Wi n t e r 2024 GBU.ORG
TEAM TO TEAM PROGRAM WE'RE ON YOUR TEAM GBU Life's new Team to Team program helps our youth members offset costs associated with school, recreational sports and clubs. Insured GBU youth members can apply for a team sponsorship under this program. INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS An insured youth member can apply for a team sponsorship of up to $250. To apply, you must be a participating member of the team, and GBU's sponsorship must be acknowledged in some way, such as a program ad, t-shirt logo, field sign, etc. GROUPS OF MEMBERS If your team contains five or more insured GBU members, you can apply for a team sponsorship of up to $5,000. All GBU members must be current and active members of the team. Your team must complete a community service project, and GBU's sponsorship of the team must be acknowledged in some way, such as a program ad, t-shirt logo, field sign, etc. GBU members under the age of 18 participating in any recognized sports or academic organization may apply for the Team to Team sponsorship.
For more details and to apply, visit inside.gbu.org/team-to-team.
GBU-YTH_TEAM-1123
4254 Saw Mill Run Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15227 412-884-5100 800-765-4428 memberbenefits@gbu.org
T able ofo f Co C on t e n t s
PREPARE
4
MEET
5 Beat the Winter Blues with TV Trivia
34 District Happenings
6 T ax Adjustments to Know When Filing Your 2023 Federal Tax Return
47 A New Partnership: Expanding GBU’s Impact
8 GBU’s New Fixed Index Annuity
48 Fraternal Adventures
LIVE
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11 Snow Safety Tips 12 Your Guide to a Sustainable Spring at Home
50 Easing Financial Concerns
GIVE
51
52 Meet GBU’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year
14 Delicious Drinks to Warm Up Your Winter 16 Crowdsourcing vs. Life Insurance
53 GBU Life 2023 Contributions by Pillar 54 Give Back Group Project Spotlight 55 Birthday Match
18 Optimity for Health, Wellness and Community Connection
56 Women Who Rock 57 G BU Foundation Community Grant Awards
19 O ptimity Sweater Weather Fall Bucket List Challenges
58 GBU Foundation Day of Giving Donors 60 A Parent’s Sacrifice—and Gift
20 Why Flexibility Is Important for Older Adults
NOTES
21 My Summer Vacation Photo Contest Results
GROW
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22
23 Winter Family Fun with VIP Perks!
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62 Notes from the Home Office 63 GBU Privacy Policy Inside Back Cover Reader Service Form
24 Cookie Quest Word Search 26 Love Bugs DIY Valentine Treats 27 Secure Series Youth 3 Pay Life Insurance
Also Inside …
28 GBU Foundation Scholarships and Grants
CEO Message
30 My Summer Vacation Coloring Contest Results 32 Give Back University
Wishing a Happy New Year to All GBU Members and Friends Page 3
The Reporter
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The
Reporter
is the official publication of
4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394 T: 412-884-5100 or 800-765-4428 E: communications@gbu.org W: gbu.org Editor: Jennifer Stockdale Production Editor: Nancy Kurutz Assistant Production Editor: Timothy Rodman Art Director: Rachel Cummins Design and Layout: Steve Guidas Contributing Writers: Anna Meek, Jennifer Stockdale, Rachel Cummins, Natasha Herleman, Mary Koczan, Steve Guidas, Ken Elliott, Bob Schoeppner, Laqueeta Coleman, Timothy Rodman and Karen Ferguson Chief Executive Officer William W. Hunt Sr. VP/Chief Marketing Officer Lesley B. Mann Sr. VP of Operations Deborah Morgan Sr. VP/Chief Financial Officer Mark Cloutier AVP Head of Compliance and Human Resources Antoinette Blair Chairman of the Board Lea Ann Hazi David E. Bevins Joseph S. Bielecki Donna L. Brophy, FICF William W. Hunt, CEO Christina MacKellar, CPCU, CIC David L. Pringle John B. Schmotzer To receive The Reporter digitally and discontinue receiving it by mail, send an email to memberbenefits@gbu.org. In the Subject line type “I Want to Go Green.” Provide your name, email address and mailing address in the body of the email. We will notify you by email when the new issue is online. Please be advised that you will receive a published issue when we are required by law to deliver any notice, report or statement, including notice of election and all amendments to the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of GBU. GBU personnel, members, districts and others may take pictures, make recordings or produce videos at GBU events. In an effort to promote activities and increase public awareness, these may be published in The Reporter, on GBU and district websites, in the GBU Life Member Community, on social media outlets and in other locations. By participating in GBU events or by submitting pictures, recordings or videos directly to GBU, all members and other parties consent to the release and use of these pictures, recordings or videos and waive any rights to royalties or any potential liability relating to such. Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday: Closed 2
Winter 2024
WISHING A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO A L L G BU M E M BE R S A N D F R I E N DS I trust you had a comfortable and joyful holiday season surrounded by loved ones. The past year presented GBU and all financial service organizations with the challenge of navigating change amid a volatile economic environment that featured the peaking of a historic 18-month rise in interest rates. Despite the challenge, GBU continues to deliver profitable, controlled growth in a framework that consistently strengthens our society and provides a growing array of popular products and valuable services for our members. The year 2023 featured record fixed-annuity sales for GBU (over $650 million) as many members (both new and existing) sought the guarantees and safety provided by our latest annuity product, the Asset Guard multi-year guaranteed annuity (MYGA). GBU expanded our geographic footprint to 48 states, and our multi-year plan to broaden the availability of GBU’s products and community development programs is in process. We also continued to diversify and strengthen our investment portfolio as opportunities presented themselves to safely improve our portfolio yield while limiting risk. Finally, the GBU Foundation celebrated 60 years of existence by awarding a record number of educational grants and scholarships as well as expanding its philanthropic reach to include a very well received Community Grant program! Exciting developments await us in the coming year. In February, we are thrilled to introduce a groundbreaking fixed-indexed annuity (FIA), a first for GBU. Based on popular indices from our investment partner, Barclays, this innovative product expands our fixed annuity product portfolio by providing members with the opportunity of greater upside potential for income with the downside protection that our members seek in a conservative product. Looking ahead, we aim to elevate the role of life insurance in our portfolio. A recent Forbes Advisor survey revealed that 44% of respondents anticipate financial hardship within six months of losing a primary wage earner. Recognizing the increasing importance of the value and security GBU offers to families through our life insurance products we are committed to enhancing our messaging, products and processes. In the upcoming year, we will also focus on refining our underwriting protocols based on technological advancements available to us and creating a more seamless application process for our agents and future members. In 2023, our member community was back in full force, reporting a record number of volunteering and fundraising projects. We are proud to see so many member-led projects in our communities. Although technology allows us to stay connected regardless of geography, it is still wonderful to see members attend events, pack care packages, care for animals and help at local food banks. I want to thank all of you for the remarkable things you do in your neighborhood. Speaking of neighborhoods, we have exciting changes coming to our member community in 2024, including the ability to establish less formal GBU member groups that we will officially call
The Reporter
GBU Neighborhoods. These member groups can host and sponsor events, fundraising activities and community projects in their geographic areas. Watch your mail and email for more information on how you can start or join a GBU Neighborhood. Another critical event coming in 2024 is not only the US presidential election but also the GBU Board of Directors’ election. In 2024, three Board seats will stand for election. The official notice of election along with the election process and timelines will run in the spring issue of The Reporter. As a reminder, GBU members between the ages of 21 and 70 as of January 1, 2024, who meet all other eligibility requirements may run. I hope you will all follow the candidates closely and participate in this significant membership responsibility. At GBU, we are dedicated to providing you with an exceptional experience. We are constantly expanding our services and strategically hire employees at our Home Office to achieve this objective. Our team is working tirelessly to ensure we can meet your ever-evolving needs for updated products, technology, benefits and services. We are thrilled to share that our efforts have been recognized, as GBU was named, for the fourth consecutive year, as a Top Workplace in Pittsburgh. We are still closing the books for 2023 but, as I mentioned, we expect record annuity sales along with strong growth in our assets, member reserves and capital position. You can expect a full presentation and review of our 2023 financial results when we publish the Annual Report in the second quarter of 2024. The GBU team is constantly working to serve existing and attract new members by anticipating strong, conservative opportunities to grow, protect and distribute a member's wealth. Hence, we strive to deliver the right products and services at the right time. As always, the GBU Board of Directors and leadership team appreciate the trust you place in us, and we look forward to servicing and supporting you throughout 2024 and into the future. Here's to a year filled with growth, innovation, superb service, and continued commitment to the well-being of our members and their communities!
William W. Hunt Chief Executive Officer
3
DEVELOP YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN DEVELOP YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN
4
Winter 2024
Beat the Winter Blues with TV Trivia! Have you been keeping up with your favorite shows?
Test your knowledge and speed with this season's online game. Monday, January 15-Friday, February 9, 2024 HOW TO PLAY Go to inside.gbu.org/trivia starting on Monday, January 15, 2024, at 8 AM ET, and click on the link to the game. Answer trivia questions about TV shows past and present. You have two minutes to answer as many questions as you can. The faster you answer, the more points you score! Keep an eye on the leaderboard until the end of the game on Friday, February 9, 2024, at 4 PM ET. The top ten players on the leaderboard at the end of the game win a $20 Amazon gift card! All players will be entered in a random drawing for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card. Only one entry permitted per GBU member. Amazon gift cards will be awarded digitally via email. See official rules posted on the game site prior to gameplay.
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Tax Adjustments to Know When Filing Your 2023 Federal Tax Return The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced inflation adjustments for tax year 2023. These inflation adjustments are some of the biggest adjustments made in history. The most noteworthy increases are about 7% for standard deduction amounts, income tax brackets and the earned income tax credit for tax year 2023. This means that some people might be in a lower tax bracket than they were previously. Here is a summary of what the new tax brackets and tax rates look like for each filing status:
2023 Tax Brackets Tax Rate
Single Filers
Heads of Households
Married Filing Jointly
10%
$0 to $11,000
$0 to $15,700
$0 to $22,000
12%
$11,001 to $44,725
$15,701 to $59,850
$22,001 to $89,450
22%
$44,726 to $95,375
$59,851 to $95,350
$89,451 to $190,750
24%
$95,376 to $182,100
$95,351 to $182,100
$190,751 to $364,200
32%
$182,101 to $231,250
$182,101 to $231,250
$364,201 to $462,500
35%
$231,251 to $578,125
$231,251 to $578,100
$462,501 to $693,750
37%
$578,126 or more
$578,101 or more
$693,751 or more
Source: www.irs.gov
With the recently announced inflation adjustments, even more people may move into claiming the standard deduction instead of itemizing their deductions since their standard deductions may be more. The new standard deductions for each filing status are shown in the table below:
2023 Standard Tax Deductions Single Filers
Heads of Households
Married Filing Jointly
$13,850 (up $900)
$20,800 (up $1,400)
$27,700 (up $1,800)
Following tax reform, the IRS reports that close to 90% of taxpayers now take the standard deduction instead of itemizing their deductions. Note: GBU Life is the marketing name for GBU Financial Life. Life insurance is underwritten and annuities are issued by GBU Financial Life (GBU), Pittsburgh, PA.
GBU and its agents do not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Please consult with a tax, legal or investment professional prior to the purchase of any contract. 6
Winter 2024
Adjustments to Exemptions, Exclusions and Credits Earned Income Tax Credit
For tax year 2023, the maximum amount is $7,430 for qualifying taxpayers who have three or more qualifying children. This amount is up from $6,935 for tax year 2022.
Adoption Credit
The maximum credit allowed for adoptions for tax year 2023 is up to $15,950, up from the maximum of $14,890 for tax year 2022.
Estate Tax Exclusion
The amount you can give during your lifetime or after your death to avoid paying federal estate and gift taxes has increased from $12,060,000 to $12,920,000.
Gift Tax Exclusion
The annual exclusion for gift tax increased to $17,000 per recipient for calendar year 2023, up from $16,000.
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion
For taxpayers earning foreign income, the income exclusion for tax year 2023 is $120,000, up from $112,000 for tax year 2022.
Alternative Minimum Tax Exemption for Single Filers
The alternative minimum tax exemption in 2023 for single filers is $81,300 and begins to phase out at $578,150. In 2022, the exemption amount was $75,900 and began to phase out at $539,900.
Alternative Minimum Tax Exemption for Joint Filers
The alternative minimum tax exemption in 2023 for married couples filing jointly is $126,500 and begins to phase out at $1,156,300. In 2022, the exemption amount was $118,100 and began to phase out at $1,079,800.
How to get into a lower tax bracket and pay a lower federal income tax rate Two common ways of reducing your tax bill are using credits and taking deductions.
•
Tax credits can reduce your tax bill on a dollar-for-dollar basis; they don’t affect what bracket you’re in.
•
Tax deductions reduce how much of your income is subject to taxes. Generally, deductions lower your taxable income by the percentage of your highest federal income tax bracket. So, if you fall into the 22% tax bracket, a $1,000 deduction could save you $220.
Take all the tax deductions you can claim–they can reduce your taxable income and could kick you into a lower bracket, which means you pay a lower tax rate.
GBU and its agents do not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Please consult with a tax, legal or investment professional prior to the purchase of any contract. The Reporter
7
GBU’s new Fixed Index Annuity will offer upside-earning potential with downside protection. GBU’s new Fixed Index Annuity (FIA) products are set to launch in February and will allow our members yet another way to safely grow funds for their retirement. These new annuities have many of the same features and benefits you are familiar with in our traditional annuities. The big difference between our current annuities and these new versions is how interest is credited to your account. The FIA allows you the potential to earn interest on your account based on the performance of a specific index or set of indices and the Participation (Par) Rate that you choose. GBU has partnered with Barclays to offer three index options for this product with strong and steady performance to help optimize growth.
Interest rates are determined by date of receipt of deposit. Rates are subject to change without notice. Benefits may be taxable. During the surrender charge period, withdrawals exceeding 10% will be subject to a surrender charge that may be higher than fees associated with other types of financial products and may reduce principal. GBU Life is the marketing name for GBU Financial Life (GBU), Pittsburgh, PA. GBU and its agents do not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Please consult with a legal or tax professional prior to the purchase of any contract. Annuities are not short-term products and are issued by GBU. Withdrawals prior to 59½ may be subject to IRS penalties, separate from the annuity’s schedule of surrender charges. The maximum issue age is 95. The free look period is 10 days or 30 days for replacements unless noted herein. Withdrawals for amounts over those allowed during the guaranteed period are subject to surrender charges defined in the contract. The payout amount you will receive is based on your individual circumstances, the options you select at the time of application and your initial premium payment. Products and features may not be available in all states. This is a summary of the contract provisions. Please refer to the contract for details of surrender charge schedule, benefits and exclusions. NOT A DEPOSIT OF A BANK AND MAY LOSE VALUE—NOT BANK GUARANTEED. Contract Form Numbers: ICC23_FPDA_ IA_CON_(01-23), FPDA_IA_CON_FL_(07-23), FPDA_IA_CON_(07-23), FPDA_IA_CON_(07-23)ND, ICC23_SPDA_IA_CON_(01-23), SPDA_IA_CON_FL_(07-23), SPDA_IA_CON_(07-23), SPDA_IA_CON_(07-23)ND.
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Winter 2024
FIA Product Features Available as Future Flex FIA (flexible premium) and Asset Guard FIA (single premium).
Risk vs. Growth
hoice of asset allocation to a C combination of Barclays Agility Shield Index, Barclays Fortune 500 12% Index, Barclays US Tech 12% Index and a fixed rate account with annual or biennial crediting (choose up to seven allocation options).
Possible Growth
Cash
Tax-deferred growth
You can start an FIA annuity for as little as $25,000. To find out more, visit gbu.org/FIA or talk with your agent or a representative at the GBU Home Office.
Bonds
Variable Annuity
Higher
Mutual Funds
Stocks
Possible Loss
High Risk
Comparing Annuity Types
POTENTIAL RETURN Lower
Living Benefits Riders*
Fixed Index Annuity
Low Risk
Plus the product enhancing features found in all GBU annuities
Surrender charges apply for withdrawals over the free withdrawal amount.
Fixed Annuity
Principal Protection
E nhanced Participation Rate Rider* (Booster Fee) available: increase your participation rate for a 1% or 3% fee.
10% liquidity available immediately, 20% liquidity available any contract year where no withdrawal was taken the prior contract year.
CDs
Possible Growth
Variable Annuity
Fixed Index Annuity
Registered Index-Linked Annuity
Fixed Annuity Immediate Annuity
Lower
RISK
Higher
*Riders are optional and may have additional fees associated with them.
Neither Barclays Bank PLC (‘BB PLC’) nor any of its affiliates (collectively ‘Barclays’) is the issuer of any annuity products referenced herein (‘Annuities’) and Barclays has no responsibilities, obligations or duties to policyholders in Annuities. The Barclays Fortune 500 12% Index, the Barclays US Tech Index and the Barclays Agility Shield Index (collectively, the ‘Indices’), together with any Barclays indices that are components of the Indices, are trademarks owned by Barclays or are licensed to use by Barclays and, together with any component indices and index data, are licensed for use by GBU Financial as the issuer or producer of Annuities (the ‘Issuer’). Barclays’ only relationship with the Issuer in respect of the Indices is the licensing of the Indices, which are administered, compiled and published by BB PLC in its role as the index sponsor (the ‘Index Sponsor’) without regard to the Issuer or the Annuities or policyholders in the Annuities. Additionally, the Issuer may for itself execute transaction(s) with Barclays in or relating to the Indices in connection with Annuities. Policyholders acquire Annuities from the Issuer and policyholders neither acquire any interest in the Indices nor enter into any relationship of any kind whatsoever with Barclays upon making an investment in Annuities. The Annuities are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Barclays and Barclays makes no representation regarding the advisability of the Annuities or use of the Indices or any data included therein. Barclays shall not be liable in any way to the Issuer, policyholders or to other third parties in respect of the use or accuracy of the Indices or any data included therein.
4254 Saw Mill Run Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15227 800-765-4428 sales@gbu.org gbu.org The Reporter
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ENRICH YOUR LIFE ENRICH YOUR LIFE
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Winter 2024
Snow Safety Tips to Follow at Home, On the Road, and Outside! At Home Have your heating system checked. Clean out your gutters. Insulate windows and water lines that run along exterior walls.
On the Road Pack essential items in your car in case of an emergency. These include a blanket, hats and gloves, a flashlight and batteries, a bag of sand or cat litter and a first-aid kit. Check your tires’ tread and replace them if needed before inclement weather. Make sure fluids (including the gas tank) are full.
Outside Layer up! Wear a layer or two of clothing underneath a hat, gloves, scarf and boots for the ultimate protection. Make sure you have the tools you need to tackle snow and ice, like a snow shovel and ice-melting products. After a winter storm, be aware of your surroundings and watch out for fallen branches, trees and ice. Take your time when shoveling.
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YOUR GUIDE TO A
A T H OME
Embracing sustainability in your home is a great way to revitalize your space while keeping the environment in mind. By incorporating these sustainable items into your home this spring, you’ll bring authenticity, style and responsibly sourced materials to the forefront of your space. These items will not only refresh your home this season but also create a commitment to a greener, more sustainable future for you and your family.
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Winter 2024
1.
Wick to Bloom With the Grow & Glow Kits from Modern Sprout, you receive a candle along with a grow kit for a plant that you’ll grow out of the same ceramic cup the candle once burned in! This reduces waste from the candle and allows you to grow a beautiful plant from the type of seeds you select. Giving these ceramic cups a second chance promotes waste-free design and cost consciousness.
SOURCE: MODERNSPROUT.COM
2.
Love in a Laundry Basket The LJUNGAN laundry bag from IKEA is made by Classical Handmade Products in Bangladesh, a social business that creates hand-woven and machine-woven home furnishing products. They use natural materials like jute, seagrass and water hyacinth in their products, as well as recycled textile waste and sustainably sourced cotton. This basket is braided in jute and provides job opportunities to women and people with disabilities living in rural areas.
SOURCE: IKEA.COM
3.
Redefining Rugs Each year in the United States, over four billion pounds of carpet and rug waste make their way into landfills. Ruggable rugs are machine washable, nonslip and stain resistant while avoiding harsh chemicals, making them safe for people and pets. These rugs are also made with over 70% recycled materials in facilities all over the country, from California to North Carolina.
SOURCE: RUGGABLE.COM
Bamboo is better Switching to bamboo paper products can help wipe out deforestation and offset carbon emissions. Brands like Cloud Paper are chlorine free and responsibly sourced so you can help make an impact on the planet. SOURCE: CLOUDPAPER.CO
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DELICIOUS DRINKS TO WARM UP YOUR
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Winter 2024
WINTER HOT COCOA TIME Prep time: 15 minutes Total time: 15 minutes Yield: 4 servings
INGREDIENTS 2 cups milk 1 1/2 cup half-and-half 3/4 cup white chocolate chips, plus more for topping 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Mini marshmallows for topping
DIRECTIONS Heat the milk and half-andhalf in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in ¾ cup white chocolate chips until melted. Next, stir in the salt and vanilla. Serve the cocoa and top with mini marshmallows and white chocolate chips.
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CHERRY CITRUS PUNCH TIME Prep time: 15 minutes Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes Yield: 8 servings
INGREDIENTS 16-ounce jar maraschino cherries 3 limes, thinly sliced 1 orange, halved and thinly sliced 6 spiced hibiscus tea bags 1 12-ounce can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed 2 liters chilled ginger ale 2 12-ounce cans chilled seltzer 1/4 cup grenadine 4 cups water
DIRECTIONS Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper; drain cherries and reserve juice, about 1 cup, in the fridge. Spread the cherries, limes and oranges on a baking sheet; freeze for 2 hours or up to overnight. Simmer 4 cups water in a small saucepan. Add tea bags and let steep for 5 minutes. Discard the tea bags and let the tea cool, refrigerate until cold. When ready to serve, pour the tea and maraschino cherry juice into a punchbowl; add the orange juice concentrate and stir to combine. Add the ginger ale, seltzer and grenadine. Add the frozen cherries, limes and oranges before serving.
MAPLE CHAI TEA TIME Prep time: 8 minutes Total time: 8 minutes Yield: 2 servings
INGREDIENTS 4 cracked cardamom pods 1 cinnamon stick ¼ inch piece fresh ginger 3 whole cloves Pinch of ground nutmeg, plus more for topping 2 cups whole milk ½ cup water 1 tablespoon loose leaf black tea 2 tablespoons maple syrup
DIRECTIONS Combine the cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, milk and water in a saucepan. Slowly bring the saucepan to a simmer for 3 to 4 minutes; add the loose leaf tea to the saucepan. Allow the tea to steep for 3 minutes. Stir in the maple syrup before straining the tea with a fine mesh sieve or tea strainer. Serve the tea and top it with nutmeg.
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CASE STUDY
Crowdsourcing vs. Life Insurance Many turn to crowdsourcing as a solution for family emergencies. But what are the implications of planning for your family’s needs using online crowdsourcing vs. life insurance?
OBJECTIVE To compare a hypothetical outcome of raising $100,000 via a popular crowdsourcing app versus a 10-Year Term Life insurance policy from GBU Life (GBU).
INITIAL DATA GATHERING Crowdsourcing App Goal
10-Year Term Life
$100,000
Taxes
Income tax1
Fees
2.9% + $0.30 per donation
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• Donation matching
Cost
-
est. $43.83/month3
• Education programs
2
CROWDSOURCING HYPOTHETICAL Marianne is ready to retire, but she is particularly worried about the first 10 years of this new lifestyle. What if something unforeseen happened and she passed away? Family could always use a popular crowdsourcing app in hopes of raising money4. According to Forbes, less than 12% of crowdsourcing campaigns reach their goal5. With this in mind, plus the variability of donors, let’s say the campaign was able to secure half of the goal ($50,000) through 100 separate donations of $500 each. With a 2.9% + $0.30 fee taken from each donation2, that would leave members of Marianne’s family with $48,520 before tax1. GBU-CS_CWDSRC-1223 16
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF GBU LIFE INSURANCE • Wellness programs
• And so much more!
Life insurance and conclusion here.
Page 1 of 2 Winter 2024
LIFE INSURANCE HYPOTHETICAL At 62, Marianne opened a 10-Year Term Life insurance policy with GBU. For roughly $43.83 a month3, Marianne has peace of mind knowing that her family will receive a $100,000 death benefit should she pass away unexpectedly in the first 10 years of her retirement. Marianne named her son, Jeff, as a beneficiary on the policy. This means any and all death benefits would be paid out to Jeff, as long as Marianne was current in her premium payments. Even with 10 years of premium payment, Marianne would have only paid $5,259.60 for a potential $100,000 guaranteed benefit. That’s $100,000 for the covered claim, nontaxed and available to collect as long as the policy is current and up to date with payment.
CONCLUSION In conclusion, in this hypothetical example, term life insurance coverage was the more feasible solution for covering the potential loss of a loved one.
EXAMPLE RESULTS Crowdsourcing App Goal
10-Year Term Life $100,000.00
Gain
Donors
Monthly Premium
Cost
-
est. $43.83/month3
Raised
50%
100%
Taxes
3.07%6
-
Fees
2.9% + $0.30 per donation2
-
Benefit
$48,520
$100,000
For more information on additional benefits and financial planning, visit gbu.org for life insurance and annuity products. 1 H&CO. (n.d.). GoFundMe Tax Implications. Hco.com. Retrieved November 8, 2023, from https://www.hco.com/insights/gofundme-taximplications#:~:text=The%20IRS%20has%20specific%20rules,line%20of%20your%20Form%201040. 2 GoFundMe (2023, June 16). No fee to create a fundraiser. Support.Gofundme.com. Retrieved November 8, 2023, from https://support.gofundme. com/hc/en-us/articles/203604424-Learn-about-fees#:~:text=No%20fee%20to%20create%20a%20fundraiser&text=However%2C%20to%20 help%20us%20operate,charges)%20per%20donation%20is%20deducted. 3 This is under the assumption that the recipient was in otherwise good health upon receiving a life insurance policy from GBU Life. 4 Olya, G. (2019, August 19). The Cost of Dying in All 50 States. Finance.Yahoo.com. Retrieved November 8, 2023, from https://finance.yahoo.com/ news/cost-dying-50-states-090000597.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_. 5 Lee, B. Y. (2022, February 5). Most GoFundMe Campaigns for Medical Bills Fail, Less Than 12% Reach Goals. Forbes.com. Retrieved November 8, 2023, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2022/02/05/most-gofundme-campaigns-for-medical-bills-fail-less-than-12-reachgoals/?sh=31f5c5f63f69. 6 smartasset. (n.d.). Pennsylvania Income Tax Calculator. Smartasset.com. Retrieved November 8, 2023, from https://smartasset.com/taxes/ pennsylvania-tax-calculator. GBU Life is the marketing name for GBU Financial Life (GBU), Pittsburgh, PA. GBU and its agents do not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Please consult with a legal or tax professional prior to the purchase of any contract. Products and features may not be available in all states. This is a summary of the contract provisions. Please refer to the contract for details of surrender charge schedule, benefits and exclusions. Contract Form Series: ICC20-ST, FL20-ST.2, GEN20-ST, ND20-ST. GBU-CS_CWDSRC-1223 Page 2 of 2 The Reporter
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For health, wellness and community connection If you are an Optimity user, it is safe to say that health and wellness are top priorities for you. Optimity helps motivate different activities like stretching and drinking water, earning you gift cards to your favorite retailers and brands. While physical fitness is essential for maintaining good health, staying connected to those around you and to your community also plays a vital role in promoting overall wellbeing. The combination of physical health and community connection creates a synergistic effect that enhances your quality of life and contributes to a longer, healthier and more fulfilling existence.
That being said, we introduce to you a crucial new component of the Optimity program: Community Connection. Now through Optimity, you will be rewarded for not only your health and wellness but also your connection to your community. Log your volunteer hours and receive gems toward your favorite gift cards. Complete custom challenges like donating nonperishable food items and line-drying your clothes to conserve energy. Simply upload a picture and caption and earn gems toward gift cards in one click.
Not on Optimity yet? Opt in at inside.gbu.org/optimity.
EARN GIFT CARDS FROM THESE RETAILERS AND MORE! 18
Winter 2024
SWEATER WEATHER
Fall Bucketlist Sweater Weather
Fall Bucket List Challenges
Fall is a season of celebration, as communities come together for festivals and gatherings to revel in the beauty and bounty of the season. It's a time for hayrides, pumpkin picking and corn mazes. It encourages reflection and gratitude for the gifts of nature and the simple pleasures of warmth, comfort, and togetherness. Fall is a season that captivates the senses and nourishes the soul. GBU Life Optimity members were challenged to celebrate every little facet of fall with a daily challenge from October 16 to November 16. Members who completed ten challenges got to select a 501(c)(3) non-profit for us to support with a $50 donation.
Some challenges included: 1. Share the bounty: donate non-perishable food 2. Journal your blessings 3. Scarecrow spotlight 4. Sweater weather: wear your comfiest sweater 5. Rake it forward: rake your neighbor's leaves 6. Make a DIY fall craft 7. Share your Halloween candy haul 8. Bake a pumpkin pie 9. Carve a pumpkin 10. Share your Halloween costume 11. Light a fall-scented candle 12. Watch a scary movie 13. Enjoy a hot fall beverage 14. Take a fall foliage road trip 15. Make a s'more by the fire 16. Donate used cold-weather clothes 17. Make your favorite fall soup 18. Declare your favorite football team 19. Take a pretty fall photo The Reporter
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Join Optimity at inside.gbu.org/optimity 19
Why Flexibility Is Important for Older Adults by Laqueeta Coleman Great Lakes District Engagement Specialist
Flexibility is important, no matter one’s age, but flexibility is especially important to the overall health of older adults. Incorporating a consistent stretching routine will help improve range of motion, balance, circulation, muscle tone and posture, and you will find yourself moving around with greater ease. Stretching is one way to increase flexibility. It is a form of physical exercise in which a specific muscle or tendon is deliberately expanded and flexed in order to improve the muscles’ felt elasticity and achieve comfortable muscle tone.
The first step in improving your flexibility is to get moving more each day. Even just walking more is going to set wheels in motion to improve your flexibility. Other activities that increase flexibility include yoga, Pilates, swimming, dancing, tai chi and massage. Don’t overcomplicate it! Keep it simple. Take small, progressive steps and stay consistent.
You may think that stretching is something only athletes perform, but we all need to stretch to protect our mobility and independence. Without stretching, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk of joint pain, strains and muscle damage. The idea of a daily stretching routine may seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to stretch every muscle you have. The areas critical for mobility are in your lower extremities: calves, hamstrings, hip flexors and quadriceps. Stretching your shoulders, neck and lower back is also beneficial.
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Winter 2024
MY SUMMER
Vacation PHOTO CONTEST RESULTS
Thank you to all of the participants in the My Summer Vacation Photo Contest! Congratulations to the winners listed below.
second Place Alanna L. Mount Pleasant, SC
First Place Ca ro l H. OH No rt h Ro ya lto n,
Third
Denn is O . P it t s burg h, PA
Plac
e
Fifth Place
e
Fourth Plac
Durda R. Philade lphia, PA
Re ne e L. Tr an sf er , PA
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JUST FOR KIDS JUST FOR KIDS
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Winter 2024
Winter Family Fun with
With the cold winter months, it’s easy to want to stay in. But there is still a fun world, ready to explore, even when the temperatures are low. Here are some ways you can break out of the winter funk and provide a family experience that’s worthy of some good times. TRIP TO THE MUSEUM
WINTER MOVEMENT
Museums provide a fun, warm day out, with exhibits and activities available year-round. Plus, as a member of GBU, you have access to discounted tickets and buy one, get one offers for participating museums near you, thanks to VIP Perks! by Entertainment®.
Though ice skating is an ac tivity that’s enjoyed all year round, there’s something magical about it during the winter months. Especially when the skating rinks are located OUTSIDE! Through VIP Perks! by Entertainment, you will find deals for local ice-skating spots–like buy one, get one free–that are sure to get the family moving!
“FUN” CENTERS With VIP Perks! by Entertainment, you can treat the whole family to local “fun” centers this winter season. Find dozens of things to do, games to play, obstacles to climb–all in heated indoor comfort (and with deals like “buy one ticket, get one ticket for free”)!
FROM FLORIDA, WITH LOVE For those wanting the chance to spread their wings down south, VIP Perks! by Entertainment offers generous discounts to lands far, far away. For instance, take a 30% off deal to visit LEGOLAND® Florida Park. Escape the chill and visit a sunny destination at a discounted price.
GET EXCLUSIVE PERKS As a member of GBU, you have access to VIP Perks! by Entertainment, a community discount program offering local and national coupons on dining, entertainment and other services. Print coupons from home or simply redeem them from the mobile app! Visit inside.gbu.org/vip-perks to sign up for your VIP Perks! by Entertainment local deals today. The Reporter
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Cookie Quest
WORD SEARCH
Find all the words in the puzzle below, follow the directions and bake a yummy batch of peanut butter cookies (two ways). Circle the words below! They will be right to left, up and down or diagonal. See the next page for the recipes! FRATERNAL PUZZLE FOR MEMBERS AGES 10–14. Email contest@gbu.org or mail (GBU Fraternal Department, 4254 Saw Mill Run Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15227–3394) the participant's name, email address and answers to this fraternal puzzle for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card. Members must provide a valid email address, as the gift cards are sent via email.
Bake Batter Chips
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Egg Jelly Mix
Oven Peanut Powder
Salt Shortening Sift
Soda Spoon Stir
Sugar
Winter 2024
INGREDIENTS ½ cup sugar (regular white, granulated) ½ cup brown sugar (granulated—well packed) ®
½ cup shortening—like Crisco (plain–not butter flavor) ½ cup peanut butter—you can use crunchy or smooth 1 egg 1 ¼ cup all-purpose white or wheat flour (or a mix of both) ¾ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder
Peanut Butter Cookies —2 Ways
¼ teaspoon salt
OPTIONAL 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon cinnamon Jar of your favorite jelly or jam 1–2 cups of mini chocolate chips
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Lightly grease several cookie sheets, or cover the cookie sheets with parchment paper according to the directions on the box. 2. Preheat oven to 375°F. 3. In a large mixing bowl, using a large spoon, cream (mix) the white and brown sugar, shortening, peanut butter and egg together. OPTIONAL—add vanilla. Stir carefully until everything is mixed well. This will be a thick batter. 4. In a smaller mixing bowl, using a fork, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt (and cinnamon, if you are using it) together. 5. Carefully add the dry ingredients a little bit at a time to the wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly. 6. Use a small cookie scoop or two tablespoons to scoop a rounded tablespoon of dough on the cookie sheet 3'’ apart. Then, take a fork dipped in flour and flatten each ball in a crisscross pattern. 7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly brown on the edges. Do not overbake. 8. Remove from the oven. If you like, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on the top of the cookies, and as they cool, they will melt into the cookie. Then, remove the cookies from the cookie sheet and cool on a cooling rack. TIP: Take two cooled cookies, spread jelly on them and eat them like a sandwich!
Jody Shapiro is a Forest Hills, Pennsylvania, native and owner of Aspire Enterprises and Yinzer Family Gifts N’at—where she turns her colorful computer creations, including images of her dogs and original black and gold Yinzer sayings, into shirts, mugs and other useful items that she sells in her Redbubble store redbubble.com/people/AspireToFind/shop?asc=u. Jody and her husband, Joel Bloom, live in Pittsburgh with their long-haired mini dachshund and social media influencer (@CodyBearTheDachshund) AKA Cody. Follow him for daily doses of dog humor and dog-themed poetry. Jody has been creating word puzzles for children since the mid-1980s. She has been a GBU member since the late 2000s. aspiretofindasolution.com
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LOVE BUGS DIY VALENTINE TREAT S
SUPPLIES
Wooden clothespins Mini bags Valentine M&M’s Red pipe cleaners Googly eyes with adhesive backing Glue stick Scissors Glitter
PHOTO AND IDEA FROM myhomebasedlife.com/valentine -candy-love-bugs-craft/
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INSTRUCTIONS
Rub glue all over the front of the clothespin and sprinkle with glitter Stick the googly eyes onto the top of the clothespin Cut the pipe cleaners in half, then fold each one around the pack of candy so that the pack is pinched in the middle Leave the pipe cleaners open at the top Slide your clothespin onto the middle of each package Twist the ends of the pipe cleaners to look like antennas
Winter 2024
SECURE SERIES YOUTH 3 PAY LIFE INSURANCE Start Their Dreams Here Coverage that’s there when you need it. Start your children on the road to financial success with a GBU membership. GBU's Youth 3 Pay Life insurance is permanent life insurance that offers a lifetime of coverage for just three annual payments. Your child becomes a GBU member and remains a member as long as the policy is active. GBU members have access to special members-only discounts, events and contests as well as education, volunteer, scholarship and grant opportunities. Cash Value Growth. Youth 3 Pay Life insurance accumulates cash value that can be borrowed against, with interest, for emergency situations, used to help your child secure education loans or mortgage payments. Dividends. Youth 3 Pay Life insurance is expected to earn dividends that can be used to purchase additional paid-up coverage, held with interest or paid out in cash. Competitively Priced Coverage. Policy face values range from $5,000 to $50,000 for youth of current ages 0–17. Policy rates are based on age, gender and amount of coverage requested. Policy is paid in full in three annual payments.
Expand your child's benefits Choose from these optional riders Guaranteed Purchase Option Rider Accidental Death Benefit Rider
AM BEST RECOGNIZES GBU LIFE’S FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND GROWTH BY RATING US A- (EXCELLENT) As of 6/15/23, AM Best Company updated GBU Financial Life’s A- rating, which we have maintained since 2017. Third-party ratings are subject to change. An A- (Excellent) rating is the third best out of 17 possible rating categories. For the latest AM Best’s Credit Rating, access www.ambest.com. GBU Life is the marketing name for GBU Financial Life. Life insurance is underwritten by GBU Financial Life (GBU), Pittsburgh, PA. Policy will mature when insured reaches age 121. Payment of dividends is not guaranteed as the assumptions on which they are based are subject to change. A parent or legal guardian must sign the application. If the policy is to be owned by someone other than the parent or legal guardian, the parent or legal guardian must also sign the application. Riders are optional and have additional fees associated with them. Loans and withdrawals taken against a permanent life insurance policy will reduce the death benefit and may result in a taxable situation. Policy and features are subject to approval and may not be available in all states. Please see policy and rider coverage for complete details. GBU and its agents do not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Please consult with a legal or tax professional prior to the purchase of any contract. Contract Form Series: ICC19-Y3Pay, FL20Y3Pay, Gen-Y3Pay, ND-Y3Pay. GBU-Y3P-AD-1123
4254 Saw Mill Run Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394 412-884-5100 800-765-4428 sales@gbu.org
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GBU Foundation Scholarships and Grants Apply for GBU Foundation scholarships online at gbufoundation.awardspring.com. Deadlines are May 31, 2024, for Undergraduate and Graduate scholarships and June 30, 2024, for Four-Year and Two-Year scholarships.
Those eligible to apply for scholarships must meet the following criteria: B e a GBU member with an active GBU life insurance policy or annuity in force in the year applying H ave a GPA of 2.75 or above or the equivalent P lan to be enrolled as a fulltime student (or at least a part-time student for graduate recipients) for the fall 2024 term
GBU Foundation Scholarships Four-Year Scholarships (4 years) For students entering four-year programs leading to a bachelor’s degree $ 1,500 per year, renewable for up to three years Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship. Applicant must be involved in German-related programs and sports activities to be eligible to receive this award. $ 1,500 per year, renewable for up to three years Clarence O. Affelt Architecture/Fine Art Memorial Scholarship. Applicant must have a declared major in architecture or a fine arts field to be considered for this award. $ 1,000 first year with $500/year renewal for up to three additional years
Two-Year Scholarships (2 years) F or students entering or currently in degree or certificate programs of up to two years in duration offered by vocational/technical schools, nursing schools, community colleges and similar institutions $ 1,000 per year, renewable for up to one additional year
Undergraduate Scholarships (3 years) F or students already in college programs leading to a bachelor’s degree $ 1,000 per year, renewable for up to two years
Graduate Scholarships (2 years) F or students in college graduate degree programs leading to advanced degrees $ 1,000 per year, renewable for up to one additional year
GBU Foundation Grant Awards
All eligible applicants who did not receive a GBU Foundation scholarship are entered in a random drawing in which a predetermined number of one-time, $500–$750 GBU Foundation grants are given.
Use the QR code or visit gbufoundation.awardspring.com for complete details and to complete your GBU Foundation scholarship application.
For more information, please contact Charitable Giving and PR Specialist Ken Elliott at kenneth.elliott@gbu.org or 412-336-3246 or the Community Engagement Team at memberbenefits@gbu.org or 800-765-4428. 28
Winter 2024
Apply online at the same time:
Fraternal Alliance Scholarships
Other 2024 GBU Scholarships
Visit inside.gbu.org/benefits for 2024 application information.
Apply on the GBU Foundation online platform gbufoundation.awardspring.com:
District 291–Summerhill-Lilly, PA, Scholarship
(Deadline May 31, 2024) Eligibility:
ust be a 2024 graduating high school senior or in college M with the attending college’s acceptance letter olicy-holding District 291 member, child or grandchild of P policy-holding parent or grandparent Also includes policyholders who were members of former District 500 Amount: Two $500 scholarships
District 1000–LFA Scholarship (Deadline July 31, 2024) istrict 1000 member enrolled full time as a freshman, an D undergraduate or a graduate with a GPA of 3.0 or above A mount: $500 scholarship
District 2000–ULS College and Seminary Scholarship
(Deadline May 31, 2024)
istrict 2000 member entering at least the second year of D study in an accredited undergraduate program as a full-time student with a GPA of 2.75 or above for the prior year A mount: $750 per academic year (maximum three awards)
District 2000–ULS Graduate, Business, Community College or Trade School Scholarship (Deadline May 31, 2024)
istrict 2000 member entering an accredited program as a D full-time student with a GPA of 2.75 or above for the prior year A mount: $750 one-time scholarship Individual Applications
District 4000–Sokol USA Milan Getting Scholarship (Deadline April 1, 2024)
Eligibility: Must be a Sokol USA member who is furthering their education in a two- or four-year college or university Application: Visit sokolusa.org/scholarship for more information and downloadable applications. Amount: $1,000 first year with $500/year renewable for up to three years
District 5000–Independent Order of Vikings (IOV) Grand Lodge Scholarship (Deadline March 1, 2024)
New England Fraternal Alliance (Deadline September 1, 2024) Eligibility: ust be a New England resident and a GBU member* or the M child of a GBU member* Must be enrolled as a full-time sophomore, junior or senior in an accredited college/university or graduate school Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 Amount: Two $1,000 scholarships *Members of other New England Fraternal Alliance fraternal benefit societies are also eligible.
Ohio Fraternal Alliance (Deadline April 1, 2024) Eligibility: Must be an Ohio resident and a GBU member* Must be a 2024 graduating high school senior Amount: One scholarship up to $500 *Members of other Ohio Fraternal Alliance fraternal benefit societies are also eligible.
Pennsylvania Fraternal Alliance (Deadline July 31, 2024) Eligibility: Must be a Pennsylvania resident and a GBU member* ust be a 2024 graduating high school senior attending M an accredited college, university, trade school, etc. in the summer/fall as a full-time student (12 semester credits) Amount: At least one $500 scholarship *Members of other Pennsylvania Fraternal Alliance fraternal benefit societies are also eligible.
GBU High School Freshman Grants
(Deadline June 30, 2024) Eligibility: Must be an insured or annuitant GBU member enrolled in eighth grade Application: gbulife.typeform.com/freshman-grant Amount: $250 for educational expenses related to the student’s transition into high school
2024 Scholarship Deadlines March 1
District 5000–IOV Grand Lodge Scholarship
April 1
District 4000–Sokol USA Milan Getting Scholarship Ohio Fraternal Alliance
May 31
GBU Foundation Undergraduate GBU Foundation Graduate District 291–Summerhill, PA, Scholarship District 2000–ULS Scholarships
June 30
GBU Foundation Four-Year GBU Foundation Two-Year
July 31
District 1000–LFA Scholarship Pennsylvania Fraternal Alliance
September 1
New England Fraternal Alliance
Eligibility: ust hold either a Junior or Senior membership in the M IOV for at least six (6) months prior to the date of application Must be a high school senior who has received confirmation of acceptance from an institute of higher learning Application: Visit iovikings.org/programs/scholarships/ scholarship-application for downloadable application. Amount: $1,750 non-renewable scholarship
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My
Summer Vacation COLORING CONTEST RESULTS Thank you to all of the participants in the My Summer Vacation Coloring Contest! Congratulations to the winners listed below.
CATEGORY I: AGES 3 & 4
FIRST PLACE Reid G New Castle, Pennsylvania
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SECOND PLACE Paisley H Portage, Pennsylvania
THIRD PLACE Sullivan L Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Winter 2024
CATEGORY II: AGES 5 & 6
FIRST PLACE Andrew C Willow Street, Pennsylvania
SECOND PLACE Lainey Grace U Hermitage, Pennsylvania
THIRD PLACE Gavin S New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
CATEGORY III: AGES 7, 8 & 9
FIRST PLACE Mira K Hermitage, Pennsylvania
The Reporter
SECOND PLACE Cassidy S Johnstown, Pennsylvania
THIRD PLACE Paige Ann U Hermitage, Pennsylvania
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LEARNING TODAY. LEADING TOMORROW. LEARNING TODAY. LEADING TOMORROW. GBU’s Give Back University is an exciting initiative to help build the next generation of leaders. Our jobGive at Give University to provide you with the opportunities, GBU’s BackBack University is anisexciting initiative to help build the next resources generationand of leaders. connections you need to become a leader your community. If you go on this journey Our job at Give Back University is to provideinyou with the opportunities, resources and with us, you will receive to $1,000 in additional or community development grant money connections youup need to become a leadereducation in your community. If you go on this journey with us, upon program points when you participate in a combination ofgrant community you will receivecompletion. up to $1,000Earn in additional education or community development money challenges andcompletion. virtual events. upon program Earn points when you participate in a combination of community challenges and virtual events.
FEATURED CLASS
FEATURED CHALLENGE
FEATURED CLASS
FEATURED CHALLENGE
“How to Focus, Manage Your Timetoand Be Productive” “How Focus, Manage Your Whether you’re studying for a test, practicing Time and Be Productive”
for a sports tournament or starting a business, Whether you’re studying for a test, practicing focusing on a single task is the fastest route to for a sports tournament or starting a business, success. That’s probably why Bill Gates, Warren focusing on a single task is the fastest route to Buffet, Steve Jobs and many more successful success. That’s probably why Bill Gates, Warren people say that the single biggest reason for Buffet, Steve Jobs and many more successful their success is their unique ability to focus. people say that the single biggest reason for their success is their unique ability to focus. While many people believe that they can focus, brilliant people all over the world are While many people believe that they can working hard (and making a lot of money) to focus, brilliant people all over the world are make phones, apps, video games, TV shows working hard (and making a lot of money) to and just about everything else as distracting make phones, apps, video games, TV shows and attention-grabbing as possible. On top of and just about everything else as distracting that, our biology and brains often make things and attention-grabbing as possible. On top of worse. that, our biology and brains often make things worse. In this class, we’ll learn the biases, tricks and strategies to “hack” your brain so that you can In this class, we’ll learn the biases, tricks and focus, get “in the zone,” do your best work and strategies to “hack” your brain so that you can get things done. We will learn the latest focus, get “in the zone,” do your best work and techniques and strategies to make the most of get things done. We will learn the latest your focus, time and effort. techniques and strategies to make the most of your focus, time and effort.
Make a Jared Box Make a Jared Box The Jared Box Project was started in 2001 by the children of Our Lady of Victory School in The Jared Box Project was started in 2001 by State College, Pennsylvania, to honor their the children of Our Lady of Victory School in classmate and friend. Since then, more than State College, Pennsylvania, to honor their one million Jared Boxes have been delivered classmate and friend. Since then, more than to over 500 hospitals across the United States. one million Jared Boxes have been delivered Boxes filled with the “gift of play” are given to to over 500 hospitals across the United States. young patients in emergency rooms, hospital Boxes filled with the “gift of play” are given to rooms, surgical centers, and clinics. Each box young patients in emergency rooms, hospital contains small gifts, toys, games, crayons, rooms, surgical centers, and clinics. Each box coloring books, and fun activities selected for a contains small gifts, toys, games, crayons, specific age and gender. coloring books, and fun activities selected for a specific age and gender. For this challenge, students build a Jared Box and use the “Find a Hospital” feature to find a For this challenge, students build a Jared Box participating hospital near them to deliver and use the “Find a Hospital” feature to find a their box. GBU will reimburse all expenses participating hospital near them to deliver incurred for this challenge. their box. GBU will reimburse all expenses incurred for this challenge.
SIGN UP AT INSIDE.GBU.ORG/GIVE-BACK-U AND RECEIVE A AT COMPLIMENTARY SCHOLARS SWAG BAG. SIGN UP INSIDE.GBU.ORG/GIVE-BACK-U 32
AND RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY SCHOLARS SWAG BAG.
Winter 2024
DISTRICT HAPPENINGS DISTRICT HAPPENINGS
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District 45–Altoona, Pennsylvania
Happy New Year to all the GBU members and their families and friends. Winter officially arrived on December 21; please drive with caution as you are out and about this winter. The winter solstice is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight in the whole year, making it the “shortest day” of the year. Although the winter solstice means the start of winter, it also means the return of more sunlight. Look out for family and neighbors who may need assistance during the winter months.
The annual Picnic was held in August.
We celebrated the upcoming 100th birthday of member Katie Gehl at the picnic.
The Election of Officers was held. Your officers for the 2024 year are as follows: President Vice President Fraternal/Recording Secretary Treasurer Trustees Auditors
John Kessler Albert (Butch) Schlecht Robin Kessler Betty Richardson Nancy De Nicola Debra Picano Teresa (Terri) Weakland Carol Auerbeck Chantel DeGennaro
We had our food collection and fall Pie Sale fundraiser to support the St. Vincent De Paul Assumption Chapel Food Pantry. Thank you to everyone who helped with the sale. The volunteers at the St. Vincent De Paul Assumption Chapel Food Pantry were very thankful for our support and community sponsorship. November was a busy month for our members. Some of our members participated with the Federation of Fraternal Clubs Blair County Unit #1 in the Veterans’ Day Parade. A Thank-You Dinner was held in November to recognize the officers and volunteers of District 45. We greatly appreciate those who donate their time and talents to the district.
Fraternal Secretary Robin Kessler with members of the Hollidaysburg Area School District German Club.
Cake walk winners October 29 was the Kids’ Halloween Party that was held in conjunction with the Unter Uns Club. Games, crafts and good food were enjoyed by all in attendance. 34
Winter 2024
District 45–Altoona, Pennsylvania, continued
GBU District Engagement Team Leader Mary Kozan was able to attend our Picnic this year. She surprised District President John Kessler by presenting him with the Francis B. Madison Fraternal Award.
where he was employed
John with members of his family after receiving the award.
Upcoming District Events We continue our GBU Cares project as we collect personal hygiene items to donate to the local shelters. To have a donation picked up, contact Treasurer Betty Richardson (814-943-6655) or me. Motel-size or full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, etc. are greatly appreciated. Our Spring Pie Sale will benefit the Miracle League of Blair County baseball organization and Dreams Go On therapeutic riding stable. Orders are due to me by Monday, March 11 and the order comes in on Saturday, March 23 for the Easter season. Meringue and fruit pies are available to order as well as other items. Call me to place an order. The Miracle League provides support to children who love the game of baseball. Many may be confined to wheelchairs due to muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. Others may be coping with Down’s syndrome or autism. The mission of Dreams Go On is to provide therapeutic horseback riding sessions to adults and children of Blair County who are physically challenged and receive mental, behavioral health or family therapy services. We will be mailing out our District Scholarship Request letters
Francis B. Madison Fraternal Award John Kessler Food Pantry; organizing and setting up for Flag Day Ceremonies and the district Picnic, amongst other activities. R to L, District Engagement Team Leader Mary Koczan presented John with the Francis B. Madison Fraternal Award.
GBU is proud to acknowledge John Kessler of District 45-Altoona, Pennsylvania, as a Francis B. Madison Fraternal Awardee. GBU districts nominate adult individuals who are active and leaders in district functions and/or projects and give to their community and/or other organizations. John has been a member of GBU District 45 for 30 years. He was elected as district vice president in January 2009. John held this position until he was elected to the office of district president in December 2012, and has served in that position ever since. He attended and served on various committees in the past three GBU National Conventions as well as the recent District Forum Meet-Up. John has always been the “go-to guy” for district activities. He is the son of the late Frances (Frankie) and Rudy Kessler— both active District 45 members, officers and district representatives—who instilled the fraternal spirit in him. He assisted his parents with many GBU projects that usually included lifting and moving heavy items, long before he was an officer. For many years, he was the muscle and chauffeur behind our Join Hands Day projects, the collection and delivery of food drive donations for the St. Vincent De Paul Assumption Chapel The Reporter
John is married to Robin, the district fraternal secretary. John’s son Brad and his wife Brandy have blessed him with four grandchildren and one great-grandson. The grandchildren are Tyler, Marissa, Adriana and Nathan Kessler and the greatgrandson is James Kessler. All are GBU District 45 members, and many of his extended family are also members. John is a 1972 graduate of Altoona Area High School and the Altoona Vo-Tech, now known as the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center. He retired from Conrail employed as a maintenance machinist. John is also a member of the Altoona Knights of Columbus Council 551, Unter Uns Musical & Entertainment Society, Swiss Club, St. Stanislaus Kosta Brotherhood (otherwise known as St. Stans) and Bavarian Aide Society. Each of these clubs has been a recipient of John’s generosity and talents; whether it’s helping with fundraisers or fixing something that needs to be repaired. He is also a member of the Pennsylvania Federation of Fraternal Clubs Blair County Unit #1, in which he represents GBU District 45, and is on the executive board. He was presented with the Club Person of the Year Award in 2019 by the Federation for his continued involvement in its activities as well as his community involvement. In addition to helping with all these clubs, John is a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Altoona PA. He also volunteers at and supports fundraisers for St. Joseph Catholic Church in Williamsburg, PA; St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Altoona, PA; and St. James German Lutheran Church in Altoona, PA. He is often called upon to fix whatever breaks or to troubleshoot a problem. John’s continued commitment in helping his family, GBU and community organizations is deeply appreciated by all. We proudly acknowledge him with the Francis B. Madison Fraternal Award. 35
District 45–Altoona, Pennsylvania, continued
soon along with the 2024 Calendar of Events. If you do not receive these, please contact me, and I will make sure you get them. Scholarship donations may be sent to our treasurer, Betty Richardson, at 2524 W. Chestnut Ave., Altoona, PA 16601. Please make checks payable to GBU District 45 and denote District 45 Scholarship Fund in the memo line. Congratulations Corner Congratulations to the 18 District 45 Scholarship Award Recipients for the 2023–2024 academic year. The members who received scholarships this fall to help with their postsecondary education include Evan Arnold, Matthew Bowser, Lucas Dorsch, Archie Hill, Erin Himes, Nicole Himes, Marissa Kessler, Colin Monahan, Anna Schlecht, Gavin Schlecht, Maura Schlecht, Jacob Steinbugl Jr., Lucas Steinbugl, Maren E. Steinbugl, Riley Steinbugl, Davan Webster, Angela Wharton and James R. Wharton. We wish everyone a successful year. We welcome into our GBU family the new members who have recently joined GBU and District 45. We hope you have the opportunity to participate in one of our many activities and have the chance to meet some of our other members. Please feel free to contact me if you would like a copy of the district Calendar of Events or would like more information about the district. Check out the GBU website and be sure to sign up for access to the GBU Life Member Community page. This GBU members-only site enables you to participate in many fun activities, keep upto-date with activities sponsored by the Home Office and our district and provides more information and photos.
District 291–Summerhill, Pennsylvania
Greetings from District 291 of Summerhill. We hope everyone had a wonderful fall and holiday season. We had a busy summer and fall, and since I missed the last Reporter article, I wanted to fill in some of the gaps. Our district, in conjunction with the Summerhill Borough Fire Department, hosted a Community Movie and Family Fun Night on the fire department grounds on June 24. A food truck and several inflatables were set up. Well over 100 young community members and their families enjoyed the evening.
Looks like the inflatables were a hit!
On August 5, district members attended an Altoona Curve baseball game. We enjoy friendly socializing with one another and are always entertained watching the baseball game.
Please join us at our monthly meetings. They are held at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at the Unter Uns Club which is located at Van Buren Ave and 14th Street in Altoona. No meetings are held in January, July, November or December. (Your officers will have officers’ meetings instead to plan for upcoming activities.) Come, learn, support and get involved in the fraternal activities, and join us for refreshments. - Robin Kessler, Fraternal Secretary 814-943-4481 or rob1jon@atlanticbb.net
District 146–Johnstown, Pennsylvania Greetings and welcome to 2024!
Also related to baseball, Joyce Cobaugh, Tara McIntyre and Cindy Friedman presented the district’s 2024 District in Action check to Josh Madison of Summerhill Baseball with a donation that was districtwide. Josh is the grandson of the late Marian and Francis Madison.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and a fun-filled Christmas holiday. At our November meeting, the election of 2024 officers was held and ideas for the 2024 Events Calendar were discussed. The district officers will meet at a date to be determined to plan the Adult Christmas Party and assist with decorating the clubroom for Christmas. An Adult Christmas Party was held in the clubroom to thank everyone for helping to make all the district projects a success. Before we begin the 2024 projects, we’ll look back at all the local programs we supported. Hopefully, with your continued support, we’ll add some new ones in 2024. New ideas are always welcome. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month (except July) at the Moxham Beneficial Home Association, located at 40 Bridge Street in Johnstown, Pennsylvania (814-5391290). Check the bulletin board in the clubroom for additional information and any changes to meeting dates. - Barbara Weimer, Fraternal Secretary/Treasurer 814-255-4710 36
In September, District 291 participated in the American Legion County Fair’s Youth Livestock Auction in several different ways. Joyce Cobaugh and Tara McIntyre represented the district and purchased a lamb from local youth showman Elaina Smith. Elaina is the great-niece of Donald “Duck” Wirfel, a long-time member and trustee. Templeton Auctioneers, along with our colleague Chris Rowe, served as the volunteer auctioneers selling the seven different species of livestock. Winter 2024
District 291–Summerhill, Pennsylvania, continued
Several District 291 members assisted the Summerhill Borough Fire Department with its annual Arts and Crafts Festival by helping with setup and cleanup, in addition to working in the food booths and parking cars.
Trick-or-treat was held in Summerhill on October 31. Barb Bodenschatz, Cindy Friedman and Carmie Seder handed out treats to the kids who visited the club during the townwide event.
Our spring 2024 article will have highlights from our annual Christmas Party in December and some winter activities held in conjunction with the Summerhill Social Club. We are pleased to welcome District 500-Lilly, Pennsylvania, members who will be merging with our district. Currently, meetings are held at the Summerhill Social Club, located at 514 Main Street in Summerhill, PA; however, once the merger is finalized, several meetings will be scheduled in Lilly to accommodate members closer to that area. Regular monthly meetings have resumed, so please check with district members for a schedule of other activities, or stop in at the Club. New members are always welcome!
GBU District 510 held a Steak Roast before our September monthly meeting. Attendees enjoyed steak, baked potato, salad and a variety of tasty desserts. Many thanks to everyone who helped, and special thanks to Marilyn Riedeman for procuring the steaks and to Lynne Shoup for the baked potatoes and fall mums. The fall mums and several GBU-branded shirts were raffled off. At our October meeting, we had a delicious pork, noodles and gravy dinner that included a vegetable medley, salad and dessert. Thank you to chefs Anita and Ralph Bydlowski, Lynne Shoup for the salad, and to those who brought the desserts. A wide variety of GBU swag was raffled off.
- David Templeton, District 291 Member Dtemp902@hotmail.com or 814-244-8243
District 510–Toledo, Ohio
Greetings from District 510. We hope that everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday season with family and friends. We wish you all good luck, health and happiness in 2024. District 510 members cooked and served lunch and dinner on the Monday after the German-American Festival for the volunteers performing the festival tear-down. A big thank you is extended to the kitchen crew and servers for helping with this endeavor.
On October 21, several District 510 members and guests traveled to the German Village in Columbus, Ohio. Participants enjoyed snacks and beverages on the chartered bus, went on a guided tour of the German Village, had a dinner buffet at Schmidt’s Restaurant, browsed numerous shops and stopped at the Blend of Seven winery on the trip home. The Toledo Holzhacker Buam (THB) Schuhplattler Gruppe had a busy summer dancing at the Schwaben Verein/Teutonia Chor Festival in the Woods, German-American Festival, Cleveland Oktoberfest and the Bryan Oktoberfest.
THB’s August Bowling Event The Reporter
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District 510–Toledo, Ohio, continued
THB members put on their chefs’ hats and cooked brats, schnitzel sandwiches, spaetzle bowls and potato pancakes at Bennett’s Orchard in October.
One of the activities included a special schuhplattler dance performed by the German Park Dancers.
The first scheduled monthly meeting in 2024 is Tuesday, February 20. The Children’s Easter Bunny Hop Thru will take place on Sunday, March 24, 2024. Please RVSP to Bob Martin (419-277-6479) if you would like to attend. For current news on GBU District 510 events, please check the GBU District 510 Facebook page. We look forward to seeing everyone at our future meetings. If you have not been to a meeting lately, please join us for a light dinner and fellowship followed by our monthly meeting. Our regular meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at the GAF. The meal is served starting at 6 p.m. and our meeting starts at 7 p.m. - Jacqueline Martin, Fraternal Secretary 419-350-6684 or Toysrmonica@sbcglobal.net
District 630–Ann Arbor, Michigan Happy New Year! Frohes Neues Jahr!
We wish all the members and families of District 630 a happy and healthy 2024! For any member who has been feeling ill or is recovering from an operation, we send you wishes for a speedy recovery and hope you feel better soon. Please let one of our officers know if you are ill or recovering from surgery so we can send you well wishes from the Sunshine Committee! We hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving and a merry Christmas. It is during the holiday season when we give thanks and are so often reminded of how blessed we are. One of GBU’s member benefits is to support and match charitable giving. In September, we organized a back-to-school fundraiser called Planting Seeds for Student Success to purchase essential school supplies for the Peace Neighborhood Center. Together with the community, the fundraiser raised $4,105. That amount was matched by the Home Office for a total of $8,210. This was the second year for this fundraiser, and I happily report that it is gaining traction in the community because we raised more money than the first year.
Hans and Marianne Rauer and Traudel Kummer helped plan and host an Oktoberfest for Silver Maples Senior Center in October. 38
In November, turkeys and monetary gift cards were delivered to the Peace Neighborhood Center. Canned goods were collected, donated and delivered, along with our district’s annual monetary gift, for the Ann Arbor Food Gathers during its annual Rocking for the Hungry. In addition, we made our annual monetary donations to the Hope Clinic, St. Andrews Breakfast Program and Safe House. In November, several members attended District 821-Sterling Heights, Michigan’s GBU Saxonia Rheingold Choir’s 100th Anniversary Concert. It was a beautiful evening enjoyed by all. Several members also attended the SUV Kirchweihfest. The food was delicious, and everyone enjoyed the entertainment and dancing. Following our November meeting, members Dee Drews, Lucy Bausch, Josephine and Vittorio Iannone, Marzella Leib and Traudel Kummer made Thanksgiving door hangers that were donated to Hillside Terrace Nursing Home.
In support of our armed forces, we donated to Operation Troop Appreciation. We are thankful and appreciate all those who serve! Winter 2024
District 630–Ann Arbor, Michigan, continued
The current officers have agreed to remain on for 2024 and are as follows: President Vice President Fraternal Secretary Treasurer Recording Secretary Marshal Sentinel Trustees Kitchen Committee Fraternal Coordinator Youth Coordinators Sunshine Committee
Marianne Rauer Traudel Kummer Christina MacKellar Hans Rauer Susan Weber Hans Rauer Traudel Kummer Alice Gardner Dee Drews Lucy Bausch Sharon Landers (Chair) Christina MacKellar Susan Weber Susan Weber Christina MacKellar Susan Weber Brigitte Muthig Judy Weiss
We would like to thank each of our officers for this past year of service and for their continued commitment to serve. Please mark your calendar for these upcoming events: Sunday, March 10 Monthly meeting followed by Corned Beef & Cabbage Irish Tradition, 1 p.m. Sunday, April 14 Monthly meeting followed by Salad Potluck, 1 p.m. Sunday, May 19 District 630 100th Anniversary Celebration—details to follow We look forward to seeing you at one of our meetings or events that are held at the Grotto Club, located at 2070 West Stadium Boulevard in Ann Arbor, Michigan. - Christina MacKellar, Fraternal Secretary 734-646-9388 or christina.mackellar@gbu.org
District 684–Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Greetings from our district. We hope everyone enjoyed the holidays and wish everyone a happy, healthy 2024 to GBU members, their families and friends. Our district has been busy over the past few months. In October, our members enjoyed a fun night at Wine O’Clock Somewhere. We held a short meeting, tasted wine, enjoyed pizza and broke into teams for a trivia contest. A raffle was also held to raise money for our Districts in Action organization, The Lord’s Pantry. A general meeting was held at Gianna Vias Restaurant on November 14. The meeting was very well attended. Members enjoyed a wonderful buffet dinner, and we held our election of officers for 2024. Our new slate of officers meets in the first week of January to plan our 2024 calendar of events and meetings. On December 10, our annual Breakfast with Santa, a favorite of children and adults, was held at South Hills Country Club. Those in attendance enjoyed a visit from Santa, entertainment, beautiful raffle baskets and a wonderful buffet. Our district awarded two $500 scholarships to district members, Dylan Cannon and Leyna Laurent. We wish them much success and look forward to hearing about their accomplishments. The Reporter
Please feel free to call me for more information regarding our district. We would love to have more members join us at our meetings/events and share ideas on community engagement and fraternalism. - Jackie Alaimo, Fraternal Secretary 412-720-4801 or jackie.alaimo@gbu.org 39
District 699–Frankenmuth, Michigan
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Fraternal greetings from GBU District 699. Last year was a very busy year, and we only started to wind down and talk about 2024’s opportunities and events in November.
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T f a m f b s e After Dow Gardens, we enjoyed dinner at Los Tres Amigos Mexican Restaurant in Midland, Michigan.
Presenting our district’s donation to One Week, One Street representatives. This project is an annual, week-long urban revitalization effort to help meet the needs of people in Saginaw using volunteers and donations. Our July meeting was held at Pablano’s Mexican Grill and Cantino in Frankenmuth. It was a well-attended meeting and the first time visiting that restaurant. Later that month, we met up with other Michigan districts for our first GBU at the Detroit Zoo event. We had a very good turnout. There was a lot of walking and taking in the views of the animals. As a group, we had a nice meal under a large carnival tent. This was a good event to get everyone together, and we can see how it is beneficial to get the Michigan groups together.
Our September meeting at Famous Dave’s BBQ in Saginaw had a speaker, Sandy Dillion. She told us her personal story as well as how she became active in local charities and helped with local families in need. It was a very interesting subject and gave us some ideas for future projects. Great Lakes District Engagement Specialist Laqueeta Coleman was able to be at our meeting to listen to Sandy’s story and ideas. I think her insights are beneficial to us for possible future fundraisers and events. She showed us ways to get more active in our local charities and how to find local people in need. We started to discuss our 2024 events at our October meeting in Riverside Restaurant. At that time, we planned to formally finalize these events and discuss some of the things talked about at the recent fraternal forum. At the end of October, we hosted a Trunk-or-Treat in Bridgeport for the local children, which also included a can drive for locals in need.
Food collected in the can drive.
We had our August meeting at daVinci’s. There was much talk about the Zoo event and talks about future events. As a group, we decided to sponsor a classroom for one of our members.
November included several activities. On November 5, an outing to the Sloan Art Museum in Flint, Michigan, was a very good time to take in art and see some glass blowing. The museum has an active glass furnace and display. Our November 19 meeting was held at daVinci’s in Frankenmuth. Near the end of November, our officers met to finalize the 2024 schedule. Our Christmas party/meeting was held at Zehnders of Frankenmuth on December 6. This is always a popular event, and many look forward to it. We hope everyone has a wonderful, happy and healthy new year.
Our district donated $500 to Josh Bierlein’s classroom for use in procuring supplies.
In September, we had our Dow Gardens event. This is a really special place that is very fun to walk around to take in the water features and many gardens set up for our viewing pleasure. 40
We lost one of our active members, Marcella Weber. She passed away on October 2. Marcella was 98 years young.
The late Marcella Weber.
Anyone who is interested in attending one of our dinners, meetings and events and has any questions, please contact me. - Dan Pierce, Fraternal Secretary 989-482-9020 or dan.pierce@mail.com Winter 2024
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District 701–Pontiac, Michigan
Happy New Year 2024 from District 701! The DASV had a great turnout for the fall 2023 Oktoberfest featuring Tommy Schober and the Sorgenbrecher. It was a wet and cloudy evening but the spirit of the nearly 500 in attendance made the weather irrelevant. We drank and enjoyed the plentiful food while listening to the familiar sounds we had been spoiled by. Much thanks to the group of volunteers from DASV who spent days prepping for the event. Many photos of this and other events can be viewed at the www.dasv.org website!
Upcoming Events January Tuesday, March 5 Tuesday, April 2
Monthly Meeting (TBD) Monthly Meeting, 12 p.m. Monthly Meeting, 12 p.m.
Please consider joining us at the next GBU monthly meeting, generally held at the DASV clubhouse located at 2650 Auburn Road in Auburn Hills, just west of Squirrel Road. Meetings are now at 12 p.m. to better accommodate the officers and guests. It’s worth repeating! - Richard A. De Arment, Fraternal Secretary 248-709-4949 or MetroDetroitBroker@gmail.com
District 707–Grand Rapids, Michigan
Chuck Zahringer (in an orange sweater) and others at the Oktoberfest.
Five of our district officers were able to attend the GBU District Forum on June 15–18. We met with District 5000–International Order of Vikings (IOV) in Muskegon and plan to jointly host a fundraiser for Project Hope in May 2024 to help victims of human trafficking. It’s great to meet new districts with common goals. At our July 26 meeting, we had a speaker from Mid-Michigan Honor Flight who takes veterans to Washington, DC. They get to tour the monuments and view the memorials. We were treated to a very touching and enlightening video of some veterans attending one of these trips. Thank you to our veterans for their service. You are not forgotten!!
Our annual Summer Picnic was held on July 30 at Wahlfield Park. While at the picnic, a fundraiser was held to help purchase back-to-school supplies for DA Blodgett–St. John’s Home. We all enjoyed the beautiful weather, our picnic-style lunch, bingo and fellowship.
A bunch of partygoers enjoying the evening! We’re hoping this coming spring/summer to be able to get together with a few other nearby GBU districts in a day at the Cider Mill. It would be a day to chill out and have some fun at Blake’s Cider Mill in Romeo, and simply an excuse to get together to enjoy each other’s company! Let’s go, Laqueeta!
Presenting DA Blodgett with our fundraiser check.
If you’re not already signed up, check out all the events and everything GBU at community.gbu.org. NOW is the perfect time to get ready for spring cleaning. Why not gather all the stuff sitting in your home that’s not being used? Either bring it to one of our monthly meetings or take it to one of your favorite charities then bring the donation receipt to us so we can make good use of your goodwill. We continue to ask GBU members who have not attended a monthly meeting to consider joining us to introduce yourselves, see how GBU has been growing so well over the past few years and enjoy the company of fellow GBU policyholders. A snack is provided. The Reporter
On August 23 we had a presentation on how the Children’s Advocacy Center supplies every service a child might need after being the victim of sexual abuse. It leads the local effort to support victims and provide a safe space where children and their families can be empowered to recognize, report and prevent abuse. We presented them with a check to further their efforts. 41
District 707–Grand Rapids, Michigan, continued
Our fall Dinner Dance was held on September 17 at Sixth Street Hall. During the dinner dance, we held a fundraiser for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. This fundraiser is very close to our hearts because we are honoring our local veterans. Participants enjoyed great food and music and had a fun time reconnecting with fellow members.
Be sure to join us at our meetings that are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at St. Casimir Hall. - Judy Cwiklinski, Fraternal Secretary 616-454-6026 or Jcwik227@yahoo.com
Thank you, Barb DeLong, Ella Davidson and Anita Hedeker, for representing us!
District 815–Dayton, Ohio
Congratulations to Melissa Lewis and her team, Mel’s Busty Belles! They were VERY successful in raising funds for Making Strides of Greater Dayton’s Breast Cancer Walk. Congratulations on your hard work!!
Michael Willis, Melissa Lewis, Stefanie Lewis, Gitta Lewis and friend
Melissa Lewis, Stefanie Lewis and Gitta Lewis
Congratulations to Barb DeLong, Ella Davidson and Anita Hedeker for being part of the Dayton Hospice Walk. 42
The GBU Foundation celebrated its 60th anniversary with the Day of Giving this past October. Every dollar contributed on this day went directly to either the Scholarship program or the 2024 Community Grants program. Together, the Home Office, corporate sponsors, members and local communities gave well over $10,000.Thank you to all those who contributed in endorsing GBU’s commitment to building a better future and enriching our communities! Our updated calendar will have more information about our 2024 schedule. - Chris van Breukelen, FIC, Fraternal Secretary 937-885-4784 or wvanbreukelen@compuserve.com
District 821–Sterling Heights, Michigan
Our GBU Day at the Detroit Zoo on July 22 was a real win. We had beautiful weather and quite a group participating from different districts. Those attending had opportunities to visit, play, eat, walk around different areas, have their faces painted (children and grown-ups), some took the train ride, and not to forget, enjoy the food and drinks that were prepared for us. Thank you, Mary Koczan and Laqueeta Coleman, for organizing, being there, and bringing some of your family and extra help in addition to table cloths and flowers on the tables. All in all, it was very pleasant! We hope to get something similar planned in the future. On August 13, the GACC sponsored the Deutsche Tag at the GACC Hall on Hayes Road. It was a change from the many years at the Austrian Park. The main reason it was at the GACC Hall was from having lost some volunteers and others getting older. It was a beautiful afternoon! There was music, the Carpathia youth group dancers and the Deutschtroit food truck with delicious German meals. Many of our district members were actively involved working. As GACC president (as well as GBU member) Ingrid Stein planned and oversaw it all, Irmgard Krause and Marlena Voigt Groele covered taking the entrance fee and many of us were there to support it. We had a very important meeting in September to finalize our meeting dates and time at the GACC Hall. This new meeting day and time started October 3, 2023, after we all agreed. Meetings are now the first Tuesday of the month, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. After the important issues are resolved, we will have a social gathering that includes coffee and cake. We hope that other members who aren’t part of the choir will be able to join our social meetings and appreciate them. Winter 2024
District 821–Sterling Heights, Michigan, continued
(Sitting, l to r) Recording Secretary Heidi Wolff and District President Edith Kuplent; (standing) Vice President Ursula Herrmann, Sigfried Charow and Fraternal Secretary/ Treasurer Marianne Krenzer.
Party attendees On October 1 we had German-American Day with the Michigan Sängerbezirk (Carpathia Choir, GBU and Schwäbischer Männerchor) participating with the national anthems and some extra songs, again at the GACC Hall. Marianne Neumann invited all singers to an open house on October 11 for her birthday at her home; what a beautiful setting. We enjoyed being there and, of course, sang a lot.
District President Edith Kuplent thanks Irmgard Krause for 22 years of service as our district treasurer.
There was a very special celebration on September 20, at St. Peter’s Church. Heidi Wolff invited everyone for lunch and dessert she provided! People sang along, we visited and Johann Benesch had a personal birthday video for her. It was one of the nicest get-togethers.
Heidi invited all of us to her 80th birthday celebration at the Senior meeting.
Our choir practiced weekly for the 100th Anniversary Concert and Banquet on November 5. Hopefully, our next article will have memories and photos of this event. Please look at the Member Community page for updates on all the happenings! - Marianne Krenzer, Fraternal Secretary 586-776-7058, (cell) 586-996-1169 or mekrenzer@hotmail.com
District 1000–LFA Dear Members,
Membership News I love the scents of winter! For me, it’s all about the feeling you get when you smell pumpkin spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, gingerbread and spruce. – Taylor Swift 38th Annual Concordia Food-A-Thon. This was our late district President Richard Hallgren’s favorite charity and fundraiser of the year. He loved driving down to the seminary and getting to talk with the staff, students and future pastors there. You should have received a flyer in the mail with a return envelope. GBU will be matching any funds that are sent in by our members. Last year we were able to send $8,400. We are hoping to surpass that in 2023! LFA Hall 57 (Eastpointe) celebrated Oktoberfest with a German band, delicious food and drinks, a Stein hold completion (men/ women), dancing, fun and fellowship. There were several 50/50 raffles. It was a wonderful evening!
The GBU district choir sang two songs for her—with all the verses. The Reporter
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District 1000–LFA, continued The LFA 57 Christmas Party was to be held on December 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the LFA Hall in Eastpointe. Hopefully, we have highlights and photos to share in the next issue. Mark your Calendars (events might be subject to change) We will be working on trying to get some events together for us to participate in. If you have any ideas that you want to share, please let us know. Relay For Life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Chippewa Valley Ninth-Grade Center. As the date gets closer, we will send out a flier with more information.
Assembly 9 hosted a social hour on August 13 at Dr. Martin Luther Lutheran Church, after the service. The congregation enjoyed quiche, nut roll and drinks. Serving refreshments are Assembly 9 Treasurer Sherri Bures and Assembly 9 President Debby Voldrich.
Look on the GBU Life Member Community website for upcoming events to join. We will have a District 1000 page where you can find The Reporter articles, RSVP for events and connect with other GBU members. Please make sure you have your current email address on file at the Home Office in order to be included in the GBU Life Member Community. Reminders We have “gently used” wheelchairs/walkers available for pick up at our district office, at no cost for anyone in need. LWML is continuing to collect canceled postage stamps for its Stamps for Mission program. Simply cut the canceled stamp off the envelope and bring it to the next function. We will see that it gets to the LWML. If any members have any suggestions or ideas for events that they would like GBU to consider, please feel free to let us know. We want to encourage more members to get involved and attend events. Let us know what activities you would like District 1000 to host. Please feel free to call 586-677-2020. A district officers’ meeting will be held Wednesday, February 7 at 6:30 p.m. via Google Meets. Christian volunteering is contagious.
Assembly 62 held its annual Rally Day Picnic to open the Sunday School Year at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on September 17 in Hermitage, Pennsylvania. The assembly donated funds in purchasing food for the event and held a brief meeting afterwards to discuss its upcoming General Election Bake Sale. A large crowd of members and guests enjoyed good food and fellowship to kick off this event.
- Stacia (Penzien) Zarzycki, Sentinel 586-677-2020
District 2000–ULS Assembly Activities
Assembly 9 had an outing for its members on August 6 on the Goodtime III boat in the Cleveland Harbor. The boat took a narrative sightseeing trip up the Cuyahoga River and then onto Lake Erie. Special guest, seminary intern Tomasz Przeczek from the Czech Republic, was on board to see Cleveland from the Lake Erie view. 44
Assembly 53 held a Chili, Mac-and-Cheese Cook-Off on September 27 to raise funds for the Duquesne Community Victory Garden. Over $1,000 was raised for this group that provides a community garden that has 40 beds that are 12’x3’, and they rent the beds for the growing season for $20. They’re responsible for everything involved with their bed. We also have six rows that we plant for fresh produce for the community that’s given away every Wednesday evening during harvest season. Winter 2024
District 2000–ULS, continued Idella won the macand-cheese contest with lobster mac and cheese. Attendance Drawing Winner Our most recent winner in the Assembly Attendance Drawing was Jonathan Tomko of Assembly 62 in Hermitage, Pennsylvania. Jonathan was eligible to win this $100 cash prize by participating in his local assembly activities. This random quarterly drawing is selected from member registrations from those attending assembly meetings and events. Make an effort to attend your assembly’s next function and maybe you could be our next winner. District-Sponsored Bowling Tournament Reminder for 2024 Just a heads-up for 2024’s Bowling Tournament. This two-day event will be held on Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21, at the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows in Washington, Pennsylvania. Members and guests will have the option to bowl in any three-game event or participate in all events on both days. If you haven’t attended a previous tournament and are interested in joining the fun, send me an email at jdhauser1@ comcast.net or call 724-953-8287. I will send you registration information in March once all the details are confirmed. ’til next time! - Jerry A. Hauser, Treasurer jdhauser@comcast.net or 724-953-8287
District 4000–Sokol USA
A Successful Project Congratulations to District MCT for a very successful fraternal project held September 17 in Pittsburgh. In total, 45 District 4000-Sokol USA members and guests were in attendance for dinner at the Huszar Restaurant. All were treated to owner Judy Torma’s delicious meals and fabulous dessert in a manner reminiscent of dining at Baba’s on Sundays.
ATTENTION ALL GBU BOWLERS
Bowling TOURNAMENT SPONSORED BY D I S T R I C T 2 0 0 0-U L S
Saturday & Sunday April 20–21, 2024 at the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows in Washington, PA
GBU members from all districts are invited to attend and will receive the members’ discounted rate. Once again, members and non-members will have the option to bowl in any three-game event or participate in all events, both days. If interested, email Jerry Hauser at jdhauser1@comcast.net for registration information or call tournament manager Melanie Kilgore (330-936-4411).
We were also entertained with traditional accordion music provided by professional musician Nick Calise during and after dinner. Additionally, raffles were held on five baskets. GBU Home Office Charitable Giving and PR Specialist Ken Elliott gave a brief speech after dinner on the GBU Foundation The Reporter
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District 4000–Sokol USA, continued Scholarship Program and updates of the GBU Foundation continuing with charitable based on GBU’s Community Engagement Pillars. GBU was also kind enough to provide a very nice basket of its own for the raffle. Now I know everyone is interested in the bottom line, so I’m happy to report that this event raised over $1,200 for the District 4000 Milan Getting Scholarship fund! Furthermore, guests contributed over 75 pounds of food and cash to the local Mary Queen of Peace Food Bank. Folks who attended the event stated how much they all enjoyed it, and several expressed a desire to have it again sometime. District 4000 President Joe Bielecki delivered these goods to Ms. Meghan Corder who handles social services for the Parish.
A Sad Note On a much more solemn note, our district has lost another longtime and well-respected member. Sister Justine West of the Braddock Lodge and District MCT passed away on September 16 at the age of 95 years young. Justine served as a longtime member of the Finance Committee for Sokol USA and was universally respected and admired across the organization. There was no viewing or service but on behalf of the entire Sokol community, rest in peace, Justine. At the Huszar dinner event, several lodges held discussions for their own fraternal projects. We encourage all lodges and districts to participate. There is grant money available up to $500 on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please contact me to review any project for approval that you may wish to launch. As always, please let me know about any upcoming lodge and district events you have to share with the rest of the members. Until then, we look forward to the spring season and the many holidays and community events to come. NAZDAR - Nancy Hughes-Shurina, Fraternal Activities Chair fna240@verizon.net or 724-459-8170
MAKE-A-DATE Please check with one of the officers of the district to confirm whether or not an event is canceled. Date District Event JANUARY 2024 1 2000 District 2000 Scholarship applications available 21 84 (PA) TV Show Trivia MARCH 1 5000 District 5000 Scholarship applications due 10 630 (MI) Corned Beef and Cabbage Irish Tradition, following 1 p.m. meeting 11 45 (PA) Orders due for Spring Pie Sale Fundraiser benefiting the Miracle League of Blair County baseball organization and Dreams Go On therapeutic riding stable 23 45 (PA) Pick up orders from Spring Pie Sale Fundraiser 24 84 (PA) Children’s Easter Egg Hunt 24 510 (OH) Children’s Easter Bunny Hop Thru, RVSP to Bob Martin APRIL 1 4000 District 4000 College Scholarship applications due 1 OH Ohio Fraternal Alliance Scholarship applications due 6 84 (PA) Round 1 Fun Day 14 630 (MI) Salad Potluck, following 1 p.m. meeting 20–21 ALL District 2000-Sponsored Bowling Tournament, Hollywood Casino at the Meadows in Washington, Pennsylvania, contact Jerry Hauser for registration information MAY 11 1000 Relay For Life, Chippewa Valley Ninth-Grade Center 46
Date District Event MAY, continued 19 630 (MI) District’s 100th Anniversary Celebration 31 ALL GBU Foundation Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarship applications due 31 291 (PA) District 291 Scholarship applications due 31 2000 District 2000 Scholarship applications due JUNE 22 84 (PA) Summer Picnic 30 ALL GBU Foundation Four-Year and Two-Year Scholarship applications due 30 ALL GBU High School Freshman Grant applications due JULY 21 510 (OH) Picnic at Riedeman’s Farm 27 84 (PA) Luncheon and Ice Cream Social at Scoops 29 510 (OH) Columbus Bus Trip 31 1000 District 1000 Scholarship applications due 31 PA Pennsylvania Fraternal Alliance Scholarship applications due AUGUST 17 84 (PA) Lancaster Barnstormers Game 23–25 510 (OH) German-American Festival SEPTEMBER 1 NE New England Fraternal Alliance Scholarship applications due OCTOBER 1 45 District 45 Scholarship applications due 27 510 (OH) Trunk-or-Treat Winter 2024
A NEW PARTNERSHIP
EXPANDING GBU’S IMPACT University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) Athletics, in partnership with JMI Sports, joined a multi-year partnership with GBU Life, aiming to amplify GBU’s impact on the community, Through the partnership, the premium club space at the Petersen Events Center was renamed to the "GBU Life Campus View Club." Additionally, GBU is the official fraternal life insurance partner of Pitt Athletics, which highlights our commitment to supporting Pitt students and alumni.
"We are excited about this opportunity to grow with the University of Pittsburgh's Athletics Department and JMI Sports by providing us an opportunity to tell GBU Life's story," said GBU Senior Vice President/CMO Lesley Mann. Supporting the American Cancer Society® (ACS): For the second season in a row, GBU donated $100 to ACS for every third-down stop by Pitt Football. For the 2023 season, GBU donated $15,000 to ACS. GBU Senior Vice President/CMO Lesley Mann and GBU Director of Marketing and Community Involvement Jennifer Stockdale presented the check to ACS Community Development Director Joe Muczinski during Pitt’s November 16, 2023, game. Pitt close to home: "I wanted to share a picture of my son and his wife at the Pitt game. My son has been a GBU member since birth and a very proud Pitt alumni. When he received the GBUsponsored towel, they had to take a picture to send me," said Tina Madison, GBU Investment Analyst. GBU was Pitt’s game sponsor for the Hail to Heroes game, recognizing active and former military members, first responders and medical professionals.
The Reporter
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FRATERNAL ADVENTURES Monopoly Champs Our team from GBU, made up of Jon Naser, Mark Aul, Steve Guidas and Ken Elliott, took home the Monopoly championship during a Corporate Monopoly Tournament which helped to raise funds for the National Kidney Foundation. The tournament took place at the Carnegie Science Center on November 9.
Red Cross Round-up Top GBU producers gathered to pack emergency kits for the Red Cross during the 2023 Producer Incentive Trip in the Cayman Islands.
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Winter 2024
Holiday Heroes GBU Home Office employees packed over 250 stockings for Operation Troop Appreciation’s Stockings for Soldiers campaign. Thank you to everyone who donated to sponsor a stocking for our military service men and women this season!
Kindness and Cardigans GBU celebrated its second year of sponsoring Cardigan Day, a day of kindness in honor of Fred Rogers. This special day is led by Pittsburgh’s public broadcasting station, WQED. Home Office employees took the chance to cuddle up in their favorite cardigans for the day and spread kindness in the community.
Stop Cancer Campaign Once again, GBU teamed up with the University of Pittsburgh Pitt Panthers to help stop cancer. GBU donated $100 to the American Cancer Society® for every third and fourth down stop made by Pitt during the season.
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Easing Financial Concerns If you’re a single mom, you have a lot on your plate: from your children’s dayto-day well-being to ensuring your own dreams for the future are realized. With that may come financial concerns.
Research shows that single moms have elevated financial concerns, including: • Half worry about leaving their kids in a tough financial situation if they were to die prematurely • 4 in 10 worry about the ability to afford college for their kids • 6 in 10 worry about having enough money for a comfortable retirement 1
There is something that can help provide financial peace of mind and addresses these concerns: having life insurance. In fact, 52% of single moms with life insurance feel financially secure vs. just 30% of those who don’t have it.
Term or Permanent? Of course, life insurance is there to ensure that your children would be OK financially if something happened to you. And many find that term life insurance is an affordable way to do that while their kids are young. Permanent life insurance, however, can help you meet financial goals while you are alive. This type of policy builds cash value over time. It’s money that you can tap for any future needs that you have, from sending your kids to college, to a down payment on a house, to help fund your retirement. 2 And remember, while some people choose either term or permanent life insurance, others find that a mix of the two offers the best of both worlds. Learn more about the living benefits of life insurance and how it can help you put these financial concerns behind you.
1
2023 Insurance Barometer Study, Life Happens and LIMRA
Withdrawing or borrowing funds from your policy will reduce its cash value and death benefit if not repaid, and may result in a tax liability if the policy terminates before the death of the insured.
2
This piece has been reproduced with the permission of Life Happens, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers make smart insurance decisions to safeguard their families’ financial futures. Life Happens does not endorse any insurance company, product or advisor. © Life Happens 2023. All rights reserved.
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Winter 2024
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
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Meet GBU's 2023 Volunteer of the Year GBU Life and its members are honored to recognize Lauren Botticelli as this year's Volunteer of the Year. This award is given in recognition of a member's dedication to helping others and outstanding service and contributions in the local community. Lauren is an active leader and volunteer at The Animal Pad (theanimalpad.org), a nonprofit all breed dog rescue that focuses on rescuing dogs from high-kill shelters in Southern California and Mexico. Lauren and fellow volunteers provide rehabilitation and care while finding loving homes for the animals. "Lauren will ALWAYS show up for the dogs no matter what it takes. Throughout the past six years, there has been an immense amount of change as we grew from an itty-bitty local rescue to the powerhouse team of volunteers and fosters in the hundreds that we are today, but one constant is Lauren. This has built a stronger community because we are all connected by the volunteer work we do." - Kelly Johnston, GBU member We asked Lauren a few questions about her life outside of The Animal Pad. Here is what she had to say: What are your hobbies/interests outside of The Animal Pad?
Lauren and GBU’s former Western Regional Sales Manager, James Donovan
“Outside of rescue, I do enjoy a good mom's night out spent with my family and friends. We are all self-proclaimed foodies and get way too excited over new hot spots in San Diego.”
If you could have lunch with a historical figure (past or present), who would it be and why? “The rescuer in me says Jane Goodall because man, what a force and inspiration. She's my hero. But the gypsy, hippie, free spirit in me says Stevie Nicks. Because of her insane talent, but also the fact that I would love to pick her brain on all the Fleetwood Mac drama. You KNOW it's GOOD, haha.”
Lauren helping a furry friend in need
What is your advice to those who want to get involved with a cause they care about but are having trouble getting started? “My advice is to jump. Just do it! Take the plunge, even if you know no one and nothing about it. If your story ends up anything like mine, there's not a single day you will regret it.” GBU can help support the causes you care about. Visit gbucares.org for more information.
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Winter 2024
2023 CONTRIBUTIONS BY PILLAR These totals represent the contributions and support for GBU’s four Community Pillars projected to December 31, 2023*. The amounts listed here include donations, sponsorships, volunteer activities and awareness campaigns driven by the GBU Home Office, GBU districts and GBU members.
Education
Wellness
$145,000
$231,000
Charitable Giving
Hometown Hero Support
$116,000
$242,000 *Rounded to the nearest $1,000.
GBU would like to thank our districts and members for all the great work they do in their local communities to support these pillars. The Reporter
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GIVE BACK GROUP PROJECT SPOTLIGHT University of Pittsburgh Rowing Club Uses Give Back Group Program for New Racing Shell In 1988, the University of Pittsburgh Rowing Club (referred to as Pitt Crew) was established to give students the opportunity to join the centuries-old sport of rowing. Since its inception, the club has found great success at regattas and building a thriving alumni community. As the club has grown in numbers and prestige, it has also expanded its fleet to accommodate the new active member base. However, as racing shells have been heavily used over the years for practice and racing, they experience wear and tear and eventually succumb to their age. The club takes great pride in taking care of and maintaining its equipment. Eventually though, some racing shells reach their life expectancy and start to negatively impact performance due to the constant need for major and minor repairs.
Through the university’s EngagePitt program, the campaign ran for 43 days with a $6,000 goal. Through the generosity and support of their community, as well as GBU’s Give Back Group contribution, they were able to meet their $6,000 goal, allowing the Pitt Crew to buy the new eightman racing shell. This new purchase enables the team to practice their eight-man boats more frequently, greatly increasing their competitive potential.
Give Back Groups If you are working to raise funds for an organization that impacts your local community, GBU will match the funds your group raises, up to $1,000 per GBU member to a maximum of $5,000 per group. Fundraising can be organized in any way you prefer: in person, through a mail campaign or even via Facebook. The funds matching must be for a qualifying 501(c)(3) organization that impacts your local community. The organization must have a listing on Charity Navigator.
Give Back Groups
This past summer, one of the Pitt Crew’s eightman rowing shells had severely deteriorated, and the team decided to launch a crowdfunding campaign to support the purchase of a new boat. After extensive research and planning, the club found a boat to purchase and launched the “Make the Eight” campaign to ask the Pitt Crew community’s established alumni, family and friends for their support.
VISIT GBUCARES.ORG/GIVE-BACKGROUPS TO REQUEST APPROVAL FOR YOUR GIVE BACK GROUP.
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Winter 2024
BIRTHDAY HERE'S HOW IT WORKS
h c t a M
Make a charitable donation to a 501(c)(3) organization on your birthday, and GBU Life (GBU) will match it, up to $100! To qualify, simply upload a receipt or screenshot of your donation, and submit an online application to GBU within 60 days of your birthday.
TOTAL RAISED THROUGH BIRTHDAY MATCH IN 2023 JANUARY FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
$5,450 $7,570 $3,290 $6,200 $4,370 $3,500 JULY
AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER
$3,230
$6,935 $6,400
$7,000
Start a Birthday Facebook Fundraiser, and GBU will match what you raise, up to $250!
For more information or to submit an application, visit REPORTER.GBU.ORG/BIRTHDAY-MATCH
How about a Birthday Match reminder? Email memberbenefits@gbu.org with your name and birth month, and we will send you a reminder during the month of your birthday! The Reporter
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GBU LIFE WAS HONORED TO BE THE 2023 OFFICIAL STAGE SPONSOR FOR THE 6TH ANNUAL WOMEN WHO ROCK™ BENEFIT CONCERT AT STAGE AE ON OCTOBER 21, 2023. Wo m e n W h o Rock i s a f ema l e -f o u nde d b r and o n a c r u s a de t o c ha mpi on w o m e n i n m u si c an d wom e n’ s he al t h aw ar e ne s s. T he y ha v e r a ise d m i l l i ons o f d o l l ar s f or wom en ’s h ea l t h r e se ar c h a nd c r e at e d a wa r e ne ss in t e r n at i on ally. T h e ir m i ssi on i s t o con n ec t t hr o u g h t he p o we r o f mu s ic and he l p to e d u c a te, su p p or t an d f u n d wo me n-c e nt r ic he al t h and mu s ic e nde a vors. A t t h e Oct ob er 2 1 con cer t , L e sl e y M ann, c hie f ma r k e t ing and dist r ibuti on o f f ic e r , r ep r esen t ed GBU L if e b y p r e se nt ing o u r s p o nso r s hip c he c k to b e n e f i t W om en W h o Rock whic h r a ise d o v e r $ 2 8 0 , 0 0 0 b e f o r e t he doors e v e n o p en ed ! H e a d l i n i n g t h i s year 's con c e r t w as A nn W il so n o f H e a r t and T R I P S ITTE R . T h e P i t t sb u r gh con cer t ven u e S t ag e A E wa s ja m-p ac k e d w it h g u e s ts d a z z l i n g i n t h ei r b est h ot pink e nse mb l e s, and ma ny o f o u r e mp l o ye e s w e r e p r ou d t o b e am on g t ho se p r e se nt . Wo m e n W h o Rock i s su ch a n a ma z ing c a u se , a nd w e ar e t hr il l e d t o be a partner. F o r mor e i n f or m at i on ab ou t W o me n W ho R o c k , p l e ase v is it h t t ps : / / wo men w h o r o ck.in fo/.
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Winter 2024
V
E T O
FI NA L IST S W IL L BE N OT IF IE D IN E A R L Y J ANU A R Y 2024. YOU C A N V OT E F OR YOU R F A V OR IT E OR G A N IZ A T ION IN E A C H CAT E G OR Y F R OM J A N UA R Y 1 5 , 2 0 2 4 , UN T IL J A N UA R Y 3 1 , 2 0 2 4 .
WIN N ER S WILL B E AN N O U N C ED IN F EB R U AR Y 2 0 2 4 .
Get started at GBU.org/foundation. The Reporter
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GBU FOUNDATION THANKS YOU FOR CONTRIBUTING ON THE DAY OF GIVING 60TH ANNIVERSARY Kr isten Ab e l s James W . Ai g l e r Jac queline A l ai m o Diane Alliso n Anonymous Anonymous i n me m o ry o f C arl o G i o va n n i n i Anonymous i n ho n o r o f A n g i e He ath Anonymous i n me m o ry o f H aro l d Ol so n Anonymous i n me m o ry o f T he o d o re Mar k Aul Bar bar a Bar t u si k i n m e mo ry o f E me r so n Lindenm ut h Mar y Ann Be rt y Josep h Biele c ki Matthew an d Mary A n n e Bl i st an , J r. Kathleen Boy ki n W illiam A. Bu rg un d e r, J r Elaine Cann o n in me m o ry o f Lo ri Kn e r r Ed Chr isten se n Mar k Chutko an d Di an a Buc c o Mar k Clouti e r Thomas M. C o l l i e r in me m o ry o f Pe g g y A . Schohn C o l l i e r Ella Davidso n The Deak Fa m i l y i n m e mo ry o f Ro b e r t A . D e a k Kenneth Ellio t t an d Bri an Burn s Donna and J ame s F o ss Diane Gallag he r David and K at h y G e i se rt Paul Gitnik i n h o n o r o f G e n e L. S v rc e k Paul J. Gitn i k i n me m o ry o f H e n ry an d Geneviev e G i t n i k Leah Gr ab ia k T e ah l Ken and Caro l G rab o ski Susan L. Gu t sh al l Jud ith A. Ha fe r i n m e mo ry o f Haro l d J . " J i m " Hafer Lea Ann and W i l l i am H azi i n ho n o r o f GBU ' s Boar d of Di re c to rs Alb er t E. He i l e s, I V Hap p y M. He n n e n Jeanne Hun t - F u j i o ka i n me m o ry o f E l i sa b e t h Tussing Mar y Kocza n
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D a v e a n d D e b b y K r u g er i n m em ory of Bessie Ba b u sk a L esl e y M a n n Re v . L e sl i e E . M a r t i n J er i l y n M cC o l l u m Ri ch a r d M i n t e e r Deborah L. Morgan J o n N a se r Sa n d r a N em et h Th e r esa P h i l b r i ck J a n et P i n o Karen Potkul M a r y Ra j n i k Ti m a n d Br i t t a n y R o d m a n C h r i st i n e Ro d r i g u e z Ri ck R o d r i g u ez D a v i d S ch m i tz J u d i t h A . S ch n ei d e r i n m e m o r y of Carl Sch n ei d e r D o r o th y A . S ch o ch i n m e m o r y of R ay Sc h oc h Bo b b i S ed o r H a r o l d S eg a l i n m e m o r y o f M u rray A. Segal D a v i d S en n et t J ea n n e Sm i t h M i ch a el S t a a r J en n i f e r St o ck d a l e Ba r b a r a L . St o k er i n m em o r y o f James R . Sto k er Ge n e L . Sv r ce k i n m em o r y o f Ru dy and Edith Sv r ce k J o h n S w a n i ck W a y n e a n d L u cy S y r in g W i l f r ed a n d C h r i s v a n Br e u k ele n in h onor of D i st r i ct 815-Da y t o n , OH , scholars Sa n d y W a g n er K ei t h A . W a l t o w e r Bi l l a n d D a r l en e W e i b l e
Winter 2024
GBU FOUNDATION THANKS YOU FOR CONTRIBUTING ON THE DAY OF GIVING DONORS Jamie Abe lson Anonymous Anonymous in memory of Rudolph "R u d y " Ke ssle r Kathy Babin in memory of Den go D iane Balaban in memory of M arty Balab an Kare n M. Balaban Mr. and Mrs. Harry Bartolowits Ann Bonacc i in hon or of Emerson Lin d e n m u t h Ashle y Cast erlin e Cathy Chird on Ste phanie Ciran n i Laq ue e ta Coleman Rache l Cum min s D istrict 146-J ohn stow n , PA D istrict 291-S ummerhill, PA D istrict 510-Toledo, OH, in memory of J oh n F. Ahe rn , R olan d Beltz, J on eal B. Be n d e r, Joyce M. Bric kn er, Alfred R . Erick, Eu g e n e A. F lick , J oan n e B. Flick, Dian e M. Garbe rs, Harold Han n a, R ita C . J a e g e r, Julie Lac ourse, Ray G. Leck, Dan ie l Mahone y , Dorothy F. Marc hal, C arme n J . Mouch, C lara L. Obee, Robert Pasch , G ale F. Pfle ghaar, Eugen e M . Rein art, C h e st e r Rutk owski, M aribelle S an zen bache r, Christopher J . S traube an d Carol L . T an k D istrict 815-Dayton , OH D istrict 818-Orlan d o, FL D istrict 3000-HR FA E dwin D ull Mrs. Mary R. En gelman in memory of P au l E nge lman
K a ren Ferguso n Ti f f a n y G a zza J en n a G i o rda n o Na ta sha H erl em a n K a ty H yl k em a J o hn G . J usti n ger R uth A. K l ei n i n ho n o r o f J a c o b C . Kle in a nd La uren M . K l ei n Em i l y K ra euter K a theri n e K un z Debbi e M c Na m ee i n m em o ry o f T o m M c N a m ee M i tc hel l e M un S ta c ey No w e S ha ro n Obri en R o sa n n e Pen zi en i n m em o ry o f W ilb u r a nd El ea n o r Bo b S c ho eppn er R a v i S ha rm a S c o tt Vi n eberg Vi c to ri a Wi n dha m
C O RPO RA TE SP O N SO RS K ey Co n tr ibu tin g Spo n so r Heeter Di rec t i H ea rt R a di o No rth S ho re Po o l s a n d S erv i c e Co n tr ibu tin g Co r po r a te Spo n sor Ho f f m a n n M urta ugh Adv erti si n g Opti m i ty, I n c . Pi ttsburgh Qua rterl y
Thank you to everyone who contributed to GBU Foundation’s first Day of Giving!
$11,280 of $10,000 raised GBU 10% Bonus Match GBU Foundation Day of Giving Corporate Sponsors: GBU Foundation Day of Giving Grand Total:
+ $1,128 + $4,500 $16,908
Designated proceeds from the Day of Giving will be used to fund the Community Grants Program.
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Easing Financial Concerns SM
If you’re a single mom, you have a lot on your plate: from your children’s dayto-day well-being to ensuring your own dreams for the future are realized. With that may come financial concerns.
Research shows that single moms have elevated financial concerns, including: • Half worry about leaving their kids in a tough financial situation if they were to die prematurely • 4 in 10 worry about the ability to afford college for their kids • 6 in 10 worry about having enough money for a comfortable retirement 1 Maria Landeros Lopez with her sons, (from left) Abel and Roberto Jr.
There is something that can help provide financial peace of mind and addresses these concerns: having life insurance. In fact, 52% of single moms with life insurance feel financially secure vs. just 30% of those who don’t have it.
A Parent’s Sacrifice— and Gift Roberto Loera would do anything for his family. That
tumor had reappeared and spread, and neither surgery
included leaving his homeland of Mexico and living and
nor treatment was effective. The doctors gave him only
working in Colorado so he could provide a better life for
months to live.
youryears children would beski OK financially something spent working in the resorts during if the high
One of the proudest days of his life was when he received
Term or Permanent?
Ofwife, course, life insurance there Jr. to and ensure his Maria, and two boys, is Roberto Abel.that He
happened to you. back And to many find term season, and traveling Mexico to that be with his life family during the downtime. insurance is an affordable way to do that while their
kids are young.
his citizenship, and it was just two weeks later that Roberto died at age 47. The community that loved him gave the family the emotional support they needed. And
Finally, he got word that his family’s visas had been
Roberto’s life insurance policy gave them the financial
approved. Roberto shared that joy with hiscan insurance Permanent life insurance, however, help you
support they also needed. It allowed Maria time to grieve
professional, Leila Martinez. She you knew how longThis and type meet financial goals while are alive.
and to give Roberto the funeral he deserved. It also
hard he hadbuilds worked for this opportunity, and asked if he of policy cash value over time. It’s money
paid medical bills and provided for day-to-day expenses
had thought about to protect family’s that you can taplife forinsurance any future needs his that you
while Maria looked for work. She also set money aside
financial future. Roberto was quick to understand how
have, from sending your kids to college, to a down for Roberto Jr. and Abel’s college dreams. “Roberto’s life insurance was such a blessing,” says Maria. “It’s payment on a house, to help fund your retirement. 2
important this coverage was, given that Maria would not be working. He was able to put a policy in place for less
And$20 remember, than a month. while some people choose either
something every family should have.”
term or permanent life insurance, others find that a mix of the two offers the best of both worlds.
Less than a year after the family was reunited, Roberto
learned that the terrible headaches he was having were
Learn more about the living benefits of lifeable the result of a brain tumor. While doctors weren’t toinsurance remove it completely, wasyou ableput to return and how itRoberto can help theseto work. However, just nine months later, he learned the financial concerns behind you. Watch Maria’s story at
1
2023 Insurance Barometer Study, Life Happens and LIMRA lifehappens.org/loera
Withdrawing or borrowing funds from your policy will reduce its cash value and death benefit if not repaid, and may result in a tax liability if the policy terminates before the death of the insured.
2
This piece has been reproduced with the permission of Life Happens, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers smart insurance decisions to safeguard their families’ financial futures. Life Happens notconsumers This piece has make been reproduced with the permission of Life Happens, a nonprofit organization dedicated to does helping endorse any insurance company, product or advisor. © Life Happens 2023.Life All Happens rights reserved. make smart insurance decisions to safeguard their families’ financial futures. does not endorse any insurance company,
SM
product or advisor. © Life Happens 2022. All rights reserved.
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Winter 2024
NEWS FROM THE HOME OFFICE NEWS FROM THE HOME OFFICE
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Notes
from the Home Office UPCOMING HOLIDAYS The GBU Home Office will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday; February 19, 2024, for Presidents’ Day; and Friday, March 29, 2024, for Good Friday.
FALL 2023 PICTURE THIS WORD PUZZLE WINNER GBU wishes to recognize the most recent fraternal puzzle contest winner. Lucky $25 Amazon Gift Card Winner Evelyn D. from Mount Pleasant, PA Please remember: To be eligible for a fraternal prize and recognition in the fraternal puzzle drawings, the participant must be a GBU member who is between 10 and 14 years old. For privacy reasons, only the first name with last name initial and the city and state the participant is from will be listed.
FALL 2023 PICTURE THIS WORD PUZZLE ANSWERS 1. Hot Dog 2. Dog Bowl 3. Apple Tree 4. Cross Walk 5. Peanut Butter 6. Rock and Roll 7. Eggs and Bacon 8. Snowman 9. Cookie Monster 10. Skull and Crossbones 11. Ups and Downs
12. Checks and Balances 13. Flag Pole 14. Keychain 15. Club Car 16. Book Bag 17. Hot Chocolate 18. Turkey Leg 19. Sunflower Seeds 20. Football 21. Police Car
CHARITABLE DONATIONS September 1, 2023–November 30, 2023 GBU FOUNDATION DONATIONS District 171–Pittsburgh, PA District 821–Sterling Heights, MI District 536–Lafayette, IN In memory of Lola Vincent Ruth Hudson
OPERATION REACH OUT District 45–Altoona, PA District 146–Johnstown, PA Barbara J. Gumola Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Union, NJ Frances J. Olyarnik Syring & Syring Insurance, Inc.
GBU FOUNDATION 60TH ANNIVERSARY CLUB David Bevins Milan S. Kovac In memory of James Stoker Daniel F. Steighner II
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Winter 2024
Privacy Policy Privacy Policy
Facts Facts Why? Why? What? What? How? How?
4254 Saw Mill Run Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15227 4254 Saw Mill Run Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15227
What Does GBU Financial Life Do with Your Personal Information? What Does GBU Financial Life Do with Your Personal Information? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not choose all sharing. law also to tell you how we collect, share and protect your Financial companies howFederal they share your requires personalus information. Federal law gives consumers the right personal information. Please readFederal this notice carefully to understand what to limit some but not all sharing. law also requires us to tell you howwewedo. collect, share and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do. The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information include the following: The types ofcan personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This •information Social Security Number and name, address and date of birth can include the following: • Assets and income Social Security Number and name, address and date of birth • Wire transfer instructions and financial information Assets and income When you transfer are no longer our member, we continue to share your information as described in this notice. • Wire instructions and financial information When you are no longer our member, we continue to share your information as described in this notice. All financial companies need to share members’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share theirtomembers’ personal business. information, All financial companies need to share members’ personal information run their everyday In the reasons GBU Financial Lifereasons (hereinafter referred to as “GBU”) chooses to share and whether can limit this section below, we list the financial companies can share their members’ personalyou information, the sharing. reasons GBU Financial Life (hereinafter referred to as “GBU”) chooses to share and whether you can limit this sharing.
Reasons We Can Share Reasons We Can Share Your Personal Information Your Personal Information For our everyday business purposes such to process your transactions, maintain For ouraseveryday business purposes your respond to court orders and legal such account(s), as to process your transactions, maintain investigations or report to credit bureaus your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations or report to credit bureaus For our marketing purposes to our products and services to you Foroffer our marketing purposes to offer our products and services to you
Does GBU Share? Does GBU Share?
Can You Limit This Sharing? Can You Limit This Sharing?
Yes Yes
No No
Yes Yes
No No
No No
We don’t share We don’t share
Yes Yes
No No
No No
We don’t share We don’t share
No No
We don’t share We don’t share
For joint marketing with other financial companies For joint marketing with other financial companies
For our vendor partners’ everyday business purpose information about your transactions and experiences For our vendor partners’ everyday business purpose information about your transactions and experiences For our vendor partners’ everyday business purposes information about your creditworthiness For our vendor partners’ everyday business purposes information about your creditworthiness For nonaffiliates to market to you For nonaffiliates to market to you
Questions? Questions? GBU-PRIVACY-NOTICE-1223 GBU-PRIVACY-NOTICE-1223
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Visit us online at gbu.org Visit us online at gbu.org Page 1 of 2 Page 1 of 2 63
Who Are We Who Are We Who is providing this notice? Who is providing this notice? What We Do What We Do How does GBU protect my personal information? How does GBU protect my personal information? How does GBU collect my personal information? How does GBU collect my personal information?
Why can’t I limit all sharing? Why can’t I limit all sharing?
Definitions Definitions Affiliates Affiliates Nonaffiliates Nonaffiliates Joint marketing Joint marketing
Companies owned by GBU using the name(s) GBU, GBU Life or GBU Financial Life to provide financial services GBU is the GBU, marketing nameorfor GBU Financial Life. Companies ownedtobymembers. GBU using theLife name(s) GBU Life GBU Financial Life to provide financial services to members. GBU Life is the marketing name for GBU Financial Life.
To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures withinformation federal law.from These measures include safeguards and To protectthat yourcomply personal unauthorized access computer and use, we use security secured files buildings. measures thatand comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. We collect your personal information, for example, when you •We collect Apply your for a personal financial information, product for example, when you • Request Apply foradditional a financialservices product • Update contactservices or account information Requestyour additional Depending product, we may also collect your personal information from other • Updateon youryour contact or account information companies certain circumstances. Depending under on your product, we may also collect your personal information from other companies under certain circumstances. Federal law gives you the right to limit only •Federal Sharing for affiliates’ everyday business law gives you the right to limit only purposes-information about your creditworthiness • Affiliates using everyday certain information to market to you Sharing forfrom affiliates’ business purposes-information about your creditworthiness • Sharing nonaffiliates to market to youto market to you Affiliatesfor from using certain information State laws and companies may • Sharing forindividual nonaffiliates to market togive you you additional rights to limit sharing. State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing. Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial •companies. Our affiliates include companies that utilize the names GBU, GBU Life or GBU Financial Life. • Our affiliates include companies that utilize the names GBU, GBU Life or GBU Financial Life. Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial •companies. GBU does not share your creditworthiness or any marketing information with nonaffiliates. • GBU does not share your creditworthiness or any marketing information with nonaffiliates. A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services between to you. nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial A formal agreement •products GBU or does not engage services to you.in joint marketing. • GBU does not engage in joint marketing.
Other Important Information Other Important Information Under certain circumstances, GBU may collect or receive certain medical information. This medical information is used only to service your policy and not for any purposes. We do not share medical information nonaffiliates. Under certain circumstances, GBUmarketing may collect or receive certain medical information. Thiswith medical information is used only to service your policy and not for any marketing purposes. We do not share medical information with nonaffiliates.
“Go Green” with GBU Life. To receive statements and confirmations digitally, email providestatements a verbal request “Go Green” with GBUcall, Life. To orreceive and to GBU Member Services elect upon establishing your confirmations digitally, call,and email or provide a verbal request online beand advised that establishing you will receive to GBU portal. MemberPlease Services elect upon your mailed statements andbe confirmations account online portal. Please advised thatof you will activity receive when are required by confirmations law to deliver any notice, report or mailedwestatements and of account activity statement, and notice, all amendments when we areincluding requirednotice by lawoftoelection deliver any report or to the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws statement, including notice of election andofallGBU. amendments to the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of GBU.
GBU-PRIVACY-NOTICE-1223 GBU-PRIVACY-NOTICE-1223 64
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Reader Service Form To obtain information on GBU products or member benefits, please check those items of interest listed below. Please note that we do not have brochures for all member benefits. You may be redirected to our website to access some member benefit information. To make a charitable donation, fill in the appropriate portion of this form. PLEASE PRINT. CUSTOMER SERVICE
PRODUCTS Life Insurance Select Choice Term Life Insurance
Change of Address Youth 3 Pay Life Insurance
Secure Whole Life Insurance
Change of Beneficiary
Other:
Annuities Asset Guard Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities Future Flex Preferred Flexible Premium Deferred Annuities Future Flex Single Premium Immediate Annuities IRA Options
MEMBER BENEFITS Discounts and Points Programs (Online Only) Optimity
Charitable Donation Programs Give Back Groups
GBU Foundation (GBU Scholarship Program) Amount: I n honor/memory of (circle one and supply name):
Coverdell Education Savings Account
VIP Perks! by Entertainment®
CHARITABLE PROGRAMS
O peration Reach Out Donation (Make check payable to GBU Financial Life.) Donation:
One Hour at a Time
Birthday Match Youth and Education Programs
Check/money order enclosed for $
Give Back University
Scholarships/Grants
Team to Team Activity Sponsorships
Sage Tuition Rewards®
High School Freshman Grants
Please supply this information for Member’s Name:
Virtual Member Benefit Programs Kids’ Night
Fitness
Game Night
Current Interest Podcast Series
Driver’s Safety Course
ScriptSave®
Language Learning Program
ScriptSave® for Pets
Address:
City/State/Zip:
Newborn Child Benefit Fraternal Puzzle Drawing Entry (Members Ages 10–14) The Reporter I am receiving more than one copy. (Please supply mailing address information of each copy from back page of The Reporter.) Delete my name from mailing list. Notify me through my email (fill in email address in right column) that the new digital Reporter issue is available.
Telephone: Email:
Thank you for your interest.
Note: Those choosing to receive the digital Reporter may also receive the paper edition when required by law.
If sending payment or nonpayment correspondence, please include this form and send to: GBU Life 4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394 RSF-Winter-24
OR email requests for information: • Products sales@gbu.org • Member Benefits memberbenefits@gbu.org
Nonprofit Organization US POSTAGE PAID Pittsburgh, PA Permit 1918 GBU FINANCIAL LIFE 4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED TIME-DATED MATERIAL
Don’t miss your chance to vote in GBU’s first
Community Grant Awards January 15-31, 2024 Vote for winning nonprofit organizations in each category of our four Community Pillars— Wellness, Education, Charitable Giving and Hometown Hero Support. Visit gbu.org/foundation for more information. Ask your friends and neighbors to help select the most deserving nonprofit organizations by going to gbu.org/foundation.