Tag Archives: family

2021 Summer Bucket List

03 Thursday Jun 2021

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As students finish out the school year, it is starting to feel like summer in Wisconsin. Of course, this is not your typical summer. After nearly 15 months of being hunkered down, Wisconsinites are ready to get back to normal summertime activities (ourselves included.) To help get you in the spirit of the return, we’ve compiled a list of 21 activities to help kickstart your summer:

  1. Reunite with friends and family by hosting an outdoor cookout
  2. Look for live music events at your favorite bar or restaurant
  3. Pack a lunch and invite an old friend to picnic in the park
  4. Visit a state fair and pretend the calories don’t count by indulging in a deep-fried treat
  5. Watch a flick under the stars at a drive-in movie theater
  6. Treat yourself to an ice cream cone
  7. Stay up late to watch the sunset, or get up early to witness the sunrise
  8. Play a round of golf with your favorite foursome
  9. Read a book and soak up the afternoon sun
  10. Bring nature in by picking a bouquet of wildflowers
  11. Order an iced coffee from a local coffee shop
  12. Plan a day trip to one of the many beautiful locations around the state
  13. Reconnect with Mother Nature by spending a night in the great outdoors
  14. Put your toes in the sand at an area beach
  15. Pick up baked goods and surprise a loved one who you haven’t seen in a while
  16. As the days warm up, beat the heat by visiting a museum
  17. Build a campfire and enjoy an ice-cold beer
  18. Explore a state park you’ve never visited
  19. Open the windows to let in the fresh air
  20. Buy a ticket and watch a ballgame
  21. Spend a day doing nothing at all

This is the moment many of us have been waiting for. What activities are you most looking forward to this summer? We’d love to hear in the comments below.

Let’s make June, July and August the best months ever.

Happy Summer from Lions Pride!

The Benefits of Getting Outside

04 Thursday Feb 2021

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Photo Credit to Wisconsin Lions Camp

Did you know that the first Saturday of every month is known as National Play Outside Day? This unofficial holiday gives families including kids, parents and grandparents a regular opportunity to get outside to play together. You may be wondering why we need a monthly occurrence to remind us to spend some time outdoors, but the fact is both kids and adults alike have stopped playing outside (and we’re not just talking about the time during these chilly winter months.)

One of the easiest ways you can improve the health of yourself and those around you is by spending a little more time outside. Here are a few important health benefits associated with getting out and enjoying nature at its finest:

  • You can find ways exercise without giving it much thought.
  • You can increase your Vitamin D intake, which is beneficial for your bones, blood cells and immune system.
  • You can improve your sleeping habits by regulating your internal clock.
  • You can enhance your creative problem-solving capabilities by refocusing your attention.
  • You can stay active and more easily manage a healthy weight.

Time outside may be on the decline, but it remains a core factor for our special campers in all of the summer programming at Wisconsin Lions Camp. In each session, children have the chance for a comprehensive outdoor program that includes everything from overnight camping, canoe and hiking trips, swimming, paddle boarding and more.

The goals, of course, are to assist each child in the development of self-confidence, interdependence and social skills, as well as help build upon their outdoor recreational skills and environmental awareness. The staff understands that there is no better way to observe everything that Mother Nature has to offer with a variety of fun, outdoor activities that encourage campers to continue playing outside – even after leaving camp.

We can all take a play out of the Wisconsin Lions Camp handbook by remembering to get out and play. We know that the frigid temperatures this weekend may not necessarily be conducive to enjoying a lot of time outside, but it will be the perfect time to plan your favorite outdoor winter activity when the weather warms back up.  

If you know someone who could benefit from a trip to the Wisconsin Lions Camp, you can find additional program information and online applications on the Wisconsin Lions Camp website.

Fun Facts to Celebrate National Puzzle Day

28 Thursday Jan 2021

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There’s no question that technology has been the driving force behind life during the pandemic. We’ve hosted Zoom meetings to conduct business, reconnected with friends using FaceTime and passed hours with one of the many streaming services. But as useful as technology can be, we can all probably agree that it is possible to take in too much.

If you’re looking for a reason to take a break from your screens, you’re in luck! Tomorrow, January 29, is National Puzzle Day. But before you stow away to the game closet to find your favorite puzzle, let’s celebrate with a few fun facts about one of the oldest past times:

• Many credit English engraver John Spilsbury as the inventor of the first puzzle around 1760. He used a sheet of hardwood to mount a world map, then cut around country borders with a handsaw.

• Spilsbury called these puzzles “dissected maps” and sold them as teaching tools to the wealthy, including King George III. 

• The name jigsaw puzzle comes from the special saw used to cut the puzzles, but this name didn’t catch on until after the jigsaw was invented in the 1880s.

• Cardboard jigsaw puzzles had a boost in popularity during the Great Depression due to their low cost. A single puzzle could provide hours of entertainment for one family member and then be passed on to another to enjoy.  

• Although many put together puzzles to decompress, others use puzzles to bring out their competitive sides. The World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship takes place in Spain and challenges the fastest jigsaw puzzlers from around the globe. The 2021 event will take place from September 25-26, 2021.

• Lastly, working on puzzles can be good for your health. A 2018 study shows that people who do jigsaw puzzles have longer lifespans and have a decreased chance of developing memory loss.

Is quietly working on a puzzle your idea of the perfect afternoon? If so, tell us your favorite part about jigsaw puzzles in the comments below. 

Happy National Puzzle Day from Lions Pride!

Christmas Caroling Safety Tips

17 Thursday Dec 2020

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We know that likely everyone could use a boost of holiday cheer in 2020, and what better way than through the sound of music? Although many tried-and-true traditions, including cross-country travel and large family gatherings, may be frowned upon during the pandemic, Christmas caroling may be an activity you can still add to your holiday bucket list.

Sunday, December 20, is Go Caroling Day. What better time to gather a small group of loved ones to spread joy throughout your neighborhood? However, safety precautions are likely still necessary to stop the spread of coronavirus. If you plan to head out caroling, consider following these tips:

  1. Keep your choir small

    When it comes to event gatherings, the CDC guidelines say the more people you come into contact with and the longer that interaction lasts, the higher your risk to become infected and spreading COVID-19. To decrease the chance of spread, try to keep your caroling group on the smaller end.
     
  2. Maintain social distancing

    We know that Christmas caroling primarily takes place outdoors, but your group should continue to uphold a physical distance of at least 6 feet. You can further decrease your risk by keeping your masks on, avoid sharing items (like sheet music) and using hand sanitizer.

  3. Reach out to community leaders to determine your route

    As we mentioned, this particular holiday season may be especially dreary for some members of your community. Consider reaching out to community leaders who may have a good idea of who could use some extra holiday cheer. By speaking with these leaders, you may be able to efficiently plan your route and reach new people. 

    But remember, this year is unlike any other. Be sure to keep in mind that not everyone will feel comfortable opening the door to neighbors, especially if he or she is immunocompromised. You may want to reach out ahead of time to determine their caroling interest level.

  4. Gather virtually

    Lastly, if you’d rather avoid the risk, choose an online meeting platform to get friends together to sing your favorite holiday tunes. You may want to record your session and share it with your social network to get all of your friends in the holiday spirit.

The holidays certainly look different in 2020, but with a little creativity, we may still be able to participate in several well-loved traditions, including singing with friends.

Happy Go Caroling Day from Lions Pride!

United in Kindness

05 Thursday Nov 2020

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As we write this post on Wednesday evening, we are still awaiting the results of the 2020 Presidential Election. No matter where you stand politically, you are likely feeling several emotions. But rather than dwelling on this uncertainty, we thought it would make sense to preoccupy our minds for a moment or two with another ever-important topic: kindness.

Monday, November 9, marks the beginning of World Kindness Week, which preludes World Kindness Day happening on Friday, November 13. This special celebration was first started by the World Kindness Movement back in 1998.

There’s no question that we are currently experiencing division around our country, which is why we believe this celebratory week couldn’t have arrived sooner.

As Americans, we all have the right to our opinions, but sometimes this freedom can overshadow the golden virtue. The whole idea of World Kindness Week reminds us of the influential message given by Lions International President Dr. Jung-Yul Chol back in July.

He reminded us that kindness is at the very heart of service. Lions International is one of the most diverse and inclusive organizations on the planet. Our organization is made up by over 1.4 million members worldwide and includes 48,000+ clubs. We are proud to serve all people, in all places – and our great diversity allows us to provide exceptional service. Together, as Lions, we are united in kindness and diversity,

After reviewing his message, it did not take us long to realize that Lions International has a lot in common with the United States, namely our diversity. We are fortunate to be made of people of different races, religions, cultures, social backgrounds and more. All of these aspects created the foundation that helped our founding fathers claim independence.

So, as we continue to hold our breaths anxiously waiting for the week to conclude, we’d encourage you to spread International President Choi’s message. Your recipients may include friends, family members, neighbors and other people in your community, regardless of whether they echo your political beliefs.

Above all, kindness matters, especially during trying times. From all of us at Lions Pride, we’d like to wish you both patience and serenity for the remainder of the week. Please remember, this, too, shall pass.

Halloween in Quarantine

29 Thursday Oct 2020

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This weekend marks the spookiest day of the year, Halloween. While parents and children were originally excited to see this holiday land on a Saturday, there’s no denying that many will likely celebrate differently than they imagined.

Halloween is usually filled with fun activities for both the young as well as the young at heart. Children anticipate filling up a bag of Halloween candy while adults take the day to play dress up and gather with friends. Sadly, though, the COVID-19 pandemic has more than likely sent those plans packing.

Over the course of the last few weeks, our state has seen its highest increase in coronavirus cases since the pandemic was announced. That means it’s more important than ever to practice caution when celebrating the holiday.

To prevent the spread of the virus, the CDC recommends staying away from high-risk activities associated with Halloween, including participating in trick-or-treating or visiting a costume party. We understand that it’s disappointing having to miss out on yet another 2020 holiday, but there are a few safe alternatives for you to consider:

  • Decorate or carve pumpkins with immediate members of your family. Be sure to revisit the story of the Jack-O-Lantern!
  • Decorate or carve pumpkins outside with neighbors or friends. Saturday’s temperatures will be in the low 50s, which means you won’t need to bundle up to enjoy the company of friends from a safe distance.
  • Host a virtual Halloween costume party. More than likely, you’ve become familiar with Zoom or another online meeting platform. Use this technology to celebrate a costumed happy hour.
  • Have a movie night with the people in your household. Settle in with a bowl of popcorn and re-watch some of the old classics.

Although the CDC is discouraging trick-or-treating, many Wisconsin municipalities are still hosting designated trick-or-treating hours on Halloween. Be sure to keep your porch lights off if you chose not to pass out candy.

There’s no denying that 2020 has been a trying year for us all, but unfortunately, we’re not through the pandemic just yet. Be sure to continue following the CDC guidelines to help slow the spread. Remember, we’re all in this fight together.

From all of us at Lions Pride, we’d like to wish you a safe, enjoyable Halloween.

Celebrating the Grandest Generation

10 Thursday Sep 2020

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Let’s take a walk down Memory Lane. Close your eyes and think back to a few of your greatest childhood memories. Are there a few people who play recurring roles? We’re guessing, yes. More than likely, you’ll see your siblings, parents, cousins and, of course, your grandparents. Sunday, September 13, is Grandparents Day, a day to celebrate the grandest generation.

We know what you’re thinking: another day that I have to remember to put a card in the mail? Not exactly. Believe it or not, this observation was not created to help inflate the sales of flowers and greeting cards. Marian Lucille McQuade, the community leader behind the holiday, wanted Grandparents Day to be focused on family; a day to connect the generations.

There are three main purposes behind the observance:

  1. To give people a day to honor grandparents
  2. To allow grandparents an additional opportunity to show love to their children’s children
  3. To help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance that elders can offer

She wanted Grandparents Day to be a family day. She envisioned family reunions and community event participation, but she probably didn’t imagine a pandemic.

2020 has certainly been a challenging year for celebrating holidays as we’ve seen many special days come and go. However, it is still possible to honor your family lineage while protecting those closest to your heart. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Schedule a story hour

We all loved bedtime stories as children, but does anyone truly outgrow a good story? Schedule a time to talk over the phone or video chat with loved ones to talk about the family’s matriarchs and patriarchs. Take turns sharing your favorite moments together, whether they were tender or hilarious. Give your story hour participants a heads up, so they have time to think back on the best moments.  

  • Recreate a famous family recipe

Every family has one secret recipe. The weekend is the perfect opportunity to dust off the cookbook and look back at the entrée or dessert that everyone still talks about to this day. If you’re feeling extra generous, you may want to share the dish with friends or other family members. After all, who doesn’t love homemade goodies?

  • Start building a family tree

What better way to celebrate than by piecing together your family history with your immediate members? Share unforgettable memories of those who have passed and talk about how family members’ lives have changed over the generations. Visit PBS to start building your family tree today.

  • Celebrate those who have left too soon

Sadly, not all of us are lucky enough to have living grandparents, but everyone can celebrate their memories by reliving the good times by paging through old photo albums or visiting their memorial sites. If you are active on Facebook, consider temporarily changing your profile picture to one with a grandparent.

National Grandparents Day is a wonderful opportunity to honor legacy and show gratitude to a truly grand generation. How will you celebrate the occasion?

Happy Grandparents Day from Lions Pride!

Celebrating Mother’s Day During a Pandemic

07 Thursday May 2020

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happy mothers day card beside pen macaroons flowers and box near coffee cup with saucer

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Her pep talks completely changed situations, her hugs made the world seem brighter and her love made us into the people we are today. This Sunday is Mother’s Day, a day that we pay tribute to the incredible women who raised us. Typically, many of us would plan to celebrate the mother figures in our lives with brunch, backyard barbecue or another type of family get-together. Still, this year, the coronavirus “Safer at Home” Order is compelling us to think outside the box.

Many of us will likely not be able to get together personally for Mother’s Day, but it is still possible to show mom the best day ever. Here are a few clever social distancing celebration ideas:

  • Allow her to enjoy a meal in from her favorite restaurant

It’s no secret that lots of local restaurants are feeling the first-hand impacts of COVID-19. According to the National Restaurant Association, the industry (more than any other in the nation) has experienced the most extreme losses in both sales and jobs since the outbreak began. You can support your mom’s favorite local restaurant during this time by calling to see if they provide carry out delivery. Several establishments have begun adopting curbside pick-up practices to keep everyone safe.

  • Decorate her front door with a beautiful wreath

While you are dropping off a card, show the neighborhood how much her family appreciates her by decorating her porch or front stoop. A bright, beautiful wreath is the perfect way to finally welcome spring and say, “Happy Mother’s Day!

  • Watch a movie together while being socially responsible

Everyone knows that any movie is more fun when watching them with someone you love. With the exponential growth of online streaming services, you know have the opportunity to engage in the viewing experience together. Allow her to pick an old classic or one that’s been on her “To Watch” list and let the new age watch party begin.

  • “Sign up” to learn her craft

Does mom have a hobby that you know she’d love to pass down? If so, now might be the perfect time to start learning the craft. Whether she knits, sews, paints, or partakes in another fun activity, assemble the required tools and schedule a time to video chat. We know a future in-person meetup may be necessary to master all the tricks of the trade, but a virtual meeting should be enough to start learning the ropes.

We know that the coronavirus has thrown an obstacle in our usual Mother’s Day celebrations, but don’t let that stop you from showing your mom how much you care. Give her a socially distanced Mother’s Day celebration that she won’t soon forget.

Our ears are open! Do you have any other thoughts for showing gratitude to your mom while staying in? Let us know in the comments below.

Happy Mother’s Day from Lions Pride!

Safely Celebrating Easter During a Pandemic

02 Thursday Apr 2020

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close up of girl hands coloring easter eggs

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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!

 

How to Keep Active While Staying at Home

26 Thursday Mar 2020

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person holding white dough on brown wooden table

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Unprecedented times call for extraordinary measures. This week, Governor Tony Evers instructed Wisconsinites to stay in their homes to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

At this time, Wisconsin is not under lockdown, but instead an attempt for residents to limit unnecessary trips.  All non-essential businesses will be closed for the time being. Essential businesses include healthcare offices, grocery stores and caregiving facilities. See the entire list of essential business categories.

As we navigate the journey to find our new normal, at least for the time being, we’re here to help you and your immediate family stay active during the “Safer at Home” Order. We’ve compiled a list of ideas to keep busy during the pandemic:

  1. Discover free exercise videos on YouTubeAmid gyms and fitness studios closing, many physical trainers and instructors are turning to YouTube to provide high-quality video training. Whether you would consider yourself an amateur yogi, advanced cyclist or free weight enthusiast, you’re sure to find a video to fit your available equipment and physical abilities.
  2. Play a gameWhen was the last time your family gathered around the dining room table and played a board game? If you’re struggling to remember, it’s probably been too long. Get out everyone’s favorite game and play a quick round or two. Don’t forget to keep the hand sanitizer close! You may also want to consider disinfecting any necessary pieces before getting started.
  3. Try a new recipeWhile carry-out is still an option, those who would prefer to stay in can take this time as an opportunity to practice creativity in the kitchen. Ask friends about participating in a recipe swap or scour Pinterest to find a dash of inspiration.If you’re looking for another way to incorporate fun into your meal-time routine, find an obscure holiday to celebrate. Saturday, March 28, is Something on a Stick Day.
  4. Complete an unfinished projectWe’d be willing to bet that you don’t have to travel far to find a project that you wanted to finish “later.” (Don’t worry, we’re right there with you!) Later has officially arrived, so it’s time to take this opportunity to dust those fan blades, hang that picture or touch up paint in the living room.
  5. Call a friend or family memberDon’t forget to check in with your social circle during this time of uncertainty. Pick up the phone to call or video chat with a loved one that you haven’t talked with in a while. We can guarantee that they will love to hear your voice or see your face. Isn’t technology fantastic in a time when we can’t physically be together?
  6. Try a new craftWe hope we aren’t the only ones who have grand ambitions to try a new hobby. With so many of us not participating in our usual activities, it can feel like we are not using our brain to its fullest potential. Take some time to explore a new passion, such as woodworking, painting, podcasting or knitting. There are hundreds of thousands of tutorials online just waiting for you.
  7. Read a bookYou know the last time you binge-watched a TV series, but what about the last time you treated yourself to a good book? Spend an afternoon re-reading an old classic or peruse an electronic library to find a new favorite in a digital format.
  8. Go for a walkAlthough we are all encouraged to stay at home, Governor Evers mentioned that walks are still important. It’s common to feel cooped up at a time like this so, so be sure to get at least a few minutes of fresh air. Your body and mind will thank you for the break.
  9. Start a journalIt may be hard to believe, but we are currently living in a time that will be written about in history books. Document your experience of the coronavirus in a journal to remember what life years down the road. Although it may be difficult to imagine, it’s critical to keep in mind that this, too, shall pass.

How are you keeping busy during the “Safer at Home” Order? Let us know in the comments below to help us keep our readers engaged during this bizarre time.

The Lions Pride Office currently has limited hours of availability to cooperate with the Wisconsin “Safer at Home” Order. We already look forward to getting back to business but know that normal life will unfold in due time.

Stay safe out there!