May/June 2008

Dear Friends,

The last few days have been just gorgeous and I think we can safely say that spring is finally here. What a beautiful time of year with early spring flowers peeking their heads above ground, trees and grass turning from dull brown to luscious shades of green and brightly colored birds singing their hearts out. I hope all of you are able to get out and enjoy the abundance of nature.

On Friday, May 9, 2008 8:30 AM – Noon representatives of three state agencies that handle consumer protection matters will be presenting the program “I Wasn’t Born Yesterday!” The location for this very worthwhile meeting will be the Carrollton Inn, 1730 Hwy 71 North, Carroll, IA 51401. Elderbridge Area Agency on Aging will be hosting the event and a free continental breakfast will be provided from 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM. This is a free forum and workshop to help you answer the question, “How can we protect our financial and future well-being?”

UPCOMING EVENTS:

May 22, 2008…Carroll American Legion…2:00 PM
Mark your calendars and join in on an afternoon of Photo Fun. Summer is a time for creating lots of special memories with family and friends and is loaded with great photo opportunities. At the end of summer, we’re usually left with a pile of pictures and good intentions to get them organized, but feel a little overwhelmed. Now is the time to get some great hints on how to preserve and enhance your memories and get them organized. We will also have supplies available if you would like to bring 2-3 pictures and work on a “fancy page”. If you have any scrapbooks you’d like to share, please bring them along. And, of course, we’ll have to have a little treat before heading home.

June 18, 2008…Coon Rapids-Bayard High School…2:00 PM
Let’s go to the movies! Hopefully, by June you’ll all be looking for a cool way to spend a summer afternoon and a movie is just the ticket. (no pun intended) We’ll be showing “The Bucket List” which stars Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman as two terminally ill cancer patients determined to live their last days to the fullest. Initially the pair seems to have nothing in common, but gradually they discover they both have a long list of goals they want to accomplish before they “kick the bucket.” The confines of a hospital isn’t the place to get things done, so with a check list of things to do they make a break for it. Watch as they continually find ways to get into trouble and just find the humor in life. See you there and the popcorn is on us.

July 9, 2008…Dedham American Legion…Summer Potluck…6:30 PM
I know it’s a ways off yet, but I just wanted to give you a heads up so you can get the date on your calendars. Full details of the event will be in your July/August Newsletter so make sure to check it out. It’s always a fun evening with great food and special entertainment. I hope you’ll be able to join us.

TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES:

May 15, 2008…Ladies Day Excursion
We still have a couple seats available for this neat little get-a-way. Some of the highlights are: Willow Creek Glass Chapel, Breezy Hills Winery, the Danish Museum and Windmill, the Flower Barn and Historic Downtown Harlan. Your cost of $79.00 includes transportation, a morning snack on the motor coach, lunch, all admissions, taxes and gratuities and driver’s tip. Payment is due at sign up.

July 17, 2008…Mystery Trip…????
North, South, East, or West - which direction is the best? Of course I can’t tell you where we’re going, but your hint for this great little one day adventure is “In the Round”. The cost for the day is $104 and includes transportation, all attractions, a hot lunch, 2 snacks, taxes and gratuities and driver’s tip. If you’re interested in this outing, don’t delay. Just give us a call as soon as possible and we’ll get you on the list. Final payment is due Monday, June 2, 2008.

August 28, 2008…Omaha Adventure
Your day will begin with a look at the famous bronze statues of Kent Ullberg at First National Bank and then on to a tour of the Holland Performing Arts Center. Next you’ll board the River City Star for a deli-buffet luncheon cruise. There will be time to relax as you take in the spectacular views of the historic Missouri River as well as Omaha’s exciting riverfront. Then you’ll head over to Girls/Boys Town, USA for a tour of this world-class facility where Father Flanagan’s vision grew into the present-day establishment that has helped thousands of youth become responsible citizens. Finally, step back in time to when the Wurlitzer and Kimball Organs were king and movies were a nickel. Enjoy a private performance of a Kimball Theater Pipe Organ at the Markworth residence complete with all the sounds that make this instrument a “one of a kind.” Jerry, the organist, will provide a live soundtrack to a short silent movie featuring Laurel & Hardy. What a fun way to end a great day with friends. Your cost of $95.00 includes your transportation, morning snack on the motor coach, all sightseeing & admissions, your lunch, all taxes and gratuities and driver’s tip. A minimum of 30 participants is required to operate this tour and final payment will be due July 23, 2008. Don’t miss out on this great summer excursion – give us a call today to get your spot reserved..

September 20-29, 2008...Canadian Rockies by Rail
We have reached the first deadline for reservations on this trip, but if anyone is still interested give us a call and we’ll make every effort to get you a spot on this thrilling adventure. How exciting for those of you already signed up and ready to go. Rates per person: Double $4,099 Triple $4,049 Single $5,249.

November 4-7, 2008…Branson and More
How better to end your travel year than with a star studded adventure to Branson? This year you will be treated to some of your old favorites as well as some additions to the usual lineup. Upon arrival in Branson you’ll check into your hotel, The Four Seasons. You’ll have a little time to freshen up and then you’re off to the Branson Belle for a tasty meal and some great entertainment. Day 2 begins with a continental breakfast at the hotel and includes the hilarious comedy of Yakov Smirnoff, Branson Landing for shopping and lunch on your own and the Titanic Museum. This evening it’s on to the Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar and Grille for a delicious dinner and then to the fabulous new Sight and Sound Theater for a performance of Noah. On the way back to the hotel you’ll have time to view the holiday lights. Day 3 you’ll enjoy a continental breakfast at the hotel before seeing the morning show, Twelve Irish Tenors. College of the Ozarks will be your lunch destination with a tour of the museum. This afternoon you’ll pay a visit to the Mountain Man Fruit and Nut Company to select a sampling of your favorite treats. To round out the day, you’ll have a delicious dinner at the Plantation before making your way to the Jim Stafford Show, voted Branson’s best entertainer. Day 4 take time to enjoy your continental breakfast before boarding the motor coach and the trip back home. We will make a stop at Miller’s Pecan Farm on the way home. Your cost will include transportation, accommodations, seven meals, all admissions to listed attractions, all taxes and gratuities, baggage handling for 1 bag per person and a tour of the holiday lights. A down payment of $50.00 is due at time of reservation with final payment due on or before September 5, 2008. Double $639.00 Single $739.00 Triple $614.00

May and June always bring lots of special occasions to celebrate with family and friends. So I leave you with this thought. Take time to celebrate the legacies left to you by parents and the brave men and women who have given their all for the freedoms you enjoy today.

Until next time,

Linda & Becky

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