May_June 2022

Connections Club

May/June 2022 Edition

Mysterious

Historic

Entertaining

New Orleans April 23-27, 2023

Connections Club 1

Hello from Connie

Calendar and Contents

Calendar 2022 May 1 Getting SaraMarried /Bell Tower (p.6) May 18 Reverse Mortgage Seminar (p.5) June 5-9 Niagara Falls Canada June 13 Travel Preview/Hawaii (p.19) June 13 Travel Preview/New York (p.17) June 15 What Happens in Vegas /Fireside Theatre (p.10) June 19 The Sound of Music /Grand Opera House (p.6) July 13 Travel Preview/NewOrleans (p.21) July 31 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels /Grand Opera House (p.8) A ugust 11 Twilight Riverboat Adventure (p.22) August 16 Hamilton /OvertureCenter (p.12) August 21 Carrie Underwood at the Iowa State Fair (p.13) Sept 20 Fraud Seminar (p.5) Sept 29-Oct 12 Greek Isles, Malta & Italy (p.14-15) Oct 15 Wild Women of Winedale /Bell Tower (p.9) Oct 26 Clue The Musical /Circa 21 (p.11) Nov 10 WhiteChristmas /FiresideTheatre Nov 18-22 Holiday Time in New York City (p.16-17) Dec 1 Snowbiz/Hotel Julien Dec 3 SorryWrongChimney /Bell Tower Dec 10 Texas Tenors/UD Heritage Center (p.9) Calendar 2023 Feb 5-14 Hawaii (p.18-19) April 23-27 New Orleans (p.20-21) June26-July1 CapeCod&Boston July 13 Celebration Belle (p.7)

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are well. From time to time I talk about a program we have at MidWest One Bank called “Gratitude Fri- day.” On the last Friday of each month, we dedicate time to practicing gratefulness. It might be a quick minute to pick up the phone and say “thank you” or a couple of minutes to write

a handwritten note. A face-to-face visit is also so nice (my favorite). A time to look someone straight in the eye and say, “thank you”. Whatever method we choose doesn’t really matter but what does matter are the results we experience through showing and receiving gratitude. It is life changing and worth the effort. I happened to be walking out of the bank on one of our recent rainy, chilly days and a few steps away from the door was a woman coming towards the bank using a walker. I didn’t think twice about smiling, saying hello, and holding the door for her. It was an honor for me. I appreciate so much my good health and love to help anyone I can. Here comes the “life changing” part I referred to earlier. This woman, a stranger to me, slowed and paused for a minute. She thanked me, she asked God to bless me, and then she touched the back of my hand ever so gently which encouraged me to look into her eyes. I felt like I was looking into her soul. The gratitude was flowing from her, but the true joy was felt by me. It stopped me in my tracks. It made me slow down. How many times have we rushed through life without slowing down to see what is truly important? My guess is way too many. I recently attended a travel conference. We were updated on many changes in the travel industry as well as great new opportunities to consider. We also had a motivational speaker for one of the sessions. He challenged us to go about our life with excited anticipation for the next minute, the next day, the next month, living the concept that [you]r best moment is yet to exist. Do good, work hard, go the extra mile, live your life, and sleep peacefully knowing your next best moment comes with the light of a new day, totally within reach. No snoozing the alarm clock, no dragging yourself out of bed, no dreading the work you have to do that day! Jump up realizing the time is now! It is my new mission in life!

Contents

Notes from Connie

p.3 p.4 p.5

Bulletin Board

Upcoming Seminars

Local Events

p.6-9

One-Day Ventures

p.10-11

Dyersville/Farley Event p.12-13 Greek Isles, Malta, & Italy p.14-15 New York City p.16-17 Hawaii p.18-19 New Orleans p.20-21 Riverboat Adventure p.22 Missing Word Contest p.23

Smile often,

2 Connections Club

Connections Club 3

Upcoming Seminars

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 $10,000 in one of the following MidWest One Bank accounts: checking, savings, or money market account. 2. Maintain at least $50,000 in any combination of the following MidWest One accounts: checking, savings, certificates of deposit, money market account, IRA, personal trust services, or brokerage services. 3. Qualify with an initial balance of $50,000 on either a consumer or mortgage loan. (Loans can’t be combined, a joint account relationship held by a married couple qualifies both. No membership fees are involved. Personal accounts only.) 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 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 a future trip.

Reverse Mortgage Lunch & Learn Wednesday, May 18, 2022, 11:30 a.m., 3rd Floor Conference Room MidWest One Bank, 895 Main St., Dubuque, IA

Reverse mortgages (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage-HECM) 1 let you access your home’s equity to help fund retirement needs. If you qualify, there’s no monthly payment required as long as you live in and maintain your home. 2 You may be able to use the funds to pay off your exising mortgage 3 , pay medical bills, fund home repairs or renovations 4 , and more. Join this seminar to hear more from MidWest One ’s own Reverse Mortgage expert, John Leer. John is a Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional, CRMP®, and has been originating reverse mortgages since 2006. He has helped hundreds of seniors benefit from a Reverse Mortgage Loan. You must be 62 years or older to qualify, other restrictions apply. Call 589.0804 to register. Seating is limited. 1 The HECM loan program is offered through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and should not be viewed as a government benefit. Mortgage insurance is required. 2 Regular payments must be made for taxes and insurance. Repayment of loan balance, fees and compounded interest will be required when a maturing event occurs. Examples of a maturing event include; selling the home, borrower no longer occupies the home or is deceased, not paying homeowners insurance and property taxes, or not keeping the home in good repair, as required by the FHA. Failing to meet these requirements can trigger a loan default that can lead to foreclosure. 3 Your existing mortgage, if any, must be paid off before obtaining any funds from a HECM loan; you can use proceeds from the HECM loan for this purpose. 4 If your home needs repairs to be eligible for a HECM loan, you may be able to use the proceeds of the loan to accomplish this. FHA did not distribute or approve this material. Loans subject to credit approval. Equal Housing Lender NMLS: 400531

New Date!

Don’t Let It Be You! Tuesday, September 20, 2022, 10:00 a.m., 12th floor MidWest One Bank, 895 Main St., Dubuque, IA

Unfortunately, fraud happens every day, that’s why we’re excited to offer this opportunity for you to learn how to protect yourself. Receive tips to proactively stay safe, and avoid the frustration and possible financial loss from fraudelent activity. Justine Bemis, 2nd Vice President-AML Fraud Services, has been with MidWest One Bank for 24 years. Justine is responsible for developing and implementing all processes and policies designed to safeguard the Bank and its customers from fraud. She also works to mitigate loss and risk after fraud occurs. Call 589.0804 to register. Seating is limited.

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

4 Connections Club

Connections Club 5

Local Events

Getting Sara Married Sunday, May 1, 2:00 p.m. Bell Tower Theater 2728 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA

Celebration Belle Four-hour Oldies Cruise Wednesday, July 13 Boarding 10:30 a.m., Sailing 11:00 a.m. Port of Dubuque

Sara Hastings is an unmarried lawyer in her mid-thirties, and she is much too busy for romance. Her eccentric Aunt Martha has decided to take matters into her own hands and find Sara a husband, no matter what it takes. Connections Club price is just $21 per person, due at reservation.

While you’re cruising down the Mississippi, just sit back and reminisce to the songs that bring back all the memories of the Juke Box 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 & assorted fresh fruits. Later a full hot 2 entrée lunch buffet will be served. Pre-cruise check-in will take place at the Port of Dubuque for those registered. Tickets will not be mailed. Connections Club price is just $64 per person, due at reservation.

The Sound of Music Sunday, June 19, 2:00 p.m. Grand Opera House 158 W. 8th Street, Dubuque, IA

The final collaboration between Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II, The Sound of Music , has become a play beloved around the world. Based on the true story of the Von Trapp Family Singers, this play captures a personal tale of growth and hope amidst the horrors of World War II. The Sound of Music tells the tale of young postulant Maria Rainer, whose free spirit has trouble fitting into the rules and regulations of convent life. Commissioned by the Mother Abbess to serve as the governess for seven motherless children, Maria transforms the Von Trapp family home from a place of dour rules and regulations to one filled with joy, laughter, and music. Connections Club price is just $16 per person, due at reservation.

6 Connections Club

Connections Club 7

Local Events

The Wild Woman of Winedale Saturday, October 15, 7:30 p.m. Bell Tower Theater 2728 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Sunday, July 31, 2:00 p.m. Grand Opera House 158 W. 8th Street, Dubuque, IA

The Wild sisters are at a crossroads. Fanny is turning 60. Willa’s stress has driven her to vodka and speed-knitting. Johnnie Faye is determined to put herself back on the market and land a new man. (Preferably one with a house since hers is at the bottom of a Florida sinkhole). Together, they find a way to clear the clutter from their lives, homes, and relationships, and prove it’s never too late to take another one of life’s paths. Connections Club price is just $11.50 per person, due at reservation.

The modern musical, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels , is based on the 1988 MGM film of the same name, starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin. In the exotic French Riviera, Lawrence Jameson makes his living by smooth talking rich, single women out of their money. He’s been in the trade for many years and has got his technique down to a tee. But then he bumps into Freddy Benson, Freddy takes a humbler, more laid-back approach, swindling women with emotional lies about his grandmother’s failing health and his own economic struggles. The two men initially decide to form a double act, but their egos soon clash. They agree on a bet: the first to swindle $50,000 from the latest young heiress in town, Christine Colgate, can stay and the other must leave town. However, is Christine really all she seems? Hilarity and confusion ensue as the two men pull out all the steps to prove they’re the best con man in town. Connections Club price is just $16 per person, due at reservation.

The Texas Tenors Deep in the Heart of Christmas Saturday, December 10, 7:30 p.m. UD Heritage Center 2255 Bennett Street, Dubuque, IA

The Texas Tenors have amassed a huge fan base worldwide with over half a million followers on social media and more than 20 million views on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. They are Billboard Magazine’s #10 Classical Artist in the World for 2019 . With impressive live ticket sales tracked by PollStar they are considered the most successful touring group in the history of America’s Got Talent . The Texas Tenors appeared on the most recent season of NBC’s national hit television show America’s Got Talent: The Cham- pions. After airing worldwide their fan base grew even larger than before. As consummate professionals these three friends with a simple All-American dream have proven their impact will be long lasting as their popularity continues to grow. They have performed more than 1400 live concerts in just the last ten years. Connections Club price is just $55.00 per person, due at reservation.

8 Connections Club

Connections Club 9

One-Day Ventures

Clue The Musical Wednesday, October 26 Circa ‘21, Rock Island, IL

What Happens in Vegas Wednesday, June 15 Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson, WI

The internationally popular game is now a fun-filled musical that brings the world’s best-known suspects to life and invites the audience to help solve the mystery: who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room, and with what weapon. The audience receives forms to help them deduce the solution from clues given throughout the fun-filled evening. Three audience mem- bers choose from cards representing the potential murderers, weapons, and rooms; there are 216 possible solutions! Only one hard-nosed female detective is qualified to unravel the merry mayhem. Comic antics, witty lyrics, and a beguiling score carry the investigation from room to room. Even after the culprit confesses, a surprise twist delights the audience. Your Connections Club price is just $93 per person and includes transportation from Dubuque, plated lunch with dessert, show, and driver’s gratuity. Full payment, refundable until September 23, is due at registration.

For over 70 years Las Vegas has been the entertainment capital of the world. Just about every great entertainer has appeared in Las Vegas over the last seven decades. The world’s best singers, dancers, musicians, and comedians have flocked to this city where dreams become reality. Now Fireside will pay tribute to many of those legendary performers in an all new live band show featuring Steve Watts and the celebrated Fireside Band. Enjoy the work of many Las Vegas favorites in the most spectacular band show yet. Your Connections Club price is just $115 per person and includes transportation from Dubuque, plated lunch, show, and driver’s gratuity. Full payment, refundable until May 10, is due at registration.

10 Connections Club

Connections Club 11

Dyersville/ Farley Event

Hamilton Tuesday, August 16, 2022 Overture Center for the Arts, Madison, WI

Carrie Underwood Sunday, August 21 Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, IA

We finally did it! We are going to see Hamilton . We have seats reserved at the Overture Center for Arts in beautiful Madison, WI. This stunning architectural landmark is conveniently located within walking distance to galleries, museums, great restaurants, and shopping. We will head to Madison in the early afternoon. When we arrive, you will have free time to explore the area and grab dinner on your own. Make your way to the theater for the amazingly popular Broadway production of Hamilton . Doors open at 6:15 p.m., perfor- mance begins at 7:30 p.m. Hamilton is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American found- ing father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education. With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony®, Grammy® and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. Your Connections Club price is just $229 per person and includes transportation fromDubuque, Dyersville and Farley, driver’s gratuity and show ticket. Our seats are located in the “Circle” rows B, C, and D. Full payment is due at reservation. Overture’s health and safety policy is as follows: The Overture Center recommends, but does not require, a facial mask be worn by all who enter the building and at all public performances and events. This policy will be re-evaluated intermittently, and patrons will be informed of any changes at that time.

Let’s go to the Iowa State Fair. It is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annu- ally attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines is Iowa’s great celebration, a salute to the state’s best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. It is the true heartbeat of the Midwest, unequaled and unduplicated. But wait, there’s more...Connections Club has fantastic grandstand seats in rows 4-6, section JK, to see Carrie Underwood. Carrie last played at the Iowa State Fair to a sold- out crowd in 2015. She has sold more than 66 million records worldwide, recorded 28 number one singles, and has seven albums that are certified Platinum or Multi-Platinum by the RIAA. She’s won seven GRAMMY® Awards, 15 ACM Awards-three for Entertainer of the Year, 23 CMT Music Awards, seven CMA Awards, and 17 American Music Awards. Her first-ever residency, began in December at the brand-new Resorts World Las Vegas. Your Connections Club price is just $164 per person and includes transportation fromDubuque, Farley, and Dyersville, driver’s gratuity, snacks on the coach, admission to the fair, and concert ticket. Full payment is due at reservation.

12 Connections Club

Connections Club 13

Extended Travel

Greek Isles, Malta, & Italy- plus 2 days in Rome! September 29-October 12, 2022 Immerse yourself in the history, culture, and beauty of the Mediterranean. Day 1: Depart on our overnight flight bound for the Eternal City-Rome! (in-flight dinner) Day 2: Arrive in Rome where we’ll be joined by a local guide who will take us on a sightseeing tour to see highlights such as the Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. Following the tour, relax at La Pace del Palato with a fabulous included lunch. Then check into the Hotel Dei Mellini for two nights. Retire early after your long flight and exciting day or get out and explore! (In-flight breakfast, L) Day 3: This morning we tour the Vatican Museums. Our visit includes the Sistine Chapel to marvel at the work of Michelangelo. We’ll visit St. Peter’s Basilica, regarded as one of the world’s holiest Christian sites. Enjoy delicious, traditional, Roman cuisine along with regional wine at dinner tonight. After dinner marvel at the beauty of the fabulous illuminated Trevi Fountain and toss a coin over your shoulder making a wish to return to Rome! (B, D) Day 4: This morning we will see the famous sights of the Eternal City on a panoramic tour of Rome. The highlight of our tour will be an interior visit of the Colosseum, one of the most notable works of Roman architecture and engineering ever created. Following the tour, we’ll depart Rome and make our way to Civitavecchia to board the Norwegian Getaway . CDC has eliminated the COVID-19 advisory for cruise ship travel. (B) Beginning with dinner today, all meals are included on the ship. Day 5: Today is a great day to discover all of the ship’s amenities! Day 6: Santorini Islands, the whitewashed villages clinging to the sides of the sea cliffs have made this volcanic island one of the most photographed places in the world. The island’s charm and subtle mystery have even made it a target of speculation as the location of the lost city of Atlantis. Day 7: Piraeus (Athens), the cradle of civilization, the oldest city in Europe. Not only is this city home to the Acropolis and some of the most important architectural structures and archaeological finds in the Western world, it is also a very modern city, an urban amalgam of extraordinary art, culture, cuisine and shopping. Day 8: Mykonos, a classic Greek Island with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and windmills. Its reputation for beautiful beaches makes Mykonos the most popular island in the Cyclades.

Day 9: Corfu, the lushest of the Greek Isles, rimmed in dramatic blue waters and topped with tranquil hillside villages. A collection of quaint cafes feels very continental, but the island’s secluded coves and sandy beaches could only be found in the Greek Isles. Day 10: Valletta, Malta prides itself on its magnificent Baroque palaces, piazzas, gardens and churches. Admire the stunning scenery and wander through imposing churches and down the streets of fortified towns where the Knights of St. John once held sway. Day 11: Sicily, Messina, third largest city on the island welcoming visitors with its lovely harbor and extraordinary architecture. Stroll through Messina’s Piazza Cairoli taking in magnificent fountains and cathedrals, or sip Marsala wine at a sidewalk cafe. Day 12: Naples, located on Italy’s stunning Amalfi coast is a city rich in history. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii, the most-visited archaeological site in the world. Explore the ancient ruins, frozen in time by ash from the massive eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Day 13: Florence and Pisa, famous cities known for their resplendent art and history! See Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo, Michelangelo’s David, and the famous leaning Tower. Day 14: This morning we arrive back in Civitavecchia, Italy where we will disembark and transfer to the airport for our return flight. What an amazing trip we will have had! Price includes airport transfer, airfare, motor coach transportation and driver gratuity. 10-night cruise with free amenities options, plus two days in Rome. All meals and enter- tainment aboard the ship. Port taxes, air taxes, and government fees. Customary shipboard gratuities. Per person price based on double occupancy, balcony stateroom $5,499, single occupancy balcony stateroom $7,485. Per person price double occupancy, inside stateroom $4,995, single occupancy inside stateroom $6,435. Optional travel protection-balcony double $424, balcony single $623, inside stateroom double $383, inside stateroom single $506. Deposit of $450 due at reservation, final payment is due May 20, 2022.

14 Connections Club

Connections Club 15

Extended Travel

Holiday Time in New York City November 18-22, 2022

Kickoff the holiday season touring one of the most exciting cities on earth. You’ll

see the sights and experience many well-known time-honored traditions!

Day 1: This morning we fly to “The Big Apple”–New York City. Upon arrival we will check into the Marriott Marquis, located right in the pulsating heart of Times Square and New York’s historic Theater District, for four nights. All of the excitement of the city is right outside your door! This evening we’ll have an incredible Italian, family-style, feast at Carmine’s, a true New York City institution. After dinner, we’ll pose for a souvenir group photo taken among the scin[till]ating lights of Times Square. We’ll be finished in time for you to see a Broadway show, wander through Times Square, or relax at the hotel after your travels. (D) Day 2: A local guide joins us for a morning tour of midtown and upper Manhattan. We’ll see some of the most iconic New York sites including Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle, Harlem, Central Park, Museum Mile, Rockefeller Center, and Fifth Avenue. You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants near our hotel before we take our seats for an exciting Broadway musical! After a delicious dinner at Morton’s Steakhouse, the evening is free for you to see another Broadway show, or perhaps ride to the top of the Empire State Building for a birds-eye view of the city. (D) Day 3: We begin our day with a guided tour of lower Manhattan including Times Square, the Garment District, Madison Square Garden, Macy’s Flagship store, the Empire State Building, Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Soho, Tribeca, Wall Street, and Chinatown. Then we’re in for a special treat as we head to The View – a revolving restaurant at the top of the Marriott Marquis with wonderful 360° views of Manhattan from 48 floors up – for an elaborate Sunday Brunch complete with an incredible assortment of gourmet food items and mimosas. We’ll see another delightful Broadway musical this afternoon. Tonight is yours to experience the thrill of “The City that Never Sleeps!” Watch the talented street artists, revel in the lights and activity, or enjoy a nightcap and livemusic with friends. (Brunch) Day 4: This morning we’ll visit the poignant 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The beautiful and touching memorial is a tribute to the past and a place of hope for the future. At the museum you’ll relive the events of 9/11 through interactive technology, archives, narratives, and a collection of artifacts. This afternoon you’ll have your choice of taking an optional ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island (additional fee applies), or

returning to the hotel for a free afternoon to shop, visit a museum or relax. After a won- derful dinner together near Times Square, we’ll take our seats at Radio City Music Hall for a performance of their annual Christmas Spectacular featuring the high-kicking precision of the world famous Rockettes! Since its debut on December 21, 1933, more than 75 mil- lion people have gotten into the yuletide spirit by taking part in this wonderful New York holiday tradition. (D) Day 5: Today we’ll embark on a Pizza Tour of Brooklyn. This tour covers pizza and Brooklyn from one end to the other. You’ll experience award winning pizza from world-famous Grimaldi’s, under the Brooklyn Bridge, to the legendary pizza at L&B Spumoni Gardens in Bensonhurst. This multimedia sightseeing tour highlights Brooklyn’s famous neighborhoods, parks, landmarks and famous movie locations. You’ll see Coney Island, the million dollar homes along scenic Shore Road in Bay Ridge and everything in between! Then we’re off to the airport for our flight home. We’ll be filled with the holiday spirit from the wonderful time we spent in fabulous New York City! (L) Per person price is $3,299, double occupancy, and $3,759, for single. A deposit of $100 is required to hold your reservation. Optional Travel Protection can be purchased at time of deposit for $238 per person, double occupancy and $271 for single occupancy. Both the deposit and travel protection are refundable until final payment due date of August 5, 2022.

Travel Preview: Monday, June 13, 2022 at 6:30 on 12th floor, 895 Main St., Dubuque. Call 589.0804 to register.

16 Connections Club

Connections Club 17

Extended Travel

Hawaii February 5-14, 2023

Join us in beautiful Hawaii. This spectacular tour includes Ocean View rooms at all of the properties we stay, three nights on the lush, tropical island of Kauai where you will be visiting Waimea Canyon, doing a Wailua River Cruise and seeing Opaekaa Falls. An inside visit of Iolani Palace and a tram tour of the Maui Tropical Plantation are included plus all gratuities. Day 1: We’ll travel to the Chicago airport today to board our flight bound for beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii! Upon arrival we’ll check into the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa for three nights. Day 2: Ride through the exclusive Kahala Estates, then marvel at the beautiful views at the Diamond Head, Halona Blow Hole and Nu’uanu Pali Lookouts. See the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl Crater. The afternoon is free to enjoy. We’ll meet up for dinner at the Hula Grill. (B,D) Day 3: We’ll see the State Capitol and the King Kamehameha Statue. Tour the fab- ulous Iolani Palace, the royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial then board a naval launch for a cruise to the USS Arizona Memorial where you can pay your respects to the 1,177 fallen soldiers. View the marble wall that displays the names of those who perished, as well as the “black tears,” which is the oil that is still seeping out of the ship. (B) Day 4: A five-minute walk this morning takes us to Duke’s for breakfast with a view. We’ll return to the hotel to check out before heading to the airport for our short flight to Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle. We’ll check into oceanfront Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort for three nights. Get settled in then meet for dinner at the hotel. (B,D) Day 5: We’re off for a fun day of sightseeing! The 3,600-foot-deep Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. We’ll see Spouting Horn, in Kauai, where the ocean water sprays several stories high into the air. At Gaylord’s Restaurant, we’ll learn how to craft Hawaii’s famous drink, the Mai Tai, before we dine on fresh, island-influenced dishes. This afternoon, we’ll cruise on the Wailua River Cruise, the only navigable river in all of Hawaii. During our two-mile journey we’ll hear songs and stories of ancient Hawaii and learn how to hula. Take a short nature walk through the rainforest to see the lush Fern Grotto. We’ll return to the hotel where you have a free evening to relax. (B,L) Day 6: We depart on a five-hour tour to experience Kauai’s many tropical landscapes and natural beauty. We’ll see the mighty Opaekaa Falls cascading down into a hidden

pool. Admire the views from the Kilauea Lighthouse and Hanalei Pier. There will be free time in Hanalei for lunch and shopping. This afternoon enjoy the hotel’s beautiful pool and the beach. Tonight, a short walk brings us to the Hukilau Lanai where we’ll have a wonderful dinner. (B,D) Day 7: Relish a leisurely morning before we transfer to the airport for a quick flight to the beautiful island of Maui. On arrival, we’ll visit the Maui Tropical Plantation and sam- ple some delicious fruit while on the tour. We’ll check into the Royal Lahaina Resort. Set amidst 27 tropical acres, this oceanfront hotel sits along an exclusive half-mile stretch of Kaanapali Beach. Enjoy the Myths of Maui, a cultural celebration featuring the dances, music, and festivities of the Hawaiian and Polynesian people. (B,D) Day 8: Enjoy breakfast and then do as you wish on your free day in Maui! Take a trol- ley into Lahaina Town to Whaler’s Village for shopping, museum exploration and lunch or enjoy the day on the beach or by the pool at the resort. Perhaps you’d like to go on a Whale Watch cruise or a day-long Road to Hana tour (additional fees apply). (B) Day 9: Mid-morning, we’ll check out and depart for a day of Maui sightseeing. We’ll ride through Makawao, the biggest little town in Maui’s upcountry, famous for its Hawaiian cowboys, or paniolo. We’ll stop at the ʻIao Valley State Monument including the striking Iao Needle. We’ll make our way to the Maui airport for our overnight flight home. We’ll be taking with us very fond memories and the remarkable Spirit of Aloha! (B) Day 10: Arrive home. Per person price is $6,389, double occupancy, and $8,139, for single. A deposit of $100 is required to hold your reservation. Optional Travel Protection can be purchased at time of deposit for $460 per person, double occupancy and $586 for single occupancy. Both the deposit and travel protection are refundable until final payment due date of October 3, 2022.

Travel Preview: Monday, June 13, 2022 at 5:30 on 12th floor, 895 Main St., Dubuque. Call 589.0804 to register.

18 Connections Club

Connections Club 19

Extended Travel

New Orleans April 23-27, 2023

Day 1: Travel together to Chicago O’Hare airport to board our flight. Step into a cul- tural melting pot in the “Jazz Capital of the World,” New Orleans! Experience this soulful city abound with rich history, mouth-watering Cajun and Creole cuisine, and of course, an incomparable soundtrack. Day 2: This morning, enjoy a panoramic city tour with a local guide. Start by seeing St. Louis Cemetery #3; opened in 1854, it holds some of the most elaborate crypts found in the city’s cemeteries. Relax during a drive along the shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain. This road eventually leads to St. Charles Avenue, whisking you past gorgeous mansions and two world-famous universities, Tulane and Loyola. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Take a walk through history at the National World War II Museum and learn about the American experience in the war or celebrate the festive side of New Orleans at Mardi Gras World. Come to know the history of this tradition while touring a working warehouse where artisans create spectacular floats for the famous parades. Take advantage of some free time to exploremore and use your included Uber voucher to return to the hotel. Tonight, learn how to cook New Orleans-style! During a cooking demonstration at the New Orleans School of Cooking, your chef will indulge you in everything Louisiana cuisine has to offer. (B,D) Day 3: It’s your choice! Introduce yourself to the city’s famous French Quarter on a walking tour that features such sights as the majestic St. Louis Cathedral and the bustling French Marketplace, where you’ll explore Pirates Alley and view the Pontalba or explore the exhibitions and galleries at the Historic New Orleans Collection followed by a visit to the Bevolo Gaslight Museum and Workshop. Then, head to Café Du Monde for a taste of a true New Orleans favorite–beignets! This afternoon, explore more of New Orleans on your own, or you may choose an optional excursion to Oak Alley Plantation to explore the rich history of the Antebellum South. (B) Day 4: Set out on a drive along New Orleans’ historic Esplanade Avenue. Then, journey through the Louisiana swamp on a cruise* narrated by your captain. Learn about the ecosystem’s history and ecology while keeping an eye out for wildlife, from bald eagles to herons, turtles and alligators. Return to the city and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to discover more of New Orleans your way. You may opt to take a riverboat cruise on the mighty Mississippi. Tonight, immerse yourself in the flavors of traditional New Orleans during dinner at The Court of Two Sisters in the French Quarter. After dinner, discover for

yourself why New Orleans is the “Birthplace of Jazz” during a roaring jazz revue at a local club in the French Quarter. (B,D) Below are two available optional tours: Oak Alley Plantation Tour: $75 per person. Experience the bygone era of the Ante- bellum south as we travel to Oak Alley Plantation on the western bank of the Mississippi River. Stroll down the magnificent alley of 300-year-old live oak trees that give this estate its name. Enjoy a professionally guided tour of the mansion, or “Big House” as it’s called. Then take some time to explore other exhibits, including Slavery at Oak Alley and the Civil War Encampment . Duration: Approximately five and a half hours. Please note: A minimum of 20 passengers is required. Transportation is included. Mississippi Jazz Cruise and Crescent City Lunch: $95 per person. This afternoon, enjoy lunch dining on local favorites at a French Quarter restaurant. After lunch, board an authentic New Orleans steamboat for a relaxing cruise. Get taken back to when life [was] as slow and graceful as the current on the Mississippi and experience New Orleans as it can best be seen from the river. Its distinctive “crescent shape” gives the city one of its nicknames. Pass the French Quarter and the Port of New Orleans while enjoying live narration of the sights and history by the ship’s captain. As the paddlewheel boat makes its way back to its French Quarter mooring, listen to the enchanting sounds of a live jazz band. Duration: Approximately four hours. Please note: A minimum of ten passengers is required. Transportation is included. Per person price is $2,299, double occupancy, $2,699, single occupancy, $2,269, triple occupancy. A deposit of $600 is required to hold your reservation. Deposits are refundable up until November 23, 2022. Final payment is due February 22, 2023. Optional Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is not included in this price but can be purchased at time of deposit for $199 per person. REAL ID Act standards for identifica- tion while traveling will be in effect.

Travel Preview: Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 5:15 on 12th floor, 895 Main St., Dubuque. Call 589.0804 to register.

20 Connections Club

Connections Club 21

New Trip

Missing Word

Worth Thinking About: “In doubtful matters boldness is everything.” ~Publilius Syrus

Twilight Riverboat Adventure One-Day Cruise to Guttenberg, IA Thursday, August 11, 2022 Port of Dubuque

Missing Word Contest:

Our Missing Word Contest winner for March/April was Bernadette Spurr, who received a check for $25. The missing word was “Hurry” and the song title was “You Can’t Hurry Love.” 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!

What better way to see the river than from the deck of an old-fashioned riverboat? The Twilight heads North from Dubuque and takes in one of the most beautiful stretches of the Mississippi River. If the river conditions are favorable, you will also have the chance to explore Historic Guttenberg, IA. The cruise includes continental breakfast, two snacks, full lunch, historical narration, great scenery, eagles, more relaxation than you have allowed yourself in years, plus music from local favorite LA Suess on banjo. This special one-day cruise departs from the Dubuque Ice Harbor at the Port of Dubuque. Board at 7:30 a.m. depart at 7:45 a.m. and return by 5:00 p.m. Connections Club price is just $175 per person, due at reservation.

Entry Form

Name

Phone

Address

The missing word is: Mail to: Connie Francis, MidWest One Bank, Connections Club, 895 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001. Entries must be received before May 31, 2022. 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 voidwhere prohibited. Employees of MidWestOne Bank and their immediate family members are not eligible to win. Prizes are non-transferable, non-refundable and no substitutions are allowed. MidWestOne Bank assume 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, online at https://www.midwestone.bank/personal/connections-club.

22 Connections Club

Connections Club 23

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 bal- ances and who are ages 40 and better.