Community

Freedom’s support of and activity in the Harford County, MD community.

3 Famous Scary Stories and What They Teach Us

3 famous scary stories

It’s that time of year again! The nights get longer. Haunting winds rattle shutters, and swaying trees cast spooky shadows in the moonlight. It’s time to tell ghost stories!

These stories scare us, but they can also show us something. Let’s see what three of the most popular ghost stories can show us about financial responsibility for a spook-tacular Halloween!

1) The Ghost in the Attic

The Story
It starts a little differently each time. Maybe there’s a bump in the night. A squeaky floorboard creaks and groans even when no one is walking near it. More and more squeaks and bumps that no one can explain keep happening. The cabinets open and close by themselves. Loud noises come from nowhere in the middle of the night. Everyone is terrified, and no one can sleep. Blood starts dripping from walls as screams come from the vents and doors slam. This house is haunted.

It turns out there’s some history to the house. A gruesome murder took place there. It was built on an ancient Native American burial ground. The attic was home to an abandoned child who was forced to live there because of his hideous deformity. The only way to get back to normal is to give these angry spirits what they need.

The Reality
If your house has creaking floorboards, or your heating and cooling system goes bump in the night, you might be headed for a far more serious problem than ghosts. Unexplained noises in the house could be signs of serious structural problems. Knocks in the walls can be a plumbing issue about to break loose. Uneven construction can really make cabinets open by themselves and doors slam uncontrollably. Like in the story, many of these problems come out of your house’s history. It might have been built on an old mine site or just built in a hurry.

Left untreated, these little problems can create big trouble. Squeaky floorboards can break, pipes can rupture and foundation problems can ruin your home. If you’re counting on homeowners insurance to pay for these accidents, think again. Homeowners insurance policies broadly don’t cover “construction defects,” which means you’ll be stuck holding the bill.

Consider getting out in front of these problems. You can use your home equity line of credit to repair your foundation, fix structural problems in your home and perform other necessary upgrades. Don’t let the specter of uncertainty ruin your ghoulish good time!

2) Vampire Infestation

The Story
Up a winding mountain pass deep in the Transylvanian high country sits an ancient mansion. The simple folk who live in the valley will not go near it, nor will they even speak a word about it, for fear of attracting the dark attention of the master of the house. The man is never seen and the house might be assumed empty if it were not for the ominous cackling that echoes through the farms and pastures that surround the mountain.

Legend tells that the man in the mansion is an unholy abomination who subsists on the blood of the innocent. Young children have been found by the road leading up to the mansion, their flesh cold and clammy as though the life itself has been drained out of them. Travelers who arrive at the village scoff at the tale of Dracula’s Mansion, but those who journey up to it are never seen again.

The Reality
While you don’t have any vampires in your life (probably), you do have something you never see that’s sucking the life out of your financial success. Outstanding debt is a seldom-seen figure that casts an ominous shadow over your household finances. Make no mistake: The beast is feeding on your innocent salary and putting your whole household in its sight. The average household has $17,000 or more in debt and faces an average minimum payment of $423 per month.

If you want to drive a stake through the heart of this monster, consider a debt consolidation loan. These loans can repair your credit, lower your monthly payment and free you from the control of the heartless creature. Best of all, you won’t need to deal with the smell of garlic!

3) Zombie Apocalypse

The Story
The streets are quiet. There are no cars or pedestrians. An overcast sky casts flickering shadows on the desolate streets. The ordinary noises of a city are starkly absent. The only clearly audible sound is the slow chomping of the walking dead who are feasting on the bodies of recent victims.

Cowering in basements and perched on rooftops, human survivors band together. Their goal is simple: Stay alive for one more day. Long past the point where rescue helicopters stop flying, these brave souls will go their own way and resist being part of the zombie horde.

The Reality
Zombies are a cautionary example of what happens to us when we consume just for the sake of consumption. A zombie is a sad creature who lacks the capacity to plan or see further than the next meal. We’ve all been there – splurging on a candy bar in the checkout lane, not because we were hungry, but because we wanted it and it was there.

The best way to zombie-proof yourself is to make a realistic budget and stick to it. Make a plan for your income that includes saving and investing. Be sure to include space for planned indulgences – like discount Halloween candy on Nov. 1.

Sources:

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/homeowners-insurance-cover-foundation-repair-63590.html

http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/credit-card-data/average-credit-card-debt-household/

http://www.free-online-calculator-use.com/credit-card-minimum-payment-calculator.html

 

#FreedomToHelpChallenge 2019

#FreedomToHelpChallenge

Win $1,000 for your favorite local charity!

Freedom Federal Credit Union believes in people helping people and we are challenging Harford County volunteers, companies, and non-profits to participate in the award-winning 2nd annual #FreedomToHelpChallenge photo contest this holiday season. Showcase volunteerism in Harford County for the chance to win a $1,000 charitable donation for your local non-profit of choice and other weekly prizes.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Like or Follow Freedom Federal Credit Union on Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)

2. Post public photos showcasing volunteerism in Harford County from November 1st through December 12th, 2019

3. Include a description of the volunteer effort along with the searchable hashtag, #FreedomToHelpChallenge on every post

4. Visit us on Facebook every Friday to participate in public voting to increase your chances to win! (Every like equals a vote!)

On Instagram? Tag Freedom @FreedomFedCU or DM us to follow you if your account is private.

The #FreedomToHelpChallenge was recognized by CUNA in 2019 with The Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award

 

Read Full Contest Rules and Details Here.

Grand Prize Info: The Final Showdown
Public Voting for finalists will be available on Freedom’s Facebook page on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 10:00 am for 24 hours from the start of the voting period. Every like equals a vote. Share with your friends to increase your votes. The Grand Prize Winner will be announced via Freedom’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram page on or before December 20th, 2019.

*Selected charity must be a registered 501(C)3 with a proven focus in Harford County.

2019 Golden Apple Recipients

Freedom Federal Credit Union SELECTS Three Harford County PUBLIC SCHOOLS Teachers to Win Golden Apple Awards

Winners Were Honored at a Reception Held on July 29, 2019

Three female teachers holding golden apple award trophies in front of Freedom banner
Freedom Federal Credit Union awards grant funds to its 2019 Golden Apple Annual Education Award recipients (L to R): Alisa Janiski, Tanya Zelwalk, and Jess Wilson.

Bel Air, MD –At a reception on Monday, July 29, Freedom Federal Credit Union honored Tanya Zelwalk, as the grand prize recipient of the Credit Union’s 2019 Golden Apple Annual Educator Award grant competition. Ms. Zelwalk, who is the Learning Together classroom teacher at North Bend Elementary School, won the top $2,000 grant for her plans to better serve her special needs students, provide additional resources to their parents, and to become certified as a children’s author. The Learning Together Program serves 3-5 year-old special needs children in an inclusive and educational setting that adapts the current pre-school curriculum to the unique needs of these young learners.

Ms. Zelwalk’s request, detailed an inspirational vision to help these young learners, who have a trying journey ahead, learn socialization, empathy, communication, behavioral, and pre-academic skills that will shape their future as older students and then as productive members of society in their adult lives.

Freedom noted that, although a record number of submissions were received this year, it was Ms. Zelwalk’s thoughtfulness and consideration for how the award could affect positive change for her students, their parents, and for her own professional development that made her application standout from the rest.

Additionally, two other recipients were awarded grants: Alisa Janiski, Gifted and Talented Resource Teacher at Church Creek and Roye-Williams Elementary schools, and Jess Wilson, Adapted Physical Education Teacher at the John Archer School. Both Ms. Janiski and Ms. Wilson will receive $500 each to fund initiatives at their respective schools.

Turning ordinary days into extraordinary opportunities for learning is Ms. Janiski’s specialty at Church Creek and Roye-Williams Elementary Schools. As a Gifted & Talented Teacher, Alisa Janiski, champions creative and memorable learning opportunities for her students.

Ms. Janiski asked Freedom to imagine walking into a classroom for a normal day at school, just to find that it has been transformed. Teachers are wearing surgical masks, desks have become operating tables, and nametags are preceded with the title, Dr.   It is now up to the students to save their patients with an exciting day of practical reading and math applications. Ms. Janiski’s Ron Clark Academy-inspired Room Transformations, allow students to experience immersive learning scenarios where they might find themselves immigrating to America at Ellis Island, surviving on a deserted island, or camping in the woods.

As the full-time Adapted Physical Education Teacher at the John Archer School in Bel Air, Ms. Jessica Wilson works with students ages three to twenty-one. All of her students have developmental disabilities, in conjunction with either a medical or physical limitation, or both.

Ms. Wilson has accepted the challenge to adapt Harford County’s Physical Education curriculum to her students’ unique needs and abilities. Like any children, the students at John Archer want to enjoy activities accessible in their community, such as miniature golf, but often need help learning the basic psychomotor skills to participate.

Ms. Wilson came to Freedom to ask for help in purchasing miniature golf equipment that could be appropriately modified to compliment the skill progression of her students as they learn to use the equipment, so that they too might enjoy the game in their youth and for years to come. When the equipment is not being used at John Archer, it will be available for use by other students with special needs around the county.

Mike MacPherson, President and CEO of Freedom Federal Credit Union, emceed the reception and congratulated the recipients on their achievement.  ”We value all of our members, and it is a special day when we can celebrate and support teachers from among our membership. They have set out to make a real and actionable difference in the lives of our Harford County youth, and it is our honor to play a part in supporting them and their ongoing initiatives.”

Jean Mantegna, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources at Harford County Public Schools (HCPS), attended the reception on behalf of Dr. Sean Bulson. “The Golden Apple Award recognizes teachers who continuously seek new and meaningful ways to deliver instruction to our students. Thank you to Freedom for providing this opportunity to honor great teachers and create a positive and lasting impact in the classroom,” said Mantegna.

The annual competition is intended to support Freedom Federal Credit Union members who are employed at a Harford County school and have a creative vision for education that can only be met with community support. All applicants were asked to submit an essay demonstrating how their idea would serve their students, class, school and the Harford County community. Entries were judged by a panel of Freedom employees, board members, and community leaders.

Freedom CEO Appears on WMAR-TV to Share the Difference Between Banks and Credit Unions with Midday Maryland

 

What is the difference between banks and credit unions? This is a question that comes up often around credit unions. President and CEO of Freedom Federal Credit Union, Mike MacPherson, joined Elsa M. on a recent Midday Maryland segment, produced by WMAR-TV, to explain not just the difference, but the advantage to becoming a credit union member.

In the interview, MacPherson explains the member-owned structure of credit unions and how these not-for-profit organizations deliver the same services as banks with fewer fees and better rates, combined with superior customer service, and a focus on supporting the communities they serve. The members of the credit union are also the owners, not outside shareholders aiming to make a profit. Because of the not-for-profit structure of credit unions, “after we pay the bills, our objective is to put our money back into the community, into the credit union, and to the members”, MacPherson states during the five-minute interview.

MacPherson touches on the history of credit unions in the United States, including their role in helping to maintain financial stability during the 2008 financial crisis. The segment covers the structure of credit unions, how consumers are eligible, and the focus on being the “heart of the community”. “[For Freedom], we believe in giving back…we have a focus on volunteerism, on philanthropy, doing more for our members, and making the community better”, states MacPherson.

How does someone become a member of a credit union? Every credit union has eligibility requirements. For example, Freedom is community chartered, so if you live, work, worship, volunteer or have family in Harford County, Maryland, you are eligible to join. According to MacPherson, all it takes is one dollar, placed in your own savings account, to become a member and have full access to all the services and benefits of credit union membership.

To learn more, watch the full segment above.

Hits for Healthy Kids

Freedom Federal Credit Union Sponsors Hits for Healthy Kids

In Partnership with the Aberdeen IronBirds, to Benefit Pediatric Services at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health

HIts for Healthy Kids
Freedom Federal Credit Union is proud to announce a new partnership with the Aberdeen IronBirds and The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation with the launch of Hits for Healthy Kids. This season, every time an IronBirds player gets a hit during a home game, Freedom Federal Credit Union will donate $10 to benefit services for children at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH). Hits for Healthy Kids started on June 14th on opening day and will run through the end of the regular IronBirds season.

Hits for Healthy Kids is a refresh of last season’s partnership, Homeruns for Healthy Kids, which benefited services for children at the MedStar Health Bel Air Medical Campus. Freedom donated $2,600 at the end of the season to MedStar, and is looking forward to having an even bigger impact through this new initiative.

“Our partnership with Freedom Federal Credit Union amplifies the work both organizations continue to do in the community,” stated Matt Slatus, IronBirds General Manager. “As we work together on this summer’s Hits for Healthy Kids initiative, I’m confident our IronBirds will do everything they can on the field to make sure the Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation benefits from our continued relationship with Freedom Federal Credit Union.”

“The IronBirds and the UM UCH represent two great Harford County institutions, and we are proud to join forces with them in an effort to support health services for Harford County youth”, stated Freedom’s President and CEO Mike MacPherson. MacPherson also serves on the Board of Directors for The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation.

With Hits for Healthy Kids, Freedom builds on its existing partnership with The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation. To date, Freedom has donated $130,000 to support initiatives to improve health services in Harford County through UM UCH.

 

About Freedom Federal Credit Union

Freedom Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered federal credit union offering consumer financial services to those who live, work, volunteer, worship, attend school, or have family in Harford County. Additionally, Freedom offers a full-line of banking services for all businesses, associations, and other organizations that are based in Harford County. Freedom has been in business since 1953 and has five locations throughout Harford County. To learn more, visit freedomfcu.org

About The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation

The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation supports the mission of University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health through developing relationships with local citizens and organizations who wish to take part in the expansion and improvement of healthcare services provided in Harford County. Through the work of The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation, the community supports their hospital through philanthropic gifts, planned giving, participation in fundraising events and volunteerism.

About The Aberdeen IronBirds

The IronBirds, short-season ‘Class-A’ affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, are owned by Harford County’s own Bill Ripken and his brother, Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. Playing games at Aberdeen’s Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium since 2002, the IronBirds provide affordable family entertainment in the Upper Chesapeake region while working with community partners to better the community the team plays in. In 2019, the IronBirds will provide nearly $300,000 in charitable giving and support to Harford County-based non-profit organizations.

 

Freedom Sponsors 1st Annual Magic of Science Fair

May 20, 2019 – The APG Discovery Center held its first annual Magic of Science Fair at the APG Discovery Fest at Aberdeen Proving Ground. The APG Discovery Fest, held on May 4th, 2019 was an opportunity to see what is being done “behind the fence” at APG, including demonstrations of APG technology, a job fair with nearly 2,000 participants, and the First Annual Magic of Science Fair for middle schoolers.

The APG Discovery Center, with the help of the Harford County Senior Science Society, planned and organized the Magic of Science Fair, which included students from eight middle schools and several home-schooled students. There were 25 projects with 33 students who entered the juried competition. Projects ranged from citrus powered phones to harnessing solar energy, gravity’s effect on root growth, and the impact of hurricanes on different housing structures. Winners were determined as “Best in Grade”, “Runner-Up”, and “Honorable Mention”.

Student Awardees stand on stage with ribbons
APG Senior Commander Maj. Gen. Randy Taylor and Freedom Federal Credit Union’s Business Development Director, Sue Manning, stand with award recipients at the Magic of Science Fair.

The Magic of Science Fair was sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union, a strong supporter of the APG Discovery Center. Freedom’s Business Development Director, Sue Manning, was present for the awards ceremony. Their sponsorship included high tech prizes like 3-D printers, virtual reality systems, and robotic kits, which were awarded at each grade level. “It was a privilege to meet these phenomenal young people and an honor for Freedom to present them with awards that will encourage their love of science and technology,” stated Manning.

The APG Discovery Center is envisioned to be a 30,000 square foot facility, located near, but not on, the APG property. The intent is to develop a destination location for STEM related activities, APG displays providing a view of “tomorrow’s technology today”, and a place to show and retain the more than 100 years of history at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Additional information can be found at http://www.apgdiscovery.com/

About APG Discovery Center

The APG Discovery Center will be a place where students of all ages experience, create, and play with science and technology. A place where new worlds are discovered, and connections are made. In addition to interactive exhibits, the Discovery Center will offer after-school programs, maker spaces, and serve as an anchor for the region’s STEM activities. Phase I, The Discovery Preview Center will open in Aberdeen, Maryland in late 2019.

About Freedom Federal Credit Union

Freedom Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered federal credit union offering consumer financial services to those who live, work, volunteer, worship, attend school, or have family in Harford County. Additionally, Freedom offers a full-line of banking services for all businesses, associations, and other organizations that are based in Harford County. Freedom has been in business since 1953 and has five locations throughout Harford County. To learn more, visit freedomfcu.org

Orioles Ticket Offer – Friday Fireworks and Music

We’ve teamed up with the Baltimore Orioles to bring our members a special offer…

Join us on Friday, June 28th at Camden Yards for a night of baseball, fireworks and music.

The game starts at 7:05PM, and as a member of Freedom, you can purchase tickets at a discounted price!

Check out this flyer for more details.

To purchase tickets, please click here.