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1Cover Down the Aisle Stacy’s Sweetstuff Bringing treats, baked goods to downtown Newton Grace Harbour’s Terry Bradley Sharing passion for music through teaching, performing Newton Christian Conference Center Addition of new chapel, reception hall and cabins perfect for wedding ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners Winter 2015 a product of the Newton Daily News
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Page 1: NDN-MAG-2-12-15

1Cover

Down the Aisle

Stacy’s Sweetstuff Bringing treats, baked goods to downtown Newton

Grace Harbour’s Terry Bradley Sharing passion for musicthrough teaching, performing

Newton Christian Conference Center Addition of new chapel, reception hall and cabins perfect for wedding ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners

Winter 2015

a product of the Newton Daily News

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The Bridal Sweet Full Service Bridal

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Page 3: NDN-MAG-2-12-15

Index4 Entertainment

Terry Bradley, Grace Harbour VenueNewton Christian Conference Center

ReceptionModern and popularwedding songs

FinanceOrganizing finances for present and future

BakeryTasty treats fromStacy’s Sweetstuff

Photography Factors to consider before selecting

This publication is a product of the

Newton Daily News.

Dan Goetzpublisher

641-792-3121 ext. 6510

Abigail PelzerEditor

641-792-3121 ext. 6530

Kate MalottNiche Publications Editor

641-792-3121 ext. 6533

Jeff HolschuhAdvertising Director

641-792-3121 ext. 6540

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Local classical and jazz musician Terry Bradley has been playing guitar since he was 5 years old and has passed that pas-sion along to others his whole life.

Born in Newton in 1954, Bradley runs his music business Grace Harbour, which he runs from inside his home. He acts primarily as a per-sonal music instructor but also enjoys perform-ing. Bradley’s home stu-dio has a bookshelf full of composition and his favorite guitars mounted on the walls.

“Even the color of the

walls we chose for this room is a relaxing, soft color,” Bradley said. “We want everything in here to be conducive to relax-ing and learning. I just have a great time teach-ing and I am so fortunate to be doing this. I’m a lucky guy.”

While Bradley con-ducts his music, teaching reminds him of the joy he had when he was a kid learning an instrument.

“The greatest thrill I have is seeing a kid’s eyes light up when they get it. It’s just exciting,” Brad-ley said. “I remember when I started playing; you couldn’t get the thing out of my hands. Music is such a wonderful thing to

share, and I’m very privi-leged to be doing this.”

Bradley began teach-ing at the age 12. Ad-vanced for his age, his music instructor orga-nized lessons for other kids so Bradley could help them with an instru-ment.

“When you’re that young, it’s hard to build credibility,” he said. “I taught students that my instructor wanted me to work with, so it was an actual job with a sched-ule and time. It was offi-cial and I liked it.”

Bradley said he could sit in his room for hours, retreat from the world and just play guitar. That attitude has stuck with

him his whole life and it is represented in his busi-ness today.

“[Grace Harbour] is kind of indicative of the spirit of what we are try-ing to do,” Bradley said. “Music is like a sanctu-ary. It is a great antidote for the goofiness of what goes on in the world to-day.”

Grace Harbour is singly owned by Bradley as he started teaching full-time in 2006, but a portion of Bradley’s job is also per-forming. Weddings, pri-vate parties, providing background music and dinner music are all ser-vices Bradley offers.

Terry Bradley shares passion through teaching, performing

By Alex Olp

BRADLEY | 5

4 down the aisle | 2015

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While performing his work in public, Bradley often has a set of pieces he plays while also accommodating his listeners’ wishes and improvising a bit, he said.

Even though Bradley typically per-forms alone, he has played with many individuals during his career. Twelve years ago he met Brian Keeton, pas-tor of Cornerstone Bible Fellowship in Newton. Keeton said he values the time that he gets to spend with Bradley.

“He’s a great musician,” Keeton said. “He was and is a better guitar player than myself and you couldn’t have asked for a better mentor. He makes me better just by playing with someone of that caliber. Even though he can play virtually anything, he is always very humble.”

Bradley performed on the big stage plenty of times in his career. He played for the Grinnell College Orchestra, and in 1988 he began performing in the Des Moines Symphony.

“I was fortunate enough to spend 10

years playing at Des Moines,” Bradley said. “Man that was a blast. That was a lot of pressure, a lot of work and the de-mands were overwhelming, but it was fun.”

As much as he loves playing, his pas-sion is sharing his joy for music with younger generations through teach-ing. That’s what he loves about Grace Harbour. However, maintaining a kid’s interest can sometimes be a challenge that comes with the job.

“It’s hard to get across to them that Eddie Van Halen wasn’t Eddie Van Ha-len when he first started,” he said. “It took him years to get to where he was, and it’s going to take them years to get to that point. We live in such an instant gratification society that it doesn’t hap-pen in six weeks. It’s phenomenally hard and it takes a lot of dedication.”

Bradley has proven his dedication with his lifetime commitment to music and his passion as a music instructor at Grace Harbour — a passion born 55 years ago that has not let up.

Contact Alex Olp at [email protected].

BRADLEYcontinued from 4

2015 | down the aisle 5

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6 down the aisle | 2015

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There are various the-ories as to the origin of the word “honeymoon.” One such theory sug-gests the word traces its origins to the Old English phrase “hony moone,” which suggests the hon-eymoon was in it ia l ly steeped in cynicism.

“Hony” is a reference to honey and, the theory suggests, refers to the strong feelings of affec-tion and sweetness newly marr ied couples har-bor and display for each other. However, “moone” is a reference to how fleeting this period of

time is and how it is likely to change as quickly as the moon changes.

One rosier theory as to the origin of the word “honeymoon” suggests the word dates back to the fifth century, when calendars were based on the moon cycle. During

this period, newly mar-ried couples drank mead (which accounts for the “honey”) throughout their first month of mar-riage (or for a full cycle of the moon), as mead was a beverage many believed to be an aphro-disiac.

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Xxxx Xxxx/Daily Newscutlinejjj

Couples who get married at the Christian Conference Center this summer will have the same op-portunity to take their vows in the same picturesque, natural outdoor setting that’s always been there.

This year, they’ll have a state-of-the-art, cabin-like building avail-able as well.

Construction crews are clos-ing in on completing a new 69,000-square foot College Avenue Worship Center that will house a wedding chapel, dressing rooms, a large foyer, a reception hall and a kitchen.

The center, owned and operated by the The Christian Church in the Upper Midwest, is open for rent to

all types of groups, in addition to many types of ceremonies, retreats and other events.

“The facility exists because of the summer camp,” said Bill Span-gler-Dunning, regional minister and president. “But the buildings and the land are part of the com-munity.”

The center, 5604 Lincoln St. in Newton, is a few miles southeast of the Iowa Speedway. It has been home to church camps for many years, and weddings aren’t new either. The swimming pool, play-ground and acres and acres of roll-ing prairie along Elk Creek feature ponds and other examples of na-ture at its finest.

However, the center is work-ing toward becoming a more all-

weather facility. The center already had a large front room and dining room in its main building, and even the enclosed back porch to the building was used for a small December wedding.

The center added two 24-bed cabins and a 36-bed cabin within the past couple of years, adding not only tons of places for over-night guests, but also a tornado-shelter area.

Completion of the College Av-enue building, slated to happen by mid-May, will help make the cen-ter a destination for events — all 12 months of the year.

The building is named after Des Moines’ College Avenue Christian

Newton Christian Conference Center adds new building

available for weddings, moreChurch — one of the pri-mary benefactors of the facility. The reception hall, known as Bright Hall, is named for the late Lois Bright, who, along with her husband, H. Dale, took up many charity causes and formed two foundations.

The new chapel itself is named for another large benefactor: The Grant Park Christian Church. Sidewalks will link the cabins to the College Av-enue Hall.

The hall is somewhat the size of a small basket-

By Jason W. Brooks

CENTER | 13

2015 | down the aisle 7

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A couple’s first dance as man and wife is a cherished wedding tradition. While the first dance can help set a positive tone for the reception, it also can negatively impact the festivities if a poor song is chosen.

Couples may feel pressure to choose the perfect song. Yes, this is a song the couple has selected to represent their love for each other, but it also should be one that will speak to the masses and can be thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Couples want to avoid a song that does not seem to fit with the festivi-ties. For those couples who need a little musical inspiration, turn to many of the modern hits you’re bound to hear on the radio, which may help you to shine in that first dance.

“All of Me” by John Legend

It’s been hard to escape this popular love song by R&B artist John Legend. An ode Legend wrote to his wife, this song has quickly become a popular choice for a couple’s first dance.

“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri

“Twi-hard” fans enjoyed this romantic song during the pivotal wed-ding scene between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen in the popular “Twi-light” movie “Breaking Dawn.” Cou-ples looking to recreate the magic of these star-crossed lovers can embrace Perri’s delicate tone and tender lyrics.

“I Don’t Dance” by Lee Brice

Speaking of country influences, cou-ples who want a little twang in their first dances can choose Brice’s break-through hit. Romantic lyrics about spinning his partner around in circles despite not liking to dance illustrates what one partner will do for the other when in love.

“I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz

Another acoustic ditty, this song has a country influence and talks about not giving up and staying in a relationship for the long haul.

“Better Together” by Jack Johnson

Johnson is known primarily for his soft rock and acoustic guitar work blended with catchy lyrics. Also an accomplished surfer, Johnson’s work is enjoyed by many but may be especially prized by couples who want to their reception to be a laid back affair full of fun and whimsy.

“I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles

This peppy song by singer/song-writer Sara Bareilles is a good choice for couples who prefer being nontra-ditional. It’s faster paced and less sen-timental than many other wedding songs. Couples can make that first moment on the dance floor a special experience by choosing modern clas-sics for their first dances.

9

Newton Daily News

80 percentof brides took their new husband’s last name in 2013, a significant dip from 86 percent in 2009.

75 percentof couples live together prior to tying the knot, a living arrangement that once was a societal taboo.

Source: 2013 Real Weddings Study, a comprehensive report of 13,000 brides and grooms

married in the U.S. surveyed from TheKnot.com.

1 out of 3couples are not marrying in religious institutions in 2013, marking an 8 percent decrease from 2009.

Popular, modern first dance songs

2015 | down the aisle 9

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10 down the aisle | 2015

How newlyweds can successfully blend finances

Planning a wedding is a collabora-tive effort for couples. Although cou-ples spend months choosing every-thing from wedding bands to registry china patterns, even more decisions are on the horizon. These include decisions on housing, when to start a family and how to merge bank ac-counts, bills and investments that comprise their financial portfolios.

Many couples discuss finances before they tie the knot. Establish-ing a financial plan will shed light on how much you can afford to spend on your wedding. Consider these ways to merge newlywed finances.

Be forthcoming with informa-tion — It may be embarrassing to have a low credit score or substantial amount of debt. But it’s still best to share this information sooner rather than later. Openness with regard to finances allows couples to work col-lectively to improve their financial

standing.Begin slowly — After so many

years of financial self-sufficiency, some newlyweds find it difficult to blend finances. Couples with vastly different salaries may struggle to de-termine equitable contributions to joint accounts, so it can pay to take things slowly. For example, open a joint account shortly after tying the knot, using the account to pay for home and living expenses.

Create a savings plan — Budgets that worked before you got married likely won’t be realistic now that you have tied the knot. Expenses and/or income may have increased, so ex-amine your finances to get an honest assessment of your finances. Once a clear of how much money is coming in and going out picture is presented, you and your spouse can begin to map out your short- and long-term financial plans.

Establish a family CFO — Many couples opt to split responsibili-

ties equally, while others realize one person is better suited to managing money. Whatever your decision, it should be mutual. Financial conflicts are one of the biggest contributors to marital dissatisfaction. If one person is the primary account manager, the other spouse should have open ac-cess to bank accounts, credit cards and passwords.

Kids change everything — Plans may need to be revised as children enter the equation. Separate ac-counts may have worked in the past, but usually it makes more financial sense, especially come tax time, to completely merge accounts when children are in the picture. It may also be time to think about life insur-ance and disability insurance. Both husband and wife should each write a will once children are born.

Communication is the most im-portant thing when newly married couples begin to merge their financ-es.

Newton Daily News

Page 11: NDN-MAG-2-12-15

Stacy’s Sweetstuff

brings treats to downtown

Stacy Grams began baking at home with her grandma — after many cakes and cookies later, and a successful in-home business — she is taking the leap and opening her own shop, Stacy’s Sweet-stuff.

Located behind Moo’s BBQ at 208 1/2 First Ave. W., Grams is now hoping to share her treats with community on a daily ba-sis.

Stacy’s Sweetstuff start-ed in Grams’ home after she began baking for her nieces, nephews, fam-ily and friends more than four years ago. She bakes cookies, cakes, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, brown-ies, cake balls, candies, fudge and truffles. Sugar cookies are her favorite because she enjoys deco-rating them, although she is not a huge fan of clean-ing up after them. They are also her most popular item.

Wedding cakes are also on her resume — avail-able in chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, lemon, or-ange, marble, champaign and red velvet flavors. When doing wedding cake tasting, Grams sends home cupcake samples with the client so their friends and family can give their input as well. It is also a trick she does to get her product out to more people, hopefully gaining additional clients.

“Before you know it was like ‘hey can you make one for my friend’s mom’s sister,’” Grams said.

A fun story Grams has about her growing busi-

ness started with the pur-chase of her car.

“I bought my car here in town from Noble All-American, and he asked why my hands were all purple — I had just done a wedding cake. We got to talking and he ordered some cookies from me, took it back to the shop and then I had two of those guys order from me. One of the guy’s wife works at an Altoona bank and the bank contacted me for Christmas cookies for three Altoona branch-es,” Grams said.

Many of her friends and family suggested that she move forward in her business and do more with the skills she has. Af-ter spending time praying and looking around New-ton for a potential store front, she spoke with the owner of Moo’s and things “just fell together,” she said.

Grams had been mak-ing cakes for Moo’s BBQ owner Jeremy Biondi and after finding out she was looking for a space, Bion-di offered her the back room in his restaurant. The quaint space is per-fect for Grams, who didn’t want anything extrava-gant. In the shop she will offer cupcakes, chocolate dipped strawberries, cake balls, slices of pie, sugar cookies, chocolate cov-ered pretzels, fudge along with daily specials. She is planning on opening Feb. 9.

Contact Jamee A. Pier-son at [email protected]

By Jamee A. Pierson

2015 | down the aisle 11

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Lifebreath away

is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our

• Engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart.

• 70 percent of all brides sport the traditional diamond on the fourth finger of their left hand.

• Diamonds set in gold or silver became popular as betrothal rings among wealthy Venetians toward the end of the fifteenth century.

• Seventeen tons of gold are made into wedding rings each year in the United States.

• One of history’s earliest en-gagement rings was given to Prin-cess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII. She was 2 years old at the time.

12 down the aisle | 2015

Source: 2013 Real Weddings Survey, a com-prehensive report of 13,000 brides and grooms married in 2013 in the U.S. surveyed from TheKnot.com.

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Church — one of the primary benefactors of the facility. The re-ception hall, known as Bright Hall, is named for the late Lois Bright, who, along with her husband, H. Dale, took up many charity causes and formed two foundations.

The new chapel itself is named for another large benefactor: The Grant Park Christian Church. Side-walks will link the cabins to the College Avenue Hall.

The hall is somewhat the size of a small basketball gymnasium, as it’s 80 feet long and 52 feet wide. It has cabin-like wood paneling on the ceiling, and the kitchen has a serving-counter window. Large storage rooms are also built-in.

All of the facilities will be handi-capped-accessible, Spangler-Dun-ning said.

The rates are posted on the cen-ter’s website, www.uppermidwest-cc.org. Couples can not only rent one or more of the indoor facilities, but there are many outdoor loca-tions available on the property.

Some of the adults who’ve cho-sen to use the site for their wed-dings attended the center years ago for summer camp, and have a strong attachment to the hide-away. Amber Elliott, who grew up in the Okoboji Lake area, is in that group — her summer camps and her wedding were both at the New-ton site, and she’s now the wedding coordinator at the center.

“We have a lot of flexibility here,” Elliott said. “We know couples are planning months and months in advance. Some discuss planning for an outdoor wedding and recep-tion, and now, a large, new indoor building will be available as a back-up plan.”

Summer church camps will still be held on site. Camps are gener-ally Sunday through Friday, freeing up facilities for weekend events.

The framing and walls were completed by early January.

Elliott said crews have plenty of incentive to finish the build-ing by May, as weddings have al-ready been booked at the facility. Spangler-Dunning said the cen-ter doesn’t build until it has saved

enough money to do so, and has no construction debt as a result.

Center director Connie Derby Dicks said the building fills a need for the church’s four-state region, which covers Iowa, Minnesota and North and South Dakota. It also helps give Jasper County a unique, out of the way site for one and multi-day events.

“It’s what our congregation wants,” Derby Dicks said. “And it’s an affordable facility in a rural space.”

The center can be reached at 515-255-3168 or [email protected].

Contact Jason W. Brooks at [email protected].

CENTER Continued from 7

2015 | down the aisle 13

Submitted Photos

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Couples must make a host of im-portant decisions when planning their weddings. Some decisions, such as choosing a venue to host the recep-tion, require more effort and research on the part of couples than others.

One decision couples must make carefully concerns the photogra-phy package they choose for their ceremonies and receptions. Wed-ding photographers play a big role on a couple’s big day, and it’s important that couples about to tie the knot con-sider a host of factors before choos-ing the men or women they will ulti-mately task with visually documenting their wedding day.

Engagement photoshootCouples who want to do an en-

gagement photoshoot may want to negotiate such a shoot into their pho-tography package. Some agencies include engagement shoots in their packages while others do not.

If the engagement photoshoot is on your list of needs, then look for an agency that provides such services as part of its packages or agencies will-ing to include the engagement pho-toshoot for free or for an added fee.

Party sizeThe number of people on the guest

list should factor into your choice of wedding photographer. If your guest list is especially large, then you might want to consider hiring two or more photographers to document the day.

Many agencies offer separate pack-ages for couples who want one pho-tographer and couples who prefer two or more photographers, so it pays to examine the price differences be-tween such packages to see if more than one photographer can fit into your budget.

Couples with relatively small guest lists can typically get by with just a single photographer to document their ceremonies and receptions.

TravelWhen discussing a wedding pho-

tography package, ask how much travel is included in the package. This is important for couples whose ceremonies are in a separate loca-tions from their receptions. If the distance between the ceremony site and the reception venue is consider-able, you may have to pay extra for the photographer to travel between both sites.

While a reasonable amount of travel is typically included in a pho-tography package, it ’s best that you confirm this prior to signing an agreement.

Videography Many photography agencies also

offer videography services in some of their wedding packages.

Videography can be a great way for couples to document their wed-ding days, and it can be fun for cou-ples to watch their wedding videos with their families down the road.

Wedding photographyfactors to consider

Newton Daily News

14 down the aisle | 2015

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