A Gathering to Remember
Hillsboro, WI
To celebrate the revitalization of the Hillsboro, WI, member group, almost 100 guests — including members, BetterLife staff, and the BetterLife Board of Directors — gathered at the Firemen’s Community Center for a fun evening of dinner, music, and dancing.
Mollie B and SqueezeBox, featuring Ted Lange, brought the house down with their lively tunes, while Mr. B’s Smokehouse Meats satisfied everyone’s taste buds with delicious food. And, of course, no celebration of Czech culture would be complete without fresh kolache on the buffet table and to take home!
Congratulations to two lucky raffle winners: Gary Mislivecek, who took home two bottles of Czech wine and a picnic tote, and Mary Daines, who won a $75 gift card to Hillsboro Brewing Company. We hope to see all who attended at another BetterLife gathering soon!
Janice Zmrazek graciously took BetterLife’s Kaye DeMartino under her wing and taught her a few dance moves.
Shirley and Norm Baumgarten (front center) having fun showing the younger generation how it's done.
Members and guests enjoyed socializing and catching up with each other at the Firemen's Community Center.
The great music of Mollie B and Squeezebox, featuring Ted Lange, had everyone up and dancing after dinner.
Member Picnic Fun
Fourth Virtual Bingo a Big Success!
BetterLife hosted its fourth Virtual Bingo event, drawing in over 200 attendees, including members, family, and friends, for an evening of fun and excitement. With over $1,000 in great prizes awarded and more than 30 winners, this event continues to be a big hit.
Congratulations to our lucky winners from Wisconsin!
Heather Berken - Kindle
Mary Kay Bressers - YETI tumbler
Susan Chapman - YETI tumbler
Ram Dahl - YETI tumbler & Cookware set
Maureen Riemer - YETI tumbler & Cookware set
Brenda Larson - Cookware set
Tammy Miller - $25 Amazon gift card
Linda Dobbratz - $25 Amazon gift card
See Thao - $25 Amazon gift card
Brad Bunnow - BetterLife t-shirt
Sandy Diener - BetterLife t-shirt
Make plans to take part in the next round of Virtual Bingo on October 8, 2024!
We're Getting the Group Back Together!
Monroe, WI
Exciting news! The BetterLife member group in Monroe, WI, has re-formed and kicked off its new event schedule with an evening of live music on the square, featuring The Boy Band Night from Chicago, IL. If you are a member living in the Monroe area, keep an eye out for more events and activities to participate in.
The Kewaunee member group hosted a wonderful picnic at Bruemmer County Park. The spread featured meats, dips, salads, chips, veggies, and a selection of tempting desserts.
A highlight of the event was an old bingo game kept in a shoebox and used for over 75 years at Kewaunee picnics. This treasured game, originally passed on by longtime bingo caller Hyacinth Aude, was played with quarters in a tribute to her lasting legacy.
Backpack Giveaway
Madison, WI
The Madison member group partnered with DJ Fusion of Midwest Radio, 93.7 JAMS, and the Madison Reading Project to provide backpacks and books. They gave out over 450 backpacks to children of all ages gearing up for school, which included two books in each pack. Kewaunee, WI
BetterLife members from Kewaunee, WI, pose for a picture with the bingo game that has been used for over 75 years during their member picnic. Not pictured: 75-year pin award recipient Mary Jo Blahnik.
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:
or call
Has your member group held a recent event or fundraiser? 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.
Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse addition to any meal. They are rich in antioxidants, contain four grams of plant-based fiber, and contain vitamins A, C, B5, and B6, as well as potassium. Leave the skin on when roasting for more nutrients. To boost the benefits, try experimenting with different seasonings or using coconut oil. Make this superfood the next side dish at your meal.
Healthy Sweet Potato Fries*
5 medium sweet potatoes
4 tbsp oil
2 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
Directions: Peel and slice the potatoes into planks or sticks of your desired thickness. Toss the potato slices in oil and your choice of seasonings until well-coated.
Healthy Recipe Ideas.
Oven: Preheat to 400°. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and cook for 25 - 30 minutes or until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Air Fryer: Reduce the oil to 2 tablespoons. Cook at 400° for 15 - 20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Remember to submit the sign-in sheets for your events for a shot at winning the Sign in to Win Community Giveaway! We’re not only giving away funds to event attendees, but your member group could win up to $3,500 in additional funding this year!
Email memberengagement@betterlifeins.com for information on how to enter or visit: betterlifeins.com/member-resources/ sign-in-to-win
BEACON
P.O. Box 1527
Madison, WI 53701-1527
betterlifeins.com
f l @betterlifeinsco
Making Positive Impacts
Angel Thomas - SVP, Member Experience athomas@betterlifeins.com
August was an extraordinary month for BetterLife member groups. It kicked off with five team members engaging and making a positive impact in the communities we call home. Community members’ enthusiasm and gratitude reaffirmed our commitment to making a difference.
In September, the momentum continues in Wisconsin. Cadott is hosting an art tour showcasing local creativity and culture. Menomonie is building beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization committed to ensuring that no child sleeps on the floor. Several groups are coming together to host the Milwaukee Brewers game, fostering camaraderie and local sportsmanship. In Luxemburg, we’re hosting the Wapatoolie Fundraiser, an initiative aimed at supporting local causes and uniting the community. We conclude the month in Cadott, celebrating our achievements and looking ahead to future endeavors.
As October approaches, our virtual events will provide opportunities for connection and entertainment in the digital space. You won’t want to miss out!
Kathy Patterson
BetterLife Member - Weyerhaeuser, WI
"I like the format of the Beacon, not too long and highlights the activities coming up." Email Angel at: athomas@betterlifeins.com