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

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

No Charge – Reservations Required
Please reserve at: https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057
Open to age 21 and older
A reception and book signing to follow the presentation

Join us for a captivating evening featuring award-winning writer, researcher, and editor Keith Roysdon, alongside esteemed author and former journalist Jill Blocker. Together, they will engage in a compelling discussion about their latest works and offer insights into their unique perspectives. 

Keith Roysdon, a lifelong Indiana resident now residing in Tennessee, will discuss the latest book he co-authored with Douglas Walker, Cold Case Muncie. The book marks the duo's fourth collaboration on crime and justice in Muncie and Delaware County. It delves into the chilling narratives of unsolved murders in the area, providing a gripping exploration of the mysteries that haunt the community. Roysdon will also talk about writing fiction, including recently published short stories.

Joining Roysdon is Ball State alum, Jill Blocker, author of What Was Beautiful and Good. Her novel transports readers to the tumultuous era of the First World War, where a young singer's 'joie de vivre' is disrupted by the chaos of conflict. Blocker's narrative explores themes of freedom and resilience, inspired by real-life events that sparked an international art movement. Originally from the U.S., Blocker currently lives in Zurich, Switzerland.

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

No Charge—Reservations Required
Limited to 16 students
Registration Deadline: July 8
Please register online at https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

Scientists have identified 24 universal character strengths that serve as building blocks of a flourishing life and pathways to PERMA wellbeing. They are a family of positive personality traits reflected in our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Research shows that there are many benefits to exercising our character strengths including greater happiness, less stress and improved coping, and more meaningful work. Begin to explore how you are currently using your character strengths and ways you can apply them in your life. Upon registration, participants will be sent a link to take the VIA character Strength assessment prior to first class meeting. Results will be shared at the session. 

Instructor: Jenni Flanagan, Assistant Director of Engagement, Wellbeing and Culture, Ball State University

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Cost $25, includes supplies for making five cards/envelopes
Limited to 12 students
Reservations Required
Please reserve at https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

Join us for this special occasion card-making class featuring different styles of stamps and a variety of supplies. In addition to learning helpful tips and tricks for making your cards stunning, you’ll also receive all the supplies you need to make five, one-of-a-kind cards for your family and friends during class.  

Instructor: Krista Flynn, Program Coordinator, Office of Community Engagement, Ball State University 

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

Dive into a world of vibrant creativity with this watercolor workshop! You can experience the magic of Yupo paper, a synthetic marvel that transforms your watercolor journey. Unlike traditional paper, Yupo's unique surface prevents water and pigment from absorbing, allowing you to dance with colors until they blend into breathtaking textures.

Led by Ann Johnson, local artist and former owner of F.B. Fogg, this workshop promises an enriching experience for beginners and seasoned painters alike. 

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

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

Roy Weaver and Shawn Sriver, co-authors of “Running Against the Grain: The Story of Philadelphia Eagle and Movie Star Timmy Brown,” will detail the story of Timmy Brown who went from being a child of divorce to living at an orphanage in rural Indiana to a sports success at Ball State. In the 1960s, he played pro football at Green Bay and in Philadelphia. More than 50 years after he left the Eagles, he still held four team records. He ended his career as a Baltimore Colt in Super Bowl Ill. 

Timmy also aspired to have equal success on stage, as a singer and actor. His recordings and live appearances scored in the Philadelphia area, and his acting career led him to roles in two of the most acclaimed movies of the 1970s.  Book signing and reception to follow program.

Presenters: Roy Weaver, Former Dean, Teachers College, and Shawn Sriver, Entertainment Historian, and Accreditation and Assessment Coordinator, Teachers College, Ball State University

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Come hear America's Hometown Band perform “Jazz Under the Stars” on the lawn of the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center. Bring your own chairs! 

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

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

Gone are the days of your grandmother's needlepointing—today's needlepointing experience is vibrant, dynamic, and entirely customizable. In each class you can create a one-of-a-kind needlepointed piece by selecting your own thread colors. The stitch guide that accompanies the project allows you to even choose the stitches you want to use to complete the project. Open to all skill levels. 

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

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

No Charge—Reservations Required
Limited to 20 students
Please reserve online 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. Class is for those will little or no previous knowledge of genealogy.  

Instructor: 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 register online at https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

Discover awe-inspiring techniques that transcend all paint mediums, led by the Ann Johnson, a local artist and former owner of F.B. Fogg. Whether you're just starting your painting journey or seeking to elevate your skills, this workshop offers an enriching experience tailored for all levels. 

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Cost: $95         
Limited to 24 students
Reservations Required
Please reserve online at https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

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.  

Instructor: Laura Shadoin, retired teacher, Muncie Community Schools

Beech Grove Cemetery

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

The Sultana was a wooden steamboat that exploded on the Mississippi just outside of Memphis on April 27, 1865. It was considered one of the deadliest maritime disasters in US history. The boat, built to carry 376 passengers, was vastly overloaded with paroled Civil War prisoners of war. On board were an estimated 2,300 people, 1,700 of whom lost their lives, including 55 from Delaware County. A monument in the Beech Grove Cemetery honors the 55 Delaware County members who died in the disaster. Despite the magnitude of the tragedy, the Sultana disaster received very little coverage as it was overshadowed by the end of the war and the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln just days prior. 

Presenter: Jennifer Lewis Sparks, historical and genealogical researcher, lecturer, and cemetery enthusiast

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Cost: $25
Reservations Required
Please reserve online at 
https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057         
Limited to 24 students

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

About the Instructor
Class is taught by 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. 

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

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

Gone are the days of your grandmother's needlepointing—today's needlepointing experience is vibrant, dynamic, and entirely customizable. In each class you can create a one-of-a-kind needlepointed piece by selecting your own thread colors. The stitch guide that accompanies the project allows you to even choose the stitches you want to use to complete the project. Open to all skill levels. 

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

Unleash your creativity to create a beautiful autumn landscape scene. Ann Johnson will teach you the techniques of integrating collage elements into your watercolor masterpieces. You’ll discover the art of experimentation as you cultivate a unique and personal style. From exploring the fundamental principles of texture, layering, contrast, and color to witnessing how these elements harmonize in finished paintings, this workshop offers a comprehensive exploration of mixed media techniques. Open to all skills levels.

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

Ball State Alumni Center

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

This panel presentation features historic photographs, maps, newspaper articles, and ghost stories of Muncie and Delaware County’s past.  Program hosted by the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center in collaboration with Delaware County Historical Society, Muncie Public Library, and the University Libraries Archives and Special Collections. Refreshments served after the program.

Panelists:

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

Embrace the beauty of the season as you learn to capture the essence of snow-covered landscapes in breathtaking painted scenes. This workshop offers an opportunity to explore the art of winter watercolors. Whether you're just starting your artistic journey or seeking to refine your skills, this workshop promises an unforgettable experience filled with inspiration and creativity. 

Class is taught by Ann Johnson, local artist and former owner of F.B. Fogg. Open to all skills levels. 

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

Cost: $25, includes supplies for making 5 cards 
Limited to 12 students
Reservations Required
Please reserve online at https://commerce.cashnet.com/BALL_EMS057

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

Instructor: Krista Flynn, Program Coordinator, Office of Community Engagement, Ball State University

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

No Charge—Reservations NOT Required

Each year, the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center hosts a Holiday Open House as a part of Minnetrista’s Enchanted Luminaria Walk. During this 2-day event, you can tour our beautifully decorated Ball family home, listen to musicians, and see local artisans. 

The first floor features floral arrangements donated by local florists. Many of the trees and rooms are decorated by members of the community. This is just one event that the Center hosts to preserve the Ball family history and to recognize their contributions to the community.

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

No Charge—Reservations NOT Required

Each year, the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center hosts a Holiday Open House as a part of Minnetrista’s Enchanted Luminaria Walk. During this 2-day event, you can tour our beautifully decorated Ball family home, listen to musicians, and see local artisans. 

The first floor features floral arrangements donated by local florists. Many of the trees and rooms are decorated by members of the community. This is just one event that the Center hosts to preserve the Ball family history and to recognize their contributions to the community.

E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center

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

Listen to three short talks before enjoying an afternoon tea in the Ball Family mansion. Guests will have an opportunity to see three floors of holiday decor and view all the beautiful needlepointed pieces featured in the living room.