Freedom Staffer Heads to Harford Leadership Academy

Developing Community Leaders

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.

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.

KidsCents

Freedom’s KidsCents Videos on Harford Cable teach financial literacy

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!

Start an IRA at 21, and Watch Your Savings Grow!

Why Start an IRA?

Say you save $100 a pay period, or $200 a month, in an IRA Share Certificate beginning when you’re 21. This account currently pays a 1.40% Annual Dividend Rate for a 60-month term.¹ With the effect of compounded dividends over time, allowing principal to grow, by the time you’re 65 years of age, you’d have $145,829 for retirement.^2,3 Add to this other investments and anticipated Social Security, and you have a nice start towards retirement!

1 $300 minimum opening deposit for all regular share and IRA certificate accounts

2 Fees could reduce earnings on the account

3 A penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal that could reduce earnings

Trunk-or-Treat Event a Big Success

Weekend Event Draws Staff Volunteers

Indirect Lending Coordinator, Dominique Beverly, enjoying this year's Trunk-or-Treat event — Indirect Lending Coordinator, Dominique Beverly, enjoying this year’s Trunk-or-Treat event

Freedom employees celebrated Halloween by participating in Mountain Christian’s Trunk-or-Treat event. The weather was perfect, and there was a fantastic turn out! They event was a HUGE hit! Staff enjoyed decorating the Freedom van, passing out candy, and taking photos with Freedom members.

Thank you to everyone who coordinated, donated candy, worked the event, or stopped by to celebrate! We received valued member feedback recognizing our continuous involvement with youth members and our local community. We love compliments!

Empty Stocking Fund 2016

Help Us Support Families in Need

Help us make the holidays brighter for families, children, and seniors in need. Once again we are supporting the Empty Stocking Fund to help our Harford County neighbors. You can help by bringing new, unwrapped toys, monetary donations, or food goods to any Freedom branch through the end of the year.

Get in the holiday spirit and make a donation to The Empty Stocking Fund this season!

Credit Union Day Winners

Five Branch Drawing Winners to Get Gift Cards

Here are the winners from those who entered our Credit Union Day sweepstakes drawing:

Fountain Green – James Wheeler, winner

Park Avenue – Jo Yasalonis, winner

Swan Creek – Geneva Johnson, winner

Edgewood – Connie Keene, winner

Forest Lakes – John Mancinelli, winner

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to help us celebrate the Credit Union Difference!