The start of a new year brings new opportunities, resolutions (?), tax season (!) and hope that the New Year is better than the last.  And for our members, it means added benefits/discounts. 

Woodmen of the World and/or Assured Life Association has secured additional fraternal benefits/discounts for our members.  It is too early to announce just what they are, but watch this Blog and our Website for future announcements as they will roll out during the first quarter of 2012.   We will also be doing email announcements to the members we have email addresses for.

Here’s a hint.  Do you like to travel?  Do you own and drive a car?  Do you like to shop for deals?  Stay tuned…

2012 National College Scholarship Program – Deadline to Apply is March 15, 2012

Don”t forget to tell your college-aged kids and grandkids about our college scholarship program.  The deadline for application is March 15, 2012.  Eligible applicants include benefit members or Children/Grandchildren of benefit members. 

Important Note:  Because of the increasing number of applicants each year we are strictly enforcing the requirement of Official Transcripts that include the 2011 Fall semester or quarter.  So make sure your college-bound student requests those transcripts early so as not to delay their application. 

2011 National Member Food Drive Update

Our National Member Food Drive was a huge success again last year.  Early numbers indicate that nearly 35,000 lbs of food (actual food collected and monetary donations) was collected for various food banks/pantries throughout the country.  That is amazing.  And I know that there are still reports to come in.  DBIA Lodge 35 in Chicago, for example, collects food every month and I have not seen its final numbers for 2011 yet.  For a full, up to date report click on the 2011 Food Drive Report at the top of this blog.

Operation Purple

Our first service campaign of the year is the National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple to send the children of military parents to summer camp.   “The Operation Purple program was created in 2004 in response to the call from military parents to “help us help our kids.” The mission of the Operation Purple program is to empower military children and their families to develop and maintain healthy and connected relationships, in spite of the current military environment.”  This is done through summer camps.

This service campaign is not a volunteer event, but a fundraising effort.  We hope you consider Operation Purple in your charitable giving this year and help the kids of our military have some normalcy through the experience of a summer camp.  And remember, you can double your contribution by requesting a Growth Ring Matching Gift.  Here’s an Operation Purple Donation Form for your convenience.

Focus on Health

A Balanced Approach To Exercise And Activity

As always in a New Year, many of us resolve to lose some weight, become more active, exercise, etc.  You will notice a difference in your health and fitness if you give the following suggestions a try as you consider what kind of activity you want to do.

About the Author-Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is the Founder of Bodyfixes Group specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He is currently the author of the latest edition of “Neck Exercises and Workouts.” Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.

During a pain flare-up you will likely limit your activities. After a flare-up, it is important to gradually return to a more active life. How much physical activity is appropriate? How much is too much? What type of activity is best? There are no absolute answers for these questions. Each person needs to decide what activities they will engage in to stay healthy and fit. Activity will keep you healthy, physically fit, and safe from injury; it will also help lessen your pain. Different types of activity need to be balanced for optimal fitness. Here are a few suggestions that can help you.

Activity For Flexibility – To maintain flexibility in your muscles, ligaments, and tendons, you should stretch daily. This takes only a few minutes and pays off in many ways. You will likely feel better in general, have less pain, have fewer flare-ups, and also be at less risk for injury. In addition, without adequate flexibility, you will not be able to use the correct body mechanics for daily activities, putting you at greater risk for pain or injury.

Activity For Strength-Maintaining strength in your muscles will allow you to do more with less effort and pain. You will be able to perform activities with safer technique, for example, lifting with your legs, not on your back. Having strong trunk muscles will allow you to keep your back in a comfortable neutral position while engaging in a variety of activities.

Activity For Endurance-Endurance will allow you to maintain activities for longer periods. You can build endurance for any activity – whether it is walking, gardening, or sitting in a chair – simply by gradually performing the activity for slightly longer periods. The result will be greater energy and the ability to participate more in the things you want to do.

Activity For Aerobic Fitness-Aerobic fitness is accomplished by engaging in activities that moderately raise your heart rate. Such activities include walking, riding a bike, dancing, and working in the yard. We know that this is good for your heart, lungs, and health in general; and it helps you to maintain a proper weight and also releases endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers.

A Balanced Program-It is recommended to consider a balanced program, including activities for flexibility, strength, endurance, and aerobic fitness. Strengthening muscles without proper attention to flexibility could make you feel worse. Similarly, overworking some muscles while neglecting to strengthen others can cause more problems.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/ – Free Articles Directory

On the Lighter Side

Those of you that know me, know that I am kinda into Ole and Lena jokes.  Some are tell-able and publishable; others not so much.  This was shared with me by a fellow Iowan; at least that is where we spent our childhoods.  And, of course, I couldn’t resist. In any case, I hope you enjoy this Ole story (author unknown).

After having dug to a depth of 10 feet last year, New York scientists found traces of copperwire dating back 100 years and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone network more than 100 years ago.

Not to be outdone by the New Yorkers, a California archaeologist dug to a depth of 20 feet and shortly after, a story in an LA newspaper read: “California archaeologists’ discover 200 year old copper wire, have concluded that their ancestors already had an advanced high-tech communications network a hundred years earlier than the New Yorkers.”

One week later, a local newspaper in Iowa reported the following: “After digging as deep as 30 feet in his pasture near Carroll, Iowa, Ole, a self-taught archaeologist reported that he found absolutely nothing.  Ole, has therefore concluded that 300 years ago, Iowa had already gone wireless.”

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our members, friends and family.  We appreciate our members and know that you provide the means for Woodmen of the World and/or Assured Life Association to give back.  Thank you all for participating in our national member service campaigns this year.  It was a very successful year. 

Please watch for future posts after the first of the year as we will be introducing some new member benefits.  Have a blessed New Year!

A total of 2,565 votes were cast for the CanStructure contest! DBIA Seattle Lodge 29 captured 1,451 votes and the $250 cash award. Members of the lodge have voted to donate the $250 winnings to HopeLink for its food program. 

DBIA Haabet Lodge 32 received 944 votes; DBIA Centennial Lodge 348 received 106 votes; and DBIA Gimle Lodge 95 came in with 64 votes.

Congratulations to DBIA Lodge 29 and thanks to all the lodges that participated! This was a fun event and one we must consider again for next year!

For a full write-up of the CanStructure contest go to the Denverwoodmen website.

#1 DBIA Gimle Lodge #95, Ferndale, CA

Members of DBIA Gimle Lodge #95 constructed a Viking Ship.  Very appropriate tie-in to their Danish heritage.

#2 DBIA Haabet Lodge #32, East Hampton, CT

Members of DBIA Haabet Lodge #32 call their CanStructure masterpiece the “structure.”   Another tie-in to ethnicity with the United States and Danish flag atop the “structure.”

#3 DBIA Seattle Lodge #29, Seattle, WA

Members of DBIA Seattle Lodge 29, also went with an ethnic theme.  Their Viking Ship is complete with a Danish Flag!

#4  DBIA Centennial Lodge #348, Eugene, OR

Members of DBIA Lodge 348 also went with a Viking Ship for their CanStructure.  I think there was something in the water (pardon the pun)!  This ship comes complete with Viking figurines manning the deck and ladles used for oars.

Vote Below!

Fall is upon us!

Here’s the scoop.  Daylight time begins (at least in most states) on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.  So, on the second Sunday in March, clocks are set ahead one hour (spring ahead) at 2:00 a.m. local standard time, which becomes 3:00 a.m. local daylight time. On the first Sunday in November, clocks are set back one hour (fall back) at 2:00 a.m. local daylight time, which becomes 1:00 a.m. local standard time. These dates were established by Congress in the Energy Policy Act of 2005.  Ok, too much information. 

In any case, come November 6, we move back to standard time by setting our clocks back 1 hour.

National Member Food Drive

We don’t want our National Food Drive to suffer the same fate as our clocks come November 6th.  Instead of “falling back,” let’s “spring ahead.” Spring into action and help the hungry by participating in our national food drive.

We have not seen a lot of activity for the food drive over the summer months.  Hopefully with the fall season being here with some cooler weather, we will see an increase in participation. 

Here’s an idea.  Halloween is coming up.  How about a Trick or Treat Drive.  Put a note out to residents to let them know you are having a Trick or Treat Drive with the food collection taking place the week before Halloween (you don’t want to compete with the kids’ Halloween).  Then have fun and get everyone to dress up in costume to go around and collect the food.  End your Trick or Treat Drive with a costume party and count up the total pounds of food you collected.

As always, please remember to report your involvement by completing a reporting form.  The form and other ideas for a food drive can be found on the Food Drive page on our website.  Click Here.

Nominating Committee Accepting Nominations for Board of Directors – 2012

Deadline for Board Member Applications - January 31, 2012

Woodmen of the World and/or Assured Life Association’s Board of Directors is composed of seven voting members, whom are Benefit Members of the Society, and the President who serves as an ex officio non-voting member of the Board.   In accordance with the Society’s Bylaws, the Nominating Committee is currently accepting nominations for the four board positions up for election in 2012; board position numbers four, five, six and seven. 

Society Directors receive compensation as determined by the Committee on Legislation and are reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with official business of the Society. 

The Nominating Committee has established criteria and qualifications for board nominees.  You can find that information under the News and Resources section on our homepage at  DenverWoodmen.com .

On Campus with our Scholarship Recipients

This is a repeat of an article in our Fall 2011 issue of The Pacific Woodman.  We are trying a new feature article where we share the amazing things our college scholarship recipients are doing on their individual college campuses.  Here’s Ashton Lambie’s story.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Beyond his love and passion for family, friends and music there is one thing that Ashton Lambie of Lincoln, Nebraska lives for; cycling.  Just this past July Ashton competed in the Colorado High Country 1200 K Brevet; yes, I said 1200 K; and yes, in the Colorado high country!  I get out of breath just thinking about it.  Although this is pretty impressive in and of itself, it is not the subject of this article.

So, how does one that has a passion for cycling share that passion with other students and faculty on the campus of Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska?  By the way, the slogan at Hastings College is “Pursue Your Passion.”  Cycling is not like music that can be shared in a performance or “jamming” among friends.  It is cycling.  Enter Sustainability at Hastings College.

Hastings College junior Ashton Lambie demonstrates how to use a U-shaped bike lock on a new Bronco Bike at the campus bike shed Wednesday. Shay Burk 08-31-11

It may be that living “green” and being environmentally responsible is another passion for Ashton, I don’t know.  If so, he found a way to combine this cause with that of cycling.  The Sustainability Committee is the firstHastings College organization of its kind.  Its mission is to “advance and coordinate efforts to promote environmentally responsible and sustainable practices at Hastings College”, and Ashton, as current President of Student Environmental Action Coalition, serves on the committee.

In 2009 Ashton pitched an idea to the Sustainability Committee; a program to rent bicycles to students for commuting around campus rather than driving their cars or walking; sometimes great distances.  The initiative would promote fitness and the college’s new “green mission.”  Since the sustainability committee’s job is to implement green initiatives on campus that are larger in scale than what a student group can do on its own, Ashton’s presentation was accepted by the committee as an inter-departmental effort and backed it with funding through its annual budget.

The Bronco Bike Program was started in 2010 as a student-run program. Bicycles are available to students on a semester-rental basis and Bronco Bikes assists students with maintenance and upkeep of the bicycles through a free monthly tune-up program. In 2011 the Bronco Bike program expanded from roughly ten to forty bicycles available for use by students.  Way to go, Ashton!

On the Lighter Side – With Ole & Lena

I get Ole and Lena jokes via email all the time!  I also have an Ole and Lena joke book at home.  I thought this one (unknown source) was a good one to share with all of you…..

Lena was arrested for shoplifting in a supermarket. When she went before the judge he asked her, “What did you steal?”  Lena replied, “A can of peaches.” 

The judge asked her how many peaches were in the can. She replied that there were six. The judge said, “Then I will give you six days in jail.” 

Before the judge could actually pronounce the punishment, Ole stood up, and asked the judge if he could say something. The judge said, “What is it?” Ole said, “She also stole a can of peas.”

In the midst of all of this, we are beginning our Fall push for the National Member Food Drive.  We need your help for the success of this event and hope that you will consider where you might lend the greatest assistance in your area.

 Where Do We Stand on our National Food Drive?

Here is an update on our progress for the 2011 National Member Food Drive.  Individual members have donated $325 to various food banks and food programs and the society has matched those donations for a grand total of $650 through the Growth Ring Matching Gift Program.   In addition, 1 member has donated $50 through the Woodmen/Assured Life Virtual Food Drive.  Our Pound for Pound challenge generated another 244 lbs of food donated through Feeding America.  And Rocky Mountain Camp 999 particpated in a Join Hands Day project with Brownie Troop 1581 and conducted a food drive at the Brownie Troop’s elementary school.  The food drive generated 77 lbs of food for the Food Bank of the Rockies.

AND, we cannot forget the generosity of the DBIA Lodge 227 in Detroit, MI.  That lodge donated $1,000 to the Salvation Army designated to help the hungry as reported in the last DenverWoodmen Blog post!

So, we have a great start to this year’s National Member Food Drive.  But I know we can do more and will.  Please help us help the hungry here in the United States.  Get involved today.

American Woodmen Camp 21 in Dayton, OH Food Drive

Last year, members of the American Woodmen Camp 21 collected over 200 lbs of non-perishable food for the Tabernacle Church of God in Christ Food Pantry in Dayton, Ohio.  This camp gets our “way to go” award!!  12 members and 5 non-members logged 10 hours of total community service hours for their food drive.  We hope that they will get involved again this year!

The Tabernacle Church of God in Christ Food Pantry is a member-agency of The Foodbank, Inc. of Dayton, Ohio.  For more than three decades, The Foodbank has served as the link for food relief in the Miami Valley of southwest Ohio.  The Foodbank– the only one of its kind in the area – nourishes the hunger relief efforts of the community through the acquisition and distribution of food to the hungry throughout Montgomery, Greene and Preble counties. The Foodbank provides the infrastructure for nearly 100 member programs that serve as the charitable food relief network in the area.

According to its 2009 annual report, The Foodbank distributed 27,210 backpacks to provide at-risk children with food for the weekend and provided 5,199,126 meals to community and faith-based food pantries, shelters and community kitchens – more than 14,244 meals each day.  83% of the people served by the Foodbank have incomes below the federal poverty level.  The average monthly income for these families is $760.

Focus on Health

Is Nordic Walking Better than Just Walking?

Nordic Walking is a form of walking that originated in Europe and has become widely popularized in Finland. After cross crountry skiers ended their training during the winter months, they begin walking with their ski poles in the off season. After a while, more and more people began to take on this form of walking exercise. It is a walking exercise that is done by using correct size walking poles which are similar to ski poles that are professionally sized to fit your height. When done correctly, the benefits of this form of walking is enormous.

Nordic Pole Walking is a total body workout that combines the effects of walking and running while taking in the advantages of cross country skiing. Researchers have found that this form of walking exercise burns up to 40% more calories than just walking or slow jugging alone. You get a great cardiac aerobic workout and the best part is that you get a better workout without exerting more energy. Other added benefits of Nordic pole walking is that is puts less pressure on the lower back, ankles, hips and knees and provides more stability and balance while walking.

The specially designed nordic poles helps work the upper body and lower body for a total body workout. These poles when designed correctly should put your elbows at 90% when strapped in your hands. If you get nordic poles that are too short, they will put added stress on your back. If the poles are too long, this will cause you to lean back on your heels which causes stress on the ankles. That is why it is important to get poles of correct length to provide proper walking posture.

Nordic walking is certainly not a new form of exercise because it very popular in Europe but it is just now catching on in the United States. It is also known as Nordic Pole Walking because of the visualization of ski walking then just Nordic walking like it is called in Europe. There are now coaches and instructors that are trained especially for this type of walking exercise. You can also buy nordic equipment to get the best fitting pole for your height and walking experience.

Before starting any exercise program please talk with your doctor. Walking can provide so many health benefits that are too numerous to list. Not only will you feel better but you will feel stronger and more relaxed. People even tell me they sleep better. If you doctor has never heard of Nordic walking, there are many online resources about the subject. Even though Nordic Walking is not new in Europe, will this walking craze catch on in the US.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com

About the Author

Zandra Jones, RN BBA writes about health related issues and alternative treatment. Learn more about Nordic Walking at http://reverse-hypothyroid-symptoms.com/nordic-walking.html.

On the Lighter Side

Brighten Your Day and Enlighten Your Life

George Bernard Shaw once said that if you find something funny search it for hidden truth. Here are few pearls of wisdom packaged in humor. Enjoy. 

1. You wouldn’t worry what people thought about you if you only knew how seldom they did.
2. To expect life to treat you fairly because you’re a good person is like expecting a bull not to charge you because you’re a vegetarian.
3. Worry is like a rocking chair; it will give you something to do, but won’t get you anywhere.
4. Pain and suffering are a lot like gas….they too shall pass.
5. Always borrow money from a pessimist. They don’t expect to be paid back.
6. Anyone who says that swimming is good for the figure has never taken a real good look at a whale.
7. A bore is always “ME” deep in conversation.
8. Some people think their lives are full, when really they’re just cluttered.
9. If at first you don’t succeed, try not to be amazed.
10. A leader without a sense of humour is like a grass cutter at a cemetery. You have a lot of people under you paying absolutely no attention. 

Live Better….Laugh More

About the Author

Mike Moore is an international speaker on the role of humor in human relations. Mike’s articles and cartoons have appeared in publications throughout the world. For more on what Mike can do for your organization visit http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?motplusarticles

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com

This has been a devastating spring weather season for many areas as witnessed by the tornadoes pummeling the south last month.  And now the flooding of the Mississippi River in Louisiana and elsewhere.  We have many members that live in these areas, but have not heard whether any have been affected by these storms.  Our thoughts and prayers certainly go out to the victims. 

If you would like to help with the support efforts in these areas, please remember the American Red Cross.  Donations to this organization helps the victims of the flooding and tornadoes.  If you do donate, remember the Growth Ring Matching Gift program and double your donation up to $250.   

National Member Food Drive Gets a Boost!

Woodmen of the World/Assured Life Association’s Danish Brotherhood Lodge 227 in Detroit, Michigan kicks off this year’s National Member Food Drive with a BANG!  Members of the lodge voted to donate $1,000 to the Salvation Army; designated to help feed the hungry.  Bob Buckhave, a member of the lodge, spearheaded the decision by bringing information from the DenverWoodmen Blog, our website and email appeals to the lodge meeting!  What a great way to boost our efforts to help the hungry again this year.  Bob Buckhave later shared this; “I’m just glad we are able to help in this drive.  These are very bad times for so many people and we have been blessed in our lives so it’s the right thing to do.  Thank you for putting this together.”

Thank you members of Danish Brotherhood Lodge 227!  Follow Detroit Danish Brotherhood lodge’s lead  and consider what you might do to help us in our efforts to feed the hungry this year.  We have 3 simple ways you can help.  Visit our Calendar of Events to see how. 

Helping feed the hungry through our Virtual Food Drive is just a click away!    Click on the “Click Here” link below and then click on the “Give Now” button below the Goal thermometer.                                                                                    

CLICK HERE For the Virtual Food Drive

Albert Lea, Minnesota Member Helps Organize Community Sew Day!

Sue Westrum and her sister, Karen Nelson, (member of Woodmen of the World/Assured Life Association’s Danish Brotherhood Lodge 75 in Albert Lea, MN), organized the first-ever Community Sew Day in Albert Lea, Minnesota through the local Shinefest organization last September 2010.  The event drew 40 participants, completing kits for three projects.

45 quilts were made and distributed to the Salvation Army, Crime Victims Crisis Center and Youth for Christ.  Pictured below is Karen Nelson (right) presenting quilts made from the September Community Sew Day to Youth for Christ.

In addition, more than 50 dresses were made to be sent to an orphanage in Jamaica and 100 uniform bags were made and sent to an orphanage in Bogota, Columbia. 

Two Community Sew Days are planned for 2011.  Great job Karen!  Keep up the good works.

Source: Albert Lea Tribune, Albert Lea, Minnesota, Contributor, Sarah Stultz.

Society Awards $55,000 in College Scholarships

94 college scholarship applications were reviewed and judged for this year’s scholarship awards.  Competition for these scholarships is getting fierce, with 74 students receiving scholarships.

The essay was a tough one this year;  ”Do you believe there’s a generation gap?  Describe the differences between your generation and others.”  The topic itself is not that difficult, but to present the subject matter in an interesting and creative way, did present some difficulty.

If you missed our college scholarship deadline this year, remember to put it on your calendar, in your cell phone, on your computer calendar, etc. for next year.  The deadline is March 15 every year.   

Growth Ring Matching Gift Gaining Momentum

It is great to see the Growth Ring Matching Gift program gain momentum and increased utilization this year.  So far this year, the Society has joined with benefit members to donate a total of $6,650 to charity!  For this same period last year, our donations totaled $5,140.  That is a 29% increase in giving from last year.  This is what we want for this program.  So, as you consider your favorite charities, remember the Growth Ring Matching Gift and double your donation (up to $250).

Ok, it may be redundant, but it is important.  Everywhere you look remnants of the current economic conditions can still be seen and felt even at a time when many say we are on the road to economic recovery. The fact remains that hunger in our country is increasing at an alarming rate. Unemployment remains at 8.9% and some people that are employed have experienced their hours cut, making providing for their families very difficult. 1 in 6 Americans find themselves among the food insecure – those that don’t know where their next meal will come from; that’s more than 50 million people. This number includes 1 in 4 children. In America? Are we the land of the plenty?

For this reason, we are once again utilizing the National Member Food Drive as our national member event; more specifically, the Pound for Pound Challenge. Coming together to help the hungry in this country will help generate much more community and camaraderie among our members than any trip we can imagine.  Participation is easy and no travel is required.  Even if you don’t need to lose weight, you can pledge to maintain your current weight and get credit for 5 pounds of food through Feeding America.

Program Details

So here are the details. For every pound you pledge to lose, the Pound For Pound Challenge will donate 11¢ to Feeding America® — enough to secure one pound of groceries on behalf of local food banks. $1,040,000 is the maximum donation.

Do not participate if you’re pregnant or if weight loss is not appropriate for you (unless you mark that you just want to maintain your current weight).   Always contact your doctor before starting any weight loss program.  Even if some weight loss is appropriate for you, please do not engage in excessive weight loss.  The maximum number of pounds that can be pledged and ultimately counted toward the Pound For Pound Challenge donation is capped at fifty pounds per person.

Again, make sure your doctor agrees with your weight loss plan. Pledges accepted through May 31, 2011.

Join Team Woodmen Assured Life Kickinit (WALK)

We need you to join us in our Pound for Pound Challenge – Team Woodmen Assured Life Kickinit (WALK) from now until May 31, 2011.  Even if you just want to maintain your current weight, you get credit for 5 pounds; and you can join anonymously.  Here are the steps:

1. Click Here to pledge. 
2. Click “Join or Create a Team”. 
3. At the next screen click “Join a Team.” 
4. Enter our team name “Woodmen Assured Life Kickinit” in the window and click “search.” 
5. At the next screen click “Join Team”. 
6. Then it will take you back to enter your birthdate.  Enter your birthdate and click “continue”. 
7. Enter your zip code and click “continue”. 
8. The food bank closest to your zip code will automatically come up but you can select another food bank if you wish.  Click “continue.” 
9. Enter your weight loss pledge or click the box next to ”I want to pledge to maintain my current healthy weight” and click “continue.”
10. Enter your information as requested and set up your account and click “continue.”
11. You are done!! 

We are already at 8 team members pledging 185 pounds!  Here are 3 reasons to join our Pound for Pound Challenge Team Woodmen Assured Life Kickinit:

1. It costs you nothing.
2. You will improve your health with a little weight loss.
3. Your pledge to lose weight coverts to a donation to Feeding America. Even if you just want to maintain your current weight you get credit for 5 pounds.

So, get out and get active.  Join our Pound For Pound Challenge Team Woodmen Assured Life Kickinit (WALK).  For every pound you pledge to lose through May 31, 2011, Pound For Pound Challenge will donate 11¢ to Feeding America® — enough to secure one pound of groceries on behalf of local food banks; $1,040,000 maximum donation.  A win/win for everyone.  You get healthier through walking and exercise AND help feed the hungry at the same time!

However, “do not participate if you’re pregnant or if weight loss is not appropriate for you.  Always contact your doctor before starting any weight loss program.  Even if some weight loss is appropriate for you, please do not engage in excessive weight loss.  The maximum number of pounds that can be pledged and ultimately counted toward the Pound For Pound Challenge donation is capped at fifty (50) pounds per person.”

Click Here to join Team Woodmen Assured Life Kickinit!  Type in Woodmen Assured Life Kickinit, search and you will be taken to our team where you can join.  When you click on “join team” you will be taken to the pledge screen where you will pledge the amount of weight you want to lose before May 31, 2011.  Let’s see how much weight we can lose AND how many pounds of food we can donate through Feeding America.  Again, make sure your doctor agrees with your weight loss plan.

New Website Design!

On March 1, 2011 we launched a new website design for Woodmen of the World and/or Assured Life Association.  The new design provides a cleaner, more contemporary look for the Society and is easier to navigate.  We hope that you will agree.

An added feature to DenverWoodmen.com is a Calendar of Events located just below the navigation links and home office address on the left hand side.  Here you can stay on top of important dates, program deadlines and national service campaigns throughout the year.

Summer Camp Grants Available

Do you have children or grandchildren going to summer camp this year?  Don’t forget Woodmen of the World and/or Assured Life Association’s Summer Camp Grant program.  Applications for Summer Camp Grants are available on our website.  Click Here for more information.

As we near the deadline for our own Summer Camp Grant program, we continue to promote National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple even though they needed donations by March 1st.  They still need our help to send kids of military families to summer camp.  Think about giving a donation through Woodmen of the World and/or Assured Life Association and our Growth Ring Matching Gift!

National Volunteer Week Coming Up

From April 10, 2011 – April 16, 2011 organizations will be celebrating National Volunteer Week!  It is not only the biggest week for volunteer organizations to recognize their volunteers but the biggest week for people to get involved in service to their communities.  To find a project you can get involved in go to VolunteerMatch.

And don’t forget to recognize the volunteers in your camps and lodges as well.  Like Rita Schovain, member of DBIA Lodge 35 in Chicago, Illinois, who has accumulated over 3,100 volunteer hours for Loyola University Health System!  Great job, Rita!

Happy 2011!  The start of a new year always brings anticipation, reflection, planning and resolutions.  Whether or not you are into making new year’s resolutions, we hope that you will resolve to serve in 2011. 

Making the top ten New Year’s Resolutions for 2011 is “Help Others” or “Volunteer.”  If it made your list of resolutions, we at Woodmen of the World and/or Assured Life Association can help you fulfill it.  Even though it is as simple as writing a check, we hope you will consider helping us help National Military Family Association’s “Operation Purple” summer camp program!    Funds raised will help to send the children of our nation’s military families to “Operation Purple” summer camps in the summer of 2011.  

We have already received our first donation.  The first member to respond to the call utilized the Society’s Growth Ring Matching Gift Program to double her donation of $250 for a total of $500.  That’s a great start for our fund-raising campaign for this great cause.  But we need your help.  Bring two of the principles upon which Woodmen of the World and/or Assured Life Association was founded into play; SERVICE & LOYALTY.  Loyalty represents an abiding faith in God and undivided allegiance to our country and its institutions.  So, let’s serve our military families by sending their kids to camp just as they are serving our country. 

Donations need to be sent to the home office by Thursday, February 24, 2011.  Make your checks payable to Woodmen of the World and/or Assured Life Association.  Be sure to designate your donation to the Operation Purple program. For benefit members, remember to utilized the Growth Ring Matching Gift program.   Thank you for your support of this important new fund-raising opportunity for our Society.

Service in the Bank (Food Bank That Is)

I believe we still have some reports outstanding, but if you click on the tab “Food Drive Report” at the top of this Blog, you will see a full report of how we did with our national member food drive last year.  How does 28,847 lbs of food for various food banks sound?  The picture to the left represents the 570 lbs of food collected by DBIA Lodge 29 in Seattle. 

Thank you to all who supported this service campaign.  Click Here if you are one that has not yet reported.

 Service in Operation

Magnolia Camp 92 and its members help Woodmen/Assured Life’s Operation Santa’s Elves thrive in Riverside, California!  For the second year, Magnolia Camp 92 has reported its support of the local Salvation Army Angel Tree.  The Angel Tree project is an Adopt-A-Child for Christmas program.  

When Operation Santa’s Elves was introduced last year, the idea was to impact the lives of needy children and families at Christmas time in our own back yards.  4 members of Magnolia Camp 92 have lived that mission of service through its support of this program. 

This year, the camp provided 2 toys each to 20 children plus food for Christmas dinner for 10 families!  The camp logged 6 hours of community service. 

In this picture, you see a portion of Bucks County, PA DBIA Lodge 342′s efforts to support Toys-for-Tots.  They provided 15 unwrapped toys in support of Operation Santa’s Elves.

We have yet to receive all the reports for this campaign and we appreciate all who participated.  If you haven’t reported your Operation Santa’s Elves project, please Click Here. 

Thank you for your resolution for Service.