Quarter 3 2021
HILLS BANK
Quarter Three 2021
WHAT'S INSIDE? • The history behind Hills Bank’s Customer Appreciation Day. • Find some late-summer recipes. • Share your Silver Linings from this past year!
Member FDIC
What 's HAPPENING?
A big thank you to those who completed the Friends Club Survey sent to members in early June! Your feedback is essential for planning and enriching the club. While the bank is easing lobby restrictions due to changes in local, state, and federal guidelines, Friends Club will move forward at a gentler pace to re-introduce in-person events, day trips, and travel again. • Virtual events only will be offered in July, August, and September. We have high hopes to gather in-person this fall/winter with the possibility of continuing virtual events too. • A couple of day trips will be considered for the end of this year with more offerings in 2022. • Friends Club will not host extended travel this year, but keep your eyes peeled for options in 2022. • The next newsletter will be mailed mid-October announcing new opportunities.
We appreciate and ask for your continued patience and understanding as we begin moving forward with club activities. In the meantime, our lobbies are open and we would love to see you!
Lastly, Friends Club Director Karissa Norine and her husband Tyler recently decided to leave the corridor to be closer to family in Northwest Iowa. Karissa has helped to enhance and improve our Friends Club program over the past six years and will be greatly missed. Read her farewell message on page 4. A new director will be announced as soon as possible on the Friends Club webpage at hillsbank.com/friends-club . Suggestions? If you have any suggestions for virtual event ideas or speakers, topics for articles, or guest writers, please let us know! Email FriendsClub@HillsBank.com or call 319-358-2278.
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Friends Club News
IN THIS ISSUE
4 SILVER LININGS 6 LATE-SUMMER RECIPES 9 VIRTUAL EVENTS 14 EXTENDED TRAVEL UPDATE
19 AMBASSADOR REFERRAL PROGRAM 20 SUMMER OLYMPICS: DID YOU KNOW? 22 CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY EVOLUTION 24 WATCH OUT FOR THIS SCAM! 26 FALL INTO GLOBAL AUTUMN TRADITIONS 28 TRUST BENEFITS 30 GAMES
As technology evolves, so do sophisticated scams, fraudulent efforts, and phishing attempts. If you think you see fraud or other suspicious activity on your account, or if you believe you have become the target of a scam, please contact Hills Bank at 1-800-445-5725 or stop into a Hills Bank location. This team of fraud professionals can be your trusted source for helping to protect your financial assets. TARGETED BY A SCAM? Hills Bank Can Help!
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3rd Quarter 2021
Silver Linings With Karissa Norine, Former Friends Club Director
Many have heard the phrase “every cloud has a silver lining.” It is this idea that inspires us to always look for good or positivity even in a dark or unclear time. Can you look back and find silver linings from this past year?
What are your silver linings? Maybe you took the time to find great books and read more. Maybe exercise became a daily routine. Or maybe you just got out of the house and enjoyed the weather, completed a long-overdue project, or learned something new like Zoom or Webex.
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Friends Club News
My silver lining is the birth of our son Brooks, who was born March 23, 2020. This new love and purpose has kept me and my husband strong despite what was happening in the world around us. We learned to accept and appreciate how fast time goes by, choosing to spend time with family and loved ones.
gs
Through many hard discussions and some tears, my husband and I have decided to move closer to family in Northwest Iowa, and I have decided to stay
at home with Brooks for the time being. My last day with the bank was Friday, July 9, 2021. I’ve had so many wonderful moments with Hills Bank and the Friends Club, but I am excited to embrace this life change. As the Bank clearly understands and celebrates, family is so important. The birth of our first child combined with the challenges of the past year have emphasized this even more for me and Tyler. I will miss my job immensely and the amazing people I have had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with. I’m beyond thankful for the opportunity to grow, the many experiences of a lifetime and the ability to find many silver linings during my time with the Hills Bank family and Friends Club members.
Forever grateful, Karissa Norine and Family
To stay in touch, please feel free to email kwikert7@gmail.com.
We’d love to hear about the silver linings that you have experienced over the past year or so. Email FriendsClub@Hillsbank.com by Friday, July 30, for your comments to be shared online at HillsBank.com/friends-club-newsletter.
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3rd Quarter 2021
LATE SUMMER
recipes
Gone is the Fourth of July, and when the corn hits knee-high, but don’t let the last days of summer pass by without trying some new recipes. Pull out the red-checkered blanket and enjoy these recipes as only in Iowa you should— during a picnic on a hot summer day. SPICY KALE AND CORN STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS
4 tsp olive oil
1 ½ tsp fresh lemon juice
5 ½ ounces chopped kale (about 2 cups) cup corn (frozen or fresh) 4 (8 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 2 garlic cloves, chopped Freshly ground black pepper
2 oz (about ½ cup) grated pepper jack cheese
½ cup chicken broth 1 tsp all-purpose flour
Pinch kosher salt
Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the kale, garlic, and ¼ teaspoon salt and cook, stirring until kale is softened and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the corn and cook, stirring until warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer to a bowl to cool slightly, and stir in the cheese. Insert a thin paring knife into the thickest part of the chicken breast and cut down the side to make a 3-inch pocket. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts. Then evenly stuff with the kale/corn mixture. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, 3 to 4 minutes. Rub the chicken breasts with the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil and sprinkle with a total of ¾ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add all 4 chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Lower heat to medium. Continue cooking, turning once halfway through until just cooked through, about 14 minutes more. Insert a small paring knife into the top of the
chicken to test for doneness. If any pink areas remain, cover the skillet and continue to cook until opaque. Transfer the chicken and any bits of the filling that fell into the skillet onto serving plates. Stir the broth and flour together in a small bowl and then add to the skillet. Cook, stirring until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Spoon the pan sauce over the chicken. Enjoy.
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Friends Club News
BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALSA
2 ½ cups fresh corn kernels
1 cup chopped red onion ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 cup chopped red bell pepper 1 cup chopped plum tomatoes
1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeno, no seeds
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
2 (15 oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed)
SUMMER CORN CHOWDER Heat a medium cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add corn and oil; cook, stirring occasionally until corn is browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add cumin; cook, stirring occasionally until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in bell pepper until combined. Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Add beans, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeno, and salt to corn mixture; toss gently to combine. Let stand 10 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips. 8 ears fresh sweet corn, husked and silks removed and kernels cut from cob 3 tablespoons butter ½ tsp dried thyme 5 slices bacon, cut into ¼ inch pieces 1 bay leaf 1 medium yellow onion chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup all-purpose flour 1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup half and half 1 tablespoon honey
5 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, cut into ½" pieces
2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bacon and cook, stirring frequently, until onion has softened and starts to brown around edges, about 8-10 minutes. Add in the flour and garlic and cook 1 ½ minutes. While whisking, slowly pour in 5 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, then stir in corn kernels and potatoes. Add in thyme and bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a light boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and allow to simmer, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Remove bay leaf then transfer 2 ½ cups of the chowder to a blender and blend until smooth. Stir the mixture back into the pot then stir in the half and half and honey. Sprinkle each serving with chives and shredded cheese.
WATERMELON LEMONADE
4 cups watermelon, chopped
½ cup sugar
1 ½ cups lemon juice
6 cups cold water
Blend together chopped watermelon and lemon juice in blender until very smooth. Pour into large pitcher. Add sugar and cold water and stir well. Pour over ice and enjoy!
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3rd Quarter 2021
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Friends Club News
VIRTUAL EVENTS To register for one or more of the virtual events, please email FriendsClub@HillsBank.com or call 319-679-2103. Please provide your name, so we can verify your membership status, and an active email address upon registering. If you are interested in a virtual event topic but can’t participate, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We will mail or email you any information we have on hand, as well as share the recorded video if available. Stay up-to-date on all of our event offerings by visiting www.hillsbank.com/friends-club-events .
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3rd Quarter 2021
Alexander Calder: The Man, His Mobiles, and More... Wednesday, July 28, 10:00 a.m.
Join this discussion on the life and work of American kinetic and modern artist Alexander Calder. Known to many as ‘Sandy,’ the Pennsylvania native was the son of well-known sculptor Alexander Stirling Calder, and his grandfather and mother were also successful artists. Calder used motors to make his works move, but soon abandoned this method and began using air currents alone. Our presenter, Amanda Lensing, is the Senior Living Communities Program Coordinator at the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art and Co-Director of Connected for Life: Object-based Digital Programming to Foster Active Minds for Senior Living Communities.
Women Who Shaped the University of Iowa Wednesday, August 11, 12:00 p.m.
Spend your lunch hour learning about a specific group of women’s lasting impact on the University of Iowa with Anna Holland. Anna is the Processing Archivist for the Iowa Women’s Archives at the University of Iowa’s Special Collections and Archives. She holds a BA in History from Augustana College (’13) and an MLIS from the University of Iowa (’18). Working in the Iowa Women’s Archives for the past six years, Anna has encountered the history of hundreds of incredible Iowa women, and there’s almost nothing she loves more than sharing their stories! She has previously given public talks on lesbian feminism, the women’s suffrage movement, and, of course, Women Who Shaped the University of Iowa.
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Friends Club News
B I N G O with Barb Friday, August 13, 10:00 a.m. and Friday, September 17, 10:00 a.m . Do you need a little B I N G O in your life? We do! Our very own Barb Colehour will be hosting bingo virtually. Like in person, Barb will call the numbers and you will say “bingo” so we know there is a winner. Audio will be required, but using your video will be optional. Register for one of the bingo options listed above, and we will mail you bingo cards and a prepaid envelope 1-2 weeks beforehand. Bingo winners will receive a prize after mailing in their sheets following the event.
Uptight and Laid-Back: Iowa City in the Sixties Tuesday, August 24, 3:00 p.m.
Where were you in 1962? Or ‘72? Even if you weren’t around yet in the 1960s, you’ll be interested to learn more about that decade in this presentation by David McCartney, University of Iowa Archivist. He will show highlights of political and civil rights-related events of that time, drawing content from the University Libraries’ online exhibit. Released in 2016, the Uptight and Laid-Back: Iowa City in the Sixties exhibit touches on many aspects of student life from that time, including fraternities and sororities, ROTC, and changes in codes of conduct. Check it out at dsps.lib.uiowa.edu/sixties/ . Originally from Charles City, David McCartney has held the position of University Archivist since 2001. David has an MA in history and MLS in Library Science, both from the University of Maryland at College Park, and he is responsible for managing and providing access to the UI’s historical records.
To register for one or more of the virtual events, please email FriendsClub@HillsBank.com or call 319-679-2103. Please provide your name, so we can verify your membership status, and an active email address upon registering.
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3rd Quarter 2021
Friends Club Navigation Series: Navigating Fraud, Scams, and Prevention Strategies Tuesday, August 31, 1:00 p.m. Have you received incessant phone calls from unknown phone numbers? Or mysterious emails from people you don’t know? What about unusual phone calls or emails from numbers or businesses you may recognize? Fraud attempts continuously evolve, and if you’ve experienced any of these scenarios, it’s important to be able to recognize a scam when it happens. Join Christian Miller, Security Risk Management Officer for Hills Bank, for a conversation about identity theft and what to do if it happens to you. Identity theft can happen when your name, credit card number, insurance information, social security number, and other important data are stolen. Christian will provide tips, resources, and strategies to protect yourself and your financial well-being against threats, as well as explain common scam attempts.
Chair Yoga Wednesday, September 8, 11:00 a.m.
Chair Yoga brings the best of a yoga practice to those who require or prefer the support of a chair. We will practice safe versions of twists, hip stretches, forward bends, and mild backbends. Chair yoga helps maintain mobility, improve flexibility and explore body awareness. Join Sunny Holub, owner of Move Fit & Performance in Mount Vernon and a Master Yoga instructor, for a gentle, yet invigorating chair yoga class! Friends Club Navigation Series: Navigating Mortgages and Retirement Tuesday, September 14, 10:00 a.m. Whether the 2020 quarantine made you rethink your current home, or you’re simply curious about what other housing options may be available, you may be asking yourself new questions regarding your mortgage. Join Stephanie Schumacher, Mortgage Lender Team Lead and First Vice President for Hills Bank, as she addresses the following topics: • How do I buy a second home? Are there different rules? • I want to downsize, but how do I buy my next home with the equity I have in my current home? • I’m moving closer to my kids… so close, we’ll actually be living together. How does that work? Stephanie will answer your specific questions and share helpful information about mortgages and retirement.
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Friends Club News
NMLS# 408386
Cooking Tutorial with Becky’s Mindful Kitchen Thursday, September 23, 11:00 a.m.
Spend 30 minutes with Becky Schmooke, owner of Becky’s Mindful Kitchen in Solon, as she demonstrates how to make homemade tortillas. Becky is a self-described mindful misfit who blends storytelling, humor, and vulnerability to create a space for authentic
connection. The flour tortilla recipe she will be demonstrating is easy to make and can be made with a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix to accommodate dietary restrictions (They will be more fragile, but are still delicious!). These tortillas will soon become a favorite go-to recipe for both quick meals and special occasions. Registrants will be emailed a copy of Becky’s tortilla recipe.
Still Life: Bringing the Story of the Genre to the Table Tuesday, September 28, 10:00 a.m.
Amanda Lensing will lead us through the history of the popular genre in painting (and more) with examples from the Stanley Museum of Art collections. Amanda is the Senior Living Communities Program Coordinator at the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art and Co-Director of Connected for Life: Object-based Digital Programming to Foster Active Minds for Senior Living Communities. Through Her Lens: Female Photographers and the Stories Behind Their Work Thursday, September 30, 10:00 a.m. Constantly evolving, this program focuses on female photographers and includes photographs from the Stanley Museum of Art collections which illustrate the women, their stories and work, and the importance of both. Our presenter, Amanda Lensing, is the Senior Living Communities Program Coordinator at the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art and Co-Director of Connected for Life: Object-based Digital Programming to Foster Active Minds for Senior Living Communities.
To register for one or more of the virtual events, please email FriendsClub@HillsBank.com or call 319-679-2103. Please provide your name, so we can verify your membership status, and an active email address upon registering.
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3rd Quarter 2021
EXTENDED TRAVEL UPDATE
Friends Club will not be hosting or planning any 2021 trips; however, we are in the process of planning options for 2022 and will hopefully announce our line-up by the end of the year. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding, as well as your feedback from the Friends Club Survey that was sent out in early-June, to help us move forward with travel and club activities. In the meantime, Star Destinations is offering a variety of trips which are described in the enclosed Travel Adventures insert. These trips will be hosted by Star Destinations only and taken separately from Friends Club. Registrations and questions should be directed to Star Destinations, which is planning and hosting these trips. You can find their contact information within the insert on the next page.
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Friends Club News
FRIENDS CLUB
AMBASSADOR REFERRAL PROGRAM
Spread the word about Friends Club, encourage your friends to join, and earn rewards as a Friends Club Ambassador. In appreciation of your efforts, Friends Club Ambassadors in 2021 will continue to enjoy these perks:
• A $50 bonus for you and your friend** • Entrance into a drawing to win a $1,000 cash**
Interested in becoming a Friends Club Ambassador? Refer a friend to join Hills Bank and open a Friends Club Checking account with a new deposit! Every person you refer to Friends Club – who opens a Friends Club Checking account – will qualify you to receive these benefits again, including another entry into the drawing. Ambassadors must also meet membership requirements and use their Friends Club Checking account as their main checking account. Visit any personal banker today or call 1-800-445-5725 to learn more. Thank you for your loyal support and membership!
* Hills Bank customers who are age 50 or better and maintain $10,000 in household deposits qualify to join Friends Club and to open a Friends Club (FC) Checking account. Friends Club Checking earns a variable interest rate. As of 6/14/21, balance over $10,000 earn an annual percentage yield (APY) of 0.10%, $9,999.99 to $1,000 earns (APY) of 0.05%, and under $1,000 earns (APY) of 0.05%. Fees may reduce earnings. $50 bonus will be paid when Friends Club Checking account is opened with a new bank deposit. ** Need not be present to win. Odds of winning will depend on the number of entries. New Friends Club Checking Accounts must be opened no later than 12/5/2021 and the drawing will be held on 12/8/2021. If you win the $1,000 cash drawing, Hills Bank will pay the Iowa State tax withholding requirement and the value will be reported on Hills Bank’s 1099MISC. For questions or more information, please call 319-358-2230 or email FriendsClub@HillsBank.com. No purchase required to enter.
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SUMMER OLYMPICS
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Friends Club News
This year’s Tokyo Olympics marks the first time an Olympics has been postponed – yet it will still be called the 2020 Olympics. It’s an unusual name for an unusual event that is sure to go down in history. Olympic officials have said only Japanese spectators will be allowed, and a number of special precautions will be in place for the duration of the event.
This year’s games will also include a few new additions, including skateboarding, surfing, baseball, sport climbing, and karate. These sports were chosen from a shortlist of 26 possibilities for inclusion in the Games, beating out activities like billiards, bowling, chess, squash, and even tug of war!
IOWA OLYMPIANS
This year, Thomas Gilman from Council Bluffs, Iowa has qualified for the U.S. Olympic Wrestling team. But he’s far from the only representative of the Hawkeye State in Olympics history. Here’s a brief list of past U.S. competitors who are from Iowa!
1. Amanda Weir: Swimmer 2. Al Feuerbach: Shotput 3. Dan Gable: Wrestler 4. Ben Askren: Wrestler 5. Doug Schwab: Wrestler
6. Frank Irons: Long Jump 7. Herman Groman: Track & Field 8. Jennifer Barringer: Runner 9. Kenneth Sitzberger: Diver 10. Shawn Johnson: Gymnast
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3rd Quarter 2021
Evolution of C ustomer A pp The
As a community bank, we believe it is important to give back to the people who make our business possible. Hills Bank’s Customer Appreciation Day began as a way to celebrate our local customers in Hills, Iowa – our original and only location when this tradition started in 1972. Given the importance of agriculture to our customers, what better way to say thanks than with locally sourced meat for a late summer barbecue?
After Bank President Albert Droll purchased the 1972 Johnson County Fair Champion Steer, Hills Bank invited 250 customers to the first event, held behind the bank. The meat was cooked in pits with seasoned hardwood to provide a hot bed of coals. This all-night process assured tender, juicy beef for the sandwiches that were served. The barbecue was a hit – and in the years after, it attracted crowds beyond Iowa.
“I always enjoyed seeing people come from all over the state, and even places like North Dakota,” said Hills
Bank President Dwight Seegmiller, who joined the bank in 1975. “It was a big gathering for our community, and a way for us to demonstrate that the customer always comes first.”
Tim Smith, Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking, had quite the introduction to the customer appreciation barbecue in 1980 – it was also his very first day at Hills Bank! “We served around 3500-4000 people on that day,” he recalled. “And it grew even larger from there.”
By the late 1990s, an average of 8,000 customers and friends were attending the barbecue in Hills. To feed the massive crowd, it took:
• 488 gallons of iced tea
• 3,300 pounds of beef
• 2,832 cartons of milk
• 288 gallons of potato salad
• 300 volunteers
• 236 gallons of baked beans
• 6,720 cartons of ice cream
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Friends Club News
preciation D ay
“For us here at the bank, the barbecue was one of the greatest opportunities we had to work together as a team,” Smith said. “And we couldn’t have done it without the help of volunteers, almost all of whom were customers, and local partners in Hills and nearby who helped provide the meat, potatoes, electricity, and more.” By 2001, the barbecue had grown so large that it backed up traffic for thousands of feet on Interstate 218 at the Hills exit. The traffic issues, in combination with other safety concerns, unfortunately spelled the end of the annual barbecue.
But despite the large expense of the barbecue in its later years, Smith still feels it was a worthy endeavor. “The barbecue had become a regular part of the Labor Day weekend for the thousands of people who attended, and they always went home happy. It was so nice to create that memory and to show our appreciation.” Smith said. “Now, we’re continuing that tradition of giving back in a different way.” Thanks to a partnership with local sweet corn growers, Customer Appreciation Day lives on at Hills Bank. In 2019, we gave away over 44,000 ears of sweet corn to those who visited our branches, and we hope to do so again this year. On Friday, July 30th of this year, our Johnson County offices will be giving away sweet corn (with the exception of our Hills, IMU, and UIHC locations). On Friday, August 6th, our Washington and Linn County offices as well as our Hills office will be giving away sweet corn. We hope to see you stop by and pass along our thanks – as well as a half dozen ears of corn for your own summer barbecues!
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Friends Club News
Recently, fraudsters have targeted seniors in our area with what is known as a “grandparent scam.” That’s because these scammers call a potential victim, portray themselves as a lawyer, and claim that their child or grandchild was involved in an accident where someone was injured, and the victim’s child or grandchild is being held in jail until bail money is paid in cash. The scammer might tell the victim there is a gag order by a judge and they cannot talk to anyone about it. They will even tell the victim to lie to their bank if they ask any questions. You should know that the police will never send someone to your house to pick up cash, or ask you to leave it with a courier. If you receive a call like this, try to contact your child or grandchild using the method you normally would. You can also ask the caller which police department made the supposed arrest. Then, hang up and call that police department and ask to speak to an officer to verify the claim. If you believe you may have been targeted by fraud, you can report it by visiting https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ . Our bankers are also here to help. Get in touch at hillsbank.com by clicking the chat bubble on the bottom-right-hand side of your screen to chat with a banker during business hours, give us a call at 1-800-445-5725 (1-800-HILLSBK), or visit your local Hills Bank. G randparent S cam
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3rd Quarter 2021
F all into G lobal A utumn
Fall in Iowa arrives with cooler temperatures, harvested crops, and pumpkin spice’s reintroduction to nearly every coffee shop’s menu. Pumpkins adorn doorsteps, apples fall from trees, and the undeniable sound of a football game can be heard in many a living room. While these seasonal trademarks indicate fall’s arrival in Iowa, other parts of the world commemorate the post-summer months for other reasons, for instance:
To Honor • Ancestors. Korean families gather to eat songpyeon and attend traditional dances and wrestling matches for Chuseok, a three-day harvest festival.
• The Goddess of Water. During Loi Krathong, Thai people send krathongs (small floating vessels) down waterways while enjoying fireworks, music, and dancing.
• Light. For five days, Hindu Indians (and Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists) celebrate with ignited lamps and candles, fireworks, and by creating vibrant sand patterns.
Source: Mental Floss.(n.d.).15 International Fall Traditions You’ll Want to Adopt.
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Friends Club News
n T raditions
To Eat • Mooncakes. In Chinese culture, the full moon’s arrival on the 15th day of the 8th lunar moon cycle calls for consumption of these delicacies filled with red bean or lotus seed paste.
• Chestnuts. The Chestnut Capital of the World, otherwise known as Collobrières, celebrates the chestnut harvest with pies, preserves, and candied chestnuts.
• Skewers of grilled meat and pastries. Peruvians adorned in purple honor El Señor de los Milagros and celebrate with food.
To Let Loose • With bonfires and fireworks on November 5. Brits commemorate the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 and the failed attempt to sabotage King James I.
• By dancing for days on end. Cambodians dance, hold boat races, and watch fireworks for three days once the Tonle Sap River reverses and fills with fish due to heavy rains.
• On a float. In Brazil, parade floats venture between cities and gather at Belém to honor the Our Lady of Nazareth statue and seek blessings by touching the statue’s robe.
. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/87283/15-international-fall-traditions-youll-want-adopt
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3rd Quarter 2021
TRUST BENEFITS
With possible estate and income tax changes in the legislative pipeline, many people are asking, “Do I need a trust?” A trust can be a powerful estate planning tool to help accomplish financial goals. Whether a trust will provide aid from a tax perspective will depend on many factors, including how the tax rules do or do not change. However, even with tax laws in flux, there are many other benefits to having a trust.
A trust is a relationship whereby assets are held and managed by a trustee for the benefit of another. The trustee is a fiduciary, meaning the decisions they make must be in the best interests of the person or persons for whom the trust is to benefit. This relationship implies protection, support, accountability, and preservation. Trusts may offer financial security for surviving spouses, minors, or young adults, and those who have difficulty managing money. A trust can provide the single best measure of protection against financial exploitation.
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Friends Club News
According to a National Elder Mistreatment Study, the rate of financial exploitation of elders is extremely high, with 1 in 20 older adults indicating some form of perceived financial mistreatment occurring at least one time in the recent past. The National Council on Aging reports that elder financial abuse and fraud costs older Americans $36.5 billion per year. It is an unfortunate reality that financial exploitation occurs in our society. Thankfully, safeguards exist to help deter and prevent financial abuse, including creating a trust and using a corporate trustee.
In certain situations, trusts may provide an array of benefits, including:
1. Professional portfolio management and record keeping 2. Comfort that the trustee must always make decisions regarding the trust assets in the beneficiary’s best interests 3. Protection of beneficiaries from financial predators
4. Protection of assets from spendthrifts 5. Protection of assets from creditors
6. Maintaining identity of assets in blended families 7. Ease of transition of assets upon one’s passing 8. Preservation of the Generation Skipping Transfer (GST) exemption 9. Preservation of assets for minor children or young adults 10.Privacy Legislative changes do happen, which may require you to revisit your estate plan. But they shouldn’t be the only reason to consider a trust. To learn more about how trusts may provide a benefit in your particular situation, speak to an estate planning attorney, or contact the Hills Bank Trust and Wealth Management Group at 1-800-899-8858 or by email at wealthmanagement@hillsbank.com or visit us online at www.hillsbank.com/wealthmanagement.
Investment products are not a deposit, not FDIC insured, not insured by any federal government agency, carry no bank guarantee, and may go down in value.
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3rd Quarter 2021
OLYMPIC CROSSWORD FUN&GAMES Across 3. Pistol dueling was an exhibition sport in the 1908 Olympics, where competitors fired ___ bullets at each other while wearing specialized protective equipment. 7. The 2016 ___ Games were the first time that the Olympics were held in South America. 8. The first Olympics took place in 8th century B.C. in Olympia, _____. 10. In 1896, after a 1500 year hiatus, the first modern Olympics took place in this Greek city. 12. This team sport was included in the 1900 Paris Olympics and continued until Antwerp 1920. You may remember it from gym class! (three words, no spaces) 14. The six colors of the Olympic rings – blue, _____, black, green, red, and the white background – were chosen because every nation’s flag contains at least one of them. 16. Tokyo last hosted the Olympics in 1964. The ceremony was opened by Emperor _____, the longest-reigning Japanese emperor. Down 1. Played with a ball on a court against a wall or net, ____ pelota was an Olympic sport on only one occasion (Paris 1900), and only two teams registered: France and Spain. 2. The first Winter Olympics took place in 1924 in Chamonix, _____. 4. Along with the official language of the host country, the official languages of the Olympics are English and _____. 5. The 2012 Olympics, held in this city, were the first in which all participating countries sent female athletes. 6. The gold medal given to Olympic athletes is actually mostly made of _____. 9. The five rings of the Olympic symbol represent the inhabited ________ of the world. 11. Johnny Weissmuller, an athlete-turned-actor who played Tarzan in 12 movies, won five gold medals in this Olympic sport in the 1920s. 13. The only continents that have never hosted the Olympics are Antarctica and ______. 15. Only one person has won Gold medals in both Summer and Winter Olympics. U.S. competitor Eddie Eagan took home the gold in bobsled and _____.
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Friends Club News
NEEDLE HUNT
For those that just couldn’t pin down the location of the hidden needles in the second quarter newsletter, here are the locations: Needle 1: On page 8, in the wood grain near the base of the computer; Needle 2: On page 20, in the upper border of the “Cost of Living” box. They were tough last time, but here is your chance to try again! Look cover to cover, high, low, and in-between for the hidden needle (an example of what you are looking for is below). There is one hidden needle in this newsletter edition. If you find it, you’ll get entered into a drawing to win a $25 gift card. There will be four winners this time!
When you are ready to submit your guess, please email your name and the page number(s) on which you found the needle(s) to FriendsClub@HillsBank.com by Friday, July 30, to be entered into the drawing. *No purchase required to enter or win. Need not be present to win. Odds of winning dependent upon number of entries.
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
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