone’s March First Thursday

By Debra Gindhart Dragoo— MUNCIE, IN—The March jewelry collection at the Green Glam Studio at Cornerstone Center of the Arts will focus on Celtic and Saint Patrick. The Green Collection features symbols associated with shamrocks and Celtic motifs. Earrings and pendants inspired by Celtic and Saint Patrick incorporate these symbols into their designs, offering wearers a way to celebrate their Irish heritage or their admiration for the saint. Pieces can range from simple to intricate, and they are repurposed and…

Beneficence, affectionately called “Benny,” is Ball State's institutional icon. She symbolizes the generosity of the five Ball brothers whose land donation to the State of Indiana allowed Ball State to flourish. Photo provided by BSU

Education February 27, 2024

AAUW Accepting Scholarship Applications From Students 25 Years Old or Older

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The application for the American Association of University Women, Muncie Branch, nontraditional student scholarship is now available. Applications are due Monday, April 1. The scholarship is worth $1,500 and is available for the 2024-2025 academic year, effective Aug. 1, 2024, through July 31, 2025. The scholarship must be used for tuition, health fee, books and other classroom-related expenses for the year, including summer session. To apply, applicants must meet the following selection criteria: Students who are 25 years old or…

Laura Hill and Dennis Trammell, Jr. join the board of Ball Brothers Foundation. Photo provided

Non-Profit February 27, 2024

Ball Brothers Foundation Welcomes Two New Board Members

By Ball Brothers Foundation—  MUNCIE, IN  —  As Ball Brothers Foundation prepares to commemorate its 100th year of grantmaking in 2026, it is proud to announce the appointment of two esteemed community leaders, Laura Hill and Dennis Trammell, Jr., to its Board of Directors. The addition of Laura and Dennis comes as the foundation continues to implement its “Second Century Strategic Plan,” a comprehensive roadmap for the foundation’s future. This plan, developed with input from nearly 100 grantees, community leaders,…

The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $607,500 in Community Grants to 14 community organizations during the first quarter of 2024. Ross Community Center received $40,000 to support general operations, which allow the center to offer high-quality programming for neighbors of all ages, like English as a Second Language classes, pictured above.

Non-Profit February 25, 2024

Community Foundation Awards Grants Totaling $687K

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $687,500 in Community Grants this week. Community Grants provide nonprofit organizations serving Muncie and Delaware County 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 Program and Nonprofit…

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Education February 24, 2024

St. Michael Catholic School Open House To Take Place on February 25th

By Melissa Santos— MUNCIE, IN – St. Michael Catholic School, located at 2301 W. Gilbert Street in Muncie, extends an invitation to the community for its Open House event on February 25th from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Guests are welcome to explore the preschool through 8th-grade classrooms and participate in the festivities hosted in the gym. The lively atmosphere allows parents and children to experience the vibrant community spirit at St. Michael School. Dedicated faculty and staff will be…

Aerial of Westside Park area where skatepark will be constructed. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Government February 23, 2024

Westside Skatepark Development to Move Forward in March

By Michele Owen— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie residents have been eagerly awaiting news on a proposed skatepark slated for Westside Park, which has been discussed since 2020. The design for the skatepark was bid out to Hunger Skateparks, who collected public input to finalize the design in 2022. The engineering and design work were ready to go in 2023, but permits from the Department of Natural Resources were required before construction could begin. Now, DNR permits have come back approved, and the…

Watasha Barnes Griffin. Photo provided

Non-Profit February 23, 2024

WaTasha Barnes Griffin to be Keynote at State of the Child Conference on March 20th

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—Join the Indiana Youth Institute for an expert analysis of the latest child-focused data Wednesday, March 20 at Muncie’s annual State of the Child conference. This year, the event features WaTasha Barnes Griffin as its keynote speaker. “I Am this Data,” is a personal reflection of how one life is impacted by engaged family and community. “We all read the statistics about low third-grade reading levels, a propensity for teen suicide and the explosive mental health…

Delaware County resident Natalie Moulton (left) reviews the session calendar with State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) (right) Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, in the House Chamber at the Indiana Statehouse. Moulton is interning with the Indiana House of Representatives during the 2024 legislative session. Photo provided

Government February 22, 2024

Delaware County Native Gains Experience Interning at Statehouse

By Braden Dunlap, Press Secretary— STATEHOUSE —Delaware County native Natalie Moulton is gaining experience as an intern with State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) and her fellow members of the Indiana House of Representatives during the 2024 legislative session.Moulton, a Yorktown High School graduate, is the daughter of Ben and Amy Moulton. She is currently a junior at Ball State University, majoring in communication with minors in political science and social work.“Thanks to this internship, I’ve been able to learn so…