September/October Reporter by GBULife

NOW AVAILABLE

Asset Guard Annuity Series SECURE YOUR FUNDS FOR GROWING YOUR FUTURE AND GIVING BACK Helping your community can mean volunteering your time and talent or donating funds to help both those who are in need and the organizations who serve them. If your giving plan includes monetary donations, a GBU Life annuity can help you plan predictable growth of your funds. To reach your financial goals, planned and predictable growth of your funds is important. GBU's new Asset Guard Annuity is a Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity (MYGA) offering a guaranteed rate over a particular term. This allows you to plan for guaranteed, fixed growth of your money. The Asset Guard series is ideal for securing growth of your savings when you are close to retirement or for expected growth of your long-term savings to meet your giving plan. LOCKED-IN INTEREST RATES You choose your contract period: 2, 3, 4 or 5 years. Your rate stays locked in for the entire period of your annuity and will not change during the term. AVAILABLE FUNDS WHEN YOU NEED THEM GBU’s Asset Guard Annuity allows for the withdrawal of a portion of your funds each year without penalty. You can also withdraw funds penalty free in the event of certain critical or terminal illnesses, nursing home confinement or disabilities. So, your funds are available to you if you need them! DEATH BENEFIT If you should pass away during your contract period, the designated beneficiary(ies) will receive the contract value free of any withdrawal charges or Market Value Adjustments. RENEWAL OPTIONS At the end of each guarantee period, you have 45 days to renew your annuity for another period of 2, 3, 4 or 5 years ending at your 95th birthday. You may also potentially add additional funds into your contract. The new rate for the guarantee period you select will be based on the then-current interest rate on your renewal date and may be different than your original guaranteed rate. If you do not make a choice within the 45-day window, your policy automatically renews using the same guarantee period you previously selected. You can also withdraw or surrender your annuity during that 45-day window without surrender charges or an MVA. Ready to learn more? Visit GBU.org to schedule an appointment with a local agent to find out if the Asset Guard Annuity is right for you! AM BEST RECOGNIZES GBU LIFE’S FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND GROWTH BY RATING US A- (EXCELLENT) AM Best Company has rated GBU Financial Life A- since 2017. Third-party ratings are subject to change. Interest compounds daily over the specified term. Earned interest and principal may be withdrawn after the first 30 days up to the annual 10% withdrawal amount. If you choose to make a withdrawal over the free withdrawal amount and not during the 45-day renewal window, GBU will apply surrender charges and may make a Market Value Adjustment (MVA) as defined in the contract. The MVA can be both positive or negative and reflects the difference between the credited rate on your contract compared to the interest rate index benchmark. GBU Life is the marketing name for GBU Financial Life. Annuities are issued by GBU Financial Life (GBU), 4254 Saw Mill Run Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15227. Products referenced are offered and sold only by appropriately appointed and licensed entities, financial advisors and professionals. Not all products and riders are available in all states and may vary by state. Certain riders may not be available with all products. An MVA may be charged and surrender charges apply for withdrawals over the free withdrawal amount. Withdrawals prior to 59½ may be subject to IRS penalties. No statement contained herein shall constitute tax, legal or investment advice. You should consult with a legal or tax professional for any such matters. Withdrawals for amounts over those allowed during the guaranteed period are subject to surrender charges defined in the contract. NOT A DEPOSIT OF A BANK-MAY LOSE VALUE-NOT BANK GUARANTEED.

GBU-MYGA-0921

PO Box 645949, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-5257 412-884-5100 800-765-4428 sales@gbu.org gbu.org

Table of C ont e nt s PREPARE

Life Insurance: Do You Have Enough? Trivia Time! Are you a Member yet? GBU Life Member Community 11 Do Good with Give Back Groups 8 9 9

M EET

38 39 49 50

Member Spotlight District Happenings GBU at the Zoo District Award Program Recipients 2020

G IVE LIVE

Magee Women's Research Institute GBU Life Virtual Events Aging Well: Resilience Enter the Summer Fun 2021 Photo Contest! 3 Cozy Slow-Cooker Recipes for Fall Get Fit Clubs 2021 Do Great Things for Your Community with a Social Membership 22 What is your Fall Style?

25 26 28 29

Musical Word Scramble Summer Fun Coloring Contest How to Save Money in College 2021 Scholarship & Grant Recipients

53 54 55 57

Volunteer of the Year 2021 GBU Life Operation Reach Out Operation Reach Out Coloring Card Announcing GBU's NEW Member Program Birthday Match

NO TES

59 60 61 61 61 61 62 62 62 62 63 64 67

The Reporter

13 14 15 16 17 18 21

G RO

Dear GBU Life ... What GBU Means to Me GBU Foundation Scholarship Program Donations July/August 2021 Fraternal Summer Word Scramble Winner and Participants Thanksgiving Closure Dates July/August 2021 Fraternal Summer Word Scramble Answers Get Online Access to Your Account Information Our Rates are Changing Editor's Note Changes to First Class Mail Notice of Proposed Merger: GBU Financial Life and Independent Order or Vikings Agreement of Merger Reader Service Form

The

REPORTER is

ABO UT

the

official

publication

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: Matthew M. Blistan, Jr. Production Editor: Nancy Kurutz Design and Layout: Rachel Cummins Contributing Writers: Jennifer Stockdale, Natasha Herleman, Rachel Cummins, Anna Meek and Mary Koczan. G BU

M ANAG EM ENT

Chief Executive Officer William W. Hunt National VP Matthew M. Blistan, Jr. VP/Chief Investment Officer Timothy King Chief Marketing Officer Lesley B. Mann VP of Operations & Technology Deborah Morgan VP/Controller/Chief Risk Officer Douglas A. Ulrich, CPA G BU

NATIO NAL

D IRECTO RS

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

G REEN

W ITH

G BU

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 all amendments to the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of GBU. HO M E

O FFICE

HO URS

LIKE,

FO LLO W

FIND

G BU

AND

SHARE!

FINANCIAL

LIFE:

Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

September / October 2021

We've Come A Long Way In 20 Years By National Vice President Matthew M. Blistan, Jr.

I was honored in 2001 when then GBU National President Hans Rauer and National SecretaryTreasurer Jim Stoker asked me if I would be interested in applying for the National Vice President position at GBU. Twenty years later, I still feel deeply honored to be in that position. For 19 of those 20 years, I was responsible for oversight and development of the Sales, Marketing and Fraternal Departments. After 20+ years as GBU National Vice President, it is that time in my career to formally announce my retirement at the end of this year. GBU has come a long way over those wonderful years. When I first started at GBU, my first fraternal project was not only to raise money to build a GBU-sponsored house for Habitat for Humanity but also to organize and construct the building of that house—with only volunteers! I am proud to say that our GBU Habitat House is still standing today and looks pretty darn good. A lot of sweat equity went into building that house via many volunteer hours of our GBU employees and members. It remains one of our most challenging, yet rewarding projects to date. Our 15-year-old Operation Reach Out project has provided our military guys and gals with almost 33,000 care packages. The continued letters of thanks we receive from them will bring a tear to anyone’s eyes. On the Marketing side, 20 years ago GBU had 250 GBU producers selling our life insurance and annuities. Today we have 1,700 producers all over the country! Those guys and gals have done an incredible job of selling GBU financial products.

The Reporter

Our merger partners have been a GBU fraternal highpoint over these years. The Lutheran Fraternities of America, United Lutheran Society, Hungarian Reformed Federation of America and Sokol USA, as promised at merger time, have continued their fraternal common bonds while GBU administers their life insurance and annuity policies as GBU members. Last but certainly not least, 20 years ago GBU had $200 million in assets. Today we have over $3.5 billion in assets. Do you know of any other company that has grown that fast in that short of a time? That just goes to show the continued trust people have in GBU! When my boss and friend, CEO Jim Stoker, passed away in 2017 I was of retirement age, but I couldn’t leave GBU at that critical time in our history. It was important to me to make sure that GBU was in good hands when I did decide to retire. Our Senior Management team pulled together during that interim period and led GBU in continuing our incredible growth while the GBU’s Board of Director’s Search Committee did a national search for a new CEO. It wasn’t until August of 2018 that we were lucky enough to find and hire Mr. Bill Hunt to take over the reins of CEO. Today, I see a secure and bright future for GBU Life. The Fraternal Department has come up with many new programs and benefits to develop member engagement. The Sales Department has developed a whole new line of life insurance products and even developed a new MultiYear Guaranteed Annuity. The Marketing and Communications Department is getting GBU’s name out into areas it has never been in before. Our Information Technology Department has updated GBU’s technology to provide us with the information vital to maintaining and developing our society well into the future, while maintaining its security. Our Customer Service and New Business Departments are developing new services to

make our business flow quicker and more efficiently and our Finance, Investment and Compliance Departments are developing the most efficient ways to process and invest your GBU funds to always get you the best return on your GBU investment. I will miss not coming into the office and working with my GBU family. I will also miss not speaking with many of you about your GBU membership. However, I am looking forward to spending some real quality time with my family. Mary Anne, my beautiful wife of 45 years, and I are looking forward to this new “retired” chapter in our lives. Much time will be spent at “Camp Bliss” which is our family sanctuary in northwest Pennsylvania. The grass is always green and the lake is always smooth as glass! I am confident that there are only GREAT things in the future for both the fraternal and the business aspects of GBU as GBU continues to operate with the theme of “Members come first.” This article is not meant to be a “goodbye” but a “so long” as I will certainly be right alongside you as a GBU member for life!

What's Next for Fraternal? The Marketing and Fraternal Departments at GBU have been working closely for the past two years to develop new fraternal programs and strategies that will position fraternalism in a fresh, modern light for all members to enjoy. GBU's new Community Development team will encompass all things fraternal while also seeking new ways of reaching out to the communities where our members live and supporting them in their mission to give back. The re-named team will be combined with the Sales and Marketing Departments under Chief Marketing and Distribution Officer Lesley Mann and directly managed by Jennifer Stockdale, the current Marketing and Communications Director.

"My team and I are excited about continuing the process of creating a community for GBU Life members for generations to come, we have an excellent foundation to build on and look forward to the future!" JENNIFER STOCKDALE

September / October 2021

DEVELOP YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN

The Reporter

LIFE INSURANCE DURING THE "BUSY YEARS." Buy whole life coverage as early as you can You will never be younger than you are right now, so if you are also in good health it is the perfect time to purchase a life policy with a guaranteed renewal option rider. Buying a smaller whole life policy now and adding more coverage during guaranteed purchase periods (as you are able) helps you to build your coverage over time. It also ensures that you are able to grow your coverage even if your health should decline in the future.

Use term coverage to fill in the gaps

LIFE INSURANCE: DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH? Each September, for Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM), Life Happens, a non-profit organization that provides non-biased life insurance information to consumers, launches a campaign to remind people of the importance of life insurance. Through the Real Life Stories series, Life Happens offers many heart-warming examples of how much of a difference the right amount of life insurance can make for loved ones left behind. Each autumn, at GBU Life, we encourage our members to review their current life insurance to see if they need to add to the face value, look at additional rider options or even different policy types, depending on their phase of life. One of the key phases of life where families often find themselves underinsured is during the "busy years." Usually between the ages of 25 and 55 you are working hard to build a life for yourself and your family. This is the time where you are building income and starting savings. You may be paying a mortgage and raising children. College tuition may be looming on the horizon (or you still may be paying for your own). Here are some things to think about to ensure that you have the right amount of coverage during this very busy phase of your life. If you are ready to review your life insurance or if you are ready to get started with a policy, you can request an appointment at gbu.org.

Be sure to consider what your life will look like for the next 20-30 years. Consider long- and shortterm debt such as a mortgage, student loan debt, future college tuition and childcare. Be sure that if the worst happens, your family will be able to pay off debt and replace lost income. Often the term insurance offered through your employer is not enough to cover these expenses. Be sure to complete an analysis with your agent and supplement with additional term insurance during these years.

Plan for the "what if's" Review the rider options for both your whole life and term policies. Rider options can really help you to mitigate risks that come with uncertainty. For example, a children's term rider automatically covers all current and future children for one price. Living benefits riders allow you to use some of your life insurance benefit in advance if you meet certain medical criteria, such as a terminal or critical illness. Other options such as waiver of premium or borrowing from the cash value that builds as part of a whole life policy can help you should you run into a period of financial struggle along the way.

September / October 2021

TRIVIA TIME! GBU TRIVIA HAS MOVED TO THE GBU LIFE MEMBER COMMUNITY.

How to play: 1.Log into the GBU Life Member Community at community.gbu.org. 2.Look for the Trivia Question pinned to the top of the newsfeed. 3.Follow the instructions to submit your answer by November 3 0 , 2 0 2 1 .

The first 10 players to answer correctly will win a $20 Amazon gift card. One lucky player will be chosen at random to receive a $250 Amazon gift card!

ARE YOU A MEMBER YET?

GBU life Member Community Activate your membership today Access all GBU discounts and member benefits Find out about the latest news and projects happening at GBU Access all GBU contests and games Work with fellow GBU members to help your local community Stay updated while on the go with the GBU Life Member Community App

Visit community.gbu.org to request an invitation and activate your account

The Reporter

Life insurance: A simple act of love Here’s to appreciating all the little things we do and those everyday moments that shape our lives and give it meaning. In fact, our days are often filled with simple acts of love, one followed by another, that over time create a better future. Getting life insurance is like that, too. It’s a simple act you can take today to ensure your loved ones are protected financially tomorrow. It’s time to protect those everyday moments with life insurance.

This piece has been reproduced with the permission of Life Happens, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers make smart insurance decisions

Happens 2020. rights reserved. September / All October 2021 10 to safeguard their families’ financial futures. Life Happens does not endorse any insurance company, product or advisor. © Life

DO GOOD with Give Back Groups

1. Support your local animal shelter Have a passion for furry friends? Call your local animal shelter to see what types of items they could use. Submit a Project Start-Up application, and we will reimburse you for the items you purchase, like pet food or blankets.

2. Support your local school district Help local families in need by purchasing back-to-school items. Submit a Project Start-Up application, and we will reimburse you for the items you purchase, like backpacks, pencils, and folders.

3. Walk for a cause Help in the fight against diseases and cancers by signing up to walk at your next local event. GBU will match every penny you are able to raise, up to $1,000.

Let us help you get the word out Whether it’s sending an email out to members in your area or posting about it on our social media pages, we want to brag about what you are doing and invite others to support you.

GBUCARES.ORG/GIVE-BACK-GROUPS The Reporter

ENRICH YOUR LIFE

September / October 2021

Magee Women's Research Institute Improving the lives of women

Pittsburgh is fortunate to have one of the top research institutes in the world dedicated to improving the health and well-being of women. Magee’s research “spans a woman’s lifetime, from the first 9 months to 90-plus years.” GBU Life is proud to begin a partnership with Magee Women’s Research Institute through donations, fundraising support and sharing of educational information which will highlight research that will help not only women in the local community but throughout the world. In September GBU Life sponsored Savor Pittsburgh, an annual event that highlights local chefs and raises funds for Magee. Look for articles, health tips and more information from the Magee Women's Research Institute in future issues of The Reporter.

The Reporter

GBU LIFE VIRTUAL EVENTS

Here is a sneak peak of just some of what we have to offer this fall.

ZOOM YOGA WITH MICHELLE

Break up the monotony and start your week by joining certified yoga instructor, Michelle Lesitus, for an hour of stretching and relaxation. Set your stressors aside and melt in your yoga mat because everyone deserves a little "you" time.

Tuesday night 7:00 PM

TRIVIA W/ TRIVIA H B Get your family together for a game of virtual trivia with GBU Life and Trivia Hub. Three exciting rounds of topics are sure to put your mind to the test. If geography isn't your strong suit, make up for it during the food and beverage round. Points are tallied per round and gift cards are awarded to the first and second place teams.

BINGO W/ TRIVIA H B

Back by popular demand, virtual bingo is a must try! Three rounds of bingo are included in each game, so you have three chances to be a winner. Grab your Pinot Grigio and popcorn and join us (from your living room) for a classic game of bingo. Thursday, November 18 7:00 PM

November 18 7:00 PM

TOY STORY PARTY Enjoy a Thanksgiving celebration with your friends from Toy Story and make a new friend for this year’s Thanksgiving table. Wednesday, November 17 6:30 PM

CRAFTS W/ A CHARACTER Join your favorite Disney character for a story, a Q&A, a singalong and a theme craft. Kits are included for some events.

TO REGISTER OR BROWSE FOR MORE EVENTS: COMM NITY GB ORG September / October 2021

How do some people manage to bounce back from adversity and misfortune, while others in the same situation dive into a downward spiral? When devastation strikes swiftly and uproots lives, what makes some people rise up while others crumble and fall? The answer is resilience. Psychological resilience is described as the ability to cope with a crisis mentally or emotionally or to return to pre-crisis status quickly, even in the throes of darkness. Resilience isn’t happenstance; it is a learned behavior. People void of resilience choose to be powerless and victimized. The sludge of negativity weighs them down until they become immobile, then matters get worse, just as they expected. We become more resilient with practice. Bouncing back quickly from disappointments, changes or failure increases our resiliency stamina. Additional ways to build resiliency include giving grace instead of giving in to stress. By getting in step with all the right things in the world, you can learn to navigate the unexpected. Thinking patterns trigger emotional patterns. You can change emotional patterns by curtailing negative thinking; you do that by soaking up positive vibes.

AGING WELL: RESILIENCE The Reporter

Resilient people know how to live with appreciation and gratitude, and they have well-defined social connections. They know they create their own responses in life. They move their bodies, get fresh air and relate well to nature. They sleep soundly knowing that the body, mind and spirit need rest. They are mindful of how they feel in the moment and adapt to being positive quickly. You choose to be happy, alone, loved, burdened or fearful. It’s as simple and as complicated as that. Cathy Graham is director of Graceful Aging Wellness Center of Bethlen Communities, Ligonier, Pennsylvania, and a District 3000–HRFA member.

SUMMER FUN

ENTER THE 2021 PHOTO CONTEST!

Send us your favorite photo that depicts the photo contest theme, SUMMER FUN! Your picture entry may be anything from a barbeque, kite flying, outdoor concert, amusement park, ice cream, waterslide, road trip, camping, baseball game, miniature golf, boating and on and on! You get the “picture"! We so look forward to receiving an entry from you!

High-resolution digital photo(s) (those coming directly from your camera, not downsized) can be emailed to contest@gbu.org. Please put in the subject line 2021 Photo Contest Entry. Include the member's full name and address in the body of the email.

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 processed print photo’s front or back (you can ruin your photo this way). 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, December 6, 2021.

PRIZES First Prize Second Prize Third Prize Fourth Prize Fifth Prizes (3)

HOW DO I ENTER? Processed print photo(s): Attach the member's name and address to the back of the processed photo then mail to GBU Fraternal Department PO Box 18739 Pittsburgh, PA 15236

$200 $100 $75 $50 $25

GENERAL INFORMATION Judges reserve the right to accept or reject any or all entries. Their decisions will be final. Processed print 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, providing proper credit is given. Permission does not include the sale of such photos.

September / October 2021

3 COZY SLOWCOOKER RECIPES

FOR

PUMPKIN COBBLER Ingredients 3 eggs 29-ounce can of pumpkin puree 12 ounce evaporated milk 1 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ginger 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla 15.25 ounce butter pecan cake mix 4 tablespoon brown sugar 3/4 cup melted butter Directions Slightly beat the eggs. Add pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugars, cinnamon, ginger, salt and vanilla. Pour the mixture into a greased slow cooker. Top with the powdered cake mix and sprinkle with brown sugar. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. Serve.

l l fa

Total Time Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 3 to 4 hours

Yield 3 quarts

HOT SPICED LEMON DRINK

CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS

Ingredients 2 1/2 quarts water 2 cups sugar 1 1/2 cups orange juice 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/4 cup pineapple juice 1 cinnamon stick 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves

Ingredients 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, chopped 2 tablespoons butter 2, 10.75-ounce cans condensed cream of chicken soup 1 onion, finely diced 2, 10-ounce packages refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into pieces

Directions Using a 5-quart slow cooker, combine the water, sugar, orange juice, lemon juice and pineapple juice. Put the cinnamon sticks and cloves on a doublelayered cheesecloth. Form a bag with the cheesecloth and tie with string. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Discard bag.

Directions Place the chicken, butter, soup and onion in the slow cooker. Fill with enough water to cover the ingredients. Cover and cook for 6 hours on high. Add pieces of biscuit dough into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving, Ensure dough is thoroughly cooked, then serve.

Time Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 2 to 3 hours

Time Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 6 hours

The Reporter

Yield 3 quarts

Yield 8 servings

GET FIT CLUBS 2021

Way to go to these Get Fit Club members who are on the 2021 GOOD HEALTH TRACK, reached one or more of the levels and reported mileage.

WALKING

REPORTED MILEAGE AS OF AUGUST 31, 2021

LEVEL ONE NAME Ellison Z. Gracie J. Heather M. Heather R. Lisa B. Melanie S. Steven B. Terry S. Doug B. Theresa K. Linda G. Debra F. Dave H. Regina P. Julie D. Rick M. Donna E. Donna T. Kathy G. Rick R. Susan S. Lynn G. Kathleen S. Jim J. John B. Robert K. Marie B. Sandra V. Vivian B. Robert K. Donna P. Alice C. James K. Patricia M. Walter P. Francis S. Mike M. Elaine C. David D. Ed C. Ronald S.

LOCATION MILEAGE Fairview Park, OH 51 miles Altoona, PA 7 miles Monaca, PA 11 miles Clarksville, MI 77 miles Kentwood, MI 648 miles Chandler, AZ 2 miles Pittsford, NY 338 miles Lancaster, PA 47 miles Port Huron, MI 181 miles Summerhill, PA 228 miles Pittsburgh, PA 305 miles De Pere, WI 377 miles Merrimac, WI 250 miles Frankenmuth, MI 3 miles Hartford, WI 736 miles New Brighton, PA 129 miles Vero Beach, FL 96 miles Oshkosh, WI 42 miles Mckees Rocks, PA 76 miles Holland, OH 262 miles South Park, PA 500 miles Plymouth, WI 64 miles Pittsburgh, PA 332 miles Berlin, WI 550 miles Delta, OH 400 miles Lafayette, IN 402 miles Grand Rapids, MI 107 miles Beaver, PA 404 miles Sun City Center, FL 354 miles Aliquippa, PA 579 miles Dearborn, MI 480 miles Vail, AZ 251 miles Kenosha, WI 472 miles Delmont, PA 340 miles South Park, PA 304 miles Rehoboth Beach, DE 360 miles Johnstown, PA 355 miles Pittsburgh, PA 502 miles Toledo, OH 144 miles Indian Rock Beach, FL 54 miles Mauston, WI 464 miles

LEVEL TWO AGE GROUP Ages 11-25 Ages 11-25 Ages 26-49 Ages 26-49 Ages 26-49 Ages 26-49 Ages 26-49 Ages 26-49 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+

NAME Mary Anne B. James K. Deniece O. Kevin S. Jim K. AJ S. Marge A.

LOCATION Ligonier, PA Davidsville, PA Yardley, PA Roscommon, MI Davidsville, PA Naperville, IL Medina, OH

MILEAGE 851 miles 800 miles 957 miles 803 miles 800 miles 720 miles 766 miles

AGE GROUP Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 70+ Ages 70+

MILEAGE 1,192 miles 1,081 miles 1,100 miles 1,193 miles 1,277 miles 1,046 miles 1,100 miles 899 miles 1,163 miles

AGE GROUP Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+

MILEAGE 2,187 miles 1,795 miles 1,685 miles 1,701 miles 2,682 miles 2,209 miles 1,394 miles 2,270 miles 1,699 miles

AGE GROUP Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+

LEVEL THREE NAME Josie K. Janiece S. Susan W. Connie B. Michael C. Dan M. Tim W. Tom M. Barbara H.

LOCATION Middleburg Heights, OH Oregon, OH Frankenmuth, MI Frankenmuth, MI Benedict, PA McClellandtown, PA Frankenmuth, MI Bainbridge, NY Pulaski, WI

LEVEL FOUR NAME Kathleen E. Dusty S. Rose G. Walt S. Jim B. George J. Dolores W. Paul B. Elaine H.

LOCATION Trenton, MI Maple City, MI Punxsutawney, PA Pittsburgh, PA Oil City, PA Sebring, FL South Fork, PA Belle Vernon, PA Irwin, PA

September / October 2021

RUNNING

REPORTED MILEAGE AS OF AUGUST 31, 2021

LEVEL ONE NAME Emily G. Heather R. Rick W. Susan S.

LOCATION Punxsutawney, PA Clarksville, MI Pittsburgh, PA South Park, PA

MILEAGE 265 miles 38 miles 127 miles 471 miles

AGE GROUP Ages 26-49 Ages 26-49 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69

MILEAGE 847 miles

AGE GROUP Ages 70+

MILEAGE 1,079 miles 829 miles 702 miles

AGE GROUP Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 70+

LEVEL TWO NAME Jim B.

LOCATION Oil City, PA

LEVEL THREE NAME Glenn S. Al S. Walt S.

The Reporter

LOCATION Mcdonald, PA Yuma, AZ Pittsburgh, PA

BIKING

REPORTED MILEAGE AS OF AUGUST 31, 2021

LEVEL ONE NAME Emily G. Heather R. Donna E. Ralph W. Robert M. Connie B. Susan W. James K. Joe L. Paul B. Luanne E. David D. Tim W. Ed B. Walter P.

LOCATION Punxsutawney, PA Clarksville, MI Vero Beach, FL Belle Vernon, PA Waynesburg, PA Frankenmuth, MI Frankenmuth, MI Davidville, PA Davenport, FL Belle Vernon, PA Elk City, OK Toledo, OH Frankenmuth, MI Latrobe, PA South Park , PA

LEVEL THREE MILEAGE 433 miles 586 miles 149 miles 78 miles 318 miles 39 miles 274 miles 250 miles 396 miles 66 miles 595 miles 269 miles 274 miles 341 miles 685 miles

AGE GROUP Ages 26-49 Ages 26-49 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+

LOCATION MILEAGE New Holstein, WI 895 miles South Park, PA 771 miles Oil City, PA 878 miles Perryopolis, PA 700 miles Rehoboth Beach, FL 861 miles

AGE GROUP Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+

LEVEL TWO NAME Mark Z. Susan S. Jim B. Linda V. Francis S.

NAME Maisie T. Ryan W. Rose G. Deneice O. Elaine C.

LOCATION Ligonier, PA New Bethlehem, PA Punxsutawney, PA Yardley, PA Pittsburgh, PA

MILEAGE 1,561 miles 1,209 miles 1,560 miles 1,539 miles 1,130 miles

AGE GROUP Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 70+

MILEAGE 1,809 miles 7,422 miles 6,550 miles 2,474 miles 5,520 miles 3,231 miles 2,046 miles 2,725 miles

AGE GROUP Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+

LEVEL FOUR NAME Candice L. Doug B. Leo O. Jeff F. Al S. Michael M. Kelly W. Jim J.

LOCATION Portland, OR Port Huron, MI Saginaw, MI Escanaba, MI Yuma, AZ Johnstown, PA Elkton, MD Berlin, WI

September / October 2021

Growing Forward, Giving Back

Become a GBU Life social member today for just $25/year and get more support for the great things you do. GBU SOCIAL MEMBERS HAVE ACCESS TO Discount programs: enjoy members-only discounts for national and local restaurants, stores, entertainment and more. Reimbursement programs: receive a reimbursement for learning a new language or taking a driver's safety course. Community giving support: support the causes that are important to you with additional support from GBU's Give Back Groups program. Receive donation matches and community project reimbursement for the causes that mean the most to you. Love to volunteer? GBU will make a donation when you volunteer your time at your favorite non--profit organization. GBU Life Member Community: access to a private, social community to exchange ideas and find out about great projects and events in your community. Join today and GBU will make a $25 donation to the partner charity of your choice on your behalf!

Find out more about how you can make a difference in your local community as a GBU Life social member at gbucares.org/membership.

The Reporter

? e l y t S l l a F WHAT IS YOUR

DRESS UP THE ANTLE THIS SEASON WITH YOUR OWN UNIQUE LOOK.

WHITE PUMPKIN FARMHOUSE

If you’re a fan of distressed wood tones, rustic simplicity and rural touches, then a farmhouse style is right for you. You can incorporate white and green pumpkins, along with eucalyptus garland to welcome the cooler months into your home. Plus, this look transitions into November with ease while you prepare for the holidays! Photo credit: SIDesignCo on Etsy.com

September / October 2021

DARK GOTHIC CHARM

Come to the dark side … this next style is calling you. Dark, gothic charm thrives in homes with haunting, period design and character. This ornate décor may appear difficult to assemble at first glance, but with each detailed piece you add, the easier this mantle will come together. Thrift complimentary pieces from a local antique shop or use family heirlooms to make this style your own. Brass candlesticks and vases come alive in this setting, so make them a focal point amongst spooky décor. Photo credit: Follow the Yellow Brick Home

RUSTIC AUTUMN COTTAGE

It’s time for earth tones to take the spotlight! You can create a whimsical display with simple elements and transform your home into a cozy cottage this season. Look for an array of pumpkins, gourds and other ornamental fruits that have different texture and appearance–the weirder the better. These shapes will naturally fall into place amongst other visually interesting pieces like vases and garland. Photo credit: Southern Living

The Reporter

JUST FOR KIDS

September / October 2021

Musical

Word Scramble FRATERNAL PUZZLE FOR MEMBERS AGE 10-14. Unscramble the musical words below then email contest@gbu.org or mail (GBU Fraternal Department, PO Box 18739, Pittsburgh, PA 15236) the participant's name, email address and answers to this fraternal puzzle for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

1. teab 2. hdocr 3. tfal 4. hpict 5. oymdel 6. eotn 7. aprsh 8. osttaacc 9. mrhthy 10. tompe

The Reporter

SUMMER FUN COLORING CONTEST GBU members/policy holders between the ages 3 to 9 can enter their colored page in this year's contest theme: Summer Fun. Judging is from three age categories: Category I: Ages 3 and 4 Category II: Ages 5 and 6 Category III: Ages 7, 8 and 9 Entrants may use crayons, colored pencils, markers or water paints. Entries will be accepted through Monday, December 6, 2021. The picture on the next page can be reproduced, or copies can be obtained by calling the Fraternal Department at the GBU Home Office (800-765-4428). Feel free to create your own background design.

Painting and art made easy for everybody! Sign up now!

CASH PRIZES FOR EACH CATEGORY First prize: $75 Second prize: $50 Third prize: $30

HOW TO ENTER

Send the 3- to 9-years-old GBU member's coloring contest entry with his/her name and address on the back of the child's colored page, to GBU Fraternal Department PO Box 18739 Pittsburgh, PA 15236. 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. Send in your child's entry today! Happy Coloring!

September / October 2021

Summer Fun Coloring Contest For GBU members/policyholders between the ages of 3 to 9. Please write name and address on the back of the colored entry.

Coloring page credit: Homemadegiftsmadeeasy.com

The Reporter

Looking for ways to save money while in college? Use these easy-tofollow steps to help keep extra costs low. Take Public Transportation Does your college or university have public transportation? Instead of taking an Uber, Lyft or taxi to get around off-campus, save significant funds by utilizing the bus, trolley or metro. Some schools even offer free public transportation with a student ID. Bonus: Attending an out-of-state college? Find a fellow classmate to carpool home with during the holidays and breaks. You can also split the cost of gas and tolls.

how to save money in college

Make Meals with Roommates Tag team breakfast, lunch and dinner with with your fellow roommates. Not only will this save money on groceries, but you may even learn some new recipes. Plus, extra meals can be put together from the leftovers. You may even consider sharing a warehouse membership with a roommate or friend to buy groceries, toiletries and school supplies in bulk. Use your Student ID Your student ID is an opportunity for discounts and freebies for meals, museums, movies, transportation, clothing and more. Remember to ask establishments if they offer any promotions for students before paying.

September / October 2021

2021 SCHOLARSHIP & GRANT RECIPIENTS

Congratulations to this year's group of students who have been awarded scholarships and grants from the GBU Scholarship Foundation. 2021 Freshman Scholarship Awards These students each received a $1,500 GBU Foundation Scholarship. Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship

Marissa A. Collins District 999-National Accounting Robert Morris University

Lindsey A. Dugan District 3000-HRFA Physical Therapy Slippery Rock University

Jordan M. Fairman District 4000-Sokol USA Physician Assistant Seton Hill University

Joseph P. Freck District 999-National Engineering Purdue University

Andrew M. Kalmanowicz District 2000-ULS Actuarial Science Lebanon Valley College

Joshua T. Koval District 500-Lilly, PA Biochemistry Saint Francis University

Dylan J. Kundrod District 291-Summerhill, PA Computer Science University of Pittsburgh

Macy M. Miscikowski District 510-Toledo, OH Biology Michigan State University

Aidan M. Niermeyer District 999-National Science University of Wisconsin

Elizabeth G. Rajnik District 2000-ULS Occupational Therapy Elizabethtown College

Elizabeth A. Rehwinkel District 4000-Sokol USA Math Smith College

The Reporter

Kelsey A. Wolfe District 999-National Middle School Education Ohio Wesleyan University

2021 Clarence O. Affelt Architecture/Fine Art Memorial Scholarship This student received a $1,000 scholarship. Julia E. Platt District 999-National English Ohio University

2021 Undergraduate Scholarship Awards These students each received a $1,000 GBU Foundation Scholarship. Stephanie K. Walters District 999-National Pre-Dental University of Wisconsin

Samuel J. Copeland District 684-Pittsburgh, PA Civil Engineering University of Pittsburgh

Chadwick W. Huss District 510-Toledo, OH Biology University of Toledo

Gage W. Krumlauf District 2000-ULS Mechanical Engineering Cleveland State University

Cassidy A. Dubendorfer District 510-Toledo, OH Early Childhood Education Bowling Green State University

Crystal L. Jones District 999-National Nursing Liberty University

Robert S. Redinger District 684-Pittsburgh, PA Business Administration/Finance Waynesburg University

Mara E. Harouse District 684-Brentwood, PA Natural Science, Pre-Med Track University of Pittsburgh

Brittany F. Rusch Katherine A. Koch District 999-National District 4000-Sokol USA Dance/Psychology Dance/Pre-Medicine University of Hawai’i at Manoa University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

2021 Graduate Scholarship Awards These students each received a $1,000 GBU Foundation Scholarship. Alex J. Kloster District 510-Toledo, OH Doctor of Medicine University of Toledo

Alexander P. Megremis District 999-National Medicine Indiana University

Desiree L. Staifer District 510-Toledo, OH Accounting Southern New Hampshire University

Christina J. Mealwitz District 2000-ULS Genetic Counseling Case Western Reserve University

Jordan C. Rhone District 45-Altoona, PA Law Pennsylvania State University

Brittany K. Tarkanyi District 3000-HRFA Health Care Law Belmont University School of Law

2021 Two-Year Scholarship Award This student received a $1,000 GBU Foundation Scholarship. Abigail L. Fisher District 999-National Liberal Arts and Sciences Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

September / October 2021

Scholarship Renewals Freshman Renewals ($1,500)

Nicole P. Walko

Madison N. Ancosky District 4000-Sokol USA Industrial Engineering West Virginia University

District 4000-Sokol USA Neuroscience/Pre-Med Trinity University

Montana S. Olexa District 4000-Sokol USA Biology & Pre-Med Gannon University

Gabrielle N. Lucas District 2000-ULS Political Science and History Westminster College

Devin G. Borowski District 999-National Real Estate University of Wisconsin-Madison

Kenna L. White District 646-Coraopolis, PA Chemistry Juniata College

Katrina J. Mondor District 684-Pittsburgh, PA Comedic Writing Emerson College

Shane J. Moran District 999-National Biology & Theology Saint Vincent College

Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship Michael A. Bradley District 684-Pittsburgh, PA Aeronautics Kent State University

Marley M. Wolf District 999-National Undecided Waynesburg University

Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship Emma P. Sanders District 2000-ULS Biology & Psychology, Pre-Med Juniata College

Daniel M. O'Neill District 3000-HRFA Chemical Engineering University of Pittsburgh

Peter J. Carozza District 171-Pittsburgh, PA Mechanical Engineering Pennsylvania State University Nicholas J. Doman District 630-Ann Arbor, MI Biochemistry Florida International University Van Breukelen Family Scholarship Leslie E. George District 999-National Bioengineering University of Pittsburgh Ethan C. Gresh District 510-Toledo, OH Nursing Eastern Michigan University Shelby P. Korytkowski District 707-Grand Rapids, MI Biology; Pre-Veterinary Central Michigan University Bailey L. Orr District 999-National Criminal Justice Administration Clarion University Adrienne E. Schupp District 4000-Sokol USA Economics & Finance John Carroll University

The Reporter

Ethan R. Burawa District 3000–HRFA Mathematics Walsh University

Cambrie J. Short District 999-National Political Science & Pre-Law Duquesne University

John A. Culley District 815-Dayton, OH Computer Science & Engineering Joshua W. Speaker Ohio State University District 999-National Accounting Elena J. Gioiello Franciscan University District 3000-HRFA Biology/Pre-Dental Michael W. Zemanek Walsh University District 810-Cleveland, OH Mario J. Gioiello District 3000-HRFA Aeronautics Kent State University Josiah R. Jaster District 999-National Computer Science & Applied Mathematics Kettering University Grant D. Martin District 999-National Business Pennsylvania State University-Beaver Elijah A. McCymonds District 999-National Mathematics Slippery Rock University

Pre-Med/Engineering Davidson College Haleigh R. Gronwold District 999-National Biology University of Florida Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship Klayton J. Hacker District 999-National Computer Science University of Cincinnati Emma C. Henschel District 999-National Applied Physics Wheaton College Evan J. Kundrod District 291-Summerhill, PA Financial Accounting University of PittsburghJohnstown

Drew A. Slezak District 4000-Sokol USA Quantitative Economics US Naval Academy Cassie N. Tillia District 999-National Biology University of Florida Caitlin L. Ulrich District 684-Pittsburgh, PA Occupational Therapy Duquesne University Sydney S. Wolf District 999-National Psychology Seton Hill University

Clarence O. Affelt Architecture/Fine Art Memorial Scholarship Renewals ($500) Joshua K. Burgett District 999-National Mechanical Engineering Arizona State University Morgan M. Glista District 999-National Graphic Design Arcadia University Peyton E. Korytkowski District 707-Grand Rapids, MI Interior Design & Architecture Central Michigan University

Scholarship Renewals, Continued Freshman Renewals ($500) Mary M. Pocorus Memorial Scholarship Jared E. Klaber District 999-National Chemical Engineering University of Cincinnati Frank F. Pocorus Memorial Scholarship Alexis K. Feldman District 999-National International Affairs & Cultural Anthropology Northeastern University Dr. Ludger F. Pocorus Memorial Scholarship Kelsy H. Cross District 2000-ULS Nutrition/Pre-Med Louisiana State University

Jolena Gioello District 3000-HRFA Communications Ohio State University

Scholarship Renewals, Continued Graduate Renewals

Scholarship Renewals, Continued Two-Year Renewals

($1,000)

John Koch District 4000-Sokol USA Physical Education & Heath Teaching Kean University

Holly Critchley District 2000- ULS Law University of Connecticut

Kristin Bajak District 999-National Business Management Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College

Kevin Mealwitz District 2000-ULS Supply Chain Management Ashland University Barbara Simon District 3000-HRFA M.D. Degree Semmelweis University

Caitlyn Urban District 3000-HRFA Secondary Education Social Studies California University of Ronald Pocorus Scholarship Pennsylvania Maximilian Ehinger District 630-Ann Arbor, MI Abby G. Polce Natural/Earth Science District 999-National Eastern Michigan University Nursing Florida Gulf Coast University Quincy R. Sterner Scholarship Renewals, District 999-National Continued Civil Engineering Undergraduate Renewals ($1,000) Meghan Chrobot District 999-National Music Business Anderson University Thomas Cooper District 4000-Sokol USA Finance University of Delaware Presley Dougherty District 291-Summerhill, PA Mechanical Engineering Pennsylvania State University

University of Pittsburgh Johnstown

Kelly Ann Swartz District 999- National Mental Health Counseling Northwestern University

Fred Gibson District 1000-LFA Zachary Dosey Law District 630-Ann Arbor, MI Penn State Dickinson Law School Mechatronics Washtenaw Community College Makayla Himes District 999-National Ryan A. Young Occupational Therapy District 2000-ULS Chatham University Radiation Technology Community College of Allegheny County Marin Schmitt District 999-National Public Health University of WisconsinMilwaukee Allison Studtmann District 510-Toledo, OH Nurse Education Western Governor's University

Want to be a part of GBU's famous Scholarship and Grant program? Perpetual and one-time giving educational grants help fellow GBU members to meet their education goals! One-Time Grant Designate a one-time grant to remember or honor a loved one with any donation to the GBU Foundation of $500 or more. Perpetual Grant Designate a $500 grant to remember or honor a loved one that renews in perpetuity with a donation to the GBU Foundation of $15,000.

September / October 2021

2021 Corporate Giving Grants These students each received a $1,000 grant made available by PNC.

Megan M. Bliss District 4000-Sokol USA Early Childhood Education Unknown College

Joelle M. Beaumariage District 999-National Business Duquesne University

James P. Stenske District 510-Toledo, OH Biomechanical Engineering University of Iowa

Riana Willsie District 361-Barberton, OH Business Sustainability Arizona State University

Nicholas W. Walters District 999-National Biology/Pre-Dental University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

2021 Corporate Giving Grants These students each received a $1,000 grant made available by Grant Thornton, LLP. Fiorella Marina V. Nicoloso District 999-National Public Heath/Infectious Disease & Microbiology University of Pittsburgh

Emily C. Walko District 4000-Sokol USA Music/Business Belmont University

2021 Corporate Giving Grants These students each received a $500 grant made available by these sponsors. Sydney M. McCall District 291-Summerhill, PA Communication Science & Disorders Appalachian State University

Jacob M. Konopsky District 4000-Sokol USA Integrated Media & Strategic Communications Mercyhurst University

The Reporter

Stephanie L. Angle District 2000-ULS Accounting Wake Forest University

Elizabeth R. Naser District 3000-HRFA Early Childhood Education University of Pittsburgh

Matthew P. Mealwitz District 2000-ULS Business Management Ashland University

2021 Corporate Giving Grants This student received a $250 grant made available by Willis Towers Watson, in addition to a $500 grant from the GBU Foundation. Katherine A. Walco District 4000-Sokol USA Mathematics & Secondary Education James Madison University

2021 Personal Giving Grants These students received a $500 grant made available by the personal donations of those listed. James R. Stoker Memorial Education Grant Matthew S. Moran District 999-National Exploratory Fine Arts/Business Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Former District 491-Granite City, IL Grants Brandon P. Himes District 999-National Safety Management Slippery Rock University

John P. Albright Grant Devon R. Watz District 2000-ULS Communications Unknown College

James E. Lockwood District 3000-HRFA Biblical and Theological Studies Cedarville University

Former District 496-Gill Hall, PA Education Grant Dylan T. Cannon District 684-Pittsburgh, PA Civil Engineering Geneva College

James R. Stoker Higher Education Grants

Dylan W. DeDominicis District 999-National Information Systems & Technology/Supply Chain Management Duquesne University

Garrett W. Gresh District 510-Toledo-OH Elementary Education & Math Saginaw State University

Ethan M. Gamble District 684-Pittsburgh, PA Unknown Major Naval Academy Preparatory School

Anna M. Jurkovich District 810-Cleveland, OH Finance Unknown College

Abigail M. Gonzalez District 999-National Industrial Engineering University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Tye G. Orosz District 291-Summerhill, PA Unknown Major Forsyth Tech Community College

Courtney R. Pier District 2000-ULS Recreational Therapy Slippery Rock University Samantha M. Pracko District 4000-Sokol USA Criminal Justice University of Wisconsin-Platteville Alaina G. Sommerstorfer District 821-Sterling Heights, MI Animal Behavior, Ecology & Conservation Canisius College Angela M. Wharton District 45-Altoona, PA English Saint Francis University

September / October 2021

2021 GBU Foundation Grants These students received a $500 grant from the GBU Foundation. Alexej S. Banjak District 4000-Sokol USA Computer Science Unknown College

Grace A. Dietrich District 999-National Athletic Training Duquesne University

James J. Benke District 646-Coraopolis, PA Chemical Engineering Unknown College

Blaine A. Drews District 630-Ann Arbor, MI Unknown Major Michigan State University

Hailey A. Biehl District 2000-ULS Psychology Kent State University

Jacob R. Dubendorfer District 510-Toledo, OH Unknown Major Unknown College

Joshua Bierlein District 699-Frankenmuth, MI Early Childhood Education Western Michigan University

Lisa Jo Fanelli-Greer District 999-National Unknown Major Evangelical Seminary

Jonathan R. Bodenschatz District 291-Summerhill, PA Unknown Major Pennsylvania State University

Nicole D. Faulhaber District 999-National Marketing/Business University of Akron

Jeri L. Brooks District 815-Dayton, OH Psychology Florida State University

Benjamin M. Ferrara District 2000-ULS Computer Science University of Colorado-Colorado Springs

Chloe M. Brzozowski District 815-Dayton, OH Theatre Design & Technology University of Evansville Andrew T. Chwalik District 999-National Elementary Education/Special Education Mount Saint Mary’s University Jenna J. Corey District 630-Ann Arbor, MI Biomedical Science Unknown College Olivia A. Davis District 2000-ULS Environmental Engineering Unknown College

The Reporter

Haylee A. Fleishman District 3000-HRFA Middle-Level Education (Math & English) Slippery Rock University Jacob P. Flynn-Long District 291-Summerhill, PA Computer Engineering Unknown College Gabrielle E. Franklin District 999-National Diagnostic Medical Sonography Clarion University/ Great Lakes Institute of Technology Riley F. Franklin District 999-National Finance St. Bonaventure University

Alyson B. Gonzalez District 999-National Biomedical Science University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Tinley R. Hathaway District 2000-ULS Microbiology North Dakota State University Shane P. Keefer District 684-Pitsburgh, PA Mechanical Engineering Robert Morris University

Emily B. McCollough District 999-National English/Creative Writing Bob Jones University Grace E. Mischak District 3000-HRFA Political Science/Law Unknown College Nicole M. Mischak District 3000-HRFA Integrative Biology University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Noah W. King District 999-National Unknown Major Pennsylvania State University Eric L. Klaber District 999-National Communications Unknown College Jacob Klein District 2000-ULS Engineering University of Florida Karl C. Larson District 3000-HRFA Cyber Security Engineering Iowa State University Rachel D. Loftus District 999-National Criminal Justice Southern Illinois University of Evansville Lauren E. Mahler District 510-Toledo, OH Medical Laboratory Science Unknown College Lincoln H. Martin District 999-National Safety Management Community College of Beaver County

2021 GBU Foundation Grants, Continued These students received a $500 grant from the GBU Foundation. Joshua R. Micknowski District 999-National Unknown Major Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Sophia R. Shannon District 4000-Sokol USA Pre-Professional Animal Science Delaware Valley University

Clark V. Visca District 2000-ULS Business University of Utah

Brendan M. Witt District 510-Toledo, OH Finance Michigan State University

Christian J. Peek District 815-Dayton, OH Business Bowling Green State University

Maren E. Steinbugl District 45-Altoona, PA Unknown Major Drexel University

Rebekah E. Vishanoff District 298-Allentown, PA Elementary Education Grand Canyon University

Jarred M. Wulf District 510-Toledo, OH Environmental Science Bowling Green State University

Matthew S. Pracko District 4000-Sokol USA Aviation Flight Technology Lewis University

Benjamin W. Tarkanyi District 3000-HRFA Unknown Major Lawrence Technological University

Madison B. Walters District 999-National Unknown Major University of Wisconsin

Molly C. Yatchyshyn District 4000-Sokol USA Graphic Design/Marketing Marywood University

James R. Wharton District 45-Altoona, PA Unknown Major Saint Francis University

Caroline M. Young District 4000-Sokol USA English & International Business Monmouth College

Stephen J. Wilhelm District 2000-ULS Sports Management Unknown College

Ericka P. Zeigler District 3000-HRFA Criminal Justice Unknown College

Emily C. Pranskevicius District 4000-Sokol USA Chemistry Illinois State University

Victoria L. Tunney District 999-National Nursing University of Rhode Island

Rachel A. Redinger District 684-Pittsburgh, PA Public & Applied History Waynesburg University

Nicole L.F. Tye District 510-Toledo, OH Finance Bowling Green State University

2021 High School Freshmen Grants These students received a $250 grant from the GBU Foundation. Sarah Bodenschatz District 291-Summerhill, PA

Sophia Maechner District 810-Cleveland, OH

Megan Mischak District 3000-HRFA

Gracie Putnam District 707-Grand Rapids, MI

Lainie Harrington District 999-National

Evan McCaulley District 45-Altoona, PA

Jonah Orosz District 291-Summerhill, PA

Blake Schroeder District 630-Ann Arbor, MI

Maria Janjanin District 817-Philadelphia, PA

Logan McIntyre District 291-Summerhill, PA

Roger Philipp District 999-National

Liliana Varga District 3000-HRFA

2021 GBU Community Scholarships These students received a $1,000 scholarship from the GBU Foundation.

Roshna Bhattarai Baldwin High School University of Pennsylvania

Ashley Mingrino Brentwood High School University of Pittsburgh

September / October 2021

DISTRICT HAPPENINGS

The Reporter

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT District 4000-Sokol USA member Charity Ruhl wins coaching award

Charity Ruhl, director and coach of Falcon Gymnastics-Monessen (District 4000-Sokol USA, Lodge 47) was named one of the 25 national winners of Positive Coaching Alliance's (PCA) Double-Goal Coach® Awards. She was the only gymnastics coach named this year! The national winners were selected by a panel of nine sports and business professionals who served as judges for PCA's awards. According to the PCA website, the organization has partnered with the Amateur Athletic Alliance (AAU) since 2010 and offers education courses for coaches and team administrators. “A Double-Goal Coach has two goals: winning, and the even more important goal of teaching life lessons through sports.” Any youth or high school sports coach in the U.S. with at least three years’ experience is eligible for PCA’s Double-Goal Coach® Award. Once a coach is nominated and passes a background check, they are notified and asked to respond to four short essay questions and to submit email addresses for between 3 and 20 references.

Charity Ruhl demonstrates proper form for students at Falcon Gymnastics.

The following is an excerpt from one of the references submitted for Charity that was posted on the PCA announcement of the 2021 winners: Charity always puts the gymnasts and her coaching staff above all else. This isn’t a business to her. This is a place where kids can come, have fun, learn gymnastics and know that their coach really cares about them. Charity gets to know the girls and families well. She has made the girls feel like they are part of another family. She represents hard work and commitment to the sport. She inspires so many kids and dedicates a ton of her time to coaching and supporting. Congratulations Charity! Your Sokol family always knew you were an excellent coach and mentor. Your national PCA award confirms this to the entire gymnastics’ world. Keep up the great work. Nazdar! (On to success!)

September / October 2021

More District pictures 821–Sterling from the zooHeights, event can be Michigan found on the Altoona District 45 page of the GBU Life Member Community. Dear Members and Friends,

District 45–Altoona, Pennsylvania

The district officers wish a happy and healthy fall to everyone. Fall, or the autumnal equinox, arrived on September 22. This is one of the two days each year that day and night are approximately equal in length. You will have to wait for the spring equinox for it to occur again. Take time to enjoy the beauty of the autumn season and the activities that come with it. Be sure to have candy on hand for the trick-or-treaters when they come to call for Halloween.

Our thanks go to the Home Office for organizing the GBU Community Day at the Pittsburgh Zoo! Six members from Altoona, along with two guests, attended. Everyone had a great time. We all enjoyed some down time at the Pittsburgh Hofbrauhaus afterward and picked up dessert from the Cheesecake Factory before heading home.

Thank you to everyone that supported the summer Pie Sale. We were able to raise over $850 to donate to the Brian Morden Foundation and a local Relay For Life team. GBU District 45 was well represented at the Flag Day Activities in Downtown Altoona. The ceremony was dedicated in memory of John Gority. John was a disabled veteran who had served in Vietnam and was a GBU member. He passed away earlier this year. John’s wife Donna, a former Blair County Commissioner, expressed how dedicated John was to helping other veterans and how proud he was to serve his country. He was very active in various fraternal organizations in Blair County and will be sadly missed.

Some members outside the Pittsburgh Hofbrauhaus after the zoo.

A few members at Flag Day Ceremonies.

(Left) Chantel De Gennaro with daughter Sophia at zoo.

(Right) Tyler Kessler with son James at zoo. Donna Gority sharing memories of her husband on Flag Day. The Reporter

More pictures from the zoo event can be found on the Altoona District 45 page of the GBU Life Member Community.

District 45–Altoona, Pennsylvania, continued Teresa Weakland Receives 2021 Francis B. Madison Fraternal Award Teresa Weakland, a.k.a. Terri, has been a member of GBU since 2013 and a trustee of District 45 since 2014. Terri helps at district events and assists with the Pie Sale Fundraisers that support local non-profit organizations. She helps at the annual picnic and lends a hand with the Join Hands Day Projects. Terri is a member of St. Marks Catholic Church in Altoona, where she often serves as an usher. Terri has been volunteering at the St. Vincent De Paul Assumption Chapel Food Pantry on Tuesdays and Thursdays since March of 2015. By June of this year, she reached 168 volunteer hours; what an impressive amount of time to donate! Francis B. Madison Fraternalist Awardee Teresa Weakland accepts her award from National Vice President Matt Blistan, Jr. while I proudly share in the moment.

In addition, Terri is a member of the Unter Uns German Musical & Entertainment Society where she serves as a trustee. Terri can be found helping the Unter Uns during the Memorial Day Ceremonies assisting with the food, helping in the kitchen during the Toys for Tots Fundraiser, and at the Family Christmas Party. She is always willing to lend a helping hand, especially in the kitchen with food preparation for various functions at the Club. Terri retired from the Valley View Nursing Home with over 35 years of service. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and looks forward to watching her grandson Evan play football. She also likes to watch NASCAR racing. GBU Life and GBU District 45-Altoona, Pennsylvania, thank Teresa “Terri” Weakland for all her work in the community. Be sure to active your membership access to the GBU Life Member Community at community.gbu.org by clicking on “Request Invitation” to be able to participate in many fun activities and keep up-to-date with activities sponsored by the district and the Home Office. Upcoming District Events We continue our GBU Cares project as we collect personal hygiene items to donate to the local shelters and the Shriners Hospital for Children. To have a donation picked up contact our 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.

County Unit #1 to participate in the parade. Contact John and Robin Kessler for more information. Be sure to thank a veteran for his or her dedication and commitment to serving our great country. We welcome into our GBU family the new members that have recently joined GBU and District 45. We hope you have the opportunity to participate in one of our many activities and have the chance to meet some of our other members. Please feel free to contact me if you would like a copy of our district events calendar or check it out on GBU Life Member Community. More member news can be found in the GBU Life Member Community and our district section of the GBU website (reporter.gbu.org/member-news). District representatives waiting to hear from you: John and Robin Kessler (814-943-4481); Mary Kessler-Adams (814-942-5362); Kay Balestino (814-687-3296); Mark Bomeisl (724-681-5244); Mary J. Brant (724-989-1773); or agents Eric, Brian or Michael Irwin (814-941-4411). Please contact a representative if you need to update your information. Are your beneficiaries up to date? Do you need to change your address? Is your representative up to date? 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 located at Van Buren Ave and 14th Street in Altoona. There are NO meetings in January, July, November or December. (Your officers will be having officers’ meetings instead to plan for upcoming activities.) Come, learn, support and get involved in the fraternal activities, and join us for fun and refreshments. Please call me before heading out to the meetings because meetings may be cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. - Robin Kessler, Fraternal Secretary 814-943-4481 or rob1jon@atlanticbb.net

District 84–Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Happy fall everyone! We ended summer on a great note, and we want to continue to make 2021 successful! Let’s keep up the good work. We have started our Popcorn Fundraiser and orders will be due at our November meeting. We hope to have another successful fundraising year. Please remember that everyone is encouraged to buy and sell popcorn. If you would like to sell, please contact Terry (TJ) Suter Jr. (717-283-3628). Not much has went on since the last article. A few members took a trip to North East, Maryland. Some members gathered at Carol’s for a yard sale, and some have been going to see the Phillies games. On July 24, we had 22 people show up for our Cornhole/Summer Picnic. We even had a bunch of new faces, including nonmembers! Weather was nice, and the food was delicious! We give a BIG thank you to Edna, Terry and TJ Suter for all their hard work in making the Cornhole/Summer Picnic possible.

District 45 Scholarships were mailed out mid-October. The fall Pie Sale through the Pie Shoppe in Laughlintown will benefit the Assumption Chapel Food Pantry and starts in October. Orders are due to me by Monday, November 8, and the pies will be in on Saturday, November 20—just in time for Thanksgiving or to freeze for the Christmas season. There is an assortment of fruit and cream pies as well as pumpkin pie and pumpkin rolls. Pies will be available for pick up from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Assumption Chapel Food Pantry The Veterans’ Day Parade is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, November 13 in downtown Altoona starting at 10:30 a.m. We plan on joining the Federation of Fraternal Clubs Blair

Some of our picnickers.

September / October 2021

District 84–Lancaster, Pennsylvania, continued

Moxham GBU District 146 Children’s Christmas Fund 40 Bridge Street Johnstown, PA 15902 Stay safe and continue to do your part to help make the return to normal continue! For life insurance or annuity needs, contact me, your district representative at the number below, or one of our sale agents: Frank Betsch (215-947-9190), Joseph Carpenter (814-534-4445), Ed Christensen (814-262-9496), James Kiepert (814-421-7058), Mike Malley (814-443-0991) or Lee Williamson (814-255-4852). - Barbara Weimer, Fraternal Secretary/Treasurer 814-255-4710

Carol Mays and Shirley Zug.

District 291–Summerhill, Pennsylvania

Happy end of summer from District 291. It has been a busy summer for some of our members. Luke Dierling, who is an Eagle Scout candidate, worked on managing a project to rehabilitate the bleachers at the Summerhill Little League field. He was assisted by other Scouts as well as his parents Ed and Cathy, grandfather Diz Dierling, and me, an Eagle Scout from the class of 2000. Both GBU District 291 and the Social Club donated to this effort to update our community Little League field. The Nemeths enjoying the day. Looking into the future, the Roller Skate Party may be canceled; another activity might replace it. We will discuss that at the next meeting. Popcorn will be delivered for those who sold or bought at the December meeting. Upcoming District Events Sunday, November 7 Popcorn Fundraiser Deadline Sunday, November 7 District meeting/Social, 1 p.m. Sunday, December 5 District meeting/Christmas Dinner with prizes, Centerville Diner, 5 p.m. You can always You can always get details on district events by calling or emailing one of these officers: district President Carol Mays (717-892-1104 or jmays2712@comcast.net) , Fraternal Secretary/Treasurer Edna Suter (717-333-9388 or ednasuter65@gmail.com), Vice President Terry (TJ) Suter Jr. (717-283-3628 or steelerstj13@gmail.com), or by going on Facebook (GBU District 84) or our district section of the GBU website (reporter.gbu.org/member-news).

Luke and Ed taking a break.

- Edna Suter, Fraternal Secretary/Treasurer 717-333-9388 or ednasuter65@gmail.com

District 146–Johnstown, Pennsylvania Greetings from District 146!

After the many cancellations due to the pandemic in our area, Johnstown returned to hosting the annual AAABA Tournament. The district placed an ad in the tournament program supporting Johnstown’s entry. With the reopening of the clubroom, members helped support our first fundraiser for 2021. Thanks to all who helped make it a success. The district has continued its support of the Tribune Democrat’s NIE (Newspaper in Education) Program for the 2021-2022 school year. This program places newspapers in classrooms to be used as learning tools. At our August 9 meeting, we voted to continue our support of the annual Needy Children Shopping Tour for 2021. Members wishing to donate can send it to

The Reporter

Luke and Uncle Dave Penrod looking over the work. Our overall summer was less adventurous than we would have liked, however, several fall activities are planned and will be posted on the SSC Facebook page. Please stop into the club or reach out to any GBU or club officers for a list of upcoming events. For all your insurance or financial needs, please contact our district representative Tara McIntyre (814-472-6830). - David Templeton, District 291 member Dtemp902@hotmail.com or 814-244-8243

District 361-Barberton, Ohio

Hello everyone. It is nice to see the restrictions lifted from COVID-19. We have done some major repairs on the district club house at 138 Sylvester Street. A new roof has been put on the club, and it looks great. This work was completed by Leading Restorations Roofing. On Memorial Day, our club opened at 4 p.m. instead of our regular hours due to people doing activities with family and friends.

District 402-Minneapolis, Minnesota Dear Member and Friends,

The year has been uneventful until now; we thought Corona Virus worries were going away, but they seem to be coming back. It looked like old times when we went to the Deutsche Tage. We saw only a few members on Saturday when we went, but we did see many friends not seen for over a year. Sunday is our district’s official day to attend but we could not make it that day. Hopefully, other members had fun. It is a nice German picnic, and the weather was perfect.

Remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. Several weeks of rainy weather led to us postponing JOIN HANDS DAY. We had a few volunteers help clean outside of the club; the inside was done earlier. The fence was power washed, and a new coat of clear varnish was applied to keep it from deteriorating.

Nice crowd and beautiful day.

We started Bingo on Monday nights again. It has been doing well. People are getting out and enjoying each other’s company. A lot of new people are joining the club. On July 1, we started a school book-bag collection for students that ran till August 7. These book bags were being distributed to area schools.

Having fun at the Deutsche Tage. A sampling from our book-bag collection. Our annual Picnic was held on July 10. A pig was donated for this event. This year we added a reverse raffle to go along with our other raffle prizes; it was a huge success. A $250 donation was made to the girl’s baseball team for them to be able to go to nationals. The sponsor’s name is USSSA Eastern National Championships.

For 19 years, Klaus and Ingrid gave us pleasure with running the Danbury Oktoberfest. This fundraiser was canceled due to costs after the pandemic being more than money raised. Thank you, Klaus and Ingrid, for all your time and efforts; we always had a good. Our usual district Spring Fling also did not take place, but member Lydia Jopp started her own Spring Fling. She got a nice-size group together in June, and we had a private Spring Fling that was lots of fun.

We have made several donations to BACM (Barberton Area Community Ministries). For insurance and any annuity needs, please feel free to contact Mark Sowick (330-323-5386), our district sales representative. Please feel free to contact district President Ron Long (330-351-6820) or Fraternal Secretary Michelle Holmes (330-701-9280) about any district events. Until next time! - Denise Varney, Acting Recording Secretary Members who were able to gather for Lydia’s Spring Fling.

September / October 2021

District 402-Minneapolis, Minnesota, continued

District meetings went back to being by phone and then only the officers. Members still do not show up at our meetings. You can see the end of our district in near. You always can call me (612-866-7496). For life insurance or annuity needs, contact our sales representative Phillip Klein (651-246-4024). - Paul Wittig, Fraternal Secretary 612-866-7496 or hwittig@aol.com

District 510–Toledo, Ohio

In Memoriam It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of GBU 510 member Lieselotte Sielicki. Lieselotte was very involved in the German-American Society. Together with her husband Aleks, they ran the Sidewalk Café from 1980 to 2000. Lieselotte was an active GBU 510 member. We will always remember her radiant smile. She volunteered for the children’s holiday parties, always dressing for the occasion. She helped set up and serve desserts at our monthly meetings and often brought decorations to liven up the dessert table. Lieselotte will be missed by all of her friends at District 510.

Upcoming District Events We are planning a Bus Trip to Shipshewana, Indiana, on Saturday, November 13. The trip will include attending a dinner theater and viewing the Christmas lights. Cost is $40 per GBU member. Please contact Marilyn Riedeman (419-855-4192) if you are interested in participating. As per current Ohio COVID-19 social gathering restrictions, GBU District 510 has resumed holding our in-person monthly meetings. 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 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. Please contact one of our sales representatives for any of your life insurance or annuity needs, or any changes to such. They are Robert Billings (419-697-0041), Ron Billings (419-666-5137), Frank Dobnikar (419-561-6800), Brad Meister (419-592-5059), Diane Miller (419-475-6402), Christina Renz (419-262-3536), Craig Riedeman (419-360-6060), Marilyn Riedeman (419-855-4192), Brent Shimman (419-693-9000), Chad Walton (419-419-3322), and James Reichert or Jennifer Lindsay (419-931-0749). - Jacqueline Martin, Fraternal Secretary 419-350-6684 or Toysrmonica@sbcglobal.net

District 536–Lafayette, Indiana

We have been having lovely summer weather; some really hot days and also coolish rainy days. We feel sorry for the people who live in those areas of the US that are suffering from the terrible fires.

Lieselotte Sielicki. Our annual Children’s Halloween Party this year was held on October 31 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The October 19 monthly meeting featured a spokesman from Metroparks Toledo. Attendees were treated to a catered Swiss steak meal.

Recently our members had a lovely luncheon at our local Fowler House Museum. It first was a family home completed in 1852 and owned by the Moses Fowler family in a much smaller Lafayette. Many years later, it was sold to the county and was known as the Tippecanoe County Historical Museum for any years. It is still a beautiful building that serves lunches during the week and brunches on the weekends. We decided to stay in town for our "day trip" and have our lunch there. Everyone enjoyed their meals and the ambience of this lovely home added to the memorable day!

June Steak Roast We kicked off the June 15 monthly meeting with a Steak Roast prior to the meeting. Everyone cooked their own steaks, and the rest of the food was provided by the kitchen crew. A big thanks to everyone who helped. Special thanks to Marilyn Riedeman for procuring the steaks and to Lynne Shoup for the baked potatoes.

The Reporter

District 536–Lafayette, Indiana, continued

District 630–Ann Arbor, Michigan

Greetings from Ann Arbor. As I sit writing this article, I am noticing changes in the weather and signs of fall; the days are getting shorter and the nights cooler. As you receive this issue of The Reporter, the leaves will have begun to change, and the kids will have started back to school (although for some virtual). We wish all of our ailing members a speedy recovery, and we keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Please continue to notify a district officer when one of our members is ill.

Lunch at Fowler House (l to r): Bob and Mabel Ketterer, Ginny Hull and Jerry Lamborn.

This summer it sure felt good to take off our masks and resume “normal” activities. On August 9 we volunteered to serve food at Peace Neighborhood Center at its annual end of summer camp picnic. This year Peace Neighborhood has been celebrating its 50th anniversary. We are blessed to be a part of the Peace family. A big THANK YOU to our members that volunteered.

(L to r) Lola Vincent, Elise Thoennes, Pam Dettamore and Mid Osborn.

Volunteers Susan Antonelli, Theresa Hilberer, Margaret Ann Loveless and Susan Weber.

District 536 members and friends in front of the Fowler House Museum. We were so happy to have Mid Osborn with us at our recent luncheon. Mid had not been able to attend the meetings for a few months. Our thanks go to her daughter Pam for bringing Mid. we always enjoy seeing you, too. We miss our big meetings we used to have but are doing our best to continue in the same spirit as before with a much-smaller number group. Our annual Picnic was to be held in August. Continuing our charitable ways as always, we asked members to bring school supplies donations. Our Octoberfest was being held on October 10. Hopefully we will have some good photos to share from that. Please mark your calendars for these upcoming events: Sunday, November 7 Sunday, December 12

Donation Drive for St. Matthew’s Soup Kitchen Christmas Party

We continue to remember our members who are not able to attend our meetings and will always keep them in our prayers. Stay healthy and safe. - M. Elise Thoennes, President/Recording Secretary 765-447-3249

Peace Neighborhood Summer Camp participants. German Park was able to resume its summer picnics on July 31 and August 28. Several of our members worked while others enjoyed themselves. It was great to reconnect with friends and everyone had a good time! We hope to see many more of you again the fall (COVID-19 permitting). Please not there will not be an Oktoberfest this year. Please mark your calendars for these upcoming events: Sunday, November 14 Sunday, December 12

Monthly meeting, 1 p.m. Christmas Party, 3 p.m.

Interested in learning more about what GBU has to offer or joining GBU? Give any of our district representatives a call for your insurance or annuity needs: Christina MacKellar (734-646-9388), Christine Wohnus-Theros (810-231-2064) or agent Karl Schumacher (734-834-8895). Please continue to stay safe! - Christina MacKellar, Fraternal Secretary 734-646-9388 or christina.mackellar@gbu.org September / October 2021

District 684–Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

District 699–Frankenmuth, Michigan

Greetings from GBU 699. I hope you had a good summer as we wind down into fall. In May, we had our meeting at Davinci’s. We talked about upcoming events and enjoyed a nice meal with our group. June started with a nice meeting/dinner at Lucky's Steak House in Clio. Also for June, we participated in the One Week, One Street event. One Week, One Street, an event brought to us by Leo Ohlendorf, is a wonderful time where we get together with other folks/churches/businesses and rehab all the houses on a chosen street in a troubled neighborhood. It is a very well-coordinated event set up by Tamara Klida. One Week, One Street is an annual urban-revitalization effort to encourage, hope, pride and love for our neighbor by utilizing volunteers and donations from the Great Lakes Bay Region churches, businesses and other non-profit organizations. GBU District 699 is proud to take part in this event. Thanks to all District 699 members who took part in this important event.

Full Circle: Gary Madison Receives Francis B. Madison Fraternalist Award

Francis B. Madison Fraternalist Awardee Gary Madison accepts his award from Barb Stoker, former fraternal secretary.

GBU and District 684-Brentwood, Pennsylvania, had the honor of presenting Gary Madison with the Francis B. Madison Fraternalist Award on August 7, at the district’s Summer Picnic event. Gary is the son of the late Francis B. Madison, after which the award is named. He has truly lived his life inside the fraternal system. Gary was nominated by fellow district members because of his commitment to lending a helping hand whenever and wherever he can. He joined District 684 and took a leadership role as treasurer in October 2017. Often, he would leave a district meeting at 7 p.m. to go to another non-profit community wellness activity or meeting to better that group as well. He has been there for GBU, showing his compassion and belief in the good that GBU represents. Gary is involved with GBU's Operation Reach Out and is very active in Project Healing Waters fly fishing program. This program offers physical and emotional rehabilitation to disabled veterans. He is selfless with his time and is genuinely involved to improve the lives and spirits of those around him. If there is someone worthy of this award, it is Gary Madison.

In July we were supposed to have a meeting/dinner at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, however, they were super busy and could not get us in (good to see businesses doing well). Luckily, no less than three Zehnder’s employees are in our group, so we were able to pull some strings and got the whole group in.

GBU Life and GBU District 684-Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, thank Gary for all his work in the community. Our October 19 meeting was to be held at Frisch’s restaurant on Grove Road from 6 to 8 p.m. Members were able to enjoy a buffet-style dinner as they discussed upcoming district events, held officer elections for 2022 and brainstormed district events and activities for 2022. For information on our next meeting or event, contact Fraternal Secretary Jackie Alaimo at jackie.alaimo@gbu.org.

July meeting attendees.

- Barb Stoker, former Fraternal Secretary 412-760-4221 or barbstoker470@yahoo.com

Our August 18 meeting was held at Davinci’s, and our September 19 meeting was at Riverside Restaurant. The October meeting was held at Zehnder’s.

- Mary Kozcan, District and Special Projects Coordinator

The Reporter

District 699–Frankenmuth, Michigan, continued

Our district’a newly realized “mission” is to help revitalize and strengthen the financial integrity of the DASV. This is where we’ve been holding our monthly meetings. Our mission is in full force as we push all of our DASV family toward more participation and awareness in GBU.

If you need information on any GBU products, please contact one of our sales representatives: Steven Zak (810-982-0530) or Ed Foltz (989-652-6104).

Regardless of what GBU district you may belong to, the DASV is here to support ALL of its friends who might be interested in one of the DASV functions held throughout the year. It’s a perfect match!

We look forward to all our future activities and fraternal fun with all our members. If you are a District 699 member and wish to partake in one of our meetings or events, please contact me (dan.pierce@mail.com).

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

District 701–Pontiac, Michigan

A number of us gathered back in spring for Join Hands Day to plant some flowers at Able Manor assisted living in Clarkston. (Able Manor was “home” for a short time for one of our past, dear GBU family members.) It was quite chilly considering we were nearing the end of May, but seeing the smiles and waves from some residents who were inside watching was reassuring and kept us warm. Our Christmas in July Luncheon at Camp Ticonderoga was a good time. Many of us noticed that although some businesses are claiming to be “back to normal,” they should reconsider when they have insufficient employees and are barely operating at 25% capacity. We had a good turnout nonetheless and had a bunch of laughs as we welcomed new District 701 member “Lisa” Gerstheimer who played the part of “Santa.”

(L to r) Mary Anne Weishaar, Michele Kotlarski, Kenneth Healy and John Weishaar.

In the meantime, please consider joining us—or a making a friendly phone call—to inquire about what GBU can offer you. New members are what keeps GBU strong and maintains our fraternal recognition. As fraternal secretary and district representative, I will take the time needed to explain and advise you on what would make more sense for your investing options and ways that your participation can help our community. - Richard A De Arment, Fraternal Secretary 248-709-4949 or MetroDetroitBroker@gmail.com

District 707-Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather and staying healthy. We planned to gather for food and fun on August 1. This event was to be our annual Picnic for members and also to introduce new members. A Holland Princess Day Bus Trip was planned for August 6. Lunch and a boat ride makes the day a lot of fun. We had a wonderful speaker from Feeding America West Michigan. Susie Dutcher gave us great information about this inspiring organization. Many more people are facing hunger because of the pandemic and Feeding America West Michigan is working so hard to assist them. Every dollar donated provides 40 meals! This year marks Feeding America West Michigan’s 40th anniversary. The organization was founded as West Michigan Gleaners in 1981. In 1983 they joined Feeding America and now are one of 200 food banks around America. Their mobile food-truck pantry feeds food-insecure people with dignity. Photos from our meeting with the Feeding America West Michigan spokesperson can be found in the GBU Life Member Community and the districts section of the GBU website (reporter.gbu.org/member-news). Our May Dance was held May 16. All attendees had a great time. The great cooks at Sixth Street Hall provided us with another great meal! Member Wayne Lenhart provided the music from his CD collection.

(L to r) Richard De Arment, Elisabeth and Herbert Tussing, Lisa Gerstheimer, Peter Hoffmann, Chuck Zahringer, Gisa Martens and Judy Rolando. We’re considering a possible alternate location for our actual December Christmas Luncheon: suggestions anyone?

District 707 meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at Sixth Street Hall at 6 p.m. Come join us to learn what we are doing and share your ideas. Any questions, please call at the number at the end of this article. We want you to come to our meetings to help us keep our district strong and a blessing to our community. - Judy Cwiklinski, Fraternal Secretary 616-454-6026 or jcwik227@yahoo.com

On July 25, many of us attended the DASV’s annual Schutzenfest along with 400+ other guests. It was a GREAT day with many festivities including live music performed by Tommy Schober and the Sorgenbrecher. Attendees enjoyed dancing, some of the best food around and, of course, a cold drink or two since this was one of the very first outdoor activities in the area. Everyone was tickled by the turnout. It was a huge success! Check the calendar for upcoming events!

September / October 2021

District 815–Dayton, Ohio

GBU interest rates are 3.10% for new Preferred 8 Annuities. Our Select Series Term Insurance plans provide important life insurance coverage with very affordable premiums. Please contact one of our sales representatives to assist you with your insurance and financial service needs: Chris van Breukelen, FIC, (937-885-4784) or Perry and Paul Groves (937-335-9797). - Chris van Breukelen, FIC, Fraternal Secretary 937-885-4784 or wvanbreukelen@compuserve.com

District 821–Sterling Heights, Michigan

Dear Members and Friends,

During the past two months we have had a little more freedom to be in the outdoors. Congratulations, Paula, on your very special birthday which we celebrated at our GBU Picnic in July. Everyone had a wonderful time! Many members of Paula’s family were there to help celebrate her 90th and enjoy the delicious picnic food. We had all kinds of activities. We played bingo, Richard Haber, our chess meister, gave lessons on how to better your chess game, and we played Nine Men’s Morris, a game from before Roman times. I remember playing it as a child. We called it “Fickmuehle.”

The German-American Marksman Club's DASV Foundation was thankful to those that had donated through the "GBU Cares Community Fund." Marianne Krenzer was happy to present an $850 check from GBU, matching the $850 donated, which gave the DASV Foundation a total of $1,700. In the afternoon of June 20, the Carpathia Club held a fundraiser in its parking lot. The event started out with the Carpathia Choir singing, then the Carpathia Brass Band played wonderful tunes. Four more local bands donated their time with wellknown musical tunes to make this an enjoyable afternoon. Quite a few of our district members and supporting members were in attendance. The Seniorenkreis (Seniors Club) got together at St. Peter's Church on June 23 to have its yearly picnic indoors. Ten of our members took part, and everyone present had a good time. At that time, we planned to see each other again after the summer break, on September 3. After more than a year because of the pandemic, the GBU Saxonia/Rheingold Mixed Choir was able to have its Picnic on July 18 on St. Peter's Church lovely grounds. The weather was ideal and the 55 members/supporting members and other invited friends had an enjoyable afternoon with lots of conversation, good food and drink.

Chess meister Richard Haber planning his next move.

A week later, July 25, St. Peter's Church held its yearly picnic. Because it was hot and muggy that day, it was decided to hold it in the cool and comfortable Martin Luther Hall. All visitors, including 10 District 821 members enjoyed the delicious food, as well as coffee and home-baked cake. Lots of smiling faces could be seen. On the same day, the German-American Marksmen's Club held a picnic on its own grounds. About 20 GBU members went to enjoy the festivities. Marianne Krenzer entertained the children with the yearly balloon parade after which they were led into a treasure hunt with Tommy Schober's music to the sand pile. It kept them busy for quite a while trying to find every penny, nickel, dime and quarter. Later, a new king and queen was chosen for the coming year.

Members playing Nine Men’s Morris. With the help of GBU Home Office, we have been very busy!! The GBU conference bridge is the telephone line we have been using. Call the long-distance number. Provide a 4-digit bridge number, then a 4-digit PIN. The GBU Life Member Community site continues to grow. Thank you, Jácque Slater, for being our administrator. The Member Community site (community.gbu.org) provides more opportunities to see what is available through GBU and how valuable your GBU membership is!

The Reporter

The GBU Choir hoped to have a general meeting on August 6 in the GACC Room of the Carpathia Hall. If at all possible, the first choir rehearsal was tobegin on August 13 at 7 p.m. We all hoped that this new Delta Virus would not thwart these plans. If you are interested in products that GBU Financial Life has to offer, call our sales agent, Marianne Krenzer (586-776-7058), for information. Stay happy and well. - Adele Reinke, Fraternal Secretary 586-293-5834 or reisetante@sbcglobal.net

District 1000–LFA Dear Members,

Summer seemed to fly by in no time. We hope that everyone enjoyed their summer and are continuing to stay healthy. District 1000 is anxious to get some activities/events organized so that we can get together again for some fraternalism. Remember to reach out to those around you because we are all in this together. “If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney Membership News 35th Annual Concordia Food-A-Thon. This was the late, former District President Richard Hallgren’s favorite charity and fundraiser of the year. He loved driving down to the Seminary and getting to talk with the staff/students/future pastors there. Donation letters were sent out to local congregations. If you are looking provide a monetary donation to the Seminarians please contact the district office at 586-677-2020. Operation Reach Out. One of our District 1000 officers, Donna Povich, has put together over 248 bags of Christmas cards, thus far, that will be sent out to our troops over the holiday season. So far this year it brings our total sent to 395 ink pens and 1,725 cards. All these cards are unsigned so the person can send them back to their family or friends. Thank you, Donna, for your continued work for this amazing cause. District 1000 members been collecting bottle caps to donate to the City of Taylor Library to help build benches and picnic tables for its city parks. Willie and Donna delivered 17,260 bottle caps to the Allen Park Historical House for its bench project. Enough bottle caps were collected for its bench, but now Allen Park Presbyterian is going to start collecting. (Just a point of interest: it takes a little over 400 lbs. of the bottle caps to build one bench.) Willie and Donna will continue with this project.

Reminders We have “gently used” wheelchairs/walkers available at no cost for anyone in need, pick up at our district office, . LWML continues to collect cancelled postage stamps for its Stamps for Mission program. Simply cut the canceled stamp from the envelope ,and bring it to the next function . We will see that it gets to the LWML. If any members have,any suggestion or ideas for events that they would like District 1000 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 us to host. Please feel free to call the district office (586-677-2020). District Officers’ Meeting. A district officers‘ meeting was held October 20 at 6 p.m. via Zoom meeting. For information regarding life insurance, annuities such as IRAs, Roth IRAs, etc., please call (586-677-2020) or fax (586-677-2050) and your agent or a representative servicing your area will contact you. Christian volunteering Is contagious. - Stacia (Penzien) Zarzycki, Sentinel and District Correspondent 586-677-202

District 4000–Sokol USA

MCT, a GBU District 4000–Sokol USA lodge, held its meeting on May 2, 2021, at the Quality Inn in New Kensington, Pennsylvania.

(First row, l to r) John West, Joe Bielecki, Helen R. Slaninka and Lynn Culleiton. (Second row) Justine West, Mary Ann Slaninka, Carolyn Coleman, Donna Skefede, Gerald Blistan, Ethel Moschak and Natalia Gardner. The latest MCT meeting was held at the Quality Inn in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, on October 24 at 1:30 p.m. - Helen R. Slaninka, MCT President

GBU Home Office launched a new platform, GBU Life Member Community, in November. GBU Life Member Community is a social media-type platform that is specific to GBU members. 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 includ-ed in the GBU Life Member Community. Mark your Calendars (Events may 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. Christmas Party (West Side). We are looking into the possibility of holding a Christmas Party in December for our district members. More information will be coming. The Home Office is holding some Zoom parties for children. Look on the GBU Life Member Community for upcoming events to join.

September / October 2021

G B U A T T H E ZOO

MAKE-A-DATE Due to varying COVID-19 restrictions, please check with one of the district’s officers to see if the event is still being held. NOVEMBER 7 536 (IN) 7

707 (MI)

45 (PA)

510 (OH)

171 (PA)

8 20

45 (PA) 361 (OH)

818 (FL)

28 28

361 (OH) 684 (PA)

DECEMBER TBA 815 (OH) TBA 1000 (LFA) TBA 2000 (ULS) 18 45 (PA) 4 5

84 (PA) 84 (PA)

5 5 11-12 12 12 18 19 19 31

510 (OH) 818 (FL) 815 (OH) 536 (IN) 630 (MI) 361 (OH) 699 (MI) 817 (PA) 361 (OH)

The Reporter

Thank you to all our members who joined us for a successful GBU at the Pittsburgh Zoo event back in July. We hope you and your families had a blast!

Donation Drive for St. Matthew’s Soup Kitchen Toys for Tots Donation Drive and Christmas Party Fall Pie Sale Fundraiser Orders Due Benefits Assumption Food Pantry Veterans’ Day Parade, Downtown Altoona, 10 a.m. Bus Trip to Shipshewana, Indiana, RSVP Required Steeler Fundraiser and Spaghetti Dinner for Cloverleaf Food Bank Fall Pie Sale Fundraiser Order Pick Up Adopt a Family for Thanksgiving Begins Toys for Tots and Food Pantry Donation Drive Adopt a Family for Christmas Begins Brunch with Santa Family Christmas Party Christmas Party, West Side Christmas Party Gift Wrapping to Benefit the Salvation Army Christmas Party Christmas Dinner, Centerville Diner, 5 p.m. Children’s Christmas Party Christmas Brunch Christkindlmarkt Christmas Party Christmas Party, 3 p.m. Christmas Party Christmas Party Christmas Dinner New Year’s Eve Party

District Award Program Recipients 2020 GBU acknowledges with great pleasure the hard work of the following districts. To achieve a place in the District Awards Program the district must meet specific criteria such as charitable giving, sponsoring community service programs and member social activities. Gold District 45–Altoona, PA District 84–Lancaster, PA District 146–Johnstown, PA District 171–Pittsburgh, PA District 291–Summerhill, PA District 361–Barberton, OH District 510–Toledo, OH District 536–Lafayette, IN District 630–Ann Arbor, MI District 699–Frankenmuth, MI District 701–Pontiac, MI District 815–Dayton, OH District 817–Philadelphia, PA District 821–Sterling Heights, MI District 2000–ULS District 3000–HRFA District 4000–Sokol USA Silver District 298–Allentown, PA District 402–Minneapolis, MN District 684–Pittsburgh, PA District 707–Grand Rapids, MI District 818–Orlando, FL Bronze District 810–Cleveland, OH District 1000–LFA

September / October 2021

Life Insurance Myth # 2

“I’m not trying to give anyone a free ride. My parents taught me to work hard, and that’s what I’m doing for my kids.” The truth is, life insurance is about protecting the ones you love. It’s not about leaving your children a financial windfall. It’s about practicing—and teaching your children—the principles of personal financial responsibility. Reviewing your life insurance needs starts with assessing your family’s short- and long-term financial goals. It requires you to consider how your loved ones, who depend on you financially, will cover their daily living expenses, pay for college or perhaps follow their entrepreneurial dreams after you are gone. Preparing for the future with life insurance is a lesson in goal-setting, budgeting and discipline. And with a permanent life insurance policy, you can help grow your income into multigenerational wealth that can sustain your family long after your income-earning years. And that’s a lesson your parents would be proud of! You work hard. You provide for your loved ones. And you teach them valuable life lessons. Make sure financial responsibility is one of those lessons. Contact an insurance professional today.

This piece has been reproduced with the permission of Life Happens, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers make smart insurance decisions to safeguard their families’ financial futures. Life Happens does not endorse any insurance

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

September / October 2021

Volunteer of the Year

2021

Meet Timothy Timothy Knell was nominated by Laura Fine, the volunteer coordinator at the Washington Area Humane Society (WAHS). In her nomination, Fine tells a compelling story about Knell’s extraordinary efforts during the pandemic: not only did Tim foster several cats, but he also created videos of himself reading books to the shelter cats. The videos became a hit with the public and led to additional cat adoptions. Tim was also a key volunteer in the success of the WAHS’s emergency food bank program, ensuring that those shut-in due to the virus were able to receive food needed for their pets. "It’s not about the hours, but the impact," Fine writes, "Tim has made an impact on the community and in the cat department and we are so grateful to call him a volunteer! But if you are counting, Tim has spent 885 hours making a difference for the Washington Area Humane Society!"

The Reporter

GBU Life’s members are connected through their commitment to their local communities. GBU has several programs which support members across the country with their volunteering and fundraising efforts. The Making a Difference: One Hour at a Time program donates $15 to an organization for each hour a member volunteers there. GBU’s Give Back Groups program matches members’ fundraising efforts and offers reimbursement for dollars spent by members to assist with community projects. “It is members like Tim that really further the mission of GBU," said GBU National Vice President Matt Blistan. “His commitment to his community through something he is passionate about is what we look for in our Volunteer of the Year.” As a thank you for Tim’s efforts, GBU presented the Washington Area Humane Society with a $1,000 check on July 28.

OPERATION REACH OUT

2021

Helping those who serve for us. Operation Reach Out 2021 will run from April 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021. 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. As always your support is needed and appreciated. Your donations help to ensure that our efforts to help reach as far as possible, and your cards and kind words of support for our troops make the packages we send truly special. We are hoping to be able to schedule volunteer packing days throughout the year. Be sure to check the GBU Life Member Community events page for dates and sign up information.

Want to make a donation? Name

Address

City

State

ZIP

Here's how you can continue to help

1 2

Email Address

Donation Amount

Send your check, made payable to GBU Financial Life, along with this form to GBU Fraternal Operations P.O. Box 645989 Pittsburgh, PA 15264-5257. 54

Send a card

Download a card to color or send a note of thanks. Cards are available for download at gbucares.org/operation-reach-out

Donate

Donate top-requested items using Operation Troop Appreciation'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.

Learn more at gbucares.org/operation-reach-out September / October 2021

G BU A ND I TS M E M BE RS TH ANK Y O U FO R Y O U R SE R VI CE TO O U R CO U NTR Y .

The Reporter

TH ANK YO U F O R K E E P IN G O U R C O U N TR Y SA F E .

Securing Futures, Giving Back gbu.org

September / October 2021

ANNOUNCING GBU'S NEW MEMBER PROGRAM

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 will match it, up to $100! Simply take a screenshot or submit a receipt of your donation to GBU within 60 days of your birthday.

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION:

REPORTER.GBU.ORG/BIRTHDAY-MATCH

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

The Reporter

NEWS FROM THE HOME OFFICE

September / October 2021

Dear GBU Life ... I am writing to thank you for awarding me the GBU Foundation Scholarship. I was excited to learn that I had been selected as a recipient of the scholarship, and I am very appreciative of your support of my education. I am majoring in athletic training at Kean University. After graduation, I plan to continue my studies and become a licensed physical therapist. The financial assistance GBU provided will be of great help to me in paying my educational expenses and getting me one step closer to my goal. Thank you again for your generosity and support. I promise you I will work very hard to continue the fraternal spirit of giving back to others. Thank you for making this possible. John Koch Scotch Plains, New Jersey

I would like to thank you for awarding me the Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will assist me greatly in furthering my academics. I am currently studying aeronautics concentrated as a professional pilot. I plan to use the money to help me pay for flight fees, so that I can pursue my dream of becoming a pilot. Thank you again for awarding me this scholarship. Thank you, Alex (Michael) Bradley Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I am honored to be the recipient of a GBU Scholarship for the 2020-2021 academic year. I want to express my sincerest gratitude for your generous financial help towards my college degree. The support that I receive allows me to work toward my current and future goals. I am currently in my junior year at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and I am majoring in both finance and accounting with the aim of one day obtaining my Certified Public Accounting (CPA) license. My entire family was affected by the current pandemic. My mother is a nurse and my father works for a small business. For the previous two years, I worked as a temporary worker at UPJ, but I was unable to work this year due to the condition of our country. Although my family and I went through several changes during this uncertain time, one thing that remained constant was the need for me to pay for my tuition. GBU gave me the financial help necessary to help me during this unfortunate circumstance. My educational pursuits would not be possible without generous support from scholarship sponsors like GBU. Thank you again for giving me this opportunity. Sincerely, Evan Kundrod Sidman, Pennsylvania

The Reporter

HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN GRANT ESSAYS:

WHAT GBU MEANS TO ME My name is Dawson Emerson; I am 14 years old and will be going to ninth grade at Central Cambria High School in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. What does GBU mean to me? If it was two years ago my answer would have been, Christmas treats and presents, Easter parties and Halloween parties. Plus, picnics and baseball games with food at all the events means GBU. I was really wrong with my thinking. In June 2018 after my great-grandmother Verla Mae Shultz died, I was at her house with my mother and other family members. They were in the kitchen talking and doing whatever adults do. I was looking around to find something to do. The GBU Reporter was the only thing to read, so I began reading The GBU Reporter. I was so interested in all the help and programs that GBU does. The High School Freshman Grant I would be so proud to win. This would help me greatly. I have been enrolled in home school, and I am so excited I will be going to a public school. So, there are so many things I need to start high school. The S.N.A.P. program (Safety, Nutrition and Awareness Program) offers so much, including a prescription drug card that members receive free of charge. You can even use it for your pet’s medicines. Other benefits of S.N.A.P. include the fingerprint kit, driver's safety course, sports safety helmets and health/nutrition awareness. With the COVID-19 virus, so many people have lost their jobs and need these programs and support. The Language Learning program is one of the benefits I use when I am at my grandparent's house. My grandmother and I are learning Spanish together. I do believe I am doing much better than my grandmother. I am really excited about Making a Difference, One Hour at a Time. When I turn 16 years old I can join our local volunteer fire and ambulance department. I will not be able to go on runs until I am 18 years old and completely trained, but I can be at the station and clean up the equipment. GBU Financial Life members have so many benefits. Everyone who receives The Reporter should read it cover to cover and learn what a fantastic organization GBU Life is. Dawson Emerson Summerhill, Pennsylvania

The GBU High School Freshman Grant program is designed to assist eighth-grade GBU members with costs associated with their transition into the high school curriculum.

Greater Beneficial Union (GBU) has grown and developed, and it has always been there for others. A group of European immigrants founded this company on April 13, 1892, in hopes of creating a not-for-profit organization. GBU has been part of my life before I even knew what it meant. My grandparents purchased policies for my siblings and I at birth, knowing that GBU would greatly impact our lives in the future. GBU’s main mission is to serve others. One example of this is the way it assists United States soldiers. After some research, I discovered that GBU started Operation Reach Out 12 years ago. In this operation, members and friends of GBU assemble care packages, which are delivered to individual soldiers across the world. In November 2019, GBU volunteers packed and shipped 5,000 boxes, which was a GBU record for the most boxes sent. This year’s mission is to organize and pack 10,000 hygiene and food are packages for both deployed troops and local veterans in need. My grandpa was a supply sergeant for the Air Force, and I recently learned about WWI, so I know how vital soldiers are to our country. GBU also supports other organizations, such as the American Cancer Society and local food banks. Not only does GBU help out military and other organizations, but it helps students like me. GBU has a grant program designed to assist eighth-grade members, such as myself, with costs associated with their transition into high school. When I go to high school, I have hopes to achieve academic, social and athletic success. Academically succeeding is tremendously important to my parents and me. I learned, from their high standards, that a well-rounded education affords me the opportunity to reach my full potential as I ready myself for college and a major I have yet to decide on. GBU has been there for me since day one. My grandparents enrolled me at birth, in case something were to happen to me, my family would have something to fall back on. To understand this better, I thought of when I used to do gymnastics tricks when I was younger. One specific example is when I was trying to learn how to do a back walkover. Even when I thought I could get it, I would always put pillows around me, just in case I would fall over, instead of walkover. GBU is the pillows; it is there for my family in life’s unexpected circumstances. All in all, GBU is an outstanding organization. This company started in 1892 to help European immigrants with their financial support. GBU’s aspiration to help others spread across the country. From 1892 to 2020, GBU has always been about supporting others, whether it be an organization, or an eighth grader, like me. The company is truly about the Greater Beneficial Union. Jacy Dall Hartford, Wisonsin

September / October 2021

GBU PRESENTS

NOTES FROM THE HOME OFFICE GBU Foundation Scholarship Program Donations William Ebken Gerda Suess National Management and Employees of GBU Financial Life In memory of Roy A. Klein District 84-Lancaster, Pennsylvania In memory of Jerry Mays District 817-Philadelphia, Pennsylvania District 2000-ULS

July/August 2021 Fraternal Summer Word Scramble Winner and Participants GBU wishes to recognize the most recent fraternal puzzle contest winner, along with the participants. Lucky $25 Amazon Gift Card Winner Alyssa A. of Hermitage, Pennsylvania Participants in the latest puzzle were Maeli K. of Hermitage, Pennsylvania; Sam L. of Zionsville, Indiana; Max L. of Zionsville, Indiana; Aneka D. of Hood River, Ohio; Ava C. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Garrett Z. of Wayne, New Jersey; Lauren K. of New Freedom, Pennsylvania; Lincoln D. of Crosswell, Michigan; Grace M. of Baldwinsville, New York and Graham Z. of Sandusky, Ohio. 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.

Thanksgiving Closure Dates The GBU Home Office will be closed on Thursday, November 25, 2021, and Friday, November 26, 2021, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

July/August 2021 Fraternal Summer Word Scramble Answers 1. 2. 3. 4.

Beach Pool Sand Flip Flops

The Reporter

5. Swimming 6. Watermelon 7. Fishing 8. Lemonade

9. Diving Board 10. Sandcastle

Get Online Access to your Account Information Having online access to your account information is beneficial to you as a member. Follow the five easy steps below to request access to your account. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Visit gbu.org. In the upper right-hand corner of the screen, click on Member Account Login. Below the User ID & Password boxes, click on Enroll Now. You will be directed to the GBU Member Services Online Registration page. Complete the following fields: a. Policy number (8 digits) b. Policy owner's first & last name OR business name c. Social Security Number d. Date of birth e. Enter & confirm your email address f. Create & save your User ID & Password

Our Rates Have Changed At GBU Life, we continually monitor our society's performance to responsibly provide the best possible interest rates for our annuities while maintaining our financial strength and AM Best A- (Excellent) rating. Interest rates have remained at historically low levels that have continued to challenge the yield on our portfolio. Therefore we are modestly adjusting the crediting rates we offer on our annuities. Our Preferred Series rates changed on September 15, 2021. The current and new rates are listed below.

Editor's Note We apologize for the error in misidentifying District 45 Treasurer Betty Richardson in the "Districts in Action" article in our last issue.

Changes to First-Class Mail Although GBU is still processing requests in our usual timeframe, items that require mailing may be delayed due to the new postal service guidelines. Please see full details below from the United States Postal Service (USPS). Effective October 1, 2021, USPS has revised its service standards for certain First-Class Mail items, resulting in a delivery window of up to five days. Please note that this may delay your receipt of mail from us and our receipt of mail from you (including mailed payments). Please take this change into account when mailing items to us via USPS. For more information, visit usps.com.

September / October 2021

Notice of Proposed Merger GBU Financial Life and Independent Order of Vikings

Dear Members: During the last 10 months, GBU Financial Life (GBU) and the Independent Order of Vikings (IOV) held discussions relating to the merger of our two societies and the benefits that our memberships would derive. IOV was founded in 1895, in Springfield, Illinois. For over 126 years, IOV has fulfilled the financial and social needs of its members and has made a fraternal difference in the lives of others. IOV has approximately 4,300 members and $1.5 million in assets. IOV’s life insurance products are very similar to those offered by GBU. In today's business climate, the words "consolidating” and "merger" are commonplace. A merger is a combination of two entities. The merger will benefit GBU and IOV both financially and fraternally. After proper and due consideration, the Board of Directors of GBU and IOV have approved an Agreement of Merger. In accordance with the Pennsylvania Insurance laws, GBU must formally notify the entire GBU membership of the terms of the merger. Sixty days after notification of the GBU membership, the highest governing body of GBU, the Board of Directors, will conduct a final review of the merger and any feedback from GBU members and will vote on final approval of the Agreement of Merger. Finally, the Board-approved Agreement of Merger must be submitted to the Pennsylvania and Illinois Insurance Departments for their approval. The societies are targeting January 1, 2022, as the effective date of the merger. The IOV will become a district of GBU and the current IOV officers and board members will continue to serve the IOV membership as the leaders of the newly established district in maintaining and developing their fraternal mission and activities. GBU' s portfolio of life and annuity products as well as member benefits will be made available to IOV members. GBU, the remaining entity, will be responsible for the administration and management of the society. Please review the following Agreement of Merger which provides detailed information. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this proposed merger, please feel free to contact GBU' s National Vice President, Matthew M. Blistan, Jr. Fraternally yours, GBU LIFE NATIONAL MANAGEMENT

GBU FINANCIAL LIFE

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

Agreement of Merger This Agreement of Merger ("Agreement") is entered into by and between Independent Order of Vikings ("IOV") and GBU Financial Life ("GBU") (collectively the "Societies"). RECITALS 1. IOV is a fraternal benefit society organized and existing under the laws of the State of Illinois. Its principal place of business is in the city of Springfield, Illinois. 2. GBU Financial Life is a fraternal benefit society organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Its principal place of business is in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3. The Board of Directors of GBU and the Executive Council of IOV have agreed that a merger of the two Societies would be in the interests of the Societies and their respective members and would provide increased financial security for such members. AGREEMENTS 1. Form of Transaction. IOV will be merged with and into GBU (the "Merger") as of 12:01am January 1, 2022, or at such other time as the Societies may agree (the "Effective Time"). The Merged Society will continue as a Pennsylvania domestic fraternal benefit society at the business address of GBU in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. 2. Governing Documents. The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of GBU will be the governing documents (the "Governing Documents") of the merged society (the "Merged Society") as of the Effective Time. 3. Members and Benefits. On the Effective Time, the members of both Societies will be members of the Merged Society, with the rights, obligations and privileges of membership under the Governing Documents. IOV members will become eligible for all fraternal benefit programs of the Merged Society; however, Social Members (as that term is defined in the Governing Documents) would not be eligible for the GBU Scholarship program; provided that Social Members may be eligible for the GBU Scholarship program to the extent such restriction is lifted for any Social Member or subset of Social Members. 4. Independent Order of Vikings Superdistrict. The Merged Society will charter an Independent Order of Vikings district (the "IOV Superdistrict"). All IOV members will be members of the IOV Superdistrict. All

CORE/3501322.0018/170135991.1

IOV Lodges will be subunits of the IOV Superdistrict and referred to as of the Effective Time as "Viking Lodges." 5. Name. The name of the Merged Society as of the Effective Time will be GBU Financial Life. The Merged Society will retain the right to use the names, trademarks and servicemarks of each of the Societies, including, but not limited to, "Independent Order of Vikings" and other names in use by IOV. Independent Order of Vikings membership and identity may be referred to as a division of GBU. 6. Assets. The rights, privileges and interests of IOV, and all property, real, personal and mixed, and all debts due to IOV on whatever account, including without limitation premiums, will be taken and be deemed invested in the Merged Society without further act or deed. All property, rights, privileges and franchises, and every other interest will be thereafter the property of the Merged Society as they were of IOV. The title to any real estate or interest therein, vested by deed or otherwise in IOV will not revert or be in any way impaired by reason of the Merger. 7. IOV Scholarship Fund. Within three months following the Effective Time, the Merged Society will contribute two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) to an escrow account to be used to provide scholarships to eligible members of the IOV Superdistrict in accordance with the scholarship rules and procedures of the IOV Superdistrict and applicable law. The funds held in the escrow account will receive a credited interest rate equal to the highest interest rate credited to any other superdistrict account. 8. IOV Superdistrict Funding. The IOV Superdistrict will establish a separate bank account for fraternal administration (the "IOV Administration Account") and will develop internal accountability measures to monitor those funds. The amounts shown on the lines 2502 and 2503 of the IOV’s most recent NAIC quarterly financial statement, representing the “Scholarship Fund” and the “Burn Camps Fund,” and any additional amounts accrued in such accounts prior to the Effective Time, will be transferred to the IOV Administration Account, in addition to an amount equal to $5,200 related to the Language Camp scholarship fund currently held in the general account of IOV. The Merged Society will also make a contribution of $32,000 representing IOV's accrued Convention funds, and an annual contribution of $10,000, to the IOV Administration Account beginning after the Effective Time, to be used to offset costs of the IOV

September / October 2021

Agreement of Merger Continued Page 2 obligations of Merged Society under such confidentiality agreement will expire on the Effective Time except to the extent required by applicable law.

Superdistrict Convention for as long as the IOV Superdistrict maintains its regular convention. The IOV Superdistrict may charge dues to its members in addition to dues to be submitted to the Merged Society, in accordance with the procedures and rules established by the IOV Superdistrict and the Merged Society. Member dues submitted to the Merged Society shall not exceed $15 per Social Member of the IOV Superdistrict. There shall be no member dues submitted to the Merged Society with respect to members who are not Social Members. The IOV Superdistrict may continue its policy to waive dues for members who have been active for 50 years or longer. The amounts of the annual contribution and the member dues will be reviewed and may be adjusted by the Merged Society once every five years following the Effective Date. The IOV Superdistrict will also be eligible for other funding (currently $4 per member per year paid quarterly) as determined by GBU policies and procedures applicable to GBU superdistricts.

14. Conditions. The obligations of a Society to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

a. All government consents that are required for the

consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been obtained and will be in full force and effect. This includes, without limitation, required approvals by the Illinois Department of Insurance and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.

b. Any required third-party consents will have been

obtained and will be in full force and effect; provided, however, that any such consents not obtained by a Society, but waived by the other Society, will not be an unfulfilled condition.

9. Liabilities. The Merged Society will assume all the liabilities and obligations of IOV, including, without limitation, the obligations to fund and perform on benefit contracts issued by IOV to its members, any agreements between IOV and third parties, such as reinsurers, vendors, lessors or employees, including any liability accruing under an employment agreement entered into by IOV. The rights of the creditors of IOV, or of any persons dealing with the Societies, will not be impaired by the Merger.

c. There is no pending action or proceeding, before any governmental entity, (i) challenging or seeking to make illegal, or to delay or otherwise directly or indirectly restrain or prohibit, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or seeking to obtain material damages in connection with such transactions, (ii) seeking to prohibit direct or indirect ownership or operation by the GBU of all or a material portion of either Society's assets as a result of the transactions contemplated hereby, (iii) seeking to invalidate or render unenforceable any material provision of this Agreement or (iv) otherwise relating to and materially adversely affecting the transactions contemplated hereby.

10. Endorsement. Within ninety (90) days after the Effective Time, the benefit contract(s) for each IOV member that was in effect on the Effective Time will be endorsed with a Merger Endorsement, in the form agreed to by the Societies in writing, which will be attached to and become a part of the benefit contract(s) of each member.

d. There has not occurred any material adverse effect on either Society in excess of 10% of the admitted assets of the Society.

11. Leadership. The Directors and Officers of GBU will be the Directors and Officers of the Merged Society. The Executive Council of IOV will be the Executive Council of the IOV Superdistrict. IOV will select a member to serve on the Fraternal Advisory Committee of the Merged Society.

e. Each Society's supreme governing body, by a resolution duly adopted, has approved this Agreement and the transactions hereby contemplated pursuant to applicable law and their Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

12. Cooperation. Each Society will take all reasonably appropriate actions and execute any additional documents, instruments and conveyances of any kind which may be reasonably necessary to carry out any of the provisions of this Agreement.

f. GBU shall have a Certificate of Authority in effect in

13. Confidentiality. The Societies will comply with terms of confidentiality agreement between the Societies dated February 3, 2021, provided, however, that the

15. Closing. The closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will take place at a time mutually agreed to by the Societies ("Closing Date") after all

The Reporter

all states in which IOV is licensed to do business or a waiver from such states, permitting the Merged Society to assume and serve all IOV certificates issued in such states.

Agreement of Merger Continued Page 3 when receipt is acknowledged, if sent by electronic transmission device.

conditions to the Society's obligations set forth in this agreement have been satisfied or waived by the Society entitled to the benefit of such condition.

20. Assignment. This Agreement and all of its provisions are binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Societies and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be assigned by a Society without the prior written consent of the other Society.

16. Termination. This Agreement and the Merger contemplated thereby may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing Date as follows:

a. By the mutual written consent of GBU and IOV; b. By either GBU or IOV if there has been a material

21. Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except for those rights and liabilities assumed by or vested in the Merged Society under this Agreement and applicable law, nothing in this Agreement will confer any rights upon or create any liabilities in any person or entity other than the Societies or permitted assignee of a Society.

misrepresentation or breach ("Breach") that has not been cured within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice of the Breach, but only to the extent that the Breach would have a material adverse effect in excess 10% of admitted assets of the Society in Breach, provided, however, the Society in Breach will have no right to terminate the Agreement under this section;

22. Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such a manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision will be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

c. By either Society if the transactions contemplated

hereby have not been consummated by June 30, 2022; or

d. By either Society, if there is any order, injunction or

decree of any governmental entity which prohibits or restrains either Society from consummating the transactions contemplated hereby, and such order, injunction or decree is final and non-appealable.

23. Complete Agreement. This Agreement contains the complete agreement of the Societies and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the Societies, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter if this Agreement in any way; provided. The section, paragraph and other headings of this Agreement are for reference purposes and will not affect the meaning or interpretation of the Agreement.

17. Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination of this Agreement by either GBU or IOV, all provisions of this Agreement will terminate, and there will be no liability on the part of GBU or IOV or their respective members, officers, directors, or agents except that the Societies will remain liable for breaches of this Agreement occurring prior to or at the time of such termination. The provisions of section 12 of this Agreement survive any such termination.

24. Signatures; Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, any one of which need not contain the signatures of more than one Society, but all such counterparts taken together will constitute one and the same instrument.

18. Amendment and Waiver. This Agreement may not be amended or waived except in a writing executed by the Society against which such amendment or waiver is sought to be enforced. No course of dealing between or among any persons having any interest in this Agreement will be deemed effective to modify or amend any part of this Agreement or any rights or obligations under or by reason of this Agreement.

25. Governing Law. The laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will govern all questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement and the performance of the obligations imposed by this Agreement.

19. Notices. All notices, demands and other communications to be given or delivered under or by reason of the provisions of this Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed to have been given when personally delivered or three days after being mailed, if mailed by first class mail, return receipt requested, or

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Societies have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

September / October 2021

Reader Service Form

To obtain information on GBU products or member beneﬁts, please check those items of interest listed below. To make a charitable donation, ﬁll in the appropriate portion of this form.

PLEASE PRINT. PRODUCTS

Permanent Life Insurance Term Life Insurance Annuities IRAs

CUSTOMER SERVICE

CHARITABLE PROGRAMS

Change of Address Change of Beneﬁciary Other:

FRATERNAL BENEFITS

GBU Foundation (GBU Scholarship program) Amount: In honor/memory of (circle one and supply name):

Driver’s Safety Course Member Benefit Safety Products See-It Tape Light Switch Decals Fee: $2.00 Quantity: Multi-Purpose Strip Markers Fee: $3.00 Quantity: Personal Safety Wristbands (Set of 10) Fee: $4.00 Quantity: Medic Take Note Magnet Fee: $1.00 Quantity: Safety Product Bundle Fee: $8.00 Quantity: Sports Safety Program (Measure head in inches.) Head Size: Bicycle Helmets: Male or Female Toddler Fee: $5.00 Child Fee: $5.00 Youth Fee: $5.00 Teen/Adult Fee: $7.00 Multi-Sport Helmet Fee: $10.00 Child Youth Language Learning Program ScriptSave® ScriptSave® for Pets American Hearing Benefits™ Life Line Screening Hertz Car Rental Discounts MedicAlert® Benefit Newborn Child Benefit Orphan Benefit Get Fit Clubs Walking Running Biking Golfing College Scholarships/Grants High School Freshman Grants The Reporter 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. I would like to receive notice through my email (fill in email address in right column) that the new digital Reporter issue is available. Fraternal Puzzle Drawing Entry (Members 10-14)

If sending payment, make checks payable to GBU. Include this form and send to GBU Fraternal Operations PO Box 645989 Pittsburgh, PA 15264-5257 The Reporter

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

FRATERNAL LIBRARY

A Time to Mourn $12.71 You Don’t Have To Let Your Baby Cry Audio CD $ 5.00 The GBU History $10.00 Cooking with GBU Cookbook $15.00 The Nickel, Dimes and Dollars Book $10.00

Check/money order enclosed for $

Please supply this information for Member’s Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Telephone: E-mail:

Thank You for your Interest.

Send any non-payment correspondence to GBU Fraternal Department PO Box 18739 Pittsburgh, PA 15236 67

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

GBU Life In an effort to ensure that we are constantly improving our products, services and customer experience, your feedback is crucial. Tell us how you think we're doing and you'll receive a $10 Amazon gift card! Follow the steps below and we will send you your gift card via email.

HOW TO LEAVE US A GOOGLE REVIEW 1. Write a Google review for GBU Financial Life. 2. Email memberbenefits@gbu.org by November 30, 2021, with a screenshot of your review or comment on the post at the top of the global live feed on the GBU Life Member Community to let us know that you left a review.