Discover Adel news & updates
March 2022 | Issue 161
DiscoverAdel - Adel Iowa
Welcome to March in Adel.

A couple of years ago, I got a call from my mother that the School District was tearing the old High School down. The 2 school district I graduated from was now six schools and the old building didn't fit anymore. The school sat on an entire city block, the sidewalks are still three, but the block sits empty. It was particularly difficult for my mother, the bricks were made by her father when he worked at the local Brick and Tile.

It was the "new" school when she was a child. It's a common story in rural Iowa, there is a point where tough decisions are made and history is unfortunately lost. I have three bricks from when it was demolished, a physical connection to the past.

We moved to Adel in the 80s because of the schools and their celebrated history. The brick streets and Adel Brick and Tile sealed the deal. Thirty-five years later the community is still working diligently to celebrate its history while it integrates with the 21st century.

This month we have a double article on one of those projects as the ADM Alumni Association works to preserve and display the town's historic151-year-old school bell,

So, grab a cup of coffee and settle in for a good read. We look forward to seeing you in Adel in the upcoming months!

Chris
ADM Alumni Association Red & Black Bash
The Alumni Association is holding its third annual Red & Black Bash fundraiser on Saturday, March 5th at Country Lane Lodge in Adel, Iowa.

This is quickly becoming one of the Alumni Association’s flagship events, attracting over 250 people in 2020.

The Bash is a fundraiser party for ADM Alumni, ADM residents with alumni children or future alumni children, and ALL ADM community, supporters. This is an event for everyone!


The 2022 event features live music, food, prizes, raffle and silent auction items, and Tiger Spirit! The group is fundraising to restore a 150+ year old victory bell, and all proceeds from The Bash will go directly towards this project (more detail on the bell project below).
Doors for The Bash open at 6:00 pm. Guests can mingle during a social hour from 6 - 8 pm. This year’s event will feature live music by the South of Society from 8 – 11 pm, free beer and refreshments, Snappy’s StickFire BBQ for purchase, five themed raffle baskets full of locally donated & uniquely crafted ADM Tiger inspired items and a handful of local silent auction items or bundles.

Prize items range from tiger apparel to local gift cards, to custom-made ADM quilts, and more. Guests are encouraged to dress casually in their favorite ADM or Red & Black clothes.
Tickets for the Red & Black Bash are $30. They can be purchased via Eventbrite prior to March 5th. Attendees may also purchase tickets at the door for $35. Cash, credit, and Venmo options will be available onsite for admissions, raffle tickets, and silent auction sales.
This event is made possible by local businesses and individual sponsorships and attendees of The Bash. The Alumni Association is grateful for the community’s continued support in its fundraising efforts. See you at The Bash!

2022 Red & Black Bash
  • Saturday, March 5, 2022, At 6 pm – 11 pm
  • Country Lane Lodge - Event Venue 29300 Prospect Circle Adel, IA 50003
  • Adults only (21+) please.
  • All tickets are nonrefundable.
  • Pre-sale online - $30. Onsite tickets - $35. https://2022redandblackbash.eventbrite.com

We appreciate your support of our special projects!

ONCE A TIGER, ALWAYS A TIGER!

ADM Alumni Association
P.O. Box 122 | Adel, Iowa 50003
Website: www.admalumni.com
ADM Alumni Victory Bell Fundraising Project
The Alumni Association is grateful for the community’s continued support in its fundraising efforts. The group is fundraising to restore a 150 plus year old victory bell, and all proceeds from The Bash will go directly towards this project.

According to page 2 of the 1946 yearbook, The bell was purchased around 1870, approximately 152 years ago. After I got a closer look at the bell, I learned that it was cast in 1871 and probably purchased that year, 151 years ago.
It resided in the belfry of Adel's second school building. This image shows that building which is on the same location as the DAC:
According to this January 4, 1956, letter to the Dallas County News editor from members of the Adel Class of 1952, "... several years ago the bell had been removed from the building and has been located at various places on the school grounds for some time."

According to the 1946 yearbook, the senior class was going to erect a foundation for it.

Then the class of 1952 had donated $100 in class funds to mount the victory bell near the north entrance of the high school.

From these aerial maps, you can make out where the bell resided. Here is a view of the entire school block:
And on this map, you can see the outline of the base where the victory bell was displayed:
This location is the only one I knew of during my time in school from 1958 - 1971. It hung on a structure of metal pipes encased in a chain-linked fence with a concrete base. The bell in the cage was not functional, that is, it was stationary, it did not swing and there was no clapper.

At some point, the school district either sold or gave the bell away. I am thinking it may have been around the time when the current high school on Nile Kinnick Dr S opened in the mid-1980s.

When our alumni association formed in 1997, 25 years ago this coming April 30th, one of our board members, John Dawson, Class of '65, was interested in the bell.

Around 2000 he tracked it down to someone / somewhere in northwest Iowa. The ADM Alumni Association paid $600 for it and transported it back to Adel. We stored it in a barn at one of our alum's farms. When our alum moved from the farm, the bell was transferred to the school where it now rests.

John did some additional research on the bell and learned about Benjamin Hanks. In 1775 Benjamin answered the call of Paul Revere’s “midnight ride” and took part in the battle of Lexington and Concord, the first major battle of the Revolutionary War. He continued his service and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Commandant of the fifth regiment of the militia in Connecticut.

In 1786 Benjamin Hanks started a bell foundry in Litchfield, Connecticut. Later, in 1808, he opened a foundry with his son Julius in Troy, New York. The Troy foundry manufactured large church bells. One of the apprentices, Andrew Meneely, went on to open his own foundry. John determined our bell was probably purchased from the Meneely Bell Foundry in West Troy, New York.

After John’s efforts to identify the bell’s history, we had even started fundraising to restore the bell, but after John's passing in 2002, the idea seemed to pass with him.

I would submit that the school's bell is one of the older artifacts associated with the city of Adel. With so much history around the bell, the alumni association would like to explore the idea of restoring and displaying it on campus.

Not to get too far ahead of ourselves, here are three images of bells displayed in Dallas County:

Near Wells Fargo Bank in Perry - not really accessible because of its height:
A church in Linden - somewhat accessible but no clapper:
Outside of Perry High School - very accessible:
So, there are various ways to display a bell that can function with a yoke and clapper or set up in a stationary fashion for viewing only.

We are making arrangements to get the bell to the Bash. We hope there are a lot of pictures taken of folks with the bell, and those pictures end up on social media.

Jim Peters

ADM Alumni Association
P.O. Box 122 | Adel, Iowa 50003
Website: www.admalumni.com
March Savings at NAPA® Adel Auto Parts
Adel Auto Parts
This month, visit NAPA® / Adel Auto Parts and pick up some great Savings!

With deals on NAPA Hand Cleaner, Tub O'Towels, Gear Up 25PK Red Shop Towels, 100 CT Box Shop Towels, NAPA Exact Fit Beam Wiper Blades, NAPA Antifreeze and Coolant, Sea Foam Products, and More!  

John and his crew will make sure your vehicle is ready with a little NAPA Know How® right here in Adel, Iowa.
NAPA
 
Adel Auto Parts Corporation 
809 Main Street * Adel, Iowa 50003 
Phone: 515-993-3212 
Websitewww.AdelAutoParts.com 

Hours:  
Monday - Thursday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Friday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm 
Saturday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm 

Check out the Adel Auto Parts website to view monthly specials and promotions! Find tips and advice from expert mechanics with the NAPA know how you trust. 

Search the inventory for more than 375,000 parts to keep your fleet running smooth with convenient shopping in historic downtown Adel. Visit www.AdelAutoParts.com for all your online car care needs.
Country Lane Lodge Winter Concert Series
Country Lane Lodge Winter Concert Series
Country Lane Lodge Winter Concert Series

Featuring Dinner and Live Entertainment.

Ticket information can be found on EventBrightFacebook, or the website.

DATE NIGHT
The Dueling Fiddles - February 18, 2022

ISLAND FEVER
The Sheets with Andrew Hoyt - March 4, 2022

SPRING FEVER
Brazilian Twins - March 26th, 2022



Country Lane Lodge
Wedding & Event Venue | Kendra Kasischke, Owner
29300 Prospect Circle | Adel IA 50003
Phone: (515) 336-9939
Adel Public Library 4x4
March Events at the Adel Public Library

If the cold weather and snow have you feeling down then stop in the library!
 
Early childhood programming is back! 

Beginning Tuesday, March 15 at 10:00 am with Storytime and Thursday, March 17 with Discovery Time at 10:00 am in the library.
 
Therapy Pets from the Animal Rescue League will join us March 3 at 4:30 pm. 
 
Kick-off your spring break with a family movie and popcorn. Join us in the library community room at 10:00 am Friday, March 11 to watch the Disney blockbuster Encanto. But remember, we don’t talk about Bruno!
 
Get your Nerf skills on with a Teen after-hours Nerf War! Teens sixth grade and up are welcome at the library Tuesday, March 15 at 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Nerf guns and pizza will be provided.
 
The library is looking for first through fifth graders to join our Minute To Win It challenge Thursday, March 17th at 1:00 pm. We will have fun games to test your wits and motor skills. Do you have what it takes to Win It in a Minute?
 
We have 3 monthly Book Clubs that are always welcoming new readers. The Brown Bag Book Club meets the first Thursday of each month at noon, the Cook Book Club meets the third Wednesday of each month at 11:00 am and the Evening Book Club meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm. Copies of each club's selections are always available at the circulation desk.

Yoga continues every Wednesday at 5:45 pm in the library community room. Space is limited and registration is required.

Did you know the library offers a free streaming service with thousands of critically acclaimed movies and shows for adults and children?

Adel Public Library
303 S. 10th Street | Adel, Iowa 50003
Phone: 515-993-3512
Facebook: AdelPublicLibrary
Recipes From Home
Recipe From Home

If I remember correctly, scalloped potatoes originated in France and were only made for funerals.

Although I had an Irish grandmother that claimed them to be Irish and served them as a weekly staple.

Over the years I've made them many ways for many occasions. I've even had people invite themselves to supper.

- Enjoy!

SCALLOPED POTATOES

INGREDIENTS:
1 tsp. Olive Oil
1 Onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 C. Flour - all-purpose
4 Minced Garlic Cloves
1 C. Chicken Stock
3 C. Whole Milk
1/2 tsp. Thyme
Small Pinch of Kosher Salt
1/2 tsp. Black Pepper
5-6 Potatoes, sliced into 1/8 inch rounds
2 C. Grated Sharp Cheddar
1/2 C. Parmesan cheese

VARIATIONS:
2-3 C. Ham, Corned Beef, or 1 lb. of Bacon Crumbles
Fresh Thyme if available
Fresh Parmesan or Asiago
4-5 slices of Gouda Cheese
2 Red, 2 Yukon, 2 Russet Potatoes. More may be needed but start with 6.

DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat the oven to 400 Degrees F. Lightly coat the inside of a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray, I prefer olive oil.

2. Melt the butter in a pan over medium to low heat. When butter is half melted, add the olive oil, garlic, and onions. Cook until onions are transparent.

3. Slowly add the stock while gently whisking until it is combined. Add two cups of milk, pepper, salt, thyme, while continuing to whisk until the sauce slightly bubbles at the corners (1-2 minutes). Shut off the heat and set aside.

4. Layer half of the potatoes in the pan. Place half of the onions from the sauce on top. (Add half of the meat). Top with half of the sauce. Add half of the parmesan cheese and half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat the process. I usually end up slicing another potato or two to make sure it rises just above the dish. I lightly salt and pepper one more time. Add the remaining milk to the edges and along the sides (top with sliced Gouda) and a little more parmesan.

5. Cover the pan with foil, bake for half an hour. Remove the foil when the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Continue to bake until the potatoes are cooked through.

5. Remove from oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.

6, Serve and Enjoy!
Adel Lions Club Distributes Flag Project Funds
Adel Lions Club
The Adel Lions Club is thankful for the help they receive from local organizations in order to make their Holiday Flag project a roaring success.

Last year they put out 2,189 flags on 5 Holidays at a cost to residents of $25 for the year.

Thanks to the help of the Adel Boy Scouts, Adel Girl Scouts, and ADM Girls Softball Assn. the project was able to be completed.

It takes a lot of hands-on help and many trucks and vans to distribute and take down the flags each Holiday. At their meeting on February 16th, the Club passed out donations to each group based on their participation level.

Boy Scouts received $7,300, Girl Scouts received $1,200, and the ADM Girls Softball Assn. received $1,500. $10,000 in total!
The Lions look forward to another successful year in 2022. Residents can renew by visiting www.adellionsclub.org. Courtesy of Jon McAvoy

Sign up for the Flag Service. It is $25/flag for the five holidays in 2022.

Payment methods are PayPal, credit card, or you can fill out the form and mail in your check. Annual Auto-renewal is available through PayPal or your Credit card. This option will be available until May 30th this year.

Please pass along flag info to friends and neighbors. If you are interested in getting involved in Lions (men or women) please contact us at [email protected].

Adel Lions Club
P.O. Box 103 | Adel IA 50003 
Phone: (515) 577-5642
Website: AdelLionsClub.org
Facebook: AdelLionsClub
Announcements & Save The Date Events
Pasta Dinner
ADM Fine Arts Pasta Supper Mar 1

Let the ADM Fine Arts Boosters make supper for you!

Annual Pasta Supper on Tuesday, March 1st from 5 to 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.

The menu includes pasta with meatballs, bread, veggies, and dessert... Read More
Raccoon Valley Bank Ice Skating Rink - Adel Iowa
Raccoon Valley Bank Skating Rink

The Raccoon Valley Bank Ice Skating Rink has opened. The rink is located at the corner of 10th and Main street.

Community ice skates are available at the rink. The skates are Free to Use.

Please tie them back together and put them in the storage box... Read More
Good Samaritan Food Pantry Adel Iowa40th Logo
Guess Who's Turning 40?

That’s right, this is our 40th year of serving our friends and neighbors in need.

In February 1982, the Good Samaritan Food Pantry was incorporated and sought to help Iowa families devastated by the farm crisis.

Our history is full of compassionate and caring volunteers, donors, and communities. ... Read More
Faith Lutheran Discover Adel Iowa
Easter Discovery Egg Hunt April 2

Faith Lutheran Church & Preschool

All are invited to journey with Jesus on a multi-sensory Easter discovery, ending with an egg hunt.

Date: Saturday, April 2nd.
Time: Journeys start at 9:00, 9:30, and 10:00 am.

Each Journey will last... Read More
Adel Aquatic Center Job Openings
2022 Aquatic Center Job Openings

Join the Adel Family Aquatic Center team!

Now Hiring Lifeguards, Swim Instructors, Concession, Admission Staff.

Starting pay is $10.00 per hour and $9.00 per hour respectively.

Apply by March 25th... Read More
Docs Hunt Club - Adel Iowa
Doc's Hunt Club 2022 Champs

The 2022 All Bird Challenge is in the books.
 
We had 3 days of consistent weather and field conditions and it made for one heck of a fair challenge.
 
There were 17 teams that ran the All Bird Challenge this year. After fierce competition with even a few... Read More
Easter Crosses
Adel UMC - Lent Activities

The Adel United Methodist Church welcomes all to celebrate the season.

Ash Wednesday, March 2nd.
- Drive-By Ashing 6:45 - 7:45 am.
- 7 pm Service.

Palm Sunday, April 10, 10 am Service.

Maundy Thursday, April 14, 7 pm Service.

Good Friday, April 15, 7 pm.. Read More
Adel Soccer Clinic Hoste by Wartburg
ADM Soccer Clinic, March 7th, and 8th.

The Wartburg College hometown clinic is an opportunity to mentally and physically develop each player in a 2-day camp.

The WCS staff will travel to your home field/facilities to provide collegiate-level training to individual high school teams during the nontraditional season.

Times & Dates:
March 7-8
Grades 7-9, 6-7:30 p.m.
Grades 10-12, 7:30-9 p.m... Read More
3rd Place Garage Sale
3rd Place Garage Sale March 5

We’re hosting a Garage Sale Fundraiser on March 5th! We’re taking donations:

Tiger gear, Winter gear (snow pants, snow boots, coats, snow gloves, fleece, base layers, etc), Sports equipment, Kitchen items, Small furniture (end tables, bookshelves, coffee table, desk, etc), Baby items (bouncers, strollers, high chairs, bottles, etc ). Any of those items can be dropped off at 3rd Place... Read More
Faith_s Flock Rummage Sale - Adel Iowa
Rummage & Bake Sale March 18

Support Faith’s Flock Preschool at our 3rd annual Kids Rummage and Bake Sale at Faith Lutheran Church and Preschool.

Friday, March 18th from 5-7 pm.

All proceeds will go to the preschool. Cash only. Have some kid-related items you’d like to get rid of? All baby/kid-related items accepted: Clothes, Shoes... Read More
John D Gomke Charity Classic Logo
2022 JDG Charity Golf Tournament

“Helping families prevent and cope with infant and young child loss, one baby step at a time.”

We are excited to be hosting the 13th John D Gomke Charity Classic at Lake Panorama National on Friday, June 11th, and Saturday, June 12th.

We hope you can join us for a great weekend on a beautiful course for 2 days, 4-man best shot tournament... Read More
World Link
Wanted Loving Families

World Link is currently accepting applications for families in the ADM school district to HOST international students arriving in IOWA in August 2022.

Hosting an international student is a great way to gain a family member & learn about the world!

Students are ages 15-18 from about 60 different countries. Student profiles will be arriving soon... Read More
2022 Camp Invention Logo - Adel Iowa
Camp Invention For Kids June

Kids will find lots more fun things to do this summer at Camp Invention in Adel, Iowa!

Camp Invention will be held June 20 – 24, 2022 from 9 am to 3:30 pm.

Each session will take place at the ADM Middle School, and will be presented by local teachers for girls and boys entering grades K-6. This year’s... Read More
Faith Lutheran Church VBS Adel Iowa
2022 Faith Lutheran VBS June

Faith Lutheran VBS June 13-17, 2022, 9 a.m. -12 pm.

Join us as we go off-road for a Monumental adventure through the colorful canyons and sunbaked trails of the southwest.

By exploring God’s awesomeness, kids form a... Read More
Vintage and Made Fair Vendor Request
Save the Date - 2022 Vintage & Made Fairs Sep 24 & Nov 12

Vintage & Made Fairs will be back at the Dallas Co. Fairgrounds in Adel.

We are looking forward to the Vintage & Made Fairs in 2022!

We cannot believe it is our 9th year and are so excited to have both the Fall and Holiday Editions at the Dallas County Fairgrounds in Adel, IA on September 24 and November 12... Read More

Eagle Lake Day Camp is returning to New Hope Church in Adel, July 25-29.

This day camp experience is open to everyone ages 6-13. It is rooted in inspiring a love for Jesus, His Word, and FUN!

Think of a gospel-centered theme and costumes, big team games, water inflatables, high-energy activities, tie-dye, Bible studies, and... Read More
Well, that wraps it up for the DiscoverAdel.Com newsletter this month! We hope that you've enjoyed this issue and will share it with your friends. We always appreciate any comments or article suggestions. Please email us at [email protected].

Sincerely,
Chris Brocka

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