July Aug Journal

Connections Club

July/August Edition

Your AmeriClub Journal has a new look and name, but all the same great benefits!

Beauty

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Outer Banks May 1-5, 2020 History

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Calendar and Contents

Sept 26 Run For Your Wife/Palace Theater (p.11) Oct 3 RENT/UD Heritage Center (p.8) Oct 4-10 New England-Inn Style-Foliage Brilliance (p.14-15) Oct 13 Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses/Bell Tower (p.8) Oct 17 TransWorld Fashion, Accessory and Jewelry Show (p.11) Oct 18 Charley Pride/Five Flags Arena (p.9) Oct 24-27 Mystery Tour (p.22) Nov 1 The Passing Zone/UD Heritage Center Nov 15 Girls Day Out Mystery Trip (p.12) Nov 23 Texas Tenors/UD Heritage Center Nov 24 A Christmas Story/Fireside Theater (p.13) Dec 5 Mistletones/DBQ Golf & Country Club Dec 6 Christmas at the Heritage Center Dec 9 The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra withWynton Marsalis “Big Band Holidays” Dec 15 ANice Family Christmas/Bell Tower Dec 30 Tournament of Roses Parade (p.16-17) Calendar 2020 March 3-25 New Zealand & Australia (p.18-19) May 1-5 Virginia Beach/Norfolk/Outer Banks (p.20-21)

July 11 That’s What I Call Rock ‘n Roll/ Fireside Theater (p.10) July 14 Godspell/Five Flags Theater (p.6) July 21 Mary Poppins/Grand Opera House (p.6) July 24 Celebration Belle/Port of Dubuque (p.7) Aug 10 Beauty & the Beast/Five Flags Theater (p.7) Aug 11 Ain’t Retirement Grand/Bell Tower (p.7) Aug 16 Luke Bryan/Iowa State Fair (p.5) Aug 26-Sept 3 Paris to Normandy River Cruise Sept 10 Travel Preview Virginia Beach (p.21)

Contents

Notes from Connie Bulletin Board Dyersville/Farley

p. 3 p. 4 p. 5

Local Events

pp. 6-9

One-Day Ventures New England Fall Tournament of Roses

pp. 10-13 pp. 14-15

pp. 16-17 New Zealand/Australia pp. 18-19 Virginia Beach pp. 20-21 Travel Shows p. 21 Mystery Trip p. 22 Missing Word Contest p. 23

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Hello from Connie

Hello Everyone,

It has arrived! Our new name, Connections Club, and our new journal design. I hope you like it as much as I do. I am so very thankful for the opportunity to continue as your

Club Director. We are blessed with the support of many new colleagues with Mid- west One Bank. Connections Club has been a part of Midwest One for many years. The strategy is to remain consistent with our offerings in the tri-state area and eventually introduce new adventures in all of the markets we serve. With change comes opportunity so please visit with your personal bankers and make sure you are in the right products to excel in your financial relationship with us. I know we are sending a lot of information your way so please take a minute to stop in or call. With the merger into Midwest One Bank complete we are working on up- dating all of the clubs’ printed materials. I want to mention that our points for travel cards will still be honored at all the merchants in the merchant discount directory with the AmeriClub and American Trust logo. We will replace your points for travel cards on an as needed basis so hold on to the one you have and keep on getting the great discounts offered by our generous local merchants. I would like to add a few additional travelers on our New England Fall Fo- liage trip. We have a great itinerary with time spent in Boston, Maine, New Hamp- shire, Vermont and Massachusetts. The amazing colors in this area differ from fall colors in other areas of the country. Much of the color is from native sugar maples and only a few other places in the world have such dense and perfect concentra- tions of these maples. We stay at wonderful properties. A highlight for me will be the evening we overnight at the Omni Mt Washington Hotel in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This trip is a combination of beauty and history. I can’t wait! I’m staying close to the office during the month of July and most of August meaning no extended travel for a while. Summer is my very favorite time of the year. You will be sure to find [me] on the mighty Mississippi river when we have sunshine to enjoy and when I’m not working. The high river stage has kept me at the dock but very soon I hope for change. Until next time, I want to wish you well and remind you to reach out with any comment, request, or concern you have. We are here for you.

Make today Great!

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Bulletin Board

To become a Connections Club member: Reach age 40 or better and maintain qualifying account balances. Stop by any branch to request membership information. To be eligible you can choose options 1, 2, or 3: 1. Maintain at least $5,000 in one of the following MidWest One Bank accounts: checking, savings, or money market account. 2. Maintain at least $10,000 in any combination of the following MidWest One accounts: checking, savings, certificates of deposit, money market account, IRA, 401(k), personal trust services, or brokerage services. 3. Qualify with an ini- tial balance of $50,000 on either a consumer or mortgage loan. (Loans can’t be combined. A joint account relationship held by husband and wife qualifies both. No membership fees are involved. Personal accounts only) Referral Program: Refer family and friends to Connections Club who do not already bank with MidWest One , and if [they] join, we will send you a check for $15. There is no limit to the number of referrals you can make. (Husband and wife joining count as one referral.) Bring a Guest: Members are encouraged to invite friends and you may register one guest for each Club event. A couple may invite two individuals. As space becomes available, eachmember may invite more than one guest. For reservations call: Connie Francis: 563.589.0804 Lori Marshall: 608.723.5678 Sheila Tegeler: 563.875.2491 Pam Kreul: 608.822.7300 Kristie Heims: 563.744.3380 Jean Wanezek: 608.348.4300 Cancellation Policy: If a cancellation is necessary, every effort will be made to provide either a partial or full refund. However, we cannot provide a guarantee of a full refund. Please be advised that there will be circumstances when refunds will not be possible due to ticket purchases, meal number guarantees, etc. If a tour is cancelled due to insufficient reservation numbers, you will be issued a full refund. On tours where an outside agent is used, we will adhere to the written cancellation policy of the agent. Stand-By List: We always appreciate your willingness to be on the stand-by list for trips that are filled. Please call and add your name to any that interest you. You may get a call to join us. Points for Travel Program: Each time you travel with us, earn valuable points to redeem as cash discounts for future travel! Every travel day earns you 75 points. For every 300 points you accumulate, you earn a $10 credit toward your next trip.

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Equal Housing Lender

Dyersville/Farley Events

Luke Bryan Friday, August 16, 2019 Iowa State Fair

We have secured fantastic grandstand seats in rows one through four to see Luke Bryan. Luke is a two-time Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association Entertainer

of the Year, a five-time host of the ACM Awards, a NSAI Artist/Songwriter of the Year and was named a CMT Artist of the Year six consecutive years. Join us for this fun-filled motor coach trip! Departure from Dubuque will be around 9:00 a.m., with passenger pickups in Farley and Dyersville. An hour-long stop will be made around 1:00 p.m. in Williamsburg, IA, at Tanger Outlets for lunch or shopping. We arrive at the Iowa State Fair at 3:00 p.m. and have time to enjoy “something” on a stick, see the butter cow, and view the 4H booths. The concert begins at 8:00 p.m. with the opening act, and Luke Bryan performs at 9:15 p.m. The concert concludes at 11:00 p.m., and the expected arrival home is between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m. For more information or to register contact Sheila or Tanya in Dyersville at 563.875.2491, Kristie or Gayle in Farley at 563.744.3380. Cost is $150 per person and includes fair admission, concert ticket, transportation, and driver’s gratuity. Meals are not included.

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Local Events

Godspell Sunday, July 14, 2019, 2:00 p.m. Rising Star Theatre Company, Five Flags Theater 405 Main Street, Dubuque, IA

A masterful retelling of the original injected with contemporary references and dazzling new arrangements. Godspell was the first major musical theater created by three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz. A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using an eclectic blend of songs. Dissolving into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus’ messages of kindness, toler- ance and love come vibrantly to life. Your Connections Club price is just $13 for main- floor seating.

Mary Poppins Sunday, July 21, 2019, 2:00 p.m. Grand Opera House 135 West 8th Street, Dubuque, IA

The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Jane and Michael aren‘t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Enjoy some favorite songs like “Spoonful of Sugar” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”. Your Connections Club price is just $16 for main-floor seating.

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Celebration Belle Cruise Wednesday, July 24, 2019 Port of Dubuque Board 10:30 a.m., Cruise 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Cruise down the Mississippi and reminisce with entertainers Ray and Jane to 50s and 60s music. Homemade sticky rolls and fresh fruit are available upon boarding, and a hot two entrée lunch buffet will be served. Pre-cruise check-in will take place for those registered at the Port of Dubuque prior to the cruise. Your Connections Club price is just $58.95 per person, due at reservation.

Beauty and the Beast Saturday, August 10, 2019, 7:00 p.m. Rising Star Theatre Company, Five Flags Theater 405 Main Street, Dubuque, IA

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his house- hold will be doomed for all eternity. Your Connections Club price is just $10 for main- floor seating.

Ain’t Retirement Grand Sunday, August 11, 2019, 2:00 p.m. Bell Tower Theater 2728 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA

This hilarious musical confirms [that] retirement is grand! The vaudeville-esque show celebrates the joys and demands of being a senior citizen. Fromdriving and early bird specials to HMOs and writing a will, nothing is off limits in this upbeat, catchy romp through retirement. Your Connections Club price is just $17 for main-floor seating.

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Local Events

RENT Thursday, October 3, 2019, 7:30 p.m. UD Heritage Center 2255 Bennett Street, Dubuque, IA

In 1996, an original rock musical by [a] little-known composer opened on Broad [way]…and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jon- athan Larson’s RENT continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across genera- tions and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning master- piece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. A re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème, RENT follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters—love. Your Connections Club price is just $60 for main-floor seating.

Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses Sunday, October 13, 2019, 2:00 p.m. Bell Tower Theater 2728 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA

[Take] a trip to the Lovers’ Landing Beach Hotel, a cozy little place that is “The Home of Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses.” Legend has it that no one can resist its romantic mystique. That legend is put to the test when the blue-blooded Beatrice Rutherford-Smythe and her daughter visit to plan the daughter’s wedding. Beatrice immediately begins a cam- paign to talk her daughter, not only out of the Lovers’ Landing, but also the marriage itself. A bit of illegal gambling, a little rum running and some mistaken identities provide a comical beach adventure. Your Connections Club price is just $17 for main-floor seating.

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Charley Pride Friday, October 18, 2019, 7:00 p.m. Five Flags Center 405 Main Street, Dubuque, IA

Country music legend Charley Pride will bring his more than two dozen chart-topping hits to the Five Flags Center this fall. Pride was country music’s first African-American superstar with the launch of his career in themid-1960s. His first 13 singles all reached the Top 10 of the Billboard Country chart, including a string of six consecutive #1s. He achieved crossover success in 1971 with his signature hit “Kiss an Angel Good Morning,” which reached the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. The industry quickly moved to acknowledge Pride’s success, with the Country Music Association awarding himboth its Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year awards in 1971. Pride was the first black artist to win either honor. His success continued through the rest of the 1970s, when he recorded another 15 #1 singles. Six of the albums he released during the decade were certified gold for sellingmore than 100,000 copies. Pride’s impact on country music began to be recognized in the 1990s. He became one of just three African-Americans to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1993. The fol- lowing year, the Academy of Country Music honored himwith its prestigious Pioneer Award. The honors continued into this century, with Pride’s induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000. Pride was among the country legends involved in the recording of “Forever Country,” released tomark the 50th Country Music Association Awards. Your Connections Club price is just $69 for Section 5, rows J, K, and L.

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One-Day Ventures

Still Room!

That’s What I Call Rock ‘n Roll Featuring Steve Watts & Fireside Band Thursday, July 11, 2019 Fireside Theater

That’s What I Call Rock ‘N Roll Back by Popular Demand! The Fireside is thrilled to present a brand new, live musical celebration featuring the wildly popular Fireside Band led by Fireside favorite Steve Watts! Also featuring a cast of super talented singers, this show is the ultimate rock and roll party! The Fireside will be rockin’ with the music of the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s! We’ll be paying tribute to some of the biggest rock superstars of all time such as Elvis Presley; The Beatles; Jefferson Airplane; Blood, Sweat and Tears; Janis Joplin; Prince; Led Zeppelin; Billy Joel; Van Halen; Queen; Earth, Wind and Fire; Whitney Hous- ton; Journey; Heart, and many more! Cost is $115 per person and includes transportation from Dubuque, plated lunch, show, and driver’s gratuity. Full payment is due with your registration.

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Run For Your Wife Thursday, September 26, 2019 The Palace Theater In The Dells Wisconsin Dells, WI

A fast-paced, outrageous comedy about a London cab driver who lives a very ordinary life, with the exception that he has two wives! John Smith, literally has two lives, complete with two different wives! Somehow, he manages to juggle them both without arousing suspicion. However, he gets caught up in a mugging, and wakes up in a hospital. He ends up with the wrong wife by his side. Complications arise as the cabby tries to keep his double life from exploding. Cost is $94 per person and includes round-trip motor coach transportation from Dubuque, plated meal, show and driver’s gratuity. Full payment, refundable until July 26, 2019, is due with registration.

TransWorld Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show Thursday, October 17, 2019 Rosemont, IL

It’s starting to become a tradition! AmeriClub is heading back to the Trans-World Jewelry, Fashion and Accessories Show to experience over 600 vendors selling prized merchandise and the newest fashions at the Stephens Convention Center. We will also visit the nearby Fashion Outlets of Chicago. Save the date! Cost is $59 per person and includes transporation, entrance to show, and driver’s gratuity.

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One-Day Ventures

Girls Day Out Mystery Trip Friday, November 15, 2019

Girls, you’re not going to want to miss this one! We have a full day of surprises planned for you, and the best part is that you do not have to lift a finger. We have taken care of all of the arrangements. The only requirement is your willingness to HAVE FUN, RELAX, and ENJOY!! Dress in casual comfy clothes and shoes. We will have a little walking involved but nothing strenuous. We plan to have pick-up and drop-off in Dubuque, Farley, and Dy- ersville. The Dubuque pick up is first. We will board at 6:45 am and depart at 7:00 am. The Farley pickup will be at 7:15 am and Dyersville at 7:30 am. We will have you back home around 6:00 pm. Cost of the trip is $69. per person. This price includes all planned activities, motor coach transportation, driver’s gratuity, a light breakfast, a full meal at 1:00 pm and late afternoon snacks. Connie Francis and Shelia Tegeler will be your escorts for the day.

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A Christmas Story -The Musical Sunday, November 24, 2019

Fireside Theater Fort Atkinson, WI

Ralphie wants only one thing for Christmas: An Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle. A Christmas Story The Musical is the hilarious account of Ralphie’s desperate quest to ensure that this most perfect of gifts ends up under his tree this Christmas. It is based on the classic 1983 movie that has become a holiday tradition that millions wait for every year. Featuring a funny and heartfelt score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul who wrote music for the hit movie La La Land (for which they won an Acad- emy Award); the hit Broadway show Dear Evan Hansen, the new hit movie The Greatest Showman, A Christmas Story The Musical captures holiday wonder with such deliciously wicked wit that it is sure to delight children and grown-ups alike! Cost is $115 per person and includes transporation from Dubuque, brunch buffet, show, and driver’s gratuity . Full payment, refundable until October 21, 2019, is due with your registration.

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Extended Travel

Still Room!

New England-Inn Style-Foliage Brillance October 4-10, 2019

On day one we will fly into Boston’s Logan airport. Our tour guide and deluxe motorcoach will greet us upon arrival. We may do some touring in Boston, if time allows, before heading to our hotel for the next two nights. Day 2: Boston. Today we enjoy a city tour of Boston, the capital and largest city in Massachusetts and one of the nation’s oldest cities spanning a history of 350 years in a distance of less than three miles. We have free time for lunch on our own in the 150 year-old restored buildings of the famous Quincy Market, which faces Faneuil Hall and houses a cheerful and colorful confusion of chic shops, specialty pushcart vendors, cafes, restaurants, and street performers. We will see the famous Freedom Trail winding its way through the downtown area and many historic sites including the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, the Boston Commons and the Public Gardens. We stay in Boston for the night. (B, D) Day 3: Maine to NH. After breakfast we are off to Maine and to our next two nights in the lakes and mountains of New Hampshire. We travel along the Mas- sachusetts and New Hampshire coastlines. Stop in the seaside village of York to enjoy a traditional Maine clam (lobster) bake; clam chowder, clams, mussels, lob- ster (or Hickory BBQ chicken), corn on the cob, and potatoes–a real New England tradition. Following lunch we head to Portland Maine and visit the Portland Head Lighthouse, and then to the White Mountains. We drive along the Kancamagus Highway, one of New England’s most spectacular scenic highways to witness the fall foliage season. We spend the night at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel with dinner on our own. (B, Lobster Lunch) Day 4: NH to Vermont. This morning we will take the Cog Railway to the top of Mount Washington where we can see four states–Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire. Then we head through the north country into Vermont and to Montpelier where we will see the gold-leafed dome of the Capitol Building, and the Morse Farm Sugar Shack. Our hotel for the next two nights is in Essex Junc- tion, Vermont. Dinner is included this evening. (B, D) Day 5: Vermont. We travel to Burlington and the Stowe area to the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, we dare you to visit the gift shop and not buy one. Lunch is on our own in downtown Burlington, then on to Waterbury for a couple of great

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afternoon culinary experiences. First we visit the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, then to the famous Ben & Jerry’s ice cream plant. This evening we take a dinner cruise on Lake Champlain. (B, D) Day 6: Sturbridge, Massachusetts. This morning our destination is Sturbridge Village a post revolutionary living history village. Along the way we will enjoy a visit to the Yankee Candle Shoppe. A trip to Old Sturbridge Village, the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast, is a journey through time to a rural New England town of the 1830s. Visitors are invited into more than 40 original build- ings, each carefully researched, restored, and brought to the museum site from towns throughout New England. This evening for our farewell dinner we’ll enjoy an authentic New England dining experience. (B, D) Day 7: Today we drive back to Boston and fly home from our New England fall foliage tour with many fine memories of a bygone era. Depending on our flight time, we may have time to enjoy touring enroute back to Boston. (B) Per person price is $3,349 for double occupancy, and $4,179 for single.

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Extended Travel

Tournament of Roses Parade December 30, 2019 to January 3, 2020

See the Granddaddy of all Parades [from] your reserved seats along Colorado Boulevard. Explore Los Angeles on a sightseeing tour and ring in the New Year in style with a private gala event. Enjoy dinner aboard the legendary Queen Mary ocean liner and gain a unique glimpse into a bygone era. Day 1: Transfer together by motor coach to the Moline airport to board our flight to Los Angeles, CA for the 130th Tournament of Roses Parade, featuring the beautiful pageantry and tradition of magnificent floral floats, high-stepping equestrians and spirited marching bands. We stay at the Renaissance Long Beach Hotel for the next four evenings. This evening we will join our Tour Manager for a welcome orientation. Day 2: Today we do some touring in Los Angeles and Hollywood from the Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral to the newDisney Concert Hall, home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, the tour is a blend of old and new. See the Hollywood Bowl, Kodak Theater and the legendary Grauman’s Chinese Theater. This evening, ring in the New Year with your newfound friends at a private New Year’s Eve gala event. Put on your dancing shoes as a live orchestra fills the room with sounds from yes- terday and today. Enjoy a spectacular dinner and champagne toast to celebrate the dawning of a new year. (B,D) Day 3: The event we came for is about to begin. You have reserved bleacher seats along Colorado Boulevard and after breakfast you depart for the Tournament of Roses Parade. View the animated floats, the precision of the marching bands and the equestrian teams as you become part of an event that is seen throughout the world by millions. In the afternoon, go behind the scenes in Pasadena for the fabulous post-parade “Showcase of the Floats” to see your favorite floats up close. Marvel at the thousands of various flowers from around the world that were used to create the world’s most imaginative floats. (B) Day 4: Today, visit the J. Paul Getty Museum, a testament to the enjoyment and understanding of the visual arts. The museum contains a collection of West- ern art from the middle ages to the present and is one of the most visited muse- ums in the nation. The afternoon has been left free for you to relax and enjoy the California sun. An optional excursion to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is

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available. Tonight, be transported back in time aboard the legendary Queen Mary , once the grandest ocean liner in the world, the Queen Mary is now a full-service hotel, historical landmark and fine dining venue. Enjoy a fabulous farewell dinner and gain a unique glimpse into a bygone era when steamships were the most regal way to travel. (B,D) Day 5: We transfer from the hotel to the airport with for our flight home bringing great memories with us. (B) Per person price is $2,899, double occupancy, and $3,468, for single. A deposit of $350 is required to hold your reservation with the final balance due on September 30.

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Extended Travel

Wait List!

New Zealand and Australia March 3-25, 2020

Join us on this trip of a lifetime in New Zealand and Australia with tons of excursions, call for the full itinerary. Day 1-2: Transfer to Chicago airport for our flight to Auckland. Day 3: Arrival in Auckland, check into our hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner. (D) Day 4: Auckland sightseeing includes Auckland Harbor Bridge, Viaduct Harbor, Auck- land Domain, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Parnell Village, and Michael Joseph Sav- age Memorial Park. (B,L) Day 5: Auckland–Rotorua. Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set, Te Kauwhata, Huntly, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and discover the uniqueness New Zealand’s Maori people. (B) Day 6: Visit Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, and natural hot springs. We stop at the Agrodome and ride eight-seater Gondola cabins to experience scenic views of Lake Rotorua. This evening enjoy Te Po Tour, a feast of storytelling, enter- tainment, and Maori cuisine while absorbing the unforgettable sights at nightfall. (B,D) Day 7: Flight to Christchurch. Travel to the hotel located in the heart of Christchurch and have time to explore on your own before dinner together. (B,D) Day 8: Explore Christchurch; Hagley Park, the Avon River, the International Antarctic Centre, Cardboard Cathedral, and the Botanical Gardens. (B) Day 9: Journey to Mt. Cook to view Geraldine, the spectacular landscape that saw the filming of Lord of the Rings, and where Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki reside. (B,D) Day 10: Depart for Oakridge Resort Lake Wanaka to see remote farmland, brilliant turquoise canals, lakes, and alpine meadows. Along the way we visit Puzzling World. (B,D) Day 11: Enjoy a leisurely morning in Wanaka, before we depart for Queenstown. (B) Day 12: Travel to Milford Sound with scenic stops at Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel and The Chasm. While at Milford Sound we enjoy a lunch cruise. (B,D) Day 13: Full day of sightseeing in Queenstown; Arrowtown, the Bungee Jumping site, Shotover Jetboat ride site, and Skyline Queenstown. Dinner is at the Stratosfare Skyline Restaurant and Bar at the top of the Gondola. (B,D) Day 14: We fly to Melbourne to meet our guide and enjoy an overview as we transfer to our hotel. (B) Day 15: See the Shrine of Remembrance, Fitzroy Gardens, drive past the Sports Pre- cinct, Parliament House, Queen Victoria Market, Flinders Street and Federation Square.

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This afternoon we go to Phillip Island’s Koala Conservation center, the Nobbies and later watch the Penguin Parade waddle from the sea to their burrows before we have dinner together. (B,L,D) Day 16-17: Experience beautiful Yarra Valley, and a farm-to-table lunch at Divino’s. This evening we have dinner in Docklands before proceeding to the Melbourne Star . In the morning we fly to Cairns. (B,L,D,B) Day 18: Enjoy a full day at the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkeling in the cay’s protected shallow waters, and cruise in the semi-sub for a diver’s view, both are included. If you prefer a more leisurely day, relax on the beach or onboard Ocean Spirit’s spacious decks. (B,L) Day 19: Today we visit Tjapukai and enjoy an Aboriginal experience at the Tjapkai Cultural Center, ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, visit Kuranda Village, and conclude with a scenic ride back to Cairns onboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway. (B,L) Day 20: Today we travel to Sydney to view the Sydney Opera House, then to the Syd- ney Tower Eye, Sydney’s highest attraction. This afternoon is on your own. (B) Day 21: Discover Blue Mountains National Park with a guide, Scenic World for the Blue Mountain rides; Scenic Railway, Cableway, or Skyway. Tour Featherdale Wildlife Park to have a photo taken with a cuddly koala. See kangaroos, wombats, dingoes and pen- guins. We drive by the site of the 2000 Olympic Games before we return to the city. (B,L) Day 22-23: Experience Australia at your leisure. We gather together this evening for a farewell dinner cruise aboard the prestigious MV Sydney 2000 and enjoy quality dining, wine, live music and dancing, all set to the spectacular backdrop of Sydney by night. The next morning we fly home. (B,D,B) Cost is $11,539 per person for double occupancy, and $13,839 for single. A deposit of $1,500 per person is required to hold your reservation, the final balance is due October 15, 2019.

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Extended Travel

New Date!

Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Outer Banks May 1-5, 2020 This trip is sure to please with its history and beauty. All four nights we stay at the same oceanfront hotel. Day 1: Today we will fly into Richmond, VA, and travel down to Virginia Beach. We spend time exploring Colonial Williamsburg. We will be amazed how com- pletely we are transported back to the years prior to America’s independence. A visit to Governor’s Mansion is a must. We will visit the first English permanent set- tlement in America–historic Jamestown. Then on to Yorktown, where the revolu- tionary war officially ended. We will tour the Yorktown battlefield and visitors center getting a very clear picture of those days. Then we arrive at our hotel for the next four nights. Relax and unpack knowing you don‘t have to pack up again until we head home on Tuesday. Dinner is on your own this evening. Day 2: We have another full day today following a great breakfast at the hotel. Just a half an hour away from Virginia Beach is Norfolk, VA, home to the world’s biggest Naval base. Our day will begin with tours by land and sea as we visit the Nauticus and battleship Wisconsin . Nauticus is the science center and museum known as the National Maritime Center, which features one of the largest bat- tleships in the US–the Wisconsin . Next we are treated to reserved seating for the Parade of Nations as the performers we will be seeing later at the Tattoo will be marching in the parade along the streets of Norfolk. Following the parade, we will enjoy a cruise around Norfolk and see magnificent Naval ships with a narrated tour by sea. This afternoon, we visit The MacArthur Memorial. We have an early dinner in Norfolk. Then we experience “the largest spectacle of Music and Might in the United States of America.” An astounding display of inspirational military music, majestic massed pipes and drums, show stopping drill teammaneuvers, colorful and elegant dancers, and much more will be seen at the Virginia International Tattoo. Following the performance we will make the short drive back to our hotel for the night. (B,L,D) Day 3: Today we begin with a tour of Virginia Beach. This vibrant coastal city is home to a flourishing local culinary scene, rich history, a variety of arts, entertain- ment and attractions. We will visit the Surf and Rescue Museum, which preserves history of the 1903 Life Saving Station, The Military Aviation Museum, home to one

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of the largest private collections of WWI and WWII era military aircraft in the world, the Cape Henry Lighthouse, built in 1792 commissioned by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton. We conclude with a visit to Town Center and a drive to Atlantic Avenue Oceanfront. Dinner is included before settling in for the night. (B,D) Day 4: Following breakfast this morning we will drive south out of Virginia Beach and even out of Virginia to the incredible Outer Banks of North Carolina just one hour away. This is America’s First Beach. In Manteo, we will stroll through the majestic Elizabethan Gardens, which were designed in 1960 as a living memorial to Queen Elizabeth, Sir Walter Raleigh and the members of the Lost Colony. Then it is on to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site located on Roanoke Island. We will walk around downtown Historic Manteo and explore Roanoke Marshes Light and the George Washington Creef (working) Boat shop. We visit Bodie Island Light- house, completed in 1872. This Lighthouse sits on the north side of Oregon Inlet near the northern border of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a stop on the way where the tallest natural sand dunes on the East Coast are located. We will visit the Wright Brother National Memorial, where Or- ville and Wilbur Wright broke our bond with the earth in 1903. Dinner is included this evening. (B,D) Day 5: Depending on our flight schedule, we will visit the attractions in the area and then return back to Richmond for our flight home. What a week at the beach! (B) Per person price is $2,991, double occupancy, and $3,587, for single. A deposit of $350 is required to hold your reservation with the final balance due on January 20, 2020. Travel Preview: Tuesday, September 10, 2019, 5:30 p.m., call 589.0804 to register to attend.

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Mystery Trip

Fall Mystery Trip October 24-27, 2019

Calling all mystery lovers! Another exciting, multi-day mystery tour has been planned. You can expect interesting attractions, comfortable accommodations, delicious

meals, and a great time. Beginning on Thursday, October 24, we will begin our four-day, three-night adventure together. I better not say any more because it might ruin the surprise! Per-person price is $789, double occupancy, and $1,009, for single. A deposit of $100 is required to hold your reservation with the final payment due on August 21. All payments are refundable prior to this date. Price includes deluxe motor-coach transportation from Dubuque, three-nights lodging, luggage handling, eight meals, admission to all included activities, and gratuities.

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Missing Word

Worth Thinking About: Hope is like sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us. -Samuel Smiles

Missing Word Contest: Our Missing Word Contest winner for May/June was Janice Lansing, who received a check for $25. The missing word was “Look,” and the song title was “The Way You Look Tonight.” 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 miss- ing 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. All entries received throughout the year are entered into a year-end drawing for a grand prize of $100! Good luck!

Entry Form

Name

Phone

Address

The missing word is: Mail to: Connie Francis, Connections Club, P.O. Box 938, Dubuque, Iowa 52004-0938

Goodbye Snail Mail–Hello E-mail : Be first to receive details about upcoming trips and events. You won’t misplace your printed copy, as it’s always on your computer! Contact Connie at cfrancis@americantrust.com to sign up.

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Presorted Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit No 477

Dubuque, Iowa

American Trust is becoming MidWest One Bank.

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

895 Main Street P.O. Box 938

Dubuque, Iowa 52004-0938 563.589.0804 800.373.1841

www.americantrust.bank

cfrancis@americantrust.com Address service requested