Muncie Magazine December 2023

MAGAZINE

LET YOUR INNER LIGHT SHINE REVITALIZE MED SPA IMPROVES, ENHANCES AND ENERGIZES

COUNTY-WIDE CARING

Christian Ministries of Delaware County Helps Thousands Every Year

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DECEMBER 2023

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HELP FROM THE HEART

Caring for Those With Dementia, and the Caregivers Too

23

PUBLISHER JEFF HERN jeff@townepost.com 317.796.0912

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.

SUPPORTIVE SURROUNDINGS

The Isaiah 117 House Cares for Children Awaiting Foster Placement

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FOUNDER/CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com 317.496.3599

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PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com 317.810.0011

Willco Wholesale Distributors Celebrates 50 Years in Business

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK CREATIVE DIRECTORS TONI EADS VAL AUSTIN COPY EDITORS JON SHOULDERS NATALIE PLATT

A SOLID HALF-CENTURY OF SERVICE

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Chastity Aponte

LET YOUR INNER LIGHT SHINE

ReVitalize Med Spa Improves, Enhances and Energizes

Christian Ministries of Delaware County Helps Thousands Every Year

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MORE THAN MEETS THE PIE

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COUNTY-WIDE CARING

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Erskine Green Training Institute Provides Hands-on Job Training and Much More

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN DECEMBER

SKILLS TO SUCCEED

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KEY CONTRIBUTORS CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING / JERRY WINANS DAVID FENNIG / DYLAN SENKUS

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A SOLID HALF-CENTURY OF SERVICE WILLCO WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / David Fennig

Dick Williams has always been a man of vision. In June of 1973 he saw a need for selling electric heat, so he and his wife, Caroline, started a company called Willco HVAC, selling baseboard electric heat. At one point they sold over 2,000 units to an Army installation in El Paso, Texas. Caroline also recalls when a customer placed an order for a truckload of electric heat, which was unheard of for such a small company.

“We just kept getting bigger,” says Caroline,

who helped her husband run the business.

Over time they began branching out into other products such as electrical panels, electric furnaces, air conditioning and piping.

When the couple first started the company, Dick, a veteran of the Air Force, was diagnosed with colon cancer. It was a scary time as the patriarch spent 60 days in the hospital, but the family persevered.

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Ever since Willco was formed, it’s been a family affair. This includes their daughter, Karen, and their son, Rick, who began working there in 1982. Rick’s wife, Sheri, is also part of the team. Rick began running the daily operations in 1997. Rick and Sheri’s daughter, April, and their son, Brett, also work for the company, and will eventually take the reins when Rick and Sheri retire, making it a third-generation-run business.

“It’s always been a family business,” Caroline

says. “Sometimes if there wasn’t a babysitter, I brought the kids into work. I remember my youngest daughter taking naps underneath the desk.”

Through the years they have also hired several loyal employees. They have also retained quite a few loyal customers, which is precisely why they have achieved such success.

“For the past 40 years we’ve taken some of these customers on an annual fishing trip to Canada,” Caroline says. “They really enjoy it.”

In 1988 the Williamses began throwing an annual Christmas party for their clients. That also grew each year.

Stephen Mann, Bruce Bowling, April Morrison, Rick Williams, Dick Williams, Carolyn Williams, Brett Williams, Sheri Williams and Doug Clark at Wilco Distribution

“We deep fried as many as eight to 10 turkeys, and we’d make chili,” Caroline says. “Both Dick and Rick are so good with people. That’s what has made the business grow - those dynamite people skills.”

They recognize that people have a choice about where to give their business.

“Folks can go anywhere to buy what we sell, so the best thing we can do is treat people right,” says Rick, who was an electrician before joining the company.

Caroline notes that Rick learned a great deal from his dad.

“One thing both Rick and Dick could do is if someone called the shop with a small problem, they can walk them through it on the telephone and tell them how to fix it,” she says.

“Most places won’t take the time to do that.”

The family is grateful to be celebrating 50 years in business. It’s an achievement they don’t take that for granted. “We’ve been very fortunate,” Rick says.

Caroline agrees. “We’ve made a lot of friends through the years,” she says. “We’re so thankful.”

Willco Wholesale Distributors, Inc. is located at 1601 West 8th Street in Muncie. For more information, call 765-289-6606 or visit willcowholesale.com.

8 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

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LET YOUR INNER LIGHT SHINE REVITALIZE MED SPA IMPROVES, ENHANCES AND ENERGIZES Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Dylan Senkus

Dr. Michael Paul Thorpe, MD, is a general surgeon who started working in Muncie in 2017. In 2020 he became the pioneering founder of the Indiana Vein Institute. As he worked with patients, it soon became evident to Thorpe that a huge majority of the population longs to feel better about themselves. They want to look better so that they can then gain self-confidence.

Earlier this year Thorpe opened a med spa

that provides treatments to help people increase their confidence.

those things, people walk a little taller and feel a little stronger.”

“When you take care of even tiny issues that make someone feel self-conscious, their self-esteem and assurance increase exponentially,” says Thorpe. “Just improving something so small as a scar on a forehead or a dark spot on a cheek can make a huge difference in how someone feels about themselves, because when you take care of

The decision to open ReVitalize Med Spa was built on the notion of helping people love the skin they are in.

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“People want to look on the outside how they feel on the inside,” says Thorpe. “What we do here can help them express outwardly how they feel inwardly.”

While we can’t stop aging, we can age gracefully. The sad truth is that our bodies start to fall apart after 25. Collagen breaks down faster than we make it, and as we lose collagen and elastin, this allows fat to droop and settle. The fat pads themselves shrink in volume over time, and this combination of the shrinking of the volume, as well as the collagen and elastin, allows the face and body to sag. While this all might sound depressing, keep in mind that there’s good news.

Years ago, the only way to try and reverse the hands of time was through plastic surgery. However, thanks to today’s amazing technologies, people can achieve plastic surgery results without having to endure scars and recovery time.

“You can enjoy a new face, new skin and reduced fat without having to undergo the knife,” says Thorpe. “As we age, we start to lose fat pads in the places we want them and start to gain them in places we don’t.

My job is to replenish the volume in the fat pads where they have gotten smaller and to decrease the fat in the places where they’ve grown, so we can restore and revitalize a youthful face.”

The team at ReVitalize Med Spa celebrated the grand opening in August, and they combine a relaxing spa environment with medical-grade procedures and therapies.

As word has spread around the community, clients have grown steadily. While some people didn’t know that they existed, others didn’t know what, exactly, a med spa contained. When they learn more, they are eager to check it out.

They offer a lot of spa services including microneedling, laser hair removal, Botox, waxing, and fillers. They also offer services that you cannot get anywhere else in Muncie. For instance, they have a top-end laser that rejuvenates and resurfaces the skin in a way that encourages the body to reestablish tighter skin.

“It yields phenomenal results,” says Thorpe.

They also offer Scarlet SRF, which tones, tightens and improves skin texture. Thorpe TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / 11

had a client who previously had eyelid surgery, and she said that the Scarlet treatment did more for her eyes than the surgery did.

In addition, they have AGNES RF, which is a treatment that destroys fat pads and helps to redefine and chisel contours of the face and body. This enables toning and tightening of the skin of under-eye bags. They can also chisel the bump underneath the chin that never seems to go away.

He has another client who was a victim of assault when she was younger. Her injury makes her face small and uneven on one side. Once again, Thorpe used filler to create symmetry in her face. These kinds of treatments are life-changing in more ways than one.

“We don’t create a false face, a tightness in the face or something that’s abnormal to the face,” says Thorpe. “We’re just tightening up your own natural skin around you. Our goals and objectives are to highlight the natural beauty that’s inside of you.”

ReVitalize Med Spa is located at 1714 Oftentimes these treatments end up being West Royale Drive in Muncie. For more less expensive than plastic surgery, or the information, call 765-372-8187 or visit expense is distributed over time. The best revitalize-med-spa.com. part is that the look is natural.

In addition to offering standard facials, they do HALO treatments, a combination laser that helps even out pigment and skin tone.

“I can give a patient the HALO glow and it takes five to 10 years off,” says Thorpe.

“It tones and tightens the skin, giving a smoother, more radiant look with one procedure.”

Some people come in to ReVitalize Med Spa knowing exactly what they want.

Others come in knowing the results that they want, but they just don’t know how to get there. That’s where Thorpe comes in. He sits down with them, and together they come up with a game plan.

“They share with us where they want to be, and we facilitate the pathway,” says Thorpe. “Our job is to identify each person’s individual journey and then provide the tools to get them there.”

Every time Thorpe witnesses a spark reignite within a client, he’s reminded of why he chose this career. For example, one of his patients has suffered from Bell’s palsy since she was 20 years old. As a result, her face is weakened on one side, which makes it uneven. Thorpe did a filler treatment and brought symmetry to her face.

“We were able to take the thing that she worried about every single day of her life and resolve it,” says Thorpe. “Now every time I see her, she’s beaming with confidence.”

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COUNTY-WIDE CARING

CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES OF DELAWARE COUNTY HELPS THOUSANDS EVERY YEAR Writer / Jerry Winans Photographer / Dylan Senkus

“The Giving Tree” is a beloved children’s picture book written and illustrated

by Shel Silverstein. In the book, a boy develops a lifelong friendship with a tree. It’s a selfless tree, giving help as the boy grows up - fruit for food, wood for a shelter, and finally a stump to rest on when he’s old. That could describe Christian Ministries of Delaware County.

It’s a giving tree where thousands find help when needed.

“We’re a social services agency, although people confuse us with a church,” says Andrea Smith, executive director. “Anyone can come through our doors. We don’t turn anyone away.”

Smith, a Yorktown native, has been with Christian Ministries for 10 years. She started as a grant writer, later becoming the interim executive director. Eventually this became her permanent title, but she also continues writing grants. Previously, she traveled across Indiana for seven years as a trainer at the nonprofit Indianapolis Algebra Project, which provides tutoring services.

Started by a group of pastors in 1945, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit was formed in 1991 as Christian Ministries of Delaware County. Its motto runs as follows: “Life-changing help in desperate times; Connecting people in crisis with a community that cares.”

The Christian Ministries “giving tree” has six branches:

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Shelter: The Family Shelter consists of one efficiency apartment and four rooms sharing a kitchen and bathroom. In 2022, 12 adults and 19 children found shelter there. The Men’s Sleeping Room for single men is open from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. between October and April. In 2022, 703 beds were used, 1,406 meals were served and 59 new guests found shelter.

Food Pantry: Christian Ministries operates the largest food pantry in Delaware County. It provides staple items like meat, fresh fruits and vegetables (when available). In 2022 it served 4,206 families (including 1,040 new families) and 10,662 individuals.

The Treasure Shop Thrift Store: The shop offers gently used items donated by the community and sold at reduced prices to benefit the programs and services of Christian Ministries.

Emergency Assistance: Clients receive help to pay rent or utility bills before eviction or utility shutoffs occur. In 2022, 156 households were helped, including 116 for utilities and 40 for rent assistance.

Blanket Cupboard: Free blankets, bedding and linens are provided to clients from September through May. The Baby Care program offers baby goods, diapers, formula and other items for parents in need, once per month.

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School Supplies: Christian Ministries partners with Hearts & Hands United to be a drop-off point for school supplies that are distributed to families with school-aged children. Businesses or individuals can also adopt a family to help with Christmas presents to ensure children avoid the humiliation and disappointment of no gifts.

Christian Ministries of Delaware County is located at 401 East Main Street in Muncie. You can volunteer by calling 765-288-0601, and visit them online at christianministriesmuncie.org for more information.

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SKILLS TO SUCCEED ERSKINE GREEN TRAINING INSTITUTE PROVIDES HANDS-ON JOB TRAINING AND MUCH MORE

Writer / Jerry Winans Photographer / Dylan Senkus

Daniel Gurulé is manager of donor relations at Erskine Green Training Institute (EGTI) in downtown Muncie. How does someone raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, find his life’s calling in central Indiana educating young adults with disabilities?

Sometimes people you meet can change your life’s direction.

When Gurulé (pronounced “gir-lay”) enrolled at New Mexico State University, he majored in education. But a part-time job during his third year changed his life. He met Jeff, a community

college student with muscular dystrophy in a wheelchair. Jeff needed someone to feed him lunch and empty his catheter. His life expectancy was about 25 years.

“Meeting Jeff was one of those moments in your life when you see somebody who has it harder than you,” says Gurulé. “But he didn’t complain. He didn’t whine. He knew that his disability, his disease, was going to cause him to die soon.”

A friendship soon developed. “I was moved by his desire to live the most out of the life he had, no matter how short it is,” says Gurulé.

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The next semester, Gurulé changed his degree major to special education, and later changed schools and earned a degree in Christian ministries. He became a Bible teacher at a faith-based academy and a part-time youth pastor. His ministry career brought him to Fortville, Indiana, as a full-time associate pastor and youth pastor.

Eventually, Gurulé was drawn back to his first passion, working with young adults with intellectual developmental disabilities. For seven years he was a house manager who provided wraparound services to ensure skills learned at school were applied at home.

During this time, Gurulé became friends with Megan Carter, a teacher of one of his young-adult clients. Carter was approached about starting the first-of-its-kind training hotel in Muncie, which became EGTI.

environment at the Courtyard Muncie at Horizon Convention Center.

“We provide opportunities for postsecondary vocational training for people with disabilities that empower and lead to meaningful employment,” says Gurulé. “More than 80% of EGTI graduates are employed in communities throughout Indiana.”

Students receive a uniquely personalized training experience.

During the 10- to 13-week training sessions, students attend class, master key job skills and gain valuable work experience through an internship.

A few months later, Carter recruited Gurulé to work at EGTI, which opened in 2016 under The Arc of Indiana Foundation.

“I talk to parents of our students and a word that keeps coming up is ‘hope,’” says Gurulé. “They have hope that their student is going to have an opportunity to live their best life, choose what job to apply for, where they want to live, and how to spend their time and money.”

EGTI provides vocational training for a variety of jobs in the hotel, food service, health care, and inventory distribution environments. The institute is an immersive learning

Erskine Green Training Institute is located at 601 South High Street in Muncie, and can be reached at 765-381-8071 or found online at erskinegreeninstitute.org.

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / 19

HELP FROM THE HEART CARING FOR THOSE WITH DEMENTIA, AND THE CAREGIVERS TOO

It’s important to recognize the difference between normal aging and mild cognitive impairment. With normal aging, you may When we think of the word “dementia,” Six years ago, Jennifer Coy-Rash was busy see changes in one’s ability to multitask, we tend to think of memory loss, but it’s raising her two young children when she slowed thinking speed, occasionally actually much more than that. According began noticing that her mother could to Jessie Hillock, owner and founder of The struggling to find the right word, no longer find her way to her house or to and sometimes forgetting names and Memory Compass, dementia is a loss of the local library. She observed other odd appointments but remembering them later. executive function. behavior, too, so she had her 64-year-old Also with normal aging, the individual mom evaluated, and she was diagnosed with “We’re doing a disservice by thinking of experiencing these issues is the only early-onset Alzheimer’s. A couple years later, dementia as memory loss,” says Hillock, a one who notices them. Mild cognitive Coy-Rash’s dad received the same diagnosis. dementia care specialist. “A person may be impairment, however, is when others take notice. In this instance, an individual’s able to name the day of the week and the While Alzheimer’s disease is the most president of the United States, but they can’t memory loss disrupts life. They experience common type of dementia, accounting operate their cell phone or their microwave confusion with time or place, they misplace for 60 to 80% of cases, other types oven.” things and are unable to retrace steps, and include dementia with Lewy bodies, Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

frontotemporal, and vascular.

20 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

they may struggle with understanding visual images and spatial relationships, which can result in car accidents. Also, dementia patients lose their filter.

When communicating with someone with dementia, Hillock recommends joining the person in their reality, rather than trying to invite them into yours. For example, say your mother passed away five years ago and your father, who has dementia, asks you where his wife is. Rather than reminding him that she’s been deceased for years, it’s better to say, “I think she’s at the store right now,” or, “What would you like to tell her?”

Some people think taking their loved one to the gravesite will help them grasp reality, but that news just serves to confuse and overwhelm them.

Another common scenario with dementia patients is realizing that it’s best, for the well-being of all concerned, to take their car keys away. In this instance, what do you do if they keep asking for their keys?

Rather than stating that it’s no longer safe for them to drive, it’s better to say, “I took your car to the shop,” or, “Your grandson needed to borrow your car.”

“This one is great because if they feel they are helping someone, that makes them feel useful,” says Hillock, who calls these little white lies “therapeutic fiblets.”

Karen Rogers (name changed to protect identity) says that providing her husband with a fake set of keys keeps him happy.

“Holding those keys makes him feel independent,” says Rogers.

One common complaint from families of dementia patients is their refusal to eat or drink. Asking them if they’re hungry or thirsty will likely be met with an upturned nose. If, however, you hand them a plate of food or a glass of water, they’ll often eat or drink it.

“Lead them to food and sit down with them,” says Hillock.

Helping dementia patients find purpose is

key. Hillock knows of a lady who leaves the same basketful of laundry for her mother to fold over and over because her mom wants to feel like she’s helping. You may have heard of dementia patients who are given a baby doll or a stuffed animal to “care for.” While this works beautifully in some cases, Hillock points out that it can be anxiety-provoking for others if they are concerned that someone has abandoned their baby or their pet.

In 2021, 11 million Americans reported providing 16 billion hours of unpaid care for loved ones with dementia.

Furthermore, the Central Indiana Council TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / 21

on Aging reports that one in six millennial caregivers who cares for someone living with dementia struggles with mental, physical and financial hardships because of their caregiving role. Therefore, it’s important that we acknowledge the importance of caring for the caregiver as well.

Jean Crane, a counselor at Care to Change, says this entails meeting physical, mental, emotional and social needs. This includes eating nutritious foods, engaging in proper exercise and getting adequate rest. It’s also crucial for a caregiver to cut out negative self-talk.

“Be less judgmental and more compassionate to yourself,” says Crane.

Also curtail your “what-if ” thinking, which only stirs anxiety. It’s better to focus on today, in the given moment.

Coy-Rash ended up connecting with a lot of great resources, many through the local senior center, which helped her navigate this new life with her parents. She now is well-versed in Medicaid waiver payments including eligibility criteria, finding providers, and the services that are covered.

It’s also wise to practice self-gratitude. “It’s impossible to be anxious and grateful at the “Connecting with the proper resources is so helpful,” says Coy-Rash. same time,” says Crane.

Emotionally, you should identify, express and process your feelings. In other words, if you’re stressed, breathe. If you’re angry, punch a pillow. If you’re disappointed, confide in a trusted friend. Also, tend to your soul needs.

The Muncie Delaware County Senior Citizens Center offers activities, programs and resources for seniors. Visit muncieseniorcenter.com to learn more.

“What brings you rejuvenation?” asks Crane. “What fills your tank? You can’t give if you have nothing left inside.”

TIPS FOR HELPING THOSE WITH DEMENTIA

A dementia diagnosis can be a scary thing, but keep in mind that there are resources available to help you.

***

• Be patient when their memory fails by letting them try again, and reminding them of what they were talking about.

• Make your conversations meaningful rather than just engaging in small talk.

When you enter into “their world,” they may have a lot to say. Let them guide the conversation, rather than asking them, “Remember when?”

• Avoid letting them read thrillers or watch crime shows before bedtime, because they may wake up thinking they are part of the scene. Stick with lighthearted books and shows in the evenings.

• If they are struggling to find the correct word, ask them to point to an object or gesture in order to communicate.

• Avoid towering over them so they don’t feel intimidated. Bend down to meet them at eye level.

• Speak slowly and clearly, and wait patiently for a response, as it may take 20 or more seconds for them to process what you said.

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Supportive Surroundings

THE ISAIAH 117 HOUSE CARES FOR CHILDREN AWAITING FOSTER PLACEMENT

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Dylan Senkus

All through high school and college, Hannah Coffman and her boyfriend, Tim, talked about how after they got married, they would grow a big family - and fast. The couple made good on their plans when they had their first placement as foster parents one month after tying the knot.

That was in July 2016, and by August they were fostering two newborns and a 3-yearold.

“It was exactly what we had hoped for in

starting our family,” says Coffman.

Over the past seven years, the devoted pair has fostered more than 20 kids. They have also adopted three kids and have one biological daughter. Their children are now aged 6, 5, 5 and 3. Understandably, their kiddos struggle to say goodbye to their foster siblings when it’s time for them to leave. Therefore, the Coffmans found a way to change their mode of service while still providing support to foster children. The Isaiah 117 House provides a safe, loving home for children awaiting foster care placement. Earlier this year the couple TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / 23

began the process of getting a location built in the Muncie area to serve the kids of Delaware County and surrounding counties.

When a child is removed from their home by the Department of Child Services (DCS), they must go back to a DCS office and wait in that setting for hours sometimes days.

During that time, they have no shower and must eat whatever vending-machine food is available. While they may have access to

blankets and perhaps a mattress, the kids must sleep on the floor of an 11-by-12-foot visitation room.

“There’s nothing comforting about that environment, and yet this is where they go on one of the most traumatic days of their life,” says Coffman.

To help these kids feel safe and protected rather than scarred and scared, the Isaiah 117 House is designed to reduce trauma.

The colors inside are light and bright, and they have what’s called the Giving Room, in which kids are given brand-new items including clothes, personal hygiene items and popular, sought-after toys.

“We keep it stocked with anything they could want or need,” says Coffman.

“We believe on that day, that physical representation of worth that items with tags brings is something that can’t be replaced.”

Since 2018, 19 Isaiah 117 House locations have opened across 11 states, with more than 50 currently in the building process, including the Delaware County location.

They held their kickoff fundraising event in mid-November, and have worked with commissioners on a possible land donation.

They hope to have a home built within the next year.

“This is the community’s home for the community’s children,” says Coffman. “We want people to bring their strengths to make it a success.”

You can clean the dwelling, mow the lawn, help keep the Giving Room stocked, donate toiletries - whatever suits you. One woman at a Tennessee home volunteered to come in and decorate the house for every holiday.

“That was something she enjoyed doing, so that’s what she brought to the house,” says Coffman. “We’ll need people to make a house run.”

To learn more or to offer volunteer services, visit isaiah117house.com, email delawarein@isaiah117house.com, or call 423-518-3760, ext. 151.

24 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

DECEMBER CROSSWORD 7

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37. Shortened, as a sail 39. Does and bucks 40. Disdained newspaper 41. More than touched 44. View from a hill 47. Archer of myth 49. Cake recipe word 50. Blood-bank measure 51. Like some awakenings 52. Wear and tear 53. Casino calculations 54. Nostradamus, reputedly 55. Acapulco affirmatives

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1. Shock absorber 4. Pucker 8. Some stay at home 12. Bad thing to invoke 13. Unbending 14. Frenziedly 15. Ad conclusion?

16. Apple food?

17. Subcompact 18. Bay tree 20. Delivery means 22. Salts on deck 23. Naval rank 27. Bygone leaders 29. Be snoopy 30. Big one 31. Fine-tune 32. Purchase 33. It’s often swatted 34. Symbol of industriousness 35. Camera movement 36. Opportunities, so to speak

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9. “What Kind of Fool ___?”

10. Slip on 11. Hit the slopes 19. Like hen’s teeth 21. “___ takers?”

24. Ding-a-ling 25. Drive or reverse, e.g.

26. Circus props 27. Scorch 28. Court defense 29. Wit’s end?

32. Wisconsin footballers 33. Takes one’s leave 35. Shade of green 36. Harder to penetrate 38. Worries 39. Part of L.E.D. 42. Not yet final, at law 43. Old flames 44. Double header?

45. What’s more 46. It may get flipped 48. Wish undone

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When Chastity Aponte first moved to Muncie from New York, she heard that Ivy

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

CHASTITY APONTE

Tech was affordable and that the professors were great.

gears and helped define my purpose,” says Aponte, who graduated from Ivy Tech in 2019 with an associate degree in education.

“I’ve always wanted to work with kids, but it wasn’t until I started at Ivy Tech and was going through the education program that it hit me that I wanted to teach,” says Aponte.

But it was more than that. She wanted to help kids with disabilities. When her son was diagnosed with autism, that passion only grew deeper. Initially she planned to teach in an inclusive classroom.

“My time at Ivy Tech really turned the

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / 27

Now she’s learning all about applied behavior analysis at Ball State University, where she works with kids on the autism spectrum.

“I provide children with daily living skills,” says Aponte. “I help them learn to read, write and communicate.”

Aponte will earn her master’s degree from Ball State in the spring of 2024. Currently,

Aponte is a program coordinator at Conduct Curb Anderson Autism Behavior Center. In the future she hopes to get her license, become a behavior analyst, and open up her own behavior center that will offer services for children 18 and older once they age out of the typical services and programs.

“My son is 6 now but he’s going to get older, and his diagnosis isn’t going to go away,” she says. She knows that for kids on the spectrum, programs and services melt away after their 18th birthday, as do support and friendships, which is heartbreaking.

“I don’t want my son to be in that predicament where he doesn’t have any

services after he becomes an adult, so I want to provide help not only for my son, but also to all the other coming-up adults who still need services,” says Aponte, who enjoys helping others.

During COVID-19 when everything was shut down, she started a parent support group so that parents could connect and collaborate. One stay-at-home mom shared how she struggled to communicate with her nonverbal son. She asked for suggestions on ways to increase his communication skills.

Aponte told her to put a bunch of visuals on a board and place them all around the house so he could point to what he wanted or needed.

28 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

“He went from screaming and having tantrums to being able to point to what he wants, whether that’s a food, a toy or a bath,” says Aponte. “Now that he’s able to functionally communicate what he wants, he doesn’t have to scream or cry all the time.”

Aponte also suggested that the mom make a booklet and take it with her in public to restaurants and supermarkets, which has worked beautifully.

“It makes my heart happy when I can help others,” says Aponte. “I’m a strong advocate for the autism population. I’ll always have a voice for them.”

MORE THAN MEETS THE PIE

PIZZA KING ENDEAVORS TO STAY COMMUNITY FRIENDLY, IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE Writer & Photographer / David Fennig

With dozens of locations scattered across central Indiana, Pizza King is such an iconic local brand that it needs no introduction.

Bumper stickers proclaiming “Ring the King” can be spotted all over the state because, to quote one of the company’s catch phrases, “it’s an Indiana thing.”

However, many customers may not be aware that aside from their dining rooms, some locations also offer meeting rooms where small groups can gather for networking, nonprofit luncheons, office Christmas celebrations or birthday parties, and enjoy the luxury of a private space.

Private meeting rooms allow guests to have a lot more flexibility when they are gathering together in large groups, enjoy freedom to come and go as needed, and

have presentations and conversations that conventional dining rooms just don’t allow for.

These kinds of meeting rooms can be vital for allowing businesses, nonprofits and other organizations to grow. Four Pizza King locations in and around Muncie offer this extra option. The locations on North Wheeling Avenue and on Macedonia Avenue can host events with up to 100 people and 50 people respectively, the location in Yorktown can accommodate up to 98 guests, and the location in Selma can hold up to 45.

“To book one of the banquet rooms for an event, simply call your desired store directly to check availability and get on the schedule,” says Austin Prather, director of TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / 29

marketing for Pizza King.

The meeting rooms don’t require an upfront charge, just a minimum number of guests and a minimum spend on food orders, making it convenient for groups to book them without the fear of breaking the bank. This allows groups that don’t have a centralized structure for paying bills to still gather and enjoy some alone time.

The private rooms all have separate entrances and exits to and from the main restaurants, as well as separate restrooms for guests, and some offer multimedia options for watching films or presentations.

“It can be everything from birthday parties to wedding receptions,” says Prather. “Really it’s a broad group. There are all kinds of

groups that meet there.”

Private meeting rooms represent just one of the ways Pizza King leaders have designed the business around serving the community that has supported the business for more than 60 years now. Pizza King has tried for years to prioritize giving back to the community through their Pizza King Cares Initiative. It launched in February of 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the company made its first donation to Second Harvest Food Bank.

Pizza King donated $10,000 to Second Harvest, which, according to the food bank, was enough to provide 40,000 meals to citizens around central Indiana.

In February of 2022, Pizza King’s donation amount increased to $20,000, raised by donating $1 from every order of breadsticks sold. That’s a lot of dough. The donation was split up among four organizations including Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities, which serves people with disabilities in the Fort Wayne region, Madison County Humane Society based out of Anderson, 2nd Chance Animal Rescue of Richmond, and the Beaman Home, which provides shelter, education and services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Warsaw.

According to the official Pizza King website, the company also partners with Southside Middle School and their Panther Pantry program, and this year they are partnering with Secret Families to provide presents to families in need.

“We’re always trying to do something different,” says Prather.

Pizza King also partners with many local sports teams as a sponsor for youth athletics, and takes part in initiatives to get school children much-needed supplies.

For location details and contact info, and to find out more about the Pizza King Cares Initiative, go to pizzaking.com. To book a party at one of the private meeting rooms, simply call your local restaurant and check for availability.

30 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

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Holiday Gift Guide

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With toys for kids of all ages, infant to adult, and thousands of unique items in stock, we are sure to have something foreveryone on your holiday gift giving list.

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32 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

NORMANDY FLOWER SHOP, INC 123 E. Charles Street, Muncie (765) 282-2263 normandyflowershop.net Flowers, Candles, Plants, Cards, Angels, Stepping Stones, Windchimes, Plush Animals, Afghans & Lanterns

INK DRINKERS ANONYMOUS BOOKSTORE 125 E. Charles Street, Suite 216, Muncie (Located on the Second Floor in The Rose Court) (833) 243-8213 inkdrinkersanonymous.com Your Favorite Independent Book Store.

Happy New Vacations!

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TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / 33

What’s Happening IN DECEMBER

THROUGH JANUARY 7 This juried art competition and exhibition, created in partnership with Muncie’s RedTail Land Conservancy, encourages Indiana artists to derive creative inspiration from the land around us. Minnetrista. www. minnetrista.net

DECEMBER 1, 2, 8, 9 The Christmas Star Over the years many people have tried to explain the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem, as described in the Bible. Can the star be explained as an exploding star, a comet, or some other natural event in the sky? Potential natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem and common modernday misconceptions will be discussed. 6:30 PM Charles W. Brown Planetarium www. bsu.edu/planetarium

Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 21-23 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Muncie Civic Theatre presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Eve”r in the Casazza Family Studio Theatre. A heartwarming holiday play about Beth, whose mother takes over the church’s Christmas pageant after the original director gets injured. The notorious Herdman kids, infamous for their misbehavior, are cast in the lead roles, causing chaos and mayhem. The play is a funny, feel-good production that captures the spirit of the holiday season. Friday and Saturday evening shows are at 7 p.m. and the Sunday matinees are at 3 p.m. General Admission. Rated G. www.munciecivic.org

DECEMBER 1 Mindfulness in the Museum Take a midday break with Dr. George

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! LEGGINGS | DRESSES | TOPS | BOTTOMS | ACCESSORIES

www.whimsies.shop 4205 N. Wheeling Ave., Muncie IN 47304 34 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

Wolfe, professor emeritus, to experience mindfulness meditation in the DOMA galleries. This event is free and open to the public with no registration required. David Owsley Museum of Art. www.bsu.edu/ doma

DECEMBER 1, 2 Enchanted Luminaria Walk at Minnetrista Kick off the holidays season with family and friends at Minnetrista. This event will feature sweet treats, winter crafts, enchanting lights, holiday entertainment and our popular Holiday Artisan Market.

Embrace the sounds and spirit of the winter holidays at this free community event. 5:00 PM -9:00 PM www.minnetrista.net EB Ball Holiday Open House Each year, the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball

Center hosts a Holiday Open House as a part of Minnetrista’s Enchanted Luminaria Walk. During this 2-day event, you can tour our beautifully decorated Ball family home, listen to musicians, and see local artisans.

The first floor features floral arrangements donated by local florists. Many of the trees and rooms are decorated by members of the community. This is just one event that the Center hosts to preserve the Ball family history and to recognize their contributions to the community. Free. Reservations not required. www.bsu.edu/ebball

DECEMBER 2 Magic Treehouse: Space Mission Travel with Jack and Annie, stars of the Magic Tree House® best-selling children’s book series, as they search for answers to a mysterious riddle they discover in a written note signed “–M.” Peek into the treehouse and follow Jack and Annie on an exciting adventure as they meet a helpful astronomer and an astronaut. As they travel to an

observatory and beyond into space, Jack and Annie nearly get … well, we don’t want to give the surprise away! Free. Best suited for families and groups with pre-K through 3rd grade learners, all ages are welcome. www. bsu.edu/planetarium

candlelight. Stop by the Nature Lab to create nature-inspired ornaments and more.

6-9 p.m. Free. www.bsu.edu

Holiday In Bloom

Morgy Craig Memorial Concert by Ball State Jazz Ensembles Enjoy a concert of standard jazz favorites and original compositions with the Ball State University Jazz Ensembles in honor of Morgy Craig. The ensembles are under the direction of Mark Buselli. 7:30-10 p.m.

Tickets. www.bsu.edu

DECEMBER 3

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland A must-see holiday event to usher in the Orchestra Indiana: Christmas magic of the season. Igniting joy and Celebration wonder, “Wonderland” is an all-new musical Orchestra Indiana performs the sounds of journey that will transport audiences to the season under the baton of Troy Webdell a magical land far away for a fun-filled, and featuring the Taylor University Chorale. unforgettable holiday-themed show The Youth Symphony Orchestra of East experience. Emens Auditorium. Tickets.

Central Indiana joins for a special side-bywww.bsu.edu/emens side performance. www.orchestraindiana. org DECEMBER 6 It’s the holiday season! As you explore campus for Holiday Arts & Culture Night, stop by for our annual Holiday in Bloom celebration. Explore the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse at night, lit up with strings of lights and decorations. Stroll through the trails of Christy Woods lit up by (electric)

Cardinal Corn makes great gifts and stocking stuffers.

Also, available at the Muncie Noon Optimist booth during the Holidays at the Muncie Mall Call to schedule your Holiday party catering.

765-702-7188

TheATeamConcessions@gmail.com A Team Concessions

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DECEMBER 7 Light Up Downtown Enjoy music and light shows at 6, 7, 8, and 9 p.m. every Thursday-Sunday in December at Canan Commons. 5-8 p.m. www. downtownmuncie.org Glass Workshop: Stained Glass Holiday Trees Take stained glass beyond two dimensions with this hand-crafted glass decoration.

Students will create a unique stained glass Christmas tree adorned with decorative glass elements. A wooden base stand will be provided so that you can display your finished piece for all to admire. Minnetrista’s talented glass artisan will be on hand to guide you through each step in the process, making this a great choice for artists of any skill level. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. www.minnetrista. net

DECEMBER 8 Tea, Cookies, And Not Your

Grandmother’s Needlepoint Big Band music is all about feelings of love – dreamy, exciting, lost & regained. This show brings passionate tune of both joy and heartbreak from the likes of the big names – Miller, Dorsey, Ellington, Basie, May, Strayhorn, Nestico. And this AHB group can really belt it out for the audience on the lawn of this beautiful Minnetrista Blvd setting. 2 p.m. Cost is $10. www.bsu.edu/ ebball

DECEMBER 8-10, 14-17 White Christmas Join Muncie Civic Theatre this holiday season for “White Christmas” on the Mainstage. Based on the classic Irving Berlin film starring Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, and Danny Kaye. Create a holiday memory with your whole family. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday Matinees are at 2:30 p.m. Reserved Seating. Tickets. www. munciecivic.org

36 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

DECEMBER 8, 9, 14, 15 Bob Ross Painting Workshop Paint with a Certified Ross Instructor at Minnetrista. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to get creative and learn the process of painting in Bob Ross’ signature style. Just bring yourself, and we will provide everything you need to have a great time. Just like Bob said, “Let’s get crazy!” Bob Ross Painting Workshops are age 14 and older unless otherwise noted. All supplies are included. Everyone in attendance must be registered for the workshop, and The Bob Ross Experience ticket is not included. This workshop space is only accessible via a staircase. We do offer workshops in accessible spaces throughout the year. Tickets. www.minnetrista.net

DECEMBER 10 Holiday Choral Concert Ball State’s choral ensembles present two concerts in celebration of the winter holidays featuring well-known seasonal

favorites and holiday music from a wide variety of traditions. The afternoon (3 p.m.) performance will also be available as a livestream. 3 and 6 p.m. Sursa Performance Hall, Ball State University. Tickets. www. bsu.edu/emens Family Workshop: Gingerbread House Leave the mess to Minnetrista when you join us for a fun afternoon of creativity with your family building and decorating your very own gingerbread house! We will provide the gingerbread, icing, and a wide variety of beautiful treats to decorate your creation. Cocoa and cookies will be served to all guests and Gingy, the gingerbread man will make an appearance to help get you in the holiday spirit. 2:00-4:00 PM. All tools and supplies will be provided. www. minnetrista.net

DECEMBER 13

DECEMBER 16

Voctave A cappella sensation Voctave has had over 150 million social media views of their videos, and their albums are frequently in the Top 10. Formed in 2015 by producer and arranger Jamey Ray, the voices that bring their arrangements to life represent a wealth of diverse backgrounds and musical experiences. Hailing from Central Florida, the eleven members of Voctave have performed across the globe and appear on countless recordings. The group has performed with GRAMMY, Dove and American Music Award recipients including Sandi Patty, Pentatonix's Kirstin Maldonado, Mark Lowry, David Phelps, and Jody McBrayer. Emens Auditorium. Tickets. www.bsu.edu/emens

Betty’s Cabin Activity: Snowflakes If your favorite part of winter is watching the snow fall, then this is the activity for you! With some simple art supplies, we’ll be making snowflakes that will never melt, turning Betty’s Cabin into a winter wonderland! Free. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. www. minnetrista.net

DECEMBER 31 Betty’s Cabin Activity: NYE Countdown If you—or the kiddo in your life—just can’t wait until midnight, join us at Betty’s Cabin for our Countdown to Noon event! Enjoy refreshments and play games as you get a jump start on ringing in the New Year. Free.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. www.minnetrista.net Calendar provided by Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement and Muncie Visitor’s Bureau.

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38 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT? GIVE THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING ALL YEAR! TREAT THE FOLKS TO CLEAN TRASH CANS ALL YEARS LONG. LET US TAKE CARE OF THOSE NASTY CANS.

TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / 39

GADDIS IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE A MAJOR OVERHAUL TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT We can’t wait for you to come in and meet Clint King our new Service Manager.

Clint has lots of automotive experience and is great to work with.

We are also happy to have two really great service writers that work beside Clint.

With added certified technicians and lube techs you can look for shorter wait times to get into service.

You will love our improved service department. Call today and give us the opportunity to serve you better.

Come See Why Its Different At Gaddis!

765-289-2361 | 1717 Wheeling Ave. Muncie, IN 47303 40 / MUNCIE MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com