Forum Magazine - Winter 2019

Winter 2019

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from your financial plan?

p. 10

Gleaner launches Online Just For KidsÂŽ platform p. 25

What members love

ABOUT GLEANER p. 4

Family 2019 Days p. 6

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Contents The Gleaner Membership4 Benefit members share what they love most

Gleaner Life is a not-for-profit fraternal benefit society owned by its members. That means that Gleaner insureds and annuitants become members — part of a time-tested tradition of financial security and charitable-mindedness.

Winter 2019

Features What members love about Gleaner

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Of the many perks offered through Gleaner membership, several members share the benefits they love most.

Mark your calendars for 2019 Family Days

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Take time to create lasting memories with your family and friends — save the dates for this year’s Family Days lineup.

What’s missing from your financial plan?

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Learn why you should review your financial plan to see what’s missing.

Gleaner memberships consist of a variety of benefits, including: • Financial security to live life fully • Community programs that reflect faithbased values • Member benefits (e.g., discounts, scholarships)

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Solutions for a secure retirement

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Read about the three big problems leading up to retirement and what you can do to make sure you’re covered.

We want to find out which benefits and programs are favored most, so we recently asked members: What do you love about your Gleaner membership?

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n?

Purchase Just For Kids® certificates entirely online Learn about Gleaner’s new Online Just For Kids® platform, which allows you to purchase term life insurance plans with just a few clicks.

You opened a savings account the summer after graduating from high school. When you got your first job, you started contributing to a 401(k). Following the birth of your first child, you secured your family with term life insurance.

You have gone through all of the motions, but is something missing from your financial plan?

It’s hard to say definitively because the answer is unique for everyone. But talking with a trusted financial adviser might help. If you’ve never met with one, make it a priority this year

to schedule an appointment to help you answer that important question. In the meantime, you can do some independent work and research in preparation for your meeting.

After researching and collecting information, it might be tempting to skip meeting with a financial adviser, but if you have the means to do so, this important step could make a big impact on your bottom line. As you follow the tips outlined on Page 11, you will also learn about the value financial advisers might be able to offer you.

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Congratulations, Olivia R., from Doylestown, Ohio, the winner of Gleaner’s fall Forum Magazine giveaway.

It’s never too early — or too late — to start planning for retirement. Whether you develop a financial plan just after landing a first job or you decide to review your plan down the road, the important thing is to make sure you’ve considered everything. The three major topics that most Americans in or near retirement are concerned about are:

Worry less about your children with Gleaner’s Just For Kids® Now ava

• Outliving eincome lin n o e s a • Costs of aging care h c le for pur

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ilab

Can you put a price tag on peace of mind? You can come close with Gleaner Life Insurance Society’s Just For Kids® term life insurance.

• Leaving a legacy

Product features:

Do you enjoy searching for Gleaner’s wheat stalk?

• A one-time premium payment of $125

per application.

Parents spend a good portion of their days It's hidden in every issue of Forum Magazine. Having difficulty finding worrying about their children.

Is that cough • Issued for children ages 1 month through something serious? Will he make the basketball wheat stalk in this issue? Look on Page 30 for the answer.

17 years. team? Willthe she make friends at school?

The list seems endless and never truly goes away. But Gleaner Life wants parents to have one less concern: future insurability.

www.gleanerlife.org Our popular children’s term life insurance plan

provides children with $10,000 of life insurance coverage and future insurability for a one-time payment of just $125. That means if their health

@GleanerLife

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.

• Face amount of $10,000.

• Purchase up to three Just For Kids® certificates per insured.

• Convertible up to $50,000 face amount with no medical exam.

Forum Magazine \ Winter 2019 \

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FORUM

Contents

Winter 2019 / V. 124 / No. 1 Officers and Senior Management Kevin A. Marti, FSA, CLU, ChFC President and CEO

D. Arell Chapman, CRISC

Senior Vice President, Information Technology and Chief Risk Officer

n o i t c

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

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

Barbara Janowski, RN

Vice President, Insurance Operations and Chief Underwriter

As a fraternal benefit society, Gleaner is owned and governed by its members (the insured or annuitant on a Gleaner certificate) through a representative form of government. Gleaner’s arbors (local member groups) play a vital role in the Society’s leadership by electing delegates to represent their arbor at our Biennial Convention. Depending on the number of members assigned to an arbor, the arbor has the opportunity to send one to three delegates to the convention.

Kaylene S. Warner, FLMI

These delegates will come together to elect board members, vote on changes to Gleaner’s Constitution and discuss the state of Gleaner Life Insurance Society during the business meeting on Oct. 12, 2019. With a board composed of Society members who have been elected by their fellow members, the financial security and other fraternal needs of our membership are always at the forefront of the decision-making and actions of Gleaner’s leadership team.

Vice President, Finance, Controller and Treasurer

Give and Grow

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Give and Grow projects nourish Gleaner communities

At a glance News & reviews 3

From the president

1. Give and Grow volunteers donate to local quilters charitable program

Interests

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14 Guidelines for board nominations and proposed by-law changes

30 Letters from members

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31 50- and 75-year members 2

Giving back 18 Arbors in Action

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Gleaner Life member Sharon Kennedy organized a Give and Event recap Grow project to benefit the quilters group at Calvary Baptist Church in Evart, Michigan. The Korinne’s Korner Dorcas Quilters are made up of women and teens who make quilts, lap blankets, dishcloths, Benny’s Page diapers, pillowcases and more.

They focus on helping the elderly, hospital patients, orphans and newborns. The volunteers used the Give and Grow funds to purchase quilting supplies.

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24 2017-18 Samaritan totals 26 Give and Grow volunteers impact communities

The Forum Magazine is produced quarterly at Gleaner’s Home Office by Dustin Everden, Kassandra Gray, Chuck Monahan, Josh Nance and Julie Tison.

For questions regarding this publication, please email forum@gleanerlife.org.

On Nov. 14, 2018, the volunteers gathered with the Dorcas Quilters as they made quilts and blankets for local individuals and families in need — though their work had just begun because of the tremendous need for this service in the community.

Board of Directors Terry L. Garner, Chair

Mark A. Wills, Vice Chair

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

Todd M. Warner | Frank Dick, Chairman Emeritus Supreme Arbor Officers Jeffrey Price, Supreme Chief Gleaner

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

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

Adrian, Michigan 49221-7894

p 517.263.2244 or 800.992.1894 f 517.265.7745

www.gleanerlife.org

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

Thoughts from the President Dear members: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead As we enter the year of the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Society, we will take the opportunity to reflect on all the good that has been, and will be accomplished by the Society and its members through our arbors, and our agents through the protection they prescribe for our members and their families. When the books are closed for 2018, we will mark a year of renewed, substantial growth in our life insurance business.

Our progress serves as the foundation necessary to retain our business ratings and set future goals.

We recently completed our annual business rating review meetings with A.M. Best and Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA). We are pleased to report A.M. Best has already returned news that we have retained our “A- (Excellent)” rating with a “Stable” outlook. We expect the same news from KBRA given our new business life insurance premium and volume growth.

In the fall, we started offering our Just For Kids® term life insurance online. The product remains the same, but our members can now purchase Just For Kids® from the comfort of their own homes.

Read more on Page 25 and consider giving the gift of valuable life insurance coverage and future insurability to your child or grandchild.

At the November board meeting, the Board of Directors re-elected Terry Garner and Mark Wills as chair and vice chair, respectively, for 2019. Congratulations to Terry and Mark. We thank them for their leadership of the Society board. We have plans for even greater life insurance and annuity growth in 2019, and with the board’s support as well as our members and agents, we will make it happen.

risk officer; Deb Elliott, senior vice president of human resources, community engagement and secretary; and Kaylene Warner, vice president of finance, controller and treasurer. Please join me in congratulating these three as we work together to achieve the Society's goals in the coming years.

As I mentioned in the opening, we will celebrate our 125th anniversary at our 59th Biennial Convention at Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio, October 11-13, 2019. In preparation for the convention, we will be asking members to serve on our Law and Nominating Committees as required by our constitution. We hope that, if you are asked, you will give serious consideration to serving. See the article on Page 14 for more information.

We look forward to seeing our Florida members and snowbirds in early March for our Family Day events.

We want to wish each of you a very happy, healthy, and prosperous 2019. We hope you enjoyed the CHRISTmas holiday with your family and friends, and celebrated the reason for the season!

Fraternally,

Kevin A. Marti President and CEO

I’m also pleased to report the promotions of three well-deserving officers: Arell Chapman, senior vice president of information technology and chief www.gleanerlife.org

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The Gleaner Membership Benefit members share what they love most

Gleaner Life is a not-for-profit fraternal benefit society owned by its members. That means that Gleaner insureds and annuitants become members — part of a time-tested tradition of financial security and charitable-mindedness.

Gleaner memberships consist of a variety of benefits, including: • Financial security to live life fully • Community programs that reflect faithbased values • Member benefits (e.g., discounts, scholarships) We want to find out which benefits and programs are favored most, so we recently asked members: What do you love about your Gleaner membership?

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www.gleanerlife.org

A Gleaner member since 2014, I have grown to appreciate everything Gleaner stands for: Christian principles, community and brotherhood, the membership benefits package and extremely high standards. In Forum Magazine, “Thoughts from the President” always offers a positive message that members can understand about the company’s financial stability. Kevin Marti’s complimentary closings reflect Gleaner’s belief in blessing families, and using “fraternally” confirms the connection members have to the entire Gleaner family.

Lisa Cory

I appreciate that the money in my annuity continues to grow regardless of the ups and downs of the stock market. In addition to that, I appreciate the discounted tickets to the Family Day events. It brings us together to have fun with our children and grandchildren.

Gleaner’s outstanding scholarship offerings top my list of benefits. I’m not able to partake of the trips or gatherings for various reasons, but when I urged my granddaughter, Kelly, to apply a few years ago — and when she received one — I was over the moon with appreciation.

Elaine Swope

Olivia R. Rubino

Cara Strahley

Being given the chance to work with other members to form an arbor and make a difference in our communities.

We hope you enjoyed hearing from fellow members about the Gleaner membership perks they love most. Maybe you’ve learned about a benefit you didn’t know was available, a program you didn’t realize existed — or maybe you’ve been inspired to tell us what you love about your membership, too. Visit www.gleanerlife.org/members to submit your response.

Thank you for being a valued Gleaner Life member! www.gleanerlife.org

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FAMILY

DAYS

2019

As you begin making plans for this year, be sure to include Gleaner’s Family Days in your schedule. These family-friendly events are located at fun regional spots, where members will enjoy ticket rates discounted up to 60 percent and a complimentary meal. Registration can be completed online at www.gleanerlife.org/familydays.

Check out our full lineup, and plan to attend as many events as your schedule allows.

We hope you’ll plan on joining us for the 10th annual Family Safari to Kalahari on Oct. 11-13, 2019, where guests will also have the option to attend the 59th Biennial Convention. Even more — we will be celebrating Gleaner’s 125th birthday!

You and your family will be sure to come alive during this unforgettable weekend.

Yacht StarShip Charter Cruise

Tampa, Florida | March 3

Join us for some preseason baseball action in Lakeland, Florida. Guests will gather at Joker Marchant Stadium to watch the Detroit Tigers take on the Atlanta Braves. An all-American lunch buffet will be served once the stadium opens at 11 a.m. Game time is 1:05 p.m.

Enjoy a two-hour charter cruise with Yacht StarShip, Florida’s largest fleet of dining yachts. Guests will enjoy breathtaking ocean views, music and a threeentrée lunch buffet aboard a three-deck yacht. The buffet includes stuffed chicken breast, herb-roasted top round of beef or Atlantic salmon, a selection of sides and desserts — and more. StarShip’s award-winning service and cuisine make this a Gleaner Family Day event you won’t want to miss. Boarding time is 11:30 a.m., and departure is at noon.

Price includes one game ticket and all-American lunch buffet.

Ticket price includes one pass to board the yacht and lunch buffet.

$25 per ticket | ages 3 and under free (on a lap)

$25 per ticket | ages 3 and under free

Spring Training Baseball

Lakeland, Florida | March 2

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www.gleanerlife.org

Detroit Pistons Basketball Game

Detroit, Michigan | March 30

Grab your favorite jersey, and cheer on the Detroit Pistons when they take on the Portland Trail Blazers at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Led by new head coach Dwane Casey, the Pistons’ lineup features Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson. Game time is 7 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Check for updates at www.gleanerlife.org/familydays to learn how you can participate in a pregame service packing event to benefit a Detroit charity.

Price includes one game ticket and food vouchers. $20 per ticket | ages 2 and under free

Mission Point Resort (discounted rate)

Mackinac Island, Michigan | June 21-23 Gather family and friends to stay at Mackinac Island’s Mission Point Resort, and take advantage of Gleaner’s discounted rates*. Located on 18 acres of waterfront property, Mission Point offers activities from kite flying to flower pressing and biking to bocce ball. Additional amenities include a complimentary kids club, fitness center and spa and dog-friendly accommodations, and kids 12 and under eat for free! Experience the essence of Michigan at Mission Point’s island retreat.

The Gleaner discount includes your choice of:

Six Flags®

Gurnee, Illinois | June 29 Six Flags® amusement park offers rides ranging from those for young children to water and thrill rides, a shopping area and live entertainment.

Guests who purchase a ticket will receive a complimentary thrill pass for unlimited access through Labor Day. Ticket price includes entrance to the park, one thrill pass and all-American, all-you-can-eat lunch.

Discount parking will also be available at registration. $25 per ticket | ages 2 and under free www.gleanerlife.org

•

Standard room (two adults): $229 per night plus tax

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Family suite (up to four adults): $259 per night plus tax

To make reservations, call Mission Point at 800.833.7711. Use discount code Gleaner Life Insurance Room Reservations to receive the reduced rates. A deposit covering the first night’s stay is required at the time of the reservation. Deposits will be refunded on cancellations made 14 days prior to arrival date. *Discounted rate offered the weekend of June 21-23, 2019, only.

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Cedar Point

Sandusky, Ohio | July 20 Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Cedar Point amusement park offers rides for all ages, a water park and live entertainment. Coming summer 2019 is Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island, an interactive encounter where guests solve a mystery to unlock an adventure map. Park opens at 10 a.m.

Ticket price includes entrance to the amusement park and Cedar Point Shores water park, parking and a lunch buffet.

Michigan Princess Riverboat

Lansing, Michigan | Oct. 19

Pack your camera and get ready to capture the vibrant colors of fall aboard the Michigan Princess.

This three-deck riverboat offers scenic views of Lansing’s Grand River, food, music and dancing.

Boarding time is 4:30 p.m., with departure at 5 p.m.

Ticket price includes one pass to board the boat and dinner. $20 per ticket | ages 3 and under free

$25 per ticket | ages 2 and under free

Toledo Walleye Hockey Game

Toledo, Ohio | Nov. TBD Indianapolis Zoo

Indianapolis, Indiana | Sept. 21 You’re bound to find adventure with the Indianapolis Zoo, situated along scenic riverbanks in White River State Park, as your guide. Guests can explore habitats ranging from African plains to desert oasis and deep blue sea. Be sure to join us for the private dolphin experience after the park closes at 5:30 p.m.

Guests will get close to the action at Huntington Center in Toledo as they cheer on the Walleye hockey team. Game date will be determined in spring 2019 (check for updates at www.gleanerlife.org/familydays).

Ticket price includes one game ticket and buffet. $15 per ticket | ages 2 and under free (on a lap)

Ticket price includes admission, 20-minute private dolphin show and dinner. $25 per ticket | ages 2 and under free 8

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www.gleanerlife.org

Not yet a member?

Gleaner Family Days 2019 Saturday, March 2 SPRING TRAINING BASEBALL Lakeland, Florida

Sunday, March 3 YACHT STARSHIP CHARTER CRUISE Tampa, Florida

Saturday, March 30 DETROIT PISTONS BASKETBALL GAME Detroit, Michigan

Friday-Sunday, June 21-23 MISSION POINT (DISCOUNTED RATE) Mackinac Island, Michigan

Saturday, June 29 SIX FLAGS® Gurnee, Illinois

Saturday, July 20 CEDAR POINT Sandusky, Ohio

Saturday, Sept. 21 INDIANAPOLIS ZOO Indianapolis, Indiana

Saturday, Oct. 19 MICHIGAN PRINCESS RIVERBOAT Lansing, Michigan

Nov. TBD TOLEDO WALLEYE HOCKEY GAME Toledo, Ohio

Join us for additional family-friendly events throughout the year.

JUNE 12 FLAG DAY Adrian, Michigan

Gleaner members receive more than financial security. They have access to exclusive benefits like PerkSpot, scholarship opportunities, discounted family events and more.

Foundation 9 fixed annuity Financial independence starts with a solid foundation. Gleaner’s Foundation 9 flexible-premium fixed annuity helps you prepare for retirement: •

Guaranteed income for life

•

Tax-deferred growth

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Competitive current interest rate with a minimum guarantee of 2.0 percent

Foundation 9 features a surrender charge of 9 percent in year one, decreasing by 1 percent each year to zero. Foundation 9 Form No. ICC18FPDA9 with state-specific variations.

Gleaner’s Lifetime Membership Gleaner’s Lifetime Membership provides a $5,000 accidental death benefit, an important supplement to existing life insurance for a one-time payment of $100.

•

Issued for adults ages 16 and up

•

$5,000 accidental death benefit

•

Benefit reduced by 50 percent upon attaining ages 75 and 80

Lifetime Membership Form No. 41-96 with statespecific variations.

OCT. 11-13 GLEANER’S FAMILY SAFARI TO KALAHARI Sandusky, Ohio

www.gleanerlife.org

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You opened a savings account the summer after graduating from high school. When you got your first job, you started contributing to a 401(k). Following the birth of your first child, you secured your family with term life insurance.

You have gone through all of the motions, but is something missing from your financial plan?

It’s hard to say definitively because the answer is unique for everyone. But talking with a trusted financial adviser might help. If you’ve never met with one, make it a priority this year

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\ Winter 2019 \ Forum Magazine

to schedule an appointment to help you answer that important question. In the meantime, you can do some independent work and research in preparation for your meeting.

After researching and collecting information, it might be tempting to skip meeting with a financial adviser, but if you have the means to do so, this important step could make a big impact on your bottom line. As you follow the tips outlined on Page 11, you will also learn about the value financial advisers might be able to oer you.

www.gleanerlife.org

•

Assess your finances. Things to look at include your savings account, 401(k), Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, CDs, annuities, life insurance and any other investments you have made over your lifetime. It’s also important to check your Social Security benefit statement to determine if it is correct and look at future income numbers for both you and your spouse.

What your financial adviser can offer: After looking at your entire financial landscape, your adviser can help you map out a plan toward success.

•

Take a closer look at your 401(k). Can you save more? How is your money being allocated? Are you maximizing your contribution to meet any employer-sponsored matches?

What your financial adviser can offer: Your adviser can help you determine if you should contribute more to your 401(k) or make a different type of investment such as annuities, stocks, bonds or life insurance, taking diversification and varying interest rates on financial solutions into consideration.

•

Think through future expected expenses. Will you help your children pay for college? What about their weddings? How do you plan to contribute?

What your financial adviser can offer: Your adviser can help you set a plan in place so you can fund these expenditures when the time comes.

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Evaluate how your expenses have changed over time. Have you made the appropriate changes to your insurance to meet those changes? Maybe you purchased a bigger home for your growing family. Did you think to increase your life insurance coverage at that time?

What your financial adviser can offer: Your adviser is trained to provide you with approximate values and the best types of life insurance you should acquire over time.

•

Evaluate how your income needs might change, particularly when you or your spouse pass away.

Do you have life insurance in place to help cover an unexpected loss of income?

What your financial adviser can offer: Your adviser can help you evaluate those income shortages, taking into account Social Security and pension (if you have one) drop off. Your adviser can also make certain that you have life insurance in place to cover those expected drops in income.

•

Research your options. One available financial solution is indexed universal life insurance. This covers individuals by helping them secure their loved ones while preparing them in case they outlive their income.

This type of insurance is excellent for individuals of all ages.

What your financial adviser can offer: There are a lot of options when it comes to selecting life insurance and annuity financial solutions. Your adviser can help you make the best decision to protect you, your future and your family’s future.

While it might be difficult to answer what’s missing from your financial plan today, by asking yourself this question, doing a little research and meeting with a financial adviser, you can set yourself and your family on the path toward a secure financial future that allows you to live out your dreams. Talk to your Gleaner agent listed on the back of this publication, or visit www.gleanerlife.org/agents to find an agent.

www.gleanerlife.org

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Building flexible retirement strategies Strategic Choice Indexed Annuity™ gives you the power to plan for retirement on your own terms. By allocating your annuity premiums to fixed and indexed accounts, you can maximize long-term growth without losing value when markets perform poorly. The index-linked feature allows you to take advantage of the upside potential increases in the index, subject to the participation rate, while protecting you from losses if the index return is negative.

• • • • •

Flexible contributions Potential for greater growth linked to an external index Competitive current interest rates for fixed allocations Surrender charge period of seven years1 No annual maintenance fees

To learn more about flexible retirement strategies with Strategic Choice Indexed Annuity™, contact your Gleaner agent, listed on the back of this publication. If you don’t have a Gleaner agent, you can find one online at www.gleanerlife.org/agents.

Strategic Choice Indexed Annuity™ Form No. ICC18-IFPDA7 with state-specific variations. 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 and WV. This ad is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to recommend a specific product, nor is it intended to provide any legal or professional advice. For information on possible tax implications, you should consult with a legal or tax adviser. 1Surrender charge of seven percent in year one, decreasing by one percent each year until zero.

www.gleanerlife.org

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

On Oct. 6, 2018, Gleaner Life held its final Family Day event of the year at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan. Guests enjoyed a fun day with family and friends while exploring Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village.

Most recently, members enjoyed a fun-filled weekend at Kalahari Resort and Waterpark in Sandusky, Ohio. Nearly 700 members and guests enjoyed all that the country’s largest indoor water park has to offer, from water attractions and an arcade to fine dining. On Saturday night, guests gathered for an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet provided

by Gleaner. Benny the Benevolent Lion, Gleaner’s mascot, was on hand for the festivities and to meet and greet members, young and old.

Look for more details on all of our 2019 Family Day events on Page 6 or visit www.gleanerlife.org/familydays.

Congratulations to Amy Woo from Lancaster, Ohio, the winner of this year’s Kalahari T-shirt design contest. www.gleanerlife.org

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As a fraternal benefit society, Gleaner is owned and governed by its members (the insured or annuitant on a Gleaner certificate) through a representative form of government. Gleaner’s arbors (local member groups) play a vital role in the Society’s leadership by electing delegates to represent their arbor at our Biennial Convention. Depending on the number of members assigned to an arbor, the arbor has the opportunity to send one to three delegates to the convention.

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These delegates will come together to elect board members, vote on changes to Gleaner’s Constitution and discuss the state of Gleaner Life Insurance Society during the business meeting on Oct. 12, 2019. With a board composed of Society members who have been elected by their fellow members, the financial security and other fraternal needs of our membership are always at the forefront of the decision-making and actions of Gleaner’s leadership team.

www.gleanerlife.org

According to Gleaner’s Constitution – Article 3, Section 2: “Each local Arbor shall be entitled to elect one of its members to represent such local Arbor at the meeting of the Supreme Arbor for each one hundred members or major fraction thereof, provided that no such Arbor may have more than three delegates. The basis of total membership in an Arbor for purposes of representation in the Supreme Arbor shall be determined from the records at the headquarters of the Society as of December 31 of the year prior to the regular meeting of the Supreme Arbor. Any Arbor subsequently formed and approved by the Board of Directors shall be entitled to one delegate.”

If you are interested in serving as a delegate, please contact your arbor leadership.

Board qualifications

According to the Gleaner Constitution, members of the Board of Directors must be members of the Society who are in good standing for at least two consecutive years and are at least 21 years of age and less than 72 years of age. However, an individual is ineligible to be elected to the Board of Directors if at any point in the four-year period preceding the election he or she is or has been: • A licensed life insurance agent of any company • An employee of the Society The Gleaner board has approved Director Qualification Guidelines, which state that directors should be selected for “their belief in the Society mission and purposes, and personal attributes and values that embody those of the Society, as well as specific skills, connections, and areas of expertise.” Universal attributes expected of all directors include: an ability to think strategically and independently, personal integrity, good communication and listening skills, and a commitment to accountability and sound judgment.

Desired skills and expertise include: • 10-plus years of senior/executive-level experience in business management or organizational leadership • Corporate board and/or not-for-profit board experience • A commitment to increase one’s knowledge and understanding of the work of the board and the issues affecting the Society in the complicated 21st-century business environment • A demonstrated commitment and leadership in fraternalism and/or volunteerism Further, with the changes in 2019 to laws involving corporate governance and disclosure, prospective directors should understand the critical role of good governance, including www.gleanerlife.org

working for the collective good of the Society and its membership, assuring accountability and oversight to the members who have entrusted the Society with $1.2 billion of their assets under management, while also working at a board policy level on the complex issues of the day.

Board nomination process

Gleaner’s Nominating Committee, composed of members selected by the Board of Directors, facilitates the board nomination process by reviewing applications from those who have expressed an interest in serving. The committee interviews qualified candidates and, after thorough review and discussion, recommends a slate of nominees to the board. The board reviews the committee’s recommendations and approves the final slate. The nominees are presented to the membership in the summer issue of Forum Magazine and also published online at www.gleanerlife.org, giving members and delegates a chance to review them prior to the Biennial Convention.

The candidates’ names are included on the election ballot for the business meeting at the convention.

If you are interested in being considered for a position on Gleaner’s Board of Directors, please contact Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Community Engagement and Secretary Deb Elliott at 800.992.1894 to discuss the process and your qualifications. You can then request the Nomination Form that you will need to complete to be considered by the Nominating Committee. The deadline for submitting the form and your credentials with your resume is Wednesday, April 17, 2019. The Senior Management team, the Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors are equally committed to ensuring that prospective candidates are given due consideration and that qualified candidates are nominated to further the mission, values, current priorities and core work of the board going forward.

Election process

On Saturday morning, Oct. 12, 2019, arbor delegates, guests and members will attend Gleaner’s business meeting.

Delegates will elect board members and vote on proposed changes, if any, to Gleaner’s Constitution. Any proposed changes will be published in the summer issue of Forum Magazine. During the election of board members, each delegate’s eligibility to vote will first be confirmed prior to being given a ballot. There are three board positions up for election in 2019. The marked ballots are returned to the Teller Committee, which records the results. The individuals elected by a majority of the voting delegates are sworn in and begin their four-year terms as Gleaner board members.

Watch for the spring issue of Forum Magazine to learn more about Gleaner’s 59th Biennial Convention at Kalahari® Resorts & Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio.

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It’s never too early — or too late — to start planning for retirement. Whether you develop a financial plan just after landing a first job or you decide to review your plan down the road, the important thing is to make sure you’ve considered everything. The three major topics that most Americans in or near retirement are concerned about are:

• Outliving income • Costs of aging care • Leaving a legacy 16

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While every individual’s situation is different, Gleaner Life has solutions to help resolve most every scenario involving retirement concerns.

Outliving income One risk in retirement is running out of assets before you run out of time. The good news is that most everyone, whether single or married, is often well positioned to save for retirement.

Solution: Indexed universal life insurance Strategic Choice Indexed Universal Life® provides a blend of fixed and indexed accounts for building cash value. That cash value can be used to replace income shortfalls or expenses later in life. The flexible premiums also help with ever-changing circumstances.

Solution: Fixed annuities Annuities provide balance to your financial plan by helping you build guaranteed income for life. Gleaner’s Foundation 9 flexible premium annuity1 provides a competitive current interest rate with a minimum guarantee and allows for periodic contributions so you can add premium as you are able. When you’re ready to access your retirement funds, you have several options for turning your annuity into a steady stream of income, including guaranteed income for life.

Costs of aging care Most individuals and their families only think about aging care options when care is needed. This is why it’s crucial to include medical care costs after retirement in your financial plan.

Solution: Permanent life insurance with Living Benefit Riders In the event of a need for long-term care because of severe illness, you can utilize the chronic or critical care Living Benefit Riders that are built into Gleaner’s permanent life insurance plans. These riders allow for funds to be distributed for qualifying events to help cover costs associated with care expenses.

www.gleanerlife.org

Leaving a legacy If you’ve been focused on other life insurance needs up to this point, it might be time to start thinking more about the kind of legacy you want to leave behind.

Solution: Permanent life insurance Gleaner Life’s permanent life insurance plans can be tailored to your unique needs. You can leave a legacy with both indexed universal life and whole life, each with their own unique benefits and features.

Even more, you can choose to leave your legacy as a death benefit to whichever loved ones or charitable organizations you wish.

Solution: Annuities Similar to life insurance, benefits of an annuity can be a great way to save for the future while providing for loved ones in your absence. Should you die unexpectedly before annuitizing, the entire value of your annuity will pass to your beneficiaries without going through probate court.

There is really no perfect time to develop a financial plan — it’s about making sure you have a plan in place and that all potential concerns have been included.

Whether you’re looking to secure coverage for the very first time or review plans you already have in place, take action this year and make sure you’re on your way to a secure retirement. Talk to your Gleaner agent, listed on the back of this publication, or visit www.gleanerlife.org/agents to find an agent.

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 and WV. Gleaner Form Nos. ICC17-IUL, ICC18-FPDA9 and ICC15-SPWL, all with state-specific variations. This article 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.

Surrender charge of 9 percent in year one, decreasing by 1 percent each year until zero.

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At the forefront of the Gleaner Life mission is a culture driven by charitable-mindedness and community service. This is why we provide volunteer opportunities to strengthen the communities in which our members work and live. Community service programs at Gleaner Life include arbor activities, the Give and Grow program, charitable service projects for Home Office employees — and more. As you begin planning for 2019, think about the needs in your community and make it your mission to make a difference.

www.gleanerlife.org

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“I am so proud to be part of an organization that allows its service clubs the opportunity to give back in such an impactful way.”

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– Jessica Roddy, Legacy Arbor President

1. Bavarian Arbor (MI) hosted a class on canning, where attendees observed a tomato canning demonstration given by Michigan State University Extension instructor Lisa Treiber. Resources such as recipes were provided for attendees to take home.

2. Legacy Arbor (MI) members held a back-toschool food drive at Gleaner’s Home Office, where employees donated items during September. A total of 1,255 pounds of goods were donated (valued at $2,480), including items for school lunches, hygiene products, baby formula, boxed dinners and more.

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The arbor also donated over 400 grocery totes and a $320 monetary gift. All proceeds went to the Neighbors of Hope Fishes & Loaves food pantry in Adrian, Michigan.

“I am so proud to be part of an organization that allows its service clubs the opportunity to give back in such an impactful

way,” said Legacy Arbor President Jessica Roddy. “The Gleaner Life employees and Legacy Arbor members stepped up and provided for a need in our community. Organizing this food drive was such a thrill, and I’m excited for future impactful activities that Legacy Arbor, together with Gleaner Life, will be hosting.” www.gleanerlife.org

Looking for life insurance protection with more options?

STRATEGIC CHOICE Indexed Universal Life

®

Go beyond insuring your loved ones. Set them up for financial stability.

Strategic Choice IUL® offers all the benefits of traditional universal life insurance with the opportunity for greater growth with indexed allocations. So you’re not just securing your loved ones. You're planning for a brighter future.

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

www.gleanerlife.org | 5200 West U.S. Highway 223 | Adrian, Michigan 49221 p 800.992.1894 | f 517.265.7745 Adrian, Michigan | Licensed in AZ, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NE, OH, PA, TN, VA and WV. Strategic Choice IUL® Form No. ICC17-IUL with state-specific variations.

This ad is intended for informational purposes only.

It is not intended to recommend a specific product, nor is it intended to provide any legal or professional advice. For information on possible tax implications, you should consult with a legal or tax adviser.

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3. River Valley Arbor (IL) sponsored a movie

at Paramount Theater in Kankakee, where attendees received free admission to Paddington 2. Two raffle drawings were held, with prizes including a plush Paddington bear and book and a school bag filled with supplies. Following the movie, everyone was given a coupon for free ice cream at McDonald’s. Parents and their children had a great time and were very thankful. A young teen gave a personal note to arbor secretary Cheryl Jones that read: “You are awesome!”

4. Rolling Prairie Arbor (IN) hosted a fun day at Boston Middle School for the South LaPorte County Special Education Co-op. Arbor members set up game stations and provided snacks. “What a rewarding experience working with these children and seeing them having fun and getting to pick their own prize after each game,” said June Lenig, arbor secretary. Following the games, Rolling Prairie Arbor President Jackie Masterson-Thompson presented a $750 check to teacher Tricia Rosenbaum. Principal Deb Carter, who was also in attendance, extended her thanks for everything the arbor has done for them.

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6 5. South County Arbor (IN) invited the

South Central fourth-grade class to Guse Corn Maze in Wanatah, Indiana. Arbor members and attendees enjoyed fun activities, and everyone was asked to bring a perishable item to benefit the local food pantry. A total of 181 pounds of food was collected. Activities included the maze, a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch pulled by a beautiful Belgian horse and a craft. Everyone received a free pumpkin and enjoyed s’mores, hot dogs and hot cocoa.

South County Arbor (IN) also held its

fourth annual Just for Kids run. Each of the 46 participants were given a T-shirt, coloring books and pencils. The top three runners received a backpack full of school supplies and a PaylessÂŽ gift card for new shoes. The arbor also supplied watermelon for everyone to enjoy. www.gleanerlife.org

6. USA Arbor (MI) celebrated a successful

Samaritan year by providing members and guests with free admission to a Great Lakes Loons baseball game. Attendees also received gifts ranging from Loons hats to Gleaner coolers and gift cards. The night finished with fireworks and hot air balloons rising over the stadium. The arbor was recognized on the scoreboard.

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ction Emerald Echo Arbor (OH)

members partnered with The Martin Center to teach inner city youth how to cook and prepare healthy meals.

Participants attained new skills, such as using cooking utensils, which will help them to be more self-sufficient.

Entrican Arbor (MI) sponsored a

birthday party at the Humane Society of Mid-Michigan, where attendees had the opportunity to meet animals available for adoption. Arbor members purchased party supplies and donation items, including shampoo, disinfectant, plush toys, food and more. Donation items were placed in Gleaner bags and presented to the shelter.

The event helped raise awareness for the organization and was a great success.

Mill Creek Arbor (IN) decorated

the community room at Maple City Square Apartments for Christmas in July. After decorating, arbor members held a holiday party for the residents, complete with Christmas carols and pizza. Each resident was given a gift bag filled with toiletries, a Christmas card and gift card.

Oakwood Arbor (OH) traveled

from Defiance, Ohio, to Williamstown, Kentucky, to visit the Ark Encounter. The attraction’s full-size replica of Noah’s Ark is the largest timber-frame structure in the world. Members and guests enjoyed the day exploring three decks of world-class exhibits.

We love sharing the ways our arbors give back to their communities. If you’re interested in seeing more arbor updates, follow us on social media!

totals for 2017-18

Gleaner arbors and members make an impact in their communities.

The 2017-18 Samaritan year came to a close at the end of August, and the totals provide a glimpse into the ways our members are working to serve and donate. Whether through service projects or charitable giving, our members are making a difference in their communities.

64 arbors reported 24,424 hours of volunteer service. $512,560 was donated to communities.

One of the best things about Gleaner arbors is that they are run by our members. This allows Gleaner members to impact the specific needs of their communities, give to a wide range of organizations and choose how much time they volunteer. So, whether you’d like to be involved a little or a lot, your Gleaner arbor has a place for you.

Remember, even if you choose not to participate in your local arbor, your investment through Gleaner’s life insurance and annuity solutions helps to improve communities and provide for those in need.

If your community doesn’t have an arbor, we can help you start one*. To learn more, visit us online at www.gleanerlife.org/arbors, or contact the Community Engagement Department at 800.992.1894 or email forum@gleanerlife.org. *Gleaner arbors are currently located in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska and Ohio.

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Worry less about your children ® with Gleaner’s Just For Kids e n i l n o e s a h c r u p r le fo

ab l i a v a w No

Can you put a price tag on peace of mind? You can come close with Gleaner Life Insurance Society’s Just For Kids® term life insurance.

Parents spend a good portion of their days worrying about their children. Is that cough something serious? Will he make the basketball team? Will she make friends at school?

The list seems endless and never truly goes away. But Gleaner Life wants parents to have one less concern: future insurability.

Our popular children’s term life insurance plan provides children with $10,000 of life insurance coverage and future insurability for a one-time payment of just $125. That means if their health should change between learning their ABCs and studying for the SATs, they will retain the gift that can last a lifetime — insurability.

Now you can purchase Gleaner Life Insurance Society’s Just For Kids® term life insurance online.

That’s right! We’ve taken our popular Just For Kids® life insurance and made it easier than ever to access. Simply visit www.gleanerlife.org/jfk and fill out the form to get started.

We want parents to rest a little easier knowing their children have access to future insurability.

Visit www.gleanerlife.org/jfk to learn more about Just For Kids® and all of the benefits that come along with Gleaner membership.

www.gleanerlife.org

Product features: • A one-time premium payment of $125 per application.

• Issued for children ages 1 month through 17 years.

• Face amount of $10,000.

• Purchase up to three Just For Kids® certificates per insured.

• Convertible up to $50,000 face amount with no medical exam. o Option one allows the insured to convert to permanent life 30 days prior to the seventh certificate year anniversary. o Option two allows the insured to convert their certificate 30 days prior to the insured’s 18th, 21st or 25th birthday. o If not converted, all coverage terminates on the certificate year anniversary that follows the insured’s 25th birthday.

Just For Kids® Form No. ICC14-JFK with state-specific variations. 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 and WV.

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Give and Grow Give and Grow projects nourish Gleaner communities

1. Give and Grow volunteers donate to local quilters charitable program

Gleaner Life member Sharon Kennedy organized a Give and Grow project to benefit the quilters group at Calvary Baptist Church in Evart, Michigan. The Dorcas Quilters are made up of women and teens who make quilts, lap blankets, dishcloths, diapers, pillowcases and more.

They focus on helping the elderly, hospital patients, orphans and newborns. The volunteers used the Give and Grow funds to purchase quilting supplies.

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On Nov. 14, 2018, the volunteers gathered with the Dorcas Quilters as they made quilts and blankets for local individuals and families in need — though their work had just begun because of the tremendous need for this service in the community. www.gleanerlife.org

“People are hurting and lonely, and they need to know there are folks who care about them,” said Dorcas Quilters team leader Shelley Muczynski. “None of this would be possible if it weren’t for the care and commitment the Give and Grow volunteers provide.

They see where there is a need and then work toward filling that need.”

2. Gleaner employee benefits Addison students through Give and Grow project Gleaner Life employee and member Katie Keil carried out a Give and Grow project in Addison, Michigan, where her stepson Karter attends school. Together with Karter and several of his fifth-grade buddies, the group purchased hats, gloves and blankets to donate to Addison students in need.

3. Volunteers use Give and Grow grant to assist military families at Fisher House Pantry Ladies Auxiliary members of American Legion Long Key Post 305 (St. Pete Beach, Florida) — Vanda Gimpel, Susan Kessler, Sandy Helmintoller and Peggy McElhose — carried out a Give and Grow project to honor Veterans Day week.

Volunteers shopped and then delivered food, cleaning items and hygiene products to the Fisher House at Bay Pines VA Healthcare System.

Shentrela Diggins, manager of the house, greeted the volunteers with gratitude and a smile. She gave them a tour of the facilities, which house military families whose loved ones are being treated at the hospital. Not only did this project impact Fisher House and its residents, it provided a humbling experience for the Give and Grow volunteers.

4. Give and Grow volunteers beautify park Gleaner Life member John Bulmer carried out a Give and Grow project at Mary McCann Park. Developed in 2002, the natural park in Saline, Michigan, is perfect for recreation, walkers and bird-watchers. The Give and Grow volunteers beautified the park by planting around the entrance to make it more inviting.

Give and Grow service projects are available to Gleaner members ages 12 and up. Up to eight projects are awarded every month throughout our 15 licensed states. Learn more and apply online at www.gleanerlife.org/giveandgrow.

www.gleanerlife.org

Interested in doing more? Start an arbor!

If you want to make an even bigger impact in your community, join or start an arbor. Since 1894, Gleaner arbors have benefited their communities through service projects and donations. Because arbors are funded by Gleaner, members can spend their time giving back rather than fundraising.

Gleaner currently has arbors in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska and Ohio, but arbors can be planted anywhere Gleaner is licensed. Start by visiting www.gleanerlife.org/arbors to see if there is an arbor in your area. If not, follow the five steps listed below to get one started. It takes just 10 benefit members (Gleaner insureds or annuitants) who want to make a positive impact in their community.

1. Visit www.gleanerlife.org/arbors and fill out the “Start an Arbor” form. The Community Engagement Department will then help you identify members living in your community who also like to give back.

2. With your assistance, Gleaner will host a fun and meaningful kickoff event to explain what an arbor is and how it can benefit your community.

3. Complete a petition form for a new arbor with the signatures of 10 benefit members, five of whom are potential officers.

4. Once Gleaner’s Board of Directors approves your new arbor’s charter, your arbor will be provided with grant funds to help you get off to a great beginning.

5. Identify community needs and set goals for the arbor.

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Korinne’s Korner On any given day in Michigan, our weather patterns bounce around — rain, thunder, sun, repeat. I am always on the lookout for a rainbow. On those rare occasions when those beautiful colors light up the sky, it takes your breath away. I just want to stop and soak it in; a sense of peace fills my soul.

In September, Kevin and I had to put down one of our dachshunds, Lily. Her health declined dramatically within a 24-hour period, and unfortunately, despite our veterinarian’s best efforts, our path had been chosen. Lily loved life; she was one of our rainbows — full of vibrant color and loving us 24/7. Someone once said that the hardest day of pet ownership is the day they leave us. We never have them long enough. Despite our tears — the rain that comes with the rainbow — we’re grateful and celebrate the joy Lily brought to our lives.

I am sharing a beautiful poem I framed many years ago after we lost our first family pet.

May you, your family and friends find comfort and peace when a treasured pet passes on.

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Aunt Dorice’s Rice Krispies Treats I am sharing a favorite recipe from the Kelly family — my side! My sister brings it to every family celebration, so enjoy.

1 cup karo syrup 1 cup sugar 2-3 tablespoons margarine Bring the above items to a boil, remove from heat and stir in: 1 to 1 ½ cups peanut butter (be generous) 5 ½ cups Rice Krispies cereal Stir until well coated and press into prepared 9-by-13inch pan.

Melt ½ bag butterscotch chips and ½ bag chocolate chips in microwave; stirring every 30 seconds until melted. Spread on top of cereal. Let set, then cut.

Fraternally, yours

Korinne Marti, Wife of Gleaner President and CEO Kevin Marti

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Dear Tecumseh Arbor (MI),

Dear Rolling Prairie Arbor (IN),

On behalf of the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System patients and staff, we would like to extend our appreciation to you for your donation of 110 snack kits, assorted comfort items, games, coloring books and colored pencils, and assorted underwear.

On behalf of the Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church, we would like to thank you for taking a placement ad for our chicken noodle dinner held on Oct. 20. Your donation is greatly appreciated.

It is through the efforts of community partners like you that allows us to continue our mission to honor America’s veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Your thoughtfulness also reflects the concern and compassion that our community feels for our veterans.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely, Beverly Conatser, CAVS Chief, Voluntary and Chaplain Services

With your help, we were able to serve over 300 dinners, and the profit will be used to further various projects within the church and community.

Thank you for your support.

With many blessings, Alice Lenig Ticket Chairman

Did you find the wheat stalk?

In this issue of Forum Magazine, the wheat stalk is hidden on Page 6, by the baseball hat.

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50 yr.

Illinois

Minnesota

Jason Messinger, North Aurora

Nebraska

Marvin R. Hess, Kankakee

Deanna L. Raymond, Bourbonnais Susan Vaira, Plainfield Indiana

Bonnie Bowersox, Indianapolis Michigan

50-YEAR

MEMBERS

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Ardis L. Bates, Owosso

Ann M. Heminger, Midland Joan L. Lewis, East Jordan

Peter P. Lewis, East Jordan Diane M. Wood, Marshall

Edward Woodard, Belding

John R. Lick, Eagan Ethel L. Frazier, Omaha Ohio

Lucille V. Durrett, Ostrander Daniel L. Green, Cardington Jerey T. Gross, Wadsworth Nancy A. Jacob, Maumee Oklahoma

Virginia L. Hanes, Foss Nebraska

Ethel L. Frazier, Omaha

yr.

75-YEAR

Indiana

Shirley Pope, Evart

Jack D. Creed, Plymouth

New York

Kay I. Budny, Danville

William F. Jablonski, LaPorte

MEMBERS

Marcia L. McCain, Wabash

Colorado

Maine

Vera M. Morgan, Denver Illinois

Andrew R. Anderson, Minooka

Evelyn R. Andrysiak, Romeoville Linda Childress, Morris

Patricia Frye, Chatsworth

Raymond Lenski Jr., Romeoville Richard L. Walker, Morris

Patricia A. Wilken, Chatsworth

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Robert L. McLaren, Noblesville Betty J. Williams, Angola

Herbert McMahan, South Paris Michigan

James M. Berridge, Otter Lake Nadine M. Gilroy, Arcadia Altona N. Cross, Stanton

Patricia L. Johnson, Vicksburg

Deanna S. Mervau, Caledonia Thomas Nixon, Suttons Bay

Marilyn A. Sturgill, Grass Lake Marilyn J. Frye, Apalachin North Carolina

Sherryl D. Hinkle, Hendersonville Ohio

Gary L. Shively, North Canton Tennessee

Sharon K. Anderson, McDonald Texas

Rosemary Glenney, Conroe Wayne H. Heimlich, Boyd Washington

Nina K. Putnam, Kent

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Benny’s Page Hi, Kids!

We’ve wrapped up another year of exciting events, and I’m looking forward to seeing even more of you this year. For the 2019 Family Days lineup, you can choose from destinations such as a Detroit Pistons basketball game, Six Flags®, the Indianapolis Zoo and more. Be sure to tell your parents which events you would like to attend — and save the dates.

Also, did you know that Gleaner will turn 125 years old in October? That’s right! Gleaner has been around for 125 years, and we want you to join us at this year’s Family Safari to Kalahari to celebrate. It wouldn’t be a celebration without all of my benevolent friends!

I hope to see you at some of 2019’s special events. Until then, have fun making these paper snowflakes with friends and family.

Take care!

BENNY

The Benevolent Lion

How to make a paper snowflake You will need: 8½-by-11-inch paper (white or colored paper) Scissors Yarn, string or tape for hanging

1. Fold a piece of 8½-by-11-inch paper in half.

2. Grab one corner (at the fold) and bring it toward the center point, forming a triangle. Repeat this step with the other corner.

3. Fold in one side to the center, then turn over and fold in the other side to the center. Now, fold in half. Turn over. Find the thickest part of your cone (the part with the most layers), and cut through the layers at the tip, straight across.

4. Start cutting different shapes and patterns along each side. You may want to begin with a simple pattern. The smaller the cuts — and the more in number — the more detailed your snowflake will be. Be sure to cut along the sides only, and don’t cut too much — you don’t want your snowflake to fall apart.

5. Unfold the snowflake slowly so it doesn’t tear.

6. Hang your snowflake using yarn, string or tape. See how many patterns you can make using different cuts. Remember, no two snowflakes are alike!

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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

A new year with endless opportunities awaits A new year is a time of change. It’s a time for reflecting on what’s missing, setting goals and planning ahead.

But every plan has contingencies for when the unexpected happens. Life insurance can provide a safety net for families during the most difficult and unforeseen times of change. This year, make a resolution to provide your family with life insurance coverage. Make an appointment with your Gleaner agent (listed above) to address your life insurance needs, or visit www.gleanerlife.org to learn about life insurance for every stage of life.

We wish you a year full of health, happiness and prosperity in 2019.

Happy New Year from Gleaner Life!