Issuu

FORU M

Fall 2019 | Protecting families through life insurance since 1894. | Gleaner Life Insurance Society

MAGAZINE

125

A N N I V E R S ARY 1 8 9 4 - 2 0 1 9

Throughout the year, Forum Magazine will feature highlights of the Society's past, present and future as we celebrate the first 125 years of Gleaner Life Insurance Society.

Happy birthday, Gleaner!

125

A N N I V E R S ARY 1 8 9 4 - 2 0 1 9

October 12, 2019, marked our 125th year, and while itâ€™s a big milestone, we know innovation and hard work must continue every day. Weâ€™ve weathered many storms and celebrated many victories, yet the future holds even greater possibilities. We hope youâ€™ll continue along this journey with us as we celebrate today and look forward with dedicated purpose to secure the financial futures of even more individuals and impact many more communities.

ple,

tal

improve my circumstances? How can I best use the time remaining to me?

Contents

Just as it did in 1894, Gleaner Life will keep changing, remain a friend of the family, and help its members answer those universal questions.

Fall 2019

Features

and

Planning the next 125 years Read how Gleaner Life's mission plans to adapt to the needs of members moving forward.

out

the hey

Meet Eileen Kochensparger, Fraternalist of the Year Since oﬃcially retiring, Eileen has dedicated herself to preserving history in her town and serving local ministries.

Meet Chuck Davis, Fraternal Agent of the Year Whether helping his clients or local youths with his arbor, Chuck overcomes hurdles to help people in Stark County, Ohio.

nal ur 14

Supporting local education Gleaner Life members spent the end of the summer helping youth in their communities prepare for the academic year.

d eet nty

h of in ing e

Meet 2019 Gleaner Scholarship recipients The Gleaner Life Insurance Society Scholarship Foundation awarded 100 scholarships in 2019.

125th A N N I V E R S ARY 1 8 9 4 - 2 0 1 9

ner

Congratulations

2019 Recipients

Scholarship

Since 1980, the Gleaner Life Insurance Society Scholarship Foundation has awarded over $3.3 million in educational funding.

In 2019, Gleaner awarded 100 scholarships, providing $225,000 to tomorrow’s best and brightest students.

Do you enjoy searching for Gleaner’s wheat stalk? It's hidden in every issue of Forum Magazine. Having diﬃculty finding the wheat stalk in this issue? Look on Page 36 for the answer. www.gleanerlife.org

@GleanerLife Forum Magazine is made from soy-based ink products and is recyclable. Make a small impact on conservation by recycling this publication or passing it on to a friend. Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

been a favorite of our children and continues to be a favorite with our grandchildren. Our youngest grandson Jack calls it “Oma’s Bread” but it is truly “Grandma Ann’s Banana Bread.”

Contents

Banana BreadThe Ark Encounter In one bowl, cream together: 3/4 c. Sugar 1/4 c. Crisco 3 medium bananas, mashed 1 egg

October 12- 16, 2020

Fall 2019 / V. 124 / No. 4 Senior Officers Kevin A. Marti, FSA, CLU, ChFC President and CEO

D. Arell Chapman, CRISC, FLMI

Senior Vice President, Information Technology

In a separate bowl, combine: 2 c. Flour 1/2 t. Baking powder and baking soda 1/4 t. Salt

and Chief Risk Officer

Deborah K. Elliott, SHRM-SCP, SPHR Gleaner Life’s 68 arbors continue to make a difference in their communities. Interested in joining an arbor to make a difference in your community? Visit www.gleanerlife.org/arbors to learn more.

Alternately, add the dry mixture and ¼ c. Buttermilk to the wet mixture until combined. Pour into prepared pan and bake about 1 hour at 350 degrees F.

FORUM

Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Community Engagement and Secretary

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

Barbara Janowski, RN Vice President, Insurance Operations

Gleaner Life is planning what surely will be an amazing getaway for our members in October 2020. Join us for the Ark Encounter! This fourday, three-night bus trip will include visits to the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky; the Creation Museum near Petersburg, Kentucky, and the Louisville Slugger Museum in Louisville. The trip will include dinner and live entertainment at the Derby Dinner Playhouse in Clarksville, Indiana, and accommodations at the Belterra Casino Resort in Florence, Indiana, with full access to the casino so members can try their luck. Look for details to come at www.gleanerlife.org/arkencounter.

and Chief Underwriter

Kaylene S. Armstrong, FLMI

Vice President, Finance, Controller and Treasurer Officers Jaime Linden, FIC

Giving back

Thoughts from the president

28 Arbors in Action

Gleaner announces its Ark Encounter Bus Trip

34 Gleaner welcomes four new arbors

26 Join us for a getaway cruise 36 Letters from members 37 50- and 75-year members

Chuck Monahan, ALMI and Communications

25 Remembering Jeﬀ Patterson

and Community Engagement

Assistant Vice President, Marketing

At a glance News & reviews

Assistant Vice President, Member

Interests 5

Upcoming Events

38 Korinne’s Korner 40 Benny’s Page

Board of Directors Terry L. Garner, Chair

Mark A. Wills, Vice Chair

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

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

Norma Garner, Supreme Vice Chief Gleaner Linda Ruehrmund, Supreme Chaplain Deborah Rydberg, Supreme Conductor Cheryl Jones, Supreme Guard National Headquarters 5200 West U.S. Highway 223 P.O. Box 1894

Adrian, Michigan 49221-7894

p 517.263.2244 or 800.992.1894 f 517.265.7745

www.gleanerlife.org

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

Hours Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. EST

Thoughts from the president Dear valued Gleaner members: Fall of 2019 marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Ancient Order of Gleaners of the World, now known as Gleaner Life Insurance Society. We began in Caro, Michigan, in 1894 under the leadership of our founder and first President Grant Slocum. We had unprecedented growth in the 1980s and 1990s in Adrian, Michigan, under the leadership of then President & CEO Frank Dick. We’ve continued to grow to the present $1.2 billion asset organization, with $94 million of member surplus, and with 68 arbors in our operating territories serving their communities well. It is a remarkable success story! With the introduction of our indexed universal life and annuity financial solutions, and the build out of our Regional Sales Director team, under the direction of Vice President Tony Golden, the Society has been able to increase our life insurance new business production from both volume – issued and new first-year premium written perspectives, starting in the second half of 2018, and continuing the first half of 2019. We are experiencing strong annuity new business premium growth as well. So 2019 is shaping up to be a good year for top line premium growth for the Society. Our bottom line operating income has been challenged this year by the first-year acquisition costs of our growth in life insurance sales, continued stubbornly low interest rates, and an investment loss related to one particular bond that has hit our bottom line hard. So it is a challenging operating environment again in 2019! We expect to finish 2019 with record member surplus, ensuring we can continue to fulfill our mission. Gleaner is in the process the second half of this year of performing a major administrative system upgrade, transforming several million lines of code from COBOL to the .NET software framework more commonly used today. The conversion process will literally save the Society millions of dollars vs. buying and installing a completely new system in the near

www.gleanerlife.org

term, and extends the useful life of our VECTOR administrative system by 10 years or more we expect. This complex process is being completed with our outside partner ASYSCO and is expected to be finished early in 2020. We hope you were able to join us for our 59th Biennial Convention and 125th anniversary celebration recently at the Kalahari Resort and Conference Center in Sandusky, Ohio. We conducted the important work of our board director election and constitutional amendment revision related to corporate governance, documenting our election process in our Constitution. We also celebrated 125 years of our community impact as a fraternal benefit society, while providing financial security solutions to help our members protect their families with the help of our valued independent agent partners. On Page 25, we have a tribute to our longtime Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Patterson, who passed away the end of July after a courageous 18-month battle with an aggressive form of cancer. Jeff was one of the most revered employees ever to work for the Society, and we will be honoring him in the near future in several ways. He’d be upset with all the fuss, but he is so deserving of the recognition. He will be sorely missed by the entire Gleaner family. Here’s to our Society’s next 125 years of service! Fraternally, Kevin A. Marti President & CEO

Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

FAM Family Day Recap

\ Fall 2019 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

MILY Gleaner Life would like to thank all of our members for joining us this year for our Family Day events. We enjoyed seeing many new and returning faces, and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2020.

2020 Family Days

For 2020, Gleaner is planning some great outings: March 7: Florida Aquarium, Tampa, FL July 11: Cedar Point, Sandusky, OH

July 25: Chicago Riverboat Tour, Chicago, IL Aug. 15: Fort Wayne Zoo, Fort Wayne, IN

October TBD: Michigan Fall Color Train Tour

Our getaway trips also offer many opportunities for our members to relax and enjoy: March 2-6: Cruise to the Bahamas and CocoCay Aug. 28-30: Gleaner Safari to Kalahari

Oct. 12-16: Ark Encounter/Creation Museum Bus Trip Visit www.gleanerlife.org/familydays for updated information.

www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

Gleaner history:

Meeting members’ needs Quasquicentennial. That’s the word for a 125th anniversary, and that is what Gleaner Life Insurance Society is celebrating to commemorate its 1894 founding. Previous editions of Forum Magazine have reviewed the Society’s past. This article looks toward the future.

The future also calls for expanding Gleaner’s Regional Sales Director team. Marti said that will allow Gleaner to widen its geographic footprint, increase sales and membership, and advance the Gleaner community engagement impact even further.

Imagine a future with virtual arbors, reaching Gleaner Life members and interested newcomers in all 50 states, employing internet-based contact and real-world aid projects.

Technologically, Marti sees advances improving agents’ and members’ experiences with the life insurance underwriting process as well as other online enhancements.

Meeting members’ needs through biblical principles was the Gleaner goal when Grant Slocum and others founded the Society. Principles will continue to guide changes, say the present-day Gleaner leaders who offered insight into Gleaner Life’s future.

Technological growth also is something on the mind of Board of Directors member Todd M. Warner. Like Marti, he sees “virtual arbors” as part of Gleaner’s ongoing fraternalism evolution. Similarly, Warner pointed to attracting younger members and supporting more impromptu activities. These could be multiplied by leveraging another technological development — social media — which can help organize community events.

President and CEO Kevin A. Marti pointed to an “unwavering commitment to maintaining and improving the financial strength and stability of the Society, so that we can keep the promises we make to our members with their financial security.” To do that, Marti cited the importance of growing, even in the face of economic headwinds. He noted the growth path that Gleaner Life Insurance Society entered in the second half of 2018.

In addition to other ideas raised by Marti, Warner sees greater future emphasis on member wellness and healthy living, especially as the baby boom generation moves further into retirement.

Historically low interest rates will present a new challenge, according to Marti. That’s especially true given the possibility the United States could go the way of Germany, Japan and other nations experiencing interest rates that actually turn negative, punishing savers. Such circumstances underscore the need for continued innovation in Gleaner financial solution offerings, Marti said. These include renewed emphasis on providing retirement income solutions to Gleaner members, including the organizations they work and volunteer for. This involves expanding Gleaner’s indexed universal life and indexed annuity offerings to include indexed whole life solutions, if administratively feasible. 6

\ Fall 2019 \ Forum Magazine

1953 Harrison Arbor Wood Buzzing Bee Top row, left to right: Paul Van Pelt, Olin Watson, Joe Nye, Irvin Bennett, Guy Reed, Fred Kelley and Osman Bucklin. Front: Aaron Spieth, in whose woods the timber was cut, Orville Bennett and Frank Miller. Lester Bennett, Chief Gleaner and a member of the cutting crew, took this photo.

www.gleanerlife.org

The boomers’ influence on the future also will involve many of its members seeking to leave enduring legacies. Gleaner Life has already begun offering new solutions to help them strengthen groups and values and to serve as models after they’re gone. Tony Golden, vice president of sales, marketing and Gleaner Financial®, sees the new Legacy Builder program as a great example of Gleaner helping members to be “thoughtful for the future.” “Our members’ relationships with their charitable [501(c)3] organizations, churches, schools, hospitals, etc., is a very important part of the legacy that they plan to leave,” Golden noted. “Many of these institutions rely heavily on donations from our boomer generation and could be facing financial difficulties when they pass.” Legacy Builder also provides a way to pass on the lesson of stewardship, Golden added. It allows multiple generations of family members to give together to sustain the institutions that have been so important to them. Standing together — not unlike a tightly packed sheaf of wheat — supports the goals of Gleaner Life members. Fraternal societies focus the power of teamwork, matching local needs with the society’s financial resources. That’s something that Gleaner Chairman Emeritus Frank Dick said is a dynamic strength. “It’s highly unusual. It’s almost like a dream,” Dick said. “The local community determines their needs, and they

prepare for that, and then they make application for the Society itself to finance that. So you end up with many people receiving the assistance they need.” As a longtime president from 1979-2000, Dick oversaw numerous changes and expects to see more. As an example, he cited Gleaner picnics. “Picnics started way back in 1894, and they sure met the needs at that time. But I think the adjustment of family activities is a move to involve more activities that the total family might enjoy,” Dick said. “For example, the Cedar Point gathering in June of this year had 750 (members and guests) gather for a day at Cedar Point, which met with fantastic approval.” While it will be important to react wisely to changing circumstances, Dick also emphasized the need to carry out long-range plans. That’s summed up in his oftrepeated phrase: “Things don’t just happen. You make them happen.” He sees that taking place now. “I think the future is in the hands of good leadership at the present time. We have a unified board of trustees, and they have excellent leadership from the president and CEO, Kevin,” Dick said. “So, saying that, since we are a fraternal benefits association, that means that the ownership of our society are the shareholders who have a certificate. “How do you remain strong when there’s change? You remain strong by keeping up in basic beliefs, which includes your building and the grounds. “And even our swans.” There were no Gleaner swans in 1894, when most Gleaner members traveled by horse on dirt roads. Gleaner has evolved to meet changing needs. Now, as then, Gleaner’s ancient symbols of the sickle, the wheat sheaf and the hourglass still represent people’s most basic questions about the future: Who will care for my loved ones when I’m cut down? Who can I stand with to improve my circumstances? How can I best use the time remaining to me?

2019 Heart of Florida school backpack drive In Mulberry, Florida, 516 backpacks were filled with school supplies through a Heart of Florida project with churches and other local groups. Organizers used social media, and they attracted new people to join the arbor after they saw its benevolence in action. See the full story on Page 14.

www.gleanerlife.org

Just as it did in 1894, Gleaner Life will keep changing, remain a friend of the family, and help its members answer those universal questions.

Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

The Ark Encounter October 12- 16, 2020

\ Fall 2019 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

Foundation 9 In a solid foundation, every brick matters. Financial independence starts with a solid foundation. With Foundation 9, a flexible-premium annuity, you can watch your money grow tax-deferred with the power of compounding interest. Later in life, you can turn your solid foundation into a steady stream of lifetime income. Foundation 9 features a competitive current interest rate with a minimum guarantee of 1.00 percent in all certificate years. The initial interest rate is determined by the amount of premium paid at issue. Even more, Foundation 9 allows you to withdraw up to 15% of the account value annually without incurring a surrender charge, keeping your funds readily available should you need them. Account value

Current first-year interest rate

$1,000 - $9,999 $10,000 - $49,999 $50,000 - $99,999

2.00% 2.25% 2.80%

$100,000 - $249,000 $250,000 and over

2.85% 2.95%

Foundation 9 features Retirement option: Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, TSA/403(b) Contributions: 100% of all contributions immediately earn a competitive interest rate. Premium options: This annuity allows for flexible premiums. Additional premiums paid into the annuity are not subject to an extended surrender charge period. The surrender charge period begins with the initial payment. Surrender charges: Nine percent in year one, decreasing by one percent each certificate year until zero. Withdrawals that are made within the allowed 15% per year will not be subject to a surrender charge penalty. Withdrawals that exceed the annual 15% withdrawal amount will be subject to the surrender charge until the end of the nine-year term. Start laying a solid foundation for your financial future. To learn more about Foundation 9, contact your Gleaner agent, listed on the back of this publication. If you donâ€™t have a Gleaner agent, visit www.gleanerlife.org to find one.

First-year interest rates as of 9/1/2019; interest rates are subject to change.

The Gleaner Life

Foundation 9 form number FPDA 9-13 with state-specific variations.

www.gleanerlife.org www.gleanerlife.org

Gleaner Life Insurance Society is domiciled in Adrian, Michigan, and licensed in AZ, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NE, OH, PA, TN, VA, WI & WV.

Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

Fraternalist of the Year Eileen Kochensparger’s first career spanned 28 years driving a school bus on multiple routes. It was cut short by a life-threatening, six-week coma. Her second career is equally driven but in a diﬀerent way. At 76, she pastors two churches, helps run a thrift store, champions her county’s historical museum, and helps a hospital auxiliary, plus many activities with the Oakwood Arbor of Paulding County, Ohio. Eileen’s continuing drive earned her Gleaner Life Insurance Society’s award as 2019 Fraternalist of the Year. Ironically, it was an illness that began on April Fool’s Eve 2005 and didn’t end until Mother’s Day that helped launch Eileen’s career of community service. “I was just going to have a good time retired,” Eileen recalled with a chuckle. Eileen had driven her school bus route that Friday morning before feeling the first symptoms of what doctors finally diagnosed as streptococcus pneumonia. She doesn’t remember returning home or her husband, Max, driving her to the Paulding County Hospital. Eileen was flown to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and had the lower right lobe of her lung removed due to the infection. “It’s written in black and white that the doctor gave me a 24% chance,” Eileen said. After Eileen came out of her coma and was ready to leave her hospital bed in June, she faced another challenge – her three-month hospitalization had left her unable to walk. “That bothered me more than that I’d almost died because I didn’t want to be stuck in a wheelchair for the rest of my life,” she said. It took months of therapy, and the illness resulted in Eileen retiring as a bus driver. Her plans for an easy retirement changed as she became more involved in ministry, beginning as a lay minister and telling her story at churches. Then, 12 years ago, she was asked to start filling in for pastors. “I said yes, so that was the end of the retirement,” Eileen said. Later, she also became pastor of her family’s home congregation, Middle Creek United Methodist Church, after its pastor retired. Yet shepherding two churches is only part of what Eileen gives to Paulding County, Ohio.

\ Fall 2019 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

Preserving the past: Eileen serves as secretary of the John Paulding Historical Society, which preserves the county’s rich territorial heritage in its museum’s three buildings. This year, she stepped back into organizing the society’s annual Festival of Trees, which raises nearly $10,000 per year for the self-funded museum. This year’s festival is Nov. 15-23. Eileen writes grants for the museum as well as reports on the group’s activities for the local newspaper. Accomplishments include recent completion of a project identifying local ghost towns. This year, half of Eileen’s $1,000 award from Gleaner Life Insurance Society will go to the historical society. Bargain Bin benevolence: Eileen serves as secretary of the Bargain Bin of Paulding County Inc. Its proceeds help buy new equipment for the local hospital’s physical therapy department, a practice begun during the U.S. polio epidemic. Last year, it donated more than $23,000. The other half of Eileen’s Gleaner Life Insurance Society award will benefit Bargain Bin. Gospel guidance: Eileen’s pastoral duties last Easter involved four Holy Week services in four area churches. She also is secretary-treasurer of the Grover Hill Ministerial Association. During Oakwood Homecoming week, Eileen joins other pastors for a Sunday worship service. Hospital helper: Eileen also serves as president of the local hospital auxiliary. A gift shop is open daily with volunteers. Donations help purchase needed items.

“… I’ve listened to Eileen’s tiny voice speaking up and saying ‘I’ll do it.’ … She is a true witness to God’s love. She sees Jesus in everyone she meets and people see Jesus in her. I count myself among the privileged to call her friend.” Virginia M. Shuherk Assistant treasurer, Bargain Bin of Paulding County Inc.

Student support: Eileen still helps schools by locating funding for Drug Abuse Resistance Awareness (DARE) programs and taking part in reading programs. She also mentors young people, nominates many for awards and scholarships, assists National Day of Prayer activities that include second- and third-graders singing, and urges young people to join in monthly arbor activities. Eileen and Max recently marked their 57th wedding anniversary. In addition to their daughters Kathy and Paula and son Kelly, they have five grandchildren, and just celebrated the birth of a third great-granddaughter. It wasn’t until after she became a pastor that Eileen became involved with Gleaner Life’s Oakwood Arbor. Eileen credits John and Bonnie Pier of the arbor for recruiting her. Although not lifelong members, the Kochenspargers’ arbor legacy already extends three generations. Eileen, her daughter Kathy and Kathy’s daughter, Aryn Proctor, have each received Oakwood Arbor’s Community Volunteer Recognition Award. In addition, the Oakwood Arbor has been a top-rated arbor, bringing roughly $72,000 in Gleaner award funds to the community. “When you need a volunteer,” said John Pier, president of the Oakwood Arbor, “she says ‘I’ll do it.’”

www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

Fraternal Agent of the Year

Chuck Davis’ connection with Gleaner Life goes far deeper than the services he provides clients. It quite literally goes to the heart of everything Chuck does in Stark County, Ohio. Chuck’s success comes as one of the longer-lived heart transplant recipients in the U.S., and that came about through joining a very strong Gleaner family five decades ago. “My father-in-law (Clarence I. Miller) was a state manager for Gleaner,” Chuck explained. “When I asked to marry his daughter, he said, ‘Do you have a job? … Well, you’re going to come work for me if you’re going to marry my daughter.’“ Many years later in 1994, when Chuck went into the hospital to receive a heart transplant, the surgery was covered through his father-in-law having deferred his own Gleaner health insurance benefits to Chuck. “It was by his foresight that I was able to survive,” Chuck noted. Overcoming challenges is a way of life for Chuck. Despite weekly dialysis treatments, he has been a sales leader and Conference of Excellence qualifier. He was honored as Gleaner Life Insurance Society’s Fraternal Agent of the Year at the Mount Washington, New Hampshire, conference in June. The same thought for the future that his father-in-law showed is reflected in Chuck’s eﬀorts in the greater Canton, Ohio, community. Many Gleaner members in Stark County are teachers, and Chuck addresses their concerns through his arbor as well as his agency. One of the most traumatic was an epidemic of suicides among students at Perry Local Schools. Six students committed suicide in a six-month period. Giving local students and parents hope and resources became an immediate focus.

\ Fall 2019 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

The Emerald Echo Arbor gave $1,000 to the legacy fund at Perry for community mentoring and suicide prevention for teenagers and another $1,000 to a similar fund in Massillon, Ohio, both just west of Canton. Perry Local Schools also is the recipient Chuck selected for the $1,000 donated from Gleaner Life, as the Fraternal Agent of the Year. “I do not want to see any child give up so young in their life,” Chuck said. The arbor also helps sponsor The Martin Center, a downtown Canton community center for urban youth. Another project involved providing teachers in Jackson Local Schools with classroom projection equipment for their computers. Other arbor projects have included taking youth to Akron minor league baseball games through Big Brothers and Big Sisters, sponsoring a classroom book project in which teachers can come to the Stark County Library and fill bags with free books, working with VFW posts to send care packages to members of the Armed Forces overseas, assisting food banks and helping rescue dogs through the Stark County Humane Society. “With Gleaner,” Davis said, “we’ve been able to help a lot of people in Stark County.”

www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

ARBORS’ BACK TO SCHOOL PROJECTS ack to sponsor the B ed p el h r o rb da A Heart of Flori da. ulberry, Flori M in h as B l o Scho Helping children prepare for the 2019-20 school year grew into a productive partnership this summer for Gleaner Life arbors working with local schools, as well as with Facebook friends who may soon be new arbor members. That was the formula in Mulberry, Florida. The Heart of Florida Arbor partnered with seven local churches, the local health clinic, the sheriff ’s office, Mulberry City Hall, the Kiwanis Club of Mulberry and another local non-profit group for its Back to School Bash. The result? A total of 516 backpacks were filled with school supplies and handed out to needy children. “We just keep increasing the number of backpacks every year,” said Debbie Rydberg of the Heart of Florida Arbor. “We got really good participation from the churches this year.”

Rose Peck, president o f the Ithaca Arbor, carr ies noteboo ks at the lo GM dealers c al hip. After giving out backpacks at Mulberry High School’s gym, several volunteers went to the migrant camps and distributed additional backpacks. The project began in 2013 with the local chamber of commerce collecting school supplies. “They asked if our group would like to take over the drive, and we said yes and added the backpacks,” Rydberg said. “The kids have a stigma when they go to schools and don’t have any supplies. “We get nice backpacks that are all different so nobody knows it’s free, and they have a positive start to the year.” The Heart of Florida Arbor added volunteers through

The growing partnership with churches was assisted by the fact that the arbor secretary, Louis Holstein, and chaplain, the Rev. Val Hattery, also are members of the local ministerial alliance. The backpacks especially helped at Mulberry Elementary School, where about 50 percent of the student population is comprised of migrant children. 14

\ Fall 2019 \ Forum Magazine

The Heart of Florida Arbor’s project also cooked 700 free hot dogs for families. www.gleanerlife.org

signups on Facebook pages, and used other online volunteer tools such as signup.com to organize. “We got the word out a lot better to the community with all those different Facebook pages and posts,” Rydberg said. In addition to the backpacks, people attending were able to receive some of the 700 free hot dogs cooked, plus cookies, popcorn, snow cones, ID kits, crafts, free books, health kits and even items from a free clothing drive. The arbor also provided free drinks. Putting together a big event requires planning, and Mulberry’s event had three advance stages: the arbor bought backpacks and collected school supplies from Whether new or old, arbors and schools teaming up is a winning combination.

local businesses; its residents had a chance to donate; and, finally, a day was spent getting the backpacks filled and ready. Rydberg reported $4,500 worth of supplies were collected. Later, the arbor helped purchase additional items still lacking. The Back to School Bash was big in another way. People who witnessed the event are interested in joining the Heart of Florida Arbor. “We already have eight RSVPs (to our wrap-up meeting) from people who are not arbor members but became interested because of this event,” Rydberg said.

and St. Louis. Peck added that, next March, the arbor plans to have an Elvis impersonator perform and hopes to raise $3,000 to $4,000 from that event. A similar situation presented itself for the brand new New Beginnings Arbor (OH) in West Salem, Ohio. Community teamwork paid off with its Stuff the Truck benefit. Arbor members worked with the West Salem Police Department and the Lord’s Pantry to collect school supplies for whole community. Several monetary donations also were received.

Ithaca Arbor (MI) is a new Gleaner arbor formed last year, and its back to school supply drive was a way to meet the community. “When I talked to Steve Netzley of the Ithaca Public Schools, he was all for it because no one has ever done anything like that before,” said Rose Peck, president of the Ithaca Arbor. Local GM dealership Betten Baker provided a new pickup truck where residents could place donations, and its bed was nearly full by the end of the event. “People just dropped off supplies and businesses dropped them off, and each of our arbor members dropped some off,” Peck said. “The community over there has been very gracious bringing supplies over.” The Ithaca Arbor serves that mid-Michigan community located along U.S. 127 south of Alma

www.gleanerlife.org

During the event, members of the New Beginnings Arbor served burgers, hot dogs, chips and water to anyone who donated. The South Fairfield Arbor (OH) is one of the longest-existing Gleaner arbors, meanwhile, and it added nourishment to its list of student supplies. On July 23, members packed backpacks with school supplies, and packed lunch bags with non-perishable food for students in need. The materials were delivered July 29 to staff at Evergreen Local School District in Metamora, Ohio. “Supplies were donated by members of our arbor and from our arbor treasury,” said Sue Hammersmith, South Fairfield Arbor president. School staff will distribute the material to students as needed. Leftover supplies were put into boxes for the school office to keep on hand.

Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

Wealth transfers with Endurance Life Over the course of your life, you have worked diligently to provide your loved ones with financial security. In the process, youâ€™ve learned that financial needs can change drastically from one life stage to the next. In every stage, life insurance has been there as a safety net; now, it plays an integral role in your next big financial challenge: passing on your estate. Endurance Life is a single-premium whole life solution that combines all the benefits of whole life insurance with the simplicity of a one-time premium payment. Since life insurance death benefits are income-tax-free, you can take a lifetime of savings and turn it into a permanent, guaranteed inheritance for your heirs.

Youâ€™ve made a big impact on their lives. Now, make an even bigger impact on their futures. To learn more about Endurance Life, contact your Gleaner agent, listed on the back of this publication. If you donâ€™t have a Gleaner agent, visit www.gleanerlife.org to find one.

www.gleanerlife.org

Gleaner Life Insurance Society is domiciled in Adrian, Michigan, and licensed in AZ, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NE, OH, PA, TN, VA, WI & WV. Endurance Life Form No. ICC17-SPWL with statespecific variations. Endurance Life is a Modified Endowment Contract (MEC), and as such, gains in the contract are taxable as income when distributions, including loans, are made. For more details on the tax implications of a MEC, you should consult with a legal or tax adviser.

Online scholarship application

OPENS DEC. 1 The online application process for 2020 Gleaner scholarships opens Dec. 1, 2019. Since 1980, the Gleaner Life Insurance Society Scholarship Foundation has presented more than 2,700 scholarships to tomorrow’s best and brightest students. Gleaner plans to award 100 competitive scholarships in 2020. Those students will receive a $2,250 one-time scholarship. Gleaner scholarships are awarded to individuals from a wide range of backgrounds with various goals and dreams, and are another benefit of belonging to Gleaner. To apply for a Gleaner scholarship, a student must: 1. Be a Gleaner member. 2. Be a high school senior or high school graduate. 3. Plan to or currently attend an accredited vocational/technical school, college, university or graduate school within the United States. 4. Enroll as a full-time student taking 12 or more semester credit hours. 5. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 is required for application. Not a beneﬁt member? It’s easy and affordable to become one! A benefit member is anyone who is insured by a Gleaner life insurance certificate or who owns a Gleaner annuity. Visit www.gleanerlife.org/scholarships to learn how you can become a benefit member with Gleaner’s or Just For Kids® life insurance plan.

Online application opens Dec. 1! To learn more and apply online, visit www.gleanerlife.org/scholarships. www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

Congratulations

2019 Recipients

Scholarship

Since 1980, the Gleaner Life Insurance Society Scholarship Foundation has awarded over $3.3 million in educational funding. In 2019, Gleaner awarded 100 scholarships, providing $225,000 to tomorrow’s best and brightest students.

Gleaner scholarships are one of the many benefits available to our members. The Society values the importance of ongoing education and recognizes those members who seek to take their education to the next level. As the costs of higher education increase, we are proud to oﬀer our members a helping hand. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. There is no age restriction, and both traditional and nontraditional students are encouraged to apply. Applications for 2020 scholarships, which are completed entirely online, will be available at www.gleanerlife.org/scholarships beginning Dec. 1, 2019.

Special thanks to our generous scholarship donors:

Charles and Margaret Banner Leonard and Margaret Davis Frank and Shirley Dick Frederick and Evelyn Fountain Dale Viers

Congratulations to all of our 2019 scholarship recipients — we look forward to your future success! 18

\ Fall 2019 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

Hunter Adams

Ryan Balcerzak

Jazz Benne�

Hannah Be�s

Kennedy Blackburn

Cassandra Bokon

Elisabeth Brokaw

Kayla Brubaker

Margaret Burne�

Jacquelyn Burns

Ethan Campbell

Katelyn Cocco

Townsend Colley

Sari Conner

Carter Copes

Hannah Crouch

Dylan Day

Claire Dennis

Michael Di�man

Susannah Dunlap

Onsted, Michigan University of Michigan

South Bend, Indiana University of Indianapolis

Fostoria, Ohio Heidelberg University

Lowell, Indiana University of Indianapolis

www.gleanerlife.org

Erie, Michigan University of Michigan

Lima, Ohio Azusa Pacific University

Hershey, Pennsylvania Penn State University

Adrian, Michigan University of Indianapolis

Oxford, Ohio Miami University

Fostoria, Ohio Kent State University

Decatur, Tennessee Ohio University

Franklin, Michigan University of Michigan

North Bal�more, Ohio Wilmington College

Farwell, Michigan Olivet College

Libertyville, Illinois University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

Galion, Ohio Spring Arbor University

Casco, Michigan Michigan State University

Fostoria, Ohio University of Toledo

Coal City, Illinois The University of Iowa

Lima, Ohio Rhodes State College

Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

Kaitlyn Fish

Jaden Gavenda

Casey Giles

Kira Ginter

Haiden Gombash

Danielle Gonser

Noah Gunther

Elizabeth Halfmann

Jillian Hannah

Aiden Harmon

Brooks Hemingway

Grace Herkimer

Amy Higgins

Emma Hoﬀman

Tayla Horn

Alyssia HudsonGrayer

Daniel Jackson

Anna Jones

Murphy Kaphing

Connor Klein

Ithaca, Michigan Davenport University

Hun�ngton, Indiana Cornerstone University

Kalamazoo, Michigan Western Michigan University

Adrian, Michigan Glen Oaks Community College

Ashley, Michigan Alma College

Laurel, Montana Montana State University

Monroe, Michigan Michigan State University

Palmyra, Michigan Michigan State University

\ Fall 2019 \ Forum Magazine

Walbridge, Ohio The University of Toledo

Adrian, Michigan Arizona State University

Adrian, Michigan Western Michigan University

Waterville, Ohio The University of Arizona

Tecumseh, Michigan Michigan State University

Cygnet, Ohio Trine University

Clinton, Michigan Central Michigan University

Peoria, Arizona Boston University

Swanton, Ohio The Ohio State University

Marque�e, Michigan Western Michigan University

Allendale, Michigan Grand Valley State University

Hinckley, Ohio The University of Cincinnati

www.gleanerlife.org

Stella Kohlhoﬀ

Maria Kuenzer

Ryan Lakatos

Jack Leisenring

Bailey Lenig

Nicole�e Loeding

Hailey Lyon

Nathaniel Mack

Sydney Magusin

Heather Manz

Alexis Marihugh

Drew Mar�n

Bridget Marvin

Grace Marvin

Morgan McAndrew

Keegan McKinnon

Elijah McKown

Tarrah Meyer

Elysia Meyers

Jenna Meyers

Hemlock, Michigan Grand Valley State University

Lexington, Michigan University of Michigan

Montpelier, Ohio Lourdes University

Big Rapids, Michigan Ferris State University

www.gleanerlife.org

Tecumseh, Michigan University of Michigan

Wixom, Michigan Taylor University

Frankenmuth, Michigan Saginaw Valley State University

Clayton, Michigan Michigan State University

New Riegel, Ohio Wright State University

Phoenix, Arizona Grand Canyon University

Napoleon, Ohio Eastern Michigan University

Tecumseh, Michigan Kalamazoo College

Rolling Prairie, Indiana Purdue University

Brownstown, Michigan Michigan State University

Phoenix, Arizona Grand Canyon University

China, Michigan Michigan State University

Paulding, Ohio Purdue University Fort Wayne

Naperville, Illinois Creighton University

St. Clair, Michigan Oakland University

Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

Nicholas Meyers

Derek Michaelis

Alec Milnes

Kallen Mohr

Kerrington Nelson

Tanner Noble

Cameron Oakley

Alexandra Pohlad

Kaylynn Popp

Katherine Price

Johnathan Racine

Alexandra Ramirez

Joshua Reeder

Brianna Rose

Nicholas Rubino

Katelyn Rudolph

Olivia Sandrey

Noah Sargent

Ethan Scheib

Parker Selby

Glendale, Arizona The University of Arizona

Warren, Ohio Kent State University

Davison, Michigan Michigan State University

Wanatah, Indiana Purdue University

Bowling Green, Ohio The Ohio State University

Copley, Ohio The University of Akron

Birch Run, Michigan Delta Community College

Mentor, Ohio Hamilton College

\ Fall 2019 \ Forum Magazine

Kent, Ohio University of Mount Union

Grawn, Michigan Cornerstone University

Lowell, Indiana Purdue University

Piďż˝sburgh, Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh

Adrian, Michigan Hope College

Westville, Indiana Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis

Freeland, Michigan Delta College

Fowlerville, Michigan Kettering University

Marion, Ohio The Ohio State University

Mobile, Alabama Pepperdine University

Wooster, Ohio Ohio University

New Albany, Ohio The Ohio State University

www.gleanerlife.org

Josephine Shepherd

Kylie Slavik

Grace Smeltzer

Devon Smith

Genevieve Sol�s

Charles Souder

Victoria Sparks

Benjamin Strullmyer

Carli Swipas

Alexander van Til

Alexander VanDeWeghe

Tyler Wagner

Kyle Walker

Grace Waterman

Taylor WeaverRosamilia

Adam Wenzlick

Abigail Wilson

Schaumburg, Illinois Illinois State University

Elle�sville, Indiana Harvard University

Alma, Michigan University of Michigan

Birch Run, Michigan Saginaw Valley State University

www.gleanerlife.org

Ashley, Michigan Hope College

Adrian, Michigan Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilan�, Michigan Kettering University

Adrian, Michigan Grand Rapids Community College

Lancaster, Ohio Grand Canyon University

Eﬃngham, Illinois Purdue University

Vassar, Michigan Michigan State University

Chloe Wilson

Adrian, Michigan Grand Valley State University

Paulding, Ohio University of Toledo

Jackson, Michigan Ave Maria University

Warren, Ohio Miami University

Thrall, Texas Texas A&M University

Bay City, Michigan Saginaw Valley State University

Cincinna�, Ohio University of Cincinnati

Logan Wolschlager Essexville, Michigan Kettering University

Caitlyn Zimmerman Blu�on, Ohio Wright State University

Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

Improve your community� Give and Grow with Gleaner Life. If you could make a diﬀerence in your community, why wouldn’t you? Gleaner makes it easy for agents and members to give back to their communities through Give and Grow service projects. These projects can include anything from cleaning up a local park to providing lunches for the homeless. You pick the project; we’ll provide the resources! Gleaner’s Give and Grow service projects give: • • • •

The freedom to choose how you want to give and grow. A prefunded $250 Visa card for your project. Branded T-shirts for your team of volunteers. Free resources for promoting your project.

Gleaner agents and members in our 16 licensed states* age 12 and older can apply for a Give and Grow project. Learn more at www.gleanerlife.org/giveandgrow.

www.gleanerlife.org

#giveandgrow

*Gleaner Life Insurance Society is licensed in AZ, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NE, OH, PA, TN, VA, WI & WV.

Jeff Patterson Remembering

With heartfelt sadness, we announce that Jeff Patterson passed away on Friday, July 26, 2019. As CFO and senior vice president of finance and insurance operations, Jeff provided outstanding leadership and managed Gleaner Life’s financial operations for 32 years, culminating with $1.2 billion in assets. He provided invaluable oversight of the Society’s assets, investments and overall budget. Jeff dedicated his career to Gleaner, also serving as secretary and treasurer since 1997. He is remembered by all who knew him for his genuine kindness, his love for spending time on Devils Lake with his family, and as an avid fan of the University of Michigan. On behalf of a grateful Society, its members, its Board of Directors, the Senior Management Team of which Jeff was an important member, and all of our employees, agents, and business partners who both worked with, and grew to love Jeff, as we all did, we express our heartfelt condolences to Mary Lou, Jeff 's wife of 34 years, and the entire Patterson Family on this most difficult loss. In addition to his wife, Jeff is survived by his mother, Char; his children, Zachary Mitchell (Stephanie) Patterson, Megan Mitchell (Ethan) Brooks and Max Mitchell (Samantha Diehl) Patterson; his brother, Ric (Jeanne) Patterson; and grandchildren, Jack, Ella, Ben, Luca, Atlee and Baker.

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good.” –Luke 6:45, NKJV

Jeﬀ ’s contributions to Gleaner Life Insurance Society will never be forgotten, nor will his engaging smile and welcoming attitude. www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

Embark on a five-day, four-night Royal Caribbean cruise with fellow Gleaner members to Nassau, Bahamas, and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. See the cruise itinerary below. Monday, March 2 | Depart from Port Canaveral (Florida) Tuesday, March 3 | Day at sea Wednesday, March 4 | Explore Nassau, Bahamas Explore Nassau with cultural tours, the zoo, snorkeling, shopping and so much more! Thursday, March 5 | Enjoy CocoCay, Bahamas CocoCay oﬀers parasailing, kayak rentals, a water park, guided nature walks, and a beautiful beach for lounging. Friday, March 6 | Arrive back at Port Canaveral Interior staterooms are $460 per person (based on double occupancy). This price includes non-commissionable cruise fees, taxes, port expenses and gratuities, and the Royal Refreshment Package (that includes premium coﬀee, teas, bottle water sparkling (375ml) or still (500 ml), fresh squeezed orange juice, nonalcoholic cocktails and fountain soda. Register today at www.gleanerlife.org/bahamas. Registration closes Dec. 1, 2019. Very few rooms remaining.

Contact Community Engagement for more information. 800.992.1894 ext.3508 | events@gleanerlife.org 26

\ Fall 2019 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

Gleaner cruises have a long history, although the first one was a fall journey on the Great Lakes rather than the Caribbean. In 1911, The Gleaner (the original name of the Forum Magazine publication) announced a subscription contest. The top 25 finishers would receive an expense-paid, eight-day voyage with Gleaner founder Grant Slocum aboard the Britishflagged steamship Hamonic. The liner departed Sarnia, Ontario, on Sept. 27 and headed north to Lake Huron and the St. Marys River. “A ride up this river, just after king frost had delicately tinted the leaves and vines, can only be likened to our ideas, as children, of a trip through fairy land,” read an account of the trip. “And soon we were at the Soo; a veritable place of wonders. The great ship canal opened its arms and soon the Hamonic was quietly rising with the on-rushing waters, which were to raise the great ship of steel 20 feet to the level of the ‘Father of Waters,’ Lake Superior.” Other highlights included stops in Duluth as well as Fort William and Port Arthur, two Canadian cities that were merged in 1970 to become Thunder Bay. Their grain-handling infrastructure caught Slocum’s attention: “Here we saw grain elevators so large that they looked like mountains. There were dozens of these

www.gleanerlife.org

The winners assembled on the bow of the Hamonic on the return trip. mammoth elevators and holding millions of bushels of wheat, from the great Canadian grain fields.” The Gleaner group was given use of a large lounge, which it renamed “Tourist Arbor Hall,” and held meetings and even a mock trial. Two of the travelers faced the Gleaner “jury” for having their birthdays on the same day. “The boys were convicted and each given a gold Gleaner pin as a birthday present.” Traveling with the Gleaner party was a group of Methodists from England on their way to Toronto as delegates to their denomination’s international meeting. One thing the 1911 cruise shared in common with modern vacations was that the voyage back to Sarnia ended sooner than the vacationers would have liked.

Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

Gleaner Lifeâ€™s 68 arbors continue to make a difference in their communities. Interested in joining an arbor to make a difference in your community? Visit www.gleanerlife.org/arbors to learn more.

\ Fall 2019 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

Bavarian Arbor (MI) planted a small bed of flowers at the Michigan Heroes Museum in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Pacesetters 4-H members and leaders assisted with the beautification.

Capital Arbor (MI) sponsored 32 children and four adults from Fenner Nature Center Day Camp to a day at the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Michigan. The guests were treated to an animal demonstration followed by a picnic lunch. The children also received Gleaner bags with Benny the Benevolent Lion banks with 75 cents included and a pencil with animal eraser.

Champion Arbor (MI) hosted a baseball game outing for a local homeschool co-op at a semipro ballpark, Jimmy Johnâ€™s Stadium in Utica, Michigan. The Utica Unicorns and the Birmingham/Bloomfield Beavers of the United Shore Professional Baseball League squared off. The arbor sponsored the tickets and food coupons for each family. www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

Chester Arbor (OH) teamed with the Ohio State University Extension for Morrow County for a Goat Clinic and Quality Care Assurance program at the Morrow County Fairgrounds on June 11. 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator Becky Barker was a presenter for the 122 youth and parents in attendance. Jim Wilson and Julie Logan also spoke about goat care and nutrition, respectively. Then the youth practiced, completing personal interviews and hands-on experiences at the workstations in preparation for fair judging. The kids received free T-shirts provided by Chester Arbor.

Community Arbor (IN) and Logansport Boy Scouts of America Troop 2 worked together to clean up Dunwoody Park in Logansport, Indiana. The groups cut vegetation and made paths to the riverbank. Approximately 27 boys, Boy Scout leaders and Gleaner members helped make the project a success. They were rewarded with pizza and Dutch oven cherry cobbler made by two boys from the troop. 30

\ Fall 2019 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

Entrican Arbor (MI) placed flags on veteransâ€™ gravesites at Home Township Cemetery and Cedar Lake Cemetery near Cedar Lake, Michigan. This is a patriotic event that the arbor has done for many years, and itâ€™s always gratifying to see the flags flying from their holders and what they represent.

Gulf Coast Arbor (FL) hosted a beach cleanup at Lido Beach in Sarasota, Florida. The volunteers set up an area with a table, yard sign and bags for people to deposit their trash as they were leaving. www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

Maple City Arbor (MI) held a Twist into Summer event at The HOPE Community Center in Adrian, Michigan. The HOPE Center is a nonprofit organization that supports Lenawee County adults with disabilities in pursuing an empowered, healthy and community-enriched life. The arbor played lawn games with the attendees and served pizza and ice cream. A balloon artist made every adult their own personal balloon art. Arbor members enjoyed interacting and sharing the day with the participants.

Portage Center Arbor (OH) members read books to students in kindergarten through fourth grade at Elmwood Elementary School in Bloomdale, Ohio. Volunteers read books in half-hour segments. As the students left, each was given a Benny the Benevolent Lion bookmark to color. The students seemed very appreciative, as was the librarian. 32

\ Fall 2019 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

Huron Shores (MI) members decorated a float to participate in the City of Lexington’s Fourth of July parade to promote the Croswell Santa Parade on Nov. 30. Santa rode on the float dressed in his summer attire, waving to the crowd. The float also carried a bubble machine for the kids to enjoy while arbor members handed out beach balls and peppermint candies.

Marion Arbor (MI) filled goody bags to give to OASIS for children. After putting items into the bags, eight members delivered them to Marle Wendell of OASIS in Cadillac, Michigan, where Arbor President Brian Polk also presented OASIS with an $800 donation.

Madison Arbor (MI) held its annual ice cream social at the Adrian Senior Center on June 21. Seventy-three Adrian Senior Center attendees were provided with ice cream from The Spotted Cow, plus toppings such as pecans, sprinkles, M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, strawberry syrup and whipped cream. Some new faces were surprised and excited to have the ice cream bar, while others knew it was the arbor’s annual treat and expressed thanks for continuing to provide this event. Seeing the Gleaner signage and shirts, several attendees shared that they were also Gleaner members.

Simply Giving Arbor (MI) supported the Visiting Nurses Association and Blue Water Hospice by purchasing and passing out water at the River Run event. After the run, arbor members met with another organization, Tires and Treads, to learn more about the organization and make a donation of children’s shoes that will go to needy youth. www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

Oakwood Arbor (OH) hosted a nature walk along the 3-mile Buckeye Trail on Aug. 17. Prior to the event, volunteers spent several hours grooming the trail with help from Sam and Sandy Bonifas of the Buckeye Trail, as well as Brian Holbrooks and Robert Scherer with their sons and Robert Keterlee of Boy Scout Troop 19.

Welcome new arbors Gleaner Life Insurance Society recently added four new arbors. They have been busy planning and hosting events in their communities. Gleaner Lifeâ€™s newest arbor, Jasper County Arbor (IN) (pictured), was chartered on Aug. 19. It will support and be present in the Demotte and Kankakee Valley area, with Gleaner agent Dan Fagen assisting with arbor growth. Officers include Eric Hepworth, president; Xavier DeJesus, vice president; Marissa Hornback, secretary and treasurer; Ana Hepworth, reporter; and Maria Fagen, chaplain. Located in Massillon, Ohio, Prevail Arbor (OH) was chartered on May 20. It will support and be present in the Stark County area. Officers include Anita Murphy, president; Kelly Blystone, vice president; Larry Gleason, secretary and treasurer; and Michael Murphy, reporter and chaplain. New Beginnings Arbor (OH), located in West Salem, Ohio, was also chartered on May 20. It will support and be present in the Ashland County area. Gleaner agent Mike Reynolds plans to assist with growing the arbor. Officers include Michael Simmons, president; Charles Hoffman, vice president; Annette Hoffman, secretary; Stacy Simmons, treasurer; Tim Wendt, reporter; and Michael Johnson, chaplain. Gleaner agent Mel Rutkoske helped to start Champion Arbor (MI). Located in Macomb County, the arbor will support the Mount Clemens, Waterford and Warren areas. The arbor was chartered on June 26. Officers include Mel Rutkoske, president; John Daniel Hodgson, vice president; Judy Rutkoske, secretary and treasurer; Kyle Murphy, reporter; and Danielle Hodgson, chaplain.

\ Fall 2019 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

Annotti and local ofﬁcials help New Beginnings Arbor (OH) kick off

At the kickoff event for New Beginnings Arbor (OH), Joseph Annotti, president and CEO of the American Fraternal Alliance, Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) and two state representatives from the area joined over 100 individuals to recognize volunteer efforts in the Westfield, Ohio, area. Following the event, Annotti wrote about the power of local chapters saying, “The Westfield meeting was a perfect example of the difference between ‘show and tell’ when it comes to delivering the fraternal message. Alliance staff and lobbyists, as well as government affairs professionals from member societies, do a terrific job of ‘telling’ our story to public policymakers. “But when local chapters get together to help solve real problems — like hunger, which is endemic in every community — we can actually ‘show’ our story to public policymakers. And that, my friends, is the difference maker when it comes to earning the awareness and respect of public policymakers on both sides of the aisle.” Read Annotti’s full article at https://fraternalalliance.org/presidents-blog/the-power-of-local-chapters.

Regional associations host events Sixty-two members and guests attended a day at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Saturday, Aug. 17, courtesy of the Northern Michigan Regional Association. Attendees enjoyed beautiful garden displays, a tram tour and lunch. Gleaner Life’s Thumb Regional Association hosted a day at the ballpark at Dow Diamond in Midland, Michigan, in August. Gleaner members and friends cheered as the Great Lakes Loons hosted the Bowling Green Hot Rods.

www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

Thank-you notes Dear Gleaner Life Insurance Society, On behalf of the Toni and Trish House, I would like to thank you for your donation in celebration of your 125th anniversary. Your financial support helps us continue with our mission and to assist those in our community. Our mission: At Toni and Trish, no one dies alone. We collaborate in the community to provide the absolute best in individualized and compassionate end-of-life care to all who need it. We do not charge our guests for the care they receive here, but they do have to be on a hospice program. Since opening in March of 2008, we have served over 700 guests. Again, thank you for your generosity and happy anniversary. Cordially, Jo Ellen Strieter Director

\ Fall 2019 \ Forum Magazine

Dear Gleaner Life Insurance Society, Thank you so very much for your generous scholarship. It will greatly help in paying for college at the University of Michigan this year. I am also grateful for the tickets to Cedar Point, as my family and I had a great time! Thank you, Nicolette Loeding Dear Gleaner Life Insurance Society, Thank you so much for the support and for buying my birds! This was my first year doing poultry and I enjoyed the experience. Iâ€™m very thankful for your support and hope to see you again next year. Ryan Adams Fantastic 4Hers

Did you find the wheat stalk? In this issue of Forum Magazine, the wheat stalk is hidden on Page 30, in the Community Arbor photo. www.gleanerlife.org

50-YEAR MEMBERS Georgia

Thomas T. Dierdorff, Atlanta Harvey G. Dove II, Danville

Gertrude M. Heppe, Lansing

Jeannine M. Wood, Dewitt

Larry D. Hiiter, Mayville

Carol L. Frazier, Lake Villa

yr.

Matthew J. McGill, Riverdale

Trent Miller, West Chicago

Kathleen Phillips, St. Joseph

Indiana

Sharon E. Rice, Mount Pleasant

Mark Crisan, Dyer

Harold Ryckman Jr., Mio

Jeffrey Hahn, Cedar Lake

Colleen M. Schindler, Wellston

Michigan

Linda K. Seasons, Auburn Hills

Darlene Baxter Campbell, St. Louis Lenore A. Cornell, Coldwater

Karen L. Thomas, Dewitt

Marilyn Frahm, Frankenmuth

Illinois

Judith Bemis, Sheridan

Denise Crowe, Harbor Beach

Marilyn Simon, Portland Deann K. Smith, Elsie

Enza K. M. Smith, Perry

Bill B. Warner, Blissfield Ohio

Jody L. Kaminski, Toledo Nora L. Nowak, Toledo South Carolina

Paul M. Spencer, Columbia Tennessee

Ursula S. Dubois, Lawrenceburg Sally A. Howe, Parrotsville Washington

William Kulick Jr., Everett

50 yr.

75-YEAR MEMBERS California

Indiana

Ohio

Colorado

Marilyn M. Folkers, Knox

Larry E. Hockman, Napoleon

Evelyn R. Forshay, Costa Mesa Judith D. Brock, Grand Junction Florida

Richard Netzloff, Bradenton Illinois

Adrian Karsgaard, Chebanse Sharon Kibbons, Bonfield

Thomas Kurtenbach, Pontiac

Wilton G. Lambert, St. Charles Marjorie J. Lareau, Reddick Joyce B. Macon, St. Charles

Bonnie Mandernack, Antioch

Dennis Meisinger, Naperville

Raymond Pelton, Wilmington

www.gleanerlife.org

Gilbert Bonecutter, Leo

Cecelia Hammersley, Cedar Lake Jack L. Olds, LaGrange

Albert N. Reed, Kendallville Jenice E. Senne, LaPorte

Barry L. Ladd, Zionsville Kansas

Martha S. Malsbary, Olathe Michigan

Nick M. Beck, Gladwin

Beverly S. Bowsher, Cygnet Oklahoma

Darlene E. Justik, Mustang Texas

Dennis L. Lambert, Frisco Washington

Donna J. Lindbom, Gig Harbor Wisconsin

Phillip C. Decker, Juneau

Judith A. Bruystens, Vicksburg James L. Hockman, Adrian Thomas A. Keffer, Kingsley

Beulah A. Poellet, Saginaw

Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

Korinne’s Korner As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. – John 15:9-12 He then laid out his own version of “The Ten Commandments of Marriage”:

The Ten Commandments of Marriage: 1. Affirm one another.

There are many great life stories, but ours is my favorite. This summer, Kevin and I were fortunate to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Lots of memories surface from that wonderful day 40 years ago, especially of celebrating with our friends and family. Those are very happy reflections for sure. Sadly, many of our family members and even some of our friends have passed on, and we remember them and our memories together fondly. Over the July 4 holiday week this summer, we were able to spend quality time with our children and their families at our home here in Michigan, and we cheered to our blessed 40 years together. As I write, it doesn’t seem possible that those 40 years have flown by so quickly, but as a favorite song refrain goes: “the days go by so slow, but the years fly by so fast.” Several years ago, Kevin and I attended a family wedding in New York City. NYC is a fun place to visit, but one of the most memorable highlights of the weekend for us was the meditation given by the minister who conducted the wedding ceremony. We sat in the sanctuary transfixed by the message he shared with those attending. I will share the high points that I jotted down to commit to memory. The minister quoted from the book of John:

2. Keep a sense of humor.

3. Treasure the trust that is given to you. 4. Celebrate at the drop of a hat. 5. Be quick to forgive.

6. Limit the left-overs to the kitchen table. 7. Give yourselves away.

8. Rejoice in your differences. 9. Dream together

10. Thanks be to God. In our 40 years of marriage, we have found these Ten Commandments of Marriage represent a solid foundation of principles for newlyweds to work from! Fraternally, yours

Korinne Marti, Wife of Gleaner President and CEO Kevin Marti 38

\ Fall 2019 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

Recipe File The recipe I share this month was given to me in a recipe box from my mother-in-law when we married. It has been a favorite of our children and continues to be a favorite with our grandchildren. Our youngest grandson Jack calls it “Oma’s Bread” but it is truly “Grandma Ann’s Banana Bread.”

Banana Bread In one bowl, cream together: 3/4 c. Sugar 1/4 c. Crisco 3 medium bananas, mashed 1 egg

In a separate bowl, combine: 2 c. Flour 1/2 t. Baking powder and baking soda 1/4 t. Salt Alternately, add the dry mixture and ¼ c. Buttermilk to the wet mixture until combined. Pour into prepared pan and bake about 1 hour at 350 degrees F.

www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Fall 2019 \

Hi, Kids! Benny here, bringing you a warm fall greeting! This is the perfect time of year for fun activities with family or friends, like enjoying hot cocoa and pumpkin or apple cinnamon treats, watching the leaves turn beautiful colors and maybe even jumping in a pile of them.

BENNY

Our homes begin to smell like the holidays that are coming up, so why not make something decorative to match this colorful time of year? One of my favorite activities is creating Mason jar luminaries. They are creative, fun and light up your home.

Here’s how: Things you need: • Mason jars (you can get these at a dollar store) • Tissue paper in fall colors like red, orange and yellow

1. 2.

Spread the Mod Podge on the jars in sections with a paintbrush. Mod Podge dries very quickly, so have wet wipes handy. Things can get sticky. Cut or rip the tissue paper into pieces to fit on the jars. Place them on the jars where you spread the Mod Podge, creating whatever design you want.

• • • •

Construction paper in fall colors Paintbrushes Mod Podge Candles

Cut the construction paper into fun autumn designs like trees or maple leaves.

Look over your jars. Add a finishing gloss of Mod Podge if any tissue paper isn’t flat against the glass.

Add a lit candle — and admire all the fall colors. If you pick candles with pumpkin or apple spice scents, your house will smell like fall baked goods.

Benny found Nemo! During the Sept. 21 Family Day at the Indianapolis Zoo, Benny the benevolent lion had his photograph taken with Nemo the clownfish. Nemo was one of the attractions in the zoo’s Oceans biome. If you take a photo of Benny on his travels, send it to us at communityengagement@gleanerlife.org. Your photo may end up on Benny’s Page in Forum Magazine! 40

\ Fall 2019 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID BOLINGBROOK, IL PERMIT NO. 594 5200 West U.S. Highway 223, P.O. Box 1894 Adrian, Michigan 49221-7894

Thank you for

125 years of support!

We know that without dedicated members like you, we would not be celebrating this milestone year. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting Gleaner and helping your communities grow stronger. We look forward to serving the next 125 years!

125th A N N I V E R S ARY 1 8 9 4 - 2 0 1 9