Non-Profit

Laura and her two children. Photo provided.

Non-Profit January 26, 2016

Laura Williamson Named New Executive Director of Muncie Civic Theatre

By: Chris Griffith— Muncie Civic Theatre and the Board of Directors has announced that Laura Williamson will join the 85 year old institution as its new Executive Director and assume the role on February 1, 2016. In this position, Williamson will work with Chris Griffith and Paul Tavianini who continue as Business and Artistic Director, respectively. Board President, Leigh Edwards remarked, “After careful consideration and focused action from the Board of Directors, we are thrilled to welcome Laura Williamson. Her…

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Nate Rose and his daughter Noelle reading the first Imagination Library book, "The Little Engine That Could." Photo provided.

Non-Profit January 25, 2016

United Way of Delaware County Welcomes Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

By: Shelley Shekell— Nate Rose is a father of two living in Delaware County. He and his wife Marissa understand and support the important push for early childhood literacy in Delaware County. Nate saw a need for getting books into the homes of families, and he took strides to make that happen. While researching Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, a program that provides families with a high-quality book every month with no cost to the family, he realized the program…

The Digital Climbers program at Muncie Public Library is supported, in part, by funding from the Kiwanis Club of Muncie. Photo provided.

Non-Profit January 25, 2016

Discover Digital Climbers at MPL Connection Corner

By: Rebecca Parker— Kids and teens ages 8 and up are invited to a Digital Climbers launch party at Muncie Public Library’s Connection Corner this Wednesday, January 27 at 3pm. Kids will find out how they can earn badges and points as they become more skilled in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities. According to Rebecca Parker, Connection Corner Specialist at Muncie Public Library, the program will encourage students to work independently in mastering technology skills and to compete…

Delta Middle School students adopt ARF. Photo provided.

Education, Non-Profit January 20, 2016

Delta Middle School Students Adopt ARF as 2016 Outreach Recipient

By: Dee McKinsey— Approximately 155 students in Delta Middle School’s eight grade have been collecting supplies for ARF (Animal Rescue Fund), Muncie’s no-kill animal shelter, since they returned from winter break. Christopher Overholt, eighth grade social studies teacher, says that his pupils picked ARF after two rounds of voting. The students receive competitive points based on ARF requested donations, and the pupils’ character traits of effort, attitude and respect also were rewarded points. Overholt said that the students solicited donations…

Ice League Draft Day Drills. Photo provided.

Education, Non-Profit January 20, 2016

Ice League to Focus on Grades AND Basketball Skills

By: Sue Godfrey— An innovative basketball league that leverages students’ love of sports while promoting stellar academics will kick off its 2016 season with a Draft Day on Feb. 6 at Muncie Central High School. The Inner City Educational (ICE) League motivates participants to be strong student athletes as they move toward high school and post- secondary education. The ICE League sets the grade point average bar at 2.5 and higher for students who wish to fully participate in the…

MSO Announces the 2016 Young Artist Competition Winners. Photo provided.

Non-Profit January 17, 2016

MSO Announces the 2016 Young Artist Competition Winners

By: Tracy Dishman— Middle and high school musicians from across the state competed for top prizes during Muncie Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition 2016, on Saturday, Jan. 9, at Sursa Performance Hall on the Ball State University campus. The MSO Young Artist Competition offers young Indiana musicians the opportunity to compete with their peers at the highest level of artistic excellence. “For more than 15 years, MSO audiences and those that witness the competition performances are completely awestruck by the…

Excellence in Teaching Award to be given in 2016.

Education, Non-Profit January 14, 2016

Ball Brothers Foundation to Recognize Local Teachers in 2016

By: Jud Fisher— Ball Brothers Foundation will be honoring local teachers in 2016 through the Foundation’s Excellence in Teaching Award. As in previous years, the top honor includes a $15,000 grant to promote innovation in the winning teacher’s district, school, and classroom. The Excellence in Teaching grants program is open to public school teachers with at least three years of experience who are currently teaching in a K-12 classroom in any of Delaware County’s public school systems. Each district develops…

A view of the property by Ross Community Center. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business, Non-Profit January 5, 2016

Former Muncie GM Transmissions Plant Land Sale Closes

By: Bill Callen— RACER Trust and Ross Community Center, Inc., today announced the completion of a sale that will result in new recreational opportunities for families on the Southside of Muncie. Ross Community Center has purchased approximately six acres of the former GM Manual Transmissions of Muncie property off West 8th Street, with plans to build baseball fields and other recreational facilities. The land formerly was used for employee parking, and is across West 8th Street from the former manufacturing…

East Central ISBDC workshops. Photo provided.

Non-Profit January 4, 2016

East Central ISBDC Hosts Free and Low-Cost Workshops

By: Christy Ragle— The East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) has several workshops designed to help area businesses start, grow, and flourish in 2016. To learn more about these workshops or to register, visit www.isbdc.org and click on the “Workshops and Events” link or call Judy at (765) 282-9950. The year begins with a “Launch Your Own Business” workshop from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, January 8, at the Innovation Connector in Muncie (1208 W. White…

Photo provided.

Business, Non-Profit December 30, 2015

New Year, Next Level for Small Businesses

By: Christina Ragle— As small business owners look ahead to 2016, many are ready to take their company to the next level. But what does that involve? Peggy Cenova, Regional Director of the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC), works with small business owners to help them achieve goals. “One effective way of looking forward is to look backwards and assess your results from 2015,” Cenova noted. She offers seven considerations for business owners as they reflect on the past…