February 2012

Link to Finances Page


Various Membership Info and Forms national calendar link

From the PresidentGeorge Juba
GCU- Celebrating 120 Years!
by George N. Juba

     Our lives are complex and our world is filled with conveniences and contraptions like:  wireless, smart phones, Slingbox,  Android, iPod, iPad, iPhone, and the list goes on. Living in the 21st century has many of us connected so many ways that at times we’re just not certain where we should turn (or click) next. This is the reality of living in 2012 and being connected with family, friends, businesses and the world.
     While GCU embraces technology and remains committed to providing the best and most up to date service to our membership, we are still very much a part of the real world—always have been and always will be. Our assets now are $ 850 million, an astronomical growth surge from the $600 in assets when GCU was founded on February 14, 1892. This month GCU proudly celebrates our 120th Anniversary of service to our membership.
               Think about this… in 1892 when our founders gathered and organized the GCU, here’s what was taking place:

  • The General Electric Company was formed.
  • The escalator was patented.
  • The first concrete street was paved.
  • The first basketball game was played.
  • The first Sunday baseball game was played.
  • The Sierra Club for the protection of our environment was organized by John Muir.

     All of the above mentioned are still with us, and definitely an important part of American life. We want to think that the GCU is also a very important component in American life in the 21st century. Please celebrate with us and tell your family and friends about the GCU. Happy Anniversary, GCU.

 

GCU and the Global Economy
2012 Begins with Great Expectations
by Judy Gula

Judith A. Gula

    We are closing our financial records for 2011 and preparing our annual reports. The actual numbers will be available to all on the GCU web site in March and in the GCU print version Magazine-Annual Report issue in April. All indications show a very positive year for us. However, we remain very cautious, and carefully continue to watch expenditures, strengthen our portfolio and implement plans to secure additional contingent reserve funds.
     As I read many articles about the global economy and all of the problems in Europe, I realize these problems affect corporations here in the United States. You just can’t help worrying about the economic future of the world. We at the GCU will remain strong as we do not let our guard down to constantly protect your and our funds.
     We thank all members for their support in this organization, and we thank God and St. Nicholas for their protection and the wisdom they provide for us to make wise decisions.
If there are questions or comments, please contact me at 1-800-722-4428.

 

Getting the Word Out!
by John Harbist 

   GCU is a fraternal benefit society which has been in existence for 120 years. Part of the reason GCU has been around for so long is because of the many benefits (See our website – www.gcuusa.com) we have offered over the years.
     Our national officers, managers and staff feel that this organization is one to be proud of. We hope that our membership feels the same. Who would have thought that on February 14, 1892 the merger of 14 small independent Greek Catholic lodges with approximately 700 members and assets around $600 would grow to present day membership of approximately 40,000 with $840 million in assets.
       However, the story does not end there. It’s time for our present membership to help. Tell other family members, friends, and co-workers of the many benefits that they, too, can enjoy. Ask them to consider GCU for their financial needs. Encourage them to join for the fraternal programs. By doing so, you are getting the word out telling the GCU success story. We thank you.

 

Fred PetroHappy Founders' Day!
 by Christie Petty

    The year was 1892. A group of recent immigrants from Eastern and Central Europe found strength and community with each other in the New World. They brought their customs, their religion and their sense of tradition. They felt it was important to help not only themselves and their families, but to lay the groundwork for generations to come. They started a tradition that we are part of today.
     I urge you to celebrate Founders’ Day with a new tradition of your own. You may wish to help others by volunteering your time. You may wish to spend quality time with your family. You may wish to reconnect with friends you haven’t seen in awhile. But regardless of how you choose to spend GCU Founders’ Day, I hope you will take a moment and reflect on how far we have come in the past 120 years!
        And as always, you can find out the latest news on upcoming Fraternal Activities at http://www.gcuusa.com/whats-new.html.

 

Junior Bowling Tournaments in GCU Districts

     More fun for our younger members… Be sure to check out our District Pages over the coming weeks for information on your local Junior Bowling Tournaments.
     Youths ages 2-18 may participate in their local Junior Bowling Tournament and the rules are adjusted for all ages. For the youngest members, only one game is bowled, with the aid of bumpers and ramps if necessary. Older youths bowl an increased number of games and the bumpers eventually disappear.
     For the age 16-18 students, the female and male winners who have the designated membership requirements will become eligible to win a $1,000.00 GCU educational scholarship!
      Find out more on the District Page: http://www.gcuusa.com/districts.htm.
Choose your area for details and to download and print your entry form,
or call 724-495-3400 ext. 217.

If there is not a contest scheduled for your area, be sure to check back as we are currently receiving details for each Region.

 

 

GCU 2012 National Scholarship &
2012 Academic Performance Scholarship

Completed applications and all required supporting materials are due by February 15, 2012.

To submit these materials, please use the following means:

US Mail             GCU Scholarship Committee
                           5400 Tuscarawas Road
                           Beaver, PA 1500

Fax                     Attn: Scholarship Committee
                            724-495-3421

Email                  cpetty@gcuusa.com
                            Christie Petty
                            Coordinator, GCU Scholarship Committee

 

 

Enter to WIN!!!!

GCU Art Contest
for Youth Members Age 12 & under

Hey Kids…show us your creative side. Win an iPod or a generous gift certificate to Toys R Us or Best Buy. Complete details appear on the GCU web site and also in the GCU December print Magazine.
This year’s theme: “When I Grow Up, I Want to Be…”

 GCU Photo Contest
For Young Adult Members Aged 13-23

We are doing it again… a contest for our teens and young adults! Enter to win a digital camera or a Best Buy Gift card. Complete details appear on the GCU web site and also in the December GCU print Magazine.
This year’s theme: “The Beauty of Nature.”

Bonus: Photo entrants work will also be considered for publication in future issues of the GCU Magazine! Be published and build your photo portfolio!

Deadline for both contests is Monday, April 9, 2012!

 

You will not want to miss the
76th Annual GCU National Bowling Tournament!

Where will we bowl?
Cloverleaf Lanes in Independence, OH (Cleveland Suburbs)

When?
Friday & Saturday May 18-19, 2012
Where’s the party afterwards?
Holiday Inn of Cleveland/Independence
6001 Rockside Rd., Independence, OH 44131
216-524-8050

Monthly newsletters with all the details will be mailed to past bowlers starting the end of February…watch your mailbox!

 

Be sure to Save the Dates for these upcoming 2012 GCU National Events:

 

March 25, 2012          NEW EVENT
                                    GCU Hockey Night with the Pittsburgh Penguins
                                    CONSOL Energy Center – Pittsburgh, PA
                                    Pens vs. New Jersey Devils

May 20, 2012             2nd Annual Byzantine Catholic Family Day
                                    for the Passaic Eparchy
                                    Knoebels Park - Elysburg, PA

June 4, 2012               GCU Golf Classic
                                    Seven Oaks - Beaver, PA

July 26, 2012              92nd Annual Byzantine Catholic Family Day
                                    for the Pittsburgh Archeparchy
                                    Kennywood Park – Pittsburgh, PA

August 9-11, 2012      GCU National Golf Tournament
                                    Seven Oaks - Beaver, PA
                                    Golf Scramble, choice of 1-day or 2-day tournament, cash
                                    prizes and family activities

August 11, 2012         GCU Skyblast Night with the Pittsburgh Pirates
                                    PNC Park – Pittsburgh, PA
                                    Bucs vs. San Diego Padres
                                             *Musical guest to be announced

September 15, 2012   GCU Pocono Golf Open at the Shawnee Inn & Resort
                                    Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA

December 9, 2012      56th Annual St. Nicholas Celebration
                                    A Benefit for Sts. Cyril & Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary                                    
Need to find out deadlines for submissions to GCU Magazine or other dates?
Check out the GCU Home Office Calendar at http://www.gcuusa.com/PDF/MagDeadlineCalendar12.pdf

 

GCU February Print Magazine Coming this Month

            Look for the February edition of the GCU Magazine, a more comprehensive report of events and activities held throughout the GCU World. Scheduled to appear mid-February, the upcoming print Magazine includes:

  • District and Lodge reports on volunteerism and fraternal activities.
  • Important information about the GCU 41st National Convention.
  • Announcement of our new Metropolitan Archbishop.
  • Stories about GCU Fraternalism, Sports and other interesting information.
  • Achievements of members throughout the GCU World.

 

Seven Oaks Country Club Closed in January


Seven Oaks Country Club will be closed in January and February, but the offices will remain open 8 am-4 pm Monday through Friday. The Fitness Center will be open 7 am-4 pm Monday through Friday in January and February.