Colby Dawes

You may recognize Colby Dawes from LSB Bank on the square in Adel, Iowa where he works with Commercial and Agricultural Lending.  

You've probably seen him at the Sweet Corn Festival - selling water for the Rotary Club. Maybe he's the coach for your son's baseball team.  

No matter how you're involved with Adel, there's a good chance you've seen Colby around town.

Colby was born and raised in Adel and has lived here for the past 35 years.  

Graduates of Iowa State, Colby and his high school sweetheart Laurie live 5 miles west of Adel on an acreage surrounded by family farmland with their sons Braylon (9) and Bryce (6).  

Laurie is a part-time nurse with Wolfe Eye Clinic and stay-at-home mom. Braylon and Bryce attend ADM schools and are active in USSSA Baseball, YMCA basketball and football for which their dad is their coach, keeping the family busy most nights and weekends. The Dawes family is also involved with New Hope Church east of Adel.

As a Rotary Club member, Colby enjoys the opportunity to raise funds for important community causes. The Rotary Club is a civic organization whose members help improve the community by conducting fundraisers of various types to give back to local projects, such as the Frisbee golf course at Evans Park on the west side of Adel.  

The Rotary Club is also the sole vendor of bottled water at the Adel Sweet Corn Festival every August. Those funds are split with the Adel Partners to support the event. The Adel Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at noon in the conference room at Patrick's restaurant. Everyone is welcome and the club is always taking new members who are interested in learning what's going on in Adel.

While President of the Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce, Colby was part of the team that brought Wine Fest to Adel. "The first year was pretty good and the organizers have done a great job making it into a pretty fun, big event."  

Colby enjoyed his term. "It was fun to be involved and find out how much work goes into those events- the behinds the scenes look. When you find out the amount of volunteers needed its unbelievable. It's amazing how many people step up every year. That's what's great about Adel."

After the Adel Partners, Dawes was elected to the Dallas County Iowa State Extension Board as Treasurer. Colby is in his second year of his four-year term.  

The ISU Extension office is located at the Dallas County Fairgrounds, where the board reviews the administration and budget of the organization- determining where funds will be allocated and determining which available programs best suit the needs of those living in Dallas County.  

ISU Extension programs include everything from babysitting certifications, 4H events, family health and wellness classes, reading programs, agricultural science courses and more. There are countless programs going on now- check out www.extension.iastate.edu/dallas/ for a full schedule.

In the end, Colby volunteers out of love for his family and his hometown. "These are all volunteer positions. I like to give back to Adel. I like to see the community grow and do well. I want to be involved in it- to know what's going on. I love living and working in Adel. I can go and have lunch with my kids when I want to- it's a five-minute drive. Luckily I have flexibility with my job to do things like that."

Colby is proud of his sons and their creativity. Last summer the boys started a hand-drawn sign company, hammering their first sign into the flag post along their front lawn - 'Signs $1.25'. The boys take orders and create the signs using markers. "We had a friend that wanted the signs to say something about 'tutors' and the kids spelled it 'tooters'. She used them in her presentation so it ended up working out and it was pretty funny... We live out on a gravel road so we don't get lots of traffic but we didn't want to discourage them. The boys wanted to start their own business and we said 'go get 'um!' They're true entrepreneurs."

Dawes believes strongly in shopping local and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit. "As a community banker, I want to see local businesses and people grow and strive."

For those who want to get involved, follow Colby's advice. "Be aware of what's available in Adel- the different organizations and committees you can join. Get involved- if you get involved with one group you're more than likely to meet somebody that's on another board or committee that can tell you something you didn't know was going on in Adel. Or stop by and talk to me- I've been here 35 years!"

Join organizer Brenna Young of Park Place Catering and fellow local sponsors at Riverside Park for a fun, family friendly day to help raise money for Iowa soldiers.

Freedom Fest will include a free-will donation lunch from 11 am to 2 pm. Meanwhile, a carnival will be set up throughout the park from 11 a.m to
5 pm with local sponsors running
the booths.

You'll find face painting, duck races, strolling princesses, wrestling demonstration and training from a local coach and former Marine.  

Enjoy a dunk tank, free-will donation chair massages, obstacle course, Army rock climbing wall, and an Adel Legion raffle for a free night at Hotel Pattee! More games and activities are being added daily.

Game tickets will be affordable so that everyone can enjoy all the fun and games of the carnival and support the cause at the same time.

Saturday night will be the Freedom Dance at Park Place starting at 7:30 pm featuring a DJ with more than 10,000 songs to choose from.  

Adult beverages will be sold at the dance, but the atmosphere will be kid-friendly and people of all ages are welcome.

Current sponsors include Brick Street Motors, Des Moines Radio Group, Fusion, G.Rafics Inc., Hotel Pattee, Monica Hoover- Shelter Insurance, Nobbies, Peoples Trust & Savings Bank, Stew Hanson Dodge, Terri Snyder Photography, Wells Fargo Bank, and The Zone of Comfort.

None of the sponsors or vendors was charged to participate in Freedom Fest and all funds raised will be split between the Adel Legion and Camp Dodge.

Camp Dodge donations will then use the funds to provide armed forces families and wounded soldiers with the support they need. Funds go to programs such as day trips and social events for kids while their parents are on leave, job placements and counseling for wounded soldiers, and financial support to help make ends meet.

Additional sponsors, volunteers and donations are always welcome.  

To find out how you can help, please contact Brenna Young through email brenna@parkplacecatering.biz, or call (515) 371-1993.

Freedom Fest organizers and sponsors are proud that the funds will stay in Iowa and reach each branch of the armed forces. Help us raise money and show your support for our troops at the first annual Freedom Fest in Adel!

Park Place Catering
1015 Riverside Drive
Adel, Iowa 50003
Contact: Brenna Young
Phone: (515) 371-1993
Website: www.parkplacecatering.biz
Email :brenna@parkplacecatering.biz

Adel's festival season is underway with the Free Friday Entertainment Series.  

Every fourth Friday from April to August, Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce, along with other local sponsors, will host FREE community stage events.  

These events will be BYOB...that's Bring Your Own Basket of snacks, food, regular or adult beverages.  

No food or drinks will be sold but you are encouraged to pick up dinner from a local restaurant before the show begins.    

Make sure to bring your friends and family to the Adel Stage located at the corner of 10th and Main, and don't forget your lawn chairs!

Please join the Adel Chamber on July 25th for Roulette Rock. This rock cover band will be playing at the Adel Stage from 7:00-10:00 pm. This is a family-friendly event co-sponsored by Adel Lions Club.  We hope to see you there!

It seems to be the topic of at least one song in every country music artist's repertoire-the county fair.  

It's been described in lyrical fashion as a carefree time with friends, family or a sweetheart.  

On Wednesday, July 9 through Sunday, July 13 locals are invited to discover what everyone is singing about by attending the Dallas County Fair.

Cute critters, motocross races, extreme bull riding, live entertainment and mouth-watering pork tenderloins are fair staples sure to draw in crowds. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach of Dallas County will also have a strong presence with their 4-H activities. From livestock showing to static exhibits, fair goers will notice area youth have tremendous talent. With the fourth annual 4-H Clover Kids Day on Thursday, July 10 from 4-7 p.m., the fairgrounds will be blanketed in shirts of four leaf clover green.

Those who are impressed with the work of these young adults should consider stopping by the Dallas County 4-H Foundation Silent Auction in the Community Building. All proceeds accrued at the auction will directly benefit the Dallas County 4-H program.

Extension Master Gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions and will also be facilitating a children's craft of making a dragonfly.

Still not convinced? Thanks to DuPont Pioneer, Earlham Savings Bank, Heartland Co-op, Dallas County Farm Bureau and Stine, admission is free at the gate-leaving few excuses not to hop on over.

Extension to Offer Powerful Tools for Caregivers

People across Iowa are learning to thrive, not just survive, as they provide care to their loved ones who are chronically ill, aging or have a disability.

"Powerful Tools for Caregivers," a six-week series of classes provided by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach of Dallas County, gives participants the tools they need to address the challenges of caregiving.

Participants learn skills to reduce stress, improve caregiving confidence, establish balance in their lives, communicate needs, make tough decisions and locate helpful resources. They create weekly action plans to help them achieve these objectives.

"These tools are taught in a safe and supportive atmosphere," said Dallas County Extension Educator, Lisa Mickelson. She said the goals of the program align well with the mission of ISU Extension to keep people healthy.

This series will take place on Thursdays, July 24-August 28 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the West Des Moines Christian Church.  

Those interested in participating should contact Lisa at (515) 993-4281.

Babysitting Basics

"The number one thing we provide in Babysitting Basics," said Lisa Mickelson, Extension Educator, "is to prepare youth with how to handle situations that may arise while they are providing care for infants and young children. We give them the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure they are the best babysitter they can be."

Babysitting Basics will address first aid, safety, essential information to gather from families, nutrition and age-appropriate toys and activities.  

Guest speakers include Dallas County EMTs to cover compression-only CPR training and first aid, law enforcement officials to discuss emergency handling and a local youth who will share what's in her bag of "babysitting tricks."  

"Being prepared, obtaining the proper information from parents and gaining knowledge on the topics we discuss will help make the experience a positive one for the sitter, the children and the parents," expressed Mickelson.

Cost for the two-day event is $20. Register with Lisa Mickelson at the Dallas County Extension office by calling (515) 993-4281.

---

Rockets Away

Waukee Parks & Rec along with ISU Extension and Outreach of Dallas County have come together to bring you, Rockets Away!  

Blast off toward an action-packed adventure in math, engineering, aerospace and physics with this study of rocketry science.  

Activities in motion, gravity and aerodynamics send interest soaring and lead up to the ultimate thrill-building and launching a two-liter pop bottle rocket.

The event will take place at Ridge Pointe Pavilion located in Waukee at 655 SE Legacy Pointe Blvd. on July 31 and August 1 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.  

Register online at http://bit.ly/1mffr29 . Cost is $40 for both days and don't forget to bring a pop bottle!

---

ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist, Steve Johnson

Farmland Leasing Meeting

The Iowa State Extension and Outreach of Dallas County annual Farmland Leasing meeting will be on August 4 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the ADM High School commons area located on 801 Nile Kinnick Dr. South in Adel.

ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist, Steve Johnson, would like to invite landowners, tenants and other agri-business professionals with issues related to farmland ownership, management and leasing agreements to attend.

Each workshop attendee will receive a one hundred page farmland leasing book. Resources on farmland surveys will also be provided.

Johnson will cover a variety of topics during this three hour seminar including lease types, lease termination, impacts of yields, calculating a fair cash rent and available internet resources.

The cost to attend is $20 per person or $30 per couple and covers registration plus materials. Sign up at the Dallas County Extension located on the Dallas County Fairgrounds. For questions or additional information, call the office at (515) 993-4281.

The Coon River Army Challenge comes to the Dallas County Fairgrounds

Get ready for mud, music, and fun at the 2014 Coon River Army Challenge!

Join drill sergeants and active duty Army soldiers for a wild adventure mud run and obstacle course Saturday, August 30th encompassing the entire Dallas County Fairgrounds in Adel, Iowa.

Saturday morning active duty army soldiers will build the 3+ mile mud run and obstacle course, setting the stage for Drill sergeants to recreate a day in the life of Basic Training. The Race starts at 9:00 a.m. 

All ages and all fitness levels are welcome! Individuals and teams of 4 or more are encouraged to participate, both for competitive/ timed awards as well as fun-run awards for the most spirit, craziest costumes, largest team, and more.  

All proceeds from this year's run will be donated to Hope For the Warriors- a charitable organization that assists post 9/11 veterans and their families.

Sponsors for the event currently include Adel's Anytime Fitness as well as many fitness facilities and businesses throughout central Iowa. Want to sponsor the event? Contact marketing director Jessie Perry at (515) 528- 4212.

See if you have what it takes; join the Coon River Army Challenge today!

Previous Army Challenge tours have had over 3,400 runners so sign up soon. Register now at endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=8922352.

Registration is $40 and includes race entry, event shirt, finishers medal & race packet. 

The Adel event is organized by Bret Perry-Active Duty Army solider stationed in Des Moines and Jessie Perry-Marketing Director for the Army Challenge.  

Both currently reside in Adel and are ADM Alumni. They feel Adel is a natural community for the third tour of the CR Challenge and appreciate the support  

that has already been shown. 

Jessie Perry
The Coon River Army Challenge
601 N 12th Street

Adel, IA 50003
Phone: (515) 528-4212
Email: thearmychallenge@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/crarmychallenge 

The Summer Reading Program is off to a tremendous start.   

So far, 440 kids have signed-up for the program, beating last years' total!  

Turn out has been great for our early literacy, teen, and adult programs as well.   

It's not too late to sign up! All reading logs are due by July 18th.

~~~  

The library has several upcoming events for adults and children alike.  

On July 15th at 2:00 pm Kil'n Time Studio will be at the library.   

Join us for dog stories and kids will paint their own ceramic dog to take home.    

The Science Center of Iowa will be at the Adel Public Library on July 23rd at 11:00 am to wrap-up the Summer Reading Program.

~~~  

Join us on July 1st at 2:00 pm for our adult Crafternoon with Paula.

Learn how to turn Mason Jars into painted vases.  

If you have a Mason Jar, please bring it with you!

~~~  

The next gathering of the Brown Bag Book Club is at noon on Thursday, July 10th when we'll be discussing the novel Orphan Train by Christina BakerKline.    

Take your lunch break at the library and come share your love of books with us.

~~~  

Our next Classic Movie Monday on the big screen will be on Monday, July 14th at 2:00 pm.    

We're happy to watch the wonderful CBC miniseries Anne of Green Avonlea- perfect for patrons of all ages.

~~~  

In July the Evening Book Club will be discussing the book The Expats by Chris Pavoneon Thursday the 31st at 7:00 pm.

~~~  

Our third Friends of the Adel Public Library Foundation summer Garage Sales will be on Friday July 25th and Saturday July 26th in the second floor conference room.    

The library will accept items for the garage sale during regular business hours.   

~~~   

While you are doing your summer cleaning, the library is also accepting book donations for the Annual Friends of the Adel Public Library Foundation Book Sale in August during the Sweet Corn Festival.   

Don't forget the library will be closed in observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 4th.

~~~      

Information about the Adel Public Library and all of our clubs, events, and programs is available on our website at www.adelpl.org,  

or you can follow us on our Facebook, Pintrest, or on Twitter.