June 2018 Newsletter This Month: NUSA Win Remembering Curtis Rogers Budget Home-Buying

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We are very excited to be bringing back to Muncie a 1st place award, a 2nd place award, and a Grand Prize Award from the Neighborhoods USA Conference. But we are even more proud of why we believe that we won these awards. After hearing and being inspired by all the wonderful things so many people and neighborhoods are doing across the country, we were honored to be selected to receive the Grand Prize for Neighborhood of the Year. We only had 15 minutes to present, and Ken and I had to talk like auctioneers to explain what we are doing in Whitely and

how we are doing it. When we started to name our partners, they all wanted to know how in the world we gained the kind of support we have. The answer was simple: We live in Muncie! The City of Muncie, our foundations and businesses, churches and organizations, schools and colleges, not to mention the countless individuals who may not live in Whitely but share the same vision and heart for what we are trying to accomplish—we work together to address the issues. We also got to talk about the commitment and passion of the residents in Whitely, a small but growing number that rises with every project. The NUSA folks were wowed by us! Other places may pay more, have bigger buildings and better shopping, but out of all the cities across the USA that were represented at the conference, we brought home the Grand Prize. We brought it home not just because of who we are or what we did, but also because of where we live. We let them know that Muncie is not perfect, we’re still a work in progress. But we live in a city where we are breaking down walls and using those bricks to build a better community.

A Letter from the President

President Frank T. Scott, Sr. Whitely wins national award at Neighborhoods USA conference

Grand Prize Winners The Whitely Community Council has returned victorious once again from the national Neighborhoods USA conference, this time with a grand prize! Whitely took first place in Social Revitalization and Neighborliness for our neighborhood’s efforts in the realm of food insecurity. The judges were so impressed by Frank Scott and Ken Hudson’s presentation, they decided to give Whitely the grand prize over all categories in the Neighborhood of the Year

competition. Whitely Community Council also received 2nd place for Best Newsletter. Whitely’s representatives at the conference: Frank Scott, Ken Hudson, and Rebecca Parker, are bringing home three awards and $1500 in neighborhood funding that will go towards our ongoing community revitalization efforts. Whitely presented more than any other single organization in the conference, leading three different sessions and also presenting to the judges.

The housing market in Muncie has lately been attracting lots of attention, as homes are selling very quickly,

at prices much lower than similarly-sized cities elsewhere. Because Muncie has an incredibly low cost of living, many newcomers are putting down roots, in order to get "more for their money" and create better lives for their families. In addition, lifelong Muncie residents are seeing more value in owning than in renting homes, as being a homeowner allows them to build equity. Another contributing factor to the climate of this market is the currently low interest rates, and programs available to low income buyers, first time buyers, and those with smaller down payments. Jill Haron is a licensed Mortgage Loan Officer from American Mortgage Service Co, at 1812 W McGalliard. She was able to provide us with this technical definition of a first time buyer: “A first-time home buyers is defined as a person who has not owned a home within the prior 36 months. The definition includes renters buying their first home, and former homeowners who rented or lived rent-free for the last three years.” Jill is able to offer programs that help buyers to make their purchase with little or no down payment. She adds, “prequalification is free and finding the right loan is important.” Jill can assist with many of the programs for first time buyers, and those who need down payment assistance. Another local lending institution, Ruoff Home Mortgage, has similar programs including FHA (requiring only 3.5% down payment), and conventional mortgages with 3%-5% down--these are well suited for homes that may not meet FHA appraisal guidelines, such as those in need of fresh paint, and may interest someone who is handy or able to make minor repairs. Lender Clayton Wright

Ken Hudson and Frank Scott presented about food insecurity. Frank Scott and Rebecca Parker presented together in two different sessions, one about creating neighborhood investment in public resources, and one about culturally-responsive teaching via Schools within the Context of Community. The winning presentation focused on Whitely’s efforts to combat the problem of food insecurity on the East Side of Muncie. These efforts include our monthly neighborhood food pantry, our Zumba classes and healthy eating instruction, our food boxes at Muncie Public Library’s Connection Corner, and our collaborations with Tree Hill Farms and Minnetrista. Many people deserve credit for this important work, but one of the primary leaders in this realm is Jay Zimmerman, who was not able to present at the conference due to his health. He deserves so much credit for his tireless efforts in combating food insecurity in our community. The national conference took place in Birmingham, AL and Whitely leaders could not have made the trip happen without the help of

many donors and supporters. This was our second year attending a Neighborhoods USA conference, which brings together neighborhood organizations from all around the country to celebrate, strategize, and learn. Whitely hopes to continue attending this event for years to come in order to share our successes, learn from other neighborhood organizations, and develop young leaders in our neighborhood.

— Article by Rebecca Parker

reports that they are able to participate in the Pathstone program as well, “Which allows the buyer to take homeownership courses, and for their time invested, they are rewarded with a 3 for 1 return on their money.” For those who meet income and credit requirements and are seeking an FHA mortgage with down payment assistance, the IHCDA offers grant opportunities as well. Ruoff is an authorized lender for these programs. For those who meet the guidelines, Habitat for Humanity accepts applications online (https://munciehabitat.org/applyforahouse) or at their office. A few of the stipulations include not having any liens or judgments, willingness to put in “sweat equity,” making the needed down payment, and falling into one of the following income categories:

Home Buying on a Budget

The first best step in deciding whether one would like own a home is preapproval, so that Realtors will know the desired price range and financing type as they search. Lenders will be able to give this information to buyers, as well as an estimate of their monthly payments at various price points, and any steps needed to make repairs to credit.

— Article by Susan Volbrecht

Food Insecurity Champions This award would never have been won without the dedication of dozens of volunteers, donors, and community partners. It would be impossible to thank everyone, but we would like to recognize some of our most dedicated partners who contribute to the food insecurity initiative:

Thank You!

Jay Zimmerman

Curtis Rogers

Mary & Cornelius Dollison

Ana McCallum

Kay Bryan

Velvet Miller

Kim McKenzie

Julie Mason

Becky Burkart

Lanita Goins

Eddie Mae Ledsinger

Bobbie Clemons

Ron & Elizabeth Settles

Joyce Mitchell

Ben & Karen Howells

Tom & Stacey Hahn

Kayla Lampke

Minnetrista

Harvest Christian

Aqua Systems

College Ave Methodist

Muncie Public Library, Connection Corner

New Kingdom Builders

Second Harvest

Purdue Extension

Old National Bank

Tree Hill Farms

A Note from the Director Greetings fellow residents and friends, We were honored to represent the Whitely neighborhood and city of Muncie this year in Birmingham for the 2018 Neighborhoods USA National Conference. We were nominated for Neighborhood of the Year 2018 in the category of Neighborhood Revitalization/Neighborliness. While attending the conference the Council also led three workshops to share information with other communities nationwide. We were fortunate to win our category as well as Grand Prize for Neighborhood of the Year. We are honored to share this award with all of the hardworking neighborhood associations of Muncie. We were proud to share with others from across the nation the good things happening in Muncie, and we hope we have made the city and its residents proud. We believe in this community and will continue to work to make life easier for its citizens. An extra special thanks to those who donated to make this trip possible and the many others who have given to the Whitely Community Council: Office of the Mayor, Kristi Koriath, Indiana Minority Health Coalition, Old National Bank of Muncie, Heather Williams and the Office of Community Engagement, Ralph and Kim Dowling. Thank you for your generosity and support.

— Ken Hudson, Executive Director

The Indiana Black Expo is having its annual Educational Conference on Thursday, July 19th from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. I wanted to make you aware of an exciting opportunity available to local families and community members through Family Engagement Liaison (Parent CORE and LiftUPP Family -Teacher Collaborative programs). Last year, my program financed the registration and transportation for a group of parents/families, community members and teachers to go; I desire to do the same thing this year. I feel like it is a GREAT opportunity for our community to learn and grow together, as we move forward in living our vision of an 'Education First' community. I will have about 20 spots available and they will be determined on a 'first-come-first-served'

basis. Again, I will cover registration and transportation; participants will only need to bring money to eat with, etc. I am excited about the opportunity for a community of people to share in this experience together, especially considering our local school situation and a system of inequality for brown and black children (as well as all marginalized families). We want to show BSU and MCS that we will be co-creators and collaborators in the plans for improving our schools and the quality of education for ALL kids. This conference can provide great ideas and valuable resources as we move forward.

— Article by Wilisha Scaife

Who You Gonna Call? Help protect our neighborhood, know who to call

if you see safety problems in your area

For emergencies: 911

For non-emergency police help: 747-4838 or 747-4739

For the Detectives Bureau: 747-4867

For the Narcotics Division: 747-4866

For Sexual Molestation Abuse Response Team: 741-1350

For Gun Permits/Identification: 747-4891

For Domestic Violence Investigations: 747-4873

For the Victim Advocate’s Office: 747-4777

For reporting child abuse/neglect: 1-800-800-5556

For Parking Enforcement: 747-4883

For Code Enforcement (Overgrown yards, etc) 747-4862

For Street Dept (Busted streetlights & potholes) 747-4847

For the Animal Shelter (Unleashed dogs, abuse) 747-4851

For American Electric Power 1-800-311-4634

For Indiana-American Water Company 1-800-492-8373

For the Vectren Gas Company 1-800-227-1376

Fill the Box! Whitely’s Food Box in need of donations

With produce going out of season, Whitely’s Food Box, located at Connection Corner, is seeing fewer and fewer donations. We need your help to keep this essential resource well-stocked and in use. Please visit Connection Corner Monday through Thursday between 9am and 6pm to drop off your food donation. Both non-perishables and produce donations are welcome and needed. Please help us to keep this food box filled, and make a donation today! Connection Corner is located at 1824 E Centennial Ave, across from Longfellow Elementary. — Article by Rebecca Parker

June Pantry Update Volunteers are asked to come at 9am to help set up for 1 hour. Volunteers are needed again from 2:30pm to 4pm to set up the food, and from 4-6pm for distribution and cleanup. To begin volunteering call Jay Zimmerman at 765-717-9657. We also need your help through contributions, financially or of non-perishable food and household items. To contribute financially to the pantry use our GoFundMe site at https://www.gofundme.com/2mrzdr2k Check donations can be mailed to Whitely

June Food Pantry Thursday, June 21

4-6pm Harvest Christian Fellowship

Community Council at PO Box 665, Muncie, IN 47308 with “Food Pantry” in the memo line. To contribute food and household items contact Jay Zimmerman at 765-717-9657.

—Article by Jay Zimmerman

The entire community is invited to join Ball State University on Saturday, June 16 from 1-4pm for a Community Campus Experience. The afternoon of free activities will begin on the Campus Quad and consist of ice cream, music, games, and a chance to discover many campus resources and facilities. Explore nature in the Rinard Greenhouse and Christy Woods, view the night sky in the Charles W. Brown Planetarium,

visit the exhibits in the David Owsley Museum of Art, experience our entertainment venues, or shoot a basket at Worthen Arena—there is something for all ages. Free admission, free parking and free shuttles will be provided. MITS will also be providing free bus service. Visit bsu.edu/bettertogether for a full list of opportunities and more information.

Looking for fun, family-friendly activities to do over break? Mark your calendars for this year’s Nature Play Days, taking place June 9-17! Nature Play Days is a state-wide program, created by the Indiana Children and Nature Network, designed to get families to participate in free outdoor activities during a single week in June. While the program is state-wide, it relies on local partners to administer, plan, and promote events to families on a local level. Muncie and Delaware County BY5—along with a group of local partners called the Nature Play Coalition--has acted as the Nature Play Days coordinator for Delaware County since its inception in 2016. Delaware County has become one of the most successful communities in the state in in terms of both community participation and the number of events offered. This year, 54 events are scheduled throughout the county, including recurrences of events from previous years. Red-tail will also host their grand opening of Delaware County’s only wild playground and nature preserve during this week. There will also be new events facilitated by new partners, including two options offered in the County—Huffer CCR&R will be hosting leaf rubbings in both Gaston and Yorktown this year. Also new to this year’s Nature Play Days is the Muncie Astronomy Club, which will be offering two stargazing programs where kids can touch a telescope and learn about the stars. Better yet, kids can earn prizes for attending multiple events with the Nature Play Days Adventure Guide. How? First, pick up an adventure guide. Then, attend three events—making sure to get a special Nature Play Days sticker at each event. Finally, turn in your Adventure Guide at the Cardinal Greenway during their open hours. At the end of Nature Play Days week, your name will be entered in a drawing for a number of excellent prizes. Still have questions? Contact Marissa Rose at marissa@muncieby5.org or 765-216-7423.

BY5 to help host 50+ Free Nature Play Events Nature Sketch Connection Corner June 11-14, during open hours (10am-6pm) Come in anytime during open hours to participate! Families will be given a notebook and pencil. Then, they can explore the area outside Connection Corner and create a sketch of a particular natural area or organism. Sketches will be displayed in the library. Free Playground Time Huffer Memorial Children’s Center June 14, 5:30-6:30pm The Huffer Memorial Children's Center will be open to the public so children all over the community can come and play! We will also set up other fun outdoor activities for all ages. Balloon Volleyball and Book Giveaway Heekin Park June 12, 5-6pm We will play water balloon volleyball at Heekin Park, at the basketball courts next to the corner of 9th and Grant St. FREE book to all kids who participate! Five Senses Garden Walk Motivate Our Minds Offered at two times: 10-11:30am and 4-5:30pm RSVP required. Choose from one of two times. We will go on a Garden Scavenger Hunt using all of our 5 senses. This hunt will explore our facility grounds. We’ll take a short walk down the road to our Classroom Garden. Then, we will use what we find to make some Garden Art! Great for all ages and stroller friendly.

On May 16-18, 2018, 63 faculty, administrators, teachers, and community mentors from over 19 different institutions and 2 different

countries convened on Ball State’s campus for the fourth annual Summer Institute for Community-Engaged Teacher Preparation. During the Summer Institute, teacher educators and their school and community partners attended training conducted by Ball State faculty, other prominent national scholars in the field of community-engaged teacher education, graduates of Ball State, and our community partners. Teacher educators learned about the Schools Within the Context of Community program (SCC). Started in 2009, the Schools Within the Context of Community program is a unique approach to preparing culturally responsive, community-engaged teachers. Summer Institute attendees learned how to design and refine their models of teacher preparation to make them more community engaged in order to prepare community-engaged teachers who can implement culturally relevant instruction, help lessen the achievement gap, and improve educational equity for children. We invited attendees into our space to share with us what they were currently doing, and we

will mentor them in their journey to become more effective in their community-engaged teacher preparation efforts in their own communities and universities. As we connect, mentor, and learn from each other, we are creating a national community of scholars and scholarship around community-engaged teacher preparation. Finally, we cannot begin to adequately thank members of the Whitely neighborhood who presented at the conference, and who welcomed our participants to the Whitely neighborhood to explore its richness, visit Longfellow Elementary School, view the museum at Historic Shaffer Chapel, and to attend a special community dinner at Union Missionary Baptist Church. As we celebrate a decade of partnership, we remain ever grateful for the ongoing gift of this collaborative work, which continues to manifest in ways we could have never originally imagined.

— Written by Eva Zygmunt

Sharing Our Stories Summer Institute for Community-Engaged Teaching Widens Impact of SCC

The Muncie Housing Authority will be accepting waiting list applications for the

Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Beginning June 18 until midnight June 19

Applications will be available at

www.muncieha.com.

Applicants must apply online. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Computers and assistance will be available on June 18 and June 19 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at

Price Hall Computer Lab 704 S. Madison St.

Whitely takes leadership with Muncie Schools

As an "Education First" community, Whitely has always taken a leadership role in Muncie schools. Next year is full of promise because our kids are full of promise. Here's an overview of some of the many ways the community has supported our students, teachers, administrators, and parents over the past year:

What is now United Way's Grade Level Reading program began at Longfellow as Reading Club, the brainchild of Sue Godfrey (now of Big Brothers Big Sisters). The program has grown to provide reading enrichment to third graders in other schools as well, but Longfellow led the way. For the past two years, Longfellow Reading Club students have made a field trip to The Waters nursing home, sharing favorite stories with residents there.

Everyone knows about Schools in the Context of Community. Where did that program gain its toehold? You guessed it, right here in Whitely!

Citizens for Central volunteers have actively supported Muncie Central students for the past

A message from the Muncie Housing

Authority two years. These stalwart folks get up very early on Tuesday and Thursday, put on loud green shirts proclaiming support for the students, and greet the kids with smiles, fist bumps, high fives, kind words, and treats. No matter the weather, you'll find a Green Shirt Brigade of positivity at the front door of the school.

Whitely's faithful support of students pays off in tangible and intangible ways. Volunteers, teachers, coaches, and administrators see the intangibles every day--smiles, hope, hugs, pride, new skills. But Whitely's support also brings scholarships, mentoring relationships, and connections that benefit students in life after school. We all have something to give, whether it's a few dollars, a few hours, or maybe a ride-share that helps struggling parents. What can you do?

"These are all our children. We will profit by, or pay for, whatever they become." (James Baldwin)

—Written by Lauren Bishop-Weidner

We had another successful year for Precious Hearts Development Center graduates! On Friday, May 25th, Precious Hearts had their 12th graduation ceremony. We celebrated with caps, gowns, family, friends and good food! We are now accepting enrollment for preschool and school-age children ages 3-12. We accept the CCDF vouchers. We are open Monday-Friday from 6am - 6pm.

— Article by Daphne Lowe

Precious Hearts Students Graduate New spots available for kids ages 3-12

Upcoming Events and News

Cardinal Zumba now has a bus!

Mondays and Thursdays 6:15 p.m.

1010 E. Centennial Ave.

All FREE Zumba dance classes, brief cooking demonstrations, nutrition counseling & education,

children's physical activities, & childcare.

Community Collaborative Scholarship Recipients

This scholarship was offered collaboratively by Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Team, NAACP, and Black Expo): Kalyse Garrett (left): is a recent graduate of Burris Laboratory School. She participated in extracurricular activities at Burris (including athletics) and is also actively involved in her local community and church, Deliverance Temple. She is known for her outstanding leadership on the volleyball court. Kalyse plans to attend an out of state college and become a student athlete where she will play volleyball and major in Social Work. Joslyn Sloss (right): recently graduated from Burris Laboratory School. She is an active participant of her community and church, Church of the Living God. One of her most recent accomplishments is organizing a Girls

Empowerment Summit to help girls focus on self-worth, education, and community wealth. Joslyn plans to attend an HBCU (Historically Black College & University) known as Tennessee State University in the fall and major in Dental Hygiene and African American History. — Article by Rhonda Ward

Help shape Ball State’s next strategic plan so that we’re even better together President Mearns invites the Muncie community to participate in Ball State University’s strategic plan-ning process, titled “Spreading Our Wings,” that will shape the vision for our second century. The University will host the “Spreading Our Wings” Community Forum from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 18, at the Horizon Convention Center. The theme of our interactive forum is “Even Better To-gether.” We want your recommendations for how Ball State can build upon its relationship with the city of Muncie and East Central Indiana. In addition, community members are encouraged to share their thoughts and feedback through our ”Spreading Our Wings” community survey, availa-

Better Together: Ball State and Muncie

ble until June 20 at bsu.edu/strategicplan. The sur-vey will ask for your opinions about what Ball State is doing well and what we can do better. Ball State is eager to hear your ideas for how we can work as partners to make Muncie and our re-gion an even better place to live, work, play, and grow. — Article by Erin Moore

Spreading Our Wings Community Event 5-6:30pm Monday, June 18 Horizon Convention Center

Peach Truck Tour

Tuesday July 10 AND July 31 4pm-5:30pm

Wasson Nursery 3737 N 500 W

It's that time of year again. We're coming for you with Fresh Georgia Peaches! A 25 lb. box of Free-stone Georgia Peaches is $40, and our delicious

pecans (shelled and halved) are $14/lb.

Curtis Rogers: Whitely Loses a Champion

We learned recently that Curtis Rogers, a tireless Whitely volunteer and friend, passed away from a heart attack. He was too young and too full of life and energy to die so soon. Curtis was an emerging leader and the ultimate volunteer. He will be so dearly missed by me and by so many others. He worked tirelessly on behalf of the pantry, the food boxes at Connection Corner, memberships, the Whitely toolshed, and behind the scenes. He gave so much of himself. I can’t imagine not seeing him ever again. Please hold him and his family in your hearts as you go about your days. Curtis, you were loved and loving.

— Jay Zimmerman

Curtis Rogers was more than a faithful and

dedicated volunteer, he was a very significant part

of the WCC Family. He was committed to serving

our community and helping those in need. Our

friend and brother and will be greatly missed.

— Frank Scott

I can’t believe that Curtis is gone. He was so deeply woven into the fabric of this neighborhood that I just can’t imagine Whitely without him in it. Curtis was a fixture at the Connection Corner: managing the toolshed, handling memberships, doing homework, taking boisterous phone calls on his ever-present Bluetooth, and lending a hand wherever he saw a need. He always had interesting, dramatic stories to tell, and couldn’t hide his feelings to save his life. He made me laugh, and he also gave me confidence and support. When I took on the Year of Color and got overwhelmed by everything there was to do, he stepped in and became my co-leader, helping me every step of the way. Paint the Park and the Year of Color would not have happened without him. The last two times I saw Curtis, we hugged each other tight and talked about getting lunch and catching up soon. We never made that lunch date. I wish we had. Thank you, Curtis, for being a friend and an inspiration. Thank you for giving so much of yourself to Whitely. You were loved. You were seen. You were valued. You will be deeply missed.

— Rebecca Parker

Curtis was a remarkable person. He cared about the community and did everything he could to make a difference. It’s hard to think that he’s gone. — Mary Dollison

Curtis was a person always willing to volunteer. He never said no. We’ll miss him greatly with the tool shed, memberships, and food pantry.

— Cornelius Dollison

He was a sweet person. He would do whatever anyone asked of him. He was always so willing to help and had such a kind heart. He was a good friend to me and I can’t express how much he meant. He would help anybody. — Kay Bryant

We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Curtis. He was a wonderful man and a super volunteer. We enjoyed working with him in the Whitely Community, to which he was deeply committed. We will miss his enthusiasm and the funny things he said that always made us laugh. It is incredibly sad that Curtis’s life ended so soon and we cannot put into words how much we will miss him.

— Ana and Charles McCallum

Curtis' flamboyant, infectiously positive, love-driven personality filled any space he inhabited, whether it was a park, a tool shed, a library, or a drugstore. Once, when my grown daughters were visiting, we ran into him at a drugstore on the northwest side of town. I wasn't sure he'd recognize me outside Connection Corner, and I didn't want to embarrass him if he didn't. I needn't have worried. He strode across the store, calling me by name, and hugged first me and then my daughters with that infectious, authentic love he emanated wherever he was. I was so flattered and honored. He was truly a treasure, uniquely himself and uniquely generous. He leaves us better than he found us, because we had him for awhile. Not long enough. But we are all better for knowing him. - Lauren Bishop Weidner

Curtis was very unique and wanted to make every-thing he touched his own. He was not shy when it came to answering a need or a call for support. He will be missed so much in Whitely. — Ken Hudson