Muncie Magazine January 2024 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

Don’t Out Live Your Money Asset Consulting & Safe Money Solutions, Inc. Strives to Take the Stress Out of Investment Planning

Home Away From Home Newly Remodeled Muncie Delaware County Senior Citizens Center Is a Valuable Resource for Locals 55 and Older

NEXT FOUR YEARS CITY LEADERS RESOLVE TO MAKE MUNCIE AN EVEN BETTER PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY

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HOME AWAY FROM HOME

DON’T OUT LIVE YOUR MONEY

Asset Consulting & Safe Money Solutions, Inc. Strives to Take the Stress Out of Investment Planning

ADVENTURES AWAIT

Jerry and Ann Winans Operate Two Travel Companies Serving Muncie and Central Indiana

SENIOR ORGANIZING PROS

JANUARY 2024

Newly Remodeled Muncie Delaware County Senior Citizens Center Is a Valuable Resource for Locals 55 and Older

Seniors Can Opt to Right-Size Instead of Downsize to Stay in Their Current Homes

ESTATE PLANNING

Laying Out Your Legacy /MUNCIEMAGAZINE

4 | January 2024 | TownePost.com

PUBLISHER JEFF HERN jeff@townepost.com 317.796.0912 KEY CONTRIBUTORS TOM BRITT CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING DYLAN SENKUS AIMEE MACARTHUR JERRY WINANS

MUNCIE

Our 2024 Resolutions

JANUARY EVENTS

THE POWER OF PRINT

How the Local Magazine Niche is Thriving in a Digital Media World

MUNCIE

Year in Review

MEET IVY TECH’S 2023 DIFFERENCE MAKERS /MUNCIEMAGAZINE

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com 317.496.3599 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com 317.810.0011 PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: 317-810-0011 FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT FRANCHISING.TOWNEPOST.COM CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?

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DON’T OUT LIVE YOUR MONEY ASSET CONSULTING & SAFE MONEY SOLUTIONS, INC. STRIVES TO TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF INVESTMENT PLANNING Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Dylan Senkus

Often when people think about investment planning, corporations like Charles Schwab and Edward Jones come to mind. Living for retirement, however, is a different thing altogether. “Those companies are more growth, growth, growth, risk, risk, risk,” says Jeshua Morgan, president of Asset Consulting & Safe Money Solutions, Inc. “There’s nothing wrong with that, but there comes a point in life when you have to preserve.” Morgan, a lifetime income advisor and federal benefits specialist, speaks to a lot of individuals who have accumulated 401(k) funds throughout their careers. These accounts have mutual funds tied to them, which can be loaded with fees. According to Morgan, the average

couple with combined 401(k) accounts pays an average of $150,000 in fees over a 30-year period. “People don’t look so they don’t know,” says Morgan, who uses entities to stop stock-market loss. He says that by moving your money over to these entities, when the market goes down, your money stays put. You may not make a whole lot that year if the market tanks, but you won’t lose anything, either. You get to pick back up where you left off the next year when the market rebounds, as opposed to the individual who has their money in the market and has to start from the bottom. “Part of safety is eliminating the fees and preserving your nest egg from stock-market losses,” says Morgan. “We stop the bleeding.” TownePost.com | January 2024 | 7

Morgan notes that there are “paychecks” and “play checks.”

years ago now doubles for health care costs,” says Morgan.

“You can keep your fun funds in the market, but it’s wise to diversify your portfolio a bit,” he says.

You may have worked with a financial advisor in the past, but now that you’ve gotten older, your focus has shifted not on building monetary growth but on creating legacy.

If you don’t want the risk anymore, Morgan suggests rolling your money into a fixed-index annuity. It’s tied to an index like the S&P 500 or the Dow, but it’s not in the market. By preserving your assets, you never lose a penny no matter what the market does. “It’s like dipping your toes into a lake but not fully submerging yourself,” says Morgan. “You get to enjoy the beauty of the lake without having to jump in and risk getting eaten by an alligator.” Morgan explains that a 401(k) cannot be set up to generate the same amount of predictable monthly income, because that balance is going to fluctuate. If, however, you use a fixed index annuity, you’re paid an income for the rest of your life no matter what happens to the market or your balance. If there’s no more money in that account, you’re still paid for the rest of your life. A lot of these annuities have long-term care riders built into them as well, so the income would double in the event that someone cares for you in your home. “The income you generate from that money that you rolled over

8 | January 2024 | TownePost.com

“You may be nervous that you’re going to lose all you’ve gained through the years,” says Morgan, who takes the time to educate you, listen to your questions, then show you, step by step, what he can do to eliminate your concerns. “There are two types of people in the world: the informed and uninformed,” says Morgan. “You’ve been programmed 401(k), 401(k), 401(k), but you don’t know that a 401(k) isn’t going to help you with a nursing home.” Plus, there are tax considerations with 401(k) accounts. When left to children, they lose a third of it right away. Fixed-index annuities don’t go through probate, nor does life insurance. You can also set up tax-free charitable trusts through which income goes directly to a charity every month. According to Morgan, 10,000 people per day turn 65, and that will continue over the next eight to 10 years. With the average woman living to be 85 and the average man 82, one out of four people will need

to seek some sort of long-term care in the latter years of life. “Do you have enough money to stretch out that long?” asks Morgan, who also helps clients with their Medicare options. The old-school way of thinking about longterm care was paying a monthly premium, and in exchange, if you had to go to a nursing home, you were told, “This is how much money per day you’ll get from the insurance policy.” Say it was $100 per day or $3,000 per month. But what if you passed away and don’t use that plan after having paid on it for 10 years? Well, the money went away. Now if you have an old CD that’s sitting around or a bunch of cash in the bank, you can reposition it so that if you had to go to a nursing home, that balance you put in now triples to nursing home care. If you died and never use the plan, your family gets a death benefit from that policy. As long as you’re using the money for long-term care, the government allows you to spread those taxes out over many years instead of paying the taxes all at once to cover for your nursing home care. Morgan notes that all of that money is fully liquid in these plans so if something were to happen and the money is not needed, it can be pulled back out. “In essence, you’re taking money from your right pocket, not handing it to anybody but just relocating it to your left pocket,” he says. “You’re reallocating your assets.”

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When Morgan offers a seminar like the Financial Retirement 101 class he’s teaching at the Anderson University extension in Noblesville, some attendees initially question his motive. Their heads tilt to the side and they squint their eyes. Morgan says, “I know what you’re thinking. How does this guy get paid? Don’t worry. You don’t pay me. I get paid by the insurance companies.” He assures them that he’s not there to take their money, but rather to help them.

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ADVENTURES AWAIT JERRY AND ANN WINANS OPERATE TWO TRAVEL COMPANIES SERVING MUNCIE AND CENTRAL INDIANA Writer / Jerry Winans Photography Provided

Travelers in Muncie and central Indiana now have several friends in the travel business to plan U.S. and worldwide vacations, or one-day bus trips in the Indiana region. Jerry and Ann Winans co-own a Cruise Planners travel agency franchise located in Muncie, together with their associate, Jean Gaha, in Lebanon. In 2023 clients voted it the best travel agency, which earned them a gold medal from Muncie’s Quest for the Best competition.

“The Cruise Planners name might make people think that’s all we do,” Jerry says. “Yes, we can book ocean and river cruises on every major cruise line, and we also book all-inclusive resorts, hotels, rental cars and more. I’ve even booked a couple who asked to stay in a haunted hotel in Deadwood, South Dakota.”

them to Alabama, Texas, Colorado, Ohio, Germany and Italy, with side trips to England, Poland and the Czech Republic. After retiring from the military, he worked as a human resources director in Georgia, Ohio and Indiana. Ann works at Taylor University as a data systems analyst in the information technology department.

A Kansas native, Jerry came to Indiana as a newly minted U.S. Air Force officer on his first assignment to Grissom Air Force base. He met and married Ann, an Indiana native and Ball State graduate working as a middle school math teacher in Fort Wayne. His Air Force career took

“After working 10 years in HR at Ball State, we started our travel agency in January 2020, just in time for the COVID shutdown,” Jerry says. “We’re serving Muncie and central Indiana clients. We’ve helped couples and families travel to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, and overseas TownePost.com | January 2024 | 11

to London and Paris,” Winans says. “My business cell phone ringtone is the ‘Love Boat’ TV show theme. At night the phone is next to my bed, so if a client is traveling and needs help at 2 a.m., I pick up. Try that if you self-book with 1-800-GoCheapo!” In spring 2024 Ann will launch a new company, Hoosier Boomerang Travelers, offering one-day, motor-coach bus trips within Indiana, western Ohio and northern Kentucky. “We were repeatedly asked for affordable same-day trips,” Ann says. “Some people don’t like to drive 12 | January 2024 | TownePost.com

or are on fixed incomes, but still want to travel with friends. Some don’t like being away from home on long trips. They like sleeping in their own bed.” The group is not just for “boomers” - the name playfully reminds customers that a boomerang goes out and quickly returns. The 2024 schedule is being developed. “We want to offer a variety of trips shopping, sightseeing, matinee theater shows with lunch, military museums, and who knows, maybe a mystery trip,” Jerry says.

Interested travelers can join the “Hoosier Boomerang Travelers” Facebook group to make destination suggestions and be notified of future trips. “We encourage clubs and adult church groups to join us and spread the word,” Jerry says. Both travel businesses are located in Country Village near Muncie. Contact your friends in travel by calling 765-2733351 or 317-606-3663, or by visiting smarttravel.agency.

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SENIOR ORGANIZING PROS SENIORS CAN OPT TO RIGHT-SIZE INSTEAD OF DOWNSIZE TO STAY IN THEIR CURRENT HOMES Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Dylan Senkus

We hear all the time about decluttering to downsize, but there’s a whole segment of the population who has no interest in leaving their homes. Many seniors who still enjoy good health would like to continue living at home. There are, however, some changes that should be made for this demographic, and it involves “right-sizing” their dwellings. Right-sizing may involve eliminating certain items that could prove to be safety hazards, such as area rugs. It could also include creating a clear pathway for medical equipment such as wheelchairs or walkers. It also means purging the house of grown kids’ stuff since they no longer live there. “It’s just about making it right for you to age in place,” says Sherry Brown, senior move manager and professional organizer. Brown has found that often it’s easier for seniors to take advice from her than from their children, who may be nagging them to get rid of tripping hazards like braided rugs. “When I tell them that the number-one reason people have to leave their homes is because they break a hip and can no longer navigate their house, their tune changes,” Brown says. “They’re like, ‘You mean I can stay here if I get rid of my rugs?’” The rugs are definitely a start. Brown also helps seniors with retrofitting their bathrooms to make them handicap TownePost.com | January 2024 | 15

accessible, since a lot of these houses were built decades ago and don’t have wide doorways or walk-in showers. Brown works with contractors to help navigate necessary remodels, whether it be installing a high-rise toilet or a grab bar. While some seniors push back on spending, Brown reminds them that it’s a lot less expensive to remodel a bathroom than to pay for assisted living. “Once you move into some sort of retirement community, you usually don’t leave,” she says. This is because folks typically transition from independent living to assisted living to skilled care, as they age. “Those places are pricey so if someone can still cook, drive and take care of themselves, I think it’s wise to right-size to stay home,” says Brown, who began her career as a professional organizer and quickly learned that her target

16 | January 2024 | TownePost.com

audience was seniors because they have accumulated a good deal of stuff. “Generationally, older people hold onto things because they feel they might need it,” says Brown, who is affiliated with the National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers. Much of her work often involves “first-level living,”and she makes sure that everything a resident needs is accessible on the first floor so they don’t have to navigate stairs. “With seniors, I’m not going to come in with color-coded bins,” Brown says. “We need to simplify their lives.” It’s not unusual, when decluttering a senior’s home, to come across 16 pairs of scissors or a dozen nail files. Her job as a right-sizing specialist is to thin out the unnecessary clutter and eliminate items that are broken, worn out or no longer wanted. For nostalgic pieces that take up space, Brown suggests trade-offs to make letting go easier. For instance,

if folks have their wedding photos, she encourages them to donate their gown to charity. She also recently worked with a family who struggled to part with their dishes. Brown suggested that everyone in the family, including kids and grandkids, each take a dish. “You don’t need the whole set to evoke a memory,” Brown says. Sometimes her clients are relieved when Brown takes items off their hands. They’ll say, “I don’t want to know what you’ve done with it. I’m turning the power over to you to find it a home.” Sometimes all they need is reassurance that it’s going to someone who will appreciate it as much as they did. To contact Sherry Brown, call 765-625-0480 or email sherry@ seniororganizingpros.com.

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ESTATE PLANNING LAYING OUT YOUR LEGACY Writer / Aimee MacArthur Photography Provided

Imagine thinking about creating a will, but never finding the right time to do it. Then loved ones are left having to deal with chaotic and complicated legal matters, coupled with the grieving process. The worst part is that when there is no will or trust, there is a high possibility that your intended wishes and assets may not go where they were intended. Leslie Mathewson of Mathewson Law P.C. knows this unfortunate scenario all 18 | January 2024 | TownePost.com

too well, as an estate planning attorney with 23 years of experience. She helps her clients plan and takes care of all the hard work. She enjoys providing guidance to her clients. “I like to be able to help people to make sure that their wishes are being met, with regard to who gets what when it comes to their assets,” she says.

complexities of estate planning laws. “They’re going to have more experience in what options are available,” she says. “If you don’t do estate planning on a day-today basis, you may just be wanting to steer your clients to do wills and trust as estate planning. If you don’t know other options that are available, you may not be able to be as effective for your client.”

Estate planning is a specialized area of the law, and according to Mathewson it makes sense to work with a knowledgeable estate There are a few important legal documents to know about when thinking planning attorney well-versed in the

about leaving assets to loved ones. “A will or a trust are the main types of estate planning that most people recognize or understand, as to what legal documents there are to make sure that their assets get to who they want to get those assets,” Mathewson says. A skilled estate planning attorney is there to guide, provide in-depth information, and counsel according to a client’s wishes and all applicable laws. “One of the reasons I tell people to do wills and trusts is to do as much planning on your end so you can ensure that your wishes are being met,” Mathewson says. “If you don’t do the planning and do those things prior to your passing, then unfortunately the results may not be what you would have wanted.” It may seem overwhelming or cause anxiety to think about your passing, and meeting with an estate planning attorney to create a will or a trust. The estate planning attorney is there to ease any fear or anxiety and help clients be organized and prepare for the future. There is not a magic age to create a will or trust, but it is usually recommended to do so in your 50s. It is much better to think ahead and plan according to your wishes than to leave family members with a mountain of worries and legal complications. “There are situations where having no will or trust set up could cause negative consequences to your surviving family members, or could cause somebody who has no relationship with you any more to receive something that you may never had wanted to give them had you done so voluntarily,” Mathewson says. Estate planning is more than wills and trusts. It also includes life insurance and other assets. “There are life estates, retirement accounts, annuities, IRAs, that have beneficiaries,” Mathewson says. “That TownePost.com | January 2024 | 19

is another form of estate planning. That particular asset would go to who you have designated.” There are additional factors such as what to do with any real estate. “A thing that has become more popular in estate planning aspects is that people are doing what they call a transfer-upondeath deed,” Mathewson says. “You’re naming a beneficiary to your real estate, so upon your passing, the real estate goes to the person or persons that you have put in your deed to receive it upon your passing.” “You can also do something similar with bank accounts, where you can have what they call a payable-upon-death designation,” she adds. “It’s like you’re 20 | January 2024 | TownePost.com

naming a beneficiary to your bank accounts, and also anything that can be titled through the BMV - automobiles, mobile homes, travel trailers, boats. They have what they call a transfer-on-death option. So again, it’s like you’re naming beneficiaries to that specific item. There are multiple things you can do for estate planning outside of just your typical will and trust.” Wills and trusts are not just for the wealthy and well-to-do. A top-notch estate planning attorney can help with sensitive matters and plan accordingly to help put a client’s mind at ease about the future. “In my world it really doesn’t matter if you own a dollar, a hundred dollars or a hundred thousand dollars,” Mathewson

says. “It’s still good for you to do some type of estate planning so that whatever you own goes into the hands of the person or persons that you want to get it as opposed to having the state of Indiana by its law telling who gets it or not.” Mathewson Law P.C. is located at 625 South Tillotson Avenue in Muncie. For more information, visit mathewsonlawpc. com or contact them directly at 765-5874526. You can also visit their Facebook page @mathewsonlawpc.com. The information contained in this article is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship exists between the attorney and readers of this article.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

NEWLY REMODELED MUNCIE DELAWARE COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER IS A VALUABLE RESOURCE FOR LOCALS 55 AND OLDER Writer / Aimee MacArthur Photographer / Dylan Senkus

There is a place in Muncie that provides a sense of belonging, community and friendship to hundreds of people over 55 years of age. The place is the newly remodeled Muncie Delaware County Senior Citizens Center, located in the historic Forest Park Elementary School on West 8th Street. It is one of the largest senior centers in the state. It’s so popular that seniors travel from Indianapolis and counties around Muncie to play bingo and cards, and enjoy a variety of daily classes and activities. Allen (AJ) Johnstone, the former president of the board of directors who retired from his position in December 2023, is proud of the remodel. “We’ve had corporations and businesses who have donated thousands of dollars,” Johnstone says. “It was done so that the seniors would have a very good place to come and relax.”

The team at the Center, which owns the historic building, recently celebrated the building being added to the National Register of Historic Places as of May 30, 2023. Johnstone is grateful to the city of Muncie, Mayor Dan Ridenour, Ball State University Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning, and everyone at the Center, for their help with this prestigious accomplishment. There are other changes at the Center according to Executive Director Marilee Mefford. “We also redid our programming and classes,” she says. “It’s very affordable for seniors. Most classes are a dollar to two dollars. I am working on a grant now to get a painting class here, because painting is really good for depression and [post-traumatic stress disorder].” While the Center is open to those 55 and older, they do have some programs open to veterans of any age. One program’s goal is to help veterans find support and community with other veterans. TownePost.com | January 2024 | 21

“One of the programs we brought to the center is the Veterans Coffee Club,” Mefford says. “It’s a suicide prevention program. We’ve grown from four of our members to 219 registered members. We have 80 to 100 that are here for the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.” The Veterans Coffee Club is a safe place for veterans only, where they can freely express themselves without judgement in a caring, helpful environment. “Senior centers and veterans groups throughout the United States are interested in the program,” Johnstone says. “There’s a club in Anderson already, and one in Florida. All of the material is given free. There is no charge given to any club who wishes to set up the veterans suicide prevention program.” The program is important and deeply personal to Mefford. “I am the wife of a Vietnam veteran who committed suicide,” she says. “I am familiar with the steps they take prior to committing the act. If I can help one wife with her veteran and getting him help, the one life is worth it all.” The Center also hosts the Veterans’ Wives Support Club, which meets at the same time as the Veterans Coffee Club. The club welcomes military wives, Blue Star and Gold Star wives, and military wives who’ve lost their husbands. On October 7, 2023, the Center dedicated the Veterans Memorial Garden with the help of veterans and Ridenour. Businesses around Muncie sponsored the flagpoles and monuments. There is a buy-a-brick fundraising campaign where you can purchase a memorial brick for $50 or $100 to honor a veteran of any war or any service at any time. It’s a special way to help support the Center and pay tribute to a veteran. Seniors who visit the Center will find an exciting list of classes such as Bible study, crochet, grief share, line dancing, strength training and woodcrafting. The entire monthly schedule of classes and events is listed on the Center’s website. The Center also holds dances and events such as the successful Elvis Presley Jr. concert and buffet held in December 2023. The Center is self-sufficient and owns the property. It is not a government institution, or a city or county organization. The Center team operates with the help of grants and the generous support of the business community, as well as its hard-working board of directors, staff and volunteers. The staff members are always looking for volunteers to remain successful. Muncie Delaware County Senior Citizens Center is located at 2517 West 8th Street in Muncie. For more information, visit muncieseniorcenter.com or contact them directly at 765-289-0844. You can also visit their Facebook page @ delawarecountyseniors. 22 | January 2024 | TownePost.com

OUR 2024

RESOLUTIONS At City Hall, we are dedicated to creating quality of life and bright opportunities for all. Here are a few of our focuses for 2024, and how we’re resolving to make Muncie a better place to live and work. City of Muncie Communications Team

TownePost.com | January 2024 | 23

Resolution #1: Continue to make Muncie beautiful. In 2023, we not only finished our nationally recognized 1,000 Trees in 1,000 Days program, but we surpassed our goal and planted nearly 1,200 trees total! Due to this success, we were able to secure a $2 Million grant from the US Forestry Department to expand tree planting efforts over the next 5 years. We will continue with dramatic park improvements, including new recreation options for Muncie residents! The City of Muncie is proud to support public art, trail access, and quality spaces for everyone.

Resolution #2: Continue to prioritize health and wellness for all. As a result of working closely with local healthcare providers and investigating successful programs in other counties, we are investing in a Crisis Center to provide services for those struggling with mental health and addiction. We have also worked with our Police Department to expand community outreach efforts and add a licensed Social Worker position to the police force!

24 | January 2024 | TownePost.com

Let’s Go Further Together Resolution #3: Continue to build great collaborations. Our collaborations with schools, businesses, nonprofits, and our neighbors have resulted in some amazing projects! In 2024, we will continue to prioritize working relationships that result in wins for everyone. In November of 2023, we were able to open the Riverside Trail, which continues to expand walking and biking opportunities for Muncie residents.

Resolution #4: Continue to create opportunities. By investing in businesses through the Muncie Industrial Revolving Loan Fund, we have distributed more than $1.5 Million to businesses that struggle to receive traditional loans! We are proud of our local entrepreneurs.

The Cook Family Education Center is the first free natural history center in Muncie, located at Prairie Creek Reservoir! TownePost.com | January 2024 | 25

26 | January 2024 | TownePost.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SATURDAYS IN JANUARY

JANUARY

AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 2024

FARMERS MARKET

Farmers Market has moved indoors for the season, but you can still find locally sourced meats, artisanal goods, and more. Gather with friends and family to discover the winter bounty of our region at Minnetrista’s Indoor Farmers Market. 9 a.m. to Noon, Minnetrista. www. minnetrista.net

THROUGH JANUARY 7

OPEN SPACE: ART ABOUT THE LAND

This juried art competition and exhibition, created in partnership with Muncie’s Red-Tail Land Conservancy, encourages Indiana artists to derive creative inspiration from the land around us. Minnetrista. www.minnetrista.net

BALL STATE MEN’S VOLLEYBALL

The Cards take on Wabash College. Tickets. 6 p.m., Worthen Arena, Ball State University. www. ballstatesports.com

4-5, 25-26

BOB ROSS PAINTING WORKSHOP Paint with a Certified Ross Instructor on the site where Bob painted for years. This workshop is the perfect opportunity

to get creative and learn the process of painting in Bob Ross’ signature style. Just bring yourself, and we will provide everything you need to have a great time. Just like Bob said, “Let’s get crazy!” 6-9 p.m., Minnetrista. Cost $75; member discounts apply. www.minnetrista.net

BETTY’S CABIN ACTIVITY: PLOTTING PUZZLES

If you’re a master of mazes, a lover of labyrinths, or a supreme solver of puzzles, then be sure to join us in Betty’s Cabin, where you can use our art supplies to design your own jigsaw puzzle and use our games to plot mazes filled with twists and turns no one will see coming! Free. Minnetrista. www.minnetrista.net

BALL STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL

The Cards take on Central Michigan. Tickets. 2 p.m., Worthen Arena, Ball State University. www. ballstatesports.com

BALL STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The Cards take on Bowling Green. Tickets. 6 p.m., Worthen Arena, Ball State University. www. ballstatesports.com

ORCHESTRA INDIANA

Patricia Tretick Young Artist Competition The Patricia Tretick Young Artist Competition provides an opportunity for talented young musicians to compete for cash prizes and a performance opportunity. Students prepare for months in advance and convene on the campus of Ball State University to perform in front of a panel of expert judges. This event is free to attend and open to the public. Noon, Sursa Performance Hall. www. orchestraindiana.org

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY CELEBRATION

Several events scheduled to celebrate MLK Jr. Day in Muncie, including a breakfast, a march, children’s activities and much more. www.bsu.edu

18-20

MIDWEST ANTIQUE FRUIT JAR AND BOTTLE CLUB- 2024 CONVENTION

Fun 3-day event for dealers and collectors! Swapping jars, swapping stories. Culminating with a show Jan. 20 with 80 Tables. Show open to the public. Tickets. Courtyard by Marriott and Horizon Convention Center, Muncie. www.horizonconvention.com

TownePost.com | January 2024 | 27

REEL INCLUSION: BACK TO NATURAL

“Back to Natural” outlines the ways in which race, identity, and hair are all related and offers a compassionate viewpoint on issues that affect African descendants. A powerful call for healing, this ground-breaking film takes a grassroots approach to exploring the globalized policing of natural Black hair. Free. 9 p.m., Pruis Hall, Ball State University. www.bsu.edu

BETTY’S CABIN ACTIVITY: PICTURESQUE POSTCARDS Postcards are a great way to say ‘Hello!’ or ‘I wish you were here’ from miles away. Join us in Betty’s Cabin, where we’ll be

checking out postcards the Ball Family sent to each other on their travels and making collage postcards of our own. Free. Minnetrista. minnetrista.net.

NACHO CORN-FLICT SCRIMMAGE-A-THON

Cornfed Roller Derby is hosting Nacho Corn-flict, an all-day, open gender scrimmage-athon on National Cheese Lovers Day! Tickets. 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Delaware County Fairgrounds Memorial Building. www. corfedrollerderby.com

MUNCIE COIN AND STAMP CLUB SHOW

Fairgrounds Heartland Building. munciecoinandstampclub.com

THE CHER SHOW

Superstars come and go. Cher is forever. For six straight decades, only one unstoppable force has flat-out dominated popular culture - breaking down barriers, pushing boundaries and letting nothing and no one stand in her way. The Cher Show the Tony Award®-winning musical of her story, and it’s packed with so much Cher that it takes three women to play her: the kid starting out, the glam pop star, and the icon. Tickets. 7:30 p.m., Emens Auditorium. bsu.edu/emens

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23-25

MEAN GIRLS JR.

Muncie Civic’s Act 2 Youth Education Program presents Mean Girls Jr. on the mainstage Based on the Paramount Pictures Film Mean Girls. Friday and Saturday evening shows are at 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 3 p.m. Reserved seating. Tickets. Muncie Civic Theatre. www.munciecivic.org

BALL STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The Cards take on Miami University. Tickets. 6 p.m., Worthen Arena, Ball State University. ballstatesports.com

BALL STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL

The Cards take on Northern Illinois. Tickets. 2 p.m., Worthen Arena, Ball State University. www.ballstatesports.com

CODE RED WINTER SHOWCASE

Ball State Code Red Dance Team performs their game day routines on stage at Pruis Hall. The dancers will also highlight local high school teams. Tickets. 1 p.m., Pruis Hall, Ball State University. www.bsu.edu

26, 28

NEVER THE SINNER

Muncie Civic Theatre presents Never the Sinner in the Casazza Family Studio Theatre. In 1924, two young millionaires abducted and killed a fourteen-year-old boy, horrifying and captivating the nation. This docudrama about the infamous Leopold and Loeb case chronicles the “crime of the century” and one of America’s most famous lawyers, Clarence Darrow. In this case of a lifetime, Darrow is called in to defend the indefensible. Tickets. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m., Sunday matinees are at 3 p.m. Rated R. www. munciecivic.org Calendar provided by Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement and Muncie Visitor’s Bureau

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PO ER THE POWER R OWE P OF PRINT HOW THE LOCAL MAGAZINE NICHE IS THRIVING IN A DIGITAL MEDIA WORLD Writer / Tom Britt

Traditional media channels have been dramatically impacted over the last couple decades by what is known as the democratization of media. While television and radio networks have been disrupted by streaming services, the hardest hit media happens to be the poster child for the print industry - newspapers. Over the last 10 years, post-recession newspaper revenues are down 67%. However, in an industry that has been called dead by many critics, print is thriving

30 | January 2024 | TownePost.com

in the local print magazine sector - thanks in part to the adoption of digital media. With the democratization of media also comes the localization, even hyperlocalization of media. This dynamic has created a need – and in turn opportunity – to create a local content aggregation business model that includes print. Thus, the hyper local magazine niche has emerged and thrived in recent years, especially those that have adopted and embraced a digital media strategy.

PRINT MARRIES DIGITAL While the printing process has not changed over the last few decades, the world of publishing digital content changes daily. Small businesses that advertise to support local magazines are turning more and more to Facebook, Google, and digital ad platforms for instant, measurable results. Meanwhile, print magazines are still on a two-week runway for printing and distribution with little or no way to track response. However, small businesses that leverage print and digital in a local market see a much higher rate of return. When print marries digital in a local market, the response rate increases significantly.

In recent years, Instagram has become a priority amongst local magazines as well. In a white paper entitled Magazine Media 360 published by the Association of Magazine Media, Instagram followers and likes grew 997% from 2014-2019, outpacing Twitter (166%) and Facebook (103%). Publications today must be relevant every day of the month, not just the day they arrive in the mailbox. Social media, namely Facebook and Instagram, are providing that daily delivery of magazine content.

PRINT IS STILL PREFERRED

Digital media has in most cases replaced the daily paper, but people still yearn for a DIGITAL FIRST printed copy to hold and to read. According Early in 2003, we launched the website for our to the Factbook 2020 report published by local community called atGeist.com serving the Association of Magazine Media, 73% the Geist Reservoir neighborhoods near of adults prefer the feel of a print magazine Indianapolis. We offered free online classifieds, over digital. Magazine readers are also more a local event calendar, stories about local receptive to advertising, outperforming students, and homeowners association news. websites and TV viewers in the same study. Digital ads were sold at a whopping $30 per month with no promise of impressions. Picking up a print magazine and thumbing through local stories about your community Nine months later, we published the first is a nice break from the blue screens. Paper print publication and direct mailed to based reading results in more focused roughly 2,800 homes. Response to our new attention, less distractions, and leads to concept from advertisers and homeowners higher comprehension and recall according was exceptional. Not only did we fill a to neuroscience. local void that newspapers were creating, we also struck a nerve with small business owners that were trying to attract customers STREAMING VIDEO within 3 miles of their front door. We found Many content providers, including magazines, have turned to video to tell the combination of web and print to be their stories. While we were one of the first immensely powerful and local businesses magazine networks to incorporate video, were jumping onboard for the ride. we have yet to develop a solid revenue model to support it. In more recent years, ALONG COMES SOCIAL we have turned to doing video interviews with our local businesses and then sending MEDIA the video interview to a writer to produce Facebook has become a primary traffic the print and online story. Consumers want source for many local publications, more video, social platforms want more leveraging pages to promote local engagement that comes with video, so video businesses, community events, and stream will need to be an integral part of any local live video. In many cases, local businesses magazine’s future strategy. have forgone websites to dedicate all their digital bandwidth to their Facebook page.

FRANCHISE MODEL TO THE RESCUE Magazine publishing companies have historically been privately owned, regional businesses. Overhead costs (graphic design, circulation, accounting, rent) and just the fundamental know how of printing and producing magazines creates a natural barrier of entry to get into the local magazine business.

ENTER THE FRANCHISE BUSINESS MODEL Centralized graphic design and production, back office accounting, online training and support, negotiated print pricing, dedicated USPS support, and many other corporate functions allow local magazine publisher wannabes to set up their territory and launch on a very short runway. Advertisers appreciate the customer support and professionalism of working with an established brand, and franchisees like the ongoing product development to keep the local magazines current.

WHAT’S NEXT With more and more local content being created every day across all platforms, the need for local portals with accompanying magazines increases. Consumers are far more interested in content that is local to them and they will always value those aggregators that package it up and feed it to them throughout the month. =========================== Tom Britt is the founder and CEO of the Towne Post Network headquartered in Fishers, Indiana. For franchising information, visit townepost.com.

MUNCIE: YEAR IN REVIEW 2023

Happy Holidays, Muncie! It’s amazing that we find ourselves at the end of another year already. We’ve been busy all year long, and time has flown! We have completed major projects, improved our infrastructure, and planned for an even more eventful 2024. I am honored to have been elected for a second term as Muncie Mayor, and look forward to continuing to serve the city I love. Together, we can go further. Looking forward to a wonderful new year, Mayor Dan Ridenour 32 | January 2024 | TownePost.com

HIGHLIGHTS

Park Improvements Ten parks received major upgrades this year! The splash pads are complete at Riverview and Thomas, Morningside has ADA accessible equipment, and Jack’s Park has a new walking trail and playground equipment, among others.

Housing Riverbend Flats, a workforce apartment complex, opened early this year and filled up quickly. City View Homes broke ground, and many of the houses are nearly completed. Storer Estates was bought by the nation’s largest homebuilder, and construction will begin in 2024!

We exceeded our 1,000 trees goal and planted nearly 1,200 over three years!

Business Development More than 40 businesses have had ribbon cuttings this year! Through the Industrial Revolving Loan Fund, the City has loaned more than $1 million to new businesses that struggle to access a traditional bank loan. We love our local entrepreneurs!

MEET IVY TECH’S 2023 DIFFERENCE MAKERS Story & Photography Provided

Each year, Ivy Tech seeks out and identifies those who make a difference in their communities. For 2023, Ivy Tech focused on Muncie/Henry County alumni.

FRANK SCOTT SR.

Scott worked for BorgWarner in quality control for 28.5 years. He planned on retiring from the company, but when they closed the Muncie-based plant, he had to change those plans. The company Frank Scott Sr. (2011), Rheaunna Jones offered to pay for two years of college, and (2015), Stanford Fitzpatrick (2022), Dori he took them up on it. He attended Ivy Tech Taylor (2013) and Nicole Miles (2020) Muncie/Henry County and graduated with are all graduates of the Ivy Tech Muncie/ an Associate of Science in Human Services Henry County campus, using the degrees degree in 2011. and skills they gained from Ivy Tech to enhance, support and improve the lives of “Going to Ivy Tech, I didn’t really have any those living in their communities. goals,” he says. “My goal was to retire, but after going through Ivy Tech and the [Human 34 | January 2024 | TownePost.com

Services] program, community work kind of really sparked what could be done in the community, and how could I help in the community.” Scott spends his retirement working full time as a caregiver and volunteer. After attending Ivy Tech, he became president of the Whitely Neighborhood Association, and his wife suffered a stroke that required full-time care. He continues to volunteer, serving as the associate pastor at Renovation Life Church, where he is also finishing his year as the chairman of the board. Scott is also serving as the immediate pastor at the

Chamber of Commerce, president of the Whitely Neighborhood Association, as well as member of the Muncie Industrial Revolving Loan Fund board, Northwest Bank regional advisory board, National Alliance on Mental Illness board, and The Whitely Institute for Teacher Preparation and Community Engagement board. In addition to his service on these boards, he serves on the Cradle to Careers leadership team and volunteers at Longfellow Elementary School helping students reach a third-grade reading level, as well as mentoring students in the Lion’s Den. “You shouldn’t work to make a name for yourself,” he says. “You work to make a difference. Make a difference and people will remember your name. I found out that the more you help people, people remember who you are, but your heart has to be helping people. Don’t just go out there thinking, ‘I’m going to do something.’ Go out there and find people that you can connect to like the Chamber of Commerce and the Young Professionals extension of the Black Chamber of Commerce. There’s a lot of places that you can connect to and really get the support.”

RHEAUNNA JONES Jones graduated from Ivy Tech with an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education degree in 2015. She was honored as Distinguished Alumni for the Muncie/ Henry County campus in 2023. She is currently working as a grants manager at the Indiana Department of Education. A Muncie native, she graduated from Muncie Central High School. She attended Taylor University for a short time after graduation, until she decided to take a break and focus on her family. During this time, she became a mother and watched as her mother attended Ivy Tech, studying day care administration. When her child was 1, Jones decided to return to school, entering the Early Childhood Education program at Ivy Tech Muncie/ Henry County. Her decision to do so was inspired by her mother’s time at Ivy Tech and her volunteer hours in high school, which were focused on school-aged children and child care.

Jones has served on the Boys & Girls Club of Muncie board for three years, and during her tenure as an educator at Muncie Community Schools, she was appointed to the Metropolitan Plan Commission for Muncie and Delaware County by the mayor. She had to step down from the commission when she accepted her position with the Department of Education. Ivy Tech Muncie/Henry County provided Jones with more than an academic education. The Early Childhood program focuses on both academics and experience beyond the classroom. “Unlike a traditional four-year college back around the time I attended, Ivy Tech was not focused on academics solely,” she says. “It was focused on putting you in the field directly, getting hands-on experience interacting with other people in the field and learning how to network, and developing those soft skills, which are really important.” Being a difference maker has many meanings, but the most important is that they make a difference in the lives of the members of the communities that they serve. “I advocate for people and being a difference maker, for me, means that you’re advocating for everyone, not just people you know or people you like,” Jones says. “You’re giving a voice to people who don’t have voices or seats at the table.” As a Muncie Community Schools educator, Jones saw Ivy Tech in the schools. The college has a strong presence in the school system from elementary to high school through its mentoring programs, dual-credit program, and other initiatives focused on elementary through high school. “Ivy Tech intentionally places themselves in communities where students are constantly at, in terms of school settings,” Jones says. “They even connect with elementary school students, allowing fourth-graders to come to the campus and see Ivy Tech alum and where they’re currently at, inspiring them to see that Ivy Tech is not just a steppingstone. A lot of people have different perspectives

on what community college is. A lot of people that are successful in their careers and attended community colleges first are eliminating the stigma that shouldn’t be there, but comes with community colleges. [Ivy Tech is] getting the kids as early as elementary school and following them up through high school, making it possible for them to get an associate degree before they even go to college, and it’s an awesome thing.”

STANFORD FITZPATRICK A police officer for 19 years, Fitzpatrick returned to school when Ivy Tech Muncie/ Henry County started their Diagnostic Medical Sonography program in 2021. He was accepted into the limited enrollment program and graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree in 2022. He currently works as a registered cardiac sonographer at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in the cardiology/neurology department. Fitzpatrick is a Muncie native, and graduated from Muncie Southside High School. He attempted college right out of high school but decided it wasn’t the right path for him at the time. He entered law enforcement and worked in various departments and fields for 19 years. In 2021 he was working as the security supervisor at Ivy Tech Muncie/Henry County when they announced the new Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. “Working full time and going to school full time is very difficult,” he says. “It put a lot of hardship on myself and my family. I didn’t see my kids as much because I had to do both full time, so it was very difficult. But to persevere, you have to push through and that’s what I did.” Currently Fitzpatrick is not on any boards, but he is looking into a couple that interest him. He is continuing to support law enforcement by being a reserve officer and helping to train new police officers. Through his education at Ivy Tech, Fitzpatrick became able to communicate TownePost.com | January 2024 | 35

clearly with his patients, as well as discuss his education at Ivy Tech with individuals completing job shadowing, explaining the program and process to them. Developing these relationships and supporting Ivy Tech is part of his view on community. “Community means family to me everybody together, everybody helping,” he says. “When you have a place where everybody works well together, you know it’s a community, whether it’s a small or big one, and that’s just like a big family.” Fitzpatrick knows it can be daunting as an adult returning to school. Working a full-time job, taking care of family and going to school full time can seem like an impossible task. He offers advice to those making this difficult journey. “Don’t give up,” he says. “Keep doing everything you’re doing. Don’t let the setbacks frustrate you. Get help everybody’s here to help. Talk to people in the field. Come talk to me even. There’s always somebody there that’s going to be able to help you and push you forward, because you just put one foot in front of the other and keep going. We all stumble, but we have to get up and keep going.” Fitzpatrick brings difference-making down to a personal level. Helping individuals in the community makes a difference across the community.

36 | January 2024 | TownePost.com

“Being able to make a difference in other people’s lives, whether it’s been in my law enforcement career or now, makes it worth it,” he says. “Helping one person, making a difference in their life, is what is important.”

“Community is like an extended family,” she says. “It is the people that I interact with daily, and they’re always there when you’re down and when you’re up. They provide support through it all.”

DORI TAYLOR

Through her work with the Lighthouse Recovery Home, Taylor is making a difference in the lives of the women of the community, six women at a time. Her dedication and devotion to helping women suffering from substance abuse makes her a difference maker.

In 2010 Taylor was released from prison and researched human services programs in colleges. She developed and opened the Lighthouse Recovery Home in 2013 and continues to serve as the director today. Taylor also has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Oakland City University, a certificate in drug and alcohol counseling from Ivy Tech, and is currently working on her Associate of Science in Accounting degree. “I came out of prison in 2010,” she says. “I have an extensive rap sheet from my own addiction, and I was searching for human services. I was informed that Ivy Tech had a great human services program that would lead me into Ball State. I felt intimidated by Ball State and Ivy Tech made me feel comfortable.” Taylor has fought through her own addiction, and has used that experience to fuel her dedication to creating a safe environment for women with substance abuse issues in order to get the help they need. The Lighthouse Recovery Home provides women with a safe place to live while they go through the threephase program, and creates a community around them. The Lighthouse is an Urban Light Community Development Program.

“I believe making a difference starts with ourselves, and I believe it expands out to others,” she says. “In my Christian faith it’s called discipleship. But for me, being a difference maker means I’m changing the world through the Lighthouse, for six women at a time.”

NICOLE MILES Miles graduated in 2020 with an Associate of Science in Nursing degree. She currently works as a pediatric nurse navigator with St. Vincent in Indianapolis. She was born in Indianapolis, moved to California in middle school, and returned to Indiana three months before she graduated from high school. She became enamored with Muncie when she attended Ball State for her first bachelor’s degree. Miles is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, the alumni chapter for Anderson and Muncie, and she volunteers with Feed My Sheep of Muncie. She was on the board for Feed My Sheep prior to this year.

The nursing program at Ivy Tech is a limited enrollment program. She chose Ivy Tech for her nursing education because it was a highly rated program across Indiana, and for financial reasons. “My goal was to become a nurse and when I received the call letting me know that I was accepted into the program, my heart dropped to the bottom of my feet because it is a very competitive program,” she says. “It is known across the state.” During her time as a student at Ivy Tech, Miles’ family experienced some financial hardships that could have forced her to stop attending classes and re-enter the workforce. Ivy Tech’s IvyCares team ensured that did not happen. Through the Student Emergency Aid Fund, Ivy Tech was able to assist Miles with her personal bills to ensure her continued success in the nursing program. “Ivy Tech provided assistance and they helped me with private bills that needed to be paid

while I was a student here,” she says. “That’s not something that’s common going to a university. It was something that helped me reach my goals. I didn’t have to leave school to go back to work, and be able to afford bills on top of helping with tuition and things like that.” Graduating with her Associate of Science in Nursing degree allowed Miles to enter the workforce after graduation. She is also attending Western Governors University for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, in support of St. Vincent Indianapolis’s Magnet status. Miles recommends Ivy Tech to anyone looking to enter college. “Use Ivy Tech as the catalyst to really catapult you into the things that you desire to do in your life, and the things you look forward to doing in your life,” she says. “There’s something in this world for us to do, and if you don’t feel like you have fulfilled your

True Crew

purpose, come to Ivy Tech and they’ll help you find your way of fulfilling your purpose.” Being a difference maker in the community is something Miles has worked hard to be. “Some of the positions I’ve had have been in areas where I’m working with those that are in need, and those that may not have the education and the understanding to advocate for themselves,” she says. “I’m able to take what I’ve learned and apply it to my community in a way of advocacy, and also in the way of helping and just being a viable community member that gives back to the community and supports it - stepping in where you know things are needed.” View the 2023 Difference Makers video at youtu.be/c4Xifg-JG3g. To learn more about Ivy Tech Muncie/Henry County, visit online at ivytech.edu/muncie.

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