Friends Club 1st Quarter 2019

Quarter 1 2018

Q uarter O ne 2019

New Mexico October 16-23, 2019

Featured Extended Travel

2019

Dearborn, Michigan Page 17

Sandhill Cranes, Cars, and Cuisine in Nebraska Pages 18-19

Idaho Page 20

Minnesota (upcoming travel show) Page 21

Mystery Tour (NEW!) Page 22

Malta (upcoming travel show) Page 23

New Mexico Page 24-25

Comments from Karissa Happy Holidays, Friends Club Members! We are very excited for a new year full of unique, inspiring, and educational events, day trips, and extended travel to offer you. We hope you find something of interest this quarter! Be sure to check out our 2019 trips with space remaining, as well as upcoming travel shows listed on page 4. Also, knowing many of you are anticipating the 2020 travel line-up, these trips will be announced and available for registration in the second quarter newsletter, which will be mailed the first week of April. understanding with any events or trips that may have a waiting list. We want to assure you we do our best to hold a second event, request more tickets, or schedule another trip, when possible. Please do not be discouraged if you are placed on a waiting list, as many times spots do open up. We also give the waiting list priority if we can hold a second event or trip or obtain more tickets. Due to wonderful interest and growth, we are continually adding more options to our events and trips to accommodate as many interested members as possible. Insight into Waiting Lists Hills Bank Friends Club appreciates your patience and

Learn, meet, and enjoy!

Karissa Wikert Friends Club Director

1st Quarter 2019

2019 TRIPS WITH LIMITED SPOTS REMAINING Call 319-358-2230 to request a detailed brochure or to sign up. Be sure to register soon before the remaining spots are filled! Upcoming Travel Shows Register for one or more of the travel shows with a Friends Club Representative at 319-679-2103 or FriendsClub@HillsBank.com. Malta Travel Show Hills Bank in North Liberty (590 W Forevergreen Rd) Tuesday, January 29, 11:30 a.m. (a light lunch will be provided) Sandhill Cranes, Cars, and Cuisine in Nebraska ........................... April 1-6 Idaho ...........................May 16-22 D-Day Seine River Cruise ........................... June 1-11 Minnesota Explorer ........................... July 23-27 Mystery Tour ........................... August 5-10 Douro River Cruise ........................... August 21-31 Malta ........................... September 9-17 Dearborn, Michigan ........................... September 23-27 New Mexico ........................... October 16-23

Minnesota Travel Show Hills Bank in North Liberty (590 W Forevergreen Rd) Tuesday, March 5, 3:00 p.m. 2020 Travel Preview Show South Slope Community Center (980 N Front St, North Liberty) Wednesday, April 24, 6:00 p.m.

Please note: 2020 trips will not be announced or available for registration until the second quarter newsletter, which will be mailed the first week of April.

Friends Club News

Bingo Parties

January/February/March Birthdays in Kalona (120 5th St) Thursday, February 7, 8:00 a.m. Register with Katie Miller at 319-656-5801 or Katie_Miller@HillsBank.com. January/February/March Birthdays in Washington (2481 Hwy 92 E) Thursday, February 14, 9:00 a.m. Register with Brittany Redlinger at 319-863-7804 or Brittany_Redlinger@Hillsbank.com.

January/February Birthdays in Cedar Rapids (3905 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, lower level) Tuesday, February 19, 1:30 p.m. (Doors open at 1:00 p.m.)

January/February Birthdays in Mount Vernon (720 1st Ave SE) Tuesday, February 19, 1:30 p.m.

January/February/March Birthdays in North Liberty (590 W Forevergreen Rd) Thursday, March 14, 10:00 a.m.

March/April Birthdays in Cedar Rapids (3905 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, lower level) Tuesday, April 16, 1:30 p.m. (Doors open at 1:00 p.m.) Register by Friday, April 12 with Barb Colehour at 319-447-8407 or Barb_Colehour@HillsBank.com.

March/April Birthdays in Mount Vernon (720 1st Ave SE) Tuesday, April 16, 1:30 p.m. Register by Friday, April 12 with Terri Sutton at 319-866-7064 or Terri_Sutton@HillsBank.com.

Cedar Rapids (3905 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, lower level) All events start at 1:30 p.m. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 18 Friday, March 15 Marion (3204 7th Ave) All events start at 1:30 p.m. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 15

Mount Vernon (720 1st Ave SE) All events start at 8:30 a.m. Doors open at 8:15 a.m.

Friday, January 4 Friday, February 1 Friday, March 1

1st Quarter 2019

LOCAL EVENTS

Card Party Hills Bank in Mount Vernon (720 1st Ave) Wednesday, January 23, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Escape the cold winter weather with cards and conversation! Cards will be available for you to play your favorite game and light refreshments will be served. Register by Friday, January 18, with a Friends Club representative at 319-679-2103 or Terri_Sutton@HillsBank.com.

Gems of Hope Workshop Hills Bank in Cedar Rapids (3905 Blairs Ferry Rd NE) Friday, January 25, 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Gems of Hope Inc. is a nonprofit organization that brings hope to corridor cancer patients and their families through handcrafted inspirational gifts. Featuring an encouraging quote and accompanied by a small gift known as a “gem,” each card created can bring hope and inspiration to patients struggling with cancer. Join in supporting the efforts of the Gems of Hope organization by participating in this workshop. Register with a Friends Club representative at 319-679-2103 or FriendsClub@HillsBank.com.

Adult Coloring Party Hills Bank in Marion (800 11th St) All events start at 9:30 a.m. Friday, January 25, February 22, and March 22

Enjoy a relaxing morning of coloring and refreshments with your friends. Adult coloring books and colored pencils will be provided. Seating is limited. Register for one or more with a Friends Club representative at 319-679-2103 or FriendsClub@HillsBank.com.

Letters Home Hills Bank in Hills (131 E. Main St) Wednesday, February 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

In 1942, Paul Goodrich, age 30, was drafted from the cornfields of Iowa to the battlefields of WWII. His letters came home every week until he returned in 1945. His parents kept each letter, each picture, and souvenirs bundled in a green metal cracker box—safe for posterity. Paul’s stories of WWII, including his thoughts, his experiences, and his strong desire to be home on the farm were tempered by a firm dedication to his country. Collected with other WWII artifacts, Paul’s story becomes very personal and very real, reminding us of all those who have sacrificed to preserve the good of mankind under the worst conditions: war. Join our speaker Jeanine Redlinger as she shares Paul’s stories. Register with Kelsey Redlinger at 319-679-2128 or Kelsey_Redlinger@HillsBank.com.

Friends Club News

Genre: Still Life, Portrait, or Landscape?! Oh My! Hills Bank in North Liberty (590 W Forevergreen Rd) Wednesday, February 6, 2:00 p.m.

Join Amanda Lensing, Senior Living Communities Program Coordinator at the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, as she presents on Genre in the Visual Arts. Through presentation and discussion, you will be able to identify the major art genres in Western painting as well as explain the difference between a painting’s subject and genre. Register with a Friends Club representative at 319-679-2103 or FriendsClub@HillsBank.com.

St. Valentine’s Day Potluck Hills Bank in Coralville (1009 2nd St) Wednesday, February 13, 11:30 a.m.

Bring your sweetheart and enjoy a potluck lunch and bingo. Meat, potatoes, and drinks will be provided. Please bring a side dish, appetizer, or dessert to share. Register with a Friends Club representative at 319-679-2103 or FriendsClub@HillsBank.com.

Movie Date with Friends Club Bijou Movie Theater (123 2nd St SW, Mt Vernon) Thursday, February 14, 2:00 p.m. (Doors open at 1:40 p.m.)

It’s a date! Please join us for the classic Valentine’s Day movie, Sleepless in Seattle , starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. The PG rated movie tells a love story of Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) who recently lost his wife. His son Jonah calls in to a talk-radio program to find a new wife for his father, and Sam grudgingly gets on the line to discuss his feelings. Annie Reed (Meg Ryan), a reporter in Baltimore, hears Sam speak and falls for him, even though she is engaged. Unsure where it will lead, she writes Sam a letter asking him to meet her at the Empire State Building on Valentine's Day. You’ll enjoy the recently renovated Bijou Movie Theater with its new comfy seats. Popcorn and soda will be provided. By yourself or with your special someone, it’s sure to be a fun day! Register by Monday, February 11, with a Friends Club representative at 319-679-2103 or Terri_Sutton@HillsBank.com.

1st Quarter 2019

Angel Food Cake Demo and Cake Walk Hills Bank in Iowa City (1401 S Gilbert St) Monday, February 25, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Join us and learn how to make delicious, angel food cake from scratch. After the demonstration, enjoy a slice of cake with your favorite topping. Please also bring your favorite dessert for a fun cake walk. For the purpose of food allergies, please include the ingredients used in your dessert. At the end of the evening, those who brought a dessert will leave with someone else's to enjoy at home. Those who attend will also have a fun gift package of all the ingredients needed to make your own angel food cake at home. Don’t miss this evening of learning and fun! Seating is limited. Register with a Friends Club Representative at 319-679-2103 or FriendsClub@HillsBank.com. Ways to Help your Children, Grandchildren, or Loved Ones Towards a Great Financial Future Hills Bank in North Liberty (590 W Forevergreen Rd) Tuesday, February 26, 10:00 a.m. Spend some time with Hills Bank’s Trust and Wealth Management team to explore options for gifting to family, friends, and charities. Topics discussed will include qualified charitable distributions from IRAs, setting up an account on behalf of a minor, and annual gifting limits. Learn about ways to

help those you love and care about reach a financial future. Register with a Friends Club representative at 319-679-2103 or FriendsClub@HillsBank.com.

Our Neighbors, the Amish Hills Bank in Marion (3204 7th Ave) Thursday, February 28, 10:00-12:00 p.m.

Home to the ninth largest Amish population in the United States, many Amish communities exist throughout Iowa. What exactly does it mean to be Amish? Don and Dianne Kramer, native Iowans and former teachers, will lead a presentation on a variety of topics pertaining to Amish lifestyle, including history, home life,

language, social gatherings, education, occupations, and cultural beliefs. Through interactions with neighboring Amish communities and extensive research, Don and Dianne will share and explain what it means to be Amish through photos, stories, and an engaging exhibition. Register with a Friends Club representative at 319-679-2103 or FriendsClub@HillsBank.com.

Friends Club News

Raising Chickens in the 1900s Hills Bank in Iowa City (1401 S Gilbert St) Wednesday, March 13, 1:00 p.m.

Join Doris Montag for another session from The History of Ordinary Things . This collection reminds us of farm life and the trials of raising chickens in the 1900s: incubating eggs, raising baby chicks, picking up eggs, dressing chickens, egg flats, and much more. Doris has also focused her collection on the evolution of the egg carton itself. She will discuss the transition from farm flocks to commercial production. Educational and entertaining, Doris will delight you with her storytelling and answer the important questions about the chicken and the egg! Register with a Friends Club representative at 319-679-2103 or Jaime_Roberts@HillsBank.com.

What is Brewing at Big Grove? Big Grove Brewery and Tap Room (1225 S Gilbert St, Iowa City) Wednesday, March 27, 3:00 p.m.

Way back when, Iowa’s pioneer settlers fell in love with an extensively wooded tract of land along the east bank of the Iowa River and bestowed upon it a nickname; “Big Grove.” The name soon became the designation for a township in Johnson County, where the brewery calls home. Today, under the historic banner of Big Grove, they seek to brew beer in the spirit of adventure, exploration, and community. Join us for a brewery tour, flight of beer, and light appetizers. Cost is $10 per person. Register with Jennifer Lough at 319-358-6160 or Jennifer_Lough@HillsBank.com.

Barnyard Days Saturday, March 16, 9:00-11:30 a.m. Hills Bank in Coralville (720 1st Ave) Saturday, March 30, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Hills Bank in Mount Vernon (720 1st Ave), Hills Bank in Cedar Rapids (3905 Blairs Ferry Rd NE), Hills Bank in Marion (3204 7th Ave), Hills Bank in Washington (2481 Hwy 92 E), Hills Bank in North Liberty (590 W Forevergreen Rd) Calling all animal lovers! Attend the annual Barnyard Day event to see many “barnyard” animals and maybe even pet a few. Bring your grandchildren! This event is fun for people of all ages. No registration necessary. (NOTE: Hills Bank in North Liberty will only have baby chicks.)

Living Roof Birdhouse Hills Bank in Cedar Rapids (3905 Blairs Ferry Rd NE) Monday, April 8, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Join us in bringing the beauty of art and nature together. We will start by painting a locally made wren house with your choice of design. As the paint is drying we will make a seed packet using recycled paper and seeds of flowers that will attract our important pollinators such as butterflies and honey bees. For the final step of the workshop we will add hardy sedum plants to the top of the birdhouse. Cost per person is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Register with a Friends Club representative at 319-679-2103 or FriendsClub@HillsBank.com.

1st Quarter 2019

Craft Corner with Chelsea – Spring Mason Jars Hills Bank in Iowa City (1401 S Gilbert St) Wednesday, April 10, 10:00 a.m.

Be as creative or as simple as you would like while transforming mason jars in to beautiful spring décor or gifts. This workshop will be easy, fun, and led by one of our Friends Club Coordinators, Chelsea Marsengill. Space is limited. Supplies are provided to create two of your own spring mason jars. Register with a Friends Club representative at 319-679-2103 or FriendsClub@HillsBank.com.

Canvas Painting with Big Picture Gallery Big Picture Gallery & Studio (185 Hwy 965, Suite 3, North Liberty) Saturday, April 13, 12:30 p.m.

Join us for an afternoon at a place where you can explore, enjoy, experience, and express yourself. During this workshop, you will be guided through a demonstration to create a 16x20 canvas painting called blue mountains. Cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Seating is limited. Register by Wednesday, April 10 with Sue Votroubek at 319-626-8760 or Sue_Votroubek@HillsBank.com.

Container Gardening Reha Greenhouses (1160 Hwy 22, Wellman)

Monday, April 22, 10:00 a.m. or Tuesday, April 23, 10:00 a.m. Marianne Reha-Van Roekel will demonstrate how to create the perfect container garden while sharing other helpful gardening tips. Cost is $26 per person (payable at the event), which covers all the supplies needed to make your own 12- inch planter. Planters will be taken home at the end of the class. Space is limited. Register for one of the classes with Jo Edgington at 319-646-4012 or Jo_Edgington@HillsBank.com.

Wine Tasting with WineStyles Hills Bank in Iowa City (1401 S Gilbert St) Tuesday, April 23, 6:00 p.m.

Jeff McGinnes, manager of WineStyles in Coralville, will lead a sampling of several different types of wine. The original idea of WineStyles came from the belief that great wines don’t have to be expensive. WineStyles offers hundreds of wines and craft beers that have been sorted by style and taste, so everyone is sure to find something they like. Light refreshments will be provided to complement the wine samples. This event is free for members and $10 for non-members. Register with a Friends Club representative at 319-679-2103 or Jaime_Roberts@HillsBank.com.

Friends Club News

Focusing on Photography—The Introduction Hills Bank in Coralville, lower level (1009 2nd St) Monday, April 22, 10:00 a.m.

Do you have a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera at home and always think to yourself, “I should really learn the basics of operating this thing?” If that is the case, this is the class for you. Hills Bank’s house photographer, Conrad Yutzy, will lead a short class explaining photography basics and how to get the best use out of your DSLR camera. Be sure to bring your camera with you to the class. Seating is limited. Register with Kelsey Redlinger at 319-679-2128 or Kelsey_Redlinger@HillsBank.com. Focusing on Photography—Field Day Big Grove Preserve (3999 Starry Night Lane NE, Solon) Thursday, April 25, 8:00 a.m. Calling all photographers, whether you are a beginner (consider attending our introduction class on April 22) or a seasoned photographer! Meet your Hills Bank house photographer Conrad Yutzy and friends at the Big Grove Preserve to put your photography and creative skills to work! You will be able to roam the preserve in search of beauty that you feel needs to be captured (with your camera) and receive a few tips from Conrad. Following this day of discovery with photography, we will request that everyone sends Hills Bank no more than five of their favorite photos from the day. These photos will be featured in a gallery for all to come and enjoy in the Hills Bank Boardroom at our Hills branch on Friday, May 17. Register with Kelsey Redlinger at 319-679-2128 or Kelsey_Redlinger@HillsBank.com.

America’s Favorite Pastime: An Afternoon with Doris Montag and Dr. Ernie Found Hills Bank in North Liberty (590 W Forevergreen Rd) Wednesday, May 1, 2:00 p.m.

With the new baseball season in full swing, Doris Montag is teaming up with her favorite sports collector, Dr. Ernie Found, to share history and stories from his personal St. Louis Cardinals collection. An avid fan since his childhood in Batavia, NY, Ernie followed the Cardinals farm team, the Rochester Red Wings. Expect to learn about bats and baseballs, the evolution of the Cardinal stadiums and see all 11 championship rings. We will reminisce about Don Denkinger, an umpire, and Stan Musial, Ozzie Smith, and other great Cardinal players. Come and enjoy an afternoon of baseball talk with Doris and Ernie. A Renaissance man, Dr. Ernie Found is a freshly retired orthopedic surgeon, a magician, a musician and wonderful storyteller. Doris may not get a word in edgewise! In addition, don’t miss Ernie’s Friend Club debut and his personal tribute to the Chicago Cubs! Register with a Friends Club representative at 319-679-2103 or FriendsClub@HillsBank.com.

4th Quarter 2018

DISCOUNTED TICKETS

The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens, and Count Leo Tolstoy Riverside Theatre (213 N Gilbert St, Iowa City) Sunday, February 10, 2:00 p.m.

A rip roaring historical comedy that traps three of the world's greatest minds in a box! A Founding Father, a Victorian literary celebrity, and a Russian aristocrat/ anarchist clash in a provocative new comedy that sets three of the world's greatest thinkers against each other in a battle of wits and wills. Jefferson, Dickens, and Tolstoy find themselves locked in a room with no exit. Attempting an escape, they ransack the philosophies of their lives and work, searching for a truth that will set them free. From playwright and former stand-up comedian Scott Carter (writer of HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher), this whip-smart comedy examines just what happens when great men of history are forced to repeat it. The Huffington Post claims "If religion and comedy had a baby, this would be it!" Cost is $23 per person and includes ticket and a cup of coffee. Register with Meg Sinnott at 319-358-2278 or Meg_Sinnott@HillsBank.com. Founded in 1990 by pianist and conductor Mikhail Pletnev, the Russian National Orchestra quickly became established as one of the most notable and recognizable ensembles with performances throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Heard frequently on NPR, the orchestra is the first from Russia to win a Grammy, and many of the orchestra’s more than 80 recordings are widely acclaimed. But of course, neither radio broadcasts nor recordings can replace the power and beauty of a live performance by an orchestra Gramophone lists as one of the top 20 orchestras in the world. The discounted group ticket price is $55 per person for Parterre Zone One seating. Place your ticket order with Meg Sinnott at 319-358-2278 or FriendsClub@HillsBank.com. Payment will be due upon ordering with Hills Bank Friends Club, and tickets will be available at Hancher’s Will Call, which will open two hours prior to the start of the show. Russian National Orchestra Hancher Auditorium, Iowa City Saturday, February 23, 7:30 p.m.

Friends Club News

Havana Cuba All Stars Hancher Auditorium, Iowa City Thursday, March 14, 7:30 p.m.

In the Cuban Spanish language, asere means “friendship”—and once you’ve been to this party, you’ll consider these spectacular musicians and dancers friends for life. Weaving the entire tapestry of Cuban music and dance with contemporary thread, the Havana Cuba All-Stars bring energy, joy, and, yes, a spirit of friendship to the stage. Will you be able to stay in your seat when the rhythms fill the room? Friend, we’d be surprised. The discounted group ticket price is $46 per person for Parterre Zone One seating. Place your ticket order with Meg Sinnott at 319-358-2278 or FriendsClub@ Hillsbank.com. Payment will be due upon ordering with Hills Bank Friends Club, and tickets will be available at Hancher’s Will Call, which will open two hours prior to the start of the show.

1st Quarter 2019

DAY TRIPS Please see parking, payment, and other information located on page 27.

Diamonds and Divas Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, Rock Island, IL Wednesday, March 6

Actors, thieves, and egos run hilariously amok at the Cannes Film Festival in France—what could possibly go wrong? In a luxury hotel, the body of a beautiful film star lies on the floor. A hooded jewel thief breaks in and discovers her. A man bursts in and assumes the thief is the murderer. Another man enters and assumes a different story. The hotel manager arrives and attempts to make sense of all their stories. A huge film premiere is looming, a diamond necklace has gone missing, scandalous affairs are about to hit the headlines, and everyone appears to be trying to murder someone while blaming everyone else! Laugh along with the high jinx as the mystery unravels. Circa ‘21 is proud to be the first professional theatre in the U.S. to produce this madcap comedy. Cost is $84 per person and includes motorcoach transportation, the matinee show, lunch and dessert, and all taxes and gratuities. Register with a Friends Club representative at 319-679-2103 or at FriendsClub@HillsBank.com.

Follies: Planes, Trains, & Automobiles: The Music that Moves Us Paramount Theater (123 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids) Saturday, March 30, 2:00 p.m. Since long before the Industrial Revolution, we humans have fixated on getting from Point A to Point B. So naturally there is no shortage of great songs that celebrate our fascination with mobility and the spirit of adventure. Join the Follies singers, dancers and comedians as they sing and Choo Choo Ch’Boogie into your hearts with all the glitz and glamour you’ve come to expect from this show. Cost is $60 per person and includes motorcoach transportation from the Johnson County Fairgrounds, the show, and all taxes and gratuities. Register with Chelsea Marsengill at 319-358-2215 or Chelsea_Marsengill@HillsBank.com.

Friends Club News

Local Winery Tour Thursday, May 2

Iowa wine is special and unique in its very own way, thanks to the varietals of grapes used to produce the wines made in our state. Iowa vineyards grow what is known as cold-climate grapes, which are grapes specifically bred and designed to withstand our harsh Midwestern winters. The tour will include a visit to three local wineries, including Fireside Winery in Marengo, Cedar Ridge Winery in Swisher, and Brick Arch Winery in West Branch. Enjoy an educational experience while tasting a variety of wines and spirits, and end the day exploring the shops in West Branch. Cost is $65 per person and includes motorcoach transportation, samples at each stop, boxed lunch, and all taxes and gratuities. Register with Chelsea Marsengill at 319-358-2215 or Chelsea_Marsengill@HillsBank.com.

Scramble at Spirit Hollow Golf Course Burlington, IA Monday, May 20

Ranked by Golf Digest as one of the best golf courses in the state, Spirit Hollow Golf Course is a destination for golfers all over Iowa. This eighteen-hole outing will be organized as a scramble, meaning four people will play together as a team and every player will hit their own ball each time. The team will decide which shot out of the four is best, and all players will hit from that shot. Upon registration, participants will be asked to provide their skill level: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced. Participants can sign up with one other person, but teams will ultimately be determined based on skill level. An award ceremony will conclude the outing with prizes, drinks, and appetizers. Cost is $104 per person and includes motorcoach transportation, boxed lunch, round of golf, golf cart, appetizers and beverages following the outing, and all taxes and gratuities. Register with Meg Sinnott at 319-358-2278 or Meg_Sinnott@HillsBank.com.

Grumpy Old Men Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, Rock Island, IL Wednesday, May 29

Don’t miss this laugh-out-loud story of family, friendship, love, and romance in a fresh new musical that’s guaranteed to delight! Based on the 1993 movie starring Jack Lemon, Walter Matheau, and Ann-Margret, Grumpy Old Men is the story of two aging neighbors, Max and John, who have been feuding for more than fifty years. When the beautiful and charming Ariel moves in across the street, the rivalry is raised to new heights! Can her love and compassion reunite their friendship? Cost is $84 per person and includes motorcoach transportation, the matinee show, lunch and dessert, and all taxes and gratuities. Register with a Friends Club representative at 319-679-2103 or at FriendsClub@HillsBank.com.

1st Quarter 2019

Traveling with a group offers many benefits—constant companionship, safety in numbers, guided tours, and trip itineraries designed by travel industry experts. Whether traveling with a group for the first time or the fiftieth, practicing group travel etiquette ensures the best travel experience for all involved. Consider the below principles as the three commandments of group travel etiquette: maintain a positive attitude, be considerate of your travel companions, and follow procedures as instructed by your group’s tour manager. Exhibit a Positive Attitude Weather, delays, and technology, among many other factors, occasionally pose challenges to pre-planned itinerary. Though disappointing, a thunderstorm may ruin a day at the beach and after a long day of traveling the hotel may lose power. Recognizing these and other circumstances as uncontrollable ultimately results in a cooperative and pleasant traveler. Sharing this optimistic insight with those who may struggle to accept challenging circumstances benefits the group’s morale. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a good joke or a friendly smile during tense situations? Be Conscientious of Your Fellow Travelers Traveling with family members, business colleagues, or as an individual offers wonderful experiences and relevant travel skills, but these types of travel differ from group travel for the sheer fact there isn’t 30 (or more) other people following the exact same itinerary as you. This means 30 people traveling through the airport with you, 30 people boarding the bus with you, and 30 people waiting to eat at the same restaurant as you. Someone in this group may not be able to walk as fast and may arrive late to board the bus, and someone else may express confusion regarding the day’s activities. In these moments, remember you are not traveling as an individual and this is part of the group travel experience. Focus instead on the many delightful personalities within the group and the beautiful sights throughout the trip to counteract any feelings of impatience. Trust the Tour Manager Levelheaded, friendly, and considered “travel experts,” tour managers will lead the group through planned itinerary and conduct any necessary adjustments as needed. Often valued as the most significant component of group travel, these professional guides will authorize decisions quickly without consultation from travelers. If this happens, continue to follow the tour manager’s guidance and trust in any changes as being beneficial for the group as a whole. Traveling with a group, regardless of group size or travel experience, will be seamless and memorable if all travelers stay positive, remain considerate of other travelers, and respect the group’s tour manager at all times. With so many incredible destinations throughout the world, traveling with a group can be the most rewarding way to create lasting memories and establish lifelong friendships. Group Travel Etiquette: More than Manners By Meg Sinnott Hills Bank Friends Club Coordinator

Friends Club News

DEARBORN, MICHIGAN

September 23-27, 2019 $1,049 per person, double occupancy $1,324 per person, single occupancy

Journey with us to Dearborn, Michigan, for an exploration of American innovation! Our touring will begin at Greenfield Village, where we can visit the Wright Brothers’ workshop and step into the lab where Edison invented the lightbulb. At the Ford Rouge Factory, we’ll get an inside look at the production of the iconic Ford F-150 before we head to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation to continue our exploration of the work of America’s most creative minds. Day Four will begin with a guided tour of the GM Renaissance Center—a group of seven interconnected skyscrapers filled with specialty shops, restaurants, offices,

and the world headquarters of General Motors. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to view the latest GM vehicles and various automotive displays at GM World. Finally, we will step into the lives of Edsel and Eleanor Ford at their home, followed by a tour of the estate of Matilda Dodge Wilson, whose first husband was the founder of the Dodge automotive company.

Four nights’ accommodations, six meals, and admission to all activities listed on the itinerary, taxes and gratuities, and two Hills Banks escorts are included in the tour price. Contact 319-358-2230 or Karissa_Wikert@HillsBank.com or 319-358-2278 or Meg_Sinnott@HillsBank.com for more information.

1st Quarter 2019

NEBRASKA Uncover the best-kept secrets of Nebraska on this six-day tour filled with Sandhill cranes, classic cars, and more! The tour begins with a travel April 1-6, 2019 $1,524 per person, double occupancy $1,964 per person, single occupancy SANDHILL CRANES, CARS, AND CUISINE IN

day to Omaha capped off by a traditional Greek dinner and entertainment before we start fresh on Day Two at Offutt Air Force Base. After a peek at our nation’s military, we’ll turn our attention to the natural world with visits to the Fontanelle Forest Nature Center and the Henry Doorly Zoo, known as one of the top zoos in the country. An in-depth look at the history of the region at the Durham Museum and a stop at Hollywood

Candy in Omaha’s Old Market will round out the day’s excitement.

Day Three begins with a tour of Boys Town, a village that has given hope to at-risk children for over one hundred years, and we will continue in Lincoln with visits to Nebraska’s State Capitol, the International Quilt Study Center, and the Larsen Tractor Test Museum. After a tour and ice cream samples at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dairy Store, we’ll head underground for a visit to Robbers Cave. Our days in Nebraska

Friends Club News

will continue with a look at automotive history at the Museum of American Speed and a step back in time at Wessels Living History Farm. At Raising Nebraska, we will explore agriculture through interactive exhibits before heading to the Grand Theater for a presentation on the more than half

a million Sandhill cranes that converge on the area every spring. After learning about this annual migration, we will see the cranes on a viewing tour at the Rowe Sanctuary. We’ll wrap up our tour with a look at the history of our nation’s westward expansion at the Archway, a visit to the Classic Car Collection, and a stop at the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer. Five nights’ accommodations, eleven meals, and admission to all activities listed on the itinerary are included in the tour price. Contact 319-358-2230 or Karissa_Wikert@HillsBank.com or 319-358-2278 or Meg_Sinnott@HillsBank.com for more information.

1st Quarter 2019

IDAHO

UNCOVERED

May 16–22, 2019 $3,899 per person, double occupancy $4,479 per person, single occupancy

Travel to some of the most beautiful cities and regions the state of Idaho offers! The tour begins with a transfer from the airport in Spokane, WA, where the group will meet the local tour manager. From here, enter into Idaho and the beautiful Coeur d’Alene Nation while settling into accommodations for the next two nights. The welcome dinner will include a cultural celebration with Coeur d’Alene tribal

members sharing stories, music, and dance! In the days ahead, we’ll embark on a thrilling half-day jet boat excursion through Hells Canyon along

the Snake River, travel through the Nez Perce Indian Reservation, tour the Smokejumper Base in McCall, and enjoy a tasting at St. Chapelle Winery. This journey will be filled with historic sites, wonderful food, and memories to last a lifetime.

Six nights’ accommodations, 12 meals, and admission to all activities listed on the itinerary are included in the tour price. Contact 319-358-2230 or Karissa_Wikert@HillsBank.com or 319-358-2215 or Chelsea_Marsengill@HillsBank.com for more information.

Friends Club News

MINNESOTA EXPLORER

July 23-27, 2019 $1,517 per person, double occupancy $1,889 per person, single occupancy

The great state of Minnesota, commonly called the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” awaits us. As we journey north, we’ll stop to visit the National Eagle Center in Wabasha and continue on to Duluth to check into our hotel near Canal Park for a two-night stay. Day Two will have us exploring Duluth and the surrounding area, including Skyline Drive, Enger Park and Gardens, the Rose Garden, and other historic highlights! We’ll also tour Glensheen Historic Estate on the shores of Lake Superior, take a scenic drive up the North Shore Scenic Byway to Split Rock Lighthouse, and stop at Gooseberry Falls State Park to admire the waterfalls and explore the visitor center. Day Three will begin at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, where we will explore its impressive collection of historic railroad equipment. We’ll then board one of the coaches from the museum’s collection for a narrated train ride! With Duluth in our rearview mirror, a two-night stay at the famed St. James Hotel in Red Wing awaits. During our stay, we will visit the Red Wing Shoe Store and Museum for a virtual tour of the factory and a chance to see the Norman Rockwell art gallery, tour the Red Wing Stoneware Company factory, and take a leisurely cruise on Lake Pepin. Our time in Red Wing will come to a close with visits to a local winery, the farmers market, and Stoney End Harps. Four nights’ accommodations, nine meals, admission to all activities listed on the itinerary, deluxe motorcoach transportation, taxes and gratuities, and a tour manager and Hills Bank escort are included in the tour price. Contact 319-358-2230 or Karissa_Wikert@HillsBank.com or 319-358-2215 or Chelsea_Marsengill@HillsBank.com for more information.

1st Quarter 2019

MYSTERY TOUR August 5-10, 2019

$1,289 per person, double occupancy $1,559 per person, single occupancy

Mystery travel is gaining in popularity and we’re jumping on the bandwagon. Join us on a spectacular 6-day, out-of-state tour filled with surprises.

There’s a little art, a little history, and a little nature—basically a little something for everybody! We won’t tell you where we’re going, but we promise you’ll have lots of fun and Friends Club has never been there before. On the day of departure you’ll receive a clue on what direction we are heading and possibly the state, followed by clues along the journey. We dare you to ask us ahead of time where we are going, but be prepared for a mysterious answer in return. Mystery tours are all about the unexpected, so get ready to open your eyes to amazing experiences and destinations you might otherwise have overlooked!

Five nights’ accommodations, twelve meals, admission to all activities, deluxe motorcoach transportation, taxes and gratuities, and a tour manager and Hills Bank escort are included in the tour price. Contact 319-358-2230 or Karissa_Wikert@HillsBank.com or 319-358-2215 or Chelsea_Marsengill@HillsBank.com for more information.

Friends Club News

MALTA MARVELOUS Explore Malta’s long and colorful history dating back to the dawn of civilization on this 9-day tour. Our journey begins in the capital city of Valletta, 2018’s European Capital of Culture. We’ll walk in the Upper Barrakka Gardens and enjoy a private tour of the National Library of Malta before experiencing an after-hours tour of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio’s only signed masterpiece. Day Four will see us September 9-17, 2019 $5,799 per person, double occupancy $6,799 per person, single occupancy

wandering through the beautiful San Anton Gardens at the palace of the Maltese President and heading underground to explore the interconnected Roman cemeteries in St. Paul’s Catacombs. Then, get ready for a private tour and high tea experience in the elegant Palazzo Parisio! Day Five offers a day of leisure to take advantage of the countless opportunities for shopping, dining, and sightseeing and will end with a unique experience in the silent city of Mdina. Day Six will bring us to the Maltese island of Gozo by ferry. The island is greener and more rural and will have us visiting the Xwejni salt pans, sampling wines and olive oils, and venturing through the Citadel in the island’s capital. Plus, no visit to Gozo would be complete without a stop at the Ggantija Temples, the oldest freestanding structure in the world! Back on Malta, other trip experiences will include a market day in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples, a boat ride through the famous caverns of the Blue Grotto, and the Dingli Cliffs. We’ll join the Maltese people in celebrating their Christian patron saints with fireworks, music, and partying! A farm-to-table lunch, a chance to learn about Maltese weaving, and a very special farewell dinner with wrap up our wonderful trip. Seven nights’ accommodations, 15 meals, roundtrip flights, admission to all activities listed on the itinerary, taxes and gratuities, and a tour manager and Hills Bank escort are included in the tour price. Contact 319-358-2230 or Karissa_Wikert@HillsBank.com or 319-358-2215 or Chelsea_Marsengill@HillsBank.com for more information.

1st Quarter 2019

October 16-23, 2019 $4,069 per person, double occupancy $4,799 per person, single occupancy NEW MEXI

Join Friends Club as we discover “The Land of Enchantment.” We’ll begin our journey by flying to Albuquerque, where we’ll meet our local tour guide and depart for Las Cruces for an overnight stay. The

days ahead will see us taking in the scenic beauty and rich history of our 47th state!

Our first full day of touring begins at the White Sands National Monument, where we’ll see the glistening dunes of gypsum sand that stretch for hundreds of miles. We will then stop at the White Sands Missile Range Museum to see the many

missiles and rockets on display. Later that afternoon, we’ll descend 830 feet by elevator to explore the gigantic subterranean chambers and cave formations of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. In Roswell, we’ll make an extraterrestrial stop at the UFO Museum and Research Center, and then head to Albuquerque to ride the tram up Sandia Peak for an unsurpassed view from 10,680 feet! In the coming days, we will take an early morning hot air balloon ride, visit the Turquoise Museum, enjoy free time in Albuquerque’s Old Town, and tour the capital city of Santa Fe.

Friends Club News

At Bandelier National Monument, we’ll see the ruins of a large Indian pueblo and the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Next up is Los Alamos, known as “Atomic City,” for a visit to the Bradbury Science Museum to learn about the Manhattan Project and other projects related to defense and technology. Our last day of touring will include a visit to Taos Pueblo and a chance to wander the streets of Taos Plaza.

Seven nights’ accommodations, twelve meals, roundtrip flights, admission to all activities listed on the itinerary, taxes and gratuities, and a tour manager and Hills Bank escort are included in the tour price. Contact 319-358-2230 or Karissa_Wikert@HillsBank.com or 319-358-2278 or Meg_Sinnott@HillsBank.com for more information.

1st Quarter 2019

IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions by Hills Bank Trust and Wealth Management Group | Part 2 in a 4 Part Series

Recent tax reform will likely lead many taxpayers to utilize the standard deduction on their income tax returns. Qualified Charitable Distributions are an available tool for making gifts to charity and still obtaining a tax benefit. What is a QCD? A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a direct transfer of funds from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), to a qualified charity. QCDs may be counted toward satisfying a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).

1040

Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

Charity

RMD Bypasses Individual Federal 1040

$1,000

Potential benefits? • Elimination of federal income taxes on RMD: QCDs are excluded from gross income. • No AGI limits: Itemized charitable cash gifts are limited to 60% of AGI, but there is no such limit when an RMD is used. • Lower AGI: By making a QCD, a taxpayer lowers their adjusted gross income (AGI). Benefits of lowering one’s AGI include: • Reducing taxation on the IRA owner’s Social Security • Potentially mitigating the Medicare high-income surcharge • Leveraging deduction for medical expenses - medical expense must exceed 7.5% of AGI for itemized deduction • No need to itemize: Receive the charitable contribution tax benefit, even if the IRA owner does not itemize. • Fulfill philanthropic desires: QCDs are a convenient way to receive a tax benefit for charitable gifts. • IRA Owner must be 70½ or older • A QCD must come from a Traditional, Rollover or Inherited IRA • The maximum annual amount which can be given is $100,000 ($100,000 per spouse permitted) • The distribution must be transferred directly from the IRA custodian to the charity How to make a QCD?

• Donation must be made by December 31st • Charity must be a 501(c)(3) organization

If you’d like to discuss how to make a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA, contact a Hills Bank Trust and Wealth Management Officer by calling 1-800-899-8858, or visit us at https://www.HillsBank.com/WealthManagement. Investment products are not a deposit, not FDIC insured, not insured by any federal governmental agency, carry no bank guarantee, and may go down in value. Neither Hills Bank and Trust Company or any of its employees are authorized to give legal or tax advice. Individuals are encouraged to seek the guidance of their own personal legal or tax counsel. Source: IRC § 408(8)(2017). IRC § 213 (2017). IRC § 170 (2017).

Friends Club News

Policies/Procedures

Enrollment Eligibility and Guests - Enrollment will only be open to Hills Bank and Trust Company (Hills Bank) Friends Club members; however, a Friends Club member who would typically be a single occupancy is allowed to bring one guest. In rare occasions, a Friends Club household (two members) may bring a non-member couple or single guest if there is availability and the:

• Event has been promoted to members for one month. • Day trip has been promoted to members for one month.

• Extended trip has been promoted to members for at least three months. After the same guest travels with Friends Club on three extended trips, the guest will be required to join Friends Club to continue traveling with the group. A non-member may be charged more than a member. Hills Bank and its tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline any person at any time, or to require any participant to withdraw from a program at his or her own expense when such an action is determined by the operator or Hills Bank to be in the best interest of the participant’s health and safety or the general welfare of the other participants. Payment and Itinerary - Hills Bank will mail a payment letter with the itinerary and a postage paid envelope within a week of a registrant signing up for a day trip or an event. Send payment as soon as possible to reserve your spot. If payment is not received within 2 weeks of when you received the letter, we will offer the spot to another member. For extended travel, trip deposits and a completed registration form will secure your reservation. If this information is not returned (postage paid envelope provided) within two weeks of requesting the packet, then Friends Club will follow-up with a phone call to check your status. There is a registration deadline for each trip with final payment due, but waiting until this date to secure your spot with a deposit could result in no availability. Detailed brochures are available upon request and on the website at www.hillsbank.com/friends-club-calendar. Waiting List - Events, day trips, and extended travel may have a waiting list due to limited space or tickets. We appreciate your understanding and willingness to be on the waiting list. Do not be discouraged, you may get a call to join us! We do our best to have a second event, get additional tickets, or do another trip for those on the waiting lists when possible. Cancellations - If cancellation is necessary, please find a replacement and let Friends Club know by calling 319-358- 2278 or 319-358-2215 or emailing FriendsClub@HillsBank.com. You may also inquire about a waiting list to see if we can find a replacement for you. If there is not a replacement available on the waiting list, you can consider asking a non-member to take your place. This also applies to local events with a cost. Refunds for cancellations are not guaranteed due to nonrefundable circumstances, such as pre-purchased tickets, deposits, and reservation fees. If an event or day trip is cancelled due to insufficient reservation numbers, a full refund will be issued. For extended travel using an outside travel agent, Friends Club will adhere to the written cancellation policy of the travel agent. In most cases, cancellations prior to the final payment due date allow for a deposit refund. In some cases, including most cruises, the deposit may be non-refundable, which will be noted on the brochure and registration materials. If cancellation is necessary after final payment and it is due to a medical reason, then the traveler will be able to submit an insurance claim if a Travel Protection Plan is included in the trip. Hills Bank and the travel provider have no determination whether the claim will be approved. More details will be provided upon request. Inclement Weather - In the event of inclement weather, travelers and event participants will be contacted if the event is cancelled. Unfortunately, refunds for inclement weather cancellations are dependent on the venue’s policy to refund Hills Bank Friends Club for the cancellation and cannot be guaranteed. Health and Medical Requirements - Hills Bank Friends Club welcomes all travelers but requests that participants be in good health to join the trip and be physically able to participate in all stated itinerary items. If you cannot participate in all activities, then you must be willing to stay back so the group is not affected. You will not be reimbursed for the activities that you miss. Hills Bank Friends Club offers tours to exciting destinations, and in some places there are very limited accommodations for wheelchairs, walkers, or people with limited mobility. Any condition that may require assistance or special medical attention must be reported at the time a reservation is made or as soon as possible thereafter by emailing FriendsClub@HillsBank.com or calling 319-358-2230. Every effort will be made to address special dietary requirements with notice given to venues: however, no guarantees can be made that the venues will be able to accommodate. Neither Hills Bank Friends Club employees nor its vendors may assist with medications or physically aid participants on tours, including administering medications, physically lifting or assisting participants into transportation vehicles, or assisting with wheelchairs. Persons who cannot travel independently and who would need special assistance must be accompanied by a companion who will be able to assist and assume responsibility for this person. The companion will be treated as any other participant and will be subject to the same policies and program rates. Parking - Day trips and extended travel will depart from and return to Hills Bank on Blairs Ferry Road in Cedar Rapids and the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Iowa City, unless otherwise noted in the payment letter sent to each registrant. Parking at these locations is free. Hills Bank Friends Club cannot accommodate requests for additional pickup locations due to timing and accommodation of the group. Motorcoach Seating - Seats are assigned for day trips and motorcoach extended trips to better serve the travelers and to help the tour manager and Hills Bank escort get better acquainted with the travelers. Seat rotations will be at the discretion of the tour manager and escort. Any special or medical needs regarding seating assignments should be mentioned at the time of registration as indicated on your registration form, and we will accommodate as best as possible. A bus seating list is mailed out to travelers for day trips approximately 2-3 weeks before departure.

1st Quarter 2019

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28

www.hillsbank.com

Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs