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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.
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by Judy 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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).
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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