Tag Archives: summer

Shining Light on Autism Spectrum Disorder

11 Thursday Apr 2019

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Did you know that autism is now prevalent in one in every 59 children in America? Over the course of the past 50 years, its occurrence has grown by nearly 35 times. To help bring knowledge to the growing and greatly misunderstood disorder, April has been marked as National Autism Awareness Month.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Autism is a complex, cognitive disorder that impacts a person’s ability to communicate and engage with others. It can be present right away at birth but can also form early on in a child’s life (typically within three years.) At this time, there is no one known cause to the disability.

As its name states, Autism is a broad spectrum disorder. It’s essential for us to note that no two people will have an exact set of symptoms, but there are common characteristics, which include:

  • Trouble interacting with other people
  • Difficulties expressing empathy
  • A dislike of physical contact
  • Adverse to sudden changes in their environment
  • Struggle with speech

Autism is a lifelong disability, but thankfully, it is treatable. Studies have shown that early detection can change the lives of both the individual and family. You can learn more about development milestones by visiting the CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early” site.

Since ASD has become much more common, chances are you know someone who is impacted by the disability. Fortunately, with more occurrences comes more opportunities to serve. Today, there are thousands of resources available to help families manage autism. In fact, the Wisconsin Lions Camp, debuted a new program for children with autism. Campers have an opportunity for a comprehensive program designed to help a child in the development of self-confidence, interdependence, social skills, outdoor recreational skills and environmental awareness. Thanks to the generous support of donors, summer camp participation is free of charge. Your gift to Lions Pride, designated for Lions Camp will have a lasting impact on future generations of children.

The Wisconsin Lions Camp is holding a New Camper Open House on Sunday, May 12, 2019, from 9 am to 3 pm. The program was designed to introduce new or potential campers to camp before the summer season. Attendees can try camp activities, enjoy lunch and take tours of the building (weather permitting.) If you know a special child who might enjoy a fun-filled week at camp, consider submitting a registration form today.

As we continue to make our way through the month of April, we encourage you to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder. The more knowledge we have, the more we can pass on to others. Together, we can help create a more empathetic and supportive environment for people with autism.

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National Honey Bee Awareness Day

16 Thursday Aug 2018

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If we were to ask you, “what is the first thing that pops into your mind when you think Honey Combabout August,” what would you say? More than likely, you’d say something regarding the warm summer days we’ve been experiencing. You might think about swimming pools, barbecues or campfires, but would you think about honey bees

Saturday, August 19, is National Honey Bee Awareness Day. The official celebration was created by beekeepers in 2009 to promote and educate the public on the bee industry. Whether or not, you are an aspiring beekeeper or just love the delicious taste of honey, we thought it was the perfect time to honor our favorite pollinators. Let’s prepare for the celebration with a few buzz-worthy fun facts:

  • A honey bee’s wings stroke incredibly fast, at an estimated 200 beats per second, which is what creates their distinctive buzzing sound.
  • A colony of bees is made up of anywhere between 20,000 and 60,000 honeybees and one queen.
  • The queen is the busiest bee; her role is to fill the hive with eggs. In the summer months, she can lay up to 2500 eggs per day.
  • Honey bees communicate with one another through the art of dance. They perform a “waggle” dance, which tells the other bees where they can find food. See the surprising complexity of the dance.
  • A hive of bees will fly 90,000 miles, equivalent to three trips around planet earth to collect one kilogram of honey.
  • In her lifetime, the average worker bee will only produce 1/12th teaspoon of honey. Doesn’t that fact make every taste of honey that much sweeter?
  • A honey bee is the only insect that produces food eaten by humans. Approximately 35 percent of America’s crops depend on bees in some regard.

Check out even more amazing honey bee facts.

There are several different ways you can honor the honey bee this weekend. Consider using honey as an alternative to sugar or try a new recipe with the sweet nectar as a key ingredient. How will you celebrate?

Happy Honey Bee Awareness Day from Lions Pride!

 

More Enjoyable Back to School Shopping

02 Thursday Aug 2018

Posted by in Holidays, News, Special Events

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Ahh… sweet summertime.

frame of office supplies on white background .photo with copy space

The sun is out, the birds are signing and children all acrossthe state are loving their time away from the classroom. Although September seems like a lifetime away, it will be here before the blink of an eye, which mean it’s time to start thinking about school supplies.

Presumably, no parent looks forward to back to school shopping; it’s time-consuming, groan-inducing and expensive. In 2015, the estimated cost to send a child back to school was approximately $630. Shopping is a necessary part of the annual routine for parents. Fortunately, however, the process will be a bit easier this summer – thanks to the Wisconsin Sales Tax Holiday.

Yesterday was the start of a five-day temporary exemption period. From now until Sunday, sales of certain items will be tax-exempt, including the following:

  • Clothing – each item must have a sales price less than $75
  • Computers for personal use – each item must have a sales price less than $750
  • School computer supplies for personal use – each item must have a sales price less than $250
  • School supplies – each item must have a sales price less than $75

For a full list of tax-exempt items, please follow this link.

If our school supply estimate is correct, parents could see nearly $35 in savings, which means that now is the perfect time to stock up. After all, back-to-school shopping + no sales tax = happy shoppers.

This week, as you are planning your back-to-school shopping, consider making an impact with your extra savings. Think about buying a few extra boxes of tissues for the hard-working teachers or purchasing additional school supplies for a family in need. Together, we can help prepare our children for another successful school year with all of the necessary tools they need to learn. Remember, that even a little help can make a world of difference.

Happy Shopping from Lions Pride!

 

 

The Origin of the Dog Days of Summer

05 Thursday Jul 2018

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Doggone it, the temperature is hot out there! But they don’t call it the Dog Days of Canis MajorSummer for nothing, right? Here at Lions Pride, we thought it would be interesting to find out what this common phrase has to do with man’s best friend.

The official Dog Days of Summer take place from July 3 to August 11. Many people assume that the common phrase comes from the sluggish behavior that dogs exhibit during this six-week stretch, but the real meaning comes from astronomy.

According to the Farmers’ Almanac, the phrase originated in reference to the fact that at this time, the sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, the brightest star visible from any part of the planet and part of the constellation Canis Major, the Greater Dog.

During the summer, the sun rises and sets with Sirius. July 23 is a particularly significant date because the star becomes incredibly bright. In fact, the ancient Romans believe that it acted as an additional heat source, increasing the sun’s warmth. As a result, the Dog Days of Summer came to mean the 20 days before and after Sirius’s alignment with the sun.

Of course, this period may very well be the hottest stretch of the summer, but it doesn’t anything to do with the brightest star. The heat of the summer comes from the position of the Earth’s tilt. The tilt of the Earth causes the sun’s rays to hit at a more of a direct angle and a more extended period of time during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere – meaning hotter, longer days than we experience the rest of the year.

We know that miserably hot, muggy days are not always pleasant, but it’s the perfect time to participate in water activities like boating, swimming and relaxing. Remember, we live in Wisconsin, so it won’t be long until there’s snow on the ground.

Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer and stay cool out there!

Four Ways to Celebrate Summer Solstice

21 Thursday Jun 2018

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Get ready because summer is officially here! This morning, the sun rose at 5:12 am and Sunsetwon’t set until approximately 8:46 am. That adds up to 934 minutes of daylight. And we think that’s cause for celebration (especially after the dreary week we’ve had.) Here are a few enjoyable ways to celebrate the summer solstice:

  • Bask in the sunshine

    You might be surprised to learn that vitamin D is one of the important vitamins for the human body, but many of us aren’t getting enough. Its primary job is to store the right amount of calcium and phosphorous in your blood to keep your bones strong. The best source for vitamin D? The sun! Studies show that if your skin is exposed to 10 to 15 minutes of the summer sun, then you are probably getting enough. Keep in mind; however, when you put on sunscreen, it will prevent your skin from soaking up the rays so there truly is a balancing act.

  • Host an impromptu party

    We know, we know, you can’t just throw a party on a whim – but the truth is you can! Rather than spending weeks planning, preparing and cleaning every surface of your home, consider inviting a few close friends over for a get-together. Encourage everyone to bring a dish to pass and just enjoy the company. We bet you won’t miss the usual summer party stress.

  • Practice yoga or meditation

    Did you know that June 21 is also International Day of Yoga? We can’t think of a better way to honor the lasting sun than with a few sun salutations.

    To celebrate the summer solstice, The Times Square Alliance recently introduced a counterpart to New Year’s Eve (the winter solstice,) by creating “Mind Over Madness Yoga.” Today, thousands of yogis from all over the world will travel to New York City to participate. Of course, we’re not in NYC, but everyone can still participate through webcast.

  • Watch the sunset

There may not be anything different about tonight’s sunset versus any other night of the year, but we think tonight would be the perfect evening to watch the beautiful sunset and reflect on all of life’s blessings.

It’s not every day that we have the chance to enjoy over 15 hours of sunlight. How will you celebrate the longest day of the year?

Happy Summer Solstice from Lions Pride!

 

Graduation Fun Facts

17 Thursday May 2018

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With these bouts of 80+ degree temperatures, we’re getting a first-hand experience of

accomplishment ceremony education graduation

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what’s to come. Summer is finally on its way. It won’t be long until Lions Camp is filled with the sound of campers’ laughter (our favorite time of the year!) As for the rest of us, our calendars will be filled with weekend barbecues, wedding celebrations and, of course, graduation parties.

This weekend, thousands of students will walk across the stage and out into the world as graduates. Let’s celebrate their educational success with a fun more fun facts about graduation.

  • The first known diplomas were made of sheepskin and tied with ribbons. As paper-making became easier, they were replaced with parchment. Ribbons were eventually removed from the process altogether because the diplomas were too difficult to frame.
  • 16th Century Church Dignitaries were the first people to wear the famous commencement hat. The caps were called “mortarboards” because of their similarity to the masonry tool called the “mortarboard.” The tassel wasn’t added until the 19th
  • Everyone is familiar with the tradition of graduates throwing their caps in the air, but did you know the practice can be dangerous? In 2008, Anglia Ruskin University in England tried to ban cap-tossing after a student received stitches when a mortarboard came down on his head a few years prior, but the practice has since been reinstated. Remember, to be aware of your surroundings.

Here at Lions Pride, we’d like to wish all of our state graduates best wishes. We know that the road wasn’t always easy, but the payoff is great. We hope you have a chance to reflect on your accomplishment and know there is a bright future ahead. Congratulations!

 

“Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” – Nora Ephron

It’s Girl Scout Cookie Season!

22 Thursday Feb 2018

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We have to be honest. The winter weather has gotten us down this week. Although the temperatures have remained fair, the icy roads are making us feel as though the warm, summer months will arrive. That’s when we were to see a timely announcement – the return of Girl Scout Cookie Weekend.

Last month, Girl Scouts of the USA kicked off their 101st year of selling cookies. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is one of the most successful programs in any organization. Over 1 million Girls Scouts participate in selling cookies to benefit their troop. Scouts can show off their G.I.R.L. (Go-Getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker, Leader) Spirit by selling cookies to help power amazing experiences all year-round. All of the net revenue stays within the local area to benefit the girls and their councils.

This year, troops were happy to welcome the return of the Girl Scout S’mores Cookie, the most popular flavor to launch in the past century. In 2017, GSUSA debuted two versions of the cookie – a crème covered crispy graham cracker cookie dipped in chocolate, and a chocolate marshmallow filled graham cracker sandwich cookie decorated with designs honoring Girl Scouts’ Outdoor Badges.

With the new cookie arrival, bakers have gotten creative in the kitchen by whipping up new delicious recipes. We’re excited to try the S’more Campfire Cupcakes, created by Little Brownie Bakers, which will help put us in the camping spirit – even if there is still snow on the ground. Of course, we’ve also craving old favorites like Thin Mints and Tagalongs.

Now to answer a question that is often asked this time of year, “How I can purchase Girl Scout Cookies if I don’t know any Girl Scouts?” This year, it’s easier than ever to stock up on your favorite do-good cookie. Simply visit the Cookie Locator to find a location near you. As we mentioned, this weekend (February 23 – 25) is National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend, so troops all over the country are hosting exciting events. If you’d rather than stay in, there is also an online portal available.

No matter how you choose to enjoy your cookies, dipping them in a glass of milk or using them as a key ingredient in a new recipe, you can rest easy knowing that your purchase is helping young girls develop lifetime, leadership skills.

Have you or will you purchase Girl Scouts some time in 2018? What cookie is your favorite? The Pride Staff favors the Thin Mints.

Happy Girl Scout Cookie Weekend!

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.

End of the Summer Bucket List

24 Thursday Aug 2017

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The end of the summer is quickly winding down. We’re not sure where June, July Bonfireand August went, but we don’t have much time to left to take advantage of the beautiful Wisconsin weather. But you can complete the unofficial summer season on a high note by accomplishing the following bucket list:

  • Take a hike at a state park
  • Roast a marshmallow and make a s’more
  • Throw out a line at your favorite river or lake
  • Catch a ballgame
  • Watch a sunrise or sunset (your preference!)
  • Host a summer cookout with family and friends
  • Visit a state fair and indulge in a deep-fried goody
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in the lush, green grass
  • Remember Lions Pride

All good things must come to an end, right? If we had summer all year round, we definitely wouldn’t appreciate the beautiful weather like we do now. Just keep in mind; it will be back again this time next year.

What items have you already checked off your bucket list, and what else would you still like to complete? The clock is ticking, but there is still time to have the best summer ever! From all of us at Lions Pride, we’d like to wish you a happy end of the summer!

The Father of Wisconsin Lions Camp

15 Thursday Jun 2017

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Roll out the barbecue – it’s time to celebrate Dad!

Lion Ray Hempel

Sunday marks the day to honor the men in our lives with a day dedicated just to him. With Father’s Day right around the corner, we thought it would be the perfect excuse to honor an exceptional man in the Wisconsin Lions community – Ray Hempel, the father and originator of Wisconsin Lions Camp.

You may have already heard this story a time or two, but it’s one that we think can always be retold. The year was 1952; Lion Ray Hempel was visiting with two 12-year old boys at an area hospital. He asked them if they had ever attended a camp. One boy replied, “Blind kids can’t go to outdoor camp and stuff like that.”

Others may have just acknowledged the response, apologized and changed the subject, but Lion Ray was not that man. Instead, he took those words to heart and began visualizing a camp that would provide an outdoor experience for those two boys and others like them.

His background in Lions and Boy Scouts, as well as his love of camping told him exactly what he needed to do. He needed to persuade the Wisconsin Lions to start a camp for blind children.

A few years later, Lion Ray and the Poy Sippi Lions petitioned the District Governors for a permanent camp location at the 1955 Wisconsin State Convention. At the 1956 convention, a 240-acre property was purchased in Rosholt, and the Wisconsin Lions Camp was born. Lion Ray served as the first camp director and was proud to be an integral part of its development

Today, the camp has expanded to serve even more children with special needs, including vision and hearing impairments, mild cognitive disabilities and Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, all at no cost to their families.

With the first week of summer camp starting on Monday, we think there’s no better time to reflect on the man who started it all. Who knew a chance comment would lead to such big change. Since its inception Lions Camp has offered the week of a lifetime to nearly 70,000 campers. There’s no question in our minds that Ray Hempel was the epitome of a Wisconsin Lion.

Happy Father’s Day from Lions Pride!