Muncie Matters

11/21/2025

Indiana 211 Connects Hoosiers to Essential Winter and Holiday Resources Statewide

As temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches, many Hoosiers find themselves in need of extra support. Indiana 211 is a free, confidential service that connects Hoosiers with local health and human services. Indiana 211 is here to ensure that individuals and families across the state know exactly where to turn when they need help most. With one call, text, or click, Indiana 211 connects people to trusted, up-to-date community resources available in their area.

Hoosiers can access a wide range of essential services through Indiana 211, including:

- Food assistance programs and local pantries
- Warming centers and shelters during cold weather
- Thanksgiving meals and holiday programs
- Help with housing, utility support, mental health services, and more

Whether someone is facing a short-term challenge or navigating an ongoing need, Indiana 211 ensures they can quickly find safe, local, verified resources.

How to Access Help

Residents can explore available community resources by visiting in211.org or calling 2-1-1 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. The Indiana 211 database is updated continuously, so every listing remains reliable, accurate, and accessible.

For Community Organizations

Indiana 211 also encourages community partners to share new or updated information about food programs, holiday events, or winter warming sites. Organizations can send updates to [email protected] or call the team 888-211-2402, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Ensuring the database stays current helps us better serve Hoosiers, especially during critical times of the year. For assets that you can use on your social media channels, visit the following webpage: FSSA: Indiana 211 Promotional Materials. You will find the language to add to your social media page, along with the images you can use.

https://in211.communityos.org/

CommunityOS is an I&R, Disaster, and Public Health client database and case management system.

11/13/2025

Second Harvest Food Bank Responds to SNAP Benefit Interruption Amid Government Shutdown

MUNCIE, IN – Federal officials have reopened the government, restoring funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). While this is an encouraging step forward, the weeks-long disruption has already taken a toll on families across East Central Indiana. It will continue to have lasting effects on the community.

More than 50,000 Hoosiers in Second Harvest’s eight-county service area received SNAP benefits in October. Many of these households went weeks without critical assistance during the shutdown, forcing them to deplete savings, rely on credit, or seek emergency food support.

“For the thousands of families who depend on SNAP, this news brings relief, but the recovery will take time,” said Bekah Clawson, President & CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana. “Even with benefits being restored, we’re continuing to see record demand at our food distributions as neighbors work to catch up.”

Second Harvest reports that some households are beginning to receive benefits. Families who have already gone weeks without support are struggling to recover, and many are turning to local food pantries and mobile distributions to help make ends meet.

Ongoing Food Distributions Across the Region

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana has expanded its mobile distribution and food drop services across the region. The organization continues to work closely with local governments, community partners, and volunteers to ensure that food reaches those most in need.

“Our team and partners have stepped up in extraordinary ways,” Clawson said. “We’re delivering more food, more often, but that also means our resources are stretched thin. Community support is still so critical right now.”

How the Community Can Help

Monetary donations remain the most effective way to support hunger relief during this period of high demand. Every $1 donated helps provide up to four meals for local families.

Donations can be made at curehunger.org/donate, and those wishing to volunteer can sign up at curehunger.org/get-involved/volunteer.

Neighbors seeking food assistance or updates on distribution events can visit curehunger.org/get-help.

“Even though SNAP benefits will resume, the disruption will have ripple effects for weeks to come,” Clawson added. “Second Harvest will continue to stand in the gap, making sure no one in East Central Indiana goes hungry.”

Feeding thousands of families a week doesn’t come without its expenses. Your support allows us to operate on the scale we do, and any amount you give can be a life-changing difference to someone who needs it. Every dollar donated to Second Harvest provides four meals to neighbors facing food and r...

11/13/2025

CELEBRATE THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS AT Muncie Mall

Muncie, IN (November 13, 2025) The holiday season has arrived, and Muncie Mall is ready to celebrate with the community in a big way. Shoppers and families are invited to experience the joy of Christmas through a lineup of festive activities, seasonal décor, and family-friendly fun throughout the season.

From dazzling holiday displays to photo opportunities with Santa, Muncie Mall is bringing the magic of the season to life for visitors of all ages. Guests can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment while creating lasting memories with friends and family.
Holiday Activities at Muncie Mall:

Santa’s Arrival & Photos: November 28, 2025 – December 24th
Holly Jolly Giveaway: December 01, 2025 – December 23rd
Joy at the Mall: December 08, 2025 – December 24th

“We’re thrilled to welcome our community back to celebrate the holidays,” said Rosanna Frisch, Senior Marketing Manager. “It’s a time to come together, make memories, and share in the joy of the season. We’ve planned something special for everyone to enjoy.”

10/31/2025

“First Thursday Gallery Walk” November 6, 2025

(Muncie, Indiana) – The First Thursday monthly gallery walk will be held in Downtown Muncie on November 6th from 5-8 pm. Please join us for the following events:

111 Arts Gallery
111 E. Main
This iconic sheet of flash measuring 5’ x 4’ will be presented for November’s First Thursday and all month. We’ll be doing flash from this sheet for $100 each, made by the famous artist Good Time Charlie Cartwright, 1984, Wichita, Kansas.

Art at the Murray
405 S. Walnut
Art at the Murray Open Studios 5-8pm: NEW: Our Mini 2nd Floor Foyer Gallery has a breathtaking photography exhibit by Jenny Moore-Smith, scenes from Antarctica taken on Smith’s grand adventure aboard the Viking ship Octantis in January 2025. Carrie Wright welcomes you for Christmas shopping with a whole new collection of lovely silk on glass ornaments, amidst several other fine gifts. Visit Hue House down the hall to check out new art prints and fun accessories. Upstairs, Gallery Flaneur will be exhibiting Mark Sawrie's Adults-Only photographic/digital work, and Cassie Dunmyer has brand new work on display you don't want to miss.

Canan Commons
500 S. Walnut St.
Fall Family Portraits on the Canan Commons Stage! As we enter the final months of 2025, it's time to think about year-end photos. Join us to get a professional digital portrait by photographer Ty Morton, with donations welcome. Sign-up will also be available for our upcoming studio portrait sessions. All funds raised will benefit the Altrusa International Club and Altrusa Foundation of Muncie, IN. Through your support, we sponsor local grants, literacy initiatives, disaster relief and fight food insecurity.

Cornerstone Center for the Arts
520 E. Main
Join us during November First Thursday at Cornerstone for a night of the arts! Shop from local vendors and listen to live music from Nash Hammond in the Great Room. Explore (and shop) the works of local artist Stephen Millben in the Judith Barnes Gallery. Experience our Fall Celebration of belly dancing, stage combat, and fencing demos in the Heritage. All events are free and located on the 2nd floor.

Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co.
224 E. Main
Come celebrate 10 years with Carl and Barbara Schafer as owners of Gordy Fine Art and Framing from 5 to 8. Greg Pyle will be sharing his musical talents with artworks by various artists who have called Muncie home, filling the gallery. Barbara and Carl will be speaking at 6:15 pm. Refreshments will be served.

Kat’s Crystals & Curiosities
111 E Adams St
Join us from 5-8pm for our Live Geode Slicing Event! Come and witness the transformation of raw geodes into beautiful, sparkling crystals. It's a one-of-a-kind opportunity you won't want to miss! Prices start at just $5.

Muncie Public Library
301 E. Jackson
Muncie Public Library 150th Party at Carnegie Library from 5-8 pm. Free event for all ages. Stop by to get your picture in the photo booth, discover genealogy research with members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, check out photo exhibits of the library's history and a coloring table for kids to make cards for MPL, and enjoy free refreshments. America's Hometown Jazz Combo, led by Dr. George Wolfe, will perform live throughout the evening. MPL Director Alan Kornblau will make comments at 6 pm.

Later, watch the "Carnegie Lights" display outside with video animations projected onto the Carnegie Library exterior, created by BSU students in the Muncie of Muses iMade immersive learning group under the direction of Prof. Kevin Klinger. Enjoy hot cocoa and treats during the outside show courtesy of The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County.

Savage's Ale House (21+)
127 N. High
Savages will be showing the work of artist Brad Brunsman.

Information on all First Thursday events (including photographs) can also be found at

111 Arts Gallery 111 E. MainThis iconic sheet of flash measuring 5’ x 4’ will be presented for November’s First Thursday and all month. We’ll be doing flash from this sheet for $100 each, made by the famous artist Good Time Charlie Cartwright, 1984, Wichita, Kansas.Art at the Murray405 ...

10/23/2025

6th Annual Astronomy SLAM!

Saturday, Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Cost: $4 per person, refreshments included, buy tickets online at www.bsu.edu/planetarium

In this fast-paced event, Ball State students compete for the title of Astronomy Slam Champion by using planetarium visuals to present a piece of the universe to you, each with just ten minutes to shine. Suitable for adults and children aged 10 and above; all ages are welcome.

Presenters and their topics include:

Angie Schocke – Gardening & Farming with the Moon

Olivia Bishop – Weather Across the Solar System

Riley Heady – Extreme Exoplanets

Kat Motichek – Dark Matter & Energy

Last year’s champion, Wilhelmina Opferman, will serve as MC.

10/02/2025

JOIN THE HALLOWEEN FUN AT MUNCIE MALL’S SPOOKTACULAR MALLOWEEN

MUNCIE, IN (October 3, 2025) – Get ready for a night of spooky fun at Muncie Mall’s annual Malloween Celebration! Families are invited to join us on Thursday, October 31, 2025, starting at 6:00 PM, for a night of tricks, treats, and Halloween smiles.

Enjoy trick-or-treating at participating stores, free candy (while supplies last), and plenty of opportunities to show off your best costumes. This family-friendly event is free to attend, making it the perfect way to celebrate Halloween safely and in style.

“We can’t wait to welcome families back for another spooktacular Malloween at Muncie Mall,” said Rosanna Frisch, Senior Marketing Manager. “Kids will fill their buckets with candy while guests can scan QR codes around the mall for a chance to win a $100 gift card to their favorite store. It’s such a joy to see families in Muncie coming together to celebrate Halloween in a fun and safe environment."

Event Details:
Date: October 31, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM until supplies run out
Location: Muncie Mall

For more information, please email [email protected] or visit Muncie Mall’s page.

Bring your little ghouls, goblins, and superheroes, it’s going to be a frightfully good time!

10/02/2025

WRO- White River Orchestra- (formerly known as East Central Indiana Chamber Orchestra) invites readers, listeners, and dreamers of all ages to its Fall 2025 Concert Program: “Once Upon a Sound”.

This imaginative program features magical selections from the “Harry Potter“ movie series, the classic baseball story “Casey at the Bat”, bedtime favorite “Goodnight Moon”, and Broadway’s spellbinding theatrical, “Wicked”, according to WRO Conductor Isaac Denniston.

The concert locations are:
Saturday, October 11, 2025 – 2:30 PM
Northside Middle School Auditorium
2400 W Bethel Ave, Muncie, IN

Sunday, October 12, 2025 – 2:30 PM
New Castle High School Bundy Auditorium
801 Parkview Dr, New Castle, IN 47362

Plan to share one (or both!) of these family-friendly afternoons where stories sing, music casts its spell, and imaginations take flight!

Muncie Central HS Bandleader John Clark narrates, and soprano Rosie Holloway, speech therapist at Muncie Northview Elementary School, will sing soprano during the performance.

Both orchestra performances are free and open to the public.

09/24/2025

Get ready for October's ArtsWalk—a special First Thursday to discover local artists, talent, foods, and more in the heart of DWNTWN Muncie.

Explore galleries at Gordy Fine Art & Framing Company and Cornerstone Center for the Arts, enjoy the finale of DWNTWN IDOL (at 6 P.M.!), PLUS experience history like never before through augmented reality. See the former Wysor Grand Opera House, Wysor Building, and Courthouse through your phone and the exclusive AR experience in Dave's Alley — It's immersive, interactive, and only at ArtsWalk!

Contributors: IDIA Lab: The Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts at Ball State University, John Fillwalk, The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc.

See it all Thursday, Oct. 2, 5–8 PM!

Get ready for October's ArtsWalk—a special First Thursday to discover local artists, talent, foods, and more in the heart of DWNTWN Muncie. Explore galleries at Gordy Fine Art & Framing Company and Cornerstone Center for the Arts, enjoy the finale of DWNTWN IDOL (at 6 P.M.!), PLUS experie...

09/03/2025

Back-to-School Edition

09/02/2025

Charles W. Brown Planetarium
Fall 2025 Free Show Schedule
www.bsu.edu/planetarium

Journey through space and time at free public and private programs in Indiana’s largest planetarium. Check out the showtimes below, or visit the Charles W. Brown Planetarium website at www.bsu.edu/planetarium for more information, including details on our Yoga in the Planetarium experiences. Interested in scheduling a private educational visit? Request a private visit for your Ball State class or group online.

August

Magic Tree House: Space Mission
Fridays: Aug. 22, 29 at 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays: Aug. 23, 30 at 3:30 p.m.
Travel with Jack and Annie, stars of the Magic Tree House® best-selling children’s book series, as they search for answers to a mysterious riddle and meet a helpful astronomer and astronaut.
Perfect for families and groups with K through 3rd-grade learners; all ages are welcome.

Sky Skills Live
Fridays: Aug. 22, 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Aug. 23, 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a live, guided tour of the late summer night sky—featuring August's celestial highlights—using free star charts provided during the program.
Perfect for adults and ages 8+; all ages are welcome.

Birth of Planet Earth
Saturdays: Aug. 23, 30 at 5:00 p.m.
This show tells the twisted tale of our planet’s origins, and helps us explore the potential of other possible worlds like our own.
Suitable for adults and ages 10+; all ages are welcome.

September

Accidental Astronauts
Fridays: Sept. 12, 26 at 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays: Sept. 13, 27 at 3:30 p.m.
Follow the adventures of Sy, Annie, and their dog Armstrong as they embark on an unexpected journey into space!
Perfect for families and groups with K through 3rd-grade learners; all ages are welcome.

Living Worlds
Fridays: Sept. 12, 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Sept. 13, 27 at 6:30 p.m.
Join narrator Daveed Diggs on a journey through space and time to discover how life makes Earth livable, where it could be found elsewhere in the cosmos, and what new technologies might be used to find it.
Suitable for adults and ages 10+; all ages are welcome.

Dynamic Earth
Saturdays: Sept. 13, 27 at 5:00 p.m.
This cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere.
Suitable for adults and ages 12+; all ages are welcome.

October

Halloween: Celestial Origins
Fridays: Oct. 17, 24 at 5:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Oct. 18, 25 at 5:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Think Halloween is just candy and costumes? Discover its astronomical roots as a “cross-quarter day” and find out what stars and planets will light up your Halloween sky!
Suitable for adults and ages 8+; all ages are welcome.

Kitz the Cat’s SuperMoon Adventure
Saturdays: Oct. 18, 25 at 3:30 p.m.
Discover the dangers of space junk and the challenges of humanity’s Moon exploration as you follow adventurous cat astronauts on their flight to the Moon!
Best suited for families and groups with kids ages 6+; all ages are welcome.

November

Astronomy SLAM!
Saturday, Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m., tickets required
Cost: $4/person, buy tickets online
In this fast-paced event, Ball State students compete for the title of Astronomy Slam Champion by using planetarium visuals to present a piece of the universe to you—each with just ten minutes to shine. Suitable for adults and ages 10+; all ages are welcome.
Interested in being a student presenter? Fill out the presenter interest form or email [email protected] with your interest by September 14, 2025.

One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure
Fridays: Nov. 14, 21 at 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays: Nov. 15, 22 at 3:30 p.m.
Take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, find shapes in the sky, and learn about the North Star in this cross-cultural adventure with Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend Hu Hu Zhu from China. Perfect for families and groups with pre-K through 1st-grade learners; all ages are welcome.

Water Worlds Live
Fridays: Nov. 14, 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Nov. 15, 22 at 6:30 p.m.
From icy moons to craters, discover where water hides in our solar system—and what it means for life on Earth. Suitable for adults and ages 10+, with all ages welcome.

We Are Astronomers
Saturdays: Nov. 15, 22 at 5:00 p.m.
Narrated by David Tennant, this exploration delves into what astronomers do to answer the Universe's questions, featuring insights into NASA's James Webb Space Telescope and the Large Hadron Collider. Suitable for adults and ages 8+, with all ages welcome.

December

The Christmas Star
Fridays: Dec. 5, 12 at 5:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: Dec. 6, 13 at 5:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Join us for a program that explores possible natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem—from a brilliant exploding star to a passing comet and more. Suitable for adults and ages 10+; all ages are welcome.

Earth, Moon, and Sun
Saturdays: Dec. 6, 13 at 3:30 p.m.
Coyote’s many misconceptions about Earth and its neighbors spark curiosity and lead viewers to explore how the Earth, Moon, and Sun work together as a system, distinguishing myth from science. Best suited for families and groups with kids ages 8+; all ages are welcome.

Information for General Public Programs:
- The planetarium is located on the west end of the Cooper Science Building, at 2111 W. Riverside Ave. in Muncie.
- You don't need to make reservations or buy tickets unless otherwise noted. Cash donations are accepted at the door.
- Programs start promptly at the advertised time. Doors close once full or 15 minutes after showtime, and no entry is permitted after that time.
- Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. We recommend arriving early as seating is done on a first-come, first-served basis and seating is limited. We offer hands-on activities before most shows.
- Programs run approximately 50 minutes long, which includes a live sky tour.
- No food, drinks, gum, or candy are allowed in the planetarium.
- Cellphones and any electronics that emit light must be silenced or turned off and put away at the start of all programs. Please refrain from wearing light-up shoes to planetarium programs.
- Children should be accompanied by an adult.
- The planetarium and Ball State campus are tobacco-free spaces.

We greatly appreciate your support to make our programs possible.

For additional information, visit the Charles W. Brown Planetarium website at www.bsu.edu/planetarium.

Attend a free public show and see why Ball State University's planetarium is considered one of the best in the country. Groups may also reserve private showings. And the planetarium produces its own shows, which others may lease.

09/02/2025

Ivy Tech Graduates Lead New Head Start Classroom in Henry County

New on-campus classroom opens at Ivy Tech’s Henry County site, led by Ivy Tech graduates and serving local families with high-quality care.

New Castle – Ivy Tech Community College Muncie is proud to announce the launch of a new partnership with Head Start at the Henry County campus. This collaboration expands access to early childhood education while providing families with high-quality care conveniently located on campus.

“Throughout my time at Ivy Tech, I have witnessed the College’s unwavering commitment to serving our communities. The partnership with Head Start is a strong example of how we respond to community needs with thoughtful, solution-oriented collaboration. It is an honor to support initiatives that strengthen both our students and the families we serve,” said Jeannie Hamblin-Fox, Vice Chancellor for Site Administration and Completions.

The new Head Start classroom officially opened this month, welcoming 12 children with space for three more. The program recently passed its state childcare licensing inspections with no issues and will be grandfathered in at Paths to QUALITY™ Level 3—a designation that reflects its strong commitment to child development and learning.

The classroom is led by two Ivy Tech graduates: Brandy Martin, Lead Teacher, and Amber Evans (Neal), Assistant Teacher. Their expertise and passion ensure children are learning and thriving in a supportive environment.

“I feel privileged to teach in the new Head Start classroom at Ivy Tech, where I gained the skills to become a teacher. I am grateful for this opportunity and the wonderful space we’ve been given to help preschoolers learn, grow, and discover the joy of school,” said Brandy Martin.

“I started my journey at Ivy Tech as a student, where I earned my CDA and found my calling in early childhood education. Now, I’m proud to serve children and families through this unique collaboration with Head Start. Every day, I get to guide preschoolers through their first steps in education—building social skills, encouraging confidence, and celebrating milestones. Ivy Tech didn’t just prepare me for a career; it gave me the opportunity to come back and make a lasting impact in my community,” said Amber Evans.

The initiative was led by Erin Donovan, who emphasized its value to the community:
“We’re thrilled to provide such a welcoming space for children and families right here on our campus. This partnership not only supports local families but also demonstrates the incredible impact our Ivy Tech graduates are making in Henry County.”

With the program now underway, families are already experiencing the benefits of accessible, high-quality early childhood education. This partnership reflects Ivy Tech’s ongoing commitment to serving Henry County through education, workforce preparation, and community collaboration.