MAY 2022 | betterlifeins.com
Spotlight on Our Members pg. 4
2021 Fraternal & Financial Report pg. 10
Water Safety Tips For Staying Safe This Summer pg. 18
President's & EO's Messages Board of Directors Craig Van Dyke, CFA Middleton, WI
Daniel L. Shinnick Mount Horeb, WI
Daniel L. Shinnick CEO & Board Chair Chief Member Advocate
Mary Bradley Frankfort, MI
Maureen O’Hern Hahn, CFA Appleton, WI
Nancy Nelson Heykes Hazelhurst, WI
I love working at BetterLife because it is a different kind of life insurance company. In 2021, you made a difference in many ways across your communities. You held fundraisers across the country to help your communities and people in need. You raised money for homeless shelters, food pantries, victims of disasters, and many more important causes. You volunteered to make your communities better by visiting nursing homes, writing cards to Veterans, cleaning up parks, and many other things to make a difference.
Michael Hosek Lincoln, NE
Duane Jirik New Prague, MN
Maria Ferrante-Schepis McKees Rocks, PA
John T. McHugh Sparta, WI
Brenda Vrieze
Many of you participated in our corporate Walk to End Hunger event. We had great walks across the country and raised over $27,000 to help the hungry in your own communities. As members of BetterLife, you provided over $60,000 in scholarships for people attending universities, colleges, and technical schools, making it easier for them to better themselves. Check out pages 10-11 for more information on what you did as members of BetterLife. I am so proud to be associated with this great organization that is making a difference in our communities and making things better!
Holmen, WI
Officers Craig Van Dyke, CFA President & Chief Investment Officer
Daniel L. Shinnick CEO & Board Chair Chief Member Advocate
Donald M. Nieland Sr. VP & Secretary
Jared Bruley Sr. VP, Member Acquisition
Jenna Dunker, CPA, FLMI Sr. VP, Finance/Treasurer
Angel Thomas Sr. VP, Member Experience
Craig Van Dyke, CFA President & Chief Investment Officer
Michelle Maffet VP, Member Services
Phyllis Heleniak VP, Member Direct
On pages 12-13, you'll find BetterLife’s 2021 financial results. We ended the year with a net loss of $327,000 after paying dividends and realizing capital gains. As expected, the low interest rate environment continued to put pressure on our profitability. We experienced impacts from higher death claims and expenses related to the merger of National Mutual Benefit and Western Fraternal Life. However, the investment in the merger is paying off. After adjusting for mergerrelated expenses, the net loss becomes a $1.5 million gain. Even after removing the capital gains, we show a small profit. Looking at the financials from this perspective begins to reinforce our decision to merge. We are starting to create economies of scale that will drive future profitability and growth. As we continue to build on the benefits of the merger, we are also investing in technology and process improvements to make BetterLife a more modern company that is better able to compete in today’s world. I'm happy to report we remain the financially strong organization our members expect. I am optimistic and excited about the future of BetterLife!
Magazine Staff Editors Craig Van Dyke Daniel L. Shinnick Jared Bruley Angel Thomas Beth Muehlenkamp
Contributing Writers Katy Hylkema Hallie Evenson Jade Morschauser Beth Muehlenkamp Elizabeth Malin
Graphic Designer Elizabeth Malin
BetterLife Magazine - May 2022
Directory Home Office 6522 Grand Teton Plaza P.O. Box 1527 Madison, WI 53701 (608) 833-1936 or (800) 779-1936 info@betterlifeins.com betterlifeins.com Dakotas Agency Becky Helmberger, FICF Agency Manager 540 Heritage Drive, Suite 1 Spearfish, SD 57783 (605) 642-4778 dakotas@betterlifeins.com Lakeshore Agency William Rutten Agency Manager W5142 County Road O Plymouth, WI 53073 (920) 893-2300 lakeshore@betterlifeins.com Wisconsin River Agency Eric Garland, FIC Interim Agency Manager 227501 Rib Mountain Drive Wausau, WI 54401 (715) 845-4300 or (800) 918-1234 wisconsinriver@betterlifeins.com
4 Spotlight on Our Members 6 BetterLife's 2022 Signature Event: Scavenger Hunt 8 BetterLife's Member Benefits —The Newborn Benefit 10 2021 Fraternal & Financial Report 22 The Scoop: What's New at BetterLife
Financial 15 My Term Life policy is about to end. What should I do? 16 More Than a Piggy Bank— How to Teach Your Kids to Be Financially Responsible
Wellness 18 Water Safety —Tips For Staying Safe This Summer
Culture Corner 20 The Year of the Veteran— Members Show Their Support Through the Years
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Direct to Consumer Sales Phyllis Heleniak VP, Member Direct 6522 Grand Teton Plaza Madison, WI 53719 (608) 827-6078 pheleniak@betterlifeins.com
Address Change Notice
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It is very important that BetterLife keeps its member address records up-to-date. To update your address, contact us at (800) 779-1936 or visit the Member Forms section of our website, betterlifeins.com, and complete the policyholder address change request. The BetterLife Magazine, is the official publication of BetterLife, a Fraternal Benefit Society, 6522 Grand Teton Plaza, Madison, WI 53719. It is published four times annually for the benefit of members and their families. Third-class postage paid at Madison, WI.
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Postmaster Please send address changes to: BetterLife P.O. Box 1527 Madison, WI 53701
On the cover: Knox Rezabek enjoys a kolache at the 38th Annual Saline Center Consignment Auction in Nebraska.
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BetterLife Magazine - May 2022
on Our Members by Hallie Evenson
"Harlan was everything we stand for as a fraternal. He gave his life to serve and to help everyone. He befriended everyone, and his love for others, laughter, family, and community was his whole life." – Rebecca Lureen, FIC | BetterLife Career Agent
Benefit for Harlan Moos Harlan Moos was a longtime member of BetterLife and President of Branch 185 in Philip, SD. He was an active member of his branch and community with a great poker face and a big heart. Harlan often was the one to help organize benefits for those in need in his community.
rallied together and held a benefit for him on January 20. They organized a Brat Fry at the high school girls’ basketball game with help from the local John Deere dealership sponsoring the food. In just three hours, they raised $5,920 to help pay for his medical bills. Unfortunately, Harlan was not able to recover from his illness and passed away on February 15, 2022.
Earlier this year, Harlan became very ill and needed to be hospitalized. His branch, Branch 185, and the community
"Harlan should have been a poker player! You never knew when he was serious or teasing just to give you a hard time. He will be missed." – Mike Koehler | BetterLife Branch 185
BetterLife Magazine - May 2022
Keeping the Czech Traditions Alive Members of the Saline Center Lodge in Western, NE, have five generations of strong Czech traditions. Starting with the late Emma (Rezabek) Kasl, and her husband, the late George Kasl, Sr., who together made sure their Czech heritage, community, and lodge involvement were present in their nine children's lives. Czech royalty begins in their family with the daughter of Linda (Kasl) Clarke, Pamela Zumpfe, who was the 1993-1994 Lincoln Czech Queen. From then, her children became Czech Royalty throughout the years. Another descendant of Emma and George Sr., Brian Zoubek, and his family, volunteer in their community while promoting their Czech heritage. Brian’s wife, BetterLife member Katie Zoubek, started the Saline Center YELL! (Young Engaged Lodge Leaders) in 2013. Their children, Kelsey, Monica, and Phillip, are all active members of YELL! and Czech royalty.
Fundraising for a Local Fire Department On March, 25, the Suring Area Fire Department held its annual raffle fundraising event in Suring, WI. BetterLife Branch 925 members Cindy and Greg Ludtke, attended the event. Using some of their Community Benefit Grant funds, the branch contributed toward the fundraising efforts. The raffle night sales were a success with $2,300 being raised to help improve the community’s fire department.
From the start at Emma and George Sr.'s family farm with their children, on down to their great-grandchildren, this is just a glimpse of how the Czech heritage, royalty, and volunteerism are passed on through our members and their families. Using a portion of Branch 925’s Community Benefit Grant funds, Cindy Ludtke presents a check for $250 to Fire Chief Mark Zahn during the department’s annual fundraising event.
Masopust, the Czech Mardi Gras Celebration
Czech Royalty and some of our members at the 2021 Wilber Czech Days, (L-R) South Central Czech Princess Kelsey Zoubek, Lincoln Czech Princess Kathryn Roberts, Lincoln Czech Prince Gavin Dickey, Lincoln Czech Queen Kaeline Dickey, and South Czech Princess Monica Zoubek.
On February 26, in Calmar, IA, Masopust was celebrated by hundreds of people. Masopust, the Czech word for carnival, is the Czech Mardi Gras. An active member of Lodge 85, Ken Zajicek, also served as the president of the Czech Heritage Partnership, which is the organization that hosted the event. Many members of Lodge 85 had a massive part in making it a success by putting in hours of planning the event and volunteering the day of. At Masopust, there was something for everyone; a band, live auction, a Czech skit, homemade kolaches, a delicious Czech supper, and more! Funds raised at this cultural celebration support the operation of the Family History and Documentation Center in Protivin, IA, and make it possible for more cultural events to be held. They were able to raise over $3,500! Pictured left: (L-R) Ken & Lois Zajicek, members of Lodge 85, are with the dignitaries that attended the Masopust: Helene Cincebeaux (expert in Kroj, Czech, and Slovak folk dress), author Karol Keckes (with Chicago Czech Consulate office), Cecilia Rokusek (CEO Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Cedar Rapids, IA), Michael F. Klimesh (Founder of Czech Heritage Partnership Foundation), Eileen Tlusty (Director of CHP), Olga & Jaroslav Kanturek (Consulate General of the Czech Republic Office of Chicago), and Gabrielle Keckes (wife of Karol Keckes).
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BetterLife Magazine - May 2022
2022 Signature Event: Scavenger Hunt Across town or across the country, join fellow BetterLife members for socialization and fun! by Hallie Evenson
The 2022 Signature Event: Scavenger Hunt is an opportunity for you to attend branch and lodge events across the country or answer trivia questions about the organization. So gather your family and friends from now through August 2022, and participate as often as is convenient for you!
Two Ways to Participate: GooseChase App Download the GooseChase app on your smartphone or tablet. Then follow the instructions to play as a guest or create an account. Play as an individual or team. Our game code is: BETTERLIFE2022 Printed Version Want to participate, but don't have a smartphone or tablet? Contact the Member Engagement team at memberengagement@betterlifeins.com or 800-779-1936, and we'll mail a printed version right to your door. Download the app and enter our game code to join the Scavenger Hunt.
After you've downloaded the app you can start to play along!
BetterLife Magazine - May 2022
What's In It For Me? This is a great chance to get to know your fellow branch and lodge members and make new friends. Plus, you can help make a difference in your community! Top awards will be given for the member or team that answers the most trivia questions correctly, and the member or team that visits the most place/participates in the most events. They will each receive a plaque and $250 will be donated to the Veterans organization of their choice. The branch or lodge with the most participating members will also receive $250 to donate to a Veterans organization of their choice.
Support Our Veterans Along with the winners' donations, we'll donate $1 to the National Veterans Foundation for every member participating in the Scavenger Hunt. In addition, there may be volunteer or fundraising opportunities for Veterans events hosted by one of our branches or lodges.
Signature Event Trivia If you are unable to travel or attend events, that's okay. We still want you to participate! Every month, with the Better Buzz email newsletter, we'll release trivia questions you can answer in the app or mail your answer to:
BetterLife c/o Member Engagement PO Box 1527 Madison, WI 53701 *Please include your name and phone number with your response.
Check out the Scavenger Hunt website!
betterlifeins.com/hunt Visit the website to see: • The current leaderboard • App step-by-step "how-to" • Upcoming events near you! Scan this code with your phone's camera to go right to the website!
? Worth 5 Points!
Trivia Question!
Submit your answer in the app or by mail.
In the early 1900s, NMB (National Mutual Benefit) and WFL (Western Fraternal Life) ladies would get together and perform coordinated routines, often with flags or pom-poms. What was the special name given to this group of ladies?
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BetterLife Magazine - May 2022
BetterLife's Member Benefits The Newborn Benefit "We had twin babies born three months early and weighed only two pounds each. Jack and Eleanor may not have been insurable when they were born, but we could apply for the newborn benefit for each child. We were very grateful to have been able to get some life insurance for our babies. " – Devin Rogers | Sun Prairie, WI | BetterLife Member
BetterLife’s exclusive, free member benefits are one of the many ways we live our promise of being a different kind of life insurance company*. If you have a life insurance policy or annuity with us, you are eligible for our many value-added benefits, designed to provide additional protection for you and your loved ones. Our Newborn Benefit is structured to provide parents with insurance at the standard rate for a newborn who may not be insurable otherwise. ✓ Provides $5,000 of life insurance coverage for your newborn regardless of the child's health. ✓ Life insurance benefit is up to $10,000 if both parents are members at least 90 days prior to birth. ✓ Application must be submitted before the 60th day after birth. Coverage starts on the 61st day. Additionally, BetterLife offers a Newborn Death Benefit worth $5,000 for members grieving the unfortunate death of their live-born baby during the first 60 days of life.
Find out more and download an application at:
betterlifeins.com/member-benefits
*BetterLife’s Member Benefits are non-contractual and can change at any time. Members must apply to receive benefits. All decisions regarding the eligibility of these benefits are at the sole discretion of BetterLife.
2021
Fraternal & Financial Report
10
BetterLife Magazine - May 2022
2021 Fraternal Report In 2021, some events were cancelled, rescheduled, or moved to virtual. However, that didn't stop our BetterLife members; you still found ways to give back in your communities. Every hour and dollar raised in your communities made a difference to someone in need. See how the numbers added up and impacted people across the country. We appreciate everything you contributed, thank you!
Signature Event Walk to End Hunger
$27,000+ Raised for nineteen hunger-relief organizations
3,500
11
Pounds of food donated
Branches & lodges hosted walks or raised funds
Youth members and volunteers of BetterLife Lodge 225, Bannister, MI, gathered together for a group photo before they began walking for their Walk to End Hunger event.
Serving Our Communities
$139,803 Donated to charities
Members of BetterLife Lodge 222 (pictured left) in Malin, OR, collected and delivered audiobooks to White City, VA, Rehabilitation Center & Clinic.
Fundraising & Volunteer Impact
$180,339 Given to serve our communities
For last years' service project at the seminars, members worked together to create Celebration Boxes for the local Boys & Girls Club. Pictured are members assembling the boxes in Stevens Point, WI.
83,447 Volunteer hours
$30,910 Matched by BetterLife
3,016 Events held
(L-R) Members of Branch 145, St. Charles, IL, Bill Ales and Dick Husby, presented a donation check to Lt. Scott of the Fox Valley Area Salvation Army.
Member Benefits
$41,208 Given in Member Benefits
Includes: Newborn, Orphan, Health, Family, Disaster, Item Giveaway, Members in Action, and Youth
BetterLife Branch 694 members in Green Bay, WI presented their donations to three local organizations. Pictured (L to R): Julie Paavola from Oral Health Partnership, Cari Harring from Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary, BetterLife Career Agent Lisa Koerner, Terry Grant from My House, and Joan and George Raymaker, members of Branch 694.
$68,000 Awarded for scholarships
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BetterLife Magazine - May 2022
2021 Financial Report Statement of Financial Position ASSETS
12/31/2021
12/31/2020
Bonds
$569,557,604
$582,511,302
26,873,886
17,315,124
Real Estate
1,516,783
1,580,072
Policy Loans
7,292,861
7,873,027
Commons Stock
15,422,614
13,011,665
Preferred Stock
1,893,893
0
Other Invested Assets
6,603,835
4,001,784
Cash & Short Term Investments
8,678,219
8,289,327
Investment Income Due & Accrued
6,162,432
6,316,990
Other Assets
5,020,927
1,443,852
$649,023,054
$642,343,144
$550,156,876
$547,811,360
17,893,747
17,808,650
Provisions for Dividends Payable
975,970
923,507
Premiums Received in Advance
259,810
793,257
Interest Maintenance Reserve
6,657,885
1,116,205
Securities Valuation Reserve
6,976,878
5,130,935
10,092,466
12,139,366
593,013,632
585,723,280
56,009,422
56,619,864
$649,023,054
$642,343,144
Mortgage Loans
Total Assets
LIABILITIES & SURPLUS Certificate Reserves Deposit Type Contracts
Other Liabilities Total Liabilities Surplus Total Liabilities & Unassigned Funds
BetterLife Magazine - May 2022
Statement of Operations REVENUE Premium Income
Financial Highlights
12/31/2021
Net Investment Income
24,821,450
Miscellaneous Income
2,292,117
Total Revenue
BENEFITS & EXPENSES
649
$31,660,443 642
Additions to Reserves Operating Expenses Total Benefits & Expenses
Net Gain (Loss) From Operations
12/31/2021 $45,908,657
2018
2019
2020
2021
ASSETS
(616,922)
$ in Millions
14,315,660 $59,607,395
(927,748)
Capital Gains (Losses)
1,434,150
65.4
65.3
($833,386)
Dividends to Members
Net Income (Loss)
642
$58,774,010
2017
Life Benefits
644
649
63.5 63.0 61.9
($326,984) 2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
ADJUSTED CAPITAL $ in Millions
Our Investment Portfolio Bonds
2.31 2.26 2.23
Mortgage Loans
2.21
2.20
2020
2021
Cash/Income, Receivable/Other Stocks Policy Loans Other Invested Assets Real Estate
2017
2018
2019
LIFE INSURANCE IN FORCE $ in Billions
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Budgeting Got You Feeling Stressed? BetterLife’s Bi-Weekly Benefit Plan may be able to help. Simplify your life and your budget by combining your life insurance premiums with bi-weekly mortgage payments. The Bi-Weekly Benefit Plan allows you to: ✓ Cover yourself and your partner with one life insurance policy. ✓ Rest easy knowing your family can stay in your home if something happens to you. ✓ Possibly pay off your mortgage early and save thousands of dollars in the process.
Let us help you worry less and enjoy life more!
For plan details visit:
betterlifeins.com/bi-weekly-benefit-plan or scan this code with your phone's camera!
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BetterLife Magazine - May 2022
My Term Life policy is about to end. What should I do? by Katy Hylkema
Do you have a term life insurance policy? Term life policies are designed to provide temporary coverage. Sometimes we compare term life to renting an apartment, whereas whole life is more like owning a home. Because term life is designed to be a temporary life insurance solution, you should review your policy before the policy term expires. Your policy may provide options like the ones listed below, and sometimes these options are only available to you during a specific window of time.
Renewals Some term life policies allow you to renew after the end of the initial term, which typically ranges between 10 and 30 years. If you renew your policy, you’ll keep your life insurance coverage; however, it often comes at a higher cost. Watch your premiums closely, because they may rise each year as you get older. Depending on your situation, it may be in your favor to continue paying for your term policy (even at a higher price), or it may be better to purchase new coverage. It’s important to talk to a life insurance agent, who can provide you with valuable guidance. Your agent can assess your current needs and evaluate if you’re likely to qualify for a new life insurance plan.
Conversions If your policy has a conversion option, you can convert part or all of your term life coverage to permanent life insurance, like whole life or universal life. A life insurance agent can help you understand your policy’s conversion requirements. For example, conversions might have to occur during a specific time period. Conversions are automatically approved, and they can be extremely valuable to people who do not want to go through underwriting. If your health has worsened since purchasing your term life policy, you’ll be able to get permanent life insurance without answering any medical questions or undergoing a medical exam.
Talk to Your Agent It’s critical that you speak to a life insurance agent to be sure you understand your current policy, as well as all of your options. BetterLife agents can evaluate your life situation holistically, taking into account your family’s needs, your finances, and your health, to make a recommendation. If you’re not sure who your agent is, please contact our Home Office so we can connect you with an agent:
800-779-1936 | contact@betterlifeins.com betterlifeins.com/schedule-an-appointment
BetterLife Term Life Are you interested in purchasing a BetterLife Term Life policy? We offer affordable term life coverage for 15, 20, and 30 year terms. Our term life insurance is both renewable and convertible. We also offer a credit to members who choose to convert, which reduces the initial premium of your permanent policy. As a big added bonus; you get access to our BetterLife Member Benefits at no additional charge.
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BetterLife Magazine - May 2022
More Than a Piggy Bank How to Teach Your Kids to Be Financially Responsible by Beth Muehlenkamp
Dropping coins in a piggy bank and receiving some birthday loot is often how kids first connect with money. While this is a good start, there are many proactive ways you can help kids at any age develop financial literacy. Financial literacy is defined as possessing the knowledge and skills to make informed and effective decisions about money and financial goals. Why is this important? The financial habits kids learn will impact them throughout their lives. One of the most significant concerns Americans have is running out of money in retirement. SRI research found that people who have greater financial knowledge are more likely to save for retirement—regardless of age or household income.* Keep reading for a few easy tips to help your kids become financially responsible.
Preschool and Early Elementary The University of Cambridge found that several basic finance behaviors are developed by age seven, so start teaching your kids early. See the money grow as you fill up a clear jar instead of a concealed piggy bank. In today’s cashless society, it is hard for kids to grasp the value of money or that things cost money. Whenever possible, let your kids see you pay with cash. Even better, let them dump out the jar, count the $5 needed for their purchase, and hand the money over to the cashier. Another great experiential activity is a lemonade stand or bake sale. These small pop-up businesses are chock-full of opportunities to learn everything from finance to marketing to entrepreneurship.
BetterLife Magazine - May 2022
Elementary and Middle School Even when you are not paying with cash, show your kids your receipts to enforce the concept that money is being spent and explain where that money is coming from to pay for the purchase. Encourage kids to wait a day before purchasing anything over $15. This short-term delayed gratification will help kids plan for longer-term goals later in life, such as a boat, house, or retirement fund. There are certain tasks or chores kids are expected to do as contributing members of the family, but consider giving a “bonus” when kids go above and beyond. Instead of calling it an allowance, think of it as a commission. Then as kids get older, encourage them to negotiate raises for additional jobs they take on around the house. This builds crucial professional skills. Playing games is often a way to learn. PayDay is a fun board game simulation of real-life where players have to manage expenses and try to stretch their money to the end of the month. This transfers into real life, helping kids learn what they are willing to pay for. For example, if a parent has to clean the room instead of the child, they won’t get their weekly commission. It is like hiring the parent for the service, just like adults may hire a plumber. Another example is explaining to your child, “If you buy this video game, you won’t be able to afford these new shoes.” And then take it one step further to help them think about how they could work, save, and invest to afford both the video game and the shoes in the future.
to find a job or even become an entrepreneur. It is also good to encourage your teen to save for college. Look for options other than student loans, such as a college savings account, applying for scholarships, considering a community or in-state university, and working part-time while in school. Teenagers will be more engaged with their education when they have skin in the game.
53%
of kids, ages 8-14, say they wish their parents taught them more about money.**
Contentment is vital for financial literacy, but contentment starts in the heart. We are bombarded with images of our friends, family, and celebrities sharing their highlight reels, and we get caught in a comparison trap. It is important to remind your kids to stop and think about where they want to spend their time and hard-earned money. Maybe their car isn’t the newest, but it is reliable and leaves money left in their savings to pursue other interests or goals.
High School
Generosity
Help your teenager open a bank account and use an app to track finances. This will prepare them for managing more complex accounts as they get older. There are several apps to choose from, including RoosterMoney, Step, Current, EveryDollar, and Greenlight. FamZoo is an app that allows parents to schedule allowances/chores, funnel money into savings, giving, and spending, provide prepaid debit cards, create IOUs, and teach kids about compound interest. Another classic resource book about compound interest is The Richest Man in Babylon. The earlier a teen can get started investing, the better.
In addition to giving your time and talent, increasing your financial literacy increases the money you have available to share with others in your community, across the country, or around the world. Even from an early age, children should experience the feeling of making a difference. Personal finance is all about making decisions. Model the behaviors you want your children to adopt. Spend less than you earn. Talk often and consistently about how you are saving, spending, and giving. Nurture your children’s curiosity, and they will grow to be financially savvy adults.
Teens often have an active social life filled with needs for gas, clothes, food, entertainment, and more. Help them *limra.com/en/newsroom/industry-trends/2019/why-is-financial-literacy-so-important **slideshare.net/TRowePrice/t-rowe-prices-11th-annual-parents-kids-money-survey
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BetterLife Magazine - May 2022
Water Safety Tips For Staying Safe This Summer by Jade Morschauser
Summer is almost here, and with summer comes sunny, warm days spent by the pool or at the beach. But, do you know how to keep you and your family safe in and around the water? According to the Red Cross, before you jump in this summer, it’s important to first become water competent. This involves water smarts, swimming skills, and helping others. Be Water Smart The Red Cross defines “water smart” as being aware of your surroundings whether you’re swimming in a pool or the ocean. Before jumping in, it’s important to know your physical limitations, especially when swimming in open water. While you may be able to swim well in a heated pool, that doesn’t mean you’ll swim well in cold water. Additionally, you should never swim alone. Always swim with a lifeguard or other water watcher (such as a friend or family member) present. And while everyone loves a pool party, it’s important to swim sober in order to stay safe. You should also know how to call for help in your area, whether that means contacting the beach lifeguard or local emergency services. 911 is the emergency dispatch hotline for the United States, but if you’re traveling out of the country for a summer trip, the number will be different.
BetterLife Magazine - May 2022
Finally, don’t forget to understand and adjust for the unique risks of the water environment you are in, such as:
by everyone else when in open water, especially when boating, water skiing, or doing other water-based sports.
• River currents • Ocean rip currents (These are frequent on the Great Lakes too!) • Water temperature • Shallow or murky water • Underwater hazards, such as vegetation and animals
Make sure the life jackets you are using are US Coast Guard approved and fit properly. You can find sizing guidelines on the inside of the life jacket. Check the fit by pulling on the shoulders of the jacket. It should fit snugly and not go over the user’s head.
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Swimming Skills There are essential swimming skills that everyone should know. You can find low-cost swimming lessons from multiple sources in your community, including the Red Cross, YMCA, local recreation center, or local aquatic center. Listed below are a few important skills identified by the Red Cross that swimmers should be able to perform in every water environment they encounter. 1. Enter water that’s over your head, then return to the surface 2. Float or tread water for at least one minute 3. Turn over and turn around in the water 4. Swim at least 25 yards 5. Exit the water
Helping Others An important part of water competency is knowing how to help others in an emergency. These actions identified by the Red Cross will help your family avoid trouble —and help you respond if an emergency occurs. First, pay close attention to children or weak swimmers you are supervising in or near water. Know the signs that someone is drowning. These include not making forward progress in the water, being vertical in the water but unable to move or tread water, or being motionless face down in the water. Educate yourself on ways to safely assist a drowning person, such as “reach or throw, don’t go.” Additionally, learn CPR and First Aid to utilize in the event of an emergency. You can find classes locally at community centers, hospitals, and through the Red Cross.
Layers of Protection Another way you can create a safe water environment this summer is by employing “layers of protection.” This includes using barriers around home pools and hot tubs, providing life jackets, and closely supervising children. Life jackets should be worn by small children and weak swimmers any time they are near or in the water, and also
Rip Currents A common swim hazard are rip currents, which are powerful channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves, including the Great Lakes beaches. An often-thought misconception is that rip currents pull people under the water. This is not true, they actually pull people further away from shore. These currents often form near sandbars, shore structures like piers, and water outlets such as river outlets. Rip currents are more common when waves are higher than three feet.
Signs that dangerous currents are present: ✓ Muddy/sandy water ✓ Breaks in wave formations
3 Steps to Safety: 1. Stay calm. Remember that the current pulls you farther away from shore, not under the water. 2. Swim to the side, perpendicular to the direction of the current. 3. Head for shore. Stay safe by avoiding the water when the waves are high, avoiding swimming near piers, and remember the three steps to safety.
Sources: weather.gov, redcross.org
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BetterLife Magazine - May 2022
Culture Corner The Year of the Veteran Members Show Their Support Through the Years by Hallie Evenson & Jade Morschauser
Here at BetterLife, 2022 is the “Year of the Veteran,” so we are looking back at how our branches and lodges have given back to Veterans over the years. BetterLife's branches and lodges have a long history of supporting those who protect our freedom, from hosting soldiers at polka dances for free during WWII, to maintaining Veteran cemeteries today.
Move-In Kits In Hopkins, MN, Lodge 11 has supported Veterans by creating and donating move-in kits to the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans. These kits are given to Veterans transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing and consist of 21 home/bedding/towel items, seven office supply items, thirteen personal care items, and a gift card to help them settle into their new homes. Lodge 11 has donated five of these much-needed kits to this vital organization.
Here are just a few examples of how our BetterLife branches and lodges like to give back to Veterans.
Flag Day Flag Day has been an important holiday for some of our branches over the years, especially given the role branches played in helping to restore and preserve Stony Hill Schoolhouse, the birthplace of Flag Day. In the past, branches wrapped up the events of Fraternal Week with flag-raising ceremonies across the country. Today, many branches and lodges show support by donating flags and flag poles to local organizations and memorials.
(L-R) Members Anne Leland and Pamela Kotval with MACV employee Ryan R. and their completed move-in kits.
BetterLife Magazine - May 2022
Donations That Make a Difference
(L-R) Ronan, Teagan, and Trevor Boling helped honor Veterans who have passed by placing the flags on the cemetery gravestones.
Cemetery Flags Last year for Memorial Day, Branch 3 in Wausau, WI, started donating money to the Allied Veterans of South Wood County to help purchase flags for cemetery plots. After purchasing the flags, members met with Veterans and Veteran family members and spent several hours placing the flags on Veteran plots as a way to honor them for their service. This is planned for Memorial Day 2022, and Branch 3 members hope to continue this new tradition for the Veterans in their community.
Many of BetterLife members donate to local Veterans organizations in need. Throughout the year, members of Lodge 127 donate their time, resources, and money for local Veterans. In December 2021, Lodge 127 made a generous donation for the new Steele County Veterans Memorial in Owatonna, MN. The funds will go towards building the new memorial that will start construction in Spring 2022. Brian Scoular, a member of BetterLife Branch 81 in Hettinger, ND, has family ties to the armed forces and helps put up flags in Lemmon, SD, during the holidays. This made it an easy decision for him to use his Members in Action funds for the Patriotic Park Project at G.E. Lemmon Park in Lemmon, to honor all the different branches of service. The funds help cover the cost of flagpoles, flags, and other expenses.
“It was very emotional for us to see their headstones and helps us to understand what they did for us to have the freedoms we have today because of them.” – Mary Holm, BetterLife Branch 3 President
Brian Scoular presents his Members in Action funds to Sharon Crevier, Treasurer for the Lemmon, SD, VFW.
Veterans who are also members of Lodge 127 (L-R): Al Grosland, Hans Hohrman, Steve Wencl, Malcolm (Mick) McCorkell, and John (Jack) Noble, presented their check to Mike Pierce, (center left) a Steele County Veterans Memorial project committee member.
Other ways our members have honored Veterans that YOU can do today: • Write or make holiday or thank you cards to Veterans • Make quilts and deliver them to Veterans • Help keep Veteran cemeteries clean • Flag presentations to families • Donate flags to schools, VFWs, and other local groups • Host a complimentary dinner for Veterans
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BetterLife Magazine - May 2022
The Scoop. What's New
at BetterLife
Introducing Zach Snell Our New Director of Member Engagement As our new Director of Member Engagement, Zach brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to BetterLife. He has been part of the fraternal world since graduating college and has spent the last sixteen years at Thrivent Financial. Zach’s primary duty at BetterLife will be to create the future of our branches and lodges as we move into 2023. He will be traveling to meet with our members and working with the Fraternal Advisory Board in order to gain a solid understanding of who we are and how we can leverage our fraternal status in solidifying us as a different kind of life insurance company. Zach calls Appleton, WI, home where he lives with his wife, Nikki, and son, Tristen. Although he is kept busy with
Tristen’s school and social events, the family enjoys camping and traveling. Zach also enjoys golfing and hiking as a way to be outdoors, Wisconsin weather permitting of course. In Zach’s own words he states, “I’m excited to be joining the BetterLife family and can’t wait to bring my passion, experience, and hunger for adventure to the important work of engaging more of our members in a way that is both welcoming and inviting.” BetterLife is “better” to have Zach here and we know he will make a positive impact with our current members, as well as our future members!
Last Call for Family Benefit Applications Each year, our Family Benefit awards up to ten $1,000 awards to BetterLife members for costs associated with senior care, child care, extracurricular activities, family emergencies, or unexpected living costs.*
You could be a recipient! Submit your application by Wednesday, June 1, 2022, for your opportunity to be selected for one of the ten awards.
More information and the Family Benefit application can be found at:
betterlifeins.com/member-resources/member-benefits *Members may apply each year from January 1-June 1 for this benefit. A third-party judge determines award recipients.
BetterLife Magazine - May 2022
Saline Center Lodge 38th Annual Consignment Auction On March 20, 2022, the Saline Center in Nebraska held its 38th annual consignment auction. This particular sale was one of its most successful! Cars lined up on the road at least a mile each way, and the day brought in about 5,000 participants and included over 125 volunteers. Enjoy the pictures of the sale submitted by Beth Horak.
The Stories of Our Own Veterans Are you a US military Veteran? We want to hear your story and possibly feature YOU in an upcoming BetterLife magazine article, social media post, blog post, and/or call-out in our email newsletter, The Better Buzz! If you have served or are currently serving and would be willing to share all or part of your military experience, please contact Hallie Evenson, BetterLife Member Engagement Specialist at:
memberengagement@betterlifeins.com or (800) 779-1936
The Scavenger Hunt is ON! You’ve now read all about our 2022 Signature Event: Scavenger Hunt on pages 6-7 of this publication. So don’t forget to participate by attending different events or answering our trivia questions every month!
Join the fun by downloading the GooseChase app and finding the BetterLife2022 game. Scan this QR code to go the website and find detailed instructions on how to download the app.
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