The Arbor Newsletter - March/April 2017

Mary Fox’s granddaughter enjoys her first spring training ballgame with Gleaner Life Insurance Society.

In this issue: Snowbird memories Snap. Share. Win. Flag Day 2017

Guidelines for nominating The Arbor Newsletter is published bi-monthly by Kevin A. Marti President and CEO

Community Engagement Department Michelle Horn Assistant Vice President, Community Engagement Jaime Linden Arbor Growth and Development Supervisor Jessica Vasher Sr. Community Engagement Specialist Leandra Diedrich Arbor Ambassador Jessica Roddy Arbor Ambassador

CONVENTION DELEGATES Each arbor should hold a meeting during which they will elect three delegates to represent their arbor at convention.

Arbors will also choose a first-time attendee, allowing a member who has not yet attended the chance to experience the convention compliments of the Society.

Delegate elections must be held in July. Benefit members must be notified of the time, place and purpose of the meeting. At least five benefit members in good standing must attend in person in order to vote for candidates. Only benefit members in good standing and at least 16 years of age may be considered as delegates.

Prior to holding the election, arbors will receive a packet with instructions regarding the process. This packet also includes

Gleaner Life Insurance Society

5200 West U.S. Hwy. 223 P.O. Box 1894 Adrian, Michigan 49221-7894 p 517.263.2244 or 800.992.1894

a delegate reporting sheet, which arbor secretaries must return to the Community Engagement Department after the election. Credential cards are no longer required, and delegates will simply need to bring a photo identification to convention in order to verify their identity.

f 517.265.7745

www.gleanerlife.org

G L E A N E R

L I F E

communityengagement@gleanerlife.org

This bi-monthly publication of the Community Engagement Department is written and designed by the Marketing Department staff at Gleaner’s Home Office.

BIENNIAL CONVENTION OCTOBER 13-15 T R AV E R S E C I T Y, 2 0 1 7

MI

As we start the season of new beginnings, I look forward to highlighting some of the changes coming your way in the next several months. In 2017, we are focused on sharing Gleaner Life’s financial solutions with more individuals. This growth initiative seeks to gain members and will greatly benefit our arbor system because the success of our fraternal programs is dependent upon Gleaner’s sales. Our new Gleaner Family Days and other changes were set in motion to build awareness and increase sales.

As I mentioned in the last newsletter, we want to share Gleaner’s fraternal side with our entire membership. With that in mind, future issues of Forum Magazine will have a stronger fraternal influence highlighting the many ways you are all making a difference within your community. As we integrate this narrative into our national publication, we will phase out The Arbor Newsletter, which only reaches 1,200 members. The May/June issue will be the final issue of The Arbor Newsletter. We will make sure you receive all the pertinent information you need through our website and arbor portal, Officer Outreach, The Gleaner Spirit e-newsletter and through communications from our arbor ambassadors.

As we engage a broader audience, we will need your help to tell Gleaner’s story. Please continue to send in reports and photos of your events. In addition to highlighting some of the projects in Forum Magazine, these updates will continue to be shared on Gleaner Life’s social media pages. Follow us to see your arbors in action.

Thank you for supporting Gleaner Life and making a positive impact in your communities!

Fraternally, Michelle Horn Assistant Vice President, Community Engagement

Meet your new arbor ambassadors In February, the Community Engagement Department welcomed Leandra Diedrich and Jess Roddy as arbor ambassadors. Leandra serves the Southern Michigan Regional Association, Ohio State Association, Indiana State Association and Florida, while Jess serves the Michigan Thumb Regional Association, Northern Michigan Regional Association, Illinois State Association and Nebraska.

Here’s a little more about Leandra and Jess.

Leandra Diedrich

Jess Roddy

Leandra joined Gleaner with ample

Jess brings a wealth of knowledge and

experience in customer service, marketing

experience. Prior to joining Gleaner, Jess

and administration. She holds a bachelor’s

worked in marketing, human resources

degree in business administration from

and sales. Jess holds a bachelor’s degree in

Northwood University. An avid foodie,

nonprofit administration from Grand

Leandra likes to try new restaurants. She

Valley State University. She married the

also enjoys reading, photography and crafts. Leandra is eager to

love of her life, Andrew, in August and has a dog named Stella.

meet you and serve as your arbor ambassador.

Jess enjoys running, cooking, traveling, reading and golfing. She looks forward to meeting you over the next few months.

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2017

SNOWBIRD MEMORIES

Gleaner Life’s annual Snowbird events helped to kick off a full schedule of events for 2017.

On March 4, members and guests took in a ballgame at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida, where the Detroit Tigers faced the New York Yankees. Guests got to watch batting practice before the game and enjoyed a lunch before the first pitch was thrown.

The following day, Gleaner families gathered for a picnic lunch at the Resort and Club at Little Harbor.

Guests brought food and monetary donations for Our Lady of Guadalupe Food Pantry. Thank you for joining us in Florida!

Did you miss our Florida events? Don’t worry, there are still plenty of events planned in 2017. Check out the calendar on Page 4.

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Gleaner Life plans

FAMILY DAY EVENTS FOR SUMMER 2017 This summer, Gleaner Life wants to get the whole family involved in fun activities. That’s why we’re hosting several regional Family Day events for members of all ages. Check out the schedule below, and plan to join us. Tickets for all events will be discounted up to 60 percent.* Members can purchase up to seven tickets for each event. Registration opens soon. Check for more details at www.gleanerlife.org in coming weeks.

EVENT SCHEDULE: June 24

INDIANA BEACH Monticello, IN $15

June 25

JOLIET SLAMMERS BASEBALL GAME Joliet, IL $12

August 19

July 8

DETROIT TIGERS BASEBALL GAME Detroit, MI $25

TOLEDO ZOO Toledo, OH $15

August 12

MICHIGAN’S ADVENTURE Muskegon, MI $20

*Ticket transactions will also include a fee of up to $5.37 in addition to the cost of the tickets.

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

•

FLAG DAY CELEBRATION AND BLOOD DRIVE, June 14

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GLEANER DAY AT GREENFIELD VILLAGE, Oct. 7

•

BIENNIAL CONVENTION, Oct. 13-15

•

GLEANER FAMILY SAFARI TO KALAHARI, Nov. 10-12

Gleaner scholarship recipients announced May 1

Kalahari registration opens May 1

The application deadline for 2017 Gleaner

Join us at Kalahari Nov. 10-12.

Scholarships ended Feb. 1. Gleaner will

Registration opens May 1.

announce the winners on its website on May 1.

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SNAP a photo of your

SNAP SHARE WIN

arbor doing great things.

SHARE your photo

with the Community Engagement Department.

WIN a chance to receive $250 for your arbor.

We want to share your photos to promote all of the ways you are making positive impacts within your community. To do that, Gleaner needs a bigger pool of photos to share in publications and through social media.

Each quarter, two arbors will be chosen at random to win a choice of Gleaner promo items equal to $250, Gleaner/arbor polo shirts for active arbor members or a $250 donation to the charity of the arbor’s choice.

For every photo (one per event) submitted, your arbor will be eligible to receive prizes. An arbor may win one time per year. Look for more details to follow.

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SNA

Arbor Activities Bay Area Arbor (FL) Community Outreach Activity #6 — Sue Mowry, president of the Florida chapter of Newborns in Need, spoke about the organization’s mission to provide essential items for premature, ill or impoverished newborns free of charge to the families.

She also showed how burial clothes for infants are created from donated wedding gowns. The arbor donated two truckloads full of baby clothes, diapers and accessories valued at $2,500 in addition to also presenting Sue with a $200 check.

Environmental Activity #3 — John Smolinski, TECO Energy, gave a detailed presentation on renewable energy showing phases of a $39.6 million project that enhances the Big Bend Power Generating Station’s output and efficiency.

Bay Area Arbor (FL) donated baby clothes and diapers to Newborns in Need.

Birch Run Arbor (MI) Wild Card Activity #9 — Local students joined members in creating handmade wreaths, centerpieces and grave blankets.

Each student was able to take home one of their creations and donate another piece.

The wreaths and other items were donated to local schools, businesses and other places. The arbor purchased the supplies for the event. Community Outreach Activity #6 — Members set to work making homemade laundry soap. Some of the soap was donated to a local food pantry, and the rest was packaged and included in the arbor’s Christmas gift baskets. Special Holiday Project #10 —

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Youth Action Day#5 — Jordan Manz, Malia Manz and Casey Agler create fleece blankets during an event sponsored by Black Swamp Arbor (OH). The blankets are used by police to comfort children during emergencies.

Families in need received bountiful Christmas gift baskets packaged with love and care by arbor members. Members made multiple shopping trips for groceries, winter clothing and accessories and other items to make the holidays bright for those in need. Members worked together to deliver the gift baskets to the families, who were all very grateful.

Center Township Arbor (IN)

Bowling Green Arbor (OH)

Mission for LIFE® #4 — Members enjoyed a delicious chicken dinner before a round of MFL bingo. Gleaner agent Michael Reynolds then spoke about life insurance and the different types of financial solutions available. Elderly Support Activity #8 — The arbor sponsored a delightful Valentine’s Day program for residents of Woodside Village Care Center.

The Marionaires Barbershop Quartet serenaded guests with love songs before members helped residents create valentine crafts and play a few rounds of themed bingo. Winners received chocolate hearts.

Each resident also received a valentine from the arbor and was treated to cookies and refreshments.

Health & Wellness Activity #7 — The arbor sponsored a program on immunizations presented by Amy Jones of the Wood County Health Department. To help spread the word about the importance of vaccinations, the arbor donated $400 to print a bilingual brochure.

Capital Arbor (MI) Patriotic Activity #2 — As part of their patriotic activity, members purchased three Bissell vacuums to donate to the VA National Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan.

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Mission for LIFE® #4 — Gleaner agent Rhonda Graves shared the importance of life insurance and led arbor members in a fun game of MFL bingo during the presentation.

Chester Arbor (OH)

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Grand Blanc Arbor (MI) Youth Action Day Activity #5 — The arbor hosted an ice cream social to get to know students from the Grand Blanc East Middle School Robotics Team. The students shared details of this year’s game challenge and showed off their robot. The arbor is the team’s main sponsor ($500) and is listed on the team’s T-shirts. Special Holiday Project #10 — Members had a great idea to sponsor a Christmas-themed murder mystery dinner at The Jewel. The staff were very appreciative of the arbor’s support in making this event happen and their help with sponsoring a live band. The day of the event, members helped with setup and handed out small giveaways to guests.

Rita Barton, Anne McElwee (2016 scholarship recipient) and Linda Ruehrmund show off Chester Arbor’s (OH) big check donation of $750 to the Gleaner Life Insurance Society Scholarship Foundation.

­­­Entrican

Arbor (MI)

Florida Arbor (OH)

CVR Activity #1 — Jacob Visser, a junior from Greenville High School, was the guest of honor at an event during which he received the arbor’s CVR youth award.

Former state Rep. Rick Outman presented Jacob with a legislative tribute signed by state Rep. James Lower, state Sen. Judy Emmons and Gov. Rick Snyder. Jacob is a Boy Scout and fire cadet for Montcalm Township.

Elderly Support Activity #8 — During a luncheon at the Commission on Aging, arbor members helped with lunch prep, assisted seniors with mobility issues and cleaned up afterward. The members also cut out colored leaves and letters to decorate the center’s bulletin board in a fall theme. In December, the arbor held a clothing drive and collected coats, mittens, gloves and other items for the Heartland Center.

Community Outreach Activity #6 — Members enjoyed a vegetarian luncheon at Seasons Eatings while the owner spoke about natural foods and how the organization helps the homeless. The arbor collected personal hygiene items for the center’s clients and donated $300 to the center’s Together We Can Make a Difference program and $500 to its Pillars of Success program. Health & Wellness Activity #7 — The arbor attended a presentation on women’s health by a doctor at Henry County Hospital. In recognition, the arbor donated $200 to the Henry County Hospital Foundation. The arbor also donated $200 to the DAV chapter for 30 veterans in need.

Elderly Support Activity #8 — Residents of the Lutheran Home in Napoleon were treated to a fun-filled afternoon of bingo, with prizes and refreshments provided by the arbor.

Greater Flint Area Arbor (MI) Elderly Support Activity #8 — Members presented a Valentine’s Day party for the elderly residents of Swank Home Assisted Living Facility in Swartz Creek. Arbor members visited with the residents, presenting each one with a personalized card signed by all the arbor members and a balloon. Each resident also received a gift bag filled with candy, homemade sugar cookies and chocolate roses. But that wasn’t all, as the arbor had more surprises in store.

Daniel Bryson, a professional entertainer hired by the arbor, sang sentimental love songs from the residents’ younger years.

Many of the residents sang along and a few even danced to their favorites.

Grand Arbor (MI)

Vivian Hey, Pastor Eugene Kooi, Terry Riley, Vickie Riley, Flora Phelps and Alvin Rush pose with the bench Entrican Arbor (MI) purchased for Entrican Bible Church as part of Environmental Activity #3.

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Environmental Activity #3 — Members toured the Kent County Recycling and Education Center and listened to a program covering a wide array of topics related to recycling and waste management. After watching an informational video, members donned safety glasses and toured the area where trash is separated and processed.

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Members of Greater Flint Area Arbor (MI) are joined by singer Daniel Bryson (back row) during the arbor’s Valentine’s Day party for residents of Swank Home Assisted Living Facility.

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For their Patriotic Activity #2, Gulf Coast Arbor (FL) members prepared care packages for soldiers serving in Afghanistan.

a special musical presentation. Members also prepared patriotic-themed treat bags for each guest. Elderly Support Activity #8 — Members lent a helping hand at the Polk County Senior Games assisting with officiating events and greeting and encouraging participants. The arbor donated beverages, fruit and protein snacks for participants. Several returning athletes and officiants recognized the arbor volunteers and were very thankful for the arbor’s support. Health & Wellness Activity #7 — The arbor sponsored a health and safety fair at the Colonnades clubhouse. Guests had the opportunity to participate in mini-workshops, including those on exercise, a CPR demonstration and healthy juicing. The arbor provided fruit, veggie and cheese trays.

Heritage Arbor (MI) Elderly Support Activity #8 — To show their appreciation, the arbor held an ice cream social for seniors at the Forest Township Senior Center. The center collected more than 300 pounds of canned food and paper products for the arbor’s Pack the Pantry project benefiting St. Francis Food Pantry. The arbor also donated $200 to the pantry.

Hawthorne Arbor (IN) President and Gleaner Board Member Dan Sutton presents a 75-year membership pin to Della Herz.

Hawthorne Arbor (IN) Arbor members decorated a Christmas tree for Lowell, Indiana’s inaugural treedecorating contest in the downtown area.

While decorating the tree, the arbor played Christmas music and served hot cocoa to all participants. Members also helped decorate the historical society’s tree.

Elderly Support Activity #8 — Members helped local seniors play bingo and provided prizes for the winners.

Heart of Florida Arbor (FL) Patriotic Activity #2 — More than 40 guests, including a large representation from the Mulberry American Legion Post 72, joined the arbor for a patriotic event.

Guests were treated to delicious food and gl eanerlife.org

Peggy and Burt Banks and Deb Caryl prepare ice cream sundaes during Heritage Arbor’s (MI) thank-you event for the Forest Township Senior Center.

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Helen Henricks speaks with Madison High School’s Interact Club and Madison Arbor (MI) members before they serve dinner to Share the Warmth Homeless Shelter guests.

Maple City Arbor (MI) members and guests practice tai chi.

Holland Arbor (OH) CVR Activity #1 — The arbor presented the CVR Award to Jane Hunter, a former teacher who is the scorekeeper for sporting events at Notre Dame Academy and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and School. She also assists with weekly collections at the church.

Madison Arbor (MI) Youth Action Day #5 — Members teamed with Madison High School’s Interact Club to host a catered valentine-themed meal for guests of the Share the Warmth Homeless Shelter in Adrian, Michigan. As part of the Youth Action event, Interact Club members wanted to find a way to

serve e local homeless individuals. “Share the Warmth shelter is so important in our community. It is open during the cold months, typically November through April, and residents are able to return to the shelter each night at 6 p.m. and then during the day must find other arrangements such as day shelters,” said Dawn Opsal, Madison Arbor president.

Madison Middle School’s Broken Bows group, which performs fiddle music, played, and a local church choir sang hymns. The menu included appetizers of shrimp and wings, tossed salad, fresh fruit, roast beef au jus, chicken breast stuffed with dressing, parsley red-skinned potatoes, green beans almandine, macaroni and cheese and heart-shaped brownies decorated with sprinkles.

Maple City Arbor (MI) Special Holiday Activity #10 — The arbor held its annual arbor Christmas party Dec. 29. In lieu of exchanging gifts, members collected and brought in items from the VFW Auxiliary wish list. Over $200 worth of personal toiletry and care items was collected to be shipped to active military stationed overseas. Health & Wellness Activity #7 — The arbor planned and hosted a free tai chi class at the Adrian Senior Center for 19 seniors, 10 members and one arbor youth member. All enjoyed learning about the benefits of tai chi, which include mood elevation; lower levels of depression, stress and anxiety; greater aerobic capacity and muscle strength; and lower blood pressure and improved heart health. Our youth member has offered to lead our arbor every month in a quick tai chi lesson.

Marion Arbor (MI) Elderly Support Activity #8 — Arbor members met with Pleasant Ridge Assisted Living residents and made Valentine’s Day crafts. Two park benches were also presented to the home for residents and guests to enjoy when the weather permits.

CVR Activity #1 — The arbor presented a CVR award to Brian Polk for his volunteer work with Marion Public Schools, where he sells tickets to sports events.

Mid-Michigan Arbor (MI)

Special Holiday Activity #10 — For Valentine’s Day, Marion Arbor (MI) members presented mini basketballs to the Head Start class at Marion Elementary School (Michigan). The children were happy with the gifts and eager to play with them.

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Wild Card Activity #9 — The arbor toured and donated $500 to the Bay Area Women’s Center, where battered women and families in transition can find help.

Community Outreach Activity #6 — Arbor members and guests toured

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CVR Activity #1 — Nearly 50 guests joined as Riley Creek Arbor (OH) recognized Gary Wetherill and Steven Rodabaugh for their years of dedicated service to the local Boy Scout program.

Special Holiday Project #10 — Tri County Arbor (MI) members hosted a Christmas party at the Saginaw Veterans Hospital, where they handed out overfilled stockings to veterans.

Johnson’s Pumpkin Farm. CVR Activity #1 — The arbor recognized three individuals with CVR awards: Grace Waterman (youth), Mary Jo Brandt (adult) and Rose Marie Detzler (senior). Representatives of state Sen. Mike Green and state Rep. Gary Glenn attended. Special Holiday Activity #10 — The arbor adopted five local families for Christmas and presented $100 fun baskets, $100 Kroger gift cards and $150 JC Penney gift cards to the families. Elderly Support Activity #8 — Arbor members met with Bay County Division on Aging residents.

Mill Creek Arbor (IN) Wild Card Activity #9 — The arbor partnered with Girl Scout Troop 30270 for an event to help the Brownies learn more about Japan. The arbor provided sushi, rice, pot stickers and green tea. Elderly Support Activity #8 — Arbor members and Girl Scouts delivered Valentine’s Day cards to residents of Miller’s Merry Manor.

North Baltimore Arbor (OH) Elderly Support Activity #8 — Arbor members hosted bingo at Briar Hill Health Campus.

Ober Arbor (IN)

Portage Center Arbor (OH) members helped the Gheen family purchase bunk beds, mattresses and bedding to alleviate some of the financial burden they experienced after losing everything in a house fire.

Special Holiday Activity #10 — Arbor members facilitated Valentine’s Day bingo for 52 residents of Golden Living Center, a skilled nursing facility in Knox, Indiana.

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Health & Wellness Activity #7 — Rolling Prairie Arbor (IN) welcomed Allison Goshorn, health and wellness coordinator for Purdue Extension Services, who spoke about healthy snacks and ways to interpret food labels.

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South County Arbor (IN) Elderly Support Activity #8 — Arbor members visited the Settler’s House in La Porte to facilitate bingo with residents.

Special Holiday Activity #10 — The arbor hosted a family movie night where they showed “A Dog’s Purpose” and provided free pop and popcorn.

Sulphur Springs Arbor (IL) Special Holiday Activity #10 — Arbor members delivered school supplies to Gardner Grade School.

Sherri Thorp of USA Arbor (MI) helps honor Michele Sigmund (left) and Tressa Roemer (right) with adult CVR awards.

Portage Center Arbor (OH)

Saginaw Arbor (MI)

CVR Activity #1 — The arbor recognized three community members with CVR awards: Mason Benschoter (youth), Janis Kleine (adult) and Miriam Aufdenkamp (senior). At the same meeting, the arbor awarded $1,000 to the Wood County 4-H Program. Mission for LIFE® #4 — Gleaner agent Jerel Fish led members in MFL bingo. The arbor also presented Caring Hands donations to two local families. The Siek family has had expensive medical issues and received a check to pay their bill at Hancock-Wood Electric Co-op. The Gheen family, with seven children, lost everything in a fire at their home.

CVR Activity #1 — The arbor recognized Jenna Jacoby (youth), Ralph Rosa (adult) and Bill Schaard (senior) with CVR awards.

The arbor also presented donations to the following organizations: Support the 1% Food Pantry ($200), Kingdom Builders ($420), Stony River Riders 4-H ($200) and Hospital Hospitality House of Saginaw ($200). Wild Card Activity #9 — Arbor members spent an evening in the historic downtown of Saginaw, where they visited Bradley’s Bistro and then watched iLuminate at the historic Temple Theatre.

Tecumseh Arbor (MI) Special Holiday Activity #10 — The arbor presented $500 to the Tecumseh Service Club to purchase Christmas gifts for two local families.

USA Arbor (MI) CVR Activity #1 — Arbor members recognized Tressa Roemer and Michele Sigmund with adult CVR awards and later presented Barb Wiesenbach (senior) and Rainey Schuette (youth) with CVR awards.

Vulcaneer Arbor (MI) Wild Card Activity #9 — Arbor members teamed with Boy Scouts Troop 201 to sell 175 pounds of wings on Super Bowl Sunday.

Riley Creek Arbor (OH) Community Outreach Activity #6 — The arbor hosted a free community movie night at the Shannon Theatre, showing “Hidden Figures” and offering free pop and popcorn to moviegoers.

Rivertown Arbor (MI) Special Holiday Activity#10 — Arbor members presented donations to the local Toys for Tots program. Community Outreach Activity #6 — Members met with Zachary Johnson, art director at Heartside Ministry, who shared about the organization’s plans to purchase the old Goodwill Building. The arbor donated $200 to the cause, along with soaps, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner and school and art supplies.

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Environmental Activity #3 — Vulcaneer Arbor (MI) arranged for retired teacher William Heyworth, known for his exhibits at the Sloan Museum, to speak with students about the effects of animals and people over the past 10,000 years.

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Gleaner Life is proud to continue its tradition of giving.

Gleaner Gives supports local communities in three ways:

Gleaner Gives corporately Our Home Office and employees are making a big difference in Lenawee County. Gleaner employees and Gleaner Life Insurance Society pledged $64,876 to Lenawee Cares, a program of the Lenawee Community Foundation, for 2017. One hundred percent of the donations stay in Lenawee County for the benefit of the community.

In addition, Gleaner Life hosts Casual for a Cause day, and employees donate the proceeds to a local organization every month. Gleaner employees recently donated $1,049 to Share the Warmth Program to help homeless individuals in Lenawee County. In February, Gleaner Life also presented a check for $3,912 to Hospice of Lenawee County.

Gleaner Gives through our grants Starting in June, members can apply for Give and Grow grant funds to make an impact in their communities.

This is a great way for our members to give back on an individual basis. Look for more details in the summer issue of Forum Magazine.

Gleaner Gives through our arbor system Our 63 arbors are working every month to give back to their communities.

We thank you for the many ways you help to give back.

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Arbors reported the following donations: Alma Arbor (MI): $1,000 to Hemlock High School Drama Club Alma Arbor (MI): $1,000 to Gratiot County Fair for Youth.

Bavarian Arbor (MI): $135.72 to Millington Community School.

Birch Run Arbor (MI): $843.92 proceeds from a 5K; $293.89 for education night; $165 to send two children to winter camp.

Black Swamp Arbor (OH): $200 to the Emmanuel Baptist Church’s Autism Respite Program; $100 each to Antwerp EMS, Hospice and Paulding County Area Foundation; $500 to Gleaner Scholarship Foundation.

Bowling Green Arbor (OH): $1,300 to Wood County 4-H Committee for summer camp scholarships; $500 for scholarships to the Diabetic Youth Services Camp.

Huron Shores Arbor (MI): $100 for a yearbook ad; $414 to sponsor two Boy Scouts; $500 to Sean Bender for a medical expenses; $100 for Santa gift cards.

Madison Arbor (MI): $500 to CrossFit. Maple City Arbor (MI): $300 to VFW Auxiliary.

Mid-Michigan Arbor (MI): $500 to Bay Area Women’s Center; $800 to VNO Warehouse.

Mill Creek Arbor (IN): $200 to Girl Scouts Troop 30270.

North Baltimore Arbor (OH): $500 to Wood County Junior Fair Board.

Oakwood Arbor (OH): $50 to Gideon International; $35 to Buckeye Trail Association.

Center Township Arbor (IN): $300 to Cookies for Soldiers; $982.52 to Artists in Schools; $1,000 Caring Hands donation; $300 to Morrow County Historical Society; $450 to Whetstone Industries.

Crystal Lake Arbor (MI): $300 to Benzie County Animal Control; $500 to Jamie Friedel (Caring Hands).

Findlay Flag City Arbor (OH): $200 each to Christian Clearing House, Women’s Resource Center, City Mission, Salvation Army, Hope House, Open Arms, American Red Cross, Hancock Park District; $300 to 4-H Extension; $660 to Hancock Historical Museum; $1,000 to Jenny King; $130 to Dave Garber; $150 to the park district.

Greater Flint Area Arbor (MI): $200 to Trinity Assembly of God; $750 to the Gleaner Life Insurance Scholarship Foundation.

Gulf Coast Arbor (FL): $2,500 to Roxana Meza; $80 to St. Jude Church.

Harmony Arbor (MI): $100 (charitable donation); $200 to the Log Cabin project; $200 for the arbor’s holiday project.

Homer Township Oak Arbor (IL): $100 to the Greater Chicago Ferret Association.

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Oakwood Arbor (OH) donated $1,000 in Caring Hands donations to Roxanne Lytle and Brittanie Jackson.

Plank Road Arbor (MI): $250 to Breck Schools; $1,000 to Aimee Eldred; $1,000 to Sara McGill for Caring Hands donation.

Portage Center Arbor (OH): $200 to Elmwood FFA; $50 to Hope Lutheran Church; $50 to Center Township.

Rolling Prairie Arbor (IN): $750 to South County La Porte Special Education Co-op; $250 to New Prairie Education Foundation; $100 to St. Joseph County Parks.

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BUCKET LIST IDEAS It’s time to get outside and enjoy the weather! Shake off any lingering winter blues by creating a springtime bucket list. Here are a few ideas to consider.

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Take a picnic lunch to your favorite park.

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Sign up for a 5K.

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Go for a walk.

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Plant seedlings for your vegetable garden.

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Hang laundry outside to dry.

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Open your windows and start spring-cleaning.

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Plant a tree in honor of Earth Day, April 22.

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Play a round of golf.

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Go fishing. Fish often bed when the moon is full.

Try getting out April 11 and May 10.

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Visit your local farmers market.

For the youth in your life, here are few ideas for children to enjoy spring.

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Go on a flower scavenger hunt.

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Blow bubbles.

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Play in the rain.

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Watch for tree buds.

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Go on an Easter egg hunt.

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Visit a local farm to see animals.

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Fly a kite.

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Create sidewalk art.

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Pick strawberries.

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Spot a rainbow.

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Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID ADRIAN, MI 49221 PERMIT NO. 1894

5200 West U.S. Highway 223, P.O. Box 1894 Adrian, Michigan 49221-7894

31st Annual

FLAG 2017

DAY

Join our Flag Day celebration Wednesday, June 14 11 a.m.

Gleaner’s Home Office | Adrian, Michigan Join us as we honor the American flag, local veterans and active-duty military at the 31st annual Flag Day celebration.

The event will include guest speakers, patriotic music, youth activities with Benny and a complimentary all-American lunch.

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

If you plan to donate blood, please pre-register at www.gleanerlife.org/blooddrive.

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