HILLS BANK
Quarter Three 2023
WHAT’S INSIDE? Last Chance: Iowa State Fair Day Trip New Summer Events 2024 Travel Destinations Announced
S ummer is well underway, and it’s the perfect time to get out
Can I Bring a Guest? We love friends! However, our programing is always first and foremost for you, our Friends Club members. With events, day trips, and extended travel tours filling fast, we wanted to revisit our guest policy to help you plan for your next activity. Enrollment is only open to Hills Bank Friends Club members; however: • A Friends Club member who would typically be single occupancy is allowed to bring one guest. • On rare occasions, a Friends Club household (two members) may bring a non-member couple or single guest if there is availability and the activity has been promoted to members for one month. • A non-member may be charged more than a member. If an event is open to guests beyond this policy, the description will list “guests welcome” to provide clarity. We understand that members may run into unique circumstances; if you have questions concerning this policy, please reach out. there and try something new! All of our programming is designed to offer Friends Club members opportunities for growth, adventure, and connection. Whether it is one of our meet-ups at a local, live music event or a day-long venture to a nearby destination, there is something new for you to try this season with Friends Club!
Produced in partnership with Star Destinations
IN THIS ISSUE
Have a friend who wants to join the club? Bankers at all of our Hills Bank locations can assist with new member accounts and questions! Your friend can also reach out to a digital banker online through the Hills Bank website by clicking the “Chat Here!” button at the bottom of the webpage. May the months ahead be filled with friendship, warm summer nights, good food, and all that this beautiful season has to offer!
4 LOCAL EVENTS
12 DISASTER READINESS
14 DAY TRIPS
17 LOCAL PERFORMANCES
18 EXTENDED TRAVEL
24 REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION BASICS, PART 3
26 FUN AND GAMES
I will see you soon, Friends!
27 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Katie Harris, Friends Club Director
Hills Bank Bingo 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 below to reserve your spot. North Liberty 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. Join us for our lineup of local events! Events are one hour unless otherwise listed. All of our event offerings are updated daily at hillsbank.com/friends-club-events How to Register To register, please email FriendsClub@HillsBank.com or call 319-679-2103. Provide your name, preferred phone number, and an active email address upon registering (if available). Online registration is not available at this time. Do I need to register?
(590 W Forevergreen Rd) Thursday, July 13, 9:30 a.m. Cedar Rapids (Villas at Stony Point, 1818 Stoney Point Rd SW) Friday, July 21, 2:00 p.m. Mount Vernon (720 1st Ave) Friday, August 11, 10:00 a.m. Washington (2481 IA-92) Tuesday, August 15, 9:00 a.m. Marion (3204 7th Ave) Friday, September 22, 9:00 a.m co
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Friends Club News
Iowa City Walking Group Location will alternate between Terry Trueblood Recreation Area (579 McCollister Blvd, Iowa City) and City Park (200 Park Rd, Iowa City) Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. (July 6, 13, 20, 27; August 3) Kick off the day with friends and an energizing workout! The group will meet at 9:00 a.m., chart their route with a Friends Club staff member, and enjoy. Registration is required to receive updates regarding location, parking, and weather cancellations. Guests welcome! Register today to learn
more and join the group! Plum Grove: Taste and Tour Plum Grove Historic Home (1030 Carroll Street, Iowa City) Thursday, July 13, 10:00 a.m.
Join us on a guided tour of Iowa City’s Plum Grove Historic Home, the former residence of Iowa's first territorial governor, Robert Lucas, and his family. This guided tour will include the seven-room brick home furnished to reflect the Lucas family’s residency in the 1840s-1850s, maintained by the Johnson County Historical Society. The tour will also include and Friendly Lucas’ Heritage Garden, maintained by the Johnson County Master Gardeners of Iowa. During the event, we will enjoy a fruit pastry together in honor of Mrs. Lucas' baking skills and the extensive fruit orchard that included several acres of plum trees. The tour will be led by Judy Nyren, local Iowa City history enthusiast and citizen historian for Lucas Farms Neighborhood Association. Nyren is also a past recipient of the Friends of Historic Preservation Volunteer of the Year award and a Johnson County Historic Society Volunteer of the Year. Following the tour, there will be an optional short walking tour in the surrounding historic neighborhood. Limited space available. Register by Tuesday, July 11.
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Marion Big Band Concert: Meet-Up Thomas Park (343 Marion Blvd., Marion) Thursday, July 20, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Take in the summer fun and meet-up with Friends Club at the "Marion Big Band" concert in the park series. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy classic 30’s & 40’s Big Band hits! Friends Club staff will be there, so look for the Friends Club flag and join us for the evening. Guests welcome. Parking may be limited at this public venue. Register by Tuesday, July 18 to receive updates regarding weather or cancelations. Marion Big Band Concert: Meet-Up Thomas Park (343 Marion Blvd., Marion) Thursday, July 27, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Take in the summer fun and meet-up with Friends Club at the "Marion Big Band" concert in the park series. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy classic 30’s & 40’s Big Band hits! Friends Club staff will be there, so look for the Friends Club flag and join us for the evening. Guests welcome. Parking may be limited at this public venue. Register by Tuesday, July 25 to receive updates regarding weather or cancelations.
Discussing Perception and Identity Through Portraits Stanley Museum of Art (160 W. Burlington Street, Iowa City) Wednesday, July 19, 2:00 p.m. Enjoy a tour of the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art's inaugural exhibition Homecoming focusing on portraits. The galleries have recently been reinstalled, so there's new objects on display, including many unique portraits. Let's learn about this exhibition and discuss perception and identity through these portraits with our guide, Amanda Lensing. Lensing is the Senior Living Communities Program Coordinator at the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art and Co-Director of Connected for Life: Object-based Digital Programming to Foster Active Minds for Senior Living Communities. Accessible parking options are listed below. Register by Wednesday, July 12.
To register, please email FriendsClub@HillsBank.com or call 319-679-2103 .
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Friends Club News
The Balloonists Hills Bank Community Room North Liberty (590 W Forevergreen Rd) Thursday, August 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join us to hear Adam and Kim Magee of The Balloon Training Academy share about their uniquely high-flying hobby: hot air ballooning! The Magees will present on the ins-and-outs of ballooning and share their experience with the sport, including starting The Balloon Training Academy and what it has meant to be a six-time world record holder. You read that correctly… six world records! Following the presentation, members will have the opportunity to see one of the Magee balloons inflate on site (weather pending). Register by Tuesday, August 1. Moonlit Movie Series: Meet-Up Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center (4500 N 10th Street, Marion) Friday, August 4, 7:00 p.m. Meet-up with us at the Moonlit Movie Series presented by Hills Bank to enjoy free, local outdoor entertainment. We’ll laugh along with the family flick "Strange World" and take in the summer night - Bring your blanket or lawn chair and watch the movie with your Friends Club pals. Friends Club staff will be there to help coordinate seating together so look for the Friends Club flag. Guests welcome. Register by Wednesday, August 2 to receive updates regarding weather or cancelations. Note: Outside food and drink are permitted but select snack vendors will be onsite during the event. No dogs or other pets. Parking: Parking distance from this public venue will vary depending on volume of guests and walking may be required. Parking is available in three hard-surface lots, as well as marked overflow areas in the grass.
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3rd Quarter 2023
Exclusive Tour: Kalona Wahl Museum Kalona Historical Village (715 D Ave, Kalona)
Beer Tasting with John’s Grocery Hills Bank Community Room Iowa City (1401 S Gilbert St) Wednesday, August 9, 5:00 p.m. Join us to sample a variety of IPAs, Pilsners and everything in between with John’s Grocery. They will take you on a tour of different beers from microbreweries across the country and give you their history along the way. You are sure to find something you like! Light refreshments will be served. Cost is $15 for members and $25 for non- members, payable upon registration. Register by Friday, August 4. Butterflies of Iowa Indian Creek Nature Center (5300 Otis Road SE, Cedar Rapids) Friday, August 18, 10:00 a.m. Get an up-close look at local butterflies and other insects at Indian Creek Nature Center. Don’t miss this naturalist-guided program where you will learn all about these small but mighty critters and their impact in our ecosystem. Following the program, you’ll have the chance to visit the Indian Creek Nature Center Butterfly Hoop House (weather pending). Register by Monday, August 14.
Thursday, August 10, 11:00 am-1:30 p.m. Join us for an exclusive tour with the Kalona Historical Society through their brand new Wahl Museum, followed by a home cooked buffet-style lunch! Completed August 2023, the museum’s exhibits cover the Westward expansion of the railroad, the founding families of Kalona, the area’s Native Americans and Early Pioneers, and more. This event includes all-day admission to the Kalona Historical Village for those who would like to walk through at their leisure following the meal. Note: Dietary restrictions must be shared at time of registration. Cost is $24 for members; $31 for non-members, payable at registration. Register by Saturday, July 29.
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Friends Club News
Are Bonds Still a Safe Investment? A Debrief on What Happened in 2022 Hills Bank Community Room North Liberty (590 W Forevergreen Rd) Wednesday, August 30, 2:00 p.m. Bonds are widely regarded as “safe” investments. Historically, they are less volatile in price relative to owning stocks. On the other hand, the bond market in 2022 demonstrated that bonds can be very sensitive to rapidly rising rates. Join Mark Koch, VP, Wealth Management Officer at Hills Bank for a conversation about what happened in 2022 and why there is a silver lining for what’s to come in the bond market. Register by Monday, August 28. One Room Country School Life Lessons Hills Bank Community Room Mount Vernon (720 1st Ave) Friday, September 15, 10:00 a.m. Dwight Seegmiller, CEO of Hills Bank, grew up on a small dairy farm near Decorah, Iowa and attended a one room country school through the 6th grade. A graduate from Iowa State University, Dwight joined Hills Bank in 1975 and served as CEO and President for the past 36 years. Join us as he shares his values and common sense philosophies from his rural background in a humorous presentation entitled: Most Everything I Need To Know About Life I Learned In A One Room Country School. Register by Wednesday, September 13.
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Demystifying Medicare Hills Bank Community Room North Liberty (590 W Forevergreen Rd) Saturday, September 9, 9:00 a.m. Register by Thursday, September 7. Hills Bank Community Room Marion (3204 7th Ave) Saturday, September 16, 9:00 a.m. Register by Thursday, September 14. Hills Bank Community Room Washington (2481 IA-92) Saturday, September 23, 9:00 a.m. Register by Thursday, September 21. Medicare can be a confusing and intimidating topic, so we invited the experts from Wellmark to help lift the fog surrounding your Medicare needs. This educational presentation will address the most common questions about Medicare and Medicare elections, inform generally on the different Medicare products in the market, and provide additional resources for your individual needs. Whether you are just beginning to explore your options, or are trying to decide between plans, join us to learn more before open enrollment season begins! Guests welcome. (1818 Stoney Point Rd SW, Cedar Rapids) Thursday, September 28, 4:30-6:00 p.m. Dust off your dancing shoes and join us for an evening of great music and boogying! Instructor Beth Melchior will start the group off with some basic line dancing routines and we will dance the night away… or at least until 6:00 p.m. All experience levels welcome. Light refreshments will be provided. Register by Tuesday, September 26. Let’s Dance Villas at Stoney Point
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Night at Colony Acres Colony Acres (2780 Front St. NE, North Liberty)
Don’t forget 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.
Thursday, October 12, 4:30-6:30 pm. We invite you to celebrate the beautiful Autumn season with us at Colony Acres in North Liberty. Navigate through the corn maze, pick your pumpkin for the fall season, and enjoy the family-friendly attractions for all ages. Families and grandkids are welcome! Cost is $8 for members and member’s family guests, payable upon registration. Admission is free for children ages 2 and under. Note: Parking entrance is off Front St. and across from Ivy Lane. Register by Tuesday, October 10.
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3rd Quarter 2023
Disaster Readiness
You never know quite what to expect from Iowa weather – as the unexpected and destructive March 31 tornadoes this year showed us. In severe weather, fire, police, and emergency medical services may be delayed or unable to respond. That’s why preparing for weather disasters is so important. Here are some ways you can prepare for severe weather so you’ll be ready the next time it strikes.
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Friends Club News
Make a family emergency plan You and your family may not be together when an emergency happens, so knowing what to do, where you will go, and how to get in touch with each other is important.
Create a family communication plan: Choose an out-of-town person to be a point of contact for family members to call. If you live apart from other family, that person could even be you! Make sure everyone knows how and when to call 911 or other local emergency medical services.
Develop a family evacuation plan: Contact your local emergency management agency to learn about your community’s emergency plan, the location of shelters and hospitals, and evacuation routes.
Prepare for your pets:
Address Special needs:
Ensure you have prescriptions filled for yourself and others if possible, as well as access to life-sustaining or health- related equipment such as a ventilator or respirator.
Most shelters do not accept pets. Prepare a list of kennels, friends, and family members who may be able to care for your pet in an emergency. If you are able to take your pet to a shelter, the pet must have a current vaccination record, a pet carrier, and a supply of food.
Build an emergency supply kit The following items are vital to have in all emergencies, though you may want to have other items depending on the season: Water and non-perishable food for each person for 3-5 days First aid kit Money Battery-operated flashlight and radio, and extra batteries for each Extra clothing and bedding (including shoes) Stay aware of weather and road conditions Local, state, and federal authorities use several methods to communicate information about developing weather conditions. Pay attention to these sources to ensure you’re informed about severe weather: Copies of important documents such as driver’s licenses, birth certificates, insurance policies, and financial information Personal hygiene items Specialty items such as prescription medications, baby formula, diapers, and pet supplies Plates, cups, utensils, and a can opener
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs): These emergency messages are broadcast from cell towers to mobile devices in a targeted area. They look like text messages but are designed to get your attention, with a unique sound and vibration repeated twice.
Warning Sirens: Activated upon a local tornado warning or severe thunderstorm warnings (or if actual wind speeds reach 70 mph), warning sirens are your signal to seek shelter and tune in for more details.
NOAA Weather Radio: A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio is one of the best ways to receive
Iowa 511: Access real-time information on current road conditions on www.511ia.org
weather and other emergency alerts.
You can find more information on these systems and types of severe weather warnings at ready.iowa.gov/be-aware/
Friends Club is working with local Emergency Management Coordinators on educational courses for members this fall. Keep your eye on the October newsletter for dates at locations near you!
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3rd Quarter 2023
Source: ready.iowa.gov
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. Preferred payment method due upon registration. Online registration is not available at this time. Payment information, parking details, and terms and conditions for the below day trips will be mailed to registrants.
Iowa State Fair Des Moines, IA Wednesday, August 16 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 competition, and many options for free entertainment throughout the day’s trip. Cost is $54 per person and includes motorcoach transportation, fair admission, and driver gratuity. Register by Monday, July 17.
Waitlist: Please add your name to the waitlist even if there are no spots remaining; we will add a second bus if there’s enough interest!
Friends Club News
Kalona Countryside Experience Kalona, IA Thursday, September 7 Discover the world of the Amish who continue to live the simple, wholesome lives of our pioneers. We will take to the scenic back roads with our local guide touring by homes, schools, and farms and learning about their fascinating traditions and customs. The day will begin at the Kalona Historical Village with a talk about the customs and lifestyles of the various Amish and Mennonite groups in the Kalona area over coffee and strudel. We’ll then enjoy unique destinations in the Kalona countryside including an Amish buggy shop, a local farm, shops, and more. For lunch, we will experience a meal served family style in a Mennonite home. From home-baked bread to fresh fruit pie, we won’t leave hungry. Cost is $98 per person and includes motorcoach transportation, breakfast, lunch, taxes, and gratuities. Register by Friday, August 4.
Escape to Margaritaville Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse Rock Island, IL Wednesday, August 30 Set your mind on island time and plan your escape to Circa ‘21’s premiere of Escape to Margaritaville, the new musical comedy about choices we make — and the people we become — once we’ve had a change in ‘latitude’. Escape to Margaritaville features both classic Jimmy Buffett and an original song with a story that revolves around a part-time bartender/singer who falls for a career-minded tourist. Welcome to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all — and stay to find something they never expected. Get ready for a hilarious and heartwarming musical with the most unforgettable songs from one of music’s greatest storytellers. It’s the party you’ve been waiting for! Cost is $113 per person and includes motorcoach transportation,matinee show, meal, taxes, and gratuities. Register by Monday, August 14.
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Fall Foliage Cruise Celebration River Cruises, Moline, IL Saturday, October 7 Imagine yourself cruising down the Mississippi, admiring the colors of nature all around you. Beautiful scenery abounds as you float up and down the river while in the background the great sounds of music from the 40’s to the present. Sit back, listen, and even dance to the sounds of your favorite tunes. Big Band, Country, and Rock and Roll, it is all there. Don’t forget your cameras to capture the scenic views! Cost is $128 per person and includes motorcoach transportation, matinee cruise, meal, taxes, and gratuities. Register by Friday, September 1.
Field of Dreams and Dyersville Thursday, September 21 Don’t let its size fool you - Dyersville has so much to explore! Join us for a day of nonstop fun where you’ll feel like a kid again at the National Farm Toy Museum, founded by the Ertl Company, or explore the nearby Antique Plaza for unique treasures. Visit the historic Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, a Catholic treasure that is over 125 years old, take a self-guided tour of the “If You Build It” exhibit and Dwier Brown’s “Baseball Hall of Dreams” exhibit, and even step into a guided tour of the original house used in the filming of the movie Field of Dreams. To end the day, we’ll experience a “Ghost Tour” from a White Sox character, and we might even catch an actor who was part of the original movie! Cost is $139 per person and includes motorcoach transportation, attraction admission, lunch at Park Farm Winery, taxes, and gratuities. Register by Friday, September 1.
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Friends Club News
WIZARD OF OZ 11/19/23 | THEATRE CEDAR RAPIDS
Wizard of Oz Sunday, November 19 at 2:30 p.m. Theatre Cedar Rapids (102 3rd St SE) The Wizard of Oz is the classic movie come to life on stage. Follow The Scarecrow, The Tinman, The Cowardly Lion, Dorothy… and Toto too, as they meet the Wicked Witch and the Wizard and find their true hearts’ desires. All of the beloved Oscar-winning songs from the movie are here including “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “We’re Off To See The Wizard.” Enjoy your favorite movie moments, plus a few surprises along the way. Journey over the rainbow and discover the wonderful world of Oz again or for the very first time! Price per person is $40 and includes performance ticket; no transportation provided. Register by Friday, September 29.
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3rd Quarter 2023
TRAVELING with Friends Club
Thank you to everyone who attended our June Travel Showcase where we unveiled our 2024 Friends Club extended travel destinations! The full line-up of available destinations are live on our website - hillsbank.com/friends-club-travel . How to Register It’s quick and easy for you to learn about all of our tours and register, all in one place! Visit hillsbank.com/friends-club- travel . Tour itineraries by mail are available upon request. Your spot is reserved once you pay your deposit. Customers who request itineraries and registration forms by mail must return deposit and forms as soon as possible. Spots will not be held without a paid deposit.
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Friends Club News
Journey Along the Outer Banks
Journey Along the Outer Banks April 28-May 2, 2024
Double Occupancy - $3,365 per person Single Occupancy - $3,805 per person
Journey to the East Coast and enjoy a one-hotel stay as we visit iconic lighthouses that dot the coastline along the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Explore the history of aviation and learn how the Wright Brothers changed the world forever with their powered airplane, the Wright Flyer. Step back in time at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site to when the first explorers and colonists arrived in the New World. Uncover the area’s rich maritime history, from shipwrecks to lifesaving ventures, see the majestic Elizabethan Gardens, and gaze upon the largest living sand dune on the East Coast. Then search for the famous Spanish Mustangs on our open-air ride along the beaches as the coastal waters of the beautiful Outer Banks capture your attention and make a lasting impression!
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Alaska, The Last Frontier
From the heart of Denali to the famous Kenai Peninsula, encounter magnificent scenery and amazing wildlife around every turn. Our journey begins in Anchorage before we board a deluxe dome railcar for the scenic ride along the rails to Denali National Park. We’ll travel through some of Denali’s six million acres of pristine wilderness and lay our eyes on the highest peak in North America rising high above the Susitna River. Once in Denali, we will embark on an unforgettable Tundra Wilderness Tour via the park’s one and only road that cuts deep into the forest and unveils the wonderful flora and fauna of this unique region. Keep your eyes peeled for bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep while
Alaska, The Last Frontier July 8-16, 2024
Double Occupancy - $6,115 per person Single Occupancy - $7,355 per person
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Friends Club News
basking in the beauty of the majestic mountains and glaciers on this all-day adventure. Then we’ll venture south, traveling along one of the most scenic drives in Alaska to the small town of Girdwood and Alaska’s premier resort destination, the Alyeska Resort. This chateau-style hotel will sweep you off your feet, as will the aerial tram ride to the top of Mt. Alyeska for indescribable views of the rugged terrain. A scenic drive to the coastal town of Seward brings us to our next adventure as we board a deluxe marine vessel for a cruise deep into Kenai Fjords National Park and Resurrection Bay. An exciting day on the water will provide plenty of opportunities
to see orca whales, harbor seals, puffins, and breathtaking glaciers. We’ll then settle in for a relaxing stay at the Seward Windsong Lodge, a tranquil retreat tucked among the tall trees alongside the Resurrection River. Day six will have us traveling through the heart of the famous Kenai Peninsula and enjoying the spectacular views along the coastline of Cook Inlet. Two nights in Homer will include a visit to the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center and a guided Dock Walk to learn more about the harbor and the marine life that call it home. Our adventure will come to an end with a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and a final night in Anchorage before we return home.
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3rd Quarter 2023
Panama Canal Cruise Panama Canal Cruise January 26-February 11, 2024 Inside Stateroom starting at $5,039 double occupancy Balcony Stateroom starting at $5,995 double occupancy
Venture from Miami to Los Angeles via the Panama Canal, visiting tropical locales in South America and the Mexican Riviera along the way! From the cuisine to the culture and the history to the wildlife, this adventure is paradise from ship to shore. We’ll enjoy one night in Miami to explore the city’s colorful neighborhoods and unique mix of culture before boarding the impressive Norwegian Bliss for fifteen amazing nights. The first two days are at sea to get acquainted with the endless opportunities on board. A great drink spot or place to grab a bite to eat is never far away with more than two dozen bars, lounges, and restaurants to try! Sip a freshly muddled mojito at the Sugarcane
Mojito Bar or enjoy cocktails and conversation at Mixx. Savor premium cuts at Cagney’s Steakhouse or authentic Texas barbecue at Q Texas Smokehouse. Plus, award-winning shows like Jersey Boys and Six, a casino, sparkling pools, and great boutiques offer great shopping and entertainment, and unparalleled views await around every corner! The first port of call is the old walled city of Cartagena, Colombia, with its turbulent history of conquistadors and pirates. The colonial architecture and impressive fortifications are certainly the highlights of the city. Then we will delight in the unforgettable forty-mile journey through one of the world’s best short cuts - the Panama
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Friends Club News
Canal! Next up is Panama City, a vibrant metropolis, historic city, and the gateway to tropical adventures. Guatemalan history will come alive in Puerto Quetzal, where you can discover how rum and jade jewelry are made or venture out to the beautiful Antigua. Shop, swim, or take a siesta in Mexico’s oldest coastal tourist destination, Acapulco, and be sure to see the legendary La Quebrada cliff divers as they jump from 100-foot-high cliffs into the crashing waves below. Puerto Vallarta is next, offering a village-like charm with miles
Jeep, or ATV are great options during our time here! Sip and shop your way through Mazatlán before visiting the jewel of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas. Spot the signature landmark rock formation, El Arco, while sportfishing or whale watching from the turquoise waters. The ship will then cruise north to Los Angeles to end our journey. With plenty of leisure days at sea mixed with tropical ports, we will make unforgettable memories on board the Norwegian Bliss!
of spectacular beaches. Exciting excursions by horseback,
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3rd Quarter 2023
Required Minimum Distribution Basics Part III While you may not always want to withdraw money from your retirement savings, once you reach a certain age you may not have a choice due to a government requirement known as a required minimum distribution (RMD). In this article, we are going to discuss some tax smart strategies for taking your RMD that you might consider discussing with your tax professional. Here’s what you need to know: 1. Reduce taxes by not taking two RMDs in one year. • Account owners can delay their first RMD until April 1st of the calendar year following the year that they turn age 72 (or age 73 if you reach age 72 after Dec. 31, 2022). However, an account owner who chooses to delay the first RMD will have to take two distributions in one year. This could push them into a higher income tax bracket. Talk to your tax professional to determine whether it is beneficial to delay your first RMD or take it during the year your turn age 72 (or age 73 if you reach age 72 after Dec. 31, 2022). 2. Minimize RMD related taxes with a Roth conversion. • Unlike traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs are not subject to the RMD requirements. If you would like to reduce your future RMDs, avoid taking an RMD, or leave a tax-free inheritance to your heirs, a Roth conversion can be a great option. • A Roth conversion is a process that allows you to transfer retirement funds from a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA. There are no income limits or requirements for a Roth conversion. While you cannot make contributions to a Roth IRA if you do not have earned income or your income exceeds certain limits, you may still be eligible to convert funds from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. • If you make the Roth conversion, you will owe taxes on the amount converted during the tax year, but you can complete the process over several tax years to spread out the tax liability. 3. Avoid taxes on your RMD by donating it to charity. • If you are charitably inclined, consider a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). A QCD allows IRA owners age 701/2 or older to make charitable donations up to $100,000 directly from their IRA to a qualifying charity each year.
• The QCD amount will not be included in the owner’s adjusted gross income for the tax year that the donation was made during. The lower adjusted
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gross income may potentially help to reduce taxation on your Social Security benefits, mitigate the Medicare high income surcharge, or help you leverage deductions for medical expenses. 4. Use your RMD to simplify tax payments. • You can ask your IRA custodian to withhold enough state and federal taxes from your RMD to pay your entire tax bill on all of your income sources for the tax year. This may save you the hassle of making quarterly estimated tax payments and can help you avoid underpayment penalties. 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. We look forward to serving you as your trusted advisor. Upcoming Trust and Wealth Management Event Estate Planning Basics and Helpful Tips* Virtual Event Thursday, September 21 at 12:00 pm Hills Bank Trust Officer Logan Lewis will provide helpful tips on the things you should think about as you complete or update your estate plan. To register, email Lexi Mendoza, Associate Wealth Management Officer, at Lexi_ Mendoza@HillsBank.com. *Some services and products include investments that are not FDIC insured, carry no bank guarantee, and may lose value
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FUN&GAMES Still looking for the hidden needles in the winter newsletter? Check out pages 7 and 12 . 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! HIDDEN NEEDLE HUNT
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 August 1st to be entered into the drawing.
SUDOKU CHALLENGE Level: Medium
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 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.
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3rd Quarter 2023
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