News

By Lorie Ham

Many of us have picked up new hobbies during the pandemic or had extra free time to spend on the hobbies we already had. Whether your hobby involves cycling, collectibles like sports cards or anime figures, or even collecting expensive board games, if something bad happens, is that hobby covered by your homeowners insurance? Will you be able to replace those precious items?

So, let’s say your hobby includes collecting something. “A gap in coverage on your homeowners policy can occur when you own a lot of items that have policy sublimits,” states Mennonite Insurance/Mennonite Aid Plan Chief Executive Officer Jerry Linscheid.

You might ask, what is a sublimit? According to the International Risk Management Institute website, a sublimit is a limitation in an insurance policy on the amount of coverage available to cover a specific type of loss. A sublimit is part of, rather than in addition to, the limit that would otherwise apply to the loss. In other words, it places a maximum on the amount available to pay that type of loss, rather than providing additional coverage for that type of loss.

“For example, most homeowners policies have coverage limits for cash, jewelry, trailers, firearms, etc.,” continues Linscheid. “These sublimits range from $200-$2,500 depending on the category and the policy. Most companies will allow you to buy extra coverage if you own items in those categories. The best thing to do is check with your insurance agent. If you have invested thousands of dollars in a hobby, you want to be comfortable that you could replace most of those items should they be destroyed or stolen.” 

Sublimits can also be raised as needed. “If you do ask to raise the limits on a category of property, expect your insurance company to ask for some details about what you own. They may want pictures or receipts for those items. For example, we recently had a customer ask to increase the limit on bicycles from the standard $2,500 to $7,500. The agent required photos of the bicycles to verify that the increase was warranted. The cost to increase coverage will vary by company and category of property.”

So, if you have acquired a new hobby or more personal property, or gotten really serious about biking, the best thing would be to contact your insurance agent to make sure you have the coverage you need for whatever hobby or collection you might have. Mennonite Insurance/Mennonite Aid Plan is happy to chat with you any time. Call us (559) 638-2327, email us [email protected], or visit our Facebook Page and we will be happy to help.

By Lorie Lewis Ham

With the heat this year in many areas being so brutal, you are probably trying to come up with ways to cool off, and many of those ways most likely involve water—whether it be a community swimming pool, a pool in your own backyard, playing in the sprinkler, going to a water park, or enjoying a lake, river, or ocean. If you are considering any of those escapes this summer remember to be safe! You don’t want summer fun to turn into summer tragedy.

There are many things to consider when it comes to being safe in the water. In 2019, I wrote an article on pool safety that included common sense tips such as never swimming alone, and putting a fence around the pool to keep small children and pets from falling in. You can find all of those tips here, and even more in another past article that talks about the dangers of stringing lights near a pool.

“I think pool safety is important,” states Mennonite Insurance’s Chief Executive Officer Jerry Linscheid. “Most of the people who die in pools are young children and the death probably was preventable. That is devastating to a family.”

But what about safety involving other types of water fun? The American Red Cross provides safety tips for all kinds. Their top things to keep in mind are:

1. Be sure you are water competent for natural environments before swimming – this is not your home pool! 
2. Always enter unknown or shallow water feet first.
3. Watch out for currents, waves, and underwater obstructions – they’re not just found in the ocean.

They also recommend that every member of the family learn how to swim and what to do in an emergency. Their tips for swimming safely at the beach include always swimming in an area that has a lifeguard. And in all of these places, they advise being aware of the weather and heeding any warnings.

Another form of water fun that has become popular in the last few years is splash parks/pads. According to Pediatrix, while you don’t have to worry about drowning accidents here, there are still some precautions that need to be taken which include asking the facility manager how often they test the water, and what methods are used to filter and decontaminate it. Other tips include using swim shoes to prevent slipping, stepping on sharp objects, or burning feet on hot pavement, enforcing a no-running rule, and wearing sunscreen (which is a good idea no matter what type of water fun you are enjoying).

If you are planning on some more grown-up fun in the water such as surfing, body boarding, or other water sports, this article at realbuzz.com has several safety tips. One important thing the article states is to have as much information and education about the sport as possible.

By Lorie Ham

Inflation is popping up everywhere we turn, but did you know that it could also affect your home insurance coverage? That is why it is important to do regular updates so you don’t find yourself in a bind should something happen.

According to a recent article in Insurance Journal a new American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA)/Harris Poll survey of over 1,000 U.S. homeowners who have a homeowners insurance policy, shows that a majority of homeowners have not taken the steps to make sure that their coverage is keeping pace with inflation and increased building costs. Not only are a lot of people failing to keep up with inflation costs, but among insured homeowners who completed renovations or remodels during the pandemic, less than half (40%) updated their home insurance to account for those changes.

Another concern in many parts of the country is the increased risk of damage and loss from wildfires. An article on United Policy Holders states that as wildfires continue to grow in size and expense while ravaging or threatening residential areas, insurers and policy advocates are warning that roughly two-thirds of homes are underinsured. Depending on where you live, some other hazards such as floods are increasing as well. Are you in an area that is more likely to be affected by hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, or fires?

According to National Calendar Day.com, June 28 was National Insurance Awareness Day, a day when you are reminded to update your coverage. While that day has just passed, it’s not too late to take the time to make sure you have all of the coverage that you need. Some of the things they encourage you to include on your check-up checklist are:

• Evaluate your current possessions.
• How has your family changed? Has your family grown or have family members moved away? How many pets do you have?
• Do you plan to buy a new home?
• Are there big changes ahead that will influence the amount of insurance you will need?

“At Mennonite Aid Plan, we work at keeping the coverage adequate through regular updates,” shares Mennonite Aid Plan General Manager and CEO Jerry Linscheid. “Inflation affects every homeowner, so coverage should be looked at regularly.”

Contract Mennonite Aid Plan/Mennonite Insurance Services at 559-638-2327 with any questions about your homeowners insurance today. And while you are at it, be sure to check up on any other policies you might have as well!

By Lorie Lewis Ham

This month we have the final article in the Mennonite Aid Plan (MAP) history series celebrating their 100 years in business. They originally formed as a way for the brotherhood of believers to care for their own. The motto of Galatians 6:2, “Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfill the Law of Christ” was adopted and remains the official motto today. You can find parts 1 and 2 of this series on the website. We have covered the highlights of the last 100 years, and now we are going to focus on those who currently work for Mennonite Aid Plan/Mennonite Insurance Services.

Jerry Linscheid is the current General Manager and CEO.  That means he is the person who receives direction from the board of directors and tries to figure out how to implement that direction with all of their staff.  He began working there on June 1, 2009, just ten days after the previous General Manager, Ron Licata, passed away. “I was not able to work with him and had to learn my role from our staff, board members, and others.  I am grateful for their guidance.”

One of Jerry’s favorite memories from his work there involves a customer who thought her ring had been stolen from her home. “She wasn’t sure who might have taken it and didn’t want to wrongly accuse someone. We paid the claim as a theft loss. About six months later she called and said that the ring had slipped behind something and now was found. She returned the amount we paid to her. That embodies the relationship we want to have with all our customers, one where we trust each other and know that we are looking to do what is best for each other. When a company is created by church folks for church folks, that trust is more likely to be present.”

Insurance Agent Dalia Jimenez has been with the company for 26 years as of this past May and her time with MAP was recognized at their celebration banquet earlier this year. Her favorite thing about working there has been all of the people that she has gotten to work with through the years. “One special lady, Marsha Okada, passed away last year. We shared an office for many years and shared a lot of memories with her. She is missed dearly by all of us.”

Claudia Fletes wears many hats at MAP, working as an Insurance Agent, Underwriter, and in Customer Service, Sales, and Marketing. Her favorite thing about working there is also the people. “When I think of my 20 years at Mennonite Aid Plan, I think of the wonderful women I’ve worked with and the friendships we’ve made.”

Yolanda Hernandez has been an Insurance Agent with MAP since March 1 of 2006. Her favorite memories are of the staff potlucks and birthday celebrations throughout the years, handing out candy to the kids from the local daycare when they would stop by the office to trick or treat for All Hallows Eve, and seeing the Reedley High School band pass by the office when they would practice.

During her seven years there, Michelle Heinrichs has worked in Outside Sales and Customer Service. Her favorite memory comes from when she worked doing Outside Sales. “It was at an annual gathering of a pastors’ retreat. I grew up a pastor’s daughter, so I have worshipped in all settings and been surrounded by countless groups of people over the years. That was the first time that I was surrounded by leaders of the church singing or just listening to the worship music and it was evident their hearts were open to God moving in the room and their lives and churches. Very powerful. I was humbled to be in the room. I will always be grateful for that memory.”

Having been there only six years this coming October, Customer Service Representative Stephanie Heier is the newest member of the team, and like most of the staff, her favorite memories involve the people she works with. “My favorite memories are from our staff Christmas luncheons in the office.  We get to enjoy a lunch together, open presents, and give each other gifts.  It’s always such a fun time with my coworkers.”

Whether you work for the Mennonite Aid Plan, or are a customer, the key to their success seems to be caring about others. They truly embody their motto, “Bear ye one another’s burdens.” Here’s to another 100 years! If you have a story to share about a special experience with MAP we hope you will share it with us on our Facebook page.

By Lorie Ham

On Mother’s Day, restaurants are full of families taking Mom out to eat for her special day. However, Father’s Day more often seems to include a special meal made at home, especially for Dad. Some foods associated with Father’s Day are pizza, steaks, seafood, chicken wings, or pretty much anything barbecued. While not all dads love the same food, a lot of people associate meaty and hearty meals with Father’s Day.

If you are planning to make something special for dad this year, the website Ahead of Thyme has 60 different recipes great for Father’s Day. Recipes include ones for grilling, slow cooker ribs, and Greek meatballs. The Food Network website also has some great recipes for Father’s Day, including porterhouse steak and maple bacon cheeseburgers! If your dad happens to be vegan, you can find 31 vegan recipes perfect for Father’s Day in this article on Bustle.

For some recipes you might not find elsewhere, food mysteries can be a great source! Many “cozy” mystery authors give their books a food setting where their main character has some connection to food—being a chef, a caterer, owning a food truck, etc., and they include recipes in the back of the books! Mystery author Leslie Karst writes the Sally Solari culinary mystery series and has a great Father’s Day recipe in the first book in her series, Dying for a Taste. “It makes for the perfect Father’s Day meal, as it’s simple and easy to make, yet elegant and wonderfully delicious!” (Her latest book, The Fragrance of Death, releases on Aug. 2, 2022)

Seared Pork Chops with Apricot Brandy Sauce

(serves 4)

This is a classic à la minute hot line dish, where a piece of meat is seared and then the pan it was cooked in is deglazed with liquid to dissolve all those luscious caramelized bits left behind. Once you’ve done all your prep work (chopping, coating meat with spices), it only takes about fifteen minutes to fry the chops and make the sauce.

Ingredients

6 oz. dried apricots, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)

½ cup brandy

1 teaspoon dried cumin

1 teaspoon dried ginger

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

4 thick-cut pork chops, excess fat around edges removed

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 large red onion, sliced (about 2 cups)

¼ cup beef or chicken stock

4 tablespoons butter

Directions

Place the sliced apricots in a bowl and pour the brandy over to let them soak. The longer they soak the better—two hours minimum, but first thing in the morning or even overnight would be best. Mix the cumin, ginger, black pepper, and salt together in a small bowl and then coat the chops on each side with this dry marinade. Heat a large heavy skillet over med-high heat and then add the oil. Once the oil is shimmering, place the pork chops gently in the pan. (Do not crowd the chops; cook them in separate pans or in two batches if necessary.) Fry until golden brown and then turn. Continue cooking until the chops are done to your liking (Gauguin serves them still a little pink in the center). Remove chops to a large plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Dump the sliced onions into the pork chop skillet and sauté over medium heat in the oil left in the pan, stirring occasionally so they don’t burn. When the onions start to brown, add the apricots (saving the brandy they’ve been soaking in for later) and continue to cook until the apricots start to brown.

Add the brandy and chicken stock to the pan and continue to cook for another 2 minutes. Add the butter and stir into the sauce once melted.  Plate up the chops and spoon the onions, apricots, and sauce on top.

For a fun Father’s Day dessert, we reached out to mystery author Dana Mentink, who writes a series featuring an ice cream shop owner! Dad will be thrilled with this recipe for Easy Peasy Banana Ice Cream.

Combine 2 cups of skim milk with 1 small package of instant banana pudding mix. Add one can of sweetened condensed milk and 1 tsp vanilla. Mash one ripe banana and stir it into the milk mixture along with 1 cup of crushed vanilla wafers. Chill for several hours. Pour into your ice cream maker and churn for 35 minutes. Freeze for several more hours to ripen. Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite recipe your family enjoys for Father’s Day? Please share it with us on our Facebook page! Happy Father’s Day and happy cooking!

By Lorie Lewis Ham

This year the Mennonite Aid Plan celebrates 100 years in business, and last month we took a look at their first 50 years. This month we are looking at the last 50 years. As mentioned in Part 1, they got their start in 1922 when a small group of Mennonite Church members from Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and California united to organize a Pacific Coast organization for property insurance. They originally formed as a way for the brotherhood of believers to care for their own. The motto of Galatians 6:2, “Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfill the Law of Christ” was adopted and remains the official motto today. 

During the ‘70s, Mennonite Aid Plan continued to see a lot of changes. Many of the changes that came over the next several decades involved the board and investments. The demand for liability policies was increasing and they decided that it was imperative that they find a way to meet that need. The number of policies was now over 3,000, with a total risk of almost $85 million. With the increase in policies, there was also a plea made to increase their two office staff members from part-time to full-time, and in 1975, the office space was expanded as well. In 1979, they became incorporated as a Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation. With the incorporation, came a change in the board—they merged their boards and went from five to 12 members.

In 1980, the board saw even more change as the Advisory Board became part of the main board and was called the Advisory Committee and had nineteen members. However, the monthly meetings were held by the seven local members. The 1981 conference was held in Fresno. Another change to the board came in 1987 when the members residing in Central California became known as the Management Committee and started meeting monthly with a focus on reviewing claims. A major change in their office happened that year as well when they first started using a computer!

In 1983, the Aid Plan decided to do more than just meet the insurance needs of their community so they decided to start making charitable contributions. The ‘80s also saw an interest in investing in managed accounts at Merrill Lynch. By 1985, a little over $825,000 was invested in bonds and other dividend-producing accounts.

The 1990s saw more changes to their investing as they began to look for a more diverse method of investing their surplus. They started using John Dolan for managing their investments in Stocks and Bonds, and in 1991, they agreed to allow stocks to consist of up to 45% of their investments.

In 1992, California instituted regulations that effectively required appraisers to be licensed insurance agents. The mid-1990s saw some significant changes on the business side of things. Jeff Carter became their CPA and Ron Licata became the general manager.  Ron was authorized to settle and adjust claims. Previously to that, the board and management committee had dealt with all claims. They also pursued forming an agency for one-stop shopping and continued to move more into the computer age by purchasing the Rural computing system for managing policies. In 1999, it was decided they should use a professional appraiser to evaluate farms, churches, and commercial and mobile homes.

The early 2000s saw more property changes. They purchased land next door to their office in Reedley to use as a parking lot and a new sign was installed at the front corner. By March of 2016, they still hadn’t been able to offer a reasonable liability policy, and they felt they were losing clients because of it. After much deliberation and prayer, they decided to hire a lobbyist in Sacramento and were able to present a bill that allowed them to write liability. The bill was passed and signed by the governor, and after almost 65 years of trying, they were finally able to start writing liability in 2018! Sadly, in 2001, they had to stop writing new business in Arizona as they did not conform to Arizona laws.

Like the rest of the world during the last few years, they have had to deal with the challenges of the COVID pandemic, which saw them working from their homes for a time. Some of their staff still work remotely. “At any one time, about half of the office staff are working remotely,” shares their current Chief Executive Officer Jerry Linscheid, who has been with the company since 2009. “For the foreseeable future, we expect that to be the way we operate.”

In 2021, after using the Rural software program for over 25 years, their data was converted over to the BriteCore system which will hopefully serve them for another 25 years.

In 2022, Mennonite Aid now has seven staff members and recently celebrated its 100 years in business with a banquet at Wyndham Garden Hotel at the Fresno Yosemite Airport. They have had a long and interesting history, here’s to another 100 years! If you have a story to share about a special experience with Mennonite Aid (whether as a staff or board member, or a client) we hope you will share it with us on our Facebook page.

Note: The information for this article came from the following articles- From 1922 to 1973 written by board member at the time Earnest Enns, A Report After 73 Years written in 1995 by persons unknown, and Mennonite Aid Plan: 100 Years of Bearing Each Other’s Burdens written by current board member Jim Brandt.