PO Box 645 • Brenham, TX 77834-0645

PERIODICAL

Winter 2015

Discounts and Gift Ideas; Pg. 3 • Tips for a Safer Season; Pg. 4

Bright Brussels

4 teaspoons olive oil1 cup sliced shallots3 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half lengthways

1 cup unsalted chicken stock1 teaspoon grated lemon rind (zest)½ teaspoon kosher salt½ teaspoon black pepper

Preparation:1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and swirl.2. Add shallots and Brussels, sautéing for 8 minutes.3. Add stock and cook 2 minutes more, or until the liquid evaporates. Stir occasionally and don’t allow the Brussels to burn or stick.4. Stir in lemon zest, salt and pepper and serve hot.

A quick side that’s perfect for any holiday table.Serves 8 (about ¾ cup each)

See more recipes at GermaniaInsurance.com

Dollars and Sense

Paul Ehlert PresidentGary Weiss 1st Vice PresidentBlake Lovelace 2nd Vice PresidentDerrell Krebs Secretary/TreasurerLaura Popp Director of Corporate CommunicationsJames Pharaon Senior Creative DesignerJulia Rosenfeld Contributing Writer

Germania Today (USPS 086230) Published quarterly by Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association Postmaster: Send address changes to Germania Today at P.O. Box 645, Brenham, TX 77834. Periodical postage paid at Brenham, Texas and additional mailing offices.

Subscription price is 50 cents per year included in yearly premium.

Winter 2015 • Volume 41, Issue 4

Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association507 Hwy. 290 East • Brenham, Texas 77833 • 1-800-392-2202 • GermaniaInsurance.com

2 | Germania Today

A Message from the President“Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” and “Happy New Year” are some of the wishes we will be sharing this time of year. My additional wish as families and friends gather is that our hearts and our homes be filled with love, joy and happiness. Let us always be thankful for the blessings God has provided us.

And thanks to each of you for allowing Germania to meet your insurance needs. We have all heard it said, “Be careful what you ask for.” How applicable when considering our Texas weather. We began this year with our lakes at historically low levels. Then came early rains and the Memorial Day flooding in the wettest May on record for Texas. During the heat of the summer, rainfall again became scarce and much of our Texas landscape was in a drought condition with wildfires prevalent. The remnants of Hurricane Patricia followed, dumping large amounts of rainfall in Texas, benefitting the fight against the wildfires, but again resulting in flooding. One thing about our Texas weather is that it does not come in moderation. Whether it be fire, wind, or hail, you can trust that Germania will be there for you to cover your insured weather losses.

This winter, many of our Germania family members will experience much more exciting events than the weather. Some will be graduating from college, some getting married, and others welcoming a new life into the world. Whatever your big event may be, please remember to consider any corresponding home, auto, or life insurance coverage changes or additions you may need. Your local Germania agent is an expert that can help you determine what coverage is right for you, so please remember to let them know of any big changes in your life while you are exchanging holiday greetings this season.

Also, please be sure to review our featured article on holiday and shopping safety. Hopefully these tips will help keep a loss from dampening your holiday cheer. On behalf of all of us at Germania, have a Merry Christmas, a happy and safe holiday season, and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Winter 2015 | 7

Paul Ehlert, President

U.S

. Pos

tal S

ervi

ceSt

atem

ent o

f Ow

ners

hip

There is a marked spike in wedding proposals in the winter months, especially on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day.

The National Jewelers of America reported that couples spent an average of $4,000 on an engagement ring in 2012. In a survey from The Knot, that average was up to nearly $6,000 in 2014. If you’re planning to pop the question soon, it’s wise to start saving for the ring right away.

Germania Credit Union is the ideal place to make your savings count. Unlike many other financial institutions, GCU doesn’t charge savings account fees, and offers a choice of interest-earning accounts. Sign up for automatic direct deposit from your paycheck into a savings account and you’ll easily fall into the savings habit.

Planning to finance that diamond ring? GCU’s loans are often much more affordable than jewelry store payoff plans, and now through January 31, 2016, the credit union is offering special discounted rates as low as 5.95% APR* on unsecured, personal loans with a maximum of $5,000 and a maximum term of 36 months.

It’s time to say “I do” to GCU. All Germania policyholders are eligible for membership in the credit union, as are many of their relatives. For a membership application and more information on rates and products, visit www.GermaniaCreditUnion.com. *APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Terms and conditions apply. Stated rates “as low as” applies to well-qualified applicants. Actual rate may vary depending on credit qualifications and term of loan. All loans subject to normal credit review. Loan terms and rates subject to change without notice. Please call for details.

Say “I Do” to Savings

Continued from page 3:

Neoprene phone holder/wallet, koozie party kooler, bottle and/or can koozies

Stone paper notebook, data protection case, ball caps, microfiber cloths and camo t-shirts.

www.GermaniaInsurance.com

For: Party people

For: Just about anyo

ne

6 | Germania Today

Life Lines

Winter 2015 | 3

Grand Parenting for Life

Smithville WildfiresSmithville Wildfires Germania Gift GuideWhile you shop for special holiday gifts, remember to take advantage of the great savings on selected products from Germania Advantage. There are plenty of gift-giving options to choose from – from shoes to perfume and something for every home. And, if you’re traveling during the holidays, check out the discounts for car rentals too. Just click on Germania Advantage Discounts on the Germania Insurance home page.

Or, give them gifts they’ll love from the Insurance Texans love. Just click on Germania Advantage Discounts at GermaniaInsurance.com, then click on “Other” in the discounts options to shop the wide aisles of Germania branded gifts in the Germania Online Store. Pay with a credit card and your items will be on their way in the blink of an eye.

Thermometer, leather work gloves, fence sign, hand duster mitt

Silicone baster, potholders, a Texas Cookbook and a Texas cookie cutter

Tumblers, travel coffee mugs, umbrella, clear event totes, duffel bags

Continued on page 7...

For: The new homeowner

For: The traveler

For: Cooks and foodies

About 10 percent of all Texas children live in a home headed by a grandparent, and about one third of those children have no parent present in the home at all. Those statistics alone, provided by AARP and compiled from the U.S. Census Bureau, shine a light on the changing roles in today’s family dynamic. What has never changed is a parental desire to do more than simply provide the necessary basics required to raise a child. Most parents, and grandparents, also want to leave something of value to the youngster, provide a timeless memory of their love and concern, and offer a symbolic gesture of how much the child has meant to the older generation. A Juvenile 10-Pay Whole Life plan from Germania Life can fill that need. The premium is paid over a 10-year period and provides whole life coverage for a child through adulthood up to 121 years old.* In addition to the cash value of the policy, the plan has an even greater benefit to children as they become adults. They can buy additional coverage for themselves, regardless of whether or not they are insurable due to medical impairments. There is little we can do to protect those we love from the scary realities of life. But we can offer a sense of security that outlives our bodies, but not our love. For more information on Juvenile 10-Pay Whole Life and other plans from Germania Life, talk to your Germania Life agent or call Germania Life directly at 1-800-392-2202, ext. 2060, or email glife@GermaniaInsurance.com.

*see Policy Form JUV10-12-13

Investigators found that a spark from farm equipment, coupled with dry conditions, led to the October fires that spread through more than 4500 acres in Bastrop County. Germania was minimally impacted, with fewer than 10 claims reported. No matter what the numbers are, Germania is on the scene when emergencies arise in the areas we serve. Representatives from both the Claims and Marketing & Training Departments assisted local Smithville residents by bringing in cleaning items, first aid and medical supplies, water and food, plus teddy bears and coloring books for the kids. “While we were uncertain of the damage we positioned ourselves to assist any way we could,” says Devin Pokluda of Germania Claims.

4 | Germania Today Winter 2015 | 5

Nestled betweenthe cheerful red and

green of a traffic light is the brilliant yellow light of caution.

As you enjoy the reds and greens of the holiday season, be sure to

purposefully focus on the yellow, too.

Driving Safely:• Watch for signs of drivers who have been drinking. Stay out of their way.

• Remain undistracted behind the wheel. Don’t text.Reduce phone talk time to a bare minimum. Try to tune out passengers as you focus on the road.

Parking Safety: • Always set your car alarm or use an anti-theft device.

• If you shop after dark, park in a well-lit area. Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows where thieves may be lurking.

• Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.

• Do not tempt thieves by leaving packages or valuables in plain sight in the car. Instead, lock items in the trunk or put them under seats and out of sight.

• Get your keys out of your pocket or purse before arriving at your parked car.

• Keep a tight grip on handbags and shopping bags. Avoid being a victim of a “grab and run” by holding onto them as you unlock the door.

• Always be aware of your surroundings. If there are suspicious people in the area, don’t approach your car if you are alone. Return to the store or mall and ask for a security escort.

• This is prime time for groups of con-artists who approach people in parking lots and try to distract them while taking money or belongings. Avoid these ruses.

Safer ATM Transactions:• Use only ATMs located in a well-lit area.

• Withdraw only the amount of cash you need for a short time.

• Shield the keypad from anyone who is standing near you to protect your PIN.

• Do not throw your ATM receipt away until you return home.

Secure Shopping Tips:• Keep your purse or wallet secured in a zipped pocket.

• Always carry your ID.

• Stay alert to your surroundings and who is nearby.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and pay with a credit card when possible. If you must carry cash, zip it in a front pocket.

• If your credit card is lost or stolen, notify the issuer immediately.

• Keep children close to you and within eyesight when you shop. Teach them to say their full name, address and your cell phone number to a police officer or store clerk if they are lost.

Secure Online Shopping: • Use familiar websites of stores you know.

• Look for an icon of a locked padlock that indicates the site is secure. This will ensure your credit card information is encrypted. Never provide your credit card number in an email.

• Avoid providing your date of birth and social security number. Provide only the minimal amount of information the website needs to complete the transaction.

• Run your antivirus software frequently to remove cookies and check for malware.

• Scrutinize your credit card and bank statements. Thieves often begin with small transactions to test the theft, then make larger ones.

• Shop from your own computer and from your own network. Cyber thieves love public hotspots.

Safe at Home:• Always lock your doors and windows when you leave the house.

• When leaving home overnight, have a trusted neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.

• Put indoor and outdoor lights on automatic timers.

• Leave a radio or television on to make your house sound occupied.

• Don’t display holiday gifts in a window.

• Mount your Christmas tree on a sturdy base so it can’t be pulled over.

• Inspect your Christmas tree lights for damaged or frayed wires that might cause a fire.

Yellow Lights Shine Brightly

(33 ways to be more careful this season)

4 | Germania Today Winter 2015 | 5

Nestled betweenthe cheerful red and

green of a traffic light is the brilliant yellow light of caution.

As you enjoy the reds and greens of the holiday season, be sure to

purposefully focus on the yellow, too.

Driving Safely:• Watch for signs of drivers who have been drinking. Stay out of their way.

• Remain undistracted behind the wheel. Don’t text.Reduce phone talk time to a bare minimum. Try to tune out passengers as you focus on the road.

Parking Safety: • Always set your car alarm or use an anti-theft device.

• If you shop after dark, park in a well-lit area. Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows where thieves may be lurking.

• Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.

• Do not tempt thieves by leaving packages or valuables in plain sight in the car. Instead, lock items in the trunk or put them under seats and out of sight.

• Get your keys out of your pocket or purse before arriving at your parked car.

• Keep a tight grip on handbags and shopping bags. Avoid being a victim of a “grab and run” by holding onto them as you unlock the door.

• Always be aware of your surroundings. If there are suspicious people in the area, don’t approach your car if you are alone. Return to the store or mall and ask for a security escort.

• This is prime time for groups of con-artists who approach people in parking lots and try to distract them while taking money or belongings. Avoid these ruses.

Safer ATM Transactions:• Use only ATMs located in a well-lit area.

• Withdraw only the amount of cash you need for a short time.

• Shield the keypad from anyone who is standing near you to protect your PIN.

• Do not throw your ATM receipt away until you return home.

Secure Shopping Tips:• Keep your purse or wallet secured in a zipped pocket.

• Always carry your ID.

• Stay alert to your surroundings and who is nearby.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and pay with a credit card when possible. If you must carry cash, zip it in a front pocket.

• If your credit card is lost or stolen, notify the issuer immediately.

• Keep children close to you and within eyesight when you shop. Teach them to say their full name, address and your cell phone number to a police officer or store clerk if they are lost.

Secure Online Shopping: • Use familiar websites of stores you know.

• Look for an icon of a locked padlock that indicates the site is secure. This will ensure your credit card information is encrypted. Never provide your credit card number in an email.

• Avoid providing your date of birth and social security number. Provide only the minimal amount of information the website needs to complete the transaction.

• Run your antivirus software frequently to remove cookies and check for malware.

• Scrutinize your credit card and bank statements. Thieves often begin with small transactions to test the theft, then make larger ones.

• Shop from your own computer and from your own network. Cyber thieves love public hotspots.

Safe at Home:• Always lock your doors and windows when you leave the house.

• When leaving home overnight, have a trusted neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.

• Put indoor and outdoor lights on automatic timers.

• Leave a radio or television on to make your house sound occupied.

• Don’t display holiday gifts in a window.

• Mount your Christmas tree on a sturdy base so it can’t be pulled over.

• Inspect your Christmas tree lights for damaged or frayed wires that might cause a fire.

Yellow Lights Shine Brightly

(33 ways to be more careful this season)

6 | Germania Today

Life Lines

Winter 2015 | 3

Grand Parenting for Life

Smithville WildfiresSmithville Wildfires Germania Gift GuideWhile you shop for special holiday gifts, remember to take advantage of the great savings on selected products from Germania Advantage. There are plenty of gift-giving options to choose from – from shoes to perfume and something for every home. And, if you’re traveling during the holidays, check out the discounts for car rentals too. Just click on Germania Advantage Discounts on the Germania Insurance home page.

Or, give them gifts they’ll love from the Insurance Texans love. Just click on Germania Advantage Discounts at GermaniaInsurance.com, then click on “Other” in the discounts options to shop the wide aisles of Germania branded gifts in the Germania Online Store. Pay with a credit card and your items will be on their way in the blink of an eye.

Thermometer, leather work gloves, fence sign, hand duster mitt

Silicone baster, potholders, a Texas Cookbook and a Texas cookie cutter

Tumblers, travel coffee mugs, umbrella, clear event totes, duffel bags

Continued on page 7...

For: The new homeowner

For: The traveler

For: Cooks and foodies

About 10 percent of all Texas children live in a home headed by a grandparent, and about one third of those children have no parent present in the home at all. Those statistics alone, provided by AARP and compiled from the U.S. Census Bureau, shine a light on the changing roles in today’s family dynamic. What has never changed is a parental desire to do more than simply provide the necessary basics required to raise a child. Most parents, and grandparents, also want to leave something of value to the youngster, provide a timeless memory of their love and concern, and offer a symbolic gesture of how much the child has meant to the older generation. A Juvenile 10-Pay Whole Life plan from Germania Life can fill that need. The premium is paid over a 10-year period and provides whole life coverage for a child through adulthood up to 121 years old.* In addition to the cash value of the policy, the plan has an even greater benefit to children as they become adults. They can buy additional coverage for themselves, regardless of whether or not they are insurable due to medical impairments. There is little we can do to protect those we love from the scary realities of life. But we can offer a sense of security that outlives our bodies, but not our love. For more information on Juvenile 10-Pay Whole Life and other plans from Germania Life, talk to your Germania Life agent or call Germania Life directly at 1-800-392-2202, ext. 2060, or email glife@GermaniaInsurance.com.

*see Policy Form JUV10-12-13

Investigators found that a spark from farm equipment, coupled with dry conditions, led to the October fires that spread through more than 4500 acres in Bastrop County. Germania was minimally impacted, with fewer than 10 claims reported. No matter what the numbers are, Germania is on the scene when emergencies arise in the areas we serve. Representatives from both the Claims and Marketing & Training Departments assisted local Smithville residents by bringing in cleaning items, first aid and medical supplies, water and food, plus teddy bears and coloring books for the kids. “While we were uncertain of the damage we positioned ourselves to assist any way we could,” says Devin Pokluda of Germania Claims.

Dollars and Sense

Paul Ehlert PresidentGary Weiss 1st Vice PresidentBlake Lovelace 2nd Vice PresidentDerrell Krebs Secretary/TreasurerLaura Popp Director of Corporate CommunicationsJames Pharaon Senior Creative DesignerJulia Rosenfeld Contributing Writer

Germania Today (USPS 086230) Published quarterly by Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association Postmaster: Send address changes to Germania Today at P.O. Box 645, Brenham, TX 77834. Periodical postage paid at Brenham, Texas and additional mailing offices.

Subscription price is 50 cents per year included in yearly premium.

Winter 2015 • Volume 41, Issue 4

Germania Farm Mutual Insurance Association507 Hwy. 290 East • Brenham, Texas 77833 • 1-800-392-2202 • GermaniaInsurance.com

2 | Germania Today

A Message from the President“Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” and “Happy New Year” are some of the wishes we will be sharing this time of year. My additional wish as families and friends gather is that our hearts and our homes be filled with love, joy and happiness. Let us always be thankful for the blessings God has provided us.

And thanks to each of you for allowing Germania to meet your insurance needs. We have all heard it said, “Be careful what you ask for.” How applicable when considering our Texas weather. We began this year with our lakes at historically low levels. Then came early rains and the Memorial Day flooding in the wettest May on record for Texas. During the heat of the summer, rainfall again became scarce and much of our Texas landscape was in a drought condition with wildfires prevalent. The remnants of Hurricane Patricia followed, dumping large amounts of rainfall in Texas, benefitting the fight against the wildfires, but again resulting in flooding. One thing about our Texas weather is that it does not come in moderation. Whether it be fire, wind, or hail, you can trust that Germania will be there for you to cover your insured weather losses.

This winter, many of our Germania family members will experience much more exciting events than the weather. Some will be graduating from college, some getting married, and others welcoming a new life into the world. Whatever your big event may be, please remember to consider any corresponding home, auto, or life insurance coverage changes or additions you may need. Your local Germania agent is an expert that can help you determine what coverage is right for you, so please remember to let them know of any big changes in your life while you are exchanging holiday greetings this season.

Also, please be sure to review our featured article on holiday and shopping safety. Hopefully these tips will help keep a loss from dampening your holiday cheer. On behalf of all of us at Germania, have a Merry Christmas, a happy and safe holiday season, and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Winter 2015 | 7

Paul Ehlert, President

U.S

. Pos

tal S

ervi

ceSt

atem

ent o

f Ow

ners

hip

There is a marked spike in wedding proposals in the winter months, especially on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day.

The National Jewelers of America reported that couples spent an average of $4,000 on an engagement ring in 2012. In a survey from The Knot, that average was up to nearly $6,000 in 2014. If you’re planning to pop the question soon, it’s wise to start saving for the ring right away.

Germania Credit Union is the ideal place to make your savings count. Unlike many other financial institutions, GCU doesn’t charge savings account fees, and offers a choice of interest-earning accounts. Sign up for automatic direct deposit from your paycheck into a savings account and you’ll easily fall into the savings habit.

Planning to finance that diamond ring? GCU’s loans are often much more affordable than jewelry store payoff plans, and now through January 31, 2016, the credit union is offering special discounted rates as low as 5.95% APR* on unsecured, personal loans with a maximum of $5,000 and a maximum term of 36 months.

It’s time to say “I do” to GCU. All Germania policyholders are eligible for membership in the credit union, as are many of their relatives. For a membership application and more information on rates and products, visit www.GermaniaCreditUnion.com. *APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Terms and conditions apply. Stated rates “as low as” applies to well-qualified applicants. Actual rate may vary depending on credit qualifications and term of loan. All loans subject to normal credit review. Loan terms and rates subject to change without notice. Please call for details.

Say “I Do” to Savings

Continued from page 3:

Neoprene phone holder/wallet, koozie party kooler, bottle and/or can koozies

Stone paper notebook, data protection case, ball caps, microfiber cloths and camo t-shirts.

www.GermaniaInsurance.com

For: Party people

For: Just about anyo

ne

PO Box 645 • Brenham, TX 77834-0645

PERIODICAL

Winter 2015

Discounts and Gift Ideas; Pg. 3 • Tips for a Safer Season; Pg. 4

Bright Brussels

4 teaspoons olive oil1 cup sliced shallots3 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half lengthways

1 cup unsalted chicken stock1 teaspoon grated lemon rind (zest)½ teaspoon kosher salt½ teaspoon black pepper

Preparation:1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and swirl.2. Add shallots and Brussels, sautéing for 8 minutes.3. Add stock and cook 2 minutes more, or until the liquid evaporates. Stir occasionally and don’t allow the Brussels to burn or stick.4. Stir in lemon zest, salt and pepper and serve hot.

A quick side that’s perfect for any holiday table.Serves 8 (about ¾ cup each)

See more recipes at GermaniaInsurance.com