Forum Magazine - Spring 2019

Spring 2019

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125

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A N N I V E R S ARY 1 8 9 4 - 2 0 1 9

STANDING the test of time A look back at Gleaner’s history

Throughout the year, Forum Magazine will feature highlights of the Society's past, present and future as we celebrate the first 125 years of Gleaner Life Insurance Society.

Join us for Gleaner’s 59th Biennial Convention Friday, Oct. 11 – Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019 Kalahari® Resorts & Conventions Sandusky, Ohio We hope you will join us to experience an unforgettable weekend during Gleaner’s 59th Biennial Convention. Here are a few highlights.

The weekend kicks off with Cirque-tacular’s Gatsby to Glam, a presentation of acrobatics and stunts set to popular music, with dinner and games before the spectacular show begins.

Saturday evening’s entertainment includes the unique stylings and vibrant energy of Your Generation in Concert™. They will be performing a diverse musical selection designed to please all generations and stir up memories of all-time favorite tunes.

If that’s not enough, we will look back at 125 years as a fraternal benefit society. Join us for a big celebration in honor of Gleaner’s 125th birthday.

Registration opens May 1 at on our website at www.gleanerlife.org/convention. To learn more about this year’s entertainment, see Pages 12-13.

www.gleanerlife.org 5200 West U.S. Highway 223 P.O. Box 1894, Adrian, MI 49221 p 800.992.1894 | f 517.265.7745

Contents

Spring 2019

Features 6 Grow through gardening Read how gardening provides a wealth of benefits that stretch beyond a bountiful harvest.

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8

leaner celebrates its 125th G anniversary in 2019 This year marks Gleaner Life’s 125th anniversary. Take a look back at how it all began.

10 Gleaner’s financial security Gleaner shares its 2018 performance as a reflection of the long-standing financial strength the Society has established.

12 59th Biennial Convention

Take a look at the exciting agenda Gleaner has planned for

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its 59th Biennial Convention in Sandusky, Ohio.

18 Six ways to spend less on vacation

Check out six valuable ways to spend less on vacation, and apply these tips as you head out to make memories this year.

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Six Convention

ways to

entertainment spend

12

less on vacation18

@GleanerLife

Gleaner Life’s 59th Biennial Convention is sure to be unforgettable with all that Kalahari® Resorts and Conventions has to offer. Even more, we will create lasting memories while celebrating Gleaner’s 125th anniversary as a fraternal benefit society. Here are some highlights of this year’s lineup.

Do you enjoy searching for Gleaner’s wheat stalk?

Everyone loves taking a vacation. The cost of a vacation? Not so Fridayplenty afternoon: much. Fortunately, the typical vacation provides of chancesCharity auctions, including for significant savings. The secret is simply knowing where to fiand nd silent auctions Benny’ s Auction them. Check out these six valuable ways to spend less on a vacation.

It's hidden in every issue of Forum Magazine. Having difficulty finding

Forum Magazine is made from soy-based ink products and is recyclable.

Make a small impact on conservation by recycling this Gleaner arborsstalk support the wheat in this issue? Look on Page 27 for the answer. the larger Sandusky area publication or passing it on to a friend.

Gleaner members and arbors are encouraged to through the Community bring donation items for Benny’s Charity Box Action Commission and Auction and Gleaner’s silent auction. its programs. Each arbor selects a program to www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Spring 2019 \ 1 sponsor with a treasure For Benny’s Auction, guests can purchase tickets and basket, purchasing items enter as many as they like in an item’s corresponding from their wish list and box (rather than bidding a specific dollar amount on

y, four-night Royal Caribbean® cruise with fellow the Bahamas and CocoCay. Staterooms begin at $460 double occupancy). Learn more and register online at bahamas.

FORUM

Contents

019, to earn a $50 ship credit!

Spring 2019 / V. 124 / No. 2 Officers and Senior Management Kevin A. Marti, FSA, CLU, ChFC President and CEO

D. Arell Chapman, CRISC, FLMI

Senior Vice President, Information Technology and Chief Risk Officer

Deborah K. Elliott, SHRM-SCP, SPHR Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Community Engagement and Secretary

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20 Gleaner Life Insurance Society is guided by charitable-mindedness, providing members and employees with a chance to be part of something more. Through Gleaner arbors, the Give and Grow program and the generosity of Home Office employees, we gather to accomplish more.

North Baltimore Arbor (OH) members decorated and helped serve a Valentine's Day themed meal at City Mission in Findlay, Ohio. Various members assisted in the kitchen while others checked City Mission's warehouse shelves for expired food. The arbor also made a donation to benefit City Mission.

During this spring season, a time for renewal, take a moment to reflect on the meaningful things in your life. Maybe you find value in a dream job, a specific circle of people or a hobby. Then consider joining Gleaner’s mission to do something really, really meaningful. Together, we can accomplish more.

Anthony D. Golden, CLU, ChFC, RICP, FIC Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Gleaner Financial®

Barbara Janowski, RN Vice President, Insurance Operations and Chief Underwriter

Kaylene S. Warner, FLMI

Vice President, Finance, Controller and Treasurer

Board of Directors Terry L. Garner, Chair

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Donna K. Baker | Russell E. Cunningham Margaret M.S. Noe | Daniel R. Sutton

Todd M. Warner | Frank Dick, Chairman Emeritus

At a glance

Supreme Arbor Officers

News & reviews

Interests

3

Thoughts from your president

17 Upcoming Events

4

Florida Family Days recap

30 Korinne’s Korner

16 Letters from members

Mark A. Wills, Vice Chair

32 Benny’s Page

17 50- and 75-year members

Giving back 20 Arbors in Action 28 Gleaner Life Gives

Jeffrey Price, Supreme Chief Gleaner

Dick Hadden, Supreme Vice Chief Gleaner Norma Garner, Supreme Chaplain

Linda Ruehrmund, Supreme Conductor Deborah Rydberg, Supreme Guard National Headquarters 5200 West U.S. Highway 223 P.O. Box 1894

Adrian, Michigan 49221-7894

p 517.263.2244 or 800.992.1894 f 517.265.7745

www.gleanerlife.org

forum@gleanerlife.org Hours Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. EST

The Forum Magazine is produced quarterly at Gleaner’s Home Office by Dustin Everden, Kassie Gray, Grey Herman, Chuck Monahan, Josh Nance and Julie Tison. For questions regarding this publication, please email forum@gleanerlife.org.

Thoughts from the president Dear Gleaner members: Our final operating results are in for 2018. The results are covered in detail on Pages 10-11 by Kaylene Warner, our vice president of finance, controller and treasurer. We had a very good 2018, with the highlight being renewed growth in our life insurance business, enabling us to retain our “A-” ratings.

We also finished 2018 with a record surplus on Dec. 31. As we are in our 125th year, you might ask, why is that achievement so important to our membership?

Our financial strength allows our valued members to avoid having to worry about whether the Society will be here for you, your family and your beneficiaries in your ultimate time of need. We take our responsibility to fulfill the promises of our life insurance and annuity certificates — protecting you and your loved ones — very seriously. Our continued financial strength allows us to fulfill our primary mission to you, our valued members, and to our valued independent agents who represent us through good times like today and bad times like the Great Recession of 10 years ago.

As a fraternal benefit society, you’ve come to expect more from us than a normal stock or mutual life insurance company. As a not-for-profit organization, you expect us to use some of the operating gains from our insurance operations to make the communities in which we all live and work better places to be — to lend a hand to those less fortunate than we are and to offer scholarships, Loyalty Bonuses and other fraternal benefits to our members. Our arbors help us deliver on that promise every day.

Our 125th anniversary celebration at Kalahari is going to be an event to remember. You won’t want to miss out on our celebration of fraternalism and the fun.

Registration opens May 1 — see more information on Pages 12-13. In celebration of this year’s milestone anniversary, we’ll be sharing some historical highlights from the Society’s first 125 years in each issue of Forum Magazine. Read more about Gleaner’s history on Page 8.

We hope to see you at one or more of our Family Day celebrations this summer and fall and at our Flag Day celebration on Wednesday, June 12, at the Home Office.

May God’s richest blessings be bestowed upon you, your family and friends in 2019, and especially during the Easter holiday season.

Fraternally,

Kevin A. Marti President and CEO

As we prepare for our 59th Biennial Convention at Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio, Oct. 11-13, the Law and Nominating Committees, composed of dedicated Gleaner members, will meet at the Home Office in Adrian on Sunday, May 19, to review a proposed constitutional amendment related to our ongoing corporate governance and to meet with any Board applicants, including the three directors (Terry Garner, Mark Wills and Daniel Sutton) who are standing for re-election.

www.gleanerlife.org

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Florida Family Days Recap

On March 2, members and guests took in a ballgame at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida, where the Detroit Tigers faced the Atlanta Braves. Guests got to enjoy lunch before the first pitch was thrown.

The next day, Gleaner members stepped aboard the Yacht StarShip for a charter cruise off Tampa, Florida. Breathtaking views, a three-entrée lunch and live music were enjoyed by all.

Did you miss our Florida events? Don’t worry, there are still plenty of events planned in 2019. Check out the calendar on Page 17.

Getaway to the Bahamas with Gleaner Life March 2-6, 2020 Get out your sunscreen for our first Gleaner Getaway Tour of 2020!

Embark on a five-day, four-night Royal Caribbean® cruise with fellow Gleaner members to the Bahamas and CocoCay. Staterooms begin at $460 per person (based on double occupancy). Learn more and register online at www.gleanerlife.org/bahamas.

Register by June 1, 2019, to earn a $50 ship credit!

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\ Spring 2019 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Spring 2019 \

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in your garden this year Gardening offers a tangible, exhilarating experience by which we can play a valuable part. Sure, maintaining a garden can be overwhelming: What do I plant, where can I plant it and will I be able to keep it alive?

While the process can be intimidating, there are many benefits that come with growing a garden.

Make fresh, healthy meals. When the process of growing a seed is complete, we come to realize that food is much more than something we just consume.

It’s a tedious process that provides a great sense of accomplishment, not to mention the nutritious benefits from eating fresh meals. • Homegrown foods tend to be more flavorful than store-bought items. • Families who grow a garden tend to be more open to a variety of foods.

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www.gleanerlife.org

Make fresh floral arrangements. It takes knowledge and practice to know exactly how and where to grow certain types of plants. But once you have it down to a science, there’s nothing better than having fresh, hand-picked flowers in the home.

• Liven up a room or table with a colorful centerpiece.

• Make someone’s day by giving them a hand-picked bouquet.

Make gardening a creative hobby. Gardens aren’t just about growing plants and produce. They can be about beautifully landscaped designs and hunting for unique treasures to place throughout your garden. Make gardening a creative hobby — a project you’re proud of and enjoy sharing with others.

• Add an artistic touch using items such as birdbaths, wind chimes or stepping stones.

• Consider color, light, texture, lines and shapes as you plan your garden.

Make gardening a way of life. In a busy world where we crave a sense of place, growing a garden allows us to connect with the natural world and each other. It teaches us to slow down and wait for what’s important, creating balance and healthy habits for life.

• Allow your family (especially children) to take part in your garden.

• Establish a community garden and gather volunteers to assist.

When we grow a garden, we grow in our garden.

All of this sounds great, but you might be thinking: How do I start?

• For experienced gardeners, consider building a large garden bed in your backyard.

• For beginners or those with limited space, start with small containers on a patio.

• For those too overwhelmed to take on a garden alone, have your family join in or gather volunteers to start a community garden.

No matter how you choose to grow, remember the valuable benefits that gardening provides and get growing.

Interested in growing with Gleaner Life? Our Give and Grow program is a great option for carrying out projects such as establishing a community garden. Visit www.gleanerlife.org to learn more and apply. www.gleanerlife.org

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[Top left] Officers and members of Faith Arbor (Michigan) circa 1938-39. [Top right] Gleaner’s Home Office at 5705 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan during the early 1900s.

[Bottom left] Gleaner’s Supreme Council in 1941. [Bottom right] The February 1918 cover of The Gleaner shows some of the 1,200 in attendance at the 1917 Biennial Convention.

A look back on Gleaner’s history This year, Gleaner Life Insurance Society celebrates its 125th anniversary. In anticipation of the official anniversary on Oct. 12, we’re taking a look back at how far we’ve come. Join us for a stroll down memory lane.

On Oct. 12, 1894, Grant Slocum, a farmer’s son, founded Gleaner Life Insurance Society in Caro, Michigan, to protect farmers and their families.

His vision filled a gap in the life insurance market created by the fact that most other insurers frowned on insuring hardworking farmers.

Grant Slocum 8

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Slocum and other early adopters (Sherman Chase, a trained physician, and John Ealy, a banker, among others) worked tirelessly to establish the Society and recruit members. In just four years, Gleaner Life had 301 arbors and 8,601 members. That rapid growth continued for many years. www.gleanerlife.org

In Gleaner’s early years, arbor meetings were a family affair and featured many traditional practices of the day. Because so many members lived in rural areas, the meetings were a chance to socialize as much as they were about accomplishing the Society’s business. Meetings started with an opening ceremony that included a prayer and songs followed by the business portion of the meeting.

The closing included words of wisdom from Gleaner officers and a song. These types of rituals were common in America at this time.

In addition to arbor meetings, Gleaner kept members informed with the Gleaner Newspaper.

Slocum owned a newspaper, so publishing this monthly paper was natural for him. Slocum even printed and mailed the issues to all members free of charge.

Eventually, the Society began to pay the expenses, and publication switched from a newspaper format to a monthly magazine. Today, it is known as Forum Magazine — the very one you are reading.

Since its inception, Gleaner has prided itself on serving others.

Among many examples, it advocated early in its creation for equal insurance opportunities for women and for the establishment of rural restrooms, where travelers could stop along the highway.

Although modern society might take public restrooms for granted, this service provided a great convenience in the early 20th century. Gleaner also established a home for aging members.

The Great Depression and World War II presented challenges, but the Society survived, thanks to sound leadership and difficult decisions. Despite a “war exclusion clause,” Gleaner paid out death claims during the war to members — never losing sight of the principles on which the Society was founded.

While Gleaner survived these difficult periods, it had challenges to overcome going forward. So it went to work at righting the financial strain

the Great Depression and war had placed on the Society. And Gleaner successfully paid back its debt in 1946 — four years ahead of schedule!

In the decades to follow, Gleaner Life, along with most fraternal benefit societies, experienced challenges with growing membership. Servicemindedness and a return to fraternalism were deemed vital to our success by then-Gleaner President Richard Ransford.

By the mid-1970s, Gleaner assets had reached nearly $39 million, and insurance coverage in force had increased to nearly $170 million.

Though membership numbers had declined, growth had taken place to set the stage for the next half of Gleaner’s history. Read more about Gleaner’s continued history in the summer issue of Forum Magazine.

Did you know …

Gleaner’s first office was in Caro, Michigan. It moved to Detroit in 1909 and to suburban Birmingham, Michigan, in 1957. But Gleaner executives longed for the Society to return to its rural roots. With that in mind, then-President and CEO Frank Dick purchased land in rural southern Michigan and oversaw the construction of a new Home Office.

The Society took up permanent residence in Adrian, Michigan, in 1981, where it remains to this day.

Facts for this article were taken from A major force for good: The continuing history of Gleaner Life Insurance Society by Victor C. Wood. www.gleanerlife.org

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Gleaner Life Insurance Society Statements of the Society’s Financial Condition December 31, 2018

Gleaner Life Insurance Society’s financial condition continued to improve in 2018. Our achievements were encouraging as interest rates improved slightly but continue to remain historically low. The Society’s balance sheet remains strong, with a high-quality investment portfolio and a historic member surplus position.

Gleaner’s stable financial foundation supports our members’ financial and community engagement goals and our future business initiatives.

Gleaner’s sustained financial strength gives assurance to our members and independent agents that we will uphold the promises in each member’s certificate, through good times and bad.

and Foundation MYGA6 annuity.

The new exchange program will allow the member to carry over the original Loyalty Bonus to the new certificate, rather than the 2 percent payout at the time of the exchange. Also annuity internal exchanges will be allowed into all of the Foundation annuity financial solutions, as long as it is in the member’s best interest.

The Society’s assets are $1.243 billion as of Dec. 31, 2018, a 3.3 percent decrease from 2017. However, our overall premium levels improved slightly, with an increase of $134,000 over 2017. First-year life premium, including single, is up $825,000 (136%). Life premium in total is up $785,000 (12.2%). First-year annuity premium, including single, is up $853,000 (3.2%). Annuity premium in total was down $654,000 (-1.8%).

Gleaner’s investment portfolio continued to perform well in 2018 despite a $2.9 million decline in net investment income from continuing lower interest rates and fewer invested assets. The Society’s diversified investment portfolio is built on prudent policies and practices.

Gleaner’s conservative philosophy and professional management provide a sound foundation for our investments.

Our annuity internal exchange program continued this year with a combined total of $50.9 million completed annuity internal exchanges from 2016-2018. However, our financial statements reflect premium and surrender amounts net of internal exchanges. Members participating in the annuity internal exchange program received $958,000 in terminal dividends (Loyalty Bonus) payments over that same period. A new annuity internal exchange offering began late in 2018 with the introduction of our new annuity financial solutions – Strategic Choice Indexed Annuity™ 10

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We experienced a $4.0 million increase in member benefits paid compared with the previous year. Annuity and life surrenders increased $4.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively, while life and annuity death benefits decreased $1.7 million.

The Society’s bond portfolio is 98.5 percent investment-grade quality and represents 95 percent of our investments. We have an overall bond portfolio rating of “A+” as of Dec. 31, 2018. Mortgage loans, certificate loans, cash and short-term investments, real estate and other invested assets comprise the remaining portions of our investment portfolio.

As of year-end 2018, we have a small position ($2,044,000) in common stocks. Our common stock holdings include capital stock requirements ($362,100) for our membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank of

Indianapolis (FHLBI). Gleaner is a member of FHLBI to enhance our liquidity position and have ready access to reliable, low-cost funds. Our intent is to use our FHLBI membership as liquidity insurance, and we would only ever plan to access funds in an emergency situation.

The other portion of our common stock holdings ($1,681,500) is the 100 percent ownership of our subsidiary Gleaner Financial® Corporation (GFC). Our GFC strategy is to acquire and expand fee-based financial planning practices utilizing career GFC employee advisers who offer our clientele a full range of financial solutions, including Gleaner Life fixed and indexed annuities and life insurance. As of Dec. 31, 2018, GFC has $280 million of assets under management.

Gleaner did not own any preferred stocks, derivatives or non-conventional investments in 2018. However, the Society will be purchasing derivatives to support our new Strategic Choice IUL® and Strategic Choice Indexed Annuity™ financial solutions.

Also, the Society is proud to report it continues to operate with zero debt.

Gleaner’s 2018 surplus is our highest year-end amount ever recorded at $94.6 million — a $734,000 increase from year-end 2017. This is our sixth consecutive year with a surplus increase, and our surplus has increased $13.8 million since 2012. The Society’s surplus ratio (amount of assets for each $100 of liabilities) of $108.24 also remains above the average of 25 leading life insurance companies (Independent Comparative Report: Standard Analytical Service Inc.).

Our surplus grew as a result of net income of $1,973,000 in 2018, compared with net income of $4,590,000 in 2017. The reduction in 2018 was due to a combination of factors: 1) increased life insurance sales; 2) higher net life death claim expenses; 3) fewer make whole bond www.gleanerlife.org

calls; and 4) fewer annuity internal exchanges. We expect our net income to increase in 2019. The Society has had six consecutive years of positive net income. Some of the factors in our net income achievements in recent years are containment of operating expenses, a disciplined approach to setting credited interest rates and appropriate pricing of new financial solutions in the low interest rate environment.

Successful management of our investment portfolio has also resulted in fewer realized losses.

Balance Sheets ASSETS

2017

$ 1,162,155,489 2,043,605 2,899,576 1,427,921 13,102,563 31,823,861 13,771,117

$ 1,201,277,951 1,871,747 4,579,895 1,530,368 16,001,246 30,176,985 13,784,723

Total Assets

$ 1,242,963,107

$ 1,285,147,174

$ 1,125,424,866 8,817,389 7,573,753 6,541,926

$ 1,164,935,343 8,038,610 11,439,413 6,863,011

94,605,173

93,870,797

$ 1,242,963,107

$ 1,285,147,174

Invested Assets Accrued investment income & other receivables Other assets

LIABILITIES AND SURPLUS

The Society helps our members achieve financial security and demonstrates our fraternal spirit in the communities in which we live and work. We are focused on maintaining a strong and improving financial position through all types of economic conditions. The Society has committed to protecting our members and maintaining your trust and confidence as we celebrate our 125th year anniversary! Gleaner will continue to make responsible decisions in the best interests of our valued members and the Society’s long-term financial strength.

Net premium income: Life Annuities Accident and health Net investment income Other income

Kaylene Warner, FLMI Vice President, Finance, Controller and Treasurer

Net realized investment gains (losses)

www.gleanerlife.org

December 31

Investments Bonds Common stocks Mortgage loans on real estate Real estate, net of depreciation Cash and short-term investments Certificate loans Other invested assets

As of December 2018, our A.M. Best financial strength rating was affirmed at “A- (Excellent)” with a stable outlook. According to A.M. Best, our current rating is assigned to insurance companies that have an excellent ability to meet their ongoing insurance obligations. A.M. Best is a global fullservice credit-rating agency dedicated to serving the financial and health care services industries. We also received word from KBRA that our “A-” rating with a stable outlook was also affirmed as of March 2019.

Audits were conducted as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 by Strohm Ballweg, LLP.

2018

Certificate reserves and contract liabilities Accrued expenses and other liabilities Interest maintenance reserve Asset valuation reserve Total Liabilities

1,227,224,132 15,374,738 364,237

1,148,357,934

Surplus Total Liabilities and Surplus

Statements of Operations INCOME

2018 $

Total Income

1,191,276,377

December 31

7,207,315 35,955,730 18,764 55,011,425 896,162

$

99,089,396

EXPENSES

Increase in certificate reserves Member benefits Commissions Other operating expenses Refunds to members Total Expenses

2017 6,422,802 36,609,333 16,005 57,935,924 1,180,820

102,164,884

(40,234,122) 121,210,321 2,582,576 11,949,896 1,554,766

(35,013,925) 117,243,951 2,053,927 11,352,419 1,899,256

2,025,959

4,629,256

97,063,437

Income from Operations Net Income

1,269,222,915 15,583,275 340,984

(52,592)

97,535,628

(39,650)

$

1,973,367

$

4,589,606

Surplus at Dec. 31, previous year Net income Other surplus adjustments

$

93,870,797 1,973,367 (1,238,991)

$

90,779,043 4,589,606 (1,497,852)

Surplus at Dec. 31, current year

$

94,605,173

$

SURPLUS ACCOUNT

Net change in surplus for the year

734,376

3,091,754

93,870,797

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Convention entertainment

Gleaner Life’s 59th Biennial Convention is sure to be unforgettable with all that Kalahari® Resorts and Conventions has to offer. Even more, we will create lasting memories while celebrating Gleaner’s 125th anniversary as a fraternal benefit society. Here are some highlights of this year’s lineup.

Gleaner arbors support the larger Sandusky area through the Community Action Commission and its programs. Each arbor selects a program to sponsor with a treasure basket, purchasing items from their wish list and then assembling and donating the tote to the selected organization.

Charity representatives will accept the donations on Sunday morning and share a little about their organization.

Friday afternoon: Charity auctions, including Benny’s Auction and silent auctions Gleaner members and arbors are encouraged to bring donation items for Benny’s Charity Box Auction and Gleaner’s silent auction.

For Benny’s Auction, guests can purchase tickets and enter as many as they like in an item’s corresponding box (rather than bidding a specific dollar amount on an item). At the end of the auction, a ticket is drawn from each box. Winners are announced Saturday evening following the dinner entertainment.

Guests are also invited to bid on items for Gleaner’s traditional silent auction.

Proceeds from both auctions benefit the Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron and Richland Counties Inc. (Ohio), which works to fight poverty by carrying out community service projects.

Friday night: Cirque-tacular show We will kick off the weekend with Cirque-tacular, a touring company featuring skilled circus and specialty performers. Join us Friday evening for Cirque-tacular’s presentation of Gatsby to Glam.

Guests will experience a spectacular display of acrobatics and stunts, all set to popular music from the roaring ’20s to the psychedelic ’70s. Guests will also be able to enjoy dinner and games before the entertainment begins.

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www.gleanerlife.org

Saturday afternoon: Activity options Kalahari® amenities In your downtime, explore the endless amenities Kalahari® has to offer. From displays of African artifacts to the new spaceship quest escape room, plus specialty shops and a relaxing first-class spa, there is something for everyone. You won’t know where to begin.

Kalahari® waterpark You can’t visit Kalahari® without experiencing America’s largest waterpark. Complete with hot tubs, slides and a wave pool, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss — not to mention the park’s delightful 84-degree climate that will give you a brief getaway from the cold.

Saturday night: Your Generation in Concert™ Saturday evening will begin with a banquet dinner followed by a concert experience to complete the festivities. Your Generation in Concert™ brings unique stylings, vibrant energy and a diverse music selection that pleases crowds of all generations. Get ready to flash back to fond memories of your all-time favorite tunes.

Don’t forget: We will be spending the weekend celebrating Gleaner’s 125th anniversary. Be sure to celebrate with us all weekend, and Saturday evening, join us for some delicious cupcakes.

Saturday Kids’ Club (ages 0-12) We have something for the kids, too. While Gleaner members are away at the business meeting and evening events, feel free to drop your kids at the Kids’ Club for time to play.

Registration information will be mailed to arbor officers and included in the 2019 summer issue of Forum Magazine.

Activities and events are subject to change.

www.gleanerlife.org

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Strategic Choice Indexed Annuity™ gives you the power to plan for retirement on your own terms. By allocating premiums to fixed and indexed accounts, you can maximize long-term growth without losing value when markets perform poorly.

The chart below illustrates the performance of the S&P 500® Index over the past 10 years and translates that performance into an index interest credit, based on current Strategic Choice Indexed Annuity™ participation rates. The index segment earns a guaranteed minimum of 0.25% when the index loses value.

Participation rate* bands

Year

Index Performance

Band One (15%)

Band Two (35%)

Band Three (45%)

2009

23.45

3.52

8.21

10.55

Band two: $10,000 - $74,999.99

2010

12.78

1.92

4.47

5.75

Band three: $75,000 and above

2011

0.00

0.25

0.25

0.25

2012

13.41

2.01

4.69

6.03

2013

29.60

4.44

10.36

13.32

2014

11.39

1.71

3.99

5.13

2015

-0.73

0.25

0.25

0.25

2016

9.54

1.43

3.34

4.29

2017

19.42

2.91

6.80

8.74

2018

-6.24

0.25

0.25

0.25

1.86

4.21

5.37

Average:

Band one: Below $10,000

Financial Solution Features Potential for greater growth linked to the S&P 500® Index Competitive current interest rates for fixed account allocations Surrender charge of seven percent in year one, decreasing by one percent each year until zero No annual maintenance fees

Contact your Gleaner agent listed on the back of this publication, or find an agent online at www.gleanerlife.org/agents to learn more about the benefits of indexed annuities.

www.gleanerlife.org

5200 West U.S. Highway 223 P.O. Box 1894, Adrian, MI 49221 p 800.992.1894 | f 517.265.7745

Gleaner Life Insurance Society is domiciled in Michigan and licensed in AZ, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NE, OH, PA, TN, VA, WI and WV. Strategic Choice Indexed Annuity™ Form No. ICC18-IFPDA7 with state-specific variations. *Current participation rates are not guaranteed.

The “S&P 500®” is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or its affiliates (“SPDJI”), and has been licensed for use by Gleaner Life Insurance Society (“Gleaner Life”). Standard & Poor’s® and S&P® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”); Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”); and these trademarks have been licensed for use by SPDJI and sublicensed for certain purposes by Gleaner Life. This indexed annuity certificate (the “Certificate”) is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P, their respective affiliates and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product(s) nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of the S&P 500®.

Give with Grow AND

Gleaner Life

Ever drive by your local park and think about how much better it would look with fresh plants or a new bench? Now you can make those improvements a reality with Gleaner Life’s Give and Grow program.

Offered to members age 12 and above in our 15 licensed states*, Give and Grow funds are awarded for projects that directly involve members and their volunteers in the community.

Projects can include anything from improving a school playground to providing lunches for the homeless. Simply choose the service project that best fits the needs of your community and apply!

#giveandgrow

Give and Grow volunteers will receive: • • • •

The freedom to choose how you want to give and grow.

A prefunded $250 Visa card for your project.

Branded T-shirts for your team of volunteers.

Free resources for promoting your project.

Learn more and apply at www.gleanerlife.org/giveandgrow.

Read how Gleaner Home Office employees recently completed a Give and Grow project on Page 26.

www.gleanerlife.org

*Gleaner Life Insurance Society is licensed in AZ, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NE, OH, PA, TN, VA, WI and WV.

Dear Hawthorne Arbor,

To Kevin Marti,

Thank you so much for your generous donation to our household pantry. Hawthorne Arbor has helped make it possible to continue serving our community in 2019. We are forever grateful to you for that!

I wish to thank you for the 75-year pin you sent me. I appreciate it very much. When you receive a pin for 75 years, I now know I am 88 going on 89 years of age.

Sincerely, Julia Donovan First United Methodist Church

Dear Kevin Marti,

Dear Korinne Marti,

I was so thrilled to receive my 75th anniversary pin. It seems like only yesterday that the 50year pin arrived in the mail. Thank you so much for years of great service. My grandfather, H.D. Kellogg, of Rome, Ohio, was a Gleaner agent, and this policy was a gift to me as a baby. I’m sure he would be proud of the success of Gleaner.

I loved the “Member of the Family” poem from the 2019 Winter Forum Magazine. I haven’t had a dog in years but still miss having a friend “who never hold(s) a grudge” and thinks I’m “far too wonderful.” I will send the poem on to a friend who still has her family member.

Many thanks, Vera Mae Morgan

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Thank you all again, Samuel W. Graham

\ Spring 2019 \ Forum Magazine

Thanks, Judith K. Minton Brethren, Michigan

www.gleanerlife.org

50-YEAR MEMBERS

75-YEAR MEMBERS Arkansas

Michigan

Illinois

Florida

Jimmy D. Jenkins, Coleman

Donald W. Stratton, Hot Springs Village

Raymond A. Goin, Foosland

Junior E. Hoff, Punta Gorda

Indiana

Betty Criffield Meiring, Bradenton

Sandy S. Buchanan, Ligonier

Hawaii

Iowa

Raymond Datzman, Kapolei

Richard Hodoway, Rolfe

Illinois

Michigan

Dorothy R. Claire, Morris

Jerry A. Cameron, Port Huron

Phyllis M. Corrigan, Yorkville

Lynn G. Ledebuhr, Capac

Ione A. Engleking, Grant Park

Henrietta Zentik, Midland

Gary Fitzmaurice, Morris

Ohio

Fern L. Kahley, Effingham

Heather Garlick, Berkey

Maxine L. Lehmann, Savoy

Kristin K. Mohr, Berkey

Beverly Price, Lockport

Johnna S. Yoder, Holland

Peggy Ann Thomas, White Heath Emily Zabrocki, Tinley Park Indiana

Donna M. Clevinger, Morocco Charles Singleton, Knox Maine

Janice L. Bennett, Bangor

Richard O. Crawford, Lakeview Kendall Klumpp, Mount Pleasant Donald W. Walters, Laingsburg Ohio

Albert C. Abnett, Nevada

Evelyn M. Chilcote, Mansfield Patty K. Hollister, Arlington

Dorothy L. Rader, Mansfield Mary Ann Sanchez, Tiffin

Susan M. Truckor, Swanton Pennsylvania

Lynne S. Schnick, Harrisburg Texas

James W. Barton, Houston

Samuel W. Graham, Texas City West Virginia

Mary Jane Ammar, Bluefield Wisconsin

Delmar T. Vollrath, Menomonie

Upcoming Events Save the date for Gleaner Family Days If you missed our recent Florida events, there’s still a chance to join in on the fun. Members can purchase up to seven tickets for each Family Day at up to 60 percent off general admission price. Check out this year’s lineup, and attend as many events as your schedule allows.

June 29 | Six Flags®, Illinois July 20 | Cedar Point, Ohio Sept. 21 | Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana

We also invite you to join us for these additional Gleaner events.

Flag Day 2019 Wednesday, June 12 | 11 a.m. EDT Gleaner Life Insurance Society Home Office 5200 W. U.S. Hwy. 223, Adrian, Michigan 59th Biennial Convention at Kalahari and Family Safari to Kalahari Oct. 11-13 Kalahari® Resorts and Conventions Sandusky, Ohio

Oct. 19 | Michigan Princess Riverboat, Michigan

Enjoy a discounted rate at Mission Point Resort (Michigan) June 21-23

Nov. (TBD) | Walleye Hockey Game, Ohio

Register at www.gleanerlife.org.

www.gleanerlife.org

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Six

ways to

spend

less on vacation

Everyone loves taking a vacation. The cost of a vacation? Not so much. Fortunately, the typical vacation provides plenty of chances for significant savings. The secret is simply knowing where to find them. Check out these six valuable ways to spend less on a vacation.

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1

Start looking for flights relatively early. Generally, the nearer it is to departure, the more expensive an airplane ticket will be. That’s why beginning the search for a flight earlier can offer the chance to reap savings. Just as importantly, looking to book early means more time to shop around for the best deal. Planning a vacation early also allows more opportunity to research activities and make plans for the destination itself.

2

Travel when it’s cheaper. Many popular vacation spots have an off-season, when costs are much lower. While there can be downsides to visiting during these periods — such as less pleasant weather — the savings are often well worth it. Avoiding travel during especially busy times (such as spring break or the week of Thanksgiving) is wise. Booking a flight during the week rather than on the weekend is often a good way to save as well.

3

Don’t stay at an expensive hotel. Big hotels usually cost too much. Much cheaper options should be available. Home rental services are a good alternative. One of the best possibilities is Airbnb, the service through which individuals rent out their apartments.

Smaller, individually-operated hotels or B&Bs will also generally offer a better deal than large chain hotels. In some places, hostels may be available. Or, try house-swapping, which won’t require any spending at all. Similarly, if there are friends or family in the local area, vacationers can stay with them. As always, searching around for the least expensive option is a great idea.

4

Prepare your own food (sometimes). Eating out is often expensive, especially in places popular with visitors. Travelers who cook their own food — at least occasionally — will be able to save a lot. Of course, doing this requires staying somewhere where a kitchen is available. But, even without a kitchen, buying ingredients for sandwiches or a picnic lunch from a grocery store should be possible. When vacationers do choose to eat out, doing so at lunch or breakfast, rather than dinner, will usually save money.

5

Vacation with others. Individual travelers (or even larger groups) can significantly cut costs by vacationing with friends or family. Sharing costs ultimately means everyone spends less. For example, staying with others will almost always mean less spent on lodgings, no matter what form of accommodation is chosen. Plus, many tourist sites will offer steep discounts for large groups that visit together. Pre-trip organizing can also take less time if more people share the planning load.

6

Use inexpensive forms of transportation. Renting a car or taking a taxi is oftentimes a waste of money. Many cities and other popular sites are perfectly walkable. Some cities also offer cheap bike rentals. Public transportation offers another low-cost way to move about, and subways and buses are often surprisingly efficient. Of course, researching the details of local options beforehand is smart. It’s also possible to save on the journey to the destination itself. A flight with stops, for example, should be cheaper than a direct flight, as will a flight to a small regional airport nearby a major city. For some destinations, traveling by car may even be a possibility.

Vacations don’t have to be incredibly expensive. Nor is it necessary to sacrifice on fun and enjoyment solely for the sake of economy. With the right approach, expenses can be minimized without the experience being worsened in any significant way.

www.gleanerlife.org

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North Baltimore Arbor (OH) members decorated and helped serve a Valentine's Day themed meal at City Mission in Findlay, Ohio. Various members assisted in the kitchen while others checked City Mission's warehouse shelves for expired food. The arbor also made a donation to benefit City Mission.

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Gleaner Life Insurance Society is guided by charitable-mindedness, providing members and employees with a chance to be part of something more. Through Gleaner arbors, the Give and Grow program and the generosity of Home Office employees, we gather to accomplish more.

During this spring season, a time for renewal, take a moment to reflect on the meaningful things in your life. Maybe you find value in a dream job, a specific circle of people or a hobby. Then consider joining Gleaner’s mission to do something really, really meaningful. Together, we can accomplish more.

www.gleanerlife.org

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Adrian Arbor (MI) (pictured below) volunteered at Share the Warmth in Adrian to provide a Valentine’s Day dinner, including salad, bread, pasta with meatballs and dessert. The benefit was organized

by Adrian High School student Liz Halfmann and carried out with local partners, including Sauce Italian Grill & Pub, Tecumseh High School students and local musicians. Following the meal, arbor members distributed care bags that included snacks, lotion, hand sanitizer, lip balm and deodorant.

Bowling Green Arbor (OH) (pictured below) sponsored David FitzSimmons to present a program at Montessori School of Bowling Green. David is an award-winning photographer and writer, who has a series of books called Curious Critters. David’s program is geared toward younger students, but he also presents to upper grade levels.

For the younger students, David’s presentation included animal puppets such as frogs, toads, skunks and a horned owl. While reading stories of the animals, children joined in by making sounds of frogs and toads. Arbor members enjoyed watching as David showed the students how to jump like a frog and hop like a toad. The interaction was amazing between David and the students.

For the older grades, David presented a video of his photography work, showing how he takes photographs.

His presentation focused on following dreams and how you can go about achieving those dreams.

According to arbor secretary Leo Knox, “David presents his story of perseverance as an avenue to success, something each of the students needs to do if one day they would want to be up front presenting their story.”

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Gulf Coast (FL) (pictured right) arbor members drove around the Sarasota area searching for homeless individuals in need. They distributed warm blankets, provided by OneBlood, to individuals at several locations, including Salvation Army, the library and a laundromat. One of the homeless women remarked, “Take another blanket. These are the good ones.” The recipients were very grateful.

Greater Flint Area Arbor (MI) hosted a Valentine’s Day party at Swank Home Assisted Living. Arbor members provided balloons, a musician, flowers, homemade cookies and goody bags filled with candy and Gleaner items.

Riley Creek Arbor (OH) hosted a bingo party for residents at Maple Crest Senior Living in Bluff ton, Ohio. Arbor members provided a brief explanation of what an arbor is and how Gleaner arbors help the community. Prizes were given to the bingo winners. Goodie bags with Gleaner items were also provided to each resident.

Legacy Arbor (MI) (pictured right) volunteered for Lenawee County’s Project Connect, an annual event held at the Lenawee County Fairgrounds that links individuals, families and veterans with immediate community resources. Approximately 40 organizations were on-site to hand out donations and offer free services, such as haircuts, to homeless individuals. Arbor members Jess Roddy, Deb Elliott, Barbara Janowski and Liz Greenwell attended on behalf of the arbor. They handed out Gleaner bags containing reusable water bottles, socks, hats, gloves, blankets and hygiene products.

Updates to annuity statements and premium notices

1

Please note that the frequency for annuity statements is moving from semi-annual to annual, effective immediately. In addition, Gleaner recently started working with a new print vendor to provide premium notices to members. These notices may look slightly different, but the details will remain the same.

Plank Road Arbor (MI) (pictured above) partnered with children from Breckenridge Huskie Pup Learning Center to make Valentine’s Day cards for area nursing homes. Approximately 40 cards were crafted and

delivered to Hearts Content Senior Center, Arbor Grove Assisted Living and the Meals with Friends program. The arbor also made a donation of crafts to the Huskie Pup Learning Center.

Community Arbor (IN) (pictured right) hosted a Valentine’s Day party for the residents of Jackson Street Commons, an organization that houses homeless veterans in Kokomo, Indiana. The arbor provided pizza and snacks, prizes for bingo, as well as supplies for the home. Residents were so appreciative of the arbor members being there. “They always love it when we come. This always makes a big impact for them. They can’t wait until we come back again,” said arbor secretary Travis Holcomb.

Mid Michigan Arbor (MI) (pictured right) hosted a Valentine’s Day activity at the local hospital. A barbershop quartet attended with arbor members to sing to cancer patients in their hospital rooms. They also sang to the nurses. The arbor presented each patient with a red Gleaner bag filled with fruit, chocolate candy, a Gleaner letter opener and a large puzzle book. The quartet sang to 15 patients, all who were appreciative. A few patients had just seen the quartet on television and felt like they were amongst stars.

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Secure Life Plus Financial security for every season

Secure Life Plus brings together the simplicity of traditional whole life insurance and the flexibility of three payment periods: 10-year pay, 20-year pay and paid-up at age 100. With guaranteed level premiums, your payments will never increase, giving you the stability to secure your home, your family and your future. As your life changes, Secure Life Plus will be there to protect you and your loved ones with all the benefits of permanent life insurance.

Three ways to pay

Financial Solution riders (available on all pay options)

10-year pay

Living Benefit Riders

20-year pay

Guaranteed Insurability Option

Paid-up at age 100

Waiver of Premium

Contact your Gleaner agent listed on the back of this publication, or find an agent online at www.gleanerlife.org/agents to learn more about the benefits of whole life insurance. www.gleanerlife.org | 5200 West U.S. Highway 223 | Adrian, Michigan 49221 p 800.992.1894 | f 517.265.7745 Gleaner Life Insurance Society is domiciled in Adrian, Michigan, and licensed in AZ, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NE, OH, PA, TN, VA, WI and WV. Secure Life Plus Form No. ICC17WL with state-specific variations. This ad is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to recommend a specific product, nor is it intended to provide any legal or professional advice. For information on possible tax implications, you should consult with a legal or tax adviser.

Give and Grow projects make a difference Gleaner Life’s Community Engagement Department completed a charitable service project in December. In lieu of the department’s annual holiday gift exchange, the team chose to adopt a local family for Christmas.

Community Engagement staff members Jessica Vasher and Erica Taylor teamed up to organize the project and were joined by department members Leandra Diedrich, Deb Elliott, Jaime Linden and Jessica Roddy. The team purchased gifts for the adopted family of seven and gathered to wrap the presents at Gleaner’s Home Office. They also applied for a Give and Grow service project grant so they could donate even more.

“We really wanted to help make Christmas special for the family.”

– Jessica Vasher

Gleaner’s Give and Grow program gives qualifying benefit members a chance to make a difference in their community. Gleaner provides approved applicants with a prefunded gift card worth $250, branded T-shirts and free resources for promoting the project.

Give and Grow project funds were used to buy food and household necessities for the adopted family. Then, on Dec. 20, the team delivered the gifts and donations to Catholic Charities, where the family picked them up in time for the holiday.

Give and Grow service projects are available to Gleaner members ages 12 and up. Up to eight projects are awarded every month throughout our 16 licensed states. Learn more and apply online at www.gleanerlife.org/giveandgrow.

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Gleaner Life welcomes three new arbors Gleaner Life proudly introduces our three newest arbors: Blissfield Arbor (MI), Ithaca Arbor (MI) (pictured below left) and Covenant Helpers Arbor (MI) (pictured below right). They have been busy planning activities to help their respective communities in 2019. Here’s more about each arbor.

With the guidance of Gleaner agent Bill Warner, Blissfield Arbor (MI) was chartered on Sept. 20, 2018. The arbor will serve the Lenawee County community with a concentration in Blissfield.

Officers include Bill B. Warner, president; William O. Warner, vice president; Sandra Pixley, secretary/treasurer; Rosemarie Carson, reporter; and Tanya Warner, chaplain.

Ithaca Arbor (MI) was chartered on Oct. 13, 2018. Located in Gratiot County, the arbor will concentrate its volunteer efforts in Ithaca and surrounding communities.

Officers include Rose Peck, president; Richard Coleman, vice president; Janet Hanus, secretary/treasurer; Geri Coleman, reporter; and Gloria Bates, chaplain.

Located in Macomb County, Covenant Helpers Arbor (MI) serves the greater Shelby Township community. Chartered on Jan. 14, 2019, the arbor is led by Gleaner agents Stephen Werner and Steven Carpenter.

Officers include Stephen Werner, president; Steven Carpenter, vice president; Randy Develbiss, secretary; Rebecca Walter, treasurer; Alison Werner, reporter; and Robert Wier, chaplain.

Did you find the wheat stalk?

In this issue of Forum Magazine, the wheat stalk is hidden on Page 5, on the deck by the lady in the striped shirt. www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Spring 2019 \

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Give with Gleaner Life At Gleaner Life, we provide life insurance and annuity solutions while also giving back to the people we serve. We do this by reinvesting a portion of our operating gains in member communities in multiple ways – from scholarships to soup kitchens and more.

Gleaner Life is proud to continue its tradition of giving by supporting local communities in these ways.

Gleaner Gives corporately. Each year, Gleaner Life partners with Lenawee Cares, a program of the Lenawee Community Foundation, for the Gleaner Life Gives Campaign. Home Office employees are given the opportunity to donate a portion of their earnings to a maximum of five charities.

For the 2018-19 campaign, Gleaner employees and Gleaner Life Insurance Society pledged $72,932 to support the community. One hundred percent of the donations remain in Lenawee County to benefit the organizations selected.

In addition, Gleaner Life hosts a Casual for a Cause day each month, raising donations to benefit local organizations. Employees voted for the following organizations to receive donations throughout 2019: Share the Warmth Lenawee Humane Society Hospice of Lenawee

Gleaner Gives through charitable service projects.

Gleaner’s Give and Grow projects made an impact in 2018. Ten projects were completed to benefit youth, the homeless and elderly, as well as environmental needs. Help us to increase this number. Consider a Give and Grow project as you look for ways to make a difference in your community. Read about a recent Give and Grow project on Page 26.

Gleaner Gives through our arbor system. Our 65 arbors are working every month to make an impact in local communities. One of the best things about Gleaner arbors is that they’re run by our members.

This allows Gleaner members to impact the specific needs of their communities, give to a wide range of organizations and choose how much time they volunteer. So, whether you’d like to be involved a little or a lot, your local arbor has a place for you. Read examples of the many ways our arbors have made a difference beginning on Page 20.

Are you looking for a way to get involved? Consider applying for a Give and Grow project at www.gleanerlifegives.org/giveandgrow, or join a local arbor. To search Gleaner’s arbor database, visit www.gleanerlife.org/arbors or contact the Community Engagement Department at 800.992.1894 or forum@gleanerlife.org. #giveandgrow

Catherine Cobb Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee The Daily Bread

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Korinne’s Korner Stepping out into the unknown can be a challenge for us all; it’s our human nature to hold back. But what are we waiting for?

Kevin and I have traveled an unconventional, but wonderfully gratifying, journey for almost 40 years of our married lives. At times, Kevin changed jobs for the career opportunity presented. Sometimes he had to change jobs because companies he was working for were being sold. One of the pleasures of our moves all across the country is that we’ve made many lifelong friends and had memorable experiences along the way. Our children were born in three different states — Washington, Pennsylvania and Georgia. They then spent nine years in schools in Ohio before moving to Kansas for a couple of years and finishing high school in Illinois. At a young age, our children learned to adapt to new schools, new friends and new experiences out of necessity.

One such experience for me centers on my joy of cooking and willingness to try entertaining new friends. All of this began when we lived in Medina, Ohio. We took part in a gourmet cooking group arranged through Welcome Wagon shortly after we moved to Ohio. Dinners were held monthly at participants’ homes, centered on different themes, with each couple bringing a new recipe for their assigned course. It was OVERWHELMING, but so much FUN! It was a true “step in faith” moment that yielded lots of fun and joy. We also met many new friends through the local churches that we chose to attend.

Looking back on almost seven years with Gleaner, we’ve witnessed the terrific work done by the arbors for their communities, the academic scholarships awarded to deserving students, the change to fun-filled Family Days and the safety net we provide to our members in their time of need. Personally, in the same seven years, in addition to expanding my love for quilting, I took on a new sport — pickleball — and recently another new challenge — mah-jong. By broadening my horizons, I have enriched my life with new friendships and joy.

I encourage you to go forward and try something new!

Fraternally, yours

Korinne Marti, Wife of Gleaner President and CEO Kevin Marti

Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.

— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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Recipe File A favorite recipe from my Ohio gourmet group (that I continue to serve all the time!).

Potato Soup 2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped 3 carrots, shaved 2 garlic cloves, minced 32 ounces chicken broth 6-8 potatoes, diced 1 cup half-and-half 3 tablespoons flour 8-10 ounces shredded cheese Salt and pepper to taste Ham or bacon (optional for protein) Heat oil in large pot. Add onions, carrots and garlic; stir until tender. Add chicken broth and diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender. Remove 1 cup of the mixture, puree it and then return it to the pot. Prior to serving, mix the cream and flour together and add to the soup to thicken it. To finish, add cheese, seasonings and protein of choice.

Gleaner agent Richard Kranz submitted one of his favorite recipes, often made by his mother, Midge Kranz.

Try this recipe for your spring and summer potlucks.

Fruit Cocktail Dessert 1 ½ cups flour

1 ½ cups sugar 2 eggs, lightly beaten 30 ounces canned fruit cocktail, plus juice 1 ½ teaspoons soda ¼ teaspoon salt Mix all of the ingredients together. Pour into a greased 9-by-13-inch pan.

For a topping: Combine ½ cup chopped nuts and ½ cup brown sugar and spread on top.

Bake at 350 F for 50-60 minutes.

Enjoy!

www.gleanerlife.org

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BENNY’s PAGE Hi, Kids!

I hope you’re having a good year so far. Do you and your family have any summer plans in store? Maybe a family getaway or one of Gleaner’s Family Day events? Be sure to pack mini Benny, provided with new Just For Kids® certificates, for all of your upcoming adventures. Then have your parents send photos of his travels to forum@gleanerlife.org for a chance to be featured in Forum Magazine.

BENNY

While trips are fun, they sure can make life busy. I stay busy attending Gleaner’s year-round events — but that doesn’t mean I don’t still find time to make a difference. From encouraging a friend to surprising a family member on their birthday,Custom Word Search Puzzle doing good things for others can be big or small.

That reminds me! Have you heard about my birthday club? Available to Gleaner members through age 12, the Benny Birthday Club allows me to celebrate all of my benevolent friends.

If you’re a Gleaner benefit member, be on the lookout for a special surprise when your birthday is near.

In the meantime, try to find all of the words in this birthday word search.

Take care!

BENNY The Benevolent Lion 32

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www.gleanerlife.org

Happy Easter

from Gleaner Life

Be happy because you are blessed. Celebrate because you are saved. May the resurrection of Jesus Christ renew your hearts during this time of new life. As we remember the joy of the season, be inspired to join us in our mission to make our communities better places to live.

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

Wednesday, June 12, 11 a.m.

Gleaner’s Home Office Adrian, Michigan

Join us as we honor the American flag, local veterans and activeduty military at the 33rd annual Flag Day celebration. The event will include guest speakers, patriotic music, youth activities with Benny and a complimentary all-American lunch. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in our blood drive. If you plan to donate blood, please register at www.gleanerlife.org/blooddrive.

To help plan for the luncheon, we appreciate an RSVP before June 3 by emailing forum@gleanerlife.org or calling 800.992.1894.

Many Gleaner arbors sponsor Flag Day activities in their communities. If you can’t join us at the Home Office, contact your local arbor to find an event near you.