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2011 DIRECTIONS
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
PENGAD PRINTING 1106 E Seymour St. # A, Muncie | (765) 286-3000 | www.pengad.com
By Stacey A. Shannon
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im Funkhouser, president and majority owner of Pengad Printing, said the company is the largest supplier of stenographer products in the United States. Pengad also excels in commercial printing, converting, foil stamping, packaging and laminating while being a fulfillment house for OfficeMax worldwide. Though every day is different depending on the jobs in progress, Funkhouser and his staff have some regular routines to keep operations running smoothly. Funkhouser arrives to his office at 1106 Seymour St., around 7 a.m. daily and checks his messages. Once he’s dealt with anything requiring immediate attention, he walks through the 85,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility and 2,500 sq. ft. prepress department to visit with each of the approximately 60 employees who comprise the company. “I really try to make a point to connect with each employee every day,” he said. “I feel it’s so important to know what’s going on in their lives.” Jim then reviews the list of all jobs in-house and confirms that everything is on schedule for
deadlines to be met before heading into a 9 a.m. production meeting. The daily production meetings review the custom orders, in particular, and ensures that everything in on track. After the production meeting, Funkhouser continues to deal with any production issues that may arise. That can range from overseeing the installation of new equipment to coordinating a complex printing project which requires extra attention. “There are always fires to put out,” he said. “Every day is unique. There are certain portions of my day that are routine, but most days are unique due to the wide array of operations we offer.” Pengad employees are a versatile group. Most employees are multi-talented in being able to run a printing press in the morning and operate the Bobst die cutter in the afternoon. While one person is running a printing press, another is running a stitcher/collator to finalize a magazine and yet another is die cutting printed sheets into a folder. No matter what task Pengad Printing employees are doing throughout the day, all of them are customer-oriented, which has helped the company continually grow as it produces pieces for numerous local businesses and throughout the world.
“I really try to make a point to connect with each employee every day. I feel it’s so important to know what’s going on in their lives.” — Jim Funkhouser, president
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26E • Sunday, March 27, 2011 www.thestarpress.com
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
GOODWIN BROTHERS 250 Broad St., New Castle | (765) 529-3780 | www.goodwinbrosauto.com
By Ken Wickliffe
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s Indiana’s oldest automobile dealership, Goodwin Brothers of New Castle has a tradition of customer service reaching back more than a century, but dealership president Maurie Goodwin knows that history alone does not explain why customers keep coming back. “We are very proud of our heritage, which goes back to 1908 when my grandfather founded this dealership, but we’re not just sitting here resting on that,” he said. “Instead, we believe in taking a progressive approach by constantly evaluating what we do to ensure that we provide the exact vehicles and services our customers most want and need. An example is our recently-started Quick Lube service, which allows people to have their oil changed here in 30 minutes or less by skilled technicians who know their car.” As the only new-car dealership in New Castle, Goodwin Brothers also welcomes all makes and models of vehicles to its service department and body shop, providing area residents with the convenience of not having to drive to another city to obtain expert service, no matter what kind of vehicle they drive. Wide Selection of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Pre-Owned Vehicles Three separate lots — all at the intersection of highways 3 and 38 on the north edge of New Castle — make for a giant selection of new cars, new trucks and Jeeps, as well as pre-owned vehicles. This gives Goodwin Brothers’ customers more than twice as many new and pre-owned vehicles to choose from as they would have at many other dealerships, according to Joe Smith, sales manager. The easiest way to judge the ability of Goodwin Brothers to offer the vehicles people want is to note the high percentage of local vehicles that were purchased there, Goodwin said. “In Henry County, the market share of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles is four times the national average,” he said. Meeting the needs of customers who prefer a pre-owned vehicle is also a priority, Smith added. “Our separate pre-owned facility specializes in providing local trade-ins, and every vehicle we offer for sale has been inspected and serviced by our technicians,” he explained. “As a new car dealership with the ability to service all makes, we can also offer our customers continued service on their pre-owned vehicles, which many other dealerships cannot do.”
Long-Term Customers and Employees Customers who keep returning to a dealership like to see the familiar faces of people who have taken good care of them in the past, and that’s what happens at Goodwin Brothers, where a large number of the dealership’s 42 employees have been there for many years. “Our parts manager, Burk Millis, just celebrated his 29th year with us, and in all departments the average length of employment here is substantial,” Goodwin said. “In some cases, more than one member of the same family works here.” A Short Drive from Muncie Located just 20 minutes down highway 3 from the south side of Muncie, Goodwin Brothers’ sales department is open daily 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday. The service and body shops are open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and offer extended hours from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Thursday and 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday. Call the dealership toll-free at (877) 246-2031 or browse their wide selection of vehicles online at goodwinbrosauto.com.
“We are very proud of our heritage, which goes back to 1908 when my grandfather founded this dealership, but we’re not just sitting here resting on that. Instead, we believe in taking a progressive approach by constantly evaluating what we do to ensure that we provide the exact vehicles and services our customers most want and need.” — Maurie Goodwin, president
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28E • Sunday, March 27, 2011 www.thestarpress.com
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
MUNCIE POWER PRODUCTS 201 E. Jackson St., Muncie | 765-284-7721 | www.munciepower.com
By Ken Wickliffe
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very day around the world, dump trucks, aerial bucket vehicles, tow trucks and dozens of other types of vital work vehicles operate using components produced and sold by Muncie Power Products, a worldwide leader in the field of mobile power equipment and hydraulic systems for heavy-duty trucks. In 2010, Muncie Power Products celebrated its 75th anniversary. Originally called Muncie Parts Manufacturing, the company was originally a twoman automotive parts distributorship with Hamer Shafer as its sole employee. A specialty in power take-off (PTO) systems and hydraulic components was developed after World War II, when Shafer took over its operation. In 1979 the company changed its name to Muncie Power Products, Inc. and since then has become a global truck equipment manufacturer and distributor that operates in over 100 countries. The Muncie, Indiana facilities are home to the corporate headquarters and a major distributing hub. Muncie Power Products maintains company owned facilities in Columbus, Ohio; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Richmond, Virginia; Atlanta, Georgia; Houston, Texas and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Additionally, Muncie Power Products cooperates with 50 other independent companies that operate 150 distribution locations, forming the core of the company’s Master Warehouse Distribution network that spans North America as well as globally. While the local business grew steadily throughout the company’s history, 1982 was especially pivotal, for it was then when Muncie Power Products cooperated with Sperry Vickers to develop a revolutionary new design for a PTO system. The creation of this design, in turn, led to the transition of Muncie Power Products from the role of parts distributor to that of parts manufacturer. In 1986, the Muncie company purchased the PTO manufacturing plant and equipment of the Sperry Vickers Tulsa Manufacturing facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1999, Muncie Power Products entered into an agreement with Interpump Group of S. Ilario – Reggio Emilia, Italy, and in so doing became a sister company to two of the largest PTO manufacturers in Europe -- Hydrocar and PZB. All together, the three PTO manufacturers are the larger producers of this product globally. A history of acting as both a manufacturer and a distributor puts Muncie Power Products in a position to provide unique advantages to its customers, according to Terry Walker, the company’s chief executive officer. “We’re a manufacturer, but we have the mentality of being a distributor,” he explained. “We have had more than one customer tell us that this has made such a difference in our relationship with them, and in their decision to buy our products. We’re there to service their needs.” Additionally, innovative thinking and a commitment to continuous improvement places Muncie Power Products in a leadership role in its industry. From the hard-working employees at the corporate headquarters in Muncie to the entire workforce across the country, the success of Muncie Power Products has been driven by the talent of many individuals, according to Eric Jones, corporate brand manager at the company. “If you truly believe in something, your passion shows; I’ve been fortunate to work with a tremendous group of passionate people all across our company who work every day to improve our service to customers,” said Ray Chambers, the company’s president and chief operating officer. “We truly have the best people in the business working at Muncie Power
Products.” Above all, the mission of Muncie Power Products remains clear -- providing quality products and services that satisfy the needs and expectations of its customers, continually improving products and processes, achieving quality objectives, minimizing costs to customers and earning a reasonable profit that provides a stable future for employees. Muncie Power is not only a leader in its industry, but takes great pride in being a leader in the communities in which they reside. Hamer and Phyllis Shafer have always been huge advocates of Muncie and have promoted within Muncie Power the same sense of giving back to the community. The management and employees are proud of their company as well as their community.
“If you truly believe in something, your passion shows; I’ve been fortunate to work with a tremendous group of passionate people all across our company who work every day to improve our service to customers.” — Ray Chambers, president and chief operating officer
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
RALPH ‘JIGGER’ SMITH www.electralphsmith.com
By Stacey A. Shannon
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emocratic mayoral candidate Ralph “Jigger” Smith is a busy man. The retired Air Force Master Sergeant gets up daily at 5 a.m. and spends his days working as an education specialist for the Veterans Upwards Bound program of Vincennes University and his evenings and weekends supporting his grandchildren and the community. Smith spends about an hour checking and responding to e-mail and Facebook messages each morning before he starts work. The end of the work day isn’t the end of his day, though. A recent week included a basketball game at Grissom Elementary School featuring his granddaughter, a Muncie City council meeting, a Ross Center organizational committee meeting, an NAACP dinner, a fundraising breakfast for a child with cancer and much more. Youth and youth activities are important to the father of three and grandfather of 12. “The youth are the future of our community, and we need to invest in our youth,” Smith said. “My heart and my focus for the future of the city is and will be with our youth, our youth organizations and our youth activities.”
Smith, who is running as part of Team Democrat outside the structure and confines of the Delaware County Democratic Headquarters (214), said his wife Christie of 33 years who is also retired from the Air Force helps him coordinate
his schedule. The two work as a team. “I have a great wife who keeps me pointed in the right direction,” he said. “I think that we are a fantastic team.” His wife isn’t the only family member involved in his campaign. Smith said his four oldest grandchildren have been involved from the beginning as well. They were at the very first public relations meeting and attended the kickoff for his campaign last November along with about 300 others. “Our kickoff was humbling to say the least,” Smith said. “For that many people to show not just their support but show their love on that evening was overwhelming.” Since then, Smith’s days have continued to be filled with supporting community events while also running a positive campaign – an attitude he plans to carry over into office with him. “Once in office, I will carry that positive progression into the job itself and how I’m going to do the job,” he said. “People want local officials to work together. I look forward to working with everyone, no matter their political affiliations.” For more information, visit www.electralphsmith.com.
“The youth are the future of our community, and we need to invest in our youth. My heart and my focus for the future of the city is and will be with our youth, our youth organizations and our youth activities.” — Ralph ‘Jigger’ Smith, Muncie Democratic mayoral candidate
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32E • Sunday, March 27, 2011 www.thestarpress.com
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
BILL MCCOY FORD LINCOLN 2001 E. McGalliard Road, Muncie | (765) 289-0431 | www.billmccoyford.com
By Ken Wickliffe
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hroughout its 32-year history, Bill McCoy Ford Lincoln has always been under local, family ownership -- a fact that customers appreciate. “My dad founded the dealership in 1979, and many on our staff have been with us 20 years or more, which makes for tremendous customer loyalty,” said Mike McCoy, owner of the dealership. “We know our customers, and they know us.” “All of us here take pride in being upfront, honest and straightforward with all of our customers, whether someone has bought several vehicles here or is buying his or her first one.”
Innovation and Quality With the widest selection in the area of Ford and Lincoln cars, trucks and SUVs, Bill McCoy is the local partner of Ford Motor Company, whose high-quality product line has come to symbolize the ability of an innovative American company to compete in a world market. Ford’s all-new 2011 Explorer was recently named Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show, and the value-packed Fiesta is the first car in its segment to earn top safety rankings in every major world auto market. Revised for 2011, the popular Ford Edge crossover leads its class in both economy and technology, with efficient, powerful new engines, a stylish look, and a full complement of features that allow the driver and passengers to integrate cell phones, personal music players and other hand-held electronic items with the car’s audio system and onboard computer. Lincoln’s new MKZ Hybrid, America’s most efficient luxury sedan, achieves up to 41 miles per gallon and sells for the same price as the non-hybrid version of the car, allowing buyers to enjoy the luxury of a Lincoln as well as the economy and “green” technology of a hybrid without having to pay extra for it. “Henry Ford’s original vision and innovation stay with the company today, which is why Ford remains a leader in the United States, as well as Spain, the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe, and throughout the world,” McCoy said. Moreover, Ford’s commitment to customers is paralleled locally by an equally-strong ethic of customer service at McCoy, which has led to such decisions as being one of the first dealerships in the area to offer Saturday service hours. “The service department helps customers keep up with their vehicles’ maintenance needs and avoid the need for major repairs,” McCoy said. “In today’s economy, people want to save money and prolong a vehicle’s life, so having it serviced regularly by the people who know it better than anyone else makes more sense than ever.” To serve customers and ensure their vehicles remain safe, technicians at McCoy perform a thorough multi-point inspection on all vehicles brought in for service, paying special attention to the brakes, exhaust system and other safety-related systems. The body shop offers expert, full-service collision repair of all makes and models, works with all insurance companies, and offers car rentals, towing and courtesy transportation to and from the dealership.
In Person or Online Located at 2001 E. McGalliard Rd., Muncie, Bill McCoy Ford Lincoln’s sales department is open 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The service and parts departments are open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The dealership’s website, www.mccoyford.com, allows shoppers to find special offers, browse the inventory of new and used vehicles, search for a specific vehicle, apply for financing or schedule a service or body shop visit.
“Henry Ford’s original vision and innovation stay with the company today, which is why Ford remains a leader in the United States, as well as Spain, the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe, and throughout the world.” — Mike MCCoy, owner
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34E • Sunday, March 27, 2011 www.thestarpress.com
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
GOLDEN LIVING CENTER 2701 N. Lyn-Mar Drive, Muncie | (765) 286-5979 | www.goldenlivingcenters.com
By Dawn Brand Fluhler
is one effect of CHF, so the nurse health coaches help patients learn how to prevent the fluid build-up, such as through dietary adjustments and moderate exercise. elping people live better with congestive heart failure and The CHF program care plan at Golden Living Center includes daily other heart failure conditions is the purpose of Golden Living check-ups to monitor each patient’s disease state. Then a team of Center’s uniquely specialized CHF unit in Muncie. Golden Living Centers and Golden Rehabilitation Services therapists (physical, occupational and sometimes speech) sees patients before a mid-morning break. More therapy typically follows lunch, and see more than 7,000 cardiac rehabilitation patients annually corporation-wide. What makes Muncie’s program stand out is that it’s the only health coaches evaluate CHF patients again in the evening. Several of the steps in Golden Living’s CHF program emphasize the one, not only in the area but in the corporation, that specializes in CHF role of diet and exercise care. in managing heart failure “Ours goes above and beconditions, from the kitchen yond,” said Muncie’s Golden and dining room to exercise Living Center Executive Direcequipment and recreation. tor Ben Wells. “We’ve devel“A lot of patients enjoy oped our own program to mirplaying Wii,” Wells said. “It’s ror much of what hospitals do, a fun way to get some of except we get longer to treat the exercise without going the condition.” through the rigor of an exerWells pointed out that CHF cise program. It’s inspiring patients are typically return to see the competitive edge, patients due to the chronic the energy and the smiles it nature of their disease. So the brings them.” program he oversees is deWells said he hopes that signed in 14 steps that include Golden Living Center in detailed education about the Muncie will eventually have disease, disease management its own dedicated cardiac and living a fulfilling life with wing. the disease. Golden Living Center has The program that began in been in its current Muncie February 2010 is predicated location for 30 years. It began on the use of dedicated nurse as Beverly Health Care, which educators. They work one-onone with patients to ensure they not only understand CHF, but that they later merged, then four years ago consolidated under the Golden Living Center name. embrace a lifestyle change that alleviates many of the exacerbations of Muncie’s Golden Living Center has a dedicated Alzheimer’s unit, a the disease. diabetic treatment program and traditional long term care facility. More “Nursing in general has forgotten something that Golden Living valthan 130 staff members include a specialized force of nurses, certified ues,” Wells said. “It’s about the one-on-one personal relationship and including family members as part of the support system — we let them nursing assistants and therapists. Golden Living has consistent staff dedicated to their jobs, the pahave their life and traditions, but in a healthier way.” Nurse educators work as health coaches to their patients, so that pa- tients and exceeding industry standards. They have very close relationships with patients and their families, according to Wells. And they are tients can lead the way toward their own improved health. They spend committed to helping people live fuller, better lives through premium time helping their patients cope with CHF, but they also get down to the root of what caused the CHF to begin. For example, fluid retention health care and service excellence.
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“Nursing in general has forgotten something that Golden Living values. It’s about the one-on-one personal relationship and including family members as part of the support system — we let them have their life and traditions, but in a healthier way.” — Ben Wells, executive director
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
MEEKS MORTUARY 415 E. Washington St., Muncie | (765) 288-6669 | www.meeksmortuary.com
By Elizabeth Musgrave
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n average day for pre-arrangement counselor Steve Green can be summed up easily. Help people plan their needs before they are needed. Although that sounds easy, many put off funeral and cremation planning until the time when they are emotional, stressed and saddened by the loss of loved one. At Meeks Mortuary, the largest and oldest mortuary in Muncie, Green likes to work through the difficult decisions with clients while they have clear judgment. “I’m able to help folks prior to a stressful situation,” stated Green. “Simply put, the reason I love this career is when they tell me, ‘Steve, thank you. You helped me.’ I am helping someone through serious decisions. They arrange everything to make it easier on their loved ones.” A local resident Born in Muncie, the counselor graduated Muncie Central High School in 1968. After serving in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War, he returned home. Green first worked in in-
surance and at the power and light company before joining the staff at Meeks. Generations of families have relied on Meeks. “Plain Old Steve,” as he is referred, works daily to pre-plan funeral needs, Green gives clients advice taken from his 13 years at the mortuary. Handling numerous telephone calls and e-mails on a daily basis, Green also assists clients face-to-face. He enjoys showing them their options for burials, urns and payment arrangements. He offers guidance controlling costs and setting realistic goals. Being a neighbor and lifelong resident of Muncie has helped Green’s clients to know they can rely on him. His average visitor for a pre-planning meeting is approximately 73 years old and generally comes with a family member or friend. They don’t want to leave the hard decisions for their loved ones. “The younger people don’t think about planning for their own funeral,” said Green. “Then, they are still raising families, working and paying a mortgage; this goes on the backburner. Suddenly they realize they need it and come in. I help them work out the details so their families don’t have to.”
Steve Green
“Simply put, the reason I love this career is when they tell me, ‘Steve, thank you. You helped me.’ I am helping someone through serious decisions. They arrange everything to make it easier on their loved ones.” — Steve Green
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
GADDIS CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP 1717 N. Wheeling Ave., Muncie | (765) 289-2361 | www.billgaddischrysler.com
By Ken Wickliffe
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addis Chrysler Dodge Jeep has been serving generations of local families from the same location at 1717 N. Wheeling for 34 years, and Bill Gaddis, the dealership’s founder, has experience in the car business that reaches back half a century. After selling cars at Chrysler and Oldsmobile dealerships in Richmond, Ind. and Milford, Ohio, starting in 1961, Bill moved his family to Muncie in 1971 to manage the dealership that was then John Jackson Chrysler Plymouth. In 1977, he acquired the business with Jackson’s assistance and renamed it Gaddis Chrysler Plymouth. In 2000, the Gaddis family founded Gaddis Hyundai, which is located at 504 W. McGalliard. Jeep joined Gaddis’ product line in 2008. “In the last few years some of our dealership’s original employees have retired after 30-plus years of service, but until then many of the people who were here when my dad took over the dealership were still here,” said Steve Gaddis, Bill’s son and the dealership’s general manager. “We remain a small, close-knit group of people who celebrate birthdays and take an interest in each other’s families.” Likewise, many of the dealership’s original customers continue to buy vehicles there -- and so do their children and grandchildren. “The reason why our employees stay and our customers keep coming back is because we work together and do all we can to take care of the customer’s needs,” he explained.
While Steve Gaddis is now in charge of the dealership’s daily operations, Bill is often present, as well, to work with customers and employees. The door to Steve’s office, which is directly adjacent to the showroom, is nearly always open. “Being accessible to the customer is appreciated in this age of corporate-owned businesses where management may not even be in the same location,” Steve said. “People like being able to talk to someone if they have an issue of any kind.” Service, Parts, Body Shop Managed by Tim Pritchett and staffed by ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified technicians, the service department at Gaddis offers expert service of all Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Hyundai vehicles. The body shop, managed by Tom Woodring, restores all makes of vehicles to their original beauty after a collision or other body damage. Matt Gaddis, Steve’s son, operates the dealership’s parts department, which stocks factory-original parts and accessories for owners of all makes of vehicles sold at Gaddis dealerships. In Person or Online Gaddis’ large selection of new and pre-owned vehicles can be viewed online at gaddiscdj.com for Chrysler Dodge and Jeep vehicles, or at hyundaiofmuncie.com for Hyundai vehicles. Customers can also call Gaddis Chrysler Dodge Jeep at (765) 289-2361, or Gaddis Hyundai at (765) 287-8970.
PHOTO BY KEN WICKLIFFE
Scott Apking, ASC Certified Technician
“In the last few years some of our dealership’s original employees have retired after 30-plus years of service, but until then many of the people who were here when my dad took over the dealership were still here.” —Steve Gaddis, general manager
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42E • Sunday, March 27, 2011 www.thestarpress.com
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
MUNCIE HEALTH & REHAB 4301 N. Walnut St., Muncie | (765) 282-0053 | www.muncierehab.com
By Stacey Shannon
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ife happens at Muncie Health and Rehabilitation Center carries on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The skilled nursing facility, located at 4301 N. Walnut St., is designed for both long-term and short-term residents. “It does become your life when you are taking care of someone else,” said Debra Tewari, clinical liaison for the facility. “It is constantly on your mind.” Muncie Health and Rehabilitation Center starts to come alive around 5:30 a.m. when nurses make their first round of medicine passes to give morning doses to residents. At 6:30 a.m. a new shift of nurses comes on duty and meets with the previous shift to go over any notes on residents. A half hour later, breakfast begins for residents. With so many residents coming from nine different hallways and filling four dining rooms, meals are staggered over two hours start to finish. By 8:30 a.m., the administrative staff has all arrived and is ready to start the day. This includes the executive director, director of nursing, social workers, respiratory therapist, registered dietician and more. The administrative staff meets daily at 9 a.m. to discuss many topics including staffing and resident needs. Muncie Health and Rehabilitation Center is able to admit new residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While the administrative staff is winding down from its morning meeting, residents are able to head to numerous activities. Diana Guinn, activities director for the facility, said some sort of exercise activity is offered every morning, especially for residents who aren’t participating in some sort of physical therapy program. Activities are available throughout the day for residents. Guinn said the facility offers a wide range of activities including manicures and pedicures, shopping trips, games, musical entertainment and more. Two or three times a week, she does cognitive exercises with residents. Bingo is also a hit when it’s offered three times a week, and church services offered on Sundays and Wednesdays go over well. While many residents participate in the activities, some are unfortunately unable to. Guinn said she and other staff members make sure to spend some extra time with them in their room. All departments do different tasks to keep Muncie Health and Rehabilitation running smoothly to ensure the best care for its residents. “We’re here for them,” she said. “We offer one-on-one programs.” After lunch, many residents return to their rooms for a rest time.
Afternoon activities usually are a bit lower key and include some sort of music entertainment. Residents wind down after dinner and sometimes an evening activity. The nursing staff changes over again and rounds are made to get residents their night-time medicine and help them settle into bed. The cycle will continue the next day. For more information about Muncie Health and Rehabilitation Center or to schedule a tour, call (765) 282-0053 or visit www.muncierehab.com.
While the administrative staff is winding down from its morning meeting, residents are able to head to numerous activities. Diana Guinn, activities director for the facility, said some sort of exercise activity is offered every morning, especially for residents who aren’t participating in some sort of physical therapy program.
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44E • Sunday, March 27, 2011 www.thestarpress.com
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
TEPPANYAKI GRILL 4221 W. Bethel Ave., Muncie | (765) (765) 288-8788
By Stacey A. Shannon
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ince opening last summer, Teppanyaki Grill and Supreme Buffet on Muncie’s northwest side has been serving up a wide variety of cuisine prepared teppanyaki style. Teppanyaki is a Japanese style of cuisine that cooks food on an iron griddle. Serving thousands of customers a day from business professionals to families, the staff at Teppanyaki Grill & Supreme Buffet has an established routine to keep the restaurant running smoothly. Andy Li, manager of the restaurant, said the restaurant’s floor staff arrives 45 minutes prior to opening daily at 11 a.m. to make sure the restaurant is set up and ready for its first wave of lunch customers. The kitchen staff arrives even earlier to prepare the more than 250 Chinese, Japanese and American items on the buffet. “We don’t have a dining menu,” Li said, noting that customers are all served through the buffet. While the wait staff is making sure tables are set and silverware is wrapped, the kitchen staff is preparing many items from scratch, including the restaurant’s yeast rolls. Li pointed out that Teppanyaki Grill & Supreme Buffet offers a larger selection and variety of food than other restaurants. Once the doors open the floor staff’s focus becomes meeting customers’ needs. Li said employee take their positions seriously and are dedicated to providing the best dining experience at Teppanyaki Grill & Supreme Buffet. The hostess on duty welcomes and seats customers while the servers stay on top of filling drink orders and removing dirty plates. The kitchen staff makes sure the buffet stays well stocked with fresh food throughout lunch and dinner services as well, including the extensive salad bar, sushi bar, grill, dessert bar and more. Li circulates around the dining room to ensure that everything is running smoothly. “Everyone just tries to do their best,” he said. “They have the best attitude and leave their personal life behind when they walk in the door.” Part of their daily customer service also includes caring for even the youngest of customers. Li said the restaurant is kid friendly and offers free dining to children under 2 and reduced prices for older children. The buffet is stocked with some kid favorites as well including mashed potatoes, pizza and chicken nuggets. On a typical day, as customers will rotate through lunch and dinner services, Li often hears compliments. He said frequently customers who are visiting ask him if a restaurant will be opening soon near them.
Right now, a new location is being remodeled in Indianapolis and will open this spring. Li also hears good feedback on the bright décor of the restaurant and said the new location will look similar. As dinner service winds down, the wait staff begins reorganizing the dining room to make sure it’s clean and ready for the next day. The kitchen staff begins taking down the buffet and getting rid of leftover food so that the next day’s selection will be completely fresh. For more information about Teppanyaki Grill or to book one of its two large party rooms, call the restaurant at (765) 288-8788 or stop in at 4221 W. Bethel Ave. The restaurant is open at 11 a.m. seven days a week and closes at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
“Everyone just tries to do their best. They have the best attitude and leave their personal life behind when they walk in the door.” — Andy Li, manager
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46E • Sunday, March 27, 2011 www.thestarpress.com
A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
2011 DIRECTIONS
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
T&H SWEEPER COMPANY 626 S. Walnut St. & 704 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie | www.thsweeper.com
Above: Trixy, the T&H greeter. Below: Tom Hickey
By Dawn Brand Fluhler
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ince 1965, T&H Sweeper Company has been the area’s premiere vacuum cleaner business. Bob and Mary Hickey opened the first store on Walnut Street in Muncie. Their son, Tom joined the business in 1973, as did his wife Kathy just a few years after that. They had five employees then. “Tom eats, breathes and thinks the sweeper business 24-seven,” Kathy said. So much so that in 1994 he bought the business from his parents and one month later opened a second store on McGalliard. Six years later the Hickeys opened a T&H Sweeper store in Anderson on 53rd Street and in another six years opened a second Anderson store on Scatterfield Road. “We sell vacuum cleaners. That’s our top priority,” Kathy said. “But we are also a warranty store for pretty much all makes. We have the best technicians, too. They know just by listening what brand the vacuum is, what the problem is.” They sell both upright and canister vacuums, as well as central vacuum systems. They also keep a full stock of bags, belts, brush rolls, stain removers and floor cleaning products, room deodorizers and commercial equipment. Three years ago T&H Sweeper Company added commercial cleaning, carpet cleaning and water restoration to their repertoire of specialties. T&H customers can be sure they’ll not only get the lowest price, but also that they’ll go home with the vacuum that fits both their needs and their budget. Guaranteed. “One benefit of a small locally owned business is that we’ll meet you at the door and take you to what you need,” Kathy said. “We listen to customers and get to know them by name.” She said they do, in fact, have a vacuum for every need. They have several choices of starter vacuums that are ideal for college students. They even have a tent sale when Ball State students return to campus each fall. “We have a real soft spot for college students because a lot of Ball State students work for us,” she said. People shopping for vacuums will find popular brands in the T&H showroom, from Dirt Devil to Dyson to SEBO and numerous others. Key factors apart from budget that help in determining an individual’s needs are pet ownership, allergies and how many people will use the
vacuum. Another benefit of T&H is that they have every type of flooring in the showroom and can demonstrate each sweeper’s capability. They also have pet hair-like materials and a dirt mixture to show exactly how effective each vacuum is on each floor surface. “We put the vacuum together for you. Whatever you want, we try to please you,” Kathy said. “Then you take it home and try it in your surroundings to be sure.” Annual vacuum check-ups are part of T&H’s business, too. The $18$24 service includes an examination of the bearings, cord, bag system, roller and brush system, as well as motor lubrication. T&H also does trade-ins and recycles used vacuum parts. With about 100 models on display in every store, buying a vacuum at T&H isn’t just going to the store and getting a box off the shelf. Kathy guarantees it. “I would put our people up against anyone for knowledge and expertise,” Kathy said. “They know vacuum cleaners. They really do.”
“One benefit of a small locally owned business is that we’ll meet you at the door and take you to what you need. We listen to customers and get to know them by name.” — Kathy Hickey, co-owner
MU_MN_3RD_03-27_N_B_E_47_C www.thestarpress.com Sunday, March 27, 2011 • 47E
MU_MN_3RD_03-27_N_B_E_48_C 48E • Sunday, March 27, 2011 www.thestarpress.com
A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
2011 DIRECTIONS
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
HOLDER BEDDING 1815 N. Granville Ave., Muncie | (765) 747-8103 | www.holderbedding.net
By Dawn Brand Fluhler
an idea of what size and level of firmness they desire and if they want a pillow-top mattress. An associate will explain different styles of comfort or certain things in life, quality is the very and support, and help customers narrow their sefirst consideration. Buying a mattress set lections. Then it’s up to the customers to take off is one of those things, since people spend their shoes and coats and lie down to test them. about one-third of their lives sleeping. “Sometimes people bring their pillows in,” BeaHolder Bedding, Inc., with locations in Muncie man said, “which isn’t a bad idea. Some people and Anderson makes top quality sleep sets. will spend 15 minutes on each bed before making The business that started in 1947 is still family a decision. It’s a lot like trying on a pair of shoes owned and operated. The Muncie store, located before buying them to be sure they feel good.” on Granville Avenue, was opened in 1988 with a All Holder products are made of 100 percent spacious showroom, manufacturing facility and American made products. And the latex foam warehouse. rubber mattresses, which are nice for people The second generation now operates the business. Allen Holder and his brother, Gary, work in with joint pain because they don’t put pressure all aspects of the business in the Muncie location. on the body – are made from natural rubber product derived from a rubber tree. “They sell, make and deliver the mattresses,” Beaman likes to help Holder customers uncompany spokesman Mark Beaman said. “He’s derstand what their beds are made of and how involved in all aspects of the business.” That kind of dedication accounts for Holders’ to properly care for them. Always use a mattress expert understanding of how sleep sets are made pad to protect from moisture, he said, and to keep cleaning simple. And it’s a good idea to and about many different mattress products. All vacuum the mattress set occasionally. Holder mattresses, including pillow-tops, are Holder Bedding’s entire product line, which made with 2 useable sides. A two sided mattress also includes adjustable beds, are delivered free will wear better and last longer than a mattress within a 30 mile radius. Set up is included and you can’t flip over. old bedding hauled away at no extra charge. Customers can visit Holder showrooms with
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“Sometimes people bring their pillows in, which isn’t a bad idea. Some people will spend 15 minutes on each bed before making a decision. It’s a lot like trying on a pair of shoes before buying them to be sure they feel good.” — Mark Beaman, company spokesman