The Arbor Newsletter - Sept/Oct 2016

In this issue: Check out the new gleanerlife.org Host a food drive this fall Scholarships available Nov. 1

Gleaner board members and Home Office staff present a $400 check to the Channahon Park District Summer Back Pack program during the Illinois State Association picnic.

Check out the new gleanerlife.org The Arbor Newsletter is published bi-monthly by Kevin A. Marti President and CEO

Community Engagement Department Michelle Horn Assistant Vice President, Community Engagement

The wait is over: Gleaner’s new website is now available at www.gleanerlife.org. The redesign includes a completely new home page and an improved member portal. The portal features user-friendly access to your certificate information, upcoming events and information on your arbor (local service club).

To access the new website, simply visit www.gleanerlife.org. If you need to access the old website, there will be a banner at the top of the home page to help you navigate to it for a limited time.

Please note: The first time you visit the new site, you will be prompted to create a new member account. This will be your login on the new website moving forward, but through the end of autumn, you will still have access to the old portal by using your former login information.

Jaime Linden Arbor Growth and Development Coordinator

Jessica Vasher Sr. Community Engagement Specialist

Kirsten Stiver Community Engagement Specialist

Fraternal Advisory Council Michelle Horn Chair

June Lenig Co-Chair Rolling Prairie Arbor (IN)

Stephanie Andresen Gleoma Arbor (NE)

Karen Lowder Capital Arbor (MI)

Deb Rydberg Heart of Florida Arbor (FL)

Leo Knox Bowling Green Arbor (OH)

Dan Sutton Hawthorne Arbor (IN)

Deborah Ruetz Sulphur Springs Arbor (IL) 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 f 517.265.7745

www.gleanerlife.org communityengagement@gleanerlife.org

GLEANER goes social

For all the latest news and happenings at Gleaner Life Insurance Society, find us on:

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

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@GleanerLife

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Fall activity idea: Gleaner Day Host your own food drive to fulfill Community Outreach Activity #6 One in six Americans faces food insecurity.¹ This is why Gleaner Life Insurance Society sponsors Gleaner Day each year to benefit the Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. By purchasing an admission ticket to Greenfield Village on Oct. 1, 2016, and donating five canned goods or $5, participants received a second admission ticket for free. If you missed the event, there’s still plenty of time and ways to participate.

Through the end of October, arbors can host their own independent food drives to help us make a bigger impact on America’s hungry. It’s simple to host a food drive. Here are a few ideas to get started: •

Find a group that would be interested in helping, like a local school or church.

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Make it a friendly competition by offering a prize to the group that collects the most pounds.

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Host an event where guests bring nonperishable food in exchange for admission.

Report the total weight of the food you collect to the Community Engagement Department and on your activity report. We will include it in our overall total for Gleaner Day 2016. Contact the Community Engagement Department or your Fraternal Communicator for more information. ¹11 Facts About Hunger in the US, https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-hunger-us.

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Arbor Activities Adrian Arbor (MI) Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — Arbor members hosted a skating party for the Boys and Girls Club, Young Marines and Gleaner Life Insurance Society Home Office staff. The arbor encouraged healthy living by promoting activity. The arbor also offered lunch to all of the guests and goody bags to be taken home.

Educating Youth #12, Learning As an Arbor #14 — Jan Gossman spoke about the Telamon Head Start program and the need for bilingual aides. The arbor donated 23 backpacks and four Kindles with childproof cases to the program.

CSR Award and Membership Pin #2 — Adrian Arbor (MI) recognized Scott Marvin with a CSR award.

Alma Arbor (MI) Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8, Get Your Arbor Recognized #9 — Arbor members gathered at the Dow Diamond with guests to enjoy a Great Lakes Loons baseball game. The arbor name was shown on the scoreboard during the game.

Patriotic Activity #3 — Arbor members and guests met at Rugrats Daycare and Preschool to present a flagpole and flag.

Bavarian Arbor (MI) Get Your Arbor Recognized #9, Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — Arbor members handed out bottled water 3

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and displayed the Gleaner flag during the Volkslaufe Run on July 3.

Birch Run Arbor (MI) Elderly Support Activity #21 — Arbor members and Birch Run High School student volunteers traveled to the Heartland-Fostrian nursing home in Flushing on June 8 to play bingo.

Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — The arbor partnered with Marshall Greene Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society for a walkathon to benefit cystic fibrosis. About 50 students CSR Award & Membership Pin #2 — Bay Area Arbor (FL) and 20 adults participated. recognized Earl Gall with a CSR Award. Gall’s wife, Gwynn, and The students collected over several others from the United Methodist Church, where Earl Gall $1,000 to donate to CF participates in the Disaster Response Team, attended the event. The research. Wild Card #24 — arbor donated $300 to the Disaster Response Team in his honor.

The arbor purchased personal hygiene items and made goody bags for Manz made a Mission for LIFE® women at the Saginaw Rescue Mission. presentation. Environmental Activity #4 Patriotic Activity #3 — The arbor retired a — Arbor members picked up trash at Live flag at the VFW Post in Birch Run, where Oaks Cemetery. members also painted a tank that sits in front of the post. Get Your Arbor Bowling Green Arbor (OH) Recognized #9 — Arbor members joined with women’s residential clients and staff Environmental Activity #4 — The arbor at the Holy Cross Residential Rehab Center and Bowling Green Montessori School in Saginaw, Michigan, to make laundry worked together to improve the school’s soap. garden with a recycling program aimed at using food waste from the lunch program Black Swamp Arbor (OH) to make compost. The compost is then used to amend the garden soil, where Wild Card #24 — The arbor worked at the vegetables for the school are grown. The Gateway Woods annual auction in the artsarbor also purchased a composting bin for and-crafts and bounce house areas. One the school, so students can see firsthand arbor member rode behind a bike team how compost is made and used in their that cycled from northeast Ohio to garden. Benevolent Fund Outreach northeast Indiana to raise money. She Activity #8, Get Your Arbor Recognized supported with water, helped with flat #9 — The arbor teamed with Kids Count tires, cheered on the team and even Too to send children to a Toledo Mud Hens washed dirty laundry at the hotel. Mission game. The arbor name was displayed on for LIFE® #5 — Arbor President John the scoreboard during the game. Bring-A-

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Guest Event #1, CSR Award & Membership Pin #2, Invite an Elected Public Official #19 — The arbor recognized Tom Baer with a CSR Award at Simpson’s Garden Park. Baer volunteers behind the scenes at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, the Black Swamp Festival and the classic car show. Arbor members toured the garden and enjoyed a picnic. Patriotic Activity #3 — The arbor purchased two American flags for the veterans memorial in Bowling Green and two American flags for two schools to fly in honor of veterans.

Caro Arbor (MI) Community Project #10, Educating Youth #12 — Arbor members helped with Faith Fest, a Christian music celebration to raise money for scholarships to Bay Shore Camp. They provided food and donated $150 toward a scholarship.

Official #19 — Arbor members attended the Area Senior on Aging Recognition events where Rudella Gilbert was honored.

Ohio state Rep. Margaret Ruhl attended.

Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8, Get Your Arbor Recognized #9 — The arbor helped sponsor Senior Day at the Morrow County Fair, where participants received a free lunch. Door prize drawings and bingo were also held.

CSR Award & Membership Pin #2 — Caro Arbor (MI) recognized Cindy Brumley with a CSR Award.

Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — Bowling Green Arbor (OH) hosted Shonda Miller from Diabetes Youth Services, who spoke about Type 1 diabetes.

Capital Arbor (MI) Environmental Activity #4 — Arbor members filled three messenger bags with supplies, including gardening gloves, flashlights, hammers, screwdrivers and more, for Fenner Nature Center. Animal Support #11, Educating Youth #12, Youth Organization Activity #22 — Capital Arbor joined with the Fenner Nature Center day campers for the annual zoo day program and picnic. Two zoo docents spoke and showed animals up close.

Center Township Arbor (IN) Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8 — Arbor members donated clothing for the upcoming school year to Hope Ministries.

Chester Arbor (OH) Environmental Activity #4, Learning As An Arbor #14 — Arbor members met at the Morrow County Headwaters site, where Marilyn Weiler, a nature lover and retired teacher, shared about the location, its outdoor programs and available activities.

Elderly Support Activity #21 — Arbor members hosted Dog Days of Summer at Woodside Village, where residents enjoyed making crafts. Invite an Elected Public

Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8 — Capital Arbor (MI) sponsored the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing for an afternoon at Celebration Cinema, where they watched the movie Finding Dory.

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Chester Arbor (OH) member Rudy Gilbert received the Outstanding Senior Award at the Morrow County Fair. She is pictured, center, with commissioners Dick Miller and Dennis Leader, and Tom Whiston and Linda Ruehrmund representing Chester Arbor.

Crystal Lake Arbor (MI) Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — Arbor members supported Benzie Home Health Care at the Local Motion walkathon.

Youth Organization Activity #22 — Crystal Lake Arbor (MI) hosted an evening at a Traverse City Beach Bums baseball game for 14 Boy Scouts and their leaders from Troop 267 in Honor, Michigan. The Scouts enjoyed balloon swords made by Patrick Cutler.

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Emerald Echo Arbor (OH) Youth Organization Activity #22 — Arbor members met with a local 4-H group to help support them at the Ohio State Extravaganza. Environmental Activity #4 — Melinda Carmichael made a presentation on the Beech Creek Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve. Educating Youth #12 — Arbor members helped with the teacher book-buying event at the local district library. Invite an Elected Public Official #19, Elderly Support Activity #21 — Nicole Wilson from McCrae Manor made a presentation about the manor’s services for the elderly. Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8, Community Project #10, Youth Organization Activity #22 — Arbor members gathered at the Martin Center to take disadvantaged youth on a shopping trip to help them get ready for school. They purchased a variety of items, from school supplies to clothing.

Entrican Arbor (MI) Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — The arbor provided snacks and water for the Alpha Women’s Center Walk/ Run/Ride. Bring-A-Guest Event #1, CSR Award & Membership Pin #2, Mission for LIFE® #5, Invite an Elected Public Official #19 — Gleaner agent Gary Mills made a Mission for LIFE® presentation. A 75-year member pin was presented to Gary Walkington of Trufant, Michigan. His wife, Martha, also attended. He shared that his parents got him a certificate when he was but 1½ years old. The Adult CSR award, Gleaner history book and community service pin were presented to Kodie Hansen, who was headed for college this fall and who, with much determination and grit, changed high schools even though it meant bicycling 12 miles each way every day to be able to complete his education.

Jim Lower, who won the Republican primary in the arbor’s district, presented Hansen with a special tribute signed by Michigan state Rep. Rick Outman, state Sen. Judy Emmons and Gov. Rick Snyder.

Wild Card #24 — Arbor members passed out Entrican Arbor-labeled bottled water at Stanton Old Fashioned Days in Stanton, Michigan, and at the annual Potato Festival in Edmore, Michigan.

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Youth wear their Gleaner crowns at the Genesee County 4-H Fair, where Glen Arbor (MI) members were active all week long.

Fallen Timbers Arbor (OH) Get Your Arbor Recognized #9 — The arbor hosted a booth at Cherry Fest, where children were able to decorate hats. BringA-Guest Event #1, CSR Award & Membership Pin #2 — Jill Bunge was presented with a CSR Award. She also spoke about the Food for Thought food pantry.

Florida Arbor (OH) Environmental Activity #4 — Arbor members welcomed Jay Budde and Bonnie Markley from the Northwest Ohio Rails to Trails Association. They spoke about the Wabash Cannonball Trail, a trail used for bike riding, walking and horseback riding in northwest Ohio. Wild Card #24 — The arbor collected stuffed toys for Alexa’s Teddy Bear and Stuffed Animal Drive and listened as founder Deb Jones spoke about how the drive started. Jones’ daughter, who has opsocionus myocionus syndrome, a very rare neurological disorder, was given a teddy bear that helped brighten her days. In its eighth year, the drive builds awareness and helps brighten days for hospitalized children. The arbor also donated $100 to the cause.

Floyd Arbor (MI) Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8 — The arbor sponsored the Midland Area Special Olympics Golf Outing.

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Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8, Invite an Elected Public Official #19, Special Holiday Project #23 — Florida Arbor (OH) members invited the community and 4-H Club partners to a Father’s Day golf outing at Country Corner Miniature Golf.

Glen Arbor (MI) Animal Support #11 — The arbor purchased livestock at the Genesee County 4-H Fair. Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8, Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20, Youth Organization Activity #22 — The arbor sponsored a youth dance at the Genesee County Fair for all 4-H members. Snacks and door prizes were provided. Wild Card #24 — The arbor facilitated a shuttle at the Genesee County 4-H Fair with the Gleaner banner on the side.

Gleoma Arbor (NE) Bring-A-Guest Event #1 — The arbor hosted a picnic at Cooper Farm.

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Grand Arbor (MI)

Get Your Arbor Recognized #9, Community Project #10 — Harmony Arbor (MI) members pose with a big check that represents the total donated to several community organizations, including Baptist Children’s Home, Big Brothers Big Sisters Gratiot/Montcalm Counties, Feed the Children at St. Louis Church of God, Gratiot County Commission on Aging, Operation Christmas Child at Alma United Methodist Church, Rock Lake Christian Camp and Gratiot County 4-H.

Environmental Activity #4 — The arbor purchased and planted a tree at Sparta Church of the Nazarene. Historical Site #13 — Arbor members toured the Podunk Museum and donated $500.

Grand Blanc Arbor (MI) CSR Award & Membership Pin #2, Mission for LIFE® #5, Invite an Elected Public Official #19 — The arbor recognized CSR Award winners Earl Gilpin (senior), Trina Balow (adult) and Elizabeth Breneiser (youth). Mike Stuart led the group in Mission for LIFE® bingo. Wild Card #24 — The arbor paid for everyone’s ice cream orders over a 2½-hour period at a local ice cream shop, where they also handed out pamphlets to raise awareness and first-aid kits.

Harmony Arbor (MI) JOIN HANDS DAY #7 — Arbor members washed, dried and cleaned car windows with Ithaca Boy Scout Troop 631. CSR Award and Membership Pin #2 — The arbor recognized the following CSR Award winners: Dylan Macha (youth), Julie Armstrong (adult) and Roberta Charney (senior). Patriotic Activity #3, Invite an Elected Public Official #19 — The arbor held a Flag Day celebration, where the Midstatesmen Barbershop Chorus sang patriotic songs, Boy Scout Troop 631 led the Pledge of Allegiance and Major Jim Kelley read the proclamation. Mission for LIFE® #5 — Gloria Bates led participants in Mission for LIFE® bingo. Wild Card #24 — The arbor sponsored a Relay For Life event.

Hawthorne Arbor (IN)

Heart of Florida Arbor (FL)

Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8 — The arbor rented the Art Theater in Hobart, Indiana, and treated ARC clients and their families to popcorn and the movie Ice Age: Collision Course. CSR Award & Membership Pin #2 — The arbor presented a youth CSR Award to Emily Crouch, who volunteers for Girl Scouts and is involved in several school activities and 4-H.

Educating Youth #12 — The arbor hosted the Stuff the Bus event, teaming with local churches, the Mulberry Chamber and Kiwanis Club to collect school supplies for over 400 children in the Lakeland and Mulberry areas. Wild Card #24 — Arbor members gathered and filled backpacks with supplies they collected during the Stuff the Bus event.

JOIN HANDS DAY #7 — Hawthorne Arbor (IN) sprayed weeds, pulled weeds, planted flowers and put down 130 bags of red mulch around the main entrance and exit at Freedom Park.

Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8, Invite an Elected Public Official #19 — More than 500 students and family members attended the backto-school bash that Heart of Florida Arbor (FL) hosted. Students received backpacks filled with the school supplies and haircuts provided by local stylists, plus hot dogs and beverages.

Educating Youth #12 — Harrison Arbor (OH) members Ken Benien, Barbara Long, Bob Long, Dillon Unverferth, Gene Grime, Rosemary Pfau and Kevin Gardiner gathered at Crossroads Church to donate backpacks for the Stuff the Bus event in Henry County. Eighty backpacks were purchased, and the arbor donated $100 to help buy extra backpacks and school supplies. Several members also helped stuff the backpacks to help 243 students.]

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Heritage Arbor (MI) JOIN HANDS DAY #7 — Arbor members weeded, added mulch to the flower beds around the museum and planted a new row of shrubs. The arbor also purchased a new sign for the museum that was dedicated that day.

Croswell EMS, the Croswell Fire Department’s fire safety trailer, Sanilac County Humane Society and Sanilac County United Way. Arbor members also collected clothes for the Student Closet at Frostick Elementary. Environmental Activity #4 — Arbor members worked on landscaping with the Croswell Department of Public Works, which included placement of large boulders, trees, shrubs, edging and mulch.

Marion Arbor (MI) Patriotic Activity #3 — The arbor honored the American flag June 14 with a program at VFW Post 6015. A continental breakfast followed the program, and patriotic-themed door prizes were given out. Bring-A-Guest Event #1 — The arbor hosted a potluck dinner for members and guests.

Madison Arbor (MI)

Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8 — Heritage Arbor (MI) hosted speakers from AARP for senior day at the Genesee County Fair. Five AARP representatives spoke to seniors on the topic “Fraud Watch” and how to avoid scams over the phone and computer.

Holland Arbor (OH) Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8, Youth Organization Activity #22 — The arbor planned a day at the Toledo Zoo for the School of Autism. Due to inclement weather, the children were unable to go to the zoo, but the arbor took the food and drinks it had purchased for the day to the school for the students to enjoy.

Homer Township Oak Arbor (IL) 4-H Helping Hands Donation #16 — John Davis, extension educator for 4-H youth development, shared about 4-H activities with arbor members.

Learning As An Arbor #14 — The arbor hosted a Sip-n-Sketch event to learn about painting on canvas. Many arbor members, along with community members, attended the event held at the Adrian AMVETS. Linda Hooker led participants in painting a beach scene. They raised $220 for the Madison After Prom. JOIN HANDS DAY #7 — The arbor worked with the Madison High School Interact Club, which chose a buddy bench for the elementary playground. The idea behind the buddy bench is to provide a place for a new students, or students who do not have anyone to play with, to sit. Then other students can come get them and invite them to play.

Maple City Arbor (MI) CSR Award & Membership Pin #2, Mission for LIFE® #5, 4-H Helping Hands Donation #16 — Arbor members honored CSRA recipients Howard Pennington and Caitlyn Coleman for their volunteer work with Lenawee Therapeutic Riding, and Amee Hudson for her work in the community and with the arbor as a social member. Arbor Development Coordinator Jaime Linden then led participants in a Mission for LIFE® presentation.

Huron Shores Arbor (MI) Bring-A-Guest Event #1, Community Project #10 — The arbor hosted dinner and gave donations to several organizations with representatives in attendance. In total, $2,625.66 was donated to Frostick Elementary School’s backpack program, the City of Croswell (toward a state flag for the welcome sign), Croswell Parks and Recreation’s Santa Parade, the 7

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Wild Card #24 — Marion Arbor (MI) purchased girl’s and boy’s bikes to raffle off at the Marion Old Fashion Days celebration. The winner of the girl’s bike smiles with her prize.

Mid-Michigan Arbor (MI) Patriotic Activity #3 — Arbor members set up a booth and handed out 50 American flag pins and bottled water at the USS Edson in Bay City. Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8, Get Your Arbor Recognized #9, Youth Organization Activity #22 — The arbor provided tickets and $5 food vouchers to the Great Lakes Loons baseball game for the Boy Scouts of Bay City. During the game, Mid-Michigan Arbor’s name was displayed on the big screen. Community Project #10, 4-H Helping Hands Donation #16 — Jodi Wrzesinski, youth

Members of the Madison High School Interact Club pose with the buddy bench, which encourages students to include students who are shy or lonely. The teens worked with Madison Arbor (MI) to purchase and install the bench on the elementary playground.

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coordinator for Bay County 4-H, explained the program to arbor members. The arbor donated $150 to the Bay County 4-H Council. The money will be used for STEAM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, art and math programs.

Mill Creek Arbor (IN) JOIN HANDS DAY #7 — Arbor members and Girl Scout Troop 30270 met at Michigan City Zoo and set up four stations.

The first had an endangered animals’ activity. The next station offered a scavenger hunt. Once all the answers were filled in, the Scouts received a stamp. The third station had snacks and Just For Kids® information. The last station had a wheel of facts, where participants got to spin a wheel and answer a question to get a prize. Patriotic Activity #3, Get Your Arbor Recognized #9, Invite an Elected Public Official #19 — Arbor members joined Cookies for Soldiers to help with the group’s annual event. The arbor helped serve the food, ran a face-painting booth and had a Gleaner booth that included information bags made up with Just For Kids® information as well as information on other benefits available as a Gleaner member. Bring-A-Guest Event #1, Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — Arbor members visited HealthWorks Museum to learn about the human body.

Environmental Activity #4 — Members gathered at the Commission on Aging, where they presented Brandi Knivila of the Commission on Aging with a certificate for three red maple trees. The trees will be planted around their outside exercise center to provide shade for those using the equipment.

North Baltimore Arbor (OH) Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — The arbor manned a water stop at the Up, Up and Away 5K in Findlay, Ohio.

North Central Michigan Arbor (MI) Learning As An Arbor #14 — The arbor donated Benny books to second-grade students at Harrison Elementary. Elaine Reinke read the book to the students. CSR Award & Membership Pin #2, Invite an Elected Public Official #19 — The arbor presented three CSR awards in April.

Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — The arbor donated T-shirts for the Fun in the Sun 5K event at Eagle Village.

Patriotic Activity #3 — The arbor supported a hole at the Clare County Veterans golf outing. Helping Hands Donation #16 — The arbor donated $1,000 to Getting Down on the Farm 4-H Club in Gladwin to cover the costs of a pizza party and awards and gifts given out during the annual awards banquet.

Oakwood Arbor (OH)

Julia Jones, Emily Graves and Cedar Stutzman toured the zoo before partaking in Mill Creek Arbor’s JOIN HANDS DAY activities.

Mount Pleasant Arbor (MI) Bring-A-Guest Event #1 — The arbor hosted a picnic for members and guests at the Broomfield Township Hall. gl eane rlife.org

Environmental Activity #4 — Members picked up trash on a two-mile stretch of State Route 66, north of Oakwood, Ohio.

The arbor also placed six cubic yards of mulch and planted flowers at a town park.

CSR Award & Membership Pin #2 — The arbor recognized Blake Miller (youth), Joel Parrett (adult) and Robert Tom (senior) with CSR awards. Community Project #10 — The arbor hosted a blood drive at a local museum. The goal was to collect 16 units, and the drive succeeded in collecting 21.

Ober Arbor (IN) Mission for LIFE® #5 — Rhonda Graves presented the Mission for LIFE® program to members of Ober Arbor.

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CSR Award & Membership Pin #2 — Rhonda Overmyer was inducted into Ober Arbor (IN) as the recipient of a CSR Award presented by Jim Falk, Ober Arbor vice president.

Orchard Arbor (MI) Environmental Activity #4 — Members joined with the Almont PTA to plant a tree in remembrance of Beth Kasper, a longtime PTA member who died of cancer. The arbor also learned about the important impact trees have on the environment.

Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8, Get Your Arbor Recognized #9, Invite an Elected Public Official #19 — The arbor hosted the Almont and Romeo robotics teams, along with prospective team members, for an event in recognition of the team’s accomplishments. Members also invited Michigan state Rep. Gary Howell, Serenity Williams and John Bocchi to the event. Wild Card #24 — The arbor provided $3,000 worth of back-to-school gift baskets and supplies to 25 teachers at Orchard Elementary School. The baskets contained school supplies the teachers could distribute to needy students.

Plank Road Arbor (MI) Bring-A-Guest Event #1, CSR Award & Membership Pin #2, Invite an Elected Public Official #19 — The arbor held a picnic to honor 2016 CSR Award recipients Sydney Willman (youth), Mason Christian (adult) and Marge Moe (senior). Learning As An Arbor #14 — The arbor watched a video compiled by Madysen Stoneman about her mission trip to the Dominican Republic, which was sponsored by the arbor.

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Portage Center Arbor (OH) The arbor served ice cream sundaes to the Elmwood High School band members during their band camp.

Riley Creek Arbor (OH) Bring-A-Guest Event #1, Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8, Get Your Arbor Recognized #9, Animal Support #11 — The arbor held a community movie night at Ebenezer Mennonite Church, showing When the Game Stands Tall and serving soda and popcorn. At the movie night, the arbor collected donations for Heartbeat of Lima. Environmental Activity #4 — The arbor partnered with the Ohio Eagles, a local home-schooling sports organization, for a cleanup project at Harrod Community Center.

Winners of the ages 6-8 group of South County Arbor’s (IN) Just for Kids Run show off their medals and prizes. From left: Haley Gillespie (third place), Carmen Garner (second place) and Nathan Troxel (first place).

Saginaw Arbor (MI)

South Fairfield Arbor (MI/OH)

Get Your Arbor Recognized #9, Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — The arbor hosted a table for the 12th annual National Night Out at the soccer complex in Saginaw Township. This event features public safety activities, presentations, demonstrations, police cars and other safety vehicles and more. The arbor raffled off two children’s bicycles. Environmental Activity #4 — The arbor provided $100 in environmental supplies to help beautify their area and hosted a tent at a 12-block end-of-summer event.

Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — Arbor members assisted with a 5K run at Camp Palmer to benefit the pool.

The arbor has supported the ongoing pool project for several years, and the camp is working to pay off the last $100,000 of the cost. The arbor provided water and granola bars, sponsored T-shirts and gave money to the Goats and “Udder” Things 4-H Club to participate. In May, the arbor helped prepare for the funeral of Claude Churchill Woodring, a community member who spent 50 years as a volunteer firefighter, including 15 years as chief. The arbor planned, prepared and served the funeral dinner. Environmental Activity #4, Get Your Arbor Recognized #9, Youth Organization Activity #22 — Arbor members partnered with the Goats and “Udder” Things 4-H Club to weed flower beds and plant flowers at Evergreen Community Library. The arbor also provided snacks for all of the volunteers who helped. Bring-a-Guest Event #1, Mission for LIFE® #5 — The arbor invited guests to participate in a potluck meal and play Mission for LIFE® bingo, led by Arbor Development Coordinator Jaime Linden. Learning As An Arbor #14 — Members visited Gleaner Life Insurance Society’s Home Office for a tour, where Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement Michelle Horn and Jaime Linden demonstrated one of the rituals from the early days of the Society in full regalia.

South County Arbor (IN) Guests gather to view the movie When the Game Stands Tall at Riley Creek Arbor’s (MI) Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity.

Rivertown Arbor (MI) CSR Award & Membership Pin #2, Get Your Arbor Recognized #9 — The arbor recognized Judy Gager with its CSR Award.

Rolling Prairie Arbor (IN) Historical Site #13 — The arbor toured historic St. Paul’s Memorial United Methodist Church, which was built over a two-year period beginning in 1903. The church features the largest ancient baptismal font in the state with 12 biblical carvings around the base. The church also features stained-glass windows that cost $40,000 at the time of their production.

The arbor donated $100 to the church.

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Bring-A-Guest Event #1, Historical Site #13, Learning As An Arbor #14 — The arbor invited all of its fellow Indiana arbors and their guests to the Studebaker Museum and Oliver Mansion for a tour. The Studebaker and Oliver companies made automobiles and tractors, respectively.

Both companies were very good to their workers and the community. In July, the arbor provided and served concessions at a free movie night at a local park. The concession sales helped benefit local baseball, football and cheer teams.

Educating Youth #12, Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — The arbor hosted a Just for Kids Run, in which 37 children participated and received promotional gifts from the arbor. First-, second- and third-place winners each received a medal and a backpack full of school supplies and a Payless Shoes gift card.

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South Fairfield Arbor (MI/OH) and the Goats and “Udder” Things 4-H Club weeded flower beds and planted flowers at the Evergreen Community Library for Environmental Activity #4, Get Your Arbor Recognized #9 and Youth Organization Activity #22.

Sulphur Springs Arbor (IL) Community Project #10 — The arbor sold hot dogs and Italian sausages at the Coal City Car Show. Guests who signed in at the arbor’s table were entered into a drawing for one of two $25 gas cards. Bring-AGuest Event #1, Get Your Arbor Recognized #9 — The arbor held an ice cream social at the Grundy County 4-H Fair.

Despite hot weather, the arbor served 150 people and donated remaining items to the 4-H Federation. Proceeds from the ice cream social totaled $228.50 and benefited the Grundy County 4-H Extension.

Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8 — The arbor helped the Gardner Lions Club host a back-to-school pancake breakfast. Members cooked and plated food, served beverages and helped with

For Environmental Activity #4, Sulphur Springs Arbor (IL) planted a tree at the Coal City Park and contributed a $650 donation to the Go Green Donation Program for the Tornado Tree Replacement Program. gl eane rlife.org

Peyton Former, Evan Former, Jacob Sting and Katelyn Flynn wait for the Loons game to begin at USA Arbor’s (MI) Bring-A-Guest event.

cleanup. Patrons brought donated school supplies to the event worth $400. Mission for LIFE® #5 — The arbor learned about the importance of life insurance by playing Gleaner’s Mission for LIFE® bingo.

patients. After the event, the arbor provided a $600 donation to help the hospital keep hosting bingo.

Tecumseh Arbor (MI) Animal Support #11 — The arbor hosted a pet parade in downtown Tecumseh. From the participating animals, the judges chose six to receive prizes. The arbor used grant funds to purchase pet food and supplies, and several attendees brought pet food donations for the Lenawee County Humane Society.

Bring-A-Guest Event #1 — Each arbor member brought two guests to a Loons baseball game. The arbor purchased 48 box seats and gift cards for the game. The arbor also purchased 30 items to raffle off to those in attendance. Invitations #6 — The arbor invited members and guests to a barbecue, where they shared information on the arbor’s activities, distributed necklaces to children and played cards.

Tri-County Arbor (MI)

Vulcaneer Arbor (MI)

Elderly Support Activity #21 — The arbor hosted a bingo for patients at the VA Hospital in Saginaw, Michigan. The arbor provided prizes and small gifts for the

Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — The arbor provided and grilled food for a local youth football program close to its members’ hearts. Benevolent Fund

USA Arbor (MI)

Tecumseh Arbor (MI) members attend the arbor’s pet parade in downtown Tecumseh.

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Outreach Activity #8, Invite An Elected Public Official #19 — The arbor hosted a Macho Volleyball activity for the community, providing T-shirts to students who participated.

White Pine Arbor (MI) Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8, Elderly Support Activity #21, Special Holiday Project #23 — The arbor held a Flag Day picnic with guests from the historical society, city hall, the library and a local nursing home. The arbor shared food

with guests, listened to stories from senior citizens and awarded prizes. The arbor also donated $100 to a local firefighter who is battling cancer. Wild Card #24 — The arbor helped the Optimist Club host an event for children, at which the arbor held a drawing for four bicycles and other prizes.

Arbors reported the following donations:

Chad Fabbro of Vulcaneer Arbor (MI) grills hot dogs for a local youth football program.

West Lockport Arbor (IL) Patriotic Activity #3, Invite An Elected Public Official #19 — The arbor hosted a Flag Day event at which they collected retired flags to be properly destroyed. The arbor also provided guests with new flags and reviewed facts about flag etiquette and symbolism. Educating Youth #12 — Jackie O’Hara visited the arbor to provide information on the Channahon-Minooka backpack program, which provides free or reduced-price lunches to struggling families throughout the summer. The arbor provided a $600 donation to the program.

Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — LeAnn Tatro visited the arbor from a local health club to provide information on healthy living, including exercising and making smart food choices.

Environmental Activity #4 — The arbor learned about switching to environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Alma Arbor (MI): $500 to Women’s Resource Center; $750 to Dalis to the Rescue; $500 to the Lumberjack and Riverman’s Park Association; $200 to Lillian Hudson.

Bavarian Arbor (MI): $200 to Frankenmuth Community Schools/STEM program; $1,000 to Frankenmuth Historical Museum Log Haus staining.

Bay Area Arbor (FL): $50 to Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary.

Black Swamp Arbor (OH): $100 to Paulding County Sheriff's Reserves; $100 to Latty Ball Association; $100 to Paulding County Junior Fair Board; $100 to John Paulding Historical Society; $100 to Paulding FFA Chapter; $100 to Paulding Ball Association; $100 to Divine Mercy Catholic School; $100 to NOCAC Summer Food Program; $100 to Paulding County Carnegie Library; $100 to Paulding County Senior Center; $100 to Paulding Foundation for Bargain Bin; $100 to Boy Scout Troop 315; $100 to Science Olympiad at Paulding Exempted Village School, $100 to P.A.S.S.; $1,000 to OSU ExtensionPaulding County; $100 to Paulding EMS Bowling Green Arbor (OH): Gleaner Scholarship Donation #18, $750; Caring Hands Donation #17, $1,000 to Frank Cousins.

Center Township Arbor (IN): 4-H Helping Hands Donation #16, St. Joseph County 4-H; Caring Hands Donation #17, $500 to Gary Burkett.

Jeff Price of West Lockport Arbor (IL) presents a $600 donation to Jackie O’Hara of the Channahon-Minooka backpack program.

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Chester Arbor (OH): $75 to Hula Hoop Hop.

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Entrican Arbor (MI): $200 to Old Fence Rider Museum; $100 to Robert and Shirley Buskirk; Historical Site #13, $250 to Friends of South Sidney Cemetery; $250 to Randy’s House; $500 to Village of McBride Park Committee; $250 to RAVE Ionia/ Montcalm Counties.

Findlay Flag City Arbor (OH): Caring Hands Donation #17, $1,000 to Keith Beck; $150 to Christian Clearing House, Women's Resource Center, City Mission, Salvation Army, Hope House, Open Arms Domestic Shelter, American Red Cross and Hancock Park District; Educating Youth #12, $250 worth of school supplies to the Stuff the Bus program in Findlay; Wild Card #24, $100 worth of prizes for St. Catherine’s bingo fundraiser.

Floyd Arbor (MI): $750 to Bullock Creek Blitz Creek Robotics Team.

Glen Arbor (MI): 4-H Helping Hands Donation #16, $1,000 to 4-H Friendly Farmers; Caring Hands Donation #17, $1,000 to Amy Wager.

Greater Flint Area Arbor (MI): 4-H Helping Hands Donation #16, $500 to Country Clovers 4-H Club.

Gulf Coast Arbor (FL): $200 to relief efforts for the Ecuador earthquake.

Harmony Arbor (MI): $100 to Rosewood Adult Care Facility.

Harrison Arbor (OH): $100 to Henry County auditor; 4-H Helping Hands Donation #16, $1,000 to OSU Extension.

Heritage Arbor (MI): 4-H Helping Hands Donation, $1,000 to Davison Livestock 4-H. g lea ner life.o rg

Holland Arbor (OH): $900 to Kids Unlimited; $600 to James McCune; $300 to St. Louis Church.

Homer Township Oak Arbor (IL): Historical Site #13, $100 to Will County Historical Society; $65 to Ethel Rodriguez; $350 to Pendol Enterprises LLC; $100 to Jeanine Redding; $1,000 to University of Illinois Extension 4-H. Law Arbor (MI): $300 to Edenville Township; $250 to Saginaw River Marine Historical Society; $300 to Old Town Soup Kitchen.

Madison Arbor (MI): $200 to Michigan State University 4-H. Mid-Michigan Arbor (MI): $350 to Bay City Western Band; $200 to American Diabetes Association; $250 to Zion Lutheran Church; Caring Hands Donation #17, $400 to Zack Willet to help defray medical expenses for his wife.

Mill Creek Arbor (IN): $500 to New Prairie Little League; Caring Hands Donation #17, $1,000 to Isaac Porogi.

North Baltimore Arbor (OH): $92.55 to Klassy Kids Club; $120 to Powell School.

North Central Michigan Arbor (MI): $300 to Big Brothers Big Sisters; Animal Support #11, $100 to Clare County Animal Shelter; Historical Site #13, $100 to Gladwin County Historical Society; $250 to Maggie Zinser Food Program.

Oakwood Arbor (OH): $171.45 toward a third-grade luncheon; $150 in topsoil for Habitat for Humanity landscaping; $450 to Real Waste for a town dumpster; $100 to Auglaize Canoe and Kayak; $50 to Hospice of Northwest Ohio; $1,000 to P.C. Bargain Bin; $300 to Twin Oaks United Methodist food pantry; $400 toward a portable P.A. system.

Ober Arbor (IN): Caring Hands Donation #17, $1,000 to cancer patient Shirley Troyer; $367 to the Starke County Junior Leaders.

Orchard Arbor (MI): $520 to Girl Scouts for camping fees; Caring Hands #17, $500 to Miranda Wedlake; $100 to Almont Youth Sports for a sponsorship; $500 to Skyline Camp. gl eane rlife.org

Plank Road Arbor (MI): Caring Hands #17, $1,000 to the Sherman family; $500 to Breckenridge Community Schools and $100 more for OM Buddy Team T-shirts; $309 to Breckenridge Little League.

Portage Center Arbor (OH): $500 to Elmwood Athletic Boosters; $450 to Wood County Historical Society; $278.49 to Elmwood Music Boosters; $50 to Hope Lutheran Church; $50 to Wayne United Methodist Church; $270 to Wood County Agricultural Society.

Riley Creek Arbor (OH): Community Project #10, $100 to Bluffton Family Recreation; Gleaner Scholarship Donation #18, $100.

Rivertown Arbor (MI): $500 to Heartside Ministries; $400 to Hand 2 Hand Ministries; $600 in tickets to the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum; $50 to the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum; $500 to Addie’s Food Pantry; $700 to Clancy Street Ministries; $500 to the Samuel Omogo Foundation.

Rolling Prairie Arbor (IN): $100 to the VFW Ladies Auxiliary; $115 to a 4-H auction; $100 to Habitat for Humanity; $100 to Worthy Women Recovery Home.

Saginaw Arbor (MI): $500 to Saginaw Township South Little League; Caring Hands #17, $500 each to two local families.

South County Arbor (IN): Patriotic Activity #3, $100 toward flag holders for veterans; Caring Hands #17, $1,000 and a $250 gift card to Nick Rathwick; $250 to a local elementary school for children’s clothing; $250 to the Wanatah Elementary School robotics program.

South Fairfield Arbor (MI/OH): $125 to Swanton Health Care to sponsor a shuttle for Family Day; $750 to Goats and “Udder” Things 4-H Club; $206.04 in donations for CAST; $500 to Nature’s Nursery; $500 to Boy Scout Troop 167; $500 to the Metamora Amboy Fire Department; $500 to the Evergreen Community Library and Historical Society building expansion; $50 to sponsor Park-O-Rama.

$500 to Braeden Belcher; $200 to the Rotary Foundation; $50 to VFW Post 1336; $50 to the American Legion; $312.67 to Coal City Community 4-H. Tecumseh Arbor (MI): $450 to Saline 4-H Farmers; $200 to Frances Cleland.

Tri County Arbor (MI): $400 to train depot; $400 to the Veteran’s Ball; $400 to the American Legion; $400 to Junction of Home; $400 to the Montrose Police Department; $400 to the Montrose Fire Department; $400 to Rachel’s Closet; $500 to the Montrose Senior Center; $40 toward a gas card; 4-H Helping Hands #16, $1,000; $237.67 in T-shirts for Special Olympics; $100 to the American Legion Burt Post for opera house flowers; $644 in tomato plants for the Montrose Greenhouse; $69 toward miniature golf for the Special Olympics; $100 for a golf outing sponsorship; $500 to Kenya Project.

USA Arbor (MI): $96 to Girl Scouts; Caring Hands #17, $500; $500 to the Michigan Sugar Festival for fireworks; $100 to Sebewaing Luckhard Museum; $100 to Sebewaing Historical Society.

Vulcaneer Arbor (MI): $216 to William Heyworth; $130 to a Vassar Athletic golf hole sponsorship; $34.97 to Abele Greenhouse for the bush funeral; $200 toward a youth football sponsorship; Animal Support #11, $200 to a local man for supplies for his service dog; $1,200 to Vassar Public School.

West Lockport Arbor (IL): $250 to Morning Star Mission; $750 in prizes and supplies for a golf outing; $125 to the Joliet Township Foundation; $200 to Joliet Area Community Hospice; $540 to Breast Intentions of Illinois; 4-H Helping Hands #16, $1,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Joliet; $300 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Joliet; $300 to Morning Star Missions.

White Pine Arbor (MI): Community Project #10, $200 to All Ages Kids Summer Program; 4-H Helping Hands #16, $500 to the Michigan State University Extension.

Sulphur Springs Arbor (IL): $600 to Shorewood HUGS; $500 to Dalton Meyer; T h e A r b o r Ne w s le t te r

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Join us for a F lor ida getaway March 3-4!

Our Florida events aren’t just for Florida members. As winter comes to a slow close, join us in Florida March 3-4 for a mini-getaway at The Inn at Little Harbor in Ruskin. A warm, intimate resort overlooking the waters of Tampa Bay, this Caribbean Island-style hotel destination is the quintessential Florida waterfront retreat. The Inn at Little Harbor is on a private beach on the south shore of Tampa Bay, just a short drive from the attractions, shopping and nightlife of downtown Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Anna Maria and Bradenton.

Best of all, you’ll be able to join us for our snowbird picnic and spring training ballgame (look for more details on these events in the next issue of Forum Magazine).

All rooms include two beds, a miniature refrigerator, coffeemaker and microwave. First-floor rooms feature a patio, while second-floor rooms have a private balcony.

Standard double Two double beds; $110 per night, plus 12% sales tax and $8 resort fee.

Deluxe queen

Two queen beds; $119 per night, plus 12% sales tax and $8 resort fee.

To register, call The Inn at Little Harbor at 813.645.3291 and tell them you are registering for the Gleaner Life Insurance Society retreat March 3-4. Booking agents are available 24/7 to help you schedule your getaway.

Visit www.gleanerlife.org/florida for more information!

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Thanks for participating in Gleaner picnics Thank you for making our 2016 picnic season a success. Great food and company were enjoyed by all who attended.

Number of picnics: 8 Attendance: 679

Report your Random Acts of Kindness

Chicken pieces served: 1,630 Funds raised for charity: $3,000 Number of months: 4 Number of Benny visits to kids: 6

Each year on Oct. 12, Gleaner members are encouraged to carry out random acts of kindness for friends, family, neighbors and strangers in celebration of Gleaner’s birthday. It is through this simplest form of fraternalism that we honor our founding and heritage. By helping others, we continue Gleaner’s proud tradition of demonstrating Christian values while keeping fraternalism relevant today.

If you made an impact on Oct. 12, be sure to share your random acts of kindness with Gleaner on Facebook or email the Community Engagement Department!

gl eane rlife.org

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

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

Scholarship applications available online Nov. 1 Eligible Gleaner members who are students can apply for a one-time $3,000 competitive scholarship. Gleaner family members are eligible to apply for one-time $1,500 awards. Both scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, with the top 50 Gleaner members receiving $3,000.

Online applications open Nov. 1, 2016. Visit www.gleanerlife.org/scholarships to review the full eligibility requirements and apply.