September 2023 (Volume 48, Number 9)

DUBUQUE’S STEEPLE SQUARE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS

WOMEN’S COLLEGIATE WRESTLING COMES TO DUBUQUE

NAMI PROVIDING SUPPORT TO PEERS AND FAMILIES

ES IST ZEIT FÜR

OKTOBERFEST

CHOOSE THE EXPERTS.

The area’s most complete orthopaedic care!

Medical Associates offers a comprehensive team of specialists who diagnose and treat injuries, conditions, and diseases affecting your bones, joints, and muscles, no matter what age you are! With nearly 40 musculoskeletal experts, our years of training and experience can mean a better outcome for you.

• Hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder care

• Foot and ankle care

• Spinal care

• Hip and knee care

• Total joint replacement

• Fracture and trauma care

• Advanced pain management

• Physical therapy

• Sports injuries

Trusting your care to Medical Associates will give you a reason to get back to the activities you enjoy!

THE FINE PRINT

Julien’s Journal is published monthly by G.A. Publishing, Inc., in Dubuque, IA. Subscription rates are $20.00 per year or $37.99 for two years. Our office is located at 432 Bluff Street, Dubuque,IA, 52001. Mailing address: P.O. Box 801, Dubuque, IA 52004-0801. Telephone: (563) 557-1914. Website: www.juliensjournal.com.

Return Policy: Orders are shipped third class and should be received within 15 days. Returns should be sent to Julien’s Journal Magazine, P.O. 801 Dubuque, IA 52004. You must provide name, address, and mailing label.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations are based on a 6-month cycle. Notify us of your intent to cancel at any time. Cancellations made after six issues will not be refunded. Upon death of the subscriber, subscriptions can be transferred to another party, and cancelled at the end of the annual subscription period. Julien’s Journal reserves the right to issue refunds or credits at

our sole discretion. If a refund or credit is issued, we are under no obligation to issue the same or similar refund in the future.

Julien’s Journal is published monthly and mailed by the 28th of the month proceeding issue date. Subscriptions will start a month after payment is received. We hope that all magazines will be received in good condition. If you receive a magazine that is damaged, return it by first class mail, along with mailing label. We do not refund the return shipping costs. E-mail requests for returns should be made to: billing@juliensjournal.com.

Refund Policy : All refund requests must be made by the subscriber or credit card holder, and must include the name of the subscriber and/ or transaction number. Upon approval, refunds will be mailed to the subscriber within 90 days of cancellation.

These above policies apply to all Julien’s Journal’s subscriptions unless otherwise noted prior to the

33 NEWS FROM MERCYONE

33 MERCYONE SHIIP-SMP COUNSELOR RECEIVES GOVERNOR’S VOLUNTEER AWARD

33 GRAND RIVER MEDICAL GROUP ANNOUNCES NEW CEO – KAYLA HOPSON

33 NEW ARRIVAL AT UNIFIED THERAPY

34 NEWS FROM MEDICAL ASSOCIATES

TASTE RESTAURANTS

35 JOE AND SYLVIA WEIBLINGER

36 EUROPA HAUS RESTAURANT AND BIER STUBE – A SLICE OF AUTHENTIC GERMANY IN THE HEART OF DUBUQUE

SIPS AND TIPS

38 WINES FOR CHANGING SEASONS

BUSINESS ENTERPRISES

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

39 ENTERPRISES

42 DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER RIBBON CUTTINGS

42 FACES IN BUSINESS

44 ADVERTISERS

44 SUBSCRIPTION FORM

subscription. Copyright © 2016 Julien’s Journal. All rights reserved.

Julien’s Journal’s is printed each month locally at Welu Printing Company.

FEATURE ARTICLES

Email John Moran at feature@juliensjournal.com

SUBMIT EVENTS

event@juliensjournal.com

ADVERTISE

juliensjournal@juliensjournal.com

BILLING/SUBSCRIPTIONS

Email Susan Decker at billing@juliensjournal.com

Cover Photo of Terry Mozena is contributed by Nicole Gantz.

jj

Volume 48, Number 9 September 2023

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR

GINA SIEGERT

OFFICE MANAGER

SUSAN DECKER

EDITORS:

FEATURES: JOHN MORAN,

EVENTS: BENJAMIN SEELING

DIRECTOR OF ONLINE CONTENT:

BENJAMIN SEELING

DIGITAL DIRECTOR:

BENJAMIN SEELING

ART DIRECTOR:

GINA SIEGERT

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS:

JAN FRIEDMAN

GINA SIEGERT

SENIOR WRITER:

CONNIE CHERBA

COLUMN WRITERS:

JOHN B. DONOVAN, TERI LINK

GUEST WRITERS:

TERI LINK, BETH TRIPLETT

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

CONNIE CHERBA, JOHN B. DONOVAN, NICOLE GANTZ, TERI LINK, ABBY RAKESHAW

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Fall is kicking in with the season premiers of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra’s celebration of their 65th anniversary with their performance of Pictures at an Exhibition, Saturday and Sunday, October 7th and 8th. This is a first in the DSO’s 2023-24 season of performances that celebrate their history as a cultural cornerstone of the arts in Dubuque. We also give a preview of the Dubuque Chorale’s Songfest 2023. This annual collaborative choral event is designed to offer the public a preview of music to look forward to hearing during the upcoming concert season.

Both of the Dubuque Chorale Children’s Choirs – the Staccati Singers and the Legati Singers – will take part in this year’s concert to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Children’s Choir’s founding.

Beer has always been a favored beverage for Dubuquers and this year’s annual Dubuque Oktoberfest will do just that with tastings from many local brewers. Dubuque’s Annual Oktoberfest, will take place on Sunday, September 17th at the Q Casino’s Back Waters Stage. This year the event is free to attend, and donations for Camp Albrecht Acres are encouraged instead. Come on down for the wiener dog races, “Marching in the Keg” with Mayor Brad Cavanagh, polka dancing and more.

Our features move into Steeple Square’s celebration of its ten-year anniversary – a decade dedicated to “restoring economic prosperity, environmental integrity, and social and cultural vibrancy to the Dubuque community.” The campus of Steeple Square is well-known to Dubuque residents as the former St. Mary’s Parish Complex. Find out more about this historic renovation and efforts to serve the needs of our community.

Last month we brought you news about our education institutions. In September we follow up with something new in college sports. Women’s collegiate wrestling is coming to Dubuque starting with the 2023-24 school year. Women’s wrestling is one of the fastest growing collegiate sports in the United States, with more than 100 colleges offering the sport at the varsity level. In Dubuque, Loras College and the University of Dubuque (UD) are gearing up for their inaugural women’s wrestling seasons with brand new teams and brand new coaches. Read about what these college wrestling coaches have to say about the teams and their hopes. We wind up this month’s features with a look at the Dubuque National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and how they are helping all ages with issues dealing with mental illness. The newly expanded Dubuque chapter of the national organization provides education, support, and advocacy for peers and families touched by someone with a brain health challenge. Best of all, the NAMI programs, support groups, and most classes are offered without charge.

“Our goal is to make brain health more equitable in the community,” said Britni Farber, president and CEO. “We strive to be approachable, accessible, and equitable for those who need our services.” Find out more about their important contribution and ever expanding goals and outreach.

You will enjoy this month’s Shades of Dubuque that uncovers more on the myth of Tom Kelly’s Bluff. And our restaurant review on Europa Haus Restaurant and Bier Stube , a Slice of Authentic Germany in the heart of Dubuque. Make a point to stop in and try Joe and Sylvia Weiblinger authentic German cuisine.

Remember to stop in downtown Dubuque and see sixty artists from ten states descend on Dubuque September 17 – 23 for this year’s 6th annual Bluff Strokes Plein Air Paint Out. Purchase your favorite local painting at their Patron’s Preview Party on Friday, September 22 or public sale on Saturday, September 23.

I hope you enjoy everything this fall has to offer as we bid farewell to summer.

THE FINE PRINT

Julien’s Journal is published monthly by G.A. Publishing, Inc., in Dubuque, IA. Subscription rates are $20.00 per year or $37.99 for two years. Our office is located at 432 Bluff Street, Dubuque,IA, 52001. Mailing address: P.O. Box 801, Dubuque, IA 52004-0801. Telephone: (563) 557-1914. Website: www.juliensjournal.com.

Return Policy: Orders are shipped third class and should be received within 15 days. Returns should be sent to Julien’s Journal Magazine, P.O. 801 Dubuque, IA 52004. You must provide name, address, and mailing label.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations are based on a 6-month cycle. Notify us of your intent to cancel at any time. Cancellations made after six issues will not be refunded. Upon death of the subscriber, subscriptions can be transferred to another party, and cancelled at the end of the annual subscription period. Julien’s Journal reserves the right to issue refunds or credits at our sole discretion. If a refund or credit is issued, we are under no obligation to issue the same or similar refund in the future.

Julien’s Journal is published monthly and mailed by the 28th of the month proceeding issue date. Subscriptions will start a month after payment is received. We hope that all magazines will be received in good condition. If you receive a magazine that is damaged, return it by first class mail, along with mailing label. We do not refund the return shipping costs. E-mail requests for returns should be made to: billing@ juliensjournal.com.

Refund Policy : All refund requests must be made by the subscriber or credit card holder, and must include the name of the subscriber and/or transaction number. Upon approval, refunds will be mailed to the subscriber within 90 days of cancellation.

These above policies apply to all Julien’s Journal’s subscriptions unless otherwise noted prior to the subscription. Copyright © 2016 Julien’s Journal. All rights reserved.

Julien’s Journal’s is printed each month locally at Welu Printing Company.

FEATURE ARTICLES

Email John Moran at feature@juliensjournal.com

SUBMIT EVENTS

Ben Seeling event@juliensjournal.com

ADVERTISE juliensjournal@juliensjournal.com

BILLING/SUBSCRIPTIONS

Email Susan Decker at billing@juliensjournal.com

September Events

First Fridays

Friday, September 1

Noon–8 PM @ Stoned Art Studio & Gallery (1800 Central Ave)

4:30–7:30 PM @ Outside the Lines art Gallery (1101 Main St)

5:30–7:30 @ Carnegie-Stout Public Library (360 W 11th St)

6–8 PM @ Planted. (245 W 1st St)

7–10 PM @ Smokestack (62 E 7th St)

First Fridays is Downtown Dubuque’s monthly visual art series, hosted by galleries, museums, and venues, celebrating Dubuque’s great visual arts scene. Free.

Day at the Farm: Picnic & Play

Saturday, September 2

11 AM–1 PM @ Berning Acres (East Dubuque, IL)

Bring the family for a beautiful picnic and enjoy homemade baked goods like croissants and rolls along with veggies, fruits, and wholesome dairy products. Paired with a beverage of your choice. Then, tour the farm and interact with the animals. Milk a cow, give a calf her bottle, help with farm chores, or get cuddly with one of the farm friends (goat, sheep, pig, pony or, maybe a duck). Head back to the shop for ice cream. Beverages include sparkling canned waters, wines, seltzers, milk, soda, and bottled water. Visit BerningAcres.com

In the Mind’s Eye

Thursday, September 2 @ 2-3 PM

Dubuque Museum of Art

The respite program is committed to improving the quality of life and bringing the joy of art to people living with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. A typical session involves viewing one or more works in the exhibition followed by an art activity exploring a variety of mediums including clay, pastels, paper or paint. RSVP required. Visit DBQart.org.

Please submit your OCTOBER 2023 events by or before September 1 online at: juliensjournal.com/contacts/event submission

For updates and information visit the information or website listed at the end of each event.

Steve Hofstetter: Comedy Without Apology

Saturday, September 2

8 PM @ Five Flags

One of the top booked acts on the college circuit, the original writer for collegehumor.com has also released six albums. Hofstetter has written humor columns for the New York Times, SportsIllustrated.com, and NHL.com, where he publicly admitted to being a Ranger fan. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com

Six-Oh-Ate Food Truck Festival

Saturday, September 2

5-8 PM @ Water Street (Shullsburg, WI)

A great selection of food trucks is backed up by live music and more. Taking the stage from 2:30-5 PM is Music from Sarah Day. From 5-8 PM will be Frank Martin Busch and The Names.

There is no alcohol served on the street, but you can stop inside your favorite local establishment and add your favorite shot to any drink! Then, head back out to listen to live music.

Visit Facebook ExperienceShullsburg.com

Early Explorers

Saturday & Tuesday, September 2 & 5

10 AM @ National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Join each month and discover the ABCs of the world around us. Hands-on and active activities including a craft and a game. RSVP suggested. Ages 2-5 with parent/ caregiver. $10 for non-members; $8 for members; adult free. For more info call (563) 557-9545 or visit RiverMuseum.com/ early-explorers.

Labor Day at Eagle Ridge Resort

Friday - Monday, September 1–4 @ Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa (Galena, IL) Head to Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa located in The Galena Territory for yard games such as giant checkers, hula hoops, hopscotch and bean bag games; kayak, paddle boat and pontoon rentals; bounce house; s’mores galore; vacation creation and travel buddy workshop; movies and tubies. Plus enjoy music with Kampfire Kings at Highlands Restaurant on Saturday 8-10 PM, Ridge Rangers on Point Patio on Saturday 7-10 PM, and Ken Killian Jazz Quartet on Point Patio on Sunday 10 AM-1 PM. Additional attractions include petting zoo on Saturday, 1-4 PM; sunset champagne cruise on Saturday at 7 PM; and drive-in movies on Sunday at 8 PM. All events are free. Visit EagleRidge.com

Blueberry Jam Music Festival

Monday, September 4

@ Sandy Hook Tavern (Hazel Green, WI)

The annual Sandy Hook party moves from Memorial to Labor Day featuring live music from Boogie Monster and friends. Fundraiser for the Garrett Wade Stephens Memorial Fund and other local charities. Visit facebook.com/BlueberryJamMusicFest

Buenie Family Picnic

Sunday, September 3 @ 9 AM–3 PM

Immaculate Conception Church Hall, 218 Main St, North Buena Vista, IA

Family picnic serving ham and chicken dinner 11 AM–3 PM plus kids games, inflatables, horse rides, meat and candy wheels, homemade quilts, raffle, silent auction, and country store. Free to attend; meal: $15 Adults, $10 children.

For more information call 563-543-0210.

Trivia Night at Riverboat Lounge

Tuesdays, September 5-26

7-9 PM @ Riverboat Lounge, Hotel Julien

Gather a group of 3-5 of your smartest friends (the ones who are best known for their wealth of seemingly useless, random knowledge) and head to the Riverboat Lounge on Tuesdays for Trivia Night. Prizes awarded to first place team. Free. Visit HotelJulienDubuque.com.

Wild West Wednesdays

Wednesdays, September 6-27

7-11 PM @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds

Join us for 4 hours of country dance music and fun Wednesday nights at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds! Whether it’s couple dancing or line dancing, request your favorite dance music. Admission is just $5 and all ages are welcome to join in on the fun! Visit DBQFair.com

USS LST 325 Returns

Thursday-Tuesday, September 7-12

9 AM-5 PM @ Port of Dubuque

The last operational Landing Ship Tank (LST) from WWII in the United States returns to Dubuque. This ship served as a hospital ship returning wounded back to England from the beaches of Normandy. Following its first visit to Dubuque in August of 2018, the ship saw 16,620 visitors with 75% of those individuals from more than 50 miles outside of Dubuque. At the time, it was the 5th highest attended stop for the ship. Visit TravelDubuque.com/ USSLST

35th Dubuque Dragon Boat Festival

Friday-Sunday, September 8-10

8 AM-5 PM @ Miller Riverview Park

Drawing teams from multiple states and Ontario, Canada, 40-foot-long boats, shaped like dragons, and holding 21 people of all ages, race on the mighty Mississippi. This year’s Jungle themed races are free to watch. Shuttle service is provided. Visit DubuqueDragonBoat.org.

Food Festival Fridays

Friday, September 8

11:30 AM-1:30 PM @ Washington Park Dubuque Main Street (DMS) hosts the ever-popular and flavorful Food Festival Fridays at Washington Park. 365ink Magazine brings the perfect side dish to your crepe, pizza, or coffee: local, live music! Catch the following performers in the gazebo: Ralph Kluseman on Jul. 14, Addison Aronson on Aug. 11, and John Moran on Sept. 8. The DSO Youth String Quartet will open on some dates. Free. Visit DubuqueMainStreet.com.

Night at the Farm: Cows, Beers and Cheese Curds

Friday, September 8

6-8 PM @ Berning Acres (East Dubuque, IL)

Begin in the shop with beverages and an introduction to the farm. Tour the farm and interact with the animals. Milk a cow, give a calf her bottle, and feed a farm friend (goat, sheep, pig, or pony). Grab some photo ops and play with the goats and other animals. Then head back in the shop for a view of the sunset with a variety of locally-sourced cheeses curds, flavored meats, and Italian summer sausage. Includes interactive tour and cheese curds. Complimentary beverages available featuring Spotted Cow, soda, and bottled water. Visit BerningAcres.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

East Dubuque Cruisin’ Thursdays

Thursdays, September 7-28

5-9 PM @ Sinsinawa Ave (East Dubuque, IL)

A unique assortment of all years of classic, muscle, and unique cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Great food, cold beverages, and live music each week. Visit facebook.com/ EastDubuqueCarShow

Gary’s Graffiti Nights

Thursdays, September 7 & 14, 5-9:30 PM @ Dubuque County Fairgrounds

Cars 1979 and older gather for a 1950s/60s car show based on American Graffiti with music and door prizes. Visit facebook.com/ GarysGraffitiNights

Fishtival

Saturday, September 9

9 AM-3 PM @ Downtown Bellevue, IA

Celebrate art, fish, and the Mississippi River with activities for everyone including art show and sale, and kids projects. Visit facebook.com/BellevueArtsCouncil.

Community Foundation of Jo Daviess County Farm To Table Dinner Experience

Saturday, September 9 @ 5–8:30 PM

@ Orchard Landing Apple Farm, 6635 W Beaty Hollow Rd (Hanover, IL)

Join the Community Foundation of Jo Daviess County for a special dinner to celebrate local impact and local foods. Enjoy a farm to table experience where you’ll dine out in nature between the apple trees at Orchard Landing. Start with local beer & wine, or a specialty cocktail. Take in the views, snack on an appetizer, and enjoy live music by the Fever River String Band.

Enjoy a hand-crafted 3-course meal of local and sustainable foods by Life’s A Feast. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres begin at 5 PM, followed by a short program at 6 PM. Cost is $150. Visit CFJodaviess.org/event-details/ farm-to-table-dinner-experience.

Margaret Mear Artist Reception

Saturday, September 9

2-3:30 PM @ Quigley Gallery, Clarke University

Quigley Art Gallery at Clarke University will feature the work of Margaret Mear, BVM, through Wednesday, September 27th. A reception for the artist will be held on Saturday, September 9th. Margaret currently maintains a studio at Key City Creative in Dubuque. The Quigley Gallery exhibition includes 20 graphite drawings and six small sculptures that span the last 30 years of the artist’s career. Visit Clarke.edu.

Heroes for History 5K Stair Challenge

Saturday, September 9

8 AM @ Green Street Plaza (Galena, IL)

The Heroes for History 5K Stair Challenge is an annual, competitive race and fun walk event. For athletes, the competitive race is professionally timed. For casual participants, the length of the run is the participant’s choice, with encouragement to dress as their favorite hero. A fun run/walk event begins the festivities for those who wish to participate at their own level. Honor all Heroes who work for the common good. The funds raised from this event are split equally between local first responders (Fire Department, EMTs) and the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society. Visit GalenaHistory.org

Romantic Galena Reads

Saturday, September 9

10 AM–3 PM @ DeSoto House Hotel (Galena, IL)

Love to read? Come to the 2nd annual Romantic Galena Reads book fair. In attendance will be around 35 romance authors from all over the country, including bestselling and award-winning authors of every romance genre – contemporary, historical, suspense, Western, paranormal, and more –everything from sweet to steamy. There will be something for everyone to enjoy. Visit WildDeadwoodReads.com/galena

Third Eye Blind w/ 10 Years

Saturday, September 9 @ 8 PM

Q Casino Back Waters Stage

California alt-rock outfit Third Eye Blind are known for their bright, melodic sound, bringing together a mix of post-grunge and classic pop/rock traditions. This show is for all ages. Tickets range from $59.99–$79.99. 1855 Greyhound Park Rd. 563-582-3647. Visit BackWatersStage.com

Day at the Farm: Cows, Kids

and Curds

Saturday, September 9

2-4 PM @ Berning Acres (East Dubuque, IL)

A family-friendly event and VIP farm experience for all ages. Enjoy beverages, a farm tour, and interact with the animals. Play with the animals, milk a cow, give a calf her bottle, and feed a farm friend (goat, sheep, pig, or pony.) Head back in the shop to enjoy locallysourced cheese curds, meat sticks, and ice cream. Includes tour, cheese curds, ice cream, beverages (chocolate milk, cold beer, bottled water, and soda.) Visit BerningAcres.com.

Croce Plays Croce

September 9 ,8 PM

@ Diamond Jo Casino Mississippi

Moon Bar

A.J. Croce performs Croce Plays Croce, a special night of music featuring a complete set of classics by his late father Jim Croce, some of his own tunes, and songs that influenced both him and his father. This special event features such timeless songs as “Operator,” “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim,” “Time in a Bottle” to name a few. Classic covers may include songs by Lieber and Stoller, Bessie Smith, and other folk and roots artists. A.J. Tickets are $30+. Visit MoonbarRocks.com.

Quad Con 2023

Sunday, September 10

10 AM-4 PM @ Five Flags

Dubuque’s BIGGEST Pop Culture Event Returns! Video game tournaments, cosplay contest, and so many artists/vendors selling posters, games, pop vinyls, vintage toys, and LOTS of comics. Join us for a day of geeky goodness at the Five Flags Center in downtown Dubuque IA! Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com

Monarch Tagging

Tuesday, September 12

5 PM @ Swiss Valley Nature Center

Friday, September 15

5 PM @ North East Iowa Community College (Peosta, IA)

Participate in a citizen science opportunity to catch Monarch Butterflies in the restored prairies. They will then be tagged with a personalized code sticker and sent on their way for their migration to overwintering grounds. Please dress for being in the tall prairie grasses. Visit tinyurl.com/4cpne6wj.

Junior Achievement

Golf Classic

Monday, September 11 @ 11 AM

Meadows Golf Club, 15766 Clover Ln. Join over 100 golfers on the links to help provide work readiness and financial literacy principles to students in the Dubuque area. Shotgun start at noon. 18 holes include: green fee, cart, lunch, on-course games, player gift, and dinner. Cost is $125. Visit JAHeartland. org/events/golf-classic-dubuque.

Hudson Bay Bound an Evening w/ Natalie Warren

Thursday, September 14 @ 6 PM

E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights Rd.

Dr. Natalie Warren will present on her 2,000 mile paddling expedition from Minneapolis to Hudson Bay. Natalie Warren is one of the first two women to have paddled 2,000 and will connect you with issues that concern us all. Visit Facebook.com/ HurstvilleInterpretiveCenter.

Beginning/Intermediate Ballroom Dance: Rumba

Wednesdays, September 13, 20 & October 11, 18

6:30-7:30 PM @ Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School

Get comfortable stepping out onto the dance floor with Dennis and Sandy helping you learn Latin dancing. Rumba is a fun dance with great music and easiest to learn of the Latin dances. Whether you think you can dance or not, Dennis and Sandy will help you reach your dancing goals and you’ll have a great time doing it! It’s great physical and mental exercise; while at the same time, spending time with friends or that special someone you care about. Get comfortable stepping out onto the dance floor and enjoy ballroom dancing for a lifetime. Proper dance technique, frame, posture, floor crafting, and beat identification will be covered. No dance experience is required. Hard-soled shoes are recommended and a partner is suggested, but not required. Includes four sessions. Visit NICC.edu/solutions

The School for Wives

By Moliere

Translation by Richard Wilbur

Directed by Doug Donald

Fly-By-Night Productions arts operations are supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the City of Dubuque.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Page & Palette Book Group: Painting Time

Thursday, September 14 @ 6 PM

River Lights Bookstore, 1098 Main St.

Discuss Painting Time by Maylis de Kerangal. Welcome to SoHo at the onset of the ‘80s: a gritty, not-yet-gentrified playground for artists and writers looking to make it in the big city. Among them: James Bennett, a synesthetic art critic for the New York Times whose unlikely condition enables him to describe art in profound, magical ways, and Raul Engales, an exiled Argentinian painter running from his past and the Dirty War that has enveloped his country. Visit Riverlights.com.

Park(ing) Day

Friday and Saturday, September 15 & 16 @ 10 AM–7 PM

5th–11th & Main Street

14th–19th & Central Avenue

9th–11th & Washington Street

Sustainable Dubuque and Dubuque Main Street will be sponsoring this event to promote sustainable transportation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creativity, and community building to continue education and outreach efforts of the City of Dubuque’s 50% by 2030 Climate Action & Resiliency Plan. The event is free to participate and residents are encouraged to create their own parks to advocate for safer, greener, and more equitable streets for people. Visit SustainableDubuque.org/parking-day.

Trampled by Turtles w/ Charles Wesley Godwin

Friday, September 15 @ 8 PM

Q Casino Back Waters Stage

From Duluth, Minnesota, frontman Dave Simonett initially formed the group as a side project in 2003. Taking inspiration from bluegrass, folk, and other genres, Simonett filled his lineup with other newcomers to this genre, including fiddler Ryan Young and bassist Tim Saxhaug. Along with mandolinist Erik Berry and banjo player Dave Carroll, the group began carving out a fast, frenetic sound that owed as much to rock & roll as bluegrass. Cost from$49.99–$59.99. Visit BackWatersStage.com

St. Elias Church Gyro Sale

Friday, September 15 @ 11 AM–2 PM St Elias the Prophet Greek Orthodox Church, 419 N Grandview Ave.

Pick up lunch! $10 includes gyro, chips, and soda. Limited quantities of baklava for $3 a slice. Visit Stelias.ia.goarch.org

The School For Wives

September 15, 16, 22, and 23 @ 7:30 PM

September 17 @ 2 PM

Five Flags Bijou Room, 405 Main St.

A masterful and timeless comedic farce with a modern perspective on marriage. Moliere, one of the great comic writers in theatre history, here satirizes the persistent ridiculous attitudes towards women. Arnolphe, a middleaged rich man, has painstakingly trained Agnes, his ward from childhood, to become his obedient and faithful wife. Ah, but, as said, the best laid plans often go astray! And there’s plenty of laughs in this fool’s errand! Cost is $20. Visit FlyByNightDubuque.com.

The Great Draw Street Art Competition

Saturday, September 16,8 AM-4 PM

@ Outside the Lines Art Gallery

Bring the whole family down to see 11th Street filled with original street paintings by local artists of all ages. Vote for your favorite artists and support the 2024 Great Draw Visual Arts Scholarships. A free drawing area will be provided for those who want to express their creativity but not enter the competition. This event is accepting applications for participants and is open to all ages and skill levels, with over $3,000.00 in cash and prizes awarded. A local artist will judge the competition, choosing first, second, and third place cash winners for each category. People’s Choice prizes are worth more than $300 with gift cards, merchandise, and art donated from area businesses and artists. Scholarships are available. $16 Adults, $12 ages 18 and under, teams pay per participant, free for spectators. Visit TheGreatDraw.com

Fall Craft and Vendor Fair

Saturday, September 16 @ 11 AM–3 PM First Presbyterian Church, 11084 US Hwy 20 W, (Galena, IL)

Over 40 crafters, artists, and vendors. Grab your friends and your gift lists and enjoy shopping. You’ll find lots of unique and creative goodies to help get a jump on your holiday shopping. Free. Visit KKHoward52@yahoo.com.

Print & Digital Regional Photography Exhibit

Friday-Saturday, September 15-16

8 AM-3 PM @ Ballroom C, Best Western Plus

Dubuque Camera Club and the N4C Association is presenting a print and digital photography exhibit of winners of the North Central Camera Club Council which is comprised of approximately 40 clubs in 11 states. The exhibit will be free and open to the public. This coincides with Blufftops & Backroad, the N4C’s 62nd annual photography convention. For more information visit DubuqueCameraClub.com.

September 16 @ 1–9:30 PM

Lacoma Golf Course (East Dubuque, IL)

Emlynn is a happy and charming 8 year old who loves people and music. She was born with multiple brain anomalies, because of this she is non-ambulatory requiring the use of a wheelchair. With her getting bigger and longer, help fund an accessible van to make Emlynn more comfortable in the vehicle as well as making transferring her easier and more manageable. Cost is $40–$300. Call 563-590-6514.

Galena Cemetery Walk

September 16 & 17, 1–4:30 PM & 6:30 PM @ Old City Cemetery (Galena, IL)

September 22, 7 PM @ Galena Center for the Arts (Galena, IL)

Performers of the Galena Cemetery Walk will be exploring the rugged lives of early settlers, sharing stories of prosperity and the challenges of intersecting cultures, politics, war and slavery. A team of researchers, actors and supporters put countless hours of preparation into each year’s walk to create a remarkable experience.

Performances are 75 minutes long and begin every 20 minutes. Cost is $20. Visit GalenaHistory.org/event/cemetery-walk-2023

1933 Speakeasy Murder Mystery

September 16 & 29, & October 20

5:30–9 PM @ Sundown Mountain Resort, 16991 Asbury Rd.

It’s March 22, 1933, and Tiffany “Gold” Digger’s guests want to know: Was her dead husband, Sterling Digger’s, career as an archeologist on the level? Was it an “accident”? What will his friends dig up when they gather at The Cellars Speakeasy to drink a toast to his days on earth? Was it foul play? And if it was, will the killer get away with it? Cost of $75 includes dinner, cash bar, and a chance to guest whodunnit. Visit DieLaughingMurderMystery.com.

The Magic of David Casas

Saturday, September 16

7 PM @ Bell Tower Theater

Quad Cities magician David Casas makes his Bell Tower Theater debut with a high energy and cutting-edge performance. David seamlessly combines hilarious familyfriendly comedy, jaw-dropping sleight of hand, and plenty of audience interaction. This is high-caliber entertainment like none other. Visit BellTowerTheater.net

Dubuque Oktoberfest

Sunday, September 17

@ Q Casino Back Waters Stage

Dubuque’s largest Oktoberfest celebrating our German heritage moves to Sunday! Enjoy a day full of traditional German food, drinks, music, and dance. Plus wiener dog races and the Tri-States’ Championship Bier Stein holding contest. Proceeds benefit campers at Camp Albrecht Acres. Visit DBQOktoberfest.org.

Gritty Gritty Bang Bang (Mystery Dinner Theater)

Sunday, September 17

5-8 PM @ Stone Cliff Winery

Four “corpse” meal and a show presented by the Brew Ha Ha Players! Only at Stone Cliff Winery, located in the Historic Star Brewery. Who done it? You’ll have to see. They’re dying for you to join them! Visit StoneCliffWinery.com

Emlynn Kempen Golf Outing and Fundraiser

Carnegie-Stout Library

CarnegieStout.org

All Carnegie-Stout Public Library programs are subject to change. For the latest information and details, please visit their website. The public can find “@carnegiestout” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Minute It to Win It!: Un-Stackem! – September 1-30

While in the Teen Zone, try your hand at Un-Stackem! Stack four cups with a card in between each cup. Then pull out each card so the cup falls on the cup below it until four cups are stacked up. Registration not required.

Beginning Chapters Book Club – Wednesday, September 6 @ 4 PM

If you would like to read beginning chapter books such as Zoey and Sassafras, A to Z Mysteries and Dragon Masters, or you’d like to suggest a title, this is the book club for you! Read a new title each month and then meet up for a book discussion and unique activity related to the book. Please register and pick up your copy at the Children’s Help Desk. Ages: 7 – 9 yrs. Registration required.

Pokémon Fan Club – Wednesday, Septem-

ber 6 @ 5:30 PM

Meet other Pokémon trainers at Pokémon Club! Trading Card Game, Nintendo DS, and Pokémon Go gamers are all welcome. Ages: 6-12 yrs. Registration required.

DIY Pennant – Thursday, September 7 @ 4 PM

Celebrate National Sewing Month by learning sewing basics while creating a pennant that is distinctively you. Make your pennant describe you with various craft supplies like buttons, ribbons, gems, felt, and more. Ages: 10-15 yrs. Registration required.

Reading with Rover – Saturday, September 9 @ 10:30 AM

Read or listen to a story with some furry friends in the first –floor program room. Do not bring your own pet; we provide kidfriendly dogs each month. Ages: 5-9 yrs. Registration not required.

Toddler Time – Mondays, September 11-December 11 @ 9:30 AM & 10:30 AM

These 20-minute programs feature short stories, songs, and movement activities for children ages 18 to 35 months with a favorite adult. Adult participation is a must. Registration not required.

Meet the Maker: Art Explorations – September 11 @ 4 PM

Explore exciting artists, inventors, and other makers in this program series that encourages kids to try out new ways to create, learn, and express themselves. Ages: 6-10 yrs. Registration required.

program gives your child the opportunity to hear diverse vocabulary while you get to know other families. A 15-minute social time with toys and your friends will follow the sessions. Adult participation is a must. Ages: birth-18 mos. Registration not required.

Preschool Storytime – Wednesdays, September 13-Dececember 13 @ 10:30 AM Stories, sing-alongs, movement activities, and lots of fun – recommended for children ages 3 through 6 with a favorite adult. Ages: 3-6 yrs. Adult participation is a must. Registration not required.

Learning Adventures with Julie – Wednesday, September 13 @ 4 PM

Are you interested in going on an adventure? Join volunteer and friend of the library, Julie Clingman, for a deep dive into a fascinating topic each month. Registration required.

Minecraft Mania – Wednesday, September 13 @ 5:30 PM

Whether or not you’re a Minecraft whiz, sign up for this game-playing night to test your skills and build away. Ages: 7-14 yrs. Registration required.

Kid Chefs – Thursday, September 14 @ 4-5:30 PM

Calling all kids who have an interest in cooking, food, and learning to help make meals at home. We will walk you through kitchen skills and teach you how to make yummy recipes. Space is limited. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration online or by calling the Children’s Help Desk. Ages: 9-14 yrs. Registration required. LEGO Challenge – Saturday, September 16 @ 10 AM

Featuring Artists

Let’s Play Roblox – Thursday, September 11 @ 5:30 PM

Each month, participants will play a different game with other Roblox® enthusiasts and tackle fun challenges together. Participants will be interacting in a variety of virtual worlds using private servers on the platform. If you have never played Roblox® before, you will need to have your parent/ guardian set up your account before the program. Ages: 8-14 yrs. Registration required.

Baby Rhyme Time – Tuesdays, September 12-December 12 @ 10:30 AM Children ages birth to 18 months and a favorite adult will hear stories, rhymes, and songs during this interactive program. This

Calling all LEGO fans! Come to the library to build, create, and have fun. The library provides the LEGOs, and you provide the know-how! Donations of LEGOs® are appreciated. Ages: 4-12 yrs. Registration not required.

BEAM Interactive Projector Open Play –Saturday, September 16 @ 12:30-1:30 PM

Join us for open play on the new BEAM Interactive Projector! Jump, dance, skip, or race your way through the interactive video game images projected on our floor. Fun for all ages! Limited number of players at a time. No shoes allowed. Ages: All Ages. Registration not required.

Family Book Bingo – Saturday, September 16 @ 2 PM

Grab your family and try your luck at book

bingo! We have great hardcover and paperback book prizes for kids. Ages: 4-12 yrs. Registration not required.

Drop-in Teen Craft Studio – Tuesday, September 19 @ 4-5:30 PM

Did you miss some of our past teen programs? Now is your chance to revisit some of these popular crafts or create something entirely new with our array of craft supplies. Ages: 12-18 yrs. Registration required.

TCG League (Trading Card Game) –Wednesday, September 20 @ 5:30 PM

TCG League is a way for more advanced Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh players to get together and have some fun. Using your own cards, you can learn game basics and get the feel for competitive play before beginning to compete in tournaments. Registration is preferred but not required. Ages: 10-17 yrs. Registration not required.

Play Parties – Thursdays, September 21 @ 10:30 AM-12 PM

Enjoy socializing with new friends and exploring an assortment of open-ended sensory play activities every second and fourth Thursday at the library. Registration is preferred but not required. Adult participation is a must. Ages: 6 & under. Registration not required.

Buttons and Bobbins – Monday, September 25 @ 4 PM

Learn how to use a sewing machine and complete a simple sewing project to take home. Materials provided. Ages: 10-17 yrs. Registration required.

Teen Advisory Group: Teen Hangout –Tuesday, September 26 @ 4 PM

Games, crafts, and more! Explore a craft or activity while providing feedback on making the library a welcoming place for teens. Questions? Call Haidee at (563) 589-4225, ext. 2248. Ages: 13-18 yrs. Registration not required.

Beyond the Book Club – Thursday, September 28 @ 4 PM

Read a new title each month and then meet up for book discussion and a unique activity related to the book. Please register and pick up books at the Children’s Help Desk. Ages: 9-12 yrs. Registration required.

Unicorn Party – Saturday, September 30 @ 10 AM

You are invited to a magical celebration of unicorns. Come to the library to meet up with other unicorn fanatics, play games, hear stories, and make unicorn crafts. Registration required. Ages: 6-12 yrs.

Farmers’ Markets

Cuba City Community Market

Wednesday, September 20

4-7 PM @ Presidential Plaza (Cuba City, WI)

A variety of produce, canned goods, crafts, and more. Visit CubaCity.org.

Dubuque Farmers’ Market

Saturdays, September 2-October 29

7 AM-12 PM (May-Sep.) & 8 AM-12 PM (Oct.) @ Iowa Street between 13th & 10th Streets

Located in the Upper Main District around City Hall since 1858. Find fresh local produce, meats, dairy, eggs, baked goods, wines, and more. Vendors have fresh made-to-order breakfast or lunch. Enjoy live music and special performances throughout the season. Token program offers SNAP/EBT cardholders access to shop at market. Admission: free. Visit DubuqueFarmersMarket.org.

Dyersville Farmers’ Market

Thursdays, September 7-October 5

3-5 PM @ Commercial Club Park (Dyersville, IA)

A variety of local and regional offerings. Once again Dubuque County Extension and Outreach along with Project Rooted is offering a free kids program: Power of Produce Club (PoP Club) on designated Thursdays. Children ages 4–12 are invited to join for a 20-minute activity. Participants will receive $5 of Rooted Bucks to be used (by kids) on fresh produce at the market. Visit Dyersville.org

Downtown Dyersville Market

Saturday, September 30

8 AM-1 PM @ Dyersville

Whether you are coming to enjoy local produce, cuisine, or to simply find a new outfit at a local boutique.

Galena Territory Farmers’ Market

Sundays September 3-October 8

8 AM-12 PM @ Galena Territory Owners’ Club (Galena, IL)

Fresh produce, baked goods, regional meat, flowers, crafts, and more. Visit TheGalenaTerritory.com

Galena Farmers’ Market

Saturdays September 2-October 28

7 AM-12 PM @ City Hall Parking lot , 101 Green Street, (Galena IL)

At the Galena Summer Market you will find items from produce, baked goods, raw local honey, spices, fresh roasted coffee beans, grass fed meat, and local crafts & goods. For information call Susie Droessler at 563-542-0996. Visit facebook.com/ GalenaFarmersMarket

Platteville Farmers’ Market

Saturdays, September 2-October 28

8 AM-12 PM @ Platteville City Park (Platteville, WI)

Find homegrown and handmade products, from fresh produce and prepared food to art and crochet blankets. Visit PlattevilleFarmersMarketWI.com

Millwork Night Market

2nd Thursdays, September

14-October 12

5-8 PM @ 7th-9th & Jackson St

The Millwork Night Market is an independent evening farmers’ market that features high quality local food producers, artists, musicians, & brewers. It was founded with the mission to provide a unique nightlife & shopping experience. Visit MillworknightMarket.com

Fincel’s Markets

Daily 9 AM @ JFK at Shopko location and Blains Fleet Farm in Asbury

Fall harvest vegetables picked fresh daily. Visit Facebook.com/FincelsSweetCorn.

Mid-Week Market on Iowa Street

Wednesdays, September 6-October 25

4-10 PM @ 11th and Iowa St

Spend your Wednesdays where Dubuque Farmers’ Market first started with fresh local produce, a beer garden and pizza from Jubeck’s New World Brewery, food trucks, and live music. Rotating musicians start at 5 PM followed by open mic at 7 PM. Visit facebook.com/TheFoodStore

Sinsinawa Mound Farmer’s Market

Wednesday, Sept 20 @ 4–7 PM

Sinsinawa Mound Collaborative Farm

2551 County Rd Z (Sinsinawa, WI)

Featured vendors include Collaborative Farmers, Sandhill Farms, City Girl Farming, The Mound’s Farm, Sinsinawa Bakery, and Sinsinawa Book & Gift Shop. Visit Sinsinawa.org/Farm

Changes in Store for SongFest 2023

by Danielle Phillips

The summer of 2023 has come to a close, and it’s time once more to bid farewell to those few short months of independence and adventure. Time to pack up the swimsuits, sandals, and other vacation accoutrements so we can settle back into our normal routines of work, school, and home life. Time to gather again in our familiar spaces, among our warm and welcoming communities of colleagues, friends, and schoolmates. And as we reconvene for another academic year, we’re able to share the experiences we’ve had and the knowledge we’ve gained during our time apart.

There are few better ways to enjoy this time for congregation and connection than with the Dubuque Chorale’s presentation of SongFest 2023 . As savvy audiences in and around Dubuque will remember, SongFest is an annual collaborative choral event designed to offer the public a preview of music they can look forward to hearing during the upcoming concert season. Like those of years past, this year’s SongFest will feature the Chorale, its chamber choir Cadenza, and other local and collegiate choirs singing selections from their future performance repertoires.

Although SongFest is largely defined by tradition, the 2023 version will break from the mold to incorporate some notable and refreshing changes. First and most importantly, there are new participants!

“This year’s SongFest celebrates the opening of the tenth anniversary season of our children’s choirs,” explains Dr. Amanda Huntleigh, Artistic Director for the Dubuque Chorale since 2018. “In honor of that, we have expanded SongFest to include the Dubuque Chorale Children’s Choirs.”

That’s right, both of the Dubuque Chorale

Children’s Choirs – the Staccati Singers and the Legati Singers – will take part in this year’s concert to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Children’s Choir’s founding. What’s more, in further recognition of Dubuque youth in choral music, SongFest 2023’s lineup will also include the Dream Choir from the Dubuque Dream Center, a community outreach organization focused on empowering youth and strengthening families.

Other groups who have joined the Chorale for previous SongFests and will return this year include the Julien Chamber Choir, Heartland Harmony, the Clarke University Collegiate Singers, and choirs from University of Dubuque, Emmaus Bible College, and University of Wisconsin - Platteville. Another change awaiting audiences at SongFest 2023 is an inspiring new venue that also relates to the theme of young people in music. In Huntleigh’s words, “[ SongFest ] is being hosted this year at Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School, in honor of celebrating youth in the community.”

Featuring at least eleven ensembles in total, the concert will take place in Roosevelt’s Dale Lass Auditorium in an added effort to underline the contribution of children and young adults to music throughout the Dubuque area. With so many choirs of varying ages performing at a location imbued with youthful enthusiasm, SongFest 2023 offers a decidedly unique experience for attendees. It’s a great chance for them to sample the variety of choral music styles and groups available in the area, and to make plans to hear them again. Huntleigh agrees. “We use [SongFest] as an opportunity to publicize the participating choirs’ programs, so if you enjoy what you’re

hearing, you can go listen to more of their individual concerts throughout the season,” she said. “[This] is why we host SongFest right at the beginning of the traditional performance season in the fall.”

SongFest provides additional benefits for audience members as well. For those who might be seeking a place to sing with others, it offers the possibility to find a new musical home. Dedicated patrons of the arts in and around Dubuque will love the opportunity to support so many musical organizations simply by going to a single concert. But it’s not just audiences that will find SongFest engaging –it’s an important occasion for the musicians, too. Essentially, SongFest provides a setting for singers of all ages, backgrounds, experience levels, and performance styles to come together, learn from each other, and appreciate the joy of choral singing.

As is customary, SongFest 2023 will conclude with all choirs merging to form a mass chorale. This year, the combined groups will perform Hope for Resolution, a moving anthem by Paul Caldwell and Sean Ivory that juxtaposes a European chant with an anti-apartheid song from South Africa. Hope for Resolution will be conducted by Karmella Sellers, the Dubuque Chorale Children’s Choirs Program Director and conductor of the Legati Singers, to again highlight the anniversary of the Children’s Choirs as the program ends.

SongFest 2023 will be performed at 7 PM on Saturday, September 23rd, in Dale Lass Auditorium at Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School (2001 Radford Road). There is no charge for admission; freewill offerings are encouraged. To learn more about SongFest 2023 or the Dubuque Chorale, visit DubuqueChorale. org

Saturday, September 23, 7:00 PM Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School

The Dubuque Chorale performing at their spring concert, Hues of Harmony. Contributed photo.

Dr. Amanda Huntleigh conducting the Dubuque Chorale.

Miller Riverview Park & Campground

20-acre campground located at 1851 Admiral Sheehy Dr. Dubuque, IA

Featuring:

• On the shores of the Mississippi River

• Fishing

• Playground

• 1-mile trail for biking or walking

• Handicap-accessible restrooms & showers

• Adjacent to the Q Casino

• Nearby boat ramp give access to small boats or canoes

• Swimming not permitted

• Over 100 electric (20/30/50 amp) & primitive campsites

www.cityofdubuque.org/1133/ Miller-Riverview-Park-Campground

Fall 2023 Dubuque Bridal Expo

Sunday, September 17

12-3PM @ Grand River Center

The Dubuque Bridal Expo, in partnership with Zazous Bridal Boutique and Tuxedos, Absolute Music, Zen Lens Creative, and Design By Faith will host over 90+ exhibitors to include wedding attire venues, bakers, florists, jewelers, décor, planners, photographers/videographers, photo booths, salon & spas, boutiques, travel, stationary, DJs/musicians, transportation, and entertainment.

The event is open to the public and FREE to attend! Check-in starts at 10:30 AM and doors open at 11 AM to 50 VIP-registered Brides and Grooms and their designated guests only. Visit Facebook.com/DBQCommunityExpos.

Pendarvis Pub Night

Friday, September 22

6-10 PM @ Pendarvis Historic Site (Mineral Point, WI)

Kick-off Cornish Fest Weekend with us at Pub Night! Grab your family and friends and enjoy a drink with live music by The Tooles. Dinner is available for purchase. Head into our cozy Cornish pub to learn pub games by the roaring fire. Proceeds from Pub Night go to preserving and interpreting the beautiful buildings at Pendarvis Historic Site. Available drinks include beer, wine and root beer. Visit Pendarvis.WisconsinHistory.org

Summer Stroll and Stories

Friday, September 22

7 PM @ Linwood Cemetery

Stroll along the paths with GRIPS, to graves of the movers and shakers of Dubuque buried at the beautiful and serene Linwood Cemetery. Enjoy tales of the tri-state area’s past. Relish in the warmth and sunshine of the season. Sign up starts t 6:30 PM, walk begins at 7 PM. Space is limited. RSVP. Visit GRIPSGhostHunt.com.

Bluff Strokes 2023 Paint Out

Patron Preview Party & Sale

Friday & Saturday, September 22, 23

Patron Party & Sale - Friday, 6-9 PM

Public Sale Saturday - 9 AM-4 PM @ Steeple Square

Sixty artists from 12 states will be painting in and around Dubuque the week of September 17–23. Art will be judged by Carol Strock Wasson, who has achieved Master Circle status with the International Association of Pastel Societies and has been featured in Plein Air Magazine, Outdoor Painter, and Pastel Journal. At the event $15,000 in prize money will be awarded. A public sale of paintings will be held Saturday, September 23rd at Steeple Square. Visit BluffStrokes. org

32nd Guttenberg Germanfest

Friday-Saturday, September 22-23

@ Downtown Guttenberg

Yeah, it’s a bit out of town but well worth the drive. Open air festival market, festival tent, biergarten, dinners, dances, stein contests, German music, wiener dog races, and more. Visit GuttenbergIowa.net.

Penn & Teller Presents: The

Foolers

Thursday, September 28

7 PM @ Five Flags Theater

Curated and endorsed by the celebrated duo Penn & Teller, The Foolers is a new interactive live production that brings four of the world’s best illusionists together on stage for an interactive and irreverent evening of mind-bending magic. Regarded as some of television’s trickiest magicians, the four featured illusionists—Alex Ramon, Jessica Jane Peterson, Matt Donnelly, and Vinny Grosso—achieved the difficult task of impressing Penn & Teller with their mystifying magic and hilarious comedic routines. Now they come together for one night only to bring their celebrated Las Vegas-caliber magic to live audiences across the country. Penn & Teller will not be appearing at this event. Cost is $37.75+. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.

Live @ The Plaza: Hispanic Heritage

September 28 @ 5–8 PM

Green Street Plaza (Galena, IL)

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage, featuring local Latino musicians and businesses. This family-friendly event features regional musicians, performers, food, and drinks. Free. Visit VisitGalena.org

New World Brewing Curated Conversation

4th Thursday: September 28

@ 7:30 PM

Jubeck New World Brewing

Join strangers and friends for a pint (or NA beverage) and some uncommonly meaningful conversation. Conversation starters present a topic before attendees split into small groups for further discussion. Free. Visit Facebook.com/NewWorldBrewing

Burning Red: Tribute to Taylor

Friday, September 29

7 PM @ Five Flags

Burning Red is a Chicago-based group of talented, experienced musicians who are Proud Swifties bringing the iconic music of Taylor Swift to live music venues across the area. Every Burning Red show is a journey through all of Taylor Swift’s eras, inspiring fans to sing along with the lyrics they know All Too Well and dance to this beat. Visit FiveFlagsCenter.com.

Dubuque Museum of Art Gala

Friday, September 29

@ Dubuque Museum of Art

2023

Save the date to celebrate groundbreakers of the past, present, and future as DuMA approaches its 150 th anniversary and announces plans for monumental expansion. Visit DBQArt.org.

A Year with Frog and Toad

September 29-30 & October 1, 6-8

@ Grand Opera House

Arnold Lobel’s treasured characters hop from page to stage in a story of friendship and adventure. This whimsical show follows two great friends through four fun-filled seasons. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. The jazzy, upbeat score of A Year with Frog and Toad bubbles with melody and wit, making it an inventive, exuberant, and enchanting musical for the whole family. Visit TheGrandOperaHouse.com

Field of Dreams Ghost Player Games

Saturday, September 30, 1-3 PM @ Field of Dreams Movie Site (Dyersville, IA)

Free event, concessions, and autographs available. Just bring your chair and sunscreen for the “Greatest Show on Dirt!” Free. Visit FieldOfDreamsMovieSite.com.

Galena Oktoberfest

Saturday, September 30

12-10 PM @ Depot Park (Galena, IL)

Family fun, live polka music, wiener dog racing, plus German-style food and beer headline this year’s popular event! This 16th annual event will begin at noon with a cannon blast, tapping of the keg, and polka music. Main attractions will be the wiener dog races, polka music and dancing lessons, non-stop live music, and games for adults and children. There’s something for everyone at Galena Oktoberfest. The wiener dog races will follow the raising of the flag by the Galena Fire Department and the singing of the national anthem. The big tent will feature plenty of seating with polka music, dance floor, and polka dancing lessons. Children will enjoy the bounce house, as well as pumpkin painting and other art related activities. Visit GalenaLions.org/oktoberfest

Massbach Stomp!

Wednesday, September 30

11 AM-5 PM @ Massbach Ridge Winery (Elizabeth, IL)

Join Massbach Ridge Winery’s Post Harvest Celebration at their annual STOMP! There will be live entertainment by Lily Stella Maris, a food truck, and an opportunity to stomp on the grapes and fulfill that item on your bucket list! Most importantly, there will be beautiful weather and WINE! Please, bring your own lawn chairs or blanket to spread out on the vineyard. Cold bottles of wine will also be available for purchase. Visit MassbachRidge.com

Pictures at an Exhibition

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 7:30 pm | SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 2:00 pm

FIVE FLAGS THEATER Downtown Dubuque

The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra’s (DSO’s) 2023-24 season celebrates its long history as a cultural cornerstone of the arts in Dubuque.

“Our 65th Anniversary season opens with thrilling audience favorites as we return to the full sonic splendor of a large orchestra filling the stage,” shares Music Director and Conductor William Intriligator. “Pianist Lorraine Min returns to perform Grieg’s beloved Piano Concerto. This work is so rich in great melodies and stunning virtuosity. I can hardly wait to hear Lorraine perform this musical treasure!”

The orchestra’s string and percussion sections will be featured in Chokfi, a work by native American composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate. A citizen of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma, Tate is dedicated to the development of American Indian classical composition. Chokfi’ (choke-fee), Chickasaw word for rabbit, depicts an important trickster legend within Southeast American Indian cultures. Varying string and percussion techniques and colors represent its complicated and diabolical personality.

The orchestra will shine with the brilliant and bold sonorities of another great favorite: Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. The DSO will partner

Brass at Dubuque Museum of ArtRon Tigges, Digital Dubuque

Lorraine Min Grieg Piano

Concerto

with Bluff Strokes, projecting original artwork created by local and regional artists during this piece of music.

“If you aren’t aware of Bluff Strokes, their paint-outs welcome artists working in oil, acrylic, pastel, and watercolor. Art is created outdoors —plein air—around Dubuque, usually in one sitting. We will welcome and recognize some of the local artists who will attend this performance as well. This will be a really cool collaboration!

After the Saturday night concert, we welcome the audience to join me, DSO musicians, Lorraine Min, and the artists for a reception. Don’t miss this special “opening night” concert weekend!”

This concert is made possible by the generous support of Cottingham & Butler.

SUPPLEMENTAL CONCERT EVENTS:

SOUND BITES LUNCHEON

11:30am-1pm Friday, October 6 at Dubuque Golf & Country Club, 1800 Randall Place. Lunch buffet is followed by commentary by William Intriligator and guest artists. $20 payable at the door. Reservations due by noon, Wednesday, October 4 and can be made by calling 563-557-1677.

OPEN REHEARSAL

Friday, October 6 at 7pm. Free to attend. Enter through theater doors on Main Street. Open rehearsal is a great opportunity to watch how the DSO shapes and fine-tunes a piece of music before presenting it in concert.

ENCORE RECEPTION

Saturday, October 7 from 9:30-10:30pm. Saturday evening concert attendance includes entry to post-concert reception. Enjoy refreshments & visit with DSO musicians. Sponsored by Poppy Conlon & Jason Benson.

MUSICAL MUSINGS

Intriligator presents a free pre-concert lecture in Five Flags Theater on Sunday, October 8 at 1:00pm.

“...impeccable phrase-shaping (and) crystalline sound”

-New York Times

Ticketmaster fees added to online purchases, save by buying direct at Five Flags Box Office.

DSO brass at Dubuque Museum of Art Ron Tigges, Digital Dubuque

Celebrate Dubuque’s German Heritage at Oktoberfest

by Teri Link

Oktoberfest began as a celebration of a royal marriage in Munich, and has endured ever since as the most loved celebration of the German people. It’s the single biggest folk festival in the world, and the most popular. More than six million visitors consume more than 7 million liters of beer and the festivities last for several weeks. Dubuque’s version may not be as big of a gathering, but it’s certainly a well-loved and greatly anticipated annual event. This year Oktoberfest will take place on Sunday, September 17th at the Q Casino’s Back Waters Stage. Although Dubuque’s Oktoberfest has always been held on Saturday, this year the event will take place on Sunday due to the Back Waters Stage scheduling.

Why in September and not October? There are two reasons for this. This is the same day that Oktoberfest begins in Munich, Germany, and also the weather in Iowa is much more predictable and nicer in September. Not only will you find good beer, interesting costumes, and great music but also dance troupes, contests for people and pets, and fun activities for the entire family.

Dubuque’s Oktoberfest was created fourteen years ago as a fundraiser for Camp Albrecht Acres. Although it started out as

a smaller festival, the attendance numbers have increased so much that the location has changed four times since then. Joe Kane, Chair of the planning committee and pastpresident of the Camp Albrecht Acres board of directors, said, “We’re excited to celebrate Dubuque Oktoberfest at the Back Waters Stage again this year. We think this is one of the premier festivals in the tri-state area, and we’re looking forward to having a great time raising money for a great cause ”

Located just 5 miles outside of Dubuque, Camp Albrecht Acres provides a unique

environment for adults and kids with special needs to enjoy new opportunities and challenges in a safe environment that is specifically adapted to their needs. It is a 40-acre residential camp serving over 600 campers each summer. Oktoberfest is the main fundraising event for this worthy cause and allows campers with limited means to attend. Nicole Gantz became involved for a more personal reason.

“I have helped with the marketing efforts of Dubuque Oktoberfest since 2016,” she said. “I got involved because my son has Down syndrome and autism, and I wanted to support this camp that serves his peers in ways that other camps are unable to.”

Many fun activities are planned throughout the day. The festival kicks off with the Loras College German Band, followed by the music of the Americana Band and the traditional “Marching in the Keg” with Mayor Brad Cavanagh. (In 1950, Mayor of Munich Thomas Wimmer tapped the first keg in the Schottenhamel tent for the first time. Ever since, it has been customary for the mayor to

(Left) Eric Veltstra volunteering at Oktoberfest. Photo by Nicole Gantz. (Middle) Mayor Cavanagh opening the festivities. Photo by Nicole Gantz. (Right) Women’s division of the Masskrugstemmen. Photo by Abby Rakeshaw.

kick off Oktoberfest.)

The University of Northern Iowa Illuminate Dance Troupe will be on hand from 1:15 PM to 2 PM performing and teaching polka dancing to attendees. The Weiner Dog Parade and Race begin at 2 PM and then the Guttenberg German Band plays from 3 PM to 4:30 PM. Next up is a contest called Masskrugstemmen, which translates into “beer-stein holding” where contestants endeavor to hold one-liter steins full of beer parallel to the ground and outlast their competitors. Wrapping up the day is the band JazzQ, featuring faculty from Northeast Iowa School of Music and Heartland Harmony. Music and polka dancing aside, the entire day is also filled with drinks and food from various food trucks and vendors, and fun family-friendly games.

Although the Munich Oktoberfest is the biggest and most well-attended in the world, North Americans have continued the same traditions here, and every autumn there are more than 150 Oktoberfests taking place across the country. The biggest one in the states is located in Cincinnati. More than half a million visitors congregate every year in September to attend the event, which is presented by Samuel Adams beer and features lots of authentic German cuisine. Other interesting and maybe surprising places that fall in the top 10 for most well attended Oktoberfests include Brisbane, Australia; Qingdao, China; and Johannesburg, South Africa.

It doesn’t matter if you are 100% German, or just like a reason to celebrate, Dubuque’s Oktoberfest is a guaranteed good time. Two large festival tents will be set up so this event will take place from 11 AM to 6 PM, rain or shine. Show up to hoist a beer, learn how to polka, listen to music, or cheer on your favorite wiener dog in the race. Dubuque’s Oktoberfest is fun for everyone! ❖

Event Details:

Held Sunday, September 17th, 11 AM-6 PM (Rain or Shine)

Location: Q Casino’s Back Waters Stage (1855 Greyhound Park Road)

Cost: Free to Attend, but donations to Camp Albrecht Acres greatly appreciated

Dubuque’s Steeple Square Celebrates 10 Years

by Connie Cherba

Steeple Square, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit located in the former St. Mary’s Parish Complex, is poised to celebrate its ten-year anniversary – a decade dedicated to “restoring economic prosperity, environmental integrity, and social and cultural vibrancy to the Dubuque community.” The nonprofit is a center for “personal growth, celebration, and community empowerment” and encompasses a city block that houses the Steeple Square Community Event Center, Marita Theisen Childcare Center, Maria House, and Francis Apartments.

The historic campus of Steeple Square is well-known to Dubuque residents as the former St. Mary’s Parish Complex, a Roman Catholic parish centered around St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 15th and White Streets. Built between 1864 and 1867, the church, with its soaring steeple, became a religious center for German immigrant parishioners. But by May of 2010, the congregation had dwindled, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church celebrated a final mass and permanently closed its doors. Except for the 1870 convent, the parish buildings stood vacant for three years.

In 2013, the Friends of St. Mary’s, the original business operating unit for Steeple Square, was established, and a year later the organization formed a nonprofit corporation rebranded as Steeple Square. The Steeple Square Board is comprised of civic, nonprofit, and community leaders “working in partnership to develop affordable housing,

jobs, educational training, and recreational programs through the revitalization of the historic campus formerly known as the St. Mary’s Parish complex.”

“Dubuque prioritizes historic preservation, and St. Mary’s Church has been iconic in our community from the beginning,” said Steeple Square Marketing Chair Nicole Gantz. “When the parishioners couldn’t afford to keep it open, the Archdiocese only had offers to tear down the buildings. Some community leaders stepped in and took on this daunting project showing what Dubuque is all about: historic preservation and people caring about the community and the Washington Neighborhood.”

“From the very beginning, we surveyed the community on needs before we decided how to repurpose all of our buildings,” said Nicole. “The response was ‘downtown childcare, affordable housing, and a culinary arts kitchen.’”

Today the renovated St. Mary’s Complex is home to the Steeple Square Community Event Center, Marita Theisen Childcare Center, Maria House, and Francis Apartments.

STEEPLE SQUARE COMMUNITY EVENT CENTER

The Community Event Center is housed in the former St. Mary’s Church and includes Honkamp Hall on the first floor. The renovated hall is a soaring space available for a wide-range of rentals.

“Weddings, celebrations of life, meetings, trade shows, holiday parties, anniversaries, and any sort of social gathering take place in Steeple Square,” said Lori Bahl, Marketing and Events Manager. “Steeple Square is an amazing asset to the community. There’s history, a gathering space, and support for the neighborhood.”

The lower level renovations of the former church were completed in 2021 and named the BVM Community Center. The space includes the Sr. Helen Huewe Culinary Kitchen and the McCoy Multipurpose Room, a large, open room well-designed for community events with a capacity of 130 in a variety of layouts.

“The McCoy Multipurpose Room is for smaller events like business training, wedding and baby showers,” said Nicole. “It’s fully accessible with an elevator and accessible bathrooms.

“We knew we needed to have a state-ofthe-art culinary space that NICC could use to hold classes because of the dire need for people going into food and beverage and the culinary arts,” explained Nicole. “It’s not just for NICC. It’s also available for caterers for all the events in the building. We partner with Project Rooted to use our kitchen to prepare their lunch boxes. Anyone can rent the kitchen.”

“We’ve introduced monthly ‘Breaking Bread Sessions’ downstairs where we invite current and prospective students from NICC and Four Mounds,” said Judy Wolf, President of

(Left) Steeple Square. Photo by Connie Cherba. (Right) 10 year Logo. Contributed photo.

Steeple Square. “As part of those luncheons, we include coaches and other educational partners.”

MARITA THEISEN CHILDCARE CENTER

Steeple Square owns and operates the Marita Theisen Childcare Center. The childcare facility, originally built to serve as St. Mary’s rectory, was renovated and custom designed to operate as a world-class childcare center. Opened in August 2019, the facility can serve up to 68 area children ages 6 weeks through 5 years. The center is conveniently located at 1584 White St. to serve the neighborhood’s working parents.

“The Childcare Center in this area is vital because we have so many people that are facing transportation barriers and affordable childcare issues that inhibit their ability to start a career or continue in their career path,” said Judy.

There’s a new playscape and some exciting new partnerships at the Childcare Center. “HACAP has started to operate their three and four-year-old Head Start programs out of our Center,” said Judy. “That’s been really good because it serves the same clientele and it gives us an operational partner that is good for us and for the sustainability of the program. We’re looking for opportunities to expand that partnership for the long term. We’ve also formed a partnership with Dubuque Dance Studio. They come in once a week to give tumbling lessons to the three and four year olds. We recognized that was an opportunity many kids didn’t have.” Courtyard

Located between the Event and Childcare Centers and nonprofit Opening Door’s Maria House and Francis Apartments is a courtyard complete with a playscape designed for the enjoyment of the community. Although not owned and operated by Steeple Square, both the Maria House and Francis Apartments were originally part of the St. Mary’s Parish Complex and share the Steeple Square block.

MARIA HOUSE

The Maria House at 16 th and Jackson opened in 2000. Formerly the home to the 1870 St. Mary’s Convent, the facility now serves as a shelter for up to 18 homeless women and their children. The Maria House is part of local nonprofit Opening Doors and offers transitional housing for up to two years.

FRANCIS APARTMENTS

In August 2017, Steeple Square opened Francis Apartments in partnership with Opening Doors. Located in the former 1872 St. Mary’s School at 15th and Jackson Streets, the facility offers 12, two-and three-bedroom apartments as income-based, affordable housing with support services. Eight of the apartments are reserved as permanent, supportive housing for graduates of Opening Doors’ Maria House and Teresa Shelter. The other apartments are available to the public as market-rate housing.

“We gifted Francis Apartments to Opening Doors in January 2023,” said Nicole. “We were in partnership with them to develop the apartments, and it was always our long range plan that Opening Doors would fully

take over.”

What’s next for Steeple Square?

“We’re done with construction and our $15 million capital campaign,” said Nicole. “Now we’re moving on to mission work which is partnership, programming, vocational training, and education. Our mission is to use our repurposed, awesome buildings for partnerships for businesses to come in and have their meetings and holiday parties, people starting their lives together and getting married – these are some of the things we want to do. That’s where we are right now.”

Steeple Square invites the community to join in their 10th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, October 19, from 5 PM-9 PM in Honkamp Hall. The evening’s agenda includes cocktails, dinner, program, and auction. All proceeds from this event benefit the non-profit organization, Steeple Square. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Steeple Square website at SteepleSquare.com/10years. ❖

Who Uses Steeple Square?

First Congregational United Church of Christ - “In March 2022, our beautiful sanctuary had to be closed due to structural concerns,” said Nikki Ketchum, Church Business Manager at First Congregational UCC. “After speaking with many venues and other gracious congregations who offered their churches, we reached out to Steeple Square. Immediately they set up a time to meet with us. After touring the beautiful space, we truly felt the atmosphere of ‘home.’

“The Steeple Square staff was warm and welcoming and gave us the flexibility to move from the downstairs Multipurpose Room to the first floor Honkamp Hall when our attendance began increasing on Sunday mornings.”

Bluff Strokes - “Even before the renovations, Steeple Square ‘wowed’ the Bluff Stroke artists who paint Dubuque,” said Jillayne Pinchuck, Bluff Strokes Co-Chair. “When they first walked in, they just stopped and looked around, taking in the majesty of the ceiling and the stained glass windows. I was concerned that the space would overshadow the 500 works of art, but it became the perfect backdrop.

“Having Steeple Square as our home base allows our committee to run the event efficiently and highlight Dubuque’s hospitality. Steeple Square is part of Bluff Strokes’ brand and we can’t imagine a better partner!”

The Dubuque Rescue Mission and Project Rooted also benefit from the use of these facilities. ❖

Honkamp Hall community gathering space. Photo by Connie Cherba.

Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Comes to Dubuque

by Connie Cherba

Women’s collegiate wrestling is coming to Dubuque starting with the 2023-24 school year. Women’s wrestling is one of the fastest growing collegiate sports in the United States, with more than 100 colleges offering the sport at the varsity level. In Dubuque, Loras College and the University of Dubuque (UD) are gearing up for their inaugural women’s wrestling seasons with brand new teams and brand-new coaches.

The University of Dubuque and Loras College are members of the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) and will join Buena Vista University, Central College, Simpson College, and Wartburg College for the 2023-24 school year.

“There are a couple more schools thinking about it,” said Denise Udelhofen, Director of Athletics at Loras College. “Our men wrestle in the American Rivers Conference, one of the strongest conferences in Division III, and it makes sense to add women’s wrestling. People in Dubuque and Iowa know wrestling. The addition of women’s wrestling for us just made sense.”

“Women’s wrestling is a fast-growing sport

across the country,” said Denise. “It’s another opportunity for our females on campus to have another experience. And if we can entice more women to our campus and our institutions, that’s a positive. That’s what I’m most excited about.”

Expect to see some exciting wrestling competitions during the 2023-24 season.

“The season for women is the same as for men,” said Denise. “Practice will start in October and championships will be in March. We probably won’t have every weight class, so we’ll probably be doing quite a few tournaments and opens. We are probably a year away from a Loras/UD dual meet.”

LORAS COLLEGE

Wil Kelly has been named the Loras College’s women’s wrestling head coach. Wil is no stranger to Dubuque or to the wrestling scene. He won three Iowa 3A state titles in 1993, 1994, and 1995 while attending Wahlert Catholic High School. Following high school, Wil attended Wartburg College where he was a two-time All-American wrestler in 2002 and 2003, winning the NCAA Division III National Championship in the 141-lb weight class his senior

year. Wil coached Cedar Falls High School boys wrestling from 2009-2016. Wil is enthusiastic about the inaugural Loras College women’s wrestling season. “The landscape of women’s wrestling is evolving fast,” he said. “There are a lot of new faces, many of which have no experience with wrestling which is great. This gives us an opportunity to really grow the sport and that’s exciting.”

“The program started in February, which is the tail-end of the season,” Wil said. “Our team is still a work in progress. Starting a program is a unique and challenging experience for a number of reasons. It takes some imagination and a lot of hard work. Normally this time of the year coaches are finished with recruiting for the fall of 2023, however, our situation is a little different. We still have a handful of girls we are acWil Kelly,

Loras College Women’s Wrestling Coach.

Women’s Collegiate State Championships. All contributed photos.

tively recruiting, even though the window will be closed in just a few short weeks.”

Wil admits that recruiting for a brand-new team is one of the major challenges he has faced and continues to face, but there are other challenges as well.

“Obviously recruiting is the first step,” he said. “Along with that you have to order uniforms – guess what sizes and how many to order. There are similar challenges with building a social media presence. There aren’t any stock photos or content that we can use, so we have to be somewhat creative to put it all together.”

“Obviously we are not alone in this struggle,” Wil explained. “There are a number of programs that are also in their infancy and going through similar experiences. I believe there are only two teams in our conference that expect to have a full lineup this fall. The rest of the field is still trying to catch up. That being said, we are not currently planning a dual schedule but more focused on getting our athletes into tournaments. We expect by the following year we will be in a much better position to have conference duals.”

In spite of the difficulties in getting a new sport up and running, Wil is confident Loras women’s wrestling will enjoy success in the coming years.

“Within the next five years I fully expect women’s wrestling to be a thriving sport at Loras College, right alongside our already thriving men’s wrestling program,” he said.

UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE

Three-time Olympian, former World Champion, and National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee Dennis Hall has been hired as the University of Dubuque’s first women’s head wrestling coach. A former Greco-Roman wrestler from Neosho, WI, Dennis was a 10-time U.S. National Champion, World Champion, and three-time USA Olympian. He won a silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Dennis wrestled at Wisconsin’s Harford Union High School where he finished with a 146-1-1 prep record including 110 pins and three individual Wisconsin state titles. He was honored as Wisconsin’s first Dream Team All-American.

Dennis attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for one year on a full scholarship before dropping out to pursue training as an international Greco wrestler. He was named USA Wrestling Man of the Year in 1995, as well as three-time Greco-Roman athlete of the year in 1994, 1995, and 1996. Dennis, like Loras Coach Kelly, is enthusiastic about building and leading his new team.

“Recruiting is going pretty good,” he said.

“Right now I have ten girls on the team. I still have to recruit at a couple of weights yet. I still have to fill the smallest weights, but overall recruiting is going pretty well. A lot of the recruits are state champs and have been in national competitions before. So I’m looking forward to working with them. We should have a pretty good team next year.”

There have been challenges in getting the team together.

“It being a new program, recruits wanted to know how many girls you have already. I finally started to say, ‘Hey, if the numbers don’t get to where we want them, we’ll find training partners for you. We’ll find other people to help.’ It’s taken a lot to get the girls to commit to coming to UD.”

In spite of the initial challenges, Dennis is confident in the future of women’s wrestling at the University of Dubuque.

“In five years I think we’ll be vying for a national title,” he said. ❖

Denise Udelhofen, Loras College Director of Athletics.

Dennis Hall, University of Dubuque Women’s Wrestling Coach.

NAMI – Providing Support to Peers and Families

by Beth Triplett

For those suffering from mental illness or the families impacted by a loved one who is, things can feel overwhelming and lonely. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) exists to change that.

The Dubuque chapter of the national organization provides education, support, and advocacy for peers and families touched by someone with a brain health challenge. Best of all, the NAMI programs, support groups, and most classes are offered without charge.

“Our goal is to make brain health more equitable in the community,” said Britni Farber, President and CEO. “We strive to be approachable, accessible, and equitable for those who need our services.”

Mental health services in the community are limited, and even for those able to be working with a therapist, it is usually for a brief session (weekly appointments are not always an option). NAMI provides the fellowship and education to support wellbeing in between visits and equips families with the knowledge to aid in the outcomes.

NAMI is not a mental health provider; they do not diagnose, treat, prescribe, or offer crisis stabilization services. What they do provide are resources to help people learn how to manage their mental health, and they also offer a forum for support. Every component of services offered for peers is also offered for families.

“When families are equipped with information, it helps increase outcomes,” said Farber. NAMI’s work is built on grassroots principles and is rooted in evidence-based practices. The organization honors the wisdom of those with

lived experiences, and groups are structured to allow for shared experiences to help people increase empathy and reduce the stigma of mental illness.

Farber works with four AmeriCorps VISTA members and a cadre of 22 primarily volunteer facilitators to deliver NAMI services.

“Eighty percent of people have a personal heart-centered reason for being here; the other 20% believe in our mission and want to help,” she said.

In 2013, Farber began her own affiliation with the group looking for support to address a loved one with mental illness. Soon after, she joined the board and began her role as the first-ever president and CEO in 2022.

“I have an academic background in clinical psychology,” she said. “But navigating it intimately is so different than navigating it academically.”

The core of NAMI services are offered through classes and targeted support groups.

The Family-to-Family class is an 8-week program designed specifically for family members and friends of adults who live with mental illness. It is structured to provide problem-solving techniques, coping strategies, and communication skills to help caregivers and those affected by a family member better understand and support their loved one’s illness.

“The Family-to-Family course changed my life,” said Farber. “I have a loved one who was

diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, and it provided me with a new perspective. I was able to see life through the eyes of an empathetic heart, define a new normal, understand why things were challenges, and learn what it means to be stigma-free and empathetic.”

NAMI offers a parallel Peer-toPeer 8-week class that helps those experiencing a mental health challenge find support, learn about community resources, and improve coping skills. The course is led by peers who successfully manage their own recovery and wellness and helps participants realize they are not alone in their journey toward brain health.

A third comprehensive class, NAMI Basics, is offered for parents and others who provide care for those under age 22 experiencing mental health symptoms. This 6-week course parallels the Family-to-Family course with specific strategies targeted at advocating for children’s rights in school and understanding the challenges that face the whole family.

NAMI also offers a one-session course on Color Theory and Emotion, a guided art workshop to help peers and families understand the impact of color on emotional responses.

To continue providing interim and supportive care, NAMI facilitates several groups targeted to those with common experiences. Support groups for peers, families, and veterans meet twice each month. Specialized groups for men, women over age 30, and a suicide be -

Britni Farber, President and CEO. Contributed photo.

reavement group also meet regularly. A new group for eating disorder support was created to serve community demand and began in August.

All groups follow a community-minded approach, and the group wisdom of shared experiences helps fellow travelers to gain hope and resources to navigate their own mental health journey.

Courses and support groups in Dubuque are offered in the new NAMI Program Center (225 West Sixth Street, Dubuque) occupied by the organization since March. The space is safe and confidential, with comfortable seating, lots of light, positive colors, and a welcoming vibe. The Center is one of three locations for NAMI which also operates out of the Monticello Public Library to serve Jones County and has recently begun partnering with Northeast Iowa Community College in Manchester to serve Delaware County. In addition to outreach in adjacent counties, the organization provides private on site education and groups for selected populations. Each week, NAMI facilitators hold meetings for peer support and resource sharing with the inpatients at MercyOne and the inmates at the Dubuque Jail. NAMI also holds closed groups at Liberty Recovery and (future partnerships to have groups) with Penn Center RCF in Delhi. In the fall, NAMI will have open peer-run wellness hours in Dubuque and Manchester Delaware County will host peer-run wellness at the community services building.

NAMI also provides online programs for faith communities and to equip people to speak with clergy and faith groups about mental illness. A NAMI Homefront program serves adult loved ones of military service members or veterans experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.

To reach an even larger audience, NAMI began offering a mentor training program to provide support for those with peer-to-peer programs that reach youth. It is an intentional effort to engage youth and grow NAMI’s involvement with youth efforts. Initially, the organization is partnering with the University of Dubuque (UD) and Dubuque Esports League (DEL) to help train peer mentors and enhance community efforts for youth.

UD offered Peer Support Workshops during the recent academic year. The workshops provided the tools needed to assist participants with topics such as conflict resolution, self-care, empathy, and knowing when to refer their friend to a professional for help. The majority of students who attended the Peer Support Workshop expressed interest in

learning how to become facilitators for peerled support groups on campus, which led to a collaboration with NAMI.

“We are extremely excited to see how this alliance with NAMI Dubuque can assist our student population,” said Jane Boge, University of Dubuque academic success coach and coordinator for the workshop. “Not all students turn to their advisor, athletic coach, or counselor when they are struggling with personal matters. When facing obstacles, they turn to their friends first. It is important that we intervene at their level and recognize that when students are faced with problems, depression, and other brain health issues, their academics are not their priority.” NAMI is working with the leadership and facilitators of the Dubuque Esports League (DEL) to help them teach team building, leadership, and social-emotional wellness skills.

“DEL is excited to partner with NAMI and participate in its Mentor Training Program to empower volunteers and staff with the tools they need to further their mission of creating a safe and positive community for personal growth, innovation, and technol -

ogy for tweens, teens, and young adults,” said Shelby Diers Wartick, one of the league’s founders. “DEL’s organizers knew with 95% of Gen Z playing video games in some capacity they could use esports to meet them where they are at.”

NAMI relies on donations, grants, and fundraising to operate and to allow it to continue its free programming. Its upcoming fundraising event, sponsored by the DRA, MercyOne Dubuque, and Brain Health Now is the NAMI Dubuque Community Walk on Sunday, September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day. The organization encourages people to “walk a mile in our shoes,” offering times between 11 AM and 1 PM to walk four laps (one mile) around the track at the University of Dubuque.

In addition to raising funds, NAMI hopes that the walk engages people in stigmafree efforts and raises awareness of brain health, mental health, and shared experiences. People can sign up for a time slot at NAMIDubuque.org/walk

For further information, contact NAMI Dubuque at (563) 557-6264 or NAMIDubuque.org ❖

The legend of Dubuque’s Tom Kelly and the gold he is said to have buried on the bluff that bears his name has piqued the imaginations of treasure hunters for decades. As with most legends, there is often a grain of truth in what is said. What do we know to be true about Tom Kelly and what truths back up the legend of his gold?

The Dubuque Daily Herald carried an account of Tom Kelly’s life on May 16, 1867,

Tom Kelly’s Gold

the day after his death. The paper’s lengthy account of Tom’s “Eccentricities and History” and “Incidents of His Life” offers a peek into Tom’s life and death.

Tom Kelly was born in King’s Co., Ireland, in June 1808, son of Tom Kelly. He had five brothers and a sister. In 1826, Tom emigrated to Canada and in 1827, moved to Oswego, NY, where he labored on the Oswego Canal. In about 1829, Tom and some of his countrymen traveled down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans in an effort to earn enough money to go back to Canada. Traveling back up the Ohio without his friends, Tom was robbed of $210 in gold and was forced to return to New Orleans.

In the spring of 1830, Tom made his way up the Mississippi River to St. Louis and on to the new lead mining region of Galena, IL, where he successfully mined lead, living in a cabin near Sinsinawa Mound. In 1832, he crossed the river into the Dubuque area, which was illegal as the land belonged to the Indians and was off limits before the Blackhawk War. Tom built a cabin near Hill and 5th Streets and began exploring abandoned lead mines, but soldiers forced him to retreat to Illinois until the land was officially

by Connie Cherba

opened to settlers and miners. In the spring of 1833, Tom resumed working his Dubuque claims south of the ravine now known as Dodge St. or Highway 20. Discouraged, he moved on to what has come to be known as “Kelly’s Bluff.” The new land, the site of an old Indian encampment, was covered with a heavy oak forest, blue grass, and white clover. Tom soon discovered traces of old mining efforts on the southern slope of the hill.

On his second day of mining he “raised 400 pounds of ore.” The next day he took out 1,000 pounds and then staked off the hill as his claim. Later, he reached the main lode and soon bought adjoining claims until his tract measured more than 30 acres. Tom became a very rich man.

In 1836, Tom travelled to Canada and returned to Dubuque with relatives who had followed him from Ireland. In 1837, he built a smelting furnace on his Dubuque property. Each lead pig produced in the smelter was stamped with his name. Tom eventually discovered another large lode half way up the Third St. Bluff.

Tom floated his ore down the Mississippi on a barge to sell in St. Louis. In 1847, one of his barges sank carrying $15,000 in lead, forcing Tom to travel to New York in 1850 to collect an insurance payout of $10,000.

SHADES OF DUBUQUE Sponsored by Trappist Caskets

John Casper Wild 1844 Dubuque Sketch with smoke from Kelly’s smelter at top left.

Thomas Kelly Grave Linwood Cemetery.

Photo Connie Cherba.

Dubuque From Kelly’s Bluff Print Late 1800s.

While in New York, Tom shot and killed a man he suspected was following him, and he was sent to the state insane asylum in Utica. In 1854, Tom escaped from the asylum and returned to Dubuque.

In about 1862, Tom dug another shaft on a piece of his land at the top of the hill north of Fifth St. While working the mine, he lived nearby in a cave dug into a bank of clay. According to the paper, his household consisted of “an old stove and a pile of straw with a blanket.”

Tom’s final home was built of stone and boasted two rooms but still lacked the luxury of a window or “a bed-stand though he had a good cellar.” The paper reported Tom mined every day and “always cultivated a garden and probably never starved himself as a matter of economy.” He built an eight-foot fence around his garden, his mine shaft, and his little house, with only a dog and cat for companionship.

In 1865, Tom was judged insane and his brother William was named administrator of the estate. Although Tom was a private man, he was not anti-social, and many disagreed with the insanity ruling. The newspaper reported, “Meeting in the shade of his trees, he would sit for an hour with one or half a dozen friends and talk intelligently on any topic of present or past interest. He was peculiarly fond of having children come in the summer time to see his grove.”

At the age of 58, Tom suffered a serious illness – an event announced in the newspaper the day before he died. Many came to visit, offering help, but his relatives Drs. Finley and Sprague and neighbors were already tending to his needs. In spite of all efforts, Tom died at 3:00 in the afternoon on May

Miner’s Cabin. Photo by Connie Cherba.

15, 1867. A small funeral service was held the following day and Tom was buried in Linwood Cemetery near his brother Francis. At the time of his death, Tom had accumulated a pile of ore estimated to weigh 100,000 pounds. is property was valued at $50,000-$200,000. Tom died without a will, but some claim he left a note saying if people wanted his gold, they could look for it.

Tom’s heirs searched “vigorously” for his money and found a pot buried in his cabin containing $4,000 in gold. A year later, a boy found a cache of $1,800 in a tea canister near Tom’s workings. Two other caches of gold have been found to date. In 1900, two boys discovered a small iron chest with $10,000 in eagle and double eagle gold coins. Is there more treasure to be found? Maybe…❖

SpiritUAL WeLLneSS

SinSinAWA MOUnD Center

Sinsinawa.org/moundcenter

When God Was a Bird (via Zoom) – Tuesday, September 12 @ 7-8 PM

Buried deep within the Christian tradition are startling portrayals of God as the beaked and feathered Holy Spirit. Weaving together scripture, theology, philosophy and personal stories of sacred nature, Wallace will present a model of God in Christianity as a creaturely, avian being who signals the presence of spirit in everything, human and more-than-human alike.

The History of Yoga and Christianity –Wednesday, September 13 @ 6-7:30 PM

While yoga started out as an obscure practice thousands of years ago in India, it is now a worldwide phenomenon. But how did yoga make its way out of India? Is yoga appropriate for Christians to practice? Did you know that there are numerous forms of Christian Yoga which are now taught around the world?

Wood Painting Class: Fall Gnome – Saturday, September 16 @ 9 AM-12 PM

Sarah Barnes, an artist from Dubuque, Iowa, will guide you step-by-step in how to paint on a wood cut out. All supplies will be provided. Bring along a friend for an enjoyable and creative morning!

Meeting Alzheimer’s: Effective Communication, Connection and Care – Saturday,

September 16 @ 9:30 AM-12:30 PM

It can be difficult to communicate and connect with people who have Alzheimer’s or dementia. They may say or do things that don’t make sense, or they may become upset or angry for reasons we don’t understand. Knowing creative ways to react and respond can make a big difference in the quality of their lives and enhance their on-going relationships with caregivers.

Wild Church: Fall Equinox – Saturday, September 23 @ 2-3:30 PM

Fire and song, ritual and community, prayer and quiet: this inclusive, outdoor gathering is centered on honoring this day of equal light and dark, and the sacred time of Autumn Equinox on the sacred land of Sinsinawa Mound.

Healing Haunted Histories (via Zoom)

– Tuesday, September 26 @ 6 PM-8 PM

“There is too much broken that must be mended, too much hurt we have done to each other that cannot yet be forgiven,” writes the poet Denise Levertov. We live in a land that is haunted, where the spirit of past colonial violence and Native dispossession is still present among us. This retreat will explore the hauntings of this continent, region and landscape, while delving into practical ways of healing.

Sinsinawa Mound Market – Wednesday, September 27 @ 4-7 PM

Join us for our last market of the season! Held at the Sinsinawa Collaborative Farm with a multitude of vendors. Some of our featured vendors are Collaborative Farmers, Dropseed Farm, Sandhill Farm, City Girl Farming, The Mound’s Farm, Sinsinawa Bakery and the Sinsinawa Book & Gift Shop.

The Windows of Queen of the Rosary Chapel – Wednesday, September 27 @ 3-4 PM

Join S. Priscilla Wood, OP, Director of the Office of Arts and Cultural Heritage, for a sitting tour of these jewels in the crown of this great space. Learn not only the special techniques used but the story that each one contains as each takes the viewer on a journey through faith.

Sinsinawa Mound Center is once again open to visitors and guests. View a list of upcoming events online or by calling (608) 748-4411

ShALOM SpiritUALity Center

Fall into Wellness: Intro Yoga Series with Deb May (4-week Series)

Tuesdays in September: 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 4:30-5:30 PM

Hosted by Deb May, Yogacare

Join us for a 4-week Yoga series and allow yourself to savor the newness of the autumn season with an intentional wellness practice. This Yoga series will promote gentle, flowing Yoga, allowing you to respect your limits and encourage you to reach your potential. Proceeds from this series benefits Shalom Spirituality Center; you may continue your practice following this series in an ongoing class. The cost is $40.00 for the entire series; please register by Friday, September 1.

Rekindling Dubuque’s Early Promise of Peace and Unity

Wednesday, September 6 @ 7:00-8:00 PM

In-person, Shalom Spirituality Center Chapel

Facilitators: Ernestine Moss and Brian Hallstoos, co-chairs of the Nathaniel Morgan Memorial Committee

Amid the hustle and bustle of early Dubuque, a devout group of congregants made plans to construct the area’s first church building. The interracial group demonstrated that this new structure would be for everyone, regardless of background.. The church was built, but only a few years later, a white mob accused Charlotte’s spouse Nathaniel of theft and lynched him. The local court acquitted the mob leaders of the

crime. The co-chairs will give a talk about their committee’s efforts to memorialize Mr. Morgan.

Please RSVP for this event online or call Shalom by Tuesday, September 5.

Fall Day of Self-Renewal

Friday, September 8 @ 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Facilitator: Jim Earles, Shalom Program Coordinator

Facilitated by Jim Earles, the day offers a group guided meditation, a private guest room, delicious lunch, access to our chapel and labyrinth, and a choice of relaxation services. The cost is $95.00 per person. Reserve your spot with a non-refundable $40 deposit (balance due by Friday, September 1). Please register online or call Shalom to register by Friday, September 1. Space is limited!

Native American & Western Worldviews

Friday, September 8 @ 6-8:30 PM

Facilitator: Nancy Thompson

In this interactive workshop, story, music, meditation, and movement will help us explore how a spiritual connection to Nature and scientific knowledge can help us live in harmony with the natural world and preserve it for future generations.

The cost is $15.00 per person; please register by Wednesday, September 6.

September Meditation and Music: Sound Healing with Morgan Noel

Monday, September 18 @ 6:30-7:30 PM

Hosted by Morgan Noel, Singing Bowl Practitioner

Experience a deep meditative state as you surrender to the healing sound frequencies of Crystal Singing Bowls. Please wear comfortable clothing, and feel free to bring a pillow, blanket, or anything else that will make you more comfortable. Noel is a practitioner of Singing Bowls and is Usui Reiki 1 & 2 Certified. Pre-registrants cost $10 per person; otherwise, $15 at the door

Shalom Fall Breakfast

Tuesday, September 19 @ 7:30-8:30 am

Guest Speaker: Molly Schreiber, Challenge to Change, Inc.

We welcome Molly Schreiber as she shares her wisdom on Navigating Life’s Seasons and how her faith inspires her to keep moving forward despite setbacks. Molly is an ACE Fitness Instructor, ERYT 500, RCYT Founder + CEO of Challenge to Change, Inc. Learn more about Molly and Challenge to Change, Inc. at ChallengetoChangeinc.com

The cost is $15 per person; please register by Thursday, September 14.

Prayerful Walk for Peace

Tuesday, September 19 @ 7-8 PM

Facilitator: Ginny Heldorfer, OSF

Walking in a labyrinth provides a tangible, physical symbol for the journey toward closeness with God. Labyrinths always confer a sense of peace upon the one who walks them with quiet reverence. Socks

are required. Limited to 10 participants. Freewill offering; RSVP on or by Monday, September 18.

Lunch and RENEW: Chair Yoga

Wednesday, September 20 @ 11:30-12:30 PM

Hosted by Deb May, Yogacare

This Yoga practice will focus on awareness, core strength, and breathing techniques for better posture, followed by a simple and

delicious lunch!

The cost is $ 15 per person; please register online at ShalomRetreats.org or by calling 563.582.3592 by Friday, September 15.

Zentangle® Workshop

Monday, September 25 @ 9 AM-4 PM

Facilitator: Stephanie Funke, Certified Zentangle® Teacher

Attendees will learn a few basic terms and information about the Zentangle® Method and spend the day drawing a variety of tangles (patterns using basic strokes) as the instructor provides simple, step-bystep instructions. Stephanie is a Certified Zentangle® Teacher. Check out her blog posts at FunkePhotos@blogspot.com

The cost is $40 per person, including lunch and all materials. You’ll be able to take these home to continue exploring and tangling. Register by Monday, September 18.

Shalom Movie Night – The Sultan and The Saint

Wednesday, September 27 @ 7-8:30 PM

Facilitator: Ginny Heldorfer, OSF

In celebration of the United Nations International Day of Peace, come to Shalom and enjoy a peace-themed movie! Sr. Ginny Heldorfer will introduce this 2016 movie, written and directed by Alexander Kronemer. The movie illustrates actual historical events in the Franciscan heritage of peace-making. Free event! Please RSVP online or call Shalom by Monday, September 25.

StAterA inteGrAteD heALth & WeLLneSS

StateraIntegrated.com

Prenatal Breastfeeding Class – Saturday, September 9 @ 9 AM-12 PM, Upper Level

Knowing about breastfeeding and what expect is a good idea before baby arrives. This hands-on, interactive class will give you knowledge you need to feel ready to meet your baby and start the breastfeeding journey. Moms are encouraged to have a support person come along for the class.

Milk Parties! – Mondays, September 11 & 25 @ 9:30-10:30 AM, Lower Level

Let’s celebrate breastfeeding! This FREE support group is for moms and breastfeeding babies of all ages, as well as pumping moms and pregnant women. Come and share your victories about breastfeeding and receive help for your challenges. This is a great way to receive support and offer support to other moms in return!

Enriching lives through a continuum of quality services guided by Christian love and compassion.

No Limb-its Amputee Social and Support

Gatherings – Monday, September 11 @ 4-5:30 PM, Upper Level

Join us for free monthly gatherings where individuals living with limb loss can meet others with similar experiences and struggles. Members can ask questions, learn how to adapt to their new normal, support others in their journey with living with limb loss, and enjoy return to life activities.

Healthier Me Tuesdays @ September 12-October 17 @ 5:30-7:30 PM, Upper Level

Statera is offering you an integrative health and wellness program that is different than anything you have tried before. Our level-one course pairs weekly educational topics with individualized fitness classes, all professionally designed to provide the basic principles and specific actions you need to set the stage got a long life of health and wellness. This six-week program is designed for women 45+ of all physical ability levels.

Comfort Measures for Birth – Monday, September 18 @ 7-8 PM, Statera

Lower Level

Build confidence for labor as you and your support person discover the three types of relaxation needed during labor. Learn and practice specific comfort measures your support person can use to help you have a more comfortable birth.

Statera September Book Club – Thursday, September 28 @ 5:30-6:30 PM, Statera Upper

Join us each month for a time of thoughtful reflection and meaningful discussion on books all themed around mind, body, and spirit health and wellness. Open to the community, men and women of all ages. The book for September is “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van her Kolk.

StOnehiLL COMMUnitieS eventS

All Events at Caregiver Resource Center

3485 Windsor Ave, Dubuque, IA

Music, Movement, and Memory Class

Wednesday, September 6 @ 1-2 PM

This free monthly workshop is specifically designed for caregivers and their care recipient living with dementia. The curriculum will engage the mind and body in a safe and flexible environment. The group is facilitated by Deb Stevens, a retired music educator from Dubuque Community

School District.

RSVP by the first Monday of the month to  JKoopmann@stonehillldbq.com or call 563.690.9679.

Parkinson’s Support Group

September 16 @ 10-11 AM

Facilitated by Gerry and Judy Osterhaus

This support group is for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. The format of this group includes an educational component, resource sharing, connection, and support. Nutrition, exercise, physical therapy, and voice therapy, are just a few topics that will be discussed. Gerry and Judy Osterhaus can be reached at  judyosterhaus@gmail

com or 563.583.7827

Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors

September 18 @ 1:00 PM

This program teaches participants how to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. The workshop is presented by Brenda Schlitter of the Alzheimer’s Association and is being offered in person at the Caregiver Resource Center or virtually via Zoom. RSVP to Jolene Koopmann at  JKoopmann@stonehilldbq.com  or 563.690.0979

MEDICAL BRIEFS

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Wednesdays @ 1-3:30 PM, September 20-October 25

This free 6-week class provides information and self-care tools to keep family caregivers healthy, help them find balance in their caregiver role, and prepare them for caregiving decisions. This class is presented by The Caregiver Resource Center and Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A). This is an in-person class. Registration is required by September 13. To register, contact Jolene Koopmann at 563.690.9679 or JKoopmann@stonehilldbq.com

Parkinson’s Support Group

September 16 @ 10-11 AM

Facilitated by Gerry and Judy Osterhaus

This support group is for peole with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. The format of this group includes an educational component, resource sharing, connection, and support. Nutrition, exercise, physical therapy, and voice therapy, are just a few topics that will be discussed. Gerry and Judy Osterhaus can be reached at  judyosterhaus@gmail. com or 563.583.7827.

MiDWeSt MeDiCAL Center eventS

Prostate Cancer Survivor & Fighter Breakfast

Thursday, September 7 @ 9 AM

Midwest Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Drive, Galena, IL

Prostate cancer survivors, fighters, and families are invited to come together to enjoy a complimentary breakfast and offer support during Prostate Cancer Awareness month. Midwest Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ralph Losey, also a survivor and fighter, welcomes you. Registration is not required and is free. If you choose, please wear light blue to raise awareness for Prostate Cancer screening and finding a cure. MidwestMedicalCenter.org/events-media.

Midwest Medical Health & Fitness

5K Fun Walk / Run

Saturday, September 30

19th Annual Midwest Medical Health & Fitness 5K Fun Walk / Run at Galena River Trail Head, 91 Bouthillier St. (Depot Park), Galena, IL. Pre-registration deadline: Noon on Friday, September 15, 2023. Register online at Conta.cc/43Vw5Oc.

Schedule / Race Day

8:00 AM Registration / Check in at Depot

Park, 91 Bouthillier St., Galena, IL.

8:30 AM Kid’s Race start time (Free registration)

100 Meter Dash, Children ages 0-4 years

800 Meter Race, Children ages 5-12 years old

An adult-supervised Kids’ Corner with activities and games will be available while parents partake in the 5K Fun Walk / Run.

9:00 AM Adult Race start time.

Registration: MidwestMedicalCenter.org or in-person at Midwest Health & Fitness, located within Midwest Medical Center, One Medical Center Drive, Galena, IL.

Registration cost $30 includes a shirt (register before 9/15); $20 without a shirt

Great door prizes will be raffled (must be present to win).

Register online at Conta.cc/43Vw5Oc

MerCyOne expert ShAreS hOW yOU CAn prOteCt

yOUr heArt in the heAt

With temperatures across the state reaching more than 90 degrees, it’s important to keep your heart safe in the heat. When it gets hot outside, your heart has to beat faster and pump harder to help your body shed heat. “If your body is unable to cool itself, strain is put on the heart and organs can suffer damage,” said Shaa O’Donnell, MSN, RN, CCRP and Cardiopulmonary Rehab Coordinator at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

With temperatures and heat indexes rising, anyone can suffer from heat stroke. But O’Donnell said people with heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases are at greater risk since their hearts may not be able to maintain cooler body temperatures in the heat. In addition, certain medications prescribed to patients with heart conditions reduce water in the bloodstream and can reduce a person’s ability to cool off.

Mercy College of Health Sciences and Loras College are partnering to offer a new 3+1 program that provides an opportunity for students to earn two degrees in four years; a bachelor’s degree (BA or BS)  from Loras and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through an accelerated pathway from Mercy College.

After completing their third year at Loras College, students who meet admission requirements for Mercy College will begin nursing coursework. Labs will be completed on Loras’ campus and many clinicals will be delivered just blocks away from Loras’ campus at MercyOne Dubuque, an affiliate of Mercy College. Upon successful completion of the nursing coursework, students are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN exam).  Loras will begin accepting interested students for the 3+1 program in fall 2023. Mercy College›s first cohort for this BSN program will launch in May 2024.

An information session for those interested will be hosted on Loras College’s campus at 6 PM on September 6, in Keane Hall.

For more information, please contact the respective admission offices: Loras College at Loras.edu/nursing or Mercy College at MCHS.edu/Loras.

Loras College and Mercy College of Health Sciences are both members of the Iowa Catholic College Association (ICCA).

“If you have been prescribed diuretics or beta-blockers, ask your provider how much water to drink for hot conditions versus milder temperatures and listen to your body,” O’Donnell said.

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. If you experience the following symptoms, move to a cooler place, drink water, and use cool wet cloths, compresses, and fanning. You may also need to seek medical attention: Heavy sweating with cool, moist/clammy skin

• Dizziness and light-headedness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Headaches and/or weakness

• Dark urine

Heat stroke is an emergency. If you experience the following, apply cool water to your skin immediately and seek medical help by calling 911 or going to your nearest emergency department.

• High fever (temperature above 104 degrees F)

• Hot, dry, red skin without sweating

• Pounding pulse

• Rapid shallow breathing

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Extreme confusion or dizziness

• Unconsciousness or seizures

Editors note: This article was provided by MercyOne Dubuque.

LOrAS, MerCy teAM-Up fOr 3+1 nUrSinG prOGrAM

neWS frOM MerCyOne

As we continue to integrate as a Regional Health Ministry (RHM) of Trinity Health, while also integrating Genesis Health System into MercyOne, we are happy to announce Kurt Andersen, MD, as the new MercyOne Eastern Iowa president.

Dr. Andersen will oversee all Genesis, Dubuque, Clinton, and surrounding areas’ locations in his new role. Dr. Andersen assumed his new role on August 1.

As president of the Eastern Division, Dr. Andersen will join Tom Clark, president for the Western Division and Mike Wegner, president for the Central Division, in leading our newly formed divisions across the RHM. Dr. Andersen and Tom will report to Mike for operations and finance. The three presidents (Dr. Andersen, Tom, and Mike) will report to Bob Ritz, MercyOne CEO and President, for strategy, governance and advocacy.

Kay Takes, current Eastern Iowa president, will retain her role as president of MercyOne Dubuque and report directly to Dr. Andersen.

MercyOne Dubuque announces new cancer center director. With more than 15 years of experience in the health care industry, has been promoted to director of the MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center. Jackie Bierman is currently the director of MercyOne Dyersville Medical Center and will continue her role at the MercyOne Dyersville Medical Center as interim director. Jackie has served in a director capacity for more than ten years, having previously been the medical director of medical/ oncology, inpatient rehab and served as the rehabilitation and skilled unit director at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

MercyOne Dubuque has also been recognized for providing high-quality stroke care. MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center was recently awarded the Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus Award for their commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.

This will be the ninth consecutive year MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center has received the Stroke Gold Plus Award.

MerCyOne Shiip-SMp COUnSeLOr reCeiveS GOvernOr’S vOLUnteer AWArD

Tamara Prenosil, a Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) counselor at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center, was recently awarded the Governor’s Volunteer Award.

In June, Governor Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg recognized for serving 10 years as a volunteer for the SHIIP/ SMP program. A complete list of award recipients is available at VolunteerIowa.org

Tamara joined the SHIIP program at MercyOne in 2020 and has spent more than 1,500 hours providing guidance to individuals, families, and caregivers on how to navigate their Medicare and identify plans and resources that work for them.

At MercyOne, our SHIIP/SMP volunteer counselors are prepared and have the tools they need for the counseling and community education. To volunteer as a SHIIP/SMP or to learn more, visit MercyOne. org.

GrAnD river MeDiCAL GrOUp

AnnOUnCeS neW CeO – KAyLA hOpSOn.

Grand River Medical Group President, Dr. Ronald Iverson is pleased to announce Kayla Hopson as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective, October 21. This comes just days after the resignation from current CEO, Justin Hafner, who will be relocating back to Arizona mid-October. Kayla joined Grand River Medical Group in December of 2015 as the Director of Clinical Operations and in 2017 was promoted to Chief Operations Officer.

Kayla has been an integral member of the Grand River Medical Group leadership team. In 2016 Kayla led the organization through the operational changes that came from the merger of Dubuque Family Practice, Dubuque Internal Medicine, and Dubuque Pediatrics. She led the organization through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and was recognized by the Women’s Leadership Network in 2021 for these efforts, receiving the Organizational Impact Award. Through her nomination her team spoke highly of her ability to handle the additional work that COVID-19 brought to the workplace, while still supporting the daily operations and mentorship of her team. Her latest achievement includes building the new 30,000 sq. foot facility and moving our Family Medicine Clinic and adding our additional lab and radiology services into the new location on Westmark Drive.

neW ArrivAL At UnifieD therApy

Unified Therapy announced the arrival of Kathleen Steffen, DPT , as a Physical Therapist. Kathleen graduated with a BS from Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, IA and most recently a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Des Moines University. In her new role, Kathleen will evaluate conditions and construct an individualized treatment program for adult and pediatric patients.

WAyS tO BUiLD LAStinG heALthy hABitS

Starting on a path toward healthy habits is often easier than maintaining them long term. This year, you can avoid a major pitfall of healthy resolutions and build healthy habits that stick by working small, positive steps into your daily life.

These ideas from the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good Habit Coach can help.

Work with Your “Brain Loops”

Your brain creates “loops” for habits made up of three things: a cue, a routine and a reward. Each time the loop is repeated, it becomes more routine and may become automatic. Knowing this, you can design cues for developing new, healthy habits, such as setting walking shoes by the bed to start a walking habit. The routine is putting on the shoes and walking around the block, and the reward is the pleasant sensations and brighter mood from a morning stroll.

Create Cues That Work for You

Most successful health habits begin with a cue. The cue can be external in your environment or internal in terms of your mindset. The more consistent the cue, the more likely it is to trigger the habit. Hacking your brain’s reminder system can help you remember your cue. Some examples of visual cues are placing a sticky note where you’ll see it often, keeping a water bottle on your desk or refrigerating fresh veggies at eye level.

Build a Routine That Supports Your Goals

Positive and consistent habits are important to achieve your personal goals. Small habits done consistently can add up to big results. To create a new healthy habit, think through the steps that could lead to your desired outcome. Ask yourself whether you want to do it, if it’s easy and if it’s high impact. It’s important to choose habits that make a difference and move you closer to your goals.

Use Rewards to Make Habits Stick

Start by choosing a habit you enjoy that’s rewarding by itself. If you’re more of a dancer than runner, increase your physical activity with an upbeat dance class. You might also look for a more enjoyable version of a new habit, such as getting more fruits and veggies by sipping on a delicious smoothie.

Understand Resets are Part of the Process

New habits are experiments. If they don’t stick, you haven’t failed. Instead, you’ve learned what doesn’t work, which is useful. Get curious and ask yourself which part of

the habit didn’t work for you. Maybe the cue was ineffective. Maybe the steps of the routine were too ambitious and you need to split them into smaller, easier steps. If you realize you don’t enjoy the habit, stop doing

neWS frOM MeDiCAL ASSOCiAteS

it and try something else.

Find more inspiration and ideas to jumpstart healthy habits this year at Heart.org/habits. Editor’s note: This article was provided by the American Heart Association.

Medical Associates is pleased to announce the arrival of Michael Marks, MD, PhD, to our Oncology and Hematology department. Dr. Marks received his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, and Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Marks has clinical fellowship training from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Houston, TX. After completing his residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Radiation Oncology, he went on to assume the role of Chief Resident, overseeing and guiding the training of fellow residents.

As a Board-Certified Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Marks specializes in utilizing radiation therapy to effectively treat cancer, aiming to cure or alleviate its symptoms.

Medical Associates also announces the arrival of Holly Melahoures, DO, to our Hospital Medicine department. Dr. Melahoures received her medical degree in Osteopathic Medicine Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, IA, and Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Iowa, Des Moines, IA.

Most recently she worked as a Nocturnist Hospitalist at Mercy Cedar Rapids Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, IA, and MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, Mason City, IA. In addition, she previously held the position of Chief Medical Officer at MercyOne Newton Medical Center, Newton, IA.

Medical Associates Clinic is pleased to announce the promotion of Kara Mach to Director of Finance. Kara, who served as a Controller at Medical Associates for more than eight years, will now assume the position of Director of Finance. In her new role, she oversees the financial operations of the organization, utilizing her financial expertise and strategic insight to support the organization’s goals.

Medical Associates Health Plans announces the appointment of Jill Mitchell as its new Chief Operating Officer. In this role Mitchell is responsible for managing day-to-day operations and optimizing internal processes of the company. She was most recently the Director of Finance at Medical Associates Health Plans where she brought leadership and development to the health plans financial operations. Medical Associates Clinic has welcomed Kelsey Weinschenk to their team as Director of Clinical Services. Kelsey received her Master of Health Care Administration from Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA. She most recently worked as the Director of Infusion Services and Apheresis Service Line at Stanford Hospital, Palo Alto, CA, and prior to that she worked as the Patient Care Manager for Radiation Oncology.

Kelsey is a Bellevue native, and as a member of Medical Associates Clinic, she provides administrative leadership and management of the Oncology, Infusion Center, Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, Otolaryngology, Urology, Surgery, and In-Office Dispensing Program.

Taste

JOE AND SYLVIA

by Teri Link

“Liebe geht durch den Magen” is a saying in German, which literally means “love goes through the stomach.” It implies that food and love go hand-in-hand, that you can win over or express your love through a meal you prepare for someone. It means sharing and intensifying love and life by cooking and eating together.

This saying is certainly true for Joe and Sylvia Weiblinger. He is a man of few words; she expresses herself through her cooking. Together, they own the long-standing, iconic North End German restaurant Europa Haus. Relocating from Chicago 21 years ago when they purchased the eatery and bar from George Moeller, Joe says, “We love Dubuque, and don’t miss Chicago one bit.”

He adds, “Sylvia is a great cook, and I take care of the bar and customers. We’re the perfect team.”

When you eat at Europa Haus, you can feel that love and teamwork through the food. The slow-simmered sauces, the rolling-pin-flattened wiener schnitzel, and the made from scratch apple nut pie tell you all you need to know about Joe and Sylvia’s love for each other and for every customer that walks through their door. “Essen ist Liebe” (food is love).

Joe and Sylvia Weiblinger. Photo by Teri Link.

Europa Haus Restaurant and Bier Stube - A Slice of Authentic Germany in the Heart of Dubuque

by Teri Link

Have you ever found yourself with plans to go out for dinner and searching for the newest, coolest restaurant to try? Next time you are in that spot, instead try thinking about the opposite: the longest standing, possibly overlooked, family-owned restaurant. Dubuque has been blessed with several new and unique restaurants as of late, but we shouldn’t forget some of the older, tried and true, and very delicious establishments that have served not only us, but possibly our parents and grandparents as well.

We recently dined at Europa Haus Restaurant and Bier Stube, where charm meets German comfort food in the heart of Dubuque’s North End. This hidden gem captures the essence of traditional German cuisine, delivering a rich and

flavorful experience with a personal touch. Joe and Sylvia Weiblinger have been the proud owners of Europa Haus since 2002, when they took the reins from founder George Moeller. Inspired by their love of German restaurants and bars in Chicago, but intrigued by the slower pace and more welcoming atmosphere of Dubuque, Joe and Sylvia were excited to relocate to the Key City and put their own twist on the wellestablished German bar and restaurant on Rhomberg Avenue.

While German fare might have been dismissed in the past as heavy and stodgy, its evolution paints a different picture. At the heart of German cuisine lies a deep affection for meat. The average annual meat consumption in Germany of over one hundred pounds per person attests to the country’s love affair with protein. Varieties such as pork, poultry, and beef take center stage, forming the core of iconic dishes that have stood the test of time. From succulent roasted pork hocks (Schweinshaxe) to the aromatic braised pork roast with cabbage (Schweinebraten), each dish narrates a story of tradition and taste. No exploration of German cuisine is complete without a nod to the beloved sausage, or “wurst” in German. With a staggering array of over 1200 varieties, sausages are an embodiment of Germany’s culinary diversity.

Another highlight of any German menu is the iconic schnitzel: an artful preparation of meat that dances between crispiness and tenderness. Europa Haus pays homage to this culinary masterpiece with its own wiener schnitzel, which is a pork loin that is expertly breaded, lightly fried, and then topped with a rich and creamy bearnaise sauce. If you like Iowa’s famous pork tenderloin sandwiches, you might find that this dish is an elevated version of that one.

Europa Haus serves lunch six days a week and dinner from Wednesday through Saturday. While their lunch menu includes such staples as bratwurst, salami, and polish sausage, they also have daily lunch specials like Swedish meatballs, pork hocks, sauerbraten (a long-marinated beef roast), meatloaf, and schweinebraten (pork roast). Dinner choices include several German classics including beef Rouladen: a rolled round steak filled with onions, bacon, and pickles; kaiser ribchen: a smoked pork chop with honey mustard sauce; sauerbraten: roasted beef marinated in herbs, wine, and spice; bratwurst and/or Polish sausage; and Hungarian goulash. Additional dishes that are available

Memorial Table at Europa Haus. Photos by Teri Link.

from time to time are wiener schnitzel, pork hocks, and baked chicken.

During our last visit to Europa Haus, I had the Hungarian goulash. The large pieces of beef that are meant to be the star of the show were clearly long-simmered and super tender. For me, the rich gravy spiced with paprika and served over handmade spaetzle was my favorite part. Evoking memories of Sunday pot roast dinners combined with my grandfather’s homemade noodles, this dish was both delicious and heartwarming. The goulash was complemented by a side of pickled and slightly spiced warm red cabbage, which gives the diner a break from the rich gravy. The presentation at Europa Haus is simple, which lets the food be the star of the show.

While Joe tends bar and sees to the customers, Sylvia is back in the kitchen artfully pounding out the meat and slow-cooking

the sauces that their regulars have come to know and love. She not only cooks every dish that is served at the restaurant, she also bakes an amazing caramel apple nut pie. This rich and decadent dessert can be ordered with or without vanilla ice cream on the side. I would make a special trip just for that pie.

Of course, there is a full bar with many options for beer – German and otherwise. The bar itself is highly decorated with colorful steins, flags, and family crests. The entire restaurant is in fact decked out with knickknacks, photos, newspaper articles, and historical documents about the building itself. A memorial table surrounded by funeral cards of longtime customers is adorned with traditional felt hats, a drinking horn, and other German novelties. You can tell that this neighborhood joint has been well loved by many over the past several decades.

Joe’s steadfastness in opening the doors of Europa Haus every day is fueled by his regular customers. Not only are there people who show up daily for lunch, but there are quite a few folks who make Europa Haus an annual stop for birthday celebrations or regular visits home to Dubuque. With such a welcoming atmosphere, amazingly authentic German food made with love, and local owners who are clearly committed to providing the most traditional experience possible, Europa Haus should be on your short list of restaurants to visit in Dubuque. ❖

Europa Haus Retaurant and Beir Stube 1301 Rhomberg Avenue (563) 588-0361

Hours:

Kitchen: Lunch Monday-Friday 11 AM -2 PM,

Dinner: Wednesdy 5 - 7 PM

Thursday - Saturday: 5 - 9 PMSaturday & Sunday 11 AM-1:30 PM

Closed Sunday

Hungarian Goulash.

Sylvia’s Caramel Apple Nut Pie.

Weiner Schintzel. Photos by Teri Link.

Outside view of the Europa Haus Restaurant. Contributed.

Another highlight of any German menu is the iconic schnitzel: an artful preparation of meat that dances between crispiness and tenderness.

Article

by John B. Donovan

Wines for Changing Seasons

“Making good wine is a skill; making fine wine is an art.” –Robert Mondavi

Once again, it was a trip to Madison and a stop at Square Wine Co. (details below) where these two red wines were purchased. I was looking for a lighter red for the warmer days still with us in September, and a bit more complex wine for the end of the month as (maybe) the cooler days will begin. Owner Andrea suggested the two listed below, and I think – and TeamWine agrees – that you will like them.

Let us know what you think: I can be reached at JJWineWriter@gmail.com. Both wines were bagged to provide a bit of mystery for the Team and, while we poured them both at the same time, we all began with the lighter of the two.

Sip S:

Foradori Lezèr 2022 (12% ABV, $28)

Our first wine is from Vigneti delle Dolomiti, Italy. This northern Italy wine is 100% Teroldego grapes. The Dolomite region is north of Trento just a bit. For those interested, the Dolomites have some of the finest rock climbing in Italy.

The Lezèr had a light garnet, almost fluorescent hue to it, on which we all commented. There was not much of a bouquet at first as it was chilled. The aroma did develop as it warmed and included summer floral notes: roses and a bit of peony.

This wine had a light body, medium acidity (nice tartness on the palate) and no tannins. Flavors discerned included cranberry, strawberry with hints of balsamic and nutmeg, and a bit of pepper. TeamWine enjoyed this and felt a bit of seltzer and ice would make a perfect back/front porch beverage. The wine would also be a pleasant accompaniment to a summer lettuce or fruit salad.

Frontón de Oro Tinto 2021

(14.5% ABV, $25)

The second red wine is from the Gran Canaria (Grand Canary Island) region of Spain. The grape is Listan Negro. The Canary Islands are off the coasts of Western Sahara and Morrocco of Africa. Regular readers will note that a 14.5% ABV wine is unusual for TeamWine, and you’d be right. However, Andrea at Square Wine suggested to try it as it didn’t drink that big. She was right, as this wine – cherry red in color –proved to be quite balanced between acid, tannins and body, but it was dry. From our first sniff of the bouquet, we all said, “Pepper!” There was a strong pepper nose, yet not unpleasant. The pepper didn’t stop there either, as it was also present on the palate. Guesses for grape varietal included, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, hints of Syrah, yet that was a bit unfair as even I had not tasted a Listan Negro prior to this wine. We enjoyed it best when tasted with olives, summer sausage, and (of course) chocolate. Other food pairing suggestions included Greek dishes, hearty pizza, or a nice plate of spicy tomato pasta.

Tip S:

I’m going to sneak in a third review as I came across an article reviewing a wine I had not tasted. It sounded good so I forwarded the article to Tim Althaus at Family Beer & Liquor. He was able to find the wine, and by publication time it will be available for purchase.

The wine, Crios Torrontés 2021 (12.5% ABV, $15), is from the Uco Valley of Argentina. Susana Balbo was the first enologist in Argentina and she remains an icon in the country. Susana includes a hand print on the label as a symbol of a family bond and tribute to motherhood. Made with 100% Torrentés grapes grown at an altitude of 5,600 ft.

I enjoyed this wine at one of the Music in the Garden concerts. The wine had delightful acidity, with aromas and flavors of citrus and tropical fruit. Clean minerality is a hallmark of this grape. This wine could be enjoyed year-round as either an apéritif, or a palate cleanser.

Salut! ❖

Square Wine Co.

SquareWineCo.com

and photo

Local Business News

CArneGie-StOUt pUBLiC LiBrAry reCeiveS ACCreDitAtiOn frOM StAte LiBrAry Of iOWA

The State Library of Iowa has announced that the Carnegie-Stout Public Library has met the conditions for state accreditation as outlined in “In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards Sixth Edition.”

Achieving accreditation requires a significant, ongoing local commitment to high quality library services. The Carnegie-Stout Public Library has been recognized for its efforts in all areas of library operations including governance and funding, staffing, library collection, services, public relations, access, and facilities. The accreditation status begins July 1, 2023, and is valid through June 30, 2026.

Of Iowa’s 543 public libraries, 414 – including the Carnegie-Stout Public Library – are accredited. Iowa’s accredited public libraries are recognized for being responsive to their communities and for exhibiting excellence in their provision of library services. Almost twothirds of all Iowans have active public library cards. Iowa libraries play key roles in workforce and economic development, lifelong learning and e-government activities. Iowans use their libraries to find jobs, do homework, locate a good book to read, research legal information, access government information, and more.

Accredited libraries receive a higher rate of compensation through the State Library’s Enrich Iowa program. They also receive a Certificate of Accreditation signed by Governor Kim Reynolds, Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg, State Librarian Michael Scott, and Iowa Commission of Libraries Chair Zachary Stier.

For more information on the State Library’s accreditation program, and to view the Public Library Standards, go to StateLibraryofIowa.gov/index.php/libraries/search/accred-stand.

pUBLiC LiBrAry StUDent ACCeSS prOGrAM tO COntinUe

The Carnegie-Stout Public Library and Dubuque County Library District are pleased to announce the continuation of the Public Library Student Access Program for the 2023-24 school year. The program allows Dubuque Community School District students in sixth grade through high school to use their student ID cards to borrow print and digital materials from their community public library.

Students living in the City of Dubuque will use the Carnegie-Stout Public Library, while students living in Asbury or Dubuque County will use the Dubuque County Library District Branches. Parents or guardians who do not wish for their student to participate in the Public Library Student Access Program may opt-out.

Student instructions and resources for the Carnegie-Stout Public Library are available at CarnegieStout.org/schoolpubliclibrarycard. Instructions and resources for the Dubuque County Library District are available at DubCoLib.org/schoolpubliclibrarycard

Serving the Dubuque community since 1902, Carnegie-Stout Public Library aims to improve and empower lives through accessible resources, community engagement, and entertainment opportunities in a welcoming environment. Learn more at CarnegieStout.org.

river MUSeUM’S GLOMStAD-yOOn hOnOreD AS 2023 iMA riSinG StAr AWArD reCipient

Kristin Glomstad-Yoon, Curator of Historic Collections at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, has been selected as a recipient of the 2023 Iowa Museum Association (IMA) Rising Star Award. The IMA Rising Star Award is intended to recognize individuals who have worked or volunteered in the Iowa museum field for 3-5 years and have helped their museum broaden its audience through engagement activities. Nominees may be employed or volunteer in an Iowa museum of any type. Nomination must show how the nominee’s work has helped their museum broaden its audience, specifically citing engagement activities, how activities were evaluated, and their impact.

Glomstad-Yoon began her museum career with short term projects as she worked toward her 2017 graduate degree in History and Museum Studies at Tufts University, in Medford, Massachusetts. She became Curator of Historic Collections at the River Museum in 2019 where she not only cares for the collection and leads research, but also curates and leads educational programming. In 2022-2023, she helped produce four temporary exhibits on the main campus as well as managing the rotating exhibits at the historic Mathias Ham House.

Marketing & Communications Manager Emily Adlfinger noted that Glomstad-Yoon has worked diligently to engage visitors, members, and the community with afterhours events such as Museum X and special behind-the-scenes tours of the collection during events.

Glomstad-Yoon will be honored at the 2023 Iowa Museum Association Conference on Tuesday, Oct. 3. For more information about the conference or the Iowa Museum Association, visit IowaMuseums.org

Julien’s Journal congratulates the businesses and people listed in our business section and thank DuTrac Community Credit Union, Dupaco Community Credit Union for sponsoring our Business Enterprises and Faces in Business section. Contact feature@ juliensjournal.com

DUBUqUe nAMeD iOWA thrivinG COMMUnity

The City of Dubuque has been named to the inaugural group of Iowa Thriving Communities, a new program from the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). The program recognizes cities around the state that utilize innovative solutions to enhance their housing offerings to residents of all income levels.

The 11 communities selected for the program will benefit from additional scoring

points in applications for both federal and state housing tax credit programs. The scoring points are a highly sought-after part of the competitive tax credit application process and will incentivize developers to choose cities that have been selected as Iowa Thriving Communities for proposed developments. The scoring points will be made available for applications for both the Federal Housing Tax Credit and Iowa Workforce Housing Tax Credit. Both programs provide funding for the construction of multi-family or singlefamily homes or complexes. The federal

program provides up to $12 million in credits per development, while the state tax credit offers up to $1 million.

IFA and IEDA announced the new program earlier this year and began accepting applications in May. Last week, Dubuque and other finalists made in-person presentations at a joint meeting of the IFA and IEDA in Des Moines. Representatives from Dubuque will now have the opportunity to present to developers and other stakeholders at the HousingIowa Conference in Cedar Rapids in early September.

AppLiCAtiOnS Open fOr City Of DUBUqUe SMALL BUSineSS SUppOrt GrAnt

Applications are now being accepted for another round of the City of Dubuque’s Small Business Support Grant, a program that provides up to $5,000 for small business owners to assist with operating costs. Business owners must meet income guidelines based on either their household or business income.

The goal of the Small Business Support Grant program is to cover business expenses while helping the business owner develop strategies for continued success. The City partners with the Fountain of Youth Program to administer the grant. Recipients will be matched with a business mentor and be required to participate in an eight-week personal and professional development program facilitated by Fountain of Youth. These qualifying requirements are meant to provide ongoing support to the business owner as they look to improve business practices and increase income.

Funds are provided as a reimbursement grant for eligible expenses, based on the recipient’s participation in both personal and professional development activities. The program aims to provide short-term assistance to keep the business operating well, and to position the business owner to improve the business over the long term.

Applications will be accepted through September 15, 2023. Additional details, supporting documents, and a link to apply are available at CityofDubuque.org/SmallBizGrant. For more information, contact the City of Dubuque Economic Development Department at Econdev@cityofdubuque. org or 563-589-4393.

DUBUqUe BAnK & trUSt COMMerCiAL CArD prOGrAM rAnKeD

By niLSOn repOrt

Dubuque Bank & Trust, through its parent company Heartland Financial USA, Inc. (NASDAQ: HTLF) that operates under the brand name HTLF, continues to display consistent strength in the payments space. Nilson Report ranked HTLF among the top U.S. commercial credit card issuers for the eighth year in a row.

In 2022, HTLF’s commercial credit card program ranked among the top 50 purchasing card programs, increasing 30 percent from the previous year. HTLF also surpassed $1 billion in purchase volume, a significant purchase volume milestone.

Nilson Report’s ranking reflects HTLF’s innovative approach to digital technology products and providing excellent consultative customer experiences. HTLF has a team of industry experts to help educate clients on the value of Electronic Accounts Payable (EAP), a single-use virtual commercial card account, and how this e-payables product can optimize working capital by extending Days Payable Outstanding (DPO) within the payables space by integrating it as the preferred payment method vs having suppliers on only check or ACH.

HTLF was also recognized by Forbes as one of “America’s Best Banks” for 2023. In its annual review of the largest publicly traded banks and thrifts, Forbes ranked HTLF among a nationwide group of 100 leading banks. It’s the seventh consecutive year HTLF has earned this recognition from Forbes.

For 50 years, Nilson Report has been a respected source of payments industry news and market insight. Nilson analyzes and reports on the performance of hundreds of credit, debit and prepaid card issuers, transaction acquirers and technology vendors with an unbiased perspective.

St. AMBrOSe UniverSity, LOrAS AnnOUnCe ADDitiOnAL OtD DeGree

Loras College and St. Ambrose University (SAU) are expanding their partnership and using an innovative hybrid delivery model that will allow students in SAU’s accredited doctor of occupational therapy (OTD) program with an early admission pathway to the program for accepted high school and first-year students.

The agreement offers the opportunity for Loras students to earn a bachelor’s and OTD degree in six years, one year less than typical, through a 3+3 dual degree program. Through this agreement, students would begin at St. Ambrose or Loras for their first three years of undergraduate coursework. If accepted to the SAU’s OTD program, Loras students may begin the program in their fourth year earning their bachelor’s degree from Loras at the conclusion of the fourth year, before completing the last two years of the OTD degree program. Pending approvals, students will be able to complete on-campus courses at either St. Ambrose University or at Loras College as early as August 2024. A 4+3 option is also available for students who prefer the traditional timeline for earning both degrees.

High school students accepted at Loras College and first-year Loras students who plan to pursue a doctoral degree in OT will receive automatic, conditional admission if they meet and continue to maintain the requirements listed on the St. Ambrose OTD website, the same pathways available to St. Ambrose students. High school students interested in receiving admission must complete the automatic, conditional admission request form by March 1 of their senior year in high school. First-year Loras students interested in receiving automatic, conditional admission must complete the automatic, conditional admission request form by June 1 following their first year.

A newly released ranking showcases that Honkamp, P.C. remains one of the nation’s most successful public accounting firms. Honkamp is one of INSIDE Public Accounting’s Top 200 Firms for 2023, the national organization announced. Honkamp was ranked 109th.

Honkamp is a CPA and business advisory group headquartered in Dubuque, IA, with approximately 260 employees. Honkamp

also was among the top 200 firms last year. INSIDE Public Accounting’s rankings are based on firms’ net revenues.

The latest honor comes just four months after Honkamp was named a 2023 Top 10 Midwest CPA firm in Accounting Today’s annual ranking of CPA firms. Honkamp also was the fastest-growing Iowa-based firm highlighted, with the calling it a “firm to watch.”

COMpetenCy-BASeD eDUCAtiOn, fLexiBLe OptiOnS At niCC Meet pUBLiC neeD

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) has developed new initiatives designed to offer students more flexibility when earning their certificate, diploma, or degree. Education and training options at NICC reflect the needs of learners in northeast Iowa, their lives and experiences.

Flexible learning options, such as Competency-Based Education (CBE), shorter online courses and Credit for Prior Learning, allow students more freedom when planning their course schedules around family and work responsibilities. NICC also offers short-term training Career Pathway Certificates that students can complete in just a few months to develop skills for well-paying, entry-level employment.

CBE options at NICC are currently available for students in the Welding diploma and the Business Administration certificate and degree programs. CBE programs focus on mastery of course concepts and information, not how long it takes to learn it. Students set their own deadlines and move through courses at their own pace. This allows students to advance quickly through material they already know and take more time on challenging concepts, according to Lindsey Haas, CBE success coach.

CBE divides coursework into a sequence of modules that are delivered online through the College’s Learning Management System, Brightspace. NICC instructors guide students through each competency by providing feedback, support and educational resources. In addition, students in career and technical education programs like Welding schedule time in the open welding lab to complete hands-on work at a personalized pace.

NICC offers eight and ten-week online courses, later start courses and “Z-degree” courses throughout the academic year that save time and money for students. These online courses typically start several weeks after the beginning of each semester allowing students time to enroll at different times during the year instead of a full-semester, 16-week course. Z-degree courses are online and require no textbooks or fees.

For more information on these learning options visit the NICC website at NICC. edu/cbe or NICC.edu/online. Learn more about Career Pathway Certificate options at NICC.edu/cpc.

hOnKAMp AGAin nAMeD A tOp 200 firM

September 25: Ribbon Cutting for American Serenade River Boat

7:45-8:30

AM @ 400 E 3rd St., Dubuque, Iowa

American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce American Serenade, one of the newest ships in their revolutionary American riverboat series. The overture to American Serenade’s cruise season began April 20, 2023, on a christening cruise along the Lower Mississippi River. Like her sister ship American Symphony, the 180-passenger American Serenade introduces an updated modern interior design, integrating an elegant and refined aesthetic with their tradition for the spacious comfort found aboard all of their ships.

trUCK COUntry’S GrOSS tAKeS SeCOnD pLACe At eLite DtnA COMpetitiOn

Truck Country’s Will Gross has cemented his place among North America’s top diesel technicians. Gross, a technician at Truck Country’s Dubuque location, recently took second place after competing in the Vehicle (Chassis) category during the Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) Technician Skills Competition in Detroit on July 26-27. Gross was awarded $20,000 for his showing. Gross, a member of the Truck Country team since 2004, beat out long odds just to qualify for the contest. He earned just one of 12 spots in the handson competition out of a pool of nearly 1,500 technicians from DTNA-brand Freightliner and Western Star truck dealerships and Detroit Genuine Parts distributors in the U.S. and Canada. Techs competed in one of two categories, Vehicle (Chassis) and Engine classes.

Gross is a three-time winner of Truck Country’s internal Top Tech competition. Taking on technicians from Truck Country dealerships in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, Gross took first place in 2016, 2019, and 2020-2021. He also has a third-place finish to his credit and has won the written component of the contest twice.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a diesel technician or you would like to join our team, please visit this link: TruckCountry.com/careers/diesel-technicians.

SWift AppOinteD DUBUqUe pUBLiC WOrKS DireCtOr

Dubuque City Manager Mike Van Milligen has appointed Arielle Swift as the City’s next public works director. She is currently the City’s assistant public works director and will succeed Public Works Director John Klostermann who will retire in October after more than 48 years with the City of Dubuque. As public works director, she will be responsible for the operations and performance of the City’s public works department, including maintenance of City infrastructure such as streets/traffic controls, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, flood control system, riverfront, solid waste collection, and operation of the landfill for the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) Board of Directors.

Swift has served as assistant public works director for the City since 2019. In that role, her responsibilities included supervision of 90 personnel during daily operations, analysis of financial and operational data and subsequent report development, budget development and process improvement, and implementation of solid waste collection software. Before joining the public works department, Swift was a member of the City’s budget and finance department from 2015 to 2020. She began as an intern and then worked as an accountant preparing monthly and quarterly investment reports, managing grants, assisting in the preparation of the comprehensive annual financial report, and improving the City’s purchasing and accounts payable process.

the WAnDerWOOD GArDenS AppOintS JAreD MCGOvern AS DireCtOr

Jared McGovern, a Peosta, IA native, is a nature enthusiast. Jared’s passion for environmental education led to him studying Conservation and Environmental Interpretation/Education at Iowa State University and later receiving Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Clarke University in 2018.

Throughout his career, Jared worked at various organizations nationwide. Most notably in Dubuque, Jared was the Director of Conservation Programs at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Holding many positions and responsibilities throughout the years at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, he was highly valued and demonstrated his dedication to con servation and educa tion for a total of 14 wonderful years.

As Director, Jared McGovern will play a pivotal role in en suring the successful development and seamless operation of The Wanderwood Gardens. His extensive experience in education and conservation makes him the ideal candidate to curate an enriching experience for visitors while maintaining a strong commitment to ecological sustainability.

The Wanderwood Gardens is set to open its gates in spring 2025, welcoming adventurers and day-dreamers of all ages to embark on an unforgettable play experience. This unique destination will feature interactive art, nature-inspired play areas, and educational programs to encourage a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Julien’s Journal congratulates the businesses and people listed in our business section and thank DuTrac Community Credit Union, Dupaco Community Credit Union for sponsoring our Business Enterprises and Faces in Business section. Contact Feature@juliensjournal.com.

hODGe AnnOUnCeS LeADerShip trAnSitiOn: fOUrth GenerAtiOn tAKeS the heLM

Since its establishment in 1958, HODGE has evolved from a public warehousing company with a handful of employees into a thriving enterprise, employing over 1,200 team members across three states. Behind this growth is CEO Tim Hodge

Tim has worked at HODGE for 44 years and served as CEO for two decades. On September 11, 2023, Tim Hodge will officially retire from the family company. Tim’s retirement marks the beginning of a new era as the fourth generation of family ownership takes the helm.

Zach Hodge, Tim’s son, and Jordan Fullan, Tim’s daughter, are stepping into co-CEO roles.

Zach Hodge brings nearly two decades of experience and expertise to his current role as President, overseeing the company’s Logistics and Material Handling operations. With a deep understanding of the industries, a keen eye for optimizing efficiency, and financial acumen.

Jordan Fullan, the current Executive Vice President of Human Resources & Safety, has excelled in managing all HODGE Safety practices and spearheading their Human Resources initiatives. Her unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment, comprehensive understanding of human resource dynamics, and passion for project management have contributed to the success and well-being of employees in every business unit.

Together, Zach and Jordan will form the fourth generation of leadership at HODGE, following in the footsteps of: Tim Hodge (20032023), Butch Hodge (1978-2003), Walter Hodge (1958-1978).

HODGE extends its deepest gratitude to Tim Hodge for his invalu able contributions to the business and community throughout his tenure as CEO.

e D BO r C her t JO in S M i D W e S t O ne BAnK

Ed Borchert has joined MidWestOne Bank as a Senior Vice President, Senior Credit Officer. He brings over 30 years of banking experience to the position, including Executive Leadership. Most recently with Bankers’ Bank and Heartland Financial USA. Ed will focus on leading the Credit Administration Team in Iowa and Southwest Wisconsin markets.

He holds a BA in Accounting and Management from Loras College and an MBA from the University of Iowa.

Outside of work, Ed is active in his church and enjoys spending time with his family and friends, including his wife and, three children.

firSt COMMUnity trUSt, n.A. WeLCOMeS neW Chief exeCUtive OffiCer

First Community Trust, N.A. (FCT), a nationally-chartered trust and wealth management company headquartered in Dubuque, IA, is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Claypool as its new Chief Executive Officer effective Au gust 1, 2023. Formed with the client in mind, FCT provides financial services to several credit unions across Iowa and western Illinois. This leadership transition comes after former CEO, John Gonner, announced plans for his retirement earlier this summer after a remarkable 22 years of service to the company.

firefiGhter veterAnS JOin niCC pArAMeDiC prOGrAM fACULty teAM

Northeast Iowa Community College has expanded its Paramedic faculty team to include new faculty member and Clinical Coordinator, Alex Miller. Miller is a full-time, sevenyear firefighter and paramedic veteran for the Dubuque Fire Department and a 2008 graduate of the NICC Paramedic program. Miller previously served as a paramedic and paramedic instructor in Minneapolis, Minn. Miller joins NICC’s Paramedic program faculty member and Program Director Nick Esch , also a Dubuque firefighter and paramedic, who has served the city since April 2007.

NICC hired Esch as a faculty member in

Miller sees his new faculty role as an op portunity to give back to his community after years of EMS service. He wants to train the next generation of local EMS professionals to meet the increased local demand for pre-hospital care.

Program Director Esch believes the benefits the NICC Paramedic program offers are many, including its national CoAEMSP/CAAHEP accreditation status, comprehensive instruction and the collective experience of both full-time and adjunct faculty in the program.

Communities all over the state of Iowa and nationally need skilled paramedics and Emergency Medical Services professionals. Graduates of the one-year diploma or twoyear Associate of Applied Science degree programs develop the skills and knowledge to provide appropriate patient care for lifethreatening emergencies through the use of Advanced Life Support protocol and equipment.

For more information, visit NICC.edu/ paramedic

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