Tag Archives: food

Celebration in the Age of Social Distancing

02 Thursday Jul 2020

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Family Fishing at Sunset

July has finally arrived! It’s time for us to flip the calendar month and start thinking about the upcoming holiday – Independence Day!

Typically, America’s birthday is filled with many different types of public celebrations including parades, fireworks and fairs, but the majority of these events have been either canceled or postponed due to COVID-19.

We understand that you’re probably not thrilled with the idea of celebrating another holiday during a pandemic, but it is still possible to safely enjoy the 4th of July. Consider incorporating these tips into your weekend itinerary.

  1. Review your local community updates

    Before planning a get-together, be sure to review updates from your local health department to have a better understanding of the situation in your community. You can also learn about local orders, business re-openings and other safety guidelines.

  2. Keep your group small

    The more closely you interact with others and the longer the interaction, the greater the risk of spread. If you choose to gather with loved ones, please try to keep your group number low.

  3. Try to stay outdoors

    “Social distancing” has now become a phrase that we have become all too familiar with. To safely stay within 6 feet of others, choose an outdoor space. Indoor spaces, in general, are riskier than outdoor spaces because there’s less ventilation, and it’s more challenging to keep people apart.

  4. Bring your own supplies

    If you are dining together, consider bringing along your own food, beverages and picnic supplies to avoid sharing items with those outside your immediate family.
  5. Wash your hands

We know, we know; this is a rule you probably won’t ever forget, but we think it never hurts to give friendly reminders. Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol will work while spending time outdoors but don’t remove all types of germs. When you return home, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

We’ll be the first to say 2020 has been tough. It’s challenging to spend holiday after holiday without the large company of family and friends, but with a little perseverance and dedication, we can all work together to fight coronavirus.

The Lions Pride Board and Staff would like to wish you a safe, healthy 4th of July!

Fat Tuesday Fun Facts

20 Thursday Feb 2020

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Photo Credit to Mathieu Cheze on Unsplash

Spring is coming! The piles of snow may say otherwise, but we are confident it’s on the way. How do we know? Because Fat Tuesday is already next week, so Easter is already on the horizon.

As you know, Mardi Gras is a celebration held the day before Ash Wednesday when Christians celebrate with fatty foods and fun. Traditionally, participants would use the day as an opportunity to eat the richest, unhealthiest foods that remained in their homes before starting the season of Lent.

Although Mardi Gras may not be a huge holiday here in Wisconsin, that is not the case 1150 miles south. Fat Tuesday is one of the biggest parties of the year for New Orleans, so we thought we’d celebrate with a few fun facts:

  • The first Mardi Gras Celebration took place on March 3, 1699, by French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Sier de Bienville. Upon arriving at present-day NewOrleans, they named their landing spot Point du Mardi Gras and held a small celebration (nothing like we see today!)
  • While the terms “Carnival” and “Mardi Gras” are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to two different time periods. “Carnival” is the period of fun and feasting that happens between January 6 (the Feast of the Epiphany) and Fat Tuesday, and Mardi Gras is the final day of festivity before the season of Lent begins.
  • The first Mardi Gras Parade was held on February 24, 1857, by the Krewe of Comus. Krewes are individual groups often named after Greek gods and goddesses. Each Mardi Gras Parade Krewe has a unique history and picks a new theme each year.
  • You have likely noticed three colors associated with the celebration: purple, green and gold. These colors were chosen by the Rex, the King of Carnival, in 1892. Purple represents justice; green stands for faith and gold symbolized power.
  • There is not an “official” Mardi Gras. Many may be surprised to learn that Mardi Gras is a holiday like Christmas or Independence Day (although New Orleans is typically the only city where businesses are closed,) so it belongs to everyone. In other areas of the United States, the government may be in charge of their Mardi Gras celebrations, but this does not hold true in New Orleans.
  • Even if you’ve never attended Mardi Gras in the Big Easy, you likely already know that the holiday is big, but you still may be shocked to learn how big. In 2019, the Mardi Gras celebration included 54 parades, 1061 floats, 588 marching bands and 135,000+ participants.

We were surprised to learn just how much history is behind Fat Tuesday, but we know this is just a small sliver of facts. Do you have a Mardi Gras story to share? Let us know in the comments below.

Whether you choose to spend Fat Tuesday out and about or prefer to indulge in the comfort of your own home, we hope you enjoy the celebration. Happy Mardi Gras from Lions Pride!

Celebrating Wisconsin Farmers

10 Thursday Oct 2019

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abundance agricultural agriculture arm

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“Small family farmers are the only things that can save us because they take care of the land. Future Farmers of America are going to be our heroes…” -Willie Nelson

When’s the last time you really thought about where your food comes from? If you are a regular grocery shopper, it can be easy to forget about the farmers behind the produce. After all, you’re likely busy scouring prices trying to get in and get out as quickly as possible. The focus is a little more front and center when you and your significant other are strolling through a farmers’ market on a sunny, Saturday morning.

Farmers are the backbone of America. They rise before the sun, willingly participate in back-breaking labor and battle every unpredictable obstacle that could be tossed a person’s way. It’s hard to imagine what life would be like without dedicated farmers.

Saturday, October 12, is National Farmers Day; an unofficial holiday created for some of the hardest working individuals. Let’s get a head start by highlighting agriculture in our own state, courtesy of the State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection:

  • Although Wisconsin is commonly known as the Dairy State, we produce more than just milk and cheese. Our state ranks first nationally for snap beans (for production,) cranberries, ginseng, mink pelts, dry whey for humans, milk goats and corn (for silage.)
  • There are nearly 65,000 farms located on 14.3 million acres in the state.
  • Approximately 62 percent of the nation’s cranberry crop comes from Wisconsin.
  • The dairy industry annually contributes over $45.6 billion to Wisconsin’s economy on its own.
  • Nearly 1200 licensed cheesemakers produce over 600 types, styles and varieties of cheese.
  • Wisconsin is listed as #12 among all states in the nation for the value of agricultural exports.

It should come as no surprise to learn that 2019 has been a particularly difficult year for farmers across America. Between excessive flooding, international tariffs and low prices, many family farms are left making extremely difficult choices. Some have decided not to plant any crops, while others have had to let go of businesses that have been part of their family for generations. Small family farms need our support more than ever before.

As you begin to wrap up your week, keep these farmers in your thoughts. If you see a farmer out and about while running your errands this weekend, be sure to say, “thanks!”

On behalf of the Lions Pride Staff and Board, we’d like to do a special shout-out to our Wisconsin Family Farmers. We appreciate your hard work and dedication to the agricultural industry. We don’t know where we’d be without your passion.

Happy National Farmers Day!

 

The 2019 Gilroy Garlic Festival

25 Thursday Jul 2019

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two white garlics

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Everyone has a favorite ingredient that they want to add to every meal. Many of us love butter, others adore pepper and lots of us cannot get enough garlic. If you’re looking for the last group of people, you will likely find them at this weekend’s garlic festival.

The Gilroy Garlic Festival is one of the most well-known summer food festivals in the country. Attendees enjoy full days of food and drink, live music and, of course, cooking competitions. The fun kicks off tomorrow Friday, July 26, at Christmas Hill in Gilroy, California.

One of the most notable parts of the festival is the world-famous Gourmet Alley. Visitors will have the chance to witness a smoking hot, flame-up show as the “Pyro-Chefs” prepare garlic-laced calamari and scampi in large iron skillets. They can then sample the final product, which also includes pasta con pesto, pepper steak, sausage and shrimp. Everyone knows the festival would not be complete without garlic bread and garlic fries.

If you think Gourmet Alley is the only place to find food, you are mistaken! Attendees will be able to find snacks all over the festival grounds. The committee thoroughly vets all vendors to feature the very best variety. Delicacies include garlic ice cream, quesadillas, kettle corn, ribs, corn on the cob, top sirloin and more. See the entire list of food and merchandise booth vendors.

Visitors can also watch exciting cooking competitions and expert food demonstrations. Celebrity chef appearances include Tom Colicchio, Gerron Hunt, Eddie G and Teresa Giudice.

The garlic entertainment will continue all weekend long with live music, shopping, the Miss Gilroy Festival Queen Pageant and art poster contest.

The Garlic Festival is put on each year by 4000 volunteers throughout the Gilroy area. Their efforts go to show what a passionate group of people can achieve when they work together. We witnessed similar magic last month at our Lions Pride Shoot. It’s truly amazing how events can come together after months of planning and preparation.

How do you feel about garlic in your food? Whether you love it or hate it, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Have a great weekend,
Lions Pride Staff & Board

National Honey Bee Awareness Day

16 Thursday Aug 2018

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If we were to ask you, “what is the first thing that pops into your mind when you think Honey Combabout August,” what would you say? More than likely, you’d say something regarding the warm summer days we’ve been experiencing. You might think about swimming pools, barbecues or campfires, but would you think about honey bees

Saturday, August 19, is National Honey Bee Awareness Day. The official celebration was created by beekeepers in 2009 to promote and educate the public on the bee industry. Whether or not, you are an aspiring beekeeper or just love the delicious taste of honey, we thought it was the perfect time to honor our favorite pollinators. Let’s prepare for the celebration with a few buzz-worthy fun facts:

  • A honey bee’s wings stroke incredibly fast, at an estimated 200 beats per second, which is what creates their distinctive buzzing sound.
  • A colony of bees is made up of anywhere between 20,000 and 60,000 honeybees and one queen.
  • The queen is the busiest bee; her role is to fill the hive with eggs. In the summer months, she can lay up to 2500 eggs per day.
  • Honey bees communicate with one another through the art of dance. They perform a “waggle” dance, which tells the other bees where they can find food. See the surprising complexity of the dance.
  • A hive of bees will fly 90,000 miles, equivalent to three trips around planet earth to collect one kilogram of honey.
  • In her lifetime, the average worker bee will only produce 1/12th teaspoon of honey. Doesn’t that fact make every taste of honey that much sweeter?
  • A honey bee is the only insect that produces food eaten by humans. Approximately 35 percent of America’s crops depend on bees in some regard.

Check out even more amazing honey bee facts.

There are several different ways you can honor the honey bee this weekend. Consider using honey as an alternative to sugar or try a new recipe with the sweet nectar as a key ingredient. How will you celebrate?

Happy Honey Bee Awareness Day from Lions Pride!

 

Preparing Your Family for an Emergency

14 Thursday Sep 2017

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If the last two weeks have taught us anything, it’s that you never know when disaster willkit_supplies strike. In the past twenty days, we’ve seen forest fires to the west, an earthquake in Mexico and hurricanes to the south. With tragedy affecting families all over the country and the world, now is the time to send resources to those in need and prepare ourselves for our own emergencies that may come up.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly half of all US adults do not have a plan in place in the event of an emergency. Would you fall into that category? If so, there’s never been a better time to think ahead by developing an emergency supply kit. Below is a list of items that you’ll need:

  • At least a 3-day supply of food and water

You likely won’t have time to run to the grocery store before a possible emergency, which is why it’s so important to have a supply readily available. Plan on going through one gallon of water per person, per day. When stocking food, be sure to find items that are easy to make and won’t spoil like canned items and dry pastas. (Don’t forget about your furry friends; make sure that you have enough food and water for each of your pets!)

  • Manual can opener
  • Basic kitchen utensils
  • At least a 3-day supply of all medication
  • Personal care items

If a disaster occurs, you may not have the luxury of taking a hot shower, but you’ll want to make sure you have the sanitary essentials like soap, baby wipes, a toothbrush and toothpaste.

  • First aid kit
  • Emergency blanket
  • Multipurpose tool
  • Flashlight
  • Cell phone with chargers 

In today’s world, cell phones have replaced radios for many people. If you plan to receive emergency updates with your mobile phone, you’ll want to stay charged up and ready. A powerbank could save the day, if you lose electricity. 

  • Copies of important documents like insurance policies and other vital records

Of course, emergencies are not always predictable so you’ll need to make sure all of these important documents stay safe. Consider investing in a fireproof lock box, a safety deposit box or a three-ring binder with sleeves.

  • Extra cash
  • Area maps
  • Extra set of house keys or car keys

This is a preliminary list that you should utilize to get your emergency supply kit started. Unfortunately, one-size does not always fit all; you may need additional supplies to ensure your entire family is ready. For children, this may include games and activities; for pets, your kit may include transport items and cleaning supplies. Please visit this link for a complete list of items to fill up your emergency preparedness kit.

Here at Lions Pride, we don’t think there is such a thing as being too prepared. While we understand that it may be time consuming initially, the benefits definitely outweigh the costs. Take the time to prepare now and thank yourself later. Stay safe out there!

Lions Work to Help the Victims of Hurricane Harvey

31 Thursday Aug 2017

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We are days away from a holiday weekend, but not everyone will be celebrating happily. As you already know Hurricane Harvey first reached the Houston metropolis last Friday, but residents in both Texas and Louisiana are still feeling its wrath nearly a week later.

Harvey is the first Category 4 hurricane to hit the continental United States since Hurricane Charley in 2004. The tropical storm made is second appearance yesterday morning, and the weather conditions do not seem to be improving as of writing.

Several parts of Houston set a record for rainfall in a single storm; the top reading showing 51.88 inches (as of Tuesday afternoon.) A resident meteorologist reported that 25 to 30 percent of Harris County is under water. At this point, local officials have confirmed 30 flood-related deaths.

The Insurance Information Institute has stated to Fox Business that damages could end up matching the $15 billion caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In a recent statement made by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, the city’s focus “will continue to be on rescue” and not damage assessment.

Lions Clubs International Foundation has responded with an emergency catastrophe grant of $100,000. The grant will allow Lions in the area to provide life-saving supplies of food, water, blankets and other necessities. Please consider donating to the Lions Club International Foundation to help further their efforts on helping communities in need. We never know when or where disaster will strike, but LCIF emergency and major catastrophe grants enable local Lions to respond at a moment’s notice.

As you celebrate Labor Day weekend, the Lions Pride staff and board ask you to keep all of the families affected by this catastrophe in your thoughts and prayers. Many Texas and Louisiana lives will be changed after this event and will be in need of much support.

Creative Ways to Save on Holiday Gift Wrap

08 Thursday Dec 2016

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Did you know that from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, US household waste increases by more than 25 percent? An additional one million tons of garbage is added to our landfills each week from increased food waste, shopping bags, packaging, wrapping paper, bows and ribbons.

While there are plenty of reasons to be thankful for this time of years, that’s not to say that life is perfect. This holiday season, we thought we’d incorporate a major lesson taught out at Lions Camp each summer and practice environmental awareness with a few fun ways to save on gift wrap:

newspaper-wrapping
Newspaper – Finished catching up on today’s current events? Start saving your newspapers and take your recycling to a whole new level. The best part about this material is that no special skills are required to wrap your gifts. You’ll follow the same techniques that you use with regular wrapping paper but will likely spend a little less time with your scissors.

 

potato-chip-wrapping
Potato Chip Bags – Leave it to Martha Stewart to find a way to reuse potato chip bags! Simple wash and air dry the empty bag and cut along the seam to reveal beautiful, metallic colors. Wrap your presents and dress them up with ribbons and homemade cards.

 

 

map-wrapping
Maps – Thanks to the technology found in our smartphones and GPSs, those once ever-so-important paper maps, are no longer necessary to get from Point A to Point B. Give your old map a new life as gift wrap and add a worldly touch to the holidays.

 

leftover-fabric-wrapping
Leftover Fabric – Attention crafters! You finally have a use for those saved scraps of fabric by replacing it with gift wrap. Depending on the size and shape of the gift, you may be able to use some creative folding techniques to complete the wrapping job, or you may need to find a pretty bow to add the finishing touch.

 

 

Used Gift Bags – If you’re ahead of the game and already have your presents wrapped, it’s never too early to start thinking about the year ahead. Begin collecting bows, ribbons, gift bags and wrapping paper to reuse for the next year’s holiday season.

 

These are only a handful of ways that you can do your part to reduce household waste. How do you plan to wrap all of gifts this holiday season? There’s never been a better time to get creative and save; you’ll never know what you might come up with.

Happy Wrapping from Lions Pride!

Black Friday Shopping Facts and Stats

24 Thursday Nov 2016

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Happy Thanksgiving! black-friday-saleToday is the day where we will eat too much turkey, enjoy all of the
traditional side dishes, indulge in homemade pie and tell our loved ones what we are most thankful for. Then tomorrow, the holiday shopping season will officially begin.

Although it seems like Black Friday has been around for ages, it is surprisingly a relatively new phenomenon that may or may not have changed our Thanksgiving traditions for the better. To kick off the (supposedly) biggest shopping day of the year, we’ve put together a list of eye-opening Black Friday statistics and facts.

  • The term, ‘Black Friday,’ was first introduced to describe the notorious crash of the US gold market on September 24, 1869.
  • In 2015, the average dollar amount spent by one person was $403.55. (Wow!)
  • A recent survey asked Black Friday shoppers how long they would be willing to wait in line for a good sale; the response was 2 ½ hours.
  • Many Black Friday “deals” aren’t actually bargains. Several Black Friday hot ticket items are originally priced with the future discount built in.
  • Black Friday is becoming extinct because many retailers are now open on Thursday. Wal-Mart broke the tradition in 2011 when they opened their doors Thanksgiving night, leaving other retailers racing to catch up.
  • Although many credit Black Friday as the largest shopping day of the year, it still comes in second place, following the Saturday before Christmas, so you may be mistaken if you feel that you are missing out if you opt not to shop.

It may be just us, but seeing all of these facts one after another, encourages to us stay home just a little longer rather than bundling up and going shopping. How about you? Do you plan on shopping on Black Friday, or will you stay in and enjoy the comforts of home?

However, you plan to spend your Thanksgiving weekend; Lions Pride wishes a safe and enjoyable holiday. We hope you have the chance to spend a bit of time to think about all the blessings of life. As always, we’re thankful for you!

 

 

Sources:

 

http://www.history.com/news/whats-the-real-history-of-black-friday

http://www.statisticbrain.com/black-friday-yearly-spending/

http://www.usnews.com/news/slideshows/10-black-friday-facts

 

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!