A note from Norma Happy New Year! Seek your adventures and begin your travel plans right here with Excursions. This year, Excursions’ travel focuses on our homeland, with the God Bless America Series. What a great land we have to discover——whether it be historic Washington, D.C., the beautiful coast of Maine or our Midwest neighbor, Nebraska. Plans are being finalized for additional trips in the God Bless America Series, so stay tuned for more details. June: Minneapolis and More. August: Don’t Forget Iowa September/October: Discover Duluth October: Overnight Wine Tour November: Meet Me in St. Louis December: Tournament of Roses Parade and More Wishing you the best in 2016!

Concierge Services Take a vacation—and we’ll take care of the details.

Planning travel can be overwhelming. If the idea of scouring the Internet while being inundated with thousands of travel offers and deals, or organizing where to eat and what to see on your next vacation sounds exhausting, then let us do the work for you! Excursions is here to assist with personalized Concierge Services. We have been instrumental in making memories for scores of clients, including honeymoons to Colorado, a mother-daughter birthday celebration in California, a family trip to England/Scotland, a family reunion in Hawaii and a milestone birthday celebration in Alaska. We will research a destination and make all the travel arrangements——from hotel and dinner reservations to plane and train tickets——to help make your next vacation all you've dreamed of, and more! Just let us know your ideal vacation and we’ll arrange it for you, so you can truly sit back and relax. Just email nkramer@dubuquebank or call 563.589.1990 for more details or to get started. Around the world with Excursions

Norma Kramer / 563.589.1990 [email protected] UPCOMING TRIP PREVIEWS: 01/28: Journey to the Nation’s Capital 02/18: Nebraska Life 04/05: Coastal Main and Rose Parade New Year’s Extravaganza

See page 19 for more information. KEEP IN TOUCH! Receive a digital newsletter: Email [email protected] with your request for a chance to win $50 off an Excursions trip!

Excursions travelers Phil and Pat Dausener enjoy one of their favorite vacations, a Caribbean cruise.

“We love to travel, and Excursions makes it easy! Everything is handled and taken care of for you——from luggage to transportation——and we don’t have to worry about a thing.” ——Pat and Phil Dausener, Asbury, Iowa

Visit our website: DubuqueBank.com/ resources/excursions Call Norma: 563.589.1990 Like us on Facebook : facebook.com/ DubuqueBankExcursions

EXCURSIONS | 9

Coastal Maine and Boston APR

JULY 18––24, 2016 5 TRIP PREVIEW: 4.5 / DETAILS ON PAGE 19 1

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Join us on a journey of Maine’s beautiful coast. Experience Acadia National Park, whale watching and more! Highlights include:

››A whale-watching cruise in Gloucester, Mass., at a U.S. National Marine Sanctuary for humpback whales, rated one of the top 10 places in the world to view these magnificent mammals.

››A guided tour of Acadia National Park——35,000 acres on Mount Desert Island comprised of coastline, Cadillac Mountain, extensive lakes, ponds and 33 miles of carriage paths.

››Cabbage Island for a Maine lobster bake.

››A Boston City tour including Quincy Market and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

››Kennebunkport and Freeport, Maine, where you will see Walker’s Point and a charming village filled with wonderful stores, including worldfamous clothier L.L. Bean.

10 | EXCURSIONS

››Portland, Maine, for a taste of the classic New England city with its waterfront setting and Old Port district filled with unique boutiques and classic lobster dishes.

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 hale-watching in W Gloucester, Mass.

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Portland, Maine.

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Acadia National Park.

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Kennebunkport, Maine.

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Cabbage Island lobster bake.

VACATION DETAILS

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$2,761

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

$3,317

SINGLE OCCUPANCY

$2,586 TRIPLE OCCUPANCY

TRIP INCLUDES:

Round-trip Chicago airport transfers; round-trip airfare; deluxe motorcoach transportation throughout the tour; six nights’ hotel accommodations and baggage handling; six breakfasts, one lunch and four dinners; all activities and admissions as listed in the itinerary and all tour-related taxes and gratuities. (Prices are per person, and include a $500 airfare estimate. Participants will be notified of any adjustments to costs due to a change in airfare prior to the balance-due date.)

EXCURSIONS | 11

Baltic Capitals and Norwegian Fjords 16-night Cruise | MAY 6––24, 2016 Unpack only once aboard the Norwegian Star. The adventure begins with the colorful capitals of northern Europe surrounding the Baltic Sea. You’ll see brightly painted houses along the canals of Copenhagen, enjoy flower-filled Estonia and be amazed at the opulence of Russia’s palaces! We will cruise the west coast of Norway through spectacular fjords and view majestic snowcapped mountains that soar from the water’s edge as far as the eye can see.

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Highlights include:

››Copenhagen, Denmark

››Warnemünde, Germany ››Tallinn, Estonia

››St. Petersburg, Russia ››Helsinki, Finland

››Stockholm, Sweden

››Ålesund, Geiranger, Flåm and Bergen, Norway 4

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Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany. 2 Helsinki, Finland. Church of the Savior on Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia. 4 Flåm, Norway. Geiranger, Norway. 6 Bergen, Norway.

12 | EXCURSIONS

VACATION DETAILS

$6,125

BALCONY STATEROOM

$5,265

OCEAN VIEW STATEROOM

$4,595

INTERIOR STATEROOM

TRIP INCLUDES:

All transfers, round-trip airfare from Chicago, overnight accommodations in Copenhagen with transportation and city tour, breakfast and luggage handling, 16-night cruise in selected accommodations, all meals and entertainment aboard the ship plus a cocktail party, port charges, taxes, government fees and shipboard gratuities. (Prices are per person.)

Nebraska Life Discover the Warmth, Bounty and Industry of the Cornhusker State SEPTEMBER 18––24, 2016 FEB

18 TRIP PREVIEW: 2.18 / DETAILS ON PAGE 19

Learn about the hidden gems of Nebraska as we travel the state’s charming back roads. Take a wagon ride at an elk and buffalo ranch; view three states from atop majestic Ponca State Park; discover the state’s role as seat of the U.S. Strategic Command; and walk along assembly lines manufacturing fire engines, pivot irrigation systems and the finest bricks in the country. You’ll get a taste of Nebraska, too, as friendly hosts welcome us to their Italian bakery, popcorn farm, microbrewery, walnut co-op and more. Highlights include:

››Omaha, “The Gateway to ››The Ashfall Fossil Beds, one the West,” for a welcome of CNN’s Top 50 Natural reception and overnight stay. Wonders.

››Sand Creek Post & Beam to learn how modern barns are fabricated.

››Lunch at Ponca State Park on the banks of the Missouri River at the Three State Overlook. ››A pipe-organ concert at St. Helena with guided tour. VACATION DETAILS

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››Heeeere’s Johnny for a view of Johnny Carson memorabilia.

$1,745

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

$2,095

SINGLE OCCUPANCY

››A calf-roping demonstration at the Pitzer Ranch, famed for American Quarter Horse Two Eyed Jack. ››Happy Jack Chalk Mine, one of only two mines in existence.

››Endicott Clay Products Co. to learn the intricate process involved in brickmaking. ››The Strategic Air & Space Museum.

TRIP INCLUDES:

Round-trip deluxe motorcoach transportation, quality accommodations for seven nights, luggage handling, 16 meals, entrance fees for included attractions and driver and guide gratuities. (Prices are per person.) EXCURSIONS | 13

Journey to the Nation’s Capital JAN

SEPTEMBER 8––13, 2016 28 TRIP PREVIEW: 1.28 / DETAILS ON PAGE 19 1

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This custom-planned Excursions itinerary includes Washington, D.C.’s iconic treasures——and some hidden gems. Highlights include:

››Monuments by day plus an evening tour of the illuminated World War II Memorial, Lincoln Monument, FDR Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam and Korean War Memorials, Iwo Jima Statue saluting the Marines and the Washington Monument. ››The legacy of Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre.

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››The National Archives to see the original copy of the Declaration of Independence and the Magna Carta.

››Two live theatre experiences: “The Capitol Steps”——a lighthearted performance of former congressional staffers putting the “mock” in democracy; and “Shear Madness”——a hilarious whodunit in which the audience solves the crime.

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1 Washington Monument. 2 U.S.Capitol Building. National Cemetery. 4 Declaration of Independence. War Memorial. 6 World War II Memorial.

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Arlington Marine Corps



››The White House and the U.S. Capitol Building, circumstances permitting. ››Mount Vernon, the country estate of George Washington.

››Potomac River dining and dancing cruise on the Spirit of Washington. ››The Supreme Court Building.

››Arlington National Cemetery including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Kennedy Gravesite and Changing of the Guard.

››The Smithsonian Institution, home to the Hope Diamond, every First Lady’s inaugural ball gown, the Wright Brothers’ original Kitty Hawk Flyer and much more. Cost and inclusions will be available in the next issue.

EXCURSIONS | 15

Rose Parade

New Year’s Extravaganza DECEMBER 30, 2016––JANUARY 4, 2017 APR

5 TRIP PREVIEW: 4.5 / DETAILS ON PAGE 19

Bring in your New Year with a century-old celebration——a festival of flowers, music and sports unequal to anything else in the world. The parade of all parades, the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena is America’s New Year’s celebration. Highlights include:

››Tournament of Roses Parade with grandstand seating and access to float-building “barns” ››Battleship USS Iowa

››Air Force One Pavilion

››J. Paul Getty Museum

››New Year’s Eve party complete with dinner, dancing and a live band ››Ronald Reagan Presidential Library ››Champagne brunch

››Santa Monica Pier

››Five nights’ quality accommodations ››10 meals

Pricing will be available in February.

SOLD OUT

Spend your Valentine�s Weekend in the Windy City! | FEBRUARY 12––14, 2016 Forget the flowers and make some memories with a fun weekend getaway to see Beautiful: The Story of Carole King——and much more! 16 | EXCURSIONS

Rocky Mountain Hi! Vail, Colorado | JULY 10––15, 2016

Plan ahead for great family memories, and leave the rest to us! No matter the age of your family members——young grandchildren, adult children or grandparents——this once-ina-lifetime trip provides the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and fun for everyone. The luxurious setting of Vail, Colo., offers the ability to do as much or as little as you wish. Love to relax? Enjoy spa treatments, a round of golf, nature and art walks or an Aspen tour. Or, are you up for adventure? If you like activity, try a thrilling white water rafting experience, bike through the scenic countryside; take a guided hike or backcountry Jeep® tour into the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy family time! Adults and children alike will love the Historic Leadville Railroad excursion, a tour of Rocky Mountain National Park and resort accommodations. After a day of relaxation or adventure, join the family together for delicious local fare complete with a S’mores Family Campfire.

Choose your tour: BASIC PACKAGE:

FULL TOURING PACKAGE:

››Accommodations for 5 evenings.

››Accommodations for 5 evenings.

››Rocky Mountain National Park Tour.

››Aspen Tour.

››5 breakfast packages and 1 dinner.

››S’mores Family Campfire.

››Baggage handling at hotels. ››Taxes and fees.

››Transfers to/from airport.

››Gratuities for meals, guides and drivers. PRICING

$1,249 $949 ADULTS

AGES 13––17

AGE 18

AGES 4––12

$1,009 $889 (Per person, based on double occupancy.)

››5 breakfast packages, 3 dinners and 1 lunch. ››Vail Village Tour.

››Georgetown Historic Railroad. ››Vail Nature Walk and Tour.

››Rocky Mountain National and Estes Parks. ››S’mores Family Campfire.

››Baggage handling at hotels. ››Taxes and fees.

››Transfers to/from airport.

››Gratuities for meals, guides and drivers. PRICING

$2,259 PER PERSON

(Based on double occupancy. Ask about special rates for children.)

EXCURSIONS | 17

Theater Excursions

LEGENDS IN CONCERT / January 31, 2016 / Fireside Dinner Theatre, Fort Atkinson, Wis. Imagine seeing not one, not two, but six of the biggest acts in show business in one great performance! Legendary stars including Carrie Underwood, Neil Diamond, Elton John, Buddy Holly, Whitney Houston and Elvis Presley will be recreated LIVE on the Fireside stage! They’re together in one truly unique entertainment experience——Legends in Concert! Direct from Las Vegas, this show features dynamic and talented performers reviving unforgettable concert appearances. Using only their natural voices and talent, they create performances so real, you would swear the real legends are right in front of you. Surrounded by a dazzling array of singers, dancers, glittering costumes and sensational lighting, you’ll see a spectacular show.

When four women and men of a certain age accidentally swap “helpful pills,” more than just questions arise as they suddenly find their lives moving in new and surprising directions. This saucy senior scandal is sure to make audiences of any age laugh out loud. $16 per person PETER PAN / March 10, 2016 / Fireside Dinner Theatre, Fort Atkinson, Wis. A great show to share with grandchildren! A delight for the entire family.

$109 per person (includes motorcoach transportation, brunch, performance tickets and driver gratuity)

For more than 100 years, children and adults alike have been enchanted by J.M. Barrie’s magical tale of pirates, Indians, Lost Boys, fairies, Neverland and Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up. The story has been told and retold in multiple film and Broadway versions. Now, the Fireside presents this timeless musical fantasy for the very first time in a sumptuous new production. Experience dazzling dances, adventures and classic music.

SEX PLEASE WE’RE SIXTY / A Comedy by Michael and Susan Parker / February 14 or 17, 2016 / Bell Tower Theatre, Dubuque, Iowa

$109 per person (includes motorcoach transportation, lunch, performance tickets and driver gratuity)

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JERRY SEINFELD LIVE / March 18, 2016 / Peoria Civic Center, Peoria, Ill. Jerry Seinfeld has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. Don’t miss this chance to see America’s premier comedian doing his signature standup routine at a world-class venue. $169 per person (includes motorcoach transportation, dinner, performance tickets and driver gratuity) SELF-HELP BY DUMMIEZ / A Comedy by T. Gregory Argall and Todd McGinnis / April 13 or 17, 2016 / Bell Tower Theatre, Dubuque, Iowa When a self-absorbed psychologist is late for work, the unusual collection of patients in his waiting room are left to fend for themselves…with hilariously unexpected results. $16 per person SISTER ACT / April 14, 2016 / Fireside Dinner Theatre, Fort Atkinson, Wis. It began as a blockbuster movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, followed by a Broadway musical that took

What’s Next JANUARY 31, 2016 Legends in Concert, Fireside Dinner Theatre, Fort Atkinson, Wis. FEBRUARY 14 OR 17, 2016 Sex Please We’re Sixty, Bell Tower Theatre, Dubuque, Iowa FEBRUARY 26––MARCH 5, 2016 Eastern Caribbean Cruise MARCH 10, 2016 Peter Pan, Fireside Dinner Theatre, Fort Atkinson, Wis. MARCH 18, 2016 Jerry Seinfeld Live!, Peoria Civic Center, Peoria, Ill. APRIL 13 OR 17, 2016 Self-Help by Dummiez, Bell Tower Theatre, Dubuque, Iowa

New York and London by storm! Now, direct from a successful national tour, Sister Act comes to the Fireside stage in a brand-new production. This hilarious, tuneful, exciting show tells the tale of a Las Vegas lounge singer who witnesses a murder and is forced to hide in a convent as a “nun.” What follows is a rollicking, fast-paced comedy filled with nuns, cops, gangsters, mistaken identities, comic chases, rapid-fire jokes and a terrific score by an Academy Award®winning composer. $109 per person (includes motorcoach transportation, lunch, performance tickets and driver gratuity) ROCKINʼ AT THE FIRESIDE / June 12, 2016 / Fireside Dinner Theatre, Fort Atkinson, Wis. You’re invited to the Fireside’s greatest rock-and-roll party of all time! Continuing its popular 11-year tradition, this live-band show will feature the greatest rock hits from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Favorite artists of the decades including Bobby Darin, Little Richard, Patsy Cline, the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Simon and Garfunkel, the Rolling Stones and more will be featured.

$109 per person (includes motorcoach transportation, brunch, performance tickets and driver gratuity) NEWSIES THE MUSICAL / July 30, 2016 / Chicago Oriental Theatre, Chicago, Ill. Newsies The Musical is a Tony Award®-winning Broadway phenomenon that tells the story of a band of underdogs who took on the most powerful names in New York in a fight for what’s right. Based on the real-life Newsboys’ Strike of 1899 and inspired by a triumphant true story, Newsies leaps off the stage with incredible music, amazing heart and absolutely stunning choreography. Seize the day and discover the remarkable strength that comes from standing together——one for all, and all for one. $249 per person (includes motorcoach transportation, performance tickets in orchestra seating and driver gratuity)

APRIL 14, 2016 Sister Act, Fireside Dinner Theatre, Fort Atkinson, Wis. MAY 6––24, 2016 Baltic Capitals and Norwegian Fjords JUNE 12, 2016 Rockin’ at the Fireside, Fireside Dinner Theatre, Fort Atkinson, Wis. JULY 10––15, 2016 Rocky Mountain Hi! Vail, Colo. JULY 18––24, 2016 Coastal Maine and Boston JULY 30, 2016 Newsies the Musical, Chicago Oriental Theatre, Chicago, Ill. SEPTEMBER 8––13, 2016 Journey to the Nation’s Capital—— Washington, D.C. SEPTEMBER 18––24, 2016 Nebraska Life DECEMBER 30, 2016–– JANUARY 4, 2017 Rose Parade New Year’s Extravaganza

TRIP PREVIEWS: 5:30 p.m., Heartland Financial Building (13th and Iowa Streets). RSVP to [email protected] or 563.589.1990 THURSDAY, JANUARY 28 Journey to the Nation’s Capital THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Nebraska Life TUESDAY, APRIL 5 Coastal Maine and Boston / Rose Parade New Year’s Extravaganza