Gleaner Members Recognized

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) unveiled its newest fraternal recognition program in the spring of 2006. The program seeks to put a face on fraternalism by recognizing five different “Fraternal MVPs” (Most Valuable Participants) each week, for their fraternal accomplishments. Gleaner members who have received this honor so far include:


Phyllis Bidlack

Phyllis Jean Bidlack of Oakwood Arbor (OH) was selected as a Fraternal MVP for the week of February 18, 2008, by the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA). Fraternal MVPs are “Fraternalists-in-Action” who volunteer their time and energy to strengthen their communities through participation in local lodge activities and other charitable endeavors.

Fraternal MVPs are part of the NFCA’s Fraternalists-in-Action program, which recognizes individuals whose unique stories best represent 21st Century fraternalism. MVP’s demonstrate exceptional compassion and vision through their volunteer activities.

Bidlack was the catalyst behind the Oakwood Library Association, a non-profit established to create a library in her community. After she invested years in securing donations and finding a site, the library opened only to be destroyed by fire. Undaunted, Bidlack and her group started over remodeling a larger facility operated entirely by volunteer staff under her direction.

Beginning back in the seventh grade, Bidlack has cultivated a life of community service. She volunteers at least 35 hours a month at the John Paulding Historical Society Office and represents the society on the Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor Board in Toledo. As the chair of the Oakwood United Methodist Church’s food pantry, she devotes hours a month to the pantry.

In addition to her efforts through Oakwood Arbor, Bidlack also serves through Gideons International and the Eastern Star. A charter member of the Buckeye Poll-Ettes, she has held several positions in this women’s auxiliary of the Buckeye Polled Hereford Association. She also serves on the Ohio Farm Bureau Advisory council as a public affairs representative and for many years was a youth advisor.

Dedicated to her church, Bidlack sings in the choir, teaches vacation Bible school, and is co-chairman of the Funeral Dinner Committee. Serving as chairman of her church’s Mission Team, Bidlack led three trips to the Midwest Distribution Center in Chatham, Illinois, and has volunteered for five week-long trips to the Henderson Settlement. She also has served as a delegate to the annual church conference.


William Cusac

William G. Cusac of Miami Valley Arbor (OH) was selected as a Fraternal MVP for the week of January 14, 2008.

Many charities, fraternal organizations, and friends, have enjoyed delicious treats prepared by Cusac and his wife, Maryann, who enjoy sharing their love of baking. Cusac also enthusiastically supports recycling, making sure during his arbor’s JOIN HANDS DAY project in 2006 that everything was recycled including the pizza boxes.

Volunteering more than 70 hours a month for Miami Valley Arbor, Cusac is known for his commitment including serving as an advisor and committee member for 4-H for more than 40 years. While his children were in school, he was an active member of the PTA. Cusac also serves as a trustee for Primitive Baptist Church, on the executive committee of the Pamona Grange for six years, and through Masonic Fraternity where he has been a member for 50 years.

In 2002, Cusac was recognized by the Troy, Ohio, Chamber of Commerce for his commitment to community service. His other honors include the Hidden Heroes Award for Community Service in 1997, “Outstanding 4-H Alumni” in 1996, and a Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Efforts in Recycling in 1992.

Susan Miley

Susan Miley of Bay Area Arbor (FL) was selected as a Fraternal MVP for the week of November 26, 2007.

Miley is actively involved through her arbor with projects such as the Christmas wish lists for Gibsonton Elementary School. Susan spent many hours contacting business and individuals for donations to the school, fulfilling the wish lists of 29 teachers. For Arbor Day and Flag Day, she obtained 120 donated flags for the students.
She also volunteers through Day Star Faith Outreach, cleaning, restocking the food pantry, and assisting the organization in providing food, clothing, and support for homeless and needy people in Gibsonton and Riverview.In addition, each week Susan spends 50 hours taking care of a senior citizen.
Joan Kuhne
Joan Kuhne of Bavarian Arbor (MI) was selected as a Fraternal MVP for the week of October 22, 2007. On a daily basis, Kuhne volunteers five to six hours, in addition to working part-time as a RN. She is president of the local Marine Corps League Auxilliary and is a representative to the Veterans Affairs Volunteer Service, helping with recreational activities for hospitalized veterans including bingo, fishing trips, and picnics.

Some of her volunteer work includes the Marines Toys for Tots program, the national Little Angel project, Leader Dogs for the Blind, creating care packages for military personnel, serving as a nurse for blood drives and 4-H camp, and participating in charitable activities through St. Lorenz Lutheran Church.
Kuhne is actively involved with Saginaw County 4-H. She serves on the council, assists with numerous programs, developed the “Youth Helping the Younger” program, hosted several international 4-H students, and is a certified “4-H Challenge” leader. A dedicated naturalist, she worked with the 4-H Pacesetters club to develop a native nature trail at the Frankenmuth Historical Museum, planted a heritage garden, and volunteered with the “Planting a Row for the Hungry” project. In 2006, she brought her 4-H club and Project F.I.S.H. (Friends Involved with Sports Fishing Heritage) members together in a JOIN HANDS DAYproject, planting more than 1,000 native plants on the Cass River bank to prevent erosion. In addition, she has brought conservation studies on a monthly basis to students at an inner-city Saginaw school.


Edgar Corns

Edgar Corns of Hawthorne Arbor (IN) was selected as a Fraternal MVP for the week of September 24, 2007. Corns was awarded the Gleaner Fraternalist of the Year Award in 2007. He and his wife joined Gleaner after receiving a Community Service Recognition Award from Hawthorne Arbor in 1997.

A “retired” farmer, Corns volunteers an average of 145 hours per month ranging from planting flowers at the Lowell Volunteer Fire Department to bowling with disabled adults from ARC Bridges. He also helps with yard maintenance at the historic Halstead House, sponsoring holiday parties at ARC Bridges facility, and volunteering at South Lake County Agricultural Society, Inc., antique tractor and machinery shows.

As a director on the Northwest Territory Resource, Conservation and Development Council, Corns supported many projects through tree sales and a community garden, raising produce for food pantries. For 20 years, he has advocated for soil and water conservation, serving on the Indiana Lake Michigan Coastal Advisory Board, the Little Calumet and Galien River Tri-State Watershed Group, the National Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Great Lakes Committee, the Indiana Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Lake County Extension Advisory Board.

During Gleaner’s first JOIN HANDS DAY event in 2000, Corns collected 3,000 bars of soap and 1,200 additional toiletry items to be used to assemble hygiene kits for needy individuals

In addition, he has held many positions of leadership at his church, Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Merrillville. When asked to raise $10,000 for the Lowell Sesquicentennial Committee’s publication of a commemorative book, he raised nearly $18,000 with the extra funds applied to the upkeep of the historic Halstead House.


Val June Schafer

Val June Schafer of Center Township Arbor (IN) was selected as a Fraternal MVP for the week of September 3, 2007. Since becoming a Gleaner member in 2003, Schafer has been actively involved in her arbor volunteering with many activities including bingo at nursing homes, JHD, and beautification of the Wakarusa Historical Museum.

Evidence of her commitment to community service, Schafer volunteers approximately 250 hours a month in addition to working 40 hours a week at Lowes. She is involved in her community through ten local organizations and has served as an officer for three of the organizations.

Actively involved with Maple Grove United Methodist Church, Schafer sings with the choir, cleans the church, beautifies the grounds, and works with the children. You might catch her ringing the bell for Salvation Army donations, preparing and delivering food baskets for the needy, working at the community Halloween Party, selling poppies for the American Legion, or participating in Relay For Life®.

Perhaps the cause that means the most to Schafer is 4-H where she has served as a leader for 43 years and was inducted into the 4-H hall of Fame for Leadership and Volunteerism for St. Joseph County 4-H program in 2007. After her husband passed away in 1998, she took on his position as fair board director. Whether she is purchasing animals from the livestock auction or supporting the 4-H scholarship foundation, Schafer is committed to serving as a example for youth and has touched many lives throughout her years with 4-H.

Rebecca Ott

Rebecca Ott of South Fairfield Arbor (OH) was selected as a Fraternal MVP for the week of August 20, 2007. Since the early 1980’s, Ott has been active in her arbor serving as reporter, secretary, and photograph.

Ott has been instrumental in organizing quality programs and fund raising events in her community through the arbor including starting the arbor’s annual Flag Day program at Metamora Village Post Office. In 2007, Ott was presented with the “2006 Friend of 4-H Award” for her efforts in bringing about the Fulton County Fairgrounds goat barn renovation. Each year, her arbor partners with Goats & “Udder” T Things 4-H Club for their annual JOIN HANDS DAY (JHD) project benefiting 4-H Camp Palmer swimming pool restoration and Fulton County Fairgrounds Fire Building in 2007. The Evergreen Community Library is also a special cause for Ott. In conjunction with her arbor, she has organized numerous benefit teas and fund raisers with proceeds used to construct the new Community Room used by many local non-profit organizations. Jane Dominique, Evergreen Community Library director, described Ott as “…a perfect example of the power of one person to make a difference.”

Ott has organized food drives at the library for a local food bank, assisted with the summer reading program, and helped out when the library moved to temporary quarters. She has also worked with South Fairfield Arbor to maintain the Evergreen Community Library flower beds for the past 14 years. In addition, Ott volunteers for summer Bible Camps and as a classroom assistant at Evergree Elementary School. She implemented Safety Day at a local junior high school, covering topics such as weather, farming, boating, biking, and electrical safety along with CPR instruction.

Penny Wills

Penny Lou Wills of Sulphur Springs Arbor (IL) was selected as a Fraternal MVP for the week of August 6, 2007.

The elderly hold a special place in Wills’ heart and she spends six hours a week driving friends to doctors’ appointments, the store, or just out for a trip on the town. She also helps with Operation: MOM’S Cookies, a program which sends baked goods to members of the military. In addition, Wills donates her time to local food drives, 4-H ice cream socials, cemetery clean-ups, and soliciting prizes from merchants for local benefits.

Wills is a natural-born volunteer, pitching in and helping out no matter where she is. She stepped up to lead Girl Scout Troop #189, when the troop was without a leader. Wills cooks breakfast every Sunday at the Methodist Church, helps at luncheons, and volunteers at a nursing home six hours a week. An active member of Sulphur Springs Arbor, Wills helps out whenever and however with cooking, cleaning, and building projects to name a few.
Wills, her husband, Mark, and their children live in Coal City, Illinois.

Connie Bland

Connie Bland of Kankakee Arbor (IL) was selected as a Fraternal MVP for the week of July 23, 2007.

Promoting literacy is at the heart of Bland’s volunteer service. When Kankakee Community College’s literacy program closed due to budget cuts, Bland started her own literacy program, recruiting donors and volunteers. The Kankakee Valley Adult Reading and Literacy Program is celebrating four years, with 200 trained tutors serving over 400 students. Bland continues to recruit volunteers and oversees all fundraising.

Bland and her husband started a library in Pembroke several years ago. They also organize book drives for various libraries children’s programs and have donated books and organized volunteers at local prisons and other facilities.
When asked why she volunteers, Bland said she enjoys the success stories and that “trying to change a life is very rewarding.” In addition to her literacy work, Bland serves on the Evangelism Board, and is the choir leader and Sunday school superintendent at Our Savior Lutheran Church. She also teaches vacation Bible school, sponsors Red Cross Blood Drives, cleans the local pregnancy center, and organizes JOIN HANDS DAY projects.
Bland is the mother of five children, grandmother of 14, and great-grandmother of four.

Stephanie Andresen

Stephanie Andresen was named a Fraternal MVP for the week of April 2.
Actively involved in the fraternal system since childhood, Andresen began volunteering with Gleoma Arbor as a youth and served as arbor president by her early 20s. In addition to working full-time and raising two children with her husband, she often volunteers over 30 hours a week.
“Stephanie has the ability to bring out the best in everyone she meets. She uses her personal network to share the fraternal message and gets the right people involved to make things happen,” said Sherry Nino, fraternal manager.
Andresen, currently serves as president of Gleoma Arbor (NE) and oversees numerous arbor projects including their annual Easter Egg Hunt, the Gleoma Arbor picnic, service projects with disadvantaged girls at Uta Halle, the Fourth of July Parade float, the Trick or Treat for School Clothes event, and their annual Christmas Party and Samaritan reception.

A member of the Fraternal Committee, Andresen was honored as the 2006 Nebraska Fraternalist of the Year. In addition to serving through her arbor, Andresen volunteers extensively with Girl Scouts as the Great Plains Council Leader for two local troops and through Roncalli Catholic High School. She also serves on the St. James Seton Endowment Dinner Committee and the Spring Fling Committee and is a Neighborhood Watch Captain and regularly donates plasma and blood to the American Red Cross. Sherry Nino also spoke of how, “Stephanie…shows compassion and concern for those around her and is the first one there when help is needed, eagerly sharing her talents. She is diplomatic and dedicated to setting a good example for her children, as well as educating youth on how to be good citizens and make a positive impact on their community with creativity and vision.”

Helen Klein

Helen Klein, Center Township Arbor, was named a Fraternal MVP for the week of of February 12, 2007. Previously, Klein was selected as Gleaner's 2005 Fraternalist of the Year and was recognized with a Community Service Recognition Award from her arbor.

Always eager to help her arbor, Helen often invites Center Twp. Arbor members to her home for meetings and dinners. She assists with planning the arbor’s bingo events at Wakarusa Nursing Home and organized the arbor’s project of sending patriotic balls with encouraging messages, from members, to servicemen and women. Helen also actively supports Indiana State Association events.
In addition to serving through her arbor, Helen volunteers through Zion and St. John’s sister churches, assisting with funeral dinners, bake sales, and barbecue fund-raisers. Carrying on the work of her late husband, Jay, she helps the Lions Club with various projects including providing better vision to people in third-world countries through collecting and donating used eyeglasses.
Along with her husband, Helen was instrumental in the development of Miller’s Merry Manor, a nursing facility in her hometown. After many years, she still plays bingo with and visits with residents.

Donald Nelson

Donald Nelson of Adrian Arbor (MI) was recognized as a Fraternal MVP during the week of December 11, 2006. Don is a longtime fraternalist and active arbor member whose involvement includes participation in the arbor’s Flag Day and JOIN HANDS DAY (JHD) events and Gleaner’s biennial conventions.
Donald is past president of the Adrian Rotary Club Board of Directors and was selected as a delegate to the Rotary International Convention in Tokyo, Japan. He has also served on many community boards including the Adrian Fine Arts Association, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Ephraim Yacht Club, Ephraim Historical Association, Board Associate for Adrian College, and Board of Directors for the Spanish Main Condo in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Donald and his wife, Donna, past Supreme Chief Gleaner, have been married for 48 years and have four grown children.

Julie Phillips

Julie Phillips of Rolling Prairie Arbor (IN) was named a Fraternal MVP for the week of September 25, 2006. Julie is the youngest of four children and comes from a long line of Gleaner members. She currently serves as the secretary/treasurer for Gleaner’s Indiana State Association.

Sharing her love of music, Julie has blessed many Gleaner events by singing the “National Anthem.” She is also very active with her local 4-H including the 4-H poultry project, LaPorte County Mini 4-H program, and the LaPorte County Fair Association.

In addition, Julie has volunteered with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life for the past four years. She and her husband, Brian, a LaPorte city police officer, and their three children live in Rolling Prairie, Indiana.

June Lenig

June Lenig was named a Fraternal MVP for the week of July 10, 2006.
Lenig currently serves as Supreme Chaplain for Gleaner, Rolling Prairie Arbor Secretary-Treasurer, and co-chair of Indiana State Association’s annual picnic. She is also past president of Gleaner’s Indiana State Association. She and her late husband, Dan, are long-time Gleaner fraternalists who have set wonderful examples for their children and grandchildren.

Gleaner applauds June for her fraternal dedication and enthusiasm and congratulates her for being chosen to fly to Washington D.C. to meet with her congressional representative on September 19-20, 2006.

Luella Thomas

A member of Chester Arbor (Oh), Luella was named a Fraternal MVP for the week of May 15, 2006. Thomas was instrumental in reactivating Chester Arbor, where she has served as arbor secretary since 1988.