Tag Archives: season

Celebrate National Day of Listening

21 Thursday Nov 2019

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How do you plan to spend next Friday? If you’re thinking about shopping, see if this scenario sounds familiar. Your alarm goes off at 3 am; you turn it off, try to rub the sleep out of your eyes and make your way out of bed. Then, you venture out into the winter tundra, only to stand in line with dozens of other adventurous souls. The doors finally open and the friendships you just formed have turned hostile. You’re all after the same sales and every man is for himself. As you try to grab the last doorbuster deal on the shelf, you ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?”

Rather than waking up before the dawn and freezing your buns waiting for stores to open, why not stay home and share memories with those you love? Consider starting a new after Thanksgiving tradition by celebrating National Day of Listening.

If you’re a long-time listener of National Public Radio, you are likely well acquainted with the concept of StoryCorps. Every week, the independent organization seeks to honor and celebrate the lives of everyday Americans by listening to their stories. They’re hoping you’ll follow suit by listening to the accounts of loved ones. In 2008, StoryCorps introduced National Day of Listening as a day dedicated to the history of family, friends and community.

On this day, they hope is that you sit down with a loved one and record the conversation. The device you use to complete the recording – a digital voice recorder, a smartphone or good old-fashioned pen and paper – is all up to you. The goal is to record family history in the making and preserve the story for generations to come.

We feel the best conversations happen organically, but we also realize that they may be challenging to get started. StoryCorps has compiled a list of great questions to get the discussion off the ground. Below are a few questions that you can ask just about anyone:

  • Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
  • What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in life?
  • What are you proudest of?
  • How has your life been different than what you’d imagine?
  • Is there anything that you’ve never told me but want to tell me now?

With the holiday season quickly approaching, it can be easy to become inundated with all of the additional items added to your To-Do List and forget about what’s most important, being together. We promise that we won’t hold it against you if you choose to get your shopping done on Black Friday, but we’d encourage you to set aside time in the upcoming weeks to have a meaningful conversation with someone you hold dear. Don’t forget to record the moment – we know your future self will thank you.

Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving,
Lions Pride

How to Beat the Cool Summer Blues

20 Thursday Jun 2019

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Tomorrow marks the first day of summer, but in case you haven’t noticed, the weather hasn’t felt very seasonal. If we look at the city of Madison, the average temperature range in June is 75 degrees to 81 degrees Fahrenheit, rarely falling below 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

Madison Temperatures

Source: Weather Underground

This year, however, we’ve experienced some abnormalities in terms of weather. Only half of our days have been in the average temperature range, and we’ve only seen three days reach the 80-degree mark. Days have been gloomy and rainy, making it challenging to stay optimistic about the season ahead.

We understand that it can be disappointing to see another cloudy day. Unfortunately, the weather is one of those areas that no one can control. Luckily, there are ways to enjoy the first part of June, even if it is a bit cooler than usual. We’ve compiled a couple of ideas to get you started:

  1. Participate in activities where warm weather is not essential

When you think about summertime, you probably think about activities like swimming and boating, but there are other ways to get outside. Rather than relying solely on the weather, consider taking part in other fun activities such as fishing or kayaking. If you wouldn’t consider yourself to be much of an outdoorsman, you can always plan trips to the farmers market, a local festival or outdoor concert. You might even enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or coffee to keep your hands warm. How of you have that opportunity in June?

  1. Bring your parties indoors

Many people look forward to June because they have an excuse to get out and socialize with friends and neighbors after a long, cold winter. We know it may be easier to host an outdoor barbecue, but there’s no reason why you can’t bring everyone inside for a small get-together. Invite everyone over for a potluck-style dinner, so all of the responsibility isn’t left on one person. We can almost guarantee you will be thanked immensely for being the volunteer host.

  1. Appreciate your layers

Are you familiar with the term, ‘sweater weather?’ Typically, at the end of September, a transformation happens in Wisconsin; pumpkin is added to everything, and people take out all of their sweaters and sweatshirts. We know that it might be a little too early for pumpkin season, but you can give all of your layers an escape from the back of the closet – at least temporarily.

  1. Plan a weekend getaway

Just because it is chilly here in Wisconsin does not mean that you’re going to find that weather everywhere. Cities like Des Moines and Chicago are expected to see beautiful weather on Saturday and Sunday. Even if it’s too late to pack your bags for a spontaneous weekend away, consider planning a vacation for some time this year. Studies have shown that planning a trip can make you happier than actually taking it. Remember, time away is good for you!

People of the Midwest have mixed feelings about summer. Some adore the warm, humidity that Wisconsin brings while others prefer to stay in with the air conditioning turned up. If you don’t much care for summer due to the heat, think of the cooler temperatures a gift. If you long for the warm, 80-degree days, try to stay patient and know they are coming (just look at the 10 day forecast.) Until then, try to appreciate the unpredictably of Mother Nature. How do you plan to take advantage of the cooler weather?

Madison 10 Day Weather

Happy First Day of Summer from Lions Pride!

Wisconsin’s Gone Fishin’

02 Thursday May 2019

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Pack your fishing rod, tackle box and bait because the fishing season has nearly arrived!

landscape photo of riverand pine trees

Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger on Pexels.com

This Saturday, May 4, is opening day for Wisconsin fishing.

Fishing is one of the most popular recreational activities in the United States. According to the 2018 Outdoor Industry Special Report, more than 49 million Americans enjoyed recreational fishing in 2017. During that year, approximately 16.5 percent of the US population went fishing at least once.

The sport’s popularity has not come by accident. In addition to just being an enjoyable pastime, fishing also brings several important health benefits. If you’re looking for an excellent reason to get out on the water this weekend, we’ll give you five:

  1. Reduce your blood pressure

    Studies have shown that spending time in nature helps to lower blood pressure, but the exact reason is not yet known. Additionally, you don’t have to spend all day outdoors to enjoy these benefits, 30 minutes per week is enough to improve blood pressure and overall health. But remember, the more time outside, the better!

  2. Unplug and unwind

    We live in a noisy world. Let us set the scene to see if you can relate. You start the day with a cup of coffee in front of the morning news, drive to work with the radio blaring, spend the day in front of a computer and constant interruptions before finally heading home to spend the evening watching digital screens. We all need some time away from the modern world and fishing poses as the perfect solution, a time to unplug and appreciate only the sounds of nature.

  3. Stand up

    Too many Americans spend the day sitting. Research has shown that the average person sits about 12 hours each day. This inactivity, which has become known as “the sitting disease,” is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. Fortunately, fishing gives anglers an opportunity to stand up.

  4. Keep your brain sharp

    As people age, cognitive abilities will typically decline, and memory problems can take place. The best way to keep your brain healthy is to challenge it with mentally stimulating activities. According to Harvard Health Publications, to stay sharp, people should continue learning, use all of their senses and have confidence in oneself – all of which would fall in line with fishing.

  5. Spend time with family and friends

    Most would agree that there’s no better way to spend time, then with friends and family. Fishing is a great way to pass the morning or spend the day. Of course, you may need to make a few adjustments when fishing with others, especially those who wouldn’t consider themselves to be experienced anglers.

As you may already know, hook and line fishing for many fish species on several Wisconsin waterways begins on opening day, but season dates are often specific to fish species as well as the body of water. The best way to start planning your fishing trip is to download the DNR 2019-2020 fishing season dates.

Before heading out on the water, be sure to purchase your fishing license. Registration is available online, in various sales locations and at one of the DNR Service Centers.

The staff at Lions Pride would like to wish you luck out on the water this season. Happy Fishing!

Easter: A Time of Hope and Faith

18 Thursday Apr 2019

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Photo by Trina Snow on Pexels.com

We, along with the rest of the world, were devastated to learn the fate of the Notre Dame earlier this week. At 6:20 pm local time, a fire alarm sounded, and the cathedral was evacuated; only twenty minutes later, security spotted flames in the wooden framework of the attic. The cause of the fire is not yet clear, but many believe the restoration construction likely played a part.

Approximately two-thirds of the roof was destroyed, and three large interior holes remain. Sadly, the famous 295-foot tower burned and fell during the fire. The timing of the event, the week leading up to Easter, makes the situation much more tragic.

In today’s world, it can be tough to remain positive when we know war divides dozens of countries, hatred can quickly lead to violence and unexpected disasters can bring about terrible sadness. Fortunately, as we mentioned earlier, we have an upcoming holiday, which should bring a bit of optimism back.

This Sunday, many of us will likely be surrounded by a sea of Easter lilies, which symbolize virtue, hope and faith. In Christian traditions, the white lily signifies a time of rebirth and a new beginning, which is why they are also sent as sympathy gifts. Stories say that these beautiful flowers rose up in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus wept in the last hours before being betrayed, nothing short of a miracle.

The Easter Season gives us all an opportunity to put our negativity aside and instead to look ahead to a bright, hopeful future. A few years ago, leaders of the Christian Churches in Jerusalem spoke the following words, which we feel still rings true in 2019:

“There are indeed signs of darkness around us, which make this a painful time to live through, but the darkest part of the night is often shortly before the dawn. The joyful proclamation of the Resurrection at dawn on Easter Sunday assures us that the last word lies not with violence and inhumanity but with God’s purpose of love, justice and hope which runs like a thread throughout history and will find its ultimate fulfillment in the coming fullness of his Kingdom.”

During this Easter Season, choose hope. We know that life can be challenging, but remember that the Notre Dame Cathedral will be rebuilt and brighter days are ahead. From all of us at Lions Pride, we’d like to wish you and your family a blessed Easter Sunday.

Early Signs of Spring

14 Thursday Mar 2019

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Do you smell spring in the air? May, not quite yet, but believe it or not, it is right around Screen Shot 2019-03-14 at 5.51.46 AMthe corner. Next Wednesday, March 20, marks the beginning of the vernal equinox.

As you may already know, the equinox is a moment in time when the sun positioned directly above the equator, so night and day are of (approximate) equal length. We know that it may not yet feel like spring, but if you would consider yourself to be a skeptic, we have some additional signs to help you see the light:

  • The snow is disappearing slowly but surely. February brought in record-breaking amounts of snow. In fact, the city of Wausau set a new personal best with 39.1 inches of accumulation, well exceeding their previous record of 28.4 inches set back in 1964. Understandably, it will take some time to get rid of the snow banks completely, but we are making progress.
  • Mother Nature is celebrating with well-above average temps. Today, we are expected to reach 52 degrees here in Rosholt, which will feel like a treat. But we’ll need to stay tuned because it appears that 50-degree temperatures will become the new normal in the upcoming weeks.
  • The birds are back in town. Sparrows and sandhill cranes are making their way back home, and the robins will get back to their usual routines.
  • The days are getting longer. We may have lost an hour of sleep last week due to Daylight Saving Time, but we are now getting more sunlight. We’re looking forward to seeing a little bit more of our old friend, Mr. Sun.
  • It’s almost time to play ball! The 2019 MLB will open on its earliest day ever. All 30 teams will play on March 28, excluding international openers. The previous earliest opening day was only last year on March 29, 2018.

There are many ways to show us that spring is almost here. From now until June 21, 2019, we will be witnesses to the rebirth of the beautiful, Wisconsin landscape. What is your favorite part of the new season?

Happy Spring from Lions Pride!

Happy Birthday Geri

14 Thursday Feb 2019

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There are several events taking place in February. Of course, today is 33298584_10156156990905999_7597001671436140544_n.jpgValentine’s Day, which is then followed by President’s Day and the start of the Winter Olympics. But, arguably, the most important event taking place is the 34th Anniversary of Geri Schlender’s 39th Birthday, happening on Sunday, February 17.

To celebrate Geri’s date of birth, we thought it would be fun to learn a bit more about our executive director with random interview questions:

  1. What is your favorite color? Blue
  2. Would you rather have the ability to fly or become invisible? Fly
  3. What do you bring with you everywhere you go? My American Express Card. I don’t leave home without it.
  4. Do you have any pets? One dog, a Shih Tzu named Ming LI
  5. Are you more of an early bird or a night owl? Night Owl
  6. Where did you last travel to? Toronto
  7. If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would you choose? Pizza
  8. What does your perfect weekend consist of? Antiquing
  9. Do you prefer movies or books? Movies
  10. What do you feel is the best invention in the past 50 years? Cell Phone
  11. What do you wish you had more time for? Family
  12. Where is the most beautiful place you have ever visited? Greece
  13. What is your favorite time of the year? Fall
  14. If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go? Italy
  15. What three words best describe you? Funny, trustworthy, loyal
  16. What personal goals do you have? Become a Certified Trainer for Lions Clubs International
  17. Why did you decide to join Lions Pride? I saw the passion in Pride Chairman Dewey Carl and knew I wanted to be a part of his dream.
  18. What do you like best about your job? Observing the generous hearts of Lions and non-Lions alike who share our vision. Also, the Lions Pride Shoot that is held every second Saturday in June.

There you have it! Eighteen fun facts about Executive Director Geri Schlender. Now, here’s one fact that you already know: Lions Pride would not be the organization it is today with her  continued leadership and dedication. We appreciate all of her efforts in preserving, protecting and providing for Wisconsin Lions Camp and all WLF statewide projects.

Please join us in wishing Geri a very happy birthday!

 

Worldwide Traditions of Epiphany

04 Thursday Jan 2018

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Here we are again, the first week of a brand new year. It’s so hard to believe ChristmasGalette des Rois and New Year’s are already behind us. After much planning and preparation, the holiday season is almost over. Yes, you read that line correctly as we have one more holiday to get through before we say goodbye to the season.

Epiphany, or the Feast of the Three Kings, is observed 12 days after Christmas. The celebration is for Christians to remember the three wise men who visited Jesus, and for churches to remember when Jesus was baptized.

Epiphany means ‘revelation’ – appropriate since both of these occasions reveal that Jesus was an important figure in history. The holiday is primarily observed by Catholics and Orthodox Christians, but is celebrated all around the world:

  • In Spain, the Festival of the Three Kings is when children receive presents from their parents.
  • In France, observers might eat a flat, almond cake called “Galette des Rois.” Each cake is baked with a toy crown inside and a gold paper crown placed in the center.
  • Mexico has a celebration similar to that of France, but their cake is called “Rosca de Reyes.” In this special cake, a small figure of baby Jesus is hidden; whoever finds the figure in their cake is the ‘Godparent’ of Jesus for that year.
  • In Austria, some people create a special chalk sign as a reminder of the wise men. The inscription of the sign is made by splitting the year into two and writing the initials of the wise men (Casper, Melchior and Balthazar.) This year’s sign would read 20*C*M*B*18. This tradition is believed to protect the household for the next year.
  • In Belgium, children take part in activity similar to that of US trick-or-treating. Kids sometimes dress up as wise men and go door-to-door singing songs. In exchange for music, residents give the children money or candy.
  • In Ireland, Epiphany can be known as “Nollaig na mBean” or Women’s Christmas. On this day, women would take the day off, and men would tend to the housework and cooking. (We like the sound of this one!)

Click here to see more worldwide traditions from WhyChristmas.com.

For many of us who don’t celebrate the holiday, Epiphany is seen as the perfect day to take down decorations and settle back into the usual routine.

From all of us at Lions Pride, we hope you had an enjoyable, restful holiday season.

Celebrate the Season of Giving with St. Nick

07 Thursday Dec 2017

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While we may not have any white, fluffy snow on the ground (as ofStockings Were Hung writing), there is no question that the holiday season has arrived. Yesterday was the celebration of St. Nicholas. Although the holiday is a popular one in Europe, the day isn’t widely celebrated here in the United States, and we think it’s time to change that!

The story of St. Nick goes back to 4th century Greece. Nicholas of Myra officiated as a bishop after dedicating his life to giving to others. Sadly, his parents died in an epidemic when he was young. With his extensive inheritance, Nicholas decided to use his wealth to help the less fortunate. His signature act was leaving gold coins in people’s shoes around the city. Today, children leave out stockings or shoes on the eve of St. Nicholas and awake to find them filled with small gifts and trinkets. Of course, there is always the possibility that those who have been naughty will find nothing more than a lump of coal.

We may have missed the official holiday, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate the true meaning behind the season – focusing on giving more than receiving. Sometime in December, consider surprising your loved one by filling his or her stocking with fun, little gifts. There are endless possibilities for stocking stuffers – candy, jewelry, small toys, soap, notebooks, key chains and more. You can also include other intangible gifts such as a donation to their favorite charity 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 donation can help 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 a stocking for a powerful 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. After all, isn’t that the reason behind the season?

Happy Holidays from Lions Pride!

 

Holiday Preparation Stress Relief

15 Thursday Dec 2016

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! holiday-dinner-prepWe’ve officially entered the middle of December, our ground is fully covered in snow, we’re slowly making our way through our shopping lists and likely have dozens of tasks that are in need to completing before the Big Day arrives. Is it just us, or could the most wonderful time of year also be replaced with the most stressful time of the year?

After doing a bit of research, it appears that we are not alone in our thinking. According to a poll conducted by the American Psychological Association, nearly a quarter of Americans feel “extreme stress” due to a lack of time, a lack of money or the pressure to give or get presents.

Fortunately, not all is lost. We don’t have to wish away the holidays, but rather take a few practical measures to minimize the stress that comes with the season:

  • Make a master list

    One of the biggest challenges of having so many items to tackle is that it is tough to keep them all straight. Make a master list where you have everything from presents to buy, goodies to bake and cards to mail.

  • Ask for help

    Often, many of the holiday tasks are assigned to one person in a household. If it just so happens, that you are that person, ask for help. You’ll get back by time by divvying up responsibilities and likely have more fun. Doesn’t enjoying a glass of eggnog while addressing envelopes with a loved one sound more delightful than completing them alone?

  • Stick with a budget

    Before shopping, determine a budget and stay committed to sticking with it. Remember, that money can’t buy happiness; it’s the thought that matters most. If you’re looking for alternatives to store bought gifts, create homemade gifts or donate to a charity in your recipient’s name, Lions Pride comes to mind.

  • Learn to say no

    Saying yes to too many obligations can leave you feeling overwhelmed, and eventually resentful. Don’t feel like you have to participate in all holiday activities; we guarantee that your loved ones will understand.

  • Take a break

    Although it may sound counterintuitive, remember the importance of rest during times of stress. Make time for yourself. Find an activity that clears your mind. Consider partaking in an activity that you can only do this time of year, like listening to Christmas music or taking a walk and admiring the lights.

We all agree that this time of year is definitely a busy one, but don’t let the stress of your To Do list stop you from enjoying the magic of the season. Remember to take a step back and truly think about the reason behind the season and enjoy every moment of the holidays. They will be here and gone before we know it!

Happy Holidays from Lions Pride.

St. Nicholas Day and Lions Pride

01 Thursday Dec 2016

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Toned photo of three red Christmas socks hanging on fireplaceAlthough we don’t have any white, fluffy snow on the ground in Central Wisconsin, there is definitely no doubt in our minds that we have entered the holiday season. With the blockbuster shopping deal ads continuously showing on television and lighted trees slowly appearing in home windows, it has become clear that Christmas is not far away.

But before we arrive at Christmas, we have a few other special holidays to get to first, including St. Nicholas Day. On Tuesday night, children will hang out their stockings or leave out their shoes and wake to find what ole St. Nick has left for them. If they have behaved throughout the year, they can expect to find all sorts of goodies like candy, toys and other small gifts, and if they have misbehaved, they will likely find nothing but a lump of coal.

St. Nicholas Day is a very common holiday in Europe, but not as well known here in the United States, 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. According to legend, he encouraged practicing compassion everyday and actually became the model for Santa Claus himself.

Here at Lions Pride, we love the idea of St. Nicholas Day because we can relate directly to his message. With the help of our generous donors and supporters, we have the opportunity to give special children the gift of the great outdoors.

As you have likely already seen, childhood now is different than childhood at one time. With new and changing technology, children have a lot more entertainment options available such as video games, iPads and other electronic gadgets, they don’t have as much time to appreciate the beauty that lies right outside their front door.

Each summer, we’re proud to help bring children with special needs to Lions Camp to help show them the true value of Mother Nature. During their week away, they are able to camp, swim, hike, climb, kayak and enjoy outdoor living at its finest, all while building self-confidence, interdependence, social skills and environmental awareness that will help shape the rest of their childhood.

If you’re looking for a one of a kind gift this holiday season, consider making a donation in a loved ones name. (It could also make a great stocking stuffer!) You have the chance to cross a name off your shopping list and show a special child the joy of one of life’s simplest gifts – the wonders of nature at Wisconsin Lions Camp.

Happy St. Nicholas Day!