John and Jan Fizel aren’t just husband and wife, they’re best friends, a real team.
Meeting and knowing them, it’s easy to see how their deep commitment to each other spawned such a strong commitment to the community they live in, particularly the Oxford Public Library.
As a result of that commitment, the Fizels, who have been married since 1989 and Oxford residents since 1990, were named the Oxford Public Library Friends ?2004 Friends of the Year.?
‘It’s exciting. And it’s really a surprise,? said John. ‘We’re in a state of shock. We just couldn’t believe that we could follow in the footsteps of the previous years? winners.?
‘John and Jan are true friends in every sense of the word,? said past OPLF president Connie Miller. ‘They’re always ready to pitch in wherever they’re needed, whether it’s helping to organize a fund-raising event, keeping track of the Friends? finances or dispensing words of encouragement and advice. They’ve always been there for the both the group and me personally.?
‘I call them Mom and Dad, so obviously being able to present them with this honor means more to me than I can say,? Miller added.
The Fizels will be publicly honored as ‘Friends of the Year? at the eighth annual OPLF Storybook Gala on Friday, May 7 at Devil’s Ridge Golf and Country Club.
‘The Fizels will be the guests of honor as we celebrate this year’s Gala theme ? Travel!? Miller said.
Literacy and the library are causes near and dear to the Fizels. ‘Libraries offer young people a road to the future, a place to learn about different people and customs from around the world,? John said.
‘I’m so happy that so many people use Oxford’s library,? Jan said. ‘I love the fact that we (the Friends) can supply things (such as audio-visual equipment, books, etc.) to the library, particularly for the children.?
The Fizels are avid library patrons themselves, averaging two or three visits a week. Jan particularly enjoys playing the monthly ‘Book Bingo? game at the library.
But the couple’s commitment to Oxford extends well beyond the Friends and the library.
The Fizels are also active members of the Rotary Club of Oxford, serving as past co-directors of the Community Services committee and current co-directors of the annual Classic Car Show, which takes place during Celebrate Oxford. The couple credits the late Bill Offer, a beloved local figure, for their involvement in Rotary.
Serving as weekly drivers for the local Meals-on-Wheels program is another way the Fizels give back to the community. ‘Sometimes the little hug you give them is more important than the food,? said Jan of the senior citizens they deliver hot meals to.
Tickets for the OPLF Storybook Gala are $60 each and available now. For more information call Connie Miller at (248) 969-0658.