Forum Magazine - Summer 2022

FOR M U GrowingFamilyStrength

Summer 2022 | Protecting families through life insurance since 1894. | Gleaner Life Insurance Society

HELP CHILDREN

BUILD A FAMILY TREE

GLEANER UPDATED HISTORY

LAST-MINUTE SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Bluee print Blu Whole Life Series™

Durability designed for your lifetime deserves a Blueprint A well-designed home is not built by accident. It requires planning to fit your lifetime needs, plus innovation to accommodate change. Life insurance that meets all of your needs also requires careful planning.

Gleaner’s Blueprint Whole Life Series™ gives you the permanence of whole life insurance, guaranteed cash value, dividends, plus the flexibility of options for your family’s needs: • A level-premium option with three ways to pay: 10-year pay, 20-year pay, and paid up at age 100.

• Subject to underwriting approval, level-premium riders available include a guaranteed insurability option to add coverage in the future regardless of your health, and a waiver of premium in case you become permanently disabled.

• Blueprint Single-Premium Whole Life is a simple solution that establishes immediate cash value and becomes a potential legacy for loved ones or charitable organizations.

Whether you want to take ownership immediately or pay for your plan over time, Gleaner’s Blueprint Whole Life Series™ is designed for your needs. To learn more about Blueprint Whole Life, contact your Gleaner agent listed on the back of this publication or visit www.gleanerlife.org.

Product features Whole life options: • Blueprint Single-Premium Whole Life • Blueprint Level-Premium Whole Life • 10-year pay • 20-year pay • Paid-up at age 100 Issue ages: • 0 to 80 (10-year pay) • 0 to 75 (20-year pay) • 0 to 85 (Paid-up at age 100; single-premium) Minimum face amount: • $25,000 (ages 0-49) • $10,000 (ages 50 and above) Maximum face amount: None (subject to Home Office approval) Living Benefit Riders: Chronic Illness Rider, Critical Illness Rider, Terminal Illness Rider Additional level-premium riders: Guaranteed Insurability Option, Waiver of Premium Dividend options: Paid-up additions (default), paid in cash

www.gleanerlife.org Gleaner Life Insurance Society is domiciled in Michigan and licensed in AZ, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NC, NE, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WI and WV. Blueprint Single-Premium Whole Life form number: ICC21-SPWL with state-specific variations. Blueprint LevelPremium Whole Life form number: ICC21-WL with state-specific variations.

Additional level-premium dividend options: Reduced premium, accumulate with interest

Contents

Summer 2022

Features 6

Membership has big benefits Whether it’s extra protection for families, funding to improve their communities, or special prices on excursions, Gleaner members enjoy an array of benefits.

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6 13 Start Hearing benefits:

New Arrival Family Benefit:

Members and their Recognizing the loss of extended family can enjoy an infant, this benefit free hearing consultations provides a $2,500 and discounts of up to payment to parents of a 48% off Start Hearing’s newborn child if the child variety of levels of lives 15 days, but less than hearing technology.

365 days. Either a parent These include devices or a grandparent must be a compatible with Bluetooth Gleaner member at the date book highlights its first 128 years with new stories and photos. of the child’s date of birth. as well as rechargeable options. Free batteries, a year of free offi ce the visitsemployee and a deluxe -known violin plastics industry.

Or who worked Orphan’s Benefit: plan also are available. er Life Insurance for 52warranty years and helped preserve the Society’s Providing members peace of mind that the Society will help nt Order of first six decades. support Gleaner orphans, this benefit provides payment to the cant Benny Birthday Club: qualified guardian of the Gleaner child through age 18, plus payments of up to $2,500 Our youngest members are special, too, and the Benny per year for four years of Birthday Club honors benefit members through age 11 more with a birthday gift during their birth month each year. college. Both parents must be Gleaner members to qualify. n of

story book updated and expanded

PerkSpot:

A Major Force For Good |

e for er Life

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Safari to Kalahari Plan now to join specially priced fall fun at Kalahari Resort with the Gleaner Getaway in Sandusky, Ohio.

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Not too late for family fun There still is time for making memories with summer trips, and our lists of upcoming activities can give you some ideas.

rowing Fraternally A Major Force Strong families $1,000 Fraternal

For Good

The Continuing History of Gleaner Life Insurance Society

These ployee ard of ife and ars from ading Office ew

New Gleaner history book Highlighting the roles played by female members and paying tribute to World War II’s Gold Star Gleaners, an updated edition of the Gleaner history book is now complete.

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Membership in the Plus Accidental Society also entitles Death Benefit: use of PerkSpot’s 0 Kevin A. Marti discounts to hundreds Th is benefi t provides $1,000 hed Since 1894, Gleaner’s mission has been of merchants anchored in providing financialciary security to our to a designated benefi if ears members and their families while supporting Arbor outreach has helped Louise Martin and her family build new Gleaner generations. nationwide. local communities and helping those in need. a Gleaner member should die ginal More than a life insurance organization, Gleaner Th is includes as a result of an accident. is dedicated to making a difference in the Block.

In a sense, it’s been a passing of the gavel. communities where our members live. n Victor specials on travel, The Continuing History of “Train child in the way he Gleaner’s ninth president, I am honored to computers, movie Gleanerup LifeaInsurance Society “My momAs was a parliamentarian,” Julie explains. play a role in carrying on Gleaner’s extraordinary Learn more theaters, restaurants, should go; and when he is old, history, whichabout has perseveredeach for more than a century through multiple wars, the Great “My cup tof Louise adds. cellphones, benefi attea,” www.gleanerlife.org/benefi ts. Whether you’re Depression, various recessions and decades of constant change. Gleaner Life Insurance he will not depart from it.” health and wellness considering Gleaner protection for yourself, is a beacon of financial strength, “Our kidsSociety grew up knowing about parliamentary order,” or you know and its management is dedicated to growing nificant accessories, automotive Julie recalls, “and going to conventions helped them conservativelyof and responsibly, ensuring who that the of someone any age would benefit, check out all — Proverbs 22:6 promises we make in today’s certificates willdid be because they met other kids who the same thing. ys with purchases, and more. fulfilled tomorrow. that Gleaner membership provides.

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Gleaner family grows arbor by arbor When growing strong families, the fraternal values instilled by arbors can help. Louise Martin, Julie Bartels and Sarah Block share their story.

One generation shows the next how to propose a project to a school board, or how to make quilts for the

On the cover: Sarah Block, Louise Martin, and Julie Bartels represent three Gleaner generations of one family growing strong roots in Gleaner’s Michigan Thumb Area Association.

They saw how things got done.”

Fraternally,

Louise adds, “That gave them confidence because they

* The College Bound Waiver is only available on the following annuity plans: Harvest 81 (form #FPDA-06 and state variations), Homestead 81 (form #FPDA8-10 and state variations), Homestead 101 issued between elderly, or how to bring together extended families for howvariations), it worked for their parents and grandparents, so November 1, 2010, and January 4, 2011 (form #FPDA10-10R and state variations), Yield 81 (form #FPDA8-11saw and state Foundation Kevin A. Marti, FSA, CLU, ChFC 9 (form #ICC18-FPDA9 and state variations), Foundation SP9 fun at a zoo.

President CEO, 2012-present they’re sold onandit.” (form #ICC18-SPDA9 and state variations) and Strategic Choice Indexed Annuity™ (form # ICC18-IFPDA7 and state variations).

That’s the sort of family growth that Louise Martin’s family enjoys. It began with Louise and her daughter, Julie Bartels, and includes her granddaughter, Sarah

In Sarah’s case, she became a Gleaner at age 5. When 2019 rolled around, she was in college with a Gleaner scholarship, pursuing her teacher’s degree, and serving as

It's not too late 13 for family 16 fun

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 15 for the answer.

obold, the yee of the Society.

Anne Campbell Stark became a well-known poet and preservationist.

Ada “Peggy” Maxwell, left, became a state champion lip reader and assessed risks for the new plastics manufacturing industry.

@GleanerLife

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There still is time for summer trips. Here are some ideas to get rolling.

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.

ping, ice cream, beaches, and road trips. These are just w of the memories many of us have from late-summer y outings.

be yours included getting together with cousins or other www.gleanerlife.org ves, staying at motels or cottages, or eating at restaurants only exist now as fond recollections.

ther your family is just starting out — or your

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2022 \

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FORUM

Contents

CREATING A WILL with LawAssure

Summer 2022 / V. 127 / No. 3 Senior Officers Margaret M.S. Noe, J.D.

Honorable Chief Judge, Retired

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BlissfiPresident eld Arbor (MI) arranged a special Valen and CEO, Interim Day party for residents at the Blissfield Place D. Arell Chapman, CRISC, FLMI assisted living facility. Due to COVID rules, o Senior Vice President, Chief Operations one member — Barb McHenry — was able t and Technology Officer into the facility but all the members helped pr Deborah K. Elliott, SHRM-SCP, SPHR balloons,Senior antique cards, and other items. It wa Vice President hit with residents ascer,Barb made ice cream sun Chief Human Resources Offi and Secretary for all the residents as well as staff employees.

Anthony D. Golden, CLU, ChFC, RICP, FIC arbor also posted its great photos to its newly Senior Vice President, National Sales Director Facebook page.

Todd M. Warner

Gleaner members can rely on LawAssure to build a will and other documents.

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial and Investment Officer and Treasurer

A will is one of several extremely important documents that every adult should establish. If you die without a will, individual state law dictates how your property and other assets are divided. It might pick someone you didn’t want to handle your estate, and even the people who will be placed in charge of your children. Your survivors could be left with lengthy court proceedings, sometimes causing conflicts that tear families apart.

Barbara Janowski, RN, ALMI, AALU

It may be expensive and time consuming to hire an attorney, so Gleaner Life offers members another option for drafting a basic will. LawAssure, a complimentary online member benefit, provides a step-by-step service to create your will at your pace according to your wishes. The service also can be used to collaborate with others in the process, and to securely store your documents when you are finished.

and Community Engagement

Vice President, Insurance Operations and Chief Underwriter Jaime Linden, FIC

Vice President, Member

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Amy Hawken, FLMI, ACS

Assistant Vice President, Member Services

News & reviews Thoughts from the president

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Making the most of LawAssure

29 50- and 75-year members

Giving back 4

Gleaner Gives

20 Arbors in Action

Interests 31 Recipe File

Assistant Vice President, IT Systems and Security Manager

At a glance 3

Officers Tadd J. Brooket

Judy Lawrence, FLMI, ACS

Assistant Vice President, IT Development and Processing

Dawn Osborn, ALMI, ACS

Assistant Vice President, Underwriting 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

32 Benny’s Page

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

and New Business

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

Supreme Arbor Officers Norma Garner, Supreme Chief Gleaner

Linda Ruehrmund, Supreme Vice Chief Gleaner Fernando Rivera, Supreme Chaplain Cheryl Jones, Supreme Conductor

Glen David Trabenkraut, Supreme Guard

Thoughts from Margaret Noe, the Interim President Dear valued Gleaner members: May 2022 will long be remembered as a time of momentous change in Gleaner history. Although we know change can be good, it is often, as in this situation, full of mixed emotions. In May 2022, we regretfully celebrated the retirement of Kevin Marti, the President and CEO of our Gleaner Life Insurance Society for the past 10 years.

Kevin Marti’s successful leadership included, but has not been limited to, the following: • Maintaining A- ratings with the top rating companies in the industry. He added a second agency, KBRA, which gave A.M. Best some competition.

• Strengthening the Society’s member surplus position and balance sheet, effectively maintaining a competitive pricing rate throughout the years.

• Consistently remained under budget by limiting costs and finding alternative solutions in efforts to mitigate long-term spending habits, which resulted in saving substantive dollars.

• Keeping the Arbor system growing through the years by migrating Gleaner Family Days from summer picnics. Today our Arbors remain strong in the communities they serve.

• Enabling a series of consecutive years with positive net operating income and surplus increases that have fully restored us to our pre-2008 financial crisis levels.

Finally, we miss the wonderful words and recipes we received quarterly from Korinne Marti. She is genuine, friendly, and kind. We thank her for her years of Gleaner support. May I add that behind every good man is a good woman with a big heart and a strong prayer. God bless you both and your family.

Please join me in thanking and excusing President Kevin Marti and his First Lady, Korinne, as they take leave to retire as “Opa” and “Oma” to spend time with their grandchildren. May they find the joy that grandchildren bring when creating memories and happy hearts. May God bless them on their journey as we continue our voyage. They will always be in our sight.

Most of you know me. I am Margaret Noe. I am a Gleaner Board Member. I am honored and pleased to be the interim

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President and CEO at Gleaner while we search for a permanent President and CEO. I am working at the Home Office in Adrian, Michigan. I am surrounded by a hardworking, dedicated staff who demonstrate strong leadership, fraternal friendship, and a faith-filled mission. I hail from the suburbs of Chicago, living in Michigan for many years.

I am married to Bill. We have raised three sons together.

I am an attorney. I was an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Lenawee County, Michigan, before becoming a judge.

I was elected to be a Circuit Court Judge, retiring almost 13 years later as the Chief Judge in Lenawee County to join my son in a private law practice. Serving as a judge, I presided over many cases that have provided me with the experience and knowledge to serve as your interim President and CEO. I, together with your Gleaner Board of Directors, will work diligently to find the best person to assume the position of President and CEO on a permanent basis. It is our intention to provide for the future of the Gleaner Life Insurance Society that Frank Dick, Kevin Marti, and all our past Presidents have worked so hard to guarantee to our members.

We will continue to work hard and stay focused on the task before us at the Home Office. You may be assured of the same when you look at the schedule of Family Day events. We are immensely proud of the staff who put together these activities for our members to enjoy.

We hope you get a chance to take part in the fun and excitement with your family.

Please note we have kept our A.M. Best and KBRA ratings at A- this year despite the financial climate that surrounds us.

Details were included in the Financial Statements published in the spring edition of Gleaner’s Forum Magazine.

Enjoy the summer. Stay safe and healthy. Remember, if you have any questions regarding your membership with Gleaner, please contact your Gleaner Sales Agent or our Home Office. God’s blessings upon all.

Fraternally,

Margaret M.S. Noe President and CEO, Interim

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Gle a ner employe es a id c h a r it ies w it h don at ions Home Office staff pick non-profits for $100,000 in Gleaner Gives funding.

Gleaner Life Insurance Society Home Office employees brightened the budgets of 21 non-profit groups in their area by donating a portion of their pay to help raise a total of $100,000. Employees designated up to six approved charities, and contributions from payroll deductions were matched up to $2,000 by Gleaner Life.

The 2022 Gleaner Life Gives campaign marked its seventh year of voluntary contributions, and the second year that $100,000 was given.

Many of the groups posted thank you notes on their social media sites. Their staff also had a chance to learn more about Gleaner Life when checks were dropped off.

Gleaner Life Gives works together with the Lenawee Community Foundation and its Lenawee Cares campaign to help identify groups in need. The variety of recipients included an animal shelter, hospice center, women’s domestic violence shelter, men’s rehabilitation facility, preschool for at-risk children, local Habitat for Humanity chapter, daytime center supporting caregivers and people receiving at-home senior care, food pantries and many others.

Gleaner Life Assistant Vice President Tadd Brooket, far left, presented a check for $6,832 to members of Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Michigan including Director of Community Engagement Valerie Herr, second from left, and President and CEO Keith Chapman, center in the back row.

Employee Elly Sager, left, of Gleaner Life Insurance Society presents a donation of $7,860 to Jess Brainerd of The Daily Bread of Lenawee.

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Employee Liz Greenwell, far right, of Gleaner Life Insurance Society presented a donation for $5,530 to Associated Charities of Lenawee County. Also pictured are Associated Charities Office Manager Ashley Beevers, left, and Executive Director Delight Creech, center.

Employee Lisa Cory, right, was pictured with Kathy Williams, Neighbors of Hope’s board president, and Steven Palmer, NOH executive director. The group was one of 21 non-profits that were chosen this year, and received $5,190.

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Employee Michelle Zimmanck, left, of Gleaner Life Insurance Society presents a donation of $6,970 to Chief Executive Officer Cody Waters of the Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee.

Employee Jessica Vasher, right, was pictured with a $11,778 donation to the Lenawee Humane Society. Shelter Manager Katey Morgan, left, and Operations Manager Ashley Little-Lyon are shown along with Juno, a 4-month-old husky mix puppy seeking adoption.

Employee Julie Tison, far right, of Gleaner Life Insurance Society presented a donation for $3,590 to staff of Daybreak Adult Services including from left Program Assistant Neal Bauer, Director Rochelle Flores, Assistant Director AshLynn Brooks, and Nurse Brandi Dillard.

A Hospice sign honoring Gleaner members Frank and Shirley Dick was a backdrop for (from left) Gleaner Senior Vice President Todd Warner, Hospice Director of Development Heather Perez, Hospice President CEO Travis Havens, former Gleaner President and CEO Kevin Marti, and Gleaner Senior Vice President Arell Chapman.

Gleaner Life Gives donated $10,930 to Hospice of Lenawee.

Gleaner Life Senior Vice President Todd Warner, left, was pictured with Adrian Community Preschool Executive Director and Lead Teacher Angie Heath, right, as well as students and other teachers. The school received $8,510.

www.gleanerlife.org

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Gleaner membership has many

R E WA R D S Add community funding, vacation trips, education help and much more to your Gleaner financial protection.

Generations of Gleaner members have found financial protection with Society membership, plus opportunities to improve their communities. However, peace of mind and meaningful activities are just a couple of the benefits of being a member.

Here are some of the other reasons that membership matters: Gleaner Getaways and Family Days: If you’ve taken advantage of Gleaner excursions and recreation benefits, you know the admission price discounts and package deals are a bargain. Friendly locations like Cedar Point, Greenfield Village, and regional zoos are part of the current Family Day lineup. These follow such past events as baseball games, cruise ships and aquariums. Getaway tour destinations have featured New England, the Great Smoky Mountains, and this summer’s Alaskan cruise. With discounts of as much as 60%, families can afford to make more memories.

Gleaner Scholarships: Since 1980, the Gleaner Life Scholarship Foundation has awarded thousands of scholarships. Benefit members are welcome to apply and chosen by a panel of judges. The 2022 class featured 99 recipients, each receiving $2,500 scholarships.

Arbor activities: Arbors are the Society’s local service clubs that provide social events, volunteer opportunities and governance input. Members can work together with other Gleaner stakeholders in their own community to make a difference — and have fun doing it.

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Give and Grow: Gleaner benefit members also are encouraged to pursue personal projects to help others. They can apply for one of eight $250 grants awarded each month. By applying early and using Gleaner funds, members can focus on the project. Each quarter, recipients are entered in a drawing with the winner receiving another $1,000 to be given to the charity of their choice.

LawAssure: Use this online service to create, update and store personalized legal documents. Services include writing a will, making a power of attorney, preparing a healthcare directive, creating a living trust and putting together a pet trust. The service is complimentary and easy to use.

Waivers for certain withdrawals: Gleaner members can avoid surrender charges on withdrawals for some annuities or life insurance certificates if the withdrawals are used for certain purposes. These include withdrawals for college expenses*, some hospital expenses, and nursing home expenses.

www.gleanerlife.org

Start Hearing benefits: Members and their extended family can enjoy free hearing consultations and discounts of up to 48% off Start Hearing’s variety of levels of hearing technology.

These include devices compatible with Bluetooth as well as rechargeable options. Free batteries, a year of free office visits and a deluxe warranty plan also are available.

Benny Birthday Club: Our youngest members are special, too, and the Benny Birthday Club honors benefit members through age 11 with a birthday gift during their birth month each year.

PerkSpot: Membership in the Society also entitles use of PerkSpot’s discounts to hundreds of merchants nationwide.

Th is includes specials on travel, computers, movie theaters, restaurants, cellphones, health and wellness accessories, automotive purchases, and more.

New Arrival Family Benefit: Recognizing the loss of an infant, this benefit provides a $2,500 payment to parents of a newborn child if the child lives 15 days, but less than 365 days. Either a parent or a grandparent must be a Gleaner member at the date of the child’s date of birth.

Orphan’s Benefit: Providing members peace of mind that the Society will help support Gleaner orphans, this benefit provides payment to the qualified guardian of the Gleaner child through age 18, plus payments of up to $2,500 per year for four years of college. Both parents must be Gleaner members to qualify.

$1,000 Fraternal Plus Accidental Death Benefit: Th is benefit provides $1,000 to a designated beneficiary if a Gleaner member should die as a result of an accident.

Learn more about each benefit at www.gleanerlife.org/benefits. Whether you’re considering Gleaner protection for yourself, or you know of someone of any age who would benefit, check out all that Gleaner membership provides.

* The College Bound Waiver is only available on the following annuity plans: Harvest 81 (form #FPDA-06 and state variations), Homestead 81 (form #FPDA8-10 and state variations), Homestead 101 issued between November 1, 2010, and January 4, 2011 (form #FPDA10-10R and state variations), Yield 81 (form #FPDA8-11 and state variations), Foundation 9 (form #ICC18-FPDA9 and state variations), Foundation SP9 (form #ICC18-SPDA9 and state variations) and Strategic Choice Indexed Annuity™ (form # ICC18-IFPDA7 and state variations).

www.gleanerlife.org

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CREATING A WILL with LawAssure

Gleaner members can rely on LawAssure to build a will and other documents.

A will is one of several extremely important documents that every adult should establish. If you die without a will, individual state law dictates how your property and other assets are divided. It might pick someone you didn’t want to handle your estate, and even the people who will be placed in charge of your children. Your survivors could be left with lengthy court proceedings, sometimes causing conflicts that tear families apart.

It may be expensive and time consuming to hire an attorney, so Gleaner Life offers members another option for drafting a basic will. LawAssure, a complimentary online member benefit, provides a step-by-step service to create your will at your pace according to your wishes. The service also can be used to collaborate with others in the process, and to securely store your documents when you are finished.

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www.gleanerlife.org

Completing a personal will is not just important for carrying out our wishes.

It also helps shield those we leave behind from unexpected chores, costly delays, and potential conflicts at a particularly difficult time.

Providing LawAssure is another way that Gleaner Life protects our families.

TO GET STARTED, log in online

to your Member Portal. This can be done several ways including from a bookmark or from the “My Account” tab on the gleanerlife.org home page. You can find LawAssure listed on the left side navigation of your Member Portal home page beneath “My Arbor,” “My Certificates,” and “Give and Grow program”; or go to the link located on Gleaner’s LawAssure page www.gleanerlife.org/lawassure.

When you arrive at gleanerlife.org/ member-dashboard/lawassure, you’ll find a blue button located halfway down the page labeled “Start using LawAssure today!” Clicking on it will take you to LawAssure’s secure “Welcome to LawAssure” page where you can choose “Will Writing” at the top of the options listed. Clicking on “See our services” will begin the process of creating or amending a will. (You also can create a funeral directive, which details your wishes about your funeral services, whether you’d prefer to be buried or cremated,

www.gleanerlife.org

where your remains will be placed, how your funeral will be paid for, and similar issues.)

The LawAssure program will first ask for your state of residence. This enables your state’s specific legal standards to be applied. It also will ask your marital status, address, etc. From there it will begin filling in your answers to a questionnaire about your property, retirement accounts, and other assets. It will be handy to already have such a list available, but you can compile these as you go since your will can be saved in progress and finished over time.

As you fill out your will questionnaire, notes will be available to explain legal terms such as a “marital property” or “residuary estate.” Notes also provide guidance. For example, the program will note that the advice of professionals should be sought for complicated estates and tax strategies.

personal representative and successor personal representative to deal with matters regarding your estate; possibly including a pet provision; donations to charity; distribution of personal property; distribution of real property; any cash bequests; handling of intangible personal property (stocks, bonds, copyrights, etc.); possible cancellation of certain debts owed to you; your residuary estate; transfers to dependent minors; guardians for minor children or dependents; and possible inclusion of a “no-contest” clause.

Instructions also are given for what to do with your will after you have it printed.

Your will is securely saved along with any other documents you prepare using LawAssure. These include not only wills but also power of attorney, trusts, advance directives and more.

As circumstances change, you can update these documents.

Depending on your state’s standards, other steps may include naming a Forum Magazine \ Summer 2022 \

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rowing Fraternally Strong families Arbor outreach has helped Louise Martin and her family build new Gleaner generations.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

— Proverbs 22:6 One generation shows the next how to propose a project to a school board, or how to make quilts for the elderly, or how to bring together extended families for fun at a zoo.

That’s the sort of family growth that Louise Martin’s family enjoys. It began with Louise and her daughter, Julie Bartels, and includes her granddaughter, Sarah

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Block. In a sense, it’s been a passing of the gavel.

“My mom was a parliamentarian,” Julie explains.

“My cup of tea,” Louise adds.

“Our kids grew up knowing about parliamentary order,” Julie recalls, “and going to conventions helped them because they met other kids who did the same thing.

They saw how things got done.”

Louise adds, “That gave them confidence because they saw how it worked for their parents and grandparents, so they’re sold on it.”

In Sarah’s case, she became a Gleaner at age 5. When 2019 rolled around, she was in college with a Gleaner scholarship, pursuing her teacher’s degree, and serving as

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independent Gleaner agent Mike Stuart.

“My dad retired,” Julie said, “and you have to look at your investments. [Mike] mentioned Just for Kids® and the different opportunities, and each of the nine grandchildren got that because it was a very good policy.

Then it turned into ‘Hey, would you like to do an arbor?’”

That invitation has led to the family’s involvement in three arbors so far, plus the Michigan Thumb Area Association (MTAA). Louise became a founding member of Bavarian Arbor (MI) and later Birch Run Arbor (MI), no longer active. She also was Secretary for MTAA from 2014-2021.

Julie’s deep involvement (Vulcaneer Arbor Secretary/ Treasurer since 2012, MTAA Chaplain 2015-2017, MTAA President 2017-2021) focused on education and activities. Gleaner provided help with funding and support.

Sarah Block presenting a report at the 59th Biennial Convention at Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio.

Chair of the Good of the Order Committee at the 59th Biennial Convention. “Growing up in Gleaner allowed my family tons of fun vacations and to create lifelong friends,” Sarah points out. “Now, being married, I’m excited to volunteer and help in my new community.”

At a time of growing rates of depression1, debt and despair, the strength of Gleaner to support families offers a tried-and-true template. It started by thinking about the family’s financial future and consulting with

“When your kids come home from school there’s always meetings and fundraisers,” Julie explains. “I went to the other parents and they didn’t like fundraisers either. We said, ‘You know what? Let’s create a Gleaner group.’” The Central Elementary School’s principal was a Gleaner.

“He wasn’t part of an arbor but he had a policy. So when we went in and said this group is Gleaner, he was like ‘Oh my goodness, yes!’ Now people there know what Gleaner is.”

Vassar’s school nickname is the Vulcans, so they became Vulcaneer Arbor. Key leadership has come from other parents including Laura and Steve Walker and Chad and Mindy Fabbro. With youth in mind, some meetings occur at an ice cream shop. Guest speakers speak about

Vulcaneer Arbor includes members of several different generations. Some of those who participated in a work day at Vassar Township Community Park were pictured May 14.

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Sarah and Aaron Bartels (front) with Louise and Ed Martin ride a carriage at the 2009 Gleaner convention at Mackinac Island.

A youth-led project by Vulcaneer Arbor in 2016 helped stage a mock car crash before the school’s prom.

animals, distracted driving, and similar topics. Arbor youth members help propose and plan projects such as park clean ups, a macho volleyball match, a mock accident, etc.

“My husband and I don’t go on big vacations, but we could do Kalahari or the conventions because it was so affordable,” Julie points out. For a small extra cost, children could come along and enjoy their own activities. “You knew your kids were safe.”

Making those connections enables healthy growth for family individuals as well as for arbors. As Americans face what experts call “an epidemic of loneliness” with significant health risks2, Gleaner connects people in both directions.

Julie noted that arbors can obtain a list of members who are in their nearby ZIP codes. “They might be able to help with an activity,” Julie said. Vulcaneer Arbor also was able to use the list to give local shut-in residents a wreath with a card, “so they know they are not forgotten.”

Other family activities that bring generations together have included: • Birch Run Arbor worked with students — one way was by making quilts — to help people in assisted living homes. “These people really enjoyed snuggling in with the quilts,” Louise said.

“We had some fun until COVID cut it off.”

• Fond memories of Bavarian Arbor activities that included children with disabilities. “They had pizza and prizes and they really liked it,” Louise said.

• Gleaner Family Days, the Safari to Kalahari, and Gleaner conventions.

“Gleaner makes it easy getting your kids involved because of all the Family Fun Days,” Julie says. “And with grandparents, you can say, ‘Plan this day on your calendar because we’re doing this and, if you want your Christmas gift, show up.’ It made it affordable.” “And,” Louise adds, “if they’d want other tickets for their friends, we’d say, ‘We might be able to do that.’”

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Safety also played a role in one of Sarah’s favorite projects with Vulcaneer Arbor. Arbor teens asked the school board to allow a mock car crash project to educate students prior to prom. “The event was so realistic, and made a true impact on all students,” Sarah recalls.

“When we did the mock accident, the Vulcaneer members walked youth members through the steps, teaching them how to make a telephone request to the hospital, to the funeral home, to the towing company to get a vehicle,” Julie notes. “All those things were needed to come up with a plan.

The kids loved it. The board loved it.”

Arbor parents in their 30s, 40s, and 50s have a broad spectrum of job skills. “They can teach kids how to do these things, and how to be a leader. Mike Stuart and [Vice President] Jaime Linden came out from the Home Office and said ‘This is incredible. Every arbor should do this because arbors should teach leadership. You should teach the next generation.’”

Passing along skills, knowledge and values gives the next generation the tools to maintain growth. “Most of our youth now are in college and when it’s the weekend they come home. We pick activities they’re interested in,” Julie said.

“It’s not about my activity or your activity. It’s about being a family. … When you know someone is hurting, you’ll be there. You’ll pick up a meal or make a visit.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/23/health/mental-health-crisis-teens.html https://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20180504/loneliness-rivals-obesity-smoking-as-health-risk

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New Gleaner history book updated and expanded Updating the Society history book highlights its first 128 years with new stories and photos.

W

hich Gleaner member was a well-known violin performer? What year did Gleaner Life Insurance Society change its name from the “Ancient Order of Gleaners”? Who were some of the significant women in the Society’s history?

tober 12, 1894, to August 14, 1924

August 22, 1924, to November 5, 1936

November 9, 1936, to August 14, 1939

Some of the additions:

• Women of Gleaner — Eight significant women connected in different ways with Michael J. Wade Ellsworth L. Stout Kevin A. Marti the Society’s history are June profi led. These ly 1, 2000, to December 31, 2007 April 21, 2008, to June 8, 2012 11, 2012, to present range from the Society’s first employee to its first female Chair of the Board of Directors.

Read about the farm wife and www.gleanerlife.org Board Director who served 39 years from 1916 to 1955. Or the state lip-reading champion who helped the Home Office assess occupational risks in the new

The Continuing History of Gleaner Life Insurance Society

The new edition contains more than 200 changes from the original edition published in 2005. In addition, it updates the 16 years experienced by the Society since the original edition was written by Gleaner historian Victor Henry H. Hackett Richard George Ransford Frank Dick ust 23, 1939, to September 10, 1946 September 10, 1946, to April 2, 1979 April 2, 1979, to June 16, 2000 C. Wood (1927-2013).

A Major Force For Good |

The answers to these questions and many more can be found in the newly released edition of the Gleaner history book, “A Major Force for Good: The Continuing History of Gleaner Life Grant Hiram Slocum Ross L. Holloway Herbert P. Orr Insurance Society.”

plastics industry. Or the employee who worked for 52 years and helped preserve the Society’s first six decades.

A Major Force For Good

Kevin

Since 18 anchored members local com More tha is dedica commun

The Continuing History of Gleaner Life Insurance Society

As Glean play a ro history, w a century Depressi of consta Society i and its m conserva promises fulfilled

Fraternal

Kevin A. M President a

5200 West U.S. Highway 223, P.O. Box 1894 Adrian, Michigan 49221

Mabel Clare Ladd, an employee of the Home Off ice for 52 years. www.gleanerlife.org

Ada F. Theobold, the f irst employee of the Gleaner Society.

Anne Campbell Stark became a well-known poet and preservationist.

Ada “Peggy” Maxwell, left, became a state champion lip reader and assessed risks for the new plastics manufacturing industry.

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• The past two decades — New content includes the Society’s challenges throughout the Great Recession, new financial solutions, new leaders, and new member benefits.

• More color reproductions — See some of the publication covers and advertisements as they originally appeared in color.

• Updated lists of leaders — New appendices show current Board of Directors and Officers’ photos, as well as additional Officers identified throughout the Society’s history.

Pictured from left to right: Frank Jamenko, Clyde Gourley, Donald Abair and Malcom Mohler

• The Gold Star Gleaners — This compilation pays tribute to the 130 Gleaner members killed during World War II. They include a Lowell, Indiana, soldier who unexpectedly bumped into his brother in Italy; several soldiers who endured the Bataan Death March; a Chester Arbor member who served in the Army Air Corps in New Guinea; as well as members of the Harrison, Prairie View, Rolling Prairie, and other arbors. From Pearl Harbor through lost airmen never located after the war, this section honors all 130 who sacrificed everything.

The June 1917 Gleaner Forum promoted the Clearing House with this photo of Theo Kline of Fowlerville, Michigan, whose 100 bushels of beans sold for $1,000. Such examples showed how the Clearing House gave farmers an alternative to the existing system of middlemen.

A 1910 Gleaner picnic with a colt show and a baseball game.

Research found the location to be Breeds Lake, located south of Kalkaska, Michigan (about seven miles east of Fife Lake). The photo was found in our History Room, with the location listed only as “Deibert Sta.”

This 1910 ad appeared in The Gleaner for the Hupmobile, a car built by the Hupp Motor Car Co. of Detroit.

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• More Gleaner history — Read additional details about Gleaner members fighting for Parcel Post, good roads, municipal restrooms, and women’s right to vote. New information has been added www.gleanerlife.org

Gleaner members showed fraternal charity, especially toward widows and orphans such as the Leitch family of Cass City, Michigan. The father had forfeited his membership when he took an especially risky job in 1901 as an engineer at a tile plant. A few days later he was killed in a boiler explosion. Although the Society was not legally obligated, members raised enough money to pay off the mortgage on the family’s farm home and to protect the three children.

Gleaner arbors supported Mrs. Fred Wainwright and her three children after the 1898 death of her husband. He had died before he could formally join the Society, but members raised more than the amount of his pending life insurance certif icate through arbor donations.

about Grant Slocum’s family and where he grew up, benevolent support for widows and orphans including the Wainwright and Leitch families, along with additional photos from the early years of the Gleaner movement.

The history of the Gleaner organization is in many ways a history of America’s progress from isolated farms to interconnectedness. It’s filled with Society members facing similar challenges of market collapses, world wars and pandemics, and overcoming them through sacrifice and cooperation.

It provides not only a fascinating glimpse into the past, but also insight into the protective, benevolent and fraternal spirit that Gleaner members were so quick to embrace.

The West Lockport Arbor, Illinois, Gleaner hall was pictured after its construction in 1923.

“A Major Force for Good: The Continuing History of Gleaner Life Insurance Society” will be gifted to participants at the 61st Biennial Convention Oct. 20-22, 2023. You can read a digital version of the book online at www.gleanerlife.org/historybook.

Did you find the wheat stalk?

In this issue of Forum Magazine, the wheat stalk is hidden on Page 25 in the Oakwood Arbor photo.

www.gleanerlife.org

This drawing of a proposed public restroom appeared on the cover of The Gleaner & Business Farmer in February 1916 with a story

by Grant Slocum urging municipalities to create public restrooms.

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2022

Plan your fall getaway at Gleaner’s

FAMILY SAFARI

TO KALAHARI! $185 PER NIGHT* for our members

Join us November 11-13, 2022, at Kalahari Water Park and Resort in Sandusky, Ohio. This Africanthemed resort features 173,000 square feet of water park excitement. When you visit Kalahari, you’ll know right away you’re somewhere special. Whether you are a land or water lover, Kalahari offers an exciting mix of rides, slides and adventures for people of all ages.

Gleaner guests must book at least two nights.

The package includes: Your choice of a Double Queen or Double Queen Sofa (based on availability).

•

Double Queen: Two queen beds, patio/balcony.

•

Double Queen Sofa: Two queen beds and full-size sleeper sofa.

Four water park passes (with Double Queen Sofa rooms, you may purchase two additional passes for $50 each per day).

•

Saturday morning breakfast hosted and paid for compliments of Gleaner. Enjoy a buffet breakfast and photo booth.

It’s our treat to you!

*Discounted rates are available on other room types and suites.

Register online at

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It's not too late for family fun

There still is time for summer trips. Here are some ideas to get rolling.

Camping, ice cream, beaches, and road trips. These are just a few of the memories many of us have from late-summer family outings.

Maybe yours included getting together with cousins or other relatives, staying at motels or cottages, or eating at restaurants that only exist now as fond recollections.

Whether your family is just starting out — or your affectionate title is “Me-ma” — late summer is great for quick trips and lasting memories. If you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve compiled some general ideas. We’ve also listed a dozen of the hundreds of special events remaining in 2022.

Baseball

Remember the foul ball you almost caught on Helmet Night? Or that photograph of the children with the team mascot? There’s usually something special happening at America’s “green cathedrals,” even if it’s just eating those tasty hot dogs. You don’t need to live near a big city either since minor league baseball boasts 119 affordably priced teams of its own.

Beaches

From the borders of the Great Lakes to longer trips to the oceans, Americans love to pack the car and wiggle their toes in some warm sand. Kids will build memories while they build sandcastles, and just about everyone enjoys strolling along the shore. Get your blankets and maybe a sun umbrella and folding chairs. If you’re like most, you’ll come home tired but happy!

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Greenfield Village to host final 2022 Gleaner Family Days event Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan, may be America’s best museum because it not only shows the past but brings it to life. Gleaner Life’s final 2022 Family Days event there Sept. 24 will provide tickets to both Greenfield Village and The Henry Ford, although you might want to save your ticket to The Henry Ford and return another time at your convenience because there’s so much to see and do at Greenfield Village. Its Fall Flavor Festival will be this weekend. Add to that everything you would find in an American village a century ago: a working farm, main street, craftworks and pottery, a train, and much more. Both have child-friendly attractions, and a lunch buffet is included in the $20 per ticket price. Children ages 2 and younger are admitted for free. The registration deadline is Aug. 29. Learn more and register for your tickets at www.gleanerlife.org/familydays.

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Boating or kayaking

Cooling off in the summer makes water the place to be. If you don’t have your own watercraft, many lakes and rivers offer canoe or kayak rentals. Consider trying something or someplace new. Pack snacks, drinks, hats, and sunscreen.

Don’t forget life vests. Then paddle away or motor out to new adventures.

Fishing Camping

Waking up out in nature in a tent — or something larger — is something every family should experience. Roasting treats over campfires, hiking, wildlife and seeing stars come out at night are unforgettable. National forests, state parks, private campgrounds or possibly even a relative’s suitable property can all be great places to set up. Make a checklist of items to bring with you.

Bicycling

A trip doesn’t need to be long. Just bicycling into town can be a lot of fun, and America has more than 40,000 miles of bicycle trails through the Rails to Trails Conservancy (find some near you at traillink.org.) Grab your helmet, take the scenic route, and enjoy the exercise and fresh air.

Local fairs

Sometimes, the best events involve very little mileage.

Late summer is a prime time for most county fairs, often stretching through the end of September. Kids will love the amusement rides and fair food. Adults will appreciate the livestock and craft entries as well as the entertainment and other attractions. Wherever you call home, support your neighbors at the fair.

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Even if you weren’t raised in a fishing family, it’s not too late to start the tradition. Equipment can be as basic as a pole with a bobber and a worm. Most states’ departments of natural resources have websites listing licensing and other rules, locations with public access, and even free fishing days.

Get out in nature, land a fish, and you’ll be hooked!

Museums

After two years of restrictions, most museums are welcoming back visitors. See what you’ve missed! The Midwest has some of the finest museums including the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and the Detroit Institute of Arts.

In addition to sculptures, paintings and artifacts you can find attractions designed for children like the models of dinosaurs at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, the largest children’s museum in the world.

State parks

There are more to state parks than beaches. From the stunning waterfalls of Hocking Hills, Ohio, and Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan, to the pony rides of Brown County, Indiana, or the rock formations at Starved Rock, Illinois, nature has its own shows just waiting for you to tune in. Each state has its own special attractions. So, whether you want to explore sand dunes in Indiana or man-made amenities at Nebraska’s Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, there’s a trip waiting for your family.

www.gleanerlife.org

2022 still has special summer events to enjoy Certain places are known for special summer festivals. In fact, a community near you probably has an event worth making a trip to see. Here are a “baker’s dozen” of destinations that might provide your family with unique experiences: Mattoon Bagelfest, July 21-23, Mattoon, Illinois — Hosted by Lender’s Bagels, this festival features a bagelthemed parade, concerts, carnival, and a free bagel breakfast.

Good Ole Summertime Festival, July 30, North Baltimore, Ohio — For 42 years, this event has provided families with food, live music, kids’ games, a street market and more.

Yale Bologna Festival, July 29-31, Yale, Michigan — The small town of Yale fills up with 20,000 visitors enjoying outhouse races, a street dance, fireworks and a parade celebrating its rich bologna history.

Antique Fire Engine Muster, July 30, Frankenmuth, Michigan — Frankenmuth has scores of bigger festivals, but this Saturday morning parade is a must-see for fans of old fire engines.

Caladium Festival, July 29-31, Lake Placid, Fla. — If you’re around central Florida and enjoy gardening, check out this free celebration of the colorful landscaping plant. Music, food, arts and crafts, a classic car and bike show and more is planned.

River, Set, Go & Dragon Boat Races, Aug. 6, Ft. Wayne, Indiana — Inspired by the ancient Chinese, this sport holds races in several cities. This might be your best chance to see it in the Midwest.

Illinois Railway Museum, 31st annual Vintage Transport Extravaganza, Aug. 7, Union, Illinois — Anytime in summer is a good time to visit, but Aug. 7 features 500 antique vehicles on display in addition to the trains and streetcars that visitors can ride.

Michigan State Fair, Sept. 1-5, Novi — Every state can sing “Our state fair is a great state fair!” Each has its unique flavors, attractions, crafts, and vendors. Fun fact: Michigan’s state fair used to have a “Gleaner Day.” Marion Popcorn Festival, Sept. 8-10, Marion, Ohio — The largest popcorn festival in the world is celebrating its 40th anniversary. More than 250,000 people annually enjoy the entertainment, rides, music and, yes, the popcorn.

Arcola Broomcorn Festival, Sept. 9-11, Arcola, Illinois — A tribute to Amish broomcorn, Arcola’s 50th annual festival includes the famous Arcola Lawn Rangers, a precision drill team pushing lawnmowers and brooms.

Johnny Appleseed Festival, Sept. 17-18, Ft. Wayne, Indiana — Celebrate the life and times of John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed.

1800s-era food, games and music are included.

Ohio Renaissance Festival, Waynesville, Ohio — Enjoy the knights, village, crafts, food and drink of a fanciful 16th-century village. This is one of the largest Renaissance festivals in the Midwest, open weekends and Labor Day from September through October 30.

National Night Out, Aug. 6, Bay City, Michigan — Lots of games and free food along the Saginaw River riverwalk make this short (three hours) police-community partnership a local favorite.

www.gleanerlife.org

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Winter gave way to spring, and Gleaner arbors took advantage of fewer restrictions to serve their community families in person. So many good things were possible again like visits to assisted living facilities, school dances, church gatherings, meal-packing for hungry children, bowling parties, and even a trivia night to collect canned food. Remember to send in your arbor’s photos of its good works.

Blissfield Arbor (MI) arranged a special Valentine’s Day party for residents at the Blissfield Place assisted living facility. Due to COVID rules, only one member — Barb McHenry — was able to go into the facility but all the members helped provide balloons, antique cards, and other items. It was a hit with residents as Barb made ice cream sundaes for all the residents as well as staff employees. The arbor also posted its great photos to its newly set up Facebook page.

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Buckeye City Arbor (OH) held a spring luncheon March 27 at the People With a Vision Church on Cleveland Avenue in Columbus, Ohio. It was the same church where, last year, the arbor had provided a free farmers market event. More than 50 people enjoyed chipotle beef, pulled chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese, and other items provided by the arbor from City BBQ. John Ferrell provided a short question and answer session about life insurance and insurance in general. The church’s pastor, who has been a longtime Ferrell Insurance Agency customer, praised the agency and mentioned his own Gleaner Life policy and how much he liked Gleaner.

After the event, arbor members were invited to come back anytime.

Chester Arbor (OH) members prepared for upcoming events while focusing on recycling.

Guest speakers on March 7 were Lindsey Grimm and Angela Carbetta of Morrow and Marion County Recycling. A 4H/recycling impact event was then planned for June 14. It was to include a paper shredder, collections, and other activities. The arbor also is gathering nominations for its 2022 community volunteer award.

www.gleanerlife.org

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Entrican Arbor (MI) continued to support veterans, providing $1,000 on Feb. 8 to the Edmore VFW for the post’s kitchen remodeling project. It was accepted by Penny and Rollin Haag. The arbor also helped prepare for the Hometown Heroes project in the Edmore area by sponsoring a flag featuring a picture of a veteran, which will be flown from May to October.

Good Deeds Arbor (OH) sponsored the Girl Power Glow Dance on March 19 as a fundraiser for John Glenn High School track and field and cross-country programs. The arbor coordinated all aspects and covered expenses for the event so a DJ, balloon artist, games, fingernail/manicure station, snacks and door prizes could be offered. A professional photographer also was on site. The event raised $1,800, which pleased many people.

High school track participants will be able to attend a meet and educational trip to Washington, D.C. Young ladies had a special time with their dad, grandfathers, or other special adult guests, while also learning about track and field and considering the sport for themselves. The event also was covered by a reporter, and an article appeared in two local newspapers.

Grand Arbor (MI) set up and packed 53 bags of food, then tore down its assembly line to assist Hand2Hand, a non-profit group that provides food for hungry children in west Michigan. The food was packed mainly for Sparta Middle School students, although some also went to students at the high school. Arbor members also planned a field trip to a local maple syrup farm.

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Gulf Coast Arbor (FL) mixed aid and recreation. On Feb. 26, members toured the Manor Care assisted living facility in Sarasota. The arbor presented a tub filled with different board games, crossword books, memory cards, dominos, puzzles, etc. that the facility needed. Then on March 5, a total of 18 arbor members and guests joined the Gleaner Family Day StarShip Yacht cruise for lunch and dancing on the excursion around Tampa, also meeting other Florida members.

Harmony Arbor (MI) conducted a combined Arbor Day and Earth Day tree planting at St. Mary’s School in Alma. It occurred on Earth Day, April 22.

An ornamental tree was planted and Caroline and Julius Sterling “visited” to speak about Arbor Day. Children from the 126-student school also presented a skit. Transplant seedlings arrived a week later for repackaging and planned distribution to the children on Arbor Day. www.gleanerlife.org

Harrison Arbor (OH) members went shopping for the Henry County Humane Society. The six members split into three pairs and selected various items for both dogs and cats. The arbor also contributed four $50 gift cards from Pampered Pets in Napoleon. The Humane Society had the option of using the cards for its February fundraiser — the annual Fur Ball. Several arbor members attended the fundraiser and offered to help with its meal, raffle baskets and silent auction.

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Mt. Pleasant Arbor (MI) hosted a bingo party for residents of Rosebush Manor, a senior assisted living facility, on March 25. Prizes were given for bingo, with cookies and conversation following. After residents left the recreation area, the arbor stayed and conducted its monthly meeting.

New Beginnings Arbor (OH) held a successful bowling event Feb. 25 to help prevent suicides in Wooster.

A total of 61 people showed up, and 52 bowled in a moonlight event from 9 p.m. to midnight. Members presented a check for $1,085 to Suicide Awareness of Wooster. The arbor provided pizza, chips, cookies, and drinks for everyone. The arbor also planned a free laundry day event at a local laundromat.

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North Baltimore Arbor (OH) decorated tables and helped prepare a Valentine’s meal Feb. 12 for patrons of City Mission, a group that provides emergency help to homeless and hungry people to help them make life-changing choices. Tables were decorated with candy, balloons, and decorative center pieces.

After serving patrons and helping clean the kitchen, the 10 arbor members helped prepare the next day’s meal. Members noted that their efforts at City Mission always have been greatly appreciated by the staff and guests at the facility.

Oakwood Arbor (OH) stayed busy in March. On March 28, it invited Lori Manon of the Friends of the Parks District to help with a presentation about Paulding County parks. The group has five parks and may add two additional parks this year.

This followed arbor members advertising their Gleaner arbor at the Senior Center Business Industry and Health Fair held March 23 at the Paulding County Extension Building. A total of 102 people signed up for information (including 43 for the Gleaner door prize). “A few people knew what Gleaners do but we told [others] as they signed in,” the arbor reported. “Some really knew what influence we do in the community.”

www.gleanerlife.org

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Portage Center Arbor (OH) sponsored a two-hour Sunday bowling party for people receiving services from Wood County’s Board of Developmental Disabilities and their direct support providers — 81 in all. The entire Al-Mar Lanes bowling alley in Bowling Green was rented and pizza, pop and cookies provided. Some participants came with family members, while others bowled with friends or made new friends. Some had bumpers on their lanes and equipment to help, while others bowl in leagues. “A whole new group of people got introduced to Gleaner and what it does,” the arbor reported.

Rolling Prairie Arbor (IN) coordinated an Earth Day event after its regular meeting April 14 at the elementary school. Sasha Burns of the Solid Waste District made the Earth Day presentation. Following it, gift bags of Gleaner items and $100 checks were presented to each of the three teachers whose students were involved.

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USA Arbor (MI) purchased and delivered boxes of snacks for the Sebewaing and Unionville fire departments, ambulance crews, and police departments — each decorated with signs on the boxes to thank the hometown heroes and explain why USA Arbor chose them. Boxes included fruit cups, jerky, pudding, packs of nuts, candy, cookies, granola bars, and a few other items. The project also gave members a chance to share their Gleaner knowledge with first responders. “They had heard of Gleaner and we were able to share more of our story and activities with them,” the arbor reported.

“It was a very fun activity that was well received in the community.”

www.gleanerlife.org

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Vulcaneer Arbor (MI) staged a trivia night contest Feb. 22 at the Willow Springs Golf & Country Club to benefit the Vassar Food Pantry. Members posted online and made personal phone calls to fill tables. Attendees were encouraged to order tacos to eat because the arbor matched each taco purchase $1 for the food pantry. Arbor Vice President Theron Nesbitt with his friend put on the trivia questions on a large screen, and included a category about Gleaner Life. Donated canned goods and cash were collected, and members gave away small bags of popcorn to donors as a thank you. Gleaner T-shirts, bags, and Willow Springs gift cards were prizes. The arbor paid for tacos and sodas for volunteers, while also enjoying having three members of Bavarian Arbor attend and play.

River Valley Arbor (IL) paid for a total of 37 people to watch a showing of the film “King Richard” Feb. 12 at Classic Cinemas. The arbor also purchased eight $25 gift cards from Walmart to be given out in a drawing. The arbor noted that the film, a biographical sports drama about the father of famed tennis players Venus and Serena Williams, also was an excellent choice for Black History Month. In addition, the arbor purchased and delivered 45 lunches for the county health department on March 14. The lunches were complete meals from JR’s Chicken.

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Adrian Arbor (MI) hosted the Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee and the local Young Marines for a night of ice skating. A total of 41 participated. The youth in attendance had fun, and the arbor paid for admission, skate rentals, and pizza and pop.

Center Township Arbor (IN) was busy with several projects. On Feb. 17, members passed out $25 gift certificates to Kroger supermarket to 40 different families, who were very appreciative. The arbor also has been assisting three refugee families from Ukraine.

The children needed clothing so the arbor donated $200 for now and will do more later. The arbor also contributed $500 to a local Alzheimer’s benefit walk and, on April 2, members organized an Easter egg hunt at the St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds.

www.gleanerlife.org

Arizona

John W. Van Lint, Scottsdale Florida Brooke M. Fuggi, Apopka Illinois

Randy Lee Bishop, Marshall Sandra L. Gunter, Normal

Richard W. Lindstrom, Joliet Roger B. Massow, Plainfield Iowa

Colette D. Moore, Nevada

50 Michigan

Dorothy M. Belanger, Mio Sara K. Heise, East Jordan Mary Ann Hudek, Reese

Wilma M. Jackson, Jasper

yr.

Rose Mary Ross, Comins

Joy M. Spencer, Montrvose

Brian G. Walkuski, Dearborn Heights Ohio

Joy Ann Crossland, New Bavaria

MEMBERS

Arizona

Michigan

Tina Mae Keown, Tucson

Doralee Deryke, Kalamazoo

Illinois

Dorothy I. Deany, Bloomington Marvin L. Scruggs, Chicago

Sandra K. Spriggs, Kankakee Arthur Stafford, Joliet

Marilyn K. Vaughn, Piper City William D. Wills, Coal City Indiana

James R. Payne, Franklin

John R. Sparenberg, Fowler

Georgia Ann Stadler, Clayton Alfred R. Yost, South Bend

www.gleanerlife.org

Krista Lynn Love, Cable

Linda A. Richards, Thompsonville

MEMBERS Thomas W. Bronk, Tucson

Wisconsin

Loita Cowham, Delton

Texas

Joanna K. Jones, Kingwood

Linda J. Hough, Delton

Glenn E. Kebler, Six Lakes Susan V. Kizer, Six Lakes

Richard K. Mericle, Romeo Carolyn Roper, Frankfort Ohio

Jennie Borton, Fayetteville

Nelson Eugene Hack, Mount Gilead Ronnie Hefflinger, Liberty Center Richard E. Stedke, Lima Connie Stoll, Wauseon

Doris J. Weiss, Perrysburg

Steven A. Zuspan, Marion

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With life insurance, I’ve got you ... and your dreams.

You would do anything to protect your family and ensure they have a bright future. But have you considered how your loved ones would continue on financially if you were no longer here?

Life insurance is a simple and affordable way to answer that question.

It allows you to say to your loved ones, “I’ve got you” … and mean it.

This piece has been reproduced with the permission of Life Happens, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers make smart insurance decisions to safeguard their families’ financial futures. Life Happens does not endorse any insurance company, product or advisor. © Life Happens 2021. All rights reserved.

Recipe File

Ice Cream Pie So many family memories involve food, sharing it together, and the people who have made it for us. Since ice cream is practically synonymous with summer, many of those family moments featured ice cream in one form or another. In honor of National Ice Cream Pie Day, celebrated on Aug. 18, this easy recipe offers the best of two different desserts.

YOU WILL NEED 1 c. cornflakes, crumbled 2 T. sugar 1/2 c. melted oleo 1 sm. pkg. instant pudding 1 c. milk 1 pt. soft ice cream, softened 1 sm. can pineapple 1 T. cornstarch

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Mix cornflake crumbles, sugar, and oleo to make the crust. Bake at 350° for 8 minutes. Beat pudding and milk. Add ice cream. Pour in crust (cooled), set in refrigerator. Drain juice from a small can of crushed pineapple. Thicken 1/2 c. juice with 1 T. cornstarch. Put drained pineapple in. Cook until thick and clear. Cool, pour over chilled pie. Keep refrigerated.

This summer’s Ice Cream Pie recipe was included in the Gleaner cookbook “Home Grown Recipes” in the third edition published in 2011. It was submitted by Hazel I. Williams. She became a 50-year member of West Lockport Arbor (IL) in 1984 and contributed several recipes over the decades to Gleaner publications. She was a Sunday school teacher for many years at the Christ United Methodist Church, where she also shoveled snow and handled maintenance chores.

She also was known for making crafts including afghan blankets, and for senior bowling. Hazel passed away in Joliet, Illinois, in 2013 at age 99.

Hazel Williams Forum Magazine \ Summer 2022 \

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BENNY’s PAGE Hi, Kids!

I’ve been studying trees lately, but not the kind you see outside. I’ve been learning about my family tree.

Since I was adopted as a cub, I started by talking to some lions who knew my parents and were able to fill out a few generations. I heard some funny stories about when my parents were cubs. It’s fun to learn about your family history.

BENNY

Have you ever created a family tree? You can use the family tree outline on the next page to create your own. Start by talking to your parents and other family members like aunts, uncles and grandparents. See how many family members you can list. If you can, add pictures of your family members or draw your own!

Once you know the names of your family members, see if you can add other details like where they lived, their birth dates and any kind of fun stories that reveal a little bit about each family member.

By creating your own family tree, you’ll learn your family’s history and have something you can pass on to your own cubs, I mean children, one day.

I hope you have as much fun as I did learning about your family history!

Have a fun summer!

BENNY The Benevolent Lion

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\ Summer 2022 \ Forum Magazine

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Forum Magazine \ Summer 2022 \

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HAPPY

Independence DAY!

GROWING FAMILIES IN FREEDOM Celebrating Independence Day and freedom is a terrific way to nurture our hopes for the future. The truth that sets us free also reminds us that freedom is not our world’s normal state. Many sacrifices gave us our freedoms. We pray that we will make the most of them and, just like we pass along the Fourth of July hot dogs, we’ll lovingly pass along this family legacy each precious day!