Tag Archives: fall

A Brief History of Daylight Savings Time

31 Thursday Oct 2019

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Wasn’t the first day of spring only yesterday? It seems like the snow was starting to melt, the trees were beginning to blossom, and we were springing ahead. Yes, we may have been losing an hour of sleep, but we were gaining an hour of natural sunlight. Sadly, this Sunday at 2 am, DST will come to an end. It’s around this time that people always seem to ask, “how did Daylight Savings Time come to be, and is it still necessary in today’s world?”

You may be surprised to learn that Daylight Savings Time has been around for over 100 years but was also seen in ancient history. Many believed that ancient civilizations also adjusted their daily routines to match the sun’s schedule.

Benjamin Franklin is often cited as the inventor behind daylight savings. He first proposed the idea in his 1784 essay titled “An Economical Project for Diminishing the Cost of Light.” Unfortunately, he never saw his theory put into practice.

On April 30, 1916, Germany was the first country to implement Daylight Savings Time, in an attempt to save fuel by reducing the amount of artificial lighting during World War I. Several other countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and France followed suit but reverted immediately after the war. 

Franklin D. Roosevelt instituted yearlong Daylight Savings Time in 1942. Time zones were called “War Times.” There was no federal law regarding DST, so states and municipalities were able to choose whether or not to observe the time change. Understandably, this caused much confusion, especially for certain industries, including broadcasting and transportation.

By the year 1966, an estimated 100 million Americans were observing Daylight Savings Time based on their local laws. Congress decided to end the confusion and establish one pattern across the country. 

The practice of Daylight Savings Time has caused a lot of controversy since its creation. In a 2014 survey, only 33% of Americans see a point behind DST, which begs the question, “Why do we still follow this practice?”

Advocates say:

  • Springing ahead creates longer evenings, thereby motivating people to get out of the house and participating in other activities such as participating in outdoor recreation or supporting local businesses.
  • Daylight Savings Time ensures that people’s active hours coincide with daylight hours, so less artificial light is necessary.
  • Changing the time has also been shown to increase road safety by reducing pedestrian fatalities during the dawn and dusk hours.

  

Still, many of us believe that Daylight Savings Time is no longer necessary as we now have several new electronics that stay plugged in all day. The time change can also have a severe impact on our health by increasing the likelihood of fatigue and depression. Unfortunately, it looks like until someone comes up with another way to work around the sun’s changing patterns, we will likely have to deal with changing our clocks twice a year. 

How do you feel about Daylight Savings Time? If given a choice, would you do away with the practice? Let us know in the comments below.

Here at Lions Pride, we may not be looking forward to darker days, but it will be nice to get an extra hour of sleep. Don’t forget to find a little joy in the time change!

Fall Planning Checklist

19 Thursday Sep 2019

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Have you noticed trees in Wisconsin starting to change?  We know that it seems early, but the time has officially arrived. The first day of the Autumnal Equinox is happening this Monday, September 23.

If you thought summer went fast, you don’t want to let this beautiful season pass you by, too. In many ways, we think fall actually goes quicker because once the snow starts to fly, winter unofficially begins (even if it’s only October!)

To take advantage of the most colorful season of the year, we’ve put together a fall planning checklist for you and your loved ones to check off together:

  • Enjoy an afternoon drive, taking in the beautiful hues of yellows, oranges and reds. The best way to stay on top of the changing fall colors is by regularly visiting Travel Wisconsin’s Fall Color Report. Find the best locations for viewing fall colors on their comprehensive peak fall foliage map.
  • Cheer on your local high school team at a Friday night football game. Be sure to bundle up because the temperature cools drastically when the sun goes down.
  • Visit a local orchard and pick a bushel of apples. Once you have those red beauties home, you can treat your family to their favorite apple dessert. Visit the Wisconsin Orchards Directory to find an orchard near you.
  • Rearrange your closet. We know this isn’t exactly a fun way to commemorate the new season, but it’s time to put the shorts away and dig out those warm, cozy sweaters.
  • Decorate with gourds and pumpkins. Whether you choose to decorate with fruits of your labor from the garden or stop at a nearby farm stand, there’s no better way to welcome fall.
  • Celebrate Oktoberfest. Since we live in the state of Wisconsin, we all know there are plenty of festivals to attend this season. Honor our state’s German heritage with beer, sausage and pretzels. Find an upcoming event near you.
  • Have a bonfire. If you didn’t have time to enjoy the warmth of a campfire during the summer months, it’s not too late. Many prefer fall fires as observers don’t need to sit so far away from the coals. Don’t forget the marshmallows!

Lots of Wisconsinites gladly welcome fall. It’s the best to time to cozy up and enjoy the changing colors. What are you most looking forward to doing in the new season?

Happy Autumnal Equinox from Lions Pride!

 

Rounding Up Summer Checklist

05 Thursday Sep 2019

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If your Facebook feed looks anything like ours, you’ve likely seen lots of back to school pictures this week. You know the ones, photos of smiling children dressed in their new clothes holding up their handmade signs. All of these pictures have us asking, “Where did the summer go?”

It’s important to remember that, although the kids are back in school, the season isn’t over just yet. Fall does not officially start for 2 ½ more weeks, so there’s still time to get out and enjoy all that Wisconsin has to offer. To get you started, we’ve put together a few ideas to help round out your summer:

  • Pitch a tent and sleep outside – even if it’s just in the backyard
  • Build a campfire and roast a marshmallow or two
  • Visit a local or state park
  • Count the stars
  • Get out the rod and reel and spend the afternoon fishing
  • Host an end of summer cookout
  • Pick a bouquet of wildflowers and bring the outdoors in
  • Eat an ice cream cone
  • Buy a ticket to the ballpark
  • Pack a picnic lunch and spend quality time with a loved one
  • Enjoy an outdoor concert
  • Remember Lions Pride

The end of summer may always be a bittersweet moment, but do you remember the old saying? All good things must come to an end. Just think, if we experienced summer all year long, would we really give it the attention it deserves? More than likely, no; only because, it would become the everyday normal. That’s why summer only comes once a year, so we make the most of the season. And, of course, it will be back again!

What items would you still like to complete on your personal checklist before the summer rounds out? Let us know in the comments below.

In approximately 408 hours, we will be approaching the Autumnal Equinox, but that means there’s still plenty of time to have the best summer ever. Go out and make the most of the remainder of the season!

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Diabetes Awareness Month

08 Thursday Nov 2018

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We have arrived at the eleventh month of the year. If we were to ask you, “What is the Strides Lions for Diabetes Awarenessfirst topic that comes to mind when you think about November?”; what would you say? More than likely, your response would include something related to Thanksgiving, football or fall, but there is one other topic that should come to mind – diabetes. November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and we think it’s time to spread the word about the growing epidemic.

Diabetes is a long-lasting disease that impacts how your body turns food into energy. According to the CDC, approximately 30.3 million American adults have diabetes, and 1 in 4 don’t even know that they have the disease. People with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes are at higher risk for other serious health complications including blindness, kidney problems, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, nerve damage and more. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for diabetes at this time, but it is treatable with healthy lifestyle changes.

Lions Club International adopted diabetes awareness at a long-term commitment back in 1984. The primary object was to reduce the number of new cases of blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy. Wisconsin Lions are always on a mission to actively support LCI’s efforts, but November is an excellent opportunity to reach an even larger audience. If you and your club are looking to make a difference in the world of diabetes awareness, here are a few project ideas, courtesy of Lions Club International:

  • Conduct a local diabetes screening – Partner with healthcare professionals to carry out the event. Organizations such as government health departments, universities, hospitals and private physicians will often agree to perform free of low-cost public screenings. Learn more about getting started.
  • Organize a Strides event in your community – A Strides event is a highly visible, family-oriented activity that combines fun with exercise. Events can include walking, dancing, cycling or running. Find out more about organizing one today.
  • Start planning a school or community garden – Spring may not be top of mind this time of year, but it’s never too early to start thinking about next season gardening. Having fruits and vegetables readily available is always a great way to encourage others to make healthy meal choices.
  • Provide your local library with an annual diabetes magazine subscription – You can find industry publications with subscriptions as low as $10 a year. Talk about an affordable way to reach all curious library visitors!
  • Create a support group for those affected with diabetes – A support group will give you a chance to educate and inform others while creating a safe space for families suffering.

World Diabetes Day is Friday, November 15. There’s never been a better time to start planning a project to increase diabetes awareness. Already working on a large service project, or don’t think there’s enough time to get one started this month? You and your club can still help spread the word. When you support Lions Pride, you can designate your gift specifically for the WLF’s Diabetes Project – ensuring funding in perpetuity. Diabetes is no match to the power of Lions. Together, we can all work to inform and educate others to help prevent and control diabetes.

 

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!

Why Does Christopher Columbus Get All the Credit?

28 Thursday Sep 2017

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For the first time in September, it finally feels like autumn has arrived at the Lions Pride office. With the summer of 2017 officially behind us, it feels like there is a lot of time before the holiday season approaches, but there is always one holiday in October that always seems to sneak up on us – Columbus Day.

Think back to your grade school years. While the lessons in themselves may be a bit foggy, you likely remember this rhythmic line, “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” We were taught that Christopher Columbus was the first person to set sail and set foot on the “New Land,” but in the last few decades, historians have revealed what they believe is the actual history. There are a few theories depicting the birth of America, including one that a Viking actually arrived nearly 400 years before Columbus was even born.

Exploration was a family business for the Erikssons. Leif was the son of Erik the Red, founder of Greenland. It’s believed in the year 1000 AD, Erikkson sailed to Norway where he was converted to Christianity by King Olaf I. Then he set out on his next great adventure.

We have heard differing stories, some believe that Erikkson got lost traveling back to Greenland and sailed off course; others say that he heard rumor of a new land and went off to see it for himself. Regardless of the background, Leif discovered the North American continent. He spent winter exploring a region he called Vinland, what many now believe to be Newfoundland. After a few months, he traveled back to Greenland and never returned. Other competing theories say America’s first discoverers could have been Irish monks or Chinese explorers.

So, if Christopher Columbus wasn’t the first to discover America, why does he get a holiday and the credit? The answer is actually quite simple. Many believe he is known as the founder because he was the first to open up America to Europe – the world’s greatest expansionist at that time. We know now that there were already millions of people already here – the Native Americans, so it is likely that their ancestors were truly the New World’s first explorers.

Today, 17 states have chosen not to observe Columbus Day as a national holiday. Several cities and states are now choosing to celebrate instead with Indigenous People’s Day.

Hopefully, as time goes on, we will continue to learn more and more about the history of our country. We know that our past may not be perfect, but remember, it’s the struggles and challenges that show the greatest lessons and give us the opportunity to come together as one.

Autumn Colors are Arriving

21 Thursday Sep 2017

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Does it feel like the fall colors are arriving early this year? Some people may tell you that Autumn Roadtime seems to go faster and faster when you get older, but don’t believe them this time because you’re not imagining it! The leaves have already started to turn in northern Wisconsin, and parts of the state could peak as early as the third week of September (Yes, that’s next week, and a week quicker than usual.) See for yourself at SmokyMountains.com’s Interactive Foliage Map.

According to the map’s creator Wes Melton, this year’s leaf model is predicting an earlier-than-typical peak fall due to the heavy precipitation we saw during the summer months. Fortunately, however, the NOAA 90-day future precipitation and temperature graphs are pointing towards a longer color period for most of the county. If you’d like to see Wisconsin’s fall foliage map, be sure to check out Travel Wisconsin’s Fall Color Report.

Shorter days play a significant role in the changing leaves’ color, but weather can also be a big part. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the best recipe for stellar fall colors include a warm, wet spring; a mild summer that doesn’t get too hot; and a fall with warm, sunny days that don’t quite reach freezing temperatures – the perfect way to describe the past the six months of 2017.

In other years, we may have seen a delayed arrival of fall colors due to drought, or less leaves from early frost or heavy winds, so we may consider ourselves lucky this year!

If the fall days continue as we’ve already seen, it sounds like Wisconsin will have a lovely, colorful season. Where is your favorite place to take in the breathtaking colors? If you don’t have a destination in mind, Travel Wisconsin comes to the rescue once more! Check out their picks for the best scenic drives that will give you a guaranteed front row seat to Mother Nature’s annual show.

No matter where you plan to go, be sure to schedule your time accordingly – it will be here and gone in just a few, short weeks.

Happy (Early) Fall from Lions Pride!

Make a Difference Day 2016

20 Thursday Oct 2016

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The weekend is coming! Typically, Saturdays are mlk-jrgreat days to sleep in, get caught up on laundry and relaxing; we hope you also consider adding community service to part of your weekend agenda.

This Saturday is Make a Difference Day 2016, a day for volunteers to come together to improve the lives of others. Although the national day of service is only two short days away, there is still time to make a difference in your community. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Pick up garbage at your local park, school or walking trail.
  • Write thank you notes to members of the military.
  • Work with neighbors to collect food for your local food pantry.
  • Donate used glasses to the Eyeglasses Recycling Center.
  • Help a friend by raking their yard or completing another difficult household task.
  • Visit residents at a local assisted living or nursing home. (Be sure to coordinate with the staff ahead of time.)
  • Start a neighborhood walking or exercise group
  • Plan a future service project that may require more time to create and implement.

Remember, you have the power to make a positive impact in your community – no matter how great or small. How do you plan to serve?

Happy Make a Difference Day from Lions Pride!

Goodbye Summer, Hello School Year

08 Thursday Sep 2016

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September has made its way back again. The cooler weather has reappeared right on schedule; the sunset has become noticeably sooner and the kids are already finishing up their second week of school. It’s always a little sad when we to bid summer adieu, but we thought this would be an excellent opportunity to look back and appreciate the busy season we had.

We started out June with our largest fundraisers of the year, the Annual Sporting Clays Shoot at Milford Hills. This shoot was our 9th event, and we were able to break last year’s record by $6. Thank you to all of our shooters and volunteers.

At the end of the month, our Executive Director Geri Schlender took a trip around the globe and joined Lions from all over the world in Fukuoka, Japan, to participate in the 2016 Lion’s Club International Convention. It’s hard to believe, but next year we will celebrate 100 years of Lions!

In July, we had two more large events nearly back to back. On the 13th, we were able to visit with the Friendship 100 Riders from Fond du Lac. For the past seven years, motorcyclists from the area raise funds to take the scenic route to Rosholt to experience Lions Camp during its peak season. To date, they have donated nearly $28,000. Thank you to all of the Friendship 100 participants; we really appreciate your continued support.

Only two days later, we hosted the annual Lions Pride meeting to discuss the activities of 2015-2016 before entering a new Lionistic Year.

Then last month, we were able to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Lions Camp with an open house. Visitors had the opportunity to come see the camp, enjoy a pontoon or wagon ride and talk with staff.

There was so much to enjoy in Summer 2016, including the open windows of our office. One of the simplest joys is listening to the usual hustle and bustle of Lions Camp. This year, 150 children were able to enjoy Mother Nature at her finest – thanks to all of our supporters.

It’s true what they say; all good things must come to an end, right? But one of the best parts about our Wisconsin weather is the fact that we have all four definitive seasons, and we know summer will be back again next year.

From all of us at Lions Pride, we wish you a happy new school year, and thank you for another great summer!

Wisconsin Craft Beer Festival

22 Thursday Oct 2015

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Wisconsin Craft Beer FestivalWe all know that the month of October has many associations: breast cancer awareness, changing fall colors, Halloween and pumpkin-flavored everything. There is one more association that is missing from the list, and it’s a big one – beer.

Each year, Oktoberfest takes place in Munich, Germany. The celebration is the world’s largest beef festival that begins on the third Saturday of September. The event attracts approximately six million people from all over the world.

Since we can’t all swing a trip to Germany for a 16-day adventure, we have our beer celebration. Wisconsin has Oktoberfest celebrations in Appleton, Germantown, La Crosse, Lake Geneva, Madison and New Glarus. Although the official Oktoberfests have come and gone, the celebration of beer continues this weekend in Milwaukee at the Wisconsin Craft Beer Festival.

On Saturday and Sunday, people from all over the state will come together with the best beer and breweries at the Harley-Davidson Museum®. The festival will not only feature beer tasting from over 50 breweries, but there will also be classes if you are interested in learning more about homebrewing from world-renowned experts.

If you’re still looking for a way to fill up your weekend, this might be a great opportunity for all you beer lovers out there. Take a trip to the “Beer Capital of the World”. Tickets are still available.

From all of us at Lions Pride, have a safe and enjoyable weekend!