Tag Archives: october

National Pumpkin Day and the Story of the Jack O’ Lantern

24 Thursday Oct 2019

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smiling jack o lantern

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If we were to ask you what object best symbolizes the month of October, how would you respond? If you’re like many of us, you would probably say the pumpkin. During this month, the famous orange gourd has shown up on doorsteps, featured in coffee drinks and has become the scent of choice for houses across the country.

To celebrate America’s favorite squash, National Pumpkin Day was born. The unofficial holiday is commemorated on Saturday, October 26. To honor the celebration, we thought we’d have some fun with the story of the Jack O’ Lantern.

Legend says, the Jack O’ Lantern came from an old man named “Stingy Jack” who liked to play tricks on people. One day, Stingy Jack invited the devil to have a drink with him. Old Jack decided that he didn’t want to pay for the drinks, so he convinced the devil to turn himself into a coin. Instead of paying for the drinks, Jack decided to keep the coin and placed it in his pocket next to a silver coin; therefore, trapping the devil. He eventually agreed to release the devil but made him promise not to bother him for another year. If he died, the devil could not claim his soul.

One year passed, and again Jack tricked the devil into climbing an apple tree. Once he was up the tree, he made the sign of the cross in the bark, again trapping the devil. He let him down but made him promise not to bother him for another decade.

Soon after, Stingy Jack died and made his way up to Heaven. Saint Peter told him that he was not allowed in, so he tried to get into hell. The devil also denied his entrance because of his promise not to claim his soul. He sent Jack off into the night with only a piece of coal lighting the way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been forced to roam the earth ever since.

In an attempt to ward off Stingy Jack and other wandering spirits, people In Ireland and Scotland began to make their own versions of Jack’s lanterns by carving scary faces into turnips and potatoes. As immigrants came to America, they brought their tradition with them but found pumpkins to be perfect for Jack O’ Lanterns.

If you still haven’t carved your annual pumpkin, there’s no better day to get creative than this Saturday. We invite you to show off your Lions Pride spirit with this fun pattern from Pumpkin Stencils:

Lion Pumpkin Pattern

Be sure to keep away Stingy Jack by carving your Halloween Jack O’ Lantern. Happy decorating!

Say “Happy Sweetest Day” Without Flowers

17 Thursday Oct 2019

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Saturday is National Sweetest Day! We can guess what you are probably thinking, “Isn’t that just an October version of Valentine’s Day?” Although this particular holiday may sound eerily familiar to its winter cousin, it has a sweeter origin story.

Legend says Herbert Birch Kingston, a candy store employee from Cleveland, was the original creator of Sweetest Day. In the year 1922, he decided to bring happiness to those who were feeling forgotten with thoughtful gifts. He and a team of people brought candy and small gifts to orphans, shut-ins and others to show they cared.

The concept caught on. By the 1930’s, celebrities became getting involved in the event. Sweetest Day grew to include loved ones, coworkers, acquaintances and friends. Today, it is most celebrated in the Great Lakes region.

It seems that sending flowers is the most popular way to celebrate the unofficial holiday, but there are other touching ways to say, “Happy Sweetest Day:”

  1. Give candy or sweets

Get back to the roots of the occasion by giving someone a box of their favorite candy. Of course, if you’re in a baking mood, you could always substitute with other homemade baked goods. You’re not limited in the sweets you send.

  1. Send a heartfelt note

Sweetest Day is, without a doubt, a big card-sending holiday. We know that everyone enjoys receiving cards, but often times, the best part about a card is the note. Consider making a homemade card with a genuine message about how much the person means to you. With the drastic increase in digital technology, we can safely assume that your recipient will appreciate the kind gesture.

  1. Do something nice

There’s no reason a gift for Sweetest Day requires a trip to the store. Rather than purchasing a physical gift, think about completing a kind gesture for your loved one. Perhaps, you’d like to check an item off their mile-long To Do List, pick up dinner or treat your special someone to a night out on the town. We are confident that no matter what you choose to do, your act of kindness will be well-received.

  1. Donate in his or her name

It’s no secret that donations are the lifeblood of any nonprofit organization as it helps them continue on their mission. When celebrating Sweetest Day, consider giving your recipient’s favorite organization in his or her name. When you make an honorarium/memorial donation to Lions Pride, we’d be happy to send an acknowledgment card to your loved one. All gifts go toward creating a lasting legacy for future generations at the Wisconsin Lions Camp and in other WLF projects.

Sweetest Day may have gotten its start with candy, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only way to celebrate. We believe the idea behind the unofficial holiday is to celebrate with small acts of kindness. How will you celebrate?

Happy Sweetest Day from Lions Pride!

National Taco Day

03 Thursday Oct 2019

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Hola amigos! Do you have all of your plans for the rest of the week? If not, we have a suggested entrée to add to your family’s menu – tacos.

October 4 is National Taco Day, and we’re celebrating in our favorite way, with a compiled list of fun facts that you may not already know about the popular Tex-Mex dish. Let’s get started!

  • The word “taco” is seen as the English equivalent to the word “sandwich.”
  • The origin of the word is relatively unknown, but according to Taco Expert Jeffrey M. Pilcher, the word comes from the small explosives used in Mexico silver mines in the 18th The sticks of dynamite were made from pieces of paper wrapped around gunpowder that were placed in the holes of rock.
  • The taco, of course, is made from a flour or corn tortilla, which is then wrapped and folded around a protein-based filling such as beef, pork or fish.
  • Tacos first came to the United States in 1905, thanks to the Chili Queens of San Antonio.
  • We don’t have to tell you that there are dozens of variations of tacos. The most popular version in Mexico is called the Taco al Pastor, which means shepherd’s style taco. This type of taco is made of spiced pork cut in slivers from a vertical spit over an open flame.
  • The biggest taco ever created was made in Queretaro, Mexico, on November 20, 2011. It was made with carnitas filling and was a massive 246 feet long.
  • Many believe that Taco Bell pushed the nationwide popularity of tacos. The chain was first founded in 1962 in California and has served over 2 billion customers in the US alone.
  • Food trucks are often seen as a new form of fast food, but the first truck was opened over 50 years ago. In 1966, two housewives opened a taco truck in New York; the truck did not have an entire kitchen but was available for catering.
  • In 2018, Americans ate over 4.5 billion tacos, which equates to 490,000 miles.

What is your favorite type of taco? Let us know in the comments below.

There’s no better time to enjoy everyone’s favorite Mexican dishes. Happy National Taco Day from Lions Pride!

person showing taco with parsley on top

Fun Facts About Cats

25 Thursday Oct 2018

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Did you know that estimates show approximately Red kittenfour million cats are entering animal shelters each year with one to two million being euthanized? The folks behind National Cat Day are on a mission to lower that number by helping more cats find forever homes on October 29.

In the shelters, cats are often overlooked when compared to dogs because they don’t carry titles like walking companion, travel buddy or guardian. But cats have several other redeeming qualities. They help lower blood pressure, decrease stress levels and provide unconditional love. Learn about all of the benefits of owning a cat.

In honor of the upcoming holiday, we thought we’d celebrate with some fun facts that you might not already know about our favorite feline friends:

  • Cats make about 100 different sounds while dogs only make about ten.
  • Cats sleep a lot! In an average day, a cat spends about two-thirds of it sleeping.
  • Similar to a human fingerprint, each cat’s nose print is unique.
  • A total of 32 muscles control a cat’s outer ear. (Humans only have six!)
  • A cat can jump up to five times its height in one leap.
  • Cats only meow at humans. They will typically hiss, purr and spit at other cats.
  • A cat uses its whiskers to judge the size of spaces.
  • Scientists don’t know exactly how cats purr.
  • A cat’s jaw cannot move sideways, so they are unable to chew large chunks of food.
  • House cats share approximately 96 percent of DNA with tigers.
  • Abraham Lincoln was an extreme cat lover. He shared the white house with his wife and four cats. When asked about his hobbies, Mary Todd replied, “cats.”
  • A group of cats is called a “clowder.”

We are all encouraged to spoil our fur babies in honor of National Cat Day. Think about purchasing a new toy, giving them an extra tasty treat and providing additional pets and cuddling. Of course, the best way to celebrate is to save a life. If you have the ability, adopt from your local animal shelter. Let’s work together to decrease the number of homeless animals currently housed in local shelters.

Happy National Cat Day from Lions Pride!

Ways to Celebrate Sweetest Day

18 Thursday Oct 2018

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ThereHappy Sweetest Day.png are plenty of holidays to observe in October. Bosses’ Day falls on October 16, Make a Difference Day is celebrated on October 27 and, of course, Halloween shows up each year on October 31, but there is one more holiday that we want to make sure you add to your calendar – Sweetest Day on Saturday, October 20.

We know what you’re thinking, “Great, another card-giving holiday,” however, there is truly charming reason behind this occasion.

According to Hallmark, Sweetest Day was developed by a candy store employee who lived in Cleveland, Ohio by the name of Herbert Birch Kingston. In 1922, he decided to bring happiness to those who were feeling forgotten. Together with a team, Kingston brought candy and small gifts to orphans, shut-ins and others to show their care.

By the early 1930s, celebrities started getting involved in the event. Ann Pennington handed out candy to over 2200 newspaper carriers, and Theda Bara passed out candy to theater attendees and hospital patients. The original holiday expanded to include loved ones, coworkers, acquaintances and friends. Today, Sweetest Day is still most prevalent in the Great Lakes region due to its origination.

So, how should you observe this weekend’s holiday? You could send a card or surprise someone with a box of their favorite candy, but here are a few more thoughtful approaches:

  1. Bake a batch of cookies

Who doesn’t love the taste of homemade cookies? There’s nothing like the taste of a chocolate chip cookie to brighten up even the darkest day, but it turns out that baking for others can also have a positive effect on the baker. Baking, especially when done for others, can have a whole slew of psychological benefits. If you’re in a baking mood, thinking about spreading the love by preparing a plate of cookies with someone who might need a pick-me-up. (Additionally, baking is always an incredible way to warm up the house!)

  1. Write a heartfelt letter

With the increase in technology, it seems that we have lost of the art of letter writing. Show a loved one that you’ve been thinking about them with a short, heartfelt letter. You can always send an email if you’re looking to save a stamp or send your message faster, but we can bet that a handwritten note will put a smile on your recipients’ face.

  1. Send flowers

Did you know that in addition to creating a beautiful focal point, flowers have several health benefits? Flowers can promote feelings of happiness and in people all ages. They are also believed to help balance emotions and prevent mood swings. If you know someone who is in need of an instant mood boost, flowers may be the perfect gift.

  1. Donate in his or her honor

Nonprofit organizations thrive with the gifts of their loyal supporters. Funds are the lifeblood of any nonprofit as it helps them spread their message and make a difference in their communities. When celebrating Sweetest Day, consider donating to your recipient’s favorite organization in their name. When you make an honorarium/memorial donation to Lions Pride, we’ll gladly mail an acknowledgment card to your loved one or their family to let them know about the lasting legacy that you are creating for future generations at the Wisconsin Lions Camp and in other WLF projects.

Sweetest Day may have originated with candy and sweets in mind, but we believe that the message has evolved as a day to do small things for others with great love. How do you plan to celebrate the occasion?

Happy Sweetest Day fromLions Pride!

 

 

 

 

 

Sweetest Day – Then and Now

19 Thursday Oct 2017

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Do you ever feel like some holidays were created merely to benefit the greeting card Sweetest Day Chocolateindustry? Yes, we’re talking to you, Valentine’s Day, Boss’s Day and Grandparents Day. Well, we’re here to tell you that the next holiday – Sweetest Day on Saturday, October 21, 2017 – may fall into the same category, but it truly has a delightful message.

The holiday began back in early 20th Century as Candy Day. According to Hallmark, legends say the day was established by Herbert Birch Kingston, a candy store employee who wanted to spread happiness to people who were feeling forgotten. He recruited a team, went out and began distributing candy to orphans, shut-ins and others to show them that some cared.

As time went on, celebrities started joining in on the act, and the holiday broadened to include loved ones, coworkers and friends. Today, observance of Sweetest Day is still the most popular in the Midwest due to its origination.

How should you observe the upcoming holiday? Well, you could surprise your sweetheart with a box of their favorite candy, but there other “healthier” ways to celebrate:

  1. Write a heartfelt letter (or email)

In the last decade or so, it seems that we have lost the art of letter writing. Show someone you care by crafting a heartfelt letter. Of course, you could always send an email if you’re looking for a quicker way to display your affection; but we can guarantee that a handwritten letter is bound to put a smile on your recipient’s face.

  1. Send flowers

Did you know that aside from being pretty, fresh cut flowers and plants have numerous health benefits? Flowers have the ability to give someone an instant mood boost and aid in both memory and concentration. If your loved one has been feeling stressed at work, you can provide them support with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

  1. Donate in their honor

As you likely already know, nonprofit organizations thrive with the support of their loyal donors. After all, funds are the lifeblood of any nonprofit as it helps them spread their message and make a difference in their communities. When celebrating Sweetest Day, consider donating to your recipient’s favorite organization in their name. When you make a honorarium/memorial donation to Lions Pride, we’re happy to mail an acknowledgement card to your loved one or their family. Together, you and your sweetheart can create a legacy that will last for future generations at the Wisconsin Lions Camp and in other WLF projects.

While the holiday may have begun with candy and sweets in mind, it has truly become a day to do small things with great love. Remember, it’s the thought that counts! How do you plan to celebrate?

Happy Sweetest Day from Lions Pride!

The 2017 C1 District Convention

05 Thursday Oct 2017

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Convention Season is upon us! If you’re a seasoned Lion or Lioness, you know thatLions Club International October kicks off a series of district conventions before the holiday break; next week, we’ll be headed to Dale’s Weston Lanes to meet with area Lions and spread the message of Pride at the 27-C1 District Convention.

The convention will begin Friday night at 7 pm with a live auction and seafood buffet. All clubs are asked to participate by donating an item or two. All proceeds will benefit WLF projects, including Lions Camp. The big question is, who will take home the famous putter this year?

Attending members will get their legs moving bright and early on Saturday morning with a Strides Run/Walk, taking place from 7 am to 11:30 am. The Strides events promote diabetes awareness and the importance of healthy exercise for people with and at risk of diabetes.

The remainder of the day will be dedicated to educational seminars for Lions to come together to learn, connect and share their passion for the LCI community. You’re not going to want to miss this event – especially if you are a new member. There’s no better way to learn about Lions than by attending one or more district conventions.

If you’re planning on attending the C1 Convention, be on the lookout for our Executive Director Geri Schlender and President Sam Kochel. We will have a table display set up in the Exhibition Hall if you’re interested in learning more about the impact of Lions Pride.

We’re looking forward to a weekend filled with camaraderie and education. Why are you excited to attend the C1 Convention? We’d love to hear in the comments below.

Happy Convention Season from Lions Pride!

Why Does Christopher Columbus Get All the Credit?

28 Thursday Sep 2017

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For the first time in September, it finally feels like autumn has arrived at the Lions Pride office. With the summer of 2017 officially behind us, it feels like there is a lot of time before the holiday season approaches, but there is always one holiday in October that always seems to sneak up on us – Columbus Day.

Think back to your grade school years. While the lessons in themselves may be a bit foggy, you likely remember this rhythmic line, “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” We were taught that Christopher Columbus was the first person to set sail and set foot on the “New Land,” but in the last few decades, historians have revealed what they believe is the actual history. There are a few theories depicting the birth of America, including one that a Viking actually arrived nearly 400 years before Columbus was even born.

Exploration was a family business for the Erikssons. Leif was the son of Erik the Red, founder of Greenland. It’s believed in the year 1000 AD, Erikkson sailed to Norway where he was converted to Christianity by King Olaf I. Then he set out on his next great adventure.

We have heard differing stories, some believe that Erikkson got lost traveling back to Greenland and sailed off course; others say that he heard rumor of a new land and went off to see it for himself. Regardless of the background, Leif discovered the North American continent. He spent winter exploring a region he called Vinland, what many now believe to be Newfoundland. After a few months, he traveled back to Greenland and never returned. Other competing theories say America’s first discoverers could have been Irish monks or Chinese explorers.

So, if Christopher Columbus wasn’t the first to discover America, why does he get a holiday and the credit? The answer is actually quite simple. Many believe he is known as the founder because he was the first to open up America to Europe – the world’s greatest expansionist at that time. We know now that there were already millions of people already here – the Native Americans, so it is likely that their ancestors were truly the New World’s first explorers.

Today, 17 states have chosen not to observe Columbus Day as a national holiday. Several cities and states are now choosing to celebrate instead with Indigenous People’s Day.

Hopefully, as time goes on, we will continue to learn more and more about the history of our country. We know that our past may not be perfect, but remember, it’s the struggles and challenges that show the greatest lessons and give us the opportunity to come together as one.

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!

International President Bob Corlew to Visit Wisconsin

29 Thursday Sep 2016

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Beep beep! The Centennial Bus Tour is centennial-bus-tourmaking its final stop in the second leg of its countrywide tour in Wisconsin this Saturday. Are you ready to serve alongside the president?

International President Bob Corlew started his bus tour at the beginning of the year to promote the Lions Centennial Celebration in an eye-catching, shrink-wrapped bus donning the new 100 logo. From February 18 to 27, 2016, he and his wife, Lion Dianne, and LCI staff drove through nine states in nine days. You can learn more about the first part of their adventure by visiting the Lions Club International Blog.

Now, they’re on the road once more, this time visiting the Northern States. So far, they’ve visited Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, with many more stops to make before getting to the Badger State.

District MD27 has a big day planned for them on Saturday. We will be counting eyeglasses, conducting eye screening and educating the public about diabetes from 12 pm to 2 pm at the Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha, and from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Country Inn and Suites in Brookfield. We will end the day with a reception celebration and new member induction from 6 pm to 8 pm. What better way for new Lions to know that we all really are connected to members all over the world?

Can’t make it out this Saturday? You can still help the cause! October 1 is the first day of our statewide Centennial Project to collect 100,000 pairs of eyeglasses to donate. As always, all eyeglasses will be processed at our Eyeglass Recycling Center. We’d love for you to start collecting all unused glasses. More details will follow as they become available. Eyeglass Collection challenge ends May 7th, 2017.

We are looking forward to meeting and serving with the International President this weekend. What a great way to continue our Centennial Celebration! How are you celebrating our 100th anniversary?