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FORUM

Summer 2018 | Protecting families through life insurance since 1894. | Gleaner Life Insurance Society

MAGAZ I NE

Bloom

p. 6

where youâ€™re planted p. 14

Annuities:

Guaranteed income for life

p. 16

Give and Grow with Gleaner Life. If you could make a difference in your community, why wouldn’t you? Gleaner makes it easy for 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 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 members in our 13 licensed states* age 12 and above can apply for a Give and Grow project. Learn more at www.gleanerlife.org/giveandgrow. Read how one member recently completed a Give and Grow project on Page 10.

www.gleanerlife.org *Gleaner Life Insurance Society is licensed in AZ, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NE, OH, TN and VA.

#giveandgrow

Contents

Summer 2018

Features 6

Farm-to-table on a budget Learn about the nutritious, locally sourced food available at farmers markets and how you can aﬀordably bring farm-fresh flavor to your dinner table.

Explore

6 your

How to Give and Grow A Forum Magazine staﬀ member sees a need in her community and makes a diﬀerence with a Give and Grow project.

Explore your community Since 1894, Gleaner Life has oriented itself around a shared sense of community. Learn how to make the most of your community by shopping, dining and exploring locally.

All about annuities Are you considering purchasing an annuity? Learn how these financial solutions oﬀer tax-deferred growth and a solid foundation for your financial plan.

Congratulations, Kelsie S., from Cygnet, Ohio, the winner of Gleaner’s spring Forum Magazine giveaway.

16 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 26 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 \ Summer 2018 \

E A

more than 225 in attendance for the free event at Gleaner’s Home Office. Attendees celebrated the American flag and America’s devotion to patriotism, as they honored veterans and military personnel in service today. In addition to the ceremonial raising of the flag, veterans in full uniform saluted the flag as community members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Several state and national government officials attended and spoke. The veterans packing event, a new volunteer activity added to this year’s program, was a great success. Volunteers helped pack 100 home care kits and 100 personal care packs to be given to veterans at Housing Help of Lenawee. For the third year, Gleaner partnered with the Red Cross for a blood Arbor (MI) (pictured drive. USA Fifty-four units were collected — enough left) to savehosted 162 lives. an environmental activity

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As temperatures warmed up over the past couple of months, several arbors planned and executed events to improve the environment. Here are a few examples.

Contents

for firstgrade students at USA Elementary in Sebewaing, Michigan. The students and arbor members collaborated to construct two raised garden beds. Each student had a chance to plant a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers.

The kids had a blast learning how to tenderly brush out the roots and pack the dirt so the plants can grow. During the summer, the kids sign up to tend the garden a week at a time. They are allowed to harvest anything that is ripe and encouraged to take fresh herbs for use at home. In the fall, the new first-grade class will finish the project with a harvest. Then they will use the produce to make salsa, which both classes will enjoy to celebrate all their hard work.

FORUM Summer 2018 / V. 123 / No. 3

Officers and Senior Management Kevin A. Marti, FSA, CLU, ChFC President and CEO

Jeﬀrey S. Patterson, FLMI

Senior Vice President, CFO, Secretary and Treasurer

D. Arell Chapman, CRISC

Vice President, Information Technology

Deborah K. Elliott, SHRM-SCP, SPHR Vice President, Human Resources,

Community Engagement and Administration Barbara Janowski, RN

Vice President, Insurance Operations and Chief Underwriter

Grier C. Edwards, MBA, FIC

Assistant Vice President, Marketing and Distribution Support

Anthony D. Golden, CLU, ChFC, RICP, FIC Assistant Vice President, Independent Agent Sales and Distribution

Michelle L. Horn, ALMI

At a glance News & reviews

Assistant Vice President, Community Engagement Kaylene S. Warner, FLMI

Assistant Vice President, Finance and Controller Board of Directors

Interests

From the president

Flag Day recap

28 Korinne’s Korner

Upcoming Events

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

20 Gleaner introduces new hearing aid member benefit

30 50- and 75-year members

29 Recipe File

31 Benny’s Page

30 Letters from members

Giving back

13 Gleaner’s Loyalty Bonus 21 Arbors in Action

Jeﬀrey Price, Supreme Chief Gleaner

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

Linda Ruehrmund, Supreme Conductor Deborah Rydberg, Supreme Guard National Headquarters

5200 West U.S. Highway 223 P.O. Box 1894

Adrian, Michigan 49221-7894

p 517.263.2244 or 800.992.1894 f 517.265.7745

www.gleanerlife.org

forum@gleanerlife.org

The Forum Magazine is produced quarterly at Gleaner’s Home Off ice by Grier Edwards, Dustin Everden, Kassandra Gray, 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 members: As we reach the midpoint of 2018, your Society continues to build a strong financial foundation to weather future economic storms, such as the next recession, higher interest rates or changing laws and regulations. Our member surplus is over $94 million, an all-time high. Our financial strength allows us to keep the promises we’ve made to our members and their beneficiaries at the most critical times. And we can fund our ongoing fraternal mission, community engagement and member benefits such as our Loyalty Bonus because we have sound results in our insurance operations. Our conservative investment philosophy holds us in good stead in good times as well as bad. How is your own personal financial security “snapshot” looking for you and your family? Have you secured the life insurance coverage you need to protect your loved ones in the event you’re no longer here to help out? We have the term solutions and permanent life insurance solutions you need to protect your loved ones and leave a legacy. Are you building your asset base for retirement adequately by saving at work in a 401(k) and/or in an IRA or nonqualified annuity, hopefully with your favorite membership organization? Hint: Gleaner will serve you well in both cases! See one of our trusted independent agents, who are listed on the back of your issue of Forum Magazine, for additional details and a personal review of your financial security plans.

As we swing into summer, Gleaner Family Day events have also begun. We hope we’ve seen you already or will soon. See the schedule on Page 5. As you will see in this issue's Korinne’s Korner, our family has had a rough start to the year with the loss of her mother. And a close friend of mine for the past 30 years passed away from cancer at the way too young age of 60. With these “opportunities” experienced this year, I am reminded of a favorite saying I have pictured in my office: CHANGE “A bend in the road is not the end of the road … unless you fail to make the turn.” Here’s hoping and praying that, whatever challenges you and your family may be facing at this time, you take great comfort in the protection provided by your Gleaner membership and by the love of your Gleaner family, as Korinne and I have been fortunate to do this year in particular.

Fraternally,

Kevin A. Marti President and CEO

We welcome Barbara Janowski, vice president of insurance operations and chief underwriter, to the Gleaner management team. She brings a wealth of experience to her position and will focus on agent and member service and ease of doing business, helping us facilitate our future growth. Our 32nd annual Flag Day celebration was held at the Home Office in Adrian on June 14. We honored our flag and our veterans with wonderful speeches, music and camaraderie from an appreciative crowd. See the highlights on Page 4.

www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2018 \

Gleaner Life celebrates

Flag Day 2018 Gleaner Life Insurance Society held its 32nd annual Flag Day celebration on June 14, 2018, with more than 225 in attendance for the free event at Gleaner’s Home Office. Attendees celebrated the American flag and America’s devotion to patriotism, as they honored veterans and military personnel in service today. In addition to the ceremonial raising of the flag, veterans in full uniform saluted the flag as community members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Several state and national government officials attended and spoke. The veterans packing event, a new volunteer activity added to this year’s program, was a great success. Volunteers helped pack 100 home care kits and 100 personal care packs to be given to veterans at Housing Help of Lenawee. For the third year, Gleaner partnered with the Red Cross for a blood drive. Fifty-four units were collected — enough to save 162 lives.

\ Summer 2018 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

Upcoming Events Gleaner Family Days 2018 Members enjoy a day at popular regional venues at a discounted rate. Gleaner also provides lunch, so all you’ll have to do is come and enjoy time with your family. Fair Oaks Farms

Sept. 22 | Fair Oaks, Indiana $22 per ticket | age 2 and under free Register online at www.gleanerlife.org/familydays. Registration closes Aug. 24.

The Henry Ford

Oct. 6 | Dearborn, Michigan $20 per ticket | age 2 and under free Register online at www.gleanerlife.org/familydays. Registration closes Sept. 7.

Gleaner Getaway Tour: Washington, D.C. July 29 – Aug. 3 Registration is now closed. Look for photos from this trip in the fall 2018 issue of Forum Magazine.

Gleaner’s 2018 Family Safari to Kalahari Nov. 9-11 | Sandusky, Ohio Register today at www.gleanerlife.org/kalahari.

Look for 2019 Family Days events in the fall 2018 issue of Forum Magazine.

www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2018 \

\ Summer 2018 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

FARM TO

TABLE ON A BUDGET

How to get the best deals at your local farmers market The farm-to-table movement is all the rage these days, but all that freshness comes with a hefty price tag. A locally grown salad at a restaurant might cost twice as much as the shipped variety, and the price tag on that farm-raised, grass-fed steak could be even higher. That might be discouraging, but you do not have to let your limited budget get in the way of your quest for fresh food. The best locally grown produce and meats can be as close as the farmers market down the road. The key is knowing how to strike the best bargain and find the best providers.

Use the quest for freshness to your advantage Farmers markets are all about freshness, and you can use that to your advantage. Farmers strive to provide fruits and vegetables picked at their peak and rushed to market. That means their shelf life may be somewhat limited. You can use that to strike a better deal. Ask the farmer if there is riper fruit on hand. Peaches fairly bursting with juice and berries just slightly past their prime can still make for great eating. Because farmers know this almost too ripe fruit will not be good for much longer, they may be willing to negotiate a lower price. www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2018 \

Looking for life insurance protection with more options?

STRATEGIC CHOICE Indexed Universal Life

Go beyond insuring your loved ones. Set them up for financial stability. Strategic Choice IUL® offers all the benefits of traditional universal life insurance with the opportunity for greater growth with indexed allocations. So you’re not just securing your loved ones. You're planning for a brighter future. Contact your Gleaner agent, listed on the back of this publication, or find an agent online at www.gleanerlife.org to learn more about the benefits of indexed universal life insurance.

www.gleanerlife.org | 5200 West U.S. Highway 223 | Adrian, Michigan 49221 p 800.992.1894 | f 517.265.7745 Adrian, Michigan | Licensed in AZ, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NE, OH, TN and VA. Strategic Choice IUL® Form No. ICC17-IUL with state-specific variations. This ad is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to recommend a specific product, nor is it intended to provide any legal or professional advice. For information on possible tax implications, you should consult with a legal or tax adviser.

Show up at closing time If you want some even better bargains, show up just as the market is about to close for the day. Local producers are often reluctant to pack up unsold produce, especially if it will be too ripe by the next market day. You can strike some great bargains this way. You may need to attend the market for a few weeks to get a feel for how things work and when the vendors start to pack up their wares and head back to the farm. Most farmers markets have set hours, but some vendors will call it a day before others. Showing up right as your favorite farmer is bringing out the boxes can give you extra bargaining power. www.gleanerlife.org

Get to know your local farmers

time, keeping your freezer full without emptying your wallet.

Don't be afraid to talk to the farmers. Most are eager to tell you about their operations. Getting to know them can also be a great way to get a better deal on everything from a head of lettuce to a side of beef.

Farmers markets have been growing in popularity, no doubt riding the wave of local food enthusiasts. Consumers are increasingly concerned about where their food comes from, and the local market gives them the opportunity to trace their meals from the field to the table. For those who know how to shop, attending these markets can also be a money-saving activity, with fresh produce and great meats and cheeses costing less than the grocery store.

Many of these vendors also sell directly from their farms, often at prices lower than those at their stands. The lower overhead of direct sales allows them to reduce the price and still make a profit. This strategy works particularly well if you are in the market for a freezer full of meat. You may be able to strike a deal to buy a quarter or half side of beef at a

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2018 \

A Forum staff writer makes an impact on her community with Give and Grow. Gleaner Life member and employee Julie Tison shares her recent experience with carrying out a Give and Grow project in Addison, Michigan, where her children attend school and play ball. The first sign of spring for my family often comes when we receive calendars for ball schedules. In Michigan, you never know what type of weather will hit those early practices. We compete with snow, rain, sleet â€” you never know. One rare day, all of the stars aligned and a decent day (weather-wise) fell on the same day as T-ball practice for my 6-year-old son. I loaded up the van, and we headed to Sroufe 10

\ Summer 2018 \ Forum Magazine

Park in Addison, Michigan. As we were walking toward the ball field with my 2-year-old in tow, we had to stop so he could play on a wooden truck play structure near the entrance of the park. I immediately noticed how badly the area needed mulch and instantly knew how I could help make that happen.

The following Monday, I contacted the Village of Addison to seek the permissions needed to replenish the mulch. Bruce Clark, Department of Public Works superintendent, informed me that the mulch needed to be a specific type to ensure the publicâ€™s safety. He further helped by calling around and locating a local mulch

www.gleanerlife.org

wholesaler and securing a quote for the price of the mulch. Next, I contacted my daughterâ€™s Girl Scout troop leader to see if they might be interested in helping spread the mulch and beautify the park. With her go-ahead, I had everything I needed to apply for a Give and Grow project: a clear project vision and volunteers. That evening, I logged into my Gleaner Life member online account and filled out the application. The following week, I had approval and funding for the project. We picked a Wednesday afternoon when Girl Scout Troop 60075 regularly meets. About a week before the event, I received my Give and Grow box full of T-shirts for every volunteer, the credit card needed to pay for the mulch, a checklist to help coordinate the event, pens, a banner to hang in the park and thank-you cards. It truly had everything I needed to complete the project. Despite the need to reschedule because of a wetter than normal spring, the day finally came to gather together and complete the project. In addition to the Girl Scouts, I recruited a few colleagues and friends who brought rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows and muscles to help us complete the project. The actual project took only about 45 minutes. Everyone had a fun time contributing to a fun cause. It meant a lot to me to include my daughter, Emma, and her Girl Scout troop because I want her to give back to her community freely. As a society, we must identify ways to strengthen our communities. I www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2018 \

hope the next generation continues to serve others in similar ways, as so many generations before them have done. The Give and Grow project makes it easy for anyone to volunteer. Itâ€™s exciting and humbling to be able to play a small part in helping improve my community. Iâ€™m proud to be a member and employee of Gleaner Life Insurance Society, an organization that truly cares about its community and encourages (and funds) volunteer projects. Can you identify a need in your community? Gleaner Life grants eight Give and Grow projects every month. So keep your eyes open for ways to use these meaningful service projects to help improve your community. Learn more at www.gleanerlife.org/giveandgrow.

Give and Grow service projects are available to Gleaner members age 12 and up. Eight projects are awarded every month throughout our 13 licensed states. Learn more and apply online at www.gleanerlife.org/giveandgrow.

Interested in doing more?

! or b r a n Start a

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

Gleaner currently has established arbors in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Florida and Nebraska, but arbors can be planted anywhere Gleaner is licensed. Start by visiting www.gleanerlife.org/arbors to see if there is an arbor in your area. If not, follow the five steps listed below to get started. It just takes 10 benefit members (members who own a life insurance or annuity certificate) who want to make a positive impact in their community. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 12

Contact the Community Engagement Department. The staff will help you identify members living in your community who also like to give back. With your assistance, Gleaner will host a fun and meaningful kickoff event to explain what an arbor is and how it can benefit your community. Complete a petition form for a new arbor with the signatures of 10 benefit members, five of whom are potential officers. Once Gleaner's Board of Directors has approved your new arbor's charter, start-up and Samaritan activity, grant funds will be provided by Gleaner to help you get off to a great start. Identify community needs and set goals for the arbor.

\ Summer 2018 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

Gleaner’s Loyalty Bonus Rewarding our long-standing members for their loyalty to the Society

At Gleaner Life, we are proud of and grateful for our members’ continued loyalty. In every issue of Forum Magazine, we recognize our 50- and 75-year members, many of whom have enjoyed the benefits of Gleaner membership since childhood (see Page 30 for this issue’s honorees). But did you know that long-term Gleaner membership also has a financial benefit? Our terminal dividend endorsement, also known as the Loyalty Bonus, provides an additional death benefit to members who hold certain annuity and permanent life certificates for more than five years. The Loyalty Bonus is equal to a percentage of the death benefit (or account value, in the case of annuities), with a maximum terminal dividend of $20,000 per life member and per annuity member: Years 6-10

Life:

Annuity:

5% of the death beneﬁt

1% of the accumulated value

Years 11-15 7.5% of the death beneﬁt 1.5% of the accumulated value Years 16+

10% of the death beneﬁt

2% of the accumulated value

For instance, a member who holds a Strategic Choice IUL® certificate with a face amount of $50,000 would receive a terminal dividend of $2,500 for years 6 through 10, $3,750 for years 11 through 15 and $5,000 for years 16 and above.* The Loyalty Bonus is currently available on Strategic Choice IUL®, Secure Life Plus, Endurance Life, RMD Life, Legacy Life and The Gleaner Life Foundation Series® annuities. Retired life and annuity solutions that feature the Loyalty Bonus include Creative Life, Harvest annuities, Homestead annuities and Yield annuities.

Earn your Loyalty Bonus early Certain members are eligible to exchange their older Harvest or Homestead annuity for a new Foundation SP9 annuity and receive an early payout of their Loyalty Bonus. Even more, the member can begin earning a new Loyalty Bonus on his or her new annuity certificate. Eligibility requires the annuity to be out of its surrender charge period, have a minimum account value of $50,000 and for the annuitant to be age 85 or below. For more information on Gleaner’s Loyalty Bonus or the annuity internal exchange program, contact your Gleaner agent, listed on the back of this publication.

Strategic Choice IUL® Form No. ICC17-IUL; Secure Life Plus Form No. ICC17-WL; Endurance, RMD and Legacy Life Form No. ICC17-SPWL; The Gleaner Life Foundation Series® Form Nos. FPDA9-13, ICC15-SP6 and ICC15-SP9; all with state-specific variations. Gleaner Life Insurance Society is domiciled in Adrian, Michigan, and licensed in AZ, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NE, OH, TN and VA. *Based on death benefit Option A (face amount only).

\ Summer 2018 \ Forum Magazine

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It’s so easy to get into a routine and not stray from it, but this summer, try exploring your community to find the hidden gems close to home. Many individuals find a routine that works for them and stick to it. They stop at the same coffee shops on their way to work. They order lunch from the same restaurants. They purchase their groceries at the same stores. They take their children and dogs to the same parks. There’s a certain level of comfort that comes from routine. But have you stopped to consider what you might be missing?

This summer, explore your community. Purchase produce from a local farmers market instead of your regular grocer. When you shop from local vendors, your purchases support hardworking farmers and neighbors who labor over gardens to provide healthy and fresh options for the public. If you think it’s too expensive, read about ways to support the farmers market without emptying your wallet on Page 7. www.gleanerlife.org

Explore a lesser-known park — one without a playground. State parks often have trails for hiking and exploring nature. Instead of heading to the local playground, take your children on a nature hike at a state park. You could even make a scavenger hunt out of it. Visit www.stateparks.com and select your state to find parks near you. Visit the specialty children’s store in your town the next time you need to shop for a baby shower or birthday party. A lot of these niche shops depend on loyal customers to keep their business afloat as they compete with bigger chain stores and online shopping options. These specialty shops often include unique and well-made gifts that you can’t find in chain stores. Attend the movie in the park. Many local parks and organizations host events that are free or charge nominal fees as a service to their communities. Check community calendars on local media websites or through social media for these public events.

The possibilities are endless. So are the benefits to your neighbors. Not sure where to start? Ask your friends for suggestions. Word of mouth is a powerful resource. You could also take a walk around town on your next free night to see what new shops and restaurants may have recently opened. Staying local helps you give to your neighbors and grow as an individual and community member. When you support your neighbors, you’ll get to know them as individuals. The more a community knows and appreciates each member, the stronger it will be. So start exploring today. If you enjoyed these tips on exploring your community, email your name and phone number to forum@gleanerlife.org by Aug. 15 for a chance to win a gift basket from Harry and David®.

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2018 \

Guaranteed income for life

If you have life insurance, you’ve taken a wise and important step in securing your loved ones. But life insurance is only one side of the coin. You’ve prepared your loved ones for the unexpected, but have you adequately prepared for your own f inancial future?

\ Summer 2018 \ Forum Magazine

Annuities can provide stability for retirement while oﬀering tax-deferred growth in the meantime. Best of all, you can enjoy the benefits of your prudence while you’re still living. In this article, we'll explore diﬀerent types of annuities and take a look at how annuities play a role in your financial plan.

www.gleanerlife.org

What is an annuity? It’s easiest to think of an annuity as complementary to life insurance. If you die prematurely, life insurance provides a financial resource for your beneficiaries. Conversely, an annuity can help protect against outliving your resources by providing supplemental income for the rest of of your life. At its core, an annuity is a retirement savings plan that provides tax-deferred growth and guaranteed income. It can be a supplement to an employer-sponsored retirement plan or take the place of one entirely. An annuity owner (also known as an annuitant) can contribute to an annuity on a regular basis or fund it with a lump sum, like a 401(k) rollover or inheritance.

There are two phases to an annuity: the accumulation phase and the income phase. 1. The accumulation phase During the accumulation phase, an annuity increases in value through interest and premium contributions. The amount of interest earned is determined by many factors, such as bond and market performance and the annuity’s total value. Over time, small contributions to an annuity build momentum and can grow into a healthy nest egg. A licensed agent can help you determine how much to contribute based on your long-term goals.

2. The income phase When an annuitant is ready, he or she can turn the annuity into a steady stream of guaranteed income, usually at or near retirement. This process is called annuitization. The annuitant decides how often to receive payments (monthly, annually, etc.) and how long to receive them (for life, for a specific period of time, for a spouse’s life, etc.). These decisions, along with the total account value, determine how much income the annuity will generate. If an annuitant dies before reaching the income phase, under current tax law the annuity’s value goes to a designated beneficiary without probate.

www.gleanerlife.org

An annuity can provide supplemental income for the rest of your life, helping to protect you from outliving your resources.

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2018 \

Types of annuities Fixed-deferred annuities

Variable annuities

When you purchase a fixed-deferred annuity, it will earn the declared first-year interest rate during its first 12 months. After that, it will earn a renewal rate, which may increase or decrease from year to year but will never fall below the guaranteed minimum interest rate. The annuity grows tax-deferred during the accumulation phase without the risk of losing value. Fixed-deferred annuities can be flexible-premium (allowing for multiple deposits during the accumulation phase) or single-premium (funded with a lump sum without subsequent deposits).

Unlike indexed annuities, variable annuities invest their value into equity and bond subaccounts. This can allow for high returns, but the annuity can also lose value, presenting greater risk than other types of annuities. When annuitized, income payments can vary based on market performance. Variable annuities often feature a guaranteed death benefit to help mitigate their risk. They can be flexible- or single-premium.

Multi-year guarantee annuities (MYGAs) A MYGA is a specific type of fixed-deferred annuity that earns the declared interest rate for several years, typically between three and seven. After that, the MYGA will earn a renewal rate with a guaranteed minimum. MYGAs are typically single-premium.

Interested in learning about Gleanerâ€™s growing portfolio of annuity products? Contact your Gleaner agent, listed on the back of this publication, or visit www.gleanerlife.org to learn more and view current first-year interest rates.

Immediate annuities Immediate annuities skip the accumulation phase and begin producing income right away. A competitive current accumulation rate is factored into the income payments. Because there is no accumulation phase, immediate annuities are single-premium.

Indexed annuities Indexed annuities have the potential for greater longterm growth because the interest rate follows the movement of an external stock index. The interest rate is subject to certain factors, such as participation rates and cap rates, which are declared in advance. The guaranteed minimum is called a floor rate and is generally much lower than the guaranteed minimum featured on a fixed-deferred annuity, sometimes as low as zero percent. Despite this, indexed annuities do not lose value when markets perform poorly. Indexed annuities can be flexible- or single-premium. 18

\ Summer 2018 \ Forum Magazine

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Does your CD offer a rate of 3.20%?* Fixed growth doesn’t have to equal minimal growth. Many people who are familiar with bank CDs are not familiar with the other traditional way to earn high, safe accumulation rates — fixed annuities. In fact, fixed annuities oﬀer many unique advantages, especially for those saving for retirement or those already retired:

• Higher yields • Faster growth through tax deferral • Greater liquidity† • Guaranteed income for life • Loyalty Bonus providing an additional death benefit to beneficiaries in certain certificate years (read more on Page 13!) Choose The Gleaner Life Foundation Series® fixed annuities to secure a competitive current interest rate with a minimum guarantee. To learn more about the benefits of tax-deferred growth with Gleaner annuities, contact your Gleaner agent, listed on the back of this publication, or find an agent online at www.gleanerlife.org.

The Gleaner Life

www.gleanerlife.org

*Rates of 3.20 percent currently available on Foundation SP9 annuities with account values of $250K and above. †The Gleaner Life Foundation Series® allows you to withdraw up to 10 percent (Foundation SP9 and SP6) or 15 percent (Foundation 9) of the account value each year without incurring a surrender charge. The Gleaner Life Foundation Series® Form Nos. FPDA9-13, ICC17-SPDA6 and ICC17-SPDA9 with state-specific variations. Gleaner Life Insurance Society is domiciled in Adrian, Michigan, and licensed in AZ, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NE, OH, TN and VA. This ad is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to recommend a specific product, nor is it intended to provide any legal or professional advice. For information on possible tax implications, you should consult with a legal or tax adviser.

Arbors in Action Bavarian Arbor (MI) hosted a community outreach event where participants learned the German tradition of pretzel making. Gleaner member Joan Marie Weiss led the free event, guiding the volunteers in preparing the dough and sharing about the legend and history of this homemade treat.

She finished her presentation by inviting the guests into the Frankenmuth Farmers Market kitchen and teaching them how to roll and form a pretzel. The volunteers baked the pretzels, and the finale, of course, was when everyone dipped the pretzels in special sauces and ate their fill.

Chester Arbor (OH) members assisted member Dick Noll with his “Wacky Wonderful World of Physics” program at The Tomorrow Center school for students with special learning needs. The March 5 event meant a lot to the students, who enjoy weekly visits from Gleaner volunteers who help them with art projects. Noll is a wheelchair wizard who teaches that physics is a science that helps us learn how everything in our universe works. He has worked in the physics department of Ohio State University for over 40 years and enjoyed creating programs for his son and his son’s classmates. He continued his programs after being diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a bacterial infection that left him in a wheelchair. The Tomorrow Center students in grades 6-12 enjoyed his use of toys and everyday items to demonstrate the laws of physics as well as his hands-on opportunities for them to participate.

www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2018 \

Gleaner arbors teach and maintain earth-friendly projects

As temperatures warmed up over the past couple of months, several arbors planned and executed events to improve the environment. Here are a few examples. USA Arbor (MI) (pictured left) hosted an environmental activity for firstgrade students at USA Elementary in Sebewaing, Michigan. The students and arbor members collaborated to construct two raised garden beds. Each student had a chance to plant a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers.

Glen Arbor (MI) (pictured right) organized a City of Clio cleanup day. The volunteers spruced up garden bump-outs, Veterans Memorial Park, Clio Historical Museum and Clio Area Amphitheater. The arbor treated the hard workers to a pizza luncheon following the project.

Rolling Prairie Arbor (IN) (pictured right) helped third-grade students at Rolling Prairie Elementary learn more about Earth. Sacha GeeBurns, soil and water environmental educator and public outreach co-coordinator for the Indiana Soil and Water Conservation Districts, discussed composting, earthworms and how they aďŹ€ect our soil.

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N E Oakwood Arbor (OH) (pictured above) members and the families of six local citizens met at the town park to plant trees in memory of Dr. Keats, Donnie Adams, Dale Roughton, Virginia Brown, Eunice Bradford and Nolan (Tucker) Shisler. School children read about the types of trees: pine, buckeye, maple, locust and elm. Family members shared memories of their loved ones. Each tree featured a nameplate of the person for whom the tree was planted.

Maple City Arbor (MI) (pictured below) welcomed Stacy Tilton, manager of the Veggie Mobile, to its May meeting. She spoke about the new community garden at the new hospital. Maple City plans to assist with a plot donated to the Boys & Girls Club. The arbor will provide volunteer hours, funding and supplies to get the garden started. Gleaner members also purchased fresh vegetables from the Veggie Mobile.

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Portage Arbor (OH) (pictured below) rented the local bowling alley and invited a 4-H Club and three church youth groups to join the arbor for two hours of free bowling, pizza, pop and cookies on a Sunday afternoon. All the lanes were full. Youth and parents both thanked the arbor many times. The oldest bowler was arbor member Max Flaugher, who is 90-plus.

Community Arbor (IN) (pictured below) members hosted a pep rally to get Columbia Academy sixthgraders excited about the ISTEP (Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus), Indianaâ€™s standardized test. The arbor also purchased and made snack bags for students to have during testing week.

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2018 \

E Adrian Arbor (MI) (pictured right) invited the Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee, Young Marines and Home Office employees to its annual skating party. The arbor covered the skate rental, a drink pass and pizza.

Grand Blanc Arbor (MI) (pictured right) members spent a day at Perry House Pioneer Days, where they welcomed and helped direct guests as they toured the grounds to learn more about local history. Arbor members interacted with actors portraying Civil War officers and participated in an archaeological dig at the old homesteadâ€™s dump site, where a suspected 1922 Model T car (or at least part of one) is being uncovered. There were coďŹ€ee, doughnuts and hot dogs for all visitors, and the garden club brought in native Michigan perennials that have been popular on farms for centuries.

Birch Run Arbor (MI) (pictured right) hosted its annual sew-in event, where arbor members teamed with community members and students from Birch Run High School to pin, cut and tie fabric pieces to complete 12 pillowcases and 12 quilts. The items were donated to a local nursing home and the Foster Closet.

\ Summer 2018 \ Forum Magazine

www.gleanerlife.org

Don’t miss out on exclusive discounts If you’re not using PerkSpot, you could be missing out on hundreds of discounts. As a thank-you to our valued members, Gleaner Life Insurance Society partners with PerkSpot to oﬀer discounts to merchants in dozens of categories, including apparel, automotive, computers and other electronics, food, health and wellness, sports and outdoors, theme parks, toys — and so much more. PerkSpot is a free, one-stop shop for exclusive discounts to many national and local merchants. Getting started is easy. Gleaner members can sign up on the member portal at www.gleanerlife.org. Once logged into PerkSpot, members can browse discounts in a number of convenient ways by perusing categories, searching for favorite merchants or using a streamlined map to discover local discounts. Members can also opt in to receive PerkSpot’s weekly email with a curated selection of discounts. Each week’s email features new and popular deals as well as seasonal and thematic oﬀers. PerkSpot’s negotiating experts will work to get favorite merchants of members. Don’t see the retailer or product you want? No problem. Request a merchant through your PerkSpot account. PerkSpot is just one of the many benefits Gleaner members receive. If you aren’t a Gleaner member, now is the perfect time to purchase a life insurance product or an annuity and take advantage of the many benefits that coincide with being a Gleaner member. To learn more, log on to the Member Portal at www.gleanerlife.org.

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Forum Magazine \ Summer 2018 \

AB Bay Area Arbor (FL) (pictured left) members sponsored a booth at the annual Sun City Center Fun Fest Community Gathering, where they sold strawberry shortcakes to raise money for Paws for Patriots, which provides dogs for veterans. They raised $1,133.

Capital Arbor (MI) (pictured left) donated kitchen supplies to Endeavor House Ministries in Lansing, a home for those recovering from substance addiction. Arbor members purchased large frying pans, a knife set, cups, mops and brooms, a four-slice toaster and storage containers. They delivered the items and toured the house in February.

Sulphur Springs Arbor (IL) (pictured left) hosted a Benny coloring contest and picnic lunch at the Coal City Lions Hall to kick oďŹ€ summer. Local art teacher Julie Brencich selected three winners in these grade categories: kindergarten-first, second-third and fourth-fifth. Each winner received a Gleaner Life Just For KidsÂŽ term life certificate.

\ Summer 2018 \ Forum Magazine

Did you find the wheat stalk?

In this issue of Forum Magazine, the wheat stalk was hidden on Page 6, in the carrots bin.

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B Mid Michigan Arbor (MI) (pictured right) hosted a group of Leader Dog trainers and their six dogs in April. These trainers get the pups at eight weeks and do their best to teach them basic commands, such as sit and stay, not to be distracted by other people and much more. After one year, the dogs go to a Leader Dog trainer to be taught everything it needs to know before being placed with a blind person. Arbor members Ann and Frank Davis have been raising pups for around 30 years. They now have Moonbeam and her 10 pups, born March 29, 2018. After three more litters, Moonbeam will be retired. The arbor presented Ann with a $500 check to help with expenses.

Homer Township Oak Arbor (IL) (pictured right and above) hosted Ladies High Tea in May. Participants enjoyed refreshments and also learned more about the importance of life insurance as they listened to a Mission for LIFEÂŽ presentation.

Hawthorne Arbor (IN) (pictured above) hosted bingo for 38 residents at Lowell Healthcare. Arbor members assisted the residents, and everyone won two prizes. The leftover prizes were donated to the nursing home. Many hugs were given in appreciation for the bingo and prize assortment.

North Baltimore Arbor (OH) (pictured right) hosted a patriotic bingo party for kindergarten students at Powell Elementary in North Baltimore. Bingo cards were converted to spell FLAGS. Children were awarded prizes when they won. If they won more than once, they picked a fellow student at their table who hadnâ€™t yet won a prize. After bingo, students were served cupcakes with white icing and red and blue sprinkles on napkins that looked like flags.

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Forum Magazine \ Summer 2018 \

Korinne’s Korner As I prepare this article, the sun is shining down on me. I can hear someone mowing grass. I am filled with gratitude that all is well with our world at the Marti household. Every day it’s my goal to awaken with this sense of purpose and thankfulness. However, life’s journey is always full of peaks and valleys, and 2018 has proven to reinforce that reality. After a long journey with memory issues and declining overall health, my mother passed away in April at the age of 88. She was an amazing, strong and loving mother who was always such an important part of our family's lives. What a blessing to my sisters, to me and to Kevin and our children to have been influenced by such a devoted woman. After my father passed away in 1999, she became an even larger presence in our lives from one move to the next, always lending a helping hand and traveling with us on family vacations. We all have cherished memories of her that comfort us now. Looking back on the last several months, I am overwhelmed by our many friends' generosity. Kevin, our children and I have heard from friends who had

\ Summer 2018 \ Forum Magazine

known my mom but hadn’t seen her in years. They expressed their sympathy, sent flowers and made phone calls to reminisce and let us all know we are in their thoughts and prayers. My heart also overflowed at the response from our newer friends and co-workers in Michigan who never really got to know my mom. Her deteriorating health prevented her from visiting us or attending family functions for the last five years, so none of our fellow Michiganders had the opportunity to meet or talk to her. To my total surprise, the expressions of sympathy were amazing. We received floral arrangements, a beautiful wind chime that fills the air by our home every day, a gift card from the Gleaner employees for me to purchase a special reminder of mom and cards beyond belief. So my thought that I want to share with you today is GENEROSITY. Why can’t we all work GENEROSITY into our daily lives and routines? Not just when tragedy or loss strikes one of us or one of our friends, but toward our fellow human beings each and every day? Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Today I share with you all a Marti family classic — Monkey Bread. Whenever our family is all together, whether at the lake or a family member’s home, it's a Marti staple at breakfast time. As the years have passed, my grandchildren now help me prepare it. What a wonderful memory for them and us!

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Monkey Bread 2-3 tablespoons plus ¾ cup chopped nuts 3 cans refrigerated Pillsbury™ biscuits 1 stick margarine 1 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons water Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a Bundt pan with nonstick spray and sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of chopped nuts on the bottom of the pan. Open the biscuit cans and cut each biscuit in half. Roll half of the biscuits into small balls — the kids love this part — and place over the nuts in the pan. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the margarine, brown sugar, remaining nuts and water and bring to a boil. Pour half of the sugar mixture over the biscuits in the pan. Roll the rest of the biscuits into balls, place in the pan and pour the remaining sauce over them. Bake until golden, 20-25 minutes. Allow to cool in the pan 2-3 minutes. Flip onto a large platter (I usually cover the platter in foil for easier cleanup) and serve with butter. ENJOY! Fraternally,

Korinne Marti, Wife of Gleaner President and CEO Kevin Marti

www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2018 \

50-year members Colorado

Missouri

Stanley W. Kozlowski, Englewood

Nancy L. Nagel, Kirksville

Denise M. Hall, Celebration

Julie Hanshaw, Bryan

William B. Clark, Yorkville

Constance F. Kinkelaar, Painesville

Rosemary Pershey, Joliet

Tennessee

Michigan

Texas

Florida Illinois

Ohio

Olive K. Jones, Ashtabula

yr.

Anita Drendel, Gardner

Patricia Neumann, Akron

Alaine L. Rovenhagen, Joliet

Joy A. Mann, Nashville

Margaret A. Dunn, Frankfort

Paul J. Pershey, Garland

Kevin K. Hollenbeck, Frankfort Timothy L. Hunt, Rockford Duane Litchfield, Lansing

Congratulations 75-year members

75 5 Michigan

Kenneth W. Johnson, Fort Myers

Frederick Black Jr., Sandusky

Richard E. Morris, Ocala

Norma L. Federspiel, Wheeler

Illinois

Mary L. Frakes, Merrill

Raymond L. Louks, Brooksville

Paula Bullington, Livonia

Rosemary Yagelski, Bradenton

Ross O. Fitzner, Burton

John V. Bellot, Saunemin

Donald Graham, Decatur

Shirley M. Morgan, Joliet

yr.

Thomas G. Hart, Standish

Judith A. Houghtaling, Beaverton

Mary E. Splear, Kankakee

Robert A. Johnson, Edenville

Indiana

Donald Morris, Big Rapids

Shirley M. Zeller, Pontiac

Nancy J. McCleery, Petersburg

Robert E. Broe, Cedar Lake

Gary H. Strieter, Saginaw

Joseph Dreyovich, Chesterton

Minnesota

Julia A. Croucher, Bargersville

Gorden T. Wyant, Alma

Sharon E. Mevis, Culver

Clara L. Esser, Brainerd

Shirley K. Paris, Bargersville 30

\ Summer 2018 \ Forum Magazine

Thank you for partnering with the ProMedica Veggie Mobile by sponsoring Wednesday, March 21, 2018, in support of the Adrian Senior Center. Your $200 donation provided over 50 people with fresh fruits and vegetables that day. It is a joy and privilege to serve the community with companies like Gleaner Life Insurance Society. Thank you again for your generosity.

Stacey Tilton Farm Project Manager/Veggie Mobile, Bixby and Herrick Hospitals

Lee A. Zatkovic, Frankfort

Norma J. Berard, Crest Hill

Dear Maple City Arbor (MI) of Gleaner Life Insurance Society,

Sincerely,

Elizabeth A. Ruﬀ, Oxford

Florida

Thank you letters

Dear Gleaner Life Insurance Society and Oakwood Arbor (OH),

We are overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity in providing gas cards for our son, Chance, and daughter-in-law, Brittany, as they travel back and forth to Toledo Children’s Hospital for chemo and radiation treatments for our precious 8-month-old granddaughter, Whitley. Our hearts are truly full of gratitude as you have helped meet the need that has resulted in many, many trips to the hospital. Three months down, and 15 months to go as Whitley journeys to be cancer-free. Thank you for your prayers, your generous gift, and your love and support. You have been such a blessing, and we will never forget what you have done for our son’s family. Blessings, Tim and Robin Worline

www.gleanerlife.org

HI, kids! I hope you’re enjoying summer. It’s a great time of year to enjoy

fresh fruits and vegetables. Here’s a fun idea: The next time your

mom and dad head to the farmers market, ask if you can tag along to pick out your favorite fruits. You’ll probably find strawberries, BENNY

blueberries, peaches and watermelon. These fresh treats are good

for you and make healthy snacks. They also are great toppings for yogurt and ice cream parfaits. Check out the easy summer recipe below, and ask an adult to help you put it all together. Take care!

BENNY

The Benevolent Lion

You will need: Fresh fruit (berries and other summer favorites) Granola Dried fruit Nuts Vanilla yogurt

Instructions: Don’t forget to wash your hands before you start. Next, you’ll want to wash the fruit to remove dirt and germs. Place several small bowls on your counter or workstation. Next, ask an adult to cut fruit or help you cut the fruit into small pieces. Place the cut fruit in the bowls. You can also add bowls of granola or dried berries and nuts. Don’t forget the yogurt! Now comes the fun part. Grab your bowl or cup, and create your perfect parfait. First, add a little yogurt and then some dried berries, nuts and granola to taste. Repeat until you’re satisfied. This easy recipe makes a great breakfast or dessert on a summer night. www.gleanerlife.org

Forum Magazine \ Summer 2018 \

Privacy Notice Your financial security, satisfaction and privacy are very important to us. We value the continued confidence you have placed in us, and we are serious about our commitment to keep your personal information private. This document describes how we handle your personal information and the steps that we take to protect your privacy.

Definitions • Public Information refers to what is lawfully available to the general public from federal, state or local government records; widely distributed media; or disclosures to the general public that are required to be made by federal, state or local law. • Nonpublic Information is personally identifiable financial and medical information. It also means any list, description or other grouping of individuals and publicly available information pertaining to them that is derived from any personally identifiable information that is not publicly available. • Consumer Reporting Agency is an entity, that regularly provides reports (Consumer Reports), including information regarding an individual's general reputation, character, personal characteristics or mode of living and financial status. The information may be obtained through interviews with the individual or third parties, such as the individual's business associates, family members, friends, neighbors, acquaintances or financial sources. • You means any individual who obtains or has obtained a financial product or service from the Society. • Gleaner Life Insurance Society is referred to as the “Society,” “us,” “we” or “our.”

Collecting Information to Conduct Business We obtain information about you to help us serve your financial needs, provide customer service, oﬀer new products or services, and fulfill legal and regulatory requirements. The type of information that the Society collects varies according to the products you request and includes:

\ Summer 2018 \ Forum Magazine

• Information that you provide to us in an application or other forms (name, address, Social Security number, assets and income, etc.). • Information about your relationship with us (products or services purchased, account balances, payment history, etc.). • Information about your transactions with us (balances, premium payments, loans, claims, etc.) or others. • Information that we may receive from a Consumer Reporting Agency. • Information from non-Gleaner sources (such as medical information, etc.).

Sharing Information With Others We do not disclose any personal Nonpublic Information about you to anyone, except: • On occasion, your name, age, place of residence, length of membership as well as your involvement in any fraternal activity with the Society may be disclosed in one of our publications (e.g. Forum Magazine), at one of our fraternal events (picnics, etc.) or for public relations purposes (news releases, photographs, etc.). All information disclosed about you as mentioned here will be of favorable intent and will not compromise the confidentially of your other Nonpublic Information; • Many employers or other plan sponsors restrict the information that can be shared about their employees or members by companies that provide them with products or services such as a 401(k) plan, 457 plan, etc. In our business relationships with such institutions, we always honor these restrictions. If you have a relationship with the Society because of the

products or services provided through an employer or other plan sponsor, we will abide by the specific privacy rules imposed by that organization; • We will not share medical information for marketing purposes; • As permitted by law. For example, we may disclose information in response to a subpoena, to prevent fraud or to comply with an inquiry by governmental agency or regulator; or, • As you may authorize.

Access to Your Information is Authorized for Gleaner Purposes Only We restrict access to your personal, insurance and medical information to the Society’s employees who need to know that information in order to provide insurance or service to you. We are, and will continue to be, vigilant in safeguarding your personal financial and medical information.

Security Standards We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to comply with federal and state regulations regarding the safeguarding of Nonpublic Information. It is our sincere desire to maintain complete, accurate and up-to-date records. You may contact us at the address or telephone number on page 2 to access, as provided by law, information included in your file. We will promptly correct any error in our information. To protect your privacy, you will need to identify yourself by providing us with your name, date of birth and Social Security number.

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$160 per night* for members, $205 per night* for nonmembers Kalahari Resorts & Conventions | Sandusky, Ohio Join us November 9-11, 2018, at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio. This African-themed resort features 173,000 square feet of water park excitement. When you visit Kalahari, you’ll know right away you’re somewhere special. Whether you are a land or water lover, Kalahari offers an exciting mix of rides, slides and adventures for people of all ages. Gleaner guests may stay just one night or choose to stay both Friday and Saturday nights. The Gleaner package includes: •

Your choice of a Hut or Desert room (based on availability). o

Hut: Two queen beds, patio/balcony.

Desert: Two queen beds and full-size sleeper sofa.

•

Four water park passes (with Desert rooms, you may purchase two additional passes for $25 each per day).

•

Saturday night pizza party hosted and paid for compliments of Gleaner. It’s our treat to you!

www.gleanerlife.org *Standard room sleeps 4 and admission to America’s largest indoor waterpark. Limited rooms based on availability. Rates may vary according to room style.

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

Join us for

Gleaner Family Days

We invite you to join us on Saturday, Sept. 22, at Fair Oaks Farms in Indiana, a new venue on this yearâ€™s Family Days lineup. Gleaner members can explore interactive and educational farming experiences at a discounted rate of $22 per person. Tickets also include a fresh farm-to-table lunch for Gleaner members. Join us on Saturday, Oct. 6, for Gleaner Day 2018. At a discounted rate of $20 per person, Gleaner members can visit Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan. Tickets also include lunch for Gleaner members. To obtain more details and register, visit www.gleanerlife.org/familydays.

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