Happy olidays! H Trusted Since 1894
1317 7 N.. 16th,, Councill Bluffss
712-322-1228
“So you want to be one of the elite reindeer?” Santa asked, looking skeptically at the young Sparky. “You know, it’s been a long time since I’ve added a new member to my sleigh team. I’m not sure you have what it takes, but I’m willing to give you a shot. Call up Countryside Travel and schedule a trip to Council Bluffs right away.”
Countryside Travel Full service travel agency offering personalized service.
712-322-7777 Hours 9am -5pm ~ Monday thru Friday
www.countrysidetravel.net
SCOTLAND TOUR
August 8 - 17, 2015
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parky arrived in Council Bluffs with a list of places to visit and a notebook to write down everything he learned. Santa assured him the good people of this city, like those at Bogardus Plumbing Co., would help him learn what he needed to know before he could join the sleigh team: the true meaning of Christmas.
Happy Holidays!
OGARDUS lumbing Co.
Free Estimates! Call
712-322-6874
Service & Repair Remodels
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parky’s first stop was at Jantiques where he found a shop full of people looking for meaningful presents for their loved ones. He was greeted by the shop’s owner with a welcoming smile and a friendly hoof-shake. “It’s great to have you in town,” the owner said warmly. Sparky took notes about the friendly atmosphere and spirit of giving that was so evident in the store, along with the thought and care that each shopper put into choosing just the right item.
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JANTIQUES 729 729 So. So. Main Main St. St. •• Council Council Bluffs, Bluffs, IA IA
(712)) 323-6624 • Privately Owned • Antique Stripping and Refinishing Furniture • Crocks • Cupboards • And what goes in them! Mon. 9am-5pm • Sat. 9pm-4pm • Sun. Closed
WWW.JANTIQUES.NET
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ext, Sparky stopped at Methodist Jennie Edmundson, where the halls were buzzing with activity. “Do you mean to tell me you care for the people of Council Bluffs every single day, even on Christmas?” he asked the nurses. “Yes, even on Christmas Day. We know people need good health care all year long, and we’re glad to help our neighbors whenever they need it.” Sparky made a quick visit to cheer up each of the sick children before taking notes and leaving for his next stop.
933 E Pierce St. • Council Bluffs, IA 51503 • 712-396-6000 • bestcare.org
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alking through the doors of City Hall, Sparky was impressed with how many people had dedicated their lives to public service, like the people at CB Parks and Recreation. He was greeted by Matt Walsh and was introduced to Chief Tim Carmody and Chief Justin James, along with all the many employees who help keep the people of Council Bluffs safe, happy and secure. “A great team takes great service and dedication,” Sparky noted in his book.
12TH ANNUAL
16TH ANNUAL
16TH ANNUAL
EXTREME BIKE RIDE
COUNCIL BLUFFS
COUNCIL BLUFFS
FROZEN GOLF CLASSIC Sat. Jan. 17th
SNOWBALL ADULT SOFBALL INVITATIONAL
Sat. Jan. 10th 11am Beginning at Western Historic Trails Center - 3434 Richard Downing Ave.
Shotgun start at 10am Dodge Riverside Club • 2 Harrahs Blvd.
Sat. J S Jan. 2 24 24th h Bahnsen Park • 1720 Ave. L
For more information visit www.cbparksandrec.org
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ext up on Sparky’s list was a visit to Bloom Works Floral, which was filled from floor to ceiling with beautiful Christmas decorations. “This is one of our busiest times of year,” said the store owner, “and it makes us so happy to be able to share the beauty of Christmas in homes and businesses all over town.” Sparky took notes about the symbols of Christmas, especially enjoying the pretty poinsettias everywhere. He sure was learning a lot about Christmas in Council Bluffs!
FTD® Celebration of the Season™ Centerpiece
Our shop is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. We are closed on Sundays.
142 W Broadway, Ste 138 • Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503
(712) 256-3156 • (866) 562-7298 • www.ebloomworks.com
“What could Santa want me to learn about Christmas here?” Sparky thought to himself as he walked into McMullen Ford Dealership. He introduced himself to a family in the waiting room who were on their way to Grandma’s house for Christmas when they got a flat tire. “We’re so glad there are people willing to help us when we need it,” they said. “The garage was about to close, but the manager said he would stick around a few minutes extra to make sure we could get back on the road.” Sparky smiled and noted how even small acts of service can make a big difference. 2009
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Visit us for all of your automotive needs: Sales • Service • Body Shop • Parts STORE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8am-9pm; Sat. 8am-6pm
3401 South Expressway, Council Bluffs (Lake Manawa I-80 Exit, Turn South)
712-366-0531
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www.McMullenFord.com
2012
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parky walked into the front doors of Saint Albert Catholic School expecting to see classrooms filled with learners, but instead he heard the familiar sound of Christmas songs wafting through the air. He followed the sounds to the auditorium and joined the audience in clapping for the special holiday musical program. He was also impressed with how the students were collecting food for needy families. “School isn’t just about classroom lessons,” Sparky jotted down. “It’s also about life lessons, and the students in Saint Albert Catholic Schools are getting a wonderful education in caring.”
Saint Albert Catholic Schools Serving students 6 weeks old through 12th grade. Cradle to College, all on one campus.
400 Gleason Ave. • Council Bluffs, Iowa • (712) 323-3703 • saintalbertschools.org
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or his last stop, Sparky visited First Christian Church to see how Christmas was celebrated in Council Bluffs. “For people of faith, Christmas is ultimately about one thing: honoring the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ,” the pastor said. “Every year, Christians come together to remember the birth of Jesus and all the wonderful lessons He teaches us.” Sparky learns that the best traditions of Christmas have their roots in deep, meaningful faith.
Comee Celebratee Withh Us Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Services 4:30, 7:30 & 9:30 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Family Services
20794 Hwy. 92 • Council Bluffs, IA 51503 712-328-2606 • FirstChristianCB.org
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n his trip back to the North Pole, Sparky had a lot of time to think about what he had learned in Council Bluffs. There were a lot of lessons — about service, family, hard work, kindness, beauty and faith — and he couldn’t wait to share what he had learned with Santa. He anxiously walked into the workshop and told Santa all about his adventures, especially the people from Hamilton Associates, P.C.
Hamilton Associates, P.C is a full-service accounting firm that has been serving businesses & individuals throughout Southwest Iowa and the greater Council Bluffs/Omaha Metro for more than 50 years. Our dedicated staff provides our clients with professional, personalized services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs.
For more information visit us on our website at
www.hamiltonassociatescpa.com or call one of our qualified accountants today at 712-322-0277 and mention this ad.
“Well, Sparky, I’ve got to admit I’m impressed,” Santa said. “The people of Council Bluffs, like those from Hoy Funeral Home, obviously know what Christmas means, which is why I sent you there to learn. And it looks like I can comfortably present you with the highest honor we bestow at the North Pole. You’re officially the newest member of my sleigh team, ready for duty on Christmas Eve.”
Seasons Greetings! 1221 N. 16th Street • Council Bluffs, IA 712-256-9988 • www.HoyFuneral.com