Muncie Magazine March 2026 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

TOWNE

JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011

TOWNE

BRIDGING FUTURES

BROTHERS 2 BROTHERS UNITED OFFERS MENTORSHIP & SECOND CHANCES

Writer / Heather Collins Photographer / Chris Carroll

Melvin Kelly, founder of Brothers 2 Brothers United, says the organization works with the city’s most incorrigible male youth. Many of the young clients have been expelled, suspended or placed in juvenile detention.

Kelly has a long professional history of mentoring and assisting local at-risk youth and leading juvenile delinquency prevention efforts. He is currently the in-school suspension supervisor at Yorktown High School. Kelly previously ran the intake division at the Youth Opportunity Center.

“We focus on children that mostly have been given up on,” Kelly says. “I was one of those kids. I’ve been to boys’ school. I’ve been to prison. I’ve been homeless.”

The nonprofit organization Brothers 2 Brothers United, or B2B, is dedicated to bridging the gap between young and older men in the community by teaching life skills and self-awareness, developing mentorship programs, encouraging entrepreneurship and helping young men contribute to society.

B2B serves as a lifeline for at-risk male youth ages 8 to 18. The mentorship program provides children with a safe space, relatable role models, community connection and life skills for wellness, coping and financial literacy.

Wayne E. Johnson, vice chancellor of enrollment and success at Ivy Tech MuncieHenry County, recalls speaking with Kelly in the early stages of the organization’s development and building construction.

“There were no walls in the building — yet his vision was already clear,” Johnson says. “Brothers 2 Brothers United has worked tirelessly to grow into a strong support system for youth, providing them with meaningful opportunities that positively impact both their present circumstances and their future success.”

The previously dilapidated building on E. Fifth Street in Muncie had no roof, no walls and required a complete renovation.

Edward Fuse, B2B program facilitator and owner of Community Property Rentals,

led the property acquisition and building renovation efforts.

“If you go into there today, it’s a new building,” Fuse says. “We’re resilient. We came up against a lot of challenges.”

The rebuilt building now serves as a hub to help rebuild the lives of male youth in Muncie. The facility features a computer lab and hosts community events and classes throughout the year. Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County donated computers and IT assistance to the facility.

“Brothers 2 Brothers United is more than a program,” Johnson says. “It is a community of support, mentorship and opportunity. Their continued partnership with educational institutions like Ivy Tech plays an important role in expanding possibilities for the young men they serve.”

Johnson says B2B aligns closely with Ivy Tech’s mission of creating pathways to economic mobility through education.

“Both organizations are committed to

supporting young people by removing barriers, increasing access to learning opportunities and helping students build a foundation for sustainable futures,” Johnson says.

B2B has strong ties with Muncie Community Schools and the Youth Opportunity Center. The nonprofit is currently developing an alternative program in partnership with the juvenile detention center.

“We are guided by our vision that all young men are capable and fully entitled to lives of meaning and contributions to their families and communities,” Fuse says.

Kelly says Ball State University President Geoffrey S. Mearns has given B2B access to campus, allowing clients to experience the Brown Planetarium, attend football games and participate in campus tours.

Fuse says the tours help students envision a successful future.

“We’re here to build relationships and teach our children about life skills, work ethic and job training and have a safe place for them to come,” Fuse says.

Fuse is in the business of rebuilding homes and rebuilding lives. “We just meet the needs of the individual,” Fuse says. “We build a rapport with them to understand what their needs look like.”

Fuse says a seventh-grade student entered the center reading at a second-grade level. After completing the programming at B2B, the student is now earning As and Bs and reading at an appropriate eighthgrade level.

B2B hosts community meet-and-greets throughout the year. The meetings focus on conversation, connection and purpose. Ball State students regularly lead financial literacy classes at the center.

The organization hosted its first fundraising gala, “An Evening in the Garden With Bonnets & Bowties,” in October 2025 at Ivy Tech. The gala was a night of elegance, connection and community impact.

Kelly and Fuse list many community members, businesses and organizations as supporters of B2B, including Delaware County Chief Probation Officer Jeff Hansard, Ted Baker, executive director of Innovation Connector, Mayor Dan Ridenour, Molly Harty, community partner and nonprofit relations at The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County Inc., the Ball Brothers Foundation, Ball State University President Geoffrey S. Mearns, A-1 Muffler Shop and Battery Masters.

“We’ve had a lot of support from our community, big and small,” Kelly says.

Brothers 2 Brothers United is located at 306 E. Fifth St. in Muncie. For more information, visit facebook.com/Brothers2BrothersUnited, email info@brothers2brothersunited.org or call 765-702-4215.

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SMALL SCHOOL, BIG WINS

WES-DEL SENIOR HELPS LEAD TURNAROUND FOOTBALL SEASON

Writer / Julie Yates

Class 1A Wes-Del High School is one of the smallest schools in Delaware County, yet it enjoyed a winning football season during the fall of 2025. Aided by the determination an dedication of senior Brock Nauman, the team achieved six wins.

While breaking personal as well as school records in all-time total rushing yards, tackles and touchdowns, Nauman helped end a losingseason streak of several years.

“During my eighth-grade year, the high school football team did not have any wins,” Nauman says. “That year its record was 0-8. So, it was very fun my freshman year when we pulled off the first win in a long time during the homecoming game. It was a special moment; my coach

was holding back tears. After that year, we were able to put together much better seasons. This year, my senior year, we had a winning season.”

Nauman’s football career began when he played flag football as a second grader while participating in the Metro Football League. Throughout his elementary school years, he enjoyed attending camps, which were often staffed with high school players. He started playing competitive football in sixth grade.

“I’ve always played the position of linebacker,” Nauman says. “When I got to the high school, there weren’t enough players for a junior varsity team, so I’ve been on varsity all four years. I also played running back.”

Two-way players are common on high school teams. As with many small schools, the roster size at Wes-Del required Nauman to play both an offensive and a defensive position. His hard work and hustle allowed him to be successful as both a running back and a linebacker. This year, Nauman earned a ranking on MaxPreps, a website that covers high school sports. In Indiana, he was listed 26th in rushing yards.

Both positions require quick decision-making as well as athleticism. A linebacker is essentially in the middle of the defense. Nauman shared that linebackers set up four or five yards behind the line of scrimmage and must cover a lot of ground on the field in addition to being physically strong. He feels football is the ultimate team sport; everyone has separate jobs, but they all work together to reach a goal.

“Between the two positions, I prefer running back and being on offense,” he says. “I love making plays for the team and being in control of the game. You must be explosive, strong, fast and be able to read the field. A lot of the same attributes apply to the linebacker position. You must make a lot of tackles in the backfield and prevent the ball from advancing.

“I had a minor injury my sophomore year that prevented me from reaching my full potential,” he adds. “It was also a mental thing. So, I had to work harder and get better. I’ve had a lot of mentors along the way. Head coach Matt Nuckols is one of my favorite people ever. Strength coach Brandon VanMatre helped me with skills. He’s a good person and taught me so much. He told me that if you improve something every day, you are on the right track.”

Nauman finds time to excel in academics and participate in other activities. In the fall, he will study engineering at Purdue University. He is a member of student council, Athletic Leadership Council and Future Business Leaders of America. During the spring, he competes in track and field.

“Every spring, as soon as football ends, I’m in the weight room trying to get ready for track,” Nauman says. “Since eighth grade, my event is

shot put. I don’t have any records yet, but I hope to this year. It’s fun, but football ranks higher in terms of enjoyment for me.

“Football has always been a love of mine. It is so much fun, I can’t describe how much fun. Even practice is fun. I love being out there and getting better. The advice I would give is always be willing to improve and work; nothing will be just handed to you. Be your own person and use that to your advantage. I wasn’t born with the most talent, but I was able to craft myself into something good on the football field.”

PLAYING FOR OTHERS

WES-DEL SENIOR LEADS WITH HEART ON & OFF THE COURT

Writer / Julie Yates

Wes-Del senior Taylor Freeman’s passion for volleyball is fueled by her love of the sport. However, she has another motivation for playing as well: She has a generous public spirit and pushes herself to do things for others. While serving her school team as captain, she still found time to participate in other activities.

“I’ve played volleyball since fourth grade. We had an elementary school team with a volunteer coach. It was so much fun. Some of the high school players would come over and help. I loved it. Besides

school, I was on some club teams. I played two years with Munciana Volleyball and three years with Taylor Momentum Volleyball Club,” Freeman says.

Freeman shares that most people don’t realize there is a lot of strategy that goes into playing volleyball. It is more than just returning a served ball over the net. The two positions Freeman plays are outside hitter and setter. The outside hitter is sometimes known as the left-side hitter since that player hits and blocks the front left side of the court. Good ball-handling

skills are a must, as well as the ability to pass to other players. An outside hitter must run the plays the setter calls.

“The setter is like the quarterback. They run the plays and set up the hits. So much thought goes into it. For instance, if the other team doesn’t have a strong middle blocker, the setter communicates to the other players to set up a lot of shots there,” Freeman says.

This year, Freeman achieved some career-high statistics. She racked up 21

digs in a game. A dig is a pass that stops a low-hovering ball from touching the ground, thus keeping the ball in play and preventing the other team from scoring. Freeman also accumulated five doubledoubles. In addition, she led the team in kills, which means earning a point for the team.

“A double-double means 10 kills and 10 digs in the same game. A kill is a hit. The setter sets up the outside, then the outside hits over the net and the team scores because the other team can’t return the ball,” Freeman says.

Freeman faced a major challenge this year that threatened to dampen her spirit and take away her enthusiasm. In April 2025, Freeman was woken up by her mother as a tornado was bearing down on their family’s home. Freeman, along with her parents and dog, sheltered in a closet as the roof was ripped off the house. As a result, the house was deemed unlivable, and the family was displaced for several months. The trauma took a toll.

“Afterward, I struggled with anxiety and depression,” she says. “We had to live in an Airbnb and didn’t get back in our house until Dec. 23. It was so small. I had so much on my mind, and I found myself not wanting to play volleyball. It was a struggle. I was team captain, and having to be a leader put extra pressure on me. I put the pressure on myself and did everything I could. I developed a love-hate relationship with volleyball.

“My teammates were so supportive. They made me feel like I belonged somewhere. Then someone said, ‘If you can’t do it for yourself, do it for others.’ So, when I didn’t want to play, I did it for my teammates who did want to play. I did it for the people who love to watch volleyball and for my family.”

Besides volleyball, Freeman is involved in other extracurricular organizations. She is a student council officer and a member of Future Business Leaders of America. As a participant in Students Against Destructive Decisions, she travels to the elementary school to share ways to be healthy and

resist various activities. She also volunteers for the Live Like Jonathan Food Drive and works at Kaleidoscope Kids, a daycare in Muncie.

“I will be attending Purdue University Fort Wayne to study psychology with the goal of becoming a school psychologist,” Freeman says. “I won’t be playing on the college team, but perhaps I might play intramural or be on a club team. I will watch the school games because I love to watch volleyball being played. I’m up to coaching kids on the basic elements while focusing on the fun aspects of the sport.

“My mom was a volleyball player at WesDel, and she cheers me on and helps. My brother plays volleyball for Trine University in Angola, and he taught me a lot. It is an amazing sport. I have made so many connections and friends. For kids just starting out, I would tell them to just have so much fun playing.”

ABOUT ARF

Our mission at ARF is to promote our promise to love and to protect dogs and cats by providing shelter, nourishment, medical care and placement for them in order to make our community a better place to live for animals and humans alike.

us: 1209 W. Riggin Road Muncie, Indiana 47303 munciearf.com info@munciearf.com (765) 282-2733

Adoption Hours for cats: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 1-4pm Saturday: Noon-3pm

Adoption for dogs: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 1-4pm Saturday: Noon-3pm

For more information about adoptable cats and dogs please visit us online.

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INVESTING IN YORKTOWN ONE CLIENT AT A TIME

When Matt Anderson moved to Yorktown in 1991, he had just married his high school sweetheart, the very first websites were going live, Bryan Adams topped the charts, and “Home Improvement” aired its pilot episode.

For more than 30 years now, Matt has called Yorktown home. It’s where he and his wife raised three boys, all Yorktown High School graduates. He’s spent years investing in the community, recently serving as the president of the Yorktown Redevelopment Commission.

Now Matt, a registered representative with LPL Financial, has joined Northwest Investment Services as a financial advisor to help clients in Yorktown and the surrounding areas prepare for what’s next.

“My passion is helping clients pursue their financial goals through personalized guidance and based on lasting relationships,” Matt says. “Being part of the Northwest Investment Services team allows me to do that here in the town I love.”

Matt brings nearly 14 years of financial services experience to his new role, focusing on investment planning, portfolio management, and tailored financial strategies. He also holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 registrations through LPL Financial, plus Indiana Health and Annuity licenses—credentials that reflect his commitment investing in continuous education to better serve his clients’ needs.

Here are a few Q and A’s with Matt to figure out if it might be a good time for a conversation with him.

Q: Who needs a financial advisor?

A financial advisor is a great fit for anyone facing big life moments — buying a home, starting a family, sending kids to college, or getting ready to retire. An advisor helps you make smart decisions that support your goals. They simplify complexity, build personalized strategies, and give you financial confidence — so you can focus on what matters most to you and your family.

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A: They help you understand your options, create a plan you feel confident in, and stay focused on long-term goals.

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Ready to take the next step? Contact Matt today.

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MARCH

JOHN MULANEY: MISTER WHATEVER

Emens Auditorium, 1800 W. Riverside Ave.

7 p.m.

John Mulaney is coming to Emens on his Mister Whatever tour! John Mulaney is a three-time Emmy Award, Critics Choice award and WGA award-winning writer, comedian and actor.

1–31 NESTLED CABINS AT BOB ROSS EXPERIENCE

Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, 620 West Minnetrista Boulevard.

9 - 10 a.m.

Step into the tranquil world of Bob Ross with this unique exhibition highlighting a collection of his beloved cabin paintings.

6 BALL STATE CARDINALS VS. CENTRAL MICHIGAN CHIPPEWAS

Worthen Arena, 2000 W. University Ave.

7 VETERANS COFFEE CLUB

Muncie Delaware County Senior Center, Auditorium (2517 W 8th St. 9 - 11 a.m.

In 2020 a Veterans’ Coffee Club was established at theMuncie/Delaware Senior Center by the Board of Directors.

MOMIX ALICE

Emens Auditorium, 1800 W. Riverside Ave.

7:30 p.m.

Travel down the rabbit hole MOMIX-style with Moses Pendleton’s newest creation, ALICE, inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

12 BALL STATE MEN’S VOLLEYBALL VS OHIO STATE

John E Worthen Arena, Bethel Ave. & McKinnley Ave. 6 p.m.

13 THE PHIL COLLINS EXPERIENCE

Paramount Theatre, 1124 Meridian St. 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

The Phil Collins Experience is a dynamic multi-media production that pays tribute to the legendary music of Phil Collins and Genesis.

14 IN SEARCH OF MAGIC EVENING CONCERT

Muncie Central High School, 801 N. Walnut St. 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Event Details Get ready to be entranced by a spellbinding evening of music from the beloved Harry Potter films.

IN SEARCH OF MAGIC MATINEE PERFORMANCE

Muncie Central High School, 801 N. Walnut St. 4 - 6 p.m.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Event Details Get ready to be entranced by a spellbinding evening of music from the beloved Harry Potter films.

MUSIC ON THE RANGE

3325 S Walnut St. 7 - 9 p.m.

Join us for good music, great food, and a family-friendly atmosphere while listening to fantastic music performed by the Joe Deckard Duo!

18 91ST ANNUAL STUDENT ART EXHIBITION

The School of Art and The Griner Gallery invites the public to the 91st Annual Student Art Exhibition, running from February 13 to March 18, 2026.

20–22

CATS: BALL STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND DANCE

Emens Auditorium, 1800 W. Riverside Ave. 7:30 p.m.; 7:30 p.m.; 2:30 p.m.

31 BOB DYLAN: ROUGH AND ROWDY WAYS TOUR

Emens Auditorium, 1800 W. Riverside Ave. 8 p.m.

Bob Dylan is returning to Emens Auditorium on his 2026 ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways’ Tour! Bob Dylan is one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

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