Dance
Couple Dance Lessons, 7-8:30 p.m., American Legion Post 19, 218 N. Walnut, Muncie. Learn Cha cha, Waltz, Mambo, East Coast Swing, Fixed Pattern, Two-step and Rumba. Cost: $5 each. Info: 282-9868 or dgoldbike@aol.com.

Family
Ginger Bread Babies Storytime, 10:15-10:45 a.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Lapsit storytime designed for babies ages 4-18 months. Stories and activities to help with language development. Registration: 741-7333.
Muncie Young Marines, 6-8 p.m., V.F.W., 1801 W. Kilgore Ave., Muncie. Accepting children ages 8-18. Open to all youth and supported by the V.F.W. and Marine Corps League.

Health
Shots for Tots, YWCA, 310 E. Charles St., Muncie. Provided by the Delaware County Health Department. A complete shot record must be provided for child receiving vaccinations. Info: 747-7814.
H1N1 Flu Shots, Southway Urgent Care, 3807 S. Madison St., Muncie. For pregnant women, those who live with or care for a child less than 6 months of age, health care or emergency care workers, people ages 6 months to 24 years and people ages 25-64 who have a chronic condition or a weakened immune systems. Cost :$6. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. No appointment necessary. Shots available while supplies last. Info: 287-3001.
Children’s Immunization Clinic, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Blackford County Health Dept., 506 E. VanCleve St., Hartford City. Regular immunizations.
Exercise for Everyone, 12:30-1 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Resistance band exercises. Bands provided. Free and open to the public.

Holiday Event
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, 7 p.m., Paramount Theatre Centre and Ballroom, 1124 Meridian St., Anderson. Cost: $5. Box office: 642-1234 or www.andersonparamount.org

Martial Arts
Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) Fighter Practice, 6:30 p.m., Center Stage, 306 S. Walnut St., Muncie. Armored combat based on medieval tournament rules. Observers welcome. Info: 286-7446.

Theater
Main Street Melodrama, 1 p.m., Farmland Cultural Center, 103 N. Main St., Farmland. Features the play The Scoundrel of Dagger Gulch, which encourages audiences to boo the villain, cheer the hero and swoon for the damsel in distress. Dinner provided by The Chocolate Moose. Performance concludes with a musical revue and audience sing-along. Cost: $25 adult, $20 seniors and students and $15 for children age 12 and younger includes dinner and show. Reservations: 468-7631 or www.farmlandindiana.org.

TUESDAY
Art
Art High at Noon: Ramberg and Shapiro Bronze Sculpture, noon, Ball State University Museum of Art, 2021 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie. View Joan of Arc, 1915, by Anna Vaughn Hyatt Huntington, and sculpture by Harriet Whitney Frishmuth with a museum docent. Free and open to the public.

Card Games
Euchre, 12:30 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. Cost: $2. For ages 60 and older. Info: 289-8182.
Rounders Freerolls, 6 p.m., Bypass Bar and Grill, Inc., 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Free Texas Hold’em tournament with $50 payout. Learn to play and have sit in on games with approximately 100 players. Sessions: 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Dance
Square Dance Lessons, 7-9 p.m., Rangeline Community Center, 1405 N. Rangeline Road, Anderson. Hosted By Footloose Square Dance Club. Cost: $4 each. Info: 643-4556 or 643-3833.

Family
Reading Music Reading Words, 10-10:30 a.m., Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St., Muncie. For kids 3-5 years. Making music and learning to read.
Ready to Read Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. For children ages 18-36 months. Storytime and fun activities.
Twilight Tales, 6-7 p.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Evening storytime with craft.

Music
Classical Guitar Ensemble, 5:30 p.m., Choral Hall, Ball State University, Muncie. Free and open to the public.

Seniors
Age Well Walking Club, 9 a.m., Worthen Arena Ticket Office, Ball State Campus,, Muncie. Walk at a medium pace for one hour, including stretching and cool down. Info: 289-4541.
Caleb’s Kin, 10-11:30 a.m., Grace Baptist Church, 6401 W. River Rd, Muncie. Program: Come See the Music, Christmas special featuring soloist Larry Davis and artist Tom McVicker combining to produce a re-telling of the Christmas story. Freewill offering accepted.
55 Alive, 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 1201 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Ministry to older adults with luncheon and program. Cost: $3. Reservations: 284-6877. Program: Morrison Woods Health Campus presentation.
Virtual Museum Tour: Presidential Museums & Grand Estates, 1-2:30 p.m., Community Center For Vital Aging, 520 E. Main St., Muncie. Cathy Bretz will facilitate a virtual tour of the White House, presidential museums and grand estates. Free and open to adults. Reservations: 289-4541.

WEDNESDAY
Card Games
Euchre, 12:30 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. Cost: $2. For ages 60 and older. Info: 289-8182.
Muncie Duplicate Bridge Club, 7-10 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. First-timers free. Regular fee: $3. Info: 288-8506 or www.munciebridgeclub.org.

Family
Toddler Time, 9:30-10 a.m., Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St., Muncie. For toddlers ages 18-36 months. Stories and activities designed to help develop early reading skills.
Story and Craft Time, 10:30 a.m., Hartford City Public Library, 314 N. High St., Hartford City. For children of all ages, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Preschool Pals Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Preschoolers ages 3-5 years. Activities and stories to encourage early reading skills.
Time Travelers, 3:30-5 p.m., Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St., Muncie. For grades K-5. Books and activities to spark interest in reading and history. Registration: 741-5151.
Santa Headquarters, 5-7 p.m., 1206 Broad St., New Castle. Schedule to be posted on the door. Photos available or feel free to take a camera. Children receive a treat. Free and open to the public.

Meeting
6-80’s Knitting Club, 1-2 p.m., Muncie Delaware County Senior Citizens Center, 2517 W. 8th St., Muncie. Learn basic stitches. Free and open to the public. Take number 9 circular needle and worsted weight yarn.
Knit/Crochet Club, 7-9 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Knitters encouraged to take a project. Beginners should take worsted weight yarn and a size 6 or 7 needle.

Music
Karaoke, Chances R, 3421 S. Walnut, Muncie. Time: 9-1 a.m. No cover charge.
Be a Singing Star, 8 p.m., Bypass Bar & Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Karaoke. Info: 287-0544.
Joey Bowen and Robin Slaven, 8-11 p.m., Mr. Mouse, 9101 W. Smith St., Yorktown. Local musicians Joey Bowen and Robin Slaven play acoustic music. Free cab rides home available.
Jazz Ensembles: Morgy Craig Scholarship Concert, 8 p.m., Sursa Performance Hall, Ball State University, Muncie. Box office: 285-5581.

Religion
Quiet Day of Prayer, 9:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m., John XXIII Retreat Center, 407 W. McDonald St., Hartford City. Learn how to listen. Time for input, quiet reflection, group sharing, prayer and lunch. Cost: $20. Info: 348-4008.

THURSDAY
Art
Artist Reception for Carol Strock Wasson, 5-8 p.m., Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co., 224 E. Main St., Muncie. Artist is known for plein aire (on site) paintings and pastels. She has won awards and distinctions for canvases of Midwestern fields, country scenes, big skies, distant tree lines and shady spots.

Bazaars
One Stop Christmas Shop, 4-9 p.m., Republican Headquarters, 310 W. Main St., Muncie . Vendors include Tupperware, Longaberger, Tastefully Simple, ShurePet, Gold Canyon Candles, Pampered Chef, Silpada, Kristin’s Purses, Mary Kay and 31Gifts.

Business
Downtown Wind-down, 5 p.m., Fickle Peach the, 117 E. Charles St., Muncie. Join Muncie Young Professional members for a casual social mixer.
Rebuke the Recession, 7:15-8:30 p.m., 2500 N. Martin Luther King Drive,, Muncie. Create recession proof income online. Learn to save on retail purchasing. Info: 289-6328 or 288-4084.

Card Games
Rounders Freerolls, 6 p.m., Bypass Bar and Grill, Inc., 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Free Texas Hold’em tournament with $50 payout. Learn to play and have sit in on games with approximately 100 players. Sessions: 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Euchre, 6:30 p.m., VFW, 1801 W. Kilgore, Muncie. Public is invited.

Education
Cell Phone Drive for A Better Way, 6:30 p.m., Cowan Jr./Sr. High School, 9401 S. Nottingham, Muncie. Cowan Key Club students and Delaware Kiwanis will be collect old cell phones and chargers at the Cowan High School home basketball game. Cell phones to be used by clients of A Better Way in case of emergency. Also accepted at the High School during the hours of 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Info: 289-7128.

Family
Story Time, 10 a.m., Daleville Community Library, 13601 W. County Road 550-S, Daleville. Open to children of all ages. Stories and craft.
Cuddle Up Storytime for Babies, 10-10:30 a.m., Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St., Muncie. Storytime for babies ages 4-18 to encourage early language skills.
Paws to Read, 11 a.m.-noon, Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. For kids in grades K-5. Sign up to read to a trained therapy dog. Registration: 741-7333 for 15 minute reading session.
Climbing Wall, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Northwest YMCA, 3500 N. Chadam Lane, Muncie . Indoor rock climbing. Equipment provided. Free for members. Guest fee for non-members. Info: 741-5551 or www.muncieymca.org.
Paws to Read, 6-7 p.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. For kids in grades K-5. Sign up to read to a trained therapy dog. Registration: 741-7333 for 15 minute reading session.

Film
Family Movie, 6:30-8:30 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Showing Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, rated PG. Free and open to the public.

Food/Drink
Sechler Pickles Available, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 1201 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday and Saturday mornings. Proceeds benefit church and mission project of United Methodist Men.

Health
Reaching Out: Free Breast Health Clinic, Cancer Services Of Delaware- Little Red Door, 401 W. Jackson St., Muncie. Physicians from Ball Memorial Hospital will offer clinical breast exams at no cost and mammogram referrals will be made as recommended and provided for free to qualifying women. Appointments: 284-9063.

Holiday Event
Christmas Show, 5-9 p.m., Art and Soul Gallery, 409 S. Walnut St., Muncie. Santa and Mrs. Claus, 7 p.m., with carolers from Muncie Civic Theatre. Hot chocolate and cookies served. Featured artist, Thaddeus DuBois. Free and open to the public.
Holiday Ornaments & Cards, 6:30-7:15 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Ages 9-12 are invited to make ornaments and cards to take home. No charge.

Meeting
Liberty-Perry Alumni Association, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Wapahani High School, 10401 E. County Road 167-S, Selma. Monthly meeting. Current and prospective members welcome.
Teamster Local 135 Retirees, 9 a.m., Teamsters Union Hall, 4400 E. Centennial Ave., Muncie. Carry-in breakfast. Info: 468-6976.

Music
Elsewhere
Karaoke, Chances R, 3421 S. Walnut, Muncie. Time: 9-1 a.m. No cover charge.
Woodwind Chamber Music, 5:30 p.m., Sursa Performance Hall, Ball State University, Muncie. Free and open to the public.
Be a Singing Star, 8 p.m., Bypass Bar & Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Karaoke. Info: 287-0544.

Seniors
Age Well Walking Club, 9 a.m., Worthen Arena Ticket Office, Ball State Campus,, Muncie. Walk at a medium pace for one hour, including stretching and cool down. Info: 289-4541.
Workshop
Homeownership Information Session, PathStone, 2817 N. Oakwood Ave., Muncie. Time: 10 a.m.- noon or 5:30-7:30 p.m. Workshop for first time home buyer.
Art and Science of Photography, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Minnetrista, 1200 N. Minnetrista Pkwy., Muncie. Explore cameras and optical illusions inspired by the Enchanted Museum exhibit. Learn basic science behind how a camera works and the progression of photography technology. Get a glimpse at some of the cameras from the Minnetrista Heritage Collection. Provides tips on how to use a camera to manipulate qualities such as light exposure, angle, and perspective to make unique photos. Feel free to take your own camera to practice. Cost: $8 members or $10 non-members. Info: 213-3549.

FRIDAY
Art
Calming Space for Thoughtful Meditation in the Museum, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Ball State University Museum of Art, 2021 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie. A self-directed experience with a dedicated quiet space available near the Amidha Buddha on the mezzanine.

Bingo
Renaissance Bingo, 11 a.m., Ross Community Center, 1110 W. 10th St., Muncie. Free and open to the public. Prizes awarded to winners. Info: 289-2273. Hosted by The Renaissance Rehabilitation Center.

Card Games
Texas Hold’em, American Legion Post 19, 418 N. Walnut St., Muncie. Doors open, 6 p.m. Tournament, 7 p.m. Cost: $25 buy-in.
Muncie Duplicate Bridge Club, 1-4:30 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. First timers free, others $3. Info: 288-8506 or www.munciebridgeclub.org.

Education
Cell Phone Drive for A Better Way, Cowan Jr./Sr. High School, 9401 S. Nottingham, Muncie. Cowan Key Club students and Delaware Kiwanis will be collect old cell phones and chargers at the Cowan High School home basketball game. Cell phones to be used by clients of A Better Way in case of emergency. Also accepted at the High School during the hours of 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Info: 289-7128.

Family
Friday Preschool Pals, 10:30-11 a.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Preschoolers ages 3-5 will participate in activities and stories to encourage early reading skills.
Friends and Family Fun Night, 3-7 p.m., Muncie Children’s Museum, 515 S. High St., Muncie. Holiday related activities, crafts and storytime. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make and appearance to listen to wish lists, 4-6 p.m. Free admission and activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Info: 286-1660 or www.munciechildrensmuseum.com.
DanceDanceRevolution, 3:30-5 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. For teens. Snacks will be served.
Santa Headquarters, 5-7 p.m., 1206 Broad St., New Castle. Schedule to be posted on the door. Photos available or feel free to take a camera. Children receive a treat. Free and open to the public.

Games
Chess Club, 6:30-8 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Free and open to the public.

Holiday Event
A Time for Christmas, Ovid Community Church, 793 E. County Road 600-S, Anderson. Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday, 6 p.m. Broadway-style musical. Cost: Free but tickets are required. Info: 642-0551 ext. 200.
The Christmas Star, Planetarium, Ball State University, Muncie. Times: 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. The planetarium’s star projector and computer graphics will be used to simulate the sky of 2000 years ago to learn if the Star of Bethlehem, as described in the Bible, has a natural explanation. Also explores the reasons for the celebration Christmas in December and ties to the winter solstice. Free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Observatory open after presentation, weather permitting.
Family Night, 6-8 p.m., YMCA-Muncie Family, 3500 N. Chadam Lane, Muncie. Visit with Santa Claus. Free and open to the public. Info: 741-5551.
Enchanted Luminaria Walk, 6-9 p.m., Minnetrista, 1200 N. Minnetrista Pkwy., Muncie. Visit the decorated Oakhurst home; stroll the candlelit Minnetrista Boulevard; drink hot cider; and take an old time carriage ride. Free admission. Info: 282-4848.
Cardinal Greenway Polar Express, 6-9 p.m., Cardinal Greenway Depot, 700 E. Wysor St., Muncie. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, 6-9 p.m. Special guest readers of the Polar Express, hot chocolate and carolers. Free and open to the public.
Prepare Your Heart for Christmas: Waiting with Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary & Joseph, 6:30 p.m., John XXIII Retreat Center, 407 W. McDonald St., Hartford City. Through Sunday. Ponder the people from the Bible, each playing a significant role in the coming of the Messiah. Includes presentations, group sharing, solitude, group prayer and journaling. Cost: $135 for over-night participants and $95 for commuters. Reservations: 348-4008.

Music
Live Jazz, Heorot Pub and Draught House, 219 S. Walnut St., Muncie. Time: 9-midnight. Listen to the Shawn Salmon Jazz Trio.
Karaoke, Chances R, 3421 S. Walnut, Muncie. Time: 9-1 a.m. No cover charge.
Wayne Newton in Concert, 2-7:30 p.m., Bearcreek Farms, 8339 N. County Road 400-E, Bryant. Showtimes: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Cost: $50 show only, $65 includes meal or $75 for VIP front row and meal. Box office: (260) 997-6822.
Karaoke, 7 p.m., VFW Post 651, 1801 W. Kilgore Ave., Muncie.
Paul Badura-Skoda, 7:30 p.m., Arts Place Inc., 131 E. Walnut St., Portland. Internationally acclaimed Austrian classical pianist. Ticket information available at (260) 726-4809.
Be a Singing Star, 8 p.m., Bypass Bar & Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Karaoke. Info: 287-0544.
Woodwind Ensemble and Symphony Band, 8 p.m., Sursa Performance Hall, Ball State University, Muncie. Free and open to the public.
Jagged Edge Band, 10 p.m., Bypass Bar and Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. $2 cover.

Theater
Hoosier Holiday Dinner Theatre Cabaret, 6:30-9 p.m., Farmland Cultural Center, 103 N. Main St., Farmland. Music and stories about the Christmas holiday with holiday-themed dinner. Cost: $20 adults; $15 seniors and students; and $10 for ages 12 and younger. Reservations: 468-7631.
A Time for Christmas, 7:30 p.m., Muncie Civic Theatre, 216 E. Main St., Muncie. Mainstage production. Cost: $15 adults and $7 students. Box office: 288-PLAY.
Sanders Family Christmas, 8 p.m., Muncie Civic Theatre, 216 E. Main St., Muncie. Main Street Studio Theatre. Cost: $10 adults, $7 students. Box office: 288-PLAY.

SATURDAY
Bazaars
Liberty-Perry Alumni Holiday Craft Bazaar, 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Selma Elementary School, 200 East St., Selma. All-you-can-eat breakfast and lunch available from Wapahani Music Boosters. Junior Pro basketball games taking place. Accepting booth reservations for hand-crafted or commercial gift items. Info: 282-1521, 749-9946, or www.wapahanialumni.com.
Holiday Bazaar, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Fairview United Methodist Church, 11048 Ind. 28 West, Redkey. Pictures available to be taken of families, children and pets using a Christmas backdrop. Pictures received before Christmas. Bake sale items of pies, cakes, breads, candy, jellies, rolls. Crocheted items, white elephant Christmas table, other gift ideas.
Holiday Craft Bazaar, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Lifeway Wesleyan Church, 7722 Moeller Road, Ft. Wayne. Breakfast and lunch available for purchase. Homemade crafts and cookie walk. Info: 639-3714.
Friends of the Library Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Books, 25 cents and computers, $40. Gift shop will be open and gift certificates for sale.
Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Union Township Elementary School, 8707 W. US 36, Modoc. Proceeds benefit cheerleaders and newly formed Rocket Block. Info: 853-5481.
Christmas Cookie and Candy Land, 10 a.m.-noon, Madison County 4-H Building, 512 E. 4th St., Alexandria. Demonstrations. Cookie and candy exchange, 11 a.m.-noon (take half dozen of cookies or candy in a bag, may take multiple bags).

Card Games
Euchre, 12:30 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. Cost: $2. For ages 60 and older. Info: 289-8182.

Education
Cell Phone Drive for A Better Way, Cowan Jr./Sr. High School, 9401 S. Nottingham, Muncie. Cowan Key Club students and Delaware Kiwanis will be collect old cell phones and chargers at the Cowan High School home basketball game. Cell phones to be used by clients of A Better Way in case of emergency. Also accepted at the High School during the hours of 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Info: 289-7128.

Family
Make and Take Crafts, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Craft table to be stocked with needed supplies. Free and open to the public.
Pet Meet ‘n Greet, noon-4 p.m., PetSmart, 3450 N. Morrison Road, Muncie. Shelter pets available for adoption. All pets have been spayed/neutered and have age appropriate vaccinations.
Santa Headquarters, 5-7 p.m., Santa Headquarters, 1206 Broad St., New Castle. Schedule to be posted on the door. Photos available or feel free to take a camera. Children receive a treat. Free and open to the public.

Food/Drink
Pancake & Sausage Breakfast, 7-9:30 a.m., Blackford Masonic Lodge 106, 512 N. Mill St., Hartford City. All-you can eat. Freewill donations accepted. Sechlers Pickle store open. Proceeds benefit scholarship fund.
Community Breakfast, 7-10 a.m., Daleville Lions Club, Sixth and Edwards St., Daleville. All-you-can-eat. Cost: $6. Children 6 and younger eat free. Menu: Eggs, sausage, biscuits, sausage gravy, pancakes and beverages. Benefits Daleville High School Spanish Club.
Cookie and Candy Walk, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church, 303 N. Walnut St., Hartford City. Homemade cookies and candies for sale. Baked potato luncheon, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Proceeds benefit projects of the United Methodist Women’s organization. Info: 348-0404.
Chicken and Noodle Dinner, 4-7 p.m., Corinth Christian Church, 8009 N. County Road 500-W, Muncie. Cost: Freewill donation accepted at the door.
All-you-can-eat Tenderloin and Chicken Dinner, 4-8 p.m., Saratoga City Building, 107 N. Barber, Saratoga. Cost: $8.50 adults, $5.50 children age 6-12 and free for children age 5 and younger. Proceeds will be matched by Modern Women of America Camp 4125 and benefit the Ward Township Volunteer Fire Department.

Holiday Event
Cardinal Greenway Polar Express, Cardinal Greenway Depot, 700 E. Wysor St., Muncie. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, 6-9 p.m. Special guest readers of the Polar Express, hot chocolate and carolers. Free and open to the public.
A Time for Christmas, Ovid Community Church, 793 E. County Road 600-S, Anderson. Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday, 6 p.m. Broadway-style musical. Cost: Free but tickets are required. Info: 642-0551 ext. 200.
Brunch with Santa, Robyn’s Nest, 1701 S. Perdieu Road, Muncie. Charity fund-raiser for Special Needs Assistance Project (SNAP). Brunch includes pancakes, sausage, drink. Visit with Santa includes gift & photo. Limited seating. First seating 10-11 a.m. Second seating 12-1 p.m.. Cost: $10. Children age 3 and younger receive free admission with and adult ticket purchase. Reservations: 282-7346.
The Christmas Star, Planetarium, Ball State University, Muncie. Times: 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. The planetarium’s star projector and computer graphics will be used to simulate the sky of 2000 years ago to learn if the Star of Bethlehem, as described in the Bible, has a natural explanation. Also explores the reasons for the celebration Christmas in December and ties to the winter solstice. Free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Observatory open after presentation, weather permitting.
Breakfast With Santa, 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m., Madison Park Church of God, 6607 Providence Drive, Anderson. Hosted by Highland High School Choral students. Activities include pancake and sausage breakfast, holiday craft, picture with Santa, reading of The Christmas Story, face-painting, caroling led by choir students. Cost: $15 or $25 for family of five. Adult breakfast may be purchased for $5. Registration: 425-7638 or Laudron5@aol.com.
Howl-oday Extravaganza, 1-5 p.m., The MT Cup, 1610 University, Muncie. Pet pictures with Santa Claus, children can decorate sugar cookies and write letters for Santa. Adoptable animals may be on site. Cost: $6 benefiting ARF (Animal Rescue Fund). Donation of a canned food item for Second Harvest Food Bank will result in a $1 admission discount.
George and Oatmeal Save Santa , 3 p.m., Planetarium, Ball State University, Muncie. Best suited for children pre-K to first grade. Oatmeal, the snowman and a wizard named George help Santa find his way home by learning about the Big and Little Dippers and the North Star. Free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Children should be accompanied by an adult.
Fisher Shaffer Holiday Concert, 4 p.m., Emens Auditorium, Ball State University,, Muncie. Box office: 285-1539 or www.bsu.edu/emens.
Enchanted Luminaria Walk, 6-9 p.m., Minnetrista, 1200 N. Minnetrista Pkwy., Muncie. Visit the decorated Oakhurst home; stroll the candlelit Minnetrista Boulevard; drink hot cider; and take an old time carriage ride. Free admission. Info: 282-4848.
Holiday Dinner and Variety Show, 6 p.m., Cornerstone Brethren Church, 9601 S. Cowan Road, Muncie. Free festive meal and entertainment performed by all ages. Info: 284-7777.
Ball Brothers & Roy Webb Tour Stop, 6 p.m., Southside Church of the Nazarene, 3500 W. Fuson Road, Muncie. Christmas music.
Sing Noel: Upon A Midnight Clear, 7:30 p.m., Taylor University, 236 W. Reade Ave., Upland. Featuring Taylor University Chorale, Taylor Sounds Chamber Ensemble, and the Multiethnic Student Association. Spotlights our international students with music, dance, and readings in eight languages. Free and open to the public.

Literary
Harrison Hunt (Ralph Wray) Holiday Book Sale and Signing, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Muncie Mall, 3501 N. Granville Ave., Muncie. The author, also known as Ralph Wray, will sign copies of any title purchased to date including Johnny Hoosier and The Disintegration of America.

Meeting
Breakfast with Gregory, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Mac’s Restaurant, 2323 S. Madison, Muncie. Councilwoman Linda Gregory will discuss the next City Council meeting agenda and issues of interest.
EMCOMM-ECI Christmas Party, 6 p.m., Beef O’Brady’s, 3001 N. Oakwood Ave., Muncie. Amateur radio club invites all interested to the annual Christmas party. Network those interested in Emergency Communications capabilities. Spouses welcome.

Music
Karaoke, Chances R, 3421 S. Walnut, Muncie. Time: 9-1 a.m. No cover charge.
The Slaven Band, Red Dog Saloon, 1600 W. 23rd, Muncie. Time: 9-1 a.m. No cover charge. Free cab service.
Be a Singing Star, 8 p.m., Bypass Bar & Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Karaoke. Info: 287-0544.
Mississippi Heat, 8 p.m., Key Palace Theatre, 123 S. Meridian St., Redkey. Cost: $15. Box office: www.keypalacetheatre.com.
Cadaver Dogs, 8-3 a.m., to Beatniks Cafe, 123 E. Third St., Marion. Time: 8-3 a.m. Rock ‘n’ roll jam session.
Ball State Faculty Artist Series, 8 p.m., Sursa Performance Hall, Ball State University, Muncie. Anna Vayman, violin; Peter Opie, cello and Robert Palmer, piano. Free and open to the public.
Jagged Edge Band, 10 p.m., Bypass Bar and Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. $2 cover.

Theater
Hoosier Holiday Dinner Theatre Cabaret, 6:30-9 p.m., Farmland Cultural Center, 103 N. Main St., Farmland. Music and stories about the Christmas holiday with holiday-themed dinner. Cost: $20 adults; $15 seniors and students; and $10 for ages 12 and younger. Reservations: 468-7631.
A Time for Christmas, 7:30 p.m., Muncie Civic Theatre, 216 E. Main St., Muncie. Mainstage production. Cost: $15 adults and $7 students. Box office: 288-PLAY.
Sanders Family Christmas, 8 p.m., Muncie Civic Theatre, 216 E. Main St., Muncie. Main Street Studio Theatre. Cost: $10 adults, $7 students. Box office: 288-PLAY.

SUNDAY
Card Games
Rounders Freerolls, 6 p.m., Bypass Bar and Grill, Inc., 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Free Texas Hold’em tournament with $50 payout. Learn to play and have sit in on games with approximately 100 players. Sessions: 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Dance
Super Singles Dance, White River Plaza, 702 S. Nichols Ave., Muncie. Time: 7-11 p.m. DJ Frances Simmons. $6 cover charge. Info: 358-3358 or 730-9135.

Holiday Event
Sing Noel: Upon A Midnight Clear, Taylor University, 236 W. Reade Ave., Upland. Featuring Taylor University Chorale, Taylor Sounds Chamber Ensemble, and the Multiethnic Student Association. Spotlights our international students with music, dance, and readings in eight languages. Free and open to the public.
A Time for Christmas, Ovid Community Church, 793 E. County Road 600-S, Anderson. Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday, 6 p.m. Broadway-style musical. Cost: Free but tickets are required. Info: 642-0551 ext. 200.
A Night in Bethlehem, 4-6 p.m., Parker City United Methodist Church, 305 S. Main St., Parker City. Afternoon of crafts, shops, snacks and a “hands-on” holy land experience. Free and open to the public.

Lecture
Surviving Iwo Jima, 2-4 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. A surviving member, Marion “Frank” Walker, will share memories and lessons. Free and open to the public.

Literary
Ralph Wray (Harrison Hunt) Holiday Book Signing and Sale, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Muncie Mall, 3501 N. Granville Ave., Muncie. Current titles include Johnny Hoosier and The Disintegration of America.
Writing for the Soul, 2:30-5:30 p.m., John XXIII Retreat Center, 407 W. McDonald St., Hartford City. Time for writing and sharing. Cost: $5. Reservations: 348-4008.

Music
Cadaver Dogs, Beatniks Cafe, 123 E. Third St., Marion. Time: 8-3 a.m. Rock ‘n’ roll jam session.
Holiday Choral Concert: A Holiday Gift to the Community, Sursa Performance Hall, Ball State University, Muncie. Times: 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Religion
Worship Service: Kingdom Come, 10:45 a.m.-noon, Unitarian Universalist Church, 4800 W. Bradford Drive, Muncie. Rev. Thomas Perchlik will discuss how to uphold ideals for making the world one of peace, equity, justice, compassion and democratic process. Info: www.uuchurchmuncie.org.

Swimming
Community Swim, 2-4 p.m., Jay County High School, 2072 W. Ind. 67, Portland. Cost: $2. Children age 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Theater
Hoosier Holiday Dinner Theatre Cabaret, 12:30-3 p.m., Farmland Cultural Center, 103 N. Main St., Farmland. Music and stories about the Christmas holiday with holiday-themed dinner. Cost: $20 adults; $15 seniors and students; and $10 for ages 12 and younger. Reservations: 468-7631.
Sander’s Family Christmas Musical, 6-7:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, 309 E. Adams St., Muncie. Theater production performed by Muncie Civic Theatre. Donations accepted with proceeds benefiting the theater.
A Time for Christmas, 7:30 p.m., Muncie Civic Theatre, 216 E. Main St., Muncie. Mainstage production. Cost: $15 adults and $7 students. Box office: 288-PLAY.

Walking/Running
Kris Kringle Run/Walk, Memorial Park, 2221 N. Memorial Drive, New Castle. Registration, noon. 4-mile run, 2 p.m. 3-mile walk, 2:05 p.m. Cost: $5 no T-shirt included. Registration: www.knightsofphythiasofnewcastle.com.

ONGOING Exhibits
Jerald Jacquard’s Creative Process: Sculpture Projects 1999-2009, Ball State University Museum of Art, 2021 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie. Recent sculptural projects including preliminary drawings and scale models for a number of recent monumental works. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
1968 in America, Minnetrista, 1200 N. Minnetrista Pkwy., Muncie. Learn how the major events of that year impacted East Central Indiana. Included with general admission: $4 child or student, $6 senior and $7 adult. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Info: www.minnetrista.net/1968.
But Not Forgotten, The Anderson Center for the Arts, 32 W. 10th St., Anderson. Paintings and photographs by Middletown artist, John Silvey of the old Madison County Home, circa 1975.
Art at the Library, Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Artist Brian Gordy displaying several giclee and watercolor prints. Many of the pieces on display depict scenes found along Indiana’s riverbanks.
Amalgamation of Expression, begins Dec. 3, Gallery 308, 308 E. Main St., Muncie. Ball State senior students to exhibit paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture and metalwork in the main gallery. The Founders Gallery features work by Twila Beahm and Jessie Creselious.
Dr. Charles E. Bracker Orchid Photographs, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Bracken Library, Ball State University, Archives and Special Collections, Room 210, Muncie.
Dr. Entomo’s Palace of Exotic Wonders, 9 a.m., Minnetrista, 1200 N. Minnetrista Pkwy., Muncie. Explore the world of bugs, from glow-in-the-dark scorpions to the world’s largest bird-eating tarantula. Included with general admission: $4 child or student, $6 senior and $7 adult. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Info: www.minnetrista.

MUNCIE — Mayor Sharon McShurley recalls that when she took office nearly two years ago, “No one handed me a book and said, ‘Here’s the plan.’”

The local economic development alliance, Ball State University and other organizations have long-term plans, “but the city of Muncie didn’t have one when I took office,” McShurley said during a recent orientation meeting for the three dozen members of the steering committee for the Muncie Action Plan.

With no direction on how to spend limited city resources, “we are holding ourselves back,” the mayor said.

Besides not knowing where the city is going or what it wants to become in the future, the lack of a comprehensive plan hurts the city’s chances of receiving its full share of federal funding for community development, transportation and other improvements, McShurley said.

She said she has been asked several times by federal agencies from which the city seeks funding, “How does this fit into your comprehensive plan?”

The city has awarded a $125,000 contract to ACP Visioning+Planning, a Columbus, Ohio, consultant, to help create the plan or vision for Muncie’s future. ACP is a firm that focuses on creating better places and on “action-oriented” plans.

The plan is supposed to give clear direction to developers and citizens, establish a blueprint for coordinated development/redevelopment, serve as a foundation for grant-seeking and improve quality of life.

Virginia Nilles, director of the Muncie Public Library, and George Branam, president of East Central Indiana Pathologists, co-chair the steering committee.

“There has got to be a vision of where we want to go,” Nilles has said.

By KEITH ROYSDON

By DOUG ZALESKI
dzaleski@muncie.gannett.com
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The dreary setting inside Waldo Stadium on Tuesday night looked like blue skies and sunshine to Ball State’s bedeviled but unbroken football team.
In the midst of a steady rain that fell throughout the second half, the Cardinals found the resolve to finish off an unproductive season with a spark from an unexpected source.
The figurative bolt of lightning for the Cardinals hit with 7:57 remaining in the game when Charlie Todd dashed 87 yards for a touchdown on a punt return. The score erased a one-point deficit and lifted Ball State to a 22-17 victory over Western Michigan.
The win gave Ball State a final 2-10 record, including 2-6 in the Mid-American Conference.
The Cardinals hadn’t run back any form of kick or turnover for a touchdown all season, and Todd’s punt return TD was their first such score since 2005.
“They told me just to trust the wall and go,” Todd said. “It was raining and hard to move the ball, so I knew we had to do it on defense or with the return team.”
Todd broke into the open on a block by Koreen Burch. That gave him an alley along the Ball State sideline, and he ran untouched to the end zone to wipe out the Broncos’ 17-16 lead.
“I had a chance early in the game and I didn’t take it,” said Todd, a cornerback who tied for the team lead in tackles with eight. “I went inside instead of to my wall (of blockers outside). I felt good (after the TD) because I knew our defense wasn’t going to let the team down. I knew that would be the touchdown to win the game.”
Ball State’s defense was able to finish the job the rest of the way.
The Cardinals befuddled Western Michigan quarterback Tim Hiller, ranked No. 2 in the MAC in passing yards, for much of the game.
Hiller threw for 354 yards, but he needed 62 pass attempts to get there, and he was intercepted a career-high four times by the Ball State defense. He also lost the ball on a fumble on a sack by Brandon Crawford in the second quarter.
The last pick was by free safety Sean Baker on fourth-and-10 from the Ball State 40-yard line. Baker made the interception, his second of the game, with 22 seconds to play.
“We had a great game plan that put us in the right spots,” Baker said. “He’s a great player with a future ahead of him.”
But it wasn’t a memorable sendoff for Hiller, a senior.
His first interception, in the first quarter, led to Ian McGarvey’s 45-yard field goal and a 6-0 Ball State lead. Ball State converted Hiller’s third interception into a career-tying 48-yard field goal by McGarvey for a 16-10 Cardinals lead midway through the third quarter.
Western Michigan (5-7, 4-4 MAC West) took its only lead of the game at 17-16 when Hiller threw a 4-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the final quarter. The play gave him 99 career touchdowns, one shy of the MAC career record by Chad Pennington.
But the Cardinals refused to buckle after giving up a 13-0 halftime lead. And unlike several other games this year when they had a chance to preserve a lead or make a comeback in the fourth quarter, they accomplished that goal on Todd’s punt return six days after being buried 35-3 at home by Central Michigan.
“I knew we were all disappointed by our play against Central,” Cardinals coach Stan Parrish said. “Tonight we got turnovers and made a play in the kick game. We got good pressure (on Hiller) with a four-man rush.”
The Cardinals season tackle leader Davyd Jones left for the game when he suffered a knee injury (the severity was unknown) with 8:25 left in the second quarter. The Central High School product watched the second half from the sidelines in street clothes and on crutches.
z Contact sports writer Doug Zaleski at 213-5813.

By OSEYE T. BOYD
oboyd@muncie.gannett.com

The desperation of retailers to get shoppers into their stores is bordering on ridiculous. Not only have retailers had sales similar to those found on the-day-after-Thanksgiving since November began, but now some have announced stores will be open on Thanksgiving.
The changes are throwing off veteran Black Friday shopper Ashley Ranes.
“I saw that Meijer was having better deals on Thanksgiving than the day after, but I don’t have time for that,” Ranes said.
It’s not that Ranes, 25, isn’t keeping up with the changes. She’s so serious about her Black Friday shopping that she’s not waiting until the sales ads come in her newspaper on Thanksgiving Day to plan her strategy. That was so 2008. Her new strategy still includes looking at the newspaper, but now that some retailers are placing sales ads online days before Black Friday, she’s checking them out for a sneak peak. She also signed up for e-mail blasts that alert her to new sales items.
Ranes, of Muncie, and her mom have been shopping on Black Friday since Ranes was 13. Both she and her mom will shop in Indianapolis on Friday, probably hitting Kohl’s first.
If Ranes enjoys the hustle and bustle of Black Friday shopping, Angie Hart, Muncie, avoids it like the plague. Hart, 43, starts shopping in late September or October and buys items as they go on sale. The discounts this year have been comparable to Black Friday, Hart said.
“I figure there’s nothing out there that good that warrants me to get up at 2 a.m. and fight traffic,” Hart said.
Jennie Irving, 47, has done the whole Black Friday thing before and said it wasn’t for her. Having no desire to fight crowds, she tries to have her shopping done by Thanksgiving. Instead of hitting the stores on Friday, Irving, of Eaton, prefers to spend time baking and making crafts with her grandchildren.
The thought of shopping on Black Friday is exciting to Muncie resident Tari Bruner, but she’s never done it. Bruner, 48, is afraid. Stories of people stealing out of another’s cart, trampling people and fist fights, have turned her off. That type of behavior is contrary to a holiday about love and the birth of Jesus Christ, Bruner said.
If Bruner ever finds the nerve to go Black Friday shopping, however, Ranes has some advice for her (or any newbie):
“Be ready for all the crowds,” Ranes said. “Just get there early … that’s when you’re going to get your best deals.”
z Contact news reporter Oseye T. Boyd at 213-5830.

MUNCIE — City council took the first step Tuesday toward imposing a hydrant fee that would add $2.01 to the average household water bill.
The council voted 7-2 to introduce an ordinance that would add a surcharge onto the monthly bills of Indiana-American Water Co. customers to pay for Muncie’s fire hydrants.
A final vote is expected Dec. 16 after a 5:30 p.m. public hearing at city hall.
Muncie rents its hydrants from the water company at a cost of about $630,000 a year, which has traditionally been paid through the city’s general fund by property taxpayers.
State statute, however, also allows cities to pay for hydrants by adding a fire protection surcharge, or hydrant fee, to the bills of water utility customers.
In an effort to balance the 2010 budget, city council eliminated all funding from the fire hydrant line item, leaving the city little other option except to impose the hydrant fee.
According to figures provided by Indiana-American Water, the average household would pay $2.01.
The fee is based on the size of a customer’s water meter.
Advocates of the hydrant fee argue that it forces non-profit organizations, which don’t pay property taxes, to contribute financially toward fire protection.
A handful of people spoke at Tuesday’s meeting.
One person said he was against it while two members of the Citizens of Delaware County for Property Tax Repeal said they support it so long as the council didn’t impose a local option income tax in the future.
The council’s two Republicans, Brad Polk and Mark Conatser, voted against the introduction, saying they weren’t necessarily opposed to the idea, but had too many unanswered questions.
Conatser questioned whether it was fair that Muncie residents on well water receive fire protection without paying the hydrant fee.
“I don’t know that there’s any solution that’s perfect,” council President Alison Quirk said.
If passed, it is unclear when the hydrant fee would take effect because that date is contingent upon approval of the new rate by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.

By KEITH ROYSDON
kroysdon@muncie.gannett.com

MUNCIE — Delaware County’s first “green” street lights are here.
The first of 23 wind-and-solar-powered street lights have been installed at Park One/332, the business park at Interstate 69 and Ind. 332, and another 27 will be placed at locations to be determined by local officials.
The lights are the product of VAT, a German company chosen by Delaware County officials for a $1 million contract for the lights. In exchange, VAT has promised to employ more than 100 people at a Park One facility by 2011.
VAT has ties to Brevini USA and Brevini Wind, and the first of the 24-foot-tall street lights are being installed near Brevini buildings at Park One.
Greg Winkler, director of project development for Brevini Wind, said the lights began converting wind and sunlight into electricity to power the lights as soon as they were installed.
When fully charged, the two batteries inside each light can run five days without wind or sunlight, Winkler said.
“That’s part of the appeal,” he said. “In the dead of winter, there’s not much sun, but there’s still five days of battery life.”
Brevini Wind will have a “topping off” ceremony for its new building at Park One at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

By NICK WERNER
nwerner@muncie.gannett.com

MUNCIE — It only took five votes, but Delaware County Council on Tuesday authorized the emergency borrowing of up to $10.5 million to avert a potential crisis.
According to Council President Chris Matchett, the borrowing was necessary for two reasons.
First, the county is required by law to repay before the end of the year $7 million it borrowed from an excess levy fund to stay in business.
Second, the county is about to go bust.
“We didn’t have any money to run the county,” Matchett said afterward. “Our only other option was to lock the doors and turn the lights out.”
The county’s financial straits are due in large part to delays this year in the collection of property taxes and are worsened, Matchett said, by the economy.
The Tuesday meeting wasn’t without drama.
The ordinance to authorize Auditor Judy Rust to borrow the money passed 6-1 in an introductory vote with the council’s only Republican member, Ron Quakenbush, dissenting.
Given the urgency of the situation, Rust asked the council to suspend the rules, which would allow for a final vote at the same meeting.
While suspending the rules requires a unanimous vote, Quakenbush voted against the measure, upsetting the remaining board members who wanted the situation resolved Tuesday.
After some discussion, Quakenbush relented and agreed to revote in favor of suspending the rules.
With that out of the way, the council moved on to the final vote to pass the ordinance, where Quakenbush again casts the only nay vote.
At this point, the council was confused on whether a 6 to 1 majority was enough in this situation to pass the ordinance.
The council recessed, apparently to review laws governing the legislative voting process.
During the recess Democrat Brad Bookout left the meeting for a prior engagement and Quakenbush left out of protest.
The council returned from recess and again took a final vote, passing it this time 5-0.
Matchett said later in the day that he believed the 5-0 was legally unnecessary because the previous 6-1 vote met the requirements for passing the ordinance.
Quakenbush told The Star Press that he understood the county’s need to borrow money and cast his nay votes out of frustration with council Democrats on other issues.
z Contact news reporter Nick Werner at 213-5832.

By THOMAS ST. MYER
tstymer@muncie.gannett.com

(Published Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009) PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Good news for Ball State: Its next opponent shudders at the mere thought of playing zone defense.

SIU-Edwardsville played a 2-3 zone Saturday and held the inside-oriented Cardinals to 33-percent shooting.

Bad news for Ball State: Its next opponent plays smothering man-to-man defense.

The Cardinals play their first road game of the season today, 600 miles away from the friendly confines of Worthen Arena. Ball State (2-0) faces Temple (2-1), an opponent as rugged as its home, Philadelphia.

“We make our money off man-to-man,” Temple coach Fran Dunphy said. “We have (zone), but it’s not something we’re great at, so we don’t think a lot about it. We’ll see how it goes, but it’s not something we do.”

The Owls held Delaware to 56 points on 33-percent shooting in their opener. Temple followed with a masterful defensive performance a week ago against Georgetown. The No. 19 Hoyas committed 16 turnovers and shot 35 percent from the field en route to only 46 points. The 46 proved to be enough, however, as Temple scored 45.

Temple faces the unenviable task of replacing shooting guard Dionte Christmas and his 19.5 points per game.

“Hopefully we can hang our hat on the defensive end, and then we’ll see what we can do on the offensive end,” Dunphy said. “As a coach, you say, this year we don’t have him and that’s the way it is. We have to see if we can make it up in a lot of different ways. We’ve been spreading the scoring around, and that’s what has to happen for us.”

Two guards top the Owls in scoring through the first three games. Senior Ryan Brooks averages 15.3 points per game, though on only 37-percent shooting. Sophomore Juan Fernandez follows at 13 points per contest. Two other Temple guards average 20-plus minutes a game in Luis Guzman and Ramone Moore.

On the surface, this game comes down to a showdown between the Ball State frontcourt and Temple backcourt. But 6-foot-9 junior forward Lavoy Allen (9.7 points and 12.0 rebounds) provides the Owls another player for the Cardinals to be concerned about.

“It’s certainly going to be a challenge for us to guard them, but you can’t disrespect their frontcourt either,” Ball State coach Billy Taylor said. “We’ll have our work cut out for us.”

For the Cardinals, a road test against this caliber of an opponent serves as an excellent barometer on where they stand early in the season. Ball State won only three of its 13 true road games last season.

“We just want to go out there and get that experience in,” sophomore forward Jarrod Jones said. “They’re a great team, so we should be ready to compete when we step on the floor.”

By DOUG ZALESKI
dzaleski@muncie.gannett.com

(Published Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009) KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Motivation.

The football team that musters up more of that characteristic in tonight’s football game between Ball State and Western Michigan probably will be the one that sends its program into the offseason with a positive feeling.

Both programs have suffered huge disappointments this season.

The Cardinals hoped to bridge last season’s 12-2 mark and a 2010 campaign they hope will be a Mid-American Conference West Division title challenging outfit with a team this year that perhaps could have a .500 record. Instead, they’ve lost 10 games.

The Broncos thought they had the right stuff to contend for the West crown this year, and certainly be invited to a bowl game.

Instead, they were drubbed by 32 points against West champ Central Michigan and 35 against West runner-up Northern Illinois, and almost certainly will be home for the bowl season.

“It will be kind of a psyche game,” Cardinals coach Stan Parrish said. “We have to get our psyche right, and I think we will. …

Western wants to be 6-6. This will be a great way for us to finish up, knocking them off.”

Ball State (1-10, 1-6 MAC West) will try to avoid tying a school record for most losses in a season, set when it was 0-11 in 1999.

The Cardinals have won their season finale just one time in the past seven years.

To beat the Broncos (5-6, 4-3 MAC West), the Cardinals will have to play better than they did in last week’s 35-3 home loss to Central Michigan. Parrish said his team must play with more energy.

“We had a lot of guys who didn’t play very well, and we can play better than that,” Parrish said. “We have to re-energize ourselves.

“We have to have a real good plan as coaches to get these kids out there … and give them a good plan to go (to Western Michigan) and play our best and win.”

A major aspect of the Cardinals’ plan will be to contain Western Michigan quarterback Tim Hiller.

Hiller, 6-foot-5, 228 pounds, has made major improvements in his game during his career. He was benched on three occasions in 2007, and now seems a sure bet to be selected in next April’s NFL draft.

Steve Muench, a draft analyst for ESPN Scouts Inc., told the Kalamazoo (Mich.) Gazette that Hiller is grading out as a “third-round range” draft pick.

Hiller, the 2005 MAC freshman of the year, is second in the conference in passing yards per game (263.2) and tied for first in touchdown throws (22). He needs two touchdown passes tonight against the Cardinals to tie the MAC career record of 100 by Chad Pennington of Marshall.

Parrish said Hiller could be the best pure passer in the MAC this season.

“He’s a classic drop-back passer,” Parrish said. “He and (Bowling Green’s Tyler) Sheehan are a lot alike in that they’d rather throw than run it.”

Contact sports writer Doug Zaleski at 213-5813.

By NICK WERNER
nwerner@muncie.gannett.com

(Published Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009) MUNCIE — City council could take an “introductory vote” tonight on an ordinance that would increase bills for Muncie water utility customers to pay for fire hydrants.

The council is expected to act on the ordinance in a special meeting called for 5:30 p.m. today at city hall. The ordinance would introduce a hydrant fee to pay for the rental of 1,396 hydrants owned by Indiana-American Water Co.

Previously, hydrant rentals were paid for by property taxpayers through the city’s general fund.

The city council, however, recently eliminated the $630,000 line item originally appropriated for fire hydrants in 2010.

It was unclear Monday how much the average residential bill would increase as a result of the hydrant fee.

Democrat Mary Jo Barton said the council had no other choice but to institute a hydrant fee.

“We are down to nothing,” she said. “We have no other resources. We had nothing else we could look at.”

The ordinance was introduced on Friday by council president Alison Quirk, also a Democrat.

The ordinance might have bipartisan support, which has been unusual in city council lately on significant issues.

Both Democrats and Republicans like that a hydrant fee would spread some of the burden of fire protection to all property owners in Muncie, including non-profits, which do not pay property taxes.

Brad Polk and Mark Conatser, the only Republicans on city council, spoke favorably about the concept of a hydrant fee. Both also added, however, that they have unanswered questions about the fee that are keeping them undecided for now.

Conatser said he worried about Muncie residents on well water who would be receiving fire protection without paying for fire hydrants.

“That’s something that’s going to have to be looked at,” he said.

Polk said he believed a final vote would likely come at the regularly scheduled Dec. 7 council meeting.

If passed, it is unclear when the hydrant fee would take effect because that date is contingent upon approval of the new rate by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.

City council rejected a hydrant fee in 1997.

Previous hydrant fee proposals in 1994 and 2007 were withdrawn before the council even took a vote.

Contact news reporter Nick Werner at 213-5832.

By KEITH ROYSDON
kroysdon@muncie.gannett.com

(Published Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009) MUNCIE — Who wants a turkey the day after Thanksgiving? Nobody.

As Thursday — a day in which we all have the opportunity to gorge ourselves like that guy on Man vs. Food — approaches, local stores still have a good supply of turkeys and all the trimmings, including the Holy Grail of this year’s feast, canned pumpkin pie filling.

Now they just have to sell it all.

At Fisher Meats, owner Greg Fisher estimates he’ll sell as many as 600 fresh and freshly-frozen turkeys at his North Walnut Street store this Thanksgiving season and, with luck, he’ll sell the last one on Wednesday.

“I hope, because come Friday they don’t sell,” Fisher said Monday as, not far away, stood a refrigerated case half-filled with turkeys.

At Lahody Meats, owner Ron Lahody feels good about how many fresh turkeys he’s been able to sell.

“We sold 315,” said Lahody, clad in a long white butcher’s coat. “I’m absolutely shocked. I didn’t think I would sell that many with 57-cent birds at Marsh, but they’re frozen and injected.”

Prices locally compared pretty well to prices around the state as reported in Indiana Farm Bureau’s annual Thanksgiving Day dinner survey.

Nobody’s turkey price topped Marsh’s 57-cent throwdown, which was available to shoppers who spent at least $35. Otherwise, Marsh sold its frozen turkeys for $1.49 a pound.

Indiana Farm Bureau said the average Hoosier price was $1.26 a pound. Locally, Lahody sold fresh turkey for $1.49 a pound and Fisher had prices ranging from 99 cents for frozen to $1.39 for fresh.

In other Muncie stores, frozen turkeys ranged from 99 cents a pound at Aldi to $1.48 at Walmart.

Farm Bureau said the cost of Thanksgiving dinner was $39.66 (or $43.93 including $2.50 in miscellaneous ingredients not itemized plus $1.77 for whipping cream). The group said that total was down from $45.57 last year.

In news that will make many Thanksgiving diners’ hearts leap, a national shortage of canned pumpkin apparently hasn’t reached local store shelves. Although Aldi was out on Monday, both Marsh and Walmart had cans of pumpkin and pre-seasoned pumpkin pie filling on their shelves.

The New York Times and many reputable news sources have reported in the past week that heavy Midwestern rains had decimated pumpkin crops. Libby was among the manufacturers who said shortages could result.

Locally, shoppers pushed their carts past the ample supply of canned pumpkin, oblivious to its rarity.

Contact business editor Keith Roysdon at 213-5828. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/keithroysdon.

By IVY FARGUHESON
ifarguheson@muncie.gannett.com

(Published Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009) MUNCIE — Competition may be the name of the game during the NFL’s annual Thanksgiving games, but it’s not on anyone’s minds during Muncie’s two community Thanksgiving dinners.

Given the decrease in resources and the increase in need over the last year, some might think the dinner organizers at the Muncie Mission and on the Feed My Sheep committee would be fighting over canned food, frozen turkeys and plates of pumpkin pies, but that’s not been the case in this or any year.

“We’re both serving a critical need and we’ll be successful in meeting those needs,” said Micah Maxwell, organizer of the Feed My Sheep dinner held at Muncie Central High School on Thursday. “I know there tends to be competition for resources, but I wouldn’t think that one event alone could serve the number of people that need Thanksgiving dinners. It’s about meeting those needs.”

Maxwell expects to serve at least 800 meals Thursday afternoon, between the community dinner at Central and the delivered meals for families that request them. Despite a late organizational start, the Feed My Sheep committee collected over 7,000 cans of food, registered over 400 volunteers and matched the $4,000 budget from last year.

For the 79th year, the Muncie Mission will host another community dinner held on their year-old site.

Historically, the Mission volunteers have fed mostly their clients and their families during the Thanksgiving meal with fewer community residents attending the Mission meal than the Feed My Sheep dinner.

That may change this year, though.

Between 50 and 60 community residents have been attending the free Mission lunches during the week, numbers staff haven’t seen in years.

They expect some of those folks will come back for the dinner Thursday afternoon.

“People are just in need. They’re hungry and there a lot more hungry people out there,” said Paula Raines from the Muncie Mission. “We’re just trying to make sure everybody gets a good Thanksgiving meal. We see it as everybody that needs a meal will get a meal.”

Muncie Indiana Transit System will offer free bus rides to both locations on Thursday afternoon.

Last year was the first time it added the Muncie Mission to its Thanksgiving bus route, but as has been the case between the two dinners, it hasn’t been much of a problem.

“It’s worked out pretty well. We just added an extra hour to what we already were doing,” said Mary Gaston of MITS. “This is just a huge way to give back. It isn’t a huge expense, not a huge deal, but it’s a big deal to the people who can use the rides that day.”

Contact reporter Ivy Farguheson at 213-5829.

Dance
Couple Dance Lessons, 7-8:30 p.m., American Legion Post 19, 218 N. Walnut, Muncie. Learn Cha cha, Waltz, Mambo, East Coast Swing, Fixed Pattern, Two-step and Rumba. Cost: $5 each. Info: 282-9868 or dgoldbike@aol.com.

Family
Santa Headquarters, 1206 Broad St., New Castle. Schedule to be posted on the door. Photos available or feel free to take a camera. Children receive a treat. Free and open to the public.
Ginger Bread Babies Storytime, 10:15-10:45 a.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Lapsit storytime designed for babies ages 4-18 months. Stories and activities to help with language development. Registration: 741-7333.
Muncie Young Marines, 6-8 p.m., V.F.W., 1801 W. Kilgore Ave., Muncie. Accepting children ages 8-18. Open to all youth and supported by the V.F.W. and Marine Corps League.

Health
Children’s Immunization Clinic, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Blackford County Health Dept., 506 E. VanCleve St., Hartford City. Regular immunizations.
Exercise for Everyone, 12:30-1 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Resistance band exercises. Bands provided. Free and open to the public.

Martial Arts
Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) Fighter Practice, 6:30 p.m., Center Stage, 306 S. Walnut St., Muncie. Armored combat based on medieval tournament rules. Observers welcome. Info: 286-7446.

Meeting
Free and Accepted Masons, 6:30 p.m., Wilbur A. Full Lodge, 1100 E., Eaton. Entered Apprentice Degree.

Music
Acoustic Session, 6:30-8:30 p.m., The Fickle Peach, 117. E. Charles St., Muncie. Instruments playing in open forum. Everyone welcome.

TUESDAY

Card Games
Euchre, 12:30 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. Cost: $2. For ages 60 and older. Info: 289-8182.
Rounders Freerolls, 6 p.m., Bypass Bar and Grill, Inc., 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Free Texas Hold’em tournament with $50 payout. Learn to play and have sit in on games with approximately 100 players. Sessions: 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Dance
Square Dance Lessons, 7-9 p.m., Rangeline Community Center, 1405 N. Rangeline Road, Anderson. Hosted By Footloose Square Dance Club. Cost: $4 each. Info: 643-4556 or 643-3833.

Family
Santa Headquarters, 1206 Broad St., New Castle. Schedule to be posted on the door. Photos available or feel free to take a camera. Children receive a treat. Free and open to the public.
Reading Music Reading Words, 10-10:30 a.m., Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St., Muncie. For kids 3-5 years. Making music and learning to read.
Ready to Read Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. For children ages 18-36 months. Storytime and fun activities.
Manga Anime Club, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St., Muncie. Teens in grades 6-12. Talk about Manga and Anime. Snacks and craft project.
Twilight Tales, 6-7 p.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Evening storytime with craft.

Games
Chess Club, 6:30-8 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Free and open to the public. Info: 529-0362.

Meeting
Delaware Kiwanis, 6-7 p.m., MCL Cafeteria, 3501 N. Granville Ave., Muncie. World organization focused on serving children of the world. Guests welcome. Program: Al Wilson, former mayor of Muncie. Info: 288-0057.
Community Craft Night, 6:30 p.m., Albany United Methodist Church, 125 N. Broadway, Albany. Take crafts to share or assist with making blankets for the Blanket Ministry.

Seniors
Age Well Walking Club, 9 a.m., Worthen Arena Ticket Office, Ball State Campus,, Muncie. Walk at a medium pace for one hour, including stretching and cool down. Info: 289-4541.
55 Alive, 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 1201 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Ministry to older adults with luncheon and program. Cost: $3. Reservations: 284-6877. Program: The Philippines presented by Cora Shonk.

WEDNESDAY
Card Games
Euchre, 12:30 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. Cost: $2. For ages 60 and older. Info: 289-8182.
Free Euchre Tournament, 6:30 p.m., Bypass Bar and Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Play with other euchre enthusiasts. Prizes for winners.
Muncie Duplicate Bridge Club, 7-10 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. First-timers free. Regular fee: $3. Info: 288-8506 or www.munciebridgeclub.org.

Family
Santa Headquarters, 1206 Broad St., New Castle. Schedule to be posted on the door. Photos available or feel free to take a camera. Children receive a treat. Free and open to the public.
Toddler Time, 9:30-10 a.m., Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High St., Muncie. For toddlers ages 18-36 months. Stories and activities designed to help develop early reading skills.
Story and Craft Time, 10:30 a.m., Hartford City Public Library, 314 N. High St., Hartford City. For children of all ages, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Preschool Pals Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Preschoolers ages 3-5 years. Activities and stories to encourage early reading skills.
Nintendo Wii for Teens, 3-5 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Snacks to be served.

Food/Drink
Sechler Pickles Available, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 1201 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday and Saturday mornings. Proceeds benefit church and mission project of United Methodist Men.

Music
Karaoke, Chances R, 3421 S. Walnut, Muncie. Time: 9-1 a.m. No cover charge.
Be a Singing Star, 8 p.m., Bypass Bar & Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Karaoke. Info: 287-0544.
Duke Tumatoe, 8 p.m., Key Palace Theatre, 123 S. Meridian St., Redkey. Cost: $15. Box office: www.keypalacetheatre.com.
Joey Bowen and Robin Slaven, 8-11 p.m., Mr. Mouse, 9101 W. Smith St., Yorktown. Local musicians Joey Bowen and Robin Slaven play acoustic music. Free cab rides home available.
Bad Penny, 8 p.m., VFW Post 651, 1801 W. Kilgore Ave., Muncie. Cover: $2 for non-members.
Pre-Thanksgiving Day Bash, The Fickle Peach, 117 E. Charles St., Muncie. Live music with Pray for Mojo and friends. Time: 10-2 a.m. No cover.
THURSDAY
Holiday Event
Cardinal Greenway Turkey Trot, 7:30 a.m., Cardinal Greenway Depot, 700 E. Wysor St., Muncie. Non-competitive walk or run along the Cardinal Greenway on Thanksgiving morning. Variety of distances offered, refreshments and family time. Collecting one non-perishable food item per participant to benefit Christian Ministries. Cost: $7 individual or $12 family pre-registration or $10 individual or $15 family day of the event. Info: 287-0399.
Thanksgiving Dinner, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Daleville United Methodist Church, 8104 S. Hickory Drive, Daleville. Buffet includes traditional favorites. Accepting donations with proceeds benefiting heating assistance for local families. Info: www.dalevilleunitedmethodistchurch.com.
FRIDAY
Art
Calming Space for Thoughtful Meditation in the Museum, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Ball State University Museum of Art, 2021 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie. A self-directed experience with a dedicated quiet space available near the Amidha Buddha on the mezzanine.

Card Games
Texas Hold’em, American Legion Post 19, 418 N. Walnut St., Muncie. Doors open, 6 p.m. Tournament, 7 p.m. Cost: $25 buy-in.
Muncie Duplicate Bridge Club, 1-4:30 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. First timers free, others $3. Info: 288-8506 or www.munciebridgeclub.org.

Family
Santa Headquarters, 1206 Broad St., New Castle. Schedule to be posted on the door. Photos available or feel free to take a camera. Children receive a treat. Free and open to the public.
Black Friday Babysitting, 8 a.m.-noon, Yorktown Church of the Nazarene, 9001 W. Arch St., Yorktown. Hosted by Diven In Children’s Ministries. Light breakfast provided. No fee. Info: 744-0385 759-7973.
Holiday Ornament Craft Time, 10 a.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Craft time for ages 9-12.
Crafty Kidz, 4-5 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. For all kids up to age 12. Variety of crafts to be offered. Free and open to the public.
Film
Teen Flix, 4:30-6 p.m., New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. Showing Star Trek. Snacks served.

Health
First Fridays: Area Agency on Aging Resources, 11 a.m.-noon, Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Free Alzheimer’s education series. Info: (317) 575-9620.
Music
Live Jazz, Heorot Pub and Draught House, 219 S. Walnut St., Muncie. Time: 9-midnight. Listen to the Shawn Salmon Jazz Trio.
Karaoke, Chances R, 3421 S. Walnut, Muncie. Time: 9-1 a.m. No cover charge.
Glostik Willy, Beatniks Cafe, 123 E. Third St., Marion. Time: 9-3 a.m. Grant County band with improvisational jams.
Karaoke, 7 p.m., VFW Post 651, 1801 W. Kilgore Ave., Muncie.
Be a Singing Star, 8 p.m., Bypass Bar & Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Karaoke. Info: 287-0544.
Chooglin, with Tijuana Hercules and Fredericks Martinez, 9 p.m., Lafayette Brewing Company, 622 Main St., Lafayette. Cover: $5 at the door.
Jagged Edge Band, 10 p.m., Bypass Bar and Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. $2 cover.

Special Event
Liberty-Perry Alumni Fun Fest Bowl, 1-4 p.m., Liberty Bowl, 1115 S. Liberty St., Muncie. Bowling tournament to raise scholarship funds. 8-9-10=strike, prizes and raffle. Walk-in or pre-register. Everyone welcome. Cost: $10 includes shoes. Info: 286-9193.
Strange and Deranged Showcase, 9 p.m., Heorot Pub and Draught House, Upstairs, 219 S. Walnut St., Muncie. Live human oddities and performances. Cost: $6.
Card Games
Euchre, 12:30 p.m., Muncie-Delaware County Senior Center, 2517 W. Eighth St., Muncie. Cost: $2. For ages 60 and older. Info: 289-8182.

Family
Santa Headquarters, 1206 Broad St., New Castle. Schedule to be posted on the door. Photos available or feel free to take a camera. Children receive a treat. Free and open to the public.
Make and Take Crafts, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Craft table to be stocked with needed supplies. Free and open to the public.
Make & Take Kids Crafts, 10 a.m.-noon, New Castle-Henry County Public Library, 376 S. 15th St., New Castle. For children age 12 and younger. Free and open to the public. Info: 529-0362.
Pet Meet ‘n Greet, noon-4 p.m., PetSmart, 3450 N. Morrison Road, Muncie. Shelter pets available for adoption. All pets have been spayed/neutered and have age appropriate vaccinations.

Food/Drink
Cowan Lion’s Club Breakfast, 7 a.m.-10 a.m., Cowan Lions Club, Malissa St., Cowan. Cost: $6 adults and $4 children age 12 and younger.
Special Dinner, 6-8 p.m., American Legion Post 19, 418 N. Walnut St., Muncie. Cost: $8. Entertainment provided after dinner.

Holiday Event
Tajci’s Emmanuel : The Story of Christ, 7 p.m., St. Mary’s Church, 2300 W. Jackson St., Muncie. Original arrangements provided by the former pop music star in communist central Europe who fled to the U.S. in 2000.

Music
Karaoke, Chances R, 3421 S. Walnut, Muncie. Time: 9-1 a.m. No cover charge.
The Slaven Band, Hinee’s Saloon Inc., 6400 S. County Road 575-E, Selma. Time: 9-1 a.m. No cover charge.
Mix Factory, Elks Lodge, 1026 S. Main St., Dunkirk. Time: 8-midnight. Performance of music from ’60s to present day. Accepting donations for canned food drive.
Reminisce Band, 7:30-11:30 p.m., Anderson Eagles, 1315 Meridian St., Anderson. Playing ’50s and ’60s music.
Be a Singing Star, 8 p.m., Bypass Bar & Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Karaoke. Info: 287-0544.
Nick Ivanovich, 9-3 a.m., Beatniks Cafe, 123 E. Third St., Marion. Time: 9-3 a.m. Performing rock, gospel, folk and bluegrass into his contemporary style of original folk music.
Jagged Edge Band, 10 p.m., Bypass Bar and Grill, 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. $2 cover.

Reunion
Muncie Central Class of 1999, 7-11 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 3600 W. Purdue Ave., Muncie. Casual gathering. Cost: $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Reservations: prswan@woh.rr.com or www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172953657264&ref=mf.

Theater
Hoosier Holiday Dinner Theatre Cabaret, 6:30-9 p.m., Farmland Cultural Center, 103 N. Main St., Farmland. Music and stories about the Christmas holiday with holiday-themed dinner. Cost: $20 adults; $15 seniors and students; and $10 for ages 12 and younger. Reservations: 468-7631.
Card Games
Rounders Freerolls, 6 p.m., Bypass Bar and Grill, Inc., 3520 S. Meeker Ave., Muncie. Free Texas Hold’em tournament with $50 payout. Learn to play and have sit in on games with approximately 100 players. Sessions: 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Dance
Super Singles Dance, White River Plaza, 702 S. Nichols Ave., Muncie. Time: 7-11 p.m. DJ Frances Simmons. $6 cover charge. Info: 358-3358 or 730-9135.

Family
Santa Headquarters, 1206 Broad St., New Castle. Schedule to be posted on the door. Photos available or feel free to take a camera. Children receive a treat. Free and open to the public.
Magician Wayne Hinkel, noon-2 p.m., Scotty’s Brewhouse, 1700 W. University Ave., Muncie. Children eat free with an adult entree purchase.

Holiday Event
Live Nativity, Elwood First United Methodist Church, 1500 N. “A ” St., Elwood. Parade, downtown on Anderson St., 2:45 p.m. Nativity, 3-6 p.m. Live characters and animals portraying the nativity. Music in the sanctuary. The nativity story read every hour. Cookies, hot chocolate and coffee in fellowship hall.

Music
Nick Ivanovich, Beatniks Cafe, 123 E. Third St., Marion. Time: 9-3 a.m. Performing rock, gospel, folk and bluegrass into his contemporary style of original folk music.

Religion
Anniversary Celebration, 10 a.m.-noon, Calvary Christian Center, 5401 W. Hessler Road, Muncie. Celebrating 25 years. Rev. Don Gifford, district superintendent of the Indiana District of the Assemblies of God as guest speaker. Info: 289-2151 or www.munciecalvary.org.
Baby Day, 10:30 a.m., Yorktown Church of the Nazarene, 9001 W. Arch St., Yorktown. Honoring babies during the worship service.
Worship Service: Thanksgiving in a World of Woe, 10:45 a.m.-noon, Unitarian Universalist Church, 4800 W. Bradford Drive, Muncie. Student minister Beth Lefever will explore the richness of life and to whom or for what we might be grateful. Info: www.uuchurchmuncie.org.
Christian Country Concert, 6-8 p.m., Calvary Christian Center, 5401 W. Hessler Road, Muncie. Performance by Christian country recording artist Morris Mott. Freewill offering accepted.

Theater
Hoosier Holiday Dinner Theatre Cabaret, 12:30-3 p.m., Farmland Cultural Center, 103 N. Main St., Farmland. Music and stories about the Christmas holiday with holiday-themed dinner. Cost: $20 adults; $15 seniors and students; and $10 for ages 12 and younger. Reservations: 468-7631.
Jerald Jacquard’s Creative Process: Sculpture Projects 1999-2009, Ball State University Museum of Art, 2021 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie. Recent sculptural projects including preliminary drawings and scale models for a number of recent monumental works. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
1968 in America, Minnetrista, 1200 N. Minnetrista Pkwy., Muncie. Learn how the major events of that year impacted East Central Indiana. Included with general admission: $4 child or student, $6 senior and $7 adult. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Info: www.minnetrista.net/1968.
But Not Forgotten, The Anderson Center for the Arts, 32 W. 10th St., Anderson. Paintings and photographs by Middletown artist, John Silvey of the old Madison County Home, circa 1975.
Charlene George Oil Paintings, Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co., 224 E. Main St., Muncie. Artist is known for use of Renaissance techniques, including glazing, sfumato (softened edges) and chiaroscuro (strong light and dark) to achieve ultra-realistic focus of both landscape and still life scenes.
Field & Farm, Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co., 224 E. Main St., Muncie. Paintings by Charlene George. Featuring pastel and oil paintings. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or by appointment.
Art at the Library, Kennedy Library, 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie. Artist Brian Gordy displaying several giclee and watercolor prints. Many of the pieces on display depict scenes found along Indiana’s riverbanks.
Dr. Charles E. Bracker Orchid Photographs, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Bracken Library, Ball State University, Archives and Special Collections, Room 210, Muncie.
Dr. Entomo’s Palace of Exotic Wonders, Minnetrista, 1200 N. Minnetrista Pkwy., Muncie. Explore the world of bugs, from glow-in-the-dark scorpions to the world’s largest bird-eating tarantula. Included with general admission: $4 child or student, $6 senior and $7 adult. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Info: www.minnetrista.

By THOMAS ST. MYER
tstmyer@muncie.gannett.com

(Published Monday, Nov. 23, 2009) MUNCIE — Malik Perry holds court in the Ball State media room as he advises everyone on what and where to eat in his hometown of Philadelphia.

The affable Malik leaves the crowd smiling and giggling, not so much for what he says but how he says it. The Ball State junior forward flashes a megawatt smile, bops his head and widens his eyes to emphasize certain words.

Malik acts as if he’s born to be a media darling, a notion his brother, 23-year-old Dominique Perry, scoffs at.

“The Malik you see now, when he was younger he was not the same Malik,” says Dominique, an assistant manager of direct marketing for Fortune 500 Companies in Hartford, Conn. “He was the devil. Everybody thought Malik was crazy. He had a chip on his shoulder. … I was always the goofy one telling him, ‘Malik, you got to relax.’ In middle school, it started to click. That’s when he started smiling, and he’s never lost it.”

The effervescent Malik returns to the City of Brotherly Love, aptly named in his case, to put on a show for family and friends. The Cardinals (2-0) play at Temple (2-1) on Tuesday in the unofficial Malik Perry homecoming game.

“He’s been talking about it since last year,” sophomore forward Jarrod Jones says with a smirk. “We hear a lot about him going to Philly. I’m glad to finally get it over with.”

The Malik tour will probably make a stop or 10 at his favorite Philly restaurant, Gennaro’s Pizza Steaks. Dominique says his brother downs their cheese steaks with a vengeance.

“He loves these cheese steaks. When mother and I would try to get a piece of it he’d just rant. He’d go crazy,” Dominique says. “He didn’t want to share. He’ll give you the shirt off his back if he had to, but when it comes to his food …”

Malik eats just about everyone under the table as evident by his 6-foot-4, 240-pound frame. He utilized his stocky physique on the football field until high school when he chose to focus on basketball.

Friends nicknamed Malik “Leeknasty” at age 11 for his physical, and sometimes dirty, play on the Peewee football fields. He dove into piles and inflicted the sort of pain that turns baritones into sopranos.

He cleaned up his act as he matured and switched over to basketball, but “Leeknasty” resurfaces on occasion.

“There’s two sides to me,” Malik says. “The calm, happy-go-lucky person and then there’s nasty on the court, diving for loose balls, going for offensive rebounds, just hard nosed, so I feel I have two personalities.”

Like mother, like son

Malik says he inherited his tenacity from his mother, Michelle Perry. She raised him and Dominique on her own in downtown Philadelphia where distractions and negative influences loom around every corner.

Michelle put her boys on a strict schedule with mandatory family dinner times and a 10 p.m. curfew.

“I had to stay on them, because I didn’t want them to come up and be a statistic,” she says. “I didn’t fool around. I’d become the evil mom if I had to sit on the step and wait for them.”

The brothers sometimes escaped her wrath by visiting their maternal grandparents, William and Carolyn Walker. The grandparents lived literally around the corner until their deaths in 2000 and 2001, respectively.

“They would give us anything in the world and some things we didn’t even want,” Dominique says. “One time they got us hats with propellers on them, and we wore them because mom-mom and pop-pop got them for us. We definitely do miss them. I know they’re looking down and saying those are my grandchildren.”

Malik honors their memory with a tattoo on his upper right arm where their names sit above praying hands and a cross.

Pictures of his grandparents serve as another reminder. He considers those pictures his prized possession.

Memories of his grandparents powered him through some adversity as a Ball State freshman. Malik felt betrayed when the coach he committed to play for, Ronny Thompson, resigned in July of 2007. The subsequent hiring of Billy Taylor in August left the freshman uncertain about his future role with the program.

Thompson signed a total of eight players for his 2007 class. Only Malik remains with the program.

“He was a little disappointed, but he’s not a quitter,” Michelle says. “He was a little paranoid at times, not knowing much about coach Taylor, but he seems to have got it together. He wasn’t happy, of course, with the situation and neither was I, but we made the most of it.”

The pride of Philly

Malik proved to be an impact freshman for Taylor. He started all 30 games as an undersized center and averaged 6.7 points and 5.7 boards per contest.

His statistics dipped a bit as a sophomore. He averaged 4.1 points and 4.9 rebounds in 3 1/2 fewer minutes per game, though he paid dividends as a defensive stopper.

“Malik is someone from his freshman year who’s guarded 7-foot guys,” Taylor says. “He’s never backed away from a challenge. It doesn’t matter to him. He’s got tremendous heart and competitiveness, and I know he’ll fight and play hard.”

Malik started his junior campaign with a bang. He scored 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the season opener against Valparaiso. He only scored three points before he fouled out Saturday against SIU-Edwardsville, but he shared game-high honors with six offensive boards in only 21 minutes of action.

If his last game in Philadelphia serves as any indication, then Malik is poised to put up better than average numbers Tuesday against Temple. He totaled eight points and nine rebounds as a freshman when the Cardinals played in his hometown against Saint Joseph’s.

Family and friends showed up in droves for that game, wearing shirts with his face screen printed on the front. Count on a similar entourage wearing customized Malik shirts Tuesday at the Liacouras Center, located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia.

Michelle considers this game a cause for celebration. Her son returns home to melt her heart with his million-dollar smile.
As for Malik, his mother stirs up those same emotions in him whenever she smiles back.

“She had to raise two boys, and she sacrificed for me,” Malik says. “I keep that in my mind. I hope I’m successful in life for her.”

(Published Monday, Nov. 23, 2009) BALTIMORE (AP) — The unbeaten Indianapolis Colts would almost certainly prefer every one of their victories to be a hassle-free rout.

That hasn’t been the case lately, but the Colts have no complaints — mainly because they keep on winning.

Indianapolis improved to 10-0 by defeating the Baltimore Ravens 17-15 on Sunday. It was their 19th straight victory, the second-longest streak in NFL history behind a 21-game run by the New England Patriots from 2006-08.

The Colts have won their last four games by a total of 10 points, which isn’t entirely a bad thing.

“If it was up to us, we’d try to blow every team out, but that won’t happen,” said Joseph Addai, who ran for 74 yards and a touchdown. “I think winning these tight games really shows the character of the team.”

On an afternoon in which Peyton Manning threw two interceptions and the Colts committed three turnovers, Indianapolis reached the 10-win mark for the eighth straight season. That’s the second-longest run in NFL lore behind the 16-year streak of the San Francisco 49ers (1983-98).

The Colts aren’t concerned so much with making history as they are reaching the postseason and winning a championship. And if that means playing hard for 60 minutes, so be it.

“To be able to come out of this game with a win is huge,” rookie coach Jim Caldwell said. “We’re not going to ever sneeze at being 10-0, but we’re doing it by a small margin these days.”

The Colts won because their defense kept the Ravens out of the end zone and Manning was good enough to drive the offense to a pair of touchdowns and the go-ahead field goal by Matt Stover with 7:02 left. Stover kicked for 13 seasons with the Ravens but was not re-signed before the season, and the Colts picked him up in October as a replacement for the injured Adam Vinatieri.

Baltimore (5-5) started the season with Steve Hauschka at kicker, then cut him and signed veteran Billy Cundiff on Wednesday.

Cundiff tied Stover’s team record by kicking five field goals in the game, but he also missed a 20-yarder that could have put the Ravens in front.

“We moved the ball pretty well. We weren’t able to put touchdowns on the board, but we had field goals,” Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco said.

Not enough of them, though.

The Colts forced a field goal after Baltimore got a first-and-goal at the 1 in the fourth quarter, and after Stover’s kick, linebacker Gary Brackett sealed the win with an interception of Flacco in the closing minutes.

“I didn’t see the guy,” Flacco lamented.

Baltimore’s last chance ended when Ed Reed fumbled on a punt return with 17 seconds left.

The game was probably decided much earlier, when the Ravens failed to get a touchdown with three cracks from the 1.

“It’s frustrating. It’s first-and-1 from the 1, you have to put it in,” Ravens center Matt Birk said. “It’s just that simple. I could talk about it for an hour, but it doesn’t get any simpler than that.”

The Colts managed only 129 yards and a field goal in the second half, but it was enough.

“We really did a good job of holding them to field goals,” safety Antoine Bethea said. “With our offense, nobody is ever going to beat us kicking field goals.”

NOTES: Indianapolis has won seven straight over Baltimore, including a playoff game in which the Colts failed to score a TD. … The Ravens have lost five of seven after a 3-0 start. … Baltimore LB Terrell Suggs (knee) was inactive, ending his run of consecutive games at 105.

By OSEYE T. BOYD
oboyd@muncie.gannett.com

(Published Monday, Nov. 23, 2009) MUNCIE — In a little strip mall on McGalliard Road, a few doors down from Domino’s Pizza, women can get prenatal care and free pregnancy tests, and patients who are diabetics can receive information and education.

Community Hospital Outpatient Services, a new clinic that specializes in prenatal and diabetes care, has opened in Muncie and is open four days a week. The clinic also is an enrollment site for Medicaid, is a doctor referral service and offers a prenatal substance abuse prevention program (PSUPP).

Community Hospital was scouting locations for the clinic along McGalliard earlier this year, The Star Press reported in February.

Diabetes among young adults and children is on the rise, as is drug use among pregnant woman, which makes services the clinic offers more vital than ever.

“We see a need,” said Marianne Spangler, clinical director for Diabetes Care Center. “There’s a lot of people in this county who are uninsured and underinsured … There’s just no way all the needs are going to be met by one agency.”

The clinic opened just as Open Door/BMH — newly renamed Open Door Health Services — plans to expand. Open Door Health Services also is hiring more doctors and already has more nurses compared to a year ago, CEO Toni Estep said.

“Our plan is with the new building that we can take care of everybody that needs care in the community,” Estep said. “If there’s a choice, I think that’s good a thing.”

Community Hospital’s move to Muncie makes sense because many of the clinic’s patients drove to Anderson from the East Central Indiana region. Being closer will cut down on drive time and money, social worker and PSUPP Director Priscilla Engle said.

It’s a perfect setup for new mom Misty Tooley. Tooley works in Muncie, but lives in Anderson. She no longer has to worry about doctor appointments being such a major disruption in her schedule.

“It’s really convenient because a lot of the times my appointments were when I was at work,” Tooley said.

Contact news reporter Oseye T. Boyd at 213-5830.

By KATHY KIRBY
kkirby@muncie.gannett.com

(Published Monday, Nov. 23, 2009) FARMLAND — Lonna Long of Farmland isn’t too happy.

In fact, like other breast cancer survivors and experts, she’s downright worried and upset.

This past week, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended that most women don’t need mammograms in their 40s and should get one every two years starting at age 50.

The recommendation is a break with the American Cancer Society’s longstanding position that women should get screening mammograms starting at age 40.

“It’s like taking a step backward,” said Long, 59, a breast cancer survivor who is now fighting bone cancer. “They need to think about the one woman that could be affected.”

Diagnosed in 1982 with breast cancer at age 32, Long had a mastectomy on her left breast. The cancer was detected with a mammogram after she experienced itching in one spot.

“I had no idea it could happen to me, especially at such a young age,” she said.

Cancer-free for 23 years, Long was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2005.

Her mother, Juanita Long, died in 2001 after battles with breast, lung, bone and colon cancer.

“I hope that insurance companies continue to fund mammograms for women before age 50,” she said.

Years too late

At Ball Memorial Hospital, cancer experts were taken aback.

“We were rather appalled,” said Colleen Madden, physician and director of the BMH Breast Center. “We are very passionate about it, but someone needs to be.”

About 230,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, she said, 50,000 of them younger than age 50.

If women wait until age 50 or older to get mammograms, “those cancers are going to be much more advanced,” she said. “We see so many patients under age 50 diagnosed with breast cancer on a regular basis, and a lot of patients in their 30s.”

Madden pointed to one case on Friday, in which a 47-year-old woman was diagnosed with breast cancer at her facility.

“If she had waited three more years to be screened, the likelihood is great the cancer would’ve metastasized to her lymph nodes or other parts of her body,” she said, adding it also would have reduced the woman’s rate of survival and increase her cost of treatment and care.

The American Cancer Society predicts 3,710 Hoosier women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, with 860 dying from the disease.

The society continues to recommend annual screening using mammography and clinical breast examination for all women beginning at age 40, according to Otis Brawley, the group’s physician and chief medical officer.

“As someone who has long been a critic of those overstating the benefits of screening, I use these words advisedly: this is one screening test I recommend unequivocally, and would recommend to any woman 40 and over, be she a patient, a stranger or a family member,” he said this past week.

Vicki Pritz, 56, Albany, started getting annual mammograms in her mid-30s.

At age 54, breast cancer was detected.

“I had two lumpectomies,” said the two-year breast cancer survivor. “They (the lumps) were small enough I didn’t need a mastectomy.”

Pritz disagrees with the task force’s new recommendation.

“You definitely need to start sooner than age 50,” she said. “I have lost an aunt on my mother’s side and another on my father’s side to breast cancer. You just can’t take chances.”

‘Worrisome’ advice

Cheryl Mathews, education and client services coordinator at Cancer Services of East Central Indiana/Little Red Door, said screenings should begin at age 40. She said the new recommendation “is worrisome.”

Her agency helps a lot of uninsured or underinsured women in their 40s get a screening mammogram through a grant-funded program, “Reaching Out Breast Health.”

“With some, problems wouldn’t have been found had they not been screened,” she said. “At this point, we aren’t changing what we do, and encourage women to be aware of changes in their own breasts. If a physician is going to write an order for a woman to have a mammogram, our grant funds will provide that regardless of her age.”

On Wednesday, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius urged women to continue getting regular mammograms starting at age 40. She said the task force does “not set federal policy and they don’t determine what services are covered by the federal government.”

She advised women to “keep doing what you’ve been doing for years: talk to your doctor about your individual history, ask questions and make the decision that is right for you.”

Another change?

And if the mammogram issue weren’t enough of a concern, new guidelines this past week by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stated most women in their 20s can have a Pap smear every two years instead of annually to catch slow-growing cervical cancer.

Locally, Madden is a little less concerned about this recommendation.

“This is a different matter,” she said. “With the new vaccine, cervical cancer is becoming less and less common. And since it’s also related to having multiple partners, people are also changing their behavior.”

Contact feature writer Kathy Kirby at 213-5821.

By SETH SLABAUGH
seths@muncie.gannett.com

(Published Monday, Nov. 23, 2009) MUNCIE — The city is seeking to certify some 225 properties as abandoned structures, one of the steps being taken to transfer them to a land bank for redevelopment or demolition.

Delaware County commissioners and Muncie City Council recently adopted ordinances defining abandoned structures.

The definition includes unused public nuisances whose owners have ignored demolition orders, municipal liens, taxes and civil penalties imposed by the city’s unsafe building hearing authority.

The city has received funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program to establish the land bank.

A land bank is like a non-profit real estate company. Land banks in other cities do planning and outreach, brownfield redevelopment, development, adopt-a-lot, greenspace, demolition, housing renovation, sales, side-lot transfers and foreclosure prevention.

“I don’t know that we’d want every single one of them,” said Gretchen Cheesman, administrator of the unsafe building hearing authority. “When our inspector comes on, we’ll know more about those properties that are land bankable. Those that are not will be torn down.”

The city plans to hire a land bank inspector and a land bank director. The Muncie Redevelopment Commission will oversee the land bank.

“We’re looking to have a meeting on Dec. 8 to talk about the land bank with the mayor and the director of the redevelopment commission,” Cheesman said. She anticipates a land bank director being hired after the holidays.

“County commissioners have indicated they are supportive of the land bank concept,” Cheesman said. “The county commissioners have to certify these properties as abandoned structures so they can go into a special tax sale. The properties that don’t sell in the tax sale, the commissioners can give deeds for those properties to the land bank if they choose.”

This story is part of a weekly series looking at blighted properties around Muncie. To suggest a property for the series, e-mail the address and a brief description to blightwatch@muncie.gannett.com or mail it to The Star Press, Local News Desk, P.0. Box 2408, Muncie, Ind. 47307.

Published Nov. 21, 2009

By JOHN CARLSON
jcarlson@muncie.gannett.com
MUNCIE — Even as kids courting, there was never any doubt in James and Dortha Watters’ minds how they would end up.
“They kind of grew up together,” their daughter, Flora Jean McCoin, recalled in a phone call from her Hartford City home on Friday. “Dad was Mom’s only boyfriend, the only one she ever held hands with. She was a true lady, through and through.”
Last Saturday, the Watterses’ time together on Earth ended, when 83-year-old Dortha, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, died in Miller’s Merry Manor in Hartford City. On Thursday, 85-year-old James — a dialysis patient — rejoined his wife of 66 years, dying in the same rest home from the effects of a fall he took earlier this month.
There’s no doubt in their daughter’s mind that their deaths were tied.
“I think so, because she saw him fall,” McCoin explained, noting the accident was a bloody, traumatic thing. “Dad fell on the 8th, and Mom went into renal failure on the 8th.”
For the most part, the timing of her parents’ deaths didn’t surprise her.
“I had always kind of thought it would happen, in the back of my mind,” McCoin said, “but I never thought that Mom would go first.”
Married as teenagers during World War ll when he was a GI headed overseas, James had retired from Indiana Grain in Dunkirk and had also worked at Indiana Veneer in Montpelier. A mother of 10, Dortha, who enjoyed quilting and camping, had been a homemaker.
There was never an abundance of money in the family, McCoin recalled, but there was always food on the table, supplemented by her father’s hunting and her mother’s knack for gardening.
In later years, the native Kentuckians called Montpelier home.
“They came this way hunting for work,” their daughter said.
McCoin believes her mother was traumatized by witnessing her husband’s fall, and likely thought him dead.
“I think she just gave up,” she said, noting James had cared for the ailing Dortha for six or seven years.
When it came time to tell her father of his wife’s passing, McCoin whispered the news in the dying man’s ear.
“I said, ‘Dad, Mom is gone,’” she recalled. “I told him, ‘She’s probably up there tapping her foot, saying where are you?’”
Passing on together, she thinks, was their ultimate plan. Joint funeral services are set for noon today at Montpelier’s Walker & Glancy Funeral Home.
“It’s hard to lose them that close together,” McCoin said, “but they wanted to be together. It was meant to be, I guess.”
For their daughter, the truth of that came when she visited their grave site in Gardens of Memory, and read the marker that will grace their final resting place.
“They already had that on their plaque,” McCoin said. “Together Forever’ is what it says. I just wanted to cry.”