Lake Time Magazine - Issue 6 (Winter 2017)

WINTER 2017

FO R THE PEOPLE, FROM THE PEOPLE

FROM the

NATION’S

DARKEST SKIES to the

ICEBOX TITLE WE KNOW

WINTER and love it!

FINANCIAL ADVICE IN 2017// NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS + AURORA BOREALIS // GIFT GUIDE - MN MAKERS GO...PLAY! // ART // MUSIC // BIZ MMPA AWARD

WINNER 2016

THERE’LL BE SONGS BY THE FIREPLACE -DIANA ROSS

at the The Lake + Co. Shop

1114 NW 4th Street Grand Rapids, MN 55744 218-327-2929 www.fireplacelifestyles.com

The local bank you can trust Come experience The Woodland Way

It’s in Minnesota’s Nature

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FINALLY A MODERN, INCREDIBLE PRINT SOURCE FOR EVERYTHING WEDDING IN NORTHERN FINALLY A MODERN,MINNESOTA! INCREDIBLE

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WEDDING IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA!

Pick up your copy of Lake Bride Magazine today or find us online www.lakebridemagazine.com

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Pick up your copy of Lake Bride Magazine today or find us online www.lakebridemagazine.com Get in Touch: hello@lakebridemagazine.com 218.481.8200

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Photography by: Emma Jae Photography

INSPIRATION FOR YOUR PERFECT DAY!

A COLLECT ION OF

STYLE INSPIRATION, CHIC CELEBRATIONS, AND PREMIER LOCAL VENDORS

MMPA

AWARD

WINNING

PUBLICATION

PUBLISHED BY be.Media House

PUBLISHER Megan Kellin

EDITOR Christina Monson

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

SALES & MARKETING Kelly Kabotoff ADVERTISING Jillian DeChaine, Kelly Kabotoff, Rob Lang, Dayna Mase, Christina Monson

CONTRIBUTORS Erin Blegen, Rheese Carlson, Jamie Coffel, Tasha Connelly, Kristina Gaalaas, Kari Hedlund, Ryan DeChaine, Jess Gassman, Amanda Grubbs, Amanda Jones, Susan Kavanagh, Michael Larson, Alexa Lang, Brian Peterson, Paul Pustovar, Grant Schnell, Lt. Governor Tina Smith, Shane Steele, Bri Stacklie, Angela Tanner

DISTRIBUTORS: Bemidji Brewing, Marcy Erickson, Mary Kay Jacobsen, Lew Kellin, Lisa Kellin, Dayna Mase, Chris Monson, Mary Lynn Salisbury, Scott Sobiech

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Quiet Still Peaceful It blankets us with a cold warmth.

A coziness from the comforts of our couch to the Cordura layers of our outside adventures.

Winter has arrived And with it… fun footprints, snow angels, snowball fights, slick driving, the careful analysis and determination with each step, a vast array of sports only enjoyed after the anticipation of covered ground and frozen water has finally become reality, crackling fireplaces, snowpants and mittens, warm drinks and frosty noses…

Winter With winter come the holidays that bring us together when so many are far apart.

The clanging of bells, the twinkling of lights, the smells of Frasier fir, cookies, and cider…

Mychal Waldorf

Childhood

I’ve been a graphic designer for two years. I love the outdoors, baking, DIY projects, and watching movies. I’ve lived in Bemidji for the past couple years and enjoy the northern Minnesota life. I am originally from Minneapolis...but the small town vibe has really rubbed off on me!

This time of year makes me childish and nostalgic for a time when nothing else mattered but family (and a few presents under the tree).

Hope Dreams The all-consuming anticipation of the great Santa’s arrival would wake me from my sleep in the early hours (only one day a year) to snuggle with my brother as we waited for the “all clear” permission to trek down the stairs to see what delights had been delivered by the man in the red suit and shiny boots.

AD DESIGN Mary Jones Snell

SUBSCRIBE Visit

us at www.laketimemagazine.com to subscribe to our

newsletter, quarterly publications, and digital magazine

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS Contact our office or request a Media Kit: hello@laketimemagazine.com 218-481-8200

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2017 Lake Time Magazine. All rights reserved. No portion may be duplicated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, however, the publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided.

Lake Time Magazine

cannot be held liable for the

quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in the magazine.

CREATED IN THE GREAT 218

Playful I hope to always be reminded of the playfulness of winter.

The playfulness of family. The playfulness of traditions.

As I age, I hope to be able to give my daughter the same fantastical memories that I now enjoy as an adult and SO cherished as a child.

Magic It’s all about magic. That is my hope for you and my hope for this country. See the magic in the world. Embrace it. Encourage it. Let it envelope you. Move forward with magic as you embrace the year ahead.

To all….

Good cheer!

Christina Monson 7

FUTURE PRESENT PAST

PRISMS

BY MEGAN KELLIN

One year can bring about enough changes for a lifetime. One year can determine the rest of your life. A year can go by in the quickest of flashes. And while each successive day may seem to differ just slightly from the last, after a year’s worth of those days have passed, we may find ourselves in an entirely new place from where we began. While we might want to speed ahead to focus on a fresh New Year’s resolution, don’t underestimate the power of history; there’s a lot of unleveraged wisdom to be mined from the past twelve months. Looking back at a period of time all at once, like a snapshot, can allow us to see what we’ve accomplished and how we’ve grown. The terms of measurement are relative and reflection can be done at any time, but when the end of the year comes around, reflection always seems to join it naturally. With

ONE YEAR CAN

BRING ABOUT ENOUGH CHANGES FOR A

LIFETIME.

ONE YEAR CAN DETERMINE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

the final days of 2016 making their appearance, we’re looking back at a few hundred of them and urge you to do the same.

As an entrepreneur in the throes of building multiple companies, I always find myself looking for inspiration in terms of what it takes to do that successfully. So when I sat down to corral the content within these pages for my quarterly publisher’s letter, it dawned on me - these magazines are my reflections. Not only has every person, business, talent, or idea that we’ve crossed paths with in the last year (since we first began) had profound relevance, personally and with business, but it’s shed light on the importance of celebration – yes, the event that takes place between what-it-took-to-get-there and where-to-go-next. And that’s what we’ve set out to do, honor your relevance and celebrate it.

With this responsibility comes a very curious set of challenges. Foremost, northern Minnesotan’s are a humble bunch; ‘we wouldn’t dare talk about ourselves, oh heavens no!’ Well, you should! Believe it or not, your successes inspire – you’re doing amazing things, in an amazing place… go ahead and scream it from the rooftops.

OK then, we will for you.

HELLO

We’ve peeled the layers in interviews with world-renowned photographers and explorers. We’ve surfed subzero waters on Lake Superior - because people do it but no one knew they could. We’ve discussed some truly spectacular architecture of our region - the inspiration and native origins. Oh and lest we forget, phenomenal artists, musicians, companies, causes, projects… uff, does the list go on in the most wonderful way. All of whom have found their common ground, probably nestled way back in the pines somewhere – here.

Ahem, Bob Dylan…he was probably in the woods, welding pieces of scrap metal - and that’s why he couldn’t get to Stockholm to accept his Nobel Prize in literature. Just teasing, Zimmy.

Which brings me to my next point – the mission, to leave a mark, make a lasting impression. Relevance.

It’s something everyone considers over the course of a lifetime and business cycle. If you haven’t, you will. It’s a topic we take very personally around here ----- as we stand before you with our print magazines. This is not news, but the medium of print is amidst tremendous change – attention spans shrink and binary publishing proves a more lucrative business model. But that’s the idea of a long-lasting influence. There’s no “delete’ button on a magazine – which is both horrifying and beautiful. The words we write, the stories we tell, are forever entombed in this magical medium we call Lake Time Magazine. And we know that as long as our written word can have an impact on someone’s day or life or business, we are relevant. And for that we celebrate!

So forge ahead in 2017 and tell us all about it! Know what you stand for, find that fire in your belly, keep saying yes and make a lasting impression; only you are responsible for your own relevance. Cheers.

SO FORGE AHEAD

IN 2017 AND TELL US ALL ABOUT IT! KNOW WHAT YOU STAND FOR,

FIRE

FIND THAT IN YOUR BELLY, KEEP SAYING YES, AND MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION; ONLY YOU ARE

RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN RELEVANCE. CHEERS.

where branding meets strategy Take your business to the next level

STRATEGY + BRANDING + WEBSITES + MARKETING

LET’S CONNECT www.bemediahouse.com

MEET THE TEAM

Kelly Kabotoff

Megan Kellin

Jillian DeChaine

Christina Monson

LAKE TIME MAGAZINE WAS AWARDED FOR OVERALL DESIGN, FEATURE DESIGN, AND OVERALL EXCELLENCE BY THE MINNESOTA MAGAZINE & PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION IN NOVEMBER 2016

SO GLAD OUR PATHS CROSSED. WE LOVE MINNESOTA AND ARE GRATEFUL TO EVERYONE THAT HAS MADE THIS MAGAZINE POSSIBLE.

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38 LOVE

22 ART

CONTENTS 16

26

Who likes cold? WE like cold! Where do you go for cold in Minnesota? Everywhere, but especially International Falls! Take a tour with us and make your COLD weather adventures come true!

Don’t think it’s only in other communities or in the “Think outside the box,” may be an outdated phrase movies... sex trafficking is very real and very close. in the world of forward thinking, savy entrepreneurs.

It’s happening here and the statistics are frightening! Read up on a new business in Grand Marais; a business built inside the box.

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BIZ

LAKE TOWN

MUSIC Let it fill your soul with joy. Kari reviews some of the hottest new music. Seek it out and let it play into the soundtrack of your life.

22 ART

Yet another example of how art and sport can be one.

Acclaimed Star Tribune photographer and one of LTM’s favorite camera men, Brian Peterson’s work captures crucial game changing moments in Olympic history.

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JOIN THE CONVERSATION

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Don’t dread New Year’s resolutions... embrace them and make sure you add prosperous ones to your list this year. Cheers to a financially sound 2017!

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MADE Solid. Unique. Impressive. We’ve heard all the rave reviews on Jon’s Wood. To see some spectacularly made products yourself, stop by the Lake + Co. Shop to view our excuisite conference table.

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ENTREPRENEUR

34

FAMILY

38 LOVE

“I want to be known as the kid who went down fighting and didn’t really lose.” A story that is likely to be familiar, told by a mother who lost her 17 year old son to cancer and how he changed the world with a song.

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ON THE SET

In this issue we embrace the elements and encourage Minnesota boasts six national parks, the largest is Voyaoutside play, but we realize that cozy afternoons are geurs National Park. Just a short trip from anywhere in pure gold, too! Find a treasure at your local library. northern MN, VNP has caught the eye of filmakers who have just released a stunning film on the park.

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DIGITAL

44

In our fast-paced technological world and ever-grow- MOVEMENT ing health care concerns, there is hope in teh name of Your body was made to move. Find the inspiration to “connected health technology.” find rythym in your life to pursue what’s natural.

68 YOUTH

48 PLAY

45

48

60

66

71

Oooh, this editor is a sucker for granola and I know that Erin from Yellow Birch Hobby Farm has. it. down!

Our biggest and best yet! We’ve pulled together some top notch people to participate in our winter initiative to get people outside and active!

Top picks from our heart to yours!

You’re sure to fall for these amazing Minnesota brands

We’ve mapped out some of our favorite brews for your bucket list.

Visit them all and enjoy their favorite winter beers.

A relaxing, rejuvenating and real review for some much-needed pampering.

RECIPE

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HIKING THE STATE PARKS: LT. GOVERNOR TINA SMITH Having the pleasure of hiking with the Lt. Governor in September, I can truly say that she’s figured out the key to a focused work-life balance: unplug and put your feet on the ground.

PLAY

54

SITES & SCENES Complement those PLAY article ideas with these awesome events. Get out there and support your local communities, cheer on the participants, or try a new sport yourself. Take it all in and find your hygge.

GIFT GUIDE

62

DARK SKIES This is seriously cool. Up there in the Arrowhead, get away from the light pollution and see what’s so great about a dark, DARK sky!

DRINK

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YOUTH Keep an open imagination for those days when you’d normally be cooped up in the warm house. Here you’ll find some creative ways to keep the kids entertained.

REVIEWS

72

ON THE RADAR Your go-to calendar for local to-dos.

74

WHITE GOLD Easy on the eyes and playful to the touch. Our senses explore with wonder and exploration... we have all the riches one could ever need.

13

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I

MY LAKE TOWN

INTERNATIONAL FALLS A

town rich in history and land rich in geological phenomena of an almost unimaginable time, International Falls is a hub of activity all year round. Nestled in the middle of a series of border towns, International Falls may see more traffic than other border towns due to its stones throw distance from Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada (which this editor enjoyed as her first international experience… first stamp on my passport? Check!... Note: the border patrol people were delightful and LTM made its first known international debut!).

I’m a sucker for history and International Falls is not lacking in this topic. It’s difficult to know where to begin for the sake of this article but once you’re in town, your first stop should be the Koochiching Museum. Meet Edward, a man passionate about the area and knowledgeable beyond belief. He guided me through over 10,000 years of Borderland history covering the area’s Native culture and history, European settlement, and the fur trade, rail, and modern forestry and their affects on local natural resources. The deep appreciation for the past and how it has shaped this community is evident in the museum’s vast array of exhibits. As does any typical community, International Falls has notable players in its history involving the settlement and development of the area, as well as those who found solace in the remoteness of International Falls and found themselves in a lifetime of environmental efforts. This is all told in this museum and attractions around the area.

On the flip side and as any die-hard sports fans would know (and I was surprised to find out) is that this quiet little town once captured the heart of one of the most legendary football players of all time, Bronko Nagurski. This 1930s era All American Minnesota Gopher and

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BY CHRISTINA MONSON

NFL Chicago Bears Hall of Famer’s story is told adjacent to the historical museum where you can find superhuman sized rings, photographs and news clippings of his domination, trophies, letters from government officials, and the story of this giant’s life both on the playing field and off in the farmlands around International Falls. A man of “Bunyanesque proportions,” as the short feature film taught me, Bronko has had a lasting impression on this community.

Bronko was an exceptional man; a kind soul who wanted nothing of fame but everything of a normal, quiet life. Much is the same for the locals here. They’re extremely friendly and helpful… like EVERY lake town I’ve visited (keep it up, MN!). Wandering around town, you can expect great service and incredible food and coffee at the Coffee Landing. Just down the street you’ll find a delightful new shop called Eleven 71 which features Minnesota inspired products and trendy boutique clothing. Set in a historic building, its charm goes beyond the products to the pressed ceiling, block window wall, and wood floors to the bright eyes, big smiles, and giant personalities of the owners! Some long-time staples of the business community are also a must-visit including Ronning’s, Border Bob’s, and many locally owned restaurants and hotel/motels, and be sure to visit the Backus Community Center, the Chamber, and Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.

Activities abound in this town and in the surrounding area. Most notably is nearby Voyageurs National Park. Oh! This gem!!!! Such beauty. Such untouched beauty lives just minutes from International Falls. The history of the park alone is reason enough for a visit, but learn from my mistake--- take time to visit. To experience the park effectively, take a week (minimum) to explore. Visit the informational centers. Spend wise money with an outfitter that will show you

LAKE TOWN

PHOTO BY NORTHERNAIRE HOUSEBOATS

more history and places of awe than any book or map can show you. Tour abandoned gold mines. Fish the abundant waters. Boat up (yes, up… as in, north!) on the same passages that the Voyageurs of the late 1600s travelled. Rent a houseboat and float on your own timeline. Stay at the historic Kettle Falls Hotel, still in operation since 1910, which can only be accessed by water. Observe the park’s many ecosystems and rocky land formations.

Make this a priority of your trip north. There’s no better time than now, as the National Park System celebrates 100 years! We’re so intrigued by this iconic park that we’ve expanded our coverage in this issue. Don’t miss our ON THE SET article about two brothers who have just released a short feature film on Voyageurs National Park.

This, folks… this is what northern Minnesota is made of! Seemingly at the edge of civilization, you might be surprised how close this quaint little town really is. A mere 289 miles from Minneapolis. 165 from Duluth, and safe to say no more than a couple hours from most anywhere else in northern MN. So why International Falls? Why our winter Lake Town? Good questions. It’s obvious that International Falls and the surrounding area are a mecca for open-water fishing (boasting an extended walleye season until mid April and river access as soon as the ice is safe), hiking, kayaking, and a million other warm(er) weather activities. But why winter? Easy answer. It’s cold!

It’s darn cold! International Falls is known as one of the coldest places in the contiguous United States and is dubbed the “Icebox of the Nation.”

And that makes this town cool! Yep, I went there. As Minnesotans, we embrace the elements. We thrive in challenges. We embark outside in some extreme conditions. We use our charcoal grills in blizzards. We walk, heck we drive, on frozen lakes. We are hardy and we celebrate winter, so why not celebrate in one of the coldest places? Great question! Visit International Falls and find out what makes it such a premier winter destination.

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MUSIC

Minnesota Music Review HIPPO CAMPUS

COMMUNIST DAUGHTER

COMMUNIST DAUGHTER: THE CRACKS THAT BUILT THE WALL (AVAILABLE NOW) For the fortunate musicians, coming out on the other side of mental illness and addiction can produce creativity. For John Solomon, writer and lead for Communist Daughter, it produced a memorable and dark album appropriately titled, The Cracks That Built The Wall. Solomon’s vocals, along with (his wife) Molly Solomon’s harmonies blend together like cream and sugar, and are a clear high point throughout. The album vacillates between struggling thoughts, redemption, and sometimes just making it through today- ‘keep your head down, keep moving.’ Some of the songs with the darkest themes, ‘BB Gun’ and ‘Hold Back Heart,’ are the most catchy and rocking. ‘Keep Moving’, ‘Strange,’ and ‘Sunday Morning Again’ come at you softly, but tie you in from the start. Produced

by Kevin Bowe (Replacements, Jonny Lang, Meat Puppets), the band (Adam Switlick, Al Weiers, Dillon Marchus, and Steven Yasgar) gives us the most solid follow up to their 2010 debut, Soundtrack To The End. After all, the cracks in the walls of past life make us what we are, right?

UPCOMING Minnesota Releases PERT NEAR SANDSTONE PERT NEAR SANDSTONE: DISCOVERY OF HONEY (AVAILABLE NOW) Recorded around one microphone, like they did in the old days, the band also went back in time reuniting with founding member, Ryan Young, who has spent the last ten years occupied with Trampled by Turtles.

The songs, written by four of the five band members, Nate Sipe, Kevin Kniebel, J. Lenz, Justin Bruhn, joined by Matt Cartier and other guests on album, were recorded live which produce an authentic jug band feel throughout. The various instruments ebb and flow throughout the stage on the album, showing a great, practical knowledge of their overall sound and energy. The lead song, ‘Bloom Again,’ speaks of new beginnings, a ‘chance for time to mend;’ other songs like ‘Getaway’ and ‘Hard Times Pass Me By’ are examples of well-executed chaotic mess. ‘Nothing I Can Do’ gives you the feel-good jam of the winter.

Overall, a highly energetic and delightful release from Pert Near Sandstone.

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DEAD MAN WINTER TBA (EARLY 2017 / GNDWIRE RECORDS) TOMMY STINTON’S BASH & POP ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN (JANUARY 2017 / FAT POSSUM) HIPPO CAMPUS LANDMARK (FEBRUARY 2017 / GRAND JURY RECORDS) CAROLINE SMITH TBA ACTUAL WOLF FADED DAYS (MAY 2017 / SELF-RELEASED)

KARI HEDLUND is the Music Director at Northern Community Radio, KAXE/KBXE. She listens to music all day, every day; also puts on concerts and helps with various community events, including the annual Bemijigamaag Powwow, Record Store Day, and more. In her spare time, Kari enjoys gardening, nature hikes, boating, and hanging with her husband, Kyle, and 4 year old, Anders.

We are Northern Community Radio

A mix of NPR news, regional arts, culture & public affairs programs, and a great variety of music

A u t h e n t i c Local Radio comments@kaxe.org | (800)662-5799 | kaxe.org

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23 DAYS

28 SPORTS

AND ONE

MOSQUITO

BY BRIAN PETERSON

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ART

THE OLYMPIC GAMES are the

world’s most elite sports spectacle and it is the most thrilling, exciting, historic, challenging, and exhausting assignment you can get as a professional sports photographer. It’s been described as covering a World Series game in the morning, Stanley Cup in the afternoon, and a Super Bowl in the evening, every day for 17 days.

Eating on the run, sleeping only a few hours per night with naps on busses; it really is a test of human endurance.

From the moment your feet land on the ground, there is non-stop planning and preparation before you ever take a picture. This year it was Rio with all its warnings about Zika, polluted water, and troubles with construction, transportation, and security, the dire predictions about lack of preparedness aren’t unusual in advance of the games but this time they were all true, except maybe the Zika scare, I only swatted one mosquito the entire three weeks in Rio. My biggest challenge is mostly logistical.

Figuring out the transportation system to all 28 venues spread out over a vast city, many are 1-2 hour bus rides away. Knowing when important competition will take place and keeping track of our local Minnesota athletes. Security can be a nightmare and as a photographer you are hauling 50-60 pounds of camera gear and computers to every event along with clothing for the possibility of rain or high heat.

In Rio there were so many contrasts, one minute we were passing slums and deep poverty and minutes later arriving in paradise at Copacabana Beach. We had sophisticated fingerprint ID door locks on our apartment, but the constant smell of open sewage filled the air. This was an Olympics to remember or at least survive.

215

ART

Michael Phelps, 2016 trials

Lindsey Vonn Vancouver 2010

ART

As a member of a three-reporter team for the Star Tribune, we follow closely our local athletes with Minnesota ties. This year we had 17 athletes with Minnesota connections and medals went to: David Plummer (swimming, bronze), Alise Post (BMX, silver), Gwen Jorgensen (triathlon, gold), Kelly Catlin (cycling, silver), and Lindsay Whalen, Maya Moore, Seimone Augustus, and Sylvia Fowles and coach Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx (basketball, gold).

There were also many historic moments this year: Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time, added to his total: 28 Olympic medals (23 Gold). Simone Biles emerged as a dominant gymnast and won four gold medals and the promise to be a force for years to come. And Usain Bolt, considered the fastest man in the world and a nine-time Olympic gold medalist, won the 100 m, 200 m, and 4 × 100 m relay at three consecutive Olympic Games including Rio.

Gabby Douglas, London 2012 Usain Bolt, London 2012

I have included some of my most memorable pictures from a few of the past Olympics including the Winter games in Nagano, Salt Lake City, and Vancouver and the Summer games in London. So, how many pictures did I take in the 23 days I was in Rio? Approximately 31,000 photos, but only a few become historic.

PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN PETERSON

was born in Duluth, Minnesota, and has enjoyed a career as a photojournalist that allows him to pursue stories he cares most about in his home state and around the world. He’s best known for his work since 1987 for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, but his photographs have also been seen in National Geographic, Sports Illustrated, and The New York Times.

Brian has been recognized nationally and internationally for his documentary photojournalism, and has been honored nine times as Minnesota Press Photographer of the Year. He has photographed the Winter and Summer Olympic Games five times and his sports photography has been honored by the national baseball and football Halls of Fame and the National Press Photographers Association.

Peterson is the author of two books, Minnesota State of Wonders (www.stateofwonders.com) and Voices for the Land, and has won three Minnesota Book Awards.

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Apolo Ohno, Vancouver 2010

Kelly Catlin of Arden Hills (in the lead), Rio 2016

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Sexual exploitation can happen in any community. When people think of sexual exploitation they often think of human trafficking that occurs in third world countries. The fact is, this is happening in our northern Minnesota communities and can happen to anyone regardless of their economic, religious, or ethnic background.

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JOIN THE CONVERSATION

“The more we tuned in and listened the more we recognized what was happening right here in our community,” said Dawn Magnusen, Itasca County Child Protection social worker. “Some of the cases of sexual abuse we see can be pathways to sexual exploitation among our youth to get a place to sleep, food, or alcohol and drugs.”

CASE, Community Against Sexual Exploitation, a community task force in Grand Rapids, MN, that was formed in September, 2015, is working to raise public awareness of sexual exploitation of youth (SEY) with a focus on public awareness, prevention, and protection of victims. The task force includes advocates from law enforcement, social services, schools, public health, courts, community groups, and individuals concerned with the well-being of our youth.

“

“

ONE IN THREE YOUTH ARE EXPLOITED ON THE INTERNET THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA. In the past year CASE has focused on: public awareness and training by hosting community forums, broadcasting a series in the local newspaper, television, and by giving presentations to area pastors and churches. They’ve also held a campaign to collect personal care items for victims and promoted Kelly Nesvold’s one man 300-mile triathlon to end sex trafficking, raising local donations for CASE work.

The ‘training’ portion entails training for police and the sheriff’s department, health care providers, school superintendents, principals, and school counselors with seven school districts in northern Minnesota. The task force is currently working with IASC (Itasca Area Schools Collaborative) to bring age appropriate

“

T

he goal is to unite our communities to end sexual exploitation of our youth.

curriculum into the schools and provide more training to health care providers, teachers, tourism, and law enforcement.

“

A common question we all ask ourselves is “who is at risk?”

THE ANSWER IS HORRIFYING.

“The average age that children are trafficked into prostitution in the U.S. is 12-14 years old.”

Though sexual exploitation occurs in every community regardless of age, race, economic status, or other demographics, there are several factors that place certain communities at higher risk for sexual exploitation, including poverty, those who have a prior history with physical or sexual abuse, and those that are coined ‘run-aways” or “homeless” or live in group homes.

“One out of every three homeless teens are approached by a trafficker for prostitution within 48 hours of leaving home.”

There are signs that a youth is being groomed by an exploiter.

Sexual exploiters groom their victims by convincing them they can give them what they want and need and often pose as an older boyfriend. Victims may suddenly have expensive clothing, gifts, or multiple phones without plausible explanation. They say they have an older boyfriend or friend. And they will often start spending more time with this person than with their real friends.

“Education and implementation of preventative strategies are key. Promoting change on a large scale - challenging society’s views on what expectable boundaries are, encouraging ownership of life style choices, identifying what healthy relationships are, and boosting self-esteem of our young people; boys and girls alike,” said April James, mental health practitioner with North Homes, Inc. “We need holistic approaches and role models to step up in the community and help each other as well as promote supportive services for those who are struggling.”

“Prevention of these situations is key,” says James. “Education on healthy boundaries is pivotal, helping our young people girls and boys, alike - to identify that objectifying another human is unacceptable. This requires a complete shift in our thinking.”

If you suspect a child is being sexually exploited seek professional advice. There are resources out there! Discuss your concerns with your local authority’s children’s services (safeguarding team), the police or an independent organization. They may be able to advise on how to prevent further abuse and how to talk to your child to get an understanding of the situation. If you know for certain that a child has been or is being sexually exploited, report this directly to the police.

Article support from Safe Harbor Supportive Services, North Homes, Support within Reach, CASE and Lake Time Magazine.

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TIME FOR SOME

NEW YEAR’S (Financial) RESOLUTIONS

BY KRISTINA GAALAAS

The countdown to 2017 has just about begun. If you’re like many people, you might be mulling over some New Year’s resolutions, such as hitting the gym more, learning a new language, or taking a cooking class. All are worthy goals, but why not add some financial resolutions as well? Here are a couple of suggestions for making resolutions and sticking to them to help achieve your financial goals.

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PAY YOURSELF FIRST. Even if you aren’t living “paycheck to paycheck,” you probably don’t have much trouble spending your money – because there’s always something that you or a family member needs, always a repair required for your home or your car, always one more bill to pay. But if you are going to achieve your longterm goals, such as a comfortable retirement, you need to invest consistently. So before you pay everyone else, pay yourself first by having some money automatically moved from your checking or savings account each month into an investment.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR OPPORTUNITIES. If you have a 401(k) or similar plan at work, take full advantage of it. Contribute as much as you can afford – or at least enough to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered – and choose the mix of investments that give you the potential

to achieve the growth you need at a level of risk with which you are comfortable.

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FOCUS ON THE LONG TERM. In the short term, you might be excused for not wanting to invest. The headlines are typically scary, the financial markets are frequently volatile, and the future often looks murky. Yet, if you can look past the uncertainties of today and keep your focus on tomorrow, you will find it easier to follow a disciplined investment strategy that gives you the opportunity to meet your long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement.

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DON’T BE DRIVEN BY FEAR. When the market is down, investors tend to react with fear. Specifically, they rush to sell their investments, afraid that if they don’t “cut their losses,” they might sustain even bigger ones. If you can get past this feeling, you may find

that a down market can offer you the chance to buy quality investments at good prices.

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FORGET ABOUT THE “HOT STOCKS.” You’ll hear friends, co-workers, and talking heads on television tout today’s “hot stocks.” But by the time you might hear about them, they may have cooled off – and, in any case, they might not be appropriate for your needs. Forget about “getting rich quick in the market” – it probably won’t happen. True investment success requires patience and persistence.

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CUT DOWN ON YOUR DEBTS. It’s easy to pile up debts, but a lot harder getting rid of them. Yet, if you can reduce your debt load even moderately, you’ll free up money you could use to invest. So look for ways to conserve, cut back, and consolidate – it will be worth the effort.

Making these resolutions – and sticking to them – can help you as you work toward achieving your financial goals.

KRISTINA GAALAAS has been a financial advisor since 2004. She enjoys the face time and think time involved with families and small business owners to create specific financial goals and implementing a plan to achieve them. A Grand Rapids native, she’s also glad to call her hometown her hometown again. “THERE’S NO PLACE LAKE HOME.” 27

MADE

LAND OF OPPORTUNITY;

WOOD. JON’S WOOD. Q: What is Jon’s Wood designing and building right now?

A BUSINESS IDEA, THE SKILL-SET & A MOVE TO THE NORTH COUNTRY.

A: Our sweet spot this year (our 1st year) was mostly tables, kitchen cabinets, vanities, and sourcing and installing wood floors. It’s truly a family venture and my wife Alex and I counter one another’s skill sets. She has her workshop. I have mine. Dreams do come true, haha!

Q: How does Jon’s Wood plan to utilize the available resources and continue growth as a business in northern Minnesota?

With a passion for woodworking, a background in interior design, and long history in construction, Jon Chapek moved his family from the burbs of Toronto, Canada to the woods of northern Minnesota and they haven’t looked back. Jon’s Wood has been seen in homes and businesses all over the United States and we’re happy to call this talented soul one of our own.

A: I really appreciate that question. My vision for the future is not to be a jack-of-all-trades millwork shop. I believe that the market for locally sourced products is unlimited and I have been working with local wood wholesalers to develop a line of wood products that can be handmade here and shipped anywhere. Finding the right partner to help fulfill this vision is critical to our continued growth.

Q: Establishing Jon’s Wood in northern Minnesota is very exciting for the area, what made you choose this location?

Q: We’ve been seeing your products all over the place and heard you’re currently working on some major partnerships – that’s amazing! Do tell more.

A: Having grown up in Grand Rapids, I couldn’t think of raising my family anywhere else. The fit for the business and northern Minnesota is incredible. We have access to such a wide assortment of hardwoods as well as other wood products that are being harvested responsibly, locally, and providing jobs to so many other Minnesotans like me! The process of buying wood is such a great experience locally, you meet with professionals that you may have known for 25 years and many times it involves sawing your own logs to get the boards that you want. It’s about working with family and friends within our community. It’s about seeing a harvested tree and loving every single step of its journey until it becomes a finished product. That’s what Minnesota brings to Jon’s Wood. To top it off, I love woodworking.

A: Being a new business and experiencing the growth and demand, we really feel that collaborating with larger and like-minded suppliers is the next best step! This will allow us to have the quality materials we need to build our pieces and fulfill orders. The ideal partnership will allow Jon’s Wood to co-brand, access distribution chains, and ultimately elevate the product and turn-around time for our communities.

Lake Time Magazine welcomes you back to Minnesota and thanks you for bringing your passion and talents. How can we get a hold of you and make our own custom order?

www.jonswood.com | 952.715.7707 | 29

30 32

A NEW

ENTREPRENEUR The business community has been really supportive of Fly Box & Company and customers have responded well to the shipping container storefront. People have been curious, so it’s brought a lot of traffic through the door. I wholeheartedly recommend the shipping container model, and I am very interested in helping others explore their business passions within this type of space. Whether it’s a hair salon, a retail store, or a sandwich shop, the opportunities are endless. Shipping containers can help people get their small businesses off the ground in an economical way.

What do your typical customers look like?

BUSINESS MODEL Why open a shop in Grand Marais?

My family and I moved to Grand Marais over 14 years ago to be closer to the things we love - paddling, climbing, fishing, everything outdoors. Fly Box & Company is the product of my love for the sport of fly fishing, the outdoors, and my entrepreneurial spirit.

I’ve been fly fishing for 25 years and I wanted to be able to share my passion. Fly Box & Company has experienced guides that can teach fly casting to anyone who wants to learn. It’s a great way to experience our surroundings and environment in a new way.

Fly Box & Company has much to offer the Grand Marais community. Yes, we are a fly shop with fishing gear and outdoor apparel, but our primary focus is promoting the North Shore and the fly fishing opportunities here. We have 200 tributaries and 117 stream trout lakes. In the shop, we carry heritage brands like Patagonia and Orvis, as well as some great new companies like Topo Designs and Poler.

I’ll be participating in kids fishing programs sponsored by the DNR next year, which I am looking forward to. This will be a great way to get local kids interested in fishing, and a fun way for me to give back to the community. I will also work with local chapters of Trout Unlimited preserving, protecting, and restoring local watershed.

How did the shipping container model come to be?

Starting a business takes a lot of hard work. I did quite a bit of my own research, and then connected with a local business advisor through the Entrepreneur Fund. I was trying to find a creative way to crack the high prices of real estate or renovating a building, and I also still needed to fill my store with inventory. The costs were adding up quickly. After visiting Topo Designs shop in Colorado, I fell in love with their business model and knew I wanted to utilize a shipping container as my storefront in Grand Marais.

Has the container model been successful?

Yes, absolutely. Once I started researching, I knew it was going to work really well in Grand Marais. It is actually a perfect solution. I was able to build out the container with beautiful reclaimed barn wood and it has become a really comfortable space and works for our seasonal market.

We have a wide range of customers, but over the summer nearly all of my customers were visitors from the Twin Cities area. Men, women, kids, adults, old and young. Some were visiting Grand Marais for the first time and others had been coming here for years.

People were excited to see a new and unique business pop up downtown. Many came in to check out our container space and gear, and lots jumped on the opportunity to learn to fly fish – especially when I explained how easy it can be.

How do your guided tours work?

We offer fly fishing experiences on inland lakes and tributaries from April through October, and are usually fishing for trout. A guide will take one to three people to inland lakes with fly rods on our pontoon kick boats for half-day or full-day trips. We also offer a two-hour introduction to Tenkara, which is a simple and effective style of fly fishing that anybody can learn. This is great for families with kids, or anyone inexperienced who wants to learn. With the Tenkara style, people are casting on their own within 30 minutes.

Everyone has a great time, especially if they have never experienced fly fishing before.

How will you keep busy over the winter months?

I’ll be busy, that’s for sure. The shop will be open on weekends through the holidays, but with less foot traffic in Grand Marais, we don’t plan to be open during the week. I will be adding new shoulder-season guide opportunities like grouse hunts and destination fishing trips. Fly shops from all over the United States - and the world - collaborate on destination trips; there are some really cool opportunities out there. Destination travel trips are great because you get to see other places, and they also offer truly different fishing experiences for people in places like the West Coast, South America, and Cuba, for example.

I have been a presenter for a long time, so I’ll be promoting our region across the country in the off-season through presentations to fly groups and Trout Unlimited groups. I’ll also be attending trade shows in Minneapolis and Denver.

A rticle

supported by the

E ntrepreneur F und

How has the Entrepreneur Fund helped Fly Box? The Entrepreneur Fund did a lot for me when I was getting started. I met with a local business advisor, Steve Surbaugh, early on regarding a loan for my business. After the business loan, I took advantage of many of the educational opportunities offered in Grand Marais through the Entrepreneur Fund.

I’ve attended numerous workshops they have held on financing and marketing and I have learned a lot about operating QuickBooks and social media (check us out on Facebook and Instagram @flyboxmn). I also completed the Be Strategic program this year, which allowed me to dive deeper into many aspects of my business, and not just focus on the day to day.

CONTACT SCOTT SORENSEN AT FLY BOX & COMPANY | 14 1ST AVENUE WEST, GRAND MARAIS, MN | 218-370-9659 31

FAMILY

HISTORIC

CARNEGIE LIBRARIES

A MODERN DAY TESTAMENT TO CENTURY-OLD PHILANTHROPHY

A

s the snow flies in northern Minnesota, an idyllic refuge embraces sipping cocoa by the fireplace and submerging oneself in a good book. Today’s busy world often lends to replacing the book with a smart phone or tablet or other electronic device, but remember the feeling of paper on your fingers and turning pages as you fall further into the story? This winter, reclaim that feeling and a bit of nostalgia by visiting your local library.

It was not until the early 20th century that public libraries became a conventional public good in the United States. In fact, an 1898 U.S. Board of Education survey identified only 637 public libraries in the entire country and a combined 3,000 books. At the time, most communities did not have a library funded with tax dollars because city taxes primary provided for police and fire departments, water services, and other necessities for a turn-of-the-century town. Libraries, if the community did have one, were often located in churches, saloons, colleges or universities, or private homes. Most of these were not open to the everyman, but rather required membership or subscription, or the right social status in the community.

Over the course of the next twenty years, the United States gained nearly 3,000 public libraries, with more than half of them financed by a man named Andrew Carnegie. During the span of his unofficial “library program,” the American businessman spent over $41 million of his own wealth on the philanthropic endeavor. He funded 1,689 libraries in the United States, including a few private libraries (on college campuses for instance), and an additional 830 around the world. His giving was not limited to libraries; he also funded initiatives including museums, concert halls, institutions for education and science, trusts dedicated for enrichment and public goods in his hometown in Scotland, and endowments for teaching and international peace, to name a few.

Andrew Carnegie emigrated from Scotland to America with his family in 1848, settling in the Pittsburgh suburb of Alleghany, Pennsylvania. He was thirteen and found work to support his family as a bobbin boy running bobbins to the looms at a cotton mill. He then moved to a messenger at a telegraph company and taught himself to use the telegraph and gained a position as a telegraph operator. On Saturday afternoons, Colonel James Anderson of Alleghany

32

invited Carnegie and other local working boys to his 400-volume home library, where they could borrow one book a week. Aside from primary school in Scotland, Carnegie relied on a self-taught education and a few night courses. He became a telegraph operator at the Pennsylvania Railroad. This opened the door to Carnegie’s success and he flourished as a businessman in the Gilded Age following the American Civil War. He amassed a fortune by investing in railroads, steel, oil, and steamships on the Great Lakes. Known as a “captain of industry” by some, a “tycoon” or “robber baron” by others, Carnegie joined the ranks of Andrew W. Mellon, J.P. Morgan, John D. Rockefeller, and Cornelius Vanderbilt as leading millionaire industrialists. Carnegie retired from business in 1901 when he sold his steel company to J.P. Morgan who merged it with others to create United States Steel Corporation—the same company currently doing business on Minnesota’s Iron Range. The transaction, a $480 million sale, slotted Carnegie as one of the richest men in America. In fact, scholars have calculated—with inflation—a net worth of $309 billion. This is more than twice the worth of Bill Gates and approximately five times that of Sam Walton or Warren Buffet.

In addition to his business prowess, Carnegie believed the wealthy had a duty to recirculate the money into society for the greater good.

He described this philosophy in The Gospel of Wealth, an article he penned in 1889. After funding the first few libraries in the late 19th century, Carnegie gained notoriety and many requests based on word of mouth, newspapers, and magazines spreading the news of his grants.

The grants generally ranged between 10,000 and 20,000 dollars and approximately 70% of the grants were awarded to towns under 10,000 residents. Communities requesting funds received documents from Carnegie’s private secretary and administrator of the library program, James Bertram. In order to qualify for the library grant, communities needed to demonstrate their need for the library and provide a site for the building.

They also needed to commit to supporting library services and maintenance

CURRENT CARNEGIE LIBRARIES IN MINNESOTA National Remodel/ Reg. of Additions Historical Added Places

Arch.

Style

City

Year

Carnegie Grant $

COLERAINE

1910

$15,000

YES

NO

CLASSICAL REVIVAL

DETROIT LAKES

1913

$10,000

YES

ADDITION ADDED 1988

PRAIRIE SCHOOL

EVELETH

1914

$15,000

YES

ADDITION ADDED 1928

CLASSICAL REVIVAL

MT. IRON

1915

$8,000

NO

NO

CLASSICAL REVIVAL

TWO HARBORS

1909

$15,000

YES

ADDITION ADDED 1983

CLASSICAL REVIVAL

Start Planning Your Dream Home Today Begin your plans today and break ground in the spring

with tax funds equal to 10% of the grant amount, on an annual basis.

Beyond these requirements, communities determined the architectural style and administered the construction at a local level, although by 1904 Bertram provided a pamphlet called, “Notes on the Erection of Library Buildings” which suggested six floor plans. This was primarily to subside extravagant architecture deemed frivolous for libraries. A variety of Carnegie library architectural styles splattered small towns and large cities; styles including Beaux-Arts, Carnegie Classical, Italian Renaissance Revival, and Prairie School, to name a few. Many Carnegie Libraries are on the National Registry of Historic Places, which the U.S. Department of the Interior deems as sites worth saving. They became the architectural landmarks of the community, including those still standing today.

Of the numerous Carnegie libraries scattered around the United States, 66 were built in Minnesota. Two dozen Carnegie libraries peppered the northern Minnesota landscape, of which five are still active libraries: Coleraine, Detroit Lakes, Eveleth, Mt. Iron, and Two Harbors. Others are now art galleries or offices, and only a few have been razed for various reasons. The Hibbing Public Library was erected in 1908 but the growing population required an expansion only eight years later; further discovery of an ore deposit right under the town resulted in a two-mile move. A new library was built and the Carnegie library was sold to the Oliver Mining Company and was later demolished in the 1950s.

Many of the Carnegie libraries in northern Minnesota feature Classical Revival-style architecture, which is a less-extravagant version of Classicalstyle architecture (think ancient Greece). The Classical Revival style was popular because of its beauty and seemed to suit a library, featuring grand stairs and beautiful columns. The regal feeling of these libraries escorts you through time, with the interior and exterior architecture. Many hardwood floors, crown molding, original bookshelves, and photos of the library’s early days make these libraries true jewels of the town. Next time you’re in one of these communities, stop by a Carnegie library, take in the history, and think about the philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie.

Northern Minnesota native, Angela Tanner has a reputation for bringing smiles and ease to all those who cross her path... and she’s everywhere! Gustavus Adolphus alum, this Poli Sci bibliophile can be found researching MN history and Iron Range economics and business, national politics, or global socioeconomics and justice as she sips coffee on the shores of Trout Lake.

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DIGITAL

CONNECTED HEALTH TECHNOLOGY

BY JAMIE COFFEL

It is estimated that one in four Minnesotans will have reached the age of 65 or greater by the year 2030. Of this population, the higher density of senior citizens are expected to be generally concentrated in less urban areas. This shift stands to test already stretched rural healthcare providers due to projected shortages of specialty care physicians and a dispersed (and often economically vulnerable) client base faced with increasing insurance costs.

While there is no one answer that will solve every problem facing rural care givers, one puzzle piece that stands to make a measurable impact is the emergence of connected health solutions. With catchy names like Cybermedicine or eHealth, the concept involves using wearable medical devices to transmit patient information over cellular or internet connections to patient care teams and doctors.

In a highly successful pilot program undertaken by the University of Mississippi Medical Center, blood glucose monitors were deployed along with tablet computers to remotely monitor diabetes patients where travel to medical facilities was difficult. The information gathered and best practices developed were shown to improve outcomes for several hundred participants through the real-time feedback and video physician consultations made possible by the technology. While these technologies show great potential to improve the quality of care, they also hint at possible cost savings associated with delivering necessary services. This could benefit rural healthcare providers where the more profitable commercial and managed care revenues are struggling to offset growing Medicare losses prevalent in aging communities.

Given the success of the UMMC program, efforts are already underway to modify the technology and expand the program to patients suffering from other chronic conditions requiring intensive management such as obstructive pulmonary and kidney diseases.

Seminal shifts in any industry require many moving parts to come into alignment. This is also true with connected health. The device technology already exists with communicating medical devices, but access to cellular and broadband communications can be spotty in very rural areas. Designed to address this gap, the FCC’s Rural Health Care Program provides grants for facilities in rural areas to obtain broadband access required to deliver healthcare services. Along with other rural broadband investments and initiatives, areas not served by broadband are expected to be dramatically reduced in coming years.

Another identified challenge includes a potential shortage of skilled rural workers to support connected health technology. The talent needed to deploy and maintain such systems are often lured to larger metropolitan areas for higher paying jobs. But even this does not represent a terminal diagnosis for connected health. With cloudbased software changing the landscape of other industries, it stands to reason that software vendors will find a lucrative market aggregating the hosting and managing of such platforms for smaller healthcare providers not typically staffed or funded for such undertakings.

The parts are all there. Let’s hope the timing of their convergence isn’t too late for some already struggling independent rural healthcare providers.

JAMIE COFFEL has over 20 years’ experience in electric utility and automation businesses. He consults for several near start-up companies and has led the development of some of the utility industry’s best selling energy management products.

A patent-pending technology inventor and former utility commission vice-president and board member, Jamie has also been active in the development of several industry initiatives such as the Society of Automobile Engineers’ Vehicle-to-Grid standards and the Electric Power Research Institute’s project that led to the development of the ANSI/CTA-2045 Modular Communications Interface for Energy Management.

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“I KNEW CANCER WOULD BE AS MUCH OF A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY AS IT WAS A PHYSICAL BATTLE.”

CLOUDS AND WE’LL GO UP, UP, UP BUT I’LL FLY A LITTLE HIGHER GO UP IN THE CLOUDS BECAUSE THE VIEW IS A LITTLE NICER UP HERE MY DEAR IT WON’T BE LONG NOW, IT WON’T BE LONG NOW 36

LOVE ON THE SET

A STORY OF LOVE, HOPE AND LETTING GO FROM A MOTHER AND TRUTH TELLER, LAURA SOBIECH TASHA: I first learned about your son Zach after hearing his song ‘Clouds’ on a local radio station in 2012, like millions of other people.

Can you explain to people who may not know Zach, or his story, how that song came to be?

LAURA: Zach found out that he was terminal when he was 17 around that same time I asked him to write letters to say goodbye to his family and friends because I knew there are things that needed to be said and it can be really difficult. I thought letters would be a good way for him to say what he really wanted to say. And then also for us to have something after he died to just sort of turn back to and hang onto. He really liked that idea; he understood what I was getting at. The letters never really happened but about a month later, I was sorting through some papers and I found a piece of paper with lyrics written on it... it said “Clouds” at the top and it was Zach’s writing. As I was reading through these lyrics, I quickly understood that this was… this was how he was going to say goodbye. This was the medium that he was going to use. It turned out that he had already recorded it, too – he pulled out his phone and played it for me and that was the first time that I heard it. It was just such a heart-breaking song, yet it was a joyful song, too, and I just loved the song and what he was saying through it. It was then that I really understood and thought, “Oh he’s processed this and he’s okay.” Between December 6th or 7th, the Minneapolis radio-thon happened and they played it on the air in the cities. By Christmas, the video jumped to 2 million hits and then it just kept going. Then everything else unfolded after that.

TASHA: The song “Clouds” moved and inspired millions of people in a very short period of time; achieving international success. Did you imagine “Clouds” resonating and touching so many people, as it has?

LAURA: Yes, number one on iTunes and it hit billboard charts all over the country. It was such a gift. We couldn’t have made it happen if we tried… all the right people came together at the right time. People were hearing with their hearts and saying “yes.” And that’s how our story has been. We all were in awe.

And very aware that this song is beyond ‘us.’

TASHA: You wrote a book, Fly a Little Higher, telling the story of how God used Zach’s battle with cancer to touch and inspire the lives of millions. I’d imagine detailing (and re-visiting) those testaments were not easy.

LAURA: There were times throughout our experience that I just knew I needed to write about this. So I did keep a journal, especially at the end. I never thought about a book… that was intimidating. But I knew I would lose those memories if I didn’t write them down. I was really grateful that I had a project like this to jump into, because, for me, it would have felt almost like a betrayal to go back to life the way it was, like… picking up and

going on. It’s not a story about a kid who dies, it’s a story about a kid that lives.

TASHA: Fly a Little Higher is such a thoughtful account of Zach and the human spirit. Can you share some insights that you have learned about the human spirit that maybe didn’t exist (or were not fully recognized) for you before the book was complete?

LAURA:

“IT’S OK TO SUFFER; IF WE SUFFER THROUGH GOD’S GRACE, WE CAN USE THAT TO LIVE IN THE PRESENT. THE HERE AND NOW. AND LOOK FOR JOY IN THIS TIME THAT WE’VE BEEN GIVEN AND NOT LET IT BE SQUASHED

BY THE FUTURE THAT MIGHT NEVER COME.” With everything that happened around Zach... with the videos and the response to the song and all the outpouring of people around the world, I think I have a better understanding for humanity, because what I see is that we all hunger for the same thing... we are all desperate for hope and for love.

People’s response was just amazing. That’s a big part of our healing and mine personally because I am still so active in sharing our story and advocating for childhood cancer research.

That’s very much a part of my life. But, I’m sensitive to the fact that we know other people – and that their children die and they don’t get the kind of response that we’ve gotten, you know? I still hear from people every day who are just hearing Zach’s story or revisiting it at a different point in their lives and are reaching out to tell me, “This really helped me through,” and a lot of them don’t know why. They say, “here’s a story about a young person… dying. How and why can this bring HOPE?!” It’s truly inexplicable, and beautiful.

TASHA: Do you attribute that to the divine?

LAURA: Yeah, that’s it. I know that we all have different ways that we approach our faith and life, but my goodness, our faith was what got us through because we could stand in a place.

And I honestly think that happens to all of us in some degree, we just don’t always get to see it. But we did. We saw it and I think that’s the unique part, but also the hopeful part of our story, because I believe this happens to other families in its own form.

TASHA: You have mentioned that when you realized that you were going to lose Zach, that you had to put your hope into ‘everything that came after.’ Can you explain where you placed hope and how it kept re-defining itself?

37

LOVE LAURA:

“IN THE CANCER WORLD, HOPE IS A WORD THAT YOU USE A LOT. HOPE FOR A CURE. HOPE FOR MORE TIME. BUT WHEN ALL THOSE THINGS WERE TAKEN OFF THE TABLE… THEN WHAT? YOU HAVE TO KEEP

THE HOPE.”

In that shift, when you go through something like we did with Zach, hope is a lot of times something that’s on this plain, like “I hope that this chemo works,” “I hope that this radiation works,” “I hope that the cancer goes away,” “I hope for…” so it’s kind of like you’re just skipping ahead, like I hope for this now, I hope for this when all that stuff goes away. That’s what you travel toward and so then there’s nothing to pursue because it’s – there’s nothing left to treat. Then what? And I think we all go through that at some point in our lives... like, “I’m tapped out here, where do I place my hope now?” And so having that wrestling match and what that looks like for you... you have to focus on something else. And for me that was, “Okay, I don’t have that next thing to jump to. Now it’s God. Now God takes over this story and I have to trust in that.” And what that looks like is actually... well, it’s a wrestling match but then it’s peace afterwards because then you’re not the one controlling it anymore. Then the really cool stuff can happen because you’re open to it.

LAURA: We’re by no means perfect and for that reason I’ve chosen to be pretty open about things and I think that’s what’s really allowed people to share in our story, but also feel some peace from it, too, so that they can see, “Oh they’re just like us!” We never think it’s us. And I think that’s where our obsession about how we look comes from, too, just like aging is a bit taboo. You’re not supposed to age - and you know, Zach just kind of flipped all that on its ear and was like, “this is actually a part of life, you know, and how are you going to do it?” So we definitely saw that side of it. People got really freaked out… especially for a kid dying... they said and did some really weird things that were just so inappropriate. We’re all going to die and so it’s how you do it. There’s a big part of our world today that makes you think that you have to fight – tells us what fighting looks like and that you have to search the world for every possible treatment out there and that’s where you’re going to get your help and if you don’t-- then you’ve failed. I always had a hard time with people that would say, “Keep fighting.” I was like what does that mean?

What does that really mean? And what does it look like to not fight anymore? You know - because that’s a tricky thing.

TASHA: The present moment is sometimes referred to as “a gift,” unwrapping authenticity and genuine living, in the moment. It is our “present” so to speak.

LAURA: And it’s the only reality that we have. It’s certainly back to that question about how I live each day as though it’s my last.

I think people think that looks big and grand and what we have learned is that it’s not. You don’t have to be out there jumping out of planes; it’s not a bucket list kind of thing. It’s just very simply tapping into right now. That’s how I live or I aspire to live every day like it’s my last.

“WHAT YOU HOPE IS WHERE YOU PLACE YOUR ENERGY.” TASHA: I think humankind places some value on finding answers and placing hope in things that promise something more; it makes us feel productive and meaningful.

LAURA: Yeah and I do think there’s still a place for hope in something here. And for us, what that looks like is that we trusted God with this whole thing. Now my hope is that other kids will benefit from the legacy that Zach’s left- which is raising money for this disease and for research to figure out something about this disease. That was really Zach’s wish, too. He had a huge heart for other kids. We always thought, “we can do something to make this better and now we are.”

LAURA SOBIECH was born and raised in Minnesota. She has been married to her husband, Rob, for twenty-four years, and they are the proud parents of four awesome children: one married, one in college, one in heaven, and one in high school. Laura has spent the past couple of years crossing things off her I-Never-Want-To-Do List, now having done most everything that was on it, including: globe trekking, public speaking, fund-raising, Skype-ing on live television, and supporting a child with cancer. In her free time she volunteers as an EMT/firefighter at her local fire department and can knit a wicked awesome pair of socks.

TASHA: You prayed that if Zach must die, that you wanted it to be for something big that would change one person’s life forever. Could you have imagined that Zach’s story would impact millions of people?

LAURA: Yeah, a month after we found out Zach was going to die and that wrestling match I was talking about. My prayer was very simply – and it’s the by-line of my book – how God answered a mom’s small prayer in a big way. I came to that place where I was like, “Okay… okay, you can have him but I want it to be for something big.” And then in my imagination, I kind of spelled that out for God; this is, for me, what big is. And big for me was that I wanted Zach’s life to impact one person and have that soul changed forever, like that’s big – that is a big thing for somebody who might have the peace they need in their life; to have peace now because of Zach. People really responded to this is a kid that’s dying and he’s joyful and he’s at peace and I want that.

TASHA: Was your family comfortable in talking about death and dying before Zach’s diagnosis? Culturally, dying and death is a subject rarely openly discussed, yet it is a destiny that is certain. It can be a forbidding subject. When death involves a child, it feels particularly unjust.

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TASHA CONNELLY has a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and works at Children’s Mental Health Services in Grand Rapids, MN. She spends most working-days supporting people in becoming their best selves and considers this role a great privilege: she is authentically interested (and inspired) by people and their stories. Tasha is civically engaged and involved in various service groups; she aims to include her young children, in some form, in all her collective efforts. For self-care, Tasha enjoys creating art, playing piano, sending greeting cards, reading non-fiction, being in good-company, and traveling anywhere with her husband, Dan, and their sons, Cash and Knox.

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MORE THAN JUST PARKS presents

V OYA G E U R S

- A conversation between Lake Time Magazine and More Than Just Parks -

WILL AND JIM PATTIZ, two brothers from Georgia, have set out to document the beauty and unique splendor of our national parks. In the year of our nation’s 100th anniversary of these parks, it seems necessary to explore this duo’s passion and determination to increase awareness of these parks and encourage people to visit and support the National Park System.

Unlike any other country in the world, the United States of America is home to 59 national parks. Federally protected lands like these simply do not exist other places. The amount of land set aside in the US is due, in part, to the forward thinking of so many that have come before us.

Acts of environmentalism, civil responsibility, and federal action have made it possible to visit these national treasures. It’s important to take note of today’s individuals who are striving to protect these lands and ensure that they will be around for generations to come.

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Our timing couldn’t be more perfect with this article, as the Pattiz brothers have just released their latest film; one set along the borders of our great state in one of our nation’s most unique and expansive parks, Voyageurs National Park. Make sure you visit their website and you’ll soon be planning your adventures to Voyageurs.

ON THE SET HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH THIS PROJECT? WHERE/ WHEN DID YOUR PASSION BEGIN? Will - About four or five years ago we visited our first national park on a spur-of-the-moment road trip with friends deciding it would be cool to see the Grand Canyon. We drove from Atlanta, where we’re from. Along the way we stopped off I-40 at Petrified Forest National Park. Our lives were forever changed. Stepping inside a national park is like setting foot on another planet. It is awe-inspiring – they take your breath away. Coming from the East Coast and driving/ hiking through a place with such a unique and incredible landscape was life-changing. We thought to ourselves, ‘how have we never been to one of these places before?” Which quickly evolved into, “how many other people have never been to a national park?” And finally, “we’ve got to share these places with as many folks as we can,” – thus More Than Just Parks was born.

WHAT HAPPENED THAT ONE DAY YOU AND YOUR BROTHER THOUGHT, “HEY, LET’S MAKE A SHORT FILM ON EACH NATIONAL PARK!”?

Jim - That day was the culmination of several trips to the national parks after we’d become hooked. Being filmmakers with a background in digital media we figured why not try and make something out of our passion for the parks. We tossed around a lot of wild ideas and eventually sold ourselves on the concept of More Than Just Parks as it is today. We had never tried time-lapse photography and knew very little about it, but we knew it would be the key to capturing these places and distilling them into short watchable films.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUNDS. Jim - Will’s 25, I’m 24. We both grew up in a small town south of Atlanta, GA. We gained an interest in filmmaking through an annual student film festival our high school held. We both attended one year of college before leaving to start our own business. Over the past several years we have headed up Sea Raven Media, a full service media firm and production house.

DO YOU CAMP DURING THESE TRIPS? Jim - Unfortunately we have to charge our equipment at some point!

We try to camp as much as possible in order to really maximize our time in the park and get the full experience. I’d say we probably camp 80-90% of the time, but it varies from park to park based on a number of factors including weather.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO SPEND AN EXTENDED TIME IN SUCH AWEINSPIRING PLACES- EMOTIONALLY, PHYSICALLY, SPIRITUALLY? Will - In a typical day we wake up a minimum of one hour before the sun to capture its rise - usually around 4am. From there we usually have morning hikes planned for filming. After the hikes we get creative during the harsh light of the midday finding canyons or other spots we feel we may be able to capture. During this time we usually pack an on-the-go lunch. From there we travel around the park, maybe set up a new camp, and continue filming. Later in the day we start getting set up for the sunset. If we’re lucky, sometimes we have a bit of time between the time the sun sets and when the stars come out to have a campfire dinner. Otherwise we head straight to a location where we can shoot the stars, usually getting to bed around 1-2am.

HAS THIS PROJECT CHANGED YOU IN ANY WAY? Jim - Getting to go to these places and have these incredible experiences has definitely changed us. Spending so much time in the parks has given us a deeper appreciation and understanding of them. Beyond that, in our travels we get to have these once-in-alifetime experiences, meeting people and exploring places that very few people ever get the opportunity to. It’s something we cherish and something we encourage others to try.

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ON THE SET

WHAT’S BEHIND THE NAME “MORE THAN JUST PARKS?” Will - The name, “More Than Just Parks,” is intended as an open-ended challenge for folks to get out there and experience the parks for themselves. These places mean so much to so many and they mean different things to different people. If there were a subheading for our project it might read, “What they are is up to you.”

DO YOU FIND NEW MEANING BEHIND THIS PHRASE FOR DIFFERENT PARKS? Jim - Of course! So many of these places are so incredibly unique! Voyageurs is perhaps the most unique park in the entire system with its interconnected lakes and waterways and almost no roads! As you’re paddling the calm waters of Kabetogama or Namaken you can certainly get the sense that this place is so much more than just a park.

DO YOU SHOW THESE IN LARGE SCREEN THEATERS OR STRICTLY ONLINE VIEWING? Jim - We release them online for anyone and everyone to see. After all, that’s what the project is all about. We’ve also been fortunate enough to have our films shown on the big screen in various film festivals and events as the project has gone along.

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL OF GETTING THE MESSAGE OUT? WHAT DO YOU MOST WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT THIS PROJECT? Will - Get out there and experience a national park for yourself. Visiting a national park is a life-changing experience - one that we encourage everyone to have. No film, including ours, can come close to the real thing- that is experiencing these wonders firsthand.

ABOUT YOU? Jim - We’re just filmmakers who care deeply about our national parks and the concept of public lands. To that end I hope we can make a difference.

ABOUT THE PARKS? Jim - The national parks are part of our national identity.

They are monuments to nature - set aside and preserved for the benefit and enjoyment of the people - for all time. They provide us with opportunities for recreation and solitude.

Beyond that, they provide us with the opportunity to see our country unspoiled, in all its magnificence. People come from all corners of the world to peer into the depths of the greatest canyon on earth, or to watch the geysers of Yellowstone erupt, or to stare up at the granite cliffs from Yosemite Valley. The national parks are national treasures; their importance is unquantifiable. It’s important that they be safeguarded so that future generations can experience them in all of their splendor, just as we can today.

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MORE THAN JUST PARKS www.morethanjustparks.com

DONATE Our goal is to effect a greater awareness of the treasures that reside within America’s national parks. We plan to accomplish this goal through visually stunning short films, engaging online interactions, and breathtaking imagery.

This journey through America’s 59 national parks is fueled by contributions and built around partnerships with generous, conservation-minded organizations and folks like you. If you or your organization is interested in sponsoring a park let us know. 100% of your donations go toward making more captivating short films like the ones we’ve already made. You can also purchase a print as a way of supporting our cause. The journey to 59 national parks starts here. Help us get there.

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MOVEMENT

MODERNMOVEMENT

BY AMANDA GRUBBS, RYT 200 SPARTAN FITNESS/SPARTAN YOGA

Fitness and exercise, as most of us know them, may appear to be new age. When in fact, exercise goes way back to a time when people wouldn’t have thought to call it exercise.

For early humankind, exercise was a way of life. They didn’t earn their agility and strength at gyms or by following certain programs, they forged their own fitness through their everyday actions. Fitness was a requirement to get through life. From primal times when humans had to hunt and gather, to Neolithic times when humans began to grow crops and raise cattle, to ancient times when humans were preparing for battle, it is clear to me that the human body is designed and capable of greatness.

As the industrial revolution came and facilitated the transition from manual production to machine-based manufacturing, the way people lived began to change. Therefore, the way people moved began to change. As people (particularly those serving in battle) became more sedentary, the movement towards intentional fitness began. There was a sense of pride in staying fit and healthy and ready to serve in battle or provide for your family.

Fast forward to our modern society and fitness is no longer a way of life. It’s a decision. We don’t have to exercise as part of our daily life so we each have to decide whether or not to move our bodies. With all of the modern-day conveniences it’s actually easy to not move. While it’s awesome to have so much technology and an easier way of life, I feel that we all need to choose intentional exercise as a way to counteract our more sedentary lifestyles.

As I reflect on the history of movement and try to look towards our future of movement, I can’t help but wonder what will help people find a reason to keep moving. The studies are out there, we all know the importance of exercise and yet so few people participate in it. We live in a time where nearly every town/community/subdivision has a gym where people can come together and move their bodies any way they choose and nevertheless we are more sedentary than ever. Since fitness is no longer a way of life, people are now turning their free time over to TV or social media. It’s not just accepted, it’s almost encouraged to not lead a lifestyle of movement or fitness.

There’s an overwhelming amount of people who view fitness or health with a certain image- to look a certain way or to lose a certain number of pounds. This is dangerous thinking and can lead to disappointment for many people.

RECIPE

MOVEMENT IS A MEDICINE FOR CREATING CHANGE IN A PERSON’S PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, AND MENTAL STATES. ~ Carol Welch

For me, it’s as though society has gotten away from the intention of fitness and has turned the concept into an aesthetic game and that’s one I’m just not willing to play.

It’s my opinion that we as a society need to turn the focus to movement.

Humans are designed to move; designed to be strong and healthy for life. The best way to facilitate lifelong movement and strength is to simply move naturally. To use our bodies daily, as they have been designed. This is why I have a passion for High Intensity Interval Training (H.I.I.T.) and yoga, I feel that both of these practices use my body in natural ways, in ways I moved in my childhood, in ways that I see my almost four year old son move daily and naturally. You don’t need fancy equipment (but, if you enjoy that type of movement, embrace it).

You don’t have to accept a sedentary lifestyle or neglect your body’s natural ability to move freely. Decide to move. Decide to be strong.

Decide to take control of your life. Decide to use your body as it has been designed.

“Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while MOVEMENT & METHODICAL PHYSICAL exercise save it and preserve it.”

Plato

Meet Amanda Grubbs. She is the wife of Brendan Grubbs, the owner and founder of Spartan Fitness. She has always had an interest in Yoga and for the past year she has been going to school to become a nationally certified and accredited Yoga instructor (RYT 200). Amanda graduated from the University of North Florida with a bachelor’s degree, majoring in health and human services and minoring in exercise physiology. Amanda looks forward to starting the first ever classes that Spartan Fitness has had open to the general public. She has a special interest in working with children in hopes to bring the love of yoga to people of all ages.

Homemade Granola EASY

AUTHOR: ERIN BLEGEN OF YELLOW BIRCH HOBBY FARM RECIPE TYPE: BREAKFAST

Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 20 mins | Total time: 25 mins An easy homemade granola recipe using real, wholesome ingredients.

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • •

6 cups organic rolled oats (I prefer old fashioned, but quick oats will work, too) 1 cup organic shredded coconut 1 cup sliced almonds 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 cup organic unrefined coconut oil 1/4 butter 1/2 cup honey 1 teaspoon vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS • In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients.

• In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil and butter.

• Pour over the oats mixture. Add the honey and vanilla and combine everything well.

• Divide between two greased (with butter) 13” x 9” pans.

• Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Stir, making sure to scrape the sides (or they will burn), and return to the oven.

• Bake 5 minutes, stir, return to oven.

• Bake 5 minutes and remove from oven to cool. If you’d like your granola to be darker, increase the bake time by 5 min.

• Cool completely before storing.

• After baking, feel free to add dried fruits, berries, or other desired additions.

45

- President Franklin Roosevelt

PARKS AS OUR

AMERICAN THERE IS NOTHING SO 46

Y

OU KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE. FACEBOOK, Twitter, and a constant onslaught of email and text messages. The petty frustrations and problems of work. Your shoulders are up, your energy level is down, and you can’t quite remember how you got so busy.

These are the stresses of modern life, and a good long hike in the wilderness is the perfect break.

I learned this when I was a little girl, and we didn’t have computers, let alone Twitter. I grew up in the high desert red rocks and ponderosa pine mountains of northern New Mexico. When I was eight, my father, who taught me to love skiing and fly fishing, took me on a backpacking trip.

We carefully selected our food, packed and repacked our packs, evaluated our route, and then struck out on our adventure. I suspect we only walked a mile or two, but it didn’t matter. I knew we were in the wilderness, and the experience lit up my imagination.

My father and mother imbued in me a love of the outdoors, and a curiosity about that place where the pavement turns into dirt road, the road turns into a path with grass growing down the middle of it, and the path disappears around the corner. As hectic as my life is today, I regularly seek out these places.

I’ve lived in Minnesota for over 30 years with my husband Archie and our two sons, who now have partners of their own. When I ran for Lt. Governor in 2014, I fell in love with Minnesota again, and our remarkable, gorgeous, diverse landscape, where the northern forests meet the Great Plains. We have Lake Superior, the world’s largest body of fresh water; the Mississippi River, our greatest river; the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park; and countless bogs, abundant scrub oak and pine, lakes, and streams.

In a moment of enthusiasm and pure love of the landscape during the campaign, I decided that as an antidote to the more challenging aspects of helping to lead the state, I would make a point of visiting Minnesota’s state parks. Making this commitment has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

This year, we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Minnesota State Park System, and the creation of Itasca State Park – Minnesota’s first – at the headwaters of the Mississippi. The visionary leaders who over time have protected and conserved Minnesota’s natural bounty deserve our thanks.

Minnesota was ahead of the times. Itasca is not only Minnesota’s oldest state park, but also among the oldest state parks in the United States, predating the creation of the National Park Service by nearly 20 years. Over the years, Minnesota’s state park system has grown to 74 parks. Today most Minnesotans live within 30 miles of a state park.

Our state parks are living monuments to what makes Minnesota exceptional. When you visit a state park, you see our commitment to conservation, clean air and water, and habitat preservation. When you talk to a naturalist or ranger in our visitor centers or on the trail, you see our commitment to research and education. And when you hike along trails that are increasingly accessible to everyone, you see the basic Minnesota values of equity and coming together.

THE JOURNEY IS ALL THE FUN TINA SMITH Tina Smith is Minnesota’s 48th Lt. Governor.

Protecting Minnesota’s environment and natural resources for the next generation is one of Tina’s core values. In her free time, Tina enjoys biking, hiking, and cross country skiing with her family.

As President Franklin Roosevelt put it, “There is nothing so American as our parks. The fundamental idea behind the parks is … that the country belongs to the people.”

On the 125th anniversary of our state parks, we should not take these riches for granted.

I have been hiking Minnesota’s parks with my family for over 30 years.

“Sometime’s it’s a challenge to tear myself away from the computer and exchange my cell phone for a good pair of binoculars, but I start to feel better as soon as we turn off the paved road.”

In September, we visited spectacular Tettegouche State Park to see the High Falls on the Baptism River.

After I hiked for 20 minutes, my energy level rose, my shoulders dropped, and the frustrations and distractions of modern life receded. We saw brilliant yellow and red mushrooms, the feeding line where deer keep the birch trees pruned, and a spectacular ancient pine tree. I snap a picture to put on Facebook later. And I took my state park passport in to the visitor center to get it stamped.

Photograph by H. Brian Rauvola

47

THE COLD

STANDARD I CE CLIM B IN G

BY SH ANE STE E L E

I’ve been a rock climber for 12 years. It was my favorite outdoor pursuit until I tried ice climbing for the second time; second because after my first time on ice, I wanted nothing to do with it.

Rock climbing is easy enough to imagine: with a harness and rope, maybe some rubber climbing shoes and a chalk bag, use your hands and feet to ascend a cliff. Enjoy the sunshine, mild temperatures, and generally light-hearted atmosphere of a day at the crag.

Ice climbing as much resembles rock as downhill skiing does cross country. To get an idea, picture gloved hands bearing ice axes with stiff heavy boots and crampons underfoot. Then shrink the daylight hours by half, drop the temperature well below freezing, and add biting wind. Finally, sprinkle on snow to freeze ropes and creep up your sleeves and down your jacket.

My first day on ice was in Iowa –yes, Iowa- at Pike’s Peak State Park overlooking the Mississippi River. In the parking lot, we fumbled with cold hands to pull harnesses over bulky winter layers. We then rappelled down a frozen, mossy gully to the bottom of a 50 foot icefall.

Time to climb. What I perceived would be straightforward, the swing of ice axes and kick crampons felt awkward and foreign. Each hit crumbled the ice and fatigued my every muscle. Belaying was a battle between numb fingers and toes and dodging falling chunks of ice loosened by climbers above. By the time we returned to the car, I was plenty content to be just a rock climber.

My second day on ice was more than a year later. Living on the North Shore of Minnesota, a friend invited me to go ice climbing on the Cascade River. Tucked on the northern bank is a small creek that drips over the edge of the tall river gorge. Come winter, this creek becomes a frozen playground of ice 30 feet wide and 80 feet tall. Its summit is surrounded by century-old cedars amid perfect white snow. In this setting, it didn’t seem to matter that the temperature was just above zero or that I was exhausted and sore from my still uncoordinated efforts up the ice. The richness of the experience captured me.

I have returned to the Cascade River Icefall countless times, not only for the climbing but for the dull roar of the river muffled by snow and ice 100 feet below, the orange light of dusk on the southern rim of the canyon, the familiar thwack of crampons hitting ice, and the smell of crisp, cold air. I still love to rock climb, but I’m an ice climber at heart.

48

PLAY

WHO WE ARE AND

“

“

WE KNOW

HOW WE PLAY!

Photo by Chris Gibbs - C5 Adventure Photography 49

PLAY C UR LING

BY PAU L PUSTOVA R

Are you a competitive person? Do you enjoy traveling? If yes, then the game for you is the Olympic sport of curling.

The sport was started in the 16th century in Scotland where it was played on frozen lochs and marshes during the winter months. Today, the game is played indoors, mainly in dedicated ice arenas with controlled conditions.

Curling clubs dot our northern landscape but Grand Rapids has one of the best curling facilities in Minnesota with four sheets of ice. It is a vibrant club with a friendly atmosphere where everyone is welcome. Anyone can visit the club and try the game of curling.

THE GAME: Each team consists of four players: Lead, Second, Third (or Vice Skip), and Skip. The Skip, or captain, calls the plays and instructs his players to brush the ice in front of the stone. Each granite curling stone weighs about 42 pounds and is delivered with a predetermined rotation, causing it to curl as it travels 135’ to a bullseye-like target on the ice. Brushing the ice can affect speed and direction of the shot. Each player delivers two stones, in consecutive order in each end (or round), while alternating with an opponent. Most games consist of eight ends and the game lasts about two hours. One end is complete when all 16 stones have been delivered by the two teams.

The team closest to the center after all rocks are thrown will score the points. Repeat this for six to ten ends until one team is victorious.

Curling is unique in that a player never attempts to distract an opponent during the game. The “spirit of curling” requires good sportsmanship and conduct. Each game starts with a handshake with each member of the opposing team and the game concludes with handshakes once again. Traditionally, the winning team offers their opponents a refreshment after the game.

Another unique aspect of curling is that there is no distinction between amateurs and professionals. It is not uncommon for a regular club curler to be able to curl against a World Champion or an Olympian in a bonspiel (tournament). This leads to a good learning experience for newer curlers as a curler would never try to embarrass their opponents. The bonspiels are usually gender specific for men or women but there are also bonspiels for mixed teams or open bonspiels which include any combination of men or women.

Curling is definitely a life-long sport which is enjoyed by young individuals as well as individuals in their 80’s. Starting at a young age has its advantages and clubs usually have junior programs where these individuals can learn the game and become active in junior play downs.

Curling season runs November through March and all of the local clubs in Hibbing, Grand Rapids, and Bemidji will provide free lessons for anyone interested in the sport. Clubs also have open houses where new curlers can try out the Olympic sport of curling.

S K IJOR IN G

BY MICH AE L L AR S ON

There are countless qualities about living in Ely that make it the unique place it is known to be. The anticipation of the inevitable change of season that brings a whole new set of activities that you can not do during the other months of the year is one of the things I look forward to most. All too often when the temperatures begin to dip here in Minnesota, we do our best to hunker down and wait it out. This winter I encourage you to break that temptation and embrace our wonderfully famous winters with your best furry friend and get out skijoring!

What is skijoring? Skijoring (translated directly from Norwegian as “ski driving”) is a great activity and lifetime sport combining one of our favorite Midwest sports, cross country skiing, with dog mushing. The concept is straightforward; a dog in harness pulls a person on skis connected by a waist belt and tug line. Over the years the equipment has greatly improved from the early days in Norway with a simple leather strap and rope, to padded waist belts, tug lines with shock absorbers, and fine-tuned dog harnesses.

I love the simplicity of skijoring. You don’t need 10 huskies (or even a husky for that matter), nor do you have to be an Olympic athlete.

Typically, any dog over 30 pounds that enjoys getting outside and being active will enjoy pulling in a harness. Before hooking yourself up to your dog and yelling “HIKE!”, it’s best to make sure you are comfortable by yourself on a pair of skis and your dog has at least rudimentary obedience skills. Prepare yourself to spend some time working with your dog in this new activity, but mostly prepare yourself to have a lot of fun.

I CE FIS HIN G

BY RYAN DE CH AI N E

Northern Minnesota is home to thousands of pristine lakes that offer up countless winter recreational opportunities for the intrepid. If you’re the fishy type, ice fishing is world-class for a variety of species ranging from walleye, panfish, pike, trout, whitefish, and even the delicious burbot (aka eelpout). So suit up, catch a meal, and burn some calories in the process. Here’s how to get started. If you’re new to the area, visit the local bait shop for lake or guide recommendations; these folks are constantly brushing shoulders with “regulars” who frequent area lakes and donate their hotspots. The Minnesota DNR Lake Finder mobile site or phone app is a terrific resource for searching out your own opportunity. It contains valuable lake survey info, maps, stocking data, and more.

Equipment can be as simple or sophisticated as your interest level. A sharp auger is a must, and a power auger recommended for ice greater than six inches. In general, target gamefish around drop offs, points, offshore humps, and along the edges of flats; the presence of weed and rock can enhance these spots. Panfish relate to the same areas, but are often consolidated in main lake basins. And let’s be honest, the best winter holes are often where fish houses are piled up. A flasher or LCD fish finder/GPS combo is an invaluable tool for finding productive spots - if you’re not marking fish, keep moving. Cold water means slower metabolisms for most species so downsize tackle and equipment. This means 2-4 pound test line and light rods for panfish, and 4-8 pound test for walleye. Pack a tip-up or two with coated nylon line and a wire leader for pike. A tackle box should contain a good variety of jigs, jigging spoons, and standard terminal tackle like hooks and weights. Artificial lures can produce, but livebait like worms and minnows are often needed to trigger bites from tentative winter fish.

Yes, hard water is here to serve up some camaraderie, quiet time, exercise, and if you’re lucky, a delicious meal - all set in the wilds of our Minnesota northwoods. Get out and enjoy it.

50

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly? If so, ski jumping is the sport for you. Oh yeah, I’ve heard them all: “You have to be crazy!,” “It’s way too

BY S U SAN KAVAN AG H dangerous,” “You’ll get killed or break all your bones,” etc. Well, let me set the record straight. It is NOT the wild and crazy daredevil sport that’s been ingrained in the American mind. Ski jumping is rated as the second safest winter sport, only behind cross country skiing, by the International Ski Federation. Most parents don’t flinch about letting their child snowboard, but that is the most dangerous snow sport. Don’t get me wrong, there are inherent risks in any sport involving motion, balance, and speed. However, with ski jumping you learn incrementally and are closely monitored by the coaches for skill and confidence before being allowed to advance to the next stage. The sport is very highly controlled and conditions are monitored for safety at all times.

S K I J U MPI N G

So, how does it work? In simple terms, ski jumpers bend low and ski down a track extending their body at the take off. It is not about height but about distance flight. After the take-off, the jumper uses the body and skis to help generate lift as they fly through the air.

Many think that a ski jumper goes high up in the air when in reality they are only a few feet up as they go parallel to the hill as it slopes down and they glide into their “redwing” landing which is a style of landing where one foot is ahead of the other, the knees are slightly bent, and the arms are outstretched to the side. Besides getting points for their jump distance, the skier is also judged on their style and a good landing earns good points.

Most people start jumping young and progress through the years but starting jumpers can range in age from two years old to adults.

Those who start jumping at a young age have an advantage as their bodies are learning the techniques more easily. Jumpers progress to bigger hills as they build skills and confidence and the hills vary is size but most commonly the smallest hills are 10 meters. The jumps then get bigger and bigger until they reach the Olympic size jumps of 90 and 120 meters. The size of a jump is determined by the distance from the take off to the point on the hill where it starts to flatten out.

I would encourage anyone to go out and give it a try if you get the chance – you won’t regret it. For more information on ski jumping in Coleraine, MN or to come on out and have a go you can contact: Sue Kavanagh at suemarhen@gmail.com or visit our website at www.mtitasca.com.

With daylight a bit shorter and time riding on the pontoon is over, Minnesota’s favorite season is upon us. As we wake

BY R HEES E CAR LS O N & up on those cold dark mornings looking J ES S GAS S M AN over the lakes and ponds that surround us, we wonder… what will the date be this year when we can lace up the skates with all our friends and play the one game that all northern Minnesotan’s know how to play? That ONE game that has brought so many great friends and memories into people’s lives. The great game of Hockey. The pickup games after school and before practice become battles of the older sibling versus younger in the best-ofseven series, or until mom rings the dinner bell.

H ock e y

Conversation at dinner quickly turns from how was your day, to talk of the game you just got done playing. Your younger brother tells the story how he was pushed into the snowbank after he scored the winning goal with a move he saw his favorite player make, the same move he had been practicing all summer in the driveway. The only problem? It was you that he beat with that move; the snowbank was your response. These are the times of the year when you see the smiles on your parents’ and grandparents’ faces, as they reflect back on the same memories you are making today. The time they played on the same ponds, lakes, and local rinks that you are playing on today. Remember to cherish those times. Remember to SKATE218.

51

PLAY My passion for the outdoors started as a young dude. My passion for riding bikes started around the same time.

Fast forward 30+ years and things are

BY G R AN T SCH N E L L the same. Winter is my favorite season (Autumn is a close second). No bugs, less people outside (I do like people), and simplicity. The winter landscape keeps things simple. Staying warm, hydrated, well fed, and a good sleep are all you need. Why not bring a fatbike and pulk into the picture? The art of fatbiking in the winter has spread like the plague all over the world in the last five years. Many riders have taken a liking to fatbikes but that doesn’t mean they want to sleep outside in the winter. Packing plush sleeping bags, a wood stove/hot tent, and good food in the fatpulk meant that Seth Downs, Chris Gibbs, and I were on an adventure.

FATBIK ING

In Minnesota, trail options are limited for fatbikes and longer distance traveling. We do have some wonderful sections of groomed winter single track popping up in places like Cuyuna, Duluth, the Twin Cities, and some state parks. We ended up choosing the Matthew Lourey Minnesota State Trail and chose to ride mid week to avoid snowmobile traffic. Fatbiking is not recommended on groomed trails because of the snowmobile traffic, however, this trail is legal on the list of Minnesota state trails found on the MN DNR website. This trail runs through Minnesota state forest for many of its backcountry miles. Some of the state forests allow dispersed camping so that’s another reason we chose the Matthew Lourey. Operating with Leave No Trace principals in mind, we felt comfortable camping along the trail. We left a vehicle at our ending point (St. Croix State Forest) and another at the starting point (near Pickerel Lake). Luckily the trail parking lots had been plowed.

Scenery was excellent with rolling hills, a few frozen creek crossings and thick forest cover. After five miles, the pace continued to be pleasant, the trail was firm, and the fatpulks continued to pull smoothly. Mile ten came and went as we rolled up and down hills, through a few swamps and across some frozen creeks.

Snow depth was around 18 inches in the woods, which made for well-covered trails. Around mile 15 my out of shape legs started to get tired but I was having too much fun to stop and this was the price I paid for traveling with two dudes that breathe bikes.

Mile twenty rolled around and I was spent. We started at 11am and it was now around 3:30pm. It was a good spot to stop because the trail would soon go through some private property and we wouldn’t be able to camp there. Camp was set up in no time. We worked like well oiled bike chains to gather firewood, cut and split it. In a warm tent, after eating good food, we struggled to keep our eyes open. By the time 7:30pm hit, we were counting pedal revolutions (aka - sheep).

Not sure what time we woke up but spirits remained high after a good night’s rest. Breakfast was served. Packing up camp went smoothly. Then we pedaled off. In a mile or so we left the state forest and entered into some private land. There was some logging activity but the trail remained in good condition. After about 10 miles of pedaling, the Matthew Lourey entered into state forest again.

Temps were warming up and our tires were starting to poke through the hard crust of snow. Snow depth was starting to decrease as well. About three miles from our ending point, the trail followed a tar road for a half mile. We decided to stash the pulks in the woods as we wanted to avoid dragging the pulks on the bare gravel shoulder of the road. We pedaled to the finish with smiles.

Fifty fat miles later, we made what we thought would be around a three day trip into two days. We finished with temps around 34 degrees and it rained that evening. Overall, an uneventful and perfect fatbike camp trip transpired. The spark is now lit for rides of this kind in the future.

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Duluth • Grand Rapids • Hibbing www.bendersshoes.com

I grew up in central Minnesota at my parents’ twenty-acre hobby farm where we raised, trained, and loved our Alaskan husky sled dogs. I competed in professional sprint sled dog races with a four-dog team. My whole family was involved in the sport. We crafted the tuglines, boxes for transporting the dogs, and our sleds. My sled was handmade with wood from ash trees that grew on the farm. The harnesses were locally handcrafted, and some were even custom made. My dad organized races so I could participate in more local races. Every new snowfall brought with it excitement leading up to the race. Hundreds of mushing friends joined us for races in Leader, Crosslake, Detroit Lakes, Brainerd, and other central Minnesota locations.

M USHING

BY AL E XA (DUVAL) LA N G

On the back of the runners with my dogs was my happy place. The moment I would bring out the harnesses, sled, and tuglines, the dogs were ready to run. As soon as I would pull the snow hook anchor, we would take off; the dogs were silent and everything seemed perfect.

They trusted that I would guide them and I trusted they would listen. One mushing experience stands out: our annual Boundary Waters winter camping expeditions near the border of Minnesota and Canada. For the 22-mile excursion we would bring two teams of eight dogs with three sleds. Only sleeping bags designed for thirty below zero protected us from the fierce cold. The quiet and beauty of those trips are special memories. I hope to one day bring my children on a winter dogsled trip so they can experience the unique beauty and peacefulness of northern Minnesota on a dogsledding adventure. In the frozen wonderland of northern Minnesota, I not only welcomed the wintertime, I embraced it. My parents and siblings are still involved in dogsledding. It is a blessing to continue to enjoy the beauty that is mushing in Minnesota with my dogsledding family.

C ONT R IBUTO R S Paul Pustovar has competed and represented the United States in five Men’s World Championships and two Senior World Championships. In 2010, his Hibbing-based team defeated their Canadian opponents (both teams undefeated at the time) in an extra-end to win the Senior World Championship which was held in Chelyabinsk, Russia.

“Every time a team from northern Minnesota sits in the locker room lacing up their skates to play a team from the southern half of the state, 218 will show them that northern Minnesota is where real hockey is played. From youth, high school, and beyond, the goal is to bring the Minnesota State Championship trophy back up Highway 35. The pride and heritage 218 represents: we know who we are and how we play. Whether we skate on Lake of the Woods all night or a special back yard rink called Little Fryberger, creativity is found and memories are everlasting.” - Rheese Carlson and Jess Gassman,

218 HOCKEY

Shane Steele is an AMGA certified Single Pitch Instructor and climbing guide at Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply in Grand Marais MN. He leads rock and ice climbing tours and skills courses along the North Shore of Minnesota. Book your tour today at bookings.stoneharborws.com!

Alexa resides in Brainerd, MN with her husband and two daughters.

She loves the outdoors, especially during fall and winter. The changing seasons, beautiful lakes, and beautiful landscape are what she loves most about living in Minnesota.

Grant Schnell’s passion for the great outdoors led him to pursue an undergrad and graduate degree in Recreation Sports Management, Outdoor Education which he uses working with local youth and adults as a Recreation Therapist.

Together, with his wife Ashley, they’re also the owners of SkiPulk. com building pulks in their garage and sharing outdoor adventuring advice with others!

Ryan DeChaine is the VP of Video and Production for Wired2Fish. com, a Grand Rapids, MN-based freshwater sport fishing media company dedicated to promoting fishing to a large and diverse digital and TV audience. Ryan has covered fishing extensively throughout the United States and Canada, and is proud to call northern MN his home. In his opinion, few places can match the

pristine water resources, quality fishing, and open access opportunities like the North Country.

Susan Kavanagh, lives in Coleraine, MN right next to the ski jumps… her second home. A teacher/ educator, Susan has been involved in ski jumping for 16 years and a ski coach for 5m and 10m ski coach for 10 years. She’s traveled to many ski jump competitions around the United States and also to Vikersund, Norway. She has a passion for working with kids (usually three to 12 years old) and enjoys volunteer work in Girl Scouts, mentoring youth, etc.

Michael Larson is the owner and craftsman of outdoor gear at Kondos Outdoors, which has been supplying the dog mushing world with the toughest and most dependable gear made in Ely for dog mushers, by dog mushers since 1980.

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SITES & SCENES Ready to get out and play this winter? There are some supremely cool events going on right in your backyard!

No matter where you kick off your snow boots at night, there’s an event nearby for you to embrace this winter!

Photo by Layne Kennedy

ELY WINTER FESTIVAL AND ELY ART WALK February 2 - February 12, 2017 | Ely, MN The art will amaze you: giant snow sculptures in Ely’s Whiteside Park, painting, photography, sculpture, pottery, fabric art, and more in all the town’s store windows. The whole town is an outdoor art gallery!

But there’s plenty of activity, too, all of it embracing winter: ice skating, ice fishing, a Kubb tournament (www.elykubb.com), outdoor living expo, guided snowshoe hikes, fat tire biking, dog sledding, and so much more, including a concert by the Mesabi Symphony Orchestra.

Many events are free; your $5 Ely Winter Festival pin defrays some costs at other events and supports the Festival and the Art Walk.

Follow us on Facebook or at our website: www.elywinterfestival.com Plenty more will be happening.

HOCKEY DAY MINNESOTA 2017 January 21, 2017 | Stillwater, MN Celebrating its 11th year, Hockey Day Minnesota is a tried and true tradition; a celebration of one of the most coveted sports in the state… hockey, baby! Taking place in Stillwater, the rink in Lowell Park will feature the St. Croix Valley and historic Lift Bridge as stunning backdrops.

Hockey Day will showcase some of the top talent in this great “State of Hockey” and an atmosphere of competition and camaraderie that is so indicative of the sport. Tune in or take part in person. This holiday will be happening!

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EMBRACE HYGGE ON THE NORTH SHORE THIS WINTER - by Abby Tofte February 9-15, 2017 | Grand Marais, MN You may not yet know the definition of the Danish word hygge (pronounced hoo-gah), but chances are good that you have felt it.

Hygge is the Danish ritual of embracing life’s simple pleasures. Feeling relaxed, cozy, and surrounded by the warmth of family, friends, community, and fire, hygge encourages us to embrace all of winter’s pleasures and unique opportunities. Snowshoeing through the woods with someone special, feeling the fresh snow crunch beneath you, savoring each snowflake that lands on your eyelash, that’s hygge.

Spending an evening listening to live music, drinking a craft brew, laughing with friends, that, too, is hygge. Reading a well-loved book, your dog curled next to you on the couch, both of you tired after a long ski through the beautiful boreal forest, that is DEFINITELY hygge.

When you stop to think about the warmth and richness of hygge here in the Northland, it’s a shame so many of us choose to vacation “down south” during these enchanted months. This winter, choose North.

Choose hygge. Choose Grand Marais. Winter beauty, adventure, relaxation, and coziness for miles, this beautiful little harbor village on Lake Superior is the ideal hygge destination. This year Grand Marais is launching its first annual Hygge Week. Visitors will enjoy all the splendors of a classic North Shore winter vacation, dogsledding, stargazing, fireside gatherings, cross-country skiing, with the added bonus of unique events to encourage the celebration and enjoyment of the wonderful things that make North Shore winters unique. Some of the many hygge themed features include Scandinavian themed menu items, a full moon reading, cabin concert, art show openings, and lodging specials. With endless opportunities for relaxation seekers, adventure driven souls, and everyone in between, Grand Marais offers memorable experiences for all.

Listening to Lake Superior roar from your hotel balcony, wrapped in a heavy wool blanket, sipping pinot noir under a full moon... oh yes, that’s hygge.

Photo by Burgess Eberhardt

Photo by Capture Your Moment Photography

ARROWHEAD 135 January 30-February 1, 2017 International Falls to Tower, MN

WINTER CELEBRATION GETS WACKY January 18-22, 2017 | International Falls, MN The Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run proves only the bold run the cold.

The 5K and 10K race is part of Icebox Days, a wacky winter event that takes place each year in the Icebox of the Nation, International Falls, MN, where the average low temperature in January is -8. Frozen eyelashes and a nose dripping icicles are badges of honor in the race, which marks its 37th chilly running this coming year. There’s no such thing as “too cold” for runners hoping to hold the nation’s most frigid medal in their hands. The race is never cancelled, even when temperatures dip way, way, way below zero (International Falls’ record low is -55, set in 1909).

Despite bitter temperatures, runners receive a warm welcome with registration discounts for clubs and families, a commemorative shirt, and a beach-themed reception that provides a chance to thaw indoors.

The race opens a weekend of activities that encourage participants to strap two-by-fours on their feet in Smoosh races, hurl frozen birds in turkey bowling, aim for a hole in one in the Frostbite Falls Golf Open on frozen Rainy Lake, marvel at fireworks against a winter sky, and ski through the moonlight in Voyageurs National Park.

For more information, go to www.ifallschamber.com/icebox-days, or call 1-800-FALLS-MN.

The Arrowhead 135 is recognized in the book “The World’s Toughest Endurance Challenges” by Richard Hoad and Paul Moore as one of the 50 toughest races in the world. It is a human powered Ultra Marathon taking place in the coldest part of winter in the coldest city in the lower 48 states. Our average finish rate is less than 50%, the finish rate for new racers is much lower.

The Arrowhead Ultra takes place for 135 miles along the rugged, scenic Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail from International Falls to Tower, MN. Racers can pick their mode of transport: bicycle, ski, or foot.

2016 will be the 13th annual Arrowhead 135, beginning with 10 entrants in 2005 to 180 starters signed up for the 2016 race. Our race roster is limited in order to provide solitude on the trail. Racers come from around the world for this race, although most racers are from the Midwest.

Racers are required to carry mandatory survival gear including a -20F sleeping bag, bivy sac, sleeping pad, stove, fuel, fire starter, reflective vest, blinking lights, etc. There are only three checkpoints where racers can get help; one of them only provides water, no other help is allowed except from other racers. 2016 will feature the first year where approved racers can go fully unsupported, this means they will check in at the checkpoints and receive no food, water, or time to warm up.

40 racers have signed up for this challenge. The Arrowhead 135 is typically the coldest race anyplace, even the Arctic. Many years the race takes place in temperatures of -30 to -40C/F. We have the frostbite to prove it.

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NUAL N A 61

MAIN: $5000 $3000 $1000 $1000

2ND: 3RD: 4TH:

ST

$1200 $1200 $1200

$600 $600 $600

$300 $300 $300

$300 $300 $300

SITES & SCENES

PAYOUTS INCREASE BASED ON THE NUMBER OF TEAMS

MAIN EVENT WINNER CAN REACH UP TO

$8,000!

TE

RNATION

Photo by Phillip Schwarz

A

L

IN

BASED ON 128 TEAMS

2 0 61ST ANNUAL LAST CHANCE INTERNATIONAL BONSPIEL 1 April 6-9, 2017 | Hibbing, MN 7 13 SHEETS OF ICE

2017 INTERNATIONAL EELPOUT FESTIVAL February 23-26, 2017 | Walker, MN

★ Up to ★

Celebrating 61 years of curling competition, this bonspiel is sure interest audiences. The Hibbing Curling Club features a state of the art cooling floor with sub soil heat and dehumidification system. Located in the Hibbing Memorial Building Arena, the club will host four events on 13 sheets of ice and up to 128 teams. Curling is an integral part of Minnesota’s winter sports with HIBBING, MINNESOTA U.S.A. bonspiels (tournaments) happening often during the season. This Mail your entries to: Questions? particular bonspielEntries draws international as USA and Canada must include full payment of $240appeal (USD) per team Hibbing Curling Club Tom Scott (218) 969-0628 P.O. Box 357 tom_scott_curler@hotmail.com Entry forms available at www.hibbingcurling.com teams head Hibbing, MN 55746 off. For more information, visit www.hibingcurling.com curling@hibbingcurling.com

128 Teams

★to 4 Events excite competitors ★ and

April 6-7-8-9, 2017 18th Annual Joe Berklich

Senior Men’s

4 th Annual

Senior ladies’

Last Chance Bonspiel

Last Chance Bonspiel

Lunch Both Days • Drawings • Cash Payout • Entry Fee: $200 (USD) per team Mail Entries to: Hibbing Curling Club, P.O. Box 357, Hibbing, MN 55746 Email: curling@hibbingcurling.com Call: Terry Huusko (218) 969-3523

Lunch Both Days • Drawings • Cash Payout • Entry Fee: $200 (USD) per team Mail Entries to: Hibbing Curling Club, P.O. Box 357, Hibbing, MN 55746 Email: curling@hibbingcurling.com Call: JoAnne Getz (218) 208-2077

Ages 50 and older 32 Team Limit • 2-days • April 3-4, 2017

For 37 years, Leech Lake has drawn crowds 10x the typical population of Walker, MN (pop. just over 1,000) for a unique festival named after the ugliest bottom-dwelling fish, the eelpout. Named one of the top “15 Weird Midwestern Festivals You Never Knew Existed” by BLT blog, the Eelpout Festival is a three day event that features a Polar Plunge, eelpout beer pong tournament, fishing competitions, a community of ice houses, and the icky tradition of kissing an eelpout for good luck. Embrace the dead of winter with people who know how to embrace the quirky side of life!

For more information, visit www.eelpoutfestival.com

Ages 50 and older 12 Team Limit • 2-days • April 3-4, 2017

THE JOHN BEARGREASE SLED DOG MARATHON January 29, 2017 | North Shore, MN

Photo by Jessica Shold

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon begins on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017. The event will feature roughly 80 world-class mushers racing in a marathon that is nearly 400 miles long and a mid-distance race, where all competitors are vying for one of 20 cash prizes totaling $30,000. Both races will traverse the Sawtooth Mountains in Cook County, going as far north as Gunflint Lake near the Canadian border.

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon was established in 1980 and is the longest sled dog marathon in the lower 48 states. It is a qualifier for the famed Iditarod race in Alaska. The Beargrease marathon will start in Duluth, and then head to Mineral Center in Grand Portage and back, while the shorter, mid-distance race goes one-way on the route.

All of the check points and road crossings provide great photo and spectator opportunities. They are all easy accessible and open to the public.

For more race details and a spectator map, visit www.beargrease.com.

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A Glensheen Christmas

A Glensheen Christmas is your Christmas-by-day holiday activity in Duluth, MN at the start of the North Shore. See a 39-room mansion decked out for the holidays with over 25 Christmas trees, hundreds of feet of garland, and small hidden elves for you to find throughout the mansion.

A Glensheen Christmas will be decorated until January 8th.

Start your experience by taking a memorable family photo on a Portland Cutter sleigh. See if you can spot the hidden elves as you hear Christmas Congdon stories. Sample a free Christmas cookie recreated from Clara’s very own shortbread cookie recipe.

Finish your tour by exploring the lakeside grounds with your free hot cocoa in hand from the hot cocoa bar.

Guided tours are offered Monday - Friday and Self-Guided Tours are offered Saturdays and Sundays.

Glensheen is open daily from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Glensheen is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

#1 HOUSE MUSEUM IN THE MIDWEST. A hallmark of extraordinary design on the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota. A businessman’s enduring legacy. But at its heart, a family home.

Gift Guide

We’ve got your holiday shopping covered at The Lake + Co. Shop.

Visit us at thelakeandco.com for all your gifting needs.

Meet Me Lakeside Onsie Hi Little One $23.00

Explore Banner Pink Linen Design $24.00

Up North Crayons Earth Grown Crayons $10.00 Agate Lake Superior Port Cities, Inc. $17.95

Goodnight Loon Univ. of Minnesota Press $9.95

MN Paddle Tee Sota Clothing $20.00

Wapi Baby Moccasin Itasca Leathergoods $52.00

Wild Lovey Blanket Finch Designs $23.99

KIDS

Buffalo Plaid Giraffe Finch Designs $14.95

Sweetie Doll & Pirate Doll Her Bunnies Three $45.00 each

MN Baseball Tee Live & Love MN $36.00

State of Wonders $39.95

Large Zip Top Foldover Crossbody Nest Pure $115.00 Large Druzy Earrings Cherry Rock Design $20.00

MN State Bangle Bracelet Larissa Loden $16.00

Black Circle Sunglasses Sota Clothing $35.00

Kyanite Spike Necklace Larissa Loden $40.00

Arrow Pink Linen Design $10.00 Chill Hat Up North Market $26.00

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Tassel Keychain Nest Pure $18.00

WOMEN

Be Still Notebook J.Marie & Sweet Pea $12.99 Scandi Scarf Up North Market $34.00

Photography by Press Secretary

THE LAKE + CO. SHOP MN Cribbage Board Hagen & Oats $30.00

Wooden Bottle Opener Woodchuck $20.00

Skokie Messenger Bag Itasca Leathergoods $468.00

Voyageur Hat Voyageur Brewing Company $20.00

Classic Wood Journal Woodchuck $30.00

Beer Me Hagen & Oats $30.00

Wool Grab & Go Duluth Pack $45.00

MEN

MN Paddle Raglan Tee Sota Clothing $28.00

Pint Glass Bemidji Brewing Company $8.00

Voyageur Heritage Paddle Sanborn Canoe Company $180.00

MN Plaid Card J. Marie & Sweet Pea $4.50

Deer Pink Linen Design $40.00

Coffee Mug Live & Love MN $18.00

Fur Lodge Pillow Up North Market $52.00

This Must Be The Place Towel – MBMB//Made By Michelle Brusegaard $12.00

MN Hook Hagen & Oats $50.00

HOME

Agate Coasters Cherry Rock Design $80.00

Woodland Check Pillow Up North Market $40.00

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DARKSKIES “Northern Minnesota boasts some of the purest dark viewing spots in the U.S.”

Photography by Travis Novitsky

R

esidents and visitors of Cook County, Minn. (home to the communities of Lutsen, Tofte, Schroeder, Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage) embrace winter for all it has to offer. When the sun is rising later and setting sooner, the extended nights create an ideal opportunity to view the northern lights and the thousands of visible stars. True northerners know that winter is the opportune time to layer up and head outside. Winter boots and a warm thermos of cocoa should always be at the ready because one never knows when the perfect opportunity will present itself.

“You don’t need to travel to Finland, Alaska, or northern Canada to experience the darkest skies and northern lights,” says Linda Jurek, executive director of Visit Cook County, “they can be viewed here in our backyard many nights of the year.”

Throughout history, the indigenous people have described the phenomenon of the northern lights as the great spirits painting the sky.

The natural event is actually the earth’s magnetic field dancing with the charged particles from the sun. While sometimes tricky to predict, the aurora borealis can be enjoyed year-round in northern Minnesota. “Part of the magic of the northern lights is that they are unpredictable,” says Bryan Hansel, professional photographer and workshop director based in Grand Marais.

“There are a few great resources that can be used to check for predictions such as www.spaceweather.com as well as the “Aurora Alert” app for my phone. It alerts me when the aurora will be overhead. If the alarm goes off, I head out to a lake with a northern view.”

Fellow professional photographer Travis Novitsky, who lives in Grand Portage, agrees. “This website is great for anything going on in space (meteor showers, comets, auroras, etc.). When it comes to northern lights, forecasters have gotten very good at estimating when aurora activity might be possible. Sometimes they even know two or three days ahead of time. So, it’s a good idea to check the web site every day to see if there may be something interesting happening in the days ahead.”

EXPLORING THE DARK SIDE OF COOK COUNTY, MINN. According to Jurek, one of the reasons that the area is so terrific for stargazing is that it is so far from the distracting lights of the city. Cook County area businesses and community members take pride in the fact that they are based in a remote wilderness region with little to no light pollution. They work together and take protective measures to sustain the “purity” of the darkness. According to www.darkskyfinder.com, roughly 80 percent of the U.S. population cannot see the Milky Way. Incredibly, however, the majority of the communities in Cook County are rated above-average for darkness. At the end of the Gunflint Trail in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, it gets even darker. This makes the area one of the purest dark skies east of the Mississippi.

There are many photographers who live in Cook County and are dedicated to capturing the vivid, pulsating colors of the northern lights. Locals and visitors put in countless nights chasing the auroras.

WHERE DO PHOTOGRAPHERS GO TO SHOOT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS? “The best locations to view and photograph the northern lights are flat places with an open view to the north, such as along the southern edge of a meadow or field,” recommends Novitsky. “Looking to the north over a lake or river is my personal favorite, that way you can also get the lights reflecting in the water.” Check out www.visitcookcounty.com/ northernlights to find some promising northern lights driving routes.

“The possibilities for creative compositions are endless. Use your imagination, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Look for something interesting in the foreground to make for a stronger composition (such as a dock protruding into the lake or a section of shoreline along a lake that has rocks sticking up out of the water. Interesting tree lines are attractive, too.”

Learn from the pros. A few photographers like Bryan Hansel offer several popular night sky photography workshops each year. “Participants can learn how to capture the northern lights and the Milky Way, as well as whatever else is going on in the sky,” says Hansel. Hansel recommends using a DSLR camera to photograph the northern lights. “Cell phones are useful tools for navigation and aurora apps but the camera technology is not advanced enough yet to be used to capture the majesty of the auroras.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT BRYAN HANSEL’S CLASSES AND HIS PRO TIPS BY VISITING BRYANHANSEL.COM “Nights spent in the woods photographing the northern lights are some of the best memories that I have,” says Novitsky. “I’ve heard wolves howling, loons singing, and owls hooting while standing under a sky filled with dancing aurora. Talk about memory burn! These experiences stick with you and increase your appreciation for the outdoors as few other experiences can.”

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“Winter is the ideal time to plan an aurora borealis or stargazing adventure.”

TIPS FOR VIEWING THE AURORA BOREALIS IN COOK COUNTY, MINN. 1.

Check the forecast. The best viewing is during clear nights with little to no moonlight.

2.

Stay up late. Night owls have the best chance of catching this incredible phenomenon. The best times to see northern lights is often between 9 p.m. – 4 a.m.

3.

Bundle up. Bring blankets and a thermos of hot chocolate.

Northern nights get chilly.

4.

Look to the North. Grab a compass and find a spot with a good view to the north, without hills or trees blocking your line of sight.

5.

Turn off lights. Artificial light will make it more difficult to see the northern lights. Be sure to turn off car lights, house lights, flashlights, and keep your cell phone screen dim.

6.

Be patient. Part of their mystic is the unpredictability of occurrence. Catching a glimpse of the northern lights takes dedication, patience, and a good friend to keep you company.

7.

Know what to look for. Aurora Borealis appears in a broad spectrum of colors. Most typically seen is a faint green-yellow or white-gray display. However, purples and reds can also be seen.

8.

Tell a friend. When venturing into the woods to find that perfect spot, be sure to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Also, letting someone else know the northern lights are out will increase your chance of them returning the favor in the future.

WHAT DO AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CAPTURING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?

By Travis Novitsky – www.travisnovitsky.com Here is my basic advice for amateur photographers:

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1.

Use a good tripod if one is available, or in a pinch you could set the camera on a stationary object such as a deck railing or the roof of your car.

2.

Also a bean bag can be helpful for composing and recording a shot if a tripod is unavailable. A bean bag will hold the camera still, and you can position the camera on the bag the way you want, therefore allowing for a bit more freedom in your composition.

3.

Be sure to not have filters covering the front of your lens. The first time I shot the aurora, I couldn’t figure out why the images weren’t turning out the way I was hoping… well, it was because I had a polarizer filter attached to the front of the lens!

4.

Generally, you want to shoot the aurora with your lens as wide open as possible. On most camera lenses this will likely be either an aperture of f4 or f3.5. Some lenses have an aperture of f2.8, which will let even more light in.

5.

These days just about any camera is capable of capturing a decent photo of the northern lights. However, a DSLR camera with a full-frame sensor is going to give you the best image quality available. Cell phone cameras simply don’t cut it for aurora photography.

6.

I usually shoot the aurora with my camera in Manual mode, and when I start shooting I start off with the ISO set at 800 and an exposure time of 20 to 30 seconds. Depending on the intensity of the lights, I can either increase the ISO or decrease the shutter speed, depending on the look that I am going for.

7.

Most of the time a camera’s autofocus will not be able to focus on the lights, as usually they are too faint for the camera to detect. A strong flashlight is a must in some situations. If there are other lights in the scene (such as the moon, or city lights, for example) you can use those lights to focus your camera.

8.

If you have a strong foreground element, you can use a strong flashlight to shine light onto the foreground element, so your camera can “see” it; then use your autofocus to focus on the foreground element. Once you’ve obtained focus, turn your autofocus OFF, otherwise when you go to press the shutter button the camera will try to focus again.

DARK SKY MAP

Superior Hiking Trail Gitchi-Gami Bike Trail Black Beach Split Rock State Park Tettegouche State Park

all just an agates toss from our door

Every fairy tale was created with a real place in mind.

- Rooms and Suites with whirlpools and fireplaces.

- Pool area featuring a 110’ waterslide.

- Breakfast Buffet with Waffle Bar. - ATV & Snowmobile trail access.

AmericInn Lodge & Suites of Silver Bay 150 Mensing Drive 150 Bay, MN 55614 (218) 226-4300

REGIONAL ART

JEWELRY CLOTHING

HOME FURNISHINGS

W

Your perfect winter awaits in Cook County, Minnesota.

Behold the North Shore’s most magnificent scenery.

Roam two million acres of pristine winter forest.

Follow a trail or make your own.

for A R T F U L L I V I N G

Feel the Freedom.

See all the winter wonders Cook County has to offer at VisitCookCounty.com 395 SOUTH LAKE AVE CANAL PARK DULUTH, MN WATERSOFSUPERIOR.COM 218.786.0233

1. BEMIDJI BREWING

2. JACK PINE BREWERY

1. BEMIDJI BREWING 211 America Ave, Bemidji, MN | www.bemidjibeer.com Favorite winter beer: Double Porter Description of favorite winter beer: This award winning beer returns just in time for the holiday season! Layers upon layers of rich English and German malts come together to form this rich, dark, roasty ale. Notes of chocolate, cocoa, caramel, and dark fruit all play a part in this celebrated winter warmer!

What’s one thing that you think sets your beer/brewery apart from the others? What do you REALLY want people to know about you?

Bemidji Brewing’s founders are not from Bemidji, instead we chose to build a brewery in Bemidji and northern Minnesota because of the vibrancy of the community and folks who make this area their home. Bemidji Brewing creates beer that pairs perfectly with living life surrounded by the woods and water. With our recent expansion we can’t wait to send more of our beer out to our neighbors in northern Minnesota!

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2. JACK PINE BREWERY 7942 College Rd, Baxter, MN | www.jackpinebrewery.com Favorite winter beer: Big Buck Barleywine Description of favorite winter beer: Big, bold, and aggressively hopped. This American Barleywine boasts a rich malt complexity balanced with aggressive hop bitterness. The biggest beer we make and it is released once a year around the anniversary for the brewery in January. A great beer to age and cellar as it subdues the hop bitterness and brings out the caramel, toffee, plumb notes.

What’s one thing that you think sets your beer/brewery apart from the others? What do you REALLY want people to know about you?

While scrappy in nature, the jack pine has a rather unique aspect to its propagation. You see, this tree is a serotinous plant, in that it requires an environmental trigger for the cones to release the seeds. In the case of the jack pine, it releases seeds in the presence of fire. This adaptation means the tree is often one of the first trees to take root after a forest fire. The jack pine tree is the perfect symbol for our scrappy little brewery, for when we started in 2012 we were the first brewery in the Brainerd Lakes area since prohibition.

4. VOYAGEUR BREWING

DRINK

LAKE SUPERIOR

3. LAKE SUPERIOR BREWING BREWING CO. LLC

1

2

BREWING I N T H E N O RT H

3. LAKE SUPERIOR BREWING CO. LLC

4. VOYAGEUR BREWING COMPANY

2711 W. Superior St., Duluth, MN | www.lakesuperiorbrewing.com Favorite winter beer: Old Man Winter Warmer

233 West Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN | www.voyageurbrewing.com Favorite winter beer: Otter Slide

Description of favorite winter beer: Powerful flavors of ripe dark fruits, chocolate, smoke with mild peatiness along with vanilla undertones. Alcohol is present (11% abv) but not hot or boozy. Definitely a sipper.

Description of favorite winter beer: A smooth tasting Imperial Brown Ale with hints of maple and peanut butter.

What’s one thing that you think sets your beer/brewery apart from the others? What do you REALLY want people to know about you?

Beginning operations in 1994, LSB is one of the pioneer production craft breweries in Minnesota. We primarily make traditionally defined styles of beer from around the world, just thousands of miles fresher. We have basic brewing equipment, some of it being repurposed from other industries. While a fancy automatic system would b e great (expensive), our friend John Buhrows (head brewer for Leinenkuegel) says it doesn’t make the beer better, just easier. Although our equipment may be basic, our beers are not. LSB has won 14 medals at the World Beer Championships.

What’s one thing that you think sets your beer/brewery apart from the others? What do you REALLY want people to know about you?

We care about our customers whether they are drinking our beer in our taproom, in a bar somewhere else, or purchasing a six pack in a liquor store. We want to exceed their expectations by consistently producing awesome tasting beer. We love owning a brewery, employing amazing people, and being able to give back to our community.

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YOUTH

Baby, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE!

BY AMANDA JONES

FOR KIDS • • • • • •

Snow Tie-Dying Campfire Cones Winter Biking and Ski Trailers Eat Icicles Sledding Snow Ice Cream

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 68

Get A Yurt Headlamp Hike Teach Your Kids to Ski or Attend a Local Ski Club Candle Light Skiing Shovel Sidewalks Take Pictures Playgrounds Walk Dogs Make Ice Balloon Orbs Track Animals Make Ice Lanterns Volunteer At A Dogsled Kennel or Race See The Lights Visit An Ice Castle

When

the sun is shining and the weather is nice, we have no qualms about sending our kids out to play—we know it’s good for them! It means for many that we can actually get some things checked off of our to-do list when they go out, too! It’s been proven time and again to be really good for the mind, body, and soul—for those young and older. Here are some ideas for kids and families alike to get out, soak up the Vitamin D, and have fun, even when the mercury sinks down low. Blizzards, winter weather advisories, and oh-so-low temperatures don’t mean you need to settle in for months of hiding indoors. Healthy kids and adults do not need to let Old Man Winter put an end to staying active outdoors. Think back to the joy you felt as a kid when they announced a snow day – here’s to making winter magical again!

CAMPFIRE CONES Preschoolers are honest. It’s one of the best things about kids that age – and few things can redeem your culinary skills in the eyes of a kid like filling a cone with sugar! This particular recipe can be tweaked to suit those around you. To delight the kids in your life, simply buy some sugar cones and tin foil and fill them as you’d like. We use marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, and mini M&Ms. You could even dice bananas if you wanted an outdoorsy bananas Foster. Get a cookie sheet and cover the top of your creations with tinfoil, leaving just the pointy end of the cone sticking out. Set them on a grill or just near the edge of the fire and wait. It varies depending on your fire-building prowess, but it should only be about ten minutes before the contents have melted and you can sit back and enjoy.

SNOW ICE CREAM This recipe was first relayed to me by a friend in Alaska—where they also need to entertain stir-crazy kids for months of frozen monotony—and though it’s not exact or precise, you get the idea. Chances are you’ll spend many hours trying to perfect and personalize your particular recipe! Get a big mixing bowl and some FRESH snow and get to work! (The yield is much less than the initial amount of snow you use, so two cups of snow is only about a 1/2 cup of ice cream when you’re done.)

CHOCOLATEY GOODNESS 2 heaping cups of fresh snow 1 Tbsp. sweetened condensed milk 1/2 tsp. of chocolate malt mix or Nesquik powder PLAIN OLD VANILLA 2 heaping cups of fresh snow 1 Tbsp. sweetened condensed milk 1/2 tsp. of vanilla extract Basically, once you get that condensed milk and snow, you can play with the recipe by adding juices, fruit, syrups, soda or jellies—get creative and then just add sprinkles!

WINTER BIKING AND SKI TRAILERS

TRACK ANIMALS

Fat tire bikes have been popular in recent years and while we think they are rad, they can be difficult to maneuver, costly, and rather rare in some parts.

Trying to find miniature versions? Even harder. BUT, for those seriously adventurous little cruisers that need to keep riding even after snow has settled in, there is a contraption that looks so cool it might just be worth trying this winter! Strider, maker of a push bike for kids, has a winter option, too! It’s basically two one-track skis that attach to each of the tires of your push bike, opening up another season of fun for the youngsters! If you are a fat tire biker, there is a fantastic attachment made by THULE (formerly Chariot) that looks just like the bike trailers for hauling kids in the fairer months, but has skis below. You can use it with the biking attachment or pull it behind you with a harness made for hiking and skiing.

Snow leaves an incredible classroom for learning and exploration—and a fresh palette each day! We’ve followed footprints made by all sorts of animals and even people. See how dad has much larger feet? Do you think a dog-like animal or a cat-like animal came here? Is that deer poo? Hours of fun. Squirrel middens, tracks, scat, and all sorts of clues unfold along trails and paths – even in town!

GET A YURT The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has three parks with yurt sites to date. They are Afton, Glendalough, and Cuyuna (perfect for biking) State Parks. You’ll need to reserve them well in advance, but you might not have such wild competition in the winter. Having a roof over your head makes winter camping just a little cozier for most! This can provide the perfect base camp to all the snowy adventures you can find around state parks. They might also have an “I Can” Program, Ranger talk, or something that makes winter in nature extra special to take part in.

HEADLAMP HIKE On the surface this might sound a little dull – though kids do love headlamps and flashlights! However, if you’re really looking to wow the little humans in your life, pick up some reflective tacks or flags at the outdoors section of a local store. During the day, hike about placing the tacks around a hiking route for use at night. You can let the kids lead with their lights in this nocturnal jaunt.

MAKE ICE LANTERNS The first step to this is eating ice cream. A LOT of ice cream. (Gallon sized ice cream pails make the BEST tools for this activity!) Fill with water, push a small container (sour cream, cottage cheese, etc.) on top and then squish the ice cream pail lid on top. This will create a depression in your lantern for a candle. It takes at least overnight, sometimes 24 hrs. depending on conditions. If you use a larger five gallon bucket, fill with water and simply wait – it freezes into a cylinder after about a day with liquid water still visible in the middle – flip the bucket and chop out the frozen end to do this the easy way.

VOLUNTEER AT A DOGSLED KENNEL OR RACE There are kennels all over the northland. Some of your co-workers might even run dogs in the winter. It’s fast becoming a more popular sport – you may not have Iditarod racers next door (or do you?) but rest-assured, if you have hard workers that are curious about canines, you’ll find a dog lot that might have an extra shovel or two! (And maybe some puppies to help socialize!) If you aren’t ready to become a full-blown handler for a musher just yet, consider being a trail angel for a local-ish race. There are many – the Beargrease is the most widely known dogsled event in Minnesota, but there are all sorts of shorter qualifiers and recreational races. Volunteers are needed for everything from parking to puppy judging at some! You’ll find your place to shine, we promise!

VISIT AN ICE CASTLE

CANDLE LIGHT SKIING Once you’ve learned the (ski) ropes, do it at night.

You can make ice lanterns and place them around your ski route. If you’re super savvy, you could also use your reflective hike route for this activity! If you’re short on space, many public parks, ski trails, and ski clubs have candlelight ski nights. Join a club. It will open up all sorts of wintry opportunities.

Technically, this isn’t lake country fun – not yet anyway, but it’s pretty neat that we live in one of the few places that has ice castles! This might be a weekend getaway or an all-day trip, but imagine the look on your kids face when you show up at a giant ice structure! This year Stillwater, MN is the site of the incredible frozen water castle!

It’s a jaunt from our northern hideaway, but worth it to add a little magic—and maybe give the kids some inspiration for their own igloos in the backyard this season!

PLAYGROUNDS

SNOW TIE-DYING

Playgrounds aren’t just for summer! They make a pretty fun escape during frozen months, too – the slide seems so much faster and you usually have the entire place to yourself!

Just mix some warm water with food coloring in a spray bottle—use more for bold colors, but make sure to put on clothes that can get stained—just in case. Write names, fill in the garden with bursts of blooms on top of the blanket of snow, or just tie-dye snow angels and an army of snowmen!

WALK DOGS Animal shelters love volunteers ALL the time, BUT dogs get cooped up and cabin fever sets in just as it does for humans—especially in winter! If you’re looking for outdoor exercise with the added dose of good karma, make a dog’s day and take them out for fresh air, too!

MAKE ICE BALLOON ORBS This one can be used for decorating the yard or for winter bowling! Simply fill balloons with water and add a generous amount of food coloring for bold colors, less for lighter orbs. Freeze and peel away the balloon. Now, you have bowling balls, just set up some plastic bottles and shovel the sidewalk! Challenge the neighbors or friends to a snow-bowl!

AMANDA JONES is a freelance writer in northern Minnesota. When she’s not in her garden or deer stand she’s on the road with her family, seeking out the next big adventure.

She’s happiest when she has a strong cup of coffee on a misty, overcast, cool day, with a bucket full of berries or after seeing a killer sunset. Her children and pets keep her busy when she’s not writing or exploring. She’s also a harsh critic of coconut water and cruciferous vegetables.

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218.829.5430

800.317.5430

302 5th Ave. NE, Brainerd | Adjacent to Cub Food East

REVIEW

Serenity Spa

BY BRI STACKLIE

A

FTER MONTHS OF PLANNING AND WEEKS OF GRUELING DETAILS, THE 14TH ANNUAL Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener celebration concluded at Breezy Point Resort.

With a successful event behind me, I waved goodbye to my fellow patrons who were donned in blaze orange and excitedly off to deer camp. As they headed down the drive, I headed to the entrance of Breezy Point’s Serenity Spa for some much needed pampering and relaxation.

THE MOMENT I WALKED THROUGH THE DOORS THE SERENE FEELING IMMEDIATELY TOOK OVER. I WAS WELCOMED BY SPARKLING CHANDELIERS, A FIREPLACE WARMLY FLICKERING, AND FRIENDLY STAFF. With a plethora of services offered, I had booked a full afternoon of pampering! My first service was a Prenatal Massage. At 8 months pregnant lying on my stomach has never felt so amazing.

As Ryan began my full-body, deep tissue massage I closed my eyes listening to the calming spa sounds in the background and quickly drifted off to 60 minutes of total serenity. Once my massage concluded, I was welcomed back to the relaxation area with a refreshment and greeted

by Cassandra for my next service, my facial. I entered the dimly lit room and again drifted away as she exfoliated, cleansed, hydrated, and massaged my face and scalp. Amazing aromas filled the room. Feeling rejuvenated, I was taken to the pedicure area where Sandra met me for a full-pedicure. While sitting in an oversized massage chair and taking in the sparkling sunshine, swaying pines, and beautiful sites of the resort, I was again swept away to the feeling of serenity. As my pink toes dried and my services were complete, I felt relaxed, rejuvenated, and refreshed. I was ready to take on my next task… prepping for my baby girl’s arrival.

As I left the resort, driving down the pine-lined drive and through the front gate which read “we appreciate your visit,” I thought to myself, thank you Breezy Point Resort, I appreciate your hospitality!

Whether for business or pleasure, I encourage you to visit Breezy Point Resort to take in all it has to offer. From its event facilities to accommodations to activities and things to do year round, it is a first-class facility with top-notch staff and services. During your visit be sure to book yourself a day at Serenity Spa... replenish your body and mind!

ON THE

RADAR EVERYTHING THAT’S UP-AND-COMING THIS SEASON

DECEMBER Dec 1 Gingerbread Galore, Bigfork Dec 1 Grace House Dinner/ Dance, Grand Rapids Dec 1 Taste of the Holidays Schaefer’s Foods, Nisswa Dec 1 Boyd ‘Bump’ Blomberg, Poplar River Pub, Lutsen Dec 1 Gordon Thorne, Bluefin Grille, Tofte Dec 1 Open Studio at the DAI Lincoln Center, Duluth Dec 1-4, 7-10 UMD Theatre’s She Loves Me, Duluth Dec 1-4, 8-11, 15-18 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream coat, Duluth Dec 1-26 Bentleyville Tour of Lights, Duluth Dec 1 -Jan 8 A Glensheen Christmas, Duluth Dec 2 Santa Lights the Lights, Grand Rapids Dec 2 Gingerbread Family Fun, Coleraine Dec 2 Caleigh, Grand Rapids Dec 2 Briand Morrison, Voyageur Brewing Co., Grand Marais Dec 2 Jim Miller, Bluefin Grille, Tofte Dec 2 Phil Vassar Holiday & Hits Show, Shooting Star Casino, Mahnomen Dec 2-3, 9-10, 16-17 Ride the Train to Bentleyville, Duluth Dec 2-4 Winterglo Festival, Grand Rapids Dec 2-4, 9-11, 16-18 Christmas City Express, Duluth Dec 3 Douglas County Hospital Holiday Ball, Alexandria Dec 3 Duluth Superior Symphony Orchesta , Duluth Dec 3 Grace House “Home is where the Heart is,” Grand Rapids Dec 3 Handmade Holidays, The Grand Marais Art

Colony, Grand Marais Dec 3 Gene LaFond & Amy Grillo, Voyageur Brewing

Co., Grand Marais Dec 3 Plucked Up String Band, Lutsen Resort Lobby, Lusten Dec 3 SplinterTones, Grandma Ray’s, Grand Marais Dec 3 Free Family Art Day: Handmade Holidays, Duluth Dec 3 Duluth Fiber Handcrafters Fair and Sale, Duluth Dec 3 Travis Ledoyt Concert, Holmes Theatre, Detroit Lakes Dec 3 Christmas Showcase, Park Rapids Dec 3-4 Christmas at The Barn in Dunvilla, Pelican Rapids Dec 3-4 Duluth Winter Village at Glensheen, Duluth Dec 3-4, 10-11 Pepperkakebyen Gingerbread City, Duluth Dec 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 Santa and his live Reindeer at Fitger’s, Duluth Dec 3, 10, 17 Park Theatre Free Movie Matinee, Park Rapids Dec 4 Borealis Chorale and Orchestra Annual

Community Christmas Concert, Bethlehem

Lutheran Church, Grand Marais Dec 5 Family Craft Time-Christmas Ornaments, Grand Rapids Dec 5 Borealis Chorale and Orchestra Annual

Community Christmas Concert, Bethlehem 72

Lutheran Church, Grand Marais Dec 5 Eric Frost, Bluefin Grille, Tofte Dec 6 Briand Morrison, Poplar River Pub, Lutsen Dec 6 2016 Business Holiday Extravaganza, Brainerd Dec 7 Open Photo Critique at DAI Darkroom, Duluth Dec 8 Christmas Cards and Cookies, Deer River Dec 8 Family Gingerbread House Making, Nashwauk Dec 8 Holiday Business After Hours, International Falls Dec 8 Eric Frost, Poplar River Pub, Lutsen Dec 8 Gordon Thorne, Bluefin Grille, Tofte Dec 9 Pushing Chain, Voyageur Brewing Co., Grand Marais Dec 9 Portage Band, Grandma Ray’s, Grand Marais Dec 9 Joe Paulik, Bluefin Grille, Tofte Dec 9-11 MN Ballet presents The Nutcracker, Duluth Dec 9-11 Arrowhead Ice Fishing and Winter Show, Duluth Dec 9-11 The Nutcracker, Grand Rapids Dec 10 Jingle Bells, Alexandria Dec 10 Mrs. Claus Party, Ely Dec 10 HOHOHO Country Christmas, Grand Rapids Dec 10 Breakfast with Santa, International Falls Dec 10 Gull Lake Ugly Swearter Pub Crawl, Gull Lake Dec 10 Functional Glass Painting Class, Grand Marais

Art Colony, Grand Marais Dec 10 Plucked Up String Band, Voyageur Brewing Co., Grand Marais Dec 10 Gene Lafond & Amy Grillo, Lutsen Resort Lobby, Lutsen Dec 10 Blues Happy, Grandma Ray’s, Grand Marais Dec 10 DAI Ceramic Studio Holiday Sale, Duluth Dec 10 An Andy & Bing Christmas Concert, Holmes

Theatre, Detroit Lakes Dec 10 CHI St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Christmas Sweets,

Treats & Treasures, Park Rapids Dec 11 DAI Ceramic Studio Holiday Sale, Duluth Dec 11 Santa’s “Live” Reindeer, Washington Square

Mall, Detroit Lakes Dec 11 Lakes Area Comm. Concert Band, First

Lutheran, Detroit Lakes Dec 12 Joe Paulik, Bluefin Grille, Tofte Dec 12 Ballads for Winter Solstice, Duluth Dec 13 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Stop, Alexandria Dec 13 Joe Paulik, Poplar River Pub, Lutsen Dec 13, 20, 27 Fairlawn’s Twinkling Tuesdays, Superior, WI Dec 15 Jim & Michelle Miller, Poplar River Pub, Lutsen Dec 15 Bug Dope, Bluefin Grille, Tofte Dec 15 Rock & Roll Spectacular, Holmes Theatre, Detroit Lakes Dec 16 Matthew Griswold, Voyageur Brewing Co., Grand Marais Dec 16 Gordon Thorne, Bluefin Grille, Tofte Dec 16 Bughouse!, Grandma Ray’s , Grand Marais

Dec 16 Sammy Kershaw Concert, Shooting Star Casino, Mahnomen Dec 17 Rock and Roll Xmas Show, Grand Rapids Dec 17 Community Ink Day: Holiday Gifts, Grand Marais

Art Colony, Grand Marais Dec 17 Jim McGowan, Voyageur Brewing Co., Grand Marais Dec 17 Gordon Thorne, Lutsen Resort Lobby, Lutsen Dec 17 Bughouse!, Grandma Ray’s , Grand Marais Dec 17 Family Night, Summit Chalet at Lutsen Mountains, Lutsen Dec 19 Pete Kavanaugh, Bluefin Grille, Tofte Dec 20 Pete Kavanaugh, Poplar River Pub, Lutsen Dec 22 Joshua Schmidt, Poplar River Pub, Lutsen Dec 22 Gordon Thorne, Bluefin Grille, Tofte Dec 23 Year End Dance/Karaoke Night, Grand Rapids Dec 23 Joe Paulik, Voyageur Brewing Co., Grand Marais Dec 23 Gordon Thorne, Bluefin Grille, Tofte Dec 23 The SplinterTones, Grandma Ray’s, Grand Marais Dec 24-Jan 1 Hannaka Dec 25 Christmas Day Dec 26 Northwoods Holiday Fest, Grand Rapids Dec 26 Joe Paulik, Lutsen Resort Lobby, Lutsen Dec 27 Dat Dere Jazz, Lutsen Resort Lobby, Lutsen Dec 28 Paul Bunyan- Logging, Legends and Lore, International Falls Dec 28 Eric Frost, Lutsen Resort Lobby, Lutsen Dec 29 Ben Johnson & the Road Beers, Voyageur

Brewing Co., Grand Marais Dec 29 Plucked Up String Band, Lutsen Resort Lobby, Lutsen Dec 29 Michael Monroe, Bluefin Grille, Tofte Dec 30 Michael Monroe Log Cabin Concert, Grand Marais Dec 30 Tim Fast, Lutsen Resort Lobby, Lutsen Dec 30 Pushing Chain, Bluefin Grille, Tofte Dec 30 Ben Johnson & the Road Beers, Voyageur

Brewing Co., Grand Marais Dec 31 Family New Year’s Eve Party, Coleraine Dec 31 Sober New Year’s Eve Pizza Party, Grand Rapids Dec 31 Big Wave Dave & The Ripples, Papa Charlie’s at

Lutsen Mountains, Lutsen Dec 31 Michael Monroe Log Cabin Concert, Grand Marais Dec 31 Earth, Wind & Todd, Grandma Ray’s, Grand Marais Dec 31 Pushing Chain, Lutsen Resort Lobby, Lutsen Dec 31 Timmy Haus, Voyageur Brewing Co., Grand Marais Dec 31 New Year’s Eve

JANUARY Jan 1 Jan 2 Jan 3 Jan 5

New Year’s Day Joe Paulik, Bluefin Grille, Tofte Empty Bowl Open Studio, Duluth Open Studio: DAI Lincoln Center, Duluth

Jan 7 Lake Carlos State Park Candlelight Walk, Carlos Jan 7 Saturday Night Fever, Grand Rapids Jan 7 3way/10k on Gull Lake, Northland Arb Jan 7 Norpine Fat Bike Classic, Lutsen Jan 7 Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race, Gunflint Trail Jan 7 ULTRA 80’s & Older Snomobile Ride, M

State, Detroit Lakes Jan 7 Lantern Hike snowshoe/ski, Park Rapids Jan 7-8 Snowmobile Races, Big Detroit Lake by

Holiday Inn, Detroit Lakes Jan 7-8 Champagne Bonspiel, Cook County

Community Center, Grand Marais Jan 8 30th Annual Bridal Extravaganza, Alexandria Jan 10 Empty Bowl Open Studio, Duluth Jan 11 4North Artist Talk, Duluth Jan 11 Jeff Dunham - Perfectly Unbalanced, Duluth Jan 13 “Pump Boys & Dinettes” Musical, Holmes

Theatre, Detroit Lakes Jan 13 Friday the 13th Flashlight Tours, Superior, WI Jan 13-15, 20-22 The Duluth Playhouse Children’s Theatre:

Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, Duluth Jan 14 Pump Boys & Dinettes, Grand Rapids Jan 14 Being a Beast art workshop with Ann Klefstad, Duluth Jan 14 Indoor Triathlon, DL Community Center, Detroit Lakes Jan 14 Winter Trails Day/North Country Trail, Itasca State Park Jan 14-15 USXC Heartland 106, Park Rapids Jan 17 Empty Bowl Open Studio, Duluth Jan 18 DAI Annual Meeting and Lecture by Andy Sturdevant, Duluth Jan 18-22 Northland 300 Snowmobile Event, Ely Jan 19 Candle Light Skiing, Deer River Jan 19 “I Am, He Said”-music of Neil Diamond,

Holmes Theatre, Detroit Lakes Jan 19-22 Icebox Days, International Falls Jan 20 I Am, He Said: A Celebration of the Music of

Neil Diamond, Grand Rapids Jan 20-22 Dogsled Yurt Adventure, Ely Jan 21 Hockey Day!, Stillwater Jan 21 Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run, International Falls Jan 21 Dessa with Freae, Papa Charlie’s at Lutsen Mountains, Lutsen Jan 21 Family Night, Summit Chalet at Lutsen Mountains, Lutsen Jan 21 Empty Bowl Throw-a-Thon, Duluth Jan 21 ULTRA 80’s & Older Snowmobile Ride,

Fairgrounds, Detroit Lakes Jan 21 Chris Koza Concert, Holmes Theatre, Detroit Lakes Jan 21 Duluth Superior Symphony Orchesta, Duluth Jan 21 Menahga Family Fishing Derby, Menahga

Jan 22 Lakes Area Wedding Expo, Alexandria Jan 24 “Intro to Biomimicry & Sustainable Design”

Lecture by Cecilia Ramon, Duluth Jan 26 Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass, Grand Rapids Jan 26 DAI Annual Member Exhibition Opening Reception, Duluth Jan 27 Mistatim, Grand Rapids Jan 27 Family Sock Hop at YMCA, Grand Rapids Jan 27-28 Frostival, Fargo-Moorhead Jan 28 Fun Run Snowmobile Event, Ely Jan 28 Brainerd Jaycees’ $150,000 Fishing

Extravaganza, Gull Lake Jan 28 Kirsten Aune Studio Demonstration, Duluth Jan 29 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, Duluth Jan 30-Feb 1 Arrowhead Ultra 135, International Falls Jan 30 DAI Artist Reading Group: “The View from the

Studio Door” by Ted Orland, led by Colleen Nelson, Duluth Jan 31 Artist Statement Workshop, Duluth Jan 31 Classical Music Night at The Holmes Theatre, Detroit Lakes

FEBRUARY Feb 2

Open Studio at the DAI Lincoln Center, Duluth Feb 2 Elegant Valentine Dinner Dance, Duluth Feb 2-4, 9-11, 16-18 The Underground presents Green Day’s

American Idiot, Duluth Feb 2-5, 8-11 UMD Theatre presents: The Complete Works of

William Shakespeare (abridged), Duluth Feb 2-12 Ely Winter Festival, Ely Feb 3-4 Winter Spectacular Snowmobile Race, Alexandria Feb 3-4 2017 Crosslake 14th Annual WinterFest, Crosslake Feb 4 Lake Carlos State Park Candlelight Walk, Carlos Feb 4 Band It, the James Sewell Ballet, International Falls Feb 4 Brainerd Public School Foundation’s

“Big Event,” Brainerd Feb 4 Midnite Riders Old Timer’s Snowmobile Run, Lake Park Feb 4 Lantern Hike snowshoe/ski, Itasca State Park Feb 4 American Leigon Ice Fishing Contest, Park Rapids Feb 4 Alice in Wonderland, Grand Rapids Feb 9-12, 16-19 The Duluth Playhouse presents: You Can’t

Take It With You, Duluth Feb 9-19 Polar Fest Activities, Detroit Lakes Feb 10 United Way Beer & Wine Tasting, Alexandria Feb 10 Pete the Cat, Grand Rapids Feb 10-12 Winter Rendezvous, Grand Rapids Feb 11 Family Night, Summit Chalet at Lutsen Mountains, Lutsen

BY KRISTINA GAALAAS

Feb 11 Travel Moldopolis-Create Your Own Mini

World, Grand Rapids Feb 11 Art For All: Family Night at the Mac, Grand Rapids Feb 11 Free Family Art Day, Duluth Feb 11 Flashpoint Snow Bike Race, Detroit Lake,

Detroit Lakes Feb 11 Poles n’ Holes Fishing Derby, North-side

Detroit Lake, Detroit Lakes Feb 11 Duluth Superior Symphony Orchesta -

Hidden Treasures, Duluth Feb 11 Audreys Purple Dream fishing Derby, Akeley Feb 11 Old Time Logging Demostration, Itasca State Park Feb 14 Lyric Opera of the North - Valentine’s Day Soiree, Duluth Feb 14 Fairlawn Mansion - Murder Mystery Dinner, Superior, WI Feb 16 “Alice in Wonderland”, Holmes Theatre,

Detroit Lakes Feb 16 CenterStage MN: Sam Militich & Charmin

Michelle, Grand Rapids Feb 16-19 Northern Fibers Retreat, Grand Marais Feb 17 Unity Foundation’s “Never Stop Laughing,” Alexandria Feb 17 6th-8th Grade Dance at YMCA, Grand Rapids Feb 17 Dueces Wild Dueling Pianos, Holmes Theatre, Detroit Lakes Feb 17 North Country Trail-Polar Fest, Itasca State Park Feb 18 Freeze Your Buns 5K Run/Walk, DLCCC, Detroit Lakes Feb 18 ULTRA Vintage Snowmobile Rally & Swap Meet, Detroit Lakes Feb 18 Vienna Boys Choir, Grand Rapids Feb 18-19 Nisswa Winter Jubilee, Nisswa Feb 19 Jubilee - Nisswa Fire Department Ice Fishing Derby, Nisswa Feb 23 Opening Reception for Three Exhibitions::

Elizabeth Kuth, Carla Hamilton, and Emerging Photographers, Duluth Feb 23-26 Eelpout Festival, Walker Feb 24 Gull Lake Frozen Fore - Frozen Flop, Gull Lake Feb 24 Strings for All, Grand Rapids Feb 24 Lights! Camera! Math!, Grand Rapids Feb 24-25 Pink Ribbon Riders 11th Annual Snow Run, Ely Feb 24-26 Gull Lake Frozen Fore, Gull Lake Feb 25 Gull Lake Frozen Fore - Golf, Pub Crawl & Live

Music, Gull Lake Feb 25 Itasca Symphony Orchestra Concert, Grand Rapids Feb 25-26 WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race, Ely Feb 26 Alexandria Polar Plunge, Alexandria Feb 26 Gull Lake Frozen Fore - Food Fest, Gull Lake Feb 27 DAI Reading Group, Duluth See your events listed here! Submit to submissions@laketimemagazine.com 73

WHITE GOLD

Some call it white gold.

There is

beauty that is untold.

View the purest of all whites, that reflect all the color hues of light.

It

glitters in the sunlight.

It sparkles in the moonlight.

Hear the crunch of a snowshoe, or the whistle of a ski.

If you hold the white gold. you can feel the winter cold.

Here in

“Big Snow Country,”

we cherish our white gold.

POEM BY WILLIAM P. RALPH, DULUTH 74

“DEER TRACKS” PHOTO BY BENJAMIN BRUNFELT @BRUNFELT, DULUTH

FIND YOUR

Photo by Travis Novitsky

In Minnesota, we don’t let a little cold weather slow us down. We go to concerts and curling rinks. We trek around in snowshoes, snowmobiles, and fat tire bikes. So don’t get stuck on the couch. Come do winter differently, only in Minnesota.

P L A N Y O U R M I N N E S O T A V A C A T I O N A T E X P L O R E M I N N E S O T A .C O M CALL 1–888–847–4866 FOR MORE INFORMATION