January 2019 - Lake LIfe Okoboji

Okoboji – A Winter Wonderland

There’s been this idea that people have passed around about Okoboji over the years, and I even believed it a bit myself when I was younger – that there’s nothing to do in Okoboji when the summer ends and it starts getting cold. Everyone goes away and the area shuts down. Oh, how wrong that…

Hard Work Breathes Success for Norris in Toronto

Spirit Lake Native Wins Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon With a fist pump of excitement, Spirit Lake native Will Norris accomplished a dream when he was first to cross the finish line at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon in a time of 1:05:30. The international race was held October 21, 2018, and it had over 10,000…

Hope & Help to Older Adults

It’s easy to feel discouraged and depressed during the long and dreary winter months. The days can be long and hard, providing numerous challenges from the cold, snow, and ice. These cold days impact everyone’s ability to get out and about the community, but difficulties especially increase for older adults who are more susceptible to…

Heartfelt Pain Provides Inspiration to Others

Levi and Shai Markwardt and Alissa Van Middendorp Compete with Team USA in November. With hands torn up and sweat running down her face, Alissa (Christoffer) Van Middendorp didn’t have anything else to give. The Team USA competitor stood on an international platform at the Kettlebell IKMF World Championship Marathon in Antequera, Spain with a…

YMCA is There for ALL Ages – Strengthening the Community

There are few buildings in Dickinson County that bring together the entire community and surrounding area. Fewer still draw in all age groups on a regular basis. On any given day, the Bedell YMCA is a meeting place for families, older adults, and students. Programming is created for all ages, whether its activities like: Active…

Make Meal Planning a Priority for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

Hy-Vee’s Dietitian Abby Kipfer Provides Tips for Eating Healthy When life seems crazy, it can be difficult to prioritize and plan nutritional meals and snacks for your household. It’s sometimes easier to reach for frozen pizza or go through a fast food drive through. While both can be enjoyed now and then, there are ways…

Kylie’s Book Nook

My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite Listening to books is an interesting experience. I think you take away different things, and the performance can really sway one’s opinion on the book. However, it’s a wonderful way to discover more literature and take time otherwise spent driving to enjoy a book. My Sister the…

Cyndee’s Cooking Corner

This issue of Lake Life magazine provided a challenge for me to incorporate the three themes of Winter Games, Weddings and Wellness into my recipes. At first, I let out a deep sigh. It’s winter people! Don’t you know? The time of year I hibernate and I just want to bake high calorie items that…

Why Didn’t I Think of That?

Preparing for a wedding can be a bit stressful. You can become so focused on the big things such as booking the venue, the menu, and the guest list, it can easily become overwhelming and something little is forgotten. After your special day has come and gone, you don’t want to say, “Why didn’t I…

Okoboji Weddings Bridal Affair

For any engaged couple, the Okoboji Weddings Bridal Affair on Feb. 17 is the place to be. There will be over 40 vendors showcasing their talents, whether they are a DJ or a caterer. There are cake designers, bridal gowns, and even a limo service. Held in the Wimbledon Room at the Arrowwood Resort, engaged…