Summer 2008 Wfm Magazine

Wfm
Woodmen of the World Fraternal Magazine
Cemetery Man
Photo by Murray Lee photography
It’s a Disney® World After All
GET A GRIP ON
COMMUNITY Service
SUMMER
2008
Long May It Wave!
Cumberland, MD, Lodge 6
members and State Manager
Anthony Jurik attended our flag
raising at the Pentagon.
Woodmen of the World is one of the nation’s
leaders in presenting American flags to organizations
and individuals. Flags donated by our members fly
high at schools, fire departments, police stations and
parks in communities across our great Nation.
Our patriotism and excellence in flag
etiquette was recently on display for
National Administrative Professionals
Day at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
The flag pictured above is loaned out for
display at parades,
athletic events,
school assemblies and patriotic celebrations across
America as part of the Woodmen of the World
Traveling Flag Program.
To learn more about Woodmen of
the World’s Traveling Flag Program,
contact Rosanne Bachman, Media
Relations Specialist at (402) 661-6221.
President ’s Message
Honoring Our Heroes
N
athan Hale was a 21-year-old captain in the
Continental Army when he was captured
by the British and hanged as a spy. You
may remember his famous quote:
risk, and to their family members, we offer our most
profound respect and admiration. It is in their memory
that we created the In Honor and Remembrance
Ceremony.
“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for
my country.”
Held on September 11 each year, ceremonies were
originally created in 2002 to honor our nation’s victims
and heroes of the terrorist attacks of the previous
year. Our lodge members have continued to organize
ceremonies all across the nation each year on Patriot
Day to express our collective grief, thankfulness and
hope, and to honor local heroes who amaze us with
their bravery.
Even though his life was cut short at a very young
age, Nathan Hale’s legacy lives on in our democracy.
He, and hundreds of thousands of other members of
the military over the course of our nation’s history,
have died for our freedom.
Many Americans alive today are willing
to make that same sacrifice. Some
are in the military, some are
police officers, some are
firefighters. Theirs is
more than a career; it is
a calling and position of
honor that defends and
protects our way of life.
For those who have made
the ultimate sacrifice and
for those who put
their lives at
I encourage you to attend an In Honor and
Remembrance ceremony in your area on Thursday,
September 11 this year. It is a very moving
experience, and the police officers, firefighters
and other volunteers I have spoken with have
indicated they appreciate and are humbled
by the gratitude. I believe thanking them for
protecting and defending our nation is the
least we can do.
It is through ceremonies like In Honor and
Remembrance that we pay tribute to our heroes
like Nathan Hale. But it isn’t Hale’s
untimely death that we remember; it
is his life, his commitment and
his patriotism that we honor.
Fraternally,
James L. Mounce
President and CEO
3
Wfm
this issue:
f e at u r e s
SUMMER
2008
12
Get a Grip
JOIN HANDS DAY® is all about partnerships,
and whether it’s between adults and youth,
lodges and scouting troops, or government
leaders and citizens, working together is what
matters most. Page 6
Rolling with Life’s
Punches
Knowing what to do with 401(k) funds after a
President’s Message Page 3
layoff or job change can leave you reeling. But
Newsworthy Woodmen of the World may be able to help.
Pages 10, 21
Page 18
The Fountain of Youth
Community Connection Page 16
Senior Camp SCHEDULE Page 17
It’s not a myth; there are real things you can do
to make your golden years truly golden. Page 40
Fraternal Spirit Julie napear PHOTOGRAPHY
24
Pages 36, 44
40
Our Mission
Woodmen of the World exists to benefit our members through
every stage of life.
We engage members in volunteer community service.
We enrich the lives of our members.
Our nearly 800,000 members, who hold nearly one million insurance
and annuity certificates, belong to 2,000 lodges throughout the
United States. Lodges conduct fraternal projects of benefit to people
and their communities. 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 assistance through our disaster
relief program with the American Red Cross.
Article Photos By
Murray Lee photography
Member Spotlight Member News We provide valued financial solutions.
Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha
Woodmen Life Insurance Society, founded in 1890, is a fraternal
benefit organization offering insurance protection with member
benefits.
on the cover:
Tri-Cities Lodge 1150
near Blountville, TN,
partnered with Boy Scout
Troop 10 for their JOIN
HANDS DAY project.
About 50 volunteers,
including Fire Chief
Charlie Owens, left, Boy
Scout and lodge member
Zachary Greene, and
Lodge 1150 President
Donald Rowland, helped
clean the fire house.
Page 22
Pages 26, 34
Money Talk Page 33
Chef’s Corner Page 43
Fun Zone Page 48
In Memoriam Page 50
Life and health insurance and annuity products are issued by
Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha
Woodmen Life Insurance Society (Woodmen of the World), a
Nebraska corporation that is licensed as Woodmen of the World Life
Insurance Society in all states and the District of Columbia, except
CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA and WY. In those states, Woodmen
of the World is licensed as Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society.
Not all products are available in all states. Not all Woodmen of the
World Representatives are licensed to sell all products offered through
Woodmen of the World and its subsidiaries.
* Securities are offered and processed through Woodmen Financial
Services, Inc., 1700 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102, 877-664-3332,
member FINRA/SIPC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodmen of the
World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance
Society. Securities other than Woodmen Variable Annuity are issued
by companies that are not affiliated with Woodmen of the World Life
Insurance Society and/or Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society.
** Products that are not issued by Woodmen of the World 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 and/or
Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society. These products are issued
by carriers that are not affiliated with Woodmen of the World.
credits:
Chaiman of the Board
William C. Owen, Tallahassee, FL
Directors
James L. Mounce,
President and CEO, Omaha, NE
Danny E. Cummins,
Executive Vice President, Operations and Secretary, Omaha, NE
Mark L. Schreier,
Executive Vice President, Finance and Treasurer, Omaha, NE
Mark D. Theisen,
Executive Vice President, Fraternal, Omaha, NE
Thomas T. Gallion III, Montgomery, AL
Betty H. Brown, Shelbyville, TN
Daniel W. Rice III, Kinston, NC
Lucia G. Taylor-McCoy, Elkview, WV
Stephen W. Mellor, Memphis, TN
M. Lane Harvey, Mt. Vernon, IL
Dr. James W. Bosler III, Louisville, KY
Dr. James W. Shaver, Landis, NC
SUMMER 2008 VOL. 118, NO. 3
Roger B. Moore, Lynchburg,VA
James W. Bridges Jr., Las Vegas, NV
Executive Officer
Larry R. King,
Executive Vice President, Field, Omaha, NE
Magazine Staff
Managing Editor: Billie Jo Foust
Content Editor: Andy Oerman
Design Editor: Joe Bavaresco
Writers: Nicole Schmoll, Angie Schendt, Heather Bockert
Designer: Bret St.Amour
Contributors: Rosanne Bachman, Kathy Cardwell,
Angel Stottle, Mike Wilson
Marketing & Public Relations
Team Vice President: Steve Haack
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for
articles, please direct them to [email protected].
Magazine printed on recycled, recyclable paper.
www.woodmen.org
e-mail us at: [email protected]
Wfm (ISSN 1069-1790) is published quarterly for $2.00 per
year by Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/
or Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society, 1700 Farnam St.,
Omaha, NE 68102.
Periodicals postage paid at Omaha, NE, and additional
mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Wfm,
c/o Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/or
Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society, 1700 Farnam St.,
Omaha, NE 68102.
EQUAL ACCESS POLICY
Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/or
Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society is an Equal Access
fratrenal benefit organization. It is the policy of Woodmen of
the World to seek qualified members on a nondiscriminatory
basis and to provide all members with equal access to and
allow their participation in the organization’s lodge system,
lodge events, fraternal benefits and all other fraternal
activities on a nondiscriminatory basis.
with youToday’s
through
life
Family
Photo by Murray Lee photography
President James Mounce display
her award.
Richard Greene (left), Woodmen of the World
member and Boy Scout Troop Leader, pitches
in with fellow scouts Peter Trigiani (facing) and
Morgan and Frank Johnson (background).
Handshakes are also the symbol for JOIN HANDS DAY®. At its core,
a handshake represents a partnership, and partnerships between
youth and adults are what JOIN HANDS DAY is all about.
Lodge 1150 Vice
President Emma
Smith polishes a
window sill in the
fire hall.
Photo by Murray Lee photography
Hundreds of lodges and thousands of Woodmen of the World
members partnered with people young and old to conduct
JOIN HANDS DAY projects around the country on Saturday,
May 3. Partnerships during JOIN HANDS DAY projects don’t
stop at youth and adults, however; they also happen between
volunteers at many like-minded organizations throughout any
given community.
“It’s a good, quality event for our members to get out there and seek
partnerships. It conveys the message that ‘you don’t have to do it
alone.’ It can also be a day that reinforces long-term partnerships,”
said Rochelle Cordova, the Fraternal Coordinator in Tennessee East.
S
haking hands is an ancient
symbol that signifies
oneness of purpose, an
allegiance or devotion to a joint
cause, or even just a simple
introduction.
Handshakes have been known
to cement peace agreements
between nations, finalize business
transactions between Fortune
500 companies, or welcome a
new in-law into a family.
Such was the case for the Tri-Cities Lodge 1150 near Bountville in
Cordova’s area. The lodge partnered with Boy Scout Troop 10, which
has a long-standing relationship with the lodge. Many of the Scouts
are Woodmen of the World members, and the two groups also
have a history of supporting the local fire hall together, where they
conducted their 2008 JOIN HANDS DAY project.
“They cleaned the inside of the fire hall – they scrubbed the floors,
cleaned the kitchen, wiped down the walls. It was so good to see the
adults and kids working together,” she said.
Lodge 1150 actually has their lodge meetings at the fire hall, and
have presented many flags to the firefighters over the years. Lodge
leaders are planning on introducing the Homeland Heroes Program
to them soon.
She said Tennessee East members planned about 30 JOIN HANDS
DAY projects.
“They really make me proud to be associated with Woodmen of the
World,” Cordova said.
7
f rat e r n a l s p i r i t
JOIN
HANDSDAY.
8
Wfm S U M M ER
2008
Texas
Georgia
Lodge 6177 members
from Beaumont, TX,
brightened the day for
nursing home residents
by giving them each a
pink carnation.
Lodge 6023 in Gray,
GA, partnered with Cub
Scout Pack 485 to build
dog houses and donate
dog food for the Animal
House program.
Ohio
South Carolina
Lodge 6099 members
in Cleveland, OH,
partnered with a Girl
Scout troop and made
lap blankets
for residents of a
nursing home.
Aiken, SC, Lodges 1301
and 1094 partnered
with Burnettown Baptist
Church to sponsor a
food drive, where $325
of food was collected for
V.O.I.C.E.
Virginia
Kentucky
A JOIN HANDS DAY
food drive was created
by Lodges 410 and 456
in Lebanon, VA, that
benefited the Lebanon
Baptist Church.
Columbus Belmont State
Park in Columbus, KY,
was cleaned up thanks
to Lodge 38 and Carlisle
County Boy Scouts and
Cub Scouts.
Tennessee
Georgia
A donation of $1,225
was presented to the
American Red Cross,
the result of a bake sale
organized by Lodges
196 and 1200
in Hornbeak, TN.
Hazelhurst, GA, Lodge
278 partnered with
retired teachers in the
area to serve breakfast
in the classrooms of the
middle school during
CRCT test week.
F EATURE
Get Hooked
on
AUSTIN
W
oodmen of the World’s gonna mess with Texas, a little.
In July 2009, Austin will be the site of Woodmen of the World’s 46th
National Convention. Delegates, guests and others traveling to this central
Texas city are in store for a boot-scootin’ time.
The city’s official slogan is “The Live Music Capital of
the World,” and with more music venues per capita
than any other in the United States, Austin lives up to its
reputation. PBS viewers will be familiar with the longestrunning concert music program on American television,
Austin City Limits.
Walking the streets of Austin, visitors will often encounter
people wearing burnt orange-colored clothing and
greeting each other with their pointer and pinky fingers
extended. Austin is home to the University of Texas at
Austin, one of the largest universities in the country. The
Longhorns are a loud and proud bunch, and often are
heard shouting “Hook ’em Horns!”
Some consider college sports fans a little batty, but Austin
also has the real thing. The Congress Avenue Bridge that
spans Town Lake in downtown Austin is home to the
largest urban concentration of bats in the country. At dusk
each night from mid-March to November, hundreds of
thousands of bats emerge from under the bridge to hunt
for food. But don’t worry – the Mexican free-tail bats eat
insects. It’s estimated that the colony consumes 10,000
to 30,000 pounds of insects a night. The nightly event
has become one of the most popular and unusual tourist
attractions in Texas.
While the bats are happily munching on insects, foodies
are gorging themselves on Austin’s famous fare. Whether
it’s authentic Tex-Mex, smoky barbeque or cool ice cream,
Austin has something for every palate.
Austin itself is a study in diversity. University professors,
college students, government officials, celebrities, hightech workers, musicians, business owners, artists and
many other people proudly call themselves “Austinites.”
The unofficial slogan adorning bumper stickers, T-shirts
and posters urges citizens to “Keep Austin Weird.”
Woodmen of the World members are sure to be hooked
in by this motley city, horns and all. zx
National Convention
Governs Society
As a fraternal benefit society, Woodmen of the
World is member-owned and organizes itself with a
representative form of government.
Much like the United States, Woodmen of the World
also has a constitution, which contains the rules and
regulations of how the society operates. Woodmen of the
World’s constitution states, under Article 1, Section 1,
that “the supreme legislative and governing body of the
Society shall be known as the National Convention.”
Every Woodmen of the World member belongs to a
lodge. Every lodge elects delegates to Jurisdictional
Conventions, which convene every other year. Each
of the 27 Jurisdictions sends delegates to the National
Convention, which is held every four years. In 2009,
both the Jurisdictional Conventions and the National
Convention will take place.
The National Convention delegates decide upon
various governance issues and also elect Woodmen of
the World’s Board of Directors and Executive Officers.
9
ne w s wort h y
10
Wfm S U M M ER
2008
A Change in
Leadership
“
For more than 23 years, I have had the distinct privilege of working
in the Home Office. The past seven years I have had the honor to
serve as Woodmen of the World’s 10th President.
The years in Omaha have afforded me the opportunity to
work with an extremely dedicated group of Home Office
and Field associates. I also want to acknowledge the
members of our Board of Directors, both those who have
retired, and those who continue to serve. I have seen these
groups – the Home Office, the Field, and the Board – work
together in times of tremendous challenge and change, to
meet the needs of our members.
In the past 26 years as a member of Woodmen of the World
Board, I have had the opportunity to travel with Jennie
to all Jurisdictions and meet and sit down with so many
Woodmen of the World members, the greatest fraternalists
in the world. We have visited your lodges, which are the
true grassroots of our organization, and have made so
many friends. Without fail, we have always been made
to feel welcome. Our travels have allowed us to observe
and on occasion, take part in your projects, through which
you reached out to those in need, extending the hand of
friendship and assistance. You truly make a very positive
difference in your community. This is fraternalism at
its best!
I have decided to relinquish my duties as President and
CEO effective October 1, 2008. Recently the Board of
Directors named Danny E. Cummins as the Society’s 11th
President. I know that you will join me in congratulating and
supporting Danny as he assumes the office of President
and CEO on October 1. Danny is currently serving as
Executive Vice President, Operations and Secretary and
prior to November 1, 2000, served as Vice President and
Field Manager. Danny is a true fraternalist who puts the
best interest of Woodmen of the World members ahead
of all else. Danny is firmly committed to our core values
and is extremely knowledgeable of Field and Home Office
operations. Under his capable leadership, Woodmen of the
World will continue to grow both financially and fraternally.
Replacing Danny as Executive Vice President, Operations
and Secretary will be Pamela J. Hernandez, another very
talented and dedicated leader. Pam is currently serving
as Senior Vice President, Operations and Strategic
Management and brings 24 years of Woodmen of the
World experience to the office.
In our unique organization, which we all care deeply about,
it’s about people – our members, our Home Office and
Field associates, and those we serve. It’s about caring for
our members like family, and providing them with unique
opportunities to give back, so that they can make a real
difference in their communities and in people’s lives. How
fortunate I am, to have served in a leadership position, in
such a wonderful organization.
Thank you for your friendship, your commitment and for
the many opportunities offered to Jennie and me over the
past 26 years.
God bless!” zx
James L. Mounce
President and CEO
11
Today’s
Today’s Family
Family
Back to School
Health & Safety
by
Carolyn Maille-Petersen
T
hough the days are still long and the weather is warm, the calendar
tells us that summer is winding down and school is about to start.
Making the transition from long, lazy summer days and later bedtimes
to early morning wake-up calls and homework can be tough! Going back
to school is a time of transition and it brings with it many considerations,
including keeping children safe and healthy as they head to the classroom.
“Ensure that
your children are
getting to bed
earlier so they get
enough sleep …”
Of course, one of the first things that needs to change
as the school year approaches is bedtime. If your
family is like most, your children stay up later during
the summer than they do during the school year. Thus,
now is the time for parents to begin thinking about
getting back into the routine. Ensure that your children
are getting to bed earlier so they get enough sleep and
that they are eating a well-balanced diet, says Chris
Tolcher, M.D., a fellow with the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP). Studies show that children who don’t
get enough sleep often don’t do as well in school and
have problems paying attention, says Tolcher.
How much is enough? In general, children between the
ages of 5-12 years old need approximately 10-11 hours
of sleep each night, says Tolcher, while children over
age 12 need an average of 8.5 to 9.5 hours each night.
They should also be eating a variety of foods from each
food group, he says, to ensure adequate nutrition. If
parents don’t think their children are getting enough
variety, Tolcher recommends speaking to their family
doctor rather than just giving their children vitamins or
other supplements.
Backpacks
It is also important to consider the health of your
children’s backs, since they will most likely be carrying
backpacks all year long. According to the AAP, the
wrong backpack could cause back and neck pain. To
avoid problems, choose backpacks with wide, padded
shoulder straps as well as padding on the back, and
instruct your kids to wear both shoulder straps to
prevent muscle strain caused by wearing it on just one
shoulder. It’s also important to pack backpacks correctly,
with the heaviest items
placed toward the center
of the backpack, and
not to overload them.
For “elementary age
children, the weight of
the backpack has gone
up dramatically,” says
Tolcher. “If the backpack
weighs more than 25
pounds, that’s too much.”
13
“... the United
States government
... recommends
that students who
walk to school
always do so with
a buddy.”
The Road to School
Once they are dressed and ready
to go, it’s time to get out the door.
Whether your child walks, rides
a bike or takes the bus or a car,
there are safety issues to consider.
The Federal Citizen Information
Center, a division of the United
States government, recommends
that students who walk to school
always do so with a buddy. Moira
Donahue, a pedestrian safety
expert with SafeKids Worldwide,
says to “pick a route that has the
fewest number of street crossings
and that has sidewalks the whole
way.” If there’s a possibility that
your child will have to walk in
the dark, make sure the path is
well lit and that your children can
be seen easily by cars. She also
recommends that children under
10 years of age be accompanied by
an adult; for older children who will
not be escorted by an adult, she
suggests parents practice walking
the route with their children a few
times before the start of school.
14
Wfm S U M M ER
2008
Remind children to respect traffic
lights and street signs, to cross at
the corner rather than in the middle
of a block and to look left, right, left
before crossing, she adds. Finally,
dress them in brightly colored
clothing or add reflective material
to their clothes and backpacks to
make them more visible to drivers.
Children who ride their bikes
should always wear a helmet
that fits properly and meets
U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Standards, she says. Additionally,
Donahue recommends going over
the rules of the road with children,
including the use of hand signals
and riding on the right side of
the road, if they must ride on the
street. For complete rules of the
road, go to www.aap.org/family/
bicycle/htm.
If your children ride a bus, remind
them to wait for the bus to stop
and the red lights to flash before
stepping toward it.
Tell your
children to always make sure the
driver can see them when getting
on or off the bus, says Donahue,
and to always move 10 feet in
front of the bus – never behind –
before crossing so the bus driver
and people in other vehicles can
see them.
For car riders, the AAP reminds
parents to be sure that all
passengers are wearing seat belts
and that younger children are in
the proper car safety seat. The
youngest children should be in a
car seat with a harness until they
outgrow the height and weight
requirements for it, at which time
they should begin sitting in a
booster seat.
Children should
remain in booster seats “until the
vehicle’s seat belt fits properly,”
says the AAP. A properly fitting
shoulder belt “lies across the
middle of the chest and shoulder,
not the neck or throat; the lap belt
is low and snug across the thighs,
not the stomach” and the child is
tall enough to sit against the vehicle
back with legs bent and knees and
feet hanging down. Finally, until
children are 13, they should ride in
the back seat of the vehicle.
Drivers should also remain vigilant,
says Donahue, because “kids don’t
always behave in predictable ways.
You can’t just assume that they’re
not going to run out into the street.
You need to be hyper aware.” This
advice is particularly pertinent for
teen drivers. According to the AAP,
many accidents involving novice
drivers occur on the way to and
from school, so parents may wish to
consider the following suggestions:
if your state hasn’t already limited
the number of teenagers who
can be in a car together, consider
setting your own limit for your teen
driver, as too many kids in a car can
be a distraction. Also, make it a
rule that teens are not allowed to
eat, drink, or use their cell phones
while driving.
properly maintained or supervised.
The United States Consumer
Product
Safety
Commission
recommends that playground
equipment be surrounded by 12
inches of wood chips, mulch, sand
or pea gravel, or alternatively, that
rubber mats are installed that are
made specifically for playgrounds.
When dressing your children, the
USCPSC recommends avoiding
clothing with drawstrings in
the hood or around the neck.
Drawstrings have been known
to get caught on playground
equipment or in car or bus doors,
causing a choking hazard.
Bullying
At School
Once children arrive safely at
school, there are still more health
and safety considerations, not the
least of which is basic hygiene.
“Everyone’s first concern is
preventing illness,” says Tolcher.
“Putting kids in a classroom spreads
germs easily and quickly.” Tolcher
tells children to “wash their hands
whenever they get dirty and before
they eat.” At lunchtime, Tolcher
says parents need to remind
children not to share food or snacks
with their friends, as this is also a
prime way for kids to get sick.
Other
considerations
include
playground safety and bullying.
Playgrounds are great fun, but they
can also be safety hazards if not
Additionally, bullying is sometimes
an issue on playgrounds, in
classrooms or on the bus, says the
AAP, so parents should talk with
their children about how to deal
with someone who is bullying them
or others. Teaching children how
to behave appropriately in social
situations is important, says Tolcher
because “the kids who tend to be
most vulnerable are the ones who
tend to be awkward and who don’t
always have good social skills.”
Tolcher recommends that parents
teach their children to be direct with
bullies: “Resist them, tell them ‘no’
or ‘that’s not right’ or ‘I don’t like
that,’” he says. Tell children they
can also walk away or tell an adult,
he adds. Bullies will sometimes give
up if someone stands their ground
against them. Additionally, help
children understand that telling an
adult about a bully is not “tattling.”
Children often don’t understand
the difference between tattling
and telling an adult when some
thing bad is happening, he says.
To help his patients understand
the difference between tattling
and “telling,” Tolcher explains
it this way: “Tattling is telling on
somebody with the intention of
getting someone into trouble,
whereas telling is done with the
purpose of keeping someone out
of trouble (the child who is being
bullied) or keeping someone from
getting hurt.”
Though it is impossible to keep
our youngsters safe from every
hazard that crosses their path,
and parents will always worry, it is
at least possible to arm children
with knowledge to help them
avoid some of the pitfalls of
going to school. Though there
are no guarantees they won’t
encounter difficulties along the way,
it nonetheless lays the foundation
for a safer and healthier school
year, and that should ease any
parent’s mind! zx
Carolyn Maille-Petersen is a freelance
writer in Champaign, IL.
15
C ommun i t y C o n n e c t ion
Happy Campers:
Senior Camp a
Chance ‘to Feel
Like a Kid Again’
T
he first thing Verna Roberson did when
she arrived at Senior Camp was to check
the bathrooms.
“I was pleasantly surprised – they had a nice shower
area with privacy and everything,” she said.
Her friends from Lodge 449 in Merritt, NC, had
talked up Senior Camp for years, and this year she
turned the minimum age to be eligible to go. She
was still a little skeptical, but once she inspected the
bathrooms and got into the groove of activities, she
had lots of fun.
“The last night we have a sit-down dinner where we
wait on the seniors, and we decorate the dining hall to
the hilt,” said Texas Southeast Fraternal Coordinator
Jennie Boone.
Texas Southeast hosts two Senior Camps every other
year (with one Senior Camp the opposite year), and at
the first one this year from April 8-11, they had a fiesta
theme. The area’s next Senior Camp is Oct. 6-9.
“Our members love Senior Camp – they look forward
to the competitions each year. I’ve heard of many of
them displaying their trophies on their mantles and
polishing them every week,” Boone said.
Roberson offered advice to other members who
may be thinking about going to Senior Camp for
the first time.
“Just go. Even if you’re not sure you’ll like camp, just
go and have a good time,” she said.
For more information on Senior Camp in your area,
visit www.woodmen.org. zx
“I totally had a good time,” Roberson said. “We’ve
already made plans to go next year.”
Senior Camp was held at the North Carolina East
camp in Fort Barnwell from May 19-22 this year,
with 63 members attending. Eight members from
Lodge 449 went together.
“It’s fun to do things with people you know, but I ended
up making some good friends there,” Roberson said.
Some of her favorite activities included miniature
golf, building a bird house, and playing horseshoes,
where she was named champion of the women’s
division. She said she also enjoyed the late-night card
games and gab sessions.
“It was like a slumber party,” she said. “It was a
chance to be a kid again, and that’s fun. You have no
responsibilities, nothing to worry about.”
One way that the Texas Southeast area tries to make
the experience worry-free is to pamper the campers
and make sure they have a relaxing experience.
16
Wfm S U M M ER
2008
Lodge 449 members Jane L’Hommedieu, left, Verna
Roberson, Mark L’Hommedieu and Nora Scholl, play a
competitive game of miniature golf at Senior Camp in
North Carolina East.
2008 Senior CAMP SCHEDULE
STATE/DIVISION
AL N
AL S CAMP DATES
CAMP NAME
LOCATION OF CAMP
Sept 23-26
Camp Woodmen of North Alabama
Hartselle, AL s ACA
Oct 12-15
Woodmen Camp Riversprings
McKenzie, AL s ACA
Aug 8-10
Chapel Rock
Prescott, AZ ACA
AR
May 14-17
Arkansas WOW Youth Camp
Clinton, AR s ACA
AR
Sept 17-20
Arkansas WOW Youth Camp
Clinton, AR s ACA
AZ
CA N
Sept 15-18
Diamond Arrow Conference Center Nevada City, CA
CA S
Aug 29-30
Primm Valley Resort
Primm, NV ACA
FL N&S April 16-19
WOW Richard W. Ervin Youth Camp
Hosford, FL s ACA
FL N&S Oct 15-18
WOW Richard W. Ervin Youth Camp
Hosford, FL s ACA
GA C Sept 17-20
Camp Kaleo
Fosyth, GA ACA
June 4-7
North Georgia Youth Camp
Gainesville, GA s ACA
GA S May 27-31
Camp Glynn Woodmen Youth Camp
Brunswick, GA s ACA
GA S Oct 21-25
Camp Glynn Woodmen Youth Camp
Brunswick, GA s ACA
GA N
IL S
Sept 15-18
Little Egypt Camp
West Frankfort, IL s ACA
KY E
July 20-24
Blue Grass WOW Youth Camp
Lexington, KY s ACA
KY W Sept 15-18
Little Egypt Camp
West Frankfort, IL s ACA
LA
Aug 23
North LA WOW Camp
Forest Hill, LA s
LA
MD
Nov 1
South LA WOW Youth Camp
Abbeville, LA s ACA
Sept 19-21
America’s Best Value Inn
Gettysburg, PA
MS N
Sept 24-27
North Mississippi Camp Woodman
Ackerman, MS s ACA
MS S
Sept 29-Oct 2
Camp Wesley Pines
Gallman, MS ACA
NE/IA
Sept 19-21
Woodmen Nebraska/Iowa Youth Camp
Nebraska City, NE s ACA
NM
Sept 5-7
Monzano Mountain Retreat
Torreon, NM
NY
Sept 25-28
St. Anne’s Youth Camp
Isle LaMotte, VT s
NC E
May 19-22
East NC Woodmen Youth Camp
Ft. Barnwell, NC s ACA
NC W Sept 10-13
RC Cliff Payne Youth Camp
Randleman, NC s ACA
OK
Oct 10-12
Central Christian Camp
Guthrie, OK ACA
PA
June 27-29
Travel Lodge
Lancaster, PA
PA
Oct 2-5
Keystone WOW Youth Camp
Lewistown, PA s ACA
SC
May 25-29
Camp Beaver Lake
Patrick, SC s ACA
TN E Sept 18-21
Clyde York 4-H Center
Crossville, TN
TN W
Sept 17-20
West TN Camp Woodmen
Beech Bluff, TN s ACA
TX NE Oct 5-9
NE TX WOW Youth Camp
Quitman, TX s ACA
TX NW Sept 24-29
Northwest Texas Youth Camp
Lake Brownwood, TX s
TX SE April 8-11
SE TX Camp Woodmen
Bellville, TX s ACA
TX SE Oct 6-9
SE TX Camp Woodmen
Bellville, TX s ACA
TX SW May 28-31
SW TX Camp Los Hacheros
Bandera, TX s ACA
VA E June 5-7
East Virginia Woodmen Youth Camp
Crewe, VA s ACA
VA E Sept 25-27
East Virginia Woodmen Youth Camp
Crewe, VA s ACA
VA SW Sept 22-26
Woodmen Family Activity Center
Thaxton, VA s ACA
WA/OR
Oct 5-8
Black Lake Bible Camp &
Conference Center
Olympia, WA
WV
Ramada
Morgantown, WV
Oct 6-8
WOODMEN OF THE WORLD OWNED s ACA ACCREDITED
For more information about this year’s Woodmen of the World Senior Camps, please call the Home Office Fraternal Activities Department at
402-271-7258, your Fraternal Coordinator or 1-800-225-3108.
ACA
17
Pam Dean PHOTOGRAPHY
with you through life
Form 8038 7/08
Malcolm Strozier and wife, Sharon (right), spend
time with their daughter, Julie, and grandson, Aiden.
Building Trust
Troubled
after
Times
Member Finds Relief in Rollover
Losing your job can feel like being run over by a
bulldozer. It can destroy your sense of self, uproot your
family and leave you seemingly without a foundation.
Whether you’ve experienced a job loss, are switching
careers or retiring, protecting your money – and trusting
those who handle it – are just two of many considerations
on your “to do” list. They beg the question: what should
you do with your current 401(k)?
Most people experience a job loss or career change
(sometimes more than one) in their lifetime. Some are
prepared, and some are not quite sure where to turn, or
who to trust. With so many choices in companies and in
plans, the decision can be a confusing one … and almost
as stressful as the job change itself.
But Strozier found someone he could trust, someone who
was able to help him sort through his options and find the
right solution for his 401(k) earnings.
A Blueprint for Saving
After growing up in the north-central part of Louisiana,
surrounded by timberland, Strozier started working as a
mechanic for an electrical equipment manufacturer. After
23 years he was let go. He then picked himself up, and for
10 years worked in the timber division of an international
paper company. But misfortune struck again when they,
too, let him go.
Strozier lost part of his insurance after each layoff. After
losing his job at the paper company, he contacted his
longtime friend, Lisa Grant, a Woodmen of the World
Woodmen Financial Services (WFS) Financial Advisor.
Pam Dean PHOTOGRAPHY
Malcolm Strozier knows that feeling well. He has been
laid off twice in his life. “The first time I got laid off, I was
pretty devastated,” he said. “It knocked me for a big loop.
I had never experienced anything like that.”
Malcolm and Sharon Strozier talk with Lisa Grant, a Woodmen of
the World Woodmen Financial Services Financial Advisor.
“I knew Lisa and her father for all my life; we were
raised in the same little community,” said Strozier. Their
friendship led to discussions about insurance, and Grant
also mentioned that Woodmen of the World made
investment products available through its subsidiary,
Woodmen Financial Services (WFS).
Strozier had confidence that Grant would provide him
with the necessary information, and even though they
were friends, Grant knew she needed to ask Strozier the
same questions she asks everyone she meets.
As with any new Woodmen of the World prospect, Grant
asks, “Do you have an old 401(k) somewhere?” Knowing
that the average person changes jobs seven times in
a lifetime, whether from a layoff or from switching
companies, it’s extremely important to discuss any
existing 401(k).
Assessing the Options
A 401(k) rollover is defined as a direct transfer of
retirement funds from one qualified plan to another of
the same type or to an individual retirement arrangement
(IRA) that does not pass through the hands of the owner,
and thus does not incur any tax liability for the owner.
19
Pam Dean PHOTOGRAPHY
Of people who changed jobs in 2005, 34 percent left their
funds in their current 401(k) plan.1 In 2006 a total of
$3.7 trillion2 was left in current 401(k) plans. But 401(k)
rollovers offer more options, compared to remaining in a
current 401(k) plan or a defined contribution plan.
“I tell everyone the choices they have when doing a
rollover, and the disadvantages of the choices,” said Grant.
“It’s important to speak with a professional Financial
Advisor about your options ... With all those products out
there, people don’t know what route to choose.”
Rollovers can be rolled into qualified individual retirement accounts or individual retirement annuities. After
listening to his options, Strozier rolled his 401(k)s from
both previous jobs into an individual retirement account
with mutual funds.
401(k) Rollover Options
Strozier had previously done business with another agent,
but that firm’s service was unsatisfactory, especially when
they closed their local office and moved hours away to
Baton Rouge. He had not been satisfied since, but he
found it easy to trust Grant with his money. “She came
out to my home and explained what they had to offer,
and I decided I wanted to do it. I received all the forms
I needed – they took care of most of the paperwork,”
he said. Strozier had always heard that Woodmen of
the World was a solid insurance organization. But with
Grant’s assistance, he was also able to find an investment
solution through WFS that matched his goals and risk
tolerance better than others he had seen offered.
• You can roll your funds over to your new employer’s
401(k) plan. The disadvantage is that this is only an
option if you have a new job offer before leaving your
current employer.
Grant helped him analyze his needs, and she knows she
works for an organization she can trust. “I’m happy I can
pass on that feeling of trust to our members.”
Retirement in the Works
For the past three years, Strozier, a member of Lodge 1145
in Trout, LA, has operated bulldozers, tractors and other
machinery for the Louisiana Highway Department. He
plans on retiring within the next 10 years, if possible. “My
family and I have a cattle farm, a little over 100 acres and
50 head of cattle. My intentions are to fiddle with that,
and spend time with my wife and my grandson.”
After finding some comfort in knowing that his money
is safe, he now recommends speaking with a Woodmen
of the World Representative on how to roll over a 401(k).
“They made everything real easy.”
Trust isn’t something that’s given. It must be earned.
Woodmen of the World has a 118-year history of helping
individuals and families reach their retirement goals. And
Woodmen of the World has earned Strozier’s trust. “I
really feel Woodmen of the World is a good [organization]
to do business with,” he said. zx
20
Wfm S U M M ER
2008
• You can leave your funds in your old employer’s
retirement plan. But you may not have this opportunity.
If your vested 401(k) balance is $5,000 or less, your
employer can require you to take your money out of the
plan when you leave the company. There are also other
factors that cannot be anticipated.
• You can roll your funds over to an Individual
Retirement Account (IRA). This gives you more control
over investment choices. One disadvantage is that there
are only 60 days allotted before you have to pay taxes.
• You can cash out your 401(k). The disadvantage is
that you will have to pay taxes, and if you are under 59
1
/2 years old, you will hve to pay a 10 percent penalty
(IRS) fee (with some exceptions).
The testimonial may not be representative of the experience of other clients
and there is no guarantee of future performance or success.
401(k) not offered as product. Products offered are IRA variable annuities,
IRA fixed annuities and IRA mutual funds. Securities are offered and
processed through Woodmen Financial Services, Inc., 1700 Farnam Street,
Omaha, NE 68102, 877-664-3332, member FINRA/SIPC, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha
Woodmen Life Insurance Society. Securities other than the Woodmen
Variable Annuity are issued by companies that are not affiliated with
Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha Woodmen
Life Insurance Society. Fixed annuities are issued by Woodmen of the World
Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society,
a Nebraska corporation that is licensed as Woodmen of the World Life
Insurance Society (Woodmen of the World) in all states and the District
of Columbia, except CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA and WY. In
those states, Woodmen of the World is licensed as Omaha Woodmen Life
Insurance Society (Woodmen). Not all products are available in all states. Not
all Representatives are licensed to sell all products.
1. LIMRA, Opportunities in the Pension Rollover Market: Employee
Perspective (2006).
2. Investment Company Institute, Research Fundamentals, July, 2006.
NEW SW ORTHY
Coziahr’s
Retirement Sparks
Field Services
Reorganization
A
fter 17 years of
dedicated service,
Jason “Jay” Coziahr has
elected to retire from his position as Director of Field
Services. His retirement was effective July 1, 2008.
Coziahr joined Woodmen of the World in 1991 as
Assistant Manager of Field Services. In 2001, he was
promoted to Manager of Field Services & Contracts.
In addition to his managerial responsibilities, Coziahr
serves as a member of the Woodmen Insurance Agency’s
Board of Directors, an appointment he received in 2003.
A native of Council Bluffs, IA, Coziahr was fraternally
active, serving as the president of Lodge 14 in Council
Bluffs. Professionally, he was a member of the
Society of Insurance Licensing Administrators and
personally, served on several committees at Salem
United Methodist Church. Coziahr obtained his BS/
BA from the University of Wisconsin in 1965.
Coziahr looks forward to playing golf and card
games as well as spending time with his three sons
and his grandchildren. zx
Get the Answers You Need, Fast
One number for members to dial with inquires:
1-800-225-3108
New prompts and expanded
coverage have been added to
this number to make it easier
for you to get who and
what you need when you
call the Home Office.
Turner Fills New
Position as Director,
Field Operations
C
oziahr’s retirement which
is effective July 1, 2008,
created a vacancy in the Director
of Field Services position:
However, it also sparked the
creation of a new position, Director, Field Operations.
This will be assumed by former State Manager and
Director, Field Management, John “Jack” Turner.
Assistant Manager, Field Services and Contracts Terry
Mullins was promoted to Manager, Field Services
and Contracts. We congratulate Coziahr, Turner and
Mullins on their contributions and promotions. zx
McCauley Named
Vice President of
New Division
Denise McCauley has joined
Woodmen of the World as Vice
President, Core Operations,
effective June 16, 2008. The new
Division includes Underwriting,
Membership Services and Claims.
McCauley graduated magna cum laude from the
University of Nebraska at Omaha with a Bachelor’s
degree in Business Administration. Prior to joining
Woodmen of the World, McCauley worked in upper
management for various firms including First Data
Corporation in Omaha, NE, and Alliance Data Systems
in Dallas, TX.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her
husband, Robert, and enjoys golfing, traveling
and reading. zx
21
m emb er s pot l i g h t
Painting Lives with the
Color of Love
chuck colucci PHOTOGRAPHY
Two Members Become Nail Technicians to
Pamper Nursing Home Residents
Cox (right) and Millikin pamper the
hands of women at senior camp.
22
Wfm S U M M ER
2008
A
ll of her life Phyllis Cox wanted to give people
professional manicures. But 30 years as an operator for
the telephone company and raising three beautiful children
took priority over her dream of becoming a nail technician.
When Cox retired, she found the time and friendship she
needed to pursue her dream.
From Nails to Nursing Homes
Cox and her good friend, Virginia Millikin, members of
Lodge 18 in Laurinburg, NC, put themselves through nail
technician school so that they could pamper local nursing
home residents with a touch of beauty.
“I saw an ad in the paper and said ‘this is my chance to
fulfill my dream,’” said Cox. “Ever since I was a teenager,
I’ve wanted to learn how to give manicures and pedicures.
Virginia and I do everything from eating and shopping to
walking and seeing symphonies together, so I asked her to
go with me.”
Before she knew it, Millikin found herself studying to
become a nail technician right alongside Cox. “I went with
Phyllis to sign up and she talked me into it,” said Millikin.
“The school lasted about six months and I ended up
really enjoying it. Now that we’re done, I am looking
forward to visiting some of the nursing homes to give
people manicures.”
Serving nursing home residents means dealing with some
special health issues that both Cox and Millikin were
thankful to have covered thoroughly in nail technician
school. For example, someone who has suffered from a
stroke cannot have their feet submerged in water and
diabetics can only have their feet dipped in briefly and then
removed. “We have to shorten the normal soaking process
during a pedicure for diabetics,” said Millikin. “Also, we
have to be extremely careful with people who have sores
on their feet. We might not be able to give everyone a
pedicure, but at the very least, we can give manicures.”
Beauty That’s Not Skin Deep
A little pampering can go a long way toward making
someone feel better. Recently, Phyllis Cox was able to
give a manicure, pedicure and massage to a woman dying
of cancer.
“It was special. She looked at me like I was an angel.” Cox
was gentle as she moved from one side of the bed to the
other to paint the woman’s fingers and toes. “I kept asking
if I was hurting her and she said ‘no, this feels so good.’”
Cox rubbed her dry arms and legs with moisturizing
cream and wished her well when she finished their
appointment. “I told her that I hoped she’d feel better.
She told me she loved me and thanked me for cheering
her up.”
Experiences like that make all the schooling worth it.
“Virginia and I were easily 30 years older than everyone else
in our class but we weren’t going to let those young girls show
us up. We studied together and passed with flying colors,”
Cox said.
Both Cox and Millikin agreed that giving their first
manicure was the hardest part of attending nail technician
school. “You want to do a good job and it’s a little nervewracking,” said Millikin.
“I started breaking out into sweats while I was helping my
first client,” said Cox. “He asked me why I wanted to paint
nails and I said that I had just
always wanted to but never had the chance before now. He
told me I did a wonderful job.”
Since graduating last May, Phyllis Cox transformed a room
in her home into a nail studio. She takes appointments
from close friends who come in to get their nails done
about once a month. “I like to visit with people while I
work on their nails. I can spend well over an hour on
someone’s feet.”
Cox and Millikin Stay Busy with
Senior Camp
When Cox isn’t busy visiting nursing homes, she enjoys
participating in other fraternal events through her
Woodmen of the World local lodge.
Cox and Millikin both say their favorite lodge event is
Senior Camp. Cox loves the scrapbooking and crafts,
and Millikin enjoys the card games and horseshoe
tournaments. “You never run out of things to do at Senior
Camp,” said Millikin. “We make things, have auctions and
play miniature golf. It’s a lot of fun.”
In May, Cox and Millikin drove 120 miles to New Bern, N
C, for Spring Senior Camp. There were new faces, a new
camp and new people to encourage and inspire.
“Wherever I go, I want to help people,” said Cox. “That’s
just how my mother raised me.” zx
23
FEATURE
Cemetery Man:
One man’s quest to trace his
genealogy brought him face
to face with Woodmen of the
World’s roots.
I
t was a fine spring day and Jim Berry’s back seat
was filled with mountain dulcimers and fiddles.
Fresh off a stint at the annual Spring Dulcimer
Festival in Elkins, WV, Berry savored the old-time
music tunes lingering in his mind like they were the
last morsels of a mouthwatering meal.
“The Spring Dulcimer Festival is like the Woodstock
of old-time music,” Berry said. “My wife, Betty, and I
can’t get enough of it.”
Another thing Berry can’t resist is genealogy. When
he and his wife travel to dulcimer festivals, they often
stop at cemeteries along the way. Berry has always
had an interest in cemeteries. Throughout his career
as a circuit judge in Winchester, VA, he would often
eat lunch among the peaceful, reflective grounds of
local cemeteries.
“I have always felt comfortable in graveyards,”
Berry said. “I starting photographing my ancestors’
gravestones and then figured I’d photograph anything
else interesting so that people anywhere in America
could find their ancestors.”
24
Wfm S U M M ER
2008
Julie napear PHOTOGRAPHY
In search of
his story, he
found ours.
Stunned by Stone
That vision, and a passion for dulcimer festivals, led
the Berrys on a quest across 18 different states and
four sites within the region Bretagne in
France. Along the way, Jim Berry
was startled by the striking
appearance
of
elaborate
monuments in the shape of
tree trunks and stumps with
the words ‘Woodmen of the
World’ on them. “I think
the first one I noticed may
have been at a cemetery in
Pendleton, OR,” Berry said. “I
thought they were interesting
so I made a point to go out of
my way to photograph them
and post them online.”
Berry says his wife tolerates
his passion for genealogy, but
his dogs love it. “We have two
Weimaraners. They’re more
like family than pets but
they’ll eat up the house
out of loneliness if we’re
not careful.”
So the Berrys try to take their beloved dogs along
on their travels whenever they can.
Berry has collected more than 2,500 images of
monuments, all of which are posted on his Web
site, titled Graveyards & Gravestones. Images are
organized by state and cemetery name. There is also
a special section displaying all of the Woodmen of the
World monuments Berry has ever photographed.
A passion for proper burials ran
surprisingly deep in Root’s heart.
Woodmen of the World’s founder, Joseph Cullen
Root, felt strongly that all members should have a
proper burial. Early certificates offered both death
and monument benefits to members. Gravestones
were originally given to members at no cost and later,
to those who purchased an optional monument rider.
markers. One is a stake that goes in the ground next
to a gravestone and the other attaches directly to the
stone. The markers are sold to members at cost - $45
each. If you are interested in ordering a grave marker
or stencil, call 1-800-342-1890 and ask for Fraternal
and Lodge Services.
Berry’s pictorial collection of Woodmen of the
World gravestones is a monument to the stunning
intricacy and diversity of our cemetery markers.
If you are looking for an ancestor or would like to
view Woodmen of the World gravestones in person,
Berry’s Web site is a good place to start. That is, after
all, why he visits cemeteries in the first place.
“I post gravestone images online for others to enjoy,
and I hope to continue this as long as I’m alive.” zx
During the 1920s, as the cost of stone markers
increased and cemeteries began prohibiting aboveground markers, Woodmen of the World stopped
providing monuments to members. The monument
rider was discontinued and converted to an extra
$100 of insurance protection. But for many years
after that, members and lodges arranged for markers
and monuments on their own.
Julie napear PHOTOGRAPHY
“I have always felt
comfortable in
graveyards.”
Today, a stencil is available at no cost to interested
members, who can take the stencil to their local
stone – cutter to be engraved upon their headstones.
Woodmen of the World also offers two kinds of grave
Julie napear PHOTOGRAPHY
While gravestone designs were intended to be
uniform, local stone cutters infused their own
creativity into marker designs and as a result,
Woodmen of the World monuments vary greatly in
size and shape. Some resemble a tree stump, others a
stack of cut wood. There are elaborate hand-carved
monuments, simple stone markers and stake-type
markers driven into the ground.
Searching for Your Ancestors?
Start by digging around in Jim Berry’s online collection
of gravestone images. You can access his photos at:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.
com/~langolier/cemeteries.html
You can read more about Woodmen of the World
monuments at: http://www.woodmen.org/inside.
cfm?Main_menu_id=1&sub_menu_id=3&sub2_
menu_id=6&page_id=9
25
M E M B ER NE W S
Faircloth Named
Fraternal Coordinator of the Year
F
or Fraternal Coordinators, receiving the Matt Cartner Fraternal Coordinator of
the Year award is the icing on the cake. Marty Faircloth, North Florida Fraternal
Coordinator, has officially been frosted.
When Faircloth was presented the award at the annual Fraternal Coordinator Seminar,
February 10-12 in Nashville, TN, he was humbled that his peers were gracing him
with such an honor. “It’s a prestigious award and it means a lot to us,” he said. “I didn’t
expect it, and I was overjoyed. It’s definitely an award that you will see in my office,”
he said.
Faircloth worked as a Field Representative for five years before making the decision in 1988 to devote his time to
fraternalism. He left to pursue other opportunities for a time, but returned as a fraternal coordinator in 2004, and
says it was in many ways a homecoming. Since then, he’s rededicated himself to fraternal principles, and is proud
of what he has accomplished. One of the projects he coordinated in 2007 is something that he plans to make an
annual event. “Last October we recognized over 70 veterans of the military,” he said. “We presented them with a
service flag and thanked them for serving our country. It was well received.”
Faircloth has put together In Honor and Remembrance Ceremonies and JOIN HANDS DAY activities, along
with the other annual fraternal events and disaster relief projects. He does whatever he can to help out. “We all
believe in what we’re doing; it’s hard to put into words,” he said. “All of us take our jobs seriously – we pour our
hearts into it. We want to help folks know that Woodmen of the World is there for them, and we’re more than an
insurance company.”
Faircloth looks forward to presenting the award to a fellow Fraternal Coordinator next year. “It’s nice that everyone
can get together and honor someone each year. It just makes you feel great,” he said. zx
Where’s Buddy
Going to be Next?
S
outheastern Conference (SEC) football is home
to some of the fiercest rivalries in the country. But
soon a familiar, friendly yellow Labrador will make
his own bid for gridiron fame.
That’s right, football fans across the southeast
will soon see Woodmen of the World
brand icon Buddy during SEC football
games. Woodmen of the World will
receive one spot in each televised game
and an additional spot in a choice of six
games. The last two national champions have
emerged from the SEC, assuring that all eyes
will be on this part of the country during the
upcoming football season.
Woodmen of the World’s sponsorship of
26
Wfm S U M M ER
2008
Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) basketball this
past winter received tremendous support and
feedback from both members and Field associates,
according to Randa Zalman, Advertising Manager
for Woodmen of the World. “To have regional
sponsorships at sporting events that members and
potential members are passionate about is one way
Woodmen of the World can make a greater impact
in communities,” she said. zx
September will be a high-profile
month for Woodmen of the World –
in addition to the SEC football spots,
we will have spots airing on the
Discovery Channel, as well as
events related to Life Insurance
Awareness Month!
A Strong Case
I
t’s a long way from Manteno,
IL, to Shanghai, China.
But Woodmen of the World
member Guy Case didn’t let
a little matter like 7,107 miles
keep him from chasing his
dream.
his international travels, he
received one more gift: the State
of Illinois declared November
10, 2007, to be Guy Case Day.
Case has been participating
in the Special Olympics for 40
years, including participating
in track events at the very
first Special Olympics held in
At the Special Olympics in
Chicago in 1968. Since then
Guy Case (right) with his gold medal and
October 2007, Case won a gold his mother, Carol Case
he has competed in equestrian
medal in single’s bocce ball.
events, volleyball, basketball,
He and a teammate also finished fifth in doubles,
tennis, bowling, golf and bocce ball, winning
while his bocce team of four competitors placed
numerous gold medals. Now he is a global messenger
fourth overall.
for the Special Olympics, and gives speeches at places
like Rotary Clubs on what the Special Olympics are,
Case also visited a school for intellectually disabled
and what they mean.
kids. There he met a karate teacher, and shared with
her that he himself took karate lessons. The instructor
What’s next for Guy Case? “We never know,” says
gave him a red-and-navy blue karate jacket to take
Carol Case. “Whatever he likes to try. He likes to try
home, which is “his pride and joy,” according to
new and different things.” zx
Guy’s mother, Carol Case. After Case returned from
History Repeats Itself
I
n 1954, Marilyn Monroe married Joe DiMaggio. The
maiden voyage of a Boeing 707 took place. The first
issue of Sports Illustrated was released. And there were
only 48 states.
Fast forward 37 years, when North Alabama Fraternal
Coordinator Philip Robertson was presenting an
American History Award at Cotaco Junior High School.
After the ceremony, Principal William Ellinger gave
Robertson three boxes of worn flags to be retired.
Cotaco Principal Jimmy Scott, North Alabama
Fraternal Coordinator Philip Robertson and Cotaco
alumnus and State Representative Ronald Grantland
Later, Robertson noticed one flag was different: it had
only 48 stars. He also noticed one other amazing fact:
imprinted on a grommet, it said ‘Presented by Woodmen of the World.’ The flag was frayed on the edges, but
otherwise was in good repair, so Robertson decided to preserve it. “I wasn’t about to retire it,” he explained. “I took
it to a seamstress, a dry cleaner and a frame shop.”
Robertson displayed the flag in the assembly hall of the Youth/Senior Camp in Blount County, AL, and frequently
used it to educate children about the U.S. flag. But recently, current Cotaco Junior High principal Jimmy Scott
contacted Robertson about displaying the flag at the school again, as a way to teach about history.
So on Saturday, April 5, at the school’s biennial alumni banquet, State Manager Elvis Anderson and Robertson
re-presented the flag to the school to which it had originally been presented by a Woodmen of the World Field
Representative in 1954. Now Old Glory – this one even older than most – makes “a really neat centerpiece for the
school,” according to Robertson. “It was pretty uncanny,” he said. “What are the chances?”
Robertson also said that several of the banquet’s attendees remember raising the flag all those years ago, which is
further proof that Woodmen of the World’s fraternal activities have a lasting impact on those they touch. zx
27
Members Offer Relief to
Tornado Victims
T
ornadoes are a tragic reality of spring for much of the United States. As cold
winter weather gives way to summer heat, twisters can rip apart communities
with their seemingly random touch downs.
March through June is the typical busy season for
tornadoes, so when more than 50 touched down on
Super Tuesday last February, residents of Arkansas,
Kentucky and Tennessee were shocked.
“It was very unusual that it happened in February,”
said part-time West Tennessee Fraternal Coordinator
Claudia Dowdell. “It caught us off-guard.”
The tornado ripped through Union University in
Jackson, TN, destroying several dorms and doctor’s
offices in its path. Dowdell and members of Lodge
293 in Beech Bluff offered their help in the form of
meals, service and a $1,000 donation to the Jackson
Chapter of the American Red Cross.
While members in Tennessee helped victims piece
their lives back together, Arkansas residents were
still reeling from 200 mph tornadoes that left 13 dead
and a 123-mile trail of destruction from south of the
Arkansas River nearly to the Missouri line.
From a grill set up at a Clinton, AR, area parking lot,
Arkansas State Manager Tom Mathews and Fraternal
Coordinator Lamar Harvey prepared 6,488 meals for
residents affected by the tornadoes. “We were also able
to provide beds for 602 people affected by the terrible
storms and logged over 3,000 hours of disaster relief,”
Mathews said. “We opened up our youth camp as an
emergency shelter to give people somewhere warm
and dry to sleep.”
Woodmen of the World members were there as
soon as the storm cleared to provide disaster relief to
tornado victims in west-central Georgia. Volunteers
started serving hot meals at 4 a.m. to those hardest hit
by the inclement weather.
Members prepared four to five thousand meals each
day for the West Central Georgia chapter of the
American Red Cross, which then delivered them to
those who couldn’t or wouldn’t leave their damaged
homes to get it.
The kindness and compassion of Woodmen of the
World members knows no bounds. Indeed, this is what
we were founded for, to help our neighbors in need.
If you have sustained significant damage to your
home as a direct result of a natural disaster, you may
be eligible for assistance through the Woodmen of the
World Disaster Relief Benefit.
Visit www.woodmen.org for more information or to
download an application. zx
Lending a Helping
Hand in Georgia
It has been a hard year as far as severe weather
is concerned for people throughout the South.
In May, Macon, GA, and surrounding areas
became the next addition to the growing list of
places with tornado damage.
28
Wfm S U M M ER
2008
Devastating tornadoes in Jackson, TN, destroyed many
buildings, including this doctor’s office across the street from
Union University.
f eatu re
Remaining
Hopeful
20th anniversary celebration of the
Peregrine Falcon Program flies under the radar
O
ver the past two decades, Woodmen of the
World has successfully helped increase the
peregrine falcon population by sponsoring
the Peregrine Falcon Project, a project geared toward
saving the falcon species.
“Hera and Zeus could re-nest,” said Denise Lewis,
Raptor Recovery Center. “That does happen in the wild,
if there is enough time in the season. It just depends.”
Check www.woodmen.org for further updates on the
Woodmen Tower falcons. zx
Members and associates were eager to celebrate the 20th
anniversary of the project by welcoming five new chicks
to the population number. But Mother Nature dictated
a more low-key event.
Nature Takes Its Course
Hera, Zeus’ current mate, laid a total of five eggs for
gestation beginning on March 31, 2008. Before the eggs
began to hatch, a female falcon, presumed to be Hera,
was involved in a confrontation with another falcon on
May 5.
The other falcon did not survive, and the female was
found with injuries and taken to Raptor Recovery
Center in Elmwood, NE.
Two of the five eggs hatched, but the chicks did not
make it through the cold, wet weather that Omaha
experienced the weekend after Hera’s injury. The
remaining three eggs were not viable.
Recovering Slowly
Since sustaining her injuries, Hera has been moved
to a larger flying pen. No release date has been set at
this time.
29
by Angie Schendt
Makes no difference who
you are, the imagination
of Walt Disney has
inspired, influenced
and invigorated
people all over
the world.
© Richard T. Nowitz/CORBIS
American Mosaic
It’s a Disney World
After All
®
D
isney was the first innovator to produce
an animated film with sound, Steamboat
Willie, released on Nov. 18, 1928. The
main character of the movie was Mickey Mouse, the
indelible cartoon that ended up being the foundation
of an empire. A seemingly infinite number of movies,
television shows, characters, awards, and mouse
ears later, Disney has become a permanent part of
American culture.
Be Our Guest
The animated characters Disney created lived only
on the screen until July 17, 1955, when Disneyland
opened in Anaheim, CA. According to The Walt
Disney Company, the founder was always anxious to
try something new, and theme parks intrigued him.
Walt Disney frequently took his two young daughters
to zoos, carnivals and parks, but found himself sitting
on a bench while the girls enjoyed themselves. He
dreamed of a place where parents and children could
have fun together.
“I think what I want Disneyland to be most of all is
a happy place, a place where adults and children can
experience together some of the wonders of life,
of adventure, and feel better
because of it,“ Disney
said at the time.
Disneyland was
immensely successful,
and continues to be the
model for all of Disney’s
vacation destinations. The park
has been visited by more than 515
million people since its opening.
“Disneyland will never be completed.
It will continue to grow as long as there is
imagination left in the world,” Disney said.
Today, Disneyland Resort is home to two theme
parks (Disneyland Park and Disney’s California
Adventure), three hotels and an entertainment,
dining and shopping area. According to Park
World magazine, Disneyland Park is the
second most popular amusement park in
the world, with 14.87 million visitors in
2007. Disney’s California Adventure had 5.68 million
visitors and was number 13 in the world. More than 17
million guests visited Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney
World, making it the most popular theme park in the
world last year.
A Whole New World
Walt Disney World opened in Florida on Oct. 1, 1971.
It was created to provide a more expansive Disney
experience – even though Disneyland was built in a
remote area of California, it was soon landlocked
by other developments that sprung up around it.
Orlando had more land available – Disney World now
encompasses more than 30,000 acres, while Disneyland
occupies fewer than 300.
When Disney World opened, it contained just the
Magic Kingdom. Omaha, NE, Lodge 16 member and
retired Vice President Larry Mahagan remembers. He
visited Walt Disney World in 1975 for the first time,
and was hooked. He and his wife, Glenda (shown
below), have been there 44 times total, with the 45th
visit scheduled for this December. Their many visits
have enabled them to see the park evolve over the
years, and because they have done and seen everything
multiple times, it makes for a more relaxing trip.
“We don’t have to rush. It’s a very leisurely visit. We
still do our favorite rides, but if there’s a long line, we
can skip it and not worry about it,” he said.
Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah
Disney
World
now
contains four theme parks
(Magic Kingdom, Epcot,
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
and Disney’s Hollywood
Studios), two water parks,
23 themed hotels and
many shopping, dining
and entertainment venues.
It can be overwhelming,
so Mahagan recommends
planning ahead.
“Have a game plan in place before you visit the parks,
but don’t live or die by it. We see families arguing over
31
© ANGELO CAVALLI/Robert Harding World Imagery/Corbis
maps in the middle of such a beautiful place. They
really need to stop and smell the roses,” he said.
Part of that planning includes making reservations
for shows and dinner. Mahagan had already made
dinner reservations for December by June. He said a
little-known fact is that guests can book their favorite
restaurant 180 days out.
Why? Because We Like You!
Beyond the unparalleled vacation spots and vast
entertainment offerings, Walt Disney made another
amazing contribution to society, Mahagan said.
“Disney sets the service standard, not just the
entertainment standard,” he said. “Once you experience
Disney service, you compare all service to them, from
McDonald’s, from Woodmen of the World, from
everywhere.”
For example, Mahagan says his family is often greeted
with “welcome home” when they arrive at their villa
at Disney World.
Honorary Mouseketeers flock by the millions to
Disney resorts worldwide to not only experience the
legendary service, but to also follow in the footsteps of
Walt Disney himself. Not only is it the “happiest place
on Earth,” but it’s also where your dreams come true.
See Ya Real Soon!
Recently, top Woodmen of the World Field
Representatives who qualified for Field Trip were
able to go to Walt Disney World and sail on the
Disney Cruise Line. Other travelers from all over
the world have the opportunity to experience Disney
first-hand at these destinations:
• Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA
• Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL
• Tokyo Disney Resort
• Disneyland Paris Resort
• Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
Dedication at
Disneyland Park
“To all who come to this happy place, welcome.
Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond
memories of the past, and here youth may
savor the challenge and promise of the future.
Disneyland is dedicated to the ideas, dreams
and the hard facts that have created America,
with the hope that it will be a source of joy and
inspiration to all the world.”
– Walt Disney, July 17, 1955
32
Wfm S U M M ER
2008
money talk
Surviving a Recession
How to stay financially strong
T
when the economy heads south
here is one word economists are
reluctant to use for fear that a mere
mention might bring it to pass. But
recession doesn’t need to be feared; in fact,
you can prepare for it by establishing sound
financial habits.
3. Start saving. The first thing you should do with
your discretionary income is set some of it aside. First,
for an emergency fund (three to six months worth of
living expenses); and second, for the future. Talk with
a financial advisor about what the best saving and/or
investment vehicles are for your needs.
What a Recession Feels Like
4. Create categories. Create categories for the things
you spend your money on and apportion out your
remaining income into those categories.
Recession is technically defined as two consecutive
quarters of negative gross domestic product (GDP)
growth, but you don’t need a dictionary to tell you
what a recession feels like. Food prices go up, gas
prices spike higher and wages stagnate. That requires
discipline and a solid spending strategy.
Six Simple Steps
Follow these steps to freedom from self-imposed
financial burden.
1. Get out of debt. Before you move on to any of
the other steps, stop. If you have significant credit
card debt, meet with a credit counselor first to
determine a sound repayment strategy. The National
Foundation for Credit Counseling can help. Visit
them online at www.nfcc.org/ or contact them
at 1-800-388-2227.
2. Make a budget. It sounds scarier than it is. Figure
out what your income and
debts are and what’s
left over after all the bills
are paid. This is your
discretionary income.
5. Start spending. A successful budget is like a
successful diet. In order for you to stick with it for the
long haul, you’ll need to allow yourself to enjoy your
favorite things – within moderation.
6. Enjoy envelopes. Get a multi-pocketed envelope
and use it to create spending categories like
“vacation;” “gifts”; and “entertainment.”After
you get paid, withdraw the cash you’ve
budgeted for your categories and separate it into
your envelope. Then, use the money in your envelope
for purchases. Stick to it and you’ll never suffer from
buyer’s remorse again.
As with all knowledge, these six steps are worthless
unless you put them into practice. Use this article as
a starting point for gaining more information. The
National Foundation for Credit Counseling has lots
of helpful hints on managing your debt and making
wise financial choices. Check out their Web
site at www.debtadvice.org and start spending
wisely today. zx
33
M e mb e r N e w s
Mr. Barnes
Goes to Washington
One Last Time
O
cala, FL, Lodge 14 member Billie Barnes was recently
named a Fraternal MVP (Most Valuable Participant)
by the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA), and
was among the select few chosen to take a trip to Washington,
D.C. to meet with members of Congress.
“The NFCA salutes Billie Barnes as a true
fraternalist,” said NFCA Chair of the Board
Katharine E. Rounthwaite. “As a Fraternal MVP,
Mr. Barnes embodies the heart of fraternalism
through his hard work, dedication and generosity. He
demonstrates how fraternalism is a force for good in
American society.”
This was the last time Barnes, or any Fraternal MVP
will have the opportunity to visit with Congress
members about the value of fraternalism, as the
NFCA has decided to discontinue that portion of
the Fraternalists in Action program. In an effort to
remain relevant on Capitol Hill and make the greatest
impact on Congress in preserving the tax exemption
status of fraternal benefit societies, the NFCA is
now encouraging Woodmen of the World and other
fraternal organizations to send their executives
to Washington D.C. and members to invite their
congressmen and senators to participate in local JOIN
HANDS DAY and other fraternal activities.
However, as one of the last MVPs to travel to
Washington D.C., Barnes made the most of his visit.
During his trip to Capitol Hill, Barnes met with Senator
Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Representative Cliff Stearns
(R-FL). Of the 10 million fraternalists nationwide,
Barnes was selected for this honor because of his many
contributions and long history of volunteerism.
“The MVP visits remind legislators in a very direct
way that any attempt to raise revenues by eliminating
the fraternal tax-exemption would also eliminate
important volunteer activity that could not easily be
replicated,” said Evan Migdail, NFCA’s Washington
lobbyist. “For that reason, each of the fraternalists
34
Wfm S U M M ER
2008
Barnes (left) and Florida Senator Bill Nelson
who come to Washington carries a vital message
to Congress.”
Barnes and his family are active in their lodge – they
help present flags, they participate in JOIN HANDS
DAY activities and they volunteer at summer camp.
Outside his lodge, he helped start a crime watch in his
neighborhood and he serves as the chair of the Usher
Board at his church. He volunteers for the Junior
ROTC-Air Force and he regularly gives his time
to seniors in his community, driving them to doctor
appointments or errands. He and his wife, Willie,
were also foster parents, and ended up adopting three
of the five children they invited into their home.
Whether or not they travel to Washington D.C.,
fraternal MVPs are a part of the NFCA’s “Fraternalistsin-Action” program, which recognizes individuals
whose extraordinary lives best represent 21st Century
fraternalism. These fraternalists volunteer their time
and energy to strengthen their communities through
participation in local lodge activities and other
charitable endeavors.
The NFCA will continue to promote the Fraternalistsin-Action Program on their website and in local media
and encourages Woodmen of the World members to
continue to nominate Fraternal MVPs. Although they
won’t be traveling to Capitol Hill, fraternalists can
bring Capitol Hill to their communities by involving
local officials in their fraternal activities.
The NFCA plans to post more details about the new
Fraternalists-in-Action Program to their website in
early July. For more information, visit their website at
www.nfcanet.org. zx
Member Raises Hopes at Little City
tto Liebich grew up in the shadow of Wrigley Field. At 95, he’s seen
the city of Chicago, and Woodmen of the World, go through many
changes. But throughout his 81 years as a member, one thing remains
constant – his enjoyment and dedication to his local lodge.
Liebich is a member of Lodge 144 in Schiller Park, IL. He joined Woodmen
of the World when he was 14 years old and has always enjoyed the community
outreach and social activities offered through his lodge.
“The service that we render to the public and the things we try to do for the
public, as well as the fun things like baseball and bowling teams, have kept me
involved all these years,” Liebich said.
Daily Herald PHOTOGRAPHY
O
Little City in Palatine, IL, was the focus of one of his lodge’s recent outreach efforts. Little City provides a variety
of quality programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Liebich first presented a flag and flagpole to Little City 40 years ago. When the father of a boy who Little City helped offered
to match any donations to Little City up to $25,000, Liebich got his lodge to make a donation.
“My lodge donated $500 and then I wrote a check of my own,” he said. “We gave them a new flag and are planning a tour
of the facilities along with a formal flag presentation soon.”
In addition to being a lifelong member, Liebich worked as a Woodmen of the World Field Representative, and
then as State Manager of Northern Illinois. He was hired by President Nick Newberry and retired at age 65. zx
Spend Less on Your Prescriptions
U
se your Woodmen of the World prescription drug discount card1 and you
can save an average of about $13 on each prescription you fill.
The no-cost prescription drug discount card offers Woodmen of the World
members the lowest price available on drugs purchased through the ScriptSave®
network of pharmacies. In 2007, members filled 42,000 prescriptions and saved
$451,456 over normal retail pricing. In fact, since the program began in February
2000, Woodmen of the World members have saved more than $10 million.
ScriptSave® Web site saves you time and money
ScriptSave’s® Web site can help you save money on your prescriptions faster. The
Web site was created to meet your needs and answer commonly asked questions
about how and where to use your Woodmen of the World prescription drug
discount card.
Visit www.scriptsave.com today to:
• Locate a nearby pharmacy where you can use your card
• Look up drug pricing before you go to the pharmacy
• Review ScriptSave® program information
• E-mail a question to ScriptSave’s® Customer Care Department
1
The Prescription Drug Discount Card is not an insurance policy and does not provide insurance coverage. In addition, the card cannot
be used in combination with a prescription card issued by a health insurance provider. Woodmen of the World and ScriptSave reserve
the right to discontinue this program at any time and are not responsible for the actions of any participating pharmacy. Discounts are
only offered through at participating pharmacies.
35
f rat e r n a l s p i r i t
Arkansas
Maryland
Preston Malloy (left)
of Lodge 7 presents
the Hamburg Fire
Department with
a flag.
President of Lodge
6 in Cumberland,
Emory Davis Jr. (left),
greeter Carol Kirchmer
(center) and Fraternal
Coordinator Phyllis
Mervine celebrate St.
Patrick’s Day at their
monthly meeting.
Georgia
G
eorgia North Fraternal Coordinator
Curtis Waters (center) presents the area’s
Fraternalist of the Year Award to Betty
and Warren Milam, members of Lodge 1152
in Cartersville.
36
Wfm S U M M ER
2008
Tennessee
Kentucky
Lodge 291 in Martin
hosted a Member
Benefit Night where
they also celebrated
Mother’s Day by giving
gifts to the 30 mothers
in attendance.
Bardwell Lodge 38
member Carolyn
Hickerson donated $100
to the Carlisle County
Relay for Life that
supports the American
Cancer Society.
Louisiana
Maryland
Field Representative
Dale Goodman
of Lodge 440 in
Winnsboro presents a
scholarship to Kendré
Smith of Franklin Parish
High School.
Hagerstown Lodge 1
Field Representative
Elsie Bell presented
a flag to members of
the Rohrersville Fire
Company.
Tennessee
Pennsylvania
Members of Lodge 179
donated $300 to the
Jackson Chapter of the
American Red Cross.
Lodge 8 members in
Butler presented an
American flag
to McQuistion
Elementary School.
Arizona
California
Members gathered at
North Mountain Park in
Phoenix for the Annual
Arizona State Meeting.
Sacramento Lodge 339
member Taylar Rawlings
(right) presented 55
young patriot flag sets,
an outdoor American
flag and a California
state flag to Mira Loma
High School Principal
Christopher Hoffman.
37
Tennessee
F
ield Representative Steve Kendall (left)
presented Lifesaver Citation Plaques to
Jordan Clouse (center) and Patrick Haskins
on behalf of Hornbeak Lodge 196. They pulled
four people out of a lake after their boat had
tipped over.
38
Wfm S U M M ER
2008
Arkansas
New York
Navy Master Chief Petty
Officer Gerry Decker
(left) and Petty Officer
Second Class Mike
Wilson display flags
donated by Lodge 7 in
Hamburg.
Lodge 462 President
Linda Gonyo-Horne
presented the Honor
Citation to Chazy area
Teacher and Politician
Harry McManus.
Iowa
Tennessee
Lodge 33 members
presented a flag to the
Friedenheim Community
Retirement Home
in Burlington.
Members of Halls
Lodge 488 presented
a flag to Maury City
Elementary School.
H
Kentucky
Alabama
Billy Joe Arnold (left),
President of the Carlisle
County Lions Club,
accepts a flag from
Arlington Lodge 38
President Bill Wade.
Sylacauga Lodge 1137
Secretary Faye Allen
(left) presented a flag
to Library Director Dr.
Shirley Spears.
Maryland
Louisiana
Members of
Cumberland Lodge 6
presented a set of flags
to members of Ellerslie
United Methodist
Church, who take care
of Ellerslie Veterans
Memorial Park.
Lodge 243 Trustee Chris
Naquin (left) and Lodge
976 President and
Lodge 977 Secretary
Evelyn Stringer (right)
donated $600 to the
library in Eunice.
39
Healthy Living
Finding the Fountain
Four keys to healthy living
of Youth in the golden years.
by Nicole Schmoll
4
A
familiar scene plays out in supermarkets across the nation each day. Children,
too old to be misbehaving in public, receive stern warnings from frazzled
parents telling them to act their age.
While parents are busy telling children to act more like adults, those in the golden years of
life would do well to act a little more like children. Enjoying good food, staying physically
fit, managing finances and having fun are four keys to living a life that looks and feels
much younger than your age.
1
#
Key :
Eat, drink and be merry!
Getting older doesn’t require learning to be content
with bland or boxed meals. Our bodies change as we
age; we generally need more fiber and vitamins, and
less fat. Diabetes and heart disease require seniors to
give up certain things, but taste is not one of them.
In the January/February 2008 issue of AARP: The
Magazine, the American Association of Retired
Persons (AARP) found from their ongoing study
with the National Institute of Health that sticking to a
Mediterranean diet could protect the heart and prevent
many diseases.
Here’s how to follow the
Mediterranean diet:
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables including beans,
peas and other legumes.
• Go nuts! Walnuts were found particularly
beneficial.
• Use healthy fats like canola or olive oil to cook.
• Enjoy red wine in moderation.
• Find fish that you like and eat it 2-3 times
per week.
• Satisfy your cravings for bread, cereal and pasta
with whole grains.
By making a few adjustments to your pantry, you can
still enjoy many of your favorite meals and maybe even
live longer!
2
#
Key :
Exercise that’s Enjoyable
Woodmen of the World members Dot and Keith
Shively (pictured at top right on page 40) have been
pattern dancing for 20 years. Pattern dancing is similar
to country western line dancing, but is done in pairs.
Two to three times each week, they make the 20-minute
drive from their of Ocala, FL, home to go dancing.
The Shivelys do Polkas, Waltzes and even the Cotton
Eyed Joe. Keith Shively is 82 years young, Dot is 78,
and they plan to keep dancing as long as they can.
“After we retired, we bought a motor home and traveled
around the country. We met a couple in North Carolina
who introduced us to pattern dancing. We eventually
gave up the motor home, but not the dancing,” said
Dot Shively. “It keeps us in good shape.”
The Shivelys attract attention whenever they twirl
around the dance floor. “We like dressing up in country
western boots, skirts and pants,” said Dot Shively.
“We have about 30 pairs of boots and even more
coordinated outfits.”
Dot Shively says they’ve been blessed with good health
and that they dance because it gives them something
fun to do. But maybe the dancing is the key to their
good health.
Studies show that regular exercise is more important
for seniors than for any other age group, because the
risks of disease and developing limited mobility are
greater. But research also shows that as soon as seniors
start exercising regularly, they’ll begin feeling better.
The Shivelys prove that exercise can be so enjoyable
that it doesn’t even feel like work. Become a member
of your local walking club; try swimming; take dance
lessons; or go fishing. The important thing is to find
something active that you enjoy, and ask someone you
know to do it with you.
41
3:
#
Key
A Freeing Approach to Financial Planning
Making wise choices about spending and saving is just as
important as eating right and exercising. Living on a fixed
income can cause concern about the future and make
anyone feel like they need to restrain their spending.
Elvis Anderson, State Manager of Alabama North
for Woodmen of the World and licensed Financial
Advisor with Woodmen Financial Services, talks to
a lot of seniors and offers these tips on preparing for
retirement from a financial perspective.
• Plan. Financial planning is always better late than
never, but the sooner you begin preparing financially for
retirement, the simpler it is to retire when you want to.
• Analyze. Take stock of what you own and what you
owe, what you earn and what you spend to determine
if you have adequate resources to maintain your desired
lifestyle. Don’t forget to consider and plan for the many
benefit/insurance changes that may occur at retirement.
• Time. One of the most frequent questions asked by
people facing retirement is, “Have I saved enough to
retire when I want to?” Determining the dollar amount
needed at retirement requires evaluating what company
retirement plans, IRAs, 401(k)s, personal investments
and savings you have. Consult with your professional
advisor, insurance representative and financial advisor
to help determine your ratio of income versus expenses.
From your personal experience and the input of proper
professionals, you’ll know if you’re in a position to retire
when you want to.
• Purchase. Woodmen of the World and its subsidiaries
offer a variety of products whether you’re planning for
or entering into retirement. In the planning stages, a
variety of fixed and variable annuity products, as well
as mutual funds, can be helpful. Once you are retired,
you can still use these same products to help grow your
assets or provide a steady stream of income.
• Enjoy. Retirement is just a word. The concept of
retirement has a different meaning to each of us. Some
want to do as little as possible. Others want a more active
retirement and therefore need more income. Take a
good overview of your personal financial situation.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure your
finances will support your retirement style.
42
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Key
4:
#
Have fun!
If older adults are truly going to act more like children,
then they need to incorporate fun activities into their
lives. Staying active and doing things that require
remembering is particularly important in keeping a
sharp mind.
Your local lodge is a great resource for meeting others,
getting involved in fun activities and giving back to
your community through volunteer service projects.
Here are some ideas of things you can do to make fun a
factor in your daily life:
• Learn something new through a local class
• Play games and build friendships at Senior Camp
• Pick up the phone and chat with a friend
• Help a neighbor in need
• Seek out variety and challenge in your daily life
Getting older really can be enjoyed!
The Book of Proverbs says that “the silver-haired head
is a crown of glory” (16:31). People have known for a
long time that aging is not something to be escaped
but a badge of honor proclaiming the wisdom and
experience that come with a life well-lived.
By eating well, staying active, managing your finances
and having fun, you can live with no regrets, savoring
each day and showing others how to do the same. zx
September is Healthy Aging® Month
Healthy Aging® is a national campaign created by
Educational Television Network, Inc. (ETNET), a nonprofit corporation. The campaign’s purpose is to increase
awareness about the positive aspects of aging.
This year, the focus of Healthy Aging month is to plan local
Healthy Aging events. So, get your local lodge to sponsor an
event below or go to www.healthyaging.net for more ideas
and free Healthy Aging marketing materials.
• Stage an event and have an elected official
proclaim September Healthy Aging month
• Give away free Healthy Aging Materials
• Sponsor a senior athletic event, such as a
mall walk, 5K run, or family fun bicycle ride
• Promote and run a reading night at your
local library
ch ef’s corn er
RECIPE
An easy, flavorful recipe
that will spice up your
summer picnics.
Chipotle Honey Lime
Grilled Chicken
Serves 8
Ingredients
2 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves, minced
1 shallot, sliced
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons fresh oregano
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground
black pepper
8 chicken thighs, skinned
and trimmed
Preparation
Mix all ingredients, except the chicken, in a food processor. Puree until finely chopped and thoroughly blended. Place chicken in a shallow dish. Pour puree over chicken, coat completely, cover
and chill overnight. Prepare grill or grill pan. Remove excess marinade from chicken. Grill chicken
bone-side down first. Grill until juices run clear, turning occasionally, for about 30 minutes. Transfer to
platter and serve.
© Junior League of Omaha. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission from the Junior League of Omaha’s Toast to
Omaha cookbook. To order, visit www.juniorleagueomaha.org or call 402-493-8818.
43
f rat e r n a l s p i r i t
Alabama
B
uddy greets youth members Robert and
Samantha Young at the Alabama North Youth/
Senior Camp Open House.
44
Wfm S U M M ER
2008
Georgia
Illinois
Abbeville Lodge 1830
member Brooke Logue
(left) was awarded the
Most Outstanding Service
Award for Georgia’s
Southeast District. She
initiated the “Mittens for
Munchkins” campaign,
where mittens, gloves,
hats, and scarves were
collected for needy
children.
Members of Lodge 202
in Mt. Vernon presented
American History
Awards to outstanding
history students in
Jefferson County.
Mississippi
New York
Secretary of Lodge
1355 Peggy Allen (left)
and member Doris
Winborne raise the flag
in Brookhaven.
Members of Lodge 461
presented flags to the
City of Glens Falls, to be
flown over the bridge
overlooking the historic
“Cooper’s Cave.”
Tennessee
Nebraska
Tennessee West
Fraternal Coordinator
Claudia Dowdell (left)
presented the 100-Year
Celebration Plaque
to Martin Lodge
291 President
Sandy Spencer.
William Pokojski
(center), an eighth
grader at St. Teresa
School, was a recipient
of the American
History Award, given
by Lodge 264 in
Lincoln. His Social
Studies teacher, Mark
Navratil (left)
and his mother,
Kelly Pokojski,
congratulate him.
Florida
Florida South State
Manager Max Aines
(left) and Fraternal
Coordinator Marissa
Anderson (center) helped
sell corn for the Relay for
Life in Bartow.
45
Kentucky
Nebraska
Elkton Lodge
967 members
Frank and Grace
Arvin, and James
Deason attended
the lodge’s annual
holiday party.
Executive Vice
President, Fraternal
Mark Theisen and
Assistant Vice President,
Community Outreach
John Manna presented
24 flags to the Strategic
Air & Space Museum
in Omaha.
Georgia
L
46
odge 553 Field Representative Ernie Craven
(left) presented a flag to Cornelia Librarian
Michael Humphrey.
Wfm S U M M ER
2008
West Virginia
Lodge 217 member
Margaret Conner (left)
presented a check to
Princeton High School
Project Graduation
representative
Brenda Lee.
Arkansas
Texas
Lodge 341 and 1410
members presented
books to the Magnolia
Library in memory of
members who have
passed away.
Members of Lodge 7 in
Columbus present flags
to the Frelsburg Fire
Department.
Tennessee
South Carolina
Entertainment is
a tradition at the
monthly meetings
at Lodge 49 in
Lexington. At a recent
meeting, a well-known
local bluegrass group,
The Natchez Trace
Grass, performed for
125 members.
Lodge 496 member
Helen Patterson
presented a $1,200
check to the Pickens
County Mental
Health Clinic.
Georgia
Kentucky
Quiller Keene (left),
Louise Keene (center)
and Kathleen Knight, all
members of Lodge 843
in Abbeville, gather at a
lodge meeting.
Bardwell Lodge 38
member James Presson
(left) presents a flag
to Kenneth Dycus on
Decoration Day at the
Berkley Cemetery.
47
Fun Zone
Volunteering is fun and funny!
In response to the observation that volunteers are too often seen as amateurs: “Just remember: Noah’s Ark was built by
amateurs. The Titanic was built by professionals.”
Community Service
One night a teenage girl brought her new boyfriend home to meet her parents, and they were appalled by his appearance:
leather jacket, motorcycle boots, tattoos and pierced nose.
Later, the parents pulled their daughter aside and confessed their concern.
“Dear,” said the mother diplomatically, “he doesn’t seem very nice.”
“Mom,” replied the daughter, “if he wasn’t nice, why would he be doing
5,000 hours of community service?”
Q: What happened when the cow jumped over the barbed wire fence?
A: It was an udder catastrophe.
Start Here
Finish
Find your way
through the maze of
the amazing Ark.
48
Wfm S U M M ER
2008
WORD SEARCH
And the answers are:
P R O M O T
L
P R
E
S
A
I
F
B U
V
E N
N C O O O C
T
K
L
F
U U D N
L
P N D
A
L
T
F
L
A G S H
L
D D O G H O U
P M Z
C D H
H
B
L
I
V
I
N G Q V G T
A R D W O R
S
E
K
L
S
P
L
S N Q U
A
L
A
E
E N N
I
I
A
S G O G R
A
T
E M O N
E
E
C
E
Y M Q P D
X N N
A H
L
P
F
R
I
E N D
S
Y
A G Z
H
S G C R
A
K
E
L
E
A
V
E
S C
Y H U
A D O P
T
A H
I
G H W A
Y O T
Z
W R
E
I
N D
E
A
E
V N
R
S R
M A D N
Y
E
I
C O L
L
E C
T
B O O K
E D
I
S O U
P
K
I
T
C H
A
K
E C O O K
I
E
T
E
S
E N R
B N H
I
B
D
V
S U
P
P O R
A R
J W N W
I
S N
S
S
E R
N
I
E
A
J
U U N
I
T
F
R
P
L
V
T
U
E R Q H O L
R
E
T
Y
K
R
S
T
V C
T
L
I
E
O G S H D O N
O T
S H
E H
O R
Adopt a Highway
Bake Cookies
Build Dog Houses
Clean Out Closets
Collect Books
Donate Money
Find Needs
Food Drive
E G R
A U
E N O P
I
S
S
Y
V
E O
X
A
E
S
S
E N R
B
F
E
L
P
T
S O X
S
S G K R O H
A
S Q B O A D D
J
S
E
S O M E O N
E W
I
T
H
E R
S D
I
L
T
S
B
P
A R W A
S H
E
S U
A
T
V
Give Blood
Go Green
Hard Work
Help Friends
Hold Car Washes
Landscape Yards
Lend a Hand
Make Quilts
E Q U
E
S
O N
E
O
E
V
K
T
P G U C
H O T
N G M A
D C
C
S C
S C
Paint Houses
Pick Up Trash
Plant Flowers
Present Flags
Promote Healthy Living
Rake Leaves
Repair Bicycles
Restore Gravestones
B
L
Rewarding
Serve Someone
Soup Kitchen
Support Causes
Unite With Others
Volunteer
49
I n M e mor i a m
Invite Your Friends to
Become Social Members
Trudy Ann Bohrer Anderson
Age: 60
Kingsville, TX
Carolyn Virginia Herndon Evers
Age: 75
Lodge 341, Magnolia, AR
Margaret Elizabeth Evers George
Age: 84
Lodge 341, Magnolia, AR
Ray Hopkins
Age: 87
Nacogdoches, TX
The Social Membership Benefit package is available
to adults 16 years of age or older who are not currently
Woodmen of the World members. “This is a great way to
get your friends and neighbors who enjoy volunteering
involved in your lodge’s community service events,” said
Barb Courtier, Fraternal and Lodge Services
Department Manager.
It’s also a good way to increase your lodge’s membership
and introduce people you know to Woodmen of the World.
Social members are not eligible for all of the fraternal
benefits offered to members, but they do receive access to
the following:
• Volunteer opportunities like JOIN HANDS DAY
projects and flag presentations
• National Arbor Day Foundation Membership
• Woodmen of the World Credit Card
• Wfm Magazine Subscription
For more information about Woodmen of the World’s
Social Membership or Full Benefit Membership, visit
www.woodmen.org and click on ‘Member Benefits.’ zx
Hale Luker
Age: 36
Lodge 7, Hamburg, AR
Interest Rates
John Haskell “Hack” Orr
Age: 89
Lodge 3, Jacksonville, FL
Billy Ray Patterson
Age: 75
Nacogdoches, TX
Lucille Catherine Wendt
Age: 79
Lodge 647, Woodbine, IA
Deferred Annuities In-force Rate*
April 2008
Tier 1 Tier 2
3.60% 3.85%
May 2008
Tier 1 Tier 2
3.60% 3.85%
June 2008
Tier 1 Tier 2
3.60% 3.85%
July 2008
Tier 1 Tier 2
3.90% 4.15%
Tier 1: Values under $25,000
Tier 2: Values $25,000 and above
*Current in-force interest rates apply when a certificate’s
initial rate guarantee period has expired or when an initial
rate guarantee period has not been chosen. Current inforce
interest rates are subject to change monthly.
The above rates are for existing annuities that are out of their initial
guarantee period. You may be able to earn a higher rate with a new
annuity with a locked-in interest rate. Contact your Woodmen of
the World Representative if you are interested in receiving more
information. You can also call 1-800-225-3108 or go to
www.woodmen.org.
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Wfm S U M M ER
2008
Life happens. Roll with it.
Circumstances change. Opportunities arise. Some doors close, while others open. It’s how you
respond to the bumps, twists and turns along life’s journey that says the most about you.
When your outlook changes, Woodmen of the World is there to help you make the most of it.
We can help you understand your options and make your retirement money work for you.
If you have 401(k) funds to roll over, consider Woodmen of the World. Contact your Financial
Advisor today, or call 1-800-225-3108, to find out which may be right for you.
401(k) not offered as product. Products offered are IRA variable annuities, IRA fixed annuities and IRA mutual funds. Securities are offered and
processed through Woodmen Financial Services, Inc., 1700 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102, 877-664-3332, member FINRA/SIPC, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society. Securities other than the Woodmen
Variable Annuity are issued by companies that are not affiliated with Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha Woodmen Life
Insurance Society. Fixed annuities are issued by Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society,
a Nebraska corporation that is licensed as Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society (Woodmen of the World) in all states and the District of
Columbia, except CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA and WY. In those states, Woodmen of the World is licensed as Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance
Society (Woodmen). Not all products are available in all states. Not all Representatives are licensed to sell all products.
A516 5/08
Investment Opportunities • Financial Solutions
Dutiful
DElighTS
S
ome would say it’s our duty as Americans
to remember the heroes and victims of the
September 11 Terrorist Attacks. Others would
say it’s a delight to honor their memories. Why
not both?
When we do our duty to help others in need, it’s
delightful. We feel good helping others. We feel
patriotic honoring the sacrifices that our local heroes
make every day to keep us safe.
We feel good when we do good.
Two Opportunities to
Give Back
Two opportunities for you to do good are rapidly
approaching – In Honor and Remembrance on
September 11 and Make a Difference Day on
October 25.
What can your lodge do to commemorate the seventh
anniversary of the September 11 Terrorist Attacks?
Who can you help on Make a Difference Day this
October 25?
Past projects include:
• Building ramps at the homes of the
physically impaired
• Creating child identification kits for parents
• Sponsoring free sporting events for local families
• Erecting flagpoles at parks in honor of 9-11 victims
• Presenting new flags to local fire and police stations
Projects can be big or small, involve the young and
old – if you can dream it, you and your lodge can
carry it out.
Make helping others your dutiful delight. zx
Insurance Protection • Financial Security
PERIODICALS