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How was fishing? The '06 season was a Tremendous year! Plenty of walleye were available in the spring, then the crappies, northerns, bass, muskies, & panfish were added. The fishhouse saw loads of fish and a great deal of released fish. The slot regulations added a new dimension, but everyone adjusted with little trouble. The fall tournament had avid fishermen and Outstanding results. It was an impresive year of Fantastic Fishing and Terrific weather and we anticipate the '07 season. The '06 year has sped by and we have many different events to recap. The resort continues to be our focal point: continuing work on the Northern Lights - the fireplace and foundation stonework have added that northern appeal; bathroom improvements in Cabins 16 & 18; BBQ grill, furniture and accessory updates for many cabins; along with completion of Health Department suggestions to insure that your stay meets and surpasses all areas. Numberous items remain on the list that will enhance your vacation experience, so there is never a shortage of items "to do" such as bathrooms in 2, 6, 19, site work for a heated, year-round storage building, dining hall storage facelift, continued installation of entrance screen doors, are just a few items in store for winter projects. The '06 staff provided guests with a pleasuable experience. The docks were manned by Josh, Caleb, Jed, Joel, & Kyle. The team provided service as well as managing a number of behind the scenes duties; firewood, grass cutting, NL rock project, cleaning & clearing, light maintenance were only a few of their tasks to make your vacation memorable. The girls were: Gwen, Becky, & Kat with Sara helping them and serving as Naturalist. The girls provided cleaning, polishing, & laundry for all indoor areas - a total of 21 rental cabins & service complex buildings = over 25 buildings to deep clean in 12 weeks, with over 20 building requiring a refresh once a week and the remaining 5 a daily event. Breakfast & dinners in the dining hall, as well as providing store hours for shopping needs were also available. Sara helped the girls along with providing activities to enhance your stay. Finding each guests needs different, she tried to adapt weekly to meet needs & always open to suggestions. Jed & Joe are working at area businesses. John, Becky, Gwen, & Kat are at area colleges. Caleb, Sara, & Kyle are at Cook High School. All did an excellent job of servicing guest needs, and we appreciate & applaud their efforts. Riley remains a resort that wants to provide top-notch services to our guests. Rock is a futuristic thinker that brings health codes, fishing regulations, building improvements, grounds needs and countless other requirements and details from various agencies into the overall game plan for accomplishment. Meeting changing needs in a 3 month period with a full pre-existing schedule is a challenge the Life of Riley team meets with enthusiasm. Out guests comfort and pleasure are always our primary concern as we continue to prepare for the '07 summer season. With the '07 season around the corner, we remind those with a deposit before Jan will receive '06 cabin rates. As the crimson sunset reflects on the fresh layer of snow, we remember the peaceful sound of the loon call, watching the eagles soar overhead, hearing the beaver slapping his tail on the water, the splash of the fish as it fights on the end of the line, and the memories go on. The tranquil moments of being at the lake brings a sense of serenity that will bring peace throughout the year. We want to Thank each of you for your patronage and look forward to seeing you and your family at the Life of Riley in '07, and extend this greeting to others that want to relax and enjoy the splendor that surrounds the Up North setting at the Life of Riley Resort. Josh graduated from Cook High School, after a full year of activities. He had Great football, weightlifting & track seasons; served as SADD president; worked with Peer Helpers; and IRYA treasurer, numerous choir assignments. He enjoyed being the early am Lifeguard, working at the resort, and being active in various other events. He spent 3 weeks in Europe on an International Choir tour, visiting and singing thru 7 countries. Josh is at Univ of MN Duluth studying Environmental Science and active in APO fraternity. Caleb had a full Soph year too, playing football, weightlifting & track. He completed his lifeguard training, worked at the resort, attended football camps, completed his Eagle project, is refurbishing a Firebird, loves hunting, helping with peer helpers, scouting, and enjoying ALL that life has to offer. He is the tallest Gillson, at 6'5" and still sprouting! Sara was a Fresh at CHS, and a firm supporter of her brothers! She attends all the events, high school, scouting, and whatever else pops up; played in the band, sings in the choir, worked at several jobs around the resort, and is working on her Girl Scout Gold project. The three were able to share a remarkable Venturing experience when they spent 1 0 days in Japan with other scouts from across the US. Sara's GS troop went on a trip to FL, where they spent a day at Magic Kingdom and then 5 days cruising to the Bahamas. Life has been full for the younger Gillson clan! They have been instrumental in helping keep things moving in a forward direction they can do so many things (that we use to be able to do, but age has set new limitations) to help accomplish the endless task lists. They are a true joy to watch each of them grow into confident individuals with goals, but still finding time to help the folks and others. We look forward to each new adventure and relish the time that we are able to share with them. Rock remains active in Scouting. The retirement of the Scout Exec and the relocation of the Asst Scout Exec set new challenges for the council, and Rock did his best to help in various capacities. Remaining active as the Scoutmaster, the troop had 3 new Eagles and a few on deck, ready for flight! He continues to remain active in the Lake Vermilion Resort Assoc and the Lodging Tax Board. 25 years of resort experience has seen many changes, but knowledge of changes to avoid. He served his 7th year on the JV Football Coaching staff, working with new players and teaching skills that will develop and strengthen over time. In addition, he heads up the long range planning dept and implementation crew at the Life of Riley! The guidance and support is instrumental to the resort development and growth. Lee has been here for the support system - daily duties, mom needs, and time for a little substitute teaching. Scouting is still a part of life: Girl, Boy and Venturing. The year has gone by quickly! Each of us, are Grateful for the Bountiful Blessings that have been provided. We miss the ability to share time and experiences with those that mean so much, but are appreciative for the moments that we are able to grasp. We Thank so many who have been instrumental in our lives. We hope that your New Year is filled with many new and wonderful blessings that allow you to enjoy all that life has to offer. God Bless each of you and have a Safe and Happy Holiday and New Year! |