Dear Friend,
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From the staff at DiscoverAdel.com, we'd like to wish you a Happy New Year! Hopefully everyone had a great Christmas, and no one's head is throbbing too badly this first day of the New Year.
This month we offer advice from the experts on personal finances ,winter travel, wellness, fitness, and three new businesses and a relocation. Not to mention a movie to be shot in Adel this January!
Enjoy!
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 Memories Of Spring
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 DiscoverAdel would like to welcome Adel Flower and Gifts to Adel starting mid January. Marie Hansen and Mary Harvey are adding a cut flower shop to the Harvey Floral Company. The store will be the only full service floral shop in Adel, so keep that in mind as Valentine's Day approaches!
The Harvey Floral Co. began in the early 1900s. In 1956 the business consisted entirely of cut gladiolas grown in the 10 acre fields. In 1976, when Mary joined Don Harvey in marriage, the couple purchased the store, its land, and its 5 greenhouses which contained vegetable starters such as cabbage and tomatoes. The company now has 20 greenhouses and outdoor cold frames-visitors are welcome to snoop through them all!
 The business is well known for it's one of a kind and hard to find botanicals. Gardeners drive hours to visit the greenhouses in search of beautiful and interesting plants for our Midwest climate, some as far as Cedar Rapids and Omaha. Harvey's carries many varieties of plants including the largest selection of herbs in the Midwest and Proven Winners™ (such as Pentas or Mandevillas.) These Proven Winners™ are plants that are going to work well in our climate and soil; one hybrid plant does the work of 6 smaller ones!
 One of the many services Harvey Floral Co. provides is a knowledgeable staff. Certified Master Gardeners Mary (whose favorite flowers are Iris and Orchids), Julie and Connie have all completed the Iowa Extension Designation program, putting in hours of training and community service to learn about the growing habits of local vegetation. For anyone planning to start a garden, the staff is able to take a photo of the desired plot and determine what plants will work best, what type of light the area receives, and how nearby trees will effect the growing process.
 Currently under construction, the new floral shop will be located in the front of the main greenhouse. Adel Flower and Gifts will offer floral arrangements for area businesses and occasions such as weddings and funerals, as well as a small line of gifts and cards such as Wood Wick Candles and hand made greeting cards by Kathy Bandy.
 The shop will carry a wide variety of flowers, some grown at the greenhouse. Experienced floral designer Deb Littler will be on hand to design arrangements and assist Marie (whose favorite flowers are roses.) There will be a display cooler as well as premade center pieces for easy pick up.
Adel Flower and Gifts will offer online ordering through the TeleFlorist network.
Everyone is very excited for the new shop and Marie and Mary want everyone to know they are available to begin taking orders and can be reached at 515-993-4884.
For more information, check out the websites Harveyfloral.com and Adelflowers.com
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Short & Company
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 January may seem dull after the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but for some it is the beginning of an entirely new season, Tax Time.
By January 31st, everyone will receive their W-2s, 1099s, and other forms that are hard to understand. While most of us dread the April 15th deadline, our current economic turmoil has prompted the masses to file their taxes sooner.
So don't get in line at the nearest commercial
accountant, make an appointment to see Short & Company.
Started in November of 1988 by John Short, CPA, Short & Company offers a wide variety of services related to Accounting, Insurance, Securities and Small Business consulting. DiscoverAdel was able to sit down with John and Chris Oberreuter, CPA, who has been with the company for 15 years, to discuss the important questions this tax year presents as well as a new business addition to Adel!
Q. What are the differences between using Short & Company verses places
like Jackson Hewitt?
A. There are dramatic differences between licensing and the requirements
to stay licensed. John and Chris, both Certified Public Accountants or CPAs, are required 40 hours of continuing education a year where as the representatives of other more commercial businesses are only required 6 hours. Short & Company is also open year round and available whenever a taxable event takes place.
Q. What licenses or designations do you have?
A. John Short is a licensed CPA and is also licensed to sell mutual funds, annuities and life and health insurance. Chris Oberreuter is a licensed CPA and is also licensed to sell stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, and life and health insurance. Denise Walter is a licensed CPA.
Q. What does a CPA do?
A. CPAs work with businesses and individuals on many financial related topics. This can range from keeping the books for a small company to auditing of major corporations to comply with SEC requirements. CPAs help individuals save tax dollars, help businesses obtain financing and save tax dollars, create business plans for businesses, and sometimes act as a chief financial officer for a small business.
Q. What do people need to bring with them for their appointment, what
should they expect?
A. Appointments scheduled are 1-1 ½ hours long, possibly longer depending
on the services needed. Make sure to keep track and bring all your records with you! Many people forget all of their 1099s and W-2s. These are produced due to taxable events or because of sources of income. This includes bank statements, college loan repayment, employment, and distributions from annuities, profit-sharing plans, retirement plans, IRAs, insurance contracts and/or pension plans.
Q. Are there deductions that people typically miss?
A. People tend to miss charitable donations made throughout the year. Make sure to get the receipt! Also, in the state of Iowa car licenses can be deducted. Most people forget or do not know it applies to them. Contact John or Chris to find out how this could impact your returns.
Q. Who needs to use the services of a Short &Company?
A. Everyone can benefit from having a CPA file their tax returns. This year there have been six (6) tax law changes which can dramatically alter your returns, and we aren't sure how the tax software will handle these changes. You want to have a CPA look over credit changes because you don't want to miss deductions or credits. The problem with software is that you have to know how to answer the questions otherwise you can miss out. For example, due to flooding and severe weather this summer, much of Iowa is considered a Disaster Relief area, which means your physical location can change what credits or deductions you can file for.
Q. What suggestions can you provide during this period of financial strife?
A. Discuss your investments with a financial planner. Make sure your monitary plan is still solid and determine what is the best thing to do based on your personal situation. Remember that there are tax consequences for taking loans against your investments. Determine how these can affect you by contacting John or Chris.
Q. Another important issue is college planning as parents begin the
Financial Aid process. What should parents know?
A. Start early! Once your children are in high school it is too late to plan for college. If you want your kids to go to college, start saving when they are young. 529 Plans are excellent tools for diligent, dedicated parents. However, the diligent can get burned when it comes time to fill out FAFSA forms. FAFSA is a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is how the federal government determines loans and grants. The forms considered the money parents and children make per year and in savings. Consider maxing out your 401ks or IRAs as they do not count towards FAFSA.
Make sure to stress academics to your children. Good grades can get you free money or scholarships to the college of your choice. Keep in mind that only 1% of high school students receive Athletic Scholarships. Top students have a wider college base to choose from and private colleges give out scholarships based not only on need, but grades and extra curricular activities.
The most important aspect of College Planning is knowledge. There are many resources available and parents need to be more active in seeking out advice. Short & Company is one of the valuable resources parents can use, and John and Chris are both available to provide more information.
To find out more information or schedule an appointment, call 515-993-4640 or visit www.shortcpa.net
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Movie To Be Shot In Adel
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 John Standley from NAPA/Adel Auto Parts has announced that a movie scene will be shot in his store the second week of January.
The film company is Ticket Out Productions. The scene is from a movie where a woman is trying to escape the United States to Canada. She is befriended by an FBI agent who stops in an auto parts store to purchase a part and is spotted by those chasing him and he runs out the store through the back into the alley where a confrontation occurs.
The scene will show the full front of the store, the Courthouse, Square, the inside of the NAPA store including the way out the back.
John's store was selected after a large search all over Iowa because of its layout, presentation, cleanliness, ability to see someone going from the parts counter to the alley. In addition the ability to see the courthouse and square. In the words of the director "We love your store especially the texture".
The art department will be in Adel Thursday, January 8 setting up. The actual scene shooting will take place Friday January 9, between the hours of 6 A.M. and 3 P.M.
Originally planned as a TV movie, the decision was made to make it into a big screen production.
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Winter Wellness |
 It's that time of year again, time to make resolutions and hopefully keep them! This month we visit the ways Adel can help you keep those resolutions. Whether it's getting into shape, having your teeth cleaned, or finally going to your yearly exam Adel has many services to help you feel your best! Many companies start new benefit programs in January. This is the perfect time to start scheduling yearly exams with your doctors. Try these tips to stay organized and informed about your personal wellness! Check with your Employer or Human Resources Department Most offices either have the benefits information available or know the correct contact information to find out what is covered under your medical, dental, or vision plans. Note: Find out what network your accounts are with, as this determines which doctors you can see and how much you will pay out of pocket. Find Out about the Perks Some insurance covers chiropractic visits, physical therapy, and/or gym memberships. Others cover mental health or family counseling, and/or rehabilitation services such as drug or alcohol abuse counseling. With all the different doctors and hospitals around, it's hard to decide where to go. We recommend the healthcare professionals in Adel because of the hometown care they provide. We forget, with all the automated call in lines to set an appointment and "superstore" chain clinics that heath care should be personal. So if you're looking for a better experience, check out the following offices in Adel.
Chiropractic Services Dentists
• Luellen Chiropractic • Adel Family Dentistry
• Adel Chiropractic • Gary W Colwell, DDS
• Howard Belsheim, DDS
Physical Therapists Medical Practioners
• Morton Therapy Services Inc. • Adel Family Practice
• Adel Physical Therapy • Green Street Clinic
Mental Health and Optometrists
Rehabilitation Services •Charles Varcoe OD PC
• West Central Mental Health
• A 1 Addictions Recovery Center
• Zion Recovery Service
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Anytime Fitness |
Each year millions of Americans vow January 1st to improve their health. This year decide to be healthy! Try drinking more water on a daily basis, or adding vegetables to every meal. Instead of denying yourself certain foods, allow yourself one treat a day or one day a week to splurge. One of the best activities is to exercise. Not only will your body begin to repair past damage done by French fries and ice cream, exercise increases your endorphins which can actually level out your hormones and help make you happier! During the dreary months of winter in Iowa it's difficult to get outside and exercise without a snowplow and hiking boots. Luckily Adel has Anytime Fitness across from the courthouse.  Anytime Fitness is open 24 hours a day for 365 days a year so there is no excuse for not using this valuable resource! Starting at $29 a month, individuals have access to strength training machines and free weights, treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical machines. The fitness center also offers personal trainers who will work with you to develop an individualized plan that suits your wellness goals. Stop by or call to find out more about this wonderful resource! Don't forget to ask about the couples' discount! For more information call 515-993-3333 or visit their site at: www.anytimeadel.com |
Welcome To The Community
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DiscoverAdel would like to welcome 3 new additions to the community and a relocation!
New Addition - Adel Flower and Gifts in Adel is set to open mid January. Marie Hansen and Mary Harvey are adding a cut flower shop to the Harvey Floral Company.
One of the services Adel Flower and Gifts is going to be the ability to order online through the TeleFlorist network. Marie and Mary want everyone to know they are available to begin taking orders and can be reached at 515-993-4884.
For more information, check out the websites Harveyfloral.com and Adelflowers.com
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New Addition - Short & Company has formed a new business alliance with Compass Financial Services to form the Dallas County Financial Center.
Steve Conard, Certified Financial Planner of Compass, along with attorneys Peter Rollies and Bart Goplerud of Hudson, Mallory, and Shindler have joined forces to create an all inclusive financial center. There are no commissions exchanged by referencing clients to one another; the like-minded individuals of the Dallas County Financial Center strive to provide superior customer service.
This collaboration springs from the Short and Company motto, "Client Success- To facilitate the personal and financial growth of our clients." Their mission is to help clients be successful. That maybe through getting them the tax breaks they should get, by working with financial planners to get them to plan for their future, or by helping business owners become more profitable by helping them have all the information they need to make sound business decisions.
To find out more information or schedule an appointment, call 515-993-4640 or visit www.shortcpa.net
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 New Addition - Bow and Arrow Productions has purchased the Old Library/Hanny's of Adel building at the corner of 9th & Prairie. Bow and Arrow Production is an events production company, including music and theatre productions.
The building will be remodeled into office space and there is an opportunity to lease new office space within the building. This will be very upscale office space with a shared receptionist and use of a conference room.
For additional information, please contact Michael Mars at 515-523-1625 or email:bowandarrowprod@earthlink.net
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 Relocation- Cool Beans Coffee Bar has relocated to 803 Main street on the square across the street from the Court House in the old Access building. 515-993-1955
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So, to wrap it up, this is the DiscoverAdel.Com newsletter! We hope that you've enjoyed this issue and plan share it with a friend.
Sincerely,
Chris Brocka
DiscoverAdel.Com |
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Featured Article
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Each month we
showcase a business or organization that makes Adel special.
This month we interviewed Marie Hansen and Mary Harvey as they prepare to open Adel Flower and Gifts.
Click Here to read the article.
If you have a business or organization you would like to see featured, please contact us at
info@DiscoverAdel.com
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Our Sponsors
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Adel Quilting & Dry Goods Co.
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Arganbright's Construction
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Cafe in the Park
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Cameo Rose Collection
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Adel Public Library
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Adel Lions
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Reich &
Loynachan
Insurance
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Reich Law Firm
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Timberpine Lodge
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Cold Weather Traveling
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Each winter, hundreds of automobiles are towed, not just cars, but trucks and SUVs as well.
Below we have outlined important tips to keep your car running smoothly in cold weather, and how to handle emergency situations. These tips are courtesy of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the group that certifies automotive technicians.
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Maintenance
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- Talk to your mechanic to see if winter grade oil would be appropriate for your vehicle.
- Check the level, condition, and concentration of the coolant periodically. NEVER remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled!
- Examine your tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping. Check your tire pressure once a month, including your spare! Make sure your jack is in good order and that you have the needed tools to change a tire.
- Carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, and a cell phone. Put a few "high-energy" snacks in your glove box.
- Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line.
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Accidents
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Winter weather increases your chances of having an automobile accident. Here are some things to remember if you are in an accident.
- Check for injuries but do not move anyone who is in pain or injured.
- Call 911, if no one is injured call the local police to file a report. (This is important for insurance purposes.)
- Get information from everyone involved including names, addresses, telephone numbers, driver's license numbers, plate numbers and insurance details.
- Record details of the accident - How it happened, time, date, location, speed, weather and road conditions. Take pictures if possible.
- Call your insurance company. Some insurance companies want to be contacted as soon as possible and will send a representative out to the accident.
- Ask your representative about the proper procedure your insurance company wants you to follow.
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Recipe of the Month
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This is one my Grandmother used to fix on cold winter nights. Enjoy!
PEPPER STEAK:
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs. round steak, trim fat and cut into thin strips
1/4 c. vegetable oil
1 c. water
1 medium onion cit in 1/4 in. slices
1/2 tsp. crushed garlic
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
2 med. green peppers cut in 3/4 in. strips
1 Tbls. cornstarch
2-3 tsp sugar (optional)
2 Tbls. soy sauce
1 med. red pepper
2 med. tomatoes seeded and cut into wedges (optional)
Directions:
1. Place meat in the heated oil, turning frequently, until evenly browned.
2. Stir in water, onion, garlic, ginger.
3. Bring to boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 10 min.
4. Add peppers, simmer additional 5 min.
5. While meat and peppers are simmering, blend cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce.
6. Stir cornstarch mixture into meat mixture, stir constantly until it thickens.
7. Add tomatoes if desired and heat through.
Serve over cooked rice
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What is DiscoverAdel.Com
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DiscoverAdel.com is a destination website.
Our goal is to inform everyone of the benefits of Adel. Not just those who live in Adel, but also our friends in the surrounding communities. From unique shopping and award winning events, to the outstanding services, you can find it all in Adel!
As Adel grows and changes, so will our website.
Make sure to bookmark
DiscoverAdel.com to check out new businesses, changing events, and local stories.
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