Memories to Last a Lifetime

Memories to Last a LifetimeEight Simple Rules for Planning for the Future p. 6

Fraternalist of the Year Lucille Stemkowski p. 14

Great Battleships of the United States p. 16

learn more at: woodmen.org

Fall 2010

W o o d M e n o f t h e W o r L d f r a t e r n a L M a g a z i n e

You’ve heard the phrase that goes something like, “the only two things certain in this world are death and taxes.”

Those two certainties are extremely relevant to Woodmen of the World.

The first is why we’re here. No one likes to think about death or dying, or about leaving your loved ones behind. Yet by making the choice to be a Woodmen of the World member, you’ve planned for a better future for your family. You are irreplaceable, but knowing that you’ve set the foundation in place for your family to be able to move on without you should give you peace of mind. The alternative – a family left without a plan in place and without their loved one – is much more unpleasant to think about.

The issue of taxation also applies to Woodmen of the World. Because we’re a fraternal benefit society, we are tax-exempt. This means our members have a common bond. We are banded together to help each other out through our lodges, and also pass this assistance on to our communities at-large through the service projects we plan,

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.

Our nearly 750,000 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

Fraternal Service Fund.

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.

and provide for our families through our life insurance products. What we give back to our communities far outweighs any taxes our government could receive by revoking our tax-exempt status. That is the main message the association of fraternal benefit societies, the newly renamed American Fraternal Alliance, has been taking to Washington, D.C.

I’m proud of our own Mark Theisen, Executive Vice President of Fraternal, who was recently elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Fraternal Alliance. This is an honor for Woodmen of the World to be represented by a capable leader like Mark, and I know he’ll do a tremendous job.

So while we all are living our lives to the fullest and cheating the certainty of death for hopefully many more years, let’s also continue to prove ourselves worthy of our tax-exempt status by embodying Woodmen of the World’s mission of being with

each other through life.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Danny E. Cummins President & CEO

Our Mission: Woodmen of

the World exists to benefit

our members through every

stage of life.

Certainties in Life

President’s Message

2 WOODMEN LIVING

6 Eight Simple Rules for Planning for the Future

You can’t predict the future. But you can plan for it. Read what experts have to say about taking care of your estate in easy-to-understand terms. Yes, that’s right … you have an estate.

10 On-Set MemoriesIf a picture’s worth a thousand words, then how much are moving pictures worth? Ask Shirley and Larry Brown, whose grandsons are currently starring in Woodmen of the World television commercials.

36 Health Care Saving Made EasyGetting sick or injured is no fun. Even when you’re better, bureaucracy and bills can make you feel ill all over again. But there are ways to put money aside tax-free to help with present and future medical expenses.

38 Men’s Health SpotlightOsteoporosis in men is a silent threat because it’s thought of primarily as a women’s disease. But millions of men are at risk for this bone-weakening condition, and most don’t even know it.

feature Stories

Fall 2010

Sections

2 President’s Message

4 Feedback

5 Community Connection

6 with you through LIFE®

10 Cover Story

12 Member Spotlight

14 Fraternalist of the Year

16 American Mosaic

18 Newsworthy

19 Fraternal Spirit

28 In Memoriam

29 Member Newsincluding proposed revisions to by-laws

35 Interest Rates

36 Money Talk

38 Healthy Living

40 Lodge Leader

45 Fun Zone

47 Statement of Condition

On the CoverShirley and Larry Brown visited the set where their grandsons were acting in a new Woodmen of the World commercial.

in this issue

Woodmen of the World Fraternal Magazine 3

Where’s My Magazine?Many of you have asked about receiving only one magazine. In years past, one issue was mailed to each person who owned a Woodmen of the World certificate, regardless of where they lived. This meant that one household could receive four (or even more) copies of the very same magazine! It was not a very efficient or cost-effective way to deliver news and recognition to members.

To best serve you, we are sending only one magazine per address, to the oldest member residing there. If a husband and wife each have a certificate, and each used to receive their own copy, now they will only get one delivered to their house.

If one certificate is terminated for whatever reason but the household address still has at least one certificate in good standing, our delivery systems will automatically adjust so that the next oldest member continues to get his or her magazine.

Because you’re getting only one magazine per household, we rededicate ourselves to making sure that magazine – your magazine – is the very best it can be.

Sincerely,

The Woodmen Living Editorial Team

Construction CameraWoodmen of the World is building our first community center in

Kinston, NC, and you can watch the construction online. Follow the

link on woodmen.org to view daily images of the site as the existing

buildings are demolished, the site is cleared and construction begins.

Follow Buddy During Football & Basketball

This fall and winter you can follow Buddy on selected Big 12 and SEC

football games that Woodmen of the World is sponsoring. Buddy will

also appear in television commercials during weekly ACC basketball

games that Woodmen of the World sponsors. Get the latest

broadcast schedule by visiting woodmen.org/buddy.

Financial calculatorsSometimes you need answers before you even know what questions

to ask. Our financial calculators can help. Go to woodmen.org, then

click the Investments tab. Plug your specific information into the

calculators, and receive solid answers at the bottom of the page.

Board of DirectorsWilliam C. Owen, Chairman, Tallahassee, FL Danny E. Cummins, President and CEO, Omaha, NEPamela J. Hernandez,Executive Vice President, Operations and Secretary, Omaha, NEMark L. Schreier,Executive Vice President, Finance and Treasurer, Omaha, NE Mark D. Theisen, Executive Vice President, Fraternal, Omaha, NE Larry R. King, Executive Vice President, Field, Omaha, NEThomas T. Gallion III, Montgomery, ALDaniel W. Rice III, Kinston, NCLucia G. Taylor-McCoy, Elkview, WVStephen W. Mellor, Memphis, TNDr. James W. Bosler III, Louisville, KYDr. James W. Shaver, Landis, NCRoger B. Moore, Lynchburg,VAJames W. Bridges Jr., Las Vegas, NVMichael C. Shealy, Lexington, SC

Magazine Staff Managing Editor: Billie Jo FoustContent Editor: Andy OermanDesign Editor: Joe BavarescoWriters: Nicole Schmoll, Angie Schendt,

Kerry Heinrich Designer: Jerry UnderwoodContributors: Kathy Cardwell, Sarah Richart,

Angel Stottle, Mike WilsonMarketing & Public Relations Team Vice President: Steve Haack

If you have questions, comments or suggestions for articles, please direct them to [email protected].

woodmen.orge-mail us at: [email protected]

Woodmen Living (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 Woodmen Living, c/o Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society, 1700 Farnam St., Omaha, NE 68102.

Equal Access PolicyWoodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society is an Equal Access fraternal 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.

The Votes Are InThe expanded Fraternal

Spirit section is a hit!

Don't let your lodge be

left out. Take your best

photos of lodge and

fraternal activities, and

e-mail them to photos@

woodmenmag.com.

feedback on the web

4 WOODMEN LIVING

Hundreds of Woodmen of the World lodges all over the country paid tribute to our sweet land of liberty by celebrating Flag Day and honoring heroes on Patriot’s Day.

Flags Across America is the official celebration on June 14 each year. Sponsored by the National Flag Foundation, Woodmen of the World members participate by presenting flags, dedicating flagpoles and giving out hand-held flags at parades, among other patriotic activities.

Lodge 328 in Ahoskie, NC, was one such lodge. Members presented a flag to the Ahoskie Public Library on Flag Day.

“The library is always so grateful for everything Woodmen of the World does, and we’re happy to partner with them because they’re so important to our community. The flag will always fly proudly!” said Field Representative Eleanor Hollowell, who presented the flag that day.

Hollowell said the lodge had already donated a flagpole to the library, and members pay attention when organizations around town need new flags.

For its In Honor and Remembrance ceremony, the lodge is also building on a partnership it has been establishing for a while. In Honor and Remembrance

is held every year on Sept. 11 to pay tribute to the heroes and victims of the terrorist attacks in 2001. The ceremony has also evolved to thank local heroes and first responders who put their lives on the line for their community and country.

Lodge 328 donated a flagpole and flag to the Ahoskie Creek Recreational Complex for its In Honor and Remembrance ceremony. Last year members participated in the annual Heritage Festival at the complex on Sept. 11 by having a DNA/Identification Kit booth and

by decorating and riding a float in the parade.

“We thought it would be a good place for a flagpole,” she said.

The lodge does a lot of flag presentations around town throughout the year, but Flag Day and 9/11 are special days for the members.

“Our flag is important because it shows that patriotism is at the root of our country, and these presentations show that patriotism is important to Woodmen of the World,” Hollowell said. ::

Field Representative Eleanor

Hollowell, right, presents a flag to

Librarian Cindy Henderson at the

Ahoskie Public Library on Flag Day.

“our starry flag unfurled; the hope of all the world.”Woodmen of the World members let freedom ring through flag presentations

Community Connection


CI0006 9/10

When you hear the word “estate,” you might

imagine pillared colonial mansions, like

something out of “Gone with the Wind.” But

the reality probably isn’t so picturesque, and

it’s not limited to traditional ideas of wealth.

eight Simple rules for Planning for the Future

with you through Life®

6 WOODMEN LIVING

Here are eight simple rules you should know about estates and planning for the future:

1. Everyone has an estate.Estates aren’t just something wealthy people have. “The clothes you own technically make an estate,” says Pat Megel, Regional Sales Manager with Woodmen of the World. “Not everybody has a million dollars, but planning isn’t just for the wealthy. All of us need to be prepared.”

Yet most people aren’t, according to Megel. “A lot of people wake up one day and say, ‘Hey, we have a lot of stuff.’” That “stuff ” could be personal

property like cars, real estate, a favorite dining room table, or jewelry, and it could also be bank accounts, life insurance, securities, bonds, or annuities … the list goes on.

Soon, many of those same people realize that they need a way to distribute their “stuff ” how they want, take care of their family in the present and the future, and do it as tax-efficiently as possible. One document can help greatly.

2. Everyone needs a will.A will is an expressed intention of what to do with one’s property after death. It’s the foundation of any financial plan for the future, but according to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive in late 2009, only 35 percent of adult Americans have a will.

“Virtually everyone needs a will because just about everyone owns at least some property,” says Michael Sullivan, a Partner at Baird Holm, and Specialist in Business and Corporate Law and Tax Planning. “When someone dies without a legally binding will – what’s known as dying ‘intestate’ – his or her estate or property is distributed according to the intestacy laws of the state where that person lived or owned real estate.”

Each state has different intestacy laws that basically “create” a will for the deceased if the individual died without a will. The will your state develops may not distribute your property the way you’d like, and it might not do it in a way that’s tax-efficient for you.

Once you have a will, you should update it regularly, such as whenever you move, get married or divorced, have or adopt a child, or experience any other change in your financial circumstances.

3. It could be a matter of trust.Trusts are another tool that can be used to plan the distribution of your estate in a tax-efficient way. Trusts are legal arrangements in which property is given by one party (the donor) to another (the trustee) for the benefit of a third party (the beneficiary). Whereas with a will this transfer happens after death; with a trust, it can happen while the donor is alive. A trust can also be created in the decedent’s will to be distributed after death in accordance with the terms of the trust.

Kerric Kynard, Senior Sales Specialist with Woodmen of the World, says three primary benefits of a trust are “reducing taxable liability to a living person by giving up ownership of the property; ensuring your wishes for the property are followed to the letter; and reducing the chance that the property will go through probate after you die.” Probate is the legal determination of a will’s validity, and can be expensive and time-consuming for heirs, but establishing a trust can prevent many of those hassles.

There are more than 50 different types of trusts, but the most common are “irrevocable” and

“revocable.” In a revocable trust, the grantor can make changes, such as changing beneficiaries. Irrevocable trusts cannot be changed and the owner retains no interest in them. The type of trust that’s best for you will depend on your situation and estate goals. »

Pat Megel

Kerric Kynard


with you through LIFE®

4. Life insurance is key.Even though life insurance is essential in planning for the future, “very few people have the amount of coverage they need,” says Jack Yates, Area Manager for Woodmen of the World in Whiteville, NC.

In addition to paying final expenses at death and passing wealth to heirs income tax-free, life insurance has one other vital use when planning for the future. It can provide estate liquidity,

which is how easily assets may be converted into cash.

“Lack of liquidity is an issue for people who are ‘dirt rich and cash poor,’” Megel says. “It’s easy to divide cash three ways, but not a farm, for example.” But life insurance is a great tool to equalize, liquefy or protect assets.

After estate liquidity is addressed, Sullivan says you should consider whether to own the life insurance within the estate, which can have potential tax ramifications, or outside the estate.

5. Planning should start early.Larry Heustess, a Woodmen of the World Area Manager from Shallotte, NC, believes in helping them get started while they are young. “I’ve got three grandchildren, and I’ve already started their estate plan with a life insurance program,” he explains.

“When people are young and trying to build an estate, their greatest asset is their ability to work,” Heustess adds. He knows that people still have concerns about the economy, but says that’s even more reason to start planning now. “The outlook is kind of gloomy on making money from money, so young people have to start early. I don’t want planning their estate to be the last thing people do, in their 60s or 70s.”

A lot of younger people may not see the need to plan, until they consider marriage, kids, their future health, and how much they hope to earn in the next 10, 20 or 30 years. Then they start to get the full picture. “I have a passion for helping young people take care of their families,” Heustess says. “You have to coach them to start early and schedule annual reviews.”

6. Estate planning is a team effort.Yates stresses the necessity of reviewing your plan yearly, and assembling a team of experts to show the way. Your estate planning team should be made up of at least four people with distinct roles:

» The estate owner – That’s you! You make decisions about your estate.

» Your life insurance professional – To help you plan and organize your thoughts in creating and regularly updating your plan.

» An accountant/tax professional – This person should be a certified professional accountant or tax professional who can advise you on financial and tax-specific decisions regarding your estate.

» An attorney – Provides legal advice and prepares legal documents for you.

Woodmen of the World helps you plan for the future at absolutely no cost to you, although you might be charged for some of the legal documentation.

One of the simplest, yet most important, steps in planning for the future is to know what assets and liabilities you already have. Woodmen of the World offers a free booklet, called Planning for Change, that allows you to gather your personal and financial information in a safe, centralized place and keep it updated and protected until your family needs it, easing the creation of your plan.

To obtain your free Planning for Change booklet, e-mail [email protected], type “Planning for Change” in the subject line, and include your name and mailing address. You can then expect your booklet in four to six weeks.

Jack Yates

Larry Heustess

8 WOODMEN LIVING

7. A variety of products can be used.1The future isn’t pre-determined; it can follow many paths. By the same token, you can go a lot of different ways in planning for it.

Yates has recommended a variety of products to members and prospects, based on their individual needs. “We can deal with most situations out there, either helping them create their estate or protect their estate,” he says. Yates and all Woodmen of the World Representatives can perform a free, confidential needs analysis to find out what dreams you have and how to help you reach them.

Some of the products Woodmen of the World offers that may assist you in creating your plan for the future include:

» Whole Life Insurance

» Term Life Insurance

» Woodmen of the World’s Modified Endowment Life Insurance certificate, commonly known as the Enhancer

» Universal Life Insurance

» Annuities

» Cancer insurance

8. It’s okay to ask questions.Thinking about the future, and processing all of this information, can be overwhelming, but Yates wants you to remember one thing before you get started: it’s okay to ask questions. “It’s not my plan, it’s yours,” he tells the members he serves.

One question that often comes up is about Woodmen of the World’s strength and operating performance. Our long history of financial strength, conservative investment philosophy, and caring for our members across the nation makes us an ideal candidate to be your trusted partner in planning for the future. ::

Woodmen of the World and its employees and Representatives are not authorized to give tax or legal advice. You are encouraged to seek advice from tax or legal counsel. Each state taxes estates differently. Estates are excluded from federal tax up to certain limits year by year. In 2010, there is no limit, and in 2011, unless the law changes, all individual estates valued over $1 million are subject to federal taxation in addition to state taxation.

1. Not all products are available in all states. Not all Representatives are licensed to sell all products.


on-Set Memories

Larry and Shirley Brown followed cues all the way from their home in Alabama to northern

California, where two of their grandsons starred in a new Woodmen of the World television spot.

Shirley Brown has been a Woodmen of the World member for more than 40 years. She says the organization was there with them through many trying moments, including the death of their son, and has helped provide them with financial security in retirement. “We’ve been blessed to have Woodmen of the World,” she said. And after visiting their grandchildren on the shoot and meeting some Home Office associates involved, she says “there is an even deeper connection.”

Places, everyone!As they often do, the Browns left their home in Frisco City, AL, last May, and headed west to visit their two daughters, sons-in-law and four grandchildren.

The Browns’ grandsons, Jadon, 9, and Jaret, 5, have starred in several commercials and regularly model

in the San Francisco area. Jadon told his grandparents that he and his brother were going to be acting in a commercial for Woodmen of the World during their five-week stay. Shirley responded that she has Woodmen of the World insurance. When the boys’ mother, Felicia, told everyone on set the next day that her mother is a member, they were quickly invited to join the fun.

and … action!The Browns arrived on set the next day to find their grandsons hard at work. “They do this a lot, so I think they’re used to it,” said Shirley Brown. “Jadon gave us a thumbs up, but never looked away from the camera. We were thrilled to get to see our grandsons in action.”

The new spots, which began airing nationally this fall, star Buddy the yellow Labrador, and in the case of the Browns’ spot, also features puppies and football, which Shirley says their grandsons were excited about. The Browns themselves were also eager to see behind the scenes. They spoke with members

of the production company, the director, and Woodmen of the World Home Office associates, including Advertising Manager Tonya Kalb.

“Tonya gave us all baseball caps, lunchboxes and Buddy dogs,” said Shirley Brown. “The boys have twin beds and they both put their stuffed Buddy dogs on their beds. They think it’s all really cool.”

The Browns left the commercial shoot with much more than Woodmen of the World memorabilia; they saw it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity they will never forget.

“Thanks again, Woodmen of the World,” said Shirley Brown. “We were able to do this because I’m a member. The commercial shoot was a wonderful opportunity to experience something new with our grandsons. These are treasured memories and nothing can compare.” ::

Shirley and Larry Brown traveled from

Alabama to California, and got to watch their

grandsons, Jadon and Jaret, in action. »

Cover Story

MEMBErS’ grAnDSonS StAr in nEW CoMMErCiAL

10 WOODMEN LIVING

on the SpotWhat are the commercials about?

One spot is about Woodmen of the World’s

longevity and financial strength, and follows a

family as they explore a redwood forest with

their faithful yellow Labrador, Buddy.

The other commercial features a new baby,

a young family playing football in their

backyard, and puppies, and tells potential

members about Family Term Life Insurance.

When will the commercials air?

The new spots are currently gaining

high exposure during Big 12 and SEC

football games.

How many people worked on the spots?

A lot of people leave their mark on a successful

nationwide message. Between Home Office

associates, employees from the Sheehy &

Associates advertising agency, members of the

Running For Cover film crew, and professional

actors, 43 people contributed to helping us

share the Woodmen of the World story and

grow membership.


Moving to the forefrontT rying to find a leadership

position that Sarah Stainback has not held during her many

years as a Woodmen of the World lodge member is not an easy task. Stainback, who celebrated her 90th birthday this year, has been an active and dedicated member since joining the Supreme Forest Woodmen Circle in 1947.

Stainback began her leadership as Secretary and then President of her lodges – first Lodge 96 in Charlotte, NC, and then Lodge 379 in Matthews, NC. In 1969, she became a Jurisdictional Officer and was elected Jurisdictional Treasurer. In 1971, she was appointed Secretary – a position that she held until 1975, when she was elected as Woodmen of the World’s first female Jurisdictional President in North Carolina. After completing that term, she was again appointed Secretary, and held that position for 15 years.

Stainback has been a National Representative, served on the National Legislative Committee and was Secretary-Treasurer and President of her state’s chapter of the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA). She has been Secretary-

Treasurer and President of the State Congresses Section of NFCA, has been Secretary-Treasurer and President of the Piedmont District Association and helped organize a State Fraternal Insurance Counselors Chapter, in which she also held leadership positions.

In addition to being a great leader, Stainback has also made significant contributions to the organization. In 1975, she compiled a history of Woodmen of the World in North Carolina, which was published as a book entitled “Fraternity at Work.” In late 1979, she moved to Kinston, NC, to become the first Fraternal Coordinator for North Carolina East. She spent two years in that position, laying the foundation for the Fraternal Coordinators to come. “It was a very rewarding time for me because I was doing what I loved,” she said, “even though I made a 400-mile round trip back home every other week.”

Stainback has many wonderful memories of her experiences with Woodmen of the World, including visiting the Home Office in Omaha on two occasions. She has enjoyed the conventions that she has attended and the places that she has traveled

to. “There are so many wonderful times I have spent with Woodmen (of the World) friends who have since passed away,” she said. “I will always remember them.”

Member Spotlight

12 WOODMEN LIVING

Sarah Stainback (in green) has been front

and center in fraternal activities in her area

of North Carolina for more than 60 years.

Life Beyond the LodgeAfter her husband of 65 years passed away in 2005, Stainback moved to the country in Chatham County to be near her daughter. Art and working on the computer keep Stainback busy now. She is an avid painter, and

has had several watercolor painting exhibits. She also designs and creates greeting cards and was a guest designer for a small rubber stamp company for three months last year. Her work can be seen on her website, sarahscardart.com.

Stainback also enjoys time with her family, including four children, nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. “I have been blessed in so many ways in my lifetime,” she said, “including the wonderful friends that I have in Woodmen (of the World).” ::


Lucille StemkowskiYou Picked a fine time to be here, Lucille

It’s rare to catch Lucille Stemkowski at home – she’s always on the go. Stemkowski retired a few years ago

from the banking industry, where she had as many as 40 people working under her direction and endured a three-hour commute each day – and long hours on top of that. Now she’s a “part-time” bookkeeper for small businesses around her town of Hewlett, NY, and the 34 hours a week she works does seem like retirement to her.

Hewlett is located on Long Island, which is just a short train ride from Manhattan, where Stemkowski used to work. She’s lived within the same five-mile radius most of her life, and now with her four-year-old granddaughter Alison also growing up in the area, she has little reason to leave. And volunteering has always been a big part of her life.

“I felt the people I met through volunteering are the kind of people I want to be around,” she said.

Which definitely includes Family Lodge 467, where she is currently serving her second term as Vice President. She originally became active in her lodge after she met a fellow member

who, by coincidence, came into her bank asking for some donated items. Unfortunately, Ken Bagatelle (a Past President of the lodge) died in November 2009, which left a hole in the lodge and in members’ hearts. Stemkowski stepped in to fill some of Bagatelle’s roles, including chairing the lodge’s American History Award Committee. Even before that, she’s been a consistent presence – she helps or leads nearly every lodge project, from join hands day® to Make A Difference Day.

Stemkowski said her proudest accomplishment with the lodge has been helping recruit Field Representatives. The lodge went without a Representative for a long time, yet it was a priority of the lodge to accomplish growth. Stemkowski turned to her computer and researched some job fairs. With the help of Area Manager Tim Gonyo and then State Manager Rodney Barber, their lodge now has three Field Representatives. “I’m very happy with this outcome,” she said.

When Stemkowski was with the bank, she was a member of the Garden City Rotary Club and volunteered for the March of Dimes. She also served, on a volunteer basis, as Treasurer for the Nassau County Legislature when it

was being established. Now, she’s the treasurer of the local Red Hats Society and provides Notary Public services for free. But she also values one-on-one time with children she mentors and other neighbors in her community who need her assistance and friendship.

“Living in this community for so long, I know a lot of people, and it all just falls into place. Opportunities will present themselves, and if it’s something I want to do, I do it. It’s not an effort to me. I just enjoy helping people” she said.

It’s because of this knack for fraternalism and her unwavering commitment to her family and community that she was chosen Woodmen of the World’s 2010 Fraternalist of the Year.

“Lucille lives in a state where just a little more than one percent of all Woodmen of the World members live. So despite not having a huge amount of members to help out with fraternal projects, Lucille and her fellow lodge members have carved out a niche for themselves and made a real difference in the communities within Nassau County. They’ve taken ownership of their lodge and made it into one of our strongest in the nation,” said Executive Vice President, Fraternal Mark Theisen. ::

Member Feature

fraternalist of the year

14 WOODMEN LIVING

State Fraternalists of the YearLucille Stemkowski’s name was sent to the

National Fraternal Congress of America’s

(NFCA) Fraternalist of the Year competition,

where nominees from all fraternals compete for

the NFCA Fraternalist of the Year. Similarly, all

Marketing Areas within Woodmen of the World

submit their Fraternalists of the Year to the

Home Office for our national contest.

Alabama North Thomas E. Wright

Alabama South Maxine Merritt

Arizona Marjorie Romero

Arkansas Billy Don Garner

California North Thomas Trisler

California South Cora Mae Hughes

Florida North Landon Neil

Florida South Larry Holt

Georgia North Michael White

Georgia Central Peggy L. Ryder

Georgia South Nell Revell

Kentucky West K. L. Hickerson

Kentucky East Ronald Ford

Louisiana Judy Floyd

Maryland Brenda Slye

Mississippi North Raymond Burcham

Nebraska/Iowa Shelli Lenz

New York/New England Lucille Stemkowksi

North Carolina West Marvene Surratt

North Carolina East Patricia Maddrey

Ohio John Mullins

Pennsylvania Leita Wentz

South Carolina Ernest Grimsley

Tennessee West Camille Kendall

Tennessee East Kenneth Irwin

Texas Northeast Barbara Barber

Texas Southeast Anthony Neuendorff

Texas Southwest Tracy G. Cleaton

Texas Northwest Terry K. Timms

Virginia Southwest Tom Ross

Virginia East Jeanne Shelburne

Northwest Territory James Smith

West Virginia Lawrence Foreman


Lucille Stemkowski hugs her four-year-old

granddaughter, Alison, at Woodmen of the

World Day at Island Park Beach in July.

Great Battleships of the United States

“Ay, tear her tattered ensign down! Long has it waved on high, And many an eye has danced to see That banner in the sky; Beneath it rung the battle shout, And burst the cannon’s roar; – The meteor of the ocean air Shall sweep the clouds no more.” 1

Naval ships have elicited strong feelings of patriotism throughout history. The opening stanza to Oliver Wendell Holmes’ famous poem “Old Ironsides” is a

perfect example. Holmes wrote this poem in 1828 to help save the USS Constitution (known as Old Ironsides) when rumors surfaced that the Navy was considering scrapping it. The poem became very popular and aided in the successful effort to restore the ship and return it to active duty.

Though not officially a battleship, the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy. Its construction was authorized by President George Washington in 1794 and was part of a plan by Congress and the President to protect American merchant ships that were being threatened by North African and British ships. They ordered six ships to be built, resulting in the creation of the U.S. Navy. The USS Constitution was used in battles throughout the War of 1812 and in training during the Civil War.1

from Mighty BeginningsThe term “battleship” came into use in the mid-1880s. It is derived from the term “ship-of-the-line,” which described

american mosaic

16 WOODMEN LIVING

the warship classes that were large in size, had heavy armor, and carried large caliber, as well as smaller caliber guns. The term “line” referred to the battle line – “the line of ships formed to attack another formation of ships.”2

The United States’ first battleship was the USS Texas, which was commissioned on April 15, 1895. With 12 inches of steel armor, the ship was one of the most powerful of the era.3 The USS Texas patrolled the eastern seaboard of the United States until the beginning of 1898 when it was sent to the Spanish-American War. After Spain’s surrender, the USS Texas returned to New York. In 1911, the ship’s name was changed to San Marcos so that Texas could be given to another battleship. The ship was later used as a target ship and was sunk in Tangier Sound in Chesapeake Bay.4

The U.S. Navy built many battleships throughout the early 1900s. However, by 1921, the nations of the world were looking to cut back the naval arms race and an arms reduction treaty was signed. No new battleships were commissioned between 1923 and 1941.3

The start of W WII brought about the rebuilding of the U.S. Naval forces. However, the war also saw the destruction of many ships. One of the most famous of these was the USS Arizona, which was launched in 1915 and had been active during W WI, operating out of Norfolk, VA.5

The USS Arizona was part of the U.S. Fleet based in Pearl Harbor. On Dec. 7, 1941, when Japanese aircraft attacked the harbor, eight battleships were damaged or sunk. The USS Arizona was destroyed. The blast that sank the ship killed 1,103 of the 1,400 people on board and accounted for more than half of the casualties suffered by the fleet that day.5 The USS Arizona was struck from the Naval registry in December 1942. The wreck remains as a memorial at Pearl Harbor, and was designated as a national shrine.5

the end of an eraAfter W WII, many ships were sold as memorials to the states they were named after. Only a few battleships remained in service. In 1948, the last one

Forging New PurposeOn Nov. 7, 2009, the USS New York was commissioned in New York City.

The ship was built with 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center in

its bow. Its ship’s motto is “Never Forget.” The USS New York is not a

battleship, but rather an amphibious transport dock ship.6

Throughout history, there have been six United States Navy ships with the

name New York, beginning with a gondola built in 1776. The most recent

USS New York was a battleship that participated in both WWI and WWII

before being decommissioned in August 1946.7

After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, New York Governor George E.

Pataki wrote a letter to Secretary of the Navy Gordon England requesting

that the Navy “revive the name USS New York in honor of September

11’s victims and to give it to a surface warship involved in the war on

terror.”6 His request was approved and construction of the ship began in

September 2004.

Prior to being commissioned, the USS New York participated in a special

ceremony. On Nov. 7, 2009, the ship came to a standstill across from the

site of the World Trade Center, dipped her flag, and gave a 21-gun salute.

Members of the New York Police Department, the Fire Department of New

York, the New York Port Authority, Port Authority Police, families of 9/11

victims, and veterans were gathered at the site and returned the salute.

was re-designated as a training ship. During the Korean Conflict in the 1950s, battleships were put to use once more, but were decommissioned again after the Korean Armistice. In the 1980s, the Navy developed a plan for a 600-ship fleet to “lead battle groups and help establish the U.S. naval presence around the globe.”3 However, this never came to pass.

Eventually, the costs associated with operating battleships, combined with the advancement of more powerful ships by the Navy, led to their final decommissioning. The last active battleship was the USS Missouri, which was decommissioned on Mar. 31, 1992. There are no longer any battleships in the U.S. Navy.3 ::1. Holmes, Oliver Wendell. “Old Ironsides.” Legal Language Services. legallanguage.com/resources/poems/

oldironsides (8/11/10).2. USS North Carolina Battleship Commission, Battleships, battleshipnc.com/history/battleships.php (8/11/10).3. U.S. Navy, The Battleship: A Short History navy.mil/navydata/ships/battleships/bbhistory.asp (8/6/10).4. U.S. Navy, USS Texas, navy.mil/navydata/navy_legacy_hr.asp?id=75 (8/6/10)5. U.S. Navy, USS Arizona, navy.mil/navydata/navy_legacy_hr.asp?id=114 (8/6/10)6. USS New York LPD-21, ussnewyork.com/ussny_about.html (8/6/10)7. USS New York LPD-21, ussnewyork.com/ussny_history.html (8/6/10)

American Mosaic


NFCA Hosts Momentous MeetingFraternal Benefit Society Association Renamed American Fraternal Alliance

The Annual Meeting of the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA), from Sept. 9-11 in Chicago, was a historic gathering.

Members of the NFCA voted to change the name from National Fraternal Congress of America to American Fraternal Alliance. The association of fraternal benefit societies has been in existence even longer than Woodmen of the World – the NFCA was founded in 1886. But over the years, the NFCA has struggled to gain brand recognition, especially among one of its primary audiences: lawmakers.

With the name change to American Fraternal Alliance, the association hopes to gain more recognition for the word “fraternal” and use that increased awareness as a springboard to more meaningful relationships with legislators and potential members. Defending our fraternals’ tax-exempt status and facilitating membership growth are paramount to Woodmen of the World.

The State Fraternal Congresses will also go through name changes of their own to reflect the parent organization’s rebranding. For example, the Nebraska Fraternal Congress will now be known as the Nebraska Fraternal Alliance.

Mark Theisen Voted Chairman of the Board of Directors

Executive Vice President of Fraternal Mark Theisen was named Chairman of the Board of Directors at the 124th Annual Meeting.

“It’s an honor to represent Woodmen of the World in this leadership position, especially at this crucial time for fraternals. It’s my privilege to advocate for our members in this important way,” Theisen said.

The last time a Woodmen of the World member was voted Chairman was in 1997, when Wayne Graham, former Executive Vice President of Fraternal, served in the position.

“This is a challenging yet exciting time for the American Fraternal Alliance and all fraternals,” Theisen said.

Penny McGuffee Named Fraternal FIC of the Year

Louisiana Field Representative Penny McGuffee was named Fraternal FIC of the Year, an award jointly sponsored by the NFCA, the Fraternal Field Managers Association (FFMA) and the National Association of Fraternal Insurance Counsellors (NAFIC).

“What an honor it was. It’s a privilege to work for a fraternal organization, especially one like Woodmen of the World,” McGuffee said.

She and her fellow Lodge 1145 members have organized activities like hosting a fish fry for Veterans Day, helping with disaster relief efforts and sponsoring scholarships. McGuffee received a $1,000 honorarium to be donated to the charity of her choice, the Louis P. Ledet, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund. ::

Chicago, IL

Tom Schisler, Fraternal Field Managers Association President (left), Executive Vice President,

Fraternal Mark Theisen, Teri Rassmussen, Past Chairman of the NFCA Board of Directors, and Paul

Hill, National Association of Fraternal Insurance Counsellors President (right), congratulate Field

Representative Penny McGuffee (second from right) on receiving the Fraternal FIC of the Year award.

Newsworthy

18 WOODMEN LIVING

SuBMit PhotoS to:[email protected]

Buddy showed up on May 22 to help Representatives and lodge members for EMS Recognition at the Monroe County Rescue Squad Station.

Lodge 20 Fairmont, WV

Lodge 16 Concord, NC

Representative Sharon Cloninger (not pictured) helped connect Lodge 16 with Concord High School’s Fire Academy, a unique firefighter training course for teenagers. Lodge 16, which has several firefighters as members, presented two parade flags to the program. “Concord has pooled their resources to train these young men and women at an earlier age to make them better firefighters, and make them better citizens,” Cloninger said.

Coffee County High School Principal Dr. Greg Tanner (center) and Demond Tillman, CCHS NROTC, received a U.S. flag for the school from Representative Joyce Sasser.

Lodge 1136 Douglas, GA

fraternal spirit


Charles Necessary (right) presents a plaque to Dennis Honaker for Volunteer of the Year for the Mt. Empire chapter of the American Red Cross.

Lodge 6192 recently held their 2010 Community Awards night. Pictured (from left) are Brenda Broussard, Kate Walker, Dorcia Davis, and Ruenette “Maggie” Bolden.

District 2 Fire Chief Stacey Plunk accepts a check from Lodge President Lavell Burross.

Lodge 269 Bristol, VA

Lodges 6192 & 4640 Port Authority, TX Lodge 213 Morris Chapel, TN

Lodge President and Secretary Buck and Debbie Fisher are part of the Bluegrass Music Jam at Lodge 1 in Hagerstown. Every Thursday night, the lodge holds a music jam and conducts a raffle, with proceeds going to various community efforts.

Lodge Treasurer Liza Rooney and Representative Bob Cole donated a flag and flagpole to the Sheldon, VT, Fire Department.

Lodge 1 Alburg, VT

Lodge 1 Hagerstown, MD

Jurisdictional Treasurer John Nocito made a flag presentation to Westwego Senior Center Coordinator Nedra Cassard.

Lodge 620 Lafayette, LA

Fraternal Spirit

20 WOODMEN LIVING

Lodge member Stephen Oakes (right) presents a $100 check to Johnny Hawkins, President of the Huntingdon Ruritan Club.

Lodge 445 Huntingdon, TN

J.E. Dunlap holds his 50-year Woodmen of the World Service Pin.

Lodge 243 Ashburn, GA

Lodge 254 Vice President William Cavender (back left) presented hand-held flags to students of Elk Valley Christian School and teacher Jim Crawford.

Lodges 254 & 265 Charleston, WV

Buddy makes friends with Jordan Castine at the lodge’s Family Movie Day.

Lodge 462 Chazy, NY

2010 lodge officers were installed.

Lodge 3 Jacksonville, FL

Lodge Secretary Ron Burcham (right) presented new U.S. flags to Booneville City Hall and the City Main Fire Station.

Lodge 60 Booneville, MS


Members collected non-perishable food items for a local food pantry.

Lodge 433 Pitman, PA Lodge 6023 Macon, GA Lodges 1111 & 1282 Myrtle Beach, SC

Lodge 462 Chazy, NY

Linda Gonyo-Horne (at podium) presented a flag and flagpole at the Point Au Fer historic site during Lake Champlain quadricentennial ceremonies. An actor portraying Samuel Champlain is in the foreground.

Twenty-one Fire Stations in Central Georgia received U.S. f lags from the lodge.

Members placed more than 500 f lags on the graves of veterans at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Fraternal Spirit

22 WOODMEN LIVING

Representative Bill Moore presents a U.S. flag to Linda Morgan, Director of the Broyhill Children’s Home in Clyde, NC.

Members present flags to McDuffie County School. Lodge President Anita Cummings is at left.

Lodge 226 Wagnerville, NC

Lodge 1401 Thompson, GA

Lodge members hosted a booth at the annual Dekalb County Fair. Pictured (from left) are Lodge Treasurer Barbara Blalock, Representative Johnny Miller and Lodge President Ovie Blalock.

Lodge 436 Ft. Payne, AL

Representative Brad Frazier presented Woodmen of the World teddy bears to the Goodlettsville Fire Department to give to children displaced by recent storms and floods.

Lodge 1 Nashville, TN

A U.S. flag was presented to Consolata Nursing Home by lodge members Winson Richard and Mark Viator.

Lodge 34 New Iberia, LA

Representative Jamie Blasden presented Caleb Warren an American History Award. Pictured are Warren and his grandfather, L.C. Wood.

Lodge 1190 Fulton, MS


Lodge President Pervie Weeks (left) presented a U.S. and Mississippi state flag to Colonel Ashley Cullum, who is also a Woodmen of the World member.

Lodge 924 was recognized as the Clinton/Sampson Chamber of Commerce Business of the Week. Pictured (from left) are Representative Greg Osborne, Area Manager Jack Yates, Representative Larry Bell, and Lodge President Bobby Butler.

Lodge 1366 Bruce, MS Lodge 924 Clinton, NC

Emily Moore and other members helped Obion County Chimes for Charity pack food baskets for needy families. Moore also helped shop for clothes for children in need.

Lodge members decorated the grave of Virginia Pitts “in honor of her dedicated loyalty to her country and her community.”

Lodges 196 & 1200 Obion, TN

Lodge 406 Lytle, TX

In remembrance of those who fought for our freedom, lodge members placed flags on veterans’ graves.

Lodge 38 Bardwell, KY

Ponda Palmer participated in the lodge’s annual blood drive for Make A Difference Day.

Lodge 982 Stapleton, GA

Fraternal Spirit

24 WOODMEN LIVING

Maryland held their Senior Camp at Gettysburg, PA, where an Abraham Lincoln impersonator spoke to the group about Lincoln’s life from boyhood until he became the 16th President of the United States.

Attendees of the Arkansas Senior Camp built doghouses.

Officers of Lodge 976 were installed by State Manager Desi Doise.

Lodge 6 Cumberland, MD

Lodge 68 Searcy, AR

Lodge 976 Eunice, LA

The lodge hosted their annual fifth-grade American History Awards Banquet. At left is Representative Gary Chambers. Second from right is Lodge President John Melton.

Lodge 753 Roxboro, NC

Annette Key received a Caring for Others Award from Lodge President Lamar Massey.


Field Representative Terral Causey (second from left) presented a flag to the Conway Senior Center in Horry County. Also pictured are Senior Center Coordinator Sue Blanton (left), Ida Mae Jordan and Lodge President Elvin Jordan.

Lodge 39 Conway, SC


Rev. Shane O’Guinn and family of Arlington First Baptist Church accepted a U.S. flag from Lodge President and Mrs. Bill Wade.

Lodge 38 Bardwell, KY

Residents of Magnolia Manor enjoyed a cookout with lodge members during last year’s Make A Difference Day event.

Lodge 1523 Kingsland, GA

Lodge member Carol Dugger presented a new U.S. flag to the Little League baseball field in Troy, TN. Pictured (from left) are Troy Mayor Jimmy Hart, Team Manager Tim Smith and Richard Dugger.

Lodge 196 Hornbeak, TN

Officers of Lodge 1276 were installed by retired Board of Director Carroll Shealy.

Lodge 1276 West Columbia, SC

Members prepare for the Easter egg hunt at the lodge. In back are lodge Vice President Garret Emerson (left) and President Forrest Clay (right).

Lodge 94 Eupora, MS

Representative Raymond McGaughey presents a $1,000 Woodmen of the World scholarship to graduate Blake Kubiak.

Lodge 7 Hamburg, AR

Fraternal Spirit

26 WOODMEN LIVING

Richard Endsley (left), Secretary Linda Grothoff and Representative Clark Overstreet (right) present a $1,000 check for local disaster relief efforts to Michael Loyd, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Southern Illinois Chapter.

Employees of the Board of Elections and lodge members display the U.S. flag presented to the Lowndes County Board of Elections office.

Lodge 202 Mt. Vernon, IL

Lodge 6018 Valdosta, GA

Representative Dwayne Garner (left) presented Lifesaver Awards to individuals who saved a neighbor from his burning home.

Lodge 369 Thibodaux, LA

Debbie Wood received a check and gift basket for her granddaughter, who is undergoing treatment in Tennessee. Making the presentation were lodge officers.

Lodges 341 & 1410 Magnolia, AR

Lodge 8 purchased a flagpole for the Lexington High School Baseball/Softball Complex, and Representative Rocky Beck donated a flag to the softball team.

Lodge 8 Florence, AL

Samantha Ingram (second from right) was named Junior Camper of the Year while attending Camp Woodmen. Camp Manager Brandon Adams and Counselors Caitlin Powell (left) and Chelsea Glidewell made the presentation.

Lodge 878 Louisville, KY


Pastor garner SmithAge: 75

Lodge 1069, Clarksville, TN

Jimmy McKinneyAge: 72

Lodge 7, Hamburg, AR

Joe hargraveAge: 86

Lodge 259, Berwick, LA

rosa StyronAge: 77

Lodge 63, Ocean Springs, MS

Linda Bowen accepted a Conservation Award on behalf of her brother, Billy Duffie, from Lodge President Lamar Massey.


At a Fraternal Summit event, Louisiana State Manager Desi Doise spoke to fraternalists of Lodges 308, 870, 664, and 269.

Lodge 308 Houma, LA

Members and friends had fun at the lodge’s community Spring Fling, enjoying hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, drinks, and cake.

Lodge 124 Conway, SC

In Memoriam Submission Guidelines: The editors of Woodmen

Living want to give your departed loved ones the most respectful and

complete recognition possible. To aid us in doing this, please include the

following minimum information and send it to [email protected]:

your loved one’s full name as you would like it printed, age, lodge number

and hometown. Also let us know if he or she served as a Jurisdictional

Officer, a National Committee member, a State Manager or a National

Representative. In addition, when including photos, please submit photos

of the highest possible quality to assure adequate printing. Thank you.

Fraternal Spirit In Memoriam

28 WOODMEN LIVING

John Manna (bottom left) helped coach the nebraska White flag

football team, which finished in fourth place in its division.

The U.S. National Special Olympics Games held in Lincoln, NE, this year held special significance for Woodmen of the World. Through the efforts of Assistant Vice President, Community Outreach John Manna and Woodmen of the World lodges throughout the country, the Games were able to support the addition of flag football for the first time.

A long-time football coach, Manna had noticed that there was no flag football offered in the Special Olympics. He decided to change that. He worked with the organization to create a flag football clinic in Nebraska, drawing 24 participants from around the state. Special Olympics chapters throughout Nebraska were then invited to form teams, which the lodges offered to sponsor. Fifteen teams were created.

Manna built on that success, contacting Fraternal Coordinators and Managers of Community Outreach in other states. His efforts led to the creation of 17 flag football teams in Tennessee and 10 teams in New Jersey. State tournaments were then held, which resulted in the sport being added to the National Games. Eleven states sent flag football teams to the games. Woodmen of the World lodges sponsored the two teams from Nebraska, as well as the team from Tennessee and the team from New Jersey.

Success at the GamesBecause of his coaching experience and his involvement with the program, Manna was asked to serve as an assistant coach for the Nebraska teams. The experience was truly amazing. “I have never been told so often how much I was loved and appreciated,” he said. “There were a lot of hugs and smiles and friendship.”

The four teams did well at the National Games. The Nebraska Red team won the gold medal in Division 2, while New Jersey earned the bronze medal, and the Nebraska White team finished fourth in that division. The Tennessee team won the bronze medal in Division 1.

Participating in the National Games was an incredible experience for the athletes. “They won’t forget this for the rest of their lives,” said Manna, who won’t forget it, either. “It was the proudest moment in my 30 years of coaching,” he said. “Words can’t describe it.”

Woodmen of the World will continue to be closely involved with flag football and the Special Olympics. According to Tennessee Community Outreach Manager Claudia Dowdell, her state is looking to expand the program by reaching out to the lodges in eastern Tennessee. The New Jersey program is also looking to expand, and is hoping to add four or five additional teams sponsored by Woodmen of the World lodges. ::

flag football is a Special olympics Success

Lincoln, NE

member news


The happiest Place in Pittsburgh

Randy Gilson grew up poor in a town near Pittsburgh, feeling like a misfit, an outcast. People told him he’d never amount to anything. When he started to believe them, he moved away.

He started over in a neighborhood much like himself: rundown and forgotten, but with incredible potential. He enrolled in a cooking school and began to put down roots in the North Side area of Pittsburgh. He fell in love with the architecture of the buildings and row houses – the Mexican War Streets neighborhood was where the wealthy citizens of Pittsburgh once lived. It hadn’t yet seen a resurgence in the 1980s, but Gilson had a few ideas up his sleeve (and some elbow grease).

roll out the BarrelsIt all started with 20 whiskey barrels Gilson bought with an unemployment check. He filled them with soil and plants, and distributed them throughout the neighborhood. He was amazed at the difference it made on the street.

He saw the beauty in not only the neighborhood, but in objects others would throw away.

“I go to garage sales, I find things on clearance and I’m also a dumpster hunter,” he said.

In 1996, he bought an old, dilapidated building for $11,000 at an auction. It’s now his home, his Yellow Castle, and is the centerpiece of the most colorful neighborhood in Pittsburgh (and maybe the world): Randyland.

“Randyland is an eclectic, bright, recycled wonderland,” Gilson said.

“Welcome to randyland!”In Randyland, nearly every surface is painted a bright color. Murals adorn the sides of buildings and nearly every square inch of earth is occupied by a leafy, green plant. Gilson now owns two buildings and three lots, but Randyland unofficially encompasses a 30-block area. He estimates he’s created 800 streetscapes, 50 vegetable gardens and eight parks.

Gilson isn’t trained in horticulture and considers himself less of an artist and more of a “puzzler.” He’s learned by trial and error, and he’s also learned to trust his instinct about putting things together.

“I was inspired by the Charlie Brown Christmas tree, that

something that other people overlooked could become beautiful. So I would take those half-dead shrubs that stores would throw away and they’d turn into beautiful plants,” he said.

Randyland is about a block away from The Mattress Factory, a museum that showcases installation art. Tourists will stop by on their way to the museum, but now more often than not, Randyland is a destination of its own. Gilson was featured on the “Today Show” in December, and he was honored by a local organization who took out a full-page ad in the Pittsburgh phone book a couple of years ago.

In addition, he talks about Randyland and other Pittsburgh landmarks to his customers every day – he’s been a waiter for the last 22 years and he’s developed a loyal clientele. Gilson carries photos of Randyland with him as proof that he’s the real thing.

He hopes all of this attention will fuel his next idea: opening a coffee shop on the first floor of the Yellow Castle. He’s been collecting old soda fountain signs and vintage plates in preparation of his dream coming true.

Member News

30 WOODMEN LIVING

« randy gilson, right, paints in

front of his Yellow Castle, the

centerpiece of randyland.

the Art of FriendshipMuch of Gilson’s art is done outside. He’ll sit on the stoop of the Yellow Castle and work on his latest creation. He’s often found weeding in one of his many gardens. It’s this literal exposure to the neighborhood over the last 25 years that has made him somewhat of a local celebrity.

“Welcome to Randyland! Where you folks from?” he’ll call to cars driving slowly down the street. He gets to know the kids of the neighborhood as they stop and ask what he’s doing.

They’ll help him garden, and now he’s teaching the children of the kids he first met in the neighborhood back in the ‘80s.

“I have stood on the street with Randy, and I’m not exaggerating, at least 10 or 15 cars drove by and honked at him and waved and said, ‘Hey, Randy!’” said Field Representative Jeff Geibel.

Gilson is a member of Lodge 8 in Butler, PA. Geibel said Gilson is one of the most fraternal people he’s ever encountered.

“He’s so involved in his community. He’s the happiest person I’ve ever met,” Geibel said.

the Key to happinessRandyland is not only his home and canvas, it’s the key that opens people’s ears and hearts to him. Randyland has given him the self-worth he lacked as a child and the creation process has taught him lessons that he wants to share with the world.

“I tell people, ‘I know there’s something hidden inside you, you just need to find it.’ People need to feed their passion,” Gilson said.

He created Randyland on a waiter’s salary and hasn’t taken a vacation in more than 30 years. But, in a way, just living his life is like a vacation.

“I do what makes me happy. I found the more I did for me, I the more I got happy. The more I was happy, the more happy it made others,” he said. “It’s not what you have, it’s what you feel.” ::

Imag

e co

urte

sy o

f Son

a Sh

ah


Member News

32 WOODMEN LIVING

rationale for Proposed revisions to the Articles of incorporation and Constitution and Laws of Woodmen of the World Life insurance Society and/or omaha Woodmen Life insurance Society May 10, 2010

Following is a summary of revisions to the Jurisdictional and Lodge By-Laws of Woodmen of the World’s Articles of Incorporation and Constitution and Laws, which were adopted by the Board of Directors on May 10, 2010. The full text can be viewed on our website, woodmen.org, by clicking About, then selecting Constitution and Laws.

By James M. Gleason Vice President and General Counsel

Articles of Incorporation and Constitution and Laws Lodge By-Laws and Jurisdictional By-LawsChanges in both format and substance have been made to align the respective By-Laws with a more practical application of how Jurisdictions and Lodges actually function. The documents remain substantially the same and will cause little change in the manner of governance. Both documents have been broken down into Articles, sections and subsections for easier navigation. Some sections have been moved. Changes noted below include new sections, revisions to existing sections, and deletions.

Lodge By-LawsArticle 1, Section 3 A “Purposes” section has been added to include Woodmen’s Common Bond, Mission and Values.

Article 2, Section 1 (a) The offices of Escort, Sergeant at Arms (Watchman), Greeter (Sentry) and Musician are now optional.

(b) The roles of the officers of the lodge have been revised.

Article 2, Section 2 (a) Lodge officers can now be elected during meetings held September through December.

(b) The section has been expanded to include action to be taken when the Secretary of the lodge fails to be installed or charges are adversely determined.

Article 2, Section 3 This section has been added to restrict individuals formerly with other fraternal benefit societies from serving as an officer of the lodge or a representative to the Jurisdictional Convention within the first year of their becoming a member of Woodmen. It also allows for a Woodmen member’s removal from office should they become affiliated with another fraternal benefit society, which provision is meant, in part, to protect against replacement activity.

Article 2, Section 4 This new section, which restricts the number of terms a lodge officer, other than the Treasurer, can serve, will allow more members the opportunity to serve, and will hopefully bring in new members and new ideas.

Article 2, Section 5 This section on “Duty to Assist the Field Force” was expanded to provide that members and officers can be suspended from the lodge should they work counter to assisting the Field Force and the State Manager in growing Woodmen’s membership and promoting its mission and values. Expansion of this section was the result of incidents involving former Field Representatives now with other insurers who were using lodge meetings and contacts with Woodmen members to replace Woodmen business.

Article 2, Section 7 This section on “Absence” has been revised for clarification purposes.

Article 2, Section 8 This section on “Removal” has been revised for clarification purposes.

Article 2, Section 9 “Vacancies” was formerly a part of “Removal.” It has also been revised for clarification purposes.

Article 4, Section 6 “Bonds of Officers” has been revised to clarify who is responsible for payment of bonds, which shall be Woodmen if required by the Board of Directors, and the lodge if required by the lodge.

Article 5 The section on “Discipline” has been replaced with a separate Article on

“Disputes and Grievances,” making Woodmen’s dispute resolution process applicable to lodges.

Article 6 “Amendments” has been revised to provide that the Lodge By-Laws


may be amended by the National Convention or between meetings of the National Convention by Woodmen’s Board of Directors.

Jurisdictional By-LawsArticle 1, Section 1 The list of actual Jurisdictions is moved to an attachment and incorporated by reference.

Article 1, Section 2 A “Purposes” section has been added to include Woodmen’s Common Bond, Mission and Values.

Article 2, Section 1 This new section outlines what constitutes “Membership” in a Jurisdiction.

Article 2, Section 2 This new section provides that when a member relocates outside the Jurisdiction, they shall be considered to have voluntarily resigned their membership, at which point the alternate elected by the lodge from which the resigning member was elected shall take over said membership.

Article 2, Section 3 This section on “Duty to Assist the Field Force” was expanded to provide that members of the Jurisdiction can be suspended from the Jurisdiction should they work counter to assisting the Field Force and the State Manager in growing Woodmen’s membership and promoting its mission and values. Expansion of this section was the result of incidents involving former Field Representatives now with other insurers who were using lodge meetings and contacts with Woodmen members to replace Woodmen business.

Article 3, Section 1 (a) The roles of officers of the Jurisdiction have been revised.

(b) The reference to “Junior,” prior “Past President,” has been removed as being unnecessary.

(c) The offices of Escort, Sergeant at Arms (Watchman), Greeter (Sentry) and Musician are now optional.

Article 3, Section 3 This section on the procedure to be followed for “Election and Installation of Officers” has been added.

Article 3, Section 4 Qualifications of the Jurisdictional Officers has been revised to restrict individuals formerly with other fraternal benefit societies from serving as an officer of the Jurisdiction or a delegate to Woodmen’s National Convention within the first year of their becoming a member of Woodmen. It also allows for a Woodmen member’s removal from office should they become affiliated with another fraternal benefit society, which provision is meant, in part, to protect against replacement activity.

Article 3, Section 7“Bonds of Officers” has been revised to clarify who is responsible for payment of bonds, which shall be Woodmen if required by the Board of Directors and the Jurisdiction if required by the Jurisdiction.

Article 3, Section 8 This new section, which restricts the number of terms a Jurisdictional officer, other than the Treasurer, can serve, will allow more members the opportunity to serve, and will hopefully bring new members and new ideas.

Article 3, Section 10 A section has been added to provide for “Removal” of Jurisdictional officers under certain circumstances.

Article 3, Section 11 The section outlining the procedure to be followed for filling “Vacancies” in Jurisdictional offices has been revised.

Article 4, Section 1 Added to be more consistent with the Lodge By-Laws with regard to Equal Access.

Article 4, Sec. 2(a) All references to “interim” sessions of Jurisdictional Conventions have been removed. All sessions will now be considered “regular” sessions.

Article 4, Sec. 2(b) The procedure for calling a special session or meeting has been revised.

Article 6 A Disputes and Grievances Article was added to reference the procedure as provided in Woodmen’s Constitution and Laws, making Woodmen’s dispute resolution process applicable to Jurisdictions.

Article 7 This new Article outlines the procedure to be followed for amending the Jurisdictional By-Laws.

Addendum to Jurisdictional By-LawsIt is not necessary to list the names of the Jurisdictions within the Jurisdictional By-Laws; therefore, they have been moved to a separate addendum. ::

Lodges honor VeteransWOODMEN of the World

counts many Veterans Day veterans among its members

– quite a few lodges plan special projects for this day every year.

Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the holiday honoring the ending of World War I for Nov. 11, 1919. On May 13, 1938, Congress approved an act that made Nov. 11 a legal holiday each year, “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.’” On June 1, 1954, Congress amended this act by renaming it Veterans Day, honoring members of the military from all wars.

Seven lodges in North Carolina West helped with a special Veterans Day ceremony in their area last year. Gum Springs Baptist Church in Lilesville held a service that specifically honored Vietnam veterans. Many of the veterans present stated that this was the first time they had attended an event held specifically to thank Vietnam veterans.

A crowd of more than 370 people filled the church, and Woodmen of the World members were able to present a flag to the 56 veterans who attended, plus 14 more who weren’t able to be there that day. Lodges 4, 96, 175, 111, 70, 25, and 792 all contributed flags for the ceremony, and Fraternal Coordinator Doug Fullingim helped by reading the names of the veterans as they received their flag.

Fullingim said lodges in North Carolina West celebrate Veterans Day in different ways, but one of the most common is to invite local veterans to lodge meetings, where they’ll serve a meal in honor of the veterans. The lodges will often do this throughout the year, not just on Veterans Day.

Getting children involved in honoring veterans was one of Field Representative Jill Smith’s goals last fall. She sponsored a drawing contest at her local school in Hazelhurst, GA, where she asked the students to express, “What America Means

to You.” She introduced the contest on Sept. 11, while explaining the significance of that day. After all the drawings were collected, the top five in each grade, from kindergarten to eighth, were displayed on the stripes of an eight- by 12- foot flag, which was unveiled on Veterans Day.

“At our schools, Veterans Day is a big deal,” Smith said.

Lodge 187 in Cuthbert, GA, donated a flagpole and a $1,500 check to a veterans memorial last year. Georgia South Community Outreach Manager Cindy Fincher said it was well-received in her town.

“Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedom. It’s so important to recognize them and thank them for their service,” she said. ::

Hazelhurst, GA

Field representatives Paige Pate, left, and Jill Smith unveil the winning drawings from

the “What America Means to You” contest last Veterans Day in hazelhurst, gA.

Member News

“Veterans Day is a big deal.”

34 WOODMEN LIVING

interest ratesDeferred Annuities in Force rate*

September 2010

Tier 1 Tier 2

3.00% 3.00%

tier 1: Values under $25,000tier 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 rates at left 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 woodmen.org.

Freedom Series Annuity interest ratesCertificates issued in September 2010 Rate credited during initial lock-in period.

Annuity Product tier 1 tier 2 tier 3 tier 4 tier 5 tier 6

SPDA with First Year Interest Bonus1 n/a 4.90% 5.15% 5.35% 5.75% 6.05%

FPDA with First year Interest Bonus2 n/a 3.90% 4.15% 4.35% 4.75% 5.05%

SPDA3 1.90% 2.30% 2.55% 2.75% 3.15% 3.45%

FPDA3 1.75% 2.15% 2.40% 2.60% 3.00% 3.30%

1 The First Year interest rate on the Freedom Series Single Premium Deferred Annuity (SPDA) with a First Year Interest Bonus is guaranteed for the first certificate year and includes the first-year-only interest bonus of 3.00%. Renewal (Current) interest rates are credited after the first certificate year. Renewal (Current) interest rates are set monthly by Woodmen. They will never be lower than the minimum guaranteed interest rate of 1.00%.

2 The First Year interest rate on a Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity (FPDA) with a First Year Interest Bonus is guaranteed for the first certificate year and includes the first-year-only interest bonus of 2.00%. Renewal (Current) interest rates are credited after the first certificate year. Renewal (Current) interest rates are set monthly by Woodmen. They will never be lower than the minimum guaranteed interest rate of 1.00%.

3 During the initial lock in period, the interest rate will not change. Lock in periods of one month or one year are available.

September 2010 Rate credited after initial lock-in period expires.

Annuity Product tier 1 tier 2 tier 3 tier 4 tier 5 tier 6

SPDA with First Year Interest Bonus 1.50% 1.90% 2.15% 2.35% 2.75% 3.05%

FPDA with First year Interest Bonus 1.50% 1.90% 2.15% 2.35% 2.75% 3.05%

SPDA 1.90% 2.30% 2.55% 2.75% 3.15% 3.45%

FPDA 1.75% 2.15% 2.40% 2.60% 3.00% 3.30%

After the initial lock-in period expires, interest rates may vary each month. Interest rates are set monthly by Woodmen and will never be lower than the minimum guaranteed interest rate of 1.00%.

tier 1: Values under $10,000 SPDA (Single Premium Deferred Annuity)

tier 2: Values $10,000 and under $25,000 FPDA (Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity)

tier 3: Values $25,000 and under $100,000tier 4: Values $100,000 and under $500,000tier 5: Values $500,000 and under $1,000,000tier 6: Values $1,000,000 and above

Single Premium Deferred Annuity (SPDA) with First Year Bonus (Form 7961-XX-0707))

Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity (FPDA) with First Year Bonus (Form 7963-XX-0707)

Single Premium Deferred Annuity (SPDA) (Form 7962-XX-0707)

Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity (FPDA) (Form 7964-XX-0707)


money talk

NAVIGATING YOUR WAY through the health care system today can be a challenge for even the most financially savvy individual. With all of the new

laws and regulations, which seem to change daily, it can be difficult to keep track of what options are best for your family. One option worth looking into is a Health Savings Account.

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is an alternative to traditional health insurance that offers users the ability

to pay for current medical expenses and put money into savings for future use on a tax-free basis. HSAs have been in existence since 2003, when President George W. Bush signed them into law.

In order to participate in an HSA, you must be covered by a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). These types of plans generally have a lower premium than traditional health care plans, but carry a much higher deductible. For 2010, the

health Care Saving Made easy

36 WOODMEN LIVING

deductible must be at least $1,200 for individual coverage or $2,400 for a family. This type of insurance plan allows participants to pay a lower premium, while contributing money into an account that can be used to pay expenses now and also build up funds to cover future bills.

take Advantage of hSAsThere are many advantages to having an HSA. One of the main benefits is tax savings. Contributions made to your HSA are tax-deductible. Funds kept in the account can then be invested to earn more money tax-free. The account can then be used to pay for qualified medical expenses without any tax being incurred.

Another major benefit of HSAs is that they don’t go away at the end of a year like Flex Savings Accounts. Money in the account belongs to you and remains in your account until you use it. The account is also portable, meaning it stays with you even if you change jobs, change medical coverage, become unemployed, move, or change your marital status. Decisions on how you spend that money are also made by you, rather than by a third party or a health insurer.

Funds in your HSA can be used to pay for current medical expenses not covered by your insurance, or can be saved for future expenses, such as coverage if you would find yourself unemployed (COBRA), medical expenses when you retire (before Medicare begins), out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Medicare, or long term care expenses.

Contribute to Your healthContributions to an HSA can be made by you or your employer; however, there is a limit on how much you can contribute annually. In 2010, $3,050 can be contributed to an individual HSA and $6,150 can be contributed to a family HSA. People over the age of 55 can make additional “catch-up” contributions of up to $1,000 annually. Once you enroll in Medicare, you are no longer able to contribute to your HSA, but the money in the account remains yours and may be used to pay for medical expenses.

Your HSA can be used for most medical care and services, including vision and dental. It can cover expenses for you, your spouse or your dependent children, even if they are not covered by your HDHP. Once you turn 65, money in your HSA can be used for additional purposes without paying the 10% tax penalty that would be incurred if you used the funds for non-approved expenses prior to reaching that age.

Health Savings Accounts are administered through banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and other financial institutions. If you would like to know more about HSAs, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s website at ustreas.gov provides additional information, including answers to frequently asked questions and links to other helpful websites. ::Source: ustreas.gov/offices/public-affairs/hsa

Am I a Good Candidate for a Health Savings Account?

HSAs may be perfect for people who:

» Want to control how their health care dollars are spent

» Are interested in having one calendar-year deductible for their family

» Are interested in health insurance with a low deductible plan to save money on monthly premiums and taxes

Any adult can have and contribute to an HSA if he/she:

» Has coverage under an HSA-qualified “high deductible health plan”

» Has no other first-dollar medical coverage (where the insurer pays for all expenses once an insured event occurs), although some other types of insurance are permitted

» Is not enrolled in Medicare

» Cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return

Ô For more information, visit ustreas.gov.


healthy livingOsteoporosis is rarely thought of as a health problem

affecting men. Maybe that would be different if a well-known actor became a spokesman for a drug

aimed at increasing bone density in men, like Sally Field has for osteoporosis in women.1 Instead, this year, another 14 million men are at risk for developing osteoporosis and most don’t even know it.2

The Mayo Clinic identifies the following as the top five health threats facing men:

» Heart disease

» Cancer

» Injuries

» Stroke

» Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a group of chronic lung conditions, including bronchitis and emphysema

Osteoporosis didn’t make the list, and that’s why it’s being covered here. Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the skeleton, which leads to broken bones. It’s commonly thought of as a woman’s disease. However, after age 50, 6 percent of all men will experience a hip fracture caused by osteoporosis.3

how Bones are BuiltBecause of its strength, bone seems like a permanent fixture of our bodies, but it is constantly changing. Old bone is always being replaced by new bone. As children, our bodies produce more new bone than they lose, so skeletons grow in both size and strength. Bone mass generally peaks in our 30s, after which point it slowly begins to decline as bone degeneration exceeds the formation of new bone.

Men have larger skeletons than women. By their 30s, they generally have formed more bone than women. Their bone loss starts later and progresses more slowly than women. Women lose bone density rapidly after menopause, which

Men’s health SpotlightOsteoporosis in Men – A Silent Threat

38 WOODMEN LIVING

men don’t experience. However, by age 65 or 70, men and women lose bone density at the same rate, and everyone becomes a candidate for osteoporosis. The longer a man lives, the more likely he is to develop osteoporosis.

Preventing osteoporosisOsteoporosis causes bones to become brittle and more likely to break. The most common fractures caused by osteoporosis occur in the hip, spine and wrist, and can be permanently disabling. The good news is that there are some steps that can be taken to prevent osteoporosis and enjoy mobility and independence late into life.

» Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, both of which are connected with osteoporosis as well as other health issues.

» Stay physically active and engage in weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, climbing stairs, or lifting weights. A sedentary lifestyle leads to osteoporosis and other health problems.

» Take the proper daily dose of calcium for your age. Calcium helps make and keep bones strong, dense and healthy throughout life. Talk to your doctor about how much calcium you should supplement your diet with daily.

» Get enough vitamin D. This can be accomplished by spending 10 minutes in the sun each day, or by taking vitamin supplements if you can’t get out in the sunlight daily.

» Discuss with your doctor any medications you might be taking that adversely affect bone health, such as glucocorticoids (e.g., prednisone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone).

A Word from the Medical DirectorWoodmen of the World’s Medical Director, Dr. Susanne Eilts, is board certified in Internal Medicine and still practices medicine in addition to advising the Home Office staff on unusual medical issues. Dr. Eilts says that not enough men think about their risk for developing osteoporosis.

“Men don’t have a distinct event, like menopause, causing rapid bone loss, but they can still develop it,” she said. “Men usually only figure out that they have osteoporosis when

Are you at risk for osteoporosis?According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the following

factors place a man at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis:

» Prolonged exposure to some medications, such as steroids

used to treat asthma or arthritis.

» Chronic disease affecting the lungs, kidneys, stomach, and

intestines, and which alters hormone levels.

» Undiagnosed low levels of testosterone.

» Lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol

consumption, low calcium intake, and not enough exercise.

» Age – bone loss increases with age.

» Heredity – if osteoporosis runs in your family, you may be at

an increased risk.

» Race – of all ethnic groups, Caucasians are at the highest risk.

Osteoporosis is often undiagnosed in men. If these factors

apply to you, or you notice a sudden change in your height or

posture, or develop back pain, talk with your physician about

your options. To learn more about osteoporosis, go online to

nof.org/men.

they break something. Then, an X-ray or scan for another purpose shows their bones don’t look as good as you’d expect them to.”

Dr. Eilts points out that drugs commonly used to treat osteoporosis in women, such as Fosamax, Forteo or Calcitonin, work equally well for men. “Older men, especially those over age 65 or 70, shouldn’t ignore their bones, but should talk with their doctors about their risk for developing osteoporosis.”

For more information on osteoporosis, visit the National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases – Natural Resource Center website at niams.nih.gov/bone or call 1-800-624-2663. ::

The following sources are cited in this article. Look them up online for full explanations of each opinion summarized here.1. Sally Field is a spokesperson for the prescription drug BONIVA, used to treat osteoporosis in women.2. Information accessed at The National Osteoporosis Foundation website: nof.org/men/ on April 28, 2010. 3. The National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center.

“Osteoporosis in Men,” revised May 2009. Accessed online at: niams.nih.gov/bone


Just as all of us are members of Woodmen of the World, our fraternal benefit society, Woodmen of the World and most other fraternals are members of our trade association,

the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA). At the annual meeting of the NFCA in September, the association voted to change its name to the American Fraternal Alliance.

What does this have to do with us? Well, the American Fraternal Alliance is working hard on our behalf to preserve and protect our fraternal tax exemption. Without that exemption, it would be hard for us to support our lodges and our many fraternal activities.

Woodmen of the World is not only one of the largest fraternals, but we have always been a leader among our fraternal peers. Our membership in Woodmen of the World carries a lot of weight. And as leaders of your local lodge and in your community, you have a responsibility to live up to that reputation and continue this legacy.

The new name of the old NFCA, American Fraternal Alliance, will help us better describe who we are to non-members in a much clearer way. The name change will also be adopted by the various state and regional fraternal congresses. And this is where all of us can help.

We need to help lead the way on getting the word out to our public officials about the importance of fraternal benefit societies.

The next time your lodge has a volunteer activity or community service project planned, invite your state legislators and members of your congressional delegation (representatives and senators). If you don’t know who your state legislators or national representatives or senators are, this is the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself.

This all leads to helping our trade association, the American Fraternal Alliance, defend our tax exemption, which is the single most important issue for all fraternals. Federal and state budgets are being stretched very thin, and there have been several instances in the last year where we’ve had to step in and explain why we deserve our tax-exempt status to elected officials. It’s much easier with those relationships already in place.

I’m proud to represent you and our fellow Woodmen of the World members as I serve in a leadership position on the Board of the American Fraternal Alliance. I truly believe that Woodmen of the World is the greatest fraternal benefit society and I’m honored to brag about all we do on this national stage.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Mark D. Theisen Executive Vice President, Fraternal

Dates to remember

November 1 Matching Fund

applications due to

Home Office

November 15 2011 Lodge

Calendar

Submission

Deadline on

MyFraternalWeb.org

Reminder:

Lodge Updates for

holiday parties/

events are due to

the Home Office

at least eight

weeks in advance

of the RSVP date,

preferably 10 weeks

Mark D. Theisen

a national StageFraternally Speaking

lodge leader

40 WOODMEN LIVING

National Fraternal Committee Member Profile Fraternal Coordinator Profile

When people think of West Virginia, two things usually come to mind – mining and music. West Virginia Community Outreach Manager Russell Fox hopes to add Woodmen of the World to that list. “I want everyone to know who we are,” he said.

Fox enjoyed a lucrative career in the music industry but took a position with Woodmen of the World because he wants to spend more time with his wife and two children, and because he respects Woodmen of the World. “I like what we stand for and am constantly amazed at the genuineness of our members and associates, and at how deeply Woodmen of the World values family,” Fox said.

Fox applies the organization and people skills he honed in his previous career to manage his new duties as a Community Outreach Manager. “I like to tell people that to do this job you have to be in three places at once.” Some of the places Fox has been recently include planning senior camp in his state office, running errands for summer camp around Huntington, attending lodge meetings in Ohio, and dropping off one of his Area’s cookers at an outreach event in his community.

Fox has been impressed with the unity of purpose shared by members, Field and Home Office associates. “We’re all committed to the same thing – taking the best possible care of our members and communities that we can, and I love being part of it.” ::

When National Fraternal Committee member Richard Huizar isn’t delivering packages for UPS throughout San Antonio, TX, he’s assisting elderly people with finding friends, helping young families to locate jobs, and encouraging Woodmen of the World

members to discover their passion for community service.

In addition to serving on the National Fraternal Committee (NFC), Huizar has been Texas Jurisdictional President and has held nearly every office in Lodge 4525, including President, twice. “As an NFC member, I am trying to promote lodge activities that impact our community and introduce non-members to Woodmen of the World. One of the most exciting things our lodge has done is to create a local teacher award program where we recognize educators who’ve helped the youth in our community.”

Huizar, who has been a member for more than 30 years, believes that one person really can make a difference, and encourages members to get involved in their local lodge. “Helping others gives you a different perspective on your own life and minimizes your problems. There’s a lot of people out there who want to get involved but just need someone to come along and get them started,” he said. “Move forward with your ideas. Don’t give up. Good things will happen.” ::

What can huizar do for you?

Music Man Finds harmony here

Richard Huizar Russell Fox


Seated are ralph Lovell, left, and Annie ruth Yarbrough. Standing are tom Ed Wright, rick

Johnson and herman Marks.

L ike the rock its home is named after, Limestone County Lodge 514 is strong and stands the test of

time. About two years ago, three small but active adult lodges and two youth lodges made the decision to merge into one large county lodge. That decision was not forced, but was willingly made to expand Woodmen of the World’s inf luence in northern Alabama.

Lodge 514 thrived in Limestone County for nearly 100 years, but recently members there realized that if they sold their lodge property and merged with two other adult lodges not far away (Athens 1012 and

Elkmont 1856), they could stretch their money – and Woodmen of the World’s influence – further.

“This is really a case of members from three longstanding, active adult lodges and two youth lodges (Athens 1643 and Ripley 1863) realizing that because of property expenses they could not continue to thrive financially unless they combined forces and became one,” said Community Outreach Manager Philip Robertson.

After the merger was completed, members decided to sell the old Lodge

514 property and use the proceeds to upgrade the property in Athens, where the new combined Lodge 514 and new combined youth Lodge 1643 now meet. Members decided to retain the Lodge number and sign of the oldest lodge as a way of remembering their tradition and recognizing their selflessness.

“The best compliment I can give these members is that they are all putting Woodmen of the World first,” said Robertson. “They’re working together well, rotating leadership duties, and doing more community outreach activities and lodge events together than they used to separately. The merger has invigorated these members, who were already very active and accomplished fraternally.”

To say that lodge members were active may be an understatement; in fact, one national and two former state Fraternalists of the Year, as well as the 2009 Field Fraternal Excellence Award winner, Field Representative Rick Johnson, came from Lodge 514. “Ralph Lovell, Rick Johnson, and so many other lodge officers and active members helped lead these lodges through a major merger, which makes them exceptional leaders in my book,” said Robertson.

At a time when most mergers occur because of dwindling numbers and low involvement, the members of Limestone County Lodge 514 demonstrate what’s needed now more than ever from every Woodmen of the World member – a selfless attitude, a passion to grow membership, and a caring heart. ::

Selflessness Characterizes Lodge Merger

Athens, AL

Lodge Leader

42 WOODMEN LIVING

W hat’s your lodge’s story?

After two years of important meetings, meaningful volunteer projects, fun social

activities, and making a lasting difference in your community, it’s time to put those photos and stories down on paper in your lodge’s storybook.

The storybooks will be professionally published by Family Memories, and each lodge gets one free storybook.

Even if you’d like to wait to publish your lodge’s storybook until after your holiday party or volunteer activities, you can start gathering and organizing your photos and working on other pages right now. You don’t have to wait to do the entire storybook all at once.

You will, however, want to have your storybook done in time to print it in January so it’s ready for the Jurisdictional Conventions in early spring 2011. Organizing two years worth of photos can be a daunting task, so it’s best to break it up into little chunks.

Log onto familymemories.com/woodmen to sign up for an account and download the software, and you’re well on your way to telling your lodge’s story in a very compelling way!

For more detailed instructions, visit myfraternalweb.org for the program booklet (which includes answers to frequently asked questions) or contact your Fraternal Coordinator or Community Outreach Manager. ::

turn the PageIt’s time to organize your lodge’s storybook


Lodge remindersElection and Installation of Lodge OfficersElection of Lodge officers for 2011 can be held during meetings held September through December 2010. Installation should occur on or before the first meeting in January 2011, as provided for in the Lodge By-Laws, Division A, Section E(a), of Woodmen of the World’s Constitution and Laws.

The installation of officers is an important Lodge event and should be attended by all members.

Lodge Annual Audit Due Dec. 31The Constitution and Laws Lodge By-Laws, Division A, Section C(e), requires Lodge Trustees to audit the affairs of their Lodge, including the accounts of Secretary and Treasurer, at the end of each year and report their findings to the local Lodge at the first meeting in January.

Consult Woodmen of the World’s Constitution and Laws for more detailed information. ::

Lodge 516Ruby, SC

Founded Nov. 8, 1910

Lodge 360Durham, NC


Lodge 296Brownsville, KY


Lodge 518Mamou, LA

Founded Dec. 6, 1910

Lodge 319Hartford, KY


Lodge 371Newton Grove, NC


Lodge 561Pine Prairie, LA


Lodge 379Matthews, NC

Founded Jan. 10, 1911

Lodge 582Chapin, SC


Lodge 390Sanford, NC


Lodge 897Greenville, MS


Lodge Centennials

Lodge Leader

44 WOODMEN LIVING

halloween high JinksOne Halloween, a trick-or-treater came to Jane’s door dressed as “Shrek,” with a green face and everything. Soon after she gave him some goodies, he returned for more.

“Aren’t you the same ‘Shrek’ who left my doorstep several minutes ago?” Jane asked.

“Yes,” he replied, “but now I'm the sequel. I’ll be back three more times tonight, too.” ::

hometown humorThe small town’s sheriff was also its veterinarian. One night the phone rang and his wife answered.

An agitated voice inquired, “Is your husband there?”

“Do you require his services as a sheriff or as a vet?”

“Both. We can't get our dog's mouth open, and there's a burglar in it.” ::

After thanksgiving …Bob was terribly overweight, so his doctor put him on a diet. “I want you to eat regularly for two days, then skip a day, and repeat this procedure for two weeks. The next time I see you, you’ll have lost at least five pounds.”

When Bob returned, he shocked his doctor by losing nearly 20 pounds.

“That's amazing!” the doctor said. “Did you follow my instructions?”

Bob nodded. “I’ll tell you though, I thought I was going to drop dead that third day.”

“From hunger, you mean?”

“No, from skipping.” :: Pick up Sticks Can you remove six sticks to leave 10?

hAVE A gooD JoKE? Make your fellow fraternalists laugh. Please send contributions to [email protected] zone


Fall Crossword1 2 3

4

5 6 7 8

9

10 11

12

13

14

15 16 17

18

19

20

Across1. What Linus believes in

5. Wayne’s word

7. If he only had a brain

10. Oh, you’ll want another

11. They give a hoot

12. They’re bogged down

13. Often hitched to a tractor

15. Oak tree seeds

17. A gory gourd

18. All Saints’ Eve

19. Honors los muertos

20. Color change reason

Down1. Three strikes

2. How do you like them ?

3. To Autumn poet

4. Always the latter

5. Seedy place?

6. Takes off

8. A day of gratitude

9. Don’t invite a pyromaniac to this

14. Pigskin party

16. Fall exercise

Fun Zone

46 WOODMEN LIVING

Newsworthy

Statement of Condition6/30/10

Sources of incomePayments received from members for

insurance and annuities$388,039,474

Interest, dividends and rents less investment expenses and taxes

206,196,164

Other income 11,741,049

Total $605,976,687

how income Was usedDeath benefits $91,049,663 Endowment benefits 1,043,709 Annuity benefits 89,452,532 Disability and hospitalization benefits 4,584,966 Payments to members and beneficiaries of monies

previously deposited with Society

18,070,628 Refunds to members of certificate values 64,511,793 Refunds to members 55,601,493 Set aside for members and beneficiaries

to guarantee payment of future benefits

186,846,641

Total paid to or set aside for members and beneficiaries

$511,161,425

Fraternal Benefits $540,696 Civic and community welfare, and fraternal expense 14,797,282 Federal, state and other taxes (insurance) 3,777,398 Compensation to field force for fraternal activities

and securing new members

25,560,931 Insurance expense 50,138,955

Total $605,976,687


PERIODICALS

Live a life that sparks caring in others by participating in Make A Difference Day this Oct. 23 with your local lodge.

The possibilities are endless: paint a house; bake treats for firefighters; volunteer at a soup kitchen; landscape a senior apartment complex; help out at a homeless shelter.

Visit woodmen.org and click on the ‘Community’ tab, then on ‘Make A Difference Day’ to find a local project near you.

D0739WOW 8/10

Lead by Example.

Halloween High JinksOne Halloween, a trick-or-treater came to Jane’s door dressed as “Shrek,” with a green face and everything. Soon after she gave him some goodies, he returned for more.

“Aren’t you the same ‘Shrek’ who left my doorstep several minutes ago?” Jane asked.

“Yes,” he replied, “but now I'm the sequel. I’ll be back three more times tonight, too.” ::

Hometown HumorThe small town’s sheriff was also its veterinarian. One night the phone rang and his wife answered.

An agitated voice inquired, “Is your husband there?”

“Do you require his services as a sheriff or as a vet?”

“Both. We can't get our dog's mouth open, and there's a burglar in it.” ::

After Thanksgiving …Bob was terribly overweight, so his doctor put him on a diet. “I want you to eat regularly for two days, then skip a day, and repeat this procedure for two weeks. The next time I see you, you’ll have lost at least five pounds.”

When Bob returned, he shocked his doctor by losing nearly 20 pounds.

“That's amazing!” the doctor said. “Did you follow my instructions?”

Bob nodded. “I’ll tell you though, I thought I was going to drop dead that third day.”

“From hunger, you mean?”

“No, from skipping.” :: Pick Up Sticks Can you remove six sticks to leave 10?

HAve A good Joke? Make your fellow fraternalists laugh. Please send contributions to [email protected] zone


Fall Crossword1 2 3

4

5 6 7 8

9

10 11

12

13

14

15 16 17

18

19

20

T H E G R E A T P U M P K I N

U P E T

P I L G R I M P S C A R E C R O W T

U E K B L T I H

M A E S M O R E O W L S C A

P V Y N S K N

K E F O K

I S I C R A N B E R R I E S

N H A Y R A C K T G

P E T R I

A C O R N S R J A C K O L A N T E R N V

T A I A I

C K L T N

H A L L O W E E N G G

D A Y O F T H E D E A D

T

P H O T O S Y N T H E S I S

Across1. What Linus believes in

5. Wayne’s word

7. If he only had a brain

10. Oh, you’ll want another

11. They give a hoot

12. They’re bogged down

13. Often hitched to a tractor

15. Oak tree seeds

17. A gory gourd

18. All Saints’ Eve

19. Honors los muertos

20. Color change reason

Down1. Three strikes

2. How do you like them ?

3. To Autumn poet

4. Always the latter

5. Seedy place?

6. Takes off

8. A day of gratitude

9. Don’t invite a pyromaniac to this

14. Pigskin party

16. Fall exercise

Fun Zone

46 WOODMEN LIVING

Memories to Last a Lifetime

Documents

Transcript of Memories to Last a Lifetime