Dear Friend,
February is normally a dull month, but not in Adel, Iowa!This month is filled with lots of local events and news happening throughout town. Make sure to check out the DiscoverAdel.com Daily website and Calendar for more reasons to visit in February! This month we have an in-depth interview with Chris Mars, Communications Manager of Bow & Arrow Productions Inc., a new business announcement, and great Valentine's Day Ideas.We also have the latest events from Around Town, news and events from the Adel Public Library, a sweet Recipe from Home, and Terry Traveller tells us about a trip to Steve's Uptown Repair.Enjoy!
ChrisAs a supporter of Adel you are receiving the DiscoverAdel.Com monthly newsletter. If you are having trouble viewing this document or it's images, you can view the Newsletter at DiscoverAdel.com.
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Chris Mars, Communications Manager of
Bow & Arrow Productions Inc.
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 Adel is full of surprises around every corner with many important businesses silently accomplishing their day to day work as people walk by and wonder, what's going on in there?
At the corner of 9th and Prairie, inside a former church you will find the event production company Bow & Arrow Productions Inc. known around the world for their strong Iowa character, exceptional stage designs, and video productions.
This month we spoke with Chris Mars, Communications Manager and Production Assistant to find out more about Bow & Arrow's prestigious work.
 | Chris Mars, Ashley Reutter, Tom Ford, Nina Easley
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In the early 1990s Owner and Creative Director Michael Mars was a professional singer as part of the Day of Discovery Christian music group. Michael recorded hundreds of songs and created corresponding music videos to be aired in both the US and Canada. Michael realized his passion for production during those performance years and began drafting audio and video designs for church festivals.
One day an insurance company was scheduled to give a big presentation and hit a snag. The original ideas they had for displaying their banners simply wouldn't cooperate. Frustrated, they called Michael to help. His professional courtesy and technical skills were well received, and Bow & Arrow Productions was born.
Many of you may remember the classic Richard Simmons infomercial shot in Iowa in the early 1990s. If you do, then you are witness to Michael's first live production!
Originally, Michael and his team were hired to build the set and stage pieces for that iconic show but things changed when the original producer was nowhere to be found. Chaos ensued as the video and audio teams were unable to communicate with one another and the deadline to the live show approached. In this time of stress Michael stepped forward and saved the day.
As the crew began to tear down the stage after the otherwise smooth production, Richard Simmons thanked Michael for a job well done by running across the room and jumping into his arms, screaming, "I love this man!" No longer content to only build sets, Michael redefined himself as a Producer and Bow & Arrow as a full-service event production company.
Over the past 20 years the company has designed lighting concepts, built stages, fulfilled audio/video needs, and overseen productions around the world for entertainers such as Bill Cosby, James Taylor, and Keith Urban while continuing to meet the needs of local businesses and church groups.
In 2008, Michael was riding his bike along the Raccoon River Valley Trail and stopped at the Dairy Shoppe in Adel for a treat. Taking in the sites around town, Michael passed the For Sale sign in front of the former library. At that moment he made the decision to move his former home-based business to Adel.
The library, originally a church, had recently been remodeled as Hanney's Restaurant. With the help of family and friends, the building was restored to it's original glory with custom woodwork, traditional and modern elements, and was infused with a palpable creative energy that the team hopes to share with the community.
When asked why this big company is in Adel, Iowa Chris laughs. It is a question he hears often and proudly states that it is because of the experience clients have when encountering Adel's charm. "There are fundamental character traits you get from Iowans that are really unique."
It starts with the scenic drive into the Raccoon River Valley, and is punctuated as the clients are given a walking tour of town while they brainstorm production ideas. Clients feel pampered in our small town as they are treated to local restaurants, visits to one of a kind shops, and small town hospitality like they have never experienced before.
Chris admits it can be a challenge to get clients to visit, but only once. After they have taken in the beauty of Adel and experience the creative energy of Bow & Arrow's workspace, they request to meet here and book extended stays.
 | Michael and Chris Mars
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Even with its international scope, Bow & Arrow Productions Inc. is a family business at heart. The 5-person team consists of Michael and his son Chris, Technical Director Tom Ford, Office Manager Nina Easley, and Ashley Reutter. Chris remembers building sets in the garage and his first assignments tapping down cords and carpet.
After Chris graduated from Simpson College in 2009 with a Communications degree, he joined the family business full time as the Communications Manager and Production Assistant. He is now responsible for video productions and gathering information from clients to help present their vision to their audience, with his golden retriever by his side. Katie greets visitors at the door and follows Chris wherever he goes, before lounging in the conference room in front of the fire.
It is important to note that Bow & Arrow Productions Inc. is not a gear house. Most companies within this field focus mainly on renting equipment.
"They throw it all at [the client]. They sit down with the client and say 'how can we spend your money.' Our goal isn't to pack as much stuff in one room as we can. We focus on communication, we are need driven. We ask 'what are your goals after this meeting?' We take notice and really care what the client needs."
To accommodate small productions, Bow & Arrow has a storage facility in Adel to meet your audio, video, and design needs. Think Adel the next time your needs range from a few speakers and microphones to lighting schemes to projection screens and stands.
 Even though the team is often winging it's way cross-country, Bow & Arrow makes time to support a charity they are passionate about, the Special Olympics.
Bow & Arrow has worked closely with the Special Olympics since the 1st National Games took place in Ames, Iowa in 2006.
Last year, Chris helped produce a video sharing the lives of exceptional US athletes that was shown at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics 2010 National Olympics.
The video, witnessed by 16,000 people, was made right here in Adel and featured stories of acceptance, overcoming adversity, and outstanding talent.
In his spare time Chris coaches basketball, as he did throughout college, and is responsible for the Corey Moore Classic charity basketball tournament. As his basketball coach, Chris had taken Corey under his wing and together they forged a path for Corey to further his education after high school.
Unfortunately Corey's life was cut short in a tragic swimming accident in 2005. The charity classic unites Alumni teams and raises money to fund the Corey Moore Scholarship program.
Bow & Arrow is happy to play host with a large conference room that is the perfect spot to reserve for gatherings such as business meetings or bridal showers.
"One of our goals is to network more with the community and share our space with people. All the elements are here for a great gathering..." including a small kitchen, comfortable lounge area, and natural light. Call today to schedule a tour of the facility to see photos of past productions and hear tales of the art scattered throughout the space.
The local community may not have known Bow & Arrow is here, contently focused on small and big projects at hand. Or that the business reaches the four corners of the world, returning after each project to call Iowa home.
But the world is learning about Adel as Michael, Chris and the team bring more clients here and continue to spread praise about our small town charms to all they encounter. Bow & Arrow Productions Inc. is truly a great business and we are proud that they chose to plant their roots in Adel, Iowa!
Bow and Arrow Productions
820 Prairie St.
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-1063
Website: www.baproductionsinc.com
Email: cmars@baproductionsinc.com
*Photos courtesy of Pat Tierny and DiscoverAdel.com
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Brick Street Books & Cafe Grand Opening
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Join us for the Grand Opening of the new Brick Street Books & Cafe February 14th!
The new and used book store and coffee shop will offer free wifi, locally grown produce, Fair Trade organic coffee and espresso, and eclectic breakfast and lunch menus.
Stop in and try bakery items such as fresh bread, tortillas, and pastries supplied locally by the new bakery, Pies Bread & Beyond, of Adel.
Don't forget, February 14th is Valentine's Day. Bring your special someone to the Cafe for a specialty drink and sweet treat as you check out their wide selection of books!
Brick Street Books & Cafe
803 Main St.
Adel, Iowa 50010
Phone: (515) 993-1811
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The Perfect Date in Adel, Iowa
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Are you looking for great date ideas for you and your sweetheart this Valentine's Day? Try these fun date ideas and creative gifts!
Tried and True Valentine's Day Ideas in Adel, Iowa
- The Traditional Date
Plan a special dinner for two at one of Adel's fine restaurants. You'll find down home cooking at Patrick's Restaurant, great Chinese food at China Village, and classic pasta and more at Italian Villages. Follow up with a few rounds of bowling at the Adel Family Fun Center.
Check out Adel restaurant reviews on the Terry Says page of DiscoverAdel.com!
- Remember Romance
Relive your high school dating experiences on a budget! Take in the winter beauty of Adel as you enjoy a carry out order from Breadaux Pizza, Godfather's, or Subway at any of our scenic parks. If it's warm enough, take a walk arm in arm around the Historic Downtown Square and snoop through beautiful stores and antique shops like the Atherton House and Adel Quilting and Dry Goods Co.
- Great Gifts
Get your guy or gal a one of a kind item to show them how special they are! Arrange an appointment for any time in February at the Fuller Massage Therapy Clinic- all one-hour massages are just $45.00! Visit Adel Flowers & Gifts for a beautiful bouquet or bottle of Adel's own Penoch Wine. Pick out the perfect sentiments from the huge selection of valentines and gifts at Adel HealthMart. Don't forget the box of chocolates!
Check out the DiscoverAdel.com Directory to find a full list of Adel businesses!- Truly Unique
Make memories you'll never forget by booking a stay in the rustic hunting lodge at Doc's Hunt Club or the scenic Timberpine Lodge Bed and Breakfast.
Don't settle for another boring night; come out to Adel, Iowa to find romance and charm!
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Patrick's Restaurant - Old School Pizza
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Starting February 1st, Patrick's Restaurant in Adel will begin serving pizza for dine in or carry out!
Each pizza will come on fresh made, crispy and chewy thin crust baked on natural stones. Patrick's is proud to say theirs is the only pizza in Adel baked in this traditional style.
The Old School Pizzas will be made with homemade sauces and fresh toppings. Try one of the specialty combinations like Spinach & Artichoke or the adventurous Chili Dog!
The restaurant will also begin serving their famous Italian dishes on the regular menu. Stop in and try the Manicotti or Lasagna, also baked in the natural stone oven.
So call your friends and co-workers and mark your calendar because lunch and dinner are at Patrick's Restaurant in Adel on Tuesday, February 1st!
Patrick's Restaurant
211 South 7th Street
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-3884
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| Around Town |  2nd Annual Frozen Field Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament
Bundle up and sign up now for Adel's 2nd Annual Frozen Field Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament! This special adult softball tournament will be played Continue reading...
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 Quilting Class for Beginners Sponsored by Adel QuiltingAdel Quilting and Dry Goods Co. will sponsor a quilting class for beginners at the Adel Library on Saturday, February 12th from 10am to 4pm. Learn the basics of rotary Continue reading...
----------------------------------------------------  Gentle Yoga Class Wednesdays in FebruaryYoga offers students the opportunity to explore the link between breath, body movement, and wellness. Offered through Healing Therapies, the yoga classes will Continue reading...----------------------------------------------------
 National Dental Month with Adel Cedar CreekFebruary is National Dental Month, for pets anyways! We will be running some promotions here at our clinic. We will perform Courtesy Dental Exams by appointment Continue reading...----------------------------------------------------
 Think Wedding with Adel Flowers & GiftsJoin us as we welcome Sindey Rothamel to Adel Flowers & Gifts. Sindey brings with her 15 years of floral design experience, specializing with wedding designs Continue reading...
----------------------------------------------------  Celebrate and Save with Fuller Massage Therapy
Celebrate the re-opening of the Fuller Massage Clinic in a new location, 203 1/2 Nile Kinnick Drive South. During the month of February all one hour massages will Continue reading...
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 Free Healing Therapies Pain Relief Class Offered in AdelHealing Therapies owner MaryLea Holcomb is offering a free pain relief class using Healing Touch methods at the Adel Public Library Tuesday, February Continue reading...
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Well, that wraps it up the DiscoverAdel.Com newsletter for this month! We hope that you've enjoyed this issue and will share it with your friends. We always appreciate any comments or article suggestions. Please email us at info@DiscoverAdel.com.
Sincerely,
Chris Brocka
G.Rafics Inc.
DiscoverAdel.com is proudly produced by
G.Rafics Inc. ~ Go Beyond the Ordinary
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Featured Article
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| Each month we
showcase a business, person, event or organization that makes Adel special.
This month we showcase Chris Mars
Bow & Arrow Productions Inc.
If you have a business or organization you would like to see featured, please contact us at
info@DiscoverAdel.com
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Adel Public Library
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| Courtesy of Youth Librarian Laura Guth- Hanson
Do you wish you could see what books the library has from home?
Curious if a book you placed a hold on is ready yet?
All of those things and more are possible when you view the Adel Public Library's card catalog online!
To find the card catalog simply go to the library's website at www.adelpl.org.
From there, click the "Online Catalog" link on the right side of the page below the photo of the library.
This will take you directly to the catalog.
Once you are on the catalog you can find books the library has, see if what you want is in, place holds, renew your books once, and see what you have already checked-out.
If you have any questions, please contact the library.
The library will be closed on Monday, February 21st for Presidents' Day.
It will open that evening for the program, Social Networking on the Internet.
Upcoming Events
February 1 - 25
What's on the Menu?
February 8th
Human Candyland
February 14th
Death by Chocolate Party
February 21st
Social Networking on the Internet
February 23rd
Kids Gaming
Toes & Tracks
February 25th
Wild, Wild, West Round-Up
Laura Guth-Hanson
Youth Services Librarian
Adel Public Library
303 S. 10th St.
Adel, Iowa 50003
Adel Public Library
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Recipe of the Month
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Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake
Some of my favorite valentines were made by little hands with construction paper, glitter, and plenty of glue!
Those homemade cards were better than anything Hallmark could come up with.
At some point the girls took over Valentine's Day, kicking us out of the kitchen to plan the perfect menu and create their homemade cards.
In the early years dinner was Mac and Cheese, Deli Sandwiches, and Ice Cream proudly served with glitter covered hands and faces.
Each year the menu became more advanced and soon included homemade cakes and infamous brownies briquettes.
This recipe is a family favorite, it's recipe card is covered with glitter to this day.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 c Vanilla Wafers
1/2 c Confectioners' Sugar
1/3 c Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1/3 c Butter, softened
2 c Chocolate Chips
3 (8 oz) pkgs Cream Cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can Sweetened Condensed Milk
4 Eggs
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Mix together crushed Vanilla Wafers, Cocoa, Butter, and Confectioners' sugar by hand.
Press ingredients into a 9 inch springform pan.
Melt the Chocolate Chips, until very smooth.
In a large bowl, beat Cream Cheese until fluffy with an electric mixer.
Gradually beat in Condensed Milk until smooth.
Mix in melted Chocolate, Eggs, and Vanilla until the ingredients are thoroughly blended.
Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
Bake for 55 minutes.
Tip: The cake will seem underbaked in the center, but will continue to cook after you remove it from the oven!
Enjoy! |
Terry's Travels
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Each month, Terry journeys through our community enjoying the sights, sounds, deals, and meals that make Adel great!
This month, Terry visited Steve's Uptown Repair.I call my car Problem Child. My odd model throws a wrench in the easiest of repairs. So when something big happens, like when my main ride quit on me, I called the professionals at Steve's Uptown Repair. Owner Steve Greenslade took my call and was able to trouble shoot the noises and shakes over the phone as he sent out a tow truck to retrieve my paperweight. I was able to breath a sigh of relief when Steve said nonchalantly, "that's no problem". At the end of the day Steve gave me a call and explained what was wrong and when I could expect my car. I was impressed by his straight forward, easy to understand explanation and fast turn around time! I was back on the road a few days later, for less money out of my pocket than I expected from my Problem Child, all thanks to Steve's Uptown Repair! - Terry Check out the new
Terry Says page on DiscoverAdel.com to find previous Adel reviews.Become Terry's friend on Facebook and Help the World Discover Adel!
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What is DiscoverAdel.com?
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DiscoverAdel.com is a destination website.
Our goal is to inform everyone of the benefits of Adel. Not just those who live in Adel, but also our friends from around the world.
From unique shopping to award winning events to outstanding services, you will find it all in Adel, Iowa!
Bookmark
DiscoverAdel.com to check out new businesses, upcoming events, local stories and daily news. | Help the World
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