Friends Club 2nd Quarter 2024

HILLS BANK

Quarter Two 2024

FEATURED TRIP Ladies Day in Pella Details on page 21

What's Inside: Celebrating 120 Years of Hills Bank Day Trips: Flowers, Fairs, Antique Trucks, Musicals & More New Local Event Experiences

W armer weather is here and it’s time to get out and explore! The Friends Club Team has been busy preparing a new and unique line-up of local events and day trips for you to enjoy this spring. Hills Bank celebrated 120 years of doing business here in Eastern Iowa in February. Read more about this milestone celebration from Lisa Shileny, President and Chief Operating Officer, on page 5. Being locally owned and independent comes with so much pride for us as we gladly serve as your community bank! Friends Club is using this monumental year to continue continue focusing locally with our programing so that our community values shine brighter than ever through our club activities. From highlighting local history, to showcasing local businesses, and experiencing the fantastic beauty of our area to connecting you with other members of our amazing community, this will be one of our best years yet!

I will see you soon, Friends!

Katie Harris Friends Club Director

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Friends Club News

4 120 YEARS OF HILLS BANK 6 EVENTS 16 LOCAL PERFORMANCES 18 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: JENNINE WOLF 20 DAY TRIPS 24 WHY SHOULD I CHOSE A PROFESSIONAL EXECUTOR OR TRUSTEE? 26 FUN AND GAMES 27 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES IN THIS ISSUE

Announcing 2025 Travel South Slope Community Center (980 N Front St, North Liberty) Thursday, July 18, 2:00 p.m.

Join us for the announcement of our 2025 Friends Club tour line-up! You will hear a brief summary of each trip with photos and inclusions from our long-time travel operator, Star Destinations. Register by Tuesday, July 16. To register, please email FriendsClub@HillsBank.com or call 319-679-2103.

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of Years Hills Bank 12 4 Friends Club News

All of us here at Hills Bank are thrilled to be celebrating the Bank’s 120th Anniversary this year! In 1904, nineteen citizens of Hills, Iowa came together with $10,000 and a dream of creating a community bank that truly cared about its customers and helped them prosper. Today, Hills Bank serves 18 offices and counting – we are excited to be opening our 19th office in Williamsburg this fall. For all that has changed over the years, our founders would be proud to know that our customers are still our most treasured asset. This steadfast commitment to taking care of our customers has not wavered for 120 years, and we are just as committed to this in the years to come. Our founders recognized the power of community banking and personally invested in it. The celebration and achievement of this 120th anniversary is due to all of you, our valued customers, who share this belief in local banking. We thank you and are honored to serve you.

Thank you for your business.

Lisa Shileny President & COO, Hills Bank

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2nd Quarter 2024

Experience your local community, spark your curiosity with an educational presentation, or try a completely new experience with Friends Club! Registration is required for both paid and unpaid events. Please let us know you are coming so we can ensure the best experiences for our members, from adequate parking to comfortable seating, and more. How to Register To register, please email FriendsClub@HillsBank.com or call 319-679-2103 . Provide your full name, phone number, email address, and preferred payment method (if applicable) upon registering. Online registration is not available at this time. Events

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Friends Club News

Iowa City Walking Group

Thursdays @ 9 a.m. Terry Trueblood Recreation Area (579 McCollister Blvd, Iowa City)

Kick off the day with friends and an energizing workout! The group will meet at 9:00 a.m., chart their route, and enjoy. Note: This is an informal group and Hills Bank staff will not be present to facilitate.

Register today to receive any updates or communications for

participants regarding location, time changes, and more! Guests welcome. Note: No planned session

on

July 4 th holiday.

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2nd Quarter 2024

April 18 Thursday Noon

Always a favorite for those that attend, be inspired at this bi-annual Community Book Talk that will feature Mount Vernon Public Librarian, Cathy Boggs, and Cornell College Librarian, Greg Cotton. They will give recommendations and insight on numerous books with various topics. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited. This event is open to the public; guests are welcome. Register by Monday, April 15.

Spring Community Book Talk Cole Library

(620 1st St SW, Mount Vernon)

April 18 Thursday 3:30 p.m.

Estate Planning with Trust

Has it been several years or even decades since you last thought about your estate plan? Or did you never quite get around to having an attorney draft your Will or Trust Agreement? If so, join Claire Murphy and Logan Lewis, Trust Officers with Hills Bank Trust and Wealth Management as they present the steps to successful estate planning. Register by Tuesday, April 16.

and Wealth Management North Liberty Hills Bank (590 W Forevergreen Rd)

Register Now Email FriendsClub@HillsBank.com or call 319-679-2103 .

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Friends Club News

April 25 Thursday 4:00 p.m.

Positively Plantiful with Chef Mariah Andrews The Plantiful Pantry (100 1st St E, Mt Vernon)

Plant-based food isn’t just for vegans anymore – come taste why! Join Mariah Andrews, owner and plant-based chef at The Plantiful Pantry in Mount Vernon, to learn everything you need to know about how to love plant-based eating. She will walk you through what foods to eat and what foods to avoid, how to make plant-based eating simple, tips and tricks for planning, spicing and cooking plant-based meals, and the best recipes to get you started. Did we mention samples?! Plant- based eating is revolutionizing the standard American diet – and it may revolutionize not just your diet, but your life. Register by Tuesday, April 23.

Register Now Email FriendsClub@HillsBank.com or call 319-679-2103 .

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2nd Quarter 2024

Barnyard DAYS

Marion (3204 7th Ave) 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Mount Vernon (720 First Ave SE) 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. North Liberty (590 W Forevergreen Rd) 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. April 27 Saturday

This annual event is part of Hills Bank’s annual Ag Month celebration. At bank parking lots across the Corridor, you’ll see many different animals and maybe even pet a few. Area animal handlers bring everything from goats to pigs, and llamas to camels. Barnyard Days is a great reason to get out of the house after a long winter and an adorable grandkid photo opportunity! Visit the following locations for a barnyard day celebration. No registration required – Barnyard Day events are open to the public.

Washington (2481 IA-92) 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

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Friends Club News

April 19 Friday

Hills Bank Marion (3204 7th Ave)

HILLS BANK Bingo 58 G

9:00 a.m.

May 3 Friday

Hills Bank North Liberty (590 W Forevergreen Rd)

9:30 a.m.

May 17 Friday May 31 Friday

Hills Bank Mount Vernon (720 First Ave SE)

Do you need a little Friends Club B I N G O in your life? We do! Light refreshments will be served. Register for any of the bingo options listed on the left to reserve your spot.

10:00 a.m.

Hills Bank Washington (2481 IA-92)

9:00 a.m.

June 7 Friday

Cedar Rapids: Villas at Stony Point (1818 Stoney Point Rd SW)

2:00 p.m.

Register Now Email FriendsClub@HillsBank.com or call 319-679-2103 .

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2nd Quarter 2024

May 3 Friday 3:00 p.m.

Aging is a taboo topic for many, but we are here to flip the script! Bob Unitiedt, Executive Director of T.R.A.I.L. (Tools and Resources for Active Independent Living) of Johnson County will share everything from little steps to take in early retirement to big steps you can make as you age to help keep decisions in your hands as long as possible. The session will cover housing considerations, local resources, and practical ideas for how you can set yourself up for success in active and independent living as you age. Educating yourself now empowers you to live your best life on your own, but not alone! The event will conclude with an opportunity for Q&A. Register by Thursday, May 2.

Calling the Shots as You Age

Iowa City Hills Bank Community Room (1401 S Gilbert St)

As one of the oldest cemeteries in Iowa, the historic Oak Shade

Cemetery in Marion is filled with a vibrant history dating back to 1840. Join Jay Kacena with the Friends of Oak Shade Cemetery as he shares about the group’s

work in revitalizing, documenting, and preserving this beautiful cemetery. He will discuss their genealogical research discoveries, the diverse history of those remembered, and many of the stories uncovered along the way. Together we will learn about the unique history of the Linn County citizens and historic figures who are connected through their common burial ground. Register by Thursday, May 9.

May 10 Friday 10:30 a.m.

The Stories of Oak Shade Cemetery

Hills Bank Marion Community Room (3204 7th Ave)

Register Now Email FriendsClub@HillsBank.com or call 319-679-2103 .

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Friends Club News

May 16 Thursday 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Escape the sea of corn and beans to immerse yourself in enchanting fields of lavender. The newest lavender farm in southeast Iowa, Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging in Oxford, IA is inviting you to a sneak preview of their unique farm experience before their

Lavender Farm Experience & Tea Making Class Calyx Creek Lavender & Lodging (1722 255th St. NW, Oxford)

Note: Event includes limited walking on uneven surfaces. Transportation is not provided. Designated parking spots will be posted on location. Register by Tuesday, May 14.

June grand opening. During our visit you will tour the farm, learn about the unique challenges of growing lavender in Iowa, and sample the versatile lavender products grown and made on the farm. Along with the tour, you will try your hand at creating your own unique tea blend with owners, Taylor & Stephanie Getting. Cost is $13 per member; $18 per non-member, payable upon registration. Cost includes: tour, tea making class, and tea to take home. Additional items available for purchase onsite.

May 24 Friday 2:00 p.m.

Healthy Brains, Active Lives Hills Bank Community Room North Liberty (590 W Forevergreen Rd)

The risk of Alzheimer's disease and related types of dementia doubles every five years for populations over 65 years of age. Michelle Voss, director of the University of Iowa’s Health, Brain, and

Cognition (HBC) Lab is coming to share her research on how health and health behaviors can sustain thinking and memory by slowing brain aging. Her goal is to inform how we can keep our mind and brain in shape to stay active with our families and our communities throughout life. Attend this workshop for practical tips and lifestyle changes to protect your brain health as you age. The session will conclude with an opportunity for Q&A. Register by Wednesday, May 22.

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2nd Quarter 2024

May 29 Wednesday 10:30 a.m.

May 30 Thursday 1:00 p.m.

Summer Container Gardening Earl May Seed & Nursery (1901 Lower Muscatine Rd, Iowa City)

Please register for one of the two event dates above.

along the way. Cost starts at $35 per person (payable at the event), which covers all the supplies needed to make your own 10-inch planter. Prices may vary if you bringing your own preferred container. Planters will be taken home at the end of the class. Register by Friday, May 24.

It is the perfect time to get your porch ready for the summer holidays! Create your own make- and-take summer container garden with the gardening professionals at Earl May Seed & Nursery as they help you design your container and share other helpful gardening tips

June 6 Thursday

Behind Collection’s Closed Doors University of Iowa Museum of Natural History (17 N Clinton St, Iowa City)

Did you know that most museums only have approximately 10% of their collections on display in public galleries? The rest is in safe keeping in storage spaces awaiting future research, exhibits, and displays. The University of Iowa

10:30 a.m. - Noon or 1:00-3:30 p.m.

Museum of Natural History is no different. Embark on an expedition through Natural History Collections with the Collections team at the University of Iowa Pentacrest Museums. You've seen the Iowa, Bird, and Mammal Halls, but find out what lies behind closed doors on this exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour. Note: Tour involves walking and standing for extended periods of time. Register by Tuesday, June 4. Please register for the morning OR afternoon session.

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Friends Club News

June 21 Friday 10:00 a.m. - Noon

Join us to be transported to 1840 as we tour the Alexander and Elizabeth Young Log House with local historian Michael Zahs . This home is in nearly unaltered condition and is filled with fascinating period furnishings.

Time Capsule Tour: Iowa’s Historic Log Home Sunset Park (South Avenue F, Washington)

During this limited opening, learn about what it was like to live in Pre-Civil War Southeast Iowa and how these amazing historic homes were built. Zahs will also demonstrate working with logs using tools from the 1840s, including log dressing and shingle making, like he has used on his own log home builds. Enter on the east side of the park and look for the Friends Club flag. Note: This event will require walking a short distance on grass. Register by Wednesday, June 19.

June 25 Tuesday 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Smart DriverTEK Workshop with AARP

Have you ever wondered about all the new safety technology in today’s vehicles? Join us for a special workshop presented by AARP to answer all your questions and more. This workshop will cover vehicle technology and provide a step- by-step guide of how it works and benefits drivers. Sponsored by Hills Bank Friends Club and available for AARP members. Register by Friday, June 21.

Marion Hills Bank Community Room (3204 7th Ave)

Doors open at 9:00a.m.

Register Now Email FriendsClub@HillsBank.com or call 319-679-2103 .

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2nd Quarter 2024

L P ocal Enjoy the talents within our local theaters this spring with Friends Club. To register for a performance, please email FriendsClub@HillsBank.com or call 319-679-2103 . Provide your full name, phone number, email address, and preferred payment method upon registering. ADA accessible seating requests must be noted at the time of registration . Transportation not provided. Tickets will be mailed to registrants prior to departure.

erformances

Guests: Tickets are only available for Hills Bank Friends Club members; however, a Friends Club member who would typically be a single occupancy is allowed to bring one guest. See page 27 for full guest policy.

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Friends Club News

School of Rock Theatre Cedar Rapids (102 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids) Sunday, May 12 at 2:30pm Rock got no reason, rock got no rhyme…You better get me to school on time! School of Rock, based on the hit Jack Black movie, follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight–A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out? School of Rock – with its sensational live kids’ rock band, is a loving testimony to the transforming power of music. Cost is $51 per person and includes ticket, taxes, and fees. Register by Thursday, April 11. Waitress Theatre Cedar Rapids (102 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids) Sunday, July 14 at 2:30pm Featuring music and lyrics by Grammy Award® winner Sara Bareilles and book by acclaimed screenwriter, Jessie Nelson, Waitress promises to be little slice of heaven this summer. Jenna, a waitress (and expert pie-maker) dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. A county baking contest — and a handsome new doctor — offer her a tempting recipe for happiness. Supported by her sweet and sassy crew of fellow waitresses and customers, Jenna’s tale reveals the power of friendship and the courage to take chances. Inspired by the beloved independent film and brought to life on Broadway by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, Tony®-nominated Waitress is cherished by audiences all over the world. Waitress offers a special recipe for finding happiness in unexpected places. It will move, uplift and inspire! Cost is $51 per person and includes ticket, taxes, and fees. Register by Wednesday, June 12.

Come From Away Hancher Auditorium (141 Park Rd, Iowa City) Thursday, June 6 at 2:00pm Broadway’s Come From Away is a Best Musical winner all across North America! This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Don't miss this breathtaking musical written by Tony Award nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by Tony- winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley. Newsweek cheers, "It takes you to a place you never want to leave!" On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all. Cost is $86 per person and includes Zone 2 seating, taxes, and fees. Register by Tuesday, April 30.

Register Now Email FriendsClub@HillsBank.com or call 319-679-2103 .

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2nd Quarter 2024

Member

As a community bank, we believe in fostering community growth through volunteerism, sponsorship, and involvement. These community values shine bright in not only our Friends Club activities, but also in our members! Friends Club is made up of an amazing group of loyal customers who also foster growth in our community through supporting local organizations, engaging in historic preservation, providing mentorship to community youth, volunteering medical assistance, and so much more. That's why we created our Friends Club Member Spotlight! Each quarter, we will feature an employee-nominated Friends Club member who is fostering community growth through volunteerism and involvement. Hills Bank will donate $250 to a local non-profit on behalf of this member to show our support for the work they do in our community! Spotlight

This quarter we sat down with Jennine Wolf from Washington .

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Watch the full interview at hillsbank.com/FC-community

Tell us a bit about yourself: how did you wind up in Southeast Iowa? I was born in Minnesota, but moved to Muscatine as a baby, and eventually came down here to Washington. I recently retired from my job as the Environmental Health Director of Washington County, which was very fulfilling. Between food, septic, and well inspections, handling dog bites and catching bats, and giving community food safety talks for Washington businesses – there was something different every day.

Who inspires you in our community? There are quite a few. Angela Langstraat, the Hills Bank Branch Manager in Washington. Lori and Bob Bauer are extremely giving people, and very involved. There’s a lot of people I worked with at restaurants and other places I’ve worked and volunteered that are very supportive. How do you see Hills Bank in our community? I think Hills Bank is fantastic. There’s never been a time I’ve walked in here that I’ve felt anything but welcomed. There’s a lot that [the bank] does behind the scenes that I’m just fascinated by. I think it’s a great contribution to Washington. Hills Bank is the best bank there is, that comes from the heart.

What’s your favorite part of Friends Club? Getting the opportunity to get out and enjoy things and get to know other people – I enjoy that immensely. I like a lot of the activities that are offered, though I may not get to all of them. However, I did enjoy the Circa 21 show “Beauty and the Beast” so much that I went back and took my great-great- granddaughters, they enjoyed it too! And on another note, I’ve even called and offered suggestions and [Friends Club] actually listened to me! I tell a lot of my friends about it. Friends Club is a really nice way to be a part of the community.

What organizations do you volunteer with?

I volunteer with the Y’s Men and Women, a service organization for the YMCA. We do volunteer work to earn money for the Y to continue offering activities for our community. I also volunteer for the Philanthropic Education Organization (P.E.O.) which focuses on helping women around the world, providing education opportunities and inspiring self- confidence. I’m also a part of the Martha Washington Questers, which is about restoring past, historic buildings and traditions. It’s really very interesting to see things like buttons from the 1800’s and 1900’s! How has volunteering enriched your life? I get great satisfaction working with people who want to volunteer and help other people. I’m happy to be with those who want to accomplish what I do – which is helping people who may not have had the best type of life, and may need a hand up from time to time. When there’s a need, you just help. Volunteering is worth giving a try!

Thank you, Jennine, for your commitment to the Washington community and for fostering growth here in Southeast Iowa. A $250 donation has been made to the Y's Men's & Women's Club to show our support for the work you do in our community.

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Board a motorcoach and let Friends Club handle the rest. These one-day trips are the perfect mini getaway! To register, please email FriendsClub@HillsBank.com or call 319-679-2103 . Provide your full name, phone number, and email address.

• You will be asked to complete your payment at the time of registration (direct debit or credit card payments accepted).

• Payment confirmation, itinerary, parking details, and terms and conditions for the below day trips will be mailed to registrants after payment is complete.

• Online registration is not available at this time.

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Friends Club News

Ladies Day in Pella Pella, IA Friday, May 10, 2024 Tulips, tea, and time together! Ladies, we are headed west to the town of Pella, known for its Tulip Time festivities and rich Dutch heritage. Take in the sprawling tulip gardens, enjoy a private tea and lunch at the historic Scholte House Museum & Gardens, tour the town with a local guide, and end the afternoon on your own to shop and sample your way through Pella’s downtown area. Call your mom, text your daughter, ring your sister, grab a friend, or enjoy the day solo. However you join us, its guaran-tea-ed to be a memorable day! Accessibility: This tour includes limited stairs and walking on uneven surfaces. Cost is $125 per person and includes motorcoach transportation, lunch, and admission to all activities listed in the itinerary. Register by Thursday, April 18.

J erse y Boys Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse Rock Island, IL Wednesday, May 22, 2024

With phenomenal music, memorable characters, and great storytelling, Jersey Boys follows the fascinating evolution of four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop- music history. Winner of Best Musical at both the Tony Awards® and Olivier Awards®, Jersey Boys takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to discover the secret of a 40-year friendship as the foursome work their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom. Audiences will be thrilled with electrifying performances of chart-topping hits including Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Dawn, and My Eyes Adored You , which brought The Four Seasons the highest honor: induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Cost is $125 per person and includes motorcoach transportation, matinee show, meal, taxes, and gratuities. Register by Friday, May 3.

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2nd Quarter 2024

Cubs vs. Brewers Game Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI Thursday, May 30, 2024 Let’s play ball! Watch longtime rivals Chicago Cubs

and Milwaukee Brewers play at Miller Park in Milwaukee, WI. The game begins with the first pitch at 1:00 p.m. Note: Seats are located in the Loge Infield Box and may be exposed to sun but will be great seats to watch the game. Cost is $163 per person and includes motorcoach transportation, game ticket, taxes, and gratuities. Register by Friday, April 26.

Antique Trucks Galore and More! Walcott, IA Thursday, July 11, 2024 Try something new and enjoy the biggest day of the year at World’s Largest Truckstop for their annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree. You’ll have access to the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum, antique truck shows, super truck contests, over 175 exhibits, live music, and lots of tasty food. Some say Iowa 80 Truckstop is like a small city, others have likened it to a Trucker’s Disneyland – After 60 years in business, we certainly think it is a sight to see. We provide the transportation, you choose your own adventure and enjoy the day at your leisure! Cost is $49 per person and includes motorcoach transportation and driver gratuity. Register by Monday, June 10.

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Friends Club News

The Bikinis Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse Rock Island, IL Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Everyone’s favorite girl group from the sixties, The Bikinis – or “The Jersey Girls,” as they’re affectionately called – are back together after 20 years, bringing back the sun, fun and all the great songs they sang down on the boardwalk at the Jersey Shore. THE BIKINIS relive their heyday and beyond, beginning the summer of 1964, the night these four inseparable friends won the Belmar Beach Talent Contest. THE BIKINIS is a nonstop celebration of song filled with hits such as It’s In His Kiss, Heat Wave, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini, Under The Boardwalk, I’m every woman, I Will Survive, It’s Raining Men, and many more! Cost is $125 per person and includes motorcoach transportation, matinee show, meal, taxes, and gratuities. Register by Friday, June 28.

Iowa State Fair Des Moines, IA Wednesday, August 14, 2024 Celebrate our great state of Iowa by venturing to the annual Iowa State Fair! Experience all of what makes Iowa exceptional through hundreds of delicious food choices, blue-ribbon worthy competitions, and many options for free entertainment throughout the day’s trip. We provide the transportation, you choose your own adventure and enjoy the day at your leisure! Cost is $65 per person and includes motorcoach transportation, fair admission, and driver gratuity. Register by Friday, July 12.

To register, please email FriendsClub@HillsBank.com or call 319-679-2103 . Provide your full name, phone number, and email address.

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Why Should I Choose a Professional Executor or

Trustee? by the Hills Bank Wealth Management Group

When you pass away, your estate plan will most likely include an executor or a trustee, and they will be responsible for winding up your affairs after your passing. An executor (sometimes called a “personal representative”) is an individual or financial institution that is nominated by a deceased person in their Last Will and Testament. In much the same way, if the deceased person built his or her estate plan around a trust instead of a Will, they need to name a trustee/successor trustee in the trust agreement governing their estate plan.

An executor or trustee can be an individual such as a trusted family member or friend. However, it is important to note that executors and trustees are responsible for winding up your affairs, distributing your property, handling accounting and legal reporting requirements, complying with tax and legal obligations, and investing assets in ongoing irrevocable trusts. An individual person serving as executor or trustee is unlikely to have significant experience or expertise in these fields. As result, they may make slow progress in their work or be faced with even greater complications after making avoidable errors. Naming a financial institution like Hills Bank to serve instead may be advantageous for the following reasons:

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Friends Club News

1. Technical Expertise Financial institutions are staffed with experts with degrees in law, business, and accounting, and have other additional training to prepare them to deal effectively with complicated estate and trust matters. For this reason, banks and trust companies can generally administer the estate of a deceased person with greater accuracy and efficiency than an individual. 2. Connections Most financial institutions that administer trusts and estates have been doing so for many years. Over that time, they have built many professional connections with, among others, attorneys, realtors, accountants, appraisers, and auction companies that all play a role in administering the affairs of a deceased person. These connections make the process of administering the estate or trust more efficient and cost effective. 3. Impartiality An individual executor or trustee must distribute the property of the deceased person according to the terms of their Will or trust agreement. This can put that individual in an awkward or difficult position with friends or family members who are not happy with the terms of the trust (i.e. they don’t believe they received their fair share). These unhappy individuals may even go as far as to blame the executor or trustee. Financial institutions, on the other hand, have no personal stake in the affairs of a deceased person and cannot easily be accused of such favoritism or partiality.

4. Liability Probate, real estate, and tax laws are very complex. Even a well-informed and well-intentioned individual can make a critical mistake. In addition to causing additional work and delay to fix, such a mistake could also expose the individual executor or trustee to legal action. Corporate executors and trustees have the expertise, experience, and institutional memory to avoid most issues that could cause potential liability. 5. Time Even if an individual executor or successor trustee is able to perform his or her work perfectly, the administration of a deceased person’s affairs is still a vast undertaking. Some complex estate plans can require hundreds of hours of work over a period of years. Even small and relatively simple estate plans can demand dozens of hours of work and attention. Those who work full time and have a family often do not have the time to take on the work of an executor or a trustee. This is especially true when the person nominated as executor or trustee is a close friend or family member of the deceased, as he or she must also confront their grief at the deceased person’s loss at the same time. Naming a bank or trust company as a corporate executor or trustee saves loved ones the added stress and work of winding up your affairs, especially at a time when their grief has put them in poor position to handle it.

If you have further questions, we invite you to schedule a meeting with one of our experienced Trust and Wealth Management Officers by calling 1-800-899-8858 or by email at Trust@HillsBank.com. We look forward to serving you as your trusted advisor.

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Investment products are not a deposit, not FDIC insured, not insured by any federal government agency, carry no bank guarantee, and may go down in value.

HIDDEN NEEDLE HUNT

Still looking for the hidden needles in the winter newsletter? Check out pages 3 and 17. Our lucky winners were: Lorraine (Crawfordsville, IA) and Eugene (Marion, IA) . If you’re up for the challenge, here is another chance to play! Look high, low, and in-between for the hidden needle (the needle below is an example of what you’re looking for and not one of the hidden needles). There are TWO hidden needles in this newsletter edition. If you find one, you’ll get entered into a drawing to win a $25 gift card. If you find both, you’ll get entered into the drawing twice! There will be three winners this time! Submit Your Guess: Email FriendsClub@HillsBank.com or call 319-679-2103. Provide your name and the page number(s) on which you found the needle(s). You will not receive an individual confirmation after submitting your guess. Winners will be contacted if their name is drawn. Happy searching! Submit by June 1st to be entered into the drawing.

SUDOKU CHALLENGE Level: Medium Can you beat our marketing team's best time? See if you can solve the sudoku faster than Conrad Yutzy's time of 10:47 .

Answers

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Friends Club News

Policies/Procedures

Guest Policy – 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. A non- member may be charged more than a member. 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 one month. After the same guest travels with Friends Club on two extended trips, the guest will be required to join Friends Club to continue traveling with the group. Enrollment Eligibility Hills Bank Friends Club 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. Health and Medical Requirements – Hills Bank Friends Club requests that participants be in good health to participate in Events or Travel 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 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 319-679-2103. Every effort will be made to address special dietary requirements with notice given to venues: however, no guarantees can be made on behalf of the venue. Neither Hills Bank Friends Club employees nor its vendors or operators 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. Day Trip and Event Payments – Hills Bank Friends Club will send a payment request and the Event itinerary after registrant signs up for an Event. Return your payment as soon as possible to reserve your spot. If payment is not received within two weeks of when you received the letter, we will offer the spot to another member. Day Trip and Event Cancelations Refunds for cancellations are not guaranteed due to nonrefundable circumstances, such as pre-purchased tickets, deposits, and reservation fees. If cancellation is necessary, contact Hills Bank Friends Club by emailing FriendsClub@ HillsBank.com or calling 319-679-2103. You may 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 finding yor own replacement or asking a non-member to take your place. This also applies to local events with a cost. If an event or day trip is cancelled due to insufficient reservation numbers, a full refund will be issued. Extended Travel Cancellations – Hills Bank Friends Club will adhere to the written cancellation policy of the travel operator. More details regarding cancellations and insurance will be provided upon request. Waiting Lists – 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 provide another trip for those on the waiting lists when possible. Inclement Weather – In the event of inclement weather, travelers and event participants will be contacted the day before or the morning of the trip. Refunds for inclement weather cancellations are dependent on the vendors’ policies to refund Hills Bank Friends Club and cannot be guaranteed. Responsibilities and Limitation of Liability - All events and trips, including extended trips, will be governed by Hills Bank’s terms and conditions, and any tour operator’s terms and conditions or policies. Parking - Day trips and extended travel will depart from and return to River of Life Church 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.

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2nd Quarter 2024

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