Senior Center Continued from Page 1

Oskaloosa Area Chamber & Development Group
Communicator
27-YEAR IOWA MAIN STREET COMMUNITY
Volume 38, Number 1
January 2013
Agency on Aging - Senior Center
January Calendar
1st-.....................................................Office Closed
7th-.............................................Diplomats, Noon
8th-.......................Business Improvement, 8 AM
9th-........................................Organization, Noon
11th-.........................................Roundtable, Noon
15th-...................................MCDG, 11:30 - 1 PM
16th-................................................Design, 8 AM
21st-..........................................Commerce, Noon
21st-..............................OACDG Board, 4:00 PM
23rd-....................Lunch and Learn, 11:30 -1 PM
25th-.............................Main Street Board, Noon
Happy New Year!
Oskaloosa Area Chamber & Development Group
124 N Market St., Oskaloosa, IA 52577
PH: 641.672.2591 F: 641.672.2047
www.oacdg.org
Senior citizens from Mahaska County are very
proud of their local Senior Center located in the
east side of the former Grant School on B Ave. E.
They have come a long way since October 1, l973
when the first congregate meals were served at
the old Downing Hotel. In fact, the local agency
was the first in the state of Iowa to provide senior
citizens with this type of service! It was organized
under the Title VII, National Nutritional Program.
The new site is a spacious area with lots of natural light from the south making it a pleasant
light and airy location. It is open five days a week from 8 to 3 and serves as a friendly gathering place for many 60+ residents. On Monday mornings you can join in a friendly game
of 10 point pitch. Tuesdays and Thursdays bingo is offered at 9:30 am and a spirited bunch
compete for pennies like they were dollars! In the lounge area there is a pool table, a computer, and a shared library of pre-read books, and of course a television set. The bowling is a
particular favorite of those who enjoy the Wii and other games. Also there is always a large
jigsaw puzzle under “group collaboration” in progress.
Senior Center Continued on Page 2
Mahaska Community
10 WEEK WELLNESS CHALLENGE
The Mahaska Wellness Coalition (MWC) invites the community to live healthy
together. As part of LIVE HEALTHY IOWA, we challenge the community to meet
the goal of 1000 Mahaska community adults participating in the 10 Week Wellness Challenge. That is a very achievable goal as 664 adults participated last year
in addition to 1,550 students. Those 664 adults lost 7,684 pounds and more importantly clocked 1,270,000 minutes of activity. And they enjoyed doing so.
Cost is only $20 per person with online registration which includes a free t-shirt and magazine subscription! Hy-Vee offers a discount of $5 by going to Hy-Vee.
com or visiting their store for discount code. Also included are free magazine subscriptions, unlimited access to the Live Healthy Iowa website, weekly motivational emails, opportunity to win prizes, free registration for Winter Iowa Games and Summer Iowa Games Fitness Walk events, and a card for various discounts
across the state including waived Mahaska YMCA Join Fees for new members who participate in Live Healthy Iowa.
Registration opened December 19. The challenge begins January 28. The MWC has a coordinator to track progress of Mahaska County teams. To ensure that we
have access to the total number of participants in Mahaska County and total minutes of activity or pounds lost (aggregate level data only), please use the assigned group ID (LHIMAHASKA) when you register.
Change your life! Go to www.livehealthyiowa.org or call 888.777.8881 to register. For more information contact Deann Degroot at the Chamber 641-672-2591 ddegroot@oacdg.org or Dawn Collins at the YMCA 641-673-8411 - dawn.collins@mahaskaymca.org for more information.
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Communicator January 2013
Last Chance to Submit Your Photos!
The submission of photos for the postcard booklet will be wrapping up soon.
Don’t forget to submit your photos for
the Postcard Booklet - Deadline is January 15, 2013! Any unique snapshots of
Mahaska County would be appreciated! There will be 25
postcards in this book!!! It will make a great gift for family
and friends! Email pictures to ddegroot@oacdg.org. For
more information call the Chamber at 641-672-2591.
Eggs & Issues 2013
Senior Center Continued from Page 1
Various programs from several sources are offered on nutrition, exercise,
crafts, music, and how to avoid “senior scams” to be aware of at various times
during each month.
The friendly cooks arrives at 6 a.m. to begin preparing the day’s meal. Three
local routes serving about l20 people are delivered in late morning. Anywhere
from 25 to 35 seniors enjoy the well-balanced meal with their peers in the airy
dining room. Lots of chatter and laughter accompany the meal. There is also a
meal site in New Sharon serving meals three days a week.
In addition to Site Manager Cheryl Wissler and the cooks, there are four
friendly volunteers who man the desk and answer the phone taking reservations for the next day’s meal and for rides on the 10-15 Transit Bus. These
volunteers always have a welcoming smile for all and especially for newcomers
who may have questions about the site.
Oskaloosa Area Chamber & Development Group will again be sponsoring Eggs & Issues. The legislative forum gives area residents an
opportunity to learn more about state, county, and local issues. The
setting is informal and encourages those attending to personally meet
and speak to their elected representatives.
The Center, a non-profit organization, receives help from United Way , and
they hold various fund raisers during the year. They have received a few memorials in memory of loved ones. This is much appreciated and helpful. They
have plans to host a dance at the site around Valentine’s Day or as a Spring
event. This will be open to all ages and will feature a popular local country
band.
The group will meet at Smokey Row on the square in downtown Oskaloosa from 8:30 - 9:30 AM. The dates for these sessions are: January
12, January 26, February 9, February 23, March 9, and March 23. The
meetings are covered by the Oskaloosa Herald, Osky News and recorded for viewing by CRI.
A 12-member board made up of local seniors oversees the building operation.
The dining hall and a small kltchen are available after hour for rent at a reasonable rate. You can call 64l-673-3033 to make a lunch reservation the day prior
to attendance or to inquire about renting the facility or to share a meal.
January 2013
WELCOME: New OACDG Members
Acanthus House
Katie Schippers
127 K Ave E
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
PH: 515-450-7084
www.acanthushouse.com
Acanthus House is a marketing/public relations and graphics design resource serving area businesses and nonprofits. The aim of Acanthus House
is to be the “marketing department” for organizations without the capacity
for permanent marketing or design staff, providing the right impression
for public and client interactions. Services include but are not limited to:
branding, collateral materials, event promotion, social media administration, web characterization, and more!
Bryan Seed
Kelly Bryan
214 Hwy 432
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
PH: 641-660-2251
Bryan Seed is a full service Garst corn and NK bean dealer.
Family Video
Kathy Heisdorffer
812 A Ave W
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
PH: 641-673-1401
Open 10- 11 PM, Sunday through Thursday. Open Friday and Saturday 10
- 12 PM. Kids movies rent for free. Free $1 movie with purchase of a game
rental.
Communicator
Clemons Inc. of Oskaloosa
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Joe Clemons ; Local Contacts: Bill Brewer and Doug Rose
1601 A Ave W
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
PH: 641-673-3447
www.clemonsoskaloosa.com
Clemons is your one stop shop for all automotive needs. Product lines include
Chevrolet, Buick, Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep. They are the only GM Certified
Pre-Owned dealer in Mahaska County.
Garry Bair Heating & Mechanical Inc.
Garry Bair
3050 Highway 63
Oskaloosa, IA 52577
PH: 641-673-4229
They service all brands of heating and cooling equipment and sell Lennox furnices and air conditioners.
Volunteer of the Month:
Brianna Bartlett
This month’s volunteer of the month is Brianna
Bartlett. Brianna is the secretary and webmaster
of Fine Arts and Cultural Events (FACE). She
has volunteered during Main Street Art on the
Square, setting up children’s traveling art displays, and art workshops. Most recently she set
up the children’s art display during the Lighted
Christmas Parade. Thank you, Brianna, for your
volunteered time in the community!
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Communicator January 2013
Alice Moore was welcomed as the new manager at Mahaska County
Outreach. Board Members also in attendance
Valerie Fisk cuts the
were Linda Life, Wanda
ribbon at The Rusty
Gardner, Vicki Jones
Spur, 115 S. Main Street
and Paul Groenenin New Sharon. Startboom, President. Alice
ing with a home-based/
had been a volunteer
mobile business, and
there for nearly 12 years before taking over as manager. You may purexpanding into a store
front was not the original intention, but Valerie has been very happy with chase or drop off items at 114 North 1st Street Mon.-Fri. 9 – 5 and Sat. 9
– 3. Watch for updates in the store and lower prices.
the response to the store. She opened in October and carries western
wear, jewelry, accessories and so forth. Most items are under $60, with
inventory changing all the time. Call 641.295.5904 or www.Facebook.
The Diplomats
com/TheRustySpur.
enjoyed lunch at
Riverside II FamJarred Stevens is the
ily Restaurant and
Manager at Penn Centre
officially welcomed
Theatre in Oskaloosa,
David Aliv to Oskanow managed by Fridley
loosa. He has left the
Theatres. Enjoy curRiverside Restaurant
rent releases, 3-D selecin Ottumwa in good
tions, shows at 7 and
hands and opened this restaurant on the corner of Hwy. 23 and Hwy.
9 pm nightly Monday
92. They are open 7 days a week from 5 am to 9 pm. David’s em– Sunday, plus weekend,
ployees include left to right: Sandra Lopez, Flo LaRue, Tiffany Ford,
holiday, and “no school”
(David Aliv), Krystal Doud and Valerie Edwards.
matinees as well. Be guaranteed a seat and get your tickets at www.fridleytheatres.com. Fridley Theatres operates a number of theaters in Iowa
and Nebraska with New Sharon, Iowa being the first.
January 2013
Holiday Events 2012
Communicator
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Young Ambassador Contest, Lighted Christmas Parade, Main Street 50s
Show and Luncheon, Spectacular Tree Lighting
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Communicator January 2013
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Most Helpful Salesperson:
Amanda Utterback
This month’s most helpful salesperson
is Amanda Utterback from Hammer Medical Supply. Amanda was
nominated by Trudy Davidson who
says Amanda is very caring, pleasant, and helpful. Amanda has worked
at Hammer Medical Supply for two
and a half years and enjoys helping
customers and working with with her
co-workers. Thank you, Amanda, for
your outstanding customer service in
the community!
Happenings on the Hill January
5th - 12th - 16th - 17th - 21st - 22nd -
26th - 31st -
Varsity Men’s Wrestling @ William Penn Open 9:00 AM
Varsity Women’s Basketball vs. Clarke (Gymnasium) 1:00 PM
Varsity Men’s Basketball vs. Clarke (Gymnasium) 3:00 PM
Varsity Women’s Basketball vs. Viterbo (Gymnasium) 5:30 PM
Varsity Men’s Basketball vs. Viterbo (Gymnasium) 7:30 PM
JV Women’s Basketball vs. Simpson (Indianola, IA) 5:30 PM
JV Women’s Basketball vs. Grand View (Gymnasium) 6:00 PM
JV Men’s Basketball vs. Grand View (Gymnasium) 8:00 PM
Deans Convocation (George Daily Auditorium) 11:15 AM
Varsity Wrestling vs. Grand View (Gymnasium) 7:30 PM
Varsity Women’s Basketball vs. St Ambrose (Gymnasium) 1:00 PM
Varsity Men’s Basketball vs. St Ambrose (Gymnasium) 3:00 PM
JV Women’s Basketball vs. Coe JV (Gymnasium) 6:00 PM
For a complete list of athletic schedules visit www.statesmenathletics.com
Six Steps to Massive Results in Business
Growth—that is the topic of the next Lunch
& Learn sponsored by the Main Street Business Improvement Committee. Head Coach
S. David Drewelow of ActionCOACH in Cedar Rapids will present this exciting topic.
According to the Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Franchise 500” for 2012, ActionCOACH is the
World’s Number 1 business coaching firm. David will touch on six business growth ideas
that may be very helpful to local business.
Lunch & Learn will be held Wednesday, January 23, from 11:30 am to 1 pm at the Oskaloosa Public Library. Reservations are required for the $5 box lunch by January 21. There
is no charge to attend the session only. Call 641.672.2591 or email oskycofc@oacdg.org for
reservations now.
January 2013
Mahaska County Career Academy
It is the beginning of a new year and time when students, particularly juniors and seniors in high school, need to start thinking about college and their careers. Here in Mahaska County, we
have a great tool for these students, as well as adults, to get a head
start on their degree.
Career Connections is a dynamic partnership between Indian
Hills Community College and area high schools. The Mahaska
County Career Academy is located at 508 South 7th Street in
Oskaloosa. Programs offered at this location include computer
networks and security, engineering and technology, and health
occupations. These college courses are offered at no charge to the
student.
Students and adults may take individual classes to brush up on
skills or receive certification. In most cases, individuals who
complete the Career Academy Adult Program curriculum will
be able to earn their college degree at Indian Hills with only one
additional year of full-time study.
For more information about the Mahaska County Career Academy email mcard@mahaskacounty.org.
Deann De Groot
Director of Mahaska County Ag and Rural Dev.
124 N Market St, Oskaloosa, IA 52577
mcard@mahaskacounty.org
$$ OSKYCASH $$
Communicator
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Thank you to all who have purchased OskyCash gift certificates in 2012. It is important
especially now during this economic downturn to keep our shopping dollars local. In
2012 over $52,000 in OskyCash was purchased from the Chamber. These dollars will be
spent in and amongst OACDG (Chamber) members in the days and months ahead. According to “experts” each dollar rotates six to eight times in the community. This means
that potentially $416,000 was generated in sales and over $29,000 in sales tax revenue in
the Mahaska Community in 2012 from OskyCash sales!
How do I spend my OskyCash? It looks like a check, and you are to make it pay-
able to the redeeming Oskaloosa Chamber Member business at the time of purchase.
Change may be given, but in some instances you may be asked to spend the full amount
in the store. It cannot be deposited into one’s checking account or exchanged 100% for
cash. If you need a list of where to use it, contact the Chamber.
How do I as a Chamber Member accept OskyCash? The OskyCash program
is an OACDG membership benefit designed to keep shopping dollars circulating within
membership businesses. OskyCash is a prepaid “gift certificate” purchased through the
OACDG and only redeemable at member stores and service businesses. OskyCash is
printed in denominations from $5 to $25 and is to have your business name written
in the “pay to the order of ” blank. Please remember that change may be given to the
customer within reason, but OskyCash cannot be exchanged for cash. OskyCash is not
valid without the Check Protector Imprint and valid signature. As the Chamber Member business accepting the OskyCash for services or merchandise purchases, you simply
endorse the back of the check and deposit as you would any other bank check.
If you have any questions about OskyCash or just need more information, don’t hesitate
to contact the Chamber of Commerce at 672-2591. If you are not currently an OACDG
(Chamber) member, call as well to find out how you can share in these benefits. Let’s
keep those dollars circulating!