The Reporter Spring 2023

SPR ING 2023 GBU.ORG

GBU Foundation Celebrates

Diamond Anniversary

TEAM TO TEAM PROGRAM WE'RE ON YOUR TEAM GBU Life's new Team to Team program helps our youth members to be able to offset costs associated with school and recreational sports and clubs. Insured GBU youth members can apply for a team sponsorship under this program.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS An insured youth member can apply for a team sponsorship of up to $250. To apply, you must be a participating member of the team, and GBU's sponsorship must be acknowledged in some way, such as a program ad, t-shirt logo, field sign, etc.

GROUPS OF MEMBERS If your team contains five or more insured GBU members, you can apply for a team sponsorship of up to $5,000. All GBU members must be current and active members of the team. Your team must complete a community service project, and GBU's sponsorship of the team must be acknowledged in some way, such as a program ad, t-shirt logo, field sign, etc.

GBU members under the age of 18 participating in any recognized sports or academic organization may apply for the Team to Team sponsorship.

For more details and to apply visit inside.gbu.org/team-to-team.

Table T able o f Co C o n t en e nt s

PREPARE

4

MEET

5 2022 Financial Update Coming Soon

32 District Happenings

6 Customer Service Corner

46 Fraternal Adventures

7 Navigating Today’s Investment Market

48 Where Are They Now?

10 Put Your RMD to Work for You

49 Fraternal Heritage

LIVE

12

13 Play the New GBU Online Trivia Game!

14 Optimity Step It Up

52 Additional Scholarships available to New England GBU members

GIVE

15 Fresh & Bright Recipes to Try This Spring

54 Birthday Match

17 Why Spring Is a Great Time to Take your Exercise Outdoors!

58 Give Back Group Project Spotlight

18 Celebrate Mom A Mother’s Day Gift Guide 20 Spring into the Season

53

55 Community Engagement Pillars Update 59 Welcome District 6000 Baptist Life Association

22 Join Hands Day

60 Volunteer of the Year Nominations

23 Love your GBU Membership? Member Referral Program

62 GBU at the Zoo!

GROW

NOTES

24

31

61 A Gift for Generations

25 Earth Day Crafts and Ideas For Kids

64 Notes from the Home Office

26 Let’s Get Wild Puzzle

65 Reader Service Form

63

27 The 3 Best Gift Ideas for Teachers 28 Gifts for Moms and Dads 29 Good Deeds for Mom & Dad 30 Youth Leaders Program

Also Inside …

Diamond Anniversary

GBU Foundation Charts the Next 60 Years Page 3

The Reporter

1

The

Reporter

is the official publication of

4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394 T: 412-884-5100 or 800-765-4428 E: communications@gbu.org W: gbu.org Editor: Jennifer Stockdale Production Editor: Nancy Kurutz Assistant Production Editor: Timothy Rodman Art Director: Rachel Cummins Design and Layout: Steve Guidas Contributing Writers: Jennifer Stockdale, Rachel Cummins, Natasha Herleman, Bob Schoeppner, Anna Meek, Ken Elliott, Mary Koczan and Steve Guidas.

Chief Executive Officer William W. Hunt Sr. VP/Chief Marketing Officer Lesley B. Mann Sr. VP of Operations Deborah Morgan Sr. VP/Chief Financial Officer Mark Cloutier Chairman of the Board Lea Ann Hazi David E. Bevins Joseph S. Bielecki Donna L. Brophy, FICF William W. Hunt, CEO Christina MacKellar, CPCU, CIC David L. Pringle John B. Schmotzer To receive The Reporter digitally and discontinue receiving it by mail, send an email to memberbenefits@gbu.org with the Subject line “I Want to Go Green.” Provide your name, email and mailing address in the body of the email. We will notify you by email when the new issue is online. Please be advised that you will receive a published issue when we are required by law to deliver any notice, report or statement, including notice of election and all amendments to the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of GBU. GBU personnel, members, districts and others may take pictures or recordings at GBU events. In an effort to promote activities and increase public awareness, these may be published in The Reporter, GBU and district websites, GBU Life Member Community, social media outlets and other locations. By participating in GBU events, all members and others consent to the release and use of these pictures or recordings and waive any rights to royalties or for any potential liability relating to the pictures or recordings.

Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: Closed

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Spring 2023

Recognizing Our Potential: GBU Foundation Charts the Next 60 Years

BY LESLEY B. MANN, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

In June of 1963, GBU initiated the creation of a scholarship foundation to provide members with funds to support higher education. The GBU Foundation started by awarding eight $300 scholarships from a "Fraternal Fund."

It has awarded 3,854 scholarships totaling almost $2,635,000 thanks to the generosity of our members, districts, producers and communities.

Together, we have helped GBU members nationwide realize their dreams to be doctors, teachers, architects, lawyers, artists and leaders in other professions and in their communities.

In the first 60 years, the GBU Foundation primarily focused on providing scholarships.

As we contemplated the future of the Foundation, we identified the need to expand its mission and purpose beyond just providing scholarships. To better support our members in their philanthropic efforts, we believe the mission of the Foundation should now include Community Engagement Grants. This expanded mission is another way to support your philanthropic goals within the community.

The Reporter

The GBU Foundation recognizes the potential you have as GBU members to achieve your common, charitable goals when you pool resources. The Foundation will award competitive grants to projects within our Community Engagement Pillars– Education, Wellness, Hometown Heroes and Community Service. This is yet another way we help you support the charities that are important to you.

In this 60th year, we hope that you will partner with us to grow the GBU Foundation and its programs for scholarships and Community Engagement Grants. One meaningful way to support this program is by giving $60 to join the GBU Foundation 60th Anniversary Club. Your donation will go toward securing the future of the Foundation and helping fund scholarships, grants and other philanthropic efforts for generations to come! Plus, for every $60 donation, you will receive a commemorative 60th-anniversary pin. To donate, join the 60th Anniversary Club and receive your pin, please visit gbucares.org.

We have an exciting opportunity to carry on the founders' legacy when we continue giving through the GBU Foundation. I am looking forward to seeing the growth of our Foundation and what we can achieve together in our communities.

All the Best,

3

DEVELOP YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN DEVELOP YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN

4

Spring 2023

2022 F I N A NC I A L U P D A TE

Coming Soon Check out the summer issue of The Reporter where this update will be published, and look for an email stating when it becomes available!

The Reporter

5

Customer Service Corner You may be aware that we have recently extended our available service hours to 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. We understand that you may have questions outside of those hours and we’re here to share with you the many ways we offer member assistance 24/7.

Member Portal – Access account details and values, verify beneficiary and address information, view/print annuity statements and service forms, submit inquiries and more.

If you have not already, we encourage you to enroll.

Visit gbu.org.

On the upper right-hand corner, click button and select Member Account Login. on the Below the User ID & Password boxes, click on Enroll Now!, complete and Submit your registration.

GBU Life Member Community – A private social network and resource center for GBU members. Here you can communicate with other members, access local GBU activities and other GBU Life (GBU) resources.

If you have not already, we encourage you to enroll.

Visit community.gbu.org.

On the upper right-hand corner, click on the Request to join link, complete and SUBMIT your request.

You can also email us at any time for requests, questions, claims and service forms.

claims@gbu.org.

service@gbu.org.

Visit the GBU website to get the latest information on products and services (gbu.org).

Be sure to sign up for direct deposit for easy account distributions.

Secure and confidential.

Receive funds faster and with more reliability.

No need to go to the bank to cash or deposit your check.

Convenient and easy to set up.

Avoid worries about delays or lost mail.

Benefits the environment because it reduces paper waste.

To sign up, fill out the Direct Deposit Authorization Form located at inside.gbu.org/forms.

And sign up to automatically pay your premiums from your bank account (checking or savings).

Puts you in control – you can choose which day to process the transaction.

Ensures that you pay bills on time, even if you are ill, traveling on business or on vacation.

Saves time from writing checks and postage mailing payments.

Offers more confidentiality than a check.

Avoid worries about delays or lost mail.

Benefits the environment because it reduces paper waste.

To sign up, fill out the Bank Draft Authorization Form located at inside.gbu.org/forms.

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Spring 2023

NAVIGATING TODAY'S INVESTMENT MARKET

By Frank DiLeo GBU Life Investment Portfolio Manager

Why consistent interest rates may yield the best long-term result.

Investing in fixed annuities has historically required minimal research or projections from our members. Here at GBU, we always stand steadfast in our beliefs that a strong, conservative portfolio of highquality assets will serve our members well in attaining consistent returns to help meet their investment needs. With the luxury of time, and the benefit of compounding interest, we have been able to serve our members for over 130 years, with one of the finest reputations of any fraternal benefit society. However, with current market conditions and trends, we are noticing a new phenomenon in investing, and we at GBU think it is important to consider it when evaluating your current and future investments.

The Reporter

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GBU's annuity and insurance products consist

The bedrock of financial investment has

mainly of two components, time and rate. In

always rested on time. Banks and investment

our fixed rate, Asset Guard Multi-Year Guaranteed

institutions are offered an ability to lend

Annuity (MYGA) products, which GBU began to

money in the short term while investing in the

offer in 2021, each contract consists of a fixed

longer term. In a healthy interest rate

rate and a duration/surrender period, after which

environment, longer term yields are expected

the contract can terminate or continue. The

to be, and almost always are higher than what

member can then reinvest their principal in either

you can expect to receive for shorter

a new product or remain with a GBU MYGA at

investments. The age-old principal of “time

the new renewal rate.

value of money" states, the longer I invest my money, the more I should receive in return for

The risks involved in fixed income investing,

my commitment. But what happens in the rare

while minimal, do affect our members, and we

instance when that is not the case? Imagine a

do our best to educate them when we feel it is

friend asked to borrow $10 and offered to pay

necessary. A risk we believe is being

you back $11 in a week, or $9 in two weeks,

disregarded is “reinvestment risk.” Today, it

surely anyone would insist on payment in a

seems you can’t drive by a local bank without

week. There are instances where time can be

seeing signs for 5% One-Year promotional

your enemy in investing, and we want our

CD rates. We want our members to

members to be aware when investing for their

understand the potential costs and pitfalls of

future.

being lured by such investments.

As the Federal Reserve (Fed) has raised rates in an attempt to slow the economy, the Fed Funds rate, the rate at which banks borrow money, is expected to approach 5%. Should the Fed’s goal be reached, the US economy will “cool off,” bringing down inflation, and giving the economy a more realistic base to continue its steady path of growth. But what happens when we do reach that goal? Well, investors believe the market will then require a “shot in the arm” to stimulate growth and investing back into the economy. In order to do that, the Fed will likely begin to lower those very rates it raised, and we will see rates once

8

Spring 2023

again trend lower, as they have been for the better part of 30-40 years. So why bother raising rates at all, only to bring them back down? And what should you consider as an investor?

Historically investors would simply invest in the highest yields, for the shortest duration.

This chart shows the yield curve from January 2017, which is a typical yield curve. Rates are low on the front end, trend up and then level off.

When that contract was to expire, simply do the same process over, “wash-rinse-repeat.”

The issue becomes, what if the rate you receive after that investment matures is lower? Are you willing to reinvest that 5% OneYear rate at 3% when that contract is up, then at 2% when that contract is up? That is why it is important to understand that sometimes you can make time work for you. By locking in rates now, you take out much of the “reinvesting” risk in the future. Taking a similar rate for longer now, may be the prudent choice if your timeline allows it. While many

This chart shows the current yield curve. Here, the front-end rates are higher than longer rates and the intermediate rates (belly of the curve) are lower than longer rates (back end). The expectation is that the Fed will start lowering rates in 6 months, resulting in a precipitous drop in yields. Reinvesting money in that June 2023 and later window will likely mean lower rates on your reinvestment.

love a “teaser” rate, we at GBU want our members to be educated as to why companies offer them, and the pitfalls that may come with them, especially in a market where rates are expected to eventually come down significantly.

At GBU, our primary objective is supporting the needs of our members. Your timeline may not be affected by the markets, and we stress the goal is always to do what is best for you and your family. If you have any questions about any of our annuity products, or markets

GBU Life is the marketing name for GBU Financial Life.

Annuities are not short-term products and are issued by GBU Financial Life (GBU), Pittsburgh, PA. Products and features may vary by state. Withdrawals prior to 59½ may be subject to IRS penalties. This is a summary of the contract provisions. Please refer to the contract for details of surrender charge schedule, benefits and exclusions. No statement contained herein shall constitute tax, legal or investment advice. You should consult with a legal or tax professional for any such matters. NOT A DEPOSIT OF A BANK-MAY LOSE VALUE-NOT BANK GUARANTEED. Contract Form Series: ICC22_FPDA_CON_(01-22), FPDA_CON_(01-22)_FL, FPDA_CON_(01-22), ICC21_SPDA_CON_(4-21), SPDA_CON_(4-21)_FL, SPDA_CON_(4-21).

in general, we are always here to discuss a plan that fits your needs.

The Reporter

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PUT YOUR RMD TO WORK FOR YOU. Time to take out your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)? Did you know you can use your RMD to purchase financial products that can help to secure the future for you, your loved ones or a charitable organization that you care about? Talk to your agent today to discuss some options that may be right for you or request an appointment with an agent near you at gbu.org.

USE YOUR RMD TO Purchase a whole life policy for your grandchildren Purchase a policy or annuity that allows you to leave a legacy to a charitable organization that you care about Make a donation to the GBU Foundation Set up an education savings account for a grandchild

GBU-RMD-0323

10

Spring 2023

PURCHASE A WHOLE LIFE POLICY FOR YOUR GRANDCHILDREN Start your grandchildren on the road to financial success with a GBU membership. GBU's Youth 3 Pay Life insurance is permanent life insurance that offers a lifetime of coverage for just three annual payments.

Your grandchild becomes a GBU member and remains a member as long as the policy is active. GBU members have access to special members-only discounts, events and contests as well as education, volunteer, scholarship and grant opportunities.

Cash Value Growth. Youth 3 Pay Life insurance accumulates cash value that can be borrowed against, with interest or used to help your child secure education loans, mortgage down payments or for emergency situations.

Dividends. Youth 3 Pay Life insurance is expected to earn dividends that can be used to purchase additional paid-up coverage, held with interest or paid out in cash.

Competitively Priced Coverage. Policy face values range from $5,000 to $50,000 for youth of current ages 0-17. Policy rates are based on age, gender and amount of coverage requested. Policy is paid in full in three annual payments.

OR MAKE A DONATION TO THE GBU FOUNDATION Your qualified charitable distributions can satisfy all or part of the amount of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA. For example, if your 2021 Required Minimum Distribution was $10,000, and you made a $5,000 qualified charitable distribution for 2021, you would have had to withdraw another $5,000 to satisfy your 2021 RMD.

HOW IT WORKS You can make a tax-deductible donation of all or part of your RMD to the GBU Foundation.

Send the donation to 4254 Saw Mill Run Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394 in the form of a check made out to the "GBU Foundation".

We will send you back an acknowledgment letter of the amount donated.

Let your tax preparer know that you made the donation because they will need to include your 1099-R form, 1040 form and/or form 8608 with your 2022 taxes.

For more information on how to satisfy your RMD with a charitable donation, consult your tax preparer or CPA. Tax info is provided by H2R CPA. H2R CPA is a full-service accounting and business advisory firm celebrating over 60 years serving closely held businesses, nonprofit organizations and High Net Worth individuals. The team specializes in comprehensive tax, assurance and business consulting services. GBU Life does not provide tax advice. GBU is not affiliated with the listed H2R CPA.

GBU Life is the marketing name for GBU Financial Life. Life insurance underwritten and annuities offered by GBU Financial Life (GBU), 4254 Saw Mill Run Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15227. Dividends are not guaranteed. A parent or legal guardian must sign the application. If the policy is to be owned by someone other than the parent or legal guardian, the parent or legal guardian must also sign the application. Riders are optional and have additional fees associated with them. Product not available in all states. Please see policy and rider coverage for complete details. Contract Form Series: ICC19-Y3Pay, FL20-Y3Pay.

GBU-RMD-0323

4254 Saw Mill Run Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394 412-884-5100 800-765-4428 sales@gbu.org

The Reporter

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ENRICH YOUR LIFE ENRICH YOUR LIFE

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Spring 2023

PLAY THE NEW GBU ONLINE TRIVIA GAME! MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND ANSWERING SPEED WITH OUR NEW ONLINE GAME HERE'S HOW TO PLAY Log into the GBU Life Member Community at community.gbu.org starting on Monday, April 17, 2023, and go to the Global Live Feed to get the link to the online game.

Answer the trivia questions about Star Wars. The faster you answer, the more points you score!

Keep an eye on the leaderboard until the end of the game on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 4 p.m. EST. The top 10 players on the leaderboard at the end of the game win a $20 Amazon gift card and all players will be entered for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card via random drawing.

Only one entry permitted per GBU member. Amazon gift cards will be awarded digitally via email. See official rules posted on the game site prior to game play.

The Reporter

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Step It Up Winter Challenge Recap: January 16, 2023- February 16, 2023 In January and February, we challenged our members to "Step It Up" by increasing their walking and running steps as much as possible. Did you know that just by walking, you burn more calories than most think? Walking is a great way to get fit and releases mood-boosting hormones that can even help you feel less stressed. Check back each quarter for new challenges from Optimity that can help you step into better health!

First Place: Al S. (684,854 steps) Second Place: Dave K. (651,676 steps) Third Place: Christina K. (550,859 steps)

ENHANCE YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY We'd like to introduce you to Optimity, an app-based platform that rewards you for making your fitness a priority. From stretching to drinking water, Optimity helps motivate different activities, earning you points for gift cards to your favorite retailers and brands.

Not only will you have access to unlimited challenges at your fingertips, GBU Life will also add in customized activities so that you can compete against other GBU members.

This new GBU member benefit is provided at no charge for both insured and social members, but you do need to opt-in to receive access to the site.

Log into the GBU Life Member Community at community.gbu.org to get started!

EARN GIFT CARDS FROM THESE RETAILERS AND MORE!

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Spring 2023

FRESH & BRIGHT RECIPES TO TRY THIS SPRING

The Reporter

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ASPARAGUS CREAM PASTA

INGREDIENTS 1 bunch asparagus 5 ounces heavy whipping cream 2 garlic cloves, peeled and whole ⅓ cup parmesan, half grated, half shaved 1 cup tagliatelle

TIME Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Yield: 2 servings

DIRECTIONS Trim and discard asparagus ends; cut tips away from the stalks, keeping the tips and stalks separate. In a saucepan, bring the cream and garlic to a boil and take off the heat. Remove garlic and set pan aside.

Cook stalks in boiling salted water. Drain stalks; add into cream with grated parmesan. Blend until smooth.

Cook tagliatelle according to instructions, adding in the asparagus tips 2 minutes before pasta is done cooking. Reheat the cream. Drain pasta and add it into a bowl with cream. Toss, serve and top with parmesan shavings.

GREEK SAUSAGE PITA PIZZAS

INGREDIENTS 1 package Italian sausage links, casings removed 2 garlic cloves, minced 4 whole pita breads 2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped 1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and cubed ½ cup crumbled feta cheese 1 small cucumber, sliced ½ cup tzatziki sauce

TIME Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Yield: 4 servings

16

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350° F. In a large skillet, cook sausage and garlic over medium heat until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes, breaking sausage into large crumbles. Drain grease from sausage.

While preparing sausage, place pita breads on ungreased baking sheet. Bake each side until pita breads are browned and almost crisp, about 3-4 minutes.

Top pita breads with sausage mixture, tomatoes, avocado and cheese.

Bake for an additional 3-4 minutes or until heated through.

Top with cucumbers and drizzle with tzatziki sauce.

Spring 2023

OUTDOOR EXERCISE PRO TIPS Drink enough water Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink! Drinking a sufficient amount of water prior to your workout is essential in making sure you stay hydrated.

Water also helps to regulate your body temperature. Not drinking enough water prior to your workout could potentially put you at risk of dehydration and other complications.

Avoid extreme temperatures High temperatures and steamy days don't have to cancel your outdoor workouts ... plan accordingly! Make sure you wear heatappropriate clothing.

Always use sun protection and make sure you have water on hand. Check the weather.

Tailor your workout to the weather by dialing down the intensity, if needed, or doing a workout that allows for breaks.

Exercise early Avoid middle-of-the-day workouts. Midday sun can add about 20 degrees to the temperature, usually making it the hottest time of the day.

Usually, early morning workouts provide for a more enjoyable experience by allowing you to enjoy the crisp newness of the day. It also helps to jumpstart your day which can lead to a better mood and increased productivity.

The Reporter

WHY SPRING IS A GREAT TIME TO TAKE YOUR EXERCISE OUTDOORS!

by Laqueeta Coleman Great Lakes District Engagement Specialist

As the weather thaws and the days get longer, spring is the perfect time to add some variety to your fitness regimen by taking your workout outdoors. The outdoors have a magical way of getting people to put more effort into movement because it offers a natural environment that provides social interaction, more enjoyment and overall sense of well-being.

The past few years have pushed us to get more creative with our workouts and exercising outside provides an array of benefits, along with creative advantages, that are not seen from traditional indoor workouts.

One simple but major benefit is increased sun exposure. The increased sun exposure enhances our Vitamin D production, which helps to improve mood, reduce inflammation and promote bone health.

Taking your exercise outdoors can also help with the mundane routine of going to the gym. It provides the options of including different exercises into your practice, introducing cross training to your workout program, all the while saving money and skipping the cost of a gym membership.

Outdoor exercise means encountering a constantly changing environment that keeps your body engaged and challenged, and your mind focused. Walking, hiking, swimming or playing tennis, the options are endless and just as effective as an indoor workout.

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Celebrate Mom A Mother's Day gift guide inspired

by VIP Perks! by Entertainment®

18

Spring 2023

W ha t d o y o u get f o r th e p er s o n who does everything for everyone? Here a r e so me w a y s yo u can give mo m all the pam pering she deserves this Mother' s D a y w i t hou t " b r eakin g th e b an k. "

MOTHER' S DAY MASSAGE

SWEETS FOR A SWEETIE

What better way to pamper mom than a Mother's Day massage? VIP Perks! by Entertainment® offers deals like 40% off a regular-priced massage through companies like Massage Envy®.

Surprise mom with her favorite swee t e treat like a specialty donut or c drink. With VIP Perks! by Entertainment® , bakeries in your area may deals lik e 5 .

MAMA MANI - PEDI

AN ENGRAVED KEEPSAKE

Treat mom to a French manicure, a gel manicure, or a pedicure. With VIP Perks!

by Entertainment®, salons in your area may offer deals like 20% off the regular price of any nail service.

Let's face it, mom probably doesn' t need m What she might love is a personalized keepsake tha t she will hold onto forever. With VI P Perks! by Entertainment®, websites lik e Personalization Ma mited tim e deals like 20% .

GET EXCLUSIVE PERKS

With VIP Perks! by Entertainment®, our members enjoy local and national discounts on dining, entertainment and services. You can print coupons from home or simply redeem them from the mobile app!

Deep discounts, up to 50% off and BOGO. National, regional and local discounts.

Best-in-class offers, up to 50% off, on things you do every day.

Save on dining, attractions, activities, shopping, services, travel and more!

Save locally and when you travel. Offers from VIP Perks! by Entertainment® are available in 10,000+ US and Canadian cities.

This GBU Life member benefit is provided at no charge for both insured and social members, but you do need to opt-in to receive access to the site.

Log into the GBU Life Member Community at community.gbu.org or visit inside.gbu.org/vip-perks to get started.

RECEIVE DISCOUNTS FROM THESE RETAILERS AND MORE!

The Reporter

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Spring INTO THE SEASON

with these three 2023 home decor trends.

IMAGE SOURCE CURIOUSA

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IMAGE SOURCE HOMEY HOMIES: DESIGN WITH PERSONALITY

IMAGE SOURCE ACCORDING TO NOHEAY

Spring 2023

1. Precious Jewels

Incorporating jewel tones into your home will add luxury and drama while blanketing your space in a feeling of warmth and comfort. Sink into the deep, extravagant feeling these colors exude and unwind for the day in your living room or bedroom.

Swapping out your neutral curtains for a golden, velvet set will set the mood for comfort and relaxation. Try adding several jewel-tone throw pillows to your bed to introduce this trend or make a splash by painting your bathroom emerald green.

Need a good place to start? You’re in luck! Both Pantone® and PPG Paints have declared two different jewel tones for their 2023 Color of the Year. Pantone selected Viva Magenta and PPG Paints chose Vining Ivy (both pictured right).

These colors work well together but can also stand alone and light up a space independently.

IMAGE SOURCE PANTONE®

IMAGE SOURCE HOMEY HOMIES: DESIGN WITH PERSONALITY

IMAGE SOURCE PPG PAINTS

2. Make a Statement

Adding statement lighting to a room is a declaration of your style and expression. By swapping out old lighting fixtures with something fresh and vibrant, you’re able to give your space a budget-friendly makeover. True statement lighting commands a space and steals the show, all the while serving as an expression of your personal style. Soft, whimsical fixtures with an art deco flair (pictured far right) serve as great overhead lighting in the dining room while your family gathers to share a meal. Opting for a bolder, trendier piece (pictured right) will ground your living room décor and serve as a conversation starter for your next get together.

IMAGE SOURCE WILLIAMS SONOMA®

IMAGE SOURCE ANTHROPOLOGIE

3. Countertop Charm

You may not agree that a table lamp belongs on a kitchen countertop, but let us convince you otherwise! The trend of creating coziness in unexpected places is one of our favorites and the easiest to incorporate in your home. Our example of adding a table lamp in your kitchen is not only a budget-friendly way to add under cabinet lighting, it's an easy option to rely on when you’re in need of a little extra light. Adding a lamp to your kitchen makes the space feel more intimate and inviting while adding charm and coziness to a space where so many gather daily.

The Reporter

IMAGES SOURCE TUESDAY MADE LLC

21

Join Hands Day

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Since 2000, Join Hands Day has been a day that celebrates and supports generations of community members coming together for a day of volunteering. From school-aged children to grandparents, everyone is encouraged to work together on a project that benefits the community.

Interested in putting together your own Join Hands Day group of volunteers but don't know where to start? Here are five community project ideas for Join Hands Day. 1. Start a neighborhood garden.

2. Make care packages for local families in need.

3. Serve meals at a nursing home.

4. Host a food pantry or clothing drive.

5. Collect needed items for an animal shelter.

Did you know as a GBU member, you can apply for Project Start-Up Funds to support your Join Hands Day project? GBU will reimburse you for expenses for your project, up to $250 per member in your group ($1,000 max). Visit gbucares.org/give-back-groups for details and to apply.

Don’t forget to spread the word about Join Hands Day and all GBU does to support it when using the hashtags #JoinHandsDay and #GBULife on social media.

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Spring 2023

LOVE YOUR GBU MEMBERSHIP? Refer your friends and family and get rewarded GBU WANTS MORE MEMBERS LIKE YOU Refer your friends and family, and GBU will reward you with a $100 Visa or Amazon gift card for each new member that joins.

Limit $300 max reward for new members in the same household Limit of 10 referrals per member per year* You may claim a reward for non-GBU members in your own household Rewards apply to new insurance or annuity members who join from July 1, 2021, or later New insurance or annuity member must be registered to referring member via inside.gbu.org/referral To create your referral, go to inside.gbu.org/referral to register. We will contact your referrals and identify the best GBU membership solution to meet their needs. *If you have more than 10 new members to refer, please email sales@gbu.org for additional approval.

The Reporter

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JUST FOR KIDS JUST FOR KIDS

24

Spring 2023

Earth Day

Crafts and Ideas for Kids!

Create bracelets from old magazines.

Organize an Earth Day scavenger hunt.

Make an Earth Day handprint keepsake.

Get outside and explore nature by taking a walk through a park.

Make a recycled robot.

Build a cardboard tube feeder.

Make plant seed jars.

Saturday, April 22, 2023 The Reporter

25

test your knowledge:

LET'S GET WILD! Answer the True or False questions and you will get a letter that will help you spell out the name of this unusual mammal!

Plus, there is a BONUS question at the end to see how much you know about this creature!

FRATERNAL PUZZLE FOR MEMBERS AGES 10-14. Email contest@gbu.org or mail (GBU Fraternal Department, 4254 Saw Mill Run Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394) the participant's name, email address and answers to this fraternal puzzle for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

Jody Shapiro is a Forest Hills, Pennsylvania, native and owner of Aspire Enterprises and AspireToFind art—where she turns colorful computer creations, images of her dogs, and black-and-gold Yinzer sayings into shirts, mugs and other useful items! Jody and her husband, Joel Bloom, are the co-authors of the book Images of America Series: Forest Hills. She and Joel live in Forest Hills with their long-haired, mini dachshund (and social media influencer @CodyBearTheDachshund) AKA Cody. Jody has been creating word puzzles for children since the mid-1980s. She has been a GBU member since the late 2000s. aspiretofindasolution.com/news-notes

1

2

3

A raven can imitate human sounds.

1

True P

A baby bunny is called a bunbun.

2

True O

True S

False N

A squirrel can find food even if it is buried in snow.

4

True G

False S

A parrot can live up to 150 years.

5

True S

False O

A bear can walk like a human on two legs.

6

True L

False U

A hummingbird can’t smell.

7

True I

False M

Lions will not hunt when it is raining.

8

True Y

5

6

BONUS: This animal is the only mammal known to have 26

False A

Ostriches are not the fastest runner in the bird family.

3

4

False O

7

False N

8

?

Spring 2023

THE 3 BEST GIFT IDEAS FOR TEACHERS

Looking to find the perfect gift for your student's teacher? Check out these sure-to-impress favorites.

1.

GBU SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP

Did you know that GBU offers a social membership? For only $25 a year, you can gift membersonly discounts for restaurants, stores, entertainment and more!

Plus, reimbursement programs and even donation matches for organizations and causes teachers support in their community. Learn more information at gbucares.org/social-membership.

The Reporter

2.

PERSONALIZED STATIONERY

A set of cards or notepads with the teacher's name is always a useful gift.

3.

COFFEE SHOP GIFT CARD

Perfect for your coffee, tea or pastry-loving teachers. Tip: don't have time to stop at the store and purchase a gift card? Check to see if their preferred coffee shop has eGift cards that can be sent electronically.

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Gifts for Moms and Dads THAT THEY'LL LOVE (AND USE)

Whether you're shopping for new or seasoned parents, these useful gifts will put a smile on anyone's face!

AeroGarden This indoor hydroponic gardening system provides the opportunity to grow herbs, vegetables and more all year round. A great gift for the parent who enjoys fresh herbs with their meals!

Bedside Caddy A handy organizer that attaches to the bedside for storing books, tablets, remotes and more! It's ideal for smaller areas that don't lend space for a nightstand. Tip: depending on the style, these also work for couches.

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Tile Tracker Help Mom or Dad quickly find their easily misplaced items with a Tile tracker. These Bluetooth® trackers locate keys, wallets, phones and more!

Handwritten Tea Towel Does your family have a special recipe that's been passed down from generation to generation? Take that sentimental piece of family history and have it embroidered or printed onto a tea towel.

Charging Station Perfect for someone who has multiple devices. Plus, this gift can benefit the entire family!

Spring 2023

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 14 Father's Day is Sunday, June 18

The Reporter

The Perfect Gift for Mom and Dad! Show Mom and Dad how much you care by offering to do some things to help them out! You can offer to help with things outside of your normal chores, make them a special treat or even give them an extra hug! Write a list of ways to help Mom and Dad below.

FOR MOM

FOR DAD

I will

I will

I will

I will

I will

I will

Love,

Love,

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GBU Youth Leaders Program The GBU Youth Leaders program is a new part of GBU Life's (GBU) commitment to our youth and their education. The best way to help the communities we care about is to help foster a sense of community in our youth. We hope that GBU Youth Leaders will grow up to be advocates and strong leaders both for GBU and for the communities they live in.

GBU Youth Leaders earn points for participation in community challenges, lesson plans and virtual courses. Points can then be redeemed for additional education or community development grant money upon high school graduation.

GBU is excited to partner with the non-profit Project Giving Kids (PGK) for community challenges and recommended reading exercises and Outschool for virtual courses.

Community Challenges

by Project Giving Kids

Lesson Plans

by Project Giving Kids

Virtual Courses

by Outschool

PGK connects youth to meaningful, age-appropriate community service opportunities through both local and national organizations. Opportunities are aligned with 10 specific cause areas like "Aiding the Animals," "Saving the Planet" and "Supporting our Troops," so that students can support the causes they are most passionate about.

Not only does PGK connect youth with community service opportunities, it also provides free lesson plans associated with each cause area, separated by grade level. Lesson plans include a combination of recommended reading exercises as well as supporting videos.

Outschool offers interactive, one-of-a-kind youth courses. As a Youth Leader, you have free and exclusive access to monthly virtual courses like "Hobby Exploration" for elementary students, "Project Planning 101" for middle school students and "College Preparedness and Success: Financial Aid, Course Planning and More" for high school students.

To learn more or sign up for the GBU Youth Leaders program, go to inside.gbu.org/youth-leaders Terms and conditions for this program are subject to change at any time.

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Spring 2023

DISTRICT HAPPENINGS DISTRICT HAPPENINGS

The Reporter

31

District 45–Altoona, Pennsylvania Happy spring everyone! Hopefully, the first day of spring—March 20—brought some sunshine.

We hope all GBU members and their families have been in good health and enjoyed a blessed Easter.

December was a busy month for our members. In a combined effort with the Unter Uns Club, we held the Children’s Christmas Party. Thank you to everyone that helped out with the party.

Everyone in attendance had a great time making crafts, playing games, enjoying food and visiting with Santa. All the children received a gift. Family Christmas portraits can be found in the GBU Life Member Community.

Having fun at the Children’s Christmas Party.

Playing games at the Children’s Christmas Party.

Many of our members attended the Almrausch Schuhplattlers’ Kringlefest in December. Along with the Schuhplatters’ dance performances, the Hollidaysburg Area School District German Club performed songs in German and participated in dances with the Schuhplattlers. District 45 is proud to be a supporter of the Kringlefest and the German Club.

Almrausch Schuhplatters and Hollidaysburg Area School District German Club Members Dance Performance.

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Hollidaysburg Area School District performing at the Kringlefest.

We thank the GBU Home Office for sponsoring the Districts in Action program again this year. District 45 selected Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries-Blair County at Home program as our recipient. The ALSM at Home program provides trained caregivers to help sustain senior adults in the comfort of their own homes, so they can lead their lives as independently as possible. In-home care plans can include assistance as needed with personal care (including bathing, dressing and personal grooming); meal preparation; light housekeeping and laundry; errands for those unable to leave their home; medication reminders; companion services; assistance in locating additional resources to help manage care needs; and respite for family caregivers. District Trustee Albert (Butch) Schlecht, presented the initial $1,000 from the GBU Home Office to ALSM Representative Andrea Schurr on February 1. Thank you to everyone that donated to this great organization.

Trustee Albert (Butch) Schlecht presented the initial $1,000 Districts in Action check to ALSM Representative Andrea Schurr.

All the moms, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and great-, great-grandmothers are wished a very happy Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 14. Happy Father’s Day wishes go out to all the dads, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, and great-, greatgrandfathers on Sunday, June 18. Make sure to let these special people know how much you love and appreciate them.

Upcoming District Events The annual Join Hands Day Project is tentatively planned to help the Unter Uns Club with the spring clean up in preparation for the Memorial Day Flag-Raising Ceremony and summer activities. Join Hands Day was founded in 2000 by the American Fraternal Alliance as a way for adults and youth to work together as volunteers toward a greater purpose for their communities.

Spring 2023

District 45–Altoona, Pennsylvania, continued On Wednesday, May 10, our summer Pie Sale Fundraiser begins and will benefit a local Relay For Life team and the Brian Morden Foundation (BMF). The goals of the BMF are to support local families, patients and staff of pediatric oncology units, research for childhood cancer and to provide educational scholarships to childhood cancer survivors. Orders are due to me by Monday, June 12 and come in on Saturday, June 24. Cinnamon rolls, snails and pumpkin rolls are available in addition to pies.

Monday, May 30 is Memorial Day. Tentatively, activities begin with 9 a.m. Mass at St. Mary’s Church followed by a procession to St. Mary’s Cemetery, then the Flag-Raising Ceremony at the Unter Uns Club at noon and the Ceremonies at Brush Mountain Sportsman’s Club at 3 p.m. Check out the local papers for other events being held in the Blair County area.

Join GBU members on Flag Day this summer. Ceremonies are scheduled for Wednesday, June 14 at the Downtown Altoona Heritage Plaza starting at noon. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day; on August 3, 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress, although it still is not an official federal holiday.

Save the Date! Our annual District Picnic will be held on Friday, August 18 at the Swiss Club of Altoona. The Swiss Club is located at 1219 Harrison Avenue in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Doors open at 5 p.m. for an evening of good food, fun and fellowship. More information to come in the summer Reporter article.

We continue our GBU Cares project as we collect personal hygiene items to donate to the local shelters. To have a donation picked up, contact Treasurer Betty Richardson (814-943-6655) or me. Motel-size or full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, etc. are greatly appreciated.

We are still collecting donations for the District 45 Scholarship Fund. Donations may be sent to Treasurer Betty Richardson at 2524 W. Chestnut Ave., Altoona, PA 16601. Please make checks payable to GBU District 45 and denote District 45 Scholarship Fund in the memo line.

Please join us at our monthly meetings. They are held at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at the Unter Uns Club which is located at Van Buren Ave and 14th Street in Altoona.

No meetings are held in January, July, November or December.

(Your officers will have officers’ meetings instead to plan for upcoming activities.) Come, learn, support and get involved in the fraternal activities, and join us for refreshments.

Be sure to sign up for access to the GBU Life Member Community page to be able to participate in many fun activities, keep up-to-date with activities sponsored by the Home Office and our district and to see photos from past events.

- Robin Kessler, Fraternal Secretary 814-943-4481 or rob1jon@atlanticbb.net

District 84 Lancaster, Pennsylvania Happy spring everyone! As the weather gets warmer, we have a lot of great events coming up.

Let me start with an update on our district meetings. Meetings are now at 12 p.m. the third Sunday of the month and still at the Millersville VFW. There will not be any meetings in June, July or August.

The Reporter

The turnout and food for our District Christmas Party on December 3, 2022, were great! Food was catered by Hess’s BBQ and they did an amazing job! I hope we can have another successful party this year coming up.

Since our Christmas Party, not much has happened. We did have a Valentine’s Dinner on February 11 and bowling on March 11 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. There will be more on those in the next article. We are having flyers mailed out for events, but you should have also received an event calendar in the mail. If you need an event calendar, please contact me, Edna Suter or Terry (TJ) Suter, Jr.

Upcoming Events Sunday, April 16 Monthly Meeting/Social Saturday, April 22 Gift Card Bingo Sunday, May 21 Monthly Meeting/Social June No Meeting Sunday, June 11 Phillies Baseball Game July No Meeting Saturday, July 15 Luncheon & Ice Cream Social at Scoops You can always get details on district events by calling President Terry “TJ” Suter, Jr. (717-283-3628 or steelerstj13@gmail.com) or Fraternal Secretary/Treasurer Edna Suter (717-333-9388 or ednasuter65@gmail.com), or by going onto Facebook (GBU District 84) or our district section of the GBU website reporter. gbu.org/member-news.

- Edna Suter, Fraternal Secretary/Treasurer 717-333-9388 or steelerstj13@gmail.com

District 146-Johnstown, Pennsylvania Spring is in the air!

For the Districts In Action Project 2023, we have chosen Mom’s House. Empowering single and abused women with education, Mom’s House combines a network of services including a comprehensive support system with a quality childcare program. Parents entering the program continue their education by becoming full-time students, either in high school or postsecondary school or job training. Each parent agrees, through a written contract, to maintain passing grades and gives three hours of service per week in return for totally free child care, counseling, tutoring and advocacy support offered by the program. Please make a donation to Mom’s House and help young, abused women with unplanned pregnancies a viable, practical alternative to the despair of abortion and the tragedy of welfare.

A Fundraiser was held in the clubroom on St. Patrick’s Day to benefit district programs.

It’s time again for the district’s annual Join Hands Day at the MBHA. The date will be determined. Check with a district officer for more information.

33

District 146-Johnstown, Pennsylvania, continued Below are important dates to remember!

Sunday, May 14 Mother’s Day Sunday, June 18 Father’s Day Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month (except July) at the Moxham Beneficial Home Association, located at 40 Bridge Street in Johnstown, Pennsylvania (814-539-1290). Check the bulletin board in the clubroom for additional information, meeting dates and any changes.

-

Francis B. Madison Fraternal Award

David Templeton

Barbara Weimer, Fraternal Secretary/Treasurer 814-255-4710

District 291-Summerhill, Pennsylvania Wishing everyone well from District 291 of Summerhill. Our Christmas Party was held on December 3, 2022, and was well attended by members and guests. A favorite activity for this party is “Speed Bingo” hosted by our very own Carmie Seder.

We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Robert “Boo Boo” Penatzer, a longtime member, and former district vice president. Bob passed away on December 5, 2022, at the age of 91. He was always an energetic and fun guy to be around. Although he was the brunt of many jokes, he usually had a comeback that would make you laugh. His funeral mass was celebrated on December 10 with veteran’s rites and many district members in attendance.

On December 17, 2022, District 291 had a good representation with other community members as we participated in Wreaths Across America at St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Germany.

Cindy Friedman and Brad Cobaugh attended the dedication services along with Tom Gregorich, Jack Bodenschatz and Jim Endler, who served in the honor guard, and myself, serving as MC. State Senator Wayne Langerholc was also in attendance and delivered a brief and meaningful message to those in attendance. This meaningful dedication was held at cemeteries nationwide to honor our veterans and remember the sacrifices they made as part of their service to our great nation.

David Templeton is presented the Francis B. Madison Fraternal Award by District President Joyce Cobaugh.

At the January 2023 meeting, David Templeton was surprised, honored and humbled to be awarded the Francis B. Madison Fraternal Award by District 291 President Joyce Cobaugh, the niece of “Frannie” and Marian Madison.

If you need help organizing an event or require a dedicated volunteer, Dave Templeton is always ready and willing to help.

Dave became a member of District 291 in 2009 and has been instrumental in organizing and promoting fraternal activity in the community. Partnering with local organizations, he has helped to make our summer event, Movies in the Park, a success. He is also the cook for our Member Appreciation Dinner.

Aside from organizing district events and keeping members up to date on the latest news in his Reporter articles, Dave serves as president of the Summerhill Social Club. He volunteers at the Summerhill Fire Company, cooks at the Summerhill Social Club Kegs and Eggs event, and is a Eucharistic minister and lector at Immaculate Conceptions Church. He assists with PIAA Track and Field and is a swimming officer. Last but not least, he honors those who served by participating in Wreaths Across America.

In addition to his many community activities, he works at the family business, Templeton Auctioneers. Dave is a loving husband to his wife Becky and father to his children, Miles and Lane, who also help with the auctions. His commitment to his family and community goes above and beyond which is why District 291 is proud to honor him with the Francis B. Madison Fraternal Award.

Dave Templeton proudly shows off his award while his family proudly stands by in support.

Wreaths Across Honor Guard.

America representation.

I was MC at the ceremonies.

A new effort in a follow up to our fall AED training was recently started by Kelly Penatzer, a local RN, and Jean Kinley, a local paramedic and funeral director, to raise funds to place AED devices at local sports fields for the summer season. This effort quickly gained a lot of popularity and now has become countywide to ensure the devices are available for patients suffering a cardiac event. This is essential in our local area because of many rural communities lacking ambulance service or being up to a half hour from the closest first responders.

District 291 will be supporting the ladies in their efforts and also working to host additional community training sessions for use of these lifesaving devices.

34

Just wanted to make a few comments. When I relocated back to Cambria County in 2008 and settled in Summerhill with my wife Becky, we met many folks that have become part of our town family. The Madisons are part of that in many ways. Although we never got to know Frannie, Marian was always a presence in the community and became known to many as “Summerhill’s Grandma.” It has been an honor and pleasure to become friends and neighbors with their siblings, children and grandchildren over the last almost 15 years. It is more of an honor though to receive this prestigious award named after Frannie. Thank you, Joyce and Tara, for the nomination!

Spring 2023

District 291-Summerhill, Pennsylvania, continued Grandma.” It has been an honor and pleasure to become friends and neighbors with their siblings, children and grandchildren over the last almost 15 years. It is more of an honor though to receive this prestigious award named after Frannie. Thank you, Joyce and Tara, for the nomination!

with their new crayons and big coloring books while enjoying pizza and juice. Then the main event: Santa (our own Jeremiah) and presents. Each child received a special gift selected just for them. Everyone had a good time, even the parents.

Our newest member is Mavry Lambert and his parents are Monika and Vance. He is the greatgrandson of Irene Shrift.

The 2023 officers are as follows: President Vice President Fraternal Secretary/Treasurer Marshal Sentinel Trustees

Joyce Cobaugh Cindy Friedman Tara McIntyre Barb Bodenschatz Carmie Seder Dave Templeton Jack Bodenschatz Jim Endler

Meetings are held at the Summerhill Social Club 514 Main Street in Summerhill. We are considering resuming monthly meetings, so please check with district members for a schedule of other activities or stop in at the club. New members are always welcome!

- David Templeton, Trustee Dtemp902@hotmail.com or 814-244-8243

District 361-Barberton, Ohio Hello and happy spring! It is January as I write this, so spring is much anticipated.

National Join Hands Day is Saturday, May 6 this year. It is more than just a day to volunteer; it is a day for old and young to work together in support of one another in community service. Let us all try t3o participate in some way no matter how small.

Take time to enjoy the beauty of nature as April showers bring May flowers.

Until next time.

- Denise Varney, Recording Secretary 330-903-0635

District 510-Toledo, Ohio Greetings from District 510. I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. We wish you all good luck, happiness and health in the 2023.

District 510 held a Halloween Trunk-or-Treat event. GBU members got together at the GAF Oak Shade Grove parking lot and decked out their trunks and truck beds with Halloween decorations. The children, dressed in their Halloween costumes, walked from vehicle to vehicle collecting candy and treats.

Thank you to all who helped make this event a success. A special thank you to Lynne Shoup for donating the pumpkins.

We hope you all had a happy Easter.

Everyone enjoyed a hayride.

Thank you to all our volunteers.

Thank you to all the new district officers (l to r): District President Ryan Kinsinger, Recording Secretary Denise Varney, 1-yr. Trustee Mark Sowick, Marshal Duane Weber, 3-yr. Trustee Ron Busson, Fraternal Secretary/Treasurer Kathy Stone, Sentinel Julie Battistuta, 2-yr. Trustee Ron Battistuta and Vice President Jim Owens.

We held our annual Kids’ Christmas Party on December 17. We had 17 children attend this year. All the kids had fun coloring The Reporter

We had a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings at our November meeting. Special thanks to Marilyn Riedeman and Mary Smith for preparing the sumptuous feast. Election of District 510 officers was held at the meeting. The body voted to keep the same officers who served in 2022. Ten turkeys donated by our Toledo Holzhacker Buam dance group were raffled off at the meeting.

35

District 510-Toledo, Ohio, continued

District 630–Ann Arbor, Michigan Greetings from Ann Arbor.

We hope all our members, families and friends enjoyed the start of spring and a happy Easter! We look forward to a warm and sunny spring and we welcome back our “snowbirds”!

For any member that has been feeling ill or is recovering from an operation, we send you wishes for a speedy recovery, and hope you feel better soon. Please let one of our officers know if you are ill or recovering from surgery, so we can send you well wishes from the Sunshine Committee!

Turkey raffle winners.

We would like to thank all officers for accepting their positions and wish them a successful year.

We ended 2022 with our Children’s Christmas Party. The festive hall decorations included poinsettias on each table. Thank you to Lynne Shoup for acquiring the beautiful arrangements. Lynne also brought a Christmas tree-shaped target game, in which the children shot at the target with a Nerf gun and won cash prizes.

There were also guessing games where they had to guess how many pieces of candy that were in the containers. The winners got to keep the containers of candy. There were food, drinks and toy raffle tickets available for purchase. The toy raffle was a big hit with the children as they are all hoping to be winners.

Everyone sang Christmas carols while waiting for Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive. After their visit with Santa, the children each got a gift. The children and their families were able to take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus as a nice keepsake from the party.

On December 11, we resumed holding our annual Christmas Party. Before the arrival of Santa Claus, we were entertained by Magic Joe and had a Christmas carol sing-a-long with musician John Jarvis. Everyone in attendance had a good time and was happy we are starting to return to “normal.”

John Jarvis leading the sing-a-long.

Santa has entered the building!

Santa with Great Lakes District Engagement Specialist Laqueeta Coleman and her daughters.

In March, retired GBU National President Hans Rauer installed the 2023 officers following our monthly meeting.

Santa, Mrs. Claus and joyous children.

A special thank you goes to Santa’s helpers (Micah Graber and Roxie Grabenstetter Mlynek). Last but not least, are the co-chairpersons Jackie Martin and Marilyn Riedeman and all the people who volunteered their time and talents to make this party so special for the children. We are truly blessed with our volunteers who generously donate their time for our District 510 events.

Our Children’s Easter Bunny Hop-Thru was scheduled for April 2, between 1 p.m.–3 p.m. Hope you were able to attend.

Upcoming Events For current news on GBU District 510 events, please check the GBU District 510 Facebook page.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at our future meetings. If you have not been to a meeting lately, please join us for a light dinner and fellowship followed by our monthly meeting. Our regular meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at the GAF. The meal is served starting at 6 p.m., and our meeting starts at 7 p.m.

- Jacqueline Martin, Fraternal Secretary 419-350-6684 or Toysrmonica@sbcglobal.net 36

Our Community Outreach Program resumed in January with monthly cooking for the after-school program at Peace Neighborhood Center. We thank our members who continue to support this program and for all your volunteer hours. A big thank you to Community Outreach Coordinator Susan Weber for organizing our volunteers. If anyone is interested in volunteering, please let Susan know.

GBU understands that the need for support is still great; therefore, the Home Office is continuing the Districts in Action program. The program offers each district the opportunity to select a nonprofit of its choice to receive a $1,000 donation. For this year’s program, our district decided to do something a little different. We decided to support the Leukemia Foundation for Arizona Children because one of our members and family are personally dealing with childhood leukemia. The Home Office mailed a fundraising request to all District 630 members and GBU members in the surrounding area of Phoenix, Arizona, to match up to $ 2,500 of any additional donations collected.

Please mark your calendars for these upcoming events: Sunday, May 7 Monthly meeting with Mother’s Day Special, 1 p.m.

Sunday, June 11 Monthly meeting with Father’s Day Special, 1 p.m.

Stay tuned for GBU at the Detroit Zoo coming Saturday, July 22!

More information to be announced.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our meetings or events!

- Christina MacKellar, Fraternal Secretary 734-646-9388 or christina.mackellar@gbu.org Spring 2023

District 684-Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Greetings from District 684 in Pittsburgh!

It’s hard to believe it’s spring already. The winter months flew by.

We closed our 2022 year with our annual Brunch with Santa at South Hills Country Club. It was a wonderful afternoon with over 80 in attendance. Many thanks to our officers who all donated beautiful raffle baskets and prizes.

By the time you read this, we will have shaken off our winter blues with a social event/fundraiser at Top Golf Pittsburgh on February 26. Many thanks to Gary Madison for setting up this fun day. Proceeds from this event will be donated to Lord’s Pantry Food Distribution of BCUMC. Upcoming Events: Saturday, May 6 Kentucky Derby Social, Gianna Via’s Restaurant, Caste Village Thursday, June 22 General meeting, GBU Home Office, 5:30 p.m.

As always, if you would like more information regarding our meetings and events, please feel free to contact me. We look forward to seeing old and new members join us.

- Jackie Alaimo, Fraternal Secretary alaimo614@aol.com or 412-720-4801

District 699-Frankenmuth, Michigan Fraternal greetings from GBU District 699.

Congratulations to district member Kurt Weber on taking second place in GBU’s Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest.

Several district members volunteered at Operation Troop Appreciation on December 3 (l to r): Jerilyn McCollum, Jackie Alaimo, Sandy Wagner, Tina Madison and Judy Bickel helped pack care packages and holiday stockings for our deployed military service members and veterans in need.

Our officers met in the first week of January and have been busy planning our meetings and activities for the upcoming year.

Thanks to GBU’s District In Action program, the district chose to sponsor a local food pantry at Baldwin Community United Methodist Church, Lord’s Pantry Food Distribution. GBU kicks off the program with a $1,000 donation then matches member donations made to the organization through March 31, 2023, up to $2,500. A food pantry member who was our guest at our first general meeting talked about the many families who depend on the pantry and ways in which our group can support them with volunteers and donations.

Delivering the check to the food pantry.

We are thankfully we had a very mild winter as of this writing.

Hopefully, as you read this, we are well on the way to a beautiful spring!

Memories from the Trunkor-Treat event.

At our November meeting, we held our officers’ election.

Congratulations to the new 2023 officers and thanks go to all those who have helped guide the district toward success in its fraternal goals. The 2023 officers consist of the following members: President 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President Fraternal Secretary Recording Secretary Treasurer Marshal Sentinel Trustees Auditor

Leo Ohlendorf Regina Pierce Lindsey Pierce Dan Pierce Cassie Rutkowski Tim Weiss Evelyn Mertz Jolyn Ohlendorf Gerda Jones Marian Ludlum Kaitlyn Pierce Manfred Schwartz

Thank you for all your service to GBU District 699.

Our December meeting included a guest from the Home Office.

Great Lakes District Engagement Specialist Laqueeta Coleman was able to be at our meeting with her family and updated the group with some programs that were now available to our members.

The Reporter

37

District 699-Frankenmuth, Michigan, continued

January meeting participants.

Our February, March and April district meetings, as well as February and March officers’ meetings were held at daVinci’s.

If you are a District 699 member and have never been to a meeting, I do recommend it. It is a very pleasant time.

As always, if you want to partake in one of GBU District 699 events, please contact me, Dan Pierce (dan.pierce@mail.com).

- Dan Pierce, Fraternal Secretary 989-482-9020 or dan.pierce@mail.com

District 701-Pontiac, Michigan Welcome spring/summer 2023!

The first order of business is to commend Laqueeta Coleman for her amazing support and coordination with so many of the GBU groups. She has helped to join us together by assisting in the growth of our clubs and keeping the GBU family connected!

We are looking forward to the exciting excursions Laqueeta has on the agenda this summer/fall—stay tuned!

Since The Reporter is now a quarterly magazine, bear with us as we try to keep up with the activities of the past few months and upcoming events when writing the articles.

We had another fun Christmas Luncheon gathering this past December at the very busy Alfoccino in Auburn Hills. It was good to see Laqueeta make it all the way from Ypsi, and it was also a treat to have our referral agent Scott Kemmerling join as well as Denny, Sue, Erika, Jim and Lisa from DASV (now District 701 members). Denny Hogan won our “ugly sweater” contest by proxy.

Our December 6 Christmas Luncheon at Alfoccino (clockwise from bottom left): Elisabeth Tussing, Herbert Tussing, Peter Hoffmann, Richard De Arment, Scott Kemmerling, Judy Rolando, Chuck Zahringer, Michele Kotlarski, Laqueeta Coleman, Sue Hogan, Erika Hoffmann, Denny Hogan, Jim Binder.

38

Sentinel/bouncer Chuck Zahringer celebrates his 77th birthday for the seventh time with four GBU members at the Clawson Steak House. He is a New Years baby 1/1/46.

We are thankful that MaryAnne (absent that day) had a good outcome with her hospital visit and is now back to attending our regular meetings. To keep it interesting, let’s look around for another fun spot for future gatherings/meals.

The DASV has again been nominated to be District 701’s District In Action group. We continue to join in and support it educating and supporting the community, while having fun along the way!

What a GREAT club! Any support and word-of-mouth references to those interested in joining the DASV is always welcome, or have them get in touch with any of our members! (www.dasv.org) Speaking of events to help the DASV, go to GBUCares.org or access DASV events through the GBU portal community.gbu.org. If you are a GBU member, you can check out this amazing link: inside.gbu.org/vip-perks.

There’s a rumor floating around that GBU may have some really FUN events coming this summer to fall. How’s a relaxing afternoon/early evening Cruise on perhaps the Detroit Princess, Infinity or Ovation out of SCS? Your input is always welcome.

Stay tuned for information about the Detroit Zoo and the second Yates Cider Mill event. Laqueeta is full of surprises, who knows where we may end up!

Upcoming Activities Tuesday, April 11 Monthly meeting, DASV, 12 p.m.

Saturday, April 15 DASV. Kronungsball (rescheduled from December ‘22), 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 2 Monthly meeting, DASV, 12 p.m. (tentative) Saturday, May 6 DASV Spring Park Cleanup, 9 a.m.; ALL invited to pitch in Tuesday, June 6 Monthly meeting, DASV, 12 p.m. (tentative) Saturday, June 17 DASV Pig Roast w/Tommy Schober, 5 p.m.

Sunday, June 25 Austrian Waldfest-Forest Festival, 1 p.m.

In our commitment to promote and maintain the sustainability of the DASV, it’s asked you join us for our GBU 701 general meetings, held at the DASV Clubhouse on Auburn Road. They are usually held the first Tuesday of the month at 12 p.m. We cover any topic guests may have. This could be Home Office events and news and upcoming events on our schedule. Please phone ahead. The bottom line is “get involved”!

- Richard A. De Arment 248-709-4949 or MetroDetroitBroker@gmail.com Spring 2023

District 707-Grand Rapids, Michigan We held our annual Christmas Dinner/Dance on November 13.

Everyone who attended had a great time. We signed Christmas cards for the veterans at GR Home for Veterans to let them know how much we appreciated their service and wish them a very merry Christmas. We also held a fundraiser for Toys for Tots to support our local children in need.

We chose Mary Free Bed Foundation as our 2023 Districts in Action. A flyer will be coming out to tell members how to donate and get funds matched by GBU. District 707 College Scholarship program is available for our active members who are full-time students attending an accredited college in 2023-2024. Contact jcwik227@yahoo. com, or call Judy at 616-454-6026 for the form. Applicants must provide verification of fall 2023 enrollment.

Be sure to join us at our meetings which are usually held the fourth Wednesday of each month at St. Casimir Hall.

- Judy Cwiklinski Fraternal Secretary 616-454-6026 or jcwik227@yahoo.com

District 815-Dayton, Ohio We are very proud of our scholarship recipients. We were very happy to be able to support them.

Caroline Peek and Christian Peek, both attend Bowling Green, are happy to have received their checks. They are from the Scarpelli family.

Toys for Tots Fundraiser.

To support the education pillar at our November 16 meeting, we invited speakers from the Michelle Lunn Foundation to tell us about its 100% volunteer program. It was created in memory of Michelle Lunn, who at 22, died from acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It was established as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) taxexempt foundation trying to make a difference in the lives of those suffering from blood cancer. The Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support critically needed blood cancer research and financially help patients and their families affected with a blood cancer diagnosis. Van Andel Institute was the recipient of a large donation for new equipment.

Treasurer Ken Larm, presented them with a check to assist them in their community service. Thank you to Mike and Sue Lunn, parents of Michelle, and Nick Volpe to speak to us about the great work of the foundation.

The Reporter

Chloe Brzozowski is pictured with Paula Boehm, me and Chloe’s mom, Connie Brzozowski and grandmom, Carolyn Klohe. They are three generations of GBU members!

Jácque Slater presented our check to Crystal Allen from the Dayton Boys and Girls Club.

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District 815-Dayton, Ohio, continued

Happy spring to all of our members!

At our February meeting, we installed the district officers for 2023. The following members were installed as follows: President: Anna L. Janjanin YiJing Groeber Vice President: Fraternal/Recording Secretary: Julie A. Davis Treasurer: Anne Marie Parker Marshal: Luke Janjanin Sentinel: Thomas Groeber Bridgette Davis Trustees: Luke Janjanin Maria Janjanin

East End Comm Services is our Districts in Action project this year. We presented the $1K check from GBU to Executive Director Jan Lepore-Jentleson. Included are Trudy Campbell, Ken Kreitzer (Liederkranz), Jeff Gerrior (St. John’s UCC), myself, Wilfred van Breukelen and Justine Kelly (St. Anne’s Hill).

We hope to build some relationships to benefit this part of the community.

East End Comm Services’ goals are to build a prosperous, healthy and caring community. They are located at 624 Xenia Avenue in Dayton.

Be sure to mark your calendar: Adopt a Park Spring (TBD) Relay For Life Saturday, May 13 Wednesday, May 31 Application Deadline for Undergraduate, Graduate and Renewal College Scholarships and Grants Friday, June 30 Application Deadline for Two-Year and Four-Year College Scholarships and Grants Friday, June 30 Application Deadline for GBU High School Freshman Grants June (TBD) Family Picnic - Chris van Breukelen, FIC, Fraternal Secretary 937.885.4784 or wvanbreukelen@compuserve.com

District 817-Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

District 817 members will again do community projects throughout the year, as well as giving donations to charitable organizations. There will be a social event after each of our meetings. The next District 817 meeting will be Sunday, April 16, at 2 p.m. at Cannstatters, it will be followed by an Easter Egg Hunt. The following month our meeting will be held on Sunday, May 21, and will be followed by a Pizza Party. In the event that Cannstatter is unavailable due to other events occurring, the location of our meetings will be changed. Please contact me at the number listed below for further information.

- Julie A. Davis, Fraternal Secretary 215-870-6585 or bjb7241@verizon.net

District 821-Sterling Heights, Michigan Dear Friends!

By the time you read this, winter will be almost gone, and our 2023 events will have started. We plan to continue our love of socializing and singing throughout 2023!

Our first gathering was in February. We practiced our songs for singing in Milwaukee’s Sängerfest, where German-American choirs from all over the country get together every three years in a different host city. It is always a very magnificent event.

We are thankful for the pandemic having eased a bit. Our enthusiasm has returned in some noteworthy events. The GACC’s 35th anniversary celebration on October 2 included the GBU choir and the Michigan Sängerbezirk singing the national anthems and three other songs. The GTEV Edelweiss dancers and the Carpathia youth dancers performed for all to enjoy.

Herbert Gruber was honored to be the German-American of the Year 2022-2023. Congratulations!

Present and former German-Americans of the Year, 12 of which are GBU members.

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Spring 2023

District 821-Sterling Heights, Michigan, continued

Thirteen of our district members attended the unusually chilly day of our October 19 meeting at Yates Cider Mill. This meeting was planned for us by Great Lakes District Engagement Specialist Laqueeta Coleman. Everyone had a good time visiting, enjoying cider and doughnuts and a raffle.

Our youngest member, Wyatt DeVos won a $25 coupon.

Congratulations!

On October 23, the Michigan Sängerbezirk had its annual Kommers, where each choir—GBU, Carpathia and Schwäbischer Male Choir—gave individual performances. These were followed by all choirs singing three final songs together, earning a delightful round of applause! Of course, there was a raffle offering many prizes, a home-baked cake sale and music to listen and dance to. There were about 120 guests in attendance.

Seven of our GBU singers, including Edith Kuplent, Sigfried Charow, Ingrid Stein and I, drove to Fort Custer in Battle Creek, Michigan, to honor our fallen German soldiers on November 13.

The GACC donated a decorated wreath, and we sang the two national anthems and the German Ich hatt’ einen Kameraden (I Had a Comrade). Afterward, we enjoyed coffee and cake and had a nice visit with others in the VFW hall.

We welcomed about 200 guests to the Fall Concert on November 20. This was the last concert at the Carpathia Hall.

The German-American Cultural Center’s Christmas Party was on December 4. After our short annual meeting, we enjoyed a good dinner followed by singing of many of our favorite German Christmas songs which were led by the GBU singers.

At our GBU Christmas Party on the 16th, conductor Piotr Szawielela and piano player David Fox made sure it was an enjoyable and perfect performance for all 54 members and guests. After having enjoyed so many wonderful years at the Carpathia Club, we were all sad to see the traditions at this location come to an end.

Choirs at Kommers.

With GBU helpers, Karin Schwalbe organized the Carpathia Kirchweih on November 5. It was very successfully attended, with special visitors from Milwaukee in their special Tracht.

The rest of our holiday season was filled with performances at St. Peter’s German Church in Warren, St. John’s Church in Ray Township and the Historic Trinity Lutheran’s German Service in Detroit.

We also sang for the residents of the Waltonwood Senior Assisted Living Home in Sterling Heights where one of our members resides. The mostly German Christmas hymns and American songs brought back memories for many of the residents there and were appreciated by all in attendance.

The Reporter

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District 821-Sterling Heights, Michigan, continued To sweeten the afternoon, Heidi Wolff organized Christmas plates filled with holiday treats for all of the seniors to snack on.

This year our busy creators really outdid themselves (also with other helpers). There were a total of almost 700 blankets, afghans, throws, lap blankets and twin-size, baby and toddler blankets.

The organizations that were awarded were Camp Concordia, Macomb Charitable Foundation, Gifts for All of God’s Children, O.A.T.S (Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles) and Seedlings Braille Books for Children.

(R to l) Rose Penzien presents a Districts in Action check to Julie Wright, board member for the Macomb Charitable Foundation.

They were blessed and then delivered by Ingrid Stein, Heidi Wolff, and John and Herta Benesch to Alternative for Girls (homeless girls 15-20 without family), Trinity Health Oakland (No One Dies Alone Comfort Companion Program), Gianna House (safe residence for at-risk pregnant young mothers-to-be and mothers with newborn infants who are homeless) , Pop Francis Center (Homeless Friends of Foster Kids) and Martha T. Berry.

Upcoming Festivities Saturday, June 17 Sunday, June 25 Sunday, July 30

Pigroast, Schützen Park Austrian Waldfest, Austrian Schützenfest, Schützen Park

- Marianne Krenzer, Fraternal Secretary 586-776-7058, (cell) 586-996-1169 or mekrenzer@hotmail.com

District 1000–LFA Dear Members, “Spring adds new life and new beauty to all that is.”

- Jessica Harrelson

Mark your Calendars (events might be subject to change) We will be working on trying to get some events together for us to participate in. If you have any ideas that you want to share please let us know.

Relay For Life 2023 is to be held on Saturday, May 6 at Chippewa Valley Ninth Grade Center. Look for a flyer in the mail with donation information. Please feel free to visit relayforlife. org, click on the Donate button then enter GBU District 1000.

You can enter your donation online to help support the American Cancer Society.

GBU/District 1000-LFA Assembly 57 will be celebrating its 100th anniversary on Monday, June 5 at 6 p.m. The celebration will take place at Assembly 57 Hall located at 16140 Aurora, Eastpointe, MI 48021. It will include a free-will donation, pasta dinner and entertainment by the Concordia Chorales. For further information, contact Paul Eschmann at 586-293-9364 or Randy Orell at 586-465-6146.

Join us for a night of fun, entertainment & baseball at Jimmy John’s Field!

Membership News 37th Annual Concordia Food-A-Thon. The Food-A-Thon was another success this year. We were able to send over $8,400 to the Seminary.

Concordia Seminary students shopping in the Food Co-Op that our donations are rushed to help stock.

GBU District 1000 Scholarship Applications are due by Saturday, July 15, 2023. Applications can be picked up at the District 1000 office.

Membership Give Back Group Opportunities Representatives from Trenton Recreation Department came to the district office to pick up our donation of five wheelchairs and six walkers to be utilized by their department.

Districts in Action Program. District 1000 was again able to award five 501(c)(3) organizations with an initial $1,000 towards their charity. The GBU Home Office will match additional funds donated by members towards the charity of their choosing.

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Mel Ott/Lutheran Night with GBU Life District 1000 Group Perks Include

Enjoy an All-American BBQ!

● ● ● ●

Premium Hot Dogs, Slow-Roasted, BBQ Pulled Chicken, Fresh Pasta Salad, Coleslaw, Baked Beans, Potato Chips, and Cookies. Food is served for 90 minutes starting when the gates open. Guests will receive unlimited soft drinks, lemonade, iced tea, and water. Drink tickets (2) for those over the age of 21 that are good for Bud, Bud Light, or wine.

● ● ● ●

Game seating in party patio area Reserved grandstand seating Group photo on the field Welcome message on the scoreboard Kids Run the Bases after the game Meet JJ the Field General, the bat dog Meet & Greet with a team mascot Free Parking

Tickets Available Now - $36 per person ($51 value) (Kids 3 and under are free)

Forward checks payable to GBU District 1000 to 51466 Romeo Plank Rd., Macomb, MI 48042 RSVP by July 21, 2023 (tickets available on first-come, first-serve basis)

UNICORNS VS. HOPPERS Friday, August 11, 2023 - 7:05 PM GATES OPEN 6 PM 7171 Auburn Road, Utica, MI 48317

For additional information, please contact Glenn at (586) 944-5004 GBU Life is the marketing name for GBU Financial Life (GBU), Pittsburgh, PA. GBU is not affiliated with Jimmy John’s, Unicorns, Hoppers and USPBL.

“Your exemplary team made our night smooth and effortless. It was an amazing event and everyone went home happy. Jimmy John’s Field is a true field of dreams.” - Stewart

Spring 2023

District 1000–LFA, continued

Assembly Activities

Look on GBU Life Member Community for upcoming events to join. We will have a District 1000 page where you can find The Reporter articles, RSVP for events and connect with other GBU members. Please make sure you have a current email address on file at the Home Office in order to be included in GBU Life Member Community.

Reminders We have “gently used” wheelchairs/walkers available for pick up at our district office, at no cost for anyone in need.

LWML is continuing to collect canceled postage stamps for its Stamps for Mission program. Simply cut the canceled stamp off the envelope and bring it to the next function. We will see that it gets to the LWML. Thanks, Willie Marie for delivering 1,244-plus canceled stamps to the LWML Convention.

On December 3, Shared Blessings Mission Store, along with District 2000 Assembly 53, held a Christmas party for the Afghan refugees that have been taking English classes as a second language. There are over 300 refugees living in the apartment complex near the church and store. There were 22 families that took part in this learning. Almost all of the men worked with the U.S. military for years, so they understand a little about our holiday. This was their first Christmas in the United States.

If any members have, any suggestions or ideas for events that they would like GBU to consider, please feel free to let us know.

We want to encourage more members to get involved and attend events. Let us know what activities you would like District 1000 to host. Please feel free to call 586-677-2020.

District Officers’ Meeting—District officers’ meeting will be held in May at 6 p.m. via Zoom meeting.

Christian volunteering is contagious.

- Stacia (Penzien) Zarzycki, Sentinel 586-677-2020

District 2000–ULS Fraternal Contributions Once again, we wish to thank GBU for its Districts in Actions 2023 program that provides financial assistance to charitable organizations. District 2000 selected the following organizations to receive a GBU donation of $1,000:

The kids had a blast and were able to choose free books off the table!

Assembly 126 in Massillon, Ohio, held its annual Christmas Luncheon on December 11 at the Pizza Oven. They had 40 members and guests in attendance and all enjoyed good food, fun, gifts, along with a short meeting. Also part of the program was presenting Gene Stocker and Dennis Lillich from St. John’s Men’s Fellowship Group with a $500 sharing funds check received from District 2000.

• First Presbyterian Church of Duquesne, Duquesne, PA • Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Food Pantry, Cleveland, OH • Ahead, Inc, Massillon, OH • Quota International of Massillon, Massillon, OH • Helping Hands Society, Hazleton, PA District 2000 added to this program by donating the same amount to these additional charities: • Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region, in memory of William Fennell • Cribs for Kids, Pittsburgh, PA Mark Your Calendar!

Our District 2000 Bowling Tournament is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 13-14, 2023. This two-day event will be held at the Hollywood Casino in Washington, Pennsylvania. GBU members from all districts are invited to attend and will receive the member discounted rate. All will have the option to bowl in any three-game event on either day. If you really love to bowl, you can participate in all events on both days. If interested, email jdhauser1@comcast.net for registration information or call Tournament Manager Melanie Kilgore (330-936-4411).

The Reporter

In October, Assembly 62 officers discussed preparations for the upcoming General Election Bake Sale in November. In addition, various donations were made to local charities including the $500 matching funds donated to the Dorcas Ladies for their community/ church projects.

On November 8, Assembly 62 of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, held its annual Election Day Bake Sale.

The proceeds were used for their church and local community projects. Pictured: President Ron Tomko and Auditor Ruth Klein display the scrumptious goodies.

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District 2000–ULS, continued Assembly 62 President Ron Tomko presents $100 check to Whitney Chalupka-Laverty, the lucky winner of our Assembly Attendance Drawing. Whitney was eligible to win this cash prize by participating in her local assembly activities. You could be our next winner by attending your assembly’s next function!

ATTENTION ALL GBU BOWLERS

Bowling TOURNAMENT SPONSORED BY DISTRICT 2000-ULS

Assembly 2A members Ivy Wilco and Autumn Sagan were in charge of dusting the bookshelves in their part of the fall clean-up detail at Ss. Peter & Paul Lutheran Church in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.

Saturday & Sunday May 13–14, 2023 at the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows in Washington, PA Assembly 9 in Brooklyn, Ohio, held its annual Christmas Luncheon on December 4 with 34 members in attendance.

At Assembly 9’s Christmas Luncheon, members enjoyed a catered lunch served with scrumptious desserts donated by members.

GBU members from all districts are invited to attend and will receive the member discounted rate.

Once again, members and non-members will have the option to bowl in any three-game event or participate in all events, both days. If interested, email Jerry Hauser at jdhauser1@comcast.net for registration information or call tournament manager Melanie Kilgore (330-936-4411).

Assembly 9 Secretary Jim Slough and President Debby Voldrich present the community outreach check of $250 to Marcella Brown, representative of the Next Step Shelter, which is operated by the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry in Cleveland, Ohio.

Assembly 9 President Debby Voldrich and Treasurer Sherri Bures present District 2000’s Sharing Funds check of $500 to Pastor Eric Markowich of Dr. Martin Luther Church in Cleveland, Ohio. ’til next time!

- Jerry A. Hauser, Treasurer jdhauser@comcast.net or 724-953-8287 44

Spring 2023

District 4000-Sokol USA

Hey Sokol Golfers!

SAVE THE DATE for the Best Gosh-Darn Golf Scramble in Western PA

SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2023 14th Annual District 4000-Sokol USA-Farrell, PA FOUR-PERSON OPEN GOLF SCRAMBLE District 4000-Sokol USA-Chicago Lodge 306 held its annual soup smackdown. The six chefs that made soup (l to r): Esther Siver, Eugene Gribelsky, Pat Jagelski, Kristin Greenberg, Amanda Sepanik and Cindy Merker.

SHENANGO LAKE GOLF CLUB 99 Birchwood Dr., Transfer, PA 16154 Discount for District 4000-Sokol USA Members!

For more information, please visit sokolfarrell.org.

- Kristin Greenberg kgreenberg.sokolusa@gmail.com

Bro. Tim Brandt, chairman

MAKE-A-DATE Please check with one of your district officers to confirm whether or not an event is canceled.

APRIL TBD 2 2 15 16 16 22 MAY 6 6 6 6 7 10 13 13-14 21 21 30

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701 (MI) DASV Bockbierfest, DASV Clubhouse 510 (OH) Children’s Easter Bunny Hop-Thru 630 (MI) Salad Potluck Dinner, following meeting 701 (MI) DASV Kronungsball (rescheduled from December ’22), 6:30 p.m.

84 (PA) Social 817 (PA) Easter Egg Hunt, following meeting 84 (PA) Gift Card Bingo 361 (OH) Join Hands Day 684 (PA) Kentucky Derby Social, Gianna Via’s in Caste Village 701 (MI) DASV Spring Park Clean Up, 9 a.m.; ALL invited to pitch in 1000 (MI) Relay For Life, Chippewa Valley Ninth Grade Center 630 (MI) Mother’s Day Special, 1 p.m.

45 (PA) Summer Pie Sale Fundraiser benefiting Relay For Life and the Brian Morden Foundation 815 (OH) Relay For Life ALL Bowling Tournament, Hollywood Casino at the Meadows in Washington, Pennsylvania 84 (PA) Social 817 (PA) Pizza Party, following meeting 45 (PA) Memorial Day Activities: 9 a.m. Mass—St. Mary’s Church followed by a procession to St. Mary’s Cemetery, then Noon Flag-Raising Ceremony—Unter Uns Club and 3 p.m.

Ceremonies—Brush Mountain Sportsman’s Club ALL Application Deadline for Undergraduate, Graduate and Renewal College Scholarships and Grants

The Reporter

JUNE TBD 5

815 (OH) Family Picnic 1000 (MI) District 1000-LFA Assembly 57 100th Anniversary Celebration, Assembly 57 Hall, 6 p.m.

11 84 (PA) Phillies Baseball Game 11 630 (MI) Father’s Day Special, 1 p.m.

12 45 (PA) Orders due for Summer Pie Sale Fundraiser benefiting Relay For Life and the Brian Morden Foundation 14 45 (PA) Flag Day Ceremonies, Downtown Altoona Heritage Plaza, 12 p.m.

17 701/821 (MI) DASV Pig Roast w/Tommy Schober, 5 p.m.

24 45 (PA) Pick up orders for Summer Pie Sale Fundraiser 25 701/821 (MI) Austrian Waldfest-Forest Festival, 1 p.m.

30 ALL Application Deadline for Two-Year and Four-Year College Scholarships and Grants 30 ALL Application Deadline for GBU High School Freshman Grants

JULY 15 15 16

84 (PA) Luncheon & Ice Cream Social, Scoops 1000 (MI) District 1000 Scholarship applications due ALL GBU at the Zoo, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium 22 ALL GBU at the Zoo, Detroit Zoo 30 701/821 (MI) Schützenfest, Schützen Park

AUGUST 11 1000(MI) Mel Ott-Lutheran Night with GBU Life District 1000, Utica, 5 p.m.

18 45 (PA) District Picnic, Swiss Club of Altoona; doors open 5 p.m.

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FRATERNAL ADVENTURES Serving our Fraternal Alliance Boards

University of Pittsburgh Partnership

GBU Life (GBU) is a member of many state fraternal alliance organizations as well as the American Fraternal Alliance (AFA). These alliances work to promote fraternalism in their various states with the AFA supporting this national network of both fraternal organizations and alliances. For 2023, GBU CEO William Hunt is serving as president of the Fraternal Societies of Greater Pittsburgh (FSGP) and as first vice president of the AFA. GBU Senior VP/Chief Marketing Officer Lesley Mann is serving on the board of the Pennsylvania Fraternal Alliance.

We continue our partnership with the University of Pittsburgh by cheering on the Pitt Panthers through a winning basketball season. Throughout the season, representatives from GBU presented the Community Champion Award to honor Pitt athletic students for service to their communities.

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Spring 2023

American Cancer Society We continue our support of the American Cancer Society (ACS). A significant portion of our support to ACS comes from our One Member at a Time program where GBU donates on behalf of each new member to the organization of their choice. ACS continues to be the top choice for our members for that donation. We attended ACS's annual gala for Western Pennsylvania on February 4, 2023, and learned about the strides that ACS is making toward preventing, curing and caring for those diagnosed with cancer.

Slovak Heritage Festival GBU Senior VP/Chief Marketing Officer Lesley Mann celebrated the beauty of Slovak heritage at the Slovak Heritage Festival held in November at the University of Pittsburgh. Czechoslovak Nationality Room Committee Vice Chairman and GBU Board member Joseph Bielecki spoke at the festival about common Czech and Slovak Christmas traditions.

The Reporter

Princess Valentine Ball The Home Office Community Engagement Team took a great opportunity to talk to families in the area about the products and benefits offered by GBU at the annual Princess Valentine Ball, hosted by Royal Princess Engagements. This event offered two separate days of princess magic with full houses on both days and was well-attended

by GBU employees and members in the area as well. If your family enjoys our virtual craft and story events with the princesses, Royal Princess Engagements is the organization behind these events.

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Where Are They Now

?

Celebrating 60 years of GBU Foundation Scholars GBU Foundation was founded in 1963 to encourage and assist members in furthering their education through its scholarship program. In honor of its 60th anniversary, we are celebrating GBU Foundation Scholarship and Grant recipients’ achievements.

Katherine Kunz Houston, TX

Senior Counsel, Hicks Thomas LLP, Houston, TX District 815–Dayton, OH Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship, 1999 through 2002 Graduate Scholarship, 2005 through 2007 Yale University, B.A., Ethics, Politics and Economics, cum laude Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, J.D., cum laude

Steven D. Allison

About my GBU Foundation Scholarship: GBU gave me the support to attend the best educational institutions I could while worrying less about the cost of the program. I could focus more on my studies and integrating myself into my peer community with GBU’s support.

Since I graduated: I was fortunate to clerk for two federal judges after graduating from law school, one in Toledo, Ohio, and one in San Antonio, Texas. I met my now husband in Texas and settled in Houston in 2012. We have three children. We have loved keeping in touch with our GBU community throughout the pandemic via the interactive children’s Zoom events.

Irvine, CA

About my GBU Foundation Scholarship:

Professor, University of California, Irvine

The [GBU Foundation] scholarship was a boost to my confidence during my first year of college. It helped offset the cost of tuition so I could focus on my studies.

District 817–Philadelphia, PA Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship, 1995 Pennsylvania State University, Biology, B.S. Stanford University, Biosciences, PhD

Jonathan Naser Canonsburg, PA

About my GBU Foundation Scholarship:

Customer Service Supervisor, GBU Life, Pittsburgh, PA

My GBU Foundation Scholarship helped pay for my education and started my involvement with GBU. Thank you!

District 3000–HRFA Scholarship, 2012 GBU Foundation Grant, 2014 University of Pittsburgh, Neuroscience, B.S.

If you are a GBU Foundation Scholarship or Grant recipient and would like to update us on your career, please fill out our online form and we will publish your information in the “Where Are They Now” section of The Reporter and post to social media throughout 2023. Go to gbulife.typeform.com/to/iRwhSrK5 48

Spring 2023

New to GBU Life? You may be wondering exactly what a fraternal organization is and how fraternalism fits in with your life insurance and annuity products. We explain it all in this quarter's brief history of fraternal societies and GBU's fraternal heritage.

Fraternal organizations have been an important part of American culture since the early 19th century. Fraternal organizations originated as mutual aid societies, established to provide members with financial and social support in times of need. These organizations were often founded on the basis of shared trade, craft or cultural, ethnic or religious backgrounds. Many of them evolved into powerful institutions with a significant influence on American life.

FRATERNAL HERITAGE In the early 1800s, fraternal organizations such as the Freemasons, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias began to emerge in the United States. These organizations provided members with social, financial and educational opportunities, as well as a sense of belonging and community. As the 19th century progressed, fraternal organizations expanded their reach and influence. Some of

The Reporter

the more popular fraternal organizations of this period included the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Independent Order of Foresters, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Knights of Columbus.

WHAT IS A FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION? For an organization to be classified as a 501(c)(8) tax-exempt fraternal society by the IRS, it must: have a fraternal purpose. operate under a lodge system. provide for the payment of life, sick, accident or other benefits.

The original common bond of GBU members was their German heritage.

Membership expansion and mergers have advanced GBU's common bond to be community service.

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GBU's Fraternal Story

In the late 1800s, German immigrant and business leader Louis Volz met with a group of fellow German businessmen and craftsmen at a law office on Diamond Street in Pittsburgh, PA. This group, which included August Wedemeyer, Lous Thurman, Henry Graf and Julius Eicher set out to develop a new type of fraternal benefit society to provide affordable financial protection against unemployment, injury and death to German-American working men and women.

At the time, secret societies had long been an object of scorn among religious German-Americans due to their pageantry and exclusive nature. The group published the purpose and goals of this new organization, the English name for which was the German Beneficial Union (GBU) in the first issue of the Union Reporter, establishing GBU as a benefit union that would be open to all.

During this period in the United States, commercial life insurance carriers were not yet seen as trustworthy, government benefits such as unemployment and social security were non-existent, and employers were not widely offering the shortterm disability benefits available today. GBU’s first product, a mutual benefit plan called Class A, checked many of those boxes, offering sickness, accident and death benefits while also functioning as a savings certificate. After 10 years of paying premiums, the member received a paid-up policy including 6 percent interest. The Class A plan proved to be just what members needed at the time and helped to grow GBU membership in the coming years. While GBU’s original Class A plan was a sought after and needed product, both commercial insurance carriers and the government changed over time to also develop protection for many of these same cases.

Throughout the next century, GBU grew, developed and changed with the times. The organization’s ability to be nimble allowed GBU to become the strong and successful organization we know today.

GBU continues to live out the original intent of its founders by remaining an open and inclusive society, meeting member needs and maintaining financial strength for the good of future generations. GBU’s success over the long term had to do with two factors: its open membership policy and its ability to develop and change products based on member needs.

As German immigration to the US began to decline, GBU began serving more second- and thirdgeneration German-American families, which by that time had simply become American families. The founders' original German roots attracted many German immigrants to the society because the society’s publication and meetings were made

50

available in both German and English. As these German families blended into the melting pot that is the United States, GBU adapted as well and welcomed members of all ethnicities to preserve membership growth. Today, GBU is still welcoming a wide range of members. GBU has become a “home” of sorts for a variety of other fraternal organizations seeking to maintain the social aspect of their societies without the complexities of maintaining financial products. Over the past two decades, GBU has welcomed members of Lutheran Fraternities of America (LFA), United Lutheran Society (ULS), Hungarian Reformed Federation of America (HRFA), Slovak Gymnastic Union Sokol of the USA (Sokol USA), Independent Order of Vikings (IOV) and Baptist Life Association to become part of GBU. We foresee that GBU's strength will allow us to blend many more fraternal families into our membership in the future.

Of course, membership in a fraternal benefit society is difficult to grow without the benefit part. GBU’s original Class A product transformed as more types of financial protection were being offered by both the government and trade unions. The need for unemployment benefits and short-term disability payments from such a plan decreased as these benefits became available from other sources. By the mid-twentieth century, many Americans who were members of fraternal societies owned a combination of commercial- and fraternal-issued life insurance policies and in fact, usually maintained multiple fraternal organization memberships by owning small policies issued by each. This strategy allowed for a variety of social activities as well as benefits protection should any one fraternal or commercial carrier fail. Today, many fraternal benefit societies, including GBU, help meet members' financial protection needs with life insurance focusing on

Spring 2023

whole life and term life insurance products, as well as helping with retirement income needs by offering annuities. GBU continues to evolve these products as consumer needs change and become more complex. GBU's financial strength means that consumers can remain confident in GBU products and its ability to deliver promised payouts.

The Future of Fraternalism Throughout the history of GBU, the role of the Home Office or national leadership has played a changing role in the direction of membership. In the early years of the organization, the national leadership played a strong role in organizing social activities as the organization was built-up and became established. As more districts formed and spread further from the epicenter of Pittsburgh, fraternal activity fell to the individual districts.

Localized districts were needed so that members would have a convenient place to pay insurance premiums and enjoy social activities as travel outside the community was not as easy as it is today. As travel became easier, mail service became more reliable and families discovered competing social priorities, member activity slowed down. This caused many of the smaller, localized GBU districts to consolidate with nearby districts. In 1976, GBU brought the function of premium collection into the Home Office with a centralized billing system. Advantages to this system were that it made GBU competitive with the commercial industry and put less work on district fraternal secretaries. At that time, payment of premiums was still one of the main reasons for members to attend district meetings. Many districts were concerned that attendance would decline if members no longer needed to attend to make payments. National leadership advised districts to create more attractive activities to bring members to meetings rather than relying on obligation of payments.

The Reporter

Over the last 30 years, the GBU Home Office has become the center of GBU membership. The Home Office procures and manages member benefits programs that encourage participation as a member, small group or district and hosts numerous virtual social events allowing members to get together regardless of location. These new benefits and programs allow members flexibility to participate in ways that work with their lifestyles a well as being able to focus on the needs in their local communities. Although these needs may vary, members can receive support from GBU as long as the cause aligns with one of GBU's four established Community Engagement Pillars—Education, Wellness, Hometown Heroes and Community Service. The current state of GBU is a collaboration between individual members, member groups, districts and the Home Office. Modern technology allows the GBU Home Office to be a hub of innovation for new fraternal programs, to connect our wide network of members and spur our great organizations to future growth for generations to come.

If you are interested in supporting your local community, join the GBU Life Member Community at community.gbu.org to get details on programs and benefits. If you would like more information about GBU districts in your area or starting a new GBU district, you can find locations and information about our current districts under the "more" tab by clicking on GBU Districts.

51

Additional Scholarships available to New England GBU members New England Fraternal Alliance Scholarship Program 2023 Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded by the New England Fraternal Alliance to students in their sophomore, junior or senior year in college or in graduate school.

An eligible applicant must be

Enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited college/university or graduate school.

A New England resident and a member (or child of a member) of a fraternal benefit society that holds a membership in the New England Fraternal Alliance, such as GBU Life.

Have a cumulative grade average of at least 2.0 (on a 4.0 system). Spring 2023 semester transcript must be submitted with application.

The application deadline is September 1, 2023.

Complete information, including eligibility guidelines, procedures and application, can be found by visiting inside.gbu.org/ benefits. Watch that page for information about the 2023 Pennsylvania Fraternal Alliance Scholarship application.

52

Spring 2023

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

The Reporter

53

BIRTHDAY

h c t a M

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS

Make a charitable donation to a 501(c)(3) organization on your birthday and GBU Life (GBU) will match it, up to $100! To qualify, simply upload a receipt or screenshot of your donation and submit an online application to GBU within 60 days of your birthday.

TOTAL RAISED THROUGH BIRTHDAY MATCH IN 2022: January

February

0

0 1,5

$

0

0 5,6

$

July

August

0

0 1,4

$

March

0

0

$

$1

$

November

October

0

0 6 , 0

0

0

0 9,6

0 5,8

$

0

0 6,3

0 6,2

0 0 4 , 4 7 $ $

September

0 6,5

$

0

0 3,1

June

May

April

$

0

0 5,5

$

December

0

$1

0 2,3

TOTAL RAISED IN 2023 SO FAR: January

0 5 ,4

$5

February

0

7 5 , 7

$

Start a Birthday Facebook Fundraiser and GBU will match what you raise, up to $250!

For more information or to submit an application, visit: REPORTER.GBU.ORG/BIRTHDAY-MATCH

How about a Birthday Match reminder?

Email memberbenefits@gbu.org with your name and birth month, and we will send you a reminder the month of your birthday!

54

Spring 2023

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Total GBU, district and member contributions in 2022: Education

Wellness

$88,750

$147,250

Hometown Heroes $593,000

Community Service $280,000

UPDATES Community Engagement Pillars GBU Life’s fraternal focus has shifted to community engagement with a mission to engage members and create a community under GBU’s four Community Engagement Pillars—Education, Wellness, Hometown Heroes and Community Service.

Starting July 2023, GBU will ensure that at least two charities related to each of our four community engagement pillars receive engagement and membership support through the One Member at a Time program:

Education: DonorsChoose® and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

Wellness: American Cancer Society and Ronald McDonald House Charities | RMHC

Hometown Heroes: American Red Cross and Operation Troop Appreciation

Community Service: Feeding America® and Marine Toys for Tots Foundation Our efforts each month will focus on one of the four community engagement pillars. Watch for educational-themed, volunteer and fundraising opportunities on the GBU Life Member Community website, GBU member emails and posts on social media. We will also feature Community Engagement Pillar-related updates in each issue of The Reporter.

The Reporter

55

Education Read Across America 2023 GBU employees Jennifer Stockdale, director of marketing and community engagement; Ken Elliott, charitable giving and PR specialist and Jerilyn McCollum, sales operations coordinator read to students at Elroy Elementary School in the Brentwood Borough School District, Pittsburgh, PA, on Read Across America Day, March 2, 2023.

Wellness American Cancer Society® Relay For Life® The American Cancer Society® (ACS) Relay For Life® is the world’s largest grassroots fundraising event designed to raise awareness around cancer and help stop it.

Participants volunteer for local 6- to 24-hour events designed to honor and remember loved ones and take action for lifesaving change.

GBU Life will sponsor community-based Relay For Life events in the greater Pittsburgh area in 2023 and beyond.

You, your family, friends and your district can help with the fight against cancer. Get involved with the ACS today through Relay For Life, Cancer Charity Walks and other listed events (acsevents.org). Send photos of your relay team to memberbenefits@gbu.org to be featured in future GBU media.

As a GBU member, your Relay For Life group could qualify as a Give Back Group eligible for a match of up $1,000 per member on the “team” up to $5,000. Visit gbucares.org/give-back-groups for information.

Community Service Feeding America® Feeding America®, a GBU Life One Member at a Time charities, is supported because of its national reach.

Feeding America works with 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs throughout the USA. Read more about Feeding America, information about hunger in America, how you can take action and local food banks at feedingamerica.org.

GBU’s own Jennifer and Ken read The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors to fourth-grade students, and Jerilyn read The Math Allergy to second-grade students. GBU donated and presented each student with a copy of the books after each reading.

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Spring 2023

Hometown Heroes Operation Troop Appreciation Operations & Events Center Progress In February 2023, Operation Troop Appreciation (OTA) sent packages to 800 American troops around the world … many in Poland and Lithuania providing support to Ukrainian troops. Overall deployments are increasing.

OTA is a 100% volunteer, non-profit that has provided over 190,000 members of the US military with requested wish list items since 2004. Since OTA’s Welcome Home program started in 2014, OTA has completed 7,000 special veteran projects. The Welcome Home program helps returning veterans set up their homes and get the support they may need.

GBU supports our deployed military service members and local veterans by funding OTA’s Active Duty Wish List program for deployed units and the Welcome Home program.

A New Facility to Better Serve Troops and Veterans In late 2022, OTA moved into a larger facility in West Mifflin, PA, to better serve deployed service members and returning veterans. Volunteers have been working hard to renovate the two-story building into an operations and events center.

When finished, the lower level will include two offices and two rooms for both the Active Duty and Welcome Home programs. The Active Duty rooms will store inventory for the hygiene kits, leisure kits and snack kits volunteers assemble at GBU quarterly Pack N’ Prep events. The Welcome Home rooms have bedding, kitchen and bathroom items, cleaning supplies and laundry products to help service members returning home.

The main floor, or upper level, will expand the Welcome Home program and serve as the OTA’s event space. OTA will house a local veteran advocacy provider and hopefully, bring other service providers and veteran organizations in to meet with veterans.

on the upper level. The upper level will need new floors and a ceiling.

How Can You Help?

OTA needs monetary donations to finish the renovation project and provide our troops with wish-list items, hygiene kits, leisure kits and snack kits. Visit gbucares.org/donate for ways you may donate, or send a check along with the Reader Service form in the back of this issue.

Once OTA is ready, GBU will begin organizing quarterly Pack N’ Prep events again so supporters can volunteer and help put packages together. Watch for event announcements on the GBU Life Member Community website, GBU member emails, posts on social media and upcoming issues of The Reporter.

Thank Yous from Our Troops: To the employees and members of GBU Life, I am writing on behalf of the US Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Middle East District personnel serving in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

We would like to express our own thanks and appreciation for your very generous holiday care package that came to us as a pleasant surprise!

Those of us who were not able to travel home to our loved ones for the holidays were deeply touched by the greeting cards and special treats. The packages really brightened up our day. Please know that you are a constant reminder for us as to why we do what we do, in order to ensure our nation remains safe.

We again thank you and wish all of you a happy and prosperous New Year!

Thank you, Kahaku Barrett Kahakuonapuaalii (Kahaku) Barrett, PMP Captain, Engineer Project Manager-Forward

“We want to be a one-stop shop for vets,” OTA CEO and Executive Director Monica Orluk said. “There’s no other veteran service provider like this in the Allegheny County portion of the Mon Valley. We’re on a major bus line and easy to get to.”

Renovation Update Roof work and HVAC replacement have been completed.

All the light fixtures have been replaced. On the lower level, demolition is done. Next will be the ceiling, flooring and painting interior rooms. The goal is to have the lower level completed by end of March 2023.

Once the lower level is complete, work can begin on the upper level. The downstairs must be finished first in order to move and store all 50-60 pallets of inventory currently The Reporter

57

GIVE BACK GROUP PROJECT SPOTLIGHT Ken Firestone, GBU member and founder of Firestone Insurance Agency in Normalville, PA, organized a Give Back Group for the fourth annual Springfield Township Christmas Light-Up fund drive. The drive was held to benefit the Normalville Volunteer Fire Department and Springfield Township Volunteer Hose Company in Mill Run, PA. The Give Back Group had a shaky start with their collection buckets, but then they made phone calls and sent emails to township residents and businesses. Once the local community learned that the fundraiser could get a $5,000 GBU Give Back Group match, the drive took off.

In addition to Ken, GBU members Donna Firestone, Douglas Brooks, Timothy Hall, George Nicksich and Charles Shaffer were part of the Give Back Group, making the project eligible for a match of up to $5,000. They helped raise $6,000.67, so they secured the $5,000 match!

The total raised was divided between the two fire departments. “With GBU's match, we will have raised $11,000!” Ken shared. “I would count that as a great impact for a small, rural township.”

Give Back Groups If you are working to raise funds for an organization that impacts your local community, GBU will match the funds your group raised up to $1,000 per GBU member to a maximum of $5,000 per group. Fundraising can be organized in any way preferred: in person, through a mail campaign or even via Facebook. The funds matching must be for a qualifying 501(c)(3) organization that impacts your local community. The organization must have a listing on Charity Navigator.

Springfield Township Christmas Light-Up checks presented to Mark Bigam and Ray Orndorf, Chiefs of Normalville VFD and Springfield VHC respectively. Pictured, left to right, Light-Up partner Roxanne Kern of See-Mor’s All-Star Grill, Chief Mark Bigam, Chief Ray Orndorf and Greg Dunaway (Firestone Insurance Agency).

VISIT GBUCARES.ORG/GIVE-BACK-GROUPS TO REQUEST APPROVAL FOR YOUR GIVE BACK GROUP.

58

Spring 2023

Welcome

DISTRICT 6000 BAPTIST LIFE ASSOCIATION

GBU Life (GBU) is excited to welcome our newest GBU super district: District 6000-Baptist Life Association (BLA). The Baptist Life Association has a long history of providing a safe and secure environment for members of the Christian community. It was founded in 1883, with the mission of supporting the personal spiritual growth of its members and the outreach ministries of local churches.

Originally headquartered in Buffalo, NY, Baptist Life has provided benefits for members including scholarships, Bible conference expense reimbursements and matching grant funding for Christian service outreach projects in its local churches in the 25 states where the association operated.

The merger between Baptist Life and GBU on December 31, 2022, brings 5,000 new members to our society! We look forward to helping the members of our newest district by supporting them in giving back to the causes they care about in their communities.

The Reporter

59

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2023 Volunteer of the Year The Volunteer of the Year award is an honor presented by GBU to recognize a fellow GBU member who, through example and accomplishment, provided outstanding volunteer service to his or her community and/or district during the past year.

GBU 2023 Volunteer of the Year award is based on volunteer service performed from July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023.

Celebrate a fellow member's accomplishments when you complete the Volunteer of the Year nomination form at gbucares.org/volunteer-of-the-year.

All nomination forms must be received by Friday, August 4, 2023. Incomplete entries or entries received after the deadline will not be considered.

For questions about this program, or to request a paper nomination form, please contact GBU's Community Engagement Team at memberbenefits@gbu.org or call 800-765-4428.

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Spring 2023

A GIFT FOR GENERATIONS Looking for a way to support future generations of GBU members? Donate to the GBU Foundation.

Your gift helps to fund grants and future scholarship programs for GBU members attending 2-year, 4-year or graduate programs.

You can make a one-time donation to the GBU Foundation online at gbucares.org or send a check to the address below: GBU Life Community Engagement 4254 Saw Mill Run Blvd.

Pittsburgh, PA 15227

Interested in doing more?

Contact the GBU Community Engagement team at memberbenefits@gbu.org if you are interested in funding a GBU Perpetual Education Grant.

The Reporter

61

PRESENTS

GBU AT !

O O Z E TH RUE E X P E R IE N C E A T NTURE! W IL D L IF E A D V E

PITTSBURGH ZOO & AQUARIUM

SUNDAY

JULY 16, 2023 DETROIT ZOO

SATURDAY

JULY 22, 2023 VISIT COMMUNITY.GBU.ORG/EVENTS FOR MORE INFORMATION.

62

Spring 2023

NEWS FROM THE HOME OFFICE NEWS FROM THE HOME OFFICE

The Reporter

63

Notes from the Home Office UPCOMING HOLIDAYS The GBU Home Office will be closed on Monday, May 29, 2023, to observe the Memorial Day holiday.

Save the Date! Flag Day at the Home Office, located at 4254 Saw Mill Run Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15227, will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. More details to follow as we get closer to the date.

CHARITABLE DONATIONS December 1, 2022-February 28, 2023 GBU FOUNDATION Kathleen G. Boykin District 146-Johnstown, PA District 815-Dayton, OH In honor of Myles McGowan District 815-Dayton, OH In memory of Bernard (Butch) Martin District 817-Philadelphia, PA District 4000-Sokol USA Lodge 32

GBU Board of Directors Jerilyn M. McCollum In memory of Lori Kerr Jeanne Smith In honor of my grandchildren Mark Sowick In honor of Kathy Stone

OPERATION REACH OUT Diane Balaban District 536-Lafayette, IN District 815-Dayton, OH District 817-Philadelphia, PA Elaine S. Gladieux Larry and Cindy Huhn Michael R. Linnenkugal Penny D. Pearson

WINTER 2023 FRATERNAL PUZZLE WINNER GBU wishes to recognize the most recent fraternal puzzle contest winner, along with the participants.

Lucky $25 Amazon Gift Card Winner Clay H., of Mount Pleasant, PA Please remember: to be eligible for a fraternal prize and recognition in the fraternal puzzle drawings, the participant must be a GBU member that is 10-, 11-, 12-, 13- or 14-years old.

For privacy purposes, only first name with last name initial and the city and state the participant is from will be listed.

WINTER 2023 FUN WINTER MATH PUZZLE ANSWERS

4

4

10

14

10 8

8

4

4

10

14

4

8

14

22

14

22 4

8

It has come to our attention that the “Fun Winter Math Puzzle” featured in the Winter 2023 issue of The Reporter contained an error. This has now been fixed and we have included the corrected puzzle and its answer above.

64

Spring 2023

Reader Service Form To obtain information on GBU products or member benefits, please check those items of interest listed below.

Please note that we do not have brochures for all member benefits. You may be redirected to our website to access some member benefit information. To make a charitable donation, fill in the appropriate portion of this form.

PLEASE PRINT. CUSTOMER SERVICE

PRODUCTS Life Insurance Select Choice Term Life Insurance

Change of Address Youth 3 Pay Life Insurance

Change of Beneficiary

Other:

Secure Whole Life Insurance Annuities

CHARITABLE PROGRAMS

Asset Guard Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities Flex Guard Preferred Flexible Premium Deferred Annuities

GBU Foundation (GBU Scholarship program)

Flex Guard Single Premium Immediate Annuities

Amount:

IRA options

In honor/memory of (circle one and supply name):

Coverdell Education Savings Account

MEMBER BENEFITS

Operation Reach Out Donation (Make check payable to GBU Financial Life)

Discounts and Points Programs (Online Only)

Donation

VIP Perks! by Entertainment®

Optimity

Charitable Donation Programs Give Back Groups

One Hour at a Time

Birthday Match Youth and Education Programs

Check/money order enclosed for $

GBU Youth Leaders Program

Scholarships/Grants

Please supply this information for

Team to Team Activity Sponsorships

Sage Tuition Rewards®

Member’s Name:

High School Freshman Grants

Address:

Virtual Member Benefit Programs Kids‘ Night

Fitness

Game Night

Current Interest Podcast Series

Driver’s Safety Course

ScriptSave®

Language Learning Program

ScriptSave® for Pets

Newborn Child Benefit The Reporter

City/State/Zip:

Telephone: E-mail:

Receiving more than one copy. (Please supply mailing address information of each copy from back page of The Reporter.)

Delete my name from mailing list.

Notify me through my email (fill in email address in right column) that the new digital Reporter issue is available.

Thank You for your Interest.

Note: Those choosing to receive the digital Reporter may receive the paper edition when required by law.

If sending payment, make checks payable to GBU. Include this form and send to

Send any non-payment correspondence to

GBU Fraternal Operations PO Box 645989 Pittsburgh, PA 15264-5257

GBU Fraternal Department 4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394

RSF-Spring-23

OR email requests for information: • Products sales@gbu.org • Member Benefits memberbenefits@gbu.org

Nonprofit Organization US POSTAGE PAID Pittsburgh, PA Permit 1918 GBU FINANCIAL LIFE 4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED TIME-DATED MATERIAL

Deadlines for GBU Foundation Scholarships and GBU High School Freshman Grants Are Approaching The deadline for GBU Foundation Undergraduate, Graduate and Renewal Scholarships is May 31, 2023. The Two-Year and Four-Year Scholarships deadline is June 30, 2023. Apply online at gbufoundation.awardspring.com.

The deadline for GBU High School Freshman Grants is June 30, 2023. Apply online at inside.gbu.org/benefits#Scholarship.

For more information, please contact the Community Engagement Team at memberbenefits@gbu.org or 800-765-4428.