Journal
6 Benefits of Being in the Outdoors
“In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth” – Genesis 1:1
We know that God created everything from nothing. In the first book of the Bible, Genesis, it tells us that God first created the heavens and earth and then in the next 5 days He created everything else such as light, darkness, plants, animals, sea creatures, man, etc. He made everything perfectly and with a purpose. We continue to see evidence of this as we learn how important it is to be in nature and take in everything the outdoors has to offer. It is the best because God created it to be the best!
At Riverside Resort there are so many opportunities to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy countless activities in the outdoors. There are numerous benefits of being in the outdoors. In this blog, we will discuss just a few.
1. Being outside boosts your energy
The fresh air and sunshine you get outside gives your body a natural boost of energy. Sitting inside all day long and participating in sedentary activities causes your body to feel sluggish and tired. Even just spending a few minutes a day outside will do wonders for your energy level. Just imagine how much energy you will have if you spend an entire day outside! Yes, this is unreasonable for most of the year, but when you come to Riverside Resort you will have the opportunity to do just that! You will have no need for coffee, but you are definitely welcome to enjoy it anyway. 🙂
2. The outdoors boosts your immune system
Being inside in the stuffy air that circulates from person to person is not wonderful for your health. Sunlight, which gives you Vitamin D, is good for your immune system. It also seems to energize special cells in your immune system, called T cells. T cells help your body fight infection. Many plants put substances, such as phytoncides, into the air that seem to boost immune function as well.
3. The outdoors provides free aromatherapy
Are you an essential oils person? Do you enjoy lighting candles all around your house? Or perhaps you prefer to use simple air fresheners. What if I told you there was a free aromatherapy option. That’s right, you guessed it, just walk out your front door. You will immediately be greeted by wonderful, fresh smells from all around. Perhaps you have a lilac bush nearby or you are smelling the aroma of freshly cut grass. Regardless of your surroundings, your nose will be working non-stop.
4. Being outdoors helps reduce stress levels
Have you ever had a crazy day, where everything seemed to go wrong or you just did not have enough time to get everything done? I think we all have had days like that. In those times, have you ever taken a few moments to walk outside and just be in nature? If so, you will have found that your stress level immediately drops. You can simply be still and listen to all the sounds, smell all the aromas, and see all the beauty around you. This allows your brain to reset and remember what is really important in life.
5. Being outside leads to more activity
We have a problem in our society with obesity and poor health. We, as a nation, can help restore our health by making a point to go outside on a regular basis. Sure, a person can go outside and just sit, however a person is more apt to be active if they are outside. Just going for a stroll around the block or planting flowers by the front stoop are great ways to be active. At Riverside Resort, we have countless ways to do just that. You can swim, fish, canoe, paddleboard, play disc golf, or just take a walk around the resort to name a few.
6. Being outside leads to better sleep
Being outdoors definitely helps set your sleep cycle. There are particular cells in your eyes that need enough light to get your body’s internal clock working right. The best light to help with your sleep is early morning sunlight. Researchers have found that this may be more important as you age because your eyes are less able to absorb light. However, if someone gets in a good habit of spending time outside on a regular basis, by the time they are older it will already be a pattern.
As you can see, there are so many health and wellness benefits from being outside. You and your family should come to Riverside Resort and take advantage of these benefits. We are open each year from April – October. We hope to see you there!
2019 Season Highlights
“I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.” – Psalm 9:1
Our hearts are once again filled with joy and gratitude as we look back on our wonderful, busy season. We know that the Lord is in control of all things and He has once again richly blessed our season. We wanted to share with you some of the memories that stand out to us as we reflect back over the last 5 months.
Fishing with Joe was a hit!
Every Tuesday morning, Joe woke up with a smile on his face knowing what was to come. At 8:00am, he made his way down to the main dock with all of his fishing gear in hand. This is where all the resort kids, as well as some parents, gathered to catch fish. Joe would give helpful advice and suggestions on best technique to entice the fish to nibble at their bait. It was not uncommon for Joe to have 4 or more poles in his face needing assistance. 🙂 As a result, the fish were caught in abundance and the smiles were priceless.
Everybody loved Gaga Ball, or is it Octoball?
We are continually adding new features, as well as fun activities for our resort guests. This year one of those additions was a Gaga Ball pit. This game was a hit all summer long. Boys played, girls played, children played, and yes, even adults found themselves in this octagon shaped pit slappin’ the ball into their opponents. If you have never given it a try, we highly recommend it! 🙂
July 4th fireworks are always a favorite
Whether you are sitting in a lawn chair on the grass, a towel on our beach, or hanging out in the water on a boat; the fireworks show does not disappoint. We start the crowd off with a few small warm-up fireworks, just to wet their whistle. 🙂 Then before you know it, huge booms as well as oohs and aahs are heard in all directions. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of attending fireworks at Riverside Resort, we invite you to join us!
Our newest Cabin #20 was a hit!
Last fall, we purchased a wonderful, cozy, 2 bedroom cabin. This cabin quickly became a guest favorite and this summer it was one of our most rented cabins. Throughout the season we heard about how people really enjoyed the privacy and secluded feel this cabin offers. We are so pleased with the positive response to this new cabin and are excited for other families to experience it in years to come.
Visits from Jeremy, the fishing guide
If our guests were having trouble catching fish or maybe, catching a certain type of fish, all they had to do was join Jeremy on Monday nights in our game room. Jeremy is a local fishing guide who knows the in’s and out’s (and up’s and down’s) of the Horseshoe Chain of lakes. He knows the best spots to fish, the best time to fish them, as well as, the best bait to catch your desired fish. Many found success this summer after spending a short time with Jeremy. We are so thankful for the expertise and knowledge he shared with us and our guests.
Our church services
This is always a highlight for us. We love to worship the Lord with our resort guests as well as anyone else who would like to join us. Throughout the summer, we have such wonderful people that come share their talents and love of Jesus with us. We are filled up and encouraged by people’s stories. As a result, it energizes us to keep living for and serving the Lord in all we do.
Our guests make the summer great!
Without trying to brag or sound prideful, we have, hands down, the best resort guests!! 🙂 Each season we get to see families who have been coming to the resort for many many years. We are always amazed how fast the time goes between their yearly visits. Because of this, it is so easy to pick up right where we left off the year before. We also have the blessing of meeting new people each year who are coming to our resort for the first time. It is such an honor and blessing to be able to spend time with and serve each and every guest who chooses Riverside Resort throughout the summer. 
On a personal note…
This summer was a great one for our family. At the end of the summer, Christina’s youngest sister, Laura, got married. It was a wonderful time of celebration and time spent with extended family. In addition, Christina’s brother and his family from Japan were able to join us. This meant we were finally able to meet our niece and nephew! Because they live so far away, it is very seldom and extremely special when we are able to spend time with them. 
Our 2019 season was definitely one for the books and we are thankful for it. We thank the Lord for being in control and always being trustworthy. We thank our guests for their loyalty, trust, as well as the joy they bring each time they visit. See you all again next season! 🙂
7 ways to make long lasting vacation memories
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
-Luke 2:19
After the amazing and wonderful experience of giving birth to Jesus Christ, God’s Son, the Bible tells us that Mary thought about “all these things” and treasured them in her heart. This was definitely a moment in her life that she did not want to forget.
We all have special moments in our lives that we, too, want to remember. Family vacations take time to plan, energy to prepare for being away from home, and finances to make it happen; these are moments we definitely want to remember. Here are a few ideas to make your wonderful vacation memories last forever.
1. Take lots of pictures/videos
This may seem like a no-brainer. But it can be difficult to remember to take pictures especially if you are having such a fun time. It is also much easier to take pictures of others, but it is important to remember that you were there too! 🙂 Ask people to take pictures of your whole group or take turns snapping the photo.
2. Journal 
This may come very natural to some and for others, the idea of journaling may never come to mind. Even if you are in the latter group, you may want to try it. While you and your family are living the vacation it may seem like you will never forget it. But there are always little moments that make the vacation special that may be easily forgotten. Perhaps you could take 5-10 minutes at the end of each day and write down all your favorite moments from that day. Here is a great resource if you are not sure how to start your vacation journal.
3. Be in the present
We are all very busy and it is not uncommon to have to much on our plates during a normal day. Vacation is an opportunity to get away from those responsibilities for awhile and focus on being together. Try your best to keep your focus on the vacation instead of being worried or preoccupied with work or other things from back home.
4. Allow for multi-generational time
Multi-what? Let me say that again. Allow your vacation to have some multi-generational time. This simply means allow for time where many different generations come together. This could be inviting grandparents or great-grandparents to meet you somewhere or bringing along your own grandkids for the adventure. Each generation brings something different to the experience so it will make it more memorable.
5. Do something new
Do you remember the first time you did something really cool? Like the first time you went white water rafting, canoeing, horseback riding, or went to a professional sporting event? It is more memorable to do something for the first time. Try to incorporate at least one thing into your vacation that will be a “first” for either you or someone in your family.
6. Do something unique
This goes hand in hand with the last point, but is a bit different. This suggests to not only do something new, but try to find an uncommon or rare activity to participate in. Do some research before you go on vacation and figure out what makes the place you are going unique. At Riverside Resort, for example, we have excellent fishing, multiple boating options, and numerous games/activities. Perhaps you have never been paddleboarding or kayaking or played Gaga Ball before. Vacations are a great time to do something unique and special that you could not normally do at home.
7. Bring home a souvenir
Are you a coffee drinker? Buy a coffee mug with a picture or name of the place you visited. Does your family like to play cards? Buy a deck of cards that will remind you of your vacation. Do you collect postcards? Do you like to get new clothes? The list is endless. Souvenirs will help you remember the stories that go along with them.
If you try one or more of these suggestions, you will have an easier time remembering the wonderful vacations you had together as a family. Time is so precious and goes by so quickly, hold on tight to the moments that matter and, like Mary, let’s do our best to treasure them up in our hearts.
8 Secrets to a great Canoe Adventure
“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;”
-Psalm 96:11-12
There are many wonderful activities to enjoy on a hot, sunny, summer day with your friends or family, but one of our favorites is to go canoeing. Riverside Resort sits on the legendary Horseshoe Chain of Lakes and has many great places to canoe. We have embarked on several canoe adventures throughout the years. We would like to share some tips with you that we have found to be very helpful. If you follow these you are sure to have a successful trip that everyone will look back on with fondness.
Bring plenty of water bottles
Canoeing can be very relaxing and great for all ability levels, but it can also be quite physically taxing. You may not even realize you are in need of water because you are having so much fun, but make sure to keep drinking water throughout the trip.
Don’t forget to protect yourself…from the environment
It is always better to be over-prepared because weather on the water can change so quickly. Regardless of if the sun is behind clouds or directly beaming down, you should protect yourself from its rays. This can be done many ways, but the 3 most common are sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. You may also need to protect yourself from bugs, so don’t forget the bug spray!
Bring an ample amount of food
It doesn’t matter what you are doing, food always makes every experience better, right? Few canoe adventrues are short in length, so it is important to pack along enough food to keep everyone satisfied. Great foods to bring along are granola bars, pre-made sandwiches, fruit snacks, nuts, cut-up veggies, trail mix, and beef sticks.
Put your supplies in waterproof bags
Food, bug spray, sunscreen, extra clothes, and all other supplies should be kept in a waterproof bag. It is not likely that your canoe will tip, however it is a possibility. Splashes from paddling, unexpected rain, or spontaneous water fights are also ways your belongings could get wet. Nobody wants a soggy sandwich. 🙂
Prepare yourself for portaging
What is portaging, you may ask. Well, that’s when you have to get out of your canoe and walk it across land. Here is a short video to show you what it might look like. Bring shoes or comfortable sandals that will not easily fall off. It can be very painful to carry a heavy and cumbersome canoe barefoot. It is also wise to pack light so that if you do have to portage you have little to carry.
More experienced canoer in the back
Some of you may think this is an obvious suggestion, however you may be surprised how many people overlook this important detail. The person in the back controls the direction of the canoe. This is extremely helpful in making the most out of every stroke and keeps the canoe going on the correct course.
Bring string/rope 
This tip may seem a bit odd, however if and when the time comes that you and your group want to just chill on the water you may find yourself thanking me. You could also have some unhappy campers if you do not have access to all the food in different canoes when it is time to eat. But more importantly, it is wonderful to all be together without having to hold on to one another’s canoes for an extended period of time. This is even helpful if you just have one canoe. While you rest, simply tie the canoe up to a tree or dock.
Have an adventurous and laid back attitude
These tips are very helpful, however cannot possibly account for everything you will encounter along the way. Adventure by definition is “an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity”. This is half the fun, right? No matter how much or how well you plan, things may go wrong. If you come into the adventure with that mindset and expectation it will be easier to make adjustments when needed.
Now, you are ready to sail the high seas, I mean, paddle down the river. We hope you will find these tips to be helpful the next time you embark on a canoe adventure with your crew.
Written By:
Kathryn Rupnow
7 Fishing Mistakes
“When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.“ – Luke 5:6
A few men were fishing all day long and did not catch anything. After they were pretty discouraged, Jesus told them to go into deep water and let down their nets again. They were sceptical but obedient. Once they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. Jesus was showing the men that He was in control and He will provide for them. Sometimes we too find it hard to catch fish. Here are some things to stay away from if you are trying to have a successful fishing trip.
1. Loud music or loud talking
Most fish have a great sense of hearing. They hear sounds differently than humans and some types of fish even hear through their swim bladders. Even though a fish’s sense of hearing is very acute, they may not be able to hear much that is going on above the water. Loud music and talking may not necessarily scare away the fish, but it may make other fisherman around you disgruntled.
2. Using the wrong lures or bait
It is important to know which type of fish are around to choose the correct bait and lures. For instance, if you are just looking to catch small sunfish off the dock you do not need anything fancy. For this type of fish a simple worm or leech is sufficient bait. However, if you are desiring to catch a fish such as crappie, a fathead minnow would be better bait. Wondering what fish are most commonly caught around the resort? Click here! 🙂
3. Being impatient
Fishing is a marathon not a sprint. It is an activity that requires finesse, skill, and patience. When fishing you should expect to spend a good amount of time on the water. Occasionally, you will be pleasantly surprised by a quick catch. However, if you go into it with the mindset that you will immediately catch a fish you may end up disappointed and in the end feel unsatisfied with your results.
4. Fishing at the wrong time of day
During the spring and fall it is better to fish around dusk because when the water is warmer the fish are more active. In the summer months, it is best to fish in the early morning or later evening. It is important to do a bit of research before going out because if you are searching for a specific fish it is important to know at which times of the day they are most likely to be caught.
5. Using worn out fishing line
This is one of the most common mistakes people make while fishing. You may have the correct lure, perfect bait, fish during the optimal time, and everything else, but if you have worn out fishing line you may not catch your fish. Make sure that you replace your fishing line on a regular basis and check it often to see if there are any nicks or irregularities in the line. If so, replace it before your next cast.
6. Being unprepared
Make sure you have all the equipment you need to catch the fish as well as everything you need once the fish is caught. Also, if you are on the water for several hours, you will need personal items to keep you at the top of your game. These items may include: food, water, and sunscreen. Here is a website with helpful details about what to pack for a great fishing trip.
7. Not paying attention
Finally, another mistake to avoid is simply losing focus and becoming less attentive. The fish are there and most likely they will bite (if you are doing everything else correctly, that is). However, if you are not paying attention that fish may have enough time to grab the bait on your hook and be on their way. Do not let that happen! 🙂
Hopefully, this will help you avoid some common fishing mistakes. Now, gather your supplies together and get fishing! 🙂 We know some great spots around the chain of lakes if you are ever wondering where to start!
2019 Season Kick-Off
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” -Lamentations 3:22-23
Every year when a new resort season begins we see this verse come to life in so many ways. We are so thankful for God’s faithfulness and His guidance as we open our resort for it’s 92nd year! 🙂 Each year looks a bit different and we like to bring new experiences and make improvements for our guests, but the foundation of the resort and the hope to give each family a ‘picture perfect vacation’ will never change. Here is what you can look forward to in this 2019 season!
What’s New in 2019?
1. We will be adding a new activity this year. “Fishing time with Joe”. One morning every week, kids can fish with Joe off the dock. Whether this is their first time fishing or they have been doing it for years, they will learn new things and have fun doing it!
2. For several years, we have had a resort wide volleyball game once a week with smores. This year instead of playing volleyball we will have yard games for guests to play. Some of these games include: Spikeball, Bocce ball, Kubb, Kan Jam, and more!
3. We now have another fishing boat option for our guests. It is a 16-foot boat with a 15hp motor. Just one more reason to get out on the lake. 🙂
4. The biggest news of this season is our 20th cabin addition, “Restful Retreat”! We have purchased and fixed up a cozy 2-bedroom cabin that is sure to be a guest favorite. It has its own beautiful outdoor space which is secluded and close to the water.
What’s been improved in 2019?
Every year we make multiple improvements to the resort and this year is no different. Some have been large improvements and others have been small, but we are excited about them all!
1. We have added lights on the decks of some of the cabins to help with better visibility at night. This also adds to the beauty and character of the cabins.
2. Cabin #8 ‘Paradise‘, is wheelchair accessible and this year we built a new ramp leading up to the cabin.
3. The fish house gets an abundance of foot traffic each year as people bring in their catches from the day. This year a new tapered floor was needed, so we put one in. 
4. Not only did the fish house need a new floor, but we also replaced the floor in the women’s bathhouse.
5. Our guests love to be on the docks, whether they are fishing, reading, or just looking out at the beautiful view. For this season, we upgraded the benches on the end of the main dock.
6. This year we also installed a new firepit and put in some new deck stairs for Cabin #1 ‘Rest Haven‘.
We feel so blessed to be able to serve God and others in this way. After so many months of the resort being still and silent, we are excited to see it come back to life. It brings us immense joy to see families and their friends spending quality time with one another and making memories that will last a lifetime. It may sound silly, but we have been looking forward to your vacation just as much as you have! We cannot wait to see you here!!!
If you want further information check out our website.
20 Frequently Asked Questions
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
God has created us all in such a way as to be curious and ask questions. God has promised us that if we come to Him, and seek to understand who He is as well as what He has done for us; He will reveal that to us. Just as many of us may have questions for God about life, we also have questions about many other things. Over the years, we have had many people ask us questions about Riverside Resort. We have started compiling a list of the most popular questions. We hope they are helpful to you.
1. What year did the resort first open?
The resort opened in May of 1927.
2. What do I need to bring when staying in a cabin?
A list of items that would be helpful for you to bring can be found here on our website.
The list consists of kitchen towels, kitchen trash bags, dish soap, scrub sponge, beach towels, sunscreen, bath towels, hand soap, and, of course, your personal items.
3. What supplies are in the kitchen?
We have done our best to make sure all necessary supplies are in the kitchen when you arrive. Here is what we have: dishes, silverware, drinkware, pots, pans, coffee maker, ice cube trays, can opener, knives, wooden spoons, spatula, mixing bowls, pizza cutter, measuring cups, and a pitcher.
4. Do the cabins have A/C?
Yes, each cabin has its own A/C unit which can be regulated by our guests.
5. Do you have Free WiFi?
Yes!
6. Can I bring my pet?
Yes, however, we prefer that dogs be boarded or stay at home, but arrangements can be made to bring people-friendly pets. Our pet policy, which can also be found on our website under resort policies, is: Please call for permission before bringing a pet to either a campsite or a cabin. The Pet fee is $30/day or $150/wk. Pets must be kept quiet, well cleaned up after, as well as being on a leash anytime they are outside. Pets are also not allowed in the beach/swimming area.
7. Is Riverside on a river or a lake?
Riverside Resort is located on a lake, Cedar Island Lake. It sits right where the Sauk River channel runs through Cedar Island Lake.
8. Is there a swimming pool?
No, not on-site. However, we have a partnership with the Riverside Inn in Cold Springs, MN. All of our guests are welcome to use their indoor pool and hot tub.
9. What water rentals are available?
We have several rental options such as kayaks, canoes, pontoons, row boats, paddleboards, and more. You can check out the complete list here. 
10. Is there a swimming beach?
Yes, it is very nice! We have a clear area for swimming that includes a slide as well as a water mat for guests to play on.
11. How is the fishing?
The fishing is great. Much of the time you could simply fish off any of our docks and be successful. However, there are some spots on the lake that we would be happy to point out to you if you are looking to venture off the dock. Check out the 6 most common fish that are caught around the Resort.
12. Are there full hookups at the overnight camping sites?
We do not have full hookups, but we do have electric sites in the additional camping areas. This is unlike our more rustic, wooded camping sites which do not have electricity.
13. Does your resort have seasonal sites?
Yes! We have 41 seasonal sites on the resort and they are very popular.
14. What onsite activities are there?
We have several activities for our guests to enjoy such as swimming, a variety of boating options, frisbee golf, craft times, a game room, basketball, movie nights, volleyball, bean bag tournaments, and more. Check out our website for a complete list.
15. Are their hiking/biking trails nearby?
Yes, there are several trails around the area. Here is a complete list of trails for you to check out. The closest trail, Rocori Trail, is only 1.5 miles away.
16. Are there any golf courses nearby?
Yes! Rich Spring Golf Club is only 4 miles away in Cold Spring. In fact, we even have discounted golf certificates for all of our guests! Make sure to ask about it during your next stay.
17. Is there a restaurant onsite?
No, however we do have a store onsite. In the store you can purchase candy, ice cream, as well as some simple grocery items. As far as restaurants, there are several right down the street in both Richmond and Cold Spring.
18. How far are you from MSP?
We are approximately 95 miles from the Minneapolis-St.Paul Airport and only 30 miles from the St. Cloud airport.
19. What is the reservation policy?
All the specific details can be found here on our website. We do require an advanced deposit on all reservations and once the reservation is finalized the guests are responsible for their whole stay.
20. What’s the deal with the rabbit?
Riverside Rabbit is our resort’s mascot as well as our dear friend. For the full history of Riverside check out this blog!
We hope that some of your questions have now been answered as well. If you still have more questions feel free to contact us at anytime via phone, facebook, or email. You can also look for more information on our website!!!
By: Kathryn Rupnow
Social Media Specialist
Riverside Resort
The Tale of Riverside Rabbit
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” -Hebrews 13:16
Jeanette DeRose, the mother of Joe DeRose (current owner of Riverside Resort), was a wonderful women. Jeanette dearly loved Jesus, her family, as well as the guests who came to vacation at Riverside Resort. She and her husband, Jim, owned and managed the resort for 32 delightful years. She loved to spread joy and continually thought of new ways to make this happen. Because of this, she had an idea to create a mascot for the resort. Her vision was to make it come alive, so the guests could interact with it. After much deliberation, a specific animal was chosen. Jeanette wrote the following story to provide background for their new, adoring friend.
The Tale of Riverside Rabbit
Once upon a time, in a land known to many as a “vacationer’s paradise”, a large rabbit was seen wandering in the woods of Central MN. The DeRose family lived in the big white house near these woods. Year after year, vacationers traveled to this ideal Minnesota vacation area. Everyone knew they could count on the DeRose’s at Riverside Resort to provide fun vacation memories for the entire family.
As is the custom at Riverside Resort,
the DeRose’s welcomed this large rabbit to their resort home. They motioned for him to come up out of the woods and presented him with a bunch of carrots. An instant friendship was made…Jim, Jeanette, Jennifer, Jessica, as well as Joseph DeRose felt as though this special guest had been a friend of theirs for year.
When asked who he was, this large rabbit replied that his name was Riverside Rabbit! He explained that he had traveled to vacation areas in many parts of the world. He was searching for the special vacation place which he had been named after. You see, it seems that many years ago his parents had vacationed at a resort. At this resort, people were friendly and the fishing was great. Therefore, only fun vacation memories filled their photo albums. Riverside Rabbit said that this special vacation place was known as Riverside Resort. He asked if his new friends knew how he could get there!
Well,
imagine his surprise when the DeRose’s enthusiastically told Riverside Rabbit that he was at Riverside Resort! Everyone was so excited! To everyone’s delight, the DeRose’s adopted Riverside Rabbit. In 1992 he made the woods of Riverside Resort his permanent home.
Riverside Rabbit makes friends instantly with the guests at Riverside Resort, where he loves to share hugs, as well as, cookies with “kids of all ages”. When Riverside Rabbit is not giving resort children their special coloring contest prizes, passing out cookies, or visiting with resort guests, he may be seen in the woods of Riverside Resort. A vacation home, where he and all of Riverside’s “extended family”, create lasting vacation memories and live happily ever after!
Blog Post by: Kathryn Rupnow
7 Things You May Not Know about Joe and Christina DeRose
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11
God knew the plans for Joe and Christina DeRose’s lives from the very beginning of time. Isn’t that crazy to think about?!? Well, they certainly did not know the direction their lives would take, but they have chosen to trust God each step of the way. Those of you who have vacationed at Riverside Resort know how much Joe and Christina love the Resort and the guests who come. You may also know that they have 4 children, relish adventure, and take every opportunity to spend time with friends and family. Have you ever wanted to know more? Well, here are a few interesting facts to help you get to know them a bit better.
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Their first one-on-one conversation:
In college, Joe and Christina went to Panama City Beach, Florida during spring break with a Campus Crusade for Christ group. One morning several of the students decided to run on the beach. As it turns out, Joe and Christina ended up at the front of the group and had a chance to get to know one another without any interruptions! 🙂
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Joe’s “profession”:
Joe went to school to become a pilot. He worked for Menards as a corporate pilot for several years before him and Christina bought the resort. He still continues to fly from time to time whether for business or pleasure. Joe acquired his love of flying at a young age and took his first flight lesson at the ripe old age of 14.
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Christina’s noteworthy achievement:
Christina comes from a family of swimmers. Her grandmother was a great swim coach, her mother was a swimmer (who swam in the olympic trials); and she, herself went on to swim competitively at the collegiate level. Christina has many fond memories from her swimming years and learned much along the way about dedication, commitment, and hardwork.
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Christina’s “profession”:
Christina obtained her degree from St. Cloud State University. From there, she was a high school math teacher for several years before having children and staying home with them. Christina loves numbers and solving all sorts of problems. If you have any algebra, calculus, or geometry questions, she is your gal! 🙂
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Their unknown childhood connection:
Long before Joe and Christina ever met, they both shared a love for music. Not only did they love music, but they both decided at a young age to play alto saxophone. Although, the times are few and far between, if they ever get a chance to play music together it is a joyful occasion.
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The “rumor”:
Although it did not last long and nobody is quite sure how it started, the rumor going around Christina’s hometown was that Joe was a model. While everyone agreed that Joe was a good looking fellow, the rumor was soon corrected and everyone had a good laugh about it.
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One of their many passions in life:
Joe and Christina feel very blessed to have each other. They are thankful for the union of marriage that God designed. They certainly know that a wonderful marriage does not come easy and it takes intentional thought, work, and love. Because of this, Joe and Christina have a heart for mentoring others in their marriage as well.
So yes, God knew from the very beginning about all these things that have happened in their lives. He also knows everything that has and will happen in yours. If you want to find out more about us or our resort, check it out here!
By: Kathryn Rupnow
Social Media Specialist
Riverside Resort
Riverside Rabbit’s Christmas Wish List
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16
The ultimate, greatest, and most precious gift of all time is this: God sent His one and only Son to the world, not to judge or condemn, but to save us all. At Christmas, we all love to give gifts to those we love. We will never come close to the gift that God has given to us. However, our hope is to make others feel loved by what we give them. Some of us even receive Christmas wish lists so that we are sure to get the right presents. Riverside Rabbit made such a list this year and asked that it be shared with you all! 🙂
1. New Dancing Shoes
Riverside Rabbit so enjoys the time he is able to spend with our guests. One of his favorite activities is dancing the bunny hop with all who will join him. As you can imagine, his shoes get pretty worn out from all the dancing and hopping. This year he is hoping for a shiny new pair!
2. Fishing pole
Riverside Rabbit does not typically get too close to the water. (Frankly, he would most likely sink if he fell in.) However, he is always hearing about all the great fish that are caught at the resort each year and would love to get in on the action!
3. Wetsuit
Fishing is not the only activity Riverside hears guests rave about, he also hears wonderful things about people swimming. He has been on the look-out for a wetsuit large enough for a bunny his size, however his search has been quite unsuccessful. Let us know if you find anything!
4. Glasses
Another activity Riverside loves is judging the coloring contest. Even though he thoroughly enjoys this responsibility, he’s getting older each year and sometimes could use some extra assistance seeing the small details in each wonderful picture.
5. Large Fan
As you can imagine having lots of fur is wonderful in the winter months, but can get awfully hot in the summer. Riverside wouldn’t miss the chance to see his friends, however, he does think if he had a large fan to cool him off some days would be more enjoyable.
6. Oversized Umbrella
Along with his request for a fan, Riverside also has asked for an umbrella. He wants to make sure he is protected from the sun because, believe it or not, rubbing sunscreen on his soft fur is not the most enjoyable experience.
7. Pens and Stamps
Riverside Rabbit sends his friends cards in the mail on special occasions throughout the year. Because he has so many friends, he goes through pens and stamps quite quickly.
From all of us here at Riverside Resort we wish you a very Merry Christmas!