Sept_Oct 2020

Connections Club

Sept/Oct 2020 Edition

Magestic

Fun

Adventure

Niagara Falls & Toronto June 6-10, 2021

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Calendar and Contents

Hello from Connie

Hello Everyone, I hope you are well and getting ready to embrace the last months of the year 2020. We have a few day trips and local out- ings that we hope take place since so many other adventures have been postponed or cancelled. I have even included a holi- day performance to consider. I know, I can’t believe it either! However, lets not pass over September too quickly

Calendar 2020

Sept 2 A Dubuque Adventure/Four Mounds (p.6) Sept 23 Niagara Falls Travel Preview (p.19) Sept 25 Beatles vs. Stones/Five Flags Theater (p.6) Sept 30 Joseph And The Amazing Techni- color Dreamcoat /Fireside Theatre (p.12) Oct 6 Ireland Travel Preview (new date) (p.21) Oct 8 Travelers Trek/Kalona, IA (p.5) Oct 9 Air Supply/Five Flags Arena (p.7) Oct 11 The Church of DiminishingMarginal Returns /Bell Tower (p.7) Oct 13 Celebration Belle Day Long (p.8) Oct 21 Let the Sun Shine In/Creative Ad- venture Lab (p.8) Oct 22 JimMcDonough/Cedar Rapids, IA (p.11) Nov 1 Holiday Inn /Fireside Theater (p.12) N ov 12 Lee Brice/Five Flags Arena (p.9) Dec 3 Mistletones/Dubuque Golf & Country Club (p.10) Calendar 2021 April 5-11 Nashville (p.14-15) April 16-20 Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Outer Banks (p.16-17) June 6-10 Niagara Falls & Toronto (p.18-19) July 21-23 Mystery Trip (p.13) Sept 7-16 Enchanting Ireland (p.20-21) Sept 23-Oct 3 Danube Delights River Cruise (p.22)

because this is a very exciting month for me. My daughter is getting married. The first one of my children to “tie the knot.” Have you ever wondered why we use the phrase “tie the knot” or where it originated from? Me too, so I took a look. One explanation is that knots were used in many cultures to symbolize unbreakable pledges and have been associated with marriages since the 13th Century. Hmmm, I like that! The second explanation I found was that in the Renaissance era when a couple felt that they were ready to get married, they prepared a marriage contract. Then they tied their hands together for one year and one day and only after accomplishing this could they be married, if they still wanted to. I giggle out loud when I think about how that would work for today’s couples. That is taking togetherness to a whole new level. It is very interesting to witness what is happening with the various viewpoints of whether the wedding should be postponed or celebrated as planned. The wedding party, family, friends and many others have weighed in on their feelings, all while our bride and groom-to-be tried desperately to make the most respectful decision. A crystal ball and a fairy godmother were their only hope. When I first started this job people kept telling me, just remember you cannot please everyone. This may be one of those situations. We are experiencing much of the same in the travel industry. We work through every adventure and run down the checklist of important things to keep everyone safe. We view the situation from several angles. We social distance and wear masks. We also look for alternatives for the individuals who can’t wear a mask for one reason or another. Please know that your safety is very important to us. Thank you for your patience and kindness as we have postponed many planned activities but all with your best interest at [heart]. What is next? We have a lot to look forward to. You may have a deja vu moment when you look though this Journal because we have a couple of our postponed trips available again for 2021. We have new opportunities too, so please take a look and call me soon.

Look for the next Merchant Discount Directory in the Nov/Dec issue

Contents

Notes from Connie Bulletin Board Dyersville/Farley

p. 3 p. 4 p. 5

Local Events

p. 6-10 p. 11-12

One-Day Ventures

Mystery Trip

p.13

Nashville

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

Virginia Beach Niagara Falls

Ireland

Danube River Cruise Missing Word Contest

p. 22 p. 23

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Bulletin Board

Dyersville/Farley Events

Date change!

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: Connie Francis: 563.589.0804 Lori Marshall: 608.723.5678 Angie Adams: 608.744.2125 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. Sheila Tegeler: 563.875.2491 Pam Kreul: 608.822.7300 Kristie Heims: 563.744.3380 Jean Wanezek: 608.348.4300

Travelers Trek Thursday, October 8, 2020 Kalona, IA

Located just South of Iowa City is the community of Kalona, Iowa. Kalona, the local Amish community, is home to a large variety of Amish businesses that feature general merchandise, custom furniture, bulk foods, fresh produce, bakery goods, quilts, whole- sale plants and more. Join us for this fun filled day as we learn all about this Mennonite community. We will start our day at the Village Welcome Center where we will be welcomed with Coffee and Strudel. We will also listen to a local Mennonite who will share the history and how the Mennonites settled in Kalona. We will then travel the scenic back roads in our motor coach with our step-on guide. We will visit three to four destinations in the Kalona countryside. We will discover the world of the Kalona businesses and the Amish who continue to live the simple, wholesome lives of our pioneers. We will see their homes, schools and farms as we also learn about their fascinating traditions and customs. Our Trek will also include a culinary adventure in a country setting, where we will enjoy a lovely homemade family-style meal served in a Conservative Mennonite home. From home-baked fresh bread to fresh fruit pies, we ensure you will not leave hungry! A program about the Amish and Mennonite way of life will accompany our meal. Your Connections Club price is just $79 per person and includes transportation from Dubuque, Farley, and Dyersville, driver’s gratuity, tours and meal. Full pay- ment, refundable until September 1, is due with registration.

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

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Local Events

A Dubuque Adventure Four Mounds Wednesday, September 2, 2020, 11:30 a.m. 4900 Peru Rd Dubuque, IA

Air Supply Friday, October 9, 2020, 7:30 p.m. Five Flags Arena, 405 Main St, Dubuque, IA

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.” In addition, the group reached the Top 40 of the Adult Contemporary chart fifteen times, most recently in 2010 with both “Dance with Me” and “Faith in Love.” They last graced the Five Flags Center stage in July of 1982, while supporting “The One That You Love.” That show followed another Five Flags performance by the group just ten months earlier. The two shows drew a combined crowd of more than 6,600 people! 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.

Join us at Four Mounds for a few hours of fun. Just driving up the narrow one lane wooded road gives me a sense of peace. We will start our day in the Grey House with great food and a little history about this fascinating estate. The Grey House, a mansion built in the early 1900s is the focus of the site. The home was owned by George Burden and his wife Elizabeth. The site is now owned by the City of Dubuque and Four Mounds Foundation is entirely responsible for its management and fundraising. After lunch you can tour as much or as little of the 60 acres of bluff-land along the Mississippi river. We have some interesting demonstrations planned for you. You will not want to miss this one. The best part of the day will be getting out with people to relax and enjoy your time. Your Connections Club Price is just $27 per person and includes lunch, tour, and demonstrations.

Beatles vs. Stones— A Musical Showdown Friday, September 25, 2020, 7:30 p.m. Five Flags Theater, 405 Main St, Dubuque, IA

The Church of Diminishing Marginal Returns Sunday, October 11, 2020, 2:00 p.m. Bell Tower Theater, 2728 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA

The two greatest rock ‘n’ roll bands of all time face off in [Beat]les vs. Stones—A Musical Showdown. Taking the side of the Fab Four is Abbey Road, one of the country’s top Beatles tribute bands. With brilliant musicianship and authentic costumes and gear, Abbey Road plays beloved songs spanning the Beatles’ career. They engage in a musical “showdown” of the hits against premier Stones tribute band Satisfaction—The Interna- tional Rolling Stones Show, who offer a faithful rendition of the music and style of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the bad boys of the British Invasion. Your Connections Club price is just $58 for rows M and N, seats on left and right side of theater.

When “not-entirely-honest” entrepreneur Josh finds himself in financial trouble, he cons his evangelical brother Jon into starting their own church. Josh and Jon raised so much money they’re able to pay off most of their debts. Then the IRS shows up! The laughs are non-stop as the boys try to solve one comic complication after another. Connections Club price is just $18 for prime seating.

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Local Events

Celebration Belle Day Long Cruise Tuesday, October 13, 2020 Port of Dubuque, Boarding 7:30 a.m.

Lee Brice Thursday, November 12, 2020, 7:00 p.m. Five Flags Arena, 405 Main St, Dubuque, IA

The Celebration Belle’s autumn round-trip cruise features new entertainment onboard; Aaron and Jade, original artists with Bloom! We depart from Dubuque’s Ice Harbor, cruise upriver to Guttenberg, and cruise back to Dubuque on one of the most beautiful sections of the Mississippi River. Enjoy live entertainment, the captain’s nar- rative, plus their always delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner. Connections Club price is $159 per person, due at registration. A full refund is available for cancellation by September 10.

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.

Let The Sun Shine In Wednesday, October 21, 2020, 5:00 p.m. Creative Adventure Lab, 210 Jones St #100, Dubuque, IA

Have you always wanted to try your hand at being more creative? Here is your chance. Learn the basics of stained glass in this fun group setting. [The] instructors at Creative Adventure Labs will show you how to cut, grind, and foil glass. There will be pre- cut pieces to choose from to create your own suncatchers and your instructors will help you solder pieces together. By the end of the class, you will have two to three beautiful suncatchers to take home! We will also enjoy some light refreshments and always great conversations. Plan to get a few friends together and catch up while showing off your creative side. Your Con- nections Club price is just $30.

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Local Events

One-Day Ventures

Jim McDonough’s Home Concert Thursday, October 22, 2020 Cedar Rapids, IA

Mistletones Thursday, December 3, 2020, 12:00 p.m.

Dubuque Golf & Country Club 1800 Randall Place, Dubuque, IA

The Mistletones are excited to launch their 12th staged production of SNOWBIZ, a grinch defying cool yule. This old fashion, full length, Christmas variety show features your favorite holiday tunes, incredible vocals, and a live jazz orchestra. Every year they add a little something new. It is sure to please audiences young and young at heart. With five incredible singers and an outstanding live jazz band, it’s perfect for anyone who revels in the magic of the season. The Mistletones have been featured with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra and at countless private parties. During the offseason, they can be found ditching their Santa hats with gigs at the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens’ Music in the Gardens series and as featured performers with the Northeast Iowa School of Music’s Lollipops & Music for Our Preschoolers (L&MOP) at the Dubuque Carnegie Stout library. Now, that’s a whole lotta fa la las. Your $50 price includes special Connections Club VIP seating, the show, a full holiday lunch with dessert, and a complimentary drink (wine, soda, or tap beer). Check-in and cocktails are at noon, lunch is at 12:30 p.m., and the show is at 1:30 p.m .

Please join Connections Club for an unforgettable concert experience at the Cedar Rapids home of International Steinway Artist, JimMcDonough. We will be treated to a full- length concert (approximately 2 hours), featuring McDonough’s distinctive brand of piano music, as well as stories and memories, intertwined with everyone’s favorite songs. The event will include an intermission boasting beautiful, complimentary desserts and cham- pagne (non-alcoholic options will also be available). See for yourself why other groups and individuals alike are raving about this rare, one-of-a-kind experience. We need at least 40 people in attendance in order for the concert to be performed. Your Connections Club price is just $102 per person and includes transpor- tation fromDubuque, Farley or Dyersville, driver’s gratuity and concert ticket. Full payment, refundable until September 25, is due with your registration.

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Extended Travel

One-Day Ventures

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

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Wednesday, September 30, 2020 Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson, WI

From the creators of Evita and Jesus Christ SuperStar comes one of the most popular musicals of the last 50 years. This telling of the biblical story of Joseph and his brothers is filled with great music, costumes, laughter, joy, and heart. Utilizing many different styles of music from pop/rock to country to musical comedy this sparkling show follows young Joseph as he faces adversity and triumphs through his dreams and his strong, unwavering faith. This show has entertained tens of millions of people around the world and is still one of Broadway’s shining stars. 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 August 27, is due with your registration.

Calling all mystery lovers! Lets 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.

Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn Sunday, November 1, 2020 Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson, WI

Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn tells the story of Jim, who leaves the bright lights of show business behind to settle down on his farmhouse in Connecticut. Jim’s luck takes a turn when he meets Linda, a spirited schoolteacher with talent to spare. Together they turn the farmhouse into a fabulous inn with dazzling performances to celebrate each hol- iday, but when Jim’s best friend Ted tries to lure Linda away to be his new dance partner in Hollywood, will Jim be able to salvage his last chance at love? Based on the classic film, this joyous musical is a year-round classic to make any holiday sparkle! Cost is $115 per person and includes transportation fromDubuque, brunch buffet, show, and driver’s gratuity. Full payment, refundable until October 1, is due at regis- tration.

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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, Tennessee. 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 buried 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 downtown 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 deposit of $200 is required to hold your reservation. The final balance is due on Feb 5, 2021. Travel and trip interruption protection is NOT included.

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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 Richmond, 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 memorial to Queen Elizabeth, Sir Walter Raleigh and the members of the Lost Colony. Then it is on to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site located on Roanoke Island. We will walk around downtown Historic Manteo and explore Roanoke Marshes Light and the George Washington Creef (working) Boat shop. We visit Bodie Island 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 depart to visit the first English permanent settlement in America – Historic Jamestown. Here we will experience the Jamestown story of survival and encounters with the native peoples. Then back to Richmond for our flight 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 deposit of $350 is required to hold your reservation. The final balance is due on January 14, 2021.

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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 or 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, in- cluding 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. Kai- ser and Donald Ziraldo, Inniskillin was founded upon and dedicated to the principle of producing 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 deposit of $100 is required to hold your reservation. The final balance is due on March 4, 2021 .

Travel Preview: Wednesday, September 23, 2020, 5:30 p.m., MidWestOne Bank at 9th & Main St., 12th floor. Call 589.0804 to register to attend.

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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. Pricing does not include optional travel protection. A deposit of $100 is due at registration, final payment is due May 28.

Travel Preview: Tuesday, October 6, 2020, 5:30 p.m., MidWestOne Bank at 9th & Main St., 12th floor. Call 589.0804 to register to attend.

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Missing Word

Extended Travel

Worth Thinking About: “A littlemore persistence, a littlemore effort, and what seemed hopeless failuremay turn to glorious success.” ~Elbert Hubbard

Danube Delights River Cruise September 23-October 3, 2021

Missing Word Contest: Our Missing Word Contest winner for July/August is Gloria Harrison, who received a check for $25. All entries were eligible to win because I had an extra bracketed word. Gloria did have the word “Sunshine” which was what I was looking for however we also had music, lyrics and a few other popular guesses. Thank you for your understanding. 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!

Our Danube Delights River Cruise has been rescheduled! Please join me and 36 awesome travelers on a trip of a lifetime. We have a variety of cabin space available on all decks and FREE airfare for a limited time only. This eleven-day adventure takes us on the Danube river aboard a luxurious Emerald Waterways Star-ship. We begin with an included two-night stay and touring in Prague, the Czech Republic before embarking the ship in Nuremberg, Germany. We’ll enjoy a seven- night cruise through four countries. The tour includes visits to five countries, twenty-two meals, airport transfers, and all gratuities. A full itinerary is available for review. Day 1: Flight to Prague, the Czech Republic

Day 2: Prague, the Czech Republic Day 3: Prague, the Czech Republic Day 4: Nuremberg, Germany Day 5: Regensburg, Germany Day 6: Passau, Germany to Linz, Austria Day 7: Melk to Durnstein Day 8: Vienna, Austria

Entry Form

Name

Phone

Address

Day 9: Bratislava, Slovakia Day 10: Budapest, Hungary Day 11: Hungary/USA

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

Per-person price (with free airfare) starting at $5,199, double occupancy. This pricing includes optional travel protection. A deposit of $850 is due at registration, $450 is non-refundable. Final balance is due June 21, 2021.

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.

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Connections Club 23

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.