coverage as life changes · on the cover the mascherino family of man, wv, appreciate that their...

MAGAZINE

Fall 2018

Fraternalist of the Year

Project of the Year

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Coverage as Life Changes

Whether you last met with your WoodmenLife Representative a few months ago or many years ago, it’s possible your life and your family have changed since then. Have you gotten married or added more children to the family? Have you changed careers or are you rethinking retirement goals as you get closer to the end of your career?

If your life has changed over time (as most of ours do), it’s always a good idea to sit down with your WoodmenLife Representative. He or she can make sure you still have enough coverage to meet your needs. Together, you can take an overall look at your future goals and make sure you’re still on track.

Meeting with your Representative is also a way to learn about getting more involved in your local community. September is Hunger Action Month; I encourage you to speak with your Representative about how you can make an impact on the hunger problem in your local community.

Thank you for continuing to choose WoodmenLife and sharing our commitment to family, community and country.

Sincerely,

Patrick L. DeesPresident & CEO

WoodmenLife Magazine 32 WoodmenLife Magazine

MESSAGE

PRESIDENT’S

Our Mission: WoodmenLife provides members with financial security while making a difference in your community.

WoodmenLife Chapter 15 in Lake City, FL, sponsors driver Devin Walker’s E-mod stock car at All-Tech Raceway. Chapter 15 is also a corporate track sponsor.

Patrick L. Dees

What’s New in Your Family?Chapter 15

Lake City, FL

On the CoverThe Mascherino family of Man, WV, appreciate that their WoodmenLife Representative has helped them adjust their coverage to life’s changing needs.

Cover Photo by Jenny Reese Photography

In This Issue03 President’s Message

06 Newsworthy

16 Fraternal Spirit

26 Top Scholarship Recipients

28 Fraternalist of the Year

30 “America Is ...” Video Contest Winners

33 Trash-to-Treasure

34 Portable ID Kits Save Precious Time

35 Bridgeton Blueberry Festival

36 Falcons

37 OPEN M Ministry

38 Community Outreach

39 Fun Zone

42 In Memoriam

44 Chapter Calendar

Volume 130 • Number 4 WoodmenLife, founded in 1890, is a not-for-profit life insurance company that also offers member benefits.Our nearly 700,000 members, who hold close to one million insurance and annuity certificates, belong to nearly 900 chapters throughout the United States. Local chapters sponsor family activities and conduct community projects. These projects include: presenting U.S. flags to civic and community organizations; donating equipment to police, fire and rescue units; providing assistance to senior citizens, the physically impaired and orphans; and providing monetary assistance.National Board of DirectorsPatrick L. Dees, Chairman, President & CEO, Omaha, NEDenise M. McCauley, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Omaha, NEMatthew E. Ellis, Executive Vice President, Secretary & General Counsel, Omaha, NERobert T. Maher, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Omaha, NE Daniel W. Rice III, Kinston, NCDr. James W. Bosler III, Louisville, KYDr. James W. Shaver, Landis, NCMichael C. Shealy, Lexington, SCWesley A. Dodd Jr., Cornelia, GADaryl J. Doise, Frisco, TXDanny E. Cummins, Troup, TXRonald H. Aldridge, Jackson, MSMark L. Schreier, Papillion, NEDwayne H. Tucker, Nashville, TNMagazine Staff Managing Editor: Dana SawyerContent Editor: Jim BushDesign Editor: Joe BavarescoWriters: Kate Holstein, Liz Perry, Carmen SteeleDesigner: Janelle ArthurContributors: Carli Cominoli, Sarah Kilian, Jerry UnderwoodIf you have questions, comments or suggestions for articles, please direct them to [email protected]. visit us at: WoodmenLife.orgWoodmenLife Magazine (ISSN 1069-1790) is published quarterly for $2.00 per year by Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society, 1700 Farnam St., Omaha, NE 68102. Periodicals postage paid at Omaha, NE, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to WoodmenLife Magazine, 1700 Farnam St., Omaha, NE 68102-2025.Securities are offered through Woodmen Financial Services, Inc. (WFS), 1700 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102, 877-664-3332, member FINRA/SIPC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society (collectively “WoodmenLife”). Securities other than the WoodmenLife Variable Annuity are issued by companies that are not affiliated with Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society. This material is intended for general use with the public. WFS is not undertaking to provide investment advice for any individual or any individual situation, and you should not look to this material for any investment advice. WFS has financial interests that are served by the sale of these products or services.Products that are not issued by WoodmenLife or offered and processed through Woodmen Financial Services, Inc., may be offered through Woodmen Insurance Agency, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society (”WoodmenLife“). These products are issued by carriers that are not affiliated with Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society.Not all products are available in all states. Not all Representatives are licensed to sell all products.Equal Access PolicyWoodmenLife is an Equal Access membership organization that promotes a culture of inclusion. It is the policy of WoodmenLife to seek qualified members on a non-discriminatory basis and to provide all members with equal access to and allow their participation in WoodmenLife’s chapter system, chapter events, fraternal benefits, and all other fraternal activities on a nondiscriminatory basis. Membership is open to all individuals who share the values of family, community and country regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, and/or any other classification or factor protected by federal, state or local law.

It is also WoodmenLife’s policy that any form of harassment of any member for any reason, not just on the basis of any factor or protected status listed above will not be tolerated.


32 Cemetery Celebration

12 Project of the Year

15 Unite to Fight Hunger

8 Keeping up With Life’s Changes

24 Fraternal Spirit14 Bass Tourney

WoodmenLife’s Community Outreach Managers are the bridge between our members and the Home Office. Through their work with chapters across the country, they provide valuable insight about our member volunteers, the work they do and the benefits they receive.

That’s why we created a new Community Outreach Manager (COM) Advisory Committee, comprised of four COMs appointed by President & CEO Patrick L. Dees. “This committee will benefit our members because our COMs work directly with our member volunteers,” Dees said. “And any changes in programs and strategy will directly affect these volunteers, therefore making their insight valuable to the decisions we make.”

Focus on Feedback This new committee will review and provide feedback on new and current Fraternal programs, procedures, processes, and projects that impact their fellow COMs, chapter members and the Sales Force.

“By sharing what they’ve learned and observed in their roles, this committee will provide useful information to help us better address our members’ needs,” said Vice President, Fraternal Don Molineu.

Members of the inaugural COM Advisory Committee and their terms of service are: • Russ Fox (VA) 4 years • Karen Hebert (LA) 3 years

• Steve Kowalski (MS S) 2 years• Melissa Godfrey (AR) 1 year

“We know our COMs are the connectors in their communities and they can provide valuable information,” added Molineu. “Creating this committee is an effective and streamlined way to get feedback from this group.”

If you have additional questions about the COM Advisory Committee, contact your Regional Office.

New COM Committee Created Shop forWoodmenLifeGear at OurNew Store The Company Store is getting a new vendor — Geiger.

Geiger has a highly trained call center staff to address customer service concerns from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Customers get multiple e-mail updates on their order status and a commitment to 100% satisfaction.

The store accepts VISA, MasterCard, American Express, check, money order, or other electronic payment options. Plus, there’s free shipping on orders over $100!

Check out their offerings today at WoodmenLifepromo.geigershops.com.

Russ Fox Karen Hebert

Steve Kowalski Melissa Godfrey

Did you know that if you are a WoodmenLife member who owns a business, we can add your business to Life’s Perks? Have your local Representative email us the following information:

• Name of business• Discount offered

• What is required to redeem (PDF to print, a special link, an offer code, corporate ID, etc.)

• Location of the business (if local)• Expiration date of the offer

Visit WoodmenLife.org/discounts to sign up for Life’s Perks. Enter access code SAVENOW to take advantage of discounts today! Life’s Perks is mobile friendly! Bookmark lifesperks.perkspot.com on your smart phone’s internet browser.

Did You Know?

6 WoodmenLife Magazine WoodmenLife Magazine 7

We care for our member families in countless ways, including offering scholarships and following through on our financial promises. Now, we’re offering something special for our members who own Youth Term certificates.

For the first time ever, you can convert your child’s Youth Term life insurance for up to five times the current coverage (up to $50,000) instead of waiting until the child turns 25.

Why convert now?• No medical exam – Convert your coverage without a medical exam; if

you purchase additional permanent life insurance later that requires a medical exam, it could raise rates and impact eligibility.

• Start building cash value now – Whole Life insurance builds cash value, or money that grows inside your insurance that isn’t taxed until you access it.

• Fixed rates – Once you lock in the new life insurance, your premium rates for Whole Life will not increase, guaranteed.

This is the first time we are offering conversion to more coverage before your child turns 25.

The Home Office must receive your application by Oct. 31 to qualify. To get started, contact your Representative today.

For more information on all your options for your Youth Term certificate(s), visit WoodmenLife.org/youthterm.

Youth Term Whole LifeConvert your child’s Youth Term

life insurance by Oct. 31

First-Time Offer for WoodmenLife Members

Offer valid for Youth Term certificates issued prior to July 1, 2018. Offer valid July 1 - Oct. 31, 2018.

Forms ICC17 8678 1-17; 8678 1-17 (XX); 253-XX-0409; 04-XX-0409. These certificates have exceptions, limitations and restrictions. For cost and complete details in coverage, contact your WoodmenLife Representative.

NEWSWORTHYNEWSWORTHY

8 WoodmenLife Magazine8 WoodmenLife Magazine

Morgan and Curt Mascherino of Man, WV, are hardworking, active in

the community, patriotic, and have aspirations for a healthy, happy

and financially sound future. Married for four years, Morgan works as

a probation officer, and Curt is a school teacher.

Soon after their wedding, they started

planning for the future by meeting with

Chris Bohach, a good friend and their

local WoodmenLife Sales Representative.

He worked with the Mascherinos and had

them fill out a short needs analysis to see

what products would make the most sense

for their current stage in life.

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CI0034 8/2018

Keeping up With Life’s Changes

Member HighlightsMorgan and Curt

Mascherino

Chapter 254

Man, WV

100% WoodmenLife Family

The Mascherinos look forward to the arrival of their second child in November.

1. Term Life Certificate [Form ICC16 8648 1-16 & 8648 1-16 (xx)] Premiums are applicable during the initial policy term only. Once the initial policy term ends, your premium will increase on an annual basis until age 95. Any increase in premium will not increase the certificate benefits.2. Whole Life Certificate [Form ICC17 8678 1-17 & 8678 1-17(xx), ICC17 8679 1-17 & 8679 1-17 (xx)] There may be tax implications for policies recognized as modified endowment contracts (MECs). Distributions, including loans, from a MEC are taxable to the extent of the gain in a policy, and may also be subject to a 10% additional tax if the owner is under age 59½.3. Loans against the cash value of your certificate will accrue interest, reduce the death benefit and may be a distribution taxable to the extent of the gain.

Coverage Changes With Life ChangesAccording to Sales Representative Chris Bohach, on average, most families experience six to eight major changes in a lifetime. That is even more reason the Mascherinos appreciate having a Representative like Bohach to guide them through their journey. He recommends reviewing your coverage on a yearly basis and making adjustments, if needed.

“I tell members to establish coverage early and weigh things out every year. There is an option to convert a portion of your Term Life into a permanent Whole Life product. Consider converting from Term to Whole Life in chunks as you go along,” said Bohach.

Often just one product is not the right fit for a member’s needs; a mix of term and whole, or other products, can help provide the coverage needed.

Quick Tip: Purchase enough life insurance to ensure that any surviving family members would be able to live comfortably for at least 5-7 years, or the equivalent of 10 times your individual or

combined annual salary.

The Mascherinos have made smart decisions for their future, including protecting their family with a mix of Term and Whole Life products to meet each specific stage of their lives. A new house, a job change, kids – these are all changes families face as they grow. As your family’s life changes, your life insurance needs will also change. To make sure your family is prepared for all of life’s changes, contact your local WoodmenLife Representative.


Bohach recommended the Mascherinos purchase 30-Year Term Life1 insurance, based on their income levels, age, health, and plans to have children. Morgan and Curt were amazed at how WoodmenLife made the underwriting process seamless and convenient, as Man has a population of 750 and is fairly

isolated from larger cities in the state. An underwriting representative drove to the Mascherinos’ home and completed the process in less than an hour.

“It’s nice to have someone guide you through the whole process, someone you trust who explains

everything to you. Chris has done that and is always there to recommend what is right for us at the right time,” said Morgan.

As time went by, the Mascherinos contacted Bohach to ask if the amount of insurance they had was enough. And, if that insurance was the right kind for their changing lifestyle, as they would soon be blessed with baby Sarah.

A Gift for SarahThe Mascherinos met with Bohach, and he recommended a Whole Life certificate for Sarah, as they already had an adequate amount of Term Life insurance. The Mascherinos never considered, nor wanted to think about adding a new certificate for their daughter. “It’s just not something you think about every day,” said Morgan.

With 20-Pay Whole Life2, Sarah would be covered for life at an early age with premium payments guaranteed not to increase. She also would have access to cash value3 built up within the certificate to help her pay for later costs, like college or any unforeseen expenses. And, Sarah would have the opportunity to convert to additional insurance during her lifetime, without a medical examination.

Within two weeks of her birth in 2016, the Mascherinos purchased a certificate for Sarah, knowing that she would be

protected for life. They realized the sooner they purchased the certificate, the less expensive it would be and they would be locked into a premium that is guaranteed not to increase.

“We feel so much better knowing that Sarah will be taken care of, and that we did it at such an early age, which saved us in premium costs. It was a gift that will last a lifetime,” said Morgan.

There will be another major life change happening this fall for the Mascherinos, as Morgan and Curt are expecting their second child in November.

“It’s nice to have someone guide you

through the whole process, someone you

trust who explains everything to you.”

— Morgan Mascherino

W hat started as a simple food drive in southern Georgia mushroomed into such a success that it provided a six-month food supply for Effingham County’s largest food bank and will spread to neighboring Bulloch County

this year.

Bill Ross, a Financial Representative in Rincon, GA, coordinated the week-long drive last October for Chapter 1770 in Georgia South. The Manna House Ministries’ food bank had been stripped nearly bare by handing out food following hurricanes in the area. He and other chapter members explained the need to administrators and the school board at Effingham County Schools, hoping three or four schools in the districts would sign on. Instead, all 14 schools and the board office agreed to help.

“We were overwhelmed,” Ross said. “We felt like we had very much been blessed by the Lord.”

Fighting hunger is WoodmenLife’s National Community Focus – a way for local chapters to get involved and fight a national problem. An estimated one in seven Americans don’t know where their next meal is coming from.

Manna House Director Lisa Bush said the pantry serves 800 - 900 families a month. Each family gets 100 to 150 pounds of food. The WoodmenLife-led drive increased both the amount and the variety of the food Manna House was able to give to each family.

“It gives them some hope at the end of the day,” Bush said.

Manna House also shared some of the wealth with other pantries in the area.

How successful was Chapter 1770? The drive collected more than 15 tons of food. Ross had originally told schools that members would have all the food cleared out by 6 p.m. Friday, but they were overwhelmed by the donations. “By 6:30 p.m. Friday, we had only cleared out two schools,” he said. Using a Manna House truck, members finally got all the food moved to the pantry by the end of the day Tuesday.

“We’re excited,” Ross said. “Serving the community is really what it’s all about. WoodmenLife is really well known in the county. We were looking for a way to get the WoodmenLife name out there plus meet a need.”

To spur donations, the chapter donated money for a friendly competition between the schools. The school with the most per capita donations—Blanford Elementary with 6.68 items per student—won $1,000 for any project of its choice. Ebenezer

Elementary came in second with 4.33 items per student and won $500.

Chapter member Ned Davis helped pick up the food at the schools and haul it to Manna House. Some schools had so much food that it was spread all the way across the stage.

“When you pick up that much food, it’s a very good feeling,” Davis said.

Chapter 1770 will repeat a food drive this year, but is still deciding on the schedule and which food banks to support. Chapter 158 in neighboring Bulloch County picked up on the idea and will also run a food drive this year, donating to a conglomerate of pantries.

Davis said the project helped open the eyes of students and adults to the need around them.

“You’ve got a mission field all around you,” he said. “You never know who’s in need. It’s very rewarding when you feel like you’ve helped somebody.”

Georgia Chapters Work With Schools to

Motivate Students, Feed Their Neighbors

Friendly Competition, Remarkable Success

of the

This Chapter 1770 initiative is WoodmenLife’s Project of the Year. Members’ efforts contributed to the well-being of the community and spread awareness about the fraternal difference.

Outstanding Project of the Year


The Chapter 1770 food drive in Effingham County, GA, collected more than 15 tons of food and earned Project of the Year honors. “You never know who’s in need. It’s

very rewarding when you feel like you’ve helped somebody.”

— Ned Davis, Chapter 1770 member

Chapter Highlights

Chapter 1770

Savannah, GA

1,401 members

Founded 1963

Chapter Founded

Students and staff at more than a dozen schools and the board office pitched in to make this initiative a huge success.

NEWSWORTHY

M embers from nine WoodmenLife chapters in Mississippi North worked with The Outreach Program and the United Way in March to pack

20,000 nutritionally complete meals that require only hot water to prepare.

Chapter members and others in the community filled eight assembly lines, packaged six meals per bag, and then helped distribute them to food pantries in seven counties.

“I thought it was a great opportunity for members to give back to their counties,” said Cynthia Baird, Community Outreach Manager. “You got to see the beginning and the end … the whole circle.”

She called it “one of our best projects in the five years I’ve been here.”

Participating chapters were 165 - Houston, 1456 - New Albany, 130 - Tupelo, 423 - Ecru, 1457 - Saltillo, 60 - Booneville, 1190 - Fulton, 508 - Burnsville, and 518 - Belmont.

WoodmenLife chapters donated money to help purchase the food, and then partnered with the United Way and The Outreach Program, a Union, Iowa-based program, to package and distribute the food.

It was all part of WoodmenLife’s National Community Focus of fighting hunger, a way for local chapters to help fight a national problem.

Louise Jones, one of the members who volunteered for the project, called it an “amazing experience” and said she would love to do it again.

“I’m not rich, but I’ve never been hungry. It’s hard to believe there are those who don’t have enough food,” Jones said.

Jones said she is a retired nurse and thinks it is her calling to continue to help people when she can.

“When I saw how much good WoodmenLife was doing, I wanted to try to help,” she said.

Members of Nine Chapters Have ‘Amazing Experience’ Fighting Hunger

T hree South Alabama chapters helped a bass fishing tournament pay off big time

for the Selma Area Food Bank.

The tournament, held April 7 at Roland Cooper State Park, brought in 240 pounds of food and almost $6,000. Most of the cash came from the $115-per-boat donation to enter the tournament. Two people are allowed in each boat.

“Bass fishing is huge here. Guys are constantly looking for tournaments to participate in,” said Ashley Pruitt, WoodmenLife Community Outreach Manager based in Montgomery.

She said the three chapters – 672 in Linden, 3 in Selma and 1916 in Camden – have sponsored the tournament for two years, and plan to continue in the future. It’s all part of WoodmenLife’s National Community Focus of

fighting hunger, a way for local chapters to help tackle a national problem.

“It’s going to grow every year,” Pruitt said. “It’s really a good and unique way to raise money.” The 2018 tournament registered 42 boats, with 154 fish weighing a total of 363 pounds caught.

All that fishing was good news for

the Selma Area Food Bank. Director Jeff Harrison said Selma is the ninth poorest city in the country. He said his food bank has only two stores it can pick up food from.

“Other food banks in other areas have multiple stores they can pick up from,” he said. “We have the least resources and the most need in Alabama.”

The money raised at the fishing tournament was used to buy food that will help “into the thousands” of people, he said.

363 Pounds of Fish, Thousands Will Be FedThree Chapters Team Up to Help Make Bass Tourney Successful

Money, Muscle & 20,000 Meals


Join the FightVisit Redbasket.org to learn about the Fighting Hunger Challenge. Chapters are doing big things and will always welcome the help.

Chapter HighlightsChapter 672 Linden, AL 262 members Founded 1911

Chapter 3 Selma, AL 365 members Founded 1893

Chapter 1916 Camden, AL 371 members Founded 1989

Bringing in some of the catch at the tourney were Community Outreach Manager Ashley Pruitt and member Chris Kitzinger.

Chapter Founded

Nine chapters supported the effort by The Outreach Program and the United Way to pack 20,000 nutritionally complete meals.

Chapter Founded

Chapter Founded

NEWSWORTHY NEWSWORTHY


September September October Oct. 27 Nov. 11 Nov. 22 & 23

Hunger Action Month

Life Insurance Awareness Month

Please inspect your chapter or Fraternal Corporation property and buildings for property claims, so they can be submitted before the end of the year.

Make A Difference Day

Veterans Day Home Office closed for Thanksgiving

UPCOMING

Chapter 7 Columbus, TX

WoodmenLife members and the public attended a Memorial Day Celebration, where Tracy Rodriguez, fourth from left, spoke. Rodriguez talked about her son, Christopher Kilpatrick, who was killed in action in the Iraq war.

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Sept. - Nov.DATES

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Members, including Zykeira Chancey, helped show teachers at Brooks-Quinn-Jones Elementary School they were appreciated earlier this year.

Chapter 210 Nacogdoches, TX

Members, including treasurer Elizabeth King, third from left, passed out flags and other items at the Andover Senior Center on Flag Day. King is pictured with the center’s board of directors.

Chapter 6035 Wichita, KS

Representative Kevin Mathias and his 11-year-old daughter, Ruthie, teamed up with other members to clean up trash on Earth Day. They cleaned 1.2 miles of road, collecting 64 pounds of aluminum cans.

Chapter 19 Somerset, PA

For a Flag Day celebration, members presented flags and flag code books to Sandcastle Children’s Library in Summertown, TN.

Chapter 1415 Comer, GA

Chapter 1115 Gallatin, TN

Representative Lanier Burden presented Julian Dyer of Ila Elementary School in Madison County with an American History Award. Julian’s dad, Patrick Dyer, is at right.

Representative Riley Webb presented the Crockett County Dixie Youth League with an American flag for the 2018 season.

Chapter 488 Alamo, TN

Edith Swinson has been a WoodmenLife member for well over 50 years. She has held many offices on the local and state level and has many WoodmenLife experiences to share. At left, she presented a flag to Pinelawn Presbyterian Church in 1977 with her late husband. In May 2018, she presented another flag there.

Answer key from Sudoku on page 41

Follow us on Twitter @WoodmenLife

Search: @WoodmenLife to ‘like’ our page.

Connect with WoodmenLife!


Members donated $300 to the Hartford Rescue Squad to pay for remodeling their training facility.

Chapter 310 Hartford, AL

Members of WoodmenLife’s Sales Force, including Regional Director Pat Carter, second from left, presented a Community Partnership Award to the Barboursville Police Department.

Chapter 66 Roanoke, VA

Members held a flag retirement ceremony with former members of the armed forces at Siloam Springs Community Church.

Chapter 115 Jonesboro, LA

Representative Robert Clowdis presented an American flag to a faculty member at Central Middle School.

Chapter 328 Texarkana, AR

Members donated $350 to For the Sake of One, a local nonprofit that supports foster families and case workers. From left are Treasurer Pat Tiffin, Bill Tiffin, President Brenda Moon, Leon Hall, Angela Coston of the nonprofit, and Ronald Moon.

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2 6 4 5 9 8 1 7 31 5 3 4 7 2 9 6 88 9 7 1 6 3 2 4 55 8 9 2 1 6 4 3 74 3 6 7 5 9 8 1 27 1 2 8 3 4 5 9 69 7 1 3 8 5 6 2 43 4 5 6 2 1 7 8 96 2 8 9 4 7 3 5 1

Chapter 179 Wylliesburg, VA

Chapter 935 Beulaville, NC

Members presented an American flag for the veterans’ memorial at Green Springs Cemetery in Green Springs, OH.

Members sponsored a team for the Walk of Hope fundraiser, which collected about $90,000.

Members Janice and Larry Strohm helped remove more than 22,000 flags from Biloxi National Cemetery after Memorial Day weekend.

Members presented Davis Cumbia of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office with a Deputy of the Year Award. He is pictured with his wife, Kristen, and daughter, Scarlett.

Chapter 6092 Fremont, OH

Chapter 6 Roswell, NM

Chapter 1446 Gulfport, MS

Chapter 124 South Hill, VA


President Emory Davis Jr., center, presented an American flag on behalf of the chapter to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 172. Accepting it for the veterans group are Susan Mallozzi and Barbara Smith.

Chapter 38 Bardwell, KY

Members planted flowers, spread mulch and did much more at Columbus-Belmont Civil War State Park in Hickman County during their annual clean-up day.

Members came together to welcome veterans home from the Queen City Honor Flight.

Chapters 3, 4, 16, and 70 Monroe, Wadesboro, Concord, and Marshville, NC

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Chapter 6 Cumberland, MD

TAKE A PHOTO AT YOUR NEXT CHAPTER EVENT AND SUBMIT IT TO: [email protected]

Members presented 20 fans to the Salvation Army in Kerrville, TX, to help families fight the summer heat.

Members hosted a First Responder appreciation event.

Members donated $1,000 to Lives Under Construction, an organization that helps at-risk boys find purpose, get an education and learn trade skills.

Chapter 58 Kerrville, TX

Chapter 10 Freeport, FL

Chapter 25 Springfield, MO

Area Relief Ministries in Jackson, TN, accepted a check for $5,000 from the region’s chapters to support its efforts to feed those in poverty and help the homeless. From left are Mike Roby, Area Relief Ministries Executive Director and WoodmenLife member; Nicole Ellis, Area Relief Ministries Director of Emergency Services; Mary Barnes, WoodmenLife Senior Admin; and Roger Anderson, WoodmenLife Regional Director.

Members donated more than 750 pounds of food and water to Feed My Sheep, a Christian ministry that provides free meals to anyone in need. From left are Phillip Cooper, cofounder of the ministry, and Connie Smith, chapter secretary.

Tennessee West

Chapter 635Fairfield, IL

Fighting Hunger

Members presented a check for $500 to the Kentucky River Foothills Developmental Council for its senior food program.

Chapter 1Lexington, KY

Answer key from word search on page 39

H H J O N A T H O N M P F Y R U S N I J D RM J J Q V V W J E L L Y M C K U M T E M E ZI N F K T Z M C E H V Y X A M N S G C D O JM C G T V T M R O T A K D I R E T I I A R XG I R V J G B O I T R P O N V K M C T I C YT N X G M P Q Z P E P G P R S D E Q T S H AG N L U R G A S V W K H A L G V O T X N A ES A X E Q S I O V I B H I S E L T Z B I R LG M S N L R N K E F A X A H F S A V O H D JC O V O C R L V Y X T V O R V O R V N G H GM N H Y U E C O B B L E R T M B T X U U O SC V F T H G G Y U S L J B F A H V M T V Z QY Y P S F P R P N F Z Z L L A S A S R W Z JU W U X B H A K R E O P A V Y M G C I R D ST B P E A U N U R T T G J U I C Y R T T Z DW R U W S D N M M R A J M B K H G C I R V PK C E J X J Y M C R W I I N Y O Z A O B Z CF L F E C K S P A S T R I E S S B R U O W KA E F A S J M W O K V G P K W T A A S B Q OG N E H N U I U R S F E I R U R S M O B J RD W I K N Q T P Z T P N V M V U K E J I G HR A Q G G S H J G T J J K D L D E L T N F QZ A N I Y E B N Y H D P T A H E T J V G I VS S H M Z U X N B V K E H D B L K Y I P K AN S Y P D S S P S E E D S W L L O Y Y V H S


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Calvin Nester (Waynesboro, VA)

Parker Lamb (Dyersburg, TN)Chapter

1225

Will Dagenhart and Hannah Williams (Wadesboro, NC)

Chapter

4

Dauson Ward (Pell City, AL)Chapter

165

Siblings Brooklyn Snider and Denver Snider (Gleason, TN)Chapter

1149

Taylor Denson (Booneville, MS)Chapter

60

Brooke Thompson (Summerville, SC)Chapter

368

Chapter

316

2018 WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarship®

Recipients

$25,000 RecipientWhen Sarah Freese, a senior from Fair Oaks, CA, learned the arts program she loved as a small child was struggling, she didn’t hesitate to take charge. As director, she savored the opportunity to help children build confidence and become more enthusiastic about their education. Freese helped the children foster confidence through positive engagement and mentorship.

“Transforming children in my community from timid students to Broadway stars … my version of volunteerism,” Freese says. “I created an environment where students, parents and staff rallied together to create unity on campus.”

Freese, a Del Campo High School graduate, is the Director of Advancement at Kids Helping Kids in Sacramento, CA, and helps raise thousands of

dollars for the nonprofit from corporate donors. She’ll use the business skills she’s learned and her passion to serve others while pursuing a political science degree at the University of California, Los Angeles this fall.

“Receiving this scholarship is an absolute honor, and I can’t think of a better way to kick off my college experience,” Freese says. “This will make it so much easier on my family throughout my first year at UCLA, as this process is entirely new to us. I would like to thank WoodmenLife for helping me continue my education at my dream university.”

$20,000 RecipientAmy Edwards is a 2018 graduate of Arendell Parrott Academy in Kinston, NC. Edwards was involved in National Honor Society, Dance and Varsity Cheerleading. She was also heavily involved in her community volunteering with the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program and Mary’s Soup Kitchen. She will be attending Campbell University in the fall.

$10,000 RecipientLuke Fox is a 2018 graduate of Sullivan Central High School in Blountville, TN. Fox was involved in Marching Band and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. He also stayed busy volunteering in his community as a middle school football coach and in his church. He will be attending East Tennessee State University in the fall.

$1,000 Recipients• Daniel Jarman, Snow Hill, NC

• Kimberlin Arnold, Lufkin, TX

• Brooke Thompson, Summerville, SC

• Christian Colson, Locust Grove, VA

• Brittney Decoux, Claremore, OK

• Katy Dinkins, San Antonio, TX

• Rachael Klueppel, Eddyville, KY

• Calvin Nester, Waynesboro, VA

• Daniel Park, Anaheim, CA

• Alexandra Walker, Fredericksburg, VA

The WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarship program is one of WoodmenLife’s member benefits. The program awards up to $1 million annually to members furthering their education at a 2-year or 4-year college, university or technical school.

See all the recipients at WoodmenLife.org/congrats.

With 993 WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarships® awarded and $555,000 paid out this year, WoodmenLife is still in awe of the wonderful things young members are doing. Take a moment to read about motivated teens doing exceptional things.

Top Scholarship Recipient Inspires Through the Arts

Applications for the 2019 scholarships will be accepted Nov. 1, 2018–Feb. 15, 2019. For more information, visit WoodmenLife.org/scholarships. The scholarships are available for 2017, 2018 and 2019 high school graduates.


Sarah Feese, center, will pursue a political science degree at the University of California, Los Angeles this fall.

Amy Edwards, third from right, will attend Campbell University this fall.

Luke Fox, third from left, will attend East Tennessee State University.

Member Highlights

Sarah Freese

Chapter 339

Fair Oaks, CA

Member since 2006

Member Highlights

Amy Edwards

Chapter 449

Kinston, NC

Member since 2011

Member Highlights

Luke Fox

Chapter 1150

Blountsville, TN

Member since 2006

NEWSWORTHY

MEMBERNEWS

“If we see something needs to be done, we try to do it,” he said. “We help so many organizations. It is a way of life.”

He added, “The Lord’s blessed me that I can have the opportunity and the means to help people. That’s what it’s all about.”

Becker and his family have deep roots in the community, so he seems to know everybody, Robertson said.

“People know who to contact,” he said. “They say ‘Joe Becker can take care of you.’ And he does.”

Looking back on three decades of chapter activities, Becker said it’s difficult to call out favorites. But the Army veteran and American Legion historian takes special pride in flag presentations.

“People are very appreciative of it, and it’s a good feeling to do that,” he said.

Becker and his wife, Ann, have a daughter and three grandsons, so Becker also has a soft spot for chapter activities that serve youth, like providing back-to-school supplies, holiday gifts and grocery donations to the St. Clair County Boys Ranch.

“Some of those kids have never had a birthday present, never had a Christmas present, never had anything,” he said.

Becker finds humor there, too. “They say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Woodmen!’” he said with a chuckle. “And when you pull up there with a carload of cakes and pies, you get all the help you need to get it unloaded.”

“I love seeing Mr. Joe’s name appear on my caller ID because it usually means he has found another group in the community that could use our help,” Bedran said. It’s just one of the reasons she nominated Becker for Fraternalist of the Year.

“I think Mr. Joe has formed our chapter into what it is today. Our chapter is more like a family,” she explained. “He is the ideal ambassador for WoodmenLife and all the organization stands for.”

W hen Chapter 1558 (Leeds, AL) Secretary and Jurisdictional Vice President Paula Bedran heard that

Joseph C. Becker was named WoodmenLife Fraternalist of the Year, she was “ecstatic.”

“Joe treats everyone he meets with nothing but respect, no matter their hardships. He simply offers a helping hand in various capacities and expects nothing in return,” she said. “Whether it is installing new flagpoles, delivering monetary donations to local food banks and foster homes, or simply sharing the WoodmenLife values, Joe always has the success of his community driving him.”

Community Outreach Manager Philip Robertson (Alabama North) praised the retired former business owner’s loyalty, commitment, initiative, and humility. He said Chapter 1558 members and people in the community are happy for Becker and proud of him.

“But quite frankly, they’re not surprised at this honor,” he said. “He’s very deserving.”

Becker himself was astonished at the news. He sees himself as part of a team that works together to help others.

Fraternalist of the YearEmbodies WoodmenLife Values


Member Joseph Becker is known by many for his deep commitment to his community and is the 2017 Fraternalist of the Year.

MEMBERNEWS

MEMBERNEWS

Member Highlights

Joseph Becker

Chapter 1558

Leeds, AL

Member since 2004

Karen Parten AL-S

James Foster CA

Grace C. Brown FL

Cynthia Bradford GA-C

Linda Leachman GA-N

Mitchell Faircloth III GA-S

Heather Gouker IA

Clara Kamer KY-E

Margaret Sumner KY-W

Kenneth R. Comeaux LA

Brenda Darlene Pettit MS-N

Stacy Benjaman MS-S

Laura Sparks NE

John Ellis NY

Selma “Deanne” Raby NC-W

Gary Deese NC-E

Laura Clark OK

Jessica Truesdale PA

Gail Woodle SC

Elizabeth Mae Ayers TN-W

Charlotte Ann Brooks TN-E

Patrick J. Shannon TX-NE

Sandra Revland TX-NW

Linda Heller TX-SE

Penny Brim TX-SW

Bonnie J. McGlothlin VA

Patricia A. Friend WV

O F T H E Y E A R

2 0 1 8

FRATERNALISTS

WINNERS

R E G I O N A L

MEMBERNEWS

students to write an acrostic-style poem to red, white and blue. The students coordinated what everyone wore, helped pick locations to film the video, and consistently reminded their families, the school faculty and the community to vote!

“The kids are thrilled,” says Griffin. “They’ve been so involved in reminding their parents to vote and really getting behind it, trying to reach this goal.”

The contest runner-up, the Connally Primary Elementary third-grade class in Texas, will use the $1,500 to add shade around the school’s playground. The students wanted to find a project that would benefit the entire student body.

“Because of the heat and sun, we want to make sure that recess is

a safe time for students to play together and release some energy,” says Kathleen Sheldon, Connally Primary Elementary third-grade teacher. “We’ve applied for grants in the past and have not been able to get any, so this is a perfect opportunity to invest in playground shade.”

The third-place winner, Knights Elementary School in Florida, was awarded a Patriotic prize pack, which includes one large U.S. flag, 500 hand-held flags, 500 flag code and guidelines booklets, 500 U.S. flag lapel pins, 50 U.S. flag code posters for classrooms, and 500 presidential rulers. The prizes will most likely be incorporated into the school’s annual Veterans Day Appreciation Ceremony and throughout the 2019 school year.

“We are delighted that students from all over the nation demonstrated their creativity and enthusiasm for what America means to them,” said Patrick L. Dees, WoodmenLife President & CEO. “The video entries did a great job of expressing patriotism and the many reasons why we celebrate, love and support our country.”

Thanks to some initiative, creativity and patriotic spirit, two schools are going to be safer.

Pink Hill Elementary’s fourth-grade class took first place in WoodmenLife’s “America Is …” video contest this spring. They shared what America means to them in less than 60 seconds and used the $2,500 prize to improve their school.

They bought an automated external defibrillator (AED) and other first-aid equipment for the school, and this money is a great addition to their current campaign to make the rural school safer.

The creative spark to create and submit a video came from Brenda Griffin, a language arts teacher at Pink Hill. She is a WoodmenLife member and saw her Sales Representative’s Facebook post about the patriotic contest. Griffin and another language arts teacher worked with the

Pictured with the students who helped make the video are, from left, Brenda Griffin, fourth-grade teacher; Sales Representative Rod Howard; Recruiting Sales Manager Rob Jernigan; Community Outreach Manager Eric Pilson; Sales Representative Lynn Hill; Sales Representative Jared Edwards; Sales Representative Amanda Nelson; and Principal LeAnne Hardy.

“America Is ...” Video Contest Winners Use Prize Money to Help Peers


Pictured, from left, are Sales Representative Jermy Sunday; Connally third-grade teachers Kelley Gipson and Kathleen Sheldon; and Community Outreach Manager Kaysi Bell.

Pictured with the students from the winning video are, from left, Recruiting Sales Manager Neal Roberts, Sales Representative John Johnson, Sales Representative Chris Hamlin, Principal Janine Hall, School Media Specialist Donna Von Glahn, and Community Outreach Manager Mickey Pennington.

Watch the Winning EntriesSee what these kids have to say at https://bit.ly/2tQ2pmz. We couldn’t help but smile.

Pink Hill Elementary in Pink Hill, NC

Red, White and Blue – and Beautiful

1st

Knights Elementary School in Plant City, FL 3rd

Connally Primary Elementary in Waco, TX 2nd

NEWSWORTHY

There has been a movement in some cities and states to ban plastic shopping bags, the billowing conveyances often seen blowing across yards.

However, WoodmenLife member Sherri Wilkes of Lancaster, SC, has a better idea. Much, much better.

A few years ago, she started Making Mats for the Homeless, a group that turns plastic bags into yarn – also known as “plarn” – and then turns the plarn into sleeping mats with carrying straps and pillows. As of July, Making Mats had produced 178 mats and 48 pillows, using around 96,000 plastic bags.

Making Mats delivers its pieces to homeless folks, homeless shelters and people living in houses without heat. Individuals in five different states have benefitted from Making Mats. Bag donations from across the country, along with volunteer labor from 13 states and Canada, made it possible.

That is significant growth for a project begun to engage church youth in service projects and social responsibility.

Wilkes said Making Mats has been a fulfilling endeavor for people from all walks of life and of all abilities.

“We have men, women and children at our events for making plarn,” she said. “We once had a blind man come and he flattened bags to where they almost looked brand new. It was amazing. Two of our participants are deaf, and together we came up with a hand sign for plarn.”

Wilkes’ son Jeremiah was with them, and the three of them came up with the sign. “They went back and taught their friends the word and what our project was all about,” she said.

Nothing warms the heart, though, like hearing the words of someone appreciating what he or she is given, Wilkes said. “I heard about a mother telling one of our volunteers how happy she was that her daughter (about 10) was not going to be sleeping on the ground anymore.”

Email [email protected] if you’re interested in participating.

A commemorative marker shines inside Evergreen Cemetery in Elba, AL,

thanks to WoodmenLife member Nell Gilmer’s love of local history.

When Gilmer, secretary of Elba Chapter 1932, learned of the Alabama Historic Cemetery Register, she knew the 160-year-old Evergreen was deserving of inclusion.

Gilmer and a friend worked on the application for the historic

register. Such an activity is old hat to her, as she has championed the restoration of other local landmarks and serves on the state bicentennial committee for the city.

“(Evergreen) is indeed a special place since Elba is a small town and everybody knows everybody,” Gilmer said, “and we all have someone buried there.”

Members of Gilmer’s family buried in Evergreen include

aunts, uncles, cousins, a nephew and great-grandparents. Meanwhile, WoodmenLife Sales Representative Linda Westbrook counts aunts, uncles and cousins among those resting in the cemetery.

Gilmer and Westbrook believed a RedBasket.org project was the best way to raise enough money to place the marker. Between RedBasket.org and direct donations, the effort gained the necessary $1,610 for the marker and two bronze plaques with the name of the cemetery near the street.

During the marker’s unveiling, retired teacher Jean Helms offered a history of Elba and the cemetery, effectively tying the present to the past.

Westbrook called the ceremony emotional, helping fuel pride over being involved.

“It is always a special feeling when our chapter is a helping hand in our community projects,” she said. “There was a good turnout for the unveiling and a very appreciative group. I am proud to be a Rep with WoodmenLife.”

Trash-to-Treasure Project an All-Around Win


Civic Pride Drives Cemetery Celebration

Chapter HighlightsChapter 1932

Elba, AL

506 members

Founded 1990

Chapter Founded

Member HighlightsSherri Wilkes Chapter 376 Lancaster SC Member since 2014

Sherri Wilkes, at top, started Making Mats a few years ago. The group has produced 178 mats and 48 pillows, using around 96,000 plastic bags.

Members of Chapter 1932 used RedBasket.org to collect money to update markers at the 160-year-old Evergreen Cemetery.

CHAPTER

NEWS

MEMBER

NEWS

Bake-off Winning RecipeBlueberry Yum-Yum

½ cup self-rising flour

½ cup light brown sugar

1½ cup crushed pecans

1½ sticks margarine, melted

3 cups blueberriesstems and bad berries removed

1 cup white sugar

1 cup water, divided into

2/3 cup and 1/3 cup

3 Tbsp. corn starch

16 ounces cream cheese,

softened

¾ cup white sugar

12 ounces Cool Whip, at room

temperature

6 pint mason jars, sterilized

Spray the inside of the mason jars with cooking spray and set

them on a cookie sheet. Combine flour, brown sugar, pecans,

and melted margarine in a small bowl. Divide the mixture

among the 6 jars and press into the bottoms. Bake at 350

degrees for 15 minutes and then cool completely. In a large pot,

bring blueberries and 2/3 cup water to a simmer for 3 minutes.

Combine 1/3 cup water, sugar and corn starch, and then add it

to the blueberry mixture. Cook until boiling. When at a full

boil, boil for exactly 1 minute. Remove from the heat and

cool completely. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream

cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in the Cool Whip.

Add cream cheese mixture to the mason jars and then

top with the blueberry mixture. Refrigerate for 1

hour and then enjoy.

A fter a 12-year hiatus, the Bridgeton Blueberry Festival was revived in 2016. Seeking the same sense of community and recognition that the festival used

to bring to Bridgeton, NC, WoodmenLife member Sherri LeFever embarked on the journey to bring it back.

It became clear to LeFever that Bridgeton was missing out after she spoke with members of the community who’d been around long enough to witness the old festival. With the help of other community members, the revived festival was planned in three months and reintroduced in June 2016.

The new festival involves a blueberry bake-off, a silent auction, live music, and good old family fun. It requires constant planning with various committees in charge of its many moving parts.

But it is all worth it. “I think [the festival] means giving the town some notoriety, and giving back to Bridgeton,” LeFever said. And at a population of only 400, the Blueberry Festival gives the residents of Bridgeton an opportunity to put themselves on the map.

The festival boasts 5,000 visitors and 60 vendors every year. Along with the people it brings to town, it also has brought a newfound sense of recognition to Bridgeton. The sense of family and community has never been higher.

The improvements that the Blueberry Festival has brought to Bridgeton span beyond blueberry season though. The Bridgeton Improvement Committee, which plans the festival, has set its sights on the beautification and improvement of the community. This includes a freshly painted town hall, redone police station and new signs. Blueberries are changing Bridgeton for the better.

P arents often lose precious time looking for current photographs and identifying information in the paralyzing emotional

aftermath of a child’s disappearance, said Robin Sundquist, administrative assistant to the Bedford County (VA) Sheriff.

The Safe Surfin’ Foundation works to save that time with EZ ID Kits. These kits include machines sold to law enforcement for creating digital profiles. The manufacturer of the kits offers them at a discount through Safe Surfin’. Still, at $2,300 each, the price is steep.

In stepped Chapter 71 of Appomattox, VA.

Beth Jones, a WoodmenLife Sales Representative, said members approached other chapters to raise enough money to buy an EZ ID Kit after a presentation by Safe Surfin’.

Sundquist, who is also the deputy director of Safe Surfin’, said involving WoodmenLife was a way to extend the reach of this foundation, which takes its digital-profile services to safety fairs and other events.

Jones does the same thing, all the while sharing information about WoodmenLife’s activities and services.

With the EZ ID Kit – a laptop with preloaded software – digital photos and fingerprints are taken, and information, such as height, weight and allergies, is entered. The resulting profile can be downloaded onto a thumb drive or disc, or to an app and sent to a cellular phone. And it’s completely compatible with law enforcement because it’s created with the same

system used by authorities.

Parents are thrilled to get a disc loaded with their children’s profiles, Jones said. And smaller area sheriff ’s departments are equally thrilled when Chapter 71 shows up at events because they cannot afford an EZ ID Kit of their own, she said.

“I hope and pray they never need it,” Jones said of the parents and sheriff ’s departments benefitting from Chapter 71’s outreach, “but it they do, we have it.”


Sherri LeFever helped revive the Bridgeton Blueberry Festival, which has given a boost to the sense of family and community in the town of 400.

Representative Beth Jones helps parents at events create profiles for their children with the EZ ID Kit.

Blueberries are Back and Better Than Ever

Portable ID Kits Save Precious Time

Member Highlights

Sherri LeFever

Ernul, NC

Chapter 652

Member since 1960

Chapter Highlights

Chapter 71

Appomattox, VA

1,880 members

Founded 1907

Chapter Founded

CHAPTER

NEWS

“C hapter 232 in Akron has been a five-star chapter for several years. They

do so many things: donations, volunteering, events,” said Community Outreach Manager Russ Fox (West Virginia/Ohio).

However, providing $30,000 toward upgrading the aging heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system at the OPEN M Ministry is possibly the chapter’s most unique activity to date, and it all began when a chapter member overheard a conversation while volunteering.

“There was a discussion that the HVAC system was going bad and that they really needed to find the funding to make this happen,” Fox said. “It was being in the right place at the right time, and recognizing a unique need in the community.”

Chapter 232 has a long association with OPEN M; one member, Dolores Kolb, has volunteered there weekly for 18 years. Helping to make OPEN M’s 20,000-square-foot Neighborhood Center more physically sound has a tremendous ripple effect.

The facility is an essential resource for the community, providing a wide spectrum of services, including food programs, a medical clinic, financial literacy training, and employment readiness education. OPEN M also

collaborates with other organizations or provides them facility space in an effort to comprehensively serve some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

“We are so blessed, and we are touched by the generosity of WoodmenLife. It’s great to know there are organizations out there like yours that really want to invest in the inner-city where the real struggle for individuals is going on. That says a lot about the character of the organization and the character of the people associated with it,” said OPEN M Ministry CEO Bob Titus. “Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

W oodmenLife members are very patriotic, so it’s fitting that the peregrine falcons who’ve fledged from atop Woodmen Tower in 2018 will carry with them the names Liberty, Justice and

Freedom.

The 28th floor of the Tower has sheltered these fearsome hunters for three decades, and this year was no exception. Falcon followers from around the world tuned in to find out if Mintaka and his new mate, Chayton, would hatch any eggs. The eggs started appearing in late April and hatched around Memorial Day.

After the chicks were banded and given a medical check-up by wildlife experts, our Facebook followers submitted names for the three healthy – almost always hungry – girls. Voting wrapped up before Independence Day, and the spirit of the red, white and blue prevailed.

Now, when these once endangered birds depart our Tower, they’ll take some of WoodmenLife’s sense of patriotism with them.

For more information, visit Falcons.WoodmenLife.org.Sources: Audubon.org, NationalGeographic.com

FALCON FACTS

Males and females may mate for life

Females lay 3–4 eggs a year and incubate them for 32–35 days

Age of first flight is less than 50 days

When power-diving to strike prey, these predators can reach 200 mph

Their diet is mostly birds

The species is now considered stable after being endangered for a

number of years


Patriotism Takes Flight Along Omaha Skyline

Thanks to the donation from Chapter 232, OPEN M Ministry can keep serving those in need around Akron. From left are Community Outreach Manager Russ Fox, member and long-time volunteer Dolores Kolb and OPEN M CEO Bob Titus.

Unique Need Met With Generosity

Chapter HighlightsChapter 232

Akron, OH

353 members

Founded 1917

Chapter Founded

Say hello to Liberty, Justice and Freedom, the sisters born this spring at Woodmen Tower in Omaha.

NEWSWORTHY CHAPTER

NEWS

Blocher Believes in Giving Back In the almost three years she’s been a Community

Outreach Manager (COM), Kristin Blocher has been part of so many good fraternal projects, she

says it’s hard to choose a favorite.

“I have 16 chapters in Pennsylvania and six in Maryland, each with their own unique niche of activities,” Blocher said. “I have one chapter that is very focused on patriotic activities and presents more than 50 flags per year, and another that raises money for the American Cancer Society.”

For Blocher, the enthusiasm and commitment of her members inspires her. “Our members put in so much time and effort on behalf of WoodmenLife,” she said. “From fighting hunger to supporting local schools, I love seeing the fruits of our labor come together for the betterment of so many communities.”

Helping in Hershey When Blocher came on board, Chapter 364 in Hershey, PA, was making quarterly donations to various organizations, with no real focus on the best projects to support. She suggested they form a committee to evaluate the requests, and then present their findings to the chapter.

“The committee developed an application that they send out to partner organizations,” Blocher said. “These organizations then write proposals and submit them. It’s been a great success for the chapter. In 2017 they funded more than $100,000 in projects in the community.”

Another important project Chapter 364 supports is First Fruits Farms, a nonprofit organization that raises and harvests more than 1.5 million pounds of fresh produce every year.

“The chapter spearheaded a project to buy their corn seed this year, and we participated in a harvest day in August,” Blocher said. “This is one of the most exciting projects we are part of.”

Focus on FamilyOther successful activities for Blocher have been the region’s family events. “Our biggest event ever was our first one at the Pittsburgh Zoo,” she said. “We didn’t think we’d get a big turnout and we had more than 750 people!” She said their family events at Hershey Park are also a big draw. “We get at least 500 people there, so that’s one activity we’ll have every year.”

ApplesBasketBobbingBushelCaramelCiderCinnamonCobblerCrispGalaGranny SmithHarvestJellyJonathonJuicyMarketNutritiousOrchardPastriesSeedsStrudelTartTreesTurnover

Let’s Go Apple PickingSummer is fun, but fall is just around the corner. And autumn means apples! There is something delicious about walking into an orchard and knowing that you’re a few hours away from having a sweet slice of apple pie. If you get a hayrack ride, bob for apples, or sip a cup of cider, too – all the better! Try out this word search, get a few chuckles from our apple jokes, and then plan to visit an orchard near you. (Find answers on page 22.)


Kristin BlocherWord Search

Word Bank

Fun Zone


COM Kristin Blocher, Regional Director Michaele Geibel, Recruiting Sales Manager Jessica Wilhelm, and members of Chapter 11 (Oakland, MD) presented a flag at the Oakland Jubilee Days festival.

COMMUNITYOUTREACH

Apple facts*

The first American orchard was planted around 1625 by William Blackstone on Boston´s Beacon Hill.

Apples are a member of the rose family.

It takes about 36 apples to create one gallon of apple cider.

Apple trees take 4 to 5 years to produce their first fruits.

More than 2,500 varieties of apples are grown in the U.S., but only the crab apple is native to North America.

*Source: usapple.org


Have a good joke?Make your fellow members laugh. Please send contributions to [email protected].

Sudoku PuzzleSee if you can solve this Sudoku puzzle. Good luck! (Find answers on page 19.)

Q: What kind of apple has a short temper?A: A crab apple.

Q: If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, what does an onion do?

A: It keeps everyone away.

Q: How do you make an apple turnover? A: Push it down a hill.

Q: Why did the apple cry?A: Its peelings were hurt!

Q: What can a whole apple do that half an apple can’t do?

A: It can look round.

Q: What did the mother ghost tell the baby ghost when he ate his apple pie too fast?

A: Stop goblin your dessert.

Q: What kind of apple throws the best parties?A: Gala apples.

Q: What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple?

A: Finding half a worm in your apple.

Q: Why did the apple stop running?A: He ran out of juice.

Q: Why were the apple and the orange all alone? A: Because the banana split.

Time for some outdoor fun-nies!

2 6 8 7 3

9

6 3 2

8 6 4 3 7

3 1

7 1 2 8 9

1 3 8

5

6 2 9 5 1

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku

Ensure your coverage meets your changing needs When life changes, your life insurance1 needs change, too. Rely on your WoodmenLife Representative2 to make sure your family has the right coverage at the right time.

Schedule a conversation with your local Representative today.

1. Life insurance and annuity products are issued by Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society (WoodmenLife); Home Office: Omaha, NE. 2. Not all Representatives are licensed to sell all products. Not all products are available in all states. D1488 6/18 Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society, Omaha, NE

42 WoodmenLife Magazine

In Memoriam

Nancy AdamsAge 75Chapter 68Shawnee, OK

Guy BarkerAge 93Chapter 687Kittanning, PA

Edna Earl Beeland Age 85Chapter 624Newtown, MS

Joshua Terrell “Shib” BrasfieldAge 82Chapter 488Alamo, TN

Florence BryantAge 96Chapter 117Benton, KY

James FergusonAge 72Chapter 722West Liberty, KY

Virginia GarnerAge 84Chapter 921Asheboro, NC

Carolyn HumphreyAge 58Chapter 117Benton, KY

Patricia LedfordAge 72Chapter 889Franklin, NC

Jim MorrisAge 84Chapter 558Durant, OK

Lucille MurphyAge 90Chapter 722West Liberty, KY

Ray NanneyAge 82Chapter 117Benton, KY

Jane OwenAge 70Chapter 6091Providence Forge, VA

Richard Parkhurst Jr.Age 52Chapter 117Benton, KY

Larry Dale PartenAge 54Chapter 458Enterprise, AL

Jay PetersonAge 61Chapter 247Ventura, CA

Beth RhodesAge 97Chapter 6Lorena, TX

Charley Guy SasserAge 68Chapter 1319Goldsboro, NC

Crystal Michelle SasserAge 29Chapter 1319Goldsboro, NC

Charlotte SmithAge 88Chapter 5102Seminole, FL

Venson Grady TillotsonAge 91Chapter 1409Natchez, MS

Joseph WallaceAge 85Chapter 6Wilmington, NC

William “Bill” Wharam Jr.Age 76Chapter 279Charlottesville, VA

Truman WhitisAge 85Chapter 115Mayfield, KY

Annetta Gean YorkAge 88Chapter 117Benton, KY

Fall 2018PERIODICALS

Please note: If members in your household belong to different chapters, the magazine will be sent to the oldest member and will feature events for his/her chapter of record. You can access other chapters’ events on WoodmenLife.org. Information concerning events and activities is subject to change. Visit your chapter’s website for the most current information.

Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society (WoodmenLife) is an Equal Access fraternal benefit society. It is the policy of WoodmenLife to seek qualified members on a nondiscriminatory basis and to provide all members with equal access to and allow their participation in WoodmenLife’s chapter system, chapter events, fraternal benefits, and all other fraternal activities on a nondiscriminatory basis. If you would like an additional calendar printed, please contact your Community Outreach Manager.

ApplesBasketBobbingBushelCaramelCiderCinnamonCobblerCrispGalaGranny SmithHarvestJellyJonathonJuicyMarketNutritiousOrchardPastriesSeedsStrudelTartTreesTurnover

Let’s Go Apple PickingSummer is fun, but fall is just around the corner. And autumn means apples! There is something delicious about walking into an orchard and knowing that you’re a few hours away from having a sweet slice of apple pie. If you get a hayrack ride, bob for apples, or sip a cup of cider, too – all the better! Try out this word search, get a few chuckles from our apple jokes, and then plan to visit an orchard near you. (Find answers on page 22.)

45 WoodmenLife Magazine

Word SearchWord Bank

Fun Zone


coverage as life changes · on the cover the mascherino family of man, wv, appreciate that their...

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