Tag Archives: holiday

A Palm Sunday Primer

25 Thursday Mar 2021

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Regular churchgoers know certain services stand out during the liturgical year: Easter, Christmas and the upcoming celebration. Palm Sunday, or Passion Sunday, is this Sunday, March 28. The concept behind the church holiday remains the same year after year except, of course, in 2020 when many churches were closed due to the pandemic. To prepare you for this Sunday, here’s a primer on the celebration.

Palm Sunday is the sixth Sunday of Lent and the official start of Holy Week. During the service, palm branches are distributed to parishioners as they commemorate Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem, which took place before the crucifixion and resurrection.

In the story of John, people in the streets graciously met Jesus because they believed he would overthrow Rome. They greeted him by waving palms and laying them as a path. Palm Sunday is celebrated in several churches, including Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, Moravian, Reformed Christian and Roman Catholic.

It’s important to remember that the palm branches from Palm Sunday are sacramental, and therefore, cannot be thrown away after the service. Many churches will collect them to be burned on Shrove Tuesday of the following year and used as the following day’s Ash Wednesday services.

Others keep their palm as a reminder of Jesus’s triumphant ride into Jerusalem. They are commonly displayed near a crucifix or tucked into a bible. If you are looking for a more unique way to use your palm, you’ll want to see these beautiful craft ideas.

Do you like to keep your palm after Passion Sunday Service? If so, let us know how you use it in the comments below.

Happy Palm Sunday from Lions Pride!

The Story of the Poinsettia

10 Thursday Dec 2020

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There are a few symbols that are simply synonymous with the holiday season – beautifully decorated trees, stockings hung on mantels, Christmas cards, and poinsettias. But have you ever wondered how these seemingly innate objects have become iconic symbols? This Saturday, December 12, is National Poinsettia Day, so we thought we’d celebrate by learning more about the holiday’s most recognizable plant.

A Mexican legend says that the poinsettia and Christmas first came together through a young girl named Pepita. She was upset during a Christmas Eve Service because she didn’t have a present for Baby Jesus. Her cousin, Pedro, tried to cheer her up by telling her, “I’m sure that even the smallest gift, given by someone who loves him will make Jesus Happy.”

Pepita took Pedro’s words to heart and picked a handful of weeds by the roadside, then arranged them into a small bouquet. She brought the bouquet into the chapel and set them down in front of the nativity scene. The weeds then transformed into bright, beautiful red flowers. Everyone who saw the flowers were convinced that they witnessed a miracle, and the flowers became known as the ‘Flores de Noche Buena,’ or ‘Flowers of the Holy Night’.

The poinsettia is thought to have come to the United States by a man named Joel Roberts Poinsett in the early 1800s. He was a botanist and statesman discovered them while serving as the first US Minister to Mexico. He was fascinated with the plant that bloomed near Christmas and brought them back to his greenhouses in South Carolina. There, he began growing the plants and sending them to friends as well as botanical gardens.

The poinsettia; however, did not become a holiday staple until nearly 100 years later when the Ecke family began promoting them. Paul Ecke, Jr. sent free poinsettia plants to TV studios, which included “The Tonight Show” and Bob Hope’s holiday specials. The trend eventually caught on and today, the poinsettia has become the official Christmas flower.

Although poinsettias are most commonly seen around the holiday season, you may be surprised to learn that they can actually last all year round. Read through these tips for poinsettia care after Christmas.

There you have it – a brief history of the poinsettia. Are these unique, red plants part of your holiday traditions? Let us know in the comments below!

Happy Poinsettia Day from Lions Pride!

Embodying the Spirit of St. Nicholas

03 Thursday Dec 2020

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2020 has, of course, been a year unlike any other. Previously, it had become difficult keeping track of time. We often found ourselves asking, “Is it March or August?” But now that the month of December has arrived, there is no doubt that the holiday season is upon us.

Although there is no snow on the ground, cities, have begun hanging festive lights, decorated trees have started appearing in picture windows and digital sales have taken over our newsfeeds. It has become incredibly clear that Christmas is not far ahead, but before we get to December 25, we have a few other special events to celebrate – including St. Nicholas Day, happening on Tuesday, December 6.

St. Nicholas Day is a common holiday in Europe, but, sadly, not as well known here in America, so it should come as no surprise that many of us use the names, Santa Claus and St. Nicholas interchangeably. But the truth is that these two characters have a lot of key differences between them.

Aside from the fact that St. Nicholas was an actual person who lived in the 4th Century, he also gave simple gifts to those in need. After losing his parents at a young age, he used his extensive inheritance to help the less fortunate. His signature act was leaving gold coins in people’s shoes around the city. According to legend, he encouraged practicing compassion every day and actually became the model for Santa Claus himself.

On Monday night (or really anytime in December,) consider surprising your loved one by filling his or her stocking with small, unique gifts. Stocking stuffers can include ideas like artisan soaps, candy, jewelry, toys, memo notepads, keychains and more. For an extra special surprise, you can also provide a donation to their favorite charity made in their honor.

By choosing to make a gift to Lions Pride, you can help us work to continue improving the lives of people all around Wisconsin. Your gift will help to preserve, protect and provide for Lions Camp and all other WLF statewide projects – including eyeglass recycling, adult and children’s vision screening, diabetes education and more. If there is a project that is especially important to you or your loved one, simply designate the gift, and you can rest assured knowing that you’re helping the cause. Print the certificate and add it to a stocking for an inspiring gift that also gives back.

Together, we can all embody the spirit of St. Nicholas by remembering to include compassion and charity in our daily lives. Remember, it truly is the reason behind the season.

Happy Holidays from Lions Pride!

Support Lions Pride with Your Black Friday Shopping

26 Thursday Nov 2020

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We’ve said it time and time again – 2020 is a year unlike any other. Today is a day to give thanks, but many of us are not spending the day with extended members of the family due to COVID-19 as we would have in the not-so-recent past.

Consequently, the pandemic has also changed the way we shop on Black Friday. In the past, the biggest holiday shopping of the year, started getting earlier and earlier, but this year, most sales have moved online. Yet, one more good reason to stay in tonight.

While you are busy making your list and checking it twice, you can support Lions Pride with all of your online shopping without spending any more than you anticipated. How might you ask? By using online tools like Goodshop or AmazonSmile. Learn how you can get started right away:

Goodshop

Goodshop is an online shopping portal that allows you to donate to your charity of choice with every purchase you make. Whenever you make a purchase with Goodshop, a percentage of your sale is donated to your charity of choice.

Goodshop helps you find coupons and deals with businesses all over the internet. Not only are you raising money for your favorite charity, but you are also saving money! The funds to operate Goodshop come from advertisers, so there is no cost to use.


Getting started couldn’t be easier. Just visit http://www.goodsearch.com/choosecause and search for “Lions Pride.” Next, select “Lions Pride Endowment Fund.” After your initial sign-up, you can select your favorite sites and Goodshop will alert you each time there is a new coupon or sale. Who doesn’t love simple savings?

AmazonSmile

If you prefer to get all of your shopping taken care of in one place, you are no doubt familiar with Amazon; but did you know that you can donate a percentage of your purchase price to your favorite nonprofit organization by using AmazonSmile?

Each time you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates half a percentage of your purchase price to Lions Pride. Keep in mind that you will need to start at smile.amazon.com every time you shop to support your favorite charity. When you shop, Amazon gives. Bookmark it today!

Whether you decide to use Goodshop to find the best online deals or consider yourself to be a one-stop shopper with Amazon Smile, we hope you’ll consider choosing Lions Pride as your charity of choice. You can ensure the future of Wisconsin Lions Camp and all other WLF statewide projects. Every online purchase can help us make a difference in the lives of people all around the state of Wisconsin.

As always, we appreciate your continued support. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Shopping!

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!

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

27 Thursday Aug 2020

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Photo Credit to Dave Hoefler

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

-Author Unknown

If you’ve lost a beloved animal, you’ve likely seen heartfelt poem aptly named Rainbow Bridge. Tomorrow, Friday, August 28 is Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day. What better day to commemorate the animals we’ve loved and lost?

Anyone who has connected with a cherished animal knows that humans and animals can endure an unbreakable, indescribable bond. Our furry companions are always there when we need them most, hold no judgment, and have a natural ability to provide loving support.  If you’re looking a way to honor your special pet, might we suggest these ideas:

  1. Pass the time looking through photos

    Whether you have a printed photo album or just an extensive media library on your mobile device, look through your photos to remember the good times you two shared together. You may want to consider printing one your favorite pictures to always have the memory nearby.
  2. Help another animal

    If you’ve lost a pet sometime in the recent past, consider helping another animal. This may mean adding a new member to your family or volunteering at your local animal shelter. Remember that welcoming a new furry member into your life doesn’t mean that you are trying to replace an old friend – it just means that your heart has more love to give.
  3. Tell a story about one of your favorite memories

    One of the best parts of creating a blog is having the option to engage directly with our readers. And, we can all participate with this celebration idea. We’d love to hear a story about one of your dear pets. Tell us about the special connection you and your animal shared in the comments below.

Those of us who have had the privilege of loving a pet know firsthand how tough it is to lose them when the end inevitably comes. That’s the trouble with animals; the time together is just never long enough. But don’t forget that their memories will always live in our hearts.

Happy Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day from Lions Pride!

Celebrating Motorcyclists

09 Thursday Jul 2020

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On humid days like today, it’s difficult to enjoy the sunshine without a breeze. Unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate with our plans, so sometimes you need to make your own. If you have to ask yourself how then we would guess that you don’t often find yourself on the back of a bike!

July 10, 2020 is National Motorcycle Day, an unofficial holiday dedicated to celebrating the spirit of adventure and freedom. From what we could find, the creators of the event (Sentry Insurance) thought the second week of July was the perfect time to continue the celebration of Independence Day one week later.

If you consider yourself to be a fan of Lions Pride, you probably already know that motorcyclists have a special place in our hearts.

For the past ten years, we’ve helped host the Friendship 100, an invitation-only motorcycle ride. Riders raise a minimum of $100 to participate, then the group takes a beautiful 100-mile ride from Fond du Lac to Rosholt.

Upon arrival, the riders enjoy a seated lunch, followed by a tour to experience life as a camper at Wisconsin Lions Camp.

Last year’s event was held on July 25, 2019. We were incredibly grateful to have received combined donations of $8270, nearly 50% more than their original goal. To date, the participating rides have donated almost $45,000.

Year after year, we look forward to seeing the friendly faces of our Friendship 100 Riders, but like many other summer events, we’ve had to postpone due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of course, we are disappointed that our 11th annual ride will not continue as usual, but we hope to host it later this fall. Perhaps the ride will coincide with the extravagant autumn colors.

To all of our Friendship 100 Riders, we’d like to send you a virtual message since we cannot see you this month as we’d like. We cannot tell you how much your generous support means to our organization. We are so appreciative of your giving hearts and hope to see you soon!

Creative Ways to Celebrate Dad

18 Thursday Jun 2020

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undefinedWe’re hoping that we’re not the ones to tell you that Father’s Day is only 48 hours away. We know it’s hard to watch another special holiday come and go while we slowly make our way through the pandemic, but it is possible to celebrate dear ole dad while maintaining social distance.

We all know that gratitude comes in the form of gifts, but gifts don’t necessarily need to include the standard card and new tie. This Father’s Day think about giving a more creative present to the dads in your life. We have a few ideas to get you started:

  • Volunteer to take on a few of his usual tasks: It’s no secret that we all have responsibilities that we don’t much care for, especially when spring turns to summer. Whether it’s mowing the lawn, cleaning the gutters or edging the sidewalks, take one or all of those duties to give him a chance to put his feet up and relax.
  • Create a rain-slip for an event of his choice. If you’re like many of us, you probably remember making homemade “certificates” for items like a free hug or one hour of silence. You can replicate that same idea in the age of COVID-19 by thinking an activity that he loves but can’t necessarily celebrate given the nature of the situation. It may be a boat fishing trip, a trip to the movie theater or just an afternoon together. 
  • Giving a gift that keeps on giving: We bet that Dad has a special cause that he can’t help but support any chance he gets. Help that organization carry on in their mission by giving a donating in his honor. If your dad is a Lions Pride supporter, consider giving an honorarium donation to help us continue preserving, providing and protecting for the Wisconsin Lions Camp and all WLF statewide projects. Click her for a memorial/honorarium form.

We know that many of us feel that the pandemic may never end, but don’t forget that we’re all in this together and it shall pass. Hang in there! And, from all of us at Lions Pride, Happy Father’s Day!

Plant a Tree This Arbor Day

23 Thursday Apr 2020

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Lions Lake in Fall

Photo Credit to Wisconsin Lions Camp

Friday marks the observance of Arbor Day, a holiday dedicated to celebrating the beneficial role that trees play in our lives. Of course, this year’s celebration will be different we’ve seen in years past due to the novel coronavirus and extended “Safer to Home” Orders.

Two years ago, we developed tips on planning a tree planting project with a group, but we know that these points may not be especially pertinent to life in 2020 since none of us can predict when it will be considered safe to gather in groups. However, we think it’s important to bear in mind that planting a tree doesn’t necessarily require a group; instead, it may be a memorable outing for families wanting to make a positive impact on the environment.

Since the ground is no longer frozen (that is here in Central Wisconsin,) now is a fantastic time to plant a tree. By planting in the spring, you allow the tree an opportunity to grow all summer long then prepare for the cold winter months. Nonetheless, there are a few challenges that you will likely need to address. With the help of BHG, we’ve compiled a few tips to improve your chances of a successful tree planting:

  1. Safety first! Before even picking up the shovel, please be sure there will be no utility lines down below. Call the Diggers Hotline (811) before planning to dig. The dispatcher will ask you questions about your project and will need to reach out to local public utilities, which can take some time. The best time to call is two to three days before digging your hole.
  2. When you are ready to plant, dig a hole two to three times as wide as the root ball of your tree to allow for sufficient backfill soil.
  3. As you place the root ball within the hole, be sure to handle carefully to keep it all intact.
  4. Once the root ball is in your ideal location, surround it with lightly packed soil. Loose soil will help the roots grow easily.
  5. The biggest obstacle to planting in the spring is that the tree will need to make new roots and new leaves at the same time, which requires a lot of sugar and water. Be sure to give the tree a large drink of water just after planting and every day for weeks after. Adding mulch to the base of the tree will help keep the weeds out and reduce water loss.

If you are a Lion or Lioness, and plan to plant one or more trees in observance of Arbor Day, we invite you to share your numbers with Multiple District’s Environmental Chair, Lion Anita LeCleir at tia1937@yahoo.com.

At Lions Pride, our job is to preserve, protect and provide for Lions Camp and all other WLF projects, but we think those three essential words can also be applied to our responsibility as conscious citizens.

Instead of thinking of Arbor Day as just a one-day celebration, perhaps we can consider it as an opportunity to continually come up with new ways to improve the world around us. Remember that small steps, like planting a tree, can have a positive effect on our environment as well as generations to come.

Thank you for continuing to protect Planet Earth!

 

Staying In with Man’s Best Friend

19 Thursday Mar 2020

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person in brown cable knife sweater holding white and black puppy

Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

We are living in uncertain times. We don’t have to tell about the risk of the Coronavirus. It’s all anyone has been talking about since the White House released a National Emergency concerning the global spread of COVID-19.

In an attempt to flatten the curve and reduce the very real possibility of a severe strain on healthcare systems in the coming weeks, folks are encouraged to self-quarantine and distance themselves from others, limiting their company to ten people or less.

We think everyone must work to stay optimistic when life feels particularly dark, especially when you can’t necessarily count on the physical camaraderie of friends and family. Luckily, there is one companion you can still count on – your dog.

March 23 is National Puppy Day, a day for all of us to celebrate the joy dogs bring to our lives. We understand that the official unofficial holiday is still days away, but given the circumstances, we think the in-home festivities can start early. Here are a few fun ways to honor your best furry friend:

  1. Go for plenty of walks

    Although there is still a bit of snow on the ground, we have evidence that spring is coming. Take advantage of the slightly warmer days by getting out and enjoying the fresh air. Think about taking another path to explore an area of your neighborhood that might not already be familiar with.

  2. Make homemade treats

    Supermarkets and convenience stores carry dozens of dog treat options, but did you know that you can make your own goodies at home? It’s also more straightforward than you might imagine! Review these 25 simple dog treat recipes that contain five ingredients or less.

  3. Step up your grooming game

    There’s no denying that life gets busy and as a result, certain tasks never get completed. One of these jobs may be the act of brushing or grooming your dog, especially if he or she is not a fan of the process. If you have never been able to establish a good grooming routine, consider using this extra time at home to get started. It’s never too late to start a new habit. Remember to keep those homemade treats nearby for a tasty reward!

  4. Create fun toys

    Does this situation ring true in your home? You are excitedly present your dog with a brand-new toy that you just picked up from the store. Your dog chews on the toy for approximately 20 minutes before a) destroying it or b) never picking it up again. Rather than spending money on another toy, consider making one yourself from items you can find around the house. Check out these 33 DIY dog toys.

We understand that time at work can get lonesome, but don’t forget to rely on your #1 companion. We bet that these pups feel extra lucky to have their humans at home. How will you express your appreciation for your dog on National Puppy Day? Your ideas are welcome in the comments below.

On behalf of the Lions Pride Board and Staff, we’d like to send a friendly reminder to regularly check in with the CDC for resources and updates surrounding the Corona Virus outbreak. And don’t forget to stay positive. Stay safe out there!