Muncie Magazine March 2024

Turning Pro

Rock Solid

Property Pros Tackles Construction, Handyman Services, Remodels and More

AdPro Construction Is Building a Lasting Local Presence

MARCH 2024

Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope

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PUBLISHER JEFF HERN jeff@townepost.com (317) 796-0912

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HULL PROPERTY GROUP ACQUIRES THE MUNCIE MALL

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TURNING PRO

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KEY CONTRIBUTORS DAVID FENNIG ALYSON MADSEN AVERY MARTIN DYLAN SENKUS TED WARD

FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE RUNWAY

Ball State Student Avery Property Pros Tackles Martin Tries Fashion Construction, Handyman Program on for Size Services, Remodels and More

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THE MUNCIE ECLIPSE

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MARCH 2024

FEBRUARY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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ROCK SOLID

AdPro Construction Is Building a Lasting Local Presence

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SOLAR SENSATION

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011 PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK

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Ball State University, Charles W. Brown Planetarium Hosting Full Slate of Free Activities Leading up to Total Eclipse

Bill Shroyer Talks Professional Life and City Council Tenure

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TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011

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Ivy Tech Muncie/Henry County to Provide iPad Airs to Nursing Students

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MARCH CALENDAR /MUNCIEMAGAZINE

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IN TOUCH WITH TECH

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CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS

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HULL PROPERTY GROUP ACQUIRES THE MUNCIE MALL Story & Photography Provided

Hull Property Group announced the acquisition of the Muncie Mall in Muncie, Indiana. The property adds to the company’s growing retail property portfolio of almost 20 million square feet, including 35 enclosed shopping malls across 17 states.

“We are excited to join the Muncie community,” said Jim Hull, owner of Hull Property Group. “We love the area, and the Muncie Mall has wonderful redevelopment potential. We aim to reposition the Muncie Mall by working with community leaders and adjacent property owners to create a successful future for the mall and the Muncie community’s critical retail corridor. There are no bad properties, just bad ownership, and job one for us is to do the things necessary to improve viability for the existing tenants.”

Hull Property Group is a long-term owner and operator of malls in conditions like the Muncie Mall. It will invest its time learning the Muncie community and understanding the best path forward. Hull Property Group has successfully revitalized similar properties by working closely with local leadership, and hopes to achieve similar results here in eastern Indiana.

Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour agreed, stating, “The stabilization of the mall should be a top priority.

It occupies a prominent location in our important

8 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

retail corridor, and a defined, first-class retail corridor attracts additional retail investment and tenants to our community. We are pleased that a group with Hull Property Group’s experience has purchased the mall, and we look forward to working with them.”

Hull Property Group has over 45 years of experience specializing in retail real estate, and a track record of acquiring and repositioning underperforming enclosed malls. The company has a consistent record of property redevelopment and improvement. It is committed to providing new investment capital, building strong community relationships to foster economic development, and being a good steward of the mall property. Good stewardship is the underpinning of the company’s investment strategy.

“Our formula of ‘Stabilize, Revitalize, and Reposition’ has proven successful for our company, and we aim to accomplish that here in Muncie,” said John Mulherin, vice president of government relations. “The decline of this property did not occur overnight, and it will not be fixed overnight, but we are ready to put in the work and capital to offer an improved shopping experience for Muncie. We look forward to getting to know the community better and being the good steward that this important property needs.”

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SPORTS PERFORMANCE

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PROPERTY PROS TACKLES CONSTRUCTION, HANDYMAN SERVICES, REMODELS AND MORE Writer / Alyson Madsen Photographer / Dylan Senkus

P

roficient in the areas of residential and commercial construction, home maintenance, remodeling, and appliance repair, Property Pros fills the need for nearly every household concern, including plumbing, electrical and painting.

Kitchen and bath upgrades, and pergola and deck additions, are mainstays for the thriving company. Free consultations and fast turnaround times add to the company’s solid reputation.

“What sets us apart from our competitors are our highly skilled technicians whose work is second to none,” said Property Pros Marketing Director Lindsey Martin, adding that the team includes a number of area pastors along with several other talented technicians. “We cater to folks who desire a premium space that exudes quality and workmanship. Our tile work is exemplary, and we rarely subcontract like many other

TownePost.com | March 2024 | 11

construction companies.”

Property Pros’ work is especially evident around Ball State’s campus, with over 200 rehabbed properties. The imposing red home on West University Avenue is just one of their crowning glories.

“One of our company’s fortes is the beautification of spaces,” Martin added.

“Oftentimes we will preserve a historic structure that might be torn down otherwise.”

Integral to Property Pros success is Owner Mark Price, also founder and chief executive officer of Campus Rentals, who bought his first house in 2014 with a credit card check.

His managed rental properties now number over 650, including 100 that he personally

12 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

owns. Realizing the need for a maintenance team to oversee his rentals, Price launched Property Pros in 2019. The company has been flourishing ever since.

“I’m a homegrown local guy,” remarks Price, a Knightstown High School and Ball State graduate who believes in supporting local.

“Most of our 65 employees live, eat and breathe in Delaware County.”

His best friend, Chris Wilkinson, director of operations, as well as Lead Designer and Carpenter Paul Easley, round out the core group.

“Mark has really invested in our city,” said Martin, who noted one particular project the company recently completed. “We razed a six-bedroom, six-and-one-half-

bath campus home and rebuilt it from the ground up. The result was a luxurious, highend student rental.”

Property Pros was awarded silver and gold medals for Home Renovator and Handyman Services in Muncie’s 2023 Quest for the Best.

“I want our product to be different,” said Price, who prides himself on renting properties that feel like home to Muncie’s student transplants.

Property Pros is located at 2560 West Kilgore Avenue in Muncie. For more information, visit propertyprosmuncie. com or call 765-400-PROS. Find them on Facebook @PropertyProsMuncie.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

On Monday, April 8, there will be a total solar eclipse starting shortly after 3 p.m.

Muncie has not had a total eclipse for more than 1,000 years, and we will not see another in our lifetime!

Nearly four million visitors will be traveling to Indiana for the eclipse.

Muncie could see 100,000 visitors or more! Plan to get to your spot early, and limit driving Monday afternoon - thousands of cars will be trying to navigate our city.

16 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

WHERE TO WATCH

WEEKEND EVENTS

You can book a premium viewing location and buy official Magic City Eclipse merchandise at eclipsemuncie. com! Eclipse glasses will be available at all major sites, as well as the library and Minnetrista.

If you or your service group would like to volunteer, please contact mowen@ muncie.in.gov. This is a great opportunity to showcase the Magic in Muncie!

There will be viewing locations at Prairie Creek, the Academy of Model Aeronautics, the fairgrounds, and local neighborhood parks.

Saturday and Sunday are jam packed with activities all around town! Family activities, concerts, craft beer, local art, educational opportunities, and much more - see the full lineup of events at eclipsemuncie.com.

MARCH CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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1. Corner chesspiece 5. Bailiff’s concern 9. Bled, like dye 12. Face form 13. Fabled runner-up 14. Good ___ boy

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27. Goes head-to-head 29. Waste, as time 33. Base bed 34. ___ Island National Monument 36. Vamp’s accessory 37. Cap site

1. Computer acronym 2. Female gametes 3. Sculler’s need 4. “Dave” star Kevin 5. “Come again?”

6. Teller 7. Tick off 8. Best left alone 9. “___ of Ages” 10. Cream additive 11. Bright light on Broadway 16. Chutzpah 20. It can’t hurt to do this 21. Type of race 22. In a bit 23. Memory unit 24. Tennis champ Monica 25. Tag sale tag 39. Just in case 40. Advantages 41. Minimalist’s goal?

43. Havens 45. Mine passage 48. Corn holder 49. Musician’s asset

28. Misery causes 30. Nile bird 31. Individual 32. Aberdeen miss 35. “Cheers” prop 38. One with a pole position?

42. Practice piece 44. Addis ___ 45. Pursue 46. Robust 47. General assembly?

48. Pickle 51. Common consent 52. Cat hater, stereotypically 53. Kind of dance 54. Manage, with “out” 55. Census datum

50. Moves in waves 56. Glade shade 57. It may get into a jamb 58. Make a cake, e.g.

59. Opener 60. Competitive plus 61. Culminating point

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MOLDING MUNCIE

BILL SHROYER TALKS PROFESSIONAL LIFE AND CITY COUNCIL TENURE Writer & Photographer / David Fennig

18 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

I

t’s hard to picture downtown Muncie as it once was: the convention center missing, the Roberts Hotel closed and dilapidated, Walnut Street closed to traffic, and business fronts with boarded-up windows.

He managed to not only purchase the real estate that he used for his dry cleaning stores, but also expand into purchasing other locations, both commercial and residential, eventually renting them out.

Bill Shroyer, owner of Vogue Cleaners, real estate entrepreneur and longserving city councilman, reminisces fondly over his role in turning downtown into a business-friendly hub for Muncie. “Our number one was opening up the downtown with vehicle traffic,” he says regarding the first years of his service on city council in the late 1980s. “Number two was try to develop the hotel that was closed. We finally found a developer in Louisville and he came in and developed it. Number three was the convention center.”

“I never was able to pay cash for anything,” he says. “I would accumulate a little money and then I would buy them on contract, and then rent them out. I would try to buy something that was close to something I already owned.”

Shroyer was born and raised in Muncie, and is proud to call it home and to have been in business here for over 70 years. He was drafted into the Army in 1953 and spent 18 months in the military serving in Korea, and he was released early from his two-year commitment.

While he was in the service, his brother started planning a deal with the owner of a local dry cleaning store for the two brothers to buy the business after Shroyer was released from duty.

Over the years Shroyer has acquired a number of properties, and prefers to keep properties that he manages in close proximity to each other. He recognized that a big part of success is being prepared with your timing, and having a good team of professionals on your side.

“My biggest years were from 1969 to 1975,” he says. “It seemed like there were lots of good opportunities that came up. I had a good realtor. I had a good lawyer and a good accountant. They were a big part of my success. When the opportunities came, if things looked good and I could afford it, then I bought it.”

In the mid-1980s, Shroyer started to look for more opportunities to become involved in the city. His journey from soldier to smallbusiness owner to real estate entrepreneur guided him towards “I didn’t know what to do when I came out, so we politics, which allowed him to change in the way he helped guide took over the laundry in January of 1955,” he says. and grow his community.

By working hard at keeping the focus on customer service, they were able to establish not only their first location into a successful small business, but also purchase property to build out a new store and eventually open multiple locations.

“The first property I bought was on my birthday, the 23rd of September 1960,” Shroyer says.

He recommends for small-business owners to diversify and get into real estate whenever possible.

“I felt like I got some really good advice from a couple individuals that were in the real estate business,” he says. “We were OK in the laundry and cleaning business so I wanted to diversify.”

“I guess I have politics in my blood,” he says. “I was born and raised with politics, you might say.”

His father was elected to the city council for 18 years and was president for six years. Shroyer followed in his father’s political footsteps, and served on the city council for 24 years including 14 as president.

“Of course my family was always with me, and if you’ve got your family, with you, you’ve got everything,” he says.

During his long service on the council, Shroyer helped to direct Muncie, shaping it into the community we know today.

Aside from the redevelopment of the downtown into a vehiclefriendly space, he cites zoning changes, to bring in the southside Walmart as well as Meijer and Menards, as major victories for his tenure as councilman and city council president.

“My goal was to make Muncie a better city to live and work in,” he says. “What was good for Muncie was good for me.”

TownePost.com | March 2024 | 19

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SOLAR TELESCOPE VIEWING PARTY THE SCRAMBLE LIGHT

WINOS WOMEN IN NEED OF SHOPPING • M ad Axe Muncie • S wing in for a free show of great items from local folks for sale!

• M arch 3 from 2pm-5pm

MARCH

AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 2024

ECLIPSE GLASSES AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP • C harles W. Brown Planetarium • S olar eclipse glasses will be available to community guests for a suggested cash donation of $1/pair, while supplies last. Limit 10 pairs per person. Ball State students, faculty, and staff will have the opportunity to get their own eclipse glasses at distribution sites across campus closer to the eclipse. Glasses are partially funded through support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Simons Foundation.

• M arch 14, 21, 28 at 11:30am, and April 4 at 11:30am

“SO YOU WANT TO SEE TOTALITY?” PLANETARIUM LECTURE

• College of Sciences and Humanities, Physics and Astronomy, Charles W. Brown Planetarium • Weather permitting, come view the sun through one of Ball State’s powerful solar telescopes set up at the Scramble Light. See the sun in a very specific color of red light known as hydrogenalpha and see the atmospheric region of the sun called the chromosphere. Learn about and see dramatic features like solar prominences, filaments and flares!

• April 1, 2, and 4 at 11am

BALL STATE TOTAL ECLIPSE EXPERIENCE ENJOY UNIQUE WEEKEND ACTIVITIES ACROSS CAMPUS • Your eyes will be on the sky on April 8, but what are you doing the weekend before? Ball State University gets you ready for Muncie’s first solar eclipse in more than 1,000 years with a full slate of activities on campus, including in the state’s largest planetarium, April 5-7.

• Keep and eye on this calendar to see more opportunities as they are added to this funfilled, educational weekend of events! bsu.edu/ calendar/categories/eclipse • “Earth, Moon & Sun” Planetarium Show

• P hysics and Astronomy, Charles W. Brown Planetarium, College of Sciences and Humanities

• College of Sciences and Humanities, Physics and Astronomy, Charles W. Brown Planetarium

• D uring this special live program by Planetarium Director Ms. Dayna Thompson, you will learn about the science of solar eclipses, tips and tricks to seeing an eclipse, how to view totality, and more.

• Learn the basics of fusion and solar energy and why the sun rises and sets.

• M arch 29 at 5:30 pm and 6:30pm

• April 5 at 5:30pm • “Eclipse: The Sun Revealed” Planetarium Show • Charles W. Brown Planetarium

SPECIAL SATURDAY ECLIPSE ACTIVITIES THE BROWN PLANETARIUM • C ollege of Sciences and Humanities, Physics and Astronomy, Charles W. Brown Planetarium • C ome learn about solar eclipses during special workshops, lectures, planetarium programs and more as we continue to get ready for April’s total solar eclipse. Planetarium shows are at 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm and 6:30pm.

• M arch 30 at 2:30pm, and April 6 and 7 at 2:30pm

• There will be a total eclipse of the sun visible from Muncie on April 8, 2024. A total solar eclipse is such a spectacular event, and it is never too early to start planning for one. Come learn how solar and lunar eclipses happen, and about scientific discoveries that have been supported by total solar eclipses. This show also uses beautiful visuals to explore the historical and cultural view of eclipses, and explains how to safely see these awe-inspiring sights.

• April 5 at 6:30pm • Special Saturday Eclipse Activities at the Brown Planetarium TownePost.com | March 2024 | 23

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

• C ollege of Sciences and Humanities, Physics and Astronomy, Charles W. Brown Planetarium • C ome learn about solar eclipses during special workshops, lectures, planetarium programs and more as we continue to get ready for April’s total solar eclipse. Planetarium shows are at 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm and 6:30pm.

• April 6 and 7 starting at 2:30pm • K ids Make Art at DOMA • D avid Owsley Museum of Art, School of Art, College of Fine Arts • J oin student teachers from the Ball State Art Education program for an afternoon of activities, games and tours in the DOMA galleries.

• L earn more about art made with the sun in preparation for the total solar eclipse by making sun prints with us on our front terrace!

MARCH

AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 2024

• T his fun opportunity for families and kids of all ages is open to the public and free with registration by April 3.

• C hildren must be accompanied by an adult guardian.

• A pril 6 from 1:30pm-4pm • R inard Orchid Greenhouse and Environmental Education Center • O pen 10am-3pm with a special eclipse-themed activity in the Nature Lab • “ A Golden Curve of Light” • A short play written by Ball State’s Jennifer Blackmer • P art of the Ball State University Department of Theatre and Dance New Works Festival • A n on-campus performance will take place on April 7 • A dditional performances will take place at Minnetrista Museum and Gardens on Saturday and Monday that weekend - details to come.

• B all State Public Media Coverage of Orchestra Indiana Concert • “ Eclipsed: A Magical Night of Music” • A pril 7 from 5pm-7pm on the east lawn at Minnetrista Museum and Gardens (Rain Location: Pruis Hall) • C an’t attend in person? The concert will be broadcast live on Ball State PBS and Indiana Public Radio stations and digital platforms.

Find information at ballstatepbs.org and indianapublicradio.org.

24 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

CITY OF MUNCIE MAGIC IN MUNCIE ECLIPSE EVENT CALENDAR ECLIPSEMUNCIE.COM/ACTIVITIES APRIL 6 • Makers and Artists Market • Downtown Experience • Magic City Brew Fest • Magic City Music Festival • Muncie Children’s Museum Exhibit APRIL 7 • Makers and Artists Market • Live Theater • Family Activities • Downtown Experience • Orchestra Indiana Concert - “Eclipsed: A Magical Night of Music” • April 7 from 5pm-7pm • Minnetrista, east lawn (Rain location: Pruis Hall, Ball State campus) • We close our 2023-2024 season with a magical evening of music celebrating the 2024 solar eclipse.

• This concert is free and open to the public!

Weather permitting, the concert will be held outdoors on the east lawn at Minnetrista. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets and enjoy celestial-themed musical selections directed by Principal Guest Conductor Joel Smirnoff.

• A variety of local vendors and food trucks will be present, making this a perfect event to kick off your solar eclipse celebrations!

• Bringing your kids to this concert? Join us before the performance or at intermission for a free instrument petting zoo!

• Ball State public media coverage • Can’t attend in person? The concert will be broadcast live on Ball State PBS and Indiana Public Radio stations and digital platforms. Information at ballstatepbs.org and indianapublicradio.org.

APRIL 8 • Neighborhood watch parties • Prime viewing locations • Car raffle • Minnetrista • Sarah Vice (NASA volunteer) doing presentations • Children’s Museum hosting activities and crafts there since they don’t have outdoor space at the museum. Saturday and Monday • Saturday Farmer’s Market • Delaware County Fairgrounds • Weekend makers market and local musicians in Heartland Building from 11am-2pm • Monday viewing site for out-of-town visitors

FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE RUNWAY BALL STATE STUDENT AVERY MARTIN TRIES FASHION PROGRAM ON FOR SIZE Writer / Avery Martin Photography Provided

Fashion is art. Fashion is creativity. Fashion is identity.

Fashion means something different to everyone. Everybody wears clothes - it is something that brings us all together. This concept is what draws me to the industry and made me fall in love with the fashion program at Ball State University. The university prides itself on the diversity and inclusivity present, and this is apparent in the fashion program.

the commitment of our community to providing experience in various aspects of the industry. As we prepare for the fashion show in April, I am excited about the opportunity it presents for students to excel in their skills in event planning, marketing and finance. Most importantly, it will celebrate the achievements of the talented students in the community and promote their art.

Moreover, my involvement in the National Retail Federation (NRF), and attending Over the past three years I have witnessed the student conference in New York the evolution of the fashion department.

City through FISC, have significantly It started as two separate clubs dedicated expanded my professional network. These to the fashion community (Fashion experiences, coupled with the hands-on Merchandising Association and Fashion projects in class, have contributed to the Design Society), giving birth to a mega club, growth of my portfolio and enhanced Fashion Industry Studies Club (FISC), my overall understanding of the fashion to provide a more inclusive space for all industry. students studying fashion. Serving as the vice president of FISC, I have been actively Beyond club accomplishments, the program involved in orchestrating events that not has enriched my academic journey, allowing only highlight the artistic abilities of fellow me to merge my passion for fashion with students, but also promote sustainable my minor in journalism. A current project practices in fashion consumption. this semester by fashion students, including myself, is a fashion magazine done by the Our notable achievements, such as the special events and promotions class. A annual sustainable pop-up shop and fashion magazine has not been done at Ball the upcoming fashion show hosted by State since 2009, and is a testament to how FISC in April of this year, further prove seamlessly the program integrates various

facets of the industry into the curriculum, providing students with a well-rounded experience. This project is in collaboration with FISC and the upcoming fashion show.

As I reflect on my time in the fashion program at Ball State University, it has been nothing but transformative. I am not just a participant; I am proud to be an active contributor to a growing and thriving community that values creativity, inclusivity and sustainability practices. I am confident that the skills and experiences gained here will serve as a solid foundation for my future endeavors in the ever-evolving world of fashion. Fashion is not just what we wear.

It is an art form that pushes boundaries and serves as a medium for creativity. The environment fostered by the university and the fashion program has allowed me to thrive and contribute to the growth of the community.

Avery Martin pictured with Scotlynn Perdue and Jakota Fischer at the 2023 pop-up shop.

TownePost.com | March 2024 | 25

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ADPRO CONSTRUCTION IS BUILDING A LASTING LOCAL PRESENCE Writer / Ted Ward Photography Provided

When David and Erica Adams moved into the local area with their three children, Dylan, Derek and Destinee, 13 years ago, David knew the community offered outstanding opportunities.

At the time he was continuing the work he had grown up with in the construction trades, by joining his brother in the area.

“My dad was a general contractor, so I learned and worked in construction from a very early age,” David Adams says. His father also pastored churches in different states, which helped Adams become more comfortable when transitioning to Muncie.

While working for others through the better part of a few decades, Adams continued to learn more aspects of the construction business while advancing positions. By the end of 2019 he knew he wanted to start his own company, and in February 2020 he and Erica launched their family-owned business. “In looking for a name for our business, Adams Professional Construction first came to mind, which we

shortened to AdPro Construction,” he says. While Adams leads the company, Erica runs the office and their oldest son, Dylan, works in the field.

As you can imagine, opening a business in early 2020 presented many challenges, but David and Erica remained confident in what they provided for their customers. “We do quality work with honesty and integrity,” Adams says.

Adams prides his business on creating happy customers who confidently refer their family and friends to AdPro Construction. He views his business as a way to serve the community by helping homeowners and businesses solve existing problems, and helping them design and build new projects.

AdPro’s business is also growing. They have added a concrete coating division, AdPro Concrete Coatings. It made sense to expand their work as it seemed to go hand in hand with the TownePost.com | March 2024 | 27

construction they were already doing. “All buildings have some form of concrete, and we would regularly run into issues during our construction jobs of the concrete needing to be repaired or replaced,” Adams says. Frequently, AdPro can rescue existing concrete, saving their customers the high cost of needing to remove and replace concrete.

Adams is very proud to offer Penntek industrial coatings to the east-central Indiana area. AdPro Concrete Coatings is an exclusive Penntek dealer, and is the only concrete coating company that offers their proprietary products in this area.

AdPro offers 100% solids polyurea, which is four times the strength of traditional epoxy coatings. Their topcoat is 93% solids polyaspartic, which is nonporous and 100% antibacterial and antimicrobial. AdPro offers the highest-quality concrete coatings with maximum adhesion to ensure their clients are left with a quality, long-lasting floor. AdPro Concrete Coatings come with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.

While AdPro’s work sometimes takes them on the road, “there is nothing like serving the hometown people,” Adams says.

The AdPro family business is located right on State Road 32 between Yorktown and Daleville. The family also lives in the community, with two children still in school. Since they are locally owned and operated, they are doing work on their neighbors’ homes right here in Delaware and surrounding 28 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

counties, which is why it is essential for them to maintain their quality team while using quality materials, to provide a quality outcome.

AdPro’s practices regarding the health, safety and conditions of the work environment are crucial to the owners. While speaking on the concrete coating work, Adams says “everything about the process is new and different than what people are used to.” One way that AdPro demonstrates its commitment is through the use of HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorbing) filtering to capture approximately 90% of the typical dust involved in the process.

Adams is open about AdPro being a Christian-based company.

“We treat people as we would want to be treated,” says Adams, when talking about company values. AdPro also feels strongly about employing people who embody essential values like honesty and integrity.

He says one of the most rewarding aspects of owning the local business is when his AdPro customers give him positive feedback about how his team treated them. He says positive reviews and responses from commercial or residential customers are why he continues to “get up and make every day count.”

For more info, go to adproconstruction.com.

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SOLAR SENSATION BALL STATE UNIVERSITY, CHARLES W. BROWN PLANETARIUM HOSTING FULL SLATE OF FREE ACTIVITIES LEADING UP TO TOTAL ECLIPSE Story & Photography Provided

TownePost.com | March 2024 | 33

B

all State University’s Charles W. Brown Planetarium Indiana’s largest planetarium - will host a full slate of free activities in anticipation of Muncie’s first total solar eclipse in more than 1,000 years.

From Friday, April 5 through Sunday, April 7, the planetarium and other university entities, such as the David Owsley Museum of Art and the Dr. Joe and Alice Rinard Orchid Greenhouse, will present a series of programs, workshops and lectures about the total solar eclipse. The eclipse will occur in Muncie and surrounding areas on the afternoon of Monday, April 8.

More campus eclipse-related events will be added to the university’s online calendar in the coming days and weeks.

“Ball State University and the Charles W. Brown Planetarium are thrilled to offer the community a wide range of free, familyfriendly activities as we prepare for the rare and exciting April 8 total solar eclipse,” said Planetarium Director Dayna Thompson.

“It will be wonderful to see how our visitors apply the tools and information gained from our programming at an available viewing location in the community that is special to them.”

Some planetarium events on the weekend leading up to the solar eclipse include (all times ET):

FRIDAY, APRIL 5:

•5 :30 p.m.: “Earth, Moon, & Sun” Planetarium Show - Learn the basics of fusion and solar energy and why the sun rises and sets.

•6 :30 p.m.: “Eclipse: The Sun Revealed” Planetarium Show - Learn how solar and lunar eclipses happen, and about scientific discoveries that have been supported by total solar eclipses.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 AND SUNDAY, APRIL 7:

•H ourly shows from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Special Saturday and Sunday Eclipse Activities - Learn about solar eclipses during special workshops, lectures, planetarium programs and more. More information, including show titles, can be found here.

The Charles W. Brown Planetarium is located on the west end of the Cooper Science Building, at 2111 West Riverside Avenue in Muncie. Due to construction, select parking and pathway access to the planetarium is blocked off. Plan to arrive early to safely navigate the area and arrive on time for the program.

Visit the planetarium’s location and transportation webpage for up-to-date information.

34 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

April 8 will represent the first total solar eclipse to pass over Muncie since the year 957. The eclipse will begin on Ball State’s campus around 1:52 p.m. ET, when the moon starts to block out the southwest side of the sun. From around 3:07 p.m. to 3:11 p.m. - or a totality of about three minutes and 40 seconds Ball State will be plunged into deep twilight as the moon hides the sun from the sky. The eclipse will end around 4:24 p.m.

For those looking to experience the total eclipse on April 8, Ball State is encouraging visitors to participate in the programming being hosted by the City of Muncie and the Muncie Visitors Bureau. More information including resources, viewing sites, lodging, activities and more can be found on the Muncie Eclipse website.

Eclipse viewers will need protective solar glasses to view the sun directly during all partial phases of the solar eclipse. While supplies last, eclipse glasses will be provided free to Charles W. Brown Planetarium guests during showtimes, with a suggested cash donation of $1. The glasses will also be available for pickup from the planetarium lobby from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on March 14, March 21, March 29 and April 4. No glasses will be distributed by the planetarium on the day of the eclipse.

Starting March 18, Ball State students, faculty, staff, and their family and friends may pick up glasses at select distribution sites across campus, including Emens Auditorium, the Student Center, dining halls, university libraries, and Worthen Arena. The glasses are partially funded through support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Simons Foundation, and Ball State University.

Ball State’s Charles W. Brown Planetarium is an immersive theater where state-of-the-art technology transforms the 16-meter (roughly 52-foot) dome - the largest in Indiana - into a simulation of the night sky as seen from Earth and from space. The facility, part of the College of Sciences and Humanities’ Department of Physics and Astronomy, has more than 150 reclining seats that allow guests to comfortably view projections from the planetarium’s GOTO CHRONOS II HYBRID system, which includes an RSA Cosmos digital 4K system to display amazing visualizations based on real scientific data.

The planetarium is named in honor of businessman and philanthropist Charles W. Brown, a 1971 Ball State graduate whose acts of generosity to his alma mater include being the lead donor for both the updated planetarium project in 2014 and the new Brown Family Amphitheater, located in the heart of campus.

TownePost.com | March 2024 | 35

IN TOUCH WITH TECH IVY TECH MUNCIE/HENRY COUNTY TO PROVIDE IPAD AIRS TO NURSING STUDENTS Story & Photography Provided

O

n January 16, 2024, Ivy Tech Muncie/Henry County rolled out the second phase of their Apple initiative on campus. Through a grant opportunity, the campus was able to provide iPad Airs, Apple Pencils, and Logitech Combo Touch keyboards and cases to nursing students. The iPad Airs will be used by the students throughout their time in the program, providing them with experience on industry-standard tools.

“The Muncie/Henry County campus purchased 200-plus total devices for use within the nursing department to help faculty and students explore new ways to use technology in their courses and sim labs,” said Amanda Gowin, academic affairs assistant for nursing.

36 | March 2024 | TownePost.com

“The iPad initiative for our nursing program helps prepare our students for technology that they will use in their nursing careers,” said Teresa Kelly, executive director of curriculum and instructional practice. “This is an amazing opportunity for our students to be some of the best-trained nurses in our area.”

tools that they will be using in the field, we are preparing students to onboard with their future employers and increase retention in the workplace,” said Emery Peck, vice chancellor for academics, innovation, operations and strategy.

“By providing our students with the same

While each iPad is on loan from Ivy Tech,

Providing faculty and students with a common platform allows for a seamless learning environment. If a student Local health care providers rely on their employees understanding and knowing how encounters a problem, faculty will be able to assist in finding a solution as they are using to use innovative, handheld technology to complete their work. Providing the students the same device and software as the student.

Assisting students in learning, adapting and with this technology before they enter using the devices and software they will the workforce gives them the hands-on experience they need to stand out to future encounter after graduation supports their success into the future. employers.

the students will use them throughout their time in the nursing program, removing the barrier of cost that students can experience with technology fees.

“I think it’s great Ivy Tech is helping us get technology that we might not otherwise have access to, particularly for the students with lower budgets,” said Doug Zumbrun, nursing student.

To learn more about the school of nursing at Ivy Tech Community College Muncie/ Henry County, visit online at ivytech.edu/ muncie or apply today at ivytech.edu/ applynow. If you would like to discuss this or any other program, email askmuncie@ ivytech.edu.

TownePost.com | March 2024 | 37

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