Tag Archives: january

Chinese New Year: The Year of the Rat

23 Thursday Jan 2020

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Happy New Year! No, we’re not losing our minds. We know that the calendar says January 23, but Saturday is the start of Chinese New Year.

You may be interested in learning that Chinese New Year is celebrated by more than 20% of the world’s population. Also known as the Spring Festival, the celebration was originally created as a ceremonial day to pray to the gods for a successful harvest season. Today, people treat the holiday as one to welcome spring and new beginnings.

The Spring Festival is the longest Chinese holiday, taking place from January 25 to February 8. The dates vary each year as the holiday timeframe is based on the lunar calendar. On the day before the new year, families thoroughly sweep their homes to remove all of the bad luck and make space for the good. They then gather with loved ones for a reunion dinner. That evening, fireworks are set off to keep monsters and bad luck away. Learn more about the traditions.

Each year is represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals. 2020 is the Year of the Rat. Respective years include 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 and 2020. Those of you who were born in these years are known for your “acute observation, positive attitude and flexible mind.” Learn more about the Rat’s personality and characteristics.

Generally, your zodiac year is seen as an unlucky one, but 2020 will unfold reasonably well for the Rat. Here is a list of lucky elements that may help keep your spirits high:

Lucky colors: blue, gold, green

Lucky numbers: 2, 3

Lucky flowers: lily, African violet

Believe it or not, this will not be the last New Year we will celebrate in 2020. As many of you already know, in just five short months, we will be preparing for the Lionistic New Year. Lions Pride would like to thank you for your dedication and service to the Lions organization and ask you to consider a donation/Gift in the New Year.

Will you plan to celebrate the Year of the Rat? We’d love to hear in the comments below.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Celebrating Friendship with A.A. Milne

16 Thursday Jan 2020

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 “We didn’t realize that we were making memories. We just knew we were having fun.” -Winnie the Pooh

We know that some time may have passed since you’ve thought about Christopher Robin. However, if you are a parent or grandparent, there’s no doubt that you are familiar with the name.

Saturday, January 18, is fondly known as Winnie the Pooh Day, the anniversary of A.A. Milne’s birthday. The author was best known for creating a collection of stories surrounding his son, Christopher Robin, and his honey-loving teddy bear.

Within these stories, Milne sent Christopher on wonderful adventures with Pooh, Piglet and the other characters from the Hundred Acre Wood. Each story always brought a lot of fun, as well as an important life lesson. It should come as no wonder that over 50 million copies have been sold worldwide, over the last 90+ years.

All of this discussion about growth and adventure makes us think of another place where friendships are made, a little closer to home.

The Wisconsin Lions Camp provides an experience for children and adults with special needs to come together for a week of joy. The goals are to assist in the development of self-confidence, interdependence, social skills, outdoor recreational skills and environmental awareness, but most importantly, to have a fun, safe, memorable adventure – all at no cost to their families.

Do you know a child or adult that would benefit from this experience? Please encourage them to apply! As of today, online and paper applications are now available. See the complete 2020 schedule below: 

Block One

 

June 7 – June 12                     Adults who are Blind or Visually Impaired

June 14 – June 19                   Children with Type 1 & 11 Diabetes

June 21 – June 26                   Children with Type 1 & 11 Diabetes

June 28 – July 3                       Children with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism

July 5 – July 10                         Children with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism

July 12 – July 15                      Children with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism

 

Block Two

July 19 – July 24                      Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

July 25 – July 31                      Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

August 2 – August 7                Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired and Epilepsy

August 9 – August 13              Adults 18-25 with Intellectual Disabilities or Educational Autism (by invitation only)

August 17 – August 21            Adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

 

There’s nothing more valuable in life than being in the company of friends. Consider celebrating the unofficial occasion finding a copy of one of A.A. Milne’s classics.

Happy Winnie the Pooh Day!

Ways to Support Wisconsin Farmers

09 Thursday Jan 2020

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There’s no better way to start the weekend with a hearty breakfast. Whether you like to whip up a batch of flapjacks, throw in a quiche or prefer to stick with a bowl of cereal, you’ll notice that all of these meals have one ingredient in common – milk.

This Saturday is National Milk Day. Why was January 11 selected as the day to recognize one of America’s most nutritious beverages? Some believe this date was when the first milk deliveries in glass bottles first began in the United States.

In honor of the calcium-rich holiday, we thought now would be the perfect time to highlight the current struggles of Wisconsin dairy farmers. If you are an avid consumer of current events, you know that small family farms have faced several economic obstacles in the past few years. We’ll explain the challenges as well as ways for you to support these local farms.

In 2019, several stumbling blocks were thrown to our state’s farmers. Family farms struggled with extreme weather conditions, international tariffs, low prices, among other hardships. Some dealt with small profits, while others had to make life-changing decisions. According to the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Wisconsin lost nearly 775 dairy farms in 2019, following significant losses in 2017 and 2018.

Fortunately, outlooks look promising in the new year, but if we want to maintain our status as “America’s Dairyland,” we should do all that we can to support our neighborhood farmers. Below you’ll find a list of ideas for inspiration:

  1. Take a dairy farm tour

    You may be surprised to learn that many farmers are happy give tours of their facilities, allowing many of us to see a world we might not usually see. And, providing tours may also the farmer a secondary source of income. The easiest way to learn if tours are available is to ask.

  2. Talk with area restaurants about using local dairy products

    Restaurant owners are always looking for new ways to provide delicious food to the customers they serve. If you love a dairy farm in your area, be sure to talk with the owner about stocking their products. After all, good food starts with quality ingredients.

  3. Encourage others to buy their foods locally

    There are dozens of benefits to shopping and buying local, including consuming healthier food, reducing your carbon footprint and keeping more money within your local economy. Learn about all of the advantages of buying local food products, and persuade others to do the same.

As you pour your milk while making breakfast on Saturday, don’t forget about the Wisconsin dairy farms that help you provide for your family. Let’s all work together to support some of our state’s hardest working individuals.

From the Lions Pride Board and Staff, we’d like to extend a special message of gratitude to our Wisconsin dairy farmers. We have the utmost appreciation for your hard work and dedication to our state’s agriculture. Thank you, farmers!

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Celebrate National Spouses Day

24 Thursday Jan 2019

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If we were to you to name your favorite person, who would you say? You would likely

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respond with the name of our spouse. But when was the last time you expressed your gratitude for their presence?

Life is busy. We all need to find a way to balance jobs, (grand)children and other responsibilities, it can be easy to take life partners for granted. Fortunately, there is an unofficial holiday to help you celebrate your spouse this weekend.

National Spouses Day occurs annually on January 26, and that gives us all an extraordinary opportunity to express our love for our spouses. We’ve together a list of ideas to honor your partner in crime:

  1. Spend time togetherThe days may sometimes feel long, but there’s no denying that weeks and months can go by quickly. If it’s been a while since you’ve spent some quality time together, there’s no better time than the present. Plan an activity this weekend that is centered around your spouse. Make a reservation at their favorite restaurant, go see the newest movie or take a road trip. Remember, time spent together is time well spent.
  2. Take on a few of their usual tasksThere are always jobs on the To Do List that no one ever enjoys completing. (We’re looking at you, dirty laundry!) Surprise your spouse by taking on a couple of their least favorite chores like shoveling the walkway, putting away the dishes or taking out the garbage. They may only take a few moments for your complete but offer extra time for your spouse to relax.
  3. Honor them with a giftDoes your sweetie have an organization that he or she cares deeply for? If so, consider giving a gift in their honor! Donations are the lifeblood of any nonprofit organization, so a gift of any size will help them keep moving forward in their mission. Click here for a Lions Pride memorial/honorarium form.

No matter how you choose to celebrate the unofficial holiday, just be sure to tell your better half how much they really mean to you.

Happy National Spouses Day from all of us at Lions Pride.

The Super Blue Blood Moon Phenomenon

25 Thursday Jan 2018

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The phrase, “once in a blue moon” will be taken to a whole new level next week. If you Full Moonrecall, we were just graced with the appearance of a full moon to help welcome a new year on January 1; however, next week, we will be revisited – this time with a couple of exciting additions.

On Wednesday, January 31, we’ll get to experience a Super Blue Blood Moon. The upcoming supermoon is of special interest to moon-gazers because it will mark the occasion of four separate lunar events all in one night – for the first time in 150 years. To prepare you for this spectacular night, let’s break down exactly what you can expect to see.

Blue Moon

Contrary to the expression, the moon will not actually turn blue on Wednesday. Astronomers use the term when two full moons appear in the same month. Although blue moons are rare, they aren’t as uncommon as you might imagine. According to NASA, Blue Moons take place every two and a half years (but we will see it again in March!)

Blood Moon

We may not see blue hues, but we will not be without out-of-this-world color. Many parts of the world will see the moon change into a reddish shade just before the lunar eclipse. The red light bends as it passes through the Earth’s atmosphere and reflects on the moon’s surface causing the anticipated blood orange color.

Super Moon

A supermoon is a popular, non-scientific term describing the conditions in which the moon comes to the closest distance to the Earth. Because ‘supermoon’ is not an official astronomical term, there is no definition about how close the full moon has to be in order to be labeled as super, but astronomers estimate this particular moon will be 7 percent larger than usual.

Lunar Eclipse

During a total lunar eclipse, the moon aligns itself with Earth in a straight line, disappearing from sights because it no longer reflects light from the sun, which leaves us with a beautiful, shadow-free view.

Here at Lions Pride, we love all of the extraordinary astronomical events taking place in recent months! Remember, the solar eclipse that happened back in August? Well, between us, we may be a little more partial to the lunar eclipse as there is no serious risk of blindness from this observation.

Eclipse Times

Where do you plan to seek out the supermoon? According to Bob Bonadurer, director of the Milwaukee Public Museum’s Daniel M. Soref National Geographic Dome Theater & Planetarium, “… With lunar eclipses, it doesn’t matter where you are because the moon is so bright and visible,” so it sounds like location will not be an issue for this particular event.

Enjoy the Super Blue Blood Moon!

Fun Facts about Wisconsin Cheese

18 Thursday Jan 2018

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When you first think about January, what are the first words that come to mind? 02J16331If you’re like many of us, most of those topics are related to the New Year – terms like resolutions, exercise and healthy diet. You may be surprised to know, however, that there are several other holidays taking place.

In addition to our official holidays like New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, there are dozens of unofficial holidays on the calendar – Houseplant Appreciation Day, National Nothing Day and the upcoming National Cheese Lover’s Day. Cheese Lover’s Day takes place on Saturday, January 20, and we can’t think of a better holiday for our very own dairy state to celebrate.

Of course, you already know that Wisconsin produces a lot of cheese (it just comes with the territory, right?), but do you have any idea about just much “a lot” exactly is? We thought it’d be fun to celebrate the unofficial holiday with compelling facts about Wisconsin cheese.

  • Pioneering farm wives began making “kitchen” cheese from that of their herds in the 1830s, but the first official Wisconsin cheese wasn’t made until 1841 by Anne Pickett of Lake Mills when she added milk from her neighbor’s cow to that of her own small herd.
  • If Wisconsin were a country, it would come in 4th place in world cheese production, following the rest of the United States, France and Germany.
  • Wisconsin leads the rest of the country in the development of the following types of cheese: Limburger, Feta, Romano, Provolone, Parmesan, Muenster and Cheddar.
  • Wisconsin makes over 600 varieties, types and styles of cheeses (including more than 65 originals.)

Who knew cheese came in so many varieties and had such a rich history? It should come as no surprise for us to learn that there is a day dedicated to sharing their passion with others.

Don’t think one day is enough? You’re not alone! Cheese lovers will be happy to learn that there are 18 other cheese-related holidays that happen throughout the year, (but we’re not sure that they all count.)

Will you make plans to celebrate the day of cheese? Let us know in the comments below. Happy National Cheese Day from Lions Pride!

 

Healthy Weight Week

19 Thursday Jan 2017

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salad-with-croutonsWe have officially entered the third week of the New Year! As any long-time Wisconsinite can attest, January can be tough. We may have started out the year with optimism, but with all of the recent ice storms, it can be difficult to keep that positivity rolling. It just so happens that this is about the time, people start to abandon their resolutions.

Enter Healthy Weight Week – an opportunity for all of us to find hope once more.

Rather than starting another unhealthy diet or outrageous exercise routine, Healthy Weight Week allows individuals to rethink their New Year’s Resolutions, and start adopting a healthy lifestyle.

The primary goal behind Healthy Weight Week is to uncover a new meaning behind the term, “healthy weight.” It’s important that we all understand that a healthy weight differs from person to person, and is dependent on several different factors including height, bone density, body type and body composition. Now is the perfect time for all of us to determine an individual weight goal. Here’s how you can celebrate throughout the week from UC Irvine:

  • Be active in your own way

Find an activity that you enjoy partaking in so you can include it in your daily routine. It should come as no surprise, but when you like what you are doing, you are more likely to form a habit. Learn to focus on the pleasure of the activity and all of the health benefits involved.

  • Add all five food group in your daily diet

When meal planning, choose balance, variety and moderation. Include all five food groups every day: bread and grains, fruits, vegetables and meat. Although, it may be tough, just remember that all foods can fit into your lifestyle! (Remember, the sole purpose of this week is to adopt a healthy way of life, if including all five food groups sounds overwhelming, start with two to three, and make your way up.)

  • Relax and learn how to remove stress from your life

We don’t need to tell you that high levels of stress can have dangerous repercussions on your life so now is always a great time to take control. Make time for daily 15-minute relaxation sessions or simply empty your mind and let your body go limp for 30-second relaxation breaks throughout the day. By adopting a philosophy of flexibility, relaxing and going with the flow, you’ll be able to tackle the burdens of everyday stress.

  • Rediscover normal eating

Due to the normal hustle and bustle of everyday life, many of us are left overindulging and eating at irregular times. Break that habit by eating the three recommended meals of the day, snacking when hungry and then subsequently stopping when full.

Although none of these mentioned habits might not seem like large commitments, they are just enough to help us start living a healthier lifestyle. Remember, that small changes create big results.

Happy Healthy Weight Week from Lions Pride!

Give the Gift of Blood This January

05 Thursday Jan 2017

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When you think about the month of January, american-red-cross-lions-clubyou likely think about one or more of the following topics: staying warm on cold winter days, making (and possibly breaking!) New Year’s Resolutions or celebrating the life of civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr., on the anniversary of his birth. While these are all common themes, you may have missed another important occasion – National Blood Donor Month.

Since 1970, the first month of the year has been designated as National Volunteer Blood Donor Month, and for a good reason. As you know, January is a bit of an unusual month, it is a time for getting back into normal routines after holiday celebrations and hibernating in our warm, cozy homes, which is why blood donors are typically in short supply. The American Red Cross has taken advantage of this opportunity by encouraging adults of all ages to consider becoming blood donors.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States is in need of blood. Just imagine in the time you have taken to read this post, 15 people will have needed the gift of blood. Unfortunately, although an estimated 38 percent of the country’s population is eligible to give blood at any given time, less than 10 percent actually donate. Who’s ready to change that number?

If you’ve never donated blood before you might think the process for getting started may be difficult, but becoming a donor is quite simple. Just follow this easy 5-step process:

  1. Find a blood drive.
    Blood drives are happening all over the state, but you can find one nearest to you by visiting the American Red Cross Blood Drive Locator.
  2. Register
    On the day of your blood donation, you will register with staff and volunteers to review your eligibility and donation information. Be sure to bring a government-issued ID. Other photo IDs are also accepted.
  3. Review medical history
    After checking in, you will receive a mini physical from a registered technician who will take your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin level. He or she will also ask you about travel and medical history in a private setting.
  4. Donate
    Next, it’s time for the blood donation. Estimated time is between 8 and 10 minutes.
  5. Enjoy refreshments
    After donating, you will have the chance to raise your blood sugar back up to normal settings with a snack or beverage. (Who isn’t always looking for a valid excuse to enjoy a cookie?)

And that’s all there is to it! Most donors will be in and out in under an hour, and their donation can help up to 3 people. How often can you make a difference like that?

This January, think about taking some time out of your busy schedule to become a blood donor. Although it may be a simple task, it’s one that definitely should never be discounted. Thank you so much for your consideration, and for the gift of blood.

Happy National Blood Donor Month from Lions Pride!

 

 

Wisconsin Winter Driving Tips

28 Thursday Jan 2016

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Wisconsin Winter RoadBrrr… it has certainly been a wintery week here in Central Wisconsin (although our weather hardly compares to that of the East Coast). As we all know heavy snowfall isn’t exactly surprising in January, but we thought it would be a nice opportunity for a winter driving refresher course. Follow the tips below from AAA to drive safely all winter long:

  • Keep your gas tank, at least half full, to keep your gas line from freezing.
  • Make sure your tires are properly inflated to produce the best traction, miles per gallon, durability and safety.
  • Avoid using cruise control when driving on icy or snowy roads.
  • Drive slowly and carefully. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads including accelerating, braking and turning. Leave a little earlier than you normally would to avoid feeling rushed.
  • Watch weather reports before leaving on a long-distance trip. Push back any trips if bad weather is expected, but if you must leave, be sure to tell others the route you are taking, your destination and expected arrival time.
  • Pack a “survival kit” with essential items such as a blanket, a shovel, snack food, first aid kit and more. Hopefully, you will never need to use it, but if you do, you will be happy to have one available.

It may be the end of January, but we haven’t seen the end of winter just yet! Lions Pride wishes you a safe remainder of the Wisconsin winter driving season.

National Blood Donor Month

21 Thursday Jan 2016

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Warrens Lions Club Blood DriveA lot of usual topics may pop into your head when you think about January – the cold weather, New Year’s Resolutions and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; however, one topic that may not initially come to mind, but should, is donating blood.

In the next three minutes that you spend reading this blog post, 90 people in the United States will be in need of blood. During the winter months, blood is typically in short supply due to several different factors including the holidays, extra traveling, sickness and less than pleasant weather. To help encourage donors to give blood, January was designated National Blood Donor Month in 1970.

The need is great and clear. Approximately 41,000 blood donations are required each day. Common to misconception is the fact that often times major disasters do not need large quantities of blood; however, hospitals rely on the blood that is already found on their shelves to save lives on a daily basis. Donated blood is most commonly used for cancer treatments and those undergoing orthopedic and cardiovascular surgeries as well as organ and marrow transplants.

An estimated 38 percent of the population is eligible to give blood, but only 3 percent actually donate. We think it’s time for a change!

Becoming a donor is easy. You must be feeling good the day of your donation, be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donations can be made at your local blood bank or at area drive; many drives are actually hosted by our fellow Lions. The Warrens Lions Club will be hosting their drive on Thursday, February 25, 2016. If you have been looking for a new project for your club, a blood drive may be the answer. Find out how you can host a successful event.

The official National Blood Donor Month may be over in just a short week and a half, but the need for blood will still exist. It’s always a great time to give the gift of blood. From all of us here at Lions Pride, thank you for donating blood.