Fall Classes at Cornerstone Center for the Arts

Cornerstone Center for the Arts announces that registrations are being accepted for the Fall session. The 12 week session begins September 11th and continues until December 7th. Register by September 5th and receive a discount! Examples of classes include: Making a Rock Band, Hip Hop dance, Blues Band Society, Watercolors, Piano, Ballet, Voice lessons, Musical Theatre, Martial Arts, Digital Photography, American Sign Language, Native American Culture, Film and much more! Classes are available for all ages ? children and adults.

Graciously established by the Robert & Beverly Terhune Donor-Advised Fund, the Arts Adventure Program partners with area community centers, Delaware County Schools, Ball State University, Taylor University, the Muncie Music Center and other community groups to offer 2 semesters of 12-week classes and a summer session in visual arts, movement, cultural and language arts, writing, martial arts, theatre, and music (group and private lessons). The Arts programming has developed to encompass numerous classes for more the 1,500 children and adults annually.
The Fall 2006 semester offers 76 group classes and 9 private lesson specialities through 27 Teaching Artists. Limited financial assistance is considered upon application.

Cornerstone works diligently to publicize our programs to the entire community, welcoming all, regardless of age, race/ethnicity, economic status, or physical ability. With the creation of our tag line, ?Creating Community Connections,? Cornerstone Center for the Arts strives To nurture community connections by providing opportunities for creative expression, educational programs, and events in a historic setting.

Cornerstone Center for the Arts has become intentional in our mission to provide arts programming, activities, and events that are family-friendly, accessible, affordable, and enjoyable to our community.

For the complete brochure or for more information visit our website at HYPERLINK "http://www.cornerstonearts.org" www.cornerstonearts.org or contact Robby Tompkins, Director of Education at HYPERLINK "mailto:rtompkins@cornerstonearts.org" rtompkins@cornerstonearts.org or 765.281.9503, ext. 23.

Press Release
For Immediate Release
Date: August 27, 2006
From: Cornerstone Center for the Arts
520 E. Main Street
P.O. Box 454
Muncie, IN 47308-0454
Contact: Robby Tompkins, Director of Education
rtompkins@cornerstonearts.org

Weekly Downtown E-News

The Muncie Downtown Business Council will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 7:30 to 9:30am at David Dale Design. The meeting was rescheduled from its previously scheduled Sept. 16th date, due to a conflict with Muncie on the Move. All downtown businesses are encouraged to attend this meeting.
Attention Downtown Business Council committee chairpersons - please help keep our DBC regular members up-to-date on our progress between the bimonthly meetings. Email any executive board updates or committee reports to muncied.council@blogger.com. Members can view the DBC web page at http://downtownbusinesscouncil.blogspot.com, or follow the Downtown Business Council link on the front page of munciedowntown.com

AUGUST EVENTS:

24th - Minnestrista Compost Creators Family program 2-4pm call for details

25th - Free Friday Night Movies featuring CHICKEN LITTLE, at the Corner of Charles and Walnut. Starts at dusk, approx. 9:30pm.

25th - Big Brothers & Big Sisters fundraiser at Vera Mae's, 209 S. Walnut St. Lunch 11-2pm and Dinner 5-10pm. A portion of lunch and dinner proceeds will be donated.

26th - Muncie Children's Museum - DeFur Voran Family Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm. Free Admission. Everyone is welcome!

26th - Summer Stage Fest at Minnetrista presents Flynnville Train at 7pm. on the East Lawn. Free and open to the public.

26th - Vera Mae's Bistro features a jazz event featuring Mary Ann Moss, 6:30 to 10pm. Reservations are recommended. Call Vera Mae's at 765-747-4941 for details.

30th - Summer Stage Fest at Minnetrista closes with Muncie Symphony Orchestra Picnic & Pops Concert at 6:15 p.m. Free and open to the public.

AUGUST ONGOING:

Every Wednesday and Saturday - Farmers Market at Minnetrista: Shop the market Wednesday, 4 p.m. until sold out; Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Every Thursday - Natural Heritage Farmers Market Corner of Walnut & Charles St Downtown Muncie, Indiana Thursday Evenings from 4 - 6 pm

Through August - Daily Programming at the Muncie Children's Museum: 11:00 & 2:00 - Daily Special Activity; 3:30 - Make & Take Room open for making crafts to take home. All of these programs are free for members and included in the regular admission fee. To learn more, call the Muncie Children's Museum today at (765) 286-1660.

Aug. 3-31 Sherry Powell will exhibit her photographs during the month of August at Blue Bottle Coffee Shop in downtown Muncie.

Aug. 3-31 - Cortex Hair Center features the art of the Ramsey family: Brenda Ramsey will show etchings and concrete structures, Joseph will display musical instruments made from formed metal and other materials as well as a few pieces of sculpture, and Ryan's drawings and paintings will complete the show that remains up through August.

Aug. 3-31 - The Artist Within presents "Figure and Function" - Becky and Matt Heimann are the featured artists for August and will have an opening reception during "First Thursday" festivities August 3rd from 5-8pm.

Through Sept. 3 - Minnetrista exhibit: Amish Life Across North America

Through Sept. 10 - Minnestrista exhibit: A Garden of Gizmos. Admission charged.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS :

1st - Friends & Family Fun Night - 3 pm to 7 pm. Free Admission. It's Super Hero Night - Come in your own superhero costume or make one at the Museum.

7th - Forest Fun Program for Toddlers at Minnetrista, 10-10:30 a.m. Registration deadline: Friday, September 1. Call (765) 213-3549

7th - "The Lofts@ Mitchell Place" will have a grand opening and open house for the public in coordination with the September Art Walk, and again on the Sunday the 10th. Come see all 15 of the residential lofts (studios to 2 bedroom/ 2 bath) and the three commercial units on the street level.

9th - End of Summer Jam featuring Cheap Trick and .38 Special. For details call Downtown Development at 282-7897.

9th - Muncie Civic Theater auditions 1:00pm For more information call 765-288-PLAY

10th - "The Lofts@ Mitchell Place" will have a grand opening and open house for the public. Come see all 15 of the residential lofts (studios to 2 bedroom/ 2 bath) and the three commercial units on the street level.

15th-16th- Muncie Civic Theatre presents: Lost In Yonkers, 7:30pm

16th - ArtWorks annual Artist Attic sale 8:00am-4:00pm

16th - From Vine to Glass Minnetrista Minne-Trip, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Tour the cellars and vineyards of Oliver and Butler wineries in Bloomington. Must be 21 or older to attend. Registration deadline: Friday, September 8. Call (765) 213-3549.

16th & 17th - Old Washington Street Festival, Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday from 11-5. Family event featuring historic home tours, crafts and food vendors, and live entertainment.

17th Muncie Civic Theatre presents: Lost in Yonkers, 2pm

21-23nd Muncie Civic Theatre presents: Lost In Yonkers, 7:30pm

23rd - Fantastic Flight Kite Day at Minnetrista, 11 a.m. Activities included with exhibit admission Join us for a fun-filled day of flight-related activities featuring kites, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, and the exhibit, Surf the Wind. Featuring a kite making workshop from 1-3 pm.

30th - Stories Around the World Family Campfire at Minnetrista, 7-9 p.m. Registration deadline: Saturday, September 23. Call (765) 213-3549 to register.

SEPTEMBER ONGOING:

7th-30th - Artist Within exhibit: Hannah Birch's printmaking, "A Study of the Figure", with an opening reception on First Thursday, Sept 7, from 5-8pm.

7th-30th - Cortex exhibit: Beth Chico will display artist made books along with sculpture by Steven Clark. Live music, food and drink will be featured during the "First Thursday" opening reception Thursday Sept. 7 from 5-8pm.

7th - 30th - Artworks exhibit: Sandy Ezell will exhibit watercolors in varied techniques during the month of September at Artworks Gallery in downtown Muncie. The show will open on First Thursday, Sept. 7, with the artist in attendance from 5 to 8 pm. The public is invited to attend and partake of light refreshments.

7th - 30th - Mitchell Place Gallery will open at its new location with an exhibit by David Franklin.

7th - 30th - Gordy Fine Art and Framing will host a collection of works by the late Tom Minkler, Ball State University professor of art, during the month of September. A reception for the exhibit will be held during the First Thursday event on September 7, 2006 from 5 to 8 pm at the downtown gallery/frame shop. Light refreshments will be served and former students, colleagues and the public is invited to attend. Please call 284-8422 if you need more info.

Through September - Back by popular demand, the Muncie Children's Museum's Make & Take craft room will be open every weekday from 3:30-4:30 pm. Fall Crafts will be September's theme.

Beginning Sept. 12 - Muncie Children's Museum introduces new Pre-School Clubs beginning September 12. Train Club meets on Tuesdays from 10:30-11:30 am. Dino Club meets on Thursdays from 10:30-11:30 am. Messy Stuff Art Club meets on Fridays from 10:30-11:30 am. Pre-registration is required. Contact the Museum at 286-1660 for details and cost, or visit www.munciechildrensmuseum.com.

Beginning Sept. 13 - Muncie Children's Museum introduces a special Hands On Science after school workshop. This weekly workshop, from 4:00-5:00 pm is designed to bolster science education and will appeal to grade school children of all ages. Pre-registration is required. Contact the Museum at 286-1660 for details and cost, or visit www.munciechildrensmuseum.com.

Every Wednesday and Saturday - Farmers Market at Minnetrista: Shop the market Wednesday, 4 p.m. until sold out; Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Every Thursday - Natural Heritage Farmers Market Corner of Walnut & Charles St Downtown Muncie, Indiana Thursday Evenings from 4 - 6 pm

************************************************************

SEND NEWS ITEMS:

Weekly emailed newsletter to nancylnorris@aol.com.

For the printed monthly Do It Downtown newsletter in the Star Press, send news to downtownmuncie@aol.com, or call the Downtown Development office at 282-7897.

To have information added to the downtown website, email info@munciedowntown.com.

***********************************************************

Farmers Market Newsletter

East Central Indiana's
Natural Heritage Farmers Market
Corner of Walnut & Charles St
Downtown Muncie, Indiana
Thursday Evenings from 4 - 6 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
All of the summer veggies are in season this week. Be sure to visit
your local farmers to get your fill of the great summer stuff.

Farmer's Market News

I have been getting some requests for this summer time recipe. It's a
very versatile side dish or salad. You can visit the recipe anytime on
our web site by double clicking on the link below or read it as follows...

http://www.ringfamilyfarm.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?action=viewnews&id=16
;

Marinated cucumber, tomato, and onion

1/3 Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 Tablespoons of your favorite vinegar
1/4 teaspoon Or 1/4 Cup of honey - your preference
1/2 teaspoon of fresh dill.
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/8 teaspoon of pepper
1 large cucumber - very thin slices
1 medium heirloom tomato - medium dice
1 small onion - cut into 1/2 rings
1 clove of garlic - minced

1. Blend oil vinegar, honey, and seasonings in a medium sized bowl.

2. Put cucumbers, tomatoes and onion in a shallow dish. Add marinade
and toss until slices are coated.

3. Chill at least six hours, stirring occasionally.

This makes a great summer side dish to any lunch or dinner in the
summer. You can always make substitutions or leave out the tomato,
garlic or onion, but I wouldn't.

Ring Family Farm News

Planting the greenhouse for winter is the thing to do this time of
year. We are busy renovating beds and preparing them for winter crops
along with taking care of the summer crops. This is an important time
of year, as we plan for the fall spring and winter. We are making
progress on the chickens, we will keep you informed as we move in that
direction.

Natural Food Store News

The space is moving along well, we are finishing up the area for the
store side of the project. As a re-cap, we are going to form a 501 c 3
non-profit corporation to run the natural food store. The food store
will serve as an outlet for area sustainable farmers. It will also
serve the function of a complete market for downtown carrying the
essentials for quality meals and necessary items for around the house.
As a project for down the road we would like to have a commercial
kitchen in the space to prepare ready to eat food items and to make
value-added products such as salsas, sauces, etc. A third phase will
involve a small micro-brewery. Proceeds from the sale of these goods
to the public will go to educate and hopefully create an organic farming
research center that can serve as an extension service for area organic
farmers, helping conventional farmers to transition, and also providing
information for new farmers. This research center could also help to
educate school age children on the subject of organic farming,
bio-diversity, and ecologically minded living.
The overall goal is to create a local sustainable food system. If you
are interested in helping with these projects in any way please let me know.

For Ring Family Farm C.S.A. and farm membership customers

Please continue to pick up at the farmer's market or call if you need to
pick up at the farm or delivery.
We need bags at the market, if you save re-cycled plastic or paper bags,
we can use them.


This weeks offerings ...


Ring Family Farm - Dave & Sara Ring

Baby Carrots
Strawberries
Cucumbers - slicers
Zucchini - heirloom and standard
Yellow squash - patty pan and standard
Cut- flowers - zinnias
Heirloom tomatoes

(Baby spinach, baby chard, and scallions, and lettuce mix will be back
very soon.)

Tom Gordy of Bell Creek Farm

Cherry tomatoes
elephant garlic
garlic
honey
leeks
pears
scallions
shallots
specialty potatoes - all blue, cranberry red, caribe, kennebec, Austrian
crescent fingerlings, Russian banana fingerlings
sweet onions: candy, white sweet spanish, Italian tropea (torpedo)
summer squash
Basil - several kinds.
(apples soon)


From Johnson's Natural Harvest in Mooreland, Indiana - Nathan & Bobby Jr.

Products vary depending on the season, sometimes the Johnsons are not
able to make it to market.
Chicken eggs - Pasture raised, organically fed, assorted sizes.
Fantastic raw milk cheese from an Amish farmer in southern Indiana -
Monterrey jack, Havarti, Colby,
Gouda, jalapeno, pepper jack, baby swiss, & cheddar
Ground beef - from shorthorn grass fed cows in approximately 1 # packages
Assorted pastured pork products from heritage breeds including -
sausage - hot and medium flavors in approximately 1# packages
pork chops - 4 chops per approximately one-pound packages
bacon - approximately 1# packages
fresh ham slices - (not cured ham)

That's about it for this week,

From the Farm,

Dave & Sara Ring
Ring Family Farm
www.ringfamilyfarm.com ;
765-789-4489

Muncie Civic Theatre Announces Auditions

MUNCIE CIVIC THEATRE will hold open auditions on Saturday, September 9 at 1:00pm. Auditions will be on the main stage of Muncie Civic Theatre at 216 E. Main Street in downtown Muncie. Directors will be seeking actors for the following productions: CATS (roles available include Skimbleshanks, Mr. Mistoffoles and dancing chorus); OVER THE RIVER & THROUGH THE WOODS (seeking one male, early 30's for comic lead); THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER (all roles open, including 4 men, 6 women and 20 children, ages 7-17); and DEATH & THE MAIDEN (seeking 2 men, 1 woman). Auditioners are asked to prepare a memorized one-minute monologue or speech of their choosing. Those auditioning for CATS should also be prepared to sing from the score and dance.

This audition is the first in a new series of auditions for the 2006-2007 Muncie Civic Theatre and Main Street Studio Theatre Series'. Future auditions are scheduled on the first Saturday of each month through May of 2007 with different productions being cast each month. The audition calendar includes opportunities on October 14, 2006 (MOON OVR BUFFALO and A CHRISTMAS CABARET), November 11, 2006 (THE GRAPES OF WRATH and HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH), December 9, 2006 (AND THEN THEY CAME FOR ME and OLEANNA), January 13, 2007 (SEUSSICAL and TV THEME SONG CABARET), February 10, 2007 (HAIR and AMERICAN SONGBOOK CABARET), March 13, 2007 (PSYCHO BEACH PARTY), April 14, 2007 (STATE FAIR) and May 12, 2007 (WILLY WONKA). Information brochures about the auditions and the audition process are available free of charge in the theatre lobby. All acting opportunities are volunteer positions. Anyone interested in volunteering for backstage crew, production staff or general volunteer work around the theatre should attend one of the auditions sessions and complete a volunteer application form.

For more information call 765-288-PLAY.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: August 22, 2006 KILL DATE: September 10, 2006
CONTACT: Darrin Murrell, (765) 288-7529 x3

###

Tom Minkler Exhibit at Gordy Fine Art and Framing

Gordy Fine Art and Framing will host a collection of works by the late Tom Minkler, Ball State University professor of art, during the month of September. A reception for the exhibit will be held during the First Thursday event on September 7, 2006 from 5 to 8 pm at the downtown gallery/frame shop. Light refreshments will be served and former students, colleagues and the public is invited to attend.

Minkler was well-known as an artist and printmaker, and served many years as the head of the printmaking department within the BSU Art Department. He also served as the Chair of the Art Department. Tom earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, and his MFA from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Minkler began his tenure at Ball State in 1967 and served until shortly before his death in 1994. He took a year?s leave of absence in the early 70?s to work as a Master Printer in the renowned Landfall Press in Chicago, where he helped print works by famous artists, such as Christo, Jim Dine, Olenburg and Wiley. Another credit to his mastery of printmaking was the fact that he was one of the first artists in the 1960?s to be invited to work at the famous lithography studio, Tamarind Institute, in Albuquerque.

Ned Griner, who served as Chair of the BSU Art Department for many years, remembers his colleague?s love of his craft. ?Tom truly loved printmaking. I remember an offer he made to the faculty: he invited them to come to the print shop and draw an image on a stone and he would process the stone and assist in the printing. There were those in the department who had never had such an experience, and some took him up on his offer. Printing was exciting to Tom, and he wanted others to share in his excitement.?

A career spent in the classroom is indicative that teaching was very also important to Minkler, as he was important to many of the art students who learned the fine points of lithography and relief printing from him. Locally, a few of those who were inspired by Mr. Minkler include Kevin Campbell, Bruce Nicar, Chiquita Broyles, Steve Minnick, Steve Block, Cheryl Cummings King, Karen Fisher, Karen Reichle, Mark Wages and Brian and Genny Gordy.

The works chosen for this exhibit represent several decades of Minkler?s art career, and include woodcuts, lithographs, embossments, pastel drawings and oil paintings. Most of the items are signed and numbered, and most are for sale at the downtown gallery/frame shop. Subject matter ranges from Hamlet and Lady Macbeth to totems, primitive symbolism, and fluid geometric abstractions, some of which incorporate the figure. Sizes range from petite 4 x 5 inches to oversized, 40 x 60?.

For more information, call 284-8422 or visit the gallery during normal business hours: Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday, 9 to 5. Gordy Fine Art & Framing is located next to Civic Theatre at 224 East Main Street.


News Release
August 18, 2006
Contact: Genny Gordy, Pres., Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co.
224 E. Main St, Muncie, IN 47305, 284-8422, gengor@aol.com

Muncie Civic Theatre presents Lost in Yonkers

MUNCIE CIVIC THEATRE will kick off its 2006-2007 Season with Neil Simon's LOST IN YONKERS. The play will perform on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, September 15, 16, 21, 22 & 23 at 7:30pm as well as on Sunday, September 17 at 2:00pm. The performances will be on the main stage at Muncie Civic Theatre, 216 East Main Street, Muncie, Indiana. Tickets are $15 for Adults if purchased in advance, $18 for Adults at the door, $6 for Ball State students and $5 for High School & Younger. Group rates are available. This production is rated PG. Reservations and ticket sales are available by calling 765-288-PLAY or at www.munciecivic.org. Box Office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 3:00pm to 6:00pm and one hour prior to each performance.

LOST IN YONKERS, winner of the 1991 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Award for Best Play, is a memory play set in Yonkers, New York in 1942. Eddie Kurnitz deposits his two young sons on his mother's doorstep so he can go on an extended sales trip. The boys must contend with Grandma, a stern old lady; with her daughter who is mentally retarded and having a secret romance, and a son who may have mob connections. Gradually, the mood deepens as the boys endure life with a family of emotionally crippled people. While the children are temporarily exiled in Yonkers, the rest of their sad, funny family is truly lost. The New York Post calls LOST IN YONKERS "The best play Simon ever wrote," while Newsweek said "Laughter and tears have come together in a new emotional truth. There are moments in this play when you experience a new kind of laughter that implodes straight into your heart."

Under the Direction of Civic Education Director Marty Grubbs, the production features performances by MCT Young Actors Workshop students Cody Freeman and Thomas Brown as Jay and Artie, the two young boys, and Wanita Spence as their strict German grandmother. Kerry Anne Pritchard plays their mildly handicapped Aunt Bella, Taylor University instructor Matthew Tailford is Unlce Louie, Stephanie Fisher is Aunt Gert and Kevin Pompey plays their father, Eddie.

Discounted season tickets for the entire 2006-2007 line-up will be available at performances of LOST IN YONKERS. Other shows on the schedule include Andrew Lloyd Weber's immortal musical CATS, the family comedy OVER THE RIVER & THROUGH THE WOODS, Ken Ludwig's hilarious farce MOON OVER BUFFALO, literary classic THE GRAPES OF WRATH, family fun with SEUSSICAL: THE MUSICAL and Rodgers' & Hammerstein's beloved STATE FAIR.

For tickets and information call 765-288-PLAY.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: August 22, 2006 KILL DATE: September 24, 2006
CONTACT: Darrin Murrell, (765) 288-7529 x3

###

Fall Acting Academy Classes at Civic

MUNCIE CIVIC THEATRE is currently accepting registration for classes being offered as part of the Fall Acting Academy, the new expansion of the Young Actors Workshop which has been a vital program at Muncie Civic since the 1960s. Classes are available for ages 7 - Adult. Class sessions will begin September 23 and continue for 10 weeks culminating in final performances and demonstration classes the week of December 2-7. Registration for each class will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Class size is limited to 15 per class. Tuition for classes range from $60-$100 depending on the class. All classes are held at Muncie Civic Theatre, 216 E. Main Street in downtown Muncie. Registration is available by completing a registration form and returning it to the theatre along with required deposit. Registration forms are available in the lobby of the theatre or by calling 765-288-PLAY.

Classes being offered as part of the FALL ACTING ACADEMY include: Introduction to Acting (children, teen and adult sessions - sessions offered on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays), Improvisation (ages 8-14 - Tuesdays 5:00-6:00), Scene Study (Ages 10-13 - Saturdays 1:00-2:00), Styles of Acting (Ages 12-17 - Wednesdays 4:00-6:00), Advanced Acting teen and adult sessions on Saturdays), TV & Film Acting (all ages class - Saturdays 4:00-6:00), Dialects (Ages 13-17 - Thursdays 4:00-5:00), Beginning Voice (children and adult sessions Tuesdays and Wednesdays), Advanced Voice (children and adult sessions Tuesdays and Wednesdays), Physical Theatre (Ages 10-15 Thursdays 5:00-6:00), Stage Combat (teen and adult class Thursdays 5:00-6:00), Auditioning (All ages class Saturdays 2:00-4:00), Wiggles & Giggles (ages 1-3 and parents - this is a Tuesday morning class for parents and their infants/toddlers), Fairy Tale Theatre: HEIDI (a performance-based class for ages 7-14 - sessions on either Saturdays or Wednesdays), Broadway Bound: THE BEST OF BROADWAY (a performance-based class for ages 7-14 - Saturdays), Family Theatre Workshop (an advanced level performance-based class for all ages - this class is offered by audition only - auditions are on September 9 at 1:00pm).

Instructors for the classes include Muncie Civic Education Director Marty Grubbs, Muncie Civic Executive Director Darrin Murrell, High Street Methodist Church Children's Choir Director and Taylor University instructor Julie Barber, Blackford High School Drama instructor Todd Terrell, Certified Stage Combat instructor Aaron Edge, and Ball state Professor Beth Turcotte. Assistant Teachers and Interns are students from the Ball State Theatre Department's Education Program.

For more information call 765-288-PLAY.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: August 22, 2006 KILL DATE: September 24, 2006
CONTACT: Darrin Murrell, (765) 288-7529 x3


###

Art gallery finds new downtown site

MUNCIE -- Mitchell Place Gallery has found a new home.

The gallery, which took down its final exhibit at the Mitchell Building earlier this month, will reopen at 308 E. Main St. in time for the Sept. 7 First Thursday art event downtown. The name will remain the same, despite the change in location.

Read the full Star Press article by Michelle Kinsey here:
http://thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060822/NEWS01/608220312

Vera Mae's to host fundraiser

Vera Mae's, 209 S. Walnut St., will have a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware County, donating proceeds from lunch and dinner on Friday.
Lunch will be served 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and dinner will be served 5-10 p.m.
Information: Big Brothers Big Sisters, 284-41451 or www.bbbsmuncie.org.

Downtown in the News 8/21/06

Downtown food court struggling

MUNCIE -- With only one full-time occupant remaining, the Walnut at the Crossing Food Court downtown is struggling to survive.

Read the full article by Keith Roysdon here:
http://thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060821/NEWS01/608210327/1002

Downtown in the News 8/20/06

Downtown events must spend money to earn

MUNCIE -- Entertainment does not come cheap for downtown development events and concerts.

That's what Muncie's Downtown Development Board learned last week reviewing the recent RibFest and planning for End of Summer Jam on Sept. 9.

Read the full Star Press article here:
http://thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060820/OPINION/608200342

Weekly Downtown E-News

Weekly Newsletter Friday, August 18th, 2006

AUGUST EVENTS :

18th - Free Friday Night Movies featuring HITCH, at the Corner of Charles and Walnut. Starts at dusk, approx. 9:30pm.

18th - Mike Feeney to perform at Freaky Tiki Friday, starts at 6:00 pm outside at the Blue Bottle
- Hide quoted text -

18th - Minnetrista - Water Gardening for Everyone Program for Adults, August 18, 7-8:30 p.m. Registration deadline: Friday, August 18. Call (765) 213-3549 to reserve your spot.

18th - 20th - The Muncie/Anderson Dog Show at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. Meet the Breeds event will be held Saturday, August 19 in the Memorial Building.

19th - Muncie Children's Museum First Annual Family Fest - 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Admission includes dinner catered by Pete's Duck Inn. Children will enjoy making crafts, an entertaining magician, scavenger hunts and more. Adults will be entertained with an antique Chevrolet car show, compliments of Sam Pierce Chevrolet and the finale of our Kiss The Pig contest!

19th - Minnetrista - Twigonometry, August 19, 9-11 a.m. Registration deadline: Saturday, August 19.

24th - Minnestrista Compost Creators Family program 2-4pm call for details

25th - Free Friday Night Movies featuring CHICKEN LITTLE, at the Corner of Charles and Walnut. Starts at dusk, approx. 9:30pm.

25th - Big Brothers & Big Sisters fundraiser at Vera Mae's, 209 S. Walnut St. Lunch 11-2pm and Dinner 5-10pm. A portion of lunch and dinner proceeds will be donated.

26th - Muncie Children's Museum - DeFur Voran Family Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm. Free Admission. Everyone is welcome!

AUGUST ONGOING:

Every Wednesday and Saturday - Farmers Market at Minnetrista: Shop the market Wednesday, 4 p.m. until sold out; Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Every Thursday - Natural Heritage Farmers Market Corner of Walnut & Charles St Downtown Muncie, Indiana Thursday Evenings from 4 - 6 pm

Through August - Daily Programming at the Muncie Children's Museum: 11:00 & 2:00 - Daily Special Activity; 3:30 - Make & Take Room open for making crafts to take home. All of these programs are free for members and included in the regular admission fee. To learn more, call the Muncie Children's Museum today at (765) 286-1660.

Aug. 3-31 Sherry Powell will exhibit her photographs during the month of August at Blue Bottle Coffee Shop in downtown Muncie.

Aug. 3-31 - Cortex Hair Center features the art of the Ramsey family: Brenda Ramsey will show etchings and concrete structures, Joseph will display musical instruments made from formed metal and other materials as well as a few pieces of sculpture, and Ryan's drawings and paintings will complete the show that remains up through August.

Aug. 3-31 - The Artist Within presents "Figure and Function" - Becky and Matt Heimann are the featured artists for August and will have an opening reception during "First Thursday" festivities August 3rd from 5-8pm.

Through Sept. 3 - Minnetrista exhibit: Amish Life Across North America

Through Sept. 10 - Minnestrista exhibit: A Garden of Gizmos. Admission charged.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS :

1st - Friends & Family Fun Night - 3 pm to 7 pm. Free Admission. It's Super Hero Night - Come in your own superhero costume or make one at the Museum.

9th - End of Summer Jam featuring Cheap Trick and .38 Special. For details call Downtown Development at 282-7897.

16th - ArtWorks annual Artist Attic sale 8:00am-4:00pm

16th & 17th - Old Washington Street Festival, Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday from 11-5. Family event featuring historic home tours, crafts and food vendors, and live entertainment.

SEPTEMBER ONGOING:

7th-30th - Artist Within exhibit: Hannah Birch's printmaking, "A Study of the Figure", with an opening reception on First Thursday, Sept 7, from 5-8pm.

7th-30th - Cortex exhibit: Beth Chico will display artist made books along with sculpture by Steven Clark. Live music, food and drink will be featured during the "First Thursday" opening reception Thursday Sept. 7 from 5-8pm.

7th - 30th - Artworks exhibit: Sandy Ezell will exhibit watercolors in varied techniques during the month of September at Artworks Gallery in downtown Muncie. The show will open on First Thursday, Sept. 7, with the artist in attendance from 5 to 8 pm. The public is invited to attend and partake of light refreshments.

Through September - Back by popular demand, the Muncie Children's Museum's Make & Take craft room will be open every weekday from 3:30-4:30 pm. Fall Crafts will be September's theme.

Beginning Sept. 12 - Muncie Children's Museum introduces new Pre-School Clubs beginning September 12. Train Club meets on Tuesdays from 10:30-11:30 am. Dino Club meets on Thursdays from 10:30-11:30 am. Messy Stuff Art Club meets on Fridays from 10:30-11:30 am. Pre-registration is required. Contact the Museum at 286-1660 for details and cost, or visit www.munciechildrensmuseum.com.

Beginning Sept. 13 - Muncie Children's Museum introduces a special Hands On Science after school workshop. This weekly workshop, from 4:00-5:00 pm is designed to bolster science education and will appeal to grade school children of all ages. Pre-registration is required. Contact the Museum at 286-1660 for details and cost, or visit www.munciechildrensmuseum.com.

Every Wednesday and Saturday - Farmers Market at Minnetrista: Shop the market Wednesday, 4 p.m. until sold out; Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Every Thursday - Natural Heritage Farmers Market Corner of Walnut & Charles St Downtown Muncie, Indiana Thursday Evenings from 4 - 6 pm

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SEND NEWS ITEMS:

Weekly emailed newsletter to nancylnorris@aol.com.

For the printed monthly Do It Downtown newsletter in the Star Press, send news to downtownmuncie@aol.com, or call the Downtown Development office at 282-7897.

To have information added to the downtown website, email info@munciedowntown.com.

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Downtown in the Indy News

Downtown Muncie gets a shout-out in Indy's weekly entertainment newspaper InTake:

* * * * * * * * * *
Other Muncie venues
- The Heorot: Mostly known for its wide selection of beers, The Heorot also features local and touring bands. 219 S. Walnut, (765) 287-0173.
- Doc's Music Hall: A bar that features a variety of local acts. 215 S. Walnut St., (765) 286-0949, myspace.com/docsmusichall.
* * * * * * * * * *

The venues were mentioned in a sidebar to an InTake article about campus record store Village Green:

"Muncie's seeing green
New indie music store brings the local music scene up a notch."

Read the full article By Jessica Halverson here:
http://www.intakeweekly.com/articles/5/025056-8785-157.html

Downtown Muncie in the News 8/16

Downtown board plans to demolish old newspaper property

MUNCIE -- Downtown development is moving to acquire and demolish the former newspaper building and press at 125 S. High St., a property that has been granted a clean bill of environmental health.

Read the full article by Rick Yencer here:

http://thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060816/NEWS01/608160315/1002

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Downtown board member reprimanded for 'profane' e-mails

MUNCIE -- Outspoken businessman Leon Dixon was admonished Tuesday by fellow members of the Muncie Downtown Development Board for using "profanity, epithets and general name-calling" in recent e-mails discussing the organization's finances.

Read the full article by Rick Yencer here:

http://thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060816/NEWS01/608160314/1002

Downtown Business Council Special Meeting

The Muncie Downtown Business Council will hold a special members
meeting on September 13th, 7:30 at David Dale Design. The
meeting will be about 2 hours long. Andrew Dale will be facilitating.

This will be a planning meeting to determine the goals and direction of
the MDBC for the next two years. We will look at our mission statement
again and produce 3 goals that we want to accomplish.

This is a very important meeting and all members are encouraged to attend
so that they have a voice in the process.

Downtown Muncie in the News 8/15/06

Fate of hotel still unclear
The Roberts Hotel owner says it needs a $10-million upgrade, but the issue is not on the Thursday agenda of the Civic Center Authority.
Read the full article by Keith Roysdon here:

http://thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060815/NEWS01/608150329/1002

Weekly Downtown E-News 8/11

Weekly Newsletter Friday, August 11th, 2006

WEBSITE UPDATE- The events calendar has been fixed! Users can once again submit their own events. This is for the munciedowntown.com online calendar only. To submit your event information or press release to all the ECI area media outlets and events calendars at once, use the "One-Stop Event Submit" form on the front page.
Current recipients on the One Stop Event Submit list are: Michelle Kinsey and Deb Sorrell at The Star Press, Nancy Norris for the weekly downtown E-news, Cheryl at Downtown Development, Dawn New for the monthly downtown newspaper insert, Kpaul at Muncie Free Press, Marcus Jackman at Indiana Public Radio, and Carey at munciedowntown.com.
To have a media organization or website added to or removed from the recipient list, please email info@munciedowntown.com.

AUGUST EVENTS :

11th - Free Friday Night Movies featuring CURSE OF THE WERE RABBIT, at the Corner of Charles and Walnut. Starts at dusk, approx. 9:30pm.

12th - Muncie Children's Museum - Kiwanis Day at the Muncie Children's Museum features free admission and free school supplies.

12th - Summer Star Party Family Campfire at Minnetrista - Saturday, August 12, 8-9:30 p.m. Registration deadline: Friday, August 4. Call (765) 213-3549 to register.

18th - Free Friday Night Movies featuring HITCH, at the Corner of Charles and Walnut. Starts at dusk, approx. 9:30pm.

18th - Minnetrista - Water Gardening for Everyone Program for Adults, August 18, 7-8:30 p.m. Registration deadline: Friday, August 18. Call (765) 213-3549 to reserve your spot.

19th - Muncie Children's Museum First Annual Family Fest - 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Admission includes dinner catered by Pete's Duck Inn. Children will enjoy making crafts, an entertaining magician, scavenger hunts and more. Adults will be entertained with an antique Chevrolet car show, compliments of Sam Pierce Chevrolet and the finale of our Kiss The Pig contest!

19th - Minnetrista - Twigonometry, August 19, 9-11 a.m. Registration deadline: Saturday, August 19.

24th - Minnestrista Compost Creators Family program 2-4pm call for details

25th - Free Friday Night Movies featuring CHICKEN LITTLE, at the Corner of Charles and Walnut. Starts at dusk, approx. 9:30pm.

25th - Big Brothers & Big Sisters fundraiser at Vera Mae's, 209 S. Walnut St. Lunch 11-2pm and Dinner 5-10pm. A portion of lunch and dinner proceeds will be donated.

26th - Muncie Children's Museum - DeFur Voran Family Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm. Free Admission. Everyone is welcome!

AUGUST ONGOING:

Every Wednesday and Saturday - Farmers Market at Minnetrista: Shop the market Wednesday, 4 p.m. until sold out; Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Every Thursday - Natural Heritage Farmers Market Corner of Walnut & Charles St Downtown Muncie, Indiana Thursday Evenings from 4 - 6 pm

Through August - Daily Programming at the Muncie Children's Museum: 11:00 & 2:00 - Daily Special Activity; 3:30 - Make & Take Room open for making crafts to take home. All of these programs are free for members and included in the regular admission fee. To learn more, call the Muncie Children's Museum today at (765) 286-1660.

Aug. 3-31 Sherry Powell will exhibit her photographs during the month of August at Blue Bottle Coffee Shop in downtown Muncie.

Aug. 3-31 - Cortex Hair Center features the art of the Ramsey family: Brenda Ramsey will show etchings and concrete structures, Joseph will display musical instruments made from formed metal and other materials as well as a few pieces of sculpture, and Ryan's drawings and paintings will complete the show that remains up through August.

Aug. 3-31 - The Artist Within presents "Figure and Function" - Becky and Matt Heimann are the featured artists for August and will have an opening reception during "First Thursday" festivities August 3rd from 5-8pm.

Through Sept. 3 - Minnetrista exhibit: Amish Life Across North America

Through Sept. 10 - Minnestrista exhibit: A Garden of Gizmos. Admission charged.

SEPTEMBER ONGOING:

7th-30th - Artist Within exhibit: Hannah Birch's printmaking, "A Study of the Figure", with an opening reception on First Thursday, Sept 7, from 5-8pm.

7th-30th - Cortex exhibit: Beth Chico will display artist made books along with sculpture by Steven Clark. Live music, food and drink will be featured during the "First Thursday" opening reception Thursday Sept. 7 from 5-8pm.

7th - 30th - Artworks exhibit: Sandy Ezell will exhibit watercolors in varied techniques during the month of September at Artworks Gallery in downtown Muncie. The show will open on First Thursday, Sept. 7, with the artist in attendance from 5 to 8 pm. The public is invited to attend and partake of light refreshments.

Every Wednesday and Saturday - Farmers Market at Minnetrista: Shop the market Wednesday, 4 p.m. until sold out; Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Every Thursday - Natural Heritage Farmers Market Corner of Walnut & Charles St Downtown Muncie, Indiana Thursday Evenings from 4 - 6 pm

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SEND NEWS ITEMS:

Weekly emailed newsletter to nancylnorris@aol.com.

For the printed monthly Do It Downtown newsletter in the Star Press, send news to downtownmuncie@aol.com, or call the Downtown Development office at 282-7897.

To have information added to the downtown website, email info@munciedowntown.com.

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Greenway Giddy-Up News

Let's Giddy-up!

Greenway Giddy-up is Indiana's largest horse trail fundraising event.

Held at Prairie Creek Reservoir south of Muncie in Delaware County Indiana on October 13, 14 & 15, 2006

In its 5th year Greenway Giddy-up is hosted by Indiana Trail Riders Association, Muncie Light Horse Club and Cardinal Greenways.

Event features: Speaker, BBQ dinner, Rental Horses, Scavenger Hunt, Silent Auction, Kids Games and Movie and more!

New this year!
Meet and Play: Make your next company party a unique and memorable one! Includes; horse trail ride (horses provided!) along waters edge, lunch and more. Reservations required.

Itty Bitty Giddy-up: A unique hands-on learning field trip for daycare centers and youth groups. Children learn and experience grooming, feeding and other aspects of horse care. Visit wraps up with a pony ride! Reservations required. $5 per child. Minimum of 5 in a group.

Visit the Greenway Giddy-up web site or call for more information on this great event!
www.cardinalgreenways.org/Giddy-up or 765-287-0399

Media: Press release attached for your use. If you would like more detailed information please contact Shonda Kane, Giddy-up Director, at shonda@cardinalgreenways.org or 765-287-0399.
Complete Media package is available on the web site www.cardinalgreenways.org/Giddy-up
Including: Press release, photos, posters and more.
Brochures can be requested from the home page of the web site including brochure bundles for your group or club.

Local Studio Owner Participates in 9/11 Memorial

PRESS RELEASE:
LOCAL STUDIO OWNER PARTICIPATES IN NEW YORK MEMORIAL TO SEPTEMBER 11th.

Bob and Vicki Hartley, owners of "the Artist Within", a Paint Your Own Pottery studio in Downtown Muncie, are proud to be participants in TILES FOR AMERICA, one of only two spontaneous memorials left to the events of 9/11 and located in New York City. The Hartleys were moved to participate after receiving a call to action from the Contemporary Ceramics Studio Association-an organization that bonds studio owners across the country. The CCSA informed Bob and Vicki and other owners of recent vandalism to the memorial and the loss of several hundred of the thousands of tiles that comprise the memorial.

"Although the five year anniversary is fast approaching," says Bob, "the feelings connected with the events of that day remain quite compelling and fresh. It's always been "the Artist Within"'s philosophy that painting pottery is better than therapy; it was a relief to express some of my emotions about the tragedy and to honor its victims." The Hartley's created several tiles that will serve to accomplish the organizer's mission: to make sure that each victim is represented on the memorial as they were at its inception. An additional tile showcases our city and state's participation in this Nationwide effort.

These tiles will be sent to NYC to become part of the memorial. For more info, please contact Bob Hartley at: tawmuncie313@sbcglobal.net

September at The Artist Within

September at the Artist Within:

The Artist Within kicks off the “school year” with a printmaking exhibit,
"A Study of the Figure", featuring the artwork of Hannah Birch. Her show opening reception is Thursday, September 7th from 5-8 pm. Hannah is a native of Windsor, Vermont with a BFA from SUNY Fredonia, New York. As a graduate assistant for the Printmaking Department at Ball State University, she has continued her exploration of the figure using intaglio printing techniques. Hannah feels that the nude human form is an incredible subject to study, always with infinite differences and similarities. It is something that everyone can relate to on some basic humanitarian level. Her prints will remain on exhibit through September 30th.

Heidi J. Hale continues her jewelry workshop offerings throughout September. Call or stop by for more information and a schedule of classes or online at: theartistwithininc.com…sign up to receive our monthly "e-calendar".

Toren Scott’s throwing lessons are popular; plan ahead for best choice of times… Evenings and Saturdays only please. Two throw and the second is half price! Already know how to throw? Come rent the wheel…only $10/hr.!

Hand built ceramics (pinch, coil, slab) "ClayDay Saturday" workshops are forming.
Please call if interested.

Homeschoolers are invited to contact the Artist Within to see how easily art can be added to their programs.

September Art at Cortex

Judith Ann, of Cortex Hair Center, has scheduled an exhibit of artwork by two local artists for the month of September. Beth Chico will display artist made books along with sculpture by Steven Clark.
Live music, food and drink will be featured
during the "First Thursday" opening reception Thursday September 7th from 5-8pm.

Indianapolis Artist to exhibit at Artworks Gallery

News Release
August 9, 2006
Contact: Michael W Hoots, 765-286-2874, matmar52@earthlink.net

Indianapolis Artist to exhibit at Artworks Gallery

Sandy Ezell will exhibit watercolors in varied techniques during the month of September at Artworks Gallery in downtown Muncie. The show will open on First Thursday, September 7, with the artist in attendance from 5 to 8 pm. The public is invited to attend and partake of light refreshments.

Always expanding her vision, Sandy is currently exploring new techniques in experimental watermedia with the goal of allowing the viewer to become more involved in the painting. "If everything is spelled out, it's a one-sided conversation, "Sandy explains. " By creating impressions and abstract areas, someone looking at the painting can bring their own experience to it, and see something unique to them. Then the artist and the viewer have a more interesting discussion."

A native of LaCrosse, WI, Sandy first pursued training and a career in music, receiving her BA from St Olaf College, Northfield, Mn. It was only after her children were in school that she became interested in painting. Since that time, Sandy has gone after her artistic training at the then Indianapolis Art League, and workshops from Masters around the country. Sandy lives in Indianapolis where she is a Signature member of the Kentucky Watercolor Society and the Water Color Society of Indiana.

In addition to being a studio artist, Sandy teaches watermedia at the Indianapolis Art Center, does workshops as requested and operates a custom frame studio in her home. She has had numerous solo exhibits and her work in many corporate and private collections. She has won awards in both regional and local juried art shows, and has shown at the Hoosier Salon regularly.

Artworks is located at 301 S Walnut, in the Mitchell building. The show will be on display through October 4 and may be viewed Monday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm.

For more information call 288-2221.

Sherry Powell Exhibit at Blue Bottle Coffee Shop

*Sherry Powell to Exhibit at Blue Bottle Coffee Shop*

Sherry Powell will exhibit her photographs during the month of August at
Blue Bottle Coffee Shop in downtown Muncie. The show will open on First
Thursday, August 3^rd

“I started working at Jack's Camera Shop in 1975 and had never owned a
camera before. I decided it would be a good idea to know a bit about
photography, so I would shoot a roll of film every weekend to learn. I
took a couple of week long courses and have truly enjoyed feeling like I
do have some artistic talent through photography. You can still find me
at Jack's, unless we have headed to New Orleans for a week.”

Blue Bottle Coffee Shop is located at 206 South Walnut Street. The show
will be on display through August 31^st and may also be viewed during
normal business hours: Monday-Thursday: 6:30 am to 8:00PM, Friday and
Saturday: 6:30 am to 10:00 PM and Sunday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

For more information call 284-3630