May_June 2023 Final 5-5-23

Connections Club

May/June 2023 Edition

West Indies January 6-13, 2024

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Calendar and Contents

Hello from Connie

May 4 Cards with Connie May 6 Neil Berg’s 103 Years of Broadway/ UD Heritage Center May 18 Travelers Trek (p.10) May 27 Dwight Yoakam/Five Flags (p.6) June 5-9 Kentucky (p.14) June 11 Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat /Grand Opera House (p.7) June 21 Godspell 10th Annual High School Musical/Bell Tower Theater (p.7) July 12 Celebration Belle (p.8) July 27-29 Missouri Medley (p.15) August 17 The Kids Left. The Dog Died. NOW WHAT? /Bell Tower Theater (p.8) August 24 Cookies and Trivia (p.22) August 29 Take Me Out To The Ballgame (p.13) Sept 7 USS LST 325 (p.5) Sept 15 Titanic /Fireside Theatre (p.11) Sept 16 The Magic of David Casas/Bell Tower Theatre (p.9) Sept 21-Oct 1 Danube Explorer Nov 6-10 Nashville/CMA’s (p.16-17) Nov 17 Scrooge the Musical /Fireside (p.12) Nov 17 Vienna Boys Choir/UD Heritage Center (p. 9) Nov 30 Historic Progressive Dinner Jan 6-13, 2024 West Indies Island Hopping (p.18-19) Feb 13-18, 2024 Scottsdale Stay & Play w/Sedona (p.20-21)

Hello Friends, April showers bring May flowers. This saying is from an old proverb meaning that even after long periods of adversity, good times will follow. Sometimes simply said, “This too shall pass.” I hear this saying and give it more of a literal meaning. It’s a good

way to see the positive side of a rainy spring. I love May flowers and I’ll take a little rain in order to get them. One of my favorite things about this time of year is watching everything come to life. The bulbs that sprout their fresh green tips from the earth. The shrubs that burst with blooms so fragrant you cannot step away. The trees bud and then the flowers come, so fresh and bright. They are like newborn babies. So pure and fragile, but resilient all at the same time. The miracle of life! Speaking of babies … this is a clever segue to share my news. I am a new Grandma. The most amazing little boy entered the world and changed my life on December 2. It was one of my travelers that said, “Grandchildren fill a space in your heart that you never knew was empty.” Truer words have never been spoken. His name is Jackson. I’m a little partial, but I think he is the cutest little guy in the whole world. His smiles light up my life. He is very fluent in baby talk right now and I’m learning all sorts of new words. We are buying toys and strollers and all sorts of fun things. He is a [game] changer. I better get back on track. The weather is better and it’s so much fun to see new things. Let’s travel somewhere together. I bet many of you have been getting out and “coming to life.” The adventures you take can be so meaningful for you but also for others. The friends you take with you or the ones you meet along the way will fill your memories forever. I get so much satisfaction out of spending time together with all of you. I am truly grateful! Be Kind, Be Safe and Travel Often!

Contents

Notes from Connie

p.3 p.4 p.5

Bulletin Board USS LST 325 Local Events Travelers Trek

p.6-9 p.10

One Day Ventures In Our Own Backyard

p.11-12

p.13 p.14 p.15

Kentucky

Missouri Medley

Make a difference today!

Nashville

p.16-17 p.18-19

West Indies Island Hopping

Scottsdale Stay & Play

p.20-21

Connie’s Corner

p.22 p.23

Missing Word Contest

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Bulletin Board

USS LST 325

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

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: 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. Connie Francis: 563.589.0804 Sheila Tegeler: 563.875.2491 Lori Marshall: 608.723.5678 Kristie Heims: 563.744.3380

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.

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

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Local Events

Dwight Yoakam Saturday, May 27, 2023, 7:00 p.m. Five Flags Arena 405 Main Street, Dubuque, IA

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Sunday, June 11, 2023, 2:00 p.m. Grand Opera House 158 W. 8th Street, Dubuque, IA

Dwight Yoakam has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, and he is a 21-time nominated, multiple GRAMMY Award winner. He has 12 gold albums and nine platinum or multi-platinum albums, with five of those albums topping Billboard’s Country Albums chart and another 14 landing in the Top 10. Nearly 40 of Yoakam’s singles have charted on Billboard, with 14 peaking in the Top 10. Yoakam is a recipient of the Artist of the Year award from the Americana Music Association, the most prestigious award offered by the organization, and he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in the Songwriter/Artist category at the 49th Anniversary Gala on October 14, 2019, in Nashville, TN. Your Connections Club price is just $79 per person, due at registration. Seats are located in Section 5, Rows H,J,K.

One of the most enduring shows of all time, J oseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers, and the coat of many colors. Told entirely through song, the musical follows Joseph as he faces adversity and ultimately triumphs when he is reunited with his family. Filled with great music, laughter, joy, and heart this sparkling show is sure to leave audiences wanting more!

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

Godspell 10th Annual High School Musical Wednesday, June 21, 2023, 7:30 p.m. Bell Tower Theater 2728 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA

Based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, Godspell follows the last days of Jesus, and includes musical versions of several well-known parables. This immensely successful rock opera is a demonstration of joy and a celebration of the family of man. This new version is a masterful retelling of the original sensation, injected with contemporary references and dazzling new arrangements. The performance features high school students from throughout the area.

Your Connections Club price is just $10 per person, due at registration.

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Local Events

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

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

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.

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

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

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 mainta[in]s 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 $19 per person, due at reservation.

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

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Fun with Dyersville/Farley

One-Day Ventures

Travelers Trek Thursday, May 18, 2023

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

Join us as we make our way to Edgewood, IA.

Our first stop will be for yummy cinnamon rolls and a warm cup of coffee from a very popular local bakery called Pie-Eyed & Flakey.

Titanic , the 1997 Broadway Musical, captured five Tony Awards including Best Musi- cal. Soaring songs, grand staging, and a set awash in glorious costumes make this historic musical a must-see event; a great showmade 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.

Tour Kendrick Forest Products, Iowa’s largest sawmill and the first of their family businesses, established in 1983. We will also learn about Forever Cabinets by Kendrick, Kendrick Home and Shimlee, and The Markket. This is Kendrick’s 6,700-square-foot showroom where they showcase their line of Forever Cabinets, as well as home décor, lighting, rugs, furnishings, kitchenware, clothing, and so much more.

Edgewood Locker retail store is a fun stop to see their wide array of products, many of which are now available in our local convenience and grocery stores.

The featured menu entrées includes choice of:

CHICKEN WATERFORD SLICED PORK TENDERLOIN SHRIMP TEMPURA GLOBAL VEGETARIAN MEDLEY

Are you hungry yet? The Bread Basket in Manchester, IA, is our next stop. We will be served a lovely lunch with their legendary “White Chocolate Banana Cream Pie” as a dessert option. This alone is worth the trip.

After lunch enjoy a stop to see and perhaps purchase some of the beautiful Amish hanging flower baskets that are in the area.

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

Your Connections Club price is just $89 per person and includes motorcoach transportation from Dubuque, Farley, and Dyersville, driver’s gratuity, breakfast, lunch, and all attractions listed. Full payment is due at reservation. Note: The guided tour of Kendrick is a walking tour and includes some stairs and uneven ground. Part of the tour will be on a catwalk system which means the walkway is elevated above ground and you can see through the floor. Some handicapped arrangements can be made by calling ahead. The tour will include safety glasses and noise cancelling headphones so you can hear your guide’s voice during the tour. Please wear close-toed shoes.

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.

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In Our Own Backyard

One-Day Ventures

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

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

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.

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 of redemption and love as only the

• 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.

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 includes choice of:

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

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

Please select your entrée when making your 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 reservations.

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Extended Travel

Still Room!

Kentucky June 5-9, 2023 Day 1: We will explore Kentucky’s history, horses, and heritage! • Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery - Champaign, IL • Check into the Hampton Inn - Greensburg, IN (L) Day 2: Ark Encounter, a full-size replica of Noah’s Ark • Old Friends, a “living -history museum” of horse racing • Historic Boone Tavern Hotel - Berea, KY (B,D) Day 3: Off to Berea College.

Missouri Medley July 27-29, 2023

Per person price is $909 double occupancy, and $1085 for single. A deposit of $100 is required to hold your reservation, refundable until final payment due date of May 19, 2023. Optional Travel Protection is available upon request. Day 3: Enjoy breakfast at your leisure before we check out and make our way to Fulton’s Auto World Museum. Reminisce about the simplicity of family drives in [the] convertible, the decadence of Hollywood and its fancy cars and the sights and sounds of the drive-in as you watched from the comfort of your Studebaker or Corvair. We’ll return home this afternoon with fond memories of fabulous experiences, great food, and new friends made on our trip! (B) Day 1: Step aboard our motor coach as we make our way to Columbia, MO, where we will check into the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbia for two nights. This eve- ning, we’ll enjoy a wine tasting and dinner at The Bistro at Les Bourgeois Vineyards in Rocheport. Housed in a gorgeous tongue and groove structure overlooking the Missouri River. (D) Day 2: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we make our way to Warm Springs Ranch. This breeding farm for the famous Budweiser Clydesdales rests on more than 300 acres of lush, rolling hills. The facility is home to more than 70 Clydesdales. We will interact with the handlers and see the Clydesdales’ harness, luxury trailer, and 1903 beer wagon. Our next stop will be the historic town of Arrow Rock. You’ll feel as if you have traveled back in time in this once bustling river town, which was a key stop on the Santa Fe Trail. Our first stop is at J. Huston Tavern for a delicious lunch. Built in 1834 by Judge Joseph Huston for his family home, the two-and-a-half-story brick, federal-style building soon began offering thousands of settlers heading west a place to sleep and eat. It is now believed that this is the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River. Next, we will take our seats at the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, one of Missouri’s oldest professional, regional theaters featuring New York City actors. We will be seeing Rodgers & Hammerstein’s State Fair. (B,L)

• Tour the priviate, liberal arts, work college founded in 1855 • Off to Bardstown. The official start of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail • Lunch at Old Talbott Tavern • Tour and taste at the Maker’s Mark Distillery • Check into the New Holiday Inn Express Downtown Louisville for two nights (B,L) Day 4: Start our day at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. • Kentucky Derby Museum • Churchill Down’s Millionaires Row for lunch buffet and thoroughbred racing (B,L) Day 5: Our fun is not over yet. Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch, includes lunch and entertainment (L)

Per person price is $1,799 double occupancy, and $2,099 for single. Full payment due at reservation. Full itinerary is available upon request.

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Extended Travel

Nashville Tour including 57th Annual Country 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. A deposit of $100 is needed to hold your reservation. Deposits are refundable until final payment date of August 1, 2023. Optional Travel Protection is available upon request.

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Extended Travel

West Indies Island Hopping January 6-13, 2024

Day 6: Marigot Bay, Saint Martin Marigot is a lovely town and the administrative center of French Saint Martin. Some of the most spectacular sights include the castle of Fort Louis overlooking the town. The open-air market is open for those seeking to discover the island’s local vibe and flavors. Artisans here sell anything from fresh fruits and spices to artwork and even rum. While you are there, don’t forget to try Mauby, a local beverage flavored with bark which tastes like root beer. (B,L,D) Day 7: White Bay with barbeque, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands Jost Van Dyke is the smallest of the islands comprising the British Virgin Islands, approximately eight square kilometers. Known as “The Last Virgin Island,” White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke is made up of rather rocky scenery combined with colorful local culture. Today, you will enjoy a barbeque on shore together with your fellow travelers. (B,L,D) Day 8: San Juan, Puerto Rico Your time aboard your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht comes to an end in San Juan. After bidding farewell to the crew and guests, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. (B) Reduced airfare incentive available for a limited time offer. Per person price starting at just $5,528. This pricing includes Optional Travel Protection plan. A deposit of $999 is due at registration, $599 is non-refundable. Early bird pricing available until June 29, 2023. Call today!

Island-hop from one paradisical island to the next, starting in Puerto Rico’s Culebra. Experience the bustling social scene of Esperanza Bay on Vieques Island, explore the Virgin Islands, St. Barts and Marigot Bay in Saint Martin, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Jost Van Dyke, the beaches of which are renowned. Day 1: Depart the USA - San Juan, Puerto Rico Your luxurious yacht cruise begins in San Juan, where you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and embark on your discovery of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and St. Barts. (D) Day 2: Culebra, Culebra Island, Puerto Rico Culebra is widely known for its white-sand beaches and active reef and is one of the major islands in Puerto Rico’s archipelago. (B,L,D) Day 3: Esperanza Bay, Vieques Island, Puerto Rico The quaint coastal town of Esperanza has a lovely waterfront with gorgeous beaches and a bustling strip of restaurants, bars, and guesthouses. One can walk along the boulevard and visit the various establishments for a glimpse into the local culture and activities. (B,L,D) Day 4: Virgin Gorda, Gorda Sound, British Virgin Islands Virgin Gorda is the third largest and second-most populous of the British Virgin Islands. Gorda Sound has recently blossomed into a busy place surrounded with resorts and vacation villas. Virgin Gorda is a beautiful island; an ideal jumping o point for an in-depth discovery of the Virgin Islands. (B,L,D) Day 5: Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy Named for Sweden’s King Gustav III, Gustavia is the capital and main seaport of the island of Saint Barthélemy, also known as St. Barts. The island is said to have been discovered by Christopher Columbus back in 1493, who named it after his brother Bartolomeo. (B,L,D)

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Extended Travel

Day 4: Today, we will journey to Tortilla Flat, an authentic remnant of an old western town nestled in the Superstition Mountains. Next, we catch the Dolly Steamboat, where we cruise the inner waterway of the “Junior Grand Canyon.” Learn the history of the Apache Trail, Canyon Lake, and lore of the Superstition Mountains. Our special Cowboy Cookout will be at Saguaro Lake Ranch this evening, where we hope for a beautiful desert sunset. (B,D) Day 5: Today is yours to do as you choose. Whether it is a round of golf, exploring some of the nearby sights, browsing through the art galleries and boutiques of Old Scottsdale, or catching some sun rays poolside! This evening, we will enjoy top-notch variety entertainment and our farewell meal at Barleen’s Dinner Show. (B,D) Day 6: This morning, we will be heading home with a week full of fun-filled memories. Now to plan the next vacation! (B) Per person pricing is just $2,879 double occupancy, $3,769 single occupancy, and $2,599 triple occupancy. A deposit of $300 is due at reservation, fully refundable until final payment due date of November 8, 2024. Optional Travel Protection is available upon request.

Scottsdale Stay & Play with Sedona February 13-18, 2024

We have a fabulous adventure planned in beautiful Scottsdale, AZ, plus Sedona. Day 1: Today, we will fly to sunny Arizona and the beautiful Hyatt Place in Old Scotts- dale. Our hotel is in the heart of Old Scottsdale and is within easy walking distance of art galleries, shops, and local restaurants. Unpack and relax as this will be our home for the next five nights. Day 2: We will start our fun week at the MIM - the world’s only global musical instrument museum, with exhibits featuring musical heritage, cultures, and instruments frommore than 200 countries. Next, we are heading to Fogo De Chao for a welcome brunch at this popular Brazilian steakhouse. Then it is on to the Desert Botanical Gardens, where you can explore their many trails offering gorgeous exhibits of the diverse and unique Sonoran Desert, including saguaros, prickly pears, agaves, and desert wildflowers. (B,L) Day 3: Today, explore Red Rock country in beautiful Sedona—a photographer’s dream. First, enjoy a delicious lunch at Javelina Cantina. Next, experience Sedona’s breathtaking grandeur up close as we climb aboard our Pink Jeep Tour with knowledgeable guides. They will share facts and legends about the surrounding ponderosa forests, towering red rocks, flat-topped buttes, and steep-w[all]ed canyons. This day is filled with adventure and incredible views. (B,L)

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Connie’s Corner

Missing Word

Worth Thinking About: Raisin cookies that look like chocolate chip cookies are the main reason I have trust issues. - Woody Paige

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

Missing Word Contest:

Our Missing Word Contest winner for March/April was Ann Aya Brimeyer, who received a check for $25. The missing word was “Be” and the song title was “Let It Be”. 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!

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.

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, 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 voidwhere 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.

This is a free event. Call 563.589.0804 to register!

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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.