W o o d m e n
o f
t h e
W o r l d
M a g a z i n e
Photo by Neil’s Photography Studio
Winter 2013
Finding Financial Freedom
2013 Refunds
p. 9
A Sweet Hobby
p. 24
Lights, Camera, Action
p. 28
learn more at: woodmen.org
President’s Message
New Beginnings
As we
celebrate the
beginning of a
New Year, I’m
entering the
fourth month
of my new role
as President
Larry R. King
and CEO of
Woodmen of the World. In this new
role, I’m often reminded of all the
exemplary leaders who came before
me. From our founder, Joseph Cullen
Root, to recently-retired President
Danny Cummins, these leaders
helped build the foundation that has
allowed us to thrive for more than
120 years.
I thank President Cummins for his
years of service to Woodmen of the
World, his commitment to making
sure everything was in place for the
future before he retired, and for
his friendship.
Through our years of working
side by side as teachers in eastern
Kentucky, and our years working
together at Woodmen of the World,
we developed a great friendship and
mutual respect for each other. We
were both committed to working hard
and providing for our families, but we
were also committed to helping those
families we met through Woodmen of
the World.
You are clearly committed to your
family, too, and have made them a
priority with your membership in
2 WOODMEN LIVING
Woodmen of the World. You joined
Woodmen of the World to protect
their future. We work hard to make
sure our products remain competitive,
and that our company remains
stable and reliable. From births and
weddings, to new jobs and new homes –
we want to make sure we’ll be there for
you for a very long time.
Being a longtime member of
Woodmen of the World myself, I have
never doubted our commitment to
keep our promises and deliver benefits
to you, our members.
I’ve also never doubted the power
of our lodges in their communities.
I’m always impressed by stories of
members coming together to make
a difference all across the country.
From disaster relief and roadside
clean-up to flag presentations and
barbecue fundraisers, you all roll up
your sleeves and work together to
make a difference.
I am extremely thankful for your
dedication, and for the trust you and
the Board of Directors have placed
in me. I look forward to many more
new beginnings as we all work to keep
growing our membership.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Our Mission: Woodmen of
the World exists to benefit
our members through every
stage of life.
Woodmen of the World/Omaha Woodmen, founded in
1890, is a not-for-profit insurance company that also offers
customer benefits.
Our nearly 725,000 members, who hold nearly one million
insurance and annuity certificates, belong to approximately
1,000 lodges throughout the United States. Local lodges sponsor
family activities and conduct community projects. These
projects include presenting U.S. flags to civic and community
organizations; donating equipment to police, fire and rescue
units; providing assistance to senior citizens, the physically
impaired and orphans; and providing monetary assistance.
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 (Woodmen).
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 through Woodmen Financial Services,
Inc., 1700 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102, 877-6643332, member FINRA/SIPC, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society and/or Omaha
Woodmen Life Insurance Society. Securities other than the
Woodmen Variable Annuity are issued by companies that
are not affiliated with Woodmen of the World Life Insurance
Society and/or Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society. Not
all products are available in all states.
Products that are not issued by Woodmen of the World
or offered and processed through Woodmen Financial
Larry R. King
President & CEO
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.
in this issue
Winter 2013
Sections
4
Feedback
Members Elizabeth Clary and Susan Hubbard (as the Moon-shining Morrison Sisters)
pose with a Barney Fife impersonator at North Alabama Senior Camp.
5
Newsworthy
6
with you
through LIFE®
8
Fraternal Benefits
9
2013 Refunds
10How Did You
Become a
Member?
12Fraternal Spirit
24Member Spotlight
26Community
Connection
27Member News
32Lodge Leader
36Fun Zone
38In Memoriam
Feature Stories
10 Patton Inspired by Patriotism
24 ’Tis the Season for Syrup
On the Cover
Sara Patton’s father passed along the importance
of voting to his daughter. Today, Patton
promotes that ideal with her family and her
community through her work with her local
lodge and as a County Commissioner.
The arrival of winter in central Pennsylvania
marks the beginning of “sap season” for the
Fetzer family. For more than 20 years, the
Fetzers have been making maple syrup to share
with friends and family.
28 Movies Help Attract
Younger Members
33 Member Steps Up for
Woodmen of the World
Lodge 588 President Justin Wilson’s
innovative outdoor movie series has helped his
lodge in Lakeland, FL, attract a new, younger
audience to Woodmen of the World.
Jeff Shoemaker has been involved with Woodmen
of the World since he first attended camp at
age 8. Recently, he changed responsibilities and
made the move from being a Representative to
Community Outreach Manager.
Member Rebecca
Stalker is a single
mother who works
hard to provide for her
family that includes
son, Jonathan, and
daughter, Alexandria.
Representative Connie
Curlee helped Stalker
address some of her
future financial needs
through the purchase
of life insurance.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 3
feedback on the web
Search: WOWInsurance
Society to ‘like’ our page.
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
Follow us on Twitter at:
WOWInsurance
M A G A Z I N E
Fall 2012
Photo by Ashley Ward Photography
 “Financial Resolutions” Podcast
Been thinking about your finances lately? Now is a good time to get your
finances in order, and Woodmen of the World can help you get started.
Listen to a conversation with Mark Schreier, Executive Vice President,
Finance and Treasurer, for the top five things you can focus on to improve
your financial situation. Find this and other podcasts on woodmen.org by
clicking “About,” and selecting “Media Center” and “Podcasts.”
Funding a Better Future
Presidential Transition
p. 8
Fraternalist of the Year
p. 10
National Honor Page
p. 33
learn more at: woodmen.org
WL_20124_FallD3.indd 1
10/5/12 2:02 PM
 Find Your Local Lodge
Correction
In the last issue of Woodmen Living, we inadvertently listed
that State Manager Phillip Pace of Mississippi South began
his Woodmen of the World career in 1996. The article should
have read that he has been with Woodmen of the World since
1986. We apologize for the error.
— Woodmen Living Editorial Team
Don't see your
lodge pictured?
Keep sending in those fraternal
photos. Every lodge has a great
story, and we love to help you
tell yours. Be sure the photo is
in focus and identify everyone
pictured clearly. Then email it to
[email protected].
4 WOODMEN LIVING
Board of Directors
Thomas T. Gallion III,
Chairman, Montgomery, AL
Larry R. King,
President & CEO, Omaha, NE
Pat Dees,
Executive Vice President, Fraternal,
Omaha, NE
Pamela J. Hernandez,
Executive Vice President, Operations & Secretary,
Omaha, NE
Mark L. Schreier,
Executive Vice President, Finance & Treasurer,
Omaha, NE
Daniel W. Rice III, Kinston, NC
Lucia G. Taylor-McCoy, Elkview, WV
Stephen W. Mellor, Omaha, NE
Dr. James W. Bosler III, Louisville, KY
Dr. James W. Shaver, Landis, NC
Roger B. Moore, Lynchburg,VA
James W. Bridges Jr., Las Vegas, NV
Michael C. Shealy, Lexington, SC
Wesley A. Dodd, Cornelia, GA
Daryl J. Doise, Sunset, LA
Danny E. Cummins, Troup, TX
The Woodmen of the World lodge system is where it all begins! Our
members enjoy socializing and taking part in fun volunteer opportunities
in their communities. There’s a Woodmen of the World lodge near you,
so find yours today and make a difference! To locate the Woodmen of the
World lodge in your neighborhood, visit woodmen.org and click on “find
your local lodge.”
 Build Your Career
Interested in a fulfilling career as a Woodmen of the World Representative?
Know someone who would make a good candidate? Learn about the
unlimited income potential, exciting benefits and personal rewards this
opportunity offers. Comprehensive training is available. To get started, visit
woodmen.org and click on “Careers” and “Sales Careers.”
Magazine Staff
Managing Editor: Angie Schendt
Content Editor: Andy Oerman
Design Editor: Joe Bavaresco
Writers: Beverly Newsam, Carmen Steele
Designer: Jerry Underwood
Contributors: Carli Cominoli, Sarah Richart,
Angel Stottle
Marketing & Fraternal
Team Vice President: Steve Jones
If you have questions, comments or
suggestions for articles, please direct
them to [email protected].
visit us at: woodmen.org
email 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 Policy
Woodmen 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.
Newsworthy
Fun for the Young at Heart
C
ruises are fun. Spending a week at a first-class
resort is nice. But for a truly unique experience
with your fellow seniors, check out Woodmen of
the World Senior Camp!
Since the first Senior Camp was held in Georgia in 1986,
mature members of Woodmen of the World have been
taking advantage of this benefit and the opportunities it
provides to make new friends, participate in a wide range of
activities and just have fun.
“Senior Camp provides a unique opportunity for members
to experience something they couldn’t do with any
other senior group,” said Philip Robertson, Community
Outreach Manager in Alabama North. “It gives them the
chance to be a kid again.”
Community Outreach Manager Cindy Fincher (Georgia
South) agrees. “Our members have really created a feeling
of fun and fellowship at our camps,” she said. “They always
have a great time.”
While every Senior Camp offers its own selection of
activities, each usually includes a variety of non-active and
active options. From arts and crafts, card games, bingo, and
fishing to skeet shooting, low-impact aerobics, nature walks,
scavenger hunts, and musical performances – there’s always
something for everyone.
“At our last camp, we brought in a professional storyteller
and had a ‘Mayberry Days’ theme night where everything
centered on The Andy Griffith Show,” Robertson said. “It was
a blast, and the smiling faces lasted the entire week.”
In Fincher’s area, events at Camp Glynn in Brunswick, GA,
always focus on a specific theme for the week. “Each session
we have a theme and decorate the entire camp,” she said. “That
theme is then used for our costume contest. And believe me,
some of those costumes can be very elaborate and funny.”
Depending on the area, camps are offered in the spring or
fall, and last four to six days. “We have a spring session in
Hartselle, AL
Members Peggy Tanner (Opie), Bill Tanner (Briscoe Darling) and Sue
Hawkins (Aunt Bea) pose with a Barney Fife impersonator during
the “Mayberry Days" theme night at North Alabama Senior Camp.
May and a fall session in September or October each year,”
Fincher said.
And in addition to the camps, Fincher’s area also offers
short bus excursions for members. “Our Senior Travelers
went on a three-day motor coach trip in November,” she
said. “We went to the Titanic Museum, Dixie Stampede
and enjoyed the Smoky Mountains. It was our best trip yet!”
In Alabama, camp is held in September to take advantage
of the seasonable fall weather. “The weather is more
predictable and pleasant then,” Robertson said. “2012 was
our 26th annual event and we had 146 in attendance, with
27 of them being first-time attendees.” ::
Youth programs, summer camp and senior camps are not available in all areas. Each
camp is independently owned and operated. Woodmen of the World and/or Omaha
Woodmen Life Insurance Society neither owns nor operates camps.
If you’re a senior member looking for a great way to
meet new people, share a fun experience and indulge
in some activities you missed as a child, contact your
Community Outreach Manager or call 1-800-225-3108.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 5
Member Spotlight
with you through life
®
Photo by Neil’s Photography Studio
Jonathan, Alexandria and Rebecca Stalker
Finding Financial Freedom
Family means everything to many women. To help ensure that their loved ones are taken
care of financially, some female members are finding it helpful to seek assistance from
their Woodmen of the World Representatives to plan for the future.
Along life’s way, there are milestones that most women
plan for and look forward to celebrating. Getting married,
having a baby and retirement are just a few of these.
In addition to these exciting, life-changing events, women
also may experience unexpected situations that can deplete
their financial resources – like becoming a widow or a single
mother. It happens more often (and sooner) than you might
think. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average age
of a woman when she becomes a widow is 59.1
CI0017WOW 11/12
6 WOODMEN LIVING
To help avoid financial strain, women like Rebecca Stalker
are seeking assistance from someone like Woodmen of the
World Representative Connie Curlee. Stalker, a divorced
mother of three and member of Lodge 3909 in Needville,
TX, works hard to provide for her family and is thankful for
the opportunity to make the most of her family’s income.
“Nobody wants to talk about a hardship,” Stalker said. “But it’s
very important to get your future in order as soon as possible. It
means everything to me to know my children and I are covered
in case the unexpected happens.”
“The responsible thing to do.”
Stalker wanted life insurance to have enough money for
funeral expenses. “It’s the responsible thing to do for them,
and the rate is lower and more affordable when you and
your family are young,” she said.
Curlee is eager to assist women, because her first-hand
experiences as a single mother help her relate. “I’ve gone
through a divorce and raised children on my own,” she said.
“Being in that situation made me realize that we’re probably
all going to go through some type of negative life event at
some point, and we need to prepare for it.”
To help women start thinking about their financial future,
Curlee completes a Needs Analysis, during which she
determines needs, wishes and available funds. She also
speaks to groups of women at Woodmen of the World’s
exclusive Accessory to Success events (see sidebar for more
information). To break the ice, she shares relatable statistics.
Since women live an average of five years longer than men, 2
Curlee said that it’s even more important for women to be
prepared for the unexpected.
Another eye-opening fact is that women only earn 77 cents
for every dollar a man makes. 3 Each person has different
needs and budget concerns, and Curlee tries to find a
product that matches both. “My goal is to get women in the
mindset of being independent so their children won’t have
to take care of them someday,” she said.
Stalker agrees with Curlee. “I want my family to remember
I love them and move forward, instead of worrying about
how to pay next month’s bills,” she said.
Above all, Curlee reminds women that the most important
thing to remember when thinking about the future is that
shopping for life insurance is not about you – it’s about who
you leave behind.
“A lot of people want to put it off because they don’t plan on
going anywhere,” she said. “They think they’ll live forever,
but you don’t know what will happen tomorrow.” ::
1. U.S. Census Bureau. “Number, Timing and Duration of Marriages and Divorces: 2009”
2. U.S. Census Bureau. “Expectation of Life at Birth, 1970 to 2008, and Projections,
2010 to 2020”
3. U.S. Census Bureau. “Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Coverage in the
U.S.: 2010”
4. National Women’s Law Center. “Poverty Among
Women and Families.”
Your
Accessory
to Success
Enjoy gathering with
family and friends?
Want to learn more
about creating a brighter
financial future? Then host
an Accessory to Success event!
It’s about who you leave behind.
Curlee suggests Woodmen of the World products based on
a woman’s age and financial situation.
Accessory to Success events:
»»Focus on women’s financial needs
“I do a lot of Term Life and Family Term, which covers
parents and their children,” Curlee said. “This is especially
good for a single mom on a stretched budget, so she and her
family get the insurance protection they need.”
»»Empower women
She offers Individual Retirement Annuities (IRAs) to older
women to help them set aside money for the future. (In
2010, almost two-thirds of people over 65 years old who live
below the poverty line were women.4)
»»Educate without the pressure to purchase
»»Encourage conversation and mutual support
For more details, visit woodmen.org/Learning or contact
your Woodmen of the World Representative today.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 7
Newsworthy
Fraternal Benefits
1
When you become part of the Woodmen of the World family, you're more than a “policy
holder.” You gain access to benefits that make belonging that much more valuable, and provide
additional protection for your loved ones. Below are some of the requirements for these
benefits. For a complete list or to apply for a benefit, contact your State Service Center.
Catastrophic
Illness Benefit
Woodmen of the World will pay a
fraternal benefit of $1,000 to eligible
members who contract any of these
catastrophic illnesses: tuberculosis,
Leukemia, malignant lymphoma,
lung cancer, multiple myeloma,
Hodgkin’s disease, or Brain Tumor
(subject to the conditions and
limitations stated below):
General Rules, Prerequisites
and Eligibility:
1.Must be a member in good standing
for a minimum of one year with
fraternal dues and premiums paid
to date.
2.Notification of illness must be
received in the Home Office
within five years of the date
of diagnosis or date of death.
If diagnosis is over five years,
member must be receiving
treatment (chemotherapy,
radiation, drug therapy) for the
illness at the time of notification or
at the time of death.
3.Eligibility is determined by
Woodmen of the World from
8 WOODMEN LIVING
reports of the doctor in charge of
the case.
4.Woodmen of the World will pay
$1,000 to the member immediately
upon approval of the application.
If the member is deceased, the
benefit will be payable to the
person who, at the discretion of
Woodmen of the World, is entitled
thereto. If the member is deceased
and there is no spouse, child,
sibling, relative, or anyone else
responsible for paying expenses,
the benefit may not be paid.
Proof of payment for applicant’s
expenses may be required.
Orphan’s Care
Financial assistance is available for
totally orphaned children of qualified
members as follows:
Age
0 – 5, inclusive 6 – 15, inclusive 16 – 18, inclusive Monthly
$125
$150
$200
Educational Extra:
Woodmen of the World will pay an
additional fraternal benefit to children
in the Orphan’s Care program who
choose to continue their education
after high school. Woodmen of the
World will pay up to $5,100 a year for
a total benefit of $20,400 over four
years. Payments will be deposited
AFTER receiving verification
of grades: $2,550 per fall/spring
semester, or $1,275 per quarter.
Eligibility:
1.All orphaned children (under the
age of 18) whose parents were
both Woodmen of the World
members are eligible. They must
be the biological or legally adopted
children of Woodmen of the World
parents who were members in good
standing on the date of death and
for at least one year prior thereto.
2.Orphaned children of a single
Woodmen of the World parent
whose spouse and parent of the
child or children is deceased may
be eligible. The single parent must
be a member in good standing on
the date of death and for at least one
year prior thereto.
Payments will commence the first day
of the month following notice and
proof of eligibility.
1. Fraternal benefits are not contractual, are subject to change and have specific eligibility requirements.
2013 Refunds
Refunds paid to members holding life and
accident and health certificates during
2013 are expected to be approximately
$77.3 million, Woodmen of the World’s
Board of Directors recently announced.
The Board also announced that beginning
Jan. 1, 2013, Woodmen of the World will
pay 4.10 percent interest on refunds left
on deposit with the organization.
Newborn Benefit
Woodmen of the World will pay a
fraternal benefit of $10,000 to the
parents of an infant who dies between
the age of 48 hours and six months. In
addition, during the same six-month
time frame, the infant is eligible
for a $10,000 guaranteed issue life
insurance certificate at standard rates,
regardless of the infant’s health.
Requirements:
1.The infant must live at least 48 hours.
2.Biological parents and all siblings
under the age of 18 must be
members in good standing at
the time of the infant’s birth. In
addition, the mother must have
been a member in good standing for
at least one year at the time of the
infant’s birth.
Natural Disaster Benefit
Woodmen of the World will pay
a fraternal benefit based on the
estimated cost to repair or reconstruct
the primary residence of a goodstanding member. Said damage must
be $10,000 or more, with the benefit
being one percent of said damage.
The minimum benefit is $100 and the
maximum $500.
Conditions and Limitations
1.Limit of one benefit per primary
residence per year, regardless of
the number of good-standing
members residing at the residence,
within the limits stated above.
Woodmen of the World will
determine household occupants of
the residence by mailing address for
premium payments as of the date
of loss. Must be a member in good
standing for at least one year.
2.Covered damage is damage to the
primary residence and excludes
other structures including, but not
limited to, out buildings, sheds
and fences.
3.Woodmen of the World will have
sole discretion in determining the
payee of the fraternal benefit.
Benefit application, Form 8176, along
with required estimate of damage
or loss, must be received in the Home
Office within one year of the date
of loss. ::
The maximum interest rates used to
calculate refunds on Adjustable Life
unloaned cash values will range from
4.00 percent to 4.65 percent, depending
on the certificate year, issue age, sex, face
amount, and other classifications. The
maximum interest rates used to calculate
refunds on Flexible Life unloaned cash
values will range from 4.00 percent to
4.95 percent, depending on the certificate
year, issue age, sex, face amount, and
other classifications.
The interest rate applied to monies
received as advanced premium will
be 4.10 percent on fixed premium life
insurance plans and 4.00 percent on new
flexible premium life insurance plans.
Woodmen of the World’s Executive
Committee, taking into account
investment market yields, will set annuity
rates monthly.
Current interest rates for No Lapse
Guarantee Universal Life and
Accumulation Universal Life will be set
quarterly by the Executive Committee. ::
Woodmen of the World Magazine 9
How Did You Become a Member?
For the
People
Patriotism Inspires Patton
S
ara Patton knows better than anyone that every
vote matters: She won her County Commissioner seat
by just three votes.
Growing up, Patton’s father, a veteran of the Korean War,
impressed upon her the importance of voting. She has
since instilled the desire to vote in her own family and
in the community as Wilson County Commissioner for
District 9, an office she’s held for several years.
“I really had no political aspirations when I first got involved
as County Commissioner,” Patton said. “I just like to
educate people, and others told me I should run.”
Patton decided to petition to get her name on the ballot after
seeking community assistance in conjunction with several
issues, and she continues to urge others to register to vote.
“I went door-to-door and told people to vote for me if they
were ready for a change,” she said. “It all starts with you, and
you need to do something about a situation if you’re not
happy about it. I told them every vote counts, and it did!”
Patton has been a member of Lodge 1025 in Watertown,
TN, for a decade and now serves as a Trustee. Other
Woodmen of the World members in Patton’s family
include her husband, Willie, their daughter, Amanda, and
their grandson, Wesley, who has been saying the Pledge of
Allegiance since he could talk.
Familiar with Woodmen of the World before she became
a member, Patton said her desire to get involved grew after
attending a flag presentation at the local volunteer fire
department’s fire hall. “I loved how Woodmen of the World
10 WOODMEN LIVING
was so family- and patriotic-oriented,” she said. “I am too,
since I was born on the fourth of July, and my son’s birthday
is on Veterans Day.”
She reflects her patriotism by passing out American Patriot’s
Handbooks and posters on the U.S. Flag Code to students.
“They don’t teach civics in schools as much as they used to, so
this is a great way to help educate them,” Patton said.
Her community ties have helped her spread the word
about Woodmen of the World, and round up assistance for
projects. “People around here are realizing how important
Woodmen of the World is to the community,” she said.
Patton has worked as a nurse since 1991 and remains an
active member of the Statesville Family Community
Education Club, the Statesville Grange and the Wilson
County Fair. Lodge 1025 also donated a 30-foot flagpole to
the fairgrounds and Patton continues to be very active with
the biennial Jurisdictional Conventions.
Named the 2012 Tennessee West State Fraternalist
of the Year, Patton feels her “whole group deserves the
recognition,” adding that, “we really need to continue to
focus on fraternalism in the future because there’s always
something you can do for others.” ::
How did you become a member?
ÔÔWe want to know your Woodmen of
the World story! Submit your story at
woodmen.org/members/story.cfm
Right: Sara Patton (right) and other members of Watertown, TN, Lodge
1025 presented the Wilson County Fairgrounds with a flagpole and flag.
Below: Sara Patton (center), her daughter, Amanda, and grandson,
Wesley, participated in the Wilson County Veteran's Day Memorial 5K race.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 11
fraternal spirit
S ubmit Photos to:
[email protected]
Lodge 49 Lexington, TN
Members presented an American flag to the Doe Creek School Restoration Committee.
Lodge 647 Statesville, NC
Lodge 8 Florence, AL
Members presented an American flag and a North Carolina
state flag to Cloverleaf Elementary School.
Members participated in a golf tournament at Turtle Point
Country Club, which raised funds for disaster relief.
12 WOODMEN LIVING
Lodge 714 Maurice, LA
Youth member Lauren Duhon presented a flag to
Vermillion Catholic High School Principal Mike Guibeaux
(left) and Dean of Students Daniel McMurphy.
Lodge 264 Lincoln, NE
Members Kathryn Schlueter (left) and Jenny Turechek
(right) presented a Flag of Honor to Nebraska State Senator
Danielle Conrad for the Memorial Garden in Antelope Park.
Lodge 16 Concord, NC
Members made snack baskets for patients, guests and
family members at the local hospice house.
Lodge 879 Cynthiana, KY
Members attended the lodge’s annual skating party.
Lodge 6429 Powder Springs, GA
Lodge 943 Pulaski, TN
Secretary Martha Ash, along with Sgt. Lyndon Smith (left),
Lt. Col. Jim May, and JROTC Quenton Entrekin, presented
a flagpole and flag to First Baptist Church at an In Honor and
Remembrance ceremony.
Representative Marty Peery presented an American History
Award to Jacob Herbertz.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 13
Fraternal Spirit
Lodge 10 Monroe, LA
Lodge members dedicated a flagpole and presented a flag to
Swartz First Assembly of God Church.
Lodge 229 Trevorton, PA
Members conducted an In Honor and Remembrance
ceremony by dedicating a flagpole with the Trevorton
Athletic Association.
Lodge 254 Charleston, WV
Thirty members from Ohio and West Virginia attended
Senior Camp in the Yoder Farm Amish Community of
Berlin, OH.
Lodge 1457 Saltillo, MS
Representatives Billy Crumpton (left) and George Crowder
(right) presented a flag to Johnny Dye from the Lee County
School District.
Lodge 1025 Elbridge, NY
Lodge 764 Wilson, NC
Members Connie Cannellos Yanulis (left), Judi Laird
Gusmann and Paul Gusmann enjoyed the Lake George Boat
Cruise during the Northeast Jurisdiction’s Senior Weekend.
Representatives Billy Wright (left) and Jason Kennedy
presented a flag to students at Lucama Elementary School.
14 WOODMEN LIVING
Lodge 100 Carrollton, GA
Trustee Edward Hancock (second from left) presented a flag
to firefighters from the Clem Fire Department on Sept. 11.
Lodge 338 Phenix City, AL
Member Nash Milner, age 9, grew a giant cabbage to enter
into a state competition and possibly win scholarship money.
Lodge 1075 Loris, SC
Members hosted an In Honor and Remembrance
ceremony at the lodge hall.
Lodge 7 Hamburg, AR
Fire Chief Mike Adams accepted a flag presented by the
daughters of Marion “Dale” Ramsey in his memory.
Lodge 196 Hornbeak, TN
Member Julie Beth Allen was crowned Queen in the 10-to12 year-old Division at the Obion County Fair.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 15
Fraternal Spirit
Lodge 923 Wallace, NC
Lodge 45 Brownwood, TX
President Harvey Knowles (center) and Secretary Christine
Carr (right) presented gift bags to the 66 residents of
Dayspring of Wallace. Activity Director Holli Souza
accepted the bags on their behalf.
The lodge’s booth at the 18th Annual Brownwood Business
Showcase won Best Overall Booth for using the showcase’s
theme of Get In the Game.
Lodge 323 Union, SC
Representative Paul Winters addressed the crowd at the
lodge’s In Honor and Remembrance Ceremony at the
Union Fairgrounds.
Lodge 433 Pitman, PA
Lodge members along with VFW Post 8237 and
American Legion Post 575 conducted an In Honor and
Remembrance ceremony at the Fountain Christ Church in
Hegins, PA.
16 WOODMEN LIVING
Lodge 880 London, KY
Members conducted an In Honor and Remembrance
ceremony at Providence Missionary Baptist Church.
Lodge 54 Shreveport, LA
Lodge 1850 Cullman, AL
Representatives James Ross (second from left) and Mike
Emmer (right) presented a flag and a plaque to Bossier
Parish Emergency Center Director Tracey Hilburn during
an In Honor and Remembrance ceremony.
Members presented a flag and flagpole to the Cullman Senior
Center during an In Honor and Remembrance ceremony.
Lodge 553 Cornelia, GA
Lodge 7 Palatka, FL
Representative Ernie Craven (right) presented a flag to
teachers Doug Westmoreland (left) and Stan Rentz from
the Habersham County Ninth Grade Academy.
Representative John Creech (left) and member Jeanne
Merwin (right) presented a $1,500 check to Angie Pye,
Executive Director of the Lee Conlee House, a center for
victims of domestic violence.
Lodge 1450 Hinds County, MS
Lodge 943 Pulaski, TN
President Kenny Phillips (right) and members Lillie and
Jerrell Smith presented a check to Nancy Flowers from We
Will Go Ministries.
Boy Scout Troop 46 members unfolded and raised a Flag
of Honor presented by lodge members at an In Honor and
Remembrance ceremony at Richland High School.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 17
Fraternal Spirit
Lodge 976 Denton, NC
Firefighters accepted an American flag and a state flag
presented to the Healing Springs Fire Department by lodge
members.
Lodge 6018 Valdosta, GA
Member Betty Bell (right) presented school supplies to
Principal Dr. Derald Jones (back) and students Haley
Morgan (left), Jacob Watson and Rhett McLeod from
Lowndes Middle School.
Lodge 1115 Gallatin, TN
Secretary Cathie Ayers (left) volunteered at the Tennessee
Special Olympics Flag Football Tournament, which the
West Tennessee Fraternal Association co-sponsors.
18 WOODMEN LIVING
Lodge 47 Opelousas, LA
Secretary Ken Thibodeaux (left) presented a flag to Larry
Watson from Plaisance Elementary School.
Lodge 38 Bardwell, KY
Members participated in a fall parade.
Lodge 1 Columbus, OH
Representative Drew Price (left) and Area Manager Wade
Wetzel (right) presented a Flag of Honor to Warren Motts
from the Motts Military Museum.
Lodge 6001 South Bend, IN
Members presented a flag to students at Corpus Christi School.
Lodge 585 East Stroudsburg, PA
Members presented a flag to the Bushkill Ambulance Corps.
Lodge 406 Lytle, TX
Members laid a wreath at the Veterans’ Memorial Park in
downtown Lytle in observance of Veterans Day.
Lodge 93 Ider, AL
Buddy greeted Jackson County School Superintendent
Ken Harding.
Lodge 1446 Biloxi, MS
Members participated in the Biloxi Bay Chamber of
Commerce Let’s Make a Deal event.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 19
Fraternal Spirit
Lodge 28 Brownsville, TN
Representative Pam Stewart presented an American History
Award to Haywood High School senior Kenya Eckor.
Lodge 1111 Myrtle Beach, SC
Treasurer Sharri Hammond (left) presented the Fraternal
Spirit Award to Vera Graham.
Lodge 970 Swannanoa, NC
Officers posed in front of the lodge’s sign after receiving a
Certificate of Appreciation from the local library.
20 WOODMEN LIVING
Lodge 1936 Demopolis, AL
Representative Trey Smith presented a flag to the
Demopolis Lions Club.
Lodge 4659 Bullard, TX
Doug Saunders and Joanne Buendtner accepted a flag on
behalf of the Bullard Community Library.
Lodge 6246 Maryville, TN
Jurisdictional Past President Harriet Irwin (right) presented a
flag to Norma Peeler of the Greenback Community Center.
Lodge 95 Lenoir, NC
Members Jessie Barlow and Jack Miller flew kites during
the lodge’s 3rd Annual Kids and Kites Day.
Lodge 728 Murray, KY
Lodge 976 Eunice, LA
Members presented a flag to the Murray Police Department.
Members gave a box of tissues to every resident of the Oak
Lane Wellness Center and the Eunice Manor Nursing
Home for Make A Difference Day.
Lodge 6 Cumberland, MD
Lodge 25 Montgomery, AL
Jessica Michaels presented the Youth Fraternal Spirit Award
to Shawnee Michaels at the lodge’s Annual Awards Banquet.
Youth member Cole Godwin presented a flag to his
principal at Holtville Middle School.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 21
Fraternal Spirit
Lodge 693 Lewisburg, PA
Lodge 15 Georgiana, AL
Member McKenna Forman appeared to be pulling a large
John Deere combine in the Harvest Festival parade, but the
chain was welded together and the machine was actually
pushing her.
Representative Jason Whittle volunteered at a new member
outreach booth at the Garland Trade Day festival.
Lodge 1 Nashville, TN
Lodge 635 Fairfield, IL
Representatives Darrell Dowdell (left) and Tom Dalley
cooked chickens on the Woodmen of the World grill for the
lodge’s annual picnic.
Lodge 58 Searcy, AR
Members presented a flag to the Kensett Fire Department
for their In Honor and Remembrance ceremony.
22 WOODMEN LIVING
Secretary Connie Smith (right) presented a flag to Angel
Lane, Director of Kiddie Kollege, a daycare and earlylearning center for pre-schoolers.
Lodge 60 Stedman, NC
Member Buddy Fisher (left) presented a flag to Stanley
Douglas from Stedman Elementary School.
Lodge 38 Arlington, KY
Lodge 64 Fulton, MS
Members presented Safe Bus Driver Pins to drivers from
the Carlisle County Schools.
Representative Jamie Basden presented a scholarship to
A.J. Spears.
Lodge 140 Haleyville, AL
Betty Benford enjoyed watermelon at Alabama North’s Senior Camp.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 23
Member Spotlight
Howard, PA
Fetzers Enjoy
Sweet Hobby
F
or the Fetzer family in central Pennsylvania,
the arrival of cold weather also marks the arrival of “sap
season.” They have been collecting sap and making
maple syrup for more than 20 years – a tradition started by
Harold Fetzer’s father, Harold.
“That’s where it all started,” Harold Fetzer said. “My Dad
taught me, and now it’s just my boy, Rusty, and I doing it.
But we have friends and relatives who help us because there
aren’t a lot of other things to do in the area that time of year.”
That time of year begins with the onset of freezing temps
and ends with the first buds of spring. “For the sap to run,
you want the temps to go up and down,” Fetzer said. “That
means nights below freezing and days up to 40 or 50
degrees. Once it gets warm and stays warm, the season is
pretty much over.”
24 WOODMEN LIVING
Rusty, Harold and Harold Fetzer represent
three generations involved in collecting sap
and making maple syrup on their farm in
central Pennsylvania.
A Sappy Season
During sap season, the Fetzers only tap as many trees as
they can handle on their 167-acre farm. Currently, they have
between 200 and 300 trees tapped, but hope to add more
before the season ends. “My son works for a landscaping
company, and if he’s not moving snow this time of year, he
can devote more time to the syrup,” Fetzer said. “You need
to have someone always tending the fire to boil down the
sap to evaporate the water and turn it into syrup.”
The syrup-making process begins with collecting sap from
the tapped sugar maple trees on the farm – a task that’s much
easier now than when Fetzer first learned how to make syrup.
“It was a lot of work with the individual taps in each tree
and hauling buckets to the fire,” he said. “You’d often end up
spilling half of it because you’d be pouring in the dark.”
Today, the Fetzers have streamlined the process with a sapline system of rubber tubing that connects most of their trees
to a bigger line that flows directly into stainless steel bulk
tanks. “We have one place with 100
trees on one line,” Fetzer
said. “You never want
to take down your lines,
you just shut them off at
the end of the season and
then reconnect next year.
Although we occasionally
have to repair a line or
two because a squirrel has
chewed through the tubing.”
After the sap is collected,
it’s gradually added to a
40-gallon pan over a wood
burning fire. Then as it starts
to boil down into syrup,
more sap is added, until that
day’s collection is cooked
down. “We start with
firewood and then finish
cooking it over gas in the
basement,” Fetzer said.
“It usually takes 40-50
gallons of sap to make
one gallon of syrup.”
In a good year, the Fetzers usually
cook down a couple thousand gallons
of sap. But Fetzer has a higher goal for
this season. “We want to go for 3,000
to 4,000 gallons this year,” he said.
“And early in the season, the sugar
content is higher in the trees. So, that’s
when you want to try and get more
sap for syrup.”
Maples and Membership
While her husband and son are busy making syrup,
Cathy Fetzer helps when needed and also works at the
local high school. A Woodmen of
the World member for 30
years, it was Cathy who first
introduced her husband to
the company. “I became
a member when I was 16,
and when I married Harold
at 19, he also became a
member,” she said. “My
parents have always been
members, and when our
children were born, we
bought certificates for all
of them.”
Members
Harold and Cathy Fetzer,
and the tractor and large tank the
family uses to collect the sap and
transport it to the boiling site.
And that syrup is something many
people look forward to, especially Fetzer himself. “I make
my own bologna and I add the syrup to it,” he said. “It really
makes a difference in the overall flavor.” The remaining
syrup is usually shared with family and friends.
One of those
certificates took
on special meaning
when their daughter,
Elizabeth, was diagnosed
with cerebral palsy as
an infant. “We bought
insurance for her at age
three months,” she said.
“Luckily we did that, because
we might not have been able
to do it had we waited. She
now has a nice policy with
Woodmen of the World and
we’re very grateful for that.”
Today, the Fetzers are a 100 percent
Woodmen of the World family.
“From my parents all the way to my
new granddaughter, we now have four
generations of membership,” she said.
And those generations will probably
be involved with making (and enjoying) maple syrup for
many years to come. ::
Woodmen of the World Magazine 25
Community Connection
15 JOIN HANDS DAY Projects
You Can Do in an Afternoon
JOIN HANDS DAY is a national volunteer day sponsored by the American Fraternal Alliance. It encourages and develops
relationships between young people and adults through neighborhood volunteering. Young people and adults collaborate
and carry out the day’s service activities. In 2013, the day falls on May 4.
There’s still time to plan your event, and don’t worry – there are plenty of things to do that don’t require a big time
commitment. In no particular order, here are 15 projects that you can complete in half a day or less:
1
2
3
4
5
Collect unused
makeup, perfume and
other cosmetics for
donation to a center
for abused women.
Deliver meals
to homebound
individuals. Pick
up groceries with/
for a senior citizen.
Help fix and
paint a run-down
playground and
check the equipment
for safety.
Organize a
neighborhood
group to plant a
flower garden in
a public place.
Adopt a town
monument and
clean it up. Or clean
headstones at a
local cemetery.
♥🛈🌎
🍂✉🔦⌂🔑
📕 💧 🏆
6
7
8
9
10
Mow lawns for
senior citizens in
your neighborhood.
Spread mulch.
Pull weeds. Plant
vegetables.
Make get well cards
for people in hospitals
and convalescent
homes. Don’t just buy
them; the homemade
touch can mean
so much more.
Collect supplies
for people who
have been in a fire
or natural disaster.
Food, toys, blankets,
and clothing are
always needed.
Volunteer at an
animal shelter.
Clean up, play
with the animals
or anything else to
make a nicer home
for the animals.
Help senior
citizens in your
neighborhood
obtain and install
locks, smoke
alarms and carbon
monoxide alarms.
11
12
13
14
15
Read books or
the newspaper to
blind or visually
impaired people.
Paint over graffiti
on buildings
and on columns
underneath bridges.
Clean up trash after
a community event,
along a river or
highway or in a park.
Organize a local
blood drive with
the American
Red Cross.
Start a collection
drive for old sports
equipment and donate
it to needy families.
ÔÔImportant: Lodge
officers, don’t forget to register
your project on MyFraternalWeb.org!
26 WOODMEN LIVING
Originally compiled by Janet Fox, 4-H Extension Specialist.
Referenced 11/14/12 at http://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/serviceideas.shtml.
member news
Caring About the Community
Holland
Devotes Life
to Others
As the unofficial hospital historian, Holland has compiled a
portfolio of photographs that spans five decades. “We recently
made a DVD that we play on a monitor in the hospital’s main
lobby,” she said. “We have over 1,000 photos, and people love
it. I tried to identify as many people as I could.”
Holland first learned about Woodmen of the World many
years ago, and she became a member in the 1960s. She said
her lodge and community activity has continued to grow
throughout the past decade.
J
Janice Holland
anice Holland has a
servant’s heart. Now that she’s
retired, she can do even more
good deeds in her community as
Treasurer of Lodge 89 in Rocky
Mount, VA. “I didn’t want to retire to
just come home and sit down,” she
said. “I’m a ‘people person’ and love
helping anyone who needs me.”
Holland graduated from high school in 1957 and went to
work a few weeks later at the Carilion Franklin Memorial
Hospital. Until her retirement in 2004, she served in a
variety of positions at the hospital, including as assistant
credit manager, business office manager and patient
financial specialist. She was the longest-tenured employee
of the hospital, with 47 years of service.
“It was a lovely career and a true, true blessing,” Holland
said. “And I’m still active there today.”
Holland likes volunteering her time with the hospital
auxiliary and escorts patients to their rooms. She also helps
decorate the hospital for the holidays and especially likes
helping with the bake sales, which often include tenderloin
biscuits and her famous fried apple pies.
As lodge Treasurer, Holland attends monthly meetings to
help plan activities and go over business. She said Lodge 89
is usually involved with whatever happens in Rocky Mount,
including putting together Christmas baskets for shut-ins and
hosting oyster suppers.
Recently, lodge members voted to donate $500 to “Wood for
Warmth” to help buy a new chain saw and blades. Holland
said the program is very worthwhile because it offers firewood
to community members.
Holland volunteers at her church and is treasurer of her
Sunday School class. She helps take a bite out of hunger by
volunteering monthly with the Stepping Stones Mission,
where Lodge 89 also volunteers several times a year.
News of Holland’s lifelong dedication to Franklin County
residents has spread statewide across Virginia, leading to a
special resolution in the General Assembly in her honor, put
in motion by Delegate Charles Poindexter.
“People know if they need something they can call me, and
I’ll help out as I can,” Holland said. “I get to do a lot of fun
things, and it keeps me active.” ::
Woodmen of the World Magazine 27
Member News
Lights, Camera, Action
Community
Movie Nights
Develop
Following
28 WOODMEN LIVING
L
odge 588 in Lakeland, FL,
is on a roll attracting younger
members. Its members strive
to provide family fun when planning
events and have found the “Pics on
the Promenade” movie series is one
such activity that has really taken off.
Thanks to the efforts of Lodge President
Justin Wilson, Lakeland residents can
enjoy family-friendly movies four times
a year outdoors at scenic Lake Mirror in
the center of town. The movies are free,
but local vendors are on hand to sell
food and snacks.
Wilson kicked off Pics on the
Promenade outside of Woodmen
of the World in 2007, but his lodge
became one of several partners four
years ago. It’s a combined effort
that he said has developed quite a
following, with about 2,000 people
showing up for films like “Hook,”
“White Christmas” and “E.T. The
Extra-Terrestrial.”
“It’s a neat opportunity to
use this as an outlet to be
engaged in the community
to make a difference
and have an impact.”
“Our lodge wants to have fun stuff
going on, and this is also a very
philanthropic-minded community
that supports a lot of nonprofits,”
Wilson said. “It really helps us to
leverage Woodmen of the World.
Our goal is to get people engaged in
the downtown with small businesses,
and it’s our job as a lodge to engage
the audience.”
Wilson said that Pics on the
Promenade featured two movies the
first two years and later expanded to
four screenings – two in the spring
and two in the fall – after the event
became so popular. “We also feel like
it’s best to space them out and keep it
seasonal so we don’t wear people out,”
he said.
“Woodmen of the World likes to sell
dinners at the event, like barbecue or
pizza, where there’s a low cost,” Wilson
said. “We are then able to give the
proceeds to the benefactor. It’s a great
platform for them to communicate
their vision and needs.”
The newspaper, social media and
event sponsors help promote the
event, and Wilson said lodge members
“pound the pavement” to hand out
fliers. The event also is an opportunity
to get students involved and help
expand their skills.
Wilson is excited to offer Pics on the
Promenade in conjunction with his
lodge because he enjoys working
with fellow Woodmen of the World
members. “We’re a big group of
friends, and it’s a neat opportunity to
use this as an outlet to be engaged in
the community to make a difference
and have an impact.”
“We’ve recently had marketing and
communication interns from the local
college help us out,” Wilson said. “It’s
been a great experience for them, and
they’ve had a chance to be creative.”
Each year, Wilson said that part of
the Pics on the Promenade proceeds
goes to a particular event benefactor.
Currently, the Central Florida
Autism Institute is benefiting from
the group effort.
He encourages other lodges
to plan similar events in their
communities. “If you’re passionate
about this or another idea, find
someone else who’s passionate,
too, and the talent to accomplish
it will come,” Wilson said. ::
Woodmen of the World Magazine 29
Member News
Member and Representative
Share Lifelong Bond
W
ith you through LIFE® is
more than just a tagline
to Haley Williams
and her Woodmen of the World
Representative, Kyle East.
started thinking about the need for life
insurance because they were starting
a family. “After we got married, we
started thinking about those things –
especially with the upcoming birth of
our daughter,” Haley said. “We’d been
looking at other companies, and then
one day Kyle called to tell us he was
now a Representative with Woodmen
of the World.”
“We were born five days apart and
our parents were friends,” Haley said.
“When we were little, we’d even have
our birthday parties together. I can’t ever
remember not knowing each other.”
That bond continued for Kyle and
Haley through high school. “We have
a lot of the same interests and we were
in FFA (Future Farmers of America)
together,” Kyle said. “We participated
in a lot of horse and cattle judging
competitions, and our families
enjoyed going on trail rides together.”
After high school, Haley went off to
college and Kyle went to work as a 911
dispatcher, but the pair stayed close.
“It was a little harder when she went to
school, but we still kept in touch,” Kyle
said. “And when I became a County
Commissioner at age 19, I’d joke
with Haley and her boyfriend, Adam,
about being able to marry them if they
ever got engaged.”
So when Haley and her long-time
boyfriend did finally get engaged,
they made the call to Kyle. “Adam and
I had always joked about it with Kyle,
so we decided to have him marry
us,” she said. “It was something he’d
30 WOODMEN LIVING
Bells, TN
Representative Kyle East, who is also a County
Commissioner, officiated the wedding of his
friends, Haley and Adam Williams, on June 11, 2011.
always teased us about that actually
came true.”
Kyle married the couple on June
11, 2011, and a year later, he made a
career change that would eventually
connect him with the couple in yet
another way. In July 2012, he left his
job as a 911 Director in Haywood
County, TN, and went to work as
a Representative for Woodmen of
the World. “I shocked everyone with
my decision, but I’ve always been
into helping people,” he said. “After I
passed my insurance exams, I put in
my two weeks notice.”
Kyle’s timing couldn’t have been more
perfect. Haley and Adam had just
The couple then met with Kyle and
decided to purchase a total of four
certificates to protect their growing
family. “They are both young, so I sold
them each a term life policy, to get
them through the next 20 to 30 years,
and also a Whole Life policy,” Kyle said.
This wasn’t Haley’s first connection
with Woodmen of the World,
however. She had previously been
a member with a certificate her
granddad purchased for her. “He had
a certificate on me from age 7,” she
said. “Honestly, I never thought much
about it until I became an adult and
needed to start thinking about things
like that.”
Today, Haley and Kyle are busy
with work and their families, but the
friendship remains strong. “My wife
and I continue to be good friends
with Haley and Adam,” Kyle said. “I
truly feel like I have been ‘with them
through LIFE®.’” ::
Winding
Road Leads
to Woodmen
of the World
I wanted to do, and
luckily, the owner
gave me a nice
severance package,”
he said. “I was able
to take a year to
reposition myself
and research what I
wanted to do.”
Part of that
research included
placing his resume
on a career search
website. It was
that résumé that
caught the eye of
Area Manager
Johnny Hoggatt
in Gulfport, MS.
“I got lots of calls
from insurance
companies, and
I really wasn’t
Members of the Bufkin family include (L-R), Hunter, Charles, Leslie, Alex
looking for an
and dog, Jenna.
insurance job,”
ixty- to 80-hour work
Bufkin said. “But Johnny had enough
weeks with no time for lunch.
pizzazz to keep me on the phone, so I
Missing many of his children’s
agreed to meet with him.”
soccer games and school events. That
After meeting with Hoggatt, Bufkin
was the norm for Charles (Charlie)
realized that joining Woodmen of
Bufkin Jr. when he was the General
the World would work for him. “I
Manager at a GM dealership in
liked the fact that they were involved
Mississippi. “I was the General Manager
with community service and
for 13 years, and I was basically a
helped families make good financial
prisoner to the car business,” said Bufkin.
decisions,” he said. “I also liked that
“Then when the car business took a hit
they had a patriotic mission, since I
in 2007-08 and my income dropped
had served in the Army Reserve for
considerably, it got me thinking.”
five years right out of high school.”
So in 2010, Bufkin walked away from
In October 2010, Bufkin signed his
the dealership. “I didn’t really know what
contract with Woodmen of the World.
S
“It was nice because I was able to attend
a lot of events and get a good taste for
the company beforehand,” he said.
Although Bufkin worked in the car
business for 15 years prior to joining
Woodmen of the World, that wasn’t
Bufkin’s first career. Throughout
his life, his first love has been music.
“I was a full-time youth and music
minister for 14 years,” he said. “I think
I have a gift for music and I’m a good
choral director.”
Bufkin’s “gift” led him to study
voice for nine years, which included
attaining a bachelor’s degree in
music and a master’s degree in vocal
pedagogy from Mississippi College.
“I was a professional singer and I
could sing in five languages,” he said.
“I love teaching people to sing, and
I probably could have made a living
singing if I had a wider range.”
Luckily, Bufkin still gets to sing a lot,
even if it’s not his profession. “I’m
a youth and music minister at my
church,” he said. “It’s part-time and
that’s a better fit for me. I still get to
teach people how to sing.”
Now an Area Manager, Bufkin
doesn’t often look back to his previous
career and prefers having time for his
family and activities outside of work.
“The car business was fine, but I had
no freedom. I don’t want to go back
into that same world,” he said. “With
helping people, the future potential
and having a flexible schedule – I look
forward to this being an awesome
long-term career.” ::
ÔÔFor more information about a possible career with Woodmen of the World, check out woodmen.org/careers
Woodmen of the World Magazine 31
lodge leader
Fraternally Speaking
Keeping an Outward Focus
Since
becoming a
member at
age 4, I’ve had
the privilege
of serving in
numerous
capacities at
Pat Dees
Woodmen
of the World. Some of my favorite
memories include attending summer
youth camp, but I also value my time
spent serving as a lodge officer and
providing leadership in various roles
in the Field. I truly have a passion for
our fraternal system and the footprint
we leave through our community
projects across the country.
I commend my predecessor, President
and CEO Larry King, who worked
hard to increase our fraternal presence
during his tenure. I look forward to
building on his achievements and
creating more opportunities that help
our lodges grow well into the future.
The Jurisdictional and National
Conventions are fast approaching,
and our Board of Directors looks
forward to attending these important
gatherings to hear about the
good deeds our lodges are doing
nationwide. I hope that you will
make every effort to have your
32 WOODMEN LIVING
lodges represented at the upcoming
conventions. This is a wonderful
opportunity to learn what your peers
are doing and to expand on your
lodges’ fraternal projects.
Lodge
Centennials
We are extremely excited about the
decision to place a Community
Outreach Manager in each of our
marketing areas. You will hear more
from them soon about engaging your
local lodge and how to better connect
with your communities. Woodmen
of the World strives to provide even
more meaningful activities for our
members, along with increased
community outreach, but there are
always new ways to grow.
Lodge 167
Lodge 202
Verona, VA
Jan. 21, 1913
Mt. Vernon, IL
Feb. 20, 1913
Lodge 463
Lodge 508
Hertford, NC
Jan. 21, 1913
Mt. Olive, NC
Feb. 20, 1913
Lodge 6124
Lodge 620
Omaha, NE
Jan. 28, 1913
Westwego, LA
March 14, 1913
I am honored to serve in the role of
Executive Vice President, Fraternal,
and especially look forward to
working with you, the Field and the
Home Office to further the efforts of
Woodmen of the World. By keeping
an eye on the future and focusing on
what matters most, I know that we can
accomplish big things together.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Lodge 543
Selma, NC
Feb. 11, 1913
Dates to Remember
Jan. 15
Jurisdictional delegate forms are
due to your State Service Center.
Jan. 20
Post-event reporting for all 2012
events needs to be completed.
Pat Dees
Executive Vice President, Fraternal
Feb. 1
Annual Lodge Financial Reports are
due to your State Service Center.
Community Outreach Profile
Shoemaker Steps Up
J
eff Shoemaker has been a
Woodmen of the World member
for almost his entire life.
“My parents bought me a certificate
when I was 8 so I could go to camp,”
he said.
And he’s pretty much never left Camp
Woodmen since. He attended as a
camper for the next eight years, and
then taught archery there for 10 years.
Originally a member of Lodge 691 in
Howard, PA, Shoemaker became a
Representative in 2009 and spread
his certificates out among four other
lodges in Pennsylvania.
“My State Manager, Anthony Jurik,
said I’d be a good Representative
because I’m so dedicated to the
fraternal side,” he said.
Shoemaker was assigned to lodges
that didn’t have Representatives
attached to them, and he ended up
driving 3,000 to 4,000 miles a month
visiting members all over the state.
He enjoyed the work, but when it was
announced that long-time Fraternal
Coordinators Roger and Phyllis
Mervine were retiring, he knew he
wanted the job.
Lewistown, PA
Community Outreach Manager Jeff
Shoemaker (right) posed with Maryland
State Manager Anthony Jurik during the
night climb, the newest activity at Keystone
WOW Youth Camp this past summer.
Office is located. He had an apartment
there within weeks.
entertain the campers, and also added
a special night climb to their newlyinstalled climbing wall.
“I see it as my job to bring new ideas to
our members,” he said.
“I remember the sales meeting when
the retirement was announced, and
literally everyone turned their heads
in my direction,” Shoemaker said.
Hagerstown is about three hours from
his hometown in Pennsylvania, but
since two-thirds of the lodges in his
area are in Pennsylvania, he gets back
to his home state quite often.
Not that he’s abandoning the tried
and true: They still offer his beloved
archery at camp, plus the everpopular arts and crafts, swimming,
mini-golf, and other activities.
And with the 25 lodges under his
care, he encourages the officers to
continue to offer what works, but
simply to promote events more.
He got the call on his birthday
that the job was his, if he moved to
Hagerstown, MD, where the State
And now he’s running the same youth
camp he once attended. This year,
he brought in a rock ‘n’ roll band to
“My big focus since becoming the
Community Outreach Manager has
been communication,” he said. ::
“It was a complete change of life for me,
but it’s been really good,” he said.
Woodmen of the World Magazine 33
New Year,
New Opportunities
Whether you’re a new lodge officer, or have been in a role for many years, this list of all lodge positions (elected and
voluntary), will help clarify many of the duties affiliated with each role.
President
Presides at all lodge meetings, and
is responsible for facilitating and
implementing the lodge activity
plan, approving lodge expenses,
signing checks, and helping to
preserve lodge property.
Past President
Installs and supports all incoming
officers, and assumes the
responsibilities of the President
and Vice President if either of
them is unable to do so.
Vice President
Facilitates programs, projects,
orientation of new members,
and other duties as directed
by the President.
Secretary
Maintains lodge records, keeps
minutes at meetings and serves
as the main contact for the
Home and State Offices.
Treasurer
Keeps an accurate account of all
lodge funds, pays all approved
expenses and reports all financial
activities to the lodge.
34 WOODMEN LIVING
Trustees
Entrusted with legal title to
property of the lodge, except cash;
has charge of the securities and
evidence of property belonging to
the lodge; investigates all loans and
investments; and audits all reports
and books. Trustee Chair is serving
his/her third year as a Trustee.
Trustee II is serving his/her second
year as a Trustee and Trustee III is
serving his/her first year as a Trustee.
VP, Community Outreach
Coordinates community outreach
events, develops and maintains
relationships for the lodge with a
variety of community partners.
VP, Youth Outreach
Coordinates youth activities
and events, develops and
maintains relationships for the
lodge with various community
youth organizations.
VP, Membership
Coordinates new member
outreach activities and events,
encourages new members to
attend, and introduces new lodge
members to existing members.
VP, Publicity
Works with other lodge officers,
Field Representatives and the
Home Office to promote and
publicize local lodge activities and
events with local media outlets.
Escort
Ensures that those who attend
business meetings are either
members in good standing, or
guests of these members.
Sergeant at Arms
Assists at lodge business meetings
by collecting ballots, distributing
handouts and performing additional
duties as requested by the President.
Greeter
Welcomes all members and guests
to lodge meetings and events,
and performs additional duties
as requested by the President.
Musician
Performs a variety of duties as
requested by the President.
New lodge positions
This year, there are three new
positions created to help lodges
increase their presence online, engage
with people via the Internet and social
media, and report lodge activities via
MyFraternalWeb.org (see sidebar).
Lodge Website Administrator
Maintains administrative rights to the
lodge’s website on MyFraternalWeb,
creates pages and uploads photos
to the site. He/she works closely
with the Lodge Reporter.
Lodge Reporter
Enters lodge officers and
calendar event information on
MyFraternalWeb, and also submits
the calendar to the State Office for
review. He/she works closely with
the Lodge Website Administrator.
Social Media Coordinator
Uses social networks on a daily
basis to engage and develop a
community around the lodge and
its events. In addition, he/she is
responsible for creating a lodge
Facebook fan page, posting news
and updates about upcoming lodge
events, posting photos and notes
after lodge events, and monitoring
and responding to all wall posts.
If you have questions or would like
more information about any of these
positions and their responsibilities,
please contact your Community
Outreach Manager or Sharon Warga,
Fraternal Project Coordinator,
at 1-800-225-3108, ext. 7940 or
[email protected]. ::
Online Resources
for Your Lodge
Woodmen of the World offers online resources to assist with many lodge tasks – from
planning and reporting to increasing awareness and generating publicity. They are
especially essential to the three Web positions of Lodge Website Administrator, Lodge
Reporter, and Social Media Coordinator.
MyFraternalWeb
MyFraternalWeb.org is the website for lodge officers, Field Representatives, Community
Outreach Managers, Fraternal Coordinators and Home Office administrators. It houses
all of the resources a lodge needs to be successful including information about dues,
matching funds, liability and property insurance, mergers, transfers, news release
templates, business forms, and much more!
Each lodge’s annual calendar is also administered through this site, from the entering of
events to the printing and mailing to members. In addition, there’s a link in the system
for post-event reporting. Post-event reporting – which includes attendance and other
event details – is very important because it helps lodges earn points toward the Five-Star
Fraternal Challenge. The data is also used to report Woodmen of the World’s lodge activity
to the American Fraternal Alliance, and it’s included on the IRS 990 Information Return.
Social Media
Every lodge is being asked to create a lodge fan page on Facebook to help generate
awareness and increase participation in lodge events. The Home Office put together a
step-by-step guide to assist each lodge and the Social Media Coordinator in setting up
this page, making sure it follows established legal guidelines and branding standards.
They also created a custom profile photo for each lodge, along with a variety of cover
photos for use on the page.
“MyFraternalWeb really helps with lodge duties and you have everything at your
fingertips. Plus, if you have a question about something, you can usually find the
answer on the site,” said Dorothy Richardson, President of Lodge 1075 in Loris, SC. “I
would definitely encourage other officers to go online, see what’s available and how
easy it is to use.”
Bernice Stolarski, Secretary and Website Administrator with Lodge 105 in Sealy, TX
agrees with Richardson. “Entering information for the calendar is so much easier with
MyFraternalWeb.”
If you have any questions about these resources or need assistance, please contact
Sharon Warga, Fraternal Project Coordinator, at 1-800-225-3108, ext. 7940 or
[email protected]. ::
Woodmen of the World Magazine 35
fun zone
Have a good joke? Make your fellow fraternalists laugh.
Please send contributions to [email protected].
Happy New Year to You!
Can you locate the 30 words and phrases hidden in the puzzle? Search across or down, forward, backward,
or diagonally. The answers to this puzzle may be found by clicking the News/Media link on woodmen.org.
Have fun!
C
T
T
E
F
C
P
A
A
V Q R
L
X
J
L
X M N O
L
S
Z
A
L
V U
I
Z
A O E
E
E M A
T
F
K N
S
I
N C M M L
G R
B
E
S G U
T
A
A
S D R U
A N O D
I
M O C
R
N
I
D D
I
K H D C D
O K
T
F
B
A
I
S
E M A
F
I
R
A
J
O H O L
E
E
Y
B
A R
T
Y
A C
P D N
Y
G A M E
S
T
I
C Q
A Q C H
A M P
E M S
Z
Q N U
S O L
T
I
O N
R
M Y G P
B Q F
R
I
F
Z
A W N
S O M S
E
I
Z
V
R M P
E M B
E G
U
I
B O W L
T
A N
B
V
F
D
M H
K
Y H
S
Y
S G B C O N
T
T
Y
E H
E O W A R
P
A
A R
T
L
D
S Q U
A
E
I
M E
D
S C
A
T
P Q T
B
Y
Y
I
H
L
E
H H R
K Q W V
I
I
J
R
A M
W U
Q B N H D G L
J
F
I
T
J
L
U
U G T
V Q D
R
J
E
E
B
R
Y
B
L
Z
Z
D
S
P R C
K
A G N
S
L
E
E
J
E N D
S N H W K C
Z
H D W G M U R
B
F
A
J
I
N N
I
N G S
P
Z
R
T
P
X
36 WOODMEN LIVING
A
A
K Q Y
A U
L
D
L
A N G S
Y N
E N O D
B R
A
T
E
E
Z
Z
G B W F
K Q
I
A W E
X H G U
Z
D
J W Q R Q D D
O A
S
T
E
T
S U
Word List
Auld Lang Syne
Baby
Beginnings
Bowl Games
Calendar
Celebrate
S
K
T
M R W L
C M W N
E W O R
A
I
L
S C
I
P
L
E R
K
S
T
O O T
Champagne
Clock
Confetti
Countdown
Eve
Family
Father Time
Fireworks
Football
Friends
Hats
Holiday
January
Kiss
Memories
Midnight
Noisemakers
Parade
Party
Resolutions
Streamers
Times Square
Toasts
Traditions
Diet Resolution
New Year’s Eve Ring Bearer
Kimberly announced that she had made a New Year’s
resolution to start a diet to lose some pounds she’d
put on recently.
During Stan and Wendy’s special New Year’s Eve
wedding, everything went smoothly until it was
time for the flower girl and her young escort to come
down the aisle.
“Good!” Sue exclaimed. “I’m ready to start a diet, too.
We can be dieting buddies and help each other out.
When I feel the urge to drive out and get a burger and
fries, I’ll call you first.”
“Great!” Kimberly replied. “I’ll ride with you.” ::
Snowman’s Breakfast
Q: W hat do snowmen eat for breakfast on
New Year’s Day?
A: Frosted Flakes. ::
As he walked, the boy stopped at every pew and
growled at the guests. When asked afterward why he
behaved so badly, he explained, “I was just trying to
be a good ring bear.” ::
Hostile Natives
Every year, Edward traveled from Edinburgh,
Scotland, to London for his annual New Year’s holiday
and stayed at a large hotel. However, on his last trip,
he didn’t feel that the natives were very friendly.
“At 4 o'clock every morning,” he told a friend, “they
hammered on my bedroom door, on the walls,
even on the floor and ceiling. And sometimes they
hammered so loud I could hardly hear myself playing
the bagpipes.” ::
Woodmen of the World Magazine 37
in memoriam
James Harold Deason
Age: 84
Lodge 5, Hopkinsville, KY
John Edwin Previtte
Age: 87
Lodge 966, Wallace, SC
Mae Parrish Flavin
Age: 77
Lodge 167, Staunton, VA
Robert Doyle Pulliam
Age: 91
Lodge 299, Powdersville, SC
Donna D. Frazier
Age: 55
Lodge 688, Bedford, PA
Joe B. Wall
Age: 82
Lodge 115, Mayfield, KY
Former Jurisdictional Secretary
Retired Field Representative
June Parham Greer
Age: 72
Lodge 1863,
McDonough, GA
William Ray Henry
Age: 73
Lodge 966, Wallace, SC
Charles Auburn Henson
Age: 77
Lodge 3, Columbus, GA
Lois T. Jackson
Age: 95
Lodge 943, Pulaski, TN
Marvin Hancock
Age: 88
Lodge 5, Hopkinsville, KY
In Memoriam Submission Guidelines:
Virginia Harper
Age: 90
Lodge 5, Hopkinsville, KY
The editors of Woodmen Living want to
Charles L. Wigginton
Age: 83
Lodge 43, Somerville, AL
include the following minimum information
give your departed loved ones the most
respectful and complete recognition
possible. To aid us in doing this, please
and send it to [email protected]:
your loved one’s full name as you would
like it printed, age, lodge number and
Howard Ford Windham
Age: 82
Lodge 250, Center, TX
Former Jurisdictional Delegate
hometown. Also let us know if he or she
served as a Jurisdictional Officer, was 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.
Robert Ellis Parke
Age: 72
Lodge 888, Richmond, KY
38 WOODMEN LIVING
“Women still only make 70% as
much as men. I need a financial
partner who understands that.”
The world still has its share of glass ceilings. But Woodmen of the World provides service that can give you a
better view of everything that’s possible. Since 1890, we have been helping men and women across the nation find
insurance protection and financial security their way.
When looking to the future, choose a partner who will give you their all, and then some: Woodmen of the World.
CD0074WOW 12/12
PERIODICALS
Create Tremendous
GOOD
Red Basket is an easy, direct and personal way to help others with financial
hardships. It improves communities by connecting those who need help with
those who can give it.
FIND A PROJECT
• Help neighbors recover from medical bills, a natural disaster or an accident.
• Support a grassroots community improvement project.
SPREAD THE WORD • Share your support via Facebook, Twitter and email.
FOLLOW THE STORY
• Receive updates of how your support helped.
Visit REDBASKET.ORG for more information
fun zone
Have a good joke? Make your fellow fraternalists laugh.
Please send contributions to [email protected].
Happy New Year to you!
Can you locate the 30 words and phrases hidden in the puzzle? Search across or down, forward, backward,
or diagonally. The answers to this puzzle may be found by clicking the News/Media link on woodmen.org.
Have fun!
C
T
T
E
F
C
P
A
A
V Q R
L
X
J
L
X M N O
L
S
Z
A
L
V U
I
Z
A O E
E
E M A
T
F
K N
S
I
N C M M L
G R
B
E
S G U
T
A
A
S D R U
A N O D
I
M O C
R
N
I
D D
I
K H D C D
O K
T
F
B
A
I
S
E M A
F
I
R
A
J
O H O L
E
E
Y
B
A R
T
Y
A C
P D N
Y
G A M E
S
T
I
C Q
A Q C H
A M P
E M S
Z
Q N U
S O L
T
I
O N
R
M Y G P
B Q F
R
I
F
Z
A W N
S O M S
E
I
Z
V
R M P
E M B
E G
U
I
B O W L
T
A N
B
V
F
D
M H
K
Y H
S
Y
S G B C O N
T
T
Y
E H
E O W A R
P
A
A R
T
L
D
S Q U
A
E
I
M E
D
S C
A
T
P Q T
B
Y
Y
I
H
L
E
H H R
K Q W V
I
I
J
R
A M
W U
Q B N H D G L
J
F
I
T
J
L
U
U G T
V Q D
R
J
E
E
B
R
Y
B
L
Z
Z
D
S
P R C
K
A G N
S
L
E
E
J
E N D
S N H W K C
Z
H D W G M U R
B
F
A
J
I
N N
I
N G S
P
Z
R
T
P
X
A
A
K Q Y
A U
L
D
L
A N G S
Y N
E N O D
B R
A
T
E
E
Z
Z
G B W F
K Q
I
A W E
X H G U
Z
D
J W Q R Q D D
O A
S
T
E
T
S U
Word List
Auld Lang Syne
Baby
Beginnings
Bowl Games
Calendar
Celebrate
S
K
T
M R W L
C M W N
E W O R
A
I
L
S C
I
P
L
E R
K
S
T
O O T
Champagne
Clock
Confetti
Countdown
Eve
Family
36 WOODMEN LIVING ANSWER KEY
Father Time
Fireworks
Football
Friends
Hats
Holiday
January
Kiss
Memories
Midnight
Noisemakers
Parade
Party
Resolutions
Streamers
Times Square
Toasts
Traditions