Benny’s Page

Chester Arbor (OH) worked to thank local re departments, law enforcement and EMS groups in Morrow County. Each group was given a laminated certi cate to hang as a reminder of the arbor’s appreciation, and each individual rst responder received a paperweight engraved with a handshake and “Chester Arbor thanks you.” In addition, each one received bagged cookies.

Homer Twp Oak Arbor (IL) hired Beaver Shredding to conduct a successful shredding event at the township o ce parking lot. e May 1 event drew a total of 70 cars. e eight members — all wearing Gleaner T-shirts — borrowed eight safety cones from the township highway department and directed tra c ow in the lot. Arbor information and Gleaner seed packets were passed out to each car. Huron Shores Arbor (MI) held several activities including a thank you for all teachers and sta at six Croswell-Lexington Community Schools facilities (212 teachers total). e arbor purchased candy bars and thank you notes, assembled them, and delivered them to the six schools. e arbor followed up on June 8 by replacing its annual Family Fun Run Dinner — which was prevented by local COVID restrictions — and instead holding a walking eld trip to Frostick Freeze Ice Cream Parlor. All 329 elementary school students who participated in the Heart Smart Mileage Program were rewarded with a bowl of ice cream.

Maple City Arbor (MI) treated 179 people to a free order at the Frosty Boy ice cream stand in Adrian, Michigan, as a “random act of kindness” event June 24. A total of 10 arbor members held a short planning meeting before the event began. After the meeting, arbor members spoke with patrons and distributed Gleaner toys to the children. “We received so many thank you’s and smiles,” the arbor reported.

Legacy Arbor (MI) members spent most of an afternoon helping two senior citizens through recommendations provided by the Department of Aging. e rst resident needed yard help including weed cutting, ower bed cleaning, lawn leveling, and yard debris cleanup. e second senior citizen lived in an upstairs apartment and had been unable to carry out accumlated garbage for more than 2 ½ months. e garbage was disposed of, and two members returned May 17 to bring her a free box of commodity food. Both senior citizens were thrilled with the help they received.

Sulphur Springs Arbor (IL) met on a rainy May 15 morning to plant 10 trees around Coal City in place of those damaged by a tornado a few years ago. Holes had been dug in advance. Nine arbor members plus 10 Coal City Community 4-H Club members and city maintenance workers planted the trees and back lled with soil and mulch. e arbor also donated $750 to the village of Coal City for the trees and $250 to the 4-H club. When planting was completed, participants went to Rachetti’s for pizza and beverages for lunch, which was paid for by a Coal City village representative.

North Baltimore Arbor (OH) sponsored 4-H camp scholarships for the Klassy Kids 4-H Club with funding and also paid for their Youth Action Day service project. e 4-H members planted ower planters for 24 local businesses in North Baltimore while in the process learning how to beautify their neighborhood, proper pot planting and re-use of house materials. Oakwood Arbor (OH) presented three Community Volunteer Recognition awards and welcomed the recipients into the arbor on June 28. Ron and Darlene Vorlicky work with the security and greeters at the Van Wert Performing Arts Center, and Ron is commander of the Oakwood American Legion post and Paulding VFW post. Jeanne Calvert is a retired school teacher serving on the library board,

Tecumseh Arbor (MI) helped bring a sensory garden to fruition at the Tecumseh Learning Center South with a workday and a $500 donation to the PTO. Volunteers placed large tires in the ground and painted them a variety of colors. Children can crawl through them as well as play with various games and educational objects. e arbor also purchased a dogwood shrub that will show seasonal changes. It was purchased in honor of member Darlene Pentrics, who had taught this age group in Tecumseh for more than 30 years before passing in April due to COVID. Volunteers were treated to a refreshment break.

her church, EMS, and author of a book, “Oakwood Past and Present.” e arbor also performed roadside trash pick-up and approved assistance for a member battling leukemia without health insurance.

Ober Arbor (IN) celebrated Arbor Day by planting a scarlet oak tree at the Knox Community School’s outdoor learning lab. Nine arbor members and Jamie Shireman’s second-grade class planted the tree and added mulch to several trees that had been planted in previous years. Paul Sellers dug the hole for the planting and Habo Runkle brought extra water and a special mixture to add to the soil. Students read reports on the scarlet oak. Videos of the reports were shared with ve other classes of second graders. In all, 145 students received a tree seedling — all placed in individual bags and labeled by Cindy and Arlene Sellers — to take home and plant.

Orchard Arbor (MI) coordinated its annual park/ community clean up. is year’s event May 22 cleaned up a park, painted parking markers, placed mulch around trees, weeded and planted a hosta garden while also removing debris. e arbor had the community participate in a scavenger hunt with prizes for all who took part. e hunt drew six teams. Gloves, bags, sanitizer, paint and food for lunch was provided by the arbor for all volunteers.

Vulcaneer Arbor (MI) has become a supporter of bicycling including the Tuesday “slow rolls” in Vassar. On July 13, Laura Walker brought the Covenant van and tted three teens with helmets, a bell or light, and everyone was given water and snacks. Guest Robin Fabbro, a family nurse practitioner, gave everyone safety tips on bicycle awareness and defensive riding. A total of 14 bicyclists showed up to ride the 5-mile course on the rail trail and side roads. e e ort was a prelude for a much bigger bike-a-thon planned late in August. TriCounty Arbor (MI) hosted its annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner on June 24 for local veterans. Rain during the outdoor event reduced the turnout from 120 anticipated to 80. ose who attended, however, enjoyed smoked ribs and chicken with all the traditional barbecue items to go along. State Rep. David Martin was the event’s guest speaker along with the undersheri for Genesee County.

White Pine Arbor (MI)

supported northern Michigan history and literature by hosting a book signing and presentation by noted Michigan author Robert Knapp. His new book, “Gangsters Up North,” explores the legends and myths of Al Capone, the Purple Gang and others as they participated in both holidays and mayhem in Michigan’s vacationlands. e arbor invited Knapp to visit, took him to dinner, and then hosted an event attended by more than 80 people. Many people asked questions and the community greatly enjoyed the evening.

Georgia

Sylvia Allen, Carrollton

Illinois

Bella Ann Gamboa, Steger Sandra L. Hutter, Joliet Dawn L. Yarno, Kankakee

Kansas

Barbara Ann Widmer, Wichita

Michigan

Louella J. Adams, Litch eld Diane Marie Bartlett, Sterling Nancy L. Jenks, Harrison Bonnie Jean McTaggart, Imlay City Kenneth J. Schmidt, Fair Haven

Ohio

Carolyn J. Radich, Warren Richard L. Radich, Warren Michael C. Schmaus, Millbury

Florida

Sharon Lee Helms, Sarasota Gladys M. Ray, Se ner

Illinois

Raymond L. Berard, Crest Hill Thomas Blanchette, Bourbonnais Leon J. Malone, Kempton Donna Varboncoeur, Bourbonnais Richard F. Yates, Watseka

Indiana

Robert Budgin, Crown Point Emogene S. Grant, Crown Point Beatrice Mertens, Muncie Neil A. Singleton, Knox Richard K. Strahm, Valparaiso

Michigan

Lynn Carol Barbera, Holt Thomas O. Beach, Stanton Marilyn E. Beaver, Fife Lake Virginia Davis Brown, Ypsilanti Jerry D. Hawkins, Cadillac Kenneth W. Johnson, Metamora Harold M. Tate, Pontiac Maralita S. Thomas, Galesburg

Missouri

Robert A. Yahl, Kirksville

Ohio

Karen Lou Dress, Waterville Paulette Fetter, Lima Carol J. Noggle, Delaware

Did you nd the wheat stalk?

In this issue of Forum Magazine, the wheat stalk is hidden on Page 10 in the Santa photo.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s good for nothing except to be thrown away and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lamp stand, and it shines on all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:13-16

What a beautiful, uplifting Scripture! Our days continue to be lled with uncertainties including the pandemic (that never seems to end), adverse weather conditions, our jobs, various family demands and many health challenges. The list can, and does, go on and on for us all. It is so easy to slip down into the rabbit hole of negativity. We can each shine our light before others in the workplace, our community, church life and family. By lifting up others, we in turn lift up ourselves.

Our youngest son and family were spending the weekend with us in June. While we were playing cards Friday evening, he received a phone call from his next-door neighbor telling him not to worry, “their house was OK.” As the conversation continued, he learned that the neighbor's home had unfortunately caught re and was destroyed in a matter of minutes before the re department could get there to save it. By the grace of God, the entire family got out safely, including his dog that was rescued from the burning home by one of their other neighbors. It is so di cult to wrap your head around such a tragedy, especially one so close to home. High winds and an errant, smoldering cigarette ash a guest dropped in their mulch were the apparent causes of their loss. Brien o ered his neighbors their home for the weekend, prayers, and o ered to do anything his family could to help them from our home. Their local community rallied around the displaced family with an outpouring of clothing, furniture, food, as well as setting up a GoFundMe page to help them out while their home is being rebuilt. Empathy, prayers, and o ering our gifts to others shines God’s light through us. Small gestures as well in our daily lives are appreciated. I am always amazed when I make a very simple baby quilt for friends of ours or our children who are becoming new parents. From my perspective, it’s a gift I am happy to give. The recipients are often over the moon with gratitude. Two of our neighbors are dealing with serious health issues. For the past two summers, Kevin has been mowing their lawns to help them out. Now, I should add their lawns aren’t an acre. We do live at the lake so both lawns are a modest size. Having said that, his kind gesture brings smiles to their faces and gratitude from their hearts for one less thing on their to-do list to manage while at the lake.

May we all try to lift up others daily.

Poppyseed Bread is my recipe to share this time. I found this in the spring and have tweaked it to my liking. Family and friends have given it a lot of “thumbs up” – so enjoy and share with others.

It freezes well, and I store it in the refrigerator It’s a new Marti Family favorite! Fraternally yours,

Korinne Marti, Wife of President & CEO Kevin Marti

BENNY

What you need:

PAPER, PENCIL, CRAYONS OR COLORED PENCILS COLORED PENCILS I hope you are all enjoying fall and the return of school. As the weather turns cold and the wind starts to blow, sometimes it’s hard to play outside. That’s why I have a fun indoor activity for you to try! I love to draw — especially when I can learn how to draw a new animal or cartoon. Below is a step-by-step for how to draw, well, me! Follow the steps below and have fun!

Step 2:

Step 1:

Start by drawing my face. Start at the chin and work your way around. Be sure to give me wide cheeks (for my big grin). Then add ears on top of my head.

Have fun with my facial details. Draw my eyes rst, then my nose and mouth. Don’t forget to add my eyebrows and whiskers.

Step 4:

Step 3:

Next, give me a large, beautiful mane. It’s my best feature! Draw jagged edges all the way around my face.

Draw my body. Start with the torso. Draw two straight-ish lines until you get to my waist. Then adjust the lines so jut outward to create my legs. Finish the legs by adding an upside-down V shape in the middle.

Step 5:

Draw my toes. I have three! Be sure to make my big toe a little larger than the other two.

Step 7:

Please don’t forget my vest! Make a V-shape under my chin and add a line at my waist. Add a circle with a B (for Benny) to the right side.

Step 9:

Grab your crayons or colored pencils and color in the details!

Step 6:

Now I need arms and ngers. For my right arm, draw two lines and then add my ngers. For my left arm, draw two curved lines that span across my chest and add my ngers. After you have drawn my arms, you can go back and erase the lines.

Step 8:

Don’t forget my tail! Draw two thin lines below my waist on the left side. Then add my bushiness to the end of my tail.

If you want to share your masterpiece, have your parent or guardian take a picture and email it to us at marketing@gleanerlife.org. Be sure to include your rst name and age. We’ll pick one lucky artist to receive a gift from Benny’s goodie bag! Take care,

Benny The Benevolent Lion

5200 West U.S. Highway 223, P.O. Box 1894 Adrian, Michigan 49221-7894 Nonprofi t Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID BOLINGBROOK, IL PERMIT NO. 594

Plan for your child’s future with Just For Kids®

Gleaner’s Just For Kids® life insurance plan provides more than life insurance coverage. It also provides a future of opportunities for your child or grandchild. For a one-time premium payment of $125, you can provide $10,000 of immediate term life insurance coverage with options for future nancial security and stability. Even more, you can purchase up to three certi cates per child, tripling the amount of coverage available to them. Future insurability

Later in life, your child or grandchild can convert his or her Just For Kids® certi cate to up to $50,000 of permanent, cash-value life insurance, without underwriting. That means that if his or her health should change between learning the ABCs and solving for a+b=c, they will still be eligible for a ordable life insurance coverage. Scholarship opportunities

Just For Kids® also makes your children or grandchildren Gleaner bene t members, giving them access to bene ts like Gleaner’s scholarship program. All eligible members who are students and meet the quali cations can apply for a one-time competitive scholarship.

Learn more and apply online at www.gleanerlife.org/justforkids.

Just For Kids® form number ICC14-JFK-APP with state-specific variations. Gleaner Life Insurance Society is domiciled in Adrian, Michigan, and licensed in AZ, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NC, NE, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WI & WV.