Tag Archives: travel

Top Snowmobile Safety Tips

14 Thursday Jan 2021

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Coincidentally, this week also represents International Snowmobile Safety and Awareness Week. Before packing up your gear for a weekend enjoying the beautiful Wisconsin scenery, let’s take a moment to review some essential safety tips to keep in mind during your travels.

  • Dress appropriately: To prevent injuries from twigs and other flying debris, consider wearing goggles or some type of face shield. You’ll also want to dress in layers of water-resistant clothing and ensure that you have no loose ends that might get caught in your equipment. Last, but certainly not least, always wear your helmet.  
  • Take it slow: According to the Wisconsin DNR, speed is a primary factor in nearly all fatal snowmobiling accidents. Be sure to drive at speeds that will allow you to effectively react in any situation.
  • Stay on marked trails: Only drive your snowmobile where permitted, whether it be on designated trails or the right shoulder of the road. Be sure to also be on the lookout for fences, tree stumps or stretched wire that may be hidden under the snow.
  • Remember your first aid kit: It’s never a bad idea to plan ahead. Prepare a first aid kit complete with bandages, a map, compass, flashlight, knife and matches. Be sure to keep everything in a waterproof pack.
  • Avoid traveling alone: The most dangerous situations take place when someone is injured and alone. Stay safe by traveling in a pack. Besides, isn’t snowmobiling with friends all the more fun?
  • Don’t drink and ride: Last winter in Wisconsin, alcohol was a contributing factor in 70 percent of the 23 snowmobiling fatalities. Stay safe by not consuming alcohol until your ride is over.

One of the best parts about living in Wisconsin is the visible seasons. If you plan to take your snowmobile out this weekend or sometime this winter, be sure to keep these safety tips handy.

Happy Snowmobiling from Lions Pride!

Christmas Caroling Safety Tips

17 Thursday Dec 2020

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We know that likely everyone could use a boost of holiday cheer in 2020, and what better way than through the sound of music? Although many tried-and-true traditions, including cross-country travel and large family gatherings, may be frowned upon during the pandemic, Christmas caroling may be an activity you can still add to your holiday bucket list.

Sunday, December 20, is Go Caroling Day. What better time to gather a small group of loved ones to spread joy throughout your neighborhood? However, safety precautions are likely still necessary to stop the spread of coronavirus. If you plan to head out caroling, consider following these tips:

  1. Keep your choir small

    When it comes to event gatherings, the CDC guidelines say the more people you come into contact with and the longer that interaction lasts, the higher your risk to become infected and spreading COVID-19. To decrease the chance of spread, try to keep your caroling group on the smaller end.
     
  2. Maintain social distancing

    We know that Christmas caroling primarily takes place outdoors, but your group should continue to uphold a physical distance of at least 6 feet. You can further decrease your risk by keeping your masks on, avoid sharing items (like sheet music) and using hand sanitizer.

  3. Reach out to community leaders to determine your route

    As we mentioned, this particular holiday season may be especially dreary for some members of your community. Consider reaching out to community leaders who may have a good idea of who could use some extra holiday cheer. By speaking with these leaders, you may be able to efficiently plan your route and reach new people. 

    But remember, this year is unlike any other. Be sure to keep in mind that not everyone will feel comfortable opening the door to neighbors, especially if he or she is immunocompromised. You may want to reach out ahead of time to determine their caroling interest level.

  4. Gather virtually

    Lastly, if you’d rather avoid the risk, choose an online meeting platform to get friends together to sing your favorite holiday tunes. You may want to record your session and share it with your social network to get all of your friends in the holiday spirit.

The holidays certainly look different in 2020, but with a little creativity, we may still be able to participate in several well-loved traditions, including singing with friends.

Happy Go Caroling Day 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!

 

19 Resolution Ideas for 2019

27 Thursday Dec 2018

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Here we are again: the last full week of the year. It’s so hard to believe that we’ve made Depositphotos_219456322_m-2015our way through another year. As we make preparations to close out 2018, many of us are likely reflecting on the past 360 days while looking to the year ahead, perhaps brainstorming new ways for self-improvement. Yes – that means resolutions.

New Year’s Resolutions have developed a bad reputation; in fact, many of us downright despise them. We can’t say that reputation is unwarranted; however. For the first few weeks of the new year, we are all bombarded with messages telling us that we are not good enough as we are, followed by pressure to make drastic changes, and burning out only weeks later – leaving us feeling bad about failure.

Call us wacky, but we think part of the reason why New Year’s Resolutions are so easy to hate is that we put too much burden on ourselves to succeed with vague, unrealistic expectations. Rather than challenging ourselves to “eat more healthy” or “get more exercise,” many of us may find success by creating less extreme, new habits.

To celebrate the beginning of a new chapter, we’ve put together a list of 19 New Year’s Resolutions to help spark inspiration for 2019 self-improvement:

  1. Read more books
  2. Be more positive
  3. Keep a journal
  4. Pick up a new hobby
  5. Take more road trips
  6. Stop procrastinating
  7. Meet new people
  8. Reduce stress
  9. Get more sleep
  10. Become more organized
  11. Drink more water
  12. Volunteer
  13. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables
  14. Improve your financial literacy
  15. Be more grateful
  16. Watch less TV
  17. Start being more polite
  18. Take more walks
  19. Give back an organization you care about

Will you make a New Year’s Resolution – why or why not? Tell us in the comments below.

Regardless of whether or not you choose to make an official resolution, we’d like to wish a bright year ahead. Keep in mind, the New Year is merely a poetic message, we have all year to be our best selves. May 2019 be the greatest year yet.

Happy New Year from Lions Pride!

Holiday Travel Tips from Lions Pride

14 Thursday Dec 2017

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We are quickly making our way through the month, which has left asking where Winter Drivignon earth has December gone? Hopefully, by now, you have started checking items off your unusually long checklist – wrapping presents, sending cards and baking treats. Soon, it will be time to develop your travel schedule.

Whether you are traveling near or far this holiday season, we want you to arrive at your destination safely so we have compiled a list of driving tips to keep in mind as you make your holiday travel plans:

  • Add basic maintenance to your list

According to AAA, you should give yourself at least one week to check the tire pressure, replace wiper blades, fill up your windshield washer fluid and test the battery. Don’t hit the road until you are confident that your vehicle is ready for the trip!

  • Check the extended weather forecast

We don’t have to tell you that Wisconsin weather is unpredictable. Remember just a few weeks ago when we saw nearly 60-degree temps early in the week followed by single digits within 48 hours? Be sure you know what kind of whether you will be driving through and plan to leave early, if necessary.

  • Get comfortable with winter driving techniques

Although we don’t currently have fresh snow on the ground, nearby roads may still be more slippery than usual. Increase your regular following distance from one car length to a couple. Also, avoid skids by accelerating slowly.

  • Bring along your emergency road kit

AAA suggests adding an emergency road kit to your luggage. Not sure what to pack? Look back at one of our past blog posts to get reacquainted with the idea. Remember, tis the season to be prepared.

  • Take breaks

Would you believe the average Christmas long-distance trip is 275 miles in the United States? If you are traveling long distance by car, don’t forget to include breaks. Breaking up your trip will keep you more alert when you’re on the road.

  • Above all, don’t forget to be patient

We know that you’re anxious to reach your destination to be with loved ones, but remember that everyone wants you to get there in one piece. Exercise caution when out on the road.

Safe travels from Lions Pride!

Autumn Colors are Arriving

21 Thursday Sep 2017

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Does it feel like the fall colors are arriving early this year? Some people may tell you that Autumn Roadtime seems to go faster and faster when you get older, but don’t believe them this time because you’re not imagining it! The leaves have already started to turn in northern Wisconsin, and parts of the state could peak as early as the third week of September (Yes, that’s next week, and a week quicker than usual.) See for yourself at SmokyMountains.com’s Interactive Foliage Map.

According to the map’s creator Wes Melton, this year’s leaf model is predicting an earlier-than-typical peak fall due to the heavy precipitation we saw during the summer months. Fortunately, however, the NOAA 90-day future precipitation and temperature graphs are pointing towards a longer color period for most of the county. If you’d like to see Wisconsin’s fall foliage map, be sure to check out Travel Wisconsin’s Fall Color Report.

Shorter days play a significant role in the changing leaves’ color, but weather can also be a big part. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the best recipe for stellar fall colors include a warm, wet spring; a mild summer that doesn’t get too hot; and a fall with warm, sunny days that don’t quite reach freezing temperatures – the perfect way to describe the past the six months of 2017.

In other years, we may have seen a delayed arrival of fall colors due to drought, or less leaves from early frost or heavy winds, so we may consider ourselves lucky this year!

If the fall days continue as we’ve already seen, it sounds like Wisconsin will have a lovely, colorful season. Where is your favorite place to take in the breathtaking colors? If you don’t have a destination in mind, Travel Wisconsin comes to the rescue once more! Check out their picks for the best scenic drives that will give you a guaranteed front row seat to Mother Nature’s annual show.

No matter where you plan to go, be sure to schedule your time accordingly – it will be here and gone in just a few, short weeks.

Happy (Early) Fall from Lions Pride!

Council of Governors Visit the Wisconsin Youth Exchange Camp

04 Thursday Aug 2016

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Our Council of Governors is on the move again this week! This time, they are headed to Camp Vista in Dundee, Wisconsin, to participate in Visitors Day at the Wisconsin Lions Youth Exchange Camp.Wisconsin Youth Exchange Camp

For the past 50+ years, Lions Clubs have been committed to increasing international awareness among young people from around the world with the Lions International Youth Exchange Program. Each year, 118 camps in 42 countries host young people from around the world.

Many other young exchange programs use academic study or employment as the basis for their programs, but the Lions Youth Exchange program simply encourages this program as an opportunity to become fully immersed in a new culture. Young men and women act as representatives of their home country (or state as campers do not always travel abroad) and share their culture with other campers while, in turn, learning about other cultures.

During their camping week, participating young people take part in the classic camp activities such as swimming, canoeing, playing games, roasting marshmallows, arts and crafts and storytelling, but they also get to learn more about Wisconsin by spending time with a host family and seeing state highlights in Madison.

The continued success of our Youth Exchange Program is the result of cooperation among participating youth, the sponsoring Lions Club and the host families and the financial support from the 10 districts in the state.

On behalf of Lions Pride, we’d like to extend a special thank you to all of those who make the Wisconsin Youth Exchange Camp a success year after year. Because of your dedication to peace and understanding, you are helping create global citizens around the world. We are so excited to see your hard work in action!