Connecting Muncie Neighborhood partners and resources
In this project, Ball State University graduate students worked to manage and organize Big Read activities in Muncie, Indiana. The Big Read is a project which aims to promote reading activities among citizens in local communities. The students learned a variety of organizational and management theories and strategies and put them into practice by marketing and organizing The Big Read program.
Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Sociology, Melinda Messineo, led several groups of Ball State students in sociological Immersive Learning projects around the city. Organizations partnered included the United Way of Muncie and Delaware County, Edible Muncie, and the Muncie Redevelopment Commission. In these projects, students worked with their community partners to gather information about literacy opportunities in build spaces (United Way) food scarcity and pantry use (Edible Muncie) and residential decision making processes for young professionals (Muncie redevelopment). The data will be used to inform programs for each of the partners over the next year.
Want to show your community spirit? Refresh, at 312 E. Main Street in Downtown Muncie, is selling these awesome t-shirts designed by Kyle Johnson. Visit Refresh, a cool local store specializing in unique furniture, home decor, and gifts, and while you’re there be sure to pick one up! You can read more about the story behind the shirts on Refresh’s blog.
September 19, 2015 (6:30 – 11:00 pm)
The Horizon Convention Center will host “Celebrate Our City: The Sesquicentennial Ball” on September 19, 2015. The black-tie optional evening will feature a dinner, dance and awards to commemorate Muncie’s celebration of 150 years and honor Muncie’s history of public service. Public service awards will be presented by Mayor Dennis Tyler, Muncie Police Chief, Steve Stewart and Muncie Fire Chief, Edward Bell.
The Sesquicentennial Ball is open to the public and will provide an opportunity to honor Muncie’s 150 years and show support for public service within our community. The cost is $25 per person ($50 per couple) and tickets are available until September 11, 2015 at the Horizon Convention Center Reception Desk or online at www.muncie.ticketleap.com. The event is from 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. and tickets purchased before August 14th include VIP admission at 5:30 p.m. which features an opportunity to meet the mayor and enjoy a complimentary signature cocktail before the event begins. Black Tie Optional
“We are incredibly proud of Muncie’s accomplishments in its 150 years and of those who protect the community through public service. This event is in honor of Muncie and those who make this community a great place to live and work. We invite all Muncie supporters to join us at the Celebrate Our City Sesquicentennial Ball on September 19th,” Joann McKinney, Horizon Convention Center president and CEO.
More information about “Celebrate Our City Sesquicentennial Ball” can be found on the Muncie Sesquicentennial Facebook page, www.facebook.com/muncie150th.
The City of Muncie recently released it’s plans for paving for 2015 thru 2016 and many large paving projects are included on the list including much of North Wheeling Avenue and West Bethel Avenue.
Held prior to America’s Hometown Band and fireworks, visitors found out how they can make our city and state a better place to live, work, and play! All-IN participants celebrated by joining local partners in challenges to win great prizes. Experiences were shared on social media using the hashtag #ALL_INMuncie.
Building Better Neighborhoods challenged visitors to Discover why they love Muncie. For more photos taken at the Building Better Neighborhoods booth please click here.