Weekly Downtown E-News 2/9/2007

DOWNTOWN ANNOUNCEMENTS: Downtown Business Council is making preparations for its upcoming election of officers. Members are asked to review the current by-laws for voting on. Go to the DBC web page at munciedowntown.com/MDBC.php to read the by-laws. An email with the bylaws will also be sent out in the next few days.
Anyone wishing to vote in the upcoming election must be a member of Downtown Business Council. Membership forms are available for download from the DBC web page, or download directly at http://munciedowntown.com/DBC/DBC_Membership_Application.pdf. Checks should be made out to Muncie Downtown Business Council, and may be dropped off with membership forms at David Dale Designs, 421 S. Walnut St. downtown.
The next Downtown Business Council meeting is scheduled for the afternoon of Wednesday, March 7. Details will be emailed at a later date.

Muncie Young Professionals Group is also planning to hold leadership elections this June. Here are a few opportunities for you to gain leadership experience and exposure in the coming months: 1) Provide input or assist in the planning process for upcoming programs or activities. 2) Attend one of the steering committee meetings (they happen usually once a month). The meetings will be listed on our calendar. 3) Participate in the community-wide Leadership Initiative beginning this spring. We welcome your input on this topic. E-mail muncieypg@gmail.com with your ideas and suggestions.

FEBRUARY EVENTS :

9th - Cornerstone Center for the Arts celebrates Black History Month with a Cornerstone Block Party 8pm to midnight. Adult Dance to music throughout the decades with DJ Marcus Clancy from 106.7 WTLC. This evening's event will take place in Cornerstone's Colonnade Room. Admission will be charged.

9th - Gallery 308 will have an opening reception from 5 to 8pm for Mary Jo Andersen, Assistant Professor of Art. Anderson will exhibit her recent sculptural artwork in an exhibit titled "Wit ness" at Gallery 308, located at 308 E. Main (previously known as MPG). Admittance to the reception and to the gallery is free.

10th - Muncie Civic Theatre at 1:00pm. Auditions/Directors will be seeking actors for the following productions: HAIR (seeking 8 men & 8 women 18-40); AMERICAN SONGBOOK CABARET (seeking 3 men & 3 women who sing). Auditioners are asked to prepare a short song of their choosing. An accompanist will be provided.

10th - Cornerstone Center for the Arts celebrates Black History Month with a SOUL-FUL Extravaganza 6-8pm. Come join us as we showcase local talent from the Community for this Family Oriented Variety Show. Confirmed participants include: Beth Leavell-Davis, The Colored Theatre, Veeda Hampton and many more. Food & Refreshments will be available for purchase from local vendors. Admission will be charged.

11th - Indiana Public Radio and Minnetrista present "All Things Chocolate," from 3-5pm at Minnetrista. Contest entry is free, but there is admission charge to enter the tasting.

11th - Cornerstone Center for the Arts celebrates Black History Month with a Community Bazaar, "Reel Moments" & The Freedom Bus. Come see what's available from local vendors, take a tour through the New Freedom Bus a civil rights exhibition presented by MLK Dreamteam and then stick around for movies for the entire family in the Edmund Burke Ball Auditorium. Marie Williams-Hawkins from Ball State University will be moderater for a Question & Answer session following the movies. Popcorn, Hot Dogs and other refreshments will be available for purchase during the day. FREE ADMISSION.

12th - Bill Staines, nationally known folk singer/song writer will be in concert at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Muncie on February 12 at 7pm. His Radio and TV appearances have included 'A Prairie Home Companion, Mountain Stage, The Good Evening Show' and a host of local programs on
PBS and network TV. Admission is charged for the concert, children under 12 are free.

14th - The Artist Within third annual "Valentine's Day Desserts and More" February 14th from 6-9 pm. Pre-paid reservations are required. For more information, visit www.theartistwithininc.com.

14th - Valentine's Day Dinner at Vera Mae's, seating from 5 to 9pm. Reservations strongly suggested. Call 765-747-4941.

15th - Deadline for advertising in The Star Press' monthly downtown special section. For more information, contact Mark DiFabio at The Star Press, or email mdifabio@muncie.gannett.com. Send jpegs to Starpressads@comcast.net.

16th - "Family Carnivale", 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Muncie Children's Museum, featuring Mardi Gras-themed games and crafts, music and face painting. Each child will get to create a ceramic magnet courtesy of The Artist Within. Visitors will also enjoy the 18 hands-on, interactive exhibits at the Museum. The Mayor's Youth Council, the Muncie Children's Museum and The Artist Within, 313 S. Walnut Street, are partnering to offer this family friendly event in downtown Muncie. A small admission fee will be charged, and all activities are included in the admission price.

16th - Carenza's Caravan will host a Hafla (party) from 8pm-Midnight at Carenza's Caravan, 702 S. Nichols, Suite 220. Live Music from 16th Century Rock Band il Troubadore, Vendors, Performances from belly dancers and poi (fire) artists. All ages welcome! Admission is charged.

17th - Mardi Gras, 7:00pm-2:00am, in the streets of Downtown Muncie Indiana. Multiple stages with performances by Jennie Devoe, The Souled Out Band, Mojo and the Bayou Gypsies is back!! Also featured this night will be Permacrush, Mud Eye Joe, Mike Martin and Friends, Spitshine, Shoe Shine Joe, and the Muddy Souls. Lots more: check them out at http://www.munciedowntown.com

17th - The Artist Within will be closed Sat. Feb. 17th during Muncie Gras setup; however, join us that evening for a private party for downtown friends and guests during Muncie Gras from 6 pm - midnight...call for reservations/info.

17th - Carenza's Caravan welcomes Belly Dance Superstar Moria at Carenza's Caravan, 702 S. Nichols, Suite 220. This is an all age event with live music, belly dance performances, vendors selling middle eastern items, and poi (fire) performers. Admission is charged.

18 - Gallery 308's Living Art program at 2 p.m. will feature a workshop by Judy Wojcik and Genny Gordy. The free workshop is called "Looking at Art," and participants will produce an accordion book of art appreciation techniques. Space for the "Looking at Art" workshop is limited to 18 participants. Interested parties can register by calling Art Mart at 284-2919.

20th - Muncie Young Professionals Group Steering Committee Meeting at The Blue Bottle, 206 S. Walnut St. at 5:15 PM All MYPG members are welcome to attend. For more information or to RSVP for an event, contact Traci Lutton at 765-751-9126 or tlutton@muncie.com

21st - Wellness Wednesdays every third Wednesday at the Wysor Street depot, 9:00 am - 11:00 am. Delaware County Health Department staff will offer free blood pressure and glucose testing. Cholesterol screening is also available for a small charge. For questions, contact Angel Silvers at Cardinal Greenway, Inc. 287-0399.

24th - Muncie Children's Museum - Free Family Saturday - Free Admission all day. Don't miss "Music On The Move" with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra at 11 a.m. Free Saturdays are sponsored by Muncie Sunrise Rotary in memory of Pat Moore.

27th - Robin Clamm will offer a class on "Sterling Wrap Bracelets" at The Artist Within. Class size is limited, and reservations are required. For more information 289-7895 or www.theartistwithininc.com

27th - Muncie Young Professionals Group Business Meeting & Professional Development Presentation Carnegie Library, 301 E. Jackson St. at 5:30 PM. For more information or to RSVP for an event, contact Traci Lutton at 765-751-9126 or tlutton@muncie.com

FEBRUARY ONGOING:

Through Feb. 24 - Gallery 308 will exhibit sculptural artwork by Mary Jo Andersen, Assistant Professor of Art, in an exhibit titled "Wit ness" at Gallery 308, located at 308 E. Main (previously known as MPG). An opening reception for the artist is scheduled for February 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. Admittance to the reception and to the gallery is free.

Through Feb. 27 - Gordy Fine Art and Framing will feature "Drawings by John Gee," with an artist reception on First Thursday, Feb. 1, from 5 to 8 PM. Light refreshments will be served, and the public is invited to attend. John Gee is Associate Professor of Art at Ball State University.

Through February - The Artist Within Inc. will present "Wish You Were Here," Arizona photographs by Stephen Hartley, to be on display throughout February with an opening reception during "First Thursday", Feb. 1 from 5-8 pm. The upper level gallery will showcase the work of Ball State University senior Visual Communication majors. The exhibit will be a compilation of some of their best work featuring a variety of two dimensional and three dimensional pieces including conceptual design and product branding. An opening reception will be also be held on First Thursday from 5-8 pm.

Through February - Muncie Children's Museum - After School Workshop - "Let's Create Paper Mache". Every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Call 286-1660 for details and cost, or visit our website at www.munciechildrensmuseum.com.

Through February - Muncie Children's Museum - Pre-School Clubs. 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. Registration is required. Call 286-1660 for details and cost, or visit our website at

Through February - Danner's Books * Gifts * Yarn will be collecting donations for Action for Animals. Danner's will collect funds and goods for a different local cause during each month of 2007. For more information vist www.dannersbooks.com.

Through March 5th - Dance Classes at High St. United Methodist Church: Latin 5:30-6:30, Beginning Ballroom 6:30-7:30; Beginning Swing 7:30-8:30 for more details call Melodie Carr 286-8828.

Through March 31st - Dance classes at Carenza's Caravan Dance Studio. Call 717-2248 for info. Mondays: Body Toning 5:30-6:30pm, Tribal Belly Dancing 8:30-9:30pm. Tuesdays: Introduction to Belly Dancing 6:00-7:00 or 8:30-9:30pm. Wednesdays: Ballet/Hip Hop for children 5:30-6:15pm Hip Hop for ages 8-16 6:30-7:15pm, Hip Hop for adults 7:30-8:30pm and Salsa Solo 8:30-9:30pm. Thursdays: Body Toning 5:30-6:30pm, Introduction to Indian Dancing 6:30-7:30pm, Yoga 7:30-8:30pm. Sundays: Introduction to Belly Dancing 3:00-4:00pm or 6:00-7:00pm

Through April 29 - Muncie Children's Museum. Kangaroo Crossing exhibit - enjoy a trip to the "land down under". The Australian exhibit gives visitors the oppportunity to hop over the horizon and learn about Aussie life. Included with regular admission; free to members. For more information, visit www.munciechildrensmuseum.com

UPCOMING IN MARCH:

1st - First Thursday from 5-8pm featuring art gallery exhibit openings and artists' receptions, at various locations throughout downtown Muncie.

1st - Muncie Young Professionals Group Downtown Wind Down. Join other MYPG members for a casual social mixer from 5:00 - 6:30 at the Fickle Peach, 117 E. Charles. For more information or to RSVP for an event, contact Traci Lutton at 765-751-9126 or tlutton@muncie.com

1st - Open House - The Lofts @ Mitchell Place. 301 South Walnut Street. Tour the remaining unsold units and see what everyone is talking about. 5:30PM-7:00PM. Call 765.730.1862 or at www.theloftsatmitchellplace.com for more information.

5th - April 19th - Cornerstone for the Arts offers Arts Adventure Program for more details go to www.cornerstonearts.org or call Robby Tompkins 281-9503

9th - Muncie Young Professionals Group Leadership Lunch with Mayor Dan Canan 12:00 PM in the Horizon Convention Center Boardroom, 401 S. High St. Space is limited. RSVP required - no exceptions. For more information or to RSVP for an event, contact Traci Lutton at 765-751-9126 or tlutton@muncie.com

9-10th Muncie Civic Theatre presents Grapes of Wrath 7:30pm. Reservations and ticket sales are available by calling 765-288-PLAY.

11th Muncie Civic Theatre presents Grapes of Wrath 2:00pm. Reservations and ticket sales are available by calling 765-288-PLAY.

13th Muncie Civic Theatre auditions for Psycho Beach Party. For more information call 765-288-PLAY.

15th - Wishbone Gifts, Inc in cooperation with Doc's Music Hall is sponsoring a concert by Reverend Horton Heat. The Rev. is a rockabilly musician out of Austin, TX. The show will be March 15th at Doc's Music Hall with opening performances by Murder by Death and the Tossers. Tickets are available at Wishbone Gifts, Inc. or Doc's Music Hall.

15th-17th Muncie Civic Theatre presents Grapes of Wrath 7:30pm. Reservations and ticket sales are available by calling 765-288-PLAY.

Through March 31st - Dance classes at Carenza's Caravan Dance Studio. Call 717-2248 for info. Mondays: Body Toning 5:30-6:30pm, Tribal Belly Dancing 8:30-9:30pm. Tuesdays: Introduction to Belly Dancing 6:00-7:00 or 8:30-9:30pm. Wednesdays: Ballet/Hip Hop for children 5:30-6:15pm Hip Hop for ages 8-16 6:30-7:15pm, Hip Hop for adults 7:30-8:30pm and Salsa Solo 8:30-9:30pm. Thursdays: Body Toning 5:30-6:30pm, Introduction to Indian Dancing 6:30-7:30pm, Yoga 7:30-8:30pm. Sundays: Introduction to Belly Dancing 3:00-4:00pm or 6:00-7:00pm

Through April 29 - Muncie Children's Museum. Kangaroo Crossing exhibit - enjoy a trip to the "land down under". The Australian exhibit gives visitors the oppportunity to hop over the horizon and learn about Aussie life. Included with regular admission; free to members. For more information, visit www.munciechildrensmuseum.com

Through March 31st - Danner's Books * Gifts * Yarn will be collecting donations for "A Better Way." Danner's will collect funds and goods for a different local cause during each month of 2007. For more information vist www.dannersbooks.com.

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