Communicator Volume 41, Number 2 February 2016

Oskaloosa Area Chamber & Development Group

29-YEAR IOWA MAIN STREET COMMUNITY

A Note from the Director...

Winter is solidly here. However, do not have the bitter cold keep you burrowed in your home. Join us at Eggs and Issues for a free cup of cofee and discussion on local and state topics. Eggs and Issues is on the second and fourth Saturday’s of February and March from 8:30am-9:30am at Smokey Row.

Another way to escape the cold is to join us for a trip to Ireland! If you missed the January presenta-tion of the Chamber trip to Ireland, it is not too late to learn about it. Please call 641-672-2591 or email me at vmcreynolds@oacdg.org to let me know if you are interested. I will be happy to talk to you or a group of people about this amazing experience. Trust me, you will not want to miss out on this op-portunity!

Lastly, we are excited to have Tessa Veldhuizen join the OACDG team. She will be working closely with Oskaloosa Main Street to create new events for the downtown area, and help others take a vision for their own event and turn it into a reality. Spring is closer than we think, and we are happy to have her as part of our team to bring you a year full of events.

And as always my door is open and the cofee is always fresh. I would love to hear from you.

- Valinn McReynolds

Oskaloosa Area Chamber & Development Group124 N Market St., Oskaloosa, IA 52577

P: 672.2591 • F: 672.2047www.oacdg.org • oskycofc@oacdg.org

Valinn McReynolds, Chamber Director, Karen Hafner, Main Street Director, Deann De Groot, Of-

ice Manager, Deb Bruxvoort, Financial Managerhe Oskaloosa Music Festival Continued on Page 2

THE OSKALOOSA

MUSIC FESTIVALJune 1 - June 11

Formerly known as the Oskaloosa Cham-ber Music Festival, the newly revitalized “Oskaloosa Music Festival” will be back for it’s 7th year with several world-class performances and educational opportuni-ties that one might only expect to ind in major cities across the U.S.

he Oskaloosa Symphony Association has partnered with Benjamin Davis, Oskaloosa high school alum and professional violist and violinist, to sponsor these two weeks of events.

he irst week, “Mahaska Masterworks,” brings top classical musicians from across the country for a week illed with performances across the community in a variety of contexts (dressed up, dressed down, and on the square in the heart of town!) so that there is something new for every-one to enjoy and discover.

Mahaska County YMCA looks to the future

In 2016, the Mahaska YMCA will be celebrating their 150th year of being part of Mahaska County. “In order for the YMCA to remain an active part of our community, we have to change and adapt” said David Phelps. “For the past year, we have been making changes to our facil-ity and implementing new programs that will help us better serve our

Mahaska County community. hese changes have given our facility a much needed facelit and improved our program oferings at the Y.”

he recent facility improvements have included renovations to the Cardio Room, Social Court, Locker rooms, youth exercise room, multipurpose room and Drop-in Childcare facilities. he Cardio Room has been moved to a larger room on the south end of the main loor and includes 10 new pieces of cardio equipment as well as a stretching and loor workout area.

Mahaska County YMCA Continued on Page 3

2 Communicator February 2016

he Oskaloosa Music Festival Continued from Page 1

he second week, the “String Chamber Music Camp” hosted at Oskaloosa middle school, ofers a more in depth study of string chamber music for interested students in Oskaloosa and the surrounding region. Participants will be placed into small string ensembles and will be coached by members of the Minneapolis-based Lux String Quartet. OMF has partnered with Bruce McLel-lan, Oskaloosa School District’s orchestra director, as well as surrounding orchestral directors, to bring this opportunity to students.

All public events are free of charge with a “pass the hat” model of collecting donations. To help cover the diference between event donations and student tuition, the festival depends partially upon tax-deductible individual and business contributions for its continued success. To learn more about the festival, and how you may be able to participate in and/or support these activities, please ind OMF at www.oskaloosamusicfestival.com. Follow OMF updates on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

OACDG Scholarship applications available/donors needed

he Oskaloosa Area Chamber & Development Group is happy to announce that scholarships will again be available through its Chamber Scholars pro-gram, now in its 19th year.

High school seniors living in Mahaska County and attending any high school are eligible to apply. Pick up an application from your school coun-selor, from the Oskaloosa Area Chamber oice or at www.oacdg.org. Schol-arships will be ofered in the amounts of $500 and up, and are sponsored by area businesses and industries. Last year $9,500 was distributed to 17 students. here were 45 applications from Mahaska County students from several diferent schools.

he application requests such information as participation in school and community activities, as well as two short essays. Typed Chamber Scholars applications and school transcripts are due at the Chamber no later than Tuesday, April 12, 2016.

“Businesses and individuals are encouraged to contribute to the scholarship fund as well. Every little bit that we can do to make it easier for our youth to attend college is very important,” stated Deb Bruxvoort of the OACDG. “Perhaps you can contribute inancially to the fund, or perhaps participate in the annual OACDG Golf outing set for Friday, May 13. he golf outing raises additional funds for scholarships.”

For further information, to request an application form, or to contribute to the fund contact the Oskaloosa Chamber at 641.672.2591 or email dbrux-voort@oacdg.org.

Dr. Terry L. Wolfswinkel, D.C. Welcomes

Dr. Michael VanderVeen, D.C.

Oskaloosa ChiropracticClinic, P.C.

211 North J. Street • Oskaloosa, IA 52577641-673-2540

www.oskychiro.comLike us on Facebook

NEW HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9:30-12:30

and 3:00-5:30; Sat. 9-11

Mahaska County Historical Society

Nelson Pioneer Farm & MuseumAnnual Membership Meeting & Pot Luck

Their Greatest VictoryAthletes who overcame adversities to attain success.

Presenter: David L. PorterMonday Evening, February 15, 2016

Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. in Bradbury Hall

Bring a dish to share and your own service.

2172 230th Street, Hwy. 63 N., P.O. 380

Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577-0380

Ph: 641.673.3493 • Fax: 641.673.3495On the web: www.kboeradio.com

211 North J. Street • Oskaloosa, IA 52577641-673-2540Ph: 641.673.3493 • Fax: 641.673.3495

February 2016 Communicator 3

Oskaloosa Main Street and the BLT Marketing Committee reserve the right to disapprove the use of the

logo for this organization if at any time the Branding Identity & Style Guide has been violated. All rights reserved.

Oskaloosa, Iowa Simply Brilliant™ Logo Request and Release Form

The Oskaloosa, Iowa Simply Brilliant™ logo is to serve as a brand identifier for Oskaloosa and the Mahaska

Community. It represents and celebrates our past, present, and future by highlighting our music, arts,

culture, & entertainment; a vibrant downtown and nightlife; and exceptional, well-preserved architecture.

The logo is available for use by area organizations to promote recreation, economic development and

tourism. The Wordmark and burst are to be used for promoting recreation, tourism, economic development

sport competitions, music programs, civic events and/or events of others related to the City of Oskaloosa,

Iowa, and the County of Mahaska, Iowa.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

As an external user of the Oskaloosa, Iowa Simply Brilliant logo or associated components, I agree

to the terms of use as described in the attached Oskaloosa Simply Brilliant Branding Identity & Style

Guide. I will submit this Request and Release Form to Oskaloosa Main Street, for approval for each

new use of the logo.

Logo User’s Name: ___________________________________________________________________

Logo User’s Organization: _____________________________________________________________

Logo User’s Email: ___________________________________________________________________

Logo User’s Telephone: _______________________________________________________________

Website URL: _______________________________________________________________________

Component of Logo Requested • Please indicate one(s) for use

Intended Use(s) of Logo: ______________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Logo User’s Signature: _______________________________________ Date: ________________

OMS Representative’s Signature: _______________________________ Date: ________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Please email or return to:

Oskaloosa Main Street

Attn: Karen Hafner, Director

124 N. Market Street, Oskaloosa Iowa 52577

Telephone: 641-672-2591 | khafner@oacdg.org | Fax: 641-672-2047

Mahaska County YMCA Continued from Page 1

his spacious room gives members plenty of elbow room while they work out. he new social court includes benches and day lockers as well as an area for refreshments and café style tables. he Youth exercise room has been moved from behind the member services desk to the north end of the building right next to the free weight training room. “Our renovated Drop-in Child Care room is located across the hall from our member service desk and we moved the Wom-en’s Locker Room upstairs and the Boys Locker Room was moved downstairs,” stated Phelps. “We also added a renovated multipurpose room downstairs so we have an additional room for new programs.”

he Mahaska County YMCA has also focused on adding several new youth programs. Two of those programs are the Drop-in Childcare and the Kids in Motion program. Both of these programs run from 5:30 – 7:30 pm on Monday thru hursday evenings. he Drop-in Child-care is for children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Kids in Motion provides physical activities for elementary school age children. Both of these programs are free if you are a YMCA family member and provide supervised care while parents get their workouts completed. “We have added several new youth programs including dance clinics, volleyball and basketball leagues and a new karate program starting in February,” said Phelps.

he YMCA is open to anyone in the community and provides inancial assistance for anyone who qualiies. With all of the changes that have been made, take some time to come in and see

what’s new at Your YMCA.

Are you a Chamber member?

Call the Oskaloosa Herald today

at 641.672.2581 if you would like

to have an ad in the

Communicator!

This publication is sent to

all OACDG members as well

as inserted in the

Oskaloosa Shopper to all

homes in the county!

2015-2016

4 Communicator February 2016

Business Ater Hours

Join Mahaska Health Partnership for Busi-

ness Ater Hours on Tuesday, February 23

from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Cedar Bluf Learn-

ing Center (entrance #3). Welcome the newest

members of the Mahaska Health Partnership

medical staf. Mahaska Health Partnership is committed to

making healthcare personal for you and your family.

Headquarters Salon and Spa relocates and expands to 1506 A Ave. East in Oskaloosa. Owner Kelsey VanKooten and stylist Alex Patzel explained the complete remodel project of the former bank property. Headquarters now has multiple hair stations and washing stations, and ofers manicures and pedicures, facials, massages, make up, hair prod-ucts, spray tanning and more. Contact them at 641.676.4570.

Taco Bell is oicially open at 702 A Ave. West in Oskaloosa. he ribbon was cut by shit manager Karen Fletcher and employees Melisa Young, Curtis Berry and Becky Sanders. hey are open 7 am to midnight with drive-through service Friday and Saturday until 2 am. Not pictured are General Manager, Jodi “Shai” Rogers and Area Coach, Tina Cheshire. Phone: 641.673.2370.

NEW OACDG MEMBER:

Sunnyslope GreenhouseDelmar & Marilyn Vos1621 Hwy 63 Leighton, IA 50143Phone: 641-626-3702

All retail: geraniums, bedding plants, pot plants, perennials, herbs, vegetable plants, planters illed and ready to go, memorial day planters, fall mums, all fertilizers, insect repellants for plants, assorted decor and much more!

Mahaska Co. YMCA414 N. Third St.Oskaloosa 673-8411

We Build Strong Kids, StrongFamilies, and Strong Communities

1207 “A” Ave. East • Oskaloosa673-9465

673-9465

2401 Crestview Drive • Oskaloosa, IA 52577

Call for Appt. 641-673-3000

Devoted care for older Iowans

ttjaden@careinitiatives.org

All Therapies Available • Pleasant Environment

Northern Mahaska Specialty Care

Your HomeProject Team

Interiors by Val• window treatments• floor coverings • tile

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Val VanWaardhuizen & Janel Campbell

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www.trubank.orgMember FDIC

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MAHASKA

DRUGCOMMITTED TO A

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STORE HOURS: MON.-FRI. 8-9; SAT. 9-6; SUN. 10-5

        

 

1207 “A” Ave. East • Oskaloosa

2401 Crestview Drive • Oskaloosa, IA 52577

ttjaden@careinitiatives.org

All Therapies Available • Pleasant Environment

• window treatments• floor coverings • tile

• cabinets & countertops• lights • paint selection

673-5770 for an appt.16 1st Ave. East, Oskaloosawww.interiorsbyval.com

www.trubank.orgMember FDIC

302 South Market • Oskaloosa, IA 52577

COMMITTED TO AHEALTHY COMMUNITY

205 North E St. • Oskaloosa • Ph. 673-3439

STORE HOURS: MON.-FRI. 8-9; SAT. 9-6; SUN. 10-5

February 2016 Communicator 5Main Street sets theme for 2016 Lighted

Christmas Parade: “A Storybook Christmas”

he Lighted Christmas Parade Committee met January 20 and set the theme for the 29th annual Main Street Lighted Christmas Parade to be held on hursday, December 1, 2016. he parade will again be on hursday only and the theme will be “A Storybook Christmas”. he committee envisions loats and entries depicting any story from a book. Consider favorite stories you have read as a child or even as an adult. Make the story come to life in your entry.

Look for some changes in 2016. hursday, December 1 will be the day that encompasses many events. Events will begin at noon in the Penn Central Mall with vendors, music, fun for children, Festi-val of Trees, and more. Gospel music will be held before and ater the parade, with parade awards set for 9:30 pm in the mall.

As before many events are held throughout Oskaloosa in conjunc-tion with the Lighted Parade. As you begin plans for related ac-tivities, please contact the OACDG to have these events placed in the Holiday Happenings brochure. Many volunteers are needed to make the event a success. If you would like to be a part of the plan-ning contact the Main Street oice of the Oskaloosa Area Chamber and Development Group at 641-672-2591 or email to oskycofc@oacdg.org. Be a part of Iowa’s #1 Holiday Event.

OSKALOOSA HERALDConnect with us whenever you want, however you want!!

Your local news is availableacross all platforms.

Activate your online access now!

Call for assistance.

641-672-2581www.oskaloosa.com

6 Communicator February 2016

Vendor Applications for 2016 EventsBelow are the opportunties for vendors for Oskaloosa’s Main Street events. If you are inter-

ested in any of the events, please ind the application online at www.oacdg.org, call 641-672-2591 or email Karen Hafner at khafner@oacdg.org.

ART ON THE SQUARE: he 48th Annual Art on the Square Outdoor Juried Art Festival will take place at our beautiful city park in the center of the City Square in down-town Oskaloosa onSaturday, June 11, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All Artists with work of their own original design may submit an application; only selected artwork will be accepted. Artists accepted last year will not need jury material. No resale items allowed. Registration form, jury items and the fee of $60 (this includes tax) per space is required prior to April 8, 2016 jury date; ater this date of April 8, up to May 13, fee increases to $70.

SWEET CORN SERENADE: Sweet Corn Serenade will take place on hursday, July 28, 2016. his brings 3,000 people to downtown Oskaloosa for fresh cooked sweet corn from 4 to 9 p.m. Burgers, pie and ice cream are also available for a small charge. here is musical entertainment, children’s activities, a pie baking contest, and more. Daytime activi-ties include a crat show, food vendors, product vendors and more. Registration form and non-refundable fee of $40 per space is required by June 29, 2015; ater this date of June 29, fee increases to $50. Due to limited spaces early registration is encouraged.

NEW!!! THE HOLIDAY MARKET AND SHOW: he Holiday Market and Show on December 1, 2016 is in conjunction with the Oskaloosa Main Street Lighted Christmas Parade to be held at 7 pm the same night. he event will run from 4 pm to 10 pm in Penn Central Mall in Oskaloosa, Iowa and will include tree festival, Santa, Christmas pa-rade awards, gospel music, kids activities, canned good drive & more. Registration is $40.00 (includes tax) and the application needs to be completed by November 11, 2016.

Missoula Children’s heatre

presents:

AladdinCall all kids! Based on the famous Arabian Tales of Ali Baba, Scheherazade, and even Sinbad the Sailor, Aladdin journeys to ind a magic lamp in a Cave of (not-so-great) Wonders. Along the way, Aladdin seeks answers and advice from wise Genies, a powerful Sultan, and his own Mother to ind a way to meet the Princess. However, even with the lamp in hand, Aladdin will have to learn that it takes more than a wish to make a good impression. Full of memorable characters, from lost Penguins to talking Palm Trees, this adventure is worthy of 1001 laughs. Aladdin will come to life using children from the Oskaloosa community. Chil-dren ages 5-18 are invited to audition, rehearse, and perform in the adaptation.

Auditions: Monday, February 15 • 4 pmPerformances: Sat., February 20 • 3 and 7 pmAdults $10, Students $5

OSKALOOSA LITTLE LEAGUE

ONLNE REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN!Go to oskaloosalittleleague.com to register now!

Everything you will need to fill out will all be done online this year.

Registration form, medical form, volunteer forms, shirt size, and what

age division they qualify for. You will have to pay before you will be

registered to play. All registrations are due by February 26.

As always, if you have any questions

please contact us at oskaloosalittleleague@yahoo.com.

Thank you and we will see you soon!

Auditions: Monday, February 15 • 4 pmPerformances: Sat., February 20 • 3 and 7 pm

February 2016 Communicator 7Join Mahaska Young Professionals today!Mahaska Young Professionals (MYP) events are in full swing for 2016. In January, MYP enjoyed a night of bowling at Mahaska Bowl. February will also bring about two new events. On Wednesday, February 3 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm inancial planner Kevin Nicholson from Cedar Rapids will be presenting on investments today and insurance preparation today for life’s events tomorrow.

On hursday, February 4 the monthly social hour will take place at 5:30 pm at On the Green in Oskaloosa. Finally, the monthly event on hurs-day, February 25 will have you racing around the rink. Join MYP for a trip down memory lane at the Spinnin’ Wheels Skate Center from 6:00-8:00 pm (see lyer to the right). You will not want to miss this exciting night of entertainment, food, and more! MYP members will get in the door for free. Non-members will be $7.00. Join MYP today for a yearly fee of $40.00 which will get you discounts on all events throughout the year. For more information on how to join, contact Deann at 641-672-2591 or email ddegroot@oacdg.org.

Interested in a trip to Ireland in September 2016? If so, contact the Chamber of

Commerce at 641-672-2591

Tina Steffen, Administrator

605 Highway 432 • Oskaloosa, IA 52577641.676.3414

fax: 641.676.3415tinas@oskaloosacarecenter.com

Team Registration Kick-Off

Sign up in the last 20 minutes and Receive 1 Drawing Entry Ticket

Tuesday, February 9th5 to 6 p.m. at Smokey Row

Drawing For Anytime FitnessMembership and Gift Basket

RegistrationTable

Sign up from 5:00 to 5:20Receive 4 Drawing Entry Tickets

FundraiserTable

Sign up from 5:20 to 5:40Receive 2 Drawing Entry Tickets

Dear Youth Theatre Families & Friends,

As we start a new year with the George Daily Youth Theatre, I want to update you on all the exciting things happening with our program. Our After School Program continues with four sessions in Oskaloosa and two with the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont School District. Along with our normal programming, we’ve embarked on an ambitious series of educational outreach opportunities through our professional touring season, with every show allowing us to partner with area school districts.

Accessibility has a cost and the George Daily Auditorium usually runs at a deicit to make our programming available for everyone. This year, we anticipate giving our $6,000 in scholarship funds and discounts for families to attend camp.

By donating to Friends of the Auditorium, the 501(c)3 non-proit organization that runs the George Daily Auditorium, you can help make our programming available to every child. Your tax-deductible donation can change the lives of young people by cultivating creativity, communication, and other life skills for our students.

A one-time monthly donation of $70 allows one studentto attend one session.

A monthly donation of $25 allows four students to attend one session. Just 18 people giving a monthly donation of $25 would

meet our goal for the year. There are many ways you can give, from a one-time gift to setting up a small monthly donation by contacting our ofice at (641) 672-0799. Send your tax-deductible contribution to George Daily Auditorium, 1800 N 3rd St, Oskaloosa, IA 52577 or go online at www.georgedaily.org. Last year, the Auditorium made art accessible to almost 1500 students in Oskaloosa and Mahaska County. With your assistance, we can continue our tradition of outstanding, accessible, and professional arts education. You can help Daily make a difference. Sincerely, Andy McGuire, Education Director

• Tax Planning & Preparation • General Business Consulting• Auditing & Special Engagements • Employee Benefits• Accounting & Bookkeeping Services • Estate Planning• Family Business Consulting • Payroll & Direct Deposit Services

Oskaloosa, Iowa www.tdtpc.com (641) 672-2523Additional Offices:

Burlington Cedar Rapids Centerville Fairfield Mt. Pleasant Muscatine Ottumwa Pella West Des Moines

Mahaska Veterinary Clinic

T.J. Donohue, DVM

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2348 Highway 92 • Oskaloosa, IA 52577641.673.0431 ph. • 641.673.6537 fax

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