Dear Friend,
Welcome to the March issue of DiscoverAdel Newsletter. Well, we've made it to March! The last week although cold has been mostly sunny, that feeling of Spring is almost there! Both of my Gram's were Irish, and one of my Daughter's birthday is near St. Patrick's Day, so you know March holds a special place in my heart. Our new segment, "Terry's Travels",
will feature reviews of Adel Businesses. As our archive of stories grow, we'll transfer them to
the website and link them to the Adel Directory. This month we have an interview with Chuck and Carla Offenburger of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association, tips for Celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Adel, a recipe from home, and great information from around town. 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 the DiscoverAdel.com site. |
 Chuck & Carla Offenburger - Raccoon River Valley Trail Association
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This month DiscoverAdel sat down with Chuck and Carla Offenburger of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association.
The Ra ccoon River Valley Trail, or RRVT, uses the path of a passenger railroad constructed in the late 1800s.
With the popularity and availability of automobiles in the 1950s, the railroad changed it focus to freight service.
By the early 1980s the line's use had been discontinued. The line was then purchased in 1987 by the Central Iowa Energy Cooperative.
The trail was developed in association with the Iowa Trails Council and the Conservation Boards of the Dallas and Guthrie Counties.
The Raccoon River Valley Trail opened for use in 1989 and was purchased by the Dallas, Green, and Guthrie Conservation Boards in 2001.
RRVT is 56 miles of paved trail, which is typically a 2 day adventure. The Raccoon River Valley Trail cuts through beautiful countryside, connects many community attractions, and allows for many activities to be found in one spot.
At 56 miles the trail is unusually long, connecting 10 communities which is a great draw for tourists! There will soon be a North Loop adding 33 miles, creating the longest trail in the state and one of the longest in the US.
 The North Loop will add another day to users' adventures as well as an additional 5 communities to stop and see.
The RRVT also connects to Des Moines metro trails increasing the number of users to 125,000 a year with the expectation of major growth once the North Loop is open!
In 2006 the RRVT Association was started by a group of trail enthusiasts
as a "Chamber of Commerce" like organization for the entire trail. The idea
for the RRVT Association was planted in 1995 while on a cycling trip across the country.
Chuck and Carla remember communities along the trails competing with
one another, promoting the towns more than the trails responsible for the tourism. Chuck and Carla knew their mission was to sell the idea of the Raccoon River Valley Trail and its communities as a complete package.
 Trail passes can be purchased in two ways, both benefiting RRVT. Day passes can be found along the trail for $2 with year long passes available for $10.
These funds go to the Conservation Boards of each county to maintain the trail. Looking to support the trail development and tourism?
Consider a RRVT Association Membership! At $20 for an individual you will receive your year- long pass and donate $10 to the RRVT Association.
These donated funds are tax deductible and go towards the marketing and promotion of the trail.
In past years these funds has assisted in the purchase of signage along trail, the RRVT website, and ad space in regional tourism publications. Find maps and pass information at www.raccoonrivervalleytrail.org
T he RRVT Association works to showcase the advantage of the trail's untapped resources.
Carla presented a study conducted recently by the State of Wisconsin that shows the annual impact of their trails to generate 535 million dollars from out of state cyclists, increasing to 924 million in total!
"We could be a part of that, we could see that impact!" states Carla.
The RRVT Association is inspired by the Root River State Trail, 60 miles of paved trail located in Minnesota. The towns along this trail were recreated by the tourism generated, some boarded up before its promotion.
Now the Root River State Trail boasts a professional theater company, entry to the local waterways, art galleries, cross country skiing, restaurants, and Bed and Breakfasts. The largest town along the trail (population 750) has overnight accommodations for 175.
RRVT already has many of these amenities scattered along the trail with plans in trail communities for more. The RRVT Association encourages each community to have flush toilets and overnight accommodations to entice patrons to stop.
 More so than a roadway, those who patron the trail know they will be stopping at each community to use the facilities, grab a refreshment, and see the sites.
There is no need for these communities to compete for business that they are bound to receive. By promoting what we do best, each community encourages trail users to ride, skate, and run to the next gem down the line.
The RRVT Association will be joining the Chambers of Commerce in each community sponsoring the trail to help with promotion. The Association understands the importance of supporting the local businesses.
As their needs arise, the RRVT Association patronizes businesses along the trail. Monthly board meetings are held in local restaurants, yearly membership banquets are held in Panora, and the Raccoon River Valley Trail webmaster, G.Rafics Inc. is located in Adel.
The Raccoon River Valley Trail holds a special place in the lives of Carla and Chuck. Both are avid cyclists, co-hosting RAGBRAI for 16 years. From 1972 to 1998 Chuck was a writer for the Des Moines Register.
During those 26 years Chuck saw the development of many trail systems, and rode the trail on opening day in 1989. While riding through Adel, Chuck and Carla met on the trail at Barney's Dairy Stripe, sharing peach malts.
Their wedding reception was later held in the parking lot of Barney's with Rudy and the Fat Boys for entertainment!
The cyclists now live in Cooper and chose their home because of its close location to the trail. Chuck and Carla agree, "After 21 years the potential of the trail hasn't been scratched. It's here; ready to take off, the Raccoon River Valley Trail is a major tourist attraction with real economic impact for our communities."
To find out more about the Raccoon River Valley Trail and Association, please visit www.raccoonrivervalleytrail.org
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Energy First Aid Class - Healing Therapies
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Energy First Aid Class
MaryLea Holcomb (Healing Therapies, Adel) will be teaching skills from Healing Touch and other energetic therapies.
· These skills influence the human energy system that surrounds and flows through the body. These are non-invasive techniques and they assist to restore harmony and balance in the energy system.
· The techniques are based on a heart-centered caring relationship between you and the person needing help. The relationship between you influences the quality of the healing. Therefore you will learn to be in a centered and grounded place to do these skills.
These skills support healing and result in the following:
Decrease anxiety, tension, and stress
Facilitate wound healing
Reduce pain
You will learn how to feel energy; calm the mind; stop bleeding; decrease headache and other pain; and more.
The class is taught Thursday, March 4, 2010 6:30 - 8:30 PM
at Waukee High School, 555 SE University Ave, Waukee
Call Sonya, at 987-2761 to register. $40 Class size is limited.
Two class participants will each receive a gift certificate of $10 for another class ("Heart Wisdom Stress Management" or "Energy First Aid") or an individual session at Healing Therapies.
For other information on this or other classes, contact MaryLea at 515-993-4691 or HealingTherapies@earthlink.NET
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Terry's Travels - China Village
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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 took her friends to lunch at China Village, 628 Nile Kinnick Dr S, Ste C.
I had a nice lunch with my friends, Amy and Ryan on a visit to Adel in February. China Village was very good. The service was fast and friendly, and the food was first-class.
The restaurant is located off Nile Kinnick Drive across from the High School. The front parking lot was full, so my friends and I parked in the back. The sidewalk and parking lot were cleared of snow and there is a second entrance which we took advantage of.
The restaurant has a tasteful design and tranquil atmosphere. We chose a table and were greeted by our server who took our drink orders and let us look over the menu. The menu has classic Chinese-American options at reasonable lunch prices. Ryan ordered appetizers while we ordered our entrees, which come with choice of soup and fried or steamed rice.
Amy and I tried the Egg Drop soup. It was thick and savory which we both liked. Ryan thought the Hot and Sour soup was exceptional, commenting that, "The bowl ended before I was done eating it!"
Our appetizers arrived quickly. The crab rangoons were crispy and golden brown, without being greasy, with a creamy filling. The pot stickers were the best we've ever had. Amy doesn't like pot stickers, "they are normally rubbery and bland." She agreed that's not the case at China Village! One side was crunchy, the other chewy. The pot stickers were also large and packed full of filling. I definitely recommend them.
Soon after receiving the appetizers our entrees arrived. Each member of our party tried something different. Ryan ordered the Mongolian Beef. "The beef was tender and well flavored, the vegetables weren't overcooked, and it had just the right amount of sauce."
Amy tried the Empress Chicken. Now, Empress Chicken can be hard to come by these days, with many restaurants serving a comparable alternative or new fangled recipe. If you've been craving "real" Empress Chicken, you have to try China Village. Amy said, "The chicken and vegetables were plentiful, crispy, and crunchy. The sauce was just right."
I ordered the Chicken Lo Mein (my favorite of all Chinese foods), which was yummy. The noodles were soft, without being overcooked, with loads of vegetables. The portions were large for lunch with just enough rice to compliment the dishes.
The atmosphere was very pleasant, even though it was lunch we were encouraged to enjoy our meal and converse as the tables filled and emptied around us.
I was pleasantly impressed by China Village and recommend it for your next lunch in Adel!
- Terry
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China Village
628 Nile Kinnick Dr S Ste C
Adel, IA 50003
Phone: 515-993-338
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Atherton House -
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 Spring Breezes Open House March 4-6, 2010 Adel, Iowa Atherton House
Thursday, March 4th · Friday, March 5th
Saturday, March 6th · 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Bunnies, Flowers, Birdhouses, Eggs...
A Celebration of a New Season!
American pottery, birdhouses & tiles
New studios & designs!
Atherton House
D. Larson M. Dunlap
202 S. 9th Street
Adel, Iowa 50003
(515) 993-2034
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St. Patrick's Day - Adel
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Saint Patrick's Day is Wednesday, March 17.
To get our reader's ready for the festivities we have compiled a list of Fun Facts and traditional Irish recipes. Keep reading and find suggestions for enjoying the night at home and around Adel!
Fun Facts
♣ St. Patrick was born in 385 AD somewhere along the west coast of Britain. At age 16, he was captured and sold into slavery. He escaped at age 22 and spent the next 12 years in a monastery. In his 30s he returned to Ireland as a missionary. He died at Saul in 461 AD and is buried at Downpatrick.
♣ In Ireland on St. Patrick's Day, people traditionally wear a small bunch of shamrocks on their jackets or caps. In the custom known as "drowning the shamrock", the shamrock that has been worn is then put in the last drink of the evening.
♣ Popular Irish toasts on St Patrick's Day include: "May the roof above us never fall in, and may we friends beneath it never fall out!"
"May the sound of happy music, and the lilt of Irish laughter, fill your heart with gladness, that stays forever after!"
♣ Legend says that each leaf of the clover means something: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck.
Traditional Irish Recipes
Last year we shared our family's recipe for Corned Beef. This year we've gathered some tasty, traditional Irish recipes to try at home! These and other Irish recipes can be found at www.yourirish.com
Irish Skink
Skink is an old Irish word for broth. Irish Skink is a delicate soup made with summer vegetables, enriched with a liaison of cream and egg yolk.
3 sticks of celery, trimmed and finely diced
6 cos-type lettuce leaves, rinsed and chopped
4oz green peas
4 spring onions, trimmed and chopped
1 dessert spoon fresh chopped chives
1 ½ to 2 pints chicken stock
3 fluid oz double cream
1 egg yolk
4 sprigs parsley, 1 sprig thyme and a bay leaf tied together
Chopped parsley to garnish
Salt and pepper
Place the vegetables, herbs, seasoning and stock into a saucepan. Bring to the boil. Cover and simmer for ½ hour or until the vegetables are tender. Remove the bouquet garnish. Blend the cream and egg yolk and add to the soup. Heat without boiling. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with a light sprinkling of parsley.
Irish Potato Bread
In Ireland, potato bread is also known as potato farl. No Irish breakfast would ever be complete without a piece or two of potato bread!
3 oz plain flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 oz butter
8oz mashed potatoes
2 tablespoons milk
Butter to serve
Mix together the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl, rub in the butter using the fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the mashed potato and enough milk to make soft but not loose dough. Roll out onto a floured board into a round approx ½ inch thick and mark into quarters without cutting through the bread. Place on a greased baking tray and bake in the oven at 200 degrees for about 20 minutes. Serve hot with plenty of butter.
Family Friendly Ideas:
Saint Patrick's Day doesn't have to be centered on green beer. Try these "Non Alcoholic" alternatives!
♣ Spend the night at home enjoying movies with an Irish theme or actors.
(The Quiet Man, The Secret of Roan Inish, Finian's Rainbow, Darby O'Gill
and the Little People, Riverdance)
♣ Watch a Parade on TV. (If you have little ones, dress up in green
costumes and celebrate from the comforts of a warm house rather the
cold street!)
♣ Have a game night with "Irish" prizes you find at Sugar's Super Valu and
the Family Dollar Store such as green necklaces, shamrock toys, and
gold coins...
♣ Want to get out of the house? Try Dinner and Bowling! First, try out one of
Adel's great local restaurants: Breadeaux Pizza, China Village,
Godfather's Pizza, Patrick's. Italian Villages will be serving corned
beef and cabbage to celebrate! Then head over to the Adel Family Fun
Center. Dress up in green and enjoy the night bowling with friends and
family members!
Great Place to 'Partake" on Saint Patrick's Day:
Even St. Patrick believed in having a "shot of the hard stuff." When planning your night on the town, consider Adel's local taverns. Remember to appoint a Designated Driver - Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk!
Corner Tap: 921 Main St
Keasey's Hideaway- 911 Court St.
Kinnick's Tavern- 807 Main St (Now serving Food!)
Rendezvous Lounge- 909 Main St
Another Alternative is to throw your own St Patrick's Day party! Stock up on drinks and snacks of all kinds from our local shops!
Sugar's Super Valu
Casey's General Store
Fuller Standard Service
Kum and Go
Family Dollar Store
Have a fun and safe Saint Patrick's Day from DiscoverAdel!
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| Around Town |
February Adel After Hours Hosted By Anytime Fitness of Adel
 On Tuesday the 23rd, Kevin Lange of Anytime Fitness hosted a open house in with the Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce.
Kevin, his family, and staff were on hand to give a tour of the 24 hr. facility, tanning bed and to answer questions.
Anytime Fitness Adel
Club: 515-993-3333
Cell: 515-991-5621
Amy@AnytimeAdel.com
www.AnytimeAdel.com
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 The February Adel After Hours was catered by Brenna Young of Italian Villages Catering.
Italian Villages Catering:
Contact: Brenna Young
Phone: 515-371-1993
italianvillages@hotmail.com
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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 those to info@DiscoverAdel.com.
Sincerely,
Chris Brocka
DiscoverAdel.Com |
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Featured Article
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Photo courtesy of: Offenburger.com
Each month we
showcase a business, person, or organization that makes Adel special.
This month we interviewed Chuck and Carla Offenburger of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association.
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 Partners
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Adel Partners Chamber of
Commerce 2010 Events:
Adel After Hours
Last Tuesday of each month, 5 - 7 PM
· Hosted by Member Businesses
Brick Street Classic Car Show
June 5 - 6th Annual Event With over 100 cars on display
· Downtown Adel
Iowa Book Festival
June 19 - 4th Annual Event
Bringing Books & Book Lovers Together in Adel
· Adel Public Library
All Iowa Wine Festival
June 19 - 4th Annual event featuring Iowa wineries, food vendors, live music
· Downtown Adel
Adel Sweet Corn Festival
August 14 - 31st Annual Festival
Free sweet corn, live entertainment, parade,
vendors, beer garden
· Downtown Adel
Adel Business Holiday Open House
December 3 Annual Event
Food and Recipes, Lighted Parade, Decorating Contest
· Adel Businesses
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Volunteer Opportunities Available
Volunteering is a fun way
to meet new people and learn new skills.
You can gain a sense of achievement while helping provide a meaningful and positive impact on your community.
There are multiple ways to volunteer through the Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce for the various programs and events.
Plans are now being formed for the 2010 festivals and projects.
· Iowa Book Festival Committee
· All Iowa Wine Festival Committee
· Sweet Corn Festival Committee
· Adel Partners Design & Beautification
Committee
· Adel Partners Marketing Committee
If you would like to get involved in our community, contact Linda
Boettcher or "Van" Van Buren, at the Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce
office for more information.
Chamber@adelpartners.org
or 515-993-5472.
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Recipe of the Month
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Get Well Chicken Soup
This has definitely been a long winter.
Amidst the cold and snow I've been hungry for some comfort food.
My oldest daughter sent me her "Get Well Soup" recipe.
She guaranteed it to "pick up your day and warm your heart". She was right!
Give it a try and I'm sure you'll agree!
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Ingredients:
1 lb Boneless Chicken- Chopped (I prefer to use Thighs, Breasts work too)
1 Large Onion - Chopped
2 Large Carrots - Chopped
2 Stalks Celery - Chopped
3 Cloves Garlic - Minced
1 Jalapenos - Diced
½ cup each Red, Yellow and Green Pepper - Chopped
1 cup Mushrooms- Halved
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
Chicken Stock, Bullion or Base (See recipe)
½ box Pasta of Choice
Spices:
I add a dash here and there rather than measuring spices. Minimum measurement listed below, you may need more!
Dash of Salt
2 tsp Black Pepper
2 tsp Onion Powder
2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper
2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
2 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Basil
1 tsp Oregano
Directions:
1. In large stock pot heat Oil, Onion, Carrots, Celery, and Garlic. Season with pinch of Salt and Pepper.
2. Add Chicken and cook through.
3. Remove from burner.
Add Jalapenos, Peppers,
and Spices. Add enough Chicken Stock to cover ingredients. Amounts vary depending on choice of chicken base.
4. Fill pot to ¾ line
with Water.
5. Return to burner, bring to boil, and reduce to simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally throughout.
6. Add Mushrooms
and Pasta.
7. Allow to cook for 10-15 minutes, or until pasta is fully cooked.
Serve with crackers
or bread.
Enjoy! |
Library News
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March Newsletter:
Spring Break Activities at the Library
Monday March 15th
2:00 p.m.
- Teen Gaming
Hang out and play a variety of Wii and board games with your friends.
Tuesday March 16th
2:00 p.m.
- Family Movie
Wednesday March 17th
2-3 p.m.
- Drop-In St. Patrick's Day Craft
Stop in anytime between 2-3 p.m. and make a St. Patrick's Day hat.
Adult Activities
Tuesday March 16th
6:30 p.m.
- Building Bluebird Houses
JoAnn Bray will give a hands on workshop on building Bluebird houses.
All materials will be provided. There is a cost of $5 for the birdhouse kit.
Please register for this program by calling the library at 993-3512.
We look forward to seeing you at the Library!
Laura Guth-Hanson
Youth Services Librarian
Adel Public Library
303 S. 10th St.
Adel, IA 50003
To find out more, please contact the library at
515-993-3512
Adel Public Library
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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 in the surrounding communities.
From unique shopping and award winning events, to the outstanding services, you can find it all in Adel!
Be sure to bookmark
DiscoverAdel.com to check out new businesses, changing events, and local stories.
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