Final with calendar corrections -July_August

Connections Club

July/August 2023 Edition

USS LST 325 September 7, 2023

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Important Club News

Calendar and Contents

Hello My Connections Club Friends,

July 12 Celebration Belle (p.5) August 16 Escape to Margaritaville/ Circa ‘21 (p.14) August 17 The Kids Left. The Dog Died. NOW WHAT? /Bell Tower Theater (p.6) August 24 Cookies and Trivia (p.20) August 29 Take Me Out To The Ballgame (p.15) Sept 7 USS LST 325 (p.4) Sept 15 Titanic /Fireside Theatre (p.16) Sept 16 The Magic of David Casas/ Bell Tower Theatre (p.7) Sept 21-Oct 1 Danube Explorer Sept 23 BritBeat/UD Heritage (p.8) Nov 6-10 Nashville/CMA’s (p.18-19) Nov 11 Branson Country Christmas (p.9) Nov 17 Scrooge the Musical /Fireside (p.17) Nov 17 Vienna Boys Choir/UD Heritage (p.10) Nov 30 Historic Progressive Dinner (p.12-13) Dec 7 Mistletones (p.11)

With bittersweet anticipation, I share the news that Connections Club travel will reach its final destination as I retire at year-end 2023. May I start by telling you what an absolute joy it has been to be your Connections Club Director! I want you to know how much I have loved getting to know you over the years. I will miss our conversations, laughs, and time spent together. I will always be grateful for the experiences we have shared. After decades of exploring our world and our backyards, Connections Club travel adventures are coming to an end. Since the pandemic forever changed our lives and disrupted the travel industry, it has become increasingly difficult to plan with a sufficient degree of certainty that we can meet your travel expectations. With the new challenges and my retirement plans, the hard decision has been made to end the program. We included all of the Connections Club events through the end of the year in this Journal. We will continue to use email to communicate, and the website will have all of the most up-to-date information. This will be our last paper edition. While Connections Club travel activities are wrapping up at the end of the year, your MidWest One Bank accounts remain as they are and will continue to provide the same safety, conveniences, and superior value. Until I depart, I’m delighted to assist you or reach out to your favorite banker with any questions you may have. Let’s take this opportunity to explore what we are truly passionate about at MidWest One Bank—helping you secure your successful financial future.

Contents Important Club News

p.3 p.4

USS LST 325 Local Events

p.5-11

In Our Own Backyard One Day Ventures

p. 12-13 p. 14-17 p. 18-19 p. 20-21

Nashville

Connie’s Corner Points For Travel

p. 22 p. 23

Missing Word Contest

Sincerely,

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USS LST 325

Local Events

USS LST 325 Thursday, September 7, 2023, 7:15 a.m. Port of Dubuque

Celebration Belle Four-Hour Oldies Cruise Wednesday, July 12, 2023 Boarding 10:30 a.m., Sailing 11:00 a.m. Port of Dubuque

While you’re cruising down the Mississippi, just sit back and reminisce to the songs that bring back all the [memories] of the jukebox era. The magical songs that made the ’50s and ’60s the era to remember. Enjoy a show with the oldies coming to life once again. Imagine Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, and a whole cast of others—and of course Elvis. This is a must-see classic oldies show cruise! The cruise starts off with homemade sticky rolls and assorted fresh fruits. Later, a full hot two-entrée lunch buffet will be served. Your Connections Club price is just $65 per person, due at reservation. Pre-cruise check-in will take place at the Port of Dubuque for those registered. Tickets will not be mailed.

We are very excited to offer our Connections Club members a special opportunity aboard the USS LST 325. The last operational Landing Ship Tank (LST) from World War II in the United States, the USS LST 325, will be returning to Dubuque. This ship served as a hospital ship returning wounded back to England from the beaches of Normandy. This particular LST was originally known as LST-325 during the second World War, USNS LST-325 during its arctic operations in the 1950’s, and later L-144 (A/G Syros) while it was in the service of the Greek Navy. It was acquired by The USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc., in 2000, and caught considerable public attention when the veteran crew with an average age of 72 brought it on a 6,500-mile journey from the Greek island of Crete to Mobile, AL. Today, this ship is permanently docked in Evansville, IN. Once a year it travels to destinations throughout the United States for people to board and tour. Join us on September 7 to participate in the morning colors presentation, a navy tradition for over 150 years, along with time on the ship prior to public admission. You must be at the American Trust Rivers Edge Plaza Gazebo by 7:15 a.m.

Reservations are required and space is very limited. Call 563.589.0804.

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Local Events

The Kids Left. The Dog Died. NOW WHAT? Thursday, August 17, 2023, 7:30 p.m. Bell Tower Theater 2728 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA

The Magic of David Casas Saturday, September 16, 2023, 7:30 p.m. Bell Tower Theater 2782 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA

Quad Cities magician David Casas makes his Bell Tower Theater debut with a high-energy and cutting-edge performance. David seemlessly combines hilarious family-friendly comedy, jaw-dropping slight of hand, and plenty of audience interaction. This is high-caliber entertainment like none other.

A comedic salute to those struggling with the effects of gravity on their bodies, grandchildren on their self-images, and the dating scene on their egos. This laugh-out loud musical follows the day-to-day concerns of the over-fifty “empty-nesters” crowd, where the ultimate goal is aging gracefully.

Your Connections Club price is just $16 per person, due at reservation.

Your Connections Club price is just $19 per person, due at reservation.

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Local Events

Branson Country Christmas (with a Special Tribute to Veterans)

BritBeat A Tribute to the Beatles Saturday, September 23, 2023, 7:30 p.m. UD Heritage Center 2255 Bennett Street, Dubuque, IA

featuring The Ozark Jubilee Saturday, November 11, 2023, 2:00 p.m. UD Heritage Center 2255 Bennett Street, Dubuque, IA

Direct from Branson, MO, Branson Country Christmas (with a Special Tribute to Veterans) featuring The Ozark Jubilee features an all-star cast of Branson's top entertainers. The all new Christmas show has new music and new jokes with the same world-class talent that fans have come to expect. This year, the Ozark Jubi lee honors and pays tribute to veterans, thanking them [for] their special service. The second half of the show features a variety of Christmas music from tra ditional standards such as "Silent Night," "White Christmas," and many more to some contemporary Christmas selections. The Ozark Jubilee shares the true meaning of Christmas with music, comedy, and message to provide an afternoon of entertainment that will touch audience members' hearts.

Take a trip back in time with a fantastic journey through the days of Beatlemania with BritBeat’s multimedia concert journey through Beatles music history. See why this nationally acclaimed Beatles show is captivating audiences and generating rave reviews from critics and Beatles’ fans from around the world.

Your Connections Club price is just $33 per person, due at reservation.

Option one: Show ticket only - $37

Option two: Lunch plus show ticket - $61 Join us before the show for a fabulous catered lunch by UD’s very own chefs. The menu includes two entrees, salad, fresh fruit salad, rolls, dessert, and soda, water, or coffee. The meal will be served at the University of Dubuque at 12:30 p.m., with the show immediately following.

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Local Events

Vienna Boys Choir Friday, November 17, 2023. 7:30 p.m. UD Heritage Center 2255 Bennett Street, Dubuque, IA

Mistletones® Thursday, December 7, 2023, 12:00 p.m. Hotel Julien 200 Main Street, Dubuque, IA

Join us for Snowbiz®, a hip-yet-old-fashioned Christmas variety show for all audiences—young and young at heart. Think retro Vegas showrooms of yesteryear, as we are sure Old Blue Eyes is with us in spirit. If you’re wondering what will put you in the holiday spirit this year, SNOWBIZ® is definitely your ticket to the merriest time in town. Your $60 price includes special Connections Club VIP seating, the show, a full holiday lunch with dessert, and a complimentary drink (wine, soda, or tap beer). Check-in and cocktails are at noon, lunch is at 12:30 p.m., and the show is at 1:30 p.m.

With a rich history dating back more than 500 years, the Vienna Boys Choir has been associated with many of the world’s greatest composers, including Mozart and Bruckner; Haydn and Schubert were themselves choristers when they were young. Centuries after their founding, the Choir maintains the tradition of Vienna’s Imperial Chapel, still provid ing music for Sunday mass as they have done since 1498. Today, there are 100 choristers between the ages of 10 and 14 from 31 nations, divided into four touring groups. Altogether, the four choirs give as many as 300 concerts and performances each year, reaching half a million people throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.

Your Connections Club price is just $56 per person, due at reservation.

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In Our Own Backyard

Dubuque Historic Progressive Dinner Thursday, November 30, 2023 Dubuque, IA

Join us for our fabulous Historic Progressive Dinner with a guided tour of our rich history (we are the oldest city in the state), a delicious course at each location, and of course, we didn’t forget dessert!

The stunning 7 Hills Event Center is a tribute to Dubuque’s industrial past. Featuring floor to ceiling windows, an open layout, and beautifully restored hardwood floors, this space pays homage to the windows and woodworking that used to be manufactured here. 7 Hills will host the main course, chicken and roast beef served with mashed potatoes, creamy corn, and a dinner roll. Once dinner is complete, guests will hear about the transformation of the Millwork District!

A Dubuque icon since 1867, the former home of St. Mary’s Parish is once again the hub of gatherings in Dubquue. Now known as Steeple Square, this is where we will enjoy our first course. The Grazing Station has something for everyone with fruit, cheese and crackers, vegetables, meatballs, and much more! We will be welcomed by staff at Steeple Square to hear the history of this fabulous church!

The Fanny Stout House was built in 1893 by Henry Stout and was given to his daughter in 1898. It is a perfect example of eclectic architecture. The house is filled with rich characteristics, including beautiful woodwork, stunning chandeliers, and stained glass windows. Here, we will enjoy the last course—dessert. We then have one final treat—our Trolley will take us through the Reflections in the Park Christmas light display! Your Connections Club price is just $99 and includes trolley, driver’s gratuity, and all attractions listed above. We will meet the Trolley in the MidWest One parking lot located at 913 Locust St. at 4:45 p.m.

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One-Day Ventures

Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville Wednesday, August 16, 2023 Circa’ 21 Dinner Playhouse Rock Island, IL

Take Me Out to the Ballgame Tuesday, August 29, 2023 Dubuque, Dyersville, and Cascade, IA

Board our deluxe motor coach in Dubuque to start the day with a city tour and hear about the city’s rich history of baseball.

Set your mind on island time and plan your escape to Circa ‘21’s premiere of Escape to Margaritaville, the new musical comedy about choices we make and the people we become once we’ve had a change in ‘latitude’. Escape to Margaritaville combines classic Jimmy Buffett tunes with original songs to create a story that revolves around a part-time bartender/singer who falls for a career-minded tourist. Welcome to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all and stay to find something they never expected. Get ready for a hilarious and heartwarming musical with the most unforgettable songs from one of music’s greatest storytellers. This hilarious, heartwarming musical is the party you’ve been waiting for! Your Connections Club price is just $119 per person and includes transportation from Dubuque, plated lunch, dessert, show, and driver’s gratuity. Full payment, refundable until July 14, is due at reservation.

• If You Build It Exhibit, Dyersville, IA - Explore the exhibit dedicated to the movie “Field of Dreams,” along with a stop at the nearby Ghost Players mural for photographs. • Field of Dreams Movie Site - We will be greeted by one of the movie’s Ghost Players and hear fascinating stories about the Ghost Players’ role in the movie and beyond. We will be treated to a tour of [the] family home as well. What would a day at the ballpark be without a fun baseball-themed meal to get us fueled up to play ball. You are invited to swing a bat or throw a ball on this famous field if you wish. • Red Faber Museum, Cascade, IA - An exhibit on the life of Hall of Famer Urban “Red” Faber, a native to Cascade who played with the Chicago White Sox. Your Connections Club price is just $88 and includes transportation, driver’s gratuity, all attractions listed, and a ballpark-themed lunch. Full payment is due at reservation, refundable until July 26, 2023.

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One-Day Ventures

Scrooge The Musical Friday, November 17, 2023 Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson, WI

Titanic Friday, September 15, 2023 Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson, WI

Join us for this merry, sparkling, tuneful, boisterous Broadway musical version of the world’s most beloved Christmas story—Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL . Based on the popular musical movie starring Albert Finney, SCROOGE THE MUSICAL tells this time honored tale

Titanic , the 1997 Broadway Musical, captured five Tony Awards including Best Musical. Soaring songs, grand staging, and a set awash in glorious costumes make this historic musical a must-see event; a great show made even better in the intimacy of the Fireside’s theatre-in-the-round. The show focuses on the lives of all the varied strata of people uniquely united on that fateful journey, with the central character being the Titanic herself. This human drama explores and reveals individual strength, love, faith, and especially the triumph of human dignity.

of redemption and love as only the Fireside can—with a beautiful and rousing musical score (including the well-known “Thank You Very Much”), breathtaking dancing, beautiful period costumes, uproarious comedy, and heart-warming drama.

The featured menu entrées include choice of:

The featured menu entrées include choice of:

CHICKEN WATERFORD SLICED PORK TENDERLOIN SHRIMP TEMPURA GLOBAL VEGETARIAN MEDLEY

SUPREME CUT CHICKEN BREAST SLICED ROAST BEEF TENDERLOIN GRILLED ATLANTIC SALMON GLOBAL VEGETARIAN MEDLEY

All will be served with soup, freshly baked bread, a yummy dessert, and coffee, tea, or milk.

All will be served with soup, freshly baked bread, a yummy dessert, and coffee, tea, or milk.

Please select your entrée when making your reservation.

Please select your entrée when making your reservation.

Your Connections Club price is just $127 per person and includes transportation from Dubuque, gourmet lunch with dessert, show, and driver’s gratuity. Full payment, refundable until August 12, is due at reservation.

Your Connections Club price is just $134 per person and includes transportation from Dubuque, gourmet lunch with dessert, show, and driver’s gratuity. Full payment, refundable until October 13, is due at reservation.

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Extended Travel

Nashville Tour including 57th Annual County Music Awards (CMA’s) November 6 -10, 2023 Day 1: Today, we fly to Music City USA, Nashville, TN. We check into the beautiful Sheraton Grand Hotel, then enjoy an included dinner at Blake Shelton’s Ole Red. Following dinner, we’ll be joined by a successful local songwriter. He’ll play some of the hit songs he’s written and answer questions about the recording industry. (D) Day 2: Start out the day with a full breakfast included at our hotel. An exciting professionally guided city tour of Nashville is up first. We will then stop for a little shopping at Opry Mills with time for lunch on your own. After lunch, take a walking tour at the Gaylord Opryland Resort with time to explore on your own. Dinner is included this evening at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. Next up is the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville’s must see attraction and the world’s longest running live radio show. (B,D) Day 3: Enjoy breakfast and then off to Studio B. The star treatment is what Nashville does best, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum brings it all together in this very unique package offering. We begin with a personally guided tour of historic RCA Studio B, Home of 1,000 Hits, where music legends recorded timeless songs. Be a star for a day! We’ll be inspired during our own recording session directed by a sound engineer right where Elvis himself stood to record over 200 songs.

We will stop at the Country Music Hall of Fame where you can hear rare recordings of country’s legendary performers. Get ready for a delicious home-style barbeque buffet lunch at the Wildhorse Saloon. We’ll also have line-dancing lessons, and we’ll play the “hit song” we recorded at Studio B over the Wildhorse’s sound system. Next, to the hotel to freshen up and get ready for our exciting evening. We will enjoy an included dinner at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, then it’s showtime! Off to the Bridgestone Arena and the 57th Annual CMA Awards show. (B,L,D,E) Day 4: Sleep in after a terrific night at the CMA Awards show. Enjoy a free day to do as you please. (B) Day 5: Head home with great memories. (B)

Per person price is $2,995 double occupancy, $2,749 triple occupancy, $2,599 quad occupancy, and $3,696 single occupancy. Subject to availability, call today. Optional Travel Protection is availabile upon request.

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Connie’s Corner

With Gratitude

Cookies & Trivia Thursday, August 24, 2023 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Now that you’ve had a chance to read the news about my position and Con nections Club, I want to take a minute to talk to you. I’m very excited and quite grateful for the opportunity to retire. It is time to move my suitcase into the back of the closet. It is time to actually clean that dreaded closet. Haha! It is time to relax and take a breath. BUT…. Before I do, let’s get together. Let’s be fun and frivolous. Sign up for everything! Okay, well at least sign up for as many as you can. Use your points for travel credits! Your enthusiasm and support has always been my motivator. Thank you for taking that leap of faith and trying out “group travel” with me. We have so many great memories, have done so many amazing things, and have traveled so many fabulous places. It’s not over yet! You have made it possible for me to smile a little brighter, laugh a little louder, and live a little better. Fate brought us together, but time made us friends.

Chocolate chip cookies are my all-time favorite. Did you know the chocolate chip cookie is now over 80 years old? The original recipe was created in the late 1930’s by Ruth Wakefield who famously ran the Toll House restaurant in Whitman, MA. While there are numerous stories about the cookie recipe’s origins—from chocolate accidentally falling into cookie batter to a rushed last-minute replacement ingredient miracle after running out of bakers’ chocolate and nuts—the truth is a bit more practical. Ruth Wakefield was no amateur baker running out of ingredients. In fact, she had a degree in household arts and built Toll House’s reputation for outstanding desserts. The iconic chocolate chip cookie was likely the result of diligent testing and recipe develop ment. Huh??? What other fun trivia should we know? Join me for chocolate chip cookies and trivia. We might have a prize or two but really just getting together to have some fun.

Forever in my heart!

This is a free event. Call 563.589.0804 to register!

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Missing Word

Points for Travel

Worth Thinking About: Friends are like walls; sometimes you lean on them, and sometimes its good just knowing they are there. — Unknown

Do you have any points for travel to use before we sunset the Club in December 2023? You can check by following the instructions below, or just give us a call. Your points can be used toward Connections Club activities. They cannot be redeemed for cash.

Missing Word Contest:

Our Missing Word Contest winner for May/June was Vickye Thompson who received a check for $25. The missing word was “It’s” and the song title was “It’s All In the Game.” We have hidden another song title with a missing word in this issue. Read your Connections Club newsletter carefully, looking for any words enclosed in [brackets] like this. Rearrange the words to form the title or extended title of a popular song. One word will be missing. Figure out the missing word, and write the missing word only on the Missing Word Contest form found below. All correct entries received prior to the deadline indicated on the form are entered into the $25 drawing. Odds of winning are dependent upon number of entries. All entries received throughout the year are entered into a year end drawing for a grand prize of $100! Good luck!

Viewing Point Balances on Valutec.net 1 Go to valutec.net 2 Click “Card Balance” (top right of page).

3 Enter card number (located on back of card) and Capcha Code.

Enter card number here (no spaces needed)

Entry Form

Capcha Code

Name

Phone

Address

Enter Capcha Code here

The missing word is: Mail to: Connie Francis, MidWest One Bank, Connections Club, 895 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001. Entries must be received before July 31, 2023. Must be 18 or older to enter. Rules: Must be 18 or older to enter. No purchase, payment, donation, or account required to enter or win, and need not be present. Offer void where prohibited. Employees of MidWestOne Bank and their im mediate family members are not eligible to win. Prizes are non-transferable, non-refundable, and no sub stitutions are allowed. MidWestOne Bank assumes no responsibility for damages, losses, or injury from acceptance. Odds of winning are dependent upon number of entries. Entries can be submitted through the website, email, or mailed to: Connections Club, 895 Main Street, Dubuque, IA 52001. Winners will be notified by US Mail within 30 business days of each drawing. Drawings will be held six times in a calendar year, as well as one grand prize drawing at year end. This offer is void where prohibited by law and subject to all federal, state, and local laws. Copies of the rules and regulations are available at any MidWestOne office or online at https://www.midwestone.bank/personal/connections-club.

Click “Check Balance” when complete. 4

Enter Pin # (located on back of card, above card number). 5

Your card number is here

Enter Pin # here

See point value. Disregard “Gift Balance” and “Promo Balance.” 6

Disregard

300 Points = $10

Your point value is here

Disregard

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Presorted Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit No 477

Dubuque, Iowa

Dubuque, Iowa 52004-0938 563.589.0804 800.247.4418 www.MidWest One .bank

895 Main Street P.O. Box 938

cfrancis@midwestone.com

Address service requested

Connections Club is a rewards program for clients who maintain qualifying balances and who are ages 40 and better.