Notes from Linda - Triumph Community Bank

Spring 2015
Volume 19, Issue 2
Notes from Linda
Jolly Holiday Luncheon & Card Party
In December, the Triumph Travel Club hosted their annual Jolly
Holiday Luncheon & Card Party at Short Hills Country Club. Over
120 party guests enjoyed a festive afternoon that began with a
Mark Werning, Monica Underwood,
delicious buffet, complete with yummy eggnog. Immediately
and John DeDoncker
following lunch, the party moved to the ballroom for games and
celebration. Mark Werning and John DeDoncker helped spread holiday cheer as they greeted
our guests. Monica Underwood, who is now part of the Triumph Travel Club team, was on
hand to assist and to get acquainted with our members. A warm welcome to Monica, as she
will work in the club office one day a week.
Island Get-Away
In January, 50 members escaped winter on the
Triumph Travel Club’s Island Get-Away to Punta
Cana, in the Dominican Republic. We loved the
hiatus from snow and ice, as we lounged under
palm trees on a sun-drenched beach. The Dreams
Palm Beach Resort was the perfect tropical getaway, complete with white sand, turquoise sea, and
plenty of sunshine.
As we would expect from a six-golden
apple resort, the dining experience and nightly entertainment were lovely, but
the real bonus was the outstanding staff, who were extremely friendly and
helpful. They definitely pampered and entertained us. Every resort in the
Caribbean train their staff to assist guests with a smile, but the attentive care
from our Dreams staff was
beyond our expectations. Many guests
commented that our resort-stay was much
like a land-cruise...with all the great perks of
a cruise, but without the motion sickness.
Bob Neff, Del Searl, Gregory, Darcy & Dean Sutton,
Randy Johnson, and John Hess
“The Island Get-Away was all we
had hoped and dreamed for –
Dreams is the perfect name for the
resort. This trip was a step out of
our Illinois reality
into the lovely
Island fantasy.
The staff was
amazing, so
accommodating,
cheerful, friendly,
warm, and
welcoming.
We loved the diversity of the guests
– all nationalities and ages. It was
fun to see families. How wonderful
to have the many choices of
activities – you could be as busy or
laid back as you desired. The food
was wonderful and plentiful. There
was never a problem waiting for a
table, for it seemed they were ready
for us, regardless of the size of the
group. Having the in-room
refrigerator and room service
anytime you desired was amazing
and felt down-right “spoiled.” The
resort was well maintained and
beautifully cared for by lovely staff.
The beach time was a highlight for
us as we quickly adjusted to
lounging under palms, feeling a
cool breeze float over us, hearing
the water lap the shore, and a
sweet server asking if we needed a
drink...this is what Dreams are
made of. Thanks Linda for a
PERFECT TRIP!”
~ John & Jeanie Hess
Tom & Donna Turpel
Inside This Issue:
 Notes From Linda
 Hot New Events
 Calendar of Events
Front; Rita Meeker, Nancy Gorishek, Linda Johnson,
Charlotte Mandle, Machine, Jan Crow, Charlene Depauw-Wardlow, Linda Neff,
Nancy Coram, Donna Turpel, and Kay Burney.
Patsy Allen, Larry Hipple, and Tom Burney
 Discover Cuba
 Photo Gallery
“This was our first time on an “All-inclusive” so really nothing to compare it to...but we would do it again!”
~ Tom & Kay Burney
“Our recent stay at the Punta Cana Dreams resort was like being on a cruise
ship, only more space to roam. The restaurants were excellent, the swimming
pools were lovely, the movies on the beach were fun, and the staff was
fantastic. They helped us with anything we needed. Plus, the beach was
beautiful.”
~ Bob & Linda Neff
“Great trip! Relaxing! Fun! Well, except for the Montezuma’s Revenge.
Going to the Blue Lagoon and seeing the starfish was really neat. Randy did a
good job going around the rain in the speed boats on our way back from the excursion to Saona Island. Loved the trip
and it was well planned and carried out...as we knew it would be. What a wonderful time - thank you.”
~ Ed & Nancy Coram
Our time spent at the resort was packed
with fun activities such as an egg toss on
the beach (you can ask champion Jeanie
Hess), darts, bags, kayaking, water
aerobics, and competitive archery (ask
champs: Lora Brandt and Del Searl).
There were some who took shopping to a
new level as they searched out the best deals on the island...and they know
who they are.
Many took advantage of the opportunity to book a private all day tour to
Saona Island and the Blue Lagoon. The fun began with a catamaran ride to the
island with plenty of dancing, sun, and rum. Then, everyone had lunch and relaxed on the beach before
speed boats whisked them to the stunning Blue Lagoon, the actual filming site of the movie “Blue
Lagoon.” It was a thrill to pluck a giant starfish from the ocean’s floor.
Within the club’s circle of friends, Lou Nachbauer will forever
be known as the “Come Back Kid” after his overnight stay in a
Punta Cana hospital with a head injury that required stitches
and 24 hour observation. The next day, Lou and Fran Haller
returned to the resort and resumed their vacation. That
evening at Happy Hour, the group welcomed them back, and cheered his quick recovery with a loud
Hip! Hip! Hurray!
After our lovely visit to the Dominican Republic, we can completely understand why it is
listed as one of the top destinations. Without question, they hold the secret formula for
an instant vacation; temperatures in the 80’s, stunning beaches, glorious sunshine, and
friendly people.
Special thanks to a wonderful group that traveled well together,
much like a family. It was a sincere pleasure.
Hot New Events
Page 3
To be fair, there is a grace period from when the newsletter is mailed until the
date you may call in a reservation for the newest events listed under Hot New
Events. Please note that you may call immediately for any events previously
announced.
It is important to note that every call is time-stamped. Leave a message stating
your name, phone number, address, and the number of reservations you wish to
secure for each event. Due to the heavy number of calls, we will contact you
within 3 days to confirm your reservations and process your deposit.
Discover Cuba
Travel Presentation
Fashionistas
Shopping Day
Travel to Cuba with the Triumph Travel Club
and experience this fascinating island
BEFORE the masses arrive and big changes
happen. Now is the time for you to
experience the real Cuba, its culture, its music, and meet its
incredibly resilient and happy people. The ultimate bucket
list trip!
Join us for the Discover Cuba Travel
Presentation on Tuesday, April 28th at
Short Hills Country Club located at 2500
11th Street, East Moline. Let us know if
you need directions. The presentation
begins at 6:00 pm and concludes around
7:30 pm. Dessert and beverages will be served. Please note
that you must RSVP to attend the presentation.
Here is your chance to learn more about the history, the
American classic cars, the passionate music and dance, and
the “People to People” experiences in Cuba. A $500 deposit
per person will hold your reservation prior to the
presentation. To assist with your registration, please bring
a copy of your passport. Details pages 5, 6 & 7. •
Attention Shoppers! This year plan to enjoy a
summer outing on the Fashionista Shopping Day!
Cubs vs White Sox
Baseball Game
Join us for Triumph Travel Club’s most
popular sports outing of the year, and
the rivalry of the Crosstown Classic! Be there for the
excitement when the Chicago Cubs take on the Chicago
White Sox at Wrigley Field on Friday, July 10th.
Our day includes round trip transportation, seating in the
Terrace Reserve section 218 for the 3:05 pm game, breakfast
snack, fun, and prizes along the way. The cost is $100 for
members and $103 for guests. We have secured two buses.
Please limit your reservation to 10 tickets per household.
Give us a call on Monday, April 20th beginning at 8:00 am.
Please leave a message stating your
name, the event, and the number of
tickets. •
We are pleased to offer you some new exciting
shopping opportunities. Our first stop is Jordan Creek Mall
in Des Moines, Iowa. This amazing mall has so much to offer
us–Coach, Ann Taylor, Barnes & Noble,
Pottery Barn, Vera Bradley, Christopher &
Banks, and many more. Take your time
searching out bargains, and enjoy lunch on your own at one
of the many restaurants, such as The Cheesecake Factory.
Out next stop is only minutes away, Costco!
Everyone receives a membership card for
the day. We’ll explore great prices on everything from
women’s apparel to pots and pans, and everything in
between.
To end our day, we’ll enjoy the 30 minute dash stop at an
area Trader Joe’s. It’s time to stock up on our favorite items.
Call your friends and make plans to join us on Wednesday,
August 26th. The cost is $39 for members and $40 for
guests. Price includes roundtrip motor coach transportation,
mall coupon book, wine tasting, and prizes along the way.•
Route 66
Premiere At Circa 21 Playhouse
In September, you can “Get Your Kicks” at
the newest musical premiere at Circa 21
as they present, Route 66. This new
romantic comedy features catchy story
songs and clever down home lyrics, that
move to the rhythm of America. The show, like the lyrics of
the song, follows the famous Route 66 across the USA.
We have great seats for Sunday, September 27th. You can
plan to enjoy a lovely six entrée buffet at 4:00 pm, pre-show
at 5:15 pm, and the musical comedy performance at
5:45 pm. Ticket cost is $47 for members and guests. Give us
a call on Monday, April 20th to book a table for you and
your friends. •
Page 4
Calendar of Events
April 26th, Sun: Win Place Show ~ A Trifecta Of Fun!
Call us, as space may be available. Feel the ground shake
as thoroughbreds cross the finish line when you join us for a
day of live racing at Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino.
Our day includes live racing, reserved seating in the
Champions Clubhouse with a great views of the track, a
delicious lunch at Champions Buffet,
unlimited beverages, plus a casino for more
gaming action. The cost is $56 for members
and $58 for guests.
April 28th, Tues: Discover Cuba
Travel Presentation
Join us for the Travel
Presentation at Short Hills
Country Club to discover the
exciting details of Triumph Travel Club’s Discover Cuba.
Don’t miss this chance to view the highlights of our tour.
Please note an RSVP is needed to attend the presentation.
Travel presentation details are on page 3.
May 9th, Sat: Fancy Nancy ~ The Musical
Sorry this event is sold out. Don your most
glamorous attire and join us for the most
elegant musical of the year...Fancy Nancy ~ The Musical,
which teaches us that ordinary children can be fancy too.
Ticket is $7.50.
May 17th, Sun: Disney’s The Lion King
This trip is sold out. Call to be put on the
waiting list. Disney’s The Lion King features
such beloved songs as; “Circle of Life,” “I Just
Can’t Wait To Be King,” “Hakuna Matata,”
“Can You Feel The Love Tonight,” and more. Our day
includes transportation, Applebee’s lunch, and show. The
cost is $140 for members and $143 for guests.
May 26th - June 6th: Beijing & Hong Kong
Sorry this trip is too close to the departure date to add
guests. Our tour includes; Great Wall
of China, Tiananmen Square,
Forbidden City, Summer Palace,
Chinese Acrobatics Show, Temple of
Heaven, Stanley Market, and more.
The cost is $4,968 per person based on a double.
June 20th, Sat: On Your Feet
This trip is sold out. Call to be put
on the waiting list. On Your Feet
features such smash hit songs as;
“Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “1-2-3,” “Mi Tierra,” “Conga,”
and more. Our day includes transportation, show, free time
at Water Tower Place, and stop at Trader Joe’s. The cost is
$145 for members and $147 for guests.
July 10th, Fri: Chicago Cubs vs Chicago White Sox Baseball
Join us for this year’s Crosstown Classic as the
Chicago Cubs take on Chi-town rival, the
Chicago White Sox at Wrigley Field. Our outing
includes two buses, ticket in the Terrace Reserve section
218 for the 3:05 game. The cost is $100 for members and
$104 for guests. Limit 10 tickets per household. Tickets
sell fast! Please leave a phone reservation starting at
8:00 am on April 20th.
Aug. 27th, Thurs: Fashionistas Shopping Day
Join us for the Fashionistas Shopping Day,
which includes some new shopping venues. First
we’ll shop at the Jordan Creek Mall with time to
grab lunch. Then we’ll get a guest pass to stop at Costco,
followed by dash at Trader Joe’s. Our day includes
roundtrip transportation, wine tasting, and fun along the
way. The cost is $38 for members and $40 for guests.
Sept. 27th, Sun: Route 66
You can “Get Your Kicks” at the newest musical
premiere at Circa 21 as they present, Route 66.
The show, like the lyrics of the song, follows the
famous Route 66 across the USA. Enjoy a lovely 6 entrée
buffet at 4:00 pm, pre-show at 5:15 pm, and the musical
comedy performance at 5:45 pm. Ticket cost is $47 for
members and guests.
Oct. 13th - 22nd: Rhine River Cruise
Sorry, this trip is sold out. Call to be
added to the waiting list. Join us for a
river cruise aboard the MS Gerard
Schmitter which includes: pre-night in Amsterdam, Van
Gogh Museum, Anne Frank Museum, canal cruise,
Amsterdam, Volendam, Cologne, Rhine Valley &
Vineyards, Rudesheim, Heidelberg Castle, Strasbourg, and
more. The cost begins at $4,879 per person.
Jan. 26th - Feb. 1st: Discover Cuba
Now is the time to Discover Cuba with
us. Experience the real Cuba, its culture,
and its music. Tour includes amazing
“People to People” experiences, dance
lesson, meals, and much more. The cost
is $4,645 per person based on a double. Please see pages
5, 6 and 7 for more exciting details.
March 3rd - 15th: Wonders of South America
It’s time to head south for 13 sun-drenched days in
Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. Highlights include; Rio de
Janeiro, Copacabana Beach, Churrascaria,
Christ The Redeemer Statue, Iguazu Falls,
Buenos Aires, Tango Show, Santiago de Chile,
and more. The cost is $5,449 per person
based on a double.
Itinerary
Day 1: Monday, January 25th; East Moline - Chicago – Overnight Hilton O’Hare
Now is the time for you to experience the real Cuba, its culture, its music, and meet its incredibly resilient and happy people.
The ultimate bucket list trip! Join us as we experience this incredible destination on Triumph Travel Club’s Discover Cuba tour!
Today, we travel to Chicago for an overnight stay at the convenient Hilton O’Hare in Chicago.
Day 2: Tuesday, January 26th; Chicago - Miami - Overnight Miami
Depart Chicago on our flight to Miami. Upon arrival in Miami, you will be transferred to your
Miami airport hotel. This evening join the group for an informational briefing at the hotel
about tomorrow’s charter flight to Havana and the start of your people-to-people experience
in Cuba. The evening is at leisure.
Day 3: Wednesday, January 27th; Miami - Bienvenidos a La Havana Cuba!
This morning transfer to the Miami International Airport and check in for your short flight to Havana, Cuba. Upon arrival at the
Jose Marti International Airport and clearing customs, we’ll meet our
local bilingual Cuban Guide outside the baggage terminal. On your drive
from the airport, you will become orientated with Cuba’s enigmatic
capital city, whose nearly 500-year Old Havana (Habana Vieja), is home
to the largest collections of Spanish-Colonial architecture in the
Americas. Make a photo stop and learn more about the Plaza of the
Revolution, the center of Cuban political life and Havana’s largest plaza
where huge rallies are held. Your Cuban guide speaks from below the
grandiose portraits of national heroes Che Guevara and Camilo
Cienfuegos, and gives you time to reflect on the fact that you’re standing
where millions of Cubans have stood while listening to speeches of Fidel
Castro. Next, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Religion has always played an important role in Cuban society, and continues
today. Enjoy a walking tour with a local historian of the fascinating Colon Cemetery (Cemeterio de Cristobal Colon), founded in
1876 and named for Christopher Columbus. The cemetery is noted for its many elaborate sculpted memorials and contains
more than 500 major mausoleums, chapels and family vaults and is considered by many to be the most ornate necropolis in the
world. It is the final resting place for noted Cubans including artists, writers, musicians and ballplayers. Check into your hotel
and unpack for your five-night stay. Dinner is included this evening at the hotel.
Overnight: Havana (L,D)
Itinerary Continued:
Day 4: Thursday, January 28th; Havana - Old Havana (UNESCO) - Casa Fuster
This morning enjoy a guided walking tour of pedestrian only Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the beautiful
Cathedral de la Havana, built in baroque style in 1748 and learn about its preservation and continuous restoration. Cuban writer
Alejo Carpentier described the building as “music turned to stone.” Visit the Marqueta Vieja Havana Museum that houses the
scale model of the City of Havana and to meet with an expert on the city’s architecture and
restoration efforts. Begin with a presentation and lecture from a local architect who
discusses Havana’s unique architecture, the current challenges of restoring the city’s historic
buildings, and the future of the city’s restoration effort. Following lunch in Old Havana, we
visit the famous Museum of the Revolution that displays documents, weapons, and planes
from the revolution. See artifacts and learn more about the Bay of Pigs, the 1961 historic
clash between the CIA trained Cuban exiles and rebel forces, the event that defined USCuba relations for decades. The museum is housed in the former Presidential Palace which
was the home to Cuba’s leaders from the 1920’s until 1959. This building offers beautiful
architecture, as well as an interior that was designed by Tiffany’s. Next head to the charming fishing village of Jaimanitas to visit
the incredible Home and Work Shop of world famous artist, painter, and ceramicist Jose Fuster, often called the “Picasso of
Cuba.” He has adorned a neighborhood with colorful ornate murals and domes. Here we spend time with the Fuster family and
staff to discuss the influence of the artist’s work, their lives, and community. Overnight: Havana (B,L)
Day 5: Friday, January 29th; Havana - Cuban Literacy Museum - Salsa Lessons
The day starts with a discussion at the Cuban Literacy Museum where we’ll learn about a national effort to educate rural
farmers and families. The two things of which Cuba is most proud, and which it most emphasizes, are health care and education.
The campaign to make all illiterate Cubans literate within one year was announced by Fidel Castro in his speech to the United
Nations in 1960. By 1961 the campaign had largely succeeded. This small museum’s treasures include uniforms worn by literacy
campaign participants, books, manuals, and more. Next enjoy a performance by the amazing Habana Compas Dance Group.
Today lunch is included at the Nacional Hotel, once Havana’s flagship hotel that has hosted celebrities and world leaders during
its heyday, such as Winston Churchill and Frank Sinatra, to name a few. Enjoy a tour of this historic property housing pictures
and nostalgia from a bygone era. Later, you will meet a former famous professional Cuban baseball player and join in a
discussion regarding the history and love of this game in Cuba and the U.S. Later, enjoy a fun filled Salsa Lesson Class with local
Salsa dance instructors. Salsa represents a mix of Latin musical genres, but its primary component is Cuban dance music. The
roots of salsa originated in Eastern Cuba in Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo around 1920 and Afro-Cuban dance such as the
Rumba. Interact with your Cuban dance instructors and learn the magic of Salsa. Overnight: Havana (B,L,D)
Day 6: Saturday, January 30th; Havana - Vinales Valley (UNESCO) - Pinar Del Rio - Havana
Today we travel out of Havana and into the rural Cuban countryside to the Vinales Valley located in the western most
mountainous range in Cuba and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This region, the western province of Pinar del Rio is
known for its stunning scenery, a landscape of prehistoric looking flat-top mountains or “mogotes,” tobacco plantations, caves,
and rivers. We stop at the Francisco Donatien Cigar Factory for a guided visit to learn about the manufacturing of fine Cuban
cigars and interact with the factory workers about the history and process. The
factory specializes in Cohiba and Monte Cristo cigars. Next, visit a traditional
Tobacco Farm and Farmhouse to meet with the farmer to learn about tobacco
cultivation, the drying process, and experience a cigar rolling demonstration
inside the drying hut. Enjoy a visit inside his farmhouse, meeting and
interacting with his family while enjoying some Cuban coffee. A great
opportunity to witness up close, how Cuban families live in a rural setting.
Later, stop at the Los Jasmines viewpoint on the way back to Havana for
incredible panoramic views of the Vinales Valley. Here is a great opportunity
to enjoy the spectacular scenery and take photos of this beautiful and unique
region. Overnight: Havana (B, L)
Day 7: Sunday, January 31st; Havana - Hemingway Farm - Havana
Today join a discussion and enjoy a choir performance from the Cuban Institute of Music and
their director. Next enter the world of Ernest Hemingway with a visit to Hemingway’s Farm,
Finca La Vigia (meaning ‘lookout house’). This beautiful property hosts the house where the
Nobel Prize winner lived for 21 years. Observe the perfectly preserved home where many of
the Hemingway personal belongings remain intact. View his yacht on display, the Pilar, which
he used to patrol for Nazis in the Caribbean waters and featured in his novel “Islands in the
Stream.” Next visit the San Jose Craft Market and Art Center or similar to meet and interact with the local artists to learn of
the importance of their art in Cuban culture. Before dinner, meet with the local Old Style Car Club. Learn why Havana’s streets
are filled with vintage American automobiles and understand what it takes to keep them on the road. Enjoy a drive through the
streets of Havana in a vintage car on your way to your Farewell Dinner at a local Paladar. After dinner, you will have an
opportunity to meet and discuss with the owners how this private enterprise works in Cuba.
Overnight: Havana (B,L,D)
Day 8: Monday, February 1st; Depart Havana - USA
Following breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for our return flight home with incredible
memories of the people and culture of Cuba. (B)
Tour Inclusions:
 Airfare Package, including roundtrip air from O’Hare International Airport, Miami Airport, and Havana Airport
 7 - Nights deluxe hotel stays: 1-night in Chicago, 1-night in Miami, and 5-nights in Havana, Cuba
 Tour highlights include: Plaza of the Revolution, Cuban Institute of Music, Old Havana Walking Tour,
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Home & Studio of Artist Jose Fuster, Walking Tour of the Colon Cemetery, Museum of the Revolution,
Cuban Literacy Museum Discussion, Hemingway’s Farm, Habana Compas Dance Group Performance,
Old Style Car Club Discussion, Former Cuban Baseball Player Discussion, Salsa Dance Lesson Class,
Vinales Valley, Francisco Donatien Cigar Factory Visit, Tobacco Farm & Farmhouse Visit, and more
US Air Departure Taxes and Fees/Surcharges...subject to change
Cuban Travel Visa ($80) and Cuban Airport Departure Taxes
Interactions & Admissions per Itinerary
8 Days - 13 Meals: 5 Breakfast - 5 Lunch - 3 Dinners
Deluxe Motor Coach transportation with hotel transfers
Baggage Handling
Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $250 per person included
Hemingway’s Farm
Services of a Premier Tour Manager and Bilingual Cuban Guide
Services of a Triumph Travel Club Escort
Pre-Departure Party to review final documents
Keepsake DVD of the trip
Not Included: Airline bag fees (checked bag fees of $25 per bag are possible depending
on air carrier), optional tours, meals, and drinks not listed. All items of a personal nature,
additional fuel surcharges, cost of passport, and gratuities for the driver, Cuban Tour
Guide, and Premier World Discovery Tour Manager.
Baggage: Please note dress for this trip is smart casual. Each guest is allowed one piece
of luggage (Cuban limits to 44 lbs.) and one carry-on that fits under your seat.
Travel Documents: A valid passport is required for international travel.
Deposit: $500 per person is needed to secure your reservation. Submit your deposit
to: Triumph Travel Club, 701 Ave of the Cities, East Moline, IL 61244.
Please note that a deposit of $500 per person, a completed registration form along
with a copy of your passport must be submitted within a week to secure your
reservation. Bring along a copy of your passport to the Discover Cuba Travel
presentation on Tuesday, April 28th at Short Hills Country Club.
Any reservations made after August 28th are based on availability.
Final Balance Due: Monday, November 9, 2015.
Leave your phone reservation on Monday, April 20th beginning at 8:00 am (309) 277-2312.
Each call is timed stamped. Please note that messages left prior to 8:00 am will not be accepted.
This tour includes moderate physical
activity. Walking slightly longer
distances, up stairs or on uneven
walking surfaces should be expected.
Before
you travel...
Make sure you let us
know! If you are traveling
either domestically or
internationally please
notify us with your
destination and the dates
of your getaway. That way
we can help you avoid
your debit card
transactions from being
blocked as potential
fraudulent activity.
Have an enjoyable and
safe trip!
Member FDIC