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UNION GROVE — Lynn Raguse had Ireland on her bucket list for decades.
When the Waterford resident lost her husband Ted 10 years ago to cancer, Raguse figured a trip to the Emerald Isle may never happen. Perhaps with a little luck of the Irish, she finally got her wish.
The 72-year old recently returned from a weeklong tour of Ireland, one of nearly 30 members traveling with the fun-loving Community State Bank Harvest Club.
“My mom was full Irish and my dad went to Ireland probably 30 years ago,” Raguse said. “I always wanted to go.”
The Harvest Club is a group of roughly 1,000 senior citizens (55 and over) who not only receive banking discounts but have an opportunity to embark on popular trips, both near and far.
The Ireland trip was the furthest for many. It was also the group’s first plane ride and international trip since Jenny Braun took over the Harvest Club 10 years ago.
“I loved it,” Braun said. “It was one of my favorite trips of all time. It was absolutely gorgeous there.”
The Harvest Club departed on a 6 1/2-hour flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and landed in Dublin the following day just in time for breakfast.
Behind their fearless leader and a trusty tour guide, they enjoyed six days of Ireland from the Irish Sea to the North Atlantic with stops at the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Jameson Distillery, Dublin Castle, Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Irish Whiskey Distillery and the Fitzpatrick 18th Century Castle.
It was everything Raguse dreamed of and more.
“The Harvest Club has allowed me to get out and see different cultures, events and enjoy fun times again,” Raguse said. “You get to meet new people and open up your personality instead of sitting at home depressed.”
Union Grove’s Larry Goyke and his wife Pat have been on dozens of Harvest Club trips over the past 15 years. The Ireland trip was their all-time favorite.
“It was awesome, very educational,” Larry Goyke said. “I learned a lot about the country, its history. The tour guide had so much knowledge in her head.”
The Harvest Club made an impression on its tour guide as well.
“It’s the Irish culture that defines us so hopefully you felt it and that using your sense has made the whole trip more meaningful,” said Barbara Hunter of C & T Ireland Splendors. “What a great leader ye Harvest Clubbers have (in Jenny Braun). The best. Come visit again!”
The Harvest Club reconvenes for more shenanigans as the group heads to the Fireside Theatre in Fort Atkinson on Friday (October 23). For more information on the Harvest Club, click HERE.
