Tag Archives: family

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!

 

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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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man and child walking near bushes during daytime

Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

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!

Make the Most of Your Daylight Savings

02 Thursday Nov 2017

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Doesn’t it seem like only yesterday that we were setting our clocks an hour ahead, and Alarm Clockspringing forward? While it may be hard to believe, this Saturday, November 4, we’ll be setting them back for the end of Daylight Savings.

We all know that life moves quickly. Although the days may sometimes go slowly, the years seem to move at hyperspeed. As a result, it’s always a challenge to get everything done that makes our ongoing To Do Lists. But since we are getting 60 minutes back in our day, we think Daylight Savings is the time to celebrate! Here are a few ideas to help you start planning:

  1. Create a new ritual

It’s always a great time to create a new ritual or tradition. Treat yourself to a night in with your favorite movie, create an extravagant meal or host a family game night. Why not spend the evening doing something you enjoy or time with those you love.

  1. Tackle an item on your To Do List

We always have expectations that we set for ourselves, but unfortunately, these expectations are not always realistic or may fall behind other priorities. If you’ve had a certain task that you’ve been waiting to cross off your list, consider spending your extra hour to complete the job (or at least make some headway.) Although it may not be as glamorous as planning a fun activity, we can almost guarantee you’ll take some pressure off yourself.

  1. Catch up with a friend

Rick Warren has said, “Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can’t make more time. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you’ll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time.”

We all know that it can be challenging to keep up with friends, especially if they don’t live nearby. Fortunately though, thanks to technology, you don’t have to be close to stay close. Consider spending part of your Saturday night by catching up with a loved one either by phone or email. In our opinion, there’s no better way to spend time than with someone you love.

  1. Sleep

Of course, this item needed to be added to the list! If all else fails, add an extra hour of sleep to your Saturday night. Who couldn’t use 60 more minutes of ZZZs?

Life moves quickly so it’s important to we take advantage of every opportunity to use it wisely. How do you plan to spend your extra hour?

Happy Daylight Savings from Lions Pride!

End of the Summer Bucket List

24 Thursday Aug 2017

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The end of the summer is quickly winding down. We’re not sure where June, July Bonfireand August went, but we don’t have much time to left to take advantage of the beautiful Wisconsin weather. But you can complete the unofficial summer season on a high note by accomplishing the following bucket list:

  • Take a hike at a state park
  • Roast a marshmallow and make a s’more
  • Throw out a line at your favorite river or lake
  • Catch a ballgame
  • Watch a sunrise or sunset (your preference!)
  • Host a summer cookout with family and friends
  • Visit a state fair and indulge in a deep-fried goody
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in the lush, green grass
  • Remember Lions Pride

All good things must come to an end, right? If we had summer all year round, we definitely wouldn’t appreciate the beautiful weather like we do now. Just keep in mind; it will be back again this time next year.

What items have you already checked off your bucket list, and what else would you still like to complete? The clock is ticking, but there is still time to have the best summer ever! From all of us at Lions Pride, we’d like to wish you a happy end of the summer!

Thanksgiving Dinner Preparation 101

17 Thursday Nov 2016

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turkey-dinner

One week from today, we will be gathering around the dining room table, sharing our appreciation with loved ones and indulging in a delicious meal that we look forward to all year long.

Unfortunately, for all of your hosts and hostesses out there, they already know that there is a lot that needs to be accomplished in the next seven days.

Lions Pride thinks that Thanksgiving should bring along as little stress as possible, that’s why we’ve put together a preparation checklist with the help of Real Simple.

 

Weekend

To put yourself in a good place before the big feast, start planning your meal this weekend. You probably already have an idea of what side dishes and desserts you’d like to prepare, but now is a fantastic time to complete a full inventory of what you already have on hand. Create a list and act like Santa Claus (check it twice!) Consider dividing your shopping list into two trips to the unwanted stress that comes with forgetting something the first time around. Make your first trip to the grocery store.

Tuesday

Prepare all chilled items such as cranberry sauce and salads. Cover the dishes and place them in the refrigerator until Thursday.

Today, you’ll also want to determine when you need to start thawing your turkey. Typically, you’ll need to allow about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. Write a note or set a reminder if you would consider yourself to be the forgetful type.

Wednesday

Complete another quick inventory and take your second trip to the store. Once you have all of your essential items, wash your herbs, chop up the onions and celery and trim your remaining vegetables – pat them dry and refrigerate.

You can also begin assembling the stuffing and make the dessert. Begin thawing your turkey if you haven’t done so already.

Thursday

Today’s the day. Begin roasting your turkey and cooking your side dishes. When the turkey is done, make the gravy and assemble any last-minute sides and warm any dishes prepared the day before.

Lastly, sit back and count all of the blessings in life!

 

Remember that you are only one person. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. Many will be happy to prepare a dessert or run to the store for a forgotten item. They want you to enjoy the holiday, too!

We know that a lot of work goes into Thanksgiving Dinner, but with a little extra preparation, you’ll be able to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.

Happy Thanksgiving Preparation from Lions Pride!

Celebrating Our Heritage – Labor Day

01 Thursday Sep 2016

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Did you know that September 5, 1882, marked First Labor Daythe first-ever Labor Day parade in America?
News of the Labor Day march circulated throughout New York and the surrounding areas. People gathered to watch, and police were heavy in attendance as they were worried that the event might turn violent, but only a few men formed up to march. What was missing was, of course, the music. No one had thought to bring a band. Fortunately, at the last minute, the Jewelers Union of Newark Two showed up with 200 members and a band.

The Jewelers group marched along Broadway in lower Manhattan, past the city hall where a handful of men had been waiting. Then the members of other unions joined in the march; soon spectators followed, too. The parade grew from 200 to over 700 men in three marching divisions and ended with over 10,000 people. The column of people finished at Reservoir Park where close to 25,000 union members and their families celebrated that first Labor Day. Years later in 1894, and following protests and strife, a federal holiday was established to recognize the contributions made to the economy and society by the American labor force.

Participation in the celebration of Labor Day affirms the importance of our workforce. It is a way to thank those individuals and groups for the hard work, the sacrifice and their relentless commitment to the well being of all people’s lives. We have many luxuries today that we tend to take for granted; weekends, vacation time, shorter work days, and protection for our children from forced labor, the ability to negotiate wages and benefits, and a say in our government’s labor laws.

How do you plan to celebrate Labor Day weekend? If you don’t already have plans, there are lots of events taking place around the state of Wisconsin, including several Lions events:

  • Central Wisconsin State Fair– Enjoy rides, music, agriculture and more in Marshfield at the state fair. The fun starts on Wednesday, August 31 and goes through Monday, September 5.
  • Black Point Estate Nooks and Crannies Tour – Tour one of the finest examples of Queen Anne architecture at the Black Point Estate in Lake Geneva. The summer cottage was built in 1888 and overlooks beautiful Geneva Lake. Participate in the last walking tour of the season!
  • Taste of Madison – Take an adventure with your taste buds and enjoy food from over 80 restaurants and 26 beverage stands at Capitol Square in Madison. Entertainment will be taking place on three stages on both Saturday and Sunday.
  • Amish Quilt and Consignment Show in Shawano – Peruse the work of talented individuals at the Amish Quilt and Consignment Show on Saturday, September 3. Purchase baked goods, quilts, antiques, furniture and more.
  • Merrill Labor Day Celebration & Lion’s Car Show – Participate in a huge parade downtown on Monday, September 5, at 10 am with events happening all afternoon at the Merrill Fairgrounds, including a classic car show, flea market, farmers market and more.

However you plan to spend Labor Day, please don’t forget about the reason behind the holiday! The Lions Pride Office will be closed on Monday, September 5. We wish you and your family a Happy Labor Day!