Tag Archives: family

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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The History of Mother’s Day

09 Thursday May 2019

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Think back to your last online shopping experience. Do you happen to recall any ads that you saw? We obviously can’t know for sure, but more than likely you saw something related to flowers, chocolates or other gifts, which can only mean Mother’s Day is upon us. To help commemorate the upcoming holiday, we thought we’d go through a quick history lesson. Without further ado, let’s get started!

The first celebrations of mothers go back to ancient Greece. Festivals were held to honor the mother goddesses known as Rhea and Cybele. The most modern version of the holiday was known as “Mothering Sunday,” in which adult children were encouraged to attend mass at their hometown church, then spend the day with mom. The custom eventually faded in popularity until merging with today’s holiday.

The celebration that we know today was created by Anna Jarvis. Her mother, Ann Jarvis, cared for wounded soldiers during the Civil War and became a community activist. As a child, Anna heard her mother say a prayer, hoping that one day there would be a Memorial Day for mothers to honor their good deeds. After Ann passed, Anna became making plans for the official holiday.

On the second anniversary of her mother’s death in 1905, Anna held a special church service in her honor. After a successful event, she took part in a fierce letter-writing campaign, in which she worked to persuade newspapers and politicians to add the holiday to the national calendar. By 1912, many states, towns and churches were already observing Mother’s Day as an annual holiday. Finally, in 1914, Woodrow Wilson officially recognized the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day.

Today, children all over the world shower their mothers with gifts, but the original idea was to simply spend the day together. Anna hoped that families would be able to attend church in the morning and visit in the afternoon. Gifts didn’t come until later on, and much to her dismay.

This Sunday, rather spending a lot of time and energy on finding the perfect flower arrangement or extravagant box of chocolates for mom, consider giving her a more thoughtful gift, the gift of quality time. Ask her how she would like to spend the day and shower her with attention. We can guarantee that a day together will be the ultimate gift.

Happy Mother’s Day from Lions Pride!

Wisconsin’s Gone Fishin’

02 Thursday May 2019

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Pack your fishing rod, tackle box and bait because the fishing season has nearly arrived!

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This Saturday, May 4, is opening day for Wisconsin fishing.

Fishing is one of the most popular recreational activities in the United States. According to the 2018 Outdoor Industry Special Report, more than 49 million Americans enjoyed recreational fishing in 2017. During that year, approximately 16.5 percent of the US population went fishing at least once.

The sport’s popularity has not come by accident. In addition to just being an enjoyable pastime, fishing also brings several important health benefits. If you’re looking for an excellent reason to get out on the water this weekend, we’ll give you five:

  1. Reduce your blood pressure

    Studies have shown that spending time in nature helps to lower blood pressure, but the exact reason is not yet known. Additionally, you don’t have to spend all day outdoors to enjoy these benefits, 30 minutes per week is enough to improve blood pressure and overall health. But remember, the more time outside, the better!

  2. Unplug and unwind

    We live in a noisy world. Let us set the scene to see if you can relate. You start the day with a cup of coffee in front of the morning news, drive to work with the radio blaring, spend the day in front of a computer and constant interruptions before finally heading home to spend the evening watching digital screens. We all need some time away from the modern world and fishing poses as the perfect solution, a time to unplug and appreciate only the sounds of nature.

  3. Stand up

    Too many Americans spend the day sitting. Research has shown that the average person sits about 12 hours each day. This inactivity, which has become known as “the sitting disease,” is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. Fortunately, fishing gives anglers an opportunity to stand up.

  4. Keep your brain sharp

    As people age, cognitive abilities will typically decline, and memory problems can take place. The best way to keep your brain healthy is to challenge it with mentally stimulating activities. According to Harvard Health Publications, to stay sharp, people should continue learning, use all of their senses and have confidence in oneself – all of which would fall in line with fishing.

  5. Spend time with family and friends

    Most would agree that there’s no better way to spend time, then with friends and family. Fishing is a great way to pass the morning or spend the day. Of course, you may need to make a few adjustments when fishing with others, especially those who wouldn’t consider themselves to be experienced anglers.

As you may already know, hook and line fishing for many fish species on several Wisconsin waterways begins on opening day, but season dates are often specific to fish species as well as the body of water. The best way to start planning your fishing trip is to download the DNR 2019-2020 fishing season dates.

Before heading out on the water, be sure to purchase your fishing license. Registration is available online, in various sales locations and at one of the DNR Service Centers.

The staff at Lions Pride would like to wish you luck out on the water this season. Happy Fishing!

Shining Light on Autism Spectrum Disorder

11 Thursday Apr 2019

Posted by in Lions Camp, News, Special Events

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Did you know that autism is now prevalent in one in every 59 children in America? Over the course of the past 50 years, its occurrence has grown by nearly 35 times. To help bring knowledge to the growing and greatly misunderstood disorder, April has been marked as National Autism Awareness Month.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Autism is a complex, cognitive disorder that impacts a person’s ability to communicate and engage with others. It can be present right away at birth but can also form early on in a child’s life (typically within three years.) At this time, there is no one known cause to the disability.

As its name states, Autism is a broad spectrum disorder. It’s essential for us to note that no two people will have an exact set of symptoms, but there are common characteristics, which include:

  • Trouble interacting with other people
  • Difficulties expressing empathy
  • A dislike of physical contact
  • Adverse to sudden changes in their environment
  • Struggle with speech

Autism is a lifelong disability, but thankfully, it is treatable. Studies have shown that early detection can change the lives of both the individual and family. You can learn more about development milestones by visiting the CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early” site.

Since ASD has become much more common, chances are you know someone who is impacted by the disability. Fortunately, with more occurrences comes more opportunities to serve. Today, there are thousands of resources available to help families manage autism. In fact, the Wisconsin Lions Camp, debuted a new program for children with autism. Campers have an opportunity for a comprehensive program designed to help a child in the development of self-confidence, interdependence, social skills, outdoor recreational skills and environmental awareness. Thanks to the generous support of donors, summer camp participation is free of charge. Your gift to Lions Pride, designated for Lions Camp will have a lasting impact on future generations of children.

The Wisconsin Lions Camp is holding a New Camper Open House on Sunday, May 12, 2019, from 9 am to 3 pm. The program was designed to introduce new or potential campers to camp before the summer season. Attendees can try camp activities, enjoy lunch and take tours of the building (weather permitting.) If you know a special child who might enjoy a fun-filled week at camp, consider submitting a registration form today.

As we continue to make our way through the month of April, we encourage you to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder. The more knowledge we have, the more we can pass on to others. Together, we can help create a more empathetic and supportive environment for people with autism.

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!

 

National Estate Planning Week

11 Thursday Oct 2018

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Did you know that next week is National Estate Planning Week? We may not exchange Estate-Plangifts, share a large family meal or decorate lamp posts, but here at Lions Pride, we think it’s still an important holiday worth celebrating. Let us tell you why!

You may be surprised to learn that estate planning is one of the most overlooked elements of personal financial wellness. An estimated 56 percent of Americans don’t have an updated estate plan. It’s not uncommon to hear these phrases associated with the practice:

“I’m too young for an estate plan.”

“Estate planning is only important for the ultra-rich.”

“My spouse and I created our wills when we first married (35 years ago,) so there’s no need for further planning.”

“Won’t my property just go to my spouse?”

“Estate planning is too complicated and expensive.”

The truth of the matter is estate planning is for everyone because it protects you, your family and your assets.

There are several advantages to estate planning, including:

  • Saving you (and your loved ones) money in the future.
  • Passing on your assets the way you want.
  • Having the opportunity to support a cause or organization that you care about, even after your passing.
  • Providing financial direction, if you are physically or mentally unable.
  • Bestowing peace of mind to you and your family.

See more estate planning benefits from The Balance.

We understand that the idea of estate planning can be scary. Similar to life insurance, estate planning will seemingly bring up the shadow of the death. It may be difficult to hear, but postponing estate planning will not postpone death. One of the most significant reasons for an estate plan is to prepare for the unexpected.

Next week, National Estate Planning Week is the ideal time to plan for the future and ensure that your affairs are in order. If you do not currently have an estate planner, you can find an Accredited Estate Planner Designee by following this link. If you already have a plan in place, it may be an excellent time to review and make necessary adjustments. That might include naming Lions Pride or your favorite charity in your plans, living a lasting legacy.

Happy National Estate Planning Week!

Do Something Grand on Grandparents Day

06 Thursday Sep 2018

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Think back on your fond childhood memories; who was there? More than likely, you picture your mom, dad, siblings, cousins, and of course, grandparents. Sunday, September 9, is Grandparents Day and we think the holiday deserves a grand celebration.

Believe it or not, this observation was not created to simply sell cards and flowers. The holiday creator, Marian Lucille McQuade wanted Grandparents Day to be centered around a family, a day to connect the generations.

According to McQuade, National Grandparents Day has three general purposes:

  1. To honor grandparents
  2. To give grandparents an 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

Regardless of your family role, we believe Grandparents Day is worth celebrating. We know what you’re thinking, another day to prepare for? Not exactly. You can do plenty of grand activities without a lot of effort. Read through a few fun ways to commemorate the occasion:

  • Spend the day with family

Of course, this may be the most obvious way to celebrate Grandparents Day, seeing as this was the reason behind the holiday. Consider putting together a small family reunion to gather the generations. Simply call or email family members and have everyone bring a dish to pass, so no one person has to spend the weekend in the kitchen.

  • Start building a family tree

What better way to celebrate family then by piecing together the puzzle of your family. Share special memories of those who have passed and talk about how family members’ lives have changed over the generations. Visit PBS to start building yours today.

  • Volunteer together

The families who volunteer together, stay together. As Lions, we believe that giving back is a responsibility for those of all ages. Show your family members the value of volunteering by working on a project together. Consider collecting garbage at the park, spending some time at the community kitchen or walking dogs at your local animal shelter. If your club is working on a large service project, think about inviting family members to join in.

  • Celebrate those who have left too soon

Unfortunately, not all of us are lucky enough to have living grandparents, but you can honor their memory by perusing through old pictures and photo albums. If you are active on Facebook, think about updating your profile picture to one with a grandparent and sharing your favorite memory with friends. We can ensure you will enjoy your walk down Memory Lane.

National Grandparents Day is the perfect holiday to honor legacy and gratitude to a grand generation. How will you celebrate?

Happy Grandparents Day from Lions Pride!

The Symbols of Easter

29 Thursday Mar 2018

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If you’ve stepped into a retail store sometime in the past few weeks, you know thatJoyful Easter rabbits, pastel-colored boxes and candy of all shapes and sizes have recently taken up residence in the seasonal aisle. We know that Easter is traditionally known as a religious holiday, have you ever wondered where these symbols got their origin?

We did, too, and after a bit of research, we think we found the answers!

Believe it or not, these characters are said to pre-date Christianity. The origin of the word, “Easter”’ stems from Eostre, the Germanic goddess of spring. Each year, on or around the 21st of March, the Celtic people would celebrate Ostara. Although it sounds like a holiday, it was seen as an opportunity to be in tune with the changing of the seasons.

Because the Spring Equinox is known as a time of rebirth, it has strong ties to fertility and sowing seeds. The symbol of the rabbit first appeared during medieval times in Europe. Hares had been known to be nocturnal most of the year, but in March when the mating season began, bunnies could be seen everywhere. In no time at all, the hare became known as a major symbol of fertility.

As for chocolate and candy, you will not be surprised to learn that we could find evidence of existence during the original Celtic celebrations. We can likely assume the abundance of candy can be rooted back to Catholic traditions. Christians typically sacrifice items they enjoy during the Lenten season such as rich food items like meat, soda or candy. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the end of Lent by indulging in sweets.

There you have it – some of the best-known origins of Easter. What is your favorite symbol of Easter/Spring Equinox?

It indeed is a remarkable time of the year. After a long winter season, it’s amazing to see our beautiful land coming back to life. We hope you have a chance to take a moment to appreciate spring’s arrival as you celebrate with your family this weekend.

Happy Easter from Lions Pride!

Eye Donor Awareness Month

22 Thursday Mar 2018

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When you think about the month of March, several topics probably come to mind. YouNatl Eye Donor Month may think about the first day of spring, St. Patrick’s Day and the start of baseball season, but did you know that March is also Eye Donor Awareness Month?

In 1983, President Reagan established the first National Eye Donor Month as a way to recognize its donors, celebrate the recipients and bring awareness to eye donation.

Approximately ten million people around the world are affected with corneal diseases that have resulted in blindness or other visual impairments. Corneal transplants have become one of the most frequently performed transplant procedures. According to the National Eye Institute, doctors perform approximately 40,000 corneal transplants each year.

Have you ever considered becoming an eye donor? Regardless of whether you have thought about donating in the past, or this is the first time you’ve carefully considered the idea, here are a few areas of to note that may help you make your decision:

There is just no substitute for human corneal tissue. If you have considered becoming an eye donor, you can rest assured knowing that your donation can make a world of difference for someone in need. Just think your gift could help restore someone’s vision, support the advanced treatment of blindness or other vision impairments – and beyond.

To get started, be sure to discuss your wishes with your loved ones, and thank you for your precious gift.

Happy Eye Donor Awareness Month from Lions Pride

Keep Your New Year’s Resolution in 2018

28 Thursday Dec 2017

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In less than 72 hours, we will be closing the chapter of 2017, and starting a new one. Are New Year 2018you ready to make it the best year ever? Today, we’re talking about New Year Resolutions – and although they might not be anyone’s favorite topic, they do get a lot of attention.

Believe it or not, nearly half of all Americans (approximately 40 percent) of American adults make one or more resolutions, but very few stick with them all year round. In fact, the odds are against us! According to U.S. News, approximately 80 percent of resolutions fail by the second week of February. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try at all. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you work to improve yourself in 2018:

  • Get your resolutions down on paper (or on a computer screen)

Go grab your notebook and write down your resolutions. Studies show that those who write down their goals are more likely to succeed when compared to those did not. The act of writing forces you to brainstorm a plan and motivate you to take action. Find out all of the reasons why you should commit your goals to writing.

  • Talk to family or friends

When we keep our resolutions to ourselves, we don’t have anyone to hold us accountable. Sit down and talk to your inner circle about your self-improvement goals, and ask them to be your accountability partners. There may even be someone who shares the same goal, allowing both to work as motivators. Change always seems easier when there’s available support.

  • Make only one change at a time

The New Year is a blank slate that allows us to become the people we’d like to be. Although it may sound counterintuitive, more resolutions will not make us more productive; it actually hinders performance. Rather than deciding to change too many bad habits all at once – like lose weight, save more money and stop smoking, start with just one, and work up to the others.

  • Take small steps

Resolutions are always challenging, and for a good reason – if it were easy, we probably wouldn’t have to make them in the first place. One of the most significant obstacles to a new goal is getting over the initial overwhelming feeling of a broad and seemingly impossible goal. After writing down your goal, put small steps into place that help you turn your goal into action.

Remember that all resolutions begin with a decision to make a change. If you want to make 2018 the year that you change your life for the better, start the New Year with a strategic plan. We know you can do it!

It’s always bittersweet moving on from one year to the next. There’s no question in our minds we’re have had an incredible 362 days, but we’re ready to see what the future has in store for us. The Lions Pride office will be closed for the remainder in observance of the New Year. We’re looking forward to seeing you in 2018!

P.S. Are you resolving to support Lions Pride or your favorite charity more in 2018? Find out how you can simplify your giving with automatic monthly donations.

Happy New Year!