News

By Lorie Lewis Ham

According to Drive Research, 52% of Americans celebrate Valentine’s Day. While many of those celebrations are romantic, it is also a perfect time to celebrate the love we have for our family. One way to show that love is by keeping them safe. This is something that has become an even greater concern with the multitude of fires and severe weather that have been occurring lately.

There are many ways that we can help keep our families safe when they are away from home. You can make sure any family member who drives has proper driver safety training. You can remind them not to stay out in the heat or cold too long when there are extreme temperatures, and that they are properly dressed for the weather. It is also a good idea for them to have a cell phone so they can call for help in an emergency.

But what about when they are home? Are there things you can do to make your home a safer place? The U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development has a long list of tips. Here are a few of them:

1. Properly storing poisons and medications—making certain no one will take them by mistake and that they are out of the hands of children and pets.
2. Install Carbon Monoxide and smoke detectors in your home.
3. Make sure you have a family escape plan.
4. Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of children’s reach, and never smoke in bed, as that is the leading cause of fire-related deaths.
5. Keep anything that can catch fire away from fireplaces, heaters, and radiators. Replace frayed electrical wires.
6. Take care to avoid kitchen fires and burns. Stay in the kitchen while cooking. Turn pot handles toward the inside of the stove so children cannot grab them. Install ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in kitchens and bathrooms.
7. Set water-heater thermostats below 120 degrees F (50 degrees C).
8. Learn CPR and First Aid. Have a First Aid Kit on hand.
9. Have a locked fence around your pool if you have small children or pets.
10. Keep electric appliances away from water.

Safety Talk Ideas.com lists three eye-opening safety statistics relating to home safety. There were an estimated 1.1 million burglaries that occurred in the U.S. in 2019. Approximately 12,000 children and young adults die from unintentional injuries each year. There are over 350,000 home structure fires per year in the United States (this year may be higher due to the recent devastating fires in Southern CA). Their website also includes some more great home safety tips, such as installing a smart doorbell, installing locks and sensors on windows, and a deadbolt on doors. They also suggest buying a delivery box protection system because so many packages are stolen these days off doorsteps and out of regular mailboxes. Products such as secure package delivery boxes can help to secure your packages. They also suggest getting a home security system. ConsumerAffairs.com offers a list of what they consider to be the top six security companies and a checklist to go through to find the one that best meets your needs.

Ready.gov offers suggestions on making an emergency plan should you ever need to evacuate. It’s something none of us want to think about, but it is another good way of keeping those you love safe.

Something else to consider when it comes to making your family safe is having the insurance you need. Mennonite Aid Plan/Mennonite Insurance Services is here to help. Now is the perfect time to check your coverage and make sure you have everything you need to protect your home, car, and family. Just call (559) 638-2327 to talk with an agent who will be happy to answer your questions. This Valentine’s Day month let’s do all we can to protect those we love.

By Lorie Lewis Ham

It won’t be long before spring is upon us again and perhaps the itch to get away—whether for a weekend, spring break, or just a fun spring vacation. Or perhaps you are already planning your summer getaway. There are many exciting places to visit on the West Coast that we are all familiar with. Big cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Portland. But sometimes it’s fun to go somewhere not as well known—somewhere quieter.

One such place is the tiny Oregon coastal town of Depoe Bay. According to Visit Oregon, the town only has 1,800 residents and is about two miles long. It hugs the Pacific waters along the infamous coastal highway U.S. Route 101—the highway is actually the Main Street of the town. If you are looking for somewhere that is breathtakingly beautiful but also has interesting things to do and is quieter than a big city, this is the place for you. And if you do end up needing something they don’t have, it also is within driving distance of larger cities. Lincoln City is a mere ten miles away and has a population of 9,000, and the big city of Portland is just 101 miles away.

While Depoe Bay may be small, there are unique and fun things to do. One of those things is whale watching. Depoe Bay is known as the whale-watching capital of the Oregon Coast, according to Select Registry. At some of the local hotels, you can even catch glimpses from your window. From March to December, the whales head to the deep waters off the Oregon Coast during their annual migration. There is even a Whale Watch Center (opening again on February 28), shore observation decks, and charter boats if you want to get up close. Park staff and volunteers at the Whale Watch Center are happy to answer any questions and provide help in spotting whales and other marine life. It is equipped with binoculars for visitors and displays that feature facts about whales and information on what swimming patterns you might see. During their busiest times, thousands of gray whales migrate past on their way to and from the waters of Alaska and Mexico. You never know what might swim by. You might also see humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, porpoise, and even blue whales.

Two popular options for a place to stay in Depoe Bay that are right on the ocean are Channel House (which is a Bed and Breakfast) and Whale Cove Inn. There are also several cheaper options available if you are on a budget.

Here are some other things you can do while you are there:

1. Hiking Fishing Rock Trail.
2. Check out the local art galleries on Main Street.
3. Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area, a beautiful natural land formation that really must be seen firsthand.
4. Enjoy a bit of wine tasting at Depoe Bay Winery, which produces wine from grapes grown in the nearby Willamette Valley.
5. Visit Depoe Bay’s Spouting Horn, an underwater cave that throws saltwater into the air like a geyser.
6. Take a scenic drive (or bike ride) along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.
7. Take a fishing charter from the Depoe Bay Harbor. Companies like Dockside Charters offer a variety of charters, from fishing to whale watching.
8. If you happen to catch Depoe Bay on a stormy day, don’t fret. Storm watching on the Oregon Coast is a much-beloved tradition!
9. Visit the Cape Foulweather historical landmark, just 3 miles south of Depoe Bay—a perfect place to experience views of the Pacific Ocean from 500 feet above sea level!
10. Enjoy unique shopping and dining downtown along the seawall.

Whether you want to take part in the many activities, or just want a beautiful place to relax—Depoe Bay, Oregon is the perfect destination. There’s nothing more relaxing than listening to the sound of the ocean hitting the rocks below your hotel room while reading a good book.

This is the first in a series of travel articles we will be doing in 2025 about unique and lesser-known places to visit along the West Coast. If you have a favorite spot, please feel free to share on the Mennonite Insurance Facebook page.

By Lorie Ham

The end of 2024 brought a big change for Mennonite Aid Plan/Mennonite Insurance Services. Chief Executive Officer Jerry Linscheid retired on December 31 after working for the company since June of 2009. Kevin Lucke will be taking on that role in 2025. Before he left, we took a moment to chat with Jerry about his time with Mennonite Aid Plan (MAP) and his future plans.

Q: When you joined MAP in 2009, was it as CEO?

Jerry: I was hired to be the assistant manager to Ron Licata and to focus on church relations. However, Ron died on May 21, a few days before I began. That meant I began as general manager with no orientation or training.

Q: Why did you want to work there and how did that come about?

Jerry: I previously worked for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) out of their regional office in Reedley. I knew my time with MCC was coming to a close. A friend from church, Vern Warkentin, suggested that I apply for the assistant manager position at MAP. As assistant manager, I would use the many church connections I had made during my time with MCC. Vern was on the MAP board at that time. Vern also got me started with the Reedley Rotary Club, so I owe him a lot.

Q: Did you work at any other insurance companies before that?

Jerry: I had been a policy holder with MAP for many years, but had never worked in insurance. I am an attorney by training. That knowledge of contracts, business law, and litigation has come in very handy in this role.

Q: Why did you want to work in the insurance industry?

Jerry: I have heard that question asked many times of people in the insurance industry. Unless a parent is working in insurance, it is usually not something a person sets as their life goal. I sort of fall into that category as well. I was looking for meaningful work that would use my abilities. The position with MAP seemed to be a good fit and it turned out that it was.

Q: What have you enjoyed most about your working there?

Jerry: The people I got to know. We have an amazing staff. Many of them have been with the company longer than I have and helped me learn the insurance business. We have a board of directors that is very supportive and can walk the fine line between being helpful, but not micromanaging. We probably have the best customers of any insurance company. A lot of the insurance industry is based on trust. Things work so much smoother if you can trust what your customer tells you and they trust you to tell the truth and look out for their interests. And we have supporting people who are not our employees, but who do vital work for us. Our adjusters, financial advisors, insurance brokers, accountant, and others keep important aspects of the company on track.

Q: What has been the hardest?

Jerry: In the beginning everything was hard, because there was a steep learning curve. As I have gotten familiar with running the company, the hardest part now is telling a customer that their problem is not covered by their policy. My board has always told me to try and find a way to pay a claim. I have taken that to heart and have come up with some creative (but reasonable) ways to cover a claim. However, not every loss can be covered, and I have to explain why we can’t help.

Q: Can you share a favorite memory from working with MAP?

Jerry: One Sunday morning I got a call from a customer that their tree fell on their house during a windstorm. Before church, I went to the office to start the claim and sent it to our adjuster asking if he would be able to do anything on a Sunday. After his church service was over, he was able to inspect the damage and arranged for some temporary repairs to prevent further damage. After that, the claim proceeded normally. We do not make a practice of working claims on Sundays, but on that day, things fell into place, and we were able to get our customers the help they needed.

Q: What were your general duties as CEO?

Jerry: CEO is a fancy title. I started with the title of general manager and that is probably more descriptive. One of my main functions is to support my staff so they have what they need to work well. At one level, I do menial things like change the light bulbs, smoke alarm batteries, and take out the trash.

At a more managerial level, I negotiate the contracts for tasks I cannot do. My general philosophy is to ask others to do only those things I am willing to do myself. That being said, I quickly realized that there are a number of things others can do more efficiently (issue and endorse auto policies for example). I am happy to let the best person for the job do it.

I am the HR department, so run payroll, keep the employee handbook up to date, hire staff, and deal with internal employment matters. I am the Claims department, so all claims come to me. I handle the claim from start to final settlement. Claims are the reason we exist. I try to be the compassionate face of MAP when bad things happen to our customers.

In the past I have been more heavily involved in marketing. We now have a sales manager who does a much better job than I ever could. I handle most church policies, be that on the property or liability side. Of course, I report to our board of directors. When the Department of Insurance, or A.M. Best, or our reinsurance companies call, I am the one to respond.

Q: What has changed the most over your years of working there?

Jerry: One of the more obvious changes is our freedom from paper files and our reliance on the internet. We used to have a room full of files and a shed full of stored files. Now we generate a few boxes of paper a year. When the internet goes down, there is not much we can do for our customers. Almost everything is on the cloud.

Q: What are you most grateful for that you were able to work there?

Jerry: Everybody has their time to try and make things better. But MAP’s success is not due to one individual. Ninety years before I started, people worked at making MAP a company that could “bear one another’s burdens.” The building blocks were stacked one on another. So when I came, there was a solid structure to work from. Hopefully, I’ve left a few more building blocks in the right places for people coming after me on which to stand.

Q: What will you miss the most after you retire?

Jerry: This is the other side of the same coin where you asked what I enjoy about working at MAP. What I will miss are the people. I live close enough to the office to be able to visit once in a while. But it won’t be quite the same.

Q: What do you plan to do once you retire?

Jerry: I want to stay productive. I want to continue to be around people. And I want to remain active. Those goals might manifest themselves in more bicycling, returning to woodworking, and volunteering.

Q: Will you be staying in the area?

Jerry: Yes, we plan to stay in Reedley in the foreseeable future. Our church and family and friends are here.

Here are a few quotes from some of Jerry’s coworkers:

“I have worked with Jerry since his first day here,” says Dalia Jimenez. “Jerry had no insurance experience when he came here, and he learned from the bottom up and has done a great job. I have enjoyed working with Jerry all these years. He will be missed not just by me, but all the staff. I will miss smelling the coffee when I would get here in the morning—he would have a pot of coffee brewing.”

“I would have to say the best memory of working with Jerry would have to be that he can pretty much fix anything,” shares Claudia Fletes. “All he needs is his cup of coffee in one hand! We are sure going to miss him!”

“Jerry’s calm personality and kindness will be just two of the things I will miss when he retires,” states Michelle L. Heinrichs. “He could listen to a staff member or insured as they were dealing with a stressful situation and respond with kindness and grace that would often deflate the anxiety level. That is a gift.”

If you have a memory to share about Jerry, we would love to have you post it on the Mennonite Insurance Facebook page.

By Lorie Ham

This November Kevin Lucke began work as Mennonite Aid Plan’s new CEO. Born and raised in Salem, Oregon, Kevin lived in Aumsville, Oregon before relocating to the Reedley/Kingsburg area for his new job. He has a BA in business/economics from George Fox College and has been a part of the insurance industry for some time. Recently, we had the chance to chat with Kevin and learn more about him, here is that interview.

Q: When and how did you first become interested in the insurance industry?

Kevin: My mom worked for an insurance company and encouraged me to consider a career in insurance. I was not really sure that it was what I wanted to do, but it turned out to be a great career choice.

Q: What do you like about working in this industry?

Kevin: I like that insurance is a critical part of our economy that helps get people back on their feet when losses occur. Being able to help people in a time of need is a blessing.

Q: What is your experience in this area?

Kevin: I’ve been in the insurance industry for over 30 years in a variety of roles – claims, marketing, underwriting, and executive leadership.

Q: What special skills do you feel you are bringing to the job of CEO with Mennonite Aid Plan (MAP)?

Kevin: I am a collaborative leader with creative solutions. I also love to mentor and empower staff to grow and develop.

Q: What are your goals and hopes for the company?

Kevin: My goal at MAP is to help the company grow its business and expand its reach into other areas. I also want to ensure that MAP continues its mission to provide exceptional service to its members.

Q: Why did you feel that you were a good fit for MAP?

Kevin: I believe MAP’s vision to serve its community aligns with my values and heart for helping people.

Q: Do you have a family?

Kevin: I am married to Christine (32 years) with two adult children (Karyn and Andrew).

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Kevin: My hobbies include travel, sports, and music.

Q: Do you have any pets?

Kevin: I have two cats – they really are my son and daughter’s, but we all claim them! Their names are Shadow and Rainee.

Q: Is there something that people would be surprised to learn about you?

Kevin: I don’t know if they would be surprised, but I played college baseball for four years.

Q: Can you share about your faith journey? Did you grow up in a Christian home or find faith later in life?

Kevin: I grew up in a household that very much believed in God, but did not regularly attend church. I accepted Jesus when I was a freshman in college and have been active in church ever since. I have served as an elder and deacon and have played electric guitar in the worship band.

Q: How do you feel your faith has shaped how you do your job?

Kevin: Showing empathy and compassion and caring about the welfare of others (including my employees) is part of the faith journey. Life is full of challenges and being able to walk beside someone effectively who is going through those challenges allows me to put my faith in action.

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

Kevin: I am excited to join an organization whose heart and mission represent what the insurance function is all about.

If you have any further questions for the new CEO, feel free to reach out to the Mennonite Aid Plan/Mennonite Insurance Services office at (559) 638-2327.

By Lorie Ham

The holidays are well underway and one of the things people enjoy the most about the holiday season is the food! According to a survey done on SWNSDigital, food plays a huge role in holiday traditions for 83% of the people they surveyed. Whether it is an old family recipe, or something new they are trying out, they are motivated to create a dish because they hope their family and friends will enjoy it. Some also attempt to recreate a dish from their childhood because it invokes feelings of nostalgia.

If you are looking for something new to try as you plan your holiday get-togethers this year, here are three recipes provided by authors of cozy food mysteries! If you check out their books as well, you might find some Christmas gift ideas too!

Beth Cato’s Swirled Goat Cheese Brownies

(author of the Cheese Mysteries)

Goat cheese makes these swirled brownies taste delicious and fancy! This recipe is made to accommodate the size of goat cheese available at Costco. Serve these up at a holiday gathering and folks are sure to rave.

Goat cheese swirl

• 10 1/2 ounces goat cheese (room temperature)
• 2 Tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
• 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

Brownies

• 2/3 cup Dutch process cocoa powder (sifted)
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square pan with aluminum foil and apply nonstick spray or butter.
• Mix goat cheese swirl ingredients. Set aside.
• Make the brownie base by whisking together the cocoa, sugars, salt, flour, and chips in a big mixing bowl. Add the eggs, oil, and water and vanilla extract until everything is just combined.
• Spoon half the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Dollop the cheese mixture atop it, then add the remaining brownie batter into the open spots. Use a knife to swirl the two layers together while still keeping them a bit distinct.
• Bake the brownies for 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the pan size. Use the toothpick test to check for doneness. The center should be set with the consistency still moist and fudgy. Cool to room temperature, then place in the fridge to chill an hour or two prior to cutting.
• Use foil to lift brownies onto a cutting board for easy slicing. Store in a sealed container in the fridge, with parchment or waxed paper between the layers.

Libby’s Sweet Potato Scones from Jen Pitts

(author of A Corpse in the Café)

Scones

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice 
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup browned butter made from 3/4 cup butter, chilled
• 1/3 cup + 2T heavy whipping cream
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup sweet potato puree
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped (optional)
• Course sugar (optional)
• Drizzle (optional)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup sweet potato purée
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• pinch of salt

Instructions

1. The morning of or even the day before, melt the 3/4 cup butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Gently stir the butter as it melts and begins to brown; do not take your eyes off of the pan. Continue to stir until the butter reaches a deep, golden brown. Pour into a heat-safe container, cool, and put in the refrigerator or freezer to completely chill.
2. Adjust your oven baking rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 400°F/204°C.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
5. Roughly chop the chilled butter and add to the dry ingredients.
6. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the cold butter until it’s pea sized and crumbly. You can use your fingers but work quickly so the butter doesn’t become warm. If it does, pop the bowl into the refrigerator for 10 minutes to chill again and then continue.
7. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream, egg, sweet potato puree, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
8. Pour the cream mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
9. Add the chopped nuts and stir again.
10. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently knead to bring it together into a ball.
11. Pat the dough into an 8 inch circle and then cut it into 8 equal wedges with a sharp knife.
12. Place the scones two inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
13. Brush the top of each scone with the remaining heavy cream and lightly sprinkle with coarse sugar.
14. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the scones are lightly browned.
15. While the scones cool on a rack, prepare the drizzle.
16. Combine all the drizzle ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth. You may have to add more sugar or puree to get it to the consistency of honey.
17. When the scones are completely cool, use a spoon to drizzle each scone.

These scones can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days but they are best enjoyed right away with a cafe au lait!

Tourtiere or French Canadian Meat Pies from Nicole Asselin

(author of the Ballpark Mystery Series)

This is my grandma’s recipe, and it makes two full-size pies. It’s the perfect warming winter pie. Also, I hate veggies, so it’s so much better than a pot pie.

A main component of this recipe is making it to taste! I don’t do every step by measurement, sometimes it’s trial and error.

French Meat Pies (Tourtiere)

Ingredients: 

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 large onions, diced (I omit this since my mom was allergic to onions)
• 4 pounds meat (ground beef or mixture with pork)
• 2 teaspoons cloves
• 2 teaspoons nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons all spice
• salt/pepper
• Pre-made pie crusts (we never made them by hand )

Recipe:

1. Cook potatoes in boiling water.
2. When done, mash.
3. Meanwhile sauté onions until translucent. Add the meat and brown. 
4. Once meat is brown, add the mash potatoes
5. Season with spices to taste.
6. Let the meat/potato mixture cool for about 1/2 hour.
7. Divide evenly between two pie crusts.
8. Put a top crust on both pies, slit to vent.
9. Bake at 350 for about an hour.

And that’s it! Our family uses ketchup as a condiment on a finished pie, but I’m sure there might be other fun toppings!

What are some of your favorite dishes for the holidays? We would love it if you would share them with us on the Mennonite Insurance Services Facebook page.