CONTENTS

FEATURES

MENTAL HEALTH
34 Let’s Talk About It
By Emilee Mae Struss
Following the tragic loss of several youths in the Brainerd Lakes Area, Smiles for Jake and The Lighthouse formed to reduce stigma, educate about mental illnesses, and start a new conversation.

HOME

44 Capturing the Dual Lake View on Eagle Lake
By Tenlee Lund
Deb O’Brien and Al Carlson share their dream home for entertaining guests on Eagle Lake in Fifty Lakes.

LAKE LIFE

50 Setting Sail on Gull Lake
By Jenny Holmes
A fresh new sailing team enters into an elevated level of commitment with competitions on Gull Lake.

CONSERVATION

54 12-Million Minnesota Acres
By Matt Soberg 
Did you know that nearly one-quarter of Minnesota is reserved for public land use? Here we discuss how to conserve, preserve, and ensure that future generations have the privilege of enjoying Lake Country wilderness.

DEPARTMENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE

8 Editor’s Journal

10 Contributors

12 Front Porch  |  Ready to Ride? A Springtime DIY Tune-Up, Spring Book Recommendations, Freshly Minted

ECHOES OFF THE LAKE

20 Business   |  Jim Reed, Silversmith

24 Nonprofit  |  African Children’s Choir

28 Literary  |  Little Libraries

30 Outdoors  |  Ducking into Spring

36 Art  |  A World of Art Hidden in Aitkin

58 Lake of the Month  |  Gilbert Lake

60 Adventure  |  310 Miles in 10 Years

64 Health  |  All About Kombucha

68 Community  |  Youth on Stage

70 Chef’s Corner |  Homemade Spring Rolls

71 Calendar of Events

74 Lake Country Contests

76 Before You Go