two model investment clubs - crmic.org · keystone portfolio contest 5 club anniversaries 4%...
TRANSCRIPT
Making Sense of Stocks
In the Time of COVID-19 Virtually Meet with Doug Gerlach
August 15, 2020 GoToMeeting details, page 3
The ongoing pandemic is distressing markets and investors
worldwide. Uncertainty in the face of wicked market volatility and
global economic recession are foremost in the minds of many individual
investors. What can you do now when making portfolio decisions?
Always dynamic and widely respected, Doug Gerlach, President
of ICLUBcentral Inc., will highlight how you can still outperform the
market with a buy and hold strategy using stock-picking methods honed
over 60 years and incorporating the wisdom of the market's greatest
minds.
He’ll discuss possible moves to make in today’s market by
leveraging his techniques of stock selection and principles of portfolio
construction, and present recent ideas from the award-winning Investor
Advisory Service and the SmallCap Informer stock newsletters
published by ICLUBcentral. BetterInvesting is the parent company of
ICLUBcentral and myICLUB.com. $$$
https://www.betterinvesting.org/chapters/central-pennsylvania/local-events
John W. Diercks, director for Central PA Chapter of BI (CPAC), has been named recipient of the Thomas E. O’Hara Award for Outstanding Service to BetterInvesting and to the Central PA Chapter.
Congratulations, John!
Summer/Fall 2020 Central PA Chapter of BetterInvesting c/o Liz Rodda, Editor PO Box 651 Dauphin, PA 17018 www.betterinvesting.org/centpenn
History of SEC
In Germany during Covid
August 15: Doug Gerlach
Investing in Turbulent Times
Education Matrix 2020
LEMIC portfolio
Keystone Portfolio Contest
5 Club Anniversaries
4% Strategy
Visit the Chapter’s Two
Model Investment Clubs
Learn and Earn Model
Investment Club
Meets second Saturday of each
month, 9 AM to 11 AM.
GoToMeeting or in-person
details at
betterinvesting.org/centpenn
Free and open to the public.
Centre Region Model
Investment Club
Meets second Monday of each
month, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Check website for GoToMeeting
or in-person details.
Free and open to the public.
www.crmic.org
IN THIS ISSUE:
NON-PROFIT • VOLUNTEER BASED • MEMBER DRIVEN
President’s Column By Liz Rodda
What’s New in Central PA ?
The Sustainability Committee is a new committee
formed to meet the present and future financial and
leadership needs of the Chapter. Its charge is to
develop plans for CPAC to operate over the short and
long-term.
The more immediate concern is the financial health
of CPAC, but later tasks could involve volunteer
recruitment or leadership development.
With 15 current directors, our leadership continues
to be strong. Directors meet monthly. The Chapter
presidents meet quarterly with regional managers of
BetterInvesting for information sharing.
During the Keystone Strategies Education Event
and Annual Meeting on Saturday, August 15, BI
members will vote for the re-election of 6 current
directors to serve another 3-year term.
These directors up for reelection are: Richard
Lindsay, Pratibha Vakharia, Lalita Patil, John
deGroot, Tim Laughman and Dave Moore.
All directors are involved in the operations of our
Chapter: education, planning, visiting investment
clubs, stock studies, and activities for Money Smart
week, as well as involvement in model investment
clubs. Most of these activities are required by
BetterInvesting for our Chapter to earn the annual
rechartering.
Join us for a virtual meeting with Doug Gerlach.
“See” you on August 15. $$$
Liz Rodda is serving a second term as CPAC
president. She is president of Capital Investment Club and
is the Chapter newsletter editor. She wisely married Steven
Wisegarver, the real brains behind their investment
success. They both live on the banks of the Susquehanna
River.
Central PA Chapter of BetterInvesting Newsletter Summer/Fall 2020 p. 2
This newsletter is a publication of the Central PA
Chapter of BetterInvesting (CPAC), a non-profit,
volunteer organization dedicated to investment
education. The BetterInvesting (BI) mission is to
provide a program of sound investment information,
education and support that helps create successful
lifetime investors. The website is: www.betterinvesting.org/centpenn
Investments mentioned in this publication are meant for
educational purposes only and are not to be considered
an endorsement.
Officers are: Liz Rodda, President
Dave Moore, Vice President
John Varner, Treasurer
Richard Lindsay, Secretary
Correspondence may be directed to newsletter editor:
Elizabeth O. Rodda
PO Box 651
Dauphin, PA 17018
Visit-A-Club What is the process for finding a
BetterInvesting club that is accepting visitors?
Visit www.betterinvesting.org/centpenn. At
the CPAC webpage, click on a tab on the left side
that says “Visit-A-Club.”
There will be a link titled “Participating
Clubs in this Chapter” on the page that comes up
next. Click on that link to bring up the clubs in our
Chapter that welcome visits. You can email any
club contact listed, ask for general background
information about the club and schedule a visit.
Need more information? Link to details:
https://www.betterinvesting.org/centpenn Photo credit above: BetterInvesting.org. $$$
Director Dave Moore directs the Visit-A-Club project
for the Central PA Chapter.
On-Line GoToWebinar!
Keystone Strategies Education Event
and CPAC Annual Meeting
Saturday, August 15, 2020
FREE! Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6984125755878145293
Email: [email protected]
Agenda (subject to change)
9:00 AM to 9:20 AM Opening remarks and business matters.
Liz Rodda, President, Central PA Chapter of BetterInvesting (CPAC)
9:20 AM to 9:25 AM National BI Award presentation to John W. Diercks
Liz Rodda, President CPAC
9:25 AM to 9:40 AM Keystone Strategies Portfolio Contest Awards,
and NEW 2020-2021 Contest Kickoff – Richard Lindsay
9:40 AM to 10:50 AM Special Guest Speaker – Doug Gerlach
Making Sense of Stocks in the Time of COVID-19
10:50 AM to 11:10 AM Model Investment Club Presentations
Ken Mobley, Learn & Earn Model Investment Club
Donna Diercks, Centre Region Model Investment Club
11:10 AM Closing Remarks - Liz Rodda, President CPAC
“The Keystone Strategies Education Event is a once-a-year opportunity for the BI members of Central
Pennsylvania to gather together, meet and greet, and share investing ideas and strategies. It is also a rare
opportunity for BI members and their guests to expand their investing skills by learning from our experienced,
professional instructors.” --- Bruce Kennedy, Keystone Strategies Coordinator
Contact for information: John Diercks, 814 234-8775, [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/BetterInvestingHarrisburg/
www.betterinvesting.org/centpenn
Central PA Chapter of BetterInvesting (CPAC) is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to investment education. The BetterInvesting (BI) mission is to provide a program of sound investment information, education and support that helps create successful lifetime investors. Go to www.betterinvesting.org/centpenn
Central PA Chapter of BetterInvesting Newsletter Summer/Fall 2020 p. 4
Keystone Strategies Portfolio Contest By Richard Lindsay
The winners of the most recent Keystone Strategy Contest will be announced on
August 15, 2020.
At press time (July 19, 2020), following is a review of our 2020 Keystone Strategy
Contest which launched December 2, 2019 and will continue until closing bell on Friday,
August 7, 2020.
We will show the winning portfolios on Saturday, August 15, 2020 during Keystone
Strategies Education Event and award the winners their prizes. Individuals and investment
clubs chose over 120 stocks with an average growth rate of 12.3% and a PE ratio of 47.6.
The 120 stocks have an interesting sector diversification; the top three are: 35.6%
technology, 16.5% consumer discretionary and 13.8% industrials.
The overall financial strength is low at 61% and EPS stability is 59. The size
diversification of the 120 stocks is virtually evenly split: Large Cap (slower growers) is
27.9%; Mid Cap is 26.8% and the Small Cap is 43.4%.
As of the writing of this article in mid-July 2020, Mervyn Peters3 climbed from a $5,000
investment to $9,983.13. His portfolio contains only two stocks: Shopify (SHOP) and
ServiceNow (NOW). This year, Mervyn Peters entered five (5) portfolios with an entry fee
paid for each. In second place is Mervyn Peters4, with DocuSign (DOCU) and Altria Group
(MO). That portfolio is worth $9,946.17.
In third place is John Varner at $7,802.94. His biggest gainers are Zoom Video (ZM) and
Veeva Systems (VEEV). John Varner is also the leader of our CPAC directors. Bruce
Kennedy is second of all CPAC directors. His AMZN shot up over 60% since the start of this
contest on December 2019.
There is a category for investment clubs. The Harrisburg Area CC Inv Club is in first
place with $7,737.78. Their hottest picks are Shopify (SHOP) and Microsoft (MSFT).
Much can also be learned from reviewing the bottom of the list as well, with the travel and
oil stocks being hit particularly hard this spring with the COVID-19 virus. The poorest
performers: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) and Transocean Inc. (RIG) have settled at the
bottom of a portfolio or two. NCLH sinking from $1,000 to $284.68 and RIG sinking from
$1,000 to $393.57 is a big drop since December 2019. Also, Boeing (BA) had a big fall to the
bottom.
Go to Central PA Portfolio Contest at the following link to investigate further:
https://www.bivio.com/keystonestrategies/home/Public/Index.html. Select “status” to follow
the portfolios. $$$
Richard Lindsay serves as secretary of CPAC. He is a partner in two investment clubs. He is a husband,
father, grandfather and world traveler. He writes from Cumberland County.
www.bivio.com/keystonestrategies
Central PA Chapter of BetterInvesting Newsletter Summer/Fall 2020 p. 5
_________________________________________________________________________________________
It’s a Good Time to be in an Investment Club
by Donna Diercks
Here we are in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Suddenly in March of this year
our economy was shut down, and we were sitting at home adjusting to a new lifestyle.
For families with children at home and those who had college students returning home,
it was a big adjustment in what was expected as the children finished the school year
over the internet. Parents were working from home if they were fortunate to have their
jobs while trying to meet the demands of having their children there as well.
The stock market was hit hard. Businesses were shut down and many will not be able to recover.
Bankruptcies are being announced. It is estimated that it will take 4 to 5 years to recover.
Meanwhile, the Coronavirus remains and is expected to be here a long time. The medical community is
working on a vaccine which probably will not be available this year. The economy is starting to re-open as well
as schools announcing what they will do about re-opening. Sports programs are deciding what they can do to
return to a playing schedule.
In light of what we are facing why would I entitle this article “It’s a Good Time to be in an Investment
Club”? I feel it’s great having partners with whom we can share beliefs and research about what is happening
and where investment opportunities are in these times. At the Centre Region Model Investment Club’s
(CRMIC) meeting in June our education program was entitled, “The Coronavirus and Its Ramifications”. All
partners were invited to share their thoughts at our online meeting.
Here is a wrap-up of points discussed. In June it looked like the major part of job losses was behind us
and consumer spending was coming back strongly in certain areas due to pent up demand while business
spending was returning more slowly. As of June valuations for most of the top quality equities were fully
valued leaving limited near term upside. Corporate Bond yields at 2.4% will only cover inflation.
In June most states’ hospitalization rates were dropping for people with COVID-19. Fatalities and
hospitalization rates were supporting the re-opening of the economy. Despite massive job losses, U.S. personal
income rose significantly in April. This was due to the impact of government relief programs. Enhanced
unemployment benefits and one-time $1,200 government checks were major players in the rise in income.
Question: Will there be more Federal stimulus money coming? Household debt was decreasing at this
point as people were staying home and not spending as before. The housing market was showing signs of life
as home purchase mortgage applications have reached pre-crisis levels. Federal Reserve actions lowered
mortgage rates. Finally, the economic downturn has caused some companies to cut or suspend their dividends.
So far dividend cuts have only impacted a small portion of the equity market. The market environment has
favored growth stocks with low dividend yields. High-yielding sectors have performed poorly.
As investors, we are looking for investing opportunities. Understanding what is happening in our
economy in relation to the pandemic is imperative. Hearing ideas and opinions from our partners are helpful
during these times. We are investors helping investors during these challenging times.
CRMIC’s meetings are open to the public. If you would like to join CRMIC's GoToMeeting (GTM)
from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., paste the following URL into your browser:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/join/164983994. If you prefer to phone into the meeting dial 1-213-289-0010,
Access Code: 164-983-994#, Audio Pin: 531# $$$
Donna Diercks is president of Centre Region Model Investment Club. She serves as director of Central PA Chapter of
BetterInvesting. She writes from State College.
Central PA Chapter of BetterInvesting Newsletter Summer/Fall 2020 p. 6
Proven Investing Principles in Uncertain Times
By Ken Mobley, President of LEMIC
My uncle was a historian. He delighted in sharing interesting
facts and knowledge of people and events. He encouraged the study
of history since history often repeats itself. By understanding this,
he knew people could be better prepared for present day events.
As an investor I have experienced several significant
downward market fluctuations, including Black Friday, the Dot.com
crash, the Mortgage Financial crisis, and now a COVID-19-induced
economy shut down. These events create fear and concern leading
many to ask, what should I do? I have learned that severe market
declines will occur, and they will not always be predictable. There
will be panic selling by many, but in bear markets there is
opportunity for those that are calm and stick to their investing plan.
What we are going through today is not new to financial
history. BetterInvesting members have witnessed market
fluctuations, including several bear markets during the past 65 years.
They have managed investing successfully by sticking to their long-
range investment plan and continuing to apply the four
BetterInvesting principles during market downturns.
Invest a set amount of money regularly
Reinvest all earnings
Buy stock in high-quality growth companies
Diversify your portfolio
In the LEMIC monthly meeting following the market drop in
March, I was pleased to witness our club calmly follow the BI
principles. We understood that now more than ever, it was critical
to continue investing and seeking opportunities in today’s new
environment. We adjusted our portfolio and invested in a small
position of a successful e-commerce giant that is prospering in this
economy. As of this writing, this investment has resulted in a 53%
unrealized gain.
What a great experience for club members to practice and
participate in applying the BI principles in a market downturn. Club
meeting discussions help build investor confidence that can be
applied to individual portfolios. There will be future downturns, but
one thing will prevail, a confident investor who adheres to BI
principles will do more than just survive. A confident BI investor
will thrive. $$$
Ken Mobley is a CPAC Director who is serving his second term
as LEMIC president. Both his son, Will, and daughter, Kate, are involved
in BetterInvesting. Ken writes from Lititz.
LEMIC Portfolio
16 partners
13 holdings
99.3% invested in equities
.7% holdings in cash
Adobe Systems (ADBE)
Alphabet (GOOG)
Amazon (AMZN)
Biospecific Tech (BSTC)
Edwards Life Science (EW)
Facebook (FB)
Five Below (FIVE)
HealthEquity, Inc. (HQY)
Hershey (HSY)
Microsoft (MSFT)
Nvidia (NVDA)
Simulation Plus (SLP)
VISA (V)
LEMIC is on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BetterIn
vestingHarrisburg
Please “like” us on FB for updates.
Central PA Chapter of BetterInvesting Newsletter Summer/Fall 2020 p. 7
The History of the SEC by Kate Grenke
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is a federal agency that was created by the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 to protect investors and capital. The agency oversees the stock market and regulates the
bulk of the securities industry, including the U.S. stock exchanges, options markets, securities markets, and
other electronic exchanges. The SEC also proposes and enforces federal securities laws.
Prior to the SEC, virtually no oversight existed to protect investors who purchased or sold stocks, bonds, and other
securities. A lack of oversight led to widespread fraud, insider trading, and other abuses. During the Roaring 20s, people
invested in stocks with huge high risk. At that time, an estimated $50 billion in new securities were offered, half of which
became worthless. Unfortunately, on Oct. 29, 1929, the day referred to as Black Tuesday, millions of investors were
wiped out when the stock market crashed. The crash contributed to the Great Depression, which lasted ten years and
caused the public to lose confidence in investing.
On March 2, 1932, Senate Resolution 84 passed, authorizing the U.S. Committee on Banking and Currency to
investigate the cause of the crash. The investigation lasted approximately two years and is referred to as the
Pecora Hearings, named after Ferdinand Pecora, the Senate committee’s lead counsel. The investigation
revealed that respected financial institutions misled investors, engaged in irresponsible investment behavior, and
offered privileges to insiders. The hearings resulted in new legislation that created three new acts, the Glass-
Steagall Act, the Securities Act of 1933, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
The three new acts had separate responsibilities and functions. The Glass-Steagall Act separated investment banking from
commercial banking. It also created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to oversee banks, protect
consumers’ deposits and handle consumer complaints. The Securities Act of 1933 required registration of most securities
sales in the US. It helped prevent securities fraud, and it gave the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) power to block
securities sales. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 gave the SEC extensive power to regulate the securities industry,
including bringing charges against individuals and companies who violated securities laws.
The changes implemented by the acts increased investor confidence and brought people back to the stock
market. Investors’ needs were now considered before the needs of brokers, traders, and corporations. The acts
reduced deceitful trading, required companies to tell the truth about business, and ensured investment risks were
disclosed to the public. They also limited the practice of borrowing from brokers to buy stocks.
Today the SEC is comprised of five commissioners, who are appointed by the president. The president also
appoints one commissioner as chairman. Only three commissioners may belong to the same political party. The
SEC’s responsibilities are organized into five divisions and 24 offices. The divisions are the Division of
Corporation Finance, Division of Trading and Markets, Division of Investment Management, Division of
Enforcement, and Division of Economic and Risk Analysis. Some of the SEC offices include the Office of
Administrative Law Judges, Office of Credit Ratings, Office of the Ethics Counsel, Office of Investor Advocate,
and Office of Investor Education and Advocacy.
More information about the responsibilities and functions of the SEC is available on the SEC’s website,
https://www.sec.gov. Overall, the SEC is a valuable tool for any investor. $$$
Kate Grenke serves as a director of Central PA Chapter of BetterInvesting. She is an officer in LEMIC and presented this SEC education piece to the partnership. She writes from Franklin County.
Central PA Chapter of BetterInvesting Summer/Fall 2020 p. 8
John W. Diercks
Thomas E. O’Hara 2020 Award Recipient for Outstanding Contributions
to BetterInvesting and to Central PA Chapter
John W. Diercks is a retired professor from Pennsylvania State University where he taught for the Department of Meteorology and networked the computer system for the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Prior to that, John served 26 years in the US Air Force as a meteorologist achieving the rank of Colonel. John has been an NAIC/BI member for over 20 years. He currently serves as treasurer for Centre Region Model Investment Club. John is a popular educator, webinar leader and the Chapter’s GoToMeeting contact.
“John Diercks is our Chapter’s Go-To director for the website, our webinars, Chapter education, GoToMeetings and so much more. John is devoted in his commitment and focused in his follow-through.” Liz Rodda, CPAC president “Congratulations, John, for earning this prestigious award. Your educational efforts and prowess have been properly recognized. We are indeed blessed to have you as a director. Thanks very much for all that you do to educate our fellow investors.” Bruce Kennedy, director for KSEE “Great news and congratulations, John! So happy that your professionalism and excellence in education and service have been recognized. Central PA and BI are fortunate to have your skills and dedication to serve others.” Ken Mobley, president of LEMIC “Hearty congratulations, John, for this great honor. I remember the first time [your wife] Donna and I went to the national convention in Philadelphia. You had not yet joined BetterInvesting [NAIC], however Donna’s insistence paid off and you have taken this baton to the highest with your charming demeanor, intelligence and persistence for excellence.” Lalita Patil, CPAC director
_________________________________
BetterInvesting
We are all about education.
First Tuesday of each month - Toolkit
6 User Group, 9:00 – 10:15 p.m. Free.
Doug Gerlach, President of
ICLUBcentral, hosts an interactive
online meeting for all Toolkit 6 users.
The User Group is an open forum event
where you have the opportunity to ask
questions, share tips and tricks, and learn
from like-minded investors. Register
once for all sessions. To register:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register
/100000000016545283.
Third Tuesday of each month –
Investment Club Operations, 9 – 10
p.m. Free. Doug Gerlach leads most of
the sessions. Open question format.
Register once for all sessions at
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register
/100000000043760754
MoneyShow Sarasota–9/10-11/2020
BetterInvesting continues to partner with
the MoneyShow events nationwide. For
more information go to
https://www.moneyshow.com/
Virtual InvestorConferences.com are
offered monthly. This is the leading
Investor Relations industry portal that
introduces public companies to tens of
thousands of active and engaged
individual investors month after month.
For more information go to
http://virtualinvestorconferences.com
BI Tutorials on several topics
including stock analysis tools. Free.
To view these go to
http://www.youtube.com/user/BetterInve
sting
Access www.betterinvesting.org
Central PA Chapter of BetterInvesting Newsletter Summer/Fall 2020 p. 9
_________________________________________________________________________________________
4% Strategy by John Diercks
There are many ways to invest in the stock market. Some investors simply buy and sell common stocks,
others invest in mutual and exchange traded funds, and others only invest in index funds that mirror an index
such as the S&P 500 Index. Another method is to buy and sell exchange traded funds based on signals of a
specific index. One strategy following the signals of an index is the 4% Strategy.
The 4% Strategy was developed by Ned Davis of Ned Davis
Research and highlighted in Martin Zweig's 1986 investment classic,
“Winning on Wall Street.” Zweig showed during the period 1966 –
1988 that the 4% approach returned a 15% compounded annual rate of
return. More recently, other investors have shown similar returns.
I was introduced to the 4% Strategy by Richard Lindsay, former
President of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter. Richard provided
weekly updates on the 4% Strategy until October 2016 when I assumed
responsibility for the weekly updates.
The 4% Strategy is a mathematical timing model that automatically gives “Buy” and “Sell” signals based on the
weekly closing price of a major stock market index, which ignores daily gyrations in the stock market. The
market index followed in my weekly updates is the Value Line Geometric Index. In simple terms, this index is
an equally weighted price index of all stocks (about 1700) covered in The Value Line Investment Survey.
The Geometric Index is an indicator used to follow the movement of the stock market and issue buy and sell
signals. The index is only compared on a weekly basis from Friday to Friday. If the 4% Strategy is in a “sell or
short” mode and the index is up 4% from the prior week, the strategy on Monday is to switch to the “buy or
long” mode. If the 4% Strategy is in the “buy or long” mode and the index is down 4% from the previous
Friday, the strategy on Monday is to switch to the “sell or short” mode.
Two exchange traded funds are used in the 4% Strategy. The Proshares Short Russell 2000 ETF (Ticker RWM)
is used in the “sell or short” mode. RWM increases in value as the Russell 2000 decreases due to its strategy of
selling short. The Ishares Russell 2000 ETF (Ticker IWM) is used in the “buy or long” mode. IWM increases in
value as the Russell 2000 increases due to its strategy of buying long. As an example, in the week of March
23rd, the strategy was in the “sell or short” mode. On Friday, March 27th, the Value Line Geometric Index was
up 12.1% Friday to Friday. This was a signal to sell RWM and buy IWM on Monday, March 30th.
I have been following the 4% Strategy rigorously from October 2014 to the present. In that timeframe, there
have been 13 signals to change strategy from RWM to IWM or vice versa. Based on my initial investment and
including dividends, I’m ahead 56.1% following the strategy. This is not doubling my initial investment over
five plus years, but the return does beat many fixed income investment vehicles over the same time period.
It should be noted that the market volatility since the pandemic shutdown started has lowered my return. Email
me at [email protected] if you are interested in receiving weekly updates on the 4% Strategy. $$$
John Diercks is a CPAC director, an officer in CRMIC and the 2020 recipient of the Thomas E. O’Hara Award
for Outstanding Service to BI and to Central PA Chapter. He writes from State College.
“This strategy is a mathematical
timing model that automatically
gives ‘Buy’ and ‘Sell’ signals
based on the weekly closing
price of a major stock market
index….”
Central PA Chapter of BetterInvesting Newsletter Summer/Fall 2020 p. 10
Living in Germany During the Covid-19 Crisis
By John Varner
My daughter Ellen and her husband Alex moved to Kaiserslautern, Germany in June of
2019. Ellen has been working as a pharmacist at the U.S. Army hospital in Landstuhl, Germany
for three years. On September 16th, our first grandchild was born in Germany. After maternity
leave, Ellen returned to work and Orion started daycare
at an Army daycare facility. The Army closed the
daycare facility indefinitely on March 16th due to
the Coronavirus pandemic. I flew to Germany
that day to help with daycare until the Army facility
reopened. At the time, very few people were
wearing masks at the Dulles Airport or on the eight
hour flight to Frankfurt. My wife is an
accountant with 100 tax clients, so she was not able to
travel with me. Germany closed its borders to all
other countries on March 18th.
Germany was quick to initiate testing and to
close non-essential businesses, stores, schools and
other facilities. The country imposed social distancing and masks. It also banned public
gatherings of more than two unrelated individuals. The daily infection rate hit a maximum of
6,000 in March in a country with a population of more than 80 million people. By April, the
daily infection rate dropped below 2,000 and has stayed below that level ever since. Total
Covid-19 cases for the country stand at just over 200,000. By mid-April, the country began
slowly relaxing the social distancing requirements and re-opening businesses and stores.
The Army daycare facility reopened in mid-June, but only at 30% capacity. My grandson
was not included in the initial 30%, so my daughter found a German couple licensed to do
daycare in their home. Orion started at his new daycare on June 15th. I flew home on June 18th.
On that date, masks were required on the plane and in both airports.
Germany opened its borders to a select list of other countries on July 1st. The United
States is not on that approved list. My wife and I hope to visit Germany again in September for
Orion’s first birthday. With the climbing Covid-19 infection rates in most U.S. states, I doubt if
Germany will open its borders to U.S. citizens by then. $$$
John Varner serves as treasurer for both CPAC and CRMIC. Happily, he wrote this article from State College.
John Varner (center) with daughter,
Ellen and grandson, Orion. Author
submitted photo.
Central PA Chapter of BetterInvesting Newsletter Summer/Fall 2020 p. 11 News Update……. Stock to Study: DISNEY on Oct. 13, 2020 First Online Chapter Annual Meeting July 30, 2020 Central PA Clubs Celebrate Anniversaries
Stock to Study: Walt Disney (DIS) New Online Chapter Meeting October 13, 2020 7 – 8 PM July 30 FREE FREE Webinar by John Diercks
Walt Disney will be reviewed in the fourth 2020
stock study webinar presented by the Central PA
Chapter. Walt Disney is a diversified worldwide
entertainment company with operations in four
business segments: Media Networks, Parks and
Resorts, Studio Entertainment, and Consumer
Products and Interactive Media. The company is in
the Entertainment Industry and the Consumer
Cyclical Sector. The study includes background
information and a description of products/services
provided by the company. Detailed financial data is
presented for the company and compared with
competitors. Reviews by Value Line and
Morningstar analysts are included in each stock
study, if available. Finally, a Stock Selection Guide
(SSG) is presented with a discussion of judgments
used to build the SSG. The instructor is John
Diercks, CPAC Director. To register:
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/68565703
07670388481
For more information about the webinars contact
John Diercks at [email protected] or phone him
at 814-234-8775. His mailing address is Central PA
Chapter NAIC, 1017 Crabapple Drive, State
College, PA 16801.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Home Office Offering….
New Online Chapter Meeting July 30
The first Online Chapter Meeting with the full
BetterInvesting membership, all 3,300+ throughout the
country and overseas, is scheduled for July 30, 2020.
BetterInvesting will have an interesting education
presentation that all BI members and their guests are
invited to attend. Time: 8:00 – 9:45 p.m. Free. The
business portion of the meeting will start with the
election of directors for the upcoming fiscal year
(10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021) and a brief discussion of
organizational plans. During that meeting there will also
be a call for Online Chapter members to sign up as
Chapter volunteers.
Starting at 8:30 pm, the education portion of the
meeting will take place. Saul Seinberg will present
“Playing the Investment Piano with Both Hands.”
In his presentation he will show how we can use a
set of commonly available technical tools to supplement
our fundamental analysis of high quality growth
companies. More information can be found on the BI
Online Chapter’s web page in the event notice at
https://www.betterinvesting.org/chapters/online/local-
events/chapter-board-annual-meeting-july You can
register for the event there or at:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/512031060955
8440720 Webinar ID 557-465-827
Congratulations
to these clubs celebrating
landmark years in Central PA:
Dough Kneaders Investment Club in Rebersburg
20 year anniversary!
Vipers in Orangeville
20 year anniversary!
Up, Up and Away Investment Club in Carlisle
30 year anniversary!
Spring Grove Investment Club in Hanover
30 year anniversary!
Investhers in York
30 year anniversary!
Please note: The Chapter maintains an email list to notify members of upcoming events, including workshops,
webinars, education days, and other investing opportunities. Contact John Diercks at [email protected] if
you would like to receive timely notification of these events via email. In general, you will only receive one
or two emails a month from the Chapter. Encourage other members in your investment club who are not
receiving our emails to request joining the Chapter list.
2020 Schedule of Education Classes, Central Pennsylvania Chapter
Contact for registration: John Diercks, 814 234-8775, [email protected]
2020 Note: check on-line for updated meeting arrangements including GoToMeetings.
www.betterinvesting.org/centpenn
Date of Course
Day
Time
Course Name
Course Instructor
Second Saturday
of each month
9:00 - 11:00 am
Learn and Earn Model Investment Club Giant Food Store Community Room, Camp Hill, PA,
open to the public, free https://www.facebook.com/BetterInvestingHarrisburg/
Second Monday
of each month
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Centre Region Model Investment Club South Hills School of Business and Technology
State College, PA, open to the public, free www.crmic.org
15-Aug-20
Saturday
9:00 - 11:00 am
Keystone Strategies Education Event
and Annual Meeting Virtual meeting, open to public, no charge
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6984125755878145293
Doug Gerlach
15-Sep-20
Tuesday
7:00 – 8:15 pm
Evaluating Management: Dissecting Return on Equity
Webinar, cost free
John Diercks
TBA
Saturday
9:00 – 12:00
noon
Technical Analysis of Stocks using "Toolkit 6" and the Online Tool "SSG Plus,"
Cost $20 Giant Food Store Community Room, Camp Hill, PA
Bruce Kennedy
And Other
Directors
13-Oct-20
Tuesday
7:00 - 8:00 pm
Stock Study Walt Disney (DIS) Webinar, cost Free
John Diercks