Megan Gloss

Dubuque

Features Editor at Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, Iowa)

Reporter of current events. Operatic warbler. Lover of vegetarian food, wine, coffee, travel, jazz, insensibly high heels and delicious cheese.

Articles

Gloss: Tell me 1 sentence that changed your life for the better

2 weeks ago | telegraphherald.com | Megan Gloss

“If your ship doesn’t come in, swim to it.”I was a sophomore in college when one of my music professors shared this bit of wisdom with me, after what felt like countless audition rejections that had resulted in me feeling overlooked and underappreciated in all the hard work I was putting in ... or at least trying to.
A tour for the taste buds: Global fare abounds at local restaurants

2 weeks ago | telegraphherald.com | Megan Gloss

When Eligio “Eli” Rubio relocated to Dubuque from his native Mexico more than 30 years ago, he brought with him a love of cooking and a knack for whipping up seasoning combinations that echoed the flavors of his homeland. Yet, he would find a place preparing meals in another establishment’s kitchen before embarking upon his own venture. “I was at the Diamond Jo Casino for 14 years,” Rubio said. “I thought, if I can do this for someone else, I can probably do this for myself.
From corned beef and cabbage to green beer, locals gear up for St. Paddy's Day

1 month ago | telegraphherald.com | Megan Gloss

Kathy Ginter’s mother, Donna, loved St. Patrick’s Day. It marked a significant moment in her heritage and was a point of pride for the woman who put down roots in Dubuque, following in the long line of Irish immigrants who did the same. “She was full-blooded Irish,” said Ginter, co-owner of West Dubuque Tap. “She would celebrate every year.”Today, Ginter honors the holiday, as well as her late mother, the way many do across cultures — food.
A classics cornerstone: Dubuque Symphony Orchestra sets the stage for Dubuque native's world premiere, renowned violinist

1 month ago | telegraphherald.com | Megan Gloss

Michael Gilbertson was only a teenager when he first had one of his compositions performed by the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Youth Ensembles. “He played violin in the youth symphony,” said Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor William Intriligator. “Then, he wowed us all by winning our Concerto Competition on piano.
Finger-lickin' good: Where to get your Lenten fillet fix in the tri-states

1 month ago | telegraphherald.com | Megan Gloss

The 2025 Lenten season begins today and continues through Thursday, April 17. With that arrives the season of battered, deep-fried-to-golden-perfection and dipped-in-tartar-sauce goodness known as the annual fish fry. Locally, Lenten fish fries have evolved into a culinary staple, served up with a baked potato, creamy coleslaw, green beans, a buttery dinner roll and a sweet treat.
Gloss: Here's hoping for that easy spring

1 month ago | telegraphherald.com | Megan Gloss

They say April showers bring May flowers. And while the calendar might only say March, my brain is in full-blown April mode. I even broke out my flip flops a week ago when the temperature crept above 50 degrees. Pause for haughty derision. But if the showers to flowers ratio holds true, I’m anticipating abundant blooms, both in foliage and in mood, beginning with yesterday’s flip of the calendar. We Midwesterners are a tough bunch, which I often attribute to our dramatic climate.
'Something for all': 'DRUMLine live' hits the stage in Dubuque

2 months ago | telegraphherald.com | Megan Gloss

In 2002, a coming-of-age teen film sparked a renewed interest in the music and work that took place behind the scenes of marching bands. Inspired by the soulful and high-stepping stylings of the fictional university Atlanta A&T and starring Nick Cannon, “DRUMLine” — and it’s sequel, “DRUMLine: A New Beat” — also became the impetus behind a live production in 2008. That effort, “DRUMLine Live,” will make a stop at Dubuque’s Five Flags Center at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19.
Inspiring youth to thrive: Dubuque Black Men Coalition provide mentorship to young Black students

2 months ago | telegraphherald.com | Megan Gloss

In 2008, a group of Black Dubuque community leaders began to notice a need to help new Black residents relocating to the community find their professional footing. However, noticing an even bigger disconnect between Black professionals and young Black men, the organization began to shift the focus of its mission from promoting networking opportunities between new Black professionals arriving in Dubuque to mentoring young Black students already calling the community home.
'Darkness to Light': Dubuque Symphony Orchestra sets the stage for Beethoven's 5th, a world premier piece and more this weekend

2 months ago | telegraphherald.com | Megan Gloss

Dum dum dum duuuuuum. Dum dum dum duuuuuum. They might be the most well-known opening chords throughout all of music — if not, arguably, from one of the most famous pieces of all time. “Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony is always a special piece of music to come back to,” said Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor William Intriligator. “I also conducted it in my first concert as music director with the DSO, so now in my 25th year, it’s especially nice to revisit.
Gloss: Lessons learned from pandemic times

2 months ago | telegraphherald.com | Megan Gloss

While cleaning out a drawer recently, I came upon an assortment of colorful cloth swatches I’d forgotten I’d tucked away, just in case I ever might need them again. It was all of the old COVID-19 masks I’d amassed and worn. Good to know I was committed to keeping my spirits up with hues like bright pinks, yellows and oranges — and quirkiness like “Spaceballs the Facemask.”The fifth anniversary of the start of the pandemic is fast approaching.