We are pleased to present the candidates for the 2024 GBU Board of Directors election. Pg. 45
ABOUT US
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: Timothy Rodman
Art Director, Design and Layout: Rachel Cummins
Contributing Writers: Anna Meek, Jennifer Stockdale, Rachel Cummins, Natasha Herleman, Mary Koczan, Autumn Krewson, Ken Elliott, Laqueeta Coleman, Timothy Rodman and Karen Ferguson
GBU MANAGEMENT
Chief Executive Officer—William W. Hunt
Sr. VP/Chief Financial Officer—Mark Cloutier
Sr. VP/Chief Operating Officer—Wil Lombardi
Sr. VP/Chief Marketing Officer—Lesley B. Mann
Sr. VP of Administration—Deborah Morgan
AVP of Compliance and Human Resources—Antoinette Blair
GBU NATIONAL DIRECTORS
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
GO GREEN WITH GBU
To receive The Reporter digitally and discontinue receiving it by mail, send an email to memberbenefits@gbu.org. In the subject line, type “I Want to Go Green.” Provide your name, email address 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 any amendments to the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of GBU.
MEDIA CONSENT AND RELEASE NOTICE
GBU personnel, members, districts and others may take pictures, make recordings or produce videos at GBU events. In an effort to promote activities and increase public awareness, these may be published in The Reporter, on GBU and district websites, in the GBU Life Member Community, on social media outlets and in other locations. By participating in GBU events or by submitting pictures, recordings or videos directly to GBU, all members and other parties consent to the release and use of these pictures, recordings or videos and waive any rights to royalties or any potential liability relating to such.
HOME OFFICE HOURS
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday: Closed
During
Financial Update 2023
2023, the finance department continued to build its infrastructure for the future while also executing important strategic initiatives that had a positive impact on our current financial position.
As GBU has continued to grow our sales, revenues and surplus, the finance department has continued to invest in personnel with the expertise that is needed to provide the information that a growing organization requires to make strategic and tactical decisions during a turbulent economic time. GBU is also investing in systems that will enable us to react more efficiently as we move through these changes. In 2023, we began the implementation of a new investment system, and in 2024, we will be focused on updating our general ledger system.
While implementing these strategies for the future, GBU is also focused on the present. During 2023, GBU took advantage of a new accounting rule that allowed us to sell $700 million from our investment portfolio and reinvest those proceeds in new securities. The objective of this portfolio transformation was to buy securities that were higher in quality and would earn a higher yield. GBU achieved those objectives and will continue to look for opportunities to improve our investment portfolio going forward.
While completing these important objectives, GBU continues to meet expectations regarding operating income and maintains a strong balance sheet that will meet the financial needs of GBU’s members.
4254 Saw Mill Run Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394
412-884-5100 800-765-4428 sales@gbu.org
Liabilities and Unassigned Surplus
Capital and Surplus Account
Summary of Operations
Mark Cloutier Chief Financial Officer
About the numbers
GBU’s 2023 statutory financial results continue to reflect our strong operating performance and ability to build on our strong financial position. Our assets increased by 5.3% to $4.4 billion, while our liabilities increased similarly by 5.3% to $4.1 billion. Reserves for annuity contracts made up $3.8 billion of the liabilities supported by investments and cash of $4.3 billion. Our surplus remained very strong at $302.3 million, representing an increase of 4.7%. GBU’s current solvency ratio is 107.3%. This means that for every $100 in liabilities, there is $107.3 in assets.
Net gain from operations before realized capital gains for 2023 was $24.0 million, which was in line with our plan for the year. Total revenues for the year were $909.8 million, representing an increase of $141.7 million over the 2022 figure; this increase was driven by strong annuity sales. GBU continues to have an exceptional cash flow from operations. In 2023, cash flow from operations was $240.5 million.
As we move into the future, GBU management will continue to prudently grow our society and expand the programs available to our members for their community development efforts while strengthening our already solid foundation. We are proud to deliver sound, consistent value as a conservative steward of our members’ wealth during these turbulent economic times. We thank you for your trust.
GBU Life is the marketing name for GBU Financial Life (GBU), Pittsburgh, PA
DEVELOP YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN
Making a “Just in Case” Plan with Your Family Can Help Alleviate Anxiety
Contributor
Jennifer Stockdale
When I was nine years old, my uncle passed away unexpectedly. I was of course very upset by his loss because he was a favorite uncle of mine, but I also felt the loss deeply on behalf of my cousin. It was the first time that it really hit me that a parent could die— my parents could die while I was still a child. This really caused a lot of anxiety for me at the time and was something that we needed to talk through as a family.
I recently spoke with Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski, who heads up several teen outreach programs through the Academy of Adolescent Health in Washington, PA, and is the author of a weekly advice column for children and teens in the Washington Observer-Reporter , to find out if teens have similar concerns. She told me that it is a subject that teens bring up. They worry not only about what would happen to them if their parents die but also about how the death of a loved one would impact their family finances. She said that at recent grief/loss support nights, teens brought up financial problems associated with a family member’s death. “My pap died suddenly, and my mom was upset because he didn’t have life insurance, so she was worried about how to give him a nice funeral,” said one teen. Another teen said, “I
“My pap died suddenly, and my mom was upset because he didn’t have life insurance, so she was worried about how to give him a nice funeral.” -anonymous teen
see my parents worrying about how to take care of my gram now that my grandpa has died. I guess nursing home care is really expensive.”
Involving older children, teens and young adult children in planning in case of an unexpected death can ease some anxiety. Starting a conversation with “I am healthy and strong now, but if anything should happen to change that, here is my plan,” not only gets you thinking about that plan but lets your child know that you are planning for them.
In addition to term and whole life insurance products, GBU has some new member benefits that can help with your planning. LawAssure allows you to create your will, power of attorney and medical directives as well as set up trusts for your children. New services coming soon to the LawAssure platform will allow you to
pre-write your obituary, save your wishes for your memorial service and store important documents, such as life insurance policies, your will and important account information. GBU’s newest benefit, Empathy, gives you and your family members tools they need to manage through the death of a loved one, from grief counseling, obituary writing and funeral service help to assistance in closing out accounts and managing finances. You can use Empathy as a member anytime you need it, and your beneficiaries can use it in the event of your death.
Both death and retirement issues can even cause anxiety and stress for adult children as well. According to Pew Research Center, nearly half (47%) of adults ages 40–59, considered the “sandwich generation,” worry about the care of their aging parents just as much as the care of their children at home. Talking to your adult children frankly about your retirement plans and savings as well as your contingency plans for serious illness or nursing home care needs can help to alleviate some of this worry. It is a good idea to work together on a plan if you don’t already have one in place. A friend of mine recently noted “My dad didn’t have life insurance, so I had to help take care of things when he died. However, some of my friends were able to pay off their mortgages with life insurance that their parents had. It really helped to put them ahead.” Deciding to purchase life insurance to help cover final expenses and to leave an inheritance for your children can create resources to help the next generation move ahead financially. Additionally, your whole life policy can give you a safety net for your care in the case of terminal illness or confinement to a nursing home. GBU’s Living Benefits Rider allows you to use a percentage of your policy coverage in these cases, which can help keep the financial burden off your children or other close loved ones.
In many cases, the possibility of death, aging and illness of parents and loved ones is a secret worry that many carry around with them. Talking about this and planning for the “just in
case” doesn’t make the pain of loss easier to bear, but it can help to relieve some of the dayto-day anxiety that can arise.
If you would like more information on life insurance and how it can help protect your family's financial future, contact your GBU agent or visit gbu.org to make an appointment with an agent near you. To sign up for LawAssure, visit inside.gbu.org/law-assure . To sign up for Empathy, visit inside.gbu.org/empathy . Please note LawAssure and Empathy are available only to insured GBU members.
GBU Life is the marketing name for GBU Financial Life. Life insurance is underwritten by GBU Financial Life (GBU), Pittsburgh, PA. GBU is not affiliated with the companies listed.
Policy and features are subject to approval and may not be available in all states. Please see policy and rider for complete details. GBU and its agents do not provide legal, financial or tax advice. Please consult with a legal or tax professional prior to the purchase of any contract. Policy will mature when insured reaches age 121. Payment of dividends is not guaranteed as the assumptions on which they are based are subject to change. Loans and withdrawals taken against a permanent life insurance policy will reduce the death benefit and may result in a taxable situation. Contract Form Series: ICC20-WL, FL20WL.2, ICC20-SPWL, FL20-SPWL.2.
When you are healthy and at the top of your game, it can be a great time to apply for life insurance. Once you're approved, a Secure Whole Life Policy from GBU Life allows you to Add additional coverage over time while protecting your insurability with the Guaranteed Purchase Option Rider.
Have access to a portion of your face value in the event of a "covered" terminal illness or nursing home confinement through the addition of the Terminal Illness and/or Chronic Illness Riders.
Build up cash value that you can borrow against whenever you need it.
Access to great GBU member benefits such as Empathy, which provides on-demand access to bereavement support and tools for both you and your beneficiaries.
"Losing my dad at a young age, I know firsthand that an illness such as cancer can strike at any time, even when you're at the top of your game."
Pittsburgh Defensive Tackle Cam Heyward
GBU Life is the marketing name for GBU Financial Life. Life insurance is underwritten by GBU Financial Life (GBU), Pittsburgh, PA. Policy will mature when insured reaches age 121. Riders are optional and have additional fees/premiums associated with them. Payment of dividends is not guaranteed as the assumptions on which they are based are subject to change. Loans and withdrawals taken against a permanent life insurance policy will reduce the death benefit and may result in a taxable situation. Policy and riders are subject to approval and may not be available in all states. Please see policy and riders for complete details. GBU and its agents do not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Please consult with a legal or tax professional prior to the purchase of any contract. This is a paid endorsement. GBU is not affiliated with the individual listed herein. GBU is not affiliated with Empathy. Contract Form Series: ICC20WL, FL20-WL.2, GEN20-WL, ND20-WL, ICC20-SPWL, FL20-SPWL.2, GEN20-SPWL, ND20-SPWL, ICC20-RGPO, FL20-R-GPO, R-GPO-03.20, ICC20-R-Terminal Illness, FL20-R-Terminal Illness.2, GEN20-R-Terminal Illness, ICC20-R-ChronicCritical, FL20-RChronicCritical.2, GEN20_R_Chronic_Critical_Riders. GBU-CHW-0524
Find out more or find an
.
VALUE-ADDED MEMBER BENEFITS
At GBU Life, we offer incredible benefits for our members. From personalized will planning to health and wellness rewards, our benefits are designed to add even more value to your GBU Life policies.
LAWASSURE
SAGE SCHOLARS TUITION REWARDS
LawAssure is an easy-to-use online service that uses smart technology to help you prepare essential legal documents.
With LawAssure, you can create a customized will or access important legal documents that allow you to assign power of attorney or establish healthcare directives–all from the comfort of your own home. This paid service is available and completely free to GBU Life insured members.
GBU members who sign up for SAGE Scholars Tuition Rewards earn 5% of their annuity value each year in points. They also earn 1,000 points per year for every life insurance policy. Points are transferrable to family members to be used at participating Sage universities (450 universities across the country).
Terms and conditions apply.
VIP PERKS! BY
Enjoy local and national discounts on dining, entertainment and services. You can print coupons from home or simply redeem them from the mobile app!
VIP Perks! by Entertainment provides best-in-class offers, up to 50% off, on things you do every day. You can save on dining, attractions, activities, shopping, services, travel and more!
ENRICH YOUR LIFE
CURATING THE PERFECT
HEAT WAVE HITS
SUMMER READING LIST
Curating your heat wave hits
Crafting a well-rounded summer reading list involve s a delicate balance of genres, themes and styles to en sure a diverse and enriching literary experience.
Grab your notebook and pen, and let's dive into the art of curating the perfect summer reading list, ensuring that your literary companions enhance every moment of th e sunny season ahead.
Consider your preferences
Start by reflecting on your reading preferences and interests. Do you enjoy fiction or nonfiction? Are you drawn to specific genres like mystery, romance or science fiction? Understanding your tastes will help you select books that resonate with you.
Explore new genres
Venture beyond your comfort zone and explore a variety of genres to broaden your literary horizons. Include a mix of fiction and nonfiction, as well as different genres, such as historical fiction, memoirs, fantasy, thriller and contemporary literature.
Include diverse voices
Incorporate books by authors from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to gain insight into different cultures, experiences and viewpoints. Seek out books written by authors of different genders, ethnicities and nationalities to ensure a wellrounded reading experience.
Blend classics with contemporary
Strike a balance between classic literature and contemporary works to gain a deeper appreciation of literary traditions while staying connected to current trends and voices.
Consider themes
Organize your summer reading list around a central theme or topic to provide cohesion and structure. Whether it's exploring a specific historical period, delving into a particular subject area or focusing on a universal theme like love or resilience, a themed reading list can add depth and meaning to your summer reading experience.
Seek recommendations
Don't hesitate to seek recommendations from friends, family, librarians and online book communities to discover hidden gems and new perspectives that you might not have encountered otherwise.
Join Hands Day 2024 Join Hands Day 2024
Join Hands Day took place on May 4 and is an annual observance dedicated to promoting unity, cooperation and community involvement. It encourages people from all walks of life to come together, regardless of their backgrounds or differences, to work towards a common goal and make a positive impact in their communities. This year, we challenged our members to share their Join Hands Day project in Optimity. Check out the ways our members gave back to their communities in April and May in honor of Join Hands Day.
Get rewarded for what you do in your community at inside.gbu.org/optimity.
Episode 14: National Recovery Begins Local
What do you think of when you hear American Red Cross? Join host Timothy Rodman, advertising and graphics specialist at GBU Life, and Nicole Roschella, the regional communications director of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, as they delve into this intriguing topic.
Tune in to the “Current Interest” podcast episode for an insightful discussion that will broaden your understanding and appreciation of the impactful efforts of this renowned organization.
With Nicole Roschella, Regional Communications Director of American Red Cross
Summer Exercise Playlist
“In Common - Kaskade Remix” by Alicia Keys, Kaskade
"Take Me Home (feat. Bebe Rexha)" by Cash Cash, Bebe Rexha
“Don’t Stop The Party” by Black Eyed Peas
“Spectrum” by Zedd, Matthew Koma
“Give Me Your Love” by Sigala, John Newman, Nile Rodgers
“Energy” by BURNS, A$AP Rocky, Sabrina
Claudio
“Turn Up the Music” by Chris Brown
“Feel Good Inc.” by Gorillaz
“Instruction” by Jax Jones, Demi Lovato, Stefflon Don
"Let's Go (feat. Ne-Yo)" by Calvin Harris, Ne-Yo
"Either Way (feat. Joey Bada$$) - TCTS Remix" by Snakeships, Anne-Marie, Joey Bada$$, TCTS
"OMG (feat. will.i.am)” by USHER, will.i.am
"Don't Worry Bout Me" by Zara Larsson
Summer Music Trivia
Turn your radio up! This summer music trivia is sure to be a hit!
Test your knowledge and speed with this season's online game.
Monday, July 15 - Friday, August 9, 2024
HOW TO PLAY
Go to inside.gbu.org/trivia, starting on Monday, July 15, 2024, at 8 AM ET, and click on the link to the game. Answer trivia questions about a variety of music genres. You have two minutes to answer as many questions as you can. The faster you answer, the more points you score!
Keep an eye on the leaderboard until the end of the game on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 4 PM ET.
The top ten players on the leaderboard at the end of the game will win a $20 Tango gift card! Tango partners with hundreds of participating retailers and brands such as Nike, Target and Amazon. All players will be entered in a random drawing for a chance to win a $250 Tango gift card.
Only one entry is permitted per GBU member. Tango gift cards will be awarded digitally via email. See official rules posted on the game site prior to gameplay.
EASY SUMMER DINNER IDEAS
THAT ARE PERFECT FOR WARM NIGHTS
BEET ORANGE SALAD
INGREDIENTS
4 ounces spinach and arugula mix
4 medium beets cooked and sliced
2 navel oranges peeled and sliced
¼ cup walnuts chopped
2 tablespoons feta cheese
Salt and pepper
DRESSING
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
DIRECTIONS
Whisk together the ingredients of the dressing until well blended.
Assemble the salad into one large bowl, placing the greens at the bottom, followed by interchanging layers of the sliced beets and sliced oranges.
Crumble feta cheese; add walnuts and drizzle the dressing on top.
Serve at room temperature or cold.
TIME
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
GREEK PASTA SALAD
INGREDIENTS
½ cup olive oil
½ cup red wine vinegar
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
¾ teaspoon white sugar
2 ½ cups cooked elbow macaroni
3 cups fresh sliced mushrooms
15 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup sliced red bell peppers
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup chopped green onions
1 (4 ounce) can whole black olives
¾ cup sliced pepperoni sausage, cut into strips
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, basil, oregano, black pepper and sugar.
Add the cooked pasta, mushrooms, tomatoes, red peppers, feta cheese, green onions, olives and pepperoni.
Toss the mixture until evenly coated.
Cover, and chill for two hours or overnight.
Serve chilled or cold.
TIME
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Song list: “Vienna” by Billy Joel; “I Like It” by Cardi B, Bad Bunny, J Balvin; “Ride Wit Me” by Nelly, City Spud; “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes; “Girls Just Want to Have Fun“ by Cyndi Lauper; “Any Way You Want It” by Journey; “Clocks” by Coldplay; “Roam” by The B-52’s; “Sailing” by Christopher Cross; “Hotel California” by Eagles; “ABC” by The Jackson 5; “Low Rider” by War; “Hot Rod Lincoln” by Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen; “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts; “Peaceful Easy Feeling” by Eagles
Our picks for your summer road trips .
The “GBU Road Trip” playlist was curated by members of our marketing and communications teams. We selected our favorite songs for road trips to help you have the best driving experience(s) this summer.
Scan to listen to the playlist on Spotify!
JUST FOR KIDS
Summer Staycation Checklist
Save money, stress less and enjoy summer in your own town!
Activities include
Attend a community festival or parade
Enjoy a baseball game
Visit a museum
Host a backyard BBQ
Volunteer at an animal rescue center, food pantry or library
SUMMERCelebrate Word Search
Summer is special, and these 12 words celebrate the season. Can you find them below? When you do, circle them! They will be right to left, left to right, up and down or diagonal.
Jody Shapiro is a Forest Hills, Pennsylvania, native and owner of Aspire Enterprises and Yinzer Family Gifts N’at—where she turns her colorful computer creations, including images of her dogs and original black and gold Yinzer sayings into shirts, mugs and other useful items that she sells in her Redbubble store redbubble.com/people/AspireToFind/shop?asc=u. Jody and her husband, Joel Bloom, live in Pittsburgh with their long-haired mini dachshund and social media influencer (@CodyBearTheDachshund) AKA Cody. Follow him for daily doses of dog humor and dog-themed poetry. Jody has been creating word puzzles for children since the mid-1980s. She has been a GBU member since the late 2000s. aspiretofindasolution.com
The Ultimate Road GuideTrip
Five Tips for Planning
Your Next Adventure
02
Plan Your Route and Stops
Before embarking on your adventure, map out your route. Consider scenic byways, points of interest and rest stops. Planning your stops ahead of time can help avoid long stretches without amenities and allow for spontaneous exploration of interesting sights. Use apps such as Google Maps or Waze for navigation and traffic updates.
04 Prepare Your Vehicle
A road trip can be the perfect escape, offering freedom, adventure and the chance to create unforgettable memories. Whether you're heading out for a weekend getaway or a crosscountry journey, preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here’s your ultimate roadtrip guide to help you hit the road with confidence.
Embrace the Journey
A road trip is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Embrace the spontaneity!
Packing efficiently is crucial for comfort and convenience. Create a checklist of essentials to ensure you have everything you need without overloading your vehicle. In addition to clothing, a few must-have items include driver’s license, car registration, insurance papers and roadside assistance details; first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes and any personal medication; books, games and music playlists; a cooler with snacks and water. Consider bringing supplies to make sandwiches.
It's essential that your vehicle is in top condition before you hit the road. Remember to check the tires, fluids, battery, brakes and lights before departing.
Budget Wisely
Use money-saving apps to find the most cost-effective gas prices and accommodations.
Musical artists, such as Lana Del Rey and other celebrities, have been making their redcarpet debuts with bows as the key hair accessory.
Vintage, or distressed, band tees will continue to be popular this back-to- school year. They’re the perfect statement to show your peers how you rock out!
How music is influencing this back-to-school season’s trends
Are polka dots back on the rise?
Musicians such as Usher and Lainey Williams were “spotted” strutting the classic pattern. Will you be trying polka dots in your upcoming looks?
With options for every taste and interest, it is easy to choose your next school backpack based on style alone, but there are a few additional things to consider when choosing the backpack that will be your daily partner for the next school year.
SIZE
While it is important to choose a backpack that is not too large for your body, most teachers specify that you should have a “fullsize” backpack. That means you will want at least 10”x12” of space to easily hold 8.5”x11” papers and folders.
CONSTRUCTION
Books, laptops and other supplies add up and can create a pretty heavy load for you to carry on a daily basis. Make sure that your backpack is sturdy and that the straps are strong and well attached. The straps should be padded so that they are comfortable on your shoulders and adjustable so that you are carrying the backpack correctly on your back. Be sure that the zippers are good quality, that the zipper pulls won’t break easily and that any buttons or snaps for pockets are easy for you to open and close.
FEATURES
What do you need to put in your backpack each day? If you have a laptop, you will want to be sure that there is a padded laptop pocket. Since COVID, most schools prefer that you bring your own water bottle, so a side pocket that fits your water bottle is ideal. Are you taking your lunch? A separate compartment for your lunch bag that keeps it away from your books and papers is ideal. Do you have special supplies that you like to take to school, such as pencils, pens and art supplies? Ensure that there is a pocket that gives you easy access to them. If you are in high school and take a wallet with money, your driver’s license or keys, you may want to look for a backpack that has a locking compartment for these valuables.
Music & Development
Music plays a critical role in personal development and influences aspects of life from emotional expression to cognitive growth. From an early age, music serves as a tool for learning and socialization, helping children develop language skills, memory, and coordination. As individuals grow, music continues to be a powerful medium for self-expression and emotional release, providing a healthy outlet for processing complex feelings and experiences.
Give Back University students get free access to a variety of engaging, small-group classes online. Unlike traditional classes, Outschool classes give kids the unique opportunity to explore their interests in-depth via interactive, live video by experienced, independent educators. The featured topics above are just a handful of the music-related classes that Outschool offers.
and earn rewards.
Give Back University is a part of GBU’s 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 Give Back University members will grow up to be advocates and strong leaders both for GBU and for the communities they live in.
Sign up at inside.gbu.org/give-back-u
Student of the Year Student of the Year
Ryann Janosko Ryann Janosko
The Challenge Program’s (TCP) mission is to motivate high school students to develop the habits required to succeed in school and in their careers by building business/education partnerships. TCP presents a Student of the Year Award at its annual Crystal Owl Gala. Ryann Janosko, a student from GBU’s partner school Elizabeth Forward High School, was this year’s winner. Here, Ryann tells her story about applying for the Student of the Year Award.
My name is Ryann Janosko.
I’m a student at Elizabeth Forward High School and Steel Center Vo Tech.
When I first heard about The Challenge Program at the beginning of the school year, I wasn’t feeling my best. I had severe thoughts
of suicide. In September, right after school started, I had negative feelings that I would never want anyone to feel. This is my first time speaking about what I’ve been through. It’s not because I didn’t want anyone to know or that I was embarrassed of what had happened but because I’m afraid of being judged. Ever since I was younger, school has been difficult for me due to bullying. The second time I heard about The Challenge Program was a few months ago, when GBU Life came in and spoke to us a little about themselves and about The
Challenge Program, and that day, I remember searching for The Challenge Program on Instagram and seeing they had posted a story about the Student of the Year Award and how to enter. When I entered, I didn’t think much of winning because I haven’t had much luck lately. When I heard my teacher’s phone ring and then was called down to the guidance office, I had the feeling I was finally good enough for something! While walking down, I had the biggest smile on my face, and the guidance counselor told me that I placed in the top three for the Student of the Year Award and that I was going to be a finalist. I finally felt heard, and it was all thanks to The Challenge Program. I’m so beyond blessed for this opportunity to be sharing my story with those who are actually interested. Thanks to all of you, I now have a different view of life.
Ken Elliott, Jennifer Stockdale, Anna Meek, Jon Naser and Rachel Cummins of GBU Life pose with Ryann Janosko (center) at the Crystal Owl Gala.
FOR GBU MEMBERS THREE TO NINE YEARS OLD
SOUNDTRACK OF MY LIFE COLORING CONTEST
GBU members between the ages of three and nine years old can enter their colored page in this year's contest, themed: Soundtrack of My Life
Three age categories will be judged as follows:
Category I: Ages three and four
Category II: Ages five and six
Category III: Ages seven, eight and nine
Entrants may use crayons, colored pencils, markers or watercolor paints. Entries will be accepted through Monday, August 19, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The picture on the next page can be reproduced, or copies can be obtained by calling the Community Engagement Team at the GBU Home Office (800-765-4428).
CASH PRIZES FOR EACH CATEGORY
First prize: $75
Second prize: $50
Third prize: $30
HOW TO ENTER
Send the three- to nine-year-old GBU member's coloring contest entry with their name and address on the back of the child's-colored page to:
GBU Life
ATTN: Member Benefits
4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394.
Or email contest@gbu.org with "Coloring Contest Entry” as the subject line.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Judges reserve the right to accept or reject any or all entries. Their decisions will be final. Artwork will be handled at the GBU Home Office with the utmost care. GBU reserves the right to reproduce entries for whatever use it wishes, provided proper credit is given. Permission does not include the sale of such work.
SOUNDTRACK OF MY LIFE COLORING CONTEST
For GBU members between the ages of three and nine years old. Please write name, age and address on the bottom of this coloring entry.
NAME/AGE:
ADDRESS:
DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
District 45–Altoona, Pennsylvania
Happy Summer to all the GBU members and their family and friends. The first day of summer arrives with the summer solstice on June 20, 2024. Break out the sunscreen, and enjoy the sunny weather.
The district calendar of events and scholarship request letters have been mailed. If you did not receive these, let me know, and I will make sure you get them. Send scholarship donations to our treasurer, Betty Richardson, at 2524 W. Chestnut Ave. Altoona, PA 16601. Please make checks payable to GBU District 45, and denote “Scholarship Fund” in the memo line.
Thank you to everyone who helped with the following:
• Spring Pie Sale. We were able to donate $300 each to the Dreams Go On therapeutic riding stable and the Miracle League special needs baseball organization.
• Children’s Easter Party. Held in conjunction with the Unter Uns Club, 25 children–along with their families–enjoyed games, activities, food and a visit with the Easter bunny.
• Join Hands Day Project. We met at the Unter Uns Club in May to clean up the outside grounds in preparation for Memorial Day activities and the club’s anniversary celebration on June 28 and June 29, 2024 . The anniversary activities are open to the public, so stop in and enjoy some good food and music.
Upcoming District Events
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 our treasurer, Betty Richardson, at 814-9436655. Motel-size or full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant and other toiletries are appreciated.
Our Annual GBU District 45 picnic will be on Friday, August 9, 2024, at the Swiss Club located at 1219 Harrison Ave., Altoona, PA. Doors open at 5 PM. Join us for an evening of food, fun and fraternal activities! Activities include a cake walk for the kids and the adults, treat bags for the kids and door prizes. RSVP to me, one of our district officers or your district representative. We hope to see many members and their guests at the picnic. Members of the Hollidaysburg Area School District German Club plan to attend and join us in some German dancing.
GBU District 45 scholarships are now available for those who are planning to attend a post-secondary college, business school or trade school full-time during the 2024 - 2025 school year. Applications must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, October 1, 2024, to be eligible for a scholarship. Please contact me for an application.
Our fall pie sale to benefit the Saint Vincent dePaul Assumption Chapel Food Pantry starts on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Orders are due by Monday, November 11, 2024. Orders will be delivered on Saturday, November 23, 2024, or they can be picked up between 10 AM and noon at the food pantry. The pies make for a tasty Thanksgiving treat and will freeze well for Christmas too.
We will also be collecting donations for the Saint Vincent dePaul Assumption Chapel Food Pantry during the month of November. Donations can be dropped off at the food pantry on the day of the pie sale. If you need donations picked up, contact John and Robin Kessler at 814-943-4481.
Save the date! Join us for the Veteran’s Day Parade in downtown Altoona, tentatively scheduled for Monday, November 11, 2024, at 10 AM. If you are interested in participating, please contact me. As always, take a moment to thank a veteran for his or her service.
I would like to welcome new members who have recently joined GBU and District 45. We hope you can participate in one of our many activities and meet fellow members. Contact me for a copy of the district calendar of events or more information about the district. Visit inside.gbu.org/gbu-life-districts for more information and pictures.
District
45–Altoona, Pennsylvania, continued
Please join us at one of our meetings at 6 PM on the second Wednesday of the month at the Unter Uns Club located at Van Buren Ave and 14th Street in Altoona. There are no meetings in January, July, November or December. Learn, support and get involved in fraternal activities.
- Robin Kessler, fraternal secretary 814-943-4481 or rob1jon@atlanticbb.net
District
146–Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Greetings from District 146.
Earlier this year, we increased our donation to Sandyvale Memorial Gardens and Conservancy. Each year, we sponsor financial support for their display of the American Flag at the site, which is the final resting place for veterans of eight conflicts, immigrants who settled in the region and first families of Johnstown, PA. Sandyvale hosted the annual Memorial Day celebration in honor of all veterans.
We also continued our support of fundraisers for Victim Services, Inc., which provides refuge and safety for individuals and families in desperate need, and to Circle of Support Child Advocacy Center to raise awareness and take a stance against child abuse.
Thanks to Gary, Jack, Marian, Mark, Steve and Denny for lending their hands and skills to aid our annual Join Hands Day project in the clubroom. We were able to complete several projects as a thank-you to the Home Association and its members for their continued support of district projects and fundraisers.
The annual All-American Amateur Baseball Association (AAABA) Tournament is approaching. If you are a fan of amateur baseball, there will be numerous games to enjoy in the Johnstown, PA, area. The district will show its support by placing a full-page ad in the annual AAABA program booklet.
The Tribune-Democrat has the Newspaper in Education program, which supplies newspapers to area classrooms to be used as learning tools. The 2024-2025 school year is almost here, and the district will support this program by sponsoring a classroom.
Upcoming District Events
A fundraiser, with the date to be determined, will be held in the clubroom to benefit our donation to GBU Operation Reach Out.
In September, we will host our annual fundraiser to benefit 1st Summit Bank’s Needy Children Shopping Tour. Area schools select students who need warm clothing, and volunteers are given lists with sizes and need-fulfilling goods to be purchased for each child. Please help! Any donation will be accepted. Donations can be dropped off after 3 PM in the clubroom or mailed to District 146’s Children’s Christmas Fund, 40 Bridge St., Johnstown, PA 15902
Meetings are usually held at 7 PM on the second Monday of the month (except for July) at the Moxham Beneficial Home Association, 40 Bridge St. in Johnstown, 814-539-1290. Check the bulletin board in the clubroom for additional information and any changes to meeting dates.
- Barbara Weimer, fraternal secretary/treasurer 814-255-4710 or bkweimer@verizon.net
District 510–Toledo, Ohio
Greetings to all from District 510.
We hosted our first meeting of 2024 on February 20. Members enjoyed a dinner of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, vegetable medley and rolls before the meeting. Thanks to Marilyn Riedeman and Mary Smith for preparing and serving the dinner and to President Tom Riedeman for the chocolate valentine candy treats.
At the March monthly meeting, we enjoyed a Jiggs dinner of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, sauerkraut and fresh bread and butter prepared by Marilyn Riedeman and Mary Smith. GBU District 510 held a quarterly officer’s meeting at Tom and Marilyn’s house on March 11. We also held our annual audit at Tom and Marilyn’s house on March 23. A big thank you to Tom and Marilyn for hosting.
GBU District 510 held the Children’s Easter Bunny Hop Thru on Palm Sunday, March 24, at Oak Shade Grove. The children were greeted by the Easter Bunny and got to take pictures with him. Each child received an Easter Basket full of goodies. Thanks to the District 510 officers, volunteers and our 2024 GBU Queen Riley Hendricks and 2024 GBU Princess Taylor Wolfram, who volunteered their time. Also, a special thanks to Jeff Schimming. We capped off April with our monthly meeting on April 16. Attendees enjoyed a selection of pizza and salad before the meeting.
The Toledo Holzhacker Buam (THB) Schuhplattler Gruppe has been busy practicing for the 2024 season. THB adults and Kinder Gruppe danced at the Toledo Schwaben Verein Bock Bier Fest.
Upcoming District Events
Upcoming events include a picnic on Sunday, July 21, at Riedeman’s Farm, the German American Festival (GAF) on August 23-25 and our monthly meeting and steak roast on Tuesday, September 17
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. Our regular meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at the GAF. The meal is served at 6 PM, and our meeting follows at 7 PM.
- Jacqueline E. Martin, fraternal secretary 419-350-6684 or toysrmonica@sbcglobal.net
District 684–Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Happy summer everyone!
As I am drafting this article in May, the temperature is 80 degrees and giving me summer feels.
In March, we presented two checks to the South Hills Pet Rescue with proceeds from our spring kick-off event at Topgolf and matching funds from GBU.
District 684–Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
Also, at the time of writing this, we planned to volunteer as a group over the summer, with the first date being June 13
Our district officers were honored to attend the GBU Foundation inaugural Community Grant Awards ceremony at the South Hills Country Club on April 11. Twelve nonprofit organizations were awarded grants in the areas of GBU’s four pillars of Wellness, Education, Charitable Giving and Hometown Hero Support.
On May 4, our district was one of the sponsors for Drop the Puck on Cancer. This is a day-long gathering at Brentwood Park, designed to unite the community for a common cause: raising funds to help those affected by cancer.
On the same night, we held our annual Kentucky Derby Night/ Fundraiser at Gianna Via’s restaurant. Monetary donations and items needed were collected for South Hills Pet Rescue. We cheered on our favorite horse, wore our best hats and enjoyed the evening with friends.
Our district is also supporting the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the Brentwood 4th of July Parade and the Whiskey Rebellion 5k race in Canonsburg, PA, on Thursday, July 4.
Please feel free to contact me regarding upcoming events so that we can add you to our email/mailing list.
Stay safe, and enjoy the summer weather!
- Jackie Alaimo, fraternal secretary 412-720-4801 or jackie.alaimo@gbu.org
District 699–Frankenmuth, Michigan
Greetings from GBU 699! Spring has sprung, and no doubt, as you read this, we are in the dog days of summer!
We are excited about all the new opportunities being presented to GBU districts this year, but with those new opportunities comes some discomfort. Whenever I feel uncomfortable about change, I always remind myself that per Lao Tzu, “If you do not change direction, you might end up where you are heading!”
Nothing is more exciting than breaking up the norm and finding new and better ways to do things.
Our quarterly report looks nothing like it used to. I submitted my first online quarterly report, and it was indeed a better way of doing it.
With the new district strategy, instead of getting reimbursed for events and charitable giving, we are given monies up front so that we can continue to maximize our effectiveness in the community.
We have two “new” board members. Susan Weiss is replacing Ralph Haubenstricker as sentinel. Dawn Ohlendorf is replacing Jolyn Ohlendorf as trustee. As always, we appreciate our board and the work they do for the district. The board is where the action happens!
We have already had two events take place. We had five of our members donate time directing traffic for the 2024 Frankenmuth Winterlaufe on February 3 This is an event put on by the Frankenmuth Jaycees and is a winter running/walking race for various charities. Some years are bitter cold. This year, the weather was much less biting. The runners appreciate the winter weather for this event.
We had our 2nd Putt-Putt and Pizza event on February 18. It was well attended with 30 members of all ages. We had a great time! We will reevaluate it to determine if we would like to have it next year and possibly make some changes to keep things fresh.
On May 4, we cleaned up Crayola Park in Saginaw, MI, for Join Hands Day, followed by lunch. On May 15, we had our district meeting at Panda House Chinese Restaurant in Saginaw, MI.
On June 25, district members joined One Week One Street to help repair a street in the Saginaw community.
June 8, our district, along with Great Lakes District Engagement Specialist Laqueeta Coleman, hosted a GBU booth to promote our activities during the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival at the Michigan Vintage Volkswagen Club.
District 699–Frankenmuth, Michigan, continued June 29, we traveled as a group to Detroit, MI, for the second annual community day at the Detroit Zoo. Many meetings were had, and much work and fraternal fellowship happened.
Upcoming District Events
We have many more events planned for this year. Saturday, August 10, we are having a GBU 699 children’s event at the Saginaw Children’s Zoo. Wednesday, August 21, we are having an event to collect school supplies to donate to a classroom. Sunday, October 20, we are collecting cans and dry goods for Old Town Christian Outreach in Saginaw, MI. Saturday, December 7, we will be meeting at Crossroads Village to look at the Christmas displays and ride on the steam train. This is all in addition to the many meetings happening throughout the year.
Thanks go out to Laqueeta Coleman for procuring a new sign for us to display at our gatherings.
If you are interested in attending any of our meetings or events, please contact me.
- Dan M. Pierce, fraternal secretary 989-482-9020 or dan.pierce@mail.com
District 707–Grand Rapids, Michigan
On April 24, 2024, we had Mary Suarez from The Hope Project speak to us about this inspiring group. Victims of human trafficking come to them to receive counseling for themselves and for the family unit as well. Ninety-one percent of victims are sold by their parents. The Hope Project team goes into school districts to do training, animal therapy and mentoring programs.
On May 11, we held a collaborative fundraising event with GBU District 5000, the International Order of Vikings (IOV), to benefit The Hope Project. The event was a derby party with horse racing, 50/50s, a silent auction, a derby hat competition and fabulous food and beverages. It was held at the IOV Linne Lodge in Muskegon, Michigan.
- Judy Cwiklinski, fraternal secretary 616-454-6026 or jcwik227@yahoo.com
District 821–Sterling Heights, Michigan
Hello, my friends!
This winter was more like spring, as some flowers started showing up in February. There was very little snow to shovel and, instead, quite a bit of rain. Our monthly meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month, and I am happy to say that 12 to 16 people are coming regularly.
We celebrated our GBU-sponsored Karneval (Fasching) on February 9 for the first time at our new GACC home. It was well supported by most of our friends from the other clubs and guests. We had a variety of beautiful costumes; we listened, sang and danced to the familiar Rheinländer music. The traditional ham and pea soup, along with the variety of German desserts, were delicious.
The next few weeks, we had our Friday Fish Frys from February 16 to March 8, which were, as always, open to the public. Our district sponsored the dinners, serving food from 5 PM to 7 PM.
We enjoyed Deutsche Gemütlichkeit afterward, with card games and various board games. At each of the dinners, I was allowed to present an information table with our many fraternal advantages.
We had Herbert Langegger, the professional accordion player, for sing-along songs to entertain us all.
The annual GACC meeting and election was held on March 10, featuring a big spread of sandwiches and salads complimenting the nice, unseasonably warm weather. We had an unexpectedly high turnout of guests present, and we thank everyone who came. Many signed up to attend the St. Patrick’s Day event.
The St. Patrick’s Day celebration on March 15 was another success, and almost everyone came dressed in green. The event was better than last year’s according to many comments! We had delicious corned beef and cabbage, various potato dishes, vegetables and more, all of which were beautifully displayed. While eating, we enjoyed listening to popular German accordion music played by Herbert. Our members also brought many different cakes for us to enjoy. Afterward, Irish songbooks were passed out by the guitar players, allowing us to sing some Irish folk songs (or at least try, since they were not familiar to us). But then, we were given German songbooks to get more people to sing. Lots of laughter showed proof that everyone was having a good time.
We plan to do as many choir performances as possible for the Historic Trinity Church, assisted living and nursing homes and any other organizations that may ask.
Upcoming District Events
Sunday, July 14 Picnic at the grounds of the German church for members and guests
Sunday, August 11 Deutsche Tag at the GACC
Sunday, October 6
German American Day at the GACC
Saturday, October 25 Halloween at the GACC
Sunday, November 3
GBU Fall Concert at the GACC
District 821–Sterling Heights, Michigan, continued Friday, December 13 GBU Christmas at the GACC
District 1000–LFA (Lutheran Fraternities of America)
Dear members,
“Everything good and everything magical happens between the months of June and August.” - Jenny Han
Membership News
The 38th Annual Concordia Food-A-Thon was held on April 15 Rose Penzien delivered a generous amount of donations raised to help the staff, students and future pastors there. Thank you so much, District 1000 members! We were able to present them with a check for $11,105! Rose presented the check to President Rast and Deaconess Rittner. She was also able to get a tour of the library and the co-op food pantry, which provides the students with much-needed items.
Relay For Life was held on May 11 at the Chippewa Valley Ninth Grade Center. This year, we raised just over $1,110 toward this amazing cause. Thank you to all those who donated.
Community Day at the Detroit Zoo was held on June 29. If you were able to attend this event, we hope you enjoyed spending the day in fraternalism and seeing some animals.
Upcoming District Events
We are trying to get some events together for members to participate in. If you have any ideas that you want to share, please let us know!
Mel Ott / Lutheran Night: Join us on Friday, August 9, at 6 PM for Jimmy John’s “GBU at the Ball Park.” Members’ cost is $35 and includes a buffet meal, two beverage tickets, grandstand seating and a group photo on the field. Contact Glenn Penzien at 586-944-5004 to purchase your tickets.
Corn Roast: LFA #57 is hosting its annual celebration of the harvest corn roast on Monday, August 26, at the LFA #57 Hall. Come and enjoy some sweet corn!
LFA #57 Golf Outing: Save the Date! Sunday, September 15, will be the annual Carl F. Gerds, Jr. Memorial Golf Outing and Fundraiser. More information will follow regarding location and time.
Oktoberfest: Willkommen to LFA #57’s annual Oktoberfest party on Friday, October 18, at the LFA Hall. There will be beverages, food and the celebration of cultural heritage and traditions. Enjoy traditional food, entertainment from a live authentic German band and stein-holding contests.
Reminders
We have gently used wheelchairs and walkers available for pickup at our district office at no cost to anyone in need.
The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) is collecting canceled postage stamps for their Stamps for Mission Program. Simply cut off the canceled stamp from the envelope and bring it to the next function, and we will see that it gets to the LWML.
The District Officer’s Meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 7, at 6:30 PM via Google Meets.
For information regarding life insurance, annuities such as IRAs, Roth IRAs and similar topics, please call 586-677-2020, and your agent or a representative servicing your area will contact you.
- Stacia (Penzien) Zarzycki, sentinel and GBU The Reporter Correspondent
586-677-2020 or smpenzien@yahoo.com
“Christian Volunteering Is Contagious.”
District 2000–ULS (United Lutheran Society)
Join me in celebrating the beautiful life of former United Lutheran Society (ULS) board member Christine Hresil Chris departed to be with our Lord on December 17, 2023, after battling dementia for several years. She was a key contributor to the success of ULS and a key ally in approving the merger into GBU. Chris was an avid supporter of the ULS and the charitable work provided by Assembly #120 in Chicago. She found joy in educating others as she spent her career teaching. Her presence will be missed. On behalf of the members of District 2000, we extend our deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family. On a personal note, I will miss the good times and laughter we had together.
Assembly Activities
Assembly #9 President Debbie Voldrich presents a check for $100 to Katie Karkosiak , who was the winner of our fourthquarter (2023) attendance drawing. Katie said she would use this unexpected gift to help pay for education courses.
District 2000–ULS (United Lutheran Society),
On March 3, Assembly #62 in Hermitage, PA, held its Annual Takeout Dinner Fundraiser in the Fellowship Hall of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Members Ruth Klein and Gabrielle Lucas helped prepare the dinners. Afterward, a brief meeting was held to discuss future activities.
Bowling Tournament Results
Congratulations to our Women’s Singles Event winner, Joella Elbert , and her counterpart, Mike Sapelli, with a three-pin win in the men’s event. In addition, the most consistent bowlers over the weekend were Melissa Cole and Karl Hunsicker, who captured first place in the female and male All-Events categories. Karl also claimed first place in the Doubles Event with his wife, Donna.
Kudos to the Guys and Dolls team, consisting of Brian Bowker, Becky Dawson, Barb Klein and Jim Thomas, as they outscored all others in the team event. The $300 cash prize for rolling 300 game was not claimed. Steve Hauser gave it his best shot twice. His first game started with eight strikes until a solid seven pin ended the streak and he finished with a 268. In his second game, the only frame he did not strike was the first (covering a 5-10 split), and he finished with a high game at 290! Molly Campitelli and Kim Heaton tied for high game on the women’s side with 181 each.
Mike Sapelli, winner of the Men’s Singles Event, and Kristi Stover with a second-place finish in the Women’s Singles Event. (Firstplace winner Joella Elbert was not available for a photo).
Attendance Winner
Cheryl Slough, wife of District 2000 Recording Secretary Jim, from Assembly #9 in Cleveland was our first-quarter winner in our Assembly Attendance Drawing. She was eligible to receive a $100 cash award by participating in her local assembly activities. You could become our next winner by attending your assembly’s next function!
Life Insurance, Annuities, IRAs, Fraternal Benefits
Check out the GBU website at gbu.org for more information on our valuable insurance, annuity and IRA products and benefits. For access to an agent or district representative in your area, contact the GBU Home Office.
‘Til next time!
- Jerry A. Hauser, fraternal secretary 724-953-8287 or jdhauser1@comcast.net
The Guys & Dolls, consisting of Barb Klein, Jim Thomas, Becky Dawson and Brian Bowker, won the team event in our recent bowling tournament.
Karl and Donna Hunsicker were winners in the Doubles Event.
District 3000–Hungarian Reformed Federation of America (HRFA)
Meet Jon Naser, President of GBU District 3000-HRFA
Jon Naser started his fraternal life as an infant, when his pastor, the late Rev. Alexander Jalso, arranged for an HRFA life insurance policy. Jon, his mother Joann and his sister Liz Naser have been lifelong members of the American Hungarian community in western PA. When HRFA merged with GBU Life in December 2011, HRFA became GBU District 3000. And yes, we celebrate our life with GBU and our Hungarian heritage at the same time. What a great organization!
Jon Naser first read about a program called “ReConnect Hungary” in The Reporter. The program offered opportunities for young people of Hungarian descent to apply for a structured tour of Hungary, where they could learn more about their Hungarian heritage, Hungarian history and Hungarian culture and even visit the town from which their families originated. Jon learned a great deal about Hungary and even visited the famous Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest. He also had the honor of meeting Prime Minister Victor Orban in person. Additionally, his trip included visits to Hungarian ethnic communities in Slovakia. This trip was in 2012. To apply and get interviewed, he went to New York. There, he met Governor George Pataki, also of Hungarian ethnicity. This trip was offered by the Hungarian Human Rights Foundation (HHRF) in New York, and the president of the HHRF was also our GBU board member and District 3000 president, the late Laszlo Hamos Laszlo recognized the great potential in Jon and invited him to become more involved in the HHRF and in GBU. Later, in 2016, Jon was selected to participate in a similar program called ReConnect Transylvania. Transylvania has one of the largest ethnic minority groups in Europe, you guessed it, Hungarians.
From my experience with Jon over the years, I can honestly say that he has grown into a good leader with a great deal of common sense. He is thoughtful, mature, kind and generous. We believe he is an excellent president of GBU District 3000HRFA. In 2016, Jon became recording secretary, and in 2022, at the age of 29, he was elected president of our 6,000-member District 3000.
When I asked Jon what pleased him most about his experience with GBU District 3000, he said, “I believe we are still doing good work in our local communities, giving to and supporting charitable nonprofit American Hungarian organizations and generally raising awareness of the great benefits available through GBU for our members.
He also stated that he would like to recognize our current district officers for working in harmony and always supporting each other. As he reflected on his experience with District 3000-HRFA, he remembered the great guidance, support and
mentoring provided by the late Laszlo Hamos, the late Rev. Imre Bertalan, the late John Morey, the late Rev. Louis Medgyesi, the late Joe Fabri and retired HRFA/District 3000 officers George Dozsa and Rev. Leslie Martin.
Jon has accomplished many things, including having been on the constituency board at Bethlen Communities (now Concordia at Bethlen in Ligonier, PA), a healthcare and retirement community. He is currently chair of the Hungarian Nationality Room at the University of Pittsburgh, and he told me that he is honored to be an employee of the GBU Home Office. His current position is GBU claims manager. Congratulations, Jon, on a life of fraternal service to our community and our families. Well done! God bless you as you continue to serve our GBU District 3000 community!
- Rev. Leslie E. Martin, past president
MAKE-A-DATE
Please check with one of the officers of the district to confirm whether or not an event is canceled.
JULY
4 684 (PA) Brentwood 4th of July Parade and the Whiskey Rebellion 5k race in Canonsburg, PA 14 821 (MI) Picnic at St. Peters
21 510 (OH) Picnic at Riedeman’s Farm 27 84 (PA) Luncheon and Ice Cream Social at Scoops
(PA)
9 1000 (PA) Mel Ott / Lutheran Night 10 699 (MI) GBU 699 children’s event at the Saginaw Children’s Zoo 11 821 (MI) The Deutsche Tag at the GACC 17 84 (PA) Lancaster Barnstormers Game 21 699 (MI) GBU 699 event to
(OH)
(PA)
1 NE New England Fraternal Alliance Scholarship applications due
1 45 (PA) District 45 Scholarship applications due
1 45 (PA) Fall pie sale to benefit the Saint Vincent dePaul Assumption Chapel Food Pantry starts
6 821 (MI) The German American Day at the GACC
18 1000 (PA) LFA #57’s annual Oktoberfest party
20 699 (MI) Canned goods collection for Old Town Christian Outreach 27 510 (OH) Trunk-or-Treat
NOVEMBER
3 821 (MI) GBU Fall Concert at the GACC 11 45 (PA) Altoona’s Veteran’s Day Parade 11 45 (PA) Orders are due–fall pie sale to benefit the Saint Vincent dePaul Assumption Chapel Food Pantry 23 45 (PA) Orders are here–fall pie sale to benefit the Saint Vincent dePaul Assumption Chapel Food Pantry
DECEMBER
13 821 (MI) GBU Christmas at the GACC
FRATERNAL ADVENTURES
Community events are in full swing for the GBU Home Office. Here are a few things we did this spring!
In 2025, GBU CMO Lesley Mann will chair the Go Red for Women campaign in Pittsburgh for the American Heart Association. The GBU Home Office team was happy to show support at the Go Red for Women Experience event. This year, we will take the opportunity to help educate women on how to manage heart health and everyone on how they can help to save lives!
GBU’s Rachel Cummins acts as a human obstacle at the ‘Fraternal 1’ car race hosted by the American Fraternal Alliance (AFA) at their Spring Symposium. The race, along with donations from AFA members, raised $18,000 for Gift of Adoption. GBU CEO and current AFA Board Chair Bill Hunt poses with AFA CEO Allison Koppel and Pam Devereux of Gift of Adoption.
Several Home Office teams competed in GBU’s first ‘Ending’ Hunger Games campaign in April and raised $1,726 for Feeding America. Here, team “tributes” pose after the final challenge, which was to paint an apple while blindfolded.
Members of the Home Office team volunteered at The Education Partnership to help inventory, stock and organize much-needed school supplies for schools in the Pittsburgh region.
Home Office team members volunteered for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC ) to cook and serve food for families staying at RMHC.
An assortment of GBU Home Office employees gathered for a night of “Bridgerton-elegance” at the 2024 Washington Health System Charity Ball.
GBU Members and employees wait for the kickoff to the Walk Like MADD 5k in support of victims of drunk driving.
As part of our sponsorship of the Resilience Bowl, GBU was asked to provide a team to compete in catching, throwing, kicking and agility. Our designated team won third place! The Resilience Project works to serve children and families in underserved neighborhoods in the Pittsburgh, PA area.
GBU members enjoyed a day full of fun at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. We enjoyed record attendance for the event, and the storms stayed away!
Ryan Borina and Ross Grosshart
Stacey Nowe and Rachel Cummins
OF MY LIFE The Soundtrack
SUMMER
It is time, once again, for the GBU Life annual Summer Photo Contest! Send us your favorite photo that depicts the photo contest theme, The Soundtrack of My Life. Capture how music influences our lives, inspires creativity, connects generations and fosters healing and cultural identity.
RULES
1. Contest is for GBU members/policyholders of all ages.
2. Black-and-white or color prints or photo files are acceptable. Do not mount photos.
3. Photos must be submitted as taken. (This means no touch-ups or cutting/cropping off parts of the picture.) Photos can be enlarged to any size not exceeding 5" X 7".
4. Do not write on a processed print photo’s front or back (doing so can ruin the photo). Attach a note with member name and address on the back of the photo(s).
5. A maximum of two photographs may be submitted per insured member/policyholder. No entrant can qualify for more than one award per contest.
6. The contest runs through Monday, August 19, 2024.
GENERAL INFORMATION
PHOTO CONTEST 2024
HOW TO ENTER
Send your photo(s) via one of the following: Email contest@gbu.org with “The Soundtrack of My Life” in the subject line. Include the member’s full name, address and email in the body of the email.
Mail to GBU Life
4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15227
ATTN: Community Engagement Department
PRIZES
First Prize
Second Prize
Third Prize
Fourth Prize
Fifth Prizes (3)
$200 Tango gift card
$100 Tango gift card
$75 Tango gift card
$50 Tango gift card
$25 Tango gift card
Judges reserve the right to accept or reject any or all entries. Their decisions will be final. Processed photo(s) will be handled at the GBU Home Office with the utmost care and will be returned. GBU reserves the right to reproduce entries for whatever use it wishes, giving proper credit to the photographer. This permission does not include the sale of such photos.
Meet the Candidates
We are pleased to present the candidates for the 2024 GBU Board of Directors election. An official ballot containing voting instructions will be sent via mail on August 1, 2024, and you will have until September 20, 2024, to return your mailed-in ballot or to vote electronically. Election results will be tabulated and certified by an independent company and approved by the GBU Board of Directors by September 27, 2024. GBU Life has three open board positions, with each candidate bringing outstanding skills and experience to these roles. Information for each candidate is available below to help you choose whom you see as the best fit for the next GBU Board of Directors.
Joseph S. Bielecki (Incumbent), District 4000
Joe currently serves as the president of Sokol USA and has been a member of the GBU Board of Directors since 2018. He is committed to advancing the fraternal and charitable programs offered by GBU while ensuring its continued financial strength.
As a practicing attorney in Pennsylvania, Joe holds a bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University (1980), a master’s degree (1982) and a Juris Doctorate (1985). He has been licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania since 1985. Additionally, he received a FulbrightHays travel grant in 1982, allowing him to study in Eastern Europe for several months. In 2000, he was honored with one of the 20 Millennium International Volunteer awards from the US Department of State for his contributions to intercultural exchange and educational programming. Since 2003, he has served on Sokol USA’s National Board of Directors and has also been an officer in the World Sokol Federation based in Prague, Czech Republic.
Beyond his involvement in Sokol, Joe actively participates in various ethnic societies and community groups. As chair of the Nationality Council and vice president of the Czechoslovak Nationality Room at the University of Pittsburgh, he contributes to promoting the various national and ethnic groups that helped build Pittsburgh. Additionally, he serves on the boards of directors for the Western Pennsylvania Slovak Cultural Association, the South Side Community Council (a Pittsburgh neighborhood improvement group) and the Mary, Queen of Peace Parish Finance Council. His passion for education extends to giving talks and educational programs for diverse audiences, some of which have been filmed and are accessible via the Sokol USA website.
Frank Bria, District 999
Frank Bria is a senior vice president and treaty account executive at Gen Re, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, where he is responsible for strategically growing and maintaining Gen Re’s relationship with clients across the country. Before assuming his current role, Frank served as an assistant general counsel in Gen Re's Corporate Legal Department, leading internal investigations, managing complex litigation and designing and implementing global compliance programs.
Frank started his legal career as a federal law clerk to the late United States District Attorney Philip R. Martinez of the Western District of Texas. He then returned to his home state of Connecticut, where he practiced at Day Pitney as a commercial litigator and member of the Government Investigations Practice Group.
Frank received his B.A. from Amherst College and his Juris Doctorate from Boston College Law School. Frank resides in Connecticut with his wife and sons. He is active in his local community. He serves as the Eagle Scout coach for Troop 70 in New Canaan. He also has a long history of serving on nonprofit boards focused on addressing the educational needs of underserved children.
John Swanick, District 999
John is an energetic, vibrant insurance and financial senior executive with a passion for building and developing long-term relationships and profitable business. He has built relationships with some of the most prominent insurance industry leaders and carriers in the world. John attracts top talent and develops highperforming teams.
John has over 38 years of public accounting and management consulting experience serving both public and non-public clients within the financial services and insurance sectors. Clients ranged from startups to Fortune 50 on a range of engagements within audit, advisory and tax as well as corporate governance, strategy and mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, new business development, talent management, enterprise risk management and internal audit. His insurance clients include all elements of the insurance market, including property/casualty, life and annuity, health payers/providers, reinsurance and related brokers, agencies, program managers and affiliates.
John's primary focus at Grant Thornton when he joined in 2011 was to develop and build a robust vibrant insurance industry practice with full audit, advisory and tax capabilities. The insurance industry practice today is one of the largest global and national industry practices at Grant Thornton.
GBU District 630-Ann Arbor, MI
100th Anniversary Celebration
On May 19, 2024, District 630 celebrated 100 years of fraternalism. The event was held at Weber's Restaurant. It was attended by GBU members and guests, Chairman of the Board Lea Ann Hazi, Great Lakes District Engagement Specialist Laqueeta Coleman, District 821 - Sterling Heights, MI, and the GBU Saxonia-Rheingold Choir.
The celebration was a memorable event filled with special moments! District 630 President Marianne Rauer was presented with a very special stone for 100 years of fraternal service and a gold leaf to be placed on the GBU fraternal tree at the Home Office.
District 630 presented Executive Director Bonnie Billups of the Peace Neighborhood Center with a monetary donation of $1,000 for their partnership and involvement in the community over the years. In honor of District 630, the Home Office donated another $500 to Peace Neighborhood Center. The anniversary celebration ended with a delicious dinner and the creation of more fraternal memories.
2023 District Awards Program Recipients
GBU acknowledges the hard work of our districts. To achieve a place in the District Awards Program, the district must engage members and encourage community involvement in our pillars of Wellness, Education, Charitable Giving and Hometown Hero Support. Congratulations on a job well done to the 2023 recipients!
Platinum
District 45–Altoona, PA
District 146–Johnstown, PA
District 291–Summerhill, PA
District 510–Toledo, OH
District 630–Ann Arbor, MI
District 684–Pittsburgh, PA
District 701–Pontiac, MI
District 815–Dayton, OH
District 818–Orlando, FL
District 821–Sterling Heights, MI
District 2000–ULS
District 3000–HRFA
District 4000–Sokol USA
District 5000–IOV
Gold
District 171–Pittsburgh, PA
District 298–Allentown, PA
District 707–Grand Rapids, MI
Silver
District 84–Lancaster, PA
District 699–Frankenmuth, MI
District 817–Philadelphia, PA
Bronze
District 810–Cleveland, OH
District passport winner
In 2023, the Home Office offered a special district incentive. Districts that hosted or sponsored the following events and achieved Gold or Platinum award status would be entered to win GBU's District of the Year!
Congratulations to District 2000-ULS for being GBU’s 2023 District of the Year!
District 2000-ULS District Passport Achievements
Wellness Event: Bowling Tournament
Youth Leadership Event: Rally Day
Join Hands Day: Senior Food Box Distribution
Community Day: Fire Victims Survivor Dinner
FEEDBACK WE WANT YOUR
TAKE THE 2024 GBU MEMBER SURVEY
This annual survey helps us develop and improve pro ducts, services and member benefits to help you love GBU Life even more. By taking the survey, not only will you be a part of our futu re development, but you could also be one of ten lucky winners of a $250 Tango gift card (one winner) or a $100 Tango gift card (nine winner s).
Visit inside.gbu.org/survey to take the 2024 GBU Member Survey. The deadline to complete this survey is September 30, 2024 .
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
IT'S TIME IT'S TIME IT'S TIME
TO ROCK TO ROCK TO ROCK
FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, GBU WILL BE THE OFFICIAL STAGE SPONSOR FOR THE WOMEN WHO ROCK™ BENEFIT CONCERT. THIS YEAR’S SHOW WILL BE HELD AT STAGE AE IN PITTSBURGH, PA, ON AUGUST 28, 2024.
HOW DID THE WOMEN WHO ROCK™ BRAND BEGIN
Founder Melinda Colaizzi worked in the music indust ry for more than 15 years. During her tenure, she found that le ss than 20% of headline acts in national festival lineups are wome n and noticed the need for an event with a female-fronted line-up
But she didn’t stop there. After her mother was dia gnosed with cancer, Melinda realized she had to help women find their voice in the health and wellness space. She decided to ut ilize the power of music and partner with Magee-Womens Resear ch Institute to form Women Who Rock™. Learn more about the brand by visiting www.womenwhorock.info
Interested in attending the Women Who Rock™ benefit concert in Pittsburgh, PA? Follow GBU’s Facebook page (@gbufin anciallife) for your chance to win tickets in August.
HOW IT WORKS
BIRTHDAYMatch
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 2024, SO FAR:
JANUARY FEBRUARYMARCH APRIL
$5,850$6,578$9,690$8,222 $30,340
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 during the month of your birthday!
Start a Facebook birthday fundraiser, and GBU will match what you raise, up to $250!
group give BACK
Pitt Dance Marathon
Pitt Dance Marathon (PDM) is the largest student-run philanthropy on the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) campus. This yearly event has raised more than $2,000,000 for local Pittsburgh charities since its inception in 2005.
This year, PDM once again partnered with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals), where every dollar raised is given to the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh unrestricted fund.
“Many kids that were treated and directly benefitted from the funds raised by UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation attended our event,” shared Carlye Zuckerman.
The PDM was expected to raise more than $350,000 by the end of their March event. The GBU Give Back Group matched $2,500 in funds.
If you are working to raise funds for an organization that impacts your local community, GBU will match the funds your group raises, up to $1,000 per GBU member to a maximum of $5,000 per group. Fundraising can be organized in any way you prefer: 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.
OPERATION REACH OUT
This year, GBU will continue to support the needs and wish lists of deployed troops and veterans. Our goal is to help as many veterans and deployed service men and women as possible through our partnership with Operation Troop Appreciation (OTA).
As always, your support is needed and appreciated. Your donations help to ensure that our efforts reach as far as possible, and your cards and kind words of support for our troops help make the packages we send truly special. We are planning to schedule volunteer packing days throughout the year. Be sure to check the online events page for dates and sign-up information. Download a card to color or send a note of thanks. Cards are available for download at
Donate top-requested items using OTA's Amazon wish list, or donate any amount to the project by filling out the form to the left and sending it, along with your check, to the address listed. You can donate online using the QR code or link below.
Volunteer to help us pack quarterly hygiene, entertainment and snack kits to be sent with wish-list items. The next volunteer event will be in the
as OTA is completing a
2024 GBU FOUNDATION COMMUNITY GRANT AWARDS
$12,000
raised for the Community Grant Awards during the foundation’s inaugural Day of Giving
350 individual nominations for nonprofit organizations to receive a GBU Foundation Community Grant
7,000+ votes issued to determine the 12 winning organizations
$75,000 in grant money received by the winning organizations.
Thank you to everyone who helped to make our first Community Grant Awards a success. The 2025 Community Grant Awards will begin with this year’s Day of Giving on October 23, 2024.
2024 Key Contributing Program Sponsor
2024 Contributing Program Sponsors
2024 Key Contributing Event Sponsors
Celebrating the Winners
Representatives of the winning organizations pose with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Connor Heyward (left).
Connor Heyward accepts the Community Builder Award on behalf of the Heyward House, presented by Lesley Mann of GBU
Aimee Olson accepts on behalf of The ALS Association
Katie Stern accepts on behalf of The Little Fox-Toby’s Foundation
Car’Liyah Walden accepts on behalf of Washington Health System Teen Outreach
Jude Sherman accepts on behalf of the Western Allegheny Community Library
Ginger Pillar accepts on behalf of A Glimmer of Hope Foundation
Jennifer Zgurich accepts on behalf of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
Chief John R. Flynn accepts on behalf of the Hermitage Volunteer Fire Department
Jerrel Gilliam accepts on behalf of the Light of Life Rescue Mission
Don Baker accepts on behalf of the Veterans Parsonage
Emily Fitzgerald accepts on behalf of the Women’s Center & Shelter
Monica Orluk accepts on behalf of Operation Troop Appreciation
GBU WINS SILVER AND BRONZE FOR THE ANNUAL TELLY AWARDS
Seven of GBU’s commercials have won in the Local TV Category for the recordbreaking 45th Annual Telly Awards.
The Telly Awards honors excellence in video and television across all screens and is judged by leaders from video platforms, television, streaming networks and production companies. This year’s winners include Adobe, Calvin Klein, ESPN, LinkedIn, Mother Jones, MTV Entertainment Studios, NASA, the LA Clippers (NBA), PlayStation Studios, Sawhorse Productions, TelevisaUnivison and more.
GBU Silver Awards
Big Checks, Corporate Image (Local TV Category)
Show and Tell, People’s Telly (Local TV Category)
GBU Bronze Awards
Big Checks, Sound & Design (Local TV Category)
Set Yourself Up for Success, People’s Telly (Local TV Category)
Set Yourself Up for Success, Branding (Local TV Category)
Show and Tell, Insurance (Local TV Category)
Unexpectedly Great Part 3, Directing (Local TV Category)
The commercials were directed by Pittsburgh-based filmmaker PJ Gaynard with Goat Milk Fudge Productions.
This was a record-breaking year with nearly 13,000 entries from across the globe and top video and television content producers.
“These awards are not just a testament to our team’s creativity and dedication, but also evidence of our commitment to excellence and innovation in the industry.”
GBU Senior Vice President/CMO Lesley Mann
View our award-winning commercials by scanning this QR code!
Notes from the Home Office
UPCOMING HOLIDAYS
The GBU Home Office will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024, for Labor Day.
SPRING 2023 SPRING FLING WORD PUZZLE WINNER
GBU wishes to recognize the most recent fraternal puzzle contest winner:
Lucky $25 Tango Gift Card Winner Thomas B.
Please remember: To be eligible for a fraternal prize and recognition in the fraternal puzzle drawings, the participant must be a GBU member who is between 10 and 14 years old.
For privacy reasons, only the first name with last name initial and the city and state the participant is from will be listed.
SPRING 2023 SPRING FLING WORD PUZZLE ANSWERS
Phrase AnswersLetters in the Boxes
Rainbows 2.
Forward 12.
April showers bring May flowers!
We apologize for the oversight in our spring issue of The Reporter and acknowledge that we inadvertently omitted the bio of the puzzle creator, Jodi Shapiro. Her full bio can be found on our Fraternal Puzzle page.
CHARITABLE DONATIONS
THROUGH APRIL 30, 2024
GBU FOUNDATION DONATIONS
Anonymous in honor of my seven grandchildren
Edward Bednar
Mary Ann Berty
Kathleen Boykin
Nick and Linda Ciappa
District 298—Allentown, PA District 815—Dayton, OH in memory of Ms. Maybelle Jones
District 817—Philadelphia, PA District 536—Lafayette, IN in memory of Anna Nice
Joanne Giovannini in memory of Carlo Giovannini
Blake Henry
William W. Hunt on behalf of the GBU Board of Directors and Officers
Diane M. Balaban & Jodi L. Balaban R W EEN LOS MASS HO L PIG IR BY WR FRA
William W. Hunt on behalf of the GBU Management Team
Michael Jochmann
Annemarie Kopp in memory of Hans Kopp
David Larotonda
Rev. Leslie E. Martin
Ronald Pocorus
Donna Povich in memory of Mr. Orlin H. and Mrs. Hildur Nieman
John B. Schmotzer on behalf of the GBU Board of Directors and Officers
UK Online Giving Foundation
Holly Zulick
OPERATION REACH OUT
GBU District 298—Allentown
GBU District 2000—ULS (United Lutheran Society)
The Phrase:
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