Jan/Feb 2021

School’s Partnership with Lutheran Lakeside Camp Positively Changes the Lives of Children The joyful sounds of children running around Lutheran Lakeside Camp generally is the norm during the summer months, but often unfamiliar sounds throughout the rest of the year—until 2020-2021. Since August 24, 2020, Spirit Lake seventh graders have had the privilege of spending…

Change has probably been the most used word in the food service arena during the pandemic. Many restaurants have been closed, some were open for takeout only and buffets were not possible. Home cooking was the new norm. In 2020 many weddings were canceled or the number of guests scaled down considerably. Compliance with local…

Nutritious Meals Delivered Monday through Saturday The thankfulness brought forth in a smile after a delivery reminds Brock Holman the reason why he signed up to help today – or any day. Every day, Meals on Wheels of the Iowa Great Lakes provides a balanced, nutritious meal to clients along three routes. Holman is one…

Many little girls dream of weddings and “ooh and aah” at all the pretty princess dresses. For Denice Schoelerman, she even aspired to own her own bridal shop. At age eight, she fell in love with sewing and eventually worked her way through college by providing alteration services at Classic Bride in Ames. While many…

It seems like just yesterday Heather Baumgard was making cakes from a box, throwing a few ingredients together and calling it good. This perspective changed when their daughter Olivia was celebrating her first birthday. This special occasion 11 years ago challenged Baumgard to think outside the box, as she crafted a customized chocolate butterfly and…

Let me tell you a long love story. Not that the story itself is long, but the amount of time it took to get to the wedding part, now that was a long time. The year was 2012; the place was Buena Vista University; the class was Japanese History. Minding my own business and all…

Michael and Alexandria Smith Find Blessings in the Uncertainties of 2020 Michael and Alexandria Smith have a special appreciation for green grass! In 2018, not only did their professions require countless hours out on the greens, but the start of their relationship began amongst the holes of Sea Island Golf Club, located along the southeastern…