the BEACON Newspaper, Indiana beacon12-18 | Page 2

Page 2A THE BEACON December 2018 By Tamara Taylor Career Choices What are you doing for the next forty-five years? How about joining the circus? One gentleman made just such a choice. Edgar Decker Kirk spent over forty-five years handcrafting a circus. He carved each of over 3500 characters with a penknife and a foot-powered jigsaw. Impressive. When did he find time to do this? Mr. Kirk, a brakeman for the Pennsylvania Railroad, carved the intricate figures during his breaks throughout his career. The circus, appro- priately named the Kirk Brothers’ Circus, was original- ly a gift for his four children. Mr. Kirk completed the circus in 1955 with a mesh Mike Bender- an inspiration to the community. and canvas tent and strands of Christmas lights used to simulate electric lighting. The entire masterpiece is over fifteen feet long. When his children outgrew playing with the circus figures, Mr. Kirk would occasionally erect the three-ring circus for neighbors young and old alike. A very cool way to share one’s passion and dedication with neighbors while giving back to the community. Giving back to the com- munity has been a mantra of one of our neighbors for many decades. Mike Bender is a vital part of our community and has given so much in so many ways. The Kirk Brothers’ Circus consists of 3500 hand-carved pieces and is considered a masterpiece of American Folk Art. After twenty-five years of owning a business at Findlay Market, Mr. Bender and his wife, Diane, decided to focus on being owners of Logan Su- permart. (If you haven’t been there yet, it is well worth the trip for lunch or pizza!) The couple’s investment in the community has changed the lives of so many in a quiet, unpretentious way. “Mike and Diane are two of the most giving people I know,” shared Alan Good- man, a Lions Club member and previous owner of Logan Supermart. “Mike has a giv- ing heart for those who need it most.” Mr. Bender was president of the Bright Lions Club for two years during which time the organization nearly doubled in size. He continues to pour his heart into the eye screen- ing program that is provided to area kindergarten students as well as those in grades 1, 3, 5, and 8. The program also focus- es on the collection of unused eyeglasses that are redistributed around the world. In 2017 Mr. Bender re- ceived the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation for his work in helping fulfill the mission of Lions Club International- serving those in need in our communities. Mr. Bender is also instru- mental in organizing the Lions’ Trunk or Treat. Each year over four hundred bags of goodies are handed out in the North Dearborn Elemen- tary School parking lot to eager trick-or-treaters, ensur- ing a fun-filled, safe, trick-or- treating event for all. “Mike is the kind of guy who, if he knows there’s a need, he finds a way to help. We are very lucky to have both him and Diane as a part of our community,” said Art Little, fellow Bright Lions Club member. When asked to describe Mike Bender, every person’s comment remains consistent. Mike is a true individual who makes every effort to help his community and fellow neigh- bors. A perfect example of his efforts can be found when- ever the fire department has a late-night fire. Mr. Bender has opened the store to help with drinks, meals, or whatever was needed by the firefighters. He has taken Logan Supermart to the next level and offers excel- lent service to the community. So many area organizations both in and around our com- munity have benefited from the quiet volunteerism of Mr. Bender. He works countless hours to help with fundrais- ing efforts for the North Dearborn Food Pantry, Bright Area Business Association, Bright Lions Club, and other local organizations. He has also helped with the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade for many years. But Mr. Bender’s willing- ness to help doesn’t end there. I learned of countless occurrences where he qui- etly helped an individual in need in so many ways. When conversing with community leaders and friends about Mr. Bender, I repeatedly learned about how thoughtful and supportive Mr. Bender is. I also learned that Mike is the type of person who expects no thanks for what he does. In fact, I am certain that he will be extremely humble about the thanks that hope- fully will be bestowed upon him because of this article. I hope that into each of your lives someone like Mike Bender will come when you need him or her the most. If you are so fortunate, please remember that the best way to repay the kindness of such a person is to “pass it on” to another in need. Many thanks for all that you do for your community, Mr. Bender. Over 21,000 distribution & growing! To advertise, call 812-637-0660 THE BEACON Publisher/Editor Tamara M. Taylor For advertising rate inquiries and to submit news and photos: Publishers Emeritus Elizabeth Morris, Celeste Calvitto [email protected] Sales Manager - New Accounts Susan Snyder Editorial Assistant Connie Webb Columnists & Contributors Debbie Acasio, Melanie Alexander, Doris Butt, Gloria Carter, Susan Cottingham, Rebecca Davies, PG Gentrup, John Hawley, Mary-Alice Helms, Linda Ickenroth, Korry Johnson, Ray Johnson, Laura Keller, Elizabeth Loch, Chris Nobbe, Alice Priessman, Susan Ray, Fred Schmits, Logan Seig, Sue Siefert, Jeanie Smith, Debby Stutz, Myrtle White, Nicole Williams, Debbie Zimmer Production FX-Design, Inc. Phone: [phone] 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, Ripley County Chamber of Commerce, Bright Area Business Association, Batesville Chamber of Commerce THE BEACON - Bringing our Community and Businesses Together.