NDN-MAG-03-11-16

1Cover

JASPER COUNTY Living PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PA I D Permit No. 371 Newton, IA 50208

****************ECRWSS**** Local Postal Customer

Rural fitness in Baxter Pg. 25

Spring

outdoor essentials Pg. 9

style Sixth Avenue

Pg. 17

2

One of the Midwest’s largest independent clinics ...

because you deserve a choice in health care Paul Ruggle, M.D. family practice

Steve Hill, M.D. family practice with OB

Pat Edwards, M.D. family practice with OB

Orville Bunker, M.D. family practice

T.Y. Chan, D.O. internal medicine

Min Pak, M.D. family practice

Mureema Solberg, M.D. family practice

Leighton Frost, M.D. family practice with OB

Zack Alexander, M.D., CCD family practice

Duane Jolivette, M.D. family practice

Andrew Cope, D.O. family practice with OB

Stephanie Bantell, M.D. family practice with OB

Lacy Lundgren, CNM, MSN women’s health with OB

Katie Lutyens, PA-C family practice

Esgar Guarin, M.D., FAAFP family practice with OB

Janice Gates, DPM podiatry

Laurie Siddall, ARNP, FNP-C Beth Preston, ARNP, FNP-C family practice family practice

Past

Future

Present

Always

• family medicine • colonoscopies • X-rays • pediatrics • vasectomies • lab testing • gynecology (including IUD • bone density testing • medical aesthetics Our roots were established as far back as the Our clinic continues to (Botox, grow todermal meet your needs. Whether placement) • 1920s. skin surgeries/biopsies fillers) obstetricsof(including • cardiac stress testsyou want a male provider • health The• providers Newton C-sections) Clinic have been caring for this or aeducation female one, a new graduate or and midwife services • fracture casting a veteran doc, we have • podiatry toenails, athlete’s community for more than 80 years. the right (painful health-care provider for you.

• women's health • urgent care/walk-in appointments foot, corns, calluses, infected nails, • physicals • inpatient care warts, hammer toes, bunions, • well-child exams • screenings diabetic foot care, heel pain)

We want to make you better when you are sick, keep you healthy when you are well, help you grow your family when a little one is on the way, and help you say goodbye in peace when your journey is done.

Every patient has a choice. Thank you for turning to Newton Clinic. Thank you for letting us treat you ... like family.

Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. • Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon 7:30 a.m.-6 Monday-Friday Same-day appointments alwaysp.m., available!

• 9 a.m.-noon, Saturdays

(641) 792-2112 • 300 N. 4th Ave. E.

(641) 792-2112 • 300 N. 4th Ave. E., Newton ••www.newtonclinic.com • www.facebook.com/newtonclinic www.newtonclinic.com www.facebook.com/newtonclinic

INDEX

17 5

Events

15

Q+A

25

Wellness

Find out what local events are happening in the area during the coming months.

Meet country singer Nick Ryan who enjoys performing in Jasper County.

11 9

What’s In

11

In-DEPTH

17

At home

23

Food + Drink

Baxter and Prairie City residents gain more options for fitness and exercise.

With warmer weather and sunny skies, get outside with these essentials.

Ginny Blattert remodels quaint Southwest Newton home in just two years.

Learn about the variety of event space needs and options available in Newton.

Michelle Stalzer of Z Marie’s provides an alternative to a classic Irish dish.

JASPER COUNTY

Living

Dan Goetz Publisher Abigail Pelzer Editor Kate Malott Niche Publications Editor Jeff Holschuh Advertising Director Jasper County Living is a Newton Daily News publication

Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

Volume 4 Issue 1

3

INTEGRATED TREATMENT SERVICES

2016

ENJOY LIFE. LIVE ALCOHOL & DRUG FREE EVALUATIONS & OUTPATIENT TREATMENT FOR: MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE CHILDREN • ADOLESCENT • ADULT

DUI CLASSES

EVENT SCHEDULE

Front Row L to R: Karen Sallis, Terry Sallis.

Back Row L to R: Claire Roush, Alicia Hasley, Joni Hunley, Jennifer Allensworth, Kim Zantingh.

303 S. 2nd Ave. W., Newton

ng Annual Meeti January 28 Outing r Show May 19 Golf lous Day & “Cool Cars” Ca u ic June 11 Rid rt of Newton Fest) vities (as pa owntown acti Lunch d & e d ra a P f July ome July 4 4th o cher & Administrators Welc a ew Te August 16 N day Open House oli H November 12 Holiday Open House l November 13 Courthouse Lighting Festiva s Social ma November 25 Member Thank You & Christ December 6 113 1st Avenue West - Newton, Iowa 50208 Phone: 641-792-5545 - info@experience.com

(641)792-0045

integratedtreatmentservices.org

HUNTER MANSION TEA ROOM & EVENT CENTER

Purple Gardenia Boutique

1900’s Victorian House Tea Room Hours: Wednesday thru Saturday 10:00am - 3:00pm Open for special Events Sunday Brunch 11:00am-2:00pm

Perfect for: Family Gatherings, Showers, Birthday Parties, Weddings, Tour Groups, etc.

Visit us at 223 W 4th St South . Newton, IA Reservations at 641★792★2970

Check out our website for upcoming events & other exciting news.

w w w. b a n k i o w a b a n k s . c o m

w w w. h u n t e r m a n s i o n . c o m 4

Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

calendar Mark your

events

March to May

March March 11-19 “The Producers” Newton Community Theatre This local production brings the classic comedic story to Newton. “The Producers” is a stage musical adapted by Mel Brooks’ 1968 film of the same name. The story follows two theatrical producers whose “get-richquick scheme” is to oversell interests in a Broadway flop. Come see local thespians bring this classic tale to life. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 641-792-1230.

March 24 2016 Free Job/Career Fair Newton DMACC Campus Hosted by the Newton Development Corporation, Des Moines Area Community College, Iowa State Univer-

sity Extension and Outreach and the Goodwill Career Connection Center. The fair provides an opportunity for businesses to meet and recruit potential employees.

April April 2 Young Professionals of Jasper County Re-Prom Iowa Speedway Relive your prom memories at this fun fundraising event. This year’s theme is Masquerade Ball. All are invited to come and enjoy an evening of dance and entertainment. Dance the night away with a live DJ, enjoy free keg beer and appetizers, a full cash bar and photo stand. Dressing up is not necessary. Tickets are available at tikly.co/events/1077.

Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge

April 2 Newton High School Athletic Booster Club Trivia Night McCann Center The fundraiser cost is $100 per table and eight people. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. for set up and table decoration.

Attendees are invited to bring their own food and drinks. The theme will be March Madness Basketball with NCAA tournament games on during the event. Raffle and best decorated table prizes will be given. For more information or to register a team, email walkerm@newton.k12.ia.us or text 641-521-5597.

April 3 29th Annual Chil-i Ride PJ’s Deli

Central Iowa Cyclists Chil-i Ride

Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

Hosted by Central Iowa Cyclists Bike Club, the 18-mile morning ride begins at PJ’s Deli and includes a lap around the Iowa Speedway before returning for a chili lunch. All ride proceeds go to fund maintenance of The Chichaqua Valley Trail.

5

TPI Composites (TPI) is the largest U.S.-based independent manufacturer of composite wind blades for the high-growth wind energy market supporting global wind turbine manufacturers.

TPI operates composite products manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.

Our products excel where high strength, light weight and durability are required. TPI Composites has over five decades of innovation and expertise in manufacturing large-scale composite structures of highest quality at a competitive total delivered cost to our customers.

www.tpicomposites.com

WIND ENERGY

Wind turbine rotor blades are a critical component to the overall performance, reliability and cost of a wind turbine. Representing a meaningful portion of the wind turbine investment, few other components have such a direct impact on the energy capture, loads management, and availability of the wind turbine system. TPI has manufactured more than 22,000 wind turbine rotor blades over ten years to the strictest quality standards.

TRANSPORTATION

TPI designs and manufactures large-scale composite vehicle structures of the highest quality. TPI has been leading the industry in providing innovative composite vehicle structures to solve the complex problem of reducing weight and cost in transportation applications.

GLOBAL OPERATIONS

We are the largest U.S.-based independent manufacturer of composite wind blades and have developed a global footprint to serve the growing wind energy market worldwide. This geographically diverse footprint enables us to leverage our global scale and technological capabilities, serve regional markets and export to ports around the world in a cost-effective manner.

SUSTAINABILITY

TPI Composites plays a direct role in a sustainable future. Our approach to sustainable development focuses not only on the environmental impact of our projects, but also a commitment to our employees through safety programs and employee development, and building strong relationships in the communities in which we operate and provide economic impact.

Join Jasper County’s largest workforce today!

6

Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

Kicking off its fifth year, Thunder Nites bike night returns to downtown Newton gathering more than 1,000 motorcycles to the square for live music, food and drinks.

May 11-16 Police Week Downtown Newton A series of events will take place to honor local police officers including a Police Week Memorial May 12 on the Jasper County Courthouse lawn and the Richardson Run May 15 beginning at the Newton Police Department. The memorial will include a presentation of Law Enforcement Employee of the Year and a memorial for the fallen.

Re-Prom

April 23 Earth Day Work Day Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge In honor of Earth Day, Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge invites volunteers to help restore prairie and oak savanna ecosystems. During this event, volunteers will participate in a variety of stewardship activities.

Scouts and other groups, families or individuals of all ages are welcome.

A free lunch will be provided by the Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Register by contacting Brianna Patrick at 515-994-3400.

Annuals, perennials and more available for sale and all proceeds will benefit the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Pre-sale and first pick of the plants will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 6. Admission is $5 at the door. The annual Plant Sale will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

May 7. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.newtonarboretum.com or call 641-791-3021.

May 13 Thunder Nites Downtown Newton

May 21 Pedal the Prairie Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge See the prairie from a new point of view at the first Pedal the Prairie Bike Ride and grand opening of the Prairie Parkway Bike Trail, the newly paved and expanded refuge entry road featuring four-foot bike lanes on each side. This is a free event with light lunch and activities provided. The Prairie Parkway Ride begins at 9:30 a.m. and Family Fun Bike and Hike begins at 10:30 a.m. To register, email Brianna_Patrick@fws.gov with your name, email address, number of adults and/or children attending, and which ride you plan to complete.

May May 4 Red Pride Service Day Newton Seventh annual Red Pride Service day brings the Newton High School and middle school students and teachers together with the City of Newton to take part in volunteer opportunities around the city. A rain date is set for May 11.

May 6-7 Project AWAKE Annual Plant Sale Newton Arboretum Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

Red Pride Service Day 7

Are You Over age 60?

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people will get Shingles

If you’ve had chickenpox, the shingles virus is already inside you! Protect yourself — get the vaccine today!

Get the Zostavax vaccine and help reduce your risk of getting shingles!

The CDC recommends the vaccine for everyone over the age 60.

Come Visit Us! Rx Required • Covered by most Insurance FREE Delivery • Compounding Bubble Packaging • Drive-Thru Window FREE Kids Vitamin Club • Easy Rx Transfers

400 1st Ave. W | Newton | 641-792-3528 | M-F 8:30-6:30 • Sat. 9-1:30

Since 1968

We’re not only the best place to buy tires...

We Do: Alignments • Brakes • Shocks • Struts • Tune-ups • Batteries • Transmission Service • Oil Changes • Custom Wheels & More

641-792-7894 • 220 1st Ave. E., Newton

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7 am - 5:00 pm; Sat. 8 am - Noon; Closed Sunday

Your Complete Farm & Home Supply Store

A Family Business All About Your Family.

www.mcgriffsfarmandhome.com 1352 Hwy 63 • New Sharon, IA • 641-637-4010

Yanni’s Italian & Greek Restaurant 2 Med. T U 1 topping O Y R R CA Includes Garlic Knots & Toasted Raviolis

HOURS:

Tuesday-Sunday Tuesday-Saturday

Newton, IA 641-791-9093

Pella, IA 641-628-1344

Des Moines, IA 515-270-1917

Knoxville, IA 641-842-2011

www.mccallmonument.com

Think Spring!

• Gravel • Decorative Stone • Rental Items & Much More!

11am - 2pm Lunch Open 5pm for Dinner

LUNCH BUFFET

14 99

$

Pizza Special

Like us on

Marshalltown, IA 641-753-9595

641-792-8650

Friday & Sunday

928 N. 19th Ave. E., Newton Monday - Friday

641-792-9631

7:30am - 5:00pm

2002 1st Ave. E. • Newton

For your loved one and you, the result is peace of mind.

Think of us for all your upcoming events.

• Corporate Events • Reunions • Anniversaries & More!

Farm Fresh Produce

Grocery 792-7950

Full Service Meat Counter

Call for a tour!

Kelsey Terpstra

(641) 791-4500 wesleylife.org/adultday 8

Meat 792-3325

120 N. 3rd Ave. E. Newton Store Hours: 7:30 AM-9 PM Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

What’s In

Outdoor Essentials With sunny skies and warmer temperatures ahead, it’s time to dust off the sandals and spend more time outside.

Here are products available locally.

Weber Gas Grill Barbecue season is fast approaching, and for easy lighting and convenient cooking, a new gas grill is a good choice.

Farver True Value, $350 and up

Garden Seeds Earl May provides a large and diverse range of garden seeds including most common annuals perennials, fruits, vegetables ornamental squash and herbs.

Earl May, $2 and up

Raleigh Open Road Style Bike

Alpine Mosaic Birdbath Made of glass tiles and a metal stand, the 18-inch birdbath has a shallow basin allowing easy access for all bird types. Theisens, $50

“I choose Raleigh because it’s the world’s oldest bike brand, and I’m very passionate about them. Road bikes with drop down handles are popular right now.” Joe Urias, Mojo Cycling, $700 and up

Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball Engineered for any ability golfer to deliver exceptional distance, consistent flight and drop-and-stop green side control.

Westwood Golf Course, $40 Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

9

PRAIRIE CITY FAMILY CLINIC We Care For You Gregory L Ingle, D.O. Heidi L. Wintermote, D.O. Charles G. Ingle, LMHC Lisa Sytzma, ARNP

Prairie City Family Clinic is pleased to announce the newest member to our practice. Lisa Sytzma, ARNP will be joining our practice in March. As a nurse practitioner, Ms. Sytzma can provide a full scope of family practice medicine offered in a rural clinic such as ours. The addition of Lisa gives us more availability to see patients with our already busy schedule.

We are pleased to have Lisa join our busy office.

515-994-2617 100 E. Jefferson St.

Hours: M, Tu, Th : 8am - 7pm W, F : 8am - 5pm • Sa : 8am-12pm

Sully Community Locker, Inc. “We Freeze to Please”

. Retail Store . Complete Processing & Meat Curing Service 407 7th Avenue Sully www.sullylocker.com 641-594-4240 Mon-Fri 7am-12pm, 1pm-5pm Sat 7:30am-11am

10

Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

In-Depth

Newton has some adequate event space, but more needed

By Jason W. Brooks What sort of large meeting and event venues does the Newton area have, and which kinds does it need?

That’s a question that has been taken on by various economic boards and councils and government leadership in the area.

Linda Bacon, executive director of the Newton Convention and Visitors Bureau, said if she’s contacted by anyone looking for a place to hold a meeting or event, she usually puts the party in direct contact with the owner, manager or official with the authority to allow an event to be scheduled.

“First, we ask what the needs are,” Bacon said.

“How big is the event or meeting going to be, and what’s going on? Is audio needed? Will food be served? We Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

help get them to the right people.”

There are a few private or schoolrelated facilities either proposed or set to be completed in the years ahead.

“First, we ask what the needs are.

How big is the event or meeting going to be?”

— Linda Bacon, Newton Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Hotel Maytag, located on the courthouse square, is set to undergo a renovation project.

Its ballroom should accommodate about 300 people and can be divided

up into three spaces for other uses.

The Newton Community School District is about to complete a $2 million remodeling of a former Hy-Vee grocery store. The district’s new administration building will feature a 2,500-square foot board room with two dividers, multiple large-screen monitors and other technology.

Frank Liebl, executive director of the Newton Development Corporation, fields many questions about event and meeting space for business. He feels the DMACC facility, where his office is located, is one of the centerpieces of indoor venue space in the county.

The more rural nature of Newton makes it ideal for conferences and meetings, he said.

11

Y ou C A N A ffo rd M c C a n n !

McCann Village Apartments are funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Housing assistance is available. Those who qualify do not pay more than 30% of their annual adjusted income for rent and utilities (except for telephone, cable and internet). You may apply if you are 62 years old or above, mobility impaired and age 18 or older, and within HUD established income limits.

Your Hometown

Paint Headquarters

Call 792-3018 for information.

116 N. 2nd Ave. W. Newton 641-792-5647

M c C a n n V il la g e A p a rt m e nt s Affordable Senior Living

1105 E. 12th St. S., Newton / www.mccannvillage.com

Newton’s only locally owned full service bank for over 80 years.

Shaped by our Past, focused on Your Future.

AW

ARD WINNIN

G Service Department & Outstanding Auto Body Repair

Serving The Area Over 33 Years!

SALES • SERVICE • LEASING • PARTS Always a large selection of new Buicks, GMCs, GM Program & Pre-owned Vehicles

100 N. 2nd Ave. W. Newton 641-792-3010

1821 First Ave. E. Newton 641-792-9420

www.firstnnb.com

I-80 Exit 168 to 1910 1st Ave. E., Newton

641-792-6412 • 800-568-2341 www.lauterbachcars.com

“We understand your time is valuable, this is why we take pride in being a personal but quick prescription pharmacy”

Insurance Programs for Your: Auto, Home, Life, Health, Farm, Crop & Business Insurances

• Old Fashion Soda Fountain

• Greeting Cards • Gift Items

101 N. Walnut, Colfax (515) 674-3503 (800) 511-3838 www.weirickpharmacy.com

Since 1906

ServiceMaster of Newton Fire & Water Restoration Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

www.stayneragency.com 128 N. Walnut, Colfax 515-674-3722 Tub/Showers, Installed Walk-in Showers, Installed Walk-in Tubs, Installed Stairlifts, Installed Ramps, Installed We do custom ceramic tile showers and whole bathroom remodels and any general remodeling or maintenance.

Kerry Walker - Owner Newton, IA

641-792-9580 kerry@newtonsm.com

12

7859 S. 52nd Ave. W. Colfax, Iowa 50054

Cell: 641.521.0495 www.easylivinhome.com Email: easylivinhome@gmail.com

Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

“The reason I feel Newton could grow as a meeting place is because, for example, DMACC has close parking,” Liebl said. “Companies holding meetings in downtown Des Moines have to not only fight traffic, but also, there’s usually a charge for parking, and you might have to walk several blocks, depending where your meeting is. Newton is centrally located in the state, and with DMACC’s facility we draw business meetings from a wide area.”

Liebl said there will always be a use for any newly constructed meeting space in the area.

“Whether it be for wedding receptions, business meetings, bridal fairs, chamber dinners, etc., there is always need for meeting space in Newton,” he said.

Here is a partial list of meeting venues available in Newton:

Indoor

Centre for Arts and Artists: www.centreforartsandartists.org

Hunter Mansion: Tea room available for events. 641-792-2970.

Pence-Reese Funeral Home: Tribute Center can hold a fairly large crowd. pencefh.com

Newton Christian Conference Center: The versatile facility is probably best known for hosting summer camps and outdoor weddings.

However, year-round indoor facilities include a reception room and a newly completed facilities that include a wedding chapel and attached reception hall and dorm-style cabins. www.uppermidwestcc. org or 641-792-1266

Newton Public Library: A main designated meeting room, and three study rooms. 641-792-4108 Iowa Speedway: Several indoor sites are available for rent. The Newton Club, along with regular suites and the Featherlite and Owners suites all offer a grandstand view of the track. On the infield, the MidAmerican Media Center features a working-media room, a drivers meeting room and dining room. www. iowaspeedway.com Newton Arboretum: The Daniel J. Krumm Horticultural Learning Center has a mediumsize meeting space available for rental. www.newtonarboretum.com.

DMACC-Newton: Dividable meeting space for more than 100 people; the 325-seat Maytag Theatre; the downstairs quad area can be used for a display or show while classes are in session. www.dmaccconferencecenter.org

Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

Sugar Grove Winery: Perhaps best known for both indoor and outdoor weddings, the winery has indoor space for events such as receptions, parties, meetings and small concerts. 641-831-3843.

AmericInn Hotel: About 650 square feet of meeting space. 641-7911160.

Outdoor

American Legion Post 111: The post has recently completed major remodeling to its ballroom and kitchen as well as the adjacent Patriot Club bar. 641-7923353.

Elks Lodge No. 1270: This small performance space and meeting area is close to Newton’s courthouse square. 641792-4118.

Hawkeye Stages: Conference room for rent.

It’s 550 square feet with chairs and high tables to seat 40 people. Use of kitchenette, projector and DVD player available upon request. www. hawkeyestages.com

Wittemburg Church: The church can seat approximately 100 people comfortably with the community room able to set tables and chairs for about 80 people. 641792-6505

Izaak Walton League, Emerson Hough Chapter: The two-story club house can be rented out for events. Rates available for the lower floor, upper floor or both at the same time. 641-7921373.

Newton Parks and Maytag Bowl: The sturdy, concrete ampitheater shell is at the bottom of a grassy hillside in Maytag Park, making it ideal for warm-weather concerts.

Sugar Grove Winery: The winery has outdoor space for events such as receptions, parties, meetings and small concerts in a picturesque setting. 641-831-3843.

Iowa Speedway: The entire oval track or road course can be rented.

641-791-8000.

13

Capitol II Theatre Where every movie brings out Joy!

Open Daily!

Theaters equipped with Assistive Listening and Closed Captioning Devices

Ask Us About • Popcorn-To-Go • Birthday Parties • Email Newsletter • Gift Cards

On the Square in Newton • 641-792-FLIX (3549) Check show times online @ www.capitol2.com

www.royalplumbingia.com

515-979-9521 • 515-994-3224 A walk-in tub can fit in any bathroom.

We are partners with our community, working together to create a place that fosters mental health and supports those with mental health challenges.

Programs include:

We can put your new walk-in tub Before in an existing tub, shower, or extra space in your bathroom!

• Individual, group, child and family therapy • Psychiatric evaluation and treatment for adults and children • Chemical Dependency evaluation and treatment • Psychological testing for adults and children • Residential and Community Based support services

New Tub display room in Prairie City

With offices in:

After New Tub display room in Prairie City

306 N. 3rd Ave. E. Newton, IA 50208 641-792-4012

14

2003 N. Lincoln Knoxville, IA 50138 641-842-4925 Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

Nick Ryan Country artist

Q+A

connects with jasper Hometown: Keosauqua

Sounds Like:

Blake Shelton, Chris Young, Lee Brice,

Label:

Mighty Fine Artists

itunes single: “Twister”

Manager:

Brittany Ryan

Website:

www.ReverbNation. com/NickRyanCountry

What’s your favorite place to play?

Mingo’s Greencastle Tavern is probably one of my favorite places to play. A lot of it has to do with the owners and a lot of it has to do with the people who are there.

The people we have met are the nicest, most down to earth and loving people that I’ve ever met.

I love playing new places, and it’s kind of uncommon for me to look forward to playing at Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

a venue where I’ve played over and over again, but that’s not the case for Greencastle Tavern because the people there are so awesome. I’ve made a lot of friends at that bar.

I’ve also played in Newton at the American Legion. I’ve been in The Air Force so that’s a crowd I can get along with very well too.

How did you get started?

I started at a very young age, and I don’t ever remember not singing. I al-

ways sang in school and church. It was more my parents, grandparents and family that noticed I had a talent for singing, and they always kind of encouraged me along the way.

Who inspired you to begin performing?

I started listening to Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash — the real storytellers of country music. That kind of music always kind of stuck with me.

Describe your style of singing?

There’s something about the sound of a steel guitar that I absolutely love. And I tend to lean more on the traditional side, which is difficult now because radio is demanding a lot of hip hop influence in country music. I’ve listened to it, and most of it is good music, but there’s definitely a lot of garbage out there. I try to stay very true to being a storyteller and sticking with the sound that made country great in the first place.

15

Shop

Marshalltown Paint with Messy Missy!

•Canvas and wine parties •Paint your own pottery •Custom art of all types •Re-purpose design studio Open 7 days a week !

Meadowlane Mall • Marshalltown

(641) 753-3030

Odds & Ends

Music, Movies & Video Games E BU Y

YL

REC

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Come visit us Tuesday-Friday 10 am until 5:30 pm Saturday 10 am until 4 pm

O

R

VI

DS

W

www.3WMusic.com

106 W. Main St.

641-753-2846 Hrs: Mon.-Sat. 12-5

Latest Edition Now Available

AG Mag Central Iowa

The most in-depth regional coverage of ag-related issues.

Featuring coverage in Jasper, Poweshiek, Marshall, Tama, Benton, Marion, Mahaska & Keokuk Counties.

To get your free subscription, call 641-792-3121 ext. 6540 16

Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

at Home

style Sixth Avenue

Ginny Blattert remodels Newton home

By Kate Malott

Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

17

Rick’s Amoco

Ask about how you can receive a BP gas discount card.

This is NOT a credit card!

Vanderwaal Insurance Owner Randy “Slim” Vanderwaal • Commercial • Automobile • Home Owners • Farm Hail

The ONLY FULL SERVICE gas station in Newton.

Check with us for brake & exhaust work, shocks & struts, front/rear alignment, cv shafts & all minor repair service.

24 Hour Fuel

CAR STARTING SERVICE • FLAT TIRE RESCUE

321 1st Ave. E., Newton • 641-792-8080

641-259-3076 slimvan@iowatelecom.net PO Box 692 • 102 S. Jasper St. Monroe

Visit us at either of our

TWO LOCATIONS! NEWTON 736 N. 3rd Ave. E. 641.792.5656 NewtonIowaRealty.com

GRINNELL 802 Commercial St. 641.236.7430 GrinnellIowaRealty.com

Garden Gate

LandscapinG, Ltd

We are booking projects for the 2016 season now.

Call Today!

Make your forty

• Retaining Walls • Custom Fencing • Patios • Outdoor Lighting • Landscape Design • Installation

winks feel like a

million bucks.

Welcome to the end of the day™

AmericInn

Hotel & Suites Newton 641-791-1160 1-800-634-3444

James Moon, Owner

Phone: 641-791-9062 Fax: 641-791-5358 1217 E. 8th St. N. • PO Box 772 • Newton

18

Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

Ginny Blattert

T

wo years ago, Ginny Blattert downsized. She went from one of the largest homes in town to one just 1,500 square-feet in size.

Blattert has three daughters and six grandchildren, and she and her late husband owned and managed four local McDonald’s.

She spent more than 40 years employed by the company.

Newly living alone, Blattert decided it was time for a change — she wanted something much smaller, but still located in a good neighborhood.

Blattert found what she was looking for in the three bedroom, Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

First Floor

two bathroom home of Wayne and Ann Straight. Sitting in a quiet walking neighborhood on South Sixth Avenue West in Newton, it was just what she wanted.

The home would be her third since moving to Newton 25 years ago.

“I remember driving by before and thinking, what a cute little house in such a nice little neighborhood,” she said.

Blattert moved into the house in November 2013 and began to work.

She had envisioned numerous projects and upgrades to the space.

The first thing she did was installed new

windows throughout the house, then she removed wallpaper from the walls before adding 18 gallons of paint to the interior.

Three different colors of grey make up the mainstay of the house.

The walls are medium grey. The ceilings are a very light grey, and interior doors and fireplace are a grey-beige, Blattert said. The breezeway is turquoise.

“I tried to carry the same colors throughout the house,” she said.

Next was the design of a new kitchen and a remodel of the first floor, which she did in collaboration with Plumb Construction.

First Floor

19

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The layout of the house was closed and compartmentalized by walls, and Blattert wanted to open up the space.

By spring, she worked with Plumb Construction to take down walls, add cabinets, cupboards, a pantry and an island to the kitchen. Blattert laid a backsplash tiling from the countertop to the ceiling.

“I’m big into function of a house and how things are used in the house. We put the cabinets to the ceiling which gives you a lot more storage,” she said.

The home holds two fireplaces which Blattert had remolded to gas while leaving the original marble mantle and floor tile intact. The fireplace makes the small house homey and cozy, she said.

While pulling up the carpet, Blattert found a treasure — original hardwood flooring — which she had refinished.

“Redoing the floors was really huge. I was grateful enough to have this really beautiful hardwood,” she said.

After working in the main living spaces, she moved her focus to the first floor and second floor bathrooms where she worked again with Plumb Construction to update the outdated rooms.

The bathrooms went from a vintage yellow and pink to a neutral grey and silver with accent colors and black. New tile flooring was laid in each bathroom along with features such as in-floor heat and heated towel bars. The counters and cupboards were ordered with the kitchen, and with a new light fixture and mirror, the rooms were brand new.

She also had two bedroom closets joined into one master closet upstairs.

Local interior designer and friend Terry Ayers helped assist Blattert in decorating her newly remodeled and stylish space.

The exterior of the house has seen a remodel as well.

New landscaping was completed in the front and backyard by Garden Gate Landscaping, including the addition of a fountain and fire pit, and a composite deck was built in the backyard.

Blattert and her brother built a two-story potting shed and tree house in the backyard, big enough for her grandchildren to utilize, especially the boys.

The tree house is equipped with a peephole door, a side ladder and a pull system.

The home provided Blattert a new beginning and a fresh start. She found what she wanted, and flipped the old home in a new functional, stylish and modern home.

“The location is by far the best part.

Locations and neighborhoods are huge, and they make you feel safe. I love this street,” she said.

Bedroom

Bathroom

Living Room

Dining Room

Kitchen Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

Kitchen

Bedroom

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Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

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Wellness

by Mike Mendenhall Before Mary Jo West began walking the treadmills in Baxter’s joint city/ school community fitness center, she struggled to include fitness and physical activity into her daily schedule. But now that she has access to the free 24hour facility, the 79-yearold works out five days per week.

West’s workout routine begins at 8 a.m. and usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

She comes to the fitness center five days per week with a group of five other Baxter senior citizens.

“I was late this morning, so I’m going to get reprimanded,” she said as she looked out the window on to snowy downtown Baxter in February.

Friend and fellow fitness aficionado Deloris Wastier walks on the treadmill next to West while Janice Schmidt and Alice Robinson pedal the stationary bikes.

“We usually walk tread-

mill. A lot of the time I try to do both treadmill and bicycle because if something hurts in one place, something else hurts on the other,” West said.

“That’s just the getting old part.”

Before the Baxter facility opened, residents in the town of 1,100 had to travel 14 miles to the Newton YMCA, Newton Anytime Fitness or 25 miles to the Altoona Campus for organized, indoor fitness options. All that changed in 2006 when the Baxter Community School District planned an addition on the west end of its K-12 school.

The facility was a partnership between the Baxter CSD, the City of Baxter and the Baxter Educational Foundation, with leadership from then-superintendent Neil Seals. Since it first opened, the town fitness center has gained 485 registered patron as of December 2014

and distributed 338 24-hour access cards.

More importantly, it has remained free.

Todd Martin, Baxter schools’ current superintendent, said the fitness center is unique to a city the size of Baxter, and the district and city are now exploring options to replace aging equipment and maintain its no cost model.

“When this all opened up, they had great equipment in there, but over time it starts to deteriorate. There wasn’t a plan with the city to replace that,” Martin said. “So there are some grant opportunities and we’re working with the city, we think we can pull it off and get all new equipment.

We’re not positive yet, but we think we can get it done.”

Community

Calisthenics Rural residents gain more fitness options

Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

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25

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Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

West and her exercise group have also formed a committee which began meeting in February to tackle the problem of fitness center upkeep. But despite the issues, she and the other members of the Baxter community are glad to have machines, fitness classes — both instructor and self guided — at their disposal.

As Mollie Keitges of Prairie City sees it, access and time are the biggest problem for small town residents looking to stay physically active.

She started Real Fitness in April 2011. Keitges was the employee fitness center manager for Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Des Moines at the time but saw a need in Prairie City.

“It was always kind of a dream,” she said. “I didn’t want to open a facility with the big equipment and the

Spring 2016 • Jasper County Living

“It was always kind of a dream. I didn’t want to open a facility with the big equipment and the treadmills. I really like the personal one-on-one.”

— Mollie Keitges, Real Fitness Owner

treadmills. Those things require a lot of maintenance.

Also, I really like the personal one-on-one, so I just need a big empty space.”

At a cardio-kickboxing class with seniors in February, Keitges encourages her group with active commands and punches bags right along side them. He fitness center is a large, open and sunlit room in a newer business development on the town’s southwest side. There are no machines, no power lifting — just an open space with resistance training equipment, kickboxing bags and a pumping sound system.

“Right hook, right backhand,” she calls

out to her class. “Alright ladies, let’s go back on our step — up and down with the right foot.”

Keitges started with four classes and just herself, but she now offers 15 classes per week and employs three other instructors to keep up with demand. For rural and small town residents, the fitness trainer said time spent on work commute, children active is school functions and sports and the Iowa climate all factor into the difficulties in working out.

Keitges received her certifications through the American Council of Exercise, an organization which last year began a program called Small Group Studio Alliance. She said this proves the need for fitness programs in small towns.

But for her clients, who

make up demographics ranging from high school students to seniors in their 70s and 80s, having a local gym or fitness center fosters deeper connections within the community.

“We’re just all over scheduled and overbooked, and technology makes that worse for us, so I think offering something close so people can go home, put supper on the table and come over and work out. Or we have the 5 a.m. option,” she said. “The really cool thing that I noticed is there were people from Prairie City and Monroe who never really new each other who got to know one another through Real Fitness.”

27

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