|
By Tamara Taylor
Surprise , Surprise .
How many hidden gems do we have in our community ? The people you see every day and think that you know them pretty well ? I recently had the opportunity to research the background of yet another " hidden gem " in our area , and boy was I surprised . Not only is this gentleman known throughout the region and has strong family ties to the area , but he also sports a bachelor ' s and TWO , count ' em two , master ' s degrees . Mr . Dave Hizer was born in Aurora , graduated from Aurora High School , and developed a deep love for the town and all of its history .
Upon graduating from Wabash College with a Masters in business , Mr . Hizer took a position at New Horizons and was one of the first to incorporate psychology into the rehabilitation program for developmentally challenged individuals . His second job was with Goodwill in Tampa , Florida where he made use of his business degrees . While
|
there , Mr . Hizer earned a master ' s in psychology from the University of Tampa . The job with Goodwill eventually led to a position with the company in the state of Washington .
Let ' s get back to the " hidden gem " for a moment . While in Washington , Mr . Hizer opened an art gallery and framing shop . ( One would never know it by looking at his office at Aurora Lumber !) Then the call came- David ' s father , Del Hizer , owned the Aurora Lumber Company with his partner Carl Petty . Mr . Hizer called his son and asked him to come home to Aurora and help run the family business . The rest , as they say , is history .
Now for a little love story . Dave Hizer was very active in scouting . One day he was asked to come to Nick Ullrich ' s house to help a young man earn a rowing badge . The young man was none other than little Robert Lischge . My how times have changed !
Mr . Ullrich ' s wife had a best friend who also happened to be visiting the Ullrich household that day . The friend ' s name was Judy . Her last name is now Hizer- need I say more ? ( Who needs those pesky dating sites .)
David Hizer has spent the majority of his life giving back to our community . He was a member of the Rotary Club until it disbanded . Mr . Hizer has proudly been a Lions Club member for over
|
twenty-seven years . He has held the offices of president , secretary , and most important of all , fair president . While holding these positions , Mr . Hizer has applied his education in business and psychology while showing compassion for the residents whom he helps . Judy Hizer said , " The Lions and Farmers Fair are so special to Dave . He is the type of person who , when he says he will do something , you know it will get done right ." Mr . Hizer also holds a significant position of international proportions . He has been the right-hand man of Santa himself for the City of Aurora for the past fifteen years . Every Saturday and Sunday near Thanksgiving , Dave Hizer starts setting up the Christmas Village in downtown Aurora . " A lot of men play with their trains or cars ," commented Judy . " My husband plays with houses !" Dave even takes an entire week off of work and dedicates countless hours to put up the Christmas Village . Both he and Judy work tirelessly with area volunteers to coordinate all that goes on in Aurora during the holidays- from the lighting of the tree to organ recital tours . All of these holiday festivities have been organized into one event , Miracle on Main , thanks to a group of residents which included the Hizers , Nancy and Ben Turner , Debbie and Roger Fehling , |
Dave Hizer touches the lives of so many and in so many ways .
and , for a few years , Donald Franz . Please remember all of the time and commitment that these people have made to bring the holiday spirit to you as you tour Aurora this holiday season .
Besides being Santa ' s little helper , Dave Hizer is the administrative chair of the Aurora First United Methodist Church . He has been a trustee and a member of the governing body of the church for decades . Another surprising little tidbit- Mr . Hizer is a member of the choir ! I think we all should listen carefully and enjoy the carols being sung around town this year .
Mr . Hizer is also a member of the Riverview Cemetery
board . He and MaryAlice Horton were very instrumental in getting the cemetery placed on the National Historic Register . Mr . Hizer also worked with a boy scout to restore the graveyard which included restoring headstones for his Eagle Scout project .
Finally , ( I think ) Mr . Hizer holds a seat on the LMS Water Board .
This year at Miracle on Main , be sure to take note of all that was done for the festivities and remember how beautiful everything is . Then find Dave Hizer and thank him for his dedication to his hometown of Aurora and the surrounding communities . He is truly an inspiration .
|
|
|
Lily , 2nd grade ; Luke , kindergarten ; and Will Potter , preschool ; in Milan .
Second Time ' s a Charm ! |
||||
These adorable children were featured in our First Day of School article last month . However , their last name is Potter , not Works . Perhaps another go-around will bring yet another smile to those happy faces ! Here ' s hoping for a wonderful school year for all of the students in our community . |
||||
Bright 24004 Stateline Rd , 812-637-3201 |
||||
|
Publisher / Editor Tamara M . Taylor
Publishers Emeritus Elizabeth Morris , Celeste Calvitto
Sales Manager - New Accounts Susan Snyder
Editorial Assistant Connie Webb
Columnists & Contributors Melanie Alexander , Gloria Carter , Susan Cottingham , Debbie Acasio , Paul Filter , PG Gentrup , Amanda Harper , Linda Ickenroth , Korry Johnson , Ray Johnson , Leona Houchens , Maxine Klump , Chris Nobbe , Susan Ray , Fred Schmits , Rylie Seaver , Logan Seig , Sue Siefert , Jeanie Smith , Debby Stutz , Connie Webb , Myrtle White , Nicole Williams , Debbie Zimmer , Jack Zoller
Production FX-Design , Inc .
Over 21,000 distribution & growing ! To advertise , call 812-637-0660
THE
BEACON
For advertising rate inquiries and to submit news and photos : editor @ gobeaconnews . com
Phone : 812-637-0660
website : goBEACONnews . com
The Beacon is an independent monthly publication with distribution in Dearborn , Ripley , Franklin and Ohio Counties in Indiana and Harrison , Ohio . Published since 1994 .
Beacon News , Inc ., PO Box 4022 , Lawrenceburg , Indiana 47025 .
Member : Dearborn County Chamber of Commerce , Sunman Area Chamber of Commerce , Ripley County Chamber of Commerce , Bright Area Business Association , Batesville Chamber of Commerce
|