Community Engagement Calendar

Part 4 of our Beginning Genealogy Series. Software and Free Websites will take a look at three different software programs on the market as well as some of the free websites available to help you do your research. No charge - reservations required.

Jason Donati and Bob Mattax share a passion for local sustainability. They will introduce the group to the Muncie Sanitary District’s new approach to recycling and some of the challenges they’ve faced in the fight to leave a cleaner, brighter city for future generations.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month! Come hear stories from three breast cancer survivors with all different stories to tell.

If you are looking for a new or different hobby, consider needlepointing. Today’s needlepointing is not the same as it was during your grandmother’s time. In each class, you can create a one-of-a-kind needlepointed piece by selecting your own thread colors. The stitch guide that accompanies this project allows you to even choose the stitches you want to use to complete the project. Class is for the beginner, intermediate, or advanced needlepointer. Cost is $30, includes project

Learn to combine watercolors with images, printed material, and other objects to create a unique work of art. Ann will teach you simplified techniques and inspire you to explore your creative side as you design your masterpiece. You can bring an assortment of old photos, newspaper clippings, or other flat memento and Ann can help you decide what would work best. $30

Experience the partial solar eclipse at Ball State University’s Community Block Party as you partake in hands-on science and art activities, and observe the sky safely during the day with telescopes and free solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last). Join us out in nature as we come together during this celebration that includes a bounce house, family activities, music, and more!

Supplement Soup. How much should you take? What’s really needed? And who should take all those vitamins? In our time together, we will sort through the hype and dig into what you really need and what’s extra. You will learn about vitamins, minerals, and supplements. Find out more about the safety, quality, and dosage of most supplements on the market.

100 Years of Altruism: Celebrating Notable Women Founders of Altrusa International of Muncie. Altrusa comes from Altruism and USA. Altruism is being concerned for the welfare of others. Their current slogan is “Leading to a Better Community” and they strive to be “confident, inspiring, and caring.” Their focuses are on community service, fundraising, developing leadership skills, and improving literacy in the community. No Charge - Reservations Required

Roy Weaver and Shawn Sriver, co-authors of “Running Against the Grain: The Story of Philadelphia Eagle and Movie Star Timmy Brown,” will detail the story of Timmy Brown who went from being a child of divorce to living at an orphanage in rural Indiana to a sports success at Ball State. In the 1960s, he played pro football at Green Bay and in Philadelphia. More than 50 years after he left the Eagles, he still held four team records. He ended his career as a Baltimore Colt in Super Bowl Ill. Timmy also aspired to have equal success on stage, as a singer and actor. His recordings and live appearances scored in the Philadelphia area, and his acting career led him to roles in two of the most acclaimed movies of the 1970s.

Since its inception in 2007, ECIPI’s five-member team helps those who suspect paranormal activity. When conducting an investigation, they follow a thorough process that has a debunking approach. They try to rule out any structural or environmental issues that could be contributing to the suspicious activity such as checking for unleveled doors, squeaky air handlers, and anything else that could be misconstrued. No Charge - Reservations Required

Join us for a panel discussion about some scary happenings and hauntings in Muncie and Delaware County history. This program is being hosted by the E. B and Bertha C. Ball Center and in collaboration with Delaware County Historical Society, Muncie Public Library, and the University Libraries Archives and Special Collections. The presentation will feature historic photographs, maps, newspaper articles, and ghost stories of Muncie's past. Refreshments served after program. No Charge - Reservations Required.

When visiting a cemetery, have you ever wondered about the information on a headstone? The name and dates are obvious, but what about the symbol on the stone? Does a hand with a finger pointed up mean the person went to heaven? If so, what is the meaning of the hand with a finger pointed down? Karen Good will answer this question and explain other symbols in this informative presentation about the “Hidden Meaning of Gravestone Symbols”.

State Dinners are considered one of the grandest and most glamorous events held at the White House and they represent examples of goodwill and influence between the United States and other nations. The dinners have a long history dating back to 1874 when President Ulysses S. Grant and First Lady Julia Grant hosted King Kalakaua of Hawaii. The guest lists, menus, and entertainment all have interesting stories. RSVP required | Event is full

This program will detail the experiences of Alice “Gay” Nation in her time serving as a Senior Sales Executive at Paws, Incorporated, the worldwide headquarters for Jim Davis’ comic sensation, Garfield the Cat, for 23 ½ years. This work took her all over the world and introduced her to countless interesting people and experiences, many of which she will share with the group.

Ann will teach simplified techniques for creating a beautiful holiday watercolor masterpiece from start to finish. Her professional experience enables her to teach novices as well as advanced painters in the same setting. You will have the opportunity to display your artwork at the EB Ball Center’s Holiday Open House on December 1-2. $30

Join us for a holiday card-making class featuring different styles of stamps and a variety of supplies. In addition to learning helpful tips and tricks for making your cards stunning, you’ll also receive all the supplies you need to make five one-of-a-kind cards for your family and friends during class. Limit of 12 students. Cost: $25, includes supplies for making 5 cards

In the Cold War, the United States and Soviet Union adopted a doctrine of mutually assured destruction. If either nation attacked the other with nuclear weapons, the response would be the complete annihilation of the attacker. This presentation will cover the US’s strategy and the key role of a Navy pilot in this decades-long conflict.

Istanbul is fascinating because of its long and varied history and historic location, both physically and culturally on the boundary between Europe and Asia, between East and West. Though modern and Western in many ways, the city retains many aspects of a way of life very different from ours. After a brief review of the major tourist attractions, this talk will focus on sites off the beaten path and aspects of life in Istanbul few tourists get to see.

We’ll open the vault of interesting stories Bill Frederick uses in his therapy practice. The presentation will emphasize context, how the stories were found, and a discussion of meanings. Bill will also demonstrate storytelling practices and discuss the history of stories in psychotherapy and our lives with the hope that these shared experiences will be helpful in recognizing enlightening stories in attendees’ own lives.

Each year, the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center hosts a Holiday Open House as a part of Minnetrista’s Enchanted Luminaria Walk. During this 2-day event, you can tour our beautifully decorated Ball family home, listen to musicians, and see local artisans. The first floor features floral arrangements donated by local florists. Many of the trees and rooms are decorated by members of the community. This is just one event that the Center hosts to preserve the Ball family history and to recognize their contributions to the community. No Charge—Reservations NOT Required

Each year, the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center hosts a Holiday Open House as a part of Minnetrista’s Enchanted Luminaria Walk. During this 2-day event, you can tour our beautifully decorated Ball family home, listen to musicians, and see local artisans. The first floor features floral arrangements donated by local florists. Many of the trees and rooms are decorated by members of the community. This is just one event that the Center hosts to preserve the Ball family history and to recognize their contributions to the community. No Charge—Reservations NOT Required

Join other Lifelong Learners at our annual holiday social. Enjoy conversation and food provided by Ball State Catering while celebrating the season with us!

Listen to three short interesting programs before enjoying an afternoon tea--hats optional! Karen Vincent will take us down memory lane by describing what Ball Stores was like during the holidays. Reta Heinkel will talk about interesting books, and Linda Burkhardt will tell us how needlepoint has changed since our grandmother’s time! Cost is $10