Tag Archives: community

Celebrate Popcorn Lovers Day

12 Thursday Mar 2020

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Popcorn fanatics unite! Today is Popcorn Lovers Day, which always takes place on the second Thursday of March. Don’t confuse this celebration with National Popcorn Day, a holiday that happens annually on January 19.

You may be wondering why did someone believe we needed a date to celebrate popcorn? The reason was pretty simple. The unofficial holiday was created only eight years ago by a man named Bob Matthews of Rochester, New York. The reason for its creation? It was Bob’s favorite snack, and he and his wife would eat it most Thursdays all year long.

You might scoff at the idea of popcorn for dinner, but when properly prepared, it can be a guilt-free indulgence. Let’s celebrate this poptastic unofficial holiday with some healthy fun facts:

  • A cup of plain popcorn contains only 31 calories.
  • Popcorn has more fiber than pretzels or potato chips, more protein than any cereal grain and more iron than eggs or roast beef. It really sounds like the perfect treat to us!
  • Many do not realize, but popcorn is a whole grain food, making it naturally high in key nutrients, including fiber, magnesium, phosphorous and manganese.
  • A study from the University of Scranton found that popcorn contains substantial amounts of polyphenols, antioxidants commonly linked to various health benefits, including better circulation, improved digestion and a reduced risk of many diseases.
  • Both the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, formerly known American Dietetic Association, and American Diabetes Association agree that popcorn can be exchanged for bread for people on weight control diets. We probably don’t have to tell you, but this is our all-time favorite fun fact. Learn more about how Lions Pride works to support Community Diabetes Education in Wisconsin.
  • With its low calories, high fiber content and low energy, popcorn has all the characteristics of a weight loss friendly food.
  • Even though it has a multitude of health qualities, preparation can make or break the nutritional value of popcorn. The best way to prepare healthy popcorn is on the stove or in an air-popper with no oil.

Learn more satisfying health benefits of popcorn.

How do you feel about popcorn? If you have a favorite way to enjoy popcorn or have chosen a bowl of popcorn as an alternative to make dinner, let us know in the comments below.

Happy Popcorn Lovers Day from Lions Pride!

Celebrate National Day of Listening

21 Thursday Nov 2019

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How do you plan to spend next Friday? If you’re thinking about shopping, see if this scenario sounds familiar. Your alarm goes off at 3 am; you turn it off, try to rub the sleep out of your eyes and make your way out of bed. Then, you venture out into the winter tundra, only to stand in line with dozens of other adventurous souls. The doors finally open and the friendships you just formed have turned hostile. You’re all after the same sales and every man is for himself. As you try to grab the last doorbuster deal on the shelf, you ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?”

Rather than waking up before the dawn and freezing your buns waiting for stores to open, why not stay home and share memories with those you love? Consider starting a new after Thanksgiving tradition by celebrating National Day of Listening.

If you’re a long-time listener of National Public Radio, you are likely well acquainted with the concept of StoryCorps. Every week, the independent organization seeks to honor and celebrate the lives of everyday Americans by listening to their stories. They’re hoping you’ll follow suit by listening to the accounts of loved ones. In 2008, StoryCorps introduced National Day of Listening as a day dedicated to the history of family, friends and community.

On this day, they hope is that you sit down with a loved one and record the conversation. The device you use to complete the recording – a digital voice recorder, a smartphone or good old-fashioned pen and paper – is all up to you. The goal is to record family history in the making and preserve the story for generations to come.

We feel the best conversations happen organically, but we also realize that they may be challenging to get started. StoryCorps has compiled a list of great questions to get the discussion off the ground. Below are a few questions that you can ask just about anyone:

  • Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
  • What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in life?
  • What are you proudest of?
  • How has your life been different than what you’d imagine?
  • Is there anything that you’ve never told me but want to tell me now?

With the holiday season quickly approaching, it can be easy to become inundated with all of the additional items added to your To-Do List and forget about what’s most important, being together. We promise that we won’t hold it against you if you choose to get your shopping done on Black Friday, but we’d encourage you to set aside time in the upcoming weeks to have a meaningful conversation with someone you hold dear. Don’t forget to record the moment – we know your future self will thank you.

Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving,
Lions Pride

MLK Day of Service

17 Thursday Jan 2019

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“Everybody can be great because everyone can serve.” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

MLK Day of Service.png

Photo Credit to Corporation for National and Community Service 

Each January, we honor and celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1983, Legislation marked the birthday of Dr. King as a federal holiday. But in 1994, Congress designated the holiday as a national day of service. Each year, on the third Monday of January, we are all encouraged to look at Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthdate as a “day on, not a day off.”

Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929. In 1948, he received a BA degree from Morehouse College, at the age of 19. He was awarded a BD degree after three years of theological study at Crozer Theological Seminary.

Shortly after, he became the pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. He was always a strong advocate of civil rights, so he joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People as a member of the executive committee. In early December 1955, he accepted leadership as the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The boycott lasted a total of 382 days. On December 21, 1956, the Supreme Court of the United States declared bus segregation as unconstitutional. From that point on, people of all races rode the bus together as equals.

In 1957, he was elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a newly created organization that was formed to provide leadership for the civil rights movement. In the next eleven years, Dr. King would travel over six million miles and give over 2500 speeches. Meanwhile, he wrote five books as well as several articles and led enormous peaceful protests. He may be most known for leading the 1963 march on Washington, D.C., of 250,000 people and delivering his “I Have A Dream” speech. During his lifetime, he was arrested more than 25 times, awarded five honorary degrees and was the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1968, while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, he was shot. He died on April 4.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. believed in a nation of freedom and justice for all. The Day of Service is intended for engaging in community action that works to solve social problems. Service has an incredible ability to unite people of all ages and backgrounds while building stronger communities.

Honor the memory of Dr. King on Monday, January 21, by choosing to serve. Looking for a new service project? You need to see the Lions Club’s complete list of ideas for families. What project will you and your club start next? We’d love to hear in the comments below.

Happy MLK Day of Service from Lions Pride!

Giving Thanks and Giving Back

22 Thursday Nov 2018

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Today is a special day – Thanksgiving, a day where we gather with friends and family to STACKED_0.pngreflect on life’s greatest blessings. We love the message behind the holiday, but isn’t it ironic that less than 24 hours from now, many of us will be stampeding through retail stores to find this year’s newest tech gadget or a larger flat-screen TV? Why do we only get the one day to appreciate all that life has to offer, but multiple days dedicated to buying gifts?

The team at the Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact must have had similar questions because, in 2012, they introduced America to Giving Tuesday. The idea is simple. On the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (this year, it’s November 27) we take the day off from holiday shopping and instead give back.

On Thanksgiving, we give thanks.

On Black Friday, we get deals.

On Cyber Monday, we get online.

On Giving Tuesday, we give back.

How can you give back? That’s the beauty behind this holiday because the answer is any way you wish. You can choose to give time by helping a neighbor in need, give kindness by complimenting a stranger, give hope with a donation to your favorite nonprofit organization, or give knowledge to others with the power of your voice.

Regardless of whether you have $5 or $50, 10 minutes or 10 hours; all that matters is that you give. By finding a way to help your family, friends, community or organization of your choosing, you’ve done more than your part. Let’s join together to start a movement celebrating generosity and giving back.

The Lions Pride Office will be closed today and tomorrow in observance of the holiday but are excited to hear how you will be celebrating Giving Tuesday. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Wishing you and your family a happy Thanksgiving!

 

How to Celebrate National Good Neighbor Day

27 Thursday Sep 2018

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“When one neighbor helps another, we strengthen our communities.” -Jennifer PahlkaNeighborhood Homes

There’s no denying that it is a blessing to have a friendly neighborhood. Good neighbors always have a smile to share, are willing to lend a helping hand and ready to keep a watchful eye. But did you know that each year Americans know less and less about their neighbors? If you’ve been looking for a reason to get to know the people who live next door, you’re in luck! This Friday, September 28, is National Good Neighbor Day and we think there’s plenty of reasons to celebrate and build our communities.

National Good Neighbor Day was first created in the early 1970s by Becky Mattson, a community businesswoman in Lakeside, Montana. She realized the true importance of knowing your neighbor, so she and her husband along with Congressman Mike Mansfield worked with Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter to sign the proclamations for Good Neighbor Day. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter issued the following,

As our Nation struggles to build friendship among the peoples of this world, we are mindful that the noblest human concern is concern for others.

Understanding, love, and respect build cohesive families and communities. The same bonds cement our Nation, and the nations of the world.

For most of us, this sense of community is nurtured and expressed in our neighborhoods where we give each other an opportunity to share and feel part of a larger family.

If you’ve been wanting to get to know your neighbors, but have been unsure of the best ways to reach out, we have compiled a few ways to start the process:

  • Host an outdoor barbecue

    There’s no better way to get to know someone than over a smoky grill. Encourage neighbors to bring their own meat to fire up and a dish to pass, that way no one has to spend a lot of time preparing. Sometimes, spontaneity is the perfect way to break the ice.

  • Bring over a plate of homemade treats

    Who doesn’t love the taste of fresh, baked cookies? If you’d like to introduce yourself, consider making a couple of batches of cookies (one for your family and one for your neighbor to share.) If that seems too well planned and are looking for something more natural, look to your garden. The Wisconsin harvest is plentiful in early fall, so if your garden is gifting with you with a bountiful harvest, share the wealth!

  • Lend a helping hand

    One way to instantly build a connection is to lend a helping hand. If you see your neighbor, raking the first round of fallen leaves, go grab a rake and help make the job a little easier on him or her. Who knows they might return the favor down the road.

  • Smile

We know that it’s not always easy to put yourself out there, but a nice way to start building a relationship is with a smile and a wave.

Treat Good Neighbor Day as a great opportunity to say hello and start getting to know your neighbors. How will you celebrate the unofficial holiday? Let us know in the comments below.

Happy Good Neighbor Day from Lions Pride!

 

Involve a Veteran this Memorial Day

24 Thursday May 2018

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If we were to ask you what the most patriotic month of the year is, how would you respond? You’d probably say July; it’s a no-brainer. But what about the second most patriotic month? We’d say May.

This month, we’ve already celebrated Armed Forces Day on May 19, and Memorial Day is right around the corner. Veterans gave a major sacrifice when they chose to enlist, but often, their eagerness to make a difference does not end when they complete their term. Many look to get involved at a local level, which could make Lions the perfect fit.

Veterans have so much to offer to any organization. They have a strong sense of dedication and commitment, have a keen sense of leadership and know precisely what it means to be a part of a team. That’s why LCI created the Involve a Veteran Program. From now until June 30, 2018, qualifying veterans have the chance to join a Lions club with an entrance or charter fee waiver. Eligible veterans include Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard personnel as well as the Canadian Armed Forces who retired or were honorably-discharged from their service. National Guard and Reserve personnel who were called to active duty are also eligible.

When inviting veterans to join your Lions Club, consider trying one of these simple recruiting ideas:

  • Drop off brochures at your local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) clubs. You might be surprised to learn how many chapters exist in our state!
  • Exhibit at a local Veteran community event. Be sure to check out the Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs Events page and watch your local newspaper.
  • Use the press release template to attract local media attention.
  • Take the opportunity to thank Veterans on your social media pages. Memorial Day would be an excellent day to express your gratitude for their service – you never know who might stumble across your post.
  • Start a new project and invite Veterans to join in on the fun.

It’s not too late! Join the over 700 clubs that have taken advantage of the Involve a Veteran program and give veterans the opportunity to continue serving, as a Lion.

The Lions Pride Office will be closed on Monday, May 28, to honor those who bravely served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice. We’d like to wish you all a fun, safe holiday weekend!

Plan a Tree Planting Project

26 Thursday Apr 2018

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“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” –ChineseTrees proverb

As the long living species on Earth, trees have an amazing ability to connect to the past, present and future, while also providing a whole slew of environmental and health benefits. Here in Wisconsin, many of us are lucky enough to be surrounded by trees of all shapes and sizes, but that doesn’t mean we should sit back and idle.

Tomorrow marks the observance of Arbor Day, and while the ground may still be a bit too frozen to physically plant a tree, there’s no better time to make plans for a club tree planting project.

As part of the Lions organization, we understand that every tree planted is part of a broader scale effort by members all over the world to make a significant impact on the environment. According to the European Environment Agency, one mature tree will absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen in exchange. Read more interesting tree facts from the Arbor Day Foundation.

Before creating your tree planting project, consider the following preparations from LCIF:

  • Evaluate your community’s needs – is there an area where new trees may be more beneficial over others?
  • Work with a local forestry or agriculture department to identify the most appropriate tree species for the local environment.
  • Partner with other local groups or organizations to leverage resources and expertise.
  • Outline a plan that includes procedures, materials needed and expenses.
  • Submit your plan and budget to your club, district or multiple district for approval.

Once your plan is approved, the fun can begin:

  • Request Lion volunteers for the project committee.
  • Obtain approvals or permit for your project, if necessary.
  • Create marketing materials such as a flyer, press release or social media post to promote the event – be sure to include protective clothing recommendations for volunteers!
  • Invite the local media to observe or take part in the project.
  • Remember, if your Lions Club participates, you will fulfill complete the Environment portion of the Centennial Service Challenge.

There’s no need to worry about rushing to complete your tree planting project. Some experts even say that planting in the fall can have its advantages. No matter when you decide to plant trees, remember that you are making an important contribution to both present day life as well as future generations.

Happy Arbor Day from Lions Pride!

It’s Girl Scout Cookie Season!

22 Thursday Feb 2018

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We have to be honest. The winter weather has gotten us down this week. Although the temperatures have remained fair, the icy roads are making us feel as though the warm, summer months will arrive. That’s when we were to see a timely announcement – the return of Girl Scout Cookie Weekend.

Last month, Girl Scouts of the USA kicked off their 101st year of selling cookies. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is one of the most successful programs in any organization. Over 1 million Girls Scouts participate in selling cookies to benefit their troop. Scouts can show off their G.I.R.L. (Go-Getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker, Leader) Spirit by selling cookies to help power amazing experiences all year-round. All of the net revenue stays within the local area to benefit the girls and their councils.

This year, troops were happy to welcome the return of the Girl Scout S’mores Cookie, the most popular flavor to launch in the past century. In 2017, GSUSA debuted two versions of the cookie – a crème covered crispy graham cracker cookie dipped in chocolate, and a chocolate marshmallow filled graham cracker sandwich cookie decorated with designs honoring Girl Scouts’ Outdoor Badges.

With the new cookie arrival, bakers have gotten creative in the kitchen by whipping up new delicious recipes. We’re excited to try the S’more Campfire Cupcakes, created by Little Brownie Bakers, which will help put us in the camping spirit – even if there is still snow on the ground. Of course, we’ve also craving old favorites like Thin Mints and Tagalongs.

Now to answer a question that is often asked this time of year, “How I can purchase Girl Scout Cookies if I don’t know any Girl Scouts?” This year, it’s easier than ever to stock up on your favorite do-good cookie. Simply visit the Cookie Locator to find a location near you. As we mentioned, this weekend (February 23 – 25) is National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend, so troops all over the country are hosting exciting events. If you’d rather than stay in, there is also an online portal available.

No matter how you choose to enjoy your cookies, dipping them in a glass of milk or using them as a key ingredient in a new recipe, you can rest easy knowing that your purchase is helping young girls develop lifetime, leadership skills.

Have you or will you purchase Girl Scouts some time in 2018? What cookie is your favorite? The Pride Staff favors the Thin Mints.

Happy Girl Scout Cookie Weekend!

The 2018 Worldwide Week of Service

11 Thursday Jan 2018

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Around the world, nearly 800 million people go to bed hungry each night. We Save the Date WWSunderstand that sometimes thinking globally can make it difficult to comprehend so let’s bring it a little closer to home. In Wisconsin alone, an estimated 633,170 people struggle with hunger – and of those individuals, 219,280 of them are children. This month, let’s join together to eliminate hunger around the globe, by starting in our own communities with the Worldwide Week of Service.

You may be thinking, ‘ how can we eliminate hunger in just a week’s span?’ That’s a good question. The truth is we can’t. While the official week of service only lasts until Sunday, January 14, Lions Club International has set a goal to serve 200 million people by the year 2021, which means now is the perfect time to start planning your next service project.

Here are some tips to get you start the planning process:

  1. Plan your project – choose a project that impacts hunger in your community. Many associate food pantries with hunger solutions; while they are a great resource, there are several other options out there. Consider a few of these ideas that complement food pantries:

    – Create the blueprints for a community garden
    – Distribute food baskets to those in need
    – Work with other organizations to organize a food drive
    – Start or support a weekend school backpack program
    – Raise funds to pay off overdue reduced lunch bills at your school

  2. Promote your project

The secret to a successful project is lots of promotions. Look to local news outlets, social media, banners, yard signs and other avenues to get the word out. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Often times, creativity is what makes events stand out from the crowd.

  1. Report your project

Be sure to submit your project to your MyLCI Service Activity Report when your project is complete. All service projects will help Lions Club International meet new levels of service in the Centennial Challenge.

Regardless of how you and your club choose to fight hunger, know that your efforts have a significant impact on your community. Together, we can all work to eliminate hunger, one project at a time.

Happy Planning from Lions Pride!

Go Green This Halloween Season

26 Thursday Oct 2017

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Typically, orange and black are the first colors that come to mind when you think about Carving Pumpkinthe spookiest day of the year. This Halloween; however, we’d like to throw in another word – green. As you likely already aware, in the upcoming months, we are going to see a massive increase in the amount of waste found in the United States. Let’s help minimize the harm on our planet (and keep more money in our pockets) by coming up with new ways to stay eco-friendly this Halloween.

  • Make your own decorations

Did you know that Halloween is the second biggest decorating holiday of the year? Consider reusing your old decorations or get crafty by making your own with recycled household items. Check out these 19 DIY ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

  • Use eco-friendly lights

Light up the path to your front door by using LED lights or solar-powered lamps for your trick-or-treaters. Rather than selecting Halloween lights that will only be used one time each year, you may want to consider investing in something more versatile. Studies have shown that solar garden lights, which could save you in the long-term, with a return on investment of 47 percent over the course of ten years. Wow!

  • Reuse your pumpkin

According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Americans have created a demand for over 1 billion pounds of pumpkins each year. These pumpkins will likely get carved or used for traditional fall décor, and the get tossed. This year, don’t throw out ole Jack! After showing off your carved masterpiece, repurpose your pumpkin by using it in a new recipe. While carving pumpkins may not be as flavorful as sugar or pie pumpkins, they will still work for several recipes including vegetable stock, pumpkin puree and pumpkin lasagna. If you’d prefer not to eat your Jack o’ Lantern, there are always many other fun ways to enjoy your pumpkin.

  • Host a Costume Swap

While it may be a little too late to implement this idea, it may be one to consider in 2018. The National Retail Federation has found that the average American spends $74 each Halloween, nearly 36 percent of that total cost is spent on a costume. Rather than going out and buying a new costume each year, parents may find relief with a Halloween costume swap. The swap could be as simple as getting a few neighbors together or as large as a city-wide event – the opportunities are endless.

There’s no reason why you can’t have fun and be eco-friendly this Halloween. These are only a handful of ways to take control of your carbon footprint. How will you plan to protect Mother Nature? Let us know in the comments below.

Happy (Green) Halloween from Lions Pride!