News : We just had to ask...VU director Nathan Hesson

VU Director Nathan Hesson

Taking these photos from the top of the VFD 110-ft ladder truck was a highlight for Nathan Hesson.

We just had to ask… Nathan Hesson

Nathan Hesson is one of the 2002 Vinton-Shellsburg graduates who chose a career in Vinton when he returned to his hometown to become the director of Vinton Unlimited in 2009. Nathan, the son of Kevin and Deb Hesson, and his wife, Ashley, have two children.

Nathan answered a variety of questions, most of which have nothing to do with his position at VU.

Q. Is there anything that your family asks you not to cook, ever again?

A – French Fries. Once when I was about 15, I decided to “fry” them on the stove when my parents were gone and I literally almost burnt the house down. Apparently when you heat oil on the stove, you have to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t start on fire…who knew?!? The good news is they got a fresh coat of paint throughout the ENTIRE main floor!

Q. Does it matter in your house which way the toilet paper roll goes?

A. I prefer it to hang over the top, but I don’t lose sleep over it.

Q. Tell us about your favorite chair:

A. Right now, it’s a 20-year-old, high-back, brown La-Z-Boy recliner.

Q. Funniest memory as a parent:

A. When my daughter tells me goodbye, by saying, “’Lates, Daddy!” while raising her hand above her head and pointing to the door.

Q. What was your first job?

A. I suppose my first “real job” was at the Vinton Subway restaurant.

Q. One place in the world you really, really wish you could visit?

A. I’ve always wanted to go to Australia. But my parents have also convinced me that a trip to Hawaii is a must! I’d take either one if you’re offering!

Q. First pet you remember?

A. Our dog Peppy. He would chase cars down the gravel road. He eventually “ran away.” It was a dangerous pastime.

Q. Who was your favorite teacher, and why?

A. I really had some great ones over the years, but Mrs. Voss stands out in my mind. She even introduced me to my wife in Kindergarten. I also really liked Mrs. Grove, but she got married and moved away after I was in her class. I wonder if I had anything to do with that.

Q. Tell us about a favorite Christmas present you have received:

A. A trip to Disney World. I think Walt hit the nail on the head with his tagline of “The Most Magical Place on Earth!” I have yet to find a better vacation spot.

Q. Strangest thing you did at work that was not part of your official job description?

A. I got to climb to the top of the Vinton Fire Department's aerial ladder truck to take a picture during the “Start Somewhere Walk” last summer. It…Was…AWESOME! In fact, you can see pictures from 110’ in the air on the VU website under the “Photos” tab!

Q. What is your favorite big word?

A. Antidisestablishmentarianism. The definition was explained to me as: people against people who are against the government, but Wikipedia seems to think it’s a religious word. I don’t know that I care one way or the other. It’s just the biggest word I know how to spell and it sounds impressive! I’m still waiting for the opportunity to use it in a sentence.

Q. What happens to the missing socks in the laundry?

A. I think the question that really matters is, “What do you do with the one you still have?”

Q. Iowa or IowaState (or other)?

A. If they’re playing each other than I’ll cheer for Iowa, but otherwise, I’ll cheer for any team from our great state!

Q. Was there something your parents said to you, over and over, that you, growing up, said to yourself, "I will never say that to my kids?"

A. “Just because I’m laughing doesn’t mean you’re not in trouble!” (I heard that a lot!)

Q. Worst TV show ever?

A. Any and all reality TV shows! The Bachelor/Bachelorette stand out in my mind.

Q. Best TV show ever?

A. The original, cartoon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The new, computer generated version looks evil/creepy! Also, just about anything old school…The Smurfs, Saved by the Bell, Full House, David the Gnome, Hey Dude!...I miss the shows that parents didn’t have to screen before kids could watch them.

Q. What is your dream car?

A. Lamborghini Diablo. I had a remote control version when I was little and I’ve wanted one ever since. Someday.

Q. Tell us your favorite joke:

A. How many pancakes does it take to cover a doghouse? Answer: 13 because Ice Cream Has No Bones. (if you don’t get it, give it a minute…if you still don’t get it…then you got it!)

Q. Fill in the blank: In a perfect winter, it would snow…..somewhere else!

Q. Name your favorite:

Comic strip: Dennis the Menace

Candy bar: 100 Grand

Ice cream: Strawberry with Strawberry Swirls

Sports team: ChicagoCubs

Song: What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

Photograph of yourself: Remind me and I can email you one.

Our serious question:

Q. What are the most significant issues facing Vinton this year?

A. How do we maintain the balance of keeping the small-town feel that residents of Vinton desire so much, while still improving, growing, and moving forward in a fast paced, technology driven, global-business focused society? If you have any ideas…please consider passing them along!

And finally...

Q. Is there anything you wish we would have asked you?

Q: Tell us about your family:

A. Well, thanks for “asking!” I am very happily married to the most wonderful wife and mother in the world. Ashley and I grew up together in Vinton and even sat next to each other in the same kindergarten class (as mentioned above). We have two beautiful children; Lily Ann (2) and Noah (1). My family is the most important thing in my life, second only to my faith in Jesus. I may not be the most impressive person in the world, but I’m convinced that I am the most blessed.