Community

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

Annual Meeting a Great Success

Members Enjoy Annual Meeting at Ripken Stadium

C-Milton-Wright-Jazz-Band-2017_webFreedom’s 2017 Annual Meeting was April 11 at Ripken Stadium. Prior to the meeting’s start, members enjoyed music provided by the C. Milton Wright Jazz Band. A hors d’oeuvres buffet and drinks were served. In addition, several staffed “stations” situated throughout the venue provided members more information about our offerings and answered questions, particularly about electronic services. Upon entering the event, members received a ticket for door prize drawings and a card that could be marked at each of these five stations.

Proceedings

As the Annual Meeting began, members met members of our Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee. Next, those in attendance reached a quorum to approve the notes from last year’s meeting. Following the formalities, Board Chairman, Mike Kaiser, and President/CEO, Michael MacPherson, each made brief remarks. Mr. MacPherson gave an overview of  Freedom’s state of affairs, he discussed our mission and plans for the future. This discussion was followed by a new video providing a general overview of the Credit Union — who we are, what our values are, and what we can do for members. The evening’s business concluded with a question-and-answer session between members and the President/CEO.

Freedom's Web Strategist Rachel Schmidt
Freedom’s Web Strategist Rachel Schmidt enjoys refreshments at this year’s annual meeting
Patrice-Ricciardi Bob-Wheland at 2017 Annual Meeting
Left to right, SVP of Business Banking Robert Wehland , Business Development Specialist Patrice Ricciardi

Prizes

As a gift to all in attendance, members received a plush Freedom throw blanket. Members enjoyed replenished refreshments throughout the evening’s proceedings. To wrap up the evening, Mr. MacPherson drew random winners for each of 10 door prizes.  Prizes were gift cards worth $25 apiece from a variety of local stores and restaurants. Finally, all full participation cards were collected and Mr. MacPherson drew a winner for the grand prize of $100!

New Faces

Several new attendees came out to enjoy this year’s annual meeting. We love to meet our members, and hope to see more next year! Please remember that our Annual Meetings are open to all members, and always take place in the evening. These meetings provide a great opportunity to learn about Freedom and get your questions answered while enjoying a great evening out!

 

Golden Apple Plus Educator Award

HCEA and HCESC Members Can Apply for $1k Award

Freedom Federal Credit Union gives an Annual Golden Apple Plus Educator Award of $1,000 to a Freedom member.  The member must be a deserving teacher, school administrator or school support employee. Scoring favors the plan with the greatest impact on local schools, classes, students, and/or the community at large. 1st and 2nd Runner-up awards are given for $250.00 each.

Eligibility

  1. Must be a Freedom Federal Credit Union Member
  2. Must be enrolled in Freedom’s Golden Apple Plus Program
  3. Must be a member of HCEA or HCESC

Entry

To enter, complete the entry form below and submit an essay that explains why you, as a teacher or education employee, deserve this award. Your essay may address any or all of the following questions:

  1. What is your creative idea to benefit your students, your class or your school that this money would help you complete?
  2. Will you take a continuing education class or classes to improve your own education and expertise (be specific) and how will that improve learning by your students?
  3. Will you purchase supplies for your school or classroom and how will it help improve learning by your students? If so, explain how.
  4. Will your idea, training, or purchases affect the Harford County Community? If yes, how so?

Please submit your Golden Apple Plus Educator Award Entry Form and essay to marketing@freedomfcu.org by May 1. All entries will be reviewed by a panel of Freedom employees, volunteers and community partners.

Entry deadline: May 1, 2017     Submit by email to: marketing@freedomfcu.org

A winner will be announced by June 15, 2017.

April is Youth Month!

Special Youth Promotions all Month, Event April 29

KirbyYouthMonth◊ $25 Matching deposit on new Youth Club Accounts1

  • Stork — For parents of infants to 2 years of age
  • Kirby Kangaroo — For kids age 3 to 12
  • CU Succeed — For teens age 13 to 17
  • Choices — For young adults age 18 to 25

Each club comes with special benefits, financial education, special savings and loan terms.

◊  $25 Matching deposit for new Coverdell ESA (Education Savings Account) for new or existing Youth Club members (Stork, Kirby Kangaroo, or CU Succeed).$100 Matching deposit for new IRA for new and existing “Choices” Youth Club (18-25) members!

◊ $10 Refer-a-member bonus!2

◊ New Youth Club members who join in April are entered for a chance to win a family membership for the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore! FREE admission for a family with up to four people3

◊ Special Youth Day event on April 29

 

1Freedom will make a matching deposit up to $25 on all new Youth Club memberships opened April 1-30, 2017

2 Refer a new Youth Club member and receive a $10 deposit into your Youth Club Account.

3 Each new Youth Club membership opened in April is automatically entered into the drawing/sweepstakes. See sweepstakes rules and information

Credit Union Foundation Scholarship Opportunity

Scholarship Application Deadline is March 31Maryland DC Credit Union Association Scholarship competition 2017

Freedom members are eligible for one of ten, $1,000 scholarships awarded by the Credit Union Foundation of Maryland/DC. Any Freedom member entering their freshman through senior year of college or trade school may apply. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2017. Winners will be announced in May, 2017.

Applicants may submit an essay, video, or photo entry —

  • This year’s essay topic: “As a credit union member, explain why someone should choose a credit union as their primary financial institution over alternative service providers, such as for-profit banks.”
  • This year’s video topic: “Create a 60-second advertisement targeted specifically for a younger viewer (under the age of 30) that highlights the benefits of credit union membership.”
  • This year’s photo topic: “Respectful”

Submit your entry at https://cufound.communityforce.com/Login.aspx

Freedom Staffer Heads to Harford Leadership Academy

Developing Community LeadersStacie Sloan, Freedom's Senior Vice President, Member Services

Congratulations to Stacie Sloan, SVP Member Services, who has been accepted into the 2017 class of Harford Leadership Academy.

In its twenty-seventh year, the Harford Leadership Academy is a Community Development Program, co-sponsored by Harford Community College and the Harford County Chamber of Commerce. The Academy is designed to promote the development of existing and emerging leaders and to create a committed, involved, and diverse network of leaders in Harford County. More than 850 individuals have completed this outstanding program, including leaders representing the areas of business and industry, education, government and civic organizations.

Stacie joins other Freedom employees and volunteers who have also graduated from the Academy: Board members George Heidelmaier (2000), Ronnie Davis (2009), Tony Belcastro (2011), and Rick Gerety (2016);
Employees: Mike MacPherson (2000), Dawn Hamilton (2005), Patrice Ricciardi (2013), Sue Manning (2014), and Bob Wehland (2016).

Freedom Loses Long-Time Advocate

In Memory Of Hugo Biermann, 1940 – 2017

Hugo Biermann, former Freedom board member and chairman of the board, who was active in various committees, passed away January 7.Hugo-Biermann_color-edited

Retired Colonel Biermann was 77 and a resident of Bel Air. He was a 1958 graduate of Woodstown High NJ. He earned an AA Degree in Applied Science from Salem County Technical Institute, and in 1974, he graduated with a BS Degree from Wilmington College.

He retired in 1997 with 34 years of service as a civilian employee of the Department of the Army. He also served as an officer with the Army Reserve with 29 years of service.  He and his wife Elaine had two children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Hugo served as a volunteer on Freedom’s Credit Committee from 2000 to 2004. He was a member of the Board of Directors from 2004 through 2009. He served on the Supervisory Committee as Chairman from 2004 to 2006. He was a long-time member of Freedom.

Stuffing Stockings on a Rainy Night

Staff Fill Stockings for the Empty Stocking Fund

esf-volunteers-12-6-16
(L to R) Pictured are Freedom volunteers Alicia Bowman, Susan Tannahill, Julie Irby (seated), Kelly Berends, Dominique Beverly and Tabitha Becker with her sons Robby and Riley.

A group of Freedom employees and their children spent Tuesday night helping the Empty Stocking Fund pull together Christmas gifts for needy children. The Empty Stocking Fund (ESF) collects new, unwrapped toys for distribution to local children who would otherwise go without. Additionally, ESF collects food goods and monetary donations for local families in need. Collection begins several months before the holidays. Freedom has supported the ESF with collection efforts at all branches for many years now.

Pulling together the “stockings” is a fun process. In a warehouse full of collected goods, volunteers select a variety of toys, games, clothing, books, grooming supplies and other gifts appropriate for each individual child. It’s a wonderful way to spread the joy of the season.

A large collection of items that we’ve collected this year will be picked up for the Empty Stocking Fund today, replenishing the supply of goodies for distribution. Thanks to the members and staff who contributed supplies or funds to the effort!