May 2008

Link to Finances Page


Various Membership Info and Forms national calendar link

From the PresidentGeorge Juba
Looking Forward to Our GCU 40th National Convention
by George N. Juba

     GCU lodges have done their duty, electing delegates to represent their members at our 40th National Convention scheduled for June 29 - July 2, 2008 at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland. Your officers and elected members await this important event with great expectations, as we adopt policies that will guide our organization into GCU’s 120th year of existence. This is quite a history that has been handed onto us. As my motto states, we are “Forging the GCU of Tomorrow—Today!”
     To be relevant in the first and second decades of the 21st century, we need to address the concerns of young members and younger persons whom we would like to enroll as members. We are prepared to face the future. In preparation for this historic convention I am scheduling pre-Convention meetings to be held at various locations. All registered delegates will be notified with the particulars of the meeting in their area.

   As always, please feel free to contact me at any time. Email gjuba@gcuusa.com or call toll free at 1-800-722-4428.

 

Looking for a House? We're Here to Help You!
by Judy Gula

Judith A. Gula    This is the season of rebirth. It is spring once again with blossoms and trees of green and flower blooming. We are once again energized with the sun shinning brightly. During this time people are “house hunting.” Every Sunday in the local newspapers appear lists of open houses helping people find their dream house.
     We your GCU offer mortgages to help you make your dream come true. Listed below are the competitive mortgage rates we offer to our members. We do not sell your mortgages to other financial institutions. Therefore, your mortgage remains with your GCU until it is paid off or satisfied. Discounts are offered to our “first time buyers” with an allowance up to $1,000 in reimbursements for various closing costs. The only stipulation is that your mortgage remains with the GCU for five years or the reimbursements will be charged back.
     The rates listed include a 1/8% discount for direct debit on the first business day of the month. A minimum down payment of 20% is required; however buyers may finance up to 95% with the purchase of private mortgage insurance. The GCU has one rate with no additional up front costs.
     If you are looking for competitive, secure mortgage rates, give your GCU a call, at 1-800-722-4428.

Term
Points
Rate
30 Years 0 6.25%
25 Years 0 6.125&
20 Years 0 6.00%
15 Years 0 5.875%

     Have a wonderful spring. As always please do not hesitate to call me with questions at 1-800-722-4428.
     Fraternally yours.

 

 

Congratulations!
by George E. Lopata

     The ongoing success of any organization is a continual flow of new members. With this in mind I dedicate this month’s column to our GCU agents who have excelled in the enrollment of new members during our 2007 New Member Contest. Below is a list of agents who qualified in the various contest levels.
Bronze Level: Steve Kenyhercz, Sewickley, PA
Silver Level: Todd Wooten, Valparaiso, IN
Gold Level: Joe Berg, Fertile MN; Judy Weitzel, Broadview Hts., OH
Platinum Level: Randy Baden, Pittsburgh, PA; Nick Bucci, Pittsburgh, PA; Joene Fair, Beaver, PA; Dorothy Foran, Hazleton, PA; Pat Helmick, Vienna, WV; Larry Miney, Latrobe, PA
Great job all. Keep up the good work.

From the Editor
Fred Petro
by Fred Petro

     We’ve had a very nice response to the return of the GCU print Magazine to a bi-monthly format. Members have responded favorably, and information is printed in a more timely manner. We encourage all members to read through this publication that is sent to all member homes. This eMagazine serves as an interim communication piece, giving information of upcoming events as well as highlights from events that have taken place. Changes are made throughout the month, so keep visiting us.
     We’re also striving to build our ability to communicate via the Internet. Currently, there’s a contest whereby GCU members who submit their email addresses to the Home Office have an opportunity to win a nice prize. Just email your name and date of birth to the Home Office at info@gcuusa.com and you become eligible.

 

5498 - IRA Contribution Information
by John P. Harbist

     GCU is mandated by Internal Revenue Service to file a form 5498 by May 31, 2008 with each person (Copy to IRS) for whom we have maintained any IRA in 2007. This form is to be used to report total contributions made to an IRA account in 2007 through April 15, 2008 . The statement will also disclose the fair market value ( December 31, 2007 balance).
     To any member that receives a 5498 statement, we recommend that you review the contribution amount credited for tax year 2007 and the fair market value. Contact my office in the event we need to make any correction.

 

GCU Family Fun Week–July 23-27, 2008

        A complete flier describing the activities for GCU Family Fun Week at our fabulous GCU Seven Oaks Country Club appeared in the April 2008 GCU Magazine. The full schedule of activities together with fees, as applicable, is printed.
       Be certain to mark your calendar for the days of July 23-27. Family Fun Week combines some of GCU’s very popular fraternal programs with many new and exciting activities for all ages. Members can plan their week accordingly, attending all of the events from Wednesday evening dinner party at the pool through Sunday Brunch, or choose to attend those days and events as their personal schedule allows. The major events are now listed on this web site by clicking Family Fun Week.
      
Questions related to Family Fun Week can be directed to the Fraternal Communications Department at 1-800-722-4428 (ext. 217).

 

Seven Oaks

Seven Oaks - Where GCU Membership is a Privilege

     Seven Oaks, our very own country club offers numerous dining and recreational opportunities, all available to qualified GCU insurance and annuity benefit members. Longer days and warm temperatures give a welcome signal to golfers to enjoy the fabulous spread that Seven Oaks' 18-hole championship layout offers. Qualified GCU members may play three rounds of golf annually without paying greens fees. There's also first class dining. Brunch is served every Sunday in the Members = Dining Room. It is truly a gastronomical delight. For everyday dining the Grille Room is open for lunch and dinner. To learn more about your opportunity to use your GCU member privileges, call the Home Office at 1-800-722-4428 (ext. 217).

Seven Oaks Logo

GCU Spring Golf Classic June 2 at Seven Oaks

     Mark your calendars now for the first GCU-sponsored golf event for the year at Seven Oaks Country Club. Monday, June 2, 2008 gives members a great opportunity to enjoy Seven Oaks which will be in full, lush, green, perfect golf condition. Look for additional information of the GCU Web Site. Applications will be sent to those who participated in last year =s event. Remember: the deadline for applications is Friday, May 23.

 

 

Join Hands Day - 2008

Plan to be part of this wonderful experience where youths and adults partner in a joint effort in actions that will benefit our religious communities.

Mount Saint Macrina - Uniontown, PA
Saturday, May 31, 2008

Holy Annunciation Monastery - Sugarloaf, PA
Saturday, June 7, 2008

To sign up to participate or for further information call the GCU Home Office at 1-800-722-4428 (ext. 217).

 

GCU 8th Annual Outing at PNC Park

Let’s do our part to cheer the Pittsburgh Pirates
onto victory
at PNC Park.
Plan to attend the 8th Annual GCU Nite
Thursday, August 14, 2008—7:05 p.m.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds
Tickets-$17 (left field boxes)
Added Bonus: Pirates Hat Nite!!!
Call the GCU Fraternal Communications
Department at 1-800-722-4428,
Ext. 217 for information.
Deadline to reserve tickets is July 21.

 

GCU National Bowling Tournament May 16-17 in Cleveland Area

     Good luck to our GCU bowlers who are competing in the 72nd annual National Bowling Tournament at the Freeway Lanes in Wickliffe, Ohio. This is quite a tradition in the GCU, as very few organizations can celebrate an ongoing event with such longevity. Headquarters will be the Radisson Eastlake Hotel in nearby Eastlake, Ohio.