Designed exclusively for CountryNeighbors Club Members
Karen Riggin & Janice Ford, Program Directors
Editor: Karen Riggin
July & August 2003
FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK
Terry J. Jorde
May you live in interesting times!
We are indeed living out that proverb as each passing week seems to leave us more astounded than the last. Every day we hear our Country Neighbors Club members ask us, "When will interest rates turn around?" With the two, five and ten-year Treasury yields closing in on 1%, 2% and 3% respectively, and the Fed expected to lower rates another 1/2% between now and the fall, investors have had plenty to stare at in amazement.
The fact of the matter is that consumer confidence is very low and plenty of people are out of work. I just read last week that 60% of college graduates this year moved home! When confidence is low and unemployment is high, people stop spending money, retail sales fall, businesses are less profitable, and everyone borrows less money. It's the Economics 101 story of supply and demand. Our country has a big supply of money, but no one is borrowing. So the price (interest rates) is cheap.
But what goes down will come up, as it always has.
And this too shall pass. In the meantime, we need to hold on, wait it out , and as we celebrate our nation's birthday in a couple of weeks, give thanks that we still live in the greatest nation in the world!
Happy Independence Day! Terry
"PROUD TO BE A DAKOTAN"
July 20-21-22
Sunday, July 20: Depart from Bismarck at 6:30 a.m. to the beautiful Pembina Gorge. Enjoy the lunch buffet at Frost Fire Summer Theater, and then sit back, and relax as you take in the musical performance of "Godspell". Later, we will check out the Sky Dancer Casino and conclude the day at the Twin Oaks Resort along the beautiful Lake Metigoshe.
Monday, July, 21: Wake up to the ND Buffet Breakfast. Then off to the International Peace Gardens for a day that will delight your senses. Later, we'll head up to Boissevain, Canada. After a fun day of sight seeing, we will unwind on a peaceful pontoon ride around Lake Metigoshe. Top off the day with the Grand Steak Fry dinner that's prepared for you.
Tuesday, July 22: That good ol' ND buffet is waiting for you before we start heading south towards Minot. You'll make a stop at the Scandinavian Heritage Park and see the Stave Church, Log House, Stabor, Windmill, Finnish Sauna and Three Statues. Catch the thrills and spills of the Minot State Fair including booths, entertainment and lunch and then we head home.
Cost of this trip is $319.00 per person - double occupancy.
RESERVATIONS ARE LIMITED - DON'T BE LEFT OUT!
Utopia Destinations is also offering a trip to
NIAGARA FALLS & MACKINAC ISLAND TOUR
August 4-10 (7 days)
There's lots to do on this trip including the Chicago area, Detroit, Michigan, Henry Ford Museum, Niagara Falls, Maid of the Mist Boat Ride, Skylon Tower, Ferry boat rides and so much more! There's even a horse drawn carriage tour of Mackinac Island for those who really like the great out doors.
Cost of this fabulous trip is Per person/double occupancy is $769
For three people, it's $749 each - For four people, it's $729 each.
If you'd like a little time just for yourself, the cost is $919 for a single.
Call Karen or Janice if you're interested in more details. There were too many to mention!
FOLKLORAMA
August 3-6, 2003
Start out the cultural journey going to Winnipeg, Canada. Lots of experiences await you including ethnic food and entertainment.. This annual event offers the opportunity to see many cultures of the world.
Check out the Assiniboia Downs for some of the finest horseracing. The next day, the journey takes you to the quaint city of Gimli which borders along the breathtaking Winnipeg Lake. Stops along the way include the Icelandic Museum, plenty of shops to browse in and an authentic ride on the KNARR Viking Ship.
No trip to Winnipeg is complete with out a stop to the Old Spaghetti Factory.
Top the day off with the stunning performance of Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat at the Rainbow Stage Theater.
Price for this adventure is:
Double-$389 Triple-$379 and Single $489
Utopia Destinations is offering a trip to the
CANADIAN ROCKIES TOUR-#1
August 12-21, 2003
You will discover the grandeur of mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes and golden valleys. Experience unforgettable shopping at the Edmonton Mall which includes over 800 stores. If you can't find it there, you don't know what you're looking for! The Jasper National Park offers miles and miles of scenic waterfalls, lakes, canyons and glaciers. There is so much to do on this trip too.
Price per person:
Double-$979 Triple -$959 Quad-$939 Single -$1259
Tidbits . . . . . .
The best way to forget your own problems is to help someone else solve theirs.
Measure wealth not by the things you have, but by the things you have for which you would not take money.
You can't base your life on other people's expectations.
An apology is the superglue of life. It can repair just about anything.
The best thing to do behind a friend's back is pat it!
Wouldn't you pay just about anything for a telemarketer's home phone number?
What do you do if your billfold or wallet is lost or stolen?
From the Gateway Newsletter
And last, but not least, just one more trip:
To Minneapolis to see the "Sound of Music"
August 20-22, 2003
Check out the fun you'll have on this trip starting with the Chanhassen Dinner Theater and the performance of the Sound of Music. The next day, you'll be headed to the Minnesota State Fair! This is the largest fair in the U.S. Later, you will relax listening to those fabulous 1940's swing tunes sung by the Liebowitz Sisters. On the way home, you'll make another stop at the Munsinger and Clemens Gardens.
Cost: Single-$459 Double-$259 Triple $339
ARE YOU AT RISK FOR IDENTITY THEFT?
Every day in the news, we read or see instances of identity theft. To check your "identity quotient", take this test and see how you do. Circle the points as applicable.
| Points |
| 5 | I receive several offers of pre-approved credit every week. |
| 5 | Add 5 more points if you do not shred them before putting them in the trash. |
| 10 | I carry my social security card in my wallet. |
| 10 | I carry my military ID in my wallet at all times. |
| 5 | I do not shred banking and credit information when I throw it in the trash. |
| 10 | I provide my social security number whenever asked, without asking questions as to how that information will be safeguarded. |
| 5 | Add 5 points if you provide it orally without checking to see who might be listening. |
| 25 | I have my SSN or driver's license number printed on my checks. |
| 20 | I carry my insurance card in my wallet and either my spouse or SSN is the ID number. |
| 10 | I have not ordered copies of my credit reports for at least 2 years. |
| 10 | I order checks through the mail. |
| 10 | I do not believe that people would root around in my trash looking for credit or financial information. |
| ______Total score here. |
SCORING:
75+ points: You are at high risk. You should purchase a paper shredder, become more security aware in document handling and start to question why people need your personal data.
50-75 points: Your odds of being victimized are about average. Higher if you have good credit.
0-50 points: Congratulations! You have a high "IQ". Keep up the good work and don't let your guard down.
Best Wishes to everyone celebrating a Birthday or Anniversary in July and August and a warm WELCOME to all our new CountryNeighbors members from all of us at CountryBank USA
Members - Refer a friend to the CountryNeighbors Club.
If they join… YOU GET $10!
CONTACT INFORMATION
CountryNeighbors Club
Check out our website at
www.countrybankusa.com
