Wisconsin is the Dairy State. That was evident the weekend of September 20-22, 2024, when BetterLife Members - Monroe, WI, participated in the annual Cheese Days festival.
This three-day celebration of all things Wisconsin featured a wide variety of vendors and activities. From farm tours to attempting to break the world record for the largest polka dance, the city of Monroe was full of energy (and cheese). BetterLife had the honor of sponsoring this year's event, and participants and members could proudly find a BetterLife table amongst vast crowds.
BetterLife cooling towels and micro fans were being used all around the festival, as Saturday was a hot one!
Get involved! Find your local member group: bit.ly/BLgroupnames
Unfortunately, the parade on Sunday was rained out; however, thousands of participants still roamed the area, trying different foods and exploring what the festival had to offer.
The event was a huge success, and everybody had a blast! We can’t wait for Cheese Days 2026!
BetterLife Director of Management Support Services Nick McCullick and Accounting and Facilities Specialist Kat Meyer pose for a photo at the BetterLife booth during the 2024 Cheese Days festival.
(L to R) Festival attendees Paula Meyer (BetterLife member), Debbie Gruenberg, and Nancy Miller smile and show us how they are Living the Better Life during the 2024 Cheese Days festival in Monroe, WI.
Packed crowds take time to check out the many food and entertainment offerings during the 2024 Cheese Days festival in Monroe, WI.
(L to R) Weyerhaeuser, WI, VP Virginia Biedron is presented with her 50-year pin, celebrating 50 years of incredible BetterLife membership, from Treasurer Sharon Czekalski during the Weyerhaeuser Member Appreciation Awards.
Appreciation Awards
Weyerhaeuser, WI
The Lured In Resort on Potato Lake was the perfect setting for a late summer gathering, drawing in over 30 BetterLife members and many more friends from the surrounding community. The BetterLife MembersWeyerhaeuser, WI, event celebrated 50 years of service for three separate members, and honored Gertie and Frank Bronczyk as Fraternalists of the Year for over five decades of membership and leadership.
The day was filled with delicious food, beautiful autumn weather, and stunning views of the lake, where families of loons added to the charm. A big thank you to every one of you who attended; your presence made the event a true celebration of BetterLife community spirit!
(L to R) Former BetterLife Sr. Vice President, IT and Secretary Don Nieland, former BetterLife President & CIO Craig Van Dyke, two Denmark, WI, BetterLife members, and BetterLife Independent Agent Randy Kolarik have a good time connecting while cooking a batch of Booyah.
Booyah and Football Fun
Denmark, WI
While most of us were fast asleep, BetterLife MembersDenmark, WI, woke up before sunrise to start cooking a big batch of Booyah (a meat and vegetable soup that’s usually made in a large vat and cooked slowly over an open fire). Members gathered at Cassie’s Coop in Denmark to savor a warm bowl of this mouthwatering soup, watch the Packers play, and enjoy each other's company. The group also sold Booyah to local community members to take home. This delicious soup with a funny name is a Wisconsin tradition rooted in history.
Fall Fest Celebration
Shiocton, WI
Although the weather still felt like summer in Wisconsin, the Shiocton Fall Fest celebrated Autumn. BetterLife Members - Shiocton, WI, helped work the event, which took place at the Shiocton Wisconsin Bovina Fire Department. Vendors sold handcrafted commodities while scents of delicious goodies filled the air. It was a fun family event enjoyed by locals and members of surrounding communities.
Community Polka Dance
Black River Falls, WI
BetterLife Members - Black River Falls, WI, held their first annual Community Polka Dance this past September at their local lodge hall. The Polka Dance had a great turnout and sparked joy in every individual there. Participants even went back to their childhood roots with the chicken dance! The room was filled with pride, love, laughter, and delight in the beautiful Lodge Ratolest.
BetterLife Member Sharie Allen and a representative from the Shiocton School District sell raffle tickets during the 2024 Shiocton Fall Fest to raise money for new playground equipment for the Shiocton School District.
BetterLife and community members alike dance the night away during the first annual Community Polka Dance in Black River Falls, WI.
11/01/24
Upcoming Events Around Wisconsin
Events, dates, and times are subject to change. For the latest information and details about the events below, and more activities for you to join, go to:
betterlifeins.com/events or call Member Engagement at (800) 779-1936
Has your member group held an event or fundraiser recently? We would love to feature it in our next issue. Send photos and information to memberengagement@betterlifeins.com.
Have a personal story or experience to share about BetterLife? We'll help craft the story from your written or verbal details. Call us at (800) 779-1936 or email (see above) to speak with the Member Engagement Team.
Elevate your game day snacks with a guilt-free twist: Bell Pepper Nachos! These vibrant nachos are delicious and packed with nutrition. Each serving has just 100 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, and 9 grams of protein— perfect for health-conscious snackers. Add fresh chopped cilantro, green onions, or black olives for extra flavor. Recipe serves eight.
Bell Pepper Nachos*
4 bell peppers
1 c salsa
2 tsp seasoning (try mixing chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, and pepper)
2 c cooked meat (chopped or shredded), beans, or tofu
1 c reduced fat cheese (shredded)
Healthy Recipe Ideas.
Directions: Preheat oven to 350°. Wash bell peppers, remove seeds, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Arrange pieces close together in a single layer on a large foillined baking sheet. In a medium bowl, combine salsa, seasonings, and meat, beans, or tofu. Spoon the mixture evenly over pepper pieces then top with cheese. Bake for 15 minutes, or until peppers are heated through and cheese is melted. Serve warm.
Member Benefits: Life Line Screening
Life Line Screening provides valuable health screenings to detect the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease at a special rate for our members. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear — take advantage of this opportunity to stay ahead of your health. Select your preferred screening package today and start on the path to a healthier future!
Email memberengagement@betterlifeins.com with any questions.
To register, visit: bit.ly/BLLifeLineScreening
BEACON
Madison, WI 53701-1527
betterlifeins.com f l @betterlifeinsco
Exciting Updates Ahead
Angel Thomas - SVP, Member Experience athomas@betterlifeins.com
Wow, where has 2024 gone? As we begin the fourth quarter, I am pleased to share some exciting updates about our impact and upcoming changes.
Our event sign-ins have increased significantly — more than 4,000 people in the past two months, already surpassing the total for the first quarter — demonstrating the positive impact we are making in our communities.
Our Connect Core program, which allows individuals to be part of BetterLife before becoming an owner/benefit member, will now be known as Connect Plus. This rebranding comes with many new benefits, and we are excited for you to learn more in the coming months. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions.
As always, thank you for everything you do! I look forward to seeing many of you in your communities this month, including your trunk-or-treat events. I wish you all the best for a great October.
