THE DELAWARE COUNTRY CLUB
A HIDDEN GEM FOR GOLFERS, FAMILIES AND THE COMMUNITY
Reimagining Fashion
Fostering Sustainability Through Upcycled Design
Every Star Shines
The Delaware County Special Needs Prom Provides a Night to Remember
THE DELAWARE COUNTRY CLUB
A HIDDEN GEM FOR GOLFERS, FAMILIES AND THE COMMUNITY
Writer / Jennifer Criss
/ Ethan Snyder
For more than a century, the Delaware Country Club has been a hallmark of recreation and community in Muncie. Established in 1910, the club has welcomed generations of families, evolving into a premier destination for golf enthusiasts and those seeking a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
The Delaware Country Club has a rich history many locals may not even realize. As Nick Ary, a longtime golf professional at the club, says, “we’re kind of a hidden gem.”
In its early days, the club was a retreat for businessmen traveling to Muncie, offering lodging on the third floor of the clubhouse. The railroad tracks that cut through the back end of the property were once a key part of the club’s identity, serving as a gateway
for visitors arriving for a weekend of leisure before hopping back on the train Monday morning.
A PREMIER GOLF DESTINATION
At the heart of the club’s offerings is its toptier golf experience. The course provides a challenging yet enjoyable layout for golfers of all skill levels, with well-maintained greens and scenic fairways. A key figure in the club’s golf culture is Ary himself, who has been at the club since 2012. He owns the on-site pro shop, a go-to spot for equipment, apparel and expert advice. He has cultivated a community of passionate golfers, ensuring players have access to highquality gear and guidance to elevate their game.
BUILDING CONNECTIONS ON AND OFF THE COURSE
The Delaware Country Club has hosted prestigious golf events, including U.S. Open qualifying events. It also maintains strong ties with local colleges such as Taylor University, IU East, Earlham College and Anderson University, frequently hosting tournaments and events for their men’s and women’s golf teams. This year the club has the honor of hosting the Indiana State Open, Indiana’s most prestigious championship, for men and women. The field will be made up of professionals and top amateur players from around the state.
Ary, along with his assistant, Blake Vise, and the club’s new General Manager Jeff Keeler, has also worked to strengthen the club’s connection with Ball State University. All three have been actively involved on campus, participating in classes as guest instructors and assisting with golf event management. Their involvement reflects the club’s commitment to fostering the next generation of golfers and industry professionals.
A PLACE FOR FAMILIES
While golf remains a primary draw, the Delaware Country Club has expanded its focus to provide a welcoming environment for families. Ary says gone are the days of the “old-school, stuffy” country club. Instead, the club staff members hope to provide a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere that appeals to all.
“We treat everyone like family,” says
Photographer
Ary. “Country clubs used to be seen as exclusive spaces for the elite. It was about status, especially in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. But that time has passed, and we’ve transitioned into a new era focused on being welcoming and a more familycentered community.”
From junior golf programs to social events and dining options, the club is designed to be more than just a golf course; it’s a place where families can make lasting memories. Whether it’s a summer afternoon spent by the pool, a casual meal at the clubhouse or a family golf outing, the club prides itself on being an inclusive space for all ages.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND PHILANTHROPY
The club’s impact extends beyond its fairways. Ary and his team are deeply involved in community partnerships and philanthropy throughout Muncie, supporting various local causes. The club has been a longtime sponsor of Meridian Health Services’ Rialzo event, and frequently contributes to charitable organizations. Their commitment to giving back also includes support for initiatives like Kishel Photography’s Runway for Rescues, which benefits the Animal Rescue Fund. Additionally, as the golf shop owner, Ary recently donated golf bags to the Delta High School golf program.
A WELCOMING REPUTATION
Beyond its community outreach, the Delaware Country Club has built a reputation as a welcoming and memorable destination for golfers of all backgrounds. This inviting atmosphere has even drawn notable visitors over the years.
One of the most memorable moments in the club’s history was a visit from rock legend Alice Cooper. Known not only for his music but also his passion for golf, Cooper made a stop at the club while in the area a few years ago. His presence turned an ordinary day on the course into an unforgettable experience for those who
“We want this to be a place where anyone can feel at home, whether you’re here for the first time or you’ve been a member for years,” Ary says. “It’s about great golf, great people, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome.”
For more information on club amenities or membership opportunities, visit delawarecc.com or call 765-288-0238.
had the chance to share the green with him. Encounters like these showcase the club’s unique character and ability to attract local golfers and high-profile guests.
RESILIENT BEYOND MEASURE
THREE
MONTHS, TWO SURGERIES, ONE REMARKABLE RECOVERY
Life can change in an instant - a lesson Tim Herd and his wife, Lisa, learned firsthand over the past year. What began as a common cold quickly spiraled into a health crisis that tested Tim’s strength and resilience.
SUDDEN DIAGNOSIS
In early January 2024, Tim caught a cold that seemed ordinary at first. But when his symptoms worsened and he began to feel unusually fatigued, Lisa urged him to see his primary-care doctor.
What they discovered would set the tone for the months to come; Tim was in atrial fibrillation. He was immediately referred to the emergency department, where further
tests revealed a severely torn mitral valve - a critical issue requiring open-heart surgery.
“I had no history of heart problems, so it was shocking,” Tim says. “We were just trying to take everything in, one step at a time.”
it marked the beginning of a series of complications that would extend Tim’s recovery far beyond what anyone expected.
SETBACKS
Tim’s journey took a serious turn shortly after surgery. As his body worked to heal, he began experiencing fluid buildup around his lungs and an alarming drop in energy. Additional scans revealed fluid in the pericardium, requiring a drainage procedure. However, what the surgical team found during that procedure shocked everyone - a severe infection that had put Tim into septic shock.
“They opened him back up and did everything they could to fight the infection,” Lisa says. “It was touch and go for a while. The team told us he might not make it.”
For weeks, Tim remained in critical condition in the cardiac intensive care unit (CIC). He required multiple surgeries to address the infection, dialysis to support his kidneys, and a feeding tube while his body struggled to regain strength. At one point his condition was so precarious that transferring him to another hospital wasn’t an option.
Tim spent more than three total months in the hospital, undergoing intensive treatments and therapies to stabilize his condition.
THE FIRST SURGERY
Tim’s surgery, performed by Scott Hanan, MD, at IU Health Ball Memorial in Muncie, was scheduled for February. Tim had surgery to replace his mitral valve and clear a blockage that doctors found during his pre-surgery tests.
While the surgery itself was successful,
THE TEAM BEHIND THE CARE
Throughout the journey, Lisa stayed by Tim’s side, supported by the nurses, doctors and therapists who became like family. The team’s compassion often extended beyond medical care. Knowing Tim couldn’t go outside, his team arranged to take him out in a wheelchair for a haircut in the fresh air - a simple gesture that lifted Tim’s spirits and provided a much-needed moment of normalcy during a challenging time.
“The team didn’t just care for Tim; they cared for all of us,” says Lisa. “It made all the difference.”
ROAD TO RECOVERY
Tim’s time in the CIC stretched to 33 days. Once stabilized, he moved to a long-term care hospital and eventually returned to IU Health Ball for acute rehabilitation. Slowly but surely, he began to regain strength.
“When Tim came home, he was using a wheelchair,” Lisa says “Then it was a walker, then a cane. Now he doesn’t need any of those. He’s worked so hard to get to where he is.”
Tim also participates in IU Health’s cardiac
rehabilitation program, which has played a crucial role in rebuilding his stamina. Despite lingering challenges, including hand surgery still to come, Tim has his sights set on the future.
MILESTONES
In September Tim reached a major milestone; he walked his daughter, Taylor, down the aisle at her wedding.
“That was our goal,” Lisa says. “We weren’t sure he’d make it, but he did. it was everything we hoped for.”
Reflecting on the past year, the Herds are profoundly grateful for the care Tim received.
“Some people told us to go to Indianapolis or Cincinnati,” Lisa says. “But we wanted to stay close to home, and IU Health proved we made the right choice.”
Today Tim is focused on building strength and embracing life’s moments, from attending his grandchildren’s baseball games to planning a long-awaited trip.
“It’s taken a lot of hard work and incredible care, but I’m here, and that’s what matters,” he says.
REIMAGINING FASHION
FOSTERING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH UPCYCLED DESIGN
Writer / Avery Martin
We’re drawn to the fashion industry for its glamour and extravagance, blinded by the artistic expression and sense of individuality it brings. Yet, what many fail to see is that beneath the surface of all this allure lies a harmful cycle of overconsumption.
As reported by Earth.org, the textile industry generates over 92 million tonnes of waste annually, and the average American discards more than 81 pounds of clothing each year. These statistics may come as a shock, but with the rise of
fast fashion, the pace at which consumers cycle through their wardrobes has surged in the last couple years.
Sustainability has evolved from a buzzword to a pressing priority, with many companies exploring ways to reduce their environmental footprint. From sourcing eco-friendly materials to rethinking production processes and exploring circular fashion models, brands are now actively seeking innovative solutions.
This shift reflects a broader awareness within the industry that addressing environmental challenges is not just a trend, but an essential step toward securing a more sustainable future for both the planet and the fashion world.
Fashion students at Ball State University are discovering innovative ways to contribute to a more sustainable future through their creativity. Professor Audrey Robbins took action when Cathy DuBois, dean of the Miller College of Business, presented an exciting opportunity for
a grant that would fund a wearable art course within the fashion program.
“We’ve offered similar special topics courses in the past, but it’s been a while,” Robbins explains. “I saw this as a chance to infuse sustainable practices into the curriculum. My goal was to align our students’ interests with the resources of the college, creating a project that benefits everyone involved.”
This semester, the class has been focused on creating unique upcycled fashion pieces that will be showcased at the
upcoming Recycled Runway show, set to take place in early April on Ball State’s campus. They hope to educate consumers on how to reduce waste and make better decisions when it comes to the life cycle of textiles.
“Most consumers know how to recycle their glass jar or plastic jug, but they do not fully understand how to recycle their pair of jeans that have a rip or their coat that no longer fits,” Robbins says. “With this course I wanted to explore upcycling and reimagining things that we would otherwise discard. Simply donating
clothing is the most known way to be sustainable, but that isn’t truly recycling materials. We also utilize a partner for textile recycling, CheckSammy, where we can divert fabrics from landfills.”
To ensure the future success of this initiative, Robbins has enlisted students Jakota Fischer and Emily Hayes to assist in the research and development necessary to sustain this course for years to come.
“In my research position for [the upcycling class], we’re working toward
the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 5: Gender Equality, and Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production,” Fischer explains. “Our focus is to integrate these principles into our upcycling practices and ensure the long-term sustainability of the course.”
The fashion industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades. Not too long ago, we ordered clothing from catalogs that were customized to our sizes and preferences. Today, however, the industry is largely driven by fast trends and overconsumption, leaving little room for the appreciation of utility and individuality in what we wear.
Robbins reflects on her own experiences with textile reuse and hopes to share that knowledge with others.
“I cannot begin to count the number of outfits I had as a child that my grandmother and my mother would turn into something else, whether it be doll clothes or a quilt for my bed,” Robbins says. “Nothing was wasted. I hope that by opening the conversation of a second opportunity for textiles, we can move past the take-make-waste model of fast fashion and consider design an important element of providing sustainable alternatives in apparel.”
EASTER DIRT CAKE
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 package (14 oz) Oreo cookies, crushed
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
TOPPINGS:
• 1 cup pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates
• ½ cup mini Oreo cookies (for topping)
• Optional:
• Sprinkles
• Mini chocolate chips
• Jelly Beans
• Reese’s Pieces
DIRECTIONS:
1. Crush the Oreo cookies in a plastic bag or using a food processor until they are finely crushed.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. 3. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened.
4. Fold the whipped topping into the pudding mixture until smooth and creamy. 6. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the crushed Oreo cookies as the base layer. 7. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cookie layer.
5. Pour the pudding mixture on top of the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly. 9. Sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreo cookies over the pudding layer. 10. Top with pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates and mini Oreo cookies for decoration. 11. Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set. Cut & Enjoy!
IMMERSE YOURSELF WITH INDY DESIGN WEEK 2025
If you feel like you could use a little color and creativity in your life, you need to check out Indy Design Week [IDW].
Indy Design Week is a city-wide festival celebrating and elevating the Indianapolis design community. The event is creating an inclusive space for designers, creators, and enthusiasts to come together, share ideas, and explore new perspectives to create a lasting impact in Indy.
Indy Design Week is a celebration of all facets of design. This year’s event returns with a bold and thought-provoking
theme: Hues. Beyond highlighting color’s impact on design, IDW is celebrating the importance of diversity & inclusion in design, business, and society by showcasing unique perspectives & amplifying diverse stories in the community.
“For Indy Design Week 2025, we’re inviting the community to reimagine how color connects us,” says Tori Witter, Executive Director of Indy Design Week. “From its emotional resonance to its role in branding and storytelling, the power of color is universal, yet deeply personal. We’re excited
to see the speakers, workshops, and exhibits amplify this theme and help bring it to life.”
The seventh annual event is happening from April 21st through April 26th and will take place all over the city of Indianapolis to increase accessibility for attendees and showcase the incredible venues the city has to offer. Attendees can expect events varying from coffee meetups and hands-on workshops to creative talks and inspiring panels, and even an exclusive VIP kickoff party for sponsors, partners, and VIP ticketholders.
“We see Indy Design Week as the intersection for all the different areas of design,” says Witter. “We want inspire collaboration.”
With an extensive schedule of speakers, attendees will get inspired by presentations from creative leaders, such as Patrick Armstrong, host of the award-winning podcasts Conversation Piece and The Janchi (pronounced: JohnChee) Show, who will be leading a special IDW edition of AIGA Indy’s “Creatives in Color” series and 2025 keynote speaker Daniel Swartz, letterpress designer and printer and Founder of Hoosier Type Company, delivering his keynote address ‘Done is Better Than Perfect’.
“Every single person you’ll hear from is a local designer and innovative leader in their industry. Indy Design Week continuously wants to highlight the amazing stories of local creators and the work being done in Indy,” says Witter.
Hands-on workshops that demonstrate diverse design principles and encourage the learnings of new design skills have become paramount to this event. Workshop Night is expanding into Workshop Day—a full day of hands-on, interactive workshops at The Stutz, thanks to sponsor Griffy’s Art Supply. After being a standout event in 2024, this crowd favorite returns bigger and better on Saturday, April 26, closing out IDW with a bang. Alongside signature design workshops, we’re adding activities for all ages, from elementary to high school students. Workshop Day tickets drop next month—stay tuned!
Partnerships are essential for this organization. Indy Design Week focuses on giving back to the community, and the group has been very fortunate on how much the community wants to give back. Local designer, illustrator and graffiti artist, Ess McKee, is donating a piece of original artwork which will serve as the official poster for Indy Design Week. The Buckingham Foundation rewarded IDW with a grant to support the new event software launching for the 2025 event. Indy Design Week will also be working with Second Helpings to limit food waste during the event and ensure leftover, unused food will be donated back to local neighbors in need.
At the end of the day, Indy Design Week wants to elevate the incredible design community that we have here in
Indianapolis “With our 2025 theme Hues, we really want to promote conversations about the role of cultural storytelling and how we can become better creatives through the power of community.”
Early-bird tickets are on sale right now for Indy Design Week. $100 for a VIP AllAccess ticket, which includes the VIP KickOff Party on Monday, April 21, and $80 for an All-Access ticket that gets attendees
access to every event happening throughout the week. Students receive 75% off allaccess tickets with a valid student ID and email. Ticket prices will increase as April approaches, so grab a ticket and mark your calendars Indy Design Week 2025.
To learn more information about Indy Design Week, see the full 2025 schedule, and purchase tickets, visit indydesignweek.com/2025.
BEYOND THE CROWN
THE INSPIRING JOURNEYS OF MISS BALL STATE CONTESTANTS
Writer / Heather Collins
The Miss Ball State University Scholarship Program is officially the oldest and longestrunning pageant in the state for the Miss Indiana preliminaries. The program awards the highest pageant scholarship dollar amount in the state at $1,000.
Carol Kosisko has been the executive director of the Miss Ball State pageant since 2002.
“All the winners have become my daughters,” says Kosisko. “I am blessed each year to have a new Miss Ball State daughter join the family and carry on the mission to
empower young women to be everything they can dream of.”
During the pageant’s 67-year history, four Ball State University students and one Miss Ball State have earned the Miss Indiana title. Miss Ball State 2007, Nicole Rash, was first-runner-up at the 2008 Miss America pageant. Ball State University alumna and Muncie native Kalyn Melham is Miss Indiana 2024 and competed in the 2025 Miss America pageant. The executive director of the Miss Indiana pageant, Aren Straiger, is also a Ball State University alumna.
The mission of the Miss Ball State pageant is to promote Miss America’s mission of “preparing great women for the world, preparing the world for great women.” The Miss America pageant is one of the largest providers of scholarships for women in the United States.
Kosisko described Miss Ball State 2025, Emma Schneider, as fearless. Schneider will compete in the Miss Indiana 2025 competition in June.
Schneider is earning her Master of Business Administration degree, and double
majoring in apparel design and fashion merchandising. Seamlessly combining her fashion and business studies, Schneider is CEO of Reflections Boutique and The Blonde Baker, and an instructor of applied business studies at Ball State University.
Schneider said a lot of soul searching is involved with pageantry preparation.
“You really have to know who you are and what you stand for,” says Schneider.
Schneider’s community service initiative is SAFE Project: Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic. Through her initiative, Schneider hopes to reduce the stigma associated with addiction and promote harm-reduction resources, including expanding the availability of naloxone. Locally, Schneider partners with Muncie Folk Collective, a nonprofit organization that provides outreach, support, and naloxone access points and vending machines.
Schneider dedicates 10 to 15 hours per week on pageant preparation. Schneider said her time tap dancing and teaching at Muncie dance company Dazzle Dance & Cheer prepared her for pageantry.
“I started [tap dancing] because I watched Shirley Temple on TV,” she says. “I wanted to do what she was doing, so I got out cookie sheets and my black patent leather tap shoes and I started tap dancing.”
Schneider has been tap dancing and handling cookie sheets ever since. She began tap dancing at 3 years old and launched The Blonde Baker in 2021.
“Emma, as a performer, she’s amazing,” says Betsy Curry, owner of Dazzle Dance & Cheer. “She definitely lights up the stage whenever she’s performing.”
Muncie native and Ball State sophomore Katey Cooper is a fresh face on the pageant scene. Cooper won first-runner-up in
her first pageant, Miss Delaware County 2024 and second-runner-up in her second pageant, Miss Ball State 2025.
Cooper says she loves the over-the-top spectacle, sisterhood, and glamour of pageantry.
“There is truly a lot of sisterhood and fellowship behind the scenes,” she says. “For 99% of the day it doesn’t feel like you’re in competition with each other.”
Recruitment for Miss Ball State 2026 will begin in August.
Follow Miss Ball State 2025’s cookie, fashion, and community ventures on Instagram @missballstatein and @ emmatheblondebaker.
For information on the Miss Ball State pageant, visit missballstatepageant.wixsite. com/missballstate/program.
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EVERY STAR SHINES
THE DELAWARE COUNTY SPECIAL NEEDS PROM PROVIDES A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Writer / Jennifer Criss
For Lynne Hatfield and Mindy Kemper, making memorable moments for individuals with special needs isn’t just about one night; it’s a year-round commitment.
The Delaware County Special Needs Prom (DCSNP) was launched to fill a community need, and it has grown immensely in the last decade.
A MISSION BORN FROM LOVE
Hatfield started the prom in 2014 with just $1,000 and a mission. Her son, Hayden, who has autism, thrived in school-based life-skills programs but experienced isolation after aging out at 21. Determined to create opportunities for him and others like him, Hatfield envisioned a space where individuals with special needs could experience joy, connection and inclusion. Kemper, who also has specialneeds adult children, joined the effort the following year, adding her logistical expertise. Kemper was also able to secure nonprofit status in 2018.
MORE THAN JUST A PROM
Held each May, the DCSNP offers attendees a night of celebration where they are honored like royalty. This year’s event, scheduled for May 10 at the Horizon Convention Center in downtown Muncie, embraces the theme “A
Night at the Oscars”, promising a glamorous evening full of glitter, glitz and red-carpet treatment.
Behind the scenes, the work is immense. Hatfield and Kemper coordinate decorations, secure funding and handle countless logistical details. “It never stops,” Kemper said. “People think it’s just a prom, but it’s so much more than that. We’re building a community for individuals who don’t always get to feel included.”
THE CHALLENGES OF CREATING MAGIC
The event comes with its share of challenges. Organizing the prom alone costs between $30,000 and $35,000 annually, while their total operational expenses exceed $50,000. They also host “Say Yes to the Dress” and “Dress to Impress” parties (scheduled for April 12 and 17 this year, respectively), where attendees can select formalwear in preparation for the big night. Finding the perfect sparkly dress or a dapper suit adds to the magic of the event.
Beyond the prom, the DCSNP hosts other gatherings, including a fall hoedown and a summer Splash Bash picnic, in an effort to make their special-needs guests feel included, have a little fun and feel less isolated - at least for a little while. The organization members
are committed to keeping all these events free, but increasing costs are a concern.
Since the event has grown so much since its inception, amassing nearly 900 attendees last year, the only venue large enough is the Horizon Center. The site, however, doesn’t allow services like food (other than desserts) and music to be brought in, which places limitations on organizers and increases costs for items that were once donated.
Finding volunteers can be another hurdle. “We always get a great turnout for the dress party, but the suit party is another story,” Hatfield said. “These young men need help getting dressed, and it’s tough for us as women to be the ones assisting.” They also need volunteers for the other events throughout the year.
A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT
The prom couldn’t survive without the generosity of local supporters and businesses like Jeremy Turner, owner of Charmed Cupcake Co.
For the past nine years, Turner has donated desserts for the event, even closing his shop for a week last year to prepare cheesecakes and cupcakes. Though he’d provided desserts free of charge for several years, he’d not seen the impact for himself until 2024, when he
attended the event as a volunteer with his 5-year-old son. “I just can’t say enough about this event,” Turner said. “I get a little choked up. It’s so close to my heart. Seeing the joy on everyone’s face and experiencing that with my son was unforgettable.”
For Hatfield and Kemper, the work is deeply personal. “This community, our special needs community, can feel forgotten; it hurts,” Kemper said. But the moments of delight on prom night make it all worthwhile. When the
music plays and the lights sparkle, a sense of belonging fills the room as parents look on with tear-filled eyes.
“When you see that joy, you remember why you do it,” Hatfield said, her voice thick with emotion.
HOW TO HELP
One doesn’t have to go much further than the DCSNP website to hear touching testimonials and pictorial evidence of the service they provide for the community. Donations are crucial to sustaining their efforts, volunteers are always needed, and local leaders can help by simply showing up and recognizing the importance of their work.
“This is about more than one night,” Hatfield said. “It’s about making our community a place where everyone feels seen, valued and loved.”
Visit delcospecialneedsprom.org to donate, volunteer or learn more.
New FREE COMMUNITY CALENDAR
DROP-OFF LOCATIONS FOR DRESS AND SUIT DONATIONS:
Muncie Com Net, 400 East Main Street
Indianapolis Movable Feast, 5143 East 65th Street
PAST AND PRESENT COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:
• Hair Matterz
• Com Net, LLC
• Moveable Feast
• Fullhart Charitable Fund
• Twisted Wrenches Car Club
• Community of Hope Church
• Tri Kappa
• Horizon Convention Center
• A-1 For Fun
• Interlock
• Ford’s Tux
APRIL CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Solutions
ACROSS
1. Opposite of rural
7. Daughter’s child
8. Common
10. Juveniles
12. Complete disorder
14. Rushed
16. Glass pots
17. Looking very undernourished
20. Significant
23. Brought under control
24. Most fortunate
25. Sense of the absurd
DOWN
1. Dethrones
2. Not here
3. Wide smile
4. Grind (teeth) together
5. Bone specialist
6. Unexpended
9. Hotel foyer
11. Male family head
13. Large deer
15. Disobey (rules)
16. Mixture
18. Indecently
19. Inflexible
21. Deep wound
22. Den
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
EARN YOUR ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION FROM IVY TECH MUNCIE-HENRY COUNTY
There were more than 300 posted open positions for special education teachers in Indiana as of last fall. To help meet this need, Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County is one of a few Ivy Tech locations that offer a Special Education program. This program serves as a foundation for accessible and inclusive learning environments through its students. The 60-credit hour, four-semester program is designed to equip aspiring educators with the skills and knowledge they need to transform the lives of students with differing abilities. Future educators complete the program and transfer to a four-year partner to further their education.
“Special education teachers in Delaware and Henry Counties are the cornerstone of inclusive learning environments, ensuring that every student—regardless of their abilities—can thrive. Their dedication transforms classrooms into spaces of
empowerment and possibility, where all children can achieve their fullest potential,” says Department Chair for the Elementary Education Program Dr. Sarah Haisley.
Transform Lives, One Student at a Time Special education teachers play a critical role in creating inclusive and empowering learning environments for students with disabilities. These educators support children with dyslexia and cerebral palsy, ensuring every child has the chance to succeed. The AS in Special Education at Ivy Tech provides foundational training to prepare future educators to recognize the unique strengths and needs of every student, fostering an environment where all children can thrive.
Students choose the program for different reasons. Kamille Chambers, a current Special Education student at the MuncieHenry County campus, chose the
program due to her experience as a special education student. In elementary school, Chambers was diagnosed with ADHD and a learning disability. She was placed in the special education program to support her academic success. In middle school, she was confronted with a harsh truth about being in this program. Her special education teacher at the time told her she would not make it or get far in life due to her ADHD and learning disability. This experience pushed Chambers to join the Special Education program at Ivy Tech.
“I chose the Special Education program to prove that students with special needs and/or disabilities can do what they set their minds to and achieve their goals,” Chambers said.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• 60 Credit Hours: Complete the program in just four semesters.
• TSAP Designation: As a Transfer Single Articulation Pathway (TSAP) program, students can seamlessly transfer to an Indiana public four-year college or university as juniors, saving up to $10,000 in tuition cost.
Flexible Pathways for Continued Education Graduates of the Associate of Science in Special Education program can transfer to a bachelor’s program at a four-year institution to further their education. Ivy Tech’s Transfer Advocates are available to guide students through the process and provide personalized support as they take the next step in their academic journey.
A FAST TRACK TO SUCCESS
Students can earn their degree in just two years by completing 60 credit hours, which include:
• 30 General Education Credits
• 26 Program-Specific Credits
• 3 Institutional Requirement Credits
• 1 College Success Credit
By graduation, students are equipped with the core competencies to excel in the classroom and further their education at a four-year university.
“Upon graduating from Ivy Tech’s Special Education program, I have been able to further my education at Ball State’s Teachers College, working toward my Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). I feel that Ivy Tech did a great job of using hands-on learning to align the courses they offer for an easy transition into Ball State’s expectations,” Wendi Anderson, a 2020 Special Education program graduate, said, “As a graduate from Ivy Tech of Muncie’s Special Education program I can say, with confidence, that I have gained personal growth through working firsthand in the community, learned how to continue to grow my knowledge, and gained support through a growing a group of professionals who I know I can trust.”
To learn more about the School of Education and the Special Education program, visit online at ivytech.edu/muncie or email askmuncie@ivytech.edu today.
Woman-Owned • Locally Operated
Smoot Landscaping LLC is a locally woman-owned and operated business that prides itself on a job well-done. We value our relationship with every customer and believe honesty and integrity is the only way to serve our community. Every estimate we give is custom, and every team member has the authority to go above and beyond to exceed all our clients’ highest expectations.
• Residential & Commercial Design
• Pool Installation
• Outdoor Kitchen & Recreation
• Custom Lighting & Sound
• Irrigation Installation & Maintenance
• Lawn Fertilization & Weed Control
• All with 3D Virtual Design!
Small Town Hospitality. Big City Experience.
Contact us for your FREE On-Site Consultation
Submit Your Events!
1
EUCHRE PLAY
THE HEOROT PUB & DRAUGHT HOUSE, 219 S. WALNUT ST.
1 - 4 PM muncieevents.com
HORTICULTURE
VOLUNTEER DAYS
MINNETRISTA, 1200 N. MINNETRISTA PKWY.
8 - 11 AM minnetrista.net
NORTHERN ILLINOIS
UNIVERSITY SOFTBALL AT BALL STATE UNIVERSITY
1 - 3 PM calendar.niu.edu
3 FIRST THURSDAY GALLERY WALK
DOWNTOWN, 120 W. CHARLES ST.
6 AM - 8 PM downtownmuncie.org
4 REO SURVIVOR
PARAMOUNT THEATRE, 1124 MERIDIAN PLAZA
7:30 PM
5 FARMERS MARKET AT MINNETRISTA: INDOOR MARKET
9 AM - 12 PM
MINNETRISTA.NET
MUNCIE CARS & COFFEE
CORNER OF WALNUT & CHARLES STREETS, OLD NATIONAL BANK PARKING LOT
9 AM - 12 PM
Open to all years, makes and models. Come out, check out the vehicles, and talk cars with other gear heads and car enthusiasts. Hosted by the Muncie Volkswagen Club. muncieevents.com
TENNESSEE WHISKEY CHICAGO
PARAMOUNT THEATRE, 1124 MERIDIAN PLAZA 7:30 PM
9
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
BALL STATE UNIVERSITY, 2000 W. UNIVERSITY AVE. 2:30 PM
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. is an electrifying tribute celebrating the music of the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. muncieevents.com
“RESPECT - THE ARETHA FRANKLIN STORY” 7:30 PM
EMENS AUDITORIUM, 1800 W. RIVERSIDE AVE.
10
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY MEN’S TENNIS AT BALL STATE UNIVERSITY
1 - 4 PM CALENDAR.NIU.EDU
11
BRIAN FREE & ASSURANCE
EPWORTH CHURCH OF MATTHEWS, 105 W. 8TH ST. 7 PM BANDSINTOWN.COM
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY BASEBALL AT BALL STATE
3 - 6 PM
CALENDAR.NIU.EDU
12
MAGIC TREE HOUSE: SPACE MISSION” 3:30 PM PLANETARIUM SHOW
3:30 - 4:30 PM
BALL STATE UNIVERSITY, 2000 W UNIVERSITY AVE. TRAVEL WITH JACK AND ANNIE, STARS OF THE MAGIC TREE HOUSE® BEST-SELLING CHILDREN’S BOOK SERIES, AS THEY SEARCH FOR ANSWERS TO A MYSTERIOUS RIDDLE AS THEY MEET A HELPFUL ASTRONOMER AND AN ASTRONAUT. MUNCIEEVENTS.COM
15 2025 V!VA AWARDS
11:30 AM – 1 PM
HORIZON CONVENTION CENTER, 401 SOUTH HIGH STREET. THE GOAL OF THE V!VA AWARDS IS TO RECOGNIZE ALL WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY. V!VA STANDS FOR VERY IMPORTANT VOLUNTEER AWARDS. WWW.EVENTBRITE.COM
19
SUOR ANGELICA
7:30 PM
SURSA PERFORMANCE HALL, 2000 W UNIVERSITY AVE. CAROLINE NARDINO WWW.BANDSINTOWN.COM
24
DUELING PIANOS AT PRUIS HALL
7:30 PM
EMENS AUDITORIUM, 1800 W. RIVERSIDE AVE. DUELING PIANO SHOWS MAKE FOR A UNIQUE, INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE THAT IS FAR FROM A TYPICAL NIGHT OUT.
25 AN EVENING WITH VOID KINGALBUM RELEASE PARTY
8 PM
ROOM 5 PIANO BAR (2105 W WHITE RIVER BLVD_ MUNCIEEVENTS.COM
STAND UP FOR KIDS COMEDY NIGHT
7:30 – 9 PM
PRUIS HALL, 2000 W UNIVERSITY AVE. JOIN US FOR A HILARIOUS NIGHT OF STAND-UP COMEDY WITH INDIANA’S OWN BRENT TERHUNE TO SUPPORT LOCAL KIDS IN OUR COMMUNITY! WWW.EVENTBRITE.COM
