Muncie Magazine November 2023 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER 2023

THANK YOU VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS

MEANINGFUL MISSION

Honoring Military Veterans and Business Startups

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IN THIS ISSUE

NOVEMBER 2023

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Honoring Military Veterans and Business Startups

Kylene Kindred Is Flourishing in the Beauty Biz After Serving in the Air Force

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK CREATIVE DIRECTORS TONI EADS VAL AUSTIN COPY EDITORS JON SHOULDERS NATALIE PLATT

MEANINGFUL MISSION

MUST BE A SIGN

State Championship Sign Returns to Muncie Central High School Alumni Association Memorabilia Room After 60 Years

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WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY IN NOVEMBER

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MEANINGFUL MISSION HONORING MILITARY VETERANS AND BUSINESS STARTUPS

should be aware of. The following is from U.S. Veterans Magazine: “According to the American census, veterans own 7.5% of 5.4 While we pause this time of year to honor million businesses. The reason is simple: and celebrate the brave women and men the military teaches skills most business who have served our great nation as part of owners have to learn the hard way like selfthe military, it is important to understand sufficiency, leadership, and the ability to that securing employment or other revenue- perform under pressure. If you’ve already generating opportunities becomes an got those skills, you’ve got some of what it important part of their re-entry into civilian takes to run a successful business.” life. We are thankful for the many employers who make it part of their business’s mission FedEx, Sport Clips, Sperry, RE/MAX, to employ veterans. Walmart, GoDaddy, Nike, Amway, and Writer / Ted Baker Photography Provided

During their service, veterans may have learned skills that could be transferred to starting a business. This option is usually overlooked, but it is one that veterans

Enterprise Rent-A-Car are businesses started by military veterans. While these businesses are highly visible nationally and internationally, most veteran startups are smaller, employing fewer than five

TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2023 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / 7

employees. However, their impact is significant. 2021 U.S. Census Bureau data reveals that veteran-owned businesses had sales of over $925 billion, 3.6 million employees, and over $176 million in payroll. In Indiana, as of 2022 there are 46,785 veteran-owned businesses. Many business services and loan and grant programs are specifically for military veterans. As a department in the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Office of Veterans Business Development’s mission statement includes the following: “to provide veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses, and family members with programs and services to start grow, and

expand their small businesses.” On June 6, 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation to support veteran entrepreneurship through the Boots to Business program known as the Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2023. There are also regional and local business resources available to veterans. The regional office for the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located in the Muncie Innovation Connector, serves 11 counties with FREE business startup services, which includes working with veterans. The SBDC provides private coaching services, startyour-own-business workshops, capital and funding assistance, and more. The Innovation Connector serves veterans with one-on-one business coaching, cash-

flow projections and analysis, finance management, and assistance locating needed capital. Just like the SBDC, the Innovation Connector’s services are provided at no charge for military veterans.

this honor and validate their service to our country, but the revenue also allows these businesses to pay employees, provides a living for the veteran owner, and provides ongoing sustainability needed for the future.

Other organizations that serve the veteran business community include V-Wise (Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship), Hivers & Strivers (an angel investment group for veterans), Indiana Veteran Owned Small Business program, and many others. Needless to say, there are abundant resources to help veterans at any step on the business startup journey.

November is recognized as National Veterans and Military Families Month. Let’s be mindful to thank veterans for their service - possibly even buying their meals, paying for their car’s next fuel stop and supporting veteran-owned businesses. The United States has been protected, and we enjoy our freedoms here because of their service, sacrifice and love of our country. Let November 2023 be a reminder that we need to celebrate our veterans, not just for one month a year, but all year long.

One way that all Americans can support veteran-owned businesses is to purchase their goods and services. Not only does 8 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

To everyone who has served, thank you.

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THANK YOU

VETERANS! “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid.” - Harry S. Truman

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December 1 & 2; 5–9 p.m. Free Community Event

Kick off the holidays season with family and friends at Minnetrista. This event will feature sweet treats, winter crafts, enchanting lights, holiday entertainment and our popular Holiday Artisan Market. Embrace the sounds and spirit of the winter holidays at this free community event. Event support provided by

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PROUD VETERAN SERVING MUNCIE SINCE 1955

IT’S FALL CLEANING TIME 4 LOCATIONS

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MUST BE A SIGN

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SIGN RETURNS TO MUNCIE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEMORABILIA ROOM AFTER 60 YEARS Writer / Sheryl Swingley Photography Provided

A sign that celebrates the 1963 Muncie Central boys basketball state championship has made its way home, after 60 years and traveling more than 4,200 miles. As one of the Muncie Central High School Alumni Association Memorabilia Room’s most recent acquisitions, the sign now has a permanent home and will travel no more. The Memorabilia Room, founded and curated by the Muncie Central High School Alumni Association and supported by donations from Muncie Central alumni, supporters of Muncie Central and area organizations, is located in the southeast corner of the North Walnut Street Fieldhouse. Some visitors to the Memorabilia Room remember the space it occupies as the location of the cafeteria for students attending McKinley Junior High School, later McKinley Middle School, back in the day. The Memorabilia Room is open to the public prior to Muncie Central boys basketball

games, and by appointment. To arrange an individual or small-group tour, or a Muncie Central reunion open house, contact Steve Cartwright, a 1966 graduate of Muncie Central and vice president of the Alumni Association, as well as chairman of the Alumni Association Memorabilia Room, at scartwright2@yahoo.com, or 765-228-1505. Now, where has this celebratory sign been for more than a half century? The recovered navy blue sign - not purple, the school color of Muncie Central - measures about 4 feet by 3 feet and was originally installed at 5500 West Kilgore Avenue, which was across from what was then the Muncie Drive-In theater. The sign celebrated Central’s fifth basketball state championship. It reads, “Welcome to Muncie - Basket Ball [sic] Capital of Indiana.” TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2023 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / 11

The sign caught the eye of Don May, a 1927 graduate of Muncie Central, who had moved to California many years before the 1963 championship was won. He never forgot his Hoosier roots, however, or his Bearcat spirit. Timothy Perry, a 1964 graduate of Muncie Central, believes May was a regular subscriber to The Muncie Star, and learned about the sign as a result of a photo and story in the newspaper. May also had frequent conversations with Perry’s family and numerous other friends in the Muncie and Anderson areas. According to Perry, May wanted a duplicate sign to display at his bar and restaurant, the Leilani Hut, on Belmont Shore in Long Beach, California. Whoever was in charge of signs for the city at that time, however, said he couldn’t make a sign for May. But, if the sign went

missing, he could replace it. The sign went missing. To the knowledge of members at the Alumni Association board meeting in March when Perry and Perry’s friend, Bob Hartley, also a 1964 graduate of Muncie Central, delivered the sign to the Memorabilia Room, no one could remember the sign ever being replaced after it disappeared.

In the Memorabilia Room, visitors can explore Muncie Central Magician yearbooks and The Munsonian school newspapers - items featuring academic, music and sports achievements, historic photos, the corner stone from Muncie Central High School on South High Street, display cases full of mementos alumni have collected over the years, display cases dedicated to broadcaster Morry Mannies and super Bearcat fan, Herbie Houk, a quilt made by the class of 1958, and more.

For the next decade, the original and one-of-akind sign was displayed on the facade of May’s bar and restaurant. It was part of his marketing efforts that attracted Hoosiers and Muncie Central alumni to his establishment when they visited California. Perry describes May, who Also in the Memorabilia Room are athletic also attended Ball State University and was a uniforms worn by Rick Jones, Indiana’s Mr. university cheerleader, as “quite the promoter.” Basketball in 1963 and a 1963 graduate of Muncie Central, Ray McCallum, a 1979 Ironically, Alumni Association Vice President graduate of Muncie Central who was on the Cartwright believes he visited May’s bar and 1978 and 1979 basketball championship restaurant in the early 1970s. He doesn’t recall teams and was head coach for Ball State noticing the sign, though. University’s men’s basketball from 1993 to 2000, and Ryan Kerrigan, a 2007 graduate May sold his bar and restaurant in 1974, and of Muncie Central who played football for the name was changed to the Stock Pot. The Purdue University and in the NFL for 11 Muncie Central sign, however, wasn’t part of years. the sale and went into storage. “Alumni come by themselves, but they May, who still had the sign at the time of his usually bring their families too, to relive their death in 1996, left it to his son, David May. favorite high school memories,” Cartwright May’s grandson, Darin May, became the next says. “Families pose for pictures next to keeper of the sign. Out of curiosity, Perry took team photos, hold trophies they were part of on the responsibility of tracking down the sign winning for the school, and learn more about and retrieving it from May’s grandson. the storied history of Muncie Central High School, which was Muncie’s first high school Again, May maintained his Muncie and opened in 1867.” connections, and probably the last time he was in Muncie was for his 65th Muncie Central Alumni and family members of alumni High School reunion in 1992. May’s grandson may make arrangements to donate items believes the reunion was at the Roberts Hotel. to the Muncie Central Alumni Association He recalls that his grandfather played the Memorabilia Room by contacting Cartwright. piano for the nine alumni who attended the reunion. In addition, work is underway to create a memorabilia room for Muncie’s two other The Muncie Central Alumni Association is a high schools, which are now closed. People 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The Alumni Association with Muncie Southside High School and Memorabilia Room was unveiled on February Muncie Northside High School memorabilia 21, 2004, during the basketball game that should contact Rachel Young, administrative commemorated the 50-year anniversary of assistant to the associate superintendent the Milan-Muncie Central state basketball of Muncie Community Schools, at rachel. championship game. young@muncieschools.org, or Chuck Reynolds, associate superintendent of Muncie 12 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

Community Schools at chuck.reynolds@ muncieschools.org. The Muncie Central Alumni Association also supports scholarships for Muncie Central students and a Muncie Central student assistance program, as well as Muncie Central teacher grants, and its distinguished alumni awards through memberships in the Muncie Central Alumni Association and donations to the association. To learn more about the efforts of the Muncie Central Alumni Association, visit munciecentralalumniassociation.com. The Alumni Association’s Facebook group is called Muncie Central High School Alumni Association. Retired Muncie Central teacher Kay Rankin, who also is a member of the Alumni Association board, moderates the group. Muncie Central graduates and nonalumni interested in supporting Muncie Central may obtain a membership form from munciecentralalumniassociation. com. Membership forms and donations may be mailed to: Muncie Central Alumni Association, 6604 W. Talamore Court, Yorktown, IN 47396. Checks or money orders should be made payable to: MCHS Alumni Association. A notable member of the Muncie Central Alumni Association is Bobby Plump, the Milan High School player who hit the basket that helped the small school defeat Muncie Central, the basketball giant, in 1954 for the state basketball championship.

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HE’S ON THE JOB

MUNCIE MAN CREATES DIGITAL PLATFORM TO DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND EMPOWER LOCAL BUSINESSES Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Dylan Senkus

One of the first questions Rex Powers is asked when people learn that he worked in explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) during his military career is, “Do you still have all your fingers?” The answer is yes. He has much more than that, thanks to his years spent in both the Air Force and the Army. “I loved the military,” says Powers, the oldest of five kids, who enlisted in the Air Force in 1973. Initially, he wanted to go into pararescue, but he cross-trained in EOD, and his primary military profession became disarming explosive devices and bomb disposal. After the Air Force, he joined the Army Reserve for 15 years. “As I got older, it was more difficult to keep up

with the young kids,” he says. He did, however, stay involved with many veteran initiatives. For instance, he’s working on building out a digital platform for Corvette enthusiasts who support veterans. Eight years ago, Powers, 71, began playing around in the domain world as an investor and purchased a lot of domains, including letsgolive. He started trending in the live content world the day Facebook Live went live. “I said, ‘This is a game changer,’ ” Powers says. “It was and continues to be.” An innovative growth strategist, his passion is to help businesses, particularly nonprofits, grow. “Nonprofits tend to be driven by purpose, TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2023 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / 17

as they should be, but they often fail because it takes money to do good things,” says Powers, who lived in Arizona for several years but moved back to Indiana with his wife, Barb, in November 2022. He now owns Muncie Digital Media, a community-centric ecosystem that allows people to engage on their own terms with like-minded people. Muncie Digital focuses on what is specific to the community. By leveraging digital ways to reach more people and create more opportunities for job training programs, Powers hopes to create career pathways for veterans. “You have to figure out where the dots are before you can actually think about how to connect them,” Powers says. “This has been a matter of identifying lots of dots in the Muncie market.”

Powers has made a living helping people find their career paths. As an executive recruiter, through the years he built four recruitment companies. In fact, he’s the only recruiter who has placed 1,463 individuals over a 40-year career at a 1.6-to-1 interview-to-hire ratio. This is because he does his due diligence and gets to know all about the company. “Muncie Digital is about building a website that brings value to the community,” Powers says. “For instance, with Muncie Jobs Today we can come in and do a live job fair with Muncie employees. With Muncie Mayor Live, the mayor will have his own talk show. This all can be replicated in places like Carmel and Westfield, but we’re starting here.” As for veteran initiatives, they will always be front and center in Powers’ life. “I’m a very pro-military person,” he says. “I’ll do anything to help a veteran.” For more information, visit munciedigital.com.

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Aiming High KYLENE KINDRED IS FLOURISHING IN THE BEAUTY BIZ AFTER SERVING IN THE AIR FORCE Writer / Aimee MacArthur Photographer / Dylan Senkus

Muncie business owner Kylene Kindred, owner of Kylene Kindred House of Beauty, is not afraid of adventure, or a challenge. She continually pushes herself to aim high to reach her goals. After earning her cosmetology license, Kindred enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. She says she did not enlist out of high school as many people do. “I decided to go into the Air Force because really I just wanted to see what I was capable of, and do something important,” Kindred says. “To be really honest, I just wanted to do something that I thought would make my dad proud.” Growing up, Kindred helped her dad work on cars. “When I went in the Air Force I decided to be a jet mechanic, because I thought that would be pretty cool,” she says. She was first stationed at Hulburt Field in Florida, which, at the time, was a special-operations base. Kindred worked on C-130s, military transport aircraft and MH-53s, a search-and-

TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2023 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / 19

rescue helicopter.

near her dad and family in Muncie.

color this fall and winter.

While Kindred was in the Air Force, there was a scarcity of female jet mechanics. “I think on the flight line, I might see one other female, maybe once a week, if that,” she says.

She then settled into life in Muncie, and worked hard on building a hair clientele. In a short time she also checked off one of her goals - homeownership.

She was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, from October 2003 to February 2004. Kindred says there was constant danger, including ground attacks, while she was working on the flight line. She is humble about her service, and instead touts the heroism of those who put their lives on the line to ensure Kindred and other mechanics were safe while working on the flight line.

Kindred also had dreams of owning her own salon and was able to purchase a building in Muncie. She says it took about a year to renovate the building. She is grateful to her twin brother, Isaiah, who worked tirelessly on the renovations. She says she and Isaiah worked together every day for a year to renovate the building. Kindred says she is also thankful for Liv Messer of Liv Creative, who helped with marketing and photo shoots.

“Cowboy copper is this gorgeous copper red, and it is very rich and luxurious,” she says. “There are different tones of it. You can have a cooler tone or you can have a warmer tone. The trend is so absolutely gorgeous. I am so on board with it.”

Kindred was a senior airman and served six years in the Air Force. She loved her time serving the country. “I wouldn’t have changed it for the world,” Kindred says. When asked about her time in the military, she misses the experience of being together with her fellow service members. “The camaraderie from the military - I don’t know if it can ever be matched,” Kindred says.

Kylene Kindred House of Beauty had its grand opening in November 2022. It is a fullservice salon offering hair services, facials, lash extensions, waxing and more. The salon’s specialty is high-quality hair extensions. Kindred has her own line of hair extensions, and spent years working on her expert technique and meeting with manufacturers in Hong Kong to craft exquisite hair extensions. She admits it was hard to go back to civilian life They are so popular that she sells them to when she finished her military service in 2009. other salons. “I felt like I spoke a foreign language,” she says. “Everything was different. I’d had my daughter. “I was having a hard time finding very high She was 3 at the time. It was kind of a struggle quality,” Kindred says. “What makes these hair becoming a civilian. I’m not going to lie. It was extensions very special is that they last up to a hard transition, especially as a single parent.” two years, where most last six months.” «Then I went to San Diego and lived there for quite a while,” she continues. “I got a degree in fashion design. I’ve always loved to sew. I ended up working for Gibson & Barnes, and I got to create stuff for NASA, NASCAR, the Navy and the Army. We did flight suits for the Blue Angels, which was so cool.” During Kindred’s time in the Air Force, she worked on the Blue Angels’ aircraft. Kindred moved from San Diego to Las Vegas, and after living there for a few years, she and her daughter, Alex, went back to Muncie to visit family.

While some people may see hair extensions as a luxury, they can be a game changer, even transformative, especially to those who want a new look or are dealing with thinning hair. “I have a client whose hair got thinner because of medication,” Kindred says. “It really made her confidence take a big dive. I put these extensions in her hair and when I turned her around, she cried. From that moment, her health started getting better and she was more confident. It changed her life.”

Clients travel from Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Illinois and Ohio to get hair extensions and glam hair worthy of any magazine cover. “We were planning on helping my dad because Kindred says she and her talented staff, her he was physically going through some stuff,” “dream team,” can give anyone beautiful and she says. “We didn’t know what was going on luxurious hair. She keeps up with the latest yet, but we knew he needed some help.” trends and tries to bring a bit of West Coast style to the salon. Kindred says Alex decided she wanted them to stay and live in Muncie. Kindred loves being Kindred says cowboy copper is the go-to hair 20 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

Kindred believes bangs are here to stay, as well as hair with lots of layers, volume and bounce. She also predicts curly hair will be all the rage. She offers a line of curly hair extensions for those who want beautiful curls without all the work. Kindred sees big things ahead for the salon. “I want us to grow,” she says. “I want the community to know we’re here. We really cater to our clients. We celebrate women here - our moms, our nurses, our teachers, everybody. I just absolutely love uplifting the women in our community.” Kindred is a proud mom. Alex is a student in the architecture program at Ball State. Kindred earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology, and is in a clinical mental health counseling graduate program at Ball State. She plans to earn her doctorate degree, and thinks it’s wonderful that she and Alex both attend Ball State. Kindred incorporates much of what she learned in the military and applies it to her daily life. “In the military, in the Air Force, we have three core values: service before self, integrity in everything you do, and excellence,” she says. She tries to regularly help her staff by supporting them mentally and physically. Kindred and her staff go to the gym before the start of every workday. Being there for her staff and the community is something near and dear to Kindred’s heart. Kindred says she still can’t believe she’s a business owner, and she is proud of all her hard work and accomplishments, and those who supported her along the way. “A dream coming to fruition after 20-some years is a big deal,” she says. “I think when we’re all supporting one another, everybody wins.” Kylene Kindred House of Beauty is located in Muncie at 201 East Centennial Avenue. To book an appointment, call 765-587-4036 or visit vagaro.com/kylenekindred. Also visit them on Instagram and Facebook.

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When Arminda “Mindy” Vaught was released from prison after her 14-month sentence, she was not sure what she was going to do. She returned home and knew she had to find a job. Serving 14 months on a felony charge meant her options were limited. After speaking with the Delaware County Probation Office, she was referred to Ivy Tech Community College’s WorkMatters program.

“I thought I’d be getting a job at a factory that I didn’t have any other options,” Vaught says. “I came out with hope and a future.” “Mindy came into my office looking for a hand up,” says Stacy Bell, WorkMatters liaison. “She already had some college credits from courses she took while in prison, so I suggested returning to school in something she enjoyed. The goal is to find a better investment of time for the student. For Mindy, that was going back to school for business administration.” Ivy Tech’s WorkMatters program is designed to create innovative initiatives to help support, educate and grow Muncie’s local workforce, to support local employers. As a part of WorkMatters, the justice-involved initiative was born from several employers desiring a solution to a workforce shortage.

TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2023 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / 21

Students working with the WorkMatters program gain education and employment, to help reduce the recidivism rates in Delaware and Henry counties. It has been expanded to support citizens throughout the community, providing the help needed to make a meaningful change in their futures. The program involves education and placement with local employers. “I have not been proud of myself in a long time,” Vaught says. “My two kids see me doing my homework and they know how important education is. My fiancé, Keith, his parents, my parents, my sister and best friend, Tia, my brother, and all my extended family have been very supportive of me. I’m proud of myself now, and knowing that my family is proud of me has given me the courage to keep going.” WorkMatters supports students mentally,

emotionally and sometimes financially. While Ivy Tech provides digital textbooks as part of the cost of tuition, Vaught had a difficult time focusing on them. She mentioned the issue to Bell, who found a way to ensure that she had physical textbooks for her classes. “We want to make sure our students are successful,” Bell says. “Sometimes that means helping them with class materials, tuition costs and other necessities. Ivy Tech’s departments work together to support our students.” Ivy Tech’s stackable credentials provided Vaught with the short-term goals she needed

to focus and be successful in her academic journey. Vaught will earn her certificate in October and technical certificate in December. She will be on track to the last 29 credit hours needed for her associate’s degree in applied science in business administration.

majors. She plans to go into accounting for small businesses and tax preparation after earning her degree. She earned a 4.0 GPA in the fall of 2022 and spring of 2023, and was on the Dean’s List in the spring and summer semesters.

“Getting out of prison, you feel like everyone is looking at you,” Vaught says. “It’s like they see your criminal history and judge you. I had to leave stores because of the anxiety it caused. Ivy Tech doesn’t feel like that.”

“Don’t limit yourself,” Vaught says. “You’re worth it. These days, you need an education.”

Vaught has joined the Alpha Upsilon Lambda chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, a national honor society for two-year colleges, and Kappa Beta Delta, an honor society for business

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To learn more about the WorkMatters program, visit ivytech.edu or email askmuncie@ivytech.edu.

Well-Drawn Concept LOCAL VETERAN OPENS SIGNATURE ROSE TATTOO STUDIO Writer & Photographer / David Fennig

Daniel Stewart has over 30 years of tattooing experience, having started out as a teen with a friend whose dad was a professional tattoo artist. “I always had a drawing tablet with me,” says Stewart, whose love of art let him find work designing tattoos and eventually creating the tattoos himself.

But even as a very young man, he knew that he would have a career in the military. “I come from a military family, where my dad had served and many uncles had served, and my grandpa was in the Marines, so I thought, ‘This is probably a good route for me,’” says Stewart, who enlisted in the Army when he was still 17. “I signed up as a combat medic and a medical laboratory technician.” All through his high school years, he knew he wanted to work in the medical field. Military TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2023 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / 23

service gave him that, as well as experience working alongside people from all walks of life. It also trained him in many skills that later would allow him to leverage his talents into his business. “It really opened my eyes to a bigger world out there,” he says. “I wanted to be a lifer.” However, a career in the Army wasn’t in store for Stewart. “I got out on a medical,” he says. “Both of my knees were wrecked.” He started to look for other work.

Building up a tattoo clientele takes a long time, and it took several years for him to become established before he could start hosting other artists, taking on apprentices and touring internationally as an artist. Stewart owned and operated the Lucky Rabbit tattoo studio, a Muncie icon, for 20 years, and this year he founded Signature Rose. “I’ve always wanted a signature studio,” he says. Signature Rose is a new, sleek and comfortable location well-suited for hosting, and Stewart works hard to make sure that the entire experience for his clients is as

enjoyable as possible. “The learning curve just doesn’t end,” he says. “You’re constantly picking up a book and becoming a better business owner.” Stewart says he is now learning how to incorporate changes in technology, including artificial intelligence, to keep up with the growing and evolving marketplace. He combines a thirst for information with the personal touch of an artist and the invested attitude of a business owner, to create a comforting and efficient environment. “Their experience matters here,” says Stewart

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of his clients. “I want them to relax and be comfortable in this space.” Many of his clients bring in family members to get their first tattoos with Stewart, or come to him for cover-ups of tattoos, which he reworks into new art pieces. He specializes in big pieces and photorealistic black-andwhite work, and above all he specializes in prioritizing his customers’ well-being. Signature Rose is located at 1907 West Royale Drive in Muncie. Learn more at signaturerose.art, or by following Signature Rose on Instagram.

LET US SALUTE YOU THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

CALLING ALL VETERANS & MEMBERS OF THE ARMED SERVICES Muncie Civic Theatre invites you to be honored on stage during their production of White Christmas. Just as in the movie, soldiers attend a holiday musical. You will be escorted on stage towards the end of the show, your name and service will be read from stage and then you will return to your seat. No public speaking and no preparation needed. Uniforms of any sort are welcome, but not required.

RSVP for complimentary tickets for you and a guest on your chosen date at: tickets@munciecivic.org TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2023 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / 25

December 8-23

What’s Happening IN OUR COMMUNITY IN NOVEMBER THROUGH DECEMBER 31 Turtle Travels Turtles may seem slow, but they are expert travelers. Whether traveling thousands of miles or hundreds of yards, all turtles and tortoises face hazards along the way. You can help these reptiles survive and migrate safely! Play Turtle Migration in a giant board game, see how shell shapes suit different lifestyles and habitats, design a turtle-friendly housing development, and so much more! Various days/times. Minnetrista. minnetrista.net.

1874 when President Ulysses S. Grant and First Lady Julia Grant hosted King Kalakaua of Hawaii. The guest lists, menus and entertainment all have interesting stories. RSVP required. bsu.edu/ebball. NOVEMBER 2 First Thursday ArtsWalk Check out the new exhibits and maker booths at downtown spots. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free. Downtown Muncie. downtownmuncie.org.

Ball State Symphony Orchestra The Ball State Symphony Orchestra is a flagship ensemble of the School of THROUGH DECEMBER Music that performs orchestral music from a wide variety of backgrounds 31 and time periods. Program to include Brain: The World Inside Your Head music by Joseph Bologne, Johannes This interactive exhibit at Minnetrista Brahms, Gustav Mahler and Maurice Ravel. 7:30 p.m. Sursa Performance will take you inside the brain. Designed to appeal to audiences of all Hall, Ball State University. bsu.edu. ages, and brains. Various days/times. Las Cafeteras Minnetrista. minnetrista.net. Las Cafeteras, from East Los Angeles, California, has developed a genreNOVEMBER 1 bending sound and electric live performance, infusing lyrically rich History of Breaking Bread storytelling with the purpose of at the White House sharing the hidden stories of migrant State dinners are considered one of life in Los Angeles. Las Cafeteras the grandest and most glamorous events held at the White House, and were inspired not only from Mexican they represent examples of goodwill music, but also from rock, reggae, hiphop and Motown. Through music, and influence between the United States and other nations. The dinners Las Cafeteras are trying to help build a world where many worlds fit. 7:30 have a long history dating back to 26 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

p.m. Pruis Hall, Ball State University. bsu.edu. Stitched Button Notebooks Learn to stitch and embellish unique notebooks using ephemera, stamps, waxed linen cording, and upcycled materials. These make lovely gifts that you can make in batches! 6 p.m. $5 per person. Madjax Maker Force. madjax.org. NOVEMBER 3-5 The Lion King Jr. Muncie Civic Theatre’s Youth Encore program presents the timeless Disney tale based on the Broadway production. Various times. Pruis Hall, Ball State University. munciecivic.org. NOVEMBER 4 University Choral Union, Cardinal Chorus and Vox Anima Under the direction of Andrew Crow, Kerry Glann and Mark Statler, the Ball State choirs present a series of concerts each year featuring a wide range of music from around the world and across the centuries. 7:30 p.m. Sursa Performance Hall, Ball State University. bsu.edu. Sub & Stitch Ornaments Create your own custom photo ornament! Learn how to sublimate print a photo onto fabric, and then learn basic embroidery stitches

and techniques to embellish and creatively adorn favorite photos. 1 p.m. $5 per person. Madjax Maker Force. madjax.org.

NOVEMBER 11

A total solar eclipse is a spectacular event, and it is never too early to start planning for one. Come learn Orchestra Indiana: Classical how solar and lunar eclipses happen, Mystery Tour and about scientific discoveries that Original cast members of Broadway NOVEMBER 10 have been supported by total solar sensation “Beatlemania” join eclipses. This show also uses beautiful Orchestra Indiana for a tribute to Destination Mars Planetarium visuals to explore the historical and the Fab Four. Enjoy all your favorite Show cultural view of eclipses, and explains Beatles hits including “Yesterday,” Ever wonder what it would be like to “Help” and “Love Me Do” performed how to safely see these awe-inspiring fly to Mars? NASA - and others - have by musicians who look and sound sights. 3:30 p.m. Other days and their sights set on the red planet and like John, Paul, George and Ringo. times offered. Free. Charles W. Brown they are building the technology to Planetarium, Ball State University. 7:30 p.m. Emens Auditorium, Ball get us there! Explore the work being State University. bsu.edu/emens. bsu.edu/planetarium. done around the globe to help make the dream of getting humans to Mars Eclipse: The Sun Revealed Dynamic Earth Planetarium Show a reality. 6:30 p.m. Other days and Dynamic Earth explores the inner Planetarium Show times offered. Free. Charles W. Brown There will be a total solar eclipse workings of Earth’s great life support Planetarium, Ball State University. visible from Muncie on April 8, 2024, system - the global climate. Audiences bsu.edu/planetarium. will ride along on swirling ocean and and a partial solar eclipse visible wind currents, dive into the heart of from Muncie on October 14, 2023. A Team Concessions has been making delicious Cardinal Corn for years! It can be found at any BSU sporting event!

You can also special order different sizes! Great for gifts, party favors, business marketing and family movie night!

765-702-7188

TheATeamConcessions@gmail.com A Team Concessions

@theateamconcessions TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2023 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / 27

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a monster hurricane, come face to face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes. 5 p.m. Other days and times offered. Free. Charles W. Brown Planetarium, Ball State University. bsu.edu/ planetarium. Custom Rubber Stamps Design and create your very own custom monogram or image rubber stamp using the Glowforge laser cutter. 1 p.m. $5 per person. Madjax Maker Force. madjax.org.

of Jodi Cotton-Street, the ensemble kicks off the season with its annual fall concert featuring songs of faith, hope, laughter and love. 3 p.m. Emens Auditorium, Ball State University. bsu.edu/emens. NOVEMBER 18

Ball State Football The Cardinals take on Kent State at Scheumann Stadium. Don’t forget Charlie Town before the game at the Alumni Center - fun family activities, music from DJ Swan, and a pep rally NOVEMBER 12 featuring the Ball State cheerleaders, the Pride of Mid-America Marching University Singers Band, and the Code Red Dancers to The University Singers ensemble, also pump you up an hour before kickoff. known as “Indiana’s Official Goodwill ballstatesports.com. Ambassadors,” celebrates its 59th season this year! Under the direction

Show your support for our Veterans and Service Members LEGGINGS | DRESSES | TOPS | BOTTOMS | ACCESSORIES

www.whimsies.shop 4205 N. Wheeling Ave., Muncie IN 47304 28 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

NOVEMBER 18-19 Fall Opera Come see Ball State Opera Theatre’s fall production of Copland’s “The Tender Land.” 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Emens Auditorium. bsu.edu/emens. NOVEMBER 19 Muncie Indiana Exotic Pet Expo Looking for a new pet? How about a tropical plant? You will find it all at this expo! 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Delaware County Fairgrounds. delawarecountyfair.net. NOVEMBER 24-26 White Christmas Join Muncie Civic Theatre this

holiday season for “White Christmas” on the theater’s main stage. Based on the classic Irving Berlin film starring Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney and Danny Kaye. Create a holiday memory with your whole family. Various times. Muncie Civic Theatre. munciecivic.org NOVEMBER 25 Ball State Football The Cardinals take on Miami at Scheumann Stadium. Don’t forget Charlie Town before the game at the Alumni Center - fun family activities,

music from DJ Swan, and a pep rally featuring the Ball State cheerleaders, the Pride of Mid-America Marching Band, and the Code Red Dancers to pump you up an hour before kickoff. ballstatesports.com. Gobble Wobble & Small Business Saturday Celebrate a successful Thanksgiving feast with a pub and eatery crawl through DWNTWN - all while supporting local business on Small Business Saturday. Be one of the first to complete the crawl and receive a DWNTWN gift. 8

a.m. to 10 p.m. Various locations. downtownmuncie.org. NOVEMBER 27 & 29 Ceramic Holiday Ornaments Create and sculpt your own custom ceramic holiday ornaments made from clay. 6 p.m. $10 per person. Madjax Maker Force. madjax.org.

CALENDAR PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AT BALL STATE UNIVERSITY. BSU.EDU/COMMUNITYENGAGEMENT.

Land of the free, because of the brave. Thank you veterans for your sacrifice.

765-702-3534 www.juliannbarnesdesigns.com juliannbarnesdesigns@gmail.com TownePost.com / NOVEMBER 2023 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / 29

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Gaddis Automotive would like to send a special thanks to our veterans for your unwavering dedication, sacrifice, and service. Your bravery protects our freedoms and inspires us all. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to our nation.

#U.S.VeteransDay

765-289-2361 | 1717 Wheeling Ave. Muncie, IN 47303 32 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / NOVEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com