GCU eMag Home Page

July 2010

In Blessed Memory—Metropolitan Basil

The officers and members of the Greek Catholic Union are deeply saddened on the death of Metropolitan Basil Schott, a spiritual protector of our society and the leader of our Byzantine Catholic Church in America. Metropolitan Basil endeared himself to GCU members, first as a Franciscan priest serving in northeastern Pennsylvania, then as the bishop of Parma, Ohio, and since 2002 as Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh. At age 70 his earthly life has been shortened, but he would be the first to point out that the way of God is not the way of humans on this earth. His spiritual counsel, friendly demeanor and ever present wit will be missed by all with whom he has been associated as a priest, bishop and metropolitan archbishop. As he enters the heavenly kingdom, we pray that his memory be eternal.

From the President George Juba
by George N. Juba

Happy Birthday America! And a Happy Fourth of July to our GCU members and web site visitors. We are privileged in America to have a national holiday that celebrates our independence. This is not a matter to take lightly. Look around at the international scene, especially the ultra tense situation in the Middle East where our troops are valiantly serving so that we will continue to experience our independence here in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Independence Day is a time to celebrate, but more importantly a time to appreciate and honor those who are bravely serving in our nation’s armed forces. We salute all of our armed forces.
Over the past several months we have seen the stock market on a mini-rollercoaster like ride. We’ve seen the Dow Jones Industrial Average go up and down with a more than 1000 point drop in this short time. Perhaps you can’t afford such uncertainty with the precious funds that you’ve managed to save. Perhaps your personal timeline cannot accept unexpected declines as seen in recent months. If you are in this situation, then the GCU has the products and the professional staff to assist you in planning your personal financial future. GCU Annuity owners have experienced NO losses in their investments… and only steady increases in the value of their personal funds. Give our Marketing Department a call now.

Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you should have any questions or additional concerns. Email gjuba@gcuusa.com or call 1-800-722-4428.

From Our Secretary-Treasurer
Happy Birthday U.S.A and Family Fun Days 2010
by Judy Gula

Judith A. Gula On July 4th we as nation celebrate the 234 th birthday of our country. We come together as family, friends and citizens to reminisce of happy days and make plans for future times. We thank God that we live in such a great country that provides us with freedom and the opportunities to work hard and create a good life for ourselves and those that we love. We are so fortunate. Happy Birthday USA and God Bless America.
During the month of July we are given the opportunity to come together as GCU family to enjoy Family Fun Days at Seven Oaks on July 22, 23, 24 and 25. In addition this year a Family Fun Day is scheduled at the Pocono’s, Shawnee Inn, on August 15 for our GCU members in the East. These two events have a multitude of activities scheduled for both the young and old. Detailed information, schedules, costs and applications can be found and downloaded from our web site or in the June GCU print Magazine. Please join us at one or two of the scheduled GCU Family Fun Days. I am sure you will have a great time.

If you have questions, please contact the GCU Fraternal Department at 1-800-722-4428.

Spend Time Working on Your Goals
by John P. Harbist

     Wow, here we are in July….. Say it isn’t so! I remember as a kid my parents always commenting on “how fast the time goes by.” I really could not understand that concept because, as a kid, time was irrelevant–I was always out having a good time. Now that I am older (and believe somewhat more wiser) I can appreciate my parents’ comment, since, to me the first half of 2010 was just a blur.
     Going into the second half of this year, I plan to take the time to evaluate both personal and professionally where I stand regarding goals that I have set. Personally, I have found that without some sort of action plan it is difficult to judge where I am and where I want to be. Adjusting the plan often is required to stay on course and meet your expectations.
     I suggest that everyone take the time to evaluate your goals. If need be, come up with an action plan. Your plan should be written in a simple yet concise way to ensure the goal is accomplished in a step by step achievable process. A simple example of an action plan might be:

State goal.
What needs to be done.
Target date for completion
Track your progress.
Make changes, if necessary, to obtain goal.

Whether it be finding that perfect job, saving up for a vacation, purchasing that next big ticket item or planning for retirement, coming up with an action plan will be beneficial in helping reach that goal.
So, remember to have a plan, review and adjust routinely, and stay the course. These simple steps will get you where you want to be.

Coming Soon… “Spotlight on Lodge #?” (Hint: It could be about YOU!)
by Christie Petty

Although the June issue of the GCU Magazine has just landed in your mailbox, we are already building the August issue. Future issues will contain a new column that will act as a “recipe for success” in how to plan particular types of events… our “Spotlight on Lodge #” column!
This column will feature a different Lodge each issue and include not only a report on a past event, but a guideline on how to hold a similar event with details on budget, timeline of preparations and contact information for more help from an officer of that lodge. This is just one step in creating a resource network of articles and forms that will allow our lodge officers to gain the tools they need to be more successful in what they do. We want to help our members get the most out of Fraternal events and help non-members get acquainted with what we do in the GCU.

Lodge Officers: If you wish to submit an article for the ‘Spotlight’ column or need help with an idea, please contact me at 1-800-722-4428 (ext. 209) or email cpetty@gcuusa.com.

Coming this month - Byzantine Catholic Family Day at Kennywood Park

Thursday, July 22, 2010
Event is co-sponsored by
Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh and GCU.
Discount tickets are available from GCU lodges at local parishes and
through the GCU Home Office.

1-800-722-4428 ext 217.

GCU Family Fun Days – Greater Pittsburgh Region

Seven Oaks Country Club, Beaver PA
July 22-25, 2010

Description of the activities for GCU Family Fun Days at our fabulous GCU Seven Oaks Country Club appears in the June 2010 GCU Magazine.

Or click this link to look at the web version: Family Fun Days-PGH
Applications for activities can be printed by downloading this .pdf: FFD-PGH App.

Questions related to Family Fun Days events can be directed to the
Fraternal Communications Department at 1-800-722-4428 (ext. 217).

Family Fun Day - Greater Pocono Region

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Join your friends and family in the Poconos for
Family Fun Day at the Shawnee Inn and Resort!

A day filled with fun activities for kids, teens, adults, golfers and
anyone who just wants to enjoy the beauty of nature in the
Delaware Water Gap area of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Details can be found at Family Fun Day-Pocono.
Application can be printed by downloading this pdf: FFD -Pocono App.

Seven Oaks Country Club Awaits You!

Swimming Pool

Seven Oaks, our very own country club offers numerous recreational opportunities, all available to qualified GCU insurance and annuity benefit members. While the recreational opportunities include golf, swimming, tennis, picnicking or just enjoying the 700 scenic acres of western Pennsylvania’s rolling hills, there’s also first class dining. Casual dress and excellent lunches and dinners are the norm in the Grille Room. The Sunday brunch schedule is as follows: On the first Sunday of each month, holidays and special events Brunch will be served in the Main Dining Room. All other Sundays, a mini-brunch will be offered in the Grille Room. The Brunch in the Grille will feature much of the same selection as the larger brunch in the Main Dining Room. Such features are omelets and crepes cooked to order, housemade waffles, salads, hot items, and more. The price is $12.95 for adults; children ages (6-10) - $6.75; and children ages (3-5) - $3.75.

To learn more about your opportunity to use your GCU member privileges, call the Home Office at 1-800-722-4428 (ext. 217).

GCU Print Magazine Coming Next Month

The August GCU Magazine print edition, a more comprehensive report of events and activities held throughout the GCU World, will appear in mid-August. We advise all contributors that the deadline for all copy is Monday, July 26.

GCU 10th Annual GCU Outing at PNC Park

Sunday, August 22, 2010 Pittsburgh Pirates vs. New York Mets
Great Seats in the Upper Level Grandstand
All Prices include Game Ticket and Tailgate Party

$18 Adult Members
$14 Members ages 14 & under

Guests & Church Groups are Welcome!

$20 Adult Non-Members
$16 Non-Members aged 14 & under
Bonus: All kids aged 14 & under get a Pirates Backpack!

Free Kids activities on Federal Street before the game.
Party before the Game at the GCU Tailgate in the Adjacent Parking Lot

Food and Soft Drinks Provided
Tailgate starts at 12 pm
Game at 1:35 pm
Download and Print Tickets Application

Plan now to be a part
9/11/2010 National Day of Service and Remembrance

In support of this national initiative, the GCU is asking our lodges to make contributions to their communities on this date, both to remember those who had fallen on that tragic day nine years ago and to thank those who serve us every day.
Ideas for events could include taking coffee and donuts to the local police or fire station; organizing a memorial walk or run; making and distributing red, white and blue lapel ribbons at a local park; cleaning up the church yard or decorating the entry for a special service. We ask that you get involved and with 9/11/2010 being on a Saturday, our lodges can hold events all weekend! The possibilities are endless!

We Will Never Forget!