Nov_Dec 2020

Connections Club

Nov/Dec 2020 Edition

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Happy Holidays!

Connections Club 1

Calendar and Contents

Hello from Connie

Greetings,

Calendar 2021

The Fall colors sure were beautiful this year. I hope you were able to enjoy the crisp air and change in temperatures plus a caramel apple or two. Fall is a fabulous time to appre- ciate the changing of seasons. The beauty surrounds us and changes ever so quickly. The foliage makes way to shades of

Feb 14 The Dangers of VD (Valentines Day) (p.6) March 13 Lee Brice/Five Flags Arena (p.6) March 17 Home Free—Dive Bar Saints/ Five Flags Arena (p.7) March 17 What Happens in Vegas/The Fireside Theatre (p.8) April 5-11 Nashville (p.10-11) April 16-20 Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Outer Banks (p.12-13) May 22 Air Supply/Five Flags Arena (p.7) June 6-10 Niagara Falls & Toronto (p.14-15) July 21-23 Mystery Trip (p.9) Sept 7-16 Enchanting Ireland (p.16-17) Sept 23-Oct 3 Danube Delights Nov 19-23 Holiday Time in New York City (p.18-19) Feb 15-26 South America Adventure (p.20-21)

vibrant orange, yellow and red. Then poof it is gone. I can relate to that statement with the adventures I have been planning. The year 2020 in some ways feels like it will never end and in other ways feels like poof and it was gone. I do not know exactly what is on the horizon, but rest assured I won’t give up. I have listed our new dates for many of our postponed events and tours. Future travel and local events will be looked at on an ongoing basis. Containment of the virus is key and will impact our plans to move forward. We have changed our procedures just a little for the time being. We are not taking deposits or payments until we confirm the planned activity will take place whether it is a local performance or event or an extended travel opportunity. We are not alone in these hard decisions as the travel industry itself is evaluating and making changes constantly to keep our safety in the forefront. When we look back, we will do so with a renewed attitude of how strong we all can be when we are faced with adversity. It sure makes me appreciate calmer times without so much uncertainty. 2020 has been a year sure to be written about in the history books. You do not have to look far to find facts about the virus, the political scene, the unrest in some communities and the financial impact. We have all felt the effects in one way or another. Hang in there. I remember receiving a gift when my husband died. It was a sign that read “When it hurts to look back and you’re afraid to look ahead, look beside you and there will be your friends.” My wish is to be beside all of you soon, traveling safely, and enjoying your friendship.

Contents

Notes from Connie

p. 3 p. 4 p. 5

Bulletin Board

Christmas Brainteaser

Local Events

p. 6-7

One-Day Ventures

p. 8 p.9

Mystery Trip

Nashville

p. 10-11 p. 12-13 p. 14-15 p. 16-17 p. 18-19 p. 20-21

Virginia Beach

Niagara Falls/Toronto

Ireland

Make today great!

New York City

South American Adv. Brainteaser Answer Key Missing Word Contest

p. 22 p. 23

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Bulletin Board

Christmas Brainteaser

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, personal trust services, or brokerage services. 3. Qualify with an initial bal- ance 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: 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. 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 Angie Adams: 608.744.2125

Name That Christmas Carol!

1. Quadruped with crimson proboscis 2. Eight p.m. to six a.m. without noise 3. Minuscule hamlet in the near east 4. Ancient benevolent despot 5. Exuberance directed to the planet 6. Listen, aerial spirits announcing 7. Trio of monarchs 8. Yonder in the hay rack 9. Cheribum audited from aloft 10. Assemble, everyone who believes 11. Hollowed post meridian

12. Fantasia of a colorless December 25 13. A dozen twenty-four hour yule periods 14. Befell during the transparent bewitching hour 15. Homo Sapien of crystallized vapor 16. Desire a pair of incisors on December 25 17. I spied my maternal parent osculating 18. Perambulating through a December solstice fantasy

19. Adorn the vestibule 20. Tin tintinnabulums

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

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Local Events

Home Free — Dive Bar Saints World Tour Wednesday, March 17, 2021, 8:00 p.m. Five Flags Arena 405 Main St, Dubuque, IA

The Dangers of VD (Valentines Day) Sunday, February 14, 2021, 2:00 p.m. Bell Tower Theater, 2728 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA

Love, particularly at Valentine’s Day, can be a dangerous sport. This uproarious multi-generational comedy will have you rolling in the aisles. From Gran and Gramps to married couple Henry and Paulette to young Jacqui, you will laugh at the hazards of romance for young and old alike. Your Connections Club price is just $18 for prime seating.

Home Free features rich southern harmonies from four vocalists Tim Foust, Rob Lundquist, Austin Brown, Adam Chance, and one beatboxer Adam Rupp. The group achieved worldwide acclaim in 2013, when they won the fourth season of the NBC singing competition The Sing Off. The group’s extraordinary showmen electrify crowds with a one-of-a-kind live show, mixing Nashville standards, soaring originals, and quick-witted humor which brings audiences to their feet with energy and laughter. Your Connections Club price is just $29.50 for section 5, rows N, P, and Q.

Lee Brice Saturday, March 13, 2021, 7:00 p.m. Five Flags Arena, 405 Main St, Dubuque, IA

Air Supply Saturday, May 22, 2021, 7:30 p.m. Five Flags Arena, 405 Main St, Dubuque, IA

Brice’s Five Flags show will mark his return to Dubuque. He previously played at Five Flags in February of 2018, drawing more than 1,500 fans to the venue. Brice is one of the most successful country artists of the past decade. Since releasing his debut album in 2010, he has been a nearly constant presence on country radio and online streaming ser- vices. Lee Brice is a Grammy nominee, a CMA award nominee, and a double ACM award winner. He’s taken six radio singles to Number One: “A Woman Like You,” “Hard to Love,” “I Drive Your Truck,” “I [Don’t] Dance,” “Drinking Class,” and “Rumor.” Your Connections Club price is just $55 for Section 5, rows C and D.

For the first time in nearly 38 years, legendary pop group Air Supply will return to the Five Flags Center! Air Supply was one of the most successful groups of the early 1980s on the singles charts. They hit number one in 1981 with ‘’The One That You Love” and reached the Billboard Top 10 more than a half-dozen other times, with signature songs like “All Out of Love,” “Lost in Love,” “Even the Nights are Better,” and “Making Love Out of Nothing At All.” They last graced the Five Flags Center stage in July of 1982, while supporting “The One That You Love.” Local favorite Elizabeth Mary will open what is sure to be a great night of music! Your Connections Club price is just $68 for Section 5, seats in rows D through M.

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One-Day Ventures

Mystery Trip

Calling all Mystery Lovers July 21-23, 2021 Our destination is a secret!

What Happens in Vegas Wednesday, March 17, 2021 Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson, WI

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 The 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 fromDubuque, plated lunch, show, and driver’s gratuity. Call tomake your reservation. Full payment will be due when the theater confirms the performance will take place.

Calling all mystery lovers! [Let]’s try this one again! I’m so sorry we had to post- pone in 2020, but like all our Mystery Trips, you can expect interesting attractions, comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and a great time. On Tuesday, July 21, we will begin our three-day, two-night adventure together. I better not say any more because I might ruin the surprise! I’m waiting on verification of the itinerary and will have pricing soon.

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Extended Travel

Nashville Getaway April 5-11, 2021

Day 1: Depart Dubuque today on your private charter motor coach. Travel south through Iowa and Illinois to the Bluegrass state of Kentucky. Your destination is Paducah, KY, [on] the banks of the Ohio River. Check into your hotel for the evening. Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight near the river. While here, take in the murals on the flood walls recounting local history. (D) Day 2: Visit the National Quilting Museum this morning to view some of the remark- able quilts on display. The museum offers support for beginner and master quilters as well as revolving displays. Continue to Nashville, TN. Check into the Opryland Hotel for the next four nights. Tonight, dinner is served at the Opry Grille before going to the world -famous Grand Ole Opry show. The Opry showcases the stars of country music and is the longest running radio show in America. Return to the hotel for the night. (D) Day 3: Meet your local singer/songwriter city guide for tour of Music City. Sights along the way include the Parthenon, Centennial Park, The State Capitol, Music Row, the Ryman Auditorium, Broadway, Printer’ Alley and more. You will also visit the Ryman Auditorium for a self-guided tour of the Mother Church of country music. Lunch is included at the one and only Wildhorse Saloon. Enjoy good southern food as well as line dancing lessons. Then take a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry House to see where the magic is made. Enjoy an evening at leisure to explore this one of a kind hotel and its beautiful indoor gardens. Dinner is on your own. (B,L) Day 4: Take a short ride to Studio B today. This RCA recording studio has had more recorded #1 hits than any other studio in the world. You will hear stories of some of the famous artists that have recorded here plus you will see Elvis Presley’s favorite musical instrument, a baby grand piano. Later today explore the Country Music Hall of Fame filled with artifacts and personal belongings of many artists. This evening board the showboat General Jackson for a delightful cruise on the Cumberland River complete with musical show and dinner. (B,D) Day 5: This morning visit the Hermitage, the home of the seventh president of the US, Andrew Jackson. Jackson settled here with his beloved wife, Rachel and both are bur- ied here. The home tour features views of period pieces and family artifacts. The grounds are also home to some of the best restored slave quarters in the south. Later head into

[down]town Nashville. Take a stroll along Broadway to see Hatch Printing where show bills have been produced to promote shows for over a hundred years. You can also see the famed honky-tonks like Tootsie’s Purple Orchid where stars like Kris Kristofferson and Willy Nelson started their music careers. Your dinner tonight features a performance by a local singer/songwriter who will tell you what it is like to try to get songs recorded in Music City. (B,D) Day 6: Say goodbye to Nashville as you head north. Travel to St. Louis with more fun in store for you. Check into your hotel for the night before enjoying a farewell dinner at Favazza’s on the Hill. (B,D) Day 7: Travel back to Dubuque today. Arrive home late this afternoon where your Nashville Getaway tour will conclude. (B) Per person price is $2,230, double occupancy, and 2,840, for single. A completed registration form is needed to hold your reservation. Final payment is due on February 5, 2021, or when confirmation of the trip is available, whatever comes later.

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Extended Travel

Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Outer Banks April 16-20, 2021 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 Norfolk, VA, and travel down to Virginia Beach. After a short one-hour drive, we arrive at our hotel where we will stay for the next four nights. Relax and unpack knowing you don’t have to pack up again until we head home on Tuesday. We will gather for an included dinner this evening. (D) Day 2: We have a 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 battleships 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 perfor- mance we will make the short drive back to our hotel for the night. (B,L,D) Day 3: Today we start with a tour of Virginia Beach. This vibrant coastal city is home to a flourishing local culinary scene, rich history, a variety of arts, entertainment, and attrac- tions. We will visit the Surf and Rescue Museum, which preserves history of the 1903 Life Saving Station, The Military Aviation Museum, home to one of the largest private collec- tions 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 [me]morial 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 Lighthouse, 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 Orville and Wilbur Wright broke our bond with the earth in 1903. Dinner is included this evening. (B,D) Day 5: Today we will enjoy our final breakfast at the hotel and then depart to the airport to travel home. What a week at the beach! Who would have thought there was so much so close to the Atlantic Ocean in one of America’s great playgrounds! (B) Per person price is $2,991, double occupancy, and $3,587, for single. A completed registration form is needed to hold your reservation. Final payment is due on January 14, 2021, or when confirmation of the trip is available, whatever comes later.

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Extended Travel

Niagara Falls and Toronto June 6-10, 2021

Join me on a June adventure to beautiful Niagara Falls and Toronto. Day 1: Today we fly from the Dubuque Regional Airport to Buffalo, NY where our pro- fessional tour guide & motor coach will greet us and we will transfer to our hotel in Niag- ara Falls, Ontario, where will stay for the next four nights. Day 2: We will tour the Niagara Falls area today including Horseshoe Falls, the Great Whirlpools, Niagara Parks Floral Clock, Upper Canadian Rapids, and Queen Victoria Park. And for a special highlight…we will see the wonders of the Falls up close like never be- fore as we experience one on the most thrilling IMAX adventures ever – “Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic.” This afternoon we will enjoy a thrilling boat trip to experience the force of this phenomenon on the Hornblower Cruise, as it pours millions of gallons of water on the rocks 289 feet below. The cruise gives a truly close-up view of the falls, flying spray, bubbling surf and its thunderous roar from the safety of a boat. The sheer magnitude of the falls inspires the same awe as it has for three centuries (or if unfavorable weather conditions exist, we will make a visit to the tunnels behind the cascading water, which lets us observe the full force of Niagara’s spectacle). We will visit the Skylon Tower, Niag- ara’s most famous landmark. On a clear day, visitors can see close to 8,000 square miles of Canada and the United States, including the skylines of Toronto and Buffalo. We will enjoy dinner at Skylon Tower before retiring for the night. (B.D) Day 3: This morning after breakfast we will depart Niagara Falls to acquaint ourselves with the treasures of Toronto! Just ninety minutes away, we will arrive for a city tour, including all the highlights: CN Tower, Parliament Buildings, High Park (the city’s largest), the clamshell blocks of New City Hall, the enormous downtown banking district, the ultra- modern Sky Dome Stadium and the St. Lawrence Market. We will step back in time as we enter a world of imperial grace and splendor at Toronto’s majestic landmark castle, Casa Loma. Spanish for “Castle on the Hill” Casa Loma is the former home of Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellatt. Canada’s foremost castle is complete with decorated suites, secret passages, an 800-foot tunnel, towers, stables, and beautiful 5-acre estate gardens. After lunch on our own we will enjoy some more touring as well as some free time before head- ing back to Niagara Falls. This evening we will enjoy a delicious dinner on our own. (B) Day 4: After taking in the panorama that the Falls have to offer, we will travel 15-miles away to Niagara-on-the Lake, the prettiest town in Canada and best known for the

40-year-old Shaw Festival it is a charming village offering a respite frommodern day. Here we can amble through the Old Town, explore the streets and lanes and browse the shops on Queen Street. We will have lunch on our own in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This afternoon we will stop at Inniskillin Winery for a tour and tasting! Established in 1975 by Karl J. Kaiser and Donald Ziraldo, Inniskillin was founded upon and dedicated to the principle of pro- ducing and bottling outstanding VQA wines. We will return to Niagara Falls and have a fabulous dinner overlooking the Falls after which the remainder of the evening is free to explore on our own. Discover the unique atmosphere created by the illumination of the falls or check out the Clifton Hill entertainment area. (B,D) Day 5: This morning, we will have breakfast and depart for our return journey home, via Buffalo airport, leaving with the most pleasant memories of our Canadian neighbors – truly a memory of a lifetime! (B) Per person price is $2,438, double occupancy, and $3,024, for single occupancy. A completed registration form is needed to hold your reservation. Final payment is due on March 4, 2021, or when confirmation of the trip is available, whatever comes later.

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Extended Travel

Enchanting Ireland September 7-16, 2021

Join friends old and new on a delightful trip through one of the most beautiful

and friendly countries in the world – Ireland!

Day 1: Travel to Chicago O’Hare to board our overnight flight to Dublin, Ireland. Day 2: Arrive in Dublin to meet our Irish driver/guide and tour Dublin, Ireland’s capital city. Next, tour the Guinness Brewery and sample Ireland’s famous stout. Mid-after- noon check into the Davenport Hotel for two nights. Our hotel is perfectly located in the heart of the city. Take time to rest or explore the area’s shops, museums, and pubs. (B, D) Day 3: Travel to Glendalough in County Wicklow, where we will visit a monastic site that was founded by St. Kevin in the sixth century. Our next stop is Powerscourt to see the formal gardens - recently voted No. 3 in the World’s Top Ten Gardens by National Geographic! Upon return to Dublin you will have the remainder of the afternoon free to relax or explore on your own. Dinner is included at our hotel. Then walk into nearly any pub in the city to enjoy live, local music. (B, D) Day 4: We travel to Kilkenny today. In this charming town, enjoy lunch, shop at the Kilkenny Design Centre and walk the beautiful grounds of Kilkenny Castle. Then to Waterford to meet an entertaining Irish guide. Afterwards, we will travel to the countryside and check into the luxurious, four-star Faithlegg Hotel for one night. Dinner is included. (B, D) Day 5: Our day starts with a visit to The House of Waterford Crystal with time to shop in the Crystal Showroom. Travel the scenic southern coastline through Dungarvan, Youghal, and Cork on our way to Blarney, stopping for a pub lunch along the way. In Blarney we will visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone, said to bestow the gift of eloquence on all those who dare. On arrival in Killarney, we’ll check into Killarney Plaza Hotel, for three nights. Enjoy Ireland’s most charming small town! Our posh hotel is in the heart of Killarney with hundreds of shops and pubs all easily accessible from our hotel. Enjoy dinner in the hotel this evening. (B, L, D) Day 6: We embark on one of Ireland’s most famous tours – the Ring of Kerry. We will stop at Kerry Bog Village and then through the rugged landscape of the Iveragh Peninsula. Enjoy a sheepdog demonstration and witness how amazingly intelligent they are. We’ll pass through Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahirciveen, Waterville and Sneem before returning to Killarney. Next to Kate Kearney’s Cottage for a traditional Irish dinner in a cozy atmosphere with music and Irish dancers. (B, D)

Day 7: On to Dingle Peninsula, once cited the most beautiful place on earth by National Geographic. We’ll visit the most westerly point of Ireland where you will see beautiful patchwork fields of a hundred shades of green. From the high cliffs you will marvel at the crashing sea against the pitch-black boulders. We will stop at the Brian de Staic Studio in Dingle which specializes in Celtic jewelry. Then continue around Slea Head and visit the Gallarus Oratory, and to Blasket Islands, the location for such films as Ryan’s Daughter , and Far and Away starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. On to Dingle Cookery School where we will don aprons and learn how to make a tasty chowder using fresh local seafood. We will also bake brown soda bread and create something sweet to follow, then enjoy the fruit of our labor for lunch! Back in Killarney for free time, our guide will have good suggestions from fine dining to great “pub grub.” (B, L) Day 8: Our day begins with the fabulous Muckross House. Afterward, we depart Killarney and make our way to Clare where we check into the five-star Dromoland Castle Hotel, originally the home of Gaelic Royalty. Enjoy an elegant gourmet dinner here this evening. (B, D) Day 9: We’ll travel to Lahinch - famous for its challenging golf course, and then we’ll continue along the coastline to the majestic Cliffs of Moher, rising 600 feet over the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. Upon arrival in Blanchardstown, just outside Dublin, we’ll check into the Crowne Plaza Hotel with time to refresh before meeting for our farewell dinner. (B, D) Day 10: The time has come to bid a fond farewell to the Emerald Isle. (B) Per person price is $4,349, double occupancy, and $5,219 for single occupancy. Pricing does not include optional travel protection. A completed registration form is needed to hold your reservation. Final payment is due on May 28, 2021, or when confir- mation of the trip is available, whatever comes later.

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Extended Travel

Holiday Time in New York City November 19-23, 2021

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 Crowne Plaza, 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 scintillating 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 Bond45, 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 live music with friends. (B) 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! Per person price is $3,149, double occupancy, and $3,579, for single. A com- pleted registration form is needed to hold your reservation. Final payment is due on August 12, 2021, or when confirmation of the trip is available, whatever comes later.

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Extended Travel

South American Adventure February 15-26, 2022

From breathtaking scenery and Iguazú Falls to historic architecture and famous monuments, discover everything South America has to offer on your journey through Brazil, Argentina and Chile. Day 1: Depart the USA. Depart from Chicago O’Hare on an overnight flight to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Day 2: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Upon arrival in Rio, we will be transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure until the included welcome dinner. (D) Day 3: Corcovado, Brazil. Exploration of Brazil begins with an excursion via cog-wheel train through the Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain. Exiting the train, continue the ascent via elevator and escalator to the peak of the mountain where you literally stand next to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World: the Statue of Christ the Redeemer. After descending the mountain, pass by some of the most beautiful beaches in Rio before returning to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. (B) Day 4: Rio de Janeiro – City Tour and Sugar Loaf. Nestled between mountains and sea, bordered by ocean and verdant hills. Ascending the mountain 1,200 feet by cable car, the view from the top is spectacular and truly a life-enriching experience! Upon returning to the hotel, the remainder of the day is free of planned activities. (B) Day 5: Puerto Iguazú, Brazil National Park and Iguazú Falls. After a flight to Puerto Iguazú, the motor coach takes you through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Iguazú National Park, home of over 275 waterfalls, including the world-famous Iguazú Falls. Walking along the catwalks, it’s an all-sensory experience as you feel the mist, hear the roar of the falls and admire the contrasts between the green forest, blue sky and foamy white water. (B) Day 6: Argentina National Park and Iguazú Falls. Your day in Argentina is filled with an excursion to the Argentinean National Park where you board a gas-propelled train for a ride to the upper falls to see this incredible site from the Argentinean side. Walk along the Iguazú River canyon see up-close giant trees, ferns, orchids, butterflies and over 400 species of colorful birds. In addition, you may spot jaguar, tiger-cat, fox and monkeys in this National Park designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remainder of the day is at leisure until the included dinner this evening. (B, D) Day 7: Puerto Iguazú to Buenos Aires. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina. This cosmopolitan city has great European cultural

influences and displays refined taste in its cuisine, shopping and entertainment options. The motor coach will transfer you to the hotel upon arrival, where you’ll have time to relax before the included dinner. (B, D) Day 8: Buenos Aires City Tour. Get acquainted with the birthplace of the Tango on today’s tour. Drive along 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest in the world. Pass the Colon Theater, one of the world’s best known opera houses and cultural pride of the locals. See the Government House, Plaza de Mayo and Cabildo (first City Hall). Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, housing the mausoleum of General San Martin (their National Hero), and the site where Pope Francis celebrated mass as Cardinal of Buenos Aires. The last stop on the tour is Recoleta – one of the city’s most glamorous spots. (B) Day 9: Buenos Aires. Enjoy a day at leisure or join the optional excursion. This evening, immerse in local culture as you are treated to an included dinner and Tan[go] show. (B, D) Day 10: Buenos Aires to Santiago, Chile. Leaving Argentina, fly to Santiago for the remaining two nights. A city of contrasts, experience the eclectic mix of a colonial past and ultra-modern high-rise buildings on a tour of this capital city. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B) Day 11: Santiago. Enjoy a day at leisure or join an optional excursion. This evening, join your traveling companions for a farewell dinner. (B, D) Day 12: Santiago/USA. After experiencing the wonders of Brazil, Argentina and Chile, it’s time to say ‘adios’ to South America as you depart for the airport and flight home. (B) Per person price is $6,299, double occupancy. Pricing includes optional travel protection. A completed registration form is needed to hold your reservation.

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Christmas Brainteaser

Missing Word

Missing Word Contest: Our Missing Word Contest winner for September/October was Renee Riesberg , who received a check for $25. The missing word was “My,” and the song title was “The Beat Of My Heart.” 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. All entries received throughout the year are entered into a year-end drawing for a grand prize of $100! Good luck! Worth Thinking About: “We are still masters of our fate. We are still captains of our souls.” ~Winston Churchill

Answer Key

1. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer 2. Silent Night 3. Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem 4. Good King Wenceslas 5. Joy To The World 6. Hark The Herald Angels Sing 7. We Three Kings 8. Away In A Manger 9. Angels We Have Heard On High 10. Oh Come All Ye Faithful 11. Oh Holy Night 12. I’m Dreaming Of A White Christmas

Entry Form

Name

Phone

Address

The missing word is: Mail to: Connie Francis, Connections Club, PO Box 938, Dubuque, Iowa 52004-0938 Entries must be received before November 30, 2020.

13. The Twelve Days Of Christmas 14. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear 15. Frosty The Snowman 16. All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth

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@midwestone.com to sign up.

17. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus 18. Walking In A Winter Wonderland 19. Deck The Halls 20. Silver Bells

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Presorted Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit No 477

Dubuque, Iowa

Dubuque, Iowa 52004-0938 563.589.0804 800.373.1841 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.