E.B. Ball & Bertha C. Ball Center/Ball State University

The Dementia Friends Indiana initiative–an outreach of Dementia Friendly America–seeks to educate communities across the state about dementia, break down the stigma surrounding dementia, and implement practical changes that make life easier to navigate for those with dementia and those who care for them. This session is beneficial for any community member, community group, business, or organization that is interested in making their community friendlier and more conducive for those living with dementia. Tia will explain what dementia is, signs and symptoms, communication tips, and more.

Presenter:  Tia Drumm, Caregiver Program Coordinator, LifeStream 

No Charge—Reservations Required
Please reserve at https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Instruction in finger spelling and basic conversation based on American Sign Language and signed English. Certificate of Completion provided to those who attend all six sessions in their entirety.  Limited to 24 students. 

Instructor: Laura Shadoin, retired teacher, Muncie Community Schools

Reservations required
Please reserve your space at https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

Tracing your roots is a way to document history and family information that you can pass along to future generations. With many resources available online, genealogy is becoming popular and easier to accomplish. This class is for those will little or no previous knowledge of genealogy. 

Topics covered each session:
March 5—Genealogy 101: Will focus on general standards (i.e., how genealogists write dates among other things) and discuss how to get started with your family tree.
March 12—Forms and Documents: Will discuss census records, birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, land records, and etc., as well as the type of information that can be obtained from these forms.
March 19—Organization: Will examine several different ways to organize all the information that you find.
March 26—Software and Free Websites: Will take a look at three different software programs on the market as well as some of the free websites available to help you do your research.

Instructor: Karen Good, board member and chair of Ancestor Hunters, Delaware County Historical Society; and the Indiana County Genealogist

Limited to 20 guests. No charge - Reservations required. Please reserve at https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057.

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Listen to three short talks before enjoying an afternoon tea in the Ball Family mansion. We’ll talk about dolls, books, and how needlepoint has changed since our grandmother’s time. Bring your favorite doll and hats are optional! 

Limited to 40 guests — Reservations required
Please reserve at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

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

Instructor: Linda Burkhardt, owner, Elegant Needleworks, Inc.

Reservations required
Please reserve your space at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Take a virtual walking tour around campus to learn about some of the sites that are filled with stories related to landmark women’s history. Discover places connected to women learning, teaching, playing, healing, singing, serving, protesting, sometimes misbehaving, and even saving lives. The program will include lots of historic maps, photographs, and newspaper stories and advertisements.

Presenter: Melissa Gentry, Supervisor, GIS Research and Map Collection, Ball State University Libraries

No Charge—Reservations Required
Please reserve your space at https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Whether you are new to grant seeking or looking for grant writing tips, this class is for you. Grant writing is a crucial activity for nonprofits and educators to fund projects and support their mission. In this introductory class, you will learn the basics of grant writing including:

· How to find funding opportunities
· The basic elements of a grant proposal
· Developing a project budget
· The “do’s and don’ts” of writing a proposal

Instructor: Jackie Davis, Director, Pre Award, Strategy, and Outreach, Sponsored Projects Administration, Ball State University

Working as a grant professional for over 20 years, Jackie has experience as a program officer, grant writer, grant program manager, and grant proposal manager. She is a Certified Research Administrator 
(CRA), who has spent her career assisting others in the pursuit of grant funding. 

Reservations required
Please reserve your space at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057 

Westminster Village

Open to the Public – Reservations not required

After a failed attempt to secure freedom for East Berlin in 1953, the communist government sealed off the eastern half of the city. In 1961, the German Democratic Republic began construction of the infamous Berlin Wall that stood in place until 1989. The presenter, Tom Schwartz, first went to Germany in 1961 as an exchange student so he was there when the wall went up. He received a BA in German from Indiana University and a MA in German Language and Literature from University of Pittsburgh. Program is offered by the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center in association with Westminster Village.

Presenter: Tom Schwartz, retired high school German teacher

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Abstract painting is a great way to enjoy watercolors without worrying about getting shapes and images just right. You can explore your creative side while improving or building your watercolor abilities. Open to all skill levels.

Instructor: Ann Johnson, local artist and former owner of F.B. Fogg

Limited to 10 students — Reservations required
Please reserve your space at https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

Westminster Village

Open to the Public
No Charge – Reservations NOT required

When visiting a cemetery, have you ever wondered about the information on a headstone? The name and dates are obvious, but what about the symbol on the stone? Does a hand with a finger pointed up mean the person went to heaven? If so, what is the meaning of the hand with a finger pointed down? Karen Good will answer this question and explain other symbols in this informative presentation. Program is offered by the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center in association with Westminster Village. 

Presenter: Karen Good, board member and chair of Ancestor Hunters, Delaware County Historical Society; and the Indiana County Genealogist

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Cost $40 – Limited to 10 students
Reservations Required
Please reserve at 
https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

Learn to combine watercolors with images, printed material, and other objects to create a unique work of art. Ann will teach you simplified techniques and inspire you to explore your creative side as you design your masterpiece. Open to all skill levels.

Instructor: Ann Johnson, local artist and former owner of F.B. Fogg

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

No Charge -- Reservations Required
Please reserve at https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

This professional development session will help participants understand how to take inventory of their current workplace culture and climate and develop skills to improve team member interactions. A basic understanding of belongingness will be discussed and how developing a sense of mattering can foster community.

Presenter: Michael A. Martinez, Associate Director of Training and Development, Office of Inclusive Excellence, Ball State University

Beech Grove Cemetery

No Charge—Reservations Required
Please reserve online at https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

Join Indiana resident and author, Kevin Yaney, as he leads a tour of some of the graves of Civil War veterans who were laid to rest at Beech Grove Cemetery. This casual history tour will focus on residents of Delaware County who took part in the war, as well as Indiana’s involvement in the war. 

The event will start and end at the cemetery office located at 1400 W Kilgore Avenue, in Muncie.

About the Author
Kevin Yaney is the author of The Fourth of July, a trilogy of historical fiction books set during the Civil War. The three books tell the story of Louisa McLain and her two sons, George and Will from Delaware County. Sixty years after the war, on the Fourth of July, Louisa is in a nursing home, reading letters her sons sent her during the conflict. As the story unfolds, it is discovered that both George and Will were recruited as Union spies. They were sent perilously behind enemy lines, dressed as Confederate soldiers. They also became part of the abolitionists’ movement through the Underground Railroad, running slaves out of the South to freedom.

Mr. Yaney will have his books available at the event. For more information on his books, visit www.FourthOfJulyBook.com.

Program is offered by the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center in association with Beech Grove Cemetery.

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Cost: $55         Limited to 12 students
Three consecutive Tuesdays, June 4, June 11 and June 18
Reservations Required
Please reserve online at https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

Have you ever wanted to write your memoir, but didn’t know where to start? Do you feel like it’s an overwhelming task even if you have given it a try? Lylanne Musselman, an award-winning poet, playwright, and visual artist, will help you get your memoir jump-started. 

You’ll discover how you can write a memoir using poems, or a combination of both prose and poems. You’ll learn to write from prompts that will “capture your life” and help you get your memories on the page. Engage with fellow participants to exchange ideas, tackle concerns, and celebrate epiphanies. Start piecing together your manuscript, whether it's for publication, a heartfelt family gift, or simply for your own fulfillment.

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Cost: $30, includes project TBD
Limited to 15 students
Reservations required
Please reserve online at:
https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

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

Instructor: Linda Burkhardt, owner, Elegant Needleworks, Inc.

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Cost: $40         
Limited to 10 students
Reservations Required
Please reserve online at https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

Discover the joy of bringing your summer dreams to life on paper. Whether it's a serene beach, a lush forest, or your own backyard oasis, let's capture those cherished moments. Escape the challenges of painting as Ann Johnson shares easy techniques inspired by the masters. As a renowned artist and former owner of F.B. Fogg, Ann brings a wealth of experience and creativity to each session. Open to all skill levels.  

Westminster Village

No charge – Open to the Public – Reservations NOT required

In November 1950, the greatest storm of the twentieth century crippled the eastern US, affecting more than 100 million people. Sometimes referred to as the Great Appalachian or Thanksgiving storm, this was no ordinary weather event. Its giant size and multiple record-setting hazards―including snow, ice, flooding, wind, and cold temperatures―were cataclysmic. This superstorm was the costliest weather-related disaster when it occurred. Only two other storms that affected the US mainland since then, both hurricanes, have exceeded its death toll. 

About the Presenter
Dr. David Call is an Associate Professor of Meteorology and Geography at Ball State University. He teaches classes in meteorology and physical geography and conducts research on how society deals with hazardous winter weather. 

His research has been published in journals such as the “Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society” and “The Professional Geographer.” He is also the author of Superstorm 1950: The Greatest Simultaneous Blizzard, Ice Storm, Windstorm, and Cold Outbreak of the Twentieth Century. His book will be available for purchase for those interested. 

No Charge—Reservations Required
Please reserve online at https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057
Reception to follow presentation

Join us for a journey down memory lane as we reminisce about the golden days of summer in our beloved city. The program presenters will transport you back in time with captivating stories and cherished photos, allowing you to relive the magic of Muncie's summers.

Remember the excitement of summer sidewalk sales, where the streets buzzed with energy and bargains awaited at every turn? Picture yourself strolling hand in hand with your loved one, exploring the latest summer fashions and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

And what about those unforgettable summer date nights? From picnics in the park to movies at the drive-in, Muncie was brimming with possibilities for romance and fun. 

Presenters:

• Melissa Gentry, Supervisor, Map Collection, Ball State University Libraries
• Sara McKinley, Local History and Genealogy Supervisor, Muncie Public Library
• Karen Vincent, Delaware County Historian

Westminster Village

No charge - Reservations NOT required

Join us for a journey down memory lane as we reminisce about the golden days of summer in our beloved city. The program presenters will transport you back in time with captivating stories and cherished photos, allowing you to relive the magic of Muncie's summers.

Remember the excitement of summer sidewalk sales, where the streets buzzed with energy and bargains awaited at every turn? Picture yourself strolling hand in hand with your loved one, exploring the latest summer fashions and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

And what about those unforgettable summer date nights? From picnics in the park to movies at the drive-in, Muncie was brimming with possibilities for romance and fun. 

Presenters:

• Melissa Gentry, Supervisor, Map Collection, Ball State University Libraries
• Sara McKinley, Local History and Genealogy Supervisor, Muncie Public Library
• Karen Vincent, Delaware County Historian

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Cost: $30      
Limited to 15 students
Reservations Required
Please register online at https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

You have your manuscript (or even a grouping of poems or a short story) ready to send out, but you're not sure how to take the plunge into publication. Do you need an agent? How do you find one? Can you send it to more places than one? What if I get rejected...am I a failure? Where do you find places that will accept your manuscript? Do I pay big money to get published or do I get paid for my work? How do I get blurbs for my cover? Is self-publishing an option? We will cover these questions, your questions, and so much more in this two-hour workshop on how you can get published - by a big publishing house, smaller presses, or even online journals for a poem or a short story. You will walk away with a lot of ideas, inspiration, and places to get your manuscript or your shorter works published.

Instructor: Lylanne Musselman, award-winning poet, playwright, and visual artist