Forum Magazine - Summer 2020

FORU M

Summer 2020 | Protecting families through life insurance since 1894. | Gleaner Life Insurance Society

MAGAZINE

Ideas for enjoying vacations close to home p. 9

19th Amendment turns 100 p. 14

Contents

Summer 2020

Features 8

Roth v. Traditional IRA The CARES Act introduced multiple changes to individual retirement accounts. Learn more about the differences between Roth and Traditional IRAs.

8

START WITH A STRONG FOUNDATION

9

Making the most of time at home Staycations are replacing trips. We’ve found fun, productive ways to enjoy summer and fall without going far.

12

20/20 Vision: Building a sturdy financial home Having a plan, a foundation, a main structure and additions are vital in both building a solid home and setting up a financial future.

9

First-year interest rate (accounts of $100K-$249,999)

2.15%

Foundation MYGA61

1.95%

1.50% in all years

Foundation SP91

2.40%

2.00% in all years 1-9; 1.50% therafter

Foundation 9

To learn more about the benefits of tax-deferred growth with Gleaner annuities, contact your Gleaner agent, listed on the back of this publication, or find an agent online at www.gleanerlife.org.

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. The Gleaner Life Foundation Series® Form Nos. FPDA9-13, ICC15-SPDA6 and ICC15-SPDA9, all with state-specific variations. This flyer 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.

Withdrawals that exceed the annual 10 percent (Foundation MYGA6 and SP9) or 15 percent (Foundation 9) withdrawal amount will be subject to a surrender charge of 6 percent (Foundation MYGA6) or 9 percent (Foundation SP9 and 9), decreasing by 1 percent each year until reaching zero.

1

www.gleanerlife.org

Mabel Clare Ladd: Chronicler of change Women’s rights to vote were one of many changes in the 20th century, and one of Gleaner Life’s first female employees witnessed decades of progress.

Guaranteed minimum interest rate (all account values)

Building a sturdy 2.00% in all years home financial

1

Gleaners’ historic fight for women’s suffrage The 19th Amendment was passed 100 years ago this summer, guaranteeing women's rights to vote. Gleaner members were part of the movement, having pushed for voting rights for women since the Society’s start.

15

Recent stock market volatility is a reminder of the value and protection fixed-rate annuities provide. Every Gleaner annuity features a minimum guaranteed interest rate that provides a foundation for the entire life of your annuity. Regardless of market performance, you can rely on your Gleaner annuity to provide guaranteed growth.

Annuity

14

12

19

14

www.gleanerlife.org

Do you enjoy searching for Gleaner’s wheat stalk?

It's hidden in every issue of Forum Magazine. Having difficulty finding the wheat stalk in this issue? Look on Page 26 for the answer.

@GleanerLife

15

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

Make a small impact on conservation by recycling this publication or passing it on to a friend.

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2020 \

1

FORUM

Contents

Summer 2020 / V. 125 / No. 3 Senior Officers

Arbor� i�

4

Actio� 18 Gleaner Life arbors discovered themselves facing new challenges during the spring of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it canceled events, social distancing and new needs ranging from food pantries and other non-profit groups in great need to shortages of face masks. Arbor members adapted and found ways to express love and compassion in their communities.

What a difference a few months can make in our lives!

D. Arell Chapman, CRISC, FLMI

We returned in early March from our Florida Family Day events and board meeting, and the world around us began to change ever so rapidly.

President and CEO

Senior Vice President, Chief Operations and Technology Officer

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

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial and Investment Officer

Anthony D. Golden, CLU, ChFC, RICP, FIC Vice President, Sales and Gleaner Financial® Barbara Janowski, RN, ALMI and Chief Underwriter

Kaylene S. Armstrong, FLMI

Vice President, Finance, Controller and Treasurer Officers

News & reviews 3 4

Thoughts from the president Board of Directors member named, COVID-19 updates, and Home Office groundbreaking anniversary.

Jaime Linden, FIC

Assistant Vice President, Member and Community Engagement Chuck Monahan, ALMI

At a glance

Assistant Vice President, Marketing and Communications

Interests 28 Korinne’s Korner 30 Benny’s Page

26 50- and 75-year members 27 Letters from members

Board of Directors Terry L. Garner, Chair

Mark A. Wills, Vice Chair

Stephanie R. Andresen | Donna K. Baker |

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

Frank Dick, Chairman Emeritus Supreme Arbor Officers Dick Hadden, Supreme Chief Gleaner

Norma Garner, Supreme Vice Chief Gleaner Linda Ruehrmund, Supreme Chaplain Deborah Rydberg, Supreme Conductor Cheryl Jones, Supreme Guard

Giving back 18 Arbors in Action 25 Give and Grow projects

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 Forum Magazine is produced quarterly at Gleaner’s Home Office by Dustin Everden, Mark Lenz, Chuck Monahan, Julie Tison and Abigail Wright. For questions regarding this publication, please email forum@gleanerlife.org.

Dear valued Gleaner members:

Kevin A. Marti, FSA, CLU, ChFC

Vice President, Insurance Operations

29

Thoughts from the president

Hours Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. EST

The Society transitioned to a “work from home” operational mindset in about a month’s time with incredible planning and execution by our IT and HR teams. While we’ve always had contingency plans in the back of our minds and the forefront of our risk management plans for a major catastrophe — tornado, earthquake, etc. — “pandemic” was never top of mind in all honesty. Thankfully, we’ve been able to carry on and service our members and our agents’ business despite all the changes the pandemic response has foisted upon us.

About 80% of the Society’s employees were working from home for three months. We evaluated all options for bringing all employees back to work safely as soon as the state of emergency restrictions were formally lifted. Most of those at the Home Office returned July 6.

I’d like to thank our three Senior Vice Presidents Arell Chapman, Deb Elliott and Todd Warner for all their hard work and planning, and for providing well thought out recommendations for how the Society could stay safe and operational for our members, agents and employees. We will continue to be diligent in our efforts to operate safely and protect our employees.

enterprise risk management initiatives underway as well that we will report on next quarter should they come to fruition as hoped and planned at the time of this writing.

We are so sorry to have had to make the difficult decision to postpone our 2020 Agent Conference of Excellence and the rest of our 2020 Gleaner Family Day events. We will miss gathering together as Gleaners in large group settings, but it is truly inspiring to see the continued good works of our arbors and members in our communities. See great examples starting on Page 18.

In these trying economic times, it’s important for you to know your Society is in an incredibly strong financial and operational position today, and will remain so in the future, helping our members and agents get through each and every day, and being there in your family’s time of need.

Stay healthy, safe, and strong! And keep a giving heart during these trying times.

Fraternally, Kevin A. Marti President & CEO

We held our May 18 board meeting via teleconference for the safety of our directors and management team. We welcomed our newest board member, Stephanie Andresen, as best we could under the circumstances. See the article about our newest board director on Page 4.

We are pleased to report that through the end of June, despite all the “opportunities” that the pandemic presents, we are on pace for our 2020 premium budget year-to-date, and our life insurance sales are ahead of last year’s pace as well. Vice President Tony Golden and the regional sales director team are working closely with our agents to achieve these sales results, and the Home Office team is grateful to have new business to process! We have several important www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2020 \

3

Nebraska’s Andresen joins Gleaner Life’s board

“The most important skills I bring to the Board are enthusiasm, a positive attitude, the ability to see the bigger picture, to listen and understand, and do the right thing,” Andresen said.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may not disappear anytime soon, which means that Americans are adjusting as they try to maintain active lives and continue helping others. Gleaner Life Insurance Society has adapted as well to help our members, our employees and our communities.

Stephanie Andresen of Omaha, Nebraska, can point to a variety of Gleaner Life experiences — from different ages and different perspectives — that helped prepare her to become the newest member of the Gleaner Life Insurance Society Board of Directors.

There were childhood picnics when her family became involved with Gleaner Life in the 1970s. Her first term as Gleoma Arbor’s president (1988-1990) came right after college. She watched 2,000 guests attend an arbor Easter egg hunt for which only 100 guests were expected, and she served for four years (2009-2013) on the Society’s Supreme Arbor.

There also was the first time that she delivered a death benefit check. “It changes your perspective of what Gleaner’s true mission is,” Andresen pointed out.

Andresen brings all those perspectives as a Society director. She was named this spring to a vacancy created Nov. 4 when Todd Warner resigned from the board to become Gleaner Life’s new senior vice president and chief financial and investment officer.

by laws, met many arbor delegates, enjoyed being escorted

by Emerald Echo (OH) Arbor Chaplain Don Steele at two Grand Marches, and gained greater appreciation for what the Society does beyond life insurance.

Andresen and her husband Steve, married for 28 years, have worked hard to instill that fraternal spirit in their two daughters, Shannon and Shelby. Shelby and her husband Phil are expecting their second daughter in August. In addition to being grandparents, the Andresens also love watching sunsets at their permanent campsite on the Missouri River, and attending at least one game each season with their favorite team, the Chicago Cubs.

Being raised in one of Nebraska’s strongest Gleaner households guided Andresen’s direction. She bought her first certificate while a high school senior. She remembers her father, Jim Hartline, playing volleyball against fraternal director Bill Warner when he would come to Omaha each year. Andresen said she follows the footsteps of her mother, former Supreme Chief Gleaner Trudy Hartline. Andresen was a Gleaner agent from 2008 to 2014. She also was the one who delivered her father’s death benefit to her mother, helping her pay off their house with the proceeds.

\ Summer 2020 \ Forum Magazine

Some of Andresen’s highlights with Gleaner Life include volunteering at seven conventions over the past 15 years, a second stint as president of Gleoma Arbor (2002-2019), becoming familiar with Gleaner by-laws and members by serving on the Supreme Arbor, providing fraternal advice with the Gleaner Fraternal Committee (2005-2017), and accepting a check at the 2007 Schaumburg, Illinois, convention for more than $10,000 on behalf of Gleoma Arbor for its community service work.

Developing a Christmas Shopping with Kids program proved to Andresen how projects can give arbors a sense of mission and embody the Gleaner spirit. “Over 13 years, we estimate that we took over 1,000 kids shopping with the help of nearly 1,800 volunteers,” she recalled. “Over those years we paid for multiple first bikes, first bras, winter coats, shoes for the family, a Christmas tree because they were homeless. The kids had no rules; they could buy whatever they wanted, yet they rarely bought for themselves.

This — giving back to our communities — this is what it’s all about.”

Applying for the Board was something Andresen considered carefully while serving on the Supreme Arbor.

It was there that she became familiar with 4

9 1 D I COV e t a d p u

www.gleanerlife.org

www.gleanerlife.org

Helping our members: Gleaner Life has maintained full operational services throughout the pandemic. Thanks in part to our technology, we’ve been able to meet members’ account needs and answer their questions. Updates have been posted about new procedures, event changes and plans.

To protect members’ safety, several of the Society’s large-group gatherings were reluctantly canceled.

Protecting our employees: After stay at home orders were issued in Michigan, most Gleaner Life employees worked from home. A small staff at the Home Office kept critical processes functioning that could not be handled remotely. Most employees returned to the Home Office on July 6. Social distancing, disinfection, masks and other steps are being taken to limit the spread of the virus.

Assisting our communities: Gleaner Life and its members have continued to help. To meet urgent needs and social-distancing restrictions, some of the requirements for Give and Grow projects were temporarily suspended. Members were able to assist schools and medical staff and other front-line workers.

Gleaner Life also contributed to a local community foundation fund established to assist numerous local groups meet basic needs. The American Fraternal Alliance included Gleaner Life’s work in a recent report. https://www.fraternalalliance.org/media/pdf/adv_ plus/2020-List-of-Societies-Providing-Covid-19Aid-June-Newsletter.pdf Forum Magazine \ Summer 2020 \

5

HOME OFFICE GROUNDBREAKING TOOK PLACE 40 SUMMERS AGO Four decades ago, Gleaner Life Insurance Society dug back to the roots. And, like its founders, it used a horsedrawn plow.

It was on Aug. 4, 1980, that two key Gleaner Life figures, President Frank Dick and Fraternal Vice President Bill Warner, broke ground for the new Home Office as they stood behind a wooden plow, furrowing into a former farm in Michigan’s Adrian Township.

“Those farmers that plowed with a horse were stout fellows,” Bill Warner pointed out, “because I remember when Frank and I started plowing, it was all we could do to stay up with those horses.”

The groundbreaking would be followed a year later by the opening of a new Home Office in a rural Michigan county, much like the one where the Society was founded in 1894. Finding a new Michigan location, however, took decades. A bid to relocate from Detroit to Hillsdale fell through in 1951, and the Society moved instead to the Detroit suburb of Birmingham. As the 1970s drew to an end,

President George Ransford negotiated the sale of the Birmingham building.

On the same day as Ransford’s retirement, Frank Dick was made president by the Board of Directors.

It assigned to him the task of finding a new site in Michigan, the state where Gleaner Life was chartered and where more than half of its members lived at the time.

“I took a map and Shirley went with me and we went to five or six different locations,” Frank recalled. “We went into Hillsdale and explored that. We went to Coldwater, we went to Marshall, and we went to one other and we considered Adrian and Tecumseh. We wanted a place that had a good location, a good highway in and out, a good school system, good housing, and colleges would be a plus.”

Warner remembered one trip on U.S. 127/223 and arriving at Adrian. “As we started into town, there was a nice hill and a farm out there. Frank said, ‘I think the building I have in mind’ — he’d talked about a coloniallike structure — ‘would look great there.’ Frank had great vision, and he could see the whole thing.”

Choices were narrowed to two or three sites, which were visited by the Board. “My recommendation was for Adrian,” Frank said, “because you had good utilities, a good business community and city sewage was available.”

Shirley and Frank Dick were pictured Aug. 4, 1980, holding the plow for the groundbreaking for Gleaner Life's new Home Office in Adrian, Michigan. Farmer Arthur Snyder, who sold the land, is shown at center.

The land was owned by farmer Arthur Snyder’s family. “We made them an offer. They turned it down the first time,” Warner said. “But Frank, being the type of person who never gives up on anything, negotiated an offer and not only included the farmland but land behind it that had an old school building on it.”

The Board of Directors approved purchasing the two parcels totaling 106 acres. Snyder took his down payment check and signed it back to Gleaner Life, becoming a member and purchasing what was then the largest annuity certificate in Society history. After that, extensive planning occurred to ensure a strong yet beautiful new home.

6

\ Summer 2020 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

www.gleanerlife.org

In August a groundbreaking ceremony took place. Leonard Davis, vice chairman of the board, gave an invocation asking for “Divine guidance in the Gleaners’ use of the land to help people and communities,” the 1980 fall edition of Forum reported. “Then gripping the hafts of the single moldboard plow, Mr. Dick set the point.” Snyder’s two purebred Haflinger draft horses — a gelding named King and a mare named Cuke — pulled forward and Cuke’s colt ran unfettered alongside. It was a visual symbol of family strength that would soon be reflected in a strong, new Home Office.

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2020 \

7

WHICH

Making the most of time at home

IRA is best FOR YOU?

More Americans are skipping traditional vacation trips this summer and fall. Social distancing rules and renewed COVID-19 concerns changed many families’ plans for travel and gatherings. That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t make good vacation memories. Here are a few ideas for less-stressful activities close to home that, as a bonus, won’t break your budget.

An IRA, or individual retirement account, is an account used to set aside and grow money for retirement. As opposed to a 401(k), which is employer-sponsored, IRAs are a way for individuals to save for retirement on their own, either in place of or in addition to a 401(k).

The two main types of IRAs are traditional and Roth. Each has its own unique features and benefits. Your Gleaner agent can help you decide which type of IRA best fits your financial plan and may make a recommendation based on considerations like: •

How close you are to retirement.

•

How much you earn annually.

•

How much you plan to save.

Stay

In addition, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act overwhelmingly passed by Congress and was signed into law effective Jan. 1, 2020, updating numerous rules regarding traditional IRAs. Here is a brief overview describing the differences between Roth and traditional IRAs. Roth IRA

Traditional IRA

Contributions are never deductible.

Contributions may be deductible, depending on tax-filing and active-participant statuses, as well as adjusted gross income (AGI).

Income caps may prevent individuals from contributing.

Income caps do not prevent individuals from contributing.

Contributions are “after-tax” and are always distributed taxfree. Earnings grow tax free, and qualified distributions (see below) of earnings are tax-free.

Contributions and earnings grow tax-deferred but are treated as taxable income when distributed.

Minimum distributions are not required.

Required minimum distributions (RMDs) begin at age 72.

Why worry about safe transportation and accommodations in the midst of a pandemic when you can plan a special event right at home? It’s easy to let a few days slip away, so make a plan to put away the smartphone and enjoy old-fashioned fun.

cation

Camping, whether outdoors or indoors, is a great excuse for s’mores, a tent, a scavenger hunt, backyard games, ghost stories or more. If you can have a backyard campfire, try making camp hot dogs or popcorn. The best part is you won’t need to worry about outdoor bathrooms or hauling supplies far.

Plan a week of making special meals. You don’t need to visit Italy, France or Mexico to enjoy foreign recipes. By decorating for the occasion and adding an appropriate drink, a couple can make memories imagining they’re far away.

Host a movie marathon of your own. Theaters may not be back to normal where you live, but most of us have access to a surprising number of favorite films through streaming, DVD or other formats. Pick a theme and pass the popcorn!

Set up several old-fashioned game nights. Take the old board games off the shelf, cut the cards and set out the snacks. Rediscover the strategies and fellowship that made these games a fun pastime for generations.

Or, pretend you’re enjoying room service by ordering takeout meals all week. This might be a good way to help support your local restaurants without venturing indoors. Explore some of the eateries you’ve never tried.

Plan some hiking, biking or watercraft activities. Now is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy nature. Whether you prefer remote mountain lakes or nearby landmarks, you can find guidebooks and equipment rentals that will lead to happy trails for you.

Qualified distributions With Roth IRAs, a distribution is qualified if it fulfills the following criteria: •

It occurs at least five years after the individual establishes his or her first Roth IRA.

•

The individual has either reached age 59½, is disabled, is using the withdrawal to purchase a first home or is deceased (in which case, distributions go to designated beneficiaries).

For both Roth and traditional IRAs, there is a maximum contribution limit of $6,000 or 100% of employment compensation, whichever is less. Individuals age 50 and above can contribute an additional $1,000 each year.

Information in this document is based on current tax law. For tax advice, Gleaner Life recommends that a tax professional be sought.

8

\ Summer 2020 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2020 \

9

Self

Home

improvement

improvement

A purposeful staycation can help you grow by removing traveling distractions. Intentionally creating time for a specific purpose is a key to changing “I wish I had tried that” into “I’m glad I took the time to learn that!”

Take virtual tours of attractions within the 50 states. The amount of information online — from 360-degree views of museums or zoos to in-depth descriptions — is almost boundless. Set up a map and see how many states you can “visit” on the Internet in a single vacation.

A staycation is a great way to do some reading, regardless of whether you prefer real or digital books. Most libraries and bookstores can help you with your reading list. Set a daily goal and lose yourself in new worlds without ever needing to leave your own home.

Learn to cook new recipes. Step-by-step directions are available on numerous apps, websites and blogs.

Perhaps add South American choripán (a hot-dog like sandwich using chorizo sausage), Valencian paella, or Japanese katsudon (rice, deep-fried pork cutlet, egg and vegetables). A week of new items can turn into a rewarding and tasty way to expand your culinary skills.

It might not seem restful but completing a home project during days off now will give you peace of mind later as well as a visible sense of accomplishment.

Take a few days to see how many small projects like replacing torn window screens, organizing storage and repairing caulking you can cross off your list.

Summer is great time to repaint a deck or porch or to build a family fire pit before fall and winter.

Add joy and attractiveness to your home by sorting and displaying some of the many photos languishing on film or in storage. Rekindle memories from vacations past.

Take a few days to learn new photography skills. You don’t need to go far to find subjects for macro, wildlife, portrait or night sky pictures. Also, your improved camera familiarity and picture taking will pay off when you do venture out for exotic locations.

10

\ Summer 2020 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

It may be too late to plant a garden, but it’s never too early to set up one for next season. Think about raised garden beds that are easier to access or about other landscaping projects. Completing these outdoors projects can make a vacation close to home safe and sunny as well as productive. www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2020 \

11

Appreciating a well-built house is natural when it provides shelter from storms, pandemics or other dangerous conditions.

Many people forced to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic were grateful if they had adequate space and protection. Equally important is how well a family’s financial structure was constructed. That type of building protects them in times of uncertainty and also supports their goals and projects.

Neither a strong house nor a strong financial plan is hammered together from random materials or assembled by chance. Both involve the same steps of planning, creating a foundation, building a main structure, and then adding the finishing touches.

Making a plan First, before digging a single hole, we create a plan. We check our family’s needs, assess future opportunities, consider our budget, meet with experts, measure precisely and draw up blueprints. Pounding nails first or committing to other investments without a plan is likely to lead to regret later — like purchasing expensive furnishings first and later discovering they won’t fit through the doors or windows. When considering financial goals, starting with a plan guided by experts is equally important.

Laying a foundation After the site is prepared and blueprints are made, the first step of building is laying the foundation. Everything else depends on the foundation’s design and strength.

A foundation built on sandy soil or peat can lead to water buildup, shifting ground, cracked concrete, erosion and other problems.

Financial foundations require similar permanence. A fixed annuity, for example, will not shift or sink even when stock markets are suddenly swept downstream. Fixed annuities ensure retirement growth and future income, enabling the owner to move to the next phase.

12

\ Summer 2020 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

www.gleanerlife.org

Building a strong structure Framing and building a main structure creates the walls and roof that keep us safe.

Similarly, term life insurance may provide the initial protection for our family’s finances while careers are in early phases. On a house, after the framing rough-in, builders add the plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems.

When building our financial plans, converting term life insurance into a whole life policy marks another new phase. Whole life adds cash value that the owner can draw on as their plans progress.

Additions and renovations Over time, our goals may change, additions may be needed, or maintenance may turn into major work. Some people may want a sunroom, a swimming pool for the grandchildren or remodeling to make the house more accessible. Financial plans also require flexibility and resources for what follows a couple’s main projects. One tool is a single-premium immediate annuity, or SPIA. These can be structured for an individual or a couple. Unlike Social Security, which can leave a surviving spouse with only one Social Security check, Gleaner can help you create an income plan that lasts for both the husband and wife’s entire lifetime. Creating guaranteed payments for life is important regardless of how many years — or how many remodeling projects — are in your future.

Storms of life are guaranteed to bang on both our homes and our finances. They often strike without warning. Good planning and careful building can help ensure that the loved ones inside our walls remain protected.

To learn more about building your financial plan, contact your Gleaner agent, listed on the back of this publication.

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2020 \

13

19

th

AMENDMENT G AV E WO M E N A VOT E

100

This August marks 100 years since the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution made women’s suffrage a reality. For the founding Gleaner Society members, it followed a quartercentury advocating in favor of equal standing for women.

Founded with the biblical story of Ruth in mind, the original Gleaner charter had ensured women would have equal membership and voting rights. In 1901, Alice Mason of Ionia, Michigan, was elected Supreme Council Chaplain by Gleaner members at the Third Biennial Convention, the first woman elected to a fraternal office in Michigan.

14

YEARS

AGO

fact alone will ever lead our organization in the direction of Equal Suffrage.” Michigan men finally voted in 1917 in favor of giving women voting rights in all Michigan elections.

The next challenge became state and federal constitutional amendments, as well as electing members of Congress in midterms who would introduce and pass such an amendment.

In state and national elections, however, women had been unable to vote for more than a century since New Jersey had erased that right in 1807.

The battle to reclaim and enshrine that right in the Constitution became a long struggle nationally by women such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and Alice Paul.

Gleaner leadership played a key role. Two months before the 1918 election, Michigan’s Mount Clemens Monitor reported, “Grant Slocum has an organization going that promises to do much for the cause of women’s suffrage at the fall election. He is chairman of a federation of 25 state organizations, to which it is expected to add as many more. … It looks more and more as though women will be winners in Michigan this fall. Their ultimate triumph is certain and, this being the case, many men hitherto groping in darkness are seeing the light and realizing that it is ‘good politics’ to turn in with the winners.”

Gleaner members joined them, especially in rural areas, and backed a statewide 1913 vote that fell short. Grant Slocum wrote with regret in the May 1913 Gleaner Forum: “The Gleaner membership has satisfaction in knowing it stood practically unanimously for the emancipation of loyal wives and daughters through the granting of an equal franchise, and its influence will without question always be felt in this direction. … The principles of benevolence, protection and fraternity are in a great degree identical with the principles involved in the suffrage movement, and this

Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan on June 10, 1919, became the first three states to ratify the “Susan B. Anthony Equal Suffrage Amendment,” with Michigan lawmakers approving it unanimously. Six days later Ohio and Kansas joined them. Indiana became the 26th state on Jan. 16, 1920, but the deadline for 36 states to pass it before the next congressional election in November was drawing close.

Tennessee finally became the decisive state on Aug. 18 and after the final vote was formally received at the U.S. Capitol, the 19th Amendment became law on Aug. 26.

\ Summer 2020 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

Mabel Clare Ladd's long Gleaner Life career In the annals of Gleaner Life Insurance Society, perhaps no member witnessed quite as much growth first-hand as Mabel Clare Ladd. From the early Gleaner years in Caro through its successful work for women’s suffrage and into the 1950s, Ladd was a key employee for more than 50 years.

Born Nov. 3, 1885, her lifelong association with the Society began while growing up in Caro. On her 40th work anniversary in 1943, she recounted how, as a girl, her mother took her to the Caro Arbor’s annual meeting and its election of officers.

She remembered a poem recited that referred to a “horseless carriage” — something neither she nor her mother understood. There she also met Gleaner founder Grant Slocum. “Mr. Slocum asked if I was enjoying the program and whispered the promise that when I grew up, I too could be a Gleaner and perhaps I could come and work for him in the office. That was the first highlight in my business career for it was a prophesy to come true.”

Ladd did go to work for Gleaner on Aug. 1, 1903, after high school at age 17. She remembered her first duty was to record new insurance applications, assign them a number, “carefully wrap and tie them, and then take them down the street a couple of blocks to [Gleaner Medical Director] Dr. Chase’s office, there to answer his telephone, receive his patients and otherwise put in time while he reviewed these applications. Occasionally Mrs. Chase would call me over to the house to enjoy fresh buttermilk and new made cookies and I

www.gleanerlife.org

was always allowed to carry a tray with a glass of buttermilk and two cookies back to my beloved doctor — the same doctor who was responsible for my safe arrival in this world and now was guiding my first footsteps in the business world.”

1920 was one of many significant years for Ladd. After handling correspondence and the women’s page of the Gleaner Forum, she wrote several front-page stories that year. As the publication struggled with a new editor who lasted only a few months, Ladd assumed more responsibility. In August, her name appeared as the publication’s business manager. The only other staff member listed was Slocum himself, who briefly resumed his publisher’s role. Several Gleaner officers’ names would appear as “editor” throughout the next four decades, but Ladd would be the publication’s one constant.

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2020 \

15

Two of Ladd’s passions were young Gleaners and nature. She became supervisor of the Junior Gleaner department, served as a counselor at Gleaner summer camps and was an officer in the Detroit Audubon Club, organizing the Young People of the Detroit Audubon Society. Ladd also was a longtime member of the Detroit Business Women’s Club and was elected in 1942 as president of the Michigan Fraternal Congress.

Ladd made sure accomplishments by other women — both inside the Society and outside — received recognition. In the June 1933 Forum, for example, she wrote an article “Women in Politics” that highlighted U.S. Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins, Director of the U.S. Mint Nellie Tayloe Ross and Ruth Bryan Owen, the U.S. ambassador to Denmark. All three were the first women to hold those positions in U.S. history.

Recording and preserving Gleaner history, however, may be her most well-known contribution. Over the years, she put together several notebooks and scrapbooks that provided many of the details of the Society’s first seven decades.

As she worked with each of the first five Gleaner presidents, Ladd’s career saw nine U.S. presidents, two world wars, several pandemics and financial crises — all bridging a time before “horseless carriages” and women’s suffrage all the way to the jet age.

Secure Life Plus Financial certainty to withstand life’s uncertainties There are few certainties in life. One certainty you can control is securing your family’s financial future with whole life insurance. Gleaner Life’s Secure Life Plus can help you establish a financial foundation to withstand life’s uncertainties.

Secure Life Plus now features a Single-Premium Paid-Up Addition Rider that allows you to turn a lump sum deposit into immediate cash value for financial certainty. That way, you can secure your family immediately.

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 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 & WV. Gleaner Life Term Solutions Plus form number ICC17-WL (10-year guarantee) and ICC17-WL (full guarantee) with state-specific variations.

16

\ Summer 2020 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

� r o b r A i�

� o i t c A Gleaner Life arbors discovered themselves facing new challenges during the spring of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it canceled events, social distancing and new needs ranging from food pantries and other non-profit groups in great need to shortages of face masks. Arbor members adapted and found ways to express love and compassion in their communities.

18

\ Summer 2020 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2020 \

19

Bay Area Arbor (FL) worked with two other groups to provide much-needed face masks for first responders and personnel in assisted living facilities. It gathered and donated 117 yards of fabric (valued at $9 per yard). It also collected about $50 worth of bias tape and elastic, other key components of the masks. The fabric was washed, sanitized and ironed. Material was cut up and put into kits. These were distributed to about 50 ladies throughout the Sun City Center (SCC) region to make approximately 450 face masks with the material.

Additionally, several ladies worked independently on another 100 masks.

Overall, 300 masks are going to Brandon’s hospital and the goal is to make 800 masks for Sun Towers Assisted Living facility SCC. This collaborative effort also includes SCC KP Quilt club and SCC Sew and Sews.

Caro Arbor (MI), meeting April 28 via a conference call, voted to support Hannah’s House. This faith-based home for homeless mothers has served mid-Michigan for 25 years but is struggling to meet payroll. The arbor donated $750 to help them through this difficult time. The donation followed the arbor's February event — a free movie with donations going to the community's Good Samaritan Food Pantry. Caro's local theater generously donated use of its building and a crew to run the movie.

Popcorn and treats were available for purchase. The arbor was able to donate 75 pounds of food and $55 to the food pantry and had great support from the community!

While COVID-19 canceled many in-person graduations, Chester Arbor (OH) helped students of the Tomorrow Center celebrate their accomplishments with graduation bags for the 28 at-risk graduates from area schools. The gift bag presented with their diploma at the “virtual graduation” included an insulated water tumbler with school label, candy, promotional items from Gleaner Life, cards, a 2020 lanyard, a face mask made by Chester Arbor members, gift cards from businesses and a newspaper with a congratulatory ad that included their names. Members attended the May 22 drive-through graduation and Dixie Shinaberry helped pass out gifts. Members attended a shared dinner after the program.

Heart of Florida Arbor (FL) hosted its first Leap into Literacy event on Leap Day (Feb. 29) without any glitches. It brought in well over 150 people and encouraged children of all ages to read. The arbor provided snacks, crafts and games and partnered with the Mulberry Public Library to have a story time featuring two principals from the local elementary school. The arbor will host it again next year. It won't be on Leap Day, but members hope to make it even bigger and better.

Jasper County Arbor (IN) made Valentine’s Day cards, and on Feb. 14 handed them out at Oak Grove Christian Retirement Village. Children from a local youth group volunteered to help make the cards. Five arbor members and five non-members presented the cards and visited with 95 individuals at the retirement home. Each received a hand-made Valentine card and Gleaner chap stick, which they loved. However, they most enjoyed the social aspect of the visit, as some of them don’t typically receive visitors.

Arbor members hope to have future events with the residents of Oak Grove, saying it made an impact in the lives of members as well as residents.

Champion Arbor (MI) sponsored meals for eight Sundays for those attending the Financial Peace University course by Dave Ramsey that was shown for two hours each Sunday. The arbor also gave each attendee the book “Peace of Mind Planner.”

20

\ Summer 2020 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2020 \

21

Madison Arbor (MI) hosted its third annual Law Enforcement Appreciation activity on March 5. A total of 26 law enforcement officers attended from the Adrian Police Department, Lenawee County Sheriff ’s Office and Michigan State Police Department. There also were two members of the prosecuting attorney’s office, one corrections officer and 14 additional supporters for a total of 51 people. Food was brought in from local restaurants Coast to Coast Deli, El Chapulin (The Grasshopper) and Buffalo Wild Wings. Door prizes, T-shirts and a number of other prizes were given, all with a theme of honoring law enforcement. It is the only event of its kind in the area, and officers loved the door prizes, T-shirts and food.

THE PLA

Odyssey

R INVITES

TH YOU TO

E

ind M e h t f o

ARBO N K R OA D

p.m.

12 at 6TE:0R/L0IBRARY h c r a M IA CEN rsday, OL MED

Thu

O IGH SCH am g the e Mind Te Featurin sey of th ool Odys h Sc st le o d M ridge Mid ed by Roxanne Brecken Coach

BRECKEN

Plank Road Arbor (MI) helped its local school’s Odyssey of the Mind team by hosting its skit on March 12. It gave the community a chance to watch a performance by the students, who generally compete far from home, and promoted the program to families who might be interested in getting involved next year.

The local team did qualify for the state tournament, although that was canceled due to COVID-19. A total of 31 people attended, and cookies were served after the performance.

RIDGE H

!

ll about

at it’s a e see wh

Com

. accepted ns will be ! Donatio e performance. n is FREE llow th fo Admissio to n ceptio ind, Cookie re of the M Odyssey l.com. ns about ins@gmai ve questio mcbritta at n ai If you ha itt elly Br Sh t ac ease cont

pl

g anerlife.or

www.gle

22

\ Summer 2020 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

Rolling Prairie Arbor (IN) was unable to conduct some activities due to COVID-19 but it stayed busy within its community. June Lenig, Nora Sherwood, Barb Homan and Nancy McVay gathered March 30 and have now made 1,099 masks for EMS, LaPorte Clinic, Beacon Medical, Greenwood Women’s Cancer Center, Millers Merry Manor nursing home, CVS Pharmacies, Gordon Food Service, LaPorte Animal Center, the Ames, Iowa, medical center, an Air Force unit serving in Florida, local restaurants, assisted living home Valparaiso and others. The arbor also has been helping serve Friday lunches to medical personnel working through the pandemic.

an in

Vulcaneer Arbor (MI) supported both local first responders and Tuscola County restaurants by filling gift bags with gift cards/certificates to the eateries replace with and candy. The idea came about since social distancing and other guidelines prevented making or providing actual lunches. Members purchased $10 gift cards from five different restaurants and other merchants, made gift tags and delivered the little bags to Tuscola’s Mobile Medical Response (40 employees), police department (10 employees) and Vassar Fire Department (18 employees). The arbor’s reporter and chaplain said the idea went over with a bang and many members wanted to get involved with it. www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2020 \

23

GIVEANDGROW To adjust to new distancing rules and community needs caused by COVID-19, Gleaner Life Insurance Society rules for Give and Grow projects were eased. The requirement for members to enlist teams of volunteers to help was suspended, and the restriction on direct aid to community groups was lifted.

projects

Ashley Sunday, a Michigan-based teacher, purchased books and fun literature for her students and then mailed the packages to students (all prior to school closing) to assist them in growing their literacy at home. Many are from lower-income families, and this would be the only education available to them until new curriculum could be developed. Sunday used the grant funds to ship the packages as well as to purchase additional books for students.

West Lockport Arbor (IL) hosted its Community Volunteer Recognition Award Presentation on Feb. 2 at the home of President Jeff Price. Nine Gleaner Life members and six guests were on hand to present the CVR award to Phillip Kelly for his community service and fundraising help for the V Cancer Foundation. A luncheon followed the meeting.

Ethan Harsh, a sophomore at Lawrence Technological University, was able to use a 3-D printer to print mask holders for ProMedica Bixby Hospital in Adrian, Michigan. Many medical professionals are required to wear masks all day, and the mask holders remove the pressure from their ears. Harsh, who is studying Robotics Engineering, was able to use funds to print six to seven mask holders at a time, and to purchase more supplies to print additional holders. On April 22, he delivered 125 of the holders as well as boxes of granola bars and other snacks to hospital staff.

Maple City Arbor (MI) members’ first big activity of 2020 was a music and appreciation event at Charlotte Stephenson Manor assisted living center in Adrian. The arbor provided song books to the residents, while arbor member Pat Reno played the piano. Residents, arbor members, family and staff sang hymns and old songs from years past. The residents even requested songs not in the songbook and Pat played them for all to sing. The arbor also surprised the nursing staff with gift cards in appreciation for everything they do for residents. The arbor shared information about what an arbor is, how they benefit the community and how to get involved in the group.

Riverview Arbor (MI) combined a meeting at the Rose Garden assisted living community in Grandville with a party. There were several new members, plus 28 guests, for attendance of 39. After the meeting adjourned, members had a party with residents and families. They made a flower arrangement, and a Valentine card and small box of candy was given to each resident. The party ended with cake and coffee.

Simply Giving Arbor (MI) purchased essentials for the elementary schools in Marysville. At the monthly staff meeting in February, five members and 25 guests were on hand to present the materials to teachers in the district. The supplies were to help prevent the teachers from running short of supplies such as markers, pencils, folders, etc. that help them succeed as educators. As Marysville school district alumni, arbor members seek to give back to the area that shaped them.

24

\ Summer 2020 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

Rebecca Creque used a Give and Grow grant to help offset costs of students who needed additional technology while school is out. The money was used to support five families to obtain materials needed during the quarantine.

School support involved the Whiteford Agricultural School in Monroe County, Michigan. “Valerie Orr said they were able to help five different families,” Rebecca reported. “Thank you again so much! What a blessing.” www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2020 \

25

Florida Phyllis I. Beck, Orlando Georgia Elva Y. Thayer, Canton Illinois Selma M. Arp, Arlington Heights

Dear Gleaner Life Insurance Society (Hawthorne Arbor),

Susan K. Kuykendall, Coal City Judy L. Owens, Bloomington

Thank you very much for your generous donations for our fur babies. We greatly appreciate it. Many blessings to you all.

Leon K. Phelps, Ottawa Indiana Jerry L. Bitterling, Logansport Illinois Linda M. Gray, Crystal Lake Gary J. Jeck, Bourbonnais Willard L. Mikkelson, Channahon Jeannette J. Ryder, Morris

Larry L. Parks, Kendallville

Indiana Jennifer R. Archer, Portage Michigan Jeffrey R. Eby, East Jordan Connie J. Garwood, Greenville William G. Harmon, St. Johns Jennifer L. Redmond, Burlington Gail L. Schwandt, Chesaning Clifford M. Seybert, Holt Kathryn Tyler, Elsie Mary Tyler, Owosso Carol S. Vos, Hastings Jack W. Vos, Hastings Montana William F. Dixon, Darby Nebraska Renee Sullivan, Omaha

Did you find the wheat stalk?

In this issue of Forum Magazine, the wheat stalk is hidden on Page 22 in the Madison Arbor photo.

26

Sincerely, The Lake County Animal Adoption and Control Center

Karen D. English, Fremont

Ohio Michael Scott Brubaker, Defiance Barbara E. Peters, Findlay

Michigan Mary A. Doster, Plainwell

Dear Legacy Arbor members, That’s just like Gleaners to do something so nice!

Thanks for your kindness!

Jacqueline Farr, Jeddo Margaret Fox, Mayville Peter J. Hayes, Adrian Loraine K. Hazard, Kalamazoo Juanita J. Hosmer, South Haven Kay E. Hull, Paw Paw Marie A. Lanphear, Paw Paw Glen R. Leversee, Kalamazoo Philip L. Meiser, Dowagiac Patricia M. Mulder, Berrien Springs Arlene Nyman, Alma Janet R. Smith, Dowagiac Marsha J. Sonday, Grand Ledge Marie A. Vierson, Ada Nevada Kay E. Pellenwessel, Carson City Ohio Lois D. Daniels, Ashley Minnie M. Fett, Bluffton

Our local nonprofits, most of which were working on a shoestring before the crisis, have stepped up without hesitation to serve people in need. Your generosity helps us provide for those in dire straits, who have nowhere else to turn for their next meal, to keep their utilities on, or a roof over their heads.

Your support of assuring local people are cared for during this time of great need is truly appreciated.

Just want to say a big thank you for the bowling party you hosted. Tom and I are out of work, and living off savings at present and raising 3 grandchildren. So this was an extra special treat!

Again, thank you and may God richly bless you.

– Tom and Lori Koepf Dear Larry and Prevail Arbor/Gleaner Life, We wanted to take a moment to drop you all a note to say thanks for lunch on Friday! The staff were elated to have Jimmy John’s delivered to them in honor of National Nursing Home Week and Nurses Week!

Thanks again for thinking of us!

Mara Stewart, Activity Director Altercare Nobles Pond Dear Black Swamp Arbor, Thank you for your donation to the Paulding County Drug Court program. I have just started another contest to get participants to attend more substance abuse meetings. Your donation will go toward prizes to be awarded to the winners on April 3. Your support means a lot to me.

Sincerely, Judge Tiffany Beckman

Sincerely, Suann D. Hammersmith President and CEO, Lenawee Community Foundation

Anna Marie Held Holloway, Delaware

Texas Marilyn A. Theisen, Leander

Shirley J. Humes, Delaware

Utah Ramona K. Swapp, Springville

Wilford Salsberry, Delta

\ Summer 2020 \ Forum Magazine

Thank you for your generous gift of $1,250 to the Lenawee Community Foundation for the COVID-19 Response Fund. Each gift matters, and we were pleased to double your gift and get it to work to help our neighbors. To date, $75,000 in grants has been distributed to food pantries, meal programs and shelters, and to non-profits providing housing and utility assistance. Thanks for being an amazing part of our wonderful community!

To Sherri Thorp and USA Arbor,

Jerome F. Mangas, Defiance Amy E. Wagner, Kirby

www.gleanerlife.org

www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2020 \

27

Korinne’s Korner Someday, we will all look back on 2020 and scratch our heads. Although each state/county/city has basic directives for guiding us safely through the pandemic, everyone’s story will be unique. How was your workplace affected? Grocery shopping? Recreation?

Practicing your religion? Family dynamics? How do we manage life’s ups and downs? AND from where do we draw our inner strength?

After my mother passed away in 2018, a close friend of hers sent a condolence card as well as a recipe that my Mom had shared with her years ago. She said her family always referred to it as “Dot’s Dip.” I had NO idea. What a kind gesture. I share this recipe with you all today.

Over the last four months, various media have reported on amazing individuals over the age of 90 years of age who survived having the COVID-19 virus, as well as other catastrophes in their lifetimes: 1918 Spanish flu virus, the Great Depression, world wars, stock market crashes, etc. I recently read the excerpt posted below, and it stopped me in my tracks. I am the product of many strong women in my life, the majority of whom have passed away. But I feel their presence daily. When I’m challenged by life’s daily stresses like family issues, household malfunctions, etc., I try to just take a deep breath. There’s a solution to every issue; however, it requires thought, time, patience, and strength to all come together before a solution and peace sets in. We are all stronger than we think we are.

Nature often offers metaphors more elegant than any we manufacture, and Muir Woods is no exception.

Redwoods have evolved to turn disaster into opportunity. In these coastal forests, death produces life.

This is what I mean: In the redwood ecosystem, buds for future trees are contained in pods called burls, tough brown knobs that cling to the bark of the mother tree. When the mother tree is logged, blown over or destroyed by fire – when, in other words, she dies – the trauma stimulates the burls' growth hormones.

The seeds release, and trees sprout around her, creating the circle of daughters. The daughter trees grow by absorbing the sunlight their mother cedes to them when she dies. And they get the moisture and nutrients they need from their mother’s root system, which remains intact underground even after her leaves die.

Although the daughters exist independently of their mother above ground, they continue to draw sustenance from her underneath.

I am fooling only myself when I say my mother exists now only in the photograph on my bulletin board or in the outline of my hand or in the armful of memories I still hold tight. She lives on beneath everything I do. Her presence influenced who I was, and her absence influences who I am. Our lives are shaped as much by those who stay, Loss is our legacy. Insight is our gift. Memory is our guide.

May you all continue to feel strengthened by the amazing women that helped mold you into the person you are today.

Fraternally yours,

— Excerpt from “Motherless Daughters” by Hope Edelman

Korinne Marti, Wife of Gleaner President and CEO Kevin Marti

28

\ Summer 2020 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2020 \

29

Hi kids!

I don’t know about you, but I sure miss my old routine and friends. I miss playing baseball, going to the movies and it was sad that I had to cancel my spring vacation. But I have appreciated a lot of new activities during this quarantine. I have been enjoying decorating my bedroom window, taking walks and being creative!

I want to share one recent craft project I completed. Try this out at home. I suggest choosing a nice sunny day so you can complete it outside so there’s less of a mess to clean up!

Amazing Bubble Art Activity

1

New ways to plant your Give and Grow projects

WHAT YOU NEED: • Food coloring • Bubbles • Cardstock paper or poster board • Small clear cups • Bubble wand

You know needs within your community. Social distancing guidelines related to COVID-19, however, may make lending a hand right now more difficult.

So, at Gleaner Life Insurance Society, we’re making it easier for our Society members to help meet those needs, using our Give and Grow projects. We’ve temporarily suspended Give and Grow rules that require team projects, and we’re empowering members to give grant funds directly to charities and non-profit groups in need. Whether your idea is to buy gift cards for first responders, purchase school materials for students, or meet the needs of food pantries or homeless shelters, Gleaner Life can help you apply for one project per year with a $250 Visa card.

DIRECTIONS: 1. Pour a small amount of bubbles in each cup.

2. Add 5-10 drops of food coloring to each cup. Make each cup of bubbles a different color.

3. Stir your bubbles well.

4. Lay your paper onto the grass or sidewalk, dip your wand into the colored bubbles and blow onto your white paper or poster board.

5. Let dry and display.

1

Gleaner Life Insurance Society members can apply for a project and free resources online at www.gleanerlife.org/giveandgrow.

https://myhomebasedlife.com/amazing-bubble-art-activity

www.gleanerlife.org

#giveandgrow

*Gleaner Life Insurance Society is licensed in AZ, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NE, OH, PA, TN, VA, WI & WV. 30

\ Summer 2020 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

Privacy Notice Your financial security, satisfaction and privacy are very important to us. We value the continued confidence you have placed in us, and we are serious about our commitment to keep your personal information private. This document describes how we handle your personal information and the steps that we take to protect your privacy.

Definitions •

•

•

“Public Information� refers to what is lawfully available to the general public from federal, state or local government records; widely distributed media; or disclosures to the general public that are required to be made by federal, state or local law. “Nonpublic Information� is personally identifiable financial and medical information. It also means any list, description or other grouping of individuals and publicly available information pertaining to them that is derived from any personally identifiable information that is not publicly available.

A “Consumer Reporting Agency� is an entity that regularly provides reports (“Consumer Reports�), including information regarding an individual’s general reputation, character, personal characteristics or mode of living and financial status. The information may be obtained through interviews with the individual or third parties, such as the individual’s business associates, family members, friends, neighbors, acquaintances or financial sources.

•

“You� means any individual who obtains or has obtained a financial product or service from the Society.

•

Gleaner Life Insurance Society is referred to as the “Society,� “us,� “we� or “our.�

•

address, Social Security number, assets and income, etc.).

•

Information about your relationship with us (products or services purchased, account balances, payment history, etc.).

•

Information about your transactions with us (balances, premium payments, loans, claims, etc.) or others.

•

Information that we may receive from a Consumer Reporting Agency.

•

Information from non-Gleaner sources (such as medical information, etc.).

Sharing Information With Others We do not disclose any personal Nonpublic Information about you to anyone, except: •

•

Collecting Information to Conduct Business We obtain information about you to help us serve your financial needs, provide customer service, offer new products or services, and fulfill legal and regulatory requirements. The type of information that the Society collects varies according to the products you request and includes: •

32

Information that you provide to us in an application or other forms (name, \ Summer 2020 \ Forum Magazine

•

On occasion, your name, age, place of residence, length of membership as well as your involvement in any fraternal activity with the Society may be disclosed in one of our publications (e.g. Forum Magazine), at one of our fraternal events (Family Days, etc.) or for public relations purposes (news releases, photographs, etc.). All information disclosed about you as mentioned here will be of favorable intent and will not compromise the confidentially of your other Nonpublic Information; On occasion, we will share your name, address, phone number and email address with your local arbor's leadership to contact you regarding events and activities.

Arbor leadership certifies confidentiality when elected and are prohibited from sharing your information.

Many employers or other plan sponsors restrict the information that can be shared about their employees or members by companies that provide them with products or services such as a 401(k) plan, 457 plan, etc. In our business relationships with such institutions, we

always honor these restrictions. If you have a relationship with the Society because of the products or services provided through an employer or other plan sponsor, we will abide by the specific privacy rules imposed by that organization; •

We will not share medical information for marketing purposes;

•

As permitted by law. For example, we may disclose information in response to a subpoena, to prevent fraud or to comply with an inquiry by governmental agency or regulator; or,

•

As you may authorize.

Access to Your Information Is Authorized for Gleaner Purposes Only We restrict access to your personal, insurance and medical information to the Society’s employees who need to know that information in order to provide insurance or service to you. We are, and will continue to be, vigilant in safeguarding your personal financial and medical information.

Security Standards We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to comply with federal and state regulations regarding the safeguarding of Nonpublic Information.

It is our sincere desire to maintain complete, accurate and up-to-date records. You may contact us at the address or telephone number on Page 2 to access, as provided by law, information included in your file. We will promptly correct any error in our information.

To protect your privacy, you will need to identify yourself by providing us with your name, date of birth and Social Security number.

Gleaner must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA is designed to protect the privacy of consumer report information. www.gleanerlife.org

For just $125, you can insure your child or grandchild with a $10,000 term life policy. The certificate can later be converted to $50,000 in permanent life insurance without underwriting.

That means if their health should change between learning their ABCs and studying for their SAT, one thing will remain constant — their insurability.

Start our online application now at www.gleanerlife.org/jfk or talk to your Gleaner agent listed on the back of this publication.

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. Certificate form: ICC14-JFK and state-specific variation

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

More with membership Protection is a strong reason to join a fraternal society. In addition, members of Gleaner Life Insurance Society enjoy numerous other benefits. A few of these include: Scholarships, available for members pursuing postsecondary education.

Give and Grow projects, helping members provide local assistance.

Gleaner Arbors, a way for members to enjoy fellowship while serving their communities.

Orphan’s Benefit, providing funds to an orphaned child when both parents are Gleaner members.

PerkSpot, providing exclusive discounts to hundreds of merchants nationwide. $1,000 Fraternal Plus Accidental Death Benefit, for members’ designated beneficiary.

If you know someone who could use Gleaner Life’s protection and benefits, point them to a Gleaner agent or www.gleanerlife.org to learn more.