Terry Traveller at the Equator

Terry traveling alone… always a scary thought. We’ve had accountants quit over the expense reports.  – Editor

It might be a hot Iowa summer, but this is nothing compared to my summer along the equator.

I had just finished a long tour of the most northern point of the globe and thought I deserved a little fun in the sun.

I had been reading a fun book by Joan Wilder- I think it was called “The Stones of Romance” or something like that. So off to Columbia I went!

Columbia is home to coffee, oil, coal, and gold. It has a rich cultural history, thick forests that hide amongst the ageless trees, charming villages and caring people.

It is true that my parka generated a great deal of attention but after a few days of detainment and hours of conversation, I was sent on my way with a note pinned to the breast pocket which roughly translated read, “Crazy. Do not ask about coat. Avoid all conversation.” El Presidente.

The rest of my 2 month trip was uneventful, due in a great part to my approximate 2 month visit to the local hospital.

From what I remember, I had spent 3 days aboard a small bus, peopled with chickens, winding my way along a narrow mountain road following a vintage travel brochure from 1946.

We had reached a resting point when I apparently fainted exiting the bus.

I spent the remainder of my trip confined to my hospital bed and corridors regaining my strength from a serious case of heat stroke with a touch of typhoid.

The nurses seemed to like me well enough, at least they laughed when I walked the halls pushing my orange coat in a wheelchair.

I wasn’t allowed to wear the coat due to hospital policy but found it to be a comforting reminder of home.

On the day of my discharge I was given several hugs and souvenirs to bring back to the states.

I was detained again this time passing through US customs with a note that read, “Crazy. Do not ask about coat. There are bigger fish.”

People speculate that was government lingo for calling me a drug mule but I maintain it was the fishing tackle in my carry on bag that prompted such a response.

This is Terry saying it may not be true but it might as well be.

– Terry

Terry Traveller
Email: terry@discoveradel.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DiscoverAdel.TerryTraveller?fref=ts

Doug James – Coming Home to Play After 48 Years

August 8th, 2015 will be a homecoming for Doug James.

Doug is a Class of 67′ graduate who makes his living as a DJ, voice talent, actor, and musician in Chicago.

His band, Doug James and the Pocket will be playing on stage August 8th from 11 am to 2 pm after the Adel Sweet Corn Festival parade.

In 2010, former Chicago Dee Jay Doug James recruited a veteran band of Chicago musicians to form Doug James and The Pocket.

“Since then we’ve been tearing through Chicagoland with shows at the House of Blues, Buddy Guy’s legends, the Hard Rock Cafe, Reggies, Harlem Ave Lounge, the Chicago Blues Fest, Ribfest and other venues.”

“We make music that matters to us – part blues, part funk, part r&b, part rock. We play real loose with the proportions, though.” says Doug,

The band’s recently released CD ‘Leg Up’, is available for download on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon, Google Plus and on BandCamp.”

“Leg Up should come with a warning: Once you put it in your CD player, you may not be able to get it out… James has assembled a killer lineup of tunes that represents the best of their live shows, dripping with authentic Chicago-style rhythm and blues. They are the real deal!”
— Steve Downes, WDRV-FM Chicago

Band Members:
Doug James – Vocals/Keys/Percussion
Rick Demshi – Bass/Vocals
Ken Johnson – Keyboards
Chuck Wasserburg – Guitars/Mandolin.Vocals
Dave Rix – Harmonica/Vocals/Percussion

On Saturday, his nephew Aaron James, will be sitting in on percssion while Dave enrolls his daughter in Harvard.

“Aaron is a great musician, I’m looking forward to performing with him on stage.”

Although Doug might not make back to Adel very often, you’ve probably seen or heard him. He’s a very talented performer who successfully does a wide range of work in film, television, theater and music.

Recently he’s been the voice of McDonalds, Craftmen, Reese’s Puffs and Eggo to list a few.

His film work includes, Google Me Love, Just Like a Woman, Diversion, The Express, and Check Please.

On TV he’s been in, Chicago PD, ER, Cupid, Prison Break. and as a villain in the STARZ hit, Boss.

“I play a VERY bad man. I was known simply as ‘The Grey Haired Man’ until season 2 when my identity was revealed. I play an anonymous, mysterious, somewhat scary guy who basically does surveillance and if the job requires cleans up any loose ends. The Kelsey Grammar series lasted only 2 seasons. But it was a great show and so much fun to be working with so many fine actors!”

On living in Chicago, Doug replied, “…it’s been the best place to do what I’ve done, but it’s the Adel start that helped make that possible.”

When asked what to expect on the 8th,“We hope that when you listen to us you dance a lot, laugh some, and yes, maybe even think some. That’s what we’re all about.” – Doug

You can see and hear clips of Doug’s work at DougJames.com and listen to the great sounds of Doug James and the Pocket at www.djp6.com.

Terry Traveller Does RAGBRAI

Here’s an image for you, Terry in spandex, with that orange parka on a bike in July…  – Editor

This year, I am proud to say I partook in one of Iowa’s grandest traditions, RAGBRAI.

In the time honored tradition the Iowa weather was unbearable- I’m sure it had nothing to do with my fur lined parka.

The sweaty faces of thousands of cyclists from across the globe seemed to me to create the Ultimate Iowan- a thousand arms and legs all peddling together with a common goal, the love of the land, and the audacity to close down main veins of traffic for fun.

It seemed to me to bear a striking resemblance to the migratory pattern of Scandinavian Idaltu cave dwellers who often held parades as they traveled from one bungalow to the next in search of water, rest, first aid, and Schrader valves.

Now, some of you may think me a friend of “Fred and Doris” but I’m a seasoned “Clydesdale”. (These are cycling terms for the unaware.)

This year I rode for 500 miles, making several extra loops for fun and occasionally to find my towel.

Amongst 15,000 people I find it easy to get distracted and while I never get lost, for travelers simply do not get lost they may seek, explore, or ask for guidance but we are never lost, it was necessary to ask for guidance several times along the way.

I met several people, many of whom felt inspired by our conversation to ride up the next hill or jaunt as quickly as they could. I find it gratifying to motivate others, don’t you?

– Terry

Terry Traveller
Email: terry@discoveradel.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DiscoverAdel.TerryTraveller?fref=ts

Terry Traveller Series – Ballenese

I know, I know, Terry was missing last Sunday. When Terry sends in articles by carrier pigeon, things aren’t always pretty – Editor

I often hear from readers that I write as though the entire world is listening, or alternatively, that I write to amuse myself alone.

I admit that both are true: my goal is to reach a wide audience of readers and share with them the wonders of the world as they have yet to experience for themselves.

Since so few have witnessed what I share, it must be only for my own gratification that I include such personal callbacks and inside jokes none will ever experience outside my head.

This is due to an ancient eastern philosophy you may as well attribute with Bali, though I learned it from a modern day Englishman in a sci-fi book written in 1923. The Balinese people believe in one thing three ways: harmony (or balance) among people, with nature, and with the higher power.

This extends to the idea that Bali is the center of the universe, and the soul the center of the personal universe.  As long as you know where you are, and you know where your towel is, you can find your balance.

To a Western mind this may seem silly. A bunch of guys with beards verified century after century that the earth travels around the sun, and the sun is the center of the universe, and that our universe is on the less scenic spiral arm of the galactic map. It may also seem hypocritical, as Bali still has crime, famine, what we would consider incredible inequality among the sexes, drunk driving fatalities, and littering.

But science, politics, and philosophy are various world views- not proofs to be used to verify one over the other. And besides, if someone had actually figured out a utopian society, we would have exploited it by now.

For me, there are too many cultures and sub cultures in the world to verify any of them as stone cold truth. That isn’t to say that none of them are I simply mean that the concept is too complex for my human brain to make sense of.

What is true in Nepal isn’t true in San Diego. And what is true in Dallas County may seem absurd in Warren County. So instead, I pick and choose my philosophies like vitamins and minerals- I take an extra dose of Iron when I need it, Vitamin C when the seasons change, Fish Oil because someone told me I should.

I travel to see what’s happening across the big blue marble and share my experiences to help digest them. The jokes are the sugar to help the medicine go down, and perhaps a bit of Western pride in that I think I’m a pretty funny cat, if I do say so myself.

– Terry

Terry Traveller
Email: terry@discoveradel.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DiscoverAdel.TerryTraveller?fref=ts

Mayor Peters Discusses the City of Adel

Courtesy of City of Adel:

In June, Adel’s Mayor, Jim Peters spoke with Mediacom Newsleaders host, Elizabeth Klinge about the city of Adel.

They cover some of the history of Adel, the downtown district, the Court House, the brick streets, the Adel Tax incentive and the Adel Sweet Corn festival, which is August 8th.

View the conversation

Adel City Hall
301 S. 10th Street
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-4525
Website: www.adeliowa.org
Facebook: facebook.com/CityofAdelIowa

Retirement Community Named Best Place to Retire in Iowa

Courtesy of Watermark  Communities/VillageLegacyPointe:

Waukee Retirement Community Named Best Place to Retire in Iowa by Tripping.com.

The popular online vacation rentals booking website evaluated retirement communities to find those that offer adults 55+ the best fun, active and independent living.

One community was chosen from each U.S. state. “We’re proud to be recognized as a leader in retirement living,” says Tammy Olson, Executive Director at The Village at Legacy Pointe. “It’s wonderful, but the greatest validation is the one we see every day in our residents’ smiles.” 

Smiles are plentiful at the many programs, classes and outings offered at The Village at Legacy Pointe. Residents can be found at book club, cake decorating classes, attending musical performances, learning how to use Facebook and iPads, and much more.

The abundance of activities draw neighbors together to learn, socialize and get fit, which makes life better for everyone. “There’s always something happening here,” says Olson.

“Stimulating the mind and strengthening the body is beneficial at any age. We make it part of everyday life and we’re so glad to be recognized for offering individuals a great way to live in retirement.” 

The full Tripping.com list of best places to retire: https://www.tripping.com/explore/america-the-beautiful-series-best-places-to-retire-in-the-us

For more information on The Village at Legacy Pointe, call 515-987-4100 or visit villagelegacypointe.watermarkcommunities.com.

Media Contacts:
Amy Barth, Executive Director
The Village at Legacy Pointe
515-987-4100

Katelin Schwarck
Hanser & Associates (for Watermark Retirement Communities)
Office 515-224-1086 / Direct 515-421-4136

About The Village at Legacy Pointe Retirement Community of Waukee
Located at 1650 SE Holiday Crest Circle, The Village at Legacy Pointe retirement community of Waukee serves up to 186 residents, with levels of care including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Rehabilitation/Skilled Nursing. Watermark Retirement Communities Inc., one of America’s leading operators of senior living communities, owns and manages The Village at Legacy Pointe. Amy Barth is the Executive Director of the community. For more information, visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/VillageLegacyPointe or call 515-987-4100.

About Watermark Retirement Communities Inc. 
Watermark Retirement Communities Inc. is the nation’s 16th largest senior housing operator. Watermark’s commitment to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive dates back 30 years to when it opened its first retirement community in 1987. Watermark manages

Dallas County Bond Referendum August 4th

The Dallas County Supervisor’s will hold their Third County-Wide Special Election for a $16.8 million public safety building on Tuesday, August 4th, 2015.

The proposal is described as a pared-down version of the previous bond votes in 2013 and 2014.

The revised proposal focuses on a new Sheriff’s Office and Law Enforcement Center to be located at the eastern edge of the Adel City limits on Highway 6/Hickman Road.

The proposed site is owned by the County and contains the sewer lagoons on the north side of the bike trail.

For more information on the proposal, contact the Dallas County Auditor’s office at 515-993-6914 or at dallascountybond.com.

Local Retirement Community Wins National Awards

Courtesy of Watermark  Communities/VillageLegacyPointe:

Waukee, Iowa (July 15, 2015) Each year, when determining award winners, Watermark Retirement Communities looks at dozens of factors when evaluating its 38 retirement communities throughout the nation.

This year, following these evaluations, The Village at Legacy Pointe took home a whopping 12 Thrive Awards.

The awards were won by associates in many different roles and departments, from administrator assistant to nurse to executive director, showing that the commitment to excellence at The Village at Legacy Pointe is community-wide.

Not only did associates win awards, but resident Anna Marie also won for her role within the community. Even Miss Kitty, Waukee residents Loren and Jo Roiger’s cat, won the pet ambassador award for the joy she brings to residents.

“There’s no substitute for great service and it’s wonderful to see our commitment is making a difference and is being noticed on a national scale,” said Tammy Olson, Executive Director at The Village at Legacy Pointe. “I can’t wait to see how we continue to grow in the next year.”

For more information on The Village at Legacy Pointe, call 515-987-4100 or visit villagelegacypointe.watermarkcommunities.com.

Media Contacts:
Amy Barth, Executive Director
The Village at Legacy Pointe
515-987-4100

Katelin Schwarck
Hanser & Associates (for Watermark Retirement Communities)
Office 515-224-1086 / Direct 515-421-4136

About The Village at Legacy Pointe Retirement Community of Waukee
Located at 1650 SE Holiday Crest Circle, The Village at Legacy Pointe retirement community of Waukee serves up to 186 residents, with levels of care including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Rehabilitation/Skilled Nursing. Watermark Retirement Communities Inc., one of America’s leading operators of senior living communities, owns and manages The Village at Legacy Pointe. Amy Barth is the Executive Director of the community. For more information, visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/VillageLegacyPointe or call 515-987-4100.

About Watermark Retirement Communities Inc. 
Watermark Retirement Communities Inc. is the nation’s 16th largest senior housing operator. Watermark’s commitment to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive dates back 30 years to when it opened its first retirement community in 1987. Watermark manages

Terry Traveller Series – The Bird Man of Borax

Terry on laundry day in a sarong… and I thought the parka was bad. – Editor

As a world traveler with so many miles underfoot, I sometimes forget about the exciting adventures that take place in the mundane activities of home.

I suppose the day had started out like any other.

I awoke to the familiar sounds of a garbage truck and early morning commotion to the thought, “where am I?” I took in my surrounds and realized I was once again home from my latest excursion.

I stumbled though making coffee and assessed the needs of the day.

My travel bag was stuffed with fragrant polyester blends, my fridge void of sustenance, and my tower of mail necessitated a Viking funeral. First things first: to the Laundromat!

Some people hate going to the Laundromat- the hot, humid environment, loud banging noises, the constant worry that someone will steal their clothing- these are not concerns of mine. Years in foreign lands made the practice a luxury for it is far better than beating my clothes against a rock. And my Laundromat has antenna TV and 25 cent coffee.

Somehow, I knew this trip would be different than the rest. Perhaps it was the single car parked in the lot- a fiery orange Camero with grey leather interior, an open trunk and no driver in sight. But soon I saw its owner: a middle-aged man dressed in his teenage son’s gangster clothing. I was draped in my Hawaiian sarong and alpaca sweater. No one judges your clothing on Laundry Day. No, it was his companion that caught my attention.

Perched atop the communal wheelie-cart was a large, orange and grey parrot. I nodded to the impressive winged-fellow and he returned the salutation with a loud squawk that reverberated against the metal machinery. It was a sound I was accustomed to in the deep jungles or avian exhibit at the zoo, but even to this world traveler it was a curious sound and sight to behold.

For the next hour the parrot sat atop his metal branch and commented on the acting talents of Three’s Company, singing out in a sarcastic caw at each canned laugh. I was slightly offended by his judgmental responses to classic 70s melodrama until Ralph Furley entered and the bird chirped, spread his wings, and clicked his approval for the great Don Knotts. His driver sat silent, staring into his cellular telephone.

At the end of the show the bird called out his farewells, climbed onto and pooped upon the man’s shoulder, and left the Laundromat. In the relative silence I realized once again the meaning of life: Wear, Wash, Rinse, Repeat. We wear the clothes, outside forces soil them, we wash the clothes, and the spinning cycle of life repeats, all to the sounds of loud cackles and caws.

I went on with the rest of my day, performing each mundane task with a revitalized sense of purpose. Bring on the sarcastic parrots and monochromatic feces- each is a truly unique experience.

This is Terry Traveler saying, it may not be true, but it might as well be.

– Terry

Terry Traveller
Email: terry@discoveradel.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DiscoverAdel.TerryTraveller?fref=ts

Fuller Station Auction July 26th

Courtesy of Daugherty Auction:

Fuller Station Auction
Sunday, July 26th, 2015 12:00 pm
718 Greene St., Adel, IA
Corner of Hwy 169 & Hwy 6

Tom and Linda Fuller have sold their convenience store and are selling all inventory, restaurant equipment & some shop equipment!

No Tobacco or Alcohol Will Be Sold!

Kitchen Equipment!

• Walk-in freezer
• Federal self contained food warmer
• Farmland hot dog roller, stainless steel bun storage
• GE microwave
• Paper towel & toilet paper holders
• Bunn CW series coffee maker
• Cabinet tops & bases
• Donut case
• All merchandise shelving, 2-3 booths
• Stainless steel shelving
• Front counter
• Snow brushes
• Scottsman top filling ice machine
• Condiment holders
• Stainless steel 3 bin sink w/ drying
• Cooler shelving
• True pizza prep table w/ bottom cooler
• Freezer doors
• Stainless steel table on castors
• Lang convection oven
• Stainless steel BKI deep fat fryer
• Cooler doors
• Star Max commercial flat top griddle
• Bug zappers
• Captive Aire hood and ansul system
• Misc paper products
• Curtis cappuccino machine
• (2) Lenox Elite Series furnaces
• Low profile stainless steel table
• Misc remaining inventory

Shop Equipment!

• Coats 5065ax tire machine
• Miscellaneous oil inventory
• Coats 700 direct drive tire balancer
• Outdoor trash cans
• Gas pumps (working condition)
• Window washing stations
• Gas pump canopies

Daugherty Auction & Real Estate Services, Inc.
416 Greene Street
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-4159
Fax: (515) 993-2295
Website: www.daughertyauction.com 
Facebook: facebook.com/daugherty.auction

Adel Veterinary Clinic Changes Hands

Courtesy of Adel Veterinary Clinic:

On July 1st, Dr. Pat Rohret officially handed the keys to Adel Veterinary Clinic to Dr. Elizabeth Holland.

Dr. Rohret, who has been a veterinarian for 42 years has served the Adel area and four legged friends for many years. His dedication and service will be missed.

Dr. Elizabeth Holland joined the clinic in 2008, seeking the same levels of professionalism and teamwork as Dr. Rohret. Dr. Holland enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, specializing in small pet care.

Congratulations to and best wishes to Dr. Holland and Adel Veterinary Clinic.

Adel Veterinary Clinic
619 Greene St.
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-4707
Email: adelvet@mchsi.com
Website: www.Adelvet.com
Facebook: AdelVeterinaryClinic?fref=ts

Terry Traveller – Rock Star Groupie

Terry is filling in while the staff is on vacation. Lord help us.- Editor

It’s not often that I get to tell a tale of something truly special.

As you can imagine many writers dream of the rock star life of being a music journalist and once I had the pleasure of living that dream.

I was a youngster at the time with stars in my eyes, naive to the ways of the world.

I was also broke, sitting in my tiny apartment flipping my one remaining coin trying to figure out my next move: heads meant fast food; tails meant door to door sales. I was on flip 47 out of 126 when the coin rolled out of my hands, under the couch, and became the property of those mystical creatures that steal my socks. I threw back my head in disgust and began searching the want ads.

For the little ones out there these were printed in the newspaper which was a media spectacular that came out daily with important information. It rarely contained a “famous man becomes beautiful woman” thread.

Amongst the ads for experienced cowhands, over-the-road truck drivers and corn de-tasslers, I spotted an ad for a local newspaper seeking a local to write a lifestyle column. The seasoned human beings among us understand that by lifestyle column the paper was actually seeking a gossip hound whose reports might consist of phrases like, “Ann Arbuckle’s mahjong group was pleased to entertain Sally Smith’s cousins from Rhode Island with Mrs. Fred Armstrong’s signature lemonade and pecan dandies last Thursday.” I took the job anyways: to a writer, any printed byline was a resume builder.

For the first month I was able to survive thanks to a backlog of submissions left in the wake of the former writer’s fall from grace. (You didn’t hear it from me but the editor found out she was making up her stories- the audacity!)

Unfortunately that well ran dry quickly and I was left to discussing my own lifestyle. Fortunately I was a youngster on the go and could talk about local clubs, nightly beer brawls (witnessed, never joined), and the music of the local honky-tonks. This is where I found something truly special.

I was sitting in my favorite booth, the one in the front with plenty of light and easy access to the exit, when a group of fellas walked in carry suitcases. Strange, I thought, as our town clearly had no bus station. Instead these men began setting up microphones and pulling out cables and wires. From the suitcases emerged guitars and drums, a selection of harmonicas and a poorly cared for tambourine.

At promptly 7 pm the leader took the mic and stated, “uh, hi. We’re just some guys who like to play music; we don’t have a name or anything because we’re not that good. Thanks for coming out tonight anyways.” I clapped only to realize that myself and the disinterested barkeep made the whole of the crowd.

The band played for hours, occasionally forgetting lyrics and replacing well known phrases with their own comical alternatives. They were good, pretty good by all accounts. They drank enough to keep the bar open and after each song paused for my genuine applause saying “thank you, thank you, you’re too kind.”

At one point a group of rough characters entered the bar and requested a country ballad to ease their weary travels. The band complied and crooned a famous Patsy Cline song that made the leather clad misfits cry into their beers. When the band announced that was the only country song they knew, the crowd grew restless, threw a few punches amongst themselves, and left the bar to finish the brawl elsewhere.

The show ended and I met the band. They were local boys with self-taught skills and borrowed equipment. I helped them carry out the luggage, though I dropped one of their cases and was asked instead to hold the door open as they marched in and out. In the end we parted ways with handshakes as they left for a lengthy drive to the gig the following night.

I went home and wrote of the evening for the paper and the article ran two days later with the headline: Nothing Special Happens During Bar Brawl.  At first I was dismayed: the band was good and far more notable than the bar brawl. Then I considered their introduction at the bar and a band called Nothing Special seemed truly unique to me. The townsfolk dismissed the article and demanded to know how the mahjong group was getting along. I returned to the old favorite for the next 3 months until Sally Arbuckle insisted I be fired for sharing the recipe to their famous lemonade- it had been a powered mix all along.

– Terry

Terry Traveller
Email: terry@discoveradel.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DiscoverAdel.TerryTraveller?fref=ts

Terry Traveller – Indy Time

Terry is filling in while the staff is on vacation. My apologies.- Editor

It was a hot, dry day in a country I found myself in after taking a wrong turn at Albuquerque. (Side note: never buy an ACME map from a guy named Bugs.)

It may have been Scotland, but it was probably in Asia. The elephant I was riding may have been a clue.

My guide spoke with a British twang and his dry, silent wit reminded me of home.

After hours of telling him my tales of adventure, his fingers in his ears chanting out in praise of my heroism, we reached the main intersection- a clearing in the wild filled with animals traveling just like me. Feeling a kinship to these four legged- winged migrants, we entered the clearing to join the pack.

Suddenly the animals scattered, right in the middle of my story about an altogether uneventful 8-hour layover at the Atlanta airport.  My guide stood pointing at an approaching man imitating a Heisman trophy statue. Dodging left and right, he seemed desperate in his movements as what I thought were dragonflies, but later saw to be arrows, flew past, thrown by a dozen brightly clad, shouting angry men.

My guide and I froze- the circus of men flew past within a few dozen yards, oblivious to our existence.  The football star in the fashionable archeologist hat had broken free of the hoard, yelling for his yak who must have run off, since the runner dived quickly into the nearby river and hijacked a fisherman and his WATERCRAFT- visible just to the left of the clearing. The angry men continued their screaming and throwing until the plane was well into the air. They ran, following its path.

The clearing had returned to its natural chatter. My guide, the nearby gossiping animals, and myself had been the sole observers of this exchange. A loud cry from my elephant startled us from thought; my guide looked back at me, shrugged his shoulders without smiling, and we existed the clearing, returning to the well trampled trail leading away from all the excitement and onward towards Albuquerque.

– Terry

Terry Traveller
Email: terry@discoveradel.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DiscoverAdel.TerryTraveller?fref=ts

Terry Traveller – The Zoo

Terry is filling in while the staff is on vacation. – Editor

It was a sunny Saturday in March that I first visited a nearby, world famous zoo.

It is a private pastime of mine that has amounted to a unique collection of postcards and key chains featuring lions, fish and sloths.

Someday my executor will be tasked with determining who is most worthy of these priceless items- the best of luck to him in this daunting search.

I like visiting the zoo for its oddities- the mixture of foreign habitats amongst cornfields or skyscrapers with the crazy hoards of running, screaming children becoming an exhibit of their own. I always start with the butterfly pavilion, mainly because I find it frightening. Each zoo seems home to the largest, ugliest, vampire bat like butterflies that were cast as stand-ins for that Alfred Hitchcock movie about the birds. But at the price of admission I feel obligated to walk the full square footage available.

From there I move to the large cats and other four-legged friends, watching them lie listlessly in the sun. I have seen so many of them in their natural habitat; sans metal bars and organized mealtimes, and can tell you these cats play the part just as well.

It was on this momentous occasion that I experienced something unlike any of my travels. In a large trapezoid-shaped enclosure, lined with glass walls lived a trio of great gorillas. Crowed around each wall were dozens of families of all ages, watching our close cousins interact. Today the gorillas were battling for supremacy.

Two males fought, throwing one another against the glass as the female did her best to stand in the middle and mediate a truce. The adult onlookers commented to their children about the nature of nature and tried to answer the onslaught of questions that flowed from young mouths. Some laughed away the situation while others tried to justify the violence I found deeply upsetting. It happens in the wild too, but the selling of popcorn is frowned upon. I turned from the exhibit intent to find the tranquility of the aquarium. But this required me to walk past the remaining displays of primates.

These animals were boxed into closet-like rectangles to showcase their silly antics of hanging upside down and such. Funny that the bonobos- selected by psychologists to be our closest social equivalent- seemed to be the best performers playing to the crowd. Suddenly I found myself staring into the eyes of a large, old orangutan.

He filled the small space he was offered from wall to wall. Unlike the others he sat quiet and still. He looked me up and down, possibly wondering if my orange coat signified a kindred family line, and then settled his gaze with mine. I stood and stared back into his expressive eyes and imagined I saw a distinguished air with knowledge beyond his genome. I felt honored to see him, yet guilty for his captivity. This was the leader of the pack, a great warrior of the jungle reduced to a sideshow. He let out a hrumph, shrugged his shoulders and turned from my gaze, as though dismissing a lower being. It made my head spin as I walked to the aquarium.

Here I witnessed the greatest oddity of all the zoos I have visited when I stumbled upon the penguins. As a fellow Arctic nomad, I find a great kinship to these adorable fowl. I immediately took note of the least plausible environment for a penguin. There were vents in the ceiling that operated like a third-rate motel ice machine and large grates in the floor that spewed rhythmic blasts of cold air. Atop a man-made iceberg underneath the most functional vent, stood a lone penguin making occasional noises. Arms extended, head cocked to the vent, he seemed to be holding court to a crowd of penguins below that stood in an equally prone position. Every few minutes a chunk of ice would fall, first on the head of the judge, then tumble across the heads of the onlookers. Between falls the penguins stood in wait, as the leader cawed. I looked around and no one else seemed to notice this weird display of captivity.

It was a freakish day at the zoo, and my last. I could not cover the remaining square footage my admission had purchased. Instead, I stopped in the gift shop and sought out a keepsake unlike the others in my collection. Amongst the dozens of identical stuffed animals, rubber reptiles, puzzles and more, I found a collection of framed photographs. Hanging in the corner, obscured slightly by inflatable trees, was a portrait of the great orangutan staring directly into the camera with an exasperated look. It now hangs in my study and inspires me to walk outside, to travel the world, and respect all the freedoms afforded to me.

This is Terry Traveler saying, it may not be true, but it might as well be.

Terry Traveller
Email: terry@discoveradel.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DiscoverAdel.TerryTraveller?fref=ts

Fuller’s BP of Adel Announcement

Courtesy of Fuller’s BP of Adel:

“After 37 years on “THE” corner in Adel it is with mixed emotions that we announce that “Fuller’s” will be closing as we are selling our property.

While we are not retiring (much too young for that), it is time to cut back a little bit on work hours. We will continue with our bulk fuel delivery business.

We will most certainly miss seeing all of our loyal customers on a regular basis, but Tom will definitely not miss getting up at 4 a.m. 7 days a week.

We would like to thank everyone for all the support throughout the years. We have gone through many changes over the years and have many great memories. We truly appreciate all of our current and former employees and of course our customers!

We couldn’t have done it without you. It has become increasing difficult to stay competitive in the ever changing convenience store business. It was time to either invest in some major improvements or sell; obviously we have chosen the latter. We look forward to continuing our support and involvement in the Adel community.”

Tom and Linda Fuller We would like to extend our best wishes to the Fuller’s and thank them for their years of service. – Editor

View full article.

Fuller’s BP of Adel
Facebook: Fullers-BP-of-Adel/129988286955

Terry Traveller – Reviews Fuller Massage

Courtesy of Fuller Massage Therapy

I give Terry a hard time about the adventure stories. But when it comes to reviews Terry is always professional and spot on. – Editor

This month I’d like to share with our readers my experience receiving a massage from Fuller Massage in Adel.

I was given a massage gift certificate from my editor who thought an hour of calming music and lying still and silent were in order.

I was skeptical- I had never had a massage before and wasn’t sure what to expect. But being up for any challenge I didn’t have to pay for myself, I said yes.

I scheduled my appointment with Debra Fuller, the owner and Licensed Massage Therapist who asked some initial questions during our phone call. It made me feel like she cared about her work and about me. I was under the assumption that everyone got the same massage – I was wrong.

Debra booked me for an hour and asked me to arrive early so we could talk about my goals for the session. The morning of my appointment I woke up sore. I was having some low back pain, especially when I got out of bed and later stood up from sitting at my computer.

My legs are habitually sore, and I tend to get headaches. I really hoped a massage would do the trick- I had a long week of story scouting to do!

Debra met me with a firm handshake that helped me feel confident she could work out my kinks. I filled out a simple form and told her about my aches and pains. I was surprised to learn that my back pain might be associated with weak abdominal muscles, my legs might be sore due to dehydration, and my headaches quite possibly came from my neck.

Debra outlined a plan for the session, let me ask lots of questions, and showed me to the massage room. The room was warm and welcoming. The table (I was told you never call it a bed) was heated and covered with clean sheets.

There was soft music playing which helped me forget my initial anxiety. Once I was changed and securely under the sheet, Debra entered the room and began the massage. I don’t really know what happened after that because I was whisked away to a strange world. I was conscious of my surroundings at Fuller Massage yet my mind was daydreaming.

It felt as though I was disconnected with my body, yet totally in tune with its responses. I felt my muscles relax, I tasted purple, I’m pretty sure I started to snore, and suddenly the hour was over. The work Debra provided had eased my aches and pains, and the daydreaming had provided me with several ideas for new articles.

I left Fuller Massage feeling born anew, but the real change took place a few days later. At Debra’s recommendation, I began drinking half my body weight in ounces of water. After three days I noticed the dull pain in my legs hadn’t returned.

My headaches were gone. In fact, I began to notice lots of things about my body I had apparently been ignoring. I did some research into weak abdominal muscles and began doing some stretches based on the work Debra provided me.

I am happy to say that I am a massage convert and I am very happy (and very relaxed) to recommend Debra and Fuller Massage in Adel, Iowa.

–  Terry Traveller

Fuller Massage Therapy
203-1/2 Nile Kinnick Dr. S.
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 720-2224
Email: FullerMassage@gmail.com
Website: FullerMassageTherapy.com

Adel Residents Are Heard During FDA’s CF Drug Hearing

Michelle Roling and Alex Hall

A follow up on the presentation Michelle Roling and her son, Alex made to address the FDA about a possible new drug in the fight of Cystic Fibrosis. –  Editor

Guest Writer: Michelle Roling

On Tuesday, May 12, 2015 Alex Hall (19 year old Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Patient) and myself, his mom, had an amazing opportunity to speak at the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee (PADAC) in a Washington, DC suburb.

The committee public forum meeting was scheduled to discuss a miracle medication “orkambi” and for the committee to make a formal recommendation regarding whether to approve Orkambi for use in the United States for CF patients 12 and older who have a specific genetic code (Double Delta F 508). The FDA is not bound by the committee’s recommendation but often follows its advice.

If approved, ORKAMBI will be the first and only medicine to treat the underlying cause of CF for eligible people with CF ages 12 and older with two copies of the F508del mutation in the CFTR gene. People with two copies of the F508del mutation represent the largest group of people with CF. There are approximately 8,500 people ages 12 and older with two copies of the F508del mutation in the U.S. Alex and his younger brother Shade Hall (16) have this genotype!

Alex and I submitted our application to present at the hearing as soon as the hearing date was announced in April. I have been advocating for awareness, scientific breakthrough and advanced diagnosis of cystic fibrosis for all of Alex’s 19 years. I sat on the State of Iowa Health Board subcommittee for 3 years and worked to get all babies in the state of Iowa tested for CF at birth. CF newborn screening was implemented in 2007 and is one of the multiple tests conducted off the blood spot foot test! When Alex was 3, he was one of the first CF patients in Iowa to get a respiratory therapy vest approved through insurance. Our fight with the insurance company opened doors for other patients to have access to the equipment… I knew in my heart I was “supposed” to be in that hearing room while a historic decision was made, one which could change my boy’s lives in countless ways. I also knew there was no fiancial way to get there. A friend suggested I put together a “go fund me site”. I took their advice and Alex and I are so humbled by the support which got us to the east coast!

There were two rounds of the application process prior to getting notification we were given speaking privileges on the floor. 17 advocate slots were assigned– each of us being allowed 4 minutes to speak regarding the reality of living with this devastating illness! 5 CF patients who were involved in the clinical trials of Orkambi and still being allowed to take the medication while they wait for approval; 3 CF patients who were not in the trial. 3 parents of people with CF who spoke alone; 6 CF specialists. Alex represented the CF community so well. What an honor to be 1 of 8 of the 8,500 CF patients in the country given a voice!

The morning started with the pharmaceutical company presenting their data regarding the benefits of Orkami, the 13 member committee asked many questions. Then the FDA statisticians presented their interpretation of the data and the committee asked many questions. During this full discussion, the committee was caught on two details/questions—What does a 3-8% increase in lung function mean regarding quality of life? Is that minimal improvement worth any unknown long term side effects? The debate filled our hearts with fear and we sent out texts stating we didn’t think it was going to pass, yet sent up prayers to help guide our words to gain approval!

At the lunch break, we pulled out our well rehearsed speech, considered the areas the committee was struggling with and we scrapped a large section of the presentation and rewrote things to help the committee HEAR our answer- simply freezing lung destruction would be a miracle! Improving lung function 4-8% is unimaginable for us! The truly amazing thing is that the medication builds on itself and the improvement continues over time! Those involved in the studies have incredible stories of how their lives have done 180% turn arounds- people coming off the transplant list; CF patients running- really running ½ marathons! Decreased hospitalizations by 60%!!!

Orkambi is the first medication to treat the UNDERLYING cellular issue instead of treating a side effect of the CF. It is being likened to when insulin was first availble for diabetics.

As we presented and as we listened to the other advocates present, the energy in the huge ballroom began to change. We could “feel” the change in the room. We were elated beyond words when the voting revealed a 12 yes to move it forward with only 1 no vote!

Here are some clips from reporters attending the hearing:

The Boston Business Journal Writer: While no one expected recommendation to be a slam-dunk (and the full FDA has yet to officially approve the drug), the line of questioning regarding the practical value of the 3 percentage-point improvement in lung function after six months struck me as odd, considering that there are no other drugs that slow or stop the underlying cause of the disease. Those 3 percentage points don’t sound like much, but for a disease which gets progressively worse over years and decades, that slight improvement could conceivably be multiplied many times over in the course of a patient’s lifetime.

But it wasn’t specifically that argument which seems to have won 12 of the 13 panel members over on Tuesday. Rather, it was the 17 patient advocates who spoke passionately in favor of approval, at least according to Leerink Partners analyst Howard Liang, who called it “perhaps the most effective and best organized plea for the need of the drug, the differences it made in some patients and for approval of the drug that we have ever seen at an FDA advisory panel.”

There were total 17 patient advocates including patients, parents, and researchers who talked about the life-changing benefit of Orkambi, and it was one of the most powerful and convincing testimonies according to some of the panelists,”

The New York Times: Some family members or advocates, some of them crying, pleaded with the committee to endorse the drug.

Some patients who took the drug in clinical trials said it had made a huge difference in their lives, reducing their coughing, allowing them to exercise better, helping them gain weight or reducing how often they ended up in the hospital.

If the drug is approved, Vertex could still face challenges getting insurers to pay for it, given the somewhat questionable efficacy. Orkambi is expected to come at a price between $225,000 to $250,000 a year/ per patient.

The broach and button that Michelle wore at the hearing. Depicting her sons Alex and Shade Hall.

The final vote from the FDA will occur before July 5! Our family is hoping to have many, many things to celebrate over the July 4^th holiday! We send our thanks to everyone who supported our go fund me campaign financially and with emotional encouragement! We will certainly let you know when the final FDA vote is complete!

Michelle Roling – Sharing is Healing
1412 HyVue Street
Adel, IA 50003
Phone: 515-231-3918
Email: michelle@michelleroling.com
Website: http://michelleroling.com

Thank You, Chief McNeil

Courtesy of City of Adel:

(An open letter to retiring Adel Police Chief, Jim McNeil – Editor)

On behalf of the city council, staff, and the citizens of Adel I would like to express my sincere appreciation and deepest sense of gratitude for your 29 years of dedicated service to the City of Adel.

Although you are departing while I am still in office, I have always told you that you would be my legacy. I can honestly say that during 24 years as mayor, hiring you as Chief of Police was the best decision I have ever made as measured by the positive impact your service has had on the city.

You have the respect of your staff, other law enforcement peers and the public. This respect was earned through your leadership, reliability, expertise and the ability to follow through. This respect also translated into trust… the trust that you would always be consistently fair and firm… and you have been.

During your tenure the professional-ism of the department has been elevated through facilities, equipment and training. You increased the police office space by five times what it was and provided the department better working conditions. The vehicle fleet has transformed from four door sedans to SUV’s with the accessories, equipment and resources to compete with other police departments. And, most importantly, you increased your staff’s wages to make them competitive in the market place which helped reduce department turnover.

In your role of disaster coordinator you have seen us through our most common disaster – flooding. Next to the flood of ’93, the ’08 flood was the city’s biggest test. The mitigation efforts you put in place, including the berms throughout Kinnick – Feller Park and the portable dike system at the track / football field area gave residents there a feeling of security knowing you were in charge and flood damage would be held to a minimum.

And, of course, the McNeill spillway (by your design) near the dam and water plant where a permanent mitigation effort requires no sandbagging for most of our flood events. This properly designated spillway is your lasting legacy for flood protection in that part of the city.

And finally Chief, you have always, always looked out for the best interest of the city. Many times you have assisted staff in an open way, or other times, quietly behind the scenes to make something happen, or prevent something from happening with either a light touch, or if necessary, a firm hand. Only in your absence will I truly appreciate all you have done for the city. Simply said…

Thank you Chief,

Sincerely,

James F. Peters, Mayor

Adel City Hall
301 S. 10th Street
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-4525
Website: www.adeliowa.org
Facebook: facebook.com/CityofAdelIowa

Terry Traveller – Travel Tips

Travel can be scary so make sure you know where your towel is with these helpful tips from world famous travel writer and author of the 1987 classic, “Terry-cloth Treasures: 101 New Ways to Use Your Towel”, DiscoverAdel.com correspondent Terry Traveler!

1.     Atlas: Oh sure, you could use a smart phone but I wouldn’t hire Siri as my travel guide. Bring an atlas so you can see the big picture – the entire country or continent you are visiting. Then, procure local maps along the way as they may have great advertisements for local haunts worth checking out.

2.     AM/FM Radio: You can stick your flash drive into the stereo and listen to your favorite Yanni songs any day of the week. Instead, tune into the sounds of the region. Listen to the commercials for funny moments to share back home, find new bands to explore, or hear about what’s happening locally to start a conversation with your next toll booth attendant.

3.     Dramamine: The headiest travel can still be beaten by motion sickness. Consider the patches for long cruises or hours of swerving roads. A natural acupressure point is the underside of your wrist. Let your other thumb apply pressure about 2 inches below your palm in the center of your wrist. Find a solid horizon line and stare at it, not the ever moving parts of the landscape.

4.     Travel Pillow: Use your towel if you like, otherwise bring along a compactible neck pillow. These bean-shaped beauties have saved my life during countless airport layovers, bouncy bus rides, and stranded in the desert situations.

5.     Emergency Kit: Be sure it includes first-aid supplies, a thermal blanket, poncho, bottle of water, and a shelf-stable snack. I find it efficient and fashionable to use my fanny pack.

6.     Survival Gear: For me, this includes my compass, bow knife, and Swiss Army knife. You never know when a corkscrew will come in handy as you blaze a trail 340 degrees North by Northwest towards your lost campsite.

7.     Earplugs: You’d be surprised how noisy it is out in the world – those crickets and their buggy cohorts are plotting against us my friends, trust me.

8.     Treat Your Body Right: Too much sitting, too much walking, too much indulgent food, too little water, too little sleep, too much beer can all day up. Remember to stretch often, drink plenty of water, and get some sleep. Taking it easy is the name of the game- you don’t want to miss out on all the fun because you had all the fun you could handle in the first day!

9.     Know the Rules and the Language: If you’re traveling to a different state or country, know the rules. Can you turn right on a red light? Will your hands be cut off for jaywalking? Should you shake hands with someone who doesn’t use toilet paper? How do you say “where is the toilet?” These are important questions to ask before you find yourself in a foreign place innocently insulting everyone’s mother.

10.  Pack Smart, Pack Light: Rolling your clothing will save you lots of room, but don’t let that extra space be used unwisely. If you can’t carry your luggage by yourself for 30 minutes, it’s too heavy. Consider outfits that can be rinsed out and dried quickly. I personally never leave home without my orange parka- perfectly suited for most climates (except the warm ones)- and easy transition for a day to night look thanks to the removable fur lining.

– Terry

Terry Traveller
Email: terry@discoveradel.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DiscoverAdel.TerryTraveller?fref=ts