News

By Lorie Ham

We all made it through Thanksgiving, but there’s still a lot of holiday cooking ahead for many of us. Holiday dinners, brunches, parties, etc. Cooking safely is important any time of the year, but it seems like we do a lot more cooking over the holidays, and we may be more frantic and distracted. So what are some things we can do to be safer in the kitchen during the holiday season?

The Red Cross has a great list of ten holiday cooking safety tips. These include making sure you have a working fire alarm, not wearing loose clothing while you cook because it could catch on fire, and never leaving your cooking unattended. They also state that it is important to keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of emergencies. Good Housekeeping has some recommendations for your home fire extinguisher needs.

John Hopkins has a similar list of safety tips. One thing you will find on most lists, and that is a good thing to remember all year long, is don’t leave anything flammable on the stovetop! It is also important to make sure the floor around your cooking area is clear of things you could trip over as you move about—and that includes not having your pets and small children underfoot. John Hopkins also includes other tips about kid safety in the kitchen, how to treat a burn, and what to do if there is a cooking fire.

Speaking of cooking fires, According to Consumer Reports, fires related to cooking increase over the holidays. An article on CED Technologies.com states that Thanksgiving has three times the daily average of cooking-related fires. While Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, it is followed closely by Christmas Day, the day before Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas Eve.

Donna Bucciarelli, a Beaumont Health System nurse and trauma prevention coordinator, also has some simple safety tips for the kitchen, such as keeping boiling pots on backburners and all pot and pan handles turned toward the back of the stove so no one accidentally runs into them. The article also states that safety precautions should extend to the dining room table, especially at gatherings where young children are present who could grab onto tablecloths and pull glassware and heavy dishes onto themselves.

It is also important to practice food safety during the holidays. While that is important all year long, once again, it is easy to get stressed and distracted during the holidays and let something slip. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list of ways to prevent food poisoning while doing your holiday cooking and eating. These include keeping food separate, making certain everything is cooked thoroughly, thaw your meats properly, and being sure to do a lot of handwashing. The article also states that it is important to keep your food out of the “danger zone.” The danger zone is between 40°F and 140°F where germs can grow rapidly. After food is prepared, keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Refrigerate or freeze perishable food like meat, chicken, turkey, seafood, eggs, cut fruit, cooked rice, and leftovers within 2 hours (1 hour if food is exposed to temperatures above 90°F, such as in a hot car). The temperature in your refrigerator should be set at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F or below.

If you have some tips you have found helpful this time of year, please share them on the Mennonite Insurance Facebook page. If you would like to be prepared just in case something does happen, despite your best efforts, and would like to check up on your home insurance coverage before the holidays, please give Mennonite Insurance a call at (559) 638-2327.

By Lorie Ham

This year is quickly coming to a close, and one of the things on many people’s minds right now is charitable giving. During the holiday season, we tend to think more about those in need, also, a lot of people like to give extra at the end of the year for tax purposes. But how do you decide who to give to?

We chatted recently with Mennonite Insurance’s Financial Consultant, R. Michael Burton, CFP®, CEPA®, from Everence, about some of these questions. Everence is a faith-based financial services organization with a mission to help people and institutions integrate their faith and values into their financial decisions to accomplish their stewardship goals.

Q: What are the benefits of year-end giving?

Michael: Reducing taxes is a common financial reason. However, while many people are happy to reduce their tax burden when and where possible, we find that most of our clients are not primarily motivated to give solely for tax reasons. Instead, we find that many find joy simply in giving back to God of their “first fruits” out of gratitude for God’s abundant generosity to us.

Q: What does one look for when choosing who to donate to?

Michael: We often talk to our clients about giving to the “people, causes, and organizations that are important to them.” For many, this starts with tithes and offerings to their local church, often extending to other local ministries and organizations. Most find comfort in this “closer to home” approach, trusting that their local church or ministry organizations will wisely steward their gifts.

Q: How do you know if they are a legitimate charity?

Michael: People often feel a higher sense of trust for their local church or local ministry partners when they have some sort of engagement with the people and mission of those ministries. Additional common resources for extra “due diligence” can include charitable ratings agencies, such as Charity Navigator and others. Everence does not endorse any particular charitable ratings agency; we do encourage clients to get to know the organizations they wish to support.

Q: Is there a way to know exactly what the money is going to?

Michael: Several charitable ratings agencies will report this kind of information. One might also consider researching the charity’s website or speaking with the charities directly.

Q: Can you share some other good resources for finding charities of various types that we can know are legitimate?

Michael: In addition to charitable ratings agencies, many denominations sponsor or partner with missionaries or charitable agencies. This is often a great place to start.

Q: Anything you would like to add?

Michael: Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs (or “QCDs” for short) can be a great way to give. We’ve been using this technique for nearly 20 years, and the idea has been especially increasing in popularity lately. Keep in mind there are several rules that have to be followed, so we always advise clients consult with their tax advisors when considering a Qualified Charitable Distribution from an IRA.

Beyond just month-to-month or year-end giving, it can be surprisingly simple to multiply the impact of generosity even further. Adding a “tithe” component to estate planning can be popular, and there are ways to give gifts that charities receive when the donor eventually dies but can provide a retirement income stream in the meantime. A reputable financial advisor (such as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™) or planned giving advisor can help provide valuable guidance and insight here.

In more complex situations, a knowledgeable, qualified advisor can recommend specific tax planning and estate planning tools, techniques, and strategies. For example, in certain cases, clients may be able to reduce, defer, or even eliminate certain taxes when selling or transferring highly appreciated assets, such as shares of closely held businesses, highly appreciated securities, highly appreciated real estate, as well as any number of other non-traditional but highly appreciated assets. Of course, proper planning is critical. Just know that, whether simple or complex, you don’t have to go at it alone.

We thank Michael for taking the time to share some advice on the subject as we plan our end-of-the-year giving! We would love to hear about some of the charities you have donated to through the years—feel free to share on the Mennonite Insurance Facebook page.

By Lorie Ham

It is finally beginning to get cold outside. The heater is running for the first time this season, and morning coffee is now as much for warmth as caffeine, so it’s time to start thinking about whether your home is ready once it REALLY gets cold out there. Even if you live in parts of the country that don’t see extreme cold, it is still best to prepare for the worst.

One of the first things to think about is getting your heater or furnace serviced to make sure it is working correctly—the last thing you want is to be unable to keep your home and family warm. Some people will also need to check chimneys and fireplaces (some areas discourage using these due to poor air quality). It is also a good idea to ensure your trees are in good shape. You don’t want them to break from heavy snow or be blown over by heavy winds. If a limb has the potential of landing on your home or even your fence, you could be dealing with a lot of damage.

Consumer Reports has a list of ten tips to get your house ready for winter. They not only include getting your heating system serviced, but also protecting indoor pipes and outdoor water sources from freezing, insulating your attic or crawl space, and getting storm windows.

On a similar list on Chubb.com, they recommend checking for under-door drafts and sealing around your windows because more heat than you might realize can escape that way. They also recommend installing a programmable thermostat and keeping your temperature no lower than 65 degrees to help prevent some freezing issues. Smart thermostats can wirelessly alert you to unusually low temperatures in your home as well.

An article on the Insurance Information Institute’s website has some other great tips that include moving combustible items away from fireplaces, space heaters, and wood stoves. It is also a good time to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working, as not only do residential fires increase in the winter, but also carbon monoxide poisoning.

Another great tip, especially if you are in an area where you see storms strong enough to cut your power, might be to purchase a backup generator. Chubb suggests a dual-use one for natural gas and liquid propane. Not only will it maintain your heating systems and help prevent freezing pipes, but it can also keep your food cold and your Wi-Fi connected.

Whatever type of winter weather may be coming your way this season, make sure you are prepared. Follow the tips above that apply to your area of the country to help prevent any unwanted emergencies, that way you can focus your time and energy on enjoying the fun parts of this time of year! It is also a good time to check on your insurance coverage so you can be certain that if an unwanted incident does happen, you are prepared to deal with it. Mennonite Insurance would be happy to answer all of your questions by phone or email: (559) 638-2327 [email protected].

By Lorie Ham

As the weather begins to get cooler, there’s nothing cozier than a cup of your favorite warm beverage and a good book in front of the fire. Whether you prefer to read wintery and holiday books that put you in the mood for the season, or summery beach books to help you escape the cold, there are books out there for every reading taste.

Barnes and Noble’s list of most anticipated reads for November and December of 2023 has a wide variety of books from various genres, including mystery, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, and literary. The list includes Before We Say Goodbye (Before the Coffee Gets Cold Series #4) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, The Happy Couple by Naoise Dolan, The Mystery Guest: A Maid Novel by Nita Prose, and the next book in the very popular The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame (the first book is Fourth Wing). If you are looking for some thriller recommendations, CrimeReads.com is always a good place to check. For mysteries on the lighter side, check out Kings River Life Magazine’s latest mystery coming attractions column.

A book that seems to be showing up on a lot of book lists right now is Day: A Novel by Michael Cunningham. It is the first novel in ten years from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Hours. This poignant and insightful novel, set on the same day in each of three years, is a compassionate story of love, loss, and the evolution of one family as they endure tragedies and living together and apart.

If you are looking to read some holiday books this year, Book Club Chat has a list of ten books to check out. Some of the books included are Bright Lights, Big Christmas by popular author Mary Kay Andrews, Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan, and The Christmas Cafe by Eliza Evans. All of them sound delightful and cozy! If, instead of winter holiday reads, you are looking for a list of beach reads to warm you up this winter, you can find a fun list of suggestions from this summer article in Southern Living, which includes Happy Place, the bestseller by popular romance author Emily Henry.

For those of you who are fans of the classic Christmas book A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, be sure to check out The Man Who Invented Christmas: How Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol Rescued His Career and Revived Our Holiday Spirits by Les Standiford. It tells the story of how this classic came to be. There is also a movie, but the book is better. For more non-fiction holiday book reading suggestions, check out this list on Goodreads.

If you are a fan of holiday mysteries, the list is endless! Murder By the Book bookstore has a list of several of those coming out this winter. Fans of Donna Andrews’ Meg Langslow series have two books to look forward to—Dashing Through Snowbirds and Let It Crown! Let It Crow! Let It Crow! If you enjoy Christmas mysteries with dogs you won’t want to miss Up On the Woof Top by Spencer Quinn and Twas the Bite Before Christmas by David Rosenfelt. There are also some yummy Christmas food mysteries on the list, which include recipes. Speaking of food, if your tastes are more for Thanksgiving-themed mysteries Cozy Mystery List has a long list to devour.

Another great source for holiday and winter reading suggestions is your local library. Many have displays not only of the newest books but also holiday displays!

What are you looking forward to reading this winter holiday season? We would love to hear your recommendations over on the Mennonite Insurance Facebook page.

Mennonite Aid Plan exists to bear one another’s burdens.  We do that through insurance.  Our board of directors has instructed staff to look for a way to pay claims that come within a reasonable interpretation of the policy language.  While the type of claim below easily falls within the policy coverage, the manner in which it came to our knowledge is quite unique.  Here is the story from both the client and company points of view:

Jerry Linscheid:  Pablo and Maricela Chavez own a home in Orange Cove where they were raising their three boys.  They are currently missionaries in Peru through Multiply.  They have become long-distance landlords.

Maricela:  When we found out about the water leak at our Orange Cove house, it was already a hectic week.  We were planning a pastor’s retreat and our two older boys had dengue fever. This news added to our stress.  I was so overwhelmed that I decided to ask our constituents to pray for us.  I mentioned the water leak, because it was an additional concern.  We had no idea how much it was going to cost.

Jerry:  I work at Mennonite Aid Plan.  I have known the Chavez’ for years and am on their mailing list.  I read the newsletter and remembered that Mennonite Aid Plan insures their home.  I contacted Maricela to see what caused the damage and if it might be covered by their policy.

Maricela:  With everything going on, it never occurred to me that our home insurance would cover this.  When Jerry asked me if I had considered filing an insurance claim,  my answer was no, I had not. Had he not reached out to me – had he not read my email – I would never have thought that my home insurance could help with this.  Jerry was very helpful and willing to look into our insurance coverage.

Jerry:  Sure enough, the loss was covered.  Mennonite Aid Plan was able to ease the burden.

Maricela:  Once it was determined that it was covered, Jerry was patient with me to file the needed paperwork. We are so thankful to Mennonite Aid Plan, to Jerry for reaching out, and for God’s provision! 

Jerry:  While we can not promise that we will see if you post about a property loss on social media, sometimes serendipity happens.

By Lorie Ham

On September 25, 2023, Mennonite Insurance Services/Mennonite Aid Plan (MAP) added new employee Marcus Mahling to the team! Marcus is the new Regional Sales Manager for the company. This month we are taking a moment to introduce him to everyone. He was actually born and raised in Reedley and attended Great Western Elementary and Navelencia Middle School until seventh grade, but now lives in Durham, California.

Question: I know you were born in Reedley and left the area in 1996, can you tell us more about your family background here?

Marcus: My great-grandparents settled in the Dinuba / Reedley area in the late 1800s, where they were farmers and ranchers. My grandmother owned a beauty shop in downtown Reedley in the ‘40s called Ship of Beauty and my grandfather was a farmer and owned an earthmoving company. My youth was spent on my family’s 40-acre farm off Goodfellow Ave. in Reedley, where I grew up.

Question: What are your specific duties with MAP?

Marcus: I will be responsible for the profitable growth and increase in direct written premium and policy count for the organization. I will support, coach, and develop the MAP sales and service team in the Reedley office. I will create an Independent Agent Network by recruiting trusted advisors within our communities and provide continued training, coaching, and support to our appointed agents. Lastly, I will be responsible for building brand recognition within our communities through social media and outreach marketing campaigns.

Question: How did you end up working there and why were you interested in the job?

Marcus: I was originally contacted by a recruiter who thought my qualifications and background would fit Mennonite Aid Plan’s open position. As I learned more about Mennonite Aid Plan, the more I loved what they represented and who they served. I saw this position as an opportunity to utilize my skills and business experiences to help grow such a reputable company.

Question: Were you already familiar with the company?

Marcus: No, I had no clue there was a religious based non-profit insurance company in California. I have learned so much about MAP over the past few weeks and I am thoroughly impressed with what they have created and how they have been able to navigate the different channels within the department of insurance over the past 100 years. The fact that Mennonite Aid Plan is the only religious based non-profit insurance company on the West Coast is quite a feat on its own.

Question: What is your work background? Have you done this type of work before?

Marcus: I am joining MAP after a productive career with Farmers Insurance, where I was an Agency Owner before stepping into the role of the Life and Commercial Agency Business Consultant. During that time, I trained and supported 74 Agency Owners throughout Northern California in growing their Life and Commercial Books of Business. Throughout my career, I have specialized in relationship sales and building strategic partnerships. I have always prided myself on developing strong teams while helping individuals accomplish their own goals. With degrees in Business Management and Marketing, I will help build brand recognition and grow MAP’s market share on the West Coast.

Question: Will you be moving back to Reedley for the job or working remotely?

Marcus: No, I will be primarily working out of my home office in Durham. Since my territory will cover California, Oregon, and Washington, I am centrally located within our service area. I will be spending a considerable amount of time in Reedley in the beginning, as we develop our Independent Agent Network.

Question: What do you think you will like best about this type of work?

Marcus: I love meeting new people and building relationships. I am excited to be able to work within the different communities and spotlight Mennonite Aid Plan as the premier Mennonite/ Anabaptist Insurance company on the West Coast.

Question: What do you feel will be the hardest?

Marcus: I am a person that looks at challenges as opportunities. Our first real opportunity is developing an independent agent network on the West Coast and creating the systems to easily onboard new agents. We will need to ensure we create a solid foundation and have all our contingencies in order.

Question: Can you tell us about your family?

Marcus: Yes, my wonderful wife, Andrea, is a Special Education teacher at the local elementary school, and we have three amazing children, ages 10, 8, and 5.

Question: Do you have any pets?

Marcus: We love our pets and have a small hobby farm. Currently, we have 20 chickens, 3 dogs (2 Pugs and a German Sheppard), 2 rabbits, 2 parakeets, 1 cat, and 1 duck.

Question: Do you have any hobbies?

Marcus: I love the outdoors and I am always up for camping, riding motorcycles, or spending the day on the lake. My wife and I enjoy being part of our community by participating in community events and coaching various sports and activities our children participate in throughout the year. Currently, we are involved in Scouts, soccer, volleyball, softball, and baseball.

Question: What are your visions for MAP at this early stage?

Marcus: Within the first 90 days, my focus will be on building brand recognition by increasing our social media presence. We will utilize a number of platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram to spotlight our products and services. We will also focus on developing an Independent Agent Network and work toward appointing trusted Insurance Advisors within our communities.

Question: Thanks so much for chatting with us. Is there anything you would like to add?

Marcus: I am excited to come back to my hometown and work with such a talented group of dedicated Insurance Advisors. I am honored to represent a strong brand and work within the Mennonite communities. I look forward to serving the community and helping grow the Mennonite Aid Plan footprint. If there is anything I can do to help your congregation or assist you with any insurance needs, please feel free to reach out to me at 707-272-7644.

We hope you enjoyed getting to know Marcus. Why not stop by the Mennonite Insurance Facebook page and say hi!