Sat. May 16:Community Shred Day at Freedom’s Swan Creek from 9AM–Noon (or until full).
Branch Closure
Please be advised that the Hunt Valley branch ATM will be unavailable from 1:00 PM on May 9th until 6:00 AM on May 11th. We apologize for any inconvenience. Visit our branch locations page to find the closest ATM to you.
Branch Closure
Please be advised that the Drive Through at the Forest Lakes Branch on Rock Spring Rd will close one hour early (5pm) on May 5th for maintenance. Please use our locations pageto find another branch or atm near you.
Notice
Skip the paper, go digital! Enroll in eStatements for faster, secure access to your account information. Click hereto get started.
Branch Closure
Please be advised that the Drive Through at the Fountain Green Branch on Churchville Rd will close one hour early (5pm) on April 29th for maintenance. Please use our locations pageto find another branch or atm near you.
Branch Closure
Please be advised that the Drive Through at the Park Avenue Branch on Emmorton Rd will close one hour early (5pm) on April 28th for maintenance. Please use our locations pageto find another branch or atm near you.
Branch Closure
Freedom’s Park Avenue Branch in Bel Air will close early at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, April 15th for the Annual Meeting.
Branch Closure
Please be advised that the Edgewood branch location is temporarily closed, and will reopen on Monday, March 16th, under normal operating hours. Please use our locations pageto find a branch near you. We apologize for any inconvenience.
From L to R, Rachel Schmidt, Holly Downey, Susan Tannahill, Michele Young, Sharon Mellor, and Mike MacPherson
Freedom staff pitched in this Arbor Day, planting trees as part of our continuing effort to better our community. The Department of Natural Resources Arbor Day event allowed us to help plant the trees and shrubs that earned Bel Air the “Tree City” designation.
Two hundred of the trees planted on April 14 were donated by Freedom as a result of our “go green” electronic statement campaign of 2016. We donated trees to the DNR on behalf of those members who eliminated paper waste by going electronic. Rather than plant many saplings, we decided to plant fewer, larger trees to increase the odds that they survive and thrive.
Rachel Schmidt wrapping a sapling in protective meshRows of saplings planted during the Arbor Day eventFreedom staff pitch in to mulch around a newly planted tree
Freedom’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 enjoys refreshments at this year’s annual meetingLeft 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!
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
Must be a Freedom Federal Credit Union Member
Must be enrolled in Freedom’s Golden Apple Plus Program
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:
What is your creative idea to benefit your students, your class or your school that this money would help you complete?
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?
Will you purchase supplies for your school or classroom and how will it help improve learning by your students? If so, explain how.
Will your idea, training, or purchases affect the Harford County Community? If yes, how so?
Special Youth Promotions all Month, Event April 29
◊ $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
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.”
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).
Hugo Biermann, former Freedom board member and chairman of the board, who was active in various committees, passed away January 7.
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.
