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Diabetes Awareness Month

08 Thursday Nov 2018

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We have arrived at the eleventh month of the year. If we were to ask you, “What is the Strides Lions for Diabetes Awarenessfirst topic that comes to mind when you think about November?”; what would you say? More than likely, your response would include something related to Thanksgiving, football or fall, but there is one other topic that should come to mind – diabetes. November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and we think it’s time to spread the word about the growing epidemic.

Diabetes is a long-lasting disease that impacts how your body turns food into energy. According to the CDC, approximately 30.3 million American adults have diabetes, and 1 in 4 don’t even know that they have the disease. People with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes are at higher risk for other serious health complications including blindness, kidney problems, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, nerve damage and more. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for diabetes at this time, but it is treatable with healthy lifestyle changes.

Lions Club International adopted diabetes awareness at a long-term commitment back in 1984. The primary object was to reduce the number of new cases of blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy. Wisconsin Lions are always on a mission to actively support LCI’s efforts, but November is an excellent opportunity to reach an even larger audience. If you and your club are looking to make a difference in the world of diabetes awareness, here are a few project ideas, courtesy of Lions Club International:

  • Conduct a local diabetes screening – Partner with healthcare professionals to carry out the event. Organizations such as government health departments, universities, hospitals and private physicians will often agree to perform free of low-cost public screenings. Learn more about getting started.
  • Organize a Strides event in your community – A Strides event is a highly visible, family-oriented activity that combines fun with exercise. Events can include walking, dancing, cycling or running. Find out more about organizing one today.
  • Start planning a school or community garden – Spring may not be top of mind this time of year, but it’s never too early to start thinking about next season gardening. Having fruits and vegetables readily available is always a great way to encourage others to make healthy meal choices.
  • Provide your local library with an annual diabetes magazine subscription – You can find industry publications with subscriptions as low as $10 a year. Talk about an affordable way to reach all curious library visitors!
  • Create a support group for those affected with diabetes – A support group will give you a chance to educate and inform others while creating a safe space for families suffering.

World Diabetes Day is Friday, November 15. There’s never been a better time to start planning a project to increase diabetes awareness. Already working on a large service project, or don’t think there’s enough time to get one started this month? You and your club can still help spread the word. When you support Lions Pride, you can designate your gift specifically for the WLF’s Diabetes Project – ensuring funding in perpetuity. Diabetes is no match to the power of Lions. Together, we can all work to inform and educate others to help prevent and control diabetes.

 

Get Ready to Vote on November 6

01 Thursday Nov 2018

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If you have a TV, are active on social media or are particularly observant on your daily Voting Buttonscommute, you know that an election is upon us. You’re right! The congregational midterm election is taking place on Tuesday, November 6. Will you vote?

This election will determine who represents the state in Congress, the branch of government that creates laws. The following positions will be seen on the ballot:

  • All 435 seats in the US House of Representatives
  • One-third of all US senators
  • Thirty-six governors and three US territory governors

In the state of Wisconsin, we are also voting for:

  • Attorney General
  • Secretary of State
  • County Sheriff
  • Clerk of Circuit Court
  • Other local representatives, in addition to local referenda

Click to preview your ballot here.

Voting fluctuates dramatically when comparing presidential and midterm elections. According to Fairvote.org, about 60 percent of eligible voters cast their ballot during presidential elections, but only 40 percent participate in midterm elections.

It’s important for us all to remember that a robust voter turnout is imperative to a healthy democracy. If you are on the fence about participating in the midterm elections, we encourage you to spend the next few days researching candidates and make a plan to vote. Here are a few other items that you will be helpful to know before election day:

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “this is the important election in history” before each election, but it’s always true. This Tuesday, be sure to fulfill your civic duty. Get out and vote!

Happy Voting from Lions Pride.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in New Dublin

15 Thursday Mar 2018

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We all know that everyone has the opportunity to become unofficially Irish on StNew Dublin 2018. Patrick’s Day, but the residents of New London (or shall we say New Dublin?) may take the option more seriously than others. Each year, the Shamrock Club of New Dublin works tirelessly to plan St. Patrick’s Day festivities that help bring individuals of Irish descent or relationship, or those that wish they were, for the purpose of celebrating being Irish.

The Irish Pride in New London is mighty. Their events began on Monday when leprechauns changed the name of the town to New Dublin. The mischievous leprechauns then continued to celebrate their day by entertaining children, visiting the elderly and make guest appearances at local businesses.

Throughout the week, locals celebrate with corned beef and cabbage and Irish caroling. Tonight, the fun continues with more authentic Irish entertainment. Tomorrow night, the town will hold an Irish Céili, a social gathering filled with friends, family, music and dance.

When the holiday finally arrives, New Dubliners go all out. From 11 am to 6 pm, three bands will play under a huge heated tent for New Dublin Irish Fest. The event is complete with Irish food, beverages and market booths. Then, at 1 pm, attendees will witness the state’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Grand Parade features an extensive lineup of bagpipe and marching bands, and up to 125 specialty units and business floats. Prizes are awarded for the best entries so you can expect participants get creative with their presentations. We’re excited to see what our friends, the New London Lions Club, come up with for their 2018 float! Learn more here.

Attending the New Dublin Irish Fest is one way to celebrate the occasion. How do you celebrate Irish heritage on March 17? Let us know in the comments below.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Lions Pride!

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.

Centennial Eyeglass Challenge Travels to Green Bay

20 Thursday Apr 2017

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Centennial Eyelgass Challenge

Who’s ready for some… eyeglass recycling? If you’ve been following the Wisconsin Lions Centennial Challenge, then you already know that Lions are on a mission to collect used eyeglasses and deliver them for processing at the Eyeglass Recycling Center, here in Rosholt. But what you might not know is that the goal has increased.

Previously, Wisconsin Lions were aiming to collect 100,000 pairs of glasses (in honor of the Lions 100th year) from October 1 to May 6, but the goal has recently been updated to 250,000 pairs. If you have an extra pair of used eyeglasses sitting around the house, you can help us hit the target!

Eyeglasses can be donated in a couple of different ways:

  1. By donating to a local club. Many clubs are participating in area eyeglass recycling and will then deliver or shipped directly to the recycling center.
  2. By catching the WLF trailer during the Centennial Bus Tour. There are only 17 more stops left on the tour. You will likely see the trailer in area grocery stores, retailers and one other in fairly well known location to football fans in Green Bay – Lambeau Field Parking Lot.

    If you’ve been looking for an excuse to take a road trip to see the Packers Hall of Fame, you’ve got one. The WLF trailer will be parked in the Lambeau Field parking lot on Thursday, April 27, from 9 am to 3 pm. Consider donating your used glasses and then exploring Green Bay at your leisure.

    Can’t make it next week? Check out the rest of the Eyeglass Tour locations here.

Time is running out. The Centennial Eyeglass Challenge ends on Saturday, May 6. Keep in mind that all glasses will be sorted, cleaned and categorized before being distributed to someone in need; whether your eyeglasses are dirty, broken or a season behind in the fashion world, or look as good as new, we want them all.

Your pair of eyeglasses may be the pair that allows a father to improve the life of his family or helps a child to see and learn. Consider donating yours today!

Worldwide Week of Service to Fight Hunger

12 Thursday Jan 2017

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Did you know that each night nearly 800 million people lions-100th-anniversarygo to bed hungry? This month, Lions are on a mission to decrease that statistic. This January, Lions and Lionesses all over the globe are working together to eliminate hunger in their communities, and you can help, too!

This particular week is officially the Worldwide Week of Service Against Hunger. While it may be too late to complete a project, it’s never too late to start planning a new one.

In Wisconsin alone, approximately 1 in 8 people struggle with hunger. Fortunately, there are resources available to help including local food banks, reduced school lunch programs and various special events. If you and your club are looking for a new project to complete in the near future, consider taking part in the fight against hunger.

To get started:

  1. Decide upon and plan your projectHost a service project that impacts hunger in your community. Help stock food at your local pantry, bag school lunches or come up with an idea of your own. Invite other members of your community or another local service club to join in.
  2. Promote your projectPublicize your project with the help of social media, signs and banners, press releases and more. A successful project involves lots of promotion – don’t be afraid to get creative!
  3. Report your projectAfter your project is complete, be sure to submit your MyLCI Service Activity Report. All service projects are still being put towards the Centennial Service Challenge.

Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion! Let’s work together to end hunger in our communities. From all of us at Lions Pride, thank you for your ongoing service.

New Year, New Resolutions

29 Thursday Dec 2016

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Wow! Can you believe it? We’ve reached the final days of the year. 2016 is coming to an end, and by this time next week, we will only have written 3 out of 365 pages of our new chapter.

most-popular-resolutions

If you’re like many of us, you’ve likely already been thinking about all of the good memories that the last year holds and ideas for changes or improvements in the New Year. According to the University of Scranton, Journal of Clinical Psychology, approximately 45 percent of Americans usually make New Year’s Resolutions. And this year’s top resolution is to enjoy life to the fullest. (GO Banking Rates)

Although we love the idea of more Americans trying to make the most out of life, we think the resolution itself may be a little too generic to be attainable. If you recall, the best way to achieve any goal is to break it down into smaller manageable chunks, so we think it might be best to divvy up this particular resolution into smaller goals such as the following:

  • Exercising on a more regular basis

By adopting a healthy exercise routine, you have the opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest by extending it! We’re sure we don’t have to tell you all of the benefits, but the highlights include controlling your weight, preventing several health conditions and improving your mood.

  • Start a new hobby

“Having a hobby is not just a way to pass the time; it can also improve the quality of your life.” Although hobbies can sometimes be known as luxuries, they are actually a fantastic way to keep your mind active while giving you a break. (A break with purpose!) If you’re searching for a new hobby, browse through these 16 options that will improve your quality of life.

  • Give back to an organization that you care about

As you know, charitable giving can help reduce your tax burden, but there is also a slew of other benefits including more feelings of happiness, reducing stress and protecting local community programs. In our opinion, one of the greatest reasons for giving back is improved life satisfaction, which would also fit right into the New Year’s resolution to enjoy life to the fullest.

Although we’re sad to see 2016, we’re excited to see what the next year holds. What do you hope to accomplish in the New Year?

Whether you set a New Year’s resolution, or prefer to take unofficial steps to self-improvement, Lions Pride wishes you much success in 2017. Remember that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Happy New Year!

Make a Difference Day 2016

20 Thursday Oct 2016

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The weekend is coming! Typically, Saturdays are mlk-jrgreat days to sleep in, get caught up on laundry and relaxing; we hope you also consider adding community service to part of your weekend agenda.

This Saturday is Make a Difference Day 2016, a day for volunteers to come together to improve the lives of others. Although the national day of service is only two short days away, there is still time to make a difference in your community. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Pick up garbage at your local park, school or walking trail.
  • Write thank you notes to members of the military.
  • Work with neighbors to collect food for your local food pantry.
  • Donate used glasses to the Eyeglasses Recycling Center.
  • Help a friend by raking their yard or completing another difficult household task.
  • Visit residents at a local assisted living or nursing home. (Be sure to coordinate with the staff ahead of time.)
  • Start a neighborhood walking or exercise group
  • Plan a future service project that may require more time to create and implement.

Remember, you have the power to make a positive impact in your community – no matter how great or small. How do you plan to serve?

Happy Make a Difference Day from Lions Pride!

Help Wisconsin Lions Stuff the Bus!

11 Thursday Aug 2016

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2016 Stuff the Bus

We know that it’s probably been a while since you’ve seen a yellow bus filled with children on its way to or from school, this Saturday, August 13, you’ll see them again. This time; however, they won’t be full until they get packed with school supplies.

Stuff the Bus is back, and we need your help! Each year, it becomes more difficult for families to send their kids back to school. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just a big city problem. You may be surprised to learn that the 2015 estimated cost of school supplies was $630, which left many families feeling strained.

You can help reduce the pressure by donating new, unused or school supplies or books that will be distributed throughout your community. Lions Clubs from all over the state have partnered with local schools to sponsor area collections. You can find a collection site near you by visiting the Stuff the Bus Locator.

Has it been a while since you had to purchase school supplies? See the list below to find the essentials:

  • Anti-bacterial wipes
  • Baby wipes
  • Backpacks
  • Binders – 3-ring, 1 ½” to 2”
  • Binder Dividers – 5-tab set
  • Book bag
  • Colored pencils
  • Compass
  • Crayons – 8 count, 24 count
  • Facial tissue
  • Flash drive
  • Folders – 2 pockets
  • Glue sticks
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Highlighters – Yellow
  • Markers
    • Washable – 8 colors
    • Wide tip – 8 colors
    • Thin tip – 8-12 colors
  • Sharpie Ultrafine – Black
  • Paper
  • Spiral notebooks – single subject – wide lined & college rule
  • Loose-leaf notebook paper – wide-lined & college rule
  • Graphing paper
  • Printer paper – plain white
  • Index cards (100 pack)
  • Paper towels
  • Pencils – #2
  • Pencil case – zippered for 3-ring binder
  • Pencil sharpener
  • Pens – ballpoint
  • Pink erasers
  • Post-it notes
  • Ruler – 12″ with inches & centimeters
  • School box
  • School glue
  • Scissors – 4-5″ blunt & pointed tips
  • Stapler – small
  • Staples
  • White out (non-liquid)
  • Zip-lock bags – sandwich, quart and gallon

Whether you donate one pack of #2 pencils or a handful of notebooks, know that your donation will make a world of difference to a family in need. Your help today will continue to help a child tomorrow.

On behalf of Lion Pride and the Wisconsin Lions, we thank you for your support!

The Roast of IPID Karla Harris

14 Thursday Jul 2016

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The HarrisesWe have a busy weekend ahead! As you may already know, the last few weeks have been in a bit of a whirlwind at Lions Pride. Yesterday, we hosted the annual Friendship Ride at Lions Camp and today we are busy preparing for tomorrow’s LPEF Board Meeting.

Then it’s going to be another active weekend. On Saturday, we will be attending the first council meeting of the new Lionistic Year, but if you think it’s going to be all business, all weekend, then you are sadly mistaken! Later that evening, the Lions will play as we celebrate the accomplishments of Immediate Past International Director Karla Harris with a roast at the Sky Club Supper Club.

Director Harris is a retired executive director of a non-profit service organization and has an extensive history with the Lions organization. She has been a member of the South Milwaukee Lions Club since 2002 and has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, council chairperson and more. She was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Club International at the association’s 97th International Convention in Toronto.

As an international director, Karla’s primary responsibilities included representing the constitutional area on an international level and serving as an active liaison between the local Lions Clubs and Lions Club International. During her term as International Director, she was constantly on the move, not only visiting Wisconsin-based organizations but clubs all over the country. She saw dozens of the United States and countries around the world. Karla and her husband Lion Clarence traveled to Canada, India and Puerto Rico. You can look back on her adventures by following her Facebook page.

To commemorate her two-year term, Wisconsin Lions will gather for a buffet dinner and Karla will be the guest of honor on Saturday Night. We are excited to look back at her accomplishments and celebrating her hard work.

Lions Pride want to also thank Immediate Past Director Harris for the excellent way she represented the Wisconsin Lions and for her dedicated service!