Muncie Magazine March 2025 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

Muncie Public Library at 150 A Legacy of Learning and Connection

ONLY NATURAL

THE ROBERT COOPER AUDUBON SOCIETY HELPS CITIZENS LEARN ABOUT, PROTECT AND ENHANCE THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Celebrating Indiana Basketball HistoryLocally and Beyond

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MUNCIE PUBLIC LIBRARY AT 150

A LEGACY OF LEARNING AND CONNECTION

Writer / Jennifer Criss

The staff at Muncie Public Library (MPL) is celebrating a significant milestone this year150 years of service to the community. Since its founding in 1875, MPL has grown from a single reading room into an indispensable hub for education, culture and connection across Muncie.

A RICH HISTORY

The library began modestly within City Hall in downtown Muncie, near the corner where the first Merchants Bank now stands. Local donors recognized the importance of access to books and education, and while other small libraries had existed previously, this one was the first publicly funded endeavor.

In the late 19th century, the building also housed the police and fire departments. As Muncie’s population surged, so did the library’s collection, creating a pressing need for more space. Efforts to expand within the city building proved challenging; library patrons struggled with the noise from the police department’s workout room, where things like the rhythmic pounding of a punching bag disrupted quiet reading. The proposed expansion above the fire department’s horse stables was problematic and raised concerns

about air quality and suitability. These limitations highlighted the need for a dedicated library building, eventually leading to the establishment of the Carnegie Library in 1904. Funded by a $55,000 grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the Carnegie Library became a cornerstone of the community and remains a vital part of MPL’s network today.

“As we look back at the beginnings of Muncie Public Library, it is significant to note that even in the very earliest days of Muncie’s history, the residents and leadership of the community recognized and valued the importance of a public library and the shared resources and opportunities a library represents,” said Alan Kornblau, MPL director.

This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Kennedy Library branch. In 1965 the Kennedy Library branch, with its midcentury modern look, was established to serve Muncie’s growing neighborhoods. Plans had begun in 1963, and the original plan was to name it the Norwood branch after the neighborhood. After John F. Kennedy was assassinated, it was renamed before it even opened its doors. Located on McGalliard Road, the branch quickly became a beloved community fixture.

TODAY’S MPL: A NETWORK OF RESOURCES

After many changes in buildings and closures over the years, MPL currently operates four branches: Carnegie Library, Kennedy Library, Maring-Hunt Library and Connection Corner. Each location offers a wide array of services to the Muncie and Center Township community.

Carnegie Library: The historic centerpiece of MPL’s network, the Carnegie Library combines classic architecture with modern amenities. Its archives provide a treasure trove of local history, making it a destination for researchers and history enthusiasts.

Kennedy Library: Known for its welcoming atmosphere, it is a neighborhood hub for families, students and readers of all ages. It offers extensive collections and hosts a variety of community events.

Maring-Hunt Library: This branch is a leader in outreach and engagement, featuring programs such as early literacy initiatives and technology training, as well as a vast collection of books and online resources.

Connection Corner: Dedicated to technology access and innovation, this branch provides resources like 3D printing, digital literacy classes, a sound studio and free Wi-Fi.

Muncie Public Library’s services extend far beyond book lending. Programs for all ages,

meeting spaces, access to technology, free Wi-Fi and educational workshops are just a few examples of how MPL enriches the community. From toddlers attending story time sessions to seniors exploring genealogy, MPL truly has something for everyone.

150TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

To honor the library’s sesquicentennialplayfully referred to by staff as the “sasquatch centennial” - MPL has planned a series of quarterly open-house events. One will be held at each of the four branches, and the first kicked off on February 7 at Kennedy Library.

There will be an event at Maring-Hunt Library in the spring, Connection Corner in the summer, and the final celebration at

Carnegie Library in the fall, which will align with downtown Muncie’s November First Thursday events.

A “passport” program is available, with incentives to attend all events.

Limited-edition anniversary-themed swag, including a special library card designed to honor the anniversary, is also expected to be available. Many of these items will be produced in-house using the technology available to the public at the Connection Corner library, such as their sublimation printer, which can print on T-shirts, bags, puzzles, keychains and more.

THE FUTURE

As the MPL team celebrates its history, it is also focused on the future. Plans are underway to enhance digital resources further, expand programming and ensure that MPL remains a vital community resource for decades to come. The library’s leadership is committed to fostering inclusion and accessibility, ensuring everyone in Muncie can benefit from its offerings.

“Libraries have always been about more than books,” said Sara McKinley, Carnegie Library manager and MPL archivist. “They’re about connecting people, providing opportunities and building a stronger community. We’re excited to continue that mission.”

For 150 years, MPL has been a cornerstone of Muncie, adapting to the times while remaining true to its mission of enriching lives. As residents gather to celebrate this milestone, they will honor the library’s storied past, vibrant present and promising future. It is a powerful reminder of how libraries inspire, educate and foster community connections.

Check out the library’s website at munpl.org to find upcoming events and announcements.

Mention 40. Shade 41. Tied up 44. Bad driver’s shout 47. Mah-jongg piece 49. Time to look ahead

50. Bump from office 51. Abu Dhabi leader 52. Fall from grace

53. Pluck 54. To-do 55. Snaky DOWN

1. Chinese gemstone 2. Aware of 3. Least shaky

4. Pie baker’s utensil

5. Went nowhere

6. Poetic contraction

7. Took the tiller

8. Tough

9. “That’s it!”

10. “___ so fast!”

11. Anil or woad

19. Bit of sweat 21. Doze 24. It may be heightened

25. Advanced

26. Understands

27. Radar screen image

28. Liturgy

29. Seek a seat

32. Strikes out

33. Better half

35. “___ rang?”

36. Sidetrack

38. Butler at Tara

39. Cuban singer Cruz

42. Like some grins

43. Disavow

44. Flight delayer, perhaps

45. Jointly owned, maybe

46. Industrial injury

48. Babysitter’s handful

IU HEALTH ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE

ATHLETIC TRAINER BRINGS EXPERTISE TO IU HEALTH ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE

For Adam Sparks, athletic training isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling shaped by decades of experience and a lifelong connection to sports.

As a certified athletic trainer and part of the IU Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine - Muncie team, Sparks brings his expertise to patients across East Central Indiana, all while finding balance

between work and family.

Sparks recently joined IU Health after spending 20 years as an athletic trainer at Taylor University. There, he worked closely with collegiate athletes in football, lacrosse, and track and field. As his two sons grew older, Sparks found himself missing more family moments than he wanted.

“Both of my boys are active in sports, and I realized I was missing their games and school activities,” Sparks says. “I wanted to be present for them, especially as they approach their teenage years.”

The transition to IU Health has allowed Sparks to apply his skills in a new setting. At the walk-

in orthopedics clinic, he is often the first point of contact for patients, assessing their needs and connecting them with the appropriate specialist. The variety of injuries he sees, from hand fractures to ankle sprains, keeps his days dynamic.

“I love that no two days are the same,” Sparks says. “It’s rewarding to be able to listen to patients, assess their needs and ensure they’re on the right path to recovery.”

Sparks has also extended his community focus by strengthening IU Health’s partnerships with local schools and athletic trainers. His years of working with athletes make him a natural fit for connecting students to orthopedic care and ensuring timely treatment for sports-related injuries.

“Getting athletes seen quickly is critical,” he says. “Whether they need surgery, therapy or simply guidance on returning to practice, it’s all about providing solutions that align with their goals.”

While his current position has taken him from the sidelines to the clinic, Sparks remains deeply invested in the athlete experience. Whether guiding an athlete back to the game they love or helping a patient navigate recovery, he finds fulfillment in making a difference.

Beyond his clinical duties, he cherishes the opportunity to attend his sons’ games and be fully present for his family.

“Being able to combine my passion for sports medicine with more time for my family has been a blessing,” Sparks says. “It’s a reminder that I’m in the right place, doing what I’m meant to do.”

FARM IT OUT

EXPERIENCE THE DELAWARE COUNTY FARM FESTIVAL

The Delaware County Farm Festival will feature two days of free, down-on-the-farm fun at the Delaware County Fairgrounds on March 18 and 19.

“The Delaware County Farm Festival has been providing over 40 years of farming education to the public,” says Joe Scott, Delaware County Farm Festival chairman. “Our farm festival is a free annual event held at the Delaware County Fairgrounds to teach school children and adults, who live in or who are visiting our state, about farming and agriculture, past and present, and the important role [farming] plays in today’s society.”

The farm festival yields more than 3,000 student attendees, pops more than 300 pounds of kettle corn and features more than 40 vendors, including Delaware County Soil & Water, Delaware County Master Gardeners and Delaware County 4-H.

The farm festival focuses on encouraging the general public to connect to local farmers, understand the needs of farmers, and boost children’s interest in future careers in agriculture. This year’s farm festival theme “Preserving the Farmer’s Harvest” hopes to spur local, urban vegetable gardeners.

Scott, was one of the founders of the festival. His father would bring horse-drawn farming equipment to showcase at the original farm festival held at the Delaware County Courthouse.

“Thomas Jefferson stated agriculture is our wisest pursuit because it will, in the end, contribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness, and I think that’s what this is all about,” says Ed Shirey of Shirey Farms, and farm festival committee member and auctioneer. “When you think of the important people in society, you think of lawyers, doctors, bankers, and you need them occasionally, but you need a farmer every day.”

According to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, 94% of farms in Indiana are family owned or operated. The average age of one of the 94,000 farmers in Indiana is 56 years old. Indiana ranks number one in popcorn and gourd production in the nation. The top-five commodities produced in Indiana are corn, soybeans, hogs/pigs, poultry, and eggs and milk from cows.

“In Indiana you usually think of corn and beans, but there’s a wide variety of other

crops that are produced,” says Scott. “There’s literally more than corn in Indiana.”

The farm festival is scheduled to coincide with National Agriculture Day on March 18.

Seven-year-old Wes-Del Elementary School student Cooper Holsinger has been attending the farm festival for the past six years. Cooper’s favorite farm festival activities include looking at the bugs, planting a plant, eating the kettle corn and participating in the pedal pull.

“I would like to have a farm behind my house, help my papaw farm and have a big pasture of goats behind it too,” says Holsinger.

Kids activities include a farm animals petting zoo with Delaware County farmers, an inflatable corn maze by A-1 for Fun, and a pedal pull.

The immersive exhibits allow children to take wool home from the sheep-shearing demonstration, milk the cows, pet the horses and sit on the saddles. Weather and emergency calls permitting, the IU Health Lifeline helicopter will land at the farm festival and offer rides.

The farm festival began in 1980. Scott’s father, Ted

Writer / Heather Collins Photographer / Chris Carroll

Each year the farm festival provides local classrooms with educational materials focused on farming, supplied by the American Dairy Association of Indiana, Indiana Beef Cattle Association, Indiana Soybean Alliance and others.

“Unfortunately we’re three generations away from the farmers now,” says Cindy Jeffrey, farm festival committee member and MTJ Jersey Dairy farmer.

The Delaware County Farm Festival committee offers $500 annual scholarships to aid students pursuing an education in an agricultural-related field of study.

Exhibits include cow milking with MTJ Jersey Dairy, sheep shearing with Gary Willcox, kettle-corn making with Mike and Dee Chambers, blacksmithing with Phillip Hatton, and antique tractors from the White River Heritage Antique Association.

The Delaware County Extension Homemakers will host lunch and dinner on both festival dates in Heartland Hall. Tuesday’s lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. features a baked steak lunch with mashed potatoes, green beans and coleslaw followed by a pork-chop dinner from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday’s lunch features chicken noodles. Wednesday’s dinner is a barbecue cook-off with musical entertainment by Common Ground.

The farm festival auction will be held on Tuesday, March 18 at 6 p.m. in Heartland Hall. Proceeds from the lunches, dinners and auction fund the annual farm festival.

104.1 FM WLBC, 104.9 WERK and 96.7 FM BLAKE will broadcast live from the event. Event entry and parking is free.

The Delaware County Farm Festival will be held at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, located at 1210 Wheeling Avenue in Muncie. For more information, visit farmfestival.org or email delawarecountyfarmfestival@ gmail.com.

Dr. Linh Vu, DC & Odie the clinic therapy dog

THE BARN LOT

Writer / Jennifer Criss

Photographer / Chris Carroll

Since 2009, The Barn Lot has been crafting quality outdoor solutions with a personal touch, becoming a go-to destination for families and homeowners across the region, offering everything from custom carports to cozy backyard retreats.

PRODUCTS FOR EVERY NEED

Scott Quirk started this venture during a time of economic uncertainty. As owner of Tom Cherry Muffler, he witnessed the wholesale auto parts industry face challenges and a decline in orders. He found himself repurposing a pole barn he had built nearly a decade earlier to store inventory. Originally intended as a warehouse, the barn was transformed into a man cave since the storage space was no longer needed.

But Quirk’s knack for identifying opportunities soon turned this casual retreat into a thriving business. After spotting an ad for sheds in a regional magazine, the wheels began to turn, and he took a leap of faith and contacted the company that produced them. A few months later the first two sheds arrived at his lot, marking the official start of The Barn Lot with his father, Mike Quirk - a perhaps unwitting partner at first.

“My dad was skeptical,” Scott Quirk recalls with a smile. “He wasn’t thrilled about the idea of mowing around unsold sheds and thought I was a little nuts, but once sales picked up, he saw the potential.” Indeed, the business quickly gained momentum. Within a year The Barn Lot was selling sheds regularly, drawing customers from all over the region.

The Muncie location is on the southeast side, near Highway 67. They offer a variety of products from small, portable 8-by-8-foot sheds to deluxe 16-by-48-foot pole barns, with prices ranging from approximately $2,250 to $19,000, depending on the customer’s needs. The Barn Lot also provides carports, garages, and both lofted and non-lofted barns, all of

which can be customized in various ways. Whether customers are looking for a simple she-shed or a man cave, they have many options available. They even sell playground equipment to complete backyards.

ONE BIG FAMILY

What makes The Barn Lot stand out is its deeply rooted connection to family. Mike played an instrumental role in the early days, helping to manage the lot and interact with customers. Today the business remains a family affair. Scott’s three daughters have all contributed at different times, with his eldest, Whitney, now working alongside him to manage day-to-day operations. Scott’s wife, Wendy, also plays an active role, stepping in to provide support whenever needed. It’s always

been a family business.

“Having my wife and daughters involved makes it even more rewarding,” said Quirk. Even his future son-in-law, Logan Waters, often lends a hand.

The Barn Lot’s success allowed Scott to expand beyond its original location. At its peak, the business operated five lots across Indiana, including sites in Connersville, New Castle, Rushville and Decatur. Each location offered the same dedication to quality and customer service that had become the hallmark of the original lot. Although managing multiple locations was demanding, Scott found ways to streamline operations. Today the Muncie and New Castle locations remain in operation.

CUSTOMER SERVICE DONE RIGHT

What distinguishes The Barn Lot from its competitors is the commitment to having dedicated staff members readily available on-site. Scott firmly believes in the value of personal interaction, and is not in favor of a system where customers are left waiting on hold or calling a number without assurance of immediate assistance. Instead, The Barn Lot is proud to maintain knowledgeable and friendly employees who are available six days a week. This proactive approach ensures that all customer inquiries can be addressed in real time, enhancing the overall experience. Whether it’s answering questions about products, providing recommendations or resolving any issues, the on-site staff is always prepared to assist, creating a welcoming environment where customers feel valued and supported.

The Barn Lot has experienced significant growth, which has led to unexpected collaborations. Scott recalls a particularly meaningful project for which his team provided sheds that were purchased and repurposed into tiny homes for homeless individuals in partnership with Bridges, now known as the Muncie Mission Hub.

“Seeing our products make a difference in people’s lives reinforced why we do what we do,” he said. “We are looking forward to working with them again soon.”

Scott says he envisions The Barn Lot as his “retirement job.” While he still puts in long hours managing both The Barn Lot and his auto repair business, he sees the shed business as a fulfilling way to stay active and engaged. As he looks back on more than 15 years of success, he remains grounded in the values that have guided him from the start: family, service, and a belief in the potential of small beginnings.

IVY TECH ENHANCING ADVANCED MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN MUNCIE

A new initiative pairing Ivy Tech’s WorkMatters program with Muncie Manufacturing aims to foster stronger industry-education partnerships locally to prepare students for high-wage, in-demand careers.

As part of the partnership, industry veteran Stephen Brand will join Ivy Tech’s School of Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science team as a mentor and liaison between local industry and education. Brand will be embedded on-

campus in Muncie, bringing his 30 years of experience in the manufacturing sector to the classroom.

His role will provide valuable student guidance, facilitate local industry connections, and help students secure meaningful employment opportunities upon graduation. “Through this collaboration, I hope to bring real-world insights and support to students as they develop both the technical and soft skills needed to thrive in the workforce,” said

Brand. “With employers increasingly seeking highly skilled candidates, my goal is to help students build the competencies to ensure they stand out to potential employers.”

Ivy Tech officials are hailing the move as part of their mission to create a robust talent pipeline for Muncie. “We aim to position the Muncie area as a prime location for future employers to plant their roots,” said Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Impact Jennifer Gasiorek.

Muncie Manufacturing Co-founder Todd Murray said this will be an invaluable resource for Ivy Tech students. “Employers can be confident that when they hire graduates, they will already be familiar with workplace expectations and ready to contribute from day one,” he said.

“Having Stephen Brand lead this effort will be transformative for our students,” said Ivy Tech Dean Jeremy Brown. “Not only will they gain the technical expertise needed to succeed, but they will also

receive mentorship from someone who has spent decades in the industry. The combination of hands-on experience and academic training will provide students an unparalleled experience, making them workforce-ready upon graduation.”

This partnership is a significant step forward for Muncie and the surrounding communities, as it addresses the critical need for skilled workers in the rapidly growing advanced manufacturing and technology sectors. By bridging the gap

between education and industry, this collaboration will help equip students with the knowledge and experience they need to succeed in a competitive job market.

If you are interested in exploring a new career pathway in manufacturing, please email askmuncie@ivytech.edu to get connected with an enrollment specialist today. If you are ready, you can apply online at ivytech.edu/admissions/applynow.

HYPING HOOSIER HYSTERIA

CELEBRATING INDIANA BASKETBALL HISTORY - LOCALLY AND BEYOND

Writer / Heather Collins

Photographer / Chris Carroll

Basketball’s inventor Dr. James Naismith referred to Indiana as the “cradle” of basketball. The sport was invented in 1891, and the roots of “Hoosier hysteria” surrounding Indiana high school basketball state tournaments began in 1911.

“Basketball was born in Massachusetts, but it grew up and flourished in Indiana,” says Matt Martin, executive director of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.

The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, located in New Castle, is a 30-minute drive from the Muncie Central Fieldhouse, where 14 Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame inductees took their first shots at greatness.

The Muncie Central Bearcats have clinched eight Indiana high school boys basketball tournament victories, produced four Mr. Basketballs, as well as multiple NBA players including Bonzi Wells, Jim Davis,

Bill Dinwiddie and Ron Bonham. Bonham, nicknamed the Muncie Mortar, was Mr. Basketball in 1960, played on the original Indiana Pacers team in the 1967-1968 season, and won two NBA championship titles with the Boston Celtics. Bonham is the Bearcats’ all-time leading scorer with 2,028 points.

“Hoosier hysteria is a mode of thinking that is unique to Indiana, as the name implies,” says Martin.“[Hoosier Hysteria] is loving packed gyms on a Friday or Saturday night, smelling the popcorn in the gym, hearing the balls bouncing during warm-ups, the fans cheering for both sides, and the overall uniqueness and passion for the sport, that sets Indiana different from every other state. It’s our gym sizes, bands playing and cheerleaders helping their team to victory. Everything about the high school game - regular-season contests, tournaments, the IHSAA state basketball

tournament - makes Hoosier hysteria something that cannot be duplicated.”

Former Indiana University men’s basketball coach Bob Knight, former President Barack Obama, and former Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb are just a few of the visitors to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame museum.

Muncie Central Athletic Director Jeff Holloway is a 1994 Muncie Central graduate and played on the Bearcats alongside Bonzi Wells in the 1993-1994 season. Holloway coached basketball at Muncie Central from 2014 to 2017 and became the high school’s athletic director in 2021.

“We need the community to continue to invest in the sport at the youth, middle school and high school levels,” says Holloway. “I would love for the next generation of players to look to past athletes as role models, not only for their skills on the court, but for their dedication, teamwork and commitment to taking Muncie basketball to new levels.”

The Memorial House at Muncie Central

Fieldhouse showcases the Bearcat’s historic and hysteria-provoking legacy, including Bonham’s class of 1960 letterman jacket, artifacts from the historic defeat of Muncie Central High School by Milan High School in 1954, which inspired the movie “Hoosiers”, and a piece of netting in a small glass bottle from the 1928 championship game between Muncie Central and Martinsville High School. According to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame website, Charles Secrist’s game-winning shot from behind the center line in the 1928 state title game is one of the most famous shots in state tourney history.

Current high school basketball players can get inspiration at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame museum by learning about how past players handled defeat, clenched victories and advanced on the Hoosier hardwood.

“Much like any other means of learning or society, in order to know why you are here or what got you to this point, you have to learn from the past,” says Martin. “Learn from previous games, scenarios, situations or teams. How did players

overcome obstacles that allow you to be in the situation you are in, and be able to play the game that is loved by so many? While it might just seem like a game, lessons are taught, history is broken, and today’s players would not be able to play this game without the sacrifice that came before them - the hardships that were endured by others.”

Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame exhibits include:

• 11K immersive experience depicting attendance at the IHSAA state finals

• Are You an Analyst?: Become a sports radio broadcaster

• Take Your Shot: Hoop shoot

• Slam Dunk: Photo opportunity

• Jump interactive: Measures jumping height

To nominate a player for the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, visit hoopshall. com/nominate.

For information on the upcoming IHSSA tournaments, visit ihsaa.org.

More information is available at hoopshall. com, or by calling 765-529-1891.

$15

Questions?

$15 Registration fee to participate; includes a commemorative

Questions? Contact Liz at ZoesUnicornTrot@gmail.com

Questions?

ONLY NATURAL

THE ROBERT COOPER AUDUBON SOCIETY HELPS CITIZENS LEARN ABOUT, PROTECT AND ENHANCE THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographers / Chris Carroll & Don Rogers

Some say that getting lost in nature is when you find yourself. It certainly can help you gain clarity and perspective.

“I’m one of those people who goes greatguns at anything I do,” says Barb Stedman, field trip chair and website manager for the Robert Cooper Audubon Society (RCAS). “Birding and walking outside makes me slow down and grow quiet.”

The mission of the RCAS is to protect and enhance all the habitats that support our natural ecosystems.

“We help others understand how those ecosystems are critical to our own

survival,” says Annette Rose, former president of the RCAS. “We can choose to exploit and degrade those ecosystems to the point where they can’t support wildlife, especially our migrating and local bird populations, or we can conserve and improve those habitats for birds.”

The RCAS, which covers seven counties in east central Indiana, began in the 1960s as a local birding club called the Delaware County Audubon Society. In 1974 it became a regional chapter of the National Audubon Society. Members celebrated the 50th anniversary last April.

When someone joins the National

Audubon Society, they automatically get assigned to their nearest regional chapter. While RCAS has more than 600 members, roughly 35 of them are active.

One of the first things Catherine Kubo did when she moved to Indiana was join the local Audubon chapter to connect with her tribe.

“That socialization piece is so important,” says Kubo, vice president of the RCAS, adding that extensive knowledge on birds is not required. “Anyone can walk with us.”

Kubo suggests folks join them on one of their monthly Saturday morning walks at Mounds State Park. “It’s a great trip for beginners,” she says. “Even if you’re not interested in learning about birds, plants and wildflowers, you can still enjoy a walk in the woods.”

Birding trips can be restorative and

Upcoming Field Trips

Second Saturday of every month, 9-11 a.m. - Mounds State Park

April 5, 9-11 a.m. - Shrader-Weaver Nature Preserve

Apr. 26, 9 a.m.-TBA - Celery Bog Nature Area & Prophetstown State Park

May 3, 8:30 a.m.-noon - Cope Environmental Center

May 24-25, times TBD - Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge & Clifty Falls State Park

Upcoming Programs at Ball State’s Nature Lab, 7 p.m.

May 19: Sam Ivande, “The Making of a West African Ornithologist”

Apr. 16: Scott Harris, “RaptorQuest: Chasing America’s Raptors”

May 21: Terri Gorney and Randy Lehman, “Birding Las Vegas”

memorable. Stedman recalls a field trip to Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area, the second largest stopover point for migrating sandhill cranes. In November and December, up to 30,000 of these enormous, 3-foot-tall noisy birds descend here.

“I was on a viewing platform looking out on this field where the cranes gathered, doing this socializing flapping and hopping dance,” Stedman says. “Tears came to my eyes because I’d never seen anything like it in my life.”

Rose was once on an autumn walk along an old railroad track after all the leaves had dropped and the first frost of the year had hit. Suddenly she was surrounded by late fall warblers who were hanging upside down, consuming big clusters of poison ivy berries atop the trees.

“It was one of those moments when you realize how things are interconnected,” Rose says. “Typically we fight to get rid of poison ivy in our yards, but what an important part those poison ivy berries play in providing nutrients to these warblers as they make their way to Costa Rica or some Central American country.”

Besides being regarded as one of the most popular hobbies in the country, AARP reports that birding is a great way to keep your mind engaged as you age, since being in nature engages a full range of cognitive activities.

“What-Ifs” versus “Why-Nots”

This is a tale of two cousins. Wilma lived in constant worry, dreaming of travel but never going anywhere. She was stopped by the “what-ifs”. She focused on reasons to stay home, stay safe, not take chances She never saw any of her dream spots She missed out on a lot of fun

Th e other cousin, Ruby, asked “why-not?” Instead of a “bucket list” she made a “bouquet list” of places. Traveling was like getting a flower bouquet with each new trip. Sometimes, she sponsored friends and relatives to travel with her. Thanks to her, I saw the Rockies for the first time She focused on the positive power of “why-not”

Maybe you have a “bouquet list” of places to see. Good! Let us help you plan some adventures. Schedule a visit to our travel planning showroom. Let’s change those “what-ifs” into “why-nots” -- and start enjoying some travel bouquets!

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“You find clues to help you identify and understand what something is and how it interacts with other organisms in the environment,” Rose says. “That detective work appeals to children and people of all ages.”

Currently there are 11,000 bird species worldwide with 300 species in Indiana. Not all species migrate. Those that do migrate do so at different times, largely dependent on food resources, which are affected by weather and climate. Starting in April and into May, small perching birds will move through. Many smaller songbirds migrate at night when the weather is favorable. However, if there’s a storm, you may have a bird fallout, which is when severe weather prevents migratory birds from reaching their destination. BirdCast uses weather surveillance radar to forecast the intensity of overnight bird migration across the U.S.

“It tells you what nights you’ll have high migration moving through Indiana or moving through the Central Flyway,” Kubo says.

The RCAS, which meets at the Ball State Environmental Center, welcomes volunteers since much of their conservation and education activities are enhanced by getting help with removing invasive species. They also loan binoculars to local educators so they can lead birding trips with their classes or troops. For the past two years, the RCAS has partnered with Ball State’s elementary education program to help third-graders attend Camp Adventure.

in nature, that helps us appreciate it and protect it.”

“We provide birding experience and hands-on activities to students so they learn about the important role birds play in our environment,” Kubo says. “When we’re able to identify what we see

For more information about the Robert Cooper Audubon Society or to learn about upcoming field trips and programming, email admin@cooperaudubon.org or visit cooperaudubon.org.

1 FARMERS MARKET AT MINNETRISTA: INDOOR MARKET

1200 N. Minnetrista Pkwy. 9 AM - 12 PM minnetrista.net

4 BALL STATE UNIVERSITY CARDINALS MEN’S BASKETBALL VS. CENTRAL MICHIGAN CHIPPEWAS

John E. Worthen Arena, Bethel Ave. & McKinley Ave. 7 PM

5 BUFFALO BULLS AT BALL STATE CARDINALS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

John E. Worthen Arena, Bethel Ave. & McKinley Ave. 6:30 PM

FIRST THURSDAY GALLERY WALK

Downtown, 120 W. Charles St. 6 AM - 8 PM downtownmuncie.org

7 KYLE MERCER

Oasis Bar & Grill, 1811 S. Burlington Dr. 9 PM

Arizona raised and based out of Nashville, Tennessee

ALISON BROWN AT PRUIS HALL

Emens Auditorium, 1800 W. Riverside Ave. 7:30PM

One of the most multifaceted minds in roots music, Alison Brown is a Grammy-winning musician, Grammy-nominated producer and former investment banker (with an AB from Harvard and an MBA from UCLA).

“ASTRONAUT“ 5 PM PLANETARIUM SHOW

Ball State University, 2000 W. University Ave.

Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut, explore the amazing worlds of space, and discover the perils that lurk there as we subject Chad, a test astronaut, to everything. muncieevents.com

15 “ONE WORLD, ONE SKY: BIG BIRD’S ADVENTURE”

Ball State University, 2000 W. University Ave. 10:30 - 11:30 AM

Take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, find shapes in the sky, and find the North Star in this cross-cultural adventure with Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend Hu Hu Zhu from China. muncieevents.com

ROCK THE ARTS

Cornerstone Center for the Arts, 520 E. Main St. 5 PM

Rock the Arts is a musical event supporting Cornerstone Center for the Arts. The Smoking Horses will be the band rocking the E.B. Ball Auditorium on March 15 from 7 PM to 9 PM.