May_June 2021

Hello from Connie

Calendar and Contents

Calendar 2021

Hello Friends,

Life ’ s a puzzle!

How are you doing? What have you been up to? Can’t wait to see you again. So happy to be enjoying more sunshine, more warmth, and a glimpse of our first chance to travel. We are keeping close tabs on touring in the US and internationally. We are ramping up more choices for domestic travel as that appears to be more stable as it relates to health and restrictions. We are waiting to confirm or take deposits for international travel until COVID param- eters are clearer. And quite frankly until borders open up. So when should you travel? I suggest NOW. Maybe travel for you will start with a trip to your favorite theater for a play or a quick overnight with me to Green Bay WI. The Botanical Gardens, which we visit while in Green Bay, will have an amazing traveling display called “Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea.” This exhibit will feature eight larger than life sculptures carefully crafted using washed-up plastic debris from bodies of water to illustrate the impact of plastic pollution. One of the pieces was featured on the Kelly Clarkson Show on April 22-Earth Day. I’m incredibly excited to get on the road again. We have a couple of day trips in June that will be so much fun. We are heading to Kalona on June 17 for a great day in Amish country. Then on June 30 we are going to Circa ’21 for Beehive The ‘60s Musical . It actually features some songs by the famous singer Connie Francis. That alone should make it worth going to. Haha! Don’t miss the Celebration Belle on July 14, or one of our famous Mystery Trips on July 21-22-23. This past year has shown us our “true grit.” We became quick problem solvers when survival meant figuring out how to get our basic needs, such as food and hygiene items. We got better at recognizing and praising the people around us that truly helped make this world a better place. As much as we were in “the fight” together we were not physically together. Companionship, comfort, and community are so important. So, when the time is right for you please step out of your new normal and do some- thing fun, in person, with someone you care about.

May 22 Air Supply/Five Flags Arena (p.6) May 25 Financial Wellness Webinar (p.5) May 26 San Diego Travel Preview (p.21) June 13 Matilda The Musical/The Grand Opera House (p.6) June 17 Travelers Trek-Kalona (p.9) June 30 Beehive/Circa ‘21 (p.10) July 14 Celebration Belle Oldies Cruise (p.7) July 18 Brigadoon /Grand Opera House (p.7) July 21-23 Mystery Trip (p.5) Aug 3-4 Green Bay Experience (p.12) Aug 14 Frozen Jr. /Grand Opera House (p.8) Aug 22 Hate Mail /Bell Tower (p.8) Sept 7-16 Enchanting Ireland (p.14-15) Oct 20 Joseph and the Amazing Techni- color Dreamcoat/Fireside Theatre (p.11) Nov 19-23 Holiday Time in New York City (p.16-17) Dec 5-6 Winter Getaway/Elkhart Lake, WI (p.13) Calendar 2022 Feb 15-26 South American Adventure (p.18-19) Feb 28-March 4 San Diego (p.20-21) June 5-9 Niagara Falls & Toronto June 26-July 1 Cape Cod & Boston July 17-25 The Great Pacific Northwest Sept 29-Oct 12 Greek Isles, Croatia & Italy

Take a photo of your recently completed jigsaw puzzle and send it to: MidWest One Bank, 895 Main St., Dubuque, IA 52001, attention Connie Francis, or send it to my email cfrancis@midwestone.com by May 31, 2021. Your name will be entered into a drawing for a 16 x 20 customized puzzle using one of your favorite photographs.

Contents

Notes from Connie

p. 3 p. 4 p.5

Bulletin Board Mystery Trip Local Events

p. 6-8

One-Day Ventures

p. 9-11

Green Bay Packers Exp. Winter Getaway-Osthoff

p. 12 p. 13

Ireland

p. 14-15 p. 16-17 p.18-19 p. 20-21

New York City

South American Adv.

Be Kind,

San Diego

Let’s Review

p.22 p. 23

Missing Word Contest

2 Connections Club

Connections Club 3