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News, events, and promotions from Freedom Federal Credit Union
Bike to Work Day at Aberdeen Proving Ground South (Edgewood Area) is May 23, 2017! We are once again hosting the event in the parking lot of our APG South branch on Hoadley Road. Join us there and get a free Freedom goody!
To register for Bike to Work Day, go to https://b2wd2017.eventbrite.com/. For more information, call 1-800-924-8646 or go to rideshare@harfordcountymd.gov
Freedom’s Edgewood base is located at the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground Edgewood area. So it was a short drive for staff to take part in an Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) 100th Anniversary Celebration event — the Gas Mask Dash!
The U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) sponsored the Dash, which was open to the public. Participants could either run a 5k or walk 2 miles. The glorious weather on April 27 made taking part a pleasure!
Freedom was on site to provide Freedom backpacks to attendees, and to provide information and support!
Participants were also treated to a bit of gas mask history, with a display of masks over the years. Even a Navy goggle mask and a K9 mask were there for viewing.
What a wonderful way to celebrate 100 years!
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.
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.
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!
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!
This year’s Annual Meeting of Members will be held on Tuesday, April 11 at Ripken Stadium.Hors d’oeuvres and soft drinks will be available, and attendees will receive a beautiful Freedom throw blanket!
Date: Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Location: Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 PM. Doors open at 6:00 PM
All members are welcome to attend and are asked to RSVP online, at a Freedom branch, or by calling 800-440-4120.
◊ $25 Matching deposit on new Youth Club Accounts1
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
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.
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
