Welcome to 
The Golden View
​November 2025 Edition

Riders in the Sky 
Bring Cowboy Christmas to Five Flags by Alyson Tasker,
​Sr. Box Office and Marketing Manager

Saddle up for a holiday celebration like no other! The legendary Riders in the Sky bring their festive and family-friendly show, Christmas the Cowboy Way, to the Five Flags Theater in Dubuque on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

This special holiday performance promises a cheerful mix of cowboy songs and yuletide favorites — all delivered “The Cowboy Way.” Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering their saddle-smooth harmonies for the first time, Christmas the Cowboy Way is a must-see event this holiday season.

For more than four decades, Riders in the Sky have delighted audiences young and old with their unique blend of classic Western music, down-home charm, and comedic flair. It began as a celebration of classic Western Music when three young men with drive and wit who wanted to keep a special music alive. They believed in preserving the heritage of Western Music and presenting it to a new generation. They believed in entertaining, and they did so… entertaining themselves as well as the audience! They believed in creating original Western Music to continue the tradition, not just seal it in amber as a museum piece. What they did not realize at the time was that they would be doing the same thing 45 years later.

The Grammy-winning group has carried the torch of Western music into the 21st century with signature wit and warmth, echoing the spirit of Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and the Sons of the Pioneers. 

So gather your buckaroos and buckarettes for an unforgettable night of music, laughter, and holiday spirit with America’s Favorite Cowboys: Ranger Doug, Too Slim, Woody Paul and Joey the Cowpolka King as they bring you Christmas the Cowboy Way!

Tickets are on sale now at fiveflagscenter.com or you can buy them in person at the Five Flags Center Box Office on Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00am-5:00pm.

Other upcoming events at Five Flags include:

Feels Like The First Time: 
America’s #1 Tribute to Foreigner!
Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 – 6:30 p.m.

Lightwire Theater’s 
‘A Very Electric Christmas’
Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 – 3:00 p.m.

​Leo Kottke, acoustic guitar
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 – 7:00 p.m

November is Hospice 
​& Palliative Care Month
by Lavonne Noel,
Executive Director, Hospice of Dubuque

Each November, Hospice of Dubuque celebrates hospice and palliative care month. Celebrate? Yes, celebrate. Those who receive our care find it to be life changing, and that is worth celebrating! 

Our services enable individuals to experience comfort, quality of life, and opportunities to enjoy the people and activities that are special to them. During the very human experiences of serious illness and loss, there can be hope and healing, growth and gratitude. Over the past 42 years, the Hospice of Dubuque staff and volunteers have been privileged to witness this with thousands of tri-state residents and their families. 

Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the modern hospice movement, stated, “We will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.” At Hospice of Dubuque, our staff and volunteers do all that is possible to help those we serve live as comfortably and fully as possible. We recognize that serious illness can be a time of uncertainty and vulnerability. We also recognize that it can be a time of holding loved ones close and making memories. Since 1983, our mission has been providing the responsive and compassionate care that helps people live. 

We commonly hear people say they wish they had known about the benefits of hospice and palliative care sooner. This month, why not spend some time learning about this life-changing care? As human beings, each of us will face mortality someday. So, why not talk to your family and friends, and share your thoughts about the care you would like to receive as you age or experience illness? Through these conversations, you can share your definition of comfort and quality of life and inform those around you of how you want to live.  

For more information and talking points, visit our website at hospiceofdubuque.org. 

Robotic pets​

Some of us have gotten to the age where we wonder if adopting a pet would be the right thing to do, even though we know that having a pet would help with feelings of loneliness. Or maybe we have a friend or relative with Alzheimer’s or who is in long-term care and needs some company or stress reduction but can’t have a pet.

With those very things in mind, a company has created animatronic robot cats — Joy For All Companion Pets for Seniors by Ageless Innovation.

While mostly marketed to seniors in long-term care facilities, there’s no reason you can’t have one at home!

Look for them on  Amazon.com (Joy For All Companion Cats) to get all the details. The cats are the size of adult cats and come in three colors: black and white tuxedo, silver and white, and orange tabby.

They run on four C batteries and there are three settings: on, mute and off. The videos on the Amazon page show just what these robotic kitties do. They roll on their back, open and close their eyes, move their limbs, turn their head and even meow and purr when petted. And I can verify: When I played one of the cat videos and the robotic cat meowed, my own cat woke up from a nap and reacted to it! 

These cats are expensive, ranging from $125 to $179, depending whether you find one on sale. They’re also marketed to children, perhaps to get them used to a pet before getting a real one, but they’re not toys. 

Not a cat person? Rather have a puppy? You’re not being left out. The Joy For All Companion Pet Golden Pup feels like a puppy, moves, barks, wags his tail and has a heartbeat. It even comes with a bandanna. 

Early Christmas gifts maybe? One thing is certain: These little robots are very cute.

© 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Caring for Yourself 
While Caring for Others
by Beth LaGreek,
Stonehill Communities GUIDE
​Dementia Program Care Navigator

Millions of people in the U.S. care for a family member or friend. While caregiving can be deeply meaningful, it can also be demanding. Some days you may feel unsure or overwhelmed. Many caregivers focus entirely on their loved one’s needs, but caring for yourself is just as important.

Caregiving takes time, energy, and patience. Finding moments for yourself can prevent illness, burnout, and depression. Self-care might mean asking others for help, taking breaks, enjoying hobbies, or using adult day or in-home care services.

It’s natural to feel sad, frustrated, or angry when the person you care for forgets you or lashes out. These emotions are normal. Practicing positive self-talk can help you stay resilient. Remind yourself:

• I’m doing the best I can.
• What I’m doing would be hard for anyone.
• I can’t control everything.
• Sometimes, I just need to do what works for now.
• I will seek help if caregiving becomes too much.

Many caregivers find strength through faith, spirituality, or journaling. Others benefit from talking with professionals who can help manage stress, difficult emotions, or planning for unexpected events. Your doctor, local family service agency, or mental health center can offer support and referrals.

Keep these self-care tips in mind:

• It’s okay to feel sad or discouraged.
• Remember why you chose to care for your loved one.
• Appreciate small “uplifts” — a smile, a kind word, or a quiet moment.
• Try relaxation techniques such as meditation, tai chi,
or yoga.
• Connect with something larger than yourself — faith, nature, or purpose.
• Seek online resources, training, or support groups.

​You are not alone. The Caregiver Resource Center at Stonehill Communities provides free support for caregivers throughout the tri-state area — including emotional support, resources, referrals, self-care opportunities, and educational programs — to help you care for yourself and those you love.

Celebrate the Holidays with the  Dubuque Symphony Orchestra December 6 & 7 at Five Flags Theater by Kathleen Hoeper, 
Director of Marketing and Community Relations, Dubuque Symphony Orchestra

The Dubuque Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is ushering in the holiday season with a series of festive performances guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. Under the direction of Maestro William Intriligator, the concerts will take place at Five Flags Theater on Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 7 at 2:00 p.m.

Joining the orchestra are longtime holiday collaborators, including the Dubuque Chorale, Chorale Children’s Choirs, and members of the Heartland Ballet. Vocal soloists Leslie Shalabi and Chrystina Morteo-Bowman will also take the stage, bringing their talents to a selection of seasonal favorites. A special highlight this year is Viktoriia Slyvka, who will perform both as a vocalist and on the bandura, a traditional Ukrainian harp known for its rich, melodic sound.

“These concerts are truly about bringing people together,” shares Intriligator. “It’s a chance to share beautiful music, reflect on the spirit of the season, and celebrate the sense of community that makes the holidays so meaningful!”

Saturday evening concertgoers are invited to stay for the Encore Reception, where they can enjoy complimentary holiday treats and visit with members of
the orchestra.

Family-Friendly Holiday Concert

In addition to its main performances, the DSO also offers a Holiday Family Concert on Saturday, December 6 at 1:00 p.m. Tailored for families with young children, the one-hour performance features holiday classics, sing-along songs, Heartland Ballet dancers and the Dubuque Chorale Children’s Choirs. Following the show, children can get a complimentary photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the full-length holiday concerts start at $19. Family Concert tickets are $14 for children (12 and under), $24 for adults, and $34 for box seats.

​To avoid online fees, tickets can be purchased directly at Five Flags Box Office (corner of 4th & Locust) Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or one hour prior to each performance in the theater lobby, subject to availability.

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