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The 2021 Lions Club Convention Season

25 Thursday Feb 2021

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Lions Club International Convention Registration is now open! Although COVID-19 vaccinations are underway, the Board of Directors elected to transition the Montreal LCICon to a 100% online event. Here’s what you need to know about this year’s convention as well as other district events:

  • Virtual LCICon 2021 is scheduled for June 25-29. Stay tuned for updates and event details, which will be published on lcicon.lionsclubs.org.
  • The registration fee is $50 from now until March 31. Lion Registration will increase to $75 on April 1. The registration fee for Leos is $30 from now until the time of the convention. Register now!
  • The elections for Executive Officers and International Directors will be conducted electronically. The official voting procedures will come ahead of the convention.

If you’ve never experienced a Lions Club Convention, this year may be the perfect time to get your feet wet as the registration fee is inexpensive, there’s no passport, hotel stay or airline ticket required and everyone’s invited (including your pets!)

Back here at home, many districts are following the lead of LCI by moving their conventions to virtual settings. Districts D1 and E1 are also conducting totally online events. District B2 put a twist on their digital event by creating an un-convention. DG Lion Amy Quig set up a YouTube channel and asked all of the presenters to record their presentations for participants to view at their leisure. Since there were no registration, dining or lodging costs, attendees were encouraged to consider donating that sum to an upcoming Lions project or local food pantry.

Of course, many of us are understandably disappointed that we will not yet be able to gather in person for many of our events, but we understand that these decisions were made to put health and safety first. We are still optimistic that brighter days are ahead and love to continue witnessing our organizations’ dedication to service, even in times of uncertainty.

What are you most looking forward to seeing with the online conventions? Let us know in the comments below.

Happy Convention Season from Lions Pride!

The Celebration of United Nations Day

22 Thursday Oct 2020

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Earlier this month, we celebrated Mental Health Day and World Food Day. What do these holidays have in common? Besides both falling under categories playing a significant role in personal health, they are also international days currently observed by the United Nations. We’re keeping the trend moving by celebrating one more international day in October, United Nations Day.

After World War II had ended, the world wanted peace. United Nations Day or UN Day marks the anniversary of its presence in the world on October 24. In June 1945, 50 countries met in San Francisco to create the UN Charter. The document was ratified by a majority of signatories, including the five members of the Security Council (China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States.) Nearly four months later, the United Nations officially came into existence. Read more about the history.

Today, the United Nations is made up of 193 Member States. The goals of the UN are simple; however, that does not mean they are easily achievable:

  • To maintain international peace and security
  • To protect human rights
  • To deliver humanitarian aid
  • To promote sustainable development
  • To uphold international law

There’s no question that the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations comes during a time that many of us have never experienced first hand. The entire world has seen great disruption due to the global pandemic, including serious economic and social impacts. However, the United Nations believes that challenging times can also become an opportunity for positive change and transformation when we all work together.

In a typical year, the UN would celebrate its anniversary with a concert held at the General Assembly Hall. Of course, due to the pandemic, the concert will be prerecorded and screened today, October 22, at 12 pm EST/11 am CST. The theme of this year’s concert is called “Reimagine, Rebalance, Restart: recovering together for our shared humanity.” The concert will also be screened live on the UN YouTube Channel as well as its other social media platforms.

The United Nations believes that art and culture have an unbelievable ability to bring people together through connection and common understanding. Today’s performance will leverage the power of both “music and dance to capture the world’s collective commitment to cooperation, multilateralism and global solidarity.”

If you plan to attend the concert, be sure to stop back and let us know your thoughts about the event.

Happy United Nations Day from Lions Pride!

Cancelled Lions Pride Shoot

10 Wednesday Jun 2020

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If you’ve been following Lions Pride for any time in the last decade, you know that June is typically a big month for us. For the past twelve years, we’ve hosted the Lions Pride Sporting Clays Fundraiser at Milford Hills Hunt Club. Sadly, this year, we felt no choice but to cancel the 13th annual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continuation of social distancing.

Participants and supporters are sometimes surprised to learn that although the fundraiser is a one-day event, it takes months of preparation to pull it off. Several tiny details are involved in organizing a successful full-day fundraiser. Usual tasks include participant registration, sponsorship requests, door prize and auction item collection, volunteer recruitment and coordination with the hunting club staff. Since canceling the event, we must admit that we feel a bit lost in our ways.

We are disappointed that we will not be able to move forward with this year’s event in more ways than one. We always enjoy spending the day with supporters and volunteers, many of whom remember that this particular event was our late chairman Dewey Carl’s favorite the time of the year. He, of course, came up with the idea for the fundraiser after participating in a similar event. At that time, we would have never guessed that it would become an annual tradition.

We know that we are not alone in our feelings of sadness and disappointment. Many individuals, organizations, and businesses worldwide have felt the pandemic impacts of postponing or canceling large events. Still, that doesn’t make the affliction any less tolerable. The Lions Pride Shoot has become the most well-known and popular event, as both Lions and non-Lions participate and contribute to our single greatest fundraiser. Undoubtedly, we will be feeling the effects of its cancellation for the remainder of 2020. If you are able to donate at this time, we would be incredibly grateful for your support. Click here to make a donation today.

We already plan to hold the sporting clays fundraiser next year. Please mark your calendars for Saturday, June 12, 2021. We will need sponsors, shooters and volunteers. The Lions Pride Board and Staff will miss seeing everyone this weekend, but fully acknowledge that public safety surpasses tradition. Continue keeping up with the CDC guidelines and stay safe. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Say “Happy Sweetest Day” Without Flowers

17 Thursday Oct 2019

Posted by in Giving Tips, Holidays, Special Events

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Saturday is National Sweetest Day! We can guess what you are probably thinking, “Isn’t that just an October version of Valentine’s Day?” Although this particular holiday may sound eerily familiar to its winter cousin, it has a sweeter origin story.

Legend says Herbert Birch Kingston, a candy store employee from Cleveland, was the original creator of Sweetest Day. In the year 1922, he decided to bring happiness to those who were feeling forgotten with thoughtful gifts. He and a team of people brought candy and small gifts to orphans, shut-ins and others to show they cared.

The concept caught on. By the 1930’s, celebrities became getting involved in the event. Sweetest Day grew to include loved ones, coworkers, acquaintances and friends. Today, it is most celebrated in the Great Lakes region.

It seems that sending flowers is the most popular way to celebrate the unofficial holiday, but there are other touching ways to say, “Happy Sweetest Day:”

  1. Give candy or sweets

Get back to the roots of the occasion by giving someone a box of their favorite candy. Of course, if you’re in a baking mood, you could always substitute with other homemade baked goods. You’re not limited in the sweets you send.

  1. Send a heartfelt note

Sweetest Day is, without a doubt, a big card-sending holiday. We know that everyone enjoys receiving cards, but often times, the best part about a card is the note. Consider making a homemade card with a genuine message about how much the person means to you. With the drastic increase in digital technology, we can safely assume that your recipient will appreciate the kind gesture.

  1. Do something nice

There’s no reason a gift for Sweetest Day requires a trip to the store. Rather than purchasing a physical gift, think about completing a kind gesture for your loved one. Perhaps, you’d like to check an item off their mile-long To Do List, pick up dinner or treat your special someone to a night out on the town. We are confident that no matter what you choose to do, your act of kindness will be well-received.

  1. Donate in his or her name

It’s no secret that donations are the lifeblood of any nonprofit organization as it helps them continue on their mission. When celebrating Sweetest Day, consider giving your recipient’s favorite organization in his or her name. When you make an honorarium/memorial donation to Lions Pride, we’d be happy to send an acknowledgment card to your loved one. All gifts go toward creating a lasting legacy for future generations at the Wisconsin Lions Camp and in other WLF projects.

Sweetest Day may have gotten its start with candy, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only way to celebrate. We believe the idea behind the unofficial holiday is to celebrate with small acts of kindness. How will you celebrate?

Happy Sweetest Day from Lions Pride!

Armed Forces Day + Ways to Thank a Veteran

16 Thursday May 2019

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If you were tasked with brainstorming symbols to characterize each month of the year, what would they be? January might be a party hat, February would be a traditional red heart, March could be best described as a tulip (buried under a foot of snow,) April might be a raincloud and May would be an American Flag.

The fifth month of the year is an especially patriotic time in the United States. At the end of the month, we’ll celebrate veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice on Memorial Day, but we have another chance to say “thank you for your service” before then.

This Saturday, May 18, is Armed Forces Day, a holiday that is always observed on the third Saturday in May. The holiday was created to help pay tribute to people of the Armed Forces. Unbeknownst to many, up until 1949, there were single day celebrations for each branch of the military. After the branches were unified under the Department of Defense, leaders thought it best to commemorate them all on one day.

For those of us who have never been involved in the military, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to imagine what time in the service must be like. Members of the military put their lives on the line to protect our freedom, so how do you genuinely say, “thank you?” The best way to get started is with a handshake, but we think we can go above and beyond when it comes to expressing our gratitude. We’ve compiled a few thank you ideas to begin the brainstorming process, with the help of Military.com:

  1. Donate your frequent flyer miles to the family of a veteran

    If you’re an avid traveler, consider donating those extra miles to a family in need. The Hero Miles Program gives airline tickets to wounded, injured and ill service members as well as their families who are undergoing treatment at a military or VA medical center. Learn how to donate your miles.

  2. Hire a veteran to speak at your next event

    To say a veteran learned a few valuable lessons during their time in the military would likely be an understatement. These individuals have incredible insight about leadership, team work and persistence. The next time you are looking for a speaker, bring in a veteran for the job.

  3. Shop from a veteran-owned business

    Did you know that over 2.5 million businesses in the United States are majority-owned by veterans? Choose to support these entrepreneurs by visiting their facilities or adding them to the supply chain of your company.

  4. Invite a veteran to join you and your club

Veterans have experience turning plans into actions, leading groups and brainstorming new and innovative ideas, and many want to get involved in local service work. They are just a natural fit into the Lions community. Invite a veteran to attend your next club meeting.

These are only four of an infinite number of thoughtful ways to say, “I am so grateful for your service.” How will you thank a veteran? Let us know in the comments below!

The Lions Pride Board and Staff would like to wish all military service members and their families a Happy Armed Forces Day!

 

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LCICon: 2018 Las Vegas

28 Thursday Jun 2018

Posted by in Conventions, News, Special Events

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LCICon

Time flies when you’re having fun! By this time tomorrow, thousands of Lions will be inLas Vegas preparing for the 101st Annual Lions Club International Convention. It seems like only yesterday that we were gathered in Chicago for the centennial celebration.

This year, Lions will be meeting in the Entertainment Capital of the World – Las Vegas. The convention offers, hands down, the best setting to make new friends and reunite with acquaintances to talk about all things Lions. Attendees have the opportunity to learn about other club and district projects while also making personal, lifelong connections.

The event will begin tomorrow with registration and self-guided visits of the exhibitor hall and convention services, followed by the District Governors-Elect Celebration Banquet.

Attendees will hit the ground running on Saturday morning for the International Parade. Later that afternoon, convention visitors will have the option of participating in the business session and viewing the International Show, an exceptional performance by Cirque Dreams’ “Jungle Fantasy,” featuring jaw-dropping acrobatics, music and more.

On Sunday, attendees will be busy with the opening plenary session with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the returning Levi Krauss and Angelica Hale. The afternoon will fill up with certification and voting as well as afternoon seminars.

Monday will begin with the second plenary session with 43rd President of the United States George W. Bush, Michael Cavanaugh and One Voice Children’s Choir, followed by the Melvin Jones Luncheon. Seminars will again be held that afternoon, and the Lions Cirque Cabaret will close down the third day.

The International Convention will wrap up on Tuesday with the final plenary session featuring Mr. Las Vegas himself, Wayne Newton, in addition to the installation of the new International President and District Officers as well as the UN Flag Ceremony. See the entire list of events here.

We know that LCICon: 2018 will be another outstanding convention filled with education, inspiration and celebration. The annual convention is always a fantastic way to wrap up the Lionistic year and start preparing for the next.

Are you planning on attending the 101st Annual Lions Convention? If so, what is your favorite part? Be sure to tell us in the comments below.

From all of us at Lions Pride, we’d like to wish safe travels to all of our convention-attending friends. Enjoy Las Vegas!

The 11th Annual Lions Pride Shoot

07 Thursday Jun 2018

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Ready, aim, fire! We know it’s hard to believe, but we are only days away from thisTichigan Lions week’s 11th Annual Pride Shoot, happening once again at Milford Hills Hunt Club in Johnson Creek.

Sporting clays shooting is often called “golf with a shotgun,” but unlike golf, shooting sporting clays is as fun for beginners as it is for seasoned experts (we’re sure golfers would agree!)

Our sporting clays fundraiser is our most popular event that takes place on the second weekend in June. Both Lions and non-Lions come together to enjoy a day on the course in the beautiful rolling hills of Southern Wisconsin to support Lions Pride.

The day consists of an early breakfast followed by a challenging 22-round course with games and door prizes. After shooters have finished the course, they celebrate with beer, auction and delicious supper. The Pride Shoot is one of the most, unique and successful fundraisers that takes place for our organization.

Although we still have a lot of work ahead of us, we are eagerly anticipating Saturday’s arrival. We are always reminded of Dewey’s spirit, but it’s even more present this time of year as he so looked forward to the annual shoot. We feel we have a personal responsibility to make the upcoming event even more rewarding than the last.

We’d like to thank all of our donors, sponsors and volunteers for all of your support – both leading up to, during and after the shoot. We know firsthand that it takes a village to create and implement a successful event, and the Pride Shoot would not be what it is without all of your help.

See you Saturday!

 

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!

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!

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!