the BEACON Newspaper, Indiana beacon12-18 | Page 18

Page 6B O Scarecrows decorated Aurora for Fall. Tim Harris with his grand- son, Elijah Diaz de Leon, tape finished boxes. AURORA By Fred Schmits Community Correspondent [email protected] HI NEIGHBORS!!! The usual opening salute used to start this article is a comfortable way to connect with the residents of Aurora. So many kind, caring, won- derful people make our com- munity a great place to live. Recently some of those resi- dents gathered for a program called LOVE THE HUNGRY in which over one hundred volunteers from churches, community organizations, and families joined together to help others by taking part in a meal packaging event. While not well-known, this event has been held for seven straight years! In one day 34,000 meals were packed all in an hour and a half. Amaz- ing!! The meals are then made available to non-governmental agencies worldwide to pro- vide nourishment and hope where children are suffering from chronic hunger. Love the Hungry is a non- profit organization founded by Dale and Tonja Oelker, former residents of Hidden Valley Lake/Lawrenceburg. This annual event is made possible by the continued support of Roger Rullman, Sharon Hunger, and Teresa Brown. The picture adjoined to this article shows packed meals and volunteers in ac- tion; 5.5 million nutritious THE BEACON December 2018 ur Communities meals were packed to benefit children in twenty countries, including the U.S./Puerto Rico. Aurora certainly is part of a large footprint helping humankind. Along with helping others, many Aurora residents enjoy a laugh now and then as well as beauty in all its glory wher- ever it can be found. Take the display of scarecrows around town as an example. The Aurora Garden Club’s “Fall in Love with Aurora” dazzling scarecrow contest spurred many comments and enjoyment. George Street received the nickname of ‘Scarecrow Alley” since it was home to many wayward scarecrows. This annual event began as an idea of Char- lotte Hastings when she urged friends and business associates to decorate Aurora for Fall. Today the contest encompasses residents and businesses throughout Aurora. Even employees of local busi- nesses have created their own scarecrows for the display. Independent judges from surrounding towns judged the scarecrows and awarded prizes. The exhibit at 307 Broadway won both the Busi- ness Award and the Judges’ Choice Award. The Jarvis family at 312 Fourth St. won first place in the residential category. The Estridge family won first place in the scare- crow category. These awards were presented at Gabbard Park on lower Second St. dur- ing a community event which included music and fall good- ies. Jim Pickett provided hayrides skillfully arranged to go around town to see all the scarecrow entries. Plans are already underway for next year’s scarecrow con- test. Everyone is urged to start thinking and planning to make Aurora look great during the bicentennial celebration. Next year the contest begins on Oct. 6. Well, that’s it for now. The joy of doing this article was unlimited. But did you ever wonder… what would we do if the trees in our community were not the type that display colorful beauty each fall? Let me hear from you. SUNMAN Choice.” Sunman Life Squad had an appreciation dinner for the members of the Sunman community to thank everyone who helped get both of the trucks remounted. They were back to back winners of the Nedworks contest and competed against many cities and towns in Indiana, many being much larger than the town of Sunman. Congrats to the Life Squad and thanks for everything you do in our community! Last month’s question was, “In what year did Webers build their first greenhouse?” The answer is 1974. This month’s question is, “Who were the cashiers at Sunman State Bank when it was authorized in 1901?” Send me an e-mail with your answer! I would like you to let me know about family milestones, vacation, or a little bit about Sunman and yourself. Share the good news with me at sunman@ goBEACONnews.com. By Logan Seig Community Correspondent [email protected] Wow! The holiday season is officially here. Where did the year go? Hopefully, everyone had a spooky Halloween and is ready for all the festivities to begin. St. Nicholas sixth-grade students traveled to Jac-Cen- Del on Oct. 4 to witness a motivational speech by Chad Varga, a former professional basketball player. Chad shared with students how he grew up in an abusive home where his mother was addicted to drugs. Chad used his story of overcoming insurmountable obstacles to inspire kids that they can also achieve their dreams. The students had recently read and studied Chad’s book, “BOUNCE: Down is Inevitable, Up is a GET WINE(D) & DINE(D) IN Aurora November 16 th | 5pm - 8pm Shop participating businesses & enjoy a glass of wine while getting a head start on your holiday shopping! Shop Small Before You Shop Big! Shop Historic Downtown Aurora! Visit all participating businesses and be entered into a drawing for a gift basket. Visit Main Street Aurora’s Facebook page for a list of participating businesses or call 812.926.1100 for more information. Entry forms can be picked up at any participating business during the event. S MAL L P S HO before you SHOP BIG Miracle on Main Street “Experience the Miracle” Sunday, November 25th 3:00 - 7:30PM Bethlehem Experience “Let Your Light Shine” Lighted Christmas Parade Arrival of Santa Christmas Tree Lighting Saturday & Sunday December 1st - 16th 1:00 - 5:00PM Breakfast with Santa (Reservations required) Dickens Village & Toy Display Entertainment Visits & photos with Santa Pet Parade Live Reindeer Train rides Much more Aurora, Indiana Sippin’ Santa Saturday, December 8 th • 7:00 - 11:00 PM Great Crescent Brewery 315 Importing Street, Aurora, IN Entertainment STEVE BROOKS & THE BOOTLEGGERS! Cash Bar • Appetizers Pictures with Santa • Prizes for Ugly Sweater Contest $10 (Proceeds go to Crescent Brewery Park) Reservations required - 812.926.1100 Sponsored by Main Street Aurora 812.926.1100 Holtkamp Winery Wine & additional food available for purchase IF YOU LIKE THE BEACON…PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS, AND TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR ADS IN THE BEACON. THANK YOU!