Marketing Manager, Author at Hotel Julien Dubuque

Author Archives: Marketing Manager

4th of July Celebrations, 2016
June 23, 2016
There’s nothing quite like watching Independence Day fireworks illuminate the sky over the Mississippi River. For those of you who will be celebrating the Fourth of July in Dubuque this year, here’s a peek at what is going on in the area:

Saturday, July 2^nd:

1:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Golden Knight Practice Jump, Kennedy Mall
Complete with military displays, complimentary American flags from Richardson Motors, games for children, and a bounce house from 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm.

Sunday, July 3^rd:

6:00 pm – 8:30 pm: Salute to Our Heroes Air Show, Lock and Dam No. 11
Featuring: Air Show Announcer, Military Swearing in Ceremony, Aerostars Demonstration Team, Golden Knights Parachute Team, US Army Special Operations Semi, Mike Wiskus, Lucas Oil Pitts Plane, US Navy F-18 Hornet, Blackhawk Helicopter, P-51 Mustang, Japanese Zero, De Havilland Vampire Jet, Tribute to our Troops, and Missing Man Formation

Dusk: Fireworks Spectacular!

Monday, July 4^th:

7:00 am – 12:00 pm: Dubuque Farmers’ Market
Iowa’s longest running Farmers’ Market is held around Dubuque’s City Hall, 1300 Iowa St., featuring the area’s finest selection of local produce, meats, wines, cheese, crafts, and more.

11:00 am – 4:00 pm: Ice Cream Social at the Historic Mathias Ham House
The Fourth of July Ice Cream Social, sponsored by the Dubuque County Historical Society, celebrates and old-fashioned Independence Day at the historic Ham House by Eagle Point Park. The afternoon event features music, food, tours of the mansion, and historic games for kids. For more information, visit RiverMuseum.com.

Activities:

Enjoy family time outside with a historic sightseeing cruise aboard The Spirit of Dubuque paddleboat.

If you’re looking for something adventurous, consider a scenic hike at Dubuque’s Mines of Spain State Park and be sure to check out Julien Dubuque’s Monument, a National Historic Landmark.

Take in magnificent views of the city of Dubuque and the Mississippi River by visiting The Fenelon Place Elevator. Located at 512 Fenelon Place, the Elevator has been described as the world’s shortest, steepest scenic railway at 296 feet in length, elevating passengers 189 feet from Fourth Street to Fenelon Place.

Wishing you a wonderful and safe Fourth of July holiday from Hotel Julien Dubuque!
Find Your Way to Al’s Place
June 1, 2016
Hotel Julien Dubuque’s popular scavenger hunt is back! Follow our Facebook Page for clues that will lead you to this year’s grand prize — a two-night stay in the Capone Suite, $100 to Caroline’s Restaurant, $25 Vino Dock gift card to Riverboat Lounge and a Couples Massage at Potosa Spa! The hunt begins September 6th, 2018.

Scavenger Hunt Rules:
1. “Like” and follow Hotel Julien Dubuque on Facebook and/or Instagram.
2. New clues will be posted every Monday and Thursday, beginning on Thursday, September 6th, 2018 at 10 a.m. CST on the Hotel Julien Dubuque Facebook and Instagram page.
3. Please refrain from contacting the hotel or hotel staff for clues, as the location is not known by staff.
4. Use clues to solve the scavenger hunt. The clues will provide information to the grand prize location.
5. Guessing the location will not be recognized as finding the grand prize.
6.. Find Your Way To Al’s Place Package awarded to the first person/s who solves the scavenger hunt. Upon finding the prize, please immediately contact the hotel front desk in person.

Congratulations to Jessica Gamble! She solved the hunt within three clues. Details on where and how she solved the mystery to come! In the meantime, enjoy the rest of the clues…do you know where it was hidden?

Clue #1: I’ve always been here, never hidden, though still not easily found.

Clue #2: Wished they would stop, though they just drive by.

Clue #3: A key will get you there, though it isn’t required.

Clue #4: I am ok not being part of the Main drag.

Clue #5: It takes 10 to get there.

Clue #6: I feel 75% intimidated.

Clue #7: As the day ages, I get darker.

Clue #8: Sean Connery used me to scare birds, though I really am meant for other than that.

Clue #9:Hillbilly Jed had one.

Clue #10: No matter where I land, I get redirected.

Clue #11: Let’s go sit out on the deck.

Clue #12: I’m a Little Teapot, short and stout, here is my handle, here is my spout.
Couple’s Spotlight: Sarah & Scott
April 11, 2016
How did you meet?
Scott and I met at an insurance industry holiday party in 2013. We work for competing insurance brokerage firms. He approached me to invite me to the after-party at a nightclub in downtown Chicago. I was very impressed with his classical dance moves!

Tell us about the proposal!
On the eve of the Wisconsin Half-Marathon, which would be our first half-marathon together, Scott took me for a carb-heavy dinner at the restaurant where we had our first date, Café Ba-ba-reeba. After dinner, although I was antsy to prepare for the race, Scott convinced me to go for a stroll in nearby Oz Park. We sat on a bench, and he rambled on about what a great gal I was. At first, I thought it was a break-up! He seemed nervous, though, and I quickly understood that he was about to propose. I stammered out a “yes”!

What made you decide to celebrate this special milestone at HJD?
From my time at Loras College, and visiting family in the area, I had great memories of the Dubuque nightlife. My friends from California and Chicago know I am a big evangelist for the warm people and natural beauty of Eastern Iowa. When we started to look at venues, the Hotel Julien was on our short list, because of the early 20^th century architectural accents, and centerpiece in the newly rejuvenated Main Street area.

What are you most looking forward to on your wedding day?
I’m looking forward to that last hour or so of the reception, after Scott and I have had a chance to thank all the attendees and have a glass of champagne. We can then let loose a bit with our friends and bust a move as husband and wife.
Couple’s Spotlight: Lara & Ron
March 9, 2016
How did you meet?
Lara was in the hospital and Ron was stationed in Germany. Both were on MilitaryCupid.com and he sent an interest message first. Lara responded and they started messaging. They met face to face for the first time after 441 days. The rest is history.

Tell us about the proposal!
Ron wanted to propose in a very permanent place in Platteville. What better venue than the Platteville “M”. After all, it didn’t blow away with the tornado of 2014. The moment was captured on video. Ron and Lara raced to the first platform. On bended knee, Ron popped the question. She said, “Yes”

What are you most looking forward to on your wedding day?
We hope our family and friends can have an awesome time with us in a gorgeous ball room with our favorite DJ, Mark Fairchild from EA Entertainment.
Couple’s Spotlight: Megan & Austin
February 17, 2016
We first met Megan and Austin almost one year ago. It’s hard to believe that their wedding is only a few short days away!

How did you meet?
Austin & I were set up by mutual friends, Heather & Eric Weir. They had asked each of us to go on the river one day in July, 2012, while we were unaware that the other would be coming. We met for the first time that day and totally hit it off! He asked for my number and a few days later he called me and asked me out on a date. Our first few dates were all over 8 hours long and since then, I guess we were hooked!

Tell us about the proposal!
The proposal was a total shock to me! I had no idea that it was coming. We were just preparing for a date night in Galena, and we were just about to leave. Austin called me into the living room and there he was down on one knee, next to our dog Brody, with a ring box open in his hand. I was so surprised, I actually told him to shut up and walked out of the room lol! I of course quickly returned, and we shed a few nervous tears and he asked me to marry him. We celebrated the rest of the night at dinner and a night out with friends. It really was a perfect night!

What made you decide to celebrate this special milestone at HJD?
Hotel Julien has, in our minds, the most gorgeous hotel & glamorous appeal that no other venue could compete with. It has everything that we were looking for in celebrating our wedding. Since we are having a winter wedding, we knew we wanted to have it somewhere where our guests wouldn’t have to leave each venue and travel during the day. We are able to have our ceremony, cocktail hour and reception all at Hotel Julien, while the staff & wedding coordinator, Allie, accommodated every request with the exact attention to detail that we dreamed of to make it all happen and come together with ease.

What are you most looking forward to on your wedding day?
I think we are most excited to just have so much fun and celebrate “us”. After months of planning, we are ready to have a great time with our closest family and friends, who are all there because they love & support us. There will be so many moments through the day that will make it the most memorable day!
The Summer of ‘53
September 22, 2015
It was a unique twist of fate that brought Douglas McGehe and his wife, Joan, back to Hotel Julien Dubuque. Upon overhearing a conversation about a bus tour headed to Dubuque and Galena while visiting the Fort Wayne Zoo in Indiana, Douglas eagerly inquired about reserving seats. “I was enchanted when I thought of the idea of going back to Dubuque,” Douglas said. “I called [them] right away and said, ‘What do I have to do? I want to go.’”

Already thrilled about returning to his hometown, Douglas’s excitement grew immensely when he learned that he and his wife would be staying at Hotel Julien Dubuque, the exact location of their wedding reception which was held 64 years earlier.

Douglas and Joan, both of whom are actively involved in the Towne House community in Fort Wayne, Indiana, recall many fond memories of growing up in Dubuque. “You know, that’s where I met Joan,” Douglas said. “I graduated high school there. That’s where we were married. There are a lot of great memories to revisit for us in Dubuque.”

The couple met at a party in 1953, the very night that Douglas returned home to Dubuque from serving in the military. Though they both had accompanied other guests to the party, Douglas made a point to introduce himself to Joan and invite her on a date later that week. “We went to Galena and saw a film at the Avalon Theatre… The owner knew that I had just gotten out of the service so they let us into the movie for free,” said Douglas. “The movie was Moulin Rouge starring José Ferrer and Zsa Zsa Gabor. I took her to the Log Cabin for dinner…Anyway, we got married three months later.”

Three months was a fast engagement even for the fifties, but Douglas was facing a job transfer from Dubuque to Columbia City and Joan wanted to make the move with him. “I told her about the transfer and she said, ‘I want to go with you’. Well, in 1953, when they say ‘take me with you’, you got married,” Douglas said.

And fortunately so as Douglas and Joan have since proceeded to enjoy over 64 happy years of marriage, have welcomed and raised two daughters, and have made many amazing memories together. “We’ve taken kids and adults to Europe three times. We’ve been to Hawaii four times, taken seven cruises,” Douglas said. “We’ve done a lot of things – we’re still doing a lot of things.”

During their recent visit to Hotel Julien Dubuque, the couple enjoyed breakfast in the Harbor Gallery, the very same room where their wedding reception took place 64 years ago. Some highlights of their trip back to Dubuque include touring St. Luke’s church, enjoying a riverboat ride, and visiting Eagle Point Park. They also took a drive to Galena and visited Log Cabin Steakhouse, the site of their very first date.

“It was a phenomenal thing that we would end up back in Dubuque,” Douglas said. “I’m 88 years old so it was great to be able to do those things again. This was just a wonderful opportunity and we enjoyed every minute of it.”
Discovering Dubuque: Alte Glocke
September 9, 2015
Around every corner of Hotel Julien Dubuque, you will find photographs, sketches, and mementos that tell the story of Dubuque’s rich history.

This bell, which now graces the porte-cochère outside of Caroline’s Restaurant, was once used to alert the people of Dubuque to the arrival of steamboats, warn of major fires, and bring attention to other significant events from the Firehouse at the corner of 4th and Locust. Women of Dubuque had expressed their dissatisfaction with the sound of the bell’s predecessor and asked the city to purchase a new bell to replace it. Their requests were denied; however, the women were determined to find a way to replace the bell. They continually hosted fundraising parties, dances, and raffles, eventually raising $800 to purchase a new bell.

The women’s success gave rise to the legend that any bride who rings the bell on her wedding day will never be in want.

In 1970, when the bell was rediscovered, the hotel’s restaurant was given the name “Alte Glocke”, German for “Old Bell”. Though much has changed in the restaurant since the 70s (including the restaurant’s name), the Bell still serves as a tribute to Dubuque’s history and its story is one that we hope will continue to live on for many years to come.
Meet the Team: Diane Kaufman
September 3, 2015
Leading a team of over 20 individuals in executing some of life’s most memorable events is no easy task, but Banquet Manager Diane Kaufman’s attention to detail, infectious enthusiasm, bright smile, and enormous amounts of energy make her the perfect person for the job!

What path brought you to Hotel Julien Dubuque?
“I love working with people. My very first job was at a local pizza and kids play place called Kid’s World. I started working there at the age of 14 and worked there until the restaurant closed when I was 18 years old. I moved up to a supervisor at age 16 and was responsible for opening and closing the store, leading other employees, managing the register and taking care of the cash drop at the end of the night. This was one of my favorite jobs as a teenager. I then went to school and obtained a degree in social work from the University of Northern Iowa in 2005. I worked as a Domestic Violence counselor from 2005 until 2010.

When the program I worked for closed due to funding, I decided to go back to school as well as start working as a server in the hospitality industry again since I remembered enjoying it so much. I started as a banquet server at Eagle Ridge and worked my way up to Banquet Captain. I also started working at Hotel Julien Dubuque and worked my way up to Restaurant Supervisor. I then decided to move to Denver where I remained in the hospitality industry working at the Renaissance Hotel as a server and banquet server. Upon returning to Dubuque, I applied for the Banquet Manager in May and here I am.”

What are you most passionate about professionally? “I am passionate about providing a level of service that is the best possible! Making people happy and making sure they enjoy themselves while here is what I love to do every day. Not just simply meeting people’s expectations for their particular event, but exceeding those expectations and ‘wowing’ them!”

What are you passionate about personally? What is your favorite way to spend a free weekend? “I love to spend time with my friends. I love traveling and exploring new places. I also enjoy swimming, especially in an ocean whenever possible.”

What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area? “Walking down on the river walk and hiking out at the Mines of Spain.”

What do you love most about Hotel Julien Dubuque? “I love the people I work with! I have an amazing staff of very unique, interesting young adults who I learn from every day. I also have a supportive management team that I am proud to be a part of. Most of all, I love to work banquet events!! I love to see all the different weddings and work all the different kinds of parties that are booked at the hotel. My job changes every single day which makes things exciting and interesting.”

What is your personal motto? “Collect moments and memories, not things.”

As a leader a large team, what strategies do you implement to keep your team motivated and energized? “Make things fun! I have a very unique department where my staff has the ability to be creative and fun in their different job roles. Some staff members like to decorate and that is a huge part of making an event successful. Other staff members enjoy meeting and talk to new people which happens every day while serving the different events. I focus on different staff members interests and abilities and I allow them to be creative and fun with it while executing their job responsibilities.”

Please share a fun fact about yourself. “I love to sing.”

Contact Diane via email at banquetmgr@hoteljuliendubuque.com or by phone at 563.588.5575.
Double Wedding Bells
August 3, 2015

Sisters Sigrid and Kirsten Ulve celebrate the five year anniversary of their double wedding reception (held at Hotel Julien Dubuque on July 3rd, 2010) by sharing some of their favorite wedding day memories. Their joint wedding ceremony took place in the late afternoon at Dubuque’s Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Kirsten wed Kacy Ross, a radio host and producer from New Jersey. They currently live in Manhattan where Kirsten oversees Kirsten Ulve Illustration. Younger sister Sigrid married her college sweetheart, Lyle Zaehringer, from Davenport, Iowa. Both graduated from the University of Iowa and reside in the Quad Cities where Sigrid works as an attorney and Lyle as computer programmer.

Kirsten reflects fondly on the special day, noting:

“My sister Sigrid and I had a double wedding in Dubuque (where we both grew up) in the summer of 2010 on 4th of July weekend. Yes, there were fireworks! We were at the beginning stages of planning when we toured the newly renovated Julien, and the decision to have the festivities there was an easy one. I will never forget the four of us entering the ballroom for our reception dinner. As the doors opened, we were greeted by applause and the smiling faces of family and friends amid a sea white flowers and linens, the afternoon sunlight sparkling on the glassware. We had a disco band from Madison after dinner and danced with fireworks in the background over the river. Truly one of the happiest days of my life. Siggy lives in Davenport now, and I’m in New York City, but we cherish the memory of this fantastic day, and that it took place at the Julien.”

Sigrid echoes her sister’s enthusiasm, writing:

“I have wonderful memories of my wedding day, which took place in my home town of Dubuque on a sunlit July 3, 2010. My sister and I, who are close as sisters can be, found ourselves engaged at the same time. So, with our dear husbands’ blessings, we planned a double wedding with the reception at Hotel Julien.

We exchanged vows with our husbands in a lovely joint ceremony at the Arboretum before we ventured with our guests to the Julien for the reception. We walked up the grand staircase to greet the cheerful crowd on the mezzanine, at which time many of our guests expressed their admiration of the setting. After the guests were ushered into the ballroom, I will never forget the four of us coming through the doors to find the room filled with pastel flowers, white linens, soft lighting, and the cheers of our loved ones. The scene could not have been more beautiful.

Other things of note: I remember how helpful the staff were in assisting us plan the event. I remember my sister and I each “hiding” from the grooms upstairs in the hotel rooms before hopping in the limousine to meet them at the ceremony site. We danced to live music while the fireworks erupted over the Mississippi. At the end of the evening, our guests gathered on the terrace outside and enjoyed the warm night air together.

It was a perfect day, and Hotel Julien was the perfect choice.”

In celebration of our 100th anniversary, we are looking back at the significant events that have taken place at Hotel Julien Dubuque throughout history. If you were married at the hotel (pre or post-renovation), we would love to hear your story! Learn more about our “Celebrating Ours, Celebrating Yours” contest and how you can enter here.
Meet the Team: Annette Jones
July 10, 2015
If you ever have a question about Hotel Julien Dubuque (or most anything else, for that matter!), Annette Jones will know the answer. Having worked for the Fischer Companies for the past 19 years, Annette’s experiences with Hotel Julien Dubuque extend well beyond the remodel that was completed in 2009 and she is a great person to chat with about the history of the property.

Learn more about Annette in her feature below. We are so lucky that she is part of our team!

How long have you been with Fischer Companies? “19 years.”
Please share a little bit about your professional background and what led you to the industry. “Went to school for Accounting and worked in that field for a while. I then went to Capri and got my cosmetology license and managed several salons here in Dubuque. After the salon I was at closed I went back into Accounting and have been here ever since.”
What are you most passionate about professionally? “Learning new things everyday.”
What are you passionate about personally? What is your favorite way to spend a free weekend? “Love traveling to tropical places. What’s a free weekend?”
What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area? “Spending time with family and friends – doesn’t really matter what you are doing.”
What do you love most about your job? “My boss (and the other people too) ;-)”
What is your personal motto? “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
When asked to describe yourself, what do you say? “I love to make people laugh.”

Author Archives: Marketing Manager

Saturday, July 2nd:

Sunday, July 3rd:

Dusk: Fireworks Spectacular!

Monday, July 4th:

Activities:

Saturday, July 2^nd:

Sunday, July 3^rd:

Monday, July 4^th: