Ready, set, summer!

BY DELYNN HOWARD

The sun is shining, flowers are beginning to bloom, road construction is in full force and traffic is starting to get busier in the Brainerd lakes area. Yep, it’s finally summer! I don’t know about you but after what seemed like such a long winter, I’m ready for it.

I’m ready for something else, too. Her Voice magazine is celebrating 20 years this year — and this summer issue marks my 10th year as copy editor for Her Voice. I’m honored to have had a hand in this wonderful magazine for the past 10 years but this particular issue is extra special to me. I have been named editor of Her Voice and it’s a title I don’t take lightly.

Every issue we produce is full of stories about your mothers, daughters, sisters, neighbors and friends. The Brainerd lakes area has amazing women living here. And it’s because of your story ideas, your willingness to have your voice heard, the talented writers and all of our wonderful advertisers’ support that we’re able to continue creating this inspiring magazine.

Inspiration always seems to be a common theme with Her Voice. Amanda Munkeby definitely falls into that category. Amanda lost her right leg in 1996, at the age of 15. A month in, she was confined to a wheelchair. But from the time of her first prosthetic, her mission was to learn how to walk. She’s doing so much more than walking now. Check out Amanda’s story written by Sheila DeChantal on Page 8.

Doris Mezzenga, Linda Straight and Susie Ilstrup all have something in common. These women volunteer their time at two local food shelves. Doris is in Crosslake and Linda and Susie are in Garrison. Why do they volunteer and give of themselves so freely? Because it gives them purpose — they want to make a difference. It doesn’t get more inspiring than that. Read their story by Sue Sterling on Page 20.

The title says it all — inspiring the muse within. That’s Lisa Ackerman, executive/artistic director of The Crossing Arts Alliance in downtown Brainerd. To read how Lisa and Crossing Arts got started, check out the story on Page 24 written by Susan Smith-Grier

So, with this issue in your hand, grab your favorite summer beverage, find a comfy spot in the sun, sit back and get ready to be inspired.