Tag Archives: pandemic

Celebration in the Age of Social Distancing

02 Thursday Jul 2020

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Family Fishing at Sunset

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

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

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

  1. Review your local community updates

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

  2. Keep your group small

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

  3. Try to stay outdoors

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

  4. Bring your own supplies

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

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

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

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

Celebrating Mother’s Day During a Pandemic

07 Thursday May 2020

Posted by in Giving Tips, Holidays, Special Events

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happy mothers day card beside pen macaroons flowers and box near coffee cup with saucer

Photo by Giftpundits.com on Pexels.com

Her pep talks completely changed situations, her hugs made the world seem brighter and her love made us into the people we are today. This Sunday is Mother’s Day, a day that we pay tribute to the incredible women who raised us. Typically, many of us would plan to celebrate the mother figures in our lives with brunch, backyard barbecue or another type of family get-together. Still, this year, the coronavirus “Safer at Home” Order is compelling us to think outside the box.

Many of us will likely not be able to get together personally for Mother’s Day, but it is still possible to show mom the best day ever. Here are a few clever social distancing celebration ideas:

  • Allow her to enjoy a meal in from her favorite restaurant

It’s no secret that lots of local restaurants are feeling the first-hand impacts of COVID-19. According to the National Restaurant Association, the industry (more than any other in the nation) has experienced the most extreme losses in both sales and jobs since the outbreak began. You can support your mom’s favorite local restaurant during this time by calling to see if they provide carry out delivery. Several establishments have begun adopting curbside pick-up practices to keep everyone safe.

  • Decorate her front door with a beautiful wreath

While you are dropping off a card, show the neighborhood how much her family appreciates her by decorating her porch or front stoop. A bright, beautiful wreath is the perfect way to finally welcome spring and say, “Happy Mother’s Day!

  • Watch a movie together while being socially responsible

Everyone knows that any movie is more fun when watching them with someone you love. With the exponential growth of online streaming services, you know have the opportunity to engage in the viewing experience together. Allow her to pick an old classic or one that’s been on her “To Watch” list and let the new age watch party begin.

  • “Sign up” to learn her craft

Does mom have a hobby that you know she’d love to pass down? If so, now might be the perfect time to start learning the craft. Whether she knits, sews, paints, or partakes in another fun activity, assemble the required tools and schedule a time to video chat. We know a future in-person meetup may be necessary to master all the tricks of the trade, but a virtual meeting should be enough to start learning the ropes.

We know that the coronavirus has thrown an obstacle in our usual Mother’s Day celebrations, but don’t let that stop you from showing your mom how much you care. Give her a socially distanced Mother’s Day celebration that she won’t soon forget.

Our ears are open! Do you have any other thoughts for showing gratitude to your mom while staying in? Let us know in the comments below.

Happy Mother’s Day from Lions Pride!

Safely Celebrating Easter During a Pandemic

02 Thursday Apr 2020

Posted by in Holidays, News, Special Events

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close up of girl hands coloring easter eggs

Photo by Kaboompics .com on Pexels.com

We don’t have to tell you that life has been incredibly unpredictable lately. Between limiting public trips and not being able to see loved ones in person, it feels like normalcy has completely disappeared.

Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is that we are more than likely just seeing the first effects of COVID-19. Updated projections from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IMHE) show that the coronavirus outbreak will peak in Wisconsin around April 26 and could overwhelm intensive care units. Researchers are still assuming that Wisconsin residents maintain social distancing, and schools, as well as nonessential businesses, remain closed. This new information means that we need to acclimate to our new world for the time being.

With Easter quickly approaching, many people may be wondering how they will attend Sunday’s mass. Although some churches remain open, Governor Evers has limited gatherings of ten or more people at this time. As a precautionary measure, several churches have decided to close their doors and begin transitioning to digital services.

Church leaders have been holding services using video conferencing software or by pre-recording videos and posting them to their organization’s websites, allowing members to watch on their schedule. Churches have also been reimagining community by becoming more active on social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube. Yes, even in the age of social distancing, it is possible to stay connected.

Easter is a time of faith and family. If you are feeling especially distant from your beloved family members during the pandemic, you can follow the lead of church leaders by including these types of technologies within your own communities. Here are a few ways to celebrate together but separately during the Easter season:

  • Send e-cards to let loved ones know that you are thinking of them during this difficult period
  • Find an Easter craft that everyone can do within their homes and send photos of the finished products
  • Hide Easter eggs around your home and conduct a virtual hunt with nieces, nephews and grandchildren
  • Set up video conferencing to create digital family dinners

What other ideas do you have to celebrate Easter with your family members virtually? We’d love to hear from you in our comments below.

We understand that we are all currently going through trying times, but if we stick together and follow the guidelines from the CDC, we will come back better and stronger than ever before. From all of us at Lions Pride, remember that we’re in this fight together!

 

How to Keep Active While Staying at Home

26 Thursday Mar 2020

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person holding white dough on brown wooden table

Photo by Elly Fairytale on Pexels.com

Unprecedented times call for extraordinary measures. This week, Governor Tony Evers instructed Wisconsinites to stay in their homes to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

At this time, Wisconsin is not under lockdown, but instead an attempt for residents to limit unnecessary trips.  All non-essential businesses will be closed for the time being. Essential businesses include healthcare offices, grocery stores and caregiving facilities. See the entire list of essential business categories.

As we navigate the journey to find our new normal, at least for the time being, we’re here to help you and your immediate family stay active during the “Safer at Home” Order. We’ve compiled a list of ideas to keep busy during the pandemic:

  1. Discover free exercise videos on YouTubeAmid gyms and fitness studios closing, many physical trainers and instructors are turning to YouTube to provide high-quality video training. Whether you would consider yourself an amateur yogi, advanced cyclist or free weight enthusiast, you’re sure to find a video to fit your available equipment and physical abilities.
  2. Play a gameWhen was the last time your family gathered around the dining room table and played a board game? If you’re struggling to remember, it’s probably been too long. Get out everyone’s favorite game and play a quick round or two. Don’t forget to keep the hand sanitizer close! You may also want to consider disinfecting any necessary pieces before getting started.
  3. Try a new recipeWhile carry-out is still an option, those who would prefer to stay in can take this time as an opportunity to practice creativity in the kitchen. Ask friends about participating in a recipe swap or scour Pinterest to find a dash of inspiration.If you’re looking for another way to incorporate fun into your meal-time routine, find an obscure holiday to celebrate. Saturday, March 28, is Something on a Stick Day.
  4. Complete an unfinished projectWe’d be willing to bet that you don’t have to travel far to find a project that you wanted to finish “later.” (Don’t worry, we’re right there with you!) Later has officially arrived, so it’s time to take this opportunity to dust those fan blades, hang that picture or touch up paint in the living room.
  5. Call a friend or family memberDon’t forget to check in with your social circle during this time of uncertainty. Pick up the phone to call or video chat with a loved one that you haven’t talked with in a while. We can guarantee that they will love to hear your voice or see your face. Isn’t technology fantastic in a time when we can’t physically be together?
  6. Try a new craftWe hope we aren’t the only ones who have grand ambitions to try a new hobby. With so many of us not participating in our usual activities, it can feel like we are not using our brain to its fullest potential. Take some time to explore a new passion, such as woodworking, painting, podcasting or knitting. There are hundreds of thousands of tutorials online just waiting for you.
  7. Read a bookYou know the last time you binge-watched a TV series, but what about the last time you treated yourself to a good book? Spend an afternoon re-reading an old classic or peruse an electronic library to find a new favorite in a digital format.
  8. Go for a walkAlthough we are all encouraged to stay at home, Governor Evers mentioned that walks are still important. It’s common to feel cooped up at a time like this so, so be sure to get at least a few minutes of fresh air. Your body and mind will thank you for the break.
  9. Start a journalIt may be hard to believe, but we are currently living in a time that will be written about in history books. Document your experience of the coronavirus in a journal to remember what life years down the road. Although it may be difficult to imagine, it’s critical to keep in mind that this, too, shall pass.

How are you keeping busy during the “Safer at Home” Order? Let us know in the comments below to help us keep our readers engaged during this bizarre time.

The Lions Pride Office currently has limited hours of availability to cooperate with the Wisconsin “Safer at Home” Order. We already look forward to getting back to business but know that normal life will unfold in due time.

Stay safe out there!

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!