Homer Township Oak Arbor (IL) joined with the Teen Advisory Board to organize a craft/art fair for youth and community members of all ages.
In this issue:
New Samaritan year, new Samaritan program Welcome, Riley Creek Arbor! Phil Raske retires as the Northern Michigan Fraternal Communicator
The Arbor Newsletter is published bi-monthly by Kevin A. Marti President and CEO
Community Engagement Department Michelle Horn Assistant Vice President, Community Engagement
Jaime Linden Fraternal Engagement Coordinator
Jessica Vasher Sr. Fraternal Specialist
Kirsten Stiver Fraternal Specialist
Fraternal Advisory Council Michelle Horn Chair
June Lenig Co-Chair Rolling Prairie Arbor (IN)
Stephanie Andresen Gleoma Arbor (NE)
Karen Lowder Capital Arbor (MI)
Deb Rydberg
New Samaritan year, new Samaritan program Samaritan gets a makeover for 2016-17 A new Samaritan year is on the horizon. With input from the Fraternal Advisory Council, Community Engagement has revamped the program. The new, simplified Samaritan features 10 activity choices: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Community Volunteer Recognition Award Patriotic Activity Environmental Activity Mission for LIFE® (MFL) Youth Action Day Community Outreach Activity Health & Wellness Activity Elderly Support Activity Wild Card Activity Special Holiday Activity
With a completed arbor calendar, every arbor will start its year with $2,250 of seed money to assist in planning activities or in making charitable donations. In addition, each arbor can earn up to an additional $4,000 (based on the number of Samaritan activity choices completed; see the chart below). Arbors also earn money by the number of volunteer service hours each arbor member performs during a single Samaritan year. Arbors can earn 35 cents per volunteer hour spent at their events or in helping to plan for an arbor meeting or activity.
Heart of Florida Arbor (FL)
Leo Knox
Star status
Number of COMPLETED Samaritan activities
Samaritan reward
Hawthorne Arbor (IN)
-
0
$0
Deborah Ruetz
« «« ««« «««« «««««
1
$500
2-3
$1,000
4-5
$2,000
6-7
$3,000
8+
$4,000
Bowling Green Arbor (OH)
Dan Sutton
Sulphur Springs Arbor (IL) Gleaner Life Insurance Society 5200 West U.S. Hwy. 223 P.O. Box 1894 Adrian, Michigan 49221-7894 p 517.263.2244 or 800.992.1894 f 517.265.7745
www.gleanerlife.org communityengagement@gleanerlife.org This bi-monthly publication of the Community Engagement Department is written and designed by the Marketing Department staff at Gleaner’s Home Office.
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The new Samaritan year begins Sept. 1, 2016. If you would like any reports from the 2015-16 Samaritan year included in The Arbor Newsletter, they must be sent to Community Engagement by Aug. 25, 2016. If you have questions, contact Community Engagement at communityengagement@gleanerlife.org or call 800.992.1894. Ju ly / Au gu st 2016
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Fraternal Department becomes Community Engagement Department New name, same dedicated service to Gleaner and our arbors Fraternalism may mean quite a bit to you, but for individuals who aren’t yet Gleaner members, fraternalism carries a different, sometimes confusing, meaning. That’s why you’ll be hearing the word “fraternal” less while hearing “community engagement” more. Don’t be concerned — Gleaner is still a fraternal benefit society and always will be. But we need to bring the rich heritage of fraternalism into the vocabulary of our culture. Following the lead of the American Fraternal Alliance and other fraternal benefit societies, Gleaner recently changed the name of the Fraternal Department to the Community Engagement Department. You’ll now see that name in communications from Gleaner, but the name change is the only difference you’ll notice. Our staff will continue to offer great service to our members and the communities where Gleaner arbors are established.
Meet the Community Engagement Department With the recent retirement of Vice President of Fraternal Operations Sherry Nino, Michelle Horn was promoted to assistant vice president of community engagement. She oversees the Community Engagement Department and Gleaner’s community outreach programs, with special focus on Gleaner arbors in the communities in which our members live and work. She joined Gleaner in 2009 as the fraternal manager and serves on the Michigan Fraternal Alliance Board. Congratulations, Michelle! The Community Engagement Department is at your service. Our dedicated employees provide guidance, tools and resources for arbors as you benefit your communities. Here’s a quick look at the team members within the Community Engagement Department:
gl eane rlife.org
Michelle Horn Assistant Vice President, Community Engagement
Jessica Vasher Senior Fraternal Specialist
Jaime Linden Fraternal Engagement Coordinator
Kirsten Stiver Fraternal Specialist
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Arbor Activities Bavarian Arbor (MI)
Mission for LIFE #5 — Teena Lashbrook led a Mission for LIFE® bingo presentation. Educating Youth #12 — The arbor awarded $500 scholarships to local students Madison Medina and Keri Frahm. Environmental Activity #4 — Seven members met at the Millington Kirk Elementary School on April 20 to separate and wrap 525 tree seedlings. These trees were presented to students in grades K-4. This was in recognition of Arbor Day to teach about the importance of trees are to our environment. ®
Alma Arbor (MI) Bring-A-Guest Event #1 — Arbor members and guests gathered at Tittabawassee Township Park to enjoy the concert in the park series. CSR Award & Membership Pin #2, Patriotic Activity #3, Invite An Elected Official #19 — The arbor gathered for a catered meal and recognized Harold House (senior) and Robert Beard (adult) with CSR Awards. Jarek Troyer received the youth CSR Award at a later meeting because of a scheduling conflict.
presented in recognition of Arbor Day to all children in grades K-4 and their teachers. Educating Youth #12 — Arbor members also attended the dedication of the Book Nook at List Elementary. Over the past six months, arbor members helped plan and purchase materials for the space in Ann Lindow’s second-grade classroom.
Bay Area Arbor (FL)
Black Swamp Arbor (OH) Patriotic Activity #3 — Arbor members helped block off traffic during the Memorial Day service at Live Oaks Cemetery. Bring-AGuest Event #1, Learning As An Arbor #14 — John Manz led a presentation on required minimum distributions.
Bowling Green Arbor (OH)
Animal Support #11 — Arbor members welcomed Dr. Bob Encinosa, medical director, and Sharon Becker, president, of the Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) shelter, who made a presentation and showed a short film about the shelter. C.A.R.E. is a nonprofit animal shelter for neglected, abused and abandoned cats and dogs, located in Ruskin, Florida. The arbor donated $200 and several wish-list items to the shelter. Learning As An Arbor #14 — Andrew Snyder, Wood County dog warden, and Pat Kjoller, president of Friends of Wood County Dog Shelter, with Amy Jones, met with Bowling Green Arbor (OH) to share how the organization makes rescue plans that include medical needs, crates, food, leashes and collars to prepare dogs for adoption. The arbor donated $800 to Friends of Wood County Dog Shelter to help with expenses.
Mission for LIFE® #5 — Jim Hiller made a MFL presentation for Bay Area Arbor (FL) members.
Birch Run Arbor (MI)
Dorothy Kelley of Alma Arbor (MI) presents Harold House with the senior CSR Award.
Bavarian Arbor (MI) Environmental Activity #4 — Eleven Gleaner members gathered at Frankenmuth’s List Elementary school to separate and wrap 375 trees. They were
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Patriotic Activity #3 — Arbor members joined with the Birch Run VFW Post, Boy Scouts and others from the community to retire old flags. Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8 — The arbor hosted a fourthgrade get-acquainted party to help the students transition to a new school. Historical Site #13 — During recent refurbishing of the Birch Run Area Schools, several historic photos and documents were found tucked away in a restricted part of the school. Arbor members restored, framed them and offered them to locations throughout the community.
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Elderly Support Activity #21 — Birch Run Arbor (MI) members and Birch Run High School students volunteered at the Heartland Fostrian Nursing Home in Flushing, where they painted jungle-themed windows. The group also donated lap quilts and bingo prizes, and planted flowers in planter boxes in the courtyard.
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Caro Arbor (MI) Animal Support #11, Historical Site #13, Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — Arbor members shopped and donated pet food and litter to Pet Friendz, Roadhouse Museum and Relay For Life.
Environmental Activity #4 — Crystal Lake Arbor (MI) members Patrick Cutler, Fred Goethals, Kenneth Bonney, Santana Keller and Ken Holmes plant a pear tree on the waterfront in Elberta, Michigan.
Environmental Activity #4 — Caro Arbor (MI) members hosted a poster competition and donated trees to Bad Axe Elementary students.
Center Township Arbor (IN) Historical Site #13 — Arbor members toured the Military Honor Park.
Chester Arbor (OH) Get Your Arbor Recognized #9, Community Project #10 — The arbor participated in the third annual Friends of Cardington Summer Street Fair, where they sold kettle corn and shared about the arbor. Animal Support #11, Educating Youth #12 — Lori Kepford of the Providence Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Morral, Ohio, met with arbor members to share about her work in equestrian therapy for physically challenged people. The arbor donated $100 to Providence.
Community Arbor (IN)
Patriotic Activity #3, Mission for LIFE® #5, Animal Support #11 — Arbor members donated dog collars, leashes, milk bones and ear wash for the U.S. War Dogs Association. John Meeks of the association spoke about how military dogs are used during wars. Rhonda Graves led arbor members in Mission for LIFE® bingo.
Crystal Lake Arbor (MI) Environmental Activity #4 — Arbor members removed a dead tree and planted a new pear tree in its place on the waterfront in Elberta, Michigan. They also added two new plants and mulch at the American Legion Post in Frankfort, Michigan. Historical Site #13, Learning As An Arbor #14 — Arbor members toured the Empire Area Museum Complex, where David Taghon led them through the history of the building. The arbor made a $150 donation.
Emerald Echo Arbor (OH) Patriotic Activity #3, Educating Youth #12 — Courtney Greene gave a presentation on how they serve veterans and help with housing, and then the arbor presented two flags that flew over the Capitol to two veterans. Michelle Nervo then gave a talk on how the school system works with children with special needs. The arbor donated four special chairs to help the students. Wild Card #24 — Arbor members met at the North Canton Church of Christ to help the youth group assemble a workbench for the kids to complete projects and learn their lessons.
Entrican Arbor (MI) CSR Award & Membership Pin #2 — The arbor presented the senior CSR Award to Shirley Pool.
Findlay Flag City Arbor (OH)
John Meeks of the U.S. War Dogs Association accepts donations for military dogs from Community Arbor (IN). gl eane rlife.org
off the plane to thank them for their service. Environmental Activity #4 — The arbor teamed with the Hancock Park District to host an Arbor Day celebration at Riverbend Park, where they planted five trees with the help of Future Farmers of America from Liberty Benton School District. Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8, Get Your Arbor Recognized #9, Historical Site #13 — The arbor sponsored movie night at the Hancock Historical Museum on May 20, where they provided popcorn, water, pop and cookies for refreshments. Learning As An Arbor #14 — Doug Craig spoke to the arbor about the importance of fire safety.
CSR Award & Membership Pin #2 — The arbor presented a CSR Award to Deb Wickerham. Patriotic Activity #3 — Arbor members greeted veterans June 14 as they returned from Washington, D.C., on an Honor Flight. The arbor presented each veteran with an American flag as they came T h e A r b o r Ne w s le t te r
Animal Support #11 — Findlay Police Officer Matt Paugh and his police dog Shadow make a presentation to Findlay Flag City Arbor (OH) about how K-9 officers serve the community.
Florida Arbor (OH) Get Your Arbor Recognized #9, Community Project #10 — Arbor members baked 16 pies for the Grand Rapids, Ohio, blood drive at Hosanna Lutheran Church. The arbor name was posted for all blood donors to see.
Floyd Arbor (MI) Bring-A-Guest Event #1, CSR Award & Membership Pin #2, Invite An Elected Public Official #19 — The arbor recognized Bethany Laprad and Kurt Weber with CSR Awards. Laprad is a high school sophomore involved in band and a Big Brothers/Big Sisters volunteer. Weber is co-founder, organizer and served on the leadership J u l y/Au g u s t 2 016
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Patriotic Activity #3, Get Your Arbor Recognized #9, Invite An Elected Public Official #19 — Grand Arbor (MI) held a Flag Day program with a keynote address by state Rep. Chris Afendoulis.
team for Filling Midland’s Cup, an initiative to fight hunger in the Great Lakes Bay Region by providing food and necessities to those in need. He is also a co-founder of Sneakerpalooza, an initiative to ensure all children have new athletic shoes for the school year, and of the Bullock Community Theater. Patriotic Activity #3 — The arbor purchased new flag holders for veterans’ graves at Lee Township Cemetery along with red, white and blue flowers to place on the graves. Members placed flowers and flags on 72 graves. Environmental Activity #4, Youth Organization Activity #22 — The arbor planted two redbud trees at Bullock Creek Elementary as second-grade students observed. Arbor members then facilitated a presentation to fourth-grade students at Floyd School, where Dale Wolfgang spoke about the importance of trees. Each student was given a seedling to take home and plant. Educating Youth #12 — Arbor members helped set up refreshment tables, served refreshments and cleaned up following the eighth-grade graduation ceremony at Bullock Creek High School Auditorium.
Gleoma Arbor (NE)
Glen Arbor (MI)
Gulf Coast Arbor (FL)
Bring-A-Guest Event #1, Patriotic Activity #3, Youth Organization Activity #22 — The arbor facilitated a Flag Day ceremony at Clio Veterans Park. Those in attendance included arbor members, veterans, Clio’s fire and police chiefs, and Boy and Girl Scout troops. The program included a keynote address by Clio Police Chief Rick Withman, “Taps” played by Boy Scout Mason Venable and a 21-gun salute by veterans.
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Environmental Activity #4, Get Your Arbor Recognized #9, Youth Organization Activity #22 — Arbor members met at St. Bernard’s and worked with the Boy Scouts to clean around the school and church. The adults raked and the boys picked up and bagged. Bushes were also cut down.
Greater Flint Area Arbor (MI) Environmental Activity #4 — Arbor members worked with West Court Street Church of God to complete an Adopt-AHighway project to clean up litter along a two-mile stretch of M-21 in Flint. Arbor members picked up litter along the roadway, filling 30 trash bags. Arbor members also picked up litter around the parking area for the Genesee Valley Trail. Community Project #10 — Arbor members collected 50 pounds of food for the North End Soup Kitchen of Catholic Charities of Shiawassee. Learning As An Arbor #14 — Arbor members gathered at the Mott Estate and Applewood Gardens in Flint, Michigan, for a tour and picnic.
Environmental Activity #4, Learning As An Arbor #14, Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — Arbor members collected trash along the Ringling Bridge. They learned some basic photography skills from the arbor’s photographer, Christian Ortega.
Harmony Arbor (MI) Environmental Activity #4, Get Your Arbor Recognized #9 — Arbor member packaged and labeled 150 seedlings to
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Environmental Activity #4 — Harmony Arbor (MI) members made an Arbor Day presentation and handed out seedlings to students.
hand out to students in honor of Arbor Day. Arbor members Dick Coleman and Janet Hanus dressed up to portray Arbor Day founder Julius Morton and his wife, Caroline, for a brief performance to help students understand the reason for celebrating Arbor Day. The arbor helped plant a flowering crabapple tree at the school, and each student took home a blue spruce seedling.
Harrison Arbor (OH) Bring-A-Guest Event #1, Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8, Youth Organization Activity #22 — The arbor purchased Toledo Mud Hens tickets and invited youth and their parents as a thankyou for their work at McClure Park. Environmental Activity #4 — Arbor members planted flowers and spread mulch around the trees at McClure Park. They also planted two rosebushes and Wave petunias in the flower beds. Get Your Arbor Recognized #9 — The arbor helped to sponsor Senior Day at the Henry County Senior Center, where they helped serve dinner and drinks. Animal Support #11 — Beth Spurgeon, the Henry County dog warden, spoke about the animal shelter and the need to place dogs in adoptive homes and rescue settings.
Hawthorne Arbor (IN) CSR Award & Membership Pin #2 — The arbor presented CSR Awards to Phil Hurn and Dottie Gwyn-Maas, both active members of the community. Historical Site #13 — Arbor members pulled weeds, cut down a dead tree, dug out overgrown areas, mowed the lawn and put down 55 bags of mulch at the Halsted House Museum. g lea ner life.o rg
Law Arbor (MI)
Environmental Activity #4, Educating Youth #12 — Heritage Arbor (MI) teamed with over 1,300 students, teachers and staff from Hahn Intermediate School and Lakeville Middle School to wrap tree seedlings.
Heart of Florida Arbor (FL) Bring-A-Guest Event #1, CSR Award & Membership Pin #2, Mission for LIFE® #5 — The arbor recognized Nancy Thornberry and Jen Bacon with CSR Awards. Both women are responsible for starting organizations that change people’s lives. Debbie Rydberg led Mission for LIFE® bingo. Environmental Activity #4 — Arbor members toured The Mission in Winter Haven and donated $1,000 to purchase two solar panels for the garden, which helps fulfill the mission to provide three cooked meals a day to homeless individuals.
Academy to make sandwiches for the homeless. Community Project #10 — The arbor hosted an Easter egg hunt for the children of the South Avenue neighborhood. Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — Cindy Binkley of Central Park West Rehab Center spoke to the arbor about therapy options the facility offers that cover a range of exercises and the muscles they impact, and about the healthy lifestyle program. The arbor donated $200 to the center.
Historical Site #13 — Law Arbor (MI) members met at the Saginaw River Range Lighthouse in Bay City for a tour and donated $250.
Heritage Arbor (MI) Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20, Youth Organization Activity #22 — The arbor hosted Cosmic Glow Bowling for the Davison 4-H Club. Wild Card #24 — Arbor members picked up garbage and debris along the highway.
Holland Arbor (OH) CSR Award & Membership Pin #2 — The arbor recognized Erek Hansen with the youth CSR Award. Hansen oversees Go Green Ohio, a recycling initiative that he began back in 2009 at the age of 9. Since then he has hosted numerous collection drives to recycle jeans as insulation for Habitat for Humanity homes and recycle tennis shoes for playground bases. Environmental Activity #4 — The arbor helped the Maumee Senior Center with its flower sale by purchasing flowers and transplanting them into pots. Get Your Arbor Recognized #9 — The arbor purchased uniforms with the Gleaner logo for the Golden Gloves youth boxing program. The program was started by retired police officers and firemen to provide a positive outlet for children. Wild Card #24 — Arbor members purchased the necessities and joined with My Brother’s Place, Food for Thought and St. Ursula gl eane rlife.org
Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8 — Arbor members met at the Dow Diamond for the Great Lakes Loons baseball game with PALSS students and their parents from the Freeland Elementary School special education program. Environmental Activity #4, Educating Youth #12 — Arbor members met with Freeland Elementary sixth-grade students, who were instructed on how to plant trees and then given 300 white pines to take home and plant.
Lenawee Community Arbor (MI)
Patriotic Activity #3, Learning As An Arbor #14 — Homer Township Oak Arbor (IL) members, joined by several Boy Scout troops and the Riders, a group of American Legion Post 18 veteran motorcycle riders, gathered to learn how to fold a flag for retirement.
Environmental Activity #4 — Kerry Neiman of the Stubnitz Center in Adrian gave a speech titled, “Saving Our Earth, One Small Step at a Time.” The arbor donated $100 to the Stubnitz Center.
Huron Shores Arbor (MI) CSR Award & Membership Pin #2, Patriotic Activity #3, Invite An Elected Public Official #19 — The arbor presented a CSR Award to Collin Holzberger, a student at Cros-Lex Middle School, and donated $100 to the Hunter Hospitality House in Port Huron on his behalf. The arbor also purchased a large American flag for the town. Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20, Youth Organization Activity #22 — The arbor sponsored a dinner for participants in the Frostick Elementary School walking club and their families. The club promotes healthy living and exercising.
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Wild Card #24 — Huron Shores Arbor (MI) partnered with the Croswell Parks and Recreation Department, the Croswell Disc Golf League and Dynamic Discs/MVP Sports for the grand opening of the disc golf course at Riverbend Park in Croswell, Michigan. The arbor purchased discs to give to each guest. J u l y/Au g u s t 2 016
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Mill Creek Arbor (IN) Environmental Activity #4 — The arbor met with several members of the New Carlisle Community Church to plant flowers, clean up flower beds and beautify areas around the church. Wild Card #24 — Arbor members played bingo with Sand Castle Shelter residents in Michigan City.
Mt. Pleasant Arbor (MI)
Environmental Activity #4, Youth Organization Activity #22 — Madison Arbor (MI) members, along with the Madison Elementary Student Council and the Madison Elementary Girls on the Run Club, worked together to change the landscaping in front of the elementary school entrance.
Environmental Activity #4 — Maple City Arbor (MI) planted flowers and beautified the grounds at Fishes and Loaves in downtown Adrian.
Madison Arbor (MI)
Maple City Arbor (MI)
Bring-A-Guest Event #1, CSR Award & Membership Pin #2 — The arbor recognized MaKenna Young, a Madison High School freshman with the youth CSR Award, while Mindy Sloop received the adult award for her volunteer efforts with Madison Athletic Boosters. Darlene Carson received the senior CSR Award for volunteering in the Madison athletic program.Mission for LIFE® #5 — Matt Eichorn, arbor member and Gleaner agent, led a Mission for LIFE® presentation. Wild Card #24 — The arbor participated in the Madison High After Prom, where they provided a caricature artist and a photo booth.
Patriotic Activity #3 — The arbor hosted a table at the 30th Annual Gleaner Flag Day. Members passed out popcorn bags with our arbor label, flag pins, candy, kid giveaways and Gleaner pens and pencils. They also displayed their arbor sign. Historical Site #13 — The arbor met to present a historical donation to the Croswell Opera House in Adrian, Michigan. The arbor will receive mention in the yearly playbill.
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CSR Award & Membership Pin #2, Mission for LIFE® #5, Learning As An Arbor #14 — Arbor members met at the Commission on Aging, where Valerie Wolters gave a presentation on the Isabella County quilt show. Wolters was then presented with the CSR Award. Ron Schafer then presented Mission for LIFE® bingo. Historical Site #13, Learning As An Arbor #14 — Arbor members met at the home of Loren Anderson, who took them through his museum, explaining items and how he started collecting.
Patriotic Activity #3 — Mt. Pleasant Arbor (MI) members met at the Hopewell Ranch for a Flag Day celebration, where the Kolarik family donated their father’s military flag for the indoor arena.
North Baltimore Arbor (OH) Get Your Arbor Recognized #9 — The arbor submitted an article and photo to local news outlets promoting its environmental project.
Marion Arbor (MI) CSR Award & Membership Pin #2 — Arbor members and guests gathered at the Evergreen Resort for dinner and to present teacher Marcella Bennett with the CSR Award. Bennett received the award for her participation in school and church activities and helping individuals in the community.
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Environmental Activity #4 — North Baltimore Arbor (OH) donated Kentucky buckeye trees to an ongoing tree-planting project at North Baltimore Middle and High School.
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North Central Michigan Arbor (MI) Bring-A-Guest Event #1 — The arbor invited the Michigan Elite Volleyball team to help make fleece blankets for patients at Mid-Michigan Hospital in Midland
Oakwood Arbor (OH)
Bring-A-Guest Event #1, Mission for LIFE® #5 — Gleaner agent John Manz presented the MFL program to members of Oakwood Arbor and their guests. CSR Award & Membership Pin #2 — The arbor honored Karen Cooper for 75 years of Gleaner membership. Cooper donated a pot of flowers, a door rug and a welcome sign to a local Habitat for Humanity house visited by the arbor. On Memorial Day, the arbor held a patriotic service with local elementary-school children. Each child placed a flower in the Auglaize River in memory of a departed soldier. Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8 — The arbor laid 10 tons of topsoil and planted flowers at a local Habitat for Humanity house. Community Project #10 — The arbor rented a dumpster and cleaned up an area across the street from the local fellowship hall. Local Boy Scouts assisted and collected scrap metal from the site. Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — The arbor hosted a kayak and canoe safety class with an instructor from the Department of Natural Resources. In June, the arbor met at an auction house to sort recycled items. In May, five arbor members read about bird and butterfly migration to students at Oakwood Elementary School
Ober Arbor (IN) Patriotic Activity #3 — The arbor celebrated Flag Day at a patriotic event at Miller’s Merry Manor Nursing Home. Environmental Activity #4 — Members teamed with a second-grade class to plant two sycamore trees. The arbor also provided each student with a tree to plant in their own yards. Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8 — The arbor donated a Cardiac Science G3 automated external defibrillator and first-aid wall cabinet to Community Services of Starke County. Get Your Arbor Recognized #9, Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — The arbor hosted a booth at the Starke County Relay for Life, where members displayed their new arbor flag and distributed information on family nutrition. Educating gl eane rlife.org
Boy Scout Troop 364 folds the American flag at Rolling Prairie Arbor’s (IN) Flag Day event.
Youth #12, Youth Organization Activity #22 — Over the course of the 2015-16 school year, the arbor hosted an academic achievement program that rewards students for reading achievements. The arbor provided an ice cream party for students at the end of the year.
Orchard Arbor (MI) The arbor visited the Armada Fairgrounds, enjoying all that the fairgrounds’ market had to offer.
Plank Road Arbor (MI) Environmental Activity #4 — Members helped second-grade students spruce up the flower beds at their school and plant a tree.
Portage Center Arbor (OH) Patriotic Activity #3 — The arbor attended a Memorial Day service at Jerry City Cemetery, where they provided programs and flags to all in attendance. Arbor President Maxine Hagemeyer participated in the program with a reading of “Freedom Is Not Free.” In June, the arbor shared a potluck meal at Hope Lutheran Church, at which Wood County Commissioner Craig LaHote spoke about his experience and the differences between township and county government. Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — Members met at the Fitness Room at Elmwood Community Center for a demonstration by Terri Knisley, who showed members how to use the workout machines T h e A r b o r Ne w s le t te r
and which muscles each one pinpoints. Wild Card #24 — The arbor purchased and served lunch to the Elmwood High School band at the Wayne Fire Hall.
Rivertown Arbor (MI) Get Your Arbor Recognized #9, Historical Site #13 — The arbor visited the Oakfield Historical Museum in Greenville, where they helped catalog and inventory portions of the museum’s collection
Rolling Prairie Arbor (IN) CSR Award & Membership Pin #2 — The arbor recognized Barbara Stanish, Leon Stanish and Ann Riedstra with CSR Awards. In April, the arbor sponsored a booth at the bicentennial agriculture day celebration at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds. With the help of 4-H members, the arbor set up pens for animals, had a small petting zoo and held a guessing game with prizes. Patriotic Activity #3, Invite An Elected Public Official #19, Youth Organization Activity #22 — The arbor held a Flag Day event at the Rolling Prairie VFW. Guests included Boy Scout Troop 364, Cub Scout Pack 350, state Sen. Jim Arnold, state Rep. Tom Dermody and Jim Pressel, a candidate for state representative. Get Your Arbor Recognized #9 — The arbor hosted a breakfast fundraiser for Relay for Life. Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — Members participated in the annual Rolling Prairie Relay for Life.
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South County Arbor (IN)
Sulphur Springs Arbor (IL)
Vulcaneer Arbor (MI)
Wild Card #24 — Students at three local schools were presented with tulip trees purchased by the arbor. The arbor gave a brief presentation on the history of the tulip tree, which is the state tree, and quizzed the students. The winner at each school received a Gleaner water bottle filled with candy.
Patriotic Activity #3 — Arbor members helped St. Juvin VFW Post and the American Legion at the annual Memorial Day celebration held at the Coal City Intermediate School. Arbor members bought and handed out 184 flags to those who attended the service. They presented the American Legion and the St. Juvin Post with $50 each.
Bring-A-Guest Event #1, Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — The arbor hosted guest speaker Sam Howell, who spoke with youth about his experience with distracted driving. Mission for LIFE® #5 — Gleaner agent Teena Lashbrook presented the MFL program to an economics class at Vassar High School. Environmental Activity #4 — The arbor arranged for retired teacher William Heyworth to speak with fifth-grade students at Central Elementary about the cause and effect of the environment on animals and people over the past 10,000 years.
South Fairfield Arbor (MI/OH) Members lent a helping hand stocking shelves at the CAST Food Pantry in preparation for the monthly food distribution. The arbor also purchased 189 pounds of food and donated bar soap and tissues, which are much appreciated since these items can’t be purchased with food stamps. Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8, Educating Youth #12 — Together with a local elementary school, the arbor hosted a production of “Rumpelstiltskin” by the Columbus Children’s Theater. Both performances were enjoyed by all. Elderly Support Activity #21 — Arbor members worked with their youth partner Goats and “Udder” Things 4-H Club to bring a petting zoo to Swanton Health Care. The residents and their families enjoyed petting the chickens, bunnies, ducks and goats, including Eugene, the arbor’s mascot. There were ponies for the small children to ride and a dairy feeder calf to pet. Because many of the residents previously lived on farms, it was a fun-filled activity for them. The nursing home put together a tasty picnic for residents and their guests. Members assisted guests on the shuttle that provided transportation. Gleaner donated a cooler full of items for a raffle during the event.
Stateline Arbor (MI) Patriotic Activity #3, Youth Organization Activity #22 — The arbor partnered with a youth softball team and continued its Memorial Day tradition of placing flags on the graves of fallen soldiers. Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8 — The arbor worked with a local charity, Project iAm, for their annual fundraiser known as Acoustics for Autism, featuring local bands on four stages. Special Holiday Project #23 — Arbor members spent Memorial Day making cards and thank-you notes for Frank Dick to be given to him for his Honor Flight. They also made cards and thank-you notes to be sent to a local veterans group.
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Tecumseh Arbor (MI) Elderly Support Activity #21 — Arbor members served a meal to 32 seniors at the Tecumseh Senior Center. Afterward, six seniors were selected to receive tickets to the big band concert.
Tri-County Arbor (MI) Environmental Activity #4, Educating Youth #12 — The arbor hosted its Tomato Plant Giveaway event where members delivered 575 plants to students and spoke about the arbor’s annual tomato story contest and ways to care for tomato plants. 4-H Helping Hands #16 — Arbor members met with 4-H participants, each of whom made a clover with pictures and shared what the arbor’s previous funding helped provide for them.
Benevolent Fund Outreach Activity #8, Wild Card #24 — Tri-County Arbor (MI) members took the Special Olympics youth out for an evening of fun to play miniature golf and eat pizza. They also handed out T-shirts they had ordered for the Special Olympics.
USA Arbor (MI) Get Your Arbor Recognized #9, Healthy Lifestyle and Safety Activity #20 — The arbor hosted a booth at the Sebewaing Sugar Festival, where people received free bottles of water and children made jump ropes with the assistance of Roger Adker and his rope machine.
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West Lockport Arbor (IL) Bring-A-Gust Event #1, Get Your Arbor Recognized #9 — The arbor hosted a portion of a golf outing at Dwight Country Club to raise money for St. Joseph Grade School in honor of Ray Baxter. Community Project #10 — Arbor members met at the Morning Star Mission to help serve food and provide a donation.
White Pine Arbor (MI) Get Your Arbor Recognized #9, Community Project #10 — The arbor hosted a table at Ogemaw Heights High School’s business expo to support the community and spread the word about Gleaner and what White Pine Arbor does in the community.
Gleaner partners with PerkSpot to offer members hundreds of discounts Gleaner recently partnered with PerkSpot to offer our members discounts to merchants in dozens of categories, including apparel, automotive, computers and 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. Learn more at www.gleanerlife.org. g lea ner life.o rg
Mini getaway
to Tampa — March 2017!
In March, we’re planning a mini getaway to Tampa, Florida, coinciding with our annual Snowbird Picnic and Spring Training Event. Look for more details in The Gleaner Spirit and future issues of The Arbor Newsletter.
Donations Educating Youth #12: Harmony Arbor (MI), Heart of Florida Arbor (FL), Huron Shores Arbor (MI), Saginaw Arbor (MI). 4-H Helping Hands Donation #16: Community Arbor (IN), Entrican Arbor (MI), Florida Arbor (OH), Floyd Arbor (MI), Heritage Arbor (MI), Huron Shores Arbor (MI), Mt. Pleasant Arbor (MI), Oakwood Arbor (OH), Ober Arbor (IN), Tecumseh Arbor (MI) Caring Hands Donation #17: Bavarian Arbor (MI), Bay Area Arbor (FL), Community Arbor (IN), Entrican Arbor (MI), Florida Arbor (OH), Gulf Coast Arbor (FL), Holland Arbor (OH), Law Arbor (MI), Tecumseh Arbor (MI) Alma Arbor (MI): $300 to Dalis to the Rescue; $300 to Chippewa Nature Center. Bavarian Arbor (MI): $500 scholarships to Keri Frahm and Madison Median; $350 to Twisted P Rodeo; $50 to Millington School for science project; $200 to STEM programs at Millington Community School and Frankenmuth Community School; $50 to Frankenmuth Farmers Market for bench cover; $30.80 to St. Lorenz Lutheran Church Youth Group. Bay Area Arbor (FL): $600 to Rolling Thunder Golf Tournament; $300 to Mary Martha House. Black Swamp Arbor (OH): $100 to Cecil Fire Department; $100 to Antwerp Fire Department; $100 to Payne Fire Department. Bowling Green Arbor (OH): $800 to Toledo Mud Hens Baseball Club. Center Township Arbor (IN): $250 to Gleaner Life Insurance ; $375 to Town of Lakeville. gl eane rlife.org
Emerald Echo Arbor (OH): $200 to Pregnancy Support of Stark County.
Law Arbor (MI): $100 to Midland Conservation District.
Entrican Arbor (MI): Animal Support #11, $200 to Montcalm County Animal Shelter.
Maple City Arbor (MI): $200 to Adrian High School; $100 to Lenawee Humane Society; $219 to Carpenter Farms; $200 to Lenawee Therapeutic Riding; $200 to Addison Vet Clinic.
Florida Arbor (OH): $100 to The Caring Cupboard, $100 to Liberty Chapel Pantry; $300 to Henry County FISH; $150 to Shalom Food Pantry; $200 to Henry County Humane Society. Floyd Arbor (MI): $1,500 to the Salvation Army; $250 to Pinecrest Farms; $200 to Sanford Historical Museum. Gleoma Arbor (NE): Community Project #10, $100 to Lean on Me. Harrison Arbor (OH): $250 to Sharon Church; $400 to Henry County Hospice; $400 to Henry County Hospital Foundation; $100 to Salvation Army in Henry County; $200 to Women’s Resource Center; $400 to Henry County Senior Center; $500 to McClure Methodist Church. Heart of Florida Arbor (FL): $750 to Elder Point Ministries; $100 to YMCA Camp Copneconic. Heritage Arbor (MI): $500 to Otisville Historic Museum. Holland Arbor (OH): $500 to NWO Red Cross; $500 to tornado and flood relief efforts in Idaho and Texas, respectively. Huron Shores Arbor (MI): Animal Support #11, $100 to Sanilac County Humane Society; Historical Activity #13, $100 to Croswell Community Center for repairs.
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Mid Michigan Arbor (MI): $250 to Ann Davis; $100 to Gleaner Life Insurance Society Scholarship Fund; $135 to Riverside Friendship Senior Center; $500 to David Neil. Mt. Pleasant Arbor (MI): $50 to Beal City High School National Honor Society. Oakwood Arbor (OH): $750 to the Gleaner Life Insurance Society Scholarship Foundation; $350 to Boy Scout Troop #19; $100 to Girl Scout Troop #20513; $100 to Estee Miller for a National FFA Organization conference in Washington. Plank Road Arbor (MI): $500 to the Breckenridge Community Schools German Exchange program; $100 to Breckenridge Community Schools; $250 to Shelly Brittain for OM World Finals pins. Rolling Prairie Arbor (IN): $100 to Rolling Prairie Elementary; $300 to LaPorte Slicers Unified Track; $240 in items donated to a silent auction. Tecumseh Arbor (MI): $140 to Tecumseh Food Service; $250 to Tecumseh Public Library. Vulcaneer Arbor (MI): $1,000 to Breakfast on the Farm (MSU Extension).
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Register for Gleaner’s Family Safari to Kalahari We’re making our Family Safari to Kalahari an experience you won’t want to miss in 2016! Join us at Kalahari Resort and Waterpark in Sandusky, Ohio, Nov. 18-20. New to the program this year is a movie night on Friday where we’ll show a recent family-friendly film and provide popcorn and refreshments — all free of charge. The weekend will also include a pizza party on Saturday night compliments of Gleaner, so book your room now! Registration is open, with room packages that start at just $160 per night* (plus tax) for members and $205 per night* (plus tax) for nonmembers. The package price includes lodging, admission to the water park, free movie (Friday evening) and pizza party (Saturday evening). One of the largest indoor water parks in North America, Kalahari boasts plenty of water attractions along with miniature golf, a large arcade, a spa, restaurants and many other activities for land lovers. For more details and to register, visit www.gleanerlife.org/kalahari. *Based on four people per room.
Thank you for a great season of summer picnics!
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Gleaner celebrates 30 years of Flag Day Gleaner Life Insurance Society held its 30th Annual Flag Day event on June 14, 2016, with more than 300 in attendance. 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 dressed 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. This year, Gleaner also partnered with the Red Cross for a blood drive. Thirty-nine units were collected — enough to save over 100 lives. Thanks to everyone who helped and donated blood!
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Welcome, Riley Creek Arbor! Riley Creek Arbor was chartered on May 2, 2016, and serves the Bluffton, Lima and Pandora, Ohio areas. Fifty people attended the Riley Creek inaugural meeting on June 2 in Bluffton, where the arbor recognized three local community members with Community Service Recognition Awards and presented two local charities with donations. As Gleaner agents in northwest Ohio, Gary Reese and Kathi Dunlap not only became familiar with Gleaner products and members but sought to get better acquainted with the heart and purpose of Gleaner. That’s when Gleaner Agent Relationship Manager Mike Stuart stepped in and explained the Samaritan program. “As I discussed this opportunity with my staff, we got really excited about the possibility of utilizing Gleaner funds to enhance and bless our local community,” said Dunlap, now Riley Creek Arbor secretary/reporter. Dunlap visited a neighboring arbor, asked questions, and organized arbor officers and requested a charter as a local arbor. “I love the idea of having a service organization that doesn’t spend all of its time fundraising. It is encouraging to be able to direct money to community endeavors that we are already helping with or involved in and to support in very tangible ways,” said Dunlap. Welcome, Riley Creek! To get involved with this arbor, contact the Community Engagement Department at communityengagement@gleanerlife.org or call 800.992.1894. President — Gary Reese Vice president — Shannon Reese Secretary/Reporter — Kathi Dunlap Treasurer — Scott Basinger Chaplain — Lynda Rodabaugh
Phil Raske retires as the Northern Michigan Fraternal Communicator Since 1998, Phil Raske has served as Northern Michigan fraternal communicator, a job he stepped into following the loss of his first wife to cancer. Before she became sick, Doris served as fraternal communicator, and when she could no longer serve, Phil said he would step in until a replacement was found. That short-term venture turned into something much greater for Phil, but his love for people and service to the community kept him going. “I’ve enjoyed the job and meeting new people. If I was a little younger, I wouldn’t give it up,” said the 88-year-old, who has helped start more than 10 arbors, including reactivation of the Michigan Thumb Area Arbor. Phil, Gleaner thanks you for your loyal and caring service! May you enjoy your retirement!
L-R: Fraternal Communicator, Ruth Benien; Secretary/Reporter, Kathi Dunlap; Chaplain, Lynda Rodabaugh; Treasurer, Scott Basinger; Vice President, Shannon Reese and President and Gleaner Agent, Gary Reese. gl eane rlife.org
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JOIN HANDS DAY 2016
Every year, Gleaner arbors team up with youth organizations for JOIN HANDS DAY. This joint effort of fraternal benefit organizations brings together multiple generations of volunteers to complete community service projects. This year, JOIN HANDS DAY was May 7. Here’s how Gleaner arbors joined forces with young volunteers to improve their communities. Bavarian Arbor (MI) and Pacesetters 4-H Club members teamed up to plant herbs for the Frankenmuth Farmers Market. The arbor also helped restore old wagons for the market to use as shopping carts and constructed a bench and planter. Bay Area Arbor (FL) joined with youth from East Bay High School and Calvary Lutheran Church to build a memorial garden for buried animals at Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary. Birch Run Arbor (MI) members joined with 99 students from Birch Run horticulture, Birch Run High School and Middle School Student Council, and 10 adults from the community to clean up streets in downtown Birch Run. The group cleaned up community planter boxes, adding new mulch and flowers. They also planted vegetables and cleaned and planted gardens for a few elderly within the community.
Black Swamp Arbor (OH), along with community youth at Live Oaks Cemetery in Paulding, Ohio, picked up branches, trimmed around gravestones, took flowers off graves and helped fix sinking gravestones.
plants. The arbor also donated $500 to Clinton County 4-H.
and beatification tasks at Village Park in Freeland.
Caro Arbor (MI) and local Key Club and Garden Club members cleaned out the botanical gardens. Arbor members and Boy Scouts also volunteered at the Color Run 5K, where they sponsored a color station and donated $100 toward youth activities in Caro.
Marion Arbor (MI) joined with Girl Scout troops 2435 and 3489 to purchase teddy bears for Oasis, the sheriff’s department and similar organizations to give to children when faced with a difficult situation. The arbor also purchased over 60 geraniums and other plants to be placed in planters in the Marion area. The girls and arbor members planted flowers in several containers on Main Street.
Florida Arbor (OH) worked with the South Florida 4-H Club to gather flowers and hosta leaves and then put together live flower sprays to place on veterans’ graves at the Memorial Day service in Florida, Ohio. The arbor donated the flowers and provided $500 to offset the cost of the service. Glen Arbor (MI) worked with youth from several organizations to clean the Clio Amphitheater, Clio Veterans Park, Clio Historical Museum and Clio City Park. The organizations included Cub Scout Pack 304, Cub Scout Pack 366, 4-H Friendly Farmers, True Life Church youth group, DeMolay, Job’s Daughters, New Covenant youth group, Links Crew, Clio football and Clio National Honor Society.
Mt. Pleasant Arbor (MI) and Beal City High School National Honor Society students and members of the Pony Creek 4-H Club stained three cabins at Hopewell Ranch.
Gulf Coast Arbor (FL) worked with the Archangels of St. Jude youth group to host a car wash to raise money for summer activities that include three retreats.
Oakwood Arbor (OH) teamed with local Boy Scouts to clear and mow a three-mile stretch of the Buckeye Trail. The group also cleared downed trees and planted flowers.
Harrison Arbor (OH) members worked with youth to clean up McClure ballpark before the start of T-ball season.
Ober Arbor (IN) partnered with the Union Township Parent Council and local 4-H students to help Blessings in a Backpack and the Humane Society of Marshall County. Blessings in a Backpack provides weekend food in backpacks to in-need students.
Heart of Florida Arbor (FL) members joined with the fifth-grade class, parents and teachers of Philip O’Brien Elementary School to build a raised vegetable garden and complete landscaping near the fifthgrade wing of the school. The students started growing the plants from seeds in April and then transplanted them to the raised beds. Homer Township Oak Arbor (IL) joined with the Teen Advisory Board to organize a craft/art fair for youth and community members of all ages. Nearly 650 people attended.
Capital Arbor (MI) and Clinton County 4-H members worked on a beautification project at the Clinton County Fairgrounds, where they planted junipers and flowering 13
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Law Arbor (MI) and Freeland Middle School students from the Study Club cleaned the raised flower beds and performed other outdoor maintenance
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Plank Road Arbor (MI) teamed with Breckenridge Little League to clean and paint the concession stands and bathrooms at the league’s facilities. g lea ner life.o rg
South Fairfield Arbor (MI/OH) organized a bake sale and car wash with youth partner Goats and “Udder” Things 4-H Club. Three “celebrities” stopped by — Gleaner President and CEO Kevin Marti, who purchased baked goods and had his vehicle washed; and Mike Bell, the former mayor of Toledo, Ohio, and the owner of the well-known Mancy’s Restaurants, who made donations. The fundraiser generated $324, and the arbor made an additional donation of $750 to their youth partner for restoration of the sheep barn at the county fairgrounds.
Thank you for helping protect Gleaner’s taxexempt status! Earlier this year, we introduced the American Fraternal Alliance’s Race to 100, a campaign encouraging members of fraternal organizations to write to their representatives in Congress to request support for House Concurrent Resolution 19 (the “Fraternal Resolution”). As of July 11, the American Fraternal Alliance has secured 100 co-sponsors for HCR 19! This important legislation gives U.S. representatives the chance to publicly acknowledge the important contributions that fraternal benefit societies make to the nation’s financial and social well-being. At the beginning of the campaign, we had the support of approximately 70 members of Congress. Because of your dedicated advocacy, we now have the support of 101!
Thank you for participating in the Race to 100 campaign!
Sulphur Springs Arbor (IL) joined with the Coal City Community 4-H Club to plant a tree and clean up around the Coal City Lions Hall and Boy Scout Shelter. Participants also planted flowers and trimmed the bushes.
On behalf of Gleaner, members Julie Bartels and Jan Woltjer teamed with other fraternal organization members from Texas, North and South Carolina, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan and had appointments with members of the House and Senate at the Capitol.
USA Arbor (MI) partnered with Superheroes in Training 4-H Club members to host a car wash to raise money for Relay For Life. Vulcaneer Arbor (MI) worked with students at Vassar High School and several local agencies and companies to facilitate a mock accident. These arbors also participated in JHD projects: Alma Arbor (MI), Center Township Arbor (IN), Chester Arbor (OH), Crystal Lake Arbor (MI), Emerald Echo Arbor (OH), Entrican Arbor (MI), Findlay Flag City Arbor (OH), Floyd Arbor (MI), Gleoma Arbor (NE), Greater Flint Area Arbor Arbor (MI), Holland Arbor (OH), Mid Michigan Arbor (MI), North Baltimore Arbor (OH), North Central Michigan Arbor (MI), Rolling Prairie Arbor (IN), Saginaw Arbor (MI) and Stateline Arbor (MI). gl eane rlife.org
Celebrate Gleaner’s birthday with Random Acts of Kindness! Random Acts of Kindness Day is almost here. Each year on Oct. 12, Gleaner members are encouraged to carry out random acts of kindness for friends, family, neighbors and strangers in celebration of Gleaner’s birthday. It is through this simplest form of service that we honor our heritage. By helping others, we continue Gleaner’s proud tradition of demonstrating faith-based values while keeping fraternalism relevant today. So mark your calendar, put a sticky note on your fridge or set an alarm on your phone so you don’t forget this important celebration of our heritage.
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5200 West U.S. Highway 223, P.O. Box 1894 Adrian, Michigan 49221-7894
Join us
Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID ADRIAN, MI 49221 PERMIT NO. 1894
Oct. 1 at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan, for Gleaner Day 2016! By purchasing one ticket to Greenfield Village and donating five nonperishable food items or $5, you will receive a second admission ticket (of equal or lesser value) for free. This unique opportunity gives you the chance to explore American history while contributing to Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan.
Hold your own food drive to support Gleaner Day! Throughout September and October, arbors can host their own independent food drive to help us make a bigger impact on America’s hungry. Most food banks have the means to weigh food donations. Report the total weight of the food you collect to the Community Engagement Department and we will include them in our overall numbers for Gleaner Day 2016. Contact the Community Engagement Department or your Fraternal Communicator for more information.
www.gleanerday.com