WINTER 2022 GBU.ORG
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. GBU-SOCIAL-MEM-1121
PO Box 645949, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-5257 412-884-5100 800-765-4428 memberbenefits@gbu.org gbu.org
Growing Forward, Giving Back
T a bl e o f Contents
PREPARE 9 10 11 12
8
Tips for Saving on Your Winter Heating Bill Did You Know? Tax Tip Provided by H2R CPA Trivia Time! Asset Guard Annuity Series
LIVE
13
14 Escaping the Winter Blues 16 Give Your Home a Winter Refresh with AmazonSmile 17 Aging Well: Motivation 18 Comfy and Warm Winter Recipes 21 Baby, It's Cold Outside 22 Get Fit Clubs 2021 25 Announcing VIP Perks! By Entertainment 26 Partnering for Better Communities
GROW 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35
The Reporter
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Baking Find-the-Word Puzzle Winter Craft: Handprint Penguin Sled Riding Safety Top 5 Indoor Activities to Keep You Occupied This Winter Ohio Fraternal Alliance 2022 Scholarship Program GBU Foundation Scholarship Program Apply for a $250 Freshman High School Grant Youth 3 Pay Life Insurance
MEET 37 46 48 50
District Happenings Attention GBU Bowlers: Bowling Tournament District Community Spotlight Fraternal Adventures
GIVE 56 57 59 60 61 63 64 66
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Birthday Match Walk Like MADD Districts in Action 2022 Kudos and Congratulations to GBU's 2021 Retirees Thank You to Our Sponsors for Donating to Operation Reach Out Operation Reach Out 2022 Operation Reach Out Coloring Cards A Gift for Generations
NOTES
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68 69 70 70
Dear GBU Life ... Notice of Privacy Policy GBU Foundation Scholarship Program Donations September/October 2021 Musical Word Scramble Fraternal Puzzle Winner and Participants 70 September/October 2021 Musical Word Scramble Fraternal Puzzle Answers 71 Reader Service Form
3
The
Reporter
is the official publication of
ABOUT US
4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394 T: 412-884-5100 or 800-765-4428 E: communications@gbu.org W: gbu.org Editor: Matthew M. Blistan, Jr. Production Editor: Nancy Kurutz Design and Layout: Rachel Cummins Contributing Writers: Jennifer Stockdale, Natasha Herleman, Rachel Cummins, Anna Meek, Julie Gaita and Mary Koczan.
GBU MANAGEMENT
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 Chief Financial Officer Mark Cloutier
GBU NATIONAL DIRECTORS
Chairman of the Board Lea Ann Hazi David E. Bevins Joseph S. Bielecki Donna L. Brophy, FICF William W. Hunt, CEO Christina MacKellar, CPCU, CIC David L. Pringle John B. Schmotzer
GO GREEN WITH GBU
To receive The Reporter digitally and discontinue receiving it by mail, send an email to memberbenefits@gbu.org. In the Subject line type "I Want to Go Green." Provide your name, email address and mailing address in the body of the email. We will notify you by email when the new issue is online. Please be advised that you will receive a published issue when we are required by law to deliver any notice, report or statement, including notice of election and all amendments to the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of GBU.
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4
Winter 2022
Ringing in 2022! BY BILL HUNT, CEO
Happy New Year to all members and friends of GBU!
In 2021, we continued our efforts to
It has been an
program, which allows our members to
eventful year at GBU
help their local communities where they
and no doubt in
see a need. We continued our strong
your world as well. I
support of organizations servicing our
hope that you all
military service members and veterans
support the local and national organizations that were doing great things to help our members' communities. We developed our new Give Back Groups
had a small escape from the ups-and-
while helping support organizations
downs of COVID and were able to enjoy a
focusing on children.
happy holiday season with your loved
We look forward to expanding these
ones. This past year has had its triumphs
programs in 2022 and hope that you will
with development of new vaccines and
allow us to assist you in the great things
treatments for COVID-19 and difficulties
you are doing in your communities. We
with new variants as well as supply chain
also saw member engagement increase
and worker shortages worldwide. But as
more than ever in 2021 as many of you got
always, we at GBU Life weathered the
together to attend both in-person and
storm and are optimistic about 2022. We
virtual events.
remain committed to helping you protect
This past year, GBU Life launched multiple
and grow your assets while offering you
new life insurance and annuity products.
the best member benefits, opportunities
Our Secure Whole Life Series and Select
for community development and
Choice Term Life products allow higher
fraternalism in the industry.
face values with expanded rider options.
The Reporter
5
d Annuities (MYGA) are a single Our new Asset Guard Multi-Year Guaranteed premium product that guarantees your interest rate for 2-, 3-, 4- or 5-year terms, providing our members even more opportunities for assured growth of their funds. GBU continues to grow in many ways. During 2021 we were approved to offer products in an additional 20-plus states; We gained 3,300 new GBU members through new policies and members who have joined our Society via Assumption Reinsurance transactions. We will add many more new members with our newest District 5000-Ind dependent Order of Vikings (IOV), which we hope to finalize early in 2022. More news will be shared on that topic in the second quarter. To support our continued growth, we have welcomed new employees in all areas of GBU. Further, we continue our technology and operations advancement to modernize and streamline new business and service processes. These changes will ensure that each of you, our valued members and distribution partners, have the best possible experience when working with GBU. We are still closing out finances for 2021, but we expect strong growth in our assets while expanding our secure reserve funds. We will publish all of the details for you in the 2022 Annual Report, which you can anticipate during the year's second quarter. Although it is easy to feel uncertain about the world around us, we remain very confident at GBU Life in the year to come and look forward to building on the significant advancements we have made over the last few years to further strengthen and grow our Society in a secure manner. We look forward to servicing and supporting you throughout 2022 and beyond. All the best,
William Hunt, CEO
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Winter 2022
A New Schedule Schedule for for The Reporter. Reporter. Each month, month, we we receive receive additional additionalrequests requestsfrom frommembers memberstotoreceive receiveaadigital-only digital-onlycopy copy Each of The The Reporter. Reporter. For For some somemembers, members,ititisiseasier easiertotofitfitreading readingaadigital digitalcopy copyinto intotheir their of schedule, and and for for many, many, the therequest requestcomes comesfrom fromaadesire desiretotobe bemore moresustainable sustainableinintheir their schedule, everyday lives. lives. We We also also know, know,based basedon onour our2021 2021member membersurvey surveyresults, results,that thataamajority majority everyday of you you still still enjoy enjoy receiving receivingaahard hardcopy copyof ofThe TheReporter Reporterand andread readititregularly. regularly. of is with with this this feedback feedback in in mind, mind,that thatGBU GBUwill willchange changetotoaaquarterly quarterlyformat formatfor forThe The ItIt is Reporter for for 2022. 2022. This This new newschedule schedulewill willallow allowus ustotobring bringyou youseasonal, seasonal,timely timely Reporter information, while while saving saving more morethan than280 280trees treeseach eachyear! year!ItItalso alsoallows allowsour ourteam teamtotobring bring information, you interesting interesting content content between betweenissues issuesvia viaThe TheReporter Reporterwebsite websiteand andthe theGBU GBULife Life you Member Community. Community. Member With the the new new format, format, ifif you youare arereceiving receivingaamailed mailedcopy copyofofThe TheReporter, Reporter,you youwill will With receive four four issues issues per per year yearin inJanuary January(Winter), (Winter),April April(Spring), (Spring),July July(Summer) (Summer)and and receive October (Fall). (Fall). IfIf you you subscribe subscribedigitally, digitally,you youwill willreceive receiveone onemailed mailedcopy copyper peryear yearwith with October our annual annual Privacy Privacy Policy PolicyNotice Noticeas aswell wellas asany anyadditional additionalissues issuesthat thatwe weare arerequired required our by law law to to deliver deliver of of any any notice, notice,report reportor orstatement, statement,including includingnotice noticeofofelection electionand andallall by amendments to to the the Articles Articlesof ofIncorporation Incorporationor orbylaws bylawsofofGBU. GBU.IfIfyou youwish wishtotoonly only amendments receive these these official-notice official-notice issues issueselectronically, electronically,you youcan candigitally digitallyopt-in opt-inby bygoing goingtoto receive inside.gbu.org/digital-opt-in. inside.gbu.org/digital-opt-in. We are looking looking forward forward to toreaching reachingout outto toyou youeach eachseason seasonwith withnew newand andinteresting interesting in 2022. 2022. We We love love producing producingeach eachissue issueofofThe TheReporter Reporterfor foryou, you,and andwe wehope hopethat that content in you enjoy enjoy reading reading itit just just as asmuch! much!
Sincerely, Sincerely, Reporter Team Team The Reporter
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7
DEVELOP YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN
8
Winter 2022
TIPS FOR SAVING ON YOUR
WINTER HEATING BILL
Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up Is your furnace efficiently running? Research and select a local HVAC or heating company to inspect your furnace once a year. This preventative care can help save money by improving energy efficiency. Plus, the technician tests for carbon monoxide to ensure your heating system is safe to operate. Regulate the Thermostat Temperature It's easy to increase the temperature on the thermostat, especially on those cold winter mornings. But that higher temperature can easily wreak havoc on your gas or electric bill. Consider leaving the thermostat at 68°F while in your house or apartment; studies have shown that this is the ideal temperature for saving energy in the winter. You can also save by turning the thermostat down 7 to 10 degrees from the normal setting, typically 8 hours a day while at work or away from home. Use your Fireplace Do you have a wood-burning fireplace in your home? Sure it takes some preparation and maintenance, but this is a great opportunity for saving money in the chilly winter months. Remember to have a chimney sweep clean and inspect your chimney and fireplace at least once a year. NOMADIC
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9
Did You Know? Your qualified charitable distributions can satisfy all or part the amount of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA. For example, if your 2021 required minimum distribution was $10,000, and you made a $5,000 qualified charitable distribution for 2021 you would have had to withdraw another $5,000 to satisfy your 2021 RMD.
How it works: Charitable distributions are reported on Form 1099-R for the calendar year the distribution is made. Please make sure that you advise your tax preparer if you did make a qualified charitable distribution in 2021. To report a qualified charitable distribution on your Form 1040 tax return, you generally report the full amount of the charitable distribution on the line for IRA distributions. On the line for the taxable amount, enter zero if the full amount was a qualified charitable distribution. Enter "QCD" next to this line. See the Form 1040 instructions for additional information.
You must also file Form 8606, Nondeductible IRAs, if: You made the qualified charitable distribution from a traditional IRA in which you had basis (funds that had already been taxed) and received a distribution from the IRA during the same year, other than the qualified charitable distribution; or The qualified charitable distribution was made from a Roth IRA. For more information on how to satisfy your RMD with a charitable donation, consult your tax preparer or CPA.
This tax tip provided by
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H2R CPA is a full-service accounting and business advisory firm celebrating over 60 years serving closely held businesses, nonprofit organizations and high net worth individuals. The team specializes in comprehensive tax, assurance and business consulting services.
Winter 2022
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 February 28, 2022.
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 to activate your account.
The Reporter
11
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-1021
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PO Box 645949, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-5257 412-884-5100 800-765-4428 sales@gbu.org gbu.org
Winter 2022
ENRICH YOUR LIFE
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13
Escaping the WINTER
BLUES
As a blistery chill swirls through the air and darkness sets in before your workday comes to a close, the inevitable feeling of dread may start to set in like clockwork. Since we can't make the days longer or bring back the temperatures that soothe our souls, the best approach is to arm ourselves with the tools to cope with the winter blues.
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Winter 2022
WINTER BLUES TOOLKIT
VITAMIN D:
YOGA:
"Winter Blues," or what the medical community refers to as Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD) is in part caused by a lack of sunlight due to shorter days. To help combat the blues, it only makes logical sense to soak up as much of that coveted Vitamin D that you can. Layer up, throw on a pair of sunglasses and spend some time with Mother Nature. Of course, if you don't have time for that, a Vitamin D supplement will do the trick.
Even just a quick, 20-minute yoga session is a great way to relieve depression and an iety. Whether it's an in-person class in your local community or a virtual session you stream in your living room, if your blood is flowing and your heart rate slows, you know you are doing it right.
A NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING NOVEL:
Give your tired eyes a break from the strain of your television and laptop by escaping to another world by diving-head first into a best-selling novel. A DINNER RECIPE THAT PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS:
If cooking is something that soothes your soul, treat yourself and your family to a dinner recipe that pulls out all of the stops. Who cares that it's not a holiday? Get the family together for an evening of cooking. Pick an appeti er, entree and dessert that looks good enough that it is worth every minute spent preparing it.
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GIVE YOUR HOME A WINTER REFRESH WITH AMAZONSMILE The AmazonSmile program gives back a portion of your Amazon purchases to the organization of your choice. In order to donate to the GBU Foundation, go to Amazonsmile.com and select 'GBU Scholarship Foundation, Inc.' as the organization you would like to support.
NextWall Morris Flower Botanical Peel and Stick Wallpaper (Denim Blue & Salmon), $34.99
Kate and Laurel Sylvie Modern Circles, $99.99
Poly and Bark Napa Lounge Chair, $1,295.00
PERFNIQUE Faux Pampas Grass, $19.99
MUSEHOMEINC Store MidCentury Modern Solid Wood Table, $99.90 VerRon Modern Floor Lamp for Bedroom, $49.99
nuLOOM Rigo Hand Woven Rug, $98.30
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Mina Stuffed Moroccan Leather Pouf Ottoman, $120.00
Winter 2022
Does advanced aging truly require us to “slam on the brakes”? Not having something to look forward to can lead to isolation, lower self-efficacy and the ever harmful sad days. Motivation upon rising sets the spirit for the day ahead. Movement like a brisk walk or reaching and stretching gets the heart pumping before breakfast. Make plans each day to do something meaningful. Meet a friend to join an exercise class, take up painting or teach someone how to bake bread. Writing in a journal is another uplifting experience that will help the brain fire up and yearn for more.
AGING WELL: MOTIVATION True, our bodies go through natural changes as we advance in age. Skin loses elasticity, bones become less dense, muscles and joints talk more and our teeth and gums shift. One thing that isn’t a natural sign of aging is the lack of motivation to pursue a purposeful goal-driven lifestyle. To create a happy disposition and engage in healthy patterns of living requires motivation at any age. However, a thriving positive attitude and will-do attitude often becomes a whisper in the third spring. The need for change is constant throughout life. People seek new opportunities to learn, create and build to enhance their own quality of living. Why is it then that many people lose that drive and determination as the years pile on? Nothing about aging says that you must wonder less, cease to explore or become a lesser version of yourself.
The Reporter
Your goals at age 85 are not the same thing as your goals at age 35. But you still need them. I get it that your week may include doctor visits, or that you can’t dance like you once did or navigate the elements for a full day of hunting. What can you do? Create a list of five things that bring you joy, then make them happen. No excuses; just put the effort forward. You will age the way you think you will, and that is all that matters. Cathy Graham is director of Graceful Aging Wellness Center of Bethlen Communities, Ligonier, Pennsylvania, and a District 3000–HRFA member.
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COMFY & WARM Winter Recipes
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Winter 2022
CREAM OF CRAB SOUP INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup butter
1 cup onion coarsely chopped 1/3 cup flour 4 cup milk or half-and-half 1 tablespoon Old Bay Classic Seafood Seasoning 1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes 1 pound lump crabmeat
PREP TIME Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
STEPS
Melt butter in 3-quart saucepan on medium heat. Add onion; stir and cook for 5 minutes or until softened. Add flour, Old Bay and parsley into the saucepan. Whisk ingredients until wellblended. Gradually add milk (or half-and-half) while whisking and bring to boil. Stir in crabmeat and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Total time: 35 minutes Servings: 6
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BAVARIAN APPLE-SAUSAGE HASH INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons canola oil 1/2 cup chopped onion
PREP TIME
Prep/total time: 35 minutes Servings: 6
4 fully cooked apple chicken sausages, sliced (or sausage flavor of your choice) 1-1/2 cups thinly sliced Brussels sprouts 1 large tart apple, peeled and chopped 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
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STEPS
In a large skillet, heat oil on medium-high; sauté onion for 1 to 2 minutes or until tender. Add sausages, Brussels sprouts, apple and seasonings. Sauté ingredients for 6 to 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Add in walnuts, brown sugar, mustard and vinegar. Cook and stir for 2 minutes.
Winter 2022
Baby, it's cold outside. RUNNING SLEDDING
When it's cold weather season, it is not a reason to go into physical hibernation mode. Think of it as a season to head outdoors for some adventurous fun! Exercising in cooler weather has its advantages over working out in warmer weather. You may be able to work out longer and burn more calories.
SN S EING
Steady exercise helps to boost your immunity during cold and flu season. Although it may be a little gloomy, you're still getting in that all-important vitamin D. The chill in the air can make you feel invigorated.
ICE SKATING
The Reporter
What are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy the winter season all the while exercising!
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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 OCTOBER 31, 2021
LEVEL ONE NAME Ellison Z. Gracie J. Heather M. Heather R. Lisa B. Melanie S. Steven B. Terry S. Paulette B. Tim F. Doug B. Theresa K. Linda G. Debra F. Dave H. Regina P. Rick M. Donna E. Donna T. Kathy G. Rick R. Lynn G. Kathleen S. John B. Marie B. Sandra V. Vivian B. Donna P. Alice C. James K. Patricia M. Walter P. Francis S. Elaine C. David D. Ed C. Ronald S.
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LOCATION MILEAGE Fairview Park, OH 51 miles Altoona, PA 7 miles Monaca, PA 34 miles Clarksville, MI 85 miles Kentwood, MI 840 miles Chandler, AZ 2 miles Pittsford, NY 598 miles Lancaster, PA 117 miles Finleyville, PA 37 miles South Park, PA 250 miles Port Huron, MI 213 miles Summerhill, PA 258 miles Pittsburgh, PA 305 miles De Pere, WI 662 miles Merrimac, WI 246 miles Frankenmuth, MI 3 miles New Brighton, PA 129 miles Vero Beach, FL 96 miles Oshkosh, WI 42 miles McKees Rocks, PA 86 miles Holland, OH 262 miles Plymouth, WI 64 miles Pittsburgh, PA 448 miles Delta, OH 460 miles Grand Rapids, MI 107 miles Beaver, PA 535 miles Sun City Center, FL 406 miles Dearborn, MI 480 miles Vail, AZ 508 miles Kenosha, WI 472 miles Delmont, PA 431 miles South Park, PA 304 miles Rehoboth Beach, DE 417 miles Pittsburgh, PA 502 miles Toledo, OH 192 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+
NAME Jim K. Kevin S. James K. Susan S. Deniece O. Julie D. Jim J. Robert K. Mike M. AJ S. Robert K.
LOCATION Davidsville, PA Roscommon, MI Davidsville, PA South Park, PA Yardley, PA Hartford, WI Berlin, WI Aliquippa, PA Johnstown, PA Naperville, IL Lafayette, IN
MILEAGE 800 miles 803 miles 800 miles 901 miles 957 miles 998 miles 855 miles 898 miles 963 miles 828 miles 956 miles
AGE GROUP 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+
MILEAGE 1,358 miles 1,331 miles 1,147 miles 1,345 miles 1,277 miles 1,006 miles 1,286 miles 1,107 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 1,413 miles 2,744 miles 1,795 miles 2,215 miles 1,413 miles 1,701 miles 4,776 miles 2,603 miles 1,718 miles 2,910 miles 2,141 miles
AGE GROUP 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+
LEVEL THREE NAME Josie K. Janiece S. Mary Anne B. Connie B. Michael C. Marge A. Dan M. Tom M. Barbara H.
LOCATION Middleburg Heights, OH Oregon, OH Ligonier, PA Frankenmuth, MI Benedict, PA Medina, OH McClellandtown, PA Bainbridge, NY Pulaski, WI
LEVEL FOUR NAME Susan W. Kathleen E. Dusty S. Rose G. Tim W. Walt S. Jim B. George J. Dolores W. Paul B. Elaine H.
LOCATION Frankenmuth, MI Trenton, MI Maple City, MI Punxsutawney, PA Frankenmuth, MI Pittsburgh, PA Oil City, PA Sebring, FL South Fork, PA Belle Vernon, PA Irwin, PA
Winter 2022
RUNNING
REPORTED MILEAGE AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2021
LEVEL ONE NAME Emily G. Heather R. Rick W. Tim F.
LOCATION MILEAGE Punxsutawney, PA 400 miles Clarksville, MI 38 miles Pittsburgh, PA 428 miles South Park, PA 51 miles
AGE GROUP Ages 26-49 Ages 26-49 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69
LEVEL TWO NAME Susan S. Jim B.
LOCATION South Park, PA Oil City, PA
MILEAGE 574 miles 1,479 miles
AGE GROUP Ages 50-69 Ages 70+
MILEAGE 1,079 miles 1,128 miles 702 miles
AGE GROUP Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 70+
MILEAGE 1,479 miles
AGE GROUP Ages 70+
LEVEL THREE NAME Glenn S. Al S. Walt S.
LOCATION McDonald, PA Yuma, AZ Pittsburgh, PA
LEVEL FOUR NAME Jim B.
The Reporter
LOCATION Oil City, PA
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BIKING
REPORTED MILEAGE AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2021
LEVEL ONE NAME Emily G. Donna E. Ralph W. Connie B. Susan W. James K. Joe L. Paul B. Luanne E. David D. Tim W. Ed B.
LOCATION Punxsutawney, PA Vero Beach, FL Belle Vernon, PA Frankenmuth, MI Frankenmuth, MI Davidville, PA Davenport, FL Belle Vernon, PA Elk City, OK Toledo, OH Frankenmuth, MI Latrobe, PA
LEVEL THREE MILEAGE 578 miles 149 miles 191 miles 58 miles 274 miles 250 miles 396 miles 107 miles 595 miles 343 miles 274 miles 341 miles
AGE GROUP Ages 26-49 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+
LEVEL TWO NAME Heather R. Robert M. Mark Z. Linda V.
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LOCATION Clarksville, MI Waynesburg, PA New Holstein, WI Perryopolis, PA
MILEAGE 826 miles 778 miles 895 miles 760 miles
AGE GROUP Ages 26-49 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 70+
NAME Tim F. Susan S. Rose G. Deneice O. Francis S. Jim B. Elaine C. Walter P.
LOCATION MILEAGE South Park, PA 1,210 miles South Park, PA 1,521 miles Punxsutawney, PA 1,693 miles Yardley, PA 1,539 miles Rehoboth Beach, FL 1,302 miles Oil City, PA 1,300 miles Pittsburgh, PA 1,130 miles South Park , PA 1,355 miles
AGE GROUP Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 50-69 Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+ Ages 70+
LEVEL FOUR NAME Maisie T. Ryan W. Candice L. Doug B. Leo O. Jeff F. Al S. Michael M. Kelly W. Jim J.
LOCATION Ligonier, PA New Bethlehem, PA Portland, OR Port Huron, MI Saginaw, MI Escanaba, MI Yuma, AZ Johnstown, PA Elkton, MD Berlin, WI
MILEAGE 1,906 miles 1,924 miles 2,650 miles 9,632 miles 7,430 miles 3,214 miles 7,783 miles 4,140 miles 2,513 miles 4,823 miles
AGE GROUP 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+
Winter 2022
ANNOUNCING
GET EXCLUSIVE PERKS
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Partnering for Better Communities GBU is looking for more ways to help in our member communities. Meet some of the organizations we are working with that make a big impact, not only in Pittsburgh, but throughout the world.
The importance and need of a well-supported food bank really hit home for many GBU members when the evening news showed those in need waiting to get much-needed support in a line of cars that stretched for miles. GBU Life reached out to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to begin a partnership of support for the food bank’s Grow, Share, Thrive campaign. This campaign supports the expansion of the food bank’s warehouse facility in Duquesne which will house a community pantry that will test new ideas, provide training for partners and connect those who need food to more resources. The campaign also allows the food bank to extend its network of partners to include organizations that serve individuals who do not go to a traditional food pantry.
GBU Life started its Operation Reach Out program in 2007 with members getting together in Pittsburgh to put together care packages for deployed US military men and women. Soon, the number of members who wanted to help and contribute outweighed the ability to find enough military service members to reach. In 2019, GBU teamed up with Operation Troop Appreciation, a 100% volunteer, Pittsburgh-based non-profit whose mission is “to build and sustain the morale and well-being of the military community, past and present, with the assurance that the American public supports and appreciates their selfless service and daily sacrifice.“ This partnership allowed GBU members to prepare and ship 5,000 care packages to deployed service members that year. When the pandemic derailed the ability to get together to pack boxes, the program changed to one of direct support for Operation Troop Appreciation. Support from Operation Reach Out funds and donations helped more than 7,000 military service members and veterans get needed and wished-for items and supplies to continue to build morale. Our membership is proud to be able to show their support to both our military and veterans in this way. 26
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 be in a partnership with Magee Women’s Research Institute. Through donations, fundraising support and educational information sharing, GBU can help highlight research that is enhancing the lives of not only women in the local community but throughout the world.
The Children's Hospital Free Care Fund is the very definition of fraternalism. This fund helps families from around the world to receive care at the renowned Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Families who may not be able to otherwise afford life-saving surgeries and treatments are supported by this fund. This year, GBU Life sponsored the 2022 Ultimate House Pittsburgh project which has raised more than $330,000 for the fund. GBU also matched funds donated during the 4 o'clock hour of this year's Free Care Fund Benefit Show and teamed up with the Fraternal Societies of Greater Pittsburgh to raise additional donations. We are proud to have one of the nation's best Children's medical facilities right here in our neighborhood and hope to help ensure that more families are assisted in receiving needed care from Children's Hospital through the Free Care Fund.
Winter 2022
JUST FOR KIDS
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FRATERNAL PUZZLE FOR MEMBERS AGE 10-14. Can you find the baker's dozen (13)* of baking words below and circle them? They will be right to left, up and down, or diagonal. Once completed, 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.
Bake Batter Chop Cream
Fold Knead Measure Mix Pie
Preheat Sift Stir Whisk
*The term “baker’s dozen” is used to represent 12 (a dozen) plus 1 (or 13) baked goods sold. Some evidence shows that the term originated as early as the 1500s when it became a common practice by bakers to give people who ordered 12 items, 1 extra for good faith. This good faith gesture was to ensure that that the bag of goodies was not under-weight, if one or more of the items in the traditional dozen was—by chance—smaller than the rest. The bonus item would bring up the package weight and the customer would be happy! Jody Shapiro is a Forest Hills, Pennsylvania, native and owner of Aspire Enterprises. Her company offers virtual assistant services to busy professionals around the country who want to do their best, so they delegate the rest to her. Jody and her husband, Joel Bloom, are the co-authors of the book Images of America Series: Forest Hills. She and Joel live in Forest Hills with their wirehaired dachshund, Clarence. Jody has been creating word puzzles for children since the mid-1980s. She has been a GBU member since the late 2000s. www.AspireToFindaSolution.com
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Winter 2022
Winter Craft: Handprint Penguin This easy-to-do craft is a fun, weekend-morning project. Family members are encouraged to stay in their pajamas and enjoy making these adorable handprint penguins.
What you'll need to make the penguin: Construction paper (colors needed: black, white, orange and blue) Googly eyes Scissors (adult supervision may be needed while cutting paper) White chalk Glue stick Pencil or pen Optional: pom poms, sequins
Directions Use blue construction paper as your background. On white construction paper, cut a wave pattern (you want it to look like a snowy hill). Glue it onto the blue construction paper. On black construction paper, spread fingers apart and trace both hands with a pencil or chalk. Round out the bottom of the handprint. Cut out the handprints to develop the penguin's head and begin building your penguin from there. To make the penguin's belly, use the bottom of a coffee cup and trace a circle on white construction paper, cut it out. For the beak, cut a triangle out of the orange construction paper. Now, assemble your penguin! Glue the googly eyes, beak and belly onto the handprint. Last but not least, make old-fashioned snowflakes using white construction paper and scissors. Glue the snowflakes to the blue background. If you're feeling fancy, add sequins or pom poms.
Finally, with a pen or pencil, make sure the artist signs his or her name on the back of the masterpiece!
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Wear a helmet
Just as you would advise your children to wear a helmet while on a bicycle or roller skates, sled riding is no different. Head injuries due to sled riding accidents are tragically both very common but avoidable .
This one should be pretty self-explanatory. Once it starts getting dark, not only are the temperatures dropping it also becomes harder to see dangerous roadblocks such as trees, roadways and low-hanging branches.
Monitor the temperature
Avoid steep grades
Keep an eye on your outdoor thermometer gauge when making the decision to go out. Sunny days can be extremely misleading. The rule of thumb is to stay indoors if temperatures hit below 20 degrees.
Sled riding on a good hill can be a blast. The trick is finding the perfect hill. The climb of the hill should be no steeper than 30 degrees. If you aren't sure, do a test run yourself before allowing your little ones to go down.
Avoid Innertubes and Saucers
Have an escape plan
What do innertube and saucer sleds both have in common, you ask? No ability to steer! You may be tempted to purchase an innertube sled for your child because they are easy to deflate and store once the season is over. But an important point to remember is they are extremely dangerous +123-456-7890 and should be avoided.
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Quit by dusk
No matter how safe you are being during your sled-riding adventure, it is always a possibility that you end up losing control of your sled. Make sure you teach your children when and how to "abandon ship." The best way to exit a sled that is losing control is to roll off of it. @reallygreatsite
Winter 2022
Top 5 Indoor Activities to Keep You Occupied This Winter 1. Write a letter If this past year has taught us anything, it’s the importance of staying connected even when we can’t see each other in person. Take the time and dedicate one hour a week to sit down and write a letter to a long-distance family member or friend. Include a Polaroid from "days gone by" or recall a fond memory you share with that person. The personalized letter will surely make his or her day.
2. Plan an indoor scavenger hunt What’s fantastic about this activity is that there are so many ways to customize it! Play a color scavenger hunt game with the kids to encourage learning various colors. Or create a couplesthemed scavenger hunt like “a few of my favorite things” where you and your partner find each other’s favorite sweater or favorite movie. This activity allows you to connect with loved ones in a fun way.
3. Try a new recipe Winter is a great time to warm up the oven or crockpot and try something new. From hearty, vegetarian chili to homemade bacon-and-ranch pierogies, ask for feedback from family members and friends to whip up something spectacular. Need some inspiration? Read our featured winter recipes in this issue of The Reporter.
4. Clean out a closet If you're nervous about what may fall out of that spare bedroom closet, a blustery winter afternoon is a perfect time to tackle this project. Prepare ahead of time and order a closet organization system, shoe rack or shelving units from your favorite home improvement center. As you clear away the clutter, donate unwanted, gently used items, throw away what you no longer need and enjoy that rewarding feeling when this project is complete.
5. Make a scrapbook Document the past year: give a heartfelt gift or relive precious memories that you create in a scrapbook. This can be done digitally using a service like Shutterfly or head to the closest arts & crafts store for scrapbook supplies like markers, stickers, a hardcover book, and more. Dedicate a page for each family member to share a story and memories based on the theme.
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OHIO FRATERNAL ALLIANCE 2022 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The Ohio Fraternal Alliance annually awards up to $500 in a college scholarship to a graduating high school senior. Scholarship applications may be obtained from any Ohio Fraternal Alliance member's [GBU is a member.] home office (800-765-4428 or www.gbu.org/benefits, scrolling to college scholarships and grants tab) or contact: Michael Czarney 440-420-0995 mczarney@hotmail.com Scholarship Applicant Requirements: Applicant must be an Ohio resident. They must be a current youth policy member of a fraternal society, or included in a family member policy that does not have youth policies, belonging to the Ohio Fraternal Alliance [GBU is a member]. Applicant must be a 2022 high school graduate. Applicant must submit a minimum 150-word essay entitled: How I’m Personally Involved in my Fraternal Society & Its Future. Applicant must submit a list of the following activities: church-related activities, local community and volunteer activities, school activities/clubs. Applicant must submit a letter of recommendation from a local fraternal society officer. Essay, all activities and letters will be judged. Completed application must be dated and submitted by Friday, April 1, 2022, and mailed|to OFA Scholarship Committee, Attn: Michael Czarney, 1208 Meadowbrook Court, Amherst, OH 44001.
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Winter 2022
GBU FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED BUILD
YOUR
FUTURE
H E R E.
GBU Foundation Scholarships are awarded in various amounts for several programs. New scholarships are offered in four programs: Freshman (applicants to attend a four-year accredited college); Undergraduate and Graduate (applicants already attending an accredited college); and Two-Year (enrolling or currently in a vocational/technical school). Scholarship applicants not awarded a GBU Foundation Scholarship are entered into a random drawing for a chance at being awarded one of a predetermined number of one-time $500 grants or Personal Giving Scholarships. A scholarship applicant must be a GBU member to apply for the scholarship and remain a GBU member for the tenure of the scholarship. Members of all ages are eligible to apply. SEE AVAILABLE SCHOLARSHIPS AND APPLY AT: inside.gbu.org/benefits. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Fraternal Department (800-765-4428), or email memberbenefits@gbu.org with GBU Scholarship Information in the subject line.
The Reporter
REGISTRATION FOR 2022 FALL SCHOOL YEAR
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ATTENTION GBU EIGHTH-GRADE STUDENTS
A P P LY F O R A
$ 2 50 F RE SH MA N H I G H SC H OOL GRAN T
To help pay for things like a computer and project supplies, the GBU Foundation awards several $250 grants each year to high school freshmen. TO BE ELIGIBLE YOU MUST be currently in the eighth grade. be a GBU member (holding a life insurance or annuity policy). send in your application and essay postmarked or emailed no later than May 31 of your eighthgrade year. Grants will be awarded prior to the start of the student's ninth-grade school year. Grants are awarded based on a completed application and essay. For an application and essay details, call us at 800-765-4428, email memberbenefits@gbu.org or visit inside.gbu.org/forms.
PO Box 18739, Pittsburgh, PA 15236 412-884-5100 800-765-4428 memberbenefits@gbu.org gbu.org
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Winter 2022
START THEIR DREAMS HERE
Youth 3 Pay Life Insurance
START BUILDING A LIFETIME OF DREAMS IN THREE EASY PAYMENTS Permanent life insurance for youth ensures a lifetime of coverage. The policy will grow in cash value throughout life and can act as a building block for future financial success. GBU's Youth 3 Pay life insurance policy is permanent life insurance that offers a lifetime of coverage and financial growth for just three low, annual payments. Children become GBU members upon approval and remain a member as long as the policy is active. GBU members have access to special members-only discounts, events and contests as well as education, volunteer, scholarship and grant opportunities.
THE WHY TO BUY Accumulates cash value that can be borrowed against, with interest, or used to help your child secure education loans, mortgage down payments or for emergency situations. Expected to earn dividends that can be used to purchase additional paid-up coverage, held with interest or paid out in cash. Policy face values range from $5,000 to $50,000 for youth of current ages 0-17. Policy rates are based on age, gender and amount of coverage requested. GBU Youth 3 Pay Life insurance is underwritten by GBU Financial Life (GBU) using form ICC19-Y3PayAPP in CT, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, MO, NJ, OH, PA, WV, WI and form FL20-Y3PayAPP in FL. Dividends are not guaranteed. A parent or legal guardian must sign the application. If the policy is to be owned by someone other than the parent or legal guardian, the parent or legal guardian must also sign the application. Riders are optional and have additional fees associated with them.
Contact your agent or the GBU Home Office today to start your child on a smart financial journey that will last a lifetime. 412-884-5100 800-765-4428 sales@gbu.org gbu.org
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DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
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Winter 2022
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. 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, Dear Members and Friends,
District 45–Altoona, District 45–Altoona, Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Our district officers hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving, a
Our district officers hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving, a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. With any luck, very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. With any luck, everyone took time to reflect on everything they have to be thankful everyone took time to reflect on everything they have to be thankful for and celebrated the true meaning of Christmas. for and celebrated the true meaning of Christmas. Winter officially arrived on December 21 so please drive with Winter officially arrived on December 21 so please drive with caution as you are out and about this winter. caution as you are out and about this winter. We had a full slate of events through the summer, fall and holiday We had a full slate of events through the summer, fall and holiday season. You can find a full recap of them along with more member season. You can find a full recap of them along with more member photos on the GBU Life Member Community (community.gbu.org) photos on the GBU Life Member Community (community.gbu.org) in the District 45-Altoona, Pennsylvania, group. in the District 45-Altoona, Pennsylvania, group.
We joined with the Unter Uns for a Family Christmas Party at the We joined with the Unter Uns for a Family Christmas Party at the Unter Uns Club in December. The activities included food and fun Unter Club December. The activities included food and fun as wellUns as a visitinfrom Santa himself. as well as a visit from Santa himself. Congratulations Corner Congratulations Corner Congratulations to the 14 District 45 Scholarship Award recipients Congratulations toacademic the 14 District recipients for the 2021-2022 year. 45 TheScholarship officers areAward pleased to for the 2021-2022 academic officers are pleased announce the members that year. have The received scholarships to to announce the members that have received scholarships to
The Reporter
help with their post-secondary education: Evan Arnold, Lily help withKaras their post-secondary education: EvanRhone, Arnold,Andrew Lily Bowser, Foreso, Kayla Letscher, Jordon Bowser, Karas Foreso, Kayla Letscher, Jordon Rhone, Andrew Rigney III, Kelsey Rigney, Anna T Schlecht, Gavin Schlecht, Kyle Rigney III,Ashley Kelsey Steinbugl, Rigney, Anna T Schlecht, Gavin Schlecht, Kyle Schlecht, Maren E Steinbugl, Riley Steinbugl, Schlecht, Ashley Steinbugl, Maren E Steinbugl, Riley Steinbugl, Angela Wharton and James R Wharton. We wish everyone a Angela Wharton successful year. and James R Wharton. We wish everyone a successful year. We welcome into our GBU family the new members that have We welcome into ourand GBU family45. theWe new members thatthe have recently joined GBU District hope you have recently joined GBU and District Wemany hope activities you have the opportunity to participate in one 45. of our and have opportunity tomeet participate in one of ourmembers. many activities the chance to some of our other Pleaseand feelhave free the chanceme to meet oura other members. Please feel free to contact if yousome wouldoflike copy of the District Calendar of to contact me if you would like a copy of the District Calendar of Events or check our site out on the GBU website. Events or check our site out on the GBU website. We continue our GBU Cares project as we collect personal hygiene We continue ourto GBU project as weShriners collect personal items to donate theCares local shelters and Hospital hygiene for items to donate local shelters and Shriners for Children. To havetoathe donation picked up contact ourHospital treasurer, Children. To have a donation picked up contact our treasurer, Betty Richardson (943-6655) or me. Motel-size or full-size Betty (943-6655) or me. ortoothbrushes, full-size bottlesRichardson of shampoo, conditioner, soap,Motel-size toothpaste, bottles of shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, etc. are greatly appreciated. deodorant, etc. are greatly appreciated. The Spring Pie Sale orders to benefit the Miracle League of Blair The Spring Pie Sale orders to benefit the Miracle of Blair County baseball organization and Dreams Go On League therapeutic County baseball and Dreams riding stable will organization be due on Monday, MarchGo 28 On andtherapeutic the order riding will be dueApril on Monday, and the order and comesstable in on Saturday, 9 for theMarch Easter28 season. Meringue comes in are on Saturday, April 9 for season. Meringuerolls, and fruit pies available to order asthe wellEaster as pecan pie, pumpkin fruit pies Easter are available to order as well as pecan nut logs, bread and banana bread. Call mepie, to pumpkin place an rolls, nut logs, bread and banana Calltome to place anlove order. TheEaster Miracle League providesbread. support children that order. Theof Miracle League provides that love the game baseball. Many may besupport confinedtotochildren wheelchairs due the game of dystrophy baseball. Many may be confined to wheelchairs due to muscular or cerebral palsy. Others may be coping to muscular palsy. Others be coping with Down’s dystrophy syndrome or or cerebral autism. The mission ofmay Dreams Go On is with Down’s syndromehorseback or autism. riding The mission of Dreams On is to provide therapeutic sessions to adultsGo and to provide riding sessions to adults and children oftherapeutic Blair Countyhorseback who are physically challenged, receive children of Blair County who are physically mental, behavioral health or family therapy challenged, services. receive mental, behavioral health or family therapy services. We will be mailing out our District 45 Scholarship Request letters We willnear be mailing out our District 45 Scholarship Request letters in the future along with the Calendar of Events for 2022. If in the future along the know Calendar Events forsure 2022. you donear not receive these,with let me andof I will make youIfget you do not receive these, let me know and I will make sure you get them. Scholarship donations may be sent to our treasurer, Betty them. Scholarship donations beAltoona, sent to our treasurer, Betty Richardson, 2524 W. Chestnutmay Ave., PA 16601. Please Richardson, W. Chestnut Ave., Altoona, PA 16601. Please make checks2524 payable to GBU District 45 and denote District 45 make checksFund payable tomemo GBU District Scholarship in the line. 45 and denote District 45 Scholarship Fund in the memo line. Please join us at our monthly meetings. They are held at 6 p.m. on Please join us at our monthly They are held at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of themeetings. month at the Unter Uns Club located the second Wednesday of the month at the Unter Uns Club located at Van Buren Ave. and 14th Street in Altoona. NO meetings in at Van Buren and 14th in Altoona. meetings in January, July,Ave. November, orStreet December. (Your NO officers will be January, July, November, December. (Your officers will be having officers’ meetings or instead to plan for upcoming activities.) having officers’ meetings to plan for upcoming activities.) Come, learn, support, and instead get involved in the fraternal activities, Come, support, and getPlease involved in the fraternal activities, and joinlearn, us for refreshments. contact me before heading and join usmeetings, for refreshments. Please the contact me before heading out to our due to Covid-19 meetings may become out to our meetings, due to Covid-19 the meetings may become virtual. Be sure to sign up for access to the GBU Life Member virtual. Be sure to to sign fortoaccess to theinGBU Life Member Community page be up able participate many fun activities Community page to be able to participate in many funHome activities and keep up-to-date with activities sponsored by the Office and keep up-to-date with activities sponsored by the Home Office and District and to see photos from past events. and District and to see photos from past events. Your officers for 2022 year are: Your officers for 2022 year are: President John Kessler President John Kessler Vice President Joseph Letscher Vice President Joseph Letscher Fraternal/Recording Secretary Robin Kessler Fraternal/Recording Secretary Robin Kessler Treasurer Betty Richardson Treasurer Betty Richardson Trustees Debra Picano Trustees Debra Picano Albert (Butch) Schlecht Albert (Butch) Schlecht Teresa (Terri) Weakland Teresa (Terri) Weakland Auditors Chantel DeGennaro Auditors Chantel DeGennaro Marissa Kessler Marissa Kessler
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District 45–Altoona, Pennsylvania
GBU referral agents waiting to hear from you: 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).
District 146–Johnstown, Pennsylvania Greetings & a Happy New Year !!!
Congratulations to the 2022 district officers: President
Gary Weimer
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?
Vice President
Jack Orris
Fraternal Secretary/Treasurer
Barbara Weimer
Recording Secretary
John Constable
- Robin Kessler, Fraternal Secretary 814-943-4481 or rob1jon@atlanticbb.net
Trustees
District 84–Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Hope everyone had a happy holiday season. We had more fun and success this year; I hope we can continue that into 2022! District 84 extends to Carol Mays a BIG thank you for all the time, effort and leadership in our district. Thank you, Carol Mays, for serving as our president for all these years.
Dennis Ribblett Steve Csehoski Mark Jones
We chanced-off this Steeler assortment in the clubroom to help raise funds for Operation Reach Out. It went very quickly, so another similar assortment was chanced off to help with our annual holiday donation.
Back in August, we had our Mini-Golf Outing then afterward had ice cream at Scoops. We didn’t have the greatest weather but had a bunch of people turn out.
In addition to our annual donation to the Needy Children Shopping Tour, we supported the Tribune Democrat Santa Fund, the Women’s Help Center Angel in Shelter Program and a donation was given to the St. Vincent De Paul Food for Families. The local Salvation Army has an Angel Tree Program which has tags from children and senior citizens with their wishes for Christmas. We fulfilled the wishes of four seniors this Christmas. Having fun golfing
Relaxing with our ice cream.
At our September meeting, we discussed the rest of 2021 plus 2022. Our meetings will now be held at 1 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month, except April due to Easter, at the Millersville VFW Post There will be no meetings in June, July and August. The Roller Skating Party at the Castle was canceled and replaced with a luncheon at Centerville Diner. Our popcorn fundraiser was from September until November. I will have the totals next issue. Our Christmas Party-December meeting was also at Centerville Diner. We had nominations of officers. The following people were nominated: President
Terry Suter, Jr. (TJ)
Vice President
Christine Bossert
Secretary/Treasurer
Edna Suter
Marshal
Terry Suter, Sr.
Sentinel
Sam Bisking
Trustee
Sonny Gerlach
Please note that Ed Danz and Jeremy Mays are still elected trustees. Nominations were reopened at our November meeting, and elected officers were sworn in at the December 4 Christmas Party. Upcoming Events Saturday, January 29 Bowling at Leisure Lanes Sunday, February 20 Monthly meeting/Social Sunday, March 20 Monthly Meeting/Social You can always get details on district events by calling district President Terry (TJ) Suter Jr. (717-283-3628 or steelerstj13@gmail.com) or Secretary/Treasurer Edna Suter (717-333-9388 or ednasuter65@gmail.com), Facebook (GBU District 84), or by going to our district section of the GBU website (reporter.gbu.org/member-news). - Edna Suter, Fraternal Secretary/Treasurer 717-333-9388 or ednasuter65@gmail.com
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January’s activities are usually down due to unknown weather conditions. Meetings second Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Moxham Beneficial Home Association, 40 Bridge Street, Johnstown, PA 15902 Happy Valentine’s Day! March brings our fundraiser to benefit Muscular Dystrophy. For life insurance or annuity needs, contact one of our sale agents: Frank Betsch (215-947-9190), Mike Malley (814-443-0991), Lee Williamson (814-255-4852), Joseph Carpenter (814-534-4445), Ed Christensen (814-262-9496) or James Kiepert (814-421-7058). - Barbara Weimer, Fraternal Secretary/Treasurer 814-255-4710
District 291–Summerhill, Pennsylvania
It was a busy end of summer for a lot of our members. Between summer gatherings, vacations and back to school, a lot happened. Events in December included the social club’s Early Bird Party and our district Christmas Party. On August 28, District 291 and the Home Office hosted a Movie Night. Approximately 40 adults and children took part in this event. Although originally scheduled to be held at Summerhill Park, weather forced us to make the call to move the event to the fire hall. However, as luck would have it, we were still able to have the movie outside and it turned out to be a wonderful venue and community event. Thanks go to Jack and Linda Bodenschatz and Cindy Friedman for picking up refreshments, Becky Templeton for tech support and the use of video and sound equipment, and Carm Seder and Helen Slonac for help setting up. We hope to host two of these events next summer starting in May or June and hosting another closer to back to school.
Kids having fun playing.
Winter 2022
District 291–Summerhill, Pennsylvania, continued
Kids attending Movie Night. One of our community pillars, the Summerhill Borough Volunteer Fire Department, held its largest annual fundraiser during the September 18 and 19 weekend at New Germany Grove. The Festival of Arts and Crafts brings together hundreds of crafters and even more people to take part in the festivities. Several members volunteered their time and talents to cook, set up and help make this community fundraiser a success.
District 510–Toledo, Ohio
Greetings from District 510. We hope that everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday season with family and friends. We wish you all good luck, health, and happiness in 2022. It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news that longtime District 510 member, officer and friend Adolf Ruelke has passed away. Adolf, along with his wife Hildegard, were very active in GBU and the German-American Festival Society. Adolf and Hildegard tirelessly volunteered to help at our district meetings and social events. Adolf served in the alternate marshal position for many years. Adolf and Hildegard have been regulars at the District 510 children’s parties. Adolf would always pitch in to help. Many of us will remember Adolf separating the seemingly endless rolls of raffle tickets at the children’s holiday parties. Adolf will be missed by all his friends.
Meetings resumed in August and ran through December. Please check with district members for a schedule of other activities or stop in at the Summerhill Social Club, located at 514 Main Street in Summerhill. For all your insurance or financial needs, please contact our GBU referral agent Tara McIntyre (814-472-6830). - David Templeton, District 291 member Dtemp902@hotmail.com or 814-244-8243
District 402-Minneapolis, Minnesota Dear Friends and Members,
With 2021 coming to an end, the officers of District 402 decided to also retire. Our district has been active for 110 years, a long time. We hope to find member(s) who would be interested in continuing efforts to support local and national organizations that are doing great things to help our communities. Please contact GBU District and Special Projects Coordinator Mary Koczan (mary.koczan@gbu.org or 800-765-4428) if you are interested. The retiring officers had fun running the district. We thank all the District 402 officers for the support they have given the district over the years. A big thanks go to all the volunteers over the years; we could not have done any of this without you. We can think back on all of the good times, and we will keep these in our memories. A special thanks to our treasurer, Helga Gehrke, who made life much easier.
Adolf and his lovely wife Hildegard. Our annual District 510 Member’s Picnic was held on July 18 at Tom and Marilyn Riedeman’s farm. There was a wonderful selection of fabulous foods as everyone brought a dish to share and GBU furnished the meats and drinks. There was so much good food that many of us went back for seconds and thirds. A short meeting was held to primarily discuss the GAF’s Feed the Workers event and the Shipshewana Bus Trip. Many thanks to Tom and Marilyn for their gracious hospitality.
For any member that has been feeling ill or is recovering from an operation, we send you wishes for a speedy recovery and hope you’re feeling better soon. For information regarding GBU insurance or annuity products, contact sales representative Phil Klein (651-246-4024).Special thanks to him for bringing new members into our district. He will still be there to help you. We hope we can get rid of COVID soon, and we hope you remain in good health. We hope all our members and friends had a merry Christmas and a safe, happy New Year. Thanks again for all of the support; it was a pleasure to serve you. I wish everyone for peace and happiness. - Paul Wittig, Fraternal Secretary 612-866-7496 or hwittig@aol.com The Reporter
On the Tuesday before the German-American Festival, District 510 members cooked and served lunch and dinner for the GAF volunteers performing the set up. We served 55 people for lunch and 55+ for dinner. Chefs Marilyn Riedeman and Lynne Shoup prepared delicious meatloaf, potatoes, corn on the cob, green beans, salad and desserts. A big thank you is extended to the kitchen crew and servers for helping with this endeavor.
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District 510–Toledo, Ohio, continued
District 510 held a Steak Roast prior to our September monthly meeting. The Steak Roast and meeting were held in the Swiss Picnic Building due to the threat of rain. Attendees enjoyed steak, baked potato and salad. A variety of tasty desserts were also available to choose from. Many thanks to everyone who helped, and special thanks to Marilyn Riedeman for procuring the steaks, and to Lynne Shoup for the baked potatoes. District 510 held a Halloween Trunk-or-Treat event. GBU members got together at the GAF Oak Shade Grove parking lot and decked out their trunks and truck beds with Halloween decorations. The children, dressed in their Halloween costumes, walked from vehicle to vehicle collecting candy and treats. Thank you to all who helped make this event a success. A special thank you to Lynne Shoup for donating the pumpkins. In November, members and guests travelled to Shipshewana. Members and guests enjoyed snacks and beverages on the chartered bus, browsed the numerous shops of Shipshewana, and took in a dinner theater Christmas show. We had a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings at our November meeting. Special thanks to Marilyn Riedeman for preparing the sumptuous feast. Election of District 510 officers was held at the meeting. The body voted to keep the same officers who served in 2021. Roberta Gacsal was elected to the open Alternate Marshal position. Ten turkeys were raffled off at the meeting. Upcoming Events We would like to thank all officers for accepting their positions and wish them a successful year. The first scheduled monthly meeting in 2022 is Tuesday, February 15. For current news on GBU District 510 events, please check the GBU District 510 Facebook page. Looking forward to seeing everyone at our future meetings. If you have not been to a meeting lately, please join us for a light dinner and fellowship followed by our monthly meeting. Our regular meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at the GAF. The meal is served starting at 6 p.m. and our meeting starts at 7 p.m. 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), 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 Jennifer Lindsay (419-931-0749). - Jacqueline Martin, Fraternal Secretary 419-350-6684 or Toysrmonica@sbcglobal.net
Birthday celebrants Bob and Elise. Anna, Jerry and Elise delivered the school supplies that we had collected money for earlier. We made sure we had lots of facial tissues as the principal said these were always in high demand. Notebooks, lunch bags, backpacks, pencils, etc. were donated items as well. The staff was very grateful for the donations. We made our annual donations to four community groups once again: Salvation Army, Food Finders, Caregiver Companion and YWCA program for Domestic Intervention and Prevention. We continue to remember our members who are not able to attend our meetings and will always keep them in our thoughts and prayers. Stay healthy and safe. - M. Elise Thoennes, President/Recording Secretary 765-447-3249
District 630–Ann Arbor, Michigan Dear Members,
I hope you are all well and continue to be safe as we resume “normal” activities with COVID still present and active. In these trying times we need to remain strong and remember all that we have to be thankful for. For any member that has been feeling ill or is recovering from an operation, we send you wishes for a speedy recovery and hope you’re feeling better soon. Please let one of our officers know if you are ill or recovering from a surgery so we can send you well wishes from the Sunshine Committee! Several members joined the Schwaben Verein of Ann Arbor on the October 8-10 Bus Trip to the Put-in-Bay Oktoberfest. They enjoyed lots of German food and desserts, beer and entertainment and had a great time celebrating German heritage and cuisine under a big tent. We had some younger members in attendance and a couple of older members that have been struggling healthwise. I am so glad they were able to get out and enjoy.
District 536–Lafayette, Indiana
We held our annual Picnic at Happy Hollow Park. It was a very nice day, and we had a small group who enjoyed food and visiting. Mid was accompanied by her son, and we were happy she got to attend once again.
Picnickers.
Tammy and Richard Ebenhoeh.
Bob Ketterer and Elise Thoennes celebrated birthdays. Bob's daughter had baked a cake and we all enjoyed this delicious dessert. Jerry Lamborn brought barbecues for sandwiches.
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Winter 2022
District 630–Ann Arbor, Michigan, continued
District 684–Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Greetings from District 684.
We have been enjoying some beautiful fall weather and looking forward to the holidays and hoping the New Year brings back our regular meetings and events for 2022! We held a district meeting on October 19 at Frisch’s restaurant. We had a wonderful buffet and held our elections of officers for 2022. Our new slate of officers are as follows:
Hans and Marianne Rauer, Heidi Hively, Traudel Kummer and Brigitte Mutthig. At our October 17 regularly scheduled meeting, we held our election of officers for 2022 followed by a Potluck. On October 19, members volunteered at Peace Neighborhood Center cooking and serving food to the children enrolled in the after-school program. In November canned goods that our members had donated, along with our district’s annual monetary gift, were delivered to the Ann Arbor Food Gathers annual Rocking for the Hungry. As you know, this year marks Peace Neighborhood Center’s 50th anniversary. We are proud of the impact we have had and are grateful for our volunteers and donors who offer their time and generous support. In the spirit of giving, we donated turkeys for Thanksgiving and gift cards for Christmas for the Peace Neighborhood Center families and this year’s annual Thanks For Giving Dinner held on November 18. Peace set a big goal this year to raise one million dollars. It is very rewarding to be a part of the Peace family and work together to support its mission. Please let Susan Weber know if you are interested in becoming one of our volunteers. In addition, we made our annual monetary donations to the Hope Clinic, St. Andrews Breakfast Program and Safe House and donated fall centerpieces to Hillside Terrace Nursing Home. In support of our troops, we donated to Operation Reach Out. We are thankful and appreciate all those that serve! The Ladies of the Evening group and the Ladies of the Afternoon group have resumed meeting.
President First Vice President Second Vice President Third Vice President Fraternal Secretary Recording Secretary Treasurer Marshal Sentinel Trustees:
Maria Moore Tina Madison Joann Pukansky Linda Wagner Jackie Alaimo Diann Warznak Diane Gallagher Ralph Gutshall, Jr. Sandy Wagner Art Noble Ruth Noble Barb Stoker
Our Breakfast with Santa was held on November 28 at South Hills Country Club. We hope to have some good photos to share in our next article. Our upcoming 2022 meetings and events and 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). Our officers are very enthusiastic and have some great ideas. - Jackie Alaimo, Fraternal Secretary 412-720-4801 or alaimo614@aol.com
District 699–Frankenmuth, Michigan Fraternal greetings from GBU District 699 in Frankenmuth! Good riddance to the year 2021! May 2022 be the recovery year we all thought 2021 was going to be. As a district, we still were very active in 2021. Being mindful of COVID-19 dangers and large groups, we basically had dinners and officers’ meetings and not much in the way of events.
More member photos can be found in the GBU Life Member Community and the districts section of the GBU website (reporter.gbu.org/member-news). For information regarding GBU insurance or annuity products, contact one of our GBU referral agents: Christine Wohnus-Theros (810-231-2064) or agent Karl Schumacher (734-834-8895). Check out GBU’s new member referral program—earn $100 for each new member. Hopefully, everyone had a safe and happy Thanksgiving, a merry Christmas, a warm-and-cozy winter and the happiest of New Year’s! Stay safe and healthy! - Christina MacKellar, Fraternal Secretary 734-646-9388 or christina.mackellar@gbu.org
The Reporter
September meeting attendees. We were still able to do Hands Across America on May 1 and as a group, cleaned up a park/campground in town that is run by the local church. We were also able to do One Week One Street starting June 22. A local Saginaw church picked one street in a distressed part of Saginaw to clean up yards, paint houses, repair fences. Our team was tasked with building a shed for a family’s backyard.
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District 699–Frankenmuth, Michigan, continued
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). - Dan Pierce, Fraternal Secretary 989-482-9020 or dan.pierce@mail.com
District 701–Pontiac, Michigan
I hope everyone had a very healthy and happy Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s! As we ring in 2022, let’s first congratulate Matt Blistan on his retirement and thank him for his many years of leadership and hard work to bring GBU to where we are today. All our best to you, Matt, and enjoy your next adventures! Building the shed. We did have some great dinner meetings at daVinci’s, Slow Bones BBQ, Harvey's, Lucky’s Steak House, Zehnder’s Restaurant and the Riverside Inn. Many good steaks, seafood, burgers and pies were consumed in the name of fraternalism! Hope you were able to join our Christmas Party at our home restaurant, daVinci’s. Due to COVID restrictions, our usual caroling activities at the local assisted living facility had to be cancelled.
In early November, GBU Regional Sales Manager Chris Russen drove from Ohio and met with me to discuss GBU’s ongoing growth and big plans for 2022 and beyond. Are you aware how many states GBU does business in? You may be surprised! Thanks for making the trip Chris, it’s positive reinforcement to see the efforts of Home Office to build GBU to another 100+ years. Fortunately for District 701, we’ve been meeting every month; holding our meetings as if it’s just another day. We’re especially fortunate to have such a beautiful park-like setting at the DASV for our Christmas in July and our summer Picnic in August.
However, many of our members were able to attend the German Christmas Songfest at the St. Lorenz Lutheran Church this past November, and commented on how enjoyable it was to attend with fellow members. Thanks goes out to Dan Haubenstricker for bringing this event to our Membership’s attention. We even had an officers' meeting to put together our 2022 calendar at the local Frankenmuth Burger King which has a meeting room so that we could enjoy some fast food and create a fast calendar to make 2022 an exciting year with many outings and fellowship meetings.
We hope you and yours had a wonderful and safe holiday season and are hoping for a better 2022 . I would like to remind everyone that a district officer's position is the place to be if you wish to help “steer the ship” that is your district. Manfred Schwarz has been our District 699 President for the past 10 years. He has done a wonderful job in leading us through the many changes and challenges that face all districts. He has decided to step down as president and move to the position of marshal. We would like to thank him for his tireless efforts and his time devoted to GBU 699. Christine Pfeffer has decided to step down as an officer. We thank her for her many years of service in many positions. Our officers for 2022 are as follows: President Leo Ohlendorf First Vice President Regina Pierce Second Vice President Lindsey Pierce Fraternal Secretary Dan Pierce Recording Secretary Cassandra Rutkowski Treasurer Tim Weiss Marshals Manfred Schwarz Evelin Mertz Sentinels Ralph Haubenstricker Connie Berlin Susan Weiss Trustees Gerda Jones Kaitlyn Pierce Marian Ludlum We look forward to all our future activities and fraternal fun with all our members. If you are a District 699 member wishing to partake in one of our meetings or events, please contact me at dan.pierce@mail.com.
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First annual kings’ luncheon. This past fall’s DASV Octoberfest was a HUGE success!
Early in the night. Octoberfest, under the lights. At our November meeting we voted our election of officers for 2022 and again agreed to hold all officers “as-is” for another year. Current members who haven’t attended a meeting recently are encouraged to drop in! Remember, charitable giving is another way to help out during the winter months. Those household goods you may not have room for are a nice way of giving back to the less fortunate. District 701 members are continuing our effort to give often. Over at the DASV, it’s worth mentioning that aside from being the nicest bunch of people, the DASV is and was about the only group in the area celebrating anything (fun) since spring of 2020. Many members donated their time and thoroughly cleaned and updated the DASV clubhouse for its Coronation Ball this past fall which was a huge success. Check out the DASV's website (www.dasv.org) for its for their next coming events and to see past festivities. Talk to them about joining the group too! Appreciation goes to GBU for the creation of the new “community” page (community.gbu.org). Although there “may” be a few tweaks to work out, it’s a nice place to catch up with what’s going on within the districts (members only). Upcoming Events February March 1 April 5
no meeting, winter break (at the beach) monthly meeting, DASV clubhouse, 11:30 a.m. monthly meeting, DASV clubhouse, 11:30 a.m.
Winter 2022
District 701–Pontiac, Michigan, continued
A few of our members also signed up to volunteer at Sixth St. Hall to prepare food for Pulaski days. Marie Byl, Jean Benedict and Judy Cwiklinski worked for hours preparing the potatoes for the weekend’s Polish event. Our volunteering was very much appreciated for the big Pulaski weekend.
As fraternal secretary, I can tell you ways that your participation with GBU can help your community and yourself. Deutsch sprechen? GBU wird sogar helfen, die Kosten für das Erlernen JEDER Sprache zu bezahlen! [GBU will even help pay the cost of learning ANY language!]
District 707-Grand Rapids Michigan, held its annual Christmas party for members and nonmembers on November 7, 2021. We had a small turnout due to all the increased COVID worries. Our fundraiser was for Toys for Tots. We received many wonderful gifts for the kids and, of course, monetary donations for this organization. Jim Weber volunteered to take these to the collection site. Marie Byl also hosted a silent auction of beautiful gift baskets with proceeds going to Degage Ministries for its holiday needs. Even though it was a smaller group than usual, we enjoyed each other’s company, good food and wonderful entertainment by Living the Dream band. We even had a visit from one of Santa’s elves, Garrett Pourron, who passed out treats to all the good “boys and girls.” Our group always enjoys chocolate treats!
Please consider joining us the first Tuesday of every month at the DASV clubhouse or simply make a phone call to inquire about what GBU can offer you. New members are what keeps GBU strong and maintains our fraternal recognition.
- Richard A De Arment, Fraternal Secretary 248-709-4949 or MetroDetroitBroker@gmail.com
District 707-Grand Rapids, Michigan
We are excited to welcome in a new year and hope you are all doing well. We enjoyed many fun events during the last quarter of 2021. We held our annual summer Picnic on August 1. It turned out to be a beautiful day filled with good food, bingo and lots of conversation and laughs. We enjoyed music provided by Dan Bizon. Some members joined the Senior Neighbors group for a Boat Trip that left from Holland, Michigan. They had a beautiful day and great scenery to enjoy along with food and music! We held our annual Octoberfest Dinner/Dance on September 26. Some members wore their German outfits. We had an authentic German band that played some great German music. Food was wonderful as usual, and everyone seemed to have a great time.
At the tables we all signed Christmas cards for the veterans at Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. So many of these vets enjoy receiving a special Christmas greeting and an acknowledgement that we are so thankful for their service! God bless them! More photos from our all events can be found in the GBU Life Member Community and the districts section of the GBU website (reporter.gbu.org/member-news). District 707 meets at 6 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Sixth Street Hall. Come join us to learn what we are doing and give us your ideas. Any questions, please call me. We want you there to help us keep our district strong and be a blessing to our community. If you need information on any GBU products, please contact one of our referral agents: Terry Vander Laan (616-723-3441) or Mary Jane Shrauger (616-450-7451). - Judy Cwiklinski, Fraternal Secretary 616-454-6026
District 815–Dayton, Ohio
Thank you to our GBU family for making the Liederkranz Germanfest such a success. Barb DeLong, Paula Boehm, Trudy Campbell and many others also donated their time.
Some members in German attire.
More members in their German outfits. We even had a group picture taken of our “over-90” members! How blessed we are to have such faithful members!
Richard Haber and Anne Pepiot helped with peeling these potatoes.
We proudly presented a check for $1,350 to the Dayton Liederkranz because of our GBU Volunteer in Action hours. (L to r) John Koerner, Debbie Venys, Margie Lewis, Judy Schneider and myself.
Over 90s group.
The Reporter
The Kettering Children’s Choir received a $2,000 donation. As a fundraiser through the choir’s leaders $1,000 was raised, and $1,000 was through Matching Funds from the GBU Give Back Program, thanks to Judy Schneider’s leadership.
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District 815–Dayton, Ohio, continued
District 817–Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Happy New Year! Hopefully your Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays were safe and happy. The COVID-19 virus had prevented us from having district meetings, but we were able to have our October meeting with our Halloween Costume Party afterwards. Our December meeting was followed by Christmas Dinner.
The Choir practicing. During October, we featured our FOUR District 815 Scholarship recipients in weekly conference calls. Our four scholars are Jeri Lyn Brooks, Chlöe Brzozowski, Jack Culley and Christian Peek.
Our district has been busy contributing canned goods to the local food pantry and donating socks to Declan's Socks for the Streets (socks for the homeless) in addition to continuing to contribute to the GBU Scholarship Fund.
Socks for the homeless. We look forward to increasing our fraternalism and community contributions in 2022.
As you can tell we are very proud of them! At this time, we still meet via conference calls. We look forward to meeting in person in the near future. The GBU Conference Bridge is the telephone line we have been using to keep our members informed. All we do is call the long-distance number, provide the four-digit bridge number, then enter a four-digit PIN, Thank you to Richard Haber and Barb DeLong for representing us at the Relay For Life.
- Julie Davis, Fraternal Secretary 215-870-6585 or bjb7241@verizon.net
District 821–Sterling Heights, Michigan
Unfortunately I have to start with the sad news that our long-time fraternal secretary, Adele Reinke, passed away. She diligently, and always in the timely manner, took care of our district article news in The Reporter. I am sure you saw her name in every issue reporting the news of our activities.
We had our Picnic on July 18 at the St. Peter’s church grounds. Everyone shared food, fun, games and stories. On that day, Adele enjoyed herself! We as the district were very involved with many community activities this summer and fall, mostly helping and supporting with attendance. The DASV was thankful for the Members in Action program’s $850 matched fund, which I was able to raise for them. We have selected the Five Rivers Metro Park’s Foundation Wesleyan Metro Park’s Adventure Central Kitchen as our District in Action Project for 2022. The center empowers youth to be their best. We are very excited about this opportunity. The GBU Life Member Community site (community.GBU.org) continues to grow. Thank you, Jácque Slater, for being our administrator. GBU Preferred 8 Annuity interest rates are 3.10%. Upcoming Events Tuesday, January 18
Meeting through GBU's Conference Bridge, 4:25 p.m.
Tuesday, February 15
Meeting through GBU's Conference Bridge, 4:25 p.m
September 10 was our first meeting after the losses of Vice President Peter Herrmann and Fraternal Secretary Adele Reinke. We haven’t been able to fill the positions yet, although Ingrid Stein was willing to be vice president. Thank you, Ingrid. September 10 was also the first Oktoberfest of the DASV. It was a Friday evening with dinner, drinks and music, lots of good, old German music played by the Rhinelander. Thank you President Jim Binder and Wendy, Ronny Arndt and others.
Our Select Series term insurance plans provide important life insurance coverage with very affordable premiums. For assistance with your insurance and financial needs, please contact referral agent Chris van Breukelen, FIC (937-885-4784) or sales agents Perry and Paul Groves (937-335-9797). - Chris van Breukelen, FIC 937-885-4784 or wvanbreukelen@compuserve.com
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Knitted/crocheted blankets and caps our GBU ladies made for the Children's Hospital in Detroit. The ladies have made these blankets and caps every year for the last few years and then they get them all blessed at St. Peters Lutheran Church.
Winter 2022
District 821–Sterling Heights, Michigan, continued
Many of our members were involved working before, during and after the Carpathia’s Oktoberfest, October 1-3, a three-day endeavor. Thank you for all your help. The Seniors Get-Together at St. Peters Church included a nice lunch, singing and a few stories from members. The seniors at the German church meet regularly two times per month. Lore Kopp is always part of the kitchen crew having a tasty lunch available, and Renate Rotellini is always involved in a variety of ways. Johann Benesch has the nicest and mostly educational videos ready for our entertainment. Our German-American day celebration was this time on Sunday afternoon October 10th. It pleased many of us seniors who rather be home early. We had a very nice program with the Michigan Sängerbezirk (GBU, Carpathia and Schwaben Male choirs) singing the German and American national anthems, plus two well-known folk songs Kein schöner Land and Rennsteig Lied. The Carpathia youth group and Kinder dance group performed very nicely. We named the new German-American of the Year: Mr. Erwin Rauschendorfer, a very deserving man. The Edelweiss dance group performed beautifully honoring him for his many year as president of the Edelweiss Club and the very special music done by the Siasswasser Tanzlmusi added to a time of Gemütlichkeit. Edith Kuplent and Siegfried Charrow took a few of our GBU able-bodied members to Fort Custer in Battle Creek, with a wreath from the GACC President Ingrid Stein, ordered for the fallen WW2 German soldiers who are buried there. The Michigan Sängerbezirk choirs are alternately singing at this event every year.
I wish for all of you having a pleasant and blessed remaining wintertime and keep healthy! Any financial questions concerning your retirement living, children and grandchildren’s future, frustrations with your investments—let me help if you please. Happy New Year 2022! - Marianne Krenzer, Acting Secretary 586-776-7058 or mekrenzer@hotmail.com
District 2000–ULS
District 2000-Sponsored Bowling Tournament Is Back! Our district-sponsored Bowling Tournament for all GBU members is back on schedule and we’re ready to bowl on Saturday and Sunday, April 23-24, 2022. This two-day event will be held at the Meadows Casino in Washington, PA. GBU members from all districts are invited with the option to bowl in any three-game event, or if you love to bowl, participate in all events both days. If interested, email jdhauser1@comcast.net for registration information or call tournament manager Melanie Kilgore (330-936-4411).
The Reporter
District 2000 Scholarships Awarded In 2021, District 2000 awarded 14 scholarships totaling $7,000. Each student received a $500 grant toward tuition costs. Congratulations go out to the following scholarship recipients: Hailey Biehl, Holly Critchley, Kelsy Cross, Benjamin Ferrara, Haleigh Gronwold, Gage Krumlauf, Gabrielle Lucas, Kevin Mealwitz, Matthew Mealwitz, Courtney Pier, Emma Pringle, Jack Pringle, Emma Sanders and Clark Visca. District 2000 Scholarship applications will once again be available early next year with a June 30 deadline. District Fraternal Donations District 2000 offers several fraternal programs to assemblies and officers that provide financial support to charitable organizations and those in need. Assembly 126 from Massillon, Ohio, took advantage of these programs in making financial contributions to the following organizations:
A monetary donation was given to Apraxia Kids. This contribution was made to their “Walk for Apraxia” in which GBU members participated. Childhood apraxia is defined as a neurological speech sound disorder that makes it difficult for children to speak. Children with the diagnosis generally have a good understanding of language and know what they want to say. However, they have difficulty learning or carrying out the complex sequenced movements that are necessary for intelligible speech. More information on their great work can be found at www.apraxia-kids.org.
A second donation was directed to Save 22. This group of like-minded veteran friends is working together in raising awareness for and the prevention of veterans and active duty service men and women suicides. Shown is Tom the owner and founder of Save 22 for Veterans accepting our donation. You can visit their website for more information and funding at www.save22.vet.
Assembly Activities Assembly #62 in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, held a meeting at Trinity Lutheran Church to discuss future activities. The group decided to have a take-out membership dinner available for pick up in March of 2022 due to the popularity of the event which was held last summer. Members also voted to continue to cosponsor the annual General Election Day Bake Sale in addition to discussing the possibility of attending a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game or attending an area musical event during this summer.
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ATTENTION ALL GBU BOWLERS
Bowling TOURNAMENT
District 2000–ULS, continued
Assembly 62 officers and members discuss ideas.
SPONSORED BY DISTRICT 2000-ULS
Saturday & Sunday, April 23-24, 2022 at the Meadows Casino in Washington, PA After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our Bowling Tournament is back on schedule. Once again, members and non-members will have the option to bowl in any three-game event or participate in all events, both days. If interested, email Jerry Hauser at jdhauser1@comcast.net for registration information or call tournament manager Melanie Kilgore (330-936-4411).
Assembly 9 had a food drive supported by members of Dr. Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Brooklyn, Ohio. All the food collected was given to Redeemer ICH Crisis Center in Cleveland, Ohio. As church members came in they were given a “sermon snack” from Assembly 9, as a thank you for their donation. Pictured is Jim Slough, secretary of Assembly 9.
Assembly 9 made a donation to the youth shelter of Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries of Cleveland, Ohio. Pictured is Assembly 9 President Debby Voldrich with LMM representative. More member news and photos can be found in the GBU Life Member Community and the districts section of the GBU website (reporter.gbu.org/member-news). Life Insurance, Annuities, IRA, Fraternal Benefits Check out the GBU website (gbu.org) for more information on the above products and benefits. For access to an agent or district representative in your area, contact the GBU Home Office. Until next time! - Jerry A. Hauser, Treasurer jdhauser1@comcast.net 46
Winter 2022
District 3000–HRFA Submitted by Jonathan Naser. Thank you, Rev. Martin. This year marks Rev. Leslie Martin's 21st year of service to HRFA and GBU District 3000. He served 11 years on HRFA's Board of Directors and 10 years as a District 3000 district officer including the past three as president. While he will not continue in an officer role, he will continue to be an active GBU member. From my first meeting, the officers quickly encouraged and supported me to get involved and grow personally and professionally. Rev. Martin has provided consistent encouragement and advice, helping me grow in my role as a district officer and later as a Home Office employee. Rev. Martin was instrumental in guiding the merger and early years of the partnership with GBU. His guidance and leadership have been crucial for the integration of District 3000 into GBU while retaining our Hungarian heritage and identity. Best wishes Rev. Martin in retirement, thank you!
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. Date Dist. January 29 84 29 84
Event Bowling, Leisure Lanes Bingo game
February 26 84
Bowling, Leisure Lanes, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 28
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Spring Pie Sale orders due
April 9 10 23-24
45 510 ALL
Spring Pie Sale orders come in Children’s Easter Egg Hunt, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. District 2000-Sponsored Bowling Tournament, Meadows Casino in Washington, PA. See district article for registration info.
Linda and Rev. Leslie Martin at GBU’s 35th National Convention.
District 4000–Sokol USA
Lodge 26 in Guttenberg, New Jersey, was holding its annual election of officers on December 4. Please contact Brother Buddy Burkhardt (aburkh2130@gmail.com) for future meeting times and locations. Sokol Lodge 130 New Kensington member, Margaret Gaydac, turned 100 years old in December 2021.
We wish her a belated happy 100th birthday! She no longer lives in the area and has moved away. We truly miss her at our lodge 130, she is a sweet and nice person! It is a milestone birthday to be celebrated. Best wishes always from Lodge 130 members! More member news and photos can be found in the GBU Life Member Community and the districts section of the GBU website (reporter.gbu.org/member-news). - Kristin Greenberg, District Secretary knmerker@gmail.com The Reporter
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District Community Spotlight District 821 partners with the newly formed Carpathia Foundation to preserve German heritage in Sterling Heights, Michigan With the common interest of preserving Danube Swabian German heritage, GB District 821 has always worked hand-in-hand with the Carpathia Club. Recently, the club formed a brand new entity, the Carpathia Foundation Inc., which is recogni2ed as a 501(c)(3) organi2ation. The mission of the Foundation is to preserve and promote Danube Swabian German heritage, traditions and culture through customs, music, folk dance, education, sports and historic preservation. Many of those active in the forming and running of the Foundation are District 821 members, and the district is using GB 's new Give Back Groups benefit to match funds raised from the community for the foundation. The Foundation was off to a great start this year as it brought back several traditional German events for the enjoyment of the community.
Kirchweih The very traditional Kirchweih is still held in many European countries. This custom goes back centuries to celebrate the annual dedication or consecration of the local church. Historically, it is three days of activities beginning with beautiful decorations, a procession through the town and a special mass; all followed by delicious meals, dancing and fun for all. The date of Kirchweih varies from town-to-town, city-to-city, depending on the original dedication date, or on the church's patron saint day.
On November 13, it was good to see Carpathia Club nicely decorated and filled with friends ready to celebrate this traditional dance again. Kirchweih is surely the longest held dance within the club’s history. This year the event was sponsored by the newly created Carpathia Foundation, Inc. Guests were greeted at the door with a pin of rosmarin (rosemary) and ribbons for luck and health. A delicious schnit2el dinner was served followed by a warm welcome to guests both local and from as far away as Milwaukee and Philadelphia. The program began with the Carpathia Jugendgruppe (youth group) crowning the new royalty. Outgoing king and queen, Sebastian Cole and Alexandra Sehling (granddaughter of Edith Sehling ), who reigned for a record-setting two years, passed the crown to new King Timothy Landenberger and Queen Kylie Kapraun (grandniece of Edith Sehling ). The new royalty was immediately put to work. Taking the colorful beribboned Strauß (bouquet), they led the Kirchweih march throughout the hall, inviting guests to join in along the way. The procession ended with the dance floor full of happy participants ready to begin the celebration. was ham mir heut? Ja, Kirchweih! The Kindergruppe (children's group) charmed the audience, as usual, with its entertaining performance. Even the broom made it to the dance floor for a fun " Besen Tan2." Ne0t up,
The newly crowned festival king and queen, Timothy Landenberger and Kylie Kapraun, lead the Kirchweih march throughout the hall
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the lively Strauß auction. In between bids, the Jugendgruppe delighted the crowd with spins, flying girls, flips and dancing to music. The lucky winner: Helga Kniep, who coa0ed husband Burkhard to join her for the Ehrenwalzer (honorary waltz). The Jugendgruppe performance began with much enthusiasm. The first dance included a nod back to the Kronen Tanz (Crown Dance) of years ago where the dancers marched in holding decorated arches. A new program of up-tempo dances showed their dancing skills and delighted the audience. The Carpathia Blasmusikanten provided music for our listening and dancing pleasure. A traditional evening requires a traditional band.
Christmas Market District 821 was not able to hold its annual Christmas market last year due to CO ID-19 restrictions, Much to everyone's delight, it was able to be held this year on November 28, District 821 President Edith Kuplent had worked since early spring to secure crafters and volunteers for the event. However because of very active district members like Adele Reinke, Peter Hermann and Joseph Groele passing to their reward, and many others having difficulty managing the event due to health and age, the district voted to ask the Carpathia Foundation to take over the event. Even with the first snow, many people came. The annual GBU display was hosted by Marianne Krenzer and drew quite a group of interested people stopping by to find out more about GBU and enjoy some nice promotional giveaways. Teaming up with other organizations who share values and goals in your community is a great way to e0pand the reach of your GBU district. Thank you to District 821 for your work throughout the pandemic to keep your district active and your common bond of German culture alive in your community. If your district would like help brainstorming ways to work with additional groups in your community, set up a meeting with Districts and Special Projects Coordinator Mary Koczan at the Home Office. A special thank you to Marianne Krenzer, acting secretary of District 821, and Karin Schwalbe, director of the Carpathia Foundation, for providing content for this article.
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FRATERNAL ADVENTURES Jennifer Stockdale
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(try to) replace him. I had a pleasant drive to Atlantic City, where the convention takes place, at the famous Tropicana. I have to admit, I was not quite prepared to navigate the Tropicana when I arrived and ended up getting very lost while trying to check in. On the upside, I did get in 6,000 steps after a six-hour drive, which was some much-needed activity. I realized that this particular adventure would be much more fun with a travel partner. The Tropicana seemed to have a lot to offer with a casino (of course) and many shopping and dining options, which was fortunate, since the boardwalk did not appear to be well-lit, but the hotel did offer a nice view of the city and beach.
Bright and early the next morning, I had the chance to meet other members of the alliance. I had met a few people previously at other alliance meetings, so it was nice to catch up. The leadership team was very energetic and did a fantastic job with the convention. There were both in-person and virtual presentations about a variety of topics such as actuarial outlooks, socially responsible investing and updates from the American Fraternal Alliance (AFA). The convention ended with a banquet where the new board members (including myself) were installed. I am looking forward to being a part of this great team and helping to strengthen fraternalism in New Jersey and New York.
October 7, 2021: NJ-NY Fraternal Alliance 88th Annual Convention
Photo by Laura Swirsding
So, admittedly, I got in on the NJ-NY Fraternal Alliance a little late, and I've missed the first 87 annual conventions. Matt Blistan has been a member of this board for the last several years, and I volunteered to (try to) replace him. I had a pleasant drive to Atlantic City, where the convention takes place, at the famous Tropicana. I have to admit, I was not quite prepared to navigate the Tropicana when I arrived and ended up getting very lost while trying to check in. On the upside, I did get in 6,000 steps after a six-hour drive, which was some much-needed activity. I realized that this particular adventure would be much more fun with a travel partner. The Tropicana seemed to have a lot to offer with a casino (of course) and many shopping and dining options, which was fortunate, since the boardwalk did not appear to be well-lit, but the hotel did offer a nice view of the city and beach. Bright and early the next morning, I had the chance to meet other members of the alliance. I had met a few people previously at other alliance meetings, so it was nice to catch up. The leadership team was very energetic and did a fantastic job with the convention. There were both in-person and virtual presentations about a variety of topics such as actuarial outlooks, socially responsible investing and updates from the American Fraternal Alliance (AFA). The convention ended with a banquet where the new board members (including myself) were installed. I am looking forward to being a part of this great team and helping to strengthen fraternalism in New Jersey and New York.
Photo by Laura Swirsding
The Reporter
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board for the last several years, and I volunteered to (try to) replace him. I had a pleasant drive to Atlantic City, where the convention takes place, at the famous Tropicana. I have to admit, I was not quite prepared to navigate the Tropicana when I arrived and ended up getting very lost while trying to check in. On the upside, I did get in 6,000 steps after a six-hour drive, which was some much-needed activity. I realized that this particular adventure would be much more fun with a travel partner. The Tropicana seemed to have a lot to offer with a casino (of course) and many shopping and dining options, which was fortunate, since the boardwalk did not appear to be well-lit, but the hotel did offer a nice view of the city and beach.
Bright and early the next morning, I had the chance to meet other members of the alliance. I had met a few people previously at other alliance meetings, so it was nice to catch up. The leadership team was very energetic and did a fantastic job with the convention. There were both in-person and virtual presentations about a variety of topics such as actuarial outlooks, socially responsible investing and updates from the American Fraternal Alliance (AFA). The convention ended with a banquet where the new board members (including myself) were installed. I am looking forward to being a part of this great team and helping to strengthen fraternalism in New Jersey and New York.
October 25-26, 7, 2021:2021: NJ-NY October PAFraternal FraternalAlliance Alliance88th Annual Convention (PFA) 109th Annual Meeting
So, admittedly, I got in on the NJ-NY Fraternal Alliance a The PFA Annual Meeting offered me a break from travel since it was held in Pittsburgh. It was great to little late, and I've missed the first 87 annual see some of the same fraternal representatives from the NJ-NY Fraternal Alliance at this meeting. conventions. Matt Blistan has been a member of this Allison Koppel, CEO of the American Fraternal Alliance (AFA), was able to attend and give an in-person board for the last several years, and I volunteered to update on how the AFA is proceeding with alliance growth and the promotion of fraternalism (try to) replace him. I had a pleasant drive to Atlantic throughout the country. City, where the convention takes place, at the famous Tropicana. I have to admit, I was not quite prepared to navigate Tropicana when arrived ended up was During thethe dinner banquet, ourI very ownand Matt Blistan getting very trying to check in. OnUpchurch the upside, awarded the lost Johnwhile Jordan Upchurch Award. is Irecognized did get in 6,000 steps after a six-hour drive, which was as the father of the fraternal benefit system, and some much-needed activity. I realized that this and this award in his honor recognizes distinguished particular adventure be much more withMatt's a exemplary service to would fraternalism within thefun PFA. travel partner. The Tropicana seemed to his have a loton to its lifelong commitment to fraternalism and focus offer with a casino (of course) and many and him growth at GBU Life over his 20-year careershopping distinguishes dining options, which was since among award winners. We fortunate, at GBU were verythe proud to see him boardwalk did not appear to be well-lit, but the hotel recognized for all of the great things he has done. did offer a nice view of the city and beach.
And the Winner Is ...
Photo by Laura Swirsding
Bright and early the next morning, I had the chance to It is a real honor to have my name added to a list of fraternal icons. In meet other members of the alliance. I had met a few reality, if it wasn't for Johnso Jordan people previously at other alliance meetings, it was Upchurch, we might all not be sitting today as he really didvery bring the lifeblood of fraternals into a mostly nice to catchhere up. The leadership team was energetic and did a club fantastic job with convention. social industry bythe adding life insurance to our fraternal purpose. There were both in-person and virtual presentations M A of T Ttopics M . B Lsuch I S T Aas N , actuarial JR. about a variety outlooks, socially responsible investing and updates from the American Fraternal Alliance (AFA). The convention The new board members, including GBU CMO Lesley Mann, were sworn in at the banquet as well. ended with a banquet where the new board members (including myself) were installed. I am looking forward to being a part of this great team and helping to strengthen fraternalism in New Jersey and New York. Photo by Laura Swirsding
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Winter 2022
(try to) replace him. I had a pleasant drive to Atlantic City, where the convention takes place, at the famous Tropicana. I have to admit, I was not quite prepared to navigate the Tropicana when I arrived and ended up getting very lost while trying to check in. On the upside, I did get in 6,000 steps after a six-hour drive, which was some much-needed activity. I realized that this particular adventure would be much more fun with a travel partner. The Tropicana seemed to have a lot to offer with a casino (of course) and many shopping and dining options, which was fortunate, since the boardwalk did not appear to be well-lit, but the hotel did offer a nice view of the city and beach.
Bright and early the next morning, I had the chance to meet other members of the alliance. I had met a few people previously at other alliance meetings, so it was nice to catch up. The leadership team was very energetic and did a fantastic job with the convention. There were both in-person and virtual presentations about a variety of topics such as actuarial outlooks, socially responsible investing and updates from the American Fraternal Alliance (AFA). The convention ended with a banquet where the new board members (including myself) were installed. I am looking forward to being a part of this great team and helping to strengthen fraternalism in New Jersey and New York.
November 6-7, 2021: Flag Consecration
Matt Blistan and I recently attended the consecration ceremony for the new flag that was created for the Toledo Holzhacker Baum (THB). I brought my family along and learned a lot about this great organization that works in cooperation with GBU District 510.
Photos by Laurie
Renz
Photo by Laura Swirsding
When we received an invitation from the THB to attend its upcoming Fahnenweihe, I was immediately encouraged by Matt to attend. "It's a fun group, you'll love them," he insisted. So, I packed up my family, and we headed to Toledo. During the four-hour drive, I googled "fahnenweihe" and found out that it is one of those great German compound words that means "flag consecration." This is a very important day for a new flag. During the consecration ceremony, the flag is put under the protection of God and it is officially able to take up its duty representing the organization.
The day before the fahnenweihe, there was a casual reception held at the Chalet at Oak Shade Grove, the grounds of the German-American Festival where several German and Swiss cultural groups (seven to be exact) hold meetings and events. I met some District 510 members and officers as well as the current THB president, Andrew Beevis. Andrew told me the THB and District 510 joined forces in 2013 to promote German and Bavarian heritage in Toledo. Since then THB has grown, bringing a continuous influx of energetic families to help both organizations thrive. This past summer, THB found a unique way to fundraise by putting its energy and talent to bartending and catering for a huge summer concert series in Toledo.
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Photo by Laura Swirsding
Saturday morning service, and both So, admittedly, I got in on the before NJ-NY the Fraternal Alliance a kids became Mud Hens fans87for life, after simply seeing little late, and I've missed the first annual theMatt logo.Blistan We also Imagination conventions. hasvisited been athe member of thisStation, and I was almost unable get everyone board for the last several years, and to I volunteered to to leave in time!him. I had a pleasant drive to Atlantic (try to) replace City, where the convention takes place, at the famous Tropicana. I have to admit, I was not quite prepared to navigate the Tropicana when I arrived and ended up getting very lost while trying to check in. On the upside, I did get in 6,000 steps after a six-hour drive, which was some much-needed activity. I realized that this particular adventure would be much more fun with a travel partner. The Tropicana seemed to have a lot to offer with a casino (of course) and many shopping and dining options, which was fortunate, since the boardwalk did not appear to be well-lit, but the hotel The service itself was in the stunning St. Patrick's did offer a nice view of the city and beach. Cathedral and was a traditional Mass. It incorporated German hymns and readings and the Bright and early the next morning, I had the chance to final blessing and consecration of the new THB meet other members of the alliance. I had met a few flag. At the reception afterward, the new flag of people previously at other alliance meetings, so it was THB was displayed along with those of the other nice to catch up. The leadership team was very German dance organizations that came to energetic and did a fantastic job with the convention. celebrate and banners were handed out to mark There were both in-person and virtual presentations the occasion. The evening progressed with lively about a variety of topics such as actuarial outlooks, (and live) music, dancing and great conversation, socially responsible investing and from the until the kids begged usupdates to take them swimming at American Fraternal Alliance (AFA). The convention the hotel at 9:30 p.m. ended with a banquet where the new board members (including myself) were installed. I am looking forward510 is a The relationship between THB and District to being a part ofexample this great and helping great ofteam how districts canto work together strengthen with fraternalism in New Jersey and New York. benefit. organizations in their area for mutual
board for the last several years, and I volunteered to (try to) replace him. I had a pleasant drive to Atlantic City, where the convention takes place, at the famous Tropicana. I have to admit, I was not quite prepared to navigate the Tropicana when I arrived and ended up getting very lost while trying to check in. On the upside, I did get in 6,000 steps after a six-hour drive, which was some much-needed activity. I realized that this particular adventure would be much more fun with a travel partner. The Tropicana seemed to have a lot to offer with a casino (of course) and many shopping and dining options, which was fortunate, since the boardwalk did not appear to be well-lit, but the hotel did offer a nice view of the city and beach.
Bright and early the next morning, I had the chance to meet other members of the alliance. I had met a few people previously at other alliance meetings, so it was nice to catch up. The leadership team was very energetic and did a fantastic job with the convention. There were both in-person and virtual presentations about a variety of topics such as actuarial outlooks, socially responsible investing and updates from the American Fraternal Alliance (AFA). The convention ended with a banquet where the new board members (including myself) were installed. I am looking forward to being a part of this great team and helping to strengthen fraternalism in New Jersey and New York.
My kids had a great time, as kids do when there are October 7, 2021: NJ-NY Fraternal Alliance 88th all-you-can-drink soft drinks and a dance floor involved. They were able to make fast friends with Annual other Convention children from the group. We toured Toledo on
The groups support each other, help each other to grow and bring a bigger presence in their Photo by Laura Swirsding community of their common bond, German heritage. Thank you to THB for the invitation to join in this celebration. We had a great time getting to know everyone, and my family and I are excited to return to Toledo for the German-American Festival in the summer! 54
Winter 2022
October 7, 2021: NJ-NY Fraternal Alliance 88th Annual Convention So, admittedly, I got in on the NJ-NY Fraternal Alliance a little late, and I've missed the first 87 annual conventions. Matt Blistan has been a member of this
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
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The Reporter
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.
TOTAL RAISED THIS YEAR BETWEEN MEMBER DONATIONS AND GBU MATCHES ... June S
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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!
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Start a Birthday Facebook Fundraiser and GBU will match what your raise, up to $250!
Winter 2022
WALK LIKE MADD
GBU members use the Give Back Group program to maximize fundraising for a cause that is extremely important to them.
2021 FUNDRAISER by GBU member, Jon Naser My name is Jon Naser. Along with my mom Joann, sister Liz and friend Pam (all fellow GBU members), we participated in the Walk Like MADD event at North Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on September 19. Special thanks go to Pam’s husband John Ondash, GBU agent and our event photographer. We were grateful to participate in a GBU Give Back Group. Our team raised $3,803 with many donations from GBU members, employees and friends (some of whom gave anonymously). GBU matched that amount and also sponsored the event at the $1,000 level; helping our total fundraising surpass $15,000! Our goal was $5,000. The walk had 55 participants and 11 teams.
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WHY WE WALK I lost my dad Jim to a drunk driver in November 2007. He was taking my sister Liz and her two friends to basketball practice when he was hit by a drunk driver and killed instantly. Liz had severe injuries which required emergency brain surgery and was in a medically induced coma for several days. She made a miraculous recovery. Her two friends also made full recoveries. Pam and John’s son David was killed by a drunk driver in 2011. David was a loving father of three and Marine veteran. His loss led Pam to become involved with MADD. She is a dedicated volunteer and was co-chair of the Walk. Drunk driving is a choice and a 100% preventable crime but 10,142 people were killed by drunk driving in the United States in 2019. That's a death every 50 minutes and 29 a day. MADD advocates for stronger drunk driving legislation and provides free victim services to anyone impacted by drunk driving.
10,142 PEOPLE WERE KILLED BY DRUNK DRIVING IN THE UNITED STATES IN 2019. THAT'S A DEATH EVERY 50 MINUTES.
To stay up to date on our events please check out facebook.com/MADDPenn. We have several events each year such as memorial events and Pirates game fundraisers in addition to our yearly walk. Stay tuned for a Penguins game fundraiser on Sunday, January 23, 2022. Thank you everyone for your donations and support. I'd like to thank all of the Home Office staff (Matt, Julie, Mary, Anna, Rachel, Jennifer and Natasha) for their support and assistance. Thank you to all the donors and volunteers. We're very grateful your support. Thank you!
Form your Give Back Group at gbucares.org/give-back-groups
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Winter 2022
announces
Districts in Action 2022 Being community driven for over 129 years, GBU wishes to support the extraordinary local organizations that make a difference in each of our communities through our network of GBU districts. The Home Office wants to work with your local GBU district to support a 501(c)(3) organization in your area. To kick off the fundraiser, GBU will donate $1,000 to the selected organization. From January 1, 2022, to February 1, 2022, GBU will match 100 percent of member donations received for the district-selected organization, up to $2,500. Check your mailbox for a fundraising letter in January 2022. If you have questions, please contact the GBU Fraternal Department at 412-884-5100, 800-765-4428 or memberbenefits@gbu.org.
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KUDOS AND CONGRATULATIONS TO GBU'S 2021
retirees MATTHEW M. BLISTAN, JR. NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT 20 years with GBU
KATHY GRIENER INTERNAL SALES ASSISTANT 25 years with GBU
JERILYN MCCOLLUM INTERNAL SALES SUPPORT 40 years with GBU
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Winter 2022
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS for donating to Operation Reach Out Joyce Emerick District 4000-Sokol USA Lodge 59 Trenton, NJ Gerald W. Miller District 361-Barberton, OH Summerhill Social Club In memory of Walter Seder. D. R. Chatak Insurance Services LLC Harold Segal Dolores Meade Joan Marie Klein Ronald and Elaine Zuzack Theodore Carmack Mary Alice Drummer Alice H. Close Annemarie Kopp Helen E. Lloyd Deborah Newton Patricia Palen Arlene C. Shearer John J. Sladek Eugene and Linda Simeone Raymond M. Spagnolo Patricia T. Tomase Deborah H. Kosky Mary Louise Green Amber Oien Donna Kuchta Bova Rose Ann Brown Anthony Kordecki Bernice M. Bouley George and Pauline Clowes Charles and Virginia Lewandoski Patricia Mutchler Judy A. Petersen Marilyn Quinn John J. Schachern Joyce Shea Warren Janz Phyllis Lamberger Richard and Judy Obringer G. F. (Geraldine) Taylor Thomas J. Pecuch
The Reporter
Nancy Stephens Joseph E. Kopacko Milan S. Kovac Wayne Syring Anthony and Lois Cinkutis Gretchen W. Baudoux Paul M. Ashy Gloria and Dennis Baker Eugene and Cordelia Dettra Carol B. Hill Karen Ulrich Sally Ann Byrne Robert D. MacGowan Ethel M. Mull Mary K. Sieler Frederich and Sandra Spann Lori Lieb Thomas Joan M. Zwiebel Gisa Martens Bryan and Christa Porter Thomas H. McKown Claudia Rednak Frank and Janet Ripper Carol J. Brotherton Pearl Mary Goetsch John and Diane Weniger Phyllis M. Byrne Alice H. Close Gerald and Judith Whims Richard Tervo Elizabeth and Jacob Racon Robert and Clara Scott Barbara L. Stoker Robert T. Bistarkey Raymond and Vicki Brough Juanita A. Collet Dennis DeDominicis Joyce A. Merhaut Eleanora Ruth Postol Michael A. Priganc District 4000-Sokol USA Lodge 39 Stephen and Joyce Tambolas
Anthony F. Thomas Donna Tremonti William J. Bowes LaVerne C. Hoover Janet L. McNees William F. Bingaman Marilyn S. Quinn Charlette A. Vitalos German Club (Deutscher Sport Verein) William Brickell Elfriede M. Bruns Thomas P. Chucuddy Nick and Linda Ciappa Anna Dax Hilda Dax Helen M. Foss-Bohm Stephanie W. Freeman Gabriella Froehlich Kathleen F. Gorecki Keith D. Hilkert Josephine C. Horsman Patrick and Margaret Hughes Joseph E. Kopacko Leah Rae McCafferty Bruce W. McIlrath Gerald W. Miller Thomas J. Pecuch Diane M. Rairigh R. Joseph Reynolds Richard A. Tervo Mary Ann Wells Norma Smith Paul Dunlap Carolyn T. Klohe Sara L. Mills Bonnie Moulik Shirley M. Wasilisian Bernice F. Allen Diane M. Balaban Gail and Emil Brenkus Ronald N. Ehrlich Elaine S. Gladieux
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Joseph P. Horell Michael F. Kleiber Connie Navarro Sophie Wicker Kathy and Joe Neumeyer Catherine M. Galati Dorothy Curtiss Patricia J. DeSanto Gloria Kirila Rosanne J. Penzien Bonita L. Shingledecker District 402-Minneapolis, MN District 815-Dayton, OH District 4000-Sokol USA Frank J. Busa Ruth Daughenbaugh Henry and Norma Fleischmann District 1000-Lutheran Fraternities of America Joy Ann Trainer Robert and Stephanie Deak Maurice and Laurel Berglund Marlis Macholz Donald K. Young District 298-Allentown, PA Carol R. Odell District 684-Pittsburgh, PA George Wollner Donald P. Dailey District 45-Altoona, PA Gerda Suess District 4000-Sokol USA Lodge 26 Guttenberg, NJ Sue E. Moore Sylvia L. Werner Benjamin A. Wood District 2000-United Lutheran Society Susan F. Maul Michael R. Linnenkugel District 707-Grand Rapids, MI Mary Ann Wells District 818-Orlando, FL Sieglinde Buchholz Joseph and Barbara Gumola
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Eileen Hulme In memory of Wayne Hulme. Jane Lutinski Beverly Burkardt District 701-Sterling Heights, MI Milan Kovac Thomas R. Wesling Mary Ellen Stahlman District 84-Lancaster, PA District 821-Sterling Heights, MI Helen E. Hoy Bonnie J. Chellis District 291-Summerhill, PA Brad and Paula Fike Cecelia Rostas Rachel Beckman Darlene Hadix LeaAnn Hazi Penny Pearson District 510-Toledo, OH Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Union, NJ Cheryl A. Graziano District 146-Johnstown, PA Judy Rolando Frances J. Olyarnik Harry and Elsie Bartolowits Dennis and Monica Morris Toledo Holzhacker Baum Schuhplattler Gruppe Barbara L. Thomas Shirley M. Wasilisian Robert Deak and family In memory of 2nd Lt. Andrew Deak, Jr. James R. DePhillips Pearl Mary Goetsch Betty Mattes Bernadette B. Piwowar Charlette A. Vitalos Donald K. Young Gail B. Hagerty Helen K. Louttit Thomas J. Swab District 536-Lafayette, IN
Winter 2022
OPERATION REACH OUT
2022
Helping those who serve for us. Operation Reach out 2022 will run from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022. This year, GBU will continue to show both our deployed military service men and women and our veterans what their service means to us. Our goal is to help as many as possible, which we will do 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 The ReporterPittsburgh, PA 15264-5257.
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 63
Thank you for keeping our country safe!
Winter 2022
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GBU Life and its members thank you for your service to our country.
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The Reporter
A GIFT FOR GENERATIONS Want to create a way to give back that will help students for years to come? With a gift of $15,000 to the GBU Scholarship Foundation, you can set up a GBU Perpetual Education Grant which will offer a $500 educational grant to a different student each year. This gift is the perfect way to remember a loved one or establish a legacy of giving for your family. Your GBU Perpetual Education Grant can be established in your name, your family's name or the name of an honored loved one. Your gift will help fellow GBU members ready to pursue higher education for generations to come.
Contact the GBU Fraternal Department at memberbenefits@gbu.org if you are interested in funding a GBU Perpetual Education Grant.
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Winter 2022
NEWS FROM THE HOME OFFICE
The Reporter
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Dear GBU Life ... Thank you for selecting me as one of the recipients for the GBU Foundation Grant. This will be very helpful as I start my sophomore year as a civil engineering major attending Geneva College. Dylan Cannon West Mifflin, PA
Words can’t express how grateful I am for being chosen as a scholarship recipient! Thank you so much! Because of your generosity, I can concentrate more on my studies and not worry about my financial situation. I think GBU is great! Thanks again! Crystal L. Jones Danville, PA
I am sincerely honored and grateful to have been selected as recipient of the GBU Foundation Scholarship for the 2020-2021 academic year. Thank you for your generosity and financial support towards my graduate degree. As a second-year graduate student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, I plan to graduate in the spring of 2021 with a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology. I am currently participating in a full-time pediatric outpatient internship in addition to my course work. With your support and generosity, I am one step closer to obtaining my goal. Receiving the GBU Foundation Scholarship for the 2020-2021 academic year has decreased my financial burden and has enabled me to focus more on my education, at my internship and my education in the classroom for my future career. Your generosity has emphasized the importance of assisting others. As a future speech pathologist, my goal is to assist, serve and provide therapy that will enhance the lives of my clients. The example GBU has delivered to help one succeed is an attribute that I hope to provide to my clients in the future. Thank you again for your generous support and example. Kristen Kundrod Sidman, PA
My name is Katherine Koch and I was fortunate enough to be a GBU undergraduate scholarship recipient this year! Thank you so much for the award. This award will help me continue my studies towards a BFA in Dance on a pre-med track at the University of Hawaii. I am proud to be a GBU member, and I hope to continue the GBU spirit of making a difference in our communities. Katherine Koch Honolulu, HI Thank you for awarding me the James R. Stoker Memorial Education Grant. I am grateful that some of my financial burden will be alleviated and I can concentrate on my education. Matthew Moran Indiana, PA
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Winter 2022
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We use customer information to underwrite your policies, process your claims, ensure proper billing, service your policies and offer you other GBU products that we believe may suit your needs.
We value you as a member and take your personal privacy seriously. We have established policies, procedures, and safeguards to protect the information you have given us and to limit how the information is shared. This document describes what information we collect, and how we use and protect it.
We do not disclose nonpublic information about you with anyone, except as permitted or required by law or as you may authorize. GBU has no affiliated financial institutions or third-party nonaffiliates that have access to your nonpublic information, except as permitted or required by law or as you may authorize. We afford prospective and former members the same protections as existing members with respect to the use of nonpublic information. PRB12/20.2
The Reporter
PO Box 645949, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-5257 800-765-4428 service@gbu.org gbu.org
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GBU PRESENTS
NOTES FROM THE HOME OFFICE GBU Foundation Scholarship Program Donations Milan Kovac In memory of James Stoker GBU National Board of Directors In memory of Adele Reinke and Michelle Holmes District 510-Toledo, Ohio In memory of Cecil Adkins, Doris Durr, Barbara Hofmeister, Shirley Jones, Max Lais, Irene Marr, Donald Nyitray, James Pacer, Joseph Rollheiser and Lieselotte Sielicki District 701-Pontiac, Michigan District 815-Dayton, Ohio In memory of Philomene King and Jane Zahn District 817-Philadelphia, Pennsylvania District 818-Orlando, Florida District 821-Sterling Heights, Michigan District 3000-HRFA In honor of the retirement of Matt Blistan
September/October 2021 Musical Word Scramble Fraternal Winner and Participants GBU wishes to recognize the most recent fraternal puzzle contest winner, along with the participants. Lucky $25 Amazon Gift Card Winner Aneka D. of Hood River, Ohio Participants in the latest puzzle were Maeli K. of Hermitage, Pennsylvania; David J. of New Lothrop, Michigan; Dylan F. of Liberty Township, Ohio; Graham Z. of Sandusky, Ohio; Katy K. of Central City, Pennsylvania; Phoebe S. of Kutztown, Pennsylvania; Patricia K. of Central City, Pennsylvania and Thomas B. of Pittsford, New York. 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.
September/October 2021 Musical Word Scramble Fraternal Puzzle Answers 1. 2. 3. 4.
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Beat Chord Flat Pitch
5. Melody 6. Note 7. Sharp 8. Staccato
9. Rhythm 10. Tempo
Winter 2022
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LOVE YOUR GBU MEMBERSHIP? Refer your friends and family and get rewarded! GBU WANTS MORE MEMBERS LIKE YOU Refer your friends and family, and GBU will reward you with a $100 Visa gift card for each new member that joins. Limit $300 max reward for new members in the same household You may claim a reward for non-GBU members in your own household Rewards apply to members who join from July 1, 2021, or later New member must be registered to referring member via inside.gbu.org/referral To apply your reward go to inside.gbu.org/referral to register. We will contact your referrals and identify the best GBU membership solution to meet their needs.
