the BEACON Newspaper, Indiana nov 2018 | Page 18

Page 6B THE BEACON November 2018

OLDENBURG

By Sue Siefert

Community Correspondent

oldenburg @ goBEACONnews . com

O ur

Changes in the ‘ Burg

Oldenburg Academy ’ s classroom / gymnasium building was constructed in the late 1960 ’ s . My alma mater began welcoming boys in 2000 , and today boasts of an enrollment of 210 . In my day , “ BB ”, or before boys , few sports were being offered – and the gym was often dark by 6:00 . Times have changed … today OA offers 19 varsity sports and most every student plays on one or more teams . I too have come to the conclusion that one gym just isn ’ t enough .

OA ’ s leaders plan to build a multipurpose field house east of the school between the auditorium and SR 229 . The $ 3 million structure has been partially funded through the generosity of three local foundations as the John A . Hillenbrand , William and Martha Hillenbrand , and Hillenbrand Family – have pledged $ 750,000 over the next five years .

OA President , Diane Laake noted , “ Because of the Hillenbrand family gifts to us , it will be named the Hillenbrand Family Feldhaus – a nod to the Burg ’ s German heritage .” The Hillenbrand Family

Feldhaus will include :

• Regulation-size basketball court with room for two practice courts , and seating capacity of 900

• Air-conditioning for improved volleyball and summer league / camps / practice experience

• Larger event space for OA ’ s Dinner Auction and other community events

• Lobby and gathering space for class meetings , testing , etc .

• Catering kitchen / concession space for improved event opportunities

• Lockers and weight room that can also be used by teams that practice outdoors

• Improved on-site parking

Fundraising continues – and readers can learn more about funding opportunities by contacting Diane Laake at dlaake @ oldenburgacademy . org or 812-933-0127 .

In other ‘ Burg News

In 2017 , Gary Munchel and Jeff Paul approached the Town Council for approval to apply for an OCRA grant to complete a comprehensive plan for the village . With Council ’ s approval , they contacted the Southeastern Indiana Regional

Weberding ’ s Carving Shop , Inc . WEBFEST ! FREE PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST !

( Includes free pumpkin that you get to take home !)

October 20 , 2017 • 10:00 a . m . to 2:00 p . m . Open House , Special Sales , Free Lunch , Door Prizes Most unusual and affordable gifts in the area Batesville , IN www . weberding . com

Boo Bash

Dancing on Main Saturday , October 13th 7:00-10:30PM 228 Second Street $ 5.00 per person Dinner available Denver Brandt & the Wooden Wheels

Witches Ball ( Warlocks welcome ) Saturday , October 20th 7:00-11:00PM Dinner , costume contest , games , prizes , Steve Brooks & the Bootleggers $ 20.00 per person Great Crescent Brewery , 315 Importing RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Aurora Ghost Walk Thursday , October 25th 7:00PM Eerie tales told while strolling through the historic downtown . Includes tour of Hillforest , witches brew & treats . $ 10.00 per person RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

For Reservations call 812.926.1100

The proposed multipurpose field house .

Communities

Planning Commission to direct them in completing the application . First step included an income survey , which was funded by the Freudenfest Committee , who also provided the volunteer labor , saving the ‘ Burg some expense .

Gary and Jeff were advised to seek local funding to help offset the plan ’ s $ 45,000 cost . Jeff revealed , “ A grant application was submitted to the Franklin County Community

AURORA

By Fred Schmits

Community Correspondent

aurora @ goBEACONnews . com

HI NEIGHBORS !!! This article will be a departure from all those written before . Your author-correspondent intends to tell about my recent trip to the “ Wild West of America .”

Ever since we went to the Grand Canyon in Arizona not long ago , the area has called us for another visit . The Verde River in the so-named Verde Valley gives rise to the major escarpment of the Mogollon Rim and the scenic red rock country of Oak Creek and Sedona .

Sedona beckoned us to visit and view amazing rock formations . Little did we know how beautiful the sights were . Even after one full week of “ rock casing ,” we still have the desire to return .

Foundation , which graciously granted $ 3,000 . Funds received from OCRA totalled $ 40,000 , so the net cost for the ‘ Burg will be about $ 2,000 . Since our town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places , it ’ s important to residents to preserve the Burg ’ s historic character , but also address present and future social and economic needs . The plan will be the compass that guides us . We have chosen HWC Engineering to work with us , and public meetings will be forthcoming to gather community input .” Watch this column for periodic updates .

The same Freudenfest Committee mentioned earlier also blessed several area nonprofits . This year ’ s Freudenfest was soggy with rain , reducing the fest ’ s income , and also lightening the coffers of the many non-profits who are invited to sell concessions .

To visit a faraway place from Aurora , one has to travel by air . Air travel is difficult !! Rapid walking to security areas , the same quick speed to gates , and standing in many lines . The old Army adage “ hurry up and wait ” certainly applied . Being early is necessary , followed by wait and wait and wait some more for everything . Many professional , efficient , and sometimes bored people graciously guided us along the way .

Our experiences on our trip included a variety of thingsweather , crowds , traffic , high costs of certain items like fuel and beverages of all kinds , heat , good food at specialty restaurants , hikes , and many cars driven by what seemed like drivers who have never driven before . Nature hikes rewarded us with views of magnificent vistas in the mountains . But unexpectedly , a BOMB SCARE !!!

Yes , we were victims of such an experience . As we deplaned from our aircraft to the terminal , we came upon a crowd of people standing

In an attempt to lessen the weather-related burden on the non-profit organizations , the Freudenfest Committee elected to refund the amount of each non-profit ’ s participation fee .

On behalf of the Batesville Kiwanis , I thanked Freudenfest Committee member Gary Munchel , and he responded , “ We decided it is the spirit of the Freudenfest to help out non-profits with their respective missions where we can , and having them keep the proceeds they earn at our fest was a good way to do that . It is our honor to have these organizations work the festival alongside us … so the real ‘ thanks ’ goes back to you and all volunteers .”

There is a lot happening in the ‘ Burg … and we ’ re blessed to have so many hardworking and good-hearted people !

Das ist alles von der ’ Burg !

in the building . We arrived at the baggage carousel to find it blocked by police . A bomb issue in a vehicle outside had been discovered . We could not obtain our luggage because the airline personnel couldn ’ t unload , and we couldn ’ t leave if we wanted to . Four hours later the restrictions were lifted . Later we learned that a rental car had been left in front of the terminal and was suspected to be dangerous . Not to worry , the robot of the bomb squad tore the vehicle apart right there and nothing was found . By then we were tired and ready to sleep .

When you are tired , there seems to be more to do and see especially true in a place like Arizona ! We resisted the urge , however , since hiking and golf had to be done in early hours due to the heat . Crowds form everywhere since everyone seems to have to do the same thing at the same time .

The heat makes some things difficult . I have often heard Aurora residents say that the weather in the Southwest is dry heat . Well , it may not have the humidity we have at home , but it really is hot ! Drinking fluids , usually water , is very important .

Our memories of all that we experienced on our trip will fill many hours during the winter . One such memory is the visit to a chapel in the mountains that left us with the realization that our land is blest by a Supreme Being .

Our last comment here will be that residing in Aurora is really pleasant and comfortable . THIS IS HOME !!

That ’ s it . Let me hear from you .

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