Tag Archives: covid-19

Observing International Day of Friendship in 2020

30 Thursday Jul 2020

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You are likely familiar with the phrase, “Distance makes the heart grow fonder,” right? We know that this saying is typically used to describe star-crossed lovers, but in today’s current environment, we think it also works to describe the way people are feeling about their beloved friends.

We don’t have to tell you that life has seemingly changed overnight due to COVID-19. Many people are choosing to eat in, postponing family gatherings and other significant events and avoiding contact with close friends. Although saying no to getting together may be a wise choice to stop the spread of the virus, there’s no denying that continually making these decisions have been difficult, particularly the last one. Friendship is one of life’s greatest blessings, so not being able to spend time with those we love is challenging, to say the least.  

One way to get through the foreseeable future is to start by celebrating International Friendship Day, which happens each July.  

The holiday was first created in 1958 (previously known as World Friendship Day) by the World Friendship Crusade to foster a culture of peace and friendship. Over 50 years later, in 2011, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared July 30 as International Day of Friendship. The idea behind the celebration was the message that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can work to inspire world peace and build bridges between communities.

Now you might be wondering, how can we observe International Day of Friendship during a pandemic? Don’t worry! We have a few ideas to get you started:

  • Create a photo collage of special memories of you and your friend and then frame it to deliver an extra special gift. The happy memories will likely inspire you to plan your next adventure when life has settled down.
  • Send a small gift of flowers, chocolates, or cookies to let a friend know that you are thinking about him or her.
  • Put your creativity to work by crafting a handmade item such as a knitted scarf, homemade salsa or special care package. There’s never been a better time to try a new hobby!
  • Write a post on Facebook or your favorite social network to brag about your best friends. Your status update could include all of the reasons you enjoy being their friend or something as simple as saying, “I miss seeing you!”
  • Honor a friend with a donation to their favorite nonprofit organization. Consider donating to Lions Pride and designating your gift for the Wisconsin Lions Camp. It is, after all, the place where hundreds of friendships are made each year.
  • Try to call, text or email your friends to let you know that you’re thinking about them and feel so lucky to call them friends.

We know that we may not be able to see our friends as often as we like given the coronavirus pandemic, but that doesn’t mean we can’t tell them how we feel. How will you celebrate your friends today?

Happy International Day of Friendship from Lions Pride!

Celebration in the Age of Social Distancing

02 Thursday Jul 2020

Posted by in Holidays, Special Events

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Family Fishing at Sunset

July has finally arrived! It’s time for us to flip the calendar month and start thinking about the upcoming holiday – Independence Day!

Typically, America’s birthday is filled with many different types of public celebrations including parades, fireworks and fairs, but the majority of these events have been either canceled or postponed due to COVID-19.

We understand that you’re probably not thrilled with the idea of celebrating another holiday during a pandemic, but it is still possible to safely enjoy the 4th of July. Consider incorporating these tips into your weekend itinerary.

  1. Review your local community updates

    Before planning a get-together, be sure to review updates from your local health department to have a better understanding of the situation in your community. You can also learn about local orders, business re-openings and other safety guidelines.

  2. Keep your group small

    The more closely you interact with others and the longer the interaction, the greater the risk of spread. If you choose to gather with loved ones, please try to keep your group number low.

  3. Try to stay outdoors

    “Social distancing” has now become a phrase that we have become all too familiar with. To safely stay within 6 feet of others, choose an outdoor space. Indoor spaces, in general, are riskier than outdoor spaces because there’s less ventilation, and it’s more challenging to keep people apart.

  4. Bring your own supplies

    If you are dining together, consider bringing along your own food, beverages and picnic supplies to avoid sharing items with those outside your immediate family.
  5. Wash your hands

We know, we know; this is a rule you probably won’t ever forget, but we think it never hurts to give friendly reminders. Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol will work while spending time outdoors but don’t remove all types of germs. When you return home, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

We’ll be the first to say 2020 has been tough. It’s challenging to spend holiday after holiday without the large company of family and friends, but with a little perseverance and dedication, we can all work together to fight coronavirus.

The Lions Pride Board and Staff would like to wish you a safe, healthy 4th of July!

Wisconsin Lions Camp Summer 2020 Updates

28 Thursday May 2020

Posted by in Lions Camp, News, Special Events

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2020 Lions Lake

Photo Credit to Wisconsin Lions Camp

Although the shelter-in-place orders have been lifted and businesses are starting to open up again in Wisconsin and all over the country, there’s no denying that coronavirus remains on everyone’s minds. Since we have already seen major summer events either canceled or postponed, you may be wondering, “Will Lions Camp be open during the summer of 2020?”

We are happy to inform you that the answer is yes, but modifications have been made in light of the pandemic. As you know, we learn new information every day, so not all programming has been finalized. At this time, the Block One Programs have been scheduled, but you’ll notice many limitations that have never been seen before. Unfortunately, the biggest change relates to the camper age requirements. All Block One Programs happening from June 28 to July 15, will only allow campers between the ages of 16 and 17 years old. Below you will find the updated schedule (as of May 18, 2020):

June 8 – June 18
Staff Training (Required for those working the full summer and block one)

Block One

June 21 – June 26
Adults who are Blind or Visually Impaired (Cancelled)

June 28 – July 3
Children with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism – Limited to ages 16 and 17 campers only

July 5 – July 10
Children with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Limited to ages 16 and 17 campers only

July 12 – July 15
Mini Camp Program: Children with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism (Cancelled)

The application deadline has recently passed for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Blind or visually impaired children with epilepsy programs. The Adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing application will be available until July 17. The staff hopes to have the Block Two Program Schedule by Monday, June 22. See the entire schedule here.

The staff continues to evaluate the situation as additional information becomes available. Stay tuned for updates. For questions or concerns regarding the coronavirus update, please contact Andrea Yenter, Camp Director, at ayenter@wisconsinlionscamp.com or Evett Hartvig, Executive Director, at ehartvig@wlf.info.

Life may feel may normal than it has in quite some time, but coronavirus continues to have an impact on businesses and organizations all over the country. We believe it’s worth mentioning that we are all learning how to navigate the world post-COVID. Be sure to practice patience and compassion as you go about your day. It’s been said dozens of ways, but remember that we’re all in this together.

From all of us at Lions Pride, be kind and stay healthy!

2020 Tax Filing Extension

09 Thursday Apr 2020

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Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Typically, this would be the time of year when people would be concerned about filing their taxes on time, but there is another worry on everyone’s mind – COVID-19.

Due to the current health and economic state of the country, the Treasury Department and IRS recently announced that it would be extending the federal income due date from April 15 to July 15, 2020. This announcement follows the Presidents’ emergency declaration to pursue the Stafford Act as we all learn to navigate life through a pandemic. Like the IRS, the state of Wisconsin has also extended the filing deadline.

Additionally, taxpayers will have the option to defer federal and state tax payments until July, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deadline applies to all taxpayers, to include individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and all other non-corporate tax filers as well as those who pay self-employment tax. There is no need to make any special requests to qualify for this deferment, as it applies to everyone.

Although the filing deadline has been extended, IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig encourages taxpayers not to procrastinate, especially if expecting a refund. At this time, most tax refunds are still being issued with 21 days.

If you are still working with your tax preparer on last year’s taxes, Lions Pride would like to remind you to practice extra patience and display even more kindness to essential business workers during this time. We are all being tested with daily challenges and are doing the best we can in the given situation.

Remember that we are in this battle together. Please continue to follow guidelines from CDC. Stay safe out there!

Safely Celebrating Easter During a Pandemic

02 Thursday Apr 2020

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close up of girl hands coloring easter eggs

Photo by Kaboompics .com on Pexels.com

We don’t have to tell you that life has been incredibly unpredictable lately. Between limiting public trips and not being able to see loved ones in person, it feels like normalcy has completely disappeared.

Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is that we are more than likely just seeing the first effects of COVID-19. Updated projections from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IMHE) show that the coronavirus outbreak will peak in Wisconsin around April 26 and could overwhelm intensive care units. Researchers are still assuming that Wisconsin residents maintain social distancing, and schools, as well as nonessential businesses, remain closed. This new information means that we need to acclimate to our new world for the time being.

With Easter quickly approaching, many people may be wondering how they will attend Sunday’s mass. Although some churches remain open, Governor Evers has limited gatherings of ten or more people at this time. As a precautionary measure, several churches have decided to close their doors and begin transitioning to digital services.

Church leaders have been holding services using video conferencing software or by pre-recording videos and posting them to their organization’s websites, allowing members to watch on their schedule. Churches have also been reimagining community by becoming more active on social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube. Yes, even in the age of social distancing, it is possible to stay connected.

Easter is a time of faith and family. If you are feeling especially distant from your beloved family members during the pandemic, you can follow the lead of church leaders by including these types of technologies within your own communities. Here are a few ways to celebrate together but separately during the Easter season:

  • Send e-cards to let loved ones know that you are thinking of them during this difficult period
  • Find an Easter craft that everyone can do within their homes and send photos of the finished products
  • Hide Easter eggs around your home and conduct a virtual hunt with nieces, nephews and grandchildren
  • Set up video conferencing to create digital family dinners

What other ideas do you have to celebrate Easter with your family members virtually? We’d love to hear from you in our comments below.

We understand that we are all currently going through trying times, but if we stick together and follow the guidelines from the CDC, we will come back better and stronger than ever before. From all of us at Lions Pride, remember that we’re in this fight together!