the BEACON Newspaper, Indiana beacon 2-18 web | Page 15

February 2018 O OLDENBURG By Sue Siefert Community Correspondent [email protected] Page 15A ur Communities you enter the ‘Burg has suc- cessfully en- couraged me to slow down as I approach the Holy City each morning. I hope the new gazebo situated on the northwest cor- ner of the church’s property in memory of Ed and Cleo Hirt will not only provide a shady resting place for those who frequent it but also serve as a peaceful space for personal reflection to give thanks for all the Burg’s blessings. I hope Gary Munchel, Old- enburg’s town historian, never tires of sharing his knowledge of the ‘Burg as he continues the historian tradition of his late father, Gilbert Munchel. Although Gary has a Bates- ville address, his heart is in Oldenburg. I hope Oldenburg Academy will continue its commit- ment to Franciscan values of prayer, Gospel living, aca- demic excellence and social responsibility for its students so they can excel in our ever- changing world. On a more personal note … I hope the Sisters of St. Francis find a solution to the sale of Olivia Hall in 2018 that will be mutually benefi- cial to the Sisters and the local residents. When a community becomes divided, little is ever accomplished. When a community comes together in understanding, differences can be resolved, and in working together, the Village can move forward in a unified direction for its future. Okay, I’m off my soapbox … until next month. Das ist alles von der ’Burg! S HARRISON By Nicole Williams Community Correspondent [email protected] “One kind word can warm three winter months.” This Japanese Proverb stands true as we wait for the heavy snow to come and blanket our town of Harrison. Frosty mornings can offer brisk walks- the perfect time to reconnect with friends and family with the bustle of the holiday season behind us. Refresh. Our community showed a great example of kindness this past Dec. 16. Local businesses teamed up to serve deserving kids and their parents who are involved in the weekend back- pack program. Local backpack programs are designed to provide needed nourishment to children who would not other- wise have adequate access to food during the weekends or holiday breaks. Local business- es donated a catered lunch. The event went beyond of- fering just a meal by adding a little Christmas magic as well. Each child received his or her very own Elf that went through a “magical steam press” and came out personalized on the other end. Two little girls were in tears over this as they have always wanted their very own elves and can now join in with their classmate’s conversations about the adventures the elves get into while the adults are fast asleep. The children wrote their letters to Santa with special snowmen pens. Boys were gifted Nike and Under Armour footballs, and girls received Area residents and local businesses teamed up to bring holiday cheer to the Local Backpack Program. cute winter hats and matching gloves. All gifts were donated by a giving family right here in Harrison. Santa and Ms. Claus were there in full force and were amazing. The “famous couple in red” also reside here in Har- rison and volunteered their time. Do you need to get out- side? Participate in the Park’s Winter Hike Series this year on Feb. 3 at 10 a.m. Hiking is such a unique way to grab some fresh air while hitting those New Year resolutions. The hike is more challeng- ing, ranging between 4 to 5.5 miles. Every hike in this se- ries concludes with a bowl of hot soup and plenty of cama- raderie. Beans and corn bread will be available for warming our stomachs. Jennifer Loftus and Melissa Wood assisted Santa and Mrs. Claus. I am looking forward to covering our growing town this year. Please feel free to reach out to me with any news you may have! A birthday or anni- versary milestone of a Harrison resident. A person going above and beyond in our community. A piece of history about our town that we might not be aware of! Email me at Harri- [email protected] Wagon Shed Candle Company Specializing in all natural soy candles and gift baskets made to order for all occasions DOTTIE SCHIPPER, Owner 4717 Tall Oak Drive Aurora, Indiana 47001-7735 812-926-1466 Home • 859-512-9792 Cell In keeping with my “Hopes for the New Year” column that I penned for Batesville, it’s only fitting that I share my “Hopes for Oldenburg in 2018:” I hope the Burg’s village people continue to come together to bring new projects into reality. The Oldenburg Maypole was erected in 2017, and during Oldenburg’s Holidays Under the Spires, the forty-foot Maypole was illuminated with glistening Christmas lights and serving as a skyline beacon as visi- tors descend the hill into the village. The towering tree of lights resembles the one on Indy’s Monument Circle, leaving locals wondering if the Indianapolis folks may have gotten their towering tree of lights idea after visit- ing the ‘Burg! On a personal note, I dis- covered that my cousin, Rob Harmeyer, custom-painted the pole (not the individual ban- ners, just the pole)… so there, folks, lies my claim to fame! I hope the members of the Oldenburg Freudenfest Com- mittee know how much their efforts are appreciated, not only during the fest but all year long as the committee works with the community to enhance its German heritage. I hope that a “rumor” circulating that a member of the Kirschner family may be interested in carrying on the late Ed Kirschner’s love of Christmas by keeping the Crèche Shop open for busi- ness. Reportedly when the store briefly reopened during Holidays Under the Spires, visitors began to line up outside the Crèche Shop at 6 a.m., giving testament to the val