Red and White Community Fall Kick-Off with the ADM Tigers
The ADM Athletic Department is holding it’s annual Red and White Community Fall Kick -Off at the ADM Stadium tonight starting at 5:30pm.
Come out and see scrimmages for the Freshman and Varsity Football teams and the introduction of the Cross Country teams.
Concessions will be available at reduced prices, all are welcome, and admission is free! Donations of Gatorade for the athletes to drink throughout the fall season would be appreciated.
So come out and kick off the new school year with the ADM Tigers!
ADM School District
801 Nile Kinnick Dr S
Adel, IA 50003
515-993-4283
www.adel.k12.ia.us
Adel Sweet Corn Shucking Gallery
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Seven tons of sweet corn was shucked Friday evening on the 13th, in preparation for the Adel Sweet Corn Festival, which was held the next day.
It rained in the afternoon but cleared up shortly before the schucking started.
KIOA radio was on hand to playing music for the crowds as families and friends gathered.
In less than 3 hours all of the corn was prepped for the festival. Many thanks to all who turned out to help!
The Official Adel Fan Club Gallery
Traveling each year from California, the Official Adel Fan Club has become a much loved part of the Adel Sweet Corn Festival.
Jacqueline McLaughlin, Matthew Livingston, and Mary Wilcox (all from California) were introduced to the festival by Laura O’Brien (also from California) who is married to Jerry O’Brien (from Adel).
Over the years they and the town of Adel have adopted each other as family. This year the ladies even painted their toes to match the corn!
As you’ll see in the gallery, they were as energetic Sunday night as they were Saturday!
Adel looks forward to welcoming them back again next year!
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Aug 16, 2010
Construction On Main and Court has been finished for now and parking on those two streets has returned.
Crews are busy removing the bricks on the corner of Prairie and 9th this morning as they work south to Court.
The Map below has been reconfigured to show the open streets downtown. All businesses are still open and access is only slightly impeded.
August 12th Meeting Notes
Courtesy of Chad Bird, City Administrator
Chamber / City Brick Street Meeting for Business Owners
August 12, 2010 6:00pm
Questions, comments, and discussions:
Work begins on 9th Street
1) Demolition work will begin on 9th Street at 6:30am Monday, August 16th. The sidewalk on the west side of 9th Street will remain open for pedestrian use while the street and sidewalk on the east side of 9th Street will be closed to the public for removal. Access to businesses and apartment doorways will be available at all times.
2) The sidewalk work on Main Street, west of 9th Street will also begin on Monday. The north sidewalk work will begin first as there are storm drainage improvements that need to be made prior to other work. The south side of Main Street sidewalk work will not begin until the north side is completed.
3) Regarding construction on 9th Street – work will begin at the intersection with Prairie Street and progress to the north. Work flow will generally be a south to north pattern.
Phase I of the Project
4) Main Street and Court Street will open for pedestrian traffic for this weekend’s Adel Sweet Corn Festival. Those streets will also open for vehicular traffic beginning Monday morning. Traffic and parking will be available beginning Monday – please pay attention to specific cones or directional signage on those streets.
5) Brick pallets and remaining equipment will be secured on the Courthouse lawn for the Festival weekend.
Thanks again for your understanding and cooperation – please contact Chad for questions and comments.
Chad A. Bird
City Administrator
City of Adel
515-993-4525
Fax 515-993-4527
cbird@adeliowa.org
Terry Visits the Adel Sweet Corn Festival
Over the years I have been part of various festivals around the world. From the Pilgrimage in Rome to a Scandinavian Cheese Rolling Festival in 1984, I always have a great time celebrating with the locals.
In August I participated in the Adel Sweet Corn Festival for the first time in 10 years after being abroad.
I began my morning watching the parade. Kids lined the streets rushing for the goodies thrown from the float. I snagged a few pieces of candy that were good-naturedly tossed at my head from a fast moving dune buggy.
I then joined the crowd as we marched to the destination of the day, the Corn Tent! The lines moved quickly as I chitchatted with festival goers young and old. The kids, impatiently shifting from foot to foot, next to their parents who kept reassuring them it was worth the wait.
I got to the front of the line, and not wanting to be greedy, asked for just 8 ears of corn. I was served by the Adel Fan Club and got an Official Adel Fan Club 2010 bracelet I still wear with pride.
I joined a group of friends on the Courthouse lawn and devoured plate after plate of corny goodness. It was the best corn I’ve ever had, and I’m sure the other 10,000 people would agree!
Once full, I started taking in the sites. I bought my fair share of BBQ and handmade crafts before I stopped by the DiscoverAdel.com booth. Imagine my surprise to find a family posing for pictures with a, dare I say it, dashing cutout of yours truly! *A worthwhile disclaimer, I like to think I’m taller in person.
Before the family moved to the next booth, they registered to win the great prizes we had to offer. Shanna Anglin won the Atherton House Artisan Pitcher, with Mike Whisner and Troy Havener each winning a set of golf passes to the River Valley Golf Course.
As the sun started to retreat, we back to the DiscoverAdel headquarters to relax, just for a moment, before heading out to the Community Dance.
Even after a long day, the crowd was excited to hear some live music and enjoy a beer or two. I sat in my lawn chair and looked around, a smile moving across my face. In all my years of traveling, of finding the new and wonderful, nothing beats Adel!
– Terry
Aug 11th, 2010
The crews have laid the bricks in the walk ways in front of the businesses on Main Street. They’ve also been been pouring the remainder of the cement to finish up the street for Adel’s Sweet Corn Festival on Sat the 14th. The street will remain closed during the festival to car traffic but will be open for attendees to walk on from the shuttle drop off at Wells Fargo.
August 10, 2010
Updates have slowed over the past few days as construction crews prepare for the Adel Sweet Corn Festival August 14th.
Stay tuned to DiscoverAdel.com for the latest news and photos as the construction resumes Monday, August 16th on 9th Street!
August 5th Meeting Notes
Courtesy of Chad Bird, City Administrator
Chamber / City Brick Street Meeting for Business Owners
August 5th, 2010: 6:00pm
Questions, comments, and discussions:
1) Brick surface quality – The quality of the brick surface on Court Street versus Main St was discussed. Many are very pleased with the finished product on Court Street but there seem to be some issues with the final product on Main St. Discussion ensued about how to handle the surface on Main and Jeff Schug, from McClure Engineering will be working with the contractor in the next several weeks to address the concerns. It is likely that the brick will not be replaced, if that is the resulting action, until a later time.
2) Storm drain and system work has been completed and remaining sidewalks will be poured on Saturday (August 7th).
3) There was general discussion about the sidewalks on Main Street, open access etc.
4) There was discussion about the staging of Phase II construction, which is 9th Street. It was confirmed that work on 9th Street will not begin until after the festival. All should be prepared for 9th Street to be closed beginning Monday, August 16th.
5) Opening of Main and Court Streets was discussed. It appears that each street will be opened and operate similar to a “Dead end”. We are still working on the details of parking on each street but details on that will be released by the end of the week of August 13th.
6) The members in attendance also expressed desire to be kept informed of final parking and street closing and opening information in the next week.
The meeting adjourned at 6:30pm.
Thanks again for your understanding and cooperation – please contact me for questions and comments.
Chad
Chad A. Bird
City Administrator
City of Adel
515-993-4525
Fax 515-993-4527
cbird@adeliowa.org
Aug 6, 2010
Crews are prepping to pour cement around the intakes. Prepping is also being done for additional cement pours and touch up.
Aug 5, 2010
Crews are finishing up installing the intakes on Main street today.
Aug 4, 2010
Crews are putting the finishing touches on the bricks on Main St. today.
Crews are also scheduled to start on the rest of the sidewalk work today.
Aug 3, 2010
The brick crews are working hard to finish Main St. today.
Aug 2, 2010
Crews are busy laying bricks on Main St. today in and around the rain.
Tour the Adel Public Library- With Photo Gallery
Published: August 2010
A great library instills growth, thinking, and dreaming for all those in the community.
The Adel Public Library is a shining example of historic preservation, modern advancements, and small town charm.
Let’s tour this local gem and see what makes it’s visitors say “Wow!”
When you walk up to the building you will notice the modern design. The large glass wall is unlike any other architecture in Adel. As your view widens you will begin to see the traditional design elements that allow the new building to blend seamlessly into the historic surroundings.
First you will find the community room, available to rent for small gatherings. The library uses this room for exercise classes, scrapbook marathons, quilting groups, and more. Non-profit groups can rent it for free!
You’ll be greeted at the reception desk by a warm and friendly staff member eager to help you find the perfect book. Feel feel to ask for help finding a specific book, section, or the best spot to read.
The first floor is dedicated to Children’s books and Periodicals. The play area is decorated in an underwater theme with toys, puzzles, and places to sit and read. The bookshelves are full of book both old and new alike. They are also short, accommodating even the youngest of readers.
You’ll find magazines and newspapers at the far end of the library, as well as plenty of quiet, comfortable reading spots. The tinted glass wall allows soft light to fill the library. When the weather is nice, consider heading outside to the Garden Sitting area! Another great feature of the new library is that it is handicap accessible with automated front doors and an elevator.
Heading upstairs, you’ll find the books you were looking for. General Fiction is to the right, Non Fiction is across the back. If you’re not a friend of the Dewey Decimal system, don’t worry! Each bookshelf is labeled to show what you’ll find among the racks. To the left you’ll find the Teen Reading section, Biographies, and Paperback books.
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Head to the Mystery, Western, Science Fiction or Inspirational sections to find books of the same genre. Each section is clearly labeled, making your hunt for good literature much easier than at other libraries.
Not sure where your books might be? Stop by the computerized card catalog to your right. There you can search by Title, Author, Subject and more. Write down the call number and feel free to ask the second floor librarian to help you find it!
The Teen Reading area is one of the biggest draws for readers. There is a wide selection of books for young adults of different ages and interests. The floor is covered with fun chairs which granting a quiet, relaxing place to get lost in a book. The walls display volunteer opportunities, suggestions of books to read, and advertise upcoming events designed specifically for Teens.
Something the library is very proud of are the public use computer stations. Anyone is able to access the computers for free, just sign up at the second floor reception desk. Print your homework or resume for 10 cents a page.
The best thing about the Adel Public Library that sets it part from the rest, is the staff. Every person who volunteers or works for the library is friendly and helpful. Whether you need help finding a book, signing up for an activity, or learning how to use the internet, the staff is there for you.
While you are enjoying the library, take a moment to appreciate the artwork. There are paintings, prints, and weavings throughout the library created by patrons and students. Take a close look, you may know the artist!
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Taking a digital tour of the library is nothing in comparison to exploring it firsthand. So head out and experience the Adel Public Library for yourself!
Adel Public Library
310 S 10th St.
Adel, IA 50003
515-993-3512
www.adelpl.org
The Adel Fan Club
(Reprinted from the August 2010 Newsletter)
The Adel Sweet Corn Festival has been drawing huge crowds for over 3 decades. Each year the event grows, gaining recognition for Adel.
Fans of the festival are all ages and come from around the world to enjoy the spirit of the community, small town charm, and never ending hospitality.
One group, the Adel Fan Club, travels each year from California and has become as much apart of the tradition as the corn served.
We got the chance to speak with Jacqueline McLaughlin, Matthew Livingston, and Mary Wilcox about why they love the Sweet Corn Festival!
Q. What was your first Sweet Corn Festival like?
Matthew: My friend and partner in crime, Jackie, invited me to the festival in 2001. Her exact words were ‘No! You don’t want to go on a surfing safari. I know just the thing you need.’ The first thing I remember was pulling into the town square and seeing the Courthouse. It was magnificent. I thought, ‘We are on to something here!’
Mary: In 2003, my friend Laura O’Brien (from California) who married Jerry O’Brien (from Adel) invited me to join them for the Festival. My first view of Adel was driving in on the Saturday of the festival, in my rental car and Laura greeting me on the corner with an ear of sweet corn and a cold beer. Since then I have been back every year.
Jacqueline: My friend, Jerry O’Brien told me about the Sweet Corn Festival. My first trip to Adel was in 1996, and I’ve been coming back ever since.
Q. Why do you keep coming back?
Jacqueline: I truly love and adore my friends that I have made in Adel. Everyone is always so hospitable to us.
Matthew: The friends I’ve made and the chance to make new friends. Jackie and I met Mary in 2003 at the Rendezvous Lounge. It is about the Parade, the John Deere Tractors are my favorites, the sense of community at the corn shucking, and the corn!
Mary: Besides the best sweet corn I have ever tasted and the old school charm of the town of Adel, its about the most dear and wonderful people in my life that I met at that festival. They have made us feel not only like a part of the community, but a part of the family.
Q. Why are you fans of the Festival?
Jacqueline: To say we are fans would be an understatement! We love Adel, the residents, and the Sweet Corn Festival so much we started the Adel Fan Club.
Matthew: It’s about corn! One year we festooned my car with banners and streamers; the girls in fine evening wear and boas, me, driving in a tux & bow tie.We snuck my car down our friends’ driveway, entered the parade, and the Adel Fan Club was born.
Mary: We have been in the parade 3 times (unofficially and officially.) We formed The Adel Fan Club, of which I am the vice president, and now have a standing sweet corn serving shift right after the parade.
Q. What are you looking forward to this year?
Mary: I am looking forward to the Festival, shucking corn Friday evening, enjoying the parade, and of course our shift serving corn. Most importantly I look forward to seeing and spending time with our treasured friends.
Jacqueline: We proudly work the first corn serving shift every year, which is always a highlight of the day! Another thing we always do is help shuck the corn on Friday night in preparation for the big day. This is a fun time to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.
Matthew: When in line for corn, look in the back. I’ll be one of the guys bringing the fresh cooked corn to the girls… more corn!
Make sure to stop by the corn tent and introduce yourself and say hello to the Adel Fan Club August 14th!
Terry Visits the Adel Public Library
Published:October 2010
The Adel Public Library is an incredible facility with amazing employees. Of all the cities I have traveled to, none can boast a better library than Adel.
Walking up to the building is an impressive blend of modern and traditional design against the historical backdrop of Adel.
As I walked up young readers seeing the library for the first time said “Wow!”
Chad Bird – City Update on Brick Construction
Fellow Residents,
The latest on the 2010 Brick Street Project:
One street is done, Court Street was finished on Thursday and the crosswalks on Main and Court at Hwy 169 were completed last evening. The brick laying crew started on Main Street this afternoon and expect to work Saturday and be completed by Tuesday. It takes about three days to complete the laying of one street block.
Beginning on Tuesday the concrete crews will be back in town to finish the concrete work, sidewalks, and bumpouts.
Around the end of next week (August 6th) the brick crews will be back in town to finish the final brick details, the band in the sidewalk and the sidewalk brick in the bumpouts.
It is expected that the work in this phase will all be completed by Monday, August 9th.
Business owners, with today’s major rain down pour this morning it was noticed in one basement that there was a water leak due to the construction (a pipe / tile that did not get sealed off). If you have similar issues, and you think they may be related to the project, please let us know and we can take a look at it.
The contractor will be sealing the cracks along the buildings and the new sidewalk with a weather sealer. We discussed this today so that work should happen in the next couple of days.
In case you were wondering about the brick installation and method; the contractor is drilling 2 ½ inch “weep” holes in the concrete and filling them with pea rock, this will help with the drainage in the pan that holds the brick. Next goes the black geo tech fabric and then the sand. The fabric is designed to keep the sand in place and not let it escape through cracks or weep holes thus causing the brick to settle. Please feel free to walk down and review Court Street, we would be interested in knowing your comments on the finished product.
Trivia revisited:
I only had one entry submitted in the contest to see who could guess the correct number of brick in the entire project. The guess was not even close (sorry Rob!). Any other takers?
Second tidbit, we are on day 51 of the project and only have 91 more days to go.
As always – thank you for your patience and endurance during this project. I know it is tough on everyone involved.
Resources:
This website will allow residents and business owners a forum to ask questions, research schedules through an interactive calendar, and view photos of the project’s progress. www.2010brickstreets.blogspot.com
In addition to the above link, the local online magazine, Discover Adel is providing a daily project update with photos and schedule information. You may visit their link at well. www.discoveradel.com, click on the Hardhat.
Thanks again for your understanding and cooperation – please contact me for questions and comments.
Chad
Chad A. Bird
City Administrator
City of Adel
515-993-4525
Fax 515-993-4527
July 30, 2010
The brick crews finished up the majority of Court Street bricks on Thursday. They also started the cross walk on Main Street.
