50+ Lifestyles

Holidays in the Hilltop… Hilltop Campus Village, That Is

Come participate in some of the special programs being offered in the Hilltop Campus Village.

    St Ambrose will be offering their string ensemble concert on Wednesday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m. This will be at Galvin Fine Arts Center in Madsen Hall. The musical selections will include pieces from Mendelssohn, Boyce and Correlli. The event is free. Afterward, drop by the Village Inn on Harrison and have a free slice of pie.

Other St Ambrose events include the following:

(1) The University Chorale and Chamber Singers presenting a sacred concert in the “Lessons and Carols” tradition. Readings will be interspersed with carols, hymns, and audience participation for the hour-long narration of the Biblical story spanning from Genesis, to the birth of Jesus, and to the mystery of the incarnation. This will be held in Christ the King Chapel on campus at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 4. This event is free and open
to all.

(2) On December 5th & 6th, at 3 p.m., Galvin Fine Arts Center will present a hilarious and endearing tale based on the best-selling Junie B. Jones book series by Barbara Park. An SAU holiday tradition you won’t want to miss! A great treat for the entire family, so bring your children and grandchildren. Cost: $9 adults, $8 faculty / staff / alumni / senior citizens, $8 non-SAU students/children, $7 groups, SAU students with current valid student ID are Free. Contact: Galvin Box Office, (563) 333-6251

(3) An Ambrosian Christmas – Friday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Galvin Fine Arts Center. Come hear a Christmas concert featuring the University Chorale, Chamber Singers, Symphonic Band and String Ensemble, as well as the Jazz Ensemble, a cappella group Bee Sharp, and STAMVOJA (vocal jazz), the evening is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit! Cost: Free and open to the public.

The many churches in the Hilltop Campus Village offer holiday programs. Here is just a peek from a couple of the churches. St Paul Lutheran 2136 Brady (just south of Vander Veer Park) will be offering two Choral Advent services Sunday, December 6 at 8 AM and 9:20 AM. Their Christmas Eve services are as follows: 1 PM Holy Communion and Carols; 3 PM A Family Christmas service; 5 PM Holy Communion and Open Spirit; 8 PM A Service of Lessons and Carols; and 10 PM Candlelight and Holy Communion.        First Presbyterian Church, corner of Iowa Street and Kirkwood, will be presenting a Piccolo Concert on Saturday, December 5 at 5:00 PM. Their traditional two-hour Christmas Concert is Saturday, December 19 at 7:30 PM. For more information, please call the church office at (563) 326-1691.

Don’t forget to stop in at the many eateries that call the Hilltop Campus village their home. Grab a donut and a quick cup of coffee at Donuts & More at 1717 Brady Street. Drive thru at the Java Station, 1927 Main Street, and grab a coup of festive holiday coffee. Or stop in a Red Band Coffee, 110 W. 12th street and try a caramel latte!
Need a real getaway? Then visit Zeke’s Island Getaway at 1509 Harrison. Relax in the tropical atmosphere. Zeke’s is new to the Hilltop Campus Village, so stop in with a warm welcome. Then escape in the warm surroundings.

Perhaps you want a hot toddy to warm your spirit. Stop in at McButt’s Neighborhood Bar, 1516 N. Harrison. Newly remodeled and filled with all the fun you need.
Take some sweets home for yourself or for a party. Go to East Side Bakery & Pizza. Niki will be glad to fix up a special order of mini tarts, baby cinnamon rolls or Christmas cookies! Just order a few days in advance and she will have your sweet order all ready to go when you get there. The pizza’s there are very good, too! Take one home to enjoy after a busy day of shopping!