How Terry Traveller Became a “Writer”

I am often asked by my editor, “how did you ever become a writer?”

His question is understandable – talent like mine is not a product of education, but of deep soul searching and impossible charm.

So I will tell you, dear readers, what I have often given as a response to this inquiry of how I became a travel writer.

It was a late spring evening, a humid night in May, one of those twilights of impending thunderstorms and green clouds. I was working at a local market to make ends meet as one does when one is lost to the ways of their destiny. Or perhaps blind to the destiny that working as a cashier can hold.

In true Iowa fashion we had the weather radio on, and the customers who streamed in and out of the store each mentioned a tornado advisory was in effect. Those in charge dismissed the warnings as this happened every spring and the boy who cried wolf had surely worn out his welcome.

In true fictional fashion, the sirens began to ring out cutting off the manager’s words. The weather radio let out a horrific howl and the store stood completely motionless for a moment before a hoard of customers appeared at the checkout counter armed with groceries and demands for shelter.

I consulted with the manager as to the safest locations to hide only to discover his options to be the firehouse 8 blocks away, or the meat cooler-though he felt the firehouse was still our best option given the last building inspector’s report and subsequent bribery.

An old timer stood watch at the doorway and announced he could see the twister a comin’. The 12 customers and 3 employees dragged the man from his spot into the meat department only to realize the weekly truck had delivered three pallets of Oscar Meyer wieners that completely filled the cooler. (Our manager was what we used to call “crazy” but now refer to as a “hoarder” in politically correct society.)

Instead, we huddled under metal sinks, nooks, and crannies throughout the small butcher’s area just in time for the lights to go out. My manager began to complain that the hot dogs would surely rot without the compressor running, to which my fellow cohorts began pelting him with whatever materials were in our pockets. We assured him that, if we survived this dastardly event, they would too.

The minutes felt like hours, and indeed were, as we waited for signs of safety or distress. I swore I could hear a train passing by, though a nearby customer assured me that it was her husband George’s nervous flatulence acting up.

The old timer who thought himself a storm chaser stood up in the darkness and proclaimed if he was to die, he was going to do it looking mother nature straight in the eye and took off for the door. I felt the strange urge to follow him- not for his safety or mine, but for the adventure. We reached the doorway in silence and looked out at the most beautifully clear Iowa evening. Birds chirped, bugs buzzed, and aside from a displaced shopping cart some three feet away, there was no evidence that a tornado had passed by at all.

But then, a news van pulled into the parking lot. The smiling local anchor stepped out and adjusted his toupee before walking towards us. The old timer muttered something about tax evasion and took off running. The newscaster informed me, along with the viewers at home, that the funnel cloud had dissipated as rapidly as it had formed.

I was asked to recall the events of the evening: where had I been when the sirens rang out, was anyone injured during the frenzy, where could the crew buy a dozen packages of hotdogs for the Memorial Day picnic?

I told my tale as I have now shared it with you, my friends, and I knew I had found my calling. I was later fired from the grocery store for usurping the responsibility of management to speak with the press. I took this as a sign to travel, to seek out new civilizations, and to boldly go where so few have gone before.

– Terry

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

Terry Traveller’s Foreign Correspondence – Woo Part 3

The legal team said something about an “homage” and freedom of speech… and due to a contractual agreement,  the saga continues. – Editor

Back again readers of the most exciting travel journal since Betty Lou Grimes’ classic, “My Living Room in Flushings, NY- A Photo Essay”.

I have recovered from my recent malady, thanks to several overnight packages of aloe Vera, apple cider vinegar, Spam and peanut butter cups.

Thank you everyone for the kind words and support as I continue to share with you my tales of Waponi Woo- Part III.

At night the little island with the big volcano is filled with fire- a favorite of your favorite travel writer/ pyro-enthusiast. The lanterns burn, large woodpiles burn, small huts are doused in water.

The orange glow of the fire, reflecting off the orange glow of the soda cans produces euphoria not unlike cream cheese wedding mints. During the evening feast there are trials of strength, blinking contests, and poetry readings. They are far better than that of Paula Nancy Millstone Jennings of Essex.

The music of the Waponi tribe is spiritual, soulful, repetitive, and constant. The original composers of “The Song That Never Ends”, each villager adds his or her own rhythmic chant to the continuous sound. It is heard every moment: the 12 beat whistle as someone walks past, the 12 beat humming of children while their parents are talking to them, the 12 beat wheezing snore of the village lookout.

At first it was beautiful, but countless repetitions of the same song will wear down anyone’s nerves. Luckily the state secrets I once held have now been divulged with the FOIA. I attempted to add my own chant, to mix it up a bit, and I was told it sounded like a Jimmy Buffet song and was asked to stop.

It is the philosophy of the Waponi that every man is a volcanic island sprung from, and surrounded by, vast oceans of surprising depth. Left to his own devices, marooned on the island so to speak, he is bound to insanity and what they call The Dance of The Ants in the Pants. Defined by fanciful flights of fantasy, these delusions of grandeur often manifest into obsessions with the ukulele. Only by accepting that his vast ocean is comingled with the oceans of others can he find redemption.

They also believe that one person every 100 years must jump into the Big Woo (big, big volcano) or the whole tribe will lose that which they covet most. This time around it is the tasty orange soda like beverage known as Jump. I was asked to take the leap from the lizard’s head into the volcano, but my asthma began to act up amongst the steam and ash forcing me to return to my hut for my inhaler.

Noticing the time, I packed my belonging and ran to my water taxi returning just in time to make the redeye to LAX. As we left the volcano shook and rumbled, burped out a small glob of molten hot lava, and settled back into the peaceful calm of the night. Reports state that no one jumped into the Big Woo- the small eruption was no more than volcanic flatulence.

I have been honored to report from Waponi Woo, and hope to return once the rebuilding process is complete. If I have learned anything, it is simply this: it is only with new experiences that we learn what truly matters, and only with distance that we learn to truly appreciate what matters.

– Terry

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

Terry Reviews Adel’s Island Park

Courtesy of Adel Park and Rec:

There is nothing I like more than camping.

Sure, I’ve slept under the stars in plenty of countries.

Witnessed the deepest darkness of the jungle, the dusty horizon of the desert, and those eerily loud nights under the power converters.

But an Iowa night under familiar stars, surrounded by trees, near a river, close to the smell of cornstalks, sleeping in an RV instead of a cave, is hard to beat.

When I’m in town I like staying at the Island Park Campground, located along the banks of the Raccoon River in Adel. The small park is welcoming throughout the summer to RVs and tents with a simple and traditional charm.

Located just on the north edge of town, Island Park is close to all the comforts of town should you burn the breakfast or forget the bug spray, but far enough away to offer clear skies and a genuine sense of tranquility.

To reach the Island Park Campground you can drive via 169 headed north at 2400 Nantucket Rd., or by foot using the historic railroad bridge spanning the top of the dam crossing the Raccoon River.

So close to the river, it is important to check that the park is open during wet summers. No sewer hookups (dump site only.) If you have any questions just call Parks & Recreation Director Nick Schenck at 515-993-4525.

Fires are allowed so bring the hotdogs and marshmallows. If you need electric hook-ups & water spots are available for $20 a night, tent camping is just $13 a night. Senior Citizens are eligible for a $1/night discount.

So grab your sleeping bags, flashlights, and camping gear, throw it in the back of the car with an armload of firewood, and head to Island Park Campground in Adel!

Island Park Campground
2400 Nantucket Road
Adel, IA 50003
Phone: (515) 993-4525

Adel Parks & Rec.
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-4525
Email: nschenck@adeliowa.org
Facebook: Adel-Parks-and-Recreation/1513050525640281

Terry Traveller’s Foreign Correspondence – Woo Part 2

From our… “illustrious explorer”. – Editor

Hello, hello fellow travelers! It is I, Terry Traveler here with Part II of my adventures traveling to the mostly unknown island of Waponi Woo or “Little island with a big volcano”.

I can say that homesickness has begun to show its menacing face upon the wrinkles of my lobster red face, neck, and scalp.

I ran out of sunscreen several days ago and have since been using a local remedy provided by the village Sage.

It is an unnaturally bright yellow with a thick consistency similar to that of butter. I spread the oily substance across my body for a few days, but the red only seemed to deepen from a rosy blush to an angry scarlet.

On day three I asked for the ingredients and was handed a tub of “Say It Ain’t So!” margarine. Thank goodness for my previous foraging experience that lead me to the location of aloe plants and natural anti-inflammatory herbs. The margarine is exceptional on toast.

Days on Waponi Woo are spent in the most relaxing manner possible. In my current condition I can do little but lie in my hut and wince at the topical breezes, but in the great days before sunburn, I would only move 15 feet outside my hut to a rattan lounge chair and do the same. As there is little commerce, there is a great deal of time available to necessity, and being highly efficient people, the Waponi have found several ways to accomplish all that is required in less than 3 hours of daylight, leaving them plenty of room for hobbies.

The men hunt and fish before retiring to the shade for countless hours of snail race gambling- coconuts, bananas, live squid are all used as currency (and the suckers give a great facial massage. I easily look 20 days younger.)

The women here have been weaving a garland of flowers for decades. One generation teaches the next until the single strand covers the village. Of course the flowers wither and die, as do the artisans, so each generation spends their life repairing and replacing the garland. When I spoke of plastic flowers an elderly member of the village called me a Hollywood hack.

Something in that compliment reminded me of home, and now, as I prepare to waddle in excruciating pain from the village hotspot back to the uncomfortable comforts of lying still and wincing, I can think of little else than my own bed, my own pillow, and my own prescription burn cream. (Third shelf behind the Tucks. Send care of T. Traveler, The Weird Guy’s Hut, Waponi Woo. Somebody, have a heart!)

Watch for Part III of my wild adventure on Waponi Woo! (Remember: burn cream.)

– Terry

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

Adel Dental Group Ribbon Cutting & Open House June 19th

Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce:

Please join the Chamber in welcoming Adel Dental Group to Adel.

You are invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday, June 19th at 4:30 pm.

Following the ribbon cutting there will be an open house.

We hope to see you there!

Adel Dental Group
Dr. L. Eric Anderson, DDS
Dr. Lona Kouri, DDS
Dr. Ames Cross, DDS
216 Nile Kinnick Dr S
Adel, IA 50003
Phone: 515-993-4333
Email: AdelDentalGroup@gmail.com
Phone: www.AdelDentalGroup.com

Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 73, 301 S.
10th Street, 2nd Floor
Adel, IA 50003
Email: chamber@AdelPartners.Org
Website: www.adelpartners.org
Facebook: AdelPartnersChamberOfCommerce

Terry Traveller’s Foreign Correspondence – Woo Part 1

Terry sent this one in a bottle. Written in yellow crayon and mailed to the office… “postage due”. – Editor

Terry here, and this time, I am truly traveling.

I was recently sent on assignment to a tiny gem of this world at the base of the Big Woo and from my small hut-like home base I send you this three-part greeting.

I am writing a small entry for a guidebook to the region, on behalf of the local tribesmen’s publicity department. I won’t get paid, per say, but I’ll return home with my pockets full of Macadamia nuts. My only requirement was that I be allowed to share the exclusive story with my dedicated fans of DiscoverAdel.com.

* Please disregard the occasional use of text language throughout the article; I am trying to appeal to the younger generation on behalf of the publicity department and it seems these youngsters can no longer understand the use of spelled out words and punctuation. I would worry about offending them by writing this, but they gave up at “disregard.”

The world here is simple- no TV, no Gluten-Free Vanilla Chai Soy Lattes in a reusable travel mug, no need for weather reports. I find myself enjoying the distance from the complications of the modern Iowan’s lifestyle.

No need to check on my stocks- 3 cans of green beans and a suspicious can of dog food in the pantry at home monitored by surveillance camera (where did that can of dog food come from?!?), to consider my bank account statement, or sleep in, drive fast, and show up 20 minutes late to work with a speeding ticket all because of someone else’s fault. No, here the pace is slow; an even cruising speed of 2.42 miles per hour that besets man, woman, child, beast, and the ticking hands of the clock.

Here, we are away from the things of man with few exceptions, such as the intermittent 56k Internet connection and a regular supply of a mighty tasty orange soda the locals call Jump. The flavor is delightful from a bottle; never under any circumstances, drink it from the can.

That’s all for now as the chief needs to make an important phone call and I’m holding up the phone line. Watch for Part II of my wild adventure on Waponi Woo coming soon!

– Terry

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

Terry Traveller Series – The Story of the Orange Parka

I’ve always been a little nervous to ask Terry, “what’s up with the orange parka?” Anyone who’s followed Terry knows that thing is a hallmark of our “illustrious friend”. So imagine my delight when Terry carrier pidegeoned this to the office. – Editor

Dear Fellow Travelers,

My trademark orange parka has been with me for ages. I remember my previous jacket, a lime green affair with fur lining and leather cuffs. That unsightly apparel marked my youthful disregard for fashion and as I approached a new decade I felt it was time for something new. Not to mention the coat had recently been marred by a pack of ill-trained sled dogs with the taste for polyester.

I purchased my orange parka in a strange bazaar west of Calcutta in preparation for a three-week hike to the highest peak in the region. My Sherpa, Freddie, stood next to me as I selected backpacks, survival gear, and a switchblade comb- the essential needs of any professional traveler.

I stood confused for a moment, torn between two pairs of wool socks, unsure which would be better suited for our affair. I asked his opinion and he kindly quipped, “If we are to spend day and night together, I recommend more than one pair of socks, Stinky. Besides, socks are fundamental and unseen. A true hiker is defined by the coat they wear.”

I looked to my growing pile of merchandise and realized I had not yet selected the most important element of the ensemble. I certainly couldn’t decide which pair of socks to buy without having a coat to match them against, and staying warm was probably important, too.

Walking around the store I saw blobs of blue, grey, and black. These were not the coats of travelers. These were the coats of ski bunnies. Distinguished ski bunnies, but nonetheless. I wanted a coat of distinction. A coat with the dignity to loudly yell, “I am a Parka!” A coat that could be seen should an avalanche take place due to the Parka’s exclamation.

Freddie was reviewing the mileage charts of the available pack mules on the other side of the store. The shopkeeper was busy inventorying his latest shipment of imported sunflower seeds. I was beginning to give up hope. Suddenly I found it. The clearance rack- home to the most unique options available.

Amongst the irregular flannel tuxedos for the fashionable sportsman, my vision was drawn to a small patch of orange at the end of the rack. I had found it: a long, orange parka with fur-lined hood. Doubt crossed my mind. These things never came in my size, yet as I put it on I found it fit perfectly. The coat was long and boxy so it could double as a sleeping bag- duplicity has always been a passion of mine. I looked in the mirror and saw the distinguished figure my former lime green parka had only attempted to highlight. This was the look of an adventurer!

With Freddie’s help I selected the ideal pair of wool socks, grey with an orange argyle print, though I was forced at his knifepoint to pick up three additional pairs with superior wicking technology. I must admit I was thankful for this exchange not 10 feet from the store as I walked in a puddle of unknown origin and took on a skunk-like smell that hung with us for the remainder of our trip. I will remember Freddie fondly for his sage-like advice and share his final words to me so that they may be as inspirational as they were to me, chanted in his singsong style right in the middle of my popular medley of off-key melodies: “Avalanche! Avalanche! Avalanche!”

– Terry

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

Harvey’s Ribbon Cutting & Open House (with Photos)

Courtesy of Harvey’s Greenhouse:

Valerie and Mike Sutton had a great turn out of well wishers at the Harvey’s Greenhouse Ribbon cutting and Open House last Friday, May 8th.

Valerie and Mike continue the tradition of the 114 year family business, previously owned by Valerie’s grandparent’s, Don and Mary Harvey.

Mike and Valerie are both originally from Adel and will be moving back this summer. They have 3 children, Paisley (8), Hoyt (4), and Krue (3). Valerie studied Horticulture in college and Mike studied Animal Science. They’re also the owners of Midwest Augers, Inc., a horizontal auger boring business.

The Sutton’s plan to uphold the traditions and offerings of Don & Mary Harvey, but also plan to expand and grow the business.

Harvey’s currently offers a wide variety of Cactus and Succulents, Herbs, Annuals, Perennials, Tropicals, Scented Geraniums, Water Plants, House Plants, Vegetables, Trees, Shrubs, and a full service Florist.

Harvey’s prides themselves in growing the items that you won’t find elsewhere, including vintage, rare, and brand new selections. The greenhouses are open year round and visitors are always welcome.

Harvey’s Greenhouse
611 Nile Kinnick Dr. S.
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-3916
Website: www.harveyfloral.com
Facebook: harveys-greenhouse-and-garden-center/282785477002

Terry Traveller Series – Episode Two

Terry is back out in the field, and has sent in this recent report in Terry’s on going series. 

Inspired by a visit to Terry’s 23rd class reunion (it’s Terry and I’ve quit asking.) 

Nonetheless, with a respectful nod to Theodor Seuss Geisel, “this isn’t a story about Here. It isn’t a story about There. It’s a story about Everywhere”. – Editor

Dear Fellow Travelers,

And now, a wise fable by the prolific author and DiscoverAdel.com correspondent, Terry Traveler.

In a small town many miles from a large metropolis, sat a small town grocery store along a beautiful scenic byway. The store had been built in the earliest economic fervor by a wealthy family man and prominent community icon. The store was modest yet extensive, offering all that the local patronage could want and more: a meat department with highly trained butcher, hot and cold deli items, freshly made baked goods, quality produce and household odds and ends. The store was also a gathering place for all who lived nearby and soon became a wonderful hotbed for local gossip, politics, and general busybody activities.

Over the years the store prospered and became the best place for school kids to learn customer service and the meaning of hard work. The leadership was handed down from family member to family member and with each new generation changes were made to continue to meet customer needs. Soon the store needed to expand, and the town was a buzz as construction crews added hundreds of square feet to the store and parking lot. The ribbon cutting was well attended and all were awed by the clean, well-lit store.

Years past and times changed. The beautiful scenic byway became a popular tourist attraction and soon a fast food restaurant opened along the exit ramp. For the first time, the store was simply profitable, and bonuses were skimmed to meet margins. But fast food could never contend with the human need for locally grown produce and feminine hygiene products and the store prevailed. But dark clouds were churning on the horizon.

The profitable fast food drive-thru drew the attention of competing chains and soon the exit ramp was filled with various options of cheap, fast, and questionably good food. The family grocery store attempted to compete by extending its hours. Now open 24 hours, store management was tasked with employing the store at all hours, and with so many options, school age employees were hard to come by. In an attempt to satisfy everyone and the mighty dollar, 20-year veterans of the grocery store were forced to work long shifts and holidays. Soon the most dependable employees found reason enough to retire, and a new wave of management, no longer associated with the original family, set in.

This the grocery store could have withstood, had it not been for the dark horse of a big box chain opening just a few miles away. The small grocery store began to worry- it could not compete with the surprisingly low prices and blue light specials. Month after month customers were siphoned to the mega store as the grocery store struggled. Quality customer service remained the top priority, but dirty shelves and floors could not be ignored and the quality of products dropped sharply. Attempting to save money, management changed suppliers and limited the number of items ordered. Customers began to complain of rotten produce, overpriced meat, and limited selection. With each complaint frustration seemed to seep deeper and deeper into the staff and soon the high quality customer service was witnessed only by the loyal yet limited patronage.

For the first time in 52 years the store lost money, and the trend continued until the store mournfully announced it would close after 55 years of service. Loyal customers swept through the store and purchased all that the shelves contained at 80-90% off. On the final day the 5 customers who visited wept. They had been the first customers to walk through the doors 55 years ago; had stocked the shelves to pay their way to college, and the bare walls and vast emptiness erased all the happy memories of times past.

The land was purchased by another large chain and the building was demolished with nary a witness to its demise. Within a few months multiple chains had filled the space and few remembered the tiny grocery store that had been the backbone of the community. Soon the town began to atrophy, with large developments drawing attention away from the center of town and those who visited the beautiful scenic byway saw no need to tour its namesake.

Today valiant yet vain attempts, made by the few determined townsfolk, are made to drawn attention back to the community but the illuminated luster of the so-called convenient store cannot be beat. The townsfolk continue to ask where they went wrong; why their children have no ties to home and move from the community; what could have been done differently but few are willing to admit that the town had sold its soul for the reduced prices of greasy food and convenience.

– Terry

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

Maximum Physical Therapy Ribbon Cutting May 19th

Maximum Physical Therapy in Adel will hold a Ribbon Cutting and Open House – Tuesday, May 19th at 3:30 pm.

Please come out and help welcome them to Adel.

Maximum Physical Therapy LLC
817 Main St.
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-2170

Kim Layland Real Estate Ribbon Cutting April 30th

Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce:

Please join the Chamber in welcoming Kim Layland and Orton Homes to Adel!

You are invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony for Kim Layland Real Estate.

Thursday, April 30th, 4:00 – 6:30 pm at 1017 Shelby Drive, Adel, IA.

Kim Layland with RE/MAX Precision is proud to be representing Orton Homes in Bailey’s Grove.

Please join us for a Ribbon Cutting and Community Open House.

Immediately following the ribbon cutting, Kim will be opening the new model home for tours, light refreshments, and door prize drawings.

For more information, call Kim at 515-669-4999 or email Kim@Kimlayland.com.

Need directions? Take Highway 169 South from downtown Adel to Bailey’s Grove Drive (West), follow to Shelby Drive, turn right (North) and follow to 1017 Shelby Drive.

We hope to see you there!

Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 73, 301 S.
10th Street, 2nd Floor
Adel, IA 50003
Email: chamber@AdelPartners.Org
Website: www.adelpartners.org
Facebook: AdelPartnersChamberOfCommerce

UMC Evening of Love Songs – Thank you!

Courtesy of Adel United Methodist Church

Let’s be honest, we know why it all came together!

Praise God for the wonderful weekend of the 25th Anniversary Evening of Love Songs.

Thanks so much to each of you who were there, for those of you who prayed, for the performers, for the cooks, for the youth, for…well, for everything.

Each and every one of you played a part in a successful weekend of beautiful music and beautiful friendship.

We have raised over $2500.00 to put toward the 2015 Mission Trip! So generous of all of you. Wow.

– peace and laughter, kb

Adel United Methodist Church
115 South Tenth Street
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-3791
Website: www.c-we.com/adelumc

Terry Traveller Series – Episode One

I’ve know Terry for longer than we’ve been publishing DiscoverAdel.com.

Terry’s business reviews are always clear and on the spot, so why wouldn’t I sign Terry to do a series of travel pieces?

Well, … we start a fascinating series (contractual agreement) of Terry’s unique travels. I suggest you take it with a grain of salt, I add lemon and ice to mine.
– Editor

Dear Fellow Travelers,

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.

Happy travels!

– Terry

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

Waukee Senior Residents Moved by Students’ Performance

Courtesy of Watermark  Communities/VillageLegacyPointe:

North Waukee Middle School students in the eighth-grade jazz band put on a performance for 52 residents from The Village at Legacy Pointe in Waukee.

While all attendees enjoyed the youthful performance, some residents who live with memory loss or dementia were deeply moved.

One such resident, who was moved to tears, said he remembered the songs and listening to music like the music they were playing.

“Music stimulates many parts of the brain. It can bring back memories, increase socialization, relieve stress, calm and improve mood for those with memory loss,” said Tammy Olson, Executive Director at The Village at Legacy Pointe. “It is wonderful that these students shared their talent.”

The performance is one of many musical events The Village at Legacy Pointe hosts, with at least two planned every month for residents of the Memory Care neighborhood at the community.

For more information contact The Village at Legacy Pointe at 515-987-4100 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/VillageLegacyPointe.

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

Garden of Grace – Grace Lutheran Adel

Courtesy of Grace Lutheran Church:

Garden of Grace is a new community mission to help feed the hungry in and around the ADM community.

A plot of land at Adel’s Grace Lutheran Church will be prepared by volunteers to receive produce seeds and/or plants.

Volunteer by sending an e-mail to Marty Radke at mtradke@gmail.com or call 314-5650.

Grace Lutheran Church
23932 Meadow Rd
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: 515-993-4766
Website: https://gracelutheranadel.wordpress.com
Facebook: Grace-Lutheran-Adel/108738569213888

BASE® ERISA Wrap Offers Another Layer of Protection!

Courtesy of BASE®:

Avoid $110 per-day per-employee Department of Labor penalty in the event of an audit with the BASE ERISA Wrap.

In March, BASE announced a new ERISA compliance service offered through the BASE ERISA Wrap.

The federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) mandates that employers/plan administrators must provide an SPD to each participant and that ERISA-covered plans be maintained in accordance with a written Plan Document.

Many businesses mistakenly assume that insurance contracts, certificates of insurance and benefits summaries fulfill the ERISA requirements for an SPD and Plan Document, but they don’t include the required or recommended provisions that protect the plan, the employer and plan fiduciaries.

Why do you need it?

ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) requires employers who are plan administrators of their health and welfare benefit plans to maintain and distribute Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs) to plan participants, while maintaining a written Plan Document to be made available to plan participants and beneficiaries upon request for every benefit you sponsor. While BASE® currently provides an SPD and Plan Document for your Premium Only Plan, if you sponsor any other benefits such as health insurance you may be out of compliance.

Quick Facts

• Virtually all employers who offer or sponsor benefits, regardless of size or number of participants must have an ERISA Wrap.
• In a random-sampling of plans by the Department of Labor, 7 out of 10 plans failed to comply with some aspect of ERISA’s provisions.
• If you offer any type of health and welfare benefit plan (ie. medical plan, dental plan, Health Savings Account (HSA), prescription drug plan, etc.), you must supply your employees with Summary Plan Descriptions and written Plan Documents.
• Insurance contracts, certificates of insurance and benefits summaries do not fulfill the ERISA requirements for an SPD and Plan Document.

BASE is a local Adel company providing employee benefits and compliance services to businesses across the country. Let us help you make sure you are fulfilling DOL requirements in the event of an audit by calling 1-888-386-9680 or visit http://www.baseonline.com/ERISA_Wrap.html to learn more.

Base

601 Visions Pkwy
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-5050
Website: www.baseonline.com

UMC Evening of Love Songs Past (with Photos)

Courtesy of Adel United Methodist Church

As the 25th Anniversary of Evening of Love Songs approaches, the good folks at the Adel United Methodist Church (UMC) have shared a few photos of years past. (photos below)

Join them as they present the 25th Anniversary Evening of Love Songs on Saturday, April 25th and Sunday, April 26th. Saturday Cavatelli dinner seatings are at 5:30 and 6:45 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Sunday matinee is at 2 p.m. with desserts to follow. Make your Reservations now by calling 993-3791.

 Photos of  Previous “Evening of Love Songs”

We look forward to seeing you there!

There will be a free will offering to help support their church mission trip to Cherokee Nation, June 2015.

Adel United Methodist Church
115 South Tenth Street
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 993-3791
Website: www.c-we.com/adelumc

Adel Barbershop Moves to the Courthouse Square

The Town & Country Barbershop has moved to west side of Courthouse Square to the front of the Adel American Legion Hall.

The move is a Win-Win for all involved.

Located for years at the corner of Main and 9th St., the current building is for sale and owner, Jenny Orr Phipps, wanted to keep the barbershop downtown.

And she needed a spot that would welcome her  four legged associate Lars, who is as much a part of the shop as Jenny and fellow barber, Leonard Warford.

The American Legion Hall, post 464, at 119 N. 9th St. had a front office location that had been vacant for a couple of years. They also wanted to keep the barber shop downtown and they welcomed Lars as one of the family.

So, an agreement was struck and the Legion members themselves worked for months to remodel the empty office.

From gutting the office and rebuilding it to mounting the iconic barber shop pole on the outside of the building.

The old shop closed Saturday afternoon on March 28th and crews worked Sunday and Monday to transfer the equipment to the new larger location.

Their first official day in the new location is Tuesday, March 31st. The shop will host an official Open house in June.

Jenny would like to thank the the great folks at post 464 and welcome everyone to the new location, “It’s the same great team in a new location with a great view of the courthouse and downtown Adel.”

The remodel team. Back L-R: Jim Loynachan, Leonard Warford, Kent McAdon, Phil Andeberg, Darrell Weems, Tom Waltz  Front L-R: Lars, Jennifer Orr Phipps, Terry Eickelberg, Jerry Bond, Not shown – Jim Stalter

Click on the photos below to view the work done by the members of Adel American Legion, Post 464.

[Show slideshow]

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Hours: Tuesday – Saturday

Town & Country Barbershop
119 N. 9th St. Ste A
Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: (515) 238-0097
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Town-Country-Barbershop/153124344701100

First Adel Chamber Annual Dinner a Huge Success!

Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce:

Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce hosted the first ever Chamber Annual Dinner and Awards Night on Tuesday, March 24.

The event was held at Park Place in Adel and over 125 people attended.

The members of the planning committee worked hard to plan a memorable evening that both celebrated the Chamber’s recent successes and offered an opportunity for new and prospective members to get acquainted with the Chamber and our members.

Many thanks to Rob Burditt with Brick Street Financial, Peg Chapman with Eric Schepers State Farm, Tammy Howe with Adel & Winterset TV & Appliance, and Dan Juffer with Horizon Printing. The event sponsors donated generously to help cover the costs of the event.

This year’s sponsors were Eric Schepers State Farm Insurance, Lincoln Savings Bank, Peoples Trust & Savings Bank, Raccoon Valley Bank, River Valley Insurance, and Russell Abstract & Title. Several businesses donated their time, services, and products for the event, including Fareway, Harvey Floral Company, Horizon Printing, Iowa Beverage Systems, and Raccoon Valley Radio.

These local partners made it possible for the Chamber to make the first Annual Dinner a wonderful experience and something to look forward for next year. One of the highlights of the evening was speaker Chuck Offenburger. Chuck spoke about his experiences writing about small towns throughout Iowa over the past 50 years and encouraged the Adel business community to work together toward continued success.

The evening concluded with the Annual Chamber Awards. Adel is a growing and thriving community in large part because of our great local businesses and strong base of volunteers. The awards provide an opportunity to honor a few of those businesses and individuals. Rich Hughes was named the 2014 Volunteer of the Year for his years of organizing the corn tent during the Sweet Corn Festival. Rich loyally helps out behind the scenes and is well-deserving of this award.

The Business Improvement Award was given to Adel Family Dentistry for their investment in the Adel community and continued growth.  

Adel & Winterset TV & Appliance was named the 2014 Business of the Year in recognition of their substantial history of success and positive impact on the community. As one of Adel’s oldest businesses, they continually go above and beyond to meet the needs of their customers. Since opening in 1960, the business has continually grown and expanded over the past 55 years. The Chapman family is well-known in Adel for their contributions to the community.

Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 73, 301 S. 10th Street, 2nd Floor
Adel, IA 50003 Email: chamber@AdelPartners.Org
Website: www.adelpartners.org
Facebook: AdelPartnersChamberOfCommerce