What’s In a Name?

One of the harder things about our merger—and the time it will take to finalize—is the occasional need to refer to one credit union or another by name as a separate entity when we are really one. Yes, certain systems and aspects cannot be completely transitioned until year end, but the mere reference of two names, at times, feels like it drives a wedge between us.

I also recognize for the members and team of (taking my lead from Prince) “The Credit Union Formerly Known as AFFCU,” this can be confusing because the impact is more significant, the change more tangible. Despite how good the change or how it will benefit everyone long term, not truly being “complete” can be a tad unnerving and may cause uncertainty or anxiety.

It’s important, therefore, to stress that we are, without question, all Freedom. We are, therefore, working hard and fast to bring as much together as possible to alleviate concerns.

It’s also important to realize that it’s not the name alone that defines us. Yes, a business needs a legal name to operate under, a name with which to build a brand and reputation. However, it’s what we do that makes our name. It’s how we serve our members, support the community and provide for our team members so they can, in turn, serve and support.

It is our words, actions, and deeds that matter most. So, as we grapple with the bits that create a temporary separation, let’s focus on what unites us: that we’re all in this together, that we share the same goal, that we are “one Freedom.”

Life Through A Lens

I recently came across my old camcorder and video cassettes from the 90’s. There were videos of family (with some long passed), vacations, sports, birthdays and so on.  As I watched hours and hours of footage over several days, I couldn’t help but wonder how present I was in all that time.  Sure, I was capturing the moment, but was I in that moment experiencing the joy and wonder around me?

At the time you think you’re documenting something for posterity, something you’ll look at over and over to relive the experience, but do you?  Do the emotions you feel as you rewatch moments of your life and life around you compare to what you felt, or could have felt, as things happened?  I pondered this question and wondered if so much time living life through a lens was worth the recordings that have gathered dust for 30 years over what I may have missed if I was more invested in the moments that will never come again.

Today, like everyone else, I have a smart phone.  Gone is the camcorder replaced by the ability to take a picture, record a moment and share it immediately with the world if so inclined.

The equipment has changed, but the danger, because of the ease and immediacy, is greater.  I, unlike so many that are glued to their screen who can’t seem to experience anything without full documentation, have the benefit of hindsight from a different time.  I now know how to snap a quick pic or record a 10 second guitar riff, versus record for an hour only occasionally looking up.  I have learned that seeing it with my eyes, experiencing it, and remembering it, is more fulfilling and long lasting because if I do that then when viewed years from now, a single picture or brief clip will bring back that moment in a more meaningful way versus watching a long recording where you can hear your son in the background calling your name repeatedly and saying “watch me dad”.

At Freedom, we often talk about what’s truly important – family, community, meaningful connections and partnerships.  So, no matter what you’re doing, revel in your time with others, share moments that matter, and if you choose to memorialize them remember, less is more.  Don’t let your experiences be dependent on what or how much you can see or capture through a lens.  The best memories aren’t the ones we record; they’re the ones we feel.

Golden Apple Educator Awards – 2025

We are now accepting entries for this year’s Golden Apple Educator Award!

Entrants must be a current Freedom FCU or Atlantic Financial FCU Member* and an employee at a Harford County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, or Carroll County school (public or private, PreK-12th).

now FEATURING

TWO $2,000 Awards  –  FOUR $1,000 Awards  –  FOUR $500 Awards

 

To enter, submit an entry form and essay. The essay must describe how you would use the funds and why you should be selected for an award! Scoring favors proposals demonstrating the greatest impact on local schools, classes, students, and/or the community at large.

Freedom Federal Credit Union has once again increased the number of grant awards available, and is pleased to offer TEN Annual Educator Awards ranging from $500 up to $2,000.  Eligible applicants are Education Employees who may be a deserving teacher, school administrator or school support employee from a Harford County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, or Carroll County school.

Scoring favors submissions with the greatest impact and creativity with a strong preference for ideas/initiatives that are sustainable over multiple years.

.TO ENTER: Complete the entry form and submit an essay that demonstrates the significance of your idea or initiative and how it will be beneficial. Your essay may address any or all of the following questions:

  1. What is your creative idea or initiative to benefit your students, your class, or your school? If you win this award, how will you make it happen using the funds from this award?
  2. How will your idea or initiative support or improve the learning experience of your students or benefit your classroom or school overall?
  3. Will your idea or initiative benefit the overall community? If yes, how so?

Please submit your Golden Apple – 2025 Educator Award Entry Form and essay to enter@freedomfcu.org by May 31, 2025.

All entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges made up of Freedom employees, volunteers and community partners.

  • Entry deadline is May 31, 2025 
  • Submit by email to enter@freedomfcu.org
  • We will contact award recipients by June 20, 2025

LEARN ABOUT THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS OFFERED TO OUR EDUCATORS- EXPLORE THE REST OF THE GOLDEN APPLE PROGRAM!

*New members are also welcome to apply! Educators that are members of Atlantic Financial FCU are now apart of our Freedom FCU family and are also welcome to apply.


Read About Past Golden Apple Awardees**

2024 Recipients
2023 Recipients
2022 Recipients
2021 Recipients
2020 Recipients
2019 Recipients

**Previous awardees must skip a year between submissions.